Al Hakam - 27 September 2019

A sitting with Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib at the 2019 UK Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema Part II

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Jalsa Salana Sweden

Jalsa Salana Switzerland

Sweden held its 27th Jalsa Salana at Nasir mosque in Gothenburg from 14 to 15 September 2019

The 37th Jalsa Salana Switzerland was held at Noor Mosque Wigoltingen, from 20 to 22 September 2019

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Discover Islam road trip in Australia 46 Khuddam set out from six cities across Australia to visit and spread the message of Islam in regional towns

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 27 September 2019 | Issue LXXX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V in the Netherlands

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

Whoever has oppressed another person Hazrat Abu Hurairah, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning their reputation or anything else, they should beg forgiveness from them before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money [to compensate for wrong deeds], but if they have good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from them according to their oppression which they have done, and if they have no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Mazalim)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The reward of a good deed is never wasted 27 September, Nunspeet: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, arrived earlier this week in Nunspeet, the Netherlands, on 25 September. Huzooraa was welcomed by the deputy mayor, Gert van den Berg together with local neighbors and members of the Jamaat.

Many Ahmadis who have come recently from Pakistan saw Khalifatul Masih for the first time in their lives. Upon Huzoor’saa arrival, the atmosphere was filled with emotions and immense passion.

Huzooraa arrived at Baitun Noor, Nunspeet at approximately 20:00 local time.

After arrival, Huzooraa led Maghrib and Ishaa prayers. Insha-Allah, during the week, Huzooraa will be gracing the 39th Jalsa Salana of the Netherlands.

The Jalsa Salana commenced with

Huzoor’saa Friday Sermon today. MTA International will be covering all live addresses of Huzooraa during his stay in the Netherlands.

In total, Huzooraa will be delivering five speeches during the tour of the Netherlands.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa will also inaugurate a purpose-built mosque in the Netherlands. This mosque’s foundation stone was laid by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 7 October 2015. It will be the first purpose-built mosque to have its foundation laid by and inaugurated by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in the Netherlands.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa is on a tour of Europe and will be visiting France and Germany after the Netherlands. Al Hakam will be updating its readers with the engagements of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during this tour, Insha-Allah.

Now, one ought to reflect that Allah Almighty did not even waste the good deed of a disbeliever, then would He let the virtuous deed of a Muslim go in vain? I am reminded of a companion who asked the Holy Prophetsa whether he would be rewarded for the substantial amounts of charity that he gave during the time that he was a disbeliever. The Holy Prophetsa responded: ‘These very alms have become the cause of your accepting Islam.’

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 72)

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 27 September - 3 October

27 September 1937: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation stone of a guest house in Qadian which began to serve guests after it was completed the following year.

inheritance through the guidelines of the Holy Quran instead of national norms.

27 September 1946: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and Mahatma Gandhi had a meeting in Delhi on this date to discuss communal and national affairs.

28 September 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra article about the holy life of the Holy Prophetsa was read out in London.

29 September 1933: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bengal had its 17th Jalsa Salana which was blessed by Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra as the chief guest from the Markaz. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a special message to be read out.

29 September 1938: Hazrat Maulvi Ubaidullah Bismilra passed away. The Promised Messiahas gave him the name “Firdausi” as an honour and a reference to his deep knowledge of Persian.

29 September 1946: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud addressed a convention of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Delhi. ra

29 September 1951: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia was holding its Jalsa Salana and requested Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for a message.

Upon this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a special message addressing these devout members of the Jamaat.

30 September 1917: Jamaat Shimla held its Jalsa which was graced by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. He also delivered a speech about the signs of living religions and openly challenged leaders of faith groups to a contest in the acceptance of prayers.

October 1924: Shahzada Abdul Majeed Khan established a mission of the Jamaat in Tehran at the end of this month.

October 1925: A concrete boundary was built around the part of Bahishti Maqbara in Qadian where the sacred tomb of the Promised Messiahas is situated.

October 1927: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed members of the Jamaat to establish a reserve fund of 2.5 million rupees. This was for tabligh works and other humanitarian activities of the Jamaat.

October 1929: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra issued a detailed statement against what the Sarda Act proposed. The Sarda Act was the Child Marriage Restraint Act, passed on 28 September 1929 by the Imperial Legislative Council of India. It fixed the age of marriage for girls at 16 and boys at 18, which was later amended to 18 for girls and 21 for boys. It is popularly known as the Sarda Act as it was sponsored by Harbilas Sarda. It came into effect six months later on 1 April 1930 and was applied to all of British India.

October 1941: Al-Haj Abdul Qadir Auda Sahib passed away in Palestine at the age of 112 years.

30 September 1929: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a speech in Jammu Kashmir.

30 September 1935: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra nikah with Syeda Maryam Siddiqa Sahiba was announced by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra in Qadian.

October 1901: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’sra book Khutut Jawab-e-Shia wa Rad-e-Naskh (Letters in reply to a Shia [Muslim] and the rebuttal of abrogation [of Quranic verses]) was printed.

October 1943: The Muslim Supreme Council of Palestine issued a verdict unanimously, stating that a nikah announced by or of an Ahmadi should be registered and must be dealt with as all other sects of Islam.

October 1944: Malik Muhammad Sharif Sahib, a missionary in Italy, sent his first letter to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra after spending time in jail as a prisoner of war.

October 1908: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I carried out Etikaf in Ramadan. He would deliver dars of three parts of the Holy Quran daily. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra also did Etikaf this year. ra

October 1909: Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf started publishing a newspaper from Qadian titled Nur. The newspaper’s aim was for tabligh to Sikh people. ra

October 1915: The British government directed communities, tribes and groups to submit their preferred mode of settlement in lawsuits of inheritance. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya proposed that they desired to resolve their matters of

October 1916: The companions of the Promised Messiahas were so passionate to spread the message of the true Islam that they would use every available mode of tabligh. This month, some new converts were reported from Nigeria and Sierra Leone after the tabligh of Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyarra, who would convey the message of Ahmadiyyat through letters to this far distant continent.

October 1945: Provincial elections to elect members of the legislative councils of British Indian provinces were fast approaching. A letter from a member of the Jamaat was received in Qadian, in which he requested Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra for his guidance for the elections.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed to support the candidates from the Muslim League. Nazir Umure-Ama sent a copy of the reply to Quaid-e-Azam who shared this reply with the press. The Muslim League’s organ, Dawn printed it in its 8 October 1945 issue.

October 1946: Communal riots occurred in the Bihar and Noakhali area, in which mobs robbed opponent camps ruthlessly. The Jamaat

dispatched a large supply of humanitarian aid worth 50,000 rupees to the area. The following month, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also sent medical assistance to those affected by the riots.

October 1947: One of most dreadful aspects of the partition of the Indian subcontinent was the abduction of women. In these circumstances, the members of the Jamaat in Qadian offered shelter and food for such misplaced women until May 1948, until their safe return to their families.

October 1947: Due to the partition and shift of the Markaz, financial cuts in foreign missions’ expenditures were inevitable. The Markaz sent a message of a possible temporary shutdown of the Spain mission to Maulana Karam Ilahi Zafar Sahib.

However, he requested to run the mission without the monetary help of the Markaz. On being given permission, he sustained and managed the mission at his own expense, by selling perfumes.

October 1949: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland commenced publication of its magazine Der Islam; the first issue consisted of three pages.

October 1952: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Pakistan commenced publication of Khalid magazine. The first issue contained a special message by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

1 October 1938: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started his journey from Qadian towards Hyderabad. This journey continued until 28 October and was based on a vision of his. The journey saw a series of lectures delivered by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra at various locations across India.

He reached Hyderabad on 16 October after stays in Sindh and Karachi.

On 20 October, Huzoor’sra arrival at Begumpet, an outskirt railway station of Hyderabad, was reported.

On 23 October, the famous Urdu writer, Mirza Farhatullah Baig invited Huzoorra to a special reception. The following day, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra visited Golconda and Bala Hissar area.

Huzoorra also visited the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri in Agra.

1 October 1942: The National Islamic Salvation Federation’s representative, Sheikh Usman reached Qadian seeking guidance from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. This organisation was thought to be the sole voice of Muslims living in China.

1 October 1942: Maulvi Muhammad Sharif Sahib reached Syria from Palestine to spread the message of the Jamaat.

1 October 1943: During his Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra exhorted members of the Jamaat to expand their efforts of tabligh.

1 October 1943: Sheikh Amri Ubaidi Sahib from Tanzania commenced his missionary activities after joining the missionaries already serving there.

Continued on page 9

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

Early days of the Holland mission Translation of an article written by Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib (19171994) who was the first missionary to Holland Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra in Holland (1947). To his right is Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib

Hafiz Qudratullah (1917-1994)

T

he Ahmadiyya mission in Holland was formally established in 1947 when Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra appointed me as missionary to the Netherlands. This was just before the formation of Pakistan.

It was a very blessed opportunity, but not knowing the language and my inexperience remained a worry for me; however, I had full trust in Allah and his chosen Khalifa’s prayers. The only hope I had was that I was not going there on a personal business, but was taking there the message of Islam. It was part of the plan that Allah had delegated to the Promised Messiahas and I was going to become a small instrument in the great machinery.

About 15 years before the formal establishment of this mission, the Jamaat had had the opportunity to carry out some pioneering work in Holland. The first ever contact the Jamaat made with this country was through a companion, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra, who married a Dutch lady, named Hidayat Budd. This must be around 1927. The lady went with him to Qadian and I remember her residing at Mufti Sahib’s house.

The second contact of the Jamaat with Holland was around 1926 when Abdur Rahim Dard Sahibra travelled from London to Holland and delivered a number of lectures in Amsterdam. He started a fortnightly magazine in Dutch and also

published a few pamphlets introducing the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

The third connection with Holland occurred when Jalaluddin Shams Sahibra was able to convert a Dutch gentleman to Islam Ahmadiyyat in London. In the wake of World War II, this young man had moved from Holland and settled in England. He was still around when our mission was founded in Holland in 1947.

I was serving in the London mission when I received a directive of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra that I should travel to Holland and establish a mission there. I departed from England on 1 July 1947 by sea and arrived in Holland the next day.

The first thing I did was to get in touch with the press to publicise my arrival in the country as an Ahmadi missionary. The news also had my address, which was at Columbus Street. I lived there as a lodger with an Indonesian gentleman and his Dutch wife. As the area was not too suitable for missionary activity, I soon moved to the Ruychrocklaan area in The Hague. This rented property remained our mission house until we were able to establish a mosque in the same area in 1955. The mission was moved to the mosque in 1956.

The early days of our mission in Holland were not very easy. I had no knowledge of the Dutch language at all. I had only been able to learn a few day-to-day sentences that could help me make my way through shopping and finding my way around

town. This would also lead to humorous situations at times.

On the first day of moving in as a lodger, I asked the landlady where the “toilet” was but she couldn’t understand my question. I thought of another word and asked for the “latrine”. She remained equally confused. Thinking that WC should be a universally known symbol of toilets, I asked to be directed to the “WC”. She still didn’t seem to have a clue of what I was asking for. I then grabbed a piece of paper and wrote the letters W and C. Relieved, she said “Oh, ‘way say’” and then guided me to the toilet. So it took a long and windy route to get to the toilet.

