Al Hakam - 3 January 2020

From The Markaz

The world examined

Hadith in Commentary

Hazrat Imam Malik

Khuddam and Atfal from Belgium meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

Scanning the latest research and developments in the realms of science, academia, technology and geopolitics

How and why the ring of the Prophetsa was lost

The life and character of a pioneer of Islamic thought

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THE WEEKLY

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

A new decade with new horizons was a dark, cold and foggy end of a night. The general public had Ionlytwinter just gone to bed after celebrating the

start of a new year and new decade, marked by the arrival of 2020.

But the small village of Tilford was thriving with cars, driving peacefully towards Islamabad. It was time for a predawn prayer called Tahajud – prayers offered in the last hours of the night.

Silently and peacefully, headlights glimmered along the dark, windy countryside roads, as they headed to Islamabad from all directions, where worshippers had congregated to offer collective prayers to mark the start of the new year.

At Islamabad, the mosque was already full; the very spacious Aiwan-e-Masroor Hall, which usually works as an overflow arrangement, was itself overflowing with the surge of worshippers; a marquee in the grounds was accommodating the overwhelming zeal of late-night worshippers.

For this Tahajud in the early hours of the new year, a great number of worshippers had arrived in the UK from European countries a day or two earlier. Londoners took up the travel on the same night.

All this made the first morning of the year 2020 full of zealous, enthusiastic and passionate prayers.

After Tahajud, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, led the congregation in Fajr prayer at 6:50am.

Having led the Fajr Salat, as Huzooraa left the mosque, he turned to the congregation and said: “Assalamo Alaikum. Naya saal mubarak ho.” (Peace be upon you all. May the new year be blessed.)

Continued on page 3

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

Inviting people to Allah Hazrat Abu Hurairah, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “A person who invites people to the truth gets a reward equal to the reward of all those who accept the truth [at his invitation], while nothing will be subtracted from their rewards. Likewise, a person who entices others to sin carries the burden of all the sins committed at his inducement, while nothing will be subtracted from the punishment of those who commit the sins.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words A magnificent glad-tiding for the Ahmadiyya Community Allah the Exalted states in the Holy Quran: َ ‫َو َﺟﺎ ِع ُﻞ الَّ ِذیْ َن ّاﺗَ َﺒ ُﻌوْ َك َﻓوْ َق الَّ ِذیْ َن َﻛ َ� ُ� ْوا إلَى یَوْ ِم الْﻘ َِﻴ‬ ‫ﺎﻣ ِۃ‬ ِ “And I will place those who follow thee above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection.”

This reassuring promise was given to the son of Mary who was born in Nazareth.

But I give you the good news that the son of Mary who has appeared in the name of Jesus the Messiah has been addressed

by Allah Almighty and given glad tidings in the very same words. Now reflect for yourself: can those who desire to maintain a relationship with me, and wish to be a part of this grand promise and glad-tiding, be such people who are steeped in the state that incites one to evil and who tread the path of sin and impiety? Nay! Of course not! Those who truly value this promise of Allah and do not consider my words to be mere tales and fables ought to remember this and listen with their hearts. I address the people once again and proclaim that as for those who hold a relationship with me – a relationship that is firm and unwavering; a relationship whose effects are not limited

_suhaib_a | Instagram

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 3 - 9 January A selection of brief incidents from the first and second era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya 3 January 1930: Renowned Muslim leader, Maulana Shaukat Ali visited Qadian on this date. He had led the Khilafat Movement that was initiated in response to the fall of the Ottoman Empire. He also was the elder brother of the renowned political leader, Mohammad Ali Jauhar.

3 January 1935: Hazrat Pir Siraj-ul-Haq Numanira (left) of Sarsawa, India passed away at the age of 80. He was a well known spiritual leader with a large following, before accepting the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him. He recorded the life of the Promised Messiahas in his book, Tazkira-tul-Mahdi.

3 January 1938: Al-Syed Abdul Hameed Khursheed arrived in Qadian where he stayed for a month and a half. He was thought to be the first person from Egypt to enter the Jamaat.

3 January 1939: Hazrat Mian Muhammad Saeed Saadira passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

3 January 1941: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed the Companions of the Promised Messiahas to enhance their efforts of spreading the message of the Promised Messiahas, using every method available.

3 January 1956: The Jamaat’s mission in Liberia was established. The first person who entered the Jamaat was Ismael Malik Sahib.

Qadian on 7 January. He was a noble companion of the Promised Messiahas.

4 January 1962: The Jamaat in Ghana convened its 37th Jalsa Salana, which was attended by around 28,000 people.

5 January 1937: Mr Abdul Munaam visited Qadian, who was representing the Sultan of Muscat.

5 January 1944: During the night between 5 and 6 January, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was shown in a vision that he was the person mentioned in the Promised Messiah’sas announcement of 20 February 1886 that spoke of a promised son. At the time, Huzoorra was staying in Lahore at Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib’s residence located on 13 Temple Road.

5 January 1945: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed that every Ahmadi family must ensure that at least one person from their family devotes their life to serve the Jamaat.

5 January 1956: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled to Qadian and stayed there until 8 January.

6 January 1942: Hazrat Chaudhary Hakim Alira of Chak Paniar Sargodha passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

7 January 1938: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a Friday Sermon from Masjid Aqsa in Qadian, which was relayed through loudspeakers.

On the occasion, Huzoorra also predicted that a day would come when a dars of the Holy Quran and Hadith would be delivered from Qadian and simultaneously listened to across the world.

The loudspeaker that was used on this date was donated by a devout member of the Jamaat from the North Western Frontier (NWF) region of the subcontinent, Khan Muhammad Khan Sahib.

7 January 1939: Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Hayatra passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

7 January 1944: Loudspeakers were installed on Minaratul-Masih and were used to spread the message of the Promised Messiahas for the first time.

7 January 1952: The Ifta Committee (of jurisprudence) was established once again. It had initially been constituted in 1943. Malik Saif-urRahman Sahib was appointed as the president and the secretary was Jalaluddin Shams Sahib.

15 other members of the committee were also announced.

7 January 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graciously attended the reception held in honour of Maulana Abdul Wahid Sahib, missionary in Indonesia.

7 January 1962: The Jamaat in Mauritius convened its Jalsa Salana.

4 January 1931: Upon the sad demise of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra expressed his condolences. This person was an Indian Muslim independence leader, activist, scholar, journalist and a poet. He was also among the leading figures of the Khilafat Movement.

8 January 1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra initiated a remarkable scheme for the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat and added that every year, there should be a large number of people entering the Jamaat, worldwide. But, Huzoor stressed that to attain this higher standard, Jamaat members must end their own internal rifts, divisions and misconceptions about each other.

4 January 1934: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started the Salikeen initiative, with the aim to further strengthen the spiritual and moral standards of Jamaat members. This move was limited for the next three years, where the individuals involved were asked to remain adherent to five basic instructions.

8 January 1937: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra predicted the looming world war during his Friday Sermon and stressed the need for fervent prayers.

4 January 1952: The Jamaat’s internal set up was modified to further strengthen it. With the new changes, the whole of Punjab province was given under the leadership of a provincial amir. Mirza Abdul Haque Sahib was assigned this responsibility.

6 January 1945: Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad, principal of Talim-ul-Islam College was elected as member of the academic counsel of Punjab University for 1945-46. The principals of concerned intermediate colleges elected him unanimously.

4 January 1952: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed the central administrative Jamaat offices to draw up a list of projects in detail that needed to be completed during the year. He also instructed that the projects should be completed within their given timeframe.

7 January 1910: Hazrat Mir Qasim Ali launched his paper Al Haque from Delhi. This paper started rendering its services from Qadian under the new title of Al Farooq by 1915.

4 January 1961: Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Qadianira passed away during his rail journey to Karachi. He was buried in Bahishti Maqbara,

7 January 1922: Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Din Sahib departed for America to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

7 January 1920: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced the collection of Chanda for the London Mosque. Ahmadis showed great zeal towards the appeal and by 10 June, 78,500 rupees were collected in cash.

8 January 1939: A religious conference was convened in the Fazl Mosque, London under the presidency of Sir Feroz Khan Noon. Jalaluddin Shams Sahib represented the Jamaat.

8 January 1951: Hazrat Pir Iftikhar Ahmadra of Ludhiana passed away. He was the son of Hazrat Sufi Ahmad Jan Sahibrh. He entered the Jamaat on 9 July 1891. His father was well known as recognising the Promised Messiahas as the reformer of the age and someone who Allah had sent. However, Hazrat Sufi Sahibrh passed away before the Promised Messiahas announced that he had been commissioned by Allah. In this manner, Hazrat Sufi Sahibrh recognised the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas long before anyone else.

8 January 1962: An Ahmadiyya high school was established in British Guiana.

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

From the Markaz

Khuddam and Atfal from Belgium spend time in Huzoor’s company On 28 December 2019, a group of over 80 atfal and khuddam from Belgium travelled to Islamabad for a mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The group departed from Belgium on Friday, 27 December and upon arrival, offered the Jumuah prayer behind Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in Baitul Futuh Mosque, London.

Our reporters spoke with Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium, Tauseef Ahmad Sahib regarding how this trip materialised. He said: “We expressed to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa that some of our khuddam and atfal wished to visit Islamabad. Upon this, Huzooraa graciously granted us permission and so we left on 27 December at 3am Belgium time and arrived at 12:30pm at Baitul Futuh.”

During the mulaqat, upon Huzoor’saa arrival, Sadr Sahib was asked about the travel and accommodation arrangements for the khuddam and atfal.

Throughout the mulaqat, aftal and khuddam asked Huzooraa various questions and also had the opportunity to request for prayers.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa also asked Sadr Sahib what language the aftal and khuddam were comfortable with. Sadr Sahib replied that among the khuddam, there were some who spoke Flemish and only a few who were able to speak English.

A young khadim asked Huzooraa about

the history behind Khuddam Ijtemas and how they began. Huzooraa first presented a brief insight into the history of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya and said that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra initially started ijtemas on a local level in Qadian and then spread them to other cities in India. Huzooraa instructed Sadr Sahib to prepare a separate book for aftal and khuddam in Flemish or French for general religious knowledge, Islamic history and Jamaat history.

One tifl asked Huzooraa when the first Jalsa Salana took place. Huzooraa said that Jalsas started during the time of the Promised Messiahas with divine guidance from Allah Almighty. Huzooraa explained how the first Jalsa took place in Qadian in 1891, with 75 people in attendance.

Huzooraa noted that “there are more people present here in the hall than the first Jalsa”, and now we see that in every corner of the world, jalsas are being held with attendances in the thousands.

Following this question, one tifl asked why we held Jalsa Salana. Upon this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that it is imperative to hold such jalsas so that people can listen to speeches and increase their knowledge. Huzooraa further added that Jalsa Salana helps with brotherhood and also develops our inner (spiritual) progress.

A khadim asked Huzooraa how he prays to Allah and how all his prayers are answered. Answering the khadim, Huzooraa stated that it is not necessary

for God to accept prayers as they are. It is only by God’s will that prayers are fulfilled.

Huzooraa further explained that one should remain persistent in their prayers and continue praying to God. If the prayer is good for them, then God will accept the prayer, and if not, He will fulfil it in another way. Huzooraa added that some people, after their prayers are accepted, become unmindful of their prayers. This should not be the case.

One khadim, who is originally from Ghana, asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa how long will it be for Islam and the oneness of God to spread worldwide.

Upon this, Huzooraa stated that there will be some people who will not believe in Allah and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Alluding to what the Promised Messiahas stated, Huzooraa said that 300 years will not pass before the majority of people will accept the true Islam.

A question was asked with regard to Prophet Adamas. The khadim said that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had said that Prophet Adamas was not the first man but was the first prophet, whereas other Muslims believe that he was the first man.

Upon this, many Muslims around the world do not accept this notion and are enraged at this belief. Huzooraa said that not only did Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra say this, but the Promised Messiahas and also the Holy Prophetsa held the same view and mentioned this fact. Huzooraa further

stated that even modern day scientists say that mankind has existed for many thousands of years.

Further explaining this, Huzooraa said that the Holy Quran, when alluding to Adamas and Eve leaving, uses the words “you all”, meaning that many people were also present and not just Prophet Adamas.

One tifl asked Huzooraa how he prepares for his sermons. In response, Huzooraa said that once a topic comes to mind, his preparation begins. Talking about his preparation, Huzooraa said that he spends around 8-10 hours preparing for each sermon.

A khadim asked Huzooraa how he sees the state of the world unfolding in the future. Huzooraa said that the more the world continues to move away from God, the closer it will approach destruction. The world is at the brink of war; the conditions of India and Pakistan have worsened again and the same is the case with Turkey, Iraq and Syria. America wishes to become a superpower; China wishes to control the world through trade. Thus, the world is continuously moving away from God. Huzooraa added that only those would be saved who love God. The sitting concluded with an opportunity of group photos with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Continued from page 1

Through these lines, we convey the blessed, prayerful words of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa to the Ahmadis living across the globe.

While we all feel thankful to Huzooraa for these prayers, let us all remember Huzooraa in our special prayers.

He alone is the flag-bearer of the true Islam in this day and age. He alone is the one chosen by Allah for the immensely heavy task of leading the faithful to paths that lead to Allah the Almighty.

May Allah be his Helper in all his pursuits. May Allah bless Huzoor’saa every day and night with peace, tranquillity and may the Jamaat progress manifold under his blessed leadership. Amin.

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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The world examined (This series will scan the latest research and developments in the realms of science, academia, technology and geopolitics, providing a glance at the ever changing world) GEOPOLITICS

HEALTH

Just not the right time Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found a gene in mice that appears to affect memory recall at different times of the day in mice. They learnt how the gene caused the mice to be seemingly more forgetful just before they normally wake up.

“We may have identified the first gene in mice specific to memory retrieval,” said Professor Satoshi Kida from the University of Tokyo. BMAL1, a protein that affects the expression of other genes, was traced to have a role in memory retrieval to the hippocampus, an area of the

Celebrating immigration A piece authored by Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development, University of Oxford and Marie McAuliffe, Head of Migration Policy Research Division, International Organization for Migration, detailed how cities with “higher shares of migrants are often voted as the most desirable places to be”.

The academics covered various factors that immigrants contribute towards, one being the socio-cultural contributions. Everyday activities like ordering takeaways, buying groceries, going to a place of worship or watching professional sports are “likely to have been enriched or made possible by migrants who have brought with them their customs, traditions, networks and skills.” A study of crop origins has discovered how migrants, over the centuries, have extensively contributed to diversity within our food and enriching our diets.

