Al Hakam - 7 August 2020

Where stars descend

1st MKA UK Virtual Rally

Responding to Allegations

Chapter 4

Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya UK held its first ever Virtual Rally on 25 and 26 July 2020

How did Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas revive Islam?

(Subduing the ego) Part II Page 4

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Over a tonne of meat from Eid-ul-Adha distributed to the needy in Kosovo

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 7 August 2020 | Issue CXXV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Ahmadi Muslims must increase their levels of sacrifice: Hazrat Amirul Momineen delivers Eid-ul-Adha sermon On Friday, 31 July 2020, Ahmadi Muslims living in the UK celebrated Eid-ul-Adha.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, there are still limitations on offering prayers in mosques and while some were fortunate to offer their Eid prayers in mosques, many Ahmadis offered their Eid prayers in their homes.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper, arrived in the Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad at 10:32am and led the Eid prayer. Thereafter, Huzooraa delivered the Eid Sermon to the worldwide audience via MTA International.

After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Huzooraa said that today, all Muslims would be celebrating Eid-ulAdha and in some places, they would be offering it the following day.

This is celebrated to commemorate a great sacrifice that was offered over 4,000 years ago. Despite such a long lapse of time, a Muslim does not face any difficulty in remembering this sacrifice.

Continued on page 3

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

Do not betray Allah by betraying those who are in His protection Hazrat Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever prays like us and faces our qibla and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim and is under Allah’s and His Prophet’s protection.

So do not betray Allah by betraying those who are in His protection.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Salat)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The timings of prayer are an illustration that reflect man’s spiritual conditions You ought to bear in mind that the five times appointed for prayer have not been set as a form of compulsion or to flaunt authority. In fact, if one ponders, it becomes evident that these timings are a reflection of the varying spiritual states of man. Allah the Exalted says: ۡ َّ ۡ ُ ُ َ ٰ َّ َ ‫ﺲ‬ ِ ‫اقِ ِم الصلوة ل ِدلو ِك الﺸم‬ i.e. observe Prayer from dulukush-shams (the declining and paling of the sun). Now one can observe that in this instance, Allah the Exalted states that the observance of prayer begins from the time known as dulukush-shams. The word duluk – though there is a difference of opinion in its Continued on page 5

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 7 - 13 August In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, this time, with some more details 7 August 1887: A son was born in the house of the Promised Messiahas, known as Bashir Awwal (the first Bashir) in the Jamaat’s literature. On the same day, the Promised Messiahas received the following Arabic revelation, which foretold events that were yet to unfold: “We have sent this child as a witness, affirming good tidings and as a Warner. He is like heavy rain in which there are diverse kinds of darknesses as well as thunder and lightning. All of these things are under his two feet [i.e. they will follow after he departs].” Moreover, this son’s birth and death was a core episode, clearly foretold in the revelation about the Musleh-e-Maud. The Promised Messiahas shared the good news of the birth of his son on this date with Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira through a postcard and invited him to come and attend the function of this son’s aqiqa, planned to be held on the coming 13 August. This son, Bashir Awwal was born on 16 DhulQa‘dah 1304 AH. 7 August 1889: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, introducing him to the newly founded Jamaat and instilled the importance of Bai‘at in him. Hazrat Nawab Sahibra was a staunch adherent of the Shia faith in the past and so, Hazrat Ahmadas drew his attention towards the unceasing blessings of God associated with the religion of Islam till the last day, manifested in the shape of Hazrat Ahmadas. After aptly performing this act of tabligh, Huzooras shared with him the price and different available packages for the buyers of Barahine-Ahmadiyya.

7 August 1897: A lawsuit of an attempted murder was initiated on this day by an influential Christian missionary, Dr Henry Martyn Clark against the Promised Messiahas. A vicious plot was deceitfully hatched against the Promised Messiahas and all enemy parties unanimously joined hands and took part against him in this lawsuit. Its proceedings ended up in a clear victory for the Promised Messiahas and the judge assigned in this case was Lieutenant Col Montague William Douglas CSI, CIE (1863-1957), who was later declared by Huzooras to be the “Pilate of our time”, superior to the original.

7 August 1899: The Promised Messiahas explained his claim of being a prophet of God, while replying to a letter of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra on this date. Whilst explaining the word and soul of his prophethood, Hazrat Ahmadas put forward the very clear and logical picture of his claim, contrary to every allegation raised against him by his opponents.

7 August 1900: The Promised Messiahas expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, upon receiving his gift of some clothes.

Huzooras lauded the standard of cloth and its stitching.

During the course of this letter, Hazrat Ahmadas recommended him to deal fairly with his wife, setting out the highest standards of taqwa and morals, as emphasised by the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

8 August 1888: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira informing him about the ongoing ailment of his son, Bashir Awwal, who was suffering from advanced stages of dysentery. Huzooras stated that he was nursing this frail and infirm toddler while disrupting his other important commitments.

8 August 1896: The Promised Messiahas wrote to

Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, mentioning many issues like the prayer of Mian Ghulam Muhyuddin who later joined the railway as a profession and was a devout Ahmadi. Huzooras also mentioned that an important announcement regarding Abdullah Atham was being prepared, which would be out soon, a copy of which would also be sent to Munshi Sahibra.

9 August 1887: The Promised Messiahas informed Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira through a letter that the proposed shifting of a printing press to Qadian had been cancelled owing to a breach of contract by a certain person. Huzooras was upset on the worldly motivations and inclinations of these people. Huzooras outlined the jeopardy in the state of affairs regarding the printing of books and at the end, asked Munshi Sahibra to arrange work for a young man, Hafiz Abdur Rahman, in the police department.

9 August 1899: The Promised Messiahas wrote and distributed an announcement regarding the marriage proposal of Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, who was then young, had recently attained his law degree and was working on the English translation of Hazrat Ahmad’sas books. Huzooras took pain in many personal issues of his helpers, out of his care and love for the servants of religions.

10 August 1887: The Promised Messiahas was occupied in arranging needed items to smoothly host guests coming to attend the aqiqa function of his newborn son Bashir Awwal. Thus, he sent a letter on this date to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira to arrange and bring with him some catering items. On the same date, Hazrat Ahmadas dispatched another letter to Munshi Sahibra to arrange for some more items for the convenience of guests, like a big canopy and earth mats as his residence was not able to accommodate the large number of guests. Huzooras guided him to borrow these things from notables like Sardar Socheet Singh. Aside from these two letters, two further letters have been traced and compiled that were sent to Munshi Sahibra on the same occasion, asking him to arrange some more items like three bottles of chatni, 20 kilograms of potatoes, 4 kilograms of colocasia root or taro root, fenugreek, spinach etc. The wording of these letters show a very simple, faith inspiring and lovable scenario, where a humble man of God communicates frankly with his friends.

10 August 1897: The Promised Messiahas was in Batala for a court hearing at the court of Lt Col Montagu William Douglas. Huzooras reached the courtroom around 8 o’clock. In the aftermath of Jang-eMuqaddas, this abrupt accusation of attempted murder against the Promised Messiahas by the missionary, Henry Martyn Clark gained sensation and hype in the press.

11 August 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Munshi Mazhar Hussain Sahib, a Muslim cleric of his time. Hazrat Ahmadas refuted his false notions by addressing his each and every sentence. The text of this thorough reply is now available in print and spans 24 pages. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, pp. 647-671) 11 August 1888: The Promised Messiah informed Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira through a letter of the fragile health of his son Bashir Awwal. as

12 August 1901: The district judge delivered a judgment in favour of the Promised Messiahas in the famous lawsuit of the wall erected in Qadian by his

cousins. The judge ordered the defendants to pay costs and damages to the plaintiff. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra gives details of this by saying, “[In the case relating to the wall,] the court had awarded us costs against our uncles, the defendants …

When the time of the execution of the decree approached, the Promised Messiahas was in Gurdaspur. One evening, near Isha time, it was conveyed to him in a dream or by revelation that this was a heavy burden upon the defendants and that they [the defendant relatives] were being put to great trouble by it.” The Promised Messiahas said, “I will not be able to sleep during the night [because of this].” Hence, Huzooras directed that someone should be dispatched immediately to tell them that he had remitted the costs.

13 August 1887: The Promised Messiahas performed the aqiqa (thanksgiving celebration and sacrifice at the birth of a child) of his newborn son Bashir Awwal (the first Bashir) on this day.

13 August 1892: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Haji Habib-ur-Rahmanra, Raees (Chief) of Hajipura. This devout companion usually asked Hazrat Ahmadas regarding different fiqh (jurisprudence) related issues. In the letter replied to by the Promised Messiahas on this date, he had sought Huzoor’s verdict about Jumuah prayer.

13 August 1897: Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala, a bitter foe of the Promised Messiahas appeared in the court of Lt Col Montagu William Douglas. This renowned Muslim cleric and self-acclaimed “advocate of the Ahl-e-Hadith sect” approached the courtroom to get his statement recorded, which was ironically against the Promised Messiahas and in favour of the Christian camp, i.e. Henry Martyn Clark and Abdullah Atham.

13 August 1899: The Promised Messiahas expressed his condolences and prayers to Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra, as this devout companion earlier informed Hazrat Ahmadas through a telegram about the sad demise of the wife of Seith Ahmad – son of Hazrat Haji Seith Sahibra – who had just got married in recent days. Huzooras also informed him that upon receiving the news of this death, he offered funeral prayer in absentia.

13 August 1905: A new Muslim convert visited Qadian on this date and enjoyed the blessed audience of the Promised Messiahas. While availing this opportunity, he asked a range of questions, which were addressed by Hazrat Ahmadas. This man came all the way from Rahim Abad, Gaya (which is in present day Bihar, India) and had spent seven consecutive years in the company of Pandit Diyanand, founder of the Arya Samaj sect.

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Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

Many Muslims celebrate this Eid for mere celebratory purposes and perform other rituals for the sake of showing off.

A true believer, however, remembers the essence and significance of the sacrifice that is celebrated on Eid-ul-Adha; they remember it as it ought to be remembered.

The sacrifice being spoken of relates to a father and son and one that brings immense pain to the reader. This incident has been preserved in the Holy Quran and become a standard for all true believers to follow till the Day of Judgment. Even today, when reflecting over this incident, one becomes extremely moved.

It is no ordinary thing that an elderly man is bestowed offspring, and that too around the age of 90, and he is told to slaughter his son in a dream; then, taking the dream to be a literal command, he accepts the desire of his Lord and seeks to fulfil it. This was the great sacrifice of Prophet Abrahamas; he was prepared to sacrifice his son in the way of Allah. Not only was the father offering this sacrifice, the son too was prepared to accept this command happily.

The son’s answer has also been preserved in the Holy Quran ّٰ َ َ ۡ ۤۡ ُ َ َ ُ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ٰۤ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ ِم َن‬ ‫یاب ِت افعل ما تؤمر ۫ ست ِجدنِی ِان شآء‬ ‫الصبِرِیۡ َن‬ “‘O my father, do as thou art commanded; thou wilt find me, if Allah please, of those who are patient.’” (Surah al-Saaffat, Ch.37: V.103) This was an exemplary answer in terms of sacrifice. In this manner, the youth were also told that this is the precedent to follow when offering sacrifices.

For the elderly, a 90-year old man showed the best example of sacrifice. For the youth, a young boy made a precedent.

On our part, it is not enough to merely remember this; rather, we should assess our pledge where we affirm that we will be ready to offer any sacrifice.

It is stated that Prophet Abrahamas was very compassionate and tender-hearted (Ch.11: V.75). Thus, one can judge from this how much sacrificing his son would have hurt him. Yet, he was willing to make this sacrifice. One can also understand that when Muslims send salutations upon their noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, why they also offer prayers on the soul of Prophet Abrahamas. He was prepared to offer this sacrifice as he had a special understanding of the status of Allah the Almighty. Due to this incident, Prophet Abrahamas was to be given immense reverence. His sacrifice became a distinguishing factor.

When we pledge to make all forms of sacrifice, we should bear in mind that it is only a blessing of Allah that He enables us to make sacrifices and ultimately be rewarded.

Otherwise, our sacrifices are nothing when compared to the great sacrifices of Prophet Abrahamas and Prophet Ishamelas.

Many Ahmadis are witness to the fact that upon their humble and, in comparison, insignificant sacrifices, they are bestowed with even more blessings in return.

This passion of sacrifice should not be a temporary one; rather, this should be an ongoing attitude. Only then can we say that we are endeavouring to live up to the pledge of offering every sacrifice.

The sacrifice and faith of Abrahamas and Ishmaelas was, indeed, exalted. Upon lifting the knife to sacrifice his son, Prophet

Abraham was told that verily, his dream had been fulfilled.

After this, they did not cease in offering sacrifices; rather, they both continued to offer sacrifices, so much so that Prophet Abraham’sas wife and mother of Prophet Ishmaelas was also included so that men were told that their piety should be made manifest upon the women so as to have the best example for women.

Thus, we observe that after this incident, another great example of sacrifice is when the mother and son were to live independently and in fear. This was also readily accepted.

Accordingly, Prophet Abrahamas took his son Ishmaelas and wife Hajiraas to a place where no person lived, where there was no water or any other such provisions available.

They were only provided a bottle of water and a bag of dates and they knew that when it finished, they would not have water at their disposal, nor any other provisions.

However, as this was a command of Allah, they desired to fulfil it for His pleasure.

