Al Hakam - 31 January 2020

The world examined

Women and world peace British Muslim women hold 11 Peace Symposium in London

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Hazrat Imam Ahmad bin Hanbalrh

5G, Trump’s “peace plan” and classroom focus

A look at the life of a devout servant of Islam

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From the Markaz Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau Nasirat and Germany Khuddam’s mulaqat with Huzooraa

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 31 January 2020 | Issue XCVIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Coronavirus, bushfires and earthquakes: What is going on?

Setting aside the disastrous political turmoil we are entrenched in, the worry “Mother Nature” has stirred is enough to make one ask, “What on earth is going on?”

Devastating Australian bushfires, a new lethal strand of coronavirus that is spreading across the world, worrying volcanoes in the Philippines, unforgiving earthquakes in Turkey and the Caribbean and floods sweeping across Indonesia are only a taste of recent world disasters. These disasters are not stopping any time soon, with forecasts of further epidemics, earthquakes and bushfires.

These instances ignite our passion, as Ahmadi Muslims, to offer whatever services we can, whether in the form of monetary donations to alleviate the suffering or send our best men through schemes like Humanity First to disaster-stricken areas.

Wiki Commons

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

The good treatment of parents Harzat Abu Hurairah, Allah be pleased with him, relates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Unfortunate is the person, unfortunate is the person, again, unfortunate is the person, who lives long enough to witness the old age of his parents, yet fails to earn Paradise [by serving them].” (Sahih Muslim)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Three states of the human soul One learns from the Holy Quran that the inner self is subject to three states. Firstly, the state known as the self that incites to evil; secondly the reproving self; and thirdly, the soul at rest. In the state where the inner self incites one to do evil, a person is seized by the clutches of Satan and is overly inclined to him. However, in the state of the reproving self, a person feels shame and embarrassment for his ill actions and turns towards God. In this state, however, a battle ensues: at times a person leans towards Satan and at times they incline towards the Gracious God. When a person reaches the stage where the soul is at rest, they become a part of that class of people who are known as the servants of the Gracious God. This rank is the highest point in contrast to which the lowest degree is that of the self which incites one to evil. Between this spectrum there is a middle state known as the reproving self which may be likened to the needle of a scale. If a person leans more towards the lower point, they are reduced to a state that is below and even inferior to animals. However, the more a person inclines towards the higher point, the closer they come to Allah the Exalted. Such people are freed from the lower, rudimentary states and partake of higher, heavenly grace.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 105)

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

This Week in History 31 January - 6 February A selection of brief incidents from the first and second era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya 31 January 1909: Among the most remarkable accomplishments of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, may Allah be pleased with him, was the establishment of the true status of Khilafat in the hearts and minds of Jamaat members and opponents alike. From the outset, certain individuals who were against the institution of Khilafat tried to stir unrest within the Jamaat. On this date, to firmly settle this debate, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira called a special session of Shura, which was attended by around 250 representatives. He made a forceful discourse rooting out all doubts and misconceptions about the divine institution of Khilafat. He also invited certain members to reaffirm their Bai‘at (pledge of allegiance).

31 January 1929: Representatives of the Jamaat from the Punjab called on the governor of their province and put forward six unanimous demands on behalf of the Muslims residing in Punjab.

carried on until his demise in 1944. These academic lectures were a source of knowledge and wisdom for the listeners then and remain so today.

February 1916: Dar-ul-Bai‘at, the house in which the Promised Messiahas took the first Bai‘at, was situated in Ludhiana.

The house was still of weak foundations and was made of mud. During this month, it was repaired and a memorial plaque was installed. Hazrat Hafiz Roshan Alira, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, inaugurated this historic occasion.

This apartment was later rebuilt with bricks in 1939.

February 1919: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra invited the clerics representing the Deoband school of thought within Islam to settle the disputed issue through a mubahilla (prayer duel).

However, they steered clear and did not accept the challenge.

February 1920: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a lecture at Habibia Hall, Lahore and spoke of key events from the era of the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali, may Allah be pleased with him.

31 January 1938: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, announced the formation of a new body within the Jamaat that would include men who were 15-40 years old. The body was named as Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya on 5 February by Huzoorra and initially only consisted of 10 members. At first, it was only meant for Qadian, but the organisation later expanded to the entire Jamaat. Maulvi Qamaruddin Sahib was appointed as its founding president.

February 1923: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra received news suggesting that the Muslims living in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar areas, predominantly from the Muslim Rajput community, were being forced to change their religion. Huzoorra established an investigating committee and sent them to the area for a closer look.

31 January 1952: Hazrat Chaudhry Ghulam Qadirra from Sialkot passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, took Bai‘at in 1902.

February 1930: A library in Qadian for ladies was set up in the famous Gol Kamra (round room). It was named Amatul Hayy Library.

February 1909: Some parts of the commentary of the Holy Quran deliberated by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira were published. The commentary was compiled from his regular commentary classes on the Holy Quran.

February 1931: Majlis Ansarullah was revived and went on to immensely serve the Jamaat in tabligh activities.

February 1910: The Promised Messiah’sas Arabic book Lujjatul-Nur was published for the first time in book form.

February 1910: Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra started delivering sermons on the Holy Quran after Maghrib prayers in Qadian. By 1913, he began delivering these lectures after Fajr and Zuhr prayers, everyday.

February 1911: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra established Majlis Ansarullah after seeking the permission and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira graciously supported this initiative that was to spread the light of Islam by announcing that he too was a member of Majlis Ansarullah. The first official launch was at its inaugural event a few months later on 6 April.

February 1912: Upon the appeal launched by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, a group named Anjuman-e-Mubaligheen was set up. It wrote and published a series of valuable pamphlets in support of Islam.

February 1912: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira began sharing anecdotes of his life which showed his pursuit of knowledge from a young age, through major cities of India to even Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. He continued sharing these stories up until June that year. He could not write an autobiography himself due to his extremely busy schedule that was full of Jamaat responsibilities and that of his medical practice. However, by the end of that year, this account was published in book form under the title of Mirqatul Yaqeen fi Hayat-e-Nuruddin.

February 1913: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira announced his desire for a separate area where lectures on the Holy Quran could be given regularly. Upon this, Hazrat Amma Jan, may Allah be pleased with her, who was the blessed wife of the Promised Messiahas, donated a piece of land from her property for this purpose.

February 1915: Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra started delivering his famous series of lectures on Sahih al-Bukhari, which he

February 1932: A pre-partition Lahore based newspaper, Daily Inqilab started to be censored by the government and had restrictions against it. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was an ardent supporter of free press and sent a letter to the authorities asking for the restrictions to be lifted.

February 1934: A project was initiated to compile the revelations, visions and dreams vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas. This important project was completed by December of the following year and was later published in book form entitled Tadhkira.

February 1934: Nazarat Umur-e-Ama, a department of Sadr Anjuman that takes care of general matters within the Jamaat, with its scarce budget, had to issue an appeal for loans from Jamaat members. It had to meet expenses worth 60,000 rupees. Jamaat members responded positively and deposited over 75,000 rupees. This amount was returned to the lenders within the agreed time.

February 1935: Approximately 400 shillings were received as Tahrik-e-Jadid contributions by Jamaat members living in Palestine. This was considered as the pioneering contribution towards Tahrik-e-Jadid by any Jamaat’s chapter from outside of the Indian subcontinent.

February 1937: A missionary sent to the Arab world, Maulvi Muhammad Salim Sahib was able to preach the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the ruler of Jordan, Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein.

February 1938: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya had the chance to prepare and publish its first ever pamphlet.

February 1939: A new auxiliary organisation was established within the Jamaat to further strengthen the standards of upbringing of young Ahmadi girls. It was called Majlis Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya and started for girls aged seven years until they entered Lajna Imaillah. The first president of Majlis Nasirat was Ustani Memona Sofia Sahiba and the first ever secretary was Sahibzadi Amatul Rasheed Begum Sahiba.

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Regardless of faith, colour or region, our deepest sympathies are always with those affected and we continue to pray for those who are suffering.

Over 110 years ago, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, who claimed to be the Promised Messiah, foretold further pestilences, earthquakes and world disasters that would be reminders for humanity to come back to the One God. The Bible, referring to the advent of Jesus in the latter days also refers to “famines and earthquakes in various places”. (Mathew 24:4) It is certainly not a coincidence that the world of spirituality is also drowning; the commandments of God are being ignored, rights are being violated, atheism is on the rise and indecency is customary. As the general population of the world draws further away from God and world disasters rise, it is vital that we listen to what the saviour of our time had to say.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias made countless prophecies about disasters and epidemics that would be signs from God and would occur during and after his arrival.

Arguably, the most infamous epidemic during his time was the plague that claimed the lives of tens of millions, while providing immunity to Ahmadi Muslims.

Regarding his prophecies of world disasters that were to manifest after him, the Promised Messiahas said: “If these prophecies create a panic in the world at the time of their fulfilment, and their severity leads people to the verge of insanity, and there is widespread loss of life or property, then fear God Who made all this happen for my sake. How can man run away from God, Who has control over every speck and particle.”(Tajalliyat-e-Ilahiyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 395-404) Surely, these catastrophes prophesied by the Promised Messiahas have caused severe “panic” and “widespread loss of life and property” that should jolt humanity to question the reason behind the chaos.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has continuously echoed the voice of the Promised Messiahas and emphasised the need for the world to recognise its Creator.

His Holiness, at the 2019 Annual Convention in Germany said: “The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, called on mankind to seek refuge under the shade of God Almighty, in order to be saved from all forms of warfare and danger.

However, he also warned that if mankind failed in its duties to recognise its Creator then it would be at grave risk. He said that despite their might, wealth and power, neither Europe, nor America would be safe from destruction; nor would Asia, Australia or Islands or any other part of the world.”

Without a doubt, already, it is crystal clear that no part of the world is safe.

The coronavirus threat, sprouting from China, has spread fear across every country of the world, while predictions about its advancement are still a bit uncertain. Such a backdrop begs for a lasting solution that will move God to show His mercy towards humanity. The solution is on the table, but will humanity take heed?

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

“Allah inspires my heart to do certain works” – Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau Nasirat

On 26 January, Waqifaat-e-Nau Nasirat UK had a sitting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The class commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by hadith and an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him.

Following this, a special message by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was read out on the occasion of the launch of Maryam magazine, which read: “It is essential for Waqf-e-Nau girls to remember the history of Waqf. It was a woman who dedicated her child before its birth and the first Waqf-e-Nau was also a woman named Maryam. Her parents who had dedicated her did her tarbiyat with such excellence that she, in turn, understanding the significance of her status, fulfilled the demands of the Waqf in a manner whereby the God of the Heavens mentioned her in the Holy Quran. Her purity and taqwa has thus become an everlasting example.”

Following this, the nasirat had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa some questions on various topics.

The first question was why we cannot offer sunnah prayers when we combine

compulsory prayers. Answering the question, Huzooraa said, “We are only to do what Allah and His Messengersa have told us. If you try to go beyond that, you will find no benefit in it. You may offer nafl. This is what the Holy Prophetsa taught.” Huzooraa further stated, “God has said that we should follow what His messenger has taught us. To exceed those boundaries will not be deemed as a good deed, rather it will fall under the category of innovation.”

A question was asked about whether it is possible for a non-Muslim to visit Islamic holy sites such as the Ka‘bah. In response, Huzooraa said, “Yes, it is permissible ... Even the Holy Prophetsa permitted Christians to pray in Masjid-e-Nabawi.” However, Huzooraa said, “Only God should be worshipped, no other idols.”

A nasira asked if there was any truth behind palm reading and if it was linked to our destiny. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Our palm lines continue to change and develop as we get older. However, this does not mean that your destiny too changes.”

One nasira asked Huzooraa why, during Eid prayer, we say “Allahu-Akbar” seven times in the first rakat and five times in the second rakat. Huzooraa said, “God has told

us that on this day, we should proclaim ‘Allahu-Akbar’. This is what we find in the practices of the Holy Prophetsa. For every namaz, we have different methods.” With this logic, Huzooraa said, “One can then ask why we offer two rakaat for Fajr and four for Zuhr.”

A question was asked regarding the books and tabarrukat (relics) of the Promised Messiahas and where they are today. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated, “The handwritten notes made by the Promised Messiahas are present in the Jamaat’s archives. Other than that, we also have the first edition books amongst various other things.”

Another nasira said to Huzooraa that two years ago, she and her family went to Mecca for Umra. There, she saw many pilgrims kissing the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim.

The young girl asked if this was permissible.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated that there is no need to kiss it. The Holy Prophetsa only kissed the Hajar-e-Aswad. Further, Huzooraa narrated the incident of Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, when he once said, addressing the Hajar-e-Aswad, “No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither harm, nor benefit anyone. Had

I not seen Allah’s Messengersa kissing you, I would not have kissed you.” Huzooraa further stated, “We are only to follow that which the Holy Prophetsa did.”

One young lady asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what his favourite chapter of the Holy Quran was. Huzooraa stated, “In every chapter we find good lessons that we can learn from. One cannot choose a favourite chapter as the entire Quran is good.” Huzooraa further expressed, “I like reading ‘Qul huwallahu Ahad; AllahusSamad’ [‘Say, He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Independent and Besought of all.”

(Surah al-Ikhlas)] and pondering over the word ‘Al-Samad.’” Huzooraa added, “When you ponder over the words of the Quran, you will begin to appreciate them more.”

Talking about the prayers in the Holy Quran, Huzooraa said, “I like reciting different prayers of the Holy Quran, such as, ‘Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilaiya min khairin faqir’ [‘O my Lord, a beggar I am of whatever god You bestow on me.’ (Surah al-Qasas, Ch.28: V.25)].” The Holy Quran is God’s book and one cannot say such and such chapter is better, Huzooraa explained.

A question was asked about Ramiy-alJamarat (a part of Hajj in which pebbles are thrown at pillars representing satan).

A nasira asked what the reality behind the process was. Huzooraa explained, “This is just a symbolic expression, which the Holy Prophetsa has taught us.” Huzooraa further stated, “The throwing of the pebbles is just a form of expression and does not mean that we are physically throwing pebbles at satan.”

One nasira said to Huzooraa that God has, in some way or another, spoken to prophets through dreams or other means.

The nasira proceeded to ask if God had ever spoken to Huzooraa before. Upon this, Huzooraa said, “Through dreams, God Almighty sometimes tells people to do certain works. It is not just through dreams; God also places in a person’s heart to do certain works.” Huzooraa further said, “Allah inspires my heart to do certain works. Other than that, God promised that He would help me and He has done so.”

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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The world examined 5G, Trump’s “peace plan” and classroom focus This series scans the latest research and developments in the realms of science, academia, technology and geopolitics, providing a glance at the ever changing world

GEOPOLITICS Trump’s “peace plan”; a strategy for himself?

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump released his “peace plan” for the long disputed “holy land”, the proposal claims to provide a legitimate two-state solution. It has also claimed to resolve the PalestinianIsraeli conflict but has sparked great concern worldwide as a strategy that will usurp the little identity and freedom Palestinians have.

Trump has proposed an independent Palestinian state and the recognition of Israel’s control over the West Bank settlements, in response President Mahmoud Abbas said, "I say to Trump and Netanyahu: Jerusalem is not for sale, all our rights are not for sale and are not for bargain”.

Last year, the Trump administration decided to move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; a holy city for both Muslims and Jews. Though the decision was rejected by the majority of world leaders, their views were vetoed by the US and Jerusalem was recognised as the capital of Israel by America.The decision, nevertheless, gained the support of the President’s supporters (home and abroad); many others saying the decision was Trump’s attempt for further political support.

A recent New York Times article by David E Sanger, the first senior fellow in The Press and National Security at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard and a national security correspondent at the New York Times, deliberated on Trump’s “peace plan” as “trying to prevail in an impeachment trial”. He said that the plan “builds on his [Trump’s] decision to move the United States Embassy to Jerusalem – a huge political success…”

The senior writer for the New York Times explained how the timing of the peace plan was “no accident” as the focus of television is on the impeachment but Trump has tried to “stand in the East Room and cast himself as a peacemaker.”

