Nurturing a blissful & righteous environment: Huzoor addresses women at Germany’s 49th Jalsa Salana
100 Years Ago... Pope, purdah and who holds the key to global peace (1925)
Promised Messiah has already come’
Huzoor addresses the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Germany 2025
Islamabad, Tilford, 31 August 2025: A little after 14:30 GMT, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, arrived at Masroor Hall in Islamabad, UK, for the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Germany 2025, taking place in Mendig, Germany.
To begin the session, Huzooraa invited Hafiz Zakir Muslim Butt Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran (Surah al-Hashr, Ch.59: V.19-25). The German translation of the verses recited was presented by Volker Ahmad Qasir Sahib. The Urdu translation was then read out by Zishan Ahmad Naeem Bajwa Sahib. Following this, Kamal Ahmad Sahib was invited to present an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas. Huzooraa then invited the National Secretary of Talim to announce the names of Ahmadi graduates who had exceptional academic and educational achievements.
After this, Huzooraa began his address. A brief summary is presented below:
All over the world today, the sacrifice of Ahmadis for the sake of Islam is proof of the fact that the Promised Messiahas was sent by
Allah for the revival of Islam. It is only due to the help of Allah that people from all over the world enter his community.
Indeed, Allah gave the glad tidings that in a time of misguidance, Islam would not go to waste; rather in the Latter Days, the hidden verities of the Holy Quran will be opened. The superiority of the Messiah would lie in the fact that he would be a master of Quranic understanding and knowledge – only by using the Holy Quran would he correct the errors of those people who are unfamiliar with the realities of the Quran.
If we cast a glance over history, we see that more than anyone else, it was Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadianias who participated in a jihad to help Islam. There was a fire in him; he wished more than anything else to make people aware of the true teachings of Islam which can lead man to God. This pain was only because he loved the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophetsa; he was agitated to establish in the oneness of God in the world.
7
5 September
5 September 1903: On this day, the Promised Messiahas received the revelation:
(He was cut off from Kabul and came straight to us.)
The Promised Messiahas interpreted this to mean the martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra, which was in actual fact like a seed which would become fruitful and would result in large numbers entering the Jamaat.
This Week in History
A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 5 - 11 September
inaugurated the Salam Mosque in Iserlohn, Germany. (“New Ahmadiyya Mosque opened in Iserlohn, Germany, by Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community”, www.pressahmadiyya.com)
6 September 2013: During his Friday sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Adam bin Yusuf Sahib of Ghana, who had passed away. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1956 at the age of 27 and had a great passion for preaching the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Through his humble efforts, hundreds of people accepted Ahmadiyyat in Ghana, and for this very reason, he was known
Muslim Community”, www. pressahmadiyya.com)
8 September
8 September 1887: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala, debunking his allegations and misconceptions. This detailed reply renders an amiable picture of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, who possessed a mountainous stature in front of every difficulty and had peerless trust in God and His help.
10 September
10 September 1982: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh inaugurated the Basharat Mosque in Spain by delivering the Friday sermon and leading the prayer. Following the sermon, Huzoorrh took bai‘at. Later in the day, at 5:30 pm, he addressed a press conference, and at 7 pm, the formal inauguration ceremony took place. During this event, Huzoorrh delivered a speech to an audience of over 2,000 guests from 40 countries. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 817)
(Tadhkirah [English], p. 659)
5 September 1947: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud his Friday sermon in Lahore, which was historically the first-ever Friday sermon in Pakistan after the emigration from Qadian, India. (Al Fazl, 17 September 1947)
On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V
as “Yusuf the Preacher” Huzoor
martyrs, Dr Syed Tahir Ahmad Sahib
and Malik Ijaz Ahmad Sahib, who had been martyred in Karachi, Pakistan. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 11, pp. 504-506)
On this
For a deeper understanding of this significant event, refer to Husain Haqqani’s book Reimagining Pakistan and see “1953-1974: A story of a state turning against its citizens” at (6 September 2019, pp. 8-9).
On day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V
7 September 2016: On this Mosque in Mörfelden-Walldorf,
Hessen, Germany. (“New Ahmadiyya Mosque opened in MorfeldenWalldorf, Germany, by Head of Ahmadiyya
(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, 2008, pp. 303-305)
8 September 1959: A delegation of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat met the President of the All India Congress Committee, Indira Gandhi. She was presented with an English translation of the Holy Quran and other Jamaat literature. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 20, p. 512)
10 September 2004: During his Friday sermon on this day, delivered from Belgium, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa spoke on the reasons behind the failure of the UNO and other such organisations. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 2, pp. 643-664)
11 September
9 September
9 September 1983: On this day, during his tour of the Far East, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh delivered the Friday sermon in Singapore. On the same day, Huzoorrh also laid the foundation stone for a new mosque there. This marked a historic first, as it was the first time any Khalifatul Masih had toured that region.
11 September 1924: During the historic tour of Europe, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra called on the Secretary of the Religion and Ethics Department in the League of Nations on this day, and a topic of mutual interest – world peace –was discussed in detail.
(Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 2, pp. 465478)
For more details, see: “Decline and Fall of League of Nations: A timely lesson for UN” at alhakam.org (18 November 2023, p. 00).
11 September 1927: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a lecture at the Elphinstone Hall in Shimla and made the Muslims aware of their individual and national responsibilities.
9 September 2011: During his Friday sermon on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned Nasim Ahmad Butt Sahib of Faisalabad, Pakistan, who was martyred on 4 September. His younger brother, Wasim Ahmad Butt Sahib, and paternal cousin, Naseer Ahmad Butt Sahib, were also martyred in 1994 and 2010, respectively. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 9, pp. 460-461)
For more details, see “Communal harmony, Unity Conference and Muslim rights: Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’s 1927 visit to Shimla” at alhakam.org (24 February 2023, pp. 13-16).
Huzoor V
Continued from page 1
Thus, he wrote Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, to the praise of many Islamic scholars. Many even said that never has such a book been written in support of Islam. He wrote this book to inform people that today, there is but one religion from God which can solve the problems of the world.
Allah gave him unmatched knowledge and understanding of Islam. Allah had decided that the Messiah which was prophesised in the Holy Quran and by the Holy Prophetsa would be Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. Allah trained him from the beginning, and armed him with such proofs that his opponents were left speechless.
The Promised Messiahas expressed that he had nothing; instead, everything he received was from the love and obedience to the Holy Prophetsa. This love for the Holy Prophetsa was not only in old age. Rather, he spoke about a vision he had in his youth, in which he saw the Holy Prophetsa and they greeted each other warmly. He recalled the bright and handsome face of the Holy Prophetsa in his dream.
Addressing the Promised Messiahas, the Holy Prophetsa inquired what he held in his right hand. Huzooras saw that it was one of his own books. When the Holy Prophetsa touched this book, it turned to an exquisite fruit. As he cut it like a fruit, pure honey dripped from the book all over the hand, reaching the elbow of the Holy Prophetsa
The Promised Messiah then saw a dead body which was revived because of this fruit, which the Holy Prophetsa held. The newly revived man came to stand behind the Promised Messiahas, although Huzooras noted that the man was still quite hungry. A portion of this fruit, still covered with honey, was given to the hungry man, and he ate it hungrily.
Then, the chair of the Holy Prophetsa began to elevate high above the ground. His countenance was shining brightly, as if the rays of the sun and the moon were on him.
The Promised Messiahas was filled with tears at this remarkable scene, and when he woke up, he was still crying.
It was made clear to him that the hungry man in the dream was Islam, which would be revived with the hand of the Promised Messiah as a result of the blessings of the Holy Prophetsa
This is how the Promised Messiahas was given the glad tidings that it was now his responsibility to lead this ship, i.e. Islam, safely to shore and bring everyone on board this ship. Allah made it clear that he who would oppose the Promised Messiahas would oppose Allah, and whoever would join hands with the Promised Messiahas and support him would be joining hands with Allah, thus drawing nearer to Him.
The Promised Messiahas stated that he was commanded by Allah that those who are wish to leave behind a life of sin should come to him, for he would reduce their burdens and bless them on the condition that they are completely ready to follow the commandments of Allah.
Allah revealed to the Promised Messiahas at the time the Jamaat was established that disasters are forthcoming, so he should prepare an ark, i.e., safe haven, for all those who wish to take refuge with Allah by joining this Jamaat.
Thus, the Promised Messiahas announced that if those who search for the right way to find God should join him, for he has been sent with this purpose in servitude to the Holy Prophetsa. By doing this, they would receive the blessings of Allah both in this world and the next. However, the condition is that they would have to be sincere in their love, and let go of all lethargy. Only then would they fulfil the purpose of their pledge and become worthy recipients of divine favours.
We must ask ourselves if we have such sincere love and faith. If we have pledged to give precedence to our faith over the world, then what efforts are we making towards fulfilling that pledge? Or is it merely a temporary passion with which we
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A global appeal for prayers at Jalsa Salana Germany 2025
During his Friday sermon, delivered on 29 August 2025, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, drew attention to the ongoing Jalsa Salana in Germany and highlighted the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s collective responsibility to pray for persecuted Palestinians, the wider world and for the progress of the Jamaat. He said:
“The Annual Convention [Jalsa Salana] of Germany also begins today. All the attendees there should pray that Allah the Exalted may grant them the divine grace [tawfiq] to fulfil the objectives of the Jalsa, and that they do not gather there merely thinking it to be a fair, but rather, during these days, make a pledge to continually advance in their academic, practical and spiritual progress and strive for it. During these days, they should especially spend their time in the remembrance of Allah and in supplications. While they pray for themselves and for their future generations, they should also pray for the progress of the Jamaat and for coming un-
der the protection of Allah the Exalted from the mischief of every opponent and for the termination of their mischief. May Allah the Exalted protect [Ahmadis] from their evil.
“In Pakistan, day after day, some new trial arises; may Allah soon arrange the means for the seizure of the opponents.
“Generally, pray for world peace as well. The people of this world, due to their own actions, are drawing ever nearer to their own destruction. May Allah the Exalted save us from this dreadful devastation.
“Pray for the Palestinians as well. The Israeli government has now reached the very pinnacle of cruelty and barbarity; it seems they wish to wipe the Palestinians from the face of the earth. The oppression against the wronged, the children, the women, the elderly, the infirm and the innocent has reached its limit. A general massacre is taking place everywhere. Now, even some worldly politicians and governments have begun to raise their voices somewhat, say-
The Prophet’s love for hearing the Quran from others
Hazrat ‘Abdullahra narrated:
“The Prophetsa said to me, ‘Recite the Quran to me.’ I said, ‘Shall I recite it to you while it has been revealed to you?’ He replied, ‘I love to hear it from others.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari,
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words
The Eloquence and Articulacy of the Holy Quran
The Promised Messiahas said: “The eloquence and articulacy of human beings is subject to vocabulary and possesses nothing more than rhymes. For example an Arab has written:
This means, I set out for Rome, and set out I did on a camel whose bowels were closed. It is obvious that these words at the end have only been employed for the purpose of rhyme. It is a miracle of the Holy Quran, however, that all of its words have been strung like pearls and placed precisely where they belong in such a manner that not a single word can be moved from one place and put somewhere else, or replaced with another word more apt, and despite all this, it contains all the necessary elements of rhyme, eloquence and articulacy.”
ing that this is wrong and that it should be stopped. But this Israeli government is not prepared to listen to them either. The intoxication of wealth and power has brought them and America and its allies to the extreme of arrogance and oppression.
