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N a s i r a t ISSUE No: 2
MARCH 2013
C E L E B R AT I N G T H E
TABLIGH: ‘BE A DAI’EEN-E-LILLAH’
NASIRAT: EVERY GIRL’S ‘PLAN FOR LIFE’
TALEEM: BOOK OF THE MONTH VICTORY OF ISLAM Read and send us your review of the book
TARBIYYAT: 26 STEPS
TO BRINGING UP YOUR CHILD Islam on caring for children
SEHAT-E-JISMANI: RECIPES SPICY PRAWN STIR FRY
Healthy ways to your ideal figure
COMING SOON - AN URDU SECTION
Dear Diary.. Dates in March - General Meeting Sunday 3rd 1 pm – 4 pm [First Aid Session] At Baitul Ahad E17 Saturday 9th At Baitul Futuh - Nasir Hall
- Lajna UK’s Careers Event
Sat & Sun 9th - 10th - Lajna UK’s ‘Invite your All Regions Neighbour Day’ Sunday 24th - Masih-e-Maud Day 1 pm – 4 pm & General Meeting At Baitul Ahad E17 Every Tuesday - Sports Session 6.15 pm – 7.15 pm 7.15 pm – 8.15 pm - Badminton Coaching At Leyton Sixth Form College £3 Every Thursday
- Voluntary Fast
Every Friday - Nasirat Class 6.30 pm – 8 pm At Baitul Ahad E17
Sadr Lajna Imaillah: Waltham Forest Amtul Basit Hayat Secretary Ishaat Khalida Munawer Chief Editor Shama Ahmed Hayat Editorial Team Salma Ahmed Hayat Shageela Ahmed Ghazala Ahmed Editor: Urdu Saira Ahmed Editor: The Nasirat Pages Farrah Noor Hayat Waltham Forest Lajna is the official magazine of the Ishaat Department of Lajna Imaillah Waltham Forest; a branch of the Lajna Ima’illah UK, the women’s auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Islam.
EDITOR’S LETTER
W
elcome. This is our second issue and we are getting great feedback that you really love this magazine. We want to insha’Allah, design it so that it increases both your spirituality and day to day lifestyle.
The blessed founder of Lajna Imaillah, his Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmadra rightly stated: “No nation can progress without educating their women” This magazine aims to encourage you to make progress in your faith, in your own wellbeing, in your relationships, in your home, in your society; until you can also benefit this nation and the international community. Only then will the statement of Allah the Exalted truly apply to you: “You are the best people raised for the good of mankind” [Holy Qur’an, 3:111]
So, lets do it - together. By reminding, encouraging and helping one another, we really can do more and be more. We all have a high destiny, way higher than our past and present. Visualise how you can apply these two statements to yourself, becoming a ‘better’ you. Then move towards that empowering future - your future. Wassalam, Shama Email: shamaahayat@gmail.com Mobile: 07825 215 098
CONTENTS FEATURES
The Masih-e-Maud Day Top Tips for all Dai’een-e-lillah 26 Steps to bringing up your child Strive in the way of Allah: Chanda Every girl’s ‘Plan for Life’ Top 6 ways to Manage Stress Healthy Recipe: Spicy Prawn Stir Fry REGULARS
Events Calendar - What's on in Waltham Forest Book of the Month Urdu Section (Coming Soon) Advertisements
Feature
“I shall carry your message to the ends of the earth � Revelation to Promised Messiahas in 1898 Tadhkirah, p.405
Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian Promised Messiah and Mahdi 1
Masih-e-Maud Day The Need for The Imam The Promised Messiahas states: “Now, then, let it be clear that an authentic Hadith testifies that he who does not recognize the Imam of his time, dies the death of ignorance. The Holy Prophetsa said: 'He who dies without [recognizing] the Imam dies the death of ignorance.' [Page 96, vol. 4, Musnad Ahmad] This Hadith is enough to make the heart of a righteous man seek after the Imam of the age, for to die in ignorance is such a great misfortune that no evil or ill-luck lies outside its scope. Therefore, in keeping with this testament of the Holy Prophetsa, it becomes incumbent upon every seeker after truth to persist in his quest for the true Imam. ...The fact is that when the Imam of the age appears in the world, thousands upon thousands of lights accompany him and heaven is filled with joy. With the dissemination of spirituality and light, the right potentialities become alive. Anyone who has the capacity begins to experience a series of revelations. And anyone who has the capacity to pronounce judgement in matters of faith by the use of reason and reflection, his ability is enhanced. Anyone who has the inclination towards prayers is granted pleasure in his worship. Anyone who is engaged in debates with other faiths is given the power to argue and arrive at incontrovertible conclusions. All these blessings are in fact the outcome of the spiritual radiation which comes with the Imam of the age and descends upon the heart of every ready and eager person.” Extracts from ‘The Need of the Imam’ by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, The Promised Messiah & Imam Mahdi [www.alislam.org/library/books/TheNeedForTheImam.pdf]
By the immense grace and mercy of Allah, we have been blessed to accept the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, whose advent was prophesied by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Alhamdolillah. Please do attend the Masih-e-Maud Day (Promised Messiah Day) as part of the global commemoration of the blessed Imam of the latter Days. Take note of the event’s date, time and venue in the ‘Dear Diary’ section. Jazakallah.