The article mentioned Robert Malled, president of the International Crisis Group who said “Strip away the domestic and Israeli political considerations that determined the timing of the plan’s release, and the message to the Palestinians, boiled down to its essence, is: 'You’ve lost, get over it,'” Mr Sanger wrote that “By tilting the map of a future Palestinian state so precipitously in Israel’s direction, Mr. Trump has embraced a plan that essentially dismantles 60 years of bipartisan…”

The plan has not been approved by world leaders, though some Muslim nations have supported the idea, and a clear refusal from Palestine was heard. The article noted that though the announcement has been made, “For election purposes, Mr. Trump does not need a deal, he simply needs the impression that progress is being made.” (nytimes.com, 28 January 2020)

HEALTH Colour-changing bandages “Researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have developed color-changing bandages that can sense drugresistant and drug-sensitive bacteria in wounds and treat them accordingly.” Antibiotic resistance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is one of the greatest problems to world health and there is a constant battle

PHYSICS Imperfections make perfect Physicists from Northwestern University researchers have showed that “certain systems with interacting entities can synchronize only if the entities within the system are different from one another.” This new research changes previous understanding on how “collective behavior found in nature… can arise even when the individual insects or cells are different.” In simple terms, a difference makes all the difference! Two identical entities will act identically when not interacting, however once they start interacting, they behave differently. A change is therefore needed between them for the entities to act identically again. "It is interesting that systems need to be asymmetric to exhibit behavioral symmetry," said Nishikawa, professor of physics at Weinberg. "This is remarkable mathematically, let alone physically. So, many colleagues thought that experimentally demonstrating this effect was impossible." (phys.org, 20 January 2020)

to reduce resistance. The new bandages will aid towards a solution as “Sensing and treating bacterial infections earlier could help improve patients' recovery, as well curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes.” (phys.org, 29 January 2020)

TECH 5G, What’s the fuss?

Speculation and debate has risen about the supply of 5G, particularly from Huawei. But what is 5G and the fuss about? Well, it’s the next generation of internet connection, offering increased download speeds that opens a world of developments. Ian Fogg from OpenSignal described it in the following words, "Think of smart glasses featuring augmented reality, mobile virtual reality, much higher quality video, the internet of things making cities smarter.”

Some companies have predicted 5G internet speeds would be 10 to 20 times faster and would “allow you to download a high-definition film in a minute or so.”

However, there are privacy concerns about buying 5G from the Chinese company Huawei, the US has banned the company while Britain has taken a more lenient stance. (bbc.com/news, 28 January 2020)

PSYCHOLOGY How to increase 30% greater focus in the classroom According to a new study published in Educational Psychology, teachers should focus on praising children for good behaviour as opposed to telling them off for bad behaviour. The study took place in the US and involved 2,536 students from 5-12 years old. “The children observed were shown to focus on tasks up to 20% to 30% more when teachers were required to consider the number of praise statements given, compared to the number of reprimands.” Dr Calderella, from David McKay School of Education at Brigham Young, noted that "Unfortunately, previous research has shown that teachers often tend to reprimand students for problem behaviour as much or more than they praise pupils for appropriate behaviour, which can often have a negative effect on classrooms and student behaviour". (phys.org, 29 January 2020)

GOOD TO KNOW Artery plaque-eating nanoparticle Scientists from Michigan State University and Stanford University have created a “Trojan Horse” nanoparticle that noshes away bits of plaques that cause heart attacks, the findings were published in Nature Nanotechnology.

The nanoparticle administers a drug agent once it reaches the macrophages in the plaques; the drug stimulates the cell to “engulf and eat cellular debris.” It removes dead cells out of the plaque, thus helping in clearing the heart from possible heart attacks. (sciencedaily. com, 28 January 2020)

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Climate change is also a natural process, but man’s actions have sped it up – German youth seek guidance from Huzoor

A group of khuddam from Neuhof, Germany met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, on 25 January.

Upon arrival, Huzooraa enquired about the group’s accommodation and where they were staying. Huzooraa then asked them to introduce themselves individually. The demographic of the khuddam was such that most had completed their studies and were pursuing their professional careers, while others were still undergoing education.

A number of questions were asked by khuddam to Huzooraa regarding various topics. The first question asked was with regard to the current state of the world. A khadim said that if a world war was to break out, there would be no value of currency and money. He then proceeded to ask that in such a situation, where should one invest their money. In response, Huzooraa stated that even after the Second World War, a bartering system was put into place.

Huzooraa further said that we may invest in real estate and government bonds.

A question concerning climate change

was asked by a khadim who said that there are some scientists who say that climate change is occurring due to carbon dioxide, while other scientists say that it is a natural phenomenon. The khadim asked Huzooraa his views on the matter. Huzooraa said, “A factor of this climate change is due to the growth of population. The world’s population continues to grow, deforestation continues and more and more trees are being cut down and the usage of cars continues extensively.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa gave an example saying that nowadays, even if one has to travel to a nearby location, people still resort to and are more inclined to driving and using their cars, rather than walking or running. Huzooraa said that climate change is a natural process which occurs, but man’s actions have worked as a fan, speeding up the process. Huzooraa noted that climate change would not completely destroy the planet any time soon as “there are still many prophecies with regard to Ahmadiyyat that still need to be fulfilled.”

Another question was whether we would be able to recognise our loved ones in paradise. Huzooraa replied in the affirmative and said, “Families will be able to recognise each other.” Huzooraa added, “You should pray that may Allah enable you to follow the footsteps of righteous people.”

Following this, a khadim asked if religion and science are compatible.

Huzooraa said that they are and that “religion is God’s teaching and science is its practical example.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa further said, “The Promised Messiahaa was also asked the same question which has been recorded in the tenth volume of Malfuzat with a very detailed answer.”

Regarding the Badri Companionsra, a khadim asked if there is a difference in rank between the Badri Companionsra and the other Companionsra. Huzooraa said, “I have already spoken about this topic at great length. With regard to the Badri Companionsra, God has especially mentioned that He was pleased with them

Canada to Jamaica: Preaching Islam Misbah Anmol Tariq Jamaica Correspondent

In the months of December and January, Jamaica Jamaat was very fortunate to receive two members from Canada to serve under the blessed scheme of Waqf-e-Arzi (devoting some time to serve the Jamaat).

The first gentleman, Farhan Naseer Sahib, arrived on 25 December 2019 and stayed until 9 January 2020. After spending two days at the headquarters and meeting with local Jamaat members, he was sent to Trelawny where he spent most of his time.

The other gentleman to arrive was Ahmedullah Bajwah Sahib, who reached here on 7 January and stayed until 21 January 2020. During the first four days of his Waqf-e-Arzi, he carried out tabligh in Trelawny and for the last ten days, he served at the national headquarters.

Trelawny parish is one of the lesser populated parishes in Jamaica, however our Jamaat is growing in numbers there.

Through dedicated efforts of Waqifeen-eArzi, we were able to distribute over 3,000 flyers in a short span of time.

Our main focus during these days was to have meaningful and deep conversations with people and educate them about Islam Ahmadiyyat. Our missionaries, as well as the guests, engaged in fruitful discussions with more than a hundred individuals.

Besides tabligh, our guests assisted us in various other programmes, including the Annual Refresher Course, Voice of Islam Radio and teaching the Holy Quran to members.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, it was a very beneficial time for Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Jamaica.

as they helped the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, at a very crucial time.”

A question was asked about how Huzooraa felt when he was elected as Khalifatul Masih and about the responsibility that comes with it. Huzooraa asked the khadim if he saw the video when he was elected, to which the khadim replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa then said, “The video should suffice as an answer.”

A khadim noted that the Holy Quran, on many occasions, addresses the believers to become muttaqi [righteous]. The khadim proceeded to enquire about how one can become a muttaqi. “Wherever the Quran mentions the muttaqi, it also presents their attributes.” Huzooraa said. Huzooraa further said that we should obey and worship Allah as this is the purpose of man’s creation.

The sitting came to a close and the group were fortunate to have a group photo with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Hazrat Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Malik Saif-ur-Rahman 1914-1989

Hazrat Imam Ahmadrh was born in 164 AH. His father’s name was Muhammad and grandfather’s name was Hanbal, through whom he was called Ibn Hanbal.

He belonged to the Shayban tribe, as did Muhammad bin Hasan al-Shaybani.

His grandfather ruled Sarkis, whereas his father worked at an ordinary rank in the army. Nevertheless, he was extremely generous and hospitable. He would show great hospitality to the caravans arriving from Arabia towards Khorasan.

When he moved from Khorasan to Baghdad, his financial conditions were unstable and only a short period after Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal’s birth, he passed away. Thus, Ahmadrh was raised by his uncle.

As he grew older, Ahmadrh committed the Holy Quran to memory, after which he started learning Arabic as a language.

Thereafter, he began acquainting himself with the knowledge of hadith and the lives of the Companionsra and the generation that followed them.

From a very young age, Ahmadrh was extremely intelligent, modest, sensible and had an earnest desire for worshipping Allah. His favourite subjects were hadith and the lives of the Companionsra. He specialised in both these fields.

Initially, he was taught by Abu Yusufrh and in 186 AH, at the age of 22, he travelled to Basra, Kufa and the Hejaz to study hadith from world-famous muhadithin [scholars of Hadith]. It was in those travels that he met Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh in Mecca and was deeply inspired by him. When he returned to Baghdad, he became one of his students.

He also studied Hadith from Sufyan bin Uyanah in Mecca. In Yemen, he studied the narrations of the famous muhadith Abdur Razzaq bin Al-Hammam and obtained a certificate of authority. Abdur Razzaq lived in San‘a.

Hazrat Imam Ahmadrh bin Hanbal had offered Hajj several times. On some occasions, he offered the Hajj travelling from Baghdad to Mecca on foot, whilst studying along the way. During those journeys as a student, he faced many challenges. He experienced financial problems, but always considered it secondary to the wealth of knowledge that he desired to gain. At times, he would work as a casual labourer for subsistence.

Once, when he was in Yemen and was experiencing financial difficulties, his tutor, Abdur Razzaq expressed the desire to help him financially. However, he was not prepared to accept any financial help.

He would sew caps and sell them, living off the profit he made from this business.

One day, his clothes were stolen and for many days he could not leave his house.

One of his fellow students, who was also a friend, got to know of this and wanted to offer him some money, which he declined.

His friend persisted and asked, “How long

An early image of Baghdad, where Hazrat Imam Ahmadrh was born and passed away

will you remain hidden in your house?

Take this as a loan and when you have the means, you may return it.” Even at this, Ahmadrh was not prepared to accept the money. Eventually, they reached an agreement that Ahmadrh would rewrite his notes neatly for his friend, and his friend would pay him in return. Thus, he purchased new clothes from that money and was able to leave his house once again.

His memory was impeccable and he had thousands of ahadith to memory.

Yet despite this, he would jot down any hadith he heard and would narrate it by referring to his notes, even though he had already memorised it. He would take this precaution lest a tradition of the Prophetsa was misreported.

He studied fiqh [Islamic jurisprudence] from the jurists of the time. He studied the legal rulings of the Companionsra and the generation that followed. However, his field of interest remained hadith and the lives of the Companionsra and thus, he dedicated his whole life to learning and teaching these subjects.

Imam Ahmadrh knew the Persian language. His family had lived in Persia and as a result, the whole household was fluent in Persian.

Imam Ahmadrh as a teacher At the age of 40, he founded a school.

This was after 204 AH when his teacher, Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh had passed away. The madrasah of hadith founded by him had gained much acclaim because alongside the lessons of hadith, Ahmad’srh taqwa, piety and good morals also had gained recognition. A large number of Hadith

students was affiliated with his madrasah.

Hundreds of students were always present with inkpots and pens, ready to take notes.

He survived on a meagre income, which was earned through letting properties.

Some have narrated his income as being 17 dirhams a month. As has been mentioned above, he would work even as a labourer, so much so that after crops were harvested, he would go to collect fallen wheat spikes.

However, he would never accept gifts from the caliphs [rulers] or the governors of the time.

Aside from ahadith, Imam Ahmadrh would not stand for views on fiqh and legal rulings to be written down and would not allow anyone else to do so. Once, someone remarked in his presence, “Abdullah bin al-Mubarak would write down views of the Hanafi fiqh.” Upon hearing this, he responded, “Ibn al-Mubarak Lam Yanzulu Minas-Samaa” meaning, “Ibn al-Mubarak did not descend from the Heavens”, and added, “Only that should be written which has come from the Heavens.”

Despite this stringent approach, his students collated his fiqh-related views, which now span many volumes.

A trial and Imam Ahmad’srh steadfastness It was the period of religious polemic and philosophical debate. Mu‘tazila, the founders of Islamic scholasticism, were gaining a foothold. As a result, many questions being raised were: Does man have free will or is his destiny predetermined?

Are God’s attributes part of the divine essence or distinct? Is speech an attribute of God? Is the Quran uncreated or created?

Debates on such topics occupied everyone. Mamun al-Rashid himself enjoyed such debates and the Mu‘tazilites would press him to extensively promote such doctrines. For this reason, the conservative scholars faced a predicament.

This brought tests for Imam Ahmadrh too. His stance was that such doctrinal debates were raised neither by the Companionsra, nor by their followers (the latter known as the tabi‘een). Accordingly, he believed that one should never take part in such debates and whatever they believed in should suffice for us too, but if one persisted, then he would inculcate that they firmly believe in the Quran being uncreated, for calling it a creation would be interpolating religion.

In his later years, however, Mamun alRashid’s persistence grew in that he would force people to accept that the Quran, being the Word of God, was a creation. In this state of tumult, Imam Ahmadrh and Muhammad bin Nuh were captured.

They were being taken to the court of Mamun al-Rashid in either Raqqa or Tartus when Mamun al-Rashid died.

Before dying, he wrote in his will that he should be succeeded by Al-Mu‘tasim [his half-brother] and instructed that he upheld his rigid policy. Muhammad bin Nuh passed away during that journey, but Imam Ahmadrh bin Hanbal was returned to Baghdad in shackles.

After spending a few nights in a prison cell, he was taken to the new Caliph, Abu Ishaq Al-Mu‘tasim. Mu‘tasim tried his utmost and explained to him that he should accept what he claimed, but Imam Ahmadrh firmly upheld his stance. Upon

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM seeing this, Al-Mu‘tasim became furious and ordered that he be flogged.

Due to the intensity of the whips, he fell in and out of consciousness several times, but never did he waver in his beliefs. In this manner, he remained a prisoner for 28 months, being whipped occasionally.

Eventually, the regime gave up and released him.

As a result of the time he served in prison and the brutalities he faced, Imam Ahmadrh became extremely weak and for some time, he struggled to even walk.

When he recovered, he resumed teaching and giving sermons.

The example of patience and perseverance that he showed during the period of trials and tribulations increased people’s respect and admiration for him.

From then on, he was venerated by many.

After the death of Al-Mu‘tasim, AlWathiq was appointed as caliph. He too initially carried on the oppressive legacy and instructed that Imam Ahmad’srh rights of issuing religious decrees [fatwas], teaching, meeting people and remaining in that city be taken away from him. This caused him to live in hiding for some time. In his later years, Wathiq became tired of the rigid policies as debates on the Quran being a creation started becoming ludicrous.

Once, a jester entered Wathiq’s royal court saying, “I have come to offer my condolences, because what is a creation must one day face death. And if the Quran dies, then how will we offer Tarawih prayers?” Wathiq exclaimed at him, and said, “You fool! How can the Quran die!”

When a scholar was once arrested and brought before Wathiq, Ahmad bin Abi Daud, a leading proponent of the Mu‘tazilites was also present. The scholar asked Ibn Abi Daud, “Did the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Khulafara not know about the debate surrounding the creation of the Quran? If they did and chose to remain quiet, then we should follow suit.

