Tariq Magazine (Volume 18, Issue 2, January 2013) by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

Vol. 18 I Issue 2

JANUARY 2013

TARIQ Voice of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK

INSIDE THIS ISSUE “We should tell the world about the character of the Excellent Exampler, the Holy Prophetsa particularly, with regard to his mercy and love for humanity. We should enlighten the public, in each country, about the noble character of the Holy Prophetsa and we should try to become righteous.. “ Huzur (aba) Friday Sermon 10th February 2006

Muhammad (saw) Liberator of Women Jama’at Ahmadiyya and Pakistan Future Lies in Africa The truth about Christmas

A NATION CANNOT BE REFORMED WITHOUT FIRST REFORMING ITS YOUTH

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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 Muzaffar Bhatti Chief Editor & Manager Yousaf Aftab Editorial Board Zafar Bhatti (Deputy) Tayyib Hayat Proof Readers Hannan Bhatti Safeer Ahmad Ibraheem Khan Jamal Akbar Abdul Hayee Subscription/Procurement Manager Mohammad Noman Distribution North East and Yorkshire Regions Web Developer/Maintenance 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]

2 Editorial

Editorial

3 Islam Ahmadiyyat

Summary of Friday Sermon Press Release - Khalifa of Islam makes Historic Address at European Parliament The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets [saw] Muhammad [saw] — Liberator of Women Jama’at Ahmadiyya and Pakistan The Future Lies in Africa

4 News & Events

A Farewell Lunch for Kalim Tahir Sahib South Region — Morrisons Save the Children Collection Colliers Wood Khuddam Fed The Homeless in Central London Regional Ta’leem & Tarbiyyat Forum and Holy Prophet [saw] Exhibition South West Tree Plantation in Wales National Botanic Garden Charity work as part of the Poppy Appeal Huddersfield South — Waqar-e-Amal at Baitus Samad Mosque Masroor Region Tabligh Stall Raynes Park Interfaith Initiative, Colden Common

5 Did You Know

Olives - A Healthy Option Letter from Huzur [atba] about innovations and Bad Customs (bad-Rasomaat) The ‘Real Truth’ about a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

6 Articles

Loneliness amongst older people and the impact of family connections Allah Proves His existence by manifesting His powers Financial sacrifice — Our responsibilities Marriages

8 Information & Announcements

MKA UK Calendar 2012 - 2013 A debate between ISOC and AMSA poster Ijtema 2013 poster

2 3 4 5 6 8 10 13 17 19 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 29 33 35 40 42 44 46 47

2 2

WORDS OF WISDOM

THE HOLY QUR’AN

Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you and forgive you your faults. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3:V. 32) Verily you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much. (Surah Al-Ahzab, Ch.33:V.22) 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:V.57) And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences. (Surah Al-Qalam, Ch.68:V.5)

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AHADITH Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Mas [ra] relates that he heard the Holy Prophet [saw] say: ‘He who calls down blessings on me, Allah sends down blessings on him ten times.’ (Sahih Muslim) Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud [ra] relates that the Holy Prophet [saw] said: ‘The closest to me on the Day of Judgement will be those who call down blessings on me most.’ (Tirmidhi) Hadhrat Abu Hurairah [ra] relates that the Holy Prophet [saw] said: ‘Do not make my grave a place of festivity but invoke blessings upon me for your blessing will reach me, wherever you may be.’ (Sunan Abu Daud) Hadhrat Abu Musa [ra] relates that the Holy Prophet [saw] observed: ‘The case of the guidance and knowledge with which I have been sent is that of rain which falls on land, part of which is good and fertile and dry grass thereon turns green and a quantity of new and fresh grass is produced; and part of it is dry and it stores up the water and God makes it beneficial for people, they drink from it and use it for cultivation; and part of it is a barren plain which neither retains the water nor produces fresh grass. This is the case of those who understand the faith revealed by Allah and benefit from that with which Allah has sent me and learn it and teach it; and of those who do not stir their heads to gain knowledge of the faith and do not accept the guidance with which I have been sent.’ (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

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WORDS OF WISDOM

WRITINGS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH [as] ‘How shall we express our gratitude to God who bestowed upon us the good fortune to follow the Prophet who is a sun for the souls of the righteous as there is a sun for the bodies. He appeared in a time of darkness and illumined the world with his light. He was neither tired nor fatigued till he purified all parts of Arabia from associating partners with God. He is the proof of his own truth for his light is present in every age and true obedience to him purifies a person as the clear and transparent water of a river cleanses dirty linen. Who has come to us with a sincere heart and has not witnessed that light, and who has knocked honestly on that door for whom it has not been opened? But the pity is that most people prefer the lower life and do not desire that higher light should enter into them.’ (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in:Vol. 23, pp. 301-303) ‘Is it not a matter for wonder that a poor, powerless, helpless and unlearned orphan who was alone at a time when every people possessed a plenitude of financial, military and intellectual means, brought such a bright teaching that he silenced everyone with his conclusive arguments and clear proofs? He pointed out the mistakes of those who were claimed as great philosophers. He exhibited such power that he pulled down rulers from their thrones and put poor people on them in their place. If this was not Divine support, then what was it? Can anyone overcome the whole world in reason, knowledge, strength and force without Divine support? Who was with the Holy Prophet [saw] when he first announced to the people that he was a Prophet? Did he possess the treasury of any king relying on which he took on the whole world as his opponents, or had he at his disposal a force relying on which he had become secure against the attacks of kings? Our opponents know that the Holy Prophet [saw] was at that time alone and helpless and without any means. It was only God, Who had created him for a great purpose, Who was with him and was his sure support.’ (Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani Khaza’in:Vol. 1 pp. 119-120)

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EDITORIAL

Dear Khuddam and Atfal

[salam] It is important for all righteous believers to continue to develop and sustain a living relationship with their creator Allah the Almighty. This can only be done when there is a realisation of the existence of Allah and firm belief in Allah. One way we can achieve such a relationship is by observance of prayers which is the miraj of a believer and cornerstone of his belief that Allah exists and speaks to his servants. Allah states in the Qur’an: ‘Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book and observe Prayer. Surely Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil. Verily, the remembrance of Allah possesses the highest beneficence. And Allah knows what you do.’ (Ch.29:V.46) Prayer itself is a cure and salvation from indecency if rightly understood and put into practice as sincerity and humility are the essence of prayer. ‘Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their Prayers.’ (Ch.23:V.2-3) It is important and imperative that all Khuddam brothers make a concerted effort to pray in congregation at the mosque and build a living and lasting relationship with their Allah. In doing so one becomes obedient to the commands of Allah and is recipient of Allah’s favours. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab [ra] reported that a man asked the Prophet [saw] : “Messenger of Allah, what action is dearest to Allah Most High?” The Prophet [saw] said,“ Prayer at its proper time. The one who does not pray has no religion. Prayer is the main pillar of the religion.” The Holy Prophet [saw] has enjoined all to worship the one Allah, seek refuge and protection from him and pave their path to righteousness by doing of good and being submissive in all that is commanded by Allah and his Prophet [saw]. In this day and age we are lucky that we have accepted the Imam Mahdi and Messiah [as] who has taken us out of the darkness and brought us in to the light which the Holy Prophet [saw] had shown more than 1400 years ago and today this light continues to blossom, illuminate and radiate to corners of the earth by the blessed and sacred institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Hence my brothers in the Qur’an it states: ‘He has no partner. And so am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit.’ (Ch.6:V.164) May Allah make us true recipients of His favours and may we always be ready to hear and obey the commands of Allah and His Divine guiders.

[wasalam]

tariqmagazine@Khuddam.org.uk

Yousaf Aftab Editor, Tariq Magazine

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ISLAMAHMADIYYAT

Summary of Friday Sermon Summary of Friday Sermon delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba], the Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on 21st December 2012.

Note: Alislam team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis of the Friday Sermon

adhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] delivered today’s Friday sermon from Baitul Futuh. He gave a discourse on the subject of gratefulness and highlighted the positive responses received from various dignitaries and other attendees of the European Parliament address, and two other events held in Germany. In this day and age it is only the Ahmadiyya Muslim community that has the honour of taking the true message of Islam to the world. We should be most grateful that we experience this privilege as we endeavour to take the mission of the Promised Messiah [as] forward. The address by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] to the European Parliament in Brussels was extremely well received. A press conference was also held at this occasion which received wide coverage. The UK Jama’at had played a good role in organising the European Parliament event although the main organisers were some European parliamentarians. Many misconceptions about Islam were removed through the event. During Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s [atba] trip to Germany an event was held in Hamburg to mark extension of an existing Jama’at building whereby minarets were added to it. Many local dignitaries came to this event. The other event was the inauguration of the new

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building of Jamia in Germany. This too was well attended. Two mosques were also inaugurated. On the inauguration of one of these mosques a neighbouring couple came and personally congratulated Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] and gave him a gift. During the planning of this mosque this couple was most vociferous in their opposition. However, with passage of time their misgivings were removed and when they attended the inauguration ceremony and listened to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih’s [atba] address their hearts were further softened. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] highlighted the impressions of some of the guests at the European Parliament address. A Bishop who had come from Switzerland said that the words of the address were mesmerising. While they were enunciated softly, the words carried power and majesty. He said he had not seen a courageous man like Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] . A Muslim member of Belgian parliament said that the address was something to be proud of for all the Muslims and added that the Khalifa had caused exaltation to them. A representative of the Belgian interior ministry said the address had moved and inspired everyone. MEP Godfrey Bloom said that the Khalifa’s address had given everyone light. A representative of the French government Mr. Eric said that the address had a lot of guidance for France. A Spanish parliamentarian said that she completely

supported the viewpoints expounded in the address. Another delegate from Spain said that according to the Khalifa the significance of Religion is to increase love. Mr. Santiago, a university professor of law who has written books on Islam expressed his gratefulness to God for having met everyone at the event. He said he was a spiritual person and he had not seen an ambience as spiritual as the one at the European Parliament address for a very long time. A lawyer from Spain said that she had been told by her Ahmadi host that the experience would be matchless and he was proven right. She said the endeavours of Ahmadiyya community will definitely bear fruit. A professor from Malta, who is from the Green Party there, said that the organisation of the event was excellent. The professor said that the Khalifa’s speech reflected global peace. A TV producer from Malta, who had been introduced to the Jama’at via the recent leaflet scheme, said that the services of the Jama’at for the establishment of peace are most valuable and said that after meeting him he found that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] exceeded all expectations based on what he had heard about him. A European member of the Church of Scientology said that the Khalifa had given everyone a message to work for peace. A deputy mayor from France said the address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] was great. A university professor from France said that he felt fortunate to

attend the event under the leadership of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] and called him a true standard bearer of peace. Charles Tannock MEP said that the Ahmadiyya community is spreading the message of peace on a global level. He said he was most impressed with the Q and A session at the press conference. He spoke about the progress of the Ahmadiyya community and said that very few people knew about their teachings and it was the European Parliamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obligation to take it to Europe. He said the community was a super example of peace and tolerance. He thanked Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] on the moving address which he said was the true teaching of Islam. He also mentioned the responsibility that falls on the West and the EU. He said he was amazed at the courage with which Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] had addressed the subject of immigration in his address. An Estonian MP said Ahmadiyya community rejects extremism. He praised what he called our good ideological and practical model to gather different religions. An MEP said that the fact that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] was in Brussels addressing the European Parliament indicated that people wanted

to know more about Islam. A German MP said that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] has addressed the UK Parliament as well as given a speech at Capitol Hill, adding that he would now try and organise for Huzur [atba] to address the Parliament in Berlin. The event was attended by media very well. As regards impressions about the event in Hamburg which took place the following day, an integration officer said that the Khalifa had explained the teachings of Islam very well and by listening to him he had come to know about the real teachings of Islam. A Council member from the Hamburg area said that the way Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] expressed his words affected hearts in particular. He said the concept of Islam as presented was new for him. Others said that their fears had been allayed after finding out the peaceful teaching of Islam. It was said that the person of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] appeared like the queen bee around whom the entire community worked and that they were completely devoted to him. The press was also present, they had originally come to interview the German Ameer sahib and then had decided to have a Q and A session with Hadhrat Khaliaftul Masih [atba]. However, after listening to his address they said all their doubts

and concerns had been answered. A lady from the Islamic Board Committee also attended who used to be quite against our community but now her attitude has changed. She said all her concerns were removed and when she saw Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] she felt he was the kind of leader she always thought Muslims should have. President of Hamburg Police was also present who said that if the teaching mentioned in the address was implemented there would be no need for policemen like him. This event was covered very well by the newspapers with large circulation. Comments received at the inauguration of the Jamia building said that the address of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] was not a speech but was the voice of his heart and that in spite of being religious his outlook was practical. Another comment was that the speech was most dignified and its life-infusing words were not limited on morals and had left a deep impression on the listeners. May God bring about long-lasting results of all these events and may He increase us in our Taqwa and gratefulness.

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ISLAMAHMADIYYAT

Press Release — Khalifa of Islam makes Historic Address at European Parliament Taken from Alislam - http://www.alislam.org

Note: Alislam team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.

n 4 December 2012, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] delivered an historic keynote address at the European Parliament in Brussels to a packed audience of more than 350 guests representing 30 countries. The event was hosted by the newly launched ‘European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group’, whose Chair and Vice‐Chairs all took to the stage to welcome Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba]. Martin Schulz MEP and President of the European Parliament also came to meet with His Holiness. During his thirty‐five minute address, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] called on the European Union to preserve its unity; addressed the issue of increased immigration to Western countries; advocated for equality in international relations and spoke at length about Islam’s key teachings in relation to developing world peace. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] said that in the modern world many people viewed Islam as a religion that promoted violence and extremism and they blamed it for many of the conflicts taking place in various parts of the world. He said that such allegations were particularly unjust given that “the very meanings of the word Islam are ‘peace’ and ‘security’.” In a detailed analysis, His Holiness said the issue was leading to the spread of ‘restlessness and anxiety’. His Holiness blamed both the immigrants and the indigenous people for the state of conflict, whereby many immigrants

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provoked locals by refusing to integrate, whilst certain segments of the local society were intolerant to outsiders. He said the consequences of such division were far-reaching and so he called on all parties to work together to resolve the issues.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] said:

to assist cruelty, rather than to prevent it.

“Governments need to make policies that establish and protect mutual respect, through which hurting the sentiments of others or causing them any type of harm should be outlawed. With regard the immigrants, they must enter with a willingness to integrate with the local people, whilst the locals should be ready to open their hearts and display tolerance.”

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] concluded by calling for justice and equality. He said:

About the European Union, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] said: “The formation of the European Union has been a great achievement on the part of the European countries, for it has been a means of uniting this Continent. And so you should make all possible efforts to preserve this unity… Remember that the strength of Europe lies in it remaining united and together as one. Such unity will not only benefit you here in Europe but at a global level will be the means for this Continent to maintain its strength and influence.” The Khalifa spoke of the need not just for co‐operation within Europe, but called for global unity. His Holiness said: “Speaking from an Islamic perspective, we should strive for the entire world to unite together. In terms of currency the world should be united. In terms of business and trade the world should be united. And in terms of freedom of movement and immigration, cohesive and practical policies should be developed, so that the world can become united.” The Khalifa said that in the modern world countries could no longer afford to remain isolated and even global powers like the United States were dependent on international trade and foreign relations. He said developed countries ought not to exploit weaker nations but should seek to help them develop and succeed. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] also spoke about conflicts in the Arab World and Middle East. He said that whilst the Western world had openly expressed ‘outrage and concern’ at the situations in Syria and Libya, they did not seem as concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people.

“Always remember that peace can only be established by helping both the oppressed and the oppressor in a manner that is completely impartial, free from vested interests and devoid of all enmity. Peace is made by giving all parties an equal platform and playing field.” Before the keynote address a number of MEPs took to the stage and spoke of their admiration of peaceful Islam as advocated by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. Dr Charles Tannock MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group, said ‘Ahmadi Muslims are a welcome example of tolerance in the world.’ He condemned the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and said ‘the Ahmadi motto of Love for All, Hatred for None is a welcome antidote to the extremist Jihadists’. Tunne Kelam MEP:Vice‐Chair of the European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group, said he was attending the event because it was an opportunity to ‘join in an aspiration for peace’. He praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for ‘rejecting all violence and terrorism’ and pledged to support the Jama’at globally. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP:Vice‐Chair of the European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group, spoke of her long term relationship with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in the United Kingdom. She said that the Jama’at’s motto was ‘an inspiration which we desperately need in the modern world.’ Claude Moraes MEP:Vice‐Chair of the European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group, said the event had ‘attracted a bigger turnout than we get to any meetings at the European Parliament’.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] said:

Jean Lambert MEP: Chair of European Parliament’s South Asia Delegation, said that she would pursue with the Pakistani Government the issue of Ahmadi Muslim voting rights. She said it was necessary that all parties had the right to vote freely and without discrimination.

