Vol. 18 I Issue 1
DECEMBER 2012
TARIQ Voice of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
“Each Ahmadi and Muslim who truly follows the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) will be included in his progeny. This is the path treading on which is essential for every Muslim. “ Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) Friday Sermon 23rd November 2012
Prayer is Spiritual Ascension Muharram Importance of Reciting Durood Sharif Dreams
A NATION CANNOT BE REFORMED WITHOUT FIRST REFORMING ITS YOUTH
TARIQ Voice of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (UK) Baitul Futuh, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5HF Tel: 020 8687 7843 Fax: 020 8687 7889 Email: tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1135657 Management Board Mirza Waqas Ahmad (Chairman) Yousaf Aftab Muzzaffer Bhatti Chief Editor & Manager Yousaf Aftab Editorial Board Zafar Bhatti (Deputy) Tayyab Hayyat Proof Readers Hannan Bhatti Safeer Ahmad Ibraheem Khan Jamal Akbar Abdul Hayee Subscription/Procrument Manager Mohammad Noman Distribution North East and Yorkshire Regions Web Developer/Maintainance Asif Javed Design and Layout Muhammad Akram Anjum Mohsin Tahir Daud Ahmad Hafiz
All correspondence should be forwarded directly to: tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk 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 UK 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 UK.
1 Words of Wisdom
The Holy Qur’an Ahadith Writings of the Promised Messiah [as] Message from Sadr Majlis
2 Editorial Editorial
3 Islam Ahmadiyyat
Summary of Friday Sermon The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets [saw] Prayer is Spiritual Ascension Muharram References from the Holy Qur’an about family values Importance of Reciting Durood
4 News & Events
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Starts Poppy Appeal Eureka Five AMSA Events on the Noble Character of The Holy Prophet [saw] Newport Volunteer Awards 2012 Report MKA Keighley Homeless Feeding Session Exhibition on Life of Muhammad [saw] Asylum Claim hope for student shot in head in Pakistan MKA UK Majlis-e-Shura 2012 – Report
5 Did You Know
Social and Family Pressures Dreams Religious Knowledge Ta’leem-o-Tarbiyyat Department
6 Articles
Islam The Saviour Of Mankind Mountain Climbing: Conquering Kilimanjaro Find Your Inspiration The Revival of True Sainthood
2 3 4 5 6 7 10 15 20 22 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 34
35 37 38 39 42 46 47
8 Information & Announcements
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK National Amila 2012-13 MKA UK Calendar 2012 - 2013 Responding to the Challenge of Extremism
48 49 50
WORDS OF WISDOM
THE HOLY QUR’AN
And say not of those who are killed in the cause of Allah that they are dead; nay, they are living; only you perceive not. (Surah Al-Baqarah Ch. 2:Verse 155) And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous. And excellent companions are these. (Surah Al-Nisa, Ch. 4:Verse 70) Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! you also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace. (Surah Al-Ahzab, Ch.33:Verse 57)
2
TARIQ December 2012
AHADITH Hadhrat Anas [ra] said that out of everyone in his household, Hassan [ra] and Hussain [ra] were most loved by the Holy Prophet [saw]. Once, the Holy Prophet [saw] was delivering the Friday Sermon in the Mosque. When Hussain [ra] entered, the Holy Prophet’s [saw] eyes turned to him. He stood down from the Minbar from where he was delivering the sermon, lifted Hussain [ra] and placed him against his chest. The Holy Prophet [saw] would especially pray for his grandchildren: “O Allah, I love both of them, Thou, too, love them similarly.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Fadha’il) The Holy Prophet [saw] would say: “Whoever loves them loves me (and whoever bears a grudge against them bears a grudge against me. Hussain [ra] is mine and I am Hussain’s [ra]. Whoever loves Hussain [ra]will be loved by Allah)”. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal). The Holy Prophet [saw] once stated that “To me, Hassan [ra] and Hussain [ra] are both the best fragrance of the world”. (Sahih Bukhari Fadha’il Sahaba) According to Hadhrat Anas [ra] , Hassan [ra] and Hussain [ra] bore the greatest resemblance to the Holy Prophet [saw] (Sahih Bukhari Kitabul Fadha’il).
TARIQ December 2012
3
WORDS OF WISDOM
WRITINGS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH [as] With regards to the Promised Messiah’s [as] love for the children of the Holy Prophet [saw] , Hadhrat Sayyeda Nawwab Mubarakah Begum Sahiba [ra_ha] narrates that the Promised Messiah [as] was lying in his garden on his charpai. It was the month of Muharram. The Promised Messiah [as] was reminded of the painful occurrence at Karbala. The Promised Messiah’s [as] love for the Holy Prophet [saw] and his children began to flow forth. He called his two younger sons. In order to remember his beloved master and teach his children about love for the children of Muhammad [saw] he said: “come children, I shall tell you about the story of Muharram”. The Promised Messiah [as] then painfully narrated the instances relating to the martyrdom of Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra], whilst tears flowed from his eyes. A strange state had overtaken the Promised Messiah [as]. His heart was in extreme anguish over the thought of the painful martyrdom of the grandson of the Holy Prophet [saw] .The Promised Messiah [as] expressed the feelings of his heart in a very painful manner in the following words: ‘The filthy Yazid perpetrated such cruelty upon the grandson of our beloved Holy Prophet [saw]. But Allah also rapidly brought His wrath down upon the oppressors.’ (Seerat Tayyiba, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad [ra]) ‘Now under heaven there is only one Prophet and only one Book. The Prophet is Muhammad [saw] , the Chosen One who is higher and more exalted than all Prophets and is the most perfect of Messengers and is the Khatam-ul-Anbiya’, and the best of men by following whom we find God Almighty and all the veils of darkness are lifted and the signs of true salvation are witnessed in this very life. The Book is the Holy Qur’an, which comprises true and perfect guidance and effectiveness, through which knowledge and understanding of the Divine are obtained and the heart is purified of human weaknesses; and being delivered from ignorance, heedlessness and doubts, a person arrives at the stage of complete certainty. (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani Khaza’in:Vol. 1, pp. 557-558, sub-footnote 3)
4
TARIQ December 2012
Messages from Sadr Majlis
Dear Khuddam and Atfal
[salam] I hope and pray that you all are keeping well. May Allah enable us to serve our faith in the way that pleases Him and that makes us fulfil Huzur-eAnwar's [atba] expectations. I have been asked by the Editor of Tariq Magazine to write a message for the Khuddam of UK. I take this opportunity to share with you the prayers that Huzur-e-Anwar[atba]has graciously written in reply to a recent letter. Huzur [atba] has prayed that: May Allah make Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK, 'Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya' (servants of Ahmadiyyat) in the true sense. May Allah grant Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK the people who work selflessly for the cause of Ahmadiyyat. Huzur-e-Anwar [atba] has also instructed that alongsideTabligh,there is a great need for Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK to focus on Tarbiyyat issues. These instructions are not only for us, the officebearers, but for all Khuddam. May Allah enable us to work in accordance with the expectations of Hadhrat Ameer-ul-Momineen [atba].
M ay Allah make Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK, ‘Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya’ (servants of Ahmadiyyat) in the true sense. May Allah grant Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK the people who work selflessly for the cause of Ahmadiyyat.
May Allah make us 'Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya' (servants of Ahmadiyyat) in the true sense of the term and may we also continue to strive to improve ourselves in every manner. Please remember me in your prayers.
[wasalam] Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK
TARIQ December 2012
5
EDITORIAL
Dear Brothers
[salam] As we pass through time one takes to ponder why and for what reason we are doing what is required from us. This question plays on the mind of everyone but realisation of its importance is not comprehended by all and hence we see a gulf of confusion and restlessness affecting ones mind, body and soul. Now if one ponders and realises his true purpose and turns earnestly towards his creator he finds the answers he is seeking for based on his pure and clean intentions. Allah states: O ye who believe let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah (Ch.63:V.10) O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening. (Ch.33:V.42-43) Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash’ari [ra] relates that the Holy Prophet [saw] said: “The comparison between a person who remembers his Lord and the one who does not do so, is like that of the living and the dead.” We live in an age in which the preoccupation is with the material things and no one has a concept of the value of God and of gratitude. Indeed, people are not just blind to the numberless of bounties of God, rather they complain. Therefore Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: And keep thyself attached to those who call on their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His pleasure; and let not thy eyes pass beyond them, seeking the adornment of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his evil inclinations, and his case exceeds all bounds.(Ch18:V.29) We must all endeavour to create a relationship with our creator and upon that we will realise the importance to his creation and create a society of harmony, love, affection and move away from the inclinations of the ill-vices of the world and become true recipients of Allah’s favours and Mercy. May Allah enable us to act upon his infinite wisdom via the Holy Qur’an, Holy Prophet [saw] and his ardent devotee the Promised Messiah [as] and stay attached to Khilafat.
[wasalam] Yousaf Aftab Editor, Tariq Magazine
tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk
6
TARIQ December 2012
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
Summary of Friday Sermon Summary of Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba], the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on 26th October 2012.
Note: Alislam team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis of the Friday Sermon
‘By the heaven having mansions of stars, And by the Promised Day By the testifier and the one who is testified Cursed be the people of the trenches – The fire fed with fuel – As they sat by it, And they witnessed what they did to the believers And they hated them not but because they believed in Allah, the Almighty, the Praiseworthy, To Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is Witness over all things. Those who persecute the believing men and the believing women and then repent not, for them is surely the punishment of Hell, and for them is the punishment of burning. But those who believe and do good works, for them are Gardens through which streams flow. That is the great triumph.’ (Surah Al Buruj:Verses 2 – 12) Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] explained that these verses speak of the teaching of Islam in every era, they speak of the second phase of Islam and
the coming of the Promised Messiah [as], they also speak of enemies of the Promised Messiah [as] and his community. These verses also prepare members of the community to be prepared for opposition and speak of long-lasting opposition. However, God would not remain silent at this opposition. A day will come when those who persecute believers will be punished and those who create fire for Ahmadi Muslims will burn in a greater fire. The Jama’at has been given the glad-tiding of triumph in this world and every believer is given the glad-tiding of Paradise. Thus is the summary of these verses. Reflecting on these verses while being mindful of the current state of affairs regarding our Jama’at, one’s belief in the truthfulness of the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet [saw] is increased.One’s belief in God is also enhanced as to how centuries ago He foretold what was to come through this illustration. It assures that Islam would prosper through the ages albeit in specific areas and then gives the glad-tiding of a Promised One to come who would take the message of the Holy Prophet [saw] not to specific areas and specific people, as the Mujaddid (reformers) of past did, but would take it to the entire world and for this a community would be established in every country of the world, thus giving us the insight into the message of: ‘Say, ‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah…’ (Ch.7:V.159).
All this makes the truthfulness of the community of the Promised Messiah [as] as clear as the day. Fortunate are we that by being a part of the community we are associated to that ‘Testifer’ (Shahid) who came to expound the truthfulness of the great ‘Witness’ (Mushood) to the world. God sent him to this world to prove the truthfulness and superiority of the beautiful teaching of the Holy Qur’an. The Promised Messiah [as] carried this out as well as presented the lofty station and stature of the Holy Prophet [saw] to the world. Prior to the Promised Messiah’s [as] books, people felt the need for a testifier and those who had sincere concern for Islam were restless. The advent of the Promised Messiah [as] was exactly on time. It was not that the need for someone was only felt at that time, even today people are looking for a reformer, a true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet [saw]. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] said he had cited some details in this regard in his Jalsa Salana address, so he would not elaborate the subject now. Every Ahmadi knows very well that the Promised Messiah [as] was sent by God for the second phase of Islam. People outside our community who are decent and fair-minded also acknowledge that it is the Ahmadiyya community alone which is fulfilling the dues of Islam. It is true that in this age only the Promised Messiah [as] bears testimony to the
TARIQ December 2012
7
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT truthfulness of the Holy Prophet [saw] and it is only the community that he established which demonstrates the correct reaction to derision and affront aimed at the Holy Prophet [saw]. The reaction to such instances by other Muslims is fodder for the anti-Islam powers to exceed in their effrontery. For example, the so-called mullah passing Fatwa of violent nature etc. Whereas, fair-minded and decent people are somewhat embarrassed when they note the reaction of Ahmadis and condemn those who deride and insult Islam. An Ahmadi wrote to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih[atba]thatheattendedanevent in which a Christian lady speaker praised the Holy Prophet [saw]. Observing others appreciating the station of the Holy Prophet [saw]moved the Ahmadi to tears. Indeed the reaction of an Ahmadi to any effrontery is to highlight the blessed life of the Holy Prophet [saw] to the world and to present the teaching of Islam to the world and tell the world that the way to salvation is now only through the Holy Prophet [saw] and the teaching of Islam alone shows the way to God. The HolyProphet[saw]hadtransformedthe ignorant Bedouins into ambassadors of love and peace. Such were the miracles of Islam and the Holy Prophet [saw] and it is for the revival of this that his true and ardent devotee, the Promised Messiah [as] was sent, as illustrated by the verses of Surah Al-Buruj. Once the Testifier made his claim, how did the world, which at the time felt the need for exactly such a person, react? The aforementioned verses prophesied ; when God will send the Promised Messiah [as] to embed the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet [saw] in hearts of people and to impart the beautiful teaching of the Holy Qur’an to people, he and his community will have to face hazardous difficulties. The very same people who had waited for such a reformer/testifier and the opponents will join forces to oppose the Promised One and will bitterly oppose him. Such is the state of affairs with these people. On one hand they beat that someone is needed and on the other hand they exceed in opposition of the one who has come. God curses such people, but the believers are not to suffice on this. They
8
TARIQ December 2012
will have to make sacrifices in any case and persecution will continue time and again. The progress and advancement of Ahmadiyyat, true Islam will in fact come to pass as an outcome of this persecution. The Promised Messiah [as] has drawn attention to this many times in his writings as well as in his pronouncements. The persecution faced by the Jama’at in many countries, especially in Pakistan where among other harassments now our students are being maltreated and some are expelled from universities on the basis of their faith, was foretold by God. It was stated that different types of fires will be kindled against us. Indeed, real fire was also kindled against us in the agitation of 1974 when Ahmadi family homes were lit up by opponents and the police watched by silently. The Holy Prophet [saw] was informed that the Promised One of the second phase of Islam and his followers will be intensely persecuted, and the persecutors will also be Muslim. It is proven from Ahadith that Muslims will be in a deteriorated state and when God would ask the Holy Prophet [saw] about this his answer would be the same as that of Jesus [as] (Ch.5:V.118) that he was witness over them as long as he was among them and that they diverged after him. The Promised Messiah [as] prepared us for these difficult times and in places has drawn attention to them forcefully. He writes: ‘But all those who remain steadfast till the end the end—they will be shaken with quakes of calamities, and battered with storms of misfortune, ridiculed and mocked by people, and hated and reviled by the world—shall at last come out victorious. And doors of Blessings shall be thrown open for them. God addressed me and said that I should inform my Jama‘at that those who believe and their belief is not adulterated with worldly considerations and is free from hypocrisy and cowardice and is not found wanting at any stage of obedience, such people are the favourites of God. And God says that indeed these are the ones whose station is that of Truth.’ (The Will, p. 12) He also writes: ‘Truth will prevail. A new bright day will dawn again for Islam. Same as it did
before. The sun of Islam will rise in full bloom, same as it did before. But this will not be at once. Imperative it is that this should not happen until we have proved our worth by devoted hard work, by offering our life-blood, by sacrificing our rest and peace, by accepting all indignities for the dignity of Islam. The new Life of Islam demands a great Sacrifice from us. What is this Sacrifice? It is our lives: on this Sacrifice depends now the Life of Islam, the Life of Mussalmans, the Manifestation of God in our time.’ (Victory of Islam, p. 8) Indeed, the final triumph will be ours but we have to make endeavours for it. Our attention has been drawn that in order to safeguard our faith we should be prepared to burn in fire. Such fires are kindled in Pakistan time and again and in particular in the last two years the situation has worsened on an unparalleled scale. Never before has our Jama’at given sacrifice of life on this scale. However, these sacrifices herald triumphs and God has informed us of the triumphs to come. The Promised Messiah [as] drew our attention to the Companions of the Prophet [saw] and the calamities and mishaps they endured for the sake of faith. Yet, they did not rest by day or by night and accepted every difficulty in the cause of God and even sacrificed their lives. HadhratKhalifatulMasih[atba]said that the Jama’at needs to fully appreciate this even today. In the last two years the Jama’at has given a lot of sacrifice of life. Someone has written in about the recent martyrdoms in Karachi that at the martyrdom of a young Ahmadi someone went to pay condolences to the family. A close female relative, either the mother or the sister of the martyr told them that they should be given felicitations that their family was granted martyrdom. Be it the martyrdoms of Lahore, or Mandi Bahauddin or Karachi or Ghatyalian, the spirit of sacrifice is evident everywhere. O’ enemies of Ahmadiyyat, you could not move any Ahmadi from their faith after dozens of martyrdoms of Lahore, you will not be able to shake the faith of the Ahmadis of Karachi. Insha’Allah, Ahmadis understand this and will continue to understand and are ready to give any kind of sacrifice for the second phase of Islam.
In the recent martyrdom attacks in Karachi a few Ahmadis were also injured, a couple of the injured are in critical condition. Yet, the situation has not shaken the family’s faith. The enemy is kindling fire and watching over, thus creating a situation of ‘As they sat by it’. An example of this is that when recently a family was attacked, the mullah or his accomplices even showed up at the hospital with the demand that the Ahmadis should not be treated. Such is their state of affairs and they do all this in the name of one who was ‘Mercy for all the worlds’. Indeed this is the crux of their cruelty that to cover their misdeeds they say they do it in his name; they will certainly be punished by God, Who states: ‘…for them is surely the punishment of Hell, and for them is the punishment of burning.’ Believers should rejoice, for them will be Paradise, shady gardens with flowing streams. In this world in his assumption the enemy is kindling fire and being cruel, but with God the believer will have cool shade and the opponents will have ceaseless fire. Ahmadis mostly demonstrate resolve in the face of adversity but at times some feel anxious. They should not be anxious. Their 1,500 years earlier,, when the Holy Qur’an was revealed and this is not an ordinary honour. Every Ahmadi, be they from Pakistan, Indonesia, a small village in India or an Arab country, whoever is experiencing persecution of the enemy, and every Ahmadi of Pakistan who is constantly persecuted because of the speculation that God forbid he or she does not believe in the Holy Prophet [saw] or is against his finality of Prophethood or hurt is caused to them by constant abuse directed at the true and ardent devotee of the Prophet, their steadfastness and sacrifices make them recipients of Paradise. A couple of days ago they published a wicked pamphlet filled with abuse which also had a photograph of the Promised Messiah [as]. They distributed the pamphlet at a rally and people stamped on it, in their presumption countering supposed effrontery. However, their own effrontery will make them destined to the torment of Hell. HadhratKhalifatulMasih[atba]said
that he would lead funeral Prayers of the recent martyrs of Karachi. May God elevate their station and may every drop of the blood of each Ahmadi martyr increase our advancement million-fold. The prayer is that may in acceptance of their sacrifice God soon show us triumph. Prayers should be made for perfect healing of those who were injured in these attacks. Saad Farooq Sahib Shaheed. He was martyred on 19 October Born in Karachi in 1986, he had studied electronic engineering. He was married just a few days before his martyrdom. On 19 October he was travelling home after Friday Prayers on his motorbike while his family travelled in a car. Two masked motorbike riders opened fire on him. He was critically wounded. The assailants then opened fire on the family car and injured most of those in the car. His father continued to drive whilst severely injured, when he saw his son he stopped and carried his son to the car and drove to the hospital. Saad Shaheed passed away at the hospital. He was a Moosi and his funeral has taken place in Rabwah. He had a most loving relationship with his parents and fulfilled all the dues of parental respect. He was very fond of donating blood. His widow has said that after their Nikah when they talked on the telephone (she is from USA) he would often wish to be granted martyrdom. The family tried to keep the news of his martyrdom from his injured father, but he told them he knew his son had passed away as a martyr and wanted to see his face. Who can harm people who have such sentiments? His father-in-law is critically ill in hospital; he is on a visit to Pakistan from USA for his daughter’s marriage.
riders came to his clinic in the evening. One of them entered the clinic and shot Dr. Sahib with a hand gun and Dr. Sahib was martyred on the spot. He was a courteous and compassionate person who served the Jama’at. Due to the recent troubles a few Ahmadi families moved houses but Dr. Sahib said he was not afraid and said he wished for martyrdom. He asked his wife if she was frightened and she replied that she was not and desired martyrdom for her husband and for herself. His widow writes that she has three daughters. May God be their Protector. Riaz Ahmad shaheed was martyred in Ghatyalian on 18 October. His family had some disputes with other families in the village and his older brother was also martyred in the past. He was not directly involved in the disputes but due to his services to the Jama’at many people were against him. Some maulwi newly arrived in the area riled those with whom his family had disputes to kill him under the guise of religious enmity and escape the rule of law, citing they had only killed a Qadiani. He was returning home after Ishaa when unknown persons fired at him and he was martyred. He had a sense of honour for the Jama’at, may God elevate his station. Two other funeral Prayers in absentia announced were: Abdul Rahman Al Jabali sahib from Saudi Arabia. He was 47 years old and had become an Ahmadi in 2010. Izzat Abdus Sami sahib from Egypt. He passed away on 10 October.