But if, God forbid, they were ignorant and unaware of this issue, then O ignoble man, how do you deem yourself a scholar?”

Upon hearing this, Wathiq sprang up in wonder and repeated the sentence over and over, reproaching Ibn Abi Daud. Wathiq released the trouble-stricken scholar and lauded him.

Thus, through their perseverance and patience, Imam Ahmadrh and other such scholars closed the debate around the creation of the Quran altogether. After approximately 14 years of commotion and agitation, the conditions became peaceful once again. The creation of the Quran debate was, in fact, nothing more than a war of words drenched in prejudice and bias. But after a long time of debating, the outcome was that as far as the knowledge of God was concerned, the meanings of the Quran had always existed, but its words, i.e. the letters and phonics, were created when the Holy Prophetsa heard them from Gabriel and the Companionsra heard them from the Holy Prophetsa, who then passed them on to the whole Muslim Ummah, who then recited them regularly.

Al-Mutawakkil succeeded Wathiq

A manuscript of Hazrat Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal’srh writings | Wiki Commons

and completely abandoned the old rigid policies. He removed the Mu‘tazilites from the royal court and instead desired the pleasure of the jurists and muhadithin.

In this manner, he reinstated the law and order of the nation.

Imam Ahmadrh specialised in hadith and fiqh. Alongside his pleasant appearance, he embodied the highest orders of patience, perseverance, courage, meekness, taqwa and purity. His lessons would capture the hearts of promising students.

When he passed away at the age of 78 in 241 AH, the whole of Baghdad went into mourning. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked for his funeral and felt as though a great imam had departed them.

Imam Jarir Al-Tabari wrote a book on Ikhtilaf al-fuqaha [disputes among Islamic jurists] in which he left out mentioning Imam Ahmadrh, which resulted in questions being asked. His response was that Imam Ahmadrh was a muhadith, not a jurist, and for this reason, he left him out.

This resulted in fury spreading among the masses. Ibn Jarir’s house was stoned and he escaped with great difficulty.

Despite all this, a large collection of Imam Ahmad’srh fiqh-related views and religious verdicts is accepted among the Hanbali school and there is no credible reason to deny its authority. However, what is true is that his fiqh-related views were inspired by his knowledge of hadith and the views of the Companionsra.

Imam Ahmad’s fiqh-related views His views on doctrines and politics always remained in conformity with the venerated Muslims scholars of the past. His belief was that the straightforward principle was to adhere to the Quranic elucidations and whatever can be proven through ahadith, that should suffice.

In terms of politics, he considered the obedience of rulers of the time as mandatory and to raise the sword against them as strictly prohibited because the sword disturbs the general law and order and control. On the other hand, when appropriate, there should be no shortage in promoting righteous deeds, preventing wrong, suggesting alternative solutions and speaking the truth, as these are also mandatory.

Imam Ahmadrh was a leading scholar in hadith and an Islamic jurist, however some scholars have denied that he was ever a jurist.

Musnad Imam Ahmad His monumental service to hadith is preserved in the form of his magnum opus, Al-Musnad. The book contains between 30,000 to 40,000 ahadith and narrations of Companionsra. His book was considered a foundation for future muhadithin.

Imam Bukharirh, Imam Muslimrh and other acclaimed muhadithin referred to this book while preparing their compilations, and in selecting authentic ahadith, they got considerable help from it.

Instead of focusing on the subjectmatter, the Musnad lists ahadith in order of narrator. For example, first are the ahadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, followed by ahadith narrated by Hazrat Umarra, then

by Hazrat Uthmanra, and in this manner, all the Companions’ra narrations have been compiled.

There have been efforts to collate the narrations of Musnad subject-wise but have not been published in its complete

form as of yet.

No doubt, there are some ahadith that are weak in the Musnad, but scholars have elucidated that there are no fabricated traditions in the Musnad. Imam Ahmad’srh belief was that after the Quran and Sunnah [practices of the prophetsa], hadith is one of the sources of Shariah, regardless of whether the traditions are authentic, weak, have narrators omitted in the chain of narrators or have a continuous chain of narrators.

He considered the sayings of the Companionsra as an authority and would cater for the views of the tabi‘een [those that followed the Companionsra]. When necessary, albeit rarely, he would rely on qiyas [deductive analogy], istislah [seeking the best public interest] and istiswab [seeking consultation]. He did not believe in the lawfulness of any other ijma‘ [concencus] other than the consensus of the Companionsra. In his opinion, the concept of a general consensus was incorrect as there could have been opponents among them who the people were not aware of.

According to the Hanbali school of thought, it is necessary to carry out qiyas in the absence of a decisive dictum.

However, in their opinion, the meaning of qiyas is vast as compared to the Hanafi and Shafi‘i schools of thought. It includes all the means of deduction i.e. istihsan [application of discretion in a legal ruling], masalih-e-mursalah [a consideration that secures benefit and prevents harm] and istishab [logical reasoning through the presumption of continuity]. For example, according to the Hanafis, the validation of bay‘ salami [sale agreement by advance payment] is contradictory to qiyas as it is against the decisive doctrine of:

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

8 ‫لا تبع ما لیس عندک‬ “Do not trade with that which you do not have”, and it falls under the category of bay‘ al-ma‘dum [sale of non-available goods], whereas in view of the Hanbalis, the legitimation of this sale’s agreement is based on qiyas because it has been permitted by keeping in view the interest, demand and custom of the public.

For the public interest, Imam Ahmadrh saw it permissible to deport malicious and disorderly elements and to compulsorily reside the needy in people’s homes when there was no other solution. The same applies to forcing someone to learn a skill when no one in that profession is available.

Thus, the Hanbali school is no less in favour of using a medium, but it discourages the usage of a medium when the outcome can lead to disorder.

People with contagious diseases can be discouraged from visiting public places.

In times of public disorder and unrest, the buying and selling of weapons can be halted. Talaqqi al-Rukban [manipulative trade, where a city dweller buys goods from a villager for a small price and sells it at a much higher price, exploiting the villager’s ignorance] is, for this reason, considered an illegal practice.

In this regard, the intention and the outcome will come into play. For instance, if a person shoots their gun at a person with the intention of killing them, but instead of the bullet hitting the intended target, it kills a snake, then although the outcome may be considered good, in reality it was ill-intended. In the sight of Allah, such a person would have sinned and they may be summoned in this world also.

If a person imprisons another in their home and as a result, the captive dies of starvation and thirst, in Imam Ahmad’srh view, the captor would have to pay compensation. To let one’s apartment for dance parties is, under the aforementioned condition, considered prohibited.

The Hanbali school has sought immense help from istishab. Under this principle, their belief is that doubt cannot end certainty. For example, water is pure and until there is certainty that it has been contaminated, it will be deemed pure and any doubt will be shunned.

The advancement of Imam Ahmad’s beliefs The beliefs of Imam Ahmadrh have become widely accepted by means of his followers, alongside his books. Imam Ahmad’srh son, Abdullah, gave much publicity to his famous work Al-Musnad. Similarly, his students, including Abu Bakr al-Athram, Abdul Malik al-Maimuni, Abu Bakr alMaruzi, Ibrahim bin Ishaq al-Harbi, Abu Bakr al-Khalal and many others of his outstanding students spent their lives devoted to spreading his doctrines.

Scholars by the likes of Imam Ibn Taymiyyah and Imam Ibn al-Qayyim were affiliated with his school of thought.

The Hanbalis deem ijtihad [the process of making a legal decision in Islamic law by independent interpretation of legal sources] necessary in every age and believe its door to be open. Although Islamic thought flourished, disputes began to soar.

Every new mujtahid [the one who applies ijtihad] began to acquire their own legal stand in a given issue and there was never a conclusion to such matters.

The scholars of the Hanbali school were stalwarts in the intellectual circles, but despite this, they were not able to make the Hanbali school widely acceptable.

There were many reasons for this, for instance, other beliefs of fiqh had more of a footing and the Hanbali school was never adopted in previous times as the state religion. Now, however, it is the state religion in Saudi Arabia.

For various reasons, oppression, violence and prejudice have been prevalent among the Hanbalis. The followers of the Hanbali school were harsh on the public and would not desist from creating disorder. A short period before the Tatar attack, Baghdad and the areas in close proximity were engulfed in rebellious disturbances and uproars. For this reason, people generally began to abhor the Hanbali school.

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

100 Years Ago...

Appeal for Ahmadiyya mosque in London and missionary sets off for USA The Review of Religions (Urdu), February 1920

Qadian Darul Aman Early in the evening of Friday, 13 February, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih II[ra] set off to Lahore from Qadian. A group of 20 to 30 people accompanied him.

Departing from Batala on the morning of 14 [February], Huzoor reached Lahore around noon. The members of Lahore Jamaat were present at the railway station to welcome him. Huzoor’s stay was arranged at the Ahmadiyya Hostel. He reached there in a motor vehicle and the rest of the people arrived in carriages. Huzoor will stay in Lahore till the 21st of this month. During his stay, two lectures of Huzoor will be held in Lahore. The first lecture is scheduled for the general public which was to be held at Bradlaugh Hall in the afternoon, so it would have been delivered by now. However, the report of this lecture is yet to be received in Qadian.

The theme of this lecture is whether the foundation of world peace can be laid on the doctrines of Christianity or should it be based on Islamic principles? This lecture is in refutation to the announcement of England’s Prime Minister which his majesty issued at the beginning of the New Year.

On the evening of the 17th, the second lecture will be held at Islamia College. The subject of this lecture is about the early dissentions which took place between the Muslims in the era of the four Rightly Guided Khulafas of Islam. (A report has been received that both of these lectures have been delivered and by the grace of God, they were very successful: Editor) During these days, Huzoor will seek medical advice from certain doctors in Lahore. Most probably, he will return from Lahore on the 21st. There might be a public lecture of Huzoor in Amritsar on the 21st.

May Allah Almighty make his return safe, successful and victorious.

Chanda for an Ahmadiyya mosque is being collected very quickly. By this time,

around 75 thousand rupees of Chanda has been collected in written promises.

Missionaries are performing their responsibilities in their respected areas with devotion and diligence. A special delegation has been dispatched to appeal for the chanda of an Ahmadiyya Mosque in London, which is visiting various regions of Punjab.

Some changes have been carried out in the departments of Nazarat, Qadian from 1 February 1920. The responsibility of Nazarat Umur-e-Ama [local affairs] has been handed over to Khan Zulfiqar Ali Khan Sahib who has come to Qadian for a few months on holidays. Maulvi Muhammad Din Sahib BA has been appointed as the Nazir Talim-o-Tarbiyat [head of education and edification]. Apart from that, there have been no other major changes. In view of Huzoor, every [new year] of Nazarat should start from 1 February.

Babu Azizuddin Sahib has left for his journey abroad. On the 12th of this month, he and Khan Abdul Rahim Khan Sahib have departed from Bombay (now Mumbai).

May they reach safely by the grace of Allah Almighty.

Abdul Raheem Khan Sahib has gone for studies and Babu Azizuddin Sahib for the assistance of missionaries. Babu Sahib has not put any kind of burden on the Jamaat as he has journeyed abroad on his own expenses. Moreover, he will stay there on his own. Sheikh Ahmadullah Sahib is about to go abroad in the same way. A regular class has been organised in Qadian for those students who have come here from foreign countries. Hopefully, there will remain no further problems in their path of education.

London The appeal for an Ahmadiyya mosque in London has reached each and every member and they are wholeheartedly contributing for it. A telegram has been sent abroad to Chaudhry Sahib, requesting him to write back by suggesting a proper place for the

Masroor football and cricket tournaments in Australia Ahsan Raza Lead organiser

The 7th National Masroor Cricket Tournament and the 6th National Masroor Football Tournament of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Australia was held together successfully from 27 to 29 December 2019 in New South Wales, Australia.

Separate grounds were hired for both cricket and football and matches were played throughout the day. The event started with the opening ceremony after Friday prayer at 2pm in the Khilafat Hall and concluded on Sunday at Mittigar Reserve, Hassalgrove at 2pm. A total of 200 people spectated the event, of which 70 were players. Professional referees were hired for both games and were

also given an appreciation award at the end.

The weather conditions were very hot during the day, but eventually cooled during the evening and night times. Congregational prayers of Maghrib and Isha were also held in between matches at both grounds after which dinner was served.

Five teams comprising of 70 players

took part in football: Majlis Ansarullah, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Muqami – playing seven matches in two days. The New South Wales team took the winning trophy home at the football tournament, whereas South Australia were the runners up. The Golden boot award went to Adnan Ahmad from New South Wales and the Golden Glove award went to Ramis Abdullah from Muqami.

The closing ceremony for the football tournament was held at Bernie Mullane Synthetic field Kellyville NSW which was chaired by Naib Amir, Nasir Kahlon Sahib.

Six teams comprising of 90 players took part in cricket: Victoria, South Australia, Majlis Ansarullah, Queensland, New South Wales and Muqami. Team Muqami won

the cricket tournament while team Victoria were runners up. The award for best fielder went to Saqib Mehmood of team Muqami, whereas the best bowler award went to Ishtiaq Ahmed of team Victoria. Zulfiqar Salahudin of team Muqami was awarded the best batsmen of the tournament. The closing ceremony was held on 29 December at 2pm at Mittigar Reserve Hassel Grove.

Almost two months of planning went into organising this event, and due to water restrictions across the state, we had limited options for availability of ground booking, but by the grace of Allah the Almighty, all came through and the event took place quite successfully. Humble prayers are requested for the organising team and Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

9

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM mosque. His reply has been received that a piece of land in London of half an acre – i.e. four and half kanal [one kanal is equal to approximately 5,445 square feet] – with a house in it, is available for purchase, but the owner is selling it for 125,000 rupees.

Chaudhry Sahib has been asked to give a detailed report. It has been written to him that instead of an already constructed house, we need a clear land where we can build a mosque and a house according to our own desire. Moreover, he has been told to find a piece of land, measuring two acres. Thus far, no reply has been received.

News has been received from the UK that a Hindu barrister has accepted Ahmadiyyat.

All praise belongs to Allah!

Babu Azizuddin Sahib has departed and he will reach the UK in 10 to 15 days, InshaAllah!

America Mufti Sahib has set off for America from London. However, the telegram of him reaching America has not been received.

Members are requested to remember him in special prayers that he may reach safely by the grace of God and the flag of Ahmadiyyat is firmly fixed in America through him.

Baghdad A telegram has been received from Baghdad that a missionary should be sent there. The Jamaat of Baghdad has collected around 800 rupees for the expenses of a missionary and they are still contributing. They express a strong demand for a missionary. Huzoor intends to dispatch a missionary over there as soon as possible.

Mauritius and Ceylon Promising news is being received from Mauritius and Ceylon. The people of Ceylon are expressing a need for a scholarly missionary, but the difficulty is that there is a shortage of manpower and the work is immense. May God pave a way for it. News has been received that the non-Ahmadis of [Mauritius] have started to publish a newspaper against the Ahmadis. It is in Tamil language and has be issued in contrast to our newspaper, Message. In Mauritius, Sufi Ghulam Muhammad Sahib BA and Obaidullah Sahib are engaged in work.

Australia We have only one man in this [Australian] subcontinent. Something about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is regularly published by him in the newspaper over there. He is continuously engaged in carrying out the work of tabligh. Members are requested to specially pray for this mission that Allah help and assist this lone man and the seed of Ahmadiyyat is sown in this vast land through him.

Afghanistan Once more, our brothers are facing some hardships in Afghanistan. Efforts are under way to eliminate these difficulties. Moreover, a suggestion has been put forward that a proper and well-organised system for tabligh should be established over there.

These recommendations are taking practical shape.

Women and world peace: British Muslim women hold 11th Peace Symposium in London Iffat Mirza Lajna Imaillah UK

Lajna Imaillah UK hosted their 11th annual Peace Symposium on 25 January at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London. The symposium, with the grace of Allah, saw over 400 women from all walks of life convene to discuss and learn about the important role women have to play in establishing lasting peace across the globe.

