Al Hakam - 01 June 2018

The Promised Messiahas on Ramadan Part III Huzoor'sas fiqh-related verdicts on issues of Ramadan

100 Years Ago...

Report of debate between Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Rasul Rajekira and Maulvi Sanaullah Amritsari (1 June 1918)

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Khilafat Day Celebrated by MKA Pakistan

Quran Exhibition in Aachen

Jalsa for Khilafat Day at Ewan-eMahmud, Rabwah

Five-day exhibition in Aachen, under the auspices of Tabligh Department AMJ Germany Page 4

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 1 June 2018 | Issue XI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Hazrat Sahl bin Sa‘dra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “In Paradise there is a gate which is called Rayyan through which only the people who fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter along with them. It will be proclaimed: ‘Where are the people who fast that they should be admitted into it?’ And when the last of them will enter, it will be closed and no one will enter it.”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Siyam)

Humanity First in Ramadan (and always) UKhalifatul Masih , the date of this nder the guidance of Hazrat aa

year’s International Ramadan Appeal Telethon was set at Saturday 26 May 2018.

The telethon consisted of a series of programmes by Humanity First in Pakistan, Ghana, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and the United States as part of the Ramadan campaign.

This was the third time that Humanity First held a telethon in multiple countries on the same day.

On the day, the first to broadcast was Humanity First Pakistan. The broadcast ran for just over seven hours from MTA studios in Pakistan as well as on YouTube, and donors could give towards the following projects: Gift of Sight, Water for Life, Maternity Camps run by the Global Health programme and the Chohra schools in Tharparkar run by the Knowledge for Life programme.

The next country to broadcast was Humanity First UK. The UK event took place in Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh and was broadcast live via channel 194 on Sky, as well as being streamed live on YouTube.

A set had been created on which the bulk of the programme was presented.

The hall also contained two call centres, one manned by Khuddam and the other by Lajna Imaillah.

There was also a Finance Desk where donors could personally make donations and promises. Numerous

displays showcasing various projects supported by Humanity First as well Continued on page 3

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Salat Purifies the Spirit and Fasts Illuminate the Heart

َ َ ُ ‫ان الَّذي أُنز َل فيه ال ْ ُق ْر‬ ‫آن‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ َ ‫ش ْهرُ َر َمض‬

because one who observes the fast has frequent This verse indicates the greatness of the month experience of visions in this month. The Salat of Ramadan. The Sufis have recorded that this purifies the spirit and the fast illumines the heart. is a good month for illumination of the heart The purification of the spirit means that one may

be delivered from passions of the self that incite to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be opened so that one may be able to behold God. Malfuzat, Vol. IV, pp. 256–257

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Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

From the Archives

Fighting the Flood, 1954 hile rain is seen as a great blessing by those who go through the scorching W heat of summer in India and Pakistan, it

Humanity First Chohra School, Pakistan | HF Continued from page 1

as a Large LED screen which showed the fundraising status as well as other imagery were put in place.

The projects supported by the UK campaign included Water for Life, Knowledge for Life, Global Health as well as a new initiative launched by our beloved Huzooraa, namely the Institute of Special Education, Rabwah – a new school for children with disabilities.

During the broadcast there was also a transmission from Humanity First Bangladesh to give an update on the work carried out as part of the Rohingya Appeal of 2017.

Alongside the UK broadcast were broadcasts from HF France and HF Ghana. The French broadcast was run from the main MTA Studios in Baitul Futuh, London and lasted 2 hours,

while the Ghanaian broadcast ran from the new Wahab Adam Studios in Ghana and was transmitted as part of the UK broadcast. This was the first time that an African country had organised a telethon.

The last country to broadcast from Europe was HF Germany. Their broadcast ran for 5 hours between 3pm and 5pm (CET) and like the other broadcasts, was also transmitted via YouTube.

HF Canada and HF USA also held separate broadcasts lasting 6 and 5 hours respectively. Humanity First Canada donors raised money to go towards programmes such as Orphan Care, Disaster Relief, Refugee resettlement and Food Bank.

Humanity First USA raised an incredible total from their 5-hour broadcast, with donations going towards programmes such as Food Security, Knowledge for Life as well as the new Nasir Hospital in Guatemala.

In total, the Humanity First International telethons have thus far raised just under $3.3 million.

The Ramadan campaign still has 20 days to go.

If readers would like to view any of the broadcasts, the recordings are available at https:// humanityfirst.org/ globaltelethon/ Readers can also continue to donate to the appeal by clicking the “Donate” link on the top right-hand corner of the same page.

can, on occasions, turn into a challenge for day-to-day life.

If rainfall exceeds a certain limit, the whole infrastructure of the affected region not only comes to a standstill but can be left devastated. Casualties and fatalities create an even more horrific situation.

Although such situations are not rare in Pakistan, we go back in the annals of history to see how Ahmadis have always been at the forefront of serving humanity, despite being treated in the most inhumane way in countries like Pakistan.

September 1954 brought with it rainstorms in the Punjab Province of Pakistan that left the whole Province paralysed. The whole province of Punjab, known as the “Granary of Pakistan”, drowned not only in flood water but also in a situation of social chaos by the loss of life and property. The province was declared a “calamity area” by the authorities on 25 September 1954 as rain-swollen rivers threatened the worst floods in the history of the region. The death toll by that day had already hit 50 but weather forecasters had warned of much worse rainstorms and much worse consequences. The forecast proved right with a sharp rise in casualties and temporary houses and refugee huts being wiped off in thousands.

The army was called in to assist the civil authorities in strengthening the embankments of the four Punjab rivers – the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej – that had surged above danger levels.

This flood was of such a grandscale that newspapers all over the world reported on it regularly. Taking you to the corners of the earth, we present here an excerpt from The Advocate – a Tasmanian newspaper. Reporting on the atrocities, The Advocate mentions that “thousands have already evacuated low-lying areas around Lahore and volunteers are fighting desperately to save wheat storage depots near Lahore, where the rising Ravi River has threatened the precious wheat supply.”

Now let’s have a look at who those volunteers were – risking their lives to save others. A great majority of this volunteer force comprised of Ahmadi youth from various parts of Punjab, mainly from the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya of Lahore.

The then Qaid of MKA Lahore, Muhammad Saeed Ahmad Sahib, organised a relief scheme combining the Khuddam of Lahore and the ones that had travelled from elsewhere to volunteer for.

Funds were raised for the relief effort by a great number of Ahmadis in Pakistan with a special, personal donation of fivehundred rupees by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. The instruction sent to MKA Lahore from the Markaz was: “As the Khuddam are aware, Punjab is struck by horrific floods. Khuddam should be ready to make every sacrifice

and provide all sorts of aids to their neighbours. Saving lives should be the first priority. Services should be offered to the local authorities. Doctors and paramedics should come forward to provide first aid while others should contribute through donations and offering shelter in their own homes; this is the time to offer sacrifices and it would be unfortunate to be stay behind”. (Al Fazl, 1 October 1954, Letter from Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Markazia) The Khuddam, ready as always, offered all sorts of sacrifices to relieve the calamity-stricken families and individuals.

Groups were formed and allocated various responsibilities; visiting hospitals, providing foods to families in affected areas, assisting the civil authorities in strengthening embankments and, above all, rescuing those stuck in the danger zones.

Ahmadi doctors and paramedics continuously visited those who were unable to make it to hospitals, providing first aid, medicines and finding ways to get them to hospitals for further treatment.

These services, highly commended by the Relief Commissioner of Punjab and other government bodies, continued for a period of a few months up to the time when the situation had come under control and had returned to normal.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, addressing the MKA Ijtema in 1954, commended these humanitarian services in the following words: “The services rendered by Ahmadis of Lahore [during the recent calamity] was tremendous … Ahmadis from other parts of the country also contributed but Lahore has attained a high standard”.

Addressing the Jalsa Salana Rabwah on 27 December 1954, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said, “The way you served humanity in Lahore has left everyone – Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis – spellbound.”

Huzoorra commended the services again in his speech to the Jalsa Salana the next day on 28 December 1954: “It is without doubt that the Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya of Lahore had breathed a new life in the Jamaat of Lahore, and the credit for this goes to their Qaid, Muhammad Saeed Ahmad Sahib and four or five of his associates. Not only did Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya render a great service for humanity but also contributed in making the Jamaat known to the general public. I commend the work of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Lahore and hope that all Majalis will endeavour to exceed one another.”

By the sheer Grace of Allah, Jamaate-Ahmadiyya, under the leadership of Khilafat, has excelled in humanitarian services in not only Pakistan but all parts of the world. Humanity First’s telethon over the weekend is one aspect of these services.

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Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

The Promised Messiahas on Ramadan Part III Below, we present the third part of fiqh-related views of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Hakam and ‘Adl (Judge and Arbiter of this day) concerning many aspects of Ramadan and how it should be practiced best. These have been taken from Fiqhul-Masih (Urdu) on the chapter of Ramadan.

Fasting while on a journey but temporarily settling somewhere Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra says: “A question has been asked about the Promised Messiahas, giving an edict about the observance of a fast by a sick person or a traveler and that a verdict of disobedience be put upon them, while at the same time, an announcement on my behalf has been published in Al Fazl saying that those Ahmadis who journey here for Jalsa Salana can observe fasts, however if somebody does not fast, there is no harm in it.