When Hazrat Hajiraas was still unaware of this and when she realised herself, she asked Abrahamas, “Where are you going?”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has beautifully explained this and says that due to his tender-heartedness, it was difficult for Abrahamas to suppress his emotions. When asked repeatedly by Hajiraas where he was going, Abrahamas – who was conflicted with the love for his family and the understanding that telling them the reality could hurt them even more – remained silent. Hazrat Hajiraas finally asked, “Has God instructed you to do this?” Abrahamas did not utter anything and could only point towards the sky – as if to point towards Allah – to which Hazrat Hajiraas replied, “Then Allah will not waste us!”

It was impossible for them to find any sympathiser, let alone any provisions!

However, the companionship of Abrahamas had trained Hazrat Hajiraas to such a degree that she was resolute in her belief that Allah would not waste them. This, indeed, must have caused God Almighty to declare also that He would not waste them.

Not only were they not wasted, but a great nation was born from among their progeny, among whom was the Seal of all Prophets, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Hazrat Hajiraas and Hazrat as Ishmael disregarded worldly pleasures for the sake of Allah and Allah caused the whole world to submit to Hazrat Ishmaelas as a result. During Hajj, the great

sacrifice of Hazrat Hajiraas is remembered and practiced symbolically, thus honouring her in this world. Today, the world is forced to remember her and learn that a sacrifice offered with true faith in Allah is never wasted.

On this day, we recall the exalted level of sacrifices of this family. However, we should ask ourselves whether it is enough to just remember them. Of course not. We must make this as the precedent in our lives. Every woman should look up to the standard of faith of Hazrat Hajiraas.

Some Lajna members have said that they do not repeat the words of their pledge where they offer to present their children for sake of Allah. If they truly have faith in Allah and desire His pleasure and nearness, then this thought can never creep into one’s mind. If this a pledge, then every Ahmadi man, woman, elder and child should endeavour to make this their goal.

When Ahmadi men endeavour to make Abrahamas their example, then their spiritual standards will be automatically adopted by their wives and children. First and foremost, men should make it a point to asses themselves. If they desire for their wives and children to be pious, they should first improve themselves.

When all of us will follow the path of Abrahamas; when every woman wishes to follow the example of Hajiraas and when every child endeavours to tread the path of Ishmaelas, then they will find God coming to their help.

In this time, the most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa – Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas– has been called “Ibrahim” in revelations. Thus, if we have accepted this “Ibrahim” for our spiritual progress, the victory of Islam and to be closer to Allah the Almighty, then we all must endeavour to become Ishmaels and every woman must endeavour to become a Hajira. Only then can we partake of the blessings of this age.

If every one of us pledges to give precedence to faith over the world then this can happen. We should be ready to offer every form of sacrifice; many of us have and are already offering such sacrifices.

Huzooraa said that he wished to address those mothers who remain silent during their pledge in regard to offering their children for Allah. Some mothers say that they fear for giving their children such a meagre allowance. There are some Waifeene-Nau who are so used to their incomes that when it comes time to offer their services for the Jamaat, they say that they cannot

survive on such a small allowance. When you have offered your children for the sake of the Jamaat, then such thoughts should not arise. And when Waqifeen have made a pledge, they should not follow it up with such remarks.

The youth and Waqifeen should offer their services for serving the Jamaat as missionaries and doctors and other such fields. The level of our sacrifices should be much higher. There should be substance in our emotions when reading the details of exalted sacrifices of people in the past.

We should reflect on how we can bring to the world the true message of Islam; how we can remedy the many ills of today. This should be the mindset of every Waqif-eNau. Huzooraa said that the objectives he had just presented are the objectives of the Jamaat. Merely reading sacrifices of the past do not bring about revolutions. Every mother, every Ahmadi should increase their levels of sacrifice.

Towards the end, Huzooraa prayed that we may remember our duties and that every Eid may bring new horizons of our victory.

May we reap the blessings of our sacrifices as did our forefathers.

Huzooraa said to remember all aseeran-erah-e-Maula (those imprisoned due to their Ahmadiyyat) who are offering sacrifices for the sake of the Jamaat in jails. There is also an Ahmadi lady in prison, only because she accepted the Imam of the age.

Huzooraa said to remember the Shuhada (martyrs) in our prayers. We should remember missionaries and Waqifeen in our prayers. May Allah protect all those offering their services in Africa and other parts of the world for the sake of the Jamaat.

We ought to pray for anyone who is living in difficulties and for all those struggling to live freely, e.g. in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, more than before, people have stirred up trouble by saying that any Ahmadi making a sacrifice would be punished. May Allah protect all Ahmadis from such harms. May we fulfil the objectives of the Promised Messiah’sas advent – to carry the flag of Islam to the corners of the world and to establish tawhid (the unity of Allah).

In some places, even in Africa, attempts have been made to seize our mosques. May Allah protect us from all such onslaughts.

Before leading the community in dua, Huzooraa said that the Friday Sermon would commence at the usual time.

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Where stars descend Chapter 4 (Subduing the ego) Part II Asif M Basit

Before my office was shifted to Baitul Futuh in Morden, I was allocated duties in the general office of MTA International at the Fazl Mosque. The biggest blessing there was that I could offer all my prayers behind Huzooraa. Another blessing that we experienced was that after every few months, Huzooraa would grace us with his presence in our office.

Those were indeed jubilant occasions for us. Those few moments with Huzooraa in the MTA offices are remembered by all who were present there. During our conversations, we often recall Huzoor’s words from those occasions when Huzooraa would grace our offices.

Upon finding out that Huzooraa was on his way to MTA, we would immediately start polishing the shape of our office and straightening desks and chairs, the scene of which you can probably imagine.

Our situation was such that we would hide all the unnecessary objects in a closed cabinet or beneath something. Any loose papers were thrown into an empty file and instant dusting of surfaces commenced.

In that moment, we welcomed Huzoor’s fragrance before welcoming Huzooraa. On more than one occasion, it so happened that Huzooraa would be talking to us but then began walking towards the cabinet that stored all the unwanted items of the last five minutes. Huzooraa would open the cabinet, observe the mess and close it.

With that, Huzooraa would instruct us to keep things in order. Huzooraa once said: “I clean my office myself. I have a brush with which I dust my office in the morning.

If I can do it, then why can’t you?”

Other than shame there was no answer to this question. But I made a promise to myself that I would clean my office every day and that everything would be kept in order.

Thus, we began to place everything in order and cleaned the office regularly.

But during that period, Huzooraa did not visit our office. Many months passed.

Every day, we anticipated Huzoor’s arrival.

Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow, or the day after. But the wait turned out to be a long one.

To our good fortune, one day, Huzooraa suddenly arrived in our office. I thought to myself, “Today everything is in order.”

Huzooraa entered and out of his sheer compassion, remained in our office for some time. Huzooraa enquired about certain matters. “Who sits there?” “Whose

table is this?” “What is this file for?” I was so happy that everything seemed to be going perfectly.

Then, all of sudden, Huzooraa turned towards the small cabinet that stored plastic spoons, chippy plates and tissues.

Huzooraa opened it. One of our colleagues had stored a jar of achar (mixed pickles in oil) which he had brought from the langar (kitchen).

Although the jar was shut, but many will know that achar has a mind of its own and makes its presence known. Huzooraa looked at it and said, “If you keep things like this in the office for too long, they begin to give off an odour. We may not be able to smell it due to being accustomed to it, but passers-by can. This is an office of MTA International where external guests also visit. No negative impression should be left on them.”

Thus, Huzooraa gave us a moral lesson in how we should be aware of our responsibilities as a department that is attributed to the Jamaat.

In 2008, on the joyous occasion of the centenary of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, MTA International organised an International musha‘ira (poetry recital). Poets from USA, Pakistan, Canada and other countries were invited. At that time, I too would partake in musha‘iras.

Then Chairman of MTA wrote to Huzooraa requesting him to grace the occasion. Huzooraa instructed that we should commence and that if Huzooraa could, he would attend. It was just before the Jalsa Salana period.

Huzoor’s 24-hour schedule is busy in normal days, but during the Jalsa period, the schedule intensifies. Thus, Huzooraa could not attend the musha‘ira. Although we can all appreciate the extent of Huzoor’s schedule, but no matter how minute, there is always an element of sadness that Huzooraa could not grace us with his blessed presence.

The following day, as I sat in my office in MTA, Huzooraa entered the office.

Huzooraa asked, “Did you read any-

thing in yesterday’s musha‘ira?”

I replied to Huzooraa that I had recited some couplets.

“Which couplets?”

As Huzooraa said this, he pulled a chair towards him and sat down.

Normally, I am able to recite my poetry from memory, but on that occasion, my mind went completely blank. I began searching my pockets, but to no avail. I searched my drawers, then the pockets in my bag. Thankfully, I found what I was looking for.

Huzooraa then said, “Sunao, kiya parha tha?” (Read what you recited yesterday.)

Thus, I read out what I recited the night before.

After I had finished, Huzooraa replied, “I couldn’t come to the musha‘ira yesterday, but at least I have heard your poetry.”

It is difficult to convey the thoughts running through my mind at the time. It was ordinary poetry, but when Allah the Almighty bestows His bounties upon His servants, He knows no bounds. Huzoor’s compassion was also beyond words.

Huzoor’s compassion, too, knows no bounds.

I was still coming to terms with my joy when Huzoor’saa eyes seemed fixed on something beneath a colleague’s desk.

I turned my head towards it and noticed some chronic tea-stains behind the printer.

Huzooraa said, “Tell him to at least wipe the tea-stains.”

At such an occasion, Huzooraa was able to spot something seemingly hidden and instructed us to clean even hidden areas.

Those stains could possibly have been left with the thought that no one would notice. But Huzooraa noticed and very affectionately instructed for it to be cleaned.

Albeit due to the possibility of Huzoor’s unexpected arrival, alhamdolillah we managed to develop the habit of keeping our office clean (although there is still a lot of room for improvement).

This reminds me of another incident.

One morning, I arrived at the office and noticed some commotion in the transmission department. I found out that

shortly after Fajr prayer, Huzooraa had come to the MTA offices. The MTA broadcast is transmitted on an automated system, so the programmes are played automatically through the system. However, there is always someone on-duty. That day too, someone was seated there, when suddenly, the door opened and Huzooraa walked in.

Huzoor enquired as to why there had been a blank-screen for a few seconds on MTA. The staff member tried to find out to the best of his ability why it had happened but was unable to answer. Huzooraa returned to his residence, but the individual called the person in charge of his department and informed him of what had just happened.

The manager called the chairman and thus, a state of panic ensued.

What had happened, how it happened and why it happened; all the details to the investigation were sent to Huzooraa.

Huzooraa instructed that the person in charge of transmission should spend the next few days in MTA and monitor the transmission around the clock, ensuring that nothing of the sort would happen again. The person in charge resided in MTA for some two months and after a thorough investigation, a conclusion was drawn.

What we understood from this was that there was a break in the broadcast, which only Huzooraa noticed but took strict notice. The person responsible was oblivious to it, but Huzooraa had turned on the television and happened to be watching MTA when it occurred. From this, one can comprehend the importance Huzooraa gives to MTA. God Almighty has bestowed us with a grand blessing in the form of MTA, which connects Ahmadis all over the world with their beloved Imam.

The wisdom behind Huzoor’s love and attention for MTA is this very fact. Why should the relationship between Huzooraa and his beloved Jamaat be split for even a few seconds? Such a separation is neither acceptable for the Jamaat, nor for the Khalifa of the time.

There are some other incidents that I wish to share with you, which are a source of guidance in our administrative affairs.

Once, I presented a proposal to Huzooraa regarding a task in which our department and another department were to collaborate. Huzooraa carefully listened to the proposal and instructed that it was alright, but I should consult the other department’s head.

Huzooraa said, “Actually, write them a letter saying that you would like to meet

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Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

them personally. ‘Please could you be so kind as to spare some time.’ Then, go and meet them on the agreed date and time and discuss the matter. He will be happy and you will achieve your purpose.”

The individual who I was to meet is a humble and cooperative person anyway.

Thus, I wrote the letter in accordance with Huzoor’s instruction. The individual very generously met with me and listened to what I had to say. He agreed to collaborate with us and undertake the desired task.

The lesson I learnt from Huzooraa on this occasion was that not only should I not consider myself superior to anyone, I should not even consider myself at the same level, so much so that I should consider myself inferior to everybody, no matter who they are.

On one occasion, Huzooraa told me, “When you meet people, you should greet them openheartedly, to the extent that the other becomes extremely happy to meet you.”

I replied saying, “Huzoor, I do try. But

please pray that if there is any shortage then Allah gives me the capacity to express myself more positively.”

Huzooraa very lovingly replied, “Everyone has a different standard of happiness. It is not necessary that the standards that please you must also please another. Thus, you should try your utmost.

If someone is pleased by you stopping to say Salaam and talking to them, then you should do so. If someone gets happy by you saying Salaam whilst respectfully bowing your head, then you should bow. There is no harm in pleasing another individual through your actions.”

Alongside this, Huzooraa also said, “There is a difference between pleasing someone and flattering someone. Some people think that if they talk to someone cordially, then the other may consider it flattery. But flattery means to insincerely please someone in order to attain undue favours, whereas to please someone is a good deed.”

It may seem a challenge to some, but

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one’s disposition becomes. Similarly, presume for example, if someone were subject to legal proceedings, upon the issuance of a summons or warrant, the individual comes to know that he has been charged under such and such section of the criminal or civil code.

After the individual in question sees the warrant, their condition declines, just as the midday sun begins to decline in the afternoon. For before the issuance of the summons or warrant, the individual in question had no knowledge of the charge.

It is at this time that a person thinks to themselves whether or not they will be able to find a barrister in court to defend them. Such apprehensions and concerns are the very decline that are illustrated in the state of duluk. This is the first state

meaning – refers to the afternoon, when the sun begins to decline from its zenith.