The event was representative of women of all and no faiths and a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds.

The aim of our Peace Symposium is to initiate the conversation of the responsibility of women in establishing peace. It has been noted in various studies and discourses, that sustainable peace can only be achieved with the involvement of women at its core. With four non-Ahmadi speakers and the keynote address delivered by Sadr Lajna UK, the event was a great success.

The evening began with a warm reception in the marquee where guests gathered and mingled, exploring the wideranging exhibitions on many departments of the Jamaat, such as The Review of Religions, the translations of the Holy Quran, as well as an exhibition on the status of women in Islam and in particular, the concept of the hijab. This also gave guests an opportunity to tour the mosque and witness its numerous beauties as well as to take part in the AlQalam project.

After the reception and tours, the guests assembled in Tahir Hall for the speeches.

The speakers included Karen Sanders, Professor of Politics and Communications at St Mary’s University in London, who was followed by Alice Coulibaly, an international programmes officer at Peace Direct, an

award-winning, international NGO. We then had the pleasure of hearing Lieutenant Commander Suzanne Lynch of the Royal Navy, and then we had Shoshana Clark, the CEO of Turquoise Mountain.

Professor Karen Sanders made some very pertinent points on the need to work on our communication skills as a prerequisite to achieving societal peace. She highlighted that coding and decoding and spoken language, body language, tone and empathy are key to communication.

Taking the trouble to learn a culture’s code shows respect and this is the basis for communication which arises from a true desire to understand and accept one another.

Alice Coulibaly described first-hand experience of women mediating between groups to resolve conflict. These are often women who are victims of conflict and have begun to lead the way. She described how, when women are involved in the peace process between two communities, the accords are longer lasting; and when women are excluded from the peace process, war often returns.

Lieutenant Commander Suzanne Lynch spoke about the unique qualities that only women can bring to peace talks. She stated that women add different values, different communication skills and different forms of empathy during times of conflict and are able to bridge divides that male colleagues are unable to. Whether protecting world food programme vessels or fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia, women can be less confrontational and can get the job done efficiently.

Also speaking from personal experience, Shoshana Clark introduced the work of the charity in rebuilding the Old City of Kabul

and saving the traditional craft industry.

Using Samira, a young Afghan woman as a case study, Shoshana demonstrated that women can drive economic growth and can be ambassadors and artisans, fomenting a sense of collective pride which is necessary to achieve lasting peace.

Finally, the keynote address was delivered

by Sadr Lajna UK, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba, who gave an insightful view into the Islamic perspective on the vital necessity of peace at all levels of society, whether governmental or domestic. She reminded all attendees that justice, opportunity, knowledge, understanding, tolerance and peace at home are all important to establish peace at a wider level. In Islam, great emphasis is laid on peace at home as the building block of all societies. Women can be the architects of peace in the home, and this is no easy task.

She narrated the beautiful hadith, “Paradise lies under the feet of your mother”, highlighting the responsibility of mothers to create peace for children. Sadr Sahiba also touched upon education as essential in establishing peace and counteracting acts of aggression. She mentioned that Islam has encouraged the acquiring of knowledge especially for women. Guests were greatly impressed to learn that the literacy rate of Ahmadi girls in developing countries is at 99 percent.

Quoting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, Sadr Lajna said: “…Islam established the rights of women and girls for the first time. At a time when women and girls were discriminated against and looked down upon, the Holy Prophetsa of Islam instructed his followers to educate and respect girls. A path to heaven was through educating and instilling moral values in girls.’’

By the immense grace of Allah the Almighty, the feedback from guests was highly positive and encouraging, with many women eager to learn more about Islam and its views, not only on peace but also on the status that women are granted.

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

10

Responding to Allegations

Who is the mujaddid of this age?

Struggling to negate the prophethood of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, his opponents present a statement which is completely devoid of context and suggests that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has admitted that there was no need for a prophet and Allah only ordained mujaddids [reformers] for his time.

The opponents have fabricated the above idea from a book of the Promised Messiahas, Nur-ul-Quran (Number I). The alleged statement falls under the heading, “First argument” with the sub-heading, “An argument from the Holy Quran about the prophethood of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.” The actual context of the subject revolves around the Holy Prophetsa being the last law-bearing prophet. The Promised Messiahas highlighted through verses of the Holy Quran that the Holy Prophetsa and the last book of God was sent for all the nations of the world. He explains from the verse of the Holy Quran: َ ‫ل ِْل َعالَم‬ ً ‫ين ن َ ِذ‬ ‫يرا‬ ِ “Warner to all the worlds” (Surah alFurqan, Ch.25: V.2), that every nation on earth had indulged in shirk [associating partners with Allah] and become corrupt.

The Holy Prophetsa came with the perfect law of God and formed a pure party of believers.

Under the same heading, the Promised Messiahas further states: “If someone asks why a prophet has not appeared in this age when it is no less in discord, unfaithfulness and immorality, then the answer to this question is that the period [of the Holy Prophetsa] had become totally devoid of tawhid [believing in the oneness of Allah] and moral uprightness.

However, this age possesses 400 million

criers of ‘La ilaha illallah’ [There is none worthy of worship except Allah]. God Almighty has not deprived this age from sending a mujaddid [reformer] as well.”

(Nurul-Quran [Number I], Ruhani Khazain Vol. 9, p. 339) It is clear from the above extract that the Promised Messiahas confuted the appearance of a law-bearing prophet after the Holy Prophetsa and on the other hand, approved the coming of a promised reformer who would revive Islam and restore the divine law; the Holy Quran.

The same manner of reasoning can be found in the Holy Quran as well. For instance, Allah Almighty states: َّ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ‫إِ ْن أ ّم َهات ُه ْم إِلا اللائِي َول َ ْدن ُه ْم‬ “Their mothers are only those who gave them birth” (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch.58: V.3).

At another place in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states: ُ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ ٰ َ ْ َ ُّ َّ ‫اج ُه أ ّم َهات ُه ْم‬ ‫الن ِبي أولى ِبالمؤ ِمنِين ِمن أنف ِس ِهم ۖ وأزو‬ “The Prophet is nearer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are as mothers to them” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.7) The Holy Quran declares the wives of the Holy Prophetsa as the mothers of the believers, even though they were not born to them. Hence, it becomes evident that the Holy Quran discusses two kinds of mothers. Surah al-Mujadalah mentions the biological mothers and Surah al-Ahzab refers to the spiritual mothers.

Similarly, the Promised Messiahas expounds on the subject of a prophet who brings a new Shariah [divine law] and annuls all the previous laws. Thereafter, he explains that after the advent of the perfect messenger, the Holy Prophetsa with a complete book, the Holy Quran, no

other law-bearing prophet can appear in this age. Finally, the Promised Messiahas states, “However, God Almighty has not deprived this age from sending a mujaddid [reformer] as well,” clarifying that the only prophet who can appear in his age is the promised reformer who would not bring any new Shariah but come to restore and revive the already present religious law of Islam.

It should be borne in mind that there are generally two types of prophets according to the Holy Quran. Firstly, those who are law-bearing, i.e. they bring a new Shariah [divine law] and secondly those who uphold and serve the prevailing religious law. Both types of prophets are explained in the Holy Quran: َ َ َ َّ َ ُّ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ٌ ُ َ ً ُ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ‫ين أ ْسل ُموا‬ ‫إِنا أنزلنا التوراة فِيها هدى َونور ۚ يحكم ِبها الن ِبيون ال ِذ‬ ُ ‫ين َه‬ َ ‫ل ِّل ِذ‬ ‫ادوا‬ “Surely We sent down the Torah wherein was guidance and light. By it did the Prophets, who were obedient to Us, judge for the Jews”(Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.45).

This verse signifies that God Almighty sent the second type of prophets towards the Israelites in the presence of the Torah who presented its right interpretation after receiving knowledge from Him and provided just explanations to resolve religious disputes between the Jews. God Almighty said, “By it [Torah] did the Prophets, who were obedient to Us, judge for the Jews” and not that they annulled the previously revealed divine law.

A renowned Muslim scholar, Sheikh Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi has attested to the two different categories of prophets, as he stated: “The prophethood that came to an end with the advent of the Holy Prophetsa was the law-bearing prophethood and not

the institution of prophethood itself. No law can now cancel the law of the Holy Prophetsa or add anything to it. This indeed is the meaning of the saying of the Holy Prophetsa, ‘La nabiyya ba‘di’ (there will be no prophet after me). This only indicates that there shall be no such prophet who shall introduce a different Shariah. But whenever there appears a prophet, he will follow my Shariah.” (Futuhat-e-Makkiyyah, Vol. 2, p.3) The great reformer of the 12th century, Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi, explaining the subject of prophethood, refers to the non-law bearing prophets as mujaddids [reformers]. He states: ‫فیبعث۔۔۔ او دین یقتضی بعث مجدد کداوود و سلیمان و جمع‬ ‫من انبیاء بنی اسرائیل علیھم السلام‬ “Or [God Almighty] sends mujaddids when there is a need to revive faith, like prophet Davidas, Solomonas and all those prophets who were sent towards Israelites [after Mosesas].” (Hujjtullah al-Baligha, Bab Haqiqatul Nubuwwah wa Khawasiha, Vol. 1, p.195) The Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas claimed to be a non-law bearing prophet of Allah Almighty who was sent to reform the religion of Islam and to resolve the religious dissentions between the Muslims.

The Promised Messiahas was also the perfect Mujaddid of the latter days and there are countless occasions where he has explained this matter. Below are some examples from his writings and sayings.

The Promised Messiahas said: “The state of this era is such that reformation is needed in every place, therefore Allah the Almighty has sent that Mujaddid who has been named the Promised Messiah and he was long awaited and all the prophets had prophesied regarding him and all the holy people before him desired to be the part of his age.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 82) On another occasion, the Promised Messiahas states: “When God Almighty, observing the condition of the world and finding the earth filled with every type of disobedience, sin and misguidance, appointed me for the propagation of the truth and the reformation of people and the time was … the end of the thirteenth and the beginning of the fourteenth century, then I – in obedience to this command – sent forth the call through written announcements and speeches that I am that person who was to come from God at the turn of the century, for the revival of faith.

“The purpose was that I should reestablish the faith which had disappeared from the earth, and pull mankind towards reformation, righteousness and truthfulness through the power and strength that God had bestowed upon me and through the magnetic power of His hand. I was also destined to correct their doctrinal errors and to reform their conduct.

“A few years thereafter, it was made quite clear to me through Divine revelation that the Messiah, whose advent among the Muslims had been promised from the beginning, and the last Mahdi whose advent had been Divinely decreed to take place at the time of the decline of Islam and the spread of error, and who was to be guided directly by God, and who was

11

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM to invite people to partake of the heavenly banquet, and whose advent had been foretold by the Holy Prophetsa thirteen hundred years in advance, was none other than myself.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 4, pp.

31-33, Tadhkirat-us-Shahadatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 3-4]) The Promised Messiahas states at another place: “God sent this messenger i.e. the perfect Mujaddid, so that He can prove in this era that in comparison to Islam, every other religion and all other teachings are worthless.” (Tiryaq-ul-Qulub, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 15, p. 266) The appearance of the Promised Messiahas as the perfect Mujaddid at the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa that at the turn of each century, Mujaddids would rise to revive the faith (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Malahim), attests to his truthfulness. The same fact has been demonstrated in the extract pointed out by the opponents.

Hence, the Promised Messiahas was not only the mujjadid of the 14th century as prophesied by earlier prophets but also the greatest Mujaddid in the capacity of the Messiah and Mahdi, owing to which he reached the station of Nubuwwat (prophethood).

Annual Peace Conference Glasgow, Scotland Arshad Mahmood Secretary Ishaat Glasgow

Glasgow Jamaat held its Annual Peace Conference on 19 January 2020. Every year, local Scottish Muslim and non-Muslim delegates are invited to the conference.

The conference was organised at Baitur Rahman mosque Glasgow and the theme was “The role of Islam Ahmadiyyat in the establishment of world peace”.

An exhibition of the Holy Quran and other books was also arranged in the mosque’s library, where guests were introduced to the books of the Jamaat.

The main event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a short introductory video to the Ahmadiyya community. Later on, Ahmad Owusu Konadu Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Glasgow welcomed the guests and spoke on the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

A video of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be His Helper, was shown in which he mentioned global disturbance, bad political and religious conditions and the devastation caused by the wars and the solutions to these problems.

The guest of honour at the conference, Tahir Selby Sahib, missionary of the North

East Region, gave his keynote address in which he mentioned that wars have destroyed world peace and have had devastating effects on human psychology.

He noted how these battles have nothing to do with religion because Islam gives a message of peace which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has made clear in his speeches.

Islam means obedience and peace, and the basic teaching is to bow down to our Creator. Only by practicing the peaceful teachings of Islam, can we play an important role in establishing an ideal society.

All the guests listened to this speech and were very impressed by the peaceful

teaching of Islam Ahmadiyyat and raised various questions on the subject which were answered by the scholars, politicians and chief of the Scottish Police in the panel.

Finally, Pastor Peter Gill was invited who attends our programs regularly. He expressed that he was very impressed with the peaceful teachings of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and especially appreciated the efforts of Huzooraa for the establishment of world peace.

The conference was attended by 90 guests, including more than 65 non-Muslim guests, who were all presented a delicious dinner.

A blessing in disguise at 32nd Jalsa Salana Uganda

Ahmadiyya’s first priorities are the worship of God and the helping of mankind … thank you very much.”

Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Ghana said: “I am amazed that the Jamaat in Uganda has the courage to organise the Jalsa with a handsome attendance. We least expected so much from the Uganda Jamaat, but luckily we have met a cloud of Ahmadis beyond my expectations and therefore, I have to say that the gratitude is to Almighty Allah and to all of you who have remained steadfast behind your amir and remained steadfast behind Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa . Ahmadi Muslims are special people … we are unique for a unique reason. At our [recent] 88th annual Jalsa Salana in Ghana, many invited guests came, some of them were Christian brethren and others non-Ahmadi Muslim brethren and in a similar manner, we had a number of politicians and traditional leaders and this year the vice president of the republic of Ghana as our special guests … each one of these gentlemen, when given the opportunity to say something, praised the Jamaat’s different moral qualities … I want to advise my brethren of Uganda …

You are the ones whom the whole of Uganda is looking forward to, so that peace reaches in every [area] of Uganda. For that purpose if we have not yet prepared ourself, we need to start now…”

The Prime Minister of the republic of Uganda, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda came as a representative of the president of Uganda HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Therefore, the prime minister’s message was the president’s message. He said: “We thank the youth of the Ahmadiyya for their efforts towards the establishment of peace and we thank you for living up to your motto, ‘Love for all, hatred for none’…”

Batte Ahmad Uganda Correspondent

The 32nd Jalsa Salana Uganda took place on 10 to 12 January 2020, at Jamiatul Mubashireen Seeta in Mukono district, 20 kilometres from the National Headquarters in Kampala. The Jalsa saw an attendance of 12,315 people, including 403 non-Ahmadi guests, of which 185 were dignitaries.

It so happened that this year, the rainy season extended its usual period of three months to nine months; sometimes raining twice or thrice a day. Nevertheless, a month before the Jalsa Salana, more than 250 youth stayed permanently at the Jalsa gah and engaged in waqar-e-amal. Sometimes they had to work during heavy rainfall.

The rain was so heavy and continuous that on 9 January, it brought everything

to a complete halt and it seemed that the success of the Jalsa was an imminent impossibility. But by the grace of God and due to continuous prayers by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and the supplications of Jamaat members, the rain stopped during the three days of Jalsa Salana. This was astonishing as it had been raining every day for nine months.

The heavy rain turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it cemented the soil and dust which usually causes problems and disturbs people during Jalsa.

