Tariq Magazine (Volume 12, Issue 3)

Tariq Magazine Volume 12 • Issue 3 • October 2007

The official publication of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5PT Tel 020 8687 7843 Fax 020 8687 7889

Editorial Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

Tariq Ahmad BT Naib Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and Chief Editor

Tariq M Chowdhry

Contents PART 1: Words of wisdom Verses of the Holy Qur’an and Commentary Hadith (Sayings of the Holy Prophet [saw]) Writings of the Promised Messiah [as]

4 4 5

PART 2: Editorial Foreword Editorial

6 7

PART 3: Islam Ummayad Caliph: Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez [rh] Namaaz Umrah How to make the most of Ramadan

8 10 12 15

PART 4: Ahmadiyyat, the renaissance of Islam Wasiyyat With expansion comes great responsibility

17 18

PART 5: News and events Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya North East Regional Ijtema 2007 Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Charity Challenge 2007 International Masroor Basketball Tournament Tabligh Seminar on Youth & Society held in Leamington Spa 2007 “Merry Manchester” Regional Indoor 5–a–Side Football Tournament 2007 Regional Atfal Ijtema - Midlands 2007 Midlands exhibition Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya National Tennis Tournament 2007 Khidmat–e–Khalq activities Police football match

20 28 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

PART 6: Science and academica Studying law: The Verdict

40

Mohtamim Isha’at

Irfan Chaudhry Design and Typesetting

Cover Photo Mohtamim Isha’at

All correspondence should be forwarded directly to: THE EDITOR, Tariq Magazine Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5PT

Tariq Magazine is published by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, the youth organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Islam. Some of the views expressed by contributors may not be the representative views of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association is a registered charity, UK Charity Reg No. 299081

North East Regional Ijtema 2007. See page 20 for full report

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 3

part 1 - Words of Wisdom

The Holy Qur’an He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.

The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 59, Verse 25

Hadith Abu Dharr relates that the Holy Prophet [saw] said: Allah admonishes you: O My servants, I have charged Myself to wrong no one and have forbidden it between you, so wrong not anyone; 0 My servants, all of you are astray save those whom I should guide; O My servants, all of you are hungry save those whom I should feed, then supplicate Me for food, I shall feed you; 0 My servants, all of you are naked save those whom I should clothe, then supplicate Me for clothes, I shall clothe you; O My servants, you misbehave night and day and I forgive all sins, then supplicate Me for forgiveness, I shall forgive you; O My servants, you can have no power to do Me harm, nor can you have power to confer any benefit upon Me; O My servants, if the first of you and the last of you, and the whole lot of you, high and low, were to become like one who has the most righteous soul among you, that would not add a

4 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

whit to My Kingdom; O My servants, if the first of you and the last of you, and the whole lot of you, high and low, were to become like the one who has the most vicious soul among you, that would not detract a whit from My Kingdom; O My servants, if the first of you and the last of you, and the whole lot of you, high and low, were to assemble in one large plain and were to beg Me for whatever they desire and I were to bestow upon each of you all that he had asked for, that would not detract from My treasures any more than a needle would detract from the ocean by being immersed in it. O My servants, I compass your deeds and shall make a full requital for them to you. Then he who encounters good should praise Allah for it; and he who encounters something else should blame only himself.

Reported by Muslim

PART 1 | Words of wisdom

Our paradise is in our God. Our highest delight is in our God for we have seen Him and have found every beauty in Him

Writings of Promised Messiah [as] The Promised Messiah [as] writes: “Our paradise is in our God. Our highest delight is in our God for we have seen Him and have found every beauty in Him. This wealth is worth procuring though one may have to lay down one’s life to procure it. This ruby is worth purchasing though one may have to lose one’s self to acquire it. O ye, who are bereft, run to this fountain and it will satiate your thirst.

It is the fountain of life that will save you. What shall I do, and by what drum shall I make the announcement that this is your God, so that people might hear?

What remedy shall I apply to their ears so that they should listen? If you belong to Allah, rest assured that Allah will indeed belong to you.”

Kishti Nuh; Roohani Khazain, Vol. 19, pp 21–22

Extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah [as] relating to Ramadan The verse: “The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran began to be revealed” (The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 2, Verse 186) indicates the greatness of the month of Ramadan. The Sufis have recorded that this is a good month for the illumination of the heart. One who observes the fast has frequent experience of visions in this month. The Salat purifies the spirit and the fast illumines the heart.

The purification of the spirit means that one may be delivered from the passions of the self that incite to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be opened so that one may be able to behold God.

The Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] (1835–1908)

Malfoozat, Vol. IV, pp. 256–257

Fasting and Salat are both forms of worship. The fast powerfully affects the body and Salat powerfully affects the soul. Salat generates a condition of softening and melting of the heart, and is, therefore, a higher form of worship than fasting. The latter fosters the capacity for visions.

Malfoozat, Vol. VII, p. 379

The fast powerfully affects the body and Salat powerfully affects the soul

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 5

part 2 - Editorial Foreword Mirza Fakhar Ahmad, Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

My dear brothers Khuddam and Atfal [salam] I pray that you are well, and may Allah keep you safe from all harm. Ameen, We have just come out of a very busy period.

With a wet and testing Jalsa Salana, to Ramadhan, and now to the National Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Ijtema. Life as a Khadim is never idle.

I pray that Ramadhan would have brought many blessings into your life and given you the opportunity to delve deeper into your spiritual self. It is a time for reflection and prayer, with those willing to make the sacrifice of time and sleep, being promised great tidings and blessing both in this world and beyond.

The National Ijtema also brings it’s own unique blessings. It is a time of renewing our affiliation to our organisation and for continuing our journey for our personal development and betterment. It is a time to renew old friendships and to create new bonds. It is also a time to reflect on what role we have to play as members of the Jamaat, and how best to achieve the standards set by Hadhrat Masih Maud [as] and successive Khulafa.

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Never for one minute forget who you are and the Community you belong to, whether at work, or play, at School or University. The World is crying out for change and it’s salvation lies in the teachings of Islam and those of Hadhrat Masih Maud [as] . You are the ones who will drive home that change, but only if you adopt change yourself.

Increase your knowledge about Islam, Ahmadiyyat, and indeed of everything else. It is a time for the “Jihad of the Pen”, and a lack of knowledge will leave you defenceless and stranded. Convince your colleagues, friends, and fellow students of the beauty if Islam and Ahmadiyyat by your actions, words, and deeds. Being a “part of the crowd” only makes you a member of the crowd, nameless and undistinguished. Sometimes in our zeal to integrate with our friends and colleagues we forget our origins.

Tabligh is spreading the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat. What better time than now to advertise the beauty of what we ourselves believe in? Do not let this opportunity pass you by.

Wassalam Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya

PART 2 | Editorial

Editorial Tariq Ahmad BT, Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and Chief Editor of Tariq Magazine

This editon is being published on the eve of the National Ijtema and it is appropriate that we focus our minds on the importance of this key note event.

The Ijtema provides an opportunity for our Khuddam and Atfal to come together to participate and compete in a variety of academic and sporting spheres. Yet in this competition lies the key component of brotherhood which includes the spirit of engaging in the events not just to excel to new standards but also to compete in a manner which reflects the best traditions of our Community. This means that despite the pressures and excitement felt particularly in some of the team sports, the postive competitive spirit remains just that, and does not spill into a display of foul tempers, for this has no place in our Ijtema.

Moreover in establishing this event, it was the vision of the founder of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) that such Ijtemas are also used ultimately to promote the moral and spiritual training of the youth of the Community. It is therefore imperative that we should all strive to play close attention to our own conduct during the event. Special attention should be placed on our behaviour and how we interact with one another as well as the discipline of saying our prayers in congregation.

On a personal note may I welcome you to Ijtema 2007.

The Organsing Committee have been working tremedously hard over the last eight months in preparing for the Ijtema and we have taken up the issues which have been raised with us to improve the event. Nevertheless, there will be challenges and issues which will arise and for this I seek your cooperation and patience.

This is your Ijtema. Participate fully and reap the opportunities offered through your attendance at such a blessed event.

I hope and pray you will enjoy Ijtema 2007 and I look forward to meeting with you over the three days Wassalam Tariq Ahmad BT Nazim–e–Ala Ijtema 2007

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 7

part 3 - Islam Ummayad Caliph: Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdul Azeez [rh]

By Murtaza Ahmad, Jamia

“Rulers usually appoint people to watch over their subjects. I appoint you a watcher over me and my behaviour. If you find me at fault in word or action guide me and stop me from doing it.”

—Umar bin Abdul Azeez [rh] Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez (682-720) enjoys the great distinction of being one of the most celebrated leaders of the early Islamic empire, having left an indelible mark on this chapter of Islamic History.

Hadhrat Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz (c.

682 - February, 720 was an Umayyad caliph & considered by Sunni’s as Mujadid of the 1st century) ruled from 717 to 720. Unlike previous Umayyad caliphs, he was not a hereditary successor to the former caliph, but was appointed. But he was also a cousin of the former caliph, being the son of Abd al-Malik’s younger brother Abd al-Aziz.

Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez [rh] was born around 682. Historians are unsire where he was born exactly-either Medina or a location in Egypt.

His fathers name was Abdal Azeez, the governor of Egypt and younger brother of the Ummayad Caliph: Abd-Al Malik. Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez is also known to be the great-grandson of Hadhrat Umar [ra]) in books of history, he is also known as Umar II. Islamic Historians such as Ibn Ishaq and Ibne Khaldun have written much about him accompanied by many other historical traditions.

Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez lineage to Hadhrat Umar bin Khatab

[ra] has its roots from an incident that took place in the life of the Khalifa. It is said that he was much accustomed to making journeys (disguised) to assess the circumstances of his people and if they were in shortage of anything. On one of his usual journeys Hadhrat Umar [ra] on passing a household, overheard a milkmaid refusing to obey her mother’s instructions to sell milk that had gone-off. The next day, an officer was sent on the orders of Hadhrat Umar [ra] to see if the girl had stuck to her resolve. On hearing that her milk was unadulterated, he was so impressed that he summoned the girl and her mother in court the next day and told them that he overheard their conversation. He wanted to reward the girl and offered his son Asim for marriage to the girl. She accepted and as a result of this union, in due course Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez was to be born.

Umar’s childhood years were spent in Medina and he lived there and received his primary teaching until he was asked to come to Damascus by the Ummayad Caliph-Abd-Al Malik and married to his daughter—Fatima. After the demise of Abd-al Malik (his father in–law and uncle), he served under his cousin Al–Walid I as the governor

8 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

of Medina. Very alien to other rulers of that era, he established a council to administer the province of medina. He practiced justice to such a degree that grievances and complaints once sent to Damascus had all come but to an end.

Umar’s work as governer drew the ire of the Iraqi governor, Hajaj bin Yousef.

Who sought to have Umar dismissed from his post in Medina. The Medinites were very shocked to hear that Hajaj had managed to persuade the Caliph to support his campaign.

Nevertheless, Umar had earned an impeccable reputation in the Islamic empire.

