Al Hakam - 13 October 2023

Zikr-e-Habib: Deep reverence and immense love for the Holy Quran

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Historical analysis of Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya agitation – Part 2

Blessings of Khilafat: ‘In pursuit of being a falcon on mountaintops’

Prophecy of Prophet Muhammad’s migration from and victorious return to Mecca

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023 | Issue CCXCI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Spiritual reformation will open the doors for spreading Islam Huzoor addresses Majlis Ansarullah UK 2023 Ijtema From 6-8 October 2023, Majlis Ansarullah UK held their annual ijtema at the Baitul Futuh Mosque complex in Morden, UK. Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, graced the ijtema on the final day to formally conclude the event with an address.

At 16:07 local time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the ijtema site. Upon arrival, various groups of ansar had the honour of having their photos taken with Huzooraa. He then proceeded to the prayer hall of Baitul Futuh Mosque and led everyone in Zuhr and Asr prayers.

At 16:55, Huzooraa arrived at the Tahir Hall, and the formal proceedings of the final session of Majlis Ansarullah UK’s national ijtema commenced. Huzooraa invited Hafiz Tayyib Ahmad Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. He recited the first five verses of Surah al-Jumu‘ah and presented their English translation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then stood up, as did all those present, and took the Ansarullah pledge. Majlis Ansarullah USA and France, also holding their annual ijtemas, joined the proceedings through a video link.

Subsequently, Huzooraa invited Munir Odeh Sahib to recite a qasidah. He presented couplets from an Arabic poem penned by the Promised Messiahas in honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Tommy Kallon Sahib provided the English translation of these couplets. After this, Huzooraa asked Umar Sharif Sahib to recite an Urdu poem, similarly composed by the Promised Continued on next page >>

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

Spoils of war

َ​َ َ​َ َ ْ َ ّٰ َ َ َ ‫ﺎدة ـ رﺿﻰ ا�� ُ� ﻋﻨﻪ ـ ﻗﺎل ﺧ َﺮ ْﺟ َﻨﺎ‬ ‫ﻋﻦ أ�ِ� ﻗﺘ‬ َ َ ٰ ٰ َ َ َ �َ ‫� َر ُﺳﻮل ا��ّ� َﺻﻠ ّﻰ ا��ّ ُ� َ�ﻠ َ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠ ّﻢ‬ ‫ﺎم‬ � ِ َ َ ْ َ​َ َ ْ ْ َ َ ‫ﺖ ﻟ ِﻠ ْ ُﻤ ْﺴﻠِﻤ‬ �� ‫ ﻓﻠ ّﻤﺎ اﻟ َﺘﻘ ْﻴ َﻨﺎ �ﺎﻧ‬،�ٍ �‫ُﺣ َﻨ‬ ِ ً َ َ َ ْ ْ ُ َ َ ٌَ ��� ��ِ‫ ﻓ َﺮأﻳْﺖ َر ُﺟ�� ِﻣ َﻦ اﻟ ُﻤ� ِ�ﻛ‬،‫َﺟ ْﻮﻟﺔ‬ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ً ْ ‫ﺎﺳ َﺘﺪ ْرت َﺣ ّﺘﻰ‬ ‫ ﻓ‬،��‫َر ُﺟ�� ِﻣ َﻦ اﻟ ُﻤ ْﺴﻠِ ِﻤ‬ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َّ َ َّ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َْ​َ ‫ﻒ‬ ِ ‫ﺎﻟﺴ ْﻴ‬ ِ‫أﺗﻴﺘﻪ ِﻣﻦ وراﰱِ ِﻪ ﺣﺘﻰ ��ﺑﺘﻪ ﺑ‬ ً َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َْ َ َ ‫ ﻓﺄﻗ َﺒﻞ َ�ﻠ َّﻰ ﻓﻀ ّﻤ ِ�� ﺿ ّﻤﺔ‬،‫َ�ﻠﻰ َﺣ ْﺒ ِﻞ َ�ﺎﺗِ ِﻘ ِﻪ‬ ْ ُ ْ َُ َ ُ ُ ْ ‫ ﺛ َّﻢ أ ْد َر�ﻪ اﻟ َﻤ ْﻮت‬،‫َو َﺟﺪت ِ� ْﻨ َﻬﺎ ِر َ�� اﻟ َﻤ ْﻮ ِت‬ َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َْ َ ُ ْ َُ ‫ﺎب ﻓﻘﻠﺖ‬ ِ ‫ ﻓ� ِ�ﻘﺖ ﻋ�� ﺑﻦ ا��ﻄ‬،��ِ ‫ﻓﺄرﺳﻠ‬ َّ َّ َّ ُ ّ ٰ ُ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ ‫اﻟﻨ‬ ‫ﺎس‬ ‫ ﺛﻢ ِإن‬،���‫ﺎس ﻗﺎل أ�� ا‬ ِ ‫ﻣﺎ ﺑﺎل اﻟﻨ‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ‫اﻟﻨ ِ� ّ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠﻢ‬ ‫ وﺟﻠﺲ‬،‫رﺟﻌﻮا‬ َُ َ ٌ َ ّ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ ً َ َ َ َ َ​َ ��‫ﻓﻘﺎل « َﻣ ْﻦ ﻗ َﺘﻞ ﻗ ِﺘﻴ�� �� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ ﺑ ِﻴﻨﺔ ﻓ‬ ُ ُ َ ُ ْ َُ ُ َُ ُ ْ ‫ ﻓﻘ ْﻤﺖ ﻓﻘﻠﺖ َﻣ ْﻦ �َﺸ َﻬﺪ �ِ� ﺛ َّﻢ‬.« ‫َﺳﻠ ُﺒﻪ‬ َ َ ً َ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ ‫َﺟﻠ ْﺴﺖ ﺛ َّﻢ ﻗﺎل « َﻣ ْﻦ ﻗ َﺘﻞ ﻗ ِﺘﻴ�� � ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ‬ ُ ْ َُ ُ َُ ُ َ َ​َ ٌ ُ ْ ‫ﺑ َ ِّﻴ َﻨﺔ ﻓ� ُ� َﺳﻠ ُﺒﻪ « ﻓﻘ ْﻤﺖ ﻓﻘﻠﺖ َﻣ ْﻦ �َﺸ َﻬﺪ‬ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ ُ ُ َ ُ ‫ ﺛ َّﻢ ﻗﺎل اﻟﺜﺎﻟ ِﺜﺔ ِﻣﺜ� ُ� ﻓﻘﺎل‬،‫�ِ� ﺛ َّﻢ َﺟﻠ ْﺴﺖ‬ َ َ ٌ ُ َ ّٰ َ ‫ َو َﺳﻠ ُﺒﻪ ِﻋ ْﻨ ِﺪي‬،���‫َر ُﺟﻞ َﺻﺪق ﻳَﺎ َر ُﺳﻮل ا‬ َ ُ ّ ّ ْ َ َُ َ َ َ ّ َ ْ َ ‫اﻟﺼ ِﺪﻳﻖ ـ رﺿﻰ‬ ِ ‫ ﻓﻘﺎل أﺑﻮ ﺑﻜ ٍﺮ‬.��ِ ‫ﻓﺄر ِﺿ ِﻪ ﻋ‬ َ َ ُ ُ ً ّٰ َ َ ّٰ ‫ا��� ﻋﻨﻪ ��ﻫﺎ ا��� ِإذا ﻳ َ ْﻌ ِﻤﺪ ِإﻟﻰ أ َﺳ ٍﺪ ِﻣ ْﻦ أ ْﺳ ِﺪ‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ َ ُ َ ّٰ ‫ا��� ﻳُﻘﺎﺗِﻞ ﻋ ِﻦ ا��� َو َر ُﺳﻮ� ِ ِ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ‬ َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ‫اﻟﻨ ِ� ّ� َﺻﻠﻰ‬ ‫ ﻓﻘﺎل‬.‫َو َﺳﻠﻢ ﻳ ُ ْﻌ ِﻄﻴﻚ ﺳﻠﺒﻪ‬ َّ َ ّٰ ُ َ ُ َ َْ​َ َ َ ‫ ﻓﺄﻋﻄﺎه ﻓ ِﺒ ْﻌﺖ‬.« ‫ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠﻢ « َﺻﺪق‬ ً َْ ُ َ ُ َّ َ َ ّ ‫ ﻓ ِﺈﻧﻪ‬،‫ ﻓﺎﺑْ َﺘ ْﻌﺖ ﺑِ ِﻪ �� ِﺮﻓﺎ �ِ� ﺑ َ ِ�� َﺳﻠِ َﻤﺔ‬،‫اﻟﺪ ْر َع‬ ِ َ ُ ُ ْ َّ َ َ َ ُ َّ َ .‫ا�� ْﺳ�� ِم‬ � � ‫ﻪ‬ ٍ ‫��ول ﻣ‬ ِ ِ ‫ﺎل ﺗﺄﺛﻠﺘ‬ Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previous page

Hazrat Abu Qatadahra narrated, “We journeyed with Allah’s Messengersa during the battle of Hunain. As we confronted the enemy, the Muslims wavered and dispersed. I observed a pagan overpowering a Muslim. I approached him from behind, striking him on the shoulder with my sword. He lunged at me, grasping me with such force I felt the shadow of death, but then he himself succumbed to death and released me. I hurried towards Umar bin al-Khattab, enquiring, ‘What is the matter with the people?’ He responded, ‘It is the Decree of Allah.’

After regrouping, the Prophetsa stated, ‘Whoever has slain an enemy and can prove it shall have his spoils.’ Rising, I asked, ‘Who will bear witness for me?’ then sat back down. The Prophetsa reiterated his declaration. I stood again, asking the same, then resumed my seat.

Upon the third repetition by the Prophetsa, I stood, and he enquired, ‘O Abu Qatadah! What is your story?’

I recounted the entire episode to him.

Another man stood, proclaiming, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa! His account is truthful, and the spoils from the slain man are with me. Please, provide him with compensation on my behalf.’ At this juncture, Abu Bakr as-Siddiqra declared, ‘No, by Allah, he will not be granted the spoils earned by one of Allah’s Lions who combated for the sake of Allah and His Messengeras.’

The Prophetsa affirmed, ‘Abu Bakr has spoken truthfully.’ Consequently, the Prophetsa awarded the spoils to me. I sold that armour, and with its proceeds, I acquired a garden in Bani Salima. It was the inaugural property I secured following my embrace of Islam.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab fardi

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Remarkable achievements of the Holy Prophetsa

l-khums, Bab mun lum yukhammisi l-aslab, Hadith 3142)

“If one delves deeply into the circumstances surrounding the advent of Allah’s Messengersa, fully grasping the state of the world during his era and acknowledging the profound impact he had post his arrival, they are profoundly moved, instinctively proclaiming, َ َ ّٰ َ ‫[ الل ُھ ّم َﺻ ِ ّل َع ٰلی ُم َح ّم ٍد‬i.e., O Allah, bestow Your blessings upon Muhammadsa].

I assert with utmost sincerity that this is not mere conjecture or a product of imagination. The Holy Quran, alongside world history, stands as a testament to the

time in worship and in promoting and propagating the faith through your actions and preaching. This is so that, by observing your example, your children may also develop piety in them. Hence, every nasir must increase his standard of worship and set an example for his progeny. The Holy Quran makes mention of Hazrat Ibrahimas, highlighting his persistent counsel to his offspring about the importance of God’s worship. Hence, it is also the duty of Ansarullah to do so. This, Huzooraa said, will result in the raining down of the blessings of Allah. And until this remains, Jamaat will continue to progress. Huzooraa said, if you truly aspire to safeguard your existence, the lives of your offspring, and the vitality of the Community, and if you aim to shield both yourself and your lineage from worldly impurities, it is imperative to introspectively evaluate the standards of your prayers and the remembrance of Allah [zikr-e-ilahi].

Otherwise, the slogan of Ansarullah would be a hollow slogan.

Huzooraa said, we have pledged to the Promised Messiahas that we will establish the rule of Allah on earth and that we will give precedence to faith over worldly

matters. We cannot fulfil this responsibility without acting on God’s commandments.

The Promised Messiahas said: “Hence, take refuge with God Almighty and observe your Prayers with strict regularity. Sometimes people will only offer one Prayer, but remember that there is no concession in the matter of Prayer. Even the Prophets were not excused. It is recorded in a Hadith that a newly converted party of Muslims came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and they asked to be granted relief from offering the daily Prayers. However, the Holy Prophetsa said: ‘A religion bereft of action is no religion at all.’ Never forget this point.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 264) Hence, Huzooraa said, those who sometimes come to him and say that they usually pray but miss a prayer here and there should have grave concerns about their state. How will their children establish prayer if they do not do so themselves? If they then become corrupted, they will have no right to complain.

Huzooraa pointed out that there are individuals who engage in prayers yet indulge in immoral deeds and do not

profound deeds of the Noble Prophetsa.

Otherwise, what prompted the special revelation reserved solely for him:

ُّ َّ َ َ َُ ّٰ َ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َو َم �ل ِ�ﻜ َﺘ ٗہ ُیُ َﺼلوۡ َن َعلی الن ِب ِ ّی ؕ �یا ّی َھا‬ َّ َ ّ ُ َ ّ ‫ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا َﺻلوۡا َعل ۡی ِہ َو َس ِل ُموۡا ت ۡس ِل ۡی ًما‬ “[‘Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! [you] also should invoke blessings on him and salute [him] with the salutation of peace.’] (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch. 33: V. 57) “Such a proclamation was not extended to any other prophet. With unparalleled success and commendation, it was this singular individual named Muhammad [i.e., the praised one] who graced the world. ���‫[ ��� ا��� ���� و‬Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.]”

(Al Hakam, Vol. 5, Issue 2, 17 January 1901, p. 3)

<< Continued from previous page

Messiahas, in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Huzooraa then invited Dr Ch. Ijaz Ur Rehman Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah UK, to present the ijtema report. In his report, Sadr Sahib expressed profound gratitude to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa for gracing the event and humbly requested his prayers. He further said the theme of the ijtema, with Huzoor’saa permission, revolved around the “aims and objectives of the advent of the Promised Messiahas”. The ijtema, he reported, had been an enriching experience for all attendees, featuring tahajjud along with other prayers, scholarly speeches, interactive panel discussions, educational exhibitions, and a blend of academic and sports competitions.

Qaid Sahib Amoomi Majlis Ansarullah UK was then called by Huzooraa to announce the Alam-e-Inami prize for the best majlis which Huzooraa awarded to the winning qiadat of Dudley in the West Midlands, UK. At 16:23, Huzooraa came to the podium and conveyed “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” and recited tashahhud and ta‘awwuz. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then said: Ijtemas of Majlis Ansarullah UK, alongside those of the USA and France, are concurrently underway. MTA has unified all the Ahmadis across the world in such a way that they all participate in these events.

And today, many ansar from the UK as well as those around the world will be watching and listening to this event. Hence, Huzooraa said, his words today are addressed to all of them. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the founder of Majlis Ansarullah, once remarked during an address to the ansar that the name “Ansarullah” (helpers of Allah) was chosen with deliberate thought. The age of a nasir signifies maturity. Consequently, it is imperative for every nasir to serve the faith with the utmost dedication. This service not only pertains to financial sacrifice but also to various other facets of faith.

Huzooraa said that, from a religious perspective, it is your responsibility to spend the maximum amount of your

fulfil the rights of others. Their prayers are mere formalities, a mere ticking of boxes.

Allah has declared that the prayers of such individuals are rejected, flung back at them, and become a source of their downfall. Consequently, prayers should be offered with sincere devotion, purely for the pleasure of Allah. It is these heartfelt prayers that truly bear fruit.

The Promised Messiahas also said true prayers are hasanat; they remove evil. He states: “Then, in the observance of prayer, one ought to strive to seek the benefits that are associated with it and keep in view the concept of goodness, or ihsan.

ٰ َّ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ٰ َ َ ۡ َّ ‫الس ِّیا ِت‬ ‫ِان الحسن ِت یذ ِہبن‬

“‘That is to say, ‘Good works drive away evil.’ (Ch.11: V.115) “Therefore, whilst aspiring to goodness and striving to attain the pleasures in prayer, one ought to supplicate that God enables one to observe the prayer that is characteristic of the truthful (siddiqin) and of those who excel in good works (muhsinin).”

“As mentioned, Allah the Exalted has stated:

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

ٰ َّ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ٰ َ َ ۡ َّ ‫الس ِّیا ِت‬ ‫ِان الحسن ِت یذ ِہبن‬

“And this means that good works or prayer drives away evil. In another instance, God Almighty states that prayer saves one from indecency and manifest evil. However, despite this, we observe that there are people who observe prayer yet still indulge in evil deeds. The response to this is that they observe prayer, but not in its true spirit, nor with piety. [...] They only perform useless movements in the form of a custom and habit. Their soul is dead. Allah the Exalted has not described this as hasanat [good works].

“In this verse, God has used the word hasanat as opposed to as-salat even though the two words mean one and the same thing.

This is because God wishes to allude to the merit and beauty of prayer, which in its true form possesses within it a spirit of truth and the effects of divine grace. This form of prayer does indeed drive away evil. Prayer is not simply a process of sitting and standing.”

(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 159-161) Thus, Huzooraa stated that it is these types of prayers that drive away the evil we need to offer. In this way, not only will we distance ourselves from vices, but we will also establish a connection with Allah the Almighty. Furthermore, we will become a means for our children to forge a bond with the Living God. The Promised Messiahas also states that: “Unless a person is firmly rooted in Tawhid (Oneness of God), the love and greatness of Islam cannot be established within them.” He further says, “Such a person cannot attain the pleasure and delight of salat (prayer). The essence of the matter is that unless evil intentions, impure and foul schemes are completely annihilated, and until vanity and arrogance are replaced with humility and meekness, one cannot be deemed a true servant of God.” He adds, “For teaching perfect servitude, the best teacher and the most superior means is salat itself.” He asserts, “I reiterate to you that if you wish to establish a genuine bond with Allah the Almighty, become devoted to your prayers. Become so devoted that not only your body, not only your tongue, but the desires and passions of your soul become entirely immersed in salat.”

Huzooraa said, this is what every nasir needs to prioritise. If our prayers are not according to what Allah requires, then our claim of being “helpers of Allah” is futile.

Huzooraa added that members of Majlis Ansarullah should introspect in this regard and strengthen their bond with Allah.

Only then will Allah the Almighty create circumstances that bring about revolutions.

The Promised Messiahas also said: “Allah Almighty desires to make my community a model for others. [...] Allah the Exalted loves a righteous person.

Everyone ought to keep in mind the majesty of God, remain fearful, and remember that all people are the servants of God. Do not oppress or act harshly towards anyone. Do not deride another person. If even a single member of our community is evil, they defame us all.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 8) He further stated: “True fear of Allah demands that a person examine the degree to which his words and actions accord with one another.

A person whose words and actions are at

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odds with one another should know that they shall incur the wrath of Allah. If one’s heart is impure, it will never find favour in the sight of God no matter how pure one’s words may be; in fact, this arouses the wrath of God. My community ought to realise that they have come to me so that I may sow the seed that transforms them into a fruitful tree. So, everyone ought to examine their selves to become cognisant of their inner and outwardly states. If, God-forbid, the hearts of my followers are not in harmony with their words, they shall not be met with a blessed end. Allah the Exalted does not care for a community with hollow hearts who make empty claims, for He is SelfSufficient. The victory at Badr had already been prophesied, and there was every reason to believe that the Muslims would triumph. But the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, continued to weep and pray to his Lord. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra inquired as to the need for such fervent supplication when victory had already been promised. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘God is Self-Sufficient.’ That is to say, perhaps hidden conditions lay beneath the surface of this divine promise.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 10) Hence, Huzooraa said, ansar should always be concerned about this and develop such examples that always show the highest levels of worship. Their practical demeanour should be exemplary, serving as role models for their spouses and offspring. Our mission should not be confined merely to guiding our kin but should encompass guiding the entire world towards Islam. Consequently, it is vital to regularly reflect upon and adhere to the teachings imparted by the Promised Messiahas in our daily lives.

The Promised Messiahas also said: “If you desire to attain success in both worlds and seek to conquer the hearts of people, then strive to purify yourselves, make use of reason, and follow the guidance given in the Word of God. Reform yourselves and serve as an example for others by demonstrating sublime virtues.