Further, recent investigation suggests that had immigration to the United Kingdom and Germany stopped in 1990, the gross domestic product (GDP) of both in 2014 “would have been lower by $227.44 billion and $201.45 billion, respectively.”

In fact, the article showed that cross-border migration is blown out of proportion as a mere 3.5% of the world’s population being international migrants and “96.5% remaining in their countries of birth.” Though 100 new countries have been created in that past 100 years, “the share of migrants in our societies is barely increasing and may well be lower than in previous centuries. There is also no correlation between the share of migration in our countries and cities and our attitudes.”

Further, cities containing the highest share of migration, such as Singapore, Toronto and Vancouver, who all have more than 50%, and London (1/3 migrant), are voted as “the most desirable places to be.”

Professor Ian Goldin and Marie McAuliffe concluded that “despite evidence of the wide-ranging benefits of migration, anti-migrant sentiment and blaming foreigners for ills remain frequently used political tools.” They further noted that “the rise in hate speech and xenophobia has in part been fuelled by political expediency as the tussle for the mainstream, the working-class vote takes on a heightened salience as the radical-right fights opportunistically for wider appeal based on unbalanced rhetoric.” (World Economic Forum, www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/12/internationalmigrants-day-2019-celebrate/, 19 December 2019, )

brain. Professor Kida said, “If we can identify ways to boost memory retrieval through this BMAL1 pathway, then we can think about applications to human diseases of memory deficit, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

However, the evolutionary purpose of having memory that naturally changes throughout the day is still a mystery for the researchers. “We really want to know what is the evolutionary benefit of having naturally impaired memory recall at certain times of day” said Professor Kida. (sciencedaily.com, 18 December 2019)

SCIENCE

The largest heart: Two beats per minute

Laced with gold

The Balaenoptera Musculus, commonly known as the blue whale, is famously known as the largest living creature in the world; spanning 24-25 metres in length and weighing up to 150,000 kilograms. For the first time ever, scientists have been able to record the heart rate of this mammoth creature and the results were astonishing. Marine biologists found that the blue whale can, at times, survive on just two heart beats per minute. By attaching pulse monitors onto the whale, scientists recorded the nine hour dives of the colossal creature, observing its heart pumping as much as 34 beats per minute. At the deepest depths, the blue whale could survive on just two beats per minute. Compare this to the average human heart rate of 60-100 bpm! (livescience. com, 26 November 2019)

Two astronomers have calculated and posed the theory that two neutron stars may have sprinkled our solar system with precious metals such as platinum and gold. About 100 million years before our solar system, a collusion of dense giant stars would have created magnanimous explosive events that resulted in the deposit of these metals. According to research, the explosion of the stars would have contributed to about 70% of our early solar system’s curium atoms, 40% of its plutonium, in addition to millions of pounds of metals like gold and platinum. “In total, this single ancient star crash may have given our solar system 0.3% of all its heavy elements, the researchers found – and we carry some of them around with us every day.” (livescience.com, 6 May 2019)

ARCHAEOLOGY

Gold coins from the Islamic Abbasid era On 26 December 2019, Israeli archaeologists discovered gold coins stored in a clay pot that date back to 1200 years ago, during the Abbasid era of the Islamic empire.

The coins were found in the ancient Yavneh. It is believed that among the seven gold coins, a dinar is present, issued and minted

by Harun al-Rashid (786-809 CE).

The archaeologists assume that the pot may have belonged to a local potter’s personal savings.

GOOD TO KNOW

“Google Brain” One of artificial intelligence’s (AI) leading research tool was developed by Google.

In 2011, “Google Brain” was formerly established; a team of researchers looking into deep learning for machines using AI technology.

The Google Brain researchers famously developed the largest neural networks for machine learning, using 16,000 computer processors, which were able to recognise what a cat looked like. Google Brain currently powers many projects, including Google Translate, Android speech recognition, Google Photos and video recommendations on YouTube.

Though Google Brain claims to have broken new ground in “AI experiments in fields like healthcare, cryptography, and robotics”, some are worried about its ethics, especially in terms of privacy.

WHAT TO WATCH The Great Hack - How a data company came to symbolise the dark side of social media.

(Available on Netflix)

LISTEN IN Bestselling historian Simon Sebag Montefiore and Hannah MacInnes bring to life history’s greatest speeches. “Conquerors and revolutionaries, activists and athletes, dreamers and killers” are all the subjects under discussion. (Listen free at www. howtoacademy.com/podcasts)

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

“Well done, Qadian” A scene in Qadian The Review of Religions (English), Jan & Feb 1920, pp. 47-55

The annual conference of the Ahmadiyya Community had just been over and visitors for the occasion had all dispersed and the remaining few were still dispersing when the memorable scene happened in the secluded headquarters of the new community which forms the subject of the present article.

It was the 6th of January: the Holy Leader of the community, after performing the usual Zuhr prayers, was going to retire to the inner apartments when he found his passage barred by the late-coming worshippers who were still at their devotions. He stopped and was immediately surrounded by the crowd of petitioners and workers: some with requests and others with reports whose number never fails so long as the Holy Leader is to be seen in the public.

One gentleman had in his hand, I suppose, some British price list regarding which, I guess, he had something to consult His Holiness about. The latter sat himself down on the floor. He called for one of the secretaries and spoke to him regarding the possibility of erecting a mosque in London. The moment was opportune. The exchange value of the sterling was low. A few thousand rupees would procure more of

sterling money now than in normal times.

Ahmadiyya missionaries in London had repeatedly pointed out and pressed for the urgent removal of the want. One of them had suggested that the work might easily be accomplished through the agency of some or other of the House Building Companies in London, a small sum to be paid monthly was the only additional charge to be defrayed by the community.

Rupees fifteen thousand if dispatched at once and carefully invested might at 10 p. c. [prime cost] of dividend return sufficient income to reimburse any Building Company for the construction of a small mosque. When the company has been fully paid up, the money invested will still remain to the community, while the mosque will be acquired wholly out of the profits of the investments.

What was important was the early dispatch of the money. If subscriptions were not forthcoming, loans might be raised to be repaid in ten years i.e., as soon as the building has been paid for or even in five years from subscriptions meanwhile collected.

Such were the cautious, tentative proposals put forward by the Holy Leader of

the community who hardly perceived what flow of enthusiasm the idea was to evoke among his followers. The crowd of hearers, poor men with shabby exteriors, listened with rapt attention to every word of their leader, and as he slowly proceeded to detail the several suggestions as they occurred to him, I felt at every step the galvanic shock which in the laboratory I have seen giving movement to the dead. “Would that I were the first to respond to the call!” “Would that I had the wherewithal to adequately contribute towards the enterprise!” “Alas!”

“Alas! My God! others will take away the privilege of precedence.” Such were the thoughts that ran through my mind and doubtless through many others present in the assembly.

It was, I think, a young man, by profession a carpenter, who was the first to make openly an offer of rupees five. Brave heart! the smallness of the amount daunted him not. The sum perhaps represented some weeks of his savings. Then came other offers—ten, fifteen, twenty, fifty. Every announcement came as a fire touch. For my hands were empty, and though my heart yearned I knew not whence I could snatch

the means to be among the fortunate few who were to be the happy partners in the work. Other offers came, ten, fifteen, twentyfive. I could endure it no longer. Then came a thought. I left the mosque and ran home.

There was in the house a war bond, the property of my wife. It was a present to her given in lieu of ornaments. “Wife!” said I, “a great work is afoot. His Holiness proposes to erect a mosque in London. He has been receiving subscriptions. Fortunate is the man who finds the means to contribute.

I have no money. I cannot get anything with which to take a share in the work.”

She understood not my agitation. “Where shall we,” she asked, “find the money to subscribe?” I desisted from further talk.

It was perhaps too heartless, too cruel to expect her to undergo the sacrifice.

At the time of the Maghrib prayer I learnt that rupees eight hundred had already been subscribed and that the ladies in His Holiness’ family had given the project as warm a reception as the men, and that people had been invited to assemble in order to hear His Holiness speak more on the subject.

After the prayers His Holiness stood up to speak. He praised God for His many favours to the community. He spoke of the heavy responsibilities that such great favours entailed upon the recipients.

Animals chew the cud when the busy hour of labour is over. Men too chew the intellectual cud when there comes a period of relaxation after any great intellectual effort. They repeat the experiences over and over in their mind, gloat over and enjoy the thrills of excitement which the memory revives. But to busy people such moments of relaxation come but seldom. Heavy is the load and long the way they have to traverse.

Long must they wait to reach the haven of rest when their labours will be over and they will have time to enjoy the memory of the experiences undergone.

The [members of the] Ahmadiyya Community have been raised as the true heirs of Islam. They have taken up the banner where their predecessors stopped. The task before them is great and heavy. Europe lay before them and America and the rest of the world where the trumpet of Islam has not been heard these thirteen hundred years.

They must not, therefore, expect any early rest. The annual conference with its strain, its activity, its demands union their purse has been over.

In other years, after every such conference there has been a period of comparative inactivity and the members have had time to enjoy the memory of the events of the occasion. But works and responsibilities have been increasing in weight and importance. It was indeed a matter of joy. It was as a proof that the Community was progressing. That was the reason why so soon after their last efforts he was going to speak to them for new and larger efforts. Their missionaries have now been working for some years in London.

They have been working under very great disadvantages. They have no quarters of their own. They and their office occupy hired apartments at the mercy of the landlord.

There is uncertainty regarding the tenure.

Their success—and God be praised they

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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One gentleman had in his hand, I suppose, some British price list regarding which, I guess, he had something to consult His Holiness about. The latter sat himself down on the floor.

He called for one of the secretaries and spoke to him regarding the possibility of erecting a mosque in London. The moment was opportune. have had considerable success—sometimes evokes the bigot jealousy of the landlord and they are asked to quit.

A removal from one quarter to another of London means something like a transfer from one city to another in India. One such removal means the loss of months or years of labour. Old acquaintances vanish, new acquaintances have to be formed.

Accustomed visitors disappear; friendships are broken off. Men whom a long discourse with the missionaries had brought to the very door of Islam are left to revert to their former apathy and ignorance. Moreover, the absence of any permanent office causes in the enquirers a certain doubt regarding the genuineness and stability of the mission.

In a big city of the west bogus associations and pseudo religious societies are common.

Ephemeral movements are started every day of the year with the noblest of maxims and the sublimest of precepts, but they vanish as the year runs out. Naturally the intelligent public have to be cautious and circumspect.

Permanent quarters and real property will endow the movement with a colour of stability and permanency and create trust in the public. Their missionaries,

therefore, had pressed time and again for the establishment of permanent quarters.

One had suggested that if the required capital could not be raised at once, recourse might be had to some of the many House Building Companies. For an undertaking to reimburse the company under a system of monthly payments, the company will purchase the necessary land and construct the required house.

The amount required was inconsiderable, considering the circumstances of the country. He thought rupees thirty thousand would be required. The moment was opportune. The exchange was favourable.

A guinea which normally cost 15 rupees could now be secured to in England for a remittance of something like 9 rupees.

Rupees thirty thousand now would give them the advantage of rupees fifty thousand in normal times. Nor should they think the amount extravagant.

In London things are twelve to fifteen times dearer than in this country. A labourer here earns annas 8 a day. In London he earns from 7 to 10 rupees a day. Rupees fifteen thousand will here build a pretty commodious house. In London it will barely suffice to construct a moderate sized room.

They wanted, moreover, one or two rooms for the resident missionaries.

At present in hired apartments they cannot freely call the Azan. Delicate and scrupulous people in adjacent apartments would raise objection and appeal to the landlord. The latter has no option but to choose between our missionaries and his other tenants, and naturally his interest goes against us. In a mosque which is our own

property surrounded by houses occupied by our members there will be no reasonable objection to cry the Azan—the blessed cry which puts to flight the hoards of satan and opens the door of the soul to the ingress of truth. This in itself is an inestimable advantage.

It is the trumpet call of Islam, a trumpet which wherever blown has ever been victorious against ignorance and abomination of Shirk. Nor should they forget another important issue nineteen hundred years ago after the departure of the first blessed Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, when the Romans sacked Jerusalem and dispersed his followers, one of his disciples Joseph and his companions fled as refugees through Italy to the shores of England and established there the first church of the new faith.

Though later on the inroads of the barbarians and the subsequent influence of the Popish cult obliterated all traces of the primitive faith, the fact remains that the first apostles of the first Messiah reached the laud as refugees flying before persecution at home. Providence has now undertaken to play another role.

A second Messiah has now visited the earth. This time his followers have gone to the new land not as fugitive refugees but as voluntary agents to point out to the people where they had formerly departed from the true teachings of their master. Church Christianity has raised the rampart of its

Shall the smallness of my offer keep me away altogether from participation in the great work? I tore myself away from the busy assembly in the mosque and ran home again.

7

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM defence by fabricating false and distorted versions of Islam. It is conscious of its inner weakness. There is already mutiny within its walls.

Now a mosque in the very heart of the country with its five daily bolts of Azan and its own propaganda [promulgation] of mission work will carry the war into the enemy territory and give form and life to the discontented spirits who now but dimly perceive the net of falsehood and pretences with which it has been sought to entrap their souls. In a straight fight with Islam none of the other creeds have even a bare chance. They believed it. They know it. He now called upon them to come forward with their mites towards the up-building of this first fortress of Islam in the enemy’s land.

Before His Holiness had ceased to speak, subscriptions had begun to come in. When he closed his oration with the customary praise of, and prayers to God, enthusiasm waxed hot. From every corner of the small mosque offers came eager, enthusiastic and liberal. Qadian is a small place. The Ahmadis here number some 2,500 souls.

There is hardly any aristocrat; men of upper middle class are few. The majority belong to the lower middle class and the labouring class. Their average income may be put at 20 to 30 rupees a month. Their houses are mostly of mud and cheap brickwork. But they had felt the inspiration of conviction, had seen the society of a Heaven-inspired prophet, had learnt the lesson of sacrifice for the sake of truth.

Where one expected units, there came tens, where one expected tens, there came hundreds. The sensation was excruciating.

O God! O God! Am I not to be among these?

If my wife would not respond, shall I be lacking in my own duty? Shall the smallness of my offer keep me away altogether from participation in the great work? I tore myself away from the busy assembly in the mosque and ran home again. “Dearest! His Holiness has spoken again on the subject of the London mosque, and people are pouring in their subscriptions. You have still the war bond in lieu of ornaments. Will not a reward with God be better than ornaments on Earth? I cannot wait. I have little to give.

