Maryam Jan-Mar 2022 (English)

January - March 2022 Issue 41

From the Editor...

This issue of Maryam Magazine is significant as is marks 10 years since the launch of the magazine. We are truly blessed to have the guidance of our beloved Khalifah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih VMay Allah be his Helper , whose love and care for every member of the Jama’at is evident in his every word and action. Hazuraba graciously launched Maryam Magazine with the objective of giving Waaqifaat-e-Nau an opportunity to increase their knowledge when writing for and reading the magazine and to provide them with a platform to display their full potential.

In a letter to Waqfe Nau girls on the launch of Maryam Magazine on 27th January 2012 Hazuraba wrote:

CHIEF EDITOR Zanubia Ahmad ASSISTANT CHIEF EDITORS Dure Jamal Mala Nayla Muzamil ENGLISH EDITOR

“It has given me great pleasure to know that a magazine has been launched for the Waqfe Nau girls… I pray that Allah Almighty may enables you all to write for it and to draw immense benefits from this magazine.…It is essential for the Waqfe Nau girls to remember the history of waqf. It was a woman who first dedicated her child before its birth and that Waqfe Nau was also a woman called Maryam… This status of your Waqf and the honour that goes with it is not a trivial matter, but this reverence can only become your pride and joy if you fulfil the demands of the Waqf and live your life with absolute loyalty to the Institute of Khilafat. …You as the Waqfe Nau girls, are expected to keep the flag of knowledge and its application flying higher than any other standard… It therefore becomes more significant that you do not let the world’s new inventions and their attractions dominate your lifestyle. Instead, it is mandatory for you to take forward the religious objectives of Hazrat Masih Maudas and to always be ready to serve your religious obligations. For this you need to march onwards with the sky as your limit, with your minds, knowledge and its applications rising to reach the celestial heights.”

May Allah enable us all to follow the example of Hazrat Maryamas and be true Waqfe Nau and enable us to derive true benefit from this magazine as our beloved Hazuraba intended us to. Ameen.

In this issue of Maryam Magazine our readers can enjoy articles written by our Waqifaat including ‘Maryam Magazine 10th Year Anniversary’ – which offers readers an insight into how the magazine started, ‘The Love of a Khalifa for the Jama’at’, ‘Obedience to Khilafat and its Blessings’ and the second instalment of the series on the Ashra Mubashra, ‘The Ten Men of Paradise’.

Åhmëd å ñ ï H

ï

ENGLISH EDITOR

Hina Ahmedi ENGLISH SUB-EDITOR Hamooda Arif EDITORIAL BOARD Sabah Un Noor Tahir Hibba-Tul Mussawir Maleeha Mansur Meliha Hayat Salma Manahil Malik Mashel Chaudhry Samina Yasmeen Arif Amatul Wakeel Maha Sameera Mirza Kashifa Qamar Safina Nabeel Maham COVER DESIGN Hina Farooqi PAGE DESIGN & SETTING Soumbal Qureshi Naeema Amjad Atiyya Wasee Naila Fowad Hina Farooqi Zara Tahir Ahmad PRINTED UNDER THE CENTRAL OFFICE WAQF-E-NAU

Do you have any comments, suggestions or want your article featured in our next edition?

Email us at: chiefeditor@maryammagazine.org

MANAGER Luqman Ahmad Kishwar PRINTERS Raqeem Press, Tilford UK

CONTENTS JANUARY - MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 41

03. The Holy Qur’an

27. Tarbiyyat Page 1

04. Hadith

28. The Love of a Khalifa for the Jama’at | Hibbat Mirza

06. Writings of the Promised Messiahas

32. 10 Successful Years of Maryam Magazine | Atiyya Wasee

10. Al-Qaseedah

34. Young Writers: Respecting Parents |

12. Speech and Language Corner |

Razia Aliya Ahmad

Shamama Aziz

14. Maryam Magazine 10th Anniversary: A look back in time at the efforts in Fulfilling a Vision of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba | Munazza Khan

39. Tarbiyyat Page 2

19. Personal Reflections with Khilafat | Abid Khan Sahib

21. The Ten Men of Paradise Part II

36. Kids’ Spread

|

Naila Tahir

24. Story: The Proud Fox and the Crab

40. Obedience to Khilafat and its Blessings | Tahmeena Tahir

42. Our Khalifa in the Quiet: The Greatness of Humility | Yusra Dahri

44. Poem: The Hand of Khilafat

The Holy

Qur’an ٓ ُ ۡ ۤ َّ ۡ ‫ۡ ہ‬ ُ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ ‫َوم ۤاَا ۡرس ۡلن‬ َ‫َ�َ ََؕول ۡوَا َّن ُہ ۡم َِاذَظل ُم ۡواَانفس ُہ ۡمَجا ُء ۡوک‬ ِ ‫اَمنَ َّرسو ٍل َِاَّلَ ِلیطاع َِب ِاذ ِن‬ ِ ‫َالر ُس ۡو ُلَلوج ُد ہ‬ ‫است ۡغف ُرو ہ‬ ۡ ‫اَ� َ​َو‬ ۡ ‫ف‬ َّ ‫است ۡغف َرل ُہ ُم‬ َ‫واَ�َت َّو ًاباَ َّر ِح ۡی ًماَ۝َفَلَ​َورِبک‬ ً ‫یَیحک ُم ۡوکَف ۡیماَشجرَب ۡین ُہ ۡم َُث َّمَ​َّلَیج ُد ۡواَف ۡۤیَا ۡن ُفسہ ۡمَحر‬ ُ ‫َّل َُی ۡؤم ُن ۡونَح ہت‬ َ‫اَم َّما‬ ‫ج‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ۡ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ ( (Al-Nisa:65,66) ‫قضیتَوَیس ِلمواَتس ِلی ًما۝‬ Translation: And We have sent no Messenger but that he should be obeyed by the command of Allah. And if they had come to thee when they had wronged their souls, and asked forgiveness of Allah, and if the Messenger also had asked forgiveness for them, they would have surely found Allah Oft-Returning with compassion and Merciful.

But no, by thy Lord, they are not believers until they make thee judge in all that is in dispute between them and then find not in their hearts any demur concerning that which thou decidest and submit with full submission.

(English translation by Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali sahibra)

Hadith

(Sayings of The Holy Prophet) (May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him)

Obedience to Holy Prophetsaw

ُّ ‫الر ْح َمن ْبن َع ْمرو‬ َ ‫ َق‬،‫ َع ْن ال ِع ْرَباض ْبن َسارَي َة‬،‫الس َلمي‬ َّ ‫َع ْن َع ْب ِد‬ ‫ال‬ ِ ِ ِ ٍ ِ ِ ِ ِ ً َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ً ْ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ َّ َ ٰ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ّللا صلى للا علي ِه وسلم يوما بعد صال ِة الغد ِاة مو ِعظة‬ ِ ‫وعظنا رسول‬ ُ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ ‫َ َ ً َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ُ ُ ُن‬ ُ ‫الق ُل‬ َ ‫ َف َق‬،‫وب‬ ‫ال َر ُج ٌل ِإ َّن َه ِذ ِه‬ ‫ب ِليغة ذرفت ِمنها العيو وو ِجلت ِمنها‬ ُ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ‫وصيك ْم ِب َت ْق َوى‬ ِ ‫مو ِعظة مو ِد ٍع فماذا تعھد ِإلينا يا رسول‬ ِ ‫ "أ‬:‫ّللا قال‬ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ْ َّ َ َّ َ ٌ َ َ ْ ‫ش ِم ْنك ْم َي َرى‬ ‫ ف ِإنه من ي ِع‬،‫ و ِإن عبد حب ِش ي‬،‫ّللا والسم ِع والطاع ِة‬ ِ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ َ ً َ ً َ ْ َ ٌ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ ‫ات األ ُمو ِر ف ِإن َھا ضاللة ف َم ْن أ ْد َر َك ذ ِل َك‬ ‫ث‬ ِ ‫ و ِإياكم ومحد‬،‫اخ ِتالفا ك ِثيرا‬ َ َ َ ُ ْ َّ ُ َ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ ‫ين ْالَ ْھدي َين َع‬ َ ‫الراشد‬ َّ ‫ضوا َعل ْي َها‬ ‫اء‬ ‫ف‬ ِ ‫ِمنكم فعلي ِه ِبسن ِتي وسن ِة الخل‬ ِ ِ ِ​ِ َ َّ (Tirmidhi,Abwab ul Ilm,Hadith No. 2676) ".‫بالنواجذ‬ ِ ِ ِ

Translation:

Irbaaz ibn Sariahra relates: One day after morning salat, the Messenger of Allahsaw exhorted us in an eloquent manner that the eyes and the hearts shuddered with fear. A man said: ‘indeed this sounds like a farewell exhortation. [So what] do you order us O Messenger of Allah? Whereupon he said: I adjure you to have taqwa of Allah, and to hear and obey even if a negro slave is put in authority over you. Those of you who survive me will observe much contention. At such time hold fast to my practice and the practice of my rightly guided successors. Hold onto it firmly.