This year’s Jalsa was also graced by amirs from three African countries i.e. Nur Muhammad bin Saleh Sahib of Ghana, Tahir Chaudhry Sahib of Tanzania and Tariq Mahmood Sahib of Kenya. Therefore each and every session was chaired by an amir. Under the theme “I shall cause thy

message to reach the corners of the earth”, many speeches were delivered by scholars.

Among them, topics included “Nearness to Allah” by Muhammad Ali Kaire Sahib, Amir and Missionary in-Charge Uganda and many other spiritually enhancing lectures.

Mr Taligola Emmanuel from Buyende district said: “It is a big honour to be here with you and I am very happy for being invited …

‘Love for all, hatred for none’ is the reason as to why I am here … I thank the government of Uganda and the President of Uganda to bring about the freedom of worship … Again I want to thank the leadership of Ahmadiyyat, for what they have done for us in Buyende district like teaching our children, providing water and schools without bringing religious difference …

I have seen it and we can see it all that

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

12 Continued from page 2

February 1949: Bashir Ahmad Orchard Sahib founded the Jamaat mission in Glasgow.

February 1950: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud prescribed a detailed modus operandi for respective departments of Tahrik-e-Jadid in order to further strengthen its output. ra

February 1950: The Jamaat in Indonesia convened its Jalsa Salana.

February 1951: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya established its chapter in Jakarta, Indonesia. Very soon, this chapter started to publish its own Khuddam magazine.

February 1951: Geoffrey Francis Fisher was an English Anglican priest and 99th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 1945 to 1961. He was invited for a debate by the Jamaat mission in Sierra Leone.

February 1952: The Jamaat in Germany established its second chapter in Nuremberg, the first being in Hamburg. This new city had only three devout members during its early days. Later, a passionate native German convert named Mr Umar was appointed in Nuremberg as the honourary missionary to serve the Jamaat.

February 1953: A new portfolio of Tahrik-e-Jadid was introduced to the departments of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya for the first time.

February 1954: Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya decided to begin its annual calendar from 1 November. Previously it had been from 1 February.

February 1939: The Fazl Mosque in London arranged a reception in honour of Saudi Prince Faisal and other dignitaries from the Arab world. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wired a special message to be conveyed on this occasion, through which he assured them of his continuous and relentless support for the Arab cause.

February 1939: Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh became president of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

February 1941: Hazrat Mian Shamsuddin Sodagarra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1906.

February 1942: Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Akhtarra passed away. He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

February 1945: The Punjab Hajj Committee added Maulvi Farzand Ali Sahib as its member representing Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Qadian.

February 1945: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra established a new department to record and publish the sermons and speeches of the Khalifa. It was named Shoba Zud Navisi. Maulana Muhammad Yaqub Tahir Sahib was appointed as its supervisor.

February 1945: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra formulated a new forum of “Religion and Science” in Talim-ul-Islam College. This forum was to aid in developing a platform to carry out extensive research and prepare logical and academic rebuttals to allegations levelled against Islam.

February 1945: An Ahmadi, Maulvi Abdul Qadir Danish Dehlavi Sahib availed the opportunity to have an audience with the pope in Italy where he told him about the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

February 1946: Gurdawara Sahib Kalan in Babha state invited an Ahmadi scholar, Giani Wahid Hussain Sahib to its meeting and asked him to deliver a speech.

February 1946: Provincial elections were held in British India in January 1946 to elect members of the legislative councils of British Indian provinces. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed Jamaat members to support and vote for the Muslim League. Poll results emerged in Punjab, where the Muslim League gained seats in 32 constituencies out of 33. Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Siyal was elected as the independent candidate for the Batala seat. As his victory was announced, he chose to join the Muslim League to strengthen the political voice of Muslims in India.

February 1956: A devout Ahmadi in Afghanistan, Daud Jan Sahib was martyred after being shot. He was only 30 years old.

February 1956: A missionary in America, Khalil Ahmad Nasir Sahib toured the country and covered around 2,000 miles to meet Jamaat members.

February 1959: A delegation of Christian priests landed in Sierra Leone and widely publicised that they could heal people with the power of their faith. The Jamaat’s missionary there challenged their claims to which the priests remained silent.

1 February 1924: Hazrat Syed Fazl Shahra passed away.

He was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

1 February 1926: Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shah Sahibra announced the fifth nikah of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

This marriage was with Hazrat Aziza Begum, daughter of Hazrat Seith Abu Bakr Yousaf of Jeddah.

1 February 1943: Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Hasan Peshawarira passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas took Bai‘at in 1890. He was the father-in-law of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra.

1 February 1945: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra elected 22 young missionaries to be sent to foreign lands for the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Simultaneously, Huzoorra also selected a further nine missionaries to pursue advance studies in their respective academic fields.

1 February 1949: A map of Rabwah was sketched for future town planning.

1 February 1949: Mian Ghulam Yasin Sahib was martyred in Kashmir.

1 February 1953: An Ahmadi’s burial process was hindered in Sargodha owing to the severe agitation against Jamaat members.

2 February 1923: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra launched an appeal for a mosque to be built in Berlin with the sole donations of female members of the Jamaat. The ladies showed great zeal and enthusiasm towards this call and 100,000 rupees were collected.

2 February 1926: Family members of Hazrat Shahzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra had braved long episodes of torment at the hands of Afghan rulers. On this date, this family migrated to Sarai-e-Naurang in the Banu district.

2 February 1949: Roshan Din Sahib reached Muscat to establish a Jamaat mission there. Only a few members

were present in Muscat at the time.

2 February 1951: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave a strong message for Jamaat members, saying that they must offer Tahajud prayers, stick to a 40-day prayer schedule and observe seven voluntary fasts. This, he said, was so that they could attain a divine shield against the harmful ill-wishes of the opponents. The 40 days of prayer was set between 16 February to 27 March. Seven voluntary fasts were observed between 19 February to 12 April, every Monday.

3 February 1931: Hazrat Maulvi Rahmat Ali established a mission in Java.

3 February 1939: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra commenced a series of sermons detailing the modus operandi of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. This constitution was completed by 17 March.

3 February 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graciously sent eight pages of Haqiqatul Wahi from the original handwritten manuscript of the Promised Messiahas to the Jamaat members in Indonesia as tabaruk. The vice president of Indonesia Jamaat had visited the Markaz in Qadian for a month. Upon his departure, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra showed this generosity as a token of his love and affection towards the loyal and devout members of the Jamaat in a far distant land. Along with the original manuscripts, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra himself penned a letter for the Jamaat members in Indonesia.

4 February 1965: The Qadian Jamaat arranged a tea party in honour of distinguished guests and friends of the Jamaat belonging to other faiths.

5 February 1925: In Kabul, Maulvi Abdul Haleem Sahib and Qari Nur Ali Sahib were martyred through stoning.

It was 11 Rajab 1343 on the Hijri calendar. When this gruesome and brutal atrocity was conveyed to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, he rushed to Baitul Dua at once and prayed fervently for the guidance of the Afghan nation and government. Later, Huzoorra emphasised the importance of patience and trust on Allah.

5 February 1932: The North Western Province of the Indian subcontinent witnessed a wave of violence and oppression against its Muslim inhabitants. To highlight this aggression, the All India Muslim Conference decided to observe a Yaum-e-Sarhad. This day was also marked in Qadian where peaceful protests were arranged to draw the attention of concerned authorities.

5 February 1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra launched an appeal to collect donations for the Muslims of Kashmir.

5 February 1943: A delegation of Turkish journalists in Lahore commented by saying that there is no need for regular daily prayers when someone is travelling.

Moreover, this group stated that they are Turkish first and Muslims second. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra closely reviewed these comments while delivering his Friday Sermon on this date.

5 February 1943: Majlis Ansarullah Qadian commenced its plan on spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

6 February 1938: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra spoke to a gathering organised by the Ahmadiyya Intercollegiate Association.

6 February 1941: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya convened its annual Ijtema which continued for two days. This was the first Ijtema that took place outside of the Jalsa Salana dates. During this Ijtema, the institution of Majlis-e-Shura was set up. Several interkhuddam physical and educational competitions were also added to the programme of the Ijtema.

6 February 1943: A delegation comprising of some central missionaries conducted a detailed tour of Uttar Pradesh, lasting until 12 February.

6 February 1952: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation stone of the new office of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Markazia in Rabwah.

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Hadith in Commentary

The Holy Prophet: Cupping and Migraines

Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra

َ​َ ُ ّ ُ َ ُ ّٰ ّ ّٰ َ ّٰ َ ‫ع ْبد الل ِه َابْ َن بحَ ْي َنة ْيحَ ِدث أ ّن َر ُسول َالل ِه صلى الله عليه‬ َ ّ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ ٌ ‫يق‬ ِ ‫وسلم احتجم وسط رأ ِس ِه وه َّو َمح ِرم بِلح ِى جم ٍل ِمن ط ِر‬ َ ‫مكة‬

“Hazrat Abdullah bin Buhaynah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was treated by means of cupping in the middle of his head, when he was in Ihram, in Lahya Jamal, on the road to Mecca.” (Sunan al-Nasai) Referring to the above-mentioned hadith, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaq, may Allah pleased with him, said the following:

It is established from the ahadith and history that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was experiencing a migraine [when he had his head cupped at this instance].

Migraine is characterised by pain in only one part or half of the head and can develop as soon as the sun rises, lasting for days. When one experiences severe migraines, they cannot even open their eyes and begin to feel lethargic and drowsy. If, during migraine, the [head is cupped] and some blood is taken out, then relief usually follows.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, may Allah

be pleased with him, once told us a remedy for treating migraines. He advised that upon waking, before eating anything, to mix a little cow’s milk with some butter in the palm of the hand. Then he said to inhale the mixture through one’s nose like snuff. After a little while, Insha-Allah, relief would follow.

I have used this remedy on many occasions and have found it extremely beneficial and effective. The first time I heard this remedy from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, I applied it on a very sincere companion of the Promised Messiahas, who was experiencing a migraine.

Cupping was very common and prevalent in Arab culture and still is today. As most Arab countries undergo extreme heat during summer, the temperature of blood within people also rises to very severe levels. If they do not take some blood out [through cupping], there could be danger of possible brain damage.

(Originally published in Al Fazl on 22 Febuary 1940 in the form of notes taken by Mahmood Ahmad Khalil Sahib from the lectures on hadith by Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra, a scholar of hadith and brother-in-law of the Promised Messiahas)

New Year receptions in Belgium throughout January Mohammad Arsalan Belgium Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium had the opportunity to host New Year receptions across different parts of Belgium. The purpose of the receptions was to convey the true teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat to locals.

On 11 January 2020, a reception was held in Lier that was attended by political and other dignitaries. The programme started at 4pm. During the first 30 minutes, guests were given a tour of the Holy Quran and Islam exhibitions.

After recitation of the Holy Quran, a welcome address was presented to the guests

by Dr Idrees Ahmad Sahib, Amir Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Belgium. He wished everyone a happy new year and expressed good wishes for the upcoming year.

The first speech was given by regional Missionary and Sadr Khuddam-ul-

Ahmadiyya, Tauseef Ahmed Sahib on “The Introduction of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and how to establish true justice and peace in the world”.

The second speech was delivered by Behzad Iqbal Sahib on “A man of peace”.

Another speech was delivered by our guest speaker Mr Ivo Anderies, representative of the Mayor of Lier, in which he appreciated the Jamaat’s work and conveyed good wishes.

At the end of the programme, the guests were shown a documentary about the Jamaat which was followed by dinner. .

The total attendance was 107 nonAhmadi guests and, with the grace of Allah the Almighty, one guest named Mr Michael was so impressed by the presentations and speeches that he accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat as the truth and took Bai‘at. Mr Michael expressed that he was looking for the right path for some time, and now he had found

it. He really appreciated the Jamaat’s work and was moved by the efforts of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

On 17 January 2020, a reception was held in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by two speeches. An introduction to Islam Ahmadiyyat was the first speech and the second was about solutions offered by the Jamaat to world problems. Following this, a documentary was shown about the activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Belgium. Next, Mr Marc Leroi, Priest of the Basilica Church expressed his thoughts about the event. Silent prayer and a dinner marked the end of the event. A total of 43 non-Ahmadi guests attended.

On 18 January 2020, three receptions were held in Turnhout, Dilbeek and Eupen.

After a tour of the Holy Quran and Islam exhibitions, the formal sessions started with

the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the translation in the local language.

Thereafter, speeches were delivered by missionaries of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium on various topics. A documentary were also shown about the activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Many politicians who attended spoke positivley about the Jamaat activities.

At the end of each event, a group of young Atfal recited the national anthem, something that was very much appreciated by the guests.

The event in Turnhout was presided

by Dr Idrees Ahmad Sahib, Amir Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Belgium. The reception in Eupen was presided by Missionary-inCharge, Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib, while Asad Majeeb Sahib, General Secretary of Jamaat Belgium presided the reception in Dilbeek. 123 non-ahmadi guests attended the reception in Turnhout, 32 in Eupen and 33 in Dilbeek.

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

14

A story of devotion: Hazrat Munshi Muhammad Arore Khanra “You will be with me in this life and the hereafter”

Qamar Ahmad Zafar Missionary, UK

Imagine being tasked with finding a grain of sugar in a jar of salt. When it comes to finding people such as Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra and examples similar to their level of love and devotion, people are equally hard to unearth from the pages of history.

Born in 1847, a time when India was governed by the British and the industrial revolution was booming, he grew up fixing and constructing tents with his father for the village folk who lived a modest life.

However, this all changed upon the sudden demise of his father. He was left alone to anchor the responsibility of supporting his family. So he started working in the courts of law and this would be his place of work and source of income for years to come, slowly progressing, from rank to rank, until he would become a widely renowned district tax collector.

He was so successful in what he did that the he was given the title of Khan Bahadur, a title given to those in the era of British Rule who benefitted the wider public throughout their lives. However, earning worldly treasures and ranks was never his end goal. In fact, the part of his life that really deserves recognition was to follow.

Hazrat Munshi Muhammad Arore Khanra belonged to a devout community of Companionsra from Kapurthala.

The sacrifices and devotion of three companions, Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra, Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra and Hazrat Munshi Muhammad Khanra, who belonged to this village, stood out specifically and led them to be famously known as “The Friends of Kapurthala”, a term given to them by the Promised Messiahas. It was these three friends who, seemingly fitting the “three wise men”, journeyed to Qadian together in search of the Promised Messiah of the age.

Although they would continue this journey to reach Qadian and become convinced that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas truly was the Messiah through his writings, Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra had already been a believer of this truth before. It was initially in Batala that he first met the Promised Messiahas.

The opponents of the Promised Messiahas had demanded him for a sign from Allah Almighty Himself. They said that they would write something in a concealed book and that he should ask Allah Almighty to tell him what the concealed message was. The Promised Messiahas immediately accepted the challenge on the condition that the opponents would accept him if he

told them the concealed message. The opponents declined this prerequisite, however the Promised Messiahas had won over another pure heart – the heart of Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra – for he had never seen a man so courageous that would happily ask Allah for a living sign on demand. This must have meant that he truly had communion with Allah! This, for him, was enough proof that he was the awaited Messiah and Mahdi of the age.

From this incident, it is clear that Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra was one of the very few companions who was acquainted with the Promised Messiahas even before his claim to Messiahship. He was lovingly known as “Munshi Rora Sahib” by his beloved Masteras. He was also among the first 40 to have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas in the small house of Hazrat Sufi Ahmad Jan in 1889. In fact, the Promised Messiah especially invited these “Friends of Kapurthala” to attend this historic occasion.

After pledging allegiance, Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra became a sincere disciple of the Promised Messiahas, his passion and love for his master was such that whenever he had the opportunity, be it for only a few minutes, he would travel to Qadian to catch a glimpse of the Promised Messiahas.

On one such instance, he arrived in Qadian and immediately went to meet the Promised Messiahas. After greeting him with the blessings of peace, Munshi Sahib immediately left to go back upon which his Masteras enquired: “Munshi Ji! Why such a hurry?” Munshi Sahibra replied that the small greeting was all he had time for. Perhaps he had taken time off work or had found an hour or two in between responsibilities and had decided that he would spend it in Qadian. This passion and zeal earnt him the privilege to have travelled with the Promised Messiahas far and wide.