Bashir Ahmad Bhatti sahib shaheed. He was martyred in Karachi on 23 October. He was sitting in his shop in the evening when two motorbike riders fired at him. He was rushed to hospital but was martyred on his way there. Bashir Sahib was 67 years old and worked hard. He had brought up his children very well and leaves behind two sons and three daughters. May God be their Protector. Dr Raja Abdul Hameed Khan Sahib Shaheed. He had come in the fold of Ahmadiyyat in 1994. Two motorbike
TARIQ December 2012
9
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets [saw] By Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad [ra] Sixth part of the English rendering of Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad’s [ra] magnus opus, “Seerat Khatamun Nabiyyin”, an outstanding biography on the life of the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw].
Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad [ra]
Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad [ra] was one of the sons of the Promised Messiah [as]. Born on April 20, 1893 he passed his matriculation in 1910 with distinction, and according to the wishes of the Promised Messiah [as],attained an MA in Arabic in 1916. A great religious scholar and prolific writer, his books and speeches are easily understandable by the average reader. Some of his important works include Siratul Mahdi (Life of the Mahdi), Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya (The Ahmadiyya community), Tabligh-eHidayat (Propagation of Guidance), Kalimutal Fasl (The Decisive Word) and Hamara Khuda (Our God). He also contributed countless articles to magazines and periodicals of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, such as the daily Al-Fazl, and was Editor of The Review of Religions for many years. Sirat Khatamun Nabiyyin is his magnum opus; an outstanding biography of the Holy Prophet [saw], which includes insightful analysis and commentary on various aspects of his life. For the first time this book has been translated into English. The English rendering, “The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets,” will be serialised in various parts in The Review of Religions. Continued serialisation of the English rendering of Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad [ra]’s outstanding biography, Seerat Khatamun Nabiyyin, on the
10
TARIQ December 2012
life and character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]. In this section, the Holy Prophet [saw] has to tragically endure the demise of two of those closest to him, in quick succession. Also, featuring the start of Chapter VIII, ‘Expansion of Preaching’ featuring the Prophet [saw]’s journey to Ta’if. (Translated from the Urdu by Ayyaz Mahmood Khan)
Demise of Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] and AbuTalib [ra] [ra]
When the Holy Prophet [saw] came out of the Valley of Abu Talib [ra] [ra], he was struck by two consecutive misfortunes. Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] and Abu Talib [ra] [ra] passed away, one after the other. Both of them were aged, and death is ordained for every individual. However, the demise of both of them so close to the era of their besiegement in the Valley of Abu Talib [ra] [ra],strongly gives rise to the possibility that the insistent hardships of their imprisonment had a great role to play in their demise. It seems as if under the influence of constant severities, their health greatly deteriorated. While they were besieged, the thought of struggle kept their dispositions well-maintained, but as soon as they came out, the adversity of their besiegement brought forth its impact, and both of them fell victim to death, one after the other. On account of these consecutive grievances, the Holy Prophet[saw]namedthisyear,thatis,10
Nabawi, the ‘Amul-Huzn, ‘The Year of Grievances’.1AbuTalib[ra][ra]waslike a father to the Holy Prophet [saw]. He lovedtheHolyProphet[saw]immensely and the Holy Prophet [saw] also loved himdearly.WhenAbuTalib[ra][ra]was in his terminal illness, the Holy Prophet [saw] would regularly bless him with his presence. Thus, on one occasion, when his demise was near, the Holy Prophet [saw] went to visit him. At that time, Abu Jahl and other idolaters were also present.When the Holy Prophet [saw] sensed his approaching demise, he said, “Uncle! Merely utter the Kalimah Shahadah (Muslim declaration of faith) and on the Day of Resurrection, I shall intercede on your behalf.” On hearing this, Abu Jahl and the rest became apprehensive, and began to say to Abu Talib [ra],“Will you forsake the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib?” and continued to persuade him in many ways, the outcome of which was that the last words heard of Abu Talib [ra] were that,“I die upon the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib.” When the Holy Prophet [saw] heard these words, he said in great anguish, “All right, I shall continue supplicating in the presence of my Lord for your forgiveness, except that I am prohibited from doing so.” But it was not long before the Holy Prophet [saw] was forbidden from doing so, and an injunction was revealed that it is unlawful to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters and disbelievers, instead, their matter should be left to God.2
There is another narration which might be true and it relates that upon his deathbed, Abu Talib [ra] said to the Chieftains of the Quraish that: “O Party of the Quraish! Among the creation of Allah, you are a chosen people. God has given you great reverence. I advise that you treat Muhammad [saw] well, because amongst you, he is a man of the highest morals. He possesses distinction among the Arabs on account of his truthfulness and straightforwardness. If you ask the truth, he has brought a message to us which the tongue rejects but the heart accepts. I have stood by Muhammad [saw] a lifetime and have stepped forward to protect him in all times of difficulty, and if I receive more time, I shall continue to do so in the future as well. And O Quraish! I also advise you not to insist upon causing him grief, but help him and support him, for your betterment lies in this.”3 Shortly thereafter,AbuTalib [ra] passed away.TheHolyProphet[saw]wasgreatly hurt by his demise and since Abu Talib [ra] remained a supporter and protector to the Holy Prophet [saw] against the Quraish, by his demise, the position of the Holy Prophet [saw] became even more sensitive. At the time of his demise, which occurred in 10 Nabawi, Abu Talib [ra] was over eighty years of age.4 Although Abu Talib [ra] held fast to polytheism during the whole of his
life and also died in the same state, the Holy Prophet [saw] always considered him his father and demonstrated such a high model of love, loyalty, service, obedience, honour and respect, the likes of which cannot be found. On the other hand, Abu Talib [ra] always treated the Holy Prophet [saw] with an extreme level of protection and loyalty, and preferred putting himself in every type of difficulty, but did not leave the side of the Holy Prophet [saw].Where this treatment is evidence of his own graciousness and loyalty, it also proves that although he may have believed the Holy Prophet [saw] to be mistaken, on account of his polytheistic beliefs, he did not consider the Holy Prophet [saw] a liar or deceiver at all. He was a heartfelt believer of the excellent morals, truthfulness and sincerity of the Holy Prophet[saw].Thereforeatthisinstance, Muir writes: ‘The sacrifices to which Abu Talib [ra] exposed himself and his family for the sake of his nephew, while yet incredulous of his mission, stamp his character as singularly noble and unselfish. They afford at the same time strong proof of the sincerity of Muhammad. Abu Talib [ra] would not have acted thus for an interested deceiver; and he had ample means of scrutiny.’5 A few days after the demise of Abu Talib [ra], Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] also passed away.6 Khadijah [ra_ha] had
stoodbytheHolyProphet[saw]intimes of extreme grief and anguish. She loved the Holy Prophet [saw] and the Holy Prophet [saw] loved her immensely.For this reason, naturally, the Holy Prophet [saw] was exceedingly grieved at her demise. After her demise, whenever she was mentioned, the eyes of the Holy Prophet[saw]wouldbecomesuffusedin tears, and he would praise her often. He would say that, “Khadijah [ra_ha] was among the best of the women in her era.”
Hadhrat ‘A’ishah [ra_ha] narrates that:
‘The Holy Prophet [saw] would praise Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] so often, that I would begin to feel jealous of her, and I would say, “You mention Khadijah [ra_ha] as if she was the only lady who was ever born in this world.” The Holy Prophet [saw] would respond,“O ‘A’ishah! She possessed great qualities and God gave me children from her as well.” Hence, the Holy Prophet [saw] would mention Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] with extreme love. If ever an animal, etc., was slaughtered in his home, the Holy Prophet [saw] would always send a portion to the friends of Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha]. At one occasion, the Holy Prophet [saw] was sitting in the home of Hadhrat ‘A’ishah [ra_ha], when the sister of Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha], Hallah bint Khuwailid, came to visit the Holy Prophet [saw]. She
TARIQ December 2012
11
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
asked permission to enter at the door. Hadhrat ‘A’ishah [ra_ha] relates, “The Holy Prophet stood up restlessly saying, ‘the voice of Khadijah [ra_ha], it appears as if her sister Hallah has come.”7 In the Battle of Badr, when Abul-‘As, the sonin-law of the Holy Prophet [saw], who had not yet accepted Islam, was captured, his wife, in other words, Zainab [ra_ha], the daughter of the Holy Prophet [saw], who then resided in Makkah, sent her necklace as a ransom. This was the same necklace which Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ ha] gave to Zainab [ra_ha] in her bride’s paraphernalia. When the Holy Prophet [saw]sawthisnecklace,hewasreminded of the late Khadijah [ra_ha] and his eyes filledwithtears.TheHolyProphet[saw] said to his companions, “If you wish, return the reminiscence of Khadijah [ra_ha] to her daughter.” They needed a single indication, and the necklace was immediately returned.8 At the time of her demise, Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] was sixty-five years of age. She was buried in Makkah at a location known as Hajun. The Holy Prophet [saw] descended into her grave himself, but a funeral prayer was not offered, because at that time, the injunction pertinent to funeral prayer was not yet revealed.9 Adversity of the Holy Prophet Intensified after the demise of Hadhrat Khadijah [ra_ha] and Abu Talib [ra], the Quraish of Makkah became bolder towards the person of the Holy Prophet [saw] and began to inflict severe
12
TARIQ December 2012
hardships upon him.10 Once, the Holy Prophet [saw] was walking on his way, when an ill-behaved person publicly threw filth upon the head of the Holy Prophet[saw].TheHolyProphet[saw] returned home in this state, and when one of his daughters saw this, she quickly fetched some water, washed his head, and began to weep bitterly. The Holy Prophet [saw] calmed her down and said, “Daughter, weep not, for Allah shall Himself protect your father and all these difficulties shall pass.”11 Then, at another instance,the Holy Prophet [saw] was in prostration before God the Almighty in the courtyard of the Ka’bah, where a few Chieftains of the Quraish were gathered as well. Abu Jahl said, “At this time, if someone can muster the courage, throw the uterus of a camel upon Muhammad [saw]” Hence ‘Uqbah bin Abi Mu’it stood up and threw the uterus of a slaughtered camel, full of blood and filth, upon the back of the Holy Prophet [saw],andallofthemburstintolaughter. When Fatimatuz-Zahra [ra_ha]learnt of this, she came running and removed this burden from her father’s shoulders. It was only then, that the Holy Prophet [saw] was able to lift his head from prostration. It is narrated, that once, the Holy Prophet called upon the chieftains of the Quraish by name, who were adamant on erasing and humiliating Islam, and prayed against them, seeking a verdict from God. The narrator states that, “Then I saw all of these people killed on the day of Badr, at the hands
of the Muslims, polluting the air in the valley of Badr.12 (The next section after ‘Adversity of the Holy Prophet [saw] Intensified’ of the Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets was featured in the February 2012 Edition—see note at end of this article. Below we present the start of Chapter VIII )
VIII – EXPANSION OF PREACHING Visits to the Tribes
During the days of Hajj, people would gather in Makkah from far and wide, and in the Ashhur-e-Hurum:Very large assemblies would be held in significant numbers at ‘Ukaz, Majinnah, and DhulMajaz. From the start, it was a custom of the Holy Prophet [saw] to utilise such occasions to his advantage. He would visit the various encampments of the Arab tribes and would invite them to Islam.13 However, until now, naturally, the attention of the Holy Prophet [saw] was more directed towards the Quraish of Makkah. Nonetheless, during the days when the Quraish of Makkah had besieged the Muslims in the Valley of AbuTalib[ra],theHolyProphet[saw] began to turn his attention towards the other tribes of Makkah. As such, during the era of siege, in the peace of the Ashhur-e-Hurum, the Holy Prophet [saw] would especially visit the various tribes who had arrived for Hajj. He would regularly visit the assemblies
at ‘Ukaz, etc. and preach the message of Islam. However, the Quraish of Makkah began to create hindrances in this preaching as well. They knew that for these tribes to become Muslim was almost as dangerous as the conversion of the Makkans themselves. As such, due to the opposition of the Quriash, that althoughtheHolyProphet[saw]visited various tribes at numerous occasions, and he would go to every camp presenting them with the invitation to Islam, there was no prospect of success.14
Journey to Ta’if
When the ban was lifted, and the Holy Prophet [saw]found a sort of freedom in his movements, he decided to visit Ta’if and invite its people to Islam. Ta’if is a famous place situated forty miles to the south-east of Makkah. During this era, it was home to the Banu Thaqif. Putting aside the speciality of the Ka‘bah, Ta’if was recognised equal to Makkah and many eminent, influential and affluent people resided there. The people of Makkah themselves admitted to this importance of Ta’if. As such, it was the very Makkans who said: “Why has not this Qur’an from God been sent to some great man of Makkah or Ta’if ?”15 Therefore, in Shawwal of 10 Nabawi,16 theHolyProphet[saw]tookthejourney to Ta’if by himself.17 On the authority of other narrations,Zaid bin Harithah [ra_ ha] also accompanied him.18 Upon his arrival,theHolyProphet[saw]remained there for ten days, and one after another he met with many chieftains, but like Makkah, it was not in the destiny of this city to accept Islam either. Therefore, all of them refused, and as a matter of fact theymockedtheHolyProphet[saw].At last,theHolyProphet[saw]approached the grand chieftain of Ta’if, named ‘Abdu Yalail,19 and invited him to Islam, but he also refused, rather, in a manner of mockery he said, “If you are truthful, then I have not the strength to speak to you, and if you are a liar, then to speak to you is useless.” Then, concerned that the youngsters of the city may become influenced by the Holy Prophet [saw], he said, “It is best that you leave this place, for there is nobody here who is willing to listen to you.” After that, this evil man had the miscreants of the city start off behind the Holy Prophet [saw]. When he left the city, this rabble chased
the Holy Prophet [saw] and began to bombard him with rocks, due to which the entire body of the Holy Prophet [saw] became drenched in blood.These people pursued the Holy Prophet [saw] for three miles, more or less, and cursed at him and threw stones at him continuously. At a distance of three miles from Ta’if, there was an orchard, which belonged to a Chieftain of Makkah named ‘Utbah bin Rabi‘ah. The Holy Prophet [saw] took refuge in this orchard, and his ruthless enemies returned exhausted. Standing beneath a shadow, the Holy Prophet[saw]prayedbeforeAllahinthe following words: “O My Lord, I complain to you of my helplessness, and my inability, and my helplessness before the people. O My God, You are the most merciful, for You are the guardian and protector of the feeble and helpless—You are my Lord. I seek refuge in the light of Your countenance. It is You who dispels all darkness and it is You who bestows the inheritance of favor in this world and in the next.” At this time, ‘Utbah and Shaibah were in their garden. When they saw the Holy Prophet[saw]inthisstate,perhapsmoved by emotions of near or far relations, or perhaps national responsibility, they sent the Holy Prophet [saw] a tray of grapes in the hand of their Christian slave named‘Addas.The Holy Prophet [saw] took them and addressed ‘Addas saying, “Where are you from, and a follower of which religion?” “I am from Nineveh,” responded ‘Addas, “and a Christian.” The Holy Prophet [saw] inquired,“The same Nineveh, which was home to the righteous servant of God, Jonah [as] son of Matthew?” “Yes,” responded ‘Addas, “but how are you aware of Jonah [as]?” “He was my brother,” said the Holy Prophet [saw],“for he was a prophet of Allah, and I am also a prophet of Allah.” Then the Holy Prophet [saw] preached the message of Islam to him, which moved him greatly. In his passion of sincerity, he moved forward and kissed the hands of the Holy Prophet [saw]. ‘Utbah and Shaibah observed this sight from afar; as such, when ‘Addas returned to them, they said, “What happened to you that you began to kiss the hands of
this man? This man shall ruin your faith, while your religion is better than his.”20 The Holy Prophet [saw] rested in this orchard for some time. He then departed from here and arrived at Nakhlah, which is situated at a distance of approximately one day’s journey from Makkah, and remained there for a few days. After this, the Holy Prophet [saw] departed and reached the mountain of Hira, and since the apparent failure at Ta’if entailed the possibility of the Makkans growing overly bold,the Holy Prophet [saw] sent word to Mut’im bin ‘Adiyy that I wish to enter Makkah, can you help me in this regard? Although Mut‘im was a firm disbeliever, his disposition possessed graciousness, and in times like these, it was against the nature of noble Arabs to refuse. For this reason, along with his sons and relatives, fully armed, they stood by the Ka‘bah, and sent word to the Holy Prophet [saw] that he may enter. The Holy Prophet [saw] entered and performed the tawaf (circumambulation) of the Ka‘bah, and along with Mut‘im and his children, escorted under the shadow of swords,the Holy Prophet [saw]entered his home. On the way, when Abu Jahl witnessed Mut‘im in this state, he was astonished and inquired, “Have you given Muhammad [saw] refuge, or have you become a follower?” Mut‘im responded, “I am only one to give refuge, not a follower.” Upon this Abu Jahl said, “Alright, then there is no problem.” Mut‘im died in a state of disbelief, but the Muslims were not ones to lose sight of rightly due value. Alluding to the gracious treatment of Mut‘im, Hassan bin Thabit [ra], who was practically the court-poet of the Holy Prophet [saw], said many passionate couplets in his praise, which have been vouchsafed in his collection to this day.21 The journey to Ta’if was a special occurrence in the life of the Holy Prophet [saw]. The details of this journey shed light on the lofty magnificenceoftheHolyProphet[saw], his astronomical magnanimity, and his incomparable patience and steadfastness. As such, Sir William Muir writes: ‘There is something lofty and heroic in this journey of Mohammad to Al-Ta’if; a solitary man, despised and rejected by his own people, going boldly forth in the name of God, like Jonah to Nineveh, and summoning an idolatrous city to
TARIQ December 2012
13
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT repent and support his mission. It sheds a strong light on the intensity of his belief in the divine origin of his calling.’22 It is mentioned in Hadith that on one occasion, it was inquired of the Holy Prophet [saw] by Hadhrat ‘A’ishah [ra_ha], “Were you ever confronted by a day more difficult than the Battle of Uhud?”The Holy Prophet [saw] responded, “O ‘A’ishah [ra_ha], your people have compelled me to confront times of severe adversity.” Then the Holy Prophet [saw] described the details of his journey to Ta’if and said: “During my return from this journey, the Angel of the mountains came to me and said, “God has sent me to you, that if you so command, I may bring the two mountains of this valley together upon these people, and destroy them.” But the Holy Prophet [saw] said, “Nay! Nay! I trust that Allah the Exalted shall give birth to such people from among them who shall worship the one true God.”23
Endnotes: 1. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, by Muhammad bin ‘Abdul-Baqi AzZarqani:Vol.2, p.49, Babu Wafati Khadijata wa Abi Talib, Darul Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 2. Sahih Bukhari, Kitabu Manaqibil-Ansar, Babu Qissati Abi Talib, Hadith No.3884 3. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, by Muhammad bin ‘Abdul-Baqi AzZarqani:Vol.2, pp.46-48, Babu Wafati Khadijata wa Abi Talib, Darul Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 4. At-Tabaqatul-Kurba, by Muhammad bin Sa’d:Vol.1, p.59, Babu Dhikri Abi Talib wa Dammihi Rasulillahi, Darul-Ihya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 5. Life of ‘Mahomet’, by Sir William Muir, p.105, Reprint of the 1894 Ed. Published by Voice of India, New Delhi 6. * Tarikhut-Tabari, by Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Al-Jarir Tabari:Vol.2, p.241, Babu Dhikril-Khabri ‘amma kana min Amri Nabiyyillahi ‘inda Ibtida’illahi Ta’ala….,Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002) 7. * At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, by Muhammad bin Sa’d:Vol.1, p.59, Babu Dhikri Abi Talib wa Dammihi Rasulillahi, Darul-Ihya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 8. Sahih Bukhari, Kitabu Manaqibil-Ansar, Babu Tazqijin-Nabi Khadijata wa Fadliha, Hadith No. 3818,3821 9. As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, by Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, p.444, Babu Dhikri Ru’ya ‘Atikata binti ‘Abdil-Muttalib, Darul Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) 10. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, by Muhammad bin ‘Abdul-Baqi AzZarqani:Vol.2, p.49, Babu Wafati Khadijata wa Abi Talib, Darul Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 11. As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, by Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, p.299, Babu Wafati Abi Talibin wa Khadijah, Darul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) 12. Tarikhut-Tabari, by Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Al-Jarir Tabari:Vol.2, p.241, Babu Dhikril-Khabri ‘amma kana min Amri Nabiyyillahi [saw] ‘inda Ibtida’illahi Ta’ala……, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002). 13. Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul-Maghazi, Babu Du‘a’in-Nabiyyi [saw] ‘ala Kuffari Quraish….., Hadith No. 3960 14. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa‘d:Vol. 1, p. 104, Dhikru Du‘a’i Rasulillahi[saw] Qaba’ilal- ‘Arab fil-Mawasim, Darul-Ihya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 15. * At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa‘d:Vol. 1, p. 104, Dhikru Du‘a’i Rasulillahi[saw] Qaba’ilal-‘Arab fil-Mawasim, Darul-Ihya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 16. * Tarikhut-Tabari, By Abu Ja‘far Muhammad bin Al-Jarir Tabari:Vol. 2, pp. 243-244, Babu DhikrilKhabri ‘amma kana min Amri Nabiyyillahisa ‘inda Ibtida’illahi Ta‘ala……, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002) 17. Az-Zukhruf (Ch.43:V.32) 18. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa‘d:Vol. 1, p. 102, Dhikru Sababi Khuruji Rasulillahisa ilatTa’if, Darul-Ihya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 19. * As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, p. 300, Babu Sa‘yur-Rasuli ila Thaqifin Yatlubun-Nusrah, Darul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) 20. * Tarikhut-Tabari, By Abu Ja‘far Muhammad bin Al-Jarir Tabari:Vol. 2, p. 241, Babu Dhikril-Khabri ‘amma kana min Amri Nabiyyillahi [saw] ‘inda Ibtida’illahi Ta‘ala……, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002) 21. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra:Vol. 1, p. 102, By Ibni Sa‘d, Dhikru Sababi Khuruji Rasulillahisa ilat-Ta’if, DarulIhya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 22. The name Ibnu ‘Abdi Yalil is mentioned in Hadith– refer to Sahih Bukhari, Kitabu Bad’il-Khalq, Babu Idha Qala Ahadukum Amin, Hadith No. 3231 23. * As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, pp. 301-302, Babu Sa‘yurRasuli ila Thaqifin Yatlubun-Nusrah, Darul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) 24. * Tarikhut-Tabari, By Abu Ja‘far Muhammad bin Al-Jarir Tabari:Vol. 2, pp. 241-242, Babu DhikrilKhabri ‘amma kana min Amri Nabiyyillahisa ‘inda Ibtida’illahi Ta‘ala……, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002) 25. Sahih Bukhari, Kitabu Bad’il-Khalq, Babu Idha Qala Ahadukum Amin, Hadith No. 3231 26. Life of ‘Mahomet’, By Sir William Muir, pp. 112-113, Reprint of the 1894 Ed., Published by Voice of India New Delhi (Publishers) 27. Sahih Bukhari, Kitabu Bad’il-Khalq, Babu Idha qala ahadukum amin…, Hadith No. 3231
14
TARIQ December 2012
Prayer is Spiritual Ascension Taken from ‘Islam is Peace’ - www.theartofmisinformation.wordpress.com,
Note: ‘Islam is Peace’ team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.