(Gardens of the Righteous, P.41, Hadith No.158)

Writings of the as Promised Messiah A D M O N I T I O N S T O T H O S E W H O H A V E P L E D G E D T H E A L L E G I A N C E O F B A I ‘A T

Now you should reflect and decide in your own minds that, having made the covenant of Bai‘at with me and having accepted me as the Promised Messiah, and as the Arbiter and Judge, if your heart feels constrained or anguished over any decision or action of mine, you should be concerned about the sincerity of your faith. No good can be expected from faith that is full of doubts and suspicions. If you have accepted truly that the Promised Messiah is in fact the Arbiter, then submit completely to his command and look upon his decisions with respect so that you may be counted among those who honour the word of the Holy Prophetsaw and esteem it highly.

Sufficient is the evidence of the Holy Prophetsaw. He assures you that the Promised Messiah will be your Imam and Arbiter and Judge. If this is not enough to satisfy you, how then will you be satisfied? [Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p.73-74] The Essence of Islam, Vol.4, p.268-269

THE LIFE AND CHARACTER of the Seal of Prophets (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)

The Prophetsaw Enters Mecca

falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood

When the Prophet

does indeed vanish away fast!’ (17: 81-82).

saw

entered Mecca,

mounted on his camel, Abu Bakrra walked with him holding a stirrup. As he walked

The conquest of Mecca is foretold here in

along, Abu Bakrra recited verses from the

the form of a prayer taught to the Prophetsaw.

Surah, Al-Fath in which the conquest of

The Prophetsaw is taught to pray for entering

Mecca had been foretold years before.

Mecca and for departing from it under good auspices; and for the help of God in assuring

Ka‘ba Cleared of Idols

an ultimate victory of truth over falsehood.

The Prophetsaw made straight for the Ka‘ba

The prophecy had literally come true. The

and performed the circuit of the holy precincts seven times, mounted on his camel.

Staff in hand, he went round the house which had been built by the Patriarch Abrahamas and his son Ishmaelas for the worship of the One and Only God, but which by their misguided children had been allowed to degenerate into a sanctuary for idols. The Prophetsaw smote one by one the three hundred and sixty idols in the house. As an idol fell, the Prophetsaw would recite the verse, “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood does indeed vanish away fast.” This verse was revealed before the Prophetsaw left Mecca for Medina and is part of the Chapter, Bani Isra’il. In this Chapter was foretold the flight of the Prophetsaw and the conquest of Mecca. The Chapter is a Meccan Chapter, a fact admitted even by European writers. The verses which contain the prophecy of the Prophetsaw flight from Mecca, and the subsequent conquest of Mecca are as follows: And say ‘O my Lord, make my entry a good entry, and make my going out a good outgoing. And grant me from Thyself a power that may help me.’ And, ‘Truth has come and

recitation of these verses by Abu Bakrra was appropriate. It braced up the Muslims, and reminded the Meccans of the futility of their fight against God and of the truth of the promises made by God to the Prophetsaw.

With the conquest of Mecca, the Ka‘ba was restored to the functions for which it had been consecrated many thousands of years before by the Patriarch Abrahamas.

The Ka‘ba was again devoted to the worship of the One and Only God. The idols were broken. One of these was Hubal. When the Prophetsaw smote it with his staff, and it fell down in fragments, Zubairra looked at Abu Sufyanra and with a half-suppressed smile reminded him of Uhud. “Do you remember the day when Muslims wounded and exhausted stood by and you wounded them further by shouting, ‘Glory to Hubal, Glory to Hubal’? Was it Hubal who gave you victory on that day? If it was Hubal, you can see the end it has come to today.”

Abu Sufyanra was impressed, and admitted it was quite true that if there had been a God other than the God of Muhammadsaw, they

might have been spared the disgrace and

the ground. They received the water in the

defeat they had met with that day.

hollows of their hands to wet their bodies with it; in such reverence did they hold it.

The Prophetsaw then ordered the wiping out

The pagans who witnessed these scenes

of the pictures which had been drawn on

of devotion said again and again that they

the walls of the Ka‘ba. Having ordered this

had never seen an earthly king to whom his

the Prophet

people were so devoted (Halbiyya, Vol. 3, p.

saw

said two rak‘ats of prayer as

thanks-giving to God. He then withdrew to

99).

the open court and said another two rak‘ats of prayer. The duty of wiping out the pictures

The Prophetsaw Forgives His Enemies

had been entrusted to ‘Umarra. He had all the

All rites and duties over, the Prophetsaw

pictures obliterated except that of Abrahamas.

When the Prophet

saw

returned to inspect and

found this picture intact, he asked ‘Umar

ra

addressed the Meccans and said: “You have seen how true the promises of God have proved. Now tell me what punishment you

why he had spared this one. Did he not remember the testimony of the Qur’an that Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian, but as

a single-minded and obedient Muslim? (3: 68).

should have for the cruelties and enormities you committed against those whose only fault was that they invited you to the worship of the One and Only God.” To this the Meccans replied, “We expect

It was an insult to the memory of Abraham , as

a great exponent of the Oneness of God to have his picture on the walls of the Ka‘ba. It was as though Abraham could be as

worshipped equally with God.

Signs of God.

By significant coincidence, the Meccans used in their plea for forgiveness the very words revealed ten years before the conquest of Mecca. In this the Prophetsaw was told that he would treat his Meccan persecutors as

Promises made by God to the Prophetsaw, at a time when their fulfilment seemed impossible, had been fulfilled at last. The Prophet

brothers.”

which God had used in the Surah Yusuf,

It was a memorable day, a day full of the

saw

you to treat us as Josephas treated his erring

was the centre of devotion and

faith. In and through his person, God had manifested Himself, and shown His face, as it were, again. The Prophet

saw

sent for water

of the Zamzam. He drank some of it and with the rest performed ablutions. So devoted were Muslims to the Prophet’s

saw

person, that

they would not let a drop of this water fall on

Josephas had treated his brothers. By asking for the treatment which Josephas had meted out to his brothers, the Meccans admitted that the Prophetsaw of Islam was the like of Josephas and as Josephas was granted victory over his brothers the Prophetsaw had been granted victory over the Meccans. Hearing the Meccans’ plea, the Prophetsaw declared at once: “By God, you will have no punishment today and no reproof” (Hisham).

While the Prophetsaw was engaged in expressing his gratitude to God and in

carrying out other devotions at the Ka‘ba,

the Faith of God had no earthly help. How

and while he was addressing the Meccans

can I give you up and settle elsewhere? No,

announcing his decision to forgive and

Ansar., this is impossible. I left Mecca for the

forget, misgivings arose in the minds of the

sake of God and I cannot return to it. I will live

Ansar, the Medinite Muslims. Some of them

and die with you.”

were upset over the scenes of homecoming and of reconciliation which they witnessed

The Ansar were moved by this singular

on the return of Meccan Muslims to Mecca.

expression of love and loyalty. They regretted

Was the Prophet

their distrust of God and His Prophetsaw,

saw

parting company with

them, his friends in adversity who provided

wept and asked to be forgiven. They

the first home to Islam? Was the Prophet

explained that they would not have any

going to settle down at Mecca, the town from

peace if the Prophetsaw left their town and

which he had to flee for his life? Such fears

went elsewhere. The Prophetsaw replied that

did not seem too remote now that Mecca

their fear was understandable and that, after

had been conquered and his own tribe had

their explanation, God and His Prophetsaw

joined Islam. The Prophetsaw might want to

were satisfied about their innocence and

saw

settle down in it. God informed the Prophet

saw

acknowledge their sincerity and loyalty.

of these misgivings of the Ansar. He raised his head, looked at the Ansar and said “You

How must the Meccans have felt at this time?

seem to think Muhammadsaw is perturbed by

True they did not shed the tears of devotion

the love of his town, and by the ties which

but their hearts must have been full of regret

bind him to his tribe.” “It is true,” said the

and remorse. For, had they not cast away

Ansar, “we did think of this.”

with their own hands the gem which had been found in their own town? They had all

“Do you know,” said the Prophet , “Who

the more reason to regret this because the

I am? I am a Servant of God and His

Prophetsaw, having come back to Mecca, had

Messenger. How can I give you up? You

decided to leave it again for Medina.

saw

stood by me, and sacrificed your lives when

Life of Muhammad, p.162-167

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE CORNER Shamama Aziz Speech and Language Therapy BSc

Introduction Speech and language skills are an important part of human development. It covers a vast range of abilities linked to communication. Communication affects the way we: o Express ourselves and understand language o Think, learn, and solve problems o Build and maintain relationships with those around us.

Let us imagine our daily routine. From watching the television, ordering your coffee on your commute, having meetings at work, to even discussing your day with your family members over dinner. It is something we do without even thinking twice. Unfortunately for some children AND adults with speech and language difficulties, these everyday activities are not as straightforward. These individuals highly benefit from intervention to develop their skills or to support their current abilities.

Did you know...

[1]

Who is a speech and language therapist and what do they do?

A speech and language therapist is someone who assesses and treats speech, language and communication problems in people of all ages. They also work with people who have eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Speech therapists work in different settings including schools, hospitals and community centres. They have regular contact with multiple professionals including doctors, nurses, teachers, health visitors, psychologists, nutritionists, and occupational therapists.

When an individual is referred to a speech therapist, a detailed assessment in the area which is of concern will be conducted.

The therapist will then devise a therapy plan for the client with potential goals and outcomes. This therapy will then be carried out for the client as advised by the therapist and other health professionals.

Does my child need to see a speech therapist?

