Al Hakam - 16 April 2021

Spreading the beauty of the Quran Hazrat Khalifatul Masih announces new Quran search engine by Al Islam team

Coming from every distant track

Istighfar after salat

“Why should I read this?”

Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib visits Qadian and meets with Promised Messiah

The benefits and purpose

MKA Los Angeles host conference with The Review of Religions, Al Hakam and the International Press Office

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021 | Issue CLXI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Explore new Khuddam avenues to amila of Jamaat India expand tabligh Amila of Majlis Ansarullah meets Huzoor India receives guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

Photo courtesy of Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan

Members of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya India’s national amila were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat, on 10 April 2021.

After conveying salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa led everyone in silent prayer, after which the amila members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and the work assigned to them.

The first to present their report was naib sadr I, who said he was tasked to oversee nine different departments.

Huzooraa then asked if he had given special attention to the reports he received from the various departments. To this, he replied in the affirmative.

Next to speak was the naib sadr who is also serving as a missionary in nazarat nashr-o-ishaat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa Continued on next page >>

Photo courtesy of Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan

On 11 April 2021, the amila of Majlis Ansarullah India was given the opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual meeting At the beginning of the meeting, Huzooraa said it would have been good to see aerial shots of Qadian or at least the building in which the amila members were

seated. Sadr Ansarullah said to Huzooraa that they would insha-Allah show aerial shots in the upcoming meeting with Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian.

Speaking with Sheikh Mujahid Ahmad Shastri Sahib, Naib Sadr Saf-e-Daum Continued on page 4

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The Promised Messiah on Ramadan as

Many questions are asked on a myriad of subjects related to Ramadan.

Al Hakam presents the answers and words of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Hakam and ‘Adl (Judge and Arbiter of this day) concerning many aspects of Ramadan and how it should be practiced best. These have been taken from Fiqhul-Masih (Urdu) on the chapter of Ramadan. www.alhakam.org/the-promised-messiah-on-ramadan/

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stated that as he worked mostly in an office, he should take time to go for walks and exercise after Fajr prayer.

Addressing the mo‘tamid, Huzooraa asked how many majalis there were and how many of them sent reports consistently. Answering Huzooraa, he said that there were a total of 973 majalis and that 400 majalis sent their reports with regularity.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired what was being done to remind the other majalis about submitting regular reports.

Huzooraa then asked if he checked the reports and also sent his remarks.

Offering guidance, Huzooraa said, “[…] you should make a system whereby reports are sent regularly. Reports should not simply be sent for the sake of it; rather, there should be substance [in such reports].”

Following this, speaking with mohtamim tajnid, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if the tajnid was updated yearly and added, “Gather the tajnid information from the grassroots

level.”

Huzooraa also said that one should not simply rely on getting the information through the AIMS department.

Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya should have their own data. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, whilst providing direction, stated that emphasis should also be paid to sending out tajnid forms to be filled and sent back to the centre; the main objective is to ensure the tajnid forms are filled and sent back within the first two months of the new year. “Only then,” Huzooraa said, “will you have the correct data and only then will you be able to make a proper plan.”

Next to present their report was mohtamim tarbiyat. Addressing him, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that the tarbiyat department had an important responsibility and enquired about the plans they made.

Mohtamim tarbiyat reported that a well-thought-out plan was made to ensure the tarbiyat of Khuddam. He added that emphasis was given to offering Salat in congregation, listening to Huzoor’saa Friday sermons, among other things.

Hearing this, Huzooraa asked if he had a personal relationship with each majlis. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added that through implementing a tarbiyat programme, “many other issues can be avoided.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa added that as India is a vast country, “a special programme should be made for each area according to that area’s psychology and issues [they face].”

Speaking with additional mohtamim tarbiyat (rishta nata), Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “[…] it is also the duty of the rishta nata department to ensure, with the help of the tarbiyat department, that Khuddam give preference to religion over the world.”

Next, whilst conversing with mohtamim tarbiyat nau mubai‘een (new converts), Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about the new converts and programmes made for them; responding, he said that there were 1,810 new converts and that a syllabus was prepared for them about the basic teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the status of the Promised Messiahas.

Mohtamim tarbiyat nau mubai‘een further said that various articles were prepared and provided to various people of different backgrounds. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “This is good, but you should also try to get feedback. Giving something once is no remarkable accomplishment. What should be considered is if others have benefited from that which was given. And if they have benefited, then what changes did they see [within themselves]?” This is the feedback that should be collated and considered.

Huzooraa added, “I deliver my sermon from here and everyone listens to it, but until I learn of the impact the sermon has had on a person, what benefit will it have?”

Speaking with mohtamim umur-etulaba, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was informed that there were 18 students doing their PhDs. Huzooraa then asked how many students were studying medicine and added that the students should be kept in contact with the centre.

Following this, addressing mohtamim talim, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked

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which books of the Promised Messiahas were prescribed for Khuddam to study, to which mohtamim talim said that throughout the year, a total of seven books had been given. Huzooraa then asked about feedback and how many had read the books. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then said, “You should make a plan in such a way that 100% of the Khuddam get involved.”

Conversing with muavin sadr Waqfe-Nau, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many waqifeen-e-nau there were.

Replying, he said that there were 2,484 Atfal and Khuddam. Huzooraa then asked how many waqifeen, above the age of 15, had written that they wished to continue their waqf. In response, the muavin sadr said he did not have the exact data for this.

Mohtamim khidmat-e-khalq (service to mankind) was next to report. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about the various plans and events that were carried out; to this, he responded that they had conducted 10 different medical camps this year.

Addressing mohtamim Atfal, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many Atfal there were and what plans were made for their tarbiyat. He replied that there were 3,343 Atfal and that they had prepared various classes to help ensure their progress and tarbiyat.

Huzooraa then asked about feedback and how many Atfal took part in the classes. Huzooraa said, “The main thing to observe is how many take part [in these events]. We have to look after these children. If we are successful in looking after the children – up to the age of 15 – and make them active members, then they will be active members for Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya and for the Jamaat too. So, looking after Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya is a big responsibility; do not consider this a light

task.”

Conversing with mohtamim ishaat (publications), Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about recent publications, to which he replied that this year, they printed a booklet titled Ahmadiyyat, What and Why in Malayalam. He added that they also printed a booklet to help new converts learn more about the Jamaat.

Addressing mohtamim sehat-ejismani (physical health), Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how many Khuddam exercised regularly. Huzooraa was told that more than 300 Khuddam exercised regularly.

Speaking with mohtamim Muqami about the tarbiyat of Khuddam and Atfal in Qadian, Huzooraa said, “[…] Qadian’s majlis should be a model. People who visit from outside, upon seeing Qadian’s majlis, should say, ‘Yes, this is a model for us to follow.’”

Next to present his report was mohtamim umumi who said that aside from other responsibilities, security duties were given every Friday. Whilst giving direction, Huzooraa said, “Do not just gather boys aged 15-16 to give duties; ensure you have sensible people and grown-up Khuddam who can make a decision in emergencies, or who can handle emergency type situations.”

After this, addressing Sadr Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “I have spoken with everyone, and in such short time only this much could be said […] I saw your pen was moving fast [throughout the meeting] I am sure you have noted everything.”

With this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa conveyed his salaam to all amila members and the meeting drew to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam.)

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

Suhoor is a blessing

َ​َ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ ‫الن ِب ّي‬ ‫ قال‬،‫أ� ُﺲ بْ ُن َﻣال ِﻚٍ ـ ر ِﺿی اللہ عنه قال‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ َّ َّ ‫الس ُﺤ ْو ِر‬ ‫َﺻلی الل ُہ َ�ل ْی ِه َو َسل َم � َس ّﺤ ُر ْوا ف ِﺈ ّن �ِي‬ ًَ ‫ب َ َرکﺔ‬ Hazrat Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Partake of Suhoor, for therein is a blessing.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum, Hadith 1923)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Exhort one another to accept truth In short, God Almighty states that those who are safeguarded from a state of loss first seek to perfect their knowledge, and secondly, they also prevent their actions from being sullied. In fact, such people advance the perfection of their knowledge to a degree where their actions too become sublime. Then, upon attaining perfect insight when their superb knowledge is established through their sublime actions, they are not miserly; they act upon the following words: ّ ۡ َ ‫َو ت َ َو‬ ‫اﺻ ۡوا بِالحَ ِﻖ‬

“They exhort one another to accept truth.”

Then, they invite others to the truth which they have found. This also means that they manifest the light of their actions. If a person who exhorts others does not act accordingly, then their words can have no effect whatsoever. It is a general fact that if a man exhorts others but does not act upon his own words, this leaves a very bad impression. If a fornicator exhorts others to refrain from fornication, when his state of affairs is established, it may be apprehended that the people who listen to his admonitions could well-nigh become atheists. For they will think to themselves that if fornication is truly a dangerous thing and God Almighty punishes those who indulge in this act, then if God actually existed, why would the person who exhorts us against this act not refrain from it himself ?

I am aware of a person who was about to become a Muslim due to his interactions with a Muslim cleric.

One day, he saw the same cleric drinking alcohol and so his heart became hardened and he held back from converting. In short, the words ّ ۡ َ ‫( َو ت َ َو‬They exhort one another ‫اﺻ ۡوا بِالحَ ِﻖ‬ to accept truth) indicate that they advise others through the light of their actions.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 198-199)

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In the case of error in sighting the crescent moon A friend from Sialkot enquired from the Promised Messiahas, “The moon was not sighted here on Tuesday and instead, was sighted on Wednesday [while Ramadan had already begun on Wednesday]. So, we observed the first fast on Thursday. What are we to do now?” The Promised Messiahas replied: “After the month of Ramadan, observe an additional fast, in exchange to the one that has been missed.” (Al Badr, 31 October 1907, p.7)

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(those 40-54 years of age), Huzooraa asked how many Ansar in Qadian rode bicycles for exercise and said that saf-e-daum ansar members should use cycles instead of motorbikes etc. in Qadian as this would lead to less air pollution there and help Ansar members get healthier. Huzooraa observed that Qadian was not a large city like Delhi, and therefore cycles could be used as the means of transport inside Qadian.

On the importance of saf-e-daum Ansar cycling, Huzooraa said: “Cycling is part of the programme for the Ansar of saf-e-daum – this has been set since the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh.” Huzooraa then asked if cycling competitions were held, to which Mujahid Ahmad Sahib said that they were held in the past, but due to Covid-19, they could not be held more recently.

Huzooraa further said, “Inculcate a habit of cycling among the people of Qadian too.”

Addressing Qaid Umumi, Javed Ahmad Lone Sahib, Huzooraa instructed that all Jamaats should be visited and majalis to be set up wherever they had not already been. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa also instructed that reports should be coming in regularly and comments on the reports be sent back too. If some majalis were negligent in sending their reports, a letter should be sent to them reminding them of this responsibility.

Huzooraa said: “The task is to link the entire Jamaat together and join it in such a way that it becomes one entity.”

However, Huzooraa said, this could only be possible when constant feedback is sent back to the majalis from the central Ansarullah body.

M Nasir Ahmad Sahib, Naib Sadr was next to introduce himself. Seeing him, Huzooraa asked if he was from Kerala and whether he translated for Huzooraa when he visited India. Nasir Sahib, with a smile, confirmed this. Huzooraa further said, “Your looks have changed a lot; in 12-13 years, your face has totally changed, masha-Allah.”

M Tajudin Sahib, Naib Sadr introduced himself and said he was from Kerala. To this, Huzooraa smiled and said he recognised those with M etc. in front of their names as being from South India.

Huzooraa then asked if he had come all the way from Kerala to attend the meeting, which Nasir Sahib affirmed. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said it was his duty to take initiative and carry out the works of Ansarullah in his area and not to merely wait for instructions from the central Ansarullah department.

Dr Abdul Majid Sahib, Qaid Tajnid, introduced his profession as a doctor and said he worked in the Noor Hospital in Qadian, to which Huzooraa said “MashaAllah”. Addressing Majid Sahib, Huzooraa said all tajnid should be up to date and the ones that were not should be completed in the next month. Huzooraa said getting the majalis to act on the plan that has been

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made for them is the real task.

A resident of Kerala, Shams-uddin Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat introduced himself.

Huzooraa asked what his department’s plan was, to which he explained that they were focusing on encouraging Ansarullah to offer prayers regularly. Huzooraa advised: “It is the task of Ansarullah to supervise their households too. They should ascertain whether or not their wives and children regularly join the prayers, or are offering them at home or not. And if they have sons, then they should see whether or not they attend the mosque to pray, where possible [according to the current situation]. Prayers will be established when the men – Ansar, Khuddam or children – offer prayers regularly in congregation as much as they can. And if, due to the current situation, there are restrictions in offering Namaz at the mosque – limitations such as a certain number only being allowed to attend the mosque [for congregational prayers] – then they should arrange congregational prayers within their homes [with their families] at least.”

Shams-uddin Sahib said they also sent a 12-page document every month with religious content to be presented in various Jamaat meetings.

To this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa advised that he should also get feedback on whether the content was even read out or not and if people benefited. Shamsuddin Sahib said they received feedback

Photo courtesy of Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan

and the Ansarullah members who read out the content, responded positively.

Huzooraa said that those who read out the document would definitely be pleased as they were given everything already prepared, but the feedback of the audience members needs to be taken into account

too.

Regarding another aspect of tarbiyat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said some Ansar members had begun to cause fights and quarrels in their homes. Huzooraa said: “Tell Ansar members to be kind to their wives […] First, amila members

should be kind to their wives, then they should tell others too, at all levels.”

Muhammad Yusuf Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat for new converts introduced himself. Yusuf Sahib said that in the last few years, about 373 people had converted Continued on next page >>

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The prohibition of fasting on a journey is not optional; it is a commandment The Promised Messiahas was asked regarding the injunction about keeping a fast while traveling. Huzooras said, “The Holy Quran tells us:

َ ُ َّ َ ْ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ َ ٰ َ ْ َ ً ْ َّ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ام اخ َر‬ ٍ ‫فمن کان ِمنکم مرِیضا او ع�� سف ٍر ف ِعدۃ ِمن ای‬

[‘… but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey (shall fast) the same number of other days.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)] “This means that the one who is sick or on a journey should not keep a fast. This verse possesses an injunction. Allah the Almighty has not said that whosoever has the strength may observe the fast and the one who lacks that strength should refrain from it. In my view, a traveler should not fast, but it is the practice of some people that they do observe fasts on journeys. Considering this routine of observing fasts while traveling, there is no wrongdoing in that, but still one should act upon the injunction ‘Iddatun min ayyamin ukhar’ [the same number of other days].”

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to Islam Ahmadiyyat under Majlis Ansarullah and were being given religious education.

Huzooraa asked which backgrounds the converts belonged. Yusuf Sahib said most were Muslims, but some had converted from Hinduism and Sikhism.

Huzooraa said a separate programme for educating those who were not from Muslim backgrounds should be in place.

Huzooraa said that such converts should be gradually taught the Salat, Surah al-Fatihah and then its translation, so that they can recite it during Salat. Huzooraa said knowing Surah al-Fatihah by heart was essential; even some Muslims do not know Surah al-Fatihah and they should be taught it. Converts should be taught about the system of the Jamaat, the claims of the Promised Messiahaa and the system of Khilafat etc. Then they should gradually be told about the significance of financial

were 1,014 Ansar who did tabligh, to which Huzooraa said, “If there are even 1,014 dai‘an-ilallah [preachers] who achieve just one bai‘at each, then these are 1,000 bai‘ats just from them. And if the amila members of every majlis become active, pay attention towards bai‘ats and develop interest in tabligh, then your [bai‘at] numbers will be a lot different.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, with reference to spreading the message of Ahmadiyyat, said that new ways should be thought of and a passion should develop in progressing tabligh work. Merely continuing the old ways is not progressive; rather, one should look for new avenues to expand tabligh work.

Khalid Ahmad Sahib, Qaid Khidmate-Khalq reported their department was able to help and assist the wider public in India a lot during the Covid-19 pandemic. With local contributions from Ahmadis in India, Ansarullah were able to distribute about 3,100,000 rupees in

Upon this, Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra expressed that one should observe a few fasts on days of the other months as well.

Photo courtesy of Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan

The Promised Messiahas said on one occasion: “The one who observes a fast while on a journey, experiencing great difficulties, instead of winning His delight through submission to His commandments, attempts to please Allah the Almighty arbitrarily. This is an erroneous act.

True obedience lies in submission to Allah the Almighty’s commandments and prohibitions. (Al Hakam, 31 January 1899, p. 7)

sacrifice too, whether it is Waqf-e-Jadid or Tahrik-e-Jadid; in this way, they will be brought into the mainstream system of the Jamaat.

Huzooraa said that feedback should also be taken – giving instructions and not taking feedback was not enough.

Advising Rafiq Ahmad Baig Sahib, Qaid Mal, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa told him to encourage all Ansar to offer their chanda according to the prescribed rate and said: “Tell the Ansar, ‘Financial sacrifice is a Quranic commandment and Majlis Ansarullah has expenditures which require financial sacrifices […] this is not a levy, nor is it a tax; whatever you are to give is to gain the pleasure of Allah and according to the Quran’s commandment.’”

Huzooraa said this exhortation should be done in a proper manner, with softness, love and wisdom.

Qaid Tabligh, Muhammad Nurudin Nasir Sahib introduced himself. Huzooraa said Ansarullah should set a target for the number of new converts, saying: “Set a target and try to achieve it. If a target is set, efforts will be exerted and if there is no target, no effort will be exerted.”

Huzooraa said realistic and reasonable targets should be given to each majlis.

Nurudin Sahib reported that there

cash amongst 14,000 people who were in need throughout India; they distributed 125,000 homeopathic medicines for Covid-19 that was prescribed by Huzooraa and 125,000 rupees worth of rations etc. was also distributed.

Speaking with Nasir Waheed Sahib, Qaid Sehat-e-Jismani, Huzooraa said a cricket match should take place between the Khuddam and Ansar. To this, Nasir Sahib said they had already conducted one and the Ansar had gained victory over the Khuddam. Huzooraa said the Ansar must have included some Khuddam in their team too and Waheed Sahib confirmed that this was the case. Huzooraa also enquired how many Ansar walked and cycled regularly for exercise.

At the end, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih aa V advised: “I have just given brief guidance; as for the rest, you should think yourselves and try to devise new ways […] Try and find new ways to improve and use your minds.

Masha-Allah, Allah the Almighty has given you good, sharp minds […]”

Huzooraa conveyed his salaam, before concluding the meeting.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam.)

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From the Markaz

Spreading the beauty of the Quran: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih launches new Quran search engine by Al Islam team

Islamabad, Tilford, 9 April 2021: In the Friday Sermon today, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa announced the launch of a new Quran search engine created by the alislam.org team. The new Quran search engine can be found at www.HolyQuran.io Talking about the search engine, Huzooraa said: “Any surah, verse, letter or topic can be searched through this new search engine in Arabic, English or Urdu. The search results can be viewed in both Ahmadi and nonAhmadi translations [of the Holy Quran].

With every verse, its commentary, topic and related verses can be seen, and more features are to be added.

“Insha-Allah, its second version will be launched by Jalsa Salana UK 2021.

“Apart from the search engine, the team also launched a new, updated version of the Quran listening, reading and search site that has lots of new features – it can be accessed at ReadQuran.app.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa prayed: “I pray that may Allah the Almighty

enable this project to be a means of spreading the beautiful teachings of the Holy Quran across the world. And may the members of the Jamaat also fully benefit from these projects.”

Background Al Hakam spoke to Dr Nasim Rehmatullah Sahib, in-charge alislam.org, who told us more about the background of the projects and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa guidance: “As promised during the Al Islam virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa on 21 November 2020, by the grace of Allah, the landmark Holy Quran search engine website, version 1.0 is ready for launch for this Ramadan.

“We had written to Huzooraa to seek Huzoor’s blessings and humbly requested Huzooraa to announce and launch this website on a blessed Friday. Version 2.0 with improved functionality (based on feedback) and additional content and features will be ready insh-Allah by Jalsa Salana UK 2021. This site can be accessed

on mobile devices.

“The cardinal feature of the website is its simplicity. This version 1.0 of this website called HolyQuran.io (OpenQuran. com) also allows the search of the Holy Quran in English, Urdu, and Arabic.

It allows access to Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali’sra English translation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh Urdu translation and Tafsir-eSaghir of Khalifatul Masih IIra. In addition, the tafsir of the Holy Quran by the Promised Messiahas is available for the verses that have the tafsir. This version also allows access to several non-Ahmadi translations for readers to compare. The Short Commentary of the Holy Quran and the Five Volume Commentary are also available for the verses being looked at.

“Other features include a slide button to count or not to count bismillah in the numbering of verses. A suggestion drop down facilitates the search query as you type in the search bar. The number of verses that contain your verse query also appears and much more. This is a beta version

and improvements and adjustments will be made as feedback comes in and as we notice any weaknesses.

“We have also updated, for this Ramadan, the Al Islam Holy Quran website, ReadQuran.app. This provides for easy reading of the Holy Quran with various translations and tafasir in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish and Urdu. Listening to various recitations and search features is also added.

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been very kind with his time and guidance during this venture. This is a product of the blessings of Khilafat and the inspiration it invokes. Over 12 men and 40 women Jamaat members from the USA, Canada and the UK put in hours of work with love and passion. I request prayers for them all. May Allah accept this from us. There was one waqif-e-zindagi assigned to us by Huzooraa; all the others were volunteers.

“It is estimated that this work and the Continued on next page >>

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number of hours spent on this project would have cost us a minimum of USD $1.5 million if done commercially, plus it would have taken about 18 months.

Our team accomplished this in under six months, alhamdulillah.

“We request everyone’s prayers and welcome feedback.”

Masood Nasir Sahib, the Managing Director of alislam.org told us the following features can be utilised on the new search engine: 1. Unified search field: Search in English, Urdu or Arabic from the same search box 2. Chapter spread: See a visual representation of how frequently your search occurs across the chapters of the Holy Quran 3. Quick commentary access: Easily view a verse’s commentary by the Promised Messiahas and others with a single click 4. Simple translation comparison: Simultaneously display translations from Ahmadi and non-

Ahmadi authors — in both English and Urdu 5. Verse topics: Select a verse and see a list of all the topics that pertain to it In the future, they hope to add the following features:

Testimony of the crescent sighting Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra states that Mian Khairuddin Sahib Sekhwanira once wrote to him saying: “Once, instead of sighting the moon ourselves, we started to observe the fast on the testimony of some non-Ahmadis. The very same day, we reached Qadian around the time of Zuhr prayer and mentioned that we were fasting. Huzooras also entered the mosque and [realising that we were fasting] books of Hadith were brought to the mosque and they were pondered upon with deep concentration, because nobody had observed the fast in Qadian that day.

“At that moment, I was asked, ‘Did you sight the moon by yourself?’ I replied, ‘Some non-Ahmadis saw it.’ The moment I uttered that reply and said that the non-Ahmadis had sighted the moon, the books were closed and the Promised Messiahas said, ‘I thought that perhaps you observed the fast after sighting the moon yourself. That is why I began to research.’” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, p. 265)

1. A reverse translation explorer 2. An interactive Arabic etymology tree 3. Integrated lexicon lookup 4. Verse-specific cross-links to Al Islam content 5. Grammatical usage analysis for

individual Quranic words 6. More languages and split-word translations He said, “Please visit the app at OpenQuran.com and let us know what you think.”

Detroit Jamaat joins interfaith prayer Syed Shamshad Nasir Missionary, USA Muhammad Ahmad Sahib of Detroit reports that the regional missionary, Shamshad Nasir Sahib represented Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Detroit at the 53rd interfaith event titled “Interfaith prayer for the nation and the world”.

The event was organised by the Universal Peace Federation USA and was held virtually with speakers participating from the three main religions. The event was held on 8 April 2021.

The moderator of the event, Archbishop George A Stallings kicked off the programme by introducing himself and welcoming the participants from across the globe.

He then introduced the speakers, Cantor Roger Scully, Bishop Cortiz H Liggins and Shamshad Nasir Sahib, representing the Jewish community, Christianity and Islam, respectively.

He invited Cantor Roger Scully who read prayers from the Hebrew script. The prayers focused on the praise of God Almighty and His mercy and compassion. He then prayed for the safety for all from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. He thanked the United Peace Federation for inviting him to the event.

Then Bishop Coriz H Liggins was invited to give his presentation. He represented the senior pastor of the Renewed Hope House of Worship of Kansas City. He provided prayers from the Christian script and traditions praying for the country, humanity as well as the world.

The moderator then introduced

Shamshad Nasir Sahib. Shamshad Nasir Sahib thanked the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) for inviting him to the programme. He said, “On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I offer you greetings of peace which is the traditional Muslim greetings.” He then provided a brief introduction of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya by saying, “I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which is currently present in over 200 countries worldwide. We believe and claim that the Messiah that has been foretold by many religions and their scriptures has come in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, India.

He laid the foundation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on 23 March 1889.”

He continued that we believe God as One, without associating any partners.

The Promised Messiahas in his teachings emphasised to worship only one God, to utter no falsehood, invent no lies, to cause no harm to anyone and to restrain your passions. Shamshad Sahib read many quotes from the teachings of the Promised Messiahas.

In the end, Dr Michael Jenkins, President Universal Peace Federation was invited to say a few words and provide an introduction to the UPF. He also thanked and appreciated all the speakers.

At the conclusion, Tomiko Duggan of the Universal Peace Federation thanked all the participants and the presenters for taking the time to attend the event.

More than 35 people attended the event, which was also broadcast on Facebook.

People from many other countries including Pakistan were in attendance.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India invigorated following successful meeting with Huzoor Wakalat Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India Nepal and Bhutan On Saturday, 10 April 2021, members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India’s national amila had the chance to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa in a virtual mulaqat.

Below are some of their impressions following this meeting: K Tariq Ahmed, Sadr Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya India, said: “This was a historic day for Majlis-eKhuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India and surely, this meeting is an important milestone for the development of Khuddam in India.

Before this, the national amila had a meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in 2005, when he visited Qadian.

“Huzooraa pays special attention to the majalis of Qadian and India and at all times, guides us and grants instructions on different occasions. Today, another way to benefit from the blessings of Khilafat came in the form of this virtual meeting.

“By the grace of God Almighty, it is a matter of great fortune and happiness for all of us that we had the opportunity to meet Huzooraa. For some of us, it was the first time that Huzooraa addressed them directly, due to which our hearts are full of gratitude and thankfulness.

“Huzooraa enquired of all the mohtamims about the activities and programmes of their respective departments and also gave detailed instructions. There is no doubt that the Khalifa of the time is the embodiment of compassion. He has encouraged us a lot and ignored our weaknesses and called us to improve our work.

“Huzoor’saa instructions are a beacon for us. This meeting will surely prove to be a source of revolutionising the spiritual condition of the Khuddam and Atfal of India and increasing them in sincerity and loyalty.

“Huzooraa has instructed us that the activities of the Qadian Majlis should be of a higher standard so that this majlis should be a role model for the rest of the majalis and it should be clearly visible to those who come from outside.

“May Allah the Almighty grant us all the ability to perform our services in accordance with the high expectations of Huzooraa. Amin.”

Mureed Ahmad Dar, Mohtamim San‘ato-Tijarat, said: “Today, I had the opportunity to meet with my beloved master. It is not possible to describe in words the feelings of meeting Huzooraa. It was not even in our thoughts that we would ever be able to meet face to face with our beloved master.

“When the silent prayer was led by Huzooraa, it was a strange feeling that at last we were getting the opportunity to see and speak to our beloved Huzooraa.

There is no doubt that Khilafat is the only system that enables us to have such spiritual opportunities, wherein our beloved master guides us like a compassionate father […]

May Allah enable us to follow all the advice of our beloved Imam. Amin.”

Shamim Ahmad Ghauri, Mohtamim Ishaat, said: “Our feelings regarding this meeting are indescribable. We were informed about this meeting a long time ago and from that time onwards, we had a strange state of heart. In a sense, there was also the fear that Huzooraa would ask us about the responsibilities entrusted to us, so we were preparing in this regard and with it, we had the opportunity to pray a lot.

“Khilafat is such a blessing that when Huzooraa came for the meeting, his beautiful smile changed the atmosphere completely […] In relation to Khilafat, Allah the Almighty has promised that it will change the state of fear of the believers into peace.

So our condition before the meeting was such that we were all in fear and were worried about the performance of our respective departments.

“I pray to Allah the Almighty that He may enable us to fulfil our responsibilities and meet the high expectations of Huzooraa which he has told us in a very lovely manner.”

Tayyab Ahmad Khadim, Mohtamim Umur-e-Tulaba, said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the meeting was held in a very pleasant atmosphere. Huzooraa gave guidance in regard to the Umur-e-Tulaba department and explained how to set a target, how to keep in touch with students in the current year and how to achieve this target. He also provided direction as to which type of activities should be organised by this department during the year. I am extremely thankful to Allah the Almighty for this great opportunity to meet Huzooraa.”

Muhammad Tahir, Mohtamim Tarbiyat for Rishta Nata, said: “I last met Huzooraa during his tour of Qadian 15 years ago. From that time till now, I had wished to meet him.

“About a month ago, my health was not very well, so I was worried about how I would be able to participate in this meeting.

But when Huzooraa came on the screen, the divine light of his countenance comforted my heart and all my ailments were removed, alhamdulillah. We will try to fully adhere to the instructions given in relation to the Rishta Nata department and will try to make the best programmes in this regard in all majalis.”

Ata-ul-Momin, Mohtamim Sehat-eJismani, said: “Huzooraa started the meeting in a very kind and loving manner and in such a way that the heart became very satisfied. He granted guidance to all mohtamims in a very loving manner. He has specially called upon

Photo courtesy of Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan

us to improve our performance and reports as well and to get feedback from the majalis and to further improve our performance by reviewing the results of these works. In the same way, Huzooraa has guided us towards very important and subtle matters as well.

May Allah the Almighty grant us the ability to act accordingly. Amin.”

Naveed Ahmad Fazal, Mohtamim Umumi, said: “I had the opportunity to attend a virtual meeting with Huzooraa. When the blessed face of Huzooraa came before our eyes and the heart-touching voice of our beloved Imam fell upon our ears, in that moment, it seemed as if all fear and panic was gone.

“In regard to the umumi department, Huzooraa granted us special instructions regarding the protection of the holy places of Qadian. We pray to Allah the Almighty that we follow the instructions given to us by Huzooraa regarding the tarbiyat of Khuddam and live our lives according to the expectations of Huzooraa. Amin.”

Syed Mohi-ud-Din Farid, Mohtamim Talim, said: “This year, for the first time, I am getting the opportunity to serve in Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India […] By the grace of Allah the Almighty, this was a very blessed meeting, in which Huzooraa gave us a lot of valuable instructions. I pray that may Allah the Almighty grant us all the ability to perform services in the best way according to the instructions of our beloved master.

Amin.”

Syed Zubair Ahmad, Mohtamim Waqare-Amal, said: “Since we got the news about this meeting, I was happy that after a long time, we were being given the chance to have a direct meeting with Huzooraa. However, when the meeting started, seeing the radiance on Huzoor’saa face, all types of uneasiness and fear disappeared and the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. I will do my best to implement the instructions given

by Huzooraa in regard to the waqar-e-amal department, insha-Allah” Farhat Ahmad Malkana, Mohtamim Tarbiyat for New Converts, said: “By the grace of Allah Almighty, this virtual meeting with Huzooraa was very emotional for me. There was a desire to meet him, which got fulfilled in this way.

I had a great desire to speak to Huzooraa directly […] Huzooraa spoke to the amila in a compassionate, loving and generous way.

We will try our best to follow the instructions

given by Huzooraa to us and we will try to work according to whatever guidance he has given regarding our respective departments, insha-Allah.”

Mubashir Ahmad Khadim, Mohtamim Tarbiyat, said: “I am very happy to meet Huzooraa during this virtual meeting and cannot express my feelings in words. We will do our best to follow the guidance and instructions Huzooraa has given us, insha-Allah. May Allah the Almighty enable us to act upon these instructions so that our majlis may progress. Amin.”

Athar Ahmad Shamim, Mohtamim Muqami, said: “When my turn came, Huzooraa asked regarding the report [of my department] and spoke to me in a loving manner just like a compassionate father. This meeting was very interesting; when Huzooraa said that emphasis should be laid on tarbiyat, he especially instructed me that as the Khuddam of Qadian have a distinction among all majalis, due to being in the central majlis, they must set a good example for others. Insha-Allah, I will do my best in this regard so that the Khuddam of Qadian create a good change in themselves and create a pious example.”

Nasrun-min-Allah, Mohtamim Mal, said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, this meeting was held in such a way that Huzooraa, like a compassionate father, asked us all the questions and reviewed our performance […] The state of my heart cannot be described in words. In regard to the mal department, Huzooraa specially instructed that Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya India should stand on its own feet now. We pray to Allah the Almighty that may Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India stand on its own feet [financially] and may He grant us the strength to do so. Amin.”

Muhammad Sharif Kausar, Muavin Sadr for Waqf-e-Nau, said: “It was a very happy and historic occasion for all of us. Our emotions are indescribable.

Seeing the blessed face of our beloved Imam, my heart was filled with contentment and serenity […] After this meeting, we, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya India, will reach new heights of progress, insha-Allah.

Huzooraa also taught how to work and explained the ways for talim and tarbiyat of Khuddam. May Allah help us to follow all these instructions. Amin.”

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 16-22 April In the fourth year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed era of the Third Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh (1965-1982)

simple ceremony to commemorate 10 years since the establishment of the Jamaat’s mission and mosque in Frankfurt was held in Germany. Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra presided over the function. Numerous events and meetings took place on this occasion.

18 April 1970: During his tour of Ghana, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh reached Accra on this date. This tour lasted 26 days. Approximately 10,000 African Ahmadis welcomed Huzoorrh and raised slogans on his arrival. In the evening, before laying the foundation of a mosque, Huzoorrh addressed and explained the importance of mosques in Islamic society and their role.

18 April 1975: On this date, the 22nd tarbiyati class of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Pakistan commenced, which continued until 2 May. 18 April 1976: On this date, an annual ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Pakistan was held at Masjid Aqsa. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed the gathering.

16 April 1970: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed a press conference in Lagos, Nigeria. Huzoorrh explained the unparalleled and everlasting teachings of Islam.

16 April 1971: The first health centre in The Gambia was established in Banjul, formerly known as Bathurst, under the Nusrat Jehan Scheme.

16 April 1978: Sri Lanka’s Jalsa Salana was held, which lasted for two days.

17 April 1970: While in Nigeria, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered a Friday Sermon in the Muslim Teachers Training College, which was attended

by around 5,000 people, 300-400 of whom were non-Ahmadi guests. At the outer gate of the hall, a banner with the words “Allahu Akbar, Khalifatul Masih is among us today, alhamdulillah” was put up. After the Friday Sermon, Huzoorrh met with students and professors.

On the same day, the Pakistani High Commissioner in Nigeria, SM Qureshi Sahib arranged a farewell dinner for Huzoorrh in his home, which Huzoorrh attended with members of his entourage. In this dinner, ambassadors from Sudan, Indonesia, Niger and Sierra Leone were in attendance.

17 April 1972: On this date, China’s ambassador, Chang Tang

visited Rabwah and met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. The ambassador arrived around noon, visited offices and educational institutions. He also saw the newly built Masjid Aqsa and returned the next day.

17 April 1981: Jamaat The Gambia held its seventh Jalsa Salana. Also on this date, Nigeria held its ninth annual ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya.

18 April 1968: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq met with a delegation of the Jamaat.

18 April 1969: On this date, a

18 April 1981: Maulana Ghulam Ahmad Farukh Sahib, who served the Jamaat as a missionary, passed away.

He was born in 1917 in a village near Qadian. His father’s name was Hazrat Mian Ghulam Qadirra. He received his religious education from Madrasa-eAhmadiyya Qadian and then, in 1937, he went on to serve Islam Ahmadiyyat.

He served the Jamaat for 44 years. He served in the areas of Sialkot, Karachi, Quetta, Sukkur, Hyderabad and other places of Sindh. From 1972 to 1976, he served in Fiji and spread the message of the Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned some incidents of his life during his Friday Sermon of 22 October 2010.

19 April 1970: In Accra, on this date, Huzoorrh met with Ahmadis individually and attended a reception

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

Chairman of the Presidential Commission Brigadier AA Afrifa with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh

in the evening, which was also attended by foreign ambassadors, state ministers, representatives of the church, correspondents of radio and news agencies and other dignitaries of the city. On this occasion, Huzoorrh conversed and interacted with all of them.

In the evening, a radio correspondent interviewed Huzoorrh, which was broadcast later. Huzoorrh stated that Ahmadiyyat’s fundamentals are in fact Islam’s fundamentals. He said Islam desires that a person should have a direct relation with his Creator.

On 19 April, some members of the Ashanti Jamaat, along with their president, Alhaj Al Hassan Ata Sahib, met with Huzoorrh. Then, Mr BK Adam, Minister of State also met with Huzoorrh.

19 April 1975: Hazrat Hakim Syed Pir Ahmadra passed away.

19 April 1980: Majlis Ansarullah India held its second annual ijtema.

20 April 1967: On this date, Hazrat Baba Ghulam Muhammadra, who was among the Darweshan-e-Qadian (313 Ahmadis who chose to remain behind after the partition of India to protect Qadian), passed away. He was born in 1880 and pledged allegiance in 1902.

20 April 1970: Lieutenant General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa of Ghana met with Huzoorrh and showed great respect. Huzoorrh later went to Kumasi, which is the second largest city of Ghana. 15 miles outside of Kumasi, Ahmadis gathered to welcome Huzoorrh. As the delegation approached the city, the number of members who came to welcome

Huzoorrh began to increase.

20 April 1973: On this date, a mosque was inaugurated in the Balahun village of Sierra Leone.

Balahun is situated on a small hill at a distance of 17 miles from Kailahun. The majority of the population of this village had become Ahmadi. The mosque of this village was inaugurated by Maulvi Bashir Ahmad Shams Sahib on 20 April 1973. After the inauguration, Maulvi Bashir Ahmad Shams Sahib delivered a sermon in which he outlined the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas and the growth of Ahmadiyyat despite opposition.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh laying a plaque to commemorate his visit to Techiman, Ghana

21 April 1970: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh inaugurated a two-storey building of the mission house in Kumasi. On this occasion, Hazrat Syeda Mansoora Begum Sahiba saw a vision at the time of dua, of the Promised Messiahas emerging from the clouds.

On the same day, Huzoorrh addressed the students and teachers of the Talim-ul-Islam Secondary School Kumasi in English for around 25 minutes. He stated that true knowledge can only be attained from the true teacher, meaning Allah the Almighty. Huzoorrh stated that hard work and prayer jointly produce good results and advised them to attain knowledge so they can serve the country and nation.

21 April 1973: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria held its 24th annual two-day Majlis-e-Shura.

22 April 1966: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh announced the launch of the third register of Tahrik-e-Jadid.

Reception in honour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh by Jamaat Ghana at Hotel Ambassador Accra

He stated that this register should be considered to have been issued from 1 November 1965 so that it be attributed to the time of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

22 April 1970: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh visited Techiman, Ghana.

He inaugurated a mosque and laid the foundation stone of the Lajna Hall and met with 3,000 men. The same evening, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh met Ahmadis from Wa who had travelled hundreds of miles. Huzoorrh addressed them in Arabic.

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ansarullah India value absolute direction from Khalifatul Masih

Wakalat Tamil-o-Tanfidh, for India, Nepal and Bhutan On Sunday, 11 April 2021, the national amila of Majlis Ansarullah India had the good fortune of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and seeking guidance from him as regards their responsibilities.

Ata-ul-Mujeeb Lone Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah India, said: “Alhamdulillah, thumma alhamdulillah.

It was a historic occasion for us and for Majlis Ansarullah India. We cannot thank Allah the Almighty enough.

“For about an hour, we had the opportunity to sit with Huzooraa during this meeting. As soon as Huzooraa said, ‘Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah’, there was a wave of happiness in all of us. I have seen the virtual mulaqats of amilas, auxiliary bodies and waqifeen-e-nau of other countries, and I had an idea of how ​​ much love and compassion Huzooraa bestowed, but today, we all experienced this for ourselves. Like a compassionate and spiritual father, Huzooraa pointed out our shortcomings and gave us golden instructions.

“For all the members of the amila of Majlis Ansarullah India, these moments spent in the company of the Khalifa of the time, are no less than an asset. A strange serenity and happiness we were having in the company of the Khalifa of the time. I can say with certainty that this is such a joy and bliss as cannot be attained even by sitting for hours in the company of the greatest leaders in the world.

“At the very beginning, Huzooraa said that we should have shown some aerial views of Qadian. This shows how much Huzooraa loves Qadian. Although every

Ahmadi loves Qadian, being the abode and birthplace of the Promised Messiahas, but when Huzooraa himself asked and then when a few scenes were shown at the end, it became clear how much he loves Qadian and how he longs to visit Qadian, Dar-ulMasih and Bahishti Maqbarah.

“May Allah the Almighty improve the situation so that Huzooraa may visit Qadian again. May Qadian and the Ahmadis of India have the privilege of meeting him and may He grant us the ability to be the recipients of Huzoor’saa love and compassion. May Allah the Almighty enable us to act upon the guidance and instructions of Huzooraa and to fulfil our responsibilities according to his expectations. Amin.”

Syed Kaleem-ud-Din Ahmad Sahib, Qaid Talim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi, said: “Our meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been very successful. I am thankful to MTA and their team as with their efforts, we were able to meet our beloved master and this meeting ended successfully.”

SM Bashiruddin Sahib, Naib Sadr Majlis Ansarullah for Financial Affairs, said: “Today, for the first time, by the grace of God Almighty, Majlis Ansarullah India had the opportunity to meet our beloved Imamaa directly. For this, we offer our prostrations and thanks to God Almighty. We are grateful to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa from the depths of our hearts. We pray to Allah the Almighty to enable us to follow the golden advice that our master has given us.”

Syed Tufail Ahmad Shahbaz Sahib, Qaid Ishaat, said: “Meeting Huzooraa through a virtual meeting has been one of the most beautiful

moments of my life. The beautiful face of Huzooraa infused our souls with a new zeal.

Drawing our attention to our weaknesses and to call for their correction is something we will remember.”

Javed Ahmad Lone Sahib, Qaid Umumi, said: “Huzooraa drew our attention in a very compassionate manner to many issues of different departments, which needed guidance. Huzooraa especially provided direction in setting targets, transformations and establishing new majalis. We now have our goals set for us.”

Mamunur Rasheed Tabrez Sahib, Zaeem Majlis Ansarullah Qadian, said: “Alhamdulillah, Huzooraa guided us with great love and compassion. We pray to Allah the Almighty that He may grant him a healthy and active life. Amin.”

M Nasir Ahmad Sahib, Naib Sadr for Tarbiyat Affairs, said: “I was able to attend the virtual meeting with Huzooraa today. Before the meeting had started, I was reciting istighfar and durood. I felt elated as soon as the bright face of the Khalifa shone on the screen.”

Hafiz Syed Rasool Niaz Sahib, Naib Sadr for Shura, Ijtemas and Tarbiyati Camps, said: “I had the opportunity to speak directly with Hazrat Amirul Momineen for the first time ever. It was a unique experience for me and it was one of the most memorable moments of my life. My heart felt a new zeal and passion after meeting Huzooraa.

Insha-Allah, I will work according to the instructions of Huzooraa.”

Qureshi Farid Ahmad Sahib, Auditor Majlis Ansarullah India, said: “Alhamdulillah, I consider myself lucky on this occasion that I had a live interaction with my beloved master and was among those who received the guidance of Huzooraa. I thank Allah the Almighty that we got this opportunity.”

Abdul Momin Rashid Sahib, Naib Sadr I, Majlis Ansarullah India, said: “This meeting with Huzooraa is indescribable in terms of love, affection and closeness. I had the opportunity to listen directly to the faith-inspiring instructions and guidance. May Allah the Almighty bless us with such meetings with Huzooraa again and again, and help us to follow the guidance of Huzooraa. Amin.”

H Shamsuddin Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat, said: “I had the opportunity to attend a virtual meeting with my beloved master, alhamdulillah. It was a unique experience to receive direct guidance from Huzooraa.

He especially instructed me to get personal feedback from Ansar members about events and to try and maintain a pleasant atmosphere and end marital quarrels.”

Muhammad Yusuf Anwar Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat for New Converts, said: “I was very happy to speak with my beloved master in a virtual meeting and there was no end to the joy. The compassion of Huzooraa is unparalleled.

We pray to Allah the Almighty that He may grant a long life of health and safety to our dear Imam and keep the blessed shadow of Huzooraa on us till our last breath. Amin.”

Nasir Waheed Sahib, Qaid Zahanat and Sehat-e-Jismani, said: “After seeing the face of the beloved

masteraa, all fears and fatigue went away.

The MTA team doubled the joy of Huzooraa by showing him glimpses of Qadian. May Allah reward the MTA team.”

Rafiq Ahmad Baig Sahib, Qaid Mal, said: “I cannot express my feelings in words.

However, I would like to say that this was an important moment of my life and an event that will be remembered for a lifetime […]

Huzooraa spoke to me; its sweetness will stay with me forever. May Allah the Almighty help me to follow the instructions given by Huzooraa. Amin.”

Sheikh Mujahid Ahmad Shastri Sahib, Naib Sadr Saf-e-Daum, Majlis Ansarullah India, said: “This meeting of Majlis Ansarullah India is a historic occasion. I am lucky to have attended it. Before the meeting, there was a state of fear, but this condition changed as soon as we saw Huzooraa. May this meeting with Huzooraa be a source of increasing knowledge and enlightenment in our lives, and may we fulfil the expectations which Huzooraa has of us. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.”

Muhammad Arif Rabbani Sahib, Qaid Talim, said: “For the first time, we had a direct meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

It is a joyous occasion for me that cannot be described in words. Before the meeting, there was a lot of fear about how to talk to Huzooraa, but his kind words dispelled all fears.”

Muhammad Nooruddin Sahib, Qaid Tabligh, said: “I consider myself very lucky to have been a part of this meeting. Our beloved master gave us golden advice with compassion. May Allah enable us to follow all the advice of Huzooraa.”

Khalid Ahmad Allah Din Sahib, Qaid Isaar Khidmat-e-Khalq, said: “Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, we all had the privilege of meeting Huzooraa. It was a very blessed gathering. Huzooraa very lovingly concealed our shortcomings and gave us instructions to improve our work. May Allah the Almighty enable us all to serve according to the expectations of Huzooraa. Amin” Dr Abdul Majid Sahib Saharanpuri, Qaid Tajnid, said: “Alhamdulillah, this was my first virtual meeting after taking the oath of allegiance.

I was very concerned about the sanctity of Khilafat, but as always, we experienced Huzoor’s fatherly affection. A loving atmosphere prevailed. I am glad my first meeting was very positive. I pray that Allah the Almighty may grant Huzooraa an active life of health and safety and in his Khilafat, may the Jamaat continue to grow day and night. May the flag of the Holy Prophetsa soar above all flags of the world. Amin.”

M Thajudeen Sahib, Naib Sadr Majlis Ansarullah South India, said: “Alhamdulillah, this virtual meeting was a memorable moment for me; I will never forget it. I noted down the instructions from Huzooraa and will, insha-Allah, try my level best to carry out these instructions in letter and spirit. May Allah the Almighty shower His blessings upon our beloved Huzooraa.”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

Coming from every distant track

Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib visits Qadian and meets with Promised Messiah

A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa when receiving visitors in Qadian Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

It is recorded and documented in the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya that on Sunday, 3 March 1907, before Zuhr prayer, Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib, alongside a friend, visited Qadian.

It is said about Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib that he held an important post in areas like Agra and Allahabad. He was assigned duties by the British government, which he performed alongside the king of Afghanistan. He was also assigned certain responsibilities by the government of India, which he carried out in collaboration with the amir of Afghanistan. He was given various titles by the British government in honour of his services.

Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib had travelled extensively through difficult routes to visit Qadian and meet Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

Addressing Syed Habibullah Khan Sahib, the Promised Messiahas said: “After undergoing such hardships [of travel], no individual who does not possess firm faith can make such a journey. In the eyes of the materialists, coming here is a misuse of one’s time. May Allah reward you.”

In the same meeting, it was referenced about those who were entangled in worldly relations and affairs that such people were drowning in this world to the extent that they had become completely oblivious to the religion of Islam. In this regard, Habibullah Khan Sahib said that he desired to withdraw himself from this world and live a cloistered and sequestered life.

Upon this, Hazrat Ahmadas said: “Religion and the world cannot be bridged unless God wills to make a person’s nature so pure that he puts his religion first even when he is involved in worldly affairs.

Such people do exist in the world.

“A person is mentioned in TazkiratulAuliya who was engaged in a transaction of thousands of rupees. A waliullah [pious man of God] looked at him and saw in a vision that his heart was not oblivious to the Almighty God, in spite of [being occupied in] such transactions. It is with regard to these people that God Almighty states: َ​ٌَ َ َ ْ ْ ُْ َ ّٰ ْ َ ٌ ‫ارۃ ّولا ب َ ْیع ع ْن ذِک ِر الل ِہ‬ ‫لا تل ِھیھِم ِتج‬ “[Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.38] neither merchandise nor trade diverts from the remembrance of Allah. Man’s excellence lies in him being engaged in worldly business and also not forgetting God. “What use is a horse that sits down when a load is placed on its back and walks extensively when its load is empty. This is

not commendable. A faqir who is frightened by worldly affairs and becomes a recluse exhibits a sort of weakness. There is no asceticism in Islam. We never say to give up [marrying] women and [having] children, or to give up worldly affairs – not at all; however, an employee should perform the duties his job commands and a businessman

should complete his business [dealings], but religion should be given top priority.

“An example of this is in the world itself, where businessmen and employees, despite the fact that they run their businesses and jobs very well, get married and have children and pay their dues equally. Such a person, who is busy in these engagements,

can also fulfil the rights of God Almighty and can live their life with great excellence by putting religion before the world.

“Man has a natural relationship with God Almighty because his nature has already confessed, in the presence of God ٰ َ ‫[ قَالُواب‬They say, ‘Yea...’] in Almighty, ‫لی‬ ُ ُ َ​َ response to ‫‘[ ال ْست بِ َربِّک ْم‬Am I not your Lord?’]. [Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.173] “Remember, the one who says to go to the forest and worship God, attempting to avoid worldly evils, runs away from the world in fear and adopts impotence. You see, a train’s locomotive – an inanimate object – pulls thousands of passengers with it and carries it to its destination. It is a state of pity for a living being that cannot carry anyone else with him.

“God Almighty has bestowed man great prowess. He has placed a treasure of faculties within him, but man wastes them by adopting laziness […] It is an established rule that abilities that are not utilised are gradually lost. If a person spends his time in complete darkness for 40 days, his eyes begin to lose sight.

“A relative of mine underwent phlebotomy treatment. The surgeon told Continued on next page >>

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued previous page

him to restrict his hand movement, therefore he was very careful not to move his hand at all. The result was that after 40 days, his hand became completely paralysed.

“Man’s strength, whether spiritual or physical, cannot progress unless he uses it. Some people are also convinced that a person who works hard and utilises his faculties gains a longer life [due to remaining active]. Man’s [importance] dies when he becomes redundant; when he becomes useless, disaster strikes.”

The Promised Messiahas added: “It is by the power of God that scholars of the time have issued fatwas about our movement without considering [its teachings] and [in their writings] have declared me to be worse than the Christians.

They should have conducted thorough research first. They should have studied our books in depth and then acted in a just manner. Surprisingly, these people are still oblivious to the state of Islam, as if they do not know what torment Islam is currently experiencing. Even now, the internal condition of Islam is deteriorating as is its external condition.

“All their efforts are spent on [believing] Prophet Jesus is alive, sitting in the Heavens.

They do not ponder that it is written in the Holy Quran that he has passed away and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, testified that ‘I saw him among the deceased’.

“In the Holy Quran, the word ‫ توفی‬comes first, followed by [the word] ‫رفع‬. Then, we should also think about how the belief of Prophet Jesus being alive benefits Islam. The false god of Christians [i.e. Prophet Jesus, who Christians have mistakenly taken as their god and saviour] is given a unique characteristic and Christians make Jesus their god, and [through which] ignorant Muslims are deceived and converted to Christianity. The result of believing Jesus as alive is that 100,000 Muslims have left Islam and become Christians. This method has been tested. Now, let us try another method for a few days, which is that Prophet Jesus has passed away.

“It is an established rule that when one medicine fails in its efficacy, another should be used. We have seen that there is no greater weapon to wipe out Christianity than to prove that the person they make God has entered the realm of the dead. Earlier, priests used to come to Qadian frequently and camp in tents and preach, but since we have claimed this [the death of Prophet Jesus], they have stopped coming to Qadian altogether.

“Similarly, in Lahore, Lord Bishop wanted to prove the superiority of the Messiah [of Nazareth], over the life of Christ and the death of the Holy Prophet, by giving a lecture in a large gathering. No Muslim could provide any answer; however, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, from our Jamaat, got up and replied that the Holy Quran and the Gospels proved that Prophet Jesusas had passed away and that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was alive because there are still those who have performed miracles by receiving blessings from him. This left the bishop speechless and he avoided talking to our Jamaat entirely.

Jesus’ return:

Part I

Metaphors and Quranic proof he died Daniyal Kahlon Missionary, MTA Social Media

Non-Ahmadi Muslims often ask where and in which book it is mentioned that the promise of the second advent of Isa ibn Maryamas (Jesus) refers to a figurative advent rather than a literal one.

This question has been raised ever since Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian claimed to be the Promised Messiah.

In response, the Promised Messiahas beautifully answered this question in his treatise entitled Izala-e-Auham (Part I, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 277-279).

Below is a humble effort to provide this answer in English based on the Promised Messiah’s own answer.

The Holy Quran testifies to the death of Jesusas The first and most important point to remember is that an answer to this question is not given by just an ordinary book; rather, the Holy Quran itself testifies to a figurative advent by proving the death of the Messiah, Isa ibn Maryamas.

God Almighty states:

ُ َ َ َ َ۠​َ ّ ‫َو َما ُم َح َّم ٌد ِالَّا َر ُسوۡ ٌل َق ۡد َخ َل ۡت ِم ۡن َق ۡب ِل ِہ‬ ‫الرُ ُس ُل ۚ افائِ ۡن ّمات ا ۡو ق ِت َل‬ ُ ٰ َ َ​َۡ ۚ ‫انقل ۡب ُت ۡم َع ٰۤلی ا ۡعق ِبک ۡم‬

“And Muhammad is only a Messenger.

Verily, [all] Messengers have passed away before him. If then he die or be slain, will you turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels shall not harm Allah at all. And Allah will certainly reward the grateful.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.145)

“Our principles are so firm for Christians that they are unable to answer them at all.

These maulvis, who are blocking the path of the progress of Islam, are very unfortunate.

Christianity automatically falls apart when their God is [proven to be] dead; so what else is left?

“Islam has endured days of great distress.

Its autumn has passed and now its spring has ْ َ َ arrived; ‫ا ِّن َمع ال ُع ْس ِر ی ُ ْس ًرا‬, meaning that after hardship, prosperity has come. However, maulvis do not want Islam to flourish. The state of Islam is now deteriorating internally and externally. The apparent state of the Islamic empire faces extreme weakness and the internal state is that thousands of churches are occupied [by those who have left Islam] and many have become atheists.

When this is the case with Islam, ْ ّ َisْ َّ َ itُ ْ not َ َّ َ ‫الذک‬ time that God, Who promised ‫ر‬ ‫اِنا نحن نزلنا‬ ِ َ َ َّ ُ ‫ – َواِنا ل ٗہ لحَا ِفظ ْو َن‬meaning ‘Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian’ – protects

This verse stood as a testimony to any doubts regarding the inevitable demise of the Holy Prophetsa. It was even recited by Hazrat Abu Bakrra al-Siddiq at a delicate time for the Muslim Ummah, when our beloved Prophetsa had just passed away and many companions, including the likes of Hazrat Umarra al-Farooq, could not come to terms with his demise. However, on hearing this verse being read out by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, to prove all prophets had died and this is the natural order of Allah, all doubts were removed and the companions unanimously accepted that the Holy Prophetsa had passed away like all prophets before him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, book 62, hadith 19) However, this verse would (God forbid) be completely meaningless if Hazrat Isa ibn Maryamas was literally alive in his physical body because if this was the case, then this verse doesn’t provide substantial evidence that the Holy Prophetsa was destined to pass away; in fact, one might allege that if Hazrat Isa ibn Maryamas is still alive then why wasn’t the Holy Prophetsa kept alive by God Almighty?

The next verse presented by the Promised Messiahas from the Holy Quran is:

ُۡۡ َ َ َ َۡ ‫الخل َد‬ ‫َو َما َج َعلنا ل َِبش ٍر ِّم ۡن ق ۡب ِلک‬

“We granted not everlasting life to any human being before thee.” (Surah alAnbiya, Ch.21: V.35) In this verse, the Holy Prophetsa is being addressed with the fact that no person before him was given immortality. This verse shows, without a doubt, Hazrat Isa Islam?

“They deny the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in a way that they do not accept the mujaddid of the age. Did he not say that there would be a mujaddid at the head of every century?

25 years have passed since the [start of the] century – that is, a whole quarter of a century has passed. Now, tell me, who is he and where did he appear?

“Everyone before us awaited the arrival of the mujaddid. Even Siddiq Hasan Khan thought that maybe he should be [the mujaddid], so too did Abdul Hayye of Lakhuke. One’s mere imagination cannot affect anything. One cannot achieve any status unless God Almighty so ordains.

He who is entrusted with a task by God Almighty, is bestowed [a long] life; he is given the strength to fulfil his task, and provided means of help. Other people get mixed up in their own thoughts and are then unable to achieve anything.

ibn Maryamas could not be alive, otherwise his being alive contradicts this verse of the Holy Quran.

The next verse presented by Huzooras is:

ٰ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ َّ ً َ َ ۡ ُ ٰ ۡ َ َ َ َ ‫ام َو َما کانوۡا خ ِل ِدیۡ َن‬ ‫لا یاکلون الطع‬ ‫جسدا‬ ‫وما جعلنہم‬

“And We did not give them bodies that ate no food, nor were they to live forever.”

(Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.9) Again, this verse doesn’t require much explanation due to the fact that anyone ought to be able to understand that if Allah the Almighty has stated in His Holy Book that no physical body can survive without food, then this naturally proves that to believe Hazrat Isa ibn Maryamas is alive in the second heaven with his physical body is in direct confrontation to this verse.

The only solution to this contradiction would be to either accept that he is not in fact physically alive with his human body (rather he has passed away and his soul resides in the second heaven), or that there is a contradiction in God’s Holy Word (God forbid).

These arguments presented by the Promised Messiahas from the Holy Quran are straightforward and very easy to comprehend – they prove Hazrat Isa ibn Maryamas of the Bani Israil has undoubtedly passed away.

In part II, I will, insha-Allah, show why the prophecy of the second coming of Isa Ibn Maryamas (Jesus) was a metaphor and it meant someone would come in the same disposition as Jesussa, not that Jesusas was to come down literally.

“Even a false tehsildar [tax officer] is arrested and put in prison after a few days, not to speak of one who claims to be divinely appointed, even though he is not from God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 162) In this meeting, the Promised Messiahas shed light on various other spiritual topics.

This meeting was recorded in the Jamaat’s newspapers, Al Hakam and Badr, which have been transmitted and presented to us in the form of Malfuzat. This particular occasion of history is recorded in Malfuzat, volume 5, page 162.

On this occasion, Hazrat Ahmadas spoke to Syed Habibullah Sahib about the rights of guests and said: “Today, I was feeling frail and [felt that I] would not be able to come out; however, after being told about your arrival, it crossed my mind that a guest, who has travelled all this way, also has a right. In wanting to fulfil this right, I came out [to meet you.]”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

“Nothing will remain of the Quran but its text”: Calls from Online Quran Academy Syed Hashir Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada We usually get a lot of phone calls to our home phone in Canada from online Quran and hadith schools based in Pakistan. Last week, I decided to actually talk to the person on the other side of the call. I got two calls last week and the conversations that I had with them were just amazing. As a student of Jamia Ahmadiyya, I thought it would give me a taste of what I would potentially have to face in the field. These conversations enabled me to experience the holy words of my beloved master Prophet Muhammadsa first hand: “Nothing will remain of Islam but its name and nothing will remain of Quran but its text”.

Given below is a reproduction of my conversations, from my memory, lightly edited for the sake of brevity. I identify myself as a “student”.

The First Call The first call I received went something like this: Caller: Hello sir. I am calling from the Online Quran Academy. Do you, or anyone at home, want to learn the Holy Quran from us?

Student: Can you tell me, where are you calling from?

Caller: Yes, sir. I am calling from Islamabad, Pakistan.

Student: And do you know where you have called? This is not Pakistan. This is Canada.

Caller: Yes, I know. That’s why I called; to ask you whether you want to learn the Holy Quran?

Student: Well, I would learn from you, but the fact is that your country does not consider me a Muslim – so why should I learn the Holy Quran from you?

Caller: Sir, are you a non-Muslim?

Student: No, I am not a non-Muslim.

I am a Muslim, but your country does not recognise me as a Muslim. It’s in your law.

Caller: No, sir. There is no law. Who are you and why are you saying that you are a non-Muslim according to our law?

Student: You see, it’s a very common law in Pakistan. I am a non-Muslim according to your law. Why must I learn the Holy Quran from you?

Caller: Sir, we teach the Holy Quran.

We are Muslims. Whoever calls himself a Muslim, the Quran says he is Muslim. I don’t know why you say you are a non-Muslim?

(Now it was clear. I thought to myself, that he has said himself that whoever calls themselves a Muslim, is Muslim according to the Holy Quran. So why not tell him that I am an Ahmadi Muslim.)

Caller: Are you a Muslim?

Student: Yes, I am an Ahmadi Muslim.

Caller: Sorry, what did you say?

Student: I said that I am an Ahmadi Muslim.

Caller: Ahmadi?

Student: Yes. Caller: Ahmadi … You mean Qadiani?

Qadiani! … [Erupts in laughter] Kafir! …

[Laughs again] You are a kafir!

The caller abruptly hung up after calling me a kafir (infidel). Merely seconds ago, he said that whoever called themselves a Muslim, is a Muslim according to the Holy Quran and merely seconds after that statement, he called me a kafir. I was shocked. I thought this would be a sensible gentleman because usually people use Khatm-e-Nabuwat to consider someone a Muslim, but he was using the Holy Quran.

Through this phone call, I truly witnessed the Quran being “discarded” as mentioned in the Holy Quran, chapter 25, verse 31, where Allah the Almighty says, “And the Messenger will say, ‘O my Lord, my people indeed treated this Quran as [a] discarded [thing].” And I truly experienced the fulfilment of the aforementioned hadith.

The Second Call

another call from the same institution.

The phone rang. I picked up.

Caller: Hello, sir. How are you? I am speaking from the Online Quran Academy.

Do you have anyone who wants to learn the Holy Quran?

Student: Which country are you calling from?

Caller: I am calling from Islamabad, Pakistan. Do you want to learn the Holy Quran?

Student: Sir, this is Canada, not Pakistan.

Caller: Yes, I know, sir. We teach the Holy Quran everywhere.

Student: Okay. Can you give me some more information?

Caller: Yes, sir. We teach the Holy Quran online. There are online classes.

Student: So you guys teach for free or is there some fee?

Four to five days after the first call, I received

Continued on next page >>

Being cautious of the time for sehri Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra states that Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahib Faizullah Chak told him: “Once during the month of Ramadan, somebody made the call for Fajr prayer well before the time of sehri [pre-dawn meal]. The Promised Messiahas entered the mosque and said, ‘I was about to take a sip from my glass of milk when I heard the call for prayer and so, I placed the glass back.’ Somebody said, ‘Huzoor, there is still time to eat and drink,’ to which the Promised Messiahas replied, ‘I do not deem it appropriate to consume anything after the Azan.’”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra says, “If this instance has been reported correctly, then Huzooras must have undertaken this precaution particularly for himself. Otherwise, Huzooras used to consider the time [of the completion of sehri] to be the break of dawn and not when the call for Fajr prayer was made. In accordance with the objective of the Quranic verse, he used to emphasise that [sehri should be concluded] when the time of Fajr prayer becomes visible. Yet, as the saints say: there is a difference between fatwa [the edict] and taqwa [righteousness].” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, p. 520)

16

Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadiyyat in Sweden: Missionaries tour central Sweden for #MessiahHasCome and #AskAMuslim campaign Kashif Mahmood Virk Missionary, Sweden From 2 to 7 April 2021, Rizwan Ahmad Afzal Sahib, a missionary, and I embarked on a 1500-kilometre journey through central Sweden. The travel started from Nasir mosque in Gothenburg.

The campaigns #FrågaEnMuslim (Ask A Muslim) and #MessiasHarKommit (Messiah Has Come) has been launched by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sweden for several years.

On the instruction of Hazrat Khalifatul << Continued previous page

Caller: Yes, sir. There is a fee. It is $100 for the online course.

(At first, I thought to myself, should I ask a school that teaches the Holy Quran about fees? Obviously, they are going to be free of cost – after all, they are teaching the Holy Quran. But the response shocked me. He said that the fee was $100; that is more than 10,000 rupees in Pakistan, for learning the Holy Quran!)

Student: Wait, wait, wait. What did you say? $100 for teaching the Holy Quran?

You should know that in the hadith, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has not allowed taking money for teaching Quran.

Caller: Sorry, sir, can you repeat that?

Student: I said that the Holy Prophetsa, in a hadith, has forbidden to take money for teaching the Quran.

Caller: Yes, sir, I know that, but it is $100 for learning the Quran.

Student: Listen brother! Are you hearing yourself? You are asking for money to teach the Holy Quran. I am telling you that the Holy Prophetsa has not allowed that. So why would I pay you?

Caller: Sir, you are right, the hadith does not allow taking money for teaching the Quran, but sir…

Student: You are doing something against the commandment of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. I told you that it is not allowed. You are confirming this and still asking for money?

Caller: Yes, sir, you are right but….

[He hung up] I could not believe that a Muslim after hearing a hadith and agreeing with me

Masih Vaa, many rural areas and cities have been visited and the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat has been conveyed there.

With permission from local police authorities, five public gatherings were arranged at central locations in the cities Örebro, Karlskoga, Karlstad, Borlänge and Gävle. Political authorities and local churches were also contacted and informed about the campaign. Many people visited the event and observed the large picture of the Promised Messiahas on the back of the caravan.

The journey received much attention

from the local press. A total of five newspapers published detailed reports of the campaign and introduced Jamaat-eAhmadiyya. The media also published the picture of the Promised Messiahas. Two local radio stations interviewed us and enquired about the purpose of the campaign, as well as one TV station. All of these news stories were also published online and on social media and reached hundreds of thousands, alhamdulillah.

As it was Easter, the advent of the Promised Messiahas as the second coming of Jesus Christas was highlighted and this

was also mentioned by the press.

Along the route, several members of the Jamaat residing in these remote areas were visited and they provided us ample assistance. May Allah bless them for their support.

We request the readers of Al Hakam to pray that may Allah the Almighty enable Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sweden to convey the message of true Islam to all the population in Sweden. Amin

on the hadith would still be selling me something that wasn’t allowed in that very hadith. Though I did not quote the hadith in the call, I shall quote it here.

Hazrat Ubadah bin Samitra narrates, “I taught some of Ahl al-Suffah the Quran and to write, and one of them gave me a bow. I said: ‘It is not wealth, and I may shoot with it in the cause of Allah. I shall go to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be on Him, and ask him.’ So I went to him and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, one of the men whom I taught the Quran and to write has given me a bow, and that is not wealth, and I may shoot with it in the cause of Allah, the Most High. He said: ‘If you would like to have a collar of fire tied to your neck then accept it.’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book of Wages, Chapter regarding the earnings of a teacher) After the call, I sighed and thought for a moment about what had happened. I picked up a book and started reading. Within 5-7 minutes, my phone starting ringing again. I picked it up: Caller: Hello sir. I just talked to you a few minutes ago.

Student: From Online Quran Academy?

Caller: Yes sir. Sir, I wanted to tell you that if you cannot pay $100, then we can give you a discount. You can pay $80. If you cannot pay that, then you can pay $40. If you cannot pay anything, then we can make it free for you sir.

(I could not believe this. He had the audacity to call me again and offer a discount to teach me the Holy Quran after I told him that taking money to teach the Quran was against the teachings of Islam. I

was not expecting that.)

Student: Hold on, I told you before that in a hadith the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa had prohibited from taking money in return for teaching the Quran. And you are calling me again to offer me a lower price for that?

(Now, the caller brings up a new point.)

Caller: Sir, you see, there are people who sell the Holy Quran. They sell the Quran and make money. So we can make money by teaching the Quran.

Student: Wait, so you are telling me that just because other people are making money, so you can too? I am telling you of a hadith. The hadith does not allow it.

Caller: Sir, you are right. The hadith says don’t take money for teaching the Quran, but people sell the Quran and make money.

Student: You are right. They make money but they do not make money from selling the Quran. They are making money by selling the published book in which the Quran is written, which has a beautiful cover and good quality pages. If they do not sell the published book, they would start to lose their money and soon they will not be able to publish more Qurans for future generations.

Caller: Yes, sir. You are right, but they still make money.

Student: They do not make any profit on it. They sell the publication of the Quran for the same price which cost them to make it.

(I then changed the subject.)

Student: Why do you even take the money? You are teaching the Holy Quran online. There is no expenditure in that other than the cost of the Internet.

Caller: Yes.

Student: You see, I am a hafiz [I memorised from Madrasa-tul-Hifz, Rabwah]. I memorised the Holy Quran from a madrasa (religious school). There were no fees there.

Caller: You are right, sir. I know that madrasas don’t take money. They don’t have fees because they are madrasas. But this is online. We don’t do it for free.

Student: If, at all, someone must take money, it should be a madrasa. They have to pay for their electricity and water bills. They also have hostels so they have to pay for food and accommodation. They have more of a right to ask for fees as you are teaching online.

Caller: You are right, sir. But this is online. It is expensive. Bye, sir.

[He hung up.]

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has prophesied about this day and age. He said: “A time is soon coming to mankind when nothing of Islam but its name will remain and only the written form of the Quran will remain. Their mosques will be occupied, but will be devoid of guidance.

Their scholars will be the worst of all people under the Heavens. Fitnah (mischief) will emerge from them and will return among them.” (Mishkat-ul-Masabih, The Book of Knowledge) In the same age, the Holy Prophetsa also foretold the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of Khilafat on precepts of the Prophethood. We, Ahmadi Muslims, are blessed that we have accepted the Promised Messiahas and are constantly under the guidance of our beloved Khalifa who never lets us go astray.

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

17 tasks of angels, as explained by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

to Shimla, an Arya gentleman came to visit me. A conversation about the Vedas ensued. I said, ‘If you are certain that the Vedas are truthful, then swear upon it.’ He began to say, ‘I am ready to take an oath.’ I stated, ‘Take this oath: ‘If the Vedas are not truthful, then let punishment fall upon my wife and children.’ He responded, ‘I cannot do this. My heart is fearful [of this].’ I said, ‘I am ready to take this same oath about the Quran.’ He said, ‘This takes a lot of courage’.

I said, ‘When I am certain that the Quran is truthful and is the Word of Allah, then why should I not have courage?’” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 500) 6. They establish Allah’s Unity Every angel is tasked with this duty, and it is an exclusively distinct duty that every angel [must] perform. Hence, Allah the Almighty states:

ۤ َ ۡ ۡ ۢ ً َ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ َ ُ َ ٰٓ َ ۡ َ َ ُ َّ َ ٰ ۤ َ ٗ َّ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ ‫ش ِہد اللہ انہ لا ِالہ ِالا ہو ۙ و المل ِئکۃ و اولوا ال ِعل ِم قٓائِما ِبال ِقس ِط ؕ لا‬ ۡ ۡ َّ ؕ ‫ِالٰ َہ ِالا ُہوَ ال َع ِزیۡ ُز ال َح ِک ۡی ُم‬

Frasat Ahmad Missionary, USA What do angels do exactly?

What practical relevance do they have in our world? Do they even play a role in our lives or influence humanity in any way?

The Promised Messiahas succinctly answers this question, writing: “God has taught us in the Holy Quran that this natural system [relevant to humanity] does not run by itself and that all the particles of these things [related to man] hear the voice of God and are His angels, who are appointed by Him to carry out certain functions and they do so according to His will.” (Nasim-e-Da‘wat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, p. 462) As the Promised Messiahas has theoretically explained that angels carry out tremendous duties for humanity, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has pinpointed exactly what tasks angels perform, according to the Holy Quran.

In his own words, here are Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra 17 Quranic points on the tasks that angels render for Allah and His Creation (taken from his speech entitled, Malaikatullah, delivered in December 1920 at Jalsa Salana Qadian).

1. They convey the Divine Word “One task that the angels are appointed with, and it is quite a major task, is to convey the divine word. Hence, Allah the Almighty states: ۢ

َّ َ َّ ً ُ ُ َ ٰٓ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ُ ّٰ َ ّٰ َ ۡ ٌ ‫اس ؕ ِا ّن الل َہ َس ِم ۡیع بَ ِصی ٌر‬ ِ ‫اللہ یصط ِف ۡی ِمن المل ِئک ِۃ رسلا و ِمن الن‬

[‘Allah chooses [His] Messengers from among angels, and from among men.

Surely, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.’]

(Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.76) “[In other words] Allah chooses His Messengers from among angels, and from among men. Thus, we ascertain that one task that angels perform is to convey God’s Message.” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 498) 2. They take away life “Allah the Almighty states:

َّ ُ ُ ُ َُ ُ ّ ۡ ُ َ َ ُ ّٰ ‫ق ۡل یَ َتوَفک ۡم ّملک ال َموۡ ِت ال ِذ ۡی ُو ِک َل ِبک ۡم ث ّم ِالٰی َر ِّبک ۡم ت ۡر َج ُعوۡ َن‬

“Meaning that ‘Say, ‘The angel of death that has been put in charge of you will cause you to die; then to your Lord will you be brought back.’ [Surah al-Sajdah, Ch.32: V.12]” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 498-499) 3. They bring punishment on enemies of prophets “When they confront the wicked, these angels produce such [a strong] magnetic power that it wipes away evil. Just as petrol bursts into flame when ignited with fire, as do the wicked [burn away] like petrol by the fire that are angels […] Hence, Allah the Almighty states:

ۡ َ َ ُ ۡ ََُ ۡ ۡ َ َ ۤ َّ ُۡ ُ ‫َہ ۡل یَنظ ُر ۡو َن ِالا ا ۡن تا ِت َی ُہ ُم ال َم ٰٓل ِئکۃ ا ۡو یَا ِت َی َر ّبک ا ۡو یَا ِت َی بَ ۡعض ٰا ٰی ِت‬ ۡ َُ ُ َۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ُ َ َ ‫َر ِّبک ؕ یَوۡ َم یَا ِت ۡی بَ ۡعض ٰا ٰی ِت َر ِّبک لَا یَنفع نف ًسا ِایۡ َمان َہا ل َ ۡم تک ۡن ٰا َمن ۡت‬ َ َ َ ۡ َّ ۤ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ‫ِم ۡن ق ۡب ُل ا ۡو ک َس َب ۡت فِ ۡۤی ِایۡ َمانِ َہا خی ًرا ؕ ق ِل ان َت ِظ ُر ۡوا ِانا ُمن َت ِظ ُر ۡو َن‬

[‘Do they expect aught but that angels should come to them or that thy Lord should come or that some of the Signs of thy Lord should come? The day when some of the Signs of thy Lord shall come, to believe in them shall not profit a soul which believed not before, nor earned any good by its faith. Say, ‘Wait ye, we [too] are waiting.’ (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.159)] (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p.

499) 4. They assist the believers “The believers obtain the help [of angels] and the angels render them aid. Allah the Almighty states:

َّ َ ُ َ ۡ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ َ ۡ َّ ُ ُ ّٰ َ ُّ َ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َّ َّ ‫اموۡا ت َتنز ُل َعل ۡی ِہ ُم ال َم ٰٓل ِئکۃ الا‬ ‫ِان ال ِذین قالوا ربنا اللہ ثم استق‬ َ‫تَ َخ ُافوۡا َو لَا تَ ۡح َزنُوۡا َو اَ ۡبش ُر ۡوا بال ۡ َج َّن ِۃ الَّ ِت ۡی ُک ۡن ُت ۡم تُوۡ َع ُد ۡون‬ ِ ِ ُّ ٰ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ ٰٓ ۡ َ ُ ۡ َ ۤ‫الدن ۡ َیا َو فِی ال ۡ ٰاخ َِر ِۃ ۚ َو ل َ ُک ۡم فِ ۡی َہا َما تَ ۡش َتہ ۡی‬ ‫نحن اول ِیؤکم فِی الحیو ِۃ‬ ِ ُ َ‫اَنۡ ُف ُس ُک ۡم َو لَک ۡم فِ ۡی َہا َما تَ َّد ُعوۡن‬

“Meaning that ‘[As for] those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast, the angels descend on them, [saying]: ‘Fear ye not, nor grieve; and receive glad tidings of the Garden which you were promised. We are your friends in this life and in the Hereafter. Therein you will have all that your souls will desire, and

therein you will have all that you will ask for.’ [Surah Ha Mim as-Sajdah, Ch.41: V.3132]” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 499) 5. They strike awe into the hearts of people “When they are seen, the angels annihilate the disbelievers and idolaters. In addition, every angel instils awe of the Prophet and his Jamaat [Community] into the heart of the human he is tasked to accompany. Allah the Almighty states:

َ َ ُ​ُ ُ َ ُ َ ُ َۡ َ ۡ ۡ َُۡ ‫ِاذ تقوۡ ُل ل ِل ُم ۡؤ ِم ِنی َن ال َ ۡن ّیک ِف َیک ۡم ا ۡن ّی ِم ّدک ۡم َر ّبک ۡم ِبث ٰلث ِۃ ٰالٰ ٍف ِّم َن‬ ۡ َۡ َ ۡ ‫ال َم ٰٓل ِئک ِۃ ُمنزل ِی َن‬

[‘When thou didst say to the believers, ‘Will it not suffice you that your Lord should help you with three thousand angels sent down [from on high?]’ [Surah Al-eImran, Ch.3: V.125] “Why did Allah mention 3,000 angels?

Because the enemy forces at the time numbered 3,000. This demonstrates that these angels were not of a high calibre; rather, they consisted of those [ordinary] angels who accompany and remain attached to every human being. Because Allah stated, ‘Will this not be sufficient for you that We help you with three thousand angels?’ This means that when you confront the enemy in battle, then the angels will strike awe into every heart [of the enemy forces].

Accordingly, Allah proceeds to states:

ّ ‫َس ُن ۡل ِق ۡی فِ ۡی ُق ُلوۡب الَّ ِذیۡ َن َک َف ُروا‬ ‫الرُ ۡع َب‬ ِ

“‘We shall strike terror into the hearts of those that have disbelieved’. [Surah Al-eImran, Ch.3: V.152] “Thus, angels strike terror into the heart of the human beings they are attached to for the sake of a Prophet and his Jamaat.

Examples of this terror can be found in this era as well. The Promised Messiahas would invite his opponents to participate in a mubahala [prayer duel], but they would never come forward in confrontation.

Anytime they would think of coming forward [against him], the angels would strike terror into their hearts, [telling them], ‘You will be destroyed [if you do so]’. For this reason, they would retreat.

“During the days when I travelled

[‘Allah bears witness that there is no God but He – and (also do) the angels and those possessed of knowledge – Maintainer of justice; there is no God but He, the Mighty, the Wise.’ (Surah al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.19)] (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 501) 7. Establishing the truth of Allah’s Prophets “People deny the [truthfulness of] the Prophets, but angels convince the hearts of people that this Prophet is not false. Hence, Allah the Almighty states:

ۡ َُ ۡ ۡ ّٰ ۡ َۡ َ َۡۤ ؕ ‫لٰ ِک ِن الل ُہ یَش َہ ُد ِب َما ان َز َل ِال َ ۡیک ان َزل َ ٗہ ِب ِعل ِم ٖہ ۚ َو ال َم ٰٓل ِئکۃ یَش َہ ُد ۡو َن‬ َ ّٰ ٰ َ ‫َو کفی ِبالل ِہ ش ِہ ۡی ًدا‬

[‘But Allah bears witness by means of (the revelation) which He has sent down to thee that He has sent it down (pregnant) with His knowledge; and the angels (also) bear witness; and sufficient is Allah as a Witness.’

(Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.167)] “Angels bear witness in many different ways. For example, they can demonstrate the truthfulness of a Prophet in a dream.

A person may be an enemy of a Prophet and consider him false, but the angels place such discourse into his heart by way of dreams that he accepts the Prophet. The truth of the matter is that an angel seeks out opportunities and moments whereby piety enters into the heart of a specific person.

There comes upon every single human being such a time when piety enters his heart, regardless of whether he is Abu Jahl or Pharoah, and when this time of piety does arrive, then the angel takes advantage of this opportunity and places the truthfulness of the Prophet into that person’s heart. As to whether this human takes advantage or squanders this opportunity is entirely up to his doing.” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 501-502) 8. They glorify and praise Allah “Allah the Almighty states:

ۡ ّۡ َ​َ ۡ َ ‫َو ترَی ال َم ٰٓل ِئکۃ َحٓافِی َن ِم ۡن َحوۡ ِل ال َع ۡر ِش یُ َس ِّب ُحوۡ َن ِب َح ۡم ِد َر ِّب ِہ ۡم ۚ َو‬ ٰ ُ ّ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ‫ق ِض َی بَ ۡین ُہ ۡم ِبال َح ّ ِق َو قِ ۡی َل ال َح ۡم ُد لِل ِہ َر ِّب ال ٰعل ِمی َن‬

[‘And thou wilt see the angels going round the Throne, glorifying their Lord with (His) praise. Judgement will be given between them with justice. And it will be said: ‘All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord Continued on next page >>

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued previous page

Fast and feed the poor

of the worlds.’ (Surah al-Zumar, Ch.39: V.76)] (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 502) 9. They ask forgiveness on behalf of those who believe

Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, said:

“These are special angels who are tasked

by Allah to continue to pray and ask forgiveness for the believers, praying that Allah conceals any weakness that a believer commits. Hence, Allah the Almighty states:

“Ramadan has a significant relevance with feeding [the poor]. That is why the saying of some elders [of the Jamaat] is also found in our literature that when Ramadan arrived, they said, ‘The time to recite the Holy Quran and feeding the needy has come, so we will now recite the Holy Quran [even more] and try to satisfy the hunger of the starved.’ Thus, Ramadan has special relevance with feeding [the hungry].” (Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 10, p. 12)

َّ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ ‫ال ِذیۡ َن یَ ۡح ِملوۡ َن ال َع ۡرش َو َم ۡن َحوۡل َ ٗہ یُ َس ِّب ُحوۡ َن ِب َح ۡم ِد َر ِّب ِہ ۡم َو یُ ۡؤ ِمنوۡ َن‬ َّ ۡ َ ً َ َ ُ ۡ َ​َ ُ ‫ِب ٖہ َو یَ ۡس َتﻐ ِف ُر ۡو َن ل ِل ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا ۚ َر ّبنا َو ِس ۡع َت ک َّل ش ۡی ٍء ّر ۡح َمۃ ّو ِعل ًما‬ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ َّ َ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َّ ۡ ۡ َ ‫اب ال َج ِح ۡی ِم‬ ‫فاﻏ ِفر ل ِل ِذین تابوا و اتبعوا س ِبیلک و قِ ِہم عذ‬

[‘Those who bear the Throne, and those who are around it, glorify their Lord with (His) praise, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe, (saying): ‘Our Lord, Thou dost comprehend all things in (Thy) mercy and knowledge. So forgive those who repent and follow Thy way; and protect them from the punishment of Hell.’ (Surah al-Mumin, Ch.40: V.8)] “From this [verse], it is gleaned that there are certain elite angels who continue to pray for elite believers so that Allah may forgive their weaknesses. As for the ordinary angels, they are tasked with praying for all people. These ordinary angels pray not only for ordinary believers, they even pray for disbelievers, and in this way, the elite believers attain a two-fold benefit. Firstly, elite angels pray for them and, secondly, ordinary angels, who pray for all people, pray for them as well. Allah the Almighty states of those angels who pray for everyone:

ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ّ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ّ َ ُ ُ َ ٰٓ َ ۡ َ ‫ض‬ ِ ‫و المل ِئکۃ یس ِبحون ِبحم ِد ر ِب ِہم و یستﻐ ِفرون ل ِمن فِی الار‬

“[In other words] ‘And the angels glorify their Lord with His praise and ask forgiveness for those on the earth.’ [Surah al-Shura, Ch.42: V.6] “I believe that Allah the Almighty has kept this path [open] as a means to empty Hell. Allah the Almighty will, due to the prayers of these angels, inevitably state, ‘Go. I absolve every single one [of you].’”

(Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p.

502) 10. The final cause of the laws of nature “Whatsoever happens in the world happens through the influence of angels. For example, rain falls, the wind blows, the rays of sunlight reach [the earth], poison takes effect, a remedy heals, etc. All of these actions occur because of the influence of the angels.

All things require the influence of angels in order to take effect. This does not mean that poison is not an entity in itself, or that a remedy is not an independent substance in itself; rather, this means that until the angel that is appointed over [the implementation of] poison does not permit it, that poison cannot take effect. And until the angel that is appointed over [the implementation of] a remedy does not command so, that remedy cannot take effect. This follows with all things.

“As such, the Holy Quran at various points mentions that angels are appointed over rainfall, the gusts of winds, and other such actions […] If someone asks how one can suppose that all things occur because of angels, then they can find the answer in [this verse]:

َّ َ َ ۡ ُ ‫ال ِذیۡ َن یَ ۡح ِملوۡ َن ال َع ۡرش‬

“‘Those who bear the Throne,’ [Surah alMumin, Ch. 40: V. 8)], that angels are indeed the manifestations of all of the attributes of Allah.” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 503) 11. They pray for blessings to descend on believers “Angels not only ask for forgiveness so that people’s sins will be pardoned, but they also pray that Allah the Almighty shower His servants with blessings […] Hence, it is stated [in the Holy Quran]:

ُّ ُ َّ َ ُّ َّ ُ َ َ ّٰ َ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َو َم ٰٓل ِئک َت ٗہ یُ َصلوۡ َن َعلی الن ِب ِ ّی ؕ ٰۤیا ّی َہا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا َﺻلوۡا‬ َ َ ّ ‫َعل ۡی ِہ َو َس ِل ُموۡا ت ۡس ِل ۡی ًما‬

[‘Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe, you (too) should invoke blessings on him and salute (him) with the salutation of peace.’ (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch. 33: V. 57)] “These angels [mentioned in the aforementioned verse] work under Allah’s Mercy. When one acts in Allah’s way, then [these] angels pray that Allah’s blessings descend upon him or her. The angels themselves cannot give blessings, so for this reason, they pray to Allah, asking Him, ‘Bless this person.’ Their salutations [on us] is akin to the salutations we send on the Holy Prophetsa, asking Allah to shower blessings upon the Holy Prophetsa. In this same manner, the angels ask Allah, ‘Shower Your mercy on this person.’” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 503) 12. They are completely engrossed in the worship of Allah “The task of some of the angels is that they are immersed solely in the worship of Allah and will continue to do so until the world ceases to exist. The ahadith record that there is not even an empty space equal to a footstep, baalisht [a measure, equal to the palm of a hand] or a wrist, in the Seven Heavens. Everywhere, the angels are worshipping God or prostrating or bowing down to Him. On the Day of Judgment, all of the angels will say, ‘Holy are You! We could not worship You as You deserved.

We can only say this much, that we did not associate any partners with You.’ “The believers should pay heed to these words of the angels. Even after completely engrossing themselves in the worship of Allah, the angels will say, ‘We did nothing.’

Yet, some people say, ‘We have worshipped so much,’ after doing a minuscule amount of worship.” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 504)

13. They record people’s deeds “Allah the Almighty states:

ُ َ َ ُ َۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ ‫َو ِا ّن َعل ۡیک ۡم ل َ ٰح ِف ِﻈی َن۔ �ِ َر ًاما کا ِت ِبی َن۔ ی ۡعل ُموۡ َن َما تف َعلوۡ َن‬

[‘But there are guardians over you, Noble recorders, who know [all] that you do.’ (Surah al-Infitar, Ch.82: V.11-13)] (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p.

504) 14. They inspire people to love those who Allah loves “Angels spread love for those who are loved

by Allah and inspire hearts, [telling them], ‘You should love these people.’ Hence, the ahadith record that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘When Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel, saying, ‘Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel! Love him.’ Gabriel begins to love him and makes an announcement amongst the inhabitants of the Heaven: ‘Allah loves so-and-so, therefore you should love him also,’ and so all the inhabitants of the Heaven begin to love him. Then he is accepted and granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.’

“You can see this scene in this era. This is an era whose people tell governments, ‘Why should we accept you?’ Yet, the people of this same era are entering into servitude to the Promised Messiahas. And those who are late in entering [his fold] regret the fact that they did not accept him earlier. This love [for the Promised Messiahas] is in fact disseminated by the angels.

“This is a delightful proof in favour of the truthfulness of Allah’s beloved ones.

False claimants appear and make great noise but no one even cares to even bat an eye towards them […] But look how love for the Promised Messiahas has spread throughout this world, and continues to spread.”

(Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, pp.

504-505) 15. They serve those who Allah loves “Sometimes, angels are placed into service for those whom Allah the Almighty considers beloved to Him. They are placed into servitude and service for God’s commissioned ones. Hence, Allah the Almighty says: ۢ

ۡ َ ّ ً َ َ ٌ َ ّ َ ٰٓ َ ۡ َ ُّ َ َ َ ۡ َ ‫ال ِّم ۡن َح َم ٍا‬ ٍ ‫َ و ِا ُذ قال َرب َک ل ِل َمل ُ ِئ ٗک ِۃ َ ِا َنِ ۡ ۡی ُخال ِق بشرا ُّ ِم ۡن ﺻ َل َ َص‬ َ ٗ ُ ۡ ٰ ‫ّم ۡسنوۡ ٍن۔ ف ِاذا َس ّویۡتہ َو نفخت فِ ۡی ِہ ِم ۡن ر ۡو ِح ۡی فقعوۡا لہ س ِج ِدی َن‬

[‘And (remember) when thy Lord said to the angels, ‘I am about to create man from dry ringing clay, from black mud wrought into shape; So when I have fashioned him (in perfection) and have

breathed into him of My Spirit, fall ye down in submission to him.’ (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.29-30)] (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 505) 16. They teach and educate “Angels are tasked to place the light of knowledge into the hearts of those who incline towards knowledge. The ahadith record that the angel Gabrielas appeared as a tamtheel [human embodiment], before the Holy Prophetsa and asked him, ‘What is faith? What is religion?’ The Holy Prophetsa answered [his questions]. When Gabrielas departed, the Holy Prophetsa said to his companions, ‘Do you know who that was?’

They responded, ‘We don’t know. Tell us [who it was].’ He said, ‘That was Gabriel who came to teach you religion.’ (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab- al-Iman) “The manner in which angels teach knowledge is also strange and wondrous.

Angels do not place what they teach into [what is known as] the “objective mind”; but rather, they place it into [what is known as] the “subconscious mind,” or into the posterior portion of the mind so that one can discover or extract it themselves. In this [“subconscious mind”] there is more powerful retention capacity than the zahiri [physical] brain, and it acts as a means of preservation. Angels place whatever knowledge they teach into this portion of the mind.” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, pp. 505-506) 17. They place pious thoughts and inclination into the hearts of people “This duty is carried out by that particular angel who is appointed his particular human being [as each human being has separate angels allocated to him or her].

In reality, this task of angels placing pious inclinations into the hearts of human beings is done under Gabriel’s supervision.

Hence, the Holy Prophetsa states, ‘There lie two influences that affect the heart of man.

One influence is from angels who urge the heart toward virtue and testify to the truth.

Whoso experiences this influence in his heart should know that it is from Allah the Almighty and thus he should be grateful to Allah. The other influence upon the heart is from the enemy [Satan] who urges towards evil, denies the truth, and prohibits one from doing good. Whoso experiences this influence in his heart should seek Allah’s Protection from Satan.’” (Malaikatullah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 508)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

100 Years Ago...

Mufti Sahib’s tabligh in Detroit, change of London mission and converts in West Africa The Review of Religions (English), April 1921 [God] to let the cup of death pass from him, and that his prayer was granted (Hebrew, 5:1). How could then it, in light of such bare and incontrovertible facts, be said, that he died on the cross. Mufti Sahib’s argument met with silence from the Christian side.

In his latest letter, Mufti Sahib informs us that he was invited to give a lecture in Detroit. The lecture was on The Good Manners of the Holy Prophet[sa]. The Mufti challenged the Orthodox Christians to evince the same broadmindedness and magnanimity as the Holy Prophet[sa] did by allowing the Christians to say their prayers in his An old scene in America mosque at Medina.

Mufti Sahib’s demand met with flat refusal from all quarters. The Our American mission Doctor Mufti Muhammad Sadiq [Sahib] Christian Ministers avowed that to give informs us that he held a debate with a their church to a Muslim to lecture in was Christian gentleman on The Prophethood nothing less than to give their fortress to of the Holy Prophet[sa]. Our learned doctor the Germans.

Mufti Sahib’s challenge sent a thrill advanced four irrefutable arguments of excitement throughout the town and from the Bible on the truth of the Holy representatives of various papers, many Prophet’s[sa] mission, one of the arguments being the occurrence of the word honourable gentlemen, lawyers, managers Muhammad in the Bible. The Christian of banks and the editor of the Free Press gentleman was struck dumb and the – came to see him and many feasts were audience fully understood the hollowness arranged in his honour.

Mufti Sahib is nowadays on a lecturing of his position. tour and all letters should be sent to the While our Brother is gaining new following address: converts, he [Christian claimant of Doctor Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, 74 prophethood] is not regardless of their Victor Avenue, Highland Park Mich. USA education and training. He [Mufti Sahib] daily gives them lessons on the Holy Quran and they are learning with all avidity and eagerness Namaz (prayers) and other fundamental principles of Islam.

Mufti Sahib has received letters of thanks from the King of Belgium and the President of Brazil for sending them important and valuable literature and for congratulating them on the New Year’s Day. During the period under report Mufti Sahib held a discussion with some Christian savants who came to see him, the subject of the discussion being that Jesus had not died on the cross. Mufti Sahib proved from the Bible that Jesus had in all humility supplicated [to] his Father

London mission Our missionaries in London are carrying on their work with unabated energy and unrelaxed earnestness. News has been received of the safe arrival in London of our brother Sheikh Ahmad Ullah. He is the third man who has ventured to put up with the separation of those dear and near to him to preach Islam in so distant and expensive a country at his own expense.

Mr Sayal in his latest letter writes: “We have shifted to our new Darul Tabligh (propagation house) and in order to celebrate the opening of the new building and give farewell address to Mr Nayyar, a general meeting was convoked in which some eighty persons of high

social standing and those interested in Islam, representatives of various papers, secretaries and presidents of many societies were invited. Among those present particularly noticeable were Professor Leon, Sir TW Arnold, author of The Preaching of Islam, Mr Khalid Sheldrake and above all, Chief Oluwa of Lagos. Professor Haroon Mustafa Leon was voted to the chair.”

Mr Nayyar, Khalid Sheldrake, and Mr FM Sayal, and the president spoke. Before the meeting was adjourned, some of the gentlemen present admitted that their views about Islam and the prophet of Islam had undergone a thorough transformation and that their antipathy and aversion gave place to liking and attraction towards Islam. Some of the London papers published the proceedings of the meeting.

The new address of the Ahmadiyyia Mission is as follows: Ahmadiyyia Mosque, No. 63 Melrose Road, London, and telegraphic address is: Islamabad London.

West Africa: Cheering News At last, the day of hope dawned on Islam after a long and un-intermitted night of despondence and we saw with our own eyes the long forgotten sight depicted in the Holy Quran in the words: “And then seest men entering the religion of God in troops.” A cable from West Africa brought the most welcome news that four thousand Fanti-Muslims had joined the fold of Ahmad[as].

God be praised.

Our Brother Mr Nayyar gained this big host of converts after a brief stay of two or three days in Sierra Leone. His letter written on board the ship is replete with glad tidings.

To some 30 Englishmen, he writes, he preached Islam and his conversations with them made such a deep impression on them that three of them chose for themselves Muslim names of Habeeb, Mahboob and Mohibb, respectively.

Mr Habeeb went into the dining room 1 and said, “I am no longer William Herbert Murrell, I have been now christened Habeeb; call me by that name.”

Five African Christians accepted Islam on board the

ship, and they were named Abdur Rahim, Abdur Rahman, Abdullah, Abdul Aziz and Abdul Hayy, instead of John Macaulay, T Owens, Thom Peter, Thom Wilson and Jack Thompson.

On his arrival in Serra Leone, he was accorded a highly cordial reception.

Mosques and Government Muslim Schools were decorated and Mr Nayyar in a big gathering of fifteen thousand people spoke on the truth and beauties of Islam.

Mr Khair Din who had become Ahmadi after a close study of Ahmadia literature for many long years acted as his interpreter.

The Muslims were much pleased to hear him but for the Christians that was a day of mourning. After a brief stay of two or three days, having sown seeds of Ahmadiyyat and having secured 4,000 conversions, the preacher of Islam and apostle of the Promised Messiah[as] left Seirra Leone for Nigeria on board the Barugo.

The officer second to the captain of the ship who knows nine languages accepted Islam. He was named Ahmad Frank Bowen and chose the name of Afifa Bowen for his wife (who is not yet converted) and Mubarak Bowen for his son. […]

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original article in The Review of Religions [English], April 1921)

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

The revival of Islam by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad There was a war raging in the late 19th century. No, not the Spanish-American War, nor the Taiping Rebellion. This war was 1,300 years in the making – the spiritual war for the survival of Islam.

Centuries ago, the Muslims used to lead the world – they led the search of science, fostered the greatest minds and were on the forefront of progress. The civilisations of al-Andalus, the Abbasid, the Ottomans and others once held great power. However, slowly, Islam – both spiritual and temporal – began declining. The greatness faded.

Perhaps India in the late 1800s was a microcosm of this. The days of the Delhi Sultanate, then the Mughal Empire were

The fulfilment of this promise was the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian. This Promised Messiah was sent for the purpose of reviving the glory and beauty of Islam. As the Christians and Hindus ambushed the faith, he stood valiantly defending the honour of his beloved Master, Muhammadsa. As the enemies of Islam attempted to tarnish the name of Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds, he stood to counter their vile attacks.

This defence included dozens of volumes of arguments which served to revive the faith of Islam. Indeed, in his magnum opus, Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, he penned over 300 arguments in the defence of Islam.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in a Friday Sermon on 9 April 2010, said: “Having received knowledge from God,

named it Qutbi’. The interpretation of this name has now come to my mind on the publication of this well-publicised book [i.e., Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya] – that it is a book which, in its reasoning and arguments, is firm and unshakeable, like the polar star.

Presenting the firmness of the contents of this book, I have issued a challenge and announced the award of a prize of ten thousand rupees [for anyone who might be able to refute it]. In short, the Holy Prophet took that book from me. The moment the blessed hands of the Holy Prophet touched the book, it became an attractive and lovely fruit resembling a guava, but as large as a watermelon. When the Holy Prophet started cutting it into pieces to distribute, it yielded so much honey that his blessed hand and forearm began to drip with it. Then a dead

gone. In the 19th century, Islam was reeling, barely standing alive from the vicious attacks of Christianity and Hinduism. Meanwhile, the Muslims themselves stood defenseless.

Indeed, the Prophet Muhammadsa foretold this. He said: “A time will come when nothing will be left of Islam except its name, and nothing will be left of the Quran except its script; their mosques will be full of worshipers but devoid of righteousness. Scholars will be the worst of creatures under the canopy of the heavens. Evil will hatch from them and to them it will return.” (Mishkat-ul-Masabih, The Book of Knowledge) Fortunately for the Muslims, Allah the Almighty had promised a Messiah to come and resuscitate the faith. Allah promises in the Quran: “He it is Who has raised among the Unlettered [people] a Messenger from among themselves who recites unto them His Signs, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom, although they were before, in manifest misguidance; “And among others from among them who have not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (Surah al-Jumuah, Ch.3: V.4)

he told the world about the superiority of Islam over other religions. He presented the reality of Christianity to the Christian priests who had spoken of Christian dominance in India in such a way that they were forced to be defensive and had to retreat, telling their followers never to engage in discussions with Ahmadis. Christians thought this was a ‘new’ Islam, but in reality, it was the real Islam. The honour of the Holy Prophetsa was being brought back. The superiority of Islam over all other religions was being brought back.” (www.alislam.org/fridaysermon/2010-04-09.html) Even before this man of God began defending Islam, Allah the Almighty revealed to him of what was to come. In Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part III, the Promised Messiahas writes: “In 1864 or 1865, when this humble one was in my early youth, and was still pursuing my studies, I saw Hazrat Khatamul-Anbiya, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

At that time, I had in my hand a religious book which I felt was of my own authorship.

Upon seeing the book, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, enquired from me in Arabic: ‘What have you named this book.’ I submitted: ‘I have

body that was lying outside the door came to life, as a miracle of the Holy Prophet, and came and stood behind me. My humble self was standing before the Holy Prophet as a supplicant stands before a ruler. The Holy Prophet was occupying his chair in great glory and majesty, and with a display of authority, as if he was a great champion.

“To summarise, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, handed over to me a piece of the fruit so that I might give it to the newly revived person, and he bestowed upon me all the remaining pieces.

I gave that one piece to the revived person, which he ate immediately. When he finished eating it, I noticed that the blessed chair of the Holy Prophet had risen much higher and the countenance of the Holy Prophet began to shine forth like the rays of the sun, which was an indication of the revival and progress of Islam.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part III [English translation], pp. 217-218) Perhaps the most prominent defence of Islam by Hazrat Ahmadas was in December of 1896 at the Lahore Religious Conference.

In this conference, Hindus, Christians and Muslims stood to prove the truthfulness of their faiths. Every attack from the other faiths was perfectly countered, and the

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masterful writing of the Promised Messiahas outlined the beauty of Islam. An audience of thousands witnessed the victory of Islam that weekend. In the end, the press had no choice but to declare Hazrat Ahmad’s defence of Islam the unparalleled best. “The Magnificent Services of the Just Imam, the Promised Messiah to Reform the Mutual Controversies and Distorted Beliefs”. (Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on 3 May 1985) As mentioned in the hadith quoted earlier, the poison of falsehood had also entered into the body of Islam. The Promised Messiahas was the antidote to this poison.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained some of the symptoms. From abrogating portions of the Quran to accusing Hazrat Adamas of apostasy and the scholars of Islam also accused Prophet Enochas, Prophet Lotas, Prophet Davidas, Prophet Solomonas and even our master Muhammadsa of various wrongdoings.

They tainted the pristine character of the prophets with their barren claims. They dishonoured the honour of the Holy Quran.

On such perversions, the Promised Messiahas writes: “[…] another one of our chief objectives is to remove the errors and self-invented beliefs that have crept into Islam. It would be unwise to suggest that there was no difference whatsoever between this Community and other Muslims.”

He continues, “Today, the love of the world dominates every heart, and everyone seems immersed in this very love […] Every form of misconduct and immorality is considered permissible and every possible transgression is brazenly committed.

Religion has become fatally weak and stands helpless like an orphan.”

The Promised Messiahas then goes on to unveil the reality of the Ummah. In the end, Huzooras explains: “It is for this purpose that God Almighty has commissioned me so that I may remove all of these errors and so that I may reestablish true Islam in the world. This is the difference between these people and us.

Their conditions no longer accord with the essence of Islam. They have become like a ruined and barren garden. Their hearts are impure. God Almighty desires to create a new people who will become a model of the true Islam by embracing the truth and righteousness.” (The Advent of the Promised Messiah, pp. 22-23, 53) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has made it clear that every Ahmadi Muslim must take part in this revival of Islam. Allah Himself says in the Quran: “And who is better in speech than he who invites [men] to Allah and does good works and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit?” (Surah Ha Mim al-Sajdah, Ch.41: V.34) As Ahmadi Muslims who have taken bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas, we too must play our role in the battle of defending Islam. We must go out and disseminate the true teachings of Islam. We all thirst and wish that we could have taken part in the Battle of Badr or the Battle of Uhud. Well, there’s a battle going on right now. Let us play our part in it.

May Allah the Almighty enable us to take part and gain blessings from the revival of Islam. Amin.

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was only 25-26. But due to his piety and devotion, he was counted among the senior Companions. He had attained a high status on account of his devotion in worship. Due to his piety, the Holy Prophetsa appointed him the revenue collector of Mecca. At his appointment, the Holy Prophetsa said that if he had found a more appropriate man than Ataab, he would have appointed him for that office. In 8A.H. he was appointed the first Amir of Hajj. (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 8, p. 8)

The exemplary young Companions: Worship, purity and fear of God Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

Waking up for Tahajud About Hazrat Abu Hurairahra, it is recorded that he accepted Islam at a young age and to wake up for Tahajud was his favourite activity. His family consisted of three members only, i.e. himself, his wife and a servant. This noble family had divided their night-time into three equal portions, whereby the whole night was spent in worship. They would wake up in turns and spend their time in worship. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-At‘imah, Bab Al-Fatha‘u bir-Ratb) Hazrat Haramra bin Malhan would deliver dars of the Holy Quran at night and spend his time in worship. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imarah, Bab Thubut al-Jannati lish-Shahid) Sleeping on the floor of mosque to wake up for Fajr Even at a young age, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar was a very righteous and pious man.

At night, he used to lie down on the floor of the mosque to be able to wake up for prayer in the morning. He had no interest in mundane fascinations and had full control over his emotions. The Holy Prophetsa was quite impressed by his prayerfulness and piety and gave expression to it. Once, he remarked before Hazrat Hafsahra that Abdullah was a righteous young man.

(Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, p. 30; Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Salat)

Hazrat Ikrimahra It has already been related that Hazrat Ikrimahra bin Abu Jahl had vowed after accepting Islam that he would serve Islam twice as much as he had worked against Islam earlier. The achievements he had on the battlefield in favour of Islam and the way he fought on every occasion is recorded in Islamic history. Besides that, very wholeheartedly, he kept his vow in regard to worship as well. Being a disbeliever, he had prostrated himself before idols of which he felt extreme remorse and was extremely restless and anxious to remove the stigma.

So he prostrated his forehead before the Almighty Allah in such a way that he compensated all the bygone slips.

Authorities on biographies admit that he laboured for worship. He was madly in love with the Holy Quran and placing it on his face, he would cry profusely and say, “Kitabu Rabbi, Kitabu Rabbi”, i.e. “the Book of my Lord”. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 567, Zikr Ikrimah; Sunan Darmi, Kitab Faza‘ilul-Quran, Bab fi Ta‘ahidil-Quran, p. 207) Hazrat Abu Talhahra Hazrat Abu Talhahra accepted Islam in his teenage years, but through worship, he had attained so high a standing in righteousness that even senior Companions would request him for supplication. On account of his profuse worship, he was called “Sajjad” – the one who prostrates a lot. (Mustadrak Hakim, Kitab Ma‘rifatus-Sahabah, Zikr Manaqib Talhah bin Ubaidullah At-Taimi) Hazrat Abu Sufyan There’s no need to discuss how staunch an ra

enemy Hazrat Abu Sufyan had been before accepting Islam. But after it, he became a living paragon of Islamic teachings. Most of his night and day hours would be spent in worship; for this reason, the Holy Prophetsa called him a youth among the youths of the Jannah. (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Zikr Abu Sufyan) Concern for prayers Hazrat Shaddad bin Ausra accepted Islam at a young age, and from then on, he was a very pious and devout believer. For long hours at night, he would remain in Salat. Mostly, he would get up from his bed again to busy himself in Salat, considering that he may not have done justice to the worship of God, so much so that sometimes, for the whole night, he prayed and kept himself occupied in worship. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 355) Nafl upon leaving and entering the house Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawahah’s wife relates that before going out, and after coming in the house, he would offer two rak‘aat [units] nafl [voluntary] prayer. (Tarikh Medina Dimashq, Vol. 28, p. 91) Hazrat Huzayfara bin Yaman Hazrat Huzayfara bin Yaman was a young Companion. He was very much enthusiastic in devotion and once, he prayed for the whole night in the company of the Holy Prophetsa. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab alSalat, Bab ma Yaqular-Rajulu fi Raku‘ihi wa Sujudihi) Acknowledging young companion’s piety Hazrat Ataabra bin Usaid, too, was a young Companion. At the time of his death, he

Reluctance to partake of worldly riches Though Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf was a very rich man, his heart was permeated with the fear of Allah and piety. Instead of becoming a trial for him, the amenities of the world proved to be faith-enhancing for him. Frequently he would discuss the majesty and awe of God Almighty with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Once, after a fast, when the meal was laid out before him in the evening, he started crying and observed, “Mus‘ab bin Umair was better than me, but when he was martyred, he had only one sheet of cloth to cover his body. If his head was covered, his feet would be exposed and if his feet were covered, his head would be revealed. Similarly, when Hazrat Hamzara was martyred, the same was the situation. But now, an abundance of means is available to us and we have an abundance of amenities of the world. I am afraid that we may be rewarded in this very world. He was so overwhelmed by emotions that he withdrew his hand from the meal.”

He would offer his Prayers very fervently, especially before the Zuhr prayer, he would offer very lengthy optional prayer. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwah Uhud) Hesitation in performing a “novel” form of prayer The Companions would always try to follow the subtle ways of righteousness. And they were very conscious of not treading on the wrong.

Once, some Companions had to lodge in a village during the course of a journey.

The chief of the village was bitten by a snake.

The people of the village, surmising their religiousness from their getup, requested the Companions to do something for the patient. The Companions recited Surah alFatihah and blew on him; as a result, the patient recovered.

In lieu of this, they presented something as a gift to them. When the question of its distribution among them arose, some of the Companions objected that the Holy Prophetsa had forbidden from blowing as charm. “Therefore”, they said, “he must be consulted before its distribution. Maybe the use of such an earning is unlawful and we become sinful.”

On their return the Holy Prophetsa remarked, “It is not a charm. You may distribute it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alTib, Bab Ar-Riqa bi-Fatihatil-Kitab) Fear of God at signs of severity in nature Despite being very brave and valiant, the Companions were always fearful of the Majesty of God Almighty. Hazrat Anasra bin Malik relates that in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, whenever a fierce wind blew, the Companions, trembling with the fear of Continued on next page >>

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

Breaking fast upon feeling ill

God, would rush to the mosque. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Salat, Bab al-Salatu inda zulmati wa nahwiha)

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

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

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

Fear of God upon reflecting over the dead Hazrat Uthmanra was always so fearful of God Almighty that tears would roll down his cheeks whenever there passed a funeral before him. Whenever he passed through the graveyard, his beard would soak with tears due to crying. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, p. 64) Hazrat Alira Despite the fact that Hazrat Alira was very young when he accepted Islam, he was a righteous and pious person. Without going into its detail, only this much will suffice to say that Hazrat Aishara reports, “So far as I know, he frequently observed fasts and worshipped profusely.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab ma ja‘a fi fazli Fatimah) Hazrat Zubairra bin Saeed reports that according to his observation, no Hashimite was more worshipful than Alira. (Mustadrak Haakim, Kitab Ma‘rifah al-Sahabah, Bab min manaqib Ali bin Abi Talib) Long prayers Hazrat Abdullahra bin Zubair was very young in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, but was very prayerful. He offered the Prayer so attentively that he appeared to be like a lifeless pillar (in Prayer). His ruku‘s were so long that the whole of Surah alBaqarah could be recited in it. He would be so engrossed in his prostrations that birds would perch on his back. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 138) Not only men, but women too exhibited equal devotion in worship and attainment of divine pleasure. Women could never bear to lag behind men in attaining taqwa.

Accompanied by other women, when Hazrat Asmara bint Yazeed presented herself to the Holy Prophetsa to pledge the covenant, she submitted, “O Prophetsa of Allah! I want to say something on behalf of the Muslim women.” She said, “We too have pledged the covenant at your hand, but our state is different from that of men. The men can join in the congregational Prayers, Friday prayer and the funeral prayer. They can visit the sick and most important of all, they fight in the way of Allah. But we observe purdah, therefore cannot perform such acts of virtue.

We stay at home and bring up children, protect the wealth and other valuables of our men. In this case, shall we be rewarded for all this?”

Addressing the Companions, the Holy Prophetsa asked, “Have you ever heard a woman presenting her case as well as she has presented?” They replied in the negative.

The Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Asmara that if the wives honoured matrimonial rights and obeyed their husbands, then they would get as much reward as the husbands.

(Usdul-Ghabah, Zikr Asma bint Yazid AlAshhaliyyah, Vol. 6, p. 19) (Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

Life of Muhammad: Event in Shianda, Kenya

Inauguration of a mosque in Sierra Leone’s Port Loko region Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent

Tahir Ahmad Machengo, Kenya Correspondent Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Shianda in Western Kenya, organised Jalsa Seeratun Nabi on 4 April 2021, in a village called Mwisasia.

Due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic and following the country’s Ministry of Health guidelines on gatherings, only 46 members attended, among them were three Ansar, eight Lajna, 18 Khuddam, seven Atfal and ten Nasirat.

This has been the way of meeting Jamaat members and engaging them in tarbiyat, led by the region-in-charge, Sheikh Adnan Hashmi Sahib.

Prior to his address, two speeches were

delivered by Khuddam, one on “The Holy Prophetsa as a good example to mankind” and the highlighted some incidents from the life of the Holy Prophetsa.

In the end, Sheikh Adnan Hashmi Sahib delivered his concluding remarks. He spoke about the spiritual reformation of the companions of the Holy Prophetsa.

Members present were reminded to always follow good examples of the Holy Prophetsa in