I
n the name of Allah, the Supremely Beneficent, the Sublimely Magnanimous
We send prayers and blessings upon His [swt]NobleMessenger[saw]anduponhis [saw]Servant,thePromisedMessiah[as] Salaat (ritual prayer) is the basis of all Islam, and is the means to form a relationship and link with the Creator of the Universe. Without Salaat, a person is lost in the desert of mundane worldliness. Salaat is the oasis that quenches our spiritual thirst. The following is a small compendium of resources taken from the Words of God in the Qur’an, Ahadith (Sayings of the Noble Prophet [saw]), Athar Narrations of the Saints of Islam and Companions of the Prophet saw, Writings of the Imam Mahdi Seyyidina Ahmad [as],and Writings of hisas Noble Successors [ra_ha]
Salaat in the Qur’an al-Karim
The word Salaat has been mentioned by Allah Ta’ala more than 65 times in the Qur’an, showing its significance and importance. The Holy Qur’an also mentions the merits of performing Salaat and the consequences of not performing it. It also states the way in which Salaat should be done; namely in utter humility and concentration, or it does not merit the believer. “And observe Prayer and pay the Zakat, and bow down with those who bow.” (AlBaqarah – The Cow, Ch.2:V.44)
(The successful believers are those who are)”…strict in the observance of their Prayers.” (Al-Mu’minun – The Believers, Ch.23:V.10) “And when you have finished the Prayer, remember Allah while standing, and sitting, and lying on your sides. And when you are secure from danger, then observe Prayer in the prescribed form; verily Prayer is enjoined on the believers to be performed at fixed hours.” (Al-Nisa’ – The Women, Ch.4:V.104) “Surely, Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil, and remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue.” (Al‘Ankabut – The Spider, Ch.29:V.46) “Recite that which has been revealed to thee of the Book, and observe Prayer. Surely, Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil, and remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. And Allah knows what you do.” (Al-Nisa’ – The Women, Ch.4:V.143)
Salaat in the Ahadith
Oh my Lord perpetually bless your Prophet In this world and in the next TheProphet[saw]wouldpraythefara’id (essential) prayers as well as his own Sunnah prayers and the Witr prayer after ‘Ishaa’ (night prayer) throughout his life even during battles and when he was very ill near his death.
Our Noble Prophet, the Seal of the Prophets and Best of All Creation, Seyyidina Hadrat al-Aqdas Muhammad al-Mustafa [saw]—signifies the importance of offering Salaat regularly, on the prescribed times and preferably in congregation. Here are a few notable Sayings of hissa in regards to Salaat: “Salaat is the Mi’raj (Spiritual Ascension to Heaven) of a Mu’min (Believer).” (40 Ahadith Collection) “Giving up prayer is tantamount to kufr (disbelief ) and shirk (associating partners with Allah).” (Sahih Muslim) “The difference between us and the hypocrites is that they do not perform the Fajr (Pre-Dawn) and ‘Ishaa’ (Night) prayers.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) The key to Paradise is Salaat and the key to Salaat is purification (of the heart).” (Sahih Muslim) “Abu Hurayrah [ra] relates that he heard the Holy Prophet [saw] say: Tell me if one of you had a stream running at his door and he should take a bath in it five times every day would any dirt be left upon him?… This is the case of five Prayers, Allah wipes out all faults as a result of them.” (Sahih alBukhari) “Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud [ra] relates that he asked the Holy Prophet [saw],
TARIQ December 2012
15
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
which action is most acceptable to Allah, the Exalted? He [saw] answered: Performing the Salaat at its appointed time.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) “Worship in jama’ah (congregation) is better than solitary worship by twentyseven degrees.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
“Salaat is a pillar of Islam.” – Bayhaqi
The prescribed worship is like a balance: whoever pays is repaid in full.” – Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat (Book of the Mysteries of Worship), 4th Book in the Rub' al'Ibadat (Acts of Worship) Section of the Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences) by Imam alGhazalirh, Mujaddid (Centennial Reformer) of the 5th Century AH “No man, jinn, or thing hears the Adhan (Call to Prayer) of the mu’adhin (Caller to Prayer) but that he (the mu’adhin) will bear witness for him on the Day of Judgement.” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat) “Al-Yad (the hand) of al-Rahman (the Compassionate One) is upon the head of the mu’adhin until he finishes his Call.” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat) “Whenever you hear the Adhan, repeat after (the) mu’adhdhin, except when he gives the haya’alatayn (Haya ‘alas-Salah ie. Come to Prayer, and Haya ‘alal-Falah ie. Come to Prosperity) whereupon he should say La
16
TARIQ December 2012
Hawla wa La Quwwatah Illa biAllah (There is no power or strength except in Allah).” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat) Athar (Sayings) of the Sahabah Kiram (Noble Companions) and Awliya’ Allah (Saints of Islam) Abu Bakr al-Siddiq [ra],Khalifat al-Nabi I, used to say that “Whenever the Salaat time comes, stand up to the fire which you have ignited, and put it out!” (Kitab Asrare-Salaat) Al-Muhaddith (Compiler of Ahadith) Yazid al-Raqashi said, “The Salaat of the Messenger of Allahra was symmetrical, as though it were measured in a balance.” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat) AbuHurayrah[ra]said,“Whoeverperforms the wudu’ (ablution) well and then goes out (to the Masjid or Bayt al-Du’a) for Salaat, is in worship as long as he is walking and there is written for him with one of his footsteps one good deed, and there is erased for him with other footstep one evil deed. So whenever one of you hears the Call to Prayer, it is not fitting for you to hang back, for the one of you who gets the greatest reward is the one whose house is the most distant…on account of the large number of your footsteps.” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat) Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman Hatim ibn ‘Alwanrh said “I once missed Salaat in congregation and my righteous friend Abu Is’haq al-
Bukharirh consoled me as I was sad. But, had a child of mine died, more than ten thousand would have consoled me, for religious misfortune is lighter with men than this life’s misfortune.” (Kitab Asrare-Salaat) Abu Hurayrah [ra] said,“Truly, that the ear of a human being should be filled with molten lead would be better than that he should hear the Adhan and not respond!” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat) “On the Day of Judgment, there will be assembled a people whose faces are like the bright star, so the angels will ask them, ‘What were your works?’ and then they will answer, ‘We were (people who) whenever we heard the Call to Worship, rose for the purification, nothing else preoccupying us.’ Then there will be assembled also a group whose faces will be like moons, and they will say, after inquiry, ‘We used to perform the ablution before the time (of the Worship).’ Then there will be assembled a group whose faces are like the sun, and they will say, ‘We used to hear the Call to Worship in the mosque.” (Kitab Asrar-e-Salaat)
Imam Mahdi’s [as] Love for Salaat
Abu Hurayrah [ra] narrated that the Prophet [saw] said that when the Promised Messiah appears, “One sajdah (prostration in Salaat) will be
worth more than all of the world and what it contains” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). The Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, Seyyidina Mirza Ghulam Ahmad al-Qadiani [as], in his capacity as the reviver of Islam back to the original pristine Islam of the Prophet Muhammad [saw] was an ardent lover of Salaat and never missed a prayer in his entire life. He would even pray during the court proceedings brought forth against him by the antagonists of the Appointed One of Allah without any fear whatsoever, and pray during his severe illness near the time of his death. Here are a few excerpts from the Writings of our Imam showing the deep love he had for Salaat and the inner significance it contains: “Man is held in a diversity of chains and collars. He desires to get rid of them but they persist. Despite man’s intense desire to be purified his Reproaching Self (Nafs-eLawwamah) does sometimes stumble. It is for God to purify a person from sin. There is no power that can purify you by force. God has prescribed Prayer for the generation of pure sentiments. Salaat is a prayer which is submitted to God in travail and burning with a heart aflame, so that vicious thoughts and evil designs may be got rid of and a holy love and a pure relationship may be established and one may be enabled to keep God’s commandments. The word Salaat indicates that true Prayer is not offered only with the tongue but must be accompanied by burning and sizzling and being consumed by fire. God Almighty does not accept Prayer until the worshipper at the time of prayer arrives a kind of death…. The various postures of the Salaat demonstrate respect, humility and meekness. In Qiyam (standing posture) the worshipper stands with his arms folded as a slave stands respectfully before his master and king. In Ruku‘ (bowing) the worshipper bends down in humility. The climax of humility is reached in Sajdah (prostration), which indicates extreme helplessness.” (Speeches to Jalsah Salana (the Annual Convention), 1906, pp. 6-8) “What is Salaat? It is a supplication addressed to the Lord of Honour without which a person cannot be truly alive, nor
can he procure any means of security and happiness. When God Almighty bestows this grace upon a person it is only then that he obtains true comfort. From that moment he will begin to feel pleasure and delight in Salaat. As he derives pleasure from delicious food he will begin to derive pleasure from his weeping and crying in Salaat. Before he experiences that condition in his Salaat it is necessary that he should persist in Salaat as he swallows bitter medicine so that he may be restored to health. In the same way it is necessary for him to persist in Salaat and in making his supplications while he derive no pleasure from them. In such condition he should seek pleasure and delight in Salaat with the supplication: Allah! Thou knowest how blind and sightless I am, and at the moment I am like the dead. I know that in a little while I shall be called and shall present myself before Thee and no one will be able to stop me. But my heart is blind and unenlightened. Do Thou cause to descend upon it such a flame of light that thereby it may be inspired with Thy love and devotion to Thee. Do Thou bestow upon me such grace that I shall not be raised up sightless nor join the blind. When he supplicates in this manner and persists in the supplication he will see that a time will arrive when something will descend upon him while he is engaged in such type of prayer which will melt his heart”. (Malfuzat (Sayings of the Promised Messiah [as]):Vol. IV, pp. 321-322) “It is obvious that a person is extremely watchful every moment only of that the loss of which he deems would spell his ruin, like one who, while traversing a waterless wilderness in which there is no likelihood of his finding water or food for hundreds of miles, is most watchful of such provisions as he has with him, holding them as dear as his life because of his conviction that their loss would mean his death. Thus the true believers are watchful of their prayers like such a traveller. They do not neglect their prayers even at the risk of losing their wealth or honour, or of incurring someone’s displeasure. Any apprehension of missing their prayer causes them great anguish and brings them near unto death.” – Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyah ‘ala Haqiqah Kitab Allah al-Qur’an wa al-Nabuwwah al-Muhammadiyyah (Proofs of the Truth of the Book of Allah – the Qur’an, and the ProphethoodofMuhammad[saw]),PartV
“The Salaat 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 incites 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.” (Malfuzat (Sayings of the Promised Messiah [as]):Vol. IV, pp. 256-257)
Inner Significance of Form and Timings of Salaat
There is a deep significance of the various postures of Salaat as well as its timings five times a day. ‘Umar bin al-Khattab, Khalifat al-Nabi II [ra] narrates: “While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah, [saw] there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him. He sat down close by the Prophet, [saw] rested his knee against his thighs, and said, ‘O Muhammad [saw]! Inform me about Islam.’ Said the Messenger of Allah, [saw], ‘Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad [saw] is His Messenger, that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it).’ Said he (the man), ‘ You have spoken truly.’ We were astonished at his thus questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, ‘Inform me about Iman (faith).’ He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, ‘It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadr), both in its good and in its evil aspects.’ He said, ‘ You have spoken truly.’ Then he (the man) said, ‘Inform me about Ihsan.’ He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, ‘It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.’… …I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, ‘O ‘Umar, do you know who that questioner was?’ I replied,
TARIQ December 2012
17
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
‘Allah and His Messenger know better.’ He said, ‘That was Jibril (Angel Gabriel). He came to teach you your religion.” (Sahih Muslim) It is evident from this that true religion consists of Islam (actions), Iman (beliefs), and Ihsan (spirituality). It can be seen that in the Qiyam (standing posture), the brain representing ‘aql (intellect) is above your qalb (heart), through which God speaks to man. Then, in the Ruku’ (bowing posture), the brain is at the same level as the heart. Finally, in sajdah (prostration), the heart is above the brain. Therefore, the inner significance of these postures is that the Qiyam represents the 5 pillars of Islam (actions), whereupon it is mostly the intellect working, the Ruku’ represents Iman (beliefs) where intellect and heart are attuned, and Sajdah represents Ihsan (spirituality) where the heart is above the intellect. Allah informs us that we are closest to Him when we are in sajdah: “Nay, yield not thou to him (a person who stops someone from praying), but prostrate thyself and draw near to God.” (al-‘Alaq – The Clot, 96:20) Regarding this state of Ihsan, the Promised Messiah [as] elucidates upon this, also calling it Liqa’ (Union with God):
18
TARIQ December 2012
“Such a state is termed Liqa’. The word Muhsin in the above verse most clearly points to this stage, because Ihsan, according to the explanation of our Holy Prophet [saw], signifies a perfect state in which a man has such a connection with the Almighty that he, as it were, sees Him at the time of his worship. This state of Liqa’ is fully realised by the spiritual wayfarer (salik) when his humanity is over-coloured by the Divinity and completely concealed and hidden under it, just as fire overcolours iron in such a way that apparently the iron becomes fire. And it is at this stage that some seekers after God have stumbled. The apparent has been taken for the real. The Awliya’ (friends of God) who attain to this point and those who get a glimpse of it have been called ‘Atfal Allah’ (the children of Allah) by some mystics because they throw themselves, as it were, into the lap of Divine attributes. And just as a son resembles his father in physical features and outward appearance, the beautiful attributes of God are reflected to a certain extent in such men and as a result of their efforts to imitate the attributes of God.” A’ina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam (Mirror of the Perfection of Islam) The Salaat is also universal in nature and even the ritual purification is not without significance. Khalifatul Masih II, Seyyidina Mirza Bashir al-Din Mahmud Ahmad al-Qadiani [ra]writes:
“The very word Wudu’ indicates both these objects, for it means both ‘cleanliness’ and ‘beauty’. The performance of Wudu’ promotes physical cleanliness which is indispensable for spiritual purity, and renders the Salaat beautiful by preventing and arresting the interruption or disturbance of the worshipper’s thoughts, thus making it possible for him to achieve the real object of prayer. Having performed the Wudu’ the worshipper stands with his face towards the Ka’ba which is meant to remind him of the sacrifices made by Abraham [as] in the path of God and the vast good that resulted from them. He then repeats certain prescribed passages from the Holy Qur’an. The first part of these is devoted to the praise and adoration of God whereby the worshipper can perceive, as it were, the reflection of God’s image, and his heart is flooded with love and longing and he is drawn towards God. In the second part he confesses that at every step in the course of his progress he is dependent on the help and assistance of God, and thus perceiving his own helplessness he is impelled towards self-improvement and greater trust in God. The third part contains prayers and supplications, which are the essense of Salaat. By prayer man attracts the grace of God, and through the union of the love of man with the love of God in prayer the seed is sown of a new spiritual creation in the same way as a new physical being comes into existence through the union of a male
and a female… …The external acts prescribed by Islam for the performance of Salaat are not without their significance. During the course of Salaat the worshipper must at different stages stand with folded arms, bow down with his hands resting on his knees, stand erect with his arms hanging by his side, prostrate himself on the ground and sit with folded legs. All these movements are symbols of perfect humility and surrender among different peoples. In some countries people express complete submission by standing with folded arms; in other countries, by standing with their arms hanging by their sides. In ancient Egypt, bowing with one’s hands on one’s knees was regarded as a symbol of deep respect; in India prostration was in vogue and in Europe falling on one’s knees is considered to be a mode of showing reverence. Islam has combined all these symbols in its mode of worship.” – Invitation to Ahmadiyyat, pp. 75-77 It is known that when the Prophet [saw] went on his Mi’raj (Night Journey to Paradise), Allah initially told the Prophet [saw] to tell the Muslims to perform 50 prayers a day but the Prophet Moses[as]beseechedtheProphet[saw] to ask Allah to shorten the amount of prayers as humans would not be able to bear such an amount, so it was shortened to 5 times a day. The timings for these prayers, ie. pre-dawn, when the sun is at its zenith, afternoon, evening, and night, all have a deep significance to them. It is also understood that it is forbidden to pray when the sun is rising or setting because the sun-worshippers would pray at those times. The Promised Messiah [as] writes: “What are the five daily prayer services? They are pictures of your different conditions during the course of the day. You pass through five conditions at a time of trial and your nature demands that you must pass through them. The first of these is when you are warned that you are about to be afflicted with a calamity. For instance, imagine that a warrant has been issued for your presence in court. This is the first condition which disturbs your serenity and contentment. This condition resembles the time when
the sun begins to decline, as on the receipt of the court warrant. Corresponding to this condition, the noon prayer (Zuhr) has been prescribed, the time of which begins with the decline of the sun. You experience the second condition when you are drawn close to the place of the calamity. For instance, when having been taken into custody under the warrant you are produced before the magistrate. At that time you are in terror and the light of security seems as if it were about to depart from you. This condition resembles the time when the light of the sun diminishes and the human eye can fix itself upon the sun and it becomes obvious that the time of its setting is near. Corresponding to this spiritual condition the afternoon prayer (‘Asr) has been prescribed. The third condition sets in when you lose all hope of deliverance from the calamity. For instance, when after the recording of the prosecution evidence, which is designed to bring about your ruin, you are charged with an offence and a charge sheet is prepared. At this time you almost lose your senses and you begin to think of yourself as a prisoner. That condition resembles the time when the sun sets and hope of daylight comes to an end. The sunset prayer (Maghrib) is prescribed corresponding to this spiritual condition.
daily services, as they are a reflection of your inner and spiritual conditions. The Salaat is a remedy for the calamities that may threaten. You know not what type of circumstances the new day might confront you with. So before the beginning of the day supplicate your Divine Master earnestly that the day may prove to be a source of benefit and blessing for you.” – Kashti Nuh (Noah’s Ark) “Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Al-Ra’d – The Thunder, Ch.13:V.29) “Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Al-Ra’d – The Thunder, Ch.13:V.29) “Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Al-Ra’d – The Thunder, Ch.13:V.29) And our final call is to praise Allah, Lord of all the realms, God, al-Khaliq—the Creator.