Then will you attain success.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 65) Huzooraa emphasised that if we act on this, only then can we prove that we are not just making hollow claims. Moreover, it is vital to study the Holy Quran if we want to attain true taqwa [righteousness]. This is one of the tasks of ansar; to read, study, ponder over, and act upon the Holy Quran and then to propagate it to the world.

The Promised Messiahas also said: “Hence, remember that mere words and verbosity can be of no use until there is action. [...] If you desire to support and serve Islam, you must first adopt piety and purity yourselves, so that you may enter the resolute fortress of God’s refuge. Then will you be granted the honour and right to offer this service. You can observe how weak the external strength of the Muslims has fallen.

Other nations look towards them with abhorrence and contempt. If your inner force and strength of heart also weakens and withers away, then know that the end is nigh. Purify your souls so that they are imbued with spiritual power.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 74-75) Huzooraa reiterated that the mission of serving Islam; raising the flag of the Holy Prophetsa in the world, and establishing

Tawhid is an immense honour, and to attain this honour, one must inculcate taqwa and righteousness. Huzooraa said that although every Ahamdi has the duty to play a role after becoming Ahamdi to fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiahas, Ansarullah should consider themselves the foremost addressees of this.

The Promised Messiahas also said: “The secret at the heart of this is that the present era is not an age of war and battle, but an era of the pen. Now when this is the case it ought to be remembered that righteousness is required in order for the gates of hidden truth and insight to be opened. Therefore, adopt righteousness because God Almighty states:

َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا ّوال ِذیۡ َن ُہ ۡم ّم ۡح ِسنوۡ َن‬

“‘Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.’ I cannot count the number of times these words have been revealed upon me. I have received this revelation in great abundance. If all we do is utter mere words, then remember that this brings no benefit. Victory demands righteousness. If victory is what you seek, then become righteous. [...] Hence, the important thing to consider is that we must improve in our morals and actions, and adopt righteousness, so that we may be conferred the grace of God’s support and love. Then, with the help of God, each and every one of us is obliged to show no negligence in responding to these attacks.

However, when responding, our intention must be for the glory of God Almighty to be manifested.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 238-239) Huzooraa said that, when we pledge to serve Islam, raise the flag of the Holy Prophetsa and establish Tawhid in the world, then imagine the concern and worry we should have to reform ourselves given this guidance. To what degree does this require us to beautify our prayers and worship and become role models for our families? We need to rectify our priorities to achieve this.

Huzooraa said that last week (i.e., on 1 October 2023), he took a pledge from Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. Initially, their work was mostly related to the service of humanity. However, with time, the task of raising the flag of Islam was also given to them. This, Huzooraa said, is also the responsibility of Majlis Ansarullah; the ansar are of an age of complete maturity. Hence,

this is their greater responsibility. Ansar should understand the name that they have been given, i.e., that they are Allah’s helpers.

Hence, they should also fulfil this pledge.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then asked the ansar to stand up and repeat the following pledge:

َّ َ ْ َ َ ّٰ َّ َ َْ َ َ ‫اش َھ ُد ا ْن لا ِالٰ َہ ِالاالل ُہ َو ْح َد ٗہ لَاش ِریْک ل َ ٗہ َواش َھ ُد ان ُم َح ّم ًدا‬ ُ ‫َع ْب ُد ٗہ َو َر ُسوْل ٗہ‬

“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, He is one and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammadsa is His servant and messenger.

“I swear by Allah and proclaim that I will always endeavour to convey and propagate the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the blessed name of the Holy Prophetsa to the corners of the earth until my dying breath.

And for the sake of fulfilling this most sacred obligation, I shall forever keep my life devoted to the service of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa. I shall give every possible sacrifice, no matter how heavy its burden, in order for the blessed flag of Islam to be raised aloft in every nation until the end of time.

“I also solemnly pledge to strive with unyielding conviction to protect and strengthen the institution of Khilafat until my last breath. And I shall always urge my progeny to remain firmly attached to Khilafat and to seek its blessings, so that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya may remain protected until the end of time. And so that, through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the propagation of Islam may continue until the last day. And so that the flag of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa may be raised far higher than any other flag in this world.

“O God, enable us to fulfil this pledge.

Allah-humma Amin, Allah-humma Amin, Allah-humma Amin.”

Huzooraa repeated the pledge in Urdu and English and prayed that Allah the Exalted may enable all to fulfil this pledge and consistently focus on its tenets.

Huzooraa then led everyone in silent prayer, after which he announced this year’s ijtema attendance and drew the attention of Majlis Ansarullah towards improving it. Huzooraa then proceeded to the Baitul Futuh Mosque to lead the Maghrib and Isha prayers before departing for Islamabad.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 13 October

khadim. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 26, pp. 211-212)

13 October 1905: The Promised Messiahas received some guests from Gujrat on this day. Among them was Mr D Neel, headmaster at the Mission School. The guests had an opportunity to ask some questions. (Malfuzat [1988], Vol. 4, pp. 484-486) 13 October 1969: On this day, a delegation of 26 members from the United Presbyterian Church in the United States visited Qadian, the birthplace and burial place of the Promised Messiahas.

This visit was marked by warm hospitality, introductions, tours of significant landmarks, and in-depth discussions about the teachings and history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

For more details, see “Coming from every distant track: A delegation from the United Presbyterian Church, USA, visits Qadian”, Al Hakam, 2 December 2022, Issue 246, pp.

8-9.

14 October 14 October 1955: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave two important instructions for the missions operating outside of Pakistan. Firstly,

17 October 17 October 1975: The ambassador of the Gambia to the UK met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in London. (Al Fazl, 5 November 1975, p. 6)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh going to lay the foundation of the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, UK

they should try to inculcate among new converts the habit of offering financial sacrifices by giving chanda. Secondly, to encourage students from outside countries to travel to the markaz in Pakistan and obtain education there. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 17, p. 120)

14 October 1994: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh inaugurated the Baitur Rahman Mosque on this day in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 881) 14 October 2011: During his Friday Sermon on this day, delivered from Nunspeet, the Netherlands, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that “this era in which we are living today is the era of Islam’s revival.”

15 October 15 October 1909: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira delivered the Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon, in which he spoke about the institution of Khilafat.

(Khutbat-e-Nur, pp. 411-422) 15 October 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, during his tour of Europe, visited the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on this day. Sir Denison Ross showed Huzoorra the university and its library. (Al Fazl, 11 November 1924, p. 6)

16 October 16 October 1903: The Promised Messiah’sas book, TadhkiratushShahadatain (The Narrative of Two Martyrdoms), was published on this day.

This book comprises two sections – one in Urdu and the other in Arabic – and was written and published in October 1903. The Urdu section gives heart-rending details about how Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra was charged and stoned to death, while the other portion in Arabic is in three parts, each dealing with important spiritual issues.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, pp. 337-338)

Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, UK

16 October 1970: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed the ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and shed light on the attributes of a true

17 October 2008: During his Friday Sermon on this day, delivered from the Khadija Mosque in Berlin, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa narrated the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany and the history of this mosque as well. A day before, on 16 October, a special inaugural reception was also held.

18 October 18 October 1956: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra addressed the gathering of the Ahmadiyya International Press Association, an organisation of Ahmadi journalists. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 18, p. 237) 18 October 1994: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh inaugurated a new mosque and mission house in Willingboro, USA. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 881) 18 October 2013: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa officially opened the Khilafat Centenary Hall, built next to the Baitul Huda Mosque in Sydney, with the keynote address at an inauguration reception.

The event was attended by more than 200 non-Muslim dignitaries and guests, including a range of federal and state parliamentarians. (“Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Inaugurates ‘Khilafat Centenary Hall’ in Sydney”, www. pressahmadiyya.com) 18 October 2015: On this day, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, laid the foundation stone for the first Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in Florstadt, Germany, naming it the Mubarak Mosque. The ceremony, attended by around

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

13 - 19 October

5

Statement of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on Recent Escalations in

150 guests, including dignitaries like Mrs Bettina Muller of the German National Parliament and Mr Herbert Unger, Mayor of Florstadt, marked a significant moment of interfaith dialogue and community outreach. (“Foundation Stone for New Mosque laid by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community”, www.pressahmadiyya.com)

19 October 19 October 1924: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra laid the foundation stone of the Fazl Mosque in London on this day. The ceremony was attended by 200 guests. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 456) 19 October 1934: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra called the attention of Ahmadis towards sacrifices for the sake of faith, and said: “The sacrifices made by our Jamaat thus far are significantly less as compared to the sacrifices of Prophet Moses’as jamaat, or Jesus’as disciples, or the Holy Prophet’ssa Companionsra. But now, it is time for us to make sacrifices in a way that soon manifests its fruits and takes us to those heights for which the Promised Messiahas was sent to the world.”

For more details, see “Tahrike-Jadid: The magnum opus of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud - Part 1”, Al Hakam, 30 October 2020, Issue 137, pp. 4-5.

19 October 1973: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh encouraged Ahmadis outside of Pakistan to attend Jalsa Salana in the form of delegations so that they too could partake of the blessings associated with it. In this regard, in his Friday Sermon, he also directed the respective departments overseeing the Jalsa to make additional and necessary arrangements for guests. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 29, p. 276) 19 October 1999: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh laid the foundation of the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, UK. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 900)

the Israeli and Palestinian conflict Note: The following statement is published according to the guidance of the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

Statement on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: October 10, 2023 | Press Releases: “Over the past few days, hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians, including women, children and the elderly, have been killed or injured as a result of senseless violence and bloodshed.

The killing or harming of innocent civilians is a direct violation of the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him), who taught that even in a state of warfare, no woman, child or elder should be targeted or harmed in any way. Nor should any religious leader or place of worship be attacked.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community extends its deepest sympathies and prayers to all those who have been left bereaved or affected in any way. Our hearts go out to them all.

We pray and urge for an immediate end to hostilities and for peace to prevail so that no more lives are lost. For that, it is necessary that the channels of communication between relevant parties and nations remain open.

Until a ceasefire occurs, any

military action taken must ensure that civilians do not come to any harm.

Furthermore, Muslim countries within the region should unite in an effort to establish peace and to ensure that the rights of those innocent Palestinian people, who have no link with extremists, are protected.

We urge the United States and other influential nations to abstain from any actions or statements that may further inflame the volatile situation.

Instead, alongside the relevant international organisations, they should make every possible effort to urgently de-escalate the conflict and secure peace as soon as possible.

Justice and equity are of paramount importance in achieving lasting and sustainable peace. Thus, all the major powers must focus on establishing long-term and sustainable peace based upon the principles of fairness and true justice.

(Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Press & Media Office, www.pressahmadiyya.com)

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

Prophecy of Prophet Muhammad’s migration from and victorious return to Mecca Examining Quranic prophecies as evidence of Holy Quran’s divine origin Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

Often, allegations are made claiming that the Holy Quran was not revealed by God, or people question how one can be sure that the Quran is, in fact, a divine revelation.

A simple method to answer such notions is to diligently examine the prophecies contained within the Holy Quran. By reading, studying and analysing the Quran and the prophecies and themes mentioned within, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Quran’s divine origin. Prophecies, mentioned in the Quran foretell future events and occurrences with such accuracy, demonstrating a level of knowledge and foresight that trumps human capabilities.

Such prophecies and details within the Quran serve as ample evidence of its divine origin and lend credence to its status as a revelation from the Almighty and AllKnowing God.

Prophecy of Surah al-Qasas

َ َ َ ُ َ ُّ َ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ َّ َّ ‫ٓادک ِالٰی َم َعا ٍد ؕ ق ۡل ّر ِّب ۡۤی ا ۡعل ُم‬ ‫ِان ال ِذی فرض علیک القران لر‬ ۡ ُّ ٰ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ َ َ ٰ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ‫من جٓاء ِبالہدی ومن ہو فِی ضل ٍل م ِبی ٍن‬

“Most surely He Who had made [the teaching of] Quran binding on thee will bring these back to [thy] place of return.

Say, ‘My Lord knows best who brings the guidance, and who is in manifest error.’”

(Surah al-Qasas, Ch.28: V.86)

Meaning of the verse and fulfilment In the Five Volume Commentary, we read: “This verse is considered by some scholars to have been revealed while the Holy Prophetsa was on his way from Mecca to Medina. It embodied a great prophecy, viz. that the Holy Prophetsa one day will have to leave Mecca and then eventually he will come back to it as a victor and conqueror, and the fulfilment of this mighty prophecy under extraordinary circumstances will show ‘who has brought the guidance, and who is in manifest error.’” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 2463) Imam Qurtabi, in his tafsir, states that the place of return is alluding to Mecca.

Further, it is said that this was revealed on the way from Mecca to Medina in a place called Juhfah. (Tafsir Imam Qurtubi, Surah Al-Qasas, Ch.28: V.85) The Arabic word for “place of return” – mentioned in the verse under discussion – used is ‫معاد‬. This word, when examined in the context of the Arabic language, is derived from the word ‫عاد‬, which means “he returned.” Therefore, the

word used in the verse alludes to a place, a location of arrival, or a destination, situation, or status.

To fully appreciate the significance of this verse, we must consider the context in which it was revealed. As previously mentioned, this Surah and, more specifically, this verse, was revealed in Mecca, due to its coming down prior to the Holy Prophet’ssa migration to Medina. When we examine the history of Islam, especially the period when the Holy Prophetsa resided in Mecca, we observe that he and the Muslims endured severe persecution. From enduring abuse near the Holy Ka’bah during their prayers to surviving attempts on the Prophet’ssa life, the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra faced relentless persecution.

In the midst of these unrelenting and tough times, how could anyone have dared to dream that (1) they would somehow find a way to escape this persecution, and, even more miraculously, (2) that they would one day return to the very place they were forced to flee from?

Under this verse, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira writes, in his commentary, that this prophecy foretells the day when Prophet Muhammadsa was to enter that very Mecca, where he was forced to leave. It anticipates a moment when no plan or tactic would be effective against him, and he would eventually enter Mecca as a victorious conqueror. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan, Vol. 3, p.

367) And indeed, as we see in history, that day came to pass.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes that Allah the Almighty, in this verse, demonstrates that those who oppose the Prophets of God, regardless of how powerful they may be, eventually face destruction. In the end, only believers achieve success and victory.

This verse narrates one of the most pivotal events in the life of Allah’s Messengersa as a prophecy. “He Who had made [the teaching of] Quran binding on thee will bring these back to [thy] place of return,” meaning that the One who has revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammadsa swears by Himself and declares that the Holy Prophetsa will inevitably return to this place, i.e., Mecca.

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, pp. 303-305) It must be remembered that Ibn Abbas, in light of the Quranic verse 28:86 where it states: “...will bring these back to [thy] place of return,” is referring to bringing him back to Mecca. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-tafsir, Hadith 4773) I have alluded to the above-mentioned point to link it with the following statement of the Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Huzoorra said that it’s important to clarify that this

Unsplash | SULTAN ALHUTHLI

verse doesn’t allude to reincarnation, nor does “‫ ”معاد‬refer to the world, as some have mistakenly understood. Instead, it foretells the Holy Prophet’ssa migration from Mecca to another city. He will return to the place where people gather for Hajj and Umrah, the centre of worship. God, who revealed the Quran, swears that when circumstances

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drive him out, He will bring him back to his homeland. Think about how subtly this verse hints at the Prophet’ssa migration from Mecca. Even in the midst of the Holy Prophet’ssa distress, it provides the good news of his return. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.10,

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023 << Continued from previous page

pp. 303-305) Thus, this verse serves as an offering of solace and hope for the Prophet Muhammadsa and the early Muslims, assuring them that despite the challenges in Mecca, they would eventually return to Mecca with God’s help and support.

This verse of discussion was undoubtedly fulfilled during the victory of Mecca, where the Holy Prophetsa marched into Mecca with 10,000 followers. It was the 8th year of Hijra in December.

On the day of the conquest, the Prophetsa found 360 idols around the Kaba. He used a stick to destroy them while proclaiming:

ُ ْ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُّ َ ْ َ َ ‫اء ال َح ّق‬ ‫ ج‬،‫جاء الحق وزهق البا ِطل‬

“‘Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood does indeed vanish away [fast].’” (Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.82)

ُ ‫َو َما يُ ْبد ُئ ال ْ َباط ُل َو َما يُ ِع‬ ‫يد‬ ِ ِ

“...and falsehood could neither originate [any good] nor reproduce [it].” (Surah Sabah, Ch.34: V.50) This incident can be found in Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-maghazi, Hadith 4287.

Such a prophecy cannot be a mere coincidence. When one studies the life and sirah of the Holy Prophetsa and the early Muslims, the prophecy of such nature being made well before its fulfilment is something that cannot be ignored.

Another point worth mentioning here is that this verse remarkably demonstrates the safeguarding of the Holy Prophet’ssa precious and dear life. This verse clearly states that the Prophetsa shall one day return to Mecca, which would imply that his life will also be safeguarded until he victoriously enters Mecca. It cannot be that the Holy Quran prophesied a matter and the Holy Prophetsa passes away before it is fulfilled, as the words َ ُّ َ َ ‫ٓادک‬ ‫ لر‬have been used, which means that Allah shall bring thee back to Mecca, referring to the Holy Prophetsa.

With this, another point that comes to light is that when the Prophetsa was migrating, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who accompanied him, took all measures to ensure the Prophet’ssa safety. He would walk around him – at times on his left, then on his right, and then before and behind him.

Even when Suraqa bin Malik came later and attempted to assassinate the Prophetsa – God forbid – the Prophetsa remained calm with his full trust in God. Suraqa bin Malik states that the Holy Prophetsa remained calm and composed at such a time. He mentions that when he heard the recitation of the Quran by Allah’s Messengersa, who did not look around while Abu Bakrra did so often, suddenly the legs of his horse sank into the sand up to the knees, halting him from getting close to the Messengersa. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab minaqibi l-ansar, Hadith 3906) Furthermore, when we read the words and prophecies in this verse, it sheds another light on the famous words of the Holy Prophetsa mentioned in the Holy Quran:

َ ّٰ َ ۡ َ ‫لَا تح َز ۡن ِا ّن الل َہ َم َعنا‬

“‘Grieve not, for Allah is with us.’” (Surah at-Taubah, Ch.9, V.40)

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Ahmadi missionaries tour Sweden to promote peace in the wake of Quran-burnings Kashif Virk Missionary, Sweden

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sweden’s efforts to promote peace, understanding and dialogue in response to the burning of copies of the Holy Quran have, by the grace of Allah, become very prominent in Swedish society. Our recent awareness campaign in August gained a lot of positive reactions from the public and media.

The work of informing society about the teachings of the Holy Quran was continued through a week-long tour in September.

This time, seven cities around the Swedish lake Vättern were visited. The cities are Falköping, Skara, Skövde, Motala, Mjölby, Habo and Tidaholm. Four missionaries embarked on this tour.

In each city, we parked our trailer at a central location with the permission of the local police. Hundreds of people approached the stall and asked questions about Islam and the Holy Quran, or simply expressed their appreciation for this campaign. The information about the campaign had already been widely publicised in each city through local media and groups on Facebook.

In each city, representatives from the local council, police and church were contacted and we requested a meeting with them; most of them accepted our request and met with us. They were introduced to the work of the Jamaat and gifted with a copy of the Holy Quran. Some of them later published posts on their social media, commending our work. A representative from Skara stated in appreciation that they needed an Ahmadi missionary in their area and asked how they could request someone

to be appointed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Four local libraries also accepted copies of the Holy Quran with Swedish translation.

Seven local Jamaat members also assisted us in the activities. In total, 2000 leaflets were distributed in different cities.

Some other Muslims living in these cities approached us and wished to assist with the campaign, and they even offered us breakfast and lunch.

Among the comments received were: “Good! To gain knowledge is important.”

“Good initiative! I hope we can live in peace and freedom without using the holy books as weapons and shields.”

“Good initiative, as people who are curious or go about hating each other take the opportunity and talk with someone standing here and receiving questions.”

“I think it’s terrible (i.e., the act of burning the Quran). You should not burn any holy scriptures! It should be totally forbidden!”

“Those who burn the Quran should be deported. We should respect each other.”

A total of 11 newspapers and 3 local radio stations published news about the tour, both on paper and online. Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Sweden’s own social media channels were also used to publicise the activities.

