Al Hakam - 16 June 2023

Answers to Everyday Issues Part:56

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Truthfulness and progress of Islam: Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’s lecture at the Vande Mataram Hall in Amritsar, 1920 – Part 2

Prophet Ezra: A prophet among the Prophets of Israel

Names of Allah: 10-19

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 | Issue CCLXXIV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Dedication to faith and personal development: A call to waqifaat-e-nau Waqifaat-e-Nau from Canada blessed with meeting Huzoor

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

Observing the moon

ّٰ َ ّٰ ُ َ َ ‫ﻋ ْﻦ ﻋ ْﺒ ِﺪ ا��� ﺑْ ِﻦ ﻋ َ� َ� َر ِﺿ َﻰ ا��� ﻋ ْﻨﻪ‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ َّ ّٰ َ ‫أن َر ُﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠﻢ‬ َ َ َ َ َ َ​َ َ ُ ‫ �َ� ﺗ َ ُﺼ‬:‫ﻘﺎل‬ ‫ﻮﻣﻮا َﺣ ّﺘﻰ‬ ‫ذ�ﺮ رﻣﻀﺎن ﻓ‬ ُْ َ َ ُ َ ُ َ​َ ،‫ و�� ﺗﻔ ِﻄ ُﺮوا َﺣ ّﺘﻰ ﺗ َﺮ ْوه‬،‫ا����ل‬ ِ ‫ﺗﺮوا‬ ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ْ �ُ � ‫ﺈن ﻏ َّﻢ َ�ﻠ ْﻴﻜ ْﻢ ﻓﺎﻗﺪ ُروا‬ ‫ﻓ‬ Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra narrated, “Allah’s Messengersa mentioned Ramadan and said, ‘Do not fast unless you see the crescent [of Ramadan], and do not give up fasting till you see the crescent [of Shawwal], but if the sky is overcast, then work out its [sighting].’”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-sawmi, Bab qawlin n-nabiyyisa ‘idha ra’aytumu l-hilala fa sumu wa idha ra’aytumuhu fa ’aftiru)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Pray for your spouse and children

A group of waqifaat-e-nau from Canada was blessed with the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat on 11 June 2023.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam and on seeing the waqifaat-e-nau on the live stream, he enquired about the number of waqifaat-e-nau and whether they

were solely from the Toronto region or from all across Canada. The response revealed that there were 910 waqifaat-e-nau present, from 13 regions. Huzooraa asked about the total number of waqifaat-e-nau in Canada.

He was informed that the total number of waqifaat-e-nau in Canada is 2284. Huzooraa then called Amina Jerryullah Sahiba to recite a portion of the Holy Quran. Maira Pasha

Sahiba recited the English translation. Upon hearing the English translation, Huzooraa addressed the waqifaat-e-nau, emphasising the importance of knowing Urdu and mentioning that the Urdu translation should also have been presented.

Shamaila Khan Sahiba presented a Continued on next page >>

“One should undergo self-annihilation for the sake of Allah and, abandoning one’s own wishes and desires, abide purely by the desires and commands of Allah so as to become a source of mercy for oneself, one’s progeny, wife, children, kindred, and friends – and for me as well. You should never provide an excuse for the opponents to criticise me. [...] The help of God Almighty is with those who continue Continued on next page >>

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Huzooraa elaborated that out of the 365 days in a year, children spend only around 170 to 180 days in school. “For the remaining time, they are with you,” << Continued from previous page Huzooraa emphasised. He mentioned that on numerous occasions, he has advised to advance in piety at all times and parents to establish a friendly bond with do not halt at any stage. They are the their children. It is important to engage with ones who attain a good end. I have them, address their questions, and inquire seen some people who had great about what they have learned in school. ardour, zeal, and extreme affection, When children encounter topics such but, subsequently – after advancing as gender or other confusing concepts, somewhat – they came to a complete Huzooraa advised parents to reassure them that they are still young and will gain a standstill, and ultimately, their end better understanding as they grow older. did not prove to be good. Allah the Moreover, Huzooraa emphasised the need Exalted has taught us this prayer in the to explain the reality of these things to Holy Quran: children. Huzooraa stressed that parents ُ َ َ ۡ ّ ّ should teach their children that Allah has ‫َوا ۡصلِح ل ِۡی فِ ۡی ذرِیت ِۡی‬ created biological differences between males “‘Reform my wife and children and females. A mother is a mother, and the too.’ [Surah al-Ahqaf, Ch.46: V.16] distinction between males and females is evident. Parents should explain that even “While you are trying to bring if a biological man erroneously decides to about a pure change in your own identify as a mother, he cannot give birth. selves and praying for it, you should Huzooraa said that these individuals also continue to pray for your wife themselves are turning into objects of and children because most trials befall ridicule by their own people due to how this issue is being presented to the extent Man on account of one’s children that even jokes about this situation are and wife. The first trial that befell now becoming widespread in Western Adam was also due to his wife. Also, society. Huzooraa used one such example to it appears from the Torah that the real demonstrate the extent to which this issue reason behind Bal’am losing his faith has become convoluted. in the confrontation with Mosesas, was Huzooraa emphasised the importance of that his wife had been lured by the king conveying to Ahmadi children that Allah has by showing her some ornaments, who created human beings in a specific manner then cajoled Bal‘am to pray against and that humans cannot alter that at will.

Mosesas. Thus, many a time, one Huzooraa stated that significant efforts will suffers hardships and trials because of be required to explain the correct concept them. Therefore, full attention should effectively. It is essential to teach your children that Allah has designed males and be paid to their reformation, and one females with distinct biological differences, should continually pray for them.”

Huzooraa said.

(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, pp. 182-183) Huzooraa addressed the shifting dynamics within educational institutions and shared an instance where a teacher referred to a student as “he,” and the student informed the teacher that they preferred to << Continued from previous page be addressed as “she” that day. When the teacher addressed the same student as “she” hadith of the Holy Prophetsa, and Sufia Atta the following day, the student declared that Sahiba read out the English translation. they identified as “he” for that particular Thereafter, Mehek Ahmad Sahiba recited day. Huzooraa described this as a recent and an extract from the Malfuzat (sayings and confusing development, indicative of an discourses of the Promised Messiahas). unsettling trend in societal norms. “These Anosh Sajid Sahiba then presented the people themselves have no idea what they English translation. Bariya Mahmood will do.” Huzooraa said that Ahmadi parents Sahiba had the opportunity to present a will have to explain this matter to their poem, composed by the Promised Messiahas, children. and Adeela Javed Sahiba provided the “Rather than panicking, engage in English translation. conversation and explain the matter to your Huzooraa enquired whether Lajna children,” Huzooraa said. members or just nasirat were present.

Ayesha Ahmad Sahiba stated that human Huzooraa was informed that both Lajna privacy has been significantly impacted members as well as nasirat were seated in by social media. She asked for a solution the hall. Furthermore, it was mentioned to address the aftermath of this impact on that there were a total of 662 waqifaat-e-nau human privacy caused by social media.

Huzooraa explained that in the past, when between the ages of 12 and 15 in the tajnid.

Thereafter, the waqifaat-e-nau had the people heard something about someone, opportunity to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masih they would pass it on to others. However, Vaa various questions on an array of matters. the extent of spreading rumours was limited Mohsina Sahiba asked how we can guide at that time. “Now, with the advent of social our young children, who are being taught media, rumours spread rapidly and widely.” many un-Islamic and confusing concepts at Consequently, Huzooraa advised that that was the reason he had previously suggested school.

Huzooraa asked the questioner if she is turning off cameras, phones, and other married and how many children she has. devices during Jamaat events, especially for She replied that she is indeed married with Lajna, and cautioned against unnecessarily posting everything on social media. three children.

Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM Furthermore, Huzooraa added that Allah the Almighty has prohibited engaging in gossip, spreading false information, and speaking ill of others. It is essential to refrain from indulging in such negative behaviours.

Privacy is being compromised, and it is due to the actions of humans themselves that this damage has occurred. Huzooraa emphasised the importance of being mindful in such circumstances. It is crucial to educate the waqifaat-e-nau, those around us, children, students, and siblings about the negative implications of these actions.

Huzooraa suggested that the waqifaat-e-nau should write articles in local or national newspapers, raising awareness about the harmful effects of social media. By doing so, the waqifaat-e-nau can effectively play their role in addressing this issue.

Kazima Asim Sahiba enquired about the significance of rukhsati in Islam and why individuals are instructed not to meet their spouse alone after the nikah until the rukhsati has taken place.

Huzooraa said that she was correct in stating that Islam recognises nikah while the elaborate function of rukhsati – as it is celebrated nowadays – is a traditional practice. Huzooraa further clarified that once the nikah is performed, both individuals are considered husband and wife from the Islamic perspective.

Huzooraa said that from an Islamic perspective, the main and essential element is the nikah. Instead of spending excessive amounts on multiple pre-wedding functions such as mangni (engagement), nikah ceremony, shaadi (wedding), and before that, mehndi (henna ceremony), it is preferable to focus on the simplicity of the process. Huzooraa suggested that the money saved from extravagant expenditures could be used for the wedding of a less fortunate individual.

Huzooraa emphasised that the rukhsati should be conducted in a simple manner.

Huzooraa further mentioned that even during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, marriage ceremonies were conducted in a humble and straightforward manner. In fact, some companions’ weddings were so simple that the Holy Prophetsa himself was unaware of them. Huzooraa then shared an incident where the Holy Prophetsa noticed a colourful mark [of perfume] on a companion’s clothes and enquired if he had gotten married. Upon confirming it, the Holy Prophetsa advised holding a wedding feast (walima), even if with one sheep. Here Huzooraa alludedَ to the Holy Prophet’ssa َ words of: ‫أ ْول ِْم َولَوْ ِبشاة‬. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab alnikah) Huzooraa emphasised that both the nikah and walima are necessary.

Adeela Qaiser Sahiba enquired whether it is mandatory for Muslim women to wear an outer covering such as a burqa or a coat, even if they are already dressed in modest and loose clothing that does not expose the shape of their bodies. She also asked about the wisdom behind wearing an additional outer covering when the outfit underneath is already fully modest.

“You’re quite right,” there is no wisdom in this if one’s dress is already modest and loose. In Islam, where the concept of purdah is mentioned, it does not specify wearing a coat. The act of layering clothing in such a manner is a convenience adopted by women for their own comfort.

The Holy Quran instructs women to draw their head-coverings over their bosoms because otherwise their facial beauty and body features are exposed. The burqa or a coat that some women have adopted is simply a matter of convenience for them.

Islam commands that if one’s dress is modest and loose, and their body features are not exposed, then drawing head-coverings over their bosoms is sufficient. This is the true essence of the Islamic commandment. If this approach is suitable for an individual, they may choose to follow it. It is worth mentioning that women in Pakistan for example, those residing in villages and the northern areas, also adhere to this method of wearing purdah. Huzooraa clarified that the burqa has not been made obligatory in Islam. However, observing purdah and dressing modestly is indeed necessary. It is important to ensure that one’s body figure is not exposed in any way.

Huzooraa remarked, “There is wisdom within every commandment of Islam, but unfortunately, people have shattered that wisdom through their innovations.”

Kashifa Hameed Sahiba asked what message Huzooraa would give to those who argue that allowing women to have jobs, employment, and professions goes against Islamic tradition or undermines family values.

Huzooraa explained that if a woman has a profession as a teacher, doctor, or any job that brings benefit to mankind, there are no restrictions on pursuing such careers. However, it is important to note that solely prioritising work and neglecting the responsibilities of caring for children and the home is not advisable.

First and foremost, it is the duty of the man to provide for the family. Allah the Almighty has clearly outlined the responsibilities of both men and women.

Huzooraa shared an incident where a woman approached the Holy Prophetsa and expressed that men participate in jihad, earn money outside the home, and contribute more through financial sacrifices and other tasks that women cannot do while staying at home. The woman asked if they would also receive rewards for their efforts. In response, the Holy Prophetsa stated that if women fulfil their duties by taking care of their homes and raising their children, they will receive the same reward as men who engage in jihad.

However, in times of necessity, women would also participate in defensive wars by distributing water. Huzooraa mentioned the example of Hazrat Umm-e-Ammarara, who would even wield a sword and fight to defend against the enemy. Huzooraa emphasised that women can work in situations where it is required. However, it is crucial not to work solely out of greed while neglecting the fundamental responsibilities of taking care of the home and properly raising the children.

Nudrat Chaudhry Sahiba pointed out that there is an increase in misogyny and violence against women, and she expressed concern that certain social media influencers are negatively influencing Muslim youth in this regard.

Huzooraa reassured her, asserting that the imprudent social media influencers she is alluding to are indeed in the minority. He then said, with a smile, that in contemporary societal dialogue, there is an overwhelming

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023

emphasis on women’s rights, so much so, that it may appear to some as though men’s rights have been eclipsed. Hence, she need not be overly worried.

Nevertheless, Huzooraa emphasised that the Holy Quran places great emphasis on women’s rights. It clearly states that both men and women will be rewarded for their deeds. Nowhere does Islam state that women are the property of men to do with them as they please.

Huzooraa mentioned that he had delivered numerous lectures on women and Islam, and encouraged taking quotes from those lectures to raise awareness about the fundamental teachings of Islam regarding women’s rights and the guidance provided in this regard.

Tashifa Imtiaz Sahiba expressed that during extremely stressful moments in life, she feels that Allah may be testing her. She mentioned that she found herself getting distracted and struggling to focus on her prayers. She requested Huzoor’saa advice on how to strengthen her bond with Allah and maintain steadfastness during stressful times.

In response to the question, Huzooraa advised that when one realises that they may be undergoing a test from Allah, they should earnestly pray and supplicate, saying, “If this trial is a consequence of a sin I have committed, then please forgive me.” It is important to offer sincere prayers during salat and concentrate fully while doing so. Additionally, one should pray for Allah’s protection and ask for His help in overcoming the difficulties if it is indeed a trial.

For those who do not have faith, there may seem to be no way out. However, for a believer, the way out of trials is to pray to Allah, seeking His intervention to end the

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trial and to protect and safeguard them. One should never be ungrateful, as such circumstances do not last forever. In times of ease and prosperity, it is crucial to express gratitude to Allah and offer thanks to Him. Allah promises that if you are grateful, He will increase His blessings for you. During salat, one should pray and make prostrations, sayّٰ ّٰ ّ ‫استغفرالله ّربی من‬. ing: ‫ لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله‬and ‫کل ذنب‬ Huzooraa emphasised that these prayers are simple, yet it is important to first understand and internalise their meaning and significance fully.

Huzooraa then enquired about her plans, to which she replied that she would begin medical school in September. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa expressed his delight and said, “Excellent!” She then requested prayers for her success in acquiring knowledge and serving the Jamaat.

Shanza Farzana Zafar Sahiba mentioned that as waqifaat-e-nau working mothers who have completed their education and are following Huzoor’saa guidance, encounter difficulties in Canada due to the limited duration of maternity leave, which is one to one-and-a-half years at most. She enquired whether this time frame is sufficient or if it is advisable to stay at home for a longer period to better raise their Waqf-e-Nau children.

“You should decide for yourself whether one to one-and-a-half years is sufficient or not,” Huzooraa advised. If there is someone at home, such as a grandparent, who can look after the child while one works to contribute financially, then it is acceptable to entrust the child to their care. However, if you are working as a hobby or for nonessential reasons, it would be better to consider taking a leave of three to four years.

Huzooraa shared that some qualified doctors in America had met him and shared their experiences. They mentioned

that when they had a baby, they made the decision to leave their jobs in order to personally care for their child. Once their child reached the age of four to seven and started attending school, they resumed their professional careers. They specifically sought jobs that allowed them to be home before their child returned from school, ensuring that they could be actively involved in their child’s upbringing and provide proper care and attention.

Huzooraa explained that the decision regarding work and parenting depends on the nature of one’s profession and individual circumstances. Each person has their own personal requirements and responsibilities that they need to consider when making such choices.

Izza Atif Sahiba asked for Huzoor’saa guidance regarding individuals who have experienced a divorce and feel apprehensive about getting married again.

Huzooraa advised that it is important to pray for favourable circumstances and seek Allah’s guidance. Huzooraa prayed that Allah may protect them all from such difficult situations.

Huzooraa further emphasised the importance of supplicating to Allah.

Sometimes, relationships may not work out, but there are numerous examples of individuals who have found happiness after divorce by praying and entering into a new marriage. Huzooraa shared that many people have experienced this positive change in their lives. Huzooraa reaffirmed that according to Islam, it is recommended for divorced or widowed individuals to get married.

Addressing Sadr Sahiba, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa enquired whether the amila was also present, to which she responded affirmatively. Considering the

time difference between Canada and the UK, Huzooraa asked whether the waqifaate-nau had already had breakfast or if they were planning to have it now. Sadr Sahiba replied that they had been provided with snacks earlier, and now they would be served breakfast.

Then, addressing the waqifaat-e-nau, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Waqifaat-e-nau should remember that if they wish to continue this bond [of dedicating their lives], they should strive to improve themselves. They should focus on fulfilling their obligations towards prayers and pray to Allah the Almighty for their religious and worldly progress. Being women, they should also pray for favourable circumstances and their future – they should pray a great deal. Furthermore, they should always remember that they are meant to be role models for others. Simply carrying the title of ‘waqifaat-e-nau’ is not enough; they should set positive examples in their conduct, in terms of prayers, and ethical values. They should also strive to enhance their religious knowledge, and not merely pursue worldly education. To find the answer to many of the questions you ask, you yourself should also make efforts for it. The secretary of waqifaat-e-nau should arrange programmes for the exchange of views, and discussions, and interactive sessions and to enhance their religious knowledge. The girls themselves should also make efforts to increase their religious knowledge. Through studies, worldly knowledge will be gained automatically, the real essence lies in gaining religious knowledge and strengthening their relationship with God. May Allah enable you to do so.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end.

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Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Serving humanity is fundamental component of faith Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V addresses IAAAE Symposium 2023 Islamabad, UK, 10 June 2023: At 8:05pm, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, arrived at the Masroor Hall, Islamabad, UK, for the concluding session of the International Association of Ahmadi Architects & Engineers’ (IAAAE) European Symposium 2023.

Apart from those present in Islamabad, UK, other IAAAE members from countries such as the USA, India and Nigeria etc. joined the concluding session virtually.

After his arrival, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed salaam to all the attendees and then invited Abdul Razaq Sahib to recite a portion of the Holy Quran.

The Quranic verses were from Surah Dahr, verses 9-12.

A report on the symposium was presented by Akram Ahmedi Sahib, Chairman of IAAAE, who said that the title of the symposium was “Engineering for Peace”.

The chairman said their work accelerated after the pandemic, providing water to over 3800 locations, serving 3-5 million people and providing a source of renewable electricity and lighting to over 520 rural locations. He said they completed 26 villages in 10 countries last year and are now advancing to model towns, commencing in the Gambia. He said that they undertook 135 handpump rehabilitations, maintained 55 handpumps, installed 33 mini solar well systems, dug nine boreholes, and the work IAAAE carried out benefitted over 250,000 people in 2022-23 across seven countries.

These countries are Niger, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania.

He also said that they electrified over 520 villages in 2022-23. Consequently, six countries and 46,800 people were served with electricity and light in Africa.

The chairman said that based on Huzoor’saa guidance, IAAAE is preparing to address issues and shocks resulting from global challenges and risks. They have worked on building affordable housing, food security and agriculture. He added they have started work on MITC, the Masroor International Technical College, elevating IAAAE impact to the next level, empowering those that they serve to stand on their own two feet. He said that they had started low-cost housing and mud houses as well. They are planning on building “Peace City” as well, where there will be two- and three-story houses at a low cost.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa then came to the podium to deliver the concluding address.

After reciting tashahud and ta‘awuz, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “With the grace of Allah, today, the members of IAAAE have gathered together for their annual symposium to review the various projects and activities they have conducted over the past year and to plan for the future.” Huzooraa said this event would enable all of the IAAAE members to reflect on the blessings of Allah and to offer gratitude to Him for granting them the opportunity and ability to serve humanity.

Huzooraa said, “[…] The core objective underpinning the establishment of the IAAAE is to serve the needs of the most vulnerable and weakest members of the society.”

Huzooraa added he initially instructed IAAAE to focus on providing clean water to people living in deprived and underprivileged parts of the world.

Huzooraa acknowledged the efforts of IAAAE in fulfilling his directives by installing water wells and pumps in many remote villages across Africa under the “Water for Life” scheme. Huzooraa said IAAAE has built homes and shelters through its “Model Village” scheme. Huzooraa expressed that IAAAE has worked tirelessly to fulfil the various needs of the Jamaat by offering their time, expertise and skills on many projects in different countries.

Huzooraa said, with the grace of Allah,

the scale of IAAAE’s ambitions and projects continues to increase. Huzooraa mentioned that IAAAE has undertaken to build and administer a technical training institute in Nigeria in order to train young people in various skills so that they may stand on their feet and contribute positively to society. Huzooraa said, “I pray that Allah the Almighty enables you to complete this project soon and that it fulfils its underlying objective of playing a major role in the progress and development of the nation and the African continent at large.”

