Al Hakam - 21 February 2020

My Maryam Part III of a beautiful eulogy written by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra in memory of his wife, Hazrat Maryam Begumra Page 4

A

“O’ Moon of the dark night”

Remembering Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

A walk along the coast and lessons on life by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

Respected Fauzia Shamim Sahiba, Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’s niece, recalls the great personality of her uncle Page 8

Quranic strategy of military defence in war Advice of Hazrat Musleh-eMaud to Winston Churchill

Page 14

Page 10

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 21 February 2020 | Issue CI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Our work is to spread the message and tell the world that Islam is the one true religion – Youth from Switzerland meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih A group of Atfal and Khuddam from Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Switzerland had a sitting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah be his Helper, on 15 February.

Upon arrival, Huzooraa enquired about the total number of Atfal and Khuddam. Following this, the group had the opportunity to spend time with and ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa questions on different topics.

The first question was presented by a tifl who asked why Allah, in the Holy Quran, has ordered mankind to do certain things and refrain from certain things. In response, Huzooraa said that God has revealed the Holy Quran and told us what is permissible and what things we should refrain from and by following these teachings, we can attain God’s pleasure.

One young boy then asked what prayer should be recited upon viewing the Ka‘bah for the first time. Huzooraa said that it is mentioned in narrations that the prayer made at the first viewing of the Holy Ka‘bah

is accepted. Huzooraa added, “The first Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas on one occasion mentioned that upon viewing the Ka‘bah, he prayed to God for all of his prayers to always be accepted. Thus, this is a matter of the heart; there is no condition of which prayer should be recited. What you feel in your heart at the time, you may ask for.”

A young tifl asked which prayer he should recite to ensure he is successful in life.

Huzooraa replied, “First you should make an effort, then pray to God that may He bring your hard work and effort to fruition.”

A question was asked by another boy with regard to the hadith about the latter days, in which the Holy Prophetsa said that even if faith were to reach the Pleiades, then a man from among the Ahl-e-Faris (of Persian decent) would bring it back. The young boy asked if there is anyone living at the Pleiades. Responding to the question, Huzooraa said, “The Holy Prophetsa only gave Continued on page 3

Muslim women who have pledged to serve Islam meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

On 16 February, Lajna Waqifaat-e-Nau from the UK had a sitting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The class commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran from Surah Aal-e-Imran. This was followed by a hadith and an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas. Next, a speech was delivered on the promise Hazrat Maryam’s mother made regarding sacrificing her

child to serve God. After this, the Waqifaat-e-Nau had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa questions.

The first question asked was on the topic of black magic, the Lajna member asked Huzooraa about his perception of it and how we can explain it to a nonAhmadi who believes black magic to be Continued on page 6

2

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History

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

Adopt a course of moderation

21 - 27 February A selection of brief incidents from the first and second era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya

21 February 1921: A reception was held for Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s, may Allah be pleased with him, marriage with Hazrat Syeda Maryam Begum Sahiba.

22 February 1955: The small campus of Jamia Ahmadiyya was shifted from Ahmad Nagar to Rabwah on this date.

21 February 1936: The Jamaat’s mission in Budapest, Hungry was established.

22 February 1957: A speech was delivered by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi.

21 February 1949: A water sample from the newly established Jamaat headquarters in Rabwah, Pakistan was sent to a laboratory in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) for analysis. The sample was taken from an area that was proposed for the Nusrat Jahan College. After an indepth analysis, experts said that the water of Rabwah was not suitable for domestic and agricultural use.

Despite this, today, Rabwah blooms as a lush green town; another example of Allah’s grace and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra prayers.

22 February 1957: The foundation stone of a mosque in Hamburg, Germany was laid.

21 February 1955: Members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya England met with the King of Iran, Muhammad Reza Shah Pehlavi and gave him a copy of the English translation of the Holy Quran.

21 February 1959: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was in Sindh, Pakistan where his stay continued until 10 March.

22 February 1917: The marriage of Hazrat Syeda Amtul Hafeez Begum Sahibara, the youngest daughter of the Promised Messiahas, took place with Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Abdullah Khanra.

22 February 1922: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered his famous lecture about the truthfulness of Islam and the manner to spread its teachings. This historic speech was delivered at the famous Vande Mataram Hall in Amritsar, India.

22 February 1926: A series of attempts were made to expel members of the Jamaat from the historic mosque in Sialkot, famously known as “Kabotran wali masjid”.

The Promised Messiahas had graced this mosque on many occasions. On this date, the court repelled the ill wishes of those who wanted to ban Ahmadi Muslims from the mosque and announced a decree in favour of the Jamaat.

22 February 1929: Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Fazl-urRehmanra laid the foundation stone of a mosque in Africa.

22 February 1935: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud graciously donated 500 Rs towards the fund for the construction of a Gurdawara. ra

22 February 1944: Mr King, the Commissioner of Lahore division visited Qadian on this date.

22 February 1954: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation stone of Darul Zikr, Lahore. For the construction of the mosque and offices, 6 kanals (3035 square meters) of land was purchased.

22 February 1954: An investigation commission set up to probe the causes of riots in Punjab started recording statements of representatives from Sadr Anjuman. The statements of Sheikh Bashir Ahmad and Malik Abdur Rehman Khadim were taken.

22 February 1958: Yadgir, a city in India hosted a twoday all Karnataka Ahmadiyya Conference.

23 February 1919: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a speech in Bradlaugh Hall, Lahore about Islam and its teachings regarding other nations.

23 February 1922: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra toured Lahore which concluded on 2 March.

23 February 1928: Hazrat Shahzada Abdul Majeed Khanra passed away in Tehran, Iran. This companion of the Promised Messiahas was serving as a missionary in Iran and desired to be buried there.

23 February 1933: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation stone of a residence named ‘‘an-Nusrat’’ in Qadian. This house was a gift from Hazrat Amma Janra to her grandson Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh.

23 February 1935: Hazrat Master Hadayat-ullahra passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

23 February 1950: Hazrat Dr Abdullahra of Nairobi, Africa passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas was amongst the pioneering members of the Jamaat in Eastern Africa.

23 February 1953: A new wave of hatred and persecution against Jamaat members in Western Pakistan, especially in Punjab, spread and became extremely fierce throughout the days to come. The persecution ultimately brewed into severe riots against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

24 February 1917: Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh Sahib completed his first reading of the Holy Quran. A small gathering was arranged by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to mark the event.

24 February 1920: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra addressed the Jamaat members living in Lahore.

24 February 1934: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started a tour of Lahore and Ferozpur that concluded on 1 March.

24 February 1939: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya held meetings across Qadian.

24 February 1957: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra addressed the Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Karachi.

He also graciously inspected the office of Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya located on Martin Road, Karachi.

25 February 1917: Hazrat Maulvi Ali Ahmadra Haqqani passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas was a renowned poet.

Continued on page 18

Hazrat Abu Musa, God be pleased with him, narrates: “Once while we were on a journey with the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, people started exclaiming rather loudly, 'Allahu Akbar!' (God is the Greatest). The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: O people! Adopt a course of moderation.

You are not addressing one who is deaf or absent. You are addressing The One Who is All Hearing, Ever Present and is already with you.'”

(Sahih Muslim)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Two forms of divine power Of course, a fact which no one can deny is that the powers of Allah the Exalted are countless and unlimited. It is impossible to count and enumerate them. The more a person progresses in piety and spiritual discipline, the closer they come to Allah the Exalted; and a tinge of these divine powers begins to manifest themselves in the person of such an individual proportionately.

The door to the knowledge of these divine powers is opened to such people. It seems appropriate at this instance to state that the powers of the Divine are of two kinds: one which relates to the creation of God; secondly, that which relates to the nearness of God. One form of divine power which the Prophets, peace be upon them, are under, is that which relates to their being humans, created by God, as is described, for example, in the following verse: He eats food, and walks in the streets.

Their health and suffering from illness, etc. is under the control of God. Then, a unique power of the Divine is experienced by the Prophets when they traverse through the various stages of divine nearness. Allah the Exalted comes close to them in such a manner that they begin to enjoy divine discourse, and their prayers are answered, but there are some who do not understand. This is not all, in fact, a time comes when, in addition to mere discourse, the mantle of divinity is placed upon them.

God Almighty shows them diverse manifestations of His own existence. A perfect similitude of this nearness and relationship may be observed in iron which is placed inside a fire. The iron absorbs the effects of the fire and appears to be a red-hot, flaming body of fire itself. The iron begins to emit a fiery light and also develops the power to burn—a characteristic of fire. However, despite all this, it is well-established that the iron does not become fire itself, or a part thereof.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p.

114)

3

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

Continued from page 1

an example. What is meant by this is that people would move far from religion and it would seem that faith, in the world, would no longer exist. At such a time, a person from Persian decent would bring faith back and he would be the Promised Messiah, who would restore the true teachings of Islam.”

A khadim asked regarding a campaign for the legalisation of gay marriages. He wanted to know whether, as a Jamaat, we should actively speak against it. Huzooraa said that if we are asked for our opinion on this matter then we should say that we are to follow our religion and it is our belief that

God has sent prophets to guide mankind.

Even the Bible has mentioned, with more detail than the Quran, the people of Prophet Lotas and says that their deeds and doings were wrong, likewise this is mentioned in the Holy Quran. Huzooraa further said that Putin, the President of Russia, ruled out legalising gay marriage and said that there would only be “mum and dad”. Thus, Huzooraa said that there are many in the world who speak out against it.

One khadim asked Huzooraa about his memories of Jalsas in Rabwah. Responding to this, Huzooraa said, “Many things would happen during the Jalsas, however, I remember that I would give duties at the

Thousands celebrate life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad across the UK Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Missionary-in-charge UK

Throughout the year, meetings to highlight the noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, take place in all parts of the UK. During the last three months (November 2019 to January 2020) such meetings took place in length and breadth of United Kingdom. In all 14 regions, 64 meetings were held and attended by 7714 participants.

67 speakers delivered 88 speeches, along with question and answer sessions.

Mansoor Ahmad Chatha Sahib, Regional Missionary in Hayes, reports that religious and community leaders from across the London Borough of Hillingdon gathered on 18 January 2020, next to the Baitul Aman Mosque in Hayes for a New Year Dinner.

The New Year Dinner is an annual event organised by the Hayes branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The theme of this year’s event was “The astonishing story of Muhammadsa”. The event was attended by 61 external guests including the Deputy Mayor, the Deputy Lieutenant, two priests and local councillors.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionaryin-charge UK delivered the keynote address and introduced the life and noble character of the Prophetsa of Islam to the guests.

For most of the attendees, this was the first opportunity to learn about our Holy Prophetsa and the fascinating accounts of various examples from his life was attended by rapt attention. This was followed by a very interesting question and answer session.

All guests were gifted with the book “Life of Muhammadsa” and were served a delicious complimentary dinner.

langar from morning to night time with my father from a very young age.”

One khadim asked how we can convert people and spread Ahmadiyyat all over Switzerland. Answering the question.

Huzooraa said, “Our work is to spread the message and tell them that Islam is the one true religion and path towards God.” Huzooraa added, “To guide is in God’s hands.”

A young tifl asked Huzooraa how he did waqf and if he sought any advice from his parents before doing so. Huzooraa said, “When I did waqf, I was studying, and I made a promise with God that if I achieve good numbers in my exams then I would

do waqf. Then I wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and then, afterwards, I told my parents that I had submitted my request for waqf.”

A khadim asked what our duties would be if a world war broke out. Huzooraa said, “Our duties will be the same as they are today. We should pray that may Allah guide the world and save it from falling into chaos.” If the war is to happen, Huzooraa said, “We should pray that the destruction is minimal and that after the war, people turn towards God.” The mulaqat concluded with a chance for a group photo with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

4

My Maryam Part III

By Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II and Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him – an obituary written for his late wife, Hazrat Umm-e-Tahir, Syeda Maryam Begum Sahiba, may Allah be pleased with her Trip to Chamba [India] When I recovered a little more and travelled to Chamba, despite being ill, she was persistent to accompany me. There, she did horse-riding because for a portion of the journey, we could not find a dandi [a sort of sedan chair swung on poles and borne on the shoulders of porters, used in the hills]. I explained to her that going in that condition would not be a good idea, but as customary, her reply was, “You don’t want me to enjoy myself; I am definitely going!” Eventually, keeping in mind her illness, I stopped others from going and took her along.

Struggles in Ramadan Ramadan followed this and according to Indian custom, the people travelling with us began complaining about the food. After all, servants have a specific temperament and it resulted in [Maryam] waking up in the early hours to cook approximately six to eight pounds of parathas [South Asian bread fried on a griddle] and provide them to everyone for sehri [the early morning breakfast during Ramadan] despite her life-threatening condition. This caused her immune system to weaken considerably and her ability to fight the illness became unstable.

Due to weakness I was not able to fast, but as soon as I found out about this, I stopped her from carrying out those duties, to which she replied, “Who knows if I am given the opportunity to do something virtuous afterwards,” and carried on performing this task.

Illness of 1942 In 1942, while I was in Sindh, [Maryam] fell extremely ill. Her heart’s condition had dropped significantly. I received a telegram that her heart was in a poor state. I enquired as to whether I should return, to which I was told that her health had restored.

The effects upon the heart attack lasted a few months and improved somewhere between June and July. That same year and in the same period, Umm-e-Nasir Ahmad also suffered a heart attack. The causes were unknown.

In May 1943, I took her to Delhi to seek treatment from hakims [Eastern physicians].

We visited Hakim Mahmud Ahmad Khan Sahib’s son for treatment, but [Maryam] only ever treated herself with the method she pleased. Thus, she was not willing to undergo that treatment and did not complete the course. There, she suffered another minor

attack, but her health quickly restored. On the train to and from [Delhi], she would lie on the floor and lay the children of my other wives on the berths.

Upon our return from Delhi, I suffered a severe chest infection and fever for which Maryam painstakingly attended to me.

During those hot summer days, she would reside with me and would often carry the commode for me and empty it herself.

She would continue cooking for me and constantly remain on her feet. If I ever stayed up at night, she would stay awake with me and if I fell asleep and woke up coughing, she would be the first to attend to me.

When I somewhat recovered from that illness and travelled to Dalhousie, she immediately took on the responsibility of the kitchen and putting the residence in order.

There, she also experienced very poor health but due to my illness, she never expressed any signs of discomfort.

Severe attack When we returned home, her condition was still feeble. After three or four weeks, she suffered another vicious attack. I was suffering from kidney pains at the time.

It was then that I was made aware that the attack could be fatal for her. That was the first time the thought of Maryam’s death occurred to me.

I was in no condition to walk, so when I was left alone in the room, I fell face-down on the charpoy and helplessly and humbly prayed before my Lord. God Almighty showed mercy by deferring the hour of her death and when I recovered, I regularly visited her.

The final attack I suffered from gout a few days later and was again unable to visit her. Due to an error on the part of the doctors, Maryam Begum was injected with medicine that did not suit her, something which she repeatedly cried out.

Later, during my stay in Lahore, I found

out through various senior doctors how that injection was in fact injurious to her condition.

The effect of that injection was such that it bloated her abdomen to the point where it became apparently obvious. Due to the gout, I struggled to get to her. When I reached her and found that her condition had worsened, I immediately called Col Hayes from Lahore and Lady Dr Vine from Amritsar.

The following day, they both arrived and suggested that she be transferred to Lahore.

Accordingly, she was taken to Lahore by road on 17 December 1943. Col Hayes decided that he would treat her through various medications and so, he commenced with his plan from 17 December to 8 or 9 January.

An operation Eventually, however, a verdict was reached: the only way forward was an operation. Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib was averse to this, but I could not see any other way out of it. Thus, I presented the situation to [Maryam] and said, “Whatever you decide, that will be the final decision.” Her reply was that they should go forward with the operation.

Although she tactfully put those words together but a lady who resided with her told me that she would often say to her, “Pray that Hazrat Sahib does not feel apprehensive about the operation at the last minute,” which shows that she herself considered the operation necessary.