We also conducted a social experiment by interviewing visitors at the stall and asking them about their views on Quranburning. It surprised us that all of them were totally against it and said that this should not be permitted. The result tallies with other polls made in Sweden, which shows that a majority of the Swedish public is against it.

Image courtesy of AMJ Sweden

2nd peace symposium held by Lajna Imaillah Mauritius Tasleem Sooltangos Secretary Ishaat, Lajna Imaillah Mauritius

On 24 September 2023, Lajna Imaillah Mauritius held its second peace symposium at the Municipal Hall of Rose Hill. The theme was “Recognising God: The Key to Unlocking Peace.” 65 non-Ahmadi female guests attended the event, including parliamentarians, faith and civic leaders, and representatives from non-governmental charities and faith communities.

Guests were first invited to tour an exhibition titled “In Quest of God,” which was inaugurated by Amir and Missionaryin-Charge Mauritius.

Sadr Lajna Imaillah Mauritius, Nushreen Jamal Ahmad Sahiba, delivered

a welcoming address and presented a brief introduction of the Promised Messiahas and various peace efforts carried out by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Among the speakers were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Minister of Trade and Consumer Protection, the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, the Deputy Chief Government Whip, the Representative of the Marathi Speaking Union, the Lector from the Parish of Notre Dame de Fatima, and a delegate from the Bahá’í Assembly.

Habeeba Jeeawoody Sahiba represented Lajna Imaillah Mauritius and made several references to the Holy Quran, which enjoins us to acknowledge our Creator in order to

achieve peace.

The feedback received at our peace symposium was highly encouraging and positive; one guest in attendance said: “I am really impressed by the organisation of the symposium; from the exhibition, the welcoming, the guest speakers, to the refreshments, everything has been well organised with lots of love.”

Another guest said: “Thank you for sharing the beautiful teachings of the Founder of Ahmadiyya.”

Yet another guest said that she was glad that Lajna Imaillah is bringing women of all faiths to discuss peace, which is dear to everyone’s hearts, and she looks forward to attending more events.

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

Deep reverence and immense love for the Holy Quran This series, Zikr-e-Habib, explores the life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, and his 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

The Holy Quran was revealed by Allah the Almighty to the Founder of Islam, Prophet Muahmmadsa. Around 1500 years ago, the Holy Prophetsa prophesied:

َّ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ َ ٌ ‫الناس َز َم‬ ‫ان لَا یَ ْبقی ِم َن ال ْ ِ� ْس�َا ِم ِإلا‬ ‫یوشک أن یﺄ ِت َی علی‬ ِ ُ‫ َولَا یَ ْبقَی ِم َن ال ْ ُق ْرٓان إلَّا َر ْس ُمہ‬،‫اس ُم ُہ‬ ْ ِ ِ “A time will come upon the people when there will remain nothing of Islam but its name and of the Quran but its words.” (Imam al-Bayhaqi, Shu‘ab al-Iman, Vol. 3, pp. 317-318, Hadith 1763) The time mentioned in the above hadith was the age when the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was destined to appear. Accordingly, it so occurred that the significance of the Holy Quran in Muslims’ lives decreased and people began to disregard its profound guidance and wisdom. The Holy Quran itself mentions this unfortunate state of Muslim Ummah in the following words of the Messengersa of Allah the Almighty:

ُ ۡ َ ُ َ َّ َ َ ‫ِا ّن قوۡ ِمی اتﺨذ ۡوا ٰہذا الق ۡر ٰا َن َم ۡھ ُﺠوۡ ًرا‬

“O my Lord, my people indeed treated this Quran as a discarded thing.” (Surah, al-Furqan, Ch.25: V.31) Consequently, God Almighty sent the Messiah of Muhammadsa, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas to restore the true glory of the Holy Quran and revive the faith of Islam. Referring to this time, the Promised Messiahas said: “The ahadith make it very evident that the Promised Messiahas would appear in the world when knowledge of the Holy Quran would be lost and ignorance would prevail.

This is the period to which the following hadith refers:

َ َ َ ُّ ْ ً َّ ُ َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫لوکان الاِیم‬ ‫ان ُم َعلقا ِعن َدال� َ� ّیا لَنال َ ٗہ َر ُج ٌل ِّم ْن فارِس‬

‘If the faith ascends to the Pleiades, it will be brought down by a man of Persia.’ […]

“Ponder upon this very carefully, and do not pass over it in haste. Beseech God that He may open your minds to it. A little consideration will help you understand the prophecy mentioned in the ahadith that the Holy Quran will be taken away from the world in the latter days, its knowledge will be forgotten, ignorance will prevail, and the delight and interest in faith will vanish from people’s hearts.

“One of these ahadith says that if the faith ascends to the Pleiades and vanishes from the earth, a man from the Persians will reach out and bring it back. This

hadith makes it abundantly clear that when ignorance, faithlessness, and corruption – which are described as smoke in other ahadith – will spread across the globe, and true faith will become so rare as if it had been gone to the skies, and the Holy Quran will be forsaken as though it had been raised toward God Almighty, at that time, a man born of Persian descent will bring the faith from the Pleiades back to earth. Rest assured that he is the son of Maryas who was to descend.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 455-456) At this crucial time in the history of Islam, the Promised Messiahas came with the mission to reinstate the superiority of the Holy Quran and its timeless significance for all of humanity. Prophet Ahmadas said: “It is only for the sake of Allah that I hereby inform you of the important fact that at the turn of this fourteenth century, God Almighty has appointed me from Himself for the revival and support of the true faith of Islam, so that in this tumultuous age I should proclaim the excellences of the Holy Quran and the greatness of the Holy Prophetsa, and – with the help of the light, blessings, miracles and Divine knowledge that have been bestowed upon me – I should respond to all the enemies who are attacking Islam.” (Blessings of Prayer, p. 55) The Promised Messiahas set the highest standards of reverence towards the Holy Quran in the last age and practically manifested its greatness through his writings, sayings and actions.

From his childhood, the Promised Messiahas had a deep fondness for the Holy Quran. At the age of six or seven, a man named Fazl Ilahi taught him the reading of the Holy Quran. (Life of Ahmad[as], p. 36) Day and night, Prophet Ahmadas would remain occupied in the study of the Holy Quran and used to write notes on its margins. Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Rahim Dardra MA narrates, “A good deal of his [the Promised Messiah’sas] time, however, was spent in the mosque, reading the Holy Quran, and he was fond of pacing up and down – a sign of restless energy.” (Ibid., p.

37) Mirza Ismail Baig Sahib relates, “Sometimes, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Murtaza Sahib, the father of the Promised Messiahas used to call me and enquire ‘What does your Mirza do?’ I would reply that he remains occupied with the study of the Holy Quran. Upon hearing this, he would say, ‘Does he even take some time off to breathe?’ Then Mirza Ghulam Murtaza Sahib would ask if he even sleeps at night. I would answer, ‘Yes, he sleeps and then gets up to offer prayer.’” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra MA narrates: “A man related to me that on one occasion, the Promised Messiahas was travelling to Batala in a palanquin, and this journey would normally take around five hours. As soon as he was clear of the village habitations, the Promised Messiahas took out his small copy of the Holy Quran and began to study Surah al-Fatihah. During his entire journey, the Promised Messiahas was deeply engrossed in [the contents] of this Surah. Huzooras continued to study it as if it were a vast ocean, and he was diving into its depths in search of the pearls of bounties and blessings of his Eternal Beloved [God].” (Sirat-e-Tayyibah, p. 12) Unsplash | Syed Aoun Abbas

Vol. 1, p. 65)

Beseeching God to help understand the Holy Quran The deep love Prophet Ahmadas had for the Holy Quran permeated every fibre of his being, and every interest of his life stemmed from it. Describing people’s curiosity about the daily routine of the Promised Messiahas, Iain Adamson states: “Naturally, there was curiosity about how [Prophet] Ahmad[as] spent his time and some neighbours managed to peep in when the door was opened. They discovered that Ahmad[as] was praying or reading the Quran.

“Sometimes he had thrown himself into the sajdah, a position of extreme supplication, where he stayed for long periods. Once they heard him pray, ‘Oh God, My Lord. This is Thy Holy Word. It is not possible for me to grasp its meaning unless Thou help me in the task Thyself.’”

(Ahmad[as], The Guided One, p. 41)

In-depth study of Surah alFatihah In one of his poems, the Promised Messiahas writes: ‫اے دو� � �� � ا ُُّم ا�ب وک‬ �� ‫اب د ی��� ی�ری آ�ں � اِس آ�ب وک‬ ‫�� د�ء �� وک �ھ ےک �ر �ر‬ ‫ت یت ت‬ ‫� وک آ�ر‬ ‫رک� ےہ �ی �م‬ “O friends who read Ummul Kitab [Surah al-Fatihah], observe this sun [divine light] from the perspective of my eyes now.

Ponder while reading the supplication of al-Fatihah again and again. It manifests the entire reality that is there.” (Durr-e-Sameen [Urdu], p. 44)

Most studied book Hazrat Abdul Rahim Dardra states, “[Prophet] Ahmadas devoted most of his time to study, and the books that he studied most were the Holy Quran, Bukhari, Mathnavi Rumi and Dala’ilul Khairat. He had always a pile of books around him when he was at home, and he went out for walks to the north or the east side of Qadian.” (Life of Ahmad[as], p. 57) Regarding Prophet Ahmad’sas way of studying while walking, Iain Adamson writes: “When [Prophet] Ahmad[as] was reading the Quran, he used to walk from one side of the room to the other [...] This habit of walking from side to side when he was reading, annotating or writing continued all his life.

“The principal books he studied at this period of his life - from 13 to 20 – were the Quran, then the Bukhari which he read constantly.” (Ahmad[as], The Guided One, p.

32) Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib told Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas used to study the Holy Quran very frequently. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, narration 190) In another narration, Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib narrates that the Promised Messiahas must have read the Holy Quran thousands of times. (Hayat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, pp. 172-3) In one of his couplets, the Promised Messiahas says: ‫ت‬ ‫ی ی‬ ‫ںیم ںیہ� ےہ � دم ی�را ���ی�� ��ں‬ ‫دل‬ ‫ںیہی‬ ‫�آں ےک �د ��ں � �ا � ےہ‬ “At all times, my heart yearns to embrace Thy Book and to perform circuits around the Quran, for this is my Ka‘ba.”

Winning the Holy Quran

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023 Towards the conclusion of the court cases that the Promised Messiahas had perused in obedience to his father, Iain Adamson narrates: “The legal battle [of Prophet Ahmad’sas father] finally went to the court in Lahore.

The case occupied several days, and each day a servant of the family friends with whom [Prophet] Ahmad[as] was staying brought his lunch to court. One day Ahmad[as] told the servant to take it back to the house because he would return to the house and eat it there. He did not need to remain in court any longer, he said.

“Shortly afterwards, [Prophet] Ahmad[as] arrived with a cheerful smile on his face. Had he won? he was asked. No, replied Ahmad[as]. They had lost. Why then was he so happy?

“It meant that was the end of the litigation forever, said [Prophet] Ahmad[as].

The case could be taken no further. As a result, he would no longer be occupied with this forlorn quest. He could forget legal technicalities and devote more time to prayer and the study of the Quran.”

(Ahmad[as], The Guided One, p. 38)

Witnessing Allah through Quran The Promised Messiahas said: “Be sure that as it is not possible that we should be able to see without eyes, or should be able to hear without ears, or should be able to speak without a tongue, in the same way it is not possible that without the help of the Quran we should be able to behold the countenance of the True Beloved. I was young and am now old, but I have not encountered anyone who has quaffed the cup of this visible understanding except out of this holy fountain.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p. 207)

Restoring the superiority of the Holy Quran Highlighting the services of Prophet Ahmadas for Islam, Iain Adamson states: “There were those who gave preeminence to the Quran, but practically rejected the reported sayings of Muhammad[sa] as unreliable. The other side attached so much importance to the sayings of Muhammad[sa] that they subordinated the Quran to them.

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“[Prophet] Ahmad[as] declared that the Quran was fundamental and supreme, but that the sayings of Muhammad[sa] were a source of guidance for the understanding of the Quran. Unless a reported saying was irreconcilable with the Quran, it should be accepted as authentic. […]

“Of the total authenticity and validity of the Quran as the revealed Word of God, [Prophet] Ahmad[as] admitted no argument. According to some Muslim divines many verses of the Quran, perhaps as many as six hundred, had been abrogated by subsequently revealed verses. Ahmad[as] rejected totally the idea of any abrogation of a verse, a phrase or a word of the Quran. The words that God had dictated to Muhammad[sa] could not be altered or deleted by any man in any way, he said.”

(Ahmad[as], The Guided One, p. 52-38) The Promised Messiahas said: “An essential teaching for you is that you should not abandon the Holy Quran like a thing forsaken, for therein lies your life. Those who honour the Quran will be honoured in heaven. Those who give precedence to the Quran over every Hadith and every other saying will be given precedence in heaven.

“Today, there is no book on the face of the earth for mankind except for the Quran.

The sons of Adam have no Messenger and Intercessor but Muhammad, the Chosen One, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Endeavour, therefore, to cultivate true love for this Prophet of glory and majesty, and do not give precedence to anyone over him, so that in heaven you may be counted as those who have attained salvation.

“Remember, salvation is not something that will be manifested after death. On the contrary, true salvation exhibits its light in this very world. Who is the one who attains salvation? Such a person is he who believes that God is true and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Intercessor between God and all His creation, and that under the heavens, there is no Messenger equal in rank to him, nor is there any book equal in status to the Quran. God did not desire that anyone should remain alive eternally, but this Chosen Prophet lives forever.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 22-23)

Unsplash | The Cleveland Museum of Art

Testimony of non-Ahmadi Muslims Recording the testimony of a non-Ahmadi Muslim scholar, Iain Adamson writes: “His study of the Holy Quran, his deep reflection over the eternal verities, his complete reliance on the grace and bounty of God, and his experience of communion with Him had already equipped him with the qualities of an effective champion of Islam. Under a divinely inspired urge, he was moved to embark on a project that would not only help safeguard Islam against hostile attacks but would clearly and demonstrably establish its superiority over all other faiths. He resolved to set forth the excellencies of Islam in a monumental work, which he designated Barahin-eAhmadiyya.” (Ahmad[as], The Guided One, p. 61) Observing the services of the Promised Messiahas for the Holy Quran and his impact on mankind, journalist Mr Aslam wrote: “I have never seen anywhere else the sincere love for the Holy Quran that I have seen in this Jamaat of Qadian. After offering the Fajr prayer in the choti masjid [Mubarak Mosque], when I walked [in the streets of Qadian] just before sunrise, I saw all the young and the old Ahmadis reciting

the Holy Quran in front of their lamp. I will never forget the awe-inspiring sight of two large groups of Ahmadis reciting the Holy Quran in both the Ahmadiyya Mosques [of Qadian] and hundreds of boys reading the Quran in the boarding school. Moreover, the Ahmadi shopkeepers and the Ahmadi travellers in rest houses reciting the Quran in the early hours of the morning were also presenting a very holy picture.

“That morning, it seemed that groups of saints had come down from heaven in clusters and started to recite the Quran to impress upon mankind the greatness of the Holy Quran. Hence, everywhere in Ahmadi Qadian, I only saw the Holy Quran.” (Al Fazl, 4 January 2006, p. 4)

Conclusion The Promised Messiahas practically restored the superiority of the Holy Quran in the world by admiring it with all his might and presenting its true meanings in his writings, lectures and insightful exegesis. Prophet Ahmadas inspired the Muslims to reestablish a personal and spiritual connection with the Holy Quran.

His examples rekindled interest in the study and interpretation of the Holy Quran, creating an atmosphere of respect and honour for its teachings and wisdom.

Lajna Imaillah spreads message of unity and peace in London, Ontario, Canada Bushra Benazeer-Schierenberg Secretary Tabligh, Lajna Imaillah London South, Ontario, Canada

On 20 September 2023, Lajna Imaillah London South, in Ontario, Canada, celebrated the International Day of Peace by bringing women from diverse backgrounds together to promote harmony and understanding. The event, held at the Jalna Library meeting room drew over 35 visitors, including representatives from the police department and city councillors.

One of the highlights of the event was the Quran exhibition, where the Holy Quran

was displayed with translations in over 30 languages. This exhibition showcased the universal message of the Holy Quran, emphasising that its teachings are accessible to people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Several attendees expressed their astonishment and appreciation for seeing the Holy Quran translated into such a diverse range of languages. Some even requested copies of the Holy Quran in their native languages, highlighting the importance of making religious texts accessible to all.

In addition to the Quran exhibition, the event featured Pathway to Peace banners,

conveying the message that Islam is firmly against war and terrorism. These banners served as a reminder of the peaceful teachings of Islam and aimed to dispel misconceptions about the faith.

Guests also had the opportunity to explore an Arabic calligraphy booth, where they could try their hand at this beautiful art form, further promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.

The event featured peace merchandise, including pens and badges with the iconic “Love for All, Hatred for None” logo, symbolising the Community’s commitment to love, tolerance, and peace.

One visitor commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for holding a peace exhibition on a day when other parts of the city were experiencing protests.

This decision to promote peace and understanding during challenging times was particularly appreciated. The event was not only well-received by attendees but also resulted in an invitation for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to attend an interfaith symposium, demonstrating the positive impact of their efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation among different religious groups.

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

Waqf-e-Arzi in Jamaica An enlightening experience Haris Ahmad Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

During the summer, my classmate and I were blessed with the opportunity to perform Waqf-e-Arzi in Jamaica. This narrative is a reflection on our experience and the invaluable lessons we learned during our time there.

Our journey commenced when the Missionary-in-Charge and National President requested the assistance of a couple of Jamia students for a summer mission in Jamaica. As Jamia students, we always seek the permission of our beloved Huzooraa before embarking on such endeavours.

After receiving Huzoor’saa blessing, we met with our National Secretary Waqfe-Arzi, Musleh Shanboor Sahib. In our meeting, we established contact with the Missionary-in-Charge and National President of Jamaica, Tariq Azeem Sahib.

During this meeting, we discussed essential details, including the dates to book our tickets, what items to bring along, and other information we should know. Once everything was sorted and arranged, we started making preparations.

From Toronto to Jamaica and meeting a cricket legend The four-hour flight from Toronto to Jamaica passed swiftly, and upon landing, the striking sight of light blue waters and mountains was mesmerising. It was something I had never seen before in my life, and it left me wondering what was next to come.

As I waited for my luggage at the baggage claim, I noticed a tall man in a purple jumpsuit standing nearby. Someone asked him for directions, and when he spoke, I immediately recognised his voice – it was

none other than the Cricket legend from West Indies, Chris Gayle. I respected his privacy and asked hesitantly if I could take a picture. He happily said, “Sure, why not?”

He then asked what I was doing in Jamaica.

I explained that I was from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and had come to volunteer my services. He congratulated me and thanked me for choosing Jamaica.

It was a surreal and memorable encounter.

Arrival Exiting the airport, I was hit by a brick wall of heat. This took some getting used to. Coming over from Canada, I was not accustomed to the humidity. I was picked up from the airport by the local mu‘allim, Ghulam Ahmad Sahib. The journey from the airport to the mosque took about an hour and a half. I took that time to ask the mu‘allim some questions. We talked about his journey to Islam Ahmadiyya, his decision to become a mu‘allim, and his four-year service in Jamiatul Mubashireen Ghana. His dedication was inspiring, and it really motivated me to work hard not only during my trip but also when I returned to Canada.

As we neared the mosque, I could spot it from a distance with its silver dome and minaret, reminiscent of the Baitul Islam Mosque in Peace Village, Canada.

I met with Tariq Azeem Sahib at the mosque, who had arranged for some lunch. He later showed me to my residence and instructed me to get some rest. After offering the Zuhr and Asr prayers, I took a brief nap, refreshed myself for the Maghrib and Isha prayers, and had a meeting with Tariq Azeem Sahib to discuss our plans for the next two weeks. The schedule was meticulously planned; he made sure that no time whatsoever went to waste and that we maximised our productivity.

Image courtesy of AMJ Jamaica

Image courtesy of AMJ Jamaica

Event highlights The 17 days I spent in Jamaica were filled with a myriad of events and activities. While I can’t cover them all, here are some of the highlights: Back to school events We had the privilege of organising two back-to-school events during our trip. These events aimed to provide school supplies to underprivileged children in the community.