“First of all, I wish to clarify that no edict of mine regarding this issue has been published in Al Fazl, though an edict of the Promised Messiahas was published which was narrated by me.

“The fact of the matter is that in the early days of my Khilafat, I used to forbid fasting on journeys because I had witnessed the Promised Messiahas not permitting travelers to observe fasts.

“Once I observed that Mirza Yaqub Baig Sahib happened to come in Ramadan while fasting. As soon as he arrived around Asr prayer time, the Promised Messiahas made him break his fast, saying that keeping a fast while on a journey is forbidden. This gave rise to an extended discussion and debate, which led Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira to think that someone could falter. Thus, the very next day, he presented a quote of Ibn-e-Arabi carrying the same explanation [as was presented by the Promised Messiahas].

“As a result of this incident, I used to forbid people from fasting on a journey. By chance, it so happened that Maulvi Abdullah Sahib Sanori once came to spend Ramadan here [in Qadian]. He said to me, ‘I have heard that you forbid the visitors not to observe fasts, while

I know of an occasion when a person came to Qadian and asked the Promised Messiahas “Should I observe the fasts while staying here?” to which the Promised Messiahas replied “Yes, you may observe the fasts because Qadian is like a second home to Ahmadis.”’ Although the late Maulvi Abdullah Sahibra was a very close companion of the Promised Messiahas, I did not merely rely on his testimony. I sought the testimonies of others and realised that the Promised Messiahas permitted [Ahmadis] to fast while they resided in Qadian, though he did not permit them to keep fasts on the day of arrival and departure. For this reason, I had to abandon my previously held stance.

“When Jalsa Salana was due in Ramadan and the question arose of whether or not the visitors should fast during the days of Jalsa, an individual reported that in the time of the Promised Messiahas, when the Jalsa was held during Ramadan, they personally served sehri [breakfast] to the guests. In the given circumstances, on the basis of the edict given by the Promised Messiahas, I have permitted the visitors of Jalsa to observe fasts. Previous scholars even permitted observing fasts on journeys, and non-Ahmadi maulvis of today do not consider modern-day travels worthy of being called a journey.

Nonetheless, the Promised Messiahas forbade observing fasts during journeys, however he himself has permitted to observe fasts while staying in Qadian. Thus, it is improper to consider one of his edicts and abandon the other.” (Al Fazl, 4 January 1934, pp. 3-4) (There is a narration in Sirat-ul-Mahdi about the above-mentioned edict.)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra states that the wife of the late Dr Khalifa Rashiduddin Sahib, through Lajna Imaillah Qadian, narrated in writing: “It was the year 1903 when I and the late Doctor Sahib arrived at Qadian from Roorkee for four days. The Promised Messiahas asked us ‘Were you observing fasts while on the journey?’ We replied in the negative. Huzooras provided us the room painted in pink. Doctor Sahib said that we would fast the following day. Huzooras replied, ‘Very well! But you are on a journey.’ Doctor Sahib said that we would be staying for a few days and that it was our deep desire to fast there. Huzooras replied ‘Alright. I will arrange Kashmiri parathas [fried bread] for you.’ We began wondering how the parathas would be. The time for sehri came; we had offered the Tahajjud prayer and found the Promised Messiahas himself in our room (situated in the basement) with food in his hands.

Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib Sialkotira used to live on the third floor of the house. His eldest wife, Karim Bibi Sahiba, who was known as Mualviani, belonged to

Quran Exhibition in Aachen Tabligh Department, Germany

five-day exhibition in Aachen, under the auspices of Tabligh Department AMJ Germany, AAachen was concluded with a turnout of more than 3,500 visitors from different walks of life. is situated directly on the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. It is Ger-

many’s most westerly city, with a population of 250,000. More than 50,000 students attend Aachen’s four major colleges and universities, including the most famous Rhineland-Westphalian Technical University – RWTH. The venue of the event was the main square of Aachen city. The public appreciated this introduction of a peaceful Islam, in the midst of the worldwide curiosity about Muslims.

A local police officer visited this event as part of his duty, but after having a detailed look into the material and message of the exhibition, he said: “Although the general opinion is not favourable for the Islam exhibition and such events, I am confident that this will prove an ice-breaking event for the public opinion of our city.

Kashmir. She used to make excellent parathas and Huzooras had them prepared for us by her. As soon as they were prepared, Huzooras would himself serve us with freshly cooked parathas, saying ‘Enjoy your meal.’ I felt very humbled and Doctor Sahib also felt the same, however the influence of Huzoor’sas kindness and hospitality gave us euphoric delight. In the meantime, the call for prayer was made but Huzooras said ‘There is still time to eat,’ clarifying that ‘Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

ْ ُ​ُ َْ َ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ ّٰ ‫کلوْا َواش َربُوْا َحتی یَ َت َبی َن لَک ُم ال ْخ َ ْيط الْا ْب َيض ِم َن الخ ْي ِط الْا ْسوَ ِد ِم َن‬ ْ ِ‫الفجر‬

[Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of dawn. (Ch.2: V.188)] But mostly people do not act upon this. You may eat, there is still enough time. The call for prayer has been made early.’ Huzooras stood close as we kept on eating.

Doctor Sahib would repeatedly request Huzooras to have a seat saying, ‘I will myself collect the parathas from the maid or my wife will.’ But Huzooras refused to sit and kept on showing great hospitality. The meal consisted of delicious curry and sawaiyan [sweet noodles] as well.”

(Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, pp. 202-203) Hazrat Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah Sahibra states that the Promised Messiahas said about fasting: “If somebody stays somewhere for more than three days, they may fast but they may not do so if they are staying for less than three days. If somebody who is staying for less than three days observes fasts in Qadian, then there is no need to fast again [in compensation].”

(Fatawa Hazrat Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah Sahib, Register no. 5, Dar-ul-Ifta, Rabwah)

Breaking fast upon feeling ill Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra states that Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra told him: “Once, in Ludhiana, the Promised Messiahas was observing fasts, when suddenly he felt weak and light-headed causing his limbs to turn cold. Although the sun was about to set, he broke his fast immediately.

Huzooras would always adopt the simple approach in the Sharia.”

In this regard, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra said, “Hazrat Ayeshara narrates in a Hadith that if the Holy Prophetsa ever had two lawful ways to choose from, he would choose the easiest of them.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p.637)

Permission of fasting in mild illness Hazrat Munshi Habib-ur-Rehman Sahibra states: “Once I happened to spend the last ashra [ten days] of Ramadan in Qadian. In those days, Huzooras regularly suffered from daytime chills. He used to feel sick, experiencing chills after Zuhr prayer. Therefore, Huzooras would join us in congregational Zuhr prayer but [due to poor health] was unable to join us in the remaining Continued on page 7

Moreover, the literature and material presented in this exhibition would be helpful in promotion of pluralism and peace in public minds.”

Teachers, students, housewives and couples shared equal interest in this event. It attracted and maintained the visitors’ interests AMJ Germany for all five days.

The translations of the Holy Quran in many languages was something of special interest for people from different religious backgrounds and it was equally amazing for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Some students from Muslim countries took pride in the publication of the Holy Quran in so many languages of the world.

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Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM 100 Years Ago...

Report of the Debate in Kartarpur, Second Day Taken from Al Fazl, 4 June 1918

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aulvi Sanaullah [Amritsari] took advantage of the fact that we did not obtain the books of the Promised Messiahas on the first day of the debate, and in doing so attributed a false doctrine to the Promised Messiahas. For this reason, we regretted not having the books of the Promised Messiahas and today, we have ordered many books and files containing newspapers of the Promised Messiahas from Kapurthala, which is 6-7 miles away from Kartarpur. Jamaat Kapurthala did a remarkable job in getting the literature to us.

Nonetheless, Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib did not even address those accusations and arguments, as he knew that we now had the books of the Promised Messiahas to answer from, thus able to reveal his evil plots. Otherwise, we had prepared many references that would have nullified the accusations of Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib.

We could have, thus, proven that the victory of Islam is destined at the hand of the Promised Messiahas, however this Amritsari Maulvi steared clear of those subjects.

First session The convention commenced at 9 o’clock, and instead of Maulvi Sanaullah, Maulvi Nawabuddin approached the podium.

Maulana Ghulam Rasul Sahib [Rajeki]

represented us. The first session of the debate lasted three hours long.

Ahmadiyya arguments As the Ahmadiyya representative, Maulana Ghulam Rasul Sahib proved the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas through verses of the Holy Quran …

Further, he proved Huzoor’sas victory through Huzoor’sas very own revelations.

Maulvi Nawabuddin’s response How could Maulvi Sahib answer Quranic arguments? So instead, he stood up and began reading from Maulvi Sanaullah’s journals Aqaid-e-Mirza and Chistan-eMirza, from beginning to end, thereby consuming his allotted time reading these journals aloud.

Readers will be aware that a written response to Chistan-e-Mirza was published quite some time ago, and Aqaid-e-Mirza is a recent publication which is based on nothing but fabrications. I do not feel the need to document each and every argument raised therein, as our readers are well-acquainted with most of them.