Al Walid I then died and his brother Sulaeman became the next Caliph of the Ummayad dynasty. He was a great admirer of Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez and gave him this position over himself, his bothers and his own son.

Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez reluctantly accepted providing the people wanted him to be the Caliph.

The way Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez approached this office was like no Ummayad ruler before. He lived an extremely pious and simple life. He stayed away from the worldly luxuries at hand and chose to rule as a simple caliph contrary to the erstwhile Ummayad lifestyle. All the assets meant for

PART 3 | Islam

ABOVE: Dirham from Umar’s reign as emperor of the Umayyad dynasty LEFT: Islamic Umayyad Empire

a Caliph were put into the public treasury. He abandoned the caliphal palaces and gave it to Sulaeman and himself lived in simple dwellings. Instead of wearing fine royal robes, he wore rough linens and usually went unrecognised.

A Muslim tradition relates that a poor female visited the Caliph’s house, seeking charity and saw a raggedlydressed man filling holes in the house.

The lady mistakened him for a servant and asked Fatima (wife of Caliph) “Don’t you fear God? Why don’t you veil in the presence of this man?” The woman was shocked to find out that the raggedly dressed man was the humble Caliph himself.

He was very careful in accepting gifts, in fear that he may be bribed and whenever he did do so he would deposit it in the public treasury. He encouraged his wife, who had been daughter, sister and wife of three caliphs to give up her jewllery for the poor. He was not particularly fond of the fact that the Ummayad Mosque of Damascus contained expensive stones and expensive fixtures that could instead be used for another purpose. He changed his mind when he heard that this was a source of envy to his Byzantine rivals in Constantinople.

Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez

tried to make his contemporary Islamic empire conform to the injunctions in the Holy Quran and practices of Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]. He was the first amongst the Ummayad Caliph to stop the longstanding Ummayad custom to curse Hadhrat Ali bin Abu Talib after Jummah and gave the direcive that the following verse should be recited instead: “Surely God enjoins justice, doing of good and giving to kinsfolk”

Umar wanted to introduce the Shraiah to the whole empire, so that problems such as Muslims drinking alcohol and mixed bathhouses for male and female would be addressed. The welfare programs of the few previous Ummayyad emperors was continued and amplified. Some special programs for the poor and orphans were launched. Poles apart from the other Ummayad Caliphs, he abolished the Jizya taxing of new converts to Islam (those who were dhimmis before).

Even though, Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez did not give much importance to the expansion of the borders of the empire, it would be wrong to infer that he was passive. His armies rebuffed an attack from the Turks in Azerbaijan

and he was able to quell the insurgences of the Kharijites. His cousin, Maslama unsuccessfully tried to siege Constantinople, the mighty city of the Roman empire but the Muslim army was put down and crushed.

His favours and the reforms brought about a storm of anger for the nobility of the Umayyads and it is said that it was the Umayyad who bribed a servant into poisoning him. As Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Azeez lay on his death bed, he learned that it was his own servant who poisoned him and as a mark of sheer mercy, he accepted a punitive payment (blood money) and let him free. His last act of piety was to deposit this money in the public treasury. He died in Aleppo in 720.

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 9

PART 3 | Islam

Namaaz (Salaat)

by Yousaf Aftab

The following article looks at the importance of Namaz and touches upon the acceptance of namaz in light of the Holy Quran, Ahadith and writings of the Promised Messiah [as] and his Khulufa.

This subject is extremely important and the Holy Quran places great emphasis upon this. As Allah says in chapter 29, verse 46 “remembrance of Allah is the greatest virtue”. This means remembrance of Allah is higher in status than all other acts of worship.

This statement is so important that Allah has placed constant emphasis on it, and we find frequent reminders in the Holy Quran: in chapter 76, verse 26, Allah says “and remember the name of thy Lord during the morning as well as the evening”; and in Surah Ta Ha, verse 15, Allah says “Verily, I am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So observe Me, and observe Prayer for My remembrance”.

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah [ra] narrates that the Holy Prophet [saw] said the first thing for which a person would be called to account is prayer. If he succeeds in this account, he would be successful and will attain salvation.

If that account is deficient, he will be ruined and will be a loser. (Sunan-utTrimadhi, Kitab-us-Salati) The Holy Prophet [saw] has further said, “Tell me if one of you had a stream running at his door and he should take a bath five times a day would any dirt be left on him?” He was answered, “No dirt would be left on him”. The Holy Prophet [saw] observed, “This is the case of the five daily prayers. Allah wipes out all faults in consequence of them”. (Sahin AlBukhari, Kitabu Mawaqitis Salaat) The Promised Messiah [as] has laid great emphasis on prayer and stressed the importance of remembrance of Allah but have we as Ah-

madis, as members of the Jamaat of the Promised Messiah [as] given it the required attention? That is a question which we individually need to answer.

It has been observed that at times there is some laxity in this respect, which may result, in part, from the influence of Western education. Some people may think there is no point in praying or reciting the attributes of Allah, but they fail to realise the true significance of this as this is a way of attaining nearness to Allah and establishing a relationship with him but one must remember this task is not an easy one.

As Ahmadi Muslims, we have all done the Bait of the Promised Messiah [as] which means we have sold ourselves to Allah the Almighty. I particularly draw your attention to condition 3 which states that we shall regularly offer our 5 daily prayers in accordance with the commandments of Allah.

This means we as Ahmadis, men, women and children from the age of seven should offer our 5 daily prayers.

Men should remember they have been commanded to offer there 5 daily prayers in congregation especially in the mosque. There is no concession in this matter. As the Promised Messiah [as] has said, “Prayer is obligatory on every Muslim.

It is narrated in a hadith that some people accepted Islam and submitted, O Prophet of Allah, please release us from our obligations of prayer because we are traders. Because we tend to cattle, sometimes we are not sure about the cleanliness of our clothes.

Moreover, we do not have time. The Holy Prophet [saw] said, Take heed, if there is no prayer, there is nothing. Faith without worship is no faith at all”.

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(Al-Hakam)

Men may say that they are too busy at work; women may say they are busy with their family commitments, looking after children; the youths may say they are busy with their studies; and many other excuses which we are all aware of are given but we should remember that these are all excuses.

When we want to do something we do it and make time for such things, then why can not we do the same when it comes to prayers which is obligatory upon us. By not doing so we are going against the commandment of Allah.

We should remember the words of the Holy Prophet [saw] that if there is no prayer then there is nothing.

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] has consistently advised us on this matter and given guidelines in particular to men that they should offer their Fajr and Isha prayer at least in the mosque. Huzur has said that those living 20–25 minutes journey by car should attend the mosque for Namaaz. But how many of us are acting upon this?

We should all think about this carefully and consider are we fulfilling our bait? Are we obeying the commandments of the Holy Quran on this matter? As Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] has said, “If we all start examining ourselves, a great revolution can be achieved”, but we need to work hard for this and seek Allah’s mercy and help.

The Promised Messiah [as] says, “Offer the prayer. Offer the prayer.

That is the key to all good fortune” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazai’in vol.

3) and further says, “Offer your five daily obligatory prayers with such concentration and awe of mind as though you were seeing God in front of you”.

If we want to fulfill our needs such as getting a good job, passing our exams, etc then we need to establish a living relationship with Allah. We should make friends with Allah as we do with

PART 3 | Islam people but remember Allah is the best of friends. When we pray this is our chance to have a personal meeting, mulaqaat with Allah, where we can beg from Him all that we need. But this is a two way process—we must firstly regularly offer our five daily prayers in humility and sincerity.

At times we may feel that our prayers are not being accepted but acceptance of prayer is a matter which itself needs to be understood. The Promised Messiah [as] states that there are three conditions for the acceptance of prayer.

“First, a supplicant should be perfectly righteous, for only that one is acceptable to God Almighty who makes righteousness his habit and adheres firmly to all the paths of righteousness and who is trustworthy and pious and true in his promises and is filled with the personal love of God. Secondly, his resolve and attention should be so firm and strong that he should be ready to lay down his own life for the revival of another and should be ready to enter himself into the grave to pull another out of it.

Thirdly, he should be desirous of supplication being made for him with the utmost sincerity and in perfect trust and certainty and perfect goodwill and submission. He should decide in his heart that even if the supplication is not accepted this would not affect his trust and goodwill…..He should establish it to his satisfaction that he believes fully in him and is his follower. With all this he should wait with patience and even if he should be frustrated fifty times in achieving his objective, he should not let his belief and goodwill be affected in any manner. Such people have very delicate sensibilities and they can conclude from a person’s countenance the degree of his sincerity. They are tenderhearted, yet they are self- sufficient.

They have no regard for any arrogant, selfish and hypocritical person. Only those people can derive any benefit

from them who obey them to a degree where they are ready to lay down their lives for them. A person who thinks ill of them at every step and entertains objections in his heart and lacks full love and goodwill derives no benefit from them and only ruins himself Zameema Braheen Ahmadiyyah Volume V, Now published in Ruhani Khazain (London, 1984) vol. 21, pp. 66–68)

Sometimes one may feel that his prayer is not being accepted but he should not despair and give up. Rather he should stay committed and continue to beg Allah with humility and sincerity. The Promised Messiah [as] has said, “On such occasions, one should ask some very pious person to pray and then he himself should pray to God that He may hear the prayer of that pious person. It has been observed quite often that the prayer has been accepted in this way. I have experienced it myself and it has been happening in the case of many people before me, as well. It is said that once Bawa Ghulam Farid fell ill; he prayed for his recovery but the prayer was not accepted.

Then he asked one of his disciples to pray for him—this disciple was a very pious person (He was either Sheikh Nizamuddin or Khawaja Qutbud Din).

His prayer was also not accepted. He then prayed to God very fervently and asked Him to raise that disciple of his to the rank where the prayers are very often accepted. Next morning he told the disciple that he had prayed for him for a higher rank. When the disciple heard this, he was very much moved and he started praying for him very fervently—so fervently that it was accepted and Bawa Ghulam Farid recovered from his illness.”

Malfoozat Vol. 9, pg. 234

Hazm and Anas bin Malik (ra) narrate that the Holy Prophet [saw] said, “Then Allah enjoined fifty prayers on my followers when I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, what has Allah enjoined on your followers? I replied he has enjoined fifty prayers on them. Moses said go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it. So I went back to Allah and requested for reduction and he reduced it to half. When I passed by Moses again and informed him about it, he said, go back to your Lord as your followers will not be able to bear it.

So I went to Allah and requested for further reduction and half of it was reduced. I again passed by Moses and he said to me return to your Lord, for your followers will not be able to bear it. So I returned to Allah and He said, theses are five prayers and they are all equal to fifty in reward for My Word does not change. I returned to Moses and he told me to go back once again.

I replied, now I feel shy of asking my Lord again.”