“This perceived double standard is causing grievances and malice to increase in the hearts of people from Muslim countries against the major powers of the world. This anger and animosity is extremely dangerous and could boil over and explode at any time…

The President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in the United Kingdom, Rafiq Hayat, also took to the stage to express his pleasure that the ‘European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group’ had been launched.

Let it be clear that I am not speaking in support or favour of any particular individual country. What I wish to say is that all forms of cruelty, wherever they exist, must be eradicated and stopped, regardless of whether they are perpetrated by the people of Palestine, the people of Israel or the people of any other country.”

The historic event concluded at 4.35pm with a silent prayer led by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba].

The Khalifa also criticised the principle of veto power within international institutions. He said that the voting history of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council showed that on certain occasions veto powers had been misused

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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] magnum opus, “Seerat Khatamun Nabiyyin”, an outstanding biography on the life of the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw].

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad [ra]

Hazrat 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 (Life of the Mahdi), Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya (The Ahmadiyya community), Tablighe-Hidayat (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. Seerat 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. Battle of Badr, Establishment of the Islamic Empire and Destruction of the Chieftains of the Quraish with the recent release of the detestable film Innocence

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of Muslims and with false propaganda against Islam gaining strength, the best form of defence is to present the peerless life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw], the founder of Islam, who in every aspect of life established the loftiest moral standard. We continue with the first ever serialisation of the newly translated Volume II of Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad’s [ra] outstanding biography, Seerat Khatamun Nabiyyin, on the life and character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw]. This is arguably the best biography on the Prophet [saw] ever written. Each month we will present extracts from chapters of the Book. Here, we start with Chapter IV. Translated from the Urdu by Ayyaz Mahmood Khan

Battle of Badr — Ramadan 2 A.H. (March 623 A.D.)

Now we begin to mention the events of the battle of Badr. It has already been mentioned that after the prophetic migration, the Quraish of Makkah had begun making preparations to attack Madinah and utterly destroy the Muslims. Furthermore, the chieftains of the Quraish unjustly exploited the occurrence of the murder of ‘Amr bin Hadrami, which took place during the Sariyyah of the Valley of Nakhlah, in order to further ignite a dangerous fire of enmity against the Muslims, in the hearts of the disbelieving masses. In the likeness of an individual who forgets

all the cruelties he inflicts upon others, but always remembers even the slightest discomfort he receives from someone else, even though it may possess a form of retribution, the Quraish of Makkah became even more fervently engrossed in their preparations to attack the Muslims and utterly destroy them. During that time, the Holy Prophet [saw] received news that a trade caravan of the Quraish of Makkah, accompanied by thirty, forty, or in light of various narrations, seventy men, was returning to Makkah from Syria, in the command of Abu Sufyan.1 Every man and woman especially held shares in this caravan. As a matter of fact, it is written that on this occasion, any item or sum, which could be invested in this venture, was put on stake.2 This demonstrates that the Quraish had perhaps decided that they would spend the profit of this trade venture, on expenditures of war against the Muslims. Therefore, the interception of caravans was an excellent means of bringing the barbaric Quraish to their senses and stopping them from their dangerous designs. Secondly, their passing by Madinah from so close, also posed many dangerous risks for the Muslims. Then, the specific characteristics of this caravan were such that if it had escaped safely, this could have been thought of as a precursor to the destruction of the Muslims. For this reason, upon receiving news, the Holy Prophet [saw] dispatched two Muhajirin named Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullah

[ra] and Sa‘id bin Zaid [ra], to obtain information. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet [saw] also informed the other Companions that they should remain prepared to set out for the interception of the caravan. However, it so happened, that Abu Sufyan also received word of this intention of the Holy Prophet [saw], or perhaps he apprehended this possibility himself. In any case, he dispatched a rider named Damdam towards Makkah, and emphatically instructed him to reach Makkah as soon as possible, and bring forth the army of the Quraish in order to protect the caravan and strike fear into the hearts of the Muslims. Moreover, as a precautionary measure, Abu Sufyan diverted from his actual route and moved towards the coast of the sea; and stealthily but quickly, began to proceed towards Makkah. When this emissary of Abu Sufyan reached Makkah, according to the Arab custom, he made himself appear extremely terrified and began to scream loudly saying, “O ye people of Makkah! Muhammad [saw] and his Companions have set out to attack your caravan. Go forth and save it!” 3 Upon hearing this news, the people became frightened and gathered around the Ka‘batullah. Then, on this occasion, the chieftains of the Quraish capitalised on this opportunity, and delivered extremely provocative speeches against Islam and the Muslims. As a result, the

hearts of the people became inflamed with a fervor of enmity towards Islam and they became firmly determined to attack the Muslims and utterly destroy them. At that time, the state of the Quraish’s fervor was such that they unanimously decided to set out with a very large army against the Muslims. It was decided that every such individual who was able to fight would participate himself, while every such individual who was unable to participate due to a constraint, would arrange for another person to be sent in his place. The chieftains of the Quraish were at the forefront of this proposal. There were only two individuals who hesitated in participating, and they were Abu Lahab and Umaiyyah bin Khalf. However, the reason for this hesitation was not due to any sympathy for the Muslims. Rather, Abu Lahab feared the dream of his sister ‘Atikah bint ‘Abdul-Muttalib, which she saw only three days prior to the arrival of Damdam, indicating the destruction of the Quraish. Umaiyyah bin Khalf feared the prophecy of the Holy Prophet [saw] about his being slain, which he had learned of from Sa‘d bin Mu‘adh [ra], in Makkah. However, since there was a concern that if these two renowned chieftains had remained behind this would have a negative effect on the disbelieving masses, the other chieftains of the Quraish provoked their passion and jealousy, and ultimately compelled them to agree. In other words, Umaiyyah became prepared himself and Abu Lahab paid a hefty sum to someone else

to stand in his place. In this manner, after a preparation of three days 4, an army of over 1,000 fearless warriors was prepared to go forth from Makkah. This army was still in Madinah when a few chieftains from among the Quraish thought that since relations between the people of Makkah and the Banu Bakr, which was a branch of the Banu Kinanah, were not favourable, there was a risk that in their absence they might take advantage of the situation and attack Makkah. Due to this thought various people from among the Quraish began to waver. However, a chieftain of the Banu Kinanah named Suraqah bin Malik bin Ja‘sham, who was in Makkah at the time, assured them saying, “I guarantee that no attack will be waged upon Makkah.” As a matter of fact, Suraqah was so vehement in his enmity towards Islam that in support of the Quraish, he even accompanied them all the way to Badr himself. However, when he saw the Muslims there, he was so awe-stricken that before the war began, he left his companions and fled. It is believed that the following verse of the Holy Qur’an makes reference to this very occurrence: “And when Satan declared the Quraish of Makkah as being correct in their opposition against the Muslims and would incite them.” 5 Prior to going forth from Makkah, the Quraish went to the Ka‘bah and prayed,

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ISLAMAHMADIYYAT “O God! Grant succour to that party from among these two parties, which is more noble and more superior in Your estimation; and disgrace and humiliate the other.” 6 After this, the army of the disbelievers departed from Makkah with great pomp and pride. All of the chieftains of the Quraish were present and as well as singing women who, with the recital of their poetic couplets and the beating of their drums, would incite jealousy and fervour, as they journeyed along. The chieftains of the Quraish considered this campaign to be a distinct national feat and arranged for the food that was required by the army en-route, at their own expense. As such, they would slaughter nine or ten camels daily, to entertain the warriors. When this army reached Juhfah, which was situated a little more than half-way to Badr, they received news through the emissary of Abu Sufyan, that the caravan had safely escaped the area of danger, and now it was no longer necessary for the army to proceed any further. On hearing this news, some people became prepared to go back. However, Abu Jahl, under the influence of his party, and most of the people of the army, who had other intentions in mind, vehemently rejected this idea; and according to one narration 8 they unanimously said, “By God! We shall definitely proceed to Badr and hold a festival there for three days, so that our awe may be forever established throughout the land, and people begin to fear us.” 9 Hence, except for a few people who went back, 10 the rest of the army proceeded with great pomp and pride. On the ninth day after leaving Makkah, (one day was lost due to an error in navigation) 11, i.e., after eleven or twelve days of receiving news from Damdam, they reached the nearer bank of the valley of Badr, and setup camp. At that time, the army of the Quraish comprised 1,000 people who were well-armed with the most modern equipment of their time; having 700 camels and 100 horses. All of the riders as well as most warriors on foot, were clad in armour and had at their disposal a vast arsenal of weapons, containing many spears, swords, and bows and arrows. Serialisation continues in the next Edition.

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Endnotes: 1. As-Siratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hisham, p.415, Ghazwatu Badril-Kubra/ ‘Iru Abi Sufyan, Darul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) 2. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘Alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, By ‘Allamah ShihabudDin Qustalani, Part 2, p. 263, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 3. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa‘d, Part 2, p. 255, Ghazwatu Badr, Daru Ihya’it-Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 4. This was a complete lie because until now, the Holy Prophet [saw] was still in Madinah 5. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘Alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, By ‘Allamah ShihabudDin Qustalani, Part 2, p.263, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 6. As-Siratul-Halabiyyah, By Abul-Faraj Nurud-Din ‘Ali bin Ibrahim:Volume 2, pp. 198-201, Babu Dhikri Maghazihisa/ Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon(2002). 7. Al-Anfal (8:49) 8. Tarikhul-Khamis Fi Ahwali Anfasi Nafis, By Husain bin Muhammad bin Hasan, Part 1,p.370,Ghazwatu Badril-Kubra, Mu’assasatu Sha‘ban, Beirut. 9. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘Alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, By ‘Allamah ShihabudDin Qustalani, Part 2, p.261, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 10. Tarikhur-Rusuli Wal-Muluk (Tarikhut-Tabari), By Abu Ja‘far Muhammad bin Jarir At-Tabari, Part 3, pp.20-21, Thumma Dakhalatis-Sanatuth-Thaniyyatu MinalHijrah/ Dhikru Waq‘ati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002) 11. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa‘d, Part 2, p.255, Ghazwatu Badr, Daru Ihya’it Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) 12. It should be remembered that Badr is the name of a valley, which contains a few streams. It is situated between Makkah and Madinah. In normal circumstances, it is situated at a distance of four or five days from Madinah and eight or nine days from Makkah. In the era of the Jahiliyyah, a carnival was held here every year where the various tribes of Arabia would gather and engage in trade and celebrations. As such, the disbelievers of Makkah used this carnival as an excuse to insist that they should definitely proceed to Badr, so that their awe would be established. 13. Narrations relate that among those who went back, the tribes of Badu ‘Addiyy and Banu Zuhrah have been mentioned. 14. At-Tabaqatul-Kubra, By Muhammad bin Sa‘d, Part 2, p.255, Ghazwatu Badr, Daru Ihya’it Turathil-‘Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996) (Publishers) 15. Sharhul-‘Allamatiz-Zarqani ‘Alal-Mawahibil-Ladunniyyah, By ‘Allamah ShihabudDin Qustalani, Part 2, p.261, Babu Ghazwati Badril-Kubra, Darul-Kutubil‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)

Muhammad [saw] — Liberator of Women By Qadhi Zafar Bhatti, Naib Mohtamim Ishaat

would like to take you back to a time 1,400 years before, around 4,000 miles away to the deserts of Arabia.

he had been sent to reform humanity — a task which had well-nigh broken his back. His name was Muhammad [saw].

A man whose name history has forgotten, had a loving daughter. A daughter who had just reached the age of being able to hold a conversation. Everytime he would call her she would respond with affection. One day he took that daughter out for a walk; she followed until they reached a well. No sooner had they reached the well the man grabbed his little girl’s hand, picked her up and threw her straight into the well.

Amongst his most difficult tasks would be to ‘purge the world of that utter form of slavery which had been the curse of humanity for all time - that is the slavery of women.’

At a similar time in history, in another part of that barren and barbaric wasteland, something magical was astir in the air. A man received a revelation to lead the whole of humanity out of this barbarism. He came rushing home shaking, shivering; his wife affectionately wrapped him in a blanket. He had been given a great responsibility; he was worried as to how he would be able to fulfil that responsibility. His wife addressed him with such choice and wise words as will echo throughout history: She said: ‘I have known you for some time and I know you look after the requirements of the needy and share their miseries. You are a person who carries the burdens of those whose backs are broken under the load of afflictions. You are restoring the virtues which had disappeared from the face of the earth. You are kind and considerate to relations and observe the very best conduct in relationships. You are true and always have been so. How could God let you go to waste? I believe in what you have revealed.’ (pg 15 Seal of Prophets, his Personality and Character, by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad [rh], Hadhrat Khaliafatul Masih IV). This man was comforted by the wise words of his wife Khadija [ra_ha]. This man had been assigned Prophethood,

The story of Muhammad [saw] and Khadija [ra_ha] goes back 15 years before this time. Khadija [ra_ha] had been a rich business woman of high class. She was 40 years old and had already been twice widowed. She was looking for someone to lead a trade expedition on her behalf and either by recommendation or by chance came across the young Muhammad [saw]. The expedition was extremely successful and being somewhat intrigued about the extraordinary success of the expedition asked her counsel, a lady by the name of Maisara, as to the integrity and efficiency of the leader of the expedition. Maisara was very favourable in her views of Muhammad [saw]. Khadija [ra_ha] being suitably impressed instructed her counsel to ask Muhammad [saw] whether he would agree to a proposal of marriage. Muhammad [saw] agreed although he was 15 years her junior at 25. To the eyes of the world such a match may seem disproportionate from all perspectives of wealth, class and age — but these things become irrelevant in the eyes of true love. What Muhammad [saw] and Khadija [ra_ha] shared was a pure type of love that transcended the baser qualities of the world; in fact early on in the marriage a beautiful incident is related that highlights the perfect harmony in which those two souls were intertwined.

Khadija [ra_ha] recognising that her own wealth and status as compared to Muhammad’s [saw] may become the possible cause of tension in the marriage; decided to make over her entire fortune including money, wealth, property and camels to Muhammad [saw]. Muhammad [saw] made sure of Khadija’s [ra_ha] intention. After becoming fully assured, that Khadija [ra_ha] was happy for Muhammad [saw] to do whatever he liked with the money, Muhammad [saw] immediately distributed all the wealth to the poor and destitute and freed all her slaves. Thus blossomed forth the first flower of their Love — a gift for humanity. When Muhammad [saw] was given the responsibility of Prophethood, it was his beloved Khadija [ra_ha] that stood by his side and wrapped him in a blanket of love and affection — she would in fact become the first believer in Islam. They would together from that point on endure the most bitter cruelties and persecution. Eventually, the hardship of persecution became severe. His enemies sent Muhammad [saw] and Khadija [ra_ha] to a deserted valley and boycotted them for 3 years. This took its toll on the dear and noble Khadija [ra_ha] who passed away at around the age of 65 years. Muhammad [saw] was left grieving at the time as the enmity and hatred rained down hard against him and his small band of followers. Muhammad [saw] would remember his beloved Khadija [ra_ha] for the rest of his days. We hear of how he would pay special regards to the friends of his wife; how on special occasions he would send them gifts. We hear how on occasion of being reminded of his wife gone by even

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years later he would be overcome with emotion. How when Khadija’s [ra_ha] sister would come to visit or when he would see something belonging to his dear wife, his sentiments would well up and his love would be there for all to see. Of all the relationships that exist in human society, possibly the most important which binds the fabric of society together is that of husband and wife. In fact it is from this relationship that springs forth the streams of heaven or hell in society. Unfortunately throughout history it is this very relationship which has become a source of misery and despair for countless of women. How many horror stories do we hear from both East and West, from both the so called first world and third world countries. Cruelties against women are so rampant that they have been coined the biggest silent crime. It is a crime that society brushes under the carpet and attempts to paint a rosy picture of. Whereas statistics will show that 1 in 3 women are being abused. Muhammad [saw] was to repaint this relationship and to weed out those abhorrent crimes committed behind closed doors. He declared: ‘The most perfect of believers in the matter