The most important thing to remember here is that as a parent YOU know your child best. Many times we hear that parents have a concern however they were advised by others ‘Don’t worry she will grow out of it’ or ‘I know so and so’s child they were the same and now look at them!’. Whilst it is good to listen to advise, ALWAYS follow your instinct. If you feel that your child is not following their milestones, then take your child to your GP/Paediatrician or Health Visitor. Evidence suggests that early intervention can significantly help those with speech, language and communication needs.[2]

Spot the signs Below are a few examples of what signs may indicate that your child may be having trouble developing his/her speech and language skills.

Other signs to look out for

Not babbling at age 4-7 months.

Lack of gesturing. Child is using limited gestures such as pointing at the age of 12 months.

Difficulty with verbal requests or understanding others at the age of 2 years old.

Not putting sentences together. Child has difficulty putting together a small sentence by the age of 1.53 years old.

Trouble making certain sounds. Child’s speech is unclear and difficult to understand at the age of 2-3 years old. Some children with speech disorders may have trouble producing certain sounds for example: [3]

unable to produce p, m, b, h and w sound at 1-2 years and difficulty producing k, g, f, t, d and n sounds at 2-3 years old.

Lack of eye contact.

Not responding to voices or sounds by 6 months.

Has not said first word, does not point or look at what you point to, by 18 months.

Does not play with toys the way they should be or engage in ‘Pretend Play’ by 30 months (e.g. pretending to put doll to bed). *The above signs are for informational purposes only and by no means indicate that your child may have a difficulty. However it is best to seek advise from your Medical Professional if you do notice any so that further investigation can be carried out.

References: [1] Law et al (2000) Provision for children’s speech and language needs in England and Wales: facilitating communication between education and health services DfES research report 239 [2] Law, J. , Garrett , Z . and Nye, C. (2003) Speech and Language Therapy Intervention for Children with Primary Speech and Language Delay or Disorder Cochrane Library Issue 3 [3] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2021. Signs of Speech and Language Disorders - Identify The Signs. [online] Available at: <https://identifythesigns.org/signs-of-speech-and-language-disorders/> [Accessed 8 November 2021]

MAryAM MAgAzine 10th AnniversAry A look back in time at the efforts in Fulfilling a Vision of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba

By Munazza Khan Alhamdolillah this year marks the 10th anniversary of Maryam Magazine’s first publication. January-March 2012 was the first edition published with the blessings of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba. Since then, we have witnessed the production of many more informative and beautiful Maryam Magazines printed on a quarterly basis.

The inception of this magazine holds great significance, in that it was the very first of its kind to be initiated at Central level by our beloved Hazuraba.

For the enlightenment of our readers, today I wish to share with you some of the very precious and historic moments that helped initiate this magazine.

History in the Making & Guidance of Khalifa-e-Waqt My first memory is of receiving a phone call from respected Zanubia Ahmad Sahiba (currently Chief Editor, Maryam Magazine). Phone calls from this number would usually be related to Gulshan Waqf-e-Nau classes that took place in the presence of Hazuraba. However, this time there was a different excitement in Zanubia Baji’s voice, as she started telling me about a new magazine that was going to be initiated for the benefit of Waqf-e-Nau. I listened carefully as she explained there will be a separate one for the Waqf-e-Nau boys, called Ismael Magazine and one for the Waqf-e-Nau girls called Maryam Magazine. There was a pause before she told me beloved Hazuraba had appointed me as Editor of the Maryam Magazine and the team would consist of Waaqifaat-e-Nau. It would be a magazine for the Waaqifaat-e-Nau created by the Waaqifaat-e-Nau.

We prayed for the success of this magazine and planned to meet at a nearby date to discuss the project in more detail. I took a moment to process what I had just heard and felt very honoured that our dear Khalifa had remembered me at all.

It was only upon Hazur’saba guidance I had undertaken a Masters in Journalism and graduated a couple of years before. During my studies, my mind often pondered over the thought of how the skills learnt on the course would be best utilised for the Jama’at. Oftentimes I would think that there are many successful publications produced by the Jama’at, but none exclusively for Waqf-e-nau readers. I was overwhelmed and humbled to learn this was the role Hazuraba had in mind for me.

This was one of the first biggest lessons for me that our role as Waqf-e-Nau is to place our ultimate trust in Allah and have faith in His plans for you. As instructed by Hazuraba himself and reminded further by our Waqf-e-Nau secretaries, we must remember to seek guidance and consult with our beloved Khalifa-e-Waqt, not only at every step of our lives, but in particular for Waqf-e-Nau about our career choices and studies.

My mind instantly was drawn to the name Hazuraba had chosen for the Magazine ‘Maryam.’ The blessed Hazrat Maryamas who portrays the very essence of sacrifice by being the first child dedicated by her parents to the service of God.

Blessed Mulaqat & Hazur’saba vision Soon after, there was an official work mulaqat with Hazuraba. I remember sitting in the waiting room with the Manager, Assistant Manager and an Editorial Board member. This was the team we began with. It was such an overwhelming feeling being in Hazur’saba presence like this, so my recollection of the exact events that transpired in the Fazl Mosque office is poor. I do however, recall Hazuraba gave very detailed instructions on how to proceed with the project. It was a huge blessing for us to be present in that room where the fragrance of my beloved Hazuraba radiated off every corner of the wall. Those moments were so special to us, as we were given a small window of opportunity to gain insight into Hazur’saba vision for the magazine and subsequently, his hopes for a united and empowered community of Waaqifaat-e-Nau. After the mulaqat, we had a meeting with the Chief Editor of Ismael Magazine. We discussed how to go about achieving the visions of Hazuraba for the magazines. Conversations such as how much content should be included and whether the Magazines should be a standard A4 size or a more pocket-size version took place. With lots of prayers, the first edition was published.

Inspirational Letter by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba We were extremely grateful that beloved Hazuraba took time from his very busy schedule to write a letter personally addressed directly to the readers of Maryam Magazine. In this very special letter, beloved Hazuraba highlighted the importance of understanding the status of being Waqf-e-Nau girls: “It is essential for the Waqf-e-Nau girls to remember the history of Waqf. It was a woman who first dedicated her child before its birth and that Waqf-e-Nau was also a woman called Maryam.

Her parents who had dedicated her did her Tarbiyyat with such excellence that

she in turn understanding the significance of her status fulfilled the demands of the Waqf in a manner whereby the God of the Heavens mentioned her in the Holy Quran as a goddess of chastity and honour and a woman who spent her life with absolute sanctity and piety. Her purity and Taqwa has thus become an everlasting example.”

Hazuraba further reminded us of our duties: “In accordance with the same spirit your parents also dedicated you before you were born and as you grow you have re-affirmed your pledge of loyalty with equal sincerity. This status of your Waqf and the honour that goes with it is not a trivial matter, but this reverence can only become your pride and joy if you fulfil the demands of the Waqf and live your life with absolute loyalty to the Institute of Khilafat…. It has always been a woman’s pride and joy to be fully dedicated and a complete Muslim both in the past and even now in the present day.”

“It was the Muslim women who carried forward the flag of knowledge and its application during the preliminary era of Islam and it is the Ahmadi women who now who have kept the same banner aloft during the secondary period of Islam i.e. Ahmadiyyat - the True Islam. Likewise, you as the Waqf-e-Nau girls, are expected to keep the flag of knowledge and its application flying higher than any other standard.”

Such a powerful and inspiring letter to introduce the Magazine with. We had full faith thereafter that Allah would no doubt bless our every effort in helping Hazuraba spread his vision of empowering Waqf-e-Nau girls with wisdom through this publication. At this point I would urge our readers to go back to Issue 1 and re-read that letter by Hazuraba. I have only highlighted a few points, but I am certain when you read the whole letter, it will most certainly convince you to renew your efforts as Waaqifaat-e-Nau.

The Team and Roles Now it is only fair to mention a little bit about the team that work so hard behind the scenes to put all this content together for the benefit of readers, who Alhamdolillah are benefiting from Maryam Magazine, not just nationally but also around the world now.

At the outset, the mere handful of people in the team were all involved in different tasks in the project, at times overlapping one another’s duties to ensure a magazine with engaging content would be produced and printed each quarter.

Overseeing the production side of the magazine from finding writers, assigning work, researching and writing the articles, designing and page setting and finally talking with the printers about the layout of the pages were some of the tasks that had to be undertaken for each issue. There were at times struggles before sending copy to printers, deciding which pages would be printed in colour and which ones would stay mono due to the limited budget at the beginning. The team at Raqeem Press, Islamabad, were very patient and helped us through this process immensely.

These were all collective tasks and without teamwork, prayers and most importantly the guidance from dear Hazuraba, none of it would have been even the slightest bit possible. Alhamdolillah, over the years the team grew and work was divided more efficiently.

Most members of the team have not worked on a magazine before, they are not writers or proof readers etc. by profession. They are all volunteers who came forward to dedicate their time to learning new skills and pushing their boundaries to produce content that will be useful and inspiring for their fellow Waaqifaat, while balancing studies or work alongside.

This is the essence of Waqf-e-Nau, to come forward and help in whatever capacity, when it is required of you and Allah indeed is the best of helpers.

May the team grow from strength to strength to continue producing informative and interesting content for Waaqifaat-e-Nau. Ameen.