Anyhow, the operation was performed on 15 January [1944], after which her recovery was not well maintained. This resulted in her heart condition worsening. It was then that the doctors paid heed to the circumstances and blood was transfused into her body, assisting in her gradual recovery.

Fatal condition after recovery On 25 March, I was told that she would be released from hospital in a few days due to which I sought leave [from her] and returned to Qadian for a few days.

It was after I had returned to Qadian that her health deteriorated again and the incision that was thought to have healed was opened up again. I was kept unaware of all this and as a result, I continued to stay in Qadian for the entire week.

Dr Ghulam Mustafa, who helped tremendously during her illness – may Allah reward him the best reward – reassured us through constant phone calls and telegrams that I did not need to hasten in returning.

But on Thursday evening, I received a telephone call from Sheikh Bashir Ahmad

5

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM Sahib, saying, “Brother Syed Habibullah Shah Sahib says that his sister’s health is weak and that you should come immediately.”

After hearing this, I returned to Lahore on Friday and found her extremely weak. The weakness was such that from thereon, she never regained good health.

Expenditure on treatment Two nurses were assigned to repeatedly check up on her, day and night, and because their fees were approximately 50 or 60 rupees daily, I realised that it was a burden on her. She expressed to a few of her close friends, “Because of me, he is burdened with so much.”

I somehow got to know of this and reassured her by saying, “Maryam, do not worry at all. I am spending this money for your comfort, not to trouble you.” I also told some of her close friends to explain to her that the expenditure brought comfort and happiness to me and that God was witness to that.

This reached a point where one day, I thought to myself that her treatment had spanned over a significant period of time and questioned how I could afford future treatment. Shortly after, without a hint of hesitation, I decied that I would sell the residence of Dar-ul-Hamd and the adjacent orchard. I thought to myself that the cost of both were quite high, but if it was sold for even a meagre amount, it would sell for no less than 75,000 rupees. In this manner, if I had to bear the expenditure of Maryam’s treatment for even a year, then I could afford 6,000 rupees per month without worrying.

And that is not all; I was prepared to sell every part of my property for Maryam Begum’s sake just to keep her alive, even if it meant through illness.

Prayer to prevent suffering during illness A few days had passed when I felt that she was suffering a great deal due to her illness, which was made all the more unbearable by her wound. It was then that I prayed to God, saying: “O my Lord! You possess the power to bestow health. First, I beg you to bestow health upon Maryam Begum. But, if for any reason you feel that Maryam Begum’s existence in this world is neither positive for her life and faith, nor mine, then O my Lord, save her from such suffering that can harm her faith.”

After this prayer, which was said eight or nine days prior to her demise, I witnessed a gradual decline in her physical pain, but the pain caused by weakness and heart problems increased. The apparent reason was that we had moved her to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to be treated by Dr Barocha who had started giving her sedatives as treatment.

Final moments In any case, the end was drawing closer. She and I both had complete trust in Allah. Upon seeing her frail condition the day before her demise, Iqbal Begum – who attended to her for two and a half months (may Allah grant her honour for this in this world and the next) – started crying. She said that once, when Maryam saw her crying, she lovingly said to her, “Why are you crying, silly! Allah is the Most Powerful. Pray because He can grant me health.”

In the evening of 4 March, Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib and Dr Hashmatullah Sahib informed me that her

heart was extremely weak and the medicines were no longer having any significant effect.

Thus, I stayed there longer than usual. When they felt relatively satisfied, I went to Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib’s home to rest.

At around 4 o’clock in the morning, someone came running to the house and told me to rush to the hospital as her condition had got worse. It was in that moment that I became certain that my love was ready to depart this world. I began praying for her spirituality and mine. Now, her heart condition began deteriorating more and more while my heart began inclining towards the final destination of every human being.

Final word When I returned to her at around five o’clock from the room next door, where I sat with heart specialists, she was in a cold sweat and was showing signs of extreme faintness, though she could still talk.

She said something to me upon which I counselled her. From that, she gathered that perhaps I was telling her that she had shown spiritual weakness. She peered up towards me with eyes that begged for mercy and said, “My dear master! Don’t let me die a kafir [disbeliever],” meaning that if she had committed an error, then I should not be cross with her, rather I should show her the correct way.

At that point, I could see death racing towards her. Now, my fragile heart was experiencing emotions completely out of my control. I began losing my strength.

But I soon realised that perfect loyalty to God Almighty and [Maryam] required that I advise her to continue zikr-e-ilahi [remembering Allah] and that I forget about my anguish.

I managed to control the sentiments in my heart and pull myself together. I knelt down beside Maryam and told her softly, “Do not think ill of God; He will not allow the progeny of Muhammad Rasulullahsa [to which she also belonged] and the daughterin-law of the Promised Messiahas to die a kafir.”

Our last conversation In those moments when she was able to speak and listen, I wanted to express my love to her. But I came to the conclusion that now, she no longer belonged to this world and had moved on to the next; our relationship had reached its end. Now her ties were only with her Lord and to intervene in that connection would be disrupting the sanctity of that relationship. Therefore, I decided to remind her of the Hereafter so that she could occupy herself with the remembrance of Allah.

However, I feared telling her so bluntly lest her fragile heart sank before the perfect opportunity to remember Allah.

Finally, I said to her, “Maryam. Everyone has to die someday. Look, if I am to die before you, then I will beseech God that He permit me to meet you every now and then.

But if you die before me, then you ask God to permit you to meet me every so often.

Maryam, if this happens, convey my Salam to the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.”

Recitation of the Quran After this, I said, “Maryam, because of your illness, you are not able to recite the Quran.

Come, let me read it to you.”

Accordingly, I recited Surah al-Rahman to her, which was very dear to her (something I was not aware of and was made aware of

afterwards by her close friends) along with its translation.

When I completed its recitation, she told me in a soft tone to recite more. I realised then that she had come to terms with those being her final moments and thus, I began the recitation of Surah Ya-Sin. Final prayers Now that the realisation of her final moments had dawned on her, when she tried to tell me something by saying, “My beloved…” I explained to her, “Maryam, now is the time when you should forget your love for me and focus on remembering the One Who is both yours and mine.”

“Maryam, now is the time to remember the Beloved One”, after which I would often at times recite the following, urging her to repeat after me: ْ َّ ُ ُ ّ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ٰ َ ‫لا اِل َہ اِلا انت ُسبحَانک اِن ِ ْی ک ْنت ِم َن الظال ِ​ِمی َن‬ [There is none worthy of worship except Thee. Holy art Thou; verily, I am from among the wrongdoers.] ْ َ َْ ُ َ َ ّ ْ َ ُ َّ ُ​ُ ُ ُّ َ ْ َ َّ ‫َر ِ ّب اِن ِ ْی ظل ْمت نف ِس ْی فاغفِ ْرل ِْی ذن ْوبِ ْی اِنہ لا یَغفِ ُر الذن ْو َب اِلا انت‬ [O my Lord, I have wronged my soul.

Pray forgive me my sins, for there is none else except Thee who can forgive sins.] ْ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫اح ِمی َن‬ ‫بِرحم ِتک است ِغیث یا ارحم‬ ِ ‫الر‬ [Through Your Mercy do I seek assistance, O You Who are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.]

After some time had passed, I observed that by nature, the words she uttered were those of the remembrance of Allah. There was a unique calmness in her composure and it seemed from her state that she was gracefully seeking the mercy of God in His presence. In such a beautiful, sweet and soft tone, she repeatedly uttered the words: ُ َ َ َُ ‫یَا َح ُّی یَا ق ّی ْو ُم بِ َر ْح َم ِتک ا ْس َت ِغ ْیث‬ [O Living, Self-Subsisting and AllSustaining (God), through Your Mercy do I seek assistance.]

She would utter it in a manner and shape her lips round while saying the words “astagheeth” that would have us believe that she was conversing with Him with full certainty and was only saying those words in a state of worship. Otherwise, her soul was saying to Him, “O my Lord, I know You will forgive me.”

Later I called Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib and told him that I could not bear it any longer and that he should continue to reassure her. Thus, he carried on reciting portions of the Quran and saying various prayers aloud, after which I returned for a small amount of time, followed by Mir Sahib again taking over. In this manner, we took turns to speak to [Maryam].

Her voice had now fallen silent, though her lips were still moving. At that point Dr Latif Sahib arrived from Delhi and told us that her illness was aggravating her asthma.

He feared that that would increase her suffering and suggested that she be given oxygen.

The ventilator was brought in that helped her breathing, but despite it, her breaths became shorter and shorter. Her lips were still moving with the prayers she uttered.

God’s decree Finally, at ten minutes past two, after I had anxiously left the room, Mian Bashir Ahmad Sahib [brother of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra] left the room and gestured to me to enter. That gesture meant

that God’s decree had come to pass. I entered the room and saw a still, motionless Maryam, with traces of happiness and satisfaction in her expression.

Due to her prolonged illness and irritable nature, I feared that she would show signs of intolerance in her final hours. This is why, upon seeing her extraordinary and exemplary belief and end, I spontaneously cried out, “Alhamdolillah!”

Sajda-e-Shukr – Prostration of gratitude I fell into prostration facing the Ka‘bah near her bedside and thanked Allah repeatedly that He saved her from trials and that her life ended with her thanking Allah.

Thereafter, we made preparations for her body to be taken to Qadian. Her body was brought to Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib’s house, where she was bathed and finally taken to Qadian – the abode of God’s Messiah – after arrangements had been made for cars and coaches.

For the first night, she was kept on the ground floor of her own house and on the second day, after Asr, she was taken to her final resting place in Bahishti Maqbarah at the feet of God’s Messiah, where I stood at the head side and helped lower her body into the ground. ْ ‫ار َح ْم َہا َو‬ ْ ‫اَلل ّٰ ُہ َّم‬ ‫ار َح ْم ِن ْی‬ [O Allah, show mercy on her and show mercy on me.]

Children She had four children – three daughters and one son – Amatul Hakeem, Amatul Basit, Tahir Ahmad [Khalifatul Masih IVrh] and Amatul Jamil. May Allah bless them all and be with them in this world and the next.

When we brought her body to Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib’s house, the youngest daughter, seven-year-old Amatul Jamil (who was very dear to Maryam and is dear to me) started wailing and crying out, “Hai Ummi, Hai Ummi” [O mother! O mother!].

I approached her and said, “Jammi (as we call her), your mother has gone to Allah’s house. There, she will be much more comfortable. It was Allah’s decision that she should go to Him. Look, the Holy Prophetsa passed away. Your grandfather [the Promised Messiahas] passed away. Was your mother greater than them?”

May God’s shelter never be removed from this girl for even a minute, for as soon as I said those words, not once did she wail for her mother. As soon as she heard those words, she fell silent, so much so that the next day, during the funeral procession when her elder sister – who is rather unwell – screamed and fell unconscious, my Jammi approached my youngest wife, Maryam Siddiqa, and said, “Choti Apa (as my children call her), how strange is Baji. Abbajan says that it was God’s decision for Ummi to pass away, but she still cries.”

O my Lord! O my Lord! Will you not protect that person in the Hereafter from every anguish and pain whose daughter never displayed anguish at her mother’s death merely for Your pleasure? O my Merciful God! It is the right of Your servants to have such an expectation of You and to fulfil this desire is most befitting for You. (Meri Maryam, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 17, pp.

347-372; Al Fazl, 12 July 1944, pp. 1-8)

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

6

Continued from page 1

true. Upon this, Huzooraa stated that you should tell them to attempt to cast magic over you and you’ll see that it will have no effect. Huzooraa added, “Such magic has no effect on me. People have only created this concept for weak minded people to scare and influence them.”

One Lajna member asked a question with regard to adoption in Islam and if the child who is adopted has any right

to inheritance. Answering the question, Huzooraa stated, “Adoption is allowed.

However, the child does not receive any inheritance.” Huzooraa added that the Holy Prophetsa said that when the adopted child is older, it is the parent’s duty to tell the child about his real parents. With regard to inheritance, Huzooraa said, “For an adopted child, the parents are permitted to leave a will in the child’s name.”

Following this, a Lajna member asked about the co-existence of being weak in

prayers and worship and on the other hand, at the same time, having success in Jamaat work, exams and personal matters.

Responding to the question, Huzooraa said, “Worship is necessary as well as service to the Jamaat. Fulfilling the rights owed to Allah and His creation are also both necessary.” Huzooraa further said that service to the Jamaat is to attain God’s pleasure and also falls under the category of Haququllah. Huzooraa said, “True taqwa is that we fulfil all rights.” A true believer must fulfil the rights of God and His creation. Huzooraa said “For men, God has ordered them to offer their prayers in the mosque and women have the permission to offer their prayers at home. Do not feel that your service to the Jammat is enough and that you don’t need to offer your salat; there is no blessings in this.”

Huzooraa added, “The Holy Prophetsa was promised victory at the Battle of Badr, yet, we find in the narrations, he still prayed to God. Thus, the main thing is to remember it is only through God’s help that we can attain anything.”

The next question was with regard to praying for those who have passed away.

The Lajna member asked if God increases the status of a deceased person through our prayers or through his or her pious

deeds. Huzooraa said, “Their deeds are still accounted for. However, when people pray for the deceased, then, through prayers, God bestows mercy upon them.”

One member asked about Waqifaate-Nau mothers who experience postnatal depression and how one should cope.

In response, Huzooraa said, “Firstly, you should tell your husbands to take good care of their wives. Secondly, you should remember and pray to God. Will power also plays a huge role in this.” Huzooraa further said, “If you are still suffering from depression, then you may write to me and I will tell you what to do further as each individual case is different; though the issue is the same, the treatment will vary.”

One Waqifaat-e-Nau asked if it is permissible to recite Dua-e-Istikhara upon facing difficulty. Huzooraa said, “Dua-e-Istikhara is recited when you have a difficult decision, or you are in the dark about a certain matter and require guidance from God to help you choose or make the better decision.” With regard to asking for God’s help during difficult situations, Huzooraa said, “You should pray to God, seek His forgiveness, recite the Darood Sharif, that may He create distance between you and these difficulties.”

7

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Khilafat: A discourse with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II Al Fazl, 26 February 1920

On 24 February 1920, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was sitting amongst the gathering after leading the Zuhr prayer, when three ghair muba‘i [those who did not take Bai‘at at the hand of the second Khalifa] gentlemen who are [under the influence of] Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib came to meet Huzoorra. Below are their names: 1. Hafiz Muhammad Hassan Sahib BA 2. Mr Zahur Sahib BA, former editor of Paigham [magazine] 3. Mr Ataullah Sahib, an MA student After their introduction, one of them said to Huzoorra that Ahmadiyyat has become a kind of enigma and ordinary people despise it.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: Generally, people are always repugnant to the truth.

Gentleman: I mean to say that people were not despised of Ahmadiyyat in the past but now they are, owing to the dissentions because they are unable to understand Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: This might be your experience because people are joining us in far greater numbers than before.

Second gentleman (Mr Zahur Ahmad): Who is called Ulul Amr [the person who possesses command or authority] in Islam?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: The one who possesses authority is called [Ulul Amr].

Gentleman: The word minqum [from among you] comes with respect to Ulul Amr in the Holy Quran. What is meant by it?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: The word min [at this place] in the Holy Quran is giving the meaning of ala [on/over]. Therefore, minqum means that the person who rules over the Muslims.

Gentleman: If someone says that a certain person is a Khalifa, then could he be considered a Khalifa like Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Usmanra and Hazrat Alira?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: The authenticity of each claim is proven by the arguments.

The reasons possessed by the person who claims to be a Khalifa shall be examined.

Gentleman: Please, explain those arguments yourself!

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: Why do you not say it clearly that you are referring to me by that claimant of Khilafat!

Gentleman: The fact of the matter is that recently, I have read in Al Fazl that your Khilafat is similar to the four Rightly Guided Khulafa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: The reasons for the truthfulness of my Khilafat are the same as that of the four Rightly Guided Khulafa.

You may present any argument of their truthfulness.

Gentleman: They were elected by Shura.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: What do you mean by Shura?

Gentleman: The companions elected them.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: Did each and every companion [elect them]?

Gentleman: No, the majority of companions [elected them].

