Tariq Magazine (Volume 10, Issue 1) by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

Contents TARIQ MAGAZINE Volume 10,Issue 1 The official publication of

PART 1 WORDS OF WISDOM 3

Verses of the Holy Qur’an and Commentary

Sayings of the Holy Prophet Deception is forbidden

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden,Surrey SM4 5HF Tel 020 8687 7843 Fax 020 8687 7889

Editorial Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Tariq M Chowdhry Mohtamim Isha’at Tariq Ahmad BT Naib Sadr,Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and Chief Editor Kalim Anwer Tariq Production Manager and Assistant Editor This Issue’s Design: Irfan Chaudhry Cover Design: Irfan Chaudhry

Writings of the Promised Messiah Epidemic excellence

PAGE 5 MESSAGE FROM SADR SAHIB PAGE 7 EDITORIAL PART 2 NEWS & EVENTS 9

Tsunami Update Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK’s role in supporting Humanity First’s efforts to aid victims of the South East Asian Tsunami Disaster

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya National Ijtema Report 2004

National Football Tournament Report and results of the 2004 National Khuddam Football Tournament held in Cardiff.

Al-Mahdi Mosque Appeal

Isle of Wight Trip 2004

2004 Khuddam & Tahir Squash Tournament

PART 3 ISLAM 16

Heroes of Islam: Hadhrat Abu Bakr

The Beauty of Islam - Justice

PART 4 AHMADIYYAT,THE RENAISSANCE OF ISLAM All correspondence should be forwarded directly to: THE EDITOR,Tariq Magazine Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5HF Tariq is published by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK,

Interview with Huzur Mr Anurag Sood, Editor of Hoshiarpur Times in India, gives an account of his meeting with Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Al Khamis

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Al Khamis Tabligh

Importance of paying Chanda

Al - Wassiyyat

the youth organisation of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Islam. Some of the views expressed by

Book review and message from Sadr Majis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, UK

contributors may not be the representative views of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association. Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5HF Tel: 020 8687 7843. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association is a registered charity, UK Charity Reg No. 299081

PART 5 SCIENCE AND ACADEMIA 28

Islam and Democracy

PART 6 STUDENT PAGES 30

Youth for Faith

Getting a Summer Internship

PART 7 LETTERS & COMMENTS 2 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

PART 8 URDU SECTION

PART 1: Words of Wisdom

Verses of the Holy Qur’an and Commentary “Allah desires to lighten your burden, for man has been created weak

Truly speaking, there is no classification of more grievous and less grievous sins in the Holy Qur’an.The term is rather a relative one.The commission of anything forbidden by God is a sin.The commission of all sins which one finds difficult to shun is grevious. The meaning of the verse, therefore, is that if you avoid doing those things the giving up of which seems difficult and burdensome to you, the result will be that you will be enabled to get rid of other sins as well. Some scholars interpret the words “grievous sin”as signifying the last stage of each act of sin. For instance, a person contemplates committing a theft. Now, whereas the actual commitment of theft is “grievous”, the preliminary acts leading up to it would be “minor evils”. If one restrains oneself from committing the final act, the preliminary ones will be forgiven.

O ye who believe! devour not your property among yourselves by unlawful means, except that you earn by trade with mutual consent. And kill not yourselves. Surely, Allah is Merciful towards you. And whosoever does that by way of transgression and injustice,We shall cast him into Fire; and that is easy with Allah. If you keep away from the more grievous of the things which you are forbidden,We will remove from you your minor evils and admit you to a place of great honour. And covet not that whereby Allah has made some of you excel others. Men shall have a share of that which they have earned, and women a share of that which they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely, Allah has perfect knowledge of all things. And to every one We have appointed heirs to what the parents and the relations leave, and also those with whom your oaths have ratified a contract. So give them their portion. Surely, Allah watches all things.” The Holy Qur’an (Chapter 4,verses 29 - 34)

he reason why the Law is revealed is that man is by nature weak and cannot himself find out the ways of spiritual advancement. So God has taken this burden from him. It was far from God to entrust man with a work which he could not discharge.

Verse 29 also constitutes refutation of the Christian doctrine of Atonement which rejects the Law (Shari’at) on the ground of human weakness. As a matter of fact, Islam declares human weakness to be the very reason for the revelation of the Law, so that it may help man to fuffil his high destiny. The Law is not, therefore, a curse but a help and a blessing. By unlawful means (verse 30) are meant all those means and methods which are forbidden by the Law.

The verse declares all commercial transactions without the mutual consent of seller and buyer to be null and void. The clause “kill not yourselves”makes it clear that the devouring of other persons’ property by unlawful means or carrying on transactions without the free consent of the parties concerned brings about the moral death of the guilty party. The words “kill not yourselves”also imply interdiction of suicide.The Holy Prophet is reported to have said,“Whosoever kills himself with a weapon will be brought on the Day of Judgment with the said weapon in his hand and will be thrown into the Fire wherein he will abide. And whosoever kills himself with a poison will be thrown into the Fire, with that poison in his hand, where he will continue to take it”(Kathir).

The first part of verse 33 means that: (1) One should not pray that God may give one the very thing which another man possesses; (2) One may, however, pray that God may bestow on one “the like of that’”which has been given to another man; (3) That while praying, one should not keep in view any particular favoured person, wishing that God may make one like that particular person, for it may be the will of God to bestow His favours upon one in even a greater measure. One should only pray to God generally for His bounty and grace, for Allah’s bounty and grace are unbounded. The words “Men shall have a share of that which they have earned”, contain the key to national progress and advance. Both men and women get what they earn and deserve. So we should not wish evil for others but should work and pray.This is the way to succeed in life and win the pleasure of God.The words also reveal the equality of men and women so far as their work and reward are concerned. Mawali (heirs) is derived from Wali and is the plural of Maw’li which means lord or

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 3

PART 1: Words of Wisdom

chief; master or owner; son of a paternal uncle; or a relation such as a son of a paternal uncle and the like; a freedman whom the emancipator is bound to aid and whose property he inherits if he dies leaving no heir; a slave emancipator of a slave; a neighbour; an ally; a friend or helper; a follower; a partner; an heir, etc. (Lane and Lisan). Verse 34 may also be rendered thus:‘To every one We have appointed heirs to what he leaves.They are the parents, the relations, and those with whom your oaths have ratified a contract. So give them their portion.’ The words with whom your oaths have ratified a contract signify ‘spouses’, embracing both husbands and wives.The pronoun ‘them’in the clause so give them their portion refers to, and stands for, the noun heirs in the opening clause. SOURCE Commentary Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib ,The Holy Qur’an: Arabic text with English translation and short commentary.2002 edition,commentary edited by Malik Ghulam Farid

Sayings of the Holy Prophet DECEPTION IS FORBIDDEN Narrated by Hadhrat Abu Huraira, Allah be pleased with him: Said the Prophet of Allah “Whoso cheats in business and in transactions and is not at heart what he appears to be, is not of me.” (Muslim) he Holy Prophet made this observation when, on inserting his hand in a heap of grain belonging to a grain merchant, he discovered that it was wet inside while with a thick covering of dry grains on top, an attempt had been made to cover this defect. At that time his face was suffused with anger and in extreme displeasure, he told the grain merchant that cheating was not permissible in Islam and the Muslim who practised deceit and wanted to sell rotten goods by making them up as good commodity, had no lot or part with him.He then commanded that if goods were defective in any way, their defect should be made public and then offered for sale so that the buyer may be able to evaluate them, keeping their defect in mind.

The effect of this extremely forceful exhortation was evidenced some time in the very charming difference of opinion occurred among his companions when for instance the vendor would ask two hundred coins for his commodity but the buyer would insist that it was worth three hundred coins.

But it is painful to note that many so-called Muslims of today cheat in trade and back their lies with oaths and indulge in excessive adulteration, so much so that even Satan perhaps feels outdone. Some Muslims perform Hajj (pilgrimage) also for the sole consideration of promoting their trade with their newly won epithet of Haji. I do not say that all of them are of this type. But when a substantial number of the community is involved in moral degradation of this kind, the entire mass of its people cannot get away from the stigma of ill repute.And,in any case, the true follower of our Holy Prophet is one who obeys his command and shuns every form of deceit and fraud, as, he cannot otherwise escape the operation of the warning ‘that whoso cheats and commits fraud in trade and other transactions has nothing to do with me’. Commentary by Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib .

Writings of the Promised Messiah EPIDEMIC EXCELLENCE You should remember that the excellences should be like ‘epidemic diseases’. The believer has been commanded to make his manners and character so excellent that they may become epidemic,for there is nothing,however good it may be,that people would like to follow or to adopt unless it has a glow and an attraction.It is the brightness of the things that attracts and it is the attraction that draws them towards itself. It is the good part of a thing that urges the THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND MAHDI Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908)

4 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

people to act the same way. Malfoozat (Volume I,page 204)

PART 1: Words of Wisdom

Message from Sadr Sahib My dear Khuddam and Atfal

In the Friday Sermon of 27th May 2005, our beloved Huzur addressed the Jamaat on the divine establishment of Khilafat. Huzur requested the members of the Jamaat to engage in worship and prayers in light of the impending Ahmadiyya Khilafat Centenary in 2008. Huzur enjoined us to say two Nawafil prayers on a daily basis for the progress of the Community and to observe one Nafl (Optional) fast each month with the intention that Allah continues to bless us with the institution of Khilafat forever. Insh'Allah.

1. Recite Surah Al Fatiha seven times daily, reflecting over it so that you are saved from trials, disorder and dajl (Antichrist). In the name of Allah the Gracious, the Merciful All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds The Gracious, the Merciful Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

Master of the Day of Judgement Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we beseech for help Guide us to the right path. The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, but not those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray

2. Recite the following prayer abundantly. " O our Lord, pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people." (Surah Al Baqarah verse 251)

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 5

PART 1: Words of Wisdom

3. A prayer that is most significant in keeping hearts straight. Hadhrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahiba saw in a vision that the Promised Messiah enjoined reciting it abundantly: " O our Lord, pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people." (Surah Al Baqarah verse 251)

4. Also the Prayer of the Holy Prophet " O Allah! We make You a shield against the enemy and we seek Your protection against their evil designs."

5. Huzur

enjoined to profusely engage in Istaghfar, to recite

" I beg pardon of Allah, my Lord, for all my sins and I turn to Him."

6. Huzur enjoined to recite "Salat un Nabi" (Durood Sharif) abundantly, he said each Ahmadi should pay particular attention to this in the next three years

O Allah, bless Muhammad and his people, as Thou didst bless Abraham and his peopleThou art indeed the Praiseworthy, the Exalted O Allah, prosper Muhammad and his people, as Thou didst prosper Ibraheem and his people -- Thou art indeed the Praiseworhty, the Exalted.

Thus, as members of Majlis Khuddmaul Ahmadiyya it is vital that we respond to these instructions of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih . May Allah enable all of us to be true adherents to Khilafat. Ameen. Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

6 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

PART 1: Words of Wisdom

Editorial ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY Tariq Ahmad BT (Naib Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK) 005 was election year for us here in the UK and arguably this proved to be one where the Muslim vote and indeed the whole issue of Muslim particpation came under close scrutiny.

There were of course several reasons for this. First and foremost the Iraq war proved to be a major issue, with politicians who supported military action seeing their support crumble, not least in areas where Muslims represented sizeable majorities. Traditional voting habits were abandoned to support candidates who were strongly against the War.

