Maryam Oct-Dec 2023 (English)

MARYAM

an educational magazine for waaqifaat-e-nau

OCT - DEC 2023

ISSUE 48

“If we stop raising

our voices against cruelty and injustice, then we will become amongst those who have

no moral values or standards whatsoever.”

- Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V's aba address at the Annual Peace Symposium UK 2012

#voicesforpeace The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community International, under the guidance of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper, launched a global campaign #voicesforpeace to bring an end to the war in Gaza and establish peace.

Since then, global forums across the world calling for peace in Gaza have been held, including at the UK Houses of Parliament.

Support the efforts by using this logo and the hashtag #voicesforpeace to draw the attention of the world and leaders at all levels to the urgent need to stop the conflict and establish peace before the war, God forbid, escalates even further.

From the Editor...

Currently, the world is witnessing the horrific suffering being inflicted on the people of Palestine. The truly heart-wrenching images and videos shared by people living through these atrocities can be difficult to watch at times and it is impossible to fathom what the people who are being subjected to the violence are experiencing. In light of this situation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih VMay Allah be his Helper has been stressing the importance of prayers.

In his Friday Sermon on 24th November 2023 Hazooraba said:

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

“Continue praying for Palestinians. May Allah grant them salvation from the oppression they are facing. Muslim nations have started raising their voices, such as the Saudi king, who said that Muslims must unite and have one voice. The Muslims will certainly have to do so, and this will require a concerted effort. May Allah the Almighty enable this realisation of theirs to come to practical fruition as well. Hazooraba said that a great deal of attention must be given to offering prayers.”

During a virtual Mulaqat with Waqifeen-e-Nau from Belgium on the 12th November 2023, Hazooraba was asked how one can help the people of Palestine while also praying.

In response, Hazooraba said that first and foremost, one should pray, as there is immense power in prayer. Hazooraba added that one can also contribute to charity and added that Humanity First is assisting in humanitarian efforts, and donations can be made there too.

May Allah enable all of us to follow the guidance of our beloved Hazooraba and pray fervently for peace in the world and the end to cruelty and suffering. Ameen.

In this issue of Maryam Magazine our readers can enjoy articles including ‘Take Pride in Modesty’, ‘Muharram FAQs’, ‘Attending Jalsa Salana UK: Experiences of International Guests’ ‘Waqf in the field – Aisha Academy’ and ‘Procrastination’.

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Åhm Hï ñå

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 Safina 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 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

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CONTENTS OCT - DEC 2023 | ISSUE 48

03. The Holy Qur’an

21. Take Pride in Modesty | Samina

Ahmed

04. Hadith

26. Kids’ Spread

05. Writings of the Promised Messiahas 06. The Holy Prophet

saw

an Enemy

in the Sight of

08. Waqf in the Field: Aisha Academy |

Madiha Mubarik Cheema

13. Procrastination | Maheda Rehman 14. Introduction to the Study of the

Holy Qur’an Part III | Recommended

Reading from the National Waqfe Nau Syllabus

17. Poem: A Voice for Peace

30. Attending Jalsa Salana UK 2023: Experiences of International Guests

34. Pearls of Wisdom on the topic

of Pardah | Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba

37. Poem: #VoicesforPeace 38. Jalsa Salana UK 2023: Unity,

Sacrifice & Blessed Ink | Amatul-Haleem Zayn-Wahab Karim

46. Story: Controlling Anger

| Syeda Zubariyah Anwar

47. Poem: Voices for Peace

18. Muharram FAQs

48. The Promised Messiah’sas

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Suggested Remedy for Public Disorder in India

The Holy

Qur’an ۡۤ َ َ ۡ ‫َل‬ ّٰ ‫س َع َلی َّالذ ۡی َن ٰا َم ُن ۡوا َو َعم ُلوا‬ َ ‫الص ِل ٰح ِت ُجناح ِف ۡی َما ط ِع ُم ۡوا‬ ‫ی‬ ِ ِ ۡ‫الصل ٰحت ُث َّم َّات َق ۡوا َّو ٰا َم ُن ۡوا ُث َّم َّات َقوا‬ ّٰ ‫ِا َذا َما َّات َق ۡوا َّو ٰا َم ُن ۡوا َو َعم ُلوا‬ ِ ِ ِ ُ َ ۡ َ َّ َ ۡ ۡ ُۡ ُ ّٰ َ ُ ۡ Al -Maidah: 4 ‫س ِنین ۝‬ ِ ‫واحسنوا ط وّللا ی ِحب اۡلح‬ Translation: On those who believe and do good works there shall be no sin for what they eat, provided they fear God and believe and do good works, and again fear God and believe, yet again fear God and do good. And Allah loves those who do good.

English translation by Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali sahibra)

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Hadith

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

َ َ َ َُْ ُ َ َ​َ َُ ْ ْ َ ُ ‫ص َّلى‬ َ ‫ال َر ُسو ُل هللا‬ َ:‫هللا َع َل ْيه َو َس َّلم‬ َ ‫ ق‬: ‫عن اب ِن عمرر ِض ي هللا عنه قال‬ ِ َ​َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ​َ ُْ َ َ َ َ​َ ْ ُ َ َ​َ َ​َ ْ ُ َ َ​َ َ​َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ وَل ي ِبع بعضكم على‬،‫َل تحاسدوا وَل تناجشوا وَل تباغضوا وَل تدابروا‬ َ​َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ُْ ُ َ ُ ْ ُْ ً َ ْ َ ‫ َو ُك ْو ُن ْوا ع َب‬،‫َب ْيع َب ْعض‬ ‫ َل يظ ِلمه وَل‬،‫ اْلس ِلم أخواْلس ِل ِم‬،‫هللا ِاخو انا‬ ‫اد‬ ِ ِ ِ َ َ َ ُ َ ُ ْ َّ َ ‫ َو ُيش ْي ُر الی‬،‫الت ْقوى ه ُھ َنا‬ ‫ ِب َح ْس ِب‬.‫ص ْد ِره ثَلث َم َّرات‬ .‫َي ْح ِق ُره َوَل َيخذله‬ ِ ِ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ‫ كل اْلس ِل ِم على اْلس ِل ِم حرام‬،‫ْام ِرىء ِمن الش ِر ان يح ِقر اخاه اْلس ِلم‬ ُ ‫َد ُمه َو َم ُاله َوع ْر‬ .‫ضه‬ ِ Translation:

Abdullah bin Omar, God be pleased with him, says that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated: Do not be jealous of each other. Do not inflate prices. Do not hate each other. Do not turn your back on each other. Do not make an offer while two parties are engaged in bargaining. Be true servants of God by becoming brothers to one another.”

“Muslims are brothers to (other) Muslims. One should not transgress against the other; he should not treat the other with disdain, nor should he forsake him.

“Here dwells taqwa (the fear of God)” said the Holy Prophetsaw and he pointed to his chest three times. Then he said: ‘It is enough to ruin one to disdain one’s Muslim brother. The blood, the property and the honour of a Muslim is inviolable to another Muslim.” (Muslim) (Selected Sayings of the Holy Prophet of Islam, pg.57, Hadith no. 79)

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Writings of the as Promised Messiah C O M PA S S I O N F O R G O D ’ S C R E AT I O N

Compassion for God’s creation is such a thing that if man gives it up and moves away from it, he gradually becomes a beast. This is what the humanity of man demands, and one is human only as long as one treats one’s brother with kindness, tenderness, and benevolence. There should be no discrimination in this matter. Just as Sa‘di said, ‘human beings are like parts of a body.’

Remember, in my estimation the scope of sympathy is very wide. One should not exclude any group or individual. I do not say––like the ignorant people of this age––that you should limit your kindness to only Muslims. I say that you should have sympathy for all of God’s creation no matter who they are, whether a Hindu, or a Muslim, or something else. I never approve the words of such people who wish to limit sympathy only to their own people.

(Malfuzat, new edition, vol. 4, pp. 216–217)

Conditions of Bai’at & Responsibilities of An Ahmadi, p160 https://www.alislam.org/ library/books/Conditions-of-Baiat-Responsibilities-of-Ahmadi.pdf

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The Holy Prophetsaw in the Sight of an Enemy Sir William Muir K. C. S. I.—a civilian resident of UP (Uttar Pradesh) who eventually rose through official ranks to become the Lieutenant Governor of the province—authored a biography of the Holy Prophetsaw, which if not the finest, is still considered one of the best works on the subject by a western scholar. The writer was a strident opponent of both Islam and its founder.

However, his relations with Muslims and the eminence of his government post, precluded him from unleashing the full fury of his pen against the religion. Still his prejudice often seeps into his writings. The foul and poisonous tone with which he speaks against the Holy Prophetsaw is hardly a cause for surprise; a vessel can only pour out that which it contains. Instead, what is extraordinary to note is how, on occasion, the beauty of the Prophet’ssaw character lights the flame of insight and perception even in his eyes, and he too can be seen succumbing to the delightful charms [of the Holy Prophetsaw].

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This marksman of Christianity fires his arrows at the Prophetsaw like one driven by madness. And yet the heart cannot be but moved to see him fervently prostrate towards the earth and respectfully caress the blood his arrows have spilled. At such junctures, he embodies the contradictory emotions which arise when enmity and astonishment weave in coalescence in the manner of a [thunder] cloud which nature has at once invested with fire and water. And when these moments pass, Muir again reaches for his arrows.

Many opponents of Islam allege the Holy Prophetsaw was a product of his time. That is to say, they claim he did not impact the age of his existence, but was forged by the circumstances of his life. [According to their argument, the Prophetsaw] came when the people of Arabia were disillusioned and increasingly drawn to Christianity. They were eager to be reformed and needed only a mould to fashion them according to its prescription—and that mould was the Holy Prophetsaw who had been readied by the environment of his time. The hearts of the Arabs followed him and adopted a new identity and a new name for themselves by which they spread across the earth. However, [in real terms], the Holy Prophetsaw did not impart onto the world at large a new law, nor did he initiate any sort of world reform. Muir, as per his disposition, is a firm proponent of this thesis. But at times, the breeze of the Holy Prophet’ssaw character unsettles the sureness of his footing, and in a state of fear and trembling, he stumbles and yet thereafter his spirit soars from the earth to a new realm. At one such moment his pen flows with the words: The fabric of Islam no more necessarily grew out of the state of Arabia, than a gorgeous texture grows from the slender meshes of silken filament; or the stately ship from unhewn timber of the forest; or the splendid palace from rude masses of quarried rock. Had Mahomet, stern to his early convictions, followed the leading of Jewish and Christian truth, and inculcated upon his fellows their simple doctrine, there would have been a ‘‘SAINT MAHOMET’’—more likely perhaps a ‘‘MAHOMET THE MARTYR’’—laying the foundation stone of the Arabian Church. But then (so far as human probabilities and analogy indicate) Arabia would not, certainly in his day, have been convulsed to its centre, or even any considerable portions of it converted. He abandoned his early convictions; for the uncompromising severity of inflexible principle, he substituted the alluring designs of expediency and compromise; and then, with consummate skill, he devised a machinery, by the plastic power and adaptive energy of which, he gradually shaped the broken and disconnected masses of the Arab race into a harmonious whole,—a body politic endowed with life and vigour. To the Christian, he was a Christian;—to the Jew he became a Jew:—to the Meccan idolator, as a reformed worshipper of the Kaaba. And thus, by unparalleled art, and a rare supremacy of mind, he persuaded the whole of Arabia, Pagan, Jew and Christian, to follow his steps with docile submission. Such a process is that of the workman shaping his material.

It is not that of the material shaping its own form, much less (as some would hold) moulding the workman himself. It was Mahomet that formed Islam: it was not Islam, or any pre-existing Moslem spirit, that moulded Mahomet1.

Whether walking the earth or soaring across the heavens, Muir is who he is; his [waspish] sting is inseparable from his being. And yet the honey sucked from the flowers of the garden of Muhammadsaw flows even from his tongue. [It is of little import] how many times he asserts that Islam was a deceit contrived by the Prophetsaw —he is after all a foe inhabited by enmity. But the truth written by his pen cannot be reverted, no matter how hard he and his companions might try. That is, that the Holy Prophetsaw was not a product of his circumstances, instead he was the creator of a new world, and none can see such a thing to fulfilment except [with the support of] the angels of God. Worldly leaders are of this temporal realm; only those who come to guide humanity can give birth to a new world—for those who come from their creator are invested with the power of creation. (Al Fazl, 25 Oct 1930) Muhammad the Great Exemplar, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, p49-52 https://www.alislam.org/book/muhammad-great-exemplar/

1

William Muir, The Life of Mahomet, vol. I, p. ccxl,ccxli [Publishers]

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WAQF IN THE FIELD Aisha Academy Madiha Mubarik Cheema

When I was younger, like many other girls, I had a desire for a ‘Jamia Ahmadiyya’ specifically tailored for girls. The prospect of having an institution dedicated to training devotees of the Jama’at was captivating, and while we admired the one for boys, we longed for a similar opportunity. Aisha Academy UK emerged as the fulfilling answer to that void! As Hazrat Mirza Masoor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper, stated, ‘the Waqifeen who enrol in Jamia Ahmadiyya should also – alongside their religious studies – try to increase their secular knowledge. It is vital for missionaries to have an understanding of what is happening in the world so they can relate to other people.’ This perfectly aligns with the ethos of Aisha Academy, where we not only delve into religious studies but we also strive to enhance our worldly knowledge, preparing us well for the future missions ahead of us.

Being a Waqfe Nau means devoting one’s life to the service of the Jama’at. Having graduated from Aisha Academy only a few months ago, I find myself reflecting upon a transformative journey marked by a once in a lifetime experience, perfect for us Waaiqfaat-e-Nau. As I share my journey, it is my hope that you will be able to witness how Aisha Academy plays a crucial role in aligning with the responsibilities of a Waqf.

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My academic journey commenced at the University of Roehampton, where I studied History, Religious Studies, and Theology for my undergraduate degree. The dual focus on history and religious studies allowed me to delve into the complexities of both subjects.

This gave me a strong understanding of the historical context and religious dynamics that shape societies all over the world. The religious studies component of my degree was particularly interesting; what stood out most during such studies was the open dialogues I had between classmates and lecturers about religion. These conversations made me think a lot about what my faith meant to me at that point in my life, and how I did not really know exactly what to say when I found myself in a conversation with others. After completing my university studies in 2022, I was at a point where I yearned for something more – a deeper connection with my faith. This bridging of academic knowledge and Islamic knowledge became essential, in better understanding and explaining my Ahmadi faith to others. It was during this transitional period that my dad and cousin (who was part of the first cohort of students of Aisha Academy), seeing my wish for spiritual growth, recommended Aisha Academy to me. Intrigued by the course content, I decided to explore this unique educational institution, established under the insightful guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba, back in 2021.

Handling family responsibilities and educational pursuits has been a unique journey for me. Working part-time outside of the Academy while living with my parents provided a supportive backdrop to my learning. The proximity and familial support played a significant role in making it all a good balance. Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of my teachers, parents and sister, and in particular, my father, Abu, has been my greatest help.

Abu’s commitment to my education was exemplified in small but profound ways. Sometimes, when I needed to prep-read some Urdu for the upcoming class, he would willingly come home early from work and read to me, so I could understand some concepts better. Also, challenges are an inevitable part of any part of life, and in those moments, the power of prayer was the best remedy. My parents, with hearts full of love, lifted me up in prayer.

I now thank Allah Almighty daily for the warmth of their prayers.

Experiences of classmates managing family responsibilities added another level to my understanding. Some, caring for up to three children, demonstrated resilience in attending the Academy.

Their commitment is a source of inspiration. It was a testament that, with the right mindset, Lajna could overcome familial responsibilities and continue their pursuits. Mash’Allah.

In our cohort, Aisha Academy began offering online classes, meaning that we had a few Lajna studying from Spain – some of whom had a family. Witnessing their dedication was invaluable in driving my motivation.

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Maintaining such a balance often relies heavily on support from family members.

Whether parents, a spouse, or children, familial support makes it easier to handle responsibilities. Family understanding and encouragement are paramount to success.

I am continually grateful for the support I received. Alhamdolillah.

The Waqfe Nau scheme is a blessed endeavour which aims to ensure our future’s prosperity and growth of the Jama’at. In particular, the children of our future generation require nurturing at every stage of their development. We are constantly taught that it is not merely a duty; it is a sacred bond and a lifelong commitment for the sake of faith. We should be ready to contribute by learning the best ways to engage in Tabligh and Tarbiyyat.

Aisha Academy is an excellent resource for gaining knowledge and putting it into action to fulfil our duty.

Aisha Academy stands as an institution dedicated to nurturing both our religious and educational perspectives. According to my honourable Principal Sahiba, Mrs Lubna Sohail, the academy provides us with the “opportunity to strengthen [our] bond with Allah, enhance [our] understanding of Islam, and allows us to always be prepared to make every sacrifice for the perpetuation of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat.”

The overarching goal of the academy is to enlighten our hearts with the light of Islamic guidance, transforming us into role models for the coming generations. The mix of learning about our faith and studying at Aisha Academy fits perfectly with being Waqf.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba has said to “Always remember that it is the duty of a Waqf-e-Nau to propagate the mission and objectives of the Khalifa-e-Waqt and to be his constant helper. You can only do this if you are completely obedient to Khilafat; only if you are following the guidance and instructions of Khalifa-e-Waqt can you urge others to do the same”. Aisha Academy has instilled this love of Khilafat in me.

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Another point I would like to add is that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba consistently emphasises the importance of acquiring religious knowledge in Waqfe Nau Ijtema addresses. In one address, Hazooraba mentioned that Ijtemas were for “Waqifeene-nau to join together to enhance their moral state, to increase their religious knowledge, to better understand their objectives, and above all, to be inspired towards developing an everlasting bond with Allah the Almighty.”1 Such Ijtemas have instilled in me a desire to research even more about Islam and delve into the books of the Promised Messiahas.

Aisha Academy proved ideal for this purpose, offering subjects such as the Holy Qur’an (Nazirah, Hifz, Split Word Translation, and Commentary), Hadith, Kalam, Comparative Study of Religions, Fiqh (Jurisprudence), and History, which are studied extensively. These subjects cover a comprehensive range, including the recitation and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an, understanding Hadith, exploring Ahmadi principles with excellent arguments, comparing religions critically, studying Islamic law, and delving into the history of Islam and Ahmadiyyat. Studying the languages: Arabic, Urdu, and English simply enhanced the learning experience, as all three are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the material we engaged with. I find each of the 12 subjects equally intriguing; I simply cannot decide which one I like the most!

Overall, Aisha Academy’s curriculum serves as an ideal platform for all members of the Waqfe Nau scheme, by giving us in-depth knowledge while fostering that deeper connection with Allah, which is perfect for preparing us to contribute to society and the wider world, particularly future generations.

Beyond our regular classes at Aisha Academy, I, as well as my classmates experienced significant growth in communication skills. As a Waqifa-e-Nau, I’ve found our weekly Question & Answer Sessions to be very beneficial. We would watch Q&As with Hazoor-e-Anwaraba, and we ourselves would research to cover General Knowledge topics like Politics, Economics, Science, Weather, Business, Technology, Jama’at News, Sports, and Health - So, there were secular additions too. These sessions let us have open discussions on a wide range of topics, encouraging us to explore and deepen our understanding of any misconceptions that were raised externally.

The Academy also encouraged us to explore diverse topics in-class presentations

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(e.g.looking at the question of God in our God Summit) and also through the hosting of our very own events, which not only brought us together even more but also helped our confidence majorly. There are so many extra-curricular activities we engaged in, but as a Waqifa-e-Nau, engaging in Waqfe Arzi and Aisha Academy’s own Field Practice has been very satisfying. It meant that I could actively contribute to the betterment of society and my community. Practicing in such environments serves as an opportunity to discover different approaches to communicating the teachings effectively to different audiences.

For such experiences, I am grateful.

Post-Aisha Academy Having recently graduated from Aisha Academy, I find myself continuously reminiscing about this transformative experience that I was fortunate to have.

Alhamdolillah, I am now serving as a teacher at the Academy for Qur’anic Commentary, which is a great honour. I am joined by some of my classmates who are also teaching at the Academy and in ITQA (International Talimul Qur’an Academy) classes. I find myself feeling immense gratitude that I have a chance to contribute to the development of future generations by helping them build stronger ties to their faith, while continuing to nurture my own faith, as I learn a thing or two from students too.

Along with this, I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Law while also working part-time at Hampton Court Palace. Motivated by the teachings of Aisha Academy, which encourage active participation in the Jama’at, I have recently taken up roles as writing for Voice of Islam Radio and as the General Secretary in my local Halqa. The responsibilities bestowed upon me are something I do not take lightly. In fact, taking on these duties gives my life a meaningful purpose.

Aisha Academy UK gave me the confidence and knowledge that I yearned for my whole life. My gratitude toward the Academy knows no bounds.

The teachers, each amazing in their own right, have shaped me in some way or another. Every one of them has given me the strength to achieve things I never thought I would do. May Allah bless them all immensely.

Above all, I am humbled to have opportunities to fulfil my duties in accordance with the vision set forth by the Promised Messiahas for all Ahmadis, as well as the Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyya.

May Allah enable all of us Waaqifaat-e-Nau sisters to use our education and experiences to serve our Jama’at well. Ameen.

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Address at National Waqifeen-e-Nau Ijtema UK, 30th April 2023 https://www.alhakam.org/waqifeen-e-nau-ijtema-uk-2023/ Address at National Waqifeen-e-Nau Ijtema UK, 7th April 2019 https://www.alhakam.org/latest-precious-advice-to-waqifeen-e-nau-at-2019-ijtema/

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Growing up in the 21st century we are well aware of the concept of procrastination; it is usually something that we face on a daily basis. Worse still, we seem to be getting more and more used to the chronic anxiety that comes along with it. Here we delve into the what, how and why of procrastination and how we can save ourselves from the cycle that develops.

WHAT IS PROCRASTINATION? In easy words, procrastination is when you prioritise a low priority task over a more important task. So, this is in some way a form of avoidance. However, what it leads to is more anxiety about the important task, and then when the deadline arrives then we have burnout as we rush to complete it.

The delay in the task may lead to an increase in a short-term brain chemical called dopamine – which makes us feel good. The issue is that we need to do more and more of the same activity to reach that same feel-good feeling. And then, the higher the rise, the greater the fall. We continue to avoid that activity that we need to do, as in our minds the task load is getting bigger and bigger. So, when we finally have to do the task, the burden of doing it seems to be greater than the actual task itself.

THE PROCRASTINATE CYCLE

The fact of the matter is that this kind of procrastination is a “catch”. Because, even if you do well or not, you will still procrastinate – just for different reasons. This is worse as you can see the impact of procrastination, the negative impacts, such as:

Maheda Rehman Guilt Missed opportunities Stress Self-depreciation Wasted time Underperformance.

There are various reasons as to why, some include: Trying to be perfect i.e., waiting for the right time to do the work, needed all the steps/ requirements to be fulfilled Not being motivated enough, if you do not like the subject and so avoid it Not knowing enough Lack of focus.

So, how can you stop this cycle? Well, you will have to do trial and error and find what works for you.

HERE ARE SOME THAT YOU CAN TRY: Breaking up your day to make a routine, for example using Namaz times to delegate deadlines for tasks.

Find out what you are trying to avoid and why? If you can pinpoint the reason and address that then perhaps you will stop procrastinating.

At least start the activity and finish it off, it does not have to be perfect.

Try to have a positive mindset – believe that you can and you will!

Avoid comparison between where you are and others. This can either give you false hope that you are in the same boat so you can further relax and thus fall into the cycle again.

Talk it out, talk to whoever you believe can support you and call out where you may be slipping.

Find mentors – this is another form of support, someone who has gone through the experience, will be the best source of help.

I hope that these tips are useful to you. All in all, remember that there is something that works for you and it is up to you to find it. Hence, you have to have the willpower to overcome your own shortcomings.

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Introduction to the Study of the Holy Qur’an Waaqifaat-e-Nau are advised to read the book ‘Introduction to the Study of the Holy Qur’an1’. This is an inspiring introduction initially written as a prologue to the English translation and commentary of the Holy Qur’an. The first section, ‘General Introduction’, covers a wide range of topics concerning the need for the revelation of the Holy Qur’an in the presence of other religious books. The second section presents an excellent and affectionate life sketch of the Holy Prophetsaw of Islam – this chapter should be read as part of the Waqfe Nau syllabus2. The third section highlights the validity of the Holy Qur’an in contrast to any other sacred scripture and how it has remained preserved intact, free from interference and interpolation. This section includes topics explaining the compilation of the Holy Qur’an; some prophecies in the Holy Qur’an and how these have been fulfilled. It also presents the main characteristics of the Qur’anic teachings.

In this Issue of Maryam Magazine, we will be covering a few points from ‘The Holy Prophet—A Life Sketch’ section.

How did the emigration to Abyssinia take place?

The cruelty of the enemies of Islam had reached a peak and the Prophetsaw advised a group of Muslims to migrate to a land across the sea in the west. Here, they would be able to freely practice their religion without any problems. This was a difficult task, as the Arabs referred to themselves as the keepers of the Ka’bah, therefore, leaving Mecca was never thought to be an option. The non-Muslims also would not let them escape that easily. Therefore, the migration was to be done in a careful and secretive manner. By sheer chance Hazrat Umarra – who was then a disbeliever and persecutor of Muslims – saw a few of the people departing including a woman, Ummi Abdullah. He enquired about whether she was leaving, to which she replied: ‘Yes, God is our witness. We go to another land, because you treat us most cruelly here. We will not return now until Allah pleases to make it easy for us.’ Hazrat Umarra was actually impressed by this and said: ‘God be with you’. When the migration came to the knowledge of the Meccans, they sent a party out to stop the Muslims, however they only got as far as the sea and realized that the Muslims had already embarked.

They then sent a delegation to the King of Abyssinia, to entice him into sending them back, which the King declined. The Meccans still did not back down and thought of a different plan. They spread the rumour that all of Mecca had accepted Islam. When the Muslims in Abyssinia heard this rumour, they rejoiced and returned to Mecca only to find out the truth. Some chose to stay whilst others returned back to Abyssinia.

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How did Hazrat Umarra accept Islam?

Before accepting Islam, Hazrat Umarra was actually a very fierce opponent. One day he, in fact, took out his sword and was set to end the Prophet’ssaw life. When a friend of his saw him leave he enquired about where he was going, to which he replied: “To kill Muhammad”. His friend then went onto tell him that Hazrat Umar’sra sister and brother-in-law had in fact accepted Islam. This came as such a shock to Hazrat Umarra and he immediately left for his sister’s house. As he reached the house, he was mesmerized by a recitation that he could hear from inside the house. As he entered, the person reciting (Khabbab) hid himself and Hazrat Umar’sra sister, Fatimah, put away the leaves of the Qur’an. Hazrat Umarra confronted Fatima and asked: ‘I have heard you have renounced your faith’ – and saying this he raised his hand to strike her husband.

Fatimah threw herself in the way and ended up getting struck in the face causing her nose to bleed. She said: ‘Yes, we are Muslims now and shall remain so; do what you may.’ Although known to be a rough man, seeing his sisters bloody face melted Hazrat Umar’sra heart. He asked to be shown the leaves which were being recited on his arrival. His sister refused as she feared he would tear them up. Hazrat Umarra promised not to do so. Fatimah asked him to clean himself and then handed the leaves. They contained the following verses of Surah Ta Ha:

“Verily, I am Allah; there is no God beside Me. So serve Me, and observe Prayer for My remembrance. Surely, the Hour is coming and I am going to manifest it, that every soul may be recompensed according to its endeavour.” (Holy Qur’an 20:15-16) These verses caused a sudden change in Hazrat Umarra and he could contain himself no longer. He stated: ‘How wonderful, how inspiring!’ Upon hearing this, Khabab came out of hiding and said: ‘God is witness, only yesterday I heard the Prophet pray for the conversion of Umar. Your change is the result of that prayer.’

Hazrat Umarra had made up his mind and left to find the Prophetsaw. When he knocked on the Prophet’ssaw door, one of the companions could see him through the peephole and feared he was here to confront the Prophetsaw. The Prophetsaw commanded to let him inside. Hazrat Umarra entered – sword in hand and the Prophetsaw inquired: ‘What brings you here?’. To this, Hazrat Umarra replied: ‘Prophet of God, I am here to become a Muslim.’ Upon hearing this, the Prophetsaw was so pleased and cried out – ‘Allahu Akbar’.

News travelled quickly of Hazrat Umar’sra acceptance of Islam. A person who was once a much-feared persecutor of Islam, had now become one of the persecuted.

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What happened when the Prophetsaw went to spread the message of Islam to the people of Ta’if?

People in Mecca were refusing to listen to the Prophet’ssaw message which made him sad. He decided to look at other places where he could spread the word of God and chose to go to Ta’if – a small town roughly sixty miles south-east of Mecca, famous for its fruit and agriculture. Ta’if had the same polytheistic views as the Meccans. An important idol al-Lat was found in Ta’if, which made it a centre of pilgrimage.

On arrival, the Prophetsaw met with many chiefs but no one seemed willing to accept the message. The townsmen thought of the Prophetsaw as a nuisance, so to please their chiefs they sent street boys out to pelt him with stones in the hope of driving him out of the town. Hazrat Zaydra – a companion of the Prophetsaw who was accompanying him on this visit was wounded and the Prophetsaw himself began to bleed profusely.

The Prophetsaw was very grieved by the lack of interest in the message of God that he had just witnessed. It was at this moment that an Angel of God descended upon him and asked if he would like his persecutors to be destroyed. ‘No’, the Prophetsaw replied. “I hope that of these very tormentors would be born those who would worship the One True God. The Prophet’ssaw journey to Ta’if has extorted praise even from the enemies of Islam. Sir William Muir, in his biography of the Prophetsaw, writes: ‘There is something lofty and heroic in this journey of Muhammad to at-Ta’if; a solitary man, despised and rejected by his own people, going boldly forth in the name of God, like Jonah to Nineveh, and summoning an idolatrous city to repent and support his mission. It sheds a strong light on the intensity of his belief in the divine origin of his calling.’

1 https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Introduction-Study-Holy-Quran.pdf 2 Syllabus Waqfe Nau Part 3 (Years 15-21), p.17 https://www.waqfenauintl.org/age-15-21/

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A Vo i c e fo r Pe a c e

V iolence never leads to good O leaders of the world, do what you should I nnocent children continue to die C ruelty and suffering are at an all-time high E xplosions and bombs, and cries of fear S creams and shrieks are all that they hear F orgetting rules and committing crimes O children of Gaza, these are trying times.

R est assured for Allah sees all these atrocities P alestine, the Holy Land E ndangered by war, please understand that A llah – the Almighty, the Merciful - the C reator of each and every particle, will E nd all those who wrong His people Syeda Zubariyah Anwar, Aged 8 years old Maryam | 17

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MUHARRAM 1) What is Muharram-ul-Haram?

In the Islamic Calendar, the month of Muharram signifies the start of the new Islamic year.

2) Why is this start of the new Islamic year not celebrated by Muslims around the world?

Historically speaking, it was during this month that one of the greatest tragedies befell Islam and it is thus remembered as one of the darkest days recorded in the pages of Islamic history.

3) What tragedy befell Islam during this month?

The blessed and beloved grandson of the Holy Prophetsaw, Hazrat Imam Hussainra, along with his family and companions were mercilessly martyred at the orders of the impure Yazid in Karbala.

4) Who was Amir Muawiyyahra?

Amir Muawiyahra was Yazid’s father. He was the companion of the Holy Prophetsaw. He had rebelled against Hazrat Alira, (who was the fourth rightly guided caliph of the Holy Prophetsaw and the father of Hazrat Imam Hussainra).

He established his own authority by declaring himself as the Caliph.

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5) What did Amir Muawiyahra do before he passed away?

Before his demise, Amir Muawiyahra appointed his son, Yazid, as his heir.

7) What was the reasoning behind Hazrat Imam Hussain’sra refusal to take pledge of allegiance at the hands of Yazid?

Hazrat Imam Hussainra did not have any personal desire to acquire any power or title; rather he adhered firmly to the fundamental principle that caliphate was divinely appointed and could not be simply inherited.

He wanted to put an end to what was slowly becoming a monarchic rule that was forcing people to pledge allegiance to it in the name of caliphate.

Furthermore, Hazrat Hussainra and some others, felt that due to Yazid’s impiety, he was not worthy, nor possessed the right to caliphate.

9) What happened on the 10th of Muharram?

At sunrise on the 10th of Muharram, the army of Hazrat Imam Hussainra took its stand in front of Yazid’s army. In this battle between truth and falsehood, Hazrat Imam Hussain’sra 72 devoted companions stood ready to face the 4,000-strong army in front of them.

One by one, these brave and courageous warriors received a blessing from Hazrat Imam Hussainra and entered the battlefield.

Exhausted from their long journey, parched with thirst, these lions fought fearlessly, displayed unyielding bravery, and were eventually martyred.

6) What factors led to the tragic events at Karbala?

The tragic events at Karbala happened due to the disagreement over whether the mantle of Caliphate is bestowed by God Almighty alone. Hazrat Imam Hussainra and other prominent companions opposed Yazid’s appointment and refused to take his bai’at [a pledge of allegiance].

8) What efforts did Hazrat Imam Hussainra make to prevent fighting or causing any kind of bloodshed?

In his Friday Sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba stated: ‘Despite declining to take the bai’at, Hazrat Imam Hussainra however, constantly tried to seek reconciliation and when he realised the danger of the Muslim bloodshed, he told them to go back stating that those who could, should leave. Those that insisted upon staying with him were approximately 30 to 40 and his family members remained behind with him. Furthermore, he told the representatives of Yazid that he did not want to fight, and they should let him go, so that he may go and worship God or go and fight in the Jihad and become martyred in the way of Islam. Or they should take him to Yazid so he could tell him the reality of the matter, but the representatives did not listen to a single word of his.

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10) How do Muslims around the world commemorate the month of Muharram?

Muslims around the world mourn the extremely sad and tragic events of Karbala in their own way. There are some Muslims who take part in organized street processions. They believe that literally enacting the torment the family of the Holy Prophetsaw went through at Karbala is an important aspect of the commemoration. Others will take part in special gatherings in the mosque to commemorate and remember the martyrdom of the beloved members of the Holy Prophet’ssaw family and his companions.

11) How Should the holy month of Muharram be remembered?

Hazrat Imam Hussainra was extremely pious and noble, and everyone should try to follow the example of people like him.

The Promised Messiahas writes: ‘…to love the prophets and the righteous people is mere wishful thinking until one does not adopt their attributes.’

The best way of remembering Muharram is thus that one should strive to become in character like Hussainra and adopt all his qualities. And for that, a constant striving is required that is spread over the span of one’s lifetime.

13) What is the significance of invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsaw during the month of Muharram?

Hazrat Umarra once stated, ‘Prayer is suspended between the earth and the heavens and unless durood is invoked on the Holy Prophetsaw no part of the prayer goes upwards.’

Hazrat Mirza Masoor Ahmadaba stated: ‘Invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsaw is a key factor for the acceptance of prayer.

We should send salutations upon the Holy Prophetsaw generally, however, during this month we should pay particular attention towards invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsaw’.

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12) What advice has Hazooraba given on how this holy month of Muharram should be remembered?

Hazrat Mirza Masoor Ahmadaba stated: ‘One should recite Durud Shareef (invoking salutations and blessings upon the Holy Prophetsaw and his physical and spiritual progeny) as this is the best way of translating one’s emotions felt from the incident of Karbala and to alleviate the oppression.

To fulfil our duties towards the grand objectives set out by the Imam of the age, we must strive to send salutations upon the Holy Prophetsaw, occupy ourselves in prayers and try our utmost to bring about a pure change within ourselves. At the same time, we must demonstrate steadfastness when faced with adversaries who bear the characteristics of Yazid.

References: Friday Sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), 10th December 2010 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), Malfoozat, vol.4, 533.

Imam Hussain(ra) and the Tragedy of Karbala, Translated from Urdu by Amer Safir A Turning Point in History – Karbala, Translated by Shehzad Ahmad – UK, The Review of Religions Why the Month of Muharram is Important to Muslims, Rabeeb Mirza, London, UK, The Review of Religions A Turning Point in History – Karbala, Muhammad Tahir Nadeem - Farnham Guilford - UK, The Review of Religions

TAKE PRIDE IN

Modesty Samina Ahmed

“Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do.”

(Holy Qur’an 24:31) “And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands, or to their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands or their sons or the sons of their husbands or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or their women, or what their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no sexual appetite, or young children who have no knowledge of the hidden parts of women. And they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known. And turn ye to Allah all together, 0 believers, that you may succeed.” (Holy Qur’an 24:32).

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The religion of Islam stresses the relationship between our body and mind. In covering the body, one shields the heart from impurities. The purpose of! hijab! (veiling) in Islam is primarily to inspire modesty in both men and women. Women have been instructed in the Holy Qur’an to cover their heads and to pull their coverings over their bosoms. Men are instructed in the Holy Qur’an to lower their gazes.

How fortunate are we as Ahmadi Muslims, to be the ones who have, only by the Grace of Allah, accepted the Imam of the age. Being the only Muslim community worldwide that is blessed with the beautiful and unique institution of Khilafat; we have a leader who is divinely guided

by Allah the Almighty. For many of us, it is no doubt the most wonderful feeling. Having the blessing of Khilafat in our lives means constant guidance, love and prayers from the Khalifah of the time. Does this not make one think that we have a much greater accountability towards our Creator?

It is only our beloved Khalifah who strives to support us in our betterment through constant prayers and by reminding us of the commands that have been set out in the Holy Qur’an.

During his Friday Sermon on 30th January 2004, Hazrat Mirza Masoor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba stated that

“a few people say that purdah is an antiquated restriction that should be removed in this day and age and that the progress of Islam and Ahmadiyyat is not dependant on strict observance of purdah” Hazooraba said that his answer to these people is that Allah has given clear instructions in the Holy Qur’an regarding purdah.

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Hazooraba further explained that in these verses, men are instructed in the first instance to restrain their looks. The Promised Messiahas has also instructed that while in public places we should walk with our eyes partially closed, not so close that we will be stumbling over other things. Hazooraba!quoted Allama Tibri who has written that the meaning of restraining your looks is that

“you prevent yourself from looking at every such thing that has been forbidden by Allah”.

Hazooraba! stated that “this instruction is for men in the first instance and if acted upon, a lot of the evils will vanish automatically.”

(Friday Sermon, 30th January 2004) Then there is the instruction for the women to abstain from showing their beauty. Hazooraba! said that “it is necessary for all women to obey this instruction in order to prevent their good name and their family honour being dragged in mud. If it is absolutely essential for a woman to talk to a strange man then she should adopt a harsh tone in her voice so that he may not be encouraged by the softness of her voice.”

On many different occasions Hazooraba has explained the concept of purdah in Islam and that it was a means of establishing the dignity and true freedom of a woman. During Jalsa Salana Germany 2023 when addressing the ladies, Hazooraba stated: “Thus, they (women) were granted complete practical freedom. They were only commanded to observe Hijab – whilst practising their freedom – so that those avenues that lead to sin remain shut, but if they can be more cautious, they may wear the niqab (face covering).

However, to remain trapped at home and detached from academic and educative works is not what Islam teaches nor has this ever been practiced in the past.”

Allah Himself has said in the Holy Qur’an that He does not desire hardship for His people. Keeping this in mind and always reminding ourselves that not a single command from Allah the Almighty has been laid down without a purpose. The command of purdah in Islam as well as all other commands is a means of our own and the society’s benefit.

We are truly blessed that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and his successors have rejected all kinds of extremism in Islam throughout the history of our Jama’at.

Hazooraba said:

“Allah’s commandment in regards to purdah must be kept in balance and moderation, as both sides have lurched towards extremism. In Europe and in the West generally, the society has become so free and immodest that adultery and indecency are now prevalent. On the other side, there are Muslims who are so fanatical that they even stop their women from ever leaving their homes.”

[Address at National Lajna Imaillah Ijtema UK, 2014) On many different occasions, it has been emphasized by Hazooraba that in Islam purdah is not just covering one’s face or head. It is actually part of a total package of preserving one’s chastity and righteousness as well as purifying one’s heart.

Hazooraba! said that women should not put on make-up and walk around in the streets without! purdah. Hazooraba! also highlighted that modesty is the true adornment of women and they should take pride in this. To say,

“We have familial ties or such and such families are family friends and for this reason we do not observe purdah” is entirely incorrect.”

When the hijab is left, it is then that immodesty spreads.

(Address To Ladies at Jalsa Salana UK 2019)

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For Ahmadi Muslim women, who were born and brought up in the western countries and therefore potentially being affected

by Western influences, the concept of purdah can sometimes be misunderstood or misinterpreted. On one occasion during a Waaqifaat-e-Nau Mulaqat with Hazooraba, a question asked by a participant was whether wearing a Burqa was compulsory in Islam and the only way of observing purdah. Hazooraba gave a very clear answer on this when he addressed the ladies during Jalsa Salana Germany 2023. Hazooraba stated:

“I would like to make a clarification: Some time ago, I said that wearing the burqa or niqab in particular is not an Islamic injunction, rather Islam instructs women to cover themselves with a veil. This does not at all mean that you should wear the veil loosely and go out in ordinary clothing, rather the Islamic injunction is that you should cover yourself with the veil on top of your clothing, which includes the head, parts of the face and chest. This is the instruction. A"er which you have the freedom to do whatever you wish outside. It should not be that you forgo the veil and wear a loose scarf, simply because I said it was not necessary to wear the burqa. This point should be clear.”

The observance of purdah is only one of the many commands in Islam that have been prescribed in the Holy Qur’an. However, as Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: “And I have created Jinn and men so that they should worship me” (51:57). So, following the commands of Allah the Almighty is indeed also a form of worship. In this regard, Hazooraba states: “True worship requires that every act of ours is conducted with the intention of gaining God’s pleasure. If this is our intention then our each and every act, whether big or small, becomes a form of worship”. He further says: “If you live in a society where a certain instruction of Allah is looked down upon or mocked, but you continue to follow God’s command then you will attain even more blessings and rewards from Him on account of your steadfastness. Thus, in this society you will surely be greatly rewarded for observing the proper standards of Hijab.”

(Address at National Lajna Imaillah Ijtema UK, 2014) Having accepted the Imam of the age, it should be of utmost importance to us that we try our best to follow the commands prescribed by Allah and to fulfil the expectations of our beloved Hazooraba who constantly supports us with his prayers and invaluable guidance. A very important factor in achieving this is attaining the nearness to Allah through prayer.

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Hazooraba stated by praying:

“May all of you, through your conduct, disprove those who say that Islam treats women in the wrong way. In fact, may all of you prove to the world that the women and girls of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Community are shining examples of Islam’s true teachings and are those who understand the true meaning of freedom through which a woman’s honour and dignity is established.”

(Address at National Lajna Imaillah Ijtema UK, 2014).

May Allah the Almighty enable us to live our lives in accordance with the beautiful teachings of Islam as instructed in the Holy Qur’an and may we always be among those who strive to set the highest standards of obedience towards the Khalifah of the time. Ameen.

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Kids’ Spread PURDAH AND MODESTY

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: O Prophet! tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw close to them portions of their loose outer coverings. That is nearer that they may thus be distinguished and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.

(33:60)

And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands, or to their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands or their sons or the sons of their husbands or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or their women, or what their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no sexual appetite, or young children who have no knowledge of the hidden parts of women. And they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known. And turn ye to Allah all together, O believers, that you may succeed. (24:32)

o

Modesty is an important part of Islam. The importance of modesty can be found in this Hadith:

‫اﻟْ َﺤ َﻴﺎ ُء َﺧ ْ ٌري ﻛُﻠﱡ ُﻪ‬ ‘Modesty is the best of all virtues’ o o o o o o o o

Muslim men and women are taught to practice modesty in all aspects of their life.

There are lots of different ways to practice modesty Allah has instructed in the Holy Qur’an that men and women should lower their gaze, this is one form of modesty Another way of creating a modest society is creating separate, segregated spaces for women and men. We see this at Ijtema, at Jalsa, and in all of the different events that happen at the mosque.

Physically covering ourselves by observing Purdah is also a way of practicing modesty. By physically covering ourselves, we protect our heart from impurity.

Muslim women should cover their hair and head, and wear loose clothing to cover the curves of your body.

There is no one specific type of dress that is compulsory for Muslim women to wear; it can vary in different countries and cultures and families.

There is no law in Islam that punishes a woman for not wearing a veil. However, Islam strongly advises women to veil themselves as appropriate to maintain their honour and dignity.

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The Hijab refers to a head-covering which covers the head and the neck, leaving the face uncovered. These head coverings come in many shapes and styles but the main purpose is to cover the hair completely.

The Niqaab refers to clothing that covers the head and the face.

The Burqa loose outerwear which covers the body.

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COMPLETE THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE BELOW

ACROSS 2. The 24th chapter of the Holy Qur'an, in which Allah explains who to do Purdah from in verse 32 5. The 33rd chapter of the Holy Qur'an, in which Allah gives the commandment for Purdah in verse 60

DOWN 1. A veil which covers the head, face and body from head to toe, with net like material over the eyes 3. Clothing that covers the head and the face with the eyes showing, or with netting over the eyes 4. A head covering which covers the head and the neck, leaving the face uncovered 6. 'Modesty is all virtue' is a _________ which emphasizes the importance of modesty

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MY MODESTY CHECKLIST You can use this checklist every morning before you leave your house to make sure your appearance is modest!

Are my sleeves long enough to fully cover my arms?

Is my shirt long enough?

Are my trousers full-length?

Are my clothes loose fitting?

Are my clothes neat and clean?

Is my headscarf covering my hair fully?

Is my headscarf covering my neck and my front fully?

Is my coat reaching and covering my knees?

References: https://www.alislam.org/question/muslim-women-wear-veils/ https://www.alislam.org/question/what-do-muslims-wear/ https://www.alislam.org/question/concept-of-veil-hijab-islam/

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Attending Jalsa Salana UK: Experiences of International Guests ra, Jahana East Middle

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After five years, I finally got a chance to attend Jalsa Salana UK again. My experience was simply amazing and had a large impact on my spiritual life.

During the three days, I felt at peace because the atmosphere was happy, sociable, and calm. The speeches were soothing and greatly motivational. The night before Jalsa, I wondered how the comfort level would be as over 40,000 people were predicted to be there, but to my surprise, the organization was impeccable. As I saw everyone volunteering passionately and doing their work with a smile on their faces, my love for the Jamaat grew greatly and made me want to serve the Jamaat as well. This Jalsa Salana was a new experience for my spirituality and opened my heart to a whole new world.

lid za Kha z a n u M Canada Through the grace of Almighty Allah, my family and I had the privilege of attending the Jalsa Salana UK 2023. Along with wrapping up the blessings of the Annual Convention, we all experienced a unique atmosphere which is unlikely to be experienced anywhere else. While every aspect of Jalsa Salana was noteworthy, there are a few key highlights that I’d like to emphasize.

First and foremost, the speeches delivered by our beloved Hazoor, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, over the course of three days deeply touched and rejuvenated my soul and heart. The presentations by other speakers were also highly informative and impactful. Additionally, the meticulous organization and arrangements for Jalsa Salana, the impressive exhibitions, and the incredible dedication of the volunteers, all contributed to making this experience truly unique. Praying behind our beloved Hazooraba and having faith that our prayers would be heard by God is also an unforgettable aspect of this event. Alhamdolillah, we were fortunate enough to participate in International Bai’at on the last day, an indescribably soulful experience which words cannot do justice.

I hope and pray that we will have the opportunity to attend Jalsa Salana UK again in the near future. Insh’Allah.

Wafa Ma jeed Canada

The last time I got a chance to experience Jalsa Salana UK was in 2015. And that was the time when by the grace of Allah, beloved Hazooraba announced the Nikah of me and my husband. This year, once again, after almost 8 years I was fortunate enough to be able to experience Jalsa Salana UK, and for the first time with my husband. Although we did not get a chance to meet Hazooraba in person, I was quite surprised to feel similar emotions by just seeing Hazooraba enter the Jalsa Gah marquee, offering Namaz behind him, and listening to his speeches, especially his address on the ladies’ side, when he was present right in front of our eyes. Sometimes I think to myself that no matter how well we try, we cannot do justice to explain such heartfelt experiences to others because such experiences cannot be understood in words. One has to experience it to understand it. And that’s one reason I think that those of us who get the opportunity to, should definitely try to attend Jalsa Salana UK because such unexpected emotions and experiences at a personal level are a huge witness and evidence to the truthfulness of Khilafat and Islam Ahmadiyyat.

How could I feel so intensely for someone if I haven’t met them personally in the last 8 years? It is definitely God who puts in our hearts the love for the Khalifa and vice versa.

Apart from the spiritual experiences, another main reason I happen to love Jalsa Salana UK is how global it is. Everyone from around the world wish and desire to attend this blessed event due to the presence of our beloved Khalifa, which makes it a unique meeting place for loved ones who haven’t been able to meet each other in a very long while. At this year’s Jalsa Salana I was so happy to meet people I hadn’t met in over 15-20 years. More than that, I was surprised to see them get surprised at the fact that I remembered them and still recognised them after so many years. I spent much of my early life in UAE and a couple years in Pakistan and I am now settled in Canada. Being able to get back in touch with those I thought I had lost touch of since moving to Canada, was heartwarming. I would definitely recommend if anyone gets the opportunity to, should for sure avail it to experience the presence of Hazooraba and the International Jalsa Salana itself.

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I enjoyed Jalsa very much because it was my first Jalsa Salana and my first time traveling the UK. My favourite thing about Jalsa was listening to speeches from people from around the world. And I also kept myself occupied by going around stalls and seeing the amazing exhibitions with my family.

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Aruba Middle Ea st

ama Hum st le Ea Midd

When I went to the UK I was very excited as it was my first time attending Jalsa Salana UK. When we arrived, there were so many people. The three days of Jalsa were fun and I learned a lot, though it was extremely hectic and busy. I went to some of the exhibitions like Review of Religions, Rationality and Religion, Humanity First, and Mazkhan-e-Tasaweer. I particularly enjoyed Review of Religions’ interactive test and the Mazkhan-e-Tasaweer exhibitions. I loved the stalls and food at Jalsa. My only regret was that I could not read all of the information on the Lajna Centenary exhibition stall.

When I went for Mulaqat with Hazooraba I felt both nervous and excited. I could not believe that in a few moments, I would be meeting Hazooraba. I felt very nervous and happy. I was honoured and grateful that I could meet Hazooraba as many people may not get a chance to meet him in their lifetime. I had this chance to see Hazooraba in person and talk to him. When he gave me a pen from his hands, I felt very lucky. Alhamdolilah.

Tayaba Khan This year (2023) was my first time attending Jalsa Salana, UK, and I found it to be a really compelling and insightful experience. It was very interesting to be able to listen to the many thought-provoking speeches from various different people from all walks of life. I found Hazoor’saba speeches to be especially engaging; this was to a significant degree due to the fact that I was able to sit and listen without any distractions unlike when watching Jalsa Salana proceedings at home through the T.V, which allowed me to better understand the wisdom imparted by Hazooraba. In this way, I felt that it was a more holistic experience (attending Jalsa in person) as, I was able to meet new people, explore the bazaar and see the fascinating exhibitions in addition to listening to the fascinating speeches.

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Pearls of Wisdom on the topic of Pardah

A schoolgirl wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V (May Allah be his helper), “In Islam, women are only commanded to generally cover themselves. Then, why do we observe purdah by wearing headscarves etc.? Why can girls not be friends with boys at school?”

Hazooraba, in his letter dated 26 January 2021, offered the following guidance regarding this topic: “Islam has endowed both men and women with a greatly enlightened teaching regarding purdah.

Hence, it states that both believing men and women should lower their gaze, that is keep their eyes away from seeing nonmahrams and conceal their private parts [satr]. Then, it has further admonished believing women that they should draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, should not disclose their beauty and should not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known.”

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“In this brief but very comprehensive teaching, every detail about purdah has been elucidated, namely that a believing woman should safeguard her eyes, ears and areas of satr and should also ensure that her dress is not so tight that it reveals her physique nor so loose and wide that the chest and other areas of satr get exposed.”

“The commandment about not striking the feet on the ground implies that a believing woman should also refrain from physical movements in a manner which may reveal the various features of her physique, or, if a piece of jewellery such as an anklet etc. is worn on the feet, its sounds may draw people’s attention towards it and the eyes of strangers may be drawn to her or, if she has adorned her feet with henna or nail polish etc., the eyes of men may be drawn to her. All these things would be in violation of the injunctions of purdah.”

“Thus, Islam does not consider it adequate for a woman to merely cover her head with a headscarf. On the contrary, by stating these matters, it has also explained all the other purdah-related requisites i.e. the ways in which a woman ought to take care of her purdah and cover herself.”

Explaining the verses on purdah, the Promised Messiahas says: ‘That is, direct the believing men to restrain their eyes from looking at women outside the prohibited degrees so openly as to be sexually excited by them and to cultivate the habit of guarding their looks. And should safeguard their private parts at all costs. Likewise, they should restrain their ears outside the prohibited degrees that is they should not listen to the singing or beguiling voices of women outside the prohibited degrees nor should they listen to descriptions of their beauty. This is a good way of preserving the purity of their looks and hearts. In the same way, direct believing women that they should restrain their eyes from looking at men outside the prohibited degrees and should safeguard their ears against listening to the voices of such men. That is, they should not listen to the voices which sexually excite them.

They should cover up their beauty and should not disclose it to anyone outside the prohibited degrees. They should draw their head-coverings across their bosoms and should thus cover up their heads and ears and temples. They should not strike their feet on the ground like dancers.’ (Islami Usul Ki Falasafi, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 10, pp.

241-242) Hazooras further says: “The Qur’an instructs Muslim men and women to lower their gaze […] The Islamic veil does not at all mean that women be imprisoned as though they were locked in jail. The

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purport of the Holy Qur’an is that women cover themselves and refrain from gazing at men that are beyond the permissible bounds. Women are not barred from leaving the house to tend to their societal needs. They are welcome to go out and about but must control their gaze.” (Malfuzat [2016 edition], Vol. 1, p. 405) “As far as the [ruling regarding] friendship between girls and boys is concerned, the primary logic behind it is to safeguard the chastity of women [and men]. Free-mixing is likely to result in a variety of evils. Therefore, Islam distinguishes between mahram and non-mahram relationships in this regard and defines the limits of male-female relations.

Allah and His Messengersaw imparted very clear teaching to their believers and followers in this regard. Hence, the Holy Prophetsaw said that a person should not meet a non-mahram woman in seclusion for Satan was always the third companion in such a rendezvous.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Fitan) The Promised Messiahas explained the wisdom behind this instruction of the Holy Prophetsaw in the following words: ‘It has often been heard and observed that such societies see no ill in a nonmahram man and woman remaining alone behind closed doors; they call this civilisation. It is to counter these very adverse effects that the Founder of Islam has forbidden an individual altogether from approaching anything that may lead them to stumble. In this relation, the Holy Prophetsaw has stated that where a non-mahram man and woman sit in seclusion, the third with them is Satan. Just reflect on the harrowing outcomes that Europe is having to bear as a result of this non-restrictive and unbridled teaching. In certain places, an utterly shameless life of promiscuity is led. This is due to teachings of the sort just mentioned. If you wish to protect a thing from misuse, it must be safeguarded. However, if one does not watch over a possession – and considers the world to be innocent – then keep in mind that it will surely be ruined. The Islamic veil is a truly holy teaching indeed, which, through segregation, saves man and woman from stumbling. It has delivered mankind from an illicit, grievous and bitter life.’ (Report Jalsa Salana 1897, p. 48) Al Hakam, Answers to Everyday Issues Part XXXI https://www. alhakam.org/answers-to-everyday-issues-part-xxxi/

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VOICES

FOR PEACE #VoicesforPeace V iolence is never the right thing to do O ppression and killing, a region shattered, people left homeless over power and greed.

I nnocent lives being taken away.

C ries deafening the corners of the Earth.

E urope, UK and America all are one, allowing and aiding atrocities to occur S ilently we watch bombs drop everywhere people dying and bloodshed everywhere F ire lighting up the skies like a meteor shower O bedient to our faith, we listen to Hazoor to offer congregational prayers for PEACE and COMMON SENSE to prevail.

R ights of Humans being suppressed, NO water, food, shelter or electricity, NO medicine NO hospital care, NO Peace does the world not care?

P eople fighting to stay alive, as the world is watching silently we cry, E veryone it is now time to take heed, stand up and unite.

A round the world Ahmadis stand united fighting oppression and suppression through prayers and dialogue.

C ome together, when the call for Prayer is recited, let’s gather together no matter what faith race culture or religion you are.

E nd war and violence, let’s come together and promote peace and harmony.

Laiba Malik, Aged 14 years old

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Jalsa Salana UK: Unity, Sacrifice, & Blessed Ink Amatul-Haleem Zayn-Wahab Karim, USA Through the blessings of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA), I’ve been able to watch the Jalsa Salana UK for many years from the comfort of my own home — all the way “over the pond” as the Brits might say, in my family’s humble abode in the United States. However, this year would be different for me. This year, I’d be attending the Jalsa in person — something I hadn’t done since 2008, ba when was only fi e years old. t is my sin ere hope and prayer that, through this arti le, might be able to convey just some of the blessings of Jalsa Salana UK by means of sharing my personal experience with you.

A Calling

The Journey Begins

A little over a month before the Jalsa, I learned that there was an opportunity for some Jama’at members from the U.S. to attend the UK Jalsa as part of what would be called “the USA Delegation,” something I hadn’t heard of before. I was told that the delegation was meant to comprise of people who fell into certain categories (which were listed out). By the grace and mercy of Allah Ta’ala, I met the requirements to join the delegation, and I started planning my travels. The UK Jama’at would graciously arrange our accommodation for us, and we would have the opportunity to partake in a special group Mulaqat with our Beloved Hazoor, Hazrat Mirza Masoor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaba, a few days after the Jalsa was over.

As international delegates, we stayed at Jamia Ahmadiyya, which had dormitories.” The hospitality period spanned two wee s, so boo ed my ights so that I would arrive one week before the Jalsa and then stay for about one week after the Jalsa.

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By the Grace and Mercy of Allah, everything was well-organized.

The UK Jama’at had ensured that every delegate was picked up from the airport and then taken to their accommodation.

At our accommodation in Jamia, the volunteers and dutyholders were extremely kind and hospitable. There was always food to eat. I was especially delighted to see Pakistani food being served, my long-time favourite cuisine (which I didn’t get to eat that often at home). It was like Eid for me!

Being “Near” Our Beloved Hazooraba hen d boo ed my ights, new that where really wanted to be was in Islamabad — the site which is the home of our Beloved Hazooraba. Thankfully, the Jama’at had secured vans for this very purpose. Each day, the vans would take the guests from Jamia to Islamabad, so that we could offer our daily prayers behind our dearest Beloved Hazooraba in the Mubarak Mosque. I would stay in Islamabad for most of the day, enjoying the spiritual atmosphere and knowing that our Beloved Hazoor-e-Anwaraba was close by. Alhamdolillah, being in Islamabad is serene!

One day, in the van ride home from Islamabad, I overheard a conversation of some Khuddam (who were seated in the row behind me) in which one of them shared some very valuable wisdom: the blessings are not in being physically near to the Khalifa but, rather, the blessings are in being spiritually near to him. This was a very important point, and I was glad that I’d overheard it. We should all ponder over what it means to be spiritually near to the Khalifa, because it is not everyone who can permanently reside near him. In fact, many of the most devout Ahmadis have never had the opportunity to meet him — and I believe that it is they who are some of the strongest in faith because, despite the physi al distan e, they sin erely lo e and obey our halifa and are ready to sa rifi e their lives for Ahmadiyyat. For me, I make it a priority to regularly send letters to our Beloved Hazooraba so that de elop a relationship with him. wish to always be amongst those who benefit from the Khalifa’s divine guidance and from the special acceptance of his prayers.

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Words That Reach the Heavens At one point before the Jalsa, I was sitting in the lobby of the Jamia and I’d asked someone when the next van would come to take guests to Islamabad. This is when I learned that nobody would be going to Islamabad that day… because Beloved Hazooraba would be coming to us! Our Beloved Hazooraba would be coming to Jamia to personally inspect of the Jalsa Salana arrangements.

During Beloved Hazoor’saba inspection, all of us sisters waited eagerly in the dining area. When someone announced to us that Beloved Hazoor aba was approaching the dining area, the other sisters began to sing nazms (poems) in unison, to welcome him. When Beloved Hazooraba entered the dining area, I could not believe that he was standing just about a meter away from me. My eyes began to well up.

One sister (who was a volunteer or duty-holder) was holding her newborn baby, and Beloved Hazoor aba approached to place his blessed hand on the baby’s forehead. His blessed ring — which belonged to the Promised Messiahas — touched the forehead of this child, MashAllah! Beloved Hazoor aba then continued speaking with the Lajna guests, and eventually he turned his attention to me to ask where I was from. When I said I was from the U.S., he asked how many others had come with me. I explained that there were about 70 people in the entire delegation. Another sister (from Turkey) added on, explaining that I was currently the only female guest to arrive from the United States. Our Beloved Hazoor aba then said to me, “You are the leader, then,” and the entire room erupted in light-hearted laughter. I was already crying due to being in the presence of my Beloved Hazoor aba, but it made me cry even more to hear these words.

As the Khalifa, our Beloved Hazoor’s aba words are able to reach the Heavens — and, as such, his words tend to act as prayers. I know that many people have stories of our Beloved Hazooraba saying something to them, even just light-heartedly, but then those words ended up manifesting in their lives, as if Beloved Hazoor aba had said it as a prayer or prophecy. I hoped that his words, “You are the leader, then,” would act as a prayer for me. After all, as Waaqifaat-e-Nau, this is our very purpose — to be spiritual leaders within our families and communities. This is the era when the world is most in need of individuals who have devoted their lives to a spiritual purpose, to serve as role models for others. Who are we as Waqf-e-Nau? We should be true sincere followers of the Khalifa of the time, and we should be true sincere leaders amongst the righteous.

As re e t on his words “You are the leader, then” — I silently find myself saying, “Ameen.”

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he pirit of acrifice One of the things that left a lasting impression on me was the spirit of sa rifi e that saw among the olunteers and duty-holders.

In the Friday Sermon the week before the Jalsa Salana UK, our Beloved Hazooraba had explained — in light of the teachings of the Holy Prophetsaw — that smiling is very important, especially for duty-holders. Our beloved Hazooraba said, “Always keep smiling.” – from what I experienced during my stay, the duty-holders took heed of this ad i e and were always prepared to ma e sa rifi es and prioritise their faith over all else, just as a true Waqfe-Nau and Waqf-e-Zindagi should. This inspired me greatly. I pray that I can follow such great examples.

There were many other volunteers and duty-holders who inspired me. One of those was a girl, who also served diligently in the hospitality department. She was just 15 years old, but she was already exhibiting much higher standards of sa rifi e than d e er seen in others. ather than staying in her own home in Islamabad, she had temporarily moved into Jamia so that she could serve the guests round-the-clock. While others — like me — got to sleep in after Fajr, she was always awake early, making preparations for the guests. Despite the fact that she was fi e years younger than me, was learning so much from her, and I was sincerely in awe of her. She is one of the Waaqifaat-e-Nau girls who can inspire us all. She showed that no one is too young to render their services to the Jama’at, in one way or another. No one is too old, either. There was an aunty I knew who (although she was young at heart) was at an age where she had several grandchildren, but she was still dutifully serving the guests of the Promised Messiahas too.

Overall, I was grateful that so many people had wholly dedicated themselves to ensuring the guests’ comfort — but, even more than grateful, I was awe-struck and inspired. I knew in my heart that this is the standard of sa rifi e that should aspire for. now am a wea person, but I pray that Allah Ta’ala may enable me to reach such a standard. I pray that we may all be inculcated with the true spirit of sa rifi e, to fulfil our pledge as Ahmadi girls women when we stand and say, affirm that shall always be ready to sa rifi e my life, property, time and children for the cause of faith and nation.”

Jalsa: A Sign of Unity & the True Islam Whenever I attend a Jalsa back home in the USA, I naturally expect to bump into people I know. But I was surprised that, even all the way in the UK, I was still seeing so many familiar faces. Moreso, I was connecting with new people in unanticipated ways.

For instance, one day in the van-ride back to Jamia (after Isha prayers in Islamabad), I heard the two sisters (who were sitting next to me) speaking in familiar accents. I asked them if they were from Ghana, and they responded in the affirmati e.

I told them that my mom is from Ghana, too. When they inquired about my mom’s name, their faces beamed brightly as they explained that they knew my mother from back when she lived in Ghana. Who would’ve thought that, in a van-ride where I’d chosen my seat randomly, d find myself seated ne t to two sisters who personally knew my family!

During one of the Jalsa days, I also unexpectedly saw a sister named Fareeha, who I knew from the U.S. (through us both being Waaqifaate-Nau). We hadn’t seen each other for a long time, so who would’ve thought that we’d reunite in the UK of all places, when we were both based in the U.S.? In another instance, in Jamia, I was staying in the same room as a Turkish sister.

As this Turkish sister and I began to talk, I came to realise that she was the daughter-in-law of a sister I knew from back in the United States. SubhanAllah!

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I had not planned to meet any of these sisters, and — aside from us all being Ahmadis — I certainly did not expect to already have pre-existing connections with the new sisters I met. However, this was all by Allah’s Grace and Divine decree; as Ahmadis, it is inherent that we are all bonded together, even in ways we don’t expect. SubhanAllah! No other spiritual community has this! A non-Ahmadi Muslim cannot travel to an entirely different country (with which they have no pre-existing ties) and have an entire religious community awaiting them, ready to receive them with warmth and love, as long-lost family.

Who else can claim this truth, except the members of our blessed Jama’at-e-Ahmadiyya?

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International Bai’at: A Highlight There are many highlights throughout the Jalsa Salana UK: the amazing speeches (that spiritually rejuvenate us and inculcate us with fresh religious knowledge), the congregational prayers, the sisterhood, the atmosphere, and the list goes on. The Promised Messiahas explained: “The primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally e perien e religious benefits They may enhan e their nowledge and due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, The Exalted – their perception [of Allah] may progress.

Among its se ondary benefits is that this ongregational meeting together will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this Community. … I re-emphasize that you must not rank this convention in the same league as other, ordinary, human assemblies. This is a phenomenon that is based purely on the Divine Help, for propagation of Islam.” — Ishtihar 7 Dec. 1892, Majmoo`ah Ishtiharat Vol. I, Pages 340-341.

At Jalsa Salana UK, one of the major highlights (shared by all) is the International Bai’at Ceremony.

This was the second time that I would ever partake in a Bai’at ceremony at the hands of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba, Alhamdolillah.

Toward the end of the ceremony, our Beloved Hazooraba led us in several prayers of Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness). Then, at the very end of the ceremony, our Beloved Hazoor aba led us in silent prayers. In that moment — as I prayed to Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness and for His Help and Mercy — I felt this unparalleled solace in knowing that, at the end of the prayer, it wouldn’t just be me who would say “Ameen.” ather, our elo ed halifaaba was going to be the first to say “Ameen,” which would invite special acceptance from Allah Ta’ala onto the prayers of each one of us. I prayed extra fervently in that moment.

A Good Use of Ink After the three blessed days of Jalsa Salana, the USA Delegation had its Mulaqat with our Beloved Hazoor aba. We were sitting in the MTA Islamabad Studios, with men seated on the left and women seated on the right. In front of us was the desk where our Beloved Hazooraba would sit when he entered the room. I was so nervous and excited. I was sitting in the second or third row (and the Mulaqat still had not begun yet) when, suddenly, a sister in the first row as ed if wanted to swit h seats with her. loo ed at her with eyes that probably said, are you crazy? I couldn’t believe that she was so gra iously and sel essly offering me the opportunity to sit in the front row, where I would be seated as close to Beloved Hazooraba as possible. I as ed her se eral times if she was sure, only after whi h finally swit hed seats with her. May Allah Ta’ala bless her immensely for this unexpected sa rifi e, Ameen.

When Beloved Hazoor aba walked in, we all stood up and said Assalamu Alaikum. Then, he sat and told us to all be seated. It was a beautiful Mulaqat.

I’d never been so close to Beloved Hazooraba, getting to see him so relaxed.

I wasn’t even thinking about the fact that the Mulaqat was being recorded for MTA. It truly felt as if we were just sitting in a living room together, as one big happy family — because that’s what it was. Under my face mask, I was smiling so hard that my jaw began to hurt. I felt nothing but pure bliss, Alhamdolillah!

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At one point, Beloved Hazoor aba asked, ‘Who here is a student?’ and then every student raised their hand, whether it was a small child or a universityaged student. However, I had graduated from university just a couple months before, so I didn’t raise my hand. Beloved Hazoor aba then said that every student should line up to receive a pen from him. At that moment, I so wished to still be a student. But, before the Mulaqat, we’d been told that anyone who wants to speak can raise their hand to have the microphone passed to them. So, after a long while of trying to find the ourage to do so, finally raised my hand. n e someone handed me a microphone, I was so nervous that I forgot to even say what my name was! I said, ‘Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Beloved Hazoor. Alhamdulillah, I completed my teaching degree a few months ago, and I wanted to humbly ask if I may also have a pen, please.’ To my delight, Beloved Hazoor aba beautifully and graciously replied, ‘Every teacher can have a pen.’ It’d taken me a lot of courage to say anything during the Mulaqat — as I was greatly nervous — but it turned out to be a blessing for more than just myself, as it turns out that there were several teachers present in the Mulaqat, who then all lined up for a pen as well.

The pens were black and had his name written on

them in white letters. Hazooraba clicked the pen’s cap open and closed before personally gifting it to us with his blessed hand.

I’m not sure if I would’ve ever wanted to use that pen. Naturally, when people receive such a precious item, they are hesitant to use it — even for its practical purpose. But then I remembered that there was an MTA clip where a young boy had told Beloved Hazooraba that, ‘You once gave me a chocolate and a pen, and I still have that chocolate and pen.’ Beloved Hazoor aba replied to the boy, ‘That chocolate must be expired by now.’ He then gave the young boy a chocolate and a pen, and light-heartedly said, ‘Open the chocolate now, and go write something with the pen. emembering that video, I made sure that — as soon as the group Mulaqat was over — I took the pen that Beloved Hazoor aba had just graciously gifted me, and I headed straight to the ri ate Se retary s offi e (which was just right outside the MTA Islamabad Studios). There, I requested a piece of paper, which I used to write a letter to Beloved Hazoor aba with the pen he’d given me. I could rest assured that the pen wasn t going to waste and that its ery first use was in a most blessed way, with its ink being used to beseech the prayers of our most Beloved Hazoor-e-Anwar aba.

An Outsider’s Reaction to the Jalsa e ently, after d returned home to the U.S., isited the offi e of one of my dear former professors to have a quick chat and catch up on life. She asked me what I’d been up to, and I told her about the UK Jalsa Salana. She was extremely intrigued. As I tried to describe everything to her, I realised that I couldn’t possibly explain it through words alone, so I pulled out my phone to show her some footage from MTA. first showed her MTA footage from inside the main alsa Mar uees. rom seeing the footage of the inside, she couldn’t have guessed that we were even sitting in a tent, as opposed to a proper building.

So, after showing her the footage of the interior, I showed her some MTA footage where they gave an aerial view of the entire Jalsa site, and she was shocked to see that this was a tent city. She was so greatly impressed that our community had put this all together, as I explained that Ahmadis do the preparations themselves. She herself pointed out the high standards of service that were rendered by the members of our Jama’at.

Whilst my professor and I were still talking, one of her colleagues stopped by outside her door.

My professor excitedly began to tell her colleague about what I’d just been sharing with her — she herself began to explain how amazing the UK Jalsa Salana was, how my religious community had transformed a simple piece of land into what looked like a tent city, and how everything was so wellorganized. It is indeed a huge achievement that, in the UK, the Jama’at is able to take a simple piece of land (Hadeeqatul Mahdi, which has no permanent structures on it) and transform it into the largest Muslim convention in Europe — a tent city where tens of thousands of people gather to seek spiritual benefits under the banner of hilafat e Ahmadiyya.

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It is a fact of life that, when we become accustomed to something, we stop seeing the beauty that lies within it. As Ahmadis, sometimes we may forget how huge of an achievement the Jalsas are, because it’s become a thing that is normal to us. But seeing my professor’s reaction to the UK Jalsa Salana, I saw how truly impressed and amazed she was. As an outsider, she’d never seen anything like that before. The reality is, we must recognise that such works could never be achieved by man alone. The members of our Jama’at are only able to achieve these wonders — and put together such well-organised spiritual conventions, which are unlike any ordinary worldly gatherings — because the Hand of Allah is over the hand of the Khalifatul Masih, the one who guides us. When we see the Jalsa — whether we attend in person or whether we watch at home through the blessings of MTA — we should remember that it is indeed a sign that Allah’s Hand is over our blessed Jama’at. When we see the Jalsa, we should recognise that this is the spiritual community that was prophesied by the Holy Prophetsaw, and that this is indeed the true Islam. Alhamdolillah!

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Controlling Anger

Once, there was a ÿoung boÿ. This boÿ had problems controlling his anger. When he got angrÿ, he would saÿ the first thing that would come to his mind, even if it was verÿ hurtful to people.

One daÿ, his father gifted him a hammer and a bundle of nails, then said, “Whenever ÿou get mad, hammer a nail into the garden fence.”

The boÿ used up half of his nails in the first few daÿs. Over the following weeks, he used up fewer nails until his temper was under control. The father then asked the ÿoung boÿ to remove a nail for each daÿ he did not lose his temper.

On the daÿ when the boÿ had removed the last nail from the fence, his father told him, “Ýou have done good, boÿ. But can ÿou see the holes in the fence? The fence is never going to be the same again. Likewise, when ÿou saÿ mean things in anger, ÿou’ll leave a scar which maÿ never go awaÿ.”

Anger is one of the most dangerous weapons. When ÿou use it, the wounds maÿ heal eventuallÿ, but the scars maÿ remain forever.

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In the midst of chaos, their small voices are lost Caught in the blasts, at a terrible cost Their innocent eyes filled with fear and despair As the world around them crumbles in warfare Mothers weep for their children, so fragile and small As the sound of explosions echoes like a haunting call The pain and the loss, too much to bear As innocent lives are lost in a world unfair Voices for peace rise in solidarity and prayer For the children of Gaza, caught in such despair May their cries be heard, may the fighting cease And bring an end to the suffering, for a lasting peace.

Sameera Mirza

VOICES FOR PEACE

Voices for peace cry out in the night As innocent children in Gaza face their plight Their laughter, their dreams, all dashed away In the wake of conflict, they have no say

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The Promised Messiah’sas Suggested Remedy for Public Disorder in India This period was one of great excitement on account of religious controversies and the years 1897 and 1898 were conspicuous in this respect. The opposition to the Promised Messiahas was growing and political malcontents were taking advantage of the religious conflicts to excite the people against the Government. It was this state of affairs which led the Government to legislate against sedition in 1897. Nevertheless, the country continued to drift towards disloyalty. The law, in fact, did not mend matters to any great degree, because India is pre-eminently a land of religions and its people are prone to be more easily agitated over religious questions than over questions of politics. The amending law made no provision for the prevention of religious dispute, as at the time when it was passed, the Government did not perceive the necessity of any such provision. But the point that was missed by the authorities was perceived from his detached vantage point by the Promised Messiahas.

Accordingly, in 1897 he prepared and submitted to his Excellency Lord Elgin, the Viceroy of India, a memorial, which was also printed and publicly circulated, in which he explained to the Viceroy that religious disputes and conflicts were at the root of most disorders and troubles. Religious conflicts created an excitement in the public mind, and mischief mongers took advantage of it and used it against the State. The Promised Messiahas, therefore, suggested that the use of abusive and provocative language in religious controversies and discussions should be brought within the range of the law and proposed three means to that end.

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1. That the law, while leaving the followers of every religion free to proclaim and expound the excellences of their faith, should restrain them from attacking any rival faith. Such a law would leave intact religious freedom and would be free from the charge of showing undue favour to any particular faith. Nor could it give offense to a follower of any faith, refusing him the liberty to attack a rival faith.

2. If the above proposal could not be accepted, then it might be forbidden to raise an objection against a rival faith which could equally be raised against one’s own; in other words, it should not be permissible to adduce against a rival faith matters which formed part of one’s own creed.

3. If the second proposal was found impracticable, an alternative was suggested that the Government should, in consultation with each community, prepare a list of the authoritative books of its creed, and forbid anyone to raise any objection against the creed save on the basis of the accepted books. When objections are based upon uninformed opinions and baseless stories which are subscribed to by the followers of a creed, the only possible consequence is an increase of rancour and animosity.

If these suggestions had been adopted by the Government at that time the disorder and trouble which occurred in later years could have been forestalled. But at that time the Government did not appreciate the need for any such law and its advisors failed to notice the increasing spread of the germs the early activities of which had caught the attention of the prophet of the time. But after the lapse of a full ten years, in 1908, the Government had to pass a law forbidding the followers of one faith from attacking or using harsh or provocative language concerning other faiths. The penalty attached to breach of the law is that the owner of the newspaper printing or publishing the offensive material is called upon to deposit security for future good behaviour or the security already deposited is forfeited. But the law was passed so late that it could not be expected to produce the same result as it could have produced at the time it was proposed by the Promised Messiahas. In fact, the root of all trouble in India lies in religious differences and conflicts which, by a strange and shrewd process of manipulation are used by mischief-makers as a handle against the State.

Whenever a scurrilous attack is made upon any faith which is naturally dear to its followers, it suits the purpose of the mischief-makers, in order to make the ignorant masses disaffected with the Government, and to pretend that it is all the fault of the Government which permits such persecution and oppression. The masses thereupon, turn away from the real culprits and become disaffected with the Government.

In 1898 a Muslim convert to Christianity published a scurrilous book slandering the names of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be on him). This offensive publication greatly agitated the Muslims.

The Promised Messiahas stated that the agitation would disrupt the peace of the land. A Muslim Association of Lahore prepared a memorial for submission to the government demanding that the publication should be banned, but the Promised Messiahas advised against the step as it could be construed as an indication of weakness of the Muslim case, and suggested the publication of a strong refutation. But the Association did not listen to his words, and met with the failure foreseen by the Promised Messiahas. The stands taken by the Promised Messiahas helped to safeguard the inherent right of the Muslims to defend their faith and Muslim holy personages against all attacks.

Hadhrat Ahmad, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II (ra), p. 40-42

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