This hadith clearly shows the lengths our beloved Prophet Hadhrat Mohammed [saw] went for us, for our convenience, thinking about us, not wanting to burden us with having to perform fifty prayers but leaving us to offer a mere figure of 5 prayers but for which we will still get the reward for fifty prayers. How considerate was he always thinking of us. Yet after being put in such a fortunate position we should be the ones who should feel shy and ashamed if we can not offer our five daily prayers.

Let us pray that as Ahmadi Muslims, who have accepted Hadhrat Masih Maud [as], we can truly honour our beloved Prophet Hadhrat Mohammed [saw] by offering our five daily prayers.

Finally, the following hadith of the Holy Prophet [saw] should be given particular attention. Hadhrat Ibn

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 11

PART 3 | Islam

Umrah

Masjid-e-Nabawi

Prior to Setting off

[alhamd], a group of six Khuddam were able to spend ten precious days of worship and reflection in The Two Holy Cities, Mecca-al-Mukarrama and Medinatu-Nabi. The six khuddam were Yousaf Aftab (Amir-e-Qafila), Daud Ahmad Hafiz, Farooq Aftab, Arfan Ahmad, Nadeem Ahmad and Adam Walker.

We made our intentions to leave for Umrah some 2 weeks before setting off and immediately made a request to our beloved Huzur [atba] that he grant us a mulaqat which he graciously agreed to. Huzur [atba] seemed very happy at our plans and during a lengthy mulaqat offered us valuable advice and prayers for the trip. We

were also able to spend much time with Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashid Sahib and Murabi Laiq Tahir Sahib who each offered us a lot of practical advice which greatly assisted us during the journey.

The UK and Mecca -al-Mukarrama

The amazing spiritual journey which we embarked upon began on June 6th when five of the group set off from Heathrow Airport for Jeddah flying with BMI Airways. It is customary that the prescribed two white sheets (ihram) should be worn either prior to leaving the UK, or on the plane once the Holy boundaries of Hajj and Umra are entered (Miqaat). However, due to the fact that non-Muslim airlines are

12 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

not permitted to fly over the Miqaat we travelled in ordinary clothes and upon arriving in Jeddah were taken to the closest Miqaat (some 20 or so minutes away) where we each showered and adorned the two simple white sheets after which we entered the Miqaat, [alhamd] After a journey of no more than sixty minutes we entered the holy city of Mecca-al-Mukarrama and slowly moved towards the House of Allah (swt) (Baitul Maqdas) which is surrounded by many hotels and malls which reach the clouds. Upon catching a glimpse of the blessed Baitul Maqdas we placed our belongings in our comfortable hotel, which was no more than two or three hundred meters from the House of Allah (swt), and then made

PART 3 | Islam our way to perform what would be the first of many Umrahs, [alhamd].

Before entering the Baitul Maqdas we prayed the customary two Nafl prayers which mark the beginning of Umrah. On completing the Nafl prayers we entered the Mosque and despite spending some time preparing our intentions (niyyat) for Umrah we found ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence, beauty, and great source of spirituality which awaited us.

As we proceeded down the cool marble steps of Baitul Maqdas our hearts began to tremble as the Holy Ka’aba appeared piece by piece until we had a full view of it and the worshippers, totalling perhaps some fifty thousand, encircling the Ka’aba.

We were each fully aware of that ones prayers are certainly accepted upon first seeing the Ka’aba but our mind and heart could not help but pause for what seemed an eternity to ponder upon the great wonder before us. At this stage, ones mind enters a moment of deep reflection of the history, sacrifice and blessing which is attached to this real, physical, and tangible object to which the highest quality picture or most detailed video could do no justice. Each of us began to supplicate to Allah (swt) in our own personal ways and take full advantage of the blessing before us. Afterwards, when discussing this moment, it became apparent that each of us had offered the blessed dua of Khalifatul Masih 1st and 2nd [ra_hum] who had humbly requested Allah (swt) to accept all of their prayers for the rest of their lives.

On entering the marble surrounding of the Ka’aba we began the first of the seven anti-clockwise circuits which mark the next stage of Umrah.

Words cannot explain the emotion and closeness that a believer feels towards Allah (swt) at this point. On our third or fourth circuit of the Ka’aba we each attempted to kiss the blessed Hajar-eAswad. Some of us were unsuccessful but over the coming days Allah (swt) would bless each of us with the opportunity to take advantage of this bless-

ing. The Hajar-e-Aswad is found in one corner of the Ka’aba and is about sixty centimetres in height and thirty centimetres in width. It is extremely difficult to reach because of the large volume of people attempting to kiss it and the violent tactics which some of them use to achieve this. In a related incident, the day after a group of three of us wanted to kiss the blessed stone and so we devised a strategy to achieve this. Our minds reflected back to the hadith of the Holy Prophet [saw] in which he [saw] instructed that believers should be as one Jama’at.

In light of this we approached the hajar-e-aswad as one group with the intention that we would peacefully attempt to reach the stone and if the situation became too volatile we would not proceed. By the grace of Allah (swt) we moved towards the hajar-e-aswad with such stealth and ease that it was as if no one else was there. Allah (swt) made the task so easy for us that before each kissing the stone we were able to first invite some elderly people to kiss the stone whom would otherwise have found it almost impossible to have done so, [alhamd]. Despite each completing Umrah separately, engrossed in individual Ibaada, we took time as a group to recite aloud the blessed jubilee prayers prescribed by our blessed Huzur [atba] during the Tawwafs.

On completing the seven circuits of the Ka’aba we each proceeded to the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim, which is on one side of the Ka’aba, where we offered two nafl prayers. On concluding these prayers we drank some holy Zam Zam water and proceeded to Safa where we offered dua before embarking upon the seven lengths which mark the journey between Safa and Marwa which are perhaps 400–500 meters apart. During this we each completed Sa’i by lightly jogging between two points which are marked between two green lights.

On completing this part of the Umrah we concluded the blessed ritual by having our hair shaved off in barbers which are inside the Baitul Maqdas.

Over the coming days we each shaved our hair to the skin so that we could

each benefit from the prayers of the Holy Prophet [saw] who prayed to Allah (swt) three times for those individuals whom shaved all of their hair, [alhamd]. We each repeated the above several times over the coming days and it was a great blessing of Allah (swt) that each Umrah was more spiritual and intense than the previous one.

Over the coming days we visited several holy sites two of which were mount Hira and Saur. Mount Hira stands about 2500ft tall and takes about 45 minutes to climb. At the top there is a small cave (Ghari Hira) in which the Holy Prophet [saw] would sit in meditation and was the blessed setting of revelation. We each took some time to reflect and pray inside the cave which was barely large enough to fit two people. As was our custom at every site we visited, and after every prayer, we recited the blessed Jubilee prayers, [alhamd].

We later climbed mount Saur which is 5000ft high and takes about 1.5 hours to climb. The terrain is more rugged and steep than mount Hira. [alhamd], when we reached the top we entered the blessed cave (Ghari Saur) which sheltered, with the aid of a spiders web, the Holy Prophet [saw] and Hadhrat Abu Bakr [ra] from the pursuing Qureysh. Throughout all this time we were ever aware of the great hardship which our beloved Muhammad [saw] was made to undergo to safeguard the blessed Religion of Islam. We each felt a measure of hardship despite the fact that we had guides assisting us and reached the foot of the mountains by air-conditioned car.

Throughout the trip we offered our prayers in both the hotels and Baitul Maqdas/Masjid-e-Nabawi as a Jama’at and as previously mentioned we recited the jubilee prayers aloud. One thing which deeply disturbed each of us was the fact that there were an enormous amount of beggars outside of Baitul Maqdas for whom the local authorities had provided no support. This seemed foreign to us being used to the blessed Langar system which the Jama’ah provides. We felt that we should

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PART 3 | Islam make some small effort to address this problem, even if only in a very small and humble way. We therefore ordered one hundred meals to be made which consisted of rice, sauce and chicken and we set up our own simple langar.

We distributed the food, which was collected by beggars in a matter of minutes, and was in no way sufficient for the vast number of beggars. May Allah (swt) provide for these blessed people.

In another incident we came across two young beggars who could not have been more than six years old. It is perhaps wrong to call them beggars because they would give small packets of tissues in return for any amount of money. We were so touched by these two young precious Afghani girls because of their knowledge and the noor which was manifest in their faces.

It became our habit with young child beggars that we would first ask them to recite a small portion of the Holy Qur’an after which we would give them some money.

Usually the children would barely know how to recite Surah al-Fatiha or Surah al-Ikhlas. However, these two girls were reciting very long verses of the Holy Qur’an and each of our attempts to catch them out failed because they had such a wonderful knowledge of the Holy Qur’an. In addition to the shorter Surahs of the Holy Qur’an they recited Ayat al-Kursi, Surah alJumuah, Surah Ya Sin amongst others.

This incident caused us to reflect upon our own situation, for if such humble simple children could learn the so much of the Holy Qur’an with such short provisions, and display so much joy at reciting it, then we should have no excuse in attempting to attain the same, [insh].

One of our days in Mekka al-Mukarrama fell upon a Friday and we read our Jumma prayers in our hotel where the Khutbah was delivered by the Amir-e-Qafila, Yousaf Aftab Sahib.

Medinah-e-Nabi

After five blessed days in Mecca al-Mukarramah we left for Medinahe-Nabi which was about a four hour

journey. Upon descending down into Medinah it quickly become apparent what a completely peaceful and spiritual city it is. We moved to our hotels and had to suppress our eagerness to visit the Prophet’s [saw] Mosque until the next day because we arrived during the night and Masjid-e-Nabawi closes at about 12:30 pm.

The next day we went to the Prophet’s [saw] Mosque and offered our salutations to the Holy Prophet [saw] and dua at the places where Hadhrat Abu Bakr and Omar [ra_hum] were buried. Incidentally, there is a fourth grave left vacant for the Imam Mahdi (if only they knew).

One thing which stands out about Masjid-e-Nabawi and the surrounding area is that it is such a clean and pure place. The pureness of the area effects the soul in the same way that a natural bath purifies the body, [alhamd] We visited several places over the coming days which included Janati Baqi which is the graveyard attached to the Masjid-a-Nabawi. After the Wahhabi empire took the blessed two holy sites from the Ottoman empire they removed all of the tomb stones from the graves and replaced them with plain stones. This made identifying any of the graves extremely difficult and so we were reliant upon the shia contingents which had maps of the graveyard and claim to know who some of the graves belong to. Some of we believe to be identifiable graves included those of Hadhrat Uthman [ra], the wives of the Holy Prophet [saw], Hadhrat Fatma Zohra [ra_ha], Hadhrat Anas Ibn Malik [ra], Hadhrat Halima Sa’adiyya [ra_ha] and the sons of the Holy Prophet [ra_hum]. There are said to be some 10,000 graves in Jannati-eBaqi.

We were also able to visit the site of the battle of Uhud where Hadhrat Hamza [ra] is buried, Masjid Qiblatain where the previous qibla towards Jerusalem can be found, and Masjid Quba which is the first Mosque in Islam. It is narrated that Hadhrat Muhammad [saw] narrated that after completing Umrah two nafl prayers

14 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

in Masjid Quba is the equivalent to Umrah. We also visited the ditch dug by the companions [ra_hum] for the battle of the ditch but to our horror the local authorities, in their wisdom, have built a three mile road over it. We spent much time in Masjid-a-Nabawi and found it to be a place which greatly encouraged dhikr-Allah and Dhikr-eHabib.