“The Muslim governments, as they are, are also doing nothing. And if they can do nothing else, they should at least change their own states and bow before Allah the Exalted, so that Allah Himself may come to their aid. If only they would have this sense as well.
“Similarly, Muslims are perpetrating cruelties upon Muslims. May Allah the Exalted stop them from this oppression as well.
“Today, it is the duty of us Ahmadis to raise our voices against all forms of oppression wherever we can and especially to supplicate and to supplicate with a burning heart. May Allah the Exalted grant us the divine grace to do so.” [Amin.]
A certain individual praised a sufi who succeeded a line of religious divines and expressed his own view that the sufi apparently seemed to be a pious man, and if he was made to understand, it could be hoped that he would recognise the truth. The person submitted: “I have a relationship with him and if His Holiness would give me a letter addressed to him, I could take the letter to him and I trust that this will benefit him.” To this, the Promised Messiahas responded: “Stay here for a few more days. I shall wait for God Almighty Himself to instill something in my heart firmly in this connection before I write you this letter.” The Promised Messiahas went on to say: “Until such people receive an opportunity to stay in my company for a few days with steadfastness and good intentions, it is difficult that they should be moved. The heart must possess a passion for virtue and must be fearful out of a desire to attain the pleasure of God.”
Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
Kitab fada’ili l-qur’an, Bab mun ahabba an yasma‘a l-qur’ana min ghayrih, Hadith 5049)
(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, p. 104)
sometimes sacrifice our wealth or our lives?
Materialism has caused the death of spirituality, so it is the responsibility of an Ahmadi to try his hardest to fulfil the pledges he has made; his actions should be in line with the teachings of Allah and for His pleasure; his worship should be such that invites the pleasure of Allah. Only then will we get the blessings which are attached to joining the Promised Messiahas
In 1889, the Promised Messiahas took the first pledge of allegiance, and asked his adherents to give precedence to their faith over the world, establish a bond of love and loyalty to the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas, then would they board the ark which would save them from such disasters and bring them closer to Allah.
By announcing that he had come from God, he proved that this was not in the hands of anyone but God – no one else made such a claim, lived such a long life and such progress was seen of his community.
Even today, we see that the Jamaat progresses day by day by the grace of Allah. Those who opposed the Jamaat or made false claims were seized by Allah and destroyed. Even when laws are created to stop the Jamaat in one area, the Jamaat progresses in other places. By the grace of Allah, the faith of Ahmadis in general remains strong.
All the prerequisites of a divine community have been fulfilled in the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas. Allah granted the Promised Messiahas such sincere souls who continue to sacrifice their lives for this cause and set pious examples of putting faith over the world. They do this to fulfil the pledge they made to the Promised Messiah and to fulfil his mission. We see that where Ahmadis are martyred, the Jamaat spreads further.
Then, today, only those who accepted the Promised Messiahas are consistently making financial sacrifices for the cause of faith. Whether Africa, Indo-Pakistan, Europe, Russian states, Arab nations, we witness examples of financial sacrifices everywhere.
For example, in India, there is a man who joined the Jamaat in 2014. At the time, he gave 4,000 Indian rupees as chanda, because that was all he could afford. But since Allah has promised to support those who pledged to support the Promised Messiahas and his
Jamaat, that same man gives 500,000 rupees today.
Similarly, a Palestinian studying medicine in Georgia would get anxious because he had no money to give in the cause of the Jamaat. At such times, he always witnessed the help of Allah. At one such instance where he was low on funds, out of nowhere, he suddenly received a thousand dollars from the government. He states that it is his belief that it is due to the financial sacrifices he makes for the Jamaat that Allah has blessed his wealth.
Such examples are found all over the world. People write that they get wealth through unbelievable means that they are left bewildered. Through this, they get a renewed sense of passion to further give out of their wealth towards the fulfilment of the mission of the Promised Messiahas
Just a few decades ago, the Ahmadis in Germany could not have imagined that they would be able to gather in such a large number and spend many millions of euros to hold their Jalsa. But Allah has created such means that those who sacrifice their wealth are present and even give millions of euros, through which the propagation of Islam continues.
Then, through MTA, the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat reaches every corner of the globe and millions are spent for this purpose. Now, there are MTA studios in many countries all over the world. All of this is done because Allah promised that He would spread the message of the Promised Messiahas all over the world.
The Promised Messiahas also stated that it is necessary for a divine community to be opposed. This is also a sign of the truthfulness of the Jamaat. We see today that our opponents may fight amongst themselves, but they unite in persecution of Ahmadiyyat. These oppositions have existed since the Jamaat began, and through this, the Jamaat is spreading even further through miraculous means.
The condition of this opposition is such that a Sunni Muslim came to our mosque in Tanzania and declared that by becoming Ahmadis, they had left the fold of Islam. He created a huge disturbance and was joined by other such riotous people. He was informed of the teachings of Ahmadiyyat regarding Hazrat Isaas, that he had passed away and now the Promised Messiahas was sent by Allah in servitude of the Holy Prophetas
Sunni Sheikh announced that they should debate. When he was called for the debate, he had no proof, made excuses and left the debate. The other Muslims there observed that the proofs presented by the Ahmadi preacher were clear and make sense. They expressed their support of the Jamaat, and many even accepted the Promised Messiahas
Many Ahmadis in far off places who cannot even read Urdu and do not have access to the literature of the Jamaat are armed with such strong proofs that they have continuously silenced their opponents. So-called scholars do not even have the courage to face us themselves. If they did, they would not use the government to declare us non-Muslim, or insult, raise meaningless objections and slogans, or oppose the building of mosques.
Wherever the Jamaat is, we try to build mosques so that people can gather and pray. In Niger, the local government gave a plot of land for the Jamaat to construct a mosque. However, the Muslims there began to raise an outcry against this and tried to stop the construction. When the tribal chief heard this, he was furious that the construction of a mosque, which is a house of God, was being prevented.
As a tribal chief with many villages and areas under him, he came to the local government and demanded that the Jamaat should be allowed to construct their mosque, regardless of whether the city’s chief disapproved. Thus, Allah enabled the Jamaat to build a mosque there.
Those who oppose are indeed false, otherwise they would not transgress against Ahmadis by destroying their graves or damaging their properties. The Promised Messiah was the one who, in accordance with the command of God and the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa, brought faith back to the world and spread the true teachings of Islam across the world.
We are adopting every possible means to further this cause. Today, by TV, social media, print media and literature, the Jamaat continues to spread the message of Islam. We need not worry about what opponents are doing to us, or why the Jamaat is seemingly not progressing in a particular area. By the grace of Allah, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to progress. Many are joining its fold day by day.
If these maulvis are so sure that
Ahmadis are false, they should let us preach freely and allow people to decide who is right and who is wrong. Thus, it is our responsibility today to spread the message of the Promised Messiahas and tell the world of his advent. Those who are prevented from openly preaching can at least pray that Allah enables them to accept the message of the Promised Messiahas
The condition of Muslims today is dire. They are steeped in materialism and worldly matters that despite the fact that nonMuslim governments continue to transgress against them, they have no response. We believe in spreading the message of Islam through our actions and prayers. If our actions are pure, and we are recipients of the pleasure of Allah, then Allah Himself will create the means of our success.
It was revealed to the Promised Messiahas:
Meaning that “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.’”
The Promised Messiahas states that it is the practice of Allah since the dawn of man, that He grants victory to His messengers. He grants them such proofs which prove their truthfulness and the righteousness which the messengers and prophets seek in the world spreads through their hands.
Thus, this seed was sown by the hand of the Promised Messiahas, and after his passing in 1908, the progress of the Jamaat continues in every era of Khilafat despite every kind of opposition. The past 136 years are proof of the fact that Allah, by His grace, continues to grant us progress. It is our responsibility to fulfil our roles to become part of this progress. For this, our prayers are necessary.
The Promised Messiahas states:
“So, blessed is one who believes in what God says and does not fear the trials, which he suffers in His path. For, the coming of trials is essential so that God may try you to see who is true in his declaration of Bai‘at and who is false.
“Whoever falters in the face of a trial would do no harm to God whatsoever and ill-luck would only land him in hell. Were he not born, it would have been better for him.
“But all those who remain steadfast till the end – they will be shaken with quakes of calamities, and battered with storms of misfortune, ridiculed and mocked by people, and hated and reviled by the world –shall at last come out victorious.” (The Will, p. 11)
This is the claim of the Promised Messiahas. Everyday, we see this promise being fulfilled. We see the signs of this in the world – the manner in which the Jamaat is progressing is proof that this claim cannot be made by a liar.
The weapon of our success is prayer, as the Promised Messiahas states. We must seek to attain religious knowledge, fulfil the rights of Allah, and establish prayer. When we do this, we will become the recipients of the favours of Allah.
Huzooraa concluded his speech by praying that Allah enable the Jamaat to do so, and then led the gathering in silent prayer to conclude the session. This was followed by choral poems, presented by various groups in their respective languages.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)
Nurturing a blissful & righteous environment: Huzoor addresses women at Germany’s 49th Jalsa Salana
Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa addresses the Lajna session at the 49th Jalsa Salana Germany, the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany
Islamabad, Tilford, 30 August 2025: At 11:36am BST, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, arrived at Masroor Hall, Islamabad to address the Jalsa Salana Germany’s ladies’ session in Mendig, virtually through MTA International.
Huzooraa inaugurated the session by inviting Asifa Waseem Javed Sahiba for the recitation of the Holy Quran (Surah atTaghabun, Ch.64; V.12-19).
Following the Arabic recitation, Samia Anjum Warraich Sahiba was invited to present the Urdu translation.
Then, Huzooraa invited Aneeqa Shakir Bajwa Sahiba to recite an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
Huzooraa then invited Lajna Imaillah Germany’s Secretary Umur-e-Talibaat to announce the names of Lajna students who have achieved academic excellence over the past year.
After this, Huzooraa made his way to the podium and conveyed his salaam. Then, he began by reciting tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah and delivered his address, a brief summary of which is as follows:
Huzooraa began by stating that women have gathered in their thousands to participate in Jalsa Salana Germany. Every woman, as well as every man, have their specific responsibilities, laid out by our teachings. The progress and success of civilisations depend upon the women. Hence, if women carry out their responsibilities properly, with the proper education and knowledge, progress can occur. The same applies to the religious sphere.