Now, from the time of duluk, five prayers have been appointed. What is the wisdom and underlying mystery in this? The law of nature demonstrates that the stages of humility and meekness in the spiritual state of man begins with duluk, after which man experiences only five conditions.

Therefore, prayer, which accords with our natural state, begins from the time when signs of grief, pain and agony arise in man. When a person is afflicted by some calamity or misfortune, they show immense humility and meekness. At this time, if there was an earthquake, you could appreciate how emotional and humble

in my humble experience, I have seen that this piece of advice has many benefits.

People begin to meet you with love and accordingly, that love springs forth which Allah the Almighty has taught us as: َ ُ َ​َُ ‫آء بَ ۡين ُﻬ ۡم‬ ‫رﺣم‬ “Tender among themselves” (Surah alFath, Ch.48: V.30) the Holy Prophetsa has described as: ْ ْ ُ ‫ال ُﻤ ْؤ ِم ُن ِ� ْ�آة ال ُﻤ ْؤ ِم ِن‬ “A believer is the believer’s mirror” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Adab) and the Promised Messiahas has explained as: � ‫د� � ��ی� و � ی‬ ‫ی‬ ‫م� ی‬ � ��� ‫ا� دل �� � � � دو�ے دل وک �ر‬ ‫ی‬ (Observe the wonderful effect of meeting and greeting; where one heart bows, the other submits.)

A friend of mine, who is also the head of his department, would often complain about an individual working in his department that at times, they would attend work for months, but suddenly would disappear the following few months without any contact. This was all due to mental pressure the individual was suffering from. He said that he had had enough of that person and would request Huzoor’s permission to relieve them of their duties.

Apparently, there seemed to be nothing wrong with it, as every head of department likes to see the best of those working with them and does not like uncertainty on their part. However, I did not make any remarks.

One day, that friend of mine narrated the events that occurred in his mulaqat and said that he had submitted to Huzooraa that the individual in question had not attended work for many weeks, but was receiving their monthly allowance and there was no knowing when they would arrive and when they would not attend work. Thus, he requested Huzooraa to relieve him of this duty. But Huzoor replied, “I am aware of his mental state.

You are not giving him the allowance out of your own pocket! How he attends, when he attends, let him. He will get better.”

I am a witness that after only a short period of time, the individual began

that is represented by the Zuhr prayer and it is this Zuhr prayer which symbolically reflects this initial condition. The second state that overtakes a person is when they are stood in the courtroom. The opposing party and court are engaged in questioning and cross-questioning. This is a most uncomfortable state and it is this condition and time which is illustrated in the Asr prayer. For the word “asr” means to suffocate and strain. When the state of affairs becomes even more delicate and a charge-sheet is prepared against the person in question, despair and desperation grow.

For at this time, the individual in question believes that they will be sentenced.

This is the time which is symbolically reflected in the Maghrib prayer. Then, when the verdict is announced and the

attending work regularly, got married and now happily attends work.

These are the facts that tell us that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih should not be considered merely a head of an international organisation. God Almighty has commissioned him with the task of managing and guiding the Jamaat. God has Himself chosen him, then breathed into him the spirit of purity whereby He strengthened him. This individual is prayer personified.

We all seek prayers from our Imam (and if we don’t, then we should), but how extraordinary is it that even a complaint before him can turn into a prayer for us and act as an elixir to heal our moral, spiritual, mental and physical weaknesses.

How can we not accept that this man is prayer personified! His relationship with Allah is beyond our understanding; we cannot comprehend it. So instead of trying to comprehend it, why not try and become a part of the prayers that he submits to Allah every day.

The science of organisational behaviour has reached such a stage where students now obtain PhD degrees in it.

But no school or university teaches the basic principle of taqwa for sharpening administrative capabilities. If taqwa is taught anywhere, then it is in this very institution that we know as Khilafat-eAhmadiyya.

Whilst reading this article, my friends and acquaintances may (either openly or discretely) say that despite countless opportunities to better myself, there is no difference in me. I humbly submit that the purpose of this article was not for me to claim that I have perfected myself. The sole purpose was to show how Huzooraa pointed out such sublime matters that were beyond my comprehension and had Huzooraa not shown the right track, I may not have realised that what I was doing was wrong. Huzooraa is our guide and he guides us so that we may follow the path he wants us on.

May Allah give us the potential and strength to follow the path Huzooraa wishes to see us on and may we continue to do so. Amin.

individual is handed over to the constable or court inspector, this is representative of the spiritual condition symbolically illustrated by the Isha prayer. Finally, the dawn of prayer arrives and the state ۡ َ َ of ‫( ِا ّن َمﻊ ال ُع ۡ� ِ� یُ ۡ� ً�ا‬Verily, there is ease after hardship) is manifested. This is the time which parallels the spiritual condition that is symbolically reflected in the Fajr prayer.

In short, I address you and say once again that the purpose for which you should forge a sincere relationship with me should only be to bring about a noticeable transformation in your morals and habits, so that as a result, you may become a source of guidance and blessing for others.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 146-147)

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

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1st MKA UK Virtual Rally

Qamar Zafar Missionary, UK

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK held its first ever Virtual Rally on 25 and 26 July 2020.

On the first day, the opening session started with Tilawat, a welcome address

by Tariq Hayat Sahib, Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK, and an opening address by Mirza Mahmood Ahmad Sahib.

After this, Mohtamim Talim, Sabahat Karim Sahib made announcements for the Khuddam competitions and programme.

Similarly Mohtamim Atfal, Farhad Ahmad Sahib made announcements for the Atfal.

Tariq Sahib then handed over to the host of the first academic session.

The second academic session started at 2pm with the teams being called up one by one. The sessions included kasoti (21 questions), team quiz and presentation competition.

It was an engaging session and included various aspects of light-hearted discussions,

but still a very competitive session.

The nau-mubai‘een session, part of the MKA Virtual Rally, was held on the first day, on Zoom. The session started at 2pm with a short welcome and introduction by Sammar Malik Sahib, Mohtamim Tarbiyat Nau-Mubai‘een. This was followed by an inspirational speech by Hamza Ilyas Sahib, Naib Secretary New Ahmadis, where he described his own experience of joining Ahmadiyyat and what helped him to strengthen his beliefs.

Following on from that, a presentation on the life of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was given by missionary, Humayon Uppal Sahib. The presentation was divided into three sections.

After each section, a quiz was held on the Zoom platform, where participants were given 10 multiple choice questions related to the slides and had 15 seconds to answer each question.

Other academics competitions then took place, starting with tilawat. This was followed by azan and then prepared and extempore speeches.

Next, a question and answer session was held in which Khuddam had the opportunity to present questions and receive answers by missionaries; namely, Raza Ahmad Sahib, Mujeeb Mirza Sahib and Zawar Ahmad Sahib.

The session concluded at 4:45pm. The total attendance of nau-mubai‘een was 12, alhamdulillah.

A “Sports and Religion” talk was hosted by Mohtamim Tabligh MKA UK with international guest panellists. The experiences of the panellists were shared and they all engaged in discussions on what religion teaches about sports activities. This proved to be a very engaging and successful discussion.

The last session of the day was a keynote session with Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, where he shared various personal experiences with Khilafat. The session was broken into two segments; first Imam Sahib delivered a speech and in the second segment, we had a question and answer session, which included questions submitted via a Google form by the viewers. At one point, we had a maximum of 429 viewers during that session.

For Atfal, there was a session named “Untold Narrations” with Syed Taalay Ahmad Sahib, speaking about Hazrat

Amirul Momineen, may Allah be his Helper. The Atfal greatly enjoyed this along with other Khuddam viewers.

In relation to the Atfal sessions, the total views for the day were 3,622 and the playback figure was 7,000. YouTube had 5,900 views.

Feedback from the regions have been very positive. Atfal thoroughly enjoyed academic competitions and other sessions.

On the Second day, the opening session started Tilawat and a welcome address by Ali Khan Sahib, Naib Sadr MKA UK. After this, a missionary, Ataul Momin Zahid Sahib delivered a speech on the topic of “Prophets and their successors”.

After the inspiring speech, Mohtamim Talim MKA UK, Sabahat Karim Sahib made announcements for the Khuddam competitions and programme. Similarly Mohtamim Atfal, Farhad Ahmad Sahib made announcements for the Atfal.

“Inspiring Stories from converts” was an engaging panel discussion with different converts sharing their stories and experiences that took place. Stories shared involved explanations of feelings of when they converted and how they established their love for Khilafat.

As part of the virtual event, an Continued on next page >>

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Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

International Competition was held as the exhibition. We had invited various countries’ MKA teams to compete and alhamdulillah, we had USA, Ghana, Australia, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Norway and UK represented. The teams were quizzed in various formats.

The closing session started at 5:30pm, where Adam Walker Sahib, Naib Sadr MKA UK, welcomed everyone to the closing session and introduced Sadr MKA UK to chair the session, which began with recitation and translation of a portion of the Holy Quran followed by a Nazm and its translation.

Sadr MKA UK then requested Mohtamim Talim MKA UK to provide a report of the Khuddam proceedings and competition winners. Similarly, Mohtamim Atfal UK was requested to provide a report of the Atfal proceedings. After the reports, Sadr MKA UK delivered an address about the ongoing work MKA provided within the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic and reminded everyone how Islam and our beloved Huzooraa teaches us the importance of helping those in need.

After the inspiring address, Amir Sahib Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK joined the closing session via a Zoom call and delivered an address on the things we take for granted and how technology can divert our attention away from what is important. The Virtual Rally was then concluded.

Federal Minister of Social Development and Planning of Niger visits an Ahmadi village Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger continues to strengthen the bond with the government with the vision to serve the country. The Federal Minister of Social Development and Planning of Niger visited an Ahmadi village called Haukan Sara in the department of Guidan Roumdji at the invitation of Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger, Asad Majeeb Sahib, which was converted to a model village in 2017 by International Association of Ahmadi Architects & Engineers (IAAAE), thanks to their spontaneous and professional work.

A “model village” is equipped with water

distribution technology achieved through solar energy to pump water from boreholes into over-head tanks, from where it flows to houses. The village also has a community centre, catering for education development of the locals. There is also uninterrupted flow of electricity, illuminating houses and streets. This is all installed by members of IAAAE, who utilise their expertise in their respective domains. This village has been provided with sewing machines to help people make a living.

The Honourable Minister, Amani Abdou Sahib visited the village on 25 July 2020. Accompanied by the Federal Minister were the Vice Prefect, Vice Governor, Mayor and Regional Chief of Guidan Roumdji and

other dignitaries. The Federal Minister and his accompanying delegation inspected the mosque, water system, electricity project and sewing school. He was very impressed and inspired by the efforts put in. He thanked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude towards Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and appreciated the spectacular masterpiece by IAAAE. The programme was aired on National Television named Sahil and National Radio.

Over a tonne of meat from Eid-ul-Adha distributed to the needy by Kosovo Jamaat Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

Every religion in the world has its holidays, while in Islam, we have two major holidays: Eid-ul-Fitr, which comes after the end of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Adha, which comes after the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. This holiday was celebrated all over the world, including Kosovo on 31 July 2020.

Humanity First and Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Kosovo, as in the previous Eid holidays, this year distributed meat products to families in need in several cities of Kosovo. Initially, the meat was distributed in the municipality of Podujeva, and then continued in Prizren, Peja, Istog and Prishtina.

In the municipality of Podujeva, the meat was distributed to families who are living in difficult conditions. Public Communication Officer of the municipality of Podujeva, Mr Bujar Gimolli was present after the distribution of meat packages. He said: “We as a municipality thank the organisation Humanity First for the continuous cooperation, especially for today’s activity, because this activity at this time has double value because it is in a time of a pandemic, when the resources of the municipality are small, because a lot of budget is divided into fighting the pandemic, so we encourage this organisation and other organisations that such aid should be

distributed among as many needy families as possible, which should consist of basic things like these that are being distributed today ... It is worth to be noted that some of the meat packages have gone to the families of isolated persons because members of their families have tested positive with Covid-19”.

Afterwards, meat packages were distributed in the municipality of Prizren, which is the second largest city in Kosovo, for the Roma Community. This layer of society is a minority and many of them live in very difficult conditions. A personality from this community, Mr Albert Kinolli, who is also a member of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, was also engaged in the distribution of meat packages. He said: “Allow me on my own behalf as President of the United Roma Party of Kosovo and on behalf of the Roma Community to thank our brothers from the organisation Humanity First for this donation which they distributed today in the Terzimahalla neighbourhood in Prizren for the Roma Community ... I once again sincerely want to thank our brothers for understanding and at the same time for cooperation because today 57 families have been supplied with meat, salamis, kebabs and burgers, respectively with meat products, where we hope that our fruitful cooperation which is always in the best interest of the community, will continue in the future”.

Afterwards, the caravan of distributing meat packages continued in two cities, Peja and Istog for the war veterans of the Kosovo

Liberation Army who, during 1998/99, had fought against the Serbian army, which had occupied Kosovo.

Some of these veterans were also wounded. Mr Lulëzim Blaka, who is the Secretary of War Veterans of Kosovo Liberation Army – branch of Peja, and Mr Ardian Ukaj, who is the Vice President of the Organisation of War Veterans of Kosovo Liberation Army – branch of Istog, thanked us for the donation of meat packages.

The distribution of meat packages had continued for the members of the Municipal Association of the Blind in the municipality of Istog. On behalf of this association, a few words of thanks were also said by its director, Mr Esat Shabani: “I thank the organisation Humanity First for the Eid-ul-Adha holiday that has brought these aids and I personally thank you for taking the effort to bring these blind members here to rejoice a little because some of them are in extreme poverty …

Thank you Humanity First!”