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of faith is he whose behaviour is best; and the best of you are those who behave best towards their wives’ (Tirmidhi) Muhammad [saw] redefined the relationship between husband and wife, one that would be based on complete compassion and friendship rather than that of Master and slave. We hear how he would on occasion race with his wives, or playfully call them by a nickname or even how he would gently tease them. His wife Ayesha [ra_ha] relates that once Muhammad [saw] suddenly got up from bed at night and left the house. Ayesha [ra_ha] was intrigued as to what the Prophet [saw] was upto; she followed him and found him at a graveyard. The Prophet [saw] was praying for the deceased; he then returned and Ayesha [ra_ha] then had to make a quick dash for it. It seems that the Prophet [saw] had spotted her and so he too quickened his pace; Ayesha [ra_ha] then quickened her pace further; eventually Ayesha [ra_ha]made it back home first and quickly got into the bed. The Prophet [saw] then laid down — put his hand on Ayesha’s [ra_ ha] chest and very teasingly questioned: ‘Why is it, O’ Ayesha [ra_ha], that you are out of breath?’ We never hear of any harshness or loss of temper towards his wives, although there

are reports of his wives losing temper with him. Even in times where his own sensibilities were deeply wounded, he always behaved in a courteous manner. For example Ayesha [ra_ha], once getting fed up of the love that Muhammad [saw] had for his departed Khadija [ra_ha], retorted — can’t you stop remembering that old hag. Imagine, it was his dear beloved Khadija [ra_ha] that Ayesha [ra_ha] had just insulted. But the response from Muhammad [saw] was serene and calm with no display of anger, he simply said — ‘O Ayesha [ra_ ha] you do not know how good she was to me.’ There was never any question of raising his hand against his wife — Ayesha[ra_ ha] testifies: ‘The Messenger of Allah [saw] never hit anyone with his hand neither servant nor woman.’ He was so in tune with women’s sensibilities that he would take extraordinary care to never hurt those feelings. For example on one occasion when he was lying down with his wife Aisha [ra_ha]; he asked Ayesha [ra_ha] a very small request — it was ‘can I turn my face to the other side of the bed so that I

may remember my Lord’. She of course agreed and after that she heard the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] shedding tears and sobbing away in remembrance of God. To understand this incident one must remember that the raison d’etre of Muhammad [saw] was to worship God; but even in such a task, he felt that as it was his wife’s time he should ask her permission. This was a demonstration of the respect and care he gave to the women of the time; that they should not be treated as if they have no say in their affairs of home and family — their views, advice and even their permission must be sought if it affects their rights. As to household duties and chores — one can say that he was the original modern man — he would sew his own clothes, mend his own shoes, fetch water for his use and help his wife with the household chores. It really was a revolution that was being brought about by Muhammad [saw], in the thinking, attitudes and customs of his followers. He emphasised the rights of the wives so much so that husbands began complaining against their wives to the Prophet [saw]. A companion of Muhammad [saw] came and said ‘O Prophet [saw] of Allah what have you done, before our women used to quietly do what they were told, now they look back in to our eyes in defiance and answer back and we cannot do anything about it’. Muhammad [saw] said that is the right I have come to give them. He shunned men who did not allow a free reign to women in their own matters or those of the household. Muhammad [saw] didn’t just establish the rights for women, but over time and with his own personal example transformed the behaviour of his followers. We read how the fearsome Umar [ra], who in his days before Islam would even end up hitting his sister, was completely transformed. And in later years when he became, the leader of the Muslims, he would search the city dressed as a vagabond to check that all is well with his citizens. He took care of women’s welfare and introduced the child benefit

for mothers. Now we come to that special institution of humanity — motherhood. Unfortunately in today’s society the status and respect of being a mother is fast ebbing away — the rights and high esteem that is due to a mother, the special status she enjoys has in fact seldom been granted to her throughout human history. How sad that the very institution with which rests the entire progress and survival of humanity has been denigrated to the bottom rungs of society to a forgotten wasteland. Society needs a wakeup call to recognise the rights and respect due to Motherhood; if only one could recognise the tune of Charlotte Gilman’s poem: "So when the great word 'Mother!' rang once more, I saw at last its meaning and its place; Not the blind passion of the brooding past, But Mother — the World's Mother — come at last, To love as she had never loved before — To feed and guard and teach the human race." Muhammad [saw] paid special regard to the rights of a mother. His own mother had passed away when he was only 6 years old. But it is on record that he would pay due deference and respect to even his nursing mother who had weaned him in early childhood. It would be no exaggeration to say that he deemed a mother more worthy of respect than any other human relationship in one saying it is related: ‘A man came to Muhammad [saw], and enquired: Messenger of Allah! Which of all the people is best entitled to kind treatment and the good companionship from me? He replied: ‘ Your mother.’ The man enquired again: And after her? He replied: Your mother. And after her? The Holy Prophet, replied: Your mother. And after her? He replied: Your father” In the historical records we find that there are only two people to whom the Prophet [saw] asked his followers to convey his special greetings, as he

himself would not see them. One would be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi who was the one prophesied to come in the latter days to reform humanity, but the other, he was just a simple man who served his mother. Because he cared for his mother, it kept him from ever meeting Muhammad [saw] — and it was to this person that Muhammad [saw] amongst the entire corpus of humanity, from millions to billions of Muslims who would live in his time and Would come later, it was only to this man, who looked after his elderly and ill mother, that Muhammad [saw] sent his greetings. More than just respect and deference, Muhammad [saw] declared that the peace of society rested with the mother; in one saying he said: ‘Paradise lies under the feet of your Mother’ There are a whole host of sayings with regards to the special status that Muhammad [saw] afforded to mothers; in fact the entire article could be taken up just focusing on this one issue. Now we come to the status of daughters. We hear of how parents in some cultures discriminate between the genders even to the extent where abortions of female foetuses occur in the thousands for simply this discrimination. In fact we still find many instances of daughters being killed or even abandoned such as in China because of the restrictive birth policy. Out of his children Muhammad [saw] himself had 4 daughters that survived to adulthood. His sons all died in infancy and his lineage today is carried through his daughter Fatimah [ra_ha] .He was an extremely affectionate and loving father; we hear of how when Fatimah [ra_ha] would enter the room he would stand up to receive her, take her by the hand, kiss her and then seat her where he had been sitting. This love would be reciprocated by his daughter and when Muhammad [saw] would visit Fatimah [ra] she would get up, take him by the hand, kiss him and then seat him where she had been sitting. To rid his followers of any kind of

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ISLAMAHMADIYYAT discrimination towards daughters; he promised: ‘A man who has three daughters and brings them up and educates them to the best of his capacity shall be entitled to paradise’ In another saying 2 daughters are mentioned. ‘He who brings up two girls through their childhood will appear on the Day of Judgement attached to me like two fingers of a hand (i.e. in status).’(Muslim)

I will now summarise the reforms Muhammad [saw] brought in relation to the rights of women as individuals. Here I would like to point out that it would be another thirteen hundred years after, that Europe would catch up and introduce similar rights for women. Up until the late 17th century women in many parts of Europe were considered to be the property of their husband — a custom that was destroyed with the birth of Islam.

So in this manner instead of girls being deemed as a burden to families; Muhammad [saw] made daughters a source of pride and a route to Paradise; In fact greater than that he promised those who would treat their daughters well that they would be joined with him in Paradise.

Women could not inherit up until the late 19th century, a custom that was destroyed by the birth of Islam.

The primary and most potent method of empowering any class or people in society is education. Without apology, quoting from Oprah Winfrey no less:

Up until the late 19th century women could not own any property of their own independent of their husband. A custom that was destroyed by the birth of Islam. In fact Islam gave full rights of ownership to women, and whatever wealth a wife may earn is considered exclusively hers to which the husband has no right. Even if a Muslim woman chooses to work, her pay would remain exclusively hers - her husband or anyone else is not allowed to demand it for household or personal use.

‘I think education is power. I think that being able to communicate with people is power. One of my main goals on the planet is to encourage people to empower themselves.’ I have already quoted how Muhammad [saw] preached that education of daughters would be a means to paradise. He further adds: ‘Pursuit of Knowledge is a duty of every Muslim, man and woman’ Muhammad [saw] ensured that women would be entitled to an education ending the monopoly that men had gained over the rights of education. Muhammad [saw] ensured that this legacy would remain behind by declaring that from his wife Aisha [ra_ha] the Muslims would be able to learn half the faith. In fact after Muhammad [saw], his successors would constantly seek her guidance and insight on a wide range of issues affecting the newly formed Muslim state. She herself would go onto educate many Muslim girls at her home. I have demonstrated how Muhammad [saw] established the rights of women as wives, mothers and daughters.

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Widows had no rights of inheritance with respect to their husband’s propertya custom that was destroyed by the birth of Islam.

Another misconception about Islam is that women have no right to divorce their husband, this is absolutely false, Muslim women were given the right to divorce and leave their husband without any strong justification. Even if she got bored of him was valid enough. Once Muhammad’s [saw] cousin came to him and said ‘O Allah’s messenger [saw], I wish to leave my husband, Muhammad [saw] asked ‘does your husband ill treat you?‘ She replied ‘no’; he asked ‘does he not fulfil certain duties towards you?’ She said ‘no’. She went on to say that ‘I am just not attracted to him anymore’. On this basis alone she divorced her husband. However the right to divorce in Europe started recently in the 19th century, imagine being stuck with a tyrant for the rest of your life! Man made laws only go so far, they cannot break barriers of the human

psyche, these laws cannot change the man within. This is what religion is for. ‘As related earlier, a man came to Muhammad [saw] and related the following incident: ‘I once had a daughter. When she reached the age of being able to converse; I would call her and she would respond affectionately. One day I called her and she followed me. I carried on walking, until I came to the family’s well, which was not too far. I then grabbed hold of my daughter’s hand and picked her up and threw her into the well. The last words I heard my daughter cry were ‘O my father, O my father!’ Muhammad [saw] began to cry; tears began trickling down his face. One of the companions of Muhammad [saw] rebuked the gentleman for upsetting Muhammad [saw]. Upon hearing this Muhammad [saw] said, no let the man continue; he is relating me something of great significance to him. Muhammad [saw] asked the man to relate the incident again. Upon hearing the incident a second time, Muhammad’s [saw] tears began to flow until his beard was wet. The man begged for forgiveness asking Muhammad [saw] whether he could be forgiven even this heinous crime. The transformation was complete, those same individuals who would bury their daughters alive would now weep in remorse begging for forgiveness. These same brutal men who treated women less than cattle would now treat women with honour, kindness and even protect their rights. Allowing them to be individuals in society having their own rights. As mothers, wives, daughters and as individuals within their own right the lot of woman had been transformed. But as the transformation was complete, so too was the earthly mission of Muhammad [saw], as he began his mission wrapped under the cloak of his wife Khadija [ra_ha] so his mission ended in the arms of his beloved wife Aisha [ra_ha] as he breathed his last. May God bless the soul of Muhammad [saw], the Liberator of women, the Liberator of Mankind, the Mercy for the whole world.

Jama’at Ahmadiyya and Pakistan By Shahid Pervaiz

n absolute impartiality and in utmost fairness to all who endeavored for the freedom of the Indian Sub-Continent; ending of the British Rule and creation of Pakistan would not have become possible as early as 1947 — if Jama’at Ahmadiyya had not done what it did. The story begins long before; back in 1906 when The All India Muslim League (AIML) was established and Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib participated as a founder member in the inception of Muslim League in Punjab after seeking permission of Hadhrat Masih-e-Maud [as]. The leadership of the All India National Congress (AINC) was experienced and smart enough to understand the tone of the coming days and thus became willing to either, take the lead on any important occurrence, or trigger any incidence of public concern, that could potentially attract the public popularity for the AINC. Foremost examples are that of: 1919 – 1924 AD – Khilafat Movement; Wherein Mr. Ghandi took the lead to protect the Muslim Ottoman Caliphate and prompted the Indian Muslims to “Quit India” — as a result, the Muslim population in India reduced and demography tilted adversely. 1919 AD – Jamiat Ulama Hind; The predominantly major body of Ulama of Deobandi belief was established in November 1919 and officially declared its policy to fight for the freedom of India in support of AINC. 1922 – 1923 AD – Shudhi Tehrik; Wherein the Malkana Muslims dwelling around Agra and in the UP villages were persuaded to revoke their Muslim belief.

1928 AD – The Nehru Report; Mr. Moti Lal Nehru suggested the outline for future constitution of India; rejecting the 14 points of Mr. Jinnah about the electoral rights of Indian Muslims. 1930 AD – Mr. M. A. Jinnah; Decided to stay in London UK after participating in the round table conference. With this much in the background, comes the historic role of Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad [ra], 2nd Caliph of Jama’at Ahmadiyya:1. He held public meetings and discussions with political leaders to make the Indian Muslims aware of the risks in quitting India at the instigation of AINC. 2. He chose to fight for the Freedom of India in support of AIML. 3. He deputed scores of his missionaries and volunteers to live in UP and enlighten the Malkana Muslims about Islamic teachings and help them take an informed decision for not quitting Islam. 4. He published his historically famous “Review of Nehru Report”; which became the book of political wisdom for AIML in the years to come. 5. He approached Mr. M. A. Jinnah in London UK through one of his missionaries (Maulana Abdur Rahim Dard Sahib [ra]) to persuade him to return to India and lead the Politics of Indian Muslims.

6. He accepted to chair the All India Kashmir Committee – 1930; wherein he demanded restoration of civil rights for the Kashmiri Muslims and formulated the principles of the Kashmir Liberation Movement.

That is how Mr. Jinnah made his formal announcement to return to India in the auspicious prayer hall of Ahmadiyya Fazl Mosque London – 1934.

“ History of Ahmadiyyat in Kashmir” – an official publication of the Jama’at has enough to tell its reader as how various factions struggled to jeopardise

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ISLAMAHMADIYYAT the cause of Kashmiri Liberation. 7. He accorded his guidance to defend the Muslim cause in the murder trial of Raj Pal, the publisher of the infamous book “Rangila Rasool”. e promulgated a series of public H meetings to discuss the Life of Hadhrat Muhammad [saw] – to reflect upon the people to understand the peaceful teaching of Islam and to live in harmony with other religions.

his Camp Office / Residence at Rattan Bagh, Lahore; from where he delivered his historically landmark sermons; providing the foremost guidance to the newly established state for its appropriate governance and its relations with neighbour states and other nations of the world. 15. He personally supervised the preparation of the Muslim case for The Boundary Commission.

8. He supported his disciples:- Syed Dilawar Shah Sahib the Publisher Editor of Muslim Out Look Lahore for writing a bold review of the High Court’s Judgement in the trial of Maulvi Ilm Din.

In the minimum given time by the commission, he arranged the transportation of reference books between Delhi and Lahore (on relay sprints – both ways) in Motorbikes’ side cars, steered by Young Ahmadi Boys.

Th e editorial was considered contemptuous and another trial was suo-moto initiated against Shah Sahib.

16. He helped install the first “government-in-exile” for Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

9. He mentored his disciple Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan who was the elected (sitting) President of AIML – 1931 to pronounce the guiding principles for the freedom of Indian Sub-Continent and the future Muslim Home Land.

ead of that Government was Mr. H Ghulam Nabi Gilkar (an Ahmadi).

10. He declared AIML to be the sole political representative of Indian Muslims. 11. He sent his emissary to Nawabzada Sir Malik Khizar Hayat Khan Tiwana to relinquish his premiership of Punjab in favor of AIML. 12. He distributed (Free) the single largest stock of wheat to the Muslims migrating to Pakistan. 13. He designated his private aircraft to fly Mr. M. M. Ahmad to Lahore to join the pioneer administrators like Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Sahib (ex Prime Minister of Pakistan), Khawaja Abdul Rahim Sahib (father of Khawaja Tariq Rahim – ex Governor of Punjab) and Sheikh Manzoor Elahi Sahib to set up the new country’s Administrative Structure. 14. He migrated to Pakistan and organised

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17. He deputed his personal aircraft to transport the AJK Government in Exile (amidst a huge flooding and breakage of the GT road) from Lahore to Rahwali Cantt. (today’s Gujranwala Cantt). From where they traveled by road to Bhimbher. 18. He presented a Battalion of Ahmadi Youth — Furqan Battalion - (including his own sons and nephews) to the Pakistani Army to fight and defend the Azad Kashmir Front Lines. 19. He donated his personal Aircraft to Pakistan Air Force; that became the very first Foundation of PAF. ( the plane used to sit in the National PAF Museum Peshawar until 1972) 20. He closely followed the Liberation Movements in other Islamic Countries (then colonies) and successfully guided them to their independent status and fostered their relations with Pakistan. 21. He pioneered the Afro-Asian muslim brotherhood campaigns in

1930s; which later on (politically – and with his consent) became AfroAsian Solidarity Movement (headed by late Mian Abdul Bari Sahib of Punjab Muslim League) in 1952 and still later on was taken over by Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru of India, Marshal Tito of Yuguslavia and Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt in 1960s under the new nomenclature of “Non-Alligned Movement”. 22. He encouraged his young disciples to excel in education and skills and join Pakistan’s Civil and Military Cadres to help build the country. S cores of them obeyed his command and served the country with unmatched zeal. Look at the names; General Iftikhar Janjua, Maj. General Nazir Ahmad, Maj. General Nasir Ahmad, General Abdul Ali Malik, General Akhtar Malik, Air Chief Marshall Zafar Ahmad Chaudhry, M.M. Ahmad – ICS, Sheikh Ishrat Ali – CSS, Amjad Virk – CSS, Fazal ur Rehman Malik – PIDC; and so many others. Is there any other leader and group of followers, who has contributed even a fraction of this, when compared to what Jama’at Ahmadiyya and its Imam did for Pakistan and the Muslim cause? The story does not end here:-– All the Khulafa of Ahmadiyyat by the Paramount Grace of Allah have (to this very day) selflessly awarded the most sincere advice, the best possible guidance and the most pragmatic resource to Pakistan, its people on one hand and the Muslims all around the globe, on the other. May Allah, through His boundless Grace and Mercy, Bless Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and may He extend His Benevolence to us and to the generations to come. May Allah also enable humanity as a whole gain true understanding of Islam and progress towards global peace.