Owing to the fragile state of the world, Huzooraa had instructed that IAAAE should consider how it could play its role in rebuilding society in case of a possible world war. “According to my instructions, IAAAE has formulated a plan detailing how shelter and accommodation could be rapidly constructed,” Huzooraa said. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that IAAAE has also planned large-scale agricultural and food security projects.

Huzooraa emphasised that the core objective is to serve humanity as Islam instructs us to serve those in need and show compassion to all mankind. The Promised Messiahas was sent for this very purpose of serving humanity.

The Promised Messiahas said: “Each day, every person should analyse himself and see to what extent he is concerned for the wellbeing of others and to what extent he shows love and compassion

to his brothers.”

Huzooraa said that the Promised Messiahas further mentioned a hadith and said that “On the Day of Judgement, Allah will say, ‘I was hungry and you did not feed Me, I was thirsty and you did not give Me water, I was sick but you did not comfort Me.’ Upon this, those being addressed would ask, ‘When were You hungry and we did not feed You, when were You thirsty and we did not give You water, and when were You sick and we did not comfort You.’ In reply, God Almighty will say, ‘A person dear to Me was suffering and you did not show any compassion and kindness to him. To show love to him would actually have been to show love to Me.’” Huzooraa said that the Promised Messiahas thus laid great emphasis on the fact that serving humanity is a fundamental component of our faith and something that God Almighty loves very much. Hence, whatever projects our Ahmadi architects and engineers are working on, be they installing water wells, building affordable homes, constructing model villages or providing energy and other essential services, their efforts should always be motivated purely out of love for humanity and the desire to attain the pleasure and nearness of Allah the Almighty.

Huzooraa said, “As members of IAAAE, you must always keep this point at the forefront of your minds and strive to emulate the example of the Promised Messiahas.”

Huzooraa said he was pleased to see that the number of volunteers offering their services to the IAAAE has steadily increased and new people are coming forward.

Huzooraa said, “May Allah reward them for their good intentions and efforts. […] I pray that many more people are inspired to serve the IAAAE in the years ahead.”

Huzooraa further said, “I pray that the IAAAE continues to go from strength to strength and plays an outstanding role in fulfilling the objective for which the Promised Messiahas was sent in this era of serving humanity throughout the world irrespective of caste, colour and creed.”

Huzooraa said, “May Allah reward all of you for your sincere efforts and enable you for an immense source of relief and comfort for those whose lives are mired by perpetual struggle, hardship and destitution. Amin.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then led everyone in silent prayer.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023

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This Week in History

16 - 22 June

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 16 June 16 June 1989: On this day, during his tour of Canada, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh book, Murder in the Name of Allah, was unveiled at an event that was attended by various federal ministers. Huzoorrh addressed the event and spoke about Islamic teachings in relation to world peace. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Part 4, p. 856) 16 June 2008: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa departed from London for his tour of the USA. Huzooraa reached Bait-ur-Rahman Mosque, the headquarters of the USA Jamaat, where he was given a warm welcome. (Al Fazl International, 18 July 2008, p.

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17 - 18 June 17 June 1928: On this day, Seerat-un-Nabi jalsas were held across British India in accordance with the scheme of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 5, P. 31) Mentioning the need for such jalsas, during his Friday Sermon on 6 January 1928, Huzoorra stated: “The reason why people dare to attack [the blessed character of the Holy Prophetsa] is that they are unaware of the true circumstances of his life. […]

This has only one remedy, which is to deliver as many lectures as possible with such emphasis that every person in India should become aware of his purity and life’s circumstances. […] So, it is our obligation to make all the Muslims and non-Muslims of India aware of the pure life of the Holy Prophetsa. On the same day each year, this matter needs to be highlighted with special arrangement.” (“Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra services to the Muslim cause: Guiding Muslims of the Indian subcontinent amid religious and political conflicts”, Al Hakam, 26 February 2021, Issue, 154, p.

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17 June 1937: John Clark

Archer, a professor of religious studies in the USA, arrived in Qadian on this day. Mr John Clark Archer (1881-1957), an American clergyman and academic, had the opportunity to have an audience with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. He discussed various Islamic issues with Huzoorra.

He was a professor of religion at Yale University, USA. In those days, he was in Punjab, engaged in conducting research on Sikhism. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 437)

17 June 2012: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited the Sadiq Mosque in Chicago, which is the oldest mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the USA. (“Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad visits first Ahmadi Mosque in USA”, www.pressahmadiyya.com) 18 June 1913: On this day, the Promised Messiah’sas Arabic book, Al-Huda wa al-tabsira limanyara was published.

19 - 20 June 19 June 1897: On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Promised Messiahas issued a leaflet on 7 June asking his followers to reach Qadian. In response, 225 men gathered at Qadian from distant parts of India on 19 June. Meetings were held, and lectures were delivered in six languages – Urdu, Arabic, Persian, English, Punjabi and Pashto. The speakers included Hazrat Hakim Noor-ud-Deenra, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira, Hazrat Maulvi Burhanuddin Jhelumira and Maulvi Jamal Din of Syedwala.

Prayers were offered, and the poor people of the town were provided with food. Streets, mosques and houses were all lit up on 22 June, while a congratulatory telegram was sent to Lord Elgin, the Viceroy, on 20 June. A beautifully bound copy of Hazrat Ahmad’sas book, Tohfa-eQaisariyyah [A Gift to the Queen], was sent to Queen Victoria through the Deputy Commissioner in commemoration of the auspicious occasion. Copies of the book were also sent to the Viceroy and the Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab.

For more details, see “Royal jubilees and the Ahmadiyya way of

celebration”, Al Hakam, 10 June 2022, Issue 221, pp. 8-9.

20 June 1905: On this day, a person named Munshi Abdul Qadir Bedil from Shikarpur, Sindh, sent some queries to the Promised Messiahas. He drafted a detailed reply to them. One part of that spiritual gem was published in the Urdu newspaper Badr on 22 June 1905. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 488)

21 June 21 June 1908: On this day, the Promised Messiah’sas essay, Paighame-Sulh [A Message of Peace], was read out before a large gathering of over 4,000 people from different religions at the Punjab University Hall, Lahore.

Reporting on this, The Tribune of Lahore wrote on 23 June 1908: “MIRZA GHOLAM MESSAGE.

AHMED’S

LAST

“A MESSAGE OF PEACE. “At the University Hall, Lahore, on the morning of Sunday, the 21st June, at 7am, an unusually large audience assembled to hear the Message of Peace of late Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. The spacious hall was crowded to its utmost capacity and the audience numbered at its lowest computation at about five thousands. It was a representative gathering of men of different creeds and sects.

Hindus, Mahomedans, Sikhs, Aryas, Brahmos and Christians all were numerously represented.” (“The pathway to peace: Turn to the One God, Creator of this Universe”, Al Hakam, 3 March 2023, Issue 259, p.

10)

21 June 1913: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira announced the nikah of his son Abdul Hayy Sahib with Fatima Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shahra.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat. Vol. 3, p.

450) 21 June 1931: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra article about the financial difficulties of farmers was read out at a conference of agriculturists held in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad). (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, p. 284)

21 June 2000: On this day, during his tour of Indonesia, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh granted an audience to the then-chairman of the Indonesian National Assembly.

(Silsila Ahmadiyya, Part 4, p. 902)

22 June 22 June 1897: On this day, a book of the Promised Messiahas was published titled, Sirajuddin Isai Ke Char Savalon Ke Javab (Four Questions by Mr Sirajuddin, a Christian, and Their Answers).

Professor Sirajuddin was originally a Muslim, who converted to Christianity. After some time, he went to Qadian, stayed with the Promised Messiahas and became a Muslim again. However, when he went back from Qadian to Lahore, he again became a Christian and sent four questions to Huzooras.

Hazrat Ahmadas shed great light on those questions, explaining each answer at great length.

22 June 1945: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra advised the Indian leaders to accept the proposal of the British government, known as the Wavell Plan, and said: “This is the momentous proposal now before India. [...] There can be no possible shadow of a doubt that whatever rights we do get, no matter whether they are large or small, it is emphatically in our interest to grasp them firmly and turn them to our advantage. By doing so, we shall be bringing the day of India’s independence nearer.” (“The Wavell Plan and Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad’sra call for peace and India’s freedom”, Al Hakam, 24 June 2022, Issue 223, pp. 12-15)

22 June 1957: On this day, Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra inaugurated the first Ahmadiyya mosque in Hamburg, Germany. Many distinguished guests from England, Holland, Switzerland, and Sweden participated in the ceremony, including journalists and press and television correspondents.

Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib read out the special message of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 18, p. 467)

6

Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Answers to Everyday Issues

Part 56

Concealing good deeds, breaking fast deliberately, fidya, marrying divorcee of a brother, removing a deceased person’s gold tooth, beauty parlour business, takbirat on Eid al-Fitr, paternal attribution Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Concealing or publicising good deeds

A missionary [...] wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, enquiring about concealing voluntary good deeds [nawafil] from people. He expressed that he was not seeking a formal religious edict, or fatwa, but rather desired the personal viewpoint of Huzooraa. Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 11 May 2022, provided the following response to his query: “A fundamental point here is that you, despite being a missionary of the Community, have asked me for my personal opinion rather than a religious ruling, or fatwa. I will certainly only say what is correct and aligns with Islamic teachings.

It will not merely reflect my personal views but will accord with the fatwa of the Jamaat.

“As far as your question is concerned, Islam prohibits prying into others’ affairs.

Therefore, no one else has the right to poke their nose into the nature of a person’s fasts undertaken for the sake of God Almighty and ask whether they are supererogatory or intended to compensate for missed obligatory fasts.

“Moreover, Islam has instructed its followers to perform good deeds both publicly and privately. Various Islamic modes of worship embody both overt and covert actions, and both kinds of righteous deeds have their unique advantages. For instance, Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran regarding financial sacrifices: “‘If you give alms openly, that is indeed good, but if you give them secretly to the poor, it is even better for your own selves.’

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.272) “He further states: “‘Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah by night and day, secretly and openly, have their reward with their Lord; on them shall come no fear, nor shall they

grieve.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.275) “The Promised Messiahas, comparing this Quranic commandment of performing both open and hidden acts of goodness with the teachings of the Gospel and explaining its wisdom, states: “‘Similarly, the Gospel instructs that you should not perform good deeds so that they should be seen by others. But, the Quran admonishes against concealing all your actions from others. Instead, when wisdom dictates, perform certain actions secretly when you deem it better for your soul, and display certain actions when you believe they will benefit others in general. Thus, you will have two rewards, and as a result of your actions, those weaker people who find it difficult to muster the courage to commit good acts, might be inspired to follow your example. God himself has elaborated on the wisdom of this teaching in His Word by ً َ ً saying ‫ ِ� ّرا ّو َعلَانِ َية‬. That is to say, do good works both secretly and openly. This means that not only should one counsel others verbally but encourage by example as well. Mere words are not always adequate in every situation; one’s practical example often has a greater impact on others.’ (Kashti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, pp. 31-32) “Hence, if the intent of the doer of good is pure, that is, the intention is that others may also be inspired by this open act of goodness, or if his act of goodness inadvertently becomes apparent to people, then there is no need to worry or resort to pretexts to hide this goodness. This is because the Holy Prophetsa has instructed that the reward and punishment of human actions depend upon the intent of the doer of good. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab bad’i l-wahy) However, such a person should continue to pray to Allah Almighty that He protects him from Satan’s attacks, that instead of hypocrisy and ostentation, humility and submission are inculcated in him, and that his overt act of goodness also grants others the ability to perform good deeds, so that he may also partake in the rewards of their good deeds, because the Holy Prophetsa has also said:

َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ َّ َّ ‫ال َعلی الخيرِ ﻛفا ِع ِل ِہ‬ ‫ِإن الد‬

“‘Indeed, the one who guides others to do good deeds is like the one who does them.’ (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-‘ilmi ‘an rasulillahsa, Bab ma ja’a ‘ad-dal-lu ‘ala l-khayri ka fa‘ilihi’)”

Expiation [kaffarah] for intentionally breaking a fast Someone from India wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, recounting his various mistakes and shortcomings concerning the promises he made to God Almighty and his nonobservance of Ramadan fasts. He sought guidance regarding the expiation of these mistakes and the attainment of forgiveness for these sins. [...] Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 11 May 2022, gave the following answer to his question: “The errors you have mentioned, and the duties that were neglected or not fulfilled, or the intentional breaking of obligatory fasts – all these issues pertain to the rights of Allah the Exalted, and only He can forgive them. The remedy for these lies in genuine repentance before Allah and continually seeking His forgiveness for one’s mistakes.

“As you have written, your health is in good condition by the grace of Allah, so alongside repentance and continual seeking for forgiveness [istighfar], you should also focus on gradually making up for the unobserved fasts (i.e., those fasts of Ramadan that were not observed or were intentionally left incomplete or broken).

Similarly, if you want to atone for these mistakes and shortcomings by offering a certain amount of fidyah, you should do so by way of charitable giving.

“The authority to forgive your past mistakes and shortcomings, to accept your present good deeds, your repentance, your prayers for forgiveness, and your acts of charity, lies solely with Allah the Exalted. Yet, based on the teachings of the Holy Quran, the instructions of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and the advice given by his most ardent devotee, the Promised Messiahas, we can only pray that Allah grants you wisdom, blesses your sincere efforts, accepts your repentance and forgiveness through His mercy, protects you from all

kinds of satanic attacks in the future, and includes you amongst His devout servants.

Amin.”

Fidya for menstruating women during Ramadan

Someone from Jordan asked Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, whether a woman during her menstruation is obliged to give fidyah for not fasting. If some fasts are missed due to any excuse, is it necessary to make them up under all circumstances, or are these fasts annulled after a certain period? For example, if a person is ill and cannot fast for two years, is it necessary to fast for all the past days after recovering?

How can a pregnant or nursing woman who cannot fast during Ramadan for two years or more make up for these fasts? Huzoore-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 16 May 2022, provided the following guidance on this matter: “The onset of menstruation is a natural physiological condition for women. The Holy Quran has deemed it a state of discomfort for them. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.223) In this state, Allah the Exalted has granted women a reprieve from all forms of worship. Utilising this dispensation granted by Allah Almighty is indeed the true act of obedience and is also rewardbearing. Therefore, making up for the fasts of Ramadan that could not be observed due to menstruation is sufficient; there is no obligation to offer a fidyah. However, if a woman has the means to give fidyah and desires to give it willingly as an additional act of virtue, there is no prohibition against this. One of the reasons for giving fidyah is also to gain the ability and opportunity to fast; as the Promised Messiahas has said, ‘Once [this question] occurred to me as to why fidya had been constituted. Then, I realised that it is so ordained to [invoke God to] create favourable circumstances [tawfiq]

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 for one to be able to fast.’ (Al Hakam, No. 44, Vol. 6, 10 December 1902, p. 9) “As for the fasts that are missed for some valid excuse, they must be made up later, as this is the Quranic command, as it states: “‘Therefore, he who witnesses this month, being stationary and in health, should fast through it. But whoso is ailing, not being permanently incapacitated, or is on a journey, should complete the reckoning by fasting on a corresponding number of other days. Allah desires ease for you and desires not hardship for you; He has granted you this facility so that you should encounter no hardship in completing the reckoning, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful to Him.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186) “Therefore, it is obligatory to make up for the fasts of Ramadan after the valid excuse has ceased. But if someone becomes so afflicted that they cannot make up for these fasts even later, then Allah the Exalted has guided them towards the payment of fidyah as per their capacity, as it is stated: “‘And for those who find fasting a strain hard to bear is an expiation, the feeding of a poor person, if they can afford it.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186) “Regarding the compensation for missed fasts after the justifiable reason has ceased and the payment of fidyah, the Promised Messiahas stated: “‘Fidyah may only be contemplated in the case of a frail elder [shaykh fani] or the likes, who lack the necessary strength to ever complete a fast. Otherwise, for general people, who regain health and become capable of fasting again, the contemplation of merely offering fidyah would equate to ushering in a complete laxity in religious observance. In our view, a faith devoid of personal striving [mujahadah] holds no significance. Absolving ourselves of the responsibilities bestowed upon us by God in this way is a grave sin. Allah the Exalted has said that He will guide only those who strive in His path [Surah al-‘Ankabut, Ch.29: V.70].’ (Badr, No. 43, Vol. 6, 24 October 1907, p. 3) “So, in essence, if some fasts of Ramadan are left due to some valid excuse, these should be made up after the excuse has ceased, and if one has the ability, fidyah may also be paid for not being able to fast during Ramadan.

“If someone permanently lacks the strength to make up for these fasts, then َّ ۡ َ ّٰ ّ َ according to the verse ‫لَا یُکل ُِف الل ُہ نف ًسا ِالا ُو ۡس َع َہا‬ ‘Allah burdens not any soul beyond its capacity.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.287), such a person will be considered excused in the sight of Allah the Exalted. If they have the strength to pay fidyah in lieu of these fasts, then they should do so, and if they do not even possess the ability to pay fidyah, they will still be deemed excused in this matter in the sight of Allah the Exalted. The same rule will apply to pregnant and nursing women.

“If a person has missed fasts for more than one Ramadan month due to a legitimate excuse and, subsequently, Allah blesses them with the ability to fast after the removal of this excuse, they should strive to make up for these missed fasts gradually, to the best of their ability. Nevertheless, there exist divergent interpretations concerning the observance of missed fasts spanning

7

more than one Ramadan year. Some Islamic jurists maintain that missed fasts from prior years cannot be observed in subsequent years. However, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has provided different guidance on this matter. He advises: “‘I wish to counsel the Community that those members who did not observe all the fasts of Ramadan should make them up and complete them later, regardless of whether these fasts were missed due to negligence, illness, or travel. Similarly, if they have missed any fasts in the past years due to negligence or any religiously justified excuse, they should also endeavour to complete them before standing before Allah Almighty, so they can be absolved. Some jurists hold the belief that missed fasts from the previous year cannot be observed in the following year. However, I hold a different view on this matter. If someone was unable to fast due to ignorance, then ignorance can be forgiven.

However, if they intentionally chose not to fast, similar to intentionally missing a prayer, there is no option or provision to make up for it [qadha]. On the other hand, if they missed a fast due to forgetfulness or an error in legal reasoning, I believe they can make it up, and it is preferable for them to do so. Yes, if they could have fasted but deliberately chose not to, then there is no qadha. When they repent, their deeds will start afresh. However, if they did not fast due to negligence, a mistake resulting from flawed reasoning, or illness, I believe that regardless of how far back these fasts date, they can still be made up.’ (Al-Fazl, No. 55, Vol. 50-51, 8 March 1961, pp. 2-3)”

Marrying the divorcee of a brother, removing a deceased person’s gold tooth, beauty parlour business

Prophetsa did not prohibit marrying the widow or divorcee of a brother. Hence, it is permissible to marry the widow of a brother or, if the brother has divorced his wife and the waiting period [‘iddah] stipulated in the Holy Quran has passed, [it is also permissible to marry] such a woman. There is no prohibition in this regard.”

Removing a gold tooth from a deceased person

“If teeth made of gold or silver are not fixed and can be easily removed, then there is no issue in removing such teeth from the mouth of a deceased person. Generally, people do remove them, just as artificial dentures are usually removed from the mouth of a deceased person. However, if the teeth are fixed, such as in the case of modern implants that are attached in the mouth with screws, it becomes difficult to remove them, and there is a possibility of showing disrespect to the deceased.

Therefore, such teeth should not be removed.”

Operating a beauty parlour

Someone from Jordan wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, stating that the following questions had been submitted on their website: 1. Is it permissible to marry one’s brother’s divorcee?

2. If someone has got a gold tooth fitted, is it permissible to remove it after the person’s demise?

3. Is it permissible for women to operate beauty parlours?

Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 6 June 2022, provided the following responses to these questions:

Marrying a brother’s divorcee

Attributing oneself to someone other than one’s father

A student [...] wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, stating that he would like to have his mother’s name, instead of his father’s, inscribed on his [...] certificate, and requested permission for this. Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 8 June 2022, gave the following reply to his query: “There is no doubt that both parents play an equal role in the birth and upbringing of a child. That is why the Holy Quran ascribes the child to both the mother and father, as it states:

ٌۢ َّ ُ َ َُ ‫لَا تض ّٓار َوال َِدۃ ِبوَل َ ِد َھا َولَا َموۡلوۡ ٌد ل ٗہ ِبوَل َ ِد ٖہ‬

“Operating or working in a beauty parlour is both permissible. There is no reason for it to be impermissible from a religious perspective, provided that certain religious considerations are taken into account: there should be no mixing between men and women, the workers in the parlour should be women, and the individuals getting made up should also be women.

Full provisions for purdah should be made.

Makeup should be limited to the face or other parts of the body that do not lead to immodesty when beautified.”