Our first event took place in Trelawny, a parish on the northern side of the island, where we met the regional missionary, Ibrahim Ahmad Forsen Sahib. He briefed us on our responsibilities, and then we headed to the salat centre. We organised school supplies and prepared gift bags for the students. It was truly heartwarming to witness the Jamaat’s work in even the most remote corners of the world. We interacted with the guests and learned about how their connection with the Jamaat has created a positive impact in their lives and in the lives of the people around them.

We also organised the same back-toschool event at the headquarters in St. Catherine, with around 300 people in attendance. Here, we had the privilege of meeting local community workers and teachers who shared their thoughts on the event and how their association with the Jamaat had positively impacted them and their communities. Witnessing the joy on the faces of parents and children who genuinely benefited from the Jamaat’s assistance was really moving.

Local health fair We also had the opportunity to collaborate with local community members to organise a health fair. This event offered free medical services to the community, including dental,

medical, and mental health services. The attendees had the opportunity to tour the mosque while they waited for their appointments. I had the privilege of giving a tour to multiple guests, such as police sergeants, community workers and doctors, who expressed surprise at the peacefulness of Islam and dispelled the negative stereotypes they had encountered in the media.

Flyer distribution Throughout our trip, we allocated five days to distribute flyers. We visited high foot traffic areas and distributed over 4,000 flyers while collecting contact information from various individuals. This experience was eye-opening, revealing the prevalence of misconceptions about Islam and Muslims in Jamaica, largely stemming from negative media portrayals. Unlike Canada, where people have the chance to witness their Muslim neighbours practising Islam, Jamaica’s small Muslim population makes it difficult for locals to understand how Islam is truly practised. Despite these misconceptions, the majority of people we encountered were kind and receptive; they genuinely loved Jamaat’s slogan of Love for All, Hatred for None.

Sightseeing During our trip, we set aside some days to explore the natural beauty of Jamaica. The country is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its lush tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the island’s rich cultural tapestry and warm, welcoming people add to its charm, making Jamaica a true gem in the Caribbean. We visited a number of places, such as the famous Dunns River Falls, Frenchman’s Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

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<< Continued from previous page

Cove, and the beaches in Ocho Rios.

Meeting Ahmadis around Jamaica Even on our days off, we made it a point to get some work done. Wherever we travelled, we met with Jamaat members along the way. Their passion and dedication were truly inspiring. Their love for the Jamaat and their commitment to spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyya would leave a lasting impression on my soul. Even those with limited resources would sometimes spend their entire day’s earnings on a cab ride to attend Friday prayers at the mosque.

Witnessing their wholehearted dedication to Islam Ahmadiyya renewed my love for the religion I was born into.

A valuable lesson This trip provided me with a valuable lesson, something I believe I should share with the readers of Al Hakam. If I could summarise this trip in one experience or one lesson, it would be this: During my time at Jamia, we often heard this from our seniors, and Huzooraa also provided guidance on this matter. The lesson is that, regardless of how much knowledge you possess, how many books you’ve read, or how scholarly you may be, it all amounts to very little if you are not a decent human being. If you lack love in your heart for God’s creation, if you’re deficient in righteousness and kindness towards others, then your knowledge is essentially useless.

When you share your religion with others, the first thing that attracts them is your behaviour and character. It’s a reflection of your religion through you. Throughout the trip, I came to realise that no one really cared about how much knowledge one had, how well one could give speeches, or how excellent my teaching skills were. What truly mattered was whether one was a good human being—someone who could engage in genuine conversations, care enough to ask about their day or health, and exhibit kindness.

This doesn’t mean we should stop learning and studying. It is a gentle reminder to prioritise becoming a better person and a better human being. If our slogan is Love for All, Hatred for None, then we should strive to live up to it.

Conclusion In conclusion, my journey to Jamaica has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, witness the global impact of the Jamaat, and receive an outpouring of love from the people I met.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in his sermons, often mentions individuals living in different parts of the world who would display remarkable dedication and unwavering faith, and sometimes I would wonder if I would be fortunate enough to meet them. Today, I can attest to the fact that I have had the privilege to witness such individuals in this day and age. I sincerely request readers to keep the members of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Jamaica in their prayers, seeking Allah the Almighty’s blessings for them and their families as they continue to grow in sincerity. Amin.

AI and social media Foresight of Huzoor on this dangerous duo Unsplash | Gilles Lambert

Atif Rashid UK

Artificial intelligence and social media can be either a wonderful or a dangerous combination, depending on how it is used.

While social media has brought the world closer and democratised our public conversations, artificial intelligence is meant to make our lives easier.

But, as with any new invention, there will be people who misuse it. Social media has been widely exploited to radicalise the youth and fuel hatred. Now, as AI comes to the fore, it is similarly being used in nefarious ways.

The combination of both can be dangerous.

In the sleepy Spanish town of Almendralejo, more than 20 girls aged between 11 and 17 became the victims of this dangerous combination when they found naked AI-generated images of themselves circulating on social media. The pictures of the girls, fully clothed, were taken from their own social media accounts and then manipulated. It has shocked the town and undoubtedly caused immense distress to the families.

Eleven local boys were involved in either making the images or distributing them on WhatsApp and Telegram, BBC News reported. (www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-66877718) American disinformation researcher and author Nina Jankowicz also found herself in deepfake porn videos created by online right-wing trolls.

She wrote in The Atlantic: “Although they may provide cheap thrills for the viewer, their deeper purpose is to humiliate, shame, and objectify women, especially women who have the temerity to speak out. I am somewhat inured to this abuse,

after researching and writing about it for years. But for other women [...] appearing in a deepfake-porn video could be profoundly stigmatizing, even career- or life-threatening.” (www.theatlantic.com/ ideas/archive/2023/06/deepfake-porn-aimisinformation/674475/) A study in 2019 found that 96% of all deepfake videos online were pornographic, and 99% of them were of women. It’s an abhorrent method to attempt to silence and humiliate people. (https://regmedia. co.uk/2019/10/08/deepfake_report.pdf) When Facebook was having its heyday about a decade or so ago, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa warned the Community of its dangers. He didn’t ban its use but highlighted its great risks, yet as usual, people were sceptical. Now, years later, we know its dangers for sure.

In fact, he pointed to this exact thing in 2011.

“There are groups of men and women who slowly, by distorting or tampering with pictures, blackmail girls. Or spread indecencies against them. Some girls write to me and say some pictures have appeared on websites or Facebook, which we did not give them. This way, indecencies spread, so to be protected from that, it’s better to not even go there,” he told a gathering of Ahmadi Muslim girls. (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eob2C4sCbsc) Huzooraa explained further: “Sometimes boys pretend to be girls and form a relationship with girls. In some cases, girls get trapped and have been trapped. That is why I said to leave it, because it is such a thing where you post everything brazenly.

Such pictures when you’re in a relaxed mood in your home. If you send such pictures to your friends, they’ll post them on their Facebook, which has 15 more contacts,

and then who knows what kind of contacts they have? Thus, a picture that comes out of Hamburg ends up in New York and Sydney,” he explained.

“Facebook enables shamelessness. It tears down one’s hijab and privacy and invites one to indecency,” Huzooraa said during a speech in Germany in 2011. (www.alislam.org/video/urdu-clip-guidanceabout-facebook-by-hazrat-mirza-masroorahmadaba/) “The founder of Facebook himself said that I’ve made this because whatever a person is - it should be open and apparent in front of others. And this, in his view, is that if someone wants to post their naked picture, then that is fine, and he invited others to comment on it, and this is acceptable.”

It is interesting to note how Facebook started. Its founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, first created “Facemash” which allowed users to compare people’s faces and vote on who was “hotter”. This idea then ultimately became Facebook as we know it today. (“Channeling ‘The Social Network,’ lawmaker grills Zuckerberg on his notorious beginnings”, Alex Horton, 11 April 2018) Huzooraa further said: “The girls or boys who have Facebook – I didn’t say it’s a sin or that if you don’t leave it, you’ll be sinful. I said it’s a vain thing, and its harms are greater than its benefits. By chatting on these platforms, others get access to you, and immoralities spread.”

Years later, these harms are becoming more and more apparent. The Islamic concept of the hijab protects one from immodesty and indecency. Its principles apply whether online or offline. While people may at times be sceptical or treat the dangers as trivial, time always proves the words of the Khalifa to be true.

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

Blessings of Khilafat: ‘In pursuit of being a falcon on mountaintops’ which I mentioned the series of events that led me to be a recipient of a prestigious scholarship to pursue a PhD in plant science.

In his book, The Common Thread, John Starting a PhD is one thing; finishing it Sulston, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, is another. Thousands of students start recalls the political and academic struggles a PhD every year in the UK, but many, of the Human Genome Project – a scientific unfortunately, do not see it through to the endeavour aimed at determining the entire end. I would have been one of them had it aa sequence of human DNA. This achievement not been for the prayers of Huzoor . On one has often been likened to sending a occasion, I had firmly decided to quit my man to the moon. He chose to title his PhD on a Friday and had made up my mind biographical account The Common Thread to submit the relevant form on the following due to the fact that DNA is what unites Monday. In this desperate situation, I aa us all. However, another thread exists that wrote a letter to Huzoor for prayers, and seeks to bind humanity together. In this it so happened that I had a very uplifting article, I will describe how the blessings and meeting with my supervisor on Monday prayers of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa have that rejuvenated my passion to complete the aa tremendously helped me at every step. I PhD project. It was only through Huzoor’s prayers that Allah provided the means to cannot imagine my life without them.

The earliest indirect interaction I have save the PhD. However, my renewed passion would on record with the Khalifa of the time later diminish. It was during this very low dates back to 14 March 1998, when my moment in my PhD years that I had an father wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih rh rh interaction with Huzooraa, which once again IV , informing Huzoor of my admission to primary school. My father specifically saved my PhD. I was at the Fazl Mosque, mentioned that upon finding out I had been and it so happened that I was standing aa accepted, the five-and-a-half-year-old me where Huzoor was going to walk past. As aa ran to my mother and said, “Look, Mum! Huzoor was walking by, he looked at me and quietly inquired, “Has your research started?” I couldn’t hear what Huzooraa said and therefore couldn’t answer Huzoor’saa question. Someone later clarified it to me, but I believe that in Huzoor’saa inquiry, there was a prayer in itself that once again set me back on track.

But once again, I would slip!

It was again Unsplash | Viktor Talashuk during one of these I got in only because of Huzoor’saa prayers.” dark moments that I had a mulaqat with aa aa My father narrated this incident to Huzoorrh Huzoor , during which Huzoor gave me and further requested prayers for excelling a pen and said, “Write Bismillah [with this pen] and start your thesis.” I must mention in education.

At the time, I lived in Rabwah, and that I did not request a pen, nor did I although I had never met Hazrat Khalifatul mention my ongoing struggle to complete Masih IVrh – and never would – I remember the PhD. I was also not at the planning writing to him on a regular basis, as other stage to begin my thesis. It was solely by aa Ahmadi children in Rabwah (and across the Allah’s grace that Huzoor prayed for me and gifted me the pen. Through Huzoor’saa world) did and still do.

Being below average in education, prayers, I successfully completed the thesis prayers and the blessings of Khilafat have and passed my viva with minor corrections been my only source of progress, despite towards the end of 2020. Alhamdulillah.

As I have briefly described situations my numerous failures and shortcomings. during my PhD when I found myself I previously wrote for Al-Hakam (www. standing on the edge of a cliff due to alhakam.org/blessings-of-khilafat-frommy own faults and weaknesses, it was blue-blood-cells-to-a-phd-in-biology/) in Dr Zaki Ahmad UK

Huzoor’saa blessed and holy presence that saved my PhD. I am deeply convinced that it was solely the blessings of Khilafat, and nothing else that rescued me during those challenging years, and no one can persuade me otherwise.

There is nothing extraordinary about someone having a PhD, but what is extraordinary in my case is the fact that I never planned, prepared, or even thought of pursuing a PhD. I am the first in my extended family to complete a PhD, and while I personally feel extremely undeserving and undesiring of being called a doctor, it is also a fulfilment of Huzoor’saa blessed words.

Around 2010, my father and I had a mulaqat where Huzooraa asked me what I wanted to be, and I, like most Asian kids, said, “Doctor!” Huzooraa paused for several seconds and said, “It seems like you will become a doctor.” In one mulaqat, Huzooraa called me a “philosopher.” During a mulaqat in my high school years, Huzooraa gave me a pen and then took a second one from the drawer, saying, “Here, take a second one, as you write a lot.” Many of us have witnessed that whatever Huzooraa says, even sometimes light comments, are fulfilled to the letter. It is my belief that my PhD, which literally means Doctor of Philosophy and requires a lot of writing in the form of a thesis, was an amalgamation of all these blessed moments I had with Huzooraa.

As far as educational “degrees” are concerned, a PhD is the highest. In a mulaqat in the summer of 2012, I presented a gift to Huzooraa which he kindly accepted and read the following part of a couplet: ‫�را رک اہپڑوں یک اٹچونں ی‬ ‫اش� ےہ ریسب ی‬ ‫وت ںیہ ی‬ ‫ںیم‬ It could be translated as “You are a falcon, so fly high above the rocks of mountaintops.”

These words of Huzooraa once again formed a prayer for me. This line is from a poem called Aik Naujawan ke Naam, meaning To the Young Man by Allama Iqbal. Written in the early 20th century, the poet encourages Muslims to think beyond materialism and not limit themselves to small, easily achievable goals. As it is my strong belief that this couplet served as a prayer for me, through Allah’s grace during my PhD, I have had the chance to present my research on three different continents and interact with the inner circle of Nobel laureates, including a Nobel laureate. Something I had never imagined at the time, these interactions with pioneering scientists have also motivated me to aim high and move beyond goals that can be reached without struggle.

A PhD is all well and good, but the next step is securing employment.

Securing a research job offer is not

straightforward because, over the past few decades, there have been many more PhDs produced every year than there are research jobs available, leading many to pursue non-research-related careers. The difficulty in finding employment has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has sadly resulted in millions of people being made redundant. Amidst this crisis, my only hope lay in Huzoor’saa prayers and the accompanying grace from Allah. Alhamdulillah, I received a job offer within a few weeks of being awarded the PhD. Obtaining this particular job is also a fulfilment of Huzoor’saa blessed words.

Around three years ago, I happened to be in the right place at the right time. I was in one of the offices at the Fazl Mosque, where Huzooraa was going to walk past (although I was unaware of this). There was a flower bouquet in front of me. As Huzooraa walked past, he made a light comment and said, “Are you doing research on flowers?” At the time, I was pursuing my PhD and focused on roots, never considering working on flowers. In fact, I found the topic of flowering research rather uninteresting!

When it came to applying for different research positions, I submitted applications for many different projects. I came close to receiving a job offer for a biology-related project. However, when I applied for my current job, I had no expectations of even securing an interview, and the interview itself lasted for less than 10 minutes. After the interview, I once again had absolutely no thought of being offered the job, yet I was. My current project addresses the question, “Do plant organs and computers process information in the same way?”

My experimental focus is on the control of flowering time. While I’m not directly involved in flower research per se, but rather in the series of events that lead to flower development, it is far closer to flower research than working on seeds or roots!

This, once again, is a fulfilment of the blessed words of God’s chosen one. Alhamdulillah.

The truth is that God wishes to demonstrate to the world how His grace can elevate a humble individual. For the past four years or so, Huzooraa has been narrating the life stories of the Companions of the Battle of Badr, and we have been learning how, from a worldly perspective, many of the companions were considered weak. Yet, as a collective and through God’s Grace, these ordinary individuals achieved extraordinary things. It is my belief that God wishes to show the same in today’s age through the blessings of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah always be his Helper.

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

From the Archives

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Zamelah: A short story

by Mufti Muhammad Sadiq

A short story written by Hazrat Mufti Muahmmad Sadiq, companion of the Promised Messiahas and the first missionary sent to America.

The story is centred around a person named Trula, a spiritually enlightened man living in solitude. His journey for a rare Diamond leads to a realisation that true satisfaction and protection comes from trusting in Allah, which in turn brings him profound contentment.

ZAMELAH Seclusion High up on the hills, where the air is constantly pure and clean, and the atmosphere marked by the peaceful repose, near the heavens serene, there used to live Trula, a man of sincere prayers, honest motives, genuine simplicity, deep meditations and profound seclusions. He was within the people serving them, yet he was separate from all. He talked to all and cheered their hearts, yet he seemed to have talked to none. All were friendly to him but no one did know his inward mystery.

“Love God and His people” was his motto.

“Do good to all and look for no returns,” was his advice to those who came in touch with him. “Justice is good but forgiveness is better” was one of his sayings.

Loneliness Thus passed day after day, and week after week in his good work, till one day, thinking deep in his mind he felt a desire in the heart of his heart, of securing and possessing a real Jewel, a precious gem, a natural charm to protect him in his goodness, a brilliant Diamond of a rare quality, something marvellously true and miraculously substantial, but spontaneously natural to keep company with him all the time and to show him light in the hours of darkness.

Search So in quest of his object of desire he started from his mountain home and walked far away into the deep valleys. He wandered East and he wandered West. He searched during the day and he searched during the night. He watched in the light and he groped in the dark. He examined carefully each stone he came across. He ascended high up the steep hills and descended deep down into the dark pits. He investigated in the dangerous Craters, roamed around through the dense woods, and travelled over the sand deserts, always praying to Allah to help

him in his search. “God Almighty, guide us on the right path-the path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy favours.”

Success At last he succeeded and found a real gem—a genuine Diamond.

He gets who strives.

He picked it up thankfully or we should say he was picked up by the Diamond helpfully, and he became so happy with it that filled with extreme joy he shed his tears profusely.

And he named the diamond zâ-me-lah, because, he said, this will be my companion and will keep me in balance spiritually and materially.

He looked at the Diamond and then he looked towards heaven. In the ecstasy of his emotions he did not know whether it was reality or only a dream. The gift was magnificently great and splendidly grand and he modestly doubted whether he was worthy of possessing such an illustrious rarity. He had it, but would it stay with him all the time? Was he strong enough to hold it constantly? Such were the doubts that worried his mind. So he turned again towards God to offer a Prayer.

Prayer God Almighty and Gracious, Thou hast granted me a precious Jewel, a priceless Diamond–It was not in my power to search it out – although it was the desire of my heart to have it. Thou knowest the secrets of heavens and in the deeps of the earth there is nothing secret from Thee. All the treasures originally belong to Thee, and Thou givest to whom Thou pleasest. When Thou givest to anyone, no one can take it away from him, but if Thou dost not give to one, no one can give him.

Here is this darling Gift from Thee to me—Thy servant, O Lord. Praised be Thy

Name and glorified, in Heavens and earth and everywhere. All Majesty, Glory, Power, Judgment and Will, all is Thine and Thine alone.

But, my Lord, Thou knowest I am a weak person. I have no powers. I keep no iron-safes and build no strong buildings to keep such things safe out of the reach of thieves, robbers, burglars and holdup rough people. How will I protect it and where will I keep it. May be a thief comes in and steals it away from me, leaving me behind to cry and weep all my life (God forbid it). My All-seeing, All-power, All-might and my All in All-Thou art my Castle, Thou art my Safe. I beseech Thee to be my Protector, my Preserver, and Protector and Preserver of my Diamond and all that is mine. There is no protection but from Thee and there is no refuge but in Thee. I trust in Thee. I hope in Thy Grace. I live in Thy forgiveness. Almighty and Everlasting God, uphold and strengthen us. Thou art our keeper and Defender and our Castle. Deliver me for Thy mercy’s sake, out of all agony and grief and give me truthful joy, sincere merry, quiet and happy conscience.

Shower Thy blessings on Thy Prophets, Saints and all Moslems.

Help me, O my God, for the glory of Thy Name.

Satisfaction A voice came from within into Trula’s mind.

Trust in Allah, He gave this to you and He will protect it for you. Put Thy confidence in Him. He is sufficient. He is dependable. He is the constant friend.

Thus became Trula’s heart light and full with joyful satisfaction. Glory be to Allah, Our Granter and Protector, here, there and everywhere -Amen.

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

Historical analysis of Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya agitation – Part 2 Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

Witnessing their failure in various attempts to sabotage the peaceful movement for the oppressed Kashmiri Muslims, the Ahrar hatched a vicious plan to initiate a much stronger and more dangerous campaign against Ahmadiyyat at the beginning of 1933.

Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya campaign intensifies The Ahmadis were at the forefront of advocating Muslim rights, which “was too much for the Ahrars, who were determined that the Ahmadis would not steal a march on them.” Hence, “Qadian, the Ahmadi headquarters, became the prime focus of the Ahrar’s assault. The Ahrar leadership had already instituted the Dawat-o-Irshad on 4 March 1933 with the purpose of raising funds as well as a volunteer corps of 100,000 men to combat the growing influence of the Ahmadiya. While this grandiose scheme never came to fruition, the Ahrar persisted in their anti-Ahmadiya activities.”

Importantly, the “animosity towards the Ahmadis provided the glue for a movement that otherwise might have rapidly disintegrated.” (“The Pre-History of Religious Exclusionism in Contemporary Pakistan: ‘Khatam-e-Nubuwwat’ 1889–1953.” Modern Asian Studies 49, no. 6 (2015): 1840–74. www.jstor.org/stable/24734820.)

Chaudhry Afzal Haq, known as the Mufakkir-e-Ahrar, has stated that their opposition to Ahmadiyyat “was due to both political and religious reasons,” and “it was impossible to imagine about freedom [of India] without minimising the influence of this Jamaat.” (Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Maktabae-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, pp.

178-179) On 25 February 1936, Mr Metcalfe from the Foreign and Political Department of the Indian Government sent a telegram to Sir Andrew Ryan who was serving as the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Saudi Arabia, including a “Note recording the history of the Ahrar Movement in India”, which was to be forwarded to the Saudi Arabian government as per their request.

The note stated: “This Majlis lost no opportunity to advertise itself and it was fortunate in securing an ideal stage in the Kashmir agitation of 1931-32. When this died down the Ahrars found their importance diminishing and therefore they turned their attention to fresh fields and at the close of 1933 they embarked on an attack on the

Ahmadiya community.” (Coll 6/11 ‘HejazNejd Affairs: Economic Development in the Hejaz’ [32r] (64/504), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/ PS/12/2077, in Qatar Digital Library, www. qdl.qa [accessed 22 September 2023]) This note also highlights the fact that certain political sections of the Sikh and Hindu communities had been supporting the Ahrar in their campaign against Ahmadiyyat. (Ibid) Due to their violent actions, the Ahrar were “shunned by Sheikh Abdullah and other volunteers. However, the Ahrars always claimed themselves as the ultimate saviors of Kashmir. They condemned the Ahmadiyyas as kafirs. They transformed the Kashmir agitation into a holy war against the Ahmadiyyas by launching an agitation against them in Punjab and Kashmir.”

Moreover, “the pro-Ahrar newspapers referred to Ahmadiyyas and British intrigues in collaboration with Maharaja Hari Singh.” Further, “Sheikh Abdullah and his followers were alleged to be followers of the Ahmadiyyas.” (Social Scientist, Vol. 49, March-April 2021, p. 63) Ahrar’s focus and emphasis were completely on their opposition to Ahmadiyyat. (Encyclopedia Pakistanica, Al Faisal, Lahore, p. 164)

‘Endure these trials with patience’: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra advice to Ahmadis While the Ahrar were intensifying their opposition against Ahmadis, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra advised Ahmadis to endure these hardships with patience.

During his Friday Sermon on 3 March 1933, Huzoorra mentioned his lecture which he delivered at a gathering in Sialkot, in 1931, where Ahrar attacked with stones resulting in many injuries to Ahmadis and three to four stones hit Huzoor’sra hands as well: “It is our duty to endure these trials with patience, like the [Holy Prophet’ssa] Companionsra had endured all hardships with patience and perseverance. [...] You ought not to be a coward, but rather, be courageous, however, you must act in accordance with the pathway taught to you

by God. You are required to preach the Word of God which has descended from Him, and propagate the teachings which you have learnt through the Promised Messiahas. [...]

“You are required to pay attention to tabligh, and endure the hardships with patience. If the opponents [wish to] kill you, you are required to preach with even more passion. If they abuse you, pray for them. If you exhibit such an example, a great

revolution will occur within a year. [...] You must remember that falsehood does not stand for long. It is stated in the Holy Quran:

ً َ َ َ َ َ ۡ َّ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ ُّ َ ۡ َ َ ‫ان ز ُہوۡقا‬ ‫جٓاء الحق وزہق البا ِطل ؕ ِان البا ِطل ک‬

“‘Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood does indeed vanish away [fast].’ (Surah Bani Israil, Ch. 17: V. 82) “Thus, no doubt, they will mislead people for a short period of time, but falsehood always vanishes away, and the truth always prevails. Hence, during these days, carry out tabligh with greater zeal.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 14, pp. 33-41)

Ahrar behind the unrest within the Kashmir Committee

While the movement for the rights of oppressed Kashmiris was achieving great success under the leadership of Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, through peaceful methods, the Ahrar created unrest within the Kashmir Committee. The Ahrar left no stone unturned to create suspicion within the hearts of Indian Muslims towards this Committee, and they would also declare certain Muslim leaders to be Ahmadi or well-wishers of Ahmadis, such as Khwaja Hassan Nizami Sahib, Maulvi Muhammad Ismail Ghaznavi, Syed Habib Sahib of Siasat and Maulana Ghulam Rasul Sahib Mehr.

Moreover, they also took certain steps to undermine the efforts of local Kashmiri leaders who were in close relations with the Kashmir Committee.

Chaudhry Afzal Haq states that upon the

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023 establishment of the Kashmir Committee, Ahrar leaders went to Lahore and found Maulvi Dawood Ghaznavi a bit worried.

Upon asking, he said that an Ahmadi Muslim being the president of the Kashmir Committee “would be detrimental for the Muslims; thus, I wish to meet the ulema of the city and then to make an announcement against their leadership [Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra].”

(Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrare-Islam Pakistan, 1968, pp. 94-95) He further states that “the same day or the next, there was a jalsa of the dignitaries of the city at the Muhammadan Hall, presided over by Allama Iqbal, where the disturbing situation of Kashmir was discussed. Maulana Mazhar Ali, probably Maulana Dawood Ghaznavi as well, and I went to the Muhammadan Hall with the aim of getting the support of all those [dignitaries] in favour of the Ahrar against the Kashmir Committee of Mirza Bashir[ra].

The attendees belonged to the elite class, who would express their disinterest even upon hearing the name of Ahrar; however, Dr Sahib [Allama Iqbal] insisted on taking the Ahrar ahead. Anyhow, we succeeded in compelling him to make an announcement in our favour. Now, we had gained a little room, and we just required some more courage to take complete control.” (Ibid, p.

95) This was the level of their desperation for power. All of these actions taken by Ahrar were clearly against the Muslim interest.

The Civil and Military Gazette, 9 July 1933

The Civil and Military Gazette, 15 May 1933

15

According to Janbaz Mirza, official historian of Majlis-e-Ahrar, some Ahrar leaders had a meeting with Iqbal and asked, “Have you also acknowledged the” Ahmadi “leadership? If so, you would be deemed responsible in front of Allah the Almighty on the Day of Judgement if 3.2 million Muslims in Kashmir converted to” Ahmadiyyat, “following your example.” Moreover, Ahmadis “would have a misguiding impact on other Muslims as well. Therefore, you ought to announce your separation from them.” (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 1, 1975, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, p. 182) Observing this situation, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra called a session of the Kashmir Committee on 7 May 1933 and resigned from the presidency.

During this meeting, a resolution was passed, which stated: “This meeting deems it its duty to place on record its genuine and sincere appreciation of the valuable and sincere services rendered by Hazrat Mirza Bashirud-Din Sahib Mahmud[ra] to the cause of Kashmiri Mussalmans.

“That in view of the fact that Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud[ra] has volunteered to resign the Presidency of the Kashmir Committee, this Committee regretfully accepts that resignation.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 16 May 1933, p. 8) Sheikh Abdullah has also mentioned this sad episode in his autobiography: “The Ahrar began emphasising that the Kashmir Committee should be vacated from” the Ahmadi members “in order to eradicate the issue of ” Ahmadis. Further, a non-Ahmadi Muslim should “be appointed as the president of the Kashmir Committee. [...] Consequently, Mirza Mahmud[ra] had to resign from the Committee’s presidency.”

(Aatish-e-Chinar, pp. 142-143, Published by Ali Muhammad & Sons, Srinagar, Kashmir) Mentioning these events, Janbaz Mirza states that after the meeting of Ahrar leaders with Iqbal, a session of the Kashmir Committee was called in Lahore, where “Chaudhry Afzal Haq, Maulana Mazhar Ali Azhar, and Maulana Dawood Ghaznavi attended without any invitation. Since Dr Iqbal was aware of the situation, he used his impact on the” non-Ahmadi “members of the session, separated Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud[ra] from the Kashmir Committee, and took the presidency himself.” (Karwane-Ahrar, Vol. 1, 1975, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, pp. 182-183) Here, he has intentionally given the false impression that Huzoorra was “removed” from the Kashmir Committee and its presidency, whereas history testifies that since Huzoorra did not want to let the rift escalate further, he himself resigned from the presidency. It also highlights the fact that Huzoorra was in no way ambitious for any worldly or political position, but rather, his sole objective was to help the oppressed people.

Janbaz Mirza added that Iqbal “occupied the presidency, from which he resigned on 3 August 1931, and all responsibilities of the Kashmir movement were handed over to the Ahrar.” (Ibid., p. 183) Iqbal resigned by stating that the Ahmadi members of the Committee would not be loyal to anyone other than their Imam.

Iqbal suggested forming a new Kashmir Committee and that it would not be open to Ahmadis. (Self and Sovereignty: Individual

and Community in South Asian Islam Since 1850, Routledge, 2000, p. 364) Agha Shorish Kashmiri acknowledges that Iqbal “resigned from the Kashmir Committee on the request of the Ahrar.”

(Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari: Sawaneh wa Afkar, by Agha Shorish Kashmiri, Matbu‘ate-Chitan, Lahore, p. 102) Mentioning Iqbal’s connections with the Ahrar, Chaudhry Afzal Haq wrote: “‘Allama Sir Muhammad Iqbal was mentally an Ahrar.’ He would see danger for Islam within the aims of ” Ahmadis. “Since the beginning, he believed that the” Ahmadis “are enemies of Islam, and would never adore them. Mirza Bashir-ud-Din[ra] was the president of the Kashmir Committee.

Although he [Iqbal] was certainly a member, this situation was inevitable [for him]. Very soon, he recovered and began to [internally] destroy the Kashmir Committee. Moreover, he went on to encourage the organisation of Ahrar.” (Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, p. 196) Ravinderjit Kaur states that “Mirza Sahib[ra] agreed to resign the presidentship of the Kashmir Committee on the condition that Ahrars should work in cooperation with [the] general Muslim public and in accordance with the wishes of the majority they should daily submit the accounts. The Ahrars refused to accept this offer.” (Political

Awakening in Kashmir, APH Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 1996, p. 179) It is “a matter of regret that Mirza Bashirud-Din Mahmud Ahmad[ra] should have retired, as I understand he has, from the Presidentship of the Kashmir Committee, where his counsels were always those of moderation and prudence. Quietly, but nonetheless with determination, he fought the battle of the Muslims of Kashmir. It was due to his efforts very largely that the important right of peasant proprietorship was conceded to the Muslim agriculturists of Kashmir and Jammu, that lawyers were sent who defended something like two thousand cases arising out of the riots free of charge—and, I think, not least important of all—he combatted the mischievous Ahrar influence.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 15 May 1933, p. 3) Dr Mohammad Iqbal Chawla, states: “According to the Ahrar sources, the Ahrar leaders discussed this matter with Allama Iqbal, who allowed them to launch their separate committee to solve the problems of the Kashmiri Muslims.” (“Role of the Majlis-i-Ahrar-Islam Hind in the Kashmir Movement of 1931”, Pakistaniaat: A Journal of Pakistan Studies, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2011), p. 92) Ahrar leaders such as “Choudhury Afzal Haq and Ataullah Shah Bukhari held

A note about the history of Ahrar | Qatar Digital Library

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

a series of meetings with Iqbal and urged him to ditch Bashiruddin[ra]” and “Iqbal obediently agreed to let the Ahrars assume direction of the Kashmiri agitation.” (Self and Sovereignty: Individual and Community in South Asian Islam Since 1850, Routledge, 2000, p. 364) On 24 to 28 August 1933, Ahrar leaders convened in Lahore and passed a resolution in which they celebrated their hollow “victory” and said that the Kashmir Committee had become purely an “Islamic party”. (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 1, 1975, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, p. 362) The demand to exclude Ahmadis from the Muslim community was “brought to a boil by the Ahrars seeking to avenge their failure to outshine everyone else in the contest to incorporate Kashmir into a larger Muslim whole.” The Ahrar succeeded in convincing Iqbal to demand the exclusion of Ahmadis from the Muslim community, the same Iqbal who, prior to 1935, not only “considered the Ahmadis a sect within Islam,” but also praised its Founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. (Self and Sovereignty: Individual and Community in South Asian Islam Since 1850, Routledge, 2000, pp. 365-366) Allama Muhammad Iqbal had clearly declared Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian to be “The profoundest theologian among modern Indian Muhammadans.”

(The Indian Antiquary, A Journal of Oriental Research, 1900, Vol. XXIX, p. 239) This whole episode and its unfavourable impact on Kashmiri Muslims was beautifully summarised by a political Muslim correspondent of The Civil and Military Gazette: “The bulk of the Kashmiri Muslims themselves have no use for the Ahrars,” and “there can be no doubt from a practical point of view that the replacement of the Ahmadiyya influence on the Committee by that of the Ahrars is most deplorable in the public interests.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 9 July 1933, p. 3)

of Qadian! It is your duty to efface this ‘fitna’ as soon as possible.” (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 1, 1975, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, pp.

426-430) According to Chaudhry Afzal Haq, the Ahrar office in Qadian was established through a certain Maulvi Inayatullah, and thereafter, Ahrar began to send their volunteers to Qadian to offer prayers at the non-Ahmadi mosques there. (Tarikhe-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, pp. 182-183) Ahrar’s aim was to tempt the local Ahmadis into some kind of dispute with those volunteers in order to cause disorder.

Implementing their agenda, they would use vile language against the Jamaat and the Promised Messiahas during gatherings at those mosques. They also initiated a series of anti-Ahmadiyya jalsas in various cities and during one such jalsa in Amritsar, Maulvi Habib-ur-Rahman Ludhianvi announced that Majlis-e-Ahrar “has now laid its foundations in Qadian,” and has made “a firm pledge to destroy” Ahmadis. “You ought to organise yourselves and strengthen your political power in order to compete with them.” (Al Fazl, 29 March 1934, p. 10)

Ahrar and Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra Ahrar opened up another front in their anti-Ahmadiyya agitation, in the shape of their opposition to the appointment of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra as a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council: “Unable to resolve their internal dilemmas, the Ahrars turned to flushing out those they disapproved of in the Muslim community. Fazl-i-Husain was first to come under attack for recommending a learned

The Indian Antiquary, Vol. XXIX, 1900, p. 239

Ahrar office in Qadian In March 1934, Majlis-e-Ahrar opened their office in Qadian, and on the invitation of Majlis-e-Ahrar Qadian, the president of the All-India Majlis-e-Ahrar Maulvi Habib-ur-Rahman Ludhianvi visited Qadian on 23 March 1934. Upon his arrival, the Ahraris who accompanied him raised anti-Ahmadiyya slogans and used abusive language. This was followed by a jalsa, which was addressed by Habib-urRahman Ludhianvi, who used vile language against the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. He said that the British had raised Ahmadiyyat as a “fitna within Islam”, and asked his followers, “O Muslims

The Civil and Military Gazette, 22 September 1934

and capable Ahmadi, Choudhury Zafrullah Khan[ra], as his temporary replacement on the viceroy’s executive council. Sections of the Punjab press led by the Zamindar and others in the Ahrar mould accused the Unionist leader for patronizing Ahmadi ‘infidels’ over ‘true’ Muslims like Muhammad Iqbal.”

Iqbal was “evidently disappointed at being passed over for the highest office an Indian could occupy in the colonial system.” (Self and Sovereignty: Individual and Community in South Asian Islam Since 1850, Routledge, 2000, p. 364) The Civil and Military Gazette reported on 22 September 1934: “The most determined attempt is being made to whip up opposition to the Chaudhri Sahib’s appointment, and packed meetings are passing hole-and-corner resolutions in the name of the Muslim Community, and sending copies of them to the Viceroy, the Secretary of State, the Premier, and heaven knows whom. The ostensible ground for this opposition is religious, namely that the Chaudhri Sahib belongs to the sect of the Ahmadiyyas of Qadian, whose loyalty to the Government, much more than any peculiarity in their theology, has rendered them unpopular in certain quarters. That this is so will be evident on consideration of the quarters whence the opposition comes the discredited, but now resurgent Majlisi-Ahrar, and the Congressite Muslims of the school of Mr. Zafar Ali Khan of the Zemindar. [...] Since they could not attack him on political grounds, they have brought up his theology against him.”

Janbaz Mirza, official historian of Ahrar, states that Sir Mian Fazl-i-Husain “desired to elect Sir Zafrulla as his successor at the Viceroy’s Executive Council. As the guardian of the British interest, Sir Fazl-i-Husain was at the top of the list in Punjab; thus, upon his proposal, the Viceroy accepted to take Sir Zafrulla Khan into his Council.

“Meanwhile, when the news came to the Majlis-e-Ahrar that Sir Zafrulla was being granted representation in the Viceroy’s Executive Council as a Muslim representative, it caused great concern.

Resolutions were passed all over the country, [and] protests were carried out saying that this seat is reserved for a Muslim and should be given to a Muslim. However, neither Sir Fazl-i-Husain had a second thought on this proposal, nor did the English Government deem it appropriate to ponder over it. In this regard, a deputation of Ahrar met the Viceroy, which included Maulana Habibur-Rahman Ludhianvi, Mir Ahmad Hussain and the lawyer of the Shimla and Allahabad High Court, Mr Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi.

The Viceroy responded to the deputation: “‘You do not consider Zafrulla Khan to be a Muslim; however, he has been elected through the Muslim votes.’ [...]

“At last, through the official announcement in the newspapers on 10 October 1934, Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khan was appointed as a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council.” (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 2, Maktaba Tabsarah Lahore, 1977, pp. 7980) When Mian Fazl-i-Husain “retired from the membership of the Indian Government [Viceroy’s Executive Council], Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan was appointed [in his place]. Upon this, ‘Zamindar’ and Ahraris made a great hue that Mian Fazl-i-Husain is favouring the” Ahmadis. “Many letters

were sent to the Viceroy, stating that ‘You have appointed a “non-Muslim” to fill the vacancy of a Muslim. Remove Zafrulla Khan and appoint any other Muslim in his place.’” (Yaran-e-Kuhn, Abdul Majeed Salik, Matbu‘at-e-Chitan, pp. 87-88)

Ahrar Conference near Qadian

A view of the Ahrar Conference near Qadian, 1934 | Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 2

Majlis-i-Ahrar had planned to hold a conference in Qadian on 20-22 October 1934, and the government made precautionary measures to prevent any disorder. The correspondent of The Civil and Military Gazette reported that he visited Qadian on 13 October, “in order to inspect the preparations which are being made by the Ahrars for the conference they have advertised for October 20 to 22 and found that considerable interest was being taken by the Ahmediyas, who view with apprehension a possibility of trouble brewing between the Ahrar party and themselves.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 19 October 1934, p. 7) Chaudhry Afzal Haq states, “We announced to hold the ‘Ahrar Tabligh Conference’ in Qadian to defy the claims of Qadian’s sanctity.” (Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, pp. 183-184) During these turbulent times, after receiving divine guidance, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra had intended to announce a scheme to propagate the message of Islam all around the world. However, before announcing the details of this scheme, during his Friday Sermon on 19 October 1934, Huzoorra informed the Jamaat about the upcoming Ahrar Conference and its mischievous objectives. Huzoorra advised Ahmadis “not to raise their hand against anyone, even if they are beaten,” and “even if they are about to be murdered, they do not have the right to lift their hand or open their mouth.” (“Tahrik-e-Jadid: The magnum opus of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud - Part 1”, Al Hakam, 30 October 2020, Issue 137, p. 4) The Civil and Military Gazette, on 25 October 1934, claimed that “no inflammatory speeches were made” during the Ahrar Conference. However, the truth was that the Ahrar jalsa was full of hateful and inflammatory speeches against Ahmadiyyat. Despite all these hateful speeches, Ahmadis remained peaceful and did not indulge in any violence.