But I think we have five rupees to spare from current stock. It shames me to pay such a poor sum, but I cannot be among the missing. I missed the chance of being

Quickly I ran to His Holiness with a gladness and a fluttering in the heart and handed in the bond. He read the name and announced it. It was the largest of that night’s offers. God be praised. the first to answer the summons. But there may still be a chance of being the first of my province. Do please give me the money.”

The money was received and forthwith dispatched with a silent prayer that it might reach the collectors before any other of my province. Praise be to God, the action proved more eloquent than my words. “Yes husband! give away the bond.” “Heaven bless you, Dearest!” A silent prayer and kiss, were all I returned. “God of our fathers! God of Islam! accept our offer. Thou art the seeing, the knowing.” Quickly I ran to His Holiness with a gladness and a fluttering in the heart and handed in the bond. He read the name and announced it. It was the largest of that night’s offers. God be praised.

Subscriptions continued to flow in. By the Isha prayer time, five to six thousand rupees had been collected. The next morning there was to be a meeting of the ladies with His Holiness to address them.

They were perhaps more liberal than the men. Ornaments and jewellery and cash were thrown in. The collections came up to something like 2,500 rupees.

In the afternoon in the Jum‘a mosque, His Holiness was to make a public address to men who could not attend at the previous day’s Maghrib prayers. There was an eager attendance. His Holiness began with praises to God and told the people how the whole affair was seemingly providential.

The idea had first occurred to him all of a sudden when he entered the mosque on

The next morning there was to be a meeting of the ladies with His Holiness to address them ... Ornaments and jewellery and cash were thrown in.

The collections came up to something like 2,500 rupees.

the previous day to offer the Zuhr prayers.

During the services the thought again and again forced itself into his mind and he had to keep it out with an effort. The strain upon the community was already considerable and multifarious and he thought he would not add to their burdens by launching a new project. But then do what he could, the thought found expression. He was afraid the community might find it hard to raise fifteen thousand rupees by subscriptions, and loan was his first idea. But the project was received with an unexpectedly generous response. Readily and liberally did the subscriptions flow in. When he entered the inner apartments, a young boy of not particularly well to do parents brought to him 13 rupees, 8 annas which he had saved out of his monthly allowance of tiffin money, and the whole of the amount he would pay for the projected mosque.

Perhaps it was the patient saving of months, laid by in the hope of acquiring some pet fancy of childhood. There was apparently the hand of Providence working.

After the Maghrib prayers he spoke of an enlarged project—rupees thirty thousand to be raised by subscriptions and loans.

The congregation, thank God, did not flag in enthusiasm. Eagerly and freely were the subscriptions promised and paid.

Next morning the ladies vied with the men in the race of subscriptions. Qadian, the small village, thank God, has done itself credit. The occasion was certainly one of thanks but was not also altogether without its regret. That very morning when writing out an appeal on the subject he had been moved as rarely before he had ever been moved on any subject. It was the recollection of a story of Hazrat Aisha[ra] that moved him. When the Muslim conquests had begun and wealth had begun to flow into Medina, there came one day some fine wheaten flour for the holy lady. The bread was laid before her. She ate it and said her thanks. At the same time a tear stole down her cheek. When asked about it, she said that she thanked God for those days of fine wheaten flour, days of prosperity for Islam, but could not help remembering that their master, the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) to the last of his days knew not any food finer than course bread.

Somewhat similar was an incident in the history of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). The project of the Minaratul

Masih, now an accomplished fact standing before them in its marble splendour, was then afoot. The Promised Messiah[as] had estimated the cost at 10,000 rupees. He had distributed the amount among a selected one hundred of his disciples, each one of whom was expected to pay a hundred. One example of devotion then displayed was that of a poor man who sold away his household furniture to make good his quota. When this came to the knowledge of the Promised Messiah[as], he referred to the disciple as having emulated the famous example of Hazrat Abu Bakr. This moved the devotee so deeply that he forthwith went home and in order to make the likeness to Hazrat Abu Bakr all the more complete sold away the remaining articles in his house and brought the proceeds to his chief.

But the whole of the 10,000 rupees proved inadequate for the completion of the work. Friends remonstrated that the thing was impossible, one was more emphatic than others, whom the Promised Messiah[as] asked what in his opinion was the sum required for the proposed structure. Twentyfive thousand rupees in the minimum was the answer. “Friend, you make it a hopeless undertaking,” said the Promised Messiah[as].

The work remained unfinished. Twenty-five thousand rupees a hopeless job, I remember with a pang, and now at a suggestion from me the community was prepared with alacrity to raise thirty thousand.

Individuals and communities have each some special point of sensitiveness. Touch it and his sense of honour is a-start. He would sacrifice every other thing for this pet. The acute businessman considers it a shame to be beaten by his rival in trade. The patriot will throw away thousands of lives and millions of money to save an inch of his country’s soil. The lawyer will not brook the idea of a defeat by his rival on a disputed point of law. Every one cherishes what he holds most dear. And what can be dearer to an Ahmadi than the honour and advancement of Islam.

La ilaha-illallahu, the proclamation of Divine unity, was the life purpose of every Muslim and Ahmadi.

The clearness of this principle had been befogged by the glamours of a materialistic world. London was now the metropolis of this world. Any movement there was sure to make itself felt in every corner of the civilised world.

Let the Ahmadis raise the cry of La ilaha-illallahu in this centre of Shirk. Let them stint neither money nor labour for this dear purpose. It has long been prophesied that in the days of the Second Messiah the sun will rise in the west. Let the Ahmadis carry the sun of Islam there and from there it is sure to shed back its bright effulgence over the regions of a benighted world.

There was again a scene of enthusiasm.

Every man ran to put in his mite. Those who had paid the day before paid over again.

School boys paid generously out of their small purses. In an hour’s time some four thousand rupees were added to the fund already subscribed.

Well done, Qadian! Well hast thou learnt thy lesson from thy late master. And the great Lord of Islam will surely crown thy efforts with success. Amen.

A visitor

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

8

Hazrat Imam Malik Part I

Malik Saif-ur-Rahman 1914-1989

Malik bin Anas bin Malik bin Abu Amer al-Asbahi was his name and his titles were Amirul Momineen fil-Hadith and Imam Dar-ul-Hijrat. He was born in 93 AH and passed away in 179 AH at the age of 86.

Imam Malikrh was 13 years junior to Imam Abu Hanifarh, but lived a longer life than any of the famous imams of fiqh.

His family belonged to the Yemeni tribe of al-Asbah. Due to certain circumstances, his grandfather, Malik, migrated to Medina.

His grandfather met many Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa and he narrated many of their traditions.

He is counted among the foremost Tabi‘in [the generation that followed the Companionsra].

His son, Nazar was also considered a great muhadith [scholar of hadith],

while his other son, Anas – the father of Imam Malikrh – was not very educated.

Anas would craft arrows and sell them for a living, due to which he had a meagre income.

Out of love or custom, Imam Malikrh was made to wear small earrings in his childhood, which are said to have suited him. He had committed the entire Holy Quran to memory at a young age. Later, upon the encouragement of his mother, he started visiting the famous scholar Rabi‘a bin Abdur Rahman – who was famous by the appellation, Rabi‘atur-Ray – for pursuing education.

Another teacher of Imam Malikrh was Abdur Rahman bin Hurmuz. He spent around 13 years in his company. Aside from fiqh, Ibn Hurmuz had knowledge of the fundamentals of Islam and the views

of sects of the time and their history. This young, promising student benefitted a great deal from Ibn Hurmuz’s knowledge, getting an education and studying literature.

Ibn Hurmuz would say, “If you are not aware of the answer to a question, do not display unnecessary formality. You should clearly say that you do not know. Therein lies your respect.”

Imam Malikrh always lived by this advice. If he was ever asked a question that he did not know the answer to, he would simply reply, “La adri” – “I do not know.”

Once, a person traveling from Africa, asked him a question. [After receiving an answer in the negative] he said to Hazrat Imam Malikrh, “You are such a big scholar and I have come from far away, yet you reply by saying, ‘La adri.’” Imam Malikrh

replied, “Yes, yes, go and announce to the world that Malik does not know the answer to this.”

Aside from the aforementioned two scholars, Imam Malikrh had the honour of being a student of Nafi‘ Mawla ibn Umarra, Muhammad bin Shihab al-Zuhrirh and Imam Jafar Sadiqrh.

Imam Jafar Sadiqrh was the flagbearer for the Ahl-e-Bait. Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri was a student of Saeed bin Musayyab and transmitted many traditions of Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit. Nafi‘ belonged to the progeny of Ibn Umarra and was the flagbearer of Medina.

Imam Malikrh also studied hadith and fiqh from Yahya bin Saeed al-Ansari, but he was most inspired by Ibn Hurmuz and Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri.

While selecting ahadith, Imam Malikrh

9

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM was extremely careful. Once, he said, “I have seen more than 70 scholars who would sit between two pillars of Masjid al-Nabawi and deliver lectures on what the Holy Prophetsa said. They were all pious, honest and in financial matters, trustworthy, however I never learnt a thing from them on the subject of hadith as they were, in my view, not fit to be called muhadith.”

In terms of acquiring knowledge, Imam Malikrh exerted a lot of effort.

Despite the extremes of weather, he would visit his teachers and would try not to miss a single lesson. Acquiring knowledge of hadith was his primary goal. Through the likes of Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri, Ibn Hurmuz, Rabi‘atur-Ray and Yahya bin Saeed alAnsari, he gathered ahadith. He also gathered the fatwas [religious rulings] of Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Usmanra, Hazrat Ibn Umarra, Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf. He specialised in the fatwas of the well-known Tabi‘een and especially the seven famous jurists of Medina, however the total number of ahadith and fatwas he considered worthy of compiling in his book, Muwatta, totalled 1,720. Of those, Ibn Shihab’s narrations amount to 100.

Whilst narrating ahadith, he would take extra care. Neither would he incorporate any sort of hadith, nor would he deem every narration as credible. Ibn Hurmuz would deem the practices of the dwellers of Medina more credible than ahaad ahadith [not narrated by many or narrated by a single narrator]. He would often say: َ ْ ّ ْ َ َْ ْ َ ٌ َْ َ ْ َ ‫اح ٍد‬ ٍ ‫الف عن ال‬ ِ ‫ف خی ٌر ِمن ّو‬ ِ ‫اح ٍد عن ّو‬ This means that giving preference to a thousand practices or narrations from a thousand people is better than listening to a practice or narration from a single person.

Imam Malikrh agreed with this view and gave immense importance to the practices of the dwellers of Medina at the time.

All of Imam Malik’s teachers belonged to Medina. Medina was the place he acquired education and he did not travel anywhere else in the pursuit of education.

He held Hazrat Umarrh bin Abdul Aziz in high regard. He would honour his views and praise his accomplishments.

Imam Malik’s students After completing his education, with the approval and guidance of his teachers, he began teaching hadith. He began teaching in Masjid al-Nabawi. His madrasah gradually gained popularity and his lessons of hadith received acclaim. His popularity increased and acceptance spread, so much so that he received the titles of Imam Dar-ul-Hijrat, Ustaz Medinatur-Rasul and Amirul Momineen fil-Hadith.

In terms of students too, he was very fortunate. Students came from as far as Spain, Africa and Turkistan and returned to their homelands with a wealth of knowledge.

Two imams of their own mazhabs, Imam Shafi‘irh and Imam Muhammad

bin Hasan al-Shaybani were his students.

Imam Shafi‘irh remained his student for 10 years, while Imam Muhammadrh, after leaving Iraq following the demise of Imam Abu Hanifarh and settling in Medina, remained his student for three years.

Aside from them, six Abbasid Khulafa were also his students and learnt from his Muwatta: Abu Jafar Mansur, Hadi, Mahdi, Harun al-Rashid, Al-Amin and Mamun al-Rashid.

Those through whom his fiqh spread in Spain and Egypt were considered famous and influential jurists of their time. Abdur Rahman bin Qasim, Abdullah bin Wahb, Ashab bin Abdul Aziz, Abdullah bin Ghanem al-Afriqi and Yahya al-Andalusi were his students who returned to their homelands as imam of Egypt or imam of Spain.

Abdur Rahman bin Qasim remained with Imam Malikrh for around 20 years and he holds the same esteem among Malikis as does Imam Muhammad bin Hasan alShaybani among the Hanafites. Imam Ibn Hazam al-Andalusi would say that Ibn al-Qasim compiled the Maliki fiqh. The famous Maliki work, Al-Mudawwana was a result of his effort.

Asad ibn al-Furat and Abdus Salam bin Saeed Sahnun both asked innumerable fiqh-related questions to Ibn al-Qasim, of which some were taken from Imam Muhammad bin Hasan al-Shaybani’s views. The answers which were given

by Ibn al-Qasim were prepared in light of Imam Malik’s views. These questions and answers would later become famous by the name, Mudawwana Sahnun. This book includes around 36,000 rulings. Ibn al-Qasim passed away in 191 AH. The second famous Egyptian student of Imam Malikrh was Abdullah bin Wahb.

He was termed as the Maliki diwan-ul-ilm [authority of knowledge]. Imam Malikrh said: ٌ َ َْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ ‫اسم ف ِق ْیہ‬ ِ ‫ِابن وہ ٍب عال ٌِم وابن الق‬ “Ibn Wahb is the scholar, whilst Ibn alQasim is the faqih.”

The manuscript of one of his greatest works, Jami‘ ibn Wahb was only recently discovered. Ibn Wahb passed away in 197 AH. The third famous student of Imam Malikrh belonging to Egypt was Ashab bin Abdul Aziz. Imam Shafi‘irh would say, “I have never seen such an expert in fiqh as was Ashab.” However, he was sensitive by nature. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim held him to be the biggest faqih [expert in fiqh] of the Maliki order. Ashab passed away in 204 AH. Abdullah bin al-Hakam was also a famous student of Imam Malikrh and a knowledgeable faqih. His book, AlMukhtasir al-Kabir consists of 18,000 rulings. He wrote a biography on Hazrat Umarrh bin Abdul Aziz in light of Imam Malik’srh narrations. He also served as the governor in a region of Egypt. He had very close and sincere ties with Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh. When Imam Shafi‘irh visited Egypt, he helped him a great deal and extended all sorts of assistance.

The Maliki order gained acclaim in Spain through Isa bin Dinar and Yahya

bin Yahya al-Laythi, both of whom were devoted and talented students of Hazrat Imam Malikrh.

Yahya was from the Barbary Coast. At the age of 28, he travelled to Medina and studied most of the Muwatta from Imam Malikrh. After Imam Malik’s demise, he travelled to Mecca and studied hadith from Sufyan bin Uyaynah. He then went to Egypt and studied from Ibn al-Qasim.