Content and Expansion to Online Platform One of the earlier editions that was particularly enjoyable to work on must have been the second edition (April-June 2012, Issue 2) that focused on the theme of Khilafat, where we got to ask our audience what their favourite memories of Khilafat were. Younger readers told us how much they loved meeting Hazuraba and receiving chocolates from him, and the older age groups sent in their contributions relating their precious unforgettable moments connected to Khilafat.

It was a super inspiring read that connected Waaqifaat from across the country under the single umbrella of Khilafat.

What is so special about this magazine is that you can find a wide variety of content in it, ranging from Friday Sermon summary, focus on books of the Promised Messiahas, faith inspiring incidents of devotees to Arabic lessons, children’s stories that carry moral lessons, and puzzles for kids, not forgetting the first-hand accounts of Waaqifaate-Nau serving in their dedicated fields.

Alhamdolillah over time, both Ismael and Maryam Magazines saw progress as more Waqf-e-Nau were contributing and teams were expanding. Both magazines were soon made available online at Alislam.org. Now, every issue gets uploaded to the Waqf-e-Nau website, waqfenauintl.org, in both Urdu and English. I moved from the UK to USA a couple of years ago to help serve the Jama’at here alongside my husband who is a Waqf-eZindagi and I am pleased that members like myself can benefit from the magazines remotely.

It is our duty as Waaqifaat to inspire the next generation. Khilafat for a Muslim woman is an embodiment of empowerment. We not only have the freedom to educate ourselves (a right that was granted to us by The Holy Prophetsaw), but we have the rights and duty to empower the next generations.

We have the best role model in Hazrat Maryamas to follow.

In understanding the sacrifice her mother made by dedicating her unborn child in the way of Allah, she herself manifested faith, resilience and strength in raising a Prophet through testing times.

May all Waqf-e-Nau inculcate the same essence of sacrifice by recognising the dedication of their parents and come forward to serve the Jama’at in their respective fields. I pray dear readers continue to contribute and enjoy benefiting from all the wonderful articles printed in this magazine Insha’Allah.

In this era, we Ahmadi Muslims are extremely fortunate to be led by the blessed institution of Khilafat. Even during the last few years when the situation of the world has been unpredictable due to the COVID pandemic, Ahmadis around the world have been able to receive their beloved Khalifa’s guidance through Friday Sermons and Virtual Mulaqats. Another source of guidance has been the diaries written by respected Abid Khan sahib, Press Secretary Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who has had the honour of remaining in contact with beloved Hazuraba during this time. Presented below is an excerpt of one of these diaries with invaluable guidance from our beloved Hazuraba.

- Twitter Spaces In another office Mulaqat, I informed of a relatively new feature on Twitter known as ‘Spaces’. Several national Jama’ats and individual Ahmadis contacted me and mentioned that discussions were taking place on Twitter, often involving Ahmadi men and women on different issues.

Some expressed their concern that the forum was a means of increasing unnecessary social contact between unrelated Ahmadi men and women, whilst those in favour of using this service said it was simply a means of sharing information and knowledge.

Given that several people were enquiring, I presented the matter to Hazur aba during Mulaqat.

In reply, Hazuraba said: “It may be that people are joining this forum with good intentions, such as to educate one another or to hold what they perceive to be positive discussions but they should remember that Hazrat Adamas was enticed and wrongly influenced

by Satan in the name of righteousness. So, those who wish to participate in these mixed discussions or other such things should honestly assess if it is strictly essential. If they do, they should not display their photos.”

Hazuraba continued: “Islam has taught men and women to ‘lower their gaze’ in order to protect them from dangerous situations and immorality. Often it is from a small or minor indiscretion or vice that larger vices or problems emerge. Anyway, in certain circumstances, one act may be appropriate but in different conditions the same

act may be sinful and wrong. So, context has to be taken into account and this is why it is not always appropriate for the Jama’at to give a Fatwa or for Khalifatul Masih to give an outright directive either in favour or in rejection of the matter at hand. In such circumstances, Ahmadis should look at their own conscience and act with sense and wisdom and make sure they stay within the limits and boundaries imposed by Islam.”

Hazur’s aba guidance showed how, where there are certain things that are categorically permissible or not permitted according to the teachings of Islam, there are certain issues which may not be as clear cut and context has to be considered and the potential harms and benefits should be weighed against one another.

I mentioned to Hazur aba that some people had quoted the example of Hazrat Ayeshara teaching Muslim men and felt that online discussions provided a similar means for Muslim women to educate others.

In response, Hazuraba said: “Hazrat Ayeshara was Ummul Momineen, the mother of the believers, and the Holy Qur’an has afforded the wives of the Holy Prophetsaw a special status and testified to their righteousness. Further, Hazrat Ayesha ra would address Muslim men from behind a curtain and the Qur’an instructed the wives of the Holy Prophetsaw to be firm in their manner of speech when addressing men.”

Hazuraba continued: “The level of virtue and righteousness of Hazrat Ayeshara was of the very highest order and an example for the believers. Where there was once an allegation of impropriety made against her, Allah the Almighty Himself gave witness to her truth and nobility . If Ahmadi women reach her status and standards of spirituality and righteousness then, by all means, they are free to teach and address men as she did. So, all our actions should be based on wisdom and after the consequences are considered, rather than immediately following the latest worldly trends.” h�ps://www.pressahmadiyya.com/personal accounts/2021/10/transforming fear into peace the blessings of khilafat e ahmadiyya/

THE TEN MEN OF

PARADISE (Part 2 of the series on the Ashra Mubashra) | By Naila Tahir What is meant by the term Ashra Mubashra?

Ashara in Arabic means 10 and ‘Mubashra’ means good news or glad tidings.1 The Ashra Mubashra were ten pious companions of the Holy Prophetsaw who were foretold the news by the Holy Prophetsaw in their lifetime that they would enter paradise after death.

“And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous. And excellent companions are these.” (Holy Qur’an 4:70) Of whom is the Ashra Mubashra comprised of?

The narration pertaining to these ten companions is recorded by Ahmad (1/193) and At-Tirmithee (no.

3747). ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn ‘Awf (radiallahu anhu) narrated that the Prophetsaw said:

َ ْ ‫الر ْح َمنِ بْ ُن َع ْو ٍف ِف‬ َ ْ ‫ال َّن ِة َوال ُّز َبيْ ُر ِف‬ َ ْ ‫ال َّن ِة َوطَ لْ َح ُة ِف‬ َ ْ ‫ال َّن ِة َو ُعثْ َم ُان ِف‬ َ ْ ‫ال َّن ِة َو َع ِل ٌّي ِف‬ َ ْ ‫ال َّن ِة َو ُع َم ُر ِف‬ َ ْ ‫َأ ُبو َب ْك ٍر ِف‬ ‫ال َّن ِة‬ َّ ‫ال َّن ِة َو َعبْ ُد‬ َ ْ ‫اح ِف‬ َ ْ ‫يد بْ ُن َزيْ ِد بْنِ َع ْمرِو بْنِ ُنفَيْ ٍل ِف‬ َ ْ ‫اص ِف‬ ٍ ‫َو َس ْع ُد بْ ُن َأبِي َو َّق‬ ‫ال َّن ِة‬ ُ ‫ال َّن ِة َو َس ِع‬ ِ ‫ال َّن ِة َو َأ ُبو ُع َبيْ َد َة بْ ُن ْال ََّر‬ ‘Abu Bakr is in Paradise, ‘Umar is in Paradise, ‘Uthman is in Paradise, ‘Ali is in Paradise, Talhah is in Paradise, AzZubair is in Paradise, ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn ‘Auf is in Paradise, Sa’d Ibn Abee Waqqaas is in Paradise, Sa’eed Ibn Zayd Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Nufayl is in Paradise, and Abu ‘Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarraah is in Paradise. 2 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra Hazrat Umar Farooqra Hazrat Uthmanra Hazrat Alira Hazrat Talhara Hazrat Zubair ibn-e-Awamra Hazrat Abu Obaida ibn-al-Jarahra Hazrat Abdul Rehman ibn-e-Aufra Hazrat Saad ibn-e-Abi Waqasra Hazrat Saeed ibn-e-Zaidra

Some details about the lives of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umar Farooqra, Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira were covered in Part 1 of this series in Issue 37. We will now continue on with the next three members of the Ashra Mubashra.

1 2

https://szshaikh.wordpress.com/2018/11/22/ashra-mubashra-the-ten-blessed-companions/ Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Book 49 (The Chapters on Virtues), Hadith 4112.

5. Hazrat Talha (May Allah be pleased with him) Hazrat Talhara belonged to the Taym bin Murrah tribe. Hazrat Talhara was known by the title of Abu Muhammad. Hazrat Talhara was among the first eight Companions to accept Islam and also among the five Companionsra who accepted Islam through Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

Although Hazrat Talhara was not present during the Battle of Badr because the Holy Prophetsaw had sent him along with Hazrat Saeed bin Zaidra to gather information about the Meccan Caravan that was returning from Syria. But he had taken part in all the subsequent battles alongside the Holy Prophetsaw.

With regards to the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Musleh Maudra states: “From the hill, the archers sent volleys of arrows.

At that time, Talhara, one of the Quraysh and the Muhajirin (Meccan Muslims who had taken refuge in Medina), saw that the enemy arrows were all directed to the face of the Prophetsaw. He stretched out his hand and held it up against the

Prophet’ssaw face. Arrow after arrow struck Talha’sra hand, yet it did not drop, although with each shot it was pierced through. Ultimately it was completely mutilated. Talhara lost his hand and for the rest of life went about with a stump. In the time of the Fourth Khalifah of Islam when internal dissensions had raised their head, Talhara was tauntingly described by an enemy as the handless Talhara.