After ten blessed days in both Mecca and Medinah we returned to the UK and now begin perhaps the most important part of the journey, namely, taking the lessons we learned and implementing them into our everyday lives, [insh]. If there is one thing we took from our visit it is that no trip can be compared or equated to the ziyarat of Mecca and Medinah, these two places are an absolute must for every believer, who is able, to go and visit. To face the Ka’aba and step onto the Holy soil which our blessed Holy Prophet [saw] walked upon holds no comparison.

One additional thing worth mentioning is the ease with which Umrah can be completed. We agreed to embark upon this trip just two weeks before we left and were shocked at how simple everything was. It was remarked upon several times that trips back to see family in Pakistan and to other places around the world were far more difficult and complicated than performing Umrah. People of Pakistani origin are especially blessed in this regards because the vast majority of people working in the two Holy sites, and indeed performing Umrah, are of Indo-Pak origin and therefore language is no barrier.

It must be therefore put in the very strongest of terms that each of us, who is able, must make this trip, [insh].

In the beginning, and end, all praise belongs to Allah (swt) Who bestowed upon us such mercy and grace which we were not worthy of, and cannot repay. Alhamdulliahi Rabbil Aalamin.

PART 3 | Islam

How to make the most of Ramadan

By Sardar Ataul Quddous Ahmad

For every task and every undertaking there is an time allotted for it.

Thus, if one makes use of the time given to oneself, i.e. Time, which is prearranged by God to oneself to do whatever work he has to do, one can achieve the preferred outcome.

Logically on the contrary if one doesn’t make use of the time given for a specific task to be fulfilled, he is contradicting this, vis-à-vis not being able to derive optimum benefit resulting in him achieving an annulled progress.

For example: the plantation of crops is

a vital job for farmers. Therefore due to the demand of them for export, a mass production has to be undertaken. For this, farmers have to plant the seeds of their crop in late February through till early April. A farmer makes use of this time gap in which when he plants the seeds, they will quickly grasp the soil with their roots and a crop will follow in its entirety and full of produce. And so the farmer has achieved the desired outcome. Opposing this is the example of such a one who can’t and does not make use of his allotted time and has

the mind frame of such a one who thinks that he can plant the seeds in dead winter and somehow have the knowledge that he will have a better crop than he who has planted his seeds in its prime.

Since Allah has given each task to which you can achieve an allotted time in which you can achieve it, if a person doesn’t make use of the time given to him, how does such a one expect to progress? In ahadith, The Holy Prophet [saw] is claimed to have said that for a mu’min (believer) in every 24

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PART 3 | Islam hours there is a moment in time, a watch, that when whatever you ask for or say becomes true and Allah accepts it. Yet in another ahadith it is reported to have said that in every Friday sermon during the deliverance of the sermon there is a specific moment in time where the prayer of any mu’min is answered. Another ahadith say that it is between the paling and the dawning of the sun. However, Ramadan is blessed because it is a time when this watch stays open constantly, so one should pray persistently since whatever a mu’min prays for, Allah answers it. In the Qur’an Allah says: “And when My servants ask thee about Me, tell the I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to me, so they should hearken to me and believe in me, that they may follow the right way” Surah Al–Baqarah, verse 187

This verse being self-explanatory needs no commentary; Allah has mentioned this in such a beautiful way that He has laid no condition on the acceptance of prayer what so ever. “I answer” Is derived from the root verb meaning he answered, to hear, to pay attention to, to reply and respond. Subsequently this gets us to a vital point. Just as when the farmer sows his seeds in the right way at the right time, he witnesses the crop at full growth; when we pray to God almighty in the right way with a sincere heart, we also witness his attribute of Al–Mujeeb i.e. The Answerer of prayer. Therefore we become the recipient of His endless bounties and blessings and as the crop is certain to produce and answer back the sowing of the seeds, the same applies to Allah, when you pray it is inevitable for Him to answer. Nevertheless, there is one night in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, where the watch of the “night of destiny” opens. Only Allah knows when and for how long this watch is open. So we must be on constant alert for it. How? By engaging in constant prayer. The Qur’an states

that the “night of destiny” also known as the lailatul-qadr and is better than a thousand months (quote~~~) khairum minalfil shahr Al qadr: 4 So how many days does that make? 3000, which makes approximately just over eighty– three years: just about one lifetime! So isn’t this one night worth searching for?

Unfortunately, some people are fooled by thinking that if they pray only during the last ten days of Ramadan then they will achieve this blessed night. Ramadan only benefits those who have spent the whole year in a ‘jihad-e-nafs’ trying to gain nearness to Allah Almighty. However, not only that, but Allah says that if all Ramadan you’ve spent in prayer and ebaadat then why wouldn’t He answer you? One should take this not only to apply to ‘lailatul qadr’; which is on one of the last ten days but contrarily, one should spend the whole Ramadan as if it was the “lailatul qadr”. One should ask for any and every prayer. One should perform remembrance of Allah, and if he gets tired, to recite the Qur’an, and if he gets tired of that then one should offer prayer, then get back to remembrance, or try to memorize portions of the Holy Qur’an. One has to keep this form of ebaadat incessant. One should fill this month with istigfaar, laahawl, so much so that it should resemble a glass of water filled right up to the brink where no more can be poured in.

One’s days and nights should be spent in prayer. If one spends his given time in this way then he will see that all year Allah will be with you and you yourself will witness the manifestations of your hard work for Allah never lets anyone’s work go to waste. A tree is known by the fruit that it bears. So plant your seed in this blessed month of Ramadan so that you can observe the wonderful blessings of our Rabbul a’aalameen.

In a hadith it is mentioned that during the month of Ramadan the gates of hell are locked and the gates of heaven are opened. Does this mean that for the rest of the year it is vice versa? That the gates of hell are open and the gates of heaven are locked? It is something to scrutinize about. So after Ramadan

16 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

we should see if Allah closes the gates of heaven upon us. Our Rabb who is Rahman and Rahim is not like that. In fact after Ramadan we close the gates of heaven by riveting to our old ways and we open the gates of hell upon ourselves. Therefore we must try to keep what we acquire during Ramadan and not to close the gates of heaven on ourselves and by all means to avoid opening the gates of hell.

If we are able to do so then we have cleared ourselves and are prepared to receive Allah’s mercy. There are two types of very unfortunate people. There are those who see the old age of their parents, but failed to achieve paradise by means of serving them and they are those, who go through life witnessing the holy month of Ramadan and fail to achieve paradise by means of supplication. Now, Allah has closed the gates of hell and has opened the gates of heaven. So lets keep these gates open and make sure we don’t thrust the gates of hell open on ourselves. Some people say that if I was destined to do this or that then Allah will make me like this.

The Lailatul Qadr night is such a night that it can change your own destinies and one has the opportunity to be of those on whom Allah has completely forgiven. Once Hadhrat Aisha [ra_ha] asked the Holy Prophet [saw] what one should pray if one is fortunate enough to get this night of destiny. The Holy Prophet [saw] advised her to say the following prayer Which signifies that the main objective of a believer should be to seek forgiveness of his sins from Allah. Hence we should try our utmost to make the most of Ramadan so we can make use of it and make a positive change or the rest of our lives. Nobody knows if he will live to see the next moment let alone next Ramadan. Now this sacred month has dawned upon us we should pray that may Allah Almighty, The Gracious, The Merciful, accept our striving and grant a helping power from himself to enable us to fulfil the purpose of our creation. [ameen].

part 4 -

Ahmadiyyat, the renaissance of Islam

Wassiyat

By Yousaf Aftab

Wassiyat is a scheme which was established by the Promised Messiah [as] on the basis of a special divine revelation. In essence it is the making of a will in the favour of the Jamaat, pledging 1/10 to 1/3 of your total assets to the Jamaat at the time of death.

A person who has pledged Wassiyat is known as a Moosi and must also donate 1/10 to 1/3 of his earnings yearly instead of chanda aam.

Spending in the way of Allah is the way of the righteous and one of the surest ways for a Muslim to attain blessings from Allah is to spend in the way of Allah. Allah has promised believers that their sacrifices are rewarded in this life also, for Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, Allah surely knows it well” —The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3, Verse 93

“Say, Surely my Lord enlarges the provision for such of His Servants as He pleases and straitens it for such as He pleases. And whatever you spend, He will replace it, and He is the Best of Providers” —The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 34, Verse 40

Wassiyat is such a blessed and significant scheme that, Hadhrat Musleh Maud [ra] said in his Friday Sermon delivered on 4 May 1928, the Promised

Messiah [as] gave this blessed scheme “such a great prominence that no Ahmadi can fully grasp its importance and greatness”. This shows that we can not treat this matter lightly.

On many occasions Khuddam and Atfal make a pledge during which it is said, “we shall sacrifice our life, wealth…and give precedence to our faith over all worldly matters” but are we really doing this? One way of showing this is to join this blessed scheme and become a Moosi. Wassiyat is practical proof that we have given precedence to our faith over worldly matters.

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] is repeatedly drawing our attention to this blessed scheme and we should hasten to act upon his advice. Yes, there may be reservations and uncertainties but these should not prevent us from joining. There is a time to question but we must first obey and hear and then, if necessary, seek clarification.

The concept of obedience is very important and perhaps best explained by way of an example of the best of men the Holy Prophet [saw], who on the occasion of the Farewell Pilgrimage said, “Be mindful of your duty to Allah, observe the five daily prayers… and obey those in authority”—this is the wassiyat of the Holy Prophet [saw]. Whatever the Promised Messiah [as] achieved it was through following the Holy Prophet [saw] and today it is this example we must follow.

Some may say this is following blindly and that we must be sure before we enter this blessed scheme. Remem-

ber blind faith is the highest testament of ones faith. When Hadhrat Abu Bakr [ra] learnt that the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] had proclaimed to be a prophet, he approached the Holy Prophet [saw] and asked him whether this was true. The Holy Prophet [saw] tried to explain but Hadhrat Abu Bakr [ra] wanted no explanation but simply to know if he had. The Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] said he had proclaimed to be a prophet of Allah. Hadhrat Abu Bakr [ra] did not question the Holy Prophet [saw], did not make any further enquiries; rather he said I believe. Was this not blind faith? Yet it was faith and belief of the very highest kind.

Then why are we, Khuddam and Atfal the true and sincere followers of our beloved master the Holy Prophet [saw] who have accepted the Promised Messiah [as] delaying in joining this blessed scheme. Allah has blessed us with a great opportunity and as Hadhrat Musleh Maud [ra] has said we “…should wake up and shake up and hasten to…” join this scheme.