As of now, responsibilities aren’t being fulfilled entirely. Women shouldn’t fall under
the inferiority complex, thinking that Islam has given them a lesser status as compared to men. Women have their significance and importance – it is due to women that humankind continues to exist.
Men are admonished by God Almighty that they shouldn’t play with women’s emotions or cause them harm. If they see something that they dislike in their womenfolk, they should adopt a righteous attitude in handling that situation, or accept God’s statement that:
“[...] but it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you […]” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.217)
Men should realise that the continuation of their bloodline is dependent on women, so they should avoid causing a distasteful atmosphere at home. Often, couples separate due to differences in, and sometimes it involves children. This is causing harm to our society and men should attempt to keep a peaceful atmosphere within the family. This also applies to women, who shouldn’t cause issues for no justified reason.
Men and women are described to be garments for each other in the Holy Quran, hence they should actively cover each other’s shortcomings, faults and private matters like clothes cover the body.
Most disagreements at home stem from exposing each other’s private matters, most of which are related to worldly matters – not religious in nature.
Many households are breaking up due to a lack of patience. Worldly matters are given more attention than religious matters, which is causing a decay in relations.
Husbands have rights over their wives,
and vice versa. If these rights are fulfilled, a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere will be created at home.
God Almighty has laid out detailed instructions, including rights and responsibilities, in the Khutbah Nikah These include taking care of relationships and striving to be honest with each other. Often, the issue that people raise in their marriage is the element of dishonesty, which is a rising issue within the Jamaat as well. This needs to be addressed and corrected, so that future generations can be saved from inheriting the bad habit of dishonesty.
The Promsied Messiahas explained that attaining paradise is not possible until and unless a person focuses on their actions. These must be based on taqwa, which will result in peace and contentment.
Huzooraa then mentioned that often when people migrate to wealthier nations such as the West, materialism creeps in. Jealousies arise due to other people’s wealth and success, which is causing spiritual harm. The Holy Prophetsa instructed women, whilst addressing them in one instance, to save their money by spending on silver jewellery rather than golden jewellery. This was because Islam required financial sacrifices for its propagation.
That is not to say that wanting success and wealth is inherently wrong, but the focus should be on taqwa and the worship of God. A woman can save herself from materialism by focusing on these and praying to God to bring her children and husband towards righteousness as well.
Many modern-day TV shows and dramas are causing brain-rot, which spreads to the rest of the body as well. This damages a person’s moral conduct and spiritual health, something that needs to be avoided at all costs.
Huzooraa mentioned that the world is heading towards destruction, and only those who have a relationship with God Almighty can keep themselves protected from this destruction.
People need to focus on the rights of God, as well as the rights of His creation. This includes relationships with children and husbands. Women should pray that their family members are protected from worldly and materialistic mindsets.
In the old days, it was said that women talk a lot. However, in our current day and age, men are just as guilty of wasting a lot of their time sitting with others, talking about useless things. Some husbands are even encouraging their wives to not practice purdah and join them at mixed gatherings and events. This is in direct contradiction
of the Promised Messiah’sas instruction that men should guide and reform women. Now, it seems like more and more women will have to reform their husbands.
Huzooraa commended women for their high standards in financial sacrifices, which is apparent in the many mosques that have been built in Germany. However, materialism is still rife and even on the rise, which needs to be corrected before it causes too much harm.
When a woman entered the mosque in the time of the Prophet Muhammadsa, whilst she was heavily laden with her jewellery and wearing her best clothes, he instructed the men in the gathering to discourage their women from attending the mosque in such an ostentatiously fashionable manner.
This applies to our current situation as well, women shouldn’t attend the mosque, or even the Jalsa site exhibiting their beauty as if it is a fashion show. By covering their beauty and prioritising the spiritual over the material, they will be fulfilling one of the responsibilities that they are tasked with.
One of the reasons for the advent of the Promised Messiahas, who came as a mirror image of the Holy Prophetsa in the spiritual sense, is to create an atmosphere in which women are pious and righteous, just like the Prophet Muhammadsa did with the early Muslim women.
This is a great responsibility on women, and they should strive to attain such standards. They will be rewarded for this by God Almighty.
Sometimes, our young women fall under the influence of certain ideologies that supposedly empower them, but are in reality suppressing them. The issue of purdah is one of these, where women are encouraged to break free from this commandment. However, it is by following the commandments of God that women can find true empowerment.
Some might think that by not following the current trends in the world, they might miss out on making progress and increasing our provisions. However, it is by fulfilling God’s commandments that we receive our provision. It is Allah the Almighty Who provides us with sustenance and provision, hence we should endeavour to follow His injunctions in order to receive His rewards.
Huzooraa prayed that may God Almighty enable us to create a pure and righteous environment, based on taqwa first and foremost, and to become recipients of the pleasure of Allah the Almighty.
Huzooraa then ended the session with a silent prayer.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)
Pope, purdah and who holds the key to global peace (1925) 100 years ago...
Pope and purdah
It is gratifying to note that under the instructions of the Pope, it is announced “that no woman will be admitted to the sacraments, to confession, or to the nuptial benediction, nor may she act as godmother at baptisms and confirmations, unless her dress conforms to the following rules:
(a) Dresses for adults must descend to just above the feet; children and young girls must have their knees covered. The material must, in no case, be transparent.
(b) Round the neck, not more than two fingerbreadths may remain uncovered.
(c) Sleeves must reach below the elbow.
“A note urges Christian dressmakers and milliners to stand firm against the dictates of fashion. Mothers who allow their young daughters to follow immodest fashions will be refused the sacraments, even though their own attire is not such as to bring them under the ban.
“At Viareggio, Italy’s most fashionable seaside resort, members of a Catholic Association, wearing a badge of office, are stationed at the church doors and ladies whose appearance meets with their disapproval are firmly refused admittance.”
It is understood that inadequate bathing costumes will shortly form the subject of a separate crusade. A covert sympathy with the Pope’s views is indeed noticeable in the press and approval is expressed of a movement among some ladies of the Roman aristocracy for a return to modest fashions.
Reconciliation and harmony
“Every time we indulge in sneers or ridicule, we widen the gap between ourselves and our opponents and make it more difficult to win them over. Not only that, but such indulgence tends to darken our own vision and alienate us from the truth, which cannot be seen clearly in anger or in the spirit which produces sneers. These lapses put off the day of salvation. We make ‘fighting speeches,’ thinking that we are fighting in the cause of righteousness, whereas, in fact, we are indulging our weakness and helping to prolong the day of poverty and oppression. Oh, that we could always bear this in mind and learn to control ourselves in the interests of those we seek to serve! Aye, and in the interests of those who disagree with us. For, unless we have faith that they too, in some way not understood by us, are seeking the Kingdom that we seek, how can we ever hope to win them, or why try to reason with them?” – Brotherhood
America indebted to Prophet Muhammadsa
Today, when America is seriously considering its naval strength, it is interesting to read the words of a learnt Christian writer. He refers to the great scientific knowledge of the Muslim nations and points out that we owe our maritime discoveries to them. I [Khalid Sheldrake] will quote his words:
“It would not be too much to say that it is to the example of the Saracens (Muslims) we are indebted for the progress of maritime discovery; since Spain and Portugal, whence the expeditions sailed that discovered America and the passage round the Cape of Good Hope, had learnt the art of navigation from their Saracenic masters.”
I would further quote him on the subject of commerce. America, the great nation of the West, with its true democratic principles, is reaping today the benefit of a great change brought about by the advent of Islam, although this fact is carefully hidden by the churches of the West. I prefer to use his words, those of a Christian, as I know it would be considered better evidence than the remarks of a Muslim, who might possibly be regarded as biased. Dr W Cooke Taylor (LLD) says:
“The feudal system, which so long was the disgrace and bane of Europe, had no place among the Saracens; whilst throughout Christendom, honest industry was regarded as the sign of subjection and trade esteemed disgraceful, the Arabs gave every encouragement to labour and commerce. The countries that they subdued were long after free from the fatal influence of feudalism; it had never penetrated into Corsica; it was unknown in Sardinia, Sicily and Lower Italy until after the expulsion of the Moors. In consequence of the protection and patronage granted to industry by the Saracenic monarchs, especially in Spain, agriculture and manufactures flourished and commercial communications were formed, which extended from the extreme east of Asia to the extreme west of Europe. The few manufacturers which still exist in Spain are those that the Moors established.”
As to the administration of justice, he says:
“In the Byzantine and Persian Empires, justice was openly bought and sold; corruption was not merely tolerated, but avowed; bribes were offered and accepted in public. On the contrary, the Saracens established a rigid administration of law and so strict was their system of criminal justice that the sovereign, for many years, had not the power of pardoning a man whom the
judges had condemned.”
Western people should know the fountainhead of the civilisation of which all are so proud today. The Muslims were the teachers of the world and their wonderful progress came with the wonderful inspiration given to mankind through the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace. Islam stands for progress and I appeal to all to study the Holy Quran.
– Khalid Sheldrake
The Muslim Prayer
In our country, people generally laugh when they see a Muslim saying his prayers. For them, the act of bowing and prostrating of a Muslim is a veritable source of derisive mockery.
But does not a Christian reverend say, “We bow down before Thee in the dust”? What he professes by his tongue, a Muslim translates into action. His heart and body both bow down before his Creator because the soul and body both owe obligations to God and both discharge them by bowing down in humility and supplication.
Those people who mock the Muslim mode of worship would surely laugh to scorn the Christian way of praying also if they happened to enter a church and see women sitting in their chairs with their eyes closed and hands folded and men standing holding their hats in their hands.
Now, what is the object of prayer? To send up our requests to God and to express our misery is not the highest aim of Islamic prayer. The real purpose of prayer is to give utterance to our feelings of gratitude to the Supreme Being and to seek and establish a right relation with Him.
If one studies the Islamic prayer from beginning to end, one will see that it consists of four parts. The exaltation and glorification of God, the expression of man’s gratefulness for the manifold divine favours bestowed upon him, the invoking of the blessings of God upon the Holy Prophet, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude which can never be fully paid and the admission and acknowledgement of one’s own shortcomings, failures and inadequacy to fulfil the object of his creation.
Hence, we see that a person who says his prayers regularly and in a manner prescribed by the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, is purged of the dross of sin and his heart is so irresistibly drawn towards his Creator that he gradually establishes such a firm relation with Him that he loses himself in Him and this is the object of man’s creation. – Miss Budd
Universal peace
After several centuries of struggle between the Cross and the Crescent, Jerusalem has again come under the domination of the former. It is believed that this change has occurred in fulfilment of a prominent prophecy, which runs as follows:
“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the Kings of the East (the Jews) might be prepared.” (Rev. 16:12)
According to this prophecy, the Christians believed two events to be fulfilled before the establishment of universal peace under the Cross as attending the Second Advent of Jesus. One is the complete dismemberment of the Turkish Empire and the other is the return of the Jews to Jerusalem to be converted to Jesus.