Finally, the meat was distributed in the Central Kitchen of Prishtina. On behalf of the Municipality of Prishtina, Mr. Premtim Fazliu who is Project Coordinator in the Directorate of Social Welfare, said: “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha in

cooperation with Humanity First we made an order for 200 kilograms of meat which is funded by Humanity First. This was so that we could add it as an ingredient in the dishes that we prepare in the Foodbank. It is worth noting the two food banks serve about 500 families, which means there is an extraordinary influx of families in need who are to be served with hot meals daily.

Therefore, on behalf of the municipality of Prishtina, I thank Humanity First; although this is not our first cooperation, I wish it not to be the last. I wish and hope for further cooperation, I also take this opportunity to wish all Muslim believers the feast of Eid-ulAdha. Thank you!”

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, everything went well, and Humanity First together with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo has distributed 1,111 kilograms of meat in five major cities of Kosovo and the beneficiaries have been about 8,000 people.

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Responding to Allegations

How did Hazrat Mirza as Ghulam Ahmad revive Islam?

Part II (Belief in angels) The second article of Islam, after faith in Allah, is the belief in His angels.

This article of faith has been entirely or partially distorted and misrepresented by a number of Muslims.

Some people believe that angels can commit sins. Referring to the incident of Prophet Adamas, certain so-called scholars presented angels in such a way that (God forbid) they stood before God and objected to His wisdom. However, we find in the Holy Quran that the angels never criticised the actions of God Almighty, as they said: َ َُ َ ُ ُ َ ‫َون ْح ُن ن َس ِّبح ِب َح ْم ِدك َونق ِّد ُس لَك‬ “We glorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.31) The story of Harut and Marut is even more shocking than the previous incident.

It is said that (God forbid), God sent two angels in this world in the guise of men and they fell in love with a prostitute woman and as a punishment, they were blindfolded and hung upside down in a well. Likewise, it is said that (God forbid), Iblis was the leader of all angels.

Some people are of the view that angels are also material beings and run around like humans. On the other hand, some people even deny the existence of angels and call them mythical beings. They interpret the angels described in the Holy Quran as powers and forces of nature.

The Promised Messiahas not only rejected these non-Islamic beliefs but also presented their true explanation and removed all objections raised against angels. He proved through the Holy Quran that angels neither object God, nor do they indulge in sins. Allah the Almighty says: ُ َۡ َ ۤ ّٰ َ َّ ‫لا ی ۡع ُصوۡ َن الل َہ َما ا َمرَ ُہ ۡم َو یف َعلوۡ َن َما یُ ۡؤ َمرُ ۡو َن‬ “[Angels] disobey not Allah in what He commands them and do as they are commanded.” (Surah al-Tahrim, Ch.66: V.7) Thus, a creation of the Almighty Allah, created with the powers of obedience and submission, can never fall into evil and love of prostitutes. Moreover, if angels are prone to sin, then why are we commanded to believe in them? The meaning of believing is to obey them. Instructing us

to believe those who can defy God is like commanding someone to commit suicide.

In the same way, the Promised Messiahas explained that angels are spiritual beings. They do not wander around like human beings. On the contrary, just as the sun shines from its place, they also obey the commands of Allah from their assigned places.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Muslim scholars, for one, do not subscribe to the view that angels, with some kind of material bodies quite like humans, have to walk on foot to come down to earth. This kind of thinking would evidently be false. Were it necessary for angels to come down to earth in any formal shape to carry out their respective duties, it would have been absolutely impossible for them to complete any task.

For instance, the angel of death has to take the lives of thousands of people per second, who live thousands of miles apart from one another, in different parts of the world. If he was under the obligation to walk to each country, town and home to find the opportunity to take a life, then let alone seconds, even months wouldn’t suffice to carry out such a huge task. Is it possible for a person moving about like humans to go around the world in a split second or even less? No, not at all. On the contrary, angels do not even fractionally stir from their true stations allotted to them by God Almighty. Quoting the angels, God says in the Holy Quran: ُّ َّ ُ ۡ َ َ َّ َّ ٌ ۡ ُ ۡ َّ ٌ َ َ ٗ َ َّ ۤ َّ َ َ ‫الصٓافوۡ َن‬ ‫و ما ِمنا ِالا لہ مقام معلوم۔ و ِانا لنحن‬ “‘And there is no one of us but has an appointed station. And verily we are those who stand ranged in ranks’” (Surah al-Saffat, Ch.37: V.165-166)]. Hence, the fact of the matter is that just as the Sun keeps to its orbit and its heat and light continue to envelop the earth and benefit each and everything in accordance with the capacity of each, the same is true about spiritual entities. Call them what you will; for instance, celestial spirits after the Greeks, or, in terms of the Avesta and Vedas, call them spirits of stars, or, in the simple and straightforward manner of those who believe in One God, call them God’s angels. The fact remains that these strange beings, each in its own particular station, are staying put and holding fast.

“In the infinite wisdom of God Almighty, these spiritual entities are busy serving everything that exists on earth and has the potential to help everything attain its desired goal to the fullest extent.

The functions they perform are both visible and invisible. Just as our bodies and overt functions are influenced by the Sun, the Moon and other planets, all these angels too are exerting their respective influence on our hearts, minds and indeed on all our spiritual functions in keeping with our respective capacities.

Be it a particle of dust or a drop of water that enters an oyster shell, or the womb of a mother, through the spiritual influence of these angels of God, it is transformed into a ruby, sapphire, diamond, a highly lustrous and large pearl or a human being with great qualities of head and heart …

“I would like to point out that the Quranic perception regarding angels is so clear, straightforward and reasonable that one cannot help but accept it. A close study of the Holy Quran shows that the presence of certain intermediaries

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Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM is essential for external and internal development, not only of mankind, but also of all terrestrial creation. At places in the Holy Quran, there are clear and positive hints to the effect that some of these pure and holy beings known as angels are variously related to the different levels of the heavens. Through their specific influence, some of them perform the function of controlling winds while others control rain.

“There are still others who bring their influence to bear on this earth. Without doubt, because of their affinity to light, these holy spirits may well have some kind of relationship with the bright and luminous stars found in the heavens.

But this relationship should not be confused with the kind of relationship the living organisms on earth have with life. Instead, these holy entities, because of their own light and lustre with which they are spiritually blessed, have a subtle and mysterious relationship with the stars. This relationship is so close and intense that it is not possible to imagine any separation between the two without undermining their strength. It is through the hidden hand of these beings that all stars are busy performing their assigned tasks. As God Almighty is the life force of the entire universe, so are these enlightened spirits, not wholly but in part, the elan vital of these stars and planets.

Their separation would mean disaster for the existential condition of the stars. To date, no one has ever differed from the view that all heavenly bodies – stars and planets – are busy all the time contributing to the development and completion of life on earth.

“In short, it is a considered and fully established truth that day and night, heavenly bodies continue to work their influence on all existence – animate or inanimate. If nothing else, even an ignorant peasant would at least know for certain that moonlight effectively nourishes fruit and sunlight ripens it and that certain winds help increase its yield.

“Now if the apparent order of the universe is subject to the different influences of these phenomena, can there be any doubt that the latent order of the universe too is being influenced by these enlightened spirits – angels – at God’s command. Since the apparent order of external reality is being constantly nourished and moulded by the influence of such phenomena, how is it possible to doubt that the latent and innate order of reality is also subject to the influence of these luminous forces. In fact, they are as intense to the luminous stars as life is to our organism.” (Elucidation of Objectives, pp. 27-33 [English translation of Taudihe-Maram]) The Promised Messiahas also rejected the idea that Iblis was the leader of angels or that he was an entity living among the angels. He was an evil spirit who defied Allah the Almighty, as has been stated in the Holy Quran: ٰۡ َ َ ‫َو ك‬ ‫ان ِم َن الﻜ ِ� ِ�یۡ َن‬ “And he was of the disbelievers.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.35) The Promised Messiahas also dispelled

the misconception that angels are mythical creatures or names of various forces of nature. He proved the existence of angels based on his own experience and observations. He enlightened the illinformed people who already believed that Allah created the sun to help us see and the wind for sound to reach our ear and this has no effect on the omnipotence of God. However, if we say that Allah has created many means to carry out spiritual affairs, then the ignorant among us argue that holding such a belief calls into question His powers. The Promised Messiahas explained that the creation of means by Allah the Almighty is not because He cannot convey His commandments directly to His servants, but on the contrary, humans lack the capacity to listen to the word of Allah the Almighty without these means.

Moreover, these means are helpful in the development and progress of His servants.

The Promised Messiahas states: “In order to accept the existence of angels, the easiest way is that we should direct our reason to the following. It is admitted that for the training and perfection of our bodies and in order for the desired actions of our senses to be carried into effect, God Almighty has promulgated the law of nature that the elements and the Sun and the Moon and all the stars have been pressed into service that they should help our bodies and faculties to perform all their functions in the best manner possible. We cannot escape from the verity that our eyes cannot perform their function by their own light unless they are aided by the light of the sun and our ears cannot hear anything by their faculty of hearing unless they are aided by the air. Does this not prove that Divine law has ordained that the perfection of our faculties should be achieved through external means and that our nature cannot dispense with the help of external means? If we observe carefully, we will find that not in one or two matters, but for the perfection of all our senses and faculties and powers, we are dependent upon external help.

“As this law and system of God Almighty, Whose works display unity and appropriateness, operates firmly and compulsorily with reference to our external faculties and senses and our material needs, then does it not follow necessarily that there should be some system for our spiritual perfection and spiritual performance so that the identity of the two systems should prove the Unity of the Creator? It is obvious that the All-Wise One, Who has instituted this external system and has chosen that through the effect of the external means like the heavenly bodies and elements etc., our bodies and faculties and senses should be perfected, the same All-Wise and All-Powerful One would have chosen that system for our spiritual perfection, for He is One without any associate and there is unity in all His wisdom and works.

Thus, the external means that affect our spirituality and fulfil our spiritual needs, as the Sun and the Moon and the elements

help us with regard to our physical needs, are known by the name of angels.

“This proves the existence of angels and, observing the law of nature as a whole, we are compelled to acknowledge their existence, though we may not be able to penetrate their reality, nor is this necessary. When we have accepted the external law, there is no reason why in the same way we should not accept the internal law. We shall have to accept it in the same way as we have accepted the external law. This is the reason why God Almighty in His Holy Book has set forth these two laws in the same words, as He says: ۡ َ َ ٰ ّٰ َ ٰ ۡ َ ۡ ٰ ‫ا� ٰحﻤﻠ‬ ‫ﺖ ي ُ ۡ� ً�ا۔‬ ِ ‫ﺖ ِوق ًرا۔ فا�� ِر ٰي‬ ِ ِ ۡ ‫ﺖ ذ ۡر ًوا۔ َف‬ ِ ‫والذ ِري‬ َۡ ٰ ّ َ ُ ‫ﺖ ا� ً�ا‬ ‫ﻤ‬ ‫س‬ ‫ﻘ‬ ‫ﻤ‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ف‬ ِ ِ “[By the winds that scatter seeds with a true scattering. Then by the clouds that carry the load of moisture. Then by the rivers that flow gently. And then by the angels that finally administer and execute affairs (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.25)], that is to say, God puts forward the testimony of the winds that separate the vapours from the oceans and other waters and carry them inside like pregnant women and waft them in the shape of clouds to their goal and the testimony of the angels that put into effect all these matters. This indicates that the winds have no power in themselves to lift the vapours from the oceans and to convert them into clouds and to cause them to send down rain where it is needed and thus administer matters. All this is the function of angels. In these verses, God Almighty first indicated, like philosophers, the cause of rain descending from the clouds and set out how water becomes vapour and then becomes clouds. Then, in the last verse: َ َ ۡ َ ‫فال ُمق ِّس ٰم ِت ا ۡم ًرا‬ “[And then by the angels that finally administer and execute affairs (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.5)] disclosed the reality that no one should imagine that the system of material causes and effects is adequate for the divine dispensation, but that a system of spiritual causes is behind this physical system that supports

this visible system. At another place, it is said: ً َ ٰ ٰۡ َ ۡ َ ّٰ َّ ً ۡ َ ٰ ٰ ۡ َ ً ۡ ُ ٰ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ‫الن ِ� ٰ� ِت ن� ً�ا۔ فال� ِ�ق ِت � ۡ�قا۔‬ ۡ ‫و المرسل ِت ��فا۔ فالع ِصف َِت ۡﻋ ۡصفا۔ و‬ ‫فال ُمل ِق ٰي ِت ِذ� ً�ا‬ “[By the angels who are sent forth with goodness. And then they push on with a forceful pushing. And by the forces that spread the truth, a good spreading. And then they distinguish fully between good and evil. Then they carry the exhortation far and wide (Surah al-Mursalat, Ch.77: V.2-6)]. This means that God Almighty puts forth the testimony of the winds and angels which proceed slowly and then proceed fast, and the winds that raise the clouds, and the angels which are appointed over them, and the winds that carry the message to the ears, and the angels who carry the Divine Word to the hearts.

“In this way, God Almighty has combined the angels and stars in the verse: َ ۡ َ ‫فال ُم َد ِّب ٰر ِت ا ۡم ًرا‬ “[Then they manage the affair entrusted to them’ (Surah al-Naziat, Ch.79: V.6)]. The seven planets have been referred to as arranging the affairs of the earth externally and the angels are referred to as arranging them internally.