But the blessings of Allah were abundantly showered upon the early efforts of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh at the Ahmadiyya mission in Holland (1956) missionising in Holland. I had only spent one night in Holland, when the next morning, a Dutch gentleman been in search of a Muslim who could knocked at the door and, pronouncing my guide her to accepting Islam when she saw name with difficulty, asked if I was in. I went the news in the national newspapers. She to the door and invited him in. Introducing got in touch with me and, after a couple of himself, the gentleman said that his name weeks, travelled to The Hague to see me in was D Conning and that he had been a person. She was a widow and in her middle Christian missionary in Indonesia. He told ages who now worked as a maid in a rich me that he had read the news of my arrival in household to earn her living. She expressed the newspaper that morning and had come to me her ardent desire to accept Islam, but to see me and offer help of any kind. He told I advised that she should not make a hasty me that while in Indonesia, he had known decision and should find out more about two Ahmadi gentlemen who had helped the teachings of Islam. I sent her back with him a great deal, for which he was extremely literature about Islam. Having read the thankful. He said that he understood how books, she came back after another couple it felt like to be a stranger in a strange land of weeks with a great number of questions and it was this realisation that had brought that she wanted answered. I answered her him to offer me help. He lived along the questions and made her aware of what Islam same street and was always happy to be of demands from its followers. I emphasised any assistance whenever I required it. I owe Continued on page 7 him my knowledge of the Dutch language as it was he who gave me the first lessons of Dutch language.

The first Bai‘at Holland was a completely new place for me and as I have mentioned above, not knowing the language added to the feeling of being estranged. Although one would prioritise learning the language and then making plans for tabligh, yet I felt a deep desire in my heart that something for tabligh should be started straight away. With this desire, I started praying profusely that Allah bless the Jamaat with an Ahmadi of Dutch origin within 40 days of my arrival in Holland.

The brief news of my arrival as an Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary that had gone out in the papers played a great role in fulfilling this desire. A Dutch lady, who lived hundreds of miles to the north of The Hague, had been seeing in her dreams the word “Islam” written in green. She had

Begum Ra‘na Liaqat Ali (wife of Liaqat Ali Khan) was Pakistan’s ambassador to Holland. She maintained good terms with the Ahmadiyya mission

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

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A sitting with Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib at 2019 UK Khuddam Ijtema Part II Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib had the opportunity to serve as Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK from 2012 to 2018. During this year’s Ijtema, a special sitting was arranged with him in which Khuddam asked questions, especially about Huzooraa. The result was that Khuddam were able to better understand the honour, grandeur and importance of Khilafat.

For this very purpose, Al Hakam presents the second and final part of the transcript of this conversation.

Question: Only recently, the new Markaz has been established in Islamabad. It is an honour for Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for the opportunity to give security duties there. In this regard, what would you say to Khuddam?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: Alhamdolillah, Allah the Almighty has blessed us with a new Markaz at Islamabad. It is the first year of your Sadr Sahib and during this time, Khuddam security duties have begun at Islamabad.

I think that Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya is currently doing a very good job. I will not say that there is no room for improvement, however it is being done to an acceptable level.

With time, it will improve, Insha-Allah. I have noticed that Huzooraa often calls Sadr Sahib after Namaz and personally guides him. This is a great honour for the majlis.

It is a great blessing of Allah that He enabled us to witness this Markaz being opened. At the opening of the mosque, Huzooraa performed a sajda-e-shukr [prostration of gratitude] and we all joined him. This was no ordinary sajda.

One could sense it. It was the first time I saw such sentiments being expressed by Huzooraa.

That sajda was extraordinary and we are all very fortunate that we shared Huzoor’saa feelings and performed that sajda-e-shukr.

As a majlis, it is a great honour for you all that due to the new Markaz, Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya is serving under the direct guidance and instructions of Huzooraa. As a result, the relationship between Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya and Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa has strengthened. Khuddam on duties express their joy and happiness and fondly speak of the gifts Huzooraa sends to them while they are on duty. This is truly very rejoiceful. One should show a lot of gratitude and humility at such a moment.

With regard to gifts, I recall a joke. It was the month of Ramadan, when a youngster approached me and asked whether Huzooraa had cake for sehri [breakfast]. I replied, “No,

who told you that Huzooraa has cake for sehri?”

He replied, “I was on duty in the morning and Huzooraa sent cake for us. From this, I gathered that Huzooraa has cake at sehri”. I explained to him that the cake was actually sent from Huzooraa for iftari but he received it during his duty at sehri. However, I could see that he still believed Huzooraa had cake for sehri.

Anyhow, I mentioned this because as we perform duties, love develops in the heart of Khalifatul Masihaa for us. It is a token of thanks from Huzooraa that he sometimes sends cake, fruit, chocolate and other gifts for Khuddam on duty. Otherwise security duties are our responsibility – they are compulsory – and it is Huzoor’saa love and kindness that he remembers Khuddam on duties in this manner and gives them support. This is very significant and we should cherish it. This love is extraordinary and special.

A poet has said: ‫م ےن رکشل و اپسہ ی‬ ‫ہن تخت و اتج ی‬ ‫م ےہ‬ ‫وج ابت رم ِد دنلقر یک ابراگہ ی‬ ‫م ےہ‬

“Neither in the throne, nor in the army is what is in the courtyard of a man of God.” So, a mere glance of one who is from Allah achieves that which a great king cannot reach with all his power.

Question: How is Huzoor’saa relationship with his grandchildren?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: They have the opportunity to meet Huzooraa during teatime. The younger ones sit a while and then go and play. Huzooraa speaks and jokes with them according to their temperaments and young age. He enquires about the education of the older grandchildren. However, Huzooraa has very little time and now, his daily activities have increased a lot.

When he used to have some time, he would spend relatively more time with them.

Now, however, the little time Huzooraa has is at tea where he meets the children and answers any questions they have.

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM Huzoor’saa schedule is so busy now that it is just hard to believe. For example, take the last day of Jalsa Salana UK this year. Huzooraa always starts the day with Tahajud prayer.

That day was no different. Then the whole day, he was occupied and also delivered his final address. Immediately after that, he began to meet delegations and later led congregational prayers. By the time Huzooraa reached home, it was around 11:30pm.

The very next day after Jalsa, Huzooraa started the day with Tahajud prayer again and was extremely busy the whole day. You and I rest after exhausting ourselves. However, observing Huzoor’saa busy schedule, it is hard to believe how it is even possible.

Question: When you found out that your father had become Khalifatul Masih, what were your feelings?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: My personal emotions hold no importance. Yet, what I will say is that we had seen Huzoor’saa piety. We had observed that he spent his whole life according to the teachings of Islam. I had witnessed Huzoor’saa trust in prayers. In fact, prior to leaving for the election of Khilafat, he asked me to iron his clothes. I remember, when he was about to leave, he said to me, “This time requires a lot of prayers. May Allah gather the Jamaat on one hand and always keep the Jamaat united.” I will say that it was a life changing experience.

Question: What is your most memorable moment with Khilafat?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: One should keep in mind that every moment with Khilafat is memorable and should be cherished. I met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in 1991 for the first time during Jalsa Salana Qadian. My whole body was trembling from the awe of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. At the time, we were residing in a room at Huzoor’srh residence in Dar-ul-Masih. Huzoorrh saw me standing somewhere and called me over. He asked me my name, but I could not even recall my own name. So, someone else introduced me to Huzoorrh and said that I was the son of Mirza Masroor Ahmad Sahib.

I met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh for the second time in 2003 when I came to London.

At the time, Huzoorrh was not experiencing very good health. My mulaqat was also very brief. When I walked in, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh asked my name and said, “How is your father?” He then gave me some chocolate and said, “Assalamo Alaikum”. That was it; the mulaqat finished. It was very brief.

My third meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was when Huzooraa was elected as Khalifa. I entered the Fazl Mosque and there was a very special aura in the mosque.

Someone nudged me forward and told me to meet Huzooraa. He was my father, but now, he was Khalifatul Masih and so I was overcome with emotion. A few people again told me to go forward and meet Huzooraa. So that meeting with Huzooraa was probably the most memorable moment.

Question: Your time as sadr Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya saw various cultures coming together. What efforts did you make to remove any cultural barriers?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: If you work with justice and do not show favouritism to a certain group of people and meet everyone with love, then it is these traits that will be useful. Practicing this in the Jamaat is very

easy as we are all Ahmadi Muslims. We have all performed Bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas and due to Khilafat, we are all one. Love is such a thing that draws everyone closer.

Question: Were you ever told off during your childhood?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: Yes, I would get told off if I was naughty. If it concerns an element of tarbiyat, parents tell their children off. I too was told off.

Question: How is the relationship between Huzooraa and his brother, Dr Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: Dr Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib is three years older than Huzooraa, yet I have observed that at the time when Huzooraa was elected as Khalifatul Masih and went up to his residence, Dr Sahib was present there. Upon Huzoor’saa arrival, Dr Sahib instantly reached forward, shook Huzoor’saa hand and kissed it.

Another day, Huzooraa was about to put his shoes on and Dr Sahib quickly presented him with a shoe horn for ease.

On another occasion, we went hunting.

Huzoor’saa shoes were relatively tight and he was having difficulty taking them off. When Dr Sahib and I noticed this, we immediately moved forward. Huzooraa sensed this straight away and called me to help, and so I assisted Huzooraa in taking off his shoes.

The point here is that the person who truly understands Bai‘at gives all other relations secondary importance. The first relation becomes Bai‘at. This is the most beautiful aspect of the Promised Messiah’sas Jamaat.

Question: Do you miss anything from the days of being Sadr?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: By the grace of Allah, I was given the opportunity to serve the Majlis and with the grace of Allah, I had the opportunity to serve gladly with my heart and soul and I still have a relationship with Khuddam. If you are referring to the position, then I certainly do not miss it, Alhumdolillah. The real responsibility was to serve and I was bestowed with that opportunity. Positions are meaningless. The fact is that Khuddam brothers still meet me, I cannot miss them because they never went away.

Question: British-born Khuddam do not feel any significant emotional attachment with Pakistan. Although we are aware of the atrocities carried out in Pakistan against fellow Ahmadis, how can we develop an emotional attachment?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: If Pakistan is taken as a country, then it is not necessary for those who are born and live elsewhere to have an attachment with Pakistan. If they are born and live elsewhere, then loving their own country is a part of faith.

Those living in America should have love for that country, whilst those who are in Pakistan should love Pakistan as a country.

As far as the conditions and difficulties of Ahmadis living in Pakistan are concerned, then they have exceeded all bounds. We should pray a great deal for them. In fact, the whole condition of Pakistan is dire. If one prays for the situation in Pakistan to improve in general, then they will automatically be praying for the conditions of Ahmadi Muslims there as well.

In Pakistan, they inculcate hatred into the hearts of children for Ahmadi Muslims from

5 primary school. The whole nation is brainwashed. They harbour so much hatred against the Jamaat that even Ahmadi graves are exhumed.

Another reason why one should pray for Pakistan is because Huzoor’saa country of origin is Pakistan.

Huzooraa often tells the Jamaat to pray for Pakistan.

He was forced to leave his country, but one’s love does not decrease and for this reason, it is important to pray for Pakistan.

Question: You will have certainly observed Huzooraa praying at home. Can you tell us about his condition during prayer?

Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: I think this is very personal to Huzooraa.

I cannot say anything regarding this without Huzoor’saa permission.

What I will say is that the condition we all observe of As mentioned in Part I (last week), Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once Huzooraa in congregational said that of the three brothers, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, prayers, especially the paternal grandfather of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, resembled manner in which he prays the Promised Messiahas in terms of looks and personality the most during Fajr prayer in the days of Jalsa, if you multiply it by a thousand, then for 50 people in one barrack, they would you may be able to comprehend Huzoor’saa squeeze in 300 prisoners.

