Where stars descend Chapter 3 (Spiritual strength) Part II Page 4
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Pilgrimage to Mecca conditional upon affordability and peace
Noble example of the Holy Prophetsa
Responding to Allegations Did the Promised Messiahas claim that he completed the religion of Islam?
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How Prophet Muhammadsa treated people of other faiths
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THE WEEKLY
www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 24 July 2020 | Issue CXXIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673
Hajj 2020: An Islamic phenomenon in a pandemic
After a great deal of speculation and suspense, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has finally announced that Hajj will be performed this year, but only by 1,000 Saudi pilgrims – a downscale from the usual number of around 2.5 million. The news is heartbreaking for all Muslims around the world. Millions of Ahmadis fondly watch the live scenes of Hajj every year on their
television screens to catch a glimpse of the Holy Ka‘bah live – the holiest of all shrines in Islamic theology. Labelled as non-Muslims by most of the so-called Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Ahmadis are banned from setting foot on the holy soil where their master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, once walked. Thanks to Western nationalities, a handful are able to fulfil this ardent desire, but for
millions, it remains an ultima Thule. This year’s Hajj will also be watched by millions of Muslims – including Ahmadi Muslims of course – but the emaciated number of pilgrims will be a very different sight for all. This will not be the first time that Hajj will not be performed in its normal grandiosity, but the 40th time or so in known history. Most of such unfortunate events were due to famines, epidemics or climatic conditions, but some of such shameful occasions are shrouded in warfare and bitter conflicts – stemming from the lust of power and authority. The Aksumite emperor of Abyssinia had attempted a conquest of the Ka‘bah even before the Prophetsa of Islam was born and did not hinder the Islamic Hajj. But the episode is a proof that the sanctity of the Ka‘bah, which dates to Abrahamic times, had turned it into the most treasured possession of Hijaz, conquest of which meant victory over the whole land. Then came the Holy Prophetsa of Islam and with him, the edifice of Islam, which is held up by several pillars – one of them being Hajj. Islamic history has it that the Continued on page 3
Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa
Virtues of Companions of the Holy Prophetsa Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah will not look on the Day of Judgment at him who drags his robe [behind him] out of pride.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, “One side of my robe slacks down unless I get very cautious about it.” Allah’s Messengersa said, “But you do not do that with pride.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Fazail Ashab al-Nabisa)
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words
The pure example of Ikrimah You have perhaps heard of the account of Ikrimah. It was he who was the mastermind behind the misfortune at Uhud. His father was Abu Jahl, but ultimately it was the example of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa which put him to shame. It is my belief that extraordinary happenings did not leave as lasting an impression on the people, and did not astonish them, as much as the pure model of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa and the change that they Continued on page 3