After seeking knowledge, he returned to Spain and gained acclaim in the intellectual circles.

The Umayyad Amir, Al-Hakam I, Ibn Hisham had immense regard for him.

He would consult him before appointing a qazi [jurist] in Spain. Despite repeated requests, he never accepted an official government level post. His sincerity left a great impression on the amir.

Nonetheless, as a result of his efforts, the Maliki order gained popularity in Spain. His narrations are considered the most known and authentic of Imam Malik’s Muwatta.

Imam Malik’s fiqh-related views Imam Malikrh was a muhadith. After the Quran and Sunnah, he held the fatwas of the Companionsra and practices of the dwellers of Medina to be the most authentic sources of knowledge. He would refrain from innovations in religion and would only resort to ijtihad [exerting one’s mental faculty to find a solution to a legal question] when necessary. He would then present his view on a particular subject.

Imam Malik’srh views, i.e. the sources he used for ijtihad, were mostly based on masalih-e-mursalah and even when the meaning of the text was clear, he would at times make use of qiyas [deductive analogy].

In terms of sanad [chain of narrators], Imam Malikrh had the honour of having the most authentic and brief chain of narrators. This form of sanad is called silsilatuz-zahab, for example: “Malik narrated from Nafi‘, who narrated from Ibn Umarra, who narrated from the Holy Prophetsa …”

No other imam of fiqh had the honour of having such a high standard of sanad, including Imam Abu Hanifarh, who was older than him and whose sanads would include no less than four narrators before reaching the Holy Prophetsa.

As far as literature is concerned, Imam Malik’s original work is the Muwatta, which include 1,720 narrations and 95 narrators. Apart from six, all narrators belonged to Medina. Among those six, two belonged to Basra, one was from Mecca, one from Algeria, one from Syria and the last from Khurasan.

The Muwatta consists of ahadith and rulings of fiqh. It includes around 500 authentic marfu‘ ahadith [directly heard from the Prophetsa by the narrator], while around 300 are mursal [without a companion in the sanad] and the rest is based on the sayings and fatwas of the Companionsra and the Tabi‘in and the practices of the residents of Medina.

There are 30 versions of the Muwatta with small variations, two of which are in common use. One version was prepared

by Yahya bin Yahya al-Laythi al-Andalusi and is famous by the name Muwatta Imam, while the other was compiled by Imam Muhammad bin Hasan al-Shaybani and is famous by his name i.e. Muwatta Imam Muhammad. In this version, Imam Muhammadrh has referred to the Hanafi order at different places.

Imam Shafi‘irh would often say with regard to the Muwatta: َ ْ َ ْ ْ ْ ٌ ‫َما فی الْاَ ْرض ک َت‬ ‫اب ِفی ال ِف ْق ِہ َوال ِعل ِم اکث ُر َص َوابًا ِّم ْن‬ ِ ِ ِ َ ٍ‫اب َمال ِک‬ ِ ‫کِت‬ “There is no book in the world of fiqh or knowledge [of hadith] that is more authentic than Imam Malik’s book.”

Imam Malik’s students gathered his fiqh-related views with great depth, of which the following are most famous: Al-Mudawwana li-Sahnun, Kitab-ulMajalisat li-Ibn Wahb, Al-Mukhtasir alKabir li-Ibn Abdul Hakam.

Imam Malikrh was of the view that religious knowledge could be divided into three categories: The first type of religious knowledge was that which everyone must endeavour to acquire, and that is hadith and the fatwas of the Companionsra and the Tabi‘in. It was necessary for everyone to acquire this knowledge so that they could follow it in their day to day lives and reap the rewards of this world.

The second type of knowledge related to doctrine; the views of different sects and the concept of debate and polemics.

In his view, this knowledge was for the intellectual yet righteous scholars. The normal public could not understand this and if they got too involved, there was a chance of them being misled, therefore he said that they should be refrained from this.

The third type of knowledge was fiqhrelated, based on one’s own deduction, i.e. ijtihad, which required a skill over various sources of knowledge. Extensive reflection and deliberation in this could take a person away from moderation and so, this should only be used when necessary. Only when actual circumstances were faced and no textual evidence was found in support of the matter should a person resort to expressing their own opinion. To contrive controversial scenarios ahead of time and then to deliberate on their solutions was improper, nor was it of any benefit.

Imam Malik’srh way of seeking knowledge was that if no textual evidence was found in support of a matter, he would often express his view after reflecting on the masalih-e-Ummah and deliberation. His views would be rational and acceptable in every sense. He did not agree with the Hanafi way of thought, in that he did not deliberate on hypothetical scenarios, nor would he resort to qiyas as much as they did.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in Tarikh Afkar-e-Islami, which was authored by Malik Saif-urRahman Sahib)

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

10

Jack-in-thebox and New Year’s resolutions

Ataul Fatir Tahir Al Hakam

“Motivation”, at the turn of every New Year peaks with people vowing to start exercising regularly, eating healthy, accomplishing a personal goal or striving towards other selfimprovement habits like reading or giving charity.

This esoteric-like passion rapidly sprouts up across the globe and is even capitalised upon by consumerism and industries in the western hemisphere who, at the end of the year, begin to advertise more furiously the latest “smart-watch” that will aid you in counting “every calorie” or sportswear at “unbeatable prices”.

Don’t get me wrong! New Year’s resolutions, after all, are a step towards personal growth or at least the realisation that one needs to do something to improve an area of their life. However, research has

proved that the sad reality about New Year’s resolutions is that 80% of them fail (inc.com, 19 January 2019). They end up being like a jack-in-the-box, only maintained for a short while, until the lid opens and jack pops back up.

Psychologists have posed a number of reasons why New Year’s resolutions, or for that matter any resolve to do something, ends in failure; from goals not being specific enough to framing them negatively.

One reason given by psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, was that people set goals that are not about themselves. In reality, they do not “believe” in the goal themselves, rather the goal is a construct of society and expectations around them and is not an entirely personal endeavour. (businessinsider.com, 19 December 2019)

Irrawaddy Book Exhibition, Myanmar

Mustafa Ahmad Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Myanmar

In late November, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Myanmar participated in one of the largest book fairs to be held in Myanmar. The exhibition was held in Mandalay, which acted as the capital during the colonial era.

The event was inaugurated by HE U Pe Myint, the Minister of Information together

with member of advisories to the State Counselor of Myanmar, HE Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Moreover, many distinguished guests from literary sectors were also present during the event.

The government highly appreciates and encourages the peace activities that are held by the Jamaat.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Myanmar also had the chance to give various publications to the guests, such as the Quran with translation and The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, written by the Promised Messiahas.

The fair enabled us to also explain more about the true teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat as well as in-depth meanings of Jihad to many comparative religious scholars.

Long before Jonathan Alpert’s theory, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Khalifatul Masih II, may Allah be pleased with him, spoke of how Jamaat members fall into a jack-in-thebox type trap with regard to practising their faith. He gave the solution to the relapse and stressed how Ahmadis need to make their faith a completely personal and individually motivated matter.

Our present Imam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, may Allah be his helper, on 29 November 2013, referred to a sermon in which Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra spoke of the jack-in-the-box situation.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that he gave a lot of counsel and delivered sermons, (Huzooraa added that this continues in every Khilafat as it does now) and it is observed that as long as the series of sermons last, some effect can be seen amongst people. But once the series of sermons stop, or after a while, the effect vanishes and is gone.

He gave the example of the toy jack-inthe-box in this regard, whereby a flexible doll (Jack) inside a box stays put when the lid is closed but as soon as the lid is opened, the doll instantly jumps out.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that this is the same situation with such people. If continuous counsel is given to them (about faith), its effect remains. However, if the counsel is stopped, they instantaneously jump to their old ways like a jack-in-thebox.

One solution Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra presented was that the Jamaat needs to “realise” that by sending the Promised Messiahas, Allah the Exalted has put a huge “responsibility on them”.

“Even if a person has a colossal amount of ills, it is not difficult to rid of them if he resolves to do so. A famous saying of Jesus, peace be upon him, is that even if you have an iota of faith in your heart, you can move mountains. This means that even if your sins are as huge as mountains, if a person instils a little bit of faith, it can blow away the mountains. The day a believer resolves,

no impediments shall remain in his way and the obstruction shall disappear.”

In the above extract quoted by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, it is clear that by accepting the Promised Messiahas, the responsibility is on “us” – it is a very personal matter. Once the realisation kicks in that our faith and belief is a personal and individual goal that we must strive to improve, our resolve to practice our faith will not relapse as much. To practice our faith and follow the guidelines Khilafat gives us, we must ensure we truly accept and “believe” what we are required to carry out. It has to be an internal, personally motivated goal.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa also quoted the Promised Messiahas who had stressed the importance of faith as a personal, individual responsibility and objective that must not be hindered by the pomp of the world. The Promised Messiahas said: “Regrettably, rather than understand their obligation and keep the purpose and objective of their life in view, after attaining adulthood, most people in this world abandon God and turn to the world.

They are so enamoured by the wealth and reputation of the world that they keep a very small measure for Allah the Exalted.

They are only engrossed in the world and succumb to it and have no clue that there is also a God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 137 [2003]) Psychology has proven that for a goal to be achievable with continuous motivation, it is imperative that the goal be a very personal and individual endeavour. If someone does not perceive their goal or task to truly be something they are passionate and emotional about; failure is inevitable. The “jack” will always spring out.

Representing Islam at the 99 years of Yangon University celebration

the Quran translation and The Philosophy of Teaching of Islam were distributed.

By the grace of Allah, a total of over 4,000 readers visited the bookstores during the 4 day event. Over 700 leaflets were distributed during the event.

Furthermore, there was a radio interview held in which the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat was expressed.

Representative the Markaz also paid an inspection visit and gave valuable advice for future improvements.

The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “One should seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”

Following this teaching, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Myanmar had the opportunity to showcase the Jamaat’s teachings and literature at the 99 Years of the prejubilee of Yangon University.

Various Jamaat literature, including

(For a more detailed read, please refer to the Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 29 November 2013)

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Denmark Lajna and Nasirat graced with a blessed audience A group of Lajna and Nasirat members from Denmark visited the Markaz in Islamabad and had the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper.

During the mulaqat, Lajna and Nasirat were given the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions on matters they were facing on a day to day basis.

A young Nasirat member asked Huzooraa how to attain God’s love.

Answering the young girl, Huzooraa said that one should ask God for His love and keep praying to Him. Huzooraa further added that continuous imploring is required.

Another Nasirat member asked Huzooraa how she could offer Salat during school hours. Upon this, Huzooraa stated that one can offer them in school as it will only take a few minutes to offer and if the school prohibits from offering prayers, then the local Jamaat should approach the school or the head teacher. Usually, such countries fight for religious freedom.

If this is the case, then surely to offer prayers during break or during free time should not be an issue. Huzooraa further

explained that if someone is determined, then they can accomplish anything. Many people fight for their rights. Thus, this should not be an issue.

One Lajna member asked Huzooraa with regard to those who suffer from depression and move further away from religion.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that those who suffer from depression not only move away from religion, but also isolate themselves from the world. Such a person should seek treatment from a psychiatrist and get medical help. There are some who completely isolate themselves from the world and they end up committing suicide.

Huzooraa continued and said that one should pray for them and tell them that in this world, there are many challenges, trials and tribulations. Huzooraa said that if one continues chasing the world, they will never find true satisfaction and it will lead to depression.

A question was asked with regard to those who upon reaching the age of 15 or 16, stop attending Jamaat classes and activities. In response, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that mothers should

have a friendly relationship with their daughters and through this friendship, bring them closer. In this manner, the young girls would know that whatever the mothers were saying was for their own benefit.

Huzooraa said that the programmes held at the mosque should also be interactive.

It is important, Huzooraa said, for the mothers to set a good example. If the mothers can set a good example, then daughters will have a good role model.

If, at home, the mothers are not setting a good example, if they are not taking care of their dress, if they are not offering Salat as it should be offered, if the mothers are busy watching films, if they are busy backbiting and indulging in idle talks, then this will have a negative impact on

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the youngsters, Huzooraa explained.

Another question was about those young girls who do not wish to continue higher studies after school.

Huzooraa remarked that if they do not desire to continue studying, then there is no harm. The key is for women to continue to gain religious knowledge and to teach their children.

Upon this, the mulaqat came to a close.

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Responding to Allegations

The age of the Promised Messiah Part I shall bestow upon you a good life; 80 years or thereabouts.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 443) The Promised Messiahas wrote a book by the name of Nishan-e-Asmani (The Heavenly Sign) in May 1892, which was published in June 1892. He stated in it: “Now, let it be clear, that I was commanded, through a specific revelation, to call the people to Allah in the 40th year of my life and I was given the glad tidings that I will live up to 80 years or thereabout.” (The Heavenly Sign, p. 28) The Promised Messiahas then wrote another book, Tohfa-e-Golarhviyyah in 1900 which was published in September 1902. He expressed in it: “As Allah the Almighty knew that my opponents would wish for my early demise so that they might be able to proclaim that I had died early because I was false in my claims, He revealed to me aforetime: ً َ ًَ ْ َ َ َ ‫ث َمانِی َن َح ْولا ا ْو ق ِریْ ًبا ِم ْن ذال ِک أو تزید علیہ سنینا و تری‬ ً ً ‫نسلا بعیدا‬

In an attempt to prove that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was false, the adversaries of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, suggest that the revelations regarding the time of his passing, which indicate his age to be between 74 and 86 years, were fabricated and not fulfilled.

Moreover, referring to an announcement of the Promised Messiahas issued on 5 November 1907, opponents assert that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat departed soon after he prophesied that God would prolong his life.

The primary task of prophets is to eradicate Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and eliminate evils from the world.

Therefore, in order to exhibit the glory of His name, Allah Almighty shows such signs through the hands of prophets that the existence of God becomes manifest

before the world.

Among these divine signs, some are associated with the demise of the prophet, which also serve as clear proofs of God’s existence for those people who reflect.

Hence, the appearance and the departure of the Promised Messiahas also happened like that of earlier prophets. His birth was declared a sign for the entire world and his demise also occurred as a sign in accordance with the sunnah of the prophets.

The Promised Messiahas mentioned a revelation in his book, Izala-e-Auham, published in Dhul-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar) 1308 AH, 1891: َُ ً ً َ َ ًَ ْ َ ً ًَ َ َ ‫ت ٰری ن ْسلا ب َ ِع ْیدا َولن ْح ِی َی ّنک َح َیاۃ ط ِّی َبۃ۔ ث َمانِی َن َح ْولا ا ْو‬ َ َ ‫َ ْ ً م ْن‬ ‫ق ِریبا ِ ذال ِک‬ “You will behold distant progeny. We

That is, ‘Your age will be 80 years – a few years less or some years more; and you will live long enough to witness your distant progeny.’ 35 years or so have passed since this revelation was vouchsafed.”

(Zameema Tohfa-e-Golarhviyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p. 66) Then, the Promised Messiahas in his book Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, written in February 1905 and published in October 1908, states: “God had informed me in clear terms that I would live to the age of 80, or that five to six years more or five to six years less.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, p.

347) In the same book, he further states: “Nor is there a promise of God that my age will necessarily exceed 80 years.

Rather, the hope implied in the words in the revelation of God is that, if God so desires, my age could even somewhat exceed eighty years. The actual words of the revelation that pertain to this promise, however, fix the age between 74 and 86.”

(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, p. 347) As far as the allegation that the revelations which indicate the demise of the Promised Messiahas to be between 74 and 86 years were fabricated is concerned, it should be borne in mind that there are two ways to find the age of an individual.

Firstly, the date of his passing should be known and secondly, his date of birth should be on the record. We know the date of the demise of the Promised Messiahas, which is 26 May 1908 according to the Gregorian calendar and 24 Rabi‘ alThani (the fourth month of the Islamic calendar). We were not aware about the

date of birth of the Promised Messiahas.

He once said: “True estimation of the age is known, of course, to God, but as far as I know at this time, which is 1323 of the Hijrah, my age is close to seventy (70) years. ‫واللہ‬ ‫[ اعلم‬And Allah knows best].” (Barahin-eAhmadiyya Part V, p. 489) On another occasion, the Promised Messiahas states: “As Adam was born on a Friday, so was I born on a Friday as well.” (Barahine-Ahmadiyya Part V, p. 348) At another place, the Promised Messiahas writes: “This humble one was born on Friday 14th of the lunar calendar.” (Tohfa-eGolarhviyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p.

281 [footnote]) To shed further light on the age of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra relates: “Once the Promised Messiahas said, ‘The month of my birth was Phagun [the twelfth month of the Bikrami calendar corresponding to February-March]. The date was 14 of the lunar calendar. The day was Friday and the time was of late night.’”

(Zikr-e-Habib, pp. 238-239 [old edition]) The above mentioned references point towards three decisive factors which help deduce the age of the Promised Messiahas: 1. The month was Phagun 2. The day was Friday 3. The date was 14th of the lunar calendar On further research, the following two occasions come up when the above three common denominators had occurred simultaneously: 1. 14 Ramadan, 1247 AH, 17 February 1832 2. 12 Shawwal 1250 AH, 13 February 1835 According to the first date, 17 February 1832, the age of the Promised Messiahas is supposed to be 76 years, 3 months and 10 days with respect to the Gregorian calendar and 78 years, 7 months, 10 days according to the lunar calendar.

As per the second date, 13 February 1835, the age of the Promised Messiahas should have been 73 years, 3 months and 13 days according to the Gregorian calendar and 75 years, 6 months, 10 days according to the lunar calendar.

Someone could object at this point, that what was the purpose of the prophecy when the date of birth was not even known?

The answer to this objection is that the God who vouchsafed this prophecy to the Promised Messiahas, Himself told him

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM about his age that was mentioned in the revelation when He said, ‫ جاء وقتک‬i.e. “Your time has come,” and recorded it in Risala al-Wasiyyat.

Moreover, even the literature of the opponents of his time shows that the Promised Messiahas was at least 74 years of age when he passed away. Hence, Maulvi Siraj-ud-Din, the then editor of Zamindar newspaper, wrote on the demise of the Promised Messiahas: “Around 1860 or 1861, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib was a clerk in District Sialkot. He would have been about 22 to 24 years of age at that time. We can say from personal experience that he was a very virtuous and righteous person in his youth. All of his time was spent in religious studies after the completion of his official duties.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 94 [Zamindar Akhbar, 28 May 1908]) The above statement indicates that the age of the Promised Messiahas was around 24 years in 1860 or 1861, which shows that he should have been 72 years old according to the Gregorian calendar and 74 years as per the lunar calendar at the time of his passing.

Maulvi Sanaullah of Amritsar, an arch-enemy of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the Promised Messiahas, stated in his newspaper: “As far as this question is concerned that he [i.e. the Promised Messiahas] will die after or before every enemy of his will be annihilated, it has been answered in the negative by Mirza Sahib in his Risala al-Wasiyyat. It means, he has stated that his death is expected around the age of 80 years or thereabouts and he has probably crossed all of its steps already.” (Akhbar Ahl-e-Hadith, 3 May 1907, p. 6) The above acknowledgment from an opponent clearly indicates that not only did the Promised Messiahas already announce, according to the prophecy of 80 years, that he was about to pass away but Maulvi Sanaullah also admitted this fact that he had reached the very age of around 80 years as per the revelation.

When Allah the Almighty revealed upon the Promised Messiahas that demise was near, he published Risala al-Wasiyyat in December 1905 and clearly stated that his demise was close. He wrote: “Since God Almighty has informed me, through recurrent revelations, that the time of my demise is near, and since these revelations have been of such force as to shake me to the very core of my being – turning my heart cold to this life – I have deemed it appropriate to write a few words of admonition and advice for my friends and other such persons as may wish to derive benefit from my words.”

(The Will, p. 1) The Promised Messiahas further stated: “To begin with, I commit to writing the Divine revelation which informed me of my imminent death and motivated me to undertake this task. The following is the revelation which was received in the Arabic language... .‫ ولا تبقي لك من المخزيات ذكرا‬،‫قرب أجلك المقدر‬ ‫ ولا تبقي لك من المخزيات شيئا وإما‬،‫قل ميعاد ربك‬

The Holy Prophet’s life commemorated throughout Canada

‫نرینک بعض الذی نعدھم أو نتوفينك۔ تموت و انا راض‬ ‫منک۔ جاء وقتک و نبقی لک الایات باھرات۔ جاء وقتک‬ ‫و نبقی لک الایات بینات۔ قرب ما توعدون۔ و اما بنعمۃ‬ ‫ربک فحدث۔ انہ من یتق اللہ و یصبر فان اللہ لا یضیع اجر‬ ‫المحسنین۔‬ “The appointed time of your death has come close and We shall leave no trace of anything the allusion to which might reflect adversely upon your honour. Very little is left of the term which God has ordained with respect to you. And We shall dispel and demolish and leave no trace of any objection intended to defame and humiliate you. We have the Power to show you a part of the fulfilment of Our prophecies about the opponents or cause you to die. You will die while I am pleased with you. We shall always cause the manifest signs to remain as a testimony to your truthfulness. The promise which was made is close. Proclaim the bounty of your Lord which has been bestowed on you. The one who adheres to Taqwa and is steadfast, God does not waste the reward of such righteous ones.” (The Will, pp. 1-2) Later on, the Promised Messiahas mentioned the Urdu revelation and stated: “After this, God spoke to me in Urdu regarding my death and addressed me in the following words:

Barrie

Edmonton Calgary

Saskatoon Toronto

‫تہب وھتڑے دن رہ ےئگ ہ ی� اس دن بس رپ ادایس اھچ اجےئ‬ ‫یگ۔ �ی وہ اگ۔ �ی وہاگ۔ �ی وہ اگ۔ دعب اےکس اہمتراو ا ہعق وہاگ ۔ امتم‬ ‫وحادث اور اجعابئت دقرت دالھکےن ےک دعب اہمترا احدہث آےئ اگ۔‬ [‘Very few days are left. On that day all will be saddened. This will happen, this will happen, this will happen. Your event will take place after all other events and natural wonders have been demonstrated.’]” (The Will, p. 3) The series of revelations about the nearing time of his departure continued to shower upon the Promised Messiahas even after the publication of Al-Wasiyyat.

So, he did not stop and repeatedly informed the members of his Jamaat and his family. Countless other revelations were published in various periodicals of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat of that time which clearly predicated his close demise.

The Promised Messiahas was bestowed with an age of around 80 years in accordance with the prophecy of Allah the Almighty. He survived and prospered for 34 years after the revelation. Then, towards the end of his life, the Promised Messiahas repeatedly received the news of demise and passed away.

Hence, two prophecies were fulfilled in this way. Firstly, the Promised Messiahas survived till the age of about 80 years and secondly he left this world as per the divine revelations of his departure.

Thus, the fulfilment of these prophecies is a clear proof of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas and a manifest rebuttal to the allegations of the opponents.

Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada celebrated Jalsa Seeratun-Nabisa across Canada during the months of November and December. Speakers highlighted various aspects of the blessed life of Holy Prophetsa.

Located 80 kilometers north of Baitul Islam Mosque, the city of Barrie’s Maryam Mosque welcomed Ahmadis of Barrie and the surrounding areas.

Missionary of Barrie, Khalid Dawood Sahib gave a speech on humbleness and modesty of Holy Prophetsa, while Professor Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada Abdul Noor Abid Sahib spoke on the obedience of the Holy Prophetsa. The total attendance was 110, despite severe winter conditions, including 25cm of snow.

Over 2,800 kilometres west of Greater Toronto Area, Baitur Rahmat Mosque was the gathering point for Ahmadis of Saskatoon Jamaat. Missionary of Saskatoon, Shakoor Balooch Sahib spoke on the life of Prophet Muhammadsa at home, while Missionary of Lloydminster, Mansoor Azeem Sahib’s topic was on the Holy Prophetsa as the prince of peace. The total attendance was 410.

3,350 kilometres west of Baitul Islam Mosque, Edmonton Jamaat held its Jalsa Seeratun Nabi at Baitul Hadi mosque. Jalsa was open to the public. A speech on the Prophetsa as the champion of peace was delivered by Dr Wissam Alburaki; the Holy Prophet’ssa message for contemporary times was another speech delivered by the co-founder of Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association of Alberta Asjad Bukhari and the Holy Prophetsa as a

role model for mankind was delivered by Missionary of Alberta, Nasir Mahmood Butt Sahib. The total was attendance was 300, with 15 non-Ahmadi guests.

Baitun Nur Mosque Calgary, Alberta is located approximately 3,500 kilometres west of Baitul Islam Mosque, Toronto.

This was the venue for Calgary Jamaat’s Jalsa Seeratun Nabi. An event was held in English with simultaneous Urdu and Arabic Translation. Topics included the Holy Prophet’ssa trust in Allah, examples from his life by Mirza Qamar Ahmad Sahib, simplicity and contentment exemplified by the Holy Prophetsa by Zaki Ahmad Sahib and the Holy Prophetsa as the most compassionate for the whole world by Missionary of Calgary, Zahid Abid Sahib. The total attendance was 800.

Baitul Islam Mosque Toronto hosted multiple congregations for various Jamaats of the Greater Toronto Area.

These included Peace Village, Vaughan, Toronto and Toronto West Jamaats.

Members of the Jamaat attended and learned about various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophetsa. Despite severe winter weather, the events were well attended.

In some Jamaats, Lajna Imaillah Canada held seperate Jalsas on Seeratun Nabi. In Brampton’s Mubarak Mosque, Lajna Flowertown held one such Jalsa.

Nasirat recited poems in praise of the Holy Prophetsa. In addition to Lajna, non-Ahmadi female members of local first responders and Pakistani and Indian guests attended. The guests’ attendance was 10, while the total attendance was 125.

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Second Jalsa Salana Mayotte 2019 Usama Umar Joya, Missionary, Mayotte Island

The second Jalsa Salana of Mayotte Island was held on 20 and 21 of December 2019 in our Salat Centre, located in the village of Majicavo.

Mayotte is an island in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It is a department and region of France, although traditional Mayotte culture is most closely related to that of the neighbouring Comoros islands.

West Coast Jalsa Salana USA

ceremony led by the Amir of Mauritius, which was done after Friday prayers and a collective meal.

The ladies were seated downstairs and were able to follow the live proceedings of the Jalsa via a live video feed. After, Muhammad Aniff Sahib, delivered the opening speech of the Jalsa.

The live sermon of our beloved Huzoor, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, was broadcast later during the day and was watched by the Jalsa congregation, who were also given the live

Dr Ahsan Mahmood Khan Officer Jalsa Gah

Mayotte island is the only department of France which has a Muslim population of 95%, of which the majority are adherents of the Shafiite school of thought.

In 2009, Ahmadiyyat was introduced to the Island for the very first time through Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International (MTA). Initially the Jamaat consisted of 35 members, however today, by the grace of Allah, there are many more Ahmadi Muslims here.

For the second Jalsa Salana of Mayotte Island, members of the Jamaat in all departments worked with great zeal to welcome the guests of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, to spend two days of spirituality and brotherhood.

Among the guests of Jalsa Salana this year was, notably the Amir of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Mauritius, Muhammad Aniff Muslim Sahib. Tahajud prayers were offered on both days of Jalsa Salana at the Jamaat Salat Centre.

The Jalsa Salana was officially inaugurated with the flag hoisting

translation in the local language.

During the two days of the Jalsa Salana, the speeches covered a wide range of topics relating to the tarbiyat of members of the Jamaat. Speeches included topics such as an introduction to the Jamaat, the God of Muslims and the whole of humanity, the supremacy of Allah, financial sacrifice, the love for God Almighty being the key to success, the perfect religion that is Islam and the five pillars of Islam.

Amir Jamaat Mauritius also urged the participants to remember Allah profusely and to offer constant prayers during the proceedings of the Jalsa.

The next day, I had the opportunity to deliver a speech on the blessed example of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

The concluding address was delivered

by Amir Sahib.

After Zuhr and Asr prayers, members enjoyed another collective lunch, the last blessed meal of this Jalsa Salana of Mayotte.

35th Jalsa Salana Ivory Coast

The 34th West Coast Jalsa Salana USA took place on 20 to 22 December 2019 at Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino, California.

Over 1,800 participants attended the Jalsa.

The theme of this year’s Jalsa was the Promised Messiah’sas revelation, “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the Earth.” Ahmadi Muslims from 54 US chapters, and from 20 countries, including Africa, Asia and Europe, travelled to southern California in a testament to this

- The Holy Prophet Muhammad’ssa services to mankind - Religion: A guarantor of social peace

Basit Ahmad Missionary, Ivory Coast

On 20, 21 and 22 December, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Ivory Coast held their 35th Jalsa Salana.

This year, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, may Allah strengthen his hand, sent Asad Majeeb Sahib, Missionary and General

Secretary of Jamaat Belgium and Umar Muaz Sahib, Missionary and Naib Amir Mali Jamaat as representatives of the Markaz.