Tahir Kamran, a notable historian from Pakistan, writes that “the Ahrar held a tabligh conference on the outskirts of Qadian,” where Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari “overstepped the mark in expressing his hatred of the Ahmadis.” (“The Pre-History of Religious Exclusionism in Contemporary Pakistan: ‘Khatam-e-Nubuwwat’ 1889–1953.” Modern Asian Studies 49, no. 6 (2015): 1840–74. www.jstor.org/stable/24734820.)

During his hateful speech against Ahmadiyyat, Attaullah Shah Bukhari used very abusive language against the Promised Messiahas, and while challenging

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

Ahmadiyyat, he said, “This is Majlis-eAhrar. It will tear you into pieces.” (Tarikhe-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, p. 192) The Munir Inquiry Report states: “One of the main activities of the Ahrar was their opposition, in one form or another, of the Ahmadis. It may indeed be said that the Ahrar took their birth in the hatred of the Ahmadis. […] In 1934, the Ahrar decided to hold a conference in Qadian itself but on the meeting having been banned, they held the conference on 2lst October of that year in the playground of the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic High School in Rajada, a village only a mile away from Qadian, where they attracted an audience of many thousands. In that conference the popular Ahrar speaker Sayyad Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari delivered a 5-hour diatribe against the Ahmadis in the course of which he said ‘things which could have no other effect but to rouse hatred of the Ahmadis in the minds of the hearers’, the professions of peace in his speech alternating with abuse and wit of a very low order.” (Report of the Court of Inquiry constituted under Punjab Act II of 1954 to enquire into the Punjab Disturbances of 1953, 1954, p. 12)

Tahrik-e-Jadid’s announcement in a series of Friday Sermons During his Friday sermon on 26 October 1934, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra commended the patience shown by Ahmadis in spite of the provocative acts by the Ahrar during the conference. Huzoorra informed members of the Jamaat about the tense situation created by the Ahrar, and said, “There is opposition from all sides, and it is your duty to uphold the dignity of the Jamaat while confronting it” and to “make whatever sacrifices you must make.” (“Tahrik-e-Jadid: The magnum opus of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud - Part 1”, Al Hakam, 30 October 2020, Issue 137, p. 5) During his next Friday Sermon, Huzoorra elaborated on the tribulations created by the Ahrar against the Jamaat and the unjust attitudes of some government officials. (Ibid.)

In his Friday Sermon on 9 November 1934, Huzoorra stated that at the time, religious and political parties were gathering against the Jamaat, and people of all religions were against them – not just people of one religion. Huzoorra said that after constantly

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praying to Allah the Almighty and after seeing a divine vision, he had prepared a scheme, which he would start outlining the following Friday. (Ibid, Part 2, Al Hakam, 6 November 2020, Issue 138, p. 10) In his book, Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Chaudhry Afzal Haq has made the false assertion that Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra had told the Ahmadis that Ahrar was the only hurdle in the way of Ahmadiyyat’s progress, and if they were defeated, Ahmadis should consider it a great victory. (Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, p. 202) However, the fact is that Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra advised Ahmadis that they ought not to consider the Ahrar agitation as the biggest hurdle in their way, but to be prepared for bigger and more dangerous trials. During his Friday Sermon on 16 November 1934, Huzoorra said: “Greater trials are yet to come before the Jamaat,” and Ahmadis must realise that these hardships are “a prelude to great battles, and there are even greater trials than this to come which will be faced by the Jamaat.

We are not to spread Ahmadiyyat in any one city or country, but it is to be promulgated to the whole world. So, while our goal is to compete with the whole world, how could we assume that we can easily conquer the whole world after overcoming Chaudhry Afzal Haq Sahib of Lahore, Maulvi Mazhar Ali Sahib, Ataullah Sahib Bukhari, and Maulvi Zafar Ali Sahib and their friends?” (“Tahrik-e-Jadid: The magnum opus of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud - Part 2”, Al Hakam, 6 November 2020, Issue 138, p. 11) Huzoorra explained that the ongoing trouble against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya was religious, economic and political at the same time. The people may despise us, but the Jamaat does not have enmity for anyone.

The Jamaat is a well-wisher for Muslims and Hindus alike; in fact, the Jamaat wishes everyone well. (Ibid) During his Friday Sermons on 23 and 30 November 1934, Huzoorra outlined the details of the Tahrik-e-Jadid scheme in the shape of nineteen demands. (Ibid., Part 2 and 3, Al Hakam, 6 and 13 November 2020, Issue 138 and 139)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra speech at Jalsa Qadian During his inaugural speech at the Jalsa

Salana 1934, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned various glad tidings of God Almighty which were granted to the Promised Messiahas, for instance: ‫ریت �ت غ‬ ‫ی ن‬ ‫ی‬ ‫زنیم ےک انکروں کت اچنہپؤں اگ۔‬ ‫ںیم ی�ری �بل�ی� وک‬ “I shall carry your message to the ends of the earth.”(Tadhkirah [English], p. 407) Huzoorra continued: “Nowadays, some people proclaim, ‘We will efface Ahmadiyyat’, others claim that ‘We have effaced Ahmadiyyat’, and certain individuals write ‘Fatih-e-Qadian’ [conqueror of Qadian] along with their names as well. However, every sane and wise person witnesses and understands that neither any ‘conqueror of Qadian’ has ever been born nor will ever be born, but rather, it is Qadian that is [spiritually] conquering the world. [...] No other sect is being opposed as much as opposition has been carried out against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, and is still continuing; however, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has continued to flourish, is still growing, and will continue to do so. [...]

“Satan will leave no stone unturned to attack along with all of its ‘armies’, however, this Community will flourish, it will flourish, and it will surely flourish.

At last, the ones who have stood to efface it, will themselves be effaced. The world would witness every town of the world as the manifestation of Qadian, meaning, Ahmadis will be victorious in every town of the world, and they would exceed the others in numbers. […] Thus, I call the attention of the members that they should benefit from whichever opportunity they get to make a sacrifice, with sincerity, love, courage and steadfastness, so that God Almighty showers His special grace and blessings, and may we reach such level of progress which is essential for us to attain.” (Iftitahi Taqrir Jalsa Salana 1934, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 13, pp. 310-312)

Who was serving Islam?

On one hand, Ahmadiyyat had been serving to propagate the beautiful teachings of Islam for a half-century or so, and its Imam, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, had recently launched the grand scheme of Tahrik-e-Jadid to enhance this endeavour, one must ponder what Ahrar were doing. In this regard, Chaudhry Afzal Haq stated during a speech at the Ahrar Tabligh Conference in Delhi in April 1941: “I have heard the beauties and hallmarks of Islam being narrated during hundreds of speeches, however, I have not heard any Ahrar leader advising the Muslims to fulfil their religious and tablighi duties and to present the gift of Islam to the non-Muslims.”

(Khutbat-e-Ahrar, Vol. 1, compiled by Agha Shorish Kashmiri, Maktaba-e-Ahrar, Lahore, 1944, p. 74)

Ahrar’s strategy: ‘Appealing to mob psychology’ On 9 January 1935, The Civil and Military Gazette published a certain Muslim’s ‘Letter to the Editor’, which stated: “The Ahrar leaders” have “adopted a new course to win the favour of the Muslim masses by appealing to mob psychology.

Today their whole attention is engaged in trying to discredit the Ahmadiyya community. [...] It is sad that the Ahrars should be doing a great harm to the Muslim cause as a whole—harm that will lead to

terrible consequence; for Muslim India.

Let this be a timely warning to the Ahrars lest it should be too late.” The Ahrar “want to discard the members of the same creed, demanding from the Government that the Ahmadies should be treated as a separate minority. This will be a great blow to the Muslims, for even at present they exist as a poor minority, and with the departure of the Ahmadies they will be left poorer still. [...] It remains the greatest tragedy of Indian Muslims, who still continue to be a backward community. Will the Ahrar leaders ponder over this vital point and exercise a measure of tolerance with regard to the Ahmadi problem?”

Governor’s letter The then Governor of Punjab Sir Herbert William Emerson wrote to the then Viceroy of India Lord Linlithgow, on 19 October 1936, and mentioned the Ahrar’s antiAhmadiyya agitation. He stated: “For some years Ahrars have been carrying on a most virulent campaign against the Ahmadis of Qadian, and especially against the present head of the community.

In this campaign they had the sympathy of a large number of orthodox Muslims, and for some time the situation was one of great potential danger. It looked as if there might be a very widespread Muslim movement against the Ahmadis, and that it would be difficult for [the] Government to protect the latter. The Ahrars had found a popular platform; they were entirely unscrupulous in making the best use of it; and by raising the cry of ‘Danger to Islam’ they were fast increasing their strength.” (Punjab Politics, 1936-1939: The Start of Provincial Autonomy [Governor’s Fortnightly Reports and other Key Documents], Lionel Carter (ed.), Manohar, 2004, p. 51) Further in this letter, he wrote: “They are anti-Government and have flirted with Congress from time to time. They have no outstanding leaders of position, but have several good mob orators.” (Ibid.)

All-India National League The Ahrar were continuously intensifying their anti-Ahmadiyya campaign, and the Jamaat was calling the attention of the Government to realise the severity of the situation. However, despite all these efforts, the Government was not only failing to eradicate these mischievous acts of the Ahrar, rather, some of the members of the Punjab Government were apparently supporting Ahrar in some form or another.

Hence, on 25 January 1935, an organisation named “All-India National League” was formed with the aim of safeguarding the rights of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and informing the Government about the true facts of the prevailing circumstances, so they could take the necessary actions.

Section 144 in Qadian Due to the chaotic situation created by the Ahrar, the District Magistrate of Gurdaspur announced on 30 January 1935, the implementation of Section 144 in Qadian, for two months, under the Criminal Procedure Code. This step hugely impacted the daily routine life of the residents of Qadian and limited their movements and work to a great extent.

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

An article by The Civil and Military Gazette

The Civil and Military Gazette published a lengthy article on 9 February 1935, under the heading “Unrest at Qadian, Khalifa’s Statement on Ahmadya-Ahrar Friction”, and stated that one of their correspondents had a conversation with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Unfortunately, this article also included certain points which were wrongly attributed to Huzoorra, and some of his words were misquoted. Thus, Huzoorra wrote an article to eradicate the misunderstandings created by this article. Huzoorra stated that since he was well aware of the fact that the interview was being held at night amidst insufficient light, and it would be very difficult for the press correspondent to accurately note down the key points of such a long discussion, thus, Huzoorra had also provided him all the relevant newspapers to later consult with. However, Huzoorra said, the press correspondent still made such huge mistakes while publishing the article. This article of Huzoorra was published in Al Fazl on 12 February 1935.

The Ahrar were continuously attempting to create disorder in Qadian, and while mentioning it, The Civil and Military Gazette stated in the above-mentioned article: “The Khalifa Sahib described in detail the anti-Ahmadya activities of the Ahrars, who, he said, had been harassing his followers and threatening him with murder. He added that several attempts had been made on his life. The Khalifa Sahib described how a man named Mathews, recently tried on a charge of murder, had confessed in his statement in a court of law that he had listened to Ahrars at Batala and had come to the conclusion that the Khalifa Sahib was ‘an undesirable person and should be killed.’ With this object in view he went to Qadian, but failed.’ [...]

“Recently a boy aged about thirteen was caught by a personal attendant of the Khalifa Sahib with a dagger hidden in his trousers.

He was convicted. In another case, a young man went to Qadian with similar intentions but on seeing and hearing the Khalifa Sahib he confessed the object of his visit and declared his faith in him from that day. On Monday last a young Pathan, who gave his name as Sardar Khan of Peshawar, went to Qadian and said that he had gone there to declare his faith in the Khalifa Sahib. His talk gave rise to suspicion and he was handed over to the police, who on investigation, are alleged to have learnt that his real name was Feroz Din, that he belonged to Lahore, and that he had gone there with foul intentions.

I have since verified that the police are prosecuting Feroz Din. [...]

“During last Christmas week, when the Ahmadyas assembled in thousands to attend their annual conference at Qadian, the Ahraris also mustered strong and they distributed filthy literature amongst men, women and children of the Ahmadyas.

This infuriated the latter and some of them approached their Head to take action in this matter. The Khalifa Sahib advised them to remain peaceful [...and] they were not

to go beyond the laws of the Government and Islam and to act according to the past traditions of their community.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 9 February 1935, p. 6) In the following months, the Ahrar continued the anti-Ahmadiyya propaganda, and published inflammatory literature as well: “Several pamphlets against the Ahmadyas have been proscribed, editors have been warned and searches made in this connection. A prominent leader of the Ahraris, Maulana Sayed Attaullah Shah Bokhari, has been prosecuted, at considerable expenditure to the Government for some of his speeches delivered at Qadian.

The fact that the whole of the Ahrar Press is attacking the Government as pro-Ahmadya and that Ahmadyas are not satisfied at the present state of affairs, leads one to believe that the Government is pursuing a middle course of even handed justice.” (Ibid.)

‘Seek help from God’: Guidance to Ahmadis by Huzoorra On one hand, the Ahrar were leaving no stone unturned to harm Ahmadiyyat, on the other, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was granting valuable guidance to Ahmadis during his various speeches.

During his Friday Sermon on 8 February 1935, Huzoorra advised the members of the Jamaat to endure the ongoing opposition and hardships with patience and prayers, and said that the hardships that are faced by the Divine communities are in fact the prelude to the great victories. (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 16, pp. 108-112) During his Friday Sermon on 22 March 1935, Huzoorra said: “All communities are determined to oppose and humiliate us, and we have no other way than to reach out to our Lord and to pray: ‘O God, we have been made subject to disrepute, persecution, injustice and hardships without any reason, and we have been disrespected and dishonoured.

We do not possess any power to confront the opponents, thus, manifest Your Power, since You are All-Powerful. O King of the kings, manifest Your Kingship. O Master, manifest your Mastership and stop them and help us.’ [...]

“We have treated everyone in this world with humbleness and meekness,” and “have repeatedly said that we are not the enemy of anyone, and By God, we are well-wishers of everyone, but our words were discredited, our friendliness was ignored, our claims of obedience [to the rule of law] were made fun of, and it was said that ‘They are rebels.’ [...]

“I call the attention of those for whose strength, power and betterment we are striving [Muslims]; we are those who sacrifice lives for the sake of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and offer sacrifices for the sake of Faith. Then, I call the attention of the Hindus and Sikhs to the fact that God is a Witness that we are not their enemy, we present to them Islam because we believe that therein lies their salvation.

We do not wish for them to be disrespected or disreputed, but rather, we are their wellwishers. Then, I say to the Government that we do not desire any government; we have been born to serve [the nation]. [...]

“We ought to seek help from God, but even then, we do not say that God may destroy them; rather, we only pray that He may reform their hearts and correct them.

If they do not reform themselves despite being called out, we seek refuge from their evil, and if they reform themselves, may Allah the Almighty have mercy on them.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 16, pp. 220-221)

plans, and will manifest the innocence of our Jamaat and that we are being oppressed.”

(Al Hakam, 28 March and 7 April 1935, p. 1)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in Gurdaspur

On 2 April 1935, the Lahore High Court issued a ruling against the implementation of Section 144 in Qadian: “The restrictions which were imposed upon the residents of Qadian by the District Magistrate of Gurdaspur under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and which remained in force from January 30 to March 30 last were invalid, according to a judgment delivered by Mr Justice Currie of the Lahore High Court on Tuesday.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 3 April 1935, p. 6)

Towards the end of March 1935, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra visited Gurdaspur, to record his statement on the case against Ahrari leader Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari, for his inflammatory speech at the Ahrar Conference in Qadian.

Huzoorra visited Gurdaspur on 23 March.

While the statement was still being recorded, the court session was adjourned for a short break. Huzoorra proceeded to a temporary camp established for Huzoorra and his entourage. After having lunch, Huzoorra led the Zuhr prayer there and proceeded to the courtroom again. While the statement was yet to be completed, the court session was adjourned for 25 March 1935. (Al Hakam, 28 March and 7 April 1935, pp. 5-6) Upon returning to the camp, Huzoorra delivered a short address in which he said that the believers should never get frightened by hardships, and since “it is the practice of Allah the Almighty to make the followers of prophets walk on the thorns [of opposition], we ought to understand that we would also have to endure hardships and trials; however, the ultimate victory is destined for us. You are required to supplicate, seek prayers, and inculcate the love of God Almighty in your hearts.” (Ibid., p. 7) Reporting about Huzoor’sra statement, The Civil and Military Gazette wrote on 25 March 1935, “Khalifa Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud, head of the Ahmadya community, appeared as a defence witness today [23 March 1935] in a case against Attaullah Shah Bokhari, the Ahrar leader, who is being tried on a charge of promoting hatred between two communities. The case arose out of a speech delivered by the accused at the Ahrar Conference in last October in Qadian. [...] The evidence of the Khalifa had not concluded when the hearing adjourned to Monday.”

On 25 March 1935, Huzoorra went to Gurdaspur again via a special train to continue his statement in the court.

Huzoorra continued his statement, and then the court session was adjourned for a short break. Huzoorra proceeded to the camp, where he delivered a short speech, in which he advised the Jamaat to endure with patience and prayers. Huzoorra said that Divine communities are decreed to face severe opposition, however, they ultimately overpower their opponents. (Ahmadiyyat Destiny and Progress, pp. 27-32)

Section 144 declared invalid

Ahrar Conference in Lahore On 19-21 April 1935, the Ahrar held a conference in Lahore, where they “congratulated Bahawalpur on the judgment of a District Judge declaring the” Ahmadis “‘to be outside the pale of Islam’” and “opposed the appointment of Chowdhry Zafrullah Khan to the Executive Council.”

(The Civil and Military Gazette, 23 April 1935, p. 8)

Judgement on Bukhari’s case On 25 April 1935, the Magistrate Court in Gurdaspur announced its verdict on the case against Ataullah Shah Bukhari: “The trial of the Ahrar leader, Syed Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari, in the court of a Gurdaspur Magistrate on a charge of creating hatred between two classes of His Majesty’s subjects, ended on Thursday and resulted in a conviction. The accused was awarded six months’ imprisonment and recommended to be treated as a ‘B’ class prisoner. The case, which created considerable interest among Punjab Muslims, arose from a speech delivered by the accused at an Ahrar conference in Qadian about six months ago.

The object of the conference was religious propaganda against the tenets of the Qadiani sect of Muslims.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 26 April 1935, p. 6) (To be continued)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra special message On 30 March 1935, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra issued a special message for the members of the Jamaat, in which he advised the Jamaat “to control their emotions, to remain silent even if they are beaten, and to not care even if they are abused. On the contrary, with patience and endurance, they are required to fail the efforts that are being exerted to malign the Jamaat by the Ahrar and the officials who are backing them. [...] God Almighty will soon manifest His Power, and will fail the opponents in their

The Civil and Military Gazette, 26 April 1935

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

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Guidance from the Almighty: A Jewish man’s journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat Mohammed Sbahuddin Rafiuddin UK

In January 2022, I was given the honour to serve as the Regional Nazim Tabligh for Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Hertfordshire, UK. I travelled to each qiadat [local majlis] within my region to engage in tabligh (preaching). Before my trip to Cambridge on 10 January 2022, I wrote a letter to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stating that I would be travelling to Cambridge for the purpose of tabligh and requested his prayers. Beloved Huzooraa replied to my letter and said, “May Allah bless your tabligh efforts, and may your tabligh reach worthy souls.”

So, on 10 January 2022, I travelled to Cambridge and stood in the pouring rain outside the Cambridge Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, handing out leaflets containing brief information and the message of Ahmadiyyat. However, despite my efforts, everyone ignored me and simply walked past, showing no interest whatsoever. Then, one man stopped and asked me what I was doing. He mentioned that he had been observing me for a few minutes and had noticed my determination to distribute leaflets despite the rainy and cold weather. This left, he said, an impression on his heart, prompting him to approach me and ask questions about the message I was spreading.