Two hundred years ago, when the Turkish Empire was at the summit of its power, Christians believed that this prophecy would be fulfilled in some way or other when the time came.
When the Crimean War broke out in the year 1853, the Christians held that it was a war which took place in accordance with a prophecy, because it ended in the year 1856 at the close of the Great Period of 2300 days mentioned in Daniel 8:14, which meant the cleansing of the sanctuary of the Holy Land from the Turko-Muhammedan domination. As a result of the treaty that ended the Crimean War, not only were the Great European Powers benefited by slices of Turkish territories, but Turkey also was required to carry out certain reforms and to treat Jews and Christians within the Empire on an equal footing with her Muslim subjects and also to allow them the same civil and religious liberties as well as to grant them equal rights to purchase and hold landed properties. This gave rise to the belief among the Christians that the prophecy of 2300 days had been fulfilled and the prophecy in Revelation 16:12 would soon see its fulfilment.
When Jerusalem was captured by the British in the last great war, the then Prime Minister of England and his colleagues published to the world a New Year message on the fulfilment of this prominent prophecy regarding the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire. These ministers were very jubilant at the success of the Gladstonian policy of “bag and baggage” based on this prophecy. Why was this New Year’s message issued? Because it is the Continued
The Berlin Mosque of Germany and the European press
Ata-ul-Haye Nasir
Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre
Towards the end of 1922, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib – a missionary serving in London at the time – was instructed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to move to Germany for the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat there.1
As for the importance of Germany, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once declared Germany as a gateway to the propagation of Islam to Russia.2
During the early 1920s, Germany was suffering from the aftermath of World War I, particularly the changing political landscape. In those turbulent times, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib arrived in Berlin –which was, at the time, a cosmopolitan and international city where intellectuals from different parts of the world resided. He initially took residence in Charlottenburg, a thriving and international borough of the city.3
Upon reaching there, the missionary started searching for suitable land where a mosque could be built. Eventually, a piece of land was bought in Berlin.4
Significance of a mosque in Berlin
Was there any specific reason and significance behind the intention of building a mosque in Berlin?
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has shed light on this subject during a speech where he elaborated it in the historical context.
Firstly, Huzoorra noted that though a piece of land had been bought for a mosque in London, there was a delay in its construction due to insufficient funds. Hence, the Berlin Mosque was to be not only the first Ahmadiyya mosque in Europe, but also the first mosque in Europe ever built by Muslims themselves.
Huzoorra elaborated this point and said that there were three mosques in
Europe: the Woking Mosque was built by an Englishman, the mosque in France by the French government and the one in Berlin was built by the government for the Muslims who were captured as war prisoners from Russia. Therefore, “this will be the first mosque in present-day Europe, built by the Muslims.”5
Huzoorra explained that he specifically mentioned “present-day Europe” because Muslims had in fact lived in different parts of Europe for thousands of years and built mosques in those lands. However, those mosques disappeared when they were coerced into Christianity. To this day in Europe, there still exist mosques in areas populated by Muslims but they are not deemed to be part of Europe, rather they are declared to be outside its territory.
Hence, Huzoorra continued, this will be the first mosque in “this area which is considered to be Europe and from where Muslims have been ousted at the time. For this reason, it is my desire for all of us to collectively pray that God Almighty blesses this mosque and makes it a means for the propagation and expansion of Islam.”6
Women to fund the mosque
After the purchase of that land, the next step was to raise sufficient funds for the mosque’s construction.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra called the Ahmadi Muslim women to raise funds for this purpose and that the mosque in Berlin was to be funded by women exclusively.7
This call had a great wisdom behind it. Huzoorra elaborated that the Europeans allege that in Islam, women are not treated well and are deprived of their rights, however, they will be amazed and feel embarrassed upon learning that the “Muslim women have funded the construction of a mosque for their newly-converted German Muslim brethren in the city that is becoming a
centre of the world.”8
Huzoorra continued by saying that this is an era of competition. European women compete with men to an extent of partaking in the exams of medicine and law just to show they are equal to men, no matter if they are unable to work afterwards. However, our women should also compete with the men in pious deeds, and hence, they are now being asked to fund the construction of a mosque in Europe.9
Upon this call, Ahmadi women showed great examples of sacrifice, many of them even offered their precious jewellery.10
Foundation of the Mosque and press coverage
The foundation-laying ceremony for the Berlin Mosque was held on 6 August 1923. This event attracted considerable press attention, not only in Germany, but in other European countries as well, such as the UK, the Netherlands and Austria. These articles served as a means to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat.
The articles about the foundation-laying ceremony highlighted the opposition to this mosque’s construction and gave a detailed introduction of the Promised Messiahas, Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and the missionary efforts of the Jamaat.
A periodical from the Netherlands, Algemeen Handelsblad, published a photograph from this ceremony and wrote under the heading “A Mosque in Berlin”:
“In the presence of a small circle of Muslims, the foundation stone of the ‘Ahmadiyya Mosque’ was laid at the Kaiserdamm in Berlin. – Zuback [sic., Mubarak] Ali delivered a speech in which he explained the purpose of the mosque.”11
Several other Dutch periodicals gave the news about this ceremony, including Het Vaderland of 10 August 1923 and De Zeeuw of 11 August 1923.
An Austrian journal, Neues Wiener Journal, mentioned the foundation laying ceremony of this mosque, under the heading “The First Mosque in Berlin” and stated:
“The laying of the foundation stone was presided over by Mubarak Ali, the representative of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam. Mubarak Ali, wearing a black highnecked coat and a white turban, first recited a prologue in Indian style and then read an English speech from a sheet of paper.”12
When we look at the German periodicals, we find multiple articles mentioning the foundation-laying ceremony of the Berlin Mosque. A periodical, Zeitbilder, also published the architectural sketch of this mosque, in its 26 August 1923 issue.
A German periodical, Illustrirte Zeitung, published a photograph (seen in the beginning) of the foundation-laying ceremony, in its 23 August 1923 issue. The caption stated:
“in Berlin: Ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for a mosque by Indian Muslims on 6 August in Berlin.” (Illustrirte
Zeitung, Vol. 161, No. 4107, 23 August 1923, p. 134)
A day after the ceremony, i.e. 7 August 1923, articles were published by Vorwärts and Berliner Tageblatt und Handels-Zeitung
Another German periodical, Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung published multiple articles. For instance, a short article was published on 8 August 1923, mentioning the foundation laying ceremony, and then a detailed article in its 16 August 1923 issue, giving an introduction of the Promised Messiahas and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.
The above-mentioned article highlighted the fact that “the costs for the mosque that is about to be built here in Berlin are entirely borne by Ahmadi women who sacrificed their money and jewellery.”
Introducing the Promised Messiahas, the article stated:
“Among the 80 books and writings published by him in Urdu, Arabic and English, there are those that […] focus solely on Islamic principles and have had a far-reaching impact. This includes the ‘Teachings of Islam’, which was originally written in Urdu and presented at the Great Religious Conference in Lahore in 1896. It is repeatedly printed in English and a German translation is to be published shortly.”
The article continued:
“The Ahmadiyya movement has meanwhile developed robustly. The leadership continues to stay in Qadian, where the deceased [Promised Messiahas] had a first successor (Khalifa) in the person of Maulvi Noor-ud-Din[ra] and the present Khalifa Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad[ra] succeeded him.”
Mentioning the Promised Messiah’sas prophecies, it wrote that his “prophecies include that the majority of the people of Europe will convert to Islam and believe in Ahmad[as], and that eventually the Ahmadiyya Movement will prevail all over the world. So the religious ardour of the Master lives on in a far-reaching missionary activity in West Africa, America, London and now Berlin.”13
Articles were published in several other German periodicals, for instance, on 8 August 1923 by Hannoverscher Kurier and Hallesche Zeitung, on 9 August 1923 by Echo der Gegenwart and Dresdner Nachrichten, on 11 August 1923 by Kölnische Zeitung and on 13 August 1923 by Westfälische Zeitung
This event was also covered by the British press. For instance, the Liverpool Daily Post And Mercury published a short article, under the heading “Islamic Movement in Germany” and wrote:
“Berlin, Tuesday. – The foundation stone has just been laid at Charlottenburg, a western suburb of Berlin, of a mosque for the furtherance of Mohammedanism in Germany. The ceremony was conducted by Mubarak Ali, representative of the Ahmadiah movement in Islamism, who declared that the object of the movement is the propagation of the pure religion of Islam in all parts of the world. Among the audience
Assistance for needy patients
An announcement by Additional Wakil-ul-Maal
Across the world, there are patients who cannot afford the costs of their medical treatment. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Jamaat assists them according to its means and the number of such underprivileged and deserving patients is increasing year by year. Those sincere members who wish to take part in this service to humanity are requested to make contributions, through their local jamaats, under the “Aid for Needy Patients [Imdaad Nadaar Marizaan]” fund, seeking the pleasure of Allah.
were red-fezed Turks, Egyptians, Persians, Indians, and representatives of the Prussian Government and the municipalities of Berlin and Charlottenburg.
“Mubarak delivered his speech in English, and was frequently interrupted by Egyptians, apparently opposed to his sect. Finally several Egyptians made their way to the front, and one of them in a loud voice shouted, ‘Why does he speak the hateful English language? All he says is lies. This is no mosque, but an English barracks, and it is built with English money.’
“This led to a wordy conflict among adherents of various Mohammedan movements, and finally the interrupters were removed by the police.”14
Mentioning the objections raised against the Jamaat during the ceremony, The Yorkshire Post of 29 August 1923 published an article under the heading “A Curious Berlin Story”:
“As representative of the city of Berlin Dr. Schrems expressed the hope that the mosque would be a place of peace. He went on to say that he had gone into the doctrines of the Ahmadians, and found that they were absolutely non-political. He told of the Ahmadians having asked the Prince of Wales to be converted to Islam as only by doing so could he gain this world and the next.”
Hyperinflation in Germany and closure of the project
Since the end of World War I, the economic situation of Germany was dire and in 1924, it worsened even more due to hyperinflation, which caused difficulties in the mosque’s construction and also made the continuation of the mission troublesome.15
Thus, in 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra
instructed the missionaries to close the mosque project and also the Berlin Mission. The funds that were collected for the mosque were then transferred, as per Huzoor’sra instructions, to the London Mission.
In October 1924, Huzoorra laid the foundation of the Fazl Mosque in London which was then inaugurated in 1926.16
The great sacrifices of the Ahmadi women did not go in vain, as these sacrifices were the major contributions to the construction of the Fazl Mosque. In the following years, this mosque served as a great means for the spread of Ahmadiyyat worldwide and as a hub for the worldwide missionary activities of the Jamaat.
Though the original plan for a mosque in Berlin could not be completed, a mosque was built there in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, with the name “Khadija Mosque”, and was formally inaugurated in 2008.
Endnotes
1 Al Fazl, 20 November 1922, p. 1
2 Al Fazl, 8 February 1923, p. 6
3 “The Berlin Mosque Plan of 1923”, www.reviewofreligions.org
4 Al Fazl, 5 February 1923, p. 2
5 Al Fazl, 10 August 1923, p. 2
6 Ibid.
7 Al Fazl, 8 February 1923, p. 5
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10 Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 8, pp. 423-424
11 Algemeen Handelsblad, 9 August 1923, p. 12
12 Neues Wiener Journal, 9 August 1923, p. 8
13 Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, 16 August 1923, p. 2
14 Liverpool Daily Post And Mercury, 8 August 1923, p. 8
15 “The Berlin Mosque Plan of 1923”, www.reviewofreligions.org
16 Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 8, p. 424
Continued from page 6
Christian belief that with the dawn of the Millennium and the return of the Jews to Palestine after the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire, the doctrines of the Gospel would be universally diffused and professed, Christian principles would gain a decisive prominence and war also would cease and peace would universally prevail.
Now the Jews have begun to return to Jerusalem, because Palestine is made a National Home for them in fulfilment of the prophecies in the last chapter of Zechariah, as well as in the four previous chapters and also in the thirty-eighth and thirty-ninth chapters of Ezekiel and in the eleventh chapter of Romans. In accordance with this belief, based on the aforesaid prophecies, the method of establishing universal peace by Christianity is now in the course of preparation and is to be submitted before the League of Nations for approval.
An attempt to establish universal peace is a noble thing, but the question is, what will be the result of these human efforts if Jesus does not come down from heaven either in glory or as a thief? All these efforts were in anticipation of Jesus’ Second Advent. If he does not come down from heaven, there will be universal disappointment. There will be on earth no Kingdom of God but only the kingdom of man. According to Christianity, the Millennium is the beginning of the last thousand years. It is mentioned in Revelation 12 that it would commence with the resurrection of the righteous and the Second Advent of Jesus. The ablest prophetic expositors have held that the number of days mentioned in prophecies is really as many years and this view is amply supported by the Bible itself.
Now, the chief thing here is to find out whether the Millennium has dawned or not. If it has, then we have to see if Jesus has appeared, because both events are to occur simultaneously so that the righteous may rise from their graves and reign with Jesus for the last 1000 years. It is so given in 12:4 Revelation.
When we look at the Bible chronology, we find that the 6000 years from Adam had ended in the year 1900 AD and the last 1000 years in the millennium began in 1901.
For the information of the readers, I append here the Bible Chronology of the 6000 years from Adam, which has been compiled by ablest Christian writers after carefully tracing and examining each link in chronological data:
1. From Creation of Adam to the close of Noah’s Deluge (Genesis 5 and 8:13-14) –Years: 1656
2. Close of the Deluge to the call of Abraham to Canaan (Acts 7:6, Genesis 11:10-32, Genesis 12:15) – Years: 427
3. Abraham’s Call to the date of Exodus (Exodus 12:40, Galatians 3:8-17) – Years: 430
4. The Exodus to the Distribution of the land (1 year, Numbers 10:11 to 13:25 and 45 years mentioned in Joshua 14) – Years: 46
5. Dividing of the land to the end of Samuel’s Judgeship (Acts 13:20, Joshua 14) – Years: 450
6. Reigns of the Kings Saul, David and
Solomon, 40 years each and Rehoboam 17 years, Abijam 3, Asa 41, Jehoshaphat 25, Jehoram 8, Ahaziah 1, Athaliah 6, Jehovah 40, Amaziah 29, Azariah 52, Jothan 16, Ahaz 16, Hezekiah 29, Manasseh 55, Amon 2, Josiah 31 and Jehoiakim 3 years, when the 70 years of the Captivity of the Jews commenced in the 3rd or 4th year of Jehoiakim’s reign according to Jeremiah 25:11-12 and Daniel 1:1. (All these kings’ reigns are given in 1 Kings 11:43 to 2 Kings 25. – Years: 494
7. The 70 years’ captivity from Jehoiakim’s 3rd or 4th year until Cyrus’ first year (2 Chronicles 36:21-23, Jeremiah 25:11-12) –Years: 70
8. Cyrus’s first year to the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem in King Artaxerxes Longimanus’s 20th year (Nehemiah 2, Daniel 9:25) – Years: 82
9. Daniel’s 69 weeks, or 483 years, commencing in Artaxerxes’ Longimanns’ 20th year BC 445 and reaching “unto Messiah the Prince,” when he rode as a prince into Jerusalem and was “cut off ” a few days later AD 32 (Daniel 9:25-26, Nehemiah 2) – Years: 483
• Total from the Creation of Adam to the Crucifixion of Christ, AD 39 – Years: 4138
• Add to the rest of this Christian Age or Dispensation 1862 years from AD 39 to 1900-1 – Years: 1862
• Total from the Creation of Adam to the end of the age AD 1900-1 – Years: 6000
According to this Biblical Chronology, the Millennium dawned 25 years ago. But where is the much-expected Messiah? Where is Our Saviour and Deliverer? When shall the Son of Man descend from heaven in great glory? When shall Jesus Christ come like a thief, as he himself described his second advent? Either the prophecies are false or the Messiah should have come. The prophecies cannot be false, as they have literally been fulfilled.
The Messiah has also come, but not as the Christians expected, because the appearance of the Messengers of God always baffles the expectations of the people. He was the Prophet Ahmadas of Qadian. In his time were fulfilled the above-mentioned prophecies and many others that are found in the religious scriptures of various faiths about the advent of a Great Reformer in the present time.
The Muslims, like the Christians, expected the advent of Jesus Christ; the Zoroastrians expected Zoroaster to come, the Hindus hoped to see Hinduism regenerated by Krishna and the Buddhists believed that the Buddha would come again. Prophet Ahmadas combined in his person the power and spirit of all these Messengers of God. It is vain to expect anyone else to appear. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but no Messiah would descend from heaven, because he who was to come has come and he has descended from heaven in the same way in which Christ himself descended from heaven at the time of his first advent. Blessed are they who listen to his voice and do not follow their own desires. – TK Lye
(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original English, published in the September 1925 issue of The Review of Religions)
In the shade of Khilafat: Reflections on unforgettable moments of Jalsa Salana Germany 2025
A Lajna member’s personal reflections from the women’s side of Jalsa
Lajna Imaillah Germany.
The morning air was cool as the first stream of women entered the jalsa gah – ID cards in hand, prayers in heart and quiet anticipation. Scarves were adjusted; children guided by patient hands; luggage carried carefully. At the entrance, volunteers welcomed arrivals and guided them towards registration and seating. A soft hum of greetings passed between old friends meeting after months, while others were silent, lips moving in prayer. A young volunteer leaned down to help an elderly lady adjust her bag; nearby, a mother shepherded two little ones forward with whispered instructions to keep close.
Inside, the jalsa gah stretched wide, carpeted and ordered, rows waiting to be filled. Volunteers smiled and seated guests in straight lines so the hall would fill evenly. Around the edges, programme and audiovisual teams, Nazm-o-Zabt, Security, and Khidmat-e-Khalq attended to details – from sound to seating, from water to wayfinding – so the guests of the Promised Messiahas could worship in a peaceful, dignified atmosphere.
Jumuah
When everyone had settled, Jumuah began. The hall moved as one, calm and unhurried. After the prayer, attention turned to the screens for the live Friday sermon of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, delivered from Islamabad, UK. Huzooraa continued narrating the blessed life of the Holy Prophetsa, speaking about the Battle of Hunain; for many, that cadence set the spiritual tone for the weekend. Later, the screens displayed prayers that Huzooraa has urged members to repeat often.
Then came a moment of ceremony: flaghoisting. As the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat and the German flag rose together, the emotion in the ladies’ marquee rose as well – the formal opening of Jalsa Salana Germany 2025. The first session followed with tilawat and nazm, then two speeches from the men’s side that explored resilience in trials and navigating the digital age. As the evening settled, hearts were grateful and already leaning towards tomorrow.
Before dawn on the second day, we gathered again for Tahajjud and Fajr in congregation. Rows formed in a quiet, steady order – mothers, daughters, nasirat – with the stillness that comes when prayer begins a day. With those blessings fresh, the Lajna programme opened with tilawat and nazm, followed by three speeches from
Editor’s note: For a detailed report of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa address to the ladies’ session at Jalsa Salana Germany 2025, delivered virtually from Islamabad, please see Al Hakam’s coverage, “Nurturing a blissful & righteous environment.”
1. ‘The living connection with the Living God: the only way of protection from Dajjal’ by Maria Zubair Sahiba, National Secretary Tarbiyat Nau-Mubai’at (German)
Maria Zubair Sahiba opened with a simple thought exercise to show how quickly our surroundings shape what comes to mind. From there, she argued that the surest shield against modern, “Dajjal-like” influences is a living relationship with Allah – rooted in regular salat, seeking forgiveness, and a clear focus on Tawhid. Parents, she said, create the decisive climate at home; since children spend many of their waking hours there, example matters more than instruction. Recognition of Khilafat and obedience to the guidance of the Khalifa-e-Waqt, steady learning, and fulfilling huquq al-‘ibad complete the framework. Protection, in her view, is not a retreat from society but taqwa practised consistently.
2. ‘Consolidation of Khilafat and the responsibilities of Lajna Imaillah’ by Mohsina Mahmood Shaheen Sahiba (Urdu)
Beginning with the Quranic verse about holding fast to the “rope of Allah”, Mohsina Mahmood Shaheen Sahiba reflected on how unity with firmness and humility safeguards hearts and minds. She described true leadership, as seen in Khilafat, as a bond of reciprocal love–care expressed in prayer, guidance, and quiet attention to people’s needs, while the Jamaat responds with gratitude, obedience, and service. For Lajna, she said, this takes practical form in nurturing the next generation, safeguarding modesty, and strengthening homes through knowledge and daily acts of service. Loyalty to Khilafat, she concluded, is a lived discipline: not only an emotion, but a pattern of prayer and action.
3. ‘Islam: True flag-bearer of women’s freedom’ by Hamda Soosn Chaudhry Sahiba, Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany (German)
Sadr Sahiba set out that rights often described today as “women’s rights” – education, dignity, safety, and property – were granted by Islam more than fourteen centuries
ago, grounding women and men as equal before Allah. She pointed to the Prophetic model as practical honour in the home: shared tasks, courtesy, and care. Modesty, including hijab, she said, is a safeguard rather than a restraint, sitting alongside clear obligations on men regarding conduct and responsibility. Against contemporary harms faced by women, she said, Islam provides a clear framework that couples rights with duties, seeking a society where honour, safety and opportunity become lived realities.
Huzoor’saa address to the women’s session
As the time for Huzoor’saa address approached, the MTA team tested microphones and screens; Sadr Sahiba offered brief guidance on decorum; stewards ensured every row was ordered. When the transmission began from Islamabad, the hall fell utterly silent. Many prayed under their breath for themselves, for the Jamaat and for Huzoor’saa health and strength. Faces were intent; some were tearful. Without rereporting the content here, it is enough to note how the atmosphere was charged with resolve and tenderness.
Afterwards, poems and taranas added harmony to the mood. The rest of the day ran smoothly – refreshments, another session, and Maghrib and Isha in congregation.
Final Day
The final day on the ladies’ side began early, with many rising for Tahajjud and Fajr. Later, the day’s session in the main programme included several addresses from the men’s side, touching on faith, the blessings of Khilafat and aspects of Jamaat history. Among the speakers was Amir Sahib Germany, Abdullah Uwe Wagishauser, who reflected on the historical efforts made by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiya for Palestinians as well as the current situation in Palestine and on our duty to respond with prayer, patience and constructive effort within the law.
After refreshments, the Lajna marquee joined the rest of the site to watch the concluding session. As Huzooraa began his address, the hall fell silent. Without rereporting the content here, it is enough to note the mood of resolve and tenderness that settled over the hall. When the session
ended, attendees departed gradually, carrying the blessings, lessons and memories of these days – trusting that the guidance received would continue to shape their homes and service.
Editor’s note: The concluding address has been fully covered by Al Hakam; see “‘It is your duty to tell the world that the Promised Messiah has already come’: Huzoor addresses the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Germany 2025”.
This year at Jalsa Salana Germany
This year at Jalsa Salana Germany, many thoughtful improvements were made that reflected both spiritual and practical considerations. The qiblah direction was taken into account in the very design of the Jalsa site. Special attention was devoted to accessibility for elderly Lajna members, with golf carts provided to help them move comfortably throughout the Jalsa site.
Dining was arranged to reduce crowding, with an entrance set opposite a clearly signed exit to keep lines moving. Attendees also appreciated the much-improved mobile connectivity across the grounds, making communication and coordination smoother than ever. All these changes combined to create a peaceful atmosphere for the ladies. Most beautifully, there seemed to be more smiles everywhere this year, faces lit with peace and joy that only the blessings of Jalsa can bring. The weather remained mostly overcast, with occasional sunshine and little rain at times, yet the atmosphere of Jalsa stayed bright and full of spirit.
Conclusion
As the crowds thinned and prams threaded back through the lanes, what stayed was the steadiness: stewards who never raised their voices, volunteers who kept finding space for one more, the hush before prayer settling again and again. On the women’s side, the thousand small courtesies become the atmosphere itself –headsets passed along, a chair found for an elder, a child’s lost shoe returned. That, as much as any timetable, is why Jalsa works: worship anchored by service, and service anchored by worship.
May Allah enable us to live by this spirit, to remain attached to Khilafat and to always follow its invaluable guidance. Amin
Fatiha Sarwat Germany
Friday Sermon
Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK
8 August 2025
Muhammadsa: The great exemplar
After reciting the tashahhud, ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:
Prior to the Jalsa, incidents in relation to the Conquest of Mecca were being related. I mentioned some of the fiercest opponents who later accepted Islam. There are some other individuals as well. One of them is Wahshi bin Harb. During the Battle of Uhud, this very individual martyred Hazrat Hamzahra and following the Conquest of Mecca, he fled to Ta’if. When the people of Ta’if accepted Islam, he also came and accepted Islam. (Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 225)
In Bukhari, the incident of Wahshi accepting Islam is recorded in his very own words in the following manner. He relates, “I stayed in Mecca until Islam started spreading in the city. I then went to Ta’if. People sent messengers to the Holy Prophetsa and I was told that the Holy Prophetsa would not confront these messengers.” He says, “I set out with them until I reached the Holy Prophetsa. When the Holy Prophetsa saw me, he enquired if I was Wahshi. I replied in the affirmative. Upon this, he asked, ‘Did you kill Hamzah?’ I replied, ‘Whatever you have been told is correct.’ The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘Is it possible for you to hide your face from me?’” He says, “Following these words, I left the place.” In other words, the Holy Prophetsa did not want him to show his face so that he would not recall the incident.
He says, “Later on, when the Holy Prophetsa passed away and Musailimah Kazzab stood up in rebellion, I was determined to set out towards Musailimah in order to kill him and thus avenge the murder of Hazrat Hamzahra.” He says, “I set out with the people, and he met his fate (that is, he was killed.) I saw a person standing in the crevice of a wall, and he appeared to resemble a brown camel. His hair was unkempt.” This was Musailimah Kazzab, whom he had seen standing there. He says, “I pierced him with my spear and targeted the middle of his chest until it pierced through his shoulders.” He then says, “A man from the Ansar ran towards him and struck his head with his sword.” This is the manner in which he was killed. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-maghazi, Hadith 4072)
Another individual was Sarah, the bondwoman of Amr bin Hashim. She was a singer. Prior to the Conquest of Mecca, she came to the Holy Prophetsa, requested something from him and complained of her state of poverty. The Holy Prophetsa said: “What has happened to your singing?” That is, you used to sing and earn money. She replied: “Since the chiefs of the idolaters have been killed in the Battle of Badr, they stopped listening to songs.” The Holy Prophetsa gave her a camel load of grain. Following this, she returned to the Quraish. Ibn Khatal would
dictate satirical verses about the Messengersa of Allah to her. Despite receiving this gift, she did not desist from her misconduct and would sing those satirical poems. This is the same person with whom the letter of Hazrat Hatibra was found. She accepted Islam and lived until the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra
Similarly, there was Ibn Khatal’s bondwoman, Fartanah, who also used to sing satirical verses about the Holy Prophetsa. She also accepted Islam. (Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 225)
Then, regarding the acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Harith bin Hishamra, it is written that he was a popular chief of Mecca and the paternal brother of Abu Jahl. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid’sra sister was his wife. At the time of the Conquest of Mecca, he and Abdullah bin Abi Rabi‘ah entered the house of Hazrat Umm Hanira, as Hazrat Alira was pursuing them to kill them. Hazrat Umm Hanira hid both of them in her home and then went to the Holy Prophetsa to submit that she had granted them protection. The Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Umm Hanira, “Whoever you have granted protection to, we have granted protection to.” (Sirat Halabiyyah, Dar AlKotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, pp. 133-134)
Harith bin Hisham narrates, “We stayed in that house for two days and then went back to our own homes. We would sit in the courtyard, and no one would confront us, but we were afraid of Hazrat Umarra.”
He says, “By God, I was sitting at my door wrapped in my cloak when suddenly Hazrat Umarra arrived with some Muslims. They greeted us with salam and passed by.” He narrates, “I used to feel ashamed that the Holy Prophetsa would see me, because he had always seen me in the company of the idolaters. Then I remembered the Holy Prophet’sra piety, mercy, and ties of kinship. I met him while he was entering the Sacred Mosque. He met me with a cheerful expression. I greeted him with salam and recited the Kalimah Shahadah [Islamic creed]. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘All praise belongs to Allah Who has guided you. How could someone like you remain distant from Islam?’” Harith said, “By God, I have realised that one cannot remain distant from Islam.”
(Sirat Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Dar Al-Kotob AlIlmiyah, Beirut, pp. 133-134 and 146; Imta’ul-Isma’, Vol. 1, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 389; Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 250; Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, pp. 644-645)
Similarly, there is the account of Suhail bin Amr’s acceptance of Islam. He, too, was a chief of Mecca and the same man who had come as a representative of the Quraish to conclude the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. Suhail
bin Amr narrates, “When the Holy Prophetsa entered Mecca and gained victory, I went into my house and shut the door. I sent my son, Hazrat Abdullahra, to the Holy Prophetsa so that he might request protection for me from Muhammadsa. I feared that I might be killed.
Hazrat Abdullahra presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, my father seeks your protection.’” Although the people of Mecca had already been granted general amnesty and safety, these were the a’immah al-kufr (leaders of disbelief) who had been such fierce opponents that they could not feel at ease and could not imagine being left in peace. In their ignorant thinking, they always feared that revenge might be taken against them. For this reason, Suhail sent his son once again to the Holy Prophetsa
The Holy Prophetsa said, “Very well – he is safe under the protection of Allah. Let him come out openly (meaning he could walk about freely without fear).” The Holy Prophetsa then said to the Companions around him, “Whoever among you meets Suhail should not look at him with harsh eyes. A man of understanding and honour like Suhail cannot remain away from Islam for long. He has seen that the state he was in was of no benefit to him (i.e., the state of disbelief).”
Hazrat Abdullahra returned to his father and conveyed the Holy Prophet’ssa message. Suhail replied, “By God, (i.e., O Muhammadsa), you were gracious in your youth and you are gracious even now in this age.” Thereafter, Suhail would come and go in peace. He had even taken part in the Battle of Hunain in a state of disbelief, participating alongside the Muslims but without yet accepting Islam. On the return journey from Hunain, he accepted Islam at a place called Ji‘ranah, located about 27 kilometres from Mecca on the way to Ta’if, where there is a well. (Sirat Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 146; Imta’-ul-Isma’, Vol. 13, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 386; Furhang-e-Sirat, Zawar Academy, p. 88)
After accepting Islam, a remarkable spiritual transformation took place within him. It is recorded that among the chiefs of the Quraish who accepted Islam at the Conquest of Mecca, none surpassed Suhail in devotion to prayer and fasting or in giving charity. He was known for abundant weeping and would often cry while reciting the Quran. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, Dar AlKotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 586)
Hazrat Abu Bakrra relates:
“I saw during the Farewell Pilgrimage that Suhail bin Amr was standing at the place of sacrifice, bringing the sacrificial
animal of the Messengersa of Allah close to him. The Messengersa of Allah slaughtered it with his own blessed hand. Then he called for the barber and had his head shaved. I saw Suhail taking the blessed hair of the Holy Prophetsa and touching it to his eyes.” The hair that the Holy Prophetsa had shaved fell into the hands of Suhail, and he was touching it to his eyes.
He then says, “At that moment, I remembered that this was the very same Suhail who, at the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, had stopped the Holy Prophetsa from writing Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim [In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful] at the start of the agreement, and who had objected to the word ‘Messenger’ being written after the name Muhammad. He had refused to begin writing the treaty until the words ‘Messenger of Allah’ were erased.”
Hazrat Abu Bakrra then says, “I praised and glorified Allah the Almighty, Who had guided Suhail to Islam, and after granting him guidance, had enabled him to progress to such heights of sincerity and loyalty.”
(Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, Dar Al-Kotob AlIlmiyah, Beirut, p. 64)
Another notable achievement of Suhail bin Amr is also recorded. It is said that Suhail was a powerful orator of the Quraish. During the Battle of Badr, while still a disbeliever, he was taken prisoner by the Muslims. He had made a mark on his lips. On that occasion, Hazrat Umarra submitted to the Messengersa of Allah:
“O Messengersa of Allah, remove the two front teeth where he has made this mark. He will never again be able to stand and give a speech against you. (Remove his teeth, for without them in his mouth, he will not be able to speak properly.)”
The Holy Prophetsa replied: “O Umar, leave him. It is likely that he will one day stand at such a place that you will praise him.” Hazrat Umarra wished to have him punished, but the Holy Prophetsa said: “No, do not say anything. A time will come when he will stand at a place and say something that will cause you to praise him.”
He says, “In any case, that time came when the Messengersa of Allah passed away. The people of Mecca became shaken. When the Quraish saw that the people of Mecca were turning away from Islam, and Hazrat Attab bin Asid Umawira – who had been appointed by the Holy Prophetsa as the governor over the people of Mecca –went into hiding due to the deteriorating situation, Suhail bin Amr stood and addressed the people, saying:
“‘O people of Quraish, you entered Islam last – do not be the first to abandon it. By God, this faith will spread just as the sun
and moon spread from their rising to their setting.’
“Suhail then delivered a lengthy speech, which had such an impact on the hearts of the people of Mecca that they stopped. Hazrat Attab bin Asid, who had gone into hiding, was called back, and the Quraish remained steadfast upon Islam.” (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 585)
Regarding the acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Utbahra and Hazrat Mu’attibra, Hazrat Abbasra narrates:
“When the Holy Prophetsa entered Mecca on the day of its conquest, he said to me, ‘Where are your nephews, the sons of Abu Lahab – Utbah and Mu’attib? I have not seen them. Where are they?’ Hazrat Abbasra replied, ‘They are in seclusion like the rest of the idolaters.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Bring them to me.’ Hazrat Abbasra mounted his ride and went to Urnah – a valley near Arafat – and brought them back. The Holy Prophetsa invited them to Islam, and they both accepted it and pledged allegiance. Then, the Holy Prophetsa stood up, took them by the hand, and led them to the Multazim – the part of the Ka‘bah wall between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka‘bah – a spot where clinging and supplication is Sunnah, and where prayers are especially accepted. There, he prayed for a while, and then returned. Joy was visibly radiating from his blessed face. Hazrat Abbasra said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, may Allah keep you happy – I can see the signs of happiness on your face.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘I had prayed to my Lord for the guidance of my uncle’s two sons, and He has granted me this blessing.’” (Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 250; Furhang-e-Sirat, Zawar Academy, pp. 59 and 284)
There is also the story of Safwan bin Umayyah’s acceptance of Islam. Safwan bin Umayyah was the son of Umayyah bin Khalaf, a chieftain of Mecca. During the Era of Ignorance, he was among the nobility of the Quraish and one of their most eloquent speakers. He was also a staunch enemy of Islam and among those who inflicted great suffering upon Muslims in Mecca. After the Battle of Badr, he even conspired to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa and instigated his friend Umair bin Wahb to carry out this plan.
Although Safwan’s name was not on the list of those to be executed after the Conquest of Mecca, he still fled in fear, assuming he would be killed. He escaped toward Jeddah and the Red Sea. Umair bin Wahb – his close friend – had by then accepted Islam. He was the same Umair whom Safwan had once sent to Medina, saying, “If you kill Muhammad[sa], I will take full responsibility for your family’s welfare.” However, when Umair reached Medina, the Holy Prophetsa miraculously came to know of his entire plan, and upon witnessing this miracle, Umair immediately embraced Islam.
Now, at the time of the Conquest of Mecca, Umair yearned for his friend Safwan to also accept Islam and was deeply concerned for him. He approached the Holy Prophetsa and submitted: “O Messengersa of Allah, Safwan is the chief of my people. He has fled out of fear of you. Kindly grant him amnesty.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “He has been granted protection.”
Umair requested, “Please give me some
token by which I can show him that the protection is indeed from you.” The Holy Prophetsa removed his own turban and handed it to him.
Hazrat Umairra set out and eventually caught up with Safwan, who was about to board a ship.
He said to him, “I have come from the purest of people, the one who maintains the strongest family ties. Do not destroy yourself. I bring you the Holy Prophet’ssa personal guarantee of safety.” Safwan replied, “I will not return with you unless you show me some token from him that I would recognise.” Umair showed him the Holy Prophet’ssa turban. Safwan then returned with Umair and presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa, who was in the mosque leading the Asr prayer with his Companions.
When the Holy Prophetsa completed the prayer, Safwan called out loudly, “O Muhammadsa, Umair came to me with your cloak claiming that you had granted me protection.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Indeed, it is true.” Safwan said, “Grant me a two-month reprieve, for I am not yet ready to accept Islam.” The Holy Prophetsa responded, “You are granted four months. I hope you will accept Islam.” So Safwan remained in Mecca in a state of disbelief.
Later, when the Holy Prophetsa was in Hawazin distributing the spoils of war from the Battle of Hunain and Ta’if, he noticed Safwan gazing intently at a valley filled with livestock. He was looking at it constantly. Observing Safwan gazing at this valley filled with spoils, the Holy Prophetsa asked, “Does this valley full of wealth astonish you (that there is so much wealth therein)?” Safwan replied, “Yes, it does.” The Holy Prophetsa said, “All of it – and whatever is in it – is yours. Take it.” Safwan took possession of all the spoils in the valley and declared, “No soul could give so generously as a prophet. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammadsa is His servant and Messenger.”
And right then and there, he accepted Islam. Safwan passed away in Mecca in the year 42 AH, during the Khilafat of Hazrat Mu‘awiyahra. Some say he was martyred during the unrest at the time of Hazrat Uthman’sra martyrdom. (Subul Al-Huda, Vol. 5, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, pp. 253254; Sirat Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 135; Fatah Makkah, Muhammad Bashmeel, Nafees Academy, Karachi, pp. 321-325; Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, pp. 2425; Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen, p. 297; Ibn Hisham, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 449)
Many of the chieftains who accepted Islam when the Conquest of Mecca came to pass underwent a remarkable spiritual transformation in their later lives. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, referring to this, writes:
“Once during his Khilafat, Hazrat Umarra visited Mecca. The prominent figures of the city, hailing from prestigious families, came to meet him. They assumed that since Hazrat Umarra was familiar with their noble lineage and he himself was now a ruler, he would show them special honour and restore their former glory.
“Thus, they came to Hazrat Umarra and began conversing with him. As they were speaking with him, Hazrat Bilalra entered the gathering. Shortly afterwards, Hazrat Khabbabra arrived. One after another, the
early converts – most of whom had once been slaves – began to enter. These were the same individuals who had once served these chiefs or their fathers in bondage. (In any case, as I have already mentioned, all these people who came were slaves to these chieftains.) During their time of power, the Quraish elite had inflicted unspeakable cruelties upon them.
“With the arrival of each of these former slaves – now honourable and respected – Hazrat Umarra would greet them respectfully.”
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes, “He welcomed each of them as if they were dignitaries. Meanwhile, the chieftains of Mecca were seated ahead in the gathering. Hazrat Umarra began asking them to move back to make space for these noble early Muslims.
“Gradually, the chiefs were pushed back – so far, in fact, that they ended up sitting at the very entrance of the room. In those days, there were no large halls – only small rooms – and because they could not accommodate everyone, these chieftains were asked to move so far back that they had to sit amongst the shoes.
“When the chieftains of Mecca found themselves sitting among the shoes, and with their own eyes, they witnessed one former slave after another being brought forward while they were relegated to the back; they were deeply humiliated.”
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes, “By Allah the Almighty’s doing, it so happened that one after another, such Companions arrived who had once been slaves to the Meccan chiefs. If the chieftains were asked all at once to move back, they may not have had this realisation. However, because they were repeatedly told to move further and further back, they could not tolerate it and went outside.
“Outside, they began complaining among themselves, ‘Look at the humiliation we have endured today! Every time a former slave entered, we were made to move back –until we ended up sitting among the shoes.’
“At that point, one young man among them spoke, ‘Whose fault is this? Is it Umar’s? Or is it the fault of our forefathers? If you reflect, you’ll realise this is not Hazrat Umar’sra fault – it’s our ancestors’ fault, the consequences of which we are facing today. When God sent His Messengersa, our forefathers rejected him, while these very slaves believed in him and endured every hardship with joy. Today, if we are humiliated in this sitting, it is not because of Umar, but because of our own errors.’
“Upon hearing this, the others said, ‘Fine, we accept that this is the consequence of our forefathers’ mistakes. But is there any way to remove this stain of humiliation?’
“They deliberated and decided to ask Hazrat Umarra himself because they were unable to think of anything. They returned to him and said, ‘You know full well what has happened to us today, as do we.’ Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘Forgive me, for I had no other choice. These are the very people who were honourable in the gatherings of the Holy Prophetsa. Perhaps, at one time, they were your slaves, but in the company of the Holy Prophetsa, they were revered. Thus, it is my obligation to honour them.’ They replied, ‘We are aware that this is a consequence of our own mistakes. However, is there any way to remove this humiliation?’”
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explains:
“We today cannot fully comprehend the extent of the influence of those chiefs of Mecca at that time. Hazrat Umarra, however, knew their family history intimately, having been born and raised in Mecca. He knew the honour, awe, and prestige the fathers of these youngsters commanded – how no one could even lift their gaze in their presence. He was aware of the awe they possessed.
“When these chieftains said these things, memories of the past came flooding to Hazrat Umarra one after another. Tears welled up, and he was rendered speechless. He simply raised his hand and pointed northward with his finger. His gesture implied: ‘There are some battles taking place in the north, in Syria. Join those battles – perhaps you will be able to atone.’ They understood the message, rose, and departed at once to join the ongoing campaigns.
“History records that not a single one of those young nobles returned alive – they were all martyred on the battlefield. They all attained martyrdom, and thus, they erased the stain of disgrace from their family names through sacrifice.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 11, pp. 97-99)
It is mentioned that in the Battle of Yarmuk, these chieftains displayed commendable bravery and devotion. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:
“When the battle ended, the Muslims searched especially for Ikrimah and his comrades, only to find that 12 of them were seriously wounded, one of them being Ikrimah. A Muslim soldier went to him and found Ikrimah to be in a very dire state. He said, ‘O Ikrimah, I have a waterskin; here, drink some water.’ Ikrimah turned his face and saw that just next to him lay a wounded Hazrat Fadlra, son of Hazrat Abbasra. Ikrimah said to the Muslim, ‘My pride cannot bear for the people and their progenies who helped the Holy Prophetsa at a time when I was still staunchly opposed to him to die of thirst while I drink water and remain alive (a newfound passion for sacrificing oneself for the sake of others had developed within him). First, give water to him (Hazrat Fadl bin Abbasra) and then if any water remains, you can bring that to me.’