[ameen]

The Future Lies in Africa By Qadhi Zafar Bhatti, Naib Mohtamim Ishaat I had always thought I knew the meaning of Sacrifice… I always thought I knew the meaning of Hospitality… That all changed when I arrived in Burkina Faso. Arriving at the airport, what do I see, but the Amir of Burkina Faso and Missionary in Charge themselves are there to greet me and my family. It is not a mere welcome, but he hastily starts arranging all areas of my arrival. At this point I can help it no longer and have to stop him and take care of the trolley, following which this man, an Amir and representative of the Khalifa, himself begins to take care of my children. Spying the Amir from afar I realised that I am not worthy to be the dust upon which the devoted servants of Ahmadiyyat and Islam walk. The rest of our stay has been taken care of in a similar fashion, in fact I can say without exaggeration our stay in the Third Poorest Nation on Earth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldafrica-13072774), was more comfortable than staying in our own home in England in one of the richest countries in the world. The standard of hospitality across the Burkina Jama’at is kept high, as every Murrabi’s house I visit, despite the simplicity and humbleness of their abode, they present a feast of food, a platter — even where the Murrabi does not have a Fridge!

Sacrifice

Everywhere I look I see the light of sacrifice shining brightly across their faces; these people who have devoted their lives for the sake of Islam and Ahmadiyyat, residing in a distant land, a harsh climate and a difficult environment. Each one bristling with the eagerness to serve the faith, with no thought or realisation that they have even sacrificed anything at all. I see the one and only Doctor Waqfeen-e-Zindagi in Burkina Faso, Doctor Mahmood Bhunnoo, and my whole heart is filled with admiration. This man’s work has established the Jama’at Hospital, from design, planning, construction and then operating it as the doctor. It is a 24/7 Hospital and has created a huge impact in the Country; in fact some people travel literally hundreds of kilometres to get there from neighbouring countries such as Mali and Niger! I met these people myself.

People

I find the people of Burkina extremely simple, in their living standards, in their desires, and in their attitudes. For example in the main market place I do not find them trying to rip off tourists; on a number of occasions I calculate the wrong change and when giving them back the money — on each occasion they gave the money back to me. When asking prices although there is the usual bartering style system, nothing is over-exuberant the price for a drink is always the same they do not mark it up on seeing a tourist; the style of asking or ‘hardselling’ is very endearing: instead of pestering you continuously, they just start following you silently — although of course you

do get the habitual beggar, but again they are not aggressive as in most other countries - it is almost passive begging.

Khilafat

One thing that struck me when enquiring about the activities of the Jama’at in Burkina, was how it seemed every activity is inspired and under direction of Huzur [atba]. Sometimes, we can think that as we live in this country, that is why we are lucky to receive directly the instructions of the Khalifa — but I realised that Huzur ’s [atba] instructions, Huzur ’s [atba] direct guidance is in every single one of the 200 countries of the Jama’at; it was awe-inspiring how Huzur [atba] can have the time, the ability, the depth and grasp of every single country and be leading those countries at a such a low-level: it is at a superhuman feat. I give you one brief insight into this. The very next day after

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ISLAMAHMADIYYAT arriving in Burkina Faso, I attended a function, where dignitaries had been invited to celebrate a landmark achievement. Earlier this year Huzur [atba] set the Jama’at in Burkina Faso a target — that they were to perform 1000 Cataract eye operations within the year! This was an unprecedented target, not just for the Jama’at, but according to Amir Sahib Burkina Faso, was unprecedented in NGO history in Burkina Faso. The Jama’at itself thought as to how it could be done, but as Huzur [atba] had given the instruction, they would try their best to do it. The function I was attending was to celebrate the achievement of this target. The target had been achieved using 1 Waqf-eArdhi Doctor from Pakistan in the space of 3 months!!! Imagine, healing the blind through the call of the representative of the Messiah on an unprecedented scale. It was a mind-boggling achievement. It showed the blessings in following the instructions of Khilafat.

Faith Inspiring Incidents

The most inspirational moment for me is to see these Waqfeen-e-Zindagi going about their work. Furthermore there are a number of faith-inspiring incidents which I would like to share with the rest of the Khuddam. Whilst travelling on the way to a town called Dori, which is either just below the Sahara or actually in the Sahara, I was told by Amir Sahib that Huzur [atba] also travelled this road, but at the time the road was a mud road and not a solid concrete one. During that journey, unfortunately one of the cars in the convoy overturned. Immediately the convoy was stopped, and the authorities informed to retrieve the car. The people in the car were seen to. The members of the convoy urged Huzur [atba] to travel on to the destination and everything would be taken care of; but Huzur [atba] insisted on staying until he had personally seen that everything was in order and the convoy could be on its way together; this was a wait for 2 hours! During this time the local people starting gathering around and seeing what was happening; Huzur [atba] then started distributing 5000 BF Francs to the local people and when those notes ran out he started giving 10000 BF Francs!

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The amazing incident is this: before Khilafat, on Huzur ’s [atba] departure from Pakistan to Africa, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih III [rh] at the time said the following words to our present Huzur [atba] (gist): ‘Where even your tuda (a Punjabi word which translates into English as the ‘kick’ or ‘flick’ of the foot) strikes, gold will come out’. And at almost the exact same spot where that car turned over, a Gold mine has since been discovered!! Another incident was meeting an Ahmadi Convert Imam who used to be a Wahabbi Imam. I interviewed this person through an interpreter as to how he converted to Ahmadiyyat. He says that he and a number of fellow Imams had read the Hadith that if one dies without doing bai’at then one dies a death of ignorance. So they decided together to choose someone to do bai’at to. After this or during this, he heard of an Ahmadi Murrabi in the area calling to the Messiah. He then sat with this Murrabi on no less than 15 occasions, with the discussions spanning many, many hours (this is the usual style of Tabligh in Burkina — a discussion will start in a Mosque in the evening and go on for hours and hours sometimes till 2 and 3 a.m in the morning). Eventually he was satisfied and he did bai’at along with his villages comprising of some 5000 people! Awe-inspiring! Amazing! How the Promised Messiah’s [as] message is spreading and how whole villages are accepting Ahmadiyyat. Speaking of whole villages, I came across a village in the Sahara, named by Huzur [atba] himself called Mahdiabad.. The interesting thing about this village is that there are 2 Mosques there, 1 Mosque is an Ahmadi Mosque, and the other a non-Ahmadi Mosque. The funny thing is that in the non-Ahmadi Mosque there are just 2 worshippers left — the Imam and 1 follower; whereas all the other villagers worship at the Ahmadi Mosque. Funnily enough though, recently the Imam of the Ghair Ahmadi Mosque, decided enough is enough and also accepted Ahmadiyyat! Allaho-akbar! Insh’Allah a time will come when the whole world will reflect this incident that was being played out in this little village in a remote part of Africa; and even the last of the Ghair Ahmadi

Ulema will decide enough is enough and accept the message of Ahmadiyyat.

What does Africa Need?

Many people have opinions about what Africa needs, people who have never even visited the country have an opinion. What did I see? What did I find? Africa needs skilled people: doctors, engineers, lawyers. But skilled people who are selfless who are only working for the good of the African people; it needs Waqfeen it needs those who have devoted themselves to the Jama’at and work under the directive of the Khalifa. This is where the life of Africa lies. All other plans are lifeless. You can read above how 1 Waqfeen Doctor has created such a stir in an entire country; this Doctor is such a person that he spent most of his Waqf bringing up a child with a disability. That child passed away last year at the age of 24 years of age; yet was there any moment of wavering shown by this Doctor, any less devotion to his task; never. This is Sacrifice. This is Devotion. This is what Africa cries for, Devotees like Dr Mahmood Bhunnoo; gems that are hidden in the world of Ahmadiyyat who we only hear about when it is too late and they have gone on to their Maker. Huzur [atba] has called many times for Doctors to devote themselves, to serve the Jama’at, yet we have lagged behind, we have not heeded his call as it should have been: what excuse do we have? Do we have greater burdens than a child who has a disability and then dies in front of eyes? Do we need to complete our training? This Doctor did his formal 1 year compulsory training and then immediately went off to serve the Jama’at. Which one of us will step forward and heed this call, heed the call of the Khalifa. For my part I believe I have seen the future of the Ahmadiyyat, I have seen the future of the World: the future lies in Africa. It is up to us to decide whether we want to be part of this future.

News & Events

A Farewell Lunch for Kalim Tahir Sahib By Luqman Bajwa, South Region Motamid

n Saturday 17th November 2012 Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya South Region held a farewell lunch for Kalim Tahir Sahib, who retires into Majlis Ansarullah this year. Kalim Sahib had a special relationship with the region due to serving as Regional Qaid of South Region. Kalim Sahib served as Regional Qaid for the past two years and prior to that he held the position of Mohtamim Ta’leem in the National Amila. As well as giving an opportunity to say goodbye, in a sense, to a good friend and colleague, this event also had the added blessing of welcoming our current Sadr Majlis UK, Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib in his first visit to the Region as Sadr, as well as former Sadr Majlis Tommy Kallon Sahib. The event also welcomed Naib Amir Dr Shabir Bhatti Sahib and Regional Murabbi Faiz Ahmad Sahib. The farewell lunch was held at the newly inaugurated Tahir Mosque in Catford. After taking advantage of the obvious photo opportunity with the esteemed guests, the afternoon began with a short presentation by Naib Regional Qaid Yahya Mufti Sahib, which included showing some of Kalim Sahib’s baby pictures! Yahya Sahib remarked that the attribute which stood out most regarding Kalim Sahib was his love for the Holy Prophet [saw] and how he approached everything in accordance to his teachings. Former Sadr Majlis Fahim Anwer Sahib, who was regrettably unable to attend due to a prior engangement, sent a short speech to be read on his behalf: "Kalim Tahir Sahib has been a role model Khadim for the Majlis. He worked on getting the most out of a tough region and he stood shoulder to shoulder with the local Khuddam at Regional events and duties. As one of the Khidmat-e-Khalq Nazimeen during Jalsa Salana, Kalim Sahib worked tirelessly to ensure his areas were secure and overall I feel he has managed to bring in and introduce a new generation of Khuddam to the Majlis who maybe would not have been as involved were it not for his influence. " "It has been my honour to serve alongside Kalim Sahib. He will be a great loss to this Majlis though I hope the Khuddam will still use his knowledge and talents. I humbly request all of you to please remember him and his family, including his parents, in your special prayers." These remarks were followed by some more kind words from Tommy Kallon Sahib: "Kalim Tahir Sahib is an epitome of humility, simplicity, modesty and obedience so that working with him was a pleasure and a privilege. We got to work together on many projects and events so that I got to know him on a personal basis. As Mohtamim Ta’leem he performed his duties with efficacy and earnestness. The Ta’leem Workbook he produced while heading the Ta’leem Department,

though perhaps until now remains unpublished, is one of the best compilations of Islamic religious knowledge I have ever seen and Insha’Allah one day when published will serve the Majlis enormously. Kalim Sahib always displays a cheerful and benign countenance. I doubt whether there is anyone in Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and beyond who either has worked with Kalim Sahib or knows him in general that would have a bad word to say about him, and this for me is his greatest distinction. Never complaining, never contentious, never voluble, he is a personification of the Qur’anic injunction “We hear and we obey”. May Allah be pleased to crown all his efforts and endeavours in the cause of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK with unlimited success.” [ameen] The presentation concluded with a few words from Kalim Sahib humbly expressing his gratitude and quite characteristically giving advice for the new Amila and new Regional Qaid on the sacrifices they will have to make in order to have continued success in South Region.

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News & Events

South Region — Morrisons Save the Children Collection By Tariq Ahmad, Regional Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq

y the Grace of Allah, South Region successfully participated in the national collection campaign of the 'Save the Children' charity at Morrisons supermarkets over the weekend period of 15th and 16th December 2012. Each of the 7 Qiadats, South East London, Peckham, Norbury, West Croydon, Thornton Heath, Purley and Shirley had provided volunteers to facilitate the donations at the Peckham and Sidcup Morrisons Stores. At each location there were approximately 10 volunteers on each shift. During the afternoon on both days, the volunteers stopped to offer their Zuhr and Asr prayers collectively in one of the supermarkets’ staff rooms. Both still imagery and video recordings were made at the stores including group photos and an audio interview with the Peckham store manager. Complete pictures of Qiadats participation can be seen on the South Region section of the Khuddam website.

Prior to the event attempts were made to contact the local media to cover this in local newspapers. By the Grace of Allah we were also able to publish a press release on the event. Some of the limitations experienced were that there were more volunteers than ‘Save the Children’ T-shirts and donation buckets, while at the Sidcup store the buckets provided had no seals and this would unfortunately have impacted the level of professionalism in being able to collect as much as possible. Despite economic austerity, the customers appeared happy in donating. The volunteers were positioned at the checkouts helping to put customers’ groceries into carrier bags. They were polite, helpful and accommodating to the customers and the store manager later related that their customers were happy with the Khuddam volunteers. Total funds raised over the weekend was just shy of £1000 from both stores. We would like to thank all the volunteers for the time and effort they went to in order to make this a success.

Colliers Wood Khuddam Feed The Homeless in Central London By Sajid Zahid, Qaid Colliers Wood

y the Grace of Allah, on Friday 7th December 2012, Colliers Wood Khuddam joyfully took part in feeding the homeless in and around the Central London area.

At 7pm, five Khuddam along with Qaid Majlis (Sajid Zahid) packed 100 boxes of rice and lentils in Baitul Futuh. At 7:45pm, they departed Baitul Futuh to distribute the packed food near Zimbabwe House in Charing Cross, where Jonathan Butterworth Sahib joined us along with his Tabligh contact. Masha’Allah within 30 minutes, food boxes were distributed to over 60 homeless people.

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The benefit of this session was twofold: not only the homeless people benefitted from receiving and consuming the food, but also the younger Khuddam earned the opportunity to win the pleasure of Allah and to appreciate and realise the activities that Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya undertakes towards Humanity. All Colliers Wood Khuddam look forward to participating in the next homeless feeding sessions and we pray that may Allah continue to give us Khuddam such opportunity every month.

[ameen]

Regional Ta’leem & Tarbiyyat Forum and Holy Prophet [saw] Exhibition South West

By Naveed Mughal Regional Qaid South West

y the Grace of Allah, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya South West held its Regional Ta’leem and Tarbiyyat Forum and Holy Prophet [saw] exhibition on Saturday 22nd December 2012. The forum and exhibition was held following the National Ta’leem and Tarbiyyat Plan. The program started at 10.45am with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an followed by Khuddam pledge. After the pledge Regional Qaid Sahib South West welcomed everyone to the forum. Regional Qaid Sahib instructed Khuddam about the book Life of Muhammad [saw], and introduced a new book World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace. Regional Qaid Sahib advised Khuddam to read both books and distribute to non-Ahmadis. Also he told Khuddam about the Season’s Greetings post cards by Jama’at. After his speech Naib Mohtamim Atfal Inam Khan Sahib, reminded Khuddam and Ansar about their responsibilities to Atfal, he said that everyone must try to help and assist Atfal in their day-to-day upbringing. He presented the life of Holy Prophet of Islam Hadhrat Muhammad [saw] as a role model for every Tifl and Khadim to follow. After the Naib Mohtamim Sahib’s speech, Regional Ameer Sahib South West gave a short speech on Life of Holy Prophet [saw]. He in his speech specifically touched upon how other non-Muslim orators, writers and speakers described the life and character of Holy Prophet [saw]. The formal discussion forum was started after the speech. At this time Atfal and Khuddam were divided into separate groups and separate place. Naib Mohtamim Atfal and members of National Atfal Team led the Atfal session. Regional Ameer Sahib, Sadr Sahib Cardiff, Regional Qaid Sahib & Regional Nazim Ta’leem South West led the Khuddam discussion forum. Following the advice from National Mohtamim Tarbiyyat following discussion topics were selected: 1. How can we achieve success in this life and after?