People who had committed various crimes manner of praying when he is alone. were all put in one place. Convicted members Question: You just mentioned the atrocities of terrorist groups were also locked up there. that take place against Ahmadi Muslims in There was hardly any space to sit, however Pakistan. Huzooraa also had the opportunity to Huzooraa and those with Huzooraa had to be a prisoner in the way of Allah. Can you tell endure the conditions and stay there. Some us more about this? prisoners even had weapons. The manner of Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib: This speaking and the atmosphere in general was so happened in 1999. Pakistani religious clerics disgusting that a civilised person cannot spend made a case against Huzooraa claiming that he even a second there.

The other inmates had adapted to the had, God forbid, disrespected the Holy Quran. aa conditions and had made the prison very They alleged that Huzoor , along with some dirty.

However, Huzooraa and his fellow other Ahmadis, painted over some verses of Ahmadis spent this time in extreme difficulty. the Holy Quran and tried to erase them.

Some prisoners who were terrorists had even If someone is proven guilty of disrespecting aa planned to attack Huzoor and the other the Holy Quran in Pakistan, the court can aa Ahmadis.

But Huzoor would constantly be give the greatest punishment, from life occupied in prayer.

That very night, Allah the imprisonment to a death sentence; anything Almighty caused the prison guard to decide, can happen. In fact, the court’s decision aa for some unknown reason, to shift Huzoor comes later and the enraged members of the and the group of Ahmadis to a comparatively public take the law into their own hands and can do anything in the meantime. The whole better prison barrack. This was a special judicial setup was ready to imprison Huzooraa. blessing from Allah. If they had spent the To prove their false allegations, they were all night in that barrack, the terrorists may have caused serious harm to them. ready to do anything.

This period of difficulty and pain lasted Anyhow, the case went on for a long time for ten to twelve days. By the grace of Allah, with a potential threat of life imprisonment aa aa aa Huzoor displayed an immense level of for Huzoor . At the time, Huzoor was amirpatience.

He only turned to prayers for help e-muqami or, in other words, he was the and his prayers were accepted. Otherwise the representative of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in enemies were adamant to give the Ahmadis Pakistan. This came as a huge shock to the the harshest punishment possible. By the grace Jamaat in Pakistan and everyone was greatly of Allah, in the end, they were freed. saddened.

The point is that the atrocities that are Some of you present here may have an taking place against Ahmadi Muslims in idea of how harsh the conditions of prisons Pakistan are outside the parameters of the law. in Pakistan are. People who have committed Every possible injustice is taking place.

May the most heinous of crimes are put there. Their Allah keep them under his protection.

Amin. acts and way of speaking are such that a noble person cannot even listen to them.

(Details of Huzoor’saa imprisonment will be After the court announced the verdict, published in a seperate article in the next Huzooraa and the other Ahmadis with him issue of Al Hakam, Insha-Allah.) were sent to Jhang jail. The circumstances of this prison were dreadful. If there was space

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

6

From the Archives

Thomas Cook The travel agent of a Muslim Caliph Asif M Basit London

he 178-year-old travel service T provider, Thomas Cook collapsed on 23 September 2019. All of its flights were

grounded and travellers were left stranded on airports.

The company may have collapsed and its flights grounded, but a special element of its history will never let its name collapse and its fame will forever fly high.

Indeed, there must be a list of very important personalities that travelled with Thomas Cook in all these years, but here, we intend to mention a certain passenger who holds immense importance in the history of interfaith harmony.

As Great Britain was setting up in London the British Empire Exhibition in 1924, it was decided that a conference be held where prominent religious leaders be invited to speak about their faiths. In selecting great leaders of faiths, great towns were looked at. However, a prospective guest speaker was discovered living in a very small hamlet of the British-Indian Punjab.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra was then the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that was rapidly spreading.

It had not only spread across India but had also sent its missionaries to London by 1913. School of Oriental Studies (now SOAS) – the organiser of the conference – sent an invitation out to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra in Qadian.

The community functioned on very limited resources, but the event demanded all possible effort to have the Caliph himself in attendance. Funds and loans were arranged, and travel arrangements were underway in no time. The Caliph left Qadian and travelled to Bombay (now Mumbai) on 14 July 1924. From the station, he headed

straight to the travel agent that was making all arrangements of the long journey to and from London. He was soon seated in the office of Thomas Cook discussing and finalising plans.

Why the Caliph had chosen Thomas Cook is not mentioned in history, but we do have an assumption.

Thomas Cook & Sons had gained goodwill among Indian Muslims when it offered its first ever travel package to Hajj in 1886.

“There were a number of travel companies taking the Indian Muslim pilgrims to Jeddah from Bombay, but the arrangements were not up to the mark,” says Dr John Slight – a lecturer in imperial and global history at The Open University, UK – in an exclusive interview to Al Hakam.

“The pilgrims were overcharged and essential elements like health and safety were being neglected. The British government hence sought the services of Thomas Cook and signed them up to be the sole service provider for the Indian Muslim pilgrims.

Thomas Cook arranged for travel via steamships, their railway travel to get to the port and their accommodation in hotels”.

Dr Slight went on to reveal that “Queen Victoria, as we know, had become interested in Islam and had a Muslim munshi working for her in her palace. In 1877, she also met a group of pilgrims who had travelled to the Hijaz for Hajj and had decided to pay the Queen a visit.

Winston Churchill stated in an official memo in 1920 that ‘we are the greatest Mohammedan power in the world. It is our duty to study policies which are in harmony with Mohammedan feeling’.”

It could well be this background that led the Caliph to travel with Thomas Cook.

However, the Caliph boarded the ship

named SS Africa from Bombay at 9am on 15 July 1924 and, travelling through Port Said, Damascus, Rome and Paris, arrived in London on 22 August 1924.

From Victoria Station, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra travelled straight to Ludgate Hill where he offered prayers in accordance with an Islamic tradition regarding the victory of the Messiah at Bab-ul-Ludd (an Arabic name resembling Ludgate).

It was here, at Ludgate Circus, that he visited the office of Thomas Cook several times during his stay. Thomas Cook provided all facilities for money exchange, sending and receiving his post to and from Qadian in India and arrangements for the Caliph’s travel back home. The Ahmadiyya community in India were given the address of Thomas Cook & Sons, Ludgate Circus, London to write to the Khalifatul Masih.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s paper, titled The Ahmadiyya Movement, was read at the conference and was received with great admiration and appreciation. Sir Denison Ross, the secretary of the conference, expressed his admiration of the Caliph and his paper in the following words: “We had a demonstration of an electric and spiritual personality. His sparkling eye, his manly voice, his rhythmic torrent of words, his beautiful gestures and scintillating humour captivated the audience which accorded him with a great ovation. This remarkable enterprise led to great publicity in the press and secured considerable

interest for our conference”.

British newspapers covered the stay of the Caliph in London all through the couple of months that he resided in London.

There must be many things that Thomas Cook should be proud of, but we have mentioned only one that we feel is of great historic importance. After all, Thomas Cook had the honour to provide travel services to a Muslim Caliph – the best speaker at the historic conference of 1924.

An interesting fact before we close this piece: The company, Thomas Cook & Sons was founded in 1841 in Leicester

by Mr Thomas Cook. After his death, the company was passed on to his son John M Cook and later, with the death of John, passed on to two grandsons of Thomas Cook, Frank Henry Cook and Ernest Edward Cook.

Newspapers announced in June 1924 that due to some “family issues”, the company had been split into two, each section to be run independently by each

grandson of Mr Cook. The company must have been struggling for its survival through inheritance issues. This was just one month before Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra got the services of Thomas Cook for his travel to England.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra delivered his historic lecture to the conference on 23 September 1924. On the same date, 95 years later, Thomas Cook wrapped up its business. It successfully remained in business for almost a whole century after the historic travel of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra.

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

7 From the Markaz

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih launches website covering Jamaat’s history

London, Friday, 20 September: This afternoon, in his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa announced the launch of a new website – www.ahmadiyya-history.org – by the Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat department.

Huzooraa said: “At this juncture, I would like to make an announcement; Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat department has started a website, which is in both the Urdu and English languages.

On the website, published content of the Jamaat to do with the Jamaat’s history and biographies of important personalities is being made available, for example, biographies of the Promised Messiahas,

Continued from page 3

that accepting Islam came with a lot of responsibility and that she would have to sacrifice a lot to be able to remain a Muslim.

I wanted her to make a firm decision and not merely an emotional one, and so I wanted her to have an idea that to be Muslim required a complete transformation in life and lifestyle.

I sent her back to contemplate and pray before she made any decision. She came back in a few days’ time and accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat; it had not been 40 days to my arrival when this happened. All praise be to Allah!

Razia DeBoer, as she was named after accepting Islam, proved to be a devout Ahmadi Muslim and offered great services

Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat, Companionsra of Hazrat Ahmadas, the martyrs of Ahmadiyyat, Darweshan-e-Qadian, missionaries of the Jamaat and various other key personalities of the Jamaat; theses; articles; historic pictures; all published volumes of Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat; material to do with the history of auxiliary organisations and Jamaats in various countries and cities; writings of various key personalities of the Jamaat; pictures of tabarrukat [holy relics]; rare and significant newspaper cuttings; research articles and articles on history; photos, along with insightful introductions, of important Jamaat events, buildings, such as mosques, mission houses, central

departments, academic departments, hospitals, dispensaries, guests houses etc.; valuable MTA documentaries have been uploaded onto a YouTube channel and can be viewed on this website and a timeline highlighting the salient moments of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s history until now.

“Insha-Allah, after the Jumuah prayer, I will launch this website.”

After leading the Jumuah prayer, and before departing for Islamabad, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa formally launched the website and led dua.

Speaking to Al Hakam, Farasat Ahmad Sahib of the Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat department said:

for the early Ahmadiyya Dutch mission.

handed me 1,000 guilders (then currency in Holland) in an envelope and said that she wanted to offer it for the service of Islam.

Aware of her own destitute financial state, I was reluctant to accept her offer. I told her that I was not comfortable in accepting the savings of a widow who struggles to earn her living. I also told her that Islam does not ask for sacrifices that put one under such burden that they end up begging for their own livelihood. She broke down to tears and said: “Hafiz, I have lived in complete neglect of my God. I am sinful and have wronged myself. Starting my new life as a Muslim, I want to offer this amount in the way of God. I sold a rug for 1,300 guilders and this is what is left. I donate this in the way of Islam.”

I told that her that the most I could do

A faith-inspiring incident I had arrived in Holland when Pakistan was in the making. The Jamaat was going through a very challenging period; the Jamaat had migrated to Lahore in Pakistan and was almost disconnected from Qadian.

This situation led to a financial strain on the Jamaat and we, the Ahmadi missionaries serving abroad, had decided to make all possible efforts to make ends meet.

Even the London mission was not selfsufficient by then and the headquarters back home was not in a position to offer much in terms of financial support.

It was in these circumstances that a strange incident happened. When Razia came to pledge allegiance to Islam, she

“The need was felt for covering a proper history of the Jamaat, not just in book form, but on a platform that can be made available to all Jamaat members around the world.”

Farasat Sahib explained that Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa gave guidance throughout the preparation phase.

“Even today, after viewing the main page of the website, Huzooraa issued some instructions with regard to a certain aspect of the website”, said Farasat Sahib, describing the level of detail to which Huzooraa guided the department.