Not only did Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra witness many signs (he was included as an official witness of the prophecy regarding Abdullah Atham and the Court Case of Martin Clarke [Nuzulul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp.

544-576)] testifying to the truthfulness of the Messiahas on these journeys, he himself had become a testimony too! A grand sign signifying the advent of the Promised Messiahas foretold in the ahadith (Jawahirul-Israr) was that he would come baring a book, inscribed in this book would be 313 of his companions, equal to those who fought the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Munshi Muhammad Arore Khanra was among these foretold men, numbering at seven on the list. (Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 11, p. 325)

Reading about the life of this devout and noble companion of the Messiah and Mahdias of the age, awaited by the Muslims, makes it extremely hard for me to pick instances which I should include in this article and I feel that a book, rather than an article, would only suffice to do justice to the lessons that we can all learn from this holy man of Allah.

One instance that truly stands out for me above the rest is a journey on a horsecart, which truly captures not only his love for the Promised Messiahas, but also the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas and his connection with Allah Almighty.

It was an extremely hot day, even more so than the normal high temperatures of Qadian. The three friends of Kapurthala had spent some time in Qadian and after meeting the Promised Messiahas, they decided to ask for permission to return to Kapurthala. The Promised Messiahas granted them permission and Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra asked the Promised Messiahas to pray that they become submerged in water head to toe during the journey, due to the hot weather. The Promised Messiahas replied “Allah is capable of this”. However, the other two friends were not so keen on being submerged in water completely and politely asked that the Promised Messiahas did not pray for them to be submerged in water.

The journey began and the three friends boarded the horse-cart to return home. As they left the village, riding away from the huts of the village folk towards the sketchy roads through the forest, the skies turned grey and the clouds had covered what was, until then, a completely clear, blue sky. The rain started pouring down and as the journey thickened into a winding and uneven road, pitted with potholes, the horse-cart took an unexpected bash and lopsided into the ground! Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra and Hazrat Munshi Muhammad Khanra jumped off the cart well in time, however, Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra who was the larger of them, was sent flying into a ditch full of water on the side. The rain had already covered the heads of the companions, but the one who had asked for prayers to be covered in water “from head to toe” was now literally lying on the ground submerged in water! He could not contain his laughter, for the joy of being relieved from the scorching heat was one matter, but seeing the acceptance of his master’s prayers and love for him was something that even his laughter could not encompass.

Personally, this teaches me that on the one hand, we should be careful what we pray for, but on the other hand, it

illustrates that one can only increase in love and faith of the Messiahas if they come and visit him personally. This is posible even today, with the divine blessing of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. All praise belongs to Allah!

Another incident that strikes me from the life of Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra is of one which illustrates his selflessness and determination to sacrifice everything for the sake of his master. Today, £1 may be hard to acquire, but in the 19th century, one pound in India was worth around £120 and just £4 could earn somebody a brand-new car!

We already know that Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra started off life as a tent constructor and then went into the courts to become a clerk. However, many years later, he was standing at the door of his Master’s son, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, holding a pouch of gold coins. Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Mahmud Ahmadra enquired as to why Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra had brought these coins with him. Upon being asked this, Munshi Sahibra began to cry fervently.

He explained that although he may have had little source of income, but when he saw the wealthy people donating gold pounds to the Promised Messiahas, he too desired to do the same but could not do so due to his financial condition at the time.

So, he explained, during his life he gathered every single penny that he could find. He would save by walking long distances, rather than taking a train and he would strive to live the simplest of lives.

Over the years, he managed to save up a few gold coins and had decided to hand them to the Promised Messiahas. However, when he had willed to do this, he learnt that the Promised Messiahas had passed

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM away. It was at this point that Munshi Sahibra, whilst narrating this to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, began to cry again uncontrollably. He carried on saying that since his Master, the Promised Messiahas had left this world, these coins were for his son and his successor.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra states that although the years had passed and many wealthy people did not even give a tenth or a hundredth of this amount, this humble and meek man, who already had very little income, had managed to gather so much wealth in love for the Promised Messiahas.

This relationship of love was not just one-sided. In fact, the Promised Messiahas had such affection for this loyal companion that on one occasion, the Promised Messiahas was about to leave for a journey, when he learnt that Munshi Arore Khanra needed to visit his daughter.

Rather than taking the horse-cart himself, the Promised Messiahas ordered Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra to take the horsecart and the Promised Messiahas walked.

This connection of love was so intense that the Promised Messiahas addressed Munshi Sahibra saying, “You will be with me in this life and the Hereafter.”

The Promised Messiahas loved Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra so much that he even wrote about him in his book Izala-eAuham, saying: “Devout in the love of Allah, Munshi Arore Khan, scribe to the magistrate.

Munshi Sahib bears the spirit of determination, loyalty and willpower.

He is the lover of truth and recognises the truth very quickly. He actively fulfils his responsibilities. In fact, his entire day and night is spent in striving to be of some service. He has a unique spirit of openheartedness and sacrifice. I feel that he has a loving connection with this humble one. He feels no greater joy than being of service through the means of his determination, wealth and every particle of his body. He is a man who is wholeheartedly loyal and always treads on the right path. May Allah reward him greatly. Amin.” (Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p.

532) The Promised Messiahas has, many a time, professed his love for this noble companion declaring: “I wholeheartedly love you [Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib] and Munshi Arore Sahib and the other friends of Kapurthala.” (Rufaqa-e-Ahmad, Vol. 4, p.

236) Hazrat Munshi Arore Khanra was immensely immersed in the love of the Promised Messiahas. He never let an opportunity to meet the Promised Messiahas go to waste and his financial sacrifices for the community are an example for us all to lead by.

May Allah enable us all to adopt the high moral and spiritual traits of this magnificent servant of Islam and may we too recognise the privilege of being blessed with Khilafat. Amin.

Preaching Islam to 50,000 in New Delhi, India Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh India, Nepal and Bhutan

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya New Delhi, India had the opportunity to spread the beautiful and peaceful teachings of Islam by participating in the International Book Fair held in New Delhi on 4 to 12 January 2020.

This book fair was organised by the National Book Trust of India. By the grace of Allah and with the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, hundreds of publishers and booksellers, from 23 countries, had set up book exhibitions.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya New Delhi also participated and presented translations of the Holy Quran, along with various other Jamaat books.

Banners consisting of Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa sayings on the topic of world peace were also displayed. Moreover, a documentary was played about the efforts of Huzooraa for the establishment of world peace, this caught the attention of many attendees.

More than 50,000 people visited our stall and more than 2,000 people asked various questions about Islam Ahmadiyyat. Most of the people were well educated and students of different colleges and universities. Various

politicians, government officers, religious leaders and professors also visited this stall and were moved by the efforts of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and expressed their best wishes.

Those visitors who were interested in Islamic teachings, were presented free Jamaat literature as a gift, which included the Holy Quran, Life of Muhammadsa, World

Women’s shelter reopened in Bulgaria by local Ahmadis and Humanity First Jawad-uddin Uffan Bulgaria Correspondent

Asad Hameed Sahib, Mohtamim Ishaat Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria reports that after 620 hours and six weeks of voluntary work, the youth of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Bulgaria in association with Humanity First Germany held a reopening of the newly refurbished “Mother and Baby Care Unit” at the “Complex for Social Services for Children and Families Plovdiv”. This care unit is situated in the city of Plovdiv which is the second largest city of Bulgaria and voted as 2019’s European Capital of Culture.

The shelter was in an uninhabitable state and needed urgent attention. 19 Ahmadis and a non-Ahmadi, who are mostly medical and dental students at the Medical University of Plovdiv took the initiative and volunteered to help refurbish the Building. They worked tirelessly day and night, collectively volunteering over 620 hours and a period of at least six weeks.

The women and the staff at the complex were also ready to help whenever needed.

The work lasted from 3 November 2019 to 17 December 2019 and included the removal

of old furniture, cleaning of the floors, sandpapering walls and taping the whole floor in preparation for painting. Cracks in the walls were repaired before applying the primer and 2-3 layers of paint were used, covering over 1200 square metres surface area. The furniture was bought, collected from the store, transported and unloaded at the shelter after which it was assembled by the volunteers.

Every bedroom was provided with new bedding, both for the mother and baby, a wardrobe and shelving unit. Other rooms were also equipped with new furniture.

Wall decorations, including hand paintings and wall stickers, were also prepared by some lajna members in the bedrooms, kitchen, hallway, staircase and in the living room – giving the unit a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

Some of the khuddam who are 6th year

Crisis and the Pathway to Peace and The Economic System of Islam.

During the book fair, more than 7,000 leaflets were also distributed, which covered the peaceful teachings of Islam and the addresses and sayings of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for the establishment of world Peace.

medical students also held a presentation on public health and safety to help increase awareness of the medical aspects of hygiene to the residents and staff. A khadim who is a dental student also provided free dental consultations to the mothers at the modern facilities within the University under supervision. All voluntary work saved over 14,500 levs (£6,300) worth of labour work!

At the reopening ceremony, numerous guests including Emiliya Petrova (Manager of the Mother and Baby Care Unit), Prof Dr Ivan Ivanov (Vice Rector of the Medical University Plovdiv and Senior Professor at the Department of Paediatrics) and Zubair Khalil Khan Sahib (Director of Projects for South Eastern European countries of Humanity First Germany) attended and delivered speeches on the valuable work carried out by the volunteers and the importance of working together for the sake of Humanity. A missionary, JawadUddin Uffan Sahib who led this project, was actively involved in the work and received a special prize from Veselina Boteva (Director of Department of Social Policy) for his contribution as well as all the volunteers.

The volunteers were organised and managed by both Sadr Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, Hasseeb Ahmad Sahib and Mohtamim Muqami, Fahad Nawaz Sahib.

Humanity First presented a shield of appreciation to the distinguished guests.

After the ceremony, Zubair Khalil Khan Sahib along with Neda Petrova (Director for Social Services for Children and Families) visited the facilities.

The residents and staff of the Mother and Baby Care Unit expressed their greatest gratitude and were extremely happy and overjoyed with the new changes.

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon Financial Sacrifice – Waqf-e-Jadid 2020 3 January 2020 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In his magnum opus, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, the Promised Messiahas has mentioned eight means of finding and recognising God Almighty and strengthening one’s faith in Him. The attainment of these means are also necessary to fulfil the purpose of man’s creation.

In reference to what I shall speak about today, I will mention one of these means in an excerpt of the Promised Messiahas which he has explained as the fifth means [to attain the aforementioned]. He states: “The fifth means of achieving the purpose of life appointed by God Almighty, is striving in His cause; that is to say, we should seek God by spending our wealth in His cause, and by employing all our faculties in furthering His cause, and by laying down our lives in His cause and by employing our reason in His cause; as it is said: ُ ُ َْ ُ َ ّٰ ‫َجا ِہ ُد ْوا ِبا ْموَال ِک ْم َوانف ِسک ْم فِ ْی َس ِب ْی ِل الل ِہ‬ َْٰ َ ْ ُ ‫َو ِم ّما َرزقن ُہ ْم یُن ِفقوْ َن‬ َ​َ ُ ُ ْ ُ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ ‫وال ِذین جاہدوا فِینا لنہ ِدینہم سبلنا‬ “Strive in His way with your wealth and your lives and with all your faculties”.

(Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.41), “Whatever We have bestowed upon you of intelligence and knowledge and understanding and art, employ it in Our cause.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.4) “We surely guide along Our ways those who strive after Us.” (Surah alAnkabut, Ch.29: V.70) (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, pp. 418-419) Then, mentioning one of the ways in which one can attain the love of God Almighty, the Promised Messiahas stated on one occasion: “It is not possible for you to love wealth as well as to love Allah. You can love only one of the two. Fortunate is he who loves Allah. If any of you loves Him and spends his wealth in His cause, I am certain that his wealth will increase more than that of others, for wealth does not come by itself, rather it comes by Allah’s will. Whoever

parts with some of his wealth for the sake of Allah, will surely get it back. But he who loves his wealth and does not serve in the way of Allah as he ought to, will surely lose his wealth.” (Majmua Ishtiharat, Vol. 3, p. 497) The Promised Messiahas further states: “It should be so that every member, every individual of our Community pledges that they shall [regularly] offer a certain amount of Chanda. Whosoever makes this pledge for the sake of Allah the Exalted, Allah will in turn bless his wealth.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 41) The Promised Messiahas has explained that at times, people are unaware or they are new to the Jamaat, or they are negligent; or even if they are not negligent, they sometimes are unmindful with regard to offering financial sacrifice.

Therefore, it is our duty to teach them and advise them that if they have forged a true bond then they ought to make a sincere pledge to Allah the Almighty that they will certainly contribute towards Chanda.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, there are hundreds of thousands of such sincere members who, when they are reminded about the importance of Chanda, strive to increase in financial sacrifices in order to gain the love of Allah the Almighty. This is also the reason why I have been reminding the administration

of the Jamaat for many years that they ought to include new converts in the system of financial sacrifices.

It has also been observed that the affluent people, both here and in other countries, pay Chanda on behalf of their poorer relatives; at times, the administration in Africa and similarly in other developing countries ask the more affluent members to pay on the behalf of their poorer relatives. Indeed, this is an act of virtue, however, those people should also participate themselves according to their capacities, even if they are poor.

The purpose of this is not to merely collect wealth, rather it is to offer sacrifices for the religion of God Almighty in order to acquire His love. Hence, wherever the administration of the Jamaat collects the Chanda in this manner, i.e. by encouraging people to pay Chanda on behalf of others and record the person’s name, it is incorrect. At times, such issues are also brought to my attention.

Nevertheless, I have generally observed in light of reports that are received that the accounts from the less affluent members are significantly more. They have a greater sense of realisation that they have to offer financial sacrifices. Furthermore, many a time, I present the accounts of their sacrifices in my sermons. One is astonished by the level of their sacrifice.

If a person is affluent and has a lot of wealth, it would not be an extraordinary achievement for them if they were to sacrifice some of their wealth. However, if a person faces difficult and straitened circumstances, yet makes financial sacrifices in the cause of the religion of God Almighty in order to acquire His love then this is the true spirit of sacrifice, which then becomes a means of gaining the nearness of Allah the Almighty. Such examples were also witnessed during the time of the Promised Messiahas.

Once, the Promised Messiahas was in need of some funds in order to publish some books. A member of the Jamaat was informed of this need and was told to encourage the members of his local Jamaat to help raise funds. However, instead of urging the members, he personally contributed to fulfil the need, despite his straitened financial circumstances.

Moreover, he gave the impression as if this fund was raised by the people of his local Jamaat. The Promised Messiahas was also unaware of this personal sacrifice of his and it only came to light when the Promised Messiahas expressed his gratitude to another member of the same local Jamaat by saying that their Jamaat had helped right at the hour of need. When it became apparent that this sacrifice was made by a single individual, the other members of the Jamaat were upset as to why they were not given the opportunity to render this service.

The person who offered this contribution was Munshi Zafar Ahmad Sahibra, who sold the jewellery of his wife on that occasion and provided this amount. Thus, his wife also partook in this sacrifice as well. Munshi Arore Sahibra was a friend of Munshi Zafar Sahibra and was a member of the same Jamaat. When Munshi Arore Sahibra learnt about this sacrifice through the Promised Messiahas, he remained upset with Munshi Zafar Sahibra for several months as to why he did not inform him and instead personally

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Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM provided the funds. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, Vol. 4, pp. 97-98) Thus, Allah the Almighty blessed the Promised Messiahas with such individuals, who were ready to make every sacrifice in order to acquire the love of God. This is the example, which the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa established and which the followers of the Promised Messiahas have adopted in this era. This is not limited to that time alone, in fact this practise still continues today. We observe how people make financial sacrifices for various initiatives, and they do so by placing themselves in difficulties. We also witness that how Allah the Almighty, Who does not remain indebted to anyone, blesses them in return.