A friend of Talhara replied, “Handless, yes, but do you know where he lost his hand? At the Battle of Uhud, in which he raised his hand to shield the Prophet’ssaw face from the enemy’s arrows.” Long after the Battle of Uhud, friends of Talhara asked him, “Did not your hand smart under the arrow shots and the pain make you cry?” Talhara replied, “It made me smart, and it almost made me cry, but I resisted both because I knew that if my hand shook but slightly, it would expose the Prophet’ssaw face to the volley of enemy arrows.”

Hazrat Talhara was martyred, during Jang-e-Jamal [The Battle of the Camel] in 657 AD. At the time of his martyrdom, Hazrat Talhara was 64 years old.

6. Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam (May Allah be pleased with him)

7. Hazrat Abu Ubaida bin Jarah (May Allah be pleased with him)

Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam’sra mother’s name was Safiyya bint Abdul Muttalib, who was the paternal aunt of the Holy Prophetsaw. Hazrat Zubairra was also the nephew of Hazrat Khadijahra, the beloved wife of the Holy Prophetsaw. He was married to Hazrat Asmara, daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. As the Holy Prophetsaw was married to another daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat A`ishara, Hazrat Zubairra was related to the Holy Prophetsaw in this way as well.

Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarahra was from the Banu Harith bin Fihr family of the Quraish tribe and was the ninth person to accept Islam.

Hazrat Zubairra was either the fourth or fifth person to accept Islam when he was at a very young age and was also among the six companions who Hazrat Umarra selected before his demise as a part of a consultative body to elect the next Khalifa.

Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra participated in all battles alongside the Holy Prophetsaw. On the day of the Battle of Badr, he was fighting alongside the Muslims, while his own father was fighting on the Meccan side. His father was targeting him throughout the battle due to his belief in the unity of God, but Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra did his best to evade him. Thus, his devotion to the unity of God overcame him, and eventually he overcame and killed his father in battle.

Hazrat Zubairra was the first to draw out his sword in the way of Islam for Jihad, the incident was that once while still in Makkah, Hazrat Zubairra was resting when he heard a voice say that the Holy Prophetsaw had been martyred. He immediately got up, unsheathed his sword and set out. As he was walking, the Holy Prophetsaw saw him and told him to stop, asking what had happened. Hazrat Zubairra told him what he had heard and his ensuing worry.

The Holy Prophetsaw prayed for him on this account.

Hazrat Zubairra was alongside the Holy Prophetsaw in all battles. On the day of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsaw only had two horses, and Hazrat Zubairra was riding one of them. He was wearing a yellow turban on the day of Badr; upon seeing it, the Holy Prophetsaw said that the Angels which had descended to help the Muslims were also wearing similar turbans. He remained steadfast and did not leave the side of the Holy Prophetsaw during the Battle of Uhud. During the Conquest of Makkah, Hazrat Zubairra was carrying one of three flags of the Muhajireen [migrants].

He was also elected as one of the members of the advisory council, constituted by Hazrat Umar Farooqra to elect the Caliph after him. He was also one of those early Sahabah Iqraam who migrated to Ethiopia and then to Medina and his demise was in 656 AD.

The Holy Prophetsaw said that every nation has an Amin (trustee) and the Amin of his nation was Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra. Once, Hazrat Aishara was asked which of the companions were dearest to the Holy Prophetsaw. She replied saying Hazrat Abu Bakrra, then Hazrat Umarra and thirdly Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra.

During the battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsaw was struck with rocks which broke his front teeth. The rocks struck him with such force, that the hooks of his armour became lodged in his face. Hazrat Abu Bakrra narrates that when the Holy Prophetsaw was struck, he ran towards him at the same time, he saw another person running towards the Holy Prophetsaw with such speed that it seemed as if he was flying. Upon reaching the Holy Prophetsaw, Hazrat Abu Bakrra realised that this person was Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra. Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra took hold of one of the hooks stuck in the blessed face of the Holy Prophetsaw with his teeth and pulled it. He had to pull so hard, that when the first hook came out, he fell back and one of his teeth broke. Then when he pulled the second hook out, another one of his teeth broke.

Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra was suggested by Hazrat Abu Bakrra to be the first Khalifa, before he himself was unanimously chosen. This shows the esteemed rank which Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra had.

His demise was in 639 AD. (Part 3 of series to be continued next issue)

One day a fox said to a crab, “Crawling thing, have you ever run in all your life?”

“Yes,” said the crab, “I run very often from the mud to the grass and back to the river.”

“Oh, shame,” said the fox, “that is no distance to run. How many feet and legs have you? I have only four. Why, if I had as many feet as you have, I would run at least six times as fast as you do. Did you know that you are really a very slow creature? Though I have only four feet I run ten times as far as you do. I never heard of any one with so many feet as you have, running so slowly.”

The crab said, “Would you like to run a race with a slow creature like me?

I will try to run as fast as you. I know I am small, so I think we should go to the scales and see how much heavier you are. As you are ten times larger than I, of course you will have to run ten times faster. Another reason why you can run so fast is because you have such a fine tail and hold it so high. If you would allow me to put it down, I do not think you could run any faster than I.” “Oh, very well,” said the fox, “do as you like, and still the race will be so easy for me that I will not even need to try. Your many legs and your lack of intelligence do not go very well together! Now, if I had my sense and all of your legs, no creature in the forest could outrun me. As it is, there are none that can outwit me. I am known as the sharp-witted.

Even man says, ‘Qui-kwat-wui-lai’ (sly as a fox).

So do what you will, unwise one.”

“If you will let me tie your beautiful tail down so it will stay down,” said the crab, ‘’I am sure I can win the race.”

“I will prove to you that it will make no difference,” said the fox, “so how do you wish that I should hold my tail?”

The crab said, “If you will allow me to hang something on your tail to hold it down, I am sure you will not be able to run faster than I.” “Do as you like,” said the fox.

“Allow me to come nearer,” said the crab, “and when I have it fastened to your tail, I will say ‘Ready!’ Then you are to start.”

So, the crab crawled behind and caught the fox’s tail with his pincers and said, “Ready!” The fox ran and ran until he was tired. And when he stopped, there was the crab beside him.

“Where are you now?” said the crab. “I thought you were to run ten times faster than I. You are not even ahead of me with all your boasting.”

The fox, panting for breath, hung his head in shame and went away where he might never see the crab again.

Ee-Sze (Meaning): A big, proud, boastful mouth is even worse for a man than it is for a fox.

http://www.public-library. uk/dailyebook/Chinese%20 fables%20and%20folk%20 stories%20(c1908).pdf

Tarbiyyat Page 1 During a virtual mulaqat, a nasirat member of Waqfe Nau UK, asked beloved Hazuraba how one should respond to those people who mocked the hijab.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba said: “If you are determined, if you are strong and staunch in your faith, then you should not bother what the other people say. This is the commandment of Allah the Almighty that women should wear hijab, they should cover their head and bosom. And we have to follow those instructions, if we are strong Muslims. If people mock us, then don’t care. Tell them, ‘This is my personal choice, my personal view, and I have a right to do whatever I like; and this is my personal liking, and I am doing it because of my religious teachings, because of the commandment of the Shariah and the Holy Quran which has been given by Allah the Almighty in the Holy Quran.’ So, if you are a determined and strong Ahmadi then you will never bother whatever the people say.

“You can ask them, ‘Why don’t you use hijab? Why are you naked on the beaches? Why are you doing immoral acts, which you feel are moral, but I feel, according to my religious teaching, are immoral? So, if I don’t object to your habits then who are you to ask why I wear a hijab?’”

https://www.alhakam.org/uk-waqifaat-nasirat-meet-huzoor/

THE LOVE OF A

Khalifa

FOR THE JAMA’AT Hibbat Mirza

“The Imam of the Jama’at and the Jama’at itself are two names of one and the same thing. The Khalifa of the time and the Jama’at itself both unify to become one entity. This is why it is the task of Khilafat to strive to alleviate the pain and suffering of the Jama’at.” (Al Fazl, 21 May 1978) As I sat at my desk attempting to start writing this article, I realized just how vast the subject was and decided to reflect upon beloved Hazur-e-Anwar’saba love towards the Jama’at. Immediately, I couldn’t help but remember 2010. This was the year that I got to experience Jalsa Salana UK for the first time, but it was also the year of the Lahore Attacks. It’s strange to think how much time has passed since, yet I can still vividly remember how calm Hazuraba was during the Friday Sermon, informing us of the large losses that had been incurred and reminding us all that we needed to pray for those Ahmadis in Pakistan. I remember thinking how difficult it must have been for beloved Hazuraba to be receiving the news of mass casualties, and yet his primary concern was to keep Ahmadis around the world calm and collected; and most importantly united.

In the aftermath, I remember watching those short documentaries on each of the martyrs and one point kept recurring. Almost every family mentioned how Hazur-e-Anwaraba had spoken to them at length, comforting them. I wondered how Hazuraba was able to do so much, while the pain for him must have been just as deep, if not more. Even the speeches Hazuraba gave during Jalsa Salana that year felt different. The power and conviction in his voice had a profound impact on me, allowing me to understand just a fraction of the love Hazuraba has for the Jama’at and the pain he felt during such instances.