Reciting takbirat aloud on Eid al-Fitr

“Allah Almighty has stipulated in the Holy Quran, specifically in Surah an-Nisa, verses 23 to 25, the women with whom marriage is prohibited for Muslims. Among these women, no prohibition is imposed on marrying the widow or divorcee of one’s brother. Likewise, in the Hadith, the Holy

Adha. The only distinction is that Hadith substantiates that on Eid al-Adha, these takbirat are recited from after the Fajr prayer on the 9 Dhul Hijjah until after the Asr prayer on 13 Dhul Hijjah. (Sunan ad-Daraqutni, Kitab al-‘idayn, Bab 1, Hadith 1754) However, on Eid al-Fitr, the Holy Prophetsa and his companions would habitually commence the recitation of takbirat upon leaving their homes for the Eid prayer in the morning, and this would continue until the commencement of the Eid prayer. However, takbirat were not recited after the Eid prayer (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Kitab salati l-‘idayn, Bab at-takbiri ‘idha kharaja ila l-‘id). This is our practice too, and for this reason, I issued a circular a while ago reminding the members of the Jamaat that takbirat should also be recited from morning until the Eid prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr.”

A missionary from the UK asked Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa whether it is permissible to recite takbirat aloud while heading towards the site of Eid prayer or the mosque on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr too. Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 8 June 2022, provided the following response to this matter: “Recitation of takbirat is confirmed from the practice of the Holy Prophetsa on both occasions of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-

“‘No mother shall be made to suffer on account of her child, and no father shall be made to suffer on account of his child.’

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.234) “This verse signifies that the child is a shared responsibility and a treasure of both parents.

“However, when it comes to addressing the child by someone’s name, the Holy Quran clearly states:

ٰ ُ ّٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ‫ا ۡد ُعوۡ ُھ ۡم لِابَٓائِ ِہ ۡم ُھوَ اق َسط ِعن َد الل ِہ‬

“‘Call them after their fathers; that is most just in the sight of Allah.’ (Surah alAhzab, Ch.33: V.6) “Undoubtedly, if your father did not partake in your upbringing and if he did not have any valid reason for his actions, he will be accountable in the sight of God. However, as far as worldly matters are concerned, you will be recognised as his offspring. Therefore, from a religious perspective, your father’s name should be the one to appear on your documents as a symbol of your lineage.”

(Compiled by Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London. Translated by The Weekly Al Hakam.)

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Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Names of

Allah 10-19

‘Call on Him by these’ Rizwan Khan Missionary, USA

10. Yā Rashīd - O Guide to the Right Way! -‫یا رشيد‬

ar-Rashīd, an-Nūr, al-Hakīm, al-Hakam, al-‘Adl, al-Muqsit, al-Fattāh, al-Wālī, al-Malik, Mālik al-Mulk way by means of light. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan, Surah an-Nur 24:36, Vol. 3, p. 218; Lisan al‘Arab, Ibn Manzūr, Root: ‫نور‬, See “‫ھو الذي یُ ْب ِص ُر‬ ُ َ َ ‫)”بنورہ ذو‬ ‫الع َمایة ویَ ْرش ُد بہداہ ذو الغوایَ ِة‬ One aspect of an-Nūr (The Light) is synonymous with az-Zāhir (The Manifest)

manifestations of Allah, but we cannot see Him. When we say Yā Nūr (O Light!), we acknowledge that our eyes cannot reach Him, but we ask Him to reach our eyes.

because it is through His light that He is manifest. (Lisan al-‘Arab, Ibn Manzūr, Root: ُْ ‫نور‬, See “‫المﻈ ِہر لغيرہ‬ ‫ والﻈاھر �ي نفسہ‬،‫ھو الﻈاھر الذي بہ کل ﻇہور‬ ً ‫)”یسمی نورا‬ Use in Prayer Allah Almighty is the light of the world; His brightness is in everything, without which it is all darkness. (Chashmah-eMa‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 97, 120) When we say Yā Nūr (O Light!), we pray that we are filled with His light and that no darkness remains in us. We pray that He gives us sight and shows us the reality of things.

Also, the name an-Nūr (The Light) describes how Allah Almighty is simultaneously perceptible and imperceptible. The Holy Prophetsa was asked if he saw Allah Almighty, to which he replied, “I saw light (nūr),” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-iman, Bab fi qawlihias ‘nurun ’anna ’arahu’ wa fi qawlihi ‘ra’aytu nuran’) and in another narration, he said, “He is light (nūr); how could I see Him?” (Ibid.) While we see light reflecting off an object, we do not see the beam of light itself. Similarly, we see the

Meaning The root of hakīm means to prevent or restrain someone for their reformation, which is why this root is used to describe the bridle utilised to restrain a horse. Hence, the word hikmah (wisdom) primarily refers to that which restrains ignorant behaviour.

The word hikmah (wisdom) emphasises both knowledge and action. It means knowledge of the true nature of things and action according to that knowledge. When applied to God, the aspect of knowledge in hikmah refers to His perfect knowledge of things, and the aspect of action refers to His origination of things in the most perfect manner.

The word hakīm means one who possesses knowledge and wisdom, and one who does things soundly, thoroughly, or skillfully. Al-Hakīm means The Possessor of Wisdom (hikmah) and The All-Wise. (AlMufradat, al-Rāghib, Root: ‫ ;حكم‬Taj al-‘Arus, al-Zabīdī, Root: ‫ ;حكم‬Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ٌ ْ ‫ حكم‬Entry: ‫ َح ِكيم‬،‫ ِحك َمة‬،‫ ;حكم‬Friday Sermon, 7 Dec 2007, Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 5, pp.

491-500)

12. Yā Hakīm - O Wise! - ‫یا حكيم‬

Meaning The root of rashīd means to follow the right way. It means firmly continuing on the way of truth. When used abouat a person, the word rashīd means someone who is right-minded. (Surah Hud 11:79) When applied to Allah Almighty, ar-Rashīd means He who is on the truth. Another meaning of rashīd is making someone follow the right way. Ar-Rashīd means The Director to the right way, or One Who follows a perfect course in His decrees, or He whose affairs are directed to their ends in the right way. ّْ (Taj al-‘Arus, al-Zabidi, Root: ‫رشد‬, See “،‫والرُشد‬ ُ َ ّ ُ ّ َ َ َ ّ َ ُ َ ّ .‫الحق َمع ت َصلب فِي ِہ‬ ‫والرشيد �ِي صِ فات‬ � ‫الاستقامة علی‬ :‫بالضم‬ ِ ‫ریق‬ ٰ َ َ ٍّ ُْ َْ ّ ْ َ َ َ ‫الصراط فعيل ِبمعنی مفعِل‬ ِ ‫ ;”الله تعالی الہا ِدي ِإلی َسوا ِء‬Lane’s ٌ ‫ َرش‬،‫اشد‬ ٌ ‫ َر‬،‫)رشد‬ Lexicon, Root: ‫رشد‬, Entry: ‫يد‬ ِ

Similar Names Al-Hādī (The Guide) and Al-Rashīd (The Guide to the Right Way) are synonymous in their meaning of “guiding.”

When contrasted, Al-Hādī (The Guide) emphasises the gentleness and graciousness with which Allah Almighty guides us, and Al-Rashīd (The Guide to the Right Way) emphasises how He directs us along the perfect path to the truth.

This name is also mentioned under AlHakīm (The Wise).

Use in Prayer When we pray for guidance and say Yā Hādī (O Guide!), we bring to mind the kindness with which He guides us to follow the right way, and we ask Him to show us that kindness. When we pray for guidance and say Yā Rashīd (O Guide to the Right Way!), we bring to mind the perfect correctness with which He directs us, and we ask Him to keep us on the path to truth unerringly.

11. Yā Nūr - O Light! - ‫یا نور‬ Meaning The word nūr means light, or that which manifests things and shows their true state.

An-Nūr means He by whose light the blind see, and by whose guidance the erring are guided. It also means The Manifest and The Guide. (Friday Sermon, 4 Dec 2009; Lane’s ُ Lexicon, Root: ‫نور‬, Entry: ‫)ن ٌور‬ Similar Names One aspect of an-Nūr (The Light) is synonymous with al-Hādī (The Guide) because Allah Almighty shows us the right

Similar Names Ar-Rashīd (The Guide to the Right Way) and Al-Hakīm (The Wise) are synonymous in describing how the actions of Allah Almighty are based on truth and perfect knowledge. (Lawami’ al-Bayyinat, Fakhr alDin al-Razi, p. 258, See “‫ فالرشيد ھو‬،‫بمعنی فاعل‬ ّ ‫ و یرجع حاصلہ إلی انہ حكيم ليس فی‬،‫ و ھو الذي لہ الرشد‬،‫الراشد‬ ‫)”افعالہ عبﺚ ولا باطل‬ Al-‘Alīm (The All-Knowing) and alHakīm (The Wise) are synonymous in their meanings of “knowing,” but al-‘Alīm (The All-Knowing) focuses on knowledge, whereas al-Hakīm (The Wise) refers to both knowledge and acting according to that perfect knowledge.

This name is also mentioned under alHakam (The Judge).

Use in Prayer Al-Hakīm (The Wise) is the One who teaches wisdom to others. This name is connected with our purification because if we do something without understanding its wisdom, we won’t do it with an open heart.

Purification cannot happen unless the heart is moved. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 195) If we follow a rule only because we have to, we will reluctantly do the bare minimum, and our hearts won’t be in it. As a result, we will only get minimal benefit from following that rule. When we say Yā Hakīm (O Wise!), we pray that Allah Almighty teaches us the wisdom of His commands so that we follow them with an open heart, and they are a greater source of purification for us.

The name Al-Hakīm (The Wise) also applies to appreciating the wisdom in the actions of Allah Almighty.

The name al-Hakīm (The Wise) refers to the One Whose actions are always based on perfect knowledge. For example, at the end of the story of Hazrat Yusufas, Allah Almighty reminds us that He is al-Hakīm (The Wise). He reminds us that all the difficulties Hazrat Yusufas went through were necessary for his advancement and his brothers’ reformation. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 3, pp. 363-4) Hazrat Yusufas never waived because he knew that Allah Almighty is al-Hakīm (The Wise), and what seemed like one setback after another was actually leading to the fulfilment of His promise. The name al-Hakīm (The Wise) reminds us that the actions of Allah Almighty always lead to what is ultimately best for His servants, even if at that time we do not understand how.

13. Yā Hakam - O Judge! - ‫یا حكم‬ Meaning The root of hakam means to prevent or restrain someone for their reformation,

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 which is why this root is used to describe the bridle used to restrain a horse. When applied to judgement, this root means to restrain from wrongdoing and to condemn a person to something. The word hakama means He judged, gave judgement, passed a sentence, or decided judicially. Al-Hakam means The Judge. (Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫حكم‬, َ Entry: ‫ َحك ٌم‬،‫ َحاك ٌِم‬،‫)حكم‬ Similar Names Al-Hakīm (The Wise) and al-Hakam (The Judge) come from the same root.

This name is also mentioned under al‘Adl (The Just), al-Fattāh (The Opener), and al-Wālī (The Ruler).

Use in Prayer The word hakam refers to an expert judge and is an intensive form of the word hākim, which means “judge.” (Al-Mufradat, al-Raghib, Root: ‫ ;حكم‬Friday Sermon, 7 Dec 2007, Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 7, pp. 491500) Al-Hakam (The Judge) means Allah Almighty is the Best of Judges (Ahkamul Hākimīn [Surah at-Tin 95:9]).

We should bring to mind the authority that ordinary judges in this world exercise.

People stand apprehensively in front of them awaiting sentencing because they know the one before whom they stand possesses authority. The judgements of this world are only temporary. It is Allah Almighty who makes the final judgement about our fate.

The name al-Hakam (The Judge) reminds us to stand before Allah Almighty with humility and be ready to submit to His judgement.

If we are sincere in our prayers but still succumb to some sins, Allah Almighty can command the angels not to record those

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sins because He is the Judge. (Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 36) When we say Yā Hakam (O Judge!), we humbly seek His leniency.

14. Yā ‘Adl - O Just! - ‫يا عدل‬ Meaning The root of ‘adl means to act equitably, justly, or rightly. ‘Adl means one who acts equitably, justly, or rightly. “Al-‘adl as one of the names of God means He whom desire does not cause to incline, or decline, so that he should deviate from the right course in judgement. (TA)” (Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫عدل‬, Entry: ‫ َع ْد ٌل‬،‫)عدل‬ Similar Names The name al-‘Adl (The Just) reminds us that the judgements of Allah Almighty as al-Hakam (The Judge) are always based on absolute justice.

This name is also mentioned under alMuqsit (The Equitable).

Use in Prayer Some people think Allah Almighty will forgive the wrongdoers and punish the righteous, but this is thinking ill of Allah Almighty because it contradicts His attribute of justice (‘adl). (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 336) A person may do actions that seem to people like the actions of the people of Paradise, when in fact he is from the people of Hell, and a person may do actions that seem to people like the actions of the people of Hell, when in fact he is from the people of Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab arriqaq, Bab al-a‘malu bi l-khawatimi wa am yukhafu minha) This may seem like an injustice to some people, but Allah Almighty judges based on knowledge of our intentions. When we fail to understand the

wisdom for a decision, the name al‘Adl (The Just) reminds us that His judgement is always just.

The name al-‘Adl (The Just) emphasises the justice with which the judicial authority in al-Hakam (The Judge) is exercised. It reminds us that those judgements are never an abuse of authority. If we find ourselves thinking ill of a decision of Allah Almighty, we say Yā ‘Adl (O Just!) and pray that Allah Almighty reveals to us the absolute justice behind His judgements.

15. Yā Muqsit - O Equitable! ‫يا مقسط‬ Meaning The root of muqsit means equity and justice. Al-Muqsit means The Equitable.

Similar Names Al-‘Adl (The Just) and Al-Muqsit (The Equitable) are synonymous.

The emphasis in Al-Muqsit (The Equitable) is on demanding justice for the wronged from the wrongdoers.

(The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God, al-Ghazali, p. 140; Kashf al-Ma’na ‘an Sirr Asma Allah al-Husna, Ibn Arabi, (86) AlIsm: Al-Muqsit.)

Use in Prayer When we say Yā Muqsit (O Equitable!), we bring to mind those who have suffered injustice and pray that Allah Almighty give them justice in this world and in the hereafter.

ّ 16. Yā Fattāh - O Opener! - ‫يا فتاح‬

Meaning The root of fattāh means to open or unlock. Based on this, it also means to conquer or win. It is also used to refer to judging between litigants. The word fattāh means an opener or unlocker, or a judge.

Al-Fattāh means The Judge, or the Opener of the gates of sustenance and of mercy to His servants. (Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫فتح‬ َّ َ Entry: ‫ فت ٌاح‬،‫)فتح‬ Similar Names Al-Hakam (The Judge) and al-Fattāh (The Opener) are synonymous in their meaning of “judge”. (Lisan al-‘Arab, Ibn Manzur, Root: ‫ فتح‬،‫حرف الفاء‬, See “. ‫ الحاكم‬: ‫والفاتح‬ ‫ )”والفتاح من أبنية المبالغة‬The name al-Hakam describes how a judge restrains wrongdoers with judicial authority. The name al-Fattāh describes how a judge unlocks the truth by unravelling falsehood to reveal the truth. َ (Al-Mufradat, al-Raghib, Root: ‫فتح‬, See “‫وف َت َح‬ ً َ َ َّ َ ْ ‫ وأزال الإغلاق عنها‬،‫ فصل الأمر فيها‬:‫ ;”الق ِضية فِتاحا‬Taj alَْ َُ ‘Arus, al-Zabidi, Root: ‫فتح‬, See “:‫اضي‬ ِ ‫َويقال للق‬ َ ّ َ َ َّ ّ‫مواض َع الحق‬ ‫ لأنه يفتح‬،‫ ;”الفتاح‬Lawami’ al-Bayyinat, ّ Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī, p. 173; “‫الفتاح فى وصفك لله‬ ‫ و ذلك أن الحاكم يفتح‬،‫ أحدهما أنه الحاكم ٰبين الخلق‬:‫يحتمل معنيين‬ ّ ،‫ و الله تعالى ميز بين الحق والباطل‬،‫الأمر المستغلق بين الخصمين‬ ّ ‫)”وأوضح الحق و‬ ‫ فهو الفتاح‬،‫ و دحض الباطل و أبطله‬،‫بينه‬ Use in Prayer When we say Yā Hakam (O Judge!), we pray that Allah Almighty judges between the believers and disbelievers by manifesting His decisive judicial authority. When we say Yā Fattāh (O Opener!) in its meaning of “Judge,” we pray that Allah Almighty judges between the believers and disbelievers by openly making clear who is on truth and who is on falsehood.

The root of fattāh essentially means removing that which is closed or a source of

uncertainty. It can mean opening or unlocking a door, or it can mean removing distress. In material application, this root means to relieve distress by removing poverty and opening the doors of prosperity.

In spiritual application, this root means opening the doors of knowledge and guidance that become a means of reward and spiritual advancement. (Al-Mufradat, al-Raghib, Root: ‫ )فتح‬When we say Yā Fattāh (O Opener!), we pray that Allah Almighty opens the gates of sustenance and mercy for us.

17. Yā Wālī - O Ruler! - ‫يا والي‬ Meaning The root of wālī means holding command or authority over something, and having charge of or presiding over something. A wālī is a governor, ruler, and king. (Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫ولى‬, Entry: ‫ َو ٍال‬،‫)ولى‬ Al-Wālī means The Ruler and the Master (Mālik) of all things Who acts according to His own will in their management. (Lisan al-‘Arab, Ibn Manzur, Root: ‫ ولي‬،‫حرف الواو‬, See “‫ وهو مالك الأشياء جميعها المتصرف فيها‬،‫)”الوالي‬ Similar Names Al-Waliyy (‫( )الو ّلي‬The Friend) and al-Wālī (‫( )الوالي‬The Ruler) come from the same root, the meaning of guardianship being found in both. (Lisan al-‘Arab, Ibn Manzur, Root: ‫حرف‬ ‫ ولي‬،‫الواو‬, See “‫ وكذلك ولي الوالي البلد‬، ‫)”وأوليته الشيء فوليه‬ One aspect of al-Hakam (The Judge) is similar to al-Wālī (The Ruler) because a ruler also issues judgements. (Sharh al-Asma’ Allah al-Husna, Al-Zarruq, p. 147, See “:‫الوالي‬ ‫هو الذي يباشر الحكم لإصلاح المولى عليه وحياطته وكان فيه معنى من‬ ‫ ;”اسمه الحكم العدل وقد يكون بمعنى المولى‬Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫ ولى‬Entry: ‫ َ;وال‬Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫عون‬ ٌَ َ Entry: ‫)م ُعنة‬ This name is also mentioned under alMalik (The King).

Use in Prayer Ruling (walāyah) gives the sense of organisation, power, and action, and the name Al-Wālī includes all three. (Lisan al‘Arab, Ibn Manzur, Root: ‫ ولي‬،‫حرف الواو‬, See “‫وكأن‬ ‫ وما لم يجتمع ذلك فيها لم‬، ‫الولاية تشعر بالتدبير والقدرة والفعل‬ ‫ )”ينطلق عليه اسم الوالي‬As The Ruler, Allah Almighty is the sole planner, then the One who implements His plan, then the One Continued on page 13 >>

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Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

ََْ َ ْ َ َ​َ ‫ﻭﻟﻘﺪ ﺑﻌﺜﻨﺎ ِﻓﻰ‬ ً ُ ‫ُ ﱢ ُ ﱠ ﱠ‬ ‫ﻛﻞ ﺃﻣﺔٍ ﺭﺳﻮﻻ‬

Prophets of

Allah

Prophet Ezra: A prophet among the Prophets of Israel “And We did raise among every people a Messenger”

Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

ُ Ezra, commonly identified as Uzairas [ُ‫]� َ�یۡر‬, was a prophet of God who lived approximately 450 years before Jesusas.

(Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 20) He was a descendant of Seraiah, the high priest, and was also known as Ezra the Priest as he was a member of the priestly order. “He was one of the most important personages of his day and had a far-reaching influence on the development of Judaism. He was especially honoured among the Prophets of Israel.

In fact, he marks the springtime in the national history of Judaism and is regarded and quoted as the type of person most competent and learned in the Law.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 2, p.1151) He has been briefly mentioned in the Holy Quran.

Some Jews took him to be the son of God He was revered by Jews. Some Jews took him to be the son of God.

َ ُ ّٰ ۡ ‫َو قال َ ِت ال َي ُہوۡ ُد � َ�یۡرُ � ۡاب ُن الل ِه‬

“And the Jews say, Ezra is the son of Allah” (Surah at-Taubah, Ch.9: V30) The full translation of the selected portion of the verse quoted above is as follows: “And the Jews say, Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say, the Messiah is the son of Allah; that is what they say

with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before them.

Allah’s curse be on them! How are they turned away!” (Surah at-Taubah, Ch.9: V30)

‫ُﻋﺰَﻳۡ ُﺮ‬

‫ﻋﻠﯿﮫ ﺍﻟﺴﻼﻡ‬

Commenting on this verse, Hazrat Ahmadas writes: “Now, look in these noble verses. Allah, the Lord of Glory, states clearly that before the Christians, the Jews—that is to say, some Jews— had also declared Ezra to be the son of Allah, and not only they but some disbelievers of the earlier ages had also given the same status to their spiritual guides and leaders. So what arguments do these people have to prove that those earlier people were wrong in considering their priests to be gods while they are right?”