“In talking about governance, Islam lays specific emphasis on discharging your trust when it comes to voting”

However, there was wider issue being debated which focused on Muslim participation in the Election. There were some amongst the Muslim community who called for an abandonment of the whole system and rejection of participation as the only way to ensure that the purity of the Islamic Ummah could be maintained. These calls failed to appreciate that for those living in Britain it is important to express your will and be part of a process which allows you to exercise your vote freely for the person you feel can best carry your trust in administering the affairs of the country. Of course there are imperfections to the system, but if we are to be productive and effective citizens of a country which has provided us with the opportunities to progress in all aspects of our life, how can we ignore our responsibility when it comes to the governance of the country? There are many issues which impact our daily lives and it is therefore important to ensure that by engaging through the democratic process we are able to highlight not only our concerns and anxieties but also our hopes and aspirations. Islam is a beautiful religion and is complete in every way. In talking about governance it lays specific emphasis on discharging your trust when it comes to voting. Abstention from the process is not a method of bringing about change. This can only be done from within. Would it not be more in line with our beliefs if we appreciate what is good in the system deployed and use the opportunity to highlight the inherent beauty of Islamic principles and doctrine? By calling people and systems Kufr and abandoning the political and democratic process of election, only goes towards alienating others. Moreover it presents an image of Islam which is detached and seeks to disenfranchise Muslims from society. It is only through taking part and demonstrating a willingness to present a case within the parameters of constructive dialogue that we will be able to present Islam as religion which is not only tolerant of all faiths, but inclusive in affording rights and freedoms for all and shows respect to those who protect the very same. Tariq Ahmad BT

ANNOUNCEMENT The 2005 Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK National ijtema will insh’allah be held from Friday 30th September to Sunday 2nd October.

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 7

PART

News & Events

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK posted its first Tariq News in April 2005. A copy of the newspaper was sent to every Khuddam / Atfal household in the UK

8 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

PART 2: News & Events

Tsunami Update FOLLOWING MAJLIS KHUDDAMUL AHMADIYYA UK’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING HUMANITY FIRST’S EFFORTS TO AID VICTIMS OF THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN TSUNAMI DISASTER Fahim Anwer (Naib Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK) OLLOWING THE Tsunami Disaster in South East Asia on 26 December 2004, Humanity First mobilised its operations to send aid relief to the stricken areas. Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK was Humanity First’s first point of call in supplying the manpower for its UK operations.

Humanity First receipt books were sent to Qiadats across the country to collect donations from members of the Jamaat as well as from the general public. After initial collections it was decided that Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK should arrange collections from Jamaat members on Juma prayers at the Mission Houses, as well as on Eidul Adha, but donations from the general public would continue as usual.These collections from the British public were very successful across the country with collections of over £5,000 in just one day in some areas.The total amount collected by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK was over £50,000. In the first few weeks following the disaster Khuddam were sent on a daily basis to help sort through bags and pack boxes of clothes and food donated by the Jamaat and the general public.The majority of this work was carried out in the Tahir Hall at the Baitul Futuh mosque and the Humanity First offices in Deer Park Road, Morden. Khuddam were also requested to help load trucks organised by the Jamaat’s Medical Association and to help prepare the teams going to Indonesia.

each occasion.The regions involved were Muqami, Baitul Futuh, South, Middlesex and East. The Indonesian Embassy’s decision that all donations of food and clothing sent to them from the general public should be controlled by Humanity First resulted in increased activity for Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK. On January 8th, four 40ft containers were organised to pick up aid boxes from Coventry Stadium, in the Midlands where several tonnes of aid given to the Indonesian Embassy had been gathered. Khuddam from the Midlands region sorted through the bags of clothing and food and load the containers that were leaving at various times of the day. In excess of 70 Khuddam from the Midlands Region were involved on this day to help at the stadium. Khuddam from the London Regions helped every weekend to collect bags and boxes of donations from various locations around London given by the general public and then sorting through them at the Humanity First office in Morden ready for them to go on the next container.

Containers were arranged by Humanity First to transport the food and clothing donated into areas in South-East Asia that need it the most. For this Khuddam were called in to load these 40ft long trucks, often during working hours on weekdays. Each session was given to a particular region to handle and required 15-20 Khuddam on Pictures courtesy of www.humanityfirst.org.uk

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 9

PART 2: News & Events

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya National Ijtema Report 2004 Arif Khan ight from the start, Ijtema 2004 was set to be very different from last year's Ijtema. Under the instruction of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V , Majlis-e-Shura 2004 was scheduled to be held on the afternoon of the Friday of Ijtema.This change to the program from previous years meant the organisers had to plan, run and complete the Ijtema in a shorter time frame.

Ijtema preparations began in earnest several months earlier with particular emphasis on the stingent management of time during the event.The Central planning team met under the stewardship of Tariq Ahmad BT ( Nazm-e-Ala) every week from March 2004 to ensure that the Ijtema was planned, items ordered and schedules made well in advance of the event. Particular mention has to be made of Fahim Anwer, Feyyaz Sheikh, Farooq Mirza, Masroor Ahmad, Rafeel Malik, Noman Raja, Faez Ahmad,Wasif Ansari and Kalim Anwer and their teams for their dedication to ensure the Ijtema was a success. Majlis-e-Shura began as scheduled and arrangements were made for non-shura delegates and guests to be entertained with non-competitive sport and academic activities.The competititive element was left to the following dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proceedings. Friday was a particularly testing day for the registration team, who not only dealt with Khuddam arriving right up until the early hours of the morning but also coped with the adverse weather conditions which appeared determined to make their tent airborne. Saturday morning kicked off with Khuddam Sports and Atfal Academics. Much credit is due to the organisers, as the football, volleyball, tug of war, 4x100 metres and table tennis competitions ran simultaneously and smoothly. Not only did this mean the competitions were completed sooner, but also the spectators were able to enjoy a range of sports at any one time. The Atfal Gah held the Atfal Academics where the judges were most impressed by Atfal performances and especially the sheer volume of verses some Atfal had memorised from The Holy Qur'an.There were, for example, Atfal under the age of 10 who could recite an impressive 5 parts of The Holy Qur'an from memory.This is a result of the Hafiz Program that has now been running for some months. May Allah continue to increase our Atfal in Knowledge, 10 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

ameen. Following lunch and Zuhr Salat, Sadr Sahib Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK addressed the Khuddam and Atfal. He highlighted the importance of salat in our daily lives and drew attention to the dangers of smoking and involvement with drugs. Sadr Sahib explained that many people partake of these activities to earn respect within their social circles.Whereas in the longer term, they would gain far more respect by abstaining from and giving up such dangerous habits. Finally, Sadr Sahib informed the Khuddam of activities taking place up and down the country which they can get involved in, including regular hiking trips and recreational activities at the mosques and missionhouses in the UK. Khuddam academics and Atfal Sports commenced after Sadr Sahibâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech.The Khuddam Academics produced some memorable speeches. Highlights included a physicist's insights in to the topic of "Qur'an and Modern Science" as well as a stirring

address on the topic of "The Promised Messiah's love for the Holy Prophet ". Following the speech competition, Hafiz Fazle Rabi Sahib commented on the Arabic verses of The Holy Qur'an referenced to by some speakers. Maulana Abdul Jahangeer Sahib expressed his happiness on the three topics that were used by all speakers. He explained how "Qur'an and modern science" was a topic that was particularly important for us today in the modern world, and was a powerful tool in illustrating the truth of The Holy Qur'an to others. He added "The Promised Messiah's love for the Holy Prophet " was a crucial topic also, as it was through this love that the Promised Messiah received all the blessings that continue to fall upon his followers even today. Finally, he commented on how the topic of "The character of the Chief of Prophets " was

PART 2: News & Events

essential for us to understand, for it is this perfect exemplar that we must all strive to follow. Next came the Khuddam quiz, hosted by Quizmaster Rizwan Mirza.This competition was won by Baitul Futuh Region with their captain, Shafique Bhunnoo, proving too quick on the buzzer for even his own team members.This competition provided its own array of amusing answers from participants buzzing before the question had been read out and trying to guess the rest of the question. Immediately after the Quiz the, now traditional, martial arts exhibition was performed at the back of the Ijtema Gah. Indeed, credit is due to those Khuddam who were selected only at the last minute but came together to perform a series of well executed manoeuvres. This being not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enough, their instructor proceeded to set a stack of tiles on fire and smashed it in half with a bare hand karate chop move. Ijtema 2004 held its very first falconary exhibition alongside the martial arts show, which proved an absolute delight for all onlookers.The Exhibition displayed a variety of birds of prey displaying magnificent feats. When asked afterwards, one observer exclaimed "the bird is truly a remarkable animal". The second day concluded with the evening barbeque, enriched by the presence of Hadhrat Ameerul Momineen , who also went on a tour of the regional tent areas. Alhumdolilah, the adverse weather conditions experienced on Friday and Saturday afternoon calmed down during the barbeque and it did not rain. The final day of Ijtema began with the extempore speech and nazm competitions. On the sports front, the finals of the

volleyball, 4x100m, tug-of-war and, of course, the showcase football final.This final was a contest between the defending champions, Baitul Futuh, and East region. It was a a close game but East region edged Baitul Futuh to the trophy with a late goal in the closing minutes. In the afternoon session the 2nd and 3rd place prizes were distributed follwed by a leaving presentation for those Khuddam who have entered into the realm of Ansarullah.They included Inamullah Sahib (former Waqar-e-Aml Secretary); Safeer Sanouri Sahib (Sanat-o-Tijarat Secretary); Mahmood Malik Sahib (Urdu Editor for the Tariq Magazine) and Rafi Bhatti Sahib (Former Naib Sadr and Chairman Ijtema). May Allah bless them all for their dedicated sacrifices to Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. Following this Huzur arrived to watch the Kabbadi exhibition game and the Khuddam vs Ansar exhibition tug-of-war, in which the Ansar, once again, were able to humble the khuddam team which appeared to include a number of body builders. However, a highly entertaining amila vs amila tug-ofwar, initiated by Huzur, saw Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya restore some pride by pulling themselves to victory. Huzur led the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the late afternoon and shortly after this the formal proceedings for the final session began. Following the first place prize distribution the Ijtema report was delivered by Sadr Sahib. He announced that this UK Ijtema had had the highest attendance yet, with 1,456 Khuddam and 544 Atfal, making a total registered Ijtema attendance figure of 2,015 (c.f. 1,962 prior year). May Allah continue to bless the event with an ever increasing participation and attendance, ameen. After this, Huzur gave an inspirational address to all who were gathered. He stressed the importance of honesty and always speaking the truth. He also turned

the attention of Khuddam to regular performance of salat, adding that in the modern day of alarm clocks everyone should be able to wake up and offer the Fajr salat on time even if they had a late duty the night before. Huzur said those youngsters should ask their parents to assist them in waking up for Fajr, and the Khuddam present with children should awake themselves and also wake their children. Finally, Huzur especially highlighted the importance of attending mission houses and mosques for at least the evening prayers. Huzur said that the number of Khuddam for Maghrib and Ishaa Salat was not what it should be, and urged everyone to to make efforts to improve this. Also, at the conclusion of the ijtema, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya requested Huzur to plant a tree at Islamabad in the Qitta Khas area. As a parting gift, all Khuddam and Atfal were given a card containing three powerful prayers for assisting them in the acquisition of knowledge.

Huzur presents Muqami region with the Alm-e-Inami

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 11

PART 2: News & Events

National Football Tournament

HE ANNUAL Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK National Football Tournament was held on a cold Saturday morning in Cardiff, yes that’s right Cardiff. The hosts of the tournament were South West Region and it is worthy of note that this tournament was the first major national Khuddam event hosted by the region. And with a tajneed of approximately 40 Khuddam, they did a mighty good job of running an event that was attended by over 100 people from 7 regions.

Planning for the event began in mid October, with the National Sehat-e-Jismani team coordinating with South West Region. South West region managed to secure the use of Cardiff’s Trelai Park -Millennium Stadium was in use that weekend. The opening session began with recitation of the Holy Qur’an and was chaired by Mauvin Sadr,Yousaf Walker Sahib. In his opening address Yousaf Sahib reminded the Khuddam of the true purpose of attending such national events. He explained that such events are not only for our physical exercise, but also for our

12 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

spiritual exercise; these events are a means of encouraging greater brotherhood and cementing relationships with khuddam across the country. Once the matches kicked off, there was a burst of adrenaline on the pitch.Teams battled it out using the ‘round robin’ structure till they eventually reached the finals. It was good to see new talent as well as old on the pitch. One such player was Abdul Hay, the latest signing to the Baitul Futuh squad.With his athletic prowess, a level most Khuddam aspire to, Abdul Hay showed strength and zeal on the pitch. Indeed, he certainly had a part to play in bringing Baitul Futuh to the finals against the underdog Middlesex. The final was truly a tale of two stallions battling it out. Baitul Futuh managed to edge forward first by securing a goal in the back of the net. Middlesex than started to feel the pressure and equalised. At full time the scores were level at two all and thus what was to come was to come – the penalty shoot out.There is a desperate intimacy about a penalty: the one time

when a team game becomes an individual game. Alas, it was Masroor Ahmad’s top left corner goal that secured Middlesex’s victory. The closing ceremony was chaired by Naib Sadr, Fahim Anwer Sahib, which commenced the prize distribution ceremony in which the prizes were awarded - including the Golden Boot Award and Player of the Tournament. In his concluding address Fahim Anwer Sahib expressed his gratitude towards the host, South West Region, and those regions that had made a first-class effort in putting together their teams for this year’s football tournament. He also mentioned that in future, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya hopes to expand on the current offering of national sporting events, by introducing more sports at a national level. Indeed, there is a rationale for such a move. Fahim Anwer Sahib commented on the fact that as Ahmadi Muslims we should excel in all that we do; be it in the work place, in educational institutions and also on the sporting front. There is a lot of sporting talent within Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. It is this talent that needs to be unlocked.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS AWARDS Winner Runners Up Plate Winners The Golden Boot Award Player of the Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ment Chief Referee

Middlesex Baitul Futuh Hertfordshire Nayyar Ali (Hertfordshire) Waqas Ahmad (Middlesex) Saqib Samad

FIXTURES Group A Baitul Futuh, Islamabad, Middlesex, South West Group B East, Hertfordshire, North West Match 1 Winner Group A Runner Up Group B Middlesex North West Match 2 Runner Group A Winner Group B Baitul Futuh East Match 3 Loser Group A South West

Loser Group B Hertfordshire

Final Winner Match 1 Middlesex

Winner Match 2 Baitul Futuh

Plate Cup By Islamabad

Winner Match 3 Hertfordshire

PART 2: News & Events

Al Mahdi Mosque Appeal Dr Aziz Hafiz (Naib Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK) ON FRIDAY 15th October 2004 Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V made an historic appeal to the auxiliary organisations of the Jammat. After Huzur’s momentous tour of the country in which he laid the foundation stone for the new Bradford Mosque, Huzur appealed to Khuddamul Ahmadiyya to join this blessed £1.6 million mosque project. Soon after efforts were underway to first obtain promises from the National Amila and then local and regional Qaideen across the country were given targets to raise promises for the Mosque.

Atfal, students, businessmen, the unemployed, all contributed generously for this blessed project.To date nearly £600,000 has been promised and collections are underway. All regions have participated in this scheme with great fervour, however Baitul Futuh Region has the honour at present of the highest amount promised at nearly £150,000. Those that have not yet had the opportunity to participate in this blessed scheme should contact their local qaid and make a promise for the building of a House of Allah.Those who have made promises should start to make payments as the time for completion of the Mosque is fast approaching.

As the days passed promises began coming in from all quarters,

Isle of Wight trip 2004 Ata-ul-Shaafi Khokhar

HE TOURING PARTY gathered at Hounslow Mission Centre at 9am and were given a briefing by the Ameer-e-Kafila, Mubashar Ahmed, about the proceedings of the morning, which finished in silent prayers led by Maulana Abdul Hafeez Khokhar Sahib.The team then departed for the Isle of Wight, via Portsmouth harbour. Mubashar Sahib then discussed with the party who had been to the Isle of Wight before. He was also interested about the previous experiences of the travelling party on tabligh stalls.The mood of the Khuddam was upbeat.There was a lot of brotherly love with many jokes and stories being shared, ready for the time ahead. Another briefing was given during the drive to Portsmouth about the finances for the journey and lunch. Bait baazi was then played to pass time. Portsmouth was reached within two hours and after the ferry ride, the party arrived in Newport at 12.30pm.

Upon arrival, another brief talk was

14 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

given by Mubashar Sahib who summarised the day’s logistic and gave pointers on how best to approach people on the street and gave an example: “We have come to give a message of peace and to provide information to dispel the myths and misconceptions of Islam”.The party then performed their Zuhr and Asr prayers in congregation, had lunch and then dispersed into three teams to set up information centres around the city.

experiences were important in knowing how to answer such questions.

The three information centres were set up in the City Centre for 4 hours. Despite the cold weather conditions and a slow start, 6 good contacts were obtained whose details were taken. Numerous other people stopped by to either take some literature or make a comment in response to what was being done and asking about our beliefs, from which an opportunity arose for to discuss and make clear to them the true message of Islam. A mixture of people of all ages visited the information centres.The operational side of the trip ran very well without any major issues.

Alhumdolillah, despite the quiet start the boys remained in high spirits and with continuous prayers were able to return having successfully obtained some good contacts.

One question that was asked was the need to target the Isle of Wight. Mubashar Sahib answered this:“to target and spread the word and target villages and communities as ordered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV ”. Mubashar Sahib reminded the party that previous

The information centres were closed at 5pm and a swift return to London ensued. At the end of the day a meeting was held during the ferry ride about the experiences of the day.The contacts were also discussed and what was given to them. A series of quotes were gathered and recommendations were given.

QUOTES OF THE DAY Some comments made by visitors to the information centres: “I admire what you’re doing” “I’m an atheist and I wont convert but I think what you’re doing is really good” “It’s good what you’re doing – a pen is mightier than the sword”– Jim Curtis “God is with everyone and I shall remember you in my prayers” “It always helps to increase your knowledge”

Squash Tournament 2004 THE KHUDDAMUL AHMADIYYA UK TAHIR SQUASH TOURNAMENT WAS HOSTED BY SOUTH REGION ON SUNDAY, 19TH DECEMBER 2004 IN CROYDEN (SURREY) Naseer-Ud-Din Shams (Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani) HE DAY BEGAN Winner Middlesex with Fajr Prayer at 06:45AM at Baitus Runners Up Baitul Fatuh Subhan Mosque, Third Place Hertfordshire Croydon. This was followed by Darsul Qur’an delivered by Maulana Rana Mashood Sahib. After breakfast and registration (between 7AM and 8:30AM) the opening session was chaired by Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddam Ahmadiyya UK, Fahim Anwar Sahib, and began with recitation of the Holy Qur’an. At 09:30am the tournament began from the venue in Trinity High School.

The level of play was of a very good quality through out the day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the on lookers from the balcony of the two courts. Lunch was served promptly at 12pm with a variety of sandwiches, fresh fruit and juice. As the day went on, we noticed the standard of squash being played considerably improved.The plate tournament saw Munim Rashid play Qamar Syed, which was deservedly won by Munim Rashid (15-13). Special Mention goes to Yasir Vanderman who at the tender age of sixteen, played delightful squash throughout the day. He reached the semi finals only to lose to the eventual winner, but made up for his disappointment by beating Adeel Bajwa in the third place play off. Zohar and Asr prayers were offered at 2:40pm, lead by Sadr Sahib, Mirza Fakhar Ahmad. In the end it came to the two most consistent players of the tournament, Arshad Ahmedi Sahib and Nadeem Raja. The final was a best of five sets match, which was played with great tactical precision by both players, and it was a great spectacle to watch. The eventual winner was Nadeem Raja Sahib, who won this match and the tournament by 3 sets to 1. The closing session was chaired by Sadr Sahib, in which a report of the day’s events was given by National Mohtamim Sehat-eJismani and South Region’s Sehat-e-Jismani,Wasim Mangat Sahib. Arshad Ahmedi Sahib reminisced over some very heartfelt memories of the times he played squash with Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmed . He also urged the Khuddam to continue playing the game of squash with the same passion that Huzur had played it with. Sadr Sahib closed the session with some further words about the importance of the Tahir Squash Tournament, and said that we must continue to encourage all the Khuddam to take up this and other such sports.

PART

3 Islam MAP SOURCE: Al-Khulafa Ar-Rashidun by S.A. Khulusi (Ta Ha Publishers)

Heroes of Islam “THE SUN HAS NOT RISEN NOR HAS IT SET OVER ANYONE BETTER THAN ABU BAKR UNLESS HE WERE A PROPHET” - Sayings of The Holy Prophet Kalim Anwer

EARLY DAYS adhrat Abu Bakr’s full name was Abdullah ibn Abu Quhafa ibn Aamir ibn Amr ibn Kab ibn Sad ibn Taym ibn Murrah at which point connects his genealogy to that of the Holy Prophet (see figure 1). He was, however, give the name As-Siddiq by the Prophet meaning ‘Witness to the Truth’. Scholars agree that this was due to how he hastened to testify to the truth of the Messenger of Allah and steadfastly adhered to the truth. His physical appearance has been described by Hadhrat Aisha as a man of very fair complexion, of slender build, thin cheeked. He was very lean, had deep set eyes. He also used to dye his beard with henna [i]. Even before embracing Islam, he was a prosperous merchant and one of the leaders of the Quraish. In fact, he was given the responsibility for the settlement of blood money and debts. Although he was a resident of Mecca, he regularly travelled to Syria and Yemen for trade purposes.This first of these journeys was undertaken only when he was 18 years of age. Besides being a wealthy person he was distinguished for his politeness and sympathy with people, his depth of knowledge, his sharp intellect

16 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

and his capacity to deal with matters of business. And it was for these qualities of his character that he was able to command the affection and confidence of his people. He was an expert in the knowledge of genealogy and the past and had obtained considerable experience through trade and extensive travelling. Even before the preIslamic days, Abu Bakr lived a life of abstinence. It has been narrated by Abu’lAliyyah ar-Riyahi: It was said to Abu Bakr in a gathering of the companions of the Messenger of Allah,‘did you drink wine in the Jahiliyyah?’To which Abu Bakr replied ‘I seek refuge in Allah!’Someone said ‘Why?’ and he replied ‘I tried to protect my honour and guard my manliness, for whoever drinks wine will lose his honour and his manliness’. It was then said that this news reached the Messenger of Allah and he said ‘Abu Bakr has told the truth, Abu Bakr has told the truth’ twice [ii].

THE FIRST BAI’AT Hadhrat Abu Bakr used to visit the Holy Prophet frequently in the year preceding the advent of prophethood. And just as the daylight precedes the actual rising of the sun, so had the apostolic light begun to shed its lustre before the divine revelations actually

downed upon the Holy Prophet . He had begun to show a marked inclination to the offering of prayers and moment of retirement into solitude. He had also begun to see actual realities in the dreams. In short, divine light begun to illumine his heart, both in sleep and wakefulness. And it is but natural that Abu Bakr’s association with his future Master must have deeply influenced his entire outlook. Indeed, it was the result of this contact that be had thoroughly developed a capacity to receive the Message of Islam and bear the responsibility of becoming the Prophet’s companion in his lifetime and his Khalifah after his death.This is why the Message of Islam was not strange to his ears, and the moment the Prophet conveyed it to him he responded by accepting it and corroborated it with such firmness that he won the honoured epithet of Al-Siddiq.When the Holy Prophet received the call, Abu Bakr was out of town.When he returned to Mecca, Abu Jahl, Utba and Shaiba along with other chiefs of the Quraish came to see him. In the course of their conversation, Abu Bakr asked them if they had fresh news.To which they replied in the affirmative and stated that ‘Abu Talib’s nephew, the orphan, has declared himself a Prophet’. They then

PART 3: Islam

asked for his advice on how to deal with such a situation. On hearing this, Abu Bakr got so excited that he asked leave of those present in that meeting and proceeded directly to the Prophet .The Prophet , fearing that Abu Bakr might misunderstand, began to explain. Abu Bakr stopped the Prophet from doing so and insisted whether or not an Angel had descended upon him from God and had given him a Message.The Prophet wanted to explain again but Abu Bakr wanted to hear no explanation. He only wanted the answer to his question.The Prophet simply said ‘Yes’. Abu Bakr immediately declared his faith in him and stated that argument and conjecture would have only detracted from the value of his faith [iii]. Abu Bakr began to use his personal influence to bring some of the earliest converts to the Holy Prophet for embracing Islam, such as Hadhrat Usman , Hadhrat Abu Ubaida ibn Al-Jarrah , Sa’d ibn bi Waqqas and Abdur Rahman ibn Awf .

STRIVING IN THE CAUSE OF ALLAH After his conversion his life became a model of devotion and firmness. He placed his body, his life, his wisdom and judgement, his children and property at the disposal of Allah and his Prophet .There was one occasion which has been narrated by Hadhrat Umar to exemplify this. On the occasion of the Tabuk expedition, Umar ibn Khattab said:The Messenger of Allah ordered us to give sadaqah and I said ‘today I will out do Abu Bakr if I am ever to out do him,’and I brought half of my wealth.The Messenger of Allah asked me ‘What have you left for your family?’I replied ‘I have left the like of it’. Then Abu Bakr came with everything he had and the Prophet asked him ‘Abu Bakr, What have you left for your family?’Abu Bakr replied ‘I have left for them Allah and His Messenger’. When I heard this I said,‘I will never out do him [Abu Bakr] in anything [iv]’. Abu Bakr’s entire fortune stood at 40,000 dirhams the day he accepted Islam.When he migrated to Medina with the Prophet, his

total wealth stood at 5000 dirhams. He purchased many oppressed Muslims from their cruel masters and made them free and spent his money without any hesitation. A total of eight slaves, four men and four women were freed by Hadhrat Abu Bakr. Of those freed, Hadhrat Bilal was one. Hadhrat Bilal used to get severely persecuted by his master Umayya bin Khalf. When Umayya sold Hadhrat Bilal to Hadhrat Abu Bakr, he sniggered at the high price he sold him for. Hadhrat Abu Bakr replied that he would have much willingly paid a much higher price. Throughout his life he was earning money, but only to spend on the cause of the Faith. His children, too, were ready to sacrifice at the command of Allah and His Prophet.When he saw that the Prophet’s heart was greatly affected with grief at the death of his wife, Hadhrat Khadijah, he offered the hand of his daughter Ayesha, in marriage to him. He also treated his son Abdur Rahman as an enemy as long as he was an infidel. It was related that after his conversion to Islam, Abdur Rahman once said to his father,“Sire, in the battle of Badr I had on one occasion a fine opportunity of striking you down, but I spared you.”To this Hadhrat Abu Bakr replied in a firm tone,“I would not have spared you, my son, if I had an opportunity of hitting you”. Another son of the Abu Bakr was slain in the battle of Taif and thus had the honour of becoming a martyr. His two daughters, Ayesha and Asma both have the honour of narrating hadith from the Holy Prophet . At the time of the conquest of Mecca he brought his ninety year old father, who had lost his sight and presented him before the Prophet so that he might be taken within the fold of Islam.The Prophet said,“O Abu Bakr, why did you put the old man to trouble? I could have gone to him myself” “No, Sire,”he replied,“at this occasion it was his duty to come to you.”

HIJRAT Abu Bakr was at his house talking to the members of his family, when suddenly the Holy Prophet came and said to him,“O Abu Bakr, the divine command for hijrat has just been received.”Abu Bakr immediately asked,“And, sire, about my

accompanying you?”When the Prophet replied that he had also been permitted to migrate, his joy knew no bound and with great enthusiasm he began making arrangements for the great journey. His wife and children were before his eyes and it must have occurred to him that they would face terrible hardships in his absence, but the anxiety to accompany his Master was above every consideration. His resignation to the will of God had influenced the members of his family to such an extent that instead of showing signs of perturbation they used to console each other. On one occasion Abu Bakr’s daughter, Asma, suffered in utter helplessness a blow at the hands of the cruel-hearted Abu Jahl. Since his conversion to Islam to the end of the Prophet’s life, Abu Bakr remained devoted to him and was by his side in all his campaigns, always ready to lay down his life. For his remarkable bravery in the battle of Badr, Hadhrat Ali had called him “the bravest of men”[v]. On the occasion of the heartrending battle of Uhud, Abu Bakr’s son, Abdur Rahman, came out from the camp of the infidels and challenged the Muslims to send someone for combat, he unsheathed his sword and asked for the Prophet’s permission to fight against him.“Put your sword in the sheath, and let us have the advantage of your presence”was the response of the beloved Prophet. On hearing this Abu Bakr abandoned the idea of fighting against his son.

DEATH OF THE HOLY PROPHET One can imagine how terribly distressing must have been the moment of the Prophet’s departure from this world.The death of even those who hold worldly power and influence creates chaos in society, not to speak of the Prophet who was the centre of the two worlds.The sad event had thrown the Companions into a state of utter confusion.They had assembled in the Mosque of the Prophet and were being addressed by Hadhrat Umar who was telling them that the hypocrites said that their Prophet had died. But Hadhrat Umar stated that just as the Jews thought that Moses had risen to Heaven and returned after an

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 17

PART 3: Islam

absence of forty days, so to the Prophet would also return and anyone who said otherwise would suffer a blow from his sword. On receiving the heartrending news, Abu Bakr, who had been a few miles away from the city immediately rode to the house of the Prophet, and removing the sheet of cloth from the auspicious face of his Master he kissed his forehead and said with tears in his eyes,“May the lives of my mother and father be sacrificed to you! O Prophet of Allah, sacred was your life, and sacred was your death! God is our witness. Death will not come upon you twice over.”Then arriving at the Prophet’s Mosque, Abu Bakr asked Umar to control himself and stop talking. But he did not agree and Hadhrat Abu Bakr had to address the audience himself in order to draw their attention. He exclaimed,“O people, verily whosoever worshipped Muhammad, behold! Muhammad is indeed dead. But whoso ever worshipped Allah, behold! Allah is alive, and will never die. Says Allah:‘And Muhammad is no more than an apostle.Verily all apostles have passed away before him. If then he dies or is killed, will your turn back upon your heels? And who ever turns back upon his heels, he will by no means do harm to Allah in the least; and Allah will reward the grateful [vi].’”These words of the Glorious Qur’an removed the veil of doubt that surrounded the companions and the reality of the situation became clear.When Hadhrat Umar realised the full import of the situation i.e. the death of the Prophet, he sat down overwhelmed with grief.

THE SECOND MANIFESTATION OF ALLAH’S WILL: KHILAFAT The story of Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s election marks an extremely valuable and delicate moment in the history of Islam -it saved the new Faith from total extinction. Everyone had gathered together and speeches were given by both the Ansar and Muhajirun as to who was right to lead the Muslims. After all the speeches there was a unanimous opinion from all the companions that Abu Bakr was the only right man to bear the responsibility of Khalifat. Infact it has been

18 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

narrated by Anas ibn Malik:‘When Abu Bakr was pledged allegiance in the assembly hall, Umar stood and spoke “Allah has gathered authority to the best of you, the companion of the Messenger of Allah and the ‘second of the two’when they were in the cave, so stand and pledge allegiance to him’[vii]. All those who were present pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr; afterwards he addressed the crowd as follows:“By Allah, I was never eager for a position of command for even as long as a day or a night, and I never desired it, and I have never asked Allah for it in secret nor openly. However, I was afraid of dissension. I will have no rest in command. I have been invested with a mighty matter which I have not the energy for, nor the power, except by Allah’s strengthing.”[viii]

TROUBLES AHEAD Soon after his election as Khalifah, the entire peninsula of Arabia fell into a state of anarchy and confusion on account of the rise of false prophets, the apostasy of many tribes, civil war and rebellion. Added to this, beyond the two frontiers the Roman and the Persian Empires were simply waiting for a favourable opportunity to strike against the infant Islamic state. Speaking of this critical situation Abdullah bin Mas’ud says: “The Muslims were at this time like a flock of goats which loses its shepherd in the midst of storm and rain on a dark winter night.” Like a true statesman Hadhrat Abu Bakr fully realised the delicacy of the situation and took necessary steps to meet it. Messengers for instance brought news to Medina, only ten days after his election to Khilafat, the news of the rise of apostasy. Hadhrat Abu Bakr said,“Have patience, for you will receive worse reports in letters which will follow”. He was so conscious of the necessity of protecting the Muslims from the attacks of Caesar and Kisra (Roman and Persian Emperors) that he lost no time in turning towards this problem.The situation during the last days of the Prophet, a Muslim army had been preparing to go to the Roman frontier. However, due to the Prophet’s illness, the army’s departure had been delayed. Considering the fresh danger which had now arisen from the neighbouring hostile tribes, Hadhrat Umar advised that the army remain in Medina to ward of any impending attacks on the city.

But Hadhrat Abu Bakr immediately overruled him by saying “Never shall I consent to alter the smallest detail of an order given by the Prophet of God”. During the short period of two years and a quarter that he held of the office of Khalifat, he extinguished the fire of apostasy. The entire region from Yemen to Medina was occupied by rebel forces; the capital itself is surrounded on all sides by apostates taking advantage of their position and numbers.They even had the nerve to send a message to the Khalifa that they were ready to offer prayers provided they were exempted from the payment of Zakat, which simply meant the demolition of one of the foundation pillars of Islam. Add to this the fact that the best fighters of the Muslims had already left under the leadership of a 20 year old Usama ibn Zaid on a campaign against the Roman Empire. It is at this critical moment that Hadhrat Abu Bakr consulted the Companions on the best course of action to take against the apostates. It is said that the companions advised Abu Bakr to follow a mild course of action. Indeed, Hadhrat Umar has been reported to have said,“O’ Caliph of the Prophet! Be gentle towards the people and try to conciliate with them.”In his reply, Abu Bakr emphatically said,“How is it that you were so violent in the days of Ignorance, and have become so weak after embracing Islam? The Qur’an has been revealed and our religion has now become perfect. How can it be mutilated as long as I am alive? No, I swear by Allah that I shall declare Jehad against them if they withhold even a piece of rope from the Zakat that is due from them.”The companions remonstrated,“If you insist on sending away the army (to fight against the Romans) and do not like to come to terms, even temporarily, with the insurgents, how could we, a few old and weak men with a sprinkling of some young men in Medina, withstand the innumerable hosts about to fall upon us?”To which Hadhrat Abu Bakr replied,“My friends, if you are shy of fighting them, let Abu Bakr fight them alone [ix]”. The Khalifah now resisted with remarkable success the attacks of the enemy in spite of the evident inadequacy of worldly means. He did not only save Medina

PART 3: Islam

from the onslaughts of the rebels but pushed them back by launching a counter offensive and took effective steps to suppress apostasy. One such example was when Abu Bakr sent the famous Muslim commander Khalid bin Waleed to destroy the false prophet Musailama.The place at which this battle was fought came to be known as the ‘Garden of Death’due to the number of deaths suffered on each side. Musailama’s army numbered 100,000 while Khalid’s forces numbered a mere 13,000. Causalities were terrible and many companions of the Prophet died. Approximately 3,000 Muslims were killed of which 500 were Hafiz’s. On the other hand 7,000 men including Musailama died.The result was that by the end of 11 A.H. or within a period of nine months from the election, the entire movement was crushed so thoroughly that since then it has never reappeared in the history of Islam. In the year 12 A.H. began the process of the defeat of the Persians and the expedition of Iraq is over before the year was out.This was soon followed by a campaign against Caesar (the Roman Emperor).

ACHIEVEMENTS OF HADHRAT ABU BAKR DURING HIS KHILAFAT During Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s Khilafat the study of the Qur’an was encouraged; the basic principles of Islamic Jurisprudence

were formulated. Also during his Khilafat, Hadhrat Abu Bakr had various parts of the Qur’an collected and preserved in the form of a book under the advice of Hadhrat Umar due to the fact that so many Hafiz’s were dying in the battles. He also explained and clarified the meaning of the Qur’an wherever there was any difficulty. He has narrated hadith, and the most reliable authority regarding the proportion of Zakat i.e. 2.5%, is taken on his narration. Similarly, in many other matters of primary importance his evidence has been accepted as authentic. In Islamic jurisprudence he formulated the principle of Ijtihad i.e. the use of human reason in the elaboration and explanation of the Shariah Law, which subsequently became the main source of guidance for Mujtahids. Hadhrat Abu Bakr was also renowned in the art of explaining and commenting upon dreams. Indeed, the famous commentator of dreams, Ibn Sirrin, has said “The most skilled in interpretation of dreams of this Ummah, after the Prophet, was Abu Bakr”. [footnote x]

. On being told that only three pieces were used he said,“For me also three pieces are to be used, namely, the two sheets that are on my body can be washed for the purpose, and the third may be purchased.”“But,”said Hadhrat Ayesha on hearing these words,“We are not so poor as not to be in a position to purchase new sheets of cloth.”“True, my daughter,”said he, “but new cloth is needed more by the living than the dead.”Thus, on 22nd Jamadiul Awwal 13AH, Hadhrat Abu Bakr passed away at the age of 63 and was buried beside his holy master.The life of Hadhrat Abu Bakr was an example to us all in matters of obedience; his Khilafat helped pave the way for a model Islamic society, something that was not going to be matched until the Khilafat of Hadhrat Umar , but that is another story.

Figure 1 Family tree linking the Holy Prophet to Hadhrat Abu Bakr Murrah

DEATH OF HADHRAT ABU BAKR Even in his death, Abu Bakr was anxious to follow the sunnah of the Prophet . Immediately before his death, he asked Hadhrat Ayesha as to how many pieces of cloth were used for covering the body of the Holy Prophet

Kilab Qusayy Abd Munaf Hashim Abdul Muttalib Abdullah The Holy Prophet

Taim Sa’d Ka’b Amr Aamir Abu Qahafa Hadhrat Abu Bakr

Footnotes [i]

p17,The History of the Khalifas who took the right way, Ibn Siyyuti

[ii]

p16 ibid

[iii]

p10 Life of Muhammad, Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad

[iv]

p25 The History of the Khalifas who took the right way, Ibn Siyyuti

[v]

p21 ibid

[vi]

Holy Qur’an: Ch 3; v145

[vii]

p57 The History of the Khalifas who took the right way, Ibn Siyyuti

[viii]

p58 ibid

[ix]

Taareekh-al-Khamees Vol2, p224, cited in Life of Abu Bakr, Sherwani

[x]

p100,The History of the Khalifas who took the right way, Ibn Siyyuti

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 19

PART 3: Islam

The Beauty of Islam: Justice Harris & Saerah Maguire slam is a beautiful religion. As a convert I was amazed at it’s beauty, it’s wisdom, something that prior to accepting Islam was not my perception – something that the West in general suffers, is the vision of Islam as a backward religion, not in fact but a second hand knowledge that is perceived through the media. In this article I hope to highlight just some of the endless beauties of Islam.

without these guidelines that Allah has sent for us, will lie and deceive, as we all know occurs and has occurred and will continue to occur. ‘And say,`This is My straight path.So follow it; and follow not other ways,lest they lead you away from His way.That is what He enjoins upon you,that you may be able to guard against evils.‘ (The Holy Qur’an 6:154)

Relevant to this month is that of justice. In England, Australia and the USA for a little while, most governments have been undergoing investigation in whether the public were mislead into the war in Iraq. People are losing trust in their leaders; some take it as part and parcel of politics.This is all about justice. The Holy Qu’ran talks of justice in such a beautiful way, way ahead of those western politician’s perception of justice. ‘O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice and be witnesses for Allah,even though it be against yourselves or against your parents or kindred.Whether he,against whom witness is borne,be rich or poor,Allah is more regardful of them both than you are.Therefore,follow not your low desires that you may be able to act equitably. And if you hide the truth or evade it,then know that Allah is Well-Aware of what you do. O ye who believe! believe in Allah and His Messenger and in the Book which He had revealed to His Messenger,and

How true this is, for it is Allah who has given us morality and the guidelines of how to live righteously. For a lie may seem little, just one little white lie, but it doesn’t stop there, and it continues to the point where lying becomes a part of life, acceptable, you start to rationalise lying and it becomes second nature.There will come a day when this will lead you into trouble.

the Book which He revealed before it.And whoso

‘Verily,ALLAH enjoins justice,and the doing of good to

disbelieves in Allah and His angels,and His Books and His

others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency and

Messengers and the Last Day,has surely strayed far away.’

manifest evil and transgression.He admonishes you that

(4:136-137)

you may take heed.(The Holy Qur’an 16:91)

The Holy Qur’an tells us to be strict in justice, and reminds us of the absoluteness of justice, even against your kind and parents.There must be complete justice, and this is linked with religion for its guide, and what better a guide that the book of absolute truthfulness.This is where the western politicians will always fail, for unless they have religion in their heart they will not be able to govern with complete justice. Those that follow the above verse cannot lie or deceive or bear false witness, as these are not allowed in the religion, but politicians

Allah indeed has shown us the right path, just start to follow these paths and slowly we all we feel the benefit.The above verses contain three forms of Justices as explained by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV :

kindness and kinship)

It should be remembered that Justice is something we all must practice individually in our daily lives and that will grow as a whole within society. In the sense that each of us in our daily lives must be just in all our affairs, in our actions, in buying and selling, in working, in conjunction with relationships of all kinds. Justice isn’t just the law it self, it is each of our laws.We must also remember that we all want to be treated justly in all things. Imagine if we could rely on this beautiful concept, to know when you buy something, you get it sold to you at is real price, and not one with extras, that you are never duped. Justice is also the way we treat each other, our parents, our partners, neighbours, strangers, everyone even people we may have dislike for, in each activity, fair and just. We must also remember that if we don’t treat each other with justice we shall be accounted for it on the day when we shall meet our creator Allah Almighty of which he will treat us with absolute justice in weighing our good deeds versus our bad deeds. Although justice is expressed in many different ways in the Holy Qur’an, in guidelines of safeguarding Mosques, Churches, etc.The following verses links justice with righteousness. It is important to be just, only then we can evolve, and move onto higher plains. ‘O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity

20 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

‘Allah does not command us to exercise justice (Adl) alone, but He also desires us to voluntarily add benevolence (Ihsan) to the act of justice and to then move further to the third stage of human relationships,which is Ita’I DhilQurba,a spontaneous expression of love and care as experience by a mother for her child.’(Absolute Justice,

incite you to act otherwise than with justice.Be always just.That is nearer to righteousness.And fear Allah.Surely, Allah is Aware of what you do.’ (Holy Qur’an 5:9)

So when anyone comes to you and says ’Islam is a backward religion,’or ‘look what those Muslism in the media are doing,’ remind them of these verses which clearly show how beautiful Islam really is, how wise and absolute it’s justice is.

PART

Ahmadiyyat the Renaissance of Islam Interview with Huzur

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V on Tabligh

Importance of Paying Chanda

Al - Wassiyyat

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 21

Part 4: Ahmadiyyat, the Renaissance of Islam

Interview with Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V Anurag Sood (Editor of Hoshiarpur Times, India)

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to meet the fifth Khalifah of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, whilst I was on a visit to London. His Press Secretary, Mr Rashid Ahmad Chaudhry arranged a meeting with the Khalifah and this gave me the chance to ask various questions. First, I asked whether he would accept the wishes of everyone to visit Qadian in India in where the Community was founded

22 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

in 1889. Huzur (as he is affectionately called by his followers) said that he was unable to make snap judgments to go anywhere. A proper programme had to be made in advance and the Community in Qadian had to be ready to receive him. However, he expressed his desire to visit Qadian and indicated he would whenever circumstances allowed it. I then exhorted him to visit Hoshiarpur as well whenever he does go to Qadian, as that is also a significant place for his Community. Huzur then related his last visit to Qadian in 1991. He had visited the original Talimul-Islam College, now called Khalsa College. He described his visit to the house of the principal, which house used to be his

own grandfather’s. The Principal greeted me very nicely. I casually mentioned that we might return to live here permanently. He said:“This is your house,we will vacate it for you”. Huzur also said that we were greatly impressed by his friendship. I then ventured to say that India and Pakistan’s relations were improving and whether statements by a Spiritual leader could make any further improvement on relations. Huzur said yes this could definitely do that. As far as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was concerned, it is a purely religious organisation whose purpose is to exhort members to worship Allah and to carry out the rights of people and serve humanity, which he said, was their

Part 4: Ahmadiyyat, the Renaissance of Islam

objective. Huzur said that that is the very message that they spread and preach in the world and the very reason why people join their Community. Consequently, he said, that when he goes to Qadian, like the previous Khalifa did, his principal aim will be to participate in the Annual Convention and ensure that the same message reaches all the participants. The Convention, he said, will include his speeches as well as those of other Ahmadi scholars. The purpose of all speeches is to establish peace on earth. At the last Qadian Convention, in the closing speech, he had personally sent the message about peace and security (via satellite link, MTA television). This message was widely published in the Indian newspapers, he reminded me. He also praised the fairmindedness of the Indian newspapers, which I found particularly pleasing. I then ventured to refer to the Ahmadi motto: ‘Love For All, Hatred For None’. Huzur emphasised that hatred must first be ended and love will inevitably take over, as the two are inter-related. Huzur than went onto to talk about his recent tour of Africa, particularly Ghana. He started about his meeting with leaders and Ambassadors of Muslim and Western nations who had gathered to welcome him to Ghana. Huzur said that he had spoken to the African representatives and emphasised two things to them. First, he had said, that for sure they were poor, but efforts had to be made to stand on their own feet and to work hard within their own countries. Secondly, he had said that education had raised the Western nations and an emphasis on education could raise the Africans as well.

I then picked up the courage to say ‘Is America exploiting us?’ Huzur said that whenever India and Pakistan are on the brink of war, the super powers usually have an involvement in the matter, and the fundamentalists are keeping such issues alive. I also asked whether Huzur believed the relations between India and Pakistan would continue to improve. He indicated that they would improve and he reminded me of an Indian Minister who was quoted as saying: “If European nations can get together and walls be demolished,why can’t India and Pakistan?” Huzur’s answer was that Europe was no longer of interest to America, whereas the Asian economies were still of some interest, so the super powers cannot allow peace to be established there. Huzur then related that nowadays most people think there is no difference between Indians and Pakistanis, but their governments have divided them. If such people wish to become united that could only happen if all parties grant religious freedom to each other and respect the others’ways of worship, according to their faiths. I asked whether Huzur believed there could be any other world wars. He indicated that most definitely there would be, involving both Asia and Europe and the pride of the super powers would be broken by it. Huzur then replied with these words: “We must pray that,may God postpone such types of calamities and may God create love within each others’hearts. May we not see those terrible scenarios.”

Finally, I then asked what could we do to enhance his own noble mission. Huzur ended the interview with these words: “A human being should respect other human beings. ‘Human being’is a sacred word. Every person is not a human being. The one who takes up a sword,pistol or gun is not a human being. Everyone who does not respect another’s sentiments or attacks another’s religion is not a human being. Similarly,the one who creates a mischief in his house and does not allow peace to be established there is not a human being. When you establish peace at the lowest level in your own homes,and then extend it to society, humanity will become established. This you must do within your society whilst keeping to your own religion. Likewise,followers of all religions,in every nation,should create an atmosphere of humanity in their society. When this is achieved,peace on earth will be established. This is a huge task that we intend to carry out,God willing. Therefore you should also assist us in this.”

Permision to reprint granted to Ch. Rashid Ahmad, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Press Secretary

Huzur

with Mr Anurag Sood and team

Part 4: Ahmadiyyat, the Renaissance of Islam

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V on Tabligh EXTRACT FROM FRIDAY SERMON DELIVERED ON 4TH JUNE 2004 AT BAITUL FUTUH DISCLAIMER: Tariq Magazine takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis of the Friday Sermon IS IS SUCH a great bounty of Allah The Almighty that however grateful we become we cannot express enough gratitude to Allah The Almighty but we must remember that this blessing then places a great responsibility upon us that the bounty that we have acquired from Allah The Almighty must not be limited only to ourselves.This bounty and also those bounties that have been hidden, buried for thousands of years, can take us to the love of our Creator.We must relay this to other people as well.We must try and free them of the hold of Satan in which they are caught and also to help them become worshipful servants of Allah The Almighty, then we should work according to the Hadith that ‘what you like for yourselves you should like for others’. You should also help others to part take of that, that bounty that we have been granted by Allah The Almighty.We must not be stingy and hold it just to ourselves.

Sympathy to Mankind But an Ahmadi Muslim is sympathetic to mankind and especially they should be sympathetic to the Muslims as they are the ones who belong to the Ummah of the Holy Prophet .This is our duty that we have to free them from the darkness, which they are living in.We have to relay to them the light we have.We need to tell them that if you join the Community of the Promised Messiah , you will be freed off all these troubles. And also people who belong to other religions, we have to relay this message to them.

Prayers You should pray with great zeal and great pain to Allah The Almighty because destruction is approaching very fast and the world is treading on that path with great speed so we have to pay full attention to this danger. Only then can we be declared the best of the Ummah in the sight of Allah The Almighty. Only then can we fulfill this responsibility, the demands of this responsibility that has been placed on our shoulders.

24 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

Jihad Today in this Jihad that we are being asked to participate in, we are not being asked to pick up any weapons.We are not being asked to stand in front of raining arrows that will land on you.Today, we are not being asked to stand in front of shells being fired.The demand that we are facing today is that you sacrifice your possessions, your wealth, your finances for the sake of Allah. And also sacrifice your time for the sake of Allah.

Giving Time Every Ahmadi Muslim in the world must make it incumbent upon himself; make it his duty that in a year at least once or twice for a week or two weeks he must dedicate their time to undertake that. I am saying that at least twice because once they make some contact they must then try and renew that contact. And also then the second time you have new doors opened for you. Each Ahmadi Muslim must pay full and serious attention to this if you want to protect the world from destruction.

MTA Allah The Almighty has granted us this tool of MTA.We should introduce it to all our friends. But you must remember that there are some ways, some etiquettes of relaying a message, with true spirit and true zeal and with wisdom.You have to relay the message but you have to be wise in your attitude, the way you follow.Then it will have a good affect on the people. Use all the facilities that are available to you fully, well and with wisdom. But people have different natures so be wise and preach to them in accordance to their nature.

Personal Relations The best way to work according to this advice is that you should have personal relations with that person and then be friendly over duration.They should then be maintained as a relationship that is strong and friendly and then you should mention these things when you feel the situation is right. Some people behave like cowards and would not say what needs to be said or

otherwise they just start pressurising the other person and in that case they lose their contact, and the person that you are preaching to is totally repulsed.

Perseverance The Promised Messiah has said again and again that do not tire of your work.This is something that needs you to be patient. Not that you make a contact once or at the end of the year you give two months and try and say yes that was our target of meetings and he have met that. You must be regular with the person that you contact and then you would know what his nature is like. Maintain your contact and then the time will come that the person will then know what is being said.

Professional Relations The Promised Messiah said: ‘You should try convert people amongst your own profession, the doctors should convert doctors, the lawyers should convert lawyers, farmers should convert farmers.

Good Behaviour A person is greatly affected by example. If a person who drinks himself advises others not to drink and the person who is adulterous and says to others do not commit adultery, how can others benefit from his advice? Such preachers, such advisers damage other people as well so the Promised Messiah (a.s) says how can you protect others from evil and vice if you are indulgent in those things yourself? If you are misguided, how can you guide other people to the right path? For whatever weaknesses we have indulged in within ourselves, we should seek forgiveness from Allah The Almighty, bow to Allah and make a pledge that ‘Oh Allah, whatever sins we have committed, forgive us for those slips that we have made and enable us in the future that we can fulfil your rights and also the rights of your creation and also may we be able to fulfil the responsibilities you have placed on us.’ You must remember this point that it’s the personal example, which people look at.

Part 4: Ahmadiyyat, the Renaissance of Islam

Importance of Paying Chanda Dr Abid Ahmad

Are you well off? Before answering, consider these facts: -A quarter of the world’s population, 1.3 billion people, live in severe poverty -1.2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water -800 million people do not get enough food, and about 500 million people are chronically malnourished. More than a third of children are malnourished -In industrial countries more than 100 million people live below the poverty line, more than 5 million people are homeless and 37 million are jobless -Of the world’s 23 million people living with AIDS more than 93% live in developing countries -More than 840 million adults are illiterate 538 million of them are women -Around 2 million children died as a result of armed conflict in the last decade -In developing countries 160 million preschool children are underweight -110 million landmines lie undetonated in 68 countries

So what can I do about all this? -Today’s society has the resources to eradicate poverty -Six European countries can spend $700 million in nine days on dog and cat food -Effective debt relief to the 20 poorest countries would cost $ 5.5 billion equivalent to the cost of building EuroDisney -The net wealth of the 10 richest billionaires is $133 billion, more than 1.5 times the total national income of the least developed countries -The cost of eradicating poverty is 1% of global income -Providing universal access to basic social services to lessen income poverty would cost $80 billion, less than the net worth of the seven richest men in the world -Today’s world, spend $92 billion on junkfood, $66 billion on cosmetics and nearly $800 billion in 1995 for defence expenditure

Are you doing your bit? – i.e. paying your chanda? Consider the example of the Holy Prophet of Islam .When he married Hadhrat Khadija, who was a wealthy woman, he immediately gave the majority of the money they had to charity and set all the slaves free.Throughout his life, he lived in poverty always providing for the less fortunate. Consider his clear and profound words on giving to charity. “Give charity to save yourself from the fire, even if it be by giving a portion of a date.” (Bukhari) “A generous person is close to Allah, close to the people and close to Paradise but far away from Hell. As opposed to this; a miser is far away from Allah, from the people and from Paradise, but close to Hell. An ignorant person who is generous is dearer to Allah than a worshipping miser.” (Qushariyyah) O Messenger of Allah, which act of charity has the greatest reward? The Messenger of Allah answered “That you give charity when you are in good health, when you yourself stand in need, and when you are afraid of poverty and desire to become wealthy – if even then, you are not neglectful. Not that you tarry until your life is ebbing out, and then you say this much for him and that much for him.” (Mishkat) Some ignorant people believe that if they spend their wealth in charity, they will become poor. Allah rejects this concept and says that any money spent in charity, will be rewarded seven hundred times over. “Satan threatens you with poverty and enjoins upon you what is foul, whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from himself and bounty.” (Qur’an, 2:269) “Whosoever spends something in the cause of Allah is rewarded seven hundred times over.” (Tirmidhi) “Take a portion of their wealth as alms, that thou mayest purify them thereby and provide for their uplift and welfare.”(Qur’an, 9:103) “The similitude of those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah is like the similitude of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies it further for

whomsoever He pleases.”(Qur’an, 2:262) “And the case of those who spend their wealth to seek the pleasure of Allah and to strengthen their souls is like the case of a garden on elevated ground. Heavy rain falls on it so that is brings forth its fruit twofold. And if heavy rain does not fall on it, then light rain suffices. And Allah sees what you do.” (Qur’an, 2:266) Islam has wisely recommended both forms of giving money, openly and secretly. By giving openly, a good example is set to others and many will begin to imitate this act. Secretly giving money, is in many cases better, because in this way one refrains from exposing the poverty of someone and there is also little occasion for pride in secret giving. “If you give alms openly it is well and good, but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you many of your sins. And Allah is aware of what you do.” (Qur’an, 2:272) Consider the words of the Promised Messiah on paying chanda. He makes it clear that we have to choose only one, our wealth or Allah. “I urge each one of you, whether present or not present, that you should inform your brothers about chanda.You should include even your weak brothers in chanda.This opportunity will not come to hand again.” (Malfoozat, vol.7 no.24, page 8, 10 July 1903) “It is obvious that you cannot love two things; it is not possible for you to love your wealth and love God.You can only love one. Therefore, fortunate is the person who loves God. If any one of you will love God and then spends wealth will also be blessed more than others because wealth does not come by itself. It comes with the Will of God. Therefore, anyone who gives up a part of his wealth for the sake of Allah will certainly receive it back. But anyone who does not serve the cause of Allah because of his love of his wealth, will certainly lose that wealth. Do not imagine that wealth comes with your effort. It comes from God. Do not think that by giving a part of your wealth or serving the faith in some other way you are doing a favour to God and to His Messenger. Rather it is His favour that He invites you for His service.”(Collection of Announcements, vol.2 p.497) TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 25

Part 4: Ahmadiyyat, the Renaissance of Islam

Al - Wassiyyat BOOK REVIEW:THE WILL SOURCE: “Books of the Promised Messiah”by Naseem Mahdi his booklet was written and published in December 1905. In it Hadhrat Ahmad refers to the revelation that he had received about his demise and that it was near.The Promised Messiah exhorts the members of the Jamaat to bring about a change for the better in their lives and to live up to the standard that Islam wants its followers to live. Hadhrat Ahmad also tells the Jama’at that on his departure from this world God would send His second manifestation to the world—and by this he meant that the institution of Khilafat would start after him—and that it would stay with them for ever (for as long as God may deem them to be fit for this institution). God’s first manifestation are the prophets themselves and the second manifestation are the successors of the prophets.The Promised Messiah cites the instance of Hadhrat Abu Bakr, who became the first Khalifa (successor) after the Holy Prophet .

Hadhrat Ahmad lays down the rule as to how the new members would be initiated into the Jama’at and tells them to wait until he passes away. The Jama’at is admonished that they should not look down on anyone, for unless it is time for someone to manifest their qualities they might appear humble and very ordinary. The Promised Messiah instructs his Jama’at to be sympathetic

26 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

towards one another and to try to partake of the Holy Spirit which can be received only through Taqwa (righteousness) and they should get rid of their lowly passions and look for the pleasure of the will of God. The bitter life which makes you deserving of

those who believe in what God says and do not fear the trials they face It is of vital importance that God may try you to prove as to who is sincere in his pledge of initiation and who is not. He who slips over a trial does no harm to God and misfortune will carry him to Hell. It would have been better had he not been born. All those who will remain patient until the end of the trials and till they have passed through the hardest of times—like the great earthquakes and storms of calamities and the humiliating jokes of the opponents and also their hatred—they will ultimately be victorious and the doors of blessings will be opened for them.’ In Al-Wassiyyat, the Promised Messiah also talks about prophethood, that no new or old prophet could now appear except that a follower of Holy Prophet may become a prophet who would not only be a prophet but also a follower. It is this kind of prophethood to which Hadhrat Ahmad makes claim.

the pleasures of God is far better than the pleasant, easy and luxurious life which takes you away from Him. ‘Do not think that God will let you go waste.You are a seed that God has sown in the land with His own hands. God says that this seed will grow and blossom and its branches will spread out in all directions and it will become a big tree. Blessed are

Next, he mentions a vision of his and says that he has been shown a site which was going to be his grave. He saw an angel who was measuring the land and having reached a certain spot which was shining brighter than silver, the angel said that this is his grave. He was shown a piece of land which the angel said was given the name of Bahishti Maqbara (the graveyard of the people who are destined to enter Paradise). Hadhrat Ahmad was told in the vision that it was

Part 4: Ahmadiyyat, the Renaissance of Islam

the place for the graves of his sincere followers. Hadhrat Ahmad says that since he had this vision, he has always been pondering over it [to implement it].When Hadhrat Maulvi Abdul Karim passed away, Hadhrat Ahmad donated a piece of land which belonged to him for the proposed graveyard and prayed very fervently to God that it may really be the graves of those who are to enter Paradise.

Hadhrat Maulvi Nurud Din as the President, Khan Sahib Mohammad All Khan Sahib, Sahibzada Bashirud Din Mahmud Ahmad , Maulvi Sayed Mohammad Ahsan, Khawaja Kamalud Din and Dr Sayed Mohammad Hussain as Secretary of the Majlis. It.is signed by Mohammed Ali as Secretary and countersigned by the President, Hadhrat Maulvi Nurud Din and Hadhrat Ahmad .

Extracts from book Then the Promised Messiah laid down the conditions for burial in that graveyard. In addition to being a sincere follower of his who acts upon the commandments of God, one who wishes to be buried there must pay from one- tenth to one-third of his property (and income) at the time of passing away from this world. In fact, such a person should, Hadhrat Ahmad says, make a will for this payment. This actually is called the Will Scheme. In addition to the writings of Hadhrat Ahmad , this book includes the minutes of a meeting of the Majlis-iMo’tamideen Anjuman Ahmadiyya, held on 29th January 1906, which was attended by

“The site for my grave has been shown to me. I saw an angel measuring the land. On reaching a certain spot he told me that this was the place for my grave.Then I was shown a grave that shone brighter than silver and its earth was of silver.Then it was said to me:‘This is your grave’. I was shown a place called Bahishti Maqbarah (Heavenly Graveyard). It was made plain to me that it contained the graves of the heavenly elders of the community.“ “Lest anyone be inclined to think otherwise, this graveyard and the arrangements for it are not bid’at (harmful innovations). It should be remembered that this scheme is

being undertaken in accordance with Divine revelation. No human motives are involved in it. And do not think that it is the cemetery which makes one heavenly.This land cannot make anyone heavenly. No, what the Word of God means is that only the heavenly will be afforded burial here.” “Finally, it should be remembered that the days of tribulations are nigh. An earthquake is soon to strike and it will turn the land upside down. But in the sight of Allah only they are true believers who, before this chastisement, prove that they have forsaken this world and that they have obeyed my instructions to the full. In His organisation they will rank first and foremost. And I say to you in truth: The time is near when the Hypocrite will regret that his love of this world made him ignore this commandment. At the time of the chastisement he will cry out in great distress:‘Had I given all my fixed and moveable assets to escape this punishment’. Remember that faith is worthless which is born after this chastisement. And alms-giving will be a mere vanity.”

Sadr Sahib’s message concerning Al-Wassiyat I would like to draw your attention to the address by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V on the occasion of the 38th Jalsa Salana UK. It is a great honour for us that Huzur has chosen the UK Jama’at to highlight the significance of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat (The Will) announced by the Promised Messiah . Very briefly, Al-Wasiyyat is a binding obligation on the testator (the Musi) to conduct his life according to the high Islamic standard and refrain from sin of all kind.The monetary obligation is to give or bequeath at least one-tenth (the maximum permitted under Sharia is one-third) of his income and disposable property to the Jama’at. A Musi is also required to keep his account up to date so that this burden does not fall on his other beneficiaries.

A Musi who fulfils these obligations is buried in the Bahishti Maqbara. During a meeting held with missionaries on 4th August 2004, Huzur re-emphasised this scheme and instructed that within ONE year, UK should have 3000 persons who have become Musi’s and he instructed that we should start with the members of the Majlis Amila and then incorporating other members. I urge you to respond by saying ‘we hear and we obey’. To learn more about AlWasiyyat please read “The Will”by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad , Promised Messiah and Mahdi.

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 27

PART

Science & Academia

Islam and Democracy Sabah Khan it is meant that the legal system of any state which claims to be democratic must be a copy of the American or British, or French legal system, then Islam is surely not democratic and further having knowledge of Islam’s notion of democracy one would not want to align themselves with a western democracy that permits immoral institutions such as Guantanamo Bay Camp X-ray.

ANY A TIME the question has been proposed, most urgently in our current climate; can Islam come to terms with democracy? Yet, a study of Islam juxtaposed against a study of democratic values would ineluctably have one assume a reversal position; can democracy embrace Islam?

Now we come to the question of democracy.Western states are no doubt democratic. But is Islam really undemocratic? This depends on what one takes to be the most important characteristics of a democratic state. If by democracy is meant rule of law, human rights, choice of rulers, then these are inseparably part of the religion of Islam. No ideology, secular or religious, lays greater emphasis on the importance of the principle of the rule of law than Islam. Justice, the Qur’an tells us, is to be administered irrespective of our feelings towards people,“Be just, even if it is against your next of kin.”, and “Let not your hatred of some people induce you to be unjust. Be just.That is nearer to piety.” The same applies to human rights, the rights of life, of ownership, of expression, of movement, etc., within the Islamic Law. Choice of heads of state is explicitly stated by Hadhrat Umar , the second Caliph after the Holy Prophet , to be a right of the people. So, if these principles are what we mean when we talk about democracy, then Islam advocates democracy. But if by democracy is meant all the democratic institutions that happen to be in place now in the West, or if

28 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

I am sure that if Islam is properly explained to people in the West, then many of them would come to its fold, and many others would be influenced by many of its teachings, even if they did not embrace it. But that is the problem, there is too much ignorance and ill informed debate ensuing, and for that the media are heavily responsible. More than the media, Politicians should account for this dissemination of misinformation, often propagated by themselves, alluding to the idea of Islam being a medieval, patriarchal, absolutist religion. Islam, in essence, is so complete and far ranging that democracy is just a small bubble within the larger sphere of Islam. As the West has no equivalent to Islam and its majesty,Western philosophy is thus centralised around the democratic State. And this is a good thing, yet concurrently one cannot dismiss Islam as being undemocratic simply because the term democratic was not coined by the Muslims. Muslims like to call it justice and freedom i.e., a world free from compulsion and force: especially is matters of faith.This is indeed what the Qur’an teaches.This now brings me to a focal point.The Qur’an has propelled forward the concept of democracy and did so impressively 1400 years ago. However, in the West it has taken the rest of the world to come to terms with democracy and act democratically very recently. It was only really in the 18th and 19th centuries when democracy as the west perceives began and became a near reality. And that was with the French revolutions and even then it was awash with problems. It was not long before liberalist began to attack the French Revolution and pour

scorn upon it for its betrayal of freedom. Enlightened thinkers such as Hegel, Goethe and Humboldt wrote emotionally of how enthusiasm for freedom gave way to revulsion due to the evident absolutist and dictatorial ends that the French had reached. In reality if the West wants to know what a true democracy is like, then they should ponder back through the history books and discover the wonderful days of Andaluss.The reign of Islam in Spain was the most glorious days of freedom and development.The renaissance that was known in the West and manifested in the 16th century in the West, was born far long ago in the 12th century with the Muslims of Spain, Ibn Sina, Farabi, Ibn Rushd et al. It is clear therefore, that Western rhetoric of democracy and the apparent lack thereof in Islam is but great fallacy.Their only understanding of Islam is through the actions of leaders who happen to be Muslims. Surely that is ignorance at its pinnacle. If they sincerely would like to know what Islam has to say about freedom of speech and egality they should be advised to turn to the Qur’an that commands Muslims to act in ways that the West has only recently discovered as democratic. Both Islam and the West advocate democracy, further I would be inclined to say that Islam’s notion carries more substance, and what’s more is that Islam has been advocating such ideas long before the West. It is time for the West to stop treating Islam as a medieval ideology, for little do they but the West has been trying to keep up with Islam and its modernity. Hence, Islam does not need to modernise, and history is proof to the point that the West has been attempting to imitate Islam, whether it be in the arts, sciences or philosophy. For, the renaissance the occurred in the 16th Century in the West, had its advent 4 centuries earlier in the golden age of Islam in Andaluss. May Allah help the world to understand the true Islam as practised and taught by our beloved Muhammad the Holy Prophet and help Muslims to continue to present to the world the true face of Islam.

PART

Student Pages Youth for Faith An interfaith project for young people, through young people,by young people

Getting a Summer Internship

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 29

Part 6: Student Pages

Youth for Faith AN INTERFAITH PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE,THROUGH YOUNG PEOPLE, BY YOUNG PEOPLE Arif Khan & Jamal Akbar

HE OBJECTIVE of the event was to represent our faith for an Educational Interfaith CD-ROM being produced for schools in and around London.

scripture or poem. The objects that were taken were as follows:

The aim of the project was to enable young people around London to learn about their faith and that of others.

1. Something to tell - The Holy Prophet journey to Ta'if taken from "Life of Muhammad" by Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad

Prior to the day we were requested to bring the following things:

2. Something to hear - The Adhan on Audio CD + translation

1. Something to tell - Inspirational story from your faith

3. Something to share - Dates

2. Something to hear - Music used in prayer, or instrument to play 3. Something to share - An item of food from your community 4. Something to show - Picture or symbol that has significance to the faith 5. Something to read - An inspirational text,

30 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

the two of us representing Islam.The ages of the representatives ranged from 14 to 24.

4. Something to show - A picture of the Holy Ka'bah with the caption on it "To know Allah's Will, is our Greatest Treasure;To do Allah's will, Is our Greatest Pleasure." 5. Something to read - Sura Fatihah + translation In total there were eleven representatives; six representing Hinduism, two representing Sikhism, one representing Christianity and

The day was very informal with a short introduction explaining the background to the project and a rough agenda. Throughout the day we were videoed and photographed.The plan for the day was firstly the faith presentations with a short question and answer session to follow each presentation, due to last about 20 minutes. Following that an open forum discussion to go through any other questions, our own experiences of being youth of faith and how we can promote religious tolerance. Islam was the first presentation, followed by Hinduism, Christianity and finally Sikhism. We decided to change the order of the items for our presentation. First of all Arif recited Surah Fatihah with the translation and explained why we had presented this first.

Part 6: Student Pages

We explained that it was the first chapter in the Holy Qur’an and that Muslims begin all things with "Bismillah" and that it's a tradition to begin events or formal proceedings with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. A copy of the Holy Qur’an was also shown. Sura Fatihah was greatly appreciated, and the richness of its meaning.The constant prayer of Muslims for Allah to "guide us on the right path" was also particularly liked. A highlight during the presentation were the words "as-salaatu khayrum-minannawm" and the audience's appreciation at the beautiful way in which people are called to early morning worship in Islam. Thirdly, Jamal showed the picture of the Ka'aba and explained its significance and how performing pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. He also gave a bit of background on how it b ecame a holy place for Muslims. The fourth item was the dates. It was explained that another pillar of Islam is Fasting and that the Holy Prophet of Islam used to open his fasts with a date. Muslims around the world follow his example and also try to open their fasts with dates. The last item was a passage from the book 'Life of Muhammad' by Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad about the Holy Prophet's journey to T'aif recounted by Arif. The presentation itself lasted around half an hour and there were many questions, so much so that they had to be stopped due to shortage of time and were discussed later in the open forum. Questions that were asked included : -Is Muhammad still alive today? Are there any prophecies about him returning again? -Why is the Holy Prophet Islam the final prophet?

-What is Jihad and what does it actually mean? -What is Islam's view upon people of other faiths?

-What is 'the day of judgement' and the concept of heaven and hell in Islam?

of the traditional culture in Saudi Arabia. Further examples were given where culture differs from religion.

-Why do Muslims fast? -What are the 5 pillars of Islam? -Why are you a Muslim? Why does the faith of Islam appeal to you? During this question and answer session we tried explaining each point in detail with relevant references. When answering the question regarding the finality of Prophethood, Arif said that all Mulsims believe that Hadhrat Muhammad was the final law bearing Prophet and that Islam was the final law. There would be no new religion thereafter as religion had been perfected in Islam, the Holy Prophet and the Holy Qur’an. With regards to Jihad we put across the Islamic view that Jihad is defined as striving in a noble cause and involves improving yourself.We also stated that although physical fighting is permitted in Islam it is only under certain circumstances and that for years the Holy Prophet of Islam did not raise his sword against those who fought against him. Only after receiving revelation after a long period of suffering was physical Jihad sanctioned. We talked about suicide bombers being against Islam and that the Holy Qur’an states that there is no compulsion in religion and that physical Jihad is no longer required. During the open forum discussion, Arif brought up the issue of Women in Islam and their status in the religion of Islam. Following the explanation a question was asked about the veil and if it is oppressive. Arif gave the analogy of how a precious gem is covered to protect it and how it gives women more freedom. Jamal also mentioned that before there is any mention of modesty for women in the Holy Qur’an, men are first instructed to restrain their eyes and to also display modesty. On hearing this one of the group members asked why belly dancers were allowed when women are asked to be modest.We made it clear that belly dancers were not Islamic and are part

Other questions were asked about Muslim men growing beards, and why some have large beards and others do not have one and also why Muslim men are circumcised. Arif explained that there is nothing explicitly written in the Holy Qur’an about growing beards and that it is a tradition of the Holy Prophet that is followed. He also explained that having a long beard did not necessarily mean that the person is very religious as only Allah knows what is in someone's hearts.With regards to circumcision, Arif explained that it was a covenant with Allah and that is also present in the Jewish Law. He also mentioned that there were medical benefits but did not go into any more details. At the end each member was asked to join in pairs with someone they had not talked to for the day and they were each allocated a religion and asked to prepare a short summary of what they learnt about that faith today. By the grace of Allah the most positive statements in this session seemed to be about Islam. One Hindu guest said that she learnt about the real beauty of Islam and had gained a huge amount of respect for the faith, and expressed how much she loved the 5 pillars of the faith upon which it is founded. Another Hindu girl expressed how she learnt the veil was not a form of oppression, but a way of protecting women's honour and chastity. She liked the analogy of wrapping a precious gem to a lady covering herself. After the event many individuals expressed thanks to both of us on a personal level.The organiser too was very happy that we had come and presented our case as she was aware of the Islamophobia present today, and previously she had not been able to get a Muslim representative. The group have been asked to keep in touch with each other and to develop as an interfaith team. Further meetings are planned, and InshaAllah we will be able to attend those as well, and they will be as successful as this one was. Ameen. TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 31

Part 6: Student Pages

Getting a Summer Internship Amaar Idris

What is a Summer Internship? A summer internship is an opportunity that is open to all degree students who are on their penultimate year of study. Internships generally last around 8-10 weeks and they differ from work experience in two main ways: 1. Internships are usually composed of a structured programme and interns are treated just like new graduates in that they are given full responsibility.Work experiences on the other hand are usually spent making tea and coffee, as many of us are all too well aware. 2. Internships are virtually always paid.This can be anywhere from ÂŁ100 per week to around ÂŁ600 per week. Many businesses are increasingly trying to recruit interns in the hope of unlocking and finding potential at an early stage. It is very common these days for interns to find themselves being offered a full-time job at the end of their internship once they have completed their degree.

How do I apply? A lot of companies these days have online forms that you have to fill out to apply. Certain places like the civil service use paper-based application forms.

Have any hints or tips for the application form? Don't waffle so to speak.We all know when we are waffling.Try to keep to the point and answer the exact question. It must be realised that recruiters have thousands upon thousands of applications to get through.You have to somehow make your application stand out. One way of doing this is to make the application easy to read for recruiters so try not to give them any irrelevant information and write concisely. It may also be a good idea to use bullet point headings as this improves the readability of you answers.

Have any hints or tips for the interview? Try to make a habit of doing the following things: Learn about the company and the role you have applied for using the companies website prior to the the interview. Look at the key qualities that the company wants. It is quite likely that they will ask you to demonstrate occasions when you have demonstrated those qualities. Give a firm handshake to the interviewer and be confident. If the interviewer engages in small talk then respond positively with small talk.

How will I be assessed? Your application form will be used in the first instance to see if the company want to take your application any further. If they decide to pursue your application then they will invite you for a first-round interview. Most companies also have second round assessment centres.These are mainly composed of one-on-one interviews, numerical tests, verbal-reasoning tests, group exercises etc. It's important to realise at this stage that all companies have various methods of assessing candidates. Its vital that you realise what qualities the company is looking for and during the course of you assessment centres and interviews, project those qualities.

32 - TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1

Sit up straight; no slouching and no biting finger nails etc. -Always try and maintain eye contact with the interviewer and smile. Be ready for negative questions such as "Tell us about a time you failed?" The trick here is that your answer has to finish on a positive note. At the end of the interview they will always ask you whether you have any questions. Don't try to be too clever and ask something like "What do you think of the oil situation in Iran and how is your company dealing with the challenges posed by that situation?" The likelihood is that your

interviewer won't even know there was an oil situation in Iran. Instead keep it simple and just ask them something like "How do you find working for your company?" or "When can I expect to hear from you?"

Have any hints or tips for the assessment centre? These can be very difficult. Essentially, just try and be yourself. Once again research the components of the assessment centre on the website of the company where you have applied. One specific piece of advice that I would give here is that group exercises always have a time limit. In this scenario you should always volunteer yourself to keep the time for the group. It shows initiative on your part. Another way to prepare for an assessment centre is to ask your fellow students at university. Remember, there will be many other people like yourself who have applied and if you look around hard enough, it is likely that you will find someone who has already been through the assessment centre. Just as a side note, it would also make sense for you to apply slightly later then most people to make sure that you are not the first batch of the candidates being interviewed.

Where should I concentrate my efforts most? Prayers are essential. Prayers will have a calming effect over you and will allow you to concentrate.There are some prayers that I recite to calm my nerves such as the Durood Sharif and also the following verse: If Allah helps you,none can overcome you; but if He forsakes you,then who is there that can help you beside Him? In Allah,then,let the believers put their trust (The Holy Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an, Chapter 3:Verse 161)

PART

Letters & Comments

Stand Up Syed Ansar Khan

Stand up,Oh brothers stand up today, There’s so much to do and so much to say. Stand together in rank and never give way, March forth in waves and always obey.

Stand up,Oh brothers stand up today, There’s so much to do and so much to say. For the darkness to halt,we must convey, This beautiful light in the Prophets way.

Stand up,Oh brothers stand up today, There’s so much to do and so much to say. Satan is strong and blocking our way,

Self-Analysis is the Key to Success s our next annual gathering approaches we can see just how fast time has passed since the previous Jalsa Salana.

We should make it a point to reflect for a moment, and ask ourselves what have we achieved as individuals, what new accomplishments have we had, and more importantly, how much have we strived in the way of Allah? Again, with regards to tabligh, we only have to look at the poor results as Jammat U.K. to realise how few made any whole-hearted attempt to spread this most beautiful religion of ‘ours’. Putting all the above aside, how many of us have sincerely taken notice and acted upon the advice and instructions of our most beloved Khalifa? How can we blindly

and ignorantly carry on living our lives whilst ignoring the words from such a man of God who illustrates love and wisdom.

Right under our noses he’s leading astray.

Stand up,Oh brothers stand up today, There’s so much to do and so much to say. Preach to your friends and those on your way,

It should not be taken for granted that time is something that can be played with. We should live our lives constantly questioning our every intention and action to see if it pleases Allah the Almighty. Constant selfanalysis is the key to our success!

Tell them the truth; it’s so easy to say.

Stand up,Oh brothers stand up today, There’s so much to do and so much to say. Strike down these false idols leading astray, No time tomorrow,just do it today.

So stand up,Oh brothers stand up today, There’s Oh so much to do and so much to say.

In fact it is a good idea to value every breath we take and seriously consider the implications if we were to die tomorrow. Do you think that you will go to Heaven or hell? Decide for yourself, which is the best option, and then decide which one of these we are more likely to end up in?

For,Allah is watching and listening today, To ask us tomorrow – Did you guide them my way? And I pray you will answer that fateful day, Yes my Lord I surely did say.

TARIQ: JUNE 2005,VOLUME 10, ISSUE1 - 33

PART

Urdu Section