Some, however, I shall present below …

Maulvi Sanaullah alleged: “I have a following of 150,000. 1,400 of them possess bachelor’s degrees, while 1,500 to 1,600 have master’s degrees. They are all my servants. I am a Godly saint and even if

Persecution of Ahmadis Debated in House of Commons, UK AMA UK, External Affairs

debate on a motion on the “Persecution of the Ahmadiyya A Muslim Community” was held in the British Parliament on Thursday 24 May in the Main Chamber. The debate was nominated by the Backbench Business Committee and was led by Siobhain McDonagh MP. The objective behind this was to raise awareness and make countries like the United Kingdom realise that such a breach of human rights must be addressed by the nations that are otherwise ready to intervene in such situations.

The information made available for the parliamentarians by the House of Commons was as follows: Ahmadiyya is a religious sect that originated in India in the 19th century.

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder, claimed to be the Mahdi, the Muslim equivalent of the Messiah. The movement

of his followers grew to several million people, and is now represented in many countries, particularly in South Asia, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Tanzania and Indonesia. Several countries have blasphemy laws that discriminate against Ahmadis; some of these laws have been described as a legacy of Empire.

Pakistan The world’s largest Ahmadi community is in Pakistan, with about 4 million adherents. The Pakistani constitution singles out Ahmadis, declaring that they are not Muslims, and the Penal Code bans them from describing themselves as such. According to Amnesty International, a general crackdown on freedom of expression is intensifying in Pakistan and the mood of hostility against Ahmadis has led to scenes such as those in May 2018, when neighbouring villagers destroyed the houses of 23 Ahmadis, who had to be

a person who sweeps my shoes rises up, no Ahmadi bears the strength to overpower them.”

The Ahmadi response: Maulvi Ghulam Rasul Sahib stated that to make such fabricated bold claims could not prove the truthfulness of anybody. “If you are indeed truthful, then surely you should be able to tell us where those people are who possess bachelor’s degrees. Otherwise, of course we will consider you a liar. And as far as your claim is concerned, that a person who sweeps your shoes is no match for any Ahmadi in argumentation, then we will have to see…”

Allegation: “Mirza Sahib[as] said that he was appointed as a prophet at the end of 1300 AH, but then in another place he states that he was appointed as a prophet in 1290 AH. Here, there is a difference of ten years. In another place he states that he was bestowed the honour of Divine discourse in 1275 AH, thereby creating a difference of 25 years. This is something that our minds cannot fathom.”

The Ahmadi response: “Maulvi Sahib, what a wonderful example of a discrepancy you have picked! But will you be so quick to reject the Quran on the basis of such a discrepancy. God states,

ًَ ْ َ ُْ َ ْ َ ْٰ َ ٰ ‫و ِا ذ وعدنا مو‬ ‫سی ا ْربَ ِعی َن ل َ ْيلة‬

[And remember the time when We made Moses a promise of forty nights. (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.52)] whereas in another place, He states,

ًَ ْ َ ُْ َْ َ َ​َ ٰ ‫وواعدنا مو‬ ‫سی ثلَا ِثی َن ل َ ْيلة‬

[And We made Moses a promise of thirty nights (Surah Al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.143)]

evacuated to another town.

Violent jihadi groups such as Laskhare-Jhangvi are accused of targeted assassinations of Ahmadis in Pakistan.

The worst attack to date was in 2010, when 86 worshippers were killed during an assault on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore.

Algeria In December 2017, 50 Ahmadis were tried on charges related to their religion.

Sentences ranged from fines to five years in prison.

Indonesia Members of the large Ahmadi community in Indonesia have found it difficult to get identity documents because the documents must show an authorised religion and Ahmadiyya is not one of them. There have been killings of Ahmadis by Islamic militants.

UK In 2016 a man killed an Ahmadi shopkeeper from Glasgow for, the killer claimed, “disrespecting Islam”. He was jailed for murder. (source www.parliament.uk)

Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Rasul Rajekira

“Here, there is a difference of 10 days.

Now, will you discard the Quran?

“The fact is that the difference is not of 25 years. In one place the Promised Messiahas refers to his prophethood, whereas in the other, he refers to the time when he began sharing words with his Lord. The year he was given prophethood was 1300 AH and he began receiving Divine revelations 25 years prior. Hence, there is no discrepancy.”

Allegation: “Mirza Sahib[as] writes that he saw God flicking ink from a pen and the drops of ink from the pen fell on Mirza Sahib[as].”

The Ahmadi response: “The Holy Prophetsa also saw God, and that too in the embodiment of a young man whose hair fell to his neck. This tradition is narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari. If anyone should have any objection in seeing the Almighty, Continued on page 6

Siobhain McDonagh MP opened the debate at 12:43pm by describing the backdrop against which this debate was being held and also highlighting the fact that “the House has a duty and a responsibility to address”.

Of the many Members of Parliament present, many chose to participate in the discussion and contributed to it by commending the great works carried out by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, not only in their constituencies but all around the world. Those that contributed included Kate Green MP for Stretford and Urmston), Henry Smith MP for Crawley, Nic Dakin MP for Scunthorpe, Seema Malhotra MP for Feltham and Heston, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP for Slough, Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Mr Paul Sweeney MP for Glasgow North East, Hugh Gaffney MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill

To read the transcript of the debate in full, visit hansard.parliament.uk and search Ahmadiyya.

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Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Khilafat Day Celebrated by MKA Pakistan

Usman Malik, MKA Pakistan

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ajlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya Pakistan organised a Jalsa for Khilafat Day at Ewan-e-Mahmud, Rabwah.

It was presided by Syed Qasim Ahmad Shah Sahib, Nazir Umur-e-Kharja and Zaraat, and attended by 400 guests.

The Jalsa began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Waqas Bin Raees after which Sadr Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya Pakistan recited the ‘Oath of Allegiance to Khilafat’, which was repeated by all members present at the gathering.

A nazm [Urdu poem] was recited by Haris Mahmood Sahib. It was followed by a documentary consisting the golden memories of His Holiness while he was in Rabwah before Khilafat. After-

wards Malik Sabah-uz-Zafar Sahib shared some extracts from the Diaries of Abid Waheed Khan Sahib consisting of incidents of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at various occasions and then he narrated his personal account of a fifMKA Pakistan teen-month long imprisonment for the cause of Allah and shared the blessings of Khilafat related to his own self and his family during this whole period.

Syed Qasim Ahmad Shah Sahib then delivered his address, in which he shed light on the topic of Khilafat, our re-

Continued form page 5

then it should first be raised against the Holy Prophetsa. As far as the red ink is concerned, that actually happened and the red ink did fall on him. There can be no denying it. Yes, you may obtain its proof from us, should you wish.”

Allegation: “Mirza Sahib[as] claims that he saw God personified as well as in visions and dreams.”

The Ahmadi response: “Perhaps Maulvi Sahib deems personification and visions to be two opposing phenomena.

The fact is, Maulvi Sahib, that personifications occur in visions, and by not knowing this, the allegation occurred to you. Perhaps you would do better if you thought before you spoke.” …

The first session came to a close and the crowds discussed Maulvi Sahib’s embarrassing ignorance among themselves, so much so that when they reached home, the chairman of the congregation said, “Today, had anyone asked me the outcome [of the debate] I would have said that Maulvi Nawabuddin Sahib lost.” Upon this, Maulvi Nawabuddin replied, “Well, that does not make me a disbeliever!”

Second session Before the debate commenced, participants of the event were told that if they could prove that Jesusas was raised to the heavens in bodily form, then the organisers would reject the claim of Hazrat Mirza Sahibas as the Promised Messiah and would accept that the same Jesusas was due to appear. However, if the Ahmadis were able to prove that Jesusas had passed away, then it would be accepted that Hazrat Mirza Sahib’sas claim was truthful.

MKA Pakistan

sponsibilities to it and shared some of the pre-Khilafat incidents from the life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa as he has the honour of being a relative, childhood friend and university fellow of Huzooraa.

Maulvi Sanaullah’s answer Maulvi Sanaullah said to Miyan Muhammad Ismail Sahib Ahmadi, “If you wish to understand the reality about the ‘Death of Jesus’, then come with me and I shall explain this matter in private. This debate is unnecessary.”

Upon this, the response from our [the Ahmadiyya] side was, “Whatever you wish to explain in private, explain it here in front of everybody so that everyone can benefit from it. We will give you the proof of his death so that the issue is settled once and for all.” Maulvi [Sanaullah] Sahib evaded the opportunity with excuses.

Proof of the Messiah’s death At that moment, Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Rasul Sahib presented a lecture on the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas and briefly expounded on the death of Jesusas in such a great manner that Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib was not given an opportunity to even whimper.

Maulvi Sahib paid no attention to those arguments, even though he was directly questioned on them and was summoned to present a response. However, Maulvi Sahib avoided coming to those points.

MKA Pakistan

Maulvi Sanaullah’s speech

As opposed to using the Quran, Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib succumbed to the prophecy pertaining to the nikah [marriage] with Muhammadi Begum instead. (As readers are aware of the sort of allegations Maulvi Sanaullah raises at this prophecy, it would be unfitting, and a means of prolonging this report, to mention each and every allegation.

However, we shall present the core arguments.)