2. How can we contribute to the victory of Islam? Every Khadim present at the forum expressed their views. Khuddam presented the religious and secular aspect of success. Facilitators of the forum presented the role model of Holy Prophet of Islam [saw], Promised Messiah [as], and Khulafa of the Promised Messiah [as], Doctor Abdus Salam & Chaudhry Sir Zafarullah Khan Sahib as some of the role models. It was concluded that as a Khadim and Ahmadi Muslim we must try to align our success in this life with an aim to be successful in the life hereafter. Various extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah [as] were read to highlight the importance of financial sacrifice and victory of Islam in the present time. Forum was concluded with Zuhr and Asr prayers followed by lunch. After lunch the books, Life of Muhammad [saw] and World crisis and the Pathway to Peace and Season’s Greetings postal cards were distributed. Very positive feedback from Khuddam was received after the event. Insha’Allah the region is planning to hold one forum every quarter.

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News & Events

Tree Plantation in Wales National Botanic Garden in Partnership with Woodlands Trust By Naveed Mughal, Regional Qaid South West

y the grace of Allah, South West region planted trees in the National Botanic Garden of Wales, in Carmarthenshire on 25 November 2012. The event was well attended by local community groups. The synchronised creation of woodland also took place on the slopes of Mount Kenya giving the initiative a truly global outlook. The event was part of the Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods project, which aims to plant six million trees across the UK to mark the Diamond Jubilee. The new woods at the National Botanic Garden are one of only three of its kind in Wales and will be called Clearbrook Wood. Cardiff Qiadat’s Nazim Sahib Khidmat-e-Khalq & Regional Qaid Sahib South West met Paula Keen Woodland Creation Manager South Wales in June 2012 to see the prospects of planting trees. The meeting proved fruitful when South West Region was invited to the plantation in the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. 25 Khuddam and Ansar from the South West Region arrived at the venue at 10.30am. The event was started with a vote of thanks from the Director of National Botanic Gardens for Wales. She appreciated the work of various communities involved in the plantation. The Woodland Trust Director for Wales especially thanked the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association for assisting in the tree plantation. After the brief introduction on how to plant trees, the tree plantation began. In total 800 trees were planted over the course of three hours. The enthusiasm and spirit of Khuddam and Ansar was greatly appreciated from the organisers and the other members of the community. Towards the end tea and refreshments were served and Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered. This event was also a great source of Tabligh. An introduction of the Jama’at was given to various people present on the day. Insha’Allah more plantations are planned in January 2013, which will result in the region planting more than 1000 trees Insha’Allah.

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Charity work as part of the Poppy Appeal By Bashir Uddin, Regional Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq

n 4th of November 2012, Khuddam and Atfal from across the region went to Brentcross shopping centre to assist Poppy Appeal. Altogether 13 Khuddam and Atfal from Cambridge, Stevenage, Luton and Watford sacrificed their Sunday and came out to assist The Royal British Legion, who organise poppy appeals on an annual basis remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and raising money to help those in need today. People who benefit from The Royal British Legion charity are serving members of armed forces, ex-Service men and women (Veterans), their families and dependants all year round. It was a great example of fulfilling Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya’s

pledge of serving our country and nation by coming out and assisting a charitable organisation. Khuddam and Atfal started arriving at the shopping centre from 11.30am. Regional Qaid Abdul Aziz Sahib, National Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq Imran Mirza Sahib and Regional Nazim Khidmat-e-Khalq Bashir uddin Sahib were also present to show their support. At 12pm all Khuddam and Atfal were given individual boxes of poppies and collection boxes who then went and stood at different locations inside Brentcross shopping centre. Collection ended at 6pm where Imran Mirza Sahib and Abdul Aziz Sahib thanked all present for their efforts.

Huddersfield South — Waqar-e-Amal at Baitus Samad Mosque By Kamal Aftab, Qaid Huddersfield South

n 24th November 2012, Huddersfield South offered Khuddam the opportunity of cleaning the Baitus Samad Mosque.

By the Grace of Allah, a total of 8 Khuddam took advantage of this blessed opportunity and arrived at the Mosque for 6.30pm. Work started with the cleaning of the men’s and ladies’ washrooms and prayer halls. The Khuddam then took a break at 7.30pm and utilised this time to offer Ishaa Salaat in congregation. Work resumed after Salaat, with

Khuddam vacuuming the hallway outside the men's toilets and the side staircase leading up to the ladies’ hall. At the same time, the volunteers organised the conference room. The final task was to thoroughly clean the missionaries’ residence. This consisted of vacuuming the carpet, cleaning the washroom and wiping down all the surfaces in the kitchen. The Waqar-eAmal finished at 8.30pm. May Almighty Allah reward the efforts of all who took part.

[ameen]

Masroor Region Tabligh Stall By Raza ul Haq, Regional Nazim Ishaat, Masroor Region By the Grace of Allah, Masroor Region successfully held a Tabligh stall in the heart of Wimbledon Town Centre on the 8th of December 2012 (from 12pm until 3:30pm). The stall was manned by the Regional Nazim Tabligh and seven members of Wimbledon Qiadat (including five Khuddam and two Atfal). Our team was later joined by Regional Qaid Sahib and the Regional Motamid. Jama'at literature and refreshments (including a 3-litre thermos of fresh hot tea, Ribena and biscuits) were laid across the stall for distribution to passers-by.

By the Grace of Allah, fourteen members of the public approached our stall, three of which provided us with their personal contact details for further contact. The following books were presented to these new three contacts: •

The Holy Qur'an, Arabic Text and English Translation, Translated by Maulawi Sher 'Ali [ra] (1 copy)

•

'Invitation to Ahmadiyyat' by Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II [ra] (1 copy)

•

'Our Teaching' by The Promised Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] (1 copy)

•

'A Gift for the Queen' by The Promised Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] (1 copy)

In addition, over 800 leaflets were disseminated to the crowd of train passengers rushing in and out of Wimbledon station. May Allah grant us success in our humble efforts. [ameen]

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News & Events

Raynes Park Interfaith Initiative, Colden Common (near Winchester) By Zakariyya Chaudary, Qaid Raynes Park

n Saturday 1st December 2012, Khuddam and Ansar members of Raynes Park Jama’at visited The Holy Trinity Church, Colden Common in efforts to build upon existing relations with members of the church and local community. The Raynes Park Jama’at Khuddam delegation departed from Baitul Futuh Mosque at approximately 9:30am and arrived at 10:45am. On arrival, we were graciously greeted by a senior representative of the church who introduced himself and his role in the Church. The Khuddam introduced themselves and showed interest in the history of the church by asking many questions. A number of interesting events have taken place at the church over its 160 year history, and we were delighted to be shown a tree dating back 400 years. Introductions over, the Khuddam joined church members in their Saturday morning activity, gardening on the church premises. This activity provided an opportunity for many informal discussions with the church goers and we were able to portray in a practical way our Islamic and Jama’at values of respect for other places of worship and faiths, willingness to cooperate, help of neighbours, and contribution to society. All Khuddam members present worked with full devotion and enthusiasm to all tasks they were assigned. This was appreciated by the local community, and a few members of the church approached each Khadim to convey their personal gratitude for assisting in the maintenance of their church. At the end of the day the church warden expressed the wishes of some of the congregation to visit Baitul Futuh. We of course welcomed the idea and further suggested the holding of a joint event on the commonality between Christianity and Islam. Following the visit, the Warden wrote to say, ‘ ‘It was a great pleasure to meet you last Saturday, and thank you all so very much for the time you gave to our community; it is greatly appreciated. I have spoken briefly to our Vicar, who is very much in favour of organising an opportunity to welcome your members to a gathering in Colden Common, to explore and discuss the familiarities and differences in each others faiths and beliefs.’ Alhamdulillah, the events of the day illustrates that practising and demonstrating the true teachings of Islam is a very effective way to open people’s hearts. Insha’Allah we will be able to build further on relations for further opportunities to fulfil our Tabligh duties.

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Olives - A Healthy Option By Dr Rizwan Hafeez, Regional Nazim Ta’leem Midlands

lives are one of the oldest food known to man. It is believed that they originated from Crete, an island in Greece. Archaeological evidence suggests that they have been grown there since 2500 B.C. It is recognised as a symbol of peace. The olive has been mentioned in the Bible and the Holy Qur’an. "There with He grows corn for you, and the olive and the date palm, and the grapes, and all kinds of fruits. Surely, in that is a Sign for a people who reflect." (Al-Nahl, Ch.16:V.12). From this verse we learn the high regard given to olives as a service to man, which we have seen over time in the form of food, fuel, and medicine. Olive is the fruit of the Olea Europaea tree. Olea meaning oil, referring to its high monosaturated (healthy) fat content, Europaea, referring to Europe, the region of it's origin. They are inedible raw, and require curing prior to eating. They come in many shapes, sizes and colour. Irrespective of this they are all regarded of high nutritional value. Generally the ones that are green are harvested before they are ripe, whilst black olives are fully ripe. Nutritionally olives contain fat, sodium and small amount of carbohydrate. The predominant fat in olive is Oleic acid, which has proven to provide multiple health benefits, through it's anti-oxidant properties. It is also a good source of Vitamin E and phytonutrients including polyphenols and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Epidemiological studies have strongly supported the health benefits of olives, evident by low disease prevalence amongst the Mediterranean population, where olives are most consumed. The recognised health benefits include: Reduction in the risk of Cancer, particularly Colon, Breast and Skin, through the anti-oxidant property of Oleic acid, as well other anti-cancer compounds: Vitamin E, Squalane and Terpenoid. These neutralise the effect of free radicals; chemicals produced through metabolism that have potential to cause harmful effects on the cells of the body. Heart — the Phenols in olive, help reduce the blood pressure and the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). This helps in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High dietary intake of polysaturated fats contributes towards Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Consumption of high levels of monosaturated fat in olives has been shown to reduce the risk of Diabetes more so compared to an absolute low dietary fat intake. Bone — olives contain a chemical called Oleocanthal, this

works as a painkiller by reducing inflammation in a similar manner to Ibuprofen. This has been recognised in providing better symptom control in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Olives improve bone mineralisation and calcification through improved calcium absorption, overall helping reduce the risk of rickets and osteoporosis. Digestive tract — Olive oil has been shown to activate the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones more effectively, helping reduce the incidence of gallstones. It also reduces gastritis and stomach ulcers through its anti-inflammatory features. In people with Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, olives can provide them with a rich source of dietary iron supplementation. Skin & Hair -Vitamin E in olives, protects the skin from UV radiation, guarding against skin cancer and premature aging. It forms part of many moisturising creams and hair shampoos, giving a glowing look to the skin and hair. Infection — The antimicrobial properties of olives have been associated with a reduced frequency of respiratory or intestinal infections. In post-menopausal women, the phytonutrients in olives have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes. In view of the above mentioned, an isolated diet on olives is not recommended, its use in moderation in combination with other fruit, fibre and meat, will help olives provide the best health benefits.

TARIQ January 2013

DID YOU KNOW

TARIQ January 2013

The ‘Real Truth’ about a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year By Ansar Khan, Regional Nazim Ta’leem, Tahir Region “When a suggestion from Satan assails those who are righteous, they are instantly alerted and become watchful” (Holy Qur’an, Ch.7:V.202) Ibrahim ibn Husain [ra] relates that he heard the Holy Prophet [saw] say: Between the creation of Adam [as] and the Judgement Day there is no affair greater than the mischief of the AntiChrist (Dajjal) (Muslim – referenced in Riyadh As-salihin – Gardens of the Righteous. Hadith 1820).

cartoons on that most malevolent tool of the Dajjal, the hypnotic box in every home — the TV. The shiny eye catching decorations in houses and shops, and the fake promise that an imaginary person will deliver presents as rewards for nothing done are just some of the ways pre-school children are entwined into its philosophy.

For many Westerners Christmas (or Christ’s Mass as it was known) is supposed to be about the birth of the Christian Messiah Jesus [as]. But as Ahmadi Muslims we all recognise that no Prophet of God would ever condone this. However, what many of us do not know is the real philosophy and underlining origins behind today’s Christmas and New Year celebrations. A history that once known would make any righteous believer to immediately start to beg forgiveness from the Almighty.

It is no coincidence that nearly all primary school children in English schools are required to participate in the nativity play. Whether a child is asked to dress as an animal or snowflake, to the keen observer it is an obvious attempt to instil wrong ideologies into the minds of receptive children. One such thing you might notice is the scene of the nativity depicts shepherds. Common sense tells us that shepherds do not tend their flock during December in the Middle East. The other would be that the guiding star in the shape of a Satanic symbol and the three kings are actually metaphorical for something far more sinister than they are portrayed to be.

The real history about how the public in the West has been fooled into performing such acts as to appease pagan idols and celebrate idolatrous customs by stealth is both shocking and serious. It underlies how most people truly do not realise how formidable and encompassing the system of the Dajjal really is.

Scientific fact is that the precise day of Jesus’ [as] birth is a complete unknown; no one has been able to prove what day Hadhrat Jesus [as] was born. And in the first 400 years of Christianity it was not celebrated at all. Of course if the birth of Hadhrat Moses [as] is not celebrated by Jews then why would it?

It is both very patient and persistent, much like its master the ‘sneaking whisperer’ Satan. But have no doubts it has succeeded in immersing the masses unwittingly into shirk. One of the major sins that is not forgiven by God.

So, a little digging around and we find that it was much later, that it was ‘decided’ that a ‘holy’ day should be created to conveniently coincide with the Roman Pagan Winter Solstice and ancient Norse Pagan Winter Festival and replace them with a Christian festival. It was the Catholic Church i.e. the incumbent Pope and the Church of Rome that created this as a form of revival for the Christian faith. But not all Christians are Catholics.

The problem is the numerous books, school nativity plays and films presenting over and over the falsehood of this holiday period and its fake ‘moral traditions’. The shirk instilling system starts at a very young age. Children’s

In as recent as the 16th and 17th century, significant groups of English Protestant Christians called the Puritans strongly condemned the celebration of Christmas. Considering it a Catholic invention and the 'trappings of popery' or the 'rags of the beast'. They refused to be dragged into these immoral innovations. The ‘beast’ incidentally being a metaphorical name for the Anti-Christ (the Christian name for the Dajjal). Soon after the English civil war England’s Puritan rulers banned Christmas from 1647 to 1660. In Scotland the Presbyterian Church of Scotland also discouraged the observance of Christmas. This ideology of banning and suppressing Christmas spread across states and countries, as they realised the damage it could do to the moral fibre of their communities. With the beginnings of colonial America the Puritans of New England shared the Protestant disapproval of Christmas celebration and they too outlawed it in Boston from 1659 to 1681. Amazingly it took till as recent as the mid 19th century till Christmas became fashionable in Boston, America. This of course upset those who secretly wanted to destroy the strength of Christianity, so they devised one of the first and most successful plans of mass media control. In 1843 the iconic Victorian novelist Charles Dickens wrote 'A Christmas Carol' to revive the ‘spirit’ of Christmas. Published widely it became an instant hit not only in Victorian England but also in Europe and America. It played a major role in re-establishing Christmas. The story created in the mind of the reader a yearning to embrace and celebrate Christmas. This was even though he wasn’t even a Catholic. In 1843 and 1845 he again wrote about Christmas in his follow up

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DID YOU KNOW stories ‘The Chimes’ and ‘The Cricket on the Hearth’. Further reinforcing the pagan holiday into the minds of society. Dickens’ influence is very synonymous still today for example words such as 'scrooge' becoming a word meaning 'miser'. And the term 'Merry Christmas' became popularised by him. Christmas Day was originally an Idol Worship day. Contrary to modern media Christmas is not universally celebrated by all Christians. The orthodox Christians in Russian and its surrounding countries including Slovakia, Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria etc, the Coptic Christians in the Middle East and Africa, and most of the churches in the West Bank of Bethlehem and churches in Greece for example do not celebrate the 25th of December as the birth of Hadhrat Jesus [as]. They all believe that according to the Holy Bible his birth was in August / September and thus his miraculous conception was 9 months earlier i.e. around the 7th of January. So they celebrate not the birth but the ‘immaculate conception’ on a day after the pagan festival dates. In the Holy Qur'an we are told that Hadhrat Mary [ra_ha] went into the desert on her own to have Hadhrat Jesus [as] and was helped only by the Arch Angel Hadhrat Gabriel, [as]. He is narrated as having provided her support with dates and water as she leant upon the trunk of a date palm in pain. The truth and a completely different history to what is told today. History also tells us that the Romans, who conquered, built and named Britannia (Britain) and Londinium (London) were idol worshipers. And one of the chief official deities worshiped by them was Jupiter or Jove (as pronounced by them) — the God of sky and thunder, the God of war, the one they believed that gave them victory. Jupiter’s sacred animal was the eagle, which is still used by some countries today. Jupiter was the equivalent of the Greek king God Zeus. Jupiter was associated with kings and kingship. One of the most religious

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periods in the Roman Julian Calendar was the 17th December to 23rd December, called ‘Saturnalia’ the Roman day of giving gifts.

customs, and Charles Dickens’ novels, it become widespread in the UK and by 1870’s it had become widespread in America too.