(The Holy War [Jang-e-Muqaddas], p. 118) In light of this verse, we read in the Five

Volume Commentary: “Those of the Jews who lived in Medina looked upon Ezraas as the son of God. Similarly, a sect of Jews living at Hadramaut in the south of Arabia believed him to be the son of God. The remnants of this sect continued to linger till the end of the fourth century AH (Qastalani & Dawud, Zahiri).

As this doctrine of the Jews, which appears to be sectional, was a later innovation and did not subsist long, present Jewish sources make no mention of it, but that does not affect the real situation.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 1152) An allegation is often raised against the Holy Quran, questioning why it declares that the Jews believe Ezraas to be the son of God when Jews do not hold such a belief.

First of all, the Holy Quran does not claim to say that all Jews, till today, believe in such a thing. The Holy Quran states: “And the Jews say, Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say, the Messiah is the son of Allah; that is what they say with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before them.

Allah’s curse be on them! How are they turned away!” (Surah Taubah, Ch.9: V.30) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira stated that throughout history, many religions and sects have emerged and eventually faded away. He mentioned a specific Jewish sect that resided in Hadramaut and held the belief that Uzairas (Ezra) was the son of God. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira pointed out that just because these sects may have disappeared, it does not negate their prior existence, as they have been mentioned in historical texts. He provided the example

of the followers of prophets like Davidas or Laithas, who are no longer present, yet whose existence is acknowledged based on the records available. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira also mentioned that this particular sect persisted until the end of the fourth century AH. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan, Vol. 2, p.

286) Allah Almighty states:

ّٰ َ َ َ ۤ ُ َ َّ ‫ِاتخذ ۡوا ا ۡح َب َار ُھ ۡم َو ُر ۡھ َبان ُہ ۡم ا ۡربَ ًابا ِّم ۡن ُد ۡو ِن الل ِه‬

“They have taken their learned men and their monks for lords beside Allah.”

(Surah Taubah, Ch.9: V.31) “‫( احبار‬learned men) belonged to Jews and ‫( رھبان‬monks) to Christians. Both of these people virtually looked upon their religious leaders as so many gods besides the true God.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol.2, pp. 1052-1053) Further, the Quran, in another place, states that Israelites would say:

َّ َ ُ َ ّٰ � َ َ ۡ ‫َو قال َ ِت ال َي ُہوۡ ُد َو الن ٰص ٰری ن ۡح ُن ا ۡبن ُﺆا الل ِه َو ا ِح َّبٓاؤہ‬

“The Jews and the Christians say, ‘We are sons of Allah and His loved ones.’”

(Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.19) In addition to this, we find a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari in which it is stated that during the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, some people said, “O Allah’s Messengersa!

Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Yes, do you have any difficulty seeing the sun at midday when it is bright and there are no clouds in the sky?” They replied,

Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 << Continued from previous page

“No.” He said, “Do you have any difficulty seeing the moon on a full moon night when it is bright and there are no clouds in the sky?” They replied, “No.” The Holy Prophetsa said, “Similarly, you will have no difficulty in seeing Allah on the Day of Resurrection, just as you have no difficulty in seeing either of them. On the Day of Resurrection, a caller will announce, ‘Let every nation follow that which they used to worship.’ Then none of those who used to worship anything other than Allah, such as idols and other deities, will escape Hell, until none remain except those who used to worship Allah, both the obedient (i.e., the good) and the disobedient (i.e., the bad), and the remaining people of the Scripture. Then the Jews will be called upon and it will be said to them, ‘Who did you use to worship?’ They will say, ‘We used to worship Ezra, the son of Allah.’

It will be said to them, ‘You are liars, for Allah has never taken anyone as a wife or a son. What do you want now?’ They will

say, ‘O our Lord! We are thirsty, so give us something to drink.’ They will be directed and addressed as follows, ‘Will you drink?’

Upon this, they will be gathered into Hell, which will look like a mirage with its different sides destroying each other. Then they will fall into the Fire. Afterwards, the Christians will be called upon and it will be said to them, ‘Who did you use to worship?’

They will say, ‘We used to worship Jesus, the son of Allah.’ It will be said to them, ‘You are liars, for Allah has never taken anyone as a wife or a son.’ Then it will be said to them, ‘What do you want?’ They will say what the former people have said. Then, when none remain in the gathering except those who used to worship Allah alone, the true Lord of the Worlds, whether they were obedient or disobedient, then the Lord of the Worlds, Allah, will come to them in a shape closest to the picture they had in their minds about Him. It will be said,

11

‘What are you waiting for? Every nation has followed what they used to worship.’

They will reply, ‘We left the people in the world when we were in great need of them, and we did not take them as friends. Now we are waiting for our Lord whom we used to worship.’ Allah will say, ‘I am your Lord.’

They will say twice or thrice, ‘We do not worship anyone besides Allah.’” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab at-tafsir, Hadith 4581)

The Books of Israel rewritten “From the history of Israel, we learn that in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, the books of Israel were burnt and destroyed. They were rewritten by the Prophet Ezra, and of Ezra we read in Jewish literature: “It was forgotten, but Ezra restored it. [(Suk. 20a) Jewish Encyclopaedia, Vol.5, p.322] “And again: “Ezra re-established the text of the Pentateuch, introducing therein the Assyrian, or square characters. [(Sanh.

21b) Jewish Encyclopaedia, Vol.5, p. 322]” (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p.

20) Ibn Kathir states that according to a famous saying, Ezrara was a prophet of the Children of Israel, and his era falls between the times of Prophet Davidas, Prophet Solomonas and Prophet John [Yahyaas]. It is said that among the Children of Israel, no one remained a preserver of the Torah. It is said that at that time, God taught him the Torah, which he recorded and rewrote.

(Ibn Kathir, Qasas alAnbiya [Urdu], under Prophet Ezraas, p. 511) Explaining, what is meant by “being taught” the Torah, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “True, we are told that the books were revealed. But revealed only means that God helped in their composition. It does not mean that the text, word for word, was revealed by God. We learn from Jewish history that Ezra[as] himself rejected parts of the text on the ground of unreliability, and that he left the final decision about them to Elijah[as]. The Torah as we know it today, therefore, is not the Torah which was revealed to Moses[as]. It is the Torah which Ezra[as] recorded from his memory, and about parts of which he himself was in doubt. We should even say that the present Torah is not even the one which Ezra[as] wrote, for Ezra[as] wrote 204 books, and we do not find 204 books in the Bible.”

(Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 21)

<< Continued from page 11

who protects and continues it to its completion. (The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God, al-Ghazali, p. 140) The name al-Wālī (The Ruler) emphasises administering and managing. Allah Almighty created a system of angels through which He governs this universe. When we say Yā Wālī (The Ruler), we pray that Allah Almighty brings that system into operation in our support.

Also, as a mother is the wālī (guardian) of her children, Allah Almighty is the wālī of the righteous. (Tafsir Hazrat Masih-eMaudas, 7:197, Vol. 4, p. 264) A mother looks after all the needs of her children. She plans every part of their day and sees those plans through as she manages every aspect of their life. When we say Yā Wālī (The Ruler), we pray that Allah Almighty takes over the management of every aspect of our lives and that we are granted a closeness to Him where we can live as carelessly as a child.

18. Yā Malik - O King! - ‫يا ملك‬ Meaning The root of malik broadly refers to the ability to rule. It describes how that ability exists whether one commands authority over people or not. (Al-Mufradat, al-Raghib, ْ ْ ّ ّ ُ ْ Root: ‫ملك‬, See “‫ و ِملك‬،‫ ِملك هو التملك والتولي‬:‫َوال ِملك ضربان‬ ّ‫ تولّى أو لم يتول‬،‫القوة على ذلك‬ ّ ‫ )”هو‬The root of malik means command, authority, and dominion.

(Lane’s Lexicon, Root: ‫ملك‬, Entry: ‫ )ملك‬The word malik means a king, sovereign, or ruler. Al-Malik means The King.

Similar Names Al-Wālī (The Ruler) is synonymous with al-Malik (The King) and al-Mālik (The Master) in their meanings of authority and ownership. The difference is that the name al-Wālī (The Ruler) emphasises administering and managing.

This name is also mentioned under Mālik Al-Mulk (Master of The Kingdom) and al-Ghaniyy (The Self-Sufficient).

Use in Prayer Allah Almighty being al-Malik (The King) means He has established laws that govern the physical and spiritual world.

Those who follow the laws of al-Malik (The King) are rewarded, and those who defy His laws suffer. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 1, p. 78-9) In the last chapter of the Holy Quran, we pray to Allah with this name; “I seek the protection of… the King of mankind.”

(Surah an-Nas, 114:2-3) The intent of this expression is to seek protection from the oppressive kings among mankind. For example, if someone is attacked by a dog, he calls the dog owner for protection.

Similarly, when we say, “I seek the protection of the King of mankind,” we call out to The King (al-Malik) of mankind for protection from the injustices rulers and kings are doing. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 10, p.

583-4) We should consider the authority that the rulers of this world exercise and how humbly people go to them with their requests. The name al-Malik brings to mind the One who is the King of kings (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-adab, Bab tahrimi t-tasammi bi maliki l-amlaki wa bi maliki l-muluk) and The True King. (Surah TaHa, 20:115, Surah al-Mu’minun 23:117) When we say Yā Malik (O King!), we bring to mind how much greater the awe and authority of Allah Almighty is, and we humbly take our

requests to Him.

19. Yā Mālik Al-Mulk - O Master of The Kingdom! - ‫يا مالك الملك‬ Meaning ٌ َ Whereas the word King (‫)ملِك‬ refers to authority and sovereignty, the word Master ٌ َ (‫)مال ِك‬ refers to possessing ownership. (The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary, 1:4, p. 13-14) Similar Names ٌ َ A difference between al-Malik (‫)الملِك‬ ٌ َ (The King) and al-Mālik (‫( )المال ِك‬The Master) is that a king has awe and majesty because of the fear he inspires and his sovereignty. However, the word mālik (master) has meanings of mercy and clemency. A king (malik) expects to take something from his subjects, but a master (mālik) has complete ownership and his slaves only expect to receive from him. This is why Allah is the Master (Mālik) of the Day of Judgment, because He will not expect any further actions from us on that day. In this world, He expects good actions from us through His attribute of al-Malik (The King), and we hope for mercy from Him. On the Day of Judgement, He will not expect any actions from us, and we can only hope for His mercy and forgiveness.

(Friday Sermon, 9 Mar 2007, Khutbat-eMasroor, Vol. 5, pp. 95-104) Another difference between a king and a master is that a king rules over many people, but his authority has limitations. A master does not rule over many people, but there are no limitations on his authority over the slaves he owns. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, p. 77-78) The name Mālik Al-Mulk (Master of The Kingdom) reminds us that Allah Almighty is a King with complete possession and ownership of everything.

(The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary, 22:57, p. 2168) This name is also mentioned under arRabb (The Lord).

Use in Prayer When we pray, the name al-Malik (The King) brings to mind the awe of Allah’s sovereignty and our responsibility to act as good subjects. However, the name al-Mālik (The Master) brings to mind how helpless we are as His slaves. When we say Yā Mālik Al-Mulk (Master of The Kingdom!), we pray to Allah Almighty as His possessions, hoping for mercy from the One who is our Owner.

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Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Truthfulness and progress of Islam Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s lecture at the Vande Mataram Hall in Amritsar, 1920 – Part 2 This is the second part of the article, on “Sadaqat-e-Islam aur Zara’i Taraqqi-e-Islam” (The truthfulness of Islam and the means for its progress), a lecture delivered by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Deen Mahmood Ahmadra on 22 February 1920 at the Vande Mataram Hall in Amritsar.

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

A beloved of God in our era “Hence, there have been many holy personages who were the beloveds of God Almighty, and a beloved of God Almighty has come in this era as well. Due to the evils of this age, and people’s distance from God Almighty and abandoning Him, God Almighty appointed a person [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah] who served Islam and proved its truthfulness.

This was an era when the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa were regarded as the ‘worst of the worst’ [God forbid]. It was claimed that they would vanish from the world within a hundred years. At that time, the honour of God Almighty ignited with fervour, and He declared, ‘Who would dare to erase the teachings of Muhammadsa?’ Thus, this was an age when the situation of [the followers of] Islam was pitiable and Islamic teachings were being attacked. Moreover, due to the advancement of science and other disciplines new kinds of objections were being raised, and people would say that ‘there are such teachings in the Holy Quran that are against reason’. Hence, with the emergence of every new science, people would attack Islam. When Darwin’s theory [of evolution] emerged, Islam was attacked through it. Islam was subjected to criticism from the perspective of geology. In light of astronomy, ‘defects’ were being pointed out in [the teachings of] Islam. In short, as a result of the research on every discipline, it was said that ‘Islam is filled with flaws and mistakes and cannot stand in front of any discipline.’ For this reason, they claimed that ‘the Muslims would leave Islam themselves as soon as they are acquainted with the [new] disciplines.’ Moreover, this thought spread so much that many of the so-called Muslims said that there is a need for reform in Islam and that its teachings should be made compatible with the current era.

“In that particular circumstance, the divine honour of God surged with enthusiasm, as He conveyed to Muhammadsa, ‘You are so deeply cherished by Me that even your followers would become dear to Me,’ and His love blossomed like a flowing fountain. To prove the majesty of Islam and the greatness of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, He appointed a person who held no status in terms of worldly majesty,

strength, wealth, money, fame or honour and said that through this very person, He shall establish Islam in this era and propagate it in the world. Thus, in such a calamitous and delicate time, God Almighty opened up a door to prove the truthfulness of Islam, and chose that person from Qadian, and said to him ‘Since you have brought yourself under the complete servitude of Muhammadsa, now I am appointing you to serve Islam and to [prove] the majesty of Muhammadsa.’

“Now, the question arises as to how one could know that this person had love for God Almighty and God Almighty also loved him, and how does his appointment prove the truthfulness of Islam? [...] The one who is the beloved of God Almighty is granted His help as well. One ought to look from this perspective as to whether or not he had the help and succour of God Almighty. To assess this, one should see that when he stood up to serve Islam, as I have indicated earlier, his circumstances were very ordinary; he had no [worldly] might or strength, and neither was he famous in the world. He did not have any wealth, following, or power. However, in that era, he proclaimed that God has given him the following glad tiding:‫ریت ت غ‬ � ‫ی ن‬ ‫ی‬ ‫زنیم ےک انکروں کت اچنہپٔوں اگ۔‬ ‫ںیم ی�ری �بل�ی� وک‬

“[‘I shall carry your message to the ends of the earth.’ (Tadhkirah [English], p. 407)] “He also announced that God Almighty has told him the following:

َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫فحان ان تعان وتعرَف بین الن‬

“Meaning, ‘The time has come that you should be helped and be recognised among people.’ [Tadhkirah [English], p. 289] “Then he announced after having received the glad tiding from God Almighty that: ‫این‬ ‫این‬ ‫ایک ی ن‬ ‫د� ی‬ ‫ںیم کی‬ ‫یا‬ ‫نکیل دخا اےس وبقل‬ ‫د� ےن اُس وک وبقل ہن ی ا‬ ‫ا� ذن�ری ر ٓا ایا� رپ یا‬ ‫رکے اگ اور ڑبے زور ٓاور ولمحں ےس اُس یک اچسیئ اظرہ رکدے اگ۔‬ “Meaning, ‘A Warner came unto the world, but the world accepted him not; yet God shall accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with mighty assaults.’

(Tadhkirah [English], p. 128) “In short, at the time when he was alone, he had no following either; people would not come to his town from outside; his town was not a famous one; rather, it was an ordinary and small town. At that time, God told him that ‘I will spread your name in the world.’ [...] Now, one ought to see whether or not he gained that honour and fame in the world and whether or not he attained

the help and support that were promised to him by God Almighty. [...] After his claim, he gained such fame in the world that there is no country or place whose people are unaware of him; his name spread to every country and nation, and in this way, the prophecy that he had announced, after having received the glad tidings from God Almighty, was fulfilled. This happened at a time when he was completely unknown.

One could say that ‘Mirza Sahib had made a claim of a new kind, and the name of such people often spreads who make such new claims.’ However, we say that he did not claim anything new. In the same era, many other people had also made new kinds of claims; where did their names spread? Moreover, there is not a single person among those who claimed that their name would spread to the whole world, and that happened as well. This distinctive feature is only held by the Promised Messiahas, that everything transpired in accordance with what he had foretold. It proves that he had inculcated within him the love of God Almighty; otherwise, there were such people in the same Punjab who made certain claims, but neither their names spread nor did they make such announcements in advance, as

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 did the Promised Messiahas.

Propagation of Islam through the Promised Messiahas “Now, we ask as to whether or not everything happened in accordance with what had been foretold by the Promised Messiahas. Yes, it happened for sure. The [people of] same nations that proclaimed that Islam would be effaced within a century, accepted Islam through him. From among the European people – who, due to the decline of Muslims in various sciences and civilisation, would say that ‘Islam is a religion of ignorance,’ and would see Islam with immense hate – many of them have accepted Islam and did so at a time when the world had claimed that Islam would be effaced. They came under the fold of Islam at a time when presenting Islam to people was a far cry; even the so-called Muslims were shy of [expressing their belief in] it. In this way, did not the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas prove to be true, which he had made in accordance with God Almighty’s glad tidings that Islam would spread through him? [...] The servants of the Promised Messiahas stood in front of the same religions which were declaring Islam to be ‘a religion of ignorance and madness’ and defeated them [through preaching] and ُ ‫[ لَٓا ِالٰ َہ ِالَّا‬There is none raised the slogans of ‫اللہ‬ worthy of worship except Allah]. Now look at [the people of] Europe, the same people who wanted to make us followers of the ُ ‫ لَٓا ِالٰ َہ ِالَّا‬is echoing at the Trinity; the call of ‫اللہ‬ homes of many of them. Moreover, this call has now turned to America too. Therefore, we have already sent our missionary to America, so that he may call the attention of Americans towards Islam who seem to be ready to accept it. Then, the same Germany which was heavily inclined towards materialism, is now paying attention to spirituality. [...]

Opposition of the Promised Messiahas “One may say, ‘What is the big deal if some people joined Islam?’ However, the Promised Messiahas did not merely say that Islam would spread in the world; along with that, he also said that Islam would spread despite the fact that the world would oppose him. Hence, the world opposed him, and the ones who claimed to be believers in the majesty and greatness of Muhammadsa, also created obstacles. [...] Numerous forms of oppression were inflicted upon him; stones were hurled at him [such as in Amritsar on 9 November 1905], and he endured various hardships. However, despite all this, he would say: ‫زین �ز‬ ‫ن‬ ‫اے دل وت ی� اخرطِ انیا�اں اگنہ دار‬ �‫� پ‬ ‫بُح یم�ب�رم‬ ‫�آكآرخ دننك دوعٔی ُ ِّ ب‬ “[‘O heart, you are required to show sympathy towards them, after all, they claim to have love for my Prophet [the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.’] (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 182)] “It meant that, ‘Regardless of how badly they treat me despite the fact that I have stood up to propagate the teaching which they themselves claim to love, I remember to show sympathy to them because, after all, they claim to love that Prophet[sa] of whom I am a servant.’ [...]

“In short, his own people opposed him and put hurdles in his way. His followers

13

were thrown away from their homes, and hardships and troubles of every kind were faced by them, but still, these poor and weak people gradually progressed and offered their wealth for Islam’s propagation by sacrificing the needs of their own and their families. Despite all the opposition, they progressed. People wished for Islam to not spread, but God Almighty desired to make it shine, hence, it happened so. Thus, Islam spread in the world and enlightened it, and continues to do so, which is glorious proof of that person being the truthful and chosen one of God Almighty.

Success of the Promised Messiahas “An American author writes that the people who make efforts in the world are of two kinds; those who make people follow them and those who represent others. For instance, if there is a country that lacks education and hence a person stands and declares the spread of education to be his objective, though in the beginning he would face opposition and some people would stand against him, he will succeed at last, because the prevailing circumstances and situation will force them to attain education. However, one’s success becomes very difficult if one proclaims such things that the circumstances do not compel people to accept, but rather, incite them against them. The Promised Messiahas was also one of those people, because when he proclaimed his objective, everyone became his opponent, and the circumstances of the era were completely against him. Though people believed that God Almighty had been speaking to His servants, they did not believe that there could be a person in this era with whom God Almighty spoke. In fact, the Promised Messiahas desired to instil this belief [in people], because he had come to reform the world, instead of leading people to the same path that was being followed by the material people. For this reason, his success is a glorious fact and a huge proof of his truthfulness, and it testifies that Islam is the true religion of God Almighty.