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: The exact same reason is present in the truthfulness of my Khilafat.

Gentleman: Can we say that your Khilafat is exactly similar to their Khilafat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: You cannot say that it is exactly similar to their Khilafat.

They had an army, a country and an empire but I do not have [these things].

Gentleman: The attribute of Ulul Amr was also present in the four Rightly Guided Khulafa, but you do not possess it. So, how can you be called a Khalifa?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: Look! The definition of “rich”, is that person who has wealth. Now, the one who is in France, he will possess the coin of France as wealth.

The one who will be in America, he will have the coin of America and the one who will be in China, he will have the coin of China. All of them shall be called rich and we cannot say that the American or the Chinese is not wealthy. Now, a person who is spiritually Ulul Amr, his Khalifa will also be spiritual [Ulul Amr] and the one who will be spiritually and physically [Ulul Amr], his Khalifa will also be spiritual and physical Ulul Amr. As the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was Ulul Amr both spiritually and physically, therefore, his Khulafah were spiritually and physically Ulul Amr. On the other hand, as Hazrat Sahibas was [only] spiritually Ulul Amr, therefore, his Khalifa will also be spiritual Ulul Amr. Gentleman: Such a Khalifa is incomplete then!

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: By this, if you mean that we do not possess a government, then we ourselves admit that our Khilafat is spiritual and not material.

Gentleman: There are kings of various countries, like France, England and Austria.

All of them are called kings. Similarly, whoever becomes a Khalifa, he should be similar to those who passed earlier.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: You must be aware of this fact that there is a difference in the authorities of the kings of various countries and their powers are not the same.

Gentleman: Yes, I know that their authorities are different but their names are all the same.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih: Thus, regardless of the difference in their authorities, their names do not differ and there is no problem in calling them kings. Likewise, understand this about Khilafat. As the four Rightly Guided Khulafa were the Khalifa of the Holy

Prophetsa and he possessed a government as well, therefore, his Khulafa also had governments. On the other hand, as I am the Khalifa of the one who did not possess a government, then how is it possible for me to have a government! As I am the Khalifa of a spiritual king, therefore, I am a spiritual Khalifa.

Thereupon, the discussion of the two gentlemen concluded and then, Hafiz Muhammad Sahib BA said: “Non-Ahmadis raise objections against the prophecies of Hazrat Mirza Sahib and prove him false. I have inquired about this matter from the (ghair muba‘i) friends here but they were unable to give any satisfactory answer. So please, shed some light on it.”

In response, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra delivered a detailed address on the subject of prophecies. He presented the prophecy of Ahmad Baig and explained its truth and reality. This lecture will be published separately in detail, Insha-Allah!

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

8

Remembering Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud Part II Narrated by Syed Mir Mahmud Ahmad Nasir Sahib, son-in-law of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Al Hakam is grateful to Syed Mir Mahmud Sahib for sharing his personal recollections of a great

Oratory skills I have never heard someone speak like Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, nor have I ever seen an orator like him. On one occasion, notes written in Urdu were present before him, but he delivered the entire speech in English.

I cannot describe the scene and the atmosphere that was created when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would deliver an addressed.

Generosity and munificence Our father, Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahibra passed away when I was very young. From then on, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra looked after us. Ever since then, I have not eaten any bread save that which was offered by him and I have not worn any clothes apart from those provided by him and I have not worn any shoes, but the ones granted by him. In fact, my only marriage was also a gift from him. It was certainly due to the prayers of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that his daughter and I stayed together for 57 long years.

People tend to mention the grandeur of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. However, there was a whole unique world of his grace, compassion and benevolence as well.

One cannot gauge the magnitude of his gentleness and kindness.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was so close and attached with his children that one of his daughters used to say that she talked a lot with her father about her marriage as compared to her mother.

Acceptance of prayer This field is most exclusive to the Khulafa.

A man came to Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra in a state of severe distress and said that his wife’s eyes had suddenly closed shut. After hearing his case, the condition of Huzoorra was such that he was pacing relentlessly and praying constantly. A while later, Huzoorra told him to go and check [his wife’s eyes]. He came again after half an hour or so and told Huzoorra that his wife’s eyes had opened.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reached Lahore at the time of the partition of the Indian subcontinent. The rest of the caravans used to come on a daily basis.

I had also reached Lahore in a similar caravan after Huzoorra. In those days, it was reported to Huzoorra as and when caravans from Qadian had left for Lahore.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would take a copy of the Holy Quran in his hand and constantly read while walking in Rattan Bagh. The recitation of the Holy Quran, praying and the issuing of instructions used

9

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM to start from the moment he would receive the news of the departure of the caravan.

He would continuously walk in the veranda, praying and reciting the Holy Quran until it was reported that the caravan had safely entered Pakistani soil.

In the meantime, Huzoorra would keep issuing necessary instructions to the private secretary and the staff, while various other engagements and works used to continue as normal.

Tahajud Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has himself written at one place, “I offer Tahajud [predawn prayer] for three hours.” I have heard an incident that might not have been heard by anyone else.

Once, the wife of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, Hazrat Choti Apara [Syeda Maryam Siddiqa] and my mother were talking while standing in the courtyard of Hazrat Amma Janra in Qadian. As the conversation continued, Hazrat Choti Apara, who was the maternal aunt of my mother, said to her, “Chachi Jan, his [Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra] state when he offers Tahajud prayer is like a person who takes out his life and places it in the palm of his hand and presents it before God.” Expertise in sciences Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud used to say that if a person with exceptional expertise in any worldly knowledge raised an objection against the Holy Quran, he could answer it.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was revealed that he was the Musleh-e-Maud in Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Sahib’s bungalow, situated at Temple Road, Lahore. I have seen that room. After that, he gave a speech in the Jalsa at Masjid Aqsa, Qadian. I remember that scene very well and I also remember where I stood.

Huzoorra used to say, “I have certainly read through those parts briefly where the Promised Messiahas has mentioned the Musleh-e-Maud in his writings, but how is it possible for me to announce that I am the Musleh-e-Maud until Allah Almighty tells me to do so Himself.”

Though members of the Jamaat used to call him Musleh-e-Maud, Huzoorra himself never acknowledged it. Even the Paighamis, the people of the Lahori Jamaat, used to object that Huzoorra had never called himself the Musleh-e-Maud.

However, when Allah revealed it upon him, he made a grand announcement. During that address, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra, overwhelmed with emotions, began to say out loud on behalf of the members Jamaat: ّ ‫آمنا و صدقنا‬ “We believe and testify to its truth.”

Therefore, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra stated: ‫دوعی ی‬ ‫کا ہعمج ےک دن‬ ٰ ‫حلصمِ وموعدےن‬ ‫ن‬ َّ َ ‫اور امجتع ےن یھب ا‬ ‫ٰما اہک ہعمج ےک دن‬ “Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra claimed [that he was the Musleh-e-Maud] on the day of Jumuah and members of the Jamaat said ‘Aamanna’ [we believe it] on the same day of Jumuah.” (Bukhar-e-Dil, p. 181) If I talk about his extensive study, then this instance is from a very early age. I heard from Sheikh Mubarak Ahmed Sahib that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that he had read 18,000 books. ra

I was reading a book of a Christian that had been under the study of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. I saw that Huzoorra had taken notes on each of the opening pages of the book, but I did not see any more notes after a few pages. I thought that Huzoorra might not have taken any further notes.

However, when I reached the last pages of the book, I saw that Huzoorra had taken notes there as well.

The passion for research and study was such that even in his final illness, according to my knowledge, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continued to study, except for the last two weeks of his life. Habibur Rahman Sahib was [a professor] at Talim-ul-Islam College. One of his books was about the wonders of the sea and the other was about the vastness of the universe. These books were under the study of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra. In fact, I have seen those books placed by his pillow.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was very much interested in perfumes and fragrances. If Huzoorra had any hobby, then it was surely this and it might have developed due to the Holy Prophet’ssa love for perfume. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra used to make and invent perfume himself. For instance, he himself prepared the perfume of the Queen of the Night’s flower and transformed it into a very pleasant fragrance. Never before had such a nice and appreciated perfume been made available. There was a plant of the Queen of the Night’s flower in our house located at Darul Anwar, Qadian. Its scent was smelled by all the people of the neighbourhood during the moonlit nights.

By getting a branch and a special part cut from the Queen of the Night’s plant, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had its perfume prepared under his supervision.

The country of France holds great international reputation for their perfumes and fragrances. One such expert came to Lahore from France, and the members of the Jamaat sent him to Rabwah because they were aware of Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra interest in perfume. That man came to Rabwah, stayed there and met him. He showed some of his perfumes to Huzoorra [without naming the ingredients] as it is the secret of every company.

However, Huzoorra smelled it and remarked that the perfume contains such and such ingredients. When Huzoorra disclosed all the ingredients of the perfume, the man’s eyes were filled with wonder as their secret was revealed entirely.

The man came out and started to praise Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra highly before Pir Muinuddin Sahib, who also used to take part in perfume work with Huzoorra.

When Pir Sahib mentioned the incident of praise by the French person with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Huzoorra humbly said, “Look, that person presented a thing for us to smell which we already knew and recognised. This was a blessing of Allah Almighty. Otherwise, if he had offered a perfume that I did not know, then what could have been said?”

Hence, the greater the skill, knowledge and wisdom of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the humbler he was before Allah the Almighty.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra style of giving advice was very special. For instance,

whenever I would go before him to meet, he used to tell me that my name was Mahmud. I once said to him, “Yes Huzoor, I was named after your name, Mahmud.”

He stopped after listening to my answer and said, “But my name is Bashiruddin Mahmud.” In that way, Huzoorra advised me that if I wanted to become Mahmud, I would have to become Bashiruddin first.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra did not like idleness and fragility. Hard work was his nature and he liked to put in great effort.

When I was a student at Jamia Ahmadiyya, there was a two-month holiday for some reason and I was told to pursue matriculation. My mother also said the same but our lives were such that even if a straw was to be plucked, we had to take permission from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

One day when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra came out of the building made of clay after leading the prayer, I stood in the doorway and asked Huzoorra that I am being advised to do matriculation. Huzoorra stopped for a few moments when he heard this and said, “Go ahead and pursue the matriculation, but keep in mind that your actual goal is the study of Jamia [Ahmadiyya].”

We were three persons at that time who used to go via car to Talim-ul-Islam High School, which was located in Chiniot at the time. I took up science subjects. We used to study English from Hazrat Syed Mahmudullah Shah Sahib.

One day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra called me in the courtyard of Hazrat Mehar Apara and said, “Do you go to Chiniot by car? A bicycle is standing over there. Take it and start going to school on bicycle.”

Majlis-e-Irfan used to take place after Maghrib prayer at Masjid Mubarak in Qadian. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had the following poem read out for three days [in Majlis-e-Irfan]: ‫ی‬ ‫م اےنپ پ ی�اروں یک تبسن رہ زگ ہن رکوں اگ دنسپ یھبک‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�� چ�ی‬ ‫وہ وھچےٹ درہج ہپ رایض وہں اور ان یک اگنہ رےہ ی‬ “I shall never expect from my loved ones that they are satisfied on a lower status and that they belittle themselves.” He said, “I have written this poem for Waqifeen-eZindagi [life devotees].”

I have endeavoured not to mention too many incidents of Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra personal compassion towards me.

On one occasion, I have myself witnessed the instance when he received a revelation. Although I did not know at the time that a revelation was descending upon him, I still noticed it through the movement of his eyes and the state [of his body]. In that moment, only I was with him. It was the occasion of Jalsa Musleh-eMaud in Ludhiana. After announcing the proclamation of Musleh-e-Maud at Masjid Aqsa, Qadian, another Jalsa took place in Hoshiarpur. The leader of the caravan of that Jalsa was my father, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahibra.

As I was present at Masjid Aqsa, I also went to Hoshiarpur with my father. Then, another Jalsa took place in Lahore and after that, our father passed away. The next Jalsa was in Ludhiana and Huzoorra took me with him in his motor car and we stayed together during the entire journey.

When we left Qadian, it was raining.

There was a village called Harchowal near

Qadian. When we reached that place, there was a canal and a bridge. A bungalow was also built over there. When we advanced onto the canal track, the people of that place stopped the motor cars. There were three cars in total and the people said that as it was a dirt track, the motor vehicles would be damaged. The private secretary was talking to those people when Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra went there to talk as well.

Thereafter on one side of the canal, only Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and I were present and then he received a revelation: ‫تہب یس ربوتکں ےک اسامن وہےگن۔‬ “There will be a downpour of abundant blessings.”

Editor: Al Hakam is indebted to Mir Mahmud Ahmad Nasir Sahib for sharing these memories with us. We pray that this devout servant of Islam, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him, continues to live on through the triumphs and victories of Islam and may we all live up to the standard set for us as described by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud himself: ‫نش‬ ‫مہ ی‬ ‫� ھجت وک ےہ اک رُپ اَنم زنمل یک التش‬

‫ھجم وک اک ٓاشت اشفں رُپ وولہل دل یک التش‬ “My friend, while you search for a place to rest, I am in search of a revolutionary, volcanic soul.”

Visit to First Nation Community at Standing Buffalo Naveed Iqbal Qadiani, Missionary Regina and Arslan Ahmad, National Secretary Umoor-e-Kharja

In November 2016, during Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s, may Allah be his Helper, visit to Calgary, several leaders from the indigenous community of Canada met with Huzooraa. It was during this visit that Huzooraa instructed to increase connections and build relations with their community.

On 5 February 2020, a team consisting of three members of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Regina, Naveed Iqbal Qadiani Sahib (missionary), Safeer Ahmad Sahib and Luqman Bashir Sahib had a meeting with the First Nation Community at Standing Buffalo, Dakota First Nation Reserve.

The meeting was attended by five councillors; Kimberley Goodfeather, Sandra Jean Redman, Beckie Yuzicappi, Dwayne Redman Jr and Brendon Wajunta.

During the meeting much of the emphasis was made towards enhancing bonds and conducting collaborative events.

The team also had a chance to present Jamaat literature consisting of Life of Muhammadsa, and World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace to the community.

The team also toured a well-known community park built by the Jamaat-eAhmadiyya volunteers on that Reserve in 2018. Councillors appreciated the visit and showed interest in visiting our Mosque in Regina in the near future.

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

10

Quranic strategy of military defence in war Advice of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud to Winston Churchill the warning that Britain might face a Nazi IIra regarding the war that had come to of Hazrat Dhul-Qarnain mentioned in the invasion. pass. However, the excerpt from the letter Holy Quran.