Every day commenced with congregational Tahajud prayer and on each day, various speeches were delivered, which included the following topics: - Significance of Jalsa Salana

- The Holy Prophet’ssa example of governance - Blessings of Khilafat - Why I accepted Ahmadiyyat (An interesting platform for new converts to share their stories of accepting the true Islam) Similar to previous years, this year, a

blessed prophecy.

Dr Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad, Amir Jamaat USA, presided the opening and closing sessions of the Jalsa, during which he reminded guests of the importance of self-reformation and the need to heed the advice of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, particularly in raising our standards of righteousness.

Jalsa speeches this year covered a variety of topics, such as Allah’s attribute of AlMajeed, the Holy Prophet Muhammad’ssa blessed example of spreading the message Continued on page 15

blood bank was set up for people to donate blood at the occasion of Jalsa Salana. A total of 69 people donated blood.

The media also covered Jalsa Salana Ivory Coast and on RTI, the national channel, the Jalsa was given coverage twice before it commenced. The representative of the channel attended all three days of the Jalsa and gave coverage throughout.

Similarly, radio stations also gave coverage.

Five newspaper representatives were also present to report.

15

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Wives of the Holy Prophetsa

Hazrat Umm-e-Habiba “If you love him, then I love him also.” (The Holy Prophet’ssa reply to Hazrat Umm-e-Habibara when she told him that she loved her brother Hazrat Muawiyahra) Awais Rabbani Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

Name: Ramla bint Abi Sufyan Known as: Umm-e-Habiba Born: 594 AD Father’s Name: Abu Sufyan ibn Harb Continued from page 14

of Islam to others, inspiring anecdotes of financial sacrifice, the importance of Salat in countering social ills, scientific miracles foretold in the Holy Quran, finding a righteous spouse, marital harmony and signs of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

On the second day of the Jalsa, over 140 special guests, including faith leaders, lawmakers and community neighbours, participated in a session titled “Compassion in a Time of Conflict” in which Huzoor’saa message of establishing peace was conveyed by Imam Azam Akram of Seattle, Washington, USA. Guest speakers included mayors of neighbouring cities as well as Congresswoman Norma Torres of the US House of Representatives who, last year, visited Huzooraa in Guatemala during the inauguration of Nasir Hospital. She spoke about her appreciation for the community outreach efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in southern California, under the leadership of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa.

This Jalsa has been an annual tradition in the western coast of the United States since 1985 and augments in size and scope every year by the grace of Allah. This year’s Jalsa featured new additions, including metal-detector security installations and a larger stand-alone exhibition featuring copies of the Holy Quran in different languages and models of mosques from around the world constructed by local Jamaat children.

As is customary in all Jalsas around the world, food was served to the guests in the Langar throughout the course of the event with a special marquee being put up for seniors. A tent was installed on the basketball court where dinner was served to guests. The Jalsa was live-streamed to nearly 2,000 online viewers. Various media outlets covered the event as well. This year’s Jalsa also made use of social media outreach and an online phone application (app) to improve the overall experience for guests.

The weather overall was excellent and the event was hailed a success, Alhamdolillah.

Brother: Muawiyah Background Hazrat Umm-e-Habibara was the daughter of the renowned chieftain of Quraish, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb. Abu Sufyan chose to reject Islam in the beginning and remained a resolute foe till the conquest of Mecca.

However, his daughter refused the arrogance her father exhibited and embraced Islam very early on.

She was first married to Ubaidullah bin Jahsh. As the persecutions intensified, she migrated to Abyssinia alongside her husband. She had a daughter named Habiba and hence, earned the epithet of Umm-eHabibara (mother of Habiba). Her husband however renounced Islam and after his demise, she was left in a frail state seeking a support in this foreign land.

Marriage to the Prophetsa Owing to the hardships and animosity the Quraish harboured against Muslims, the Holy Prophetsa saw it wise to send a marriage proposal to Hazrat Umm-eHabibara on account of the fact that this matrimony, with the daughter of a chieftain, would help diminish the hostile atmosphere among the Quraish. Khalid bin Saeed is said to have represented her case and hence, the marriage took place in Abyssinia. She later migrated to Medina to reunite with her husband.

Thirst for knowledge Around 65 ahadith have been attributed to her. She guided and taught women important matters of Islam. It is narrated on the account of Humaid bin Nafi that Hazrat Zainab bint Abu Salama said, “I went to Umm-e-Habiba, the wife of the Prophet, when her father, Abu Sufyan bin Harb had died. She asked for a perfume which contained yellow scent or some other scent, and she first perfumed one of the girls with it and then rubbed her cheeks with it and said, ‘By Allah, I am not in need of perfume, but I have heard Allah’s Messenger saying, “It is not lawful for a lady who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn a dead person for more than three days unless he is her husband, for whom she should mourn for four months and ten days.”’” (Sahih alBukhari, Hadith 5334) Piety

The Holy Prophetsa was utterly devoted to God and expected the same from all his wives. It goes without saying that all the mothers of the faithful would fervently supplicate before God for the success of the mission the Holy Prophetsa had brought and to also grant them the courage to remain steadfast.

Hazrat Umm-e-Habibara held a unique position among them. It is narrated on her own authority: “A house will be built in paradise for anyone who prays in a day and a night twelve rak‘aat.” She added, “I have never abandoned [this practice] since I heard it from the Messengersa of Allah. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 728 a) Regard for the Prophetsa Despite the enmity her father harboured against Islam, the Holy Prophetsa always instructed her to be kind to him and give him the due respect. However, once, when Abu Sufyan visited her daughter and went on to sit on the same mattress the Prophetsa used to sit on, she folded it up immediately and stated that the foe of the Holy Prophetsa could not sit on the same place as her husband.

It was only due to the fact that she could not bear to see the sight of the enemy of Islam who had hurt the Holy Prophetsa for so long to occupy or even share the same place reserved for the Prophetsa of Allah.

Also, she was aware that the level of pureness and cleanliness Islam prescribed for a believer and maintained by the Holy Prophetsa would not be retained by her father.

Anyhow, the devotion and love she had for the Holy Prophetsa had no comparison.

In fact, this was the case with each and every one of his wives. The Prophetsa would show such affection and care to them that they all would consider themselves the most privileged.

She was considerate of her relatives Islam gives great stress on maintaining good ties with relatives. She too was considerate of these ties and treated them accordingly.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra narrates one such incident in one of his books in the following words: “On one occasion, [the Holy Prophetsa] entered the room of his wife Umm-eHabibara and saw her in a tender embrace with her younger brother Muawiyahra –who would later become a great Islamic ruler.

Instead of displeasure, the Prophetsa was moved by this display of sibling love. He sat next to her and asked her if she loved Muawiyahra. She replied positively. To this, the Prophetsa replied, ‘If you love him, then I love him also.’ How happy must she have felt at these words and at seeing the Holy Prophetsa look on her relatives, not as a stranger but through her eyes! The depth of his love, by which he cherished those whom she held dear [must have filled her with joy].” (Muhammad: The Great Exemplar, pp.

13-14) Demise She lived on to see the reign of her brother, Amir Muawiyahra. She died at the age of approximately 74 and was buried in Jannatul Baqi.

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Hadith in Commentary

Continued from page 1

How and why the ring of the Prophet was lost Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra

One day, Hazrat Usman, may Allah be pleased with him, was sat on the edge of a well called Bi‘r-e-Arees [which was situation near the mosque of Quba]. The ring he was wearing was the [original] ring of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Due to some special reason and wisdom by Allah the Almighty, the ring fell into the well. The companions of the Holy Prophetsa became very worried and agitated and began searching for the ring for three days without pause. They sieved all the mud and sand out of the well, but were not ever able to find the ring.

A reply to an allegation regarding the ring of the Prophetsa Most European [orientalist] writers raise the objection that the narrations about the ring of the Holy Prophetsa contain diverse contradictions. [They say] some companions have reported that they saw the ring on the Holy Prophet’ssa small finger, on his right hand while others have reported that it was on the left hand.

Some said the stone on the ring was faced inwards, towards the palm of his hand while others have reported it was faced outwards. Thus, [they say] there have been some contradictions regarding the

Prophet’ssa ring.

In reality, this objection is the result of lack of thought and understanding, otherwise these narrations are not contradictory in the slightest. The Holy Prophetsa would, at times, wear the ring on his right hand and at other times, would wear it on his left.

Sometimes he would face the stone of the ring inwards and at other times, outwards. Thus, the companions who saw the ring on his right hand reported this and other companions who observed the ring on the left hand reported that it was on his left hand. So what room is left for an objection?

An objection would only have been valid if one companion reported the ring to be made of gold, while another reported it to be made of brass and the third reported it to be silver. However, there is no such contradiction.

If, for example, a person says that he saw Zaid yesterday and Zaid was ill and

another person claims he met Zaid two days before and Zaid was well, then there is no contradiction in these statements.

However, if a person says that Zaid’s skin is dark and another says his skin is fair, then there is a contradiction.

(Originally published in Al Fazl on 13 January 1940 [page 3] in the form of notes taken by Mahmood Ahmad Khalil Sahib from the lectures on hadith by Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra, brother-in-law of the Promised Messiahas)

only to my person, but rather which leads one to the God, Who guided even myself to the perfect, divinely chosen man, a man who brought the spirit of truth and righteousness to this world – if the whole affair were limited to my person alone, I would have no fear, worry or concern, but this is not the case. This matter escalates to our Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and ultimately reaches the Holy Being of God Almighty. In this case, bear well in mind and take heed that if you desire to partake of this glad-tiding and hope to be part of this prophecy’s fulfilment, and if you possess a true thirst for this grand victory (that is to prevail over the disbelievers until the Day of Resurrection), then my entire message for you shall not secure this success until you advance from the state where the soul reproaches one’s inner self for having committed evil, to the towering state where the soul is at rest and naturally inclines to goodness.

Apart from this, I have nothing more to say. You are bound to a man who is commissioned by Allah. Therefore, listen to his words with the ear of your heart and remain fully disposed to act accordingly, lest you become of those who fall into the filth of denial after having accepted the truth, and thus become the recipients of divine wrath.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 99-100)

Humanity First Germany inaugurates projects in Kosovo Shkelqim Bytyqi Kosovo Correspondent

Humanity First Germany started developing projects in Kosovo two years ago. Kosovo lacks in various areas related to education and health.

By the mercy and blessings of Allah the Almighty and through the guidance of Khilafat, Humanity First Germany started supporting education in Kosovo with some successful projects.

In this manner, we are witnessing the manifestation of what Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said in his keynote address at the Humanity First Conference 2018: “Wherever people are facing material suffering and deprivation of any kind, Humanity First should seek to be at the forefront of providing aid and assistance.

No matter where in the world, or which communities they hail from, Humanity First should seek to provide relief to those mired in poverty or hardship.”

In the beginning of December, Marketing Manager of Humanity First, Mr Stefan Harter visited Kosovo to inaugurate some projects.

These projects were: Renovation of a primary school in Siboc village of Podujeva, basic furnishing of a public nursery called Nursery of Angels in Podujeva and two primary schools in a village called Dumnice

e Lluges of the municipality of Vushtrria and in a village called Rastavice in the municipality of Decan. These two primary schools were equipped by Humanity Fist Germany with computer rooms.

The renovation of the primary school in the village of Siboc, Podujeva happened at the beginning of 2019. It is interesting to mention that the director of this school, Mr Nysret Ismajli is a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Kosovo and he implemented the renovation of the school during a time when teaching had stopped because of protests for teachers to earn higher salaries.

The director of the school used this time to do something constructive and beneficial for the betterment of the conditions of their school. The director was interviewed by the main city radio for this donation, which was accepted by the school. He thus had the opportunity to introduce Humanity First.

Another interesting thing happened at the nursery in the same city which was furnished by Humanity First Germany, Nursery of Angels.

The director, Mrs Seleve Mustafa said that because of the bad and poor condition that they were facing in the nursery, the nursery was about to close. She said: “I had lost all hope that I could further run this nursery. At that time, Humanity First Germany came and helped me get out of

this miserable situation by providing new doors, new lights and renovating walls. Now we can teach and work with children in a good environment.”

Humanity First, through the blessings of Allah, had the opportunity to help this nursery at the right time to enable them to continue their work. At the day of inauguration, they were very happy to receive Mr Stefan Harter with a warm welcome and some traditional food. A presentation was also conducted by drawing the logo of Humanity First.

Mr Stefan Harter, the representative of Humanity First Germany, also took part in the inauguration of the two primary schools in Decan and Vushtrri.

Mr Stefan Harter was received by the major of the municipality of Decan and by the vice mayor of the municipality of Podujeva and the director of social welfare of Prishtina. He had the opportunity in all these meetings to introduce Humanity First and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon Men of Excellence 6 December 2019 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

The name of the companion who I will mention today from among the Badri companions is Hazrat Hilalra. His full name was Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah Waqifi. Hazrat Hilalra belonged to the Bani Waqif clan of the Aus tribe of the Ansar.

His father’s name was Umayyah bin Amir and his mother’s name was Unaisah bint Hidam, who was the sister of Hazrat Kulthumra bin Hidam. Kulthumra bin Hidam is the companion whose house in Quba the Holy Prophetsa stayed upon his migration to Medina. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, pp. 380-381, Hilal bin Umayyahra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Ma‘rifatus Sahabah, Vol. 4, p. 383, Hadith 2995, Hilal bin Umayyah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) We find references to two marriages of Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah; one with Furay‘ahra bint Malik bint Dukhsham and the other with Mulaikahra bint Abdullah.