Maulvi Ghulam Rasul Sahib established the argument through the Quran that God reserves the right to abrogate or alter His signs, as He stated:

َ َ ‫َو ِا َذابَ َّدل ْ َنا آیَ ٍة َّمک‬ ‫ان آیَ ٍة‬

[And when We bring one sign in place of another … (Surah Al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.102)] and,

ْ َْ ‫َما نن َسخ ِم ْن آیَ ٍة‬

[Whatever Sign We abrogate … (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.107)] and … the life of anything is in the Hand of God. As He states Himself,

ْ ُ َ َ َ ُ ّٰ ُ ْ َ ‫اء َو یُث ِب ُت‬ ‫یمحو ا اللہ ما یش‬

[Allah effaces what He wills, and establishes what He wills. (Sural Al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.40)] Thus, if any abrogation or alteration is witnessed in a sign of God, then no objection can be raised against the truthfulness of the one who received the revelation. A prophecy containing a warning is more suitable to be altered or abrogated, as was the prophecy vouchsafed to Jonahas concerning a punishment that would appear within forty days on his nation. That punishment was avoided as a result of their repentance and it is God’s promise,

ّ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ْ ‫وما ک‬ ‫ان الل ُہ ُم َع ِذبَ ُه ْم َو ُه ْم یَ ْس َتغ ِف ُر ْو َن‬

[And Allah would not punish them while they sought forgiveness (Surah Al-Anfal, Ch.8 : V.34)] Thus, according to the prophecy of Ahmad Baig’s demise, his son-in-law and the rest of his family witnessed the truth of the prophecy, which ultimately made them fearful and led them to repent and seek forgiveness from God. They wrote letters to the Promised Messiahas and that is why he [Ahmad Baig’s son-in-law] avoided death and Muhammadi Begum’s nikah was also abrogated.

In response, Sanaullah cited the verse,

َّ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ َ ّٰ َ ْ َ ‫اس‬ ‫الن‬ ِ ‫الل ْہ َو ُع َده ول ٰـ ِکن أ كثر‬ َ ‫وعد الل ِہ ۖ لا یخ ِلف‬ ‫لَا يعلمون‬

[Allah has made this promise. Allah breaks not His promise, but most men know not. (Surah Al-Rum, Ch.30: V.7)] showing his resolute belief that God never alters His promise. This is the summary of Maulvi Sahib’s argument. Readers can decide for themselves what the outcome was.

Wassalam Umaruddin Ahmadi City of Jalandhar (Al Fazl, 4 June 1918)

7

Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM Continued form page 4

prayers. He would sit before the Zuhr prayer, waiting for worshippers. I was in a habit of reaching the place where Huzooras used to sit and not once did I miss the chance of being near him. I remember that once, I was late but by Allah’s grace, I reached near him. When Huzooras used to come for Zuhr prayer I would ask him about his health and he would reply ‘I am feeling cold’ and would sometimes say ‘You should say your prayer; I am feeling quite cold.’ Although he felt sick, he regularly observed fasts.

Once, I said to Huzooras, ‘You have been suffering from a fever for quite a while, (would it not be good) if you could break your fast (at the time of fever)?’ to which Huzooras replied, ‘I do not feel any discomfort due to observing fasts, in fact it relieves me of distress, plus I do not feel hunger or thirst, though at nights I experience considerable pain and that is why I fast.’ When the fever would finally cease in the morning, Huzooras would go for a walk.”(Ashab-e-Ahmad, Vol. 10, pp. 397-398)

Practice of the Promised Messiahas on fasting in illness Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was asked that as the Promised Messiahas suffered from poor health, whether he would observe fasts? Huzoorra replied: “Hazrat Sahibas used to observe fasts with full enthusiasm. However, due to extreme frailty towards the end of his life and because his illness only increased with the passage of time, he did not observe fasts in the last three years of his life, i.e. 5, 6 and 7 (years 1905, 1906 and 1907 respectively).” (Al Fazl, 12 June 1922, p. 7) Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra states that his mother, Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara told him: “In the year when the Promised Messiahas started experiencing episodes of fever, he did not observe fasts and offered fidya [the money given to provide food for the less-fortunate, in compensation for a fast]. In Ramadan the following year, he started observing fasts but yet again, he experienced episodes of fever after having fasted eight or nine days. Thus, he left the remaining fasts and offered fidya. Then the following year in Ramadan, he observed ten or eleven fasts when he had to abandon fasting and offered fidya. In the next Ramadan, it was his thirteenth fast when, at around Maghrib prayer, he experienced an episode of fever, which made him break his fast, abandon the remaining fasts and offer fidya. Thereafter, he continuously observed fasts in the Ramadans of the following years. In the last two or three years of his life, as he was weak, he did not observe fasts and therefore offered fidya.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra enquired from his

mother, “After abandoning fasts in the early days due to the episodes of fever, did Huzooras ever observe fasts in place of the fasts he had missed. My mother replied ‘No, Huzooras just offered fidya.’”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra said, “I would like to state that the early days of experiencing episodes of migraine and chills rendered him relatively weak and his health deteriorated. Thus, when he used to abandon fasts, it appeared that he did not find the strength to be able to fast till the next month of Ramadan. Thus, in the next month of Ramadan, the overwhelming desire for worship would again make him observe fasts, but again he would have to abandon fasts after experiencing the episodes of fever, offering fidya for the remaining fasts.

Allah knows best.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Part I, p.59)

Traveler and ill person should offer fidya The Promised Messiahas says: “Allah the Almighty has founded the Sharia on convenience. The traveler and the sick who can afford so, instead of observing fasts should offer fidya, i.e. providing a meal to an underprivileged person.” (Badr, 7 October 1907, p. 7)

What is the objective of offering fidya?

The Promised Messiahas says: “Once I had an intuition about the philosophy behind fidya and observed that the main objective behind it is to attain the means whereby one can observe fasts. Allah the Almighty provides all the abilities and one should ask Him for everything. Allah is the All-Powerful and if He Wills, He can grant the strength needed for fasting to a feeble person. So, fidya provides one with the strength to observe fasts and it can only be delivered by the grace of Allah the Almighty. Thus, I believe that one should pray to Allah, asking for strength, ‘O Lord! This is your blessed month and I am being deprived of its blessings. I do not know if I will live to see the next year’s Ramadan or if I may find the opportunity to compensate and observe the missing fasts.’ I am certain that Allah the Exalted would bless such a person the strength to observe fasts.”

(Al Badr, 12 December 1902, p. 52)

Fidya in lieu of the fast Hazrat Musleh Maudra states: “Fidya does not invalidate the obligation of fasting.

Fidya is for those people who, under a reason permitted by the Sharia, are unable to participate in the blessed days of Ramadan in performing this worship alongside other Muslims. These excuses are of two types: temporary and permanent. Fidya should be given in both these

3 New Units in Ghana Hospital Abdus Samee Khan, Ghana

aboase is a small town in the Western D Region of Ghana, where Jamaat Ahmadiyya established a hospital in 1993. No

other hospital existed in the whole Wassa district then.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, during his tour to Ghana, visited this hospital.

Under the auspices of Majlis Nusrat Jehan, different doctors have been serving in this hospital, and from 2001, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim and his wife Dr Shamaila (gynecologist) are serving in this hospital. Ghana government ranked it a district hospital in 2004.

New and modern facilities have been added in the hospital this year, and for this purpose, an inaugural ceremony was held on 5 May to inaugurate the new building

and its equipment. Amir Jamaat Ghana, Nur Muhammad Bin Saleh Sahib inaugurated the event with an address and prayer.

The new two-storey building was constructed at a short distance from the hospital. The ground floor was constructed by Ghana Jamaat with an amount of 100,000 Ghanaian Cedis whereas its upper floor was funded by Humanity First. A laboratory and doctor’s consultation room is situated on the ground floor whereas the upper floor consists of a conference room, guest house and doctor’s residence.

New facilities which have been provided

by Ghana Jamaat totalling $150,000 include x-ray, colposcopy, endoscopy and ultrasound (a new machine to the already functioning equipment) units.

Among the guests were members of the national amila (Jamaat body), missionaries and government officials from medical

conditions depending on financial means of the person. Although one may offer fidya, but after one, two or three years, whenever the person finds good health, they should observe those missed fasts. The exception is for those who initially suffered temporary ailments and after getting well, intended to observe the fasts every day but their health deteriorated to a state of permanent illness.

Whoever finds financial means and falls in the category of a traveler or sick, should provide an underprivileged person with a meal as fidya and observe the missed fasts on other days. This was the practice of the Promised Messiahas; he used to give fidya, eventually observing fasts too. He used to admonish others about this as well.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 389)

To whom should fidya be given?

A question was asked, “A person who is not physically fit to observe fasts should feed an underprivileged person as compensation, but is it permissible to contribute the expenses of that meal towards the Yatim Fund [for orphans]?

The Promised Messiahas said: “It is one and the same thing, whether one provides a meal to an impoverished person in his own city or devotes the expenses of that meal towards a fund for orphans or the underprivileged.” (Badr, 7 February 1907, p. 4)

Labourer falls under the category of the sick Sometimes Ramadan comes during a season when the workload increases for labourers, like planting, growing or cutting crops. Those who earn their living through such labour do not observe fasts. What is expected of such people?

The Promised Messiahas said: “‘Al-A‘maalu bin-Niyaat’ [Deeds are judged by their motives]. Such people do not usually express fatigue.