“The Muslim went to Hazrat Fadlra, who pointed to the wounded person next to him and said, ‘Give the water to him first. He is more deserving than I am.’ He went to the next wounded person, who pointed to the wounded person next to him, saying, ‘Give the water to him first. He is more deserving than I am.’ In the same way, every soldier he went to would send him to the next one, refusing to drink the water. When he reached the last wounded soldier, he had passed away. He went back the other way until he reached Ikrimah, but by then, they had all passed away.” (Har Ahmadi Aurat Ahmadiyyat Ki Sadaqat Ka Eik Zindah Nishan Hai, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 26, pp. 230-231)
The Holy Prophetsa appointed various envoys and deployed them with the task of calling unto Allah and for the destruction of some of the major idols. This has been recorded as follows:
After the Conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa sent envoys to various locations. In principle, these envoys were not for the purpose of battle or warfare. Their purpose was to spread the message calling unto Allah and to destroy idols which had been
built in certain areas, which had served as a hindrance in accepting the oneness of God, as their fictitious, made-up fear had taken root in people’s hearts. This concept hindered them from accepting the One True God.
The majority of the Arabs held three idols or goddesses in high esteem, namely Lat, Manat and Uzza. The goddess Lat was in Ta’if and was honoured and revered throughout Arabia. People would take her name to swear oaths and would offer sacrifices to her. Amr bin Luhay, considered to be the founder of idol worship in Arabia, had made people think that, God forbid, Allah the Almighty would go to Lat in Ta’if during the winter and would spend the summers with Uzza. Manat was the oldest idol of the Arabs, located in ancient times by the seashore in Qudaid between Mecca and Medina. The Arabs honoured her and would offer sacrifices to her. The Aus and Khazraj tribes revered her to the extent that they would enter the state of Ihram by invoking the name of Manat. Out of reverence for her, they would not even run between Mounts Safa and Marwah. They would not shave their heads when they performed the pilgrimage and instead would stop at Manat on their way back, where they would shave their heads and stay. They would not consider their pilgrimage to be complete without doing this.
Uzza was the greatest idol of the Quraish, which was built near Nakhlah. They had created an altar for it where they would offer their sacrifices. They would name their people after her and would swear by her. Amr bin Luhay, who is considered among Arabs as the founder of idol worship, had so firmly established wrong beliefs about idols in people’s hearts that they were very afraid of the idols and greatly revered them, as I mentioned before. They thought, God forbid, that Allah the Almighty would spend different seasons with each of these idols. These concepts developed the honour of the goddess Uzza within people to such a degree that just as they brought gifts and offerings to the Ka’bah, they would bring the same to Uzza. This is the same idol whose name Abu Sufyan invoked, celebrating victory during the Battle of Uhud when he said:
“We have Uzza and you have no Uzza.”
Thus, the Arabs revered these three idols, while Uzza was special to the Quraish, Lat was special to the Banu Thaqif, and Manat was special to the Aus and Khazraj.
According to the concept of the Arabs, these three idols were females, or goddesses.
(Al-Lu’ Lu’ Al-Maknun Sirat Encyclopaedia, Vol. 9, Dar-ul-Islam, pp. 202-203 and 207; Al-Lu’ Lu’ Al-Maknun Sirat Encyclopaedia, Vol. 1, Dar-ul-Islam, p. 346; Tasavvurat-eArab Qabal Az Islam, Ubaidullah Qudsi, pp. 52-55; Ibn Hisham, Dar Al-Kotob AlIlmiyah, Beirut, p. 77; Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jihad, Hadith 3039)
Whilst mentioning these three, the Holy Quran states:
“Now tell me about Lat and ‘Uzza, And Manat, the third one, another goddess! ‘What! for you the males and for Him the females!’ That indeed is an unfair division. ‘These are but names which you have named – you and your fathers – for which Allah has sent down no authority.’ They follow naught but conjecture and what their souls desire, while there has already come to them guidance from their Lord (yet they still do not understand).” (The Holy Quran, 53:2024)
As was mentioned before, immediately after the Conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa instructed that the idol houses be demolished in order to eliminate the false fear and reverence that people had developed for them. This wise decision would prove to be blessed, because with the destruction of these idols, the false fear and awe that people had for them was eliminated and people came to believe that only the concept of the One God is true as presented by the Holy Prophetsa
I will present a few incidents in the future, insha-Allah, of how these idols were destroyed and how these places were demolished, the reaction to it all and whether or not there was any opposition.
After the Friday prayer, I will also lead two funeral prayers in absentia. One is of respected Chaudhary Abdul Ghafoor Sahib, son of Chaudhary Ghulam Qadir Sahib of Jamshoro, Hyderabad. He recently passed away at the age of 92.
[“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]
He hailed from a family of landowners. In the early 1900s, he moved from Bagodakot to Kot Ahmadiyya. Out of love for the Jamaat and Khilafat, his father sent him to Qadian in 1942 to obtain higher religious and secular education. Chaudhary Sahib studied there until the migration to Pakistan and benefited from the company of the elders and Companions. After coming to Pakistan, Chaudhary Ghafoor Sahib completed his education in Chiniot and Rabwah. Later, he obtained his mechanical engineering degree from Karachi.
He retired in 1993, after which he dedicated his life to the service of the faith. He had the opportunity to serve on a project in Uganda for two years.
He was a brave son of Ahmadiyyat. He had a big heart when it came to serving humanity. He would try to help those in financial need without any discrimination. He was at the forefront of offering financial sacrifices. He served as Qaid Ilaqa and rendered great services under Ansarullah. He served for a long time as Secretary Umure-Aama for Hyderabad. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appointed him as the Regional Amir of Nawab Shah and Naushahro Feroze, a responsibility which he undertook with great effort.
The deceased was a musi. He is survived by three sons and five daughters.
One of his daughters, Humairah Sahiba, says that he used to call serving humanity his bank balance and considered it a sure way to attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. The needs of many Ahmadis and non-
Ahmadis alike were fulfilled through him. Without discrimination, he tended to the financial needs of travellers, the sick and the destitute and would give them large sums. His passion for offering financial sacrifices for the Jamaat was prominent. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh announced a financial appeal for celebrating the centenary jubilee, he hearkened immediately and sold his home in Rabwah the very next day and gave the entire amount towards this appeal.
In 1966, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh visited Sindh after becoming the Khalifa, he also visited his home in Kot Ahmadiyya, Hyderabad. When the Qasr-eKhilafat was being built in Rabwah in 1981, he was being considered to be sent by the government for a project in Africa, and this was a very good opportunity for him. When he went to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in order to consult him, he instructed him not to go there and instead to oversee the laying of the roof and other things for the Qasr-e-Khilafat he was having built. Hence, the very next day, he tended to this work and stayed there. However, Allah the Almighty also rewarded him. Afterwards, when he returned upon the completion of his leave, he received the same contract from the government. He would say that this happened solely due to the blessings of Khilafat.
He had a close connection with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, who would also visit his home. Similarly, when I was in Pakistan, I also had the opportunity to visit his home and stay there as well. He was very hospitable. In fact, once I had to travel to Sindh at night, at a time when the conditions were not very good. He said that he would take me. There was a torrential downpour of rain, and the streets were flooded; however, he took me and we reached our destination at night. I told him that he should spend the night there and return in the morning and that he should not go alone. However, he insisted and got back in his car and set out to return that same night. He was very courageous and brave.
His services for those [Ahmadis] imprisoned in the cause of Allah were truly commendable. He would personally visit prisons, liaise with the authorities, and make arrangements to ensure the prisoners were provided necessary facilities. His heart was filled with an extraordinary passion for serving humanity. He was deeply considerate towards his close relatives, and his daughter says that he rendered great service to the poor and the needy.
He harboured profound love for the institution of Khilafat. He was ever-ready to respond to every call of the Khalifa of the time. The subject of Khilafat was a regular feature of his daily conversations. Even his non-Ahmadi acquaintances frequently spoke of his righteousness and acknowledged the positive and virtuous impact he had on them.
He had an extensive circle of friends and was widely recognised everywhere as a devoted Ahmadi. He maintained cordial relations with many senior government officials and prominent political families of Sindh. He would often present them with the Holy Quran published by the Jamaat and openly introduce them to the teachings
of the Jamaat. Whenever possible, he would also take them to Rabwah.
May Allah the Almighty grant him forgiveness and mercy and enable his children to continue his virtuous deeds.
The second mention is of respected Muhammad Ali Sahib of Chak 275, Kartarpur, Faisalabad, who recently passed away at the age of seventy.
[“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]
By the grace of Allah, he was a musi. He is survived by three sons and five daughters. One of his sons is a missionary serving in Lusaka, Zambia, who could not attend the funeral due to his participation in the Jalsa Salana UK here.
[His son] Tahir Ahmad Saifi Sahib, who is a missionary, states that Ahmadiyyat entered his father’s family during the early days of the Second Khilafah, when his grandfather, Musa Sahib, accepted Ahmadiyyat and joined the Jamaat.
The deceased was regular in his prayers and fasting, and regularly offered Tahajjud He had a cheerful and kind-hearted nature, was soft-spoken, sociable, and deeply devoted to the service of humanity. He always treated others with warmth and respect and was an extremely pious and sincere individual. He possessed a profound love for Khilafat. For every matter, he would write to the Khalifah of the time requesting prayers.
He quietly yet earnestly participated in Jama’at and religious activities and would contribute financially to the best of his ability. When MTA was launched, he did not own a television set. However, as soon as MTA began broadcasting, he immediately bought one so he could listen to the voice of the Khalifa live.
His son says, “I cannot recall a single call or appeal made by the Khalifa that my father did not wholeheartedly respond to.”
He treated non-Ahmadis with kindness and compassion. While working in a factory, he helped many non-Ahmadis secure employment there. However, as is sometimes the case, a few of those individuals lacked the decency to appreciate this kindness. Influenced by others, they filed complaints against him and pressured the management to have him dismissed. He was eventually removed from his position.
Despite this injustice, he remained silent and made no commotion. Instead, he presented his matter before Allah in prayer. Sometime later, the factory owner called him back and reinstated him to the very same position. However, he continued to treat even those who had wronged him with kindness, and he continued to assist them in their work.
It is said that it was this exemplary moral conduct – rather than verbal preaching –that inspired eight individuals in the city of Faisalabad to accept Ahmadiyyat.
May Allah the Almighty grant him forgiveness and mercy and enable his children to continue his righteous deeds.
(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 29 August 2025, pp. 2-6. Translated by The Review of Religions.)