I explained that I was from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and provided him with a brief introduction to the Jamaat’s beliefs. He mentioned that he

Eamonn Sweeney (right) with Huzoor-e-Aqdasaa on 25 June 2023 | Courtesy of AMA UK

worked in Islamic Finance and expressed interest in learning more about the Jamaat.

I then collected his contact details, and we agreed to meet up for further discussions.

Subsequently, we met at a coffee shop a few weeks later, where I had the opportunity to get to know him better. During our conversation, I discovered that he had been a senior lecturer in Economics with a specialisation in Islamic Finance for over 17 years.

I had weekly meetings with him starting in January 2022, during which I answered, to the best of my ability, his questions about Islam and Ahmadiyyat. Over time, he became increasingly eager to learn more.

Unsplash | Julius Dūdėnas

The first book I gave him was The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, which he loved.

Following that, I provided him with the book An Introduction to Ahmadiyyat, which he also greatly appreciated. He then independently purchased The Great Western Revival from the internet and read it with great enthusiasm, along with Jesus in India and many other books from the Jamaat. His interest in Ahmadiyyat continued to grow.

He explained to me that during his 17 years of working in Islamic Finance, his heart had grown closer to the teachings of Islam. This was due to Islam’s emphasis on equity, absolute justice, and fairness, which he had encountered in Islamic Finance.

However, over the years he worked in Islamic Finance, he encountered many senior scholars and muftis from Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, and various other branches of Islam, but none of them could answer his questions about Islam, nor did any of them satisfy his heart. During this time, I assured him that if he was sincere and honest in his search for the truth and prayed to Allah sincerely, then Allah would open his heart to accepting the truth of Islam Ahmadiyyat. I subsequently took him to meet Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib and Naseem Bajwa Sahib, both missionaries of the Jamaat, who answered his questions.

He expressed that he was deeply moved by their humility and knowledge.

During this time, he began watching MTA regularly and listened to the English translation of beloved Huzoor’saa Friday Sermons. Additionally, he personally wrote a letter to beloved Huzooraa every

Friday, requesting prayers for his journey to the truth. Subsequently, he had some dreams that revealed the truthfulness of Ahmadiyyat to him, which transformed his interest in Ahmadiyyat into an absolute conviction of its truthfulness. These dreams had a powerful impact on his heart.

In one particular dream, he found himself in a warzone with bombs detonating all around him, creating a life-and-death situation. However, the instruction in the dream was clear: he had to stay close to me at all times, as I was there to guide him amidst the bloodshed and violence of the war. This dream immediately convinced him that it was a sign from Allah in response to his supplications for guidance and to determine whether Ahmadiyyat was the truth or not. After a year of research and prayer to Allah for guidance, he embraced Islam Ahmadiyyat on 10 December 2022.

Alhamdulillah.

However, since becoming an Ahmadi, some of his family members have disowned him, and he has lost several employment contracts with Islamic universities where he used to teach Islamic Finance. These universities no longer want him to lecture their students because he has now embraced Ahmadiyyat. He is also enduring a battle with cancer, which persists in its spread. He is encountering multiple trials and hardships, but he remains grateful to Allah for blessing him with the gift of Islam Ahmadiyyat, and he remains steadfast in his faith.

He is currently deeply engaged in tabligh activities within the Cambridge Jamaat and is on a mission to assist in building the first purpose-built Ahmadi Mosque in Cambridge, England. Eamonn Sweeney had the blessing of a mulaqat with beloved Huzooraa on 25 June 2023, along with Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib, Secretary Tabligh, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, and myself. During this meeting, Eamonn and my humble self shared with beloved Huzooraa the inspiring and amazing story of how Allah guided an English Jewish man to embrace Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Alhamdulillah.

Indeed, it is solely through Allah’s grace that a person is guided towards the Truth.

Hence, our hearts brim with gratitude for divine guidance, fervently hoping that this story of faith continues to inspire many souls. We pray that God bestows upon Brother Eamonn steadfastness, grants him a swift and complete recovery, and blesses him with a long, healthy life in the service of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

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Berlin Mosque and Eid in Africa

Years Ago... Al Fazl, 5 October 1923 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Foundation of Berlin Mosque On 2 August [1923], as previously reported, the foundation stone of the Berlin Ahmadiyya Mosque was laid. Around 400 people accepted the invitation and attended this auspicious occasion. Among them, the number of Almanians [Germanic peoples] was higher than that of other foreign Muslims. Some of the prominent people in attendance included the German Minister of Interior, the German Minister of Public Welfare, and many other high officials. Moreover, His Excellency, Ambassador of Afghanistan, Imam Bukhari of Turkey, Professor Mirza Hassan Irani, Professor Kemp Famer and Dr Schmelz were also present. Apart from them, many famous German scholars, businessmen and newspaper correspondents were also present.

There were four Ahmadis in this fortunate gathering: Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib, the missionary of Islam; Dr Attaullah Butt Sahib with his brother; and Muhammad Ishaq Khan Sahib, the son of our sincere friend, the late Mistri Qutbuddin Sahib. Along with these Ahmadis, the fifth thing was the presence of “Truth” that the Promised Messiahas brought to this world.

Surely, it [the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat] will continue to prevail despite the efforts of opponents against it.

In this gathering, after reciting Surah alFatihah and Surah al-Asr, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib explained the purpose and objectives of the Berlin Mosque in English.

He expressed how the women of Ahmadiyya Jamaat had offered monetary sacrifice for this mosque and that this place would be the centre of the propagation of Islam in Europe. It will also fulfil the desperate need of Berlin’s countless Muslims for a place of worship. We will invite leaders of different faiths to this place, and an opportunity will be given for the unbiased study of Islam as well as other world religions.

Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib laid great emphasis on two things: (1) The door of this mosque will be open to every Muslim without any distinction of race or ethnicity, and (2) This mosque is a manifestation of the great sacrifice of Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s women and an example worth following for the Muslim world.

The members of the wicked clan are present everywhere, and opposition to the truth is inevitable, so on this very occasion, an inhabitant of Egypt made a huge clamour and called the Ahmadi missionary a British spy. The police escorted this deceiver out of the gathering and after his expulsion,

Professor Mirza Hassan Sahib, Syed Muhammad Hashim Inspector, Afghan students and His Excellency, Ambassador of Afghanistan, thanked the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and expressed delight at the establishment of the mosque.

In the end, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib mentioned the unjustified opposition that some so-called Muslims of India possess against the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and also refuted the false accusation of that student from Egypt. He said, “We are a religious party, and the work of faith is our aim and objective.” Mubarak Ali Sahib then expressed gratitude to the audience, and after a silent prayer, the event concluded.

We sincerely congratulate the Jamaat of Messiah Ahmadas, Ahmadi women and [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra], the promised son of our Holy Founderas. A detailed account of this gathering has been published in the German newspapers. The translation of some of those newspaper cuttings will be presented to the readers in a coming [issue

the Holy Prophet.

“Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Nigeria Branch “Gathering on the occasion of Eid-ulAdha “The above-mentioned Jamaat will hold a sermon and a gathering on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha on 23 July [1923] from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm in Jami‘ Masjid Ahmadiyya, located at 37 Aroloya St. Lagos.

“Under the presidency of the chief imam Dabri, a special lecture on ‘Obedience of Allah the Almighty’ will be delivered by alfa [cleric] Ismail Sheta with the assistance of imam Qasim R Ajose (missionary of Ahmadiyya Jamaat).

“The event will be concluded with a silent prayer led by ‘Alfa Junaid’.

“Insha-Allah, Eid-ul-Adha prayer will be offered on Tuesday, 24 July [1923] at 10 am.

After the prayer, imam Muhammad Dabri (chief imam of Ahmadiyya Jamaat) will deliver a sermon on the ‘Purpose of Sacrifice’ with the assistance of Qasim R Ajose, in the Eid Gah located at Ikoyi, [Lagos].

of Eid takbirs, and the entire assembly memorised them.

Imam Ajose writes: “It was a very delightful night for us.

On 24 July [1923], the Eid congregation gathered at Bamgbose Hall, and we left for Eid Gah at 9 o’clock. Four horse riders moved along with us. The opponents were escorted out of the Eid Gah by the police, and the route was specially cleared for us.

Resident Sahib and the Chief Clerk were also present at the Eid Gah until the end of the prayer. By the grace of God, this year’s Eid congregation and general arrangements were much better than the previous years, alhamdulillah.

Thanks to government Almost all Nigerian government offices are staffed by Christians because Muslims do not pay attention to education. However, a few Muslims are employed in government positions now. Due to the greater number of Christian officials, only Christian festivals are celebrated as holidays. There was no holiday for Muslims even during the days of Eid. Now, the government has ordered, on the request of the organising committee of Ahmadiyya Jamaat, that one holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and two holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha be allowed to be given to Muslim government employees.

The Ahmadiyya Jamaat is grateful for this kind approval. Since Allah the Almighty has entrusted us with the work of the faith of Islam and its preservation, we congratulate Lagos Jamaat for playing their part in this cause.

Eid in Gold Coast

Tadib-un-Nisa, April 1923: Artist’s impression of the Berlin Mosque

of Al Fazl], insha-Allah.

Eid-ul-Adha in West Africa On the evening of 22 July [1923], the following detailed announcement was posted in the streets of Lagos, West Africa’s largest city. Now imagine that, sailing through the Atlantic Ocean, you have landed on the eastern coast of [Africa], and then upon reaching Nigeria and passing through the streets of Lagos, you read this newly posted announcement as an observer: “In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

“Peace and blessings of Allah be upon

“A sitting will be arranged beneath the shady trees of Cashew for the members of every faith and nation who are interested in the religion of Islam.

“Ahmadiyya Hall, 62 Bamgbose St., Lagos, 19 July 1923, MBA Ade, General Secretary Ahmadiyya Jamaat.”

Eid gathering According to the announcement, on the evening of 23 July [1923] alfa Ismail Sheta’s remarkable and effective lecture on ‘Obedience to Allah the Almighty’ was held in front of a big crowd. Alfa Shodande, secretary tabligh, explained the number

General Secretary Gold Coast Jamaat writes: “A group of Fante Ahmadi Muslims offered their Eid prayer on 25 July at Accrafol constituency.

“After the prayer, Maulvi Fazlur Rahman Hakeem Sahib, missionary of Ahmadiyya Jamaat, delivered a very interesting sermon in English. It was translated into the Fante language by Mr Kenson.

“Maulvi Sahib explained the philosophy of sacrifice and the history of sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahimas in a very effective way and advised the audience to start a new life from here onwards by slaughtering their strong carnal desires.

“Despite his illness, Maulvi Fazlur Rahman Hakeem Sahib spoke for almost two hours. Praise be to Allah the Almighty, the Eid proceedings and gathering concluded successfully. […]”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 5 October 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023

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Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

15 September 2023 Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Begum: A true servant of Allah After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

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

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, she was a musiyah [part of the al-Wasiyyat Scheme] and contributed at the rate of 1/9. I will mention some details of her life.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the Jalsa Salana [annual convention] in 1951, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra led the nikah [marriage announcement] of Hazrat Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib with her and said: “Owing to certain reasons, I

wish to announce two nikah ceremonies prior to the inaugural session of the Jalsa.” One was hers, and the other was of the daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. He said: “I will only lead two nikah ceremonies. If I had announced this earlier, many requests for leading nikahs would have been received. If there are too many [marriage announcements] during the Jalsa occasion, the time for the speech would also have reduced.” Nevertheless, he led these two nikahs on the occasion of this Jalsa. Her paternal cousin, Sayyid Da’ud Ahmad Sahib, was appointed as her Wakeel [a representative]. During the marriage announcement, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also said: “I generally only wed off my daughters to life devotees [of the Jamaat].”

Amatul Naseer Sahiba was married to Pir Muinuddin Sahib. (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 3, pp. 650-651) When she was married, on the request of Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib’sra wife, Hazrat Khalifat-ul-Masih IIra attended the Rukhsatana [sending off the bride to her new home] from the side of the girl. He was not part of the groom’s procession, i.e., of his son’s; rather, he attended from the side of the girl. (Al-Fazl Lahore, 26th October 1952, p.30) Allah the Almighty blessed them with three daughters and one son. One of her daughters, Amatul Aleem Sahiba, is currently the Sadr Lajna of Pakistan [National President of the women’s auxiliary organisation]. She is the wife of Mansoor Ahmad Khan Sahib, Wakil-eA’la, Tahrik-e-Jadid. With regard to the other two daughters, one of them, Amatul Kareem Sahiba, is the wife of Captain Majid Sahib. Amatul Raoof Sahiba is the wife of Dr Ibrahim Munib Sahib. Mirza Kalim Ahmad is their son, who lives in America.

It had only been a few days since his wedding, and Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib was arranging the documents for his wife in order to take her back with him. As is usually the case, relations between Pakistan and India fluctuate greatly. Tensions were

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

It is the Divine decree of Allah the Almighty that whoever comes into this world, after spending some time here, will eventually depart. However, most fortunate are those who leave behind good memories; who were beneficial to others; who demonstrated through their actions that they gave precedence to their faith over the world; who tried to act upon the commandments of Allah and His Messengersa, who strove to fulfil the objective of their pledge of allegiance [bai‘at] to the Promised Messiahas; those who are truly loyal to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat; who tried their utmost to fulfil the rights owed to humanity; who always tried to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty; and for whom everyone utters only complimentary words.

As such, according to the Holy Prophetsa, they become destined for Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-jana’iz, Hadith 1367) Today, I shall speak about an individual who tried to live their life in accordance with the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. I will speak about respected Amatul Quddoos Sahiba, who was the daughter of Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra and the wife of the late Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib. She was the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Although she lived in Qadian, these days she was visiting her daughters in Rabwah, where she passed away at the age of 96.

high in those days, upon which Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said to him: “The documents of your wife will be processed in due time. Leave her and immediately return to Qadian, since [at least] one individual from the family of the Promised Messiahas should be present there. Immediately book your seat on the plane. Even if no seats are available, it is essential that you go, even if you have to travel on a chartered flight.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said:

“The reason for this is that if you are not there and are unable to set an example for others of making sacrifices, how will the people then make sacrifices?” Although this was a sacrifice made by Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib, it was also a sacrifice on the part of Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Sahiba.

It was uncertain when the documents would be completed and the circumstances were difficult and could have worsened.

However, it was the order of the Khalifa

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Friday 13 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

of the time and with great contentment, she bid farewell to her husband and gave precedence to her religion over the world.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was at the airport in Lahore in order to bid farewell to Mian Waseem Ahmad Sahib.

Dr Hashmatullah Sahib said: “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra remained standing at the airport, continuously looking at the aeroplane, and continued to pray until it departed and was out of view.” Then, when the documents of his wife were completed, she said: “One year after my marriage, I was about to leave for Qadian. Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra specifically advised me to stay in the house of Umm-e-Nasir, which the Promised Messiahas visited frequently and had delivered lectures in the courtyard as well.” (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 5, pp. 180181, 184-185) After moving to Qadian, Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Sahiba played a vital role in gathering together, organising and comforting the women of the Community, including the wives and children of the Darweshan. As a result, the women there felt at ease. I have received countless letters from the wives and daughters of the Darweshan there.

Having arrived in London, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh delivered the first sermon on 4 May 1984. Therein he called upon the Ahmadis of the world with the words of the Promised Messiahas:

ۤ َۡ ّٰ ‫َم ۡن ان َﺼارِ ۡی ِالَی الل ِہ‬

[“Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah?”], and announced a wide-scale programme for the propagation of Islam.

(Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 3, pp. 232-233, [Friday Sermon, 4 May 1984]) He also stated that there was a need for a large complex for these objectives. There was a need to build two new centres for Europe – one in England and the other in Germany.

For this purpose, Allah the Almighty will provide the wealth out of His grace, and he encouraged the people to partake in this initiative. (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 3, pp. 264266, [Friday Sermon 18 May 1984]) The women of Qadian once again responded to this with full passion and

loyalty. Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Sahiba was serving as the Sadr Lajna India. In her report, she mentioned that after starting this scheme, by the grace of Allah, Lajna Imaillah of India answered the call of Huzoorrh and wholeheartedly participated by presenting whatever jewellery and money they had. She herself also gave all of her jewellery.

Among the Lajna of India, the first promises that were sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was from the Lajna of Qadian.

Thereupon, during the Friday sermon on 10 August 1984, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh mentioned the Lajna of Qadian, stating, “I have received a report about the Lajna [women] of Qadian, and I was waiting for this, because when sacrifices of the Tahrike-Jadid scheme were initiated, it was the women of Qadian who had the honour of displaying extraordinary sacrifices.

Now, very few women remain there, but no matter how many there are, I was still awaiting news in relation to them, as it is their right to remain at the forefront in the field of sacrifice, and just as they elevated the name of Qadian in that time, it shall now also be elevated. So, Alhamdulillah [All praise is due to Allah], I have received the report from there as well. Sadr Lajna of India informs me that she sent the promises of the Lajna and Nasirat of Qadian for the new centres to me on 16 July. She wrote that the sermons [of His Holinessrh] instilled a great yearning within the women, and by the grace of Allah, they gave whatever they possessed. But even then, this yearning was not extinguished. They are so passionate that if they possessed anything else, they would have presented it in the way of God.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 3, p. 434, [Friday Sermon, 10 August 1984]) This was the letter sent by Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Sahiba to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. In 1991, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh travelled to Qadian, India, and stated, “I cannot say this regarding all the Lajna of India, but by the grace of Allah, I can say with regards to the Lajna of Qadian that they display unparalleled examples of financial sacrifice. The Qadian Jamaat is

very poor, yet I have always witnessed that when an appeal is made, the women and girls here come forward with such great zeal and passion, that at times my heart desires to stop them, saying, ‘Enough, you do not have the means to do so.’ Truthfully, along with joy, I also worry for them, but then I think that the One for Whom they make these sacrifices knows full well how to reward them bountifully. The same Allah, out of His grace, shall grant them abundantly in the future, both in their faith and worldly provisions.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh further states, “On one occasion, when I made an appeal for the centres, the Ahmadi girls broke open their money boxes and gave away the few coins they had saved for the sake of their faith.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh then stated, “How Benevolent and Glorious is our Lord! At times, devoid of any love or fervour, even the millions laid at His feet are rejected and He does not accept them as they have no value. However, when one sincere, but poor individual presents all the money he has out of love, He accepts it with even more love and affection. Just as you accept gifts from your loved ones and hold them dear, God also has ways of demonstrating His acceptance. I know and have certainty that through such ways of His, God will have most certainly valued even this paltry amount of money.” (Hawwa Ki Betiyan, pp. 87-88, Address to the ladies at the Jalsa Salana Qadian 27 December 1991) This is an extract of what he said during his address to the women there at the Jalsa Salana [annual gathering].

When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent her [Amatul Quddoos Sahiba] to Qadian, he advised her that she should form a bond amongst the women of the various jamaats.

When she went there, she was appointed as the general secretary of Qadian. Then, in 1955, she served as the local Sadr Lajna, and was later elected as the Sadr Lajna of India. In 1959, the elections took place to elect a different local Sadr Lajna, and she continued to work as the Sadr Lajna of India. By the grace of Allah, she continued to serve in this capacity until 1999, and after

this, she remained an honorary member.

During her tenure, she also toured various jamaats throughout India, and so her years of service span 46 years. There were many difficulties at the beginning when organising the tasks of Lajna. She would write letters even though she did not receive replies [initially]. Then she wrote under the address of Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib. Through these efforts, she gradually united the local Jamaats there.

There are many different local languages in India. Many letters she received were written in different languages, and this was also another challenge. Hence, these letters were translated with the help of local missionaries. Gradually, she began to accompany Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib on tours to remote branches of the Community. In this way, she organised the various local branches of the community that required a great deal of help following the partition [of the sub-continent].

Her daughter, Amatul Aleem, writes, “During the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, she also made a team that was responsible for summarising letters received from India. Huzoorrh was sent these summaries, and he was greatly pleased by this work. She rendered great services with respect to the Quran. She has taught the Holy Quran to over 250 girls in Qadian.

Schoolgirls would come in groups to learn the Holy Quran; first in the early morning, followed by the afternoon. In India, some girls who had completed their FA or FSC would come to stay in Qadian for three months during their break from school.”