The commentary, Fath-ul- Bayan sets forth both these views on the authority of Muaz bin Jabal and Qushairi. Ibn-e-Kathir has reported on the authority of Hasan that all arrangements that are carried out between heaven and earth are carried out through angels and Ibn-e-Kathir writes that this is an agreed interpretation.

“Ibn-e-Jarir has interpreted the verse: ۡ َ َ ‫فال ُم َد ِّب ٰر ِت ا ۡم ًرا‬ “[Then they manage the affair entrusted to them (Surah al-Naziat, Ch.79: V.6)] as meaning that the angels carry out the arrangements of the universe, that is to say, that though on the surface, the stars, the Sun, the Moon and the elements carry out their functions, yet in reality, it is carried out by angels.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, pp. 143-147, [Aina-e-Kamalate-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp.

I33-I37])

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Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

10

100 Years Ago...

News from Qadian, Montgomery, Sultanpur, Ceylon, Malabar, Bombay, Bhupal, America and Dharamkot Bagga Al Hakam, 7 August 1920 I want to expand this work with the help of God. All Ahmadi members are requested to send news of the Jamaat from their respective places to the office of Al Hakam and grant us the opportunity to acknowledge your efforts.

Jamaat’s Markaz, Qadian On 31 July 1920, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], under medical advice, visited Mount Dharamsala. A very small caravan accompanied him, which included Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib, Syed Zainul Abidin Waliullah Shah Sahib, Dr Hashmatullah Sahib, Maulvi Muhammad Ismail Sahib Fazil, Mirza Gul Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Taqiyuddin Sahib, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sahib Qadiani, Mian Neik Muhammad Pathan Sahib, Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib MA (Nazir Ishaat [publications]) and Chaudhry Ali Muhammad Sahib.

On Friday, 30 July [1920], Hazrat Sahib[ra] delivered the [first] sermon himself.

In the second sermon, he appointed Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib as amir of Salat and Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib as amir of administration and instructed members of the Jamaat to be obedient [towards them].

It was raining on the day of Hazrat Sahib’s departure and it had rained all night before that. The road was badly damaged. However, it had no effect on the determination of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

Before leaving, he prayed in Bait-ul-Dua and members of the Jamaat prayed standing outside.

Rain It has rained heavily in Qadian. The houses of some friends have suffered serious damage. For instance, the houses of Mistri Abdul Rahman Sahib, Khan Sahib Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sahib, Syed Aziz-urRahman Sahib etc. All sides of Qadian are seen surrounded by water. Currently, coastal scenes appear before us.

Montgomery (now Sahiwal) In the Montgomery District, two young Ahmadi maidens are being severely illtreated by their non-Ahmadi uncle. They are receiving death threats to repent from Ahmadiyyat. Moreover, they are being told that if they do not repent, they will be poisoned.

He wants to marry them with nonAhmadis by force, which is not permissible according to our Ahmadi faith. Authorities ought to pay attention and listen to the cries of the oppressed girls who are suffering because of Ahmadiyyat.

Sultanpur A Jalsa was held on 31 July and 1 August

1920 in Sultanpur, Kapurthala State. A great number of flyers were distributed [before it].

Lectures were delivered, especially on the death of Jesusas and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

Ceylon This news will be heard with great delight that the enemies have failed. Mr Lye was released along with his brother and another Ahmadi brother, alhamdulillah!‫ن‬ ‫ُ� اممت امہرے رھگ ی‬ ‫ا ہی‬ ‫م اشدی‬ َ َ َ‫فَ ُس ْبح‬ ْ ‫ان ال ّذ ْی اَ ْخ َزی الْاَ َعاد‬ ‫ِی‬ ِ

“They are in mourning – there is joy in our home; Holy is He [Allah] Who has confounded my foes.” ُ ْ َ َ Truth prevailed, falsehood fled. ‫اء ال َح ّق‬ ‫ج‬ ً ُ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫[ وزهق البا ِطل ۚ ِإن البا ِطل كان زهوقا‬Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away]. Enemies were killed and a murder case was filed [against us] but God blessed the Jamaat with stability and perseverance. The Ahmadi secretary came back home after acquittal, along with his associates. We have received this news through a telegram. Details will be published later.

Malabar A case has been filed in court against those who have forcefully remarried Ahmadis’ wives to non-Ahmadis without being divorced. On 10 July [1920], Maulvi Abdul Rahim Sahib (missionary) reached Kudali from Kinanoor. A special meeting was held at the Anjuman office that night and the list of donations for the case was opened. Sheikh Abdullah, secretary of Kudali [Jamaat] and Mr Ahmad Sahib of Calicut were also present in the meeting. Sheikh Abdullah Sahib contributed 50 rupees and Mr Ahmad gave 25 rupees. May Allah grant them the best of reward.

On 11 July [1920], Mr Ahmad went to a lawyer named Mr Canton and prepared a petition. Summons were sent to the other party, which comprises of 5 men. The day of the hearing was 27 July. Non-Ahmadis are under great distress. (Ibn Hamid) Bombay Mr Abdul Rahim Smith Sahib, who had come from Nigeria and was seen by most of the friends at the annual Jalsa, has left Bombay for Jeddah with the intention of Hajj. Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray that Allah Almighty help him [in his journey].

Bhupal In the state of Bhupal, a few clerics had been pressing to have a debate. However, when our religious scholars visited there, they found out that neither was there any discussion, nor had their wives permitted

them…

America In America, Hazrat Mufti Sahib was invited to give a lecture at a distance of 700 miles from his residence. The lecture was very successful. Two new gentlemen converted to Islam. All praise belongs to Allah who made it possible.

Thus far, respected Mufti Sahib is in good health by the grace of God, alhamdulillah.

He has to dine at hotels and do a lot of work himself…

Dharamkot Bagga Maulvi Fatehuddin was an old servant of the Promised Messiahas and a well-learned man.

His presence was considered very beneficial in Gurdaspur district. He was the author of many Punjabi books and was one of the leading Punjabi poets. He has passed away. َ ‫إنَّا ّٰللہ َوإنَّا إل َ ْي ِه َراج ُع‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ “Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

May Allah the Almighty grant patience to the bereaved and give the departed soul His nearness.

The deceased possessed countless attributes. May Allah the Almighty grant the Jamaat a blessed replacement in his exchange ... His body was brought to Qadian. Hazrat Sahib[ra] offered his funeral prayers and he was buried in Bahishti Maqbara.

Tabligh engagements and various challenges in America Al Fazl, 2 August 1920

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra

Difficulties of new work I wrote the [previous] report (number 3) on 17 March [1920]. After that, due to the busy schedule of the case of entry in America and then, being engaged in the search for a house and office after reaching New York, I was unable to write reports and could not even write a reply to letters.

A lone man on a journey in a foreign country faces a lot of challenges. When this humble one reached the UK, brother Qazi Abdullah Sahib was already there. A

house [for accommodation] was present and Qazi Sahib had more than a year’s worth of experience about the country’s state of affairs. Thus, everything was made easy. He used to carry out all the household chores and continued to do so till the end. I only supported them in their tabligh work.

However, the situation is quite the contrary here. It is a new country, new mission, new work, no residential arrangements, no furniture and no other such comforts. A lot of work is to be done and I have to do it all by myself.

11

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM Moreover, the prices are very high.

London’s accommodation seemed expensive to us as compared to India.

However, after arriving here, I found out that living in London is very affordable. I had earlier rented a house but had to leave due to the mischief of unwelcoming Christians. Now, I have hired another house. We put our trust in Allah the Almighty who will fulfill every requirement by His grace.

morning, a few magazines that were in my possession were distributed and little discussions were held. A gentleman, who seemed to be prepared for some reason, converted to Islam. Allah the Almighty guides whom He wills. I did not even talk to him much and as his station was close and he got off soon after. Now, more about his state of affairs shall be found out through correspondence, insha-Allah. His name is Mr Robert Bednell.

Acknowledgements from the British Council I sent an address to the British Council in this country, which was presented by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab on 17 December 1919 and was later reprinted and distributed by friends in London, along with other literature and documents of the Jamaat. It was regarded with great appreciation.

The British Consul General in New York thanked this humble one and wrote, “I request you to send all that you publish in this country about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to me as well.”

Lecture On Sunday afternoon, 13 June [1920], my lecture was held in a large hall full of listeners. The subject of my talk was “The attributes of Islam and the blessings of unity”. It had a great effect on the audience.

After the lecture, some Arabs recited their qasaid [poems], in which they mentioned my arrival in the country for the support of Islam. Thereafter, a respectable lady, Miss Barton, whom I was already preaching through correspondence, converted to Islam in the same gathering. She was given the Islamic name Zainab. This woman is a college educated person and her parents and relatives are strongly opposing her owing to her conversion to Islam. Readers are requested to pray that Allah the Almighty grants her perseverance by His grace.

A seven hundred-mile journey In the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, the first long journey that I had to take was to Munger. This humble one was sent there along with Hazrat Maulana Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib. We were the first two Ahmadi missionaries to Munger.

Presently, the head of Jamaat Munger, Khalil Ahmad Sahib himself goes to other cities as a sermoniser. ٰ ُ َْ َ ٰ ُ ‫اللّ ِه ي ُ ْؤتِي ِه َمن ي َ َش‬ ‫اء‬ ‫ذل ِك فضل‬ “That is Allah’s grace; He bestows it on whom He pleases.”

That was a thousand-mile journey and its report was published in the newspaper, Al Badr, under the heading, “Safar alf mila” [a thousand-mile journey].

Thereafter, I undertook even longer expeditions in India. However, I did not have the chance to travel such long distances in England. England is a small country and the cold and humidity there did not permit me to go outside. Now I have come to a country that is even bigger than India. Only two months have passed since I was allowed to enter the country and I have received a telegram from the city of Detroit, 700 miles away from New York, that a few respectables over there have heard of me and arranged a lecture.

Thus, I had to take this journey. 700 miles were covered in 14 hours and the one way fare was 27 dollars.

Restful train [journey] Trains here are like moving hotels. They have attached food compartments. At about 8 o’clock in the evening, the servants make the beds. The beds have new sheets, blankets, pillows and all the essentials.

Each passenger has a separate bed and there are two beds to one room. There is a separate place for washing hands with soap, towel and each necessary item ready.

There is nothing distressful.

Tabligh on the train Most of my time on the train was at night, which was spent sleeping. However, in the

Tabligh to presidential candidates There is a lot of hubbub about the presidential election these days. There are about 150 candidates in total. I have written letters and conveyed to them the message of Islam. Moreover, I have sent them magazines in support of Islam.

Today, the Fajr azan was at 2am over here; sunrise was at 4:23am; sunset was at 7:40pm; the starting time of Isha prayer was 10pm; the total darkness of the night was only four hours and the temperature was 60 degrees.

Dispelling misconceptions about Islam There are many misconceptions about Islam in this country. A gentleman criticised Islam in a public lecture.

Coincidently, I was there and so I responded. The lecturer was embarrassed and it had a great impact on the audience.

The series of Islamic lectures will start from the next Sunday, insha-Allah.

(Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, New York, 22 June 1920)

Al Fazl, 5-9 August 1920 Gratefulness Before I write a report on my work here, I would like to thank all those who heard the news of my detention and expressed sympathy for this humble one and wrote supporting articles in newspapers and held Jalsas against this action of American authorities and passed resolutions.

However, I was allowed to enter before these articles could reach me here. The newspapers Al Fazl, Al Hakam, Nur and Faruq are our own. Thus far, I have not received any other newspaper except for Al Fazl and Nur. However, I hope that others also wrote articles. I have received news that the newspaper Hamdam and

Wakeel wrote articles [in my support].

May Allah grant all of them the best of reward.

Paighamis [Lahori Ahmadis] should pay attention I have also heard that Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib and his associates also participated in such meetings and passed the resolution. I express thanks to them as well.

In the newspaper, Paigham, the following verse of the Promised Messiah’sas couplet: ‫ن‬ ‫یھبک رصنت ہ ی‬ ‫� یتلم د ِر ومٰیل ےس دنگوں وک‬ “The evil ones never obtain help from God’s door” has been applied on this humble one and the real reason of my detention has been suggested that I was not worthy of support. I do not wish to say anything in response to this personal attack. However, I would certainly like to draw the attention of the people of Paigham that the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] and the blessings of Khilafat have shown this miracle that even an incompetent one like me and according to you, an evil one, finally received help, to which you are also witnesses. Hence, if a talented person like you, who considers himself virtuous, had associated himself with the blessings of Khilafat, you would have achieved great heights. There is still time; it is never too late to make amends.

Reflect upon it. Leave your opposition.

Nothing good comes from this. Join your own people and God will immensely bless and honour you.

The truthfulness of Khilafat is now shining like the sun. Its blessings are becoming more visible by the day.

Mahmud’s prayers and attention showed such wonders that the one who was evil in your view gained God’s support. Thus, which miracles do you wish to see after this extraordinary marvel? Who else are you waiting for after Mahmud?

Thanks from the president of France Readers must have read in the newspapers about the incident of the President of France, Paul Deschanel’s fall from a moving train. In this regard, I wrote him a letter of sympathy on behalf of the Ahmadis over here and sent him some books of the Jamaat. In response, Mr Deschanel has expressed gratitude and written to me with his own hand.

An enthusiastic Turkish Ahmadi Mr Muhammad Gad of Turkey, who is serving in the American military and has joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, is engaged in carrying out tabligh to the people of America in the military. He says that people strongly oppose and mock him … but he has been conveying the message to everyone and handing over my address to them. May Allah guide them. He says, “At least after hearing about your tabligh efforts, everyone has started to honour you and take your name with respect.”