I will now mention and present some incidents and examples before you. As the New Year for Waqf-e-Jadid will be announced today, these incidents will generally be in relation to Waqf-e-Jadid.

A local missionary in the Gambia, Kebba Jallow Sahib, narrates an incident, which highlights the treatment of Allah the Almighty towards His servants and to those who offer sacrifices. He says that a new Ahmadi, Abdullie Jawo Sahib, who belonged to a local village, would grow corn and ground nut but for the last few years, the harvest was not very fruitful.

This year, he sold the seeds for the ground nut and completed his Chanda for Waqfe-Jadid, which was approximately 700 dalasi, so that Allah the Exalted would bless his farming and crops. He says that as a result of this financial sacrifice, Allah the Almighty blessed his crops to such an extent that he profited three times as much as the previous year. Hence, after harvesting his crops, he contributed one thousand dalasi towards Waqf-e-Jadid.

Then, there is a member, Uthman Sahib, who lives in a village in the north of the Gambia. He says that in the previous year, he had promised to contribute a bucket of corn towards Waqf-e-Jadid.

(An affluent person, who has hundreds of thousands of pounds may contribute one thousand dollars, or one thousand pounds or even five thousand pounds, but this is not a significant sacrifice for such a person. In the eyes of those who dwell in cities and Europe may not consider a bucket of corn to be a significant sacrifice, but for them these means of provisions and farming are a great sacrifice on their part.) He promised to contribute one bucket of corn, which one may be able to acquire here for five or six pounds. He says that even though the harvest was very little in the previous year and only twelve sacks were harvested and the expenditures of the home were being borne with great difficulty, he still managed to fulfil his promise. He says that as a result of this sacrifice, he harvested 30 sacks of corn this year and he harvested another 15 sacks from another crop. Hence, even a small amount given with sincerity is accepted by Allah the Almighty in such a manner that He returns it manifold and this subsequently becomes a means for them to gain the nearness of Allah the Almighty and to strengthen their faith in Him.

There is another example in which one can witness the favours of Allah Almighty.

A Muallim in Cameroon says: “When Ahmado Sahib, a new convert from a village called Digoee, was informed about the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme, he offered to give two buckets of corn.”

People are always ready to offer every form of sacrifice. “Ahmado Sahib informed me that his farm was not producing enough yield and he was unable to maintain it due to a lack of funds. The government was willing to provide support, but he would have to first deposit funds to the government and only then would the government invest. Ahmado Sahib states, ‘I did not have enough money to make deposit payment. My name was on the list, but I was not going to receive any [support] as I was unable to deposit the initial amount.’” The mualim said to him, “You should start offering Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayers and pray to Allah the Almighty to grant His blessings.” The mualim then said, “A few days ago he visited me and said, ‘God Almighty has accepted our prayers. I did not have to deposit any payment to the relevant department of the Government, yet they provided me with a water pump machine for the farm along with 500,000 CFA Francs for planting seeds.’ Thus he began working very hard on his farm, and he thought that because of this, his farm will produce a good harvest. He stated, ‘God Almighty accepted my meagre sacrifice and in return, He bestowed His favours upon me.’ As a result, he doubled his donation for Waqf-e-Jadid.”

Nur Khair Sahib, a missionary from Indonesia, states: “There is a couple who live a very simple life; however, they offer donations regularly. They separate the appropriate donation amount from their earnings and store it away in a box, and they present their donation to the missionary who visits their area.” They live in a far-off island. “Once, no missionary was able to visit their area for more than a year.

Despite this, they continued to regularly set aside an amount for their Chanda donations. After a year, when one of the missionaries visited them, they offered a large amount of contribution, which they had set aside in that box. They said to the missionary, ‘We have attained great profit this time and as a result, our belief in the blessings of offering financial sacrifices has strengthened further. We too have now witnessed this. Once, someone deceived us in giving money. We wanted to find out what caused this, and after some reflection, we understood the reason for that loss was that we had not offered our Chanda as we should have.’

Thereafter, they started to set money aside in that box for donation. They took care of this matter with immense caution and ensured that the donation amount was correctly calculated from their income.

They stated, ‘We are not truly content until our donation amount has been put aside.’” This is another example of how Allah the Almighty uses different ways of reforming certain individuals through their losses. As a result, this strengthens

them in their faith.

Bashiruddin Sahib, a missionary from Indonesia, writes: “A member contributed 500,000 Indonesian rupees towards Waqf-e-Jadid.”

The value of the Indonesian currency is very low, however for them it is a significant contribution. “After a few days, someone sold their land to him, which he purchased for 15 million Indonesian rupees. However, just a few weeks later, someone else purchased this land from him for 50 million Indonesian rupees.” He bought the land for 15 million rupees and after a few weeks, someone bought this land from him for 50 million rupees. He further writes, “It is his belief that for him to earn a profit of 35 million Indonesian rupees in a short span of a few weeks was only due to the blessings of contributing towards Waqf-e-Jadid donation.” A worldly person may consider this to be a result of their business acumen and would say that this was owing to his intelligence that he managed this transaction and gained a profit of 35 million [rupees].

However, those who wish to attain the love and affection of Allah the Almighty, those who offer sacrifices for His sake, it is only they who will think that since they donated Chanda for the sake of God Almighty, He returned it manifold.”

There is another faith-inspiring incident from Indonesia. Masoom Sahib, who is a missionary there, writes: “An Ahmadi migrated to the island of Solah Beesi for employment. In the beginning, he faced challenging circumstances to the extent that he did not even have a place to live. So he had to be accommodated in the mission house.

Later on, he began a small business of selling fish. He worked very hard and even though his earning were very low, he did not hesitate in offering financial sacrifices. After some time had passed, his circumstances changed for the better.

Currently, his contributions to the Waqfe-Jadid scheme is the highest in his area, and he is also a Moosi. According to him, all of this is as a result of his financial sacrifices.”

Abdur Rahman Sahib from the Gambia states that he was facing a lot of difficulty in paying for his child’s school fees. So he informed the central missionary about this. The missionary advised him to offer financial sacrifice and Allah the Almighty would shower His blessings upon him. Thus, he donated 250 dalasi towards the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme.

He states that only one week had passed that he found a job with the salary of 5,000 dalasi. Now he can pay his child’s school fees and, various other day to day needs are also being met. Now he informs others regarding the blessings and favours of Allah the Almighty and how Allah the Almighty granted him through the blessings of offering Chanda. Just as this incident has strengthened his faith, it also blessed his income.

Observe how a poor person offers sacrifice and puts his trust in Allah the Almighty and how Allah the Almighty honours that faith. A missionary of Guinea-Bissau shared an incident. He

states: “A member, Monteiro Camara Sahib, was reminded about his pledge to donate towards Waqf-e-Jadid. He responded by saying, ‘I currently have 4,000 CFA Franc to eat today.’ This is a very insignificant amount and they have large families to feed as well. He had kept the 4,000 CFA Franc aside for their food. Nonetheless, he said that he would try to arrange something. After some time, he donated the same amount he had kept for the food towards his Chanda and left to borrowed some money.” He states, “The very next day his daughter visited him from the city and brought with her two sacks of rice, one canister of oil as well as some money and other items. This convinced him that Allah the Almighty blessed his act of donating the money he had kept for food in such a manner that the very next day, he received countless other food items.” These people are such that they will remain hungry but continue to offer sacrifices.

Amir Sahib France has written an incident which is another example of how God Almighty increases people in their faith. He states: “An Arab member who lives in France said, ‘I heard His Holiness’ sermon from last year in which he narrated incidents of those who offered financial sacrifices (just as I am narrating incidents today as well). That sermon had a profound effect on me.’ He is 46 years old. He stated, ‘I was facing extreme financial difficulties.

I had never gone through such tough financial circumstances previously. I was compelled to take a loan from my bank and they were now constantly asking me for repayment. I had been warned that my bank account would be closed if the payment was not returned and I would receive a fine as well.’ He states, ‘During these days there was a general meeting in our area. Prior to attending the meeting, my friend forcibly handed me 20 euros, and I kept this amount in my pocket as I had nothing else. I thought that this amount could be used for the next few days. I then left to attend the meeting.

When the finance secretary mentioned about financial sacrifices, I offered those 20 euros towards Chanda. A few days later, I received a phone call from my bank.

Since I was used to hearing bad news and the circumstances had worsened, I assumed that this call would be about some bad news and the bank might have taken severe action against me. On the contrary, the bank informed me that the relevant department had advised them not to close my account, and the 600 euros that I owed should in fact be deposited in my account as credit.’ He states, ‘This astonished me a lot because usually the banks are very strict about such matters.

After a few days, I received a large amount of money from my work insurance which had been pending for some time. All of this transpired after I heard the sermon on Waqf-e-Jadid and donated a meagre amount of money towards the Waqf-eJadid scheme. Before, I used to wonder if the miraculous incidents that we usually hear about other people could ever happen

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

18 to me. However, Allah the Almighty has shown me an example of the blessings of Chanda. I now have firm faith that such miracles do take place.’”

Qaisar Sahib, missionary from Haiti, writes about a faith-inspiring incident that shows the treatment of Allah Almighty and how it strengthens one’s faith.

The accounts I am narrating are from different places around the world.

Some are from Africa, and others are from America, Europe; some are from the Northern hemisphere and some are in the Southern hemisphere. Although these people have no direct link with one another, however their accounts are very similar.

“A few days ago, Ibrahim Sahib, a new convert from the Port-au-Prince, was going home from his office when he dropped a file along the way. There was some sensitive paperwork, documents and an amount of 13,000 gourde in this file.” Gourde is the currency of Haiti. “He returned along the same path to recover his file but found nothing. He made a promise to himself that he would make sure to donate the 1,000 gourdes which he had pledged towards Waqf-e-Jadid regardless of whether or not he had the funds and would even borrow money if he had to. Hence, he borrowed money from someone and donated it towards his pledge for Waqf-e-Jadid. Ibrahim states, ‘The same day that I offered my Chanda I received a phone call from an unknown person who informed me that my file was in his possession and I should pick it up.

I went to meet this person immediately, and he handed me the file and said, “I had to go through your file to locate your contact information. So please check to ensure that your documents and the money are all intact.” I checked and found everything was there.’ He further states, ‘I thanked Allah the Almighty for this and was convinced that this was merely the blessings of offering the Chanda in that I found my very important documents and the money even when it seemed completely impossible to find.’”

The missionary in-charge of Guinea Conakry writes that an Ahmadi friend by the name of Abu Bakr Sahib from a village in the Kindia region was encouraged to make a donation towards Waqf-e-Jadid.

Initially he was reluctant to do so but then he fulfilled his promise. A short while after making this contribution he told our local missionary that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was most certainly a divine community. He states: “I work for the government and some time ago I broke my leg in an accident, and owing to the insufficient medical facilities at the time, they were unable to administer proper treatment. As a result, one of my legs is shorter than the other and this left me in a state of unrelenting pain. But after saving money for some time, a doctor told me that my leg could be treated if I have an operation. Hence, I had saved up some money at the time in order to have the operation on my leg, but when the missionary encouraged me to make financial sacrifices, I thought to myself that I would not donate this time and

instead save the money for the operation.

However, God Almighty granted me the resolution [to donate] and it came to mind that I should place my trust in God Almighty and donate the entire amount.”

He further states, “Not even two days had passed that I received a letter from my office that the government would take on the full costs of the operation and I may have the treatment wherever I desired.”

He says that this only happened due to the blessings of giving charity. This is no mere coincidence, this is how God Almighty treats those who place their trust in Him so as to strengthen their faith, and it also serves as a proof to the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

Mamoon Rasheed Sahib, Waqf-eJadid Secretary in Qadian, writes: “Due to some personal issues, Sulaija Sahib was in arrears in his Waqf-e-Jadid payments. His brother encouraged him to make the donation as soon as possible as the year was coming to an end. However, he did not have enough money in his account to make the full payment, there was only enough to make 30% of the payment. He became very anxious as to how he could make the full payment. In the end, he donated whatever amount he had in his account. He says that within a few moments, an amount of money was received in his account in a most miraculous manner from God Almighty which was sufficient enough to pay the arrears in full. Thus, he donated the amount that he had promised there and then. He says that his habit was always to pay the full amount he promised prior to the end of the year, but this year, due to his ill-health and that of his children, he had some arrears and was very concerned as a result. Yet, God Almighty made arrangements for him in a miraculous manner and he says that it was also a means of strengthening his faith.”

Abdul Mahmood Sahib of India, who is the secretary for Waqf-e-Jadid, relates the incident of a member living in a village of Birbhum in the Bengal. His incident is such that he had a wholesale grocery shop which was running well, by the grace of Allah. As he would open the store he would begin every day by placing 100 rupees in a box, which he would give towards charity according to his promise. He says that one day, very few customers came to buy from his shop and he was unable meet his expenditure. Nevertheless, the following day the thought did not even cross his mind that he shall not place 100 rupees in the box. So as he opened his shop the next day, rather than placing 100 rupees in the box, he placed 300 rupees and thought to himself, “Why not enter into a transaction with God Almighty today.” Subsequently, God Almighty blessed him that on the same day, eight customers came to the shop. It was a large-scale business and it took up a lot of time as he would have had to lift the sacks etc. He says that he became so busy that he had no choice but to send one of the customers back, telling him to return the following day, all the while he continued to supply the goods to the other customers till the late night. By the grace of Allah, he made a good profit that day,

and added that when God Almighty is pleased with someone, He grants them so much that they are unable to even handle it with both hands.

Abdul Aziz Sahib, the missionary of the Oio region in Guinea Bissau says that when a frail elderly woman, Mascuta Sahiba, was encouraged to contribute towards Waqf-e-Jadid, she replied: “I had saved up enough money for my promise but at night, as I was going to my brother’s house, the money had fallen and was lost along the way. I am still searching for the money and will give it as soon I find it.” Thereafter, she continued to search for the money but was unable to find it anywhere. Therefore, she borrowed money from her daughter and paid the amount towards Waqf-e-Jadid. After doing so, she went again in an attempt to find the bag she dropped. She says, “I only went forward a few metres and all of a sudden found the money which was sealed in a plastic bag in the middle of the road.” She was extremely happy as a result of this and the following day she returned and completed her promise. Thereafter, she informed others that this was merely due to the blessings of contributing towards Waqf-e-Jadid that God Almighty returned the money she had lost.

Ahmad Bilal Sahib, a missionary from the Sikasso region of Mali, writes that Ahmad Jala Sahib, a new convert, came to the mission-house and said that he used to contribute in giving charity regularly, but due to some financial restraints, he was unable to do so this time. One day, he saw in a dream that he was walking with a group of people along a wide path and this path divided ahead into many different paths. In fact, the paths ahead were all extremely difficult to traverse through. In that moment, he prayed and a mount came down from the sky which carried them into the sky and when they had crossed over the difficult path, it brought them back down to the wide path again. He says that he then saw a pious person who told him that this mount only came to take him due to the fact that he gave charity.

He further says that one faces difficulties from time to time, but God Almighty grants ease in the time of hardship for an Ahmadi who regularly gives charity in the way of Allah. Thus, this convert made his contribution to charity and made the resolution that no matter what happens in future, he shall never be negligent in giving charity. Thus, can this be called a coincidence?

Amir Sahib Tanzania writes: “I went to a Jamaat in the Arusha region to encourage the people to donate towards charity. Fatimah Sahiba, a poor member who makes a living by selling bananas and other fruits donated two days’ worth of earnings towards Waqf-eJadid and encouraged her family to also be regular in their payments to the scheme.