Promised Messiah’sas prophecy regarding the Tsar of Russia “Then, he foretold that there would be a horrific war in the world, and during this, Tsar [Nicholas II] would have to endure a pitiable state. Thus, he stated: ‫احل زار‬ ِ ‫زار یھب وہاگ وت وہاگ اس ڑھگی اب‬ “Meaning, ‘The Tsar himself will, at that hour, be in a pitiable state.’ [Barahin-eAhmadiyya, Part V, p. 218] “Thus, this was exactly what happened. In this prophecy, he had laid out the whole situation of that war, to an extent that in some of his pamphlets, he presented a sketch of those [battle] fields where immensely horrific battles took place. That prophecy included the following couplet as well: ‫ی‬ ‫وپاشںیک ربگنِ ای�انمس‬ ‫رات وج رےتھک ےھت‬ ‫ںیہن‬ ‫یہ‬ ‫دراتخن انچر‬ ِ‫حبص رک دے یگ ا� لثم‬ ِ “Meaning, ‘Those whose night garments

were white as jasmine, Will wake up in the morning as if clad in red, like the poplar tree.’ [Ibid.]

“Therefore, the great war of France, in which Germany had to face a defeat, was fought in an area where the poplar trees are found abundantly. On one hand, the streams of blood were flowing, and on the other, the red leaves of poplar trees resembled the frozen blood, which made this situation even more terrifying.

“In short, he foretold that a great war would take place, and the Tsar’s situation would be horrifying. Thus, we witnessed after his [the Promised Messiahas] demise that a war took place, during which the Tsar had to endure the most horrifying and admonitory circumstances. Other European kings also had power within their countries; however, the Tsar was the most authoritative king. Hence, the words that he would use as his signatures, meant vicegerent of God. So, the Promised Messiahas was told [by God] that a great war would happen, during which a huge calamity would befall the Tsar of Russia, and that calamity would not be the one that would kill him suddenly, but rather, his condition would be extremely sorrowful, and he would die after enduring immensely painful circumstances. Now, let us see whether or not it actually happened.

“While the Tsar of Russia was ruling with full majesty and power, he came to know about a rebellion from [St Petersburg, on 22 January 1905, in the form of a demonstration by the workers and members of war-affected social classes.] He proceeded to that area and instructed the commander of the army

to severely punish the rebels, and that he was on the way as well. However, while he had crossed only a few stations [of the Imperial Train], he received a telegram that the situation was very perilous. Thereafter, he instructed the commander to hand over the command to another officer. After crossing some more stations, he was informed that the situation had gotten even worse, and in response, he instructed [the commander] to show some leniency. After this, at the same station, some people approached him and asked him to surrender his authority.

“You all would have read about his situation, which transpired later. What more pitiable situation could he face than this, that his daughters were mistreated in front of his eyes, and then by killing him, they brought his pitiable situation to an extreme. These incidents are testifying like the daylight that the person who had foretold this all, had come from God, and had a great connection with God Almighty. Moreover, it is proven from this that Islam is the religion in which such a person has come whose heart is filled with the love of God Almighty and God Almighty manifests the proof of His love for him.” (Sadaqat-e-Islam Aur Zara’i Taraqqie-Islam, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, pp. 53-73) After this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra narrated the details of the Promised Messiah’sas prophecy about Ahmad Baig and Muhammadi Begum, and said: “Thus, this prophecy is a glorious proof for Islam’s truthfulness, since it manifests that the God of Islam is not like a ‘machine’ Continued on next page >>

14

Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

– which is unable to distinguish [between right and wrong] – but rather, He is the Being Who does whatever He desires. Our opponents consider that this prophecy was not fulfilled; however, they are in a delusion.

In reality, this prophecy has been fulfilled gloriously.

Survival of the victim of a rabid dog “Now, let us ponder over some other matters which prove that whatever the Promised Messiahas has presented, proves the majesty and truthfulness of Islam, because God Almighty informed the Promised Messiahas about such matters which He does not tell anyone, except His beloved ones.

“Once a boy was bitten by a rabid dog and was sent to Kasauli for treatment, however, when he returned, he began to show signs of madness after some time. It is written in all books of medicine, and doctors are also in agreement, that there is no cure for the one who shows signs of madness as a result of being bitten by a [rabid] dog. When the news about the boy’s illness was conveyed to Kasauli, they responded: “‘Sorry, nothing can be done for Abdul Karim.’

“Since this boy had come to attain religious education from a very far distance, the Promised Messiahas was motivated by the thought that it is the beginning [of the Jamaat] and opposition is happening from all sides. If this boy dies, it will cause a huge pain to the parents of this boy who was sent to a far distance to attain religious education, and the opponents will also make hue and cry. Thus, when he was said to be incurable, [Huzooras] prayed for him and he survived [The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, pp.

597-598]. Hence, that boy is still alive. To this day, there is no other example in the past thousand years of a person with such an ailment who has survived. He survived only through the prayers of the Promised Messiahas. This is a huge proof of the Power of God Almighty which has manifested through the Promised Messiahas.

The cure of a sick who was said to be incurable “Similarly, thousands of other signs manifested, from which I will narrate another one as an example. A son of [Sardar] Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib[ra] – who is the maternal uncle of the current Nawab of Malerkotla, and I have been informed that he is here today – was ill due to typhoid fever. He was being treated by a traditional physician – Hazrat Maulvi Noor-ud-Deen Sahibra, who had been the special physician of the Maharaja of Jammu – and two other doctors. However, a situation arrived when the physicians became completely perplexed and frightened and said that ‘Now this child cannot survive.’ When the Promised Messiahas was informed about this, he said that he would pray for his health. He prayed, and God Almighty revealed to him that now he cannot survive. At this, the Promised Messiahas submitted [to God Almighty]: ‘O God, I intercede on his behalf.’ In response to this, [God Almighty] revealed:

َّ َ ۡ َّ ۤ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ‫ؕ َم ۡن ذا ال ِذ ۡی یَشفع ِعن َد ٗہ ِالا ِب ِاذنِ ٖہ‬

“[‘Who is he that will intercede with

Him except by His permission?’ (Surah alBaqarah, Ch. 2: V. 256)] “Regarding this episode, the Promised Messiahas states, ‘My condition became such that I lost consciousness and fell down.’ At that moment, he received the following revelation:

way to decide, however, no one accepted it, and it testifies to the point that the people of other religions feel that it is only Islam that can present the proof for its truthfulness, our religions are unable to do so.

opponent. Though there were several other newspapers that acknowledged his services, the Vakil article was the best one. It had stated that [Hazrat] Mirza Sahib’s[as] ‘pen was a marvel and his voice magic,’ and ‘his two fists generated the thunderous lightning.’

The academic achievements of the Promised Messiahas

[Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, pp. 560-561] “So, this was the academic miracle that was presented by the Promised Messiahas in favour of the truthfulness of Islam. Then look, while there are people who allege that ‘Mirza Sahib[as] did not propagate Islam’, on the other hand even the opponents are acknowledging that the teachings of Islam that have been presented by [Hazrat] Mirza Sahib[as] are of a great level. [...]

“Thus, these incidents and arguments prove that Islam is a true religion and is superior to all other [religions] with respect to the arguments of its truthfulness.

Moreover, it is proven from the observation that in this era, Islam is the only religion that could lead one to God Almighty.

‫انك انت المجاز‬ “Meaning, ‘Permission is granted to you to intercede.’

“Upon this, the Promised Messiahas prayed, and he was told that the boy will be saved. Therefore, after half an hour, he [the child] got better and survived. He is in England now to attain education. [The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p. 279]

Response to a question [Upon this, a member of the audience humbly presented a written question to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. The question respectfully acknowledged that while the subject of the lecture revolved around the signs affirming the truthfulness of Islam, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had begun to elucidate the signs and virtues of the Promised Messiahas. In response, Huzoorra graciously addressed the query as follows:] “The first part of my lecture was about the arguments for the truthfulness of Islam, which I have already explained, and the second part is about the observation of the truthfulness of Islam, for which I am presenting the signs of the Promised Messiahas. One ought to remember that we do not believe in the Promised Messiahas for his person’s sake, but rather, we believe in him since, through his personage, the truthfulness of Islam has been proven.

Hence, the signs of his truthfulness are, in fact, the signs of the Holy Prophet’ssa truthfulness, because Hazrat Mirza Sahibas presented himself as a servant of the Holy Prophetsa.

Islam’s truthfulness through a challenge to Bishop Lefroy “Then, the Promised Messiahas issued a challenge to Bishop Lefroy in order to prove the truthfulness of Islam through a prayer [duel]. He asked him to represent Christianity and he would represent Islam, and to pray to God that He may manifest a sign in favour of the truthful religion. “[Hazrat Ahmadas engaged in challenges against numerous Christian missionaries and extended invitations for prayer duels to them. On one such occasion, he presented an alternative approach to ascertain the truth, which was that] both parties be given a few ailing people, and they were to pray for their cure. That religion was to be considered truthful, whose representative would cure the most number of ailed persons.

“Upon this, many prominent English newspapers published articles and stated, ‘Why do our priests, who are getting huge amounts of wages, not come to contest?

This is the time to prove the truthfulness of Christianity.’ However, no one came to the contest. This was a very simple and befitting

“From an academic and theological point of view, the Promised Messiahas wrote such great essays that even the opponents had to acknowledge their magnificence. Hence, a great Jalsa was held in Lahore [in December 1896], which was called ‘Mahotso’. In this regard, a condition was fixed for the representatives of all religions to present the hallmarks of their respective religions, and refrain from attacking any other religion.

The Promised Messiahas wrote an essay for this [occasion] on Islam, and prophesied in advance through an ishtihar [pamphlet] that God had given glad tidings that his essay would be the best among all in that Jalsa [Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 2, pp. 171-172]. Therefore, when his essay was read out at the Jalsa and the fixed time finished, all attendees, belonging to all religions, requested to extend the time, and a certain speaker gave his time to be used for [Huzoor’sas] essay. However, when the essay did not complete during the extended time either, the people asked [the speaker who was reading Huzoor’sas essay] to continue reading, but when it did not complete even during the second extended time, the attendees proposed to extend the Jalsa for another day. Thus, another day was granted, allowing the essay to be read out completely.

The people acknowledged that ‘whether or not we agree with the points narrated, but undoubtedly, this essay has been the best among all essays.’ The Civil and Military Gazette wrote an article in this regard as well.

Testimony of an opponent newspaper about the Promised Messiahas “In short, the Promised Messiahas rendered such practical service to [prove] the truthfulness of Islam, which was not done by anyone else in this era, that even his enemies had to acknowledge it. For instance, on his demise, a well-known newspaper of this city, Vakil, which does not belong to our Community, published a very good article, in which it was accepted that [Hazrat] Mirza Sahib[as] has rendered great services for Islam and highlighted the superiority of Islam in front of other religions. This is a testimony about the Promised Messiahas from his

Address to the audience “Now, I request to all, whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim, that they are required to ponder over the truthfulness of Islam with love. There is no harm in advising others with love and affection. Only fighting amongst ourselves and speaking ill of each other is wrong. You ought to ponder over our religion with calmness, since we also ponder over your religions in the same manner. Is not the religion [Islam] that I have presented to you, able to establish the foundations of world peace? If Islam has this ability, which is the truth, then I wish to appeal to you all to accept it so that the distance which is present between us can be alleviated.

“Then, I ask those who are the followers of the Holy Prophetsa, but have not joined our Jamaat, ‘Is not this the time for us all to make full efforts to propagate Islam in the world?

That person, who sacrificed everything for the sake of Islam’s propagation, lived in front of your eyes. Did you not ponder yet as to what his purpose was? Did he come to efface Islam, or did he strive day and night to serve Islam?’ [...] We have witnessed that despite his ailments, at every moment of his life, he strived to propagate Islam in the world, and occupied himself at all times in this very endeavour. Can anyone who holds a love for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and Islam refrain from inclining towards him, be separated from him, or abandon him?

Not at all. Did he point out any flaws in the Holy Quran? Did he alter Islamic teachings?

Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023

15

100 Maulana Nayyar in Portsmouth and

Years Ago... tabligh activities in London Al Fazl, 14 June 1923 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Portsmouth In order to improve my health, I went to Portsmouth for a week. During my stay in Portsmouth, I met fellow people and Ahmadi friends. Brother Muhammad Yunus was present at the train station [to welcome me]. He also arranged for my stay. He has a lot of passion for spreading the message of Islam, but he regrets that they do not get the opportunity to have a missionary [in Portsmouth] for even a single month. His views and feelings can be understood from the fact that wherever he sees a suitable place, they immediately say: “If only I had money, I would build an Ahmadiyya Mosque here.”

I was delighted to meet with Sister Fatima Payson Foldhall, Mrs Evans, Sister Salma Croxford, Ahmad Cripps and Salima Cripps. May Allah increase their sincerity, devotion and faith, amin summa amin. I have always believed that our Jamaat will soon grow faster in Portsmouth as people here pay more attention than in London.

From Portsmouth, I went to Bognor [Regis], Ryde, and Ventnor and distributed the literature of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

Work in London On 15 April [1923], Dr Henri Mustapha Leon’s [Abdullah Quilliam] lecture will be held at the Ahmadiyya Mosque under the auspices of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat on the topic of “The state of the people of Arabia

<< Continued from previous page

Did he abandon Islam? If not, and his only mission was to propagate Islam in the world, then what is the reason for those who profess the same objective, to not come under his flag? They are required to ponder over it with calmness, and leave aside the discrimination and stubbornness, which are not attributes of just people. If they do so, they will certainly find that God sent him to establish a Jamaat that would propagate Islam in the world. Thus, Muslims need to pay attention to it and see what the situation of [the followers of] Islam is today.

“So, O my friends, O brothers, O my beloved ones, you ought to recognise the time. Do you not feel any mercy upon witnessing these circumstances? Do you not feel the need to leap forward to propagate Islam? You should reflect upon and bear in mind that God’s honour for Islam is fervently present at this moment in time.

The opponents of Islam alleged that ‘Islam has spread through the power of the sword, otherwise, it had no distinctive feature to help its spread’, God Almighty declared that this

before the advent of the Holy Prophet[sa]”.

In the following weeks, Khalid Sheldrake, Muhammad Hill and Dr Salomon will deliver speeches. Invitation cards and handbills have been printed and published.

An announcement has also been issued in the local newspaper.

Through personal meetings, the series of individual preaching has been started.

Hafiz Syed Mahmudullah Shah and Dr Muhammad Sulaiman from South Africa are very helpful. Both of these gentlemen are working diligently and passionately, considering preaching their duty. May Allah the Almighty grant them the best of rewards.

A series of outdoor lectures has also been started. The summer season has arrived and London’s parks are in full swing. Through the blessings of Allah the Almighty, we have planned to distribute literature and start an extensive series of lectures.

matters of faith and are entitled to do their own religious ijtihad [finding solutions to Islamic legal questions through reasoning].

2.

There is no need to bow and prostrate in prayers, rather, it is enough to stand [and perform the complete salat].

3.

Albanian Muslims should only have one wife [at a time].

4.

The practice of the veil among women should be abandoned.

The Protestants of England are strongly against the departure of the United Kingdom’s King to meet the Pope. […] The Bahá’í sect is establishing centres in Europe.

Among all this religious perplexity, we are doing whatever we can with our limited resources for the protection and propagation of Islam, just to win the pleasure of God.

ۡ ُ َّ َ ۡ َ َ َّ َّ ۡ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫الس ِم ۡیع ال َع ِل ۡی ُم‬ ‫ربنا تقبل ِمنا ؕ ِانک انت‬

Religious world In Russia, the Roman Catholic Church is going through severe atrocities. The brutalities against the church are being avenged by the hands of fate. Romania has also strictly prohibited Roman Catholics and other Christian and Jewish religious activities. The news of Arya Samaj’s new zealous Shuddhi Movement in India and the reports of riots in Amritsar have sent a clear message to the British that the illusion of Hindu-Muslim harmony has been shattered. Kemal Pasha, the Emir of Turkey, is now organising his new party.

He is in favour of continuing the practice of seizing the kingdom and control from the

Caliph. The Muslims of Yugoslavia have sent several representatives to meet the Caliph of Constantinople. On the other hand, there is a dispute over the selection of the representatives in Bosnia. The government does not like the approach taken by M Spaho, a famous Muslim political leader.

Thus far, no one has been sent from Bosnia.

Muslims of Albania held a religious conference and passed the following strange resolutions: 1. There is no caliph after the Holy Prophetsa of Arabia. Therefore, the Muslims of Albania are free to their

[allegation] is incorrect, Islam had spread through the power of arguments. If even the servant of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa could propagate Islam through arguments, why could his master not propagate it in this way? The Holy Prophetsa did not take up the sword initially, but rather, the opponents took this initiative first. The Holy Prophetsa took up the sword in self-defence. However, due to their unawareness of [the true facts of] those incidents, the people alleged that ‘Islam has spread through the power of the sword.’ In its response, the honour of God came into action and He appointed a servant of the Holy Prophetsa, so that he may propagate Islam through arguments.

“Thus, you should align your intentions with the will of God Almighty so that He may shower His blessings on you. Now, the only way for the Muslims to progress is for them to abandon their discrimination and stubbornness, and become true Muslims.

God Almighty has put forward His ‘hand’ to help the Muslims and sent down a ‘rope’ from Him. Now, it is your duty to hold fast to it. You are called to be the ummah of Muhammadsa. If God had not provided His

help upon your decline, and not provided any means for your progress, the people would have deduced that ‘Islam is not a beloved religion of God.’ However, since Islam is the beloved religion of God, in a situation when the Muslims had become weak and helpless in all aspects, it was essential that He help them, and He did so. He sent the Promised Messiahas as the means for the progress of the Muslims. It is your duty now to accept him and hold fast by the ‘rope’ that He has sent down. This is the only means for your progress and the only pathway for you to attain the [true] objective.

“Just recently, an Englishman, whose name was Faith, saw in a dream that there was a rock from which a person emerged who held a rope in his hands, and instructed him [Mr Faith] to grasp it.

After this [dream], he met our missionaries in England, who showed him a picture of the Promised Messiahas, upon which he narrated his dream and said that it was this very person who held a rope in his hand and advised him to grasp it.

“So, O brethren, O my beloveds, you also ought to join this service which is being car-

[“Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art the All Hearing, the All Knowing.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.128)]

Ramadan From 18 April [1923], Ramadan will start here. Hafiz Syed Mahmudullah Shah Sahib will recite the Holy Quran in the Ahmadiyya Mosque.

Abdur Rahim Nayyar.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 14 June 1923 issue of Al Fazl) ried out by the mission of the Promised Messiahas, so you may be established on the living religion. If you will preach the arguments which have been presented by the Promised Messiahas in favour of Islam’s truthfulness, then no religion can ever stand in front of you. Thus, you are required to value this blessing of God Almighty, accept him, and go around the world holding the arguments taught by him, so that the call of َ َ ُ َّ َ ٰ َ ّٰ ‫اللہ ُم َح ّم ٌد ّر ُسوْ ُل اللہ‬ ‫[ لا ِالہ ِالا‬There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger] may echo in all corners of the world.

“Now, I will conclude my lecture on the prayer that may Allah the Almighty enable the members of the Ahmadiyya [Muslim] Community, the people who have not yet joined it, the followers of other religions, and even those who do not believe in God, to accept the truthful religion, adopt the right path and follow it as well, and He may shower upon us the same grace which had been showered in the times of previous prophets. May God accept our prayers, Amin.” (Sadaqat-e-Islam Aur Zara’i Taraqqie-Islam, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, pp. 75-82)

16

Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Hazrat Amma Jan Syeda Nusrat Jahan Begum Aleena Waheed Student Aisha Academy

Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jahan Begumra is also known as Hazrat Amma Jan in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. With the title of “Amma Jan” (lit. “dear mother”), she was considered a spiritual mother and a source of tarbiyyat and nurturing for thousands of women in the Community.

Her birth name, “Nusrat Jahan,” which translates to “Helper of the World,” is truly reflected in her impact throughout the course of Jamaat’s history.

She held esteemed positions within the Jamaat, being the wife of a Prophet of God, the mother of a Khalifa, grandmother of two Khulafa, and the great-grandmother of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

Messiahas stated: “This was the good news, several years in advance, of my marriage into a noble family of Syeds of Delhi … [In the revelation] my wife was named Khadijah as she is the mother to a blessed progeny, and a blessed progeny has also been promised to me. It was also an indication that she would be of a Syed family.” (Ibid.; Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 524-525) As mentioned above, her father belonged to a distinguished family. Thus,

relationship stood as a testament to their shared dedication to the path of taqwa.

Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahibra offers a compelling testimony of their harmonious relationship. In his words, “Never in my life have I ever seen or heard that the Promised Messiahas expressed displeasure towards Ummul Momineenra [Hazrat Amma Jan]. Rather, I always saw them in a state that is the epitome of an ideal couple.” (Sirat Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahibara, p. 231)

Family Background Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jahan Begumra was born in 1865. She came from a highly esteemed family residing in Delhi, which traced their lineage back to the Holy Prophetsa. Her father’s name was Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra, and her mother’s name was Hazrat Syeda Begumra. Her father also belonged to a distinguished and noble Syed family of Delhi and was the grandson of the famous Sufi, Hazrat Khawaja Mir Dard.

(Life of Ahmad, p. 132)

Noble examples of service and financial sacrifice

Marriage with Hazrat Ahmadas Along with belonging to an extremely noble and pious family of Syeds and being a descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jahan Begumra had the special honour of being the wife of the Promised Messiahas.

Both her father and mother regarded Hazrat Ahmadas as a man of noble character.

When seeking a suitable match for their daughter, Hazrat Ahmad’sas exceptional virtues far surpassed any other proposal being considered. (Life of Ahmad, pp. 132133) Thus, on 17 November 1884, the nikah was announced. It was Monday, 27 Muharram 1302 AH. The nikah was announced by the famous cleric of the city, Maulvi Syed Nazeer Hussain. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 1, pp. 242-244) With regard to this marriage, Allah the Almighty revealed to the Promised Messiahas in 1881:

ُ ُْ َ َ ‫أشك ْر‌‬نِ ْع َم ِت ْی َ‬رأيْ َت‬خ ِديْ َج ِت ْی‬

“Be grateful to Me that you have found My Khadijah.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 47) Explaining this revelation, the Promised

Nasir Ahmadrh is also evident from the fact that in 1933, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation stone of a residence named Al-Nusrat in Qadian. This house was a gift from Hazrat Amma Janraa to her grandson.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 101) When raising her children, she taught them to abstain from lying and trusted them to the extent that they would take it upon themselves never to disappoint her.

She spoke with gentle words and was never harsh with her children or grandchildren.

She believed that instilling high moral standards in the eldest child was the most effective way to teach the younger ones. This ensures that the younger children always have a role model to look up to, someone they can relate to as an older sibling. (Sheikh Mahmood Ahmad Irfani, Seerat Hazrat Sayeda Nasrat Jahan Begum Sahibara, Part 1, p. 397)

with the materialisation of this marriage, a pious and blessed progeny was decreed, destined to continue to illuminate and be the torchbearers of Islam.

This blessed marriage between the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Amma Janra was also foretold by the Holy Prophetsa in the following hadith:

َّ َّ َ َ ‫ال َق‬ َ ‫َع ْب ُد الل ِہ ْبن َع ْمرو َق‬ ‫ال َر ُسوْ َل الل ِہ َصلی اللہ َعل ْی ِہ َو َسل َم‬ َ َ َ َ َْ َ َ َْ َ ُ ْ ٍ َ ْ ِ ُ َْ ‫ض ف َیتز ّو ُج َویُوْل َ ُدل َ ٗہ‬ ِ ‫ینزِل ِعیسی ابن مریم ِالی الٔار‬

Hazrat Abudullah bin Amrra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Jesus, son of Mary, will descend on earth and shall marry and have children.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab al-fitan, Hadith 5508) Here, we not only learn of this blessed marriage taking place, but we also become aware that it is through this blessed marriage that the Promised Messiahas shall bear offspring.

Ideal married life The marriage between the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Amma Janra was based on mutual love and respect. This

A role model of piety Hazrat Amma Janra possessed a high standard of worship and connection with Allah. She offered her salat on time, with great humility and dedication, including other voluntary prayers such as Tahajjud.

Hazrat Amma Janra possessed numerous qualities, including being extremely charitable and hospitable. Her financial contributions exceeded all expectations, and she regularly cooked meals for a few people as a form of charity. Her daily routine revolved around tasks dedicated to serving humanity and upholding a role model for women in Islam Ahmadiyyat. (Mazamin-eBashir, Vol. 3, p. 604) Ahmadi mothers can learn a variety of things from Hazrat Amma Janra regarding the basic principles of child-rearing and how to raise them in the best and most effective manner possible. The fact that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra entrusted the upbringing of his son, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh to Hazrat Amma Janra sheds ample light on her noble character and ability to raise children. In fact, her love for her grandson, Hazrat Hafiz Mirza

When we read about the sacrifices made by Ahmadis for the construction of Minaratul-Masih, Hazrat Amma Jan’sra name will always be remembered.

It is mentioned in the history of the Jamaat that Hazrat Ahmadas had decided to divide the estimated cost of 10,000 rupees into 100 rupees per person (Al Fazl, 26 January 1920). It was said that those who donated 100 rupees would have their names engraved on the minaret. Thus, after this announcement was made, four people immediately paid the prescribed amount.

The names of those four are Hazrat Munshi Abdul Aziz Aujlawira, Hazrat Mian Shadi Khanra, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib MA, and Sheikh Niyaz Ahmad Sahib. Further, we find that Hazrat Amma Janra, pledged 1000 rupees, which she fulfilled by selling one of her own properties she had in Delhi.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 117) Then, in 1923, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Khalifatul Masihra, launched an appeal for the construction of a mosque in Berlin, specifically calling upon the female members of the Jamaat for their contributions. The women displayed remarkable zeal and enthusiasm in response to this appeal, resulting in the collection of 100,000 rupees. On this notable occasion, Hazrat Amma Janra generously donated 500 rupees.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 398) On 1 August 1923, i.e., the same year, Hazrat Amma Janra laid the foundation stone for the female ward in Noor Hospital, Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023

17

Light amidst darkness Chaudhry Zahur Hussain BA

َ​َۡ ّ ُ َُ ُ َ َّ َ َ​َ​َ َّ ‫اس ٍق ِاذا‬ ِ ‫ق ۡل اعوۡذ ِبرَ ِب الفل ِق۔ ِم ۡن ش ِر َما خلق۔ َو ِم ۡن ش ِر غ‬ َ ‫َوق َب۔‬ “Say I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of what He has created, and from the evil of the utterly dark night, when it comes.” (Surah al-Falaq, Ch.113: V.2-4) Cast a cursory glance over the natural world and ponder over the everyday phenomena occurring around you. Day and night, light and darkness, pursue each other in a cyclic order. Summer and winter follow each other. If the drought and the dog days scorch the earth’s face, the monsoons roar and thunder over-solicitously to water it forthwith. This law is a constant order among the phenomena of nature and must go on until and unless the Author of the universe wills it otherwise. Time is fleeting,

<< Continued from previous page

Qadian. (Seerat Hazrat Amma Jan, p. 8)

Passing on the rings of the Promised Messiahas Although Hazrat Amma Janra endured great trials, such as the loss of children, she remained resilient and most steadfast in her faith in Allah.

Hazrat Amma Janra was granted the blessing of having 10 children.

Unfortunately, five of them passed away at a young age, while the remaining five continued to live by the grace of Allah.

After the passing of Hazrat Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah, his three rings were distributed among his sons. Hazrat Amma Janra distributed the rings among her thre sons through a draw. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra wrote the inscriptions on three pieces of paper, and Hazrat Amma Janra picked the papers. The ring with “AlaisAllahu Bikafin ‘Abdahu” went to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, the one with “Udhkur Ne‘mati…” came to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, and the one with “Maula Bus” went to Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra. (Al Hakam, 6 April 2018, Issue 3, p. 7)

Demise of Hazrat Amma Jan

ra

Hazrat Amma Janra sadly passed away in Rabwah on the night of 20 April 1952 at the age of 86. Two days later, on 22 April, the funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra. She was honoured by being dressed in a sacred garment of the Promised Messiahas. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol.14, p.

96) May Allah grant her the highest abode in Paradise and bless us all with the ability to emulate her exemplary life. Amin.

or man is pushed forward and never allowed to stop, hence the inevitable change, that overwhelms him at every step. Nay, everything moves according to a given law within certain periods, and there are actions and reactions throughout all of nature.

God is One, and He likes oneness in all His physical as well as spiritual systems. The law that governs the visible side of life is the same law that governs the invisible side. The operation of the law in the realm of physics is visible to the physical eye, while that in the realm of metaphysics is discernible to the inward intellectual eye. In the spiritual world of man too, there are days and nights, summers and winters, droughts and rainy seasons, which follow one another with the same regularity as in the physical world.

The whole universe is an unfoldment from the homogeneous to the heterogeneous and back to the homogeneous again, and these respective periods, in the words of Herbert Spencer, are “alternate eras of evolution and dissolution.”

When there is no sun in the spiritual world, the spirit of man finds its pulsation growing fainter and fainter. There being no magnetiser, the grip of faith gets loosened.

Darkness prevails all over the spiritual aspects of life and a mist of doubts and misgivings enshrouds the articles of belief.

The formula of the unity of God as well as His existence, the life after death and the accountability of actions, are considered nothing more than myths and superstitious beliefs of the lower classes of people. Angels are believed to be only the faculties of Man, or the properties of elements. The efficacy of prayer is derided and thought to be only a forced consolation for an afflicted heart.

Divine revelation and communion with God become things of the past and were no longer required for the scientifically enlightened generation of the time. Mysticism, scepticism, agnosticism, atheism, and socalled spiritualism replace the true faith, and

religion is completely metamorphosed into an accursed superstition. Countless sects, holding abominable doctrines, spring up like mushrooms. Perverted views of religion on the one hand and obstinate irreligion on the other, have but a devilish effect on the actions of men. Vice, covetousness, self-conceit, vanity, ostentation, etc. reign supreme. Unbridled love of earthly means and an insatiable thirst for wealth and power are the rules of the day. In fact, the spiritual life of man is affected by the leprosy of mischief and earthliness.

But thank God, this spiritual and moral decay is not destined to last forever, and therefore it is no matter of disappointment.

The very moment at which obscuration attains its highest pitch marks the turning point and is consequently the most important stage in the history of religion. It is at this critical moment that preparations are made by the Great Lord of the dawn to cause a spiritual sun to rise. When the world is enveloped in the pitchy darkness of sin and the ways of righteousness, purity and truthfulness are hidden from the eye of the spiritual wayfarer, the Creator of the universe condescends to manifest His face to the world, through a spiritual Revivalist, endowed with powers to reclaim the world from the evils into which it had fallen, and to re-establish upon earth the faith, that had vanished from its face. He restores religion to its original purity, and removes the prevailing errors in doctrine and practice.

He radiates the life-force, which thrills the drowsy spirits into activity and brings about a spiritual transformation.

This particular hour, which is the connecting link between the darkness and the dawn, is named in the Holy Quran as Lailatul-Qadr (i.e., the grand night or the night of majesty) or Lailatin-Mubarakatin (i.e., the blessed night). As in this darkness comes a blessing from on high in the shape of a Divine messenger, this night is a blessed and majestic night. “Every wise affair is made distinct in it” (Surah ad-Dukhan, Ch.44: V.5-6), because it is during the time of a prophet’s advent that true wisdom is distinctly established.

I would now like to request that the reader look at the present condition of the world. Is not the world, as a whole, involved in vice and error? There are countless religions, all of which are further split up into numberless sects. There is much ado about society, and national considerations solely occupy the hearts, which are totally devoid of every impression of the glory and majesty of God. Men are known as Christians, Muslims, or Hindus because they are born to parents professing such creeds; otherwise, religion has no hold upon their hearts. Society, nationality, and material progress are all-in-all to them. The daily programme of human life today is such that man is altogether taken up by the

world. Divine revelation and communion with God are not only unknown to the world today but are considered to have been withheld from mankind forever. Spirituality, which is the root of religion, has vanished, and nothing remains in the hands of its followers except vapid words and legendary tales. Religion, which is a proof against error, which is an absolute truth, which is bound up with the electrifying personality of an examplar, and which is continually being nurtured on the pure milk of the Divine Word, is a hermetically sealed book for the world today. In short, the present condition of the world is really what has been described above as the characteristic of the spiritual night.

Now, I should ask the right-thinking readers: “Has the Lord of the universe, Who has been bringing day after every night and sending down rain after every drought to restore to life the earth after it has been dead, forsaken His law in this age?”

No, certainly not. The eternal and unchangeable God is even now as He was in the past ages, and His wonderful powers are the same as they were ere now. Know for certain that since men are apt to forget and be remiss in acting upon moral injunctions and religious precepts that are revealed to them through a prophet, a new prophet is required after some time to re-establish the same principles and make men act upon them. Every new age stands in need of a new reformer and a new magnetiser: a glaring fact, that no one could deny in the face of the past history of all the big religions of the world.

The writer of this article has the honour and delight to convey to the reader the gladsome news that this age has not been deprived of this blessing and that God has, out of His grace, sent to the world a spiritual Revivalist. The imminence of his timehonoured appearance, the authenticity of his claims and the truth of his teachings, will be the subject of our subsequent issues. The truth-loving people must go through them to own the ever-shining truth. The attention of the Christian public is particularly invited, as our hero claims to be the Promised Messiah, in whose person the prophecies about the long-looked-for advent of Jesus Christ have been fulfilled.

ُ ُ َ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ َ ُّ ً َ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َّ ۤ َ َّ َ ‫ان ا ۡن ٰا ِمنوۡا َ ِبرَ ِّبک ۡم‬ ِ ‫ربنا ِاننا س ِمعنا منا ِدیا ینا ِدی ل ِلاِیم‬ َ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ٰ ّ َ َّ َ ۡ ّ َ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ َ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ َّ َ َّ َ ٰ َ ‫فامنا ۖ٭ ربنا فاغ ِفر لنا ذنوبنا وک ِفر عنا س ِیا ِتنا وتوفنا مع‬ َۡ ِ‫الا ۡبرَار‬

“Our Lord, we have heard a Crier calling us unto faith, ‘Believe ye in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us, therefore, our errors and remove from [us] our evils, and in death number us with the righteous.” (Surah Al-e-Imran: Ch.3: V.194) (Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original in The Review of Religions [English], May and June 1923)

18

Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Afterlife according to Islam A response to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent comments Jazib Mehmood

Student Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana Recently, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed his views on the afterlife. Or rather, he expressed what he evidently believes to be the only possible view concerning life after death. He asserted that anyone who believes that something happens to us after we die is a “liar”.

He also said that he believed heaven to be a “fantasy”. According to him, “When people talk about, ‘I will see them again in heaven,’ it sounds so good, but the reality is that we won’t see each other again after we’re gone. That’s the sad part.” (https://uk.news. yahoo.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-saysheaven-fantasy-110230840.html) While his stance on the afterlife may differ from the beliefs held by billions of individuals worldwide, one can certainly understand why he may have come to harbour such beliefs.

Today, it is difficult to grasp the true concept of life after death since it has been muddled by some very strong imaginations. Therefore, when we think of heaven or paradise, images of material comforts spring to mind, with no carnal pleasures denied. No one would work, and there would be constant enjoyment for us all.

Not very long ago, the popular TV show The Good Place touched on this subject.

While it certainly did not lack imagination, it presented the views of good and evil as philosophers and thinkers believe and elaborately described what might go on

after we die, as the show’s writer Michael Schur described in his book How to Be Perfect. To its credit, at the end of the show, we come to realise that a life of complete, barren enjoyment is not heaven but hell.

Is this all for nothing?

However, despite the fact that our confused versions of heaven are nothing close to the truth, can we believe that there is nothing after this life? Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states that even reason cannot accept this idea. He writes in his book, Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam: “Can we suppose for a moment that God has created this delicate and perfect system of the universe and all that there is in it for the service of man, merely so that man may eat and drink and explore the secrets of nature for the brief space of three or four score years and then forever pass into obscurity and nothingness?

“Reason spurns such an idea, and human nature recoils from it. The fact that there is a universe requires that man’s life should have a purpose higher than, and beyond mere eating and drinking and leading a more or less circumscribed existence in this world.” (Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam, p. 308) The Holy Quran rejects such a notion.

Allah the Almighty states:

َ ‫‌أَ َف َحس ْب ُت ْم أَنَّ َما َخ َل ْق َناك ُ ْم َع َب ًثا َوأَنَّ ُك ْم إل َ ْي َنا لَا تُ ْر َج ُع‬ ‫ون‬ ِ َ ْ ْ َ ْ ُِّ َ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ ُّ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫فتعالى الله الم ِلك الحق لا إِله إِلا هو رب العر ِش الك ِر ِيم‬ Translating this verse, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra writes: “Then, do you imagine that We have

Governo do Estado de São Paulo| Flickr

created you as a mere pastime and that you will not have eternal life and opportunities of eternal development after death? That surely is not so, for God is the High and the True Monarch, Who has created all things with a purpose. He is the one God and possesses attributes which command purity and respect. [Surah al-Mu’minun, Ch.23:V.116-117]” (Ibid., p. 309)

What does Islam say about the afterlife?

Islam places great emphasis on the afterlife and even requires Muslims to believe in the Day of Judgement as one of the six articles of faith. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 8) While Islam has elaborated greatly on this subject – perhaps more than any other religion – it is important to note that the bottom line is that we just do not know the precise nature and form of what will

happen to us after we die. To this end, the Holy Quran states:

ُ َ ً َ َ ُ ْ َ َّ ُ ْ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ ٌ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫اء ِب َما كانوا‬ ‫فلا ‌تعلم ‌نفس ما أخ ِفي لهم ِمن قر ِة أعي ٍن جز‬ َ ‫يَ ْع َم ُل‬ ‫ون‬

“And no soul knows what joy of the eyes is kept hidden for them, as a reward for their good works.” (Surah as-Sajdah, Ch.32: V.18) Likewise, the Holy Prophetsa stated that Allah the Almighty had told him that: “I have prepared for My righteous servants, such things as no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and nobody has ever thought of.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4780) Therefore, whatever hints we have about the afterlife – if they are not derived from the Holy Quran or the traditions of the Holy Prophetsa – they are mere conjectures of our imagination.

What is the reality of heaven and hell?

Since so much is said on this subject, sifting through all these theories is no easy task (another reason for disbelieving in their existence entirely). However, the Promised Messiahas has eloquently described the Quranic concept of life after death in his remarkable work, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam.

Commenting on the Islamic belief of man’s ignorance of the hereafter, he states: “God has described all those bounties as hidden, the like of which is not to be found in this world. It is obvious that the bounties of this world are not hidden from us and we are familiar with milk, pomegranates and grapes etc. which we eat here.

“This shows that the bounties of the next life are something else and have nothing

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 in common with the bounties of this life, except the name. He who conceives of the conditions of paradise in the terms of the conditions of this life has not the least understanding of the Holy Quran.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, pp.

134–135) Rather, he writes: “According to the Holy Quran, Hell and Heaven are both reflections of a man’s life, and are not something new that comes from outside. It is true that in the Hereafter, they will be manifested physically, but they will be reflections of the spiritual conditions of man in this life.

“We do not conceive of Heaven as containing material trees, nor of Hell as full of brimstone and sulphur. According to Islamic teachings Heaven and Hell are the reflections of the actions that a person carries out in this world.” (Ibid., p. 157) This brings us back to something else Mr Schwarzenegger said, “We don’t know what happens with the soul and all this spiritual stuff that I’m not an expert in, but I know that the body as we see each other now, we will never see each other again like that.” (www.insider.com/arnoldschwarzenegger-what-happens-when-youdie-heaven-fantasy-2023-6) Here, his thoughts are remarkably close to what Islam teaches us. Islam does not support the idea of the same body, as we know it, ascending to the heavens. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, explaining this Islamic principle in his book Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, writes: “The Quran teaches that on a man’s death, his soul enters a new universe and assumes a new body. That body is different from the physical body that is adjusted to the requirements of this life. It is a new kind of spiritual body possessing peculiar faculties for the perception of God’s beautiful attributes.” (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, p. 315)

Will we see each other again?

Given that things will work differently in the afterlife, a valid question arises: will I see my loved ones again? Islam says that Allah

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is the Master of the Day of Judgement, so the final decree rests with Him alone. But despite Mr Schwarzenegger’s pessimistic views on the subject, Allah the Almighty makes a promise in the Holy Quran:

َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َّ ّ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ َ َّ َ ‫ان أل َحقنا ِب ِہ ْم‬ ٍ ‫وال ِذین آمن َوا واتبعتہم ذرِیتہم ِب ِﺈیم‬ ُ ‫ُذ ّر ّیَ َت ُہ ْم َو َما أل َ ْت َن‬ ْ ‫اھ ْم ِم ْن َع َم ِلہ ْم ِم ْن َ� ْي ٍء ک ُ ُّل‬ َ‫امر� بما‬ ِ ِ ٍِ ِ َ ٌ ‫ﻛ َس َب َرھ‬ ‫ين‬ ِ

“And those who believe and whose children follow them in faith – with them shall We join their children. And We will not diminish anything from the reward of their works. Every man stands pledged for what he has earned.” (Surah At-Tur, Ch.52:V.22) Apart from this, one can certainly pray to be joined with the righteous. Hazrat Abrahamas and his grandson Hazrat Josephas, the Holy Quran tells us, prayed for this specifically. (Surah Yusuf, Ch.12: V.102; Surah ash-Shua‘ra, Ch.26: V.84) Explaining this principle of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, states: “As far as the meeting of people from different levels of Paradise is concerned, different places and stages of Paradise have been mentioned in the Quran and the Hadith, but there is no mention of any obstacles in the meeting of those who live in these different places and levels of Paradise. “[…] Apart from this, it is also worth mentioning that the separation of the permanent residence of the people of different levels in Paradise is another matter, and it is another thing for those of different levels to mix with each other, about which there is no mention of any kind of obstacle in the Quran or the Hadith. Rather, the Holy Quran has stated the following fact about the people of Paradise:

َ ‫يہا َما یَ َش ُاؤ‬ َ ِ‫ل َ ُہ ْم ف‬ ‫ون‬

“‘They will have therein what they wish for.’ (Surah an-Nahl, Ch. 16: V. 32) “[...] Thus, these verses prove that if the heavenly dwellers of different ranks want to meet any of their loved ones, then their wish shall be fulfilled in Heaven.” (Al Hakam, 9 September 2022, Issue 234, p. 6)

International conference on peace held in Bogotá, Colombia

Faran Rabbani USA Correspondent

On 17 and 18 May 2023, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya USA headlined an international peace conference hosted by Universidad de La Salle in Bogotá, Colombia. The historic event drew approximately 700 people from across Colombia and other countries.