The Roman festival for the birth of the ‘unconquered sun’ (Dies Natalis Solis Invicta) was also celebrated in the winter solstice. This was to commemorate the rebirth of the sun. As Jupiter was the sky God it was in awe and adoration to him.

It is a curious fact that there are no Christmas type trees in Bethlehem, Nazareth or Galilee, in fact throughout the Middle East coniferous tree do not naturally grow. Coniferous trees or evergreens, as they are also known as, grow naturally only in cold snowy climates such as northern Europe and northern America.

During later periods of Roman History, sun worship gained more importance and led to 'solar monotheism' i.e. only worshipping the sun God. The feast of Sol Invictus (unconquered sun) on 25th December was celebrated with great feasts and sinful fornication. Similar to today’s celebrations. In the year 321 AD the first Christian Roman Caesar (emperor), Constantine the Great was instrumental in creating a turning point for the Christians. He instructed that both Christians and nonChristians should worship ‘the venerable day of the sun’ in an attempt to create harmony across the Roman Empire. This was one of many reasons why Christians later took this festival and used it to commemorate the birth or conception of their ‘son of God’ as apposed to the ‘sun God’. It is has been noted in many reputable commentaries that this is one of the ways that the sun God was substituted and represented as the son of God. As the Roman Empire spread over time it saw both the spread of Christianity and the pagan ideology of northern Europe across its vast empire. Christmas Trees are Pagan Idols. In 1832 just a few years before Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’, a young Queen Victoria after her marriage to her German cousin Prince Albert had her first Christmas tree. It is reported that she was delighted to have decorations and lights on it and having had gifts placed under it. Prince Albert of Germany had brought his pagan north European traditions with him. By the mid 1840’s, due to the popularity of the Queen and her

The northern European pagans used to worship nature and trees. It was during the Roman Empire that this pagan worship was popularised across Germania (known today as Germany). The month of December was already a pagan holiday before the advent of Hadhrat Jesus [as]; Like in Roman traditions it was also to celebrate the winter solstice i.e. the increase in daylight hours. The northern Europe pagans came from areas today known, as Iceland, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden etc. They believed that trees held spirits within them that could benefit them. That is why they would decorate coniferous trees and place gifts underneath them to appease these spirits so they would bring them good fortune in the coming year. The very same type of worship as was popularised by Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. What we as Muslims must realise is that just because a Christmas tree doesn’t look like a brightly coloured Hindu deity with colourful garlands and presents at its feet. The two are still venerated in the same way. It doesn’t make it any less shirk in the sight of God Almighty. During the Roman ‘Saturnalia’ celebrations evergreens were hung on buildings, wreaths hung on doors and holly across halls in the form of pagan charms to ward off evil spirits and invoke spells. This is where we get the term ‘deck the halls with holly’. To decorate using evergreens is to acknowledge the powers of the nature Gods. The bright red coloured berries were

important in pagan traditions and to create a circular shape like a wreath was supposed to accentuate its magical powers. And mistletoe was used in the casting of druidic spells to make a woman open and helpless to exploitation. This is where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe comes from. And those traditions and modern plastic equivalents are still around today. Ever wondered why people say its much better to have a real tree than a plastic one? Yule or Yuletide (meaning Yule time) is meant to be a supernatural winter period. Celebrated by historical Germanic pagans and their neighbouring people as a religious festival. Originally Norse, it too was absorbed into Christ’s Mass. Yule was a pre Christian Norse fertility God pronounced ‘Jul’, and was worshiped over the December period. The Yule log was a very large and extremely hard log that was cut down and fashioned into a fertility symbol and then burned. It was supposed to hold magical power and was the centrepiece of a large bonfire that required 12 daily sacrifices to Yule. The sacrificial victims to appease the God were usually Yule goats or Yule boars. And they were burned alive in the fire. Sometimes horrifically but not always as there were human sacrifices too. This is the true evil origin of the modern 12 days of Christmas custom. To this day some people still continuously burn an open fire in their homes for 12 days. So in an attempt to blur the origins of this horrific ritual the incumbent Pope and the Church of Rome placed the first day of the Mass of Christ on December 25th and the 12th day on January the 6th. Despite no scriptural references the 6th was selected to represent the day the 3 Kings supposedly came to visit Hadhrat Jesus [as]. This day became known as epiphany. In days gone by European people placed an oil-burning lamp in their windows to show passers-by that they were participating in the pagan worship of the phallic idol Yule. And in today’s commercialism this is where we have the custom of decorating the house and windows with lights.

Carol singing came from the ‘kolyada’ or ‘koleda’ singing. An ancient Slavic winter ritual celebrating the old year. The singing was in honour of another pagan sun God — Dazbog. It too was also assimilated into Christmas tradition by Charles Dickens.

Legend has it that he was supposed to have conquered Satan and put him under his control. Historical artwork of Sinterklaas is usually depicted with a pet goat. The goat may have been a symbol for the devil as even today it is used to symbolise the devil in pagan symbology.

The original names and types of singing are still in use today in Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Croatia. In western culture Russian and Polish immigrants have changed it into singing on Christmas Eve.

Interestingly, narratives about Sinterklaas are always told where he is helped by Zwarte Pietenen (Dutch for Black Peter). A racist and pagan name for an evil spirit. And the two of them went around visiting children on the 5th or 6th of December.

When we read in Christmas cards ‘Yuletide greeting’ that is in fact invoking the power of the fertility God Yule upon that person, another form of shirk.

Zwarte Pieten was supposed to be his bound Satan. It is said that Zwarte Pieten carried with him a book, which had a list of good and bad children. And that Sinterklaas referred to this book and asked children to recount some scripture or good deed before Zwarte Pieten rewarded them with apples, nuts and gingerbread. If a child was bad or unable to recount scriptures, Zwarte Pieten punished the child with a beating with willow canes.

Santa Claus or the Norse God Odin Most children know that Santa Claus (Father Christmas) doesn’t exist. But the true origins of this fantasy person are also surprising and disturbing. It may be surprising to know that the Norse God Odin looked like Santa. He was a major God for the Germanic pagans and was also remembered over the Yule festival. Icelandic traditions say Odin had an 8-legged horse named Sleipnir and legend says that Sleipnir could leap great distances in a single bound. The origin to the story of Santa and his eight magical flying reindeer. In Norse traditions we find that children used to put straw, carrots or sugar in their boots near the chimney for Sleipnir to eat, and Odin would reward then by replacing the food with candy and gifts. This tradition survives even to this day in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium. Netherlands and Belgium. As these traditions moved to other countries the boots near the chimney became colourful stockings hanging by the fire. And it was sometime later that the story of a man titled Sinterklaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas) appeared in places like Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. A huge annual feast was commemorated by some Church denominations in his honour.

In some historical pictures Zwarte Pieten was depicted as a goat or a small black horned devil. In Germanic tradition Sinterklaas’s satanic helper was named Knecht Ruprecht. Ruprechet, commonly meaning the devil in German. And further research reveals that the first known origins of Sinterklaas were not from a Christian Saint but from AngloSaxon pagan mythology. Borrowing heavily from Norse mythology. It was said that he rode a white horse named Sliepnir, (the same name as Odin’s horse) and he flew through the air as the leader of a special wild hunt. It is narrated that he had with him two ravens that would listen at the chimneys about the good and bad behaviour of the mortals. Then Sinterklaas returned to his master Woden to report. Woden was a pre Christian Anglo-Saxon God. Note the striking name resemblance of Woden with Odin the Norse God. It is little surprise then that the name Santa can very easily be rearranged to spell Satan. When analysing historical references during Christianisation, Pope Gregory

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DID YOU KNOW

I argued that conversions were easier if people were allowed to retain their outward form of traditions. So by claiming the traditions were in honour of the Christian God, the Saint Nicholas tradition was created as part of the Catholic Church’s conversion process of exchanging Odin and Woden, to a Christian counterpart. There is history of a Saint Nikolaos of Myra and that he had a habit of secret gift giving but it is far from the story that he wore red clothes, carried a staff and had with him a small goat that carried his presents on its back. So it was no surprise that Protestant churches changed the story further and named this mythical gift giver Christ Child or Christkindl and moved the date of his giving to Christmas Eve. Some world wide Christians dislike any depiction of Santa Claus saying it detracts and even parodies the religious celebration. One such denomination that refuses to celebrate Christmas are the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even New Year celebrations on the 1st of January are a Pagan ritual the fireworks and all night partying are nothing more than Roman idolatrous celebrations. History tells us that January is named after the Roman God Janus, a 2 headed God. With one face looking forward and the other back. The faces as depicted on his statues, show his ability to see and control the years past and future. And the Romans believed that if they were to drink and

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feast to him this would please him and he would grant them a prosperous new year. So singing and drinking around the world on the 1st of January is again nothing more than shirk. By staying up all till 12.01am is to inadvertently recognise that Janus holds the power to grant you a successful you new year. The 1st of January is also not celebrated across the World. Many Religions and cultures have their own new year date and calendars. The question for us as Ahmadi Muslims is how many of us celebrate or fast on the first day of the Gregorian Calendar but do not even know or fast on the date of the start of the Muslim new year? So in conclusion it is quite clear that the Christmas and New Year traditions are nothing short of getting the mass public to inadvertently appease pagan Gods and their traditions to make the world forget God. Early Christians resisted as long as they could. But the unrelenting and repeated attack upon Christianity by the Dajjal both from inside and outside resulted in them eventually embracing these sin infected traditions. Today we see Muslims and Muslim countries across the world are without thinking quickly adopting these sin infected traditions in a foolish attempt to appease and walk in step with their Western contemporaries. But to stop Islam, following in the footsteps of Christianity, was the very purpose for the advent of the Promised Islamic Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as].

The Promised Messiah [as] summed things up best when he explained: “Whoever is aware of the momentum that these attacks are gaining, definitely feels the need for God’s help; he who is quite unaware of this situation has nothing to say about the need. Such a person asserts that nobody has done any harm to Islam. But it is a pity that he does not know that the power of Islam has dwindled and religiously speaking ‘Mukhliseena lahuddeen’ are nowhere to be found (i.e. the people who should devote themselves to the service of Islam sincerely are not to be found anywhere).” Inwardly Islam has become weak and outwardly the people would like to efface it from the world. The opponents think of the Muslims as very low like dogs and swine; they do not like to see them alive. If a true Muslim is to come to know of all that is happening in this respect, he would succumb to grief. It is only the Book of God (the Holy Qur’an) and His Signs that can help; the opponents cannot be faced without these two things. And that actually is the aim of my advent. (Malfoozat vol. III p449) May Allah guide us to recognise and avoid the illusions and trappings of the dunya, and hold firm to the Word of Allah attaining His Special Protection and Mercy.

[ameen]

Articles

Loneliness amongst older people and the impact of family connections Taken from WRVS - http://www.wrvs.org.uk

Note: WRVS team takes full responsibility for any errors or miscommunication in this synopsis.

Loneliness

Although there is no universal definition of loneliness, it is perhaps best described by Victor et al as being the ‘deprivation of social contact, the lack of people available or willing to share social and emotional experiences, a state where an individual has the potential to interact with others but is not doing so and a discrepancy between the actual and desired interaction with others’ (Victor, Scambler, Bond & Bowling, 2005). We know that loneliness and social isolation can affect everyone but older people are particularly vulnerable after the loss of friends and family, reduced mobility or limited income. What is WRVS: WRVS an elderly people’s charity has published a series of reports that highlight the phenomenon of loneliness among older people and its associated health risks, such as the link between declining mental health and physical health problems that compromise their quality of life. For many, feeling lonely in old age is the biggest problem. Loneliness has a much wider public health impact too, as it is associated with a number of negative health outcomes including mortality, morbidity, depression and suicide as well as health service use (Vicotor, Scambler, Marston et al, 2006). A 2008 study from the University of Chicago found that chronic loneliness is a health risk factor comparable to smoking, obesity and lack of exercise and contributes to a suppressed immune system, high blood pressure and increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 22 per cent of older people questioned in the survey say that they feel lonely at times. This figure is corroborated by the latest findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which finds that around 1 in 6 people over 50 in England feel socially isolated; our figure is higher, perhaps due to our

respondents being older. We can see that there is a regional variation, with 22 per cent of older people in England feeling lonely, 17 per cent in Wales and the greatest proportion, in Scotland with over a quarter of all older people feeling lonely. This may be attributable to their nearest child living the greatest distance away across all the regions. As we get older, we naturally experience more age-related losses. Many people experience loneliness either as a result of living alone, a lack of close family ties, for example. These losses are compounded by physical disablement and frail health and can result in feelings of loneliness, isolation and demoralisation (Singh and Mishra, 2009). Those in the oldest age cohort are most likely to report the highest rates of loneliness, reflecting their increased probability of such losses. This is found in our study; 17 per cent of people aged 75 to 79 years say that they feel lonely; this figure rises to over 63 per cent in those aged 80 and over. 42 per cent of the older people in this study live alone. This figure rises to 72 per cent of those aged over 85. Although living alone is not necessarily synonymous with loneliness, we find that of those who admit to feelings of loneliness, the majority live alone. Over three quarters of older people living alone feel lonely, compared to just under a quarter for those sharing their home. It is a worry that these people are still in contact with their children, face-to-face or by phone or other means, less often than those who live with their husband or wife. Previous research validates this as it indicates that living together with someone has a less negative influence on feelings of loneliness. This is a very clear finding that living alone are at greater risk of social isolation. These same respondents are also in contact with their children, face-to-face or by other means, less often.

We know from previous research that self-reported rates of loneliness may be an underrepresentation of the true levels of loneliness because of the perceived stigma which is associated with being lonely. Older people may attribute feeling lonely to old age itself and are inhibited from seeking help or reporting symptoms. This phenomenon may indicate that in fact loneliness is experienced by more respondents, yet remains unreported. Our findings reveal that the majority of respondents who feel lonely, 61 per cent have not told their children. This figure rises by age and we see that 80 per cent of those aged 85 years and older have not told their children. We are told that the chief reason they do not tell their children that they are lonely is that, ‘they do not want to bother them’. It is of note also that men are far less likely to admit to feelings of loneliness to their children, perhaps indicating a stiff upper lip mentality amongst men. According to findings from the Mental Health Foundation, in their report ‘The Lonely Society?’ 1 in 3 people say that they would be embarrassed to admit they are lonely (Griffin, 2010).

Discussion and recommendations

Our study has revealed that 15 per cent of respondents aged 85 years and older in the study live more than 40 miles apart from their children and 12 per cent of respondents living alone live more than 40 miles from their children. It is of particular concern that these respondents have children who live more than an hour’s drive away from them, which means that they might not be readily available in case of a medical emergency, for example. We are concerned that children are too

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Articles

busy to see their parents and the results of our survey highlight the pressures which families face in trying to juggle work and family commitments. In particular, our findings reveal that it is those most vulnerable who are affected by infrequent visits, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;oldestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; old, over 85 years and those living alone. We are also concerned that geographic mobility has increased the physical distance between generations as we know that some types of support may be provided regularly if those involved live relatively close to each other. These include, for example, support by adult children for infirm elderly parents with personal care and domestic tasks such as cooking and housework. As the lack of availability of family help with these types of tasks will influence demand for formally provided services, the proximity of adult children and their parents is of immediate policy significance. In the light of current pressures on statutory and voluntary sector services, families and communities may need to play a greater role in supporting the lives of older people alongside third sector organisations such as WRVS. Loneliness must not be viewed as an inevitable part of ageing. However we can see that living alone, a lack of close

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family ties, and infrequent contact with children greatly contributes to a sense of isolation and loneliness. We know that loneliness is a serious health issue for older people and us all; it is associated with poor mental and physical health. It is good to see that the Government and local authorities have made a commitment for loneliness to be mapped in each area. WRVS in conjunction with The Campaign to End Loneliness has developed an online toolkit that will help local commissioners to identify and tackle loneliness in their areas. This research shows how crucial it is for Health and Wellbeing boards to deliver on the targets for loneliness they have been set. Action is needed on the ground now to make sure older people experiencing loneliness get the help they need. We also know that higher levels of social contact and interaction with friends and family can improve well-being and a major predictor of quality of life is good social relationships. We believe that the key to prevention of loneliness in older people is through access to company, reciprocal emotional support, having someone to talk to and to call on for everyday help and emergencies.

Interventions which promote social engagement and combat loneliness and social isolation are vital in improving quality of life in old age. It is notable that older people themselves have indicated that overcoming loneliness is a priority. WRVSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shaping Our Age findings showed that establishing and maintaining social connections was the top priority amongst a diverse group of older people. WRVS provides services, such as befriending, Meals on Wheels, community transport and community centres, which make a practical contribution to overcoming loneliness in our communities. We have worked constructively with commissioners in different parts of the country to reduce the impact of loneliness. Families can be reassured that their parents are being looked after and that their parents will get the support and companionship they need.

Methodology The research was conducted in October 2012 by PCP. 500 people over the age of 75 were interviewed across England, Scotland and Wales.

Allah Proves His existence by manifesting His powers

By Maulana Ghori Sahib – Nazir-e-A’la Qadian, Jalsa Salana UK (Translated By Abdul Quddus Arif )

n the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful.

in Allah’ nor can he protect his faith and show steadfastness in it.

‘All perfect and complete praise belongs to Allah Who has guided us towards this path Himself. And we could not have tread the guided path and find Allah, if it were not for Allah’s benevolent guidance.’ (Holy Qur’an, Ch.7:V.44)

The main purpose for the commissioning of Prophets and Messengers of Allah the Exalted is so they can change this philosophical view of God ‘should exist’ into the insightful view that God ‘does exist’ and also to show the countenance of God to the world.

Further in this chapter in verse 149 Allah the Exalted states, And the people of Moses made, in his absence, out of their ornaments a calf — a lifeless body producing a lowing sound. Did they not see that it spoke not to them, nor guided them to any way? They took it for worship and they were transgressors. (Ch.7:V.149). The translation and commentary to the verse is as follows that whilst Prophet Moses [as] was on his forty-day journey, the tribe of the ‘Children of Israel’ made a calf as their deity with their ornaments. It was merely a lifeless body which produced a lowing sound. They did not once think that this was a strange deity that neither makes any reasonable speech nor shows them the path of guidance. However, without reasoning they made it into their deity and became wrongdoers by falling into the trap of polytheism. Dear audience, Allah’s being is extremely incomprehensible and sublime, He cannot be perceived with the naked-eye. After pondering over the system of the universe a philosopher is led to believe that there should be an All-Powerful being running this perfectly balanced and stable system. However, the difference between the term ‘should’ and ‘is’ is worlds apart. The presumption that there should be a being is neither enough to declare someone a believer nor does it fulfil the requirements of faith, until and unless one does not have knowledge of the Omnipotent, he cannot say ‘I believe

The condition during the thirteenth century Hijra, which coincides with the 19th century AD, was such that apart from atheism, the faithful of all major religions were also lacking in expressing the unity of Allah the Exalted. Therefore Christians were lost in the belief of trinity, sects of Hinduism worshipped idols instead of the one true God, the Arya Samaj, even though they were against the worshiping of idols, presented a Divine being who had no control over soul and matter, but they believed them to be inexistence since time memoriam, and their Divine being would only assemble them to create new life. As far as Muslims are concerned their children are taught the lesson of unity since birth, and as soon as they are born their ears are filled with this declaration that ‘there is no God besides Allah’, yet at this time, even they were involved in all sorts of innovations of the faith and polytheism, and even though they believed in the unity of Allah, however their belief was in a God who did not listen or respond to prayers, nor speak to His chosen people or show any miracles. The All-Powerful and Omnipotent Lord whose mighty signs are ever to be seen for example four thousand years ago in the barren land of Mecca, near the sacred

house Baitullah, Prophet Ishmael [as]

was digging his heels into the earth, so Allah made sweet water flow from that place, and the same Lord who cooled the fire in which the opponents of Prophet Abraham [as] threw him in by saying leaving Prophet Abraham un-burnt, where is He and who can lead us to Him? The living God who safe-guarded Prophet Moses [as] and the Children of Israel from the wrath of Pharaoh and his army by splitting the sea, and made Pharaoh and his army to drown, the same God who bestowed from His perfect might such a son who received the status of Prophethood, to the elderly and infertile couple of Prophet Zachariah [as] and his wife. The same God who caused the miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus [as] from the body of the virgin Mary [as] and due to God’s absolute omnipotence caused Jesus’s [as] enemies to be unsuccessful, saved him from the death of crucifixion, granted him a long life, success in his mission, then to die a natural death. Yes the same God who took our master the Holy Prophet Muhammad [saw] from the grips of the enemies and gave refuge to him in a cave through the web of a spider and then caused him to reach Medina safely. Then at the time when the disbelievers of Mecca joined forces with the rest of the Arabs and attacked the Prophet [saw] and the weak and poor Muslims, Allah showed astounding great signs of His omnipotence in these defensive battles. For example a handful of sand thrown by the Holy Prophet [saw] at the opposition became a sandstorm; scarce food became the meal of hundreds, filling their need. Once an incident occurred where the Holy Prophet [saw] blessed a bowl of milk, and this bowl was sufficient to satisfy the thirst of many companions, similarly on another occasion the Prophet [saw]

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Articles

blessed a leather water bag by dipping his fingers within it. This bag was enough to quench the thirst of an entire battalion. However, the greatest miracle the world witnessed was the changing of a barbaric, immoral and illiterate nation of the Arabs, who were undeserving of even being called humans, into not merely humans, but good, moral humans, progressing further to Divine individuals, and then embodying God Himself. This was only achieved through the Divine aura and the blessing of the extensive prayers of the Holy Prophet [saw] during nights. These incidents are a hundred percent true and certain, but the question that arises is where and near who is the living God today? Who claims that through their guidance one can receive communion with the Almighty? Otherwise all believers, nations and tribes would cite narrations of the past. At this fragile time the founder of the Ahmadiyya Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [as] of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi is commissioned, and states, especially addressing the Muslims, “It is tragic to see that the Muslims have become irrational as they were the ones who believed in the unity of Allah, now they consider a corpse to be their God. Those deities that have been adopted by corpse and shrine worshippers cannot even be numbered. In this condition and state the honour of Allah the Exalted demanded the eradication

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of these false deities, by differentiating between the living and the dead making the world supplicate to the true God. That is why He has commissioned me and sent me with His signs.” (Malfozaat Vol.6 P.272) He further states, “O Muslims! Beware that such thought is sheer ignorance and blindness, if Islam is such a lifeless religion then which nation can you invite towards it? Would you take this religion’s corpse to Japan or present it before Europe? Who is foolish enough to be a devotee of a lifeless religion which in comparison to previous faiths is void from every blessing and spirituality? In previous faiths women also received revelation, the likes of the mother of Moses [as] and Mary [as], you being men are not as equal to these women, but o ignorant and blind people! Our Prophet [saw] and our lord and master (thousands of blessing be upon him) according to his countenance has taken precedence over all Prophets... the spiritual bounty of the Holy Prophet [saw]will last till judgement that is why irrespective of this bounty this Ummah does not require a messiah to come from outside, but having the upbringing in the shadows of the Prophet [saw] a simple man can achieve the title of messiah, as this humble one has achieved.” (Ruhani Khazain Vol.20 P.379) The companion of the Promised Messiah [as], Hadhrat Pir Sirajul Haque Numani’s [ra] elder brother Khalilur Rehman Sajada Nashin Sarsawa, who was an opponent of the Promised

Messiah [as] wrote that he could speak to and enable others to talk to corpses buried in graves, and that if the Promised Messiah [as] was truthful then he should also be able to do this. The Promised Messiah [as] wrote in reply to this, “This is a totally vain practice. Anyone who has direct dialogue with the living God and continuously receives His revelation and has not thousands but hundreds of thousands of examples, why does he need to converse and look for the dead? What evidence is there that he actually conversed with a particular dead? Here there are hundreds of thousands of evidences... so why do we need to leave the living God and search for the dead?” (Malfoozaat Vol.7 P.323-324) Respected audience, in this age of science and technological advancement, when man has stepped upon the moon and reached other planets and have announced that they have not found any God in the heights of the skies or space. The founder of the Ahmadiyya Community, the Promised Messiah [as] gave the following glad tiding, “Our Living, Self-Subsisting and AllSustaining Lord speaks to us like a human. We ask and pray to Him regarding a certain thing, and He answers with words full of might. If this dialogue was to continue a thousand times, He would not even once fail to answer. He reveals from the unseen astonishing things and shows extraordinary sights, until He ensures that He is the

Divine that deservingly should be called God.” (Naseem-e-Da’wat P.82) In another place he states, “True revelation has the influence of the almighty power of Allah the Exalted, and it is necessary for prophecies and their fulfilment to be part of it.” (Zaruratul Imam P.18) According to this, the greatest work of the Promised Messiah [as] was that he directed the world towards the lost and forgotten Divine, who had disappeared. The Promised Messiah [as], through the perfect following of the Holy Prophet [saw] and the Holy Qur’an, did not just find the living God but through Divine speech and dialogue, invited others to see the signs of the Omnipotent God and also sent 20,000 registered letters to all European countries and America proclaiming this glad tiding that he was commissioned to show the countenance of the living God, and whomsoever wishes to see these signs then they should visit him and spend a period of a year with him and if he is unsuccessful in showing them a sign then the person is eligible to receive a compensation of two hundred rupees every month, equalling a total of 24,000 rupees. However, the detail to this is that no one accepted this invitation pure heartedly, and some accepted it mockingly and contemptuously. What was their outcome? It is not the time to go into this detail but due to this one sided

invitation, the Promised Messiah [as] made a visit from Qadian to Hoshiarpur in 1886 and spent 40 days and nights in isolation and seclusion at a house praying fervently, supplicating to Allah the Exalted saying, ‘O Lord! Show a sign through me to assist Islam after which every person is compelled to accept that this cannot be shown through human effort and endeavour. The sign should illuminate the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet [saw]and the Holy Qur’an and manifests the glory of God.’ Therefore, as a result of his forty-day retreat Allah the Exalted revealed an extraordinary prophecy, which in fact is a collection of many prophecies that gives glad tidings of a great and remarkable son. I shall briefly mention this. Regarding this prophecy the Promised Messiah [as] states: “God Almighty, the Lord of Honour and Glory, Merciful, Benevolent, Exalted, Who has power to do all that He wills (glory to be Him and exalted be His name) has vouchsafed to me the following revelation, ‘I confer upon thee a sign of my mercy according to thy entreaties and have honoured thy prayers with acceptance through My mercy and have blessed this thy journey (the journey of Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana). A Sign of power, mercy and nearness to Me is bestowed on thee, a Sign of grace and beneficence is awarded to thee, and thou art granted the key of success and victory. Peace on thee, O victorious one.

Thus does God speak so that those who desire life may be rescued from the grip of death, and those who are buried in the graves may emerge there from, so that the superiority of Islam and the dignity of God’s Word may become manifest unto the people, so that truth may arrive with all its blessings and falsehood may depart with all its ills; so that people may understand that I am the Lord of Power and do what I will... Rejoice, therefore that a handsome and pure boy will be bestowed upon thee. Thou wilt receive an intelligent youth who will be of thy seed and will be of thy progeny.” This is followed by detailed description of the attributes of the Promised Son, some of which are, “He will be characterised by grandeur, greatness and wealth. He will come into the world and will heal many of their ills through his Messianic qualities and through the blessings of the Holy Spirit... Behold a light cometh, a light anointed by God with the perfume of His pleasure. He will pour His spirit upon him and he will be sheltered under the shadow of God. He will grow rapidly in stature and will be the means of procuring the release of those held in bondage. His fame will spread to the ends of the earth and nations will be blessed through him.” In this prophecy the Promised Messiah [as] also received this glad tiding. Allah the Exalted addressed him and said, “The time is approaching; indeed it is near,

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Articles when God will put thy love in the hearts of Kings and nobles, so much so that they will seek blessings from thy garments.” Then the Promised Messiah [as] also announced the following after receiving this Divine news that ‘this promised boy will certainly be born within nine years.’ (Announcement 20th February 1886 from Hoshiarpur) Respected audience, the time in which the Promised Messiah [as] announced this prophecy from the Omnipotent Lord to the world he was reaching fiftytwo. Name any person in the world who reaches the age of fifty-two and then claims that within nine years his wife and he himself will be alive and not only will he have children, but be blessed with a son. And the son will also be granted a long life and be the embodiment of all these attributes that have been mentioned and his fame will spread across the world. A wise and intelligent man will never make such claims, but the Promised Messiah [as] made these claims openly and publicised them around the world. The opponents mocked and said to forget nine years as the Promised Messiah [as] will die (God forbid) within three years. But the world witnessed that the Promised Son was born within three years in 1889 and according to the prophecy was the embodiment of all these extraordinary characteristics and at the age of 25, after becoming the personification of the second manifestation, was elevated to the status of Khilafat and for 51 years became the captain of Islam Ahmadiyyat’s ship and through his significant works received fame in the four corners of the world. How true are the following words of the Promised Messiah [as],

held at Lahore in 1944, Huzur [ra] made the following announcement, “Today at this convention I swear and proclaim on the One and the Most Supreme God, on who to falsely swear is the works of the accursed and to lie on can never be safeguarded from destruction, that in this city of Lahore on 13 Temple Road in the house of Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Advocate, Allah informed me that I am the embodiment of the prophecy of Musleh Maud, and I am the Promised Reformer through which Islam will reach the corners of the world, and the unity of Allah be established.... the truthfulness of this prophecy can be testified by those hundreds of thousands who have accepted Islam through me, those who accepted monotheism through me, those who became lost in the love of Allah and His Prophet [saw]. Christians are witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy. The Aryas are witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy.” In this convention of 1944 he further stated,

From nature the True Divine gives proof of His being, this is the face of the invisible, For anything He says that I shall do it, that thing never...

“Fifty-nine years ago the All-Knowing and All-Aware God informed the Promised Messiah [as] that he will have a son who will attain fame across the world. This prophecy was fulfilled. England is witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy; Spain is witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy; Italy is witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy; likewise by naming these nations Albania, Yugoslavia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, North America, South America, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast (known as Ghana), Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya colony..., Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Mauritius, Palestine, Syria, China, Japan, Sumatra, Java, Malaya, Iran, Kabul are witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy; also every corner of India is witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy as approximately 90 years ago in difficult circumstances the Promised Messiah [as] sent his representatives for the propagation of Islam in these countries.”

The embodiment of this prophecy was the son of the Promised Messiah [as], Hadhrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad [ra] the second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Community and has the title of Al-Musleh Al-Maud, the Promised Reformer. Allah the Exalted Himself gave the glad tiding that he was the Promised Son. A convention that was

And today by the blessing and bounty of Allah the Exalted not only a couple of dozen countries but 200 countries are witness to this extraordinary glad tiding of a promised son given by Allah the Exalted to the Promised Messiah [as] in result of his forty days and nights prayers. Through this son the promise of spreading Islam to the

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corners of the world was made, it has not just been fulfilled, but even today is being fulfilled. As through him not only the propagation and the spreading of the Qur’an were carried out, but his two sons, Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad [rh] and Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad [rh] one after the other became the third and fourth Khulafa and today the fifth manifestation of Khilafat that we are benefiting from, Ameerul Momineen Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad [atba] is also the grandson of Hadhrat Musleh Maud [ra]. It is evident from the amount of work that is being carried out in spreading Islam and the propagating the Qur’an that for sure a living God spoke to the Promised Messiah [as] and bestowed revelation and magnificent prophecies upon him. The Promised Messiah [as] states, “A living Religion is through which one finds the living God. The living God is He who can reveal upon man directly or at least man can see the Being who reveals directly. So I give glad tidings to the entire world that the living God is the God of Islam.” (Majmuah Ishtiharaat Vol.2 P.113) Therefore, the Prophets of Allah the Exalted who are commissioned in the world are the mirrors of God’s omnipotence. It is through these individuals Allah manifests his mighty signs, therefore the Promised Messiah [as] says, “For my support (Allah) has manifested such signs that today being the 16th of July 1906 if I were to count them individually then I swear on Allah the Exalted and proclaim that these signs are in excess of three hundred thousand, and if you have no confidence in my swearing then I can give proof to them. In accordance with the promise of Allah the Exalted some signs are of the sort that on every occasion He safeguarded me from the evil of opponents and other signs are also in accordance with His promise of fulfilling all my needs and requirements. Some signs are in accordance with his promise those opponents who attacked me, Allah humiliated and disgraced them and some signs were of the sort in which I was granted victory over those who falsely took me to court... some signs are the fulfilment of prayers for friends, and other signs are

the result of my prayers that God’s wrath was incurred upon mischievous opponents. Some signs are of my prayers being accepted for those who were extremely ill and the news to their good health was given in advance. Other signs are those earthly and heavenly calamities that Allah manifested testifying to my truth. Some signs are the dreams that were seen by prominent Sufis testifying to my truth and some such as the likes of Sajada Nashin Sahibul I’lm Sindh, who had a following of approximately a hundred thousand and Khwaja Ghulam Farid of Chachran saw the Holy Prophet [saw] and some signs are such that thousands of people pledge their allegiance with me as they were told in their dreams that this man is truthful and from God, and others pledged their allegiance as they saw the Holy Prophet [saw] in their dreams who informed them that the world is about to end and this man is the last Khalifa of Allah and is the Promised Messiah.” (Haqiqatul Wahi P.67-68) In this book the Promised Messiah [as] has mentioned 208 signs, at this moment I will present the hundredth sign. The Promised Messiah [as] states, “100th Sign: It is the prophecy of Braheene-Ahmadiyya that is mentioned on page 241 and the words of the Prophecy are as follows, See page 241 of Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya published in 1881 and 1882 in the Safeere-Hind Press Amritsar. Translation: Despair not of the mercy of Allah. Hearken, the mercy of Allah is near. Hearken, the help of Allah is near. It will come to you from every distant track and from every track men will come to you, they will come in such numbers that the tracks will become deepened. Allah will help you from Himself. Men will help you whom We shall direct from heaven. Do not turn away from the creatures of Allah and be not tired of meeting people who come to visit. This revelation was prophesied twentyfive years ago when it was published in Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya, this prophecy is of the period when I was anonymous and unknown, and all those who are with me today, none of them knew me... for the fulfilment of this prophecy Allah the Exalted guided people towards me, people in their groves came and are coming to

Qadian. People are giving all kinds of presents in money and other materials that I cannot account. Many Maulvis tried their upmost to prevent people coming, so much so they received edicts from Mecca and approximately 200 Maulvis gave edicts of disbelief against me, but also published that I am liable for murder. However, they were unsuccessful in all their efforts, and as a result my community spread across all the cities and villages of Punjab, and its seed was sowed across India, but some Englishmen of Europe and America accepted Islam and joined the community, and so many individuals came in their groves to Qadian that the sheer number of one-horse carriages damaged the roads of Qadian. This prophecy should be pondered over and greatly thought about that if this revelation was not from Allah, then the storm of opposition that had arisen, and my relation with all of the people of Punjab and India had deteriorated that they wanted me to be crushed under their feet, it would be certain that they should be successful in their die hard endeavours and destroy me completely. However, they were all unsuccessful... Who knew and who possessed the knowledge that I would survive the traumas, even though I was harvested as a small seed, and was trodden upon by thousands of feet, went through sandstorms and gales, and this small seed of mine was flooded by severe uprising against me? That seed By the Grace of Allah was not wasted, but it grew and matured, and today it is a large tree under its shadow three hundred thousand people are resting.” (Haqiqatul Wahi P.249-251) This was in 1907, today by the bounty of Allah the Exalted millions of people from two hundred countries are under the shadow of this tree resting and today the world is witnessing that 120 years ago, from the unheard village of Qadian a soul voice that rose, despite thousands of opponents, Allah the Exalted has granted such strength and might in it that this truthful voice is being echoed in two hundred countries, and through the twenty-four hour television channel of the Ahmadiyya Community, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International, the message of the true Islam is being seen and heard in the corners of the world. Whose works are these all? These are the bounties of our Omnipotent Living God that could not be stopped by any worldly power. Is this not true what the Promised Messiah [as] has said, ‘From

nature the True Divine gives proof of His being, this is the face of the invisible.’ At the end I would present two excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiah [as] and conclude my speech. He states, “Our soul and every particle of our being supplicate to this Omnipotent, Perfect and True God who manifests himself through every soul and every particle of His creation along with their characteristics... and thousands of salutations, blessings, graces and bounties descend upon the pure prophet Muhammad Mustafa [saw] through whom we found the living God who converses with us and gives proof of His own existence and through miraculous signs shows His glimmering countenance and everlasting, perfect power and attributes... He is our True Lord, possessor of countless bounties and power. Holder of immeasurable beauty and favour, there is no God but He.” (Naseem-e-Da’wat P.3) The Promised Messiah [as] further states, “Our paradise lies in our God. Our highest delight is in our God for we have seen Him and have found every beauty in Him. This wealth is worth procuring though one might have to lay down one’s life to procure it. This ruby is worth purchasing though one may have to lose oneself to acquire it. O ye, who are bereft! Run to this fountain and it will satisfy you. It is the fountain of life that will save you. What shall I do, and how shall I impress the hearts with this good news, and by beating what drum shall I make the announcement that this is our God, so that people might hear? What remedy shall I apply to the ears of the people so that they should listen?” (Kashti Nuh Ruhani Khazain Vol. 19 P.21-22)

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Articles

Financial sacrifice — Our responsibilities By Farooq Mahmood, Mohtamim Maal My dear and respected Khuddam brothers,

[salam] What is our share in the grand scheme of things?

I am very hopeful that you would already have listened to and benefitted from one of the most historic Friday sermons by, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] on Friday 9th November 2012 about the significance of financial sacrifice. With this sermon Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] inaugurated the 79th year of Tehreek e Jadid. If for some reason you were unable to get a chance to listen to it, then please visit the following link and listen to it with your family. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WiNN5yjdA5o There are several vital lessons that could be drawn from the sermon. There may be some additional points that you would have noted from this sermon too. So what are our responsibilities then? Here is the first of a few instalments in our quest to search the pearls of wisdom in this Friday sermon.

Togetherness:

After the recitation of Surah Al Fatihah, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V [atba] recited the following Qur’anic verse: “And everyone has a goal which dominates him; vie, then, with one another in good works. Wherever you will be, Allah will bring you all together. Surely, Allah has the power to do all that He wills.” (Ch2:V.149) Huzur [atba] taught us that through vying in good works Allah will bring us together. Huzur [atba]

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instructed that the ones who stay behind (showing weakness in financial sacrifice) should be taken along in the progress of the Jama’at in the spirit of togetherness.

Responsibilities for Khuddam:

Every Khadim is an integral part of the Jama’at and must be taken along in this great journey for the service and propagation of Islam. Therefore the participation towards financial sacrifice should be 100% and no Khadim should be deprived of the blessings associated with financial sacrifice. Utilisation of Jama’at’s funds under one leadership: An Ahmadi Muslim is never keen to know the details of the how their financial sacrifice is used for the propagation of Islam as they know that through the system of Khilafat, Allah Almighty ensures the effectiveness, efficiency and proper use of their financial sacrifice for the necessary and most worthy causes. It was unprecedented that Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba] gave a detailed account of the expenditure from the central funds for numerous projects world over for spreading Islam. Last year the central fund was utilised to undertake projects in 68 countries. • In Africa, many mosques, mission houses and clinics along with radio stations are being constructed. • Mosques in Ireland, Valencia (Spain), Kampala (Uganda) and Ivory Coast are being constructed with partial or complete fundings provided by the Centre (Markaz). • The expenses of the Muballigheen ( Jama’at missionaries) are also covered by Markaz. • Many mosques and mission houses in other parts of the world, such as

India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Nepal, Guatemala, Marshall Islands, etc. are also funded by this scheme. • Similarly, the education of about 4,500 talented students, including 350 those who are studying at a higher level (post-graduation), is also sponsored by Markaz. • Projects such as providing water, electricity, radio stations are also implemented by Markaz grants. • All these projects are done for the progress of Jama’at Ahmadiyya and to demonstrate to the world the true teachings of Islam by providing these services to mankind.

Responsibilities for Khuddam:

It is time for serious self-reflection. What is our share in the grand scheme of things? Propagation and service of Islam is growing exponentially under one leadership. Are we really a part of the caravan of the Nizam-e-Jama’at which is swiftly treading on the blessed and Divinely guided path? The caravan which is being led by the appointee of Allah Almighty in Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih [atba]!

Progression

Huzur-e-Anwer [atba] said that a faithful should always take a step forward in sacrifice compared to his sacrifice that he offered in the previous year. No government and no enemy can stop the progress of the Jama’at until this spirit of sacrifice is maintained by members of this community, Insha’Allah.

Responsibilities for Khuddam:

We must perpetually review the level of our financial sacrifice. Even if we increase it by a very small fraction every year then we are partaking in ever so growing blessings. The bounties associated with financial sacrifice have been clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and the

sayings of the Holy Prophet [saw]. The sayings of the Promised Messiah [as] and the Khulafa of the earlier time of Islam (Awalleen) and now in the latter days of Islam (Akhareen) help us clearly understand the requisite blessings associated with financial sacrifice for a faithful.

Spirit of brotherhood

Huzur -e-Anwer [atba] said that the majority of the Jama’at members belong to the underprivileged section of income earners, therefore the large group of those who make financial sacrifices also belong to the same group, and they make these sacrifices by giving up their personal desires and instead, contribute to these financial schemes. The more affluent Ahmadis also make the sacrifices, but in comparison their sacrifice does not affect their lives in the same proportion.

Responsibilities for Khuddam:

• When paying our Khuddam chanda and making other obligatory financial sacrifices we must think of our brethren in countries where they are being persecuted but still they are making constant financial sacrifices. We must reflect upon and appreciate the hundreds of projects going on under Huzur-e-Anwer’s [atba] guidance. • Comparatively more affluent regions of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya should look after the needs of relatively less privileged regions. That is already being done through the management of the surplus amounts in national Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya regional grants. • We need to ensure that we are not amongst those, who are although in receipt of Allah’s constant material blessings but are still parsimonious when it comes to financial sacrifice. Allah has given us so much without count. It is the time for self-reflection to question ourselves, whether we always keep count of what we return for His cause from the wealth that He has bestowed on us?

Gratitude:

Huzur-e-Anwer [atba] reminded us that in many Western countries,

Ahmadi members are living a very comfortable life than what they were enjoying when living in their homelands. It is therefore a matter of great responsibility that they should analyse whether there is any progress in their sacrifice from one year to the next. If not, then it is a dilemma of great proportion that should be a cause for reflection.

Responsibilities for Khuddam:

Residing in the UK we are truly blessed with security and prosperity. The best way to express our gratitude to the Almighty Allah is to fulfil our pledge and prepare ourselves for all kinds of sacrifice by demonstrating progress in levels of sacrifice every year. Despite utmost bloodthirstiness against the Jama’at in Pakistan, the Jama’at of that country has once again ranked first in making financial sacrifices in the blessed scheme of Tehreek-e-Jadid in its 78th year. It may be hardly a matter of surprise yet another time to self-reflect. Are we really fitting well in the grand scheme of things?

In a nutshell

So, in the light of Huzur-e-Anwer’s [atba] sermon: • Firstly financial sacrifice, big or small, is made only for one objective and that is to gain the pleasure of God Almighty. • Secondly, the Centre (Markaz) has considerable expenses, including but not limited to overseeing projects in underprivileged countries across the globe (Africa, Asia, Europe, etc.), sponsoring the education of talented students and many others. • Thirdly, the true spirit and essence of the Qur’anic verse recited at the onset of the sermon is that the weak members of the Jama’at must also be given the opportunity to progress and the privileged members must make certain sacrifices to empower these weak members. Huzur-e-Anwer [atba] prayed that may Allah the Almighty bless all the participants who make great financial sacrifices, and enable the members living in affluent countries to uphold the spirit

of sacrifice so that the propagation of Islam continues throughout the world.

[ameen] TARIQ January 2013

Articles

Marriages

By Rana Mahmood –ul-Hassan, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

arriage is considered to be an extremely important institution in Islam. The Holy Qu’ran and Ahadith go to great lengths to explain its purpose and significance. One of the great purposes of marriage is for instance, to enable men and women to live together in a relationship of love, happiness and stability within the confines of the Islamic teachings and principles. Furthermore, the production of children provides a stable and righteous environment for the future generations of Islam. An objection, that is repeatedly raised by opponents, is that ‘Why do Ahmadis not marry outside their community’, whilst it is stated in the Holy Qur’an : This day all good things have been made lawful for you. And the food of the People of the Book is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And lawful for you are chaste believing women and chaste women from among those who were given the Book before you, when you give them their dowries, contracting valid marriage and not committing fornication nor taking secret paramours. And whoever rejects the faith, his work has doubtless come to naught, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers. (Ch.5:V.6) Now, it is very important to understand that the Holy Qur’an permits Muslim men to marry into the people of the Book. It is also noteworthy that there is a difference between a permission and an order.Men are permitted to marry women who follow a revealed scripture, although it is not considered preferable. However, it is always best for a Muslim man to marry a Muslim lady. That is why the Holy Prophet [saw] regarding the choice of a spouse has stated: “In marrying a woman, a man’s choice of spouse is determined by the consideration of her wealth, her family and her physical beauty and her religious Piety, but thou shouldst make thy life happy, prosperous and successful, by choosing a spouse, on account of her religious Piety, otherwise thy hands will ever remain in dust.” There is no doubt that for the perfect upbringing of a child the role and influence of both mother and father is extremely vital. However, initial upbringing of children and their training is predominantly in the hands of the mother, for in a family, the child is naturally more attached to the mother, and is more free with her, and spends most of his time with her, while the father, on account of his various other duties, has less influence on the training of the child. The early training of the children

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is thus mainly the responsibility of the mother. If, therefore, the mother is pious and of high character, the children, would naturally be well-grounded in good morals. But if on the contrary a woman has neither Piety nor morals, she can never succeed in imbuing the children with good morals and virtuous habits. Every parent desires that their children are protected from the influence of other ideologies which are not in line with their own belief. Now, if marriage is permitted as a common rule outside the Jama’at, the result would be that the future generations would be led astray and would be left deserted in such a state that their social, moral and spiritual upbringing would be incomplete. They would become detached from the Promised Messiah [as], and this is a loss which no Ahmadi can bear. Ahmadis desire for their children, the same blessings which they have received through belief in the Promised Messiah [as]. It is for this reason that the Promised Messiah [as] has prohibited Ahmadis from marrying outside the community. As we have already explained, the meaning behind this is very logical and wise. If this precaution is not taken, the training of future generations will suffer from conflicting beliefs within the home. Another reason is also that as we know, the Holy Qur’an does not permit Muslim women to marry outside the community of believers. The reason for this is because women are made prone to be influenced by the head of the household which are the husbands. As such if Ahmadis began to marry outside the community, Ahmadi women would be left without suitable matches. Jama’at Ahmadiyya is no separate entity from Islam. In fact it practices and preaches the true teaching of the Holy Qur’an. However, as a result of being part of a community many of its decisions are based purely on administrative grounds for the purpose of efficiency and smooth running of its affairs. It must be clear that the Jama’at has by no means introduced or replaced any law of the Holy Prophet [saw]. Therefore, this is an administrative decision of the Jama’at, and this is generally why Ahmadis marry within the community. However, exceptions can be made in certain cases and permission can be sought from the Khalifa of the time. If someone still remains in doubt regarding this issue, I wish to clarify that every Khalifa has the right to make certain administrative decisions in accordance with the state of affairs

of that time. Whenever a Khalifa notices that there are certain problems that are arising within the society, he has the right to make decisions which comply specifically with the need of the time. As we flick through the pages of history, we read of the time of Hadhrat Umar [ra], the second successor of the Holy Prophet [saw]. During his time, people began to misuse the accustomed law of Islamic divorce, where man, at times of dispute, would divorce his wife three times in one instance, and regard this as a complete separation from his wife. However when their anger would subside they would take their wives back saying that since we had only given this divorce at one instance, therefore, our entire process of divorce had not yet completed as such, so now we take our wives back. Thus, the Khalifa of the time stated that if a man declared a divorce three times at once, this would be considered a complete separation. This perfect decision made by a man of God, brought about an end to such mistreatment of women in society and elevated their status in society. Moreover, it re-established the sanctity of marriage and taught the sanctity of divorce to those people who had forgotten about it, and this misuse of the system of divorce was put to an end. Therefore, this administrative decision of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is not an act of hatred. It is merely an act of precaution in order to safeguard and preserve the spiritual and moral foundation of the future generations of Ahmadiyyat, which are a trust of the community. Thus, this law has been established to ensure that the future generations of Islam and Ahmadiyyat are strong and powerful from their roots and the tree of Islam can continue to flourish and prosper, shielding against the malice and hatred of Satan the accursed.

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Sun 02/12/12 Sun 23/12/12

December 2012

National Majlis-e-Amila Meeting Regional Tarbiyyati Forums

Information & Announcements

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Sat 29/12/12 Sat 05/01/13

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January 2013 All MKA Local Ijtema'at

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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

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Sat 08/06/13

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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

Nasir Hall

Jamaat Jamaat London Region

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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)

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

19/02/2013 02:38

Noor Hall Nasir Hall Nasir Hall

Baitul Futuh All Regions All Regions

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

June 2013

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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

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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

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

TBC Whole BF complex Noor Hall Noor Hall Islamabad Noor Hall

All Regions 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 TARIQ January 2013

TARIQ January 2013

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 2

January 2013

TARIQ 9

TARIQ

Voice of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK