“Let the directives and advice of the Khalifa-e-Waqt become the for you as these teachings will make you the recipients of an eternal life. ”
A special message from Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, dated 27 January 2012, to Waaqifaate-Nau at the launch of Maryam Magazine.
My Dearest Noushaba: A Letter to My Late Wife
Waaqifaat-e-Nau belgiuM
Virtual Mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba reaDiNg ChalleNge: A Hidden Truth by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas
Addressing WAAqifAAt-e-nAu, HAzoorAbA sAid:
“May all of you come to possess an unshakeable conviction in the truth of your faith so that you can respond confidently and without hesitation or fear to all those who raise questions or make false allegations about Islam.
May it be that you never fall prey to any sense of embarrassment or complex about your faith and religious beliefs.
Indeed, may it be that you acquire the inner strength and courage to manifest your faith fearlessly and to live according to the teachings of Islam at all times.” Amin
[Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba , 25 May 2024, Waaqifaat-e-Nau National Ijtema UK]
from the editor
This year at Jalsa Salana UK 2024, the exhibition marquee featured the Waqfe Nau Expo, showcasing a Maryam Magazine timeline and all 50 published issues since its inception. The Expo highlighted the importance and purpose of Waqf, emphasising the dedication required by both parents and Waqfe Nau children to cultivate exemplary faith and high moral standards.
Echoing the theme of moral and spiritual excellence, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, in his address to the Lajna at Jalsa Salana UK 2024, reminded us of our mission:
“We have to bring about a revolution in the world. We have to show the world the right path. We have to make the world such that people prostrate and submit to God. We have to bring the world under the banner and the fag of the Holy Prophetsaw. For this, we would have to reform our states, and reform the states of our children and future generations. When this occurs, it will bring about a revolution in the world. Ahmadi women and Ahmadi girls, in particular, have to pay special attention to this because it is you who can also become the means of reforming the boys. Remember, this is the objective for which the Promised Messiahas came. It is this objective for which we have done the Bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas.”
May Allah enable us to fulfl our responsibilities in accordance with the pledge we have taken as Waaqifaat-e-Nau, Ameen.
In Issue 51 of Maryam Magazine, readers can enjoy a collection of articles, including a touching letter from a Waqfe Zindagi to his late wife, an exemplary role model for all Waaqifaat-e-Nau, ‘My Dearest Noushaba’. The issue also features ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ on various topics from beloved Hazooraba, along with a reading challenge centred on the book ‘Hidden Treasures’ by the Promised Messiahas
Hina Ahmedi
ENGLISH EDITOR
Do you have any comments, suggestions or want your article featured in our next edition?
Email us at: chiefeditor@maryammagazine.org
CHIEF EDITOR
Zanubia Ahmad
ASSISTANT CHIEF EDITORS
Dure Jamal Mala
Nayla Muzamil
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
Tahmeena Shamim Tahir
Mashel Chaudhry
Samina Yasmeen Arif
Amatul Wakeel Maha
Sameera Mirza
Kashifa Qamar
Safna Nabeel Maham
COVER DESIGN
Soumbal Qureshi
PAGE DESIGN & SETTING
Soumbal Qureshi
Naeema Amjad
Atiyya Wasee
Naila Fowad
Hina Farooqi
Zara Tahir Ahmad
Printed Under The Central Offce Waqf-E-Nau
MANAGER
Luqman Ahmad Kishwar
PRINTERS
Warner Midlands
03. The Holy Qur’an
04. Hadith
05. Writings of the Promised Messiahas
06. ‘The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssaw
09. Pearls of Wisdom for Waaqifaat-e-Nau 1 | From the Scottish Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba
10. My Dearest Noushaba: A Letter to My Late Wife | Jalees Ahmad
16. Pearls of Wisdom for Waaqifaat-e-Nau 2 | From the Scottish Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba
18. Tarbiyyat Page
20. Waaqifaat-e-Nau Belgium Virtual Mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba
26. Kids’ Spread
31. Story: The Tale of Raigamaya and Gampolaya
34. Reading Challenge: A Hidden Truth | Book by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, The Promised Messiah and Mahdias
38. Pearls of Wisdom for Waaqifaat-e-Nau 3 | From the Scottish Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba
40. Hazrat Umme Sulaimra | Arifa Azim Khan
45. Prayers for Palestine | Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba
46. Poem: Mothers of Palestine
The Holy Qur’an
Translation: Those who spend in prosperity and adversity, and those who suppress anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good;
(Aal-e-Imran:135)
(English translation by Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali sahibra)
Hadith
(Sayings of The Holy Prophet)
(May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him)
“Only two persons are worthy of being envied”
Translation:
Hazrat Ibn Mas’udra relates that the Holy Prophetsaw said: Only two persons are worthy of being envied; a person upon whom Allah bestows riches and gives him the power to spend in a righteous cause; and a person upon whom Allah bestows wisdom by which he judges and which he teaches.
(Garden of the Righteous, p.116 Hadith No. 547)
Writings of the Promised Messiahas
MORAL QUALITIES RELATED TO THE DOING OF GOOD
“You cannot attain the highest grade of virtue unless you spend for the promotion of the welfare of your fellow beings that part of your wealth which you hold dear. Render to the poor their due and to the needy and the wayfarer but safeguard yourselves against extravagance. This is a direction to restrain people from spending unnecessarily on weddings and luxuries and on the occasion of the birth of a child etc.
who is a kinsman, and the neighbour who is not related to you, and the wayfarer and your servants and your horses and your cattle and your other animals that you possess. These are the practices that God, Who is your God, loves. He loves not those who are heedless and selfsh, and those who are niggardly and enjoin other people to be niggardly, and conceal their wealth and tell those who are needy that they have nothing which they can give them.”
Be benevolent towards parents and kindred, and orphans and the needy and the neighbour
The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p.70-71
The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets
)May Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon him(
Is Falsehood and Deception Permitted in War?
In various narrations, it has been related that the Holy Prophetsaw would say:
Meaning, “War is but deception.”
The meaning which is inferred by this is that God-forbid, the Holy Prophetsaw permitted the use of deception in war. Although, in the first place, the words
do not mean that it is permissible to employ deception in war. Rather, the only meaning which is implied here is that “War is in itself a kind of deception”. In other words, with regards to the outcome of war, there can be no definitive statement as to what shall happen. That is to say, that there are so many varying factors which affect the outcome of war, that irrespective of the course of events, a statement cannot be passed with respect to its outcome. This meaning is supported by the fact that this narration has been related in a Hadith in two ways.1 In one narration, the words are that the Holy Prophetsaw said:
“War is but deception.”
In the second narration, the words are:
“The Holy Prophetsaw has named war as being deceit.”
When both of these narrations are combined, the definitive outcome which is derived is that the Holy Prophetsaw did not condone the use of deception in war, rather, he meant that war is in itself a thing which deceives a person. However, if one insists upon translating this to mean that deception is permitted in war, even still, most surely, at this instance, the word ‘deception’ infers strategies and tactics of war, and falsehood and betrayal are not implied at all. The reason being that in this instance, the word ةٌ عَدْخُ infers manoeuvres and strategies of war, not falsehood and deception. Hence, the meaning is that it is not prohibited to catch the enemy off-guard and apprehend or subdue them by means of some strategy or tactic; and there can be different forms of this manoeuvring. For example, it is established by authentic narrations that when the Holy Prophetsaw would set out on a campaign, he would generally not disclose his final destination. At times, even if he intended to travel south, at the start of his journey, he would head towards the north, and would then divert towards the south. Then, if someone would inquire of him as to where he had come from, instead of mentioning Madinah, he would name a close or far off location where he had previously setup camp, or he would employ some other lawful strategy of war. To the same affect, as the Holy Qur’an has indicated,
at times, in order to throw off their enemy, the Companions would begin to retreat from the field of battle; and when the enemy would least expect it, and when its ranks would become disarranged, they would launch a sudden attack. All of these are examples of ةٌــعَدْخُ which has been deemed lawful in a state of war, and is considered to be permissible even today. However, to deal with falsehood and treachery is something which Islam has very strictly forbidden. As such, the Holy Prophetsaw would say, “In Islam, after associating partners with God and usurping the rights of parents, the third greatest sin is speaking a lie.”2 Furthermore, he would state that belief and cowardice can come together at one place; similarly, belief and miserliness can also come together at one place, but belief and falsehood can never come together at one place.3 Then, with regards to deception and treachery, he remarked, “A person who commits treachery shall be subjected to the severe wrath of Allah on the day of resurrection.”4 Hence, the kind of ةٌعَدْخُ which has been permitted in war is not actual deception or falsehood, rather, it infers the use of such tactics of war, which are employed to catch the enemy off-guard and defeat it. In some instances, this may seem to apparently resemble falsehood and deception, but in actuality it is not so. As such, the following Hadith confirms our stance:
“Ummi Kulthum bint ‘Aqabahra relates, ‘There are only three instances where I have found the Holy Prophetsaw to permit the use of such statements, which do not actually constitute falsehood, but ordinary people may construe them as such. Firstly, war; secondly, when reconciling between two people who are at conflict with one another; thirdly, when a husband or wife say something, which is intended to please or gratify the other.’” 5
This Hadith leaves no room for doubt in the fact that the kind of
which is permitted in war, does not imply falsehood and deception. Rather, what is inferred are such things, which must be employed at times, as tactics of war, and which are considered to be lawful in every nation and in every religion.
The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets (May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him), Volume II, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad M.A., Pages 307-309
During a Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, an attendee told Hazooraba that she wanted to start practising proper and better purdah but felt shy about doing this in front of her friends and teachers. She asked for Hazoor’saba advice on this.
In response, Hazooraba said:
“Do you believe in God? Do you think it is a commandment of Allah the Almighty that you should be modestly dressed – And cover your face and head? Do you think this is the Qur’an’s injunction?”
In response, the questioner affirmed that she did believe.
Then, Hazooraba said, “Then, you should not feel shy. Then, you will have to make yourself determined that whatever you are going to do, you will do according to the teachings of Islam and according to the commandments of Allah the Almighty. There is no need to feel shy or worry about what other people say about you.”
Hazooraba reminded her that she is among those people who will be guiding the world and added that she should create confidence within herself. “If you are shy, then who will lead the world?”
(Scottish Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Sunday, 23 June 2024, Islamabad, Tilford, UK https://www.alhakam.org/ scottish-waqifaat/)
My Dearest Noushaba: A Letter to My Late Wife
Jalees Ahmad is a member of the Al Hakam team. On 7 February 2024, while returning from their first trip to Rabwah, Pakistan, after their marriage, Jalees Ahmad and his wife, Noushaba Mubarak, were involved in a car accident on their way to Lahore airport, which tragically resulted in the sad demise of Noushaba.
Jalees Ahmad shares some of the life lessons he learnt and memories he shared with his beloved wife during their marriage of five years. These serve as a lesson for all Waqifa-e-Nau and wives of Life Devotees.
My dearest Noushaba,
Let me start off by saying, “Salaam”. Not only in a customary way, but also for the great emotional depth this word carries for me.
“Salaam”, if you remember, was the first thing you said to me back in 2013 when I visited Rabwah for my eldest brother’s wedding. Since then, that greeting of “Salaam” has been etched in my memory. Back then, I simply knew you as Khala Zaibun’s youngest daughter; little did I know the deep impact your simple greeting would have on me in the years to follow.
Nine years on, I remember this like it was yesterday. Back then, it did not even cross my mind that you and I would marry. But even then, I adored your simple greeting of “Salaam” because it was the first time during that visit that anyone from among my cousins spoke to me.
I vividly recall sharing this incident with you years later, when we were married. Considering how remarkable your memory was, I’m surprised that you couldn’t remember it.
Today, every moment from the time we spent together as husband and wife is rushing to my memory. Even some testing times that came our way return today with the silver lining they all had around them.
It had only been a month into our marriage that you began experiencing pain in your hip. I remember how bravely you endured this pain, which got worse with passing days, weeks, months, and for the next couple of years.
It was heart-breaking to witness you in such great discomfort. Eventually, the pain became unbearable, leading us to opt, albeit reluctantly, for hip surgery. I never let you feel it, but I must tell you today, that your time enduring this despair was unbearable for me just as much as it was for you. I had no choice but to always wear a brave face.
I remember when tears streamed down your face, and I pleaded with you – knowing too well that it was impossible – to transfer the pain to me in exchange for every iota of relief from me.
The pain was so intense that it made you offer salat seated on a chair. I remember the days when you attempted to prostrate after every prayer just to see if the pain would allow you. Failure, every time, left you in tears. This sorrow of yours taught me that even the act of prostration is a great blessing, often taken for granted. This is one of the lessons I learnt first-hand from you.
I recall how you remained steadfast in your faith throughout this testing phase of our lives. I particularly remember how you would often say:
I reflect on our time just before your hip operation. To walk, you needed both a stick and my shoulder; each step was a silent testament to your resilience in the face of extreme discomfort.
And then came the long-awaited Mulaqat with our beloved Imamaba. As we entered Hazoor’saba office, upon seeing our struggle to make our way to him, beloved Hazooraba rose from his seat. I recall your urgency, nudging me to quicken our pace as you couldn’t bear the thought of Hazooraba standing and waiting for us. You imparted and reminded me of another valuable lesson: How each second of Hazoor’saba time is precious and we should not let it go to waste.
Then, months after the operation, I vividly recall the day you began walking without crutches. You took baby steps throughout our small home, holding my hand tightly. We sauntered around our home for about 20 minutes, practising how to walk again. I’ll never forget the tears of joy that welled up in your big, bright eyes and how you thanked Allah at each step.
In that moment, you taught me how even a simple act like walking can bring immense joy and serve as a means of expressing gratitude to Allah. Despite all my years of studying and reading books, it was you who taught me the true essence of gratitude in just a few minutes.
After the operation and recovery, I remember how jubilantly you resumed attending Jama’at meetings, walking for prayers and Friday Sermons – heading to Baitul Futuh mosque to not miss any Jama’at events.
Jalsa Salana UK 2023 was when you celebrated your newfound health to its fullest. I remember how actively you participated in your duties with great joy, made new friends and tried your best in spite of some post-recovery challenges that lingered on.