Likewise, there was an elderly lady of the Jamaat who was also encouraged to make donations, so the following morning at 8am, she came herself to the missionhouse and donated 5,000 shillings to Waqf-e-Jadid.” These people are those regarding whom the Promised Messiahas

has stated that one is left astonished after witnessing the extent to which they make sacrifices, and that if they are ever encouraged to do so, they are ever-willing to offer their sacrifices. (Zamima Risala Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 11, p. 313 [footnote]) Amir Sahib Tanzania has written about another incident, saying, “For the last few years, the state of the country’s economy has been extremely constricted, yet despite this, Ahmadis are making financial sacrifices with utmost sincerity.”

Waziri Sahib is a member from a city in Arusha, who makes a living by selling newspapers. When he was encouraged to contribute to Waqf-e-Jadid, he gave within his means and said that in future, he would save the money from not buying a cup of tea every day and instead, give that in charity.” Thus, this is how this poor person saved money by giving up his daily cup of tea and to give that money instead to charity. This is the true understanding of attaining nearness to God Almighty.

Amir Sahib Tanzania also writes: “There is a very sincere young man of a Jamaat in the Mara region. Normally he would make the full payment towards Waqf-e-Jadid prior to the end of the Waqfe-Jadid year, but due to the economic situation, this year he was in arrears of 15,000 shillings. He only had a small amount of money,” and the shilling itself is not a strong currency, “so he calculated that if he also donates this amount at the end of the month, he would not have enough for his expenditures. Despite this, he placed his trust in God Almighty and donated that sum of money. The very next day, he received a phone call from his work that his three months’ worth of bills to be paid were cleared. Furthermore, he also received a significant pay at the beginning of the year. He firmly believes that owing to the blessings of giving alms, a few days later he received six times the amount he had given.” How things had changed where at first, he was unable to even pay his bills, to the point where God Almighty then granted him six times more money than before.

A missionary of the Kaya region of Burkina Faso writes: “There is an Ahmadi by the name Abdu Sahib who says that he would contribute to charity, but was not regular in doing so. The previous year he decided to make full efforts to participate in all the initiatives. He said that ever since he became regular in giving in charity, by the grace of Allah, all his affairs; his wealth, cattle, crops and everything else were all filled with blessings. Furthermore, the difficulties he was facing and which left him concerned slowly began to resolve themselves. It was only a month ago that his wife was pregnant and he did not have enough funds to pay for the hospital costs.

However, when the time came for the delivery, God Almighty granted support from the unseen where the whole matter was resolved, his daughter was born and his wife was recovering well. He says that he witnessed all this with his own eyes and understood that it was out of the sheer blessings of giving charity.”

19

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM The missionary of Russia writes that Badayan Adwarad Sahib, an Armenian living in Russia, was able to accept Ahmadiyyat after a lot of research and deliberation. As he accepted Ahmadiyyat, he was informed about the system of financial sacrifice within the Community. Thereafter he became regular in contributing monthly to Waqf-e-Jadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid. He travels extensively for his job, within the country and also to other countries, but despite all his travelling, he was regular in making his donations. He has an ordinary job; he does not travel owing to the fact that he was a very wealthy person. Adwarad Sahib states that he had to travel to Armenia for work in January 2020. From there he was supposed to travel to Kazan for some important work, however, he did not have enough money to travel. He was very anxious and was praying constantly. He says that on 30 December, a company deposited money into his account, an amount that he was expecting the following February [i.e.

February 2020]. He stated that there were other people who were also expecting this payment, however, he was the only one who received his payment in December [as opposed to February 2020]. He was convinced that this was only due to the blessings of paying Chanda, otherwise it was inconceivable that from among so many people, only he received his amount on 30 December. He further writes that only an Ahmadi Muslim can experience this love and kind treatment from God Almighty. God Almighty strengthens the faith of others in this manner.

Waqar Sahib, a missionary serving in the San Pedro region of the Ivory Coast writes: “In 2014, a small Jamaat consisting of 20 members was established in a village called Fatakoro. Jara Sahib, who was originally from Burkina Faso, was an active member of that Jamaat, but it had been one year that he had returned to Burkina Faso.

He was anxious because other members of the Jamaat were not as active, and they required moral training. Nonetheless, they made contact with his son, Isa Jara, who was married and worked as a farmer.

He was encouraged to attend the National Ijtema and was told about the blessings and importance of giving Chanda, the importance of remaining attached to the Jamaat as well as remaining engaged in prayers.” He then says, “Isa Sahib came to see me in December before the National Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] and handed 10,000 francs for Chanda. I was surprised by this because compared to his circumstances, this was a large amount and therefore asked him why he gave such an amount? Upon this he said, ‘Since I started paying Chanda, God Almighty has blessed me greatly. My farm produces more yield as compared to others. A short while ago, I saw a saintly gentleman in a dream who had a glowing countenance and was calling others towards the right path.’ He then further said, ‘This was the Promised Messiahas who was calling the world towards guidance. All praise is due to Allah the Almighty, for He granted me

the opportunity to join the Ahmadiyya community.’ He then stated that he now regularly gives Chanda.”

The secretary for Waqf-e-Jadid in India mentioned an incident relating to a twelve-year-old girl. He stated that she was regular in giving Chanda for Waqfe-Jadid each year. She would collect the money in her wallet. She is unable to speak nor able to hear, yet whenever she saw others giving Chanda, she also wished to give Chanda and would save money for it.

Similarly, the missionary in Liberia writes: “There is a Jamaat in the Cape Mount County. After the Maghrib and Isha prayers, I urged the members to participate in the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme.

Hence, as is their practice, the members came one by one to give their Chanda and also for their family members. During this time, two young boys, Suleman and Abdullah Kamara, stood up and left the mosque. After a short while, both boys returned with 20 Liberian dollars each, which they paid towards their Chanda.

Since usually the parents pay the Chanda on behalf of the children, I was curious to know how they managed to pay the chanda themselves. The two children said that since they learnt that it was the directive of the Khalifa for children to participate in the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme, they decided to save money so they could pay Chanda themselves.” These children reside in a distant land and perhaps have never even seen the Khalifa. It is only God Almighty Who can instil this level of loyalty and connection in their hearts.

May Allah the Almighty increase them in their loyalty and sincerity.

Thus, whether an Ahmadi is young or old, a new convert or Ahmadi birth, they understand full well that in order to attain the love of God Almighty, one must spend in His way. For some people, God Almighty Himself shows them the path, as I have mentioned in some of the accounts. According to a tradition of the Holy Prophetsa, the people who sacrifice in the way of God Almighty are those who are deemed worthy of envy.

I will now present the report for the sacrifices offered as part of the Waqf-eJadid scheme for the previous year and also announce the beginning of the new year for the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the 62nd year of Waqf-e-Jadid came to an end on 31 December [2019] and the new year for Waqf-e-Jadid commenced from 1 January [2020].

During the course of the year, members of the Jamaat were able to make a total sacrifice of £9.643 million, which is an increase of £500,000 from the previous year.

In terms of the overall contribution, the UK stood first; further details are as follows: United Kingdom stood first, followed by Pakistan, Germany, USA, Canada, India, Australia, Indonesia and two Jamaats in the Middle East. Amir Sahib [UK] said that the UK would increase in their Waqf-e-Jadid, and it seems that he has fulfilled his word.

The first ten of the large Jamaats who have significantly increased their collection in their local currency from the previous year are as follows: Indonesia is first, then Germany, then USA, then there are other Jamaats, but in any case, these are the first three from among the large Jamaats.

India has also achieved a notable increase, as did Canada, UK, the Middle East Jamaats, Pakistan and Australia, but the increase in local currency for India was more than these other countries.

Therefore, India is in fifth position.

In terms of the total contribution of countries in Africa, the positions are as follows: Ghana is first, Nigeria is second, Burkina Faso is third, Tanzania is fourth, Benin is fifth, The Gambia is sixth, Kenya is seventh, Mali is eighth, Sierra Leone is ninth and Congo-Kinshasa is tenth.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the total number of members who participated in the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme was 1,821,000 which is an increase of 89,000 participants. The countries that have made a notable effort in relation to increasing the number of participants are Cameroon, who stood first, then Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Indonesia and there are other Jamaats as well.

In terms of total collection, the ten large Jamaats of the UK are: Islamabad** is first, Aldershot is second, Worcester park is third, then Birmingham South, Masjid Fazl, Putney, Gillingham, New Malden, Birmingham West and Hounslow North.

The first five regions are Baitul Futuh Region, who stood first, then Masjid Fazl Region, Midlands Region, Islamabad Region and Baitul Ehsan Region.

The first ten Jamaats for Daftar Atfal are as follows: Aldershot is first, then Roehampton, Putney, Islamabad, Mitcham Park, Cheam, Leamington spa, Worcester Park, Raynes park and Surbiton.

The positions of the Jamaats in Pakistan for the collection from adults are as follows: Lahore is first, Rabwah is second and Karachi is third. The currency of Pakistan has devalued significantly and owing to this they have fallen in the rankings. If the value of the currency of Pakistan was the same as it was last year, they would have stood first again, therefore considering this the UK have not performed extraordinarily.

The positions of the districts of Pakistan for the collection from adults are as follows: Islamabad, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mirpur Khas and Peshawar.

The first ten Jamaats in terms of collection are as follows: Islamabad, Township Lahore, Defence Lahore, Darul Zikr Lahore, Gulshan Iqbal Karachi, Samana Bagh Lahore, Rawalpindi, Azizabad Karachi, Gulsham Jami Karachi and Delhi Gate Lahore. Although they are faced with all sorts of difficulties, yet by the grace of Allah, people there are excelling in their sacrifices.

The three large Jamaats in Pakistan for the collection of Daftar Atfal are as

follows: Lahore is first, Karachi is second and Rabwah is third and the positions of the districts are as follows: Sialkot is first, Gujranwala is second, then Sargodha, Hyderabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sheikhupura, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Okara and Peshawar.

In terms of total contribution, the first five local Jamaats – Amaraat – of Germany are as follows: Hamburg stood first, then Frankfurt stood second, Dietzenbach third, Gross-Gerau fourth and Wiesbaden fifth. The positions of first ten Jamaats for the collection from adults are as follows: Neuss, Rödermark, Nieda, Mahdi-Abad, Flörsheim, Friedburg, Bensheim, Langen, Koblenz, Hanau and Pinneberg The first five regions for Daftar Atfal are as follows: Hessen Sud Ost, Hessen Mitte, Towinz, Piessen South, Rhein Falls – the German [Jamaat] can correct the names accordingly.

The positions of the first ten Jamaats in the USA for their total contribution are as follows: Maryland, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Houston, Central Virginia, Seattle, Detroit, South Virginia, Chicago and North Virginia.

The positions of the Amarats in Canada for their total contribution is as follows: Vaughan, Calgary, Peace Village, Vancouver, Mississauga.

The position of the large Jamaats [in Canada] are as follows: Durham, Bradford, Edmonton West, Milton West, Hamilton Mountain, Ottowa East, Ottowa West, Airdrie, Winnipeg and Abbotsford.

The five notable Amarat for Daftar Atfal are as follows: Vaughan (they have written it as Vogan in their report, whereas I believe it is actually Vaughan), Calgary, Peace Village, Western, Brampton West.

The five notable Jamaats for Daftar Atfal are as follows: Durham, Bradford, Milton West, Airdire and Hamilton Mountain.

The positions for the provinces in India are as follows: Kerala is first, Jammu Kashmir stood second – despite the difficult circumstances, they attained second position – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

The positions of the Jamaats in terms of contribution are as follows: Pathapiriyam, Qadian, Hyderabad, Calicut, Bangalore, Kyobator, Kolkata, Karulai, Kerang and Pengadi.

The overall positions of the first ten Jamaats in Australia are as follows: Melbourne Long [Warren], Castle Hill, Melbourne Berwick, Marsden Park, Adelaide South, MT Druitt, Penrith, Black Town, Canberra and Perth.

The position of the Jamaats in Australia for the collection from Atfal are as follows: Melbourne Long Warren, Adelaide South, Melbourne Berwick, MT Druitt, Penrith, Logan East, Perth, Marsden Park, Castle Hill and Logan West.

The position of the Jamaats in Australia for the collection from adults are as follows: Castle Hill, Melbourne Long Warren, Marsden Park, Melbourne Berwick, MT Druitt, Black Town, Adelaide South, Penrith, Canberra and Perth. Even in Australia these days, the [bush] fires

Friday 31 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

20 have caused a lot of destruction, may Allah Almighty have mercy on them and may the people there recognise their creator. Despite all this, the Ahmadis there are offering great sacrifices. May God Almighty greatly bless the wealth and progeny of all those around the world who offered sacrifices.

As mentioned earlier, the economic conditions of Pakistan are worsening as a result of which their currency has devalued significantly. Hence they have fallen behind in the rankings [for Waqfe-Jadid]. Despite all of this, they have not allowed their sacrifices to diminish.

Similarly, the political situation in Pakistan is also unstable and this has a bearing on the economic conditions. Furthermore, in that region, the tensions are heightening between India and Pakistan.

According to the news reports, the internal state of affairs within India is also grave. In the context of the overall situation in the world, it is as if the world itself is calling out for its own destruction.

The Middle East is also falling into further disarray.

There is a growing possibility of war erupting between the USA, Iran and Israel. There is no unity among the Muslim countries. Thus, we ought to pray profusely to save the world from catastrophe and for mankind to turn towards God Almighty. May God Almighty shower His blessings and grant them wisdom and understanding.

As we enter the New Year, we congratulate one another, however clouds of darkness continue to gather ahead.

Thus, in order to make this year a blessed one, we should pray to God Almighty, that may He halt governments, who only want to prove their superiority over others and consequently lead the world towards destruction. In contrast, however, we should pray that may He enable the governments to instead dispense justice and peace in the world.

May these governments not annihilate mankind having succumbed to their egos

and in pursuit of their vested interests.

May God Almighty grant them wisdom.

May the Muslim countries wave the flag of the Holy Prophetsa aloft throughout the world and spread the Unity of God by attaching themselves to his Ardent Devotee, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, as opposed to exceeding all bounds in opposing the Promised Messiahas as they have done so.

May God Almighty grant us the ability to do more justice to believing in the Imam of the Age and may we thereby wave the flag of the Unity of God in the world. May we bring others under the flag of the Holy Prophetsa and may we exhaust all our efforts and faculties in achieving this. If we fail to adopt this approach and mentality and to pray in this manner when entering the New Year, then congratulating one another on the New Year would be superficial and serve no purpose.

Thus, true New Year greetings place a great responsibility upon every Ahmadi,

be they men, women or children, and they ought to be mindful of this. We must utilise all of our strengths, faculties and capabilities and strive to our utmost to achieve this. Through our prayers, we must form a special relationship with God Almighty and only then can we receive the blessings of this year. May God Almighty enable us to do so. ** Please note: In the following sermon of 10 January 2019, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa highlighted a correction in the position of the Jamaats in the UK. Huzoor mentioned that, in fact, Aldershot Jamaat attained first position and Islamabad Jamaat was second.

(Original Urdu published by the Al Fazl International, 24 January 2020, pp. 5-10.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

The Green Announcement The Promised Messiahas wrote this book to remove the doubts and misgivings that had arisen out of the death of his son who has come to be known as Bashir Awwal (the First). Bashir was born on 7 August 1887 and died on 4 November 1888.

Previously, the Promised Messiah had announced, on the basis of divine revelations, that God had promised to grant him a son who would possess extraordinary qualities, would have a long life and would be Musleh-e-Maud (the Promised Reformer).

Thus, when Bashir Awwal died after 16 months, the opponents pounced at the opportunity and began denouncing the Promised Messiahas ever more vehemently.

In this announcement, the Promised Messiahas made it

clear that he had never claimed that this particular boy would be the Promised Reformer. He also forcefully reiterated that the promised child would be born within the nine year period as specified in the prophecy (18861895).

Subsequent events showed each and every word of the prophecies to be true. In keeping with the prophecies, the second Bashir (Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra) was born on 12 January 1889. He was gifted with such extraordinary and unique qualities as were acknowledged by friend and foe alike.

He died at the age of 76 after leading a life of tremendous achievement and is remembered as Musleh-e-Maud or the Promised Reformer.

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