The fourth condition is when you are afflicted by the calamity and its deep darkness envelops you completely. For instance, when after the close of the evidence you are convicted and sentenced and are committed to the custody of the police. This condition resembles the time of nightfall, when everything falls into deep darkness. The evening prayer (‘Ishaa’) is prescribed corresponding to this spiritual condition. When you have spent a certain time in the darkness of the affliction, Divine mercy surges up and delivers you from the darkness, as the dawn succeeds the darkness of the night and daylight begins to appear. The dawn prayer (Fajr) is prescribed corresponding to this spiritual condition. God Almighty in view of your five changing conditions has prescribed five prayer services for you. You can thus understand that these services have been prescribed for the benefit of your soul. If you desire security against these calamities you should not neglect the five
TARIQ December 2012
19
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
Muharram By Amer Safeer, taken from Review of Religions
Note: Review of Religions team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.
I
look always with wonder at this Arab Prophet whose name is Muhammad [saw], thousands of blessings and peace be upon him. How exalted his status was! One cannot perceive the ultimate limit of his station…’1 (Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as], the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi)
The Tragedy of Karbala
The background to Karbala revolves around the refusal of Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra], the blessed grandson of the Holy Prophet [saw], to pledge allegiance to Yazid, the son of Muawiyah. Muawiyah had rebelled against Hadhrat Ali [ra], the Fourth of the rightly guided Khalifas [ra_ha] and father of Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra], and established his own governance and declared himself a self-appointed Khalifa. Before his demise, Muawiyah appointed his own son, Yazid, as his heir apparent. Whilst many Muslims pledged allegiance to Yazid, Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra] and some other Companions had rejected this outright. They felt that due to Yazid’s impiety, he was not worthy, nor possessed the right to the Khilafat. The true Khilafat was not a dynasty where the son would automatically become the heir-apparent. Rather, the true Khalifa was chosen by God, albeit through the will of the people. Thus, Muawiyah and Yazid were trying to establish a despotic rule in the guise of Khilafat. Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra] eventually set off for Kufa in Iraq on the beckoning of around 18,000 people who written letters pledging their allegiance to him. Although Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra] had indications through visions and also the information received from others that something was not right, he set off to Kufa, not yet fully aware that the people of Kufa no longer supported him. En route, Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra]’s party were confronted by a large army in Karbala. The enemy commander said he had been ordered to detain Imam Hussain [ra] and his party and demanded they pledge allegiance to Yazid. Despite the fact that Hussain [ra] explained to the enemy commander that he been beckoned by the people of Kufa, and that he was even ready to travel elsewhere, his plea
20
TARIQ December 2012
fell on deaf ears. The Great Mosque of Kufa. Built in the 7th century, it is considered to be one of the earliest Mosques. It is said to contain the tomb of Muslim bin Aqil [ra], cousin of Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra], who he sent to Kufa to investigate the 18,000 people who had pledged allegiance. Aqil [ra] was eventually martyred before he could inform Hadhrat Hussain [ra] regarding the treachery of the people in Kufa. On the morning of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram), judgment day arrived. There were only approximately 72 people with Imam Hussain [ra] against 4000 soldiers. One by one Imam Hussain [ra]’s Companions fell fighting the enemy soldiers, desperately trying to defend Imam Hussain [ra]. After, the Ahle Bai’at (family of the Holy Prophet [saw]),one by one also fell fighting. 20 members of the family of the Holy Prophet [saw] were killed in the field of Karbala.Imam Hussain [ra] fought valiantly until his last breath, but he also eventually was martyred. Horse riders rode forth and trampled upon the dead bodyofImamHussain[ra].ImamHussain[ra]hadbeenhit45 times by arrows, 33 times by spears and over 40 times by sword blows. Hadhrat Hussain [ra]’s head was severed and sent to Kufa, where the governor had it displayed for public view. This was a tragic day in Islamic history, when the blood of the noble people of God was shed in this merciless slaughter. The people of Kufa also had displayed ultimate cowardice and hypocrisy. However, Imam Hussain [ra] had given his life to uphold the truth, of this there can be no doubt. A full account of the events that transpired at Karbala can be read in the article we featured in the January 2011 Edition of The Review of Religions, ‘Imam Hussain and the Tragedy of Karbala.’ Here, our purpose is to depict how true love for the Holy Prophet [saw] and his family can be expressed. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as], the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, has stated in his writings that Yazid was an impure worm of the earth, blinded by the love of the world;
whilst Imam Hussain [ra] was truthful and provided a pure model for future Muslims to follow. Once in the house of the Promised Messiah [as], the incident of Hadhrat Hussain [ra]’s martyrdom was being related. Upon hearing this the Promised Messiah [as] started crying most profusely, and stated with immense pain: “Yazid performed this cruel act against the grandson of the Holy Prophet [saw], but God also rapidly brought His wrath down upon the oppressors.”2
True Expression of Love for the Holy Prophet [saw]
Each year in the first ten days of Muharram, Muslims around the world mourn the martyrdoms of Hadhrat Imam Hussain [ra], his family and companions that took place in the fields of Karbala over 1000 years ago. Because many of those martyred on that fateful day were close family members of the Holy Prophet [saw], remembering Karbala holds special significance for Muslims. Some Muslims take to the streets and wail excessively, beating their chests with their hands and other
weapons. They believe that literally enacting the torment the family of the Holy Prophet [saw] went through at Karbala is an important aspect of the commemoration. Others take part in processions, specially organised functions and other events and gatherings in mosques and halls. However, within such gatherings numerous innovations have been introduced which are far-removed from the real teachings of Islam. Further, sectarian violence has become the norm during this month. Shias target Sunnis, and Sunnis attack Shias, resulting in loss of life and property. These acts are carried out in the name of God and the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]. In this era the correct method has been beautifully elucidated to us by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] of Qadian, the Promised Messiahand Imam Mahdi. The Promised Messiah [as]’s love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] and his family was absolute, sincere and unparalleled.
TARIQ December 2012
21
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
References from the Holy Qur’an about family values By Muhammad Ismail Munir
Purpose of family life
He created you from a single being; then from that He made its mate. (Ch.39:V.7) Whoso acts righteously, whether male or female and is a believer, We will surely grant him a pure life; and We will surely bestow on such their reward according to the best of their works. (Ch.16:V.98) And of His Signs is that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that, surely, are Signs for a people who reflect. (Ch.30:V.22) It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them. (Ch.2:V.188)
Why marriage
And forbidden to you are married women, except such as your right hands possess. This has Allah enjoined on you. And allowed to you are those beyond that, that you seek them by means of your property, marrying them properly and not committing fornication. And for the benefit you receive from them, give them their dowries, as fixed, and there is no blame on you what you do by mutual agreement after the fixing of the dowry. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, Wise. (Ch.4:V.25)
Leader of the house
Men are guardians over women because Allah has made some of them excel others, and because they (men) spend of their wealth. So virtuous women are those who are obedient, and guard the secrets of their husbands with Allah‘s protection. (Ch.4:V.35)
Duty to parents
And lower them the wing of humility out of tenderness. And say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me in my childhood’ (Ch.17:V.25) And We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; but if they contend with thee to make thee associate that with Me
22
TARIQ December 2012
of which thou hast no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall inform you of what you did. (Ch.29:V.9) And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour who is a kinsman, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful. (Ch.4:V.37)
Duty to children
‘O my dear son, observe Prayer and enjoin good and forbid evil and endure patiently whatever may befall thee. Surely, this is of those matters which require firm resolve; ‘And turn not thy cheek away from men in scorn, nor walk in the earth haughtily; Surely, Allah loves not the arrogant boaster; ‘And walk thou at a moderate pace, and lower thy voice; verily, the most hateful of voices is the braying of the ass.’ (Ch.31:V.18-20) And relate the story of Ishmael as mentioned in the Book. He was indeed strict to keeping his promises. And he was a Messenger, a Prophet. He used to enjoin Prayer and alms giving on his people, and he was well pleasing to his Lord. (Ch.19:V.55-56) And slay not your children for fear of poverty. It is We Who provide for them and for you. Surely, the slaying of them is a grievous sin. (Ch.17:V.32)
Let us not be covetous
And strain not thy eyes after what We have bestowed on some classes of them of the splendour of the present world that We may try them thereby. And the provision of thy Lord is better and more lasting. (Ch.20:V.132)
Respect of others
O ye who believe! Enter not houses other than your own until you have asked leave and saluted the inmates thereof. That is better for you that you may be heedful. (Ch.24:V.28)
“
… He created you from a single being; then from that He made its mate. (Ch.39:V.7) Whoso acts righteously, whether male or female and is a believer, We will surely grant him a pure life; and We will surely bestow on such their reward according to the best of their works. (Ch.16:V.98)
”
O ye who believe! Let those whom your right hand possess, and those of you, who have not reached puberty, ask leave of you at three times, before coming into your private apartments, before the Morning Prayer, and when you lay aside your clothes at noon (in summer) and after the night Prayer. These are the three times of privacy for you. (Ch.24:V.59)
O ye who believe! Fear Allah and say the straightforward word. (Ch.33:V.71)
Do not forget duty
And when your Lord declared: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely bestow more favors on you; but if you are ungrateful, then know that My punishment is severe indeed.‘ (Ch.14:V.8)
O ye who believe! Let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does so it is they who are the losers. (Ch.63:V.10) O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones over which are appointed angels, stern and severe, who disobey not Allah in what He commands them and do as they are commanded. (Ch.66:V.7)
Good behavior
And good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with that which is best. And lo, he, between whom and thyself was enmity, will become as though he were a warm friend. (Ch.41:V.35) O ye who believe! Avoid much suspicion; for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And spy not on one another, neither backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Certainly, you would loathe it. And fear Allah, surely, Allah is oft-Returning with compassion and is Merciful. (Ch.49:V.13)
And help one another in righteousness and in piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah; Surely Allah is Severe in punishment. (Ch.5:V.3)
Let us follow the good example of our Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] : Verily, you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who hopes to meet Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much. (Ch.33:V.22)
Prayers—the key to success
‘My Lord, grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favor which thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and I may do such righteous deeds as may please Thee. And establish righteousness among my progeny for me. I do turn to thee; and, truly, I am of those who are obedient to thee.’ (Ch.46:V.16) ‘Our Lord, grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.’ (Ch.25:V.75)
TARIQ December 2012
23
ISLAMAHMADIYYAT
Importance of Reciting Durood Taken from the Friday Sermon (5 September 2003) of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba].
Note: Alisam team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.
A
llah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! You also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace. (Ch.33:V.57)
bond of love as a result of prayers, Allah sends His bountiful blessings on both, the one who prays, and the one who is being prayed for, the only condition being that the prayers are earnest and sincere and done with the purest of intentions.
Huzur [atba] explained that the Holy Prophet [saw] is not the one who is in need of our prayers. Allah Almighty has bestowed His bountiful mercy upon us and shown us the way for our prayers to be accepted by the recitation of the Durood and its recitation has been made a vessel to gain closeness to Allah. If we do not adopt this method and take advantage of it, then all our worship is in vain because Allah has created this universe for the service of the Holy Prophet [saw].
In a Hadith, Hadhrat Ibn Mas'ud [ra] is reported to have heard the Prophet [saw] said, "The people nearest to me on the Day of Judgment will be the ones most conscientious in invoking blessings upon me." (Tirmidhi)
Huzur [atba] explained an extract of the Promised Messiah [as] who also emphasized greatly on the recitation of the Durood. Huzur [atba] said that first of all, it must be clearly stated that the Holy Prophet [saw] does not need our prayers and salutations. We must not think that the elevated status he has achieved is because of our invocations and prayers. The Holy Prophet [saw] has already been chosen as the dear Prophet of Allah and has gained the love of Allah. There is profound wisdom hidden in the injunction of reciting the Durood excessively. When a person prays invokes blessings of Allah on another person solely because of his sheer love and affection for that person with the purest of intentions, then that person becomes deserving of receiving the same blessings for himself. For example, in terms of worldly relationships, we can look at the bond that exists between a mother and her child. When a child begins to explore the world on his own for the first time in his infancy and finds any morsel of food, he tries to feed those morsels to the mother by placing them in her mouth. Although these morsels do not satiate the mother’s hunger, this act is a mere display of innocent and profound love the child has for his mother, and in return, the mother loves her child even more passionately than ever before. Similar is the case of the person who selflessly prays for another due to his love for him, and therefore becomes deserving of those blessings for himself. When two persons are united in this
24
TARIQ December 2012
In another Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'Asra [ra], it is reported that the Holy Prophet [saw] said: When you hear the Mu'adhdhin, repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah: then beg from Allah al-Wasilah for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah's Servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the Wasilah, he will be assured of my intercession. (Muslim) In a Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abu Bakr [ra], he is reported to have said that invoking blessings on the Holy Prophet [saw] (reciting the Durood) is a means of expiation of sins and purification of the self. Huzur[atba]saidthatsuchinvocationsshouldbeperformed in a beautiful manner; not like those who rotate the rosary in their hands swiftly. These people do not invoke blessings for the sake of pleasing Allah but to show their righteousness off to others. Huzur [atba] mentioned the proper ways of reciting the Durood. He instructed that Durood should be offered repeatedly and excessively. He also explained that the injunction of reciting Durood to gain blessings is a favor from Allah; He has shown us a way to reach Him and has provided a way for believers to gain His pleasure. In another Hadith, narrated by Hadhrat Umar ibn al-Khattab [ra], the Holy Prophet [saw] is reported to have said:
“The supplication is stopped between Heaven and Earth and none of it ascends Until you invoke blessing on your Prophet.” (Tirmidhi) Huzur [atba] also mentioned that the Companions of the Holy Prophet [saw] realised the importance of reciting Durood and their love for the Holy Prophet [saw] compelled them to excel amongst one in another in invoking Durood upon the Prophet [saw]. In a Hadith narrated by a Companion of the Holy Prophet [saw], it has been recorded as follows: “I (the Companion) said to the Prophet [saw]: 'O Messenger of Allah [saw] I invoke Allah's peace and blessings upon you copiously; how much time should I earmark for this?' He said: 'As much time as you think proper.' I submitted: 'A quarter of my time?' He said: 'As much you wish; but it would be better for you, if you could devote more time.' I said: 'Half of my time?' He said: 'Whatever you wish; but it would be (still) better for you, if you were to increase it.' Then I said: 'Twothird of my time?' He said: 'As much you wish; but it would be (still) better for you if you were to increase it.' I said: 'Shall I devote all my time (supplications) to reciting Salat (benediction) on you? He said: 'Then it will take care of all your worries and your sins will be forgiven.' (Tirmidhi) Huzur [atba] also mentioned that Hadhrat Mufti Mohammad Sadiq Sahib [ra] used to feel great pleasure in invoking the Durood upon the Holy Prophet [saw] and one day he came across a Hadith in which the importance and excellence of reciting the Durood was described. After reading that Hadith, it was the intense desire of Hadhrat Mufti Mohammad Sadiq Sahib [ra] to increase his invocations of the Durood to the extent that all his supplications became solely the recitation of the Durood. At one occasion, when he was visiting Qadian, he mentioned to the Promised Messiah
[as] that all his supplications consisted of reciting the Durood, upon which the Promised Messiah [as] expressed his happiness. After that, Hadhrat Mufti Mohammad Sadiq Sahibra continued his practice ever more intensely to recite only the Durood during his supplications. Hadhrat 'Abdurrahman ibn 'Auf [ra] relates that the Messenger of Allah went out once and he followed him until he entered a grove of palm trees and prostrated. His prostration was so long that 'Abdurrahman feared that Allah had taken his soul. 'Abdurrahman came to look at him and he raised his head and said: "What is wrong, Abdurrahman'?" Abdurrahman mentioned what had happened, and he said: "Gabriel [as] came to me" and said: 'Shall I not give you glad tidings'? Allah says to you, Whoever prays upon you, I pray upon him. Whoever salutes you, I salute him.' Therefore, I prostrated to Allah in thanks." Huzur [atba] again reminded us that the Promised Messiah [as] emphasized the recitation of the Durood, but he did not specify how many times the Durood should be recited; however, the emphasis was laid upon how the Durood should be recited with intense feelings of love and zeal for the Holy Prophet [saw] and it should be recited frequently and excessively. Another Hadith records the Holy Prophet [saw] said: “Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he died, on it the last trumpet will be blown, and on it the shout will be made, so invoke more blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me. The people asked: Apostle of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you while your body is decayed? He replied: Allah, the Exalted, has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets.” (Abu Dawood)
TARIQ December 2012
25
News & Events
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association Starts Poppy Appeal Taken from www.ahmadiyyatimes.blogspot.co.uk Note: Ahmadiyya Times team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this article
T
he Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is trying to surpass the £20,000 it raised in last year’s appeal. A group of Muslims have started their own poppy appeal at a London mosque that acted as a bomb shelter during World War II. Working alongside the Royal British Legion, the London-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association has sold poppies in the capital before, but this year its campaign is being rolled out nationwide. Members are posting more than 100 volunteers at Tube stations and rail stations across the UK to try to surpass the £20,000 they raised in their 2011 appeal. It is a marked contrast to the coverage of Islamic extremists burning poppies on Armistice Day last year. ‘Own difficulties’ Ann Bedford, from the Royal British Legion, said it was “really great” to have the support of the organisation. “The Ahmadis have supported us for three years and this support has grown each year,” she said. “We’re happy they’re still willing to do this even though they might have to face difficulties of their own.” These “difficulties” come largely in the form of some members of the wider Muslim community. The youth organisation has faced opposition from those who object to British troops’ activities and question why a Muslim group is supporting a country whose armed forces are engaged in wars in Muslim majority
26
TARIQ December 2012
countries. In 2011, the extremist group Muslims Against Crusades burned poppies on Remembrance Day and chanted “British soldiers burn in hell”. Some poppy sellers in the north of England are using security this year because of previous hostility to their work. Farooq Aftab, Ahmadiyya Youth spokesman, argues that these people are misguided. He said: “A few people might get the wrong end of the stick; the poppy is not about supporting the war, we want to show solidarity with our troops who are not policy makers. “Unfortunately you’re always going to have a few people who don’t agree with what you’re doing.” The group cites historical connections with the UK armed forces as another reason it is keen to be involved. Ahmadi Muslims fought alongside British soldiers in both world wars, while the Fazl Mosque in Southfields, southwest London, which was inaugurated in 1926, was used as a bomb shelter in World War II, providing refuge for local English residents. Also known as the London Mosque, it is hosting the launch of the appeal. ‘Protect our rights’ Tariq Ahmed, one of the people coordinating the poppy sellers, told BBC Asian Network there was room for a more nuanced view of the relationship between British Muslims and the British
armed forces - that you do not have to support all military activity to support the troops. “I might be against the war in Iraq, but that doesn’t mean I’m not prepared to support the armed forces who protect our rights and country and fight against fascism,” he said. Ahmadis in the UK have often engaged in charity work to display loyalty to their host country. The Ahmadiyya community is persecuted in places including Pakistan and followers have also faced hostility here. In 1974 the Pakistani government declared the sect non-Muslim because of theological differences with mainstream Islam. Mr Ahmed said what he was doing was a duty. “It’s important for Muslims to be an integral part of society and contribute,” he said. “This was the example set by the Prophet Muhammad [saw]. “He lived peacefully with people of all faiths and backgrounds.”