“On 20 September, Rabwah was formally inaugurated by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, a milestone in the history of the Jamaat.

Today, on 20 September this website was inaugurated, something that we consider a pleasant coincidence.”

This website, as mentioned above, will focus on the history of the Jamaat, something that is extremely vital to be aware of in the current age to dispel misguidance.

Without this knowledge, it becomes difficult to grasp the true purpose of this community of God. “Everything is downloadable. Content will regularly be uploaded onto the website and teams have been allocated for this very purpose. In fact, we have so much content that even now, there are articles and other such material ready; all that is required is to have that material formatted for the web”, explained Farasat Sahib.

“The timeline is one of the most interesting aspects of this website. Here, readers can find the Jamaat’s history and events from the lives of Khulafa. Readers will get a lot from this that was never before available. Everyone is encouraged to check regularly for new material and updates.”

Isfandyar Munib Sahib, who is currently managing the Jamaat’s history department, said: “We want people to study the history of the Jamaat and the various holy places and tabarrukat [relics] and acquaint themselves with it so that they become known worldwide. And if anyone has a tabarruk of the Promised Messiahas, whether a piece of writing or a personal possession, or anything belonging to the Khulafa, they should share its details and photos with us so that it benefits the entire Jamaat and the whole world.”

was to write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and then do as instructed. So, I wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, explaining the whole situation. Huzoorra replied that if she was offering this amount out of her sincere religious sentiment, then it may be accepted.

When I told her about Huzoor’sra reply, her happiness knew no bounds.

This donation was accepted and later used for publishing a pamphlet titled Good News for the Dutch People. We distributed this pamphlet free of charge outside railway stations during busy hours in the morning.

People would take it with them in trains and our message would automatically get to other parts of the country.

Such were the humble beginnings of the Ahmadiyya Muslim mission in Holland.

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

8

Discover Islam national road trip

Waqas Ahmad Sadr MKA Australia

n 24 August 2019, 46 Khuddam set O out from six cities across Australia with the objective of visiting and spreading

the message of Islam in regional towns.

Khuddam from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth took part in this road trip.

During this week-long journey, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Australia did tabligh work in 46 towns and distributed 69,100 flyers while also visiting and donating books to eight libraries. Throughout the trip, 2,582 man hours were spent and a combined distance of 35,200 kilometers was covered.

The Khuddam on the ground were eager to engage with the locals in conversation to dispel any misconceptions about Islam.

They also found that people would approach them on the streets to appreciate the work and message of “Muslims for Peace” and “Love for all, hatred for none”, which was

boldly written across theirs vans and shirts.

To mark the end of the trip, Khuddam offered Friday prayer at Uluru rock, had lunch and then took part in a discussion with Rana Atiullah Sahib about the culture and beliefs of the Aboriginal communities and the significance of Uluru rock to the Aboriginal people.

Although climbing the Uluru rock is not illegal and a huge number of people were climbing it, Khuddam decided to show respect to the sentiments of the local Aboriginal community by deciding not to climb the Uluru rock. This was met with great appreciation by the locals and media.

Tabligh activity during the trip Each group divided themselves into two groups, either on foot or on bicycles. One group was assigned door-to-door leafletting and the other to go into main streets of the towns and interact with locals, visit libraries and other public places. Alhamdolillah, the bicycle option proved very fruitful and resulted in a higher number of leaflets being distributed and more area of the town being covered.

Accommodation & food Each group made their own arrangements for accommodation. Some camped at camp sites while others stayed in cabins and Airbnbs. One group travelled in an RV with its own set of beds, kitchen and a bathroom.

Most of the meals were cooked by Khuddam themselves along the way with some choosing to bring pre-cooked food.

Alhamdolillah, each group had a Khadim supervising Ziafat and all of them did an excellent job. May Allah the Almighty reward their efforts. Amin.

from modern day Afghanistan, Punjab and Sindh. Built in 1887, it was rescued and is being maintained by the Broken Hill Historical Society in 1967. Alhamdolillah, the Sydney group were able to give Azan and offer Zuhr and Asr prayers at this mosque.

Meeting local Aboriginal community Some of our members were able to meet the local Aboriginal Community members and give them gifts along with the introduction of our community.

Response of local Australians and feelings of Khuddam By the grace of Allah, the media coverage and in particular the radio interviews were very effective in spreading the message of

Islam Ahmadiyyat to these local towns.

Combined with leafletting and interaction with locals, the overall response was very positive. At times, local Australians would stop and greet us with “Assalamo alaikum” which was very pleasing and led to some very positive discussions.

One Khadim from Adelaide explained that he was nervous and a little stressed prior to the trip. The reason being that he had three assignments that were due during the road trip and was going to miss three classes and had a quiz when he got back.

However, he said that during the first tabligh stop at Port Wakefield, he had an interaction with a restaurant owner which justified his decision to come on the road trip and

Broken Hill mosque visit The Sydney group covered Broken Hill, a mining town located to the far west of New South Wales, which has the oldest surviving mosque built by the Cameleers who came

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 2

1 October 1952: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra urged members of the Jamaat to perform Hajj.

2 October 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled to the shore in England where William the Conqueror landed.

This was to fulfill his vision he had some years ago where he was called “William the Conqueror”.

made him realise the importance of the task at hand. The restaurant owner, when told about the journey, appreciated the work that we were undertaking and invited all the Khuddam to eat at his restaurant.

There are always some challenges. One of the locals at Broken Hill did not want to accept the leaflet. However, when explained by a Khadim that Muslims were just like their everyday Australians and they have families, children, play sports, enjoy barbecues and other activities just like others Australians, the gentleman changed his stance and asked for the leaflet back and said “Thank you. I will now read it.”

A Khadim from Adelaide who is in high school told us later that he also had quite a few assignments due during the road trip, and two of the assignments were for Biology.

He says: “My biology teacher is an Indian Shia Muslim and he is known for being the strictest teacher in the school. I had managed to finish one of my assignments a week early but couldn’t manage to finish the other one in time, and by the time I got back, there was only one day left until the due date. Before I had the chance to organise an extension, my teacher asked me where I had been. I told him all about the trip and he was impressed to the point where he himself offered me a week-long extension (which is unheard of) and even said that he would provide me with a help sheet for an upcoming test and after I asked him why, he said “You are returning from doing God’s work; think of it as your reward.”

An elderly Adelaidian man in Coober Pedy approached the van and commended the Khuddam on their bravery to spread the peaceful message of Islam. However, he voiced his concerns on Shariah law and did not see how it was applicable in a global context. Despite this, he was satisfied to know that we were able to live in peace and harmony.

On another occasion, while Khuddam were at a service station in Erldunda in the Northern Territory, a couple approached them and asked where they were headed.

After explaining the purpose of the trip and our destination, the man said to be careful if heading up north and to perhaps take some spray paint. Upon asking why, the man said that there was some offensive and Islamophobic signage up north and that if

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concluding session of the Conference of World Religions held in Wembley. On the same evening, he also called a special session of Shura to discuss The Review of Religions magazine about the selection of topics and various other matters.

3 October 1926: The Fazl Mosque, London was inaugurated by the famous Muslim leader, Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir Sahib.

2 October 1928: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra stance on the Nehru Report started being published in Al Fazl under the title, Nehru Report aur Musalmano key Masaleh.

These views were continuously published in Al Fazl until 2 November. On 5 October, Huzoorra asked the people of India to hold processions and prepare declarations against this biased and potentially harmful report.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent Malik Ghulam Farid Sahib MA to Bengal with the mission to raise awareness about this report. The views of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra were later published in book form.

Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad

2 October 1928: Hazrat Mirza Sultan Ahmad announced his allegiance with Jamaate-Ahmadiyya through an announcement in Al Fazl.

Furthermore, he joined the Jamaat at hand of his brother, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in 1930.

3 October 1946: On this date, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had a detailed meeting with the All India Congress leader, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. A look at Huzoor’sra busy schedule tells us that he had continuous meetings with the national leadership until 5 October. For example, he met the Nawab of Bhopal, Khawaja Nazimuddin, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Sir Feroz Khan Noon and Muhammad Ahmad Said Khan Chhatari etc.

On 5 October, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a letter to Lord Wavell, Viceroy of British India and conveyed his concerns and fears about unfolding happenings. After a few days, a second letter was sent. On 10 October, a third letter was also dispatched, and on the same day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra held some separate meetings with Khawaja Hasan Nizami and Pandit Jawahir Laal Nehru as well as with members of the media about the emerging political atmosphere of the subcontinent.

2 October 1947: The situation in Qadian after the partition of the Indian subcontinent continued to intensify to such an extent that Qadian was deemed too dangerous to live in. The Darwesh staying in Qadian to protect its sacred places were not permitted to use flour mills. For many days, they survived on boiled wheat. The police had also seized buildings of the Degree College and Fazl-e-Umar Research Institute. A bomb was thrown in the premises of Masjid Aqsa, which injured a youth badly. Government officials had already taken control of the residence of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra situated in Dar-ul-Hamd.

On 9 October Hazrat Musleh Maudra addressed a public gathering in Delhi on what religion draws us to in times of distress.

3 October 1947: Thousands of criminals, backed by the police force, attacked Qadian and tried to march towards the heart of the town. Ahmadi youth assigned to safeguard Qadian showed great courage and bravery.

3 October 1949: The foundation stone of Masjid Mubarak in Rabwah was laid.

It is reported that on this date, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra directed concerned Jamaat officials in Lahore to arrange daily physical exercise for the workers of Jamaat offices. Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad was assigned to supervise these exercises.

3 October 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra addressed the

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

Jamaat Switzerland’s 37th Jalsa Salana

Twitter @SwissJalsa Shamim Ahmad Qazi Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland

T

he 37th Jalsa Salana Switzerland was held at Noor Mosque Wigoltingen, from 20 to 22 September 2019.

The planning process started at the beginning of this year. Various officials were nominated who established their teams to carry out the preparatory work for the Jalsa Salana. Volunteers, young and old, including ladies gave time to prepare the venue of this august and blessed event.

A large marquee was erected for men and

separate tents were installed for registration, information, Jalsa office, MTA, book stalls, food distribution, exhibitions for tabligh and Humanity First, on both ladies’ and men’s side.

The men’s marquee and the hall for the ladies were decorated in a beautiful way.

The transmission of the Jalsa proceedings were arranged by MTA to reach all areas of the Jalsa site. Amir Jamaat Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer inspected the Jalsa Salana site on the evening of 19 September and was accompanied by Afsar Jalsa Gah,

Muhammad Ahmad Rashid Sahib and Afsar Jalsa Salana, Malik Arif Mahmood Sahib.

Friday prayers were led by Missionaryin-Charge, Irfan Ahmad Thakur Sahib. In his sermon, he described the importance of Jalsa Salana and the prayers the Promised Messiahas had made for all participants of Jalsa Salana.

After the Friday prayers, the participants listened to the Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. Lunch was served both before and after the Friday prayers and Friday sermon.

At 4:30pm, the flag hoisting ceremony took place where Irfan Ahmad Thakur Sahib raised the Ahmadiyya flag and Amir Sahib raised the Swiss flag, which culminated in the silent prayers.

The first session was chaired by Irfan Ahmad Thakur Sahib. It started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a poem written by the Promised Messiahas.

Irfan Thakur Sahib read the message sent from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The translations of Huzoor’saa message were also read out.

This was followed by a speech by missionary Wafa Muhammad Sahib in Urdu on “Allah’s support for Jamaat-eAhmadiyya”. The next speech was in German

by Shahid Iqbal Sahib, Sadr Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Switzerland on, “Allah loves earnings through hard work”.