It was against this backdrop that a letter explains the main purpose of the letter: Undoubtedly this adds to the already dated 20 June 1940 arrived in Downing “The Head of the Movement has asked common belief that the history of the The Second World War, by early 1940, had Street addressed to the Prime Minister. This me to convey to you that certain verses in Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is adorned overwhelmingly turned against Britain. historic letter, published below for the first the Holy Quran which appear indubitably with efforts made to secure peace at every Hundreds of thousands of British troops time, was written by Hazrat Sir Chaudhry to refer to the present conflict indicate level. Most importantly, we find that Sir had been withdrawn from Dunkirk to Zafrullah Khan Sahibra on behalf of Hazrat that in case of invasion of Great Britain Zafrullah Khan Sahibra emphasises the key England in May as German forces extended Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, the by Germany the only defenses that would message of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra: their territory in France. Operation second successor of the Ahmadiyya Muslim ultimately operate as a check against the “We must at this very grave stage in Dynamo, as it was called, is also referred to Community, who had not only actively invading forces are steel fortifications the world’s history purge our minds and as the Miracle of Dunkirk pointing towards been following the British War effort, but which have been smothered or reinforced hearts of all that is selfish and impure and the plight of the British army as it barely had been the recipient of various dreams with molten bronze.” bend both our bodies and our souls in The Churchill Archive made it beyond mainland Europe. Over the and visions pertaining to World War In what can be described as a remarkable humble and sincere supplication before the II. He following several weeks, events unfolded communicated all such dreams and visions letter, we find Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra Universal Creator whose help alone can at The Churchill Archive dramatically as Winston Churchill, the to the British authorities. conveying the teachings of the Holy Quran this stage save mankind from the doom that then Prime Minister, delivered a series In this insightful letter, Sir Zafrulla to the British Prime Minister so that peace threatens to overwhelm them”. of speeches at Parliament that worked Khanra informed Winston Churchill of may once again prevail through the victory This letter is further accompanied towards motivating and mobilising the the efforts of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin From CHAR this image of 7 in this item, image of the correspondence between 2British of Great20/5/87-90, Britain. He draws theis attention of 2 with nation. His famous speech, “We Shall Fight Mahmud Ahmadra, in aiding the British War the Government towards the strategy of bureaucrats that illustrates the high esteem From CHAR 20/5/87-90, this is image 1 of 7 in this item, image 1 of the 7 you selected on the Beaches” (delivered in the House effort by way of prayer. He further explained defence that ought to be applied in case of and regard given to this blessed message. selected of Commons, 4 June 1940) carried in it the prophecies of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih a Nazi invasion – a strategy similar to that Nauman Ahmad Hadi Missionary, Islam International Publications Ltd

Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafarulla Khan’sra letter to Winston Churchill | The Sir Winston Churchill Archive Trust

This download is only to be used for a non-commercial purpose or private study and must not be supplied to any other person. It must not be published without the permission of the copyright holder(s). For further details see http://www.churchillarchive.com/index/about/

7 you

From CHAR 20/5/87-90, this is image 3 of 7 in this item, image 3 ofFrom the 7CHAR you 20/5/87-90, this is image 4 of 7 in this item, image 4 of the 7 you selected selected Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM 11

e Churchill Archive

The Churchill Archive

om CHAR 20/5/87-90, this is image 5 of 7 in this item, image 5 of the 7 you From CHAR 20/5/87-90, this is image 6 of 7 in this item, image 6 of the 7 you lected selected

This download is only to be used for a non-commercial purpose or private study and must not be supplied to any other person.

It must This download is only to be used for a non-commercial purpose or private study and must not be supplied to any other person. It must not be published without the permission of the copyright holder(s). For further details see http://www.churchillarchive.com/index/about/ not be published without the permission of the copyright holder(s). For further details see http://www.churchillarchive.com/index/about/ Copyright-and-Third-Party-Copyright-Agreements Copyright-and-Third-Party-Copyright-Agreements

03-Oct-2019 Page 3 of 8

Copyright Š Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2019 All Rights Reserved

Battersea Library 03-Oct-2019 Page 4 of 8

Copyright Š Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2019 All Rights Reserved

Battersea Library

om CHAR 20/5/87-90, this is image 7 of 7 in this item, image 7 of the 7 you lected

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

12

The Churchill Archive

“Gift of Sight” in ParaguayFrom CHAR 20/5/83-85, this is image 1 of 3 in this item, image 1 of th selected

Mishaal Baten

s download is only to be used for a non-commercial purpose or private study and must not be supplied to any other person. It must Paraguay Correspondent be published without the permission of the copyright holder(s). For further details see http://www.churchillarchive.com/index/about/ yright-and-Third-Party-Copyright-Agreements

Oct-2019 e 7 of 8

On 19 January 2020, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Paraguay along with a local Ophthalmologist went to a village near the capital, Asuncion to hold a medical camp named “Gift of Copyright © Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Battersea Library Sight.”

2019 All Rights Reserved Seventy-four patients of humble financial backgrounds were attended to and free glasses were donated to forty people.

We also further plan on providing glasses to people with special prescriptions.

One of the main purposes of the camp Sight program in Paraguay.

There is one Ahmadi convert who lives in was to look for possible cataracts within patients and we encountered four patients this village and several tabligh contacts who This download is only to be used for a non-commercial purpose or private study and must not be supplied to any grateful for the humanitarian that were blinded because of cataracts. We were especially impoverished community. now plan on sponsoring their surgeries. effort in theirnot be published withoutBythe permission of the copyright holder(s). For further details see http://www.churchillarch the grace of Allah the Almighty, this medical Insha-Allah Copyright-and-Third-Party-Copyright-Agreements A fisherman who was almost completely camp was well received and appreciated by blind became overwhelmed with emotion the locals. As a result of this camp another that he has now received the opportunity to village has reached out and asked the Jamaat regain his vision through the Jamaat’s Gift of to provide medical attention to them.

03-Oct-2019 Page 2 of 4

Copyright © Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2019 All Rights Reserved

HAR 20/5/83-85, this is image 3 of 3 in this item, image 3 of the 3 you d 13

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

Women’s role as peacemakers: An event

by Lajna Imaillah Ireland Shahzad Malik Ireland Correspondent

The women auxiliary organisation, Lajna Imaillah Ireland, hosted its second “Interfaith Peace Conference” at Finnstown Castle Hotel Lucan Co Dublin on 2 February 2020.

This event was solely for ladies and the theme was “Pathway to peace, women’s role as peacemakers”.

This Conference drew people ranging urchill Archive from all walks of life including the Mayor of Dublin, politicians, councillors, religious leaders, teachers and many others.

The aim of this conference was to integrate amongst local women and HAR 20/2A/16, this is image 1 of 1 in this item, image 1 of the 1exchange you views and believes on the theme “Pathway to Peace”. It was to initiate the conversation of the responsibility of d women in establishing peace. It has been noted in various studies and discourses, that sustainable peace can only be achieved with the involvement of women at its core.

There was also an exhibition set up in the entrance hall, consisting of Jamaat books, Lajna magazines and banners on the concept of hijab and the status of women in Islam. There were several posters on the theme made by student Lajna. A table of free literature was also set up for the guests.

The chief organiser and moderator of the event, Ms Shamifa Zaheer Sahiba, National Secretary Tabligh, welcomed all the guests at the start of the event which was immediately followed by the recitation d is only to be used for a non-commercial purpose or private study and must not be supplied to any other person. It must of the Holy Quran with English and Irish hed without the permission of the copyright holder(s). For further details see http://www.churchillarchive.com/index/about/ translations. Thereafter, an introductory d-Third-Party-Copyright-Agreements presentation on the brief history of Ahmadiyyat and the activities of Lajna Imaillah Ireland was delivered.

Afterwards, representatives of various faiths spokeLibrary about their religion and Copyright © Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Battersea its perspective on the role of women as 2019 All Rights Reserved peacemakers.

Ms Maria Murphy represented Christianity. She is a writer, radio presenter, story gatherer and a minister of the word in St Patrick’s parish. She outlined some of the vital roles that Irish women played to keep peace in Ireland and explained how mothers tried to keep peace in Ireland during the Civil War. She also described that Christian teachings are laid out in the “Beatitude”.

Ms Minu Mishra representing Hinduism, spoke about the unique qualities that only women possess in order to bring peace in the world.

Guest Speaker Vicki Casserly, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Ladies and

acknowledged the efforts carried by them for integration into the wider community.

The keynote address was delivered

by Ms Nudrat Malik Sahiba (National Secretary Tarbiyyat) who elaborated on the Islamic perspective regarding the vital necessity of peace at all levels of society.

She mentioned that Quranic teachings directs us to love our parents and look after our neighbours, the poor and the orphans in society. She also highlighted how mothers have a special status within Islam by narrating the beautiful hadith, “Paradise lies under the feet of the mother”.

She also mentioned that according to Islam, education of women is essential in establishing peace and harmony across society. Islam puts great emphasis on establishing peace within one’s home and women play a vital role in this regard.

Islam is all about humanity, equality, fairness justice, love, kindness and peace.

Quoting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, she said: “Always remember that the peace of society is directly connected to the peace within families within that society. Peace in homes is based on good morals and mutual respect between a husband and wife and between the parents and their children.”

In the end, Sadr Lajna Ireland, Sajida Aleem Sahiba concluded the event by thanking all the guests for their time and enlightening speeches. She requested all the guests to spread the name of our community and help us in building a mosque in Dublin. Sadr Sahiba also praised the Irish people and the country by saying that Ireland is a peaceful country and its populace are very friendly individuals.

Each speaker delivered their message with great passion, zeal and insight. The common goal of love, respect, peace and recognition came through strongly from each speech. Everyone acknowledged that the mother, being the focal point in the family unit and in the larger community, plays a very crucial and important role.

The formal function ended in tradition with a silent prayer. This was followed by dinner.

The conference was attended by total of 55 women including 36 invited guests.

Guests expressed their appreciation for arranging the event and gave positive feedback in both the guest book and interviews before they left.

May Allah the Almighty enable Lajna Imaillah Ireland to continue to hold successful events in order to spread the true teachings of Islam.

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

14

Reminiscing the Promised Reformer Respected Fauzia Shamim Sahiba, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s niece (daughter of Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begum Sahibara) recalls the great personality of her uncle, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra I extensively remember meeting Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and receiving his prayers when I went to Rabwah on the occasion of the 1952 Jalsa. At that time, I was 14 years old. Before that, my father, Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sahibra, was serious ill and our mother, Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begum Sahibra was engaged in looking after him around the clock and we used to mostly stay in our house in Lahore.

There is an earlier incident which is, to a greater extent, related to myself but it manifests a great show of love and obedience of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for the Promised Messiahas.

It so happened that my mother saw in a dream that the Promised Messiahas had come and Fauzia was standing nearby. The Promised Messiahas looked at Fauzia with great love and kindness, holding her face with special affection as the face of young children is held in both hands. Then he kissed her on the forehead for such a long period of time that my mother felt in the dream as if the face of the Promised Messiahas was immersed in the forehead of the blessed face of Fauzia.

When my mother narrated this dream to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, he immediately called me in, and after asking my details, held my face like in the dream and in the same way he kissed my forehead for a long time. All praise belongs to Allah!

My age was around 10 at the time.

I have no status. It was only the love of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for the Promised Messiahas that after hearing a dream and being informed about the action of the Promised Messiahas, he practically performed that action.

Most probably, my mother [Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begum Sahibara] was 4 years of age when the Promised Messiahas [her father] passed away.

Everyone felt the end of a compassionate patronage of a father vanishing from over the head of the little girl but Hazrat Amma Janra and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra took that loss in very unique way. Hazrat Amma Janra, as a precautionary measure, started to minimize the name and mention of the Promised Messiahas in the house, so that the innocent girl’s pain and her father’s loss may not deepen. Moreover, [Hazrat Amma Janra thought that] hearing her father’s reminiscences and incidents of love and compassion in the house from other children and the members of family, the little girl might regret in her heart that she received so little from the love and compassion of her great father. Perhaps

this is why my mother showed hesitation towards the word and the relationship of “father” but it was all to save her from the pain of being an orphan.

The other important part was that of my maternal uncle, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra who, after the passing of the Promised Messiahas, raised my mother not as a brother but like a father, and duly fulfilled his responsibility.

For instance, when the proposal of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sahibra came for my mother, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra undertook the same necessary measures as the Promised Messiahas had taken at the time of Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahiba’sra proposal. I would say that owing to his feeling of concern, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra acted anxiously and even more carefully than the Promised Messiahas.

For example, [he made sure that] the two sisters lived in separate houses and that their rights were safeguarded. He tried to protect the two from mutual differences and misunderstandings. [He did so] because both the father and the son, Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib and Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sahib had a shared income, and there were many problems of state properties during the English rule.

My grandfather had come to Qadian, leaving everything behind. My mother’s pocket money and resources were very limited. Moreover, we were 9 siblings, born in quick succession. Concerned about the lack of resources, [my mother] kept praying that may Almighty God generate new sources of income.

During one of those days, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra saw his younger sister and just by looking at her face, he noticed that she was worried. Despite the fact that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had extremely important Jamaat and familial responsibilities and every moment of his was occupied, he recognised his younger sister’s distress.

Upon the query of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, my mother started weeping while expressing the situation and the condition of the children. Thereupon, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra condoled her and said, “Amatul Hafeez! The horse that is left behind in the race, sometimes jumps to the front towards the end.”

That changed my mother’s emotional state and she attained peace at heart.

Beyond any doubt, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra raised his younger sister not as a brother but a father.

I will now shed some light on the observation of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra: It is the incident of Ratan Bagh, Lahore, following the year 1947. The living room of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was on the top floor and there was a small lawn on the backside and an open space. One day, I was cycling over there. At that time, I may have been 10 or 11 years old. I was very keen on sports. On the other hand, I was also anxious to hide myself and I was conscious about covering my body. As I was in the lawn with the bicycle, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra saw me from the above.

Later that evening, I went to Huzoor’sra room and he said, “Fauzia, were you cycling today?” Believe me, imagining that Huzoorra saw me riding a bicycle, my blood ran cold. I did not know what

he would say. However, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra very kindly said that there was nothing wrong in riding a bicycle and so I was relieved. Moreover, I received his guidance and attention as well.

Huzoorra did not express displeasure but encouraged me and showed how girls can also participate in sports on their own at a safe place with the observance of purdah [covering oneself].

I often recall an incident during the migration and partition of the country in 1947, and that is that the bus in which I had departed from Qadian, Hazrat Amma Janra was also present in it.

During his stay in Rabwah, an assassination attempt was carried out on Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. At the time, I remember my mother left for Rabwah

15

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM immediately after hearing about the news of the attack. I was studying in Sacred Heart Convent School in Lahore. The next morning, I could not go to school but when I went to school a day later, the entire school was aware of the attack on Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Even my Christian female teachers expressed sympathy and condemned that the attack was inhumane, etc.

If I describe the incidents of the year 1955, [I remember that] Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra left for Europe for treatment and rehabilitation and on his return, we too arrived in Karachi to welcome him back.

On that occasion, all of us were amazed and astonished at the sight of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra memory, sharpness and love because despite his busyness and responsibilities, he brought a suitable gift for each and every young and adult member of the family. I was blessed with a suit and a bottle of perfume. I have kept that suit to date. However, I find it surprising even today when I remember the extraordinary mind, memory, love and affection of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, as it is altogether exceptional to first think and then buy a gift for each relative keeping in view their age and nature.

During his last illness, I remember going to Rabwah several times and meeting Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and receiving his prayer. We, the children, were blessed with a separate mulaqat in which we were all introduced. Every child wished to have a separate relationship with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

We used to live in Lahore but we were well-informed about Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra visits from Rabwah to Quetta, Khyber Lodge, Murree and Nakhla etc.

I have also seen that room of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in Nakhla, in which he used to work on Tafsir-e-Saghir. Actually, my mother was always occupied owing to my father’s illness, and we, the children did not go anywhere.

During the days of my father’s illness, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra saw a vision in his dream after praying that Nawab Muhammad Abdullah had recovered.

It was only through these prayers and the glad tidings that my father survived such a severe heart attack and his condition recovered. Even though he was not like every other healthy person, but surviving such a severe attack was nothing short of a miracle.

When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra passed away, I remember that I was newly married at that time, my marriage was on 27 October 1965. The illness of Huzoorra intensified in November and his journey to the next world had come closer. By that time, there were planned programmes in Rabwah for my pre-wedding celebrations and gathering of young girls. Around the same time, my beloved elder mother, Hazrat Nawab Mubarak Begum Sahibara sent me a letter and explained, “My daughter, I know that you are getting married, so certainly rejoice. You may celebrate but keep in mind that the time for the return of an exalted figure is drawing near. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra illness has intensified. So, do not let the regard of this

great being disappear from your mind.”

On that occasion, my mother also taught me with wisdom that, “My daughter, you should be happy because it is a special day of your life, but the death of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra is not an ordinary and trivial matter. You may not wear your heavy embroidered dresses. You should give preference to simplicity.”

I remember that occasion very well, everyone was sad. My mother was overwhelmed [with grief]. Her condition was bad due to constant crying and her eyes were swollen because she had not lost only a single relationship; in fact, she had lost almost everything, a brother, a father, an Imam and patronage.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was absolutely bed ridden in his final illness.

I have myself witnessed Huzoorra lying in bed. At the time, Huzoorra could not write, so in the last years, he would dictate his speech which was in the form of a message.

He would speak himself and express that a certain message should be delivered on his behalf at a particular occasion.