Despite our difficult years, what I cherish most about our time together is the happiness we found in each other’s presence. Never once did you make any demands of me, understanding my role as a missionary and life-devotee.
I think back now, whenever I would leave for the office, you would bid me farewell with a heartfelt “Fi amanillah” (in Allah’s protection) and tell me to message you once I had arrived at the office.
Even today, when you are no longer here, I find myself reaching for my phone to text you that I have made it safely to the office. A daily reminder that I can no longer hear you say “Fi amanillah”.
Yet this daily reminder is not without an essential lesson: The lesson you taught me about being content with God’s will. And this is something I carry with me every day, for how can I claim to be a Muslim if I cannot submit to His will?
Once we had recovered from the operation, we resumed our daily walks to the mosque. I deeply admire how eager and determined you were to walk to Baitul Futuh Mosque every Friday. I admire how you would always let me know, via text or call, as you left the house, as you arrived at the mosque, and when you had found a chair in the mosque; letting me know at each step so that I would not worry about your safety. Sometimes you would forget to mention finding a chair, and I would send you an emoji of a chair with a question mark. Now that you have departed, I fervently hope, pray, and yearn for you to have found your seat in heaven.
And now that you are there, and I am not, convey my salaam to our Beloved Prophet Muhammadsaw –the salaam we both had planned to deliver together directly by travelling to Medina. For now, I can only pray that the blessed hand of Hazrat Muhammadsaw rests upon your head.
Another recent and important lesson I learned from you is how your actions demonstrated your profound understanding of the essence of Waqf. After being reunited with your mother, father, and siblings in Rabwah, after a long and difficult period of almost five years, you didn’t shed a single tear. I must admit, this truly astonished me.
I had imagined that a young girl like you, living in a foreign country, separated from her family for five years and enduring so much pain, would surely shed tears upon seeing her mother again. But you didn’t. You showed me – nay proved to me – beyond any doubt, that you understood the true meaning of Waqf and the responsibilities of being the wife of a life-devotee. I sincerely thank you with all my heart and am grateful to Allah for blessing me with a wife as remarkable as you.
I am left overawed when I now see how Allah’s plans work. What was it that made you fill out the Wasiyyat pledge only a couple of months before our trip to Pakistan? Did you know what was coming? Of course you didn’t! But He Who is All-Knowing knew. And it is through His grace that the process that can take a year was allowed by beloved Hazooraba to be fast-tracked and you left this world as a Musiya
While there, you bought a small gold nose pin. I still recall what you said as we made the purchase. You told me to remind you to add it to the Wasiyyat. Looking back now, I realise how deeply you understood the importance of Wasiyyat and keeping our humble pledges up to date. It was yet another priceless lesson you imparted to me.
I also remember, as does everyone who knew you, how impeccably clean and neat you kept everything. Your clothes, even those years old, always looked as if you had only worn them once or twice. You had a wonderful way of keeping things tidy and organised – something that was manifest in your mind and soul as well.
I thank you for always waking me up for Fajr prayer, Tahajjud and during Ramadan. You made Ramadan an experience that we both went through together. What joy it was to sail through this great spiritual experience together, as husband and wife. No one should take this precious experience for granted!
I thankfully and deeply admire how you consistently reminded me to pray for others. I thank you for your continuous support in my work. Never once did you object to my duties as a Waqf, whether it was office work at home or on the days of Eid. You never made any demands. In fact, you embodied the true spirit of Waqf.
Despite not having attended an Islamic school, I can attest that your knowledge of Islam was more than sufficient for engaging in religious and polemical debates. I believe it is a blessing of the Jama’at that whoever keeps a connection with Khilafat and the Jama’at, Allah bestows upon them knowledge and the art of articulate reasoning. You always expressed gratitude for being an Ahmadi.
Every Ramadan, I recall how you would complete the recitation of the Holy Qur’an with translation at least three times, sometimes even four. I always admired your consistent gratitude towards Allah for your faith and your deep respect and love for Khilafat; I still do.
I admired that whenever you mentioned a deceased person during a conversation, you would pray for them, saying, “May Allah grant them Jannat.”
O my beloved Noushaba! I am absolutely certain that whenever you are remembered by your loved ones, they too shall pray the same for you. Trust me, they will! And I trust Allah, these prayers will be accepted.
In our short time of marriage, you have shown and taught me what it truly means to be patient, content with the will of God; how to smile through the pain; place the happiness of others before yourself; thank Allah for our faith; deeply pray for others; the list of the virtues I learnt from you just goes on. Having spent just under five years with you, I have learnt a lifetime of lessons that have reinforced my faith and spirit.
And now, I am living my life with the hope that I may perform some good deeds that I have learnt from you so that you may also be rewarded and your status elevated. For now, which seems like an eternity, all I can do is pray, continue to worship and befriend that Being to Whom you have returned. I pray, from the deepest recesses of my heart, that He takes good care of you, grants you Jannat and the companionship of the Holy Prophetsaw. And that he grants you the “Salaam” promised in the Holy Qur’an, for those who believe, and do good deeds.
I also pray that every Waqif-e-Zindagi is blessed with a wonderful wife like you.
My dear Noushaba! Rest in eternal peace.
Salaam,
Ever yours,
Jalees
https://www.alhakam.org/a-letter-to-my-late-wife/
Pearls of Wisdom for Waaqifaat-e-Nau
“So, try to do good things in this world, so that Allah the Almighty is always pleased with your actions and gives you good rewards”
During a Mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Kashifa Naeem, a Waqifa-e-Nau from Scotland asked Hazooraba about the appearance of Hell.
Hazooraba said that when Allah punishes and Allah is angry with someone, that alone is a kind of Hell for a person of good nature. “So, try to do good things in this world, so that Allah the Almighty is always pleased with your actions and gives you good rewards.”
Hazooraba added that one should try to make their Heaven in this world, meaning that whatever good deeds one performs here will take one to Heaven and bad deeds will take one to Hell. “In Hell, Allah the Almighty says that there will be fire there. Those who do bad things will get their punishment in Hell for their bad deeds.”
Aqeela Zafar, a medical student, said that many in university ask: if attaining secular knowledge alone makes one a morally good human being, then what is the need for religion in this age? She asked how we can explain the importance of religion to people in light of this.
Hazooraba emphasised that merely fulfilling one aspect of life is insufficient; one must also fulfil the other. Allah has stated that He created human beings for two primary purposes: to fulfil His rights and to fulfil the rights of fellow human beings. Therefore, it is essential to recognise that gratitude towards God is incumbent upon us, Hazooraba said. Furthermore, Hazooraba pointed out that it was religion that originally taught moral goodness.
Upon being asked how one can persuade people in their class to believe in God, Hazooraba said that she can tell them her personal experience with God.
Hazooraba asked her if she believed in God and if God had helped her. She answered in the affirmative. Hazooraba then said that she could tell her friends about her personal experience, as it is the reason why she believes in Him. “But you can not force anybody to just accept or believe in Allah the Almighty. And, read the book: Ten Proofs for the Existence of God, it is a small booklet that will also help you. And, also read the book: Our God. Then, you will know how to tackle the situation in different ways.”
(Scottish Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Sunday, 23 June 2024, Islamabad, Tilford, UK https://www.alhakam.org/scottish-waqifaat/)
Seven Responsibilities of Waqifeen-e-Nau
On Friday 18th January 2013, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba delivered a sermon on reviving the spirit of Waqfe Nau.