One should make a decision with complete taqwa [fear of God] and purity of heart. If replacement labourers can be arranged, then that should be done. Otherwise such people fall under the category of the sick and should complete the fasts when physically possible for them.”

The Promised Messiahas stated about,

َّ َ َ ُ ‫َو َعلی ال ِذیْ َن یُ ِط ْيقوْن ُه‬

[And for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty … (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)] “This points towards those people who do not bear the strength.”

(Badr, 26 September 1907, p. 7) (Translated by Junaid Ahmad Waraich, Pakistan)

department. Officials consisted of Health Service Administrator, Director of Ghana Health Service, Members of Parliament, Regional Minister, and local Chief.

50 beds were donated to the hospital by the officials and they promised to provide skillful doctors as well as to help in various financial difficulties that may arise. After the remarks of respected guests, Ameer Sahib formally inaugurated the building by cutting the ribbon, unveiling the plaque and leading the silent prayer. The guests visited the

building after which lunch was served to all.

Dr Muhammad Ibrahim reported that whereas the hospital earlier had the capacity of 27 beds, now it could accommodate 100 beds. An eye clinic will also commence with the arrival of an eye specialist soon.

AMJ Ghana

Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

8

Friday Sermon

some others as well. However, at first, I thought that I should only speak on those Companions, who participated in the Battle of Badr for they had a special rank. These were the people, with whom Allah the Exalted was pleased, and they attained His pleasure.

Today, I will speak about Hazrat Hamzara bin Abdul Muttalib. A detailed

p.499, Bab Zikru Munaqibul Abbas, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996, Beirut) Hazrat Hamzara was enabled to accept Islam in the sixth nabawi year, during the period of [the stay at] Darul Arqam. (AtTabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) In accordance with historical accounts, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has narrated the incident of Hazrat Hamza’s acceptance of Islam in his own style. I will narrate its summary [before you] as well as present some of its details. A person ought to hear this incident and ponder over the reasons as to why Hazrat Hamzara accepted Islam, and how he was overcome with jealousy for the honour of the Holy Prophetsa at the time when Abu Jahl acted unjustly toward the Prophetsa.

Nevertheless, this incident is narrated as follows: Once, the Holy Prophetsa was sitting on a rock between the hills of Safa and Marwa. He was most certainly pondering over how to establish the unity of God Almighty in the world when, in the meanwhile, Abu Jahl approached

account of him, in particular the way he converted to Islam, has been given in history and in the Ahadith. The same is true for the incident of his martyrdom.

He was known by the title of SayyidushShuhadaa [The Chief of the Martyrs].

Asadullah [The Lion of Allah] and Asadur-Rasul [The Lion of the Prophet] were accolades also given to him.

Hazrat Hamzara was the son of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, the leader of the Quraish and the paternal uncle of the Messenger of Allahsa. The name of the mother of Hazrat Hamzara was Hallah, who was also the paternal cousin of the Prophet’s mother, Hazrat Aminah. Hazrat Hamzara was two years older than the Holy Prophetsa or four years according to another narration. (Isti‘ab, Vol. 1, p.369, Hamza bin Abdil-Muttalib, Darul Jalil, 1992, Beirut), (Usdul Ghaaba, Vol. 2, p.67, Hamza bin Abdil-Muttalib, DarulKutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996, Beirut) Hazrat Hamzara was also a foster brother of the Holy Prophetsa. A bondwoman, named Thaubia, had nursed both of them. (Sharah Zarqani, Vol. 4,

him. As soon as he arrived, he said, “O Muhammadsa! Why do you not refrain from spreading your message?”

Following this statement, Abu Jahl began to verbally abuse the Prophet in a most vile manner. The Holy Prophetsa quietly continued to listen to Abu Jahl’s abuse and tolerated him. He did not utter a single word in reply. After Abu Jahl had finished uttering these words of abuse, this wretched person came forward and slapped the Holy Prophetsa on his face. However, even then, the Prophet did not say a word to him. Hazrat Hamza’s house was right in front of the place where the Holy Prophetsa was sitting and where Abu Jahl had abused him. Hazrat Hamzara had not yet accepted [the Prophetsa] by then. His daily routine was that he would take his bow and arrow and go hunting every morning and return in the evening. Furthermore, he would participate in the gatherings of Quraish.

That day, when Abu Jahl had cursed the Holy Prophetsa and treated him harshly, he was away hunting. However, it so happened that when Abu Jahl was

4.5.18 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Men of Excellence: Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalibra After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba stated: The Promised Messiahas stated at one occasion, “What was the condition of the civility, morals and spirituality of the Arab nation at the time of the advent of Holy Prophetsa? Civil unrest was rampant; drinking, adultery and looting were common. In short, every vice was rife. Nobody had any relation to God Almighty or displayed any moral excellence. Everyone thought themselves to be the pharaoh. However, upon the advent of the Holy Prophetsa, once they entered into the fold of Islam, they developed such Divine love and a spirit of unity that every one of them became ready to die in the way of God Almighty.

They manifested the true essence of bai’at [oath of initiation] which they reflected through their actions.”

The Promised Messiahas further stated, “The Companions of the Holy Prophetsa exhibited such an example of loyalty, which had no parallel before, nor will we see any parallel in the future… However, if God Almighty so desires, He can make this happen once again. Others can derive benefit from their examples. God Almighty can establish such examples in this Community.” The Promised Messiahas is referring to his own Community.

He further stated that, “What beautiful words has God Almighty, uttered in praise of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa:

َ ّٰ َ ‫ال َص َد ُقوۡا َما َع‬ ٌ ‫ِم َن ال ْ ُم ْؤ ِم ِنی ۡ َن رِ َج‬ ۚ ‫اه ُدوا الل َہ َعل ۡي ِه‬ َۡ َ ْ َ َٰ َ ْ َ ‫ف ِمن ُه ۡم ّم ۡن قضی ن ْح َب ٗه َو ِمن ُه ۡم ّم ۡن ّین َت ِظ ُر‬

‘Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with God Almighty. There are some of them who have sacrificed their lives, and some who are still waiting, ever-ready to sacrifice their lives.’ (Chapter 33:24) The Promised Messiahas then states, “There can be no greater role models for us if we were to see all the verses of the Holy Quran in praise of the Companions.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp.431-433, 1985, UK) That is, no other verse depicts the great model of the Companions than the one mentioned. Thus, these examples of righteous deeds and sacrifices are a blessed and excellent example for us all.

For some time, in my sermons, I have been narrating the incidents from the lives of the Companions that included the Badri Companions [those who participated in the Battle of Badr] and

acting in this manner, one of the female servants of Hazrat Hamzara was standing at the door, observing this scene. When Abu Jahl repeatedly attacked the Holy Prophetsa and hurled innumerable curses at him, the Prophet quietly and peacefully tolerated his abuse. The female servant stood at the door and continued to observe this scene. Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra writes that that was undoubtedly a woman and a disbeliever. However, in the older times, whereas the people of Mecca inflicted cruelties upon their slaves, there were also some noble people, who treated their slaves with kindness, and after a long period of time, those slaves were considered a part of that very family. The same was the case for this female slave of Hazrat Hamzara. When she observed this entire scene with her eyes and heard it with her ears, it impacted her greatly. However, she was unable to do anything. She continued to observe and hear, however, she became distressed and was burning with rage from within. When the Holy Prophetsa got up and left that place, she also returned to her work.

When Hazrat Hamzara returned from his hunt that evening and came home, he disembarked from his mount with his bow and arrow in hand, in a manner of demonstrating his courage and pride. Seeing this, the female servant, who had supressed her anger and sorrow for a long time, approached Hazrat Hamzara and passionately said, “Do you have no shame that you walk around acting brave?” Hearing this, Hazrat Hamzara became perplexed and asked her in astonishment what the matter was. The female servant said, “The matter is that your nephew, Muhammadsa, was sitting here when Abu Jahl approached him, and began to attack and hurl abuse at him, and then Abu Jahl slapped him on the face. However, Muhammadsa did not make as much as a sound in response to this and quietly continued to bear this. Abu Jahl continued to curse him until he became tired and then left.

However, I saw that Muhammadsa did not respond to any of his actions. You walk around with great courage and have returned from your hunt with great pride.

Are you not ashamed that your nephew has been treated in this manner in your presence?”

Hazrat Hamzara had not yet accepted Islam. One of the reasons for this was that he was counted among the leaders of Quraish and he was also not willing to accept Islam due to [his] position in the tribe, even though he believed the Prophetsa to be true. However, until that time, Hazrat Hamzara was unprepared to sacrifice his status, honour and prominence for the sake of religion.

Nevertheless, when he heard this incident from his female slave, his eyes became bloodshot and he became indignant for his family’s honour. Hence, without taking a moment of rest, he marched toward the Ka‘ba in that very state of anger. First, he performed a circuit around the Ka‘ba and following this he marched towards

9

Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM the gathering in which Abu Jahl was present.

There, Abu Jahl was narrating the incident with great arrogance, pride and boastfulness. He mentioned that earlier that day he had abused Muhammadsa and treated him in a vile

me.” Having said this, Hazrat Hamzara entered the fold of Islam. (Rasul-i-Karim ki zindagi ke tamaam aham waqiaat…

Anwarul Uloom, Vol. 19, pp. 137-139) In the narrations we find that after Hazrat Hamzara accepted Islam, it strengthened the faith of the Muslims in

that the leading chief of Mecca, Abu Jahl, was present in order to welcome them with an army of three hundred men riding on horses and camels. This was ten times the size of the Muslim expedition.