I have been told that the Al Hakam newspaper has been launched for young boys and girls. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to express that when I observe divorces these days, I recall my elders for their vast capacity of forbearance. I cannot forget their patience, their simplicity, their absolute trust upon Allah and their diligence. Their selflessness was extraordinary. My father dealt with all kinds of situations. He worked really hard. He remained fully obedient towards Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Wherever he was sent to carry out any task, he gave preference to the Jamaat. For instance, when the matter of the land in Sindh surfaced, he encountered many hardships and selected good and beneficial land for the Jamaat and completed all the steps.

After that he began searching for his own personal land.

My mother, who was the daughter of the Promised Messiahas, always stood by patience and prayer. Whatever the circumstances, she would always seek help through prayer.

My parents were an ideal couple.

When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave my mother’s hand in marriage to my father, my parents remained committed and did not allow their differences in nature to cause any effect [on their relationship].

Every observer knows that my mother had a literary mindset and my father was a simple person. There were many other differences but they always fueled love. I have observed both of them very closely for a long time. I never saw them arguing or fighting. They remained together in one room and respected, honoured, loved, and cherished each other.

Now, the boys and girls who are studying the accounts of their elders, it is their responsibility to try to create these high moral values within themselves. They should remove misunderstandings and keep away from wrong ways and pray, so that we all become beneficial individuals of the Jamaat and servants of Khilafat.

Advice to Muslim Students

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, addressing students, advised: “I particularly advise students to primarily foster love for religion in their hearts, and to improve themselves.They should anchor the love of God the Almighty in their hearts because love alone produces the ability of discourse, greatness and influence. Thus, students should particularly establish love for the Almighty God in their hearts. They should develop such love that nothing in the world can withstand it. When their state becomes like this, they will see that a special light and glow will arise inside them and they will find no hurdle in convincing anyone about anything. Furthermore, they will shatter any kind of knowledge which will be introduced [in an attempt] to falsify Islam.”

(Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5)

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

16

“O Moon of the dark night”: A walk along the coast and lessons on life by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra

Ataul Fatir Tahir

Poets are known to echo their opinions about society, often drawing on the changing world around them. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was a man who would reverberate the realm of spirituality and lessons of life not only through his prose, but, as a well-established poet, his poetry would disseminate spiritual pearls to understand the nature of God, while also enabling his readers to take action and lead a practical life.

In 1940, during his stay in Karachi he took an evening stroll with his family along the coast. The Moon was shining bright that night and as a result, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra spontaneously began to utter couplets with relation to the Moon, God and World War II. The (Urdu) couplets were later published as a poem entitled “Yoon anderi rat mein ay chand tu chamka na kar”, “O Moon of the dark night, why shine so bright”.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, when publishing the poem, also wrote a prologue to the couplets and how they developed as he walked along Clifton Coast with his family. I have taken some extracts from this fascinating prologue and wish to share them with the Al Hakam readers as a means of inspiration. It shows how Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra was able to merge reflection upon nature into beautiful and inspiring couplets.

He was truly an epitome of the Quranic verse: “Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth...” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3:V. 192) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes: “A walk along the coast during a moonlit night is very pleasant indeed. One night, during our stay in Karachi, we went for a walk along Clifton Coast. I was accompanied by my youngest wife, Sadiqa Begum Sahiba, may Allah bestow her peace, my three

daughters, Nasira Begum, Amatul Rashid Begum, Amatul Aziz and Amatul Wadud, may Allah bestow peace on them, and also Mansoor Ahmad, may Allah bestow him peace.

“At 11pm, during the night, the shimmering of the Moon reflected through the waves of the sea made the Moon look beautiful and up in the sky, it looked yet more wonderful. As we walked along the sand, the pleasure [of such an atmosphere] increased and we could see the omnipotence of Allah the Almighty … My gaze, once again, fell upon the sky and I saw the Moon displaying its glow in the most unique manner. At that moment, the memory of a night that had passed 50 years prior flashed before my eyes, when a holy man who possessed divine insight, a beloved of God, after observing the Moon drew a sad sigh. Then, the next day, in his memory, the world was given the following message: As I gazed at the Moon last night, I became extremely restless; For its glow was reminiscent of my Beloved’s beauty “For a while I recited this couplet and then, addressing the Moon, I uttered some couplets of my own in memory of that Beloved [God]: O Moon of the dark night, why shine so bright; And why remind a lover, of his vibrant beloved’s sight “My attention then drew to the true Beloved, who the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was referring to in his couplet.

Remembering that Beloved friend [God], I said some couplets of my own while looking at the Moon: Keeping distance from your lover, indeed is not appropriate; You tend to shine far in the sky and watch me in despair “It is certainly possible to see the beauty of Allah within the Moon. At times, however, for a lover, this does not suffice. They desire

their Beloved not to merely glance at them from above, but to enter their heart and manifest Himself before their eyes. [They desire] for Him to apply an ointment to their wounded heart and become the very medicine for their sorrow because without this remedy there is no treatment.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then begins to draw lessons from the sea that was reflecting the glowing Moon: “My gaze then fell upon the waves of the sea which were reflecting the Moon.

As I stepped closer [to the reflection of the Moon], it grew further away. I again moved closer but the reflection drew further. As a result, my heart ached and I said it is exactly in this manner that sometimes a seeker is treated; he tries to meet God but his efforts apparently arrive face-to-face with failure.

His worship, his sacrifices, his remembrance and his cries bear no fruit. This is because Allah the Almighty tests his steadfastness and, as a result, the seeker believes his efforts to have no effect. Many of the faint hearted lose hope while others who are courageous continue their efforts until their goal is achieved. However, these days are extremely testing and the heart of a seeker remains discouraged at every moment; his morale diminishes.

“The best example of the Moon’s reflection drawing further away is while one is aboard a ship that travels for miles on end, yet the Moon’s reflection still runs further away from it. Due to this reason I said: When I glide in the boat of love, to come, O’ beloved, your way; Why, but, like the Moon, do you slowly drift away” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra then teaches the meaning of this couplet to his daughters while entering into the sea with them; he points out how the Moon’s reflection was drawing further away as they advanced into the sea. Discussing this he writes: “In the same way, at times, one’s efforts towards meeting with God are rendered useless and the more he strives to draw closer, the further away Allah the Almighty moves.

At such an instance, there is no cure except for imploring Allah the Almighty’s mercy.

One should only desire His beneficence so that God puts an end to the trial and grants His communion.”

World War II was at its peak during the time of this incident, particularly on the shores of France in Dunkirk. Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, as with all our Khulafah, was a man very aware of the world around him; he deeply understood politics, business, the sciences, comparative religion, modern history and the current affairs of the time.

With regard to the war, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra draws inspiriting and inspiring motivation from the sea: “My sight then fell upon the waves of the sea that were rising like mountains in the moonlight. [At that point] my eyes began to

look at that side of the sea towards which hundreds of thousands were giving their lives in the battlefield of France. I thought to myself, that on the one hand there are those courageous and brave people who, for the honour of their country, are offering sacrifices. And on the contrary, there are our people of India who are constantly engrossed in seeking ease and rest. I began to think of our women; how they are being wasted and bereaved of true effort and striving.

“O’ how I wish that our men and women also develop a passion to act, exert effort and practically do something. May they understand that, after all, those [people in France] are also humans who are risking their lives on the waves of the sea for their nation. They are adorning the battlefield with their blood and care not about the fate of the loved ones they leave behind. At this point I uttered: To act is to succeed and to die is to live eternally; Dread not the high tide, leap forward into the wave [of endeavour]” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra passion and desire for his nation to wake up and venture for the betterment of their country was a constant theme throughout his life.

He was a passionate, motivational and inspiring leader who would enable people to take action, eschew laziness and become proactive towards development and success.

As he said this couplet, Hazrat Amatul Wadood Sahiba began to profusely tremble.

When Huzoorra asked her the reason, she simply brushed it off as nothing. Later, when she passed away, Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra wife, Hazrat Sadiqa Begum Sahiba told him that Amatul Wadood Sahiba, after the incident of her body trembling at the couplet, once told her that she thought Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said the couplet about her and inadvertently she trembled hearing it.

Commenting on this Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra wrote: “She had just given her [final] exams and as her journey of education was ending, her practical life was about to begin. Her pious nature gathered that I was addressing her when I said this couplet; that now you should step into the practical life and, enduring every danger, should achieve something for Islam. It was God’s decree that she was not able to see success in her practical life but Allah the Almighty granted her life through death. He is the All Powerful, as He wills, He is able to grant life: To act is to succeed and to die is to live eternally; Dread not the high tide, leap forward into the wave [of endeavour]” Every poem of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra carries lessons and insight into the world of spirituality and Islam; often sprouting from his observations of nature and world events.

Since the time of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, the poems written by the Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat have always aimed to serve Islam and Muslims in one way or another; their purpose was not to be poets, rather to inspire people towards the truthfulness of Islam, serving religion and establishing a relationship with Allah.

(The prologue to the poem was published

by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud in Al Fazl on 6 July 1940 and can also be found in Kalam-e-Mahmud)

17

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

Freedom Square, Tbilisi: Georgia’s lajna hold women leaders event Tahmeena Shamim Tahir Sadr Lajna Georgia

“Is it true that if a Muslim kills a Christian they go to heaven?” This was one of the many questions asked in all seriousness by a Christian gentleman at the Jamaat’s bookstall in the national book fair in Tbilisi. There was no malice in the question, just genuine curiosity. If this was the thinking of the educated, the mind wonders what the remaining 3.7 million Georgians believe or had been informed about Muslims.

Georgia was the second country in the world (after Armenia) to adopt Christianity as the official state religion in 326 CE. It has seen its fair share of conquerors; from the Muslim, Byzantine and Ottoman empires (to name a few), to the recent independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. One can understand why this Christian nation may see other cultures as a threat. For the 15% nonOrthodox Christian’s it is a challenge to assert themselves in this small country – especially the Muslims who represent about 10% of the population.

In a country where traditions and culture still play a significant part in daily life, there has been a concerted effort to promote women’s rights. To be a Muslim woman in Georgia presents its own challenges, which is reflected by the virtually non-existing Muslim women leaders in the country. To this backdrop, the Georgian Lajna sought guidance from

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, to hold a women’s only peace symposium; to promote not only women’s rights, but also Muslim women and the true teachings of Islam.

Following guidance and prayers of Huzooraa, Alhamdulillah the event was successfully held on 26 January 2020 at the Marriott Hotel in Freedom Square, Tbilisi. This was the first of its kind in Georgia and was well received by the 125 attendees. There were talks by present and former Members of Parliament, diplomats, religious leaders and scholars on the topic of ‘Women in Society – Empowering Women in the 21st Century’.

To promote dialogue and sharing of ideas, an open floor session was held at the end of the formal talks where participants shared their thoughts and asked questions to the panellists. The event concluded with a working dinner. Literature was distributed during the event, including Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa book, ‘World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace’ (English, Russian and Turkish), leaflets on women in Islam and Jamaat. Alhamdulillah most of the literature was distributed and we had a few guests who wished to receive more. The event was in both English and Georgian, with simultaneous translation.

The speakers included: • MP Elene Khoshtaria (MP European Georgia Party) • Tamar Kordzaia (Lawyer and Political Secretary of the Republican Party of

Coffee Morning with Royal Airforce Cadets Omagh, Northern Ireland Shahzad Malik Ireland Correspondent

The Northern Ireland region of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya organised a coffee morning with Royal Air Force Cadets (RAF) from Omagh to raise funds for RAF Omagh. The event took place on 18 January 2020 at the Royal Airforce training camp building in Omagh, St Lucia Barracks, Northern Ireland. People started gathering outside the camp and then were escorted to the building with the Royal Airforce cadets.

A welcome address was delivered by Dr Nauman Iftikhar Sahib, President Northern Ireland region, and Flying Officer Royal Airforce Cadets Omagh, Graham Dodds thanked the guests for gathering for this

noble and charitable cause.

The chief guest of the event was Mr Jim Shannon, Member of Parliament for Strangford. Mr Shannon greatly commended works of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Northern Ireland, in terms of blood donation drives and community events which have proven to be a source of bringing the communities together. He also applauded the work of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in promoting peace.

The next speech was made by Cllr Diana Armstrong, Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Cllr Armstrong

Georgia) • Nino Kukhianidze (Tolerance Centre under the Public Defender of Georgia) • Julie Giorgadze (Former Diplomat, Communications Consultant) • Kristy Mordhorst (Political Officer, US Embassy in Georgia) • Mariam Gavtadze (Human Rights Lawyer, Tolerance and Diversity Institute) • Khola Hübsch (Journalist and Author, Germany)

greatly admired the charitable work done by the Jamaat in Omagh and emphasised on the importance of holding such event as means of building bridges and better understanding.

Ibrahim Ahmad Noonan Sahib, Missionary in-charge Ireland, addressing the event spoke about the importance of such events to enhance religious tolerance and informed the audience about the work carried out by the Jamaat in promoting peace, highlighting the motto “Love for all hatred for none”. Ibrahim Sahib further talked about Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa role as a man of peace. A presentation was delivered by Dr Nauman Iftikhar Sahib, President Northern Ireland about the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and its charitable activity.

Another presentation was given by Deputy Flying Officer royal Airforce Cadets about the history of the RAF, its activities countrywide, in general and in Omagh and Fermanagh regions. People from all walks of life attended the event.

Non-Ahmadi Irish and British guests were 60 and 7 Jamaat members were also in attendance.

Most participants did not know what to expect; after all this was a relatively big and inclusive event, hosted by a Muslim community and for women only! But Alhamdulillah it is safe to say that the event was enjoyed by all, with many requesting further events. Some comments included: “I thought this was a really amazing event. It was an honour to speak amongst so many other amazing women, and also to hear [in the open floor session] other women give their perspective and Continued on page 19

72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

Sri Lanka celebrated its 72nd Independence Day on 4 February 2020 to commemorate its internal political independence from British rule on 4 February 1948.

To mark the event, local chapters of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka arranged National Flag hoisting ceremonies at their respective premises.

After the flag hoisting, silent prayer and the National Anthem, Akram Sahib, a Missionary of Pasyala Jamaat, addressed the attendees and said that we, Ahmadi Muslims, love our motherland as the citizens of this beautiful Island. He quoted the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in relation to patriotism; “Love of your country is a part of faith.”

Akram Sahib then detailed, in brief, the 2500 year ancient history of Sri Lanka and said that Ahmadi Muslims have always obeyed the law of the land and respected their country.

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

18

Khan Goharra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas performed Bai’at in 1900.

26 February 1954: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went to Lahore where his stay remained until 1 March.

26 February 1955: The suffering of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that had resulted from a knife attack, on this day, grew manifold and became critical after Maghrib prayer. The new complications in his health forced doctors to tell Huzoorra to seek further treatment in Europe that would be better and of higher standard.

26 February 1962: A new building of Nusrat Girls High School in Rabwah was inaugurated.

27 February 1914: Upon the advice of physicians, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira moved to the house of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan which was named “Kothi Darus-Salam” and was in the suburbs of Qadian. It was thought that fresh air from the countryside would help in his recovery.

27 February 1922: The Prince of Wales visited India who also later became the King of England, Edward VIII. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra penned a book for him as a gift. Jamaat members donated one Ana per person to cover the cost of printing etc. On this date, a delegation from the Jamaat met the royal guest and presented him with this valuable gift. Hazrat Chaudhry Zafarulla Khanra beautifully translated the book into English.

Continued from page 2

25 February 1921: A Sikh religious leader from Kartarpur district Jalandhar visited Qadian and enjoyed the blessed audience of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra.

25 February 1927: A delegation representing the Jamaat met the Viceroy of India. During their meeting, Jamaat members stressed the need for separate voting electorates instead of the combined voting system, in the backdrop of Indian communal and religious divides.

25 February 1934: Upon the retirement of a Hindu Chief Justice of Lahore High Court, the appointment of an English judge as the new Chief Justice was opposed by the Jamaat. The Jamaat debated that by not electing a more capable candidate, who was a Muslim, the authorities were sowing the seeds of unrest amongst the Muslim population of that province.