Her daughter continues, “Our mother would teach those girls the translation of the Holy Quran in the morning, afternoon and evening. She was able to thoroughly organise the Lajna members. She taught others how to work with great vigour. She would advise others to build a relationship with Khilafat through anecdotes, and by hearing these anecdotes, girls and women would grow in their bond with Khilafat.

The hospitality of guests was one of her salient qualities.”

Her daughter further says, “She always supported our father. They lived through very poor conditions. In the afternoon, all they had to eat was lentils, and our father had kept a cow for milk. Whenever a guest would come, she would present whatever she had prepared without any hesitation.

She would also present guests with drinks or tea according to the season of the year. Afterwards, when their conditions improved, she presented guests with food accordingly. People would come to visit her home, considering it their own. She was a good wife and was very supportive at all times, even during times of hardship.

She never made any demands. She would happily manage with whatever funds were given to her by her husband, Mian Waseem Ahmad Sahib. As a result, Allah the Almighty would bestow extraordinary blessings upon that wealth. She was meticulous and well-organised.”

Her daughter continues, “When Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib passed away, my mother had a dream in which she was going on a final journey, as though she was also preparing to leave. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh appeared to her in the dream and said that her visa had not yet been approved.

Thus, by the grace of Allah, she lived for a

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 October 2023 long time even after that dream.”

In 2007, Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib fell ill, but soon after, Allah the Almighty restored his health. Upon his recovery, he planned to visit the jamaats local branches in Hyderabad and took his wife along with him. It was during that visit that Amatul Quddoos Sahiba saw the aforementioned dream and became fearful that these were perhaps the final moments of Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib. Nonetheless, at the time, he was healthy and well, but she insisted that they return to Qadian. Upon their return to Qadian, he fell ill once again, and during the course of that illness, he passed away.

In her final years, she lost her sight and also used a hearing aid. Eventually, she lost her hearing; however, despite that, she spent her time with contentment and was never ungrateful. Whenever someone enquired about her health, she always replied by saying, ‘All praise belongs to Allah’. As I have already mentioned, she immediately donated all her jewellery towards the initiative of acquiring [two] new headquarters for the Community [in Europe]. Whatever initiative was launched by the Khalifa of the time, the first contributors from Qadian were always Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib and his wife.

Her daughter says, “If we made a mistake whilst reciting the Holy Quran, even if our mother was in a different room, she would correct us from wherever she was. It was as though she had committed the Quran to memory, even though this was not the case. It was through her regular recitation of the Holy Quran that she was able to recall it. When Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib would perform the Etikaf [a period of secluded worship during the last ten days of Ramadan], she would send food for him and also for the poor people in Etikaf. Furthermore, she would also send food to the girls in boarding schools there, as well as the local missionaries. She was so considerate towards others that no matter whether she was sick, feverish or in any other condition, she would make sure to attend occasions of their happiness or times of grief. In Qadian, there were people of different standings. She would teach girls how to sew and prepare the brides for their wedding day. She had created a culture where she would live amicably with everyone. In 2005, the Lajna in Rabwah constructed Saraa-e-Masroor. It is a large building. For this initiative, instead of contributing under her own name, she contributed 100,000 rupees on behalf of her husband.”

Her daughter further says, “Following the partition, whilst in Ratan Bagh, Lahore and then in the mud homes of Rabwah, she would recite the Holy Quran to Hazrat Amma Jaanra. Hazrat Amma Janra would also listen to the Malfuzat [sayings of the Promised Messiahas] from someone, and she had the opportunity to read them to her as well.”

Her younger daughter, Amatul Raoof, says, “Shah Ji was staying in Bait-ul-Riazat, whilst Itar Din Sahib was staying in the room where the incident of the red drops took place, and Hafiz Sahib was staying in the large room belonging to Hazrat Amma Janra. Afterwards, Bhai Abdur Rahim Sahibra also stayed there. Whatever was cooked in the house would be sent to them. After the

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visiting hours for women in Bait-ul-Dua would finish, the women would come into the house. The house was always open, and there were no restrictions on visiting.

There was no doorbell either, and women could easily enter.” She further says, “When Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib passed away and Inam Ghauri Sahib was appointed as the Nazir-e-‘Ala, our mother demonstrated complete obedience and submitted requests for everything according to the correct procedure. She would give her Wasiyyat and paid the portion due from her property during her lifetime. She was also among the Daftar Awwal for the Tahrik-e-Jadid scheme. She would advise her children to offer prayers at the earliest time, because the first thing that would be brought to account [on the Day of Judgement] would be prayers. [She would say that] if they passed this, then everything else would follow suit.” She further says, “She would care for many girls; she not only provided them with an excellent upbringing, but she also taught them how to recite the Holy Quran, its translation and then arranged for their marriages. There was a man who accepted Ahmadiyyat from Bihar Ranchi along with his daughter. He was very elderly.

He brought his daughter to my mother and said, ‘I do not know how long I will live.

After my demise, this girl’s brothers will kill her, and so I request you to take her into your care.’ At the time, the girl was approximately 25 years old.” She continues, “At that age, my mother taught her how to recite the Holy Quran and its translation, despite the fact that the girl did not know the language and was uneducated. She also arranged for her to get married. In the early days, she had very little means. When a dervish’s daughter was to be married, my mother would lend her own jewellery and tell the bride that they could use it for as long as she would like, and then to return it afterwards.

Then it would be given to the following dervish’s daughter, who would be getting married. In this way, many girls benefitted from her jewellery, because, in the early period of difficulties, the circumstances of the dervishes were not very good. However, later, when their children went abroad and started earning, their circumstances improved. When they started earning money, they would send whatever savings they had back home, and the families receiving this would keep this money with her as a trust as they considered their own homes unsafe [owing to the circumstances of the time].”

She says, “Our mother had a cabinet where she kept all the trusts, whether it was someone’s jewellery, money or anything else.” She says, “I saw many different things being kept with her for safekeeping.

Whenever someone would come to retrieve their belongings, she would tell me where in the cabinet to retrieve them from. Then first, she would ask the person to whom the trust was being returned to open it in front of her to check and make sure everything was there, and she would only be at ease once the person confirmed that everything was there. All the dervishes were from good families. However, there was poverty at the time. Some girls, after completing their primary education, would go on to pursue further education. But for others, she would call them to the office to do Lajna work,

so that they would not sit idle until it was time for them to get married. Since there was no formal office, she had made a small office in her home, which is also where they would do school work. There would be quite a bit of rush there, but she would be happily carrying out her work. She was very hospitable to any girl who would come to work; if it was time to eat, then she would give them food; otherwise, she would offer them tea. Similarly, she would also be teaching the girls at the same time about how to set the table, saying that they should learn now so that when they are married into good homes, no one can ever call them ignorant. (This was the degree to which she would be concerned for these girls.) And when many of those girls were married into good homes, they had no issues owing to her training.”

Many women and girls have mentioned that this was the manner in which they were trained by her, due to which they had no issues adjusting with their in-laws.

“She also prepared the clothes and gifts for the brides with her own hands. On Eid, she herself would go to the homes of the widows of the dervishes to give them Eid gifts. Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib would also go with her, but if he could not go, then she would go on her own.”

She further says, “Someone mentioned to her that someone had built a very lavish home in Rabwah, to which she said, ‘I have spoken to Allah about one thing, that is this house of blessings which I have received (meaning she was granted the ability to live in Qadian), and I have come here as the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. This is more than enough for me. But please do give me a lofty home in Paradise.’”

This is the quality of a believer — that they are indifferent to worldly allures.

With regards to Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra, Amatul Quddoos Sahiba writes, “Since I was fond of cleanliness from my childhood, Mir Sahibra would not let anyone but me clean his room, because I would put all of his things, such as notes, books and whatever else, right back where they were after cleaning. This is why he said, ‘No one should come into my room aside from Amatul Quddoos.’”

Some girls learned how to read the Holy Quran from Abdur Rahman Jatt Sahibra.

Then, whenever a girl finished her tenthgrade exams, she would ask them whether they had started reading the translation of the Holy Quran. She says, “Whenever girls passed their tenth-grade exams, they would come to our mother and learn the translation [of the Holy Quran]. There would be three classes running at once, and she would teach them the entire translation of the Holy Quran within three years and would also teach them the grammar alongside it.” Many people women and girls – have written to me that she also taught them jurisprudence. She had a passion for teaching the entire Holy Quran and ensured that no girl would leave without learning all of it. She was also regular in offering Tahajjud. In her final illness, even when she fell extremely ill, she would still be concerned about being woken up in time to offer Tahajjud. So long as she was capable, she kept her fasts. In Ramadan, especially, she would go to the mosque for Tarawih prayers. The rest of the time she would offer prayers at home, but

during Ramadan she would especially go to the mosque for prayers.

She had profound love for Khilafat. She would write letters to the Khalifa of the time.”

Her daughter says, “If in response, she received a reply expressive of pleasure, she would very happily share it with us to show us how [the Khalifa] had expressed his pleasure.”

When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited [Qadian] in 1991, she herself arranged his room. Similarly, in 2005, when I visited [Qadian] again, she herself arranged our room, undertook all the planning and set the bed, among other things and did this work with great sincerity. Then, despite me telling her that separate arrangements for our food were already in place, she insisted that she would prepare one meal daily, which she indeed did very diligently.

Her daughter says, “After my father had passed, my mother was offering prayers and weeping; at the same time, she was repeating the same words which Hazrat Amma Janra said upon the demise of the Promised Messiahas, ‘O my Lord, though he is departing from us, however, we implore for You to not leave us.’” She says, “I have witnessed and am certain that this prayer was answered because after that (seeing as the daughters had been married in Pakistan), we received multiple visas, and were able to come and go to her, and thus she did not feel lonely.”

Her son says, “Most of the guests would come and stay at Darul Masih, and our mother would train children who were eleven and twelve years old, on how to deliver hot water to the rooms and how to tend to the needs of the guests.

Similarly, Mian Waseem Ahmad Sahib had connections with government officials, and so she would introduce the Community to their wives and then keep in touch with them afterwards.”

Satnam Singh Bajwa was a prominent politician there. After the partition, he moved to India. He was the father of Partab Singh Bajwa, who is a member of parliament these days.

Amatul Quddoos Sahiba’s son says, “His wife would also frequent our home, and she would even keep her belongings with our mother. Once, she gave something for safekeeping, and she asked (Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Sahiba) whether she had opened it to see what it was, to which she replied, ‘It is your belonging; how could I open it and look? You should check it to see if it is all there.’ She would tend to the poor.”

He further says, “Once she had gone for a visit to a village in Odisha. She did not have anything to give to the people.”

He continues, “Whatever extra clothes we children had (all her children had gone with her) we gave to the people so that they could cover themselves as they were in a very impoverished and poor state.

He then further says: “The Quran, which our mother used to teach the young girls how to read, and its translation were based on the translation of Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahibra and this particular copy was given as a gift to her by Hazrat Amma Janra.”

Ibrahim Munib is her son-in-law and states that after the demise of Mia Waseem Ahmad Sahib, she lived in Qadian for ten years. After falling seriously ill, her

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daughters brought her to Rabwah. By the grace of Allah, her visa would also be granted an extension; however, she would always plan to not leave Qadian for a lengthy period of time. Unless she had sought permission from the Khalifa of the time, she would not want to stay [out of Qadian] for more than a few months.

In any case, she wrote to me and I wrote back to her that she could stay as long as she wanted [outside of Qadian] and to continue extending her visa. It was only after this that she remained there for an extended period of time.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra told her when she was leaving for Qadian to not go to the bazaar in Qadian belonging to the Hindus because they had hurled verbal abuse at the Promised Messiahas. She showed such regard for Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra instruction that even after the circumstances had improved and the local people began to deal in a courteous manner, and many Ahmadis who would attend the Jalsa would also go there as would the members of the Promised Messiah’sas family; however, she did not go to the bazaar in Qadian for 70 years. Instead, she would go to Amritsar to do her shopping.

Her granddaughter writes, “The young children of Qadian would call her ‘Nani Ummi’ [grandmother], and she showed great love and affection to everyone just like a grandmother does.”

She further writes, “Once she was resting owing to weakness in health. In the evening, some women came to meet her from a distant jamaat. Since none of the elders were at home, I told them that she was resting, and so they gave a small note requesting prayers and left. When my grandmother woke up, I informed her that two ladies had come to visit her.

She immediately called for the note and prayed for them, then instructed someone on the phone and told them to implement for them whatever need of theirs was mentioned in the note. She then explained to me, ‘Out of their love, people would come from distant places to meet your grandfather, and he would never let them return like this. Therefore, you should also honour the guests and seat them down and you should have informed me.’ My grandmother explained this to me in a very loving manner, which remains etched in my memory to this day.”

Her grandson, Syed Hashir, says, “I requested her to give me some advice as I am becoming a missionary. (He is currently studying in Jamia Canada.) She replied, ‘You are receiving all the advice from the Khalifa of the time; therefore I do not need to give you any advice. Listen to his words carefully and act upon them.’ She also told me to recite the following prayer:

ْ َ ْ َ ّ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ُ ّ َ ْ ‫احﻔﻈ ِن ْی َوان ُ� ْرنِ ْی َو ْار َح ْم ِن ْی‬ ‫ر ِب کل شی ٍء ﺧا ِدمک ر ِب ف‬

[O my Lord, everything is thy servant, O my Lord protect me, help me and have mercy on me.]

Over the phone, she would always advise me to fulfil my waqf to its utmost and to become a true helper of Khilafat.”

Many non-Muslims attended her funeral and mentioned her with great love. Among

them was Fateh Jang Singh, who is a former Member of the Assembly [of Punjab]. He mentioned that their childhood years were spent in her house and in her care. He also went to the Wagah Border to receive the body. He said that it was as if he had buried his mother for the second time. He further said that when they were very little, they would visit her house, and she would feed them and take good care of them.

Mala, one of her granddaughters, says, “She was a model for us in regards to her love and obedience for Khilafat. Since she has passed away, hundreds of people have called to express their condolences, and each one spoke very highly of her.”

She also stayed for some time in Qadian and says, “I noticed that the people of Qadian loved her dearly, and likewise, she had great love for them as well.”

She also mentioned that when I was supposed to travel to Qadian in 2008, due to the circumstances at the time, the tour was cancelled and I returned from Delhi., She was very sad as she did not know whether she would have the opportunity to meet me again.

Abid Khan, who lives here [in the UK] and is the husband of her granddaughter, says, “She demonstrated through her exemplary conduct how one should fulfil their waqf. She possessed a very kind disposition, but on one occasion I saw her speak in a very stern tone. It was the wedding of a local girl in Qadian, but she (i.e., Sahibzadi Amatul Quddoos Sahiba) became unwell and had a very severe headache. Upon seeing her health, her granddaughter suggested sending her apology and rest instead; however, she replied, ‘Mala, I will certainly attend the wedding. You do not know the relationship I have with the people of Qadian.’”

Aqeela Iffat Sahiba, the wife of Dr Bashir Ahmad Nasir, a dervish of Qadian, says, “Through the organisation of Nasirat and Lajna, she would always guide the wives and daughters of the dervishes of Qadian. She was extremely skilled in fulfilling administrative matters. While working along with her, one could feel her love, affection, support, respect and honour. She would always desire to pass on the training of the various roles and responsibilities to the future generation.

She was a very confident and organised individual. Whatever work she carried out would be done in a very graceful manner.

She taught us the Holy Quran along with its translation and also taught us fiqh [Islamic jurisprudence]. The young women who have been trained by her are now in different parts of the world and serving the Jamaat wherever they are.”

Bushra Mubarika Sahiba of Hyderabad Deccan says, “We had a very strong family relationship with them. On the occasion of the Jalsa, she would stand till the middle of the night and personally see to the hospitality of the guests and provide for their food, drink and comfort. She would say that they are the guests of the Promised Messiahas and we ought to take care of them. She would see to every little detail.”

Similarly, the wife of Khalid Alladin Sahib, Sajdah Tanveer Sahiba, says: “She

was like a mother for all the Lajna members of India. Just as a suckling infant is held by the finger and taught all the basic etiquettes and morals by its mother, in the same way, Hazrat Apa Jan [i.e., the deceased] cared for our moral training and education at every moment of our lives, for which my progeny and I will be forever grateful to her.”

I have received countless letters from the ladies of Qadian and from all those women with whom she had any connection.

Likewise, the male children of all those who have been living in Qadian for a long time have written that she raised them like a mother. Their children also mentioned her bond with Khilafat; as I mentioned earlier, other women have also mentioned this point. The humility and exceptional loyalty she showed to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, she maintained the same bond later and with me as well. She was a role model.

When she met me here as well, she met me with the utmost respect and reverence.

When I went to Qadian in 2005, she showed great concern for the hospitality of guests. Furthermore, in every meeting, the joy on her face would be evident. In 2005, despite her ill health, when I was departing, she came to Delhi from Qadian. May Allah the Almighty elevate her status and enable her children to carry on her virtuous deeds.

May Allah the Almighty enable the people of Qadian to show each other the same love that she had for the people of Qadian.

At present, there is no longer any blood relation of the Promised Messiahas living in Qadian. May Allah the Almighty create such circumstances whereby someone [from the family] may go there. May Allah the Almighty elevate the status of the deceased.

There is another funeral here. The funeral is of Muhammad Arshad Ahmedi Sahib of the UK. He passed away recently at the age of 71.

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

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was the son of Yusuf Ahmedi Sahib from Nairobi, who accepted the message of the Promised Messiahas. Arshad Ahmadi Sahib was either his son or perhaps his grandson. Nonetheless, he was from the progeny of Yusuf Ahmedi Sahib, who accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1935. Arshad Ahmadi Sahib came from Nairobi to the UK at the age of 15. He married Amatul Baseer Sahiba, who was the daughter of Hazrat Khalifa Salahuddin Sahib, and the granddaughter of Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddin Sahibra, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Arshad Ahmadi Sahib was a musi. Aside from his wife, he leaves behind two sons and one daughter. He had a strong connection with the Jamaat. Wherever he lived, he served the Jama’at in one way or another. In Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya he served as Muhtamim. He served as the National Secretary Ishaat for the UK for more than 20 years. He had an intellectual disposition. When Salman Rushdie wrote a blasphemous book against the Holy Prophetsa, on the instructions and guidance

of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, Arshad Sahib had the opportunity to write a rebuttal to it.

He was regular in offering the prayers in congregation. Since we moved here, he bought a home near Islamabad with the intention that he would offer prayers [in Islamabad]. He had a bond of love for the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.

He would regularly recite the Holy Quran.

The deceased had a passion for propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He was regular in giving chanda. He would meet everyone with love and warmth and was eloquent. He was a sincere person who had a deep bond of reverence with Khilafat.

On one occasion, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said about him: “I have always found Arshad Ahmedi Sahib to be extremely obedient, the likes of which are seldom seen. Whatever I say to him, he accepts immediately. Because of this quality of his, I have a lot of respect for him and his family.” In reality, this obedience and subservience to Khilafat continued even after that. I have always found him to be humble and obedient to Khilafat. He always gave precedence to the honour and respect of the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty bestow His mercy and forgiveness upon him and may Allah grant his children the opportunity to continue his virtuous deeds.

One of his sons is a life devotee.

There is a funeral in absentia, which is of Ahmad Jamal Sahib, who was an African American. He lived in the USA and passed away recently at the age of 92:

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

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was born in 1930 and pledged allegiance at the hands of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra in 1951. In the ’50s and ’60s, he had the opportunity to offer financial sacrifice for Masjid Sadiq, Chicago. He was a very humble and modest individual. He had a bond of love and loyalty with the Jamaat and Khilafat. To watch MTA, he initially installed a dish antenna and then later used to watch it online. He would regularly listen to my addresses and sermons. He would discuss the sermons with his friends and relatives. He would not simply listen to the sermons but would take notes and discuss them.

The deceased lived 90 miles away from the mosque, but despite his age and poor health, he would regularly come for the Jumuah prayers. He was regular in giving chanda and would never have to be reminded a second time. He would also partake in other financial initiatives. He has a daughter, but she is not part of the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased, and may He accept the prayers he offered for his daughter. May she have the opportunity to accept Ahmadiyyat.

There is one funeral present and two funerals in absentia. After the Friday prayers, I will offer the funeral prayers.

(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 6 October 2023, pp. 2-7.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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