However, the Muslims had left their homes in compliance with the command

The Promised Messiahas further stated, “The Companions of the Holy Prophetsa exhibited such an example of loyalty, which had no parallel before, nor will we see any parallel in the future… However, if God Almighty so desires, He can make this happen once again. Others can derive benefit from their examples.

God Almighty can establish such examples in this Community.” manner. When Hazrat Hamzara reached this gathering, he forcefully struck his bow against the head of Abu Jahl and said, “You claim to be brave and are telling people that you disgraced Muhammadsa in such manner and that he did not make as much as a sound. Now I will disgrace you. If you have the courage, speak before me.” At that time, Abu Jahl was considered to be a king and he was a chief of [their] nation. He was similar to the pharaoh. When his friends saw this, they passionately got up and tried to attack Hazrat Hamzara. However, Abu Jahl, who had become awestruck due to the Holy Prophetsa quietly tolerating his abuse and due to the bravery and courage of Hazrat Hamzara, intervened and stopped them from attacking Hazrat Hamzara. He said, “Let him be. The fact of the matter is that I committed an injustice and Hamza is in the right.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes in his own manner that when Muhammadsa returned home from the hills of Safa and Marwa, he was repeating in his heart that his duty was not to fight, but to patiently tolerate all abuse. However, God Almighty from His َ ُ َ throne was declaring ‫اف َع ْب ُد ُه‬ ‫ال َ ْي َس‬. In ٍ ‫اللہ ِبک‬ other words, “O Muhammadsa! You are not prepared to fight, however, are We not present in order to overcome the opponents on your behalf?”

Hence, the very same day, God Almighty endowed the Holy Prophetsa with a devoted soul in order to confront Abu Jahl. Furthermore, Hazrat Hamzara professed his belief in the very gathering in which he struck his bow against the head of Abu Jahl. He addressed Abu Jahl and said, “You abuse Muhammadsa merely because he says that he is the Messenger of God and that angels descend upon him. Listen carefully that from today, I also follow the religion of Muhammadsa, and I also profess all that which Muhammadsa professes. If you have the courage and dare, then confront

Mecca. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) In fact, the English historian, Sir William Muir, has also testified to this fact that the objective of the Holy Prophetsa was strengthened by Hazrat Hamzara and Hazrat Umarra entering the fold of Islam.

(The Life of Mohammad, Sir William Muir, Heading – Prophet Insulted, p. 89, 1923) Along with other Muslims, Hazrat Hamzara also migrated to Medina and stayed at the home of Hazrat Kulthumra bin Al-Hidm. In accordance with another narration, he stayed at the home of Hazrat Sa‘dra bin Khaithimah.

Nevertheless, following the migration, the Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Hamzara and Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah. On this very basis, Hazrat Hamzara made a will in the name of Hazrat Zaidra while they were on their way to participate in the Battle of Uhud. (At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) Even after the migration to Medina, the mischief of the disbelievers did not come to an end. Their misconduct towards the Muslims did not cease to exist. For this reason, the Muslims had to remain alert and be vigilant of the movement of the disbelievers. In a narration we find that in order to remain vigilant of the movement and mischief of the Quraish, the Holy Prophetsa was in need of [appointing and sending] expeditions, in which Hazrat Hamzara was enabled to serve in an extraordinary manner.

In Rabi’-ul-Awwal [Islamic month], in the second year after the migration, the Holy Prophetsa sent an expedition of thirty Muhajireen [migrants to Medina] riding on camels, in the leadership of Hazrat Hamzara towards ‘Eeas. Hazrat Hamzara and his companions swiftly reached this place, upon which they saw

of Allah and His Messengersa and the fear of death could not hold them back. Both [armies] stood face to face to one another and they lined up in rows. They were on the brink of engaging in battle when the chief of that area, Majdi bin ‘Amr Al-Juhni, who had a relationship with both parties, intervened and stopped the fight just as it was about to erupt. (Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib M.A., p. 329) There is also a tradition that the Holy Prophetsa had given Islam’s first flag to Hazrat Hamzara, but there are other traditions that the expeditions led

by Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra and Hazrat Hamzara were sent simultaneously, which castes some doubt over it. In any case it is established that Hazrat Hamzara was the standard bearer of the Holy Prophetsa in the Battle of Banu Qainuqah in 2 Hijrah.

(Sirat Ibn-e-Hisham, p. 283, Bab Sariyatu Hamza, Daru Ibn Hazm, 2009, Beirut) Hazrat Hamzara always followed the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa that one should always preserve one’s dignity and self-respect. There is a tradition that after the migration to Medina, Hazrat Hamzara had suffered a great financial loss like other Muslims. Hazrat Abdullah bin ‘Amrra narrates that during those days, Hazrat Hamzara once came to the Holy Prophetsa and asked if he could perform any service so that it could be a source of income for him. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “O Hamza! Is it preferable to keep one’s self-respect or to completely lose it?” Hazrat Hamzara said that he wished to keep his self-respect. The Holy Prophetsa then said, “You ought to safeguard your dignity”. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 2, p. 624, Hadith No. 6639, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) The Holy Prophetsa then asked him to pray more fervently and taught him some particular words of prayers. Hazrat Hamzara said that the Holy Prophetsa had told him that he should recite the following prayer,

ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َٔ ْ َ ْ ّ َ ّ ّ ٰ َ ‫اس ِمک الْا ْعظ ِم َو رِضوَانِک الْاکبَر‬ ‫اللهم ِانِی اسـلک ِب‬

“O Allah I beseech Thee, with reference to Your Great Name and the Great Gatekeeper of Paradise”, which he always benefited from.

These things tell us that Hazrat Hamzara had deep faith in prayer, and why would he not as it was through these prayers that Allah the Exalted had given this impoverished emigrant all the household things and whatever else he needed. Sometime later he married Khola bint Qaisra, who was an Ansari lady from Bani Najjar. The Holy Prophetsa would visit their home. Hazrat Kholara would narrate the loving accounts from that time of the Prophetsa. She would say that once the Holy Prophetsa visited their home and she asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, I have heard that you have said that on the Day of Judgement you will be given the heavenly fountain of Kauthar, and that this will be vast”. The Holy Prophetsa said “Yes, this is true, and listen, I would prefer your kindred, the Ansar, to drink from it much more than others.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 8, p. 822, Hadith No. 27859, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) This is the love he had for the Ansar, due to the fact that when he had been expelled from Mecca by his own people, it was the Ansar who had given him all they had.

In the history of the Battle of Badr in 2 AH, we find a famous incident that took place. One of the disbelievers, Aswad bin Abdul Asad Makhzoomi, who was a very nasty and horrible man came forward.

He had sworn that he would either drink from the well of the Holy Prophetsa and the Muslims, or demolish it or desecrate it, or else would die nearby trying to achieve this goal. When he arrived there, he was challenged by Hazrat Hamzara bin Abdul Muttalib. Hamzara attacked him with his sword and cut through half of his calf. He was close to the well and fell on his back. He tried to get nearer to the well in order to fulfil his oath. Hazrat Hamzara followed him and finished him off by attacking him again. Aswad died close to the well but was unable to drink from it or spoil it in any way. (Sirat Ibne-Hisham, pp.298-299, Bab Maqtal Al Aswad bin Abdul Asad, Daru Ibn Hazm, 2009, Beirut) Hazrat Alira states regarding the Battle of Badr that the number of disbelievers was many times greater than that of Muslims. The Holy Prophetsa spent the entire night praying with deep yearning and great humility. When the army of disbelievers came close and the Muslims took their positions, they saw a man on a red camel and he was moving among the ranks. The Holy Prophetsa asked Alira to check with Hamzara, who that man was, as Hamzara was closer to the opposition army. Then the Holy Prophetsa said, “If there is anyone among the disbelievers who can admonish them, it is that man on the red camel”. Meanwhile Hazrat Hamzara came and said that it was Utba bin Rabi‘ah who was trying to persuade the disbelievers from engaging in battle, but Abu Jahl had taunted him for being

10 a coward and fearing war. Upon hearing this taunt, Utba had become charged and had said, “We will see who is a coward”.

(Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, pp.

338-339, Hadith No. 948, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) Hazrat Alira narrates, “Utba bin Rabi‘ah came forward to fight along with his son and brother, and challenged anyone to a fight. Many Ansari young men accepted this challenge. Utba then asked them who they were and when they said they were from among the Ansar, he said that they did not have any quarrel with them. They only wished to fight their uncles’ sons.

Upon hearing this the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Hamza, arise! O Ali, stand up!

O Abu Ubaida bin Harith, step forward!”

Hazrat Alira says, “Hamzara went toward Utba, and I went toward Shaibah, and Abu Ubaida contested with Waleed and they both injured each other severely.