25 February 1945: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a profound speech about the economic system presented by Islam. Huzoor’sra thorough and valuable research on the topic was presented at the Ahmadiyya Hostel in Lahore, under the presidency of the Advocate, Mr Ram Chand Machanda. Mr Ram Chand greatly applauded Huzoor’sra in-depth knowledge. This speech was later published in book form in August 1945.

25 February 1947: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud was foretold in a vision that lawlessness and disturbance would erupt in Punjab. The very next month, the world witnessed this truth. Owing to the information received from this vision, Huzoorra told Jamaat members to remain prepared for sacrifices in order to safeguard the Markaz in Qadian. ra

25 February 1952: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set out for a tour of Sindh, Pakistan that would last a month. He appointed Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shams as the Amir-e-Muqami.

25 February 1956: The Jamaat welcomed dignitaries who had travelled to visit Qadian.

Amongst the guests were the Indian High

Commissioner appointed in Karachi, the Indian High Commissioner appointed in Lahore and the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India.

25 February 1957: Lt Col Montagu William Douglas passed away at the age of 93. He presided over the court hearing in a case against the Promised Messiahas; acquitting the Promised Messiahas and declaring the accusation made

by Dr Clarke against the Promised Messiahas as fabricated.

25 February 1965: Rabwah hosted the 7th All Pakistan Basketball Tournament. Twenty-six teams took part and the tournament spanned over three days.

26 February 1914: Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashirudin Mahmud Ahmadra inaugurated the newly built mosque in Wazir Abad, near Gujranwala.

26 February 1919: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a lecture at the Islamiyyah College, Lahore organised by the Martin Historical Society.

The lecture was in Urdu and entitled “The outset of dissention in Islam”. The event enabled the audience with a chance to understand the accurate historical events of conflicts that arose after the Holy Prophetsa during, mainly, the khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra.

26 February 1922: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went to inspect a mosque of the Jamaat in Mughal Pura, Lahore.

26 February 1927: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled towards Lahore in order to facilitate the Muslims of India regarding their political matters.

Huzoorra remained in the city until 5 March.

26 February 1936: Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira set out for England with an aim to translate the Holy Quran into English.

26 February 1946: A delegation comprising of five missionaries arrived in Free Town, Sierra Leone.

The group was led by Maulana Nazir Ahmad Ali Sahib.

26 February 1954: Hazrat Khan Zulfiqar Ali

27 February 1922: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a lecture about the second renaissance of Islam at a gathering organised by the Ahmadiyya Intercollegiate association.

27 February 1943: The respected wife of Maulana Muhammad Sharif Sahib, the Jamaat’s missionary appointed in Palestine, passed away and was buried there. She is thought to be the first ever Ahmadi Muslim lady who passed away in foreign land. It is reported that Maulana Muhammad Sharif Sahib did not let this tragedy to hinder his duties.

27 February 1945: Hazrat Mian Roshan Dinra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas performed Bai‘at in 1902.

27 February 1946: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed Jamaat members living in Bengal, Behar, UP and Bombay etc. to vote and support the candidates of the Muslim League during elections.

27 February 1949: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled to the front lines of the war between Pakistan and India to raise the morale of the Furqan Force volunteers who were fighting to defend their country. A group of established journalists also accompanied Huzoorra.

27 February 1953: The jamaat’s Al Fazl newspaper that was being published from Lahore was banned by the government for a year. To fill the vacuum, Faruq was launched. On 4 March, its introductory paper was published but soon after it's printing ceased.

27 February 1954: Hazrat Chaudry Sir Zafarulla Khanra presided over and addressed the award ceremony of Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah, Pakistan.

27 February 1962: Hazrat Saith Abdullah Allah Din passed away in Sikandar Abad, India. This generous and loyal follower of the Promised Messiahas tried his utmost to spread the books and message of the Promised Messiahas as much as he could.

19

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadiyya Mosque in Qasur, Pakistan illegally stormed by an organised mob On 6 February 2020, at 2pm, a mosque belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Qasur, Pakistan was illegally and forcefully ceased by an organised mob. The mosque (which cannot be called a mosque in Pakistan due to legislation) had belonged to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for more than a hundred years. It was stormed despite police presence by a crowd led by Muslim clerics. After entering the mosque, the mob smashed CCTV cameras and called the azan through a loudspeaker and offered prayers; supposedly marking the mosque as now “worthy” of being a “mosque”.

According to the official press release

by Nizarat-e-Umoor-e-Ama, Pakistan, the police presence had no effect and they allowed the organised mob to take over the Ahmadiyya Mosque without any resistance.

The press release also panned out that this act was completely against the law and

opposes the decision made on 19 June 2014

by The Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The disturbing act has, once again, endangered the lives of Ahmadi Muslim across Pakistan, particularly in the locality of Qasur. The Jamaat has taken legal action against the raid and hopes the authorities and legal system of Pakistan will show justice.

Ahmadi Muslims have been subjugated to hate, discrimination and violence by organised and well-established groups in Pakistan for decades. The attack on the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Qasur is just the latest on-going injustice against the community.

The Khulafa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat have always strongly instructed Ahmadi Muslims to respond with prayers, and prayers alone. The following is the official press release by Nizarat-e-Umoor-eAma:

Press release Ahmadis deprived of their place of worship and their right to worship in Kharappar, district Qasur.

Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya Community asks the government to take note of the blatant violation of the verdict issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2014.

Chenab Nagar (PR) The Spokesperson of the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan has said that the seizure of an Ahmadi place of worship in Kharappar, District Qasur, is a clear violation of the community’s fundamental right to religious freedom.

The site in question has been in possession of the community for over one hundred years. However, under duress from certain agitating parties, the local authorities have handed it over to the ringleaders of a mob that had formed to forcefully take

Continued from page 17

“Very personal, very interesting, informative, inspirational ... Powerful, women orientated, human oriented, love orientated, very happy to be a member of this panel. I just wish we unite our efforts more in order to make women stronger all over the world especially Georgia.” - Julie Giorgadze, Former Diplomat “I’m so grateful for the generous invitation to speak at the symposium. I had an amazing experience. It was a pleasure to hear distinguished speakers speak about their diverse experiences as well the audience. I leave with great inspiration and I leave with great empowerment.” Nino Kukhianidze, Tolerance Centre under the Public Defender of Georgia One professor wrote after the event “…I would like to thank the conference organizers. All speakers proposed measures to improve equality between men and women. Khola Maryam’s report was more interesting for me”.

A representative from a youth centre, Tetriskaro wrote “…there were a lot of good messages and interesting impressions, thank you for representing different organisations and sharing their experiences. Thank you for the calm and pleasant atmosphere that you created at

this symposium”.

A few organisations showed their eagerness to work with Lajna in the remote regions of Georgia, helping minority groups.

One Muslim student wrote, “I appreciate the effort of bringing in women of different backgrounds. There was a good spectrum of topics that were touched. Although I personally didn’t agree with few of the speakers, I’m glad I got to hear Ms Khola’s speech. She was eloquent. The event was about discussions and I liked the way people stood up and did put forward their views. All in all, it was an honest effort. May Allah bless everyone involved. Ameen.”

A friend of the Jamaat who also attended Jalsa Germany 2019 wrote, “It was interesting and motivating. I was pleased that you invited me to such a great event, thanks once again. Me and my daughter, we are really excited that we attend such a great event”.

Four Lajna members from Germany assisted at the event, one of whom, Khola Hubsch Sahiba, the daughter of the late Hadayatullah Hubsh Sahib, also spoke at the event. She had the following to say: “It was a really beautiful experience

comments, and there should be more events like this.” - Kristy Mordhorst, Political Officer, US Embassy in Georgia “I was excited to be invited and to be speaking here, but I was even more excited after the meeting because I have heard very different perspectives on the issues, and all and each of them, the speakers and also the participants, was something that is very serious food for thought [that] I am taking away with me.” - MP Elene Khoshtaria, MP European Georgia Party “This was an amazing experience, to see all the diverse wonderful different women from different backgrounds, from different religious ethnic backgrounds and from different countries. All this cultural diversity is one big empowerment how in different parts of the world people and women are empowering each other and bringing their voices together. It is very important to go on with this kind of work and I am really happy that Ahmadiyya Community is supporting empowerment of women and generally human rights and quality. Thank you for having me here.” Mariam Gavtadze, Human Rights Lawyer, Tolerance and Diversity Institute

control of it. Prior to this, the local Ahmadi community in Kharappar was subject to constant pressure to relinquish the building themselves.

According to the spokesperson of the community, on 6 February 2020 at approximately 2pm in the afternoon, a mob forcefully entered the place of worship. Once inside, they smashed the security cameras and installed a loudspeaker through which they called the Azan. Afterwards they performed prayers inside the main hall.

Once news reached them, a heavy police contingent arrived at the site, but took no action against the mob. Instead they locked the place of worship down, and without any authority or jurisdiction announced that the place of worship would be handed over to the ringleaders of the disturbance.

Citing earlier a judgment by the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued on 19 June 2014 the spokesperson of the Ahmadyya Community added that the forceful acquisition of the place of worship is in clear violation of the verdict issued by the then Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani.

Under his authority a three-member apex bench devised a framework and reached a historical decision (S.M.C.No1of2014/ PLD2014SC99) which outlined 8 guidelines instructing the government to form a special police task force in order to ensure the security of places of worship. One of the recommendations focused on the need to take swift action against those who were found to be involved in defiling any place of worship in the country.

The spokesperson said that the Ahmadiyya Community is a peaceful, lawabiding, and a patriotic community which continues to work towards the progress and betterment of Pakistan. Despite this, not only are Ahmadis consistently denied their freedom of religion, but their historical places of worship are also being illegally taken away from them. This only leads to heightened religious discord and hostility.

for me and was not like I expected. The talks were deep. I’m used that such kind of events are superficial, and they are not going into depth. This time I had the feeling that [there were] so many different perspectives … and I think it is a good step for joining together in the future.”

- Khola Hubsch, journalist and author, Germany By the grace and mercy of Allah, and the prayers and guidance of Khalifatul Masihaa the event was a success. It showed Georgia that there are Muslim women’s organisations that promote peace, love and harmony, and that Muslim women can also be leaders in society. This event was part of several smaller events the Lajna have been holding to build contacts, make friends and introduce people to the true teachings of Islam.

Lajna Georgia are grateful for the people who assisted in making the event a success, and foremost to Allah and for Khalifatul Masih’saa prayers and guidance.

We ask Jamaat members to continue to prayer for the success of Lajna Imaillah in promoting Islam in Georgia.

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

20

Friday Sermon Men of Excellence 24 January 2020 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

The account of the companion whom I will mention today is Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha. The name of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha’s father was Rawaha bin Tha‘labah. His mother’s name was Kabshah bint Waqid bin Amr, who belonged to the Banu Harith clan of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha participated in the Bai‘at at Aqabah and was the leader of Bani Harith bin Khazraj. His title was Abu Muhammad. Some have also reported his title as Abu Rawaha and Abu Amr. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 235, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) It is narrated by an individual from the Ansar that the Messengersa of Allah established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha and Hazrat Miqdadra. According to Ibn Saad, he was one of the scribes of the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez AlSahaba, Vol. 4, p. 73, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2005) Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa, including the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Khaybar and Umratul Qadaa.

He was martyred during the Battle of Mautah and was one of the commanders during this battle.

It is mentioned in one of the narrations that Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha came to the Holy Prophetsa, while he was delivering a sermon. During the sermon, the Holy Prophetsa instructed the people [inside the mosque] to sit down. When Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha heard these words, he was still standing outside the mosque, but he sat down immediately. When the Holy Prophetsa finished his sermon and he came to know about this incident and said to him: َ ّٰ َ ٰ َ ً ُ ّٰ َ َ َ ‫اع َی ِۃ َر ُس ْول ِ ٖہ‬ ِ ‫اع َی ِۃ الل ِہ َو ط َو‬ ِ ‫زادک اللہ ِحرصا علی ط َو‬ i.e. “May Allah increase you further

was also standing outside and as soon as he heard the command, he sat down just outside the door and then went inside the mosque whilst remaining in a seated position.

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha used to be the first to depart from his home for any expedition and the last one to return.

Hazrat Abu Dardara narrates: “I seek refuge with Allah from a day in which I fail to remember Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha. When he used to walk towards me to meet me, he used to place his hand on my chest.” i.e. they would meet on a daily basis and he had a fond memory of each time they met and worth mentioning. Hazrat Abu Dardara then further narrates, “When he used to walk towards me to greet me, he used to place his hand on my chest and when he used to meet me before departing he used to place his hand between my shoulders and used to say to me: ً َ ْ َْ ُ ‫ ا ِْجلِ ْﺲ فل ُنؤ ِم ْن َساعۃ‬،‫یَا ع َویْ ِ� ْر‬

in your obedience to Allah and His Messengersa.” A similar incident is also found in the books of hadith, regarding Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud. I have

already narrated that incident in the sermon that I delivered with regard to him. The narration regarding Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud is similar in that he

‘O Uwaimir! Come, let us sit down for a while and rejuvenate our faith.’ Hence, we used to sit down and remember Allah the Almighty, for as long as Allah desired.

Then, Abdullahra bin Rawaha would say, ‘O ‘Uwaimir! These are gatherings which revive our faith.’” (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 235-236, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Isti‘ab Fi Marifat Al-Sahab, Vol. 3, p.

34, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2010) (Sunan abi Daud, Kitabul-Salat, Hadith no. 1091) It is mentioned in Kitab al-Zuhd, a book by Hazrat Imam Ahmadrh that when Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha used to meet one of his companions, he used to say, “Come, let us sit down and rejuvenate our faith in our Lord.” It is mentioned in the same book that the Holy Prophetsa said, “May Allah have mercy on Abdullahra

21

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM bin Rawaha. He loves such gatherings, of which even the angels are pleased with.”

Hazrat Abu Hurairara relates that the Holy Prophetsa said: َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ّ ٰ ُ ْ َ ُ ُ َّ َ ْ ‫احۃ‬ ‫نِعم الرجل عبد الل ِہ بن رو‬ Meaning, “What an excellent man Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha is!”

Following the conquest of Khaybar, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha in order to make an estimate of the fruit yield and land etc.

Once, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha fell so severely ill that he became unconscious. The Holy Prophetsa came to visit him and said, “O Allah! If his appointed time is nigh, then make it easy for him.” In other words, if the time of his demise is near, then make it easy for him and if his appointed time has not yet approached, then grant him health.

Following this prayer, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha’s fever subsided. Sensing this improvement [in his health], he said, “O Prophetsa of Allah! During my illness, my mother would say regarding me, ‘O my rock and my support!’ I saw [in a vision] that an angel was standing before me holding an iron club and asked, ‘Are you truly like this?’ Upon this, I replied that I am. Subsequently, he hit me with the iron club.”

There is another similar narration, and it seems to be more accurate. He says that an angel was holding an iron club and asking him that is he truly as his mother describes him; i.e. as a mountain and her support? (The angels enquired because this was a form of Shirk [associating partners with God].) Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha replied, “If I was to say that I indeed was like this, he would certainly have struck me with the iron club.” (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 2, p. 417, Dar-ulFikr, 2012) Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha was also a poet and among those who would respond to the insults of the opponents in defence of the Holy Prophetsa. Some of these verses are as follows: ُ ُ ْ َ ْ َْ َ ُ َ​َ​َ ّ ‫ِإنِ ْی تف ّر ْست ِف ْیک الخی َر اع ِرفہ‬ َ َ ّٰ ْ َ َ ‫َو الل ُہ ی َ ْعل ُم أ ْن َما خان ِن ْی ال َب َص ُر‬ َّ َ ْ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ ‫أنت‬ ‫الن ِب ُّی َو َم ْن ی ْح َر ْم شفاع َتہ‬ ْ َْ َ ْ َ َ َُ َ ْ َ َْ َ ‫اب فقد أزرى بِ ِہ القدر‬ ِ ‫یوم ال ِحس‬ ٰ َ َ ّ َ َ​َ​َ ‫فث ّبت الل ُہ َما آتاک ِم ْن َح َس ٍن‬ ُ َّ َ َ َ َْ ‫تث ِب ْیت ُم ْو ٰسى َون ْص ًرا کال ِذ ْی ن ِص ُر ْوا‬ That is, “I recognised the goodness in your blessed being (that is the Holy Prophetsa) and Allah knows that my eyes were not deceived. You indeed are the Prophet. Whoever will be deprived of your intercession on the Day of Judgement has certainly been decreed to be worthless.