Further pondering over the topic, I don’t think there has ever been a moment where I have questioned whether Hazur-e-Anwaraba loves the Jama’at. Seeing Hazuraba during his tours, especially when he visits Canada, the way members, young and old, flock to him crowding the streets of Peace Village; the warm

smile that Hazuraba displays when seeing children and how they wrap their little arms around Hazuraba for a hug, these moments have always moved me. By the Grace of Allah, I’ve been privileged to live in Peace Village and see firsthand how sometimes the slogans lovingly called out in front of Hazur’saba residence at night has brought Hazur-e-Anwaraba outside to see us gathered, sometimes he blesses us by walking among us. There have even been times where I have watched as Hazuraba has stopped to speak with someone on the sidewalk, with members gathering around to be part of the auspicious occasion. These instances evoke feelings of homecoming, with our spiritual father welcoming us to him.

To say there has been one thing that I missed dearly over the last few years would be an understatement. There were many aspects I used to take for granted before the start of the pandemic.

These visits of different countries, along with the ability to travel and have a mulaqat where possible, to name a few. The isolation of the pandemic has put into perspective for many of us, just how important life is with the blessings of Khilafat. Even during these difficult and uncertain times, the constant in our lives has been the love and presence of Hazur-e-Anwaraba for the entire Jama’at.

Recalling the first Friday after the lockdowns started in March 2020, I woke up early, only to check my phone for the MTA livestream to see what was going to happen. It was an unsettling feeling, to say the least. I couldn’t go to the mosque to read Friday Prayers, York University was closed until further notice, and my going to Aiwan-e-Tahir to subtitle was now tentative at best and depended on the situation.

Something needed to stay the same. When Hazure-Anwar’saba special live message came on screen, it helped ease some of my anxiety. No matter what else was changing, there was Hazuraba reassuring us all that something was being worked upon so that Friday Sermons & Prayers wouldn’t be missed for an extended amount of time, giving the entire Jama’at hope so that none would become disheartened. To me, this demonstrated how Hazuraba carefully looked over the details and ensured that he maintained a connection with the Jama’at. It showed his love and kindness, prioritizing our delicate hearts during such uncertainty. The relief I felt watching the first Friday Sermon of the 2020 lockdown was enormous, it felt

like there was at least one routine in our lives that could still go on without much interruption. I’m sure plenty of others felt similarly, granted the varying degrees of isolation.

By the Grace of Allah, the COVID-19 pandemic opened up a new avenue for Hazur-eAnwaraba to reach out to the Jama’at – that being the virtual mulaqats over Zoom. I’ll admit, having been on the internet for so long, it never crossed my mind that we would ever have such events – and they truly are spectacles. Through these virtual mulaqats, we have been given glimpses into Hazur’saba interactions with even the most remote parts of the world. They’ve allowed for more personal guidance to be delivered to various countries. They have truly highlighted Hazur-e-Anwar’saba love and devotion towards the Jama’at and its members and his attention to the minutiae of human nature. For example, Hazur-eAnwaraba directed our attention, during a mulaqat with office bearers, to connect with members of the

Jama’at – especially those who have become distant – and see how they were doing. Beloved Hazuraba knew that with this sort of social isolation, mental illness – depression, anxiety, etc. – would be on the rise and it was important for everyone, especially office bearers, to check up on our fellow brothers and sisters and help them in their time of need as we never know what others are going through. He reminded us all of the importance of compassion and maintaining ties with our fellow Jama’at members.

Of course, these lovely virtual mulaqats highlighted another aspect for me – that while we all missed being in the presence of Hazuraba, he also missed us. Watching the highlights from the Waqf-e-Nau UK virtual mulaqat on This Week with Hazur, hearing beloved Hazuraba request one of the participants to take off their masks so he could see their face, ‘Shakal dekha do na mujhe apni thori si’ (This Week with Hazur, March 5, 2021) – that exchange was so sweet and loving, it had me tear up. As Hazuraba mentioned how much time had passed since he had seen this group of Waqf-e-Nau, commenting on how well they had grown, it made me appreciate the opportunities I had had in the past to see Hazuraba and the connection I had built through writing letters regularly. It also further endeared Hazur-e-Anwaraba to me, as I had never thought about what the pandemic must have been like for him. In all this time, seeing Hazuraba take

on so many tours of various countries, some back-toback, one would think that the lockdowns would have given Hazur-e-Anwaraba much needed time to rest.

Yet, throughout the pandemic Hazur’saba schedule hasn’t let up, considering the number of virtual meetings, online programs, etc., that have taken place.

Taking into consideration Hazur’saba workload before COVID and even now, it baffles me how he is able to manage so much. Hazur-e-Anwaraba creates and takes every available opportunity to meet with the Jama’at and allow as many people to personally meet him as possible. He makes each individual feel as if they are the only one in Hazur’saba presence.

For instance, I remember during one of Hazur’saba early visits to Canada, there wasn’t enough time to have many individual/family mulaqats. So, Jama’ati mulaqats were arranged. Hazuraba met with each member for a few seconds as we passed him in the old mission house hallway, allowing us to say our Salam and asking if we were Waqf-e-Nau – giving us Twix bars and pens as we walked through. Funnily enough, I didn’t think Hazuraba had heard my mother say that both my sister and I were Waqf-e-Nau over the group chatter. So, I said my Salam and was prepared to mope as I walked through the hallway, yet Hazuraba stopped me and handed me the Twix Bar and pen before allowing me to proceed. That feeling of being seen during such a hectic occasion, showed me how

closely Hazuraba observes us, even when we don’t think we are noticeable or worthy of being given his attention.

“Everyday the relationship between me and the community grows stronger and stronger…Almighty Allah is fulfilling the promise made to the Promised Messiah (as) in the revelation, ‘I am with you and with those whom you love.’”

When we take a closer look, we realize how much Hazur-e-Anwaraba sacrifices in order to maintain a connection with the Jama’at and its members. As it is Allah the Almighty Who has entrusted him with this enormous responsibility, Hazuraba sacrifices his time and sleep to be able to spend as much time with members in various meetings, events, countries, etc., as possible. During mulaqats Hazur-e-Anwaraba recognizes numerous individuals that he meets with, having watched many of us grow up. Hazuraba makes us feel comfortable, speaking about different subjects and making small talk, emphasizing our need to take care of ourselves whether by being punctual with our namaz or ensuring that we get enough sleep. Hazur-e-Anwaraba is also keenly aware of what we write to him. I have observed many times when my father has sent letters requesting prayers for the Abdus Salam Science Fair or some other event, Hazur’saba reply comes with a purposeful question, wondering if the event went well – as though eagerly awaiting the details of the event.

“God has gifted me with hearts that are ready to sacrifice anything at my call.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra).

Considering the time Hazur-e-Anwaraba spends on guiding Waqf-e-Nau, be it through classes, mulaqats, and letters – he takes great interest in each aspect of our lives as we grow, and Hazuraba gives careful consideration in aiding us to choose schools and careers that will be of benefit to the Jama’at. Our best interests are at the core of his decisions. His love for us and the Jama’at are ever-present in this. Therefore, it is no surprise that as Waqf-e-Nau, we are often reminded of the sacrifices that we may one day be called upon to offer for the sake of Allah and the Jama’at. Whether it is our time, wealth, children or ourselves, it is an aspect we are perpetually prepared for. It is when these sacrifices are made that we understand how deep of a connection Hazur-e-Anwaraba has with not only Waqf-e-Nau but the Jama’at as a whole. Recently, upon the demise of Syed Taalay Ahmed Shaheed, we saw the emotions of beloved Hazuraba peek through the surface.

For the most part, if memory serves correct, I’ve always observed Hazur-e-Anwaraba to be very collected, no matter how emotional the subject. This was one of the few occasions where I could feel how profoundly the loss had affected Hazuraba. I don’t think there was a dry eye for all those watching that Friday Sermon, as Hazuraba spoke of him being a diamond of Khilafat and gave witness to his fulfillment of his Waqf. Those words and the emotion associated to them will never leave my memory. It also bears in mind the high standards that we, as Waqf-e-Nau, must strive to fulfill.

“Before sleeping at night there is no country of the world that I do not visit in my imagination and no Ahmadi for whom I do not pray whilst sleeping and whilst awake. I am not doing any favour because this is my duty.” (Friday Sermon delivered on 6th June 2014 Frankfurt, Germany) When it comes to putting into words a Khalifa’s love for his Jama’at, I have not scratched the surface, even with the focus being Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V aba. The bond that we have with Hazur-e-Anwaraba and how he considers our sentiments, it cannot be considered anything other than love for this Jama’at. Just knowing that Hazuraba – after a long day of meetings and whatever else his schedule must include, the worries he must be dealing with – takes time before going to sleep to think about each country and prays to Allah for each Ahmadi, is enough for me to believe that my Khalifa loves me and this Jama’at.

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SUCCESSFUL YEARS

OF

Maryam Magazine

By Atiyya Wasee Maryam Magazine is the first ever Waqfat-enau Magazine initiated by our Beloved Hazuraba for the Waqfat-e-nau by the Waqfat-e-nau. First quarterly magazine was launched in 2012 with the blessings of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) and this Waqfat-e-nau magazine is historical because it is one if it’s kind.