Entitled “Simposio Colombiano por la Paz” (Colombia Symposium on Peace), the inaugural event hosted many prominent dignitaries, including members of the current Colombian Government, members of the current and former Colombia Congress, including chief organiser Professor Ricaurte Losada Valderrama (previous Senator of Colombia from 19901995) and Professor Adriana Patricia Lopez, Vice Director of the University of La Salle, over 35 professors from host and surrounding universities from various academic disciplines, and over 50 members of the Colombia National Police Academy.

Imam Julían Arturo Zapata Feliciano, Director of Centro Cultural Islámico in Colombia, one of the conference’s chief organisers, invited representatives from diverse faith communities and countries to participate in the proceedings.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Colombia participated in the conference as one of the headline presentations. Amjad Mahmood Khan Sahib, Secretary Umur-e-Kharija of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, presented two papers entitled, “The Nine Islamic Principles to Achieve Peace” and “Refugees, Human Rights, and Peace: An Islamic Perspective,” the former of which featured in an official book of the proceedings entitled, La Paz Total: Un Imposible Transitorio por el Cual Se Debe Trabajar (“Total Peace: A Transitory Impossibility For Which One Must Work”), and the latter of which featured as a standalone lecture. The content highlighted the various pronouncements on peace, justice, and compassion delivered at past events by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Abdul Sattar Khan Sahib, National President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Colombia, featured in several of the conference sessions and separately convened with the Academic Director, Christian James Diaz, and various faculty heads of the Universidad de La Salle to discuss the importance of studying Islam at university. He gifted copies of the Holy Quran (with Spanish translation), along with various Jamaat books in Spanish.

Approximately 1,500 pieces of Jamaat literature were shared with all attendees.

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Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

12th T20 International

Khilafat Day events held

Masroor Cricket Tournament in Sri Lanka held by Majlis-e-Sehat UK Mujeeb Ahmed Mirza Secretary Majlis-e-Sehat, UK

On 29 May 2023, twenty teams from across the globe came to London for the 12th T20 International Masroor Cricket Tournament organised by Majlis-e-Sehat UK, consisting of 14 countries, which involved 55 matches played across four venues in London, including at two brand new grounds in Barns and Chiswick. The final day took place on 3 June 2023 at Abbey Recreation Ground and Nursery Road Playing Field.

The tournament’s preparations began in January, when 36 countries were sent invitation letters. The management team worked diligently and very hard to deliver the tournament successfully.

On 29 May 2023, the inauguration took place, followed by a special dinner to welcome the teams to the tournament. Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK presided over the inauguration. The tournament group formations were revealed during this session. The group matches started on 30 May 2023 at four venues on eight grounds.

The standard of cricket played throughout the tournament was exceptionally high, as the teams advancing into the semis were composed of thoroughly experienced cricketers who have honed their art playing top-level cricket in their countries of residence, with some also having played

A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

close to professional standard cricket in Pakistan before migrating to their newly adopted homes across Europe, the USA, and Australia.

The final was played between the United Kingdom and Germany, and Germany won.

The organisers used an online scoring app, available at www.cricclubs.com/ACAUK, to keep everyone up to date on the fixtures and scores. The final session, chaired by Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, took place immediately following the final match.

As a special honour, the participants were granted the opportunity to have a team photo with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, on 4 June 2023 after the Zuhr prayer in Islamabad.

Tree planting session held by

Khilafat Day events were held by Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka on 27 and 28 May 2023, in Colombo and Negombo, respectively.

The event in Colombo was held on 27 May 2023, chaired by MA Anis Ahmad Sahib, local Sadr. The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by an Urdu poem. S Nizam Khan Sahib, National President was the

chief guest at the event and addressed the attendees on the topic of Khilafat.

MA Anis Ahmad Sahib and missionaryin-charge AB Musthaq Ahmad Sahib also addressed the event.

The event in Negombo was held on 28 May, and was chaired by I Aslam Ahmad Sahib, local Sadr who addressed the attendees as well. The National President S Nizam Khan Sahib also participated in the event and addressed the members.

Children’s playground inaugurated in Kosovo Besmir Yvejsi Kosovo Correspondent

Lajna Imaillah Bradford, Canada On 22 May 2023, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sairah Chaudhary Secretary Ishaat, Lajna Imaillah Bradford West, Canada

As part of the Lajna Imaillah centenary celebrations, Lajna Imaillah Bradford West, members of the national amila, and members from the Northern Ontario Region joined together to plant 200 trees in Sheldon Creek, Adjala, Simcoe County, on 31 May 2023.

The Lajna members initiated the planting of hundreds of trees to display to the wider community that the women of our community are always ready to make brighter and more positive changes in the communities we reside in.

Alhamdulillah, we had over 45 Lajna members present and even a few children.

Members made their way to the Sheldon Creek site at 11am, and worked together in pairs to plant as many trees as possible.

Whether it was passing the maple or cedar trees from the buckets to digging with a shovel or using the rubber mallet and pins

to secure the coconut mat in place around the trees, great sisterhood and bonding were displayed by all attendees.

It was such a gratifying feeling knowing that we have planted trees that will grow to provide clean air. After planting the trees, the members had a lunch treat.

The environmental project coordinator for this initiative really appreciated our efforts and support.

Kosovo and Humanity First Germany inaugurated a playground along with the local municipality officials. This playground was made possible by a generous donation of £10,000 from Humanity First Germany and is located in the courtyard of the Bajram Curri Elementary and Lower Secondary School in the village of Strellc i Epërm, Municipality of Deçan. The playground will benefit over 330 children attending the pre-primary and primary cycles of the school. The inauguration ceremony was attended by more than 100 people, including pupils, parents, teachers, pedagogues, veterans of education, school staff, representatives of the police service, and officials from Croatia, North Macedonia, Germany, and the USA. During the event, a speech was delivered by Mr Bashkim R Berisha, the director of Bajram Curri Elementary and Lower Secondary School, who expressed gratitude to Humanity First for their support.

Mr Besnik Hulaj, Director of Education in the Municipality of Deçan, conveyed the mayor’s appreciation for Humanity

First Germany’s donation.

Then, Azhar Haneef Sahib, a missionary in the USA, addressed the audience and highlighted the significance of the playground investment for the future of the children.

Zubair Khalil Khan Sahib, Director of Balkan Projects for Humanity First Germany, spoke about the organization’s humanitarian work globally and their commitment to supporting projects like the playground. He assured the audience of their continued support.

Mr Zeqë Malaj, Senior Education Officer in the Municipality of Deçan, also expressed gratitude to Humanity First and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo for their donation to the school.

The coverage of this project was extensive, reaching over 60,000 people through social media and other websites.

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023

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Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

19 May 2023 Proclaim the bounties of Allah; Ahmadiyya growth, success and progress After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

While mentioning the favours of Allah the Almighty on the Jamaat and its continuous growth, the Promised Messiahas says in one place: “It is also a great miracle of God Almighty that despite such a level of rejection and vilification, and despite the intense efforts of my opponents day and night, this Jamaat keeps growing.”

The Promised Messiahas continues: “[…]

It is a great miracle that while our opponents are toiling day and night, ardently devising schemes and exerting the utmost to put an end to this Movement, God continues to expand our Jamaat.”

Following this, the Promised Messiahas says: “Do you know the wisdom behind this? The wisdom behind it is that one who is appointed by God Almighty and is undoubtedly from God, progresses and advances day by day and His Movement thrives ever more by the day, and the one who tries to stop him gets ruined and humiliated by each day and eventually His opponents and detractors die in great despondency.”

The Promised Messiahas further says: “[…] No one can thwart the will of God if it is indeed His will. No one can stop the Movement that is initiated by God and which He desires to promote. This is so because no matter how much effort one puts in and what schemes one conceives, if that Movement is stalled by their efforts, then it would have to be conceded that the one who tried to stop it overpowered God. But no one can overpower God.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, p. 33) Thus, we see the fulfilment of these words of the Promised Messiahas every day. The opponents have made personal efforts and have also tried to collectively scheme against the Jamaat as if they were united. However, in accordance with the promise of Allah

the Almighty vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas: “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth” and that “I will increase the community of your sincere and devoted followers,” we have witnessed the Jamaat spread across the world. These so-called scholars and opponents believe that they will annihilate the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas with their breath, as it were. However, they do not know that they are, in fact, challenging God. And if they oppose Allah the Almighty, it is they who will be destroyed, because Allah the Almighty supports and assists His servants.

We are able to observe manifestations of the support and succour of Allah the Almighty even in far-off countries of the world; in countries where, at times, it is generally not easy to reach and one has to cross difficult paths to get there. However, even in those places, Allah the Almighty is manifesting His support. The opponents try their level best, yet, they fail. In some places, they try to frighten the members of the Jamaat by causing them physical and financial difficulties, but these things only increase their faith.

It is not possible to cover all the accounts of Allah’s support across the world and how the promises of Allah the Almighty to the Promised Messiahas are being fulfilled.

However, I will present some accounts relating to the progress of the Jamaat and how Allah the Almighty instils within the hearts of people the desire to enter the bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas and accept him.

Some people oppose [the Jamaat], but they do so because of a lack of knowledge. And once they become aware of the truth, they not only abstain from their opposition, but also accept the Jamaat.

Mentioning one such incident, the Amir [president] of the Jamaat in Congo Kinshasa has written that one of their mu‘allim [local

missionary], ‘Isa Sahib, lives in a village in the province of Kongo Central. He went for tabligh [convey the true message of Islam] along with a delegation of the Jamaat.

The imam in the region, Jibra’il Sahib, was famous for his opposition against the Jamaat. The topics of the death of Jesus and the advent of the imam Mahdi were discussed with him. When it became clear to him that the concept of believing Jesusas to be alive, in fact, dishonours the Holy Prophetsa – God forbid – he understood the entire matter. He was not stubborn like Pakistani Maulvis [clerics] and he also understood the concept of the advent of the Imam Mahdi. There and then, along with six members of his family and 21 followers, he did bai‘at [pledged initiation]. As such, a Jamaat was established there as well.

Then, in some instances, Allah the Almighty Himself prepares the ground for acceptance. The missionary of GuineaConakry writes: “There is a village named Kotoya where we went for tabligh purposes. After we conveyed the message of the Promised Messiahas in great detail, the eldest person of the village said, ‘I often used to hear the word ‘Mahdi’ from my grandfather but never understood it, nor did my grandfather ever explain it in detail. However, he did mention that it was in relation to Islam. Therefore, seeing as you mentioned the Imam Mahdi in great detail today, I wholeheartedly enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat.’ He then addressed his fellow villagers, saying, ‘Accept this community, for I have travelled across many African countries and I have witnessed the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community serving Islam everywhere. The other sects are either occupied in their pursuit of the world or excelling one another in intellectual endeavours only to declare one another disbelievers. This is the only community

which is serving the Holy Quran and Islam.’

By the grace of Allah the entire village, including the imam, pledged their allegiance and a large community was established.”

The missionary in charge in The Gambia writes that they went to a district there named Niamina, in which there is a village.

He writes: “Our tabligh team travelled there and conveyed the message of Islam, Ahmadiyyat. They spoke about the true and beautiful teachings of the Imam Mahdias and also read out the ten conditions of bai‘at to them. (They may live in the village, but they are intelligent and insightful.) Having heard the ten conditions of bai‘at they were left astounded and understood that these are matters pertaining to true Islam, the prophecy of which was foretold by the Holy Prophetsa. The people of the village said, ‘This was our first time hearing such beautiful and magnificent teachings of Islam. No one has ever heard such beautiful teachings from our so-called scholars.’ Eventually, they said that Ahmadiyyat is the true Islam and entered its fold, concluding that it is Ahmadiyyat alone that can save mankind from the displeasure of Allah Almighty. By the grace of Allah, after a lengthy question-and-answer session in which they conveyed the message of Islam, all the people – who numbered close to 200 – pledged their allegiance and accepted Ahmadiyyat.”

At first glance, some incidents may seem insignificant in the field of preaching, but in reality, they show the support and succour of Allah the Almighty working in the background. A missionary in one of the countries in Africa, says, “Our tabligh team went to set up an outreach programme in Bama, a key town in the county that is the headquarters of the district. We were sitting in the mosque when a delegation of four people from the town came to meet

22

us. Among them was also a woman who happened to be the chairperson of the women’s organisation of the town. The delegation members said, ‘We have come to invite you to visit our area and convey the message of the Ahmadiyya Community, because we have learnt that your community organises preaching endeavours, and, in particular, arranges classes to teach children [the recitation of] the Holy Quran. Hence, we planned a visit the following day.

After arriving there, we introduced the community and spoke about the purpose and objective of the advent of the Promised Messiahas. This was followed by a lengthy question-and-answer session, at the end of which all the villagers decided to enter the community that very day. In this way, a new Jamaat was established there. They then gathered all of the children in the area and said to us, ‘From today they are all children of the community, tell us how they can be taught the Holy Quran.’” The missionary then selected two children to be taught the Holy Quran, who would then return to their mosque and hold classes for the rest of the children to be taught the Holy Quran. He then says, “We only had a pious intention, but it was Allah the Almighty that granted us His help and support.”

In Pakistan, we are restricted from even listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran, let alone reading it. One Ahmadi had a lawsuit against him for merely listening to the Holy Quran. This is the Islam of those socalled Muslims, yet on the other hand, here the people were presenting their children to the community to teach them to read the Holy Quran, for it is this community that possesses a true understanding of it.

There are some who become Ahmadis but later fall into greed, or out of some fear, leave Ahmadiyyat and then subsequently think that they will be able to eliminate the Jamaat. However, Allah the Almighty turns such thoughts back onto them and the Jamaat continues to progress in accordance with His promise. A missionary from Ivory Coast writes that in the La Mé region there is a place called Krezoukoue, where in 2008, the majority of the people joined the Jamaat. There was a small mosque under construction there at the time, which the people had come together to build and they gave the mosque to the Jamaat. The Jamaat completed the mosque’s construction, but after some time, the local imam, who had done bai‘at earlier and joined the Jamaat, started harbouring erroneous thoughts and separated himself from the Jamaat, and even took over the mosque. He also started inciting others to cut ties with the Jamaat, however, by the grace of Allah the

Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Almighty, they remained steadfast upon Ahmadiyyat. When the cleric had taken over the mosque, they [the local members] took plastic sheets and gathered some wood and created a makeshift shed to be used as a mosque, where they offered prayers and held the Friday prayers there as well. They did not worry about the fact that they had to leave a purpose-built mosque. In any case, Allah the Almighty bestowed His blessings and he [the missionary] says that this year, the Jamaat there was able to build a beautiful two-story mosque with domes and minarets. They built a mosque in that area that is significantly bigger and more beautiful than the mosque that was taken over by the non-Ahmadi cleric. In Pakistan, on the one hand, our minarets are torn down and the arches are broken, while on the other hand, Allah the Almighty is granting us beautiful mosques in other places and in greater numbers.

With regards to how Allah the Almighty grants His help against the efforts of the opponents, there is an incident from Chad, a country in Africa. The missionary there writes that in March 2022 – I am mentioning incidents from last year, God-willing this year’s incidents will come in due course – the Jamaat’s first mosque was inaugurated in the capital of Chad. The opponents conspired together by saying that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat had brought a new religion into their country and they did not wish for us to gain much popularity. As such, the number of opponents began increasing, as did their schemes.

The missionary says, “The so-called scholars and clerics of our area were delivering speeches against the Jamaat in their mosques and spreading false propaganda that the Ahmadiyya mosque should be closed. As such, they gathered people and went to the Chad Islamic Council and asked them why they had permitted the Ahmadiyya Community to open a mosque and why the mosque was open for Friday prayers. [They said] the mosque should be closed immediately; otherwise, this would lead to disorder in the area. The Islamic Council said that Ahmadis have the right to worship, and how could they close a mosque, which is the house of Allah. If they feared disorder, then they should report it to the police.” The Islamic Council there at least has some sense and it is just that they did not fear anyone else. In Pakistan, even judges deliver verdicts against us out of fear for others. Not only are we prohibited from calling our mosques “masajid [singl. masjid]”, but we cannot even pray or worship in them. In any case, thereafter, those people went to the police headquarters

and complained that there was disorder in their area and that the Ahmadis should be stopped because they have brought a new religion and, God-forbid, they do not even believe in the Holy Prophetsa. The police chief called the missionary and asked for a copy of the Jamaat’s registration and the permission that had been granted to build the mosque. All the documentation was submitted. He then told him that he could go and that he would contact him after conducting an investigation. Then, the police chief called the village chief and asked him about Ahmadis building a mosque in the area and if Ahmadis have brought a new religion and do not believe in the Holy Prophetsa. The chief said, “This is not the case. I have offered the Friday prayers with them in their mosque and they pray just as Muslims do. I have known the Ahmadiyya Community for three years and they render a great service to humanity.”

One day, the police chief even went to ّٰ ّ َ ٰ َ ُ ‫الل ُه ُم َح ّم‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ل‬ ‫لٓا ِا‬ our mosque and upon seeing ‫د‬ ِ ّٰ ُ ُ ّ ‫“[ رس‬There is no god but Allah and ‫ول الله‬ Muhammadsa is the Messenger of Allah”] written outside the mosque, he was astonished and said, “You believe in Muhammadsa.” Upon seeing the Quranic verses written inside the hall of the mosque, he was again astounded. He said, “You have the same Qibla [direction of prayer] and the rows in your mosque are just like those in Muslim mosques. I was told that you have brought a new religion.” Hence, the police did not take any action. They had even asked the non-Ahmadi households in the surrounding area, and they all said that they had no problems. When their attempts with the police were unsuccessful, those people started going to the neighbours’ homes, inciting them to raise their voices to have the Ahmadis driven out. However, they too gave the same response that this was the house of Allah and they did not see anything in them that was contrary to Islam. In this way, they were made to face defeat in every way.

With regards to how Allah the Almighty inclines hearts to enter the fold of the Jamaat, there is an incident mentioned by the missionary in Belize. Belize is a country in Central America. He says that when a woman with strong ties to the Methodist Church saw the construction of the Noor Mosque, God Almighty placed it in her heart that she should accept this religion. When the construction of the mosque was completed and the mosque was inaugurated, she told her friends that God had placed it in her heart to go there and become a member of that Community. Her friends told her that there was a Muslim mosque closer to her home and that if she was going to become a Muslim she could go there. The woman replied, saying: “No, God had placed it in my heart that the Ahmadiyya Community were good people and she should join them.” Hence, when she went to the Noor Mosque and she was given an introduction to the Community, she became very emotional at how God Almighty brought her to this Community.

The missionary told her that God Almighty revealed to the Promised Messiahas, “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth” and so this is exactly what Allah the Almighty does for the Community of the Promised Messiahas. Hence, after visiting for a few days and learning about the teachings

of Islam Ahmadiyyat, she did bai‘at and entered the fold of the Jamaat.

Sometimes, there are people who oppose the Community based on misconceptions or due to being misled by what others say, whereas they themselves are pious people.

With regards to how Allah the Almighty guides them, there is an incident written by the missionary In-Charge of The Gambia that there is a place in the Jamara district where a new mosque was being built. When they were purchasing glass for the doors and windows of the mosque, they went to Abu Bakr Sabaleh to have the glass cut, as he was an expert in this. They told him that they were purchasing the glass for a mosque, as a result of which he lowered his cost since it was for the mosque. He says that when they arrived with the glass, the person who had come to install the glass was very pleased to see such a beautiful mosque in such a distant area. However, when he learned that this mosque belonged to Ahmadi Muslims, he became very angry and broke the glass. In fact, he even injured himself in the process.

However, [ponder over] how Allah the Almighty guided him. He says that at night, he saw a dream in which he found himself screaming as he was drowning in the ocean.

When there seemed to be no hope for help, he saw a ship that was coming to save him and on that ship, he saw the Amir of the [Ahmadiyya] Jamaat and the missionary.

The next morning was a Friday; he went to the mission house and did bai‘at, thus entering the fold of Ahmadiyyat.

Similarly, there is an incident of the acceptance of Ahmadiyyat from Tanzania.