Thus, may Allah grant him [i.e. the Holy Prophetsa] steadfastness in the qualities He has endowed him with, just as He granted Mosesas steadfastness, and may God help him just as the prophets of the past were helped.”

Hearing these verses, the Holy Prophetsa said, “O son of Rawaha! May Allah grant you steadfastness.” Hisham bin Urwah said that as a result of this prayer, Allah grated him great steadfastness, so

much so that when he was martyred and the doors of heaven were opened for him, he entered therein.

Ibn Saad relates that when the following verse was revealed: ُّ َ ُ َ‫الش َعر‬ ُ ‫اء یَ َّتب ُع ُہ ُم ال ْ َغ‬ ‫او ْو َن‬ ‫و‬ ِ “And as for the poets – it is the erring ones who follow them” (Surah al-Shu‘ara, Ch.26: V.225) Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha said that Allah the Exalted is well aware if he is from among them. Upon this, the following verse was revealed:َ َّ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ّ َّ ‫ات‬ ‫ِالا ال ِذین آمنوا وع ِملوا‬ ِ ‫الصال َِح‬ “Save those who believe and do good works.” (26:228) The author of Mu‘jam-ush-Shu‘ara writes that even during the era of ignorance [i.e. prior to advent of Islam], Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha was wellrespected and even in Islam, he holds a high and lofty status.

Hazrat Abdullahra composed a couplet in praise of the Holy Prophetsa and can be said to be one of his greatest couplets.

This couplet captures the state of his heart in which Hazrat Abdullahra addresses the Holy Prophetsa and says: ٌ ُ َ َ َ ٌ ٰ ‫ل ْو ل ْم تک ْن ِف ْی ِہ ایَات ُم َب ِّی َنۃ‬ َ​َْ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ‫کانت ب َ ِدیْ َھ ُتہ ت ْن ِب ْیک بِالخب ِر‬ This means, “O Muhammadsa! Even if you were without the countless signs that speak of your truthfulness and veracity, your countenance alone is enough to declare your truthfulness.”(AlIsaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba Li ibn Hajar Asqalani, Vol. 4, pp 72-75, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 236, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 401, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha was able to read and write in the era of ignorance, a time when the practice of writing was not common amongst the Arabs. After the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Zaidra bin Haritha from Badr to Medina and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha to Awaali to announce news of the victory. Awaali is the name of the area situated 4-8 miles north of Medina in which the village of Quba and some tribes are located.

Hazrat Saeedra bin Jubair relates that the Holy Prophetsa entered Masjid alHaram on his camel and out of reverence for the Hajr-e-Aswad [black stone], he touched it with his staff. Alongside him was also Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha, who was holding the reins of the Holy Prophet’ssa camel whilst reciting the following couplets: ُّ َ َ َّ ُ ‫خل ْوا ب َ ِنی الْکفا ِر عن َس ِب ْی ِل ْہ‬ َْ ٰ ُ َ َ ‫ن ْح ُن ض َربْ َناک ْم َعلى تأ ِویْ ِل ْہ‬ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ ً ْ َ ‫ضربا ی ِزیل الہ‬ ‫ام ع ْن َم ِق ْی ِل ْہ‬ meaning, “O disbelievers, make way for the Holy Prophetsa, for after accepting him, we have dealt you such a blow that removes the head from its resting place.”

Hazrat Qaisra bin Abi Hazim relates that the Holy Prophetsa told Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahara to dismount and

have our camels moving, i.e. recite such poetry that shall cause our camels to move swiftly just as was the tradition of the camel riders. He replied, “O Messengersa of Allah, I have abandoned such poetry.

Hazrat Umarra then said, “Hear and obey”.

Consequently, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha dismounted his camel and recited the following couplets: َ ْ َ َْ َ َ ‫یَا َر ِ ّب ل ْولا أنت َما اہ َتدیْ َنا‬ َّ َ ْ َّ َ َ ‫َولا ت َصدق َنا َولا َصل ْی َنا‬ َ ً ْ َ َْ َ ‫ک ْی َنۃ َعل ْی َنا‬ ِ ‫فأن ِزلن َس‬ َ َ َ َ َْْ َّ َ ‫ام ِإ ْن لاق ْی َنا‬ ‫ت الأقد‬ ِ ‫وث ِب‬ ُ ْ َّ َ‫ار قَ ْد ب َ َغ ْوا َعل َ ْینا‬ َ ‫ک َّف‬ ‫ِإن ال‬ That is, “O Lord, if it were not for You, we would not have attained guidance, given alms or offered prayers. Send down peace and tranquillity upon us and grant us steadfastness when we meet the enemy, for the disbelievers have attacked us.”

Waqee‘ has also narrated this, with the addition of: َ ً ُ ‫َوإ ْن أ َ َر‬ ‫اد ْوا ِف ْت َنۃ أب َ ْی َنا‬ ِ “And if they desire to create disorder, we oppose it” i.e. they would put an end to this disorder and not allow it to spread.

The narrator then states that the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Allah, have mercy on them”, to which Hazrat Umarra answered, “It has been ordained”. In other words, through the prayers of the Holy Prophetsa, mercy had been decreed.

Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit relates that the Holy Prophetsa went to visit Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha whilst he was sick and was unable to get up from his bed. The Holy Prophetsa asked, “Do you know who the martyrs of my ummah [people] are?” The people answered, “The martyrs are those Muslims who are slain.”

The Holy Prophetsa said, “In that case, there would be very few martyrs in my ummah” and then said, “The Muslim who is slain is a martyr, the one who dies due to an ailment of the stomach is a martyr, the one who drowns is a martyr and the woman who dies during childbirth is a martyr – all these are various types of martyrdom.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 398-400, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 1990) (Mujam-ulBuldan, Vol. 4, p. 187) (Al-Tabaqaat-ulKubra, Vol. 2, p. 13, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Urwahra bin Zubair relates that the Holy Prophetsa appointed Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah as the commander of the army on the occasion of the Battle of Mu‘tah and stated that if Hazrat Zaidra was martyred then Hazrat Jafar bin Abi Talibra would be the commander. If he too was martyred, then Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha would take control. If Abdullahra too was martyred, then the Muslims should appoint whoever they desired as their commander. When the army was ready and about to depart, the people were seeing off the appointed commanders of the Holy Prophetsa and praying for their safety. When they saw off the commanders of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha began to weep. The people enquired as to why he was weeping, to which he replied, “By

God, I have absolutely no love nor any desire for the world. However, I heard the Holy Prophetsa speaking with regard to the Quranic verse: َْ َ َ َ ‫َو ِا ْن م ْن ُک ْم ِالَّا َوار ُد َہا ک‬ ‫ان َع ٰلی َر ِّبک َح ْت ًما ّمق ِض ًّیا‬ ِ ِ ‘And there is not one of you but will come to it [referring to Hell]. This is a fixed decree with thy Lord.’ (Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.72) Hence, after having treaded this delicate path [i.e. the Day of Reckoning,] I do not know what my condition will be.”

In the preceding verses, God Almighty has mentioned Hell-Fire, which caused him concern, whereas in other verses, it is clearly stated that this is not the case of a believer and one who takes up Jihad in the way of Allah. Nevertheless, the people told him that God Almighty was with them and He would bring them back safely.

It is written in a footnote of Tafsir-eSaghir, and also in Tafsir-e-Kabir, that this would not be the fate of a believer but only for the disbelievers. The Promised Messiahas has explained this further in light of some ahadith. The summary of the footnote from Tafsir-e-Saghir is as follows: “The Holy Quran mentions two types of Hell – one is in this very life and the other is in the Hereafter. Where it is stated, ‘All shall enter Hell,’ it does not mean to say that the believers shall also enter therein, rather it means that believers shall experience some aspect of Hell in this very life, i.e. the disbelievers inflict them with all sorts of suffering. Otherwise, from the Holy Quran, it is evident that the believers shall never enter the Hellfire, because according to the Holy Quran, regarding the believers it states: َ ‫لَا یَ ْس َم ُع‬ َ ‫ون َح ِس‬ ‫یس َہا‬ i.e. the believers shall remain so far from Hell that they will not hear the slightest sound thereof. Hence, the meaning behind believers entering the fire is that they shall suffer afflictions in this life. The Holy Prophetsa has even declared fever as a type of fire, where he states: ْ َّ َ ّ ُ ُّ ‫الحُ ّٰمى َحظ ک ِل ُم ْؤ ِم ٍن ِمن‬ ‫النا ِر‬ ‘Fever is a portion of the Hellfire for every believer.’” (Tafsir-e-Saghir, Ch.19: V.72) Nevertheless, this was a brief explanation. The believers saw off the army and prayed for them to be safeguarded from every evil of the enemy.

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha recited the following poetic verses:َ ً ْ َ َ ْ َّ ُ ْ َ ْ َّ َ ‫ان َمغفِ َرۃ‬ ‫کن ِنی اسأل الرحم‬ ِ ‫ل‬ َ َ َّ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ً َ ْ َ َ ‫و ضربۃ ذات فر ٍغ یق ِذف الزبدا‬ ً ُ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ً َ ْ َ ْ َ ‫او طعنۃ بِیدی حر‬ ‫ان م ْج ِہ َزۃ‬ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َْ ْ ُ ُْ َ َْ ‫ِبحرب ٍۃ تن ِفذ الاحشاء والک ِبدا‬ َ ٰ َُ َ ُ ُ ٰ ‫َح ّتى یَق ْول ْوا اِذا م ّر ْوا َعلى َجدثِ ْی‬ َ ْ ُ ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َْ ‫از َو قد َرشدا‬ ٍ ‫یا ارشد اللہ ِمن غ‬ “I seek forgiveness from the Merciful God, and I seek the ability to be able to produce such a strike from my sword, which would inflict a great wound and thereby draw out fresh blood that spumes out. And the ability to launch an attack of the spear which is carried out by one who makes full preparation and is thirsty for blood; whose spear pierces through the

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

22 liver and intestines. [May I continue to valiantly fight] until my death and when people pass by my grave, they will say, ‘O thou who took part in the battle, may Allah grant you good’ and indeed Allah will have done so.’”

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha then presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophetsa then bade farewell to the army. The army continued to travel and stopped at a place called Ma‘aan, which is a town situated in Syria towards Hijaz, in the suburbs of Balqaa. It was there that they learnt that Heraclius, along with 100,000 Roman soldiers and 100,000 Arab soldiers, was at Ma‘aab. Ma‘aab is also a town situated in the suburbs of Balqaa, Syria. The Muslims remained in Ma‘aan for two days and discussions amongst themselves ensued that they should send someone to the Holy Prophetsa to inform him of the size of the enemy, i.e. that the enemy were in extremely large numbers. They thought that either the Holy Prophetsa would send reinforcements or he would issue another commandment. However, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha gave courage to the Muslims and reinvigorated their passion.

Subsequently, the Muslims, despite being only 3,000 in number, marched ahead and met the roman army in Balqaa near a place called Mushaarif. There are quite a few areas that went by the name of Mushaarif; one was located near Horan, one was near Damascus and the other was near Balqaa.

From this location, the Muslim army moved towards Mu‘tah. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 237, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Tafsire-Saghir, 19:72, p. 390) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, p. 247, Al-Mizan, Urdu Bazar, Lahore), (Mujam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 5, pp. 179, 37, 153-154) Hazrat Anasra relates that the Holy Prophetsa announced to the people the news of the martyrdom of Hazrat Zaidra, Hazrat Ja‘farra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha and this was prior to any news directly reaching them about this incident. In other words, the Holy Prophetsa informed the people before any news had reached them. The Holy Prophetas stated, “Zaidra was holding the flag and was martyred, then Jafarra took the flag and he was also martyred and then Abdullahra bin Rawaha took hold of the flag and he too was martyred.” As the Holy Prophetsa was stating this, tears were flowing from his eyes. The Holy Prophetsa then stated, “The flag was then taken by one of the swords of Allah, and eventually Allah the Almighty granted them victory through him.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ulMaghazi, Hadith no. 4262) When the Holy Prophetsa learnt of the martyrdom of Hazrat Zaidra bin Haritha, Hazrat Jafarra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha, he stood up to pay tribute. The Holy Prophetsa started with Hazrat Zaidra and stated: ّٰ َ ّٰ َ ّٰ َ ّٰ َ ْ ْ ْ ‫ الل ُھ َّم‬،‫ الل ُھ َّم اغفِ ْر َل ِ َزیْ ٍد‬،‫ الل ُھ َ َّم اغفِ ْر ل ِ َزیْ ٰ ٍد‬،‫الل ُھ َّم اغفِ ْر ل ِ َزیْ ٍد‬ ْ َ ‫اغف ْر لجَ ْعفر َو ل َِع ْبد اللّہ ابْن َر َو‬ ‫احۃ‬ ِ ِ ِ ٍ ِ ِ “O Allah, grant forgiveness to Zaidra!

O Allah, grant forgiveness to Zaidra! O

Allah, grant forgiveness to Zaidra! O Allah, grant forgiveness to Jafarra and Abdullah bin Rawahara.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 34, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Aishara narrates that when Hazrat Zaidra bin Haritha, Hazrat Jafarra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha were martyred, the Holy Prophetsa went and sat in the mosque. Emotions of grief and sorrow were visible from the Holy Prophet’ssa blessed countenance. (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith no.

3122) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has explained the account of the Battle of Mu‘tah in the following manner – this has already been mentioned once before in reference to Hazrat Zaidra, however I shall mention it briefly again. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “The Holy Prophetsa had appointed Zaidra as the commander of the army.

However, the Holy Prophetsa also stated, ‘I am appointing Zaidra as the commander of the army, but if Zaidra is martyred during the battle, then Jafarra will take command of the army. If he is also martyred, then Abdullahra bin Rawaha will take command. However, if he is also martyred then whoever the Muslims collectively agree upon should take the command of the army’. When the Holy Prophetsa stated this, a Jew was also sat in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, ‘Although I do not believe you to be a prophet, but if you are truthful, then none of these three individuals would return alive because anything uttered by a prophet is certainly fulfilled.’ The Jew then went to the Hazrat Zaidra and stated, ‘If your prophet is true, then you shall not come back alive.’ Hazrat Zaidra replied, ‘Regardless of whether I return from this battle alive or not, for Allah knows best, but it is an undeniable truth that our Messengersa is truthful.’”

Despite not professing belief in the Holy Prophetsa, the Jew knew that the words of the Holy Prophetsa were indeed going to be fulfilled, but this is the stubborn attitude of those who will not accept the truth whatever be the case.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: “Allah’s wisdom so ordained that this incident was fulfilled exactly as foretold.

Hazrat Zaidra was martyred. Then, Hazart Jafarra took up the command and he too was martyred. Then, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha took up the command of the army and was also martyred. It was possible that in this moment, the Muslim army could have dispersed but Hazrat Khalidra bin Waleed took the flag in his hand at the behest of the Muslims. Allah gave victory to the Muslims through him and he returned the army safely.” (Farizae-Tabligh Aur Ahmadi Khawatin, Anwarul-Ulum, Vol. 18, pp. 405-406) The following account which I am going to relate has already been mentioned once before, however this incident reflects the sincerity and devotion of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha, and also his love for the Holy Prophetsa and Islam.

Therefore, I shall relate this once again.