Penalties for high profits According to the law of this country, taking excessive profit is also a crime in the eyes of the law. A well-known businessman named Gumble announced discount

rates. The police caught him selling a coat which was worth five and half dollars and was being sold at 20 dollars. Mr Gumble Sahib is being prosecuted for it.

Inflation Thus far, inflation is rising here. Last Wednesday, our milk seller sent a printed notice that the price of milk will increase from 1 July.

Some daily newspapers have raised prices in this very week. There is a great shortage of paper and the price of each item is rising. Several reasons are presented for this [inflation]. One is that the American government is sending a lot of food to help [people in] the devastated areas of Europe. Food prices have skyrocketed due to food shortages.

As a result, the wages of the workers are being affected and everything is becoming expensive. Our maid in London only took one pound and ate her own food. Here, a maid used to work only eight hours a day in the house where I used to live and apart from food, she used to take the equivalent of 4 pounds a week. Therefore, I have not yet hired a maid for cooking. There is only one for cleaning the house who comes for a short time. I have meals at the hotel or cook some tea and eggs myself. I do not know how to cook though.

Qazi Abdullah Sahib was also skilled in such works as well. In the time of need, he would prepare something not only for himself but also for me.

A young man of Tatar has converted to Ahmadiyyat here. Sometimes he cooks and sends something. He is a very sincere person. He works as an agent by profession. He is a native of Russia but lives in America now. His name is Mr James Sadiq.

Two new converts With the help and guidance of Allah the Almighty, two persons have entered the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. One of them is an Arab gentleman who runs a business of sweets in this country. He is a scholar and a member of a respected Syrian family.

His name is Abdul Rahman Al-Qadri.

He resides in Fort Wayne located in the state of Indiana. He came to know about the Jamaat through correspondence and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat by sending the letter [of allegiance].

The second person is a lady named Mrs Young who has long been a convert to Islam. However, she is not very familiar with Islamic customs. Her Islamic name is Siddiqa. At first, she came to know about Ahmadiyyat through correspondence.

Later, she met me in Detroit. Her ‫ل‬ hometown is in ‫ رپی �یکس‬where her father resides. Due to religious differences, the people there do not consider them good.

Article in Arabic newspaper My journey to Detroit and the accounts of the lecture were published in an Arabic newspaper called Al-Bayan. That issue of the newspaper has been sent to be presented before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. (Muhammad Sadiq, 2 July 1920)

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Tabligh in Hyde Park and James William Leader accepts Islam Al Fazl, 5-9 August 1920

َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ ٰ َ ٗ ُّ َ َ ٰ ۡ ٰۤ َ ۡ َ ‫و ِا ِذ ابتلی ِابر ٖہم ربہ ِب� ِلم ٍت فاتمﻬن‬ َّ َ ُ َ ّ َ َ ً ‫ِلناس ِا َم‬ َ ‫اما � َق‬ ۡ‫ال َو ِمن‬ ِ ‫قال ِانِ ۡی جا ِﻋلك ل‬ ّٰ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ َّ ّ ُ َ�ۡ�‫الﻈ ِلم‬ ۡ َ ُ ِ ‫ذرِی ِتی � قال لا ینال ﻋﻬ ِدى‬ And remember when his Lord tried Abraham with certain commands which he fulfilled. He said, “I will make thee a Leader of men.” Abraham asked, “And from among my offspring?” He said, “My covenant does not embrace the transgressors.”

The Holy Quran - 2:125

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

Speeches at Hyde Park By the grace of God Almighty, the speeches in Hyde Park are attracting the attention of London’s public. The Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday gatherings are becoming an effective means of conveying the message of Islam to a reasonable number of intelligent men and women of London. The interest levels of people are such that some ladies and gentlemen regularly arrive at our Jalsas on time and continue to stand up for five hours at times. People are showing great interest in research. Some come to visit us at home. Some give their addresses and request to send [Ahmadiyya] literature to them.

The questions and answers take on a very interesting colour. Chaudhry Sahib’s reasonable and irrefutable answers often draw tribute from intelligent educated people.

Mr Leader’s conversion to Islam Mr James W Leader was mentioned in

a previous letter to Al Fazl [newspaper].

He regularly met with Ahmadiyya missionaries and showed great interest in the message of the Promised Messiahas.

He denied being a Roman Catholic priest simply because he considered it against his conscience to accept certain principles of this religion.

Finally, after deliberation, prayer and study of the Holy Quran, he has entered into the fold of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. All praise be to Allah who made it possible.

The details of his conversion to Islam will be sent next week, insha-Allah.

Our esteemed visitors Apart from the Ahmadis, the notable among those who came to meet us at the Ahmadiyya Dar-ul-Tabligh [mission house] this week are Dr Henri Mustapha Leon MA [also known as Abdullah Quilliam], Madam Maryam Leon MA, Mr Tidmore Khidr, Muhammad Salman Shalaikh, Mr Muhammad Usman Fisher (Bar-at-Law), Mr Hassan Rosher and Rev Dr Kateen Bernaden DSCBD.

People desirous of coming to England People who have a longing in their hearts to convey the true message of Islam and the message of the Promised Messiahas and those who have intended or are intending to come to these islands should remember that living in this country is very difficult.

The currency is the pound. Everything is expensive. There is no place to pass water for free. One anna [a unit of currency formerly used in the subcontinent, equal to 1⁄16 of a rupee] is spent on it.

Inflation is rising day by day. Job opportunities for foreigners are close to zero. Old Indians who used to earn a reasonable amount of money during the war by working as cooks or dishwashers are out of work and wander here and there unemployed. English people of certain areas hold prejudice against people of other countries.

Some people used to earn their living by hawking [trade] etc. but nowadays, there are many difficulties in it as well.

First, there is the difficulty of acquiring the license. After that, buying goods from Indians is considered unworthy to the

rich. Noble Indians feel ashamed to go to the neighborhoods of the poor and deal with women. On the one hand, if there are not enough sales per day, the capital income has to be consumed.

Our friend Babu Azizuddin Sahib had to face these difficulties. If the Anjuman did not have a share in the Faith Brothers’ shop and if he had not secured a job there, there would have been no other option for him but to come to Dar-ul-Dawat [tabligh house] to stay and Anjuman Taraqqi-eIslam would have had to pay his allowance.

Thus, friends coming to England should not plan to move here on mere tawakul [complete trust]; rather, they should worry about tying the camel’s feet with the strong rope of income. On the other hand, it is even enough for Ahmadi friends to express their good intentions in front of their Imam.

In spite of the difficulties, the person chosen by him [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih] will be granted all the means by Allah the Almighty.

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Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 10 July 2020 Men of Excellence After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: As I mentioned in the previous Friday sermon, the Holy Prophetsa was given the divine commandment to punish the Banu Quraizah for their treachery after the Battle of Ahzab. Hence, a battle commenced against them. The Banu Quraizah then sought the verdict of Hazrat Saadra to settle the matter, which he did accordingly.

While speaking about this battle, on one occasion Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “After some 20 days, the Muslims were able to breathe again in peace” after the Battle of Ahzab, “but they still had the Banu Quraizah to settle with. The Banu Quraizah had dishonoured their pact with the Muslims and this could not be passed over.

The Holy Prophetsa collected his exhausted force and told them that there was no rest for them yet. Before the sun went down, they must fall upon the Banu Quraizah in their fortifications. Then he sent Hazrat Alira to the Banu Quraizah to ask them why they had gone back on their solemn word.

“The Banu Quraizah showed no regret and no inclination to ask for forgiveness.

Instead, they insulted Hazrat Alira and the other Muslim delegates and started hurling vile abuse at the Holy Prophetsa and the women of his family. They said they did not care for Muhammad[sa] and had never had any kind of pact with him. When Hazrat Alira returned to report the reply of the Jews, he found the Holy Prophetsa and the companions advancing towards the Jewish fortifications. The Jews had been abusing the Holy Prophetsa, his wives and daughters. Fearing lest this should pain the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Alira suggested there was no need for the Holy Prophetsa to take part as the Muslims themselves could deal with the Jews and that he ought to return.

The Holy Prophetsa understood Hazrat Alira and said, ‘Do you want me not to hear their abuse, Ali?’ “Hazrat Alira said that was indeed the reason.

“The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘But why? What difference does it make if they revile me? Mosesas was of their kith and kin.

Yet they inflicted more suffering on him than they have on me.’ The Holy Prophetsa continued to advance. The Jews put up their

defences and started fighting. Their women also joined them. Some Muslims were sitting at the foot of a wall. A Jewish woman, seeing this, dropped a stone on them, killing one of the Muslims.

“The siege went on for some days. At the end of this period, the Jews felt they would not be able to hold out for long. Then their chiefs sent word to the Holy Prophetsa requesting him to send Abu Lubabara, an Ansari chief of the Aus, a tribe friendly to the Jews. They wanted to consult him about a possible settlement. The Holy Prophetsa sent Abu Lubabara to the Jews, who asked him if they should lay down their arms and accept the verdict of the Holy Prophetsa.

Abu Lubabara said they should. But at the same time, he passed a finger over his neck, making the sign of death. The Holy Prophetsa had said nothing on this subject to anybody.

But Abu Lubabara, fearing that the crime of the Jews merited nothing but death, without carefully pondering over the matter, made this sign, which proved fateful for the Jews” i.e. for the Banu Quraizah tribe. “The latter declined Abu Lubaba’sra advice and refused to accept the Holy Prophet’ssa verdict. Had they accepted it, the utmost punishment they would have had was expulsion from Medina. But as ill-luck would have it, they refused to accept the Holy Prophet’ssa

decision. Instead of the Holy Prophet’ssa, they said, they would accept the verdict of Saadra bin Muaz, chief of their allies, the Aus. They would agree to any punishment proposed by him. A dispute also arose among the Jews.

Some of them began to say that their people had really gone back on their agreement with the Muslims. The behaviour of the Muslims, on the other hand, showed that they were true and honest and that their religion also was true. Those who thought in this way joined Islam. Amr bin Su‘da one of the Jewish chiefs, reproved his people and said, ‘You have committed a breach of faith and gone back on your plighted word. The only course now open to you is either to join Islam or give jizya.’

“They said, ‘We will neither join Islam nor give jizya, for dying is better than giving jizya.’ Amr replied that in that case he stood absolved, and saying this left the fort. He was sighted by Muhammadra bin Maslama, commander of a Muslim column, who asked him who he was. On learning of his identity he told him to depart in peace and himself prayed loudly: ْ ‫اَلل ّٰ ُھ َّم لَا َت ْحر ْمن ْی اِقَال َ َۃ َعث َ َر‬ ‫ام‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫ات ال‬ ِ ‫ک َر‬ “‘O Allah! Do not deprive me from the virtue of concealing the mistakes of the honourable.’

“What he meant was that this Jew had

shown remorse and regret over the conduct of his people. It was the moral duty of Muslims, therefore, to forgive men like him.

In letting him go, he had done a good thing, and he prayed that God should give him the chance to do such good deeds again and again.” He had no intention to commit any injustice.

“When the Holy Prophetsa learnt of what Muhammadra bin Maslama had done, he did not reprove him for letting this Jewish leader go; rather, he approved of what had been done and praised him for his action.”

This was an isolated incident as there were a few individuals who disagreed with the decisions of their own tribe. They advised that they ought to enter into a treaty with the Muslims. However, the Banu Quraizah as a whole remained stubborn on their stance of not accepting the Holy Prophetsa as the arbiter.

“As a people, they remained adamant and refused to accept the verdict of the Holy Prophetsa and asked, instead, for the verdict of Saadra bin Muaz.” They did not wish for the Holy Prophetsa to give a verdict, instead they were insistent that they would only obey the verdict of Saadra bin Muaz.

“The Holy Prophetsa accepted their demand and sent word to Saadra, who was lying wounded, to come and give his verdict on the Jewish breach of faith. As soon as the Holy Prophet’ssa decision was announced, the Aus, who had been allies of the Banu Quraiza for a long time, ran to Saadra and began to press him to give his award in favour of the Banu Quraizah. The Khazraj, they said, had always tried to save Jews allied to them. It was up to Saadra to save the Jews allied to his tribe. In his injured state, Saadra went mounted to the Banu Quraizah.

Men of his tribe ran with him on both sides, pressing him not to punish the Banu Quraizah. All that Saadra said in reply was that the person who had to make a decision held a trust. He had to discharge the trust with integrity. ‘I will therefore give my verdict based on complete honesty,’ he said.

When Saadra reached the Jewish fortress, he saw the Banu Quraizah lined up against the wall of the fort, waiting for him. On the other side were Muslims. When Saadra

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14 approached them he asked, ‘Will you accept my verdict?’ They replied, ‘Yes.’ “Turning to the Banu Quraizah he asked the same question and they also agreed.

Then shyly, with his gaze down, he pointed to the side where the Holy Prophetsa was sitting and asked if the people on that side also agreed to abide by his verdict”, i.e. out of respect and reverence he did not look towards where the Holy Prophetsa was sitting. However, as he had been appointed as the arbitrator, it was incumbent upon him to present this question. Therefore, with his eyes lowered, he enquired from the Holy Prophetsa. “On hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Yes’.

“When all parties agreed to accept Saad’sra verdict, he then announced his verdict in accordance with the following commandment of the Bible: “‘When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it: And when the Lord thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword: But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the Lord thy God hath given thee. Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which the Lord thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amoiites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee: That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the Lord your God.’” (Deuteronomy, 20: 10-18) (These were the words of the Bible and Hazrat Saadra gave his verdict accordingly.)

“According to the teaching of the Bible, if the Jews had won and the Holy Prophetsa had lost, all Muslims – men, women and children – would have been put to death.