Both Hazrat Hamzara and I then turned towards Waleed and killed him. We then brought Abu Ubaidara back from the battlefield”. (Sunan Abu Daud, Kitabul Jihad, Bab Fil Mubarizah, Hadith No. 2665) Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Hamzara had killed their rivals. When the Holy Prophetsa had called all three to march forward and fight, when approaching their enemies, Utbah said for them to say something so that they could be recognised as they were wearing helmets that covered their faces. Upon this Hazrat Hamzara said, “I am Hamzara. I am the Lion of Allah and His Messenger”. Utba responded, “What a worthy rival”. (AtTabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 2, p.12, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) Hazrat Hamzara was so brave that he had an ostrich feather placed as a sign of battle to awestrike the disbelievers. Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Aufra narrates that Umayya bin Khalf, who was amongst the chieftains of the Quraish, the man who would torture Hazrat Bilalra in Mecca, was killed at the hands of the Ansar in Badr.

He had asked Abdur Rahman, “Who is the man with the ostrich feather on his chest”? Hazrat Abdur Rahman informed him that it was Hazrat Hamzara bin Abdul Muttalib. Umayyah said, that it was Hamza that had caused the most harm to them that day. (Sirat Ibn-e-Hisham, p.

302, Bab Maqtal Umayya bin Khalf, Daru Ibn Hazm, 2009, Beirut) The English historian Sir William Muir writes about the participation of Hazrat Hamzara in the Battle of Badr, that Hazrat Hamzara was visibly prominent across the battlefield as he was wearing the feather of an ostrich. (The Life of Mohammad, Sir William Muir, Heading – Battle of Ohod [sic], p. 260, 1923) During the battle, he valiantly killed many leaders. During the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Hamzara also proved his excellence in gallantry. This display of bravery was a thorn in the sight of the Quraish of Mecca. Details of this event are recorded in Bukhari is as follows: Hazrat Ja‘far bin ‘Amr bin Umayya Zamrira narrates, “I was travelling with

Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM Ubaidullah bin Adi bin Khiyarra when we arrived at Homs, which is a famous city in Syria. Once we reached there Ubaidullah bin Adira said to me, ‘Would you like to meet Wahshi bin Harb of Abyssinia. We will ask him about the murder of Hazrat Hamzara.’ Wahshi used to live in Homs.

Therefore, we enquired about his address and we were told that Wahshi is sitting idle under the shade of his palace.”

Ja‘far says, “We went to Wahshi and stood by him for a short while. We offered the greetings of peace, to which he replied in kind.” Ja‘far said, “Ubaidullah at the time was wearing a turban. His head and face were covered. Wahshi could only see his eyes and feet. Ubaidullah said to Wahshi if he could recognise him? Wahshi looked at Ubaidullah carefully and then replied, ‘By God, I do not recognise you except that I know that Adiyy bin Khiyar married a woman called Ummul Qital bint Abi Lais. They had a child in Mecca. I would feed this baby and carry him to the mother and would hand him over to her.

I used to see the feet of this child, and by looking at your feet today, I have a feeling you are the very same person.’”

On hearing this Ubaidullah revealed his face. (So Wahshi recognised Ubaidullah from his feet). Then Ubaidullah said to Wahshi to narrate the incident of the murder of Hamzara.

Wahshi explained that Hazrat Hamzara had killed Tu‘aimah bin Adiyy bin Khiyar during the battle of Badr. Wahshi’s master at the time Jubair bin Mut‘am had said to him that if he could avenge the murder of his uncle Tu‘aimah by killing Hamzara, and in return he will be set free. Wahshi then said that when people saw that the Battle of Uhud was to commence, and they were heading towards ‘Ainain, one of the hills of Uhud. There was a valley between this hill and Uhud. Wahshi also joined the expedition here. When people lined up to begin the battle, Siba‘ came forward and called out if anyone dared challenge him. On hearing this Hazrat Hamza bin Abdul Muttalibra stepped forward and said, “O Siba‘, do you war with Allah and His Messengersa”. After saying this, Hazrat Hamzara attacked him and slayed him as if he had not existed from before. (This means that he swiftly overpowered Siba‘ and dealt with him.) Wahshi says that he was hiding behind a large stone waiting to ambush Hazrat Hamzara. When Hazrat Hamzara came near him, he attacked him with his spear and impaled him with it, penetrating his torso. These were Hazrat Hamza’s last moments. When people returned to Mecca, Wahshi also returned with them and stayed in Mecca until the people of Mecca accepted Islam, at which he then migrated to Taif. People sent ambassadors to the Holy Prophetsa and Wahshi was asked as to why he would not go with those ambassadors, as they could not be harmed in any way. So, Wahshi also joined them, and when he went to see the Holy Prophetsa, as soon as the Prophet saw him, he asked, “Are you the one they refer to as Wahshi?”

Wahshi responded in the affirmative. The Holy Prophetsa asked if he was the one

that killed Hamzara. Wahshi said that the Prophet had been correctly informed. At this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “As much as possible do not come before me.” Wahshi says that on hearing this he left this place.

When the Holy Prophetsa passed away and Musailimah Kadhdhab started a rebellion, Wahshi thought that he ought to go to Musailimah, and if he was the

At the time, his age was 59 years. (AtTabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) It is narrated that Hind, who was the wife of Abu Sufiyan, also was present with the army of the disbelievers on the day of Uhud. She wanted to avenge the death of her father, who was killed while

The Promised Messiahas further stated that, “What beautiful words has God Almighty, uttered in praise of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa:

ُ َ َ ٌ َ َ ۡ ُْْ َ َ ُ َ َ ۡ‫اللہ َع َل ۡي ِه ۚ َفم ْن ُهم‬ َ ۡ ‫ِمن المؤ ِم ِنین رِجال صدقوا ما عاهدوا‬ ِ ُ‫َّم ۡن َق ٰضی ن َ ْح َب ٗه َو ِم ْن ُه ۡم َّم ۡن ّیَ ۡن َت ِظر‬

‘Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with God Almighty. There are some of them who have sacrificed their lives, and some who are still waiting, ever-ready to sacrifice their lives.’

(Chapter 33:24) one to kill him, then this may serve as an atonement for the killing of Hazrat Hamzara. Wahshi says that he too set out for the war with the people and the battle panned out as it did. He saw that a man was stood in the gap of a wall.

This man’s complexion resembled that of a wheat coloured camel. He was so dishevelled, and his hair was scruffy. So, Wahshi continued that he attacked this man with his spear by striking him on his chest which impaled him between the shoulders, and then an Ansari cut the man’s throat. So, this was his ending at last. (Sahih Al Bukhari, Kitabul Mughazi, Bab Qatli Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, Hadith No.4072) Umair bin Ishaq narrates that on the day of Uhud, Hamzara bin Abdul Muttalib was fighting in front of the Holy Prophetsa with two swords. He was chanting that he was the Lion of God. During this chant he would move forward and backward.

Whilst doing this his foot slipped and he ended up falling on his back. Wahshi Aswad saw him in this state. Abu Usama narrates that Wahshi attacked him with his spear and murdered Hamza. (AtTabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.8, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) Hazrat Hamzara was martyred during the Battle of Uhud, 32 months after the migration of the Prophetsa to Medina.

fighting Hazrat Hamzara during the Battle of Badr. She had sworn that whenever the opportunity arose she would chew the liver of Hamzara. When such a situation did arise and Hazrat Hamzara fell, the disbelievers dismembered the bodies of the martyred Muslims, defaced them and cut their noses and ears. They also cut out a part of the liver of Hazrat Hamzara and gave this to Hind. Hind attempted to chew upon this liver but was unable to swallow it, so she spat it out. When this incident came to the knowledge of the Holy Prophetsa, he said that Allah Almighty had forbidden the fire to ever touch any part of the body of Hamzara.

(At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.8, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, DarulKutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) Then the Holy Prophetsa went to the body of Hazrat Hamzara. It is narrated that the Prophetsa expressed such sentiment and gave the glad tiding of high status to Hazrat Hamzara in the following way: When the Prophetsa visited the body of Hazrat Hamzara and saw that his liver had been cut out and chewed, Ibn Hisham records this in his biography of the Prophetsa that the Holy Prophetsa stood by the body of Hazrat Hamzara and said, “O Hamza, no trial like this (i.e. your demise) will I ever face again. I have never seen a more painful scene till today.” Then, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Angel Gabriel has

11

Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM given me the tiding that Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib has been noted as the Lion of the Prophet in the seven heavens.” (Sirat Ibne-Hisham, p.395, Bab Sariyatu Hamzah, Daru Ibn Hazm, 2009, Beirut) Hazrat Zubairra narrates that it was the day of the Battle of Uhud, and near the end of the expedition, a woman was seen running towards the battlefield. It was well-nigh that she would see the bodies of the martyrs. The Holy Prophetsa did not desire for women to go there and witness the disfigured bodies of the Companions.

For this reason, he stopped the woman.

Hazrat Zubairra narrates, “After observing carefully I noticed that the woman was my mother Hazrat Safiyyahra. Hence, I went running toward her, and before she could reach the bodies of the martyrs I caught up with her. When she saw me, she pushed me aside by the chest. She was a strong woman. She said for me to move aside and that she would not listen to anything I had to say. I informed her that the Holy Prophetsa told me to stop her from seeing the corpses. When she heard this she immediately stopped and took out two white pieces of cloth. She told me that she had brought these white cloths for her brother Hamzara as she had been informed of his martyrdom.”