When you find the Mahdi, perform Bai’ah (pledge of allegiance) at his hands. You must go to him, even if you have to reach him across ice-bound mountains on your knees. He is the Mahdi and the Caliph of Allah Instruction to the Companions by Muhammadsa Messenger of Allah (Ibn Majah) 2
Tabligh
Be a Dai’een-e-lillah
aba
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Email us your experience of following these blessed instructions. Send in a 200 to 400 word article of what you did and the results
The Martyrs TABLIGH GUIDANCE THAT MEETS THE NEED OF THE HOUR Latest Instructions from Hudhur’saba Friday Sermon of 14th December 2012 (The Ahmadiyya response to the ongoing martyrdoms of innocent Ahmadis)
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masihaba said: “Generally, a person is considered Shaheed (martyr) when martyred in the way of Allah. There is no doubt that a person who gives his life in the way of Allah attains the status of Shaheed. Allah, the Most High, opens the doors of paradise for him. But the term Shaheed comprises more than that. Its meanings are vast. For the attainment of great objectives, sacrifices need to be presented. At times, sacrifice of life needs to be presented. The members of the Community do present all kinds of sacrifices wherever they are needed, and are always ready to present them. The meaning of Shaheed is not limited to martyrdom. The youth who raised the question, as well as the elders, need to know the deeper meaning so that everyone may try to attain the status of Shahaadat and understand the soul of such prayer, and enter the paradise of the pleasure of Allah. This word Shaheed also originates from Shahd (honey, honeycomb). The Promised Messiahas, may peace be upon him, said: “This word is extracted from Shahd too as such people bear intense worship and bear every inconvenience and impropriety in the way of God and become ready to encounter them. They experience a sweetness and pleasantness. As the honey is a simile of “Therein is cure for men” (16:70), they also are an antidote. Ones who join their company, are cured of many ailments. If this status can only be attained through death then how can a person benefit from their company? This also is a status of the Shaheed that those in his company are able to be rid of various improprieties.” The Promised Messiahas continues to say: “Shaheed also is the name of that state and status where man in all his chores sees Allah, the Most High, or at least considers God seeing him. This state is also named Ihsan (goodness, graciousness).” The Promised Messiahas said: “You should be lost in His (God’s) love in a manner that as though you have seen His Greatness, Might and Eternal Beauty. When a person sees limitless and eternal Beauty of Allah, is convinced of His attributes, his attention is towards His worship, then no such act can emanate from him which is counter to the pleasure of Allah, and when this is the condition, then he is at the status of a Shaheed. The Shaheed carries out the service of the Community without effort as it has become a part of their personality and they feel uncomfortable when they are not assigned a task. [Ed. Above are only some of Hudhur’saba instructions, taken from the full English Summary of the Friday Sermon. You can read the full text at: www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2012-12-14.html#summary-tab
4
Taleem
Book of the Month
VICTORY OF ISLAM
5
In this month, read this small book written by the Promised Messiahas. Note down things of interest. Email us your comments or observations for our readers. You can also send in a short review of the book to add in the next issue. Read or download this book at: www.alislam.org/books/victoryofislam/VICTORY%20OF%20ISLAM.pdf
VICTORY OF ISLAM – important matters discussed:
6
Tarbiyyat
The Ultimate Guide to:
PARENTING Moral Training of the Child By
Khalifatul Masih II
Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmadra
7
Email us Your experience of following these blessed instructions. Send in a 100 to 300 word article about good Islamic parenting for our readers
The following is an extract from his book Minhaje Talibeen (Way of the Seekers) Now a few hints on the moral education and training of the child [Continued from the previous edition...]: [Listed below is the 3rd of the 26 instructions] 3. A child should be fed at fixed hours. This will breed the habit of self-control and save it from a number of evils. Lack of self-control occasions evils like stealing, etc. Such a child does not learn to resist temptation. The fault lies with the mother who is ever ready to feed the child anytime it cries. It is a great mistake not to inculcate regular food habits in the infant and in the grown-up child. Regular food habits will further lead to the following good habits: a. Punctuality. b. Self-control. c. Good