Simultaneous translations in Urdu, German and French were provided for all speeches. The translations were transmitted on various frequencies using FM radio headphones provided to those who needed them.

After the session, dinner was served to all the participants at 6:45pm. Maghrib and Isha prayers were offered at 7:45pm.

On 21 September, Tahajud prayer was offered at 5:30, followed by Fajr prayer at 6:15am. Breakfast was served from 8am.

The second session of the Jalsa started at 10:30am, chaired by Saeed Arif Sahib, Missionary Berlin Mosque, Germany.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, Irfan Thakur Sahib spoke on the topic of “Importance of Islamic Purdah”.

This was followed by a speech in German

by Imtiaz Shaheen Sahib, missionary Noor Mosque, Frankfurt, on “Salat is the way to peace of heart”.

In the sub-session geared towards external guests, Zahid Butt Sahib, Secretary

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM External Affairs introduced the Jamaat.

Ataul Haq Sahib then spoke in German about “Islam – A message of peace or fear?”.

Dr Shamim Qazi, Secretary Tarbiyat and Umur-e-Ama and Chairman Humanity First Switzerland showed a presentation highlighting the humanitarian activities of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland in the country and in Africa.

A non-Muslim guest then spoke about the peace efforts of the Jamaat and pledged his support to work with the Jamaat for this purpose. Some people then asked questions, which were answered by Saeed Arif Sahib and Amir Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib.

After a break for lunch and prayers, the third session started at 3pm under the chairmanship of missionary, Rahmatullah Bandesha Sahib, Lecturer Jamia Ahmadiyya, Germany.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, missionary Abdul Wahab Tayyab Sahib spoke in Urdu on “The Companions’ love for the Holy Prophetsa”.

Tahir Mahdi Sahib, Manager Al Fazl International spoke about the 113 years history of Al Fazl and encouraged all members to read it and subscribe to its membership. He also spoke briefly about his years as an aseer [prisoner in the name of Allah] at a Pakistani jail. Then, Saeed Arif Sahib spoke in German on the importance of Khilafat and unity.

At 5pm, a question and answer session started in which Muhammad Ahmad Rashid Sahib, Rahmatullah Bandesha Sahib and Imtiaz Shaheen Sahib responded to questions in Urdu and German. After the session, dinner was served to all the participants and Maghrib and Isha prayers were offered at 7:45pm.

On 22 September, Tahajud prayer was held at 5:30am followed by Fajr prayers at 6:15am. Breakfast was served from 8am.

The fourth session of Jalsa Salana Switzerland started at 10:30am under the chairmanship of missionary Laeeq Ahmad Atif Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge and National President, Malta.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, Talha Tarnutzer Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau spoke in German on, “It is our responsibility to call out everywhere”. Then, Rahmatullah Bandesha Sahib spoke in Urdu on “The Quranic teaching for financial and trade dealings”.

Muhammad Ahmad Rashid Sahib then delivered a speech on “Life in Paradise” in Urdu.

The last speech of the session was by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib on “Life of the Promised Messiahas”.

After lunch and prayers, the last session of the Jalsa started at 3pm and was chaired

by Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Switzerland, Walid Tariq Tarnutzer Sahib.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, Amir Sahib gave his concluding remarks. The missionary-in-charge once again read out the message received from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa .

By the grace of Allah, the total attendance was 695, representing 11 countries.

May Allah bless this Jalsa with His innumerable blessings and accept all the prayers of the Promised Messiahas in favour of all participants.

Continued from page 9

he had spray paint, he would have removed it himself.

Similarly, one of the groups were staying at an Airbnb at Whyalla, South Australia.

The gentleman, whose house it was, asked the purpose of our visit. When a Khadim explained that we were on a “Discover Islam Road Trip” to meet locals and remove any misconception, the gentleman responded by saying, “I am an atheist and do not want to have this type of discussion”.

The next morning, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya asked Khuddam how their night was. The Khuddam told him that the accommodation was good, however their host was a very serious type of a person.

Khuddam were advised that before they checked out, they should purchase a box of chocolates and gift it to the host. Upon receiving the gift, the atheist gentleman had a smile on his face and became much

friendlier and comfortable.

The Brisbane group, while having lunch at Charville, were approached by a local who saw their van in the market and took a break from his work to come speak to them. His name was Saleh, a Catholic who accepted Islam two years ago. He was impressed by our message on the van of “Love for all, hatred for none.” The group gave him some literature, exchanged contact details and invited him to their mosque. Saleh said that he would definitely visit our mosque when he was back in Brisbane.

The coordinator from Melbourne wrote: “Our journey took us to many different towns and small cities which we never imagined that we would even visit. There, we met with locals and had a chat with them about Islam and tried to remove their misconceptions about the religion. Our van which was covered with the slogans ‘Love for all, hatred for none’, ‘Muslims down under’ and ‘Muslims for peace’ also attracted a lot of people. In one town, after we had donated a copy of the Holy Quran and the book The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam at a library, we found a lady looking at our van and waiting for us to have a chat. We had a lovely chat with her as we told her about our trip and she really applauded our efforts and told us that more Muslims should try to interact with the local communities in smaller towns”.

The Melbourne group also had a Radio interview at ABC Riverland, which was to be aired the following day. It had an audience of approximately 30,000 people. The next day, when they were delivering leaflets in another town called Berri, a couple of people told the Khuddam that they had heard about them through the radio show and were looking forward to meeting them.

In another town, a man hastily followed a couple of our Khuddam for two streets just to catch up

to them and applaud their efforts. He said that there were a lot of misconceptions about Islam in that town and it was great to see someone travel there all the way from Melbourne to remove the wrong notions about this beautiful religion. He also took around a hundred of our pamphlets and promised to distribute them for us, so that he could help us out in whatever way he could.

At the end of our trip, one of the group members adequately summarised our feelings about our journey, saying: “It is definitely enlightening to see and hear positive feedback and reactions from the public and we are mostly well received for our peaceful endeavour. The long walks from house to house throughout the day definitely put sores and blisters on our legs and feet, but it feels totally worth the effort and satisfying in the cause of Allah”.

In reference to the brotherhood among Khuddam, he says: “It’s also a trip which reflects how tightly-knit our Ahmadi brothers are. All our efforts seem to run smoothly, despite the little obstacles which Allah has alleviated. If there is ever another trip like this, it will be worth the cause again as there are still plenty of towns in rural Australia that we have yet to reach out to”.

Summary of media coverage Through the help of the national press and media department, a pre-event press release was issued on Monday, 19 August to around 30,000 Australian media outlets including MPs and local communities. We started receiving calls from local and national radio and television stations and online newspapers. Over the two weeks, we were blessed with around 40 media publications.

The media team did extremely well to coordinate the interviews of each group while they were travelling. May Allah bless them and reward their efforts.

It is estimated that the message of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya reached around 3.8 million (14%) Australians as a result of this trip. It has also been said that the SBS story was translated in over 30 languages, Alhamdolillah.

Fifth charity walk by Ireland Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya

Shahzad Malik Ireland Correspondent

unday, 15 September 2019 saw Majlis S Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ireland hold its 5 Annual Charity walk in Salthill, th

Galway.

These 5K charity walks have become

a regular feature of the Khuddam calendar in recent years, and have raised over €25,000 for local charities since its inception.

Registration for the event started at 11am. The mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard also joined to formally inaugurate the walk.

The event began at around 12pm with the recitation of the Holy Quran and its translation. Representatives from all three charities said some introductory remarks. The mayor also spoke briefly and appreciated the work carried out by the community.

Despite rain, people enjoyed the walk that went through the most visited and scenic coastline trail in Galway.

Jamaat members from all over Ireland,

as well the wider Irish public, attended the walk. Many Irish people were introduced to the Jamaat and had a chance to speak with our Jamaat members.

There were 14 volunteers provided by the charities who were assigned different tasks. Participants were served with light refreshments and a lunch box was provided to all after finishing the walk. Lajna members had also set up a food tent with delicious home made snacks to raise some funds for the charity walk.

Alhamdolillah, Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya managed to collect over €10,000 with approximately 37% contribution from Lajna Imaillah and Nasirat efforts.

Funds from this year’s collections are to be distributed between three local charities; Croí Heart Foundation, Galway Simon Community and Cope Galway.

The total participation was over 100 people.

12

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

27th Jalsa Salana Sweden Kashif Virk Missionary Jamaat Sweden

he 27 Jalsa Salana Sweden was held at T Nasir mosque in Gothenburg from 14 to 15 of September 2019. th

The theme of this year’s Jalsa was “The Advent of the Promised Messiahas”. The speeches revolved around this theme. Topics of the speeches covered the purpose of the Promised Messiah’sas advent, his claims, his teachings, his prophecies and miracles shown in his support.

Agha Yahya Khan Sahib, Missionaryin-Charge Sweden, spoke about the need of

the hour and how the Promised Messiahas brought invaluable divine guidance at a time of spiritual and religious darkness.

All of the proceedings were simultaneously being translated into Swedish and Urdu language. By the grace of Allah Almighty, the theme was very timely and appreciated, particularly by the youth.

It increased the awareness of the immense divine blessings, which Allah the Almighty showers on this Jamaat.

A total of four sessions were held at the Jalsa. The second session on Saturday was attended by foreign guests, among whom were prominent politicians of Gothenburg

Ahmadi Muslim missionary invited to NATO memorial ceremony

Mansoor Ahmad Mubashir France Correspondent

n France, every year in September, a Ia ceremony memorial federation of NATO organises in the honour of soldiers who

offered their lives in the service of NATO. This year, on 14 September 2019, it was the 7th commemoration.

By the grace of Allah, it was the second time Missionary-in-Charge, Naseer Ahmed Shahid Sahib was invited as a representative of Islam for the religious ceremony and prayers.

The civil, military and diplomatic authorities and various religious leaders had attended the memorial. In his speech, Naseer Shahid Sahib mentioned

Islamic teachings about peace, self defence and love of one’s nation and the status of martyrs for a good cause.

At the end, he mentioned the prayers of Surah al-Fatihah and that of the last two chapters. He ended his speech with the Ahmadiyya slogan, “Love for all, hatred for none”. Later on, many guests, Muslims as well as non-Muslims, appreciated the content of his speech.

Our missionary was accompanied by Asif Arif Sahib, National Secretary External Affairs and Wajahat Chaudhry Sahib, President of Humanity First France.

They had set up a book stall and also banners of “Love for all, hatred for none” and that of Humanity First. The Promised Messiah’sas book A Message of Peace, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa book World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace and leaflets were distributed after the ceremony.

city, a police officer, a university professor and a religious representative. They were introduced to the Jamaat and briefed about the ongoing persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and elsewhere. The session also included a speech entitled “The Promised Messiahas and the concept of Jihad”, which was much appreciated. Some of the guests addressed the Jalsa and praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for promoting peace, harmony and knowledge in society, as well as for the motto “Love for all, hatred for none”.

On the evening of the first day, a question and answer session was held and

Kenema Region, Sierra Leone arranges two-day Imam class Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent

eeping in mind the large number K of people joining the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra

Leone regularly arranges various training classes and refresher courses. This is to ensure that we, as Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa desires, can train the old and new Ahmadis.

On 15 to 16 September, Majlis

Regional Jalsa in Kotamobagu, Indonesia Hafiz-ur-Rahman Indonesia Correspondent

amaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia held a regional Jalsa Salana for North Sulawesi, JGorontalo and North Maluku, located in

Kotamogabu. It ran from 13-15 September 2019. Some representatives from the local government also attended the event and delivered positive remarks about the Jamaat.

About 430 Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis

members were invited to ask questions to a panel consisting of Missionaries.

The proceedings of Jalsa Salana Sweden were broadcast live on Youtube by MTA Sweden Studios, Alhamdolillah. Many interesting documentaries about the activities of Jamaat Sweden were shown, as well as thought-provoking panel discussions with eminent guests. Greetings from all over the world for the Jalsa were received and read out to the viewers.

Members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sweden reside in all parts of the country.

Many travelled from north of Sweden and covered a distance of nearly 1,500 kilometers by road. For many members who have recently arrived from Pakistan, this was the first ever Jalsa Salana they had attended.

Ansarullah Kenema Region arranged a twoday Imam training class. The class started with the recitation and translation of the Holy Quran. Imam Munir Hussain Sahib addressed the gathering on the importance of Quranic studies and its teachings.

15 Imams, one chief speaker, two town chiefs, four Khuddam and three mualims attended the class. Lectures were delivered about the correct pronunciation of the Holy Quran, Salat with translation, tabligh and also the structure of Majlis Ansarullah.

A question and answer session was also arranged during the class. Alhamdolillah all participants showed great interest during the class and learnt a great deal. attended the Jalsa.

By the grace of Allah, a guest from Gorontalo accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat after a deep study of the Jamaat.

The topics covered at the Jalsa were regarding tabligh, financial sacrifice, and moral training for the family.

National Amir Sahib also attended.

During his speech, he emphasised to work together in doing tabligh because it played an important role for the Jamaat’s development.

He also thanked the organising committee, especially Lajna Imaillah who had worked hard, day and night, to serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas.

This blessed Jalsa concluded with a silent prayer led by National Amir Sahib and a group photo was also taken.

13

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon Men of Excellence 30 August 2019 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

I

n continuation of the accounts of the Badri companions [those companions who took part in the Battle of Badr] the first companion that I will mention today is Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud Huzalli. The title of Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud Huzalli was Abu Abdullah. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Huzail. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Ma’rifat as-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 563, Utbahra bin Masud, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud was a confederate of the tribe of Banu Zuhrah. His father was Masud bin Ghafil and his mother’s name was Ummi Abd bint Abdi Wudd. He was the brother of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud, who was also among the first converts to Islam in Mecca. He was also among those who participated in the second migration to Abyssinia. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sad, Vol. 4, p. 381, Utbahra bin Mas’ud, Wa min Hulafaa Bani Zahra bin Kilab, Dar Ihyaa alTurath al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996) Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud was among the Ashab as-Suffah. (Al-Mustadrak Ala al-Sahihain, Vol. 5, p. 1615, Kitab al-Hijra, Hadith 4294, Maktabah Nizar Mustafa alBaaz, Makkah Mukarramah, Al-Riyad, 2000) With reference to various historical sources, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has written the following details with regard to the people of as-Suffah. He writes: “To one corner of the mosque, a veranda was built, which was referred to as Suffah.

This was for those destitute Muhajirin who did not own any home of their own. These people would stay here and were known as the Ashab as-Suffah. As such, they would remain in the company of the Holy Prophetsa day and night, perform worship, and recite the Holy Quran. These people possessed no means of permanent subsistence. The Holy Prophetsa would take care of them personally and whenever the Holy Prophetsa would receive a gift etc., or there was something available at home, he would especially separate their share.

As a matter of fact, at times, the Holy Prophetsa would himself starve and send whatever was in his home to the Ashab as-Suffah. The Ansar would also remain engaged in their hospitality in as much as possible, and would often attach clusters of dates within the mosque. However, despite all this, they lived in a state of adversity, and would often reach a state of starvation.

This state continued for many years until some found work, due to the expansion of Medina, and others began receiving support from the National Baitul-Mal.” (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p.

270) Moreover, we find the following details

about these people in another source: These people would remain present at the house of the Holy Prophetsa during the day, listening to the Ahadith and they would spend the night at the veranda [of the Prophet’s mosque]. A veranda is called suffah in the Arabic language. Hence, these saintly men were referred to as Ashab as-Suffah. None of them ever possessed two pieces of clothes at one time; so that one could cover the upper body and the other to cover the lower body.

They would tie a piece of garment to their necks in a way that it would hang down to their thighs. They did not possess enough clothes [to cover the entire body].

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra was one of those saintly men. He narrates:

“I saw 70 men from among the Ashab as-Suffah, whose clothes would not even reach their thighs. When they used to cover themselves, the cloth would hardly reach down to the knees.” Initially, their source of income was that a group of them would go to the forest during the day, collect some firewood, sell it and thus acquire some food for their brothers.

Most of them would break the branches of palm trees and hang them onto the roof of the mosque. Whenever people used to come from outside and see them, they used to think that these people were mad and foolish for they were sitting there without any reason. Or perhaps they would think that these people are so engrossed in love with the Holy Prophetsa

that they do not wish to leave his threshold.

Nevertheless, if the Holy Prophetsa received some Sadaqah [charity] from anywhere, he would send it to them and if he received any food, he would invite them, and would sit down with them and eat together.

It often so happened that in the evenings, the Holy Prophetsa would assign the Muhajirin and the Ansar to take one or two individuals from among the Ahl-e-Suffah and feed them according to their own capacity. Thus, at times, such occasions arose that some of them were sent with the Muhajirin, and others were sent with the Ansar so that they may provide them with an evening meal.

Hazrat Saadra bin Ubada was a very generous and wealthy companion and at times, he would take 80 guests with him.

He was so wealthy that he would take up to 80 guests with him at night and feed them.

According to various narrations, the number of the Ahl-e-Suffah varied at different times.

There were at least twelve and it also reported that at one point there were 300 individuals who stayed at Suffah. In fact, in one narration, their total number has been mentioned to be 600 companions.

The Holy Prophetsa had great love for them. He used to sit with them in the mosque, eat with them and would encourage others to honour and respect them. Thus, he did not allow anyone to disrespect or dishonour them simply because they would not do anything else besides sitting there the whole time, rather the Holy Prophetsa used to say that these people sat there simply to listen to his words. Therefore, everyone should honour and respect them.

Once, during a sitting of a congregation of the Ahl-e-Suffah in the presence of the Holy Prophetsa, a complaint was made that the dates had adversely affected their stomachs, that is, they only received dates to eat and did not get anything else. The Holy Prophetsa heard their complaint and in order to console them, he delivered a speech saying: “What is it that I am hearing that the dates have had an adverse effect on your stomachs?

Are you not unaware of the fact that dates are the very nourishment of the people of Medina and people support us through these [by donating them as charity] and it is through these that we also support you?”

Following this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “By God! For almost two months now, smoke has not risen in the house of the Prophetsa of God.” That is, that the Holy Prophetsa and also his family have only lived on water and dates. In any case, these Ahl-e-Suffah were astonishingly devoted people. Even though they mentioned and complained about eating

14 dates and that it had adversely affected their stomachs, despite this, they did not leave.

They continued to remain seated there with complete devotion and would either remain hungry, or suffice by eating dates or whatever they were given.

It is further written that at night, these noble individuals would usually be occupied in worship and reciting the Holy Quran.

A muallim [religious teacher] had been appointed for them. They would go to him at night and recite [the Holy Quran]. Those who could not read or were unable to recite the Holy Quran correctly, or those who wished to memorise it would be taught at night by the muallim. Owing to this, most of them were called qaris [people who recite the Quran] and if people were to be sent anywhere for the propagation of Islam, these very individuals would be sent.

Once they had been well-versed, they were called qaris and were also sent to teach others. Later on, many of these companions were appointed to different important offices.

In other words, the Ashab as-Suffah did not merely sit there, in fact, they were appointed to important offices. Hence, Hazrat Abu Hurairahra served as the governor of Bahrain during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra and during the rule of Hazrat Muawiyahra, he served as the governor of Medina.

Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas served as the governor of Basra and he established the city of Kufa. Hazrat Salman Farsira served as the governor of Madain. Hazrat Ammarra bin Yasir also served as the governor of Kufa.

All these companions were among the Ashab-e-Suffah. Hazrat Ubadahra bin Jarah served as the governor of Palestine. Hazrat Anasra bin Malik served as the governor of Medina during the rule of Hazrat Umar bin Abd-il-Aziz. There was also a commander among these very individuals, who played a significant role in the Islamic conquests.

Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit was not only a great commander, but was also appointed the supreme judge during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra. (Siyar as-Sahaba, Vol. 5, pp. 548550, Darul Ishaat, Karachi, 2004) (Justaju-eMadinah az Abdul Hameed Qadir, pp. 672681) Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira narrates: “I sat down in the congregation of the poor Muhajreen.” Meaning he went and sat among the congregation of the Ashab-eSuffah, who were concealing their private parts from each other [due to lack of clothing] – almost half of their body was not covered with any clothes. He continues, “A qari [reciter of the Holy Quran] amongst us was reciting the Holy Quran, and the Messengersa of Allah arrived. The qari stopped the recitation as the Holy Prophetsa stood by. Then the Holy Prophetsa said Salam (greetings of peace) and enquired, ‘What are you all doing?’ We replied, ‘This qari is reciting the Holy Quran for us and we are listening to the Book of Allah’. Then the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Who has granted me such people in my Ummah and that He has instructed me to remain patient with them.’” Meaning that the Holy Prophetsa was commanded to remain patient just like they were demonstrating patience.

The narrator further states: “The Holy Prophetsa sat down among us and in order to show that his blessed person was a part of us, he signaled his blessed hand in a circle” meaning that he was also from amongst them and he sat down with them, and they created a circle around him and turned their attention towards him.

The narrator states: “In my opinion, the Holy Prophetsa did not

Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM recognise anyone other than me.” That is, the narrator says that he was the only one that the Holy Prophetsa recognised since there was a large number of people in the gathering. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘There are glad tidings for this group of poor Muhajirin! For on the Day of Judgment, you shall enter paradise with a perfect spiritual light half a day before the wealthy people and this half of a day is equivalent to 500 years.’” (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Ilm, Bab Fi al-Qisas, Hadith 3666) The Promised Messiahas also received a revelation in Arabic which has the mention of the Ashab as-Suffah. The revelation is as follows: ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ َّ ُّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُّ ُ َ ْ َ ‫اصحاب الصف ِۃ وماُ ادراک ما اصحاب‬ ‫الصف ِۃ ت ٰری اع ُی َنھ ْم ت ِف ْیض‬ َّ َ َْ َ َ ْ ّ َ ُ ْ ‫ک۔ َربَّ َنا اِنَّ َنا َس ِم ْع َنا ُم َنادِیًا یُّ َناد‬ ‫ِم َن الد ْمع۔ یصلون علی‬ ‫ِی‬ ًْ ُ ً َ َ ّٰ َ ً َ َ َ ْ ْ ِ ‫اعیا اِلی الل ِہ و ِسراجا م ِنیرا‬ ِ ‫ان ود‬ ِ ‫ل ِل ِایم‬ “Do you know who the Ashab as-Suffah are? You will see their eyes shedding tears; they will call down blessings upon you. They will send blessing upon you and supplicate: ‘Our Lord we have heard the voice of a caller, calling people to the faith and a Summoner to Allah and a refulgent lamp.” (Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 22, p. 78) This revelation of the Promised Messiahas was regarding some of his companions in that he would also be granted companions with similar qualities. The Promised Messiahas states: “The people of Suffah in the time of the Holy Prophetsa were extremely honorable and firm in their faith. Their example of sincerity and devotion is a model [for everyone to follow]. Allah the Almighty has also revealed to me that He shall also grant me individuals like them.”