I remember the time when Zanubia Ahmad sahiba, Chief Editor of Maryam Magazine, approached me to design the front page covers for Maryam Magazine. I had felt very honoured that I was going to be a part of this blessed Magazine.

I had graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and wondered how I would be able to serve the Jama’at. I have been fortunate to be helping the Jama’at through Maryam Magazine since it was launched.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience by designing different covers for the magazine, each time matching it to the theme of the content inside. Along with the rest of the contents of the Magazine, the cover page would also get approval by our Beloved Hazuraba before it got published. This would make me feel very happy and humbled that our Beloved Hazuraba has seen my covers and has approved them.

In my personal mulaqats with Beloved Hazuraba I would mention my name, that I am a Waqf-e-nau and that my children are also part of this blessed scheme. I would also mention that I was blessed with an opportunity to be one of the designers of Maryam Magazine. Belover Hazuraba would always reply, “Acha! Kamal hogaya” which would make me smile and feel very overwhelmed.

As this year marks 10 successful years of Maryam magazine I would like to share some memories I have.

The first magazine cover was inspired by Hazrat Maryamas herself, a blessed woman who first dedicated her child before its birth. Hazrat Maryamas is one of the most respected and revered women in history. The Holy Qur’an names an entire chapter after her. The Holy Qur’an presents her as a model for all true believers to follow. She has been mentioned by the Holy Prophetsaw as one of the four most honourable women in the world.

It is mentioned in Surah Maryam of The Holy Qur’an;

“And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree; it will cause fresh ripe dates to fall upon thee.” (19:26)

According to this verse, the birth of Hazrat Isaas took place at a time when fresh dates are found on palm trees in Judaea. This verse inspired me to design the first Maryam magazine cover with a scenic view of a palm tree at sunset.

after which we went back and forth on our phones with different variations until the perfect shot was taken. As with any publication, Maryam Magazine also had tight deadlines that we were working towards so it had to be done that night.

I edited that shot and enhanced the lighting to make it fit the vision I had in mind for the front cover. This was the cover I worked hard, day and night on and one with a story behind it that I will never forget. The Qur’anic verse was:

“This is a Book which we have revealed to thee that thou mayest bring mankind out of every kind of darkness into light, by the command of their Lord, to the path of the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.” (14:2)

My favourite cover was the one I designed for Issue 4 in the October-December 2012 edition.

Zanubia Ahmed sahiba requested me to add a verse of The Holy Qur’an on the front cover so immediately my thought was that it would be suitable to have a picture of The Holy Qur’an radiating a luminous light, I felt this idea would best fit the Qur’anic verse.

I remember sharing my idea with my sister, Munazza Khan who was the Editor of Maryam Magazine at that time and requested if she could take a picture of The Holy Qur’an at night with her professional camera. To achieve the perfect lighting we had to wait until nightfall and for our young children to fall asleep,

In 2017 Zanubia Ahmed sahiba requested that I should work on designing the inside articles as well. I have been honoured to be given this blessed opportunity and will continue to give my best effort at all times for our readers in order to fulfil the vision of Beloved Hazuraba. Insha’Allah.

Respecting Parents Razia Aliya Ahmad, 8 years old, Singapore

Dear friends, did you know our parents are the most important people in the world? They are very special and a beautiful gift given to us by Allah. They love us, care for us, guide us, teach us, do so much for us and help us to be the best Ahmadi Muslims!

Allah the Almighty mentions in the Holy Qur’an in Chapter 17, verse 24:

ۡ #‫ اِ ۡح َس "ًا‬," ِ +ۡ ‫ل َوا ِل َد‬#0ِ ‫َو‬

which means: “and show kindness to parents” - meaning we should be good and kind to our parents.

Allah the Almighty also tells us not to say ‘uff’ to our parents or make them unhappy, rather, Allah says we should speak to them with kind words and respect them.

In a Hadith, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsaw said, “The pleasure of the Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of the Lord lies in the anger of the parent”[1].

After Allah, it is our parents who love us the most. Allah gave us parents to show us just a little bit of how much He loves us.

When we make our parents happy, we are making Allah happy too.

In a class [2] with our beloved Hazuraba, a child asked how we can show respect to our parents. Hazuraba answered, “you should show respect by listening to them, if they ask you to say your prayers, you should say your prayers, and if they ask you to do your homework, you should do your homework.”

I also try my best to respect my parents. Sometimes when I see my parents are unhappy because I did not listen to them, or I did not clean up after playing or I did not share with my brother, it saddens me and I do not like it that I have upset them. But when I do try to listen to them I feel happy that my parents are happy too.

Parents are a precious gift by Allah. We must treat them well and be good to them so Allah is happy with us too. May Allah enable us to always show respect and love to our parents and may He enable us to be good Ahmadi Muslims. Let us all together pray for our parents with the beautiful prayer Allah has taught us in the Holy Qur’an (17:25):

َ َۡۡ @ 8 ‫ا‬2ً +ۡ ‫ َص ِغ‬5ۡ " ِ ‫ب ٰي‬8 ‫? ُہ َما َ;ا َر‬ ‫رب ار‬

‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me in my childhood.’

Ameen

References [1] Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 2 [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iBSNsa5rnI

Kid’s Spread Khilafat and Obedience Did you know?

• The world Khilafat means succession • A Khalifa is a successor to a prophet of Allah • Allah the Almighty appoints every prophet and every Khalifa too • One of the main roles of a Khalifa is to continue to carry out the message of the Prophet • The Holy Prophet (saw) said that an Imam (Khalifa) is a like a shield that protects us. In order to be safe behind the shield, we need to be perfectly obedient!

• The Holy Prophet (saw) said whoever obeys his ameer (Khalifa) obeys him and whoever disobeys his ameer (Khalifa) disobeys him!

• Khilafat gives us peace of mind and makes us feel secure that we always have someone to turn to!

• Khilafat is a blessing for us and helps us to always stay on the right path • Khilafat helps unite us as a community- when all our talents and skills are channeled together by our Khalifa, it becomes easier for the Jama’at to achieve our goals

Wordsearch Pro pheth o o d S u cce ss i o n Ob e di e n ce K h i lafat S h i el d Un ity Ble ssi n g A lla h

After the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw), Allah divinely appointed Khulafa who continued guiding and reminding people about the teaching of___________. The successors after The Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) are known as the ________________. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw), Allah divinely appointed Khalifas who continued guiding and reminding people about the teaching of ____________. The successors after The Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) are known as the ____________.

Answers: Islam, Khulafae Rashideen, Ahmadiyyat, Khulafae Ahmadiyyat References: https://www.alislam.org/articles/about-khilafat/ https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2014-06-06.html

Match the following: Hazrat Ali(ra)

3rd Khalifa

Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra)

1st Khalifa

Hazrat Umar(ra)

4th Khalifa

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad

(ra)

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad

(rh)

Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad

(rh)

Hazrat Hakeem Nooruddin(ra)

Hazrat Ali(ra)

2nd Khalifa

5th Khalifa

1st Khalifa

4th Khalifa

2nd Khalifa

3rd Khalifa

Tarbiyyat Page 2 During a virtual mulaqat, a nasirat member of Waqfe Nau UK, asked beloved Hazuraba Allah Almighty raise another people, and would those promises that Allah made to the Promised Messiahas Hazuraba then – as the Promised Messiahas himself has said – Allah would bring another Ahmadi people. The promises that Allah made to the Promised aba Messiahas said:

“If we do not play our full role in advancing the mission of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, then Allah will do it by some other means.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba understood their responsibilities, preached Islam Ahmadiyyat and brought others to the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Similarly, Hazuraba living on various islands and in Indonesia, etc., who understood their responsibilities.

Hazuraba saw as

“We must spread the message of Islam throughout the world.”

Hazuraba

https://www.alhakam.org/uk-waqifaat-nasirat-meet-huzoor/

as

Obedience to Khilafat and its Blessings Tahmeena Tahir Most of us have had the opportunity to meet with Hazuraba and receive guidance and advice on a myriad of topics. From education to family matters, Hazuraba takes the time from his busy daily activities to provide us with reassurance. But how many of us take this advice and turn these words into actions? And why is it so important? Everyone will tell you the same thing; acting on the words and guidance of the Khalifa-e-Waqt is purely a source of countless blessings. No matter how people are being tried and tested in their lives, the words of our Khalifa bring immediate ease to those who are suffering, happiness to those who are sad and peace to those who are in anguish. This article presents several instances where obedience to khilafat has brought ease, success and wisdom to a few individuals.

A Change in Circumstance Hazuraba mentioned a quote from the Holy Qur’an in his Friday sermon of 7th January 2022, stating that those who offer financial sacrifices, God accepts their efforts and bestows His blessings upon them. At the time this Friday Sermon was delivered, I was, and still am, a full time Mother, prioritising the upbringing of my young son in place of my teaching career. I had dabbled in private tutoring, but this had recently stopped due to prior commitments from my students, consequentially leaving me with no independent income. Alhamdolillah, this is not a huge burden on us as a family, but at the time of hearing Hazuraba sermon regarding seeking God’s pleasure through financial sacrifices, it suddenly occurred to me that I would not be able to contribute to the blessed scheme of Waqfe-Jadid, or any other chanda schemes for that matter. This caused great anguish in my heart, and I remained upset and in quiet contemplation for a few days as to what I could do to alter my circumstances. I realised that the only thing to do would be to pray, as without the support of Allah, no outcome would achieve its full benefit. I followed up my prayers with a letter to Hazuraba, explaining my circumstances and my desire to pay chanda independently. Hazuraba has the closest relationship to Allah than any other living person today, so I knew that his prayers would be more likely to be accepted, and sure enough they were. In a matter of days of sending my letter, my circumstances changed, and I was able to resume tutoring on a weekly basis, which generated some small income. Even more surprisingly, I received a generous and unexpected monetary gift from a family member. The concerns I had about an independent income had melted away and I was now able to pay the chanda that I desired, Alhamdolillah!