There is a Jamaat in Mwabuma, which is in the Simiyu region. He says that the local missionary started preaching there. When the people there wished to purchase a plot of land to build a mosque and mission house, the prices they were being quoted from everywhere were too high. Upon inquiring, it came to be known that the local [Christian] priests had started a campaign against them so that no one would sell them land to build a mosque by telling them that they do sorcery, they have jinn working for them and they can kill whoever they please through the Quran without a person knowing. Hence, fearful of this, as it was a Christian area, no one gave the Jamaat a place to build a mosque. Therefore, the local missionary went door to door to dispel people’s misconceptions and tried to change their views. Within a month, a young man agreed to sell to the Jamaat a one acre plot of land and so the Jamaat bought it from him.

The young man said that after selling the plot of land to the Jama’at for the mosque, he experienced many blessings. He says that a man had been refusing to return his loan for many years, due to which many of his matters remained pending. However, a few days after selling the plot of land to the Jamaat, the man came himself and returned the entire amount and he was thus able to repay all of his debts. This greatly influenced him and along with his family, he accepted Ahmadiyyat. The missionary says: “After this incident, there has been a rush of people accepting Ahmadiyyat to the extent that hundreds of people in that area have done bai‘at and entered the fold of the Jamaat.

Allah the Almighty has also enabled the Jamaat there to build a large mosque and a mission house.”

When Allah the Almighty decides to

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 June 2023 guide someone, He procures the means for their guidance in extraordinary ways.

The missionary In-Charge of Sao Tome, a country in Africa, writes, “A tourist from Morocco went to Sao Tome and asked if there was any Muslim mosque there. People directed him to our mission. He offered the Friday prayer with us which is when he learned that this mission house belongs to the Ahmadiyya Community. He asked some questions and afterwards, he read the books ‘Sirrul Khilafah’ and ‘Murder in the Name of Allah’ in Arabic. He also watched programmes on MTA Al Arabiyya as he remained there for some time. He watched the International bai‘at ceremony which was either happening in those days or a recording was being played. After this, he returned again in March (of last year) and asked to see the bai’at form.” He says, “We gave him the bai‘at form in Arabic. He returned with the completed form in hand.”

The missionary says, “I told him that he should not be hasty and that he should make his decision after praying for a while. He said that he spent the entire night occupied in prayer and that his heart was at ease. He could not wait any longer, for if he passed away without doing bai‘at of the Imam, then who would be answerable? He said that he had observed the Ahmadiyya Community to be established upon the truth. I told him that after entering the Jamaat, other Muslims in his country would begin opposing him, as would his parents. How would he face all this? He said that he had already informed his parents and they had no reservations.

In fact, they were happy. As for the others, he said that it made no difference if they opposed him, because there is nothing greater than dying while in a state of having accepted the true Islam.” The missionary says, “I also had a video call with his father and he expressed his joy. He also advised his son that he had heard everything and, having done bai‘at, he should remain steadfast with the Community.”

Thus, despite living in Morocco and having a Jamaat established there, he was not introduced to the Jamaat in Morocco.

Instead, Allah the Almighty sent him to another country in Africa, in a far-off area wherein lay the means for his guidance.

Alim Baba Yuvo Sahib from Uzbekistan says, “I was born into a Muslim family and I am 31 years old. I live in Tashkent, a city in Uzbekistan. I was searching for a teacher to learn the Holy Quran when I got acquainted with Babur Jaan. I heard about the true teachings of Islam from him and also learnt the Quran. He helped me accept the truth and I have now done the bai‘at and joined the Jamaat.”

Allah the Almighty enabled him to find an Ahmadi teacher to learn the Holy Quran from him. There are many accounts like this; this is not just a mere coincidence. Accounts like this are found in different countries of the world and I related one earlier as well.

This is a special sign of Allah the Almighty’s succour.

Another member from Uzbekistan, Azeemo Sahib, says, “I was born to a Muslim family. Four years ago, I began to regularly offer the five daily prayers and read the Holy Quran with translation. One day, I came across a piece of writing wherein the Holy Prophetsa had stated: ‘Among my Ummah, there shall be some people who shall always remain on the truth and no one would be

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able to cause them any harm.’ These words became etched in my heart. And so, in my prayers and supplications, I began to pray that may Allah the Almighty enable me to join these people. Following this, I had to endure many difficulties and was also fired from my job. However, I continued to pray. I then had the desire to learn the Holy Quran.

Allah the Almighty acquainted me with the (same) teacher, Babur Sahib. My teacher belonged to the Ahmadiyya Community, but I did not know this fact beforehand. First of all, I began to learn how to read the Quran.

One day, I saw the Ka’bah in my dream;, I approached and touched it. I then realised [in the dream] that I had not performed the ablution and so I went to the bathroom to perform the ablution and it was then that I woke up. In any case, I continued to learn from the Ahmadi teacher. One day, I asked him about Jesusas son of Mary descending from the heavens, to which he replied that he had passed away and the one who was to appear in his likeness was the Imam Mahdi.

I then further researched it and found out and informed my teacher that the Imam Mahdi was in fact Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. (The teacher did not preach to him, he did his own research on the internet and discovered that Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was the Imam Mahdi.) When I informed my teacher about this, he also confirmed that Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was indeed the awaited Imam Mahdi. However, despite all the various signs being fulfilled [in relation to the advent of the Imam Mahdi], I still expressed my doubts regarding him.

Thereafter, my teacher informed me about the Ahmadiyya Community and said that he was also a member of the Community.

He mentioned that presently they were few in number and that there were other students like me and then he introduced me to them.”

He further states, “I continued researching and also praying and felt that Allah the Almighty had accepted my prayers and thereafter I did the bai‘at.”

Similarly, there is another person from Uzbekistan, and he has a similar account.

He also had the opportunity to do the bai‘at, last year.

Then, there is a report from a country in Africa. The missionary serving there says, “A local mu‘allim and I were returning from a Jamaat meeting. It was night and we still had a long journey ahead. On the way, we went past a village and therewerea lot of people gathered on the edge of the road.

They stopped us and said, ‘We had seen you travelling past here in the morning and we were convinced that you would return; we have been waiting for quite some time.

We want to ask you that are you upset with our village because we see that you have members in all the neighbouring villages and your community and mosques are established there, however, you have not conveyed your message to our village.’ And so, we immediately went to the village and held a tabligh programme and by the grace of Allah the Almighty people did the bai‘at there.”

Thus, God Almighty Himself instils the search for the truth in people’s hearts.

The missionary-in-charge of Central Africa writes, “A non-Ahmadi imam who is from the Nagala village came to an Ahmadi village in order to preach. He looked at the mosque and enquired about who built it and

was told that it was built by the Ahmadis.

Upon this, he stated, ‘Masha-Allah! It is a very beautiful mosque.’ The next day, he went to the Central Mission House in Bangui and began to ask questions about the Ahmadiyya Community to the missionary.

In the end, he asked the missionary how one could join the Community. The missionary told him that the matter of one’s faith was based on one’s heart; if he agreed with the doctrines of the Jamaat, then indeed he had accepted Ahmadiyyat in his heart.

The missionary then also informed him that they also had a ‘bai‘at form’ wherein the Promised Messiahas had mentioned the ten conditions of the bai‘at and asked him to read it. When he handed over the bai‘at form to him, he began to read it right away and as he was reading it, tears began to flow from his eyes. He was asked the reason why he was crying and he stated, ‘I also consider myself to be a scholar and have heard other clerics speak about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, which was all a lie. Upon reading the ten conditions written in this bai‘at form, I felt disgusted at my previous way of life, whereby I had a completely different perception of Ahmadiyyat, when in actuality its teachings are completely different. It is for this reason that I cannot keep control over my emotions.

Upon reading this bai‘at form I have realised that the Ahmadiyya Community is truthful and honest. Their mosques also face the direction of the Qiblah. They offer the same prayer as we do. They recite the same Quran as we do. Today, I wholeheartedly accept the Ahmadiyya Community.’”

In any case, he was given further literature to read and he said that after reading this, he would now refute the arguments of the other clerics.

In relation to how Allah the Almighty increases the Community of the Promised Messiahas, the missionary of Guyana writes, “We have a regular programme where we set up a bookstall in Linden and distribute flyers amongst the people. One day, someone called and said that he had read our flyer but was not aware of the fact that our salat centre was very close to his home.

In any case, he came [to the centre] on a Friday and said that he had been a Muslim for two years but neither knew how to read the Holy Quran nor had the opportunity to learn the salat and requested to be taught. I invited him but remained very cautious as there are some deviant people whose only intention is to seek money. Nonetheless, I invited him and thought that if he really wanted to learn about faith, then we would find out. He continued to come regularly in order to learn the Holy Quran and despite learning for a long time, he did not make any kind of demand and I realised that he was very serious in relation to his faith. I then introduced him to the Jamaat and showed him the picture of the Promised Messiahas and he later did the bai‘at. He was also given an Islamic name. Later, after some time, he also expressed his desire to become a mu‘allim [local missionary] for the Jamaat.”

The Jamaat there asked me and I approved it and said that if he really was serious about his faith, then they could train him to be a mu‘allim. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he has completed his training.

He knows the complete prayer, reads the commentary of the Holy Quran and gives lectures and sermons on it. They also mentioned that a short while after he did the

bai‘at, they organised an exhibition in the salat centre and his parents also attended the event. His father was a very staunch opponent of Islam, however, his mother had expressed her interest in Islam some time ago, and she particularly liked the concept of women observing the veil, which sparked her initial interest in Islam. In any case, the mu‘allim was asked to preach to his parents about the teachings of Islam, so that they could also enter the Jamaat. He replied that they were very strict with regards to their faith and his mother regularly attended the church and had also been baptised. They told him they would pray and asked him to keep on praying for his mother so that Allah the Almighty may cause her heart to incline towards Islam. He says that one day, she herself started asking questions to her son [about Islam] and also started attending the Friday prayers. Then, one day, suddenly, she expressed her desire to do the bai‘at and joined the Jamaat.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, people are joining the Jamaat, they attend the Friday prayers and offer their daily prayers as well. His mother also stated that after joining the Jamaat, her health and financial situation had been greatly blessed, which was not the case whilst she was a Christian. His mother now also watches MTA regularly.

These were just a few accounts I related with regards to how Allah the Almighty is fulfilling the promises He vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas and there are many more like this. The opponents are trying their utmost, just as the Promised Messiahas also mentioned, however, on the other hand, Allah the Almighty is opening new avenues for the progress of the Jamaat in every country of the world. Thus, we should also express our gratitude to Allah the Almighty for this, but at the same time, we should assess our own conditions; strive to strengthen our faith and improve our moral conditions. We should firmly instil this fact amongst our progenies that although trials appear, the ultimate victory has been destined for the Community that has been established by Allah the Almighty, therefore, never allow your faith to waver. May Allah the Almighty grant steadfastness to those who have newly joined the Jamaat and also to those who have been part of the Jamaat before and may He enable them to continue to excel in their faith and conviction.

I shall now mention the details of some deceased members and will also lead their funeral prayers in absentia.

The first mention is of Parveen Akhtar

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Friday 16 June 2023 | AL HAKAM

Sahiba, wife of the late Ghulam Qadir Sahib of Sialkot. She passed away recently at the age of 90.

ۤ َّ ّٰ َّ ‫ِانا لِل ِه َو ِانا ِال َ ۡي ِہ ٰر ِج ُعوۡ َن‬

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

She is survived by three sons and four daughters. One of her sons, Arif Mahmood Sahib is a missionary serving in Benin.

Owing to his duties in the field, he was unable to attend the funeral of his mother.

Arif Mahmood, who is a missionary, says that his mother was the granddaughter of Hazrat Chaudhry Imam Din Chohan Sahibra, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas. Her mother was the daughter of Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, who was a mu‘allim of the Jamaat. She was born in Qadian and completed her early education in Qadian. Arif Sahib writes: “My mother would often say that during her childhood, she spent most of her time in Qadian serving Hazrat Amma Janra and in this way, Hazrat Amma Janra ensured her moral training. She gained her religious education and learnt to read the Quran from Hazrat Amma Janra. She would spend most of her time serving her.” He further says: “Before going to sleep, she would often narrate her incidents to us. She would say that at times Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra would go to meet Hazrat Amma Janra in the evening and upon seeing me serving her, he would say to her to ‘pray for your pious companion.’

She would say that when she got married (i.e., Arif Sahib’s mother) in 1953, shortly after that, the situation in the village became difficult [for the Jamaat]. Some people in the village were of weak faith [and became frightened] but by the grace of Allah, she remained steadfast on her faith and gave strength to her husband as well. After this, she began reciting the Holy Quran and offering prayers. She also began memorising chapters of the Holy Quran. Similarly, she officially constructed a small Jamaat centre on her farmhouse.”

Her elder son, Khalid Mahmood, who was in the army, writes: “She would always tell us to remain firm upon our faith and in turn, our worldly affairs would themselves become resolved. From our childhood, she instilled the habit of offering prayers within us, and would take us to the mosque, which was situated at a short distance, to offer the Fajr prayers. She would teach the Holy Quran to the non-Ahmadi women of her neighbourhood.” At present, Ahmadis cannot teach the Quran there [i.e., in Pakistan], but in the past, people were civilised enough that many non-Ahmadis would learn the Quran from Ahmadis. Her son then further writes – or perhaps her daughter has written this: “In the villages, it was not customary for girls to receive an education. When her daughter grew older and she went to enrol her in school, the [children’s] grandfather raised an issue.

With the utmost respect, she spoke to him to convince him that girls should have an education. She would always say that the girls should receive an education so that they are able to read the literature of the Jamaat and ensure the moral training of children.”

Rashid Ahmad Sahib, head of Maanga [village], says: “My farmhouse was quite close to her farmhouse. Seeing her, we became Ahmadi, however, we did not pay attention to offering prayers. When she would visit my farmhouse, she would advise all of us to be mindful of offering prayers. We would present the excuse that the mosque was quite far away from us. Upon hearing this, she would become silent.” He further says: “We saw that she would carry mud from the field and bring it back to the farmhouse.

She continued to do this for about a week.

Then, to the west of the farmhouse, she made a platform and a wall of two-hands length. She then had it whitewashed and made it clean. She then brought a mat from home and placed it down. She then said; ‘You people complained that there was no mosque nearby and you have to travel far away. Now I have made a mosque in my farmhouse. Now you can come and offer prayers in congregation. Do not become lazy with regards to offering prayers.’” He then writes: “The truth of the matter is that she instilled within us the importance of offering prayers regularly.” These were the excellent models of our elders, who would manage to convince others and not present any excuses. Or they would set their own example, and other people would be compelled to follow suit.

Her daughter writes: “She was the embodiment of patience and contentment.

She would always advise us the same. She would say to us: ‘Always remember this advice by Hazrat Amma Janra, who said: “Never abandon patience. Be content with whatever you receive at your in-laws’. Be content with the will of God; be regular in your prayers and ensure your children become regular as well.”’ She would then say, ’Through this, Allah the Almighty will greatly bless your provisions.’”

Her son who is a missionary says: “When I gained admission to Jamia, she said to me: ‘My son, if you do not obtain the best position in your studies then there is no harm in this, but always strive to obtain the best position when it comes to showing obedience to the Khalifa of the time.’” May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and elevate her status. May her prayers for her children be granted acceptance.

The second funeral is of Mumtaz Waseem Sahiba, wife of the late Chaudhry Waseem Ahmad Nasir Sahib from Ghatialian. She passed away recently:

ۤ َّ ّٰ َّ ‫ِانا لِل ِه َو ِانا ِال َ ۡي ِہ ٰر ِج ُعوۡ َن‬

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Her son is also a missionary and is currently serving in Zambia. She belonged to the family of Hazrat Mian Chiragh Din Sahibra, a chief from Lahore, who was a renowned companion of the Promised Messiahas. She was the granddaughter of Hazrat Mian Abdur Rasheed Sahibra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas and the great-granddaughter of Hazrat Hakim Muhammad Hussainra, alias Marham-e-Isa. The deceased had a pleasant disposition, she was kind and a popular individual. She was the embodiment of love and tenderness.

Every person knew of her good morals. She would have the utmost regard for Khilafat and the system of the Jamaat. She would always write letters to me requesting prayers and would encourage others to write letters as well. She was regular in offering her prayers and reciting the Holy Quran. Even until her demise, she was regular in paying chanda. By the grace of Allah, she had completed a Bachelors. He says: “When my father took retirement and moved to the village from Karachi, my mother taught the Holy Quran to the boys and girls of the village. Furthermore, she also ensured their secular education. She was unwell for quite some time, but she endured this illness with great patience, and never complained about it.”

He further writes: “Even though she was older, if she ever made a mistake, she would apologise.” Two of her sons are life devotees and she was overjoyed that she had managed to devote two of her sons and that they were serving the Jamaat. Their father had married twice. After his first wife passed away, their mother took care of his step siblings like her own children. She never let them feel that they had lost their mother. Before he left for Zambia, she prayed extensively before sending him off. He then says: “A short while ago when I went to visit her, she said: ‘May Allah the Almighty protect you, perhaps this will be our last meeting.’” She leaves behind five sons and one daughter. By the grace of Allah, two sons are life devotees; Naseer Nasir Sahib is a mu‘allim for Waqf-e-Jadid and the other is a missionary serving in Zambia. Owing to being in the field outside [of Pakistan] he was unable to attend the funeral. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy on the deceased and may her prayers for her children be granted acceptance.

The third mention is of Brigadier Munawar Ahmad Rana Sahib. He was the Jamaat General Secretary for Rawalpindi district. He also passed away recently:

ۤ َّ ّٰ َّ ‫ِانا لِل ِه َو ِانا ِال َ ۡي ِہ ٰر ِج ُعوۡ َن‬

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Ahmadiyyat was introduced to his family through his grandfather, Chaudhry Ghulam Ahmad Sahibra, who was an advocate by profession and a companion of the Promised Messiahas. He was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1971. During his years of service, he maintained a good connection with the Jamaat. During the course of his service, wherever he was appointed, he would offer his house to be used as the salat centre. He had immense love for the Jamaat and was a brave Ahmadi officer. After taking retirement, he offered his services to the Jamaat. He had the opportunity to serve in various capacities in Amarat Cantt and the Rawalpindi district. He would render his services with great diligence and devotion.

He would treat his colleagues with the utmost respect, humility, and kindness and was always obedient to the office-bearers.

He had a profound bond of loyalty and obedience with Khilafat. He would respond to every scheme that was initiated. He would help the poor and was always ready to help those who were in need. By the grace

of Allah, he was a musi. He is survived by his elderly mother, Salima Khurshid Sahiba, two wives and five children; four daughters and one son. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased.

The last mention is of Group Captain (r) Abdul Shakoor Malik Sahib, who was residing in Dallas, USA. He passed away recently:

ۤ َّ ّٰ َّ ‫ِانا لِل ِه َو ِانا ِال َ ۡي ِہ ٰر ِج ُعوۡ َن‬

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

His maternal grandfather was Ghulam Nabi Sheikh Sahibra, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas. Owing to his efforts, the message of Ahmadiyyat was propagated in his ancestral village of Nowshera. After propagating the message of Ahmadiyyat, the Jamaat was established there.

The deceased served as an engineer in the Pakistan Air Force and then reached the rank of Group Captain. He served as Naib Amir of Rawalpindi for 15 years. During this time, he followed up with countless cases of those Ahmadis who had been imprisoned [for the sake of their beliefs]. He had a firm bond with Khilafat. During his service in the Air Force, despite the opposition of the Jamaat, he bravely expressed that he was an Ahmadi. After taking retirement, he devoted his life for the Jamaat. He was an excellent model of obedience to the system of the Jamaat and Khilafat. Whenever the Amir of the Jamaat called him, irrespective of whether it was day or night, he would immediately go to see him and never presented any excuse. He was regular in his prayers and fasting. He treated everyone with love and respect. He had a pious effect on everyone.

His daughter, Shazia Sohail Sahiba says: “My father spent most of his time serving the Jamaat. Wherever he was, his best pastime was to pray or to serve the Jamaat.

He would always narrate incidents of the acceptance of prayers or how Allah had bestowed His blessings. He would sit his children down and narrate incidents of how Allah the Almighty had a special link with Ahmadis, and how Allah cared for the needs of Ahmadis. He taught us that we ought to write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for every important matter. He would say, ‘Write down everything.’” She further states: “One of my father’s traits was his complete trust in Allah the Almighty and his being absolutely content with the will of God. From our childhood, he taught us that whenever we received some money, we ought to pay our chanda from it. Through this, our income would be blessed and purified. This will in turn increase one’s purification.”

The deceased was a Musi and is survived by three daughters and one son. His son, Doctor Aamir Sahib, works as a doctor in the USA and serves the Jamaat. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased. May Allah grant acceptance to the prayers he offered for his children.

(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 9 June 2023, pp.

2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Editor-in-chief: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Executive editors: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | Research coordinator: Awwab Saad Hayat | Associate editors: Jalees Ahmad, Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Translations: M Adam Ahmad | Design: Tahmeed Ahmad | © Al Hakam 2023