Eureka By Faheem Rehman, Qaid Keighley
O
n Sunday 28th October 2012, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Keighley organised a very successful Half Term Children’s Class trip to Eureka Museum.
Eureka! The National Children's Museum is an award-winning attraction based in Halifax, West Yorkshire and features over 400 interactive exhibits which inspire children to learn about themselves and the world around them through imagination, play and discovery. Everything at Eureka has been designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them through 100s of hands-on exhibits. The aim of this trip was to reward the children for their hard work in children’s classes, which are held every Saturday and Sunday. At 10.30am we all congregated at Baitul Amman, Keighleyone of our Atfal led us in silent prayer before all the children were put into groups of two and were allocated one Khadim. We arrived at the Museum at 11am and the children began exploring the hundreds of exhibits on display. A few highlights were how banks work- with a life-like mock of the cashier areas, cash machines and even a gold safe! Further exhibitions included a car garage in which children could learn to put petrol into cars, change tyres and even sit in a truck. Whilst the children were making the most out of this the Khuddam managed to catch their breath back in the ‘Tired and exhausted parents’ area! We spent approximately 2 hours exploring the hands-on exhibits and many children emphasised how they would love to visit again with their parents and families. Overall the children had an enjoyable and educational day. Please pray that the children continue working hard and expanding their knowledge in the Children’s Classes and grow up to be true servants of Jama’at-e-Ahmadiyya.
[ameen]
TARIQ December 2012
27
News & Events
Five AMSA Events on the Noble Character of The Holy Prophet [saw] By Tauseef Khan, Mohtamim Amoor-e-Tuluba
R
ecently a film named Innocence of Muslims drew large publicity in both the East and West. The film presents a vulgar and fictional depiction of the noble life of the Prophet Muhammad [saw]. Additionally, a number of media outlets published a series of calculated and malicious caricatures designed to depict the Holy Prophet [saw] in a negative light. The film and subsequent images understandably caused the Muslim world great anguish and outrage. A significant group of Muslims reacted with such anger and recklessness that dozens of people were tragically killed and a great deal of property destroyed. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes this form of protest is a clear departure from the peaceful teachings of Islam and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad [saw]. Following on from Huzur Aqdas
28
TARIQ December 2012
[atba] directive on 28th September 2012 to portray the noble character of the Holy Prophet [saw] to the world, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK (MKA UK) held five lectures at major UK Universities via its student wing, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Associations (AMSA). The lectures were titled "Innocence of Muhammad [saw]: A Response to Recent Events" and were held at Imperial College London, Kings College, University College London, University of Manchester and Queen Mary’s University during a two week period in October 2012. The lecture tackled the following questions: Why did the controversial and disturbing events following from the release of a recent film on YouTube unfold? How does Islam actually instruct its followers to react in the face of ridicule? Who was Prophet Muhammad [saw] and what
was his character? And how can we ensure peace and harmony to prevail in the future? The following members of the MKA UK delivered the lectures: • Imperial College: Ayyaz Mahmood Khan (Murrabi Silsila) • Kings College London: Mansoor Clarke and Raza Ahmad (Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya) • University College London: Jonathan Butterworth (Human Rights Lawyer), Raza Ahmad (Student of Jamia Ahmadiyya), and Fahim Anwer (Sadr Majlis MKA UK) • University of Manchester: Adam Walker (National Spokesperson for MKA UK)
Newport Volunteer Awards 2012 Report By Haris Malik, Qaid Cardiff
B
y the grace of Allah, on Thursday 20th September 2012, MKA Cardiff was awarded the winner's award for the 'Newport Volunteer Achievement Awards 2012' in the Environment category. This award was given in a ceremony held at the Newport Centre, Kingsway, Newport and was attended by the Mayor of Newport, a Member of Parliament, a Member of the Welsh Assembly, Newport Councillors, and various other dignitaries. MKA Cardiff was given this award in recognition of their work for ‘Yellow Fish campaign’ organised by Keep Wales Tidy. This campaign that was arranged by Khidmat-e-Khalq department South West region, held in the months of June and July over two days and was participated by a large number of Khuddam and Atfal. Local dignitaries of the area including the Mayor of Caldicot, Deputy Mayor of Caldicot, councillors, Police representatives and other members of the public also joined the campaign. Before the campaign, a leaflet was designed and printed by MKA Cardiff and was distributed in the area to raise awareness about the campaign among the public. The award ceremony was attended by Haris Malik (Qaid Majlis Cardiff ), Saleh Baqi (Regional Nazim Khidmat-eKhalq), Salman Ghazanfar and a tifl Shakeel Tahir. The award was received by Salman Ghazanfar and Shakeel Tahir from Mr John Griffiths AM–Welsh Government Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development. Mr John Griffiths AM–Welsh Government Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development later came to the
table of members of MKA Cardiff and congratulated them for their good work in the area of environment. At the end of the programme, the Mayor of Newport, Councillor John Guy and his wife also came to the members of MKA Cardiff to congratulate them on this achievement. The ‘Yellow Fish Campaign’ was participated in by the following Khuddam and Atfal through the hardwork of Regional Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq, Saleh Baqi Sahib. Dr Nassir Domun, Saleh Baqi, Iftikhar Ahmad, Ihsan Naseer, Salman Bashir, Shaikh Mansoor Ahmad, Ahmad Qasim, Fakhar Zeshan, Salman Jajja, Noman Ghazanfar, Rohail Sadat, Fareed Ahmad, Shakeel Tahir and Farid Ahmad also attended. The campaign was also covered in the local press.
TARIQ December 2012
29
News & Events
MKA Keighley Homeless Feeding Session By Faheem Rehman, Qaid Keighley
O
n Tuesday 13 November 2012 Majlis Khuudamul Ahmadiyya Keighley held a very successful Homeless Feeding Session at the Salvation Army centre in Keighley.
Preparation for this event began 2 weeks in advance when the booking was made with the Salvation Army for Khuddam to come and serve food to the Homeless. Once this was done, ingredients were bought for the food- it was decided that because this was the first time the majority of Khuddam were cooking on a big scale that we should begin with something easy and so we decided on cooking Chicken Masala. The night before the Homeless Feeding Session Khuddam met up at Baitul Hamd, Bradford to cook the food. As mentioned, because this the first time khuddam were cooking on such a scale, Omar Shah Sahib, expert chef, from Bradford Jama’at kindly offered to assist us. Alhamdulillah within two hours the food was ready and smelling great! At this point we were all praying that it also tasted great! The next evening- Khuddam met outside the Salvation Army for 6.30pm. We set up the hall, warmed the food and were now ready to serve! The Khuddam attendance for this event was Six Khuddam,
30
TARIQ December 2012
one Tifl and one under-7. It was estimated that we managed to serve around 35-40 homeless people in two hours. The Chicken Masala went down a treat- this was followed by Ice Cream for dessert. We also provided food to take away so the homeless could either give this to their friends, family or save it for themselves for the next day. Khuddam also mingled with the homeless and gave them a chance to share their problems with them- this was highly appreciated by both the homeless and staff as it was said that many organisations come and serve the food without having much dialogue with the homeless people themselves. Finally, Khuddam cleared the kitchen and eating area—before presenting a box of chocolates and card to staff for giving us the opportunity to serve humanity. Insha’Allah this was the beginning of a long lasting relationship between MKA Keighley and the Salvation Army and we will try making it a regular occurrence to go back and serve for those less fortunate than ourselves. Finally, I request your heartfelt prayers that May Allah bless all those Khuddam and Atfal who partook in this noble cause and may we stay forever ready to serve Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, as well as Humanity whenever it is required of us.
[ameen]
Exhibition on Life of Muhammad [saw] By Tauseef Khan, Mohtamim Amoor-e-Tulaba
B
aitul Futuh region held an exhibition on “Life of Muhammad [saw]” in Merton Civic Centre from 22nd to 26th of October, 2012. This event was open to the general public, who were able to ask questions and gain information so as to omit any misconception & ambiguity on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]. The exhibition was organised in response to an insulting, vulgar film made about Prophet Muhammad [saw]. This film brought waves of anger, hatred & humiliation to millions of Muslims across the world. Regarding responses to the film, Huzur-e-Anwar [atba] said: “While an Ahmadi expresses indignation and disgust at the vulgarity, he or she also tries to draw attention of people to desist from committing these vulgarities. From a worldly perspective an Ahmadi tries to make the world aware of the reality as opposed to this conspiracy and presents the beautiful aspects and blessed model of the Prophet [saw].” (Friday Sermon September 21st, 2012) “We are going to present the beautiful aspects of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet [saw] to the world. This is our task and should be discharged with determination. Today only the Ahmadiyya community can do this task with love”. (Friday Sermon September 28th, 2012) Significant efforts were expended by Regional Nazim Tabligh, Baitul Futuh, who worked tirelessly in arranging a meeting with the Civic Centre Manager to determine the best time and location for the exhibition to be held.. Two Khuddam were assigned to the exhibition for each day that it was held, between 9am and 5pm. The exhibition was comprised of a well-framed background, setting the theme of the exhibition and a well-organised desk, which presented an arrangement of free literature, including pamphlets, for the visitors. Books were also made available via request to Nazim Sahib. During the course of the five days that the exhibition was held for,over 200 hundred leaflets on the Holy Prophet[saw] and the Holy Qur’an were distributed. Fifteen of the visitors showed a keen interest in the books. Five visitors of the exhibition also took the Holy Qur’an with them, out of interest.
The exhibition was visited by visitors to the local library, members of the civic centre staff and members of the general public visiting the civic centre, many of whom left their comments in the comment book, expressing their appreciation for the exhibition. A non-Ahmadi Muslim commented that: “I sincerely believe that Ahmadis are on the right path of Islam. May Allah continue to shower His blessing and mercy on the community. Insha Allah the whole world will one day become Ahmadis!” The success of the exhibition was evidenced by the fact of this Non-Ahmadi Muslim taking a special interest in the content of the exhibition. Subsequently, he has been in regular contact with Baitul Futuh Jama’at. Additionally, one of the contacts made during the course of the exhibition has already visited the Baitul Futuh mosque on multiple occasions. Maulana Naseem Ahmad Bajwa (Imam Baitul Futuh Mosque) also visited the exhibition. During the course of his visit, a few people discussed with him regarding the burning issue. Maulana Sahib delivered a short speech on the character of The Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] and introduced Jama’ate-Ahmadiyya as well. Some women took a special interest and enquired about the significance of Purdah in Islam, as well as the views of the Holy Prophet [saw] on this issue. They appeared to be satisfied by the answers that were provided to them. A few people raised questions on the holy site of Makkah and what place it holds in the lives of Muslims All these anecdotes pointed towards the fact that the general public really did have some interest in learning more about the Prophet of Islam [saw]. Many visitors tried to judge the Jama’at’s response to the topic of the insulting film that had been made and were astonished to find that the Jama’at was not seeking vengeance, but believed in freedom of speech in favour of humanity, as expounded in Huzur’s [atba] address: “Right now in the name of freedom of speech politicians and others, in places openly and in places discreetly, are speaking up for these people; some are also speaking up for the muslims. But it should be remembered that this world is now like a global village and if wickedness is not openly called wickedness, these matters can also destroy the peace of these countries”.
TARIQ December 2012
31
News & Events
(Friday Sermon September 21st, 2012) In addition, free literature was also distributed to local libraries so that the community could get some beneficence from it, following Huzur’s [atba] address: “Books on the blessed life of the Prophet which have been translated in English should be given to local libraries in the English speaking world. In addition, if they have to be given free to certain communities, this can be done, especially those books which, as I said have been translated in English or other languages; these should be distributed abundantly”. (Friday Sermon September 28th, 2012) Thus, by obeying our beloved Huzur [atba], Baitul Futuh
32
TARIQ December 2012
Region distributed some books free of charge to the local libraries so that the world can know more about the Life of Muhammad [saw]. Overall, the exhibition was a huge success. A report on this exhibition was also published in the local Guardian newspaper. May Allah enable the world to see the blessed figure of Hadhrat Muhammad [saw] and the Religion of Islam in truth. Ameen. May Allah bless every individual who helped in the success of this exhibition.
[ameen]
Asylum claim hope for student shot in head in Pakistan Taken from Ahmadiyya Times - http://ahmadiyyatimes.wordpress.com Note: Ahmadiyya Times team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this artical.
O
n 19 October 2012 yet another Ahmadi Muslim was brutally martyred in Karachi. His name was Saad Farooq and he was only 26 years old. He had been married for just a few days. Inna lillahey wa inna illehey rajeoon. Other members of his family were also injured in the attack. His father and his father-in-law were both shot and critically injured. His younger brother Ummad Farooq was also shot and left with a bullet lodged just under his eye. In this tragic incident two brothers, both Khuddam, were amongst those who were attacked and targeted for no other reason than they had accepted the Promised Messiah [as]. Whilst we live our lives in comfort and ease in the UK, our brothers and sisters in Pakistan are facing endless cruelties and persecution beyond our imagination. The Ahmadis are enduring such trials with patience and bravery. Indeed in his Friday Sermon on 26 October 2012, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] narrated that before he got married Saad Farooq used to often say to his fiancee that he desired martyrdom. If we look at ourselves can we say that we share such noble desires and a willingness to make every sacrifice for the sake of our beliefs? Can we too claim that our faith is more important to us than our lives? As some of you may have heard Ummad Farooq Sahib is a student at Sunderland University and was in Karachi for his brother’s wedding. Since his return to the UK he has undergone surgery at a hospital in Birmingham to remove the bullet from his eye and in this way Masha’Allah his sight has been saved. His story has received widespread media coverage in the UK and thus through his sacrifice, awareness of the persecution faced by the Jama'at has increased. For the full interview visit the following link and be inspired by the bravery shown by this Ahmadi. Can we say that we would do the same and be firm and resolute in our belief ? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20224176
TARIQ December 2012
33
News & Events
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK Majlis-e-Shura 2012 – Report By Hamid Chaudry, Naib Motamid Majlis
B
y the Grace of Allah Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK held its 2012 Majlis-e-Shura on 20th October, at Baitul Futuh
Registration started at 9am. Breakfast was also served between 9am until 10am. At 10am the opening session started with Tilawat, translation and the Khudam Pledge, After which implementation report of last year Shura Proposals were presented by the chairmen of the committees formed to implement the proposals. Subsequently, a high level presentation of this year’s shura proposals was made. Sadr Majlis then presented an Annual Review report for each department and highlighting the achievements that the Majlis achieved in the year. After the report by Sadr Majlis, seven subcommittees were formed to discuss this year’s Shura proposals. Following the formation of the sub-committees the opening session ended for a lunch break which was followed by combined Zuhr and Asr prayers. After Salaat the Sadarat elections were held to elect Sadr Majlis for the period of 2012 – 2014. This was a heart inspiring moment for all who were present to witness the proceedings. All members remained busy constantly praying and in seeking guidance from Allah. Following the Sadarat elections the sub-committees convened at 4pm. Deliberations in the sub-committees carried on until Maghrib prayers at 6pm. Following the Sadarat elections earlier in the day, announcment was made after Maghrib prayersthat“HadhratKhalifatulMasihV[atba]hasgraciously appointed Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib as Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK”. May Allah bless this appointment and enable the Majlis to reach new and greater heights under this leadership
34
TARIQ December 2012
After Salaat a presentation was held for the outgoing Khuddam to thank them for the services they have given to the Majlis. At 7:30pm Majlis-e-Shura was honoured to be graced by the presence of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] for dinner. Huzur [atba]briefly addressed all the members present there highlighting the expectations he had from the khuddam of the UK.Huzur[atba]alsothankedandpraisedtheoutgoingSadr Majlis Fahim Anwer Sahib for the hard work he had done during his term as Sadr Majlis. Following dinner, Ishaa Salaat was offered, led by HadhratKhalifatul MasihV [atba].After Salaat the plenary session started at 9:30pm with Tilawat and translation, to discuss and vote on the Shura proposals for this year. At about 12:00am the closing session started. Outgoing Sadr Majlis Fahim Anwer Sahib addressed the members of Majlise-Shura, thanking them for their support and hard work. Outgoing Sadr Majlis also requested for even better support to be given to the new Sadr Majlis. Following this new Sadr Majlis Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib addressed the members asking them for prayers and thanking Fahim Anwer Sahib for the dedication he has shown and the hard work he has done over the years. The Majlis-e-Shura ended with Silent prayers led by Fahim Anwer Sahib. The attendance for the day was 410. Finally much appreciation and thanks needs to be given to all individuals involved in the preparation and smooth running of the event. May Allah bless them all.
[ameen]
Social and Family Pressures Taken from Pathway to Paradise on Alislam Note: Alislam team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this article.
Social and family Pressures
One of the most difficult things a new convert faces is relating to friends, family and lifestyle he or she knew before accepting Islam. The belief in your heart is very strong, yet there are many difficult questions to resolve because you still have the same parents and family and work at the same place or see your old friends. There will be many judgement calls and decisions about how you will live an Islamic lifestyle in this Western society. Concerning social pressure and friends you had when you accepted Islam, you should consider what kind of lifestyle your friends have, and what social activities you engaged in with them. Muslims should follow the Islamic teaching of hijab/ purdah, refrain from alcohol and give up all those things which are inconsistent with the moral goals of a Muslim. This is not to say that all non-Muslim friends are immoral and non-religious. Muslims should be open, compassionate and friendly to everyone. However, Allah stresses the importance of choosing believers as your true friends. The Holy Qur'an advises that Muslims should not prefer non-Muslim friends as very close, intimate friends to Muslim friends. Allah says: "Let not the believers take disbelievers for friends in preference to believers—and whoever does that has no connection with Allah— except that you cautiously guard against them " (Ch.3:V.29) And "O ye who believe! take not those for friends who make a jest and sport of your religion..." (Ch.5:V.58) Instead, Allah says, when choosing your friends: "And help one another in righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression." (Ch.5:V.3) Thus, it is better to choose friends based upon their compatibility with the moral and spiritual goals of the Islamic way of life. The question of family pressure is more difficult because Islam places great emphasis on proper treatment of blood relations. In many cases, a new convert's parents and family may have great difficulty in accepting their new religion. It may be a source of pain and conflict for all concerned. While a new convert must always maintain her identity as a Muslim, it is important not to sever family ties. The Holy Qur'an refers often to the importance of kind treatment of parents and relatives. Allah says: "Thy Lord has commanded that ye worship none but Him, and that
ye show kindness to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, never say to them as much as "ugh," nor reproach them, but always address them with kindly speech. And lower to them the wing of humility out of tenderness and say, 'My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me when I was a little child." (Ch.17:V.24-25) The Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] spoke emphatically against disobedience to parents, except in the matter of shirk (associating partners with Allah). The hadith mentions often that the undutiful child will be among those who will not enter Paradise. There are many Hadith concerning acts of kindness to parents and Allah's reward for committing them. The limit past which you are permitted to disobey your parents is the same limit as prescribed for disobedience to the government of the country in which you live: that is, in the event that you are asked to go against or give up your belief in Islam. Through your prayers and kindness, your family may eventually come to see you as a new and better person who has chosen Allah's path.