According to Sahih Bukhari, Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud is counted among the companions who took part in the Battle of Badr, whereas according to other books about the lives of the companions, such as Usdul Ghaba Fi Ma‘rifat Al Sahabah, Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahabah, Al-Isti‘ab Fi Ma‘rifat Al Ashab, Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, etc. it is reported that he participated in the Battle of Uhud and the subsequent battles and not in the Battle of Badr. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab tasmiyatu man Summiya min Ahli Badr) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 563, Utbah bin Masud, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez al-Sahaba, Vol. 4, p. 366, Utbah bin Masud, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, p.

1030, Utbah bin Masud al-Hazli, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 4, p. 381, Wa min Hulafaa Bani Zahra bin Kilab, Utbah bin Masud, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996) Nonetheless, in Bukhari it is recorded that Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud was a Badri Companion.

Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud passed away in 23 AH during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab and Hazrat Umarra led his funeral prayer. Qasim bin Abdur Rahman narrates that Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab waited for Hazrat Utbah’sra mother, Hazrat Ummi Abdra, in order for her to attend the funeral. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 4, p. 238, Utbah bin Masud, Wa min Hulafaa Bani Zahra bin Kilab, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996) (Al-Bidayatu Wa al-Nihayatu Li ibn Kathir, Vol. 4, Ch. 7, p. 138, thumma dakhalat Sunnati Thalathi wa Ishreen, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001) Imam Zuhri narrates that with respect to the migration and spending time in the company of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud was not far behind his brother, Hazrat Utbahra. In other words, Hazrat Utbahra accepted Islam before his brother, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud. Abdullah bin

Utbah narrated that Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud became emotional at the time of his brother, Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud’s demise.

Some people asked him why he was crying, to which he replied, “He was my brother, but also my brother in faith. After Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab, he was the dearest to me among the people.” (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 563, Utbah bin Masud, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) In a different narration, it is stated that when Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud learnt about the demise of his brother, Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud, tears began to flow from his eyes and he said: ٰ ُ َ ّٰ َ ٌ ٰ َ ‫ِإ ّن ه ِذ ِه َر ْح َمة َج َعل َها الل ُه لا ي َ ْملِك َها ابْ ُن ا َد َم‬ “Verily this Mercy is bestowed to us from God Almighty, but it is something that man is unable to overcome,” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 4, p. 238, Utbah bin Masud, Wa min Hulafaa Bani Zahra bin Kilab, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996) Meaning, everyone is destined to pass away, but for virtuous individuals it becomes a mercy from God Almighty. According to another narration, Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab would appoint Hazrat Utbahra bin Masud as the local amir [in his absence]. (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez al-Sahaba, Vol. 4, p. 366, Utbah bin Masud al-Hazli, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2001) The next companion that I will mention is Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit, who was an Ansari companion. Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit’s fathers name was Samit bin Qais and his mother’s name was Qurratul Ain bint Ubadah. Hazrat Ubadahra was present during the first and second pledge at Aqabah. He was the leader of the Banu Auf bin Khazraj clan of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar, who were also known as Qawaqil.

The reason why they were known as Qawqal is because whenever anyone would seek the protection of a leader in Medina, that person seeking protection would be told that they were free to ascend the mountain, i.e. they had nothing to fear and could live there freely.

In short, they were able to roam about freely and did not need to worry about anything.

The people granting freedom became known as Qawaqila. Ibn-e-Hisham states that whenever a leader from among them would grant protection to another, he would also bestow them an arrow and would say that they are free to go as they please. Thalabah bin Daad, the paternal grandfather of Hazrat Numanra was known as Qawqal. Similarly, the leader of the Khazraj tribe, Ghanam bin Auf was known as Qawqal, and in the same manner, Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit was also known by the title of Qawqal. From among the Khazraj tribe, the clans of Banu Saalim, Bani Ghanam and the Banu Auf bin Khazraj were all known as Qawaqilah and Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit was the leader of the Banu Auf tribe.

(Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 158-159, Ubadah bin Samit, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 414, Al-Numan bin Malik, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Al-Sirat alNabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 309, Al-Aqabah al-Oola Wa Mus’ab bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Taajul Urus, Qifl, Vol. 15, p. 627, Bab al-Laam, Darul Fikr, Beirut, 1994) One of Hazrat Ubadah’sra sons’ name was Waleed, who was born to Jameela bint Abu Sa‘sa and his other son’s name was Muhammad, who was born to Hazrat Umme Haram bint Milhaan. Hazrat Ausra bin Samit, who is also a Badri Companion, was the brother of Hazrat Ubadahra. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 280-281, Ubadah bin Samit, Dar Ihyaa Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996)

When Hazrat Abu Marsad Ghanavira migrated to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa formed a bond a brotherhood with him and Hazrat Ubadahra. Hazrat Ubadahra took part in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the Battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq.

Hazrat Ubadahra passed away in Ramla, Palestine in 34AH. According to some narrations, he passed away in Baitul Maqdas and was subsequently buried there. His grave is known even today. Then, in another narration, it is recorded that he passed away in Qubrus, after Hazrat Umarra had appointed him as the leader of Qubrus.

At the time of his demise, Hazrat Ubadahra was 72 years old. He was tall and had a large and handsome build. According to some narrations it is stated that he passed away in 45 AH, during the rule of Amir Muawiyah, however, the earlier narration in which it was mentioned that he passed away in 34 AH in Palestine is more authentic as opposed to the narration in which it is stated that he passed away in 45 AH. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 5556, Darul Fikr, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 355, Ubadah bin Samit, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Sharh Masnad al-Shafi‘i Az Abdil Kareem bin Muhammad Qazwini, Vol. 2, p. 165, Idarat al-Shu’un alIslamiyyah, Qatar, 2007, Maktabah Shamilah) Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit has recorded 181 narrations of Ahadith among which those narrating the hadith are prominent companions, such as Hazrat Anasra bin Malik, Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah and Hazrat Miqdamra bin Maadi Kirb, as well as Tabi‘een [those people who met with companions].

(Siyar as-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 405, Darul Ishaat Urdu, Karachi, 2004) According to a narration, Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit was present during the Battle of Badr and during the night of Aqabah. He was also one of the appointed leaders. Hazrat Ubadahra would say: “A group of companions was near the Holy Prophetsa; he took a pledge from us stating, ‘You will not associate partners with Allah, nor will you steal. You will not kill your children, you will not knowingly slander anyone, nor will you disobey a clear instruction. Whosoever from among you fulfils this pledge will receive a reward from God Almighty, but whoever commits any of these evil deeds and receives a punishment in this world, then this punishment will atone for that evil deed. Whoever commits an evil deed and God Almighty conceals that deed, then their matter is with Allah the Almighty; if He wishes He can forgive them and if He wishes He can punish them for it.’ Thus, we pledged allegiance accordingly.” This narration is found in Bukhari. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Iman, Alaamatul Iman Hubbul Ansar, Hadith 18) During the migration to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa lead the Friday prayers at the mosque at Quba and after leading the prayers, the Holy Prophetsa mounted his camel to go towards Medina. The Holy Prophetsa kept the reins loose. The camel then turned its head right and left, as if it was searching for the direction of travel. It stood in one place without moving forwards and instead, kept looking to its left and right. Observing this, the people of Banu Saalim – i.e. the people among whom the Holy Prophetsa led the Friday prayers – including Itban bin Malik, Naufal bin Abdullah bin Malik and Ubadah bin Saamit asked the Holy Prophetsa to remain amongst them. They said they were more in number and could make adequate arrangements of safety. They said, “We will honour you and ensure for your safety as there are more Muslims residing here.”

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM According to one narration, they said that they possess wealth and affluence and people residing there had plentiful resources.

In another narration it is stated that they said, “Please stay with us as we are more in number and have weapons. In addition to this we have orchards and other essentials to survive.” i.e. they could provide adequate security measures and were more affluent.

They then said, “O Messengersa of Allah!

Whenever an Arab is in danger or fears for their life, they come and seek protection from us.” The Holy Prophetsa heard all of their requests and recited prayers for them and then said, “All what you say is true, but leave my camel be as it is under the command of God Almighty. It will stop wherever it pleases and may sit wherever it pleases.” In another narration, the words of this incident are that the Holy Prophetsa said, “My camel is under divine command, therefore leave it to be.”

It is reported that the Holy Prophetsa was smiling and said, “May God Almighty shower His blessings upon you, for all that you have presented.” The camel then began to move forwards. (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 83, Bab Al-Hijratu ilaa al-Madinah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) In relation to the conquest of Egypt, the author of Siyar as-Sahaba states, “During the era of Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat, it was taking somewhat longer to conquer Egypt as a result of which Hazrat Amrra bin Aas wrote to Hazrat Umarra, requesting for further support. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra sent an additional army of 4,000 soldiers and Hazrat Ubadahra was appointed as the leader of a thousand soldiers from among them.

Moreover, in his reply, Hazrat Umarra wrote that each one of the leaders of the army was equivalent to a thousand soldiers. When this army reached Egypt, Hazrat Amrra bin Aas gathered the entire armies together and delivered an inspirational speech. He then called for Hazrat Ubadahra and asked for his arrow and Hazrat Amr bin Aas took off his turban and placed it on the arrow. He then handed it over to Hazrat Ubadahra, stating that it would be the flag for the general of the army and thenceforth, he was the commander of the army. How great is God that in the very first attack that was launched, they were able to conquer the city.” (Siyar as-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p.

402, Darul Isha’at, Karachi, 2004) After the conquest of Damascus, Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra bin Al Jarrah came to Homs and the people of Homs entered a treaty with him. Subsequently, he appointed Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit Ansari to oversee Homs and moved towards Humaa.

Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit then left for Laziqiyya, which is a coastal city of Syria. The people of the city engaged in a battle with the Muslims. There was a large door which would only open with the help of a number of people. Hazrat Ubadahra took his army away from the city and ordered them to dig such deep trenches so that a person on horseback could be hidden, i.e. it was a long trench.

The Muslims put great effort into digging the trenches. When they completed the digging, there was still some daylight remaining and they made it appear as if they were returning to Homs. However, when night fell, they returned back to the trenches they had dug. The people of Laziqiyya wrongly assumed that the Muslim army had retreated. When dawn broke, they opened their door and went out with their cattle. The Muslims appeared all of a sudden and seeing them, the people of Laziqiyya became fearful. The Muslims attacked them and entering the city through the door, they conquered the area. Hazrat Ubadahra entered

the fort and ascending the wall of the fort, he proclaimed the Takbir [extolling the greatness of God].

From among the Christians that lived in Laziqiyya, one tribe migrated towards Yaseed and from there they sought protection of their safe return back to their land. Initially they feared for their lives and ran away, but later they sought permission to return back to their homes. Thus, having paid the tax, the land was returned to them on the condition that they would provide a portion of their produce. On this condition the land was returned to them as well as their place of worship, and they were permitted to worship freely On orders of Hazrat Ubadahra, the Muslims constructed a mosque which was extended afterwards. Hazrat Ubadahra along with the Muslim army reached a city near the coast named Baldah and conquered the city.

This was two farsakh, which is equivalent to six miles from the fort of Jabalah. Hazrat Ubadahra then conquered many other cities including Antartus, which is situated on the coast in Syria. In addition to this, the cities of Laziqiyya, Jabalah, Baldah and Antartus were all conquered by Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit.