Alhamdolillah, I am very fortunate to have received many blessings by following the direction of Hazuraba, and this account only shows one of the many ways in which obedience to the Khalifa has had a positive impact on my life.

A Miraculous Offer After I got married, it was initially my plan to go back to Belgium (my home country before marriage) and complete my university degree of which one and a half years was left. After being blessed to have a mulaqat with Hazuraba , Hazuraba hinted to me that it would be better to stay in the UK with my husband. I decided to act on this and stay in the UK, even though it was difficult for me as I would miss out on an important part of my degree as well as potentially not being able to complete

it. Alhamdolillah, and by the grace of Allah I got admission in a university in the UK to complete my studies and miraculously they accepted me into the third-year programme even though I have not even completed my second year in Belgium! This was the sheer blessings of obedience to the Khalifa-e-Waqt.

An Unexpected Meeting We were living in Georgia for many years when my husband’s project suddenly came to an end.

We had moved back to the UK awaiting a new project. Hazuraba in a mulaqat indicated to us to go back to Georgia. With this instruction in mind, we were eager to act on the words of our Khalifa and repacked and set off back to Georgia. At this time my husband had no job, we were living off our savings and he was starting his own company with a couple of other people. During this time, we were very blessed to take part in many Jama’at activities and made many tabligh contacts who were very interested in the Jama’at. Aside from this, due to our obedience to khilafat, shortly before the first I lockdown, my husband was travelling and met an old colleague in an airport. he fascinating aspect is that my husband went to take a seat whilst waiting for the connecting ight and happened to sit right next to his old colleague. Shortly after this, the same colleague offered my husband a job. This was nothing but God’s blessings coupled with Hazuraba prayers and guidance.

Alhamdolillah.

A Practical Solution It’s not a ma or incident, but I derive benefit from it every day. I couldn’t read or write Urdu, and to me it seemed like an impossible task. Growing up in this fast-paced life, we all want everything to happen at the snap of our fingers. o, after a month or two it seemed like I had made no progress at all. I was very worried about it and luckily, I had a personal mulaqat with Hazuraba. I told Hazuraba my worry, he said “there’s no need to worry. Take one blank A4 page and copy Al-Fazl down up exactly as it is and stop once you fill the page. o this every day. I started doing it, and every day I would copy it down. It helped me in 2 major ways: Increased my knowledge, as I went through pages and pages of Al azl about different topics related to Islam and Jama’at Improved my overall Urdu level, especially my writing not handwriting unfortunately I knew which word should have a ‫ ہ‬or which word should have a ‫ ح‬- helped distinguish between the letters and gave me a good understanding of root words.

And before I knew it, I was reading/writing Urdu. Alhamdolilah. Every time I ever read a book or passage in Urdu, I’m grateful to beloved Hazuraba, because I was genuinely concerned, but in that Mulaqat I got the remedy and of course Hazuraba prayers with it, and so I overcame a big fear of mine.

“He shall establish brotherhood with me (i.e., Ahmad), obeying me in all good things, and firmly th adhere to these rules until the last breadth of his life.” his is the condition of Bai’at – a spiritual contract between an individual and God. We see how this obedience to khilafat results in a garden of blessings that we cannot even imagine. At times this immediate obedience may not be easy but forever giving blessings.

May Allah enable us all to always keep attached to Khilafat-e- Ahmadiyya and reap the blessings of respecting and obeying the words of our Khalifa. Ameen. https://www.alislam.org/book/brief-history-ahmadiyya-muslim/ten-conditions-baiat/

Our Khalifa in the Quiet: The Greatness of Humility

By Yusra Dahri

There’s no denying that family can often influence your relationship with faith, especially growing up in a religious family. As a child, the way you see your most religious relatives can affect the way you view religion itself – for better or for worse.

Only when we are older, and we understand Islam, can we discern the difference between the actions of Muslims and the pristine teachings of Islam. As a result, we might endeavour to become better than those who came before us.

However, I grew up watching someone who I quickly recognised as following Islam as truthfully and sincerely as perhaps is humanly possible: Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), the fifth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and my grandfather.

Throughout my life, I have been sure of this: Hazur’s integrity.

I do not say this lightly, because I do not believe there is a better measure of a person’s character than how they behave when they believe no one is watching. When there is no reason to believe that what they say or do will be recorded, or even remembered. And yet, Hazur’s example has always been unforgettable to me.

I do not speak of sweeping events of grandeur or glory, but the quiet moments of humility and kindness, where I believe a person’s true character can be found. Those are the moments I know best.

HAZUR’S HUMILITY – AS IS ALL TRUE HUMILITY – IS SILENT Hazur’s humility – as is all true humility – is silent. He is silent when he wipes something off the floor that nobody has seen or bothered to clean. He is silent when he washes the fruit that arrives at the door, before anyone has realised to help. He is silent when he picks vegetables from the garden, or lifts heavy bags, or clears out the hoover. I have come to memorise his footsteps, to listen for the silence – where there is not one word or reproach, only patience.

But Hazur speaks out at injustice. He speaks out when someone has said an unkind word. He speaks out at the cruelty countries dole out to their citizens. He speaks out at the suffering of Ahmadis around the world. Not only in Friday Sermons, but he frequently mentions this at the dinner table. It is a constant thought. Yet, he never complains of any personal suffering, major or minor. I ask Hazur how he is, and he smiles and says, “Alhamdulillah.”

Hazur’s kindness has shaped my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to say this openly. It may surprise some people who have read other blogs that I have written, that as a younger teenager, I used to be very shy about my writing, especially my poetry. Hazur and my grandmother discovered this and encouraged me to share my poetry with them, which I tentatively did. Encouraged by this, I shared a second and a third poem. At the fourth poem, Hazur took my poem and began reading it. Out. Loud. That day, I hid under the dining table for a good five minutes until my embarrassment died down. Once I came back to the surface, I felt my lifelong shyness begin to subside.

Hazur encouraged me to give my poems to Lajna to publish, so that it could empower other girls my age. So, I began to write more, and share more. After one Jalsa, Hazur’s example inspired me so much that I wrote a poem to him, about him. After I gave it to him, I ran away. Later, he simply told me that he didn’t know what to say. I won’t publish this poem, partly because I really would die from embarrassment, but also because Hazur never encouraged me to share it. I don’t think that’s what he would want. Hazur doesn’t ask for praise, which only makes him deserve it more.

It’s the things that are left unsaid that often need to be said the most.

Other examples of Hazur’s kindness are sprinkled throughout my life. Last winter when it snowed, I stopped building a snowman because my fingerless gloves made my hands too cold. Hazur noticed that I had stopped and so gave me his gloves instead. When I was about 11, I, for some reason, really wanted to play chess with Hazur. He came back at around 11:30 that night from his office, and at that age, I guess I lacked the sensitivity to consider that he could be tired from working so late. I realise this now looking back, but at the time, Hazur never said a word to make me feel as though I was being ridiculous or that it wasn’t the best time. He simply played with me, and told me I had gotten better at chess. When the mood is low, and everyone is preoccupied with their own weariness, Hazur’s humour always lightens the room. There are times when I have felt sadness creeping up on me, but Hazur’s cheerful demeanour has brought me back to reality.

Perhaps most obvious of all, I have learnt so much from Hazur. He has taught me that, say, when a handle falls off a cupboard, a person should rely on their own strength to fix it, rather than asking for outside help. Though dinner isn’t necessarily the best time for a theological discussion, Hazur always answers my questions about Islam with clarity and acuity. And, how to pray.

When I hear Hazur pray, my heart feels both heavy and light at the same time. Heavy, because of my slight understanding of the responsibilities he carries. Light, because God has chosen this person to be our Khalifa.

The Hand of Khilafat Yusra Dahri – 30/12/2021

Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Nooruddin (ra), The hand of unity.

Through your own, we kept our integrity.

Healer, who stitched a wound that could’ve been too deep.

You, who pledged yourself at the hand that came before.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Deen Mahmud (ra), The hand of hope.

When we were stranded, you bound us into a stronger rope.

Teacher, we live in the binding of the books you wrote.

You, who pledged yourself at the hand that came before.

Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (rh), The hand of love For all, hatred for none. Your loyal doves, Mediator, you flocked them together wherever they came from.

You, who pledged yourself at the hand that came before.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rh), The hand of charity.

A compassionate vision seen with clarity.

Campaigner, who brought fellowship to humanity.

You, who pledged yourself at the hand that came before.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), The hand of nurture.

Strength to sturdy the garden, patience to grow it further.

Pillar, you bring balance to earth’s shifting future.

You, who pledged yourself at the hand that came before.

Healer, Teacher, Mediator, Campaigner, and Pillar.

Unity, Hope, Love, Charity, and Nurture.

For each generation, era and time, Chosen, God would say. Each one is mine.