health. d. Cooperation. Such children will not be egocentric and selfish for they will have learnt to eat with others. e. Frugality. Such child will not suffer from the bad habit of wastefulness and extravagance. The child who is given to eating at odd hours will eat less and waste more. But if it is fed to a fixed measure and at fixed hours, it will make the best of what it gets and remain content with it without a tendency towards waste. f. It will develop the inner strength to resist temptation. It wants to have something which catches his passing fancy in the street. If you do not get it for it, it will learn the habit of fighting temptation later in life. Similarly if the child wants to have an eatable which is lying about in the house, like sugar cane, radishes, carrots or homemade sugar in farming families, tell him to wait till it is time for meals. This will fortify his self-control and enable him to exercise restraint. [Editor. We will inshallah, continue serialising this article in the coming issues. You can find the whole text at: www.alislam.org/library/books/Way-of-Seekers.pdf pp.50 – 59]
8
MAAL
Strive in the way of Allah:
CHANDA And of men there is he who would sell himself to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Compassionate to His servants. (Holy Qur’an, 2:208) 9
And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty. (Holy Qur’an, 22:40)
LAJNA IMAILLAH’S FINANCIAL YEAR Start: 1st October 2012 End: 30th September 2013. LAJNA CHANDA (Membership Dues)
[Ed. We will inshallah, continue serialising this article in the coming issues. £27 You can the whole Non-Earning Members perfind year text at: www.alislam.org/library/books/Way-of-Seekers.pdf Which consists of (annually): pp.50 – 59]
Membership Ijtema Sport Library
Earning Members
£19 £5 £2 £1
1% of her annual income
Plus (annually): Ijtema Sport Library
£5 £2 £1
If you have any queries or difficulties, please contact the Secretary Maal (Finance). Jazakallah
The Promised Messiahas states: “The Workshop (i.e. The work-plan of the Promised Messiahas) with all its branches needs your help. And needs it now. Those who would give something every month, it will be up to them to do so regularly and without reminders. Let them treat it as a duty they owe to God, dereliction of which they should not permit to themselves. Those who would give in lump sum are also welcome. But must be remembered that what is really intended is that this work should continue without interruption. Lovers of faith should therefore promise and send monthly donations, such as are within their means. And they should do so regularly by the month, unless they are prevented by some accidental circumstance.” Victory of Islam by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
www.alislam.org/books/victoryofislam/VICTORY%20OF%20ISLAM.pdf
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What is the matter with you that you expect not wisdom and staidness from Allah?
The
Nasirat Pages
[Holy Qur’an, Chapter Al-Nuh 71:14]
When making a plan for your life a young lady should add these two ingredients into her plan or the results will not be good. Allah the Exalted highlights two most fundamental features, Wisdom and Staidness. He attributes them to Himself and wants you to make these your basic way of thinking and doing. Here Wisdom means to put each thing in its proper place. Staidness here means to be predictable and regular. Allah creates and we see His work as the Universe. The Universe is studied using Science. Today all scientists fully agree with the above statement (recorded 1500 years ago in the old Holy Qur’an) that wisdom and staidness form the basis of the laws of nature. For example, the scientific Periodic Table lists every known element in the universe and each element is elegantly located in exactly the right sets of grouping, with all aspects being totally predictable and constant. Order is the golden rule in the creation of Allah. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba copies these two qualities of Allah. A sample is given in the wonderful new book ,‘The Guiding Light’ by Professor Amtul Razzaq Carmichael (see web address below). This book presents the systematic and intricate method that Hudhuraba uses in each and every congregational daily prayer. He recites such verses that pertain to his blessed period of Khilafat, being in accordance with the wishes of God and to address the needs and demands of the time. If you could even just match the daily repetition of only his public prayers for one month, you would become a very successful person indeed. Hudhuraba has been using his system throughout his khilafat, since 2003. The book shows only one of his planned behaviours. His whole life, his every hour, each action, thought and emotion is controlled and regulated by wisdom and staidness.