We know from history that this was the very intention of the Jews”, i.e. to kill all the men, women and children. “The least the Jews would have done was to put to death the men, to enslave the women and children and make away with the belongings of the Muslims, this being the treatment laid down in Deuteronomy for enemy nations living in distant parts of the world. Saadra was friendly to the Banu Quraizah and his tribe was in alliance with theirs. When he saw that the Jews had refused to accept the verdict of the Holy Prophetsa in line with the Islamic Shariah, which no doubt protected their lives, he gave the verdict of punishment according to the Jewish Law, which Prophet Mosesas had stated in Deuteronomy. The responsibility for this verdict does not rest with the Holy Prophetsa or the Muslims, but lies with Mosesas and his teaching and with the Jews who had treated other nations in the same manner for centuries. They refused to accept the decision of the Holy Prophetsa which would have based on mercy and compassion. But, instead of accepting this, they insisted on a verdict by Saadra. Saadra

decided to punish the Jews in accordance with the Law of Mosesas.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues: “Yet Christians to this day continue to defame the Holy Prophetsa of Islam and say that he was guilty of committing injustices.

Do the Christian scholars not ponder as to why the Holy Prophetsa never showed cruelty on any other instance?

“There were many occasions on which the Holy Prophet’ssa enemies threw themselves at his mercy and never did they ask in vain for his forgiveness. Only on this instance, the enemy refused to accept the decision of the Holy Prophetsa, but instead, wished to accept the decision of someone else. This individual had already taken the agreement from the Holy Prophetsa that he would abide by his verdict.” As is evident from history, the Holy Prophetsa also gave his word to abide by the verdict.

“After this, Hazrat Saadra proceeded to announce his verdict, in fact, he reiterated the verdict of Mosesas, whom the Jews claimed to follow. If any cruelty was perpetrated, it was by the Jews on themselves by refusing to accept the Holy Prophet’ssa decision. If any cruelty was perpetrated it was by Mosesas, who laid down this penalty for a beleaguered enemy and laid this down in his book under the command of God. “If this was an injustice, then the Christian writers ought to condemn Mosesas who prescribed this cruel penalty, or rather, they ought to condemn the God of Mosesas, Who issued such a command in the Torah.

“After the Battle of Ahzab was over, the Holy Prophetsa declared that from that day onwards, the idolaters would not attack Muslims; instead, Islam would now respond to those perpetrators who had committed cruelties against the Muslims. The tide was going to turn.

“In the Battle of Ahzab, the Arab confederates had not suffered any considerable losses. They had lost only a few men. In less than a year’s time, they could have come and attacked Medina again and with even better preparations. Instead of any army of twenty thousand they could have raised for a new attack an army of forty, or even fifty thousand. An army numbering a hundred or a hundred and fifty thousand was not beyond their capacity. But now for 21 years, the enemies of Islam had done their utmost to eradicate Islam and Muslims.

Continued failure of their plans had shaken their confidence. Deep within their hearts they now realised that God Almighty was with the Holy Prophetsa and that their idols and gods were false, that the Creator was the One God. Although, physically they were fine, their inner self had been shattered, i.e. even though they prostrated before their idols, their hearts, resounded the Islamic declaration of: ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َ ‫لا اِ� َ� اِلا الل ُه‬ ‘There is no God but Allah.’”

(Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 162-165) It is related by Hazrat Abu Said Khudrira that a few individuals came out of the Jewish fortresses on the condition that they were ready to accept the verdict of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz. The Holy Prophetsa called for Hazat Saadra bin Muaz, who arrived mounted on a donkey. As he approached the mosque, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Stand for the one who is best among you” or he stated, “Stand to welcome your leader.” The

Holy Prophetsa then stated, “O Saad! These people are insistent upon your verdict.”

Hazrat Saadra replied, “My verdict against those who have taken up arms is that they ought to be put to death and their women and families should be imprisoned.” The Holy Prophetsa stated, “You have issued your verdict in accordance with divine will” or stated, “You have given your verdict in the manner of a king”. This is a narration of Sahih Bukhari. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab alManaqib Ansar, Hadith 3804) Further details of this incident have been mentioned by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra, some of which I will mention here.

Regarding the Banu Quraizah, he writes: “After a siege of more or less 30 days (according to some sources its twenty days), these ill-fated Jews agreed to descend from their fortresses to be judged by the verdict of such a man, who despite being their confederate, found no mercy in his heart due to their evil schemes; and despite being an epitome of justice and equity, he did not possess the same compassion and tenderness at heart as was present in the man who was a ‘mercy for all mankind.’

The details are that the Aus tribe were old allies of the Banu Quraizah, and at the time, Saadra bin Muaz was the chieftain of this tribe. He had been wounded in the Battle of the Ditch and was now under medical treatment in the veranda of the Mosque in Medinah. Taking their ancient alliance into consideration, the Banu Quraizah said, ‘We take Saad bin Mu‘az to be our judge.

We shall accept whatever verdict he passes concerning us.’

“However, there were some from among the Jews”, as was mentioned earlier, “who did not consider this national decision to be correct and considered their people as being criminals. In their hearts, they had been won over by the truth of Islam. A few people from among them – three according to historical accounts – happily accepted Islam and became servants of the Holy Prophetsa. There was a fourth who did not become Muslim, but he was so ashamed at the treachery of his nation that when the Banu Quraizah decided to engage in war against the Holy Prophetsa, he left the city of Medina saying, ‘My people have betrayed Muhammad[sa] immensely. I cannot partake in this treachery.’ However, the rest of the nation remained firm upon their obstinacy and insisted upon making Saadra their arbitrator. The Holy Prophetsa accepted”, as was mentioned earlier, “after which he dispatched a few companions from among the Ansar to bring Saadra . Saadra arrived and on the way, a few people from the Aus tribe persistently pleaded, ‘We are allies of the Quraizah. Just as the Khazraj dealt with their ally tribe, the Banu Qainuqa with mercy, you also deal with the Quraizah leniently.

Do not give them a harsh punishment.’ At first, Saadra listened to their plea silently, but when they began to overly persist, he responded, ‘This is the time when Saad shall not care for the reproach of anyone who raises an objection owing the dictates of justice…’ Upon hearing this response, the people took to silence.

“When Saadra drew near, the Holy Prophetsa instructed his Companions: “‘Stand for your chieftain and assist him in dismounting.’ When Saadra dismounted and moved towards the Holy Prophetsa, he said, ‘Saadra! The Banu Quraizah have

accepted you as their arbitrator, and they have agreed to abide by whatever verdict you may deem fit.’ Upon this, Saadra lifted his sights towards the people of his own tribe, the Aus, and said: “‘Do you take God as your witness and make a firm promise that you shall be bound to act upon the verdict I issue with regard to the Banu Quraizah?’ ‘Yes, we promise,’ said the people.” This has previously been mentioned in reference to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra narration of the incident. “Then, he made a gesture in the direction where the Holy Prophetsa was seated and said: “‘Does the honourable man who is seated here also promise that he shall be bound to act upon my verdict?’” This is how it has been written in this narration i.e. the honourable man. “The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Yes, I promise.’

“After this covenant and agreement had been affirmed, Saadra announced his verdict: the combatant men of the Banu Quraizah would be executed, their women and children would be taken captive and their wealth would be distributed amongst the Muslims. When the Holy Prophetsa heard this verdict, he spontaneously said: “‘Your verdict is a divine decree which cannot be averted.’

“The meaning of these words was that the verdict relevant to the Banu Quraizah took place in such circumstances, that divine power could be seen clearly working at the centre of affairs and for this reason, feelings of mercy held by the Holy Prophetsa could not prevent this outcome. This was true indeed, because the Banu Quraizah requested that Abu Lubabahra be sent to them and then such words slipped his tongue that were completely without foundation.

Consequently, the Banu Quraizah refused to accept the Holy Prophetsa as their judge and under the assumption that the Aus tribe would deal leniently with them as they were allies, appointed Saadra bin Muaz, the chief of the Aus tribe as their arbitrator.

Furthermore, Saadra became so resolute in the matter of justice and equity that feelings of relation and alliance were wiped out of his heart completely. Moreover, before announcing his verdict, Saadra took a firm promise from the Holy Prophetsa to affirm that this decision would be administered in full. All of these things could not have been a coincidence. Verily, at the base of these events was a divine decree and this verdict was that of God, not Saadra.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra further writes: “It seems that due to the treachery, treason, rebellion, sedition, disorder, murder and bloodshed of the Banu Quraizah, the verdict had already been issued by the heavenly court of justice that their combatant members should be expunged from the face of the earth. The divine instruction initially given to the Holy Prophetsa regarding this ghazwah also establishes that this was a divine decree.

However, God did not wish for this verdict to be issued by His Messengersa and for this reason, kept the Holy Prophetsa completely separate through immensely intricate manifestations of His power and had this verdict announced by Saadra bin Muaz.

Moreover, this announcement was made in such a manner that the Holy Prophetsa could no longer influence this decision because he had already promised that he would abide

15

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM by the verdict in full. In addition to this, since the influence of this decision was not limited to the person of the Holy Prophetsa alone, rather, it affected all of the Muslims collectively, the Holy Prophetsa did not consider it his right to change this verdict by his own opinion irrespective of how heavily it may have leaned towards mercy and forgiveness. It was this very divine power which moved the Holy Prophetsa to spontaneously utter the words: ّٰ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫قﺪ َﺣﻜ ْﻤﺖ ِ�حُﻜ ِم الل ِه‬ “‘O Saad! Your verdict seems to be a divine decree, which no one has the power to alter.’

“Upon saying these words, the Holy Prophetsa quietly stood up and returned to the city. At the time, his heart was aggrieved with the thought that a nation, which he greatly hoped would embrace Islam, was being deprived of faith and being sentenced to divine wrath and chastisement due to their evil deeds.

“It was perhaps on this occasion that the Holy Prophetsa uttered the following words with intense regret: “‘If only 10 men”, i.e. 10 influential men, “had believed in me, I would have hoped to God that this entire nation would accept me and would have been saved from Divine punishment.’

“When the Holy Prophetsa was leaving, he instructed that the men be separated from the women and children of the Banu Quraizah. Hence, both these groups were brought into Madinah separately and were gathered at two separate locations. In line with the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, the Companions”, many of whom perhaps remained hungry themselves, “arranged for a large quantity of fruit to be brought to the Banu Quraizah for their consumption. It is written that the Jewish people spent the entire night eating fruit.

“The following day, in the morning, the verdict of Saadra was to be put into effect. The Holy Prophetsa appointed a few able men to perform this task and stood close by, so that if guidance was required while the verdict was being administered, the Holy Prophetsa could provide immediate guidance.

“Another reason was so that he could instantly provide a decision if anyone appealed for mercy. Although the verdict of Saadra could not be appealed against in general, but in his capacity as a king or chief executive of a democracy, the Holy Prophetsa definitely had the right to hear an appeal with respect to a specific person on individual grounds. As an act of compassion, the Holy Prophetsa also ordered that criminals should be executed separately from one another, i.e. when one was being executed, the other should not be present nearby. Thus, every criminal was brought separately and executed according to the verdict of Saad.

“With relation to the account of the Banu Quraizah, various non-Muslim historians have levelled allegations against the Holy Prophetsa in a very unpleasant manner. Due to the death penalty which was administered to more or less 400 Jews, they have presented the Holy Prophetsa, God-forbid, as being a cruel and bloodthirsty ruler.”

One of our researchers has estimated that according to his research, the actual number [of those killed] numbered 16 or 17. In any case, there is potential for further research in this regard. There are various

estimations as to the exact number; some have estimated 100, 400, 1000 or 900. In any case, there is no exact number and more research can be done in this regard.

“Even if we accept the number to be 400, this allegation is based purely on religious prejudice. In the least, as far as an allegation upon Islam and the Founder of Islam is concerned, even those historians who have been trained in light of Western thought have not been able to absolve themselves.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra continues: “In response to this allegation, firstly, it should be remembered that the verdict regarding the Banu Quraizah, which is deemed to be a cruel verdict, was that of Saadra bin Muaz, not the Holy Prophetsa.

When it is proven that the verdict was not issued by the Holy Prophetsa in the first place, no objection can be raised against him on this account. Secondly, this verdict was not faulty and barbaric at all … Thirdly, due to the covenant which Saadra took prior to announcing his verdict, the Holy Prophetsa was in any case bound to act upon it. Fourthly, when this verdict was accepted by the criminals themselves and they did not object, considering this to be a divine decree, in such a case, it was not the task of the Holy Prophetsa to unnecessarily interfere.

“After the verdict of Saadra had been announced, the only relation of the Holy Prophetsa in this respect was to put into effect this verdict in the best possible manner under the supervision of his administration. Thus, it has already been mentioned that the manner in which the Holy Prophetsa instituted this decision may be deemed the highest possible example of mercy and compassion. To be specific, whilst these people remained in captivity before the verdict was put into effect, the Holy Prophetsa arranged for their lodging and food in the best possible manner. When the verdict of Saadra was to be implemented upon them, the Holy Prophetsa instituted the verdict in such a manner as would prove to be least painful for the criminals. Firstly, taking their emotions into consideration, the Holy Prophetsa ordered that when one criminal was to be executed, the next should not be made to witness it. As a matter of fact, history tells that when individuals would be brought to the place of execution, they would have no idea as to where they were being taken until they reached the actual spot. In addition to this, the Holy Prophetsa immediately accepted each and every appeal for mercy, which was lodged before him with respect to an individual. Not only did the Holy Prophetsa spare the lives of such people, rather, he even ordered the release of their wives and children and for their wealth etc. to be returned. What greater example of mercy and compassion towards a criminal can there be? Hence, not only is it true that absolutely no allegation can be levelled against the Holy Prophetsa due to the account of Banu Quraizah, rather, the fact of the matter is that this incident is an immensely clear proof of the high morals, remarkable administration and innate mercy and tenderness of the Holy Prophetsa.”

“Although the verdict of Saadra was a strict one in itself and one may be shocked to learn of it but the question remains was there any other option available?” Although the decision of Hazrat Saadra about the

Banu Quraizah was strict, it was the natural outcome of the circumstances that had arisen, and there were no other options available.

It is for this reason that even a historian like Margoliouth, who is not at all from among the friends of Islam, is compelled to admit on this occasion that the decision of Saadra was based on compelling circumstances, without which there was no other option. Hence, Mr Margoliouth writes: ‘The great invasion, which Mohammed declared to have been miraculously frustrated, was due or believed to be due, to the propaganda of members of the Banu Nadir, whom the Prophet had been satisfied with banishing. Should he banish the Kuraizah, he would thereby be setting free a fresh set of propagandists. On the other hand, those who had taken part openly with the invaders of Medinah could not very well be permitted to remain there. To banish them was unsafe; to permit them to remain was yet more dangerous. Hence they must die.’”

The aforementioned was a quote of Margoliouth, [Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra then further writes:] “Thus, the decision of Saadra was in complete accordance with the dictates of justice. Owing to his agreement to follow Saad’s decision, the Holy Prophetsa was unable to show mercy in this regard, with the exception of a few individuals. Whoever appealed for mercy, the Holy Prophetsa did his utmost to grant them mercy. However, he could not issue a general amnesty for all.

It seems that since the Jews had refused to accept him as a judge they were hesitant in seeking his mercy, with the exception of a few individuals. Indeed, unless they appealed for mercy, the Holy Prophetsa was unable to show any mercy. The reason is that unless a criminal does not express remorse over their crimes, to leave them free would have harmful consequences for society.

“Another point to remember is that by virtue of the treaty, which had been settled between the Holy Prophetsa and the Jews, one condition stated that if any matter regarding the Jews required a verdict, a decision would be made according to their own Shariah”, i.e. the Jewish Law. “Therefore, history proves that in accordance with this treaty, the Holy Prophetsa would always issue a verdict to the Jews in accordance with the Mosaic law. Now, when we cast a glance upon the Torah, the exact same punishment for a crime as the Jews were guilty of committing has been prescribed therein, as Saadra bin Muaz issued to the Banu Quraizah.” (Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyeen, Vol. 2, pp. 479-505) In any case, the mention here of Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, with regard to the matter of Banu Quraizah, is sufficient. There are further accounts regarding Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz that I shall mention in the future, insha-Allah.

Now I shall speak about some deceased members [of the Jamaat], who passed away recently and after the Friday prayers, I will, insha-Allah, lead their funeral prayer in absentia.

The first funeral is of Respected Hajia Ruqayyah Khalid Sahiba, who was serving as Sadr Lajna Imaillah, Ghana. She passed away by divine decree on 30 June, at the age of 65.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫إِنا ل ِل ِہ وإِنا إِلي ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.] She developed uterine cancer, which she later recovered from and God Almighty granted her health. However, in May of this year, her condition began to worsen and she suffered another bout. After remaining in hospital for a brief period, she passed away on 30 June.

Hajia Ruqayyah Khalid Sahiba was born in April 1955, into an Ahmadi family in Wa, situated in north Ghana. Her late father, AlHaj Khalid Sahib was an Imam in a village close to Wa, where the majority of people worshipped idols. He preached to them and established Ahmadiyyat there.

Hajia Ruqayyah Khalid Sahiba spent her childhood in Wa. She was well-mannered, sophisticated and a woman of principals.

As a profession, she was a teacher and set an example within her professional circle as well as within the Jamaat. After her retirement, she served as the headmistress of the Ahmadiyya International School in Bustan-e-Ahmad. She had a keen passion for the education and upbringing of children; she would pay the school fees of many children and she would teach many children in her own home free of charge.

In 2017, she was appointed as Sadr Lajna Imaillah and for the few years she was sadr, she discharged her duties in an excellent manner, in spite of her illness. She continued to serve as Sadr Lajna Imaillah Ghana until her demise. She also organised a number of programmes. With the restrictions in place nowadays due to Covid-19, she still continued her tarbiyat programmes and duties for Lajna via the internet.

She was regular in offering her prayers and very passionate about carrying out good deeds. She was regular in offering the Tahajud prayers and gave alms regularly.

She was also a musia [part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat]. She had a strong bond with Khilafat. She leaves behind two sons, one daughter and four grandchildren. May Allah the Almighty grant her forgiveness and mercy and elevate her in status. May He enable her progeny to continue her good works.

The second funeral is that of Respected Safiyya Begum Sahiba, wife of the late Respected Shiekh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, who was a missionary and served in Africa, the UK and the USA. She passed away by divine decree on 27 June at the age of 93. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِإنا ل ِل ِہ و ِإنا ِإلي ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.]

She was born to Hazrat Qazi Abdus Salam Sahib and Mubaraka Begum Sahiba in October 1926. She was the paternal granddaughter of Hazrat Qazi AbdurRahim Sahibra, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas and she was the great paternal granddaughter of Hazrat Qazi Ziauddin Sahibra. She possessed many wonderful qualities and was very devout. She had incredible love for Khilafat, the depth of which is seldom seen. This was something she inculcated in not only her children, but also in her grandchildren. Thus, in this manner she was able to preserve this bond.

The deceased was a musi. Her marriage to Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib was her second marriage, from which she had one daughter; she also had children from her first marriage. Her first husband was Naseer Ahmad Bhatti Sahib. Nonetheless,

Friday 7 August 2020 | AL HAKAM

16 during the time, Sheikh Sahib served in various countries and she spent her time with great devotion. She is survived by her two daughters and three sons and also a daughter from Sheikh Sahib’s first wife. One of her sons, Faheem Ahmad Bhatti Sahib is here serving as a volunteer in the private secretary’s office. One of her grandsons, Saboor Bhatti is a missionary working in Wakalat-e-Tabshir, UK. Another grandson, Fawad Bhatti is a life-devotee serving as a teacher in the Ahmadiyya College in Kano. Another grandson, Khaleeq Bhatti completed his education and devoted his life and is now serving The Review of Religions.

One of her grandsons is Nabeel Bhatti, who, two years ago, fell critically ill. She prayed for him a great deal and Allah the Almighty even informed her of him being cured and subsequently, he was cured by Allah the Almighty. However, even now, Nabeel Bhatti Sahib still experiences some complications due to that illness. May Allah the Almighty completely cure him and accept Safiyya Begum Sahiba’s prayers for him. He is also a life-devotee. May Allah the Almighty also make him a beneficial member of the Jamaat and make him and his progeny servants of the faith.

Safiyya Sahiba’s daughter, Farida Sheikh Sahiba, relates: “Our mother had great love for the Promised Messiahas. She would always point to his picture and say that whatever we have is because of him and these blessings are due to him. She also had a special connection with African-American sisters and would take great care of them. Many would come and go almost on a daily basis. They would visit her frequently, sit together in the kitchen and converse freely, as if they were members of the same family.”

Similarly, her elder daughter, Naeema Shabir Sahiba, says: “She was very caring and loving. She was extremely patient, and one who would bring hardships upon herself in order to help others. She instilled the love of Khilafat in our hearts. She would tell us to regularly write letters [to the Khalifa]. She often recited the Promised Messiah’sas prayers for her children. She took great care of the poor and the orphans. She was regular in paying chanda and giving alms. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh graciously conducted her nikah with Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib. He was a missionary and his first wife had passed away and her husband had passed away also.

At the time of settling this union, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said to Sheikh Sahib out of delight for some work he had carried out for the Jamaat that he was giving him a reward. Sheikh Sahib was always mindful of this reward and this reward was his marriage to Safiyya Begum Sahiba. Sheikh Sahib was very mindful of this and took great care of her children from her first husband, who had died while the children were still young.

Her eldest son, Shamim Bhatti Sahib also studied with me in school and college.

I have seen that Sheikh Sahib took great care of these children and fulfilled his duty. Similarly, Safiyya Begum Sahiba also supported Sheikh Sahib during his service and fulfilled her responsibility of being the wife of a life-devotee. There are very few wives of missionaries who fulfil their duties in the manner she did. She selflessly served

her guests and never complained about anything. She also used to pray profusely for members of the Jamaat. She would treat the families of missionaries under Sheikh Sahib very well. I became acquainted with her after Khilafat. I came to know her and saw that she had immense love for Khilafat; her passion and devotion were such that is rarely seen. May Allah the Almighty elevate her status and keep her progeny devoted to the Jamaat and Khilafat.

The next mention is of respected Ali Ahmad Sahib, who prior to his retirement, served as a muallim of Waqf-e-Jadid. He passed away on 18 June at the age of 86: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫إِنا ل ِل ِه وإِنا إِلي ِه ر‬ [Verily, to Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.]

His father, Hazrat Mia Allah Ditta Sahibra was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

In 1903, when the Promised Messiahas travelled to Jehlum, Hazrat Mia Allah Ditta Sahibra travelled 10-12 miles by foot from his village in order to take the Bai‘at at the hands of the Promised Messiahas.

The deceased did his waqf [pledge to devote his life for the service of faith] in 1965 and from 1967 to 2008, for approximately 41 years; he served in various Jamaats of Sindh and Punjab. He taught the Holy Quran to hundreds of people, including men, women and children. Owing to his preaching efforts, many people were blessed with the good fortune of entering into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. The deceased was a musi and leaves behind his wife, two daughters and three sons.

One of his sons, Abdul Hadi Tariq Sahib is a missionary of the community and for the last seven years has been serving as a teacher in the International Jamia Ahmadiyya in Ghana. Owing to the current situation, he was unable to travel and attend the funeral and burial of his father. Two nephews of the deceased are also missionaries of the community and three grandsons are Hafize-Quran.

Maghfoor Ahmad Muneeb Sahib, who is a life-devotee and currently serving as a missionary in the markaz [headquarters] writes: “Without a doubt, respected Maulvi Sahib was a model for all life-devotees, murabbiyan and muallimeen. He would speak very little, always kept his gaze lowered from other women and did not interfere in the affairs of other people. He was also very devoted to prayers, humble, met others with great love and wholly devoted to the institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat. Even when he got angry, the pain to make one understand their error would always be evident. He would always remain content with whatever he had. The children who were once students of Maulvi Sahib have now grown up, but their memories of Maulvi Sahib’s kindness and love remains in their hearts.”

May Allah the Almighty elevate the station of the deceased and enable his progeny to continue his good deeds.

The next funeral is of respected Rafiqa Bibi Sahiba, wife of Bashir Ahmad Dogar Sahib of Edhi Pur, district Naruwal, [Pakistan]. She passed away by divine decree on 22 May: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِإنا ل ِل ِه و ِإنا ِإلي ِه ر‬

Who is the mujaddid of this age?

“The state of this era is such that reformation is needed in every place; therefore, Allah the Almighty has sent that mujaddid who has been named the Promised Messiah and who was long awaited; who all the prophets had prophesied and all the holy people before him desired to be a part of their age.”

To read the full article, visit: https://www.alhakam.org/who-is-the-mujaddid-of-this-age/

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

Ahmadiyyat entered her family through her grandfather, Hazrat Malik Sardar Khan Dogar Sahib Numbardar, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

Her son, Riaz Ahmad Doggar Sahib says, “Since as early as I can remember, I witnessed that she was very devoted and pious. She observed her obligatory prayers and would be regular in her fasts. She had memorised many chapters of the Holy Quran and in the mornings, when she would process milk [to extract butter] she would often recite Surah al-Taghabun. She would offer the five daily prayers with punctuality. Before offering each prayer, she would ensure one of her maternal or paternal grandchildren would stand with her for prayer so that in this way, the children would develop a passion for offering prayers. After the prayers, she would sit for a long time on the prayer mat and offer her tasbih [praising God Almighty].

Similarly, she would recite the Holy Quran aloud in a manner whereby her recitation could be heard throughout the house. She had memorised many chapters by heart.

She had a deep bond of love and devotion for Khilafat and had full conviction in the acceptance of prayers of the Khalifa. She would say with great pride that her son was a missionary, one paternal grandson was studying in Jamia to become a missionary and one maternal grandson was also a missionary. Despite the fact that she would often remember her children, she would say that it was a great blessing of God Almighty upon her that her progeny was spread all

over the world.

Among those she left behind are six sons, one daughter and many maternal and paternal grandchildren. One of her sons, Riyaz Ahmad Dogar Sahib, is currently serving in Tanzania. Due to the current situation and also owing to his duties serving in the field, he was unable to attend the funeral and take part in the burial. May Allah the Almighty grant him patience and steadfastness. One of her maternal grandsons, Adeel Ahmad Dogar, is serving as a missionary in Pakistan. One paternal grandson, Ayyaz Ahmad Dogar, is studying in the 6th year student of Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana.

May Allah the Almighty shower His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and elevate her status. May her progeny be enabled to continue her virtuous endeavours.

Similarly, I shall also lead the funeral prayers [in absentia] of those members who I mentioned in the previous sermons, but owing to the current situation, it was not possible to offer their funeral prayers; namely Nasir Saeed Sahib, Ghulam Mustafa Sahib, Dr Naqiyyuddin Sahib of Islamabad and Zulfikar Sahib, the missionary from Indonesia. May Allah the Almighty grant them all His mercy and forgiveness.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International; 31 July 2020, pp. 5-9. Translated

by The Review of Religions.)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2020