Substance and alcohol abuse
The abuse of drugs and alcohol is one of the most phenomenal problems facing Western society. In spite of the governments spending huge amounts on the "drug war," young people are losing their lives and dreams to drugs. Such a thing as the "drug culture" has emerged, and drugs have become the major cause of gang warfare. Alcohol, long having been an integral part of American social life, has wrecked homes and caused countless deaths in car accidents. Government efforts to curb teenage drinking and drink driving have had little success. For the addict involved with drugs and alcohol, there seems to be no end in sight. The Islamic injunction concerning intoxicants, which is the complete forbidding of drugs and alcohol, seems idealistic for Western society. Yet it is the only solution. Allah commands Muslims in the Holy Qur’an: "O ye who believe! wine and the game of chance... are only an abomination of Satan's handiwork. So shun each one of them that you may prosper. Satan seeks only to create enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and games of chance, and to keep you back from the remembrance of Allah and from Prayer…" (Ch.5:V.91-92) The Arabic word "al-khamr" is used in this verse which means anything that intoxicates or alters the mind. Thus, all forms of intoxicants are forbidden. The verse clearly explains the
TARIQ December 2012
35
News & Events
problems created by the use of intoxicants; first, they lead to hatred and enmity amongst people, causing murder:Violence, immoral behavior etc.; and secondly they lead people away from Allah and His religion. Allah wants the believers to keep their minds pure and clean, so that they worship Him fully. A Muslim may not offer prayers (salaat) when he is not in full possession of his senses, even if that is caused by excessive emotion or a state of sleep. Certainly, a mind that is intoxicated is not able to focus on Allah. Finally, it is important to note that drugs and alcohol are used as a means of escape from overwhelming difficulties and responsibilities. The attitude of one who has truly embraced the teachings of Islam cannot be compatible with this state of despair. A true Muslim places his reliance on Allah for the relief of hardship. When the Holy Prophet [saw] proclaimed Allah's commandment concerning intoxicants, his followers broke their pots and jugs of wine until the streets flowed with it. This is the example for the new convert to Islam. Some
36
TARIQ December 2012
hadith of the Holy Prophet [saw] about intoxicants are: 1. I f a large amount of anything causes intoxication, (even) a small amount of it is forbidden. 2. A n undutiful son, a gambler, one who casts up what he is given, and one who is addicted to wine will not enter paradise. 3. T ariq bin Suwaid asked the Holy Prophet [saw] about wine and he forbade him. When he told him that he used it only as medicine, the Holy Prophet [saw] replied, "It is not a medicine, but is a disease." Islam understands that it may not be easy for a person to break away from addiction, so it does not exclude or discourage the use of outside resources, such as counseling or rehabilitation. But the most potent tool is prayer and begging Allah's mercy.
DID YOU KNOW
Dreams By Farhan Ahmad
T
he human mind, a powerful and enigmatic cosmos lying amidst the unexplainable phenomenon, since the dawn of mankind, man has been searching for the answer to one of many questions: Why do we dream? And the process dreams play in the advancement of human cognitive process. Dreams have aroused the interest of many since time immemorial. The use of dreams has been a toll for prediction and can be traced back into ancient times where dreams were considered as messages from their Gods. The Egyptians had built dream temples, where anyone could come and pray to receive dreams from the many so called dream Gods that the Egyptians worshipped. The Greeks were also practicing this method of attaining dreams from their Gods, most notably from Zeus then Hypnos. The first question that rattles the minds of individuals is that what is a dream? Fundamentally a dream is the imagination of oneself, a self-proclamation of an individual which takes place in the form of images, emotion:Vivid memories or even confusing situations. In a nutshell a dream is a man's sub-conscious mind and his spiritual senses becoming very much awakened. Why do we dream then? Can’t we give our brains the rest it deserves whilst sleeping? A possible answer to this could be to insert new materials into the brain which subsequently should reduce the emotional excitement and adapt to help us manage stress. Not convinced with this idea? Then let us look at this in more detail, whilst many theories have been put forward by notable psychologists, scientist and researchers no one can truly say that their theory is correct. This is because dreams vary from person to person given the nature of sleep thus why no single theory predominates as it is difficult to describe a single meaning of a dream. Several theories have tried to explain why we dream and amidst them one of which was that: whilst sleeping random electrical impulses along neurons drew imagery seen during your lifetime experiences stored in the memory. Another theory stated that our
mind is trying to conjure up a story with the millions of different imagery man sees and every time a new story develops. One of the most important theories that have stood for almost 30 years is that of Sigmund Freud, in which he suggested that dreams signify a continuing wish along with the former day’s activities, and that every dream signifies a child’s childhood. No one theory is right or wrong as we must analyse all theories together and come up with a sound basis for decision. During sleep we go through five sleep stages, the first being light sleep, the second being slighter deeper sleep and stages three to five represent the sleep deepening entering rapid eye movement (REM). REM is a normal phase of sleep which is categorized by the random movements of the eyes and it is during this stage that the brain activity slows right down. Many people fulfil their desires, dreams and overcome many disadvantages through sleep by dreaming lucidly and it is this type of dream that occurs in REM stage. Lucid dreaming is when you can feel that you are dreaming and you are able to control what happens in that dream. An example of this is by a mean of a disabled dreaming they can walk, the poor dreaming that they are rich and a person dreaming that he could win the Young Muslim Writers Award; he will control his dream as such that he can see he has won the competition. Today we know that dreams are not prompted by psychological factors, such as suppressed needs or desires, but rather by a purely biological process—REM sleep. Modern neurophysiological theory has suggested that dreaming is caused by gathering all the information, chemical reactions and electrical impulses a process which can be given the name of synthesis dreams which are internally generated. Whatever the topic or debate, running in the forefront of the topical issue is the notion of religion and the question seems to be does it play an important role in dreams? To answer this question we need to widen our study of dreams. It can be seen that many non-religious cases of
dreams have occurred outside the realm of religion solving astounding problems revolutionising science. Dreams have helped famous scientists who have been baffled to solve problems, yet the power of dreams has helped them overcome their obstacles. Such notable examples are of a German chemist Friedrich August Kekule who had a dream where he saw a snake put a tail in his mouth, to a normal person that would not make any sense at all but to Kekule this showed him the right direction to his problem to which he interpreted this dream to mean that in a benzene molecule (C6H6) the carbon atoms bond together to form a ring, a revolutionary discovery in organic chemistry. Another person who solved his frustrating problem was Elias Howe who discovered in his dream that he needs to consider placing the eye of the needle in its point so that the mechanism of sewing can be established. An explanation that can be given to why these people found their solutions to their problems can be that when the conscious mind has been exercised pondering over complexed problems before going to sleep, those problems and thought processes are relocated to the sub conscious mind. Still analysing the data that was fed into the brain whilst awake and giving an output process. Both of these accounts on analysis can show that whilst you are sleeping your brain is still photographically trying to solve the problems via electrical impulses and chemical reactions. It is not for sure that you will solve the answer to your problem instantly sometimes it takes one night sometimes many months and sometimes many years. Perceptions gained through experiences plays a vital role in the types of dreams we have, thus the reason why we cannot determine the true nature of dreams and why people have different dreams. Dreams are a self-sub exploration of the mind and a path for unlocking the power to understand our dreams to unify the body, mind and spirit. Dreams have finally come out of the darkness and into the light of the day. Sweet Dreams
TARIQ December 2012
37
DID YOU KNOW
Religious Knowledge Ta’leem-oTarbiyyat Department Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Glasgow By Ahmed Kanadu Regional Qaid Scotland Subsequent Prayer: Glory to my Lord (Allah), the Most High.
Dear Khuddam,
[salam] May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. This leaflet has been formulated to draw your attention to important religious information. On occasion, it has been observed that that many Khuddam are not aware which Suwar are in praise of Allah and hence require the offering of certain prayers subsequent to their recitation.. This is a Sunnah that whenever Surah Al-Al’a, Surah Al-Ghashiyya and Surah AlTeen are recited during the congregational prayers - especially at Eid and Jumu’ah – we are supposed to say particular prayers after them. According to Sunnah, wherever the Holy Prophet [saw] use to recite these chapters during Salaat, in which the praise of Allah as well as Heaven and Hell are being mentioned, Sahaba Karam used to offer some prayers. (Fiqhae-Ahmadiyya, pp: 129). For your convenience and to recall them I am writing those prayers below. It is requested to all Khuddam that please try to recall these prayers and follow this Sunnah. Moreover, wherever possible please also transfer this knowledge to your family as well. As mentioned in an Hadith by Hadhrat Umar bin Auf [ra] the Holy Prophet [saw] stated that, whomsoever revives any of the Holy Prophet’s [saw] Sunnah in a way that people begin to follow it, he will gain a reward equivalent to those who are following it and there will be no reduction in their (the followers) reward.
Then, Surely, It is for Us to call them to account. (Ch:88.V.27) Subsequent Prayers: O Allah, take us to account with an easy
accounting (which means, be easy on us when you take us to account).
Is Allah not the Best of Lawgivers? (Ch:95:V.9) Subsequent Prayers: Surely (He is) - and (surely) I am among the witnesses to this.
Glorify the name of thy Lord (Allah), the Most High.
References:
1. Fiqah Ahmaddiyya retrieved from http://www.alislam.org/ urdu/fiqah/FiqahAhmadiyya-Part1.pdf 2. Hadeeqa-tul-Saliheen retrieved from http://www.alislam. org/library/books/hadeeqa/hadeeqa.pdf 3. Holy Quran Urdu translation by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad IV (R.A). 4. Holy Quran English translation by Maulvi Sher Ali (R.A).
(Ch.87:V.2)
38
TARIQ December 2012
Articles
Islam: the Saviour of Mankind By Salim Fazlur Rahim
I
slam means ‘Peace; and the followers of this particular religion are called ‘Muslims’ (not Mohammadans). Out of one hundred and one, one of the sacred qualitative names of our only God is ‘Salam’ that is one from whom the main stream of peace and Blessings springs up and flows all around. Whenever one of the faithful (Muslims) meets his fellowbeing he utters [salam]. It means may God shower his Mercy, bestow his peace and Blessings upon you. It is just as ‘Good Morning’ or ‘Good Evening’ amongst English speakers, ‘Nomushkar’ amongst Hindus and so on. The only difference being that ours is not only a sort of greeting but also a kind of noble prayer which the former seeks for the latter. Likewise, when a Muslim begins a meal, or aims to perform a noble task, he takes the pious name of our Lord, Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Rahim (I begin in the name of Allah the Gracious, the Compassionate), before proceeding.. After completing the task, he says Alhamdulillah – all pure and perfect praise is for Allah alone, He who through his Grace and Mercy enabled us in completing our task. If and when he wears decent or brand-new garments he also says Alhamdulillah, all praises are due to God, who by dint of His sheer Mercy provides us with an opportunity of putting on this nice attractive dress. When he is guilty of an error or observes an un-natural sight ‘Subhan Allah’ (Our Lord is free from all vices, mistakes and weaknesses) at once un-intentionally escapes his lips. Human being deserves blunder, he is , undoubtedly, full of shortcomings and makes mistakes off and on. This also shows a gulf of difference between the Creator and the ‘created’, establishing a clear-cut conception that human being is after all human being and God is God. If a thing is by chance lost or someone suddenly expires we say Innalillah Wainna Illahe Rajewoon. This points out that Creator of this world is mortal, under order of constant declining process. It is changeable:Vanishing and
is undergoing gradual destruction finally to be perished and at last returning towards its Creator i.e. God Almighty. But our Immortal Lord is unchangeable and will always remain as he is from time immemorial. No death or decay ever dare approach Him. It is also my personal experience that by repeatedly reciting the aforementioned verse, something list is readily found. But this, under no circumstances, means that we go on losing a thing carelessly and try to get it back on the strength of the said kalema (verse), as it is not a queer jugglery, not even an absurd magic The great title of our Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad [saw] was and is Rahmatullil Alamin, that is, Mercy and Grace for the whole of mankind, for the entire universe. By whose advent, really, Mercy and Blessings descended over the globe. He was himself completely submerged in Divine Mercy. He was an apostle of peace and equity, justice and fair-play. His whole entity was a decent image of Divine Attributes. By receiving abuse, indecent languages and having been forced to face untold hazards, innumerable tortures, mental, spiritual and bodily, he used to pray despite all of these inhuman behaviours even for his blood-thirsty cruel contemporaries. By his pure conduct, clean action, decent virtues, fair dealings, wise councils and peaceful policies he turned his entire era into a picturesque paradise and sensibly caused a mean and contemptible nation to rise up from infernal regions and go forth up high in the horizon of fame and dignity. The book which was made over to us through Prophet the Great (Sallalaho Alaihe Wasallam), is named as ‘Qur'an’ that means such a marvellous and glorious book which is worth reading time and again so as to get spiritual enlightenment, temporal progress and worldly pleasures alike. From this valuable mine we may discover untold precious treasures and
procure the solutions of our day to day unsolved critical problems individual as well as collective both. ‘Qur'an’ means a book to be repeatedly and abundantly recited. And that thing may be read off and on which could rightly hold something of a very uncommon value, particular capacity, extra-ordinary nature and universal appeal in it clearly dealing with all wonderful rare points and fairly producing correct solutions of the daily problems for all times to come. All these peculiarities are decently attached to it and even to a highest degree. This is the only book on the surface of the globe which claims itself to be from God, provides ample proofs of its being so and strongly challenges the whole world to produce even a solitary instance of the book of this nature. Our Lord says “this day I have perfected your religion” (Ch.5 : V.4), knowledge and correct solutions of day to day problems are nicely arranged into it. I can say with least exaggeration that collectively this book is really widely recited throughout the length and breadth of the universe. Other books are also read but occasionally and being compelled under the influence of circumstances. We have rightly been taught, under no circumstances, to let loose the attachment of prayer but to go on continuing it while rising, sitting, walking and sleeping along with performing other worldly duties. In this matter our life turns out to be a noble, pious, fruitful spiritual one. In doing so, one also gets delight, contentment and happiness. When man excels these Attributes within himself sin dare not approach him, his thoughts and actions do not fall an easy prey to immodesty. In other words he chooses a temporal decay, he selects a worldly death upon himself in which actually lies the everlasting existence of which one should warmly desire and deeply pray. In other religions of the world when a redletter-day falls on, as for example Grand Festival, Matrimonial Rites, Birthday
TARIQ December 2012
39
Articles
parties etc. People being overjoyed involve themselves in undesirable acts, exceed their limits and perform such shameful actions which make an honourable head hang down. Islam understands this point very distinctly, added more prayers than in normal days and ordained to glorify Allah much more vigorously on such occasions, as this is the actual time people ignore him most. In times of distress man is compelled and bound to recall unlimited Divine Attributes seeking a shower of Mercy upon himself and a constrained act does not hold that much worth, dignity and value which an un-confined job has. This also places Islam up high and makes it superior over others. Other religions do not have this teaching that in every age God Almighty will continue to raise his vicegerent to guide mankind to the right path. They undoubtedly agree to the advent of a promised Divine personage but neither have they pointed out the correct time nor distinctly produce clear cut symptoms being unable to name the place of his arrival:Vainly striving to put forth uncertain symbols of His advent. But Islam very distinctly proclaims that in the beginning of every century a God-chosen man will certainly appear on the spot to make the whole nation clean, healthy and stout by removing all dreadful maladies from its deformed and ugly body. In accordance with this claim
40
TARIQ December 2012
Messengers have been appearing in every century, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmed [as] of Qadian , Punjab, being the promised one of the present age. It is quite correct too. We stand in need of a doctor for our material ailments than why should the spiritual patients be totally deprived of their doctors as well as the relevant treatment. They, rather, most severely necessitate doctors on such occasions, because it is a question of ever-lasting life and death. Consequently where other religions shut this door tight Islam keeps it wide open so as to get the light and fresh air in, granting a new life, fresh spell of energy:Vitality and a bumper of extra-ordinary nature. Not, that it pollutes the atmosphere or poisons it altogether by keeping the door shut and thrusts the life into the bottom of abjections, under the darkness of destruction. This is also another great proof of Islam’s superiority over other religions Our Lord is the only living God. Our book the Holy Qur'an is the single practicable book in all ages. Our Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad [saw] is the greatest of all the prophets who so kindly granted us with a complete code of life in the shape of the Holy Qur'an and by acting upon its teaching himself proved it to be a most effective and worth practicing doctrine. Likewise he so graciously left a supreme symbol for us in every walk of life to follow and
act upon it throughout, so as to gain prosperity and happiness for all times to come. His thoughts and actions called Hadith are themselves a complete code. By observing it strictly we can mould lives into a brilliant sublime way which is the main object of human existence. Islam is a living religion. It has descended to stay for period unknown even until the end of civilization and universe. It has been so generously alighted from Him on High to grant ever-lasting temporal and spiritual life to the entire humanity by simply offering a bumper of spirituality. It does not say like unto other religions that if Tom steals severely punish Harry as atonement for the sin of the former. Nor does it ever advocate holding the animals in high esteem, to show undue respect to them as much as it exceeds the proportion of human dignity and value, so much so that it crosses the limitation of mankind. Islam simply says that human life has got priority over all other things. Every thing has been created for a man’s own benefit. This does not in any way mean that Islam condemns animal. It teaches us not to tease anything so long as it remains calm, tolerant and does not cause any harm by any means possible, be it animal, plant, human being or whatever does not matter. If animals do not cause any harm tease them not to the least and leave no stone unturned in providing them
“
… Our Lord is the only living God. Our book the Holy Qur'an is the single practicable book in all ages. Our Prophet Hadhrat Mohammad [saw] is the greatest of all the prophets who so kindly granted us with a complete code of life in the shape of the Holy Qur'an and by acting upon its teaching himself proved it to be a most effective and worth practicing doctrine. comforts. But this may not be the case that you should go to such and extent as to worship them and make pursuits to crush man bodily, economically, morally, socially and above all spiritually. You always perfectly try your level best to adopt the method of cold-blooded murder of human beings, causing their holy blood to flow like water for the simple reason of political, religious and colour differences, on the ground of their utter backwardness. You can no longer hoodwink the general masses under cover of Mercy to animals. Islam so peacefully says “Live and let others live”. In all affairs Islam seeks to adopt a balanced way of life. It dislikes too much absurdity and rigid extremes. It is the religion of reason and nature, leaving it entirely up to you to reform a cruel by bringing him to book or having set him free, whatever course seems advisable at the moment. It lays special stress not to take up arms against anyone Until it becomes clearly manifested that you have been decided upon to ground down. Despite this bitter fact, you are called upon to solve this critical phase of problem by your wise policy and peaceful behaviour. Under extreme compulsion you are restrictly permitted to take the help of arms and ammunitions simply for your defence. Its distinct proofs have been placing Muslims every time, in all ages. Why should you proceed too far distant? In
the near future, only a couple of years back, Muslim league peacefully pwent on accepting the theories put forward by the appointed commission of the time in connection with the independence of the country. It was only the Indian Congress, which stood as a stumbling block in the way of early independence and well tried to have the decision turned down in their own lot, making the Muslims helpless plosers altogether, making the Muslims a helpless losers altogether. Likewise Qaid-E-Millat, Liaqat Ali Khan ordered a cease fire at once complying at a decision arrived between him and Pandit Nehru with regard to the Kashmir problem but later on he (Mr. Nehru) violated the agreement and thus forcibly suppressed the fate of eighty percent of the general masses which is still hanging in the balance. Although these are purely political accounts yet one can easily get the glimpse of Muslims perfect reconciliation and peace loving policy, which, in fact, is the shade of their religious teachings. Now the other day Mr. Khruschev, so broad minded, though out of fear as is being said, no sooner accepted the quick decision forwarded by America in connection with burning Cuban affairs that people of different shades of opinion, from all walks of life, offered him glaring tributes for this noble act. Although he has now been charged under 29 point
”
dossier by the Kremlin is fairly outside the purview of my subject. This stirred the whole world quite a lot. Though the inhabitants of the globe look down upon these through political spectacles but these peaceful behaviours are entirely religious teachings, whosever adopts them be he a believer or non-believer or even an atheist the result will always come out the same, fair and successful in the long run. Simply the label cannot overturn its course and effect. To me it was entirely due to the same noble effort that the humanity escaped destruction and the world survived complete peril. This sort of noble and correct approach is definitely taught by religion only. Now the remedy of the present day evil lies in the matter that one single party or kingdom should forgo the idea of ruling over the whole world and need change the short-sightedness of making the entire humanity as the innocent victim of their inordinate desire, their helpless slave. Their policy must be to live and to let others live in a peaceful atmosphere. This is only possible if the world follows the path of religion and even that of a living religion, which is now only one and that Islam. This is the real remedy of the present day tension. This is the simple message of peace and tranquillity, the entire humanity needs most to heal their malady.