Every Girl’s Plan for Life
WISDOM & STAIDNESS
Amazingly, the non-believers (the kuffar) passionately preach the exact opposite to Allah’s message. They will pressure you to ‘enjoy your childhood’, to be ‘girly’, to be ‘spontaneous and impulsive’. They must imagine that wisdom is like a kind of overcoat that you can put on at any time... preferably in the far future. If a girl has spent her childhood not practicing how to put each thing in its proper place, how to do the right thing at the right time, how to organise with calmness and rationality. How to ENJOY the concept and feeling of that. Do they dream that this girl will wake up one morning and just ‘know’ all these things? Where do they imagine that all this knowledge will spring forth from? Learn to live daily in an organised way - wisely. Use these two features to ‘create’ your future personality. The best YOU.
By Farrah Noor Hayat 11
“Those who ponder and have wisdom do not wait for the future to take shape. They can read in the tiny seed of today the signs of the huge tree of tomorrow” Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IVra
The Guiding Light
www.alislam.org/library/books/The-Guiding-Light.pdf
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Sehate Jismani
The Top 6 Ways to:
MANAGE STRESS By Salma Ahmed Hayat 13
Email us your helpful ways to manage Stress and Anxiety.
NO. 1: AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS Not all stress can be avoided, and it’s not healthy to avoid a situation that needs to be dealt with. Remove the really unnecessary additional stresses by Learn how to say “no” Avoid people who stress you out Cut down your to-do list
Take stress out of your surroundings Avoid stress creating topics
NO. 2: CHANGE YOUR STRESSFUL SITUATION If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to change it. Perhaps change the way you communicate or do things Express your feelings, don’t bottling up. Be willing to compromise.
Be more assertive. Manage your time better.
NO. 3: ADAPT TO THE STRESSOR If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself. You can adapt to stressful situations and regain your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude. Reframe problems. Adjust your standards.
Look at the big picture. Focus on the positive.
NO. 4: ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CAN’T CHANGE Some sources of stress are unavoidable. Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier than pushing against a situation you can’t change. Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Look for the upside. Learn to forgive.
Share your feelings.
NO. 5: MAKE TIME FOR FUN AND RELAXATION If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come. Set aside relaxation time. Connect with others.
Do something you enjoy every day. Keep your sense of humor.
NO. 6: ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE You can increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your physical health. Exercise regularly. Eat a healthy diet. Get enough sleep.
Reduce caffeine and sugar. Avoid cigarettes and intoxicating drugs.
Follow these tips, they really will help you. You can read the more detailed version of this help guide at: www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm Islam means Peace. All negative stress caused by human limitations is the opposite of Peace (Islam). Allah the Exalted consoles us at our times of hardship by inviting us to come to Him for help. He says: Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort. [Holy Qur’an, 13:29] If you are facing difficulty, please contact your Majlis Sadr sahiba for confidential help and support or email the Editor of this magazine, she will put you through to Sadr sahiba. Jazakallah. 14
Sehate Jismani Sehate Jismani
Delicious Healthy Recipe Delicious Healthy Recipe
Spicy prawn stir-fry
Email us your experience of cooking this meal. Email your experience of cooking meal. Send in us your quick and easy healthy this recipes Send in your quick and easy healthy recipes (from around the world) for our readers (from around the world) for our readers By Shama Ahmed Hayat By Shama Ahmed Hayat 15
Fad Dieting? - Follow the Islamic ‘Diet’. Islam teaches 1. Never ever Diet (unless medically advised). 2. Eat Halal food. 3. Eat Tayyib food. 4. Eat in In this month, young Lajna & Nasirat should makeafter this ameal andbinge again. Being able Cookofwell, quickly Moderation. 5. Always leave room in your stomach mealagain (never eat). 6. Eat as to a form worship to and easily will make you independent from the fast food shops. You will avoid obesity and associated diseases. please Allah, not to fill your stomach. 7. Get comfort, happiness and help in Allah and not in food. Ignoring all Allrules that money saved will serve only Islam1and the suffering people friends. the and choosing to follow or 2help will never help you. In thewho nexthave issuenothese rules will be explained. You will be able to feed fantastic meals to your beautiful children when the time comes, inshallah. In this month, young Lajna & Nasirat should make this meal again and again. Being able to Cook well, quickly and easily will make you independent from the fast food shops. You will avoid obesity and associated diseases. All that money saved will serve Islam and help the suffering people who have no friends. You will be able to feed fantastic meals to your beautiful children when the time comes, inshallah.