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PART 4 | Ahmadiyyat, the renaissance of Islam

With expansion comes great responsibility Kalim Anwer (Mohtamim Tajneed, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK)

It is the ultimate test of an ever growing community to be able to know where exactly everyone is at any one time. Yet despite living in an age that is at the cutting edge of technology, we are still not quite there yet in being able to maintain up to date address information.

History tells us that Hadhrat Umar [ra] was the first among the khulafa to conduct a nationwide census. In his wisdom he knew that with an ever expanding ummah, there had to be an element of planning. The need for planning has been emphasised in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an: “O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what it sends forth for the morrow; And fear Allah; verily Allah is Well-Aware of what you do” The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 59, Verse 19

This small verse of that treasure trove of truth has expounded upon the importance of planning strategically for the needs of the population and any eventualities. The census was again instrumental during the khilafat of Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz who was acclaimed as a very just leader among the Umayyad dynasty.

A millennia or thereabouts later, under the divine leadership of Hadhrat Musleh-e-Maud, he followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, by reestablishing the census in a department we know as Tajneed.

However, despite our best efforts, the accuracy of a nation’s tajneed is thrown into question. Where does the solution lie in resolving this nationwide problem? Do we invest more in equipment and technology? The emergence of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and comprehensive data storage systems is a lot to be desired for, but such systems depend on the quality of data that is entered into it. So we are

back to square one—how do we ensure the accuracy of a Qiadat’s tajneed?

There is an old Chinese proverb which states ‘to know the outcome, look to the route; study the past, to know the future’. Where else can we find our answer but in the blessed sayings of our lord and master, the seal of all the prophets, the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]. There is a saying of the Holy Prophet [saw] which states: “Abu Hurayra said: “The Prophet [saw] said ‘A man visited a brother of his in a village, so Allah set an angel in wait for him on the road. The angel asked ‘Where are you going?’

He replied ‘To a brother of mine in this village’. The angel asked ‘Has he done you some favour which you want to repay?’ He said ‘No, I love him for Allah’. The angel said ‘I am a messenger of Allah to you. Allah loves you as you love him’.”

on a screen.

With expansion truly does come responsibility. The responsibilities that the Jamaat faces is a tough one. But we should all try our level best to inculcate the habit of asking how one another are and what assistance is needed. One should look to habits and practices of the Messiah and Mahdi of the age, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] who once said: “My way of life is such that he who becomes a friend of mine, though he might change any way, I do not cut myself off from him…The pledge of friendship is a great thing and it should not be broken for no good reason. However unpleasant might be something that a friend does, it should be overlooked and borne with forbearance.”

Malfoozat Vol II, page 8 cited on page 51, So Said the Promised Messiah, Rabwah

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Bukhari, UK Islamic Academy, Page 67

This simple piece of guidance paves the way for local cohesion and throws guidance on how to resolve emerging problems. The key lies in face-to-face communication. Be it through greeting one another at the local Friday sermon or conducting personal home visits; if the advice given by our most beloved Prophet [saw] is acted upon, we will be able to strengthen the ties of kinship among one another and as a result no one has to suffer in silence.

However, if we are to adopt such noble practices, a change in attitude is needed. In an age of technological advancement, society seems very much isolated. There appears to be less face-to-face communication. People communicate with each other through a string of characters and symbols limited only by the amount they can enter

18 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

May we all learn to overlook any malice or injustice that we may have received in the past and aspire to live as brothers from the same mother.

However, such lofty examples can only be achieved through constantly seeking Istigfhar and obedience to the Khalifa of the time. It is in our obedience that true unity can be attained.

‘And hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah and be not divided; and remember the favour of Allah which He bestowed upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts in love, so that by His grace you became as brothers; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah explain to you His commandments that you may be guided.’

The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3, Verse 104

PART 4 | Ahmadiyyat, the renaissance of Islam

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 19

part 5 - News and events Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya North East Regional Ijtema 2007

By Farooq Aftab (Ijtema Secretary)

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya North East held its Regional Ijtema on Saturday 10 March and Sunday 11 March 2007, at Masjid Nasir, Hartlepool. The theme of the Ijtema was Khilafat and this year’s Ijtema was extra special and in many ways a truly historic event, as the Region had the honour and privilege to have our beloved Huzur [atba] grace the Ijtema.

Preparation for the Ijtema started in December 2006. An Ijtema Committee

was formed and Adam Walker sahib was appointed as Nazm–e–Ala. Various sites were looked at for holding the Ijtema and it was decided that Hartlepool was most suitable.

This year was the first time that an attendance campaign was carried out by the Regional team, with each Khaddim and Tifl being called at least twice. Given the theme of the Ijtema was Khilafat, each Khaddim and Tifl was emailed the Khilafat jubilee

20 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

prayers and the ten conditions of bait.

The Ijtema began on Saturday with Zuhr and Asr prayers. Yousaf Aftab, Regional Qaid North East, chaired the opening session. Qaid Sahib emphasised the purpose and importance of such Ijtemas, with particular emphasis on obedience and Tarbiyyat generally.

Attendance on Saturday was in total 203, broken down as: Khuddam (147), Atfal (35) and Guests (21) The Ijtema site was divided into 3

PART 5 | News & Events

main areas. (1) All academic and some sport events were held in the mosque; (2) a marquee was hired to accommodate food arrangements; and (3) a sports field was hired at the school next to the mosque for football and tug of war.

A tuck shop was also available for Khuddam and Atfal, providing snacks and drinks at competitive prices.

This was run by the Region with any profit going back to the Region. After the opening session and lunch Atfal

academics and Khuddam sport events took place, with both events alternating in the latter half of the afternoon.

A Taleem test was also taken by the majority of Khuddam prior to Maghrib and Isha prayers.

After this all awaited our beloved Huzur’s [atba] arrival for Maghrib and Isha prayers. It is worth mentioning that a number of people commented on the Tarbiyyat of the Khuddam and Atfal, as there was complete silence for approximately 40

minutes prior to Huzur’s [atba] arrival.

After prayers, dinner was served, followed by Quiz which was held for Khuddam and a sports Sleeping arrangements for Atfal were made in the mosque, whilst Khuddam slept in the marquee.

Sunday began with Fajr prayer with everyone present on site observing Fajr. The mosque was completely full as everyone keenly awaited Huzur’s [atba] arrival. Following Fajr,

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PART 5 | News & Events

an enlightening dars was delivered by Respected Naseem Ahmad Bajwa Sahib.

Sunday’s proceedings started with Khuddam sports. As all Atfal events had been concluded on the Saturday, there was considerable free time. This was taken up watching documentaries and then eventually playing football. It was noted that for next year a more robust program was needed for Atfal.

Amir Sahib UK kindly agreed to present second and third prizes to Khuddam and Atfal. Following this a lively Question and Answer Session was held with Respected Laiq Ahmad Tahir Sahib and Respected Naseem Ahmad Bajwa

22 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

Sahib, whilst the Regional Amila, Ijtema Committee and Local Amilas had the honour of a photo session with Huzur [atba].

Following the prayers Huzur [atba] had dinner with all Khuddam and Atfal before moving on to watching the football final. Huzur [atba] also watched the arm wrestling final and the exhibition tug–of–war match between the Khuddam and Ansar which was eventually won by the Khuddam.

Huzur [atba] presided over the final session and in his concluding address highlighted the importance of the role of Khuddam and Atfal in today’s society, as well as

PART 5 | News & Events

advising them on their roles and responsibilities as Ahmadis.

Huzur [atba] particularly advised Khuddam and Atfal to observe their five daily prayers with regularity and to study the Holy Quran. In relation to the study of the Holy Quran, Huzur [atba] advised that the Holy Quran should be used as a primary study aid in relation to whatever we are studying. The concluding address was a truly invigorating and spiritually enlightening one for all present.

The Ijtema concluded with Huzur [atba] kindly agreeing to a musapha with all Khuddam and Atfal from the North East Region.

The total attendance of the Ijtema was 320 being a significant increase from last year, the figures were broken down

as: Khuddam (185), Atfal (85), Khuddam from outside the Region (22) and guests (58).

Although the attendance was less than the Ijtema Committee would have liked, it was more than made up by the level of obedience, goodwill and spirit of brotherhood maintained by the Khuddam and Atfal. There was a real feel to the Ijtema, with warm atmosphere of love and brotherhood being central. In particular the mosque was completely full at every prayer. Guests would often remark that the Ijtema was reminiscent of Rabwah, [alhamd].

One particular incident to mention is during the presentation of second and third prizes, the organisers made a mistake by giving the wrong prizes to Atfal. However, such

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 23

PART 5 | News & Events

was the honesty of the Atfal that within minutes of the conclusion of the presentation they returned the prizes.

In terms of participation, the participation of Atfal in academic events was particularly good compared to the Khuddam. The participation of Khuddam in the main academic events ranged from 5% to 15% of Khuddam present, something which was also commented upon by the Regional Murabiyeen. This is something which the region will concentrate on over the coming year in preparation for next year’s regional Ijtema.

The first edition of the Regional Magazine, Rashid was presented to Huzur [atba] and is in the process of being emailed to all Khuddam and Atfal.

Without exception the greatest part of the Ijtema was that

24 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

our dearly beloved Huzur [atba] blessed it with his presence and delieved and invaluable speech which was filled with gems of knowledge and wisdom. It is of great pleasure to the North East Region that Huzur’s [atba] speech and indeed a report of the entire Ijtema was aired some nine times on MTA International in a program lasting one hour and a half, [alhamd]. [alhamd], the Ijtema was a great success overall and the North East Region was greatly honoured to have Huzur [atba] present and it is our sincere prayer that this marks the first of many North East Ijtemas which will be blessed with our beloved Huzur’s [atba] attendance, [insh]. All praise belongs to Allah (swt) the most Gracious and ever Merciful and our final dua is [alhamd].