Both wives of Hazrat Hilalra had the honour of accepting Islam at the hands of the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 8, pp. 282-285, Wa Min Nisaa alQawqalah, al-Furay’ah bint Malik…, Darul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah was among the earliest converts to Islam. He destroyed the idols of the tribe of Banu Waqif and was the flag bearer of his people on the day of the Victory of Mecca. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 381, Hilal bin Umayyahra, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) Hazrat Hilalra had the honour of participating in the battles of Badr, Uhud and other later battles along with the Holy Prophetsa. However, he was unable to participate in the Battle of Tabuk. Ibn Hisham has not included the name of Hazrat Hilalra among the list of the Badri companions that he has mentioned in his book. However, Bukhari has included him among the Badri companions in his Sahih al-Bukhari. (Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez AlSahabah, Vol. 6, p. 428, Hilal bin Umayyah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005)

ّٰ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ ْ َ ْ ُّ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ‫ا�� ِ� ِا�َّا ِال َ ْﻴ ِﻪ ثُ َّﻢ ﺗ‬ ‫ﺎب‬ ‫وﺿﺎﻗﺖ علﻴ ِﻬﻢ ا�فﺴﻬﻢ وﻇﻨوا ا ٰن �ا ﻣلﺠﺎ ِﻣن‬ َّ َ ُ َ ّ َّ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ ْ ْ َ َ ُ َ‫الﺘ ّو‬ ّ ‫اب‬ ‫الﺮَ ِﺣ ْﻴ ُﻢ‬ ‫علﻴ ِﻬﻢ ل ِﻴﺘوﺑوا ِان ا��� ﻫو‬

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 381, Hilal bin Umayyahra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Tasmiyah man Summiya min Ahl Badr) Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah was among the three Ansari companions who

failed to participate in the Battle of Tabuk without having any excuse. The other two companions were Ka‘bra bin Malik and Murarahra bin Rabi‘. The following verse of the Holy Quran was revealed in relation them: َّ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ّٰ ُ ّ ُ ُ َ ‫َو َعلى الثلَاث ِۃ ال ِذیْ َن خ ِلفوْا َﺣﺘى ِاذا ﺿﺎﻗ ْﺖ َعل ْﻴ ِﻬ ُﻢ ا�ْا ْرض ِﺑ َﻤﺎ َر ُﺣ َﺒ ْﺖ‬

“And He has turned with mercy to the three whose case was deferred, until the earth became too strait for them with all its vastness, and their souls were also straitened for them, and they became convinced that there was no refuge from Allah save unto Himself. Then He turned to them with mercy that they might turn to Him. Surely, it is Allah Who is Oft-Returning with compassion and is Merciful.” [Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.118] (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 381, Hilal bin Umayyahra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) The Battle of Tabuk took place in 9 AH. There is a detailed narration in Sahih alBukhari in this regard wherein it mentions these three companions who remained behind.

Abdur Rahman, the grandson of Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik narrates from his father Abdullah bin Ka‘b that when Hazrat Ka‘bra lost his eyesight, he used to help walk him to places. He narrated that he heard Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik narrate the following incident: (This narration with regard to Hazrat Ka‘bra is quite lengthy and Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah, the companion whose account I am relating, is also mentioned in it.)

In any case, he narrates that he heard Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik relate the account of when he remained behind, i.e. during the Battle of Tabuk. Hazrat Ka‘bra states: “I did not remain behind Allah’s Messengersa in any battle that he fought except the Battle of Tabuk. I also did not take part in the Battle of Badr, but the Holy Prophetsa did not express his displeasure at anyone who had not participated in it because the Holy Prophetsa had gone out to intercept the caravan of the Quraish and Allah made them (i.e. the Muslims) meet the enemy without any intention of actual

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

18 battle. However, I was present during the night of Aqabah.”

He is mentioning that he did not participate in the Battle of Badr also, however the Holy Prophetsa did not express displeasure for not having taken part in this. He further states: “I was present during the night of Aqabah when we made a solemn pledge to remain established upon Islam, and I would not exchange it for the Battle of Badr even though the Battle of Badr is more popular amongst the people than this (i.e. the pledge of Aqabah).

“As for me, I had never been stronger or wealthier than I was when I remained behind the Holy Prophetsa i.e. in the Battle of Tabuk. By Allah, never had I owned two camels before, except at the time of the Battle of Tabuk. Whenever the Holy Prophetsa intended to go forth for battle, he would keep it discreet and appear as if to be heading in another direction.”

In line with the strategy of war, it was the practise of the Holy Prophetsa that he would keep the matter discreet and in addition to this, he would either prolong the journey or take a different route. In any case, he further narrates: “On the occasion of this expedition (i.e. the Battle of Tabuk), the Holy Prophetsa set forth at a time of intense heat, and faced having to endure a long journey across a wilderness region and an enemy possessing great numbers. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa announced to the Muslims clearly regarding their circumstances, so that they could make all the necessary preparations.”

On the occasion of this battle, the Holy Prophetsa did not keep anything hidden, rather he informed them of the destination and also who the enemy was and so that they could prepare accordingly. He further narrates: “The Holy Prophetsa also revealed to them the direction they were going to head towards and he was accompanied by a large number of Muslims. Anyone who intended to be absent would think that the matter would remain hidden from the Holy Prophetsa unless Allah revealed it through divine revelation. The Holy Prophetsa left for this Battle at a time when the fruits had ripened and the shade felt pleasant (i.e. in the hot season). The Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra began to make preparations. I also would set out with them in the morning, however I would return without having made any preparation.”

He would leave in the morning with the intention to make preparations for the expedition, but would return in the evening having failed to make any. He states: “I would say to myself, ‘I can make the preparations as I have all the provisions’, and thus remained lax in this regard until the people had made all the preparations and one day, the Holy Prophetsa set forth for the battle and the Companionsra also left with him. However, I had failed to make any preparation for my departure.

I thought to myself that I should make the preparations one or two days after the Holy Prophet’sa departure and join them as I had the means to travel and could do so

with great ease.

“In the morning, following their departure, I went out to get myself ready but returned having done nothing. Then again, the next morning (i.e. the third morning), I went out to get ready but again returned without having made any preparation. Such was my condition, and in the meanwhile the army had proceeded far ahead with great pace. I then decided to leave and join them. If only I had done so, but the fact of the matter is that I was unable to do so.

“After the Holy Prophetsa had set off for the battle, whenever I went out and walked amongst the people [i.e, the people who remained behind], it grieved me that I could see none around me, except those who were seen in disdain owing to the hypocrisy in their hearts or those who were weak and were granted exemption by God” i.e. whenever he would go into the streets of Medina, he would mainly see those who were either excused by God owing to their weakness, or who were perceived as cowardly and had hypocrisy rooted in their hearts.

He further states: “The Holy Prophetsa did not remember me or ask about me till he had reached Tabuk. It was only whilst the Holy Prophetsa was sat amongst the people, he enquired, ‘Where is Ka‘bra?’ A man from Banu Salama said, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa.

He has been held back by his two garments and his looking at his own flanks with pride.’”

That is, either he had become too affluent or too arrogant, hence he had failed to join them.

“Upon hearing this, Hazrat Muazra bin Jabal said, ‘What an awful thing you have said!’ He then further stated, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! By God, we know nothing about him but good.’ (i.e. he is not arrogant and proud, nor is he a hypocrite). The Holy Prophetsa heard this and remained silent.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik further narrates: “When I heard that the Holy Prophetsa was returning (from this expedition of his), I became worried and began to think of false excuses in order to save myself from the Holy Prophet’ssa displeasure. I took the advice from all the wise members of my family as regards what excuse I could put forward. When I was informed that the Holy Prophetsa was very close, I dispelled all of the false excuses my mind and I realised that I could not save my myself from the Holy Prophet’ssa displeasure by forging a false statement. Thus, I decided to speak the complete truth. The Holy Prophetsa arrived and it was his practise that whenever he returned from a journey, he would first go to the mosque to offer two nawafil [voluntary prayer] and then sit in order to meet the people. When the Holy Prophetsa finished and took a seat, those who could not join him came before the Holy Prophetsa and began to present their excuses for not being able to join in the expedition. Each one gave their false excuse and even swore on oath as to why they could not join. There were over 80 such people who swore on oath and presented their false excuses. The Holy

Prophetsa accepted the excuses they had expressed, took their pledge of allegiance and asked for Allah’s forgiveness for them, and left the secrets of their hearts for Allah to judge.”

In other words, the Holy Prophetsa accepted their excuses and prayed for their forgiveness and left their matter in the hands of God. He further narrates: “Then I came before the Holy Prophetsa, and when I greeted him with the salutation of Salam, he smiled at me but it was the smile of one who is displeased. The Holy Prophetsa then stated, ‘Come forward’.

I came forward and sat before the Holy Prophetsa and he asked, ‘What prevented you from going and not travelling with us?

Had you not purchased an animal to travel on?’

I submitted, ‘Yes, O Messengersa of Allah! But by Allah, if I was sitting before any person from among the people of the world other than you, I would have avoided his displeasure with an excuse because I have been bestowed with the power of speaking fluently and eloquently and would be able to present all kinds of excuses. But by Allah, I knew well that if today I tell you a lie to seek your favour, then Allah would surely cause you to be displeased with me in the near future.

(He could have expressed an excuse and saved himself from the Holy Prophet’s displeasure, but he thought that God would express His displeasure and it would also be conveyed to the Holy Prophetsa). But if I tell you the truth, though you will express your displeasure because of it, I hope for Allah’s forgiveness.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik then states: “I then submitted, ‘By God, I do not have any excuse and by God, I had never been stronger or wealthier than I was when I remained behind you.’ Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘He has spoken the truth. So stand up (and leave) until Allah issues a decision regarding you.’ I stood up and left and some of the people belonging to the Banu Salama followed me and said, ‘By Allah, we have never witnessed you committing any wrong before this. Surely, you did not offer an excuse to Allah’s Messengersa just like the others did who failed to go. (As mentioned before that there were around 80 people who had made up excuses.) The prayer of Allah’s Messengersa to Allah to forgive you would have been sufficient to forgive this sin of yours.’ By Allah, they continued to reproach me to the extent that I intended to return to the Holy Prophetsa and accuse myself of having told a lie, but I asked them (i.e. those who were reproaching him for telling the truth), ‘Is there anybody else who has also expressed before the Holy Prophetsa what I have truthfully expressed?’ They replied, ‘Yes, there are two other individuals who have said the same thing as you have, and both of them were given the same response as was given to you.’ I enquired, ‘Who are they?’ They replied, ‘Murarahra bin Rabi‘ Amri and Hilalra bin Umaiyya Waqifi.’

Thus, they had mentioned two such pious individuals who had previously taken part in the Battle of Badr and in whom there was an example for me. When people had mentioned the names of these two

individuals, I went to meet them, and at the time, the Holy Prophetsa had prohibited all the Muslims from speaking to us.

“When it was mentioned that there were two other individuals [who had acted in a similar manner], I knew they were truly pious and had also taken part in the Battle of Badr, therefore I decided to join them and not present any false excuse.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik further narrates: “I went to meet them and at the time, the Holy Prophetsa had prohibited all the Muslims from speaking to us. And so, people began to avoid us as if we were complete strangers till the city of Medina and its streets began to appear strange to me as if I had never seen it before it in my life. It seemed as if I had come to a completely new place because people would completely avoid me.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik narrates: “We remained in that condition for 50 nights. With regard to my two fellow companions, Hazrat Hilalra bin Umaiyyah and Hazrat Murarahra bin Rabi‘, they remained in their houses out of extreme embarrassment and kept on weeping.

Hazrat Hilalra would continuously remain in his house and weep but I was the youngest of them and could bear this affliction with greater strength. I would also seek forgiveness at home, but I would also go out and pray along with the other Muslims. I would go to the mosque and also the marketplace, but no one would talk to me, and I would also go to Allah’s Messengersa and join his gatherings. I would also offer my greetings when the Holy Prophetsa remained seated after having offered his prayers and I would wonder whether or not the Holy Prophetsa had moved his lips in return to my greetings. Then I would offer my prayer near him and as I would begin my prayer, I would discreetly glance at the Holy Prophetsa, and when I was busy with my prayer, the Holy Prophetsa would turn his face towards me, but when I would look back, he would look away from me.

“When this severe attitude of the people took its toll on me, I walked till I scaled the wall of the garden of Hazrat Abu Qatadara, who was my paternal cousin and dearest to me, and I offered my greetings to him. By Allah, he did not return my greetings. I then said, ‘O Abu Qatadara! By Allah, I ask you! Do you know that I love Allah and His Messengersa?’ However, he remained silent. I asked him again, calling God to witness, and again he remained silent. I then asked him a third time in the name of God, and he replied, ‘Allah and His Messengersa know better’” i.e. whether he loves them or not. “Upon hearing this, tears began to flow from my eyes and I jumped over the wall and returned.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik further narrates: “While I was walking in the market of Medina, suddenly I saw a Nibti (i.e. a Christian farmer) from the region of Levant, who came to sell his grains in Medina, saying, ‘Who will lead me to Ka‘b bin Malik?’ The people began to point me out for him till he came to me and handed me a letter from the king of Ghassan in which the following was written: “‘To proceed, I have been informed

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Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM that your friend has strictly dealt with you and has excluded you from them.

However, God Almighty has not raised you in a household whereby you shall be dishonoured and made to perish. Thus, come to us and we will console you.’

When I read it, I said to myself, ‘This is also a form of trial.’ I then took hold of this letter and placed it into the fire of an oven.

When 40 out of the 50 nights had elapsed, the messenger of the Holy Prophetsa came to me and said, ‘The Holy Prophetsa orders you to keep away from your wife.’ I enquired, ‘Should I divorce her? What should I do?’ He said, ‘No, only keep away from her.’ The Holy Prophetsa sent the same message to the other two companions as well, (i.e. Hazrat Hilalra and Murarah). I then told my wife, ‘Go to your parents and remain with them until Allah gives His verdict in this matter.’”

Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik further narrates: “The wife of Hilalra bin Umaiyyah came to the Holy Prophetsa (i.e. the wife of the companion whose account I am relating) and said, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa! Hilalra bin Umaiyyah is an old man who has no servant to attend on him. Would you be displeased with me if I were to serve him?’

The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘No, you can serve him (i.e., you can cook and do the household chores) but he should not come near you.’ She then said, ‘By Allah, he has no desire for anything. By Allah, he has not stopped weeping since’”, i.e. ever since he was boycotted as a punishment.

Hazrat Ka‘bra further narrates: “Following that, some of my family members told me to also ask for permission from the Holy Prophetsa for my wife just as Hazrat Hilal’sra wife had sought permission to serve him. However, I said, ‘By Allah, I will not ask the permission of Allah’s Messengersa regarding her. Hazrat Hilalra is an elderly man but I am a young man, therefore I do not know what Allah’s Messengersa would say if I asked him to permit her to serve me.’

“I then remained in that state for ten more nights after which the period of 50 nights was completed, starting from the time when Allah’s Messengersa had prohibited people from talking to us.

When I had offered the Fajr prayer on the 50th morning, I was on the roof of one of our houses and while I was sitting in the very condition, which Allah described [in the Quran] i.e. my very soul seemed straitened to me and that the earth too seemed straitened to me for all its vastness, at that very moment I heard the voice of one who had ascended the mountain of Sala‘ (which is the name of a mountain in the north of Medina) who shouted, ‘O Ka‘bra bin Malik! For you are glad-tidings.’

Upon hearing this, I fell in prostration before Allah and realised that this period of difficulty had now been removed. Since the caller had mentioned glad-tidings, therefore I knew that I had been indeed forgiven.

“The Holy Prophetsa completed his Fajr prayer and then announced that God Almighty, out of His benevolence, had forgiven us of our error. Upon hearing this, people came to congratulate us and they also went to congratulate my two

fellow companions, Hazrat Hilalra and the other companion. Another person came speeding towards me on horseback. One of the men from the Aslam tribe came running and ascended the mountain and his voice was swifter than the speed of the horse. When this man, whose voice I had heard from the mountaintop, came to me to convey the glad-tidings, by God I only had two pieces of cloth in my possession at the time and gave them both to him for he had conveyed to me the glad-tiding. Then I borrowed two garments and wore them and went to the Holy Prophetsa. There were crowds of people who met me and congratulated me on account of Allah’s acceptance of my repentance. They would say, ‘Congratulations, for God Almighty has bestowed His mercy upon you and accepted your repentance.’”

Hazrat Ka‘bra further narrates: “When I finally entered the mosque, I saw the Holy Prophetsa was seated and there were people around him. Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidullah saw me and ran towards me, shook my hand and congratulated me. By Allah, none of the Muhajireen got up for me except him”, i.e. Hazrat Talhara, “and I will never forget this act of his.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra further relates: “When I greeted Allah’s Messengersa, his blessed countenance was glowing with joy and he replied to my greeting. The Holy Prophetsa then stated, ‘Rejoice on this most delightful day from all the days since your mother had given birth to you.’ I then asked the Holy Prophetsa, ‘Is this gladtiding from you or from Allah?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘No, it is from Allah.’

Whenever Allah’s Messengersa became happy, his face would shine like the moon, and from this we could always gauge his state of happiness. When I sat before him, I said, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa! Because of the acceptance of my repentance, I will give up all my wealth as alms for the sake of Allah and His Messengersa.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Keep some of your wealth, as it will be better for you.’

I submitted, ‘In that case, I will keep my share from Khaibar with me,’ and added, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa! Allah has saved me because I spoke the truth. Thus, owing to the acceptance of my repentance, I shall continue to speak the truth for the rest of my life. By Allah, I do not know anyone from among the Muslims whom Allah has subjected to go through a trial on account of telling the truth as much as I have.’ Since I spoke the truth to Allah’s Messengersa regarding the event of Tabuk, I have never intended to tell a lie. I hope that Allah will also enable me to always speak the truth for the rest of my life.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra then states: “Allah then revealed to the Holy Prophetsa the following revelation: “‘Allah has certainly turned with mercy to the Prophet and to the Emigrants and the Helpers who followed him in the hour of distress after the hearts of a party of them had well-nigh swerved. He again turned to them with mercy. Surely, He is to them Compassionate, Merciful.’

“By God, Allah has never bestowed upon me, apart from His guiding me to Islam, a greater blessing than the fact that I did not tell a lie to Allah’s Messengersa,

which would have caused me to perish just as those perished who spoke falsehood.”

Hazrat Ka‘bra then stated: “Allah has used the strongest of terms for those who utter falsehood. Regarding those who speak falsehood, God Almighty states: ‘They will make excuses to you when you return to them … and Allah will not be pleased with the rebellious people.’

Hazrat Ka‘bra further narrates: “The decision regarding us three individuals was differed from all the other people whose excuses the Holy Prophetsa accepted when they took an oath before him and subsequently the Holy Prophetsa took their Bai‘at and prayed for their forgiveness. However, the Holy Prophetsa left our case pending until God Almighty Himself issued a verdict regarding this matter, which was: َّ َ َّ َ ُُّ ‫َو َعلى الثلَاث ِۃ ال ِذیْ َن خ ِلفوْا‬ ‘And [He has turned with mercy] to the three whose case was deferred…’ [Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.118] “What Allah has stated [in this verse] does not indicate our failure to take part in the battle, but it refers to the deferment of making a decision by the Holy Prophetsa about our case in contrast to the case of those who had taken an oath before the Holy Prophetsa and had lied, but despite that, the Holy Prophetsa accepted their excuses.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Hadith Ka‘b bin Malik, Hadith 4418) (Farhang Sirat, p. 153, Zawar Academy Publications, Karachi) Hazrat Hilalra bin Umaiyyah passed away during the rule of Amir Muawiyahra.

(Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahabah, Vol. 6, p. 428, Hilal bin Umayyah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005) There is another brief note regarding the Battle of Tabuk, I will narrate that as well. I have spoken about the Battle of Tabuk once before as well, but I will mention it briefly again. Tabuk is situated along the trade route from Medina to Syria and was commonly used by trading caravans. It is located between Wadi alQura and Syria. It is also known as the town of Ashab al-Aykah, and this is where Hazrat Shuaibas was sent. Hazrat Shuaibas lived in Midian but he was also sent for the Ashab al-Aykah. (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 17, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) It is situated approximately 375 miles from Medina.

The Battle of Tabuk is known by several other names: Ghazwatul Usrah or Jaishul Usrah, i.e. the difficult battle or the army that faced difficulty. It is also known as Ghazwatul Fadihah, i.e. the battle that would humiliate and dishonour the hypocrites. (Sharh Zurqani Alaa alMawahib al-Deeniyyah, Vol. 4, p. 66, Thumma Ghazwah Tabuk, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) After the treaty of Hudaibiyah, the first letter the Holy Prophetsa wrote to invite towards Islam [from among the kings] was to the Caesar of Rome. At the time, the governor of Busra was Harith bin Abu Shimar Ghassani, who was a Christian and was sent this letter. When he received the letter of the Holy Prophetsa, he displayed hostility and threatened to invade Medina.

This resulted in the people of Medina remaining apprehensive of an attack by them. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 802) (Sahih alBukhari, Kitabun Nikah, Bab Mau’idhatil Rajul ibnatihi li Haal Zaujihaa, Hadith 4913) The reason why preparations were made for this expedition was that the Holy Prophetsa received news from the Syrian tribe of Nibti, who would travel to Medina to trade oil, that that Caesar of Rome had gathered with his army in Syria. According to another narration, Christian Arabs wrote to the Caesar of Rome saying that the one who claimed to be a prophet had perished, God forbid, and the Muslims were suffering from a famine as a result of which all their livestock had been wiped out. Upon hearing this, the Caesar of Rome prepared an army of 40,000 soldiers comprising of different tribes under the leadership of an extraordinary general.

This army gathered at Balqaa, which is a city in Syria. Although this news did not have any truth behind it, however, it became the cause of the preparation for this expedition. When the Holy Prophetsa received news of this [advancing army], the people did not have the strength to fight. However, the Holy Prophetsa made the announcement to depart and also informed them of their destination so they could prepare. This is written in Sharh Allamah Zurqani. (Sharh Zurqani Alaa alMawahib al-Deeniyyah, Vol. 4, pp. 67-68, Thumma Ghazwah Tabuk, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Lughaatul Hadith, Vol. 1, p. 174) The sacrifices made by the Companionsra and also the treachery of the hypocrites came to light in this expedition.

As soon as the Holy Prophetsa announced to prepare for the expedition, there was an immediate response throughout Medina.

The Companionsra used their entire possessions and strived their utmost to offer sacrifices. The passion of those who were constrained due to a lack of resources reached such limits that they were ready to walk hundreds of miles by foot.

In order to prepare for this expedition some people rushed to their homes, whereas others gathered their wealth and strived to present as much as possible before their Master, the Holy Prophetsa.

Nonetheless, some would search their homes in order to find something that would enable them to participate in the expedition and they were even willing to walk the distance. In fact, some Companionsra did not even have any shoes to go on the expedition. They came to the Holy Prophetsa and said if he would grant them shoes, they would be willing to walk the distance as they were barefooted, but without shoes, their feet would be injured and they would be unable to reach the destination. However, the situation at the time was such that they were unable to be provided with even this.

Nevertheless, every person was ready to sacrifice their lives. Hazrat Umarra thought that since he had a lot of provisions at home, perhaps this was an opportunity for him to be able to offer in sacrifice more than Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

Thus, he presented half of his wealth to

20 the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa asked, “What have you left for your family.” Hazrat Umarra replied, “I have left half of my wealth at home.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra brought everything he owned and presented it to the Holy Prophetsa. When the Holy Prophetsa asked him what he had left for his family, Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied that he had only left the name of Allah and His Messengersa. Hazrat Umarra looked upon Hazrat Abu Bakrra with envy and said, “I swear by God! I can never excel Hazrat Abu Bakrra in anything.” (Sunan alTirmidhi, Kitabul Manaqib, Bab Rijaa an Yakun Abu Bakr mimman yudda’aa…, Hadith 3675) The Promised Messiahas has also mentioned this incident. The Promised Messiahas states: “On one occasion the Holy Prophetsa requested for provisions. In response, Hazrat Abu Bakrra brought all the wealth he owned. The Holy Prophetsa asked him what he had left at home. Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, ‘Allah and His Messengersa’”, meaning that he had left behind the name of Allah and the Holy Prophetsa. “Hazrat Umarra brought half of his possessions and upon asking what he had left at home, replied that he had left half of his possessions at home.”

The Promised Messiahas further says, “Following this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘The difference between the actions of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra is the same difference between their ranks.’”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 95) The amount of sacrifice presented by Hazrat Abu Bakrra on the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk totalled 4,000 dirhams.

(Sharh Zurqani Alaa al-Mawahib alDeeniyyah, Vol. 4, p. 69, Thumma Ghazwah

Friday 3 January 2020 | AL HAKAM Tabuk, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) Hazrat Usmanra sacrificed camels, horses and also presented money. Owing to this sacrifice of Hazrat Usmanra, the Holy Prophetsa stood at the pulpit and stated, “Henceforth, Usmanra will not be questioned for any action committed on his part.” According to another narration, the Holy Prophetsa said, “From this day forth, no action of Usmanra will cause him harm,” and the Holy Prophetsa repeated this twice. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitabul Manaqib, Bab Fi Adda Uthman Tasmiyah Shaheedan …, Hadith 3700-3701) (Sharh Zurqani Alaa al-Mawahib al-Deeniyyah, Vol. 4, pp. 6869, Thumma Ghazwah Tabuk, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) Hazrat Abu Aqeelra was a companion who did not own anything that he could present as a sacrifice. He devised a plan and agreed with someone that he would spend the night watering a field. He spent the entire night obtaining water from the well and watering the field. In exchange for this, he was given two saa‘ which is approximately 4 – 5 kilograms of dates. He gave half to his wife and children and took the remaining half and presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa in order to present it as a sacrifice in the way of God. On this occasion, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf offered half his wealth to the Holy Prophetsa, which was worth 4,400 dirhams. When Hazrat Asimra bin Adiyy offered 100 wasq of dates (a wasq is equal to 60 saa‘s and a saa‘ is approximately 2.5 kilograms) the hypocrites complained that this is mere showing off and pretence.

I would like to elaborate here that approximately 14,000 kilograms or 14 tonnes of dates were presented by

Hazrat Asimra bin Adiyy, upon which the hypocrites claimed that it was only for show.

I would also like to mention that in the previous sermon, I made an error in calculation where I stated 600 kilograms of dates. It was not 600 kilograms, rather it was 6,000 kilograms. Nevertheless, when the hypocrites raised the allegation that this was all for show, God Almighty revealed the following verse of Surah alTaubah: َّ َّ َ ْ َ َّ ْ ْ ْ َّ ْ ‫ﺎت َوال ِذیْ َن �َا‬ ‫ال ِذیْ َن یَل ِﻤ ُﺰ ْو َن ال ُﻤﻄ ِّو ِع� َ� ِﻣ َن ال ُﻤ ْﺆ ِﻣ ِﻨ� َ� ﻓِى‬ ِ ‫الﺼ َﺪﻗ‬ َ ٌ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ّٰ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ َ ْ ُ َ ‫اب ال ِْﻴ ٌﻢ‬ ‫ی ِﺠﺪون ِا�ا ﺟﻬﺪﻫﻢ ﻓﻴﺴ��ون ِﻣﻨﻬﻢ ﺳ ِ�� ا��� ِﻣﻨﻬﻢ ولﻬﻢ عذ‬ “Those who find fault with such of the believers as give alms of their own free will and with such as find nothing to give save the earnings of their toil. They thus deride them. Allah shall requite them for their derision, and for them is a grievous punishment.” [Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.79] (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 6 p. 215, Abu Aqeelra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon) (Lughaatul Hadith, Vol. 4, p. 487, ‘Wasq’, Lughaatul Hadith, Vol. 2, p. 648, ‘Saa’’) This was [revealed] with regard to those hypocrites who levelled such allegations. In any case, this incident is also mentioned with reference to Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah. Further details still remain with respect to Hazrat Hilalra bin Umayyah which I shall mention in future, God-willing.

I shall now announce on behalf of the Waqf-e-Nau department that they have developed a website by the name, waqfenauintl.org, which shall be officially launched today, Insha-Allah.

Parents can directly contact and acquire information from this department

with regard to letters they have written for their expecting children to be accepted in this scheme and their reply. Furthermore, parents can find the guidance and instructions I have given in terms of the education and upbringing of Waqifeene-Nau. Moreover, one can access the sermons and addresses of the Khulafa, the Waqf-e-Nau syllabus and editions of the Ismael magazine for boys and Maryam magazine for girls on the website.

Additionally, Waqifeen-e-Nau can find information and help with regard to career planning. There is also the section to renew one’s dedication, to get in touch with the Waqf-e-Nau department and to keep up to date.

Waqifeen-e-Nau can also find information about the requirements of the Jamaat and what sort of education they should undertake to best serve the Jamaat. Guidance for Waqf-e-Nau secretaries and the administration and report forms will also be available on the website. Furthermore, there are video clips of various questions and answers in classes etc. with me on different occasions.

There is also an introduction to the Waqf-e-Nau scheme and information on how to remain in constant contact with the department. Also, there are reports, pictures and glimpses of the Waqf-e-Nau programmes happening around the world.

Hence, this website shall be launched today, Insha-Allah, which Waqifeen-e-Nau and parents of Waqifeen-e-Nau should benefit from.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International on 24 December 2019, pp. 5-9.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

The Honour of Prophets In this work, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias explains that since human nature is weak, salvation can only be attained through a mediator, who, owing to their perfect relationship with God and deep sympathy for humanity, can serve as a link between God and man. In every era, God has conferred salvation upon humanity through His prophets, but none can match the unparalleled status held by the Prophetsa of Islam in this respect, who was the paragon of perfection. In the present age, it is this pure and blessed prophet who is the only intercessor that can grant humanity a living relationship with God and free mankind from the shackles of sin.

https://www.alislam.org/book/honour-of-prophets/ Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2020