(Futuh al-Buldan, pp. 83-85, Amr Hims, Darul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2000) (Mujamul Buldan, Vol. 4, p. 169, Al-Laziqiyya, Vol. 1, p. 320, Antartus, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Hazrat Ubadahra to supervise the funds of Sadaqat [charity]. The Holy Prophetsa advised him to always fear Allah the Almighty lest on the Day of Judgment, he appeared in a state laden with a camel which was bleating or laden with a cow that was lowing or a goat bleating; in other words, he was admonished from acting in a dishonest manner and warned against failing to safeguard the Sadaqah.

In those days, the charity that was collected was in the form of camels, cows and goats, etc.

Thus, he was advised to ensure this charity was properly distributed and carefully looked after, otherwise these very animals would appear as a burden upon him on the Day of Judgment.

Upon hearing this, Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit said, “By Him, Who has sent the Holy Prophetsa with the truth, I would not even supervise over two individuals, for my condition is such that I cannot bear any kind of burden. Therefore, it is better for me to not be appointed.”

During the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, the five companions from among the Ansar, who collated the Quran are Hazrat Maazra bin Jabal, Hazrat Ubadahra bin Samit, Hazrat Ubayra bin Kaab, Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansarira and Hazrat Abu Durdara. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 55, Darul Fikr, Beirut, 2003) After the conquest of the Levant, Hazrat Yazid bin Sufyanra wrote to Hazrat Umarra and informed him that the people of that area were in need of a teacher who could teach them the Holy Quran and impart to them knowledge of faith. Subsequently, Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Maazra, Hazrat Ubadahra and Hazrat Abu Durdara. Hazrat Ubadahra travelled to Palestine and stayed there. Junada relates that when he met Hazrat Ubadahra he found him to be extremely well-versed in the religion of God, in other words he was a great scholar.

(Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 507, Ubadah bin Samit, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005) When the Muslims conquered the area of the Levant, Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Ubadahra, Hazrat Maazra bin Jabal and Hazrat Abu Durdara to that region, so that they could impart the teachings of the Holy Quran and religion to its people. Hazrat Ubadahra went to Homs, Hazrat Abu Durdara went to Damascus

and Hazrat Maazra travelled to Palestine. After a while, Hazrat Ubadahra also joined him in Palestine. While there, there was a particular matter which Hazrat Ubadahra disliked, however Amir Muawiyah opposed him in this – in other words, they had a disagreement over a particular religious matter.

During this disagreement, Amir Muawiyah spoke rather strongly to Hazrat Ubadahra and as a result, he left for Medina stating that he could not live in the same land as him.

When Hazrat Umarra enquired what it was that caused him to return, Hazrat Ubadahra informed Hazrat Umarra of the whole incident in which they disagreed over a particular matter and that Amir Muawiyah spoke rather strongly to him.

In any case, Hazrat Ubadahra left as a result of their disagreement. Upon this, Hazrat Umarra stated that he should go back as God Almighty would cause such a land to fall into ruin that is absent of him or people like him. In other words, it was necessary for the companions of the Holy Prophetsa and the learned scholars of faith to be present there; if not, then this would be hugely unfortunate for that land. Thus, it was imperative that he returned. Hazrat Umarra also wrote an official letter to Amir Muawiyah stating that he did not have any right to oppose Hazrat Ubadahra in any religious matter and that he should listen to what he said as whatever he said was indeed correct. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 55, Ubadah bin Samit, Darul Fikr, Beirut, 2003) There are many more details and narrations in relation to Hazat Ubadahra, which I will Insha-Allah continue to share in the next Friday Sermon as they are quite lengthy and require more time.

I will now mention about a deceased and will also be leading his funeral prayer – the funeral is present here. The funeral is of respected Tahir Arif Sahib, who passed away in the UK on 26 August after enduring a very difficult and testing illness; “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

He was suffering from cancer and endured this illness with great patience and steadfastness. He initially worked as a government official and served at a very high post. However, after his retirement, I appointed him as the president of the Fazle-Umar Foundation a few years back. Thus, these days he was serving as the president of the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation and rendering his services for the Jamaat.

Respected Tahir Arif Sahib was born on 13 February 1952. His family was originally from Sialkot, however they later moved to Sargodha. Respected Tahir Arif Sahib’s father, respected Chaudhry Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib, was a missionary of the community. His father had the opportunity to serve in the UK as a missionary and served as the deputy imam of the London Mosque and also as the naib wakil-ul-tabshir in Tahrik-e-Jadid, Rabwah.

Maulana Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib was an excellent debater and considered among the foremost scholars of the Jamaat.

Respected Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib, along with Hazrat Maulana Abdur Raheem Nayyar Sahibra, represented the Ahmadiyya Community in the annual session [of the Muslim League] on 23 March 1940 in which the resolution of Pakistan was passed. Thus, this was a historic moment in which they had the honour to be a part of.

Tahir Arif Sahib’s mother was respected Inayat Suraiyya Begum and his grandfather was Hazrat Chaudhry Ghulam Hussain Bhatti Sahibra, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

Tahir Arif Sahib was a very intellectual

person and had a great passion for learning.

He was a very experienced writer and was also a poet. He authored several books and two books containing a collection of his poems are widely popular; one in the Urdu language and the other in Punjabi. In addition, there are two other notable books; the first is in English on the life of the Holy Prophetsa and the other book is about Pakistan, titled, Pakistan Manzil Ba Manzil.

He attained an MA in economics from the Punjab University and completed his LLB from there. Thereafter, to further pursue higher studies, he came to the UK. He acquired his LLM from the London School of Economics and by the grace of God Almighty, he had the honour of attaining a Mark of Honour from the University of London.

After completing his education in London, he returned to Pakistan, passed the CSS examination and began working as a civil servant for Pakistan. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he continued to progress in this field and reached the post of inspector general of the police. To attain this position, even after the laws had been enacted against Ahmadis in Pakistan, indeed testifies to his extraordinary abilities.

Apart from serving in Pakistan’s police department, he was also appointed in the FIA [Federal Investigation Agency] and in the Immigration Intelligence Bureau.

When he was living in the UK, in order to seek education, upon the instruction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, he also had the opportunity to assist Chaudhry Rashid Sahib, who authored several books for children in English. He assisted him greatly in this project.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he had a great passion to read the books of the Promised Messiahas, and there would always be a book of the Promised Messiahas which he would keep as part of his regular reading.

However, he did not merely just read the books, but would also take notes and would then discuss the subject matter with his friends and colleagues.

He regularly recited the Holy Quran and would ponder deeply over its meanings.

Although no one from among his relatives have written this, but once during the course of a conversation with him, I found out that he was very regular in waking up for the Tahajjud prayer. Wherever he stayed during the years of his employment in Pakistan, he was always ready and willing to serve the Jamaat. He was an extremely courageous person and as I mentioned, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, he was extremely wellread in both religious and secular studies and was very intelligent. He greatly benefited from this knowledge and would share his thoughts in matters related to the Jamaat which would be extremely beneficial. He was a person who possessed very sound and excellent judgment.

He had a great sense of honour for Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and was a very sincere and courageous Ahmadi. All his life, he strived to remain as a Sultan-e-Naseer [a great helper] of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and serve the Jamaat with utmost loyalty.

I have seen that God Almighty, out of His grace, enabled him to succeed in this effort.

He was also my class-fellow and I knew him from my college days. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he had a passion for knowledge even then and was also a very skilful debater and would take part in the debates held in college and was also a good orator. I had noticed that even at that time, he had a lot of knowledge on religion.

Another quality of his, which is worth mentioning, is that he had great love and

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Friday 27 September 2019 | AL HAKAM

respect for those who served the Jamaat and life devotees. Moreover, he would always be ready and willing to help Ahmadis who had a genuine need. He held a very high post, therefore he tried to help other Ahmadis, who genuinely were in need, as much as he could.

His service for the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation started in 2014 when I appointed him as its director. After the demise of Chaudhry Hameed Nasrullah Khan Sahib in 2017, who was then serving as the president of the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation, I appointed Tahir Arif Sahib as its new president.

As I mentioned, by the grace of God Almighty, he continued to serve in this capacity till his demise. Prior to coming to the UK for his treatment, around three to four months ago, he continued to fulfil his duties for the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation with great effort. He would attend all the meetings and take great interest and during his tenure, a lot of progress was made.

He leaves behind his wife, Anisa Tahir Sahiba and a son, Isfandyar Arif Sahib and three daughters, Tayyiba Arif, Aziza Aauj and Binaa Tahir Arif. Two of his daughters are married and one of his children is unmarried.

His daughter, Tayyiba Arif Sahiba, writes: “God Almighty granted our father enormous worldly progress, however he always upheld his identity as an Ahmadi with great courage and honour. He was an extremely honest and trustworthy officer. He always gave precedence to his faith, placed his trust in God Almighty and was extremely humble. He was a poet, a great writer, a teacher and possessed deep knowledge of religion. He was a very responsible husband, a loving father and above all, he was deeply immersed in the love of God Almighty and His Messengersa.”

She further says: “My mother states that she always found him to be extremely just and with a pleasant nature. Whether young, old, rich or poor, he would not draw any distinction between them, nor allow his official position to come in the way and would always afford them with kind treatment.”

At times, close relatives, owing to their emotions and close bond, express similar sentiments, however I knew him personally and can vouch that indeed these were his traits.

Mubarak Sidiqqi Sahib writes: “The late respected Tahir Arif Sahib was extremely humble and had a bond of great love and obedience for Khilafat. He was a great poet and writer. I once asked him to recite one of his favourite couplets and he quoted the following couplet reflecting his deep love for Khilafat:

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‘O master! If ever an opportunity arises for this servant of yours to attain your nearness, then may my being transform into the grass that lies beneath your feet.’”

He further states: “On one occasion during an informal sitting, I said to him, ‘Tahir Sahib! God Almighty has blessed every Ahmadi with some kind of honour. You have had the honour of being appointed to a very high post in the police department.’ In reply, he said, ‘A far greater honour for me is that I am an Ahmadi.’” He then also made reference to the fact that he was my class fellow and said that he was a class-fellow of the Khalifa of the time, which he said was a great honour for him.

His father, respected Maulana Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib, sent him to Rabwah to pursue his education in one of its colleges. In those

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days, our colleges had become nationalised, therefore he requested Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to be permitted to stay in Darul-Ziafat instead of living at the hostels. His father, Maulana Muhammad Yar Arif Sahib had a great bond with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, thus his request was accepted and so he completed his education whilst staying at the Dar-ul-Ziafat.

During one’s student life, one can become quite informal with one another and also exchange light-hearted comments amongst each other, however when Hazrat Khalifatul

Masih IVrh appointed me as nazir-e-ala, he showed me great respect and courtesy, and after I became Khalifa, his level of sincerity and loyalty increased even greater than before, by the grace of Allah the Almighty.

May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station.

May He also enable his progeny to also remain attached with the Jamaat and Khilafat, whilst displaying perfect loyalty.

Many of his relatives and friends have written various accounts about him and they all mention the fact that by the grace of Allah

the Almighty, he was extremely humble and scholarly person.

After the Friday prayers, I shall lead his funeral prayer. The funeral is present here, therefore after the prayers, I will Insha-Allah go out and lead his funeral prayer and you all should form rows for the prayer inside the mosque.

(Originally published in Al Fazl International, 20 September 2019, pp. 5-9.Translated by The Review of Religions team.)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2019