PART 5 | News & Events

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 25

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya - National Ijtema 2007

KhuddamProgramme

Friday 19th October

Nazim-e-Ala Tariq M. Ahmad BT

11:00 Arrival at Islamabad/ Registration 13:00 Friday Sermon followed by Lunch 15:00 Sports (Penalty Shootout, football skills, Target shooting) 16:15 Asr Prayer 18:00 Maghrib Prayer followed by Dars ul-Hadith 18:30 Dinner 19:15 Presentations (Atfal Gah) 20:00 Adhan Competition/Observation Competition (Mosque) 20:00 Bait Baazi (Atfal gah) 21:00 Isha Prayers 22:00 Close

Saturday 20th October 05:15 Congregational Tahujjud and Wake up call for Fajr Prayer 06:00 Fajr Prayer followed by Darsul Qur’an 06:30 Breakfast 08:00 Academics;

08:00-10:00 Nazm competition (Mosque)

08:00-11:00 Tilawat Competition (Ijtema Gah)

10:00-11:00 Mastermind competition (Mosque)

Sports:

08:00-11:00 Football, Volleyball, Tug-of-War, Badminton,

Table Tennis, 100m, Assault Course 10:00 K9 Exhibition 11:00 Inauguration and flag hoisting (Provisional) 12:00 Lunch 13:00 Zuhr/Asr Namaaz followed by Dars ul Quran 13:15 Address by Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya 13:45 Talim program (Ijtema Gah) 15:00 Quiz Competition (Ijtema Gah) / Sports Competitions 18:00 Maghrib/Isha Namaaz 18:20 Q & A Session with Imam Sahib (Ijtema Gah) 19:30 BBQ 21:30 Mushaira (Ijtema Gah) 21:30 Presentation (Atfal Gah)

Sunday 21st October 05:15 Congregational Tahujjud and Wake up call for Fajr Prayer 06:00 Fajr Prayer followed by Darsul Qur’an 06:30 Breakfast 08:00 Academics;

08:00-10:30 Prep Speech English competition (Ijtema Gah)

08:00-10:30 Prep Speech Urdu Competition (Mosque)

10:30-11:00 2nd/3rd place prize distribution (Ijtema Gah)

10:30-12:30 Extempore Speech competition (Mosque)

11:00-12:30 Paigham Risani Competition (Ijtema Gah)

Sports :

08:00-12:30 Football, Volleyball, Tug-of-War, Badminton,

Table Tennis, 100m 12:30 Lunch 13:30 Zuhr/Asr Namaaz 13:45 Football and Volleyball Final/ Exhibition Sports 15:00 Concluding Session 18:00 Maghrib/Isha Namaaz

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya - National Ijtema 2007

Atfal Programme

Nazim-e-Ala Tariq M. Ahmad BT; Mohtamim Atfal Najm Khan Friday 19th October Informal programme

Saturday 20th October 05:15 Congregational Tahujjud and Wake up call for Fajr Prayer 06:00 Fajr Prayer followed by Darsul Qur’an 06:30 Breakfast 09:00 Academics;

08:00-10:00 Tilawat competition (Atfal Gah)

08:00-11:00 Adhan Competition (Atfal Gah)

10:00-11:00 Written Test (Atfal Gah)

11:00 Inauguration and flag hoisting (Provisional) 12:00 Lunch 13:00 Zuhr/Asr Namaaz followed by Dars ul Quran 13:15 Address by Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya

Sports: 1345.15.00 Football, Tug-of-War,100m, 50m

18:00 Maghrib/Isha Namaaz 18:20 Q & A Session with Imam Sahib (Ijtema Gah) 19:30 BBQ

Sunday 21st October 05:15 Congregational Tahujjud and Wake up call for Fajr Prayer 06:00 Fajr Prayer followed by Darsul Qur’an 06:30 Breakfast 09.00 Academics

09.00-12.30 Group Quiz

Sports :

09.00-12.30 Football Finals 12:30 Lunch 13:30 Zuhr/Asr Namaaz 13.50 Falconry Exhibition (Barbeque area) 15:00 Concluding Session 18:00 Maghrib/Isha Namaaz

ALL KHUDDAM AND ATFAL TO REMAIN ONE HOUR AFTER FINAL SESSION FOR CLEAR UP

PART 5 | News & Events

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Charity Challenge 2007

The Annual Khuddam Charity Challenge was held in Islamabad on Sunday 13th May 2007. This year the weather made the event live up to its name as the 13 mile course became a challenge in its truest form!

Support for the event was fantastic with a record number of participants.

Much thanks and appreciation must go to all the Qaideen, Khuddam and Atfal for promoting the event and coming on the day, braving the weather and putting up with the conditions that had resulted from it.

Many of the guests and dignitaries in attendance were absolutely amazed at the fortitude shown by the participants, young and old, and the charity representatives greatly appreciated the lengths that the participants went to in

raising the funds for their charities.

On the day there were over 750 people in attendance including many under 7’s as well as a few over 60’s! The race was started by the Chairman of East Hampshire, Cllr Brian Dutton, who along with his wife stayed the entire day. The main race event, the Khuddam 13 mile run, was won by Saqib Samad of Watford who completed the arduous route in 1hr 47 mins; The most funds raised and submitted on the day was by Shiraz Sethi of Manchester North who brought with him £1,400. The event was concluded with the final session presided over by Amir Sahib UK, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, who mentioned in his closing speech how we as a community should continue to help the wider commu-

28 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

nity and show the world that Ahmadi Muslims are peace loving, whilst at the same time show, that as a very active organisation we can be an asset to the wider community.

On the day over £35,000 was collected, mostly through the Just Giving website. There has since been a further £60,000 collected bringing us ever closer to the unprecedented figure of £100,000. This is by the Grace of God, an enormous achievement, bigger than that of any charity event held by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and it is all thanks to the efforts put in by the Regional Qaideen, local Qaideen and individual Khuddam and Atfal who this year cultivated a real sense of healthy competition amongst all members in raising funds.

PART 5 | News & Events Many members are finding that promises and donations are still coming into their Just Giving accounts and to people directly. Every opportunity should still be made to encourage friends and colleagues, who have not yet donated, to contribute to the event. So far we have collected over £100,000 and hope to raise more, [insh]. Please remember that the money donated will go to help those who suffer hardship and adversity on a daily basis. Our purpose is not to make the Charity Challenge 2007 look good but to help those who need our help.

Please take a moment to visit www.mkacc.org to see some snapshots of the day. If you have not sent your Just Giving link to the centre in order to amass all the collections then please email your link to justgiving@khuddam.org.uk.

All the issues that came about on the day have been recorded with recommendations for future events; needless to say we will strive for a more professional and better catered event next year. The cheque presentation to the charities is planned for the closing session of the National Khuddam Ijtema in October. In addition prizes are to be awarded to the highest overall fund raisers as there have been many individuals who have collected as well as donated money that number well into the thousands of pounds. May Allah the Almighty bestow His grace and beneficence to everyone involved in making the overall Charity Challenge experience a success, and help Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya to even bigger successes in the future. [ameen]

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 29

PART 5 | News & Events

International Masroor Basketball Tournament

NEW YORK, USA. On the 17th and 18th of February 2007, Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya USA held their annual Basketball tournament in New York. Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK was also invited to attend this tournament. The UK graciously accepted and sent a team to participate in the event.

The following team of 13 was selected after a number of well attended practice sessions: Inam-ul-Haq Quereshi, Lutful Mannan, Daud Chou, Taimur Malik, Khalid Ahmad, Mohsin Tahir, Mohy-ud-din Shams; Emir Bajramovic; Bilal Shahid, Wajahat AhmadAli, Mahmood Abdul Rafay,

Farid Dogar (coach/manager) The Tournament began on Saturday morning and following the opening session the participating 16 teams were introduced and informed of their groups. The UK was in a group with Canada A, Houston and Philadelphia.

The first match was against Houston and following a very hard fought game, the UK won its first Game.

The second game was against Canada A (the winners of the tournament) who played very well and won the game by a margin. The final and crucial game on Saturday was against Philadelphia, the UK needed to win this game to remain in the main competition and

30 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

progress to the next round. The game started off evenly with both teams doing well but as the game progressed and due to the UK team’s lack of practice the Philadelphia team started to gain momentum and built up a lead. The UK team pressed but could not catch the other team and eventually lost.

This result meant that the UK team were knocked out of the main competition and were put in the plate competition for the next day.

Drinks and refreshments were available throughout the day and lunch was served after namaz, which was held in the hall. After namaz there was also a short speech on the importance of

PART 5 | News & Events

brotherhood at these events and how we should make new friends.

After the basketball, there was a small tour of New York, for those teams that wanted to visit the city.

On Sunday, there was an early start and the UK was drawn against Houston to play their first game in the plate competition. This was the same team the UK team played earlier on Saturday. Once again, as before, this was a very hard fought game that could have gone either way, the UK winning by just two points.

Having progressed to the next round, the UK now faced St. Louis in the Semi finals of the competition.

The UK made a good start, although one player was injured and took up a good lead by the end of the first half. In the second half, the UK struggled to score and St Louis eventually started picking up points and closing the gap and eventually took the lead. In the end the St Louis beat the UK by just 1 point.

The tournament final was between Canada A and Canada B, with Canada A getting the victory and winning the Tournament. In the overall standings, the UK team was 10th out of the 16 teams participating.

After the final game, the final session and prize distribution took place

where a few speeches were delivered.

The hospitality received by the UK team was excellent, especially by Nasir Bajwah Sahib and his family.

The accommodation, food and general demeanour of people was good and it was especially encouraging to see the interaction between players from different teams and how welcome we were all made to feel. Special thanks go to Mr Aiyaz Sahib (Sadr of Queens Jamaat and one of the tournament’s main organisers) and his very caring team.

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 31

PART 5 | News & Events

Tabligh Seminar on Youth & Society held in Leamington Spa 2007 Leamington Spa Qiadat had the privilege of hosting a Tabligh seminar on the theme of ‘Youth & Society’ on Monday 26 March at Warwick.

This topic was chosen on the back of a recent UNICEF report which described the UK as the worst country in the developed world for children.

The Qiadat was honoured to have Maulana Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Imam of the Fazl Mosque, make the key note speech at the event which was attended by around 30 non-Ahmadi guests (including the Mayor, Tabligh Contacts, religious organisations, youth organisations, police and the head girls of a local high school) and a further 30 Jamaat members.

Although this was a Khuddam event, the catering and guidance was provided by the Local Jamaat. The Separate facilities were also made available to enable Lajna to attend.

The event started just after 7:30pm with Tilawat & Translation by Zafar Bhatti and a welcome and introduction

by Waqar Ahmedi, Regional Qaid of Midlands.

Imam Sahib then delivered a very enlightening and comprehensive speech which was followed by questions from the audience which were then answered

by Imam Sahib. Afterwards the Mayor presented his overall impression of the evening. The Seminar concluded with Silent Prayer and dinner was then served.

The feedback by the Grace of Allah was very positive from the guests, a number of whom expressed their enjoyment of the evening and desire for further contact.

32 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

PART 5 | News & Events

“Merry Manchester”

By Shiraz Sethi

On Friday 22nd December 2006, a group of Manchester Khuddam visited the Acorn Ward at the Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital to distribute gifts and sweets to the children.

The initiative had been organised by the Khuddam of Manchester North in order to raise funds to purchase gifts and sweets for the children of Acorn Ward. The Manchester North National Aamla and local Jamaat together managed to raise in excess of £300.

The money raised was used to purchase a Sony Playstation 2 console with eight games and two joypads, a DVD player with a few DVD’s, 8 board games in 1, some large boxes of chocolates, balloons and gift crackers. The remaining money was saved for use in a future visit to an old people’s home.

Atif Ahmad, Ataul Rafeeq Chaudhry and Shiraz Sethi went the hospital where they were welcomed by Joanne Martin – the Head Nurse at Acorn Ward. It was explained to her what Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya is and what was brought for the children.

After showing her the gifts being donated she said, “This is very generous of you … the kids of the ward will really appreciate these donations”. She further added, “The teenagers will love the Playstation”.

One of the Assistant nurses was also present during the distribution of the gifts and was really amazed at the amount of money that had been raised to fund these gifts and she added “… the TV programmes are turned off at 9pm in the Ward so teenagers get really bored. The purchase of the DVD player will allow those kids to watch films now and keep them entertained”.