Hazrat Urwah relates that Hazrat Usama bin Zaidra told him that once the Holy Prophetsa was riding a donkey which had a saddle placed on it. Beneath the saddle was a blanket that was made in Fadak. The Holy Prophetsa placed Hazrat Usama bin Zaidra behind him and they made their way to the [compounds of] Banu Harith bin Khazraj to enquire about Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah, who was ill at the time. The incident being narrated took place prior to the Battle of Badr. Whilst travelling they went past a gathering in which some Muslims, idolaters and the Jews were all sat together. Abdullah bin Ubayy and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha were also sat in this gathering. Whilst the Holy Prophetsa was riding past, the dust from his mount fell on the gathering, Abdullah bin Ubayy covered his nose and said, “Do not cast dust upon us!” The Holy Prophetsa offered greetings of Salaam [peace] and stopped and dismounted. The Holy Prophetsa then invited them towards Allah and recited the Holy Quran. Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool replied, “This is not right! If what you say is true, even then you should do not come to our gathering and disrupt it. Rather, you ought to go back to where you came from and inform those who come to you.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha immediately submitted, “O Prophetsa of Allah! You should come to our gatherings and recite this to us as we greatly enjoy this.”

He did not show any fear of anyone and in fact an altercation ensued as well, but in any case, he demonstrated his character at this occasion. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ulJihad Wa Al-Sair, Hadith no. 1798) Hazrat Ibn Abbasra relates that the Holy Prophetsa once sent some of his Companionsra on an expedition and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha was also part of this delegation. It was a Friday and the rest of the companionsra who were part of the delegation had set off, however Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha said that he would remain behind and offer his Friday prayers behind the Holy Prophetsa and will then join the others. When the Holy Prophetsa saw Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha also offering his prayer alongside him, he stated, “What stopped you from going with your fellow companions?”

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha replied, “It was my desire to offer the Friday Prayer behind you and then join the others.”

The Holy Prophetsa stated, “Even if you spend the entire wealth on this earth, you cannot attain the same blessings as those who have already departed.” (Sunan AlTirmadhi, Abwaab-ul-Jumuah, Hadith no. 527) The Holy Prophetsa further stated that the delegation he sent for this expedition was more important at the time than the Friday prayers and they could have performed their Friday prayers whilst travelling.

Hazrat Abu Dardara relates that once Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha left with the Holy Prophetsa on an extremely hot day in the month Ramadan. He states that the heat was so intense that they were all

covering their heads from the sun with their hands. He states that none of them were fasting at the time apart from the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Siyam, Hadith no. 1122) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “Upon arriving in Medina, the first task was the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi.

The place where the camel of the Holy Prophetsa chose to rest, was the property of two children from Medina named Sahl and Suhail, who lived in the guardianship of Hazrat As‘ad bin Zurarahra. This was a vacant land, on which a few date palms had been planted in one area. In another area, there were ruins, etc. The Holy Prophetsa selected this plot to construct the Masjid-e-Nabawi, and his own livings quarters. This plot of land was purchased for 10 Dinar, or approximately 90 Rupees.

The surface was levelled and cleared of trees, after which the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi began. The Holy Prophetsa supplicated to Allah and laid the foundation stone himself. Just as in the construction of the mosque at Quba, the Companions worked as builders and labourers. The Holy Prophetsa would also participate at times. Occasionally, while lifting bricks, the Companions would recite the following couplet of Abdullah bin Rawaha Ansarira: َ ُ ْ َ ٰ َ َ َ ‫ھذا ال َ ِح َمال لا ِح َمال خ ْیب َر‬ َْ َ َ ٰ ‫ھذا اب َ ُّر َربّ َنا َو اط َھ ٗر‬ ‘This burden is not the burden of Khaybar’s commercial goods, which arrive loaded on the backs of animals; Rather, O our Lord! This is the burden of virtue and purity, which we bear for Your pleasure.’

At times, the Companions would recite the following couplet of Abdullah bin Rawahara: ٰ ّٰ َ ْ َ َْ َ ‫الل ُھ َّم ا ِّن الا ْج َر ا ْج ُر الا ِخ َرة‬ َ ُْ َ َ َ َْ ْ َ ْ َ ‫اج َره‬ ِ ‫فارح ِم الانصار والمھ‬ ‘O Our Allah! True reward is merely that of the hereafter. By Your Grace, send down Mercy upon the Ansar and Muhajirin.’

When the Companions would recite this couplet, at times, the Holy Prophetsa would also join in. In this manner, after a long period of hard work, the mosque was completed.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 269-270) These were accounts in the life of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawaha, and I would like to mention about a deceased member and lead his funeral prayer, therefore I have only mentioned one companion [of the Holy Prophetsa].

Now, as I have just stated, I will mention some details of a deceased member, respected Dr Latif Ahmad Qureshi Sahib, son of Manzoor Ahmad Qureshi Sahib.

He passed away on 19 January 2020 at around 1pm in the afternoon at the age of approximately 80. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫اج ُع ْون‬ ِ ‫اِنا لِل ِہ واِنا اِلی ِہ ر‬ “To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return”.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the deceased was a Musi. He was born in

23

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM Ajmer Sharif, India. His father, Manzoor Qureshi Sahib, did the Bai‘at at the hands of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in 1937.

His mother, who is still alive, respected Mansoora Bushra Sahiba, is the maternal granddaughter of Hazrat Munshi Fiaz Ali Sahib Kapurthalvira, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas. She is also the paternal granddaughter of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Rashid Mirthira.

Respected Dr Qureshi Sahib’s parents migrated to Lahore after the independence of Pakistan. He passed his matriculation exams from Lahore and attained first position. He then enrolled in the King Edward Medical College. He was amongst the youngest students to have passed his MBBS exams and this was particularly mentioned by the principal of the college. To pursue further education, he travelled to the UK in 1961. He initially did a diploma in child healthcare and then attained a degree in MRCP. He then worked as consultant in a hospital in Yeovil, Somerset and specialised cardiology.

In 1968, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh asked Dr Sahib when he was planning to come back to Pakistan and Dr Sahib replied that he would return whenever Huzoor would direct him. And so, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh asked him to come back and he left the UK and retuned to Pakistan. Dr Sahib was appointed to serve in the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital in Rabwah and continued to work there for a long period of time.

On 11 July 1983, he was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer at the Fazle-Umar Hospital and continued to serve at this post till 1987. He continued to work till the age of 60 at the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital and on 20 August 1998, he took retirement. However, on 6 September 1998, he re-joined the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital and continued to serve by the grace of God Almighty until 10 September 2000.

Thus, his total service was approximately 30 years. Aside from serving as a Waqf-e-Zindagi [life devotee] doctor, Dr Latif Qureshi sahib also had the opportunity to serve in various offices in the central departments of Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya and Ansarullah. Currently, he was serving as the Naib Sadr Ansarullah and was also a member of Majlis Iftaa for the last two years.

He wrote two books which were especially for those living in Pakistan; Principles of Preserving one’s Health and Healthy Living. His wife, who was the daughter of Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib, passed away a few days ago. I mentioned her last Friday and led her funeral prayer [in absentia] as well.

He passed away two days after I led her funeral prayer and approximately fifteen days after the passing of his wife.

As I mentioned in regard to his wife, Dr Lateef Quraishi Sahib is survived by three sons and two daughters. His son, Dr Ataul Malik writes: “From as early as I can remember, I have never seen my father miss the Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayers.

Our mother would tell us that from the first day of their marriage, he offered the Tahajud prayers regularly and continued this practice for more than 50 years.

During the last days of my mother’s illness, my father took great care of my mother; he would take her to the hospital and spend hours waiting for her dialysis to finish and would endure a lot of discomfort, but despite all this, he never missed the Tahajud prayers. He had great sympathy for his patients and would look after the destitute. Poor people would travel great distances to obtain medicines and receive treatment. He would not take fees from many of his patients and would sometimes give money from his own pocket. He would always advise us that it is only God Almighty that has the power to cure.” He would especially advise his three children who are doctors that they should always pray for their patients.

His son writes, “Many times, when I would ask my father to pray for a patient of mine, he would phone the following day and enquire about the patient and would mention that he had prayed for them.”

In 1969, he was working as a consultant in England, but he left all worldly luxuries and wealth, and placing his trust in Allah, he moved to Rabwah. He had complete conviction that God Almighty would provide for all his worldly and spiritual endeavours and that his children would receive good education. Thus, God Almighty showered His blessings upon him and Dr Quraishi Sahib never suffered any financial difficulty and his children also received a good education. Most of his children are settled in the USA, three of whom are doctors.

Dr Quraishi Sahib looked after his parents and even until his last days, he would prepare food for his mother and took good care of her. As I mentioned earlier, the mother of Dr Quraishi sahib is alive and was living with him.

Dr Quraishi Sahib’s son writes: “My father assisted me greatly in preparation for [entry] examinations for USA and would encourage us children in all matters. He was averse to any form of pretentiousness and lived a simple life.

Prior to doing anything in his life, whether it was something small or significant, he would always write to the Khalifa and seek guidance.”

His other son, Dr Muhammad Ahmad Mahmood Quraishi writes: “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said about him that he was not simply a doctor, rather he practiced his profession with the help of prayers. He would pray for every single patient. Before writing any prescription, he would always write: ‫بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم‬ [In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful] and underneath he would write: ‫ھو الشافی‬ [God is the restorer of health].

He would advise other doctors to pray for their patients because only God Almighty has the power to cure.” He further writes, “During the days in which my mother passed away, a patient came to

see him from Shorkot. At the time, he was sitting in the car and was preparing to go somewhere. He stopped and attended to the patient and gave him a prescription.

Often he would purchase medicines for his patients himself.”

His daughter writes, “A lady informed me that her father had suffered a heart attack and was alone at home (i.e. the father of the woman). He [i.e. Dr Quraishi Sahib] went to tend to him and informed the person’s children. He sat with him and remained there until the children came home.”

He would attend Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] in Qadian and the UK each year. He had a habit of working hard and always worked with great diligence.

His daughter writes, “After the demise of our mother, he asked me to help in all the arrangements. After I completed everything, he expressed his gratitude to such an extent that I felt embarrassed.

During all this, one thing he would repeatedly say to me was to complete everything at first instance, as he did not have much time left. At the time, I did not pay much attention to this, nor did I enquire about it, as he usually never openly shared his dreams. Later on, however, my brother informed me that he had seen a dream about himself and said that he did not have much time left. One hour prior to his demise, he sat in the clinic adjacent to the house from 9am to 1pm. He came home at 1pm, performed his ablution and stated his intention to offer prayers in Masjid Mubarak. As he sat on his bed, he took off his shoes when he suffered a major heart attack, and thus, departed to meet with his Creator.”

He had a loving relationship with his neighbours and they also took great care of him. He had a passion for poetry and literature; he would recite poems from Durr-e-Sameen, Kalam-e-Mahmud and Durr-e-Adan in a melodious tune.

He recorded many cassettes consisting of different verses, and had a scholarly disposition.

Syed Hussain Ahmad, who is a missionary and also married to Dr Quraishi Sahib’s sister-in-law, writes: “Dr Sahib told me that when he arrived at Lahore from London (when he moved to Pakistan to serve in the Jamaat hospital) he went straight to the Private Secretary’s office. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh called him inside and remarked ‘You have arrived.’ Dr Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he had come to render his services. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then said that he had the house of Dr Sahib painted and that he ought to get the keys from the nazir-e-ala and live there. Dr Sahib then said that when he went to the house, he found two charpoys’ [a wooden bed frame strung together with interlaced cords]. He went to the market and purchased two more, as well as other items for the house and began living there.

He did not make any demands, nor did he show any pretentiousness that he had come from England. In the first Jalsa, he received a lot of guests. He would sleep on the floor himself and offered his house

for the guests. He took great care of his father-in-law, Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib and his mother-in-law.”

Hussain Sahib further writes, “Dr Sahib would often say that his colleague doctors, who were serving in various high ranking positions, would ask him what he received in return for working in a small settlement such as Rabwah? Dr Sahib would reply by saying, ‘Those people have no idea and can never truly understand what I receive in return for my service in Rabwah. The prayers [that one can offer here] are priceless.’”

He had the opportunity to treat Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahibara and Hazrat Syeda Amatul Hafeez Begum Sahibara. Dr Quraishi Sahib stayed with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Islamabad in the days leading up to his demise. He also had the opportunity to tend to other elders of the Jamaat as well.

Dr Abdul Khaliq Sahib writes: “It would not be an exaggeration to write that Dr Quraishi Sahib, who is no longer with us, was a doctor who especially cared for the poor. For more than half a century, he served the poor and destitute of this area irrespective of the patient’s religion or background.

When the deceased was serving as the chief medical officer of the [Fazl-e-Umar] Hospital, he would personally go to Lahore and check rates for various equipment on the market. He would then purchase the appropriate items and sometimes, this process would take an entire day. One of his characteristics was that he was always mindful of the correct use of Jamaat’s money and resources. He initiated the ultrasound and endoscopy departments in the hospital. Initially he would walk or travel by bicycle to visit renowned personalities and also companions of the Promised Messiahas in their homes and would advise them accordingly. With regard to the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital, he would say, ‘The prayers of the Khulafa [Caliphs] of Ahmadiyyat are with this hospital and with respect to the healing and treatment of patients, by the grace of Allah, I have witnessed countless miracles here.’”

Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib writes: “During his service in the Fazl-eUmar Hospital, which spanned over approximately 30 years, he had to endure various trials, however, his humble disposition was such that he patiently endured every trial, and as he faced them, he maintained his honour and dignity and offered supplications before God Almighty.” Sultan Mubashar Sahib is correct in what he writes, as I am aware of certain matters in which Dr Sahib always maintained his dignity and without a word of complaint, he endured the difficulties he faced. As a result, Allah the Almighty bestowed him with blessings. He never complained against any office bearer, nor did he ever share any grievances or personal injustices of fellow colleagues with anyone.

Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib states that he was not just a doctor for the rich or

Friday 21 February 2020 | AL HAKAM

24 noble, rather he treated everyone, and as mentioned earlier, this was one of his attributes. Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib writes an incident: “One day, the wife of Rahmat Ali Sahib’s driver was brought to the emergency department. I requested Dr Quraishi Sahib to come to the hospital. He came to the hospital within a few minutes from his home in Darul Uloom Sharqi.” His house was not near the hospital, in fact, his house was situated on the other side of Rabwah, yet he immediately went to the hospital.

“He was very loyal to the Jamaat. On occasions, when us junior doctors would be despondent with the strict disciplinary

measures of our superiors, Dr Quraishi sahib would sit us down and explain to us that we must obey the Nizaam at all costs and bear everything patiently. When his wife, Shaukat Sahiba passed away, the following day, the Walima [marriage] ceremony of two of his nephews was to take place. On the same of her demise, Dr Quraishi Sahib went to the groom’s house and informed them about the passing of his wife but advised them to continue with the marriage preparations and not to postpone them.”

As mentioned, his wife was the maternal aunt of the two grooms, i.e. the ceremony was of the two sons of Hussain

Sahib. However, Dr Sahib advised them to continue with the proceedings and not to cancel them. His son, Dr Mahmood said that he would not attend the marriage ceremony and would instead remain home, but Dr Quraishi Sahib advised him to be content with the Will of God, then further said that it was in these circumstances whereby people are tested and their level of patience and contentment with the Will of God are gauged. He then took his son along with him and participated in the marriage ceremony and out of reverence for the occasion, he ensured that nobody from his area should come to know of the

demise until the marriage ceremony was concluded.

May Allah the Almighty shower His mercy and forgiveness upon him. Both parents of the children have passed away within a short space of time; may Allah grant his children patience and steadfastness.

May Allah enable the children to continue the virtues of both parents. As mentioned, the mother of Dr Quraishi Sahib is alive but is unwell, may Allah have mercy on her and grant His blessings.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 14 February 2020, pp. 5-9.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam

By Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II and Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him

Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam was first published in 1924 and has been published many times since. It is an extended treatise of a lecture read at The Conference of Living Religions Within the Empire in London.

The treatise exhaustively deals with the subjects as the conception of God, His relation to man and attainment of communion with Him. It also deals with the Islamic teachings on morals and their social aspects – relations within family, the community, between partners in business and between government and people. Nature of the human soul, life after death and the nature of heaven and hell have also been addressed. Most important of all is that all the issues dealt within the book have been supported and documented from the Holy Quran and hadith which places this unique dissertation among the most authentic works on Islam. It is as relevant today as it was when first published to present the true teachings of Islam and to counter hostile propaganda against it.

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2020