TARIQ December 2012
41
Articles
Mountain Climbing: Conquering Kilimanjaro By Dr Iftekhar Ayaz, OBE
M
ountains are a fascinating part of the universe. As we are told in the Holy Qur’an:
“Allah placed in the Earth, firm mountains” (Ch. 31:V.11) T. They were not a part of the original design. Most scientists agree that the Barberton Greenstone Belt in eastern Africa is the oldest mountain range on Earth (3.5 billion years old), the earth itself is around 4.5 billion years old. There is a time difference of 1 billion years. Secondly there is nothing other than Allah that lasts forever so mountains cannot be described to last forever especially in a sentence with religious context.(Ch.55:V.10) Mountains are indeed the crown of the universe. Their awe inspiring magnificence, staggering beauty and imposing form deeply strike the mind and instil the Glory of the Creator. Like all the other creations of God, mountains too have an objective which they are fulfilling in such a wonderful manner that one is irresistibly drawn to the conclusion that the Designer and Architect of the Universe is, indeed, Mighty and Wise and the whole world collectively, and every created thing individually and in its own limited sphere, bears testimony to the undeniable truth that God's handiwork is absolutely free from every flaw, defect or imperfection in all its multifarious and multitudinous aspects. Allah also chose some mountains and honoured them to be the eternal source of spiritual inspiration. It is interesting to note that 25 percent of the earth's land surface is 3,000 feet or more above sea level. Of this, most of the continent of Antarctica is about 6,000 feet high and the country of Tibet averages 15,000 feet high. The highest capital city in the world is La Paz in
42
TARIQ December 2012
Bolivia. It is 11,893 feet up in the Andes. Mountain people and animals can live in less oxygen at greater heights because they have bigger hearts and lungs, which carry more blood and therefore more oxygen. Scientists also think that mountains gradually change shape. Frost and ice split and wear away the rock. Mountains lose about 8.6 cm every 1,000 years. The higher we go up a mountain, the colder it gets. The temperature drops by 2 degrees Centigrade for every 300m of height. The temperature is as low as -20C at the top of the Himalayas, where fierce winds can reach 186 miles an hour. The Himalayas are the highest range of mountains in the world at 8,848m, followed by Aconcagua in Argentina, South America, McKinley (6,194m) in Alaska, North America, Kilimanjaro (5,895m) in Tanzania, Elbrus (5,6333m) in Eastern Europe:Vinson Massif (5,140m) in Ellsworth Land, Antarctica, Mont Blanc (4,810m) in France and Cook (3,764m) in New Zealand. The length of mountain ranges is also interesting, Andes being the longest (7,240km), followed by Rockies (6,030km) in North America, Himalayas (3,860km), Great Dividing Range (3,620km) in Australia and TransAntarctic (3,540km) in Antarctica. The Andes are over twice as long as North America is wide. There are mountains under the sea as well and the highest mountain under the sea (8,690m) is near Tonga Islands, Pacific Ocean. Mountains are also known for the value of rocks, minerals and metals. Minerals are graded according to their hardness, on a scale from 1-10. Talc, used as talcum powder, is the softest mineral, rated 1; quartz rates 7. Diamond is rated 10 – the hardest mineral on earth. Only a diamond can be used to cut and polish another diamond. Diamonds are found in a rainbow of colours—white, yellow,
pink, green, blue, brown, red and black. In the ground they usually look like dull, rounded pebbles—they only glitter and shine once they have been cut and polished. The small and badly coloured diamonds are used in cutting tools. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah and He is the Mighty, the Wise” (Ch.57:V.2) Having travelled considerably around the world, I would testify with all my heart that there is no beauty more perfect than the beauty of nature. The mountains, plains, oceans, rivers, marines and valleys create such an awe inspiring impact that one is compelled to glorify Allah. I had that experience when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I was so fascinated by the icicles and glaciers that the praise and glory of Allah transfused into me. That sight and scenario and sentiment is still fresh in me and has given me the passion to seek Allah's love through the beauty He has created in the universe for us. Britain too is richly bestowed with the beauty of nature. Allah has adorned this small island with all the jewels of the universe. I know we have a Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Mountaineering Club and those who have been actively associated with its adventures must have realised the spiritual and physical joys of climbing. Recently I found my diary in which I had recorded my experience of climbing Kilimanjaro and I thought I should share that experience with you to encourage you to take more interest in outdoor adventures especially climbing because I believe it elevates one not only physically but spiritually as well. Now let me take you through my diary. Back in 1956 when I was not as old as I am now, I was studying in Teacher Training College, Nairobi, Kenya. One
day I saw a notice posted on the board inviting applications for an Outward Bound Course to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I was then quite enthusiastic about outdoor ventures and adventures. During my school life I was an active Boy Scout and had long hikes walking through the African jungle up to 25 miles, sometimes in the pitch darkness of night. I was able to gain the Queens Badge which is the highest award for Boy Scouts and when I left school, I continued to be a Rover Scout and then the National Training Commissioner of Boy Scouts in Tanzania. I immediately applied for a place. The notice said that only one student would be selected from our college. By Allah's grace I was selected and I was very happy with the prospect of conquering the highest mountain in Africa. Before I go any further, let me say a few words in introduction to Kilimanjaro. It was then covered by ice and known as the ‘roof of Africa’.’. The 'Chaga' people who lived at its foot had some interesting and scary legends about it. They believed those daring to climb it would be struck by man-eating spirits who would bring disease, illness and cold upon them. However, despite that many climbed Kilimanjaro since Hans Meyer first reached the summit in 1889. Today Kilimanjaro may be 'Everyman's Everest', but conquering the world’s highest free-standing mountain (5,895m) is still strenuous stuff – a test of your own spirit as you head up and up, through rainforest, open grassland, semi-desert and high alpine climate zones. In my time one had to chart one's independent track to climb it. These days there are organised treks that take you via the tough, steep 'Machame' (Tanzania) route which is a six day non-technical climb where you sleep in mountain huts as you go, which gives plenty of time for acclimatisation. The final push to the summit happens before sunrise while the scree is still frozen. Once you’re done punching the clouds or gasping in recovery, these days you can make a phone call from the top to announce your triumph. However, what I really want to share with you are the pages of my diary covering my training at the Outward Bound School and the experience of the final climb. I hope this would be of interest to you and a source
of encouragement for you to be the next one to climb Kilimanjaro.
the Governor General and the formal opening of the buildings.
The Outward Bound school was situated at Loitokitok (Kenya) six thousand feet above sea level. The dates of the course were 28th December 1956 to 15th January 1957. The school buildings had been recently renovated and extended and this was the first course held in the new buildings. When I arrived there from Nairobi, I found that I was one from a group of 22 students who had come from different institutions. We were divided into 3 patrols. The name of my patrol was Kenya and I was elected to be the patrol leader. The construction work of the buildings was complete but the surroundings had not been cleared up. There was a lot of activity going on to clear the site to prepare for the opening on 29th December by the Governor General of Kenya. The building of the school was situated about a mile and a half from Loitokitok village. The whole area of the school was surrounded by electric wires. This was to prevent animals entering into the school compound. The Principal of the school was Major Stuart who was formerly a District Education Officer. He was a full time permanent resident officer. There were a few others who had offered voluntary services to assist him. The buildings were very simple. The accommodation was in dormitories and we were all given a sleeping bag for our bedding. Once I settled in my dormitory, using a compass, I set the Qibla and organised a chart of the daily prayers. There was only one other Muslim on the course and I encouraged him to join me for prayers and he did although not regularly. I had also carried with me a copy of the Holy Qur’an and I made sure I did not miss on a daily recitation in the morning. The temperature during the day was never above 10C and the mornings were very cold and foggy.
30th December, I was asked to accompany Mr Smith, an instructor, and three other chaps to collect sand from a nearby dry river in a Landrover. It was about 45 minutes drive on a dreadful road. Whatever we had eaten was nicely sedimented by the bumps and jumps. On the way back, the cart connected to the Landrover broke off. We had a lot of trouble. We tied it to the Landrover with a rope and started. Again, it got stuck up on a slippery piece of the road. Finally, we detached the cart and carried the sand in the Rover. After supper Major Stuart gave some instructions to be observed on the outings, particularly to be very careful of the wild animals in the area. No one was allowed to leave the camp without written permit.
The Camp routine started soon after Fajr Salaat with a rigorous physical drill, so rigorous that in that cold I would sweat. The bitter part of it was a compulsory ice cold water shower immediately after the drill. It was tough but after a couple of days, I began to enjoy it. Well, let me take you through my diary as I had written it. 29th December was spent in receiving
31st December
Started off for the first scheme with a rucksack weighing 23lbs carried on the back at 9:30; had a 3 hour strenuous walk through bush and plains. On the way saw elephants, giraffes, gazelles and zebras. We pitched tents for practice by the side of a nice stream near a water pump station. I cooked a stew, cleaned the site, packed and started the journey back at 2.10pm; walked through very thick bush. Arrived at the camp (school) at about 5.15pm. Felt very tired. After supper we had a short function to celebrate the New Year Eve. The local district officer and some other civil servants and community leaders came to join us. There was food and the local Masai tribesmen provided the entertainment.
1st and 2nd January
Practice in strenuous up and down the hill walks, through thick bush for at least six hours each day carrying a pack of at least 23lbs on the back with training in pitching tents and cooking a meal. No tea or coffee was allowed. The hot drink provided was cocoa. At night there were camp fires which were quite boring. None of us was a good singer. We just made noise to scare away the animals and confront the ghost-like quiet of the bush around.
3rd January
,Last night not very comfortable. I did not sleep well.. After breakfast we went
TARIQ December 2012
43
Articles
on short climbs to search for some good caves for spending the night. Found some but small ones. On the way back to camp, it started raining—mist came in to block the view. Got wet, reached the camp after some difficulty. However, quickly packed tents and started off again for Loitokitok village carrying the tents. It was downhill so came down quite fast. On the way stopped only for a cold lunch of dates, dog biscuits, cheese and Marmite. It was still raining. From Loitokitok, we walked to the caves. It took about three hours. We pitched the tents near the caves and prepared for the night. I felt rather tired and after prayers went to sleep. We got up very early and arrived at the school for breakfast. Early morning walk through the bush was also part of the training.
4th January
After breakfast we were taught various knots and building monkey bridges. Major Stuart demonstrated and explained rock-climbing and abseiling. After eleven o'clock we planted some flowering shrubs. Lunch to tea was rest. After tea we practised Rock climbing and abseiling on trees. After Supper, Mr Saumer Sault, an instructor gave a talk on the Outward Bound schools in Malaysia and England. There were some nice coloured slides shown.
5th January
Started for a 3 day scheme to the 2nd cave by the new route at 8:15am. This
44
TARIQ December 2012
was a tough challenge route charted by the school. The second half of the route proved very strenuous. I was really tired. We reached the 2nd cave at 2:30pm. The weather was cloudy and uncertain. We explored and found some new caves around. At 5:00pm it started raining. It was very difficult to keep up the open fire for cooking in rain. Had great difficulty in cooking supper. I was soaked top to toe. Very:Very cold. My shoes, socks are wet. It seemed as if my feet had frozen. It was great comfort when I dived into the sleeping bag at 8:00pm.
6th January
Finished breakfast at 9:30am. Shifted to a new, more spacious cave. At 11:30am went for a stroll towards the Saddle (the ridge rising to the summit). Went quite a distance. Returned at 3:00pm. Had cold lunch. It started raining. Made a fire inside the cave. Cooked nice supper, brewed cocoa. Everybody enjoyed and praised my efforts. Before sleep, an instructor talked for about an hour, telling his life story.
7th January
Last night some insect was in my sleeping bag. Couldn't sleep well. Started the return journey to school by the old route at 9:30am. Arrived at the 1st cave at 10:30am. Dumped my sleeping bag for a while. Started again and reached school at 3pm. A very long tiresome walk. Rested for a while. Then it was time for sports and competitions. The evening
was quiet. Went to bed quite early.
8th January
It was supposed to be a free day. Major Stuart wanted us to clean the school Until 10:00am. At 10:00am there was inspection. After the inspection, we were asked to mark with white wash the paths in the compound of the school. At 11:30 we were free. I had a shave and a bath after four days and then I dressed up properly. After lunch, I went to the village with some other chaps. We returned at 4:15pm. After tea went to the forest to clear a new path for the visitors to the school. After supper, we were shown slides about life in Falklands and St. Georgia. There were some good slides showing whale hunting, seals and penguins. The slides were taken by Major Stuart during the Second World War when he was in the army.
9th January
It is the day of initiatives. We went to the forest to clear the paths for the new route. Returned to school at 11:00 a.m for tea. From 11:20am to 12:30pm, we had a rope walking competition. Our pack came out 2nd in the competition. We were then given instructions for the final expedition. We had a break from 1:00 to 2:30pm. From 2:30pm we had various skill training exercises: • Raising a pole and then climbing it to tie a flag on it.
• Crossing the stream walking over a pole and carrying back a patient • Instructing others to pitch a tent whilst blind folded. • Tug Of War competition All went well. Our pack won the initiative.
10th January
The day to start the final expedition to climb to Gilman's point (19,336 feet). Left school with my pack at 8:25am. Followed the old route via 'Marangu' (Tanzania side). Reached first cave at 2:00pm. It was a long, tedious walk through the Tanganyika Forest. It was a fine day. There were no clouds and the surroundings were beautiful with ravines and streams humming along and wild animals enjoying their freedom. Spent the evening and the night in the cave.
11th January
Started the climb to the second cave at 8:30a.m. Reached there at 11:00a.m. After a short rest, had lunch, biscuits, cheese, nuts, raisins and hot cocoa. Then we went for Rock climbing practice and abseiling. It was tough but I did quite well. Returned to the cave at about 4:00pm. Collected firewood and lit a fire to cook supper, potatoes and tinned meat stew. There was no programme after supper. Went to sleep early.
12th January
Got up quite early. Had breakfast in a hurry. Left for the final 'Kibo' hut at 7:30am. A very exhausting walk through the Saddle. This was a semi-desert and there was no water or greenery at all. The terrain was rough and difficult to walk through. The instructor who was with us kept feeding us with glucose, at short intervals. It was this constant supply of energy that kept us going and reached 'Kibo' Hut at about 1:30pm. Here we met other groups who had already climbed the mountain. There was no water in this area. We collected snow from around the Hut and brewed cocoa. At about 4:00pm we went to sleep because we had to get up before midnight to start on the final climb. It was a fine, bright day but ice cold. I took three tablets of Aspro to avoid chances of sleeplessness or headache.
13th January
I could hardly sleep. Got up at 12:30 at night. Prepared for the final climb. My breakfast was raisin and a mug of cocoa with a lot of sugar in it. At 2:30 a.m started the final climb assault with prayers. I was clad in a heavy anorak but still felt very cold. The cold was unbearable but the light pale moon promised fair weather. We all started the ascent in a single file. I was wearing three pairs of woollen socks and a pair of cotton socks; also two woollen hand gloves. A pair of shorts and trousers on top:Vest, two shirts, sweater, three pullovers and the anorak on top. I was also wearing a beret to protect my head from cold. I had an ice axe to help me climb. I was wearing spiked boots and snow goggles. Despite all that dressing I felt freezing cold. The final climb was not on hard rock but loose scree which was very tedious, hard and discouraging. I moved one step up and three back. There was nothing to hold on to but my axe helped. The first three quarters of the climb I did fairly well, but then due to the decreasing oxygen, I felt very tired. However, a steady and determined pace brought me to the top (Gilman's Point, 19,336ft) at about 9:00am. The top was surrounded by huge glaciers and icicles. It looked more like a mountain of snow than rocks and scree. I felt like being in a castle of ice. I had no words to praise Allah and thank Him for His Grace to enable me to get to that point. It was an amazing spectacle that filled my heart with Allah's glory and love. It was indeed a memorable, lifetime experience. It was like a dream and I could not believe I had actually done it. We were a party of seven out of which only two failed to reach the summit. There was a metal trunk there which had a register we all signed as successful climbers. We took some photographs and then started the descent back to 'kibo' at about 12:30pm. The distance from 'Kibo' to Gilman's Point is just about 2,000 feet and going up took me six hours which is a speed of about a hundred metres an hour. We had a short rest at 'Kibo' and then packed up to start the journey back to cave two. We left 'Kibo' at 2:00pm and arrived at the second cave at 5:00pm, totally exhausted. On the way, I plucked bunches of everlasting flowers which I believe we still have framed in the house.
Finally, we cooked and ate a good supper and went to sleep early.
14th January
This was the last day of the course. We left the 2nd cave at 8:30am and arrived at the school at about 12:30pm. We had lunch at 1:30pm and rest from 2 to 4pm. We had tea at 4:15pm and then some photographs and a session of congratulating each other, exchanging contact addresses. There were no emails and mobile phone numbers, just postal addresses to remain in touch through letters. At 4:45pm it was time for the final assembly. The Principal, Major Stuart, after a short talk announced that my Patrol (Kenya) had won the Deputy Governor's Spear. The Spear was presented to the Patrol Instructor Mr. Harrison and then handed over to me. After the ceremony we had some group photographs with the Spear. After supper, there was farewell campfire and that brought to an end this historic lifetime experience of climbing the highest mountain in Africa and the third highest in the world.
15th January
The transport to travel back to Nairobi which was an open truck left the school at 8:45am. I wanted to go to Moshi and a Land Rover was expected to collect me at 11:00 a.m. I spent my time writing my diary. The 'Chaga' Council Land Rover arrived at 10:40 a.m. We started the journey to Moshi at 11:00 a.m. We arrived at Moshi at 2:00 p.m. I straight away went to the Railway Station to book a ticket to Tanga (my Home Town). I then came to the KNCU Hotel but they had no room available. I then went to the Kashmir Restaurant and spent the night there.
16th January
After breakfast, I went to the local market and then spent most of the morning in the Aga Khan Library getting in touch with the world. After lunch, had a short nap. Got up, had a bath, then tea and then left for the Railway Station to travel to Tanga. And my last words are All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
TARIQ December 2012
45
Articles
Find Your Inspiration Taken from ‘Islam is Peace’ - www.theartofmisinformation.wordpress.com Note: ‘Islam is Peace’ team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.
A
ll praise belongs to Almighty Allah Who unveiled, and con tinues to unveil, to countless hearts the truth of Islam, the blessed Seal of the Prophets [saw], and the Imam Mahdi and Promised Messiah [as]. I suppose the reason I named this post “find your inspiration” is because I hope it will communicate that inspiration, in my mind at least, is a mindset rather than any tangible thing which one can reach out and grab; it surrounds us at every moment of our lives, but heedlessness often leaves us oblivious to this reality. We are each the same in this regard. The ordinary cycle of life and temptations of the world at times transform man into a state of heedlessness, or, as the Sufis would say, ghafla. So, it’s key to our spiritual existences (i.e., the REAL me or you) that we evaluate ourselves regularly and try to find even a glimmer of inspiration to revive us from the depths of heedlessness. The said glimmer could be, for example, a simple thought or memory which unveils the heart to our true pure state and in turn ignites it with spiritual enlightenment. For me, and perhaps the case for many of you, I like to think back to my childhood whenever I seek inspiration. What most powerfully strikes my heart is a single repetitive memory which never fails in setting off my eureka moment. Eureka is an interesting and apt word here as I suppose the Islamic or Arabic equivalent might be “kashf ” which, in its more basic meaning, can refer to an unveiling of the heart to TRUTH. Anyhow, back to my memory! It is of me, a young and rather chubby child, almost certainly with a bag of sweets in hand, walking home from school up a peaceful hill, sheltered by an army of tall trees, and filled with the sweet fresh aroma one only finds at the beginning of spring. The walk was almost always against a backdrop of complete silence,
46
TARIQ December 2012
but for the melody of birds singing in the trees. I recall that this blend of natural and astounding beauty would often fill my heart with such delight and joy that it would exclaim: “such beauty is proof of Almighty Allah’s existence!” This was my childhood, the trees and birds my jocund company, and it continues to be my glimmer of inspiration, and perhaps the reason why I have always held dearly the below wondrous words of William Wordsworth so dear: I wandered lonely as a Cloud That floats on high o’er Vales and Hills, When all at once I saw a crowd A host of dancing Daffodils; Along the Lake, beneath the trees, Ten thousand dancing in the breeze. The waves beside them danced, but they Outdid the sparkling waves in glee: – A poet could not but be gay In such a laughing company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:For oft when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude, And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the Daffodils. Such refelction is, indeed, a necessary part of our faith. Allah the exalted states so in the Qur’an: In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed Signs for men of understanding; Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of
the heavens and the earth: “Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay, Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire. (Ch. 3:V.191-2) On a side note, I recall Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IV [ra] once responded to a question about the verses he recited often in his personal time by stating that he loved to recite those verses which discussed the beauty of Almighty Allah’s creation. Once the heart is ignited with inspiration, spiritual light then seeps through our every pore. Importantly, our mindset suddenly begins to change for the better and to the degree that we start to see inspiration in almost everything around us; the spiritual eye, if you will, suddenly becomes an active participant in our every thought and action. Such was the state of the greatest men and women in history. Take, for instance, the following example of Prophet Jesus [as]: Prophet Jesus [as] and his companions passed by the dead and rotting carcass of a dog. The Disciples said, ‘How this carcass stinks’, to which Hadhrat Isa [as] replied, ‘What beautiful white teeth he has’. Imagine, then, an existence where our hearts, limbs and sense are all inclined towards only appreciating the beauty of Almighty Allah’s creation. Such a mindset and state of enlightenment is within the reach of each believer, if only he or she firstly recognises its value and then makes the necessary life change to become inspired people. Don’t hesitate any longer, or allow life to pass you by. Pray to Almighty Allah and find your inspiration. See the very best in those around you; look to the sky, the ground and all in between so that you can both appreciate and take delight in the proofs of Almighty God, al-Khaliq – the Creator.
The Revival of True Sainthood
Taken from ‘Islam is Peace’ - www.theartofmisinformation.wordpress.com, By Imam B.A.Rafiq Note: ‘Islam is Peace’ team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.
T
his is an extract from the autobiography of Mawlawi Ghulam Rasul Rajeki [ra], who was born into a family affiliated to the Qadiriyyah Order having produced, generation after generation, a profusion of Saints, both men and women, who were reputed in the Punjab for their visions and miracles. From his very childhood, Mawlawi Sahib was assiduous in his Salaat, and diligent in his invocations of blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] as well as other devotions. Allah the Most High led him whilst he was in his teens in order to recognise the truth of the Promised Messiah [as], and to become his follower, after which, people began to witness saintly miracles at his hand which astounded even his own family. Mawlawi Ghulam Rasul Rajeki [ra] stood as a living testimony to the sanctifying power of the Imam al-Mahdi; whose coming for the rejuvenation of true Islam had been promised by the Prophet of Islam [saw].
An Incident at Jamun Bola
“The village of Jamun Bola is situated two miles north of our residence. Many landlords of that village had been the well-wishers of our elders. When they came to know of the circumstances surrounding the illness and miraculous recovery of Jeewan Khan (through the prayers of Mawlawi Ghulam Rasul, in a previous episode), an inhabitant of Dhudrha named Khan Muhammad, who was one of these landlords, came to see my father and said: ‘For some time my younger brother, Jan Muhammad, has been suffering from tuberculosis. As an act of kindness, please instruct Mian Ghulam Rasul Sahib to stay at our house for a few days so as to pray for Jan Muhammad, that Allah the Almighty may grant him health too.” Following his request, and as per my father’s instructions, I set off towards them. Upon my arrival, and having refreshed my ablutions, I began to pray for his brother. After having ended with the Salaam, I enquired as to how his condition was. The family replied: “The fever has completely disappeared
and he has even started to feel hungry.” Afterwards, within a few days, such strength was born in his thin and weak body, that he was able to walk around. Having witnessed this sign, these people began to entertain some positive feelings about Ahmadiyyat; however not a single person entered into the allegiance of the Promised Messiah [as].As a result,Allah the Almighty informed me: “The health that has been granted to this patient was a final argument for them; and if they do not accept ahmadiyyat, the patient will be made to enter the grave on the twenty-eighth of the month of sha‘baan, in the middle of the night.” Subsequently, as soon as I awoke, I asked for a pen and an inkpot,wrote down this divine revelation on a piece of paper and entrusted it to some of the non-Ahmadis of the village, cautioning them not to disclose the prophecy (to anyone) before the appointed time of death. Afterwards, I set off for the holy court of the Promised Messiah [as] and there I spent the blessed month of Ramadan. When Allah the Almighty, in His wisdom, had caused the incident of Jan Muhammad’s apparent return to health to be talked about everywhere, the disease resurfaced and on exactly the twenty-eighth night of the month of Sha‘baan, he departed from this mortal earth. Following his demise, when the non-Ahmadis exposed my writings in front of the public, they were left speechless. How unfortunate it is that even after this, those people still did not accept Ahmadiyyat.”
An incident at Sa‘dullahpur
“Sa‘dullahpur village is about three miles south of our village. Most of its Hanafi inhabitants were on good terms with our elders. For this reason, I used to visit every so often and preach to this village, trying to convince them of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah [as]. In this village, there was an Ahle-Hadith scholar, Mawlawi Ghawth Muhammad Sahib, who was a student of the Ghaznavi family in Amritsar, and was therefore exceedingly hostile and opposed (to Ahmadiyyat). One day, after the Salaat-al-Zuhr at the mosque, I began to preach Ahmadiyyat in their presence and gave them some books
and periodicals to study. When they found out from my preaching and from the Promised Messiah’s [as] books that I believed Hadhrat Mirza Sahib to be the Promised Messiah and Imam alMahdi, they started using foul language and abusing the Promised Messiah [as]. I reasoned with them saying that they could swear at me all they wanted, but that they should refrain from insulting the Promised Messiah [as]. In spite of this, they did not stop their abuse. Retiring to a private place, I fell down in prostration praying before the threshold of God while sobbing and weeping greatly. During the night, I returned to the mosque without having eaten any food and slept there. When morning drew near, Mawlawi Ghawth Muhammad Sahib came up to me in the mosque and begged for forgiveness, beseeching me to do the following: “For God’s sake, please write a letter for my allegiance to Mirza Sahib, otherwise I fear I will die right now and be cast into hell!” Observing his repentance, and greatly astonished, I enquired the reason for it. The Mawlawi Sahib proceeded to give me the following explanation: “I have seen in a dream that it was the Day of Judgment and the decree of my being cast into hell had been issued. To act upon the decree, angels of a terrifying appearance came towards me. They carried enormous clubs that reached all the way up to the sky. These angels grabbed hold of me and declared: “ You have attacked the honour of the Promised Messiah [as], the Imam of the Age, so go now to Hell and face your punishment.” I cried out in horror: “I repent! Please let me go!” The angels took no notice, and said: “Now he repents?” They then raised their clubs to strike me. Out of sheer terror I woke up and in this state I have come to you. For God’s sake, please have my sins forgiven and write a letter certifying my allegiance to Hadhrat Mirza Sahib.” Due to this dream, he became an Ahmadi; and thereafter as a result of our combined preaching efforts, dozens of men and women entered into the Ahmadiyya Community.”
TARIQ December 2012
47
Information & Announcements
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK National Amila 2012-13 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
48
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK National Amila 2012-13 Position Name Contact Number Sadr Mirza Waqas Ahmad 07795 107244 Naib Sadr Dr Aziz Ahmad Hafiz 07813 290 927 Naib Sadr Najm Khan 07956 439 508 Naib Sadr Farooq Mirza 07812 186 923 Naib Sadr Hammad Khan 07790 030773 Motamid Farooq Aftab 07584 100 659 Mohtamim Amoomi Imran Zafar 07968 845 571 Additional Mohtamim Attaul Wahab 07957 414263 Amoomi Mohtamim Amoor-e-Tuluba Dr Tauseef Khan 07411 086110 Mohtamim Atfal Musawir Idrees 07852 264578 Mohtamim Isha'at Muzaffar Ahmad Bhatti 07866 456 857 Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq Imran Baig Mirza 07958 334 775 Mohtamim Maal Mohasib Mohtamim Sanat-o-Tijarat Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani Mohtamim Tabligh Mohtamim Tahrik-e-Jadid Mohtamim Tajneed Mohtamim Ta'lim Mohtamim Tarbiyyat Mohtamim Tarbiyyat - New Ahmadis Mohtamim Waqar-e-Amal Mohtamim Muqami Mauvin Sadr Muavin Sadr Muavin Sadr Muavin Sadr Muavin Sadr
TARIQ December 2012
Farooq Mahmood Tariq Ahmed Hayat Ali Mubarak Khan Okasha Badr Ahmad Zain Khan Usman Ahmad Numaan Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmad Tahir Nomaan Raja Kalim Anwer
07960 738 630 07789 223 485 07832 328587 07886 855 257 07957 652 093 07812 855 595 07968 988 149 07984 929 092 07501 509 301 07967 518 187
Ashfaq Ahmad Khan Saqib Rasheed Adam Walker Yousaf Aftab Hassan Ahmed Hassan Raza Ahmad Tahir Ahmad Khan
07875 052 942 07411952179 07502 377449 07739 537511 07985 217 469 07958 670 424 07905 696 977
Sat 21/12/11
Sat 29/12/12 Sat 05/01/13
Sun 02/12/12 Sun 23/12/12
Sun 30/12/12 Sat 05/01/13 Sun 06/01/13 Sun 13/01/13 Sun 20/01/13
December 2012
National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Regional Tarbiyyati Forums
January 2013 All MKA Local Ijtema'at
MKA UK - Local Ijtemas MKA UK - Local Ijtemas National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting MKA UK - Local Ijtemas MKA UK - Local Ijtemas MKA UK - Local Ijtemas
MKA UK MKA UK
Baitul Futuh All Regions
MKA UK MKA UK MKA UK MKA UK MKA UK MKA UK
TBC from Amir Sahib All Qiadats Baitul Futuh All Qiadats All Qiadats All Qiadats
Lajna Imaillah MKA UK Lajna Imaillah Pan Africa MKA UK MKA UK
Baitul Futuh UK Baitul Futuh UK All Regions
Nasir / Tahir Halls Conference Room (108) Nasir/ Tahir Halls Noor hall Nasir / Tahir Halls
London Region
London Region
Nasir / Tahir Halls
0 Jamaat London Region
TBC Majlis-e-Sehat London Region
Tahir Halls Whole BF complex
MAA UK MKA UK
Talimul Quran TBC from Amir Sahib
MKA UK Lajna Imaillah UK Lajna Imaillah UK
Baitul Futuh Baitul Futuh
MKA UK Calendar 2012 - 2013
Sat 12/01/13 Sat 19/01/13 Sat 26/01/13
February 2013
Sat 02/02/13
Lajna Imaillah UK Centenary Moshaira Sun 03/02/13 National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Sat 09/02/13 Lajna Imaillah Team Workshop Sat 09/02/13 Pan African Association Q&A Sat 09/02/13 Sun 10/02/13 MKA UK Regional Atfal Tarbiyati Class Sun 10/02/13 MKA UK Hike #2 London Region Qafe Nau Ijtema (Boy & Sat 16/02/13 Sun 17/02/13 Girls) MKA UK - National Badminton Sun 17/02/13 Tournament Sat 23/02/13 Basketball Tournament Sun 24/02/13 Musleh Maud Day Sat 02/03/13 Sat 02/03/13 Sat 09/03/13
Sat 16/03/13 Sat 23/02/13 Sat 23/02/13 Sat 30/03/13 Sat 06/04/13
Sun 03/03/13 Sun 03/03/13 Sun 03/03/13 Sun Sun Sun Sun
10/03/13 10/03/13 17/03/13 17/03/13
Sun 24/03/13 Sun 31/03/13 Sun 07/04/13 Sun 07/04/13
Sat 06/04/13 Sun 09/04/13 Sun 13/04/13 Sun 13/04/13 Sat 13/04/13 Sun 14/04/13 Sun 14/04/13 Sun 14/04/13 Sun 14/04/13 Sun 28/04/13 Sat 20/04/13 Sun 21/04/13 Sat 27/04/13 Sun 28/04/13 Sun 28/04/13 Sun 28/04/13 Sat 04/05/13 Sat 11/05/13 Sat 18/05/13 Sat 18/05/13 Tue 23/04/13 Thu 30/05/13 Sat 25/05/13
Sat 08/06/13
Sun 05/05/13 Sun 05/05/13 Sun Sun Sun Sun Sun
12/05/13 19/05/13 19/05/13 26/05/13 02/06/13
Sun 26/06/13 Sun 02/06/13 Sun 09/06/13
March 2013
National Taleemul Quran Class Part1 BN Khuddam Regional Ijtema Tahir Region Regional Ijtema National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Lajna Imaillah UK Career Event Lajna Imaillah UK Badminton / Table Tennis Tournament MKA Regional Ijtemas Ansarullah Tabligh+Mall WorkShop Masroor region Atfal Regional Ijtema Peace Conference Badminton Tournament Musih Maud Day Regional Atfal Ijtemas (BF Atfal in Nasir hall + Tahir region in Tahir Hall) Parents Day Tarbiyyat Seminar
April 2013
Noor Hall Nasir Hall Nasir Hall Nasir Hall
Baitul Futuh All Regions All Regions
Jamaat Jamaat London Region
Majlis-e-Sehat London Region
Tahir / Noor Halls Noor Hall Tahir / Nasir Halls Noor Hall Tahir Hall Outside vanue Whole BF complex
MAA UK Ansarullah
All Regions All Regions
Nasir/ Tahir Halls Nasir/ Tahir Halls
Baitul Futuh
Noor Hall Conference Room (108)
National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting National Wafe Nau Ijtema (Boy & Girls) Pan African Association Q&A Lajna Imaillah UK National Meena Bazar National Taleemul Quran Class Part 3 MKA UK Regional Tabligh Q&A's Masroor Cricket Tournament Masroor Cricket Tournament National Youme Tabligh Khilafat Day
MKA UK AMA UK Pan African Lajna Imaillah UK Jamaat MKA UK Jamaat Jamaat Jamaat London Region
National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Lajna Baitul Futun Noor Regional Ijtema MKA National Football Tournament
MKA UK Lajna Imaillah UK MKA UK
June 2013
Nasir/ Tahir/ Noor Halls Tahir Hall Nasir / Tahir Halls
MKA UK Ansarullah
Waqfe Nau Workshop London Region National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting MKA UK Lajna & Nasirat National Talim/Tarbiyyat Lajna Imaillah UK Class (South) Baitul Futuh Khuddam Regional Ijtema MKA UK National Taleemul Quran Class Part 2 Jamaat Masroor region Khuddam Regional Ijtemas MKA UK MKA UK Hike #3 MKA UK National Badminton Tournament Ansarullah MKA UK National Charity Challenge MKA UK Volyball Tournament Jamaat Cricket Tournament Jamaat Tarbiyyat & Rishta Nata Forum London Region MKA Charity Challenge MKA
May 2013
Nasir/ Tahir/ Noor Halls
Baitul Futuh All Regions Talimul Quran TBA TBA TBA TBC Majlis-e-Sehat Majlis-e-Sehat
Nasir/ Tahir Halls Noor Hall Noor Hall Nasir
Baitul Futuh Wafe nau
Conference Room (108) Whole BF complex Noor Hall Whole BF complex Nasir Hall (London Region) Nasir Hall (London Region) TBC TBC
All Regions All Regions Majlis-e-Sehat Majlis-e-Sehat Tabligh Baitul Futuh TBC
Tahir Hall Tahir Hall Nasir Hall Outside vanue Outside vanue
Whole BF complex Conference Room (108) Tahir/Noor Hall
19/02/2013 02:38
Page 1 of 2
TARIQ December 2012
49
pdf.xlsx Sat 15/06/13 Sat 15/06/13 Sat 22/06/13 Sat 29/06/13 Sat 29/06/13 Fri 05/07/13 Fri 11/07/13 Fri 25/07/13
Sat 10/08/13 Sat 17/08/13 23/08/213 Fri 30/08/13 Sat 07/09/13 Sat 21/09/13 Sat 28/09/13 Sat 28/09/13
Sun Sun Sun Sun Sun Sun Sun
09/06/13 16/06/13 16/06/13 16/06/13 23/06/13 30/06/13 30/06/13
Sun 7/07/13
Sun 04/08/13 Sun 18/08/13 Sun 25/08/13 Sun 01/09/13 41525 Sun 08/09/13 Sun 29/09/13 Sun 29/09/13
Ansarullah Charity Walk Jamaat Majlis-e-Shura MKA Regional Talim & Tarbiyat Class MKA UK Hike #4 Regional Centenary Event Lajna Imaillah Youth Camp + Sports Day MKA Talim & Tarbiyat Class
July 2013
MKA UK National Ijtema Ramadhan Starts (Provisional) UK Centenary Event
August 2013
National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Eidul Fitr (Provisional) National Tarjamtul Quran Class Part 1 MKA Research Association Conference Jalsa Salana UK
September 2013
International Basket Ball Tournament National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Pan African Association Q&A National Sports Event Ansarullah National Ijtema
October 2013
Sat 05/10/13
Sun 06/10/13 National Tarjamtul Quran Class Part ii Sun 06/10/13 National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Sat 12/10/13 Sun 06/10/13 National Tabligh Consultative Conference Wed 16/10/13 Eidul Adhiah (Provisional) Sat 19/10/13 MKA National Majlis-e-Shura
Ansarullah Jamaat MKA UK MKA UK Jamaat Lajna Imaillah UK MKA UK MKA UK
TBC All Regions TBC All Regions All Regions
TBC Whole BF complex Noor Hall Noor Hall Islamabad Noor Hall
Islamabad (TBC) TBC All Jamaats
Islamabad/ Baitul Futuh
Baitul Futuh TBC All Regions
Conference Room (108)
Jamaat MKA UK Pan African MKA UK MKA UK
Majlis e Sehat Baitul Futuh TBC TBC
Outside Venue Conference Room (108) Nasir Hall TBC whole Baitul Futuh Complex
Jamaat MKA UK Jamaat Jamaat MKA UK
All Regions Baitul Futuh Tabligh TBC Baitul Futuh
Noor Hall Conference Room (108) Nasir Hall (London Region) whole Baitul Futuh Complex All Baitul Futuh Complex
Jamaat MKA UK Jamaat MKA UK
Noor Hall
tariqmagazine@khuddam.org.uk 50
TARIQ December 2012
Tune in to Beacon of Truth as the panel discuss issues relating to all aspects of religion
LIVE on Sundays every fortnight at 19:30 GMT
Send us your questions : E-mail : beacon@mta.tv SMS : 0772 582 5674 Phone : 0208 687 8010
UK viewers can watch MTA International on SKY Channel 787
or watch online and on mobile devices at www.mta.tv
A NATION CANNOT BE REFORMED WITHOUT FIRST REFORMING ITS YOUTH
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra)
MY PURPOSE, YEARNING, AND HEARTFELT DESIRE IS TO SERVE HUMANITY The Promised Messiah(as)
O YOUNG MAN, GIVE NOT YOUR HEART TO THIS LOWLY WORLD ITS FANFARE WILL DISAPPEAR ALL OF A SUDDEN The Promised Messiah(as)
Vol. 18 I Issue 1
December 2012
TARIQ 9
TARIQ
Voice of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK
November 2012