Some of the parents had given consent for us to take a photograph with some of the children of the Ward to which we duly obliged.

By the grace of Allah the initiative was a huge success in all aspects. We have since then kept in contact with the Hospital and they have sent us a thank you card from the entire ward.

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 33

PART 5 | News & Events

Regional Indoor 5–a–Side Football Tournament 2007

by Zia Noor (Midlands Regional Sports Coordinator)

For the second year running, the Midlands region again held a very successful tournament of indoor five-a-side football on Saturday 6 January 2007.

The event was attended by 10 teams from around the region including some Ansar.

The venue was again the Aston University Sports Centre. This allowed us to cement our growing relationship with the university and we are considering inviting a guest team from the university for next year’s event.

The event itself lasted all day, incorporating Zuhr and Asr prayers held inside the hall itself and a delicious lunch provided by Imran Aamir of Walsall Qiadat.

The main organisers were Waqar Ahmedi Sahib (Regional Qaid), Zia Noor (Regional Sports Coordinator) and Mirza Irfan Akram (Birmingham East).

Trophies were kindly donated by Nadeem Ahmed (Walsall).

The format for the day was 2 groups of round robin matches. These were keenly contested with some very close matches. By the end of the morning we had an exciting semi-final line-up. The 2 group winners were Walsall A and Birmingham East A. They played the 2 runners up of each group who were Leicester A and Leicester B teams.

True to form both the semi-finals were comfortably won by the group

34 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

winners. This left us with the tantalising prospect of a clash-of-the-titans final between Birmingham East (last year’s winners) and Walsall.

The final truly lived up to the hype.

At half time both teams were locked together at 2-2. But in the second half Birmingham East showed their class with powerful goals from their captain Jameel Mwanje. The final score was Birmingham East 4 Walsall 2.

The player of the tournament award went to Adam John Obenge of Walsall Qiadat.

The winning team were: Jameel Mwanje, Nida Khan, Atta Khan, Luqman Ahmad, Abdul Naseer, Hafiz Osman Malik.

PART 5 | News & Events

Regional Atfal Ijtema - Midlands 2007

By Mirza Irfan Akram, Regional

Nazim (Midlands)

Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya Midlands Regional Atfal Ijtema was held on Saturday 17th February at the Darul Barakaat Mosque in Birmingham and was attended by 65 Atfal.

The day began at around 10am with an opening session presided over by the Regional Qaid for the Midlands, Waqar Ahmedi Sahib, accompanied by the Regional Nazim for Atfal, Mirza Irfan Akram Sahib. Tilawat with English translation was recited by Fezaan Tahir from Leicester.

The morning session was dedicated to sporting activities.

For the 7 to 11 age group a number of races and games were organized which comprised of a sack race, potato and spoon race, three-legged race, musical chairs and tug-of-war. For the 12 to 15 age group, indoor cricket, table-tennis and tugof-war competitions took place.

Lunch was kindly prepared by the Regional Ziafat Secretary for MKA Midlands, Imran Aamir Sahib, and was served immediately after the sporting activities. This was followed

by Zuhr and Asr prayers led by the President of Walsall Jama’at, Dr Azher Siddique Sahib.

The academic competitions began immediately after namaaz as the two age groups were separated into two rooms. The judges for the 7 to 11 age group were Waqar Ahmedi Sahib and Syed Raheel Zakria Sahib. The judges for the 12 to 15 age group were Adam Chughtai Sahib and Dr Azher Siddique Sahib.

After around two hours of academic competitions for Tilawat, Nazm, Prepared Speech and Adhan, the closing session began and was presided over by National Mohtamim Atfal, Najm Khan Sahib. The session began with Tilawat recited by Osama Hamid followed by a Nazm recited by Jalees Hamid, both from Birmingham East. The Atfal pledge was then led by Najm Khan Sahib after which there was an Ijtema report from Mirza Irfan Akram Sahib followed by a prize distribution.

A selection of certificates and wrapped gifts were distributed to all the prize winners in both age groups. The prize for Best Tifl in the 7 to 11 age group was awarded to Jalees Hamid and the prize for Best Tifl in the 12 to 15 age group was awarded to Osama Hamid, both from Birmingham East.

The prize for best attendance was awarded to Birmingham East.

The session ended with an address by Najm Khan Sahib who spoke on the importance of paying Atfal Chanda and attendance at this year’s National Atfal Rally and Charity Challenge.

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 35

PART 5 | News & Events

Midlands exhibition Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Midlands held an exhibition at Birmingham Central Library between the 9th and 20th July 2007. The theme chosen for the exhibition was ‘Muhammad [saw]: A Prophet of Peace’. The exhibited material included hadith of the Holy Founder of Islam [saw] as well as references from well known non–Muslim writers and thinkers of the modern era such as Thomas Carlyle, George Bernard Shaw, Mahatma Ghandi and Karen Armstrong.

A reference and picture of the Promised Messiah [as] was also added to the display for the benefit of non–Ahmadi

36 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

Muslims and several Jamaat books and leaflets were also exhibited.

A comments box was also left together with comments slips inviting views from the public. In total 14 comments were received many of which were positive and encouraging.

A few people left their contact details and contact is being made with them to provide further information and introduction to the Jamaat.

A press release on the exhibition was also issued and was featured in the Birmingham Mail on July 17.

PART 5 | News & Events

MKA National Tennis Tournament 2007 This year’s Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Tennis tournament was held on 29 April 2007 and was hosted by Hertfordshire Region at Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. We had access to four indoor American Clay courts and two outdoor championship acrylic courts for the duration of the event. All singles matches were played on the clay courts with the doubles and Atfal matches on a mixture of the two surfaces.

The Opening session was chaired by Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK (Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib), also present were two Naib Sadraan (Tariq Ahmand BT Sahib and Fayyaz Sheikh Sahib), and Motamid Sahib (Rafeel Ahmad Malik). In his opening address, Sadr Sahib welcomed all attendees and reminded them to play in the true spirit of brotherhood and as ambassadors of Islam.

The opening round of matches started at 10:45 and were structured such that players were paired up for a knock out in the first round, with the winners continuing into the singles competition and the losers pairing up to compete in the doubles competition.

The next round of matches, for the singles competition, were played as a round robin, to ensure players enjoyed a number of games, with four groups and the top player of each group going straight into the semi-finals. The doubles matches were played as a straight knockout.

A running lunch was served from 12:30 consisting of various sandwiches and fruit, prepared by the Hertfordshire team.

After lunch, this year the Atfal were instructed for 2 hours by a professional coach to show and teach them how to play tennis correctly. Various skill improving drills were enjoyed by the Atfal, who learnt how to play tennis and enjoy themselves at the same time.

The Final was contested between Khuddam and Ansar to continue the age old rivalry between the two tanzeems. For the Khuddam was Tauseef Anwar Sahib from Bradford and for the Ansar Arshad Ahmedi Sahib proved that he is still competing at the highest level. The contest was very tight with neither player gaining a clear advantage, eventually in a tiebreak Tauseef Anwar Sahib was victorious.

Zuhr and Asr Prayers were offered before the Closing session which was chaired by Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (Fahim Anwer Sahib) who commented that we should actively take part in sports such as tennis at a local level throughout the country and develop further on a regional and national level. Fahim Sahib also thanked Hertfordshire Region for organizing the event under guidance from Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani.

Tournament Winners Singles Competition Winner Tauseef Anwar (Bradford) 2nd Arshad Ahmedi (Ansar), (Stevenage) 3rd Anwer Khan (Mitcham) Doubles Competition Winners Ahsan Khan (Raynes Park) & Nasir Amini (Bradford) 2nd Umair Ahmad & Jaffar Ali (Luton) Atfal Singles Winner Khalid Hayat, (New Malden) 2nd Zahid Ahmad, (Birmingham East)

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 37

PART 5 | News & Events

Khidmat–e–Khalq activities Macmillan Cancer Support Charity Walk — Sunday 20th May 2007

At the MKA CC 2006 Cheque Presentation Ceremony in January – Mohtmim Khidmat-e-Khalq was requested by the representative from Macmillan Cancer Support to provide Marshals for its Walk Wonders event.

This was after they heard of MKA UK providing Marshals for at the Leukaemia Research annual Bikeathon.

Planning for the event started in March with Mohtmim Khidmat-eKhalq meeting with the representatives from the charity to discuss their requirements and offer advice on the planning of the walk. The route was the Mole Gap trail which starts at Leatherhead station and runs to the Surrey Hills in Dorking (6 miles) with option of walking back to complete the 12 mile walk.

Adeel Ahmad (Regional Qaid Islamabad) and Irfan Chaudhry (Qaid Raynes Park) met with Mohtmim Khidmat-e-Khalq and Helen Turrell (event organiser) on Saturday 19th to go over the route and assess all the marshal points.

On the day of the walk Islamabad region provided 8 khuddam and 4 khuddam were provided by Bait-UlFutuh. Adeel and Irfan liaised between the event organisers and our team. 4 marshal points were covered in the 12 mile walk. The marshals were in place by 9:30am and the walk finished at 4:00pm.

There were 130 walkers who participated in the walk and they are hopeful of achieving their target of £5,000.

The event organisers were appreciative of the efforts of MKA UK and look forward to working with us in the future.

Leukaemia Research Banana-

man Chase - Sunday 8th July 2007

In addition to marshalling the London Bikeathon for the 2nd year, MKA UK were requested by Leukaemia Research to assist by providing marshals for their Bananaman 10K Chase.

Planning for the event started in April with Mohtmim Khidmat-e-Khalq meeting with the representatives from Leukaemia Research to discuss their requirements and offer advice on the planning of the run. The venue for the run was Regents Park in London and each runner was to complete 2 and a quarter laps before finishing the 10K. Zan Khan (Regional Qaid Bait-Ul Futuh) and Okasha Sami (Naib Regional Qaid Baitul Futuh) coordinated with Mohtmim Khidmat-e-Khalq to plan for the day.

On the day of the run, Baitul Futuh region provided 26 khuddam. Okasha Sami liaised between the event organisers and our team of marshals. The marshals were in place by 9:00am and the walk finished by 1:00pm.

Lunch vouchers were provided by the organisers which our team exchanged for sandwiches, fruit, drink etc.

There were over 1,500 participants in the run and they are hopeful of achieving their target of £100,000.

The event organisers were appreciative of the efforts of MKA UK and look forward to working with us in the future

Leukaemia Research London Bikeathon Sunday 15th July 2007

MKA UK were requested by Leukaemia Research to assist by providing marshals for the 2nd year for their flagship event, the London Bikeathon.

Planning for the event started in April with Mohtmim Khidmat-e-Khalq

38 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

meeting with the representatives from Leukaemia Research to discuss their requirements and offer advice on the planning of the run. There were 3 starting points for the event; Royal Hospital Chelsea, Ham Common and the Thames Barrier Park. Of the 3 different rides taking place, Scenic, Challenge or City, MKA UK were asked to provide marshals for the scenic route. This was a picturesque 26 mile ride through Richmond Park and along the banks of the River Thames. The course ran through Wimbledon, Southfields and Battersea with several miles of off Road cycling.