Hence, this was the obedience of the people in that era that as soon as they heard an instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, in spite of all her anguish and despite her eagerness, she immediately controlled her emotions and stopped when the Holy Prophet’ssa instruction was mentioned. This is absolute obedience.

Hazrat Safiyyahra then said, “I have brought these whites cloths for my brother Hamzara as I have been informed of his martyrdom, so go and shroud him in these.” Hazrat Zubairra says, “When we were about to shroud Hazrat Hamzara in these two cloths, we saw an Ansari companion lying beside Hazrat Hamzara, who had also been martyred and his body was also disfigured in the same manner as Hazrat Hamzara. We felt guilty to shroud Hazrat Hamzara in two cloths whereas this Ansari companion had no cloth at

all, therefore we decided to wrap Hazrat Hamzara in one cloth and the Ansari Companion in the other. We realised that one companion was taller than the other, so we drew lots to see who would be buried in which cloth. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, p. 452, Hadith No. 1418, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) Hazrat Hamzara was shrouded in one cloth. When his face was covered, his feet went bare, and when the cloth was drawn down to his feet, his face would become bare. At this the Holy Prophetsa instructed for his face to be covered with the cloth, and for his feet to be covered with lemongrass. Hazrat Hamzara and Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahshra, who was his nephew, were buried in the same grave. At this occasion the Holy Prophetsa first of all led the funeral prayer of Hazrat Hamzara.

(At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.6-7, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut), (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 7, p. 72, Hadith No. 21387, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) Hazrat Abdullah bin Masoodra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa led the funeral prayer of Hazrat Hamzara with his body present before him. The body of an Ansari companion was placed next to his, then he led their funeral prayer. Then the body of this Ansari companion as taken away and Hazrat Hamza’s body was left there. The Holy Prophetsa led the funeral prayer of Hazrat Hamzara seventy times that same day as every time, another companion’s body was brought before him and placed next to that of Hazrat Hamzara. (AtTabaqat Al-Kubra Li Ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.11, Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Darul-Kutub Al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1990, Beirut) Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that Hazrat Hamzara was always at the forefront in good treatment to his relatives and carrying out good deeds. After his martyrdom, the Holy Prophetsa addressed his body and said, “May the mercy of Allah be upon you. It seems that there is no other like you in reconciling and performing virtuous deeds. After today there shall be no more grief for you.”

The Companions narrate the impoverished times during the burial of Hazrat Hamzara, the uncle of the Holy Prophetsa and a brave leader of the Muslims, with great sorrow.

Later on, in the time of prosperity, Hazrat Khababra would describe those days of hardship saying that Hazrat Hamzara was buried in a single cloth that was unable to fully cover him. Hence, his face was covered and grass was placed over his feet. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 7, pp. 71-72, Hadith No. 21387, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) Likewise, there is also the similar incident of Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Aufra. Once he was fasting and at the time of the breaking of the fast he was presented extravagant food. When he saw this he recalled the days of hardship. He said, “Hamza was martyred and he was better than I. We did not even have a full cloth to shroud his body. Then we were granted the prosperity of the world, and were endowed whatever we desired. We fear lest we have been rewarded in this life for the deeds we have carried out.”

In other words, “We have received all our rewards in this life.” He then began weeping, so much so that he left his food.

(Sahih Al Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Ghazwah Uhud, Hadith No. 4045) These were the people with whom Allah Almighty was pleased and who were pleased with Him. In times of prosperity they remembered their brothers, and kept in mind their previous state. Allah Almighty has given them all glad tidings of paradise. May Allah continue to elevate their rank.

In another narration by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra it is said that when the Holy Prophetsa returned from Uhud he heard that the wives of the Ansar were crying and lamenting over their husbands. The Holy Prophetsa said, “What is the matter that no one weeps over the martyrdom of Hamza.” When the Ansari women became aware of this, they gathered together to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Hamzara. Then the Holy Prophetsa fell asleep. When he

woke up he saw that the women were still weeping in the same manner. The Holy Prophetsa said, “Would they continue to weep the entire day in the name of Hamza?

Tell them to return to their homes.” It was then that the Holy Prophetsa instructed them to go to their homes, and from this onward no one shall lament and wail over the death of a departed one. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 2, pp. 418-419, Hadith No. 5563, A’alamul Kutub, 1998, Beirut) In this manner the Holy Prophetsa declared it unlawful to lament and wail over the deceased. The Holy Prophetsa used great wisdom in dealing with the sentiments of the women of the Ansar.

Instead of them lamenting the loss of their husbands and brothers, the Holy Prophetsa drew their attention towards Hazrat Hamzara, which was a great loss to the entire Muslim population and, most of all, to the Holy Prophetsa. Then he advised them not to lament and wail over Hazrat Hamzara by presenting his own example.

He admonished them to display patience in a manner that left a lasting impression.

As for the loss of Hazrat Hamzara, the Holy Prophetsa felt it until the very end of his life.

Ka‘b bin Malik wrote a eulogy at the martyrdom of Hazrat Hamzara in which he says that his eyes shed tears irrepressibly at the loss of Hazrat Hamzara, and indeed it is appropriate to mourn his loss; but what good will come from shrieking, crying and wailing over his loss, for the morning on which the Lion of God was martyred, the world said, a martyr indeed is this valiant one, if there was ever a martyr.

May Allah Almighty continue to elevate the status of these Companionsra.

May the Muslim world remember the sacrifices offered by these Companionsra until the Day of Judgement, and may we have the opportunity to act on the virtues and examples they demonstrated for us.

(Translated by The Review of Religions.)

International Book Fair of Argentina Marwan Gill, Argentina

Tfor the first time in the International

he Ahmadiyya Jamaat was represented

Book Fair of Argentina in Buenos Aires from 26 April to 14 May. This book fair is considered among the 5 most significant book fairs in the world and the most important cultural event of the year in Argentina. More than 1 million people visit the book fair annually.

Alongside the Spanish, English and German translations of the Holy Quran, other religious literature was presented in Spanish, German and English.

Argentinians took keen interest in the stand and people came in large numbers to understand more about the true Islamic teachings and about the advent of the Promised Messiahas.

During the book fair, the true message

of Islam was conveyed to thousands of people. Furthermore, around 400 persons left their contact details to stay in touch with the Ahmadiyya Community and learn more about Islam.

The Argentinian news agency, ABC Mundial, also visited us during the book fair and published a detailed article and interview about our first participation in the book fair.

Whereas the majority of the visitors had very superficial and limited knowledge about Islam, a Uruguayan gentleman found the contact to the Ahmadiyya Community again, after many years. He got introduced to the Ahmadiyya Community in India around 30 years ago but lost contact since then. He discovered us during the book fair and is now again in constant contact with the community.

AMJ Argentina

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Friday 1 June 2018 | AL HAKAM 100 Years Ago...

London Diary A Lady’s Conversion to Ahmadiyyat Taken from Al Fazl, 1 June 1918

I

already mentioned in the report dated 15 February [1918] that I was preaching to two ladies and that they have now reached a level where they have attested to the prophethoods of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the Promised Messiahas in writing. One of them has already accepted Islam. The request for Bai‘at is being sent along with this report, addressed to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah strengthen his hand. (The letter has been conveyed – Editor.)

The name of this respected lady is Mrs Erie. She has chosen her Islamic name as Rakhil [Rachel] for herself. (Rakhil was the wife of Prophet Jacobas.) One of her sons is employed in the British Army serving in India and is currently occupied in the Mesopotamian campaign. Sister Rakhil showed me his letters and took some books from me to send to her son so that he may also be given the opportunity to accept Islam.

All praise belongs to Allah!

We have been sending brief reports of local activities, newspaper cuttings of articles that have mentioned us or given our pictures and photographs of the new converts regularly. However, due to an ever-increasing workload and other needs, there is not enough in our budget to continue this in such a manner. Hence, those who desire that I continue

sending letters and such information to them or the secretary of their Anjuman [local chapter], should deposit five rupees to the Secretary Taraqqi-e-Islam, Qadian, which shall be held in their accounts. When this amount runs out, they will be reminded. Once the secretary sends the list of contributors along with the funds, this process [of communication] will start once again. Insha-Allah.

For the past few days I have suffered a sore eye, causing great difficulty in reading and writing. I humbly request prayers from all brothers and sisters.

Due to this eye condition, there is a risk that it may affect the progress in tabligh [preaching].

Alongside this, the prices of items have increased to such an extent that the allowance provided for tabligh is being spent on domestic purposes. Our Jamaat is already burdened with so many funds that Secretary Taraqqi-e-Islam may not consider my asking for an increase in allowance appropriate.

Bearing in mind the current state of affairs, it would be no surprise if the momentum of our tabligh activities slowed down. However, we hope that the earnest prayers and attention of Hazrat Fazl-e-Umarra [Khalifatul Masih IIra] and members of the Jamaat can help in filling the void and alleviate our inactivity. Wa

ma taufiqana illa billahil-Aliyil-Azim [And we possess no strength other than that of Allah, the Highest and the Great.]

Mufti Muhammad Sadiq 3 April 1918 (Al Fazl, 1 June 1918)

THE WEEKLY

A Crisp

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib | Ahmadiyya ARC

www.alhakam.org

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Concise

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Enriching

Learning could never have been so easy.

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad|© Al Hakam 2018