Hazooraba laid down seven responsibilities for Waqfe Nau children:
1 TARBIYYAT PAGE
Firstly, every Waqfe Nau child should be mindful that his mother wished to dedicate him or her, before his or her birth, for a very important cause and then also prayed most humbly for acceptance of this. Thus, the Waqfe Nau child should keep this wish of his or her parents, because later the father also joins in, in mind and respecting it should try and be a rightful candidate to be dedicated for God’s cause. This can only be when effort is made to make one’s heart and mind, one’s word and deed according to God’s pleasure.
2Secondly, it is a huge favour of the parents on Waqe Nau children and as such the children should pray for the parents and should have regard for every step that the parents take. There should be a realisation that they too have to be part of the pledge that their parents are trying to fulfil and should happily accept their Tarbiyyat and never even remotely let down the pledge of their parents. A Waqfe Nau child should be mindful that he or she should be foremost in abiding by giving precedence to faith over worldly matters.
3
Thirdly, promise to show patience and resolve in every sacrifice for the sake of gaining God’s pleasure. No matter how hard the time, he or she has to honour the pledge of Waqf regardless. No worldly greed should ever make them stumble in their pledge.
Nowadays, there is much blessings of God on the Jama’at. During the second Khilafat there were times when the financial situation would be so dire in Qadian that the basic allowance could not be paid in full to Jama’at workers for several months. After migration to Rabwah, such situations again came to pass, yet, the life-devotees never complained. Even during 1970s and 1980s the situation in Africa used to be such that the allowance used to be spent in the first two weeks of the month. The local life-devotees maybe could eat just once a day in the allowance that was given to them, yet they always honoured their pledge.
4 5
Fourthly, to develop and make efforts for the commitment to be counted among those who spread good and who forbid evil. To set good models of this; when this will come to pass and good will be followed and evil will be shunned, people will be drawn to the good models.
Fifthly, to attain insight and perception of Holy Qur’an and Ahadith, to recognise/identify good and evil and to read the books and discourses of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and to constantly try to increase religious knowledge.
Those who are being educated at Jamia are given religious education. However, once through the Jamia one should never assume to have attained the height of knowledge. It is beneficial when regularly enhanced by fresh knowledge. The Waqfe Nau children who do not attend Jamia should try and read as much Jama’at literature as possible. They should study the Holy Qur’an with translation and commentary and books of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which are available in their languages.
6
Sixthly, what God has commanded and Waqfe Nau children should pay attention to is to spring onto the practical field of Tabligh. Some Waqfe Nau girls complain that they do not have a Jamia and cannot attain religious knowledge. If they study on their own, they will be drawn to Tabligh within their sphere and will have opportunities. This will lead to further enhancement of their religious knowledge. The field of Tabligh is open to everyone and every Waqfe Nau needs to enter in it. They should participate in this with great enthusiasm and should consider not to rest till the world is brought under the banner of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Such realisation and enthusiasm leeds onto enhancing religious knowledge.
7
Seventhly, each Waqfe Nau should be specifically mindful that he or she is included in that group of people who are to save the world from destruction. If you have the [required] knowledge and you also have the opportunity but you do not have true passion to save the world from destruction and do not have the compassion to save mankind from destruction then your endeavour will not have the angst. And perhaps it will also not be as blessed. Each compassionate heart should be drawn to prayer in conjunction with effort to spread God’s message. It is the angst-filled prayers that will make us successful in our objective.
Everyone should remember not to limit their prayers to themselves. On the contrary, our prayers should flow in every direction and no person should be deprived of the beneficence that God has today granted us. These should be the thoughts of a true Waqfe Nau and a Waqfe Zindagi (life devotee). Hoping for success without this is mere presumption. Without this, one only has the title of Waqfe Nau and it has no more significance and it is neither our objective to merely seek titles nor was it our parents.
Friday Sermon delivered, by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba on 18 January 2013 https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2013-01-18.html
Waaqifaat-e-Nau Belgium
Virtual Mulaqat
W ith h azrat m irza m asroor a hma d, Khalifatul m asih Va B a - PART ONE -
On Sunday, 19 November 2023, a group of Waaqifaate-Nau from Belgium had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba in a virtual Mulaqat. At the outset of the Mulaqat, Hazooraba conveyed his Salaam and called upon Nazma Waheed Sahiba to
recite a portion from the Holy Qur’an. This was followed by its Urdu translation, presented by Aisha Musawwir Sahiba. Next, Sima Ehsan Sahiba presented a hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsaw and Sabeeka Ahmad Sahiba presented the translation.
Nadia Ahmad Sahiba was then called to recite a poem composed by Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra. Hazooraba then addressed Secretary Waaqifaate-Nau and said that they should have also presented an extract of the Promised Messiahas,
“Even if it is a short extract or paragraph, it can serve as a reminder that in this era, the Promised Messiahas has come and what he desires from us through the teachings of the Holy Prophetsaw.”
Hazooraba added that they should be included in the programmes. “After the hadith, an extract should also be presented.”
Hazooraba then enquired about their location, and the secretary mentioned they were at the Baitul Mujeeb Mosque. Hazooraba was then informed that there were 83 Waaqifaate-Nau members aged 7 to 20 present in the hall; and a total of 162 Waaqifaat-e-Nau members in Belgium.
Following this, Waaqifaat-eNau had the chance to ask some questions and seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaba .
Qaishmeen Shehzad Sahiba said that she prayed that war does not break out in the world, however, she added that if, God forbid, war does break out then what crops should be grown after the war?
Hazooraba said, “In each region, in each country, crops are cultivated according to the specific conditions unique to that area. The same crop conditions cannot be everywhere. For example, rice cannot be grown in Europe due to its colder climate, just as some crops cannot grow in warmer regions. Therefore, in each region, crops are cultivated in accordance with their specific conditions. The staple food of an area is what will be grown, whether it’s before or after war.”
Hazooraba added, “After World War II, Russia was in a
devastated state. The farmers in Russia cultivated their own crops and transported them to the city.” Hazooraba explained that the residents of the city had nothing to eat, and the farmers would exchange their vegetables and crops for necessities they needed in the city.
“As challenges arise, humans then adjust to them,”
Hazooraba added. In the end, Hazooraba emphasised again that in each region, crops are cultivated based on the specific conditions unique to that place.
Dania Chaudhry Sahiba mentioned that in Belgium, teachers are not permitted to display the religion they are affiliated with, such as wearing the hijab. She explained that she was in the process of becoming a primary school teacher and asked how she could integrate her religious values into her teaching so that she could explain her religion better to the students and her colleagues.
Hazooraba said since she would be teaching little children at a primary school, she would obviously need to show her face and interactively engage
with them. Discussing the dress code, Hazooraba explained, “One’s attire should reflect modesty, with the head also being covered.”
Hazooraba added that she could say, “‘This clothing represents modesty, and I feel it is appropriate for me to wear it to uphold modesty.’”
Hazooraba explained that the value of modesty is emphasised in all religions and narrated that when Prophet Mosesas migrated and encountered two girls at a water source, their modesty prevented them from approaching where the men were. Hazooraba described how the girls, out of modesty, declined to get water for their animals in the presence of men.
Hazooraba continued, “Prophet Mosesas took their animals and gave them water. Later, the Holy Qur’an mentions that one of
the girls approached Prophet Mosesas bashfully and said, ‘My father calls thee’ [Surah alQasas, Ch.28: V.26]; and even then, modesty is highlighted.
This illustrates that women should maintain modesty, as in it lies their dignity and honour. The teaching of modesty is not exclusive to Islam; it is a common principle across religions.”
Hazooraba went on to give the example of Hazrat Maryamas and said that she also wore modest clothing, and nuns do so too.
“We are those who practise our religion,” Hazooraba said.
Farheena Yusuf Sahiba mentioned that at times, a person may face great trouble from another individual and find it challenging to forgive them. She then asked, in such a situation, what should one do?
Hazooraba said, “One should have control over their emotions. If one has a relationship with Allah – and an Ahmadi Muslim girl, boy, or person, should have a relationship with Allah – then, if someone causes distress, one should lovingly explain to them that ‘this behaviour was wrong.’
If they keep on, it is advisable to leave that place. Regarding the question of forgiving, one must evaluate if the person has reformed; if they have, one should not hold a grudge, regardless of the severity of the trouble they caused. However, if someone does not reform, it is better to keep distance from them and remain among your good friends.”
Saira Ahmad Sahiba enquired about the fulfilment of the Holy Qur’an’s promise that the Holy Land would be granted to the righteous people. She asked about the timeline for when this Land would be given to the righteous and when true peace would be established, especially considering the current oppression faced by the people of Palestine.
Hazooraba said: “[…] If you read the first Ruku‘ of Surah Bani Isra’il, it is also written about this therein, and the tafsir explains the matter. Allah Almighty had said that the Israelites would be given the Land twice; the first time they would be granted it, then they would engage in frivolous acts, rebel, deviate from Allah’s commands, and commit oppression, and consequently, they would lose
that Sacred Land. […] Hence, the Land was again taken from them and came under Muslim control. Then, once again, it was returned to them.
“This means that among the Muslims, too, there will be those ‘righteous servants of Allah’ [‘ibadi as-salihun (Surah alAnbia, Ch.21: V. 106)]. Therefore, we should first strive to become such servants of Allah who are regarded as righteous in His sight. We should not deceive ourselves into thinking, ‘We follow righteousness, we are very virtuous, and since we recite La ilaha illAllah Muhammadur Rasulullah, it is our right to receive everything that Allah has promised.’ Allah’s promises to us are conditional upon our good deeds, fulfilling the rights of Allah, fulfilling the rights of His creation, and striving to follow His commandments. In this age, Allah Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas for this very purpose; to present the teachings of Islam brought by the Holy Prophetsaw – which Muslims have forgotten and are not following correctly – in their true light and to remind them to act upon the true teachings of Islam. For this purpose, Allah Almighty established
a Community through the Promised Messiahas.
“The prophecy of the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi was also declared by Allah Almighty in the Holy Qur’an, in Surah al-Jumu‘ah, and through the Holy Prophetsaw in the Hadith. Now, if the Israelis have once again gained control and are committing oppression, then it is Allah’s promise that they will lose this rule, but when this will happen and when those ibadallah as-salihin will arise, only Allah knows best. “When they arise among us,
that Sacred Land will be given to us. The righteous servants are those who pray and perform good deeds; the Land will not
be acquired through swords. The Promised Messiahas after his advent, ended such fighting and warfare, in accordance with the prophecy and the Hadith of the Holy Prophetsaw. This means that we should focus more on prayers; if we pray, perform good deeds, fulfil the rights of Allah, and fulfil the rights of His creation, then we will also be saved from these oppressors. So, the Palestinians, the Arabs, the Muslims, and all of us need to reflect on how to become righteous servants. Are we to become so by following the Imam of the Age, or at the very least, should we [i.e., the Muslims] not reach a state where our deeds become pleasing to Allah?
“Then we will regain the Sacred Land, but it is evident that the Israelis, who are committing oppression, will eventually lose this Land, when this will happen, only Allah knows best, and then the Land will be given to the righteous people, who will be those fulfilling the rights of Allah. In this era, I believe, the majority of such people will be those who have accepted the Promised Messiahas.
inflict on the Palestinians, will lead to their downfall. I have already conveyed this message to them through various means on several occasions. This is also written in the Psalms, and the same has also been mentioned in Surah al-Anbiya.
“If you want to read the interpretation, and you can read Urdu, then read it in Tafsire-Kabir; it is mentioned in both Surah Anbiya and there are also a couple of verses in the first Ruku‘ of Surah Bani Israel. […] In this way, you will get a detailed understanding and you will also find references to the Bible, about what it said to the Israelites. […] Coincidentally, both pericopes have been excellently interpreted by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.”
Subsequentl Hazooraba advised that Lajna Imaillah as well as the Jama’at as a whole should extract the exegesis of these sections – which is already available in both English and Urdu – and distribute it among people. Hazooraba said, this should be done everywhere, as according to the current circumstances, it is highly contemporary.
“The oppression that is happening, and the oppression that the Israelis continue to
Etiquettes of the Mosque Kids’ spread
Circle the correct answer. Only one answer is the correct one!
1. When entering to the mosque, one should recite the prayer for entering the mosque and enter with:
a) The left foot forward
b) The right foot forward
2. When entering the mosque, one should:
a) Greet people with Assalam O Alaikum in an appropriate volume
b) Quietly enter the mosque and sit down straight away
3. When entering the mosque, one should fill the front rows first. If you are late, you should:
a) Attempt to reach to the front as much as possible, even in front of those who are already seated.
b) Find an easy to reach spot and get there with minimum inconvenience to others
4.When entering the mosque, one should, if possible, offer 2 Nawafil. These Nawafil are called:
a)Tahiyyatul-Masjid
b)Ishraq Nawafil
5.Whilst being in the mosque, you should:
a)Keep yourself occupied in the remembrance of Allah quietly and avoid unnecessary conversations
b)Socialise with others in the mosque whilst waiting for Namaz to start
6.When leaving the mosque, one should:
a)Say Khuda Hafiz
b)Say Assalam O Alaikum
7.When leaving the mosque, one should:
a)Put the right shoe on before the left shoe
b)Put the left shoe on before the right shoe
8.When stepping out of the mosque:
a)Step out with the right foot first
b)Step out with the left foot first
ANSWERS:
Match the following attributes of Allah to their meaning and develop a habit of praying using these attributes: Al-Ghaffaar As-Samee Ash-Shafee
At-Tawwab
ANSWERS:
Al-Ghaffaar = The Ever Forgiving
As-Samee = The All-Hearing
Ash-Shafee = The Healer
At-Tawwab= The Ever Returning
Al-Aleem = The All Knowing
Al-Hakeem = The Wise
Syllabus Waqfe Nau, Part 2 (Years 7-15), p.40 | https://www.waqfenauintl.org/age-7-15/
Attributes of Allah
Below are the words of the Adhan (call to prayer) in order, with their translation. How many times are the following words repeated in Adhan?
1. Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest:
a) 1 time
b) 2 times
c) 4 times
2. Ash-hadu allaa ilaaha ill-Allah - I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah:
a) 1 time
b) 2 times
c) 4 times
3. Ash-hadu anna Muhammad-arrrasool-uLlah - I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah:
a) 1 time
b) 2 times
c) 4 times
4. Hayya `al-as-Salaah - Come to Prayer:
a) 1 time
b) 2 times
c) 4 times
5.Hayya `al-al-Falaah - Come to Prosperity:
a)1 time
b)2 times
c)4 times
6.As-salaatu khairum-minan-naum - Prayer is better than sleep:
a)1 time
b)2 times but only in Fajr Prayer
c)4 times
7.Allahu Akbar - Allah is the Greatest:
a)1 time
b)2 times
c)4 times
8.Laa ilaaha illa-Llah - There is none worthy of worship except Allah:
a)1 time
b)2 times
c)4 times
The Tale OF AND Raigamaya Gampolaya
THE TALE OF RAIGAMAYA AND GAMPOLAYA
is a story with moral lessons from Sinhalese folklore. It is a story about two men with the same attitude getting to know each other and becoming friends.
Once upon a time, in Ceylon, Sri Lanka, there were two cunning men, Raigamaya and Gampolaya. Raigamaya was from the Raigama area. Gampolaya was from the Gampola area.
One day, Raigamaya and Gampolaya met each other at an Ambalama (a structure constructed for pilgrims, traders, and travellers to rest and spend the night). They had both been on their way somewhere. As the night fell, they both decided to spend the night in the Ambalama and depart in the morning.
Both men got into an interesting talk. They both had stories and experiences to share. First, they shared their resources and prepared dinner. As they ate, they found out that both of them were looking to earn some money. So, they brainstormed ideas on what they could do. Finally, they decided to sell betel leaves and betel nuts at a local fair in a nearby town.
“I will sell betel nuts,” Raigamaya said.
“Okay, I will sell betel leaves,” Gampolaya said.
The next morning, the two men decided on a day to meet again to sell at the fair and then went their separate ways. The day that they agreed to meet again arrived. Raigamaya and Gampolaya met at the same Ambalama before the sun went down.
Both men had brought two bags of goods to sell the following morning. Raigamaya’s bag seemed to be filled with betel nuts and Gampolaya’s bag seemed to be filled with betel leaves. The two men kept their bags by their sides and slept for the night.
The next day, at dawn, Raigamaya woke up earlier than Gampolaya. While Gampolaya was sleeping, Raigamaya placed his bag where Gampolaya’s bag was and took Gampolaya’s bag. Raigamaya had not brought betel nuts. Instead, he had brought a bag full of kitul palm nuts to make it look like a bag full of betel nuts. Raigamaya had planned this from the beginning. So, he took
Gampolaya’s bag, left his bag, and went to the fair while Gampolaya was sleeping.
Soon after Raigamaya left, Gampolaya woke up. He looked around and saw that Raigamaya had taken his bag, maybe by mistake. But Gampolya was not upset. Instead, he was happy. Gampolaya had also been planning to trick Raigamaya and take his bag. Therefore, he had brought a bag full of black pepper leaves instead of betel leaves. So, he took the bag and left for the fair too.
The two men sat at the fair with their bags, ready to sell their goods. Raigamaya opened the bag and took the leaves out of the bag. That is when Raigamaya saw that the leaves were not betel leaves but black pepper leaves. Meanwhile, Gampolaya also opened the bag and saw they were not betel nuts but kitul palm nuts.
Both men wanted to earn money and prevent the other from doing so! In the end, they were both tricked and fooled by each other. The two men received the results of their actions instantly.
References: https://storiesntales.com/folktale-stories-with-moral-lessons/ Images: Ai generated via ChatGPT
Reading Challenge: A Hidden Truth
by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, The Promised Messiah and Mahdias
In the book A Hidden Truth, the author, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, presents the true and accurate biographical findings on the life of Jesus. The Promised Messiahas presents conclusive historical evidence that Jesus survived the crucifixion and travelled to Kashmir, India, where he passed away at the ripe age of 120. Towards the end of this treatise Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas also sheds light on a prophecy regarding Muhammad Husain of Batala and the purpose of a prayer-duel with the same.
All Waaqifaat-e-Nau are encouraged to read this book. It is a short and easy read. Once you have read the book, challenge yourself by answering the questions on the next page.
https://www.alislam.org/book/hidden-truth/
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
(Hint...we’ve told you exactly where to get the answers from)
1. Who wrote the book ‘A Hidden Truth’ and in what year was it published?
2. What was the purpose behind writing this book? [Page 3]
3. Who wrote a letter to the Promised Messiahas from Kashmir explaining the story and History of Hazrat Yuz Asaf? [Page 17]
4. Who is Hazrat Yuz Asaf? [Page 20, 22]
5. What were the views of the local people regarding Hazrat Yuz Asaf? [Page 18]
6. Why does the Promised Messiahas say that it is ‘ignorant’ to say that the tomb in Kashmir is of a Hindu Prophet? [Page 23]
7. What was found in the Tomb of Hazrat Isa(as) near the grave? [Page 25]
8. The elders of Kashmir say that the tomb has existed for how long? [Page 26]
9. What is the Ointment of Jesusas? [Page 29]
10. Why is the Ointment of Jesusas crucial in proving that Jesusas did not die on the cross? [Pages 30,49,50]
11. According to lexicographers where does the word ‘Masih’ derive from? [Page 47]
12. After the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, why did Jesusas deem it necessary to travel to India, Kashmir? [Page 53]
13. What importance does the religion of Buddhism play in the migration of Jesusas to India? [Page 53]
14. Why does The Promised Messiahas say that the belief of Allah raising Jesusas to the heavens is false? [Page 48]
ANSWERS
1. The Promised Messiahas wrote this book and it was published in 1898.
2. This book was written as a prayer duel to Sheikh Muhammad Husain of Batala, the editor of Isha’at-us-Sunnah. In this book, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas presents the true and accurate biographical findings on the life of Jesusas. [Page 3]
3. Maulvi Abdullah, a Resident of Kashmir [Page 17]
4. The Promised Messiahas explains that Hazrat Yus Asaf is Jesusas, the name had changed due to a general mispronunciation, from ‘Jesus’ to ‘Yuz Asaf’. He explains that the name Yuz Asaf holds strong similarities to the word Yasu, meaning Jesus.
The Promised Messiahas writes: The fact that Yuz Asaf resembles a Hebrew name; the fact that Yuz Asaf is renowned to be a Nabi [Prophet], which is a term that has been used exclusively for Prophets among the Israelites and Muslims; the fact that this Prophet is also referred to by the title ‘Prince’; the fact that the attributes of this Prophet are in complete similarity with the Messiah, peace be upon him; the fact that his teachings are remarkably similar to the moral teaching of the Gospel; the fact that he is buried in a Muslim neighbourhood; the fact that his tomb is said to have been standing for as many as 1900 years; the fact that in recent years, a Tibetan gospel has been discovered by a European, which clearly proves that Jesus, peace be upon him, came to this land—all when viewed collectively, surely lead to the conclusion that Jesusas did indeed come to this land and it is here that he passed away. [Page 20, 22]
5. The general view of the local people of Kashmir was that Hazrat Yus Asaf was a great prophet who had travelled from another land to admonish people. [Page 18]
6. “Burial is not a Hindu custom; the Hindus cremate their dead. Thus, the grave itself establishes with absolute certainty that this Prophet is an Israelite.” [Page 23]
7. “In the right-hand corner of this tomb of Allah’s Prophet, close to the grave, is a stone slab which bears the footprints of a man. It is said that these are the footprints of a Messenger. The footprints of this Prophet Prince have probably lasted as a sign.” [Page 25]
8. According to the testimony of the elders of Kashmir, the tomb has existed in Mohalla Khanyar, Srinagar for nearly 1900 years. [Page 26]
9. The ointment is prepared for injuries caused by falls and all other sorts of wounds. It was prepared for the wounds of Jesus (peace be upon him) namely, the wounds he sustained to his hands and feet. [Page 29]
10. The Ointment could have only been given to Jesusas to heal his injuries if he had come down from the cross alive. The Ointment of Jesusas has been mentioned in the Gospel as well. The Promised Messiahas says: “The Gospels also prove that Jesusas secretly stayed within the environs of his town for forty days, and only began his journey after he had fully recovered through the use of this ointment.” [Pages 30,49,50]
11. “The etymology of the word, ‘Masih’ [Messiah] as described by lexicographers is that it has been derived from mas-hun, which means travelling”. [Page 47]
12. “With the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, the Children of Israel were divided and dispersed to countries like India, Kashmir, Tibet and China. Therefore, the Messiah, peace be upon him, considered it necessary to migrate to these lands.” [Page 53]
13. “When a number of the Israelites had entered into Buddhism, it was necessary for Jesus, peace be upon him, to come to this land and focus on refuting Buddhism and meeting with its religious leaders. It was due to this reason that the biography of Jesus, peace be upon him, has been recorded in Buddhist tradition.” [Page 53]
14. “The Jews neither saw him ascending to heaven nor to this day have they witnessed his descent. How then could they believe in such a nonsensical and baseless tale? Furthermore, another thing to reflect upon is that when the Quraysh—who were far more bold, militant and vengeful than the Jews— attacked the Noble Messenger of God Almighty, our Chief, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, God saved him in the refuge of a mere cave, situated no more than three miles from the holy city of Mecca. Then, was God Almighty so fearful of the cowardly Jews, God forbid, that to rid his fear of their oppression he had no choice but to raise Jesus to the second heaven?” [Page 48]
Pearls of Wisdom for Waaqifaat-e-Nau
“It is all about one’s intention”
During a Mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Rasheeqa Samad Khan Sahiba, Regional Coordinator Waaqifaat-e-Nau Scotland, asked Hazooraba how they could increase the attendance in classes of those who are now married and cannot join the causes due to being busy with marriage and looking after their children.
In response to the question, Hazooraba referred to the Waaqifaat-e-Nau secretary and noted that she also has children, yet she manages to conduct classes and fulfil her duties. “It is all about one’s intention,” Hazooraba said. If one makes the intention to participate in classes and allocates time, it is possible to do so. Hazooraba acknowledged that sometimes children are very young and require care, which is understandable. However, Hazooraba emphasised that regularly abstaining from attendance is not the correct approach.
Hazooraba further explained that being a Waqfe Nau is not meant to be easy; otherwise, everyone would be a Waqf or Waqifa. He said, “Doing Waqf means that: ‘For whatever duty I am called towards for the sake of God, for the cause of the Jama’at, or for a Jama’atrelated programme that is beneficial – even if I have to undergo hardships – I shall attend to it.”
Hazooraba added that it is essential to help Waqfe Nau members realise, with compassion, their responsibilities. They must manage their time effectively to fulfil both their duties and their roles as parents.
“Always remember Allah all the time”
Zaiba Ahmad, 12, asked about the significance of the numbers 33, 33, and 34 in Tasbih after Salat, and why we do not recite any surah after Surah al-Fatihah in the last two Rak‘ahs during prayers.
Hazooraba said: “The significance is: once, a party of poor Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsaw came to him and said that ‘there are quite a few welloff people who do all types of sacrifices; they do Jihad, and because of their being well affluent, they spend money in the cause of Allah, but we do not have enough money to spend.’ The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Okay, I will tell you one thing which can make you such as if you have done all those types of sacrifices which they are making.’”
Hazooraba said, that the Holy Prophetsaw then recommended reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar – 33 times, 33 times, and 34 times, respectively, totalling 100 times, after each salat. This practice was advised because reciting these names and praising Allah 100 times earns blessings from Allah the Almighty.
“It is not that you cannot go beyond that. You can even recite, if you have time, more than that, even the whole day. Hence, as the Holy Prophetsaw has advised, you should do Zikr-e-Ilahi. Always remember Allah all the time.”
Alluding to the Tasbihat after Salat, Hazooraba said, “In the short time, you can do this much. If you do it after each prayer, that means you have recited the name of Allah the Almighty, glorified His name, and sought His blessing 500 times in a day. That is quite a good number, which can please Allah the Almighty.”
Further, alluding to the second half of the question, Hazooraba said, “Whatever we are doing, we have to follow the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.”
(Scottish Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Sunday, 23 June 2024, Islamabad, Tilford, UK https://www.alhakam.org/scottish-waqifaat/)
Hazrat Umme Sulaimra
By Arifa Azim Khan
Why learn about Hazrat Umme Sulaimra
In this article, we will be learning about the life of Hazrat Umme Sulaimra. Her story is of a very pious and righteous woman. By studying her life, we can find out more about the excellent work and dedication the women in Islamic history have carried out. Let’s find out more about her.
Who was Umme Sulaimra?
Hazrat Umme Sulaimra was the mother of the Holy Prophet Muhammed’ssaw attendant, Hazrat Anas Bin Maalikra. She was a pious lady who passed her upright and honourable deeds to her children.
Family Heritage
Her real name was Ghameesaa, but she was known as Umme Sulaimra. Her father was Malhaan Bin Khalid and her mother’s name was Mulaikah.
Before accepting Islam as her religion, she was married to Maalik Bin Nazar with whom she had her son Anasra. The predicament arose, that her husband was a strong follower of his old religion, on the other hand, Hazrat Umme Sulaimra was a strong Muslim and tried her utmost to preach Islam to her husband, but he would find her new beliefs very offensive. As a result, he moved to Syria and spent the rest of his days there.
After the death of her first husband, Hazrat Sulaimra received a marriage proposal from her fellow tribesman and the wealthiest man in Madinah, who was called Abu Talhah Ansaarira. He had not yet accepted the teachings of Islam and belonged to a tribe that worshipped trees.
It is essential to understand that as a devout follower of Islam, she could never marry an idolator. Hazrat Umme Sulaimra urged Abu Talhahra to consider the beautiful message of Islam in a wise manner.
She asked him, “Don’t you know that the God you worship grows from earth?’ He replied, ‘Yes, indeed!’ Umme Sulaimra replied, ‘Then don’t you feel embarrassed worshipping a mere tree?’ Hazrat Umme Sulaimra further explained to him that although she couldn’t possibly refuse a proposal from a well-respected man such as himself, a marriage between a Muslim and an Idolater was simply unlawful.
A proposition was that if he accepted Islam as his religion, there would not be any demand for dowry from Hazrat Umme Sulaimra; Abu Talhah Ansaarira accepting Islam would be her true dowry. After a period of time, through Hazrat Umme Sulaim’sra preaching, Abu Talhahra accepted Islam. Fulfilling her promise, Umme Sulaimra married him under the guardianship of her son Anasra.
Hazrat Umme Sulaim’sra Personality
HOSPITALITY
Hospitality refers to the care a host extends to their guests including welcoming the guests with goodwill and respect, ensuring their comfortable stay and entertainment, as well as provision of food and drink.
A Hadith by the Holy Prophetsaw says, “Those who believe in God and the Day of Judgement should pay the rightful dues of a guest.”
Hazrat Umme Sulaimra was a very hospitable and caring lady. There is a well-known incident of her sacrifice and dedication in the history of Islam. Once, when a guest was visiting the Holy Prophetsaw, he sent a message to his pious wives to arrange for some hospitality. It so happened that, none of them had anything to serve at that time. When the Holy Prophetsaw appealed to his companions, Hazrat Abu Talhahra happily accepted this responsibility. He informed Hazrat Umme Sulaimra when he got home that she had to arrange for a meal for the Holy Prophet’ssaw guest. Hazrat Umme Sulaimra told him that they had only a little bit of food for the children. They decided to send their children to bed and serve whatever food they had to the guest. At mealtime, Hazrat Umme Sulaimra got up and pretended to fix the lamp but instead turned it off so the guest could eat heartily. When the guest began his meal, they both pretended as if they were eating, by making chewing sounds. They spent the night with empty stomachs. In the morning, Hazrat Abu Talhahra went to see the Holy Prophetsaw
He replied by saying ‘On your good treatment of my guest last night, even Allah was smiling with joy!’ This highlights how much selflessness and regard Hazrat Umme Sulaimra had for her guests.
CARE OF ORPHANS
An orphan is someone whose parents are not alive anymore. Young orphans can be very vulnerable people in society and require extra support, love, and guidance. It is fundamental to ensure they are treated fairly. Once the Holy Prophetsaw saw a girl being raised by Hazrat Umme Sulaimra, and as a joke and affection he said, “Look at how big you have gotten” – “Don’t grow bigger than this.” The girl became upset and informed Hazrat Umme Sulaimra of what happened. Hazrat Umme Sulaimra questioned the Holy Prophetsaw whether he cursed her girl? He laughed and explained, ‘O Umme Sulaimra! Don’t you know the covenant I have made with Almighty Allah? I have told Him that I am a human, and like ordinary humans, I get happy and I get angry. But, if I say something to someone in my Ummah that he is not worthy of, then on the Day of Judgement, God may make that same thing a source of purity and nearness to God for that person.’ This incident also tells us how lovingly Hazrat Umme Sulaimra cared for orphans within her home. She paid special attention to their tender emotions and tried her best to make them feel better.
FAITH IN THE PRAYERS OF HOLY PROPHET SAW
Prayers are vital and applicable in every part of our lives. Hazrat Umme Sulaimra had complete faith in the prayers of the Holy Prophetsaw. She took special care in sending over her newborn child to the Holy Prophetsaw to benefit from his prayers. She once asked the Holy Prophetsaw to teach her some additional supplication that she could recite during her prayers. The Holy Prophetsaw replied, ‘Recite SubhaanAllah [Holy is Allah], Alhamdolillah [all praise belongs to Allah], and Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest] ten times each and then pray [to Allah Almighty] for whatever you wish’.
PATIENCE
In life, there are many ups and downs and patience has to be shown. Hazrat Umme Sulaimra and her husband Hazrat Abu Talhahra displayed extraordinary patience on the death of their son, Abu Umairra. Their son suddenly fell ill and his father was travelling at that time.
At the time of his death, Umme Sulaimra did not display anxiety and asked everyone in the household not to inform her husband. As he returned home and asked about their son, Hazrat Umme Sulaimra replied that the child was at peace. This means that their son is free of his pain and has met his Maker. Hazrat Abu Talhahra , however, assumed that perhaps Abu Umairra was healthy again. In the morning, when Hazrat Abu Talhahra was about to leave to offer morning prayers at the Holy Prophet’ssaw Mosque, Hazrat Umme Sulaimra stopped him and asked, ‘Abu Talhah! If someone entrusts us with something and then asks for its return, should we give it back or not?’ Hazrat Abu Talhahra replied, ‘Yes! Why not?’ Hazrat Umme Sulaimra said, ‘Then you should have patience on your son’s death because he was also a trust from Allah that we were entrusted with. Now He has taken His trust back from us.’
Hazrat Abu Talhahra informed everything to Holy Prophetsaw who prayed, ‘May Allah make this night a source of blessings for you and give you a better blessing in return’. This prayer was fulfilled, and Almighty Allah blessed her progeny so much that Hazrat Umme Sulaimra had ten sons, and all of them were Haafiz-e-Qur’an [those who memorize the entire Holy Qur’an].
Last days of Life and Good News of Paradise
Hazrat Umme Sulaimra was such a fortunate woman that she was foretold in her life by the Holy Prophetsaw about her place in Paradise. The Holy Prophetsaw once dreamt that he heard someone’s footsteps in Heaven. He was told in the dream that they belonged to Ghameesaa Bint Malhaan, Umme Sulaimra. She passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiquera .
Quiz:
What was Hazrat Umme Sulaim’sra real name?
What are the key characteristics the article mentions about her?
Did she raise an orphan girl?
What additional prayers did the Holy Prophetsaw suggest her to recite?
What good news did Hazrat Umme Sulaimra receive in her lifetime?
Prayers for Palestine
Guidance from Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba on the current conflict in Palestine
“I wish to remind you all to pray in light of the current situation of the world. As a result of the war between Hamas and Israel, the martyrdoms of innocent Palestinian women and children continue to increase. The swiftness with which the conditions of war are increasing, and the policies which Israel and the major governments of the world are adopting, make a World War an imminent reality…
…If a wise policy is not adopted immediately, then the world will be destroyed. Everything is appearing on the news, and you are all aware of the situation. Thus, Ahmadis should especially focus on praying. They should not become relaxed. At least one prostration in every prayer, or at least one prostration in any one of the prayers should be spent in supplication for this [situation].
There is no leader in any Western country who wishes to act with justice in this matter, nor do they have the courage to say anything.
Ahmadis should not engage in discussions about which country’s leader is good and which one is not, and that Muslims shouldn’t speak against such and such person; because these are all futile discussions. Until someone does not have the courage to try and bring an end to this war, they are responsible for leading the world towards ruin.
Thus, along with prayers, you should try and spread the message around you that injustices must be brought to an end. If an Ahmadi has connections with people, then they should explain this to them. This is courage, this is the standard of obeying the commandments of Allah the Almighty.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Friday Sermon, 27 October 2023
Mothers of Palestine
The silent cries
Of the mothers of Palestine
Whispering prayers and comforts
In the ears of their angels one last time
Cold, stiff and lifeless in their arms
Their warm embrace cannot undo the harms
Not wrapped in a blanket but shrouded in white
They’d carried the life for nine months, day and night