Usman Ahmad (Regional Qaid Muqami) and Fateh Doggar (Naib Regional Qaid Muqami) coordinated with Mohtmim Khidmat-e-Khalq to plan for the day.

On the day of the Bikeathon, Muqami region provided 50 marshals, with a further 8 cars en route.12 national and regional amila members

PART 5 | News & Events were involved in coordinating the marshals. Usman Ahmed, Fateh Doggar and Hassan Ahmad liaised between the event organisers and our team of marshals.

The marshals were in place by 8:30am and the walk finished by 3:30pm.

Lunch packs were provided by the organisers.

There were over 5,000 participants in the Bikeathon and are hopeful of achieving their target of £500,000.

The event organisers contacted local community radio channels prior to the Bikeathon and as a result, hourly news broadcasts on Kismet radio highlighted the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in assisting with the London Bikeathon. There was also a

brief interview with the event coordinator, Lucy Povey, in which she spoke very highly of our continued support.

The event organisers were very appreciative of the efforts of MKA UK and look forward to working with us in the future.

Police football match Gillingham Jamaat which is renowned for its sporting feats, especially on the hockey field turned their hand to football and ran out worthy 1–0 winners against a strong Kent Police Force team in Gillingham.

The idea of a football match in order to improve community relations had been suggested by PC Simms of Medway Police at his last visit to the mosque in Gillingham.

The Gillingham Khudam–ul–Ahmadiyya Qaid, Yasser Khan with the inclusion of two Atfal (Mussaver Ahmedi and Hasan Sheikh), two Ansar members and guest player Jay, was able to raise a competitive team.

Zulfiqar Sheikh with Naveed Bhatti alongside him proved resolute in defence. And despite being hampered by the heavy playing conditions, Hamayun Mirza was able to display his silky skills in the midfield, where he was ably supported by the industrious Yasser Khan.

Just before half time Anser Ahmedi, after a clever touch

by Mussawer Ahmedi, struck a fierce left foot shot in to the roof of the net past the helpless Police. In the dying minutes of the game with our goal under siege, we were thankful for an instinctive save from Arif Khan to deny Kent Police an equaliser from point-blank range.

Police Community Office, Alan Breech, who helped to organise the match said “We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the game”.

He added that people from all backgrounds respect and understand each other and we are proud that our town is so diverse and this match will help to appreciate everyone’s background.

Khudam –ul- Ahmadiyya, Qaid Yasser commented ”that the match will help to forge further the excellent association we have had with the Kent Police, who have always been helpful with all police matters concerning the Jamaat in Gillingham”.

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 39

part 6 - Science and academia Studying law: The Verdict

By Shiraz Sethi (Trainee Solicitor — Addleshaw Goddard LLP)

The legal profession is unquestionably a prestigious and rewarding career.

However, success comes at a significant cost and there are no guarantees in securing your legal training to pursue your career aspirations. This synopsis aims to take you through the educational realms of pursuing a career as a solicitor and how best to tackle the fierce competition that lies ahead.

Background

In a letter I had written to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV (ra) regarding my career options, he explained that the Jamaat was in short supply of legal professionals and therefore suggested that I should pursue a career in law. I was fortunate enough to take heed of this advice and by the grace of Allah, I am pleased to see that many of our youngsters both male and female have also taken this advice on board and are pursuing law in their further education studies. Furthermore, the Jamaat has also initiated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Lawyers Association (AMLA), which has a number of registered Ahmadi lawyers across various specialist areas in order to provide legal advice to Jamaat members or to suggest lawyers in the required field, as well as assisting students in preparing for legal exams and/or coursework.

What is a lawyer?

People often use this phrase interchangeably to explain their professional status but the term ‘lawyer’ is a very

generic term. There are in essence two types of lawyers: solicitors and barristers.

Solicitors

There are about 100,000 solicitors in England and Wales. Most people are likelier to have direct contact with solicitors than with other legal professionals. A solicitor provides clients (individuals, businesses, charities, etc.) with skilled legal advice and representation, often appearing in court on clients’ behalf. Solicitors chiefly work in private practice and/or in partnerships whose members offer services to clients. Solicitors also work ‘in-house’ within central and local government, law enforcement, the courts, companies and other organisations.

Barristers

provides the individual with a platform to develop as a budding lawyer very quickly. Sometimes you’ll work in small groups; energetic participation is expected. You’ll need to be highly motivated, self–disciplined and well organised to learn the law properly and subsequently put this into practice. Successful law students acquire aptitudes prized by many potential employers: • advanced communication skills;

Barristers typically have no direct contact with the public. They appear in court when instructed by a solicitor. Barristers put legal arguments to judges, magistrates and juries. They cross-examine witnesses and otherwise attempt to sway the outcome of a court case. Only barristers (or qualified solicitor advocates) may represent clients in the higher courts.

•

keen problem–solving abilities;

Why study law?

•

a capacity for independent thinking; and

•

proficiency in print–based and online legal research

Studying law is stimulating, intellectually demanding – and fun. This can be said for many professions but the high degree of responsibility you get at a very early stage in your career

40 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007

PART 6 | Science and academia

What does a solicitor do?

As a solicitor, you’ll provide clients with expert legal advice and assistance.

But you’ll do more than apply the letter of the law. Often, your clients will be caught up in stressful situations – divorce, bereavement, personal injury, arrest or selling their company just to name a few. The best solicitors combine legal expertise with people-skills to help their clients cope.

The process

Once you decide to become a solicitor, it will take at least three years to train if you are a law graduate, at least four years if you are a non-law graduate, and at least six years if you are not a graduate. Qualifying as a solicitor is not easy. You will have the intellectual challenge of exams, and you will need to fund your own post-graduate studies unless you secure funding from a firm.

Solicitors are drawn from all walks of life, and around 6,000 qualify each year in England and Wales. All aspects of qualifying as a solicitor are governed by a set of rules called the Training Regulations 1990. Under the regulations, you can become a solicitor in several different ways. However, everyone who aims to qualify as a solicitor must complete two distinct stages of training: Academic training and Vocational training.

Academic training

Academic training provides students with a basic knowledge of the law; vocational training builds upon that knowledge. In the academic stage of training, everyone studies the foundations of legal knowledge. There are three main routes by which to complete academic training: • qualifying with a law degree – the law-graduate route, which entails completing a qualifying law degree •

qualifying with a non-law degree – the non-law graduate route, in which a student graduates from a non-law degree course,

then, completes a Common Professional Examination (CPE) course, a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course, or a seniorstatus degree in law •

qualifying without a degree – the non-graduate or Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) route

Vocational training

After successfully completing a law degree or (in the case of non-law graduates) the Common Professional Examination (CPE) course or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course as it is now commonly referred to – you must take the Legal Practice Course (LPC). The LPC provides professional instruction for prospective solicitors.

It may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. You’ll learn how to apply the law to the needs of clients.

Many colleges and universities offer the LPC and is seen as a practical course to familiarize yourself of how to apply the law. After finishing the LPC, you’ll enter into the training contract, with a firm of solicitors (or other organisation) authorized by the Law Society as a training establishment. You’ll gain practical experience in a variety of areas of law.

As a trainee solicitor, you’ll be paid a salary. It’s important that you pursue and secure a training contract without delay, as competition can be intense.

You may begin applying for training contracts in the second year of your degree.

Legal Practice Course

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) must be completed to qualify as a solicitor. The LPC requires one year of full-time study or two years of parttime study. It will provide you with the practical skills you’ll need to work in a solicitor’s office. The Course is offered by academic institutions approved by the Law Society as Legal Practice Course providers.

The training contract

The training contract is a period of practice-based training tailor made for graduates who wish to qualify as a solicitor; non-graduates also may be required to complete the training contract. A full-time training contract is normally for a period of two years, and is undertaken by those who have completed the Legal Practice Course.

The training contract is compulsory for anyone qualifying with a law degree and for anyone qualifying with a nonlaw degree.

If you’re a graduate, you must complete at least two years of practice-based training. As a trainee solicitor, you’ll learn to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired at university and in the Legal Practice Course. Your work will be closely supervised and regularly reviewed.

A training contract is not normally required for anyone qualifying without a degree; non-graduates typically advance toward qualification by passing exams administered by the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) – all the while working under the supervision of a solicitor.

Professional Skills Course

The Professional Skills Course (PSC) must be completed to qualify as a solicitor.

The PSC requires the equivalent of 12 days of full-time attendance, and builds on vocational training provided by the LPC and the practice-based training received during the training contract. It is undertaken during the training contract, and is paid for by the trainee’s employer. The PSC must be completed to qualify as a solicitor.

Some of the subjects studied on the PSC are compulsory. The Law Society views completion of the PSC as an integral and essential element of practice-based training. The PSC is offered by organisations and institutions approved by the Law Society as PSC course providers.

Volume 12 . Issue 3 | 41

PART 6 | Science and academia

Work Experience

These days it is a given that students come out with great GSCE grades, excellent A Level grades and a 2:1 or above in their degree … so what makes you stand out from the crowd?

Aside from enthusiasm and a willingness and desire to learn and develop, work experience is the single most common attribute employers look towards in offering an employment opportunity within their firm. It is imperative that during your degree you try and undertake relevant work experience in order to bolster your CV and to put you ahead of other competition in the market. Having embarked on a 4 year thin-sandwich degree, I was fortunate enough to have worked in America during my second year for a period of 9 months gaining valuable experience. Thereafter in my third year

I was fortunate enough to have worked for the Treasury Solicitor (Government Legal Services) and successfully secured a secondment within the legal department at Goldman Sachs LLP. Through my sheer determination and perseverance, I have managed to take a year out before my training contract and work for Deloitte & Touche in Stuttgart, Germany for a period of 6 months and also had the opportunity of working in Pakistan for 6-8 weeks with Humanity First. The above secured me a strong foothold and put me in good shape for securing my training contract.

One other worthy point of note is the vacation placements scheme operated by many law firms and an excellent way in which to get your foot in the door. These schemes are run in most cases during the summer but some firms also operate Easter vaca-

tion schemes. These run for one or two weeks which provides the individual with a flavour of working in a law firm and on the flip-side gives the firm an opportunity to see you in a working capacity. Most vacation schemes are paid and offer you a good insight into the firm. More importantly, it can lead to offers of attending an interview for a training contract, an assessment day or better still an actual training contract with the firm and funding for your vocational training.

Summary

My advice would be to work hard, play hard and pray hard! Just remember never give up. Defeat is only temporary but giving up is what makes it permanent! Good luck to you all.

Looking for a Job? Need Careers advice?

Why not visit the Majlis khuddamul Ahmadiyya website

http://www.khuddam.org.uk and Click on “Job Section”

or e-mail us with your questions to: jobs@khuddam.org.uk.

42 | Tariq Magazine . October 2007