Cuisine: Chinese Prep time: 30 min. Recipe type: Main Cook time: 10 min. Serves: Total time: 40 min. or less Cuisine:4Indian Prep time: 5 min. Recipe type: Main/Starter Cook time: 20 min. Stir fry cooking is a quick and nutritious waytime: of cooking food. Serves: 4 Total 25 min. Ingredients
500g/1lb egg noodles A popular2oz andmedium really simple curry is Bombay Aloo (aloo means potatoes). It is made 2 tbspasesame oil, plus tossing noodles using little olive oil, extra a fewfor herbs andthe spices along with a generous handful of 2fresh red coriander. chillies, de-seeded and finely chopped Served with chapatti, this simple dish will leave you wanting more! thumb-size piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 3 large garlic cloves, chopped Ingredients 1 red pepper, de-seeded and thinly sliced 300g potatoes, peeled andthinly cubed ½ tsp 1 bunch of spring onions, sliced on an coarse angle black pepper one small onion finely chopped 400g/14oz raw tiger prawns, shelled ½ tsp red chilli powder 1-2 tbsporolive oil pak choi, or 200g/7oz ½ Chinese tsp turmeric powder 2 large 3 small flowering cabbage (choi sum), 1 tsp garlic and ginger paste 1 tbsp coriander cumin powder (dhania jeera) shredded ½ lime, tsp salt ⅓ tin of plum tomatoes liquidised 1 juice only ½ tbsp tsp mustard seeds Handful of fresh chopped coriander 2 soy sauce ½ tbsp tsp cumin 2 fresh green chillies slit lengthways 2 sweetseeds chilli sauce 100ml/3½fl oz of white vinegar
8 Step Plan
21.Step HeatPlan the oil in a large pan.
2. Add the andaccording cook on atolow until thegiven onions 1. Cook theonion noodles theheat instructions onare thesoft. packet. Drain and 3. Add thea little mustard seeds, seeds, salt, pepper, garlic and ginger paste and toss in sesame oil cumin to prevent them from sticking together. cook on a high heat for 1 minute ensuring the seeds don’t burn. 4. Now aadd the spices: chilli powder, cumin powder 2. Heat wok and add the sesame oil.turmeric, Once the coriander, oil is shimmering, add theand cook on a highginger heat for minute. chillies, and1garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds before adding the red pepper, 5. Add theonions liquidised tomato prawns. and cookCook on afor lowabout heat 3-4 for 3minutes minutes. spring and shelled until the 6. Add thehave potatoes andpink. ½ cup ofthe water, then simmer until potatoes cooked. prawns turned Add shredded pak choi or choi sum,are noodles, 7. Switch off the the chilli greensauce chillies and chopped coriander. lime juice, soy heat, sauce,add sweet and white vinegar. Stir-fry until heated 8. Serve with hot chapatti. through and serve straight away
Notes Add a little bit of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist! 16
Tournament Info:
Time: Day: Date: Venue:
9 am - 4 pm Date To be confirmed April 2013 Baitul Futuh
Badminton Squad 2 x Doubles Team [Age: 15 - 29] 2 x Doubles Team [Age: 30+] 1 x Singles [Age: 15 - 29] 1 x Singles [Age: 30+]
Table Tennis Squad 1 x Singles [Age: 16+] 1 x Singles [Age: 16+]
Interested in Competing or just coming to the weekly Coaching Sessions? Contact the East Region Sehate Jismani Secretary: Shama Ahmed Hayat Mobile: 07825 215 098 email: shamaahayat@gmail.com
National Badminton & Table Tennis Tournament 2013
NOTICE Tournament Postponed until April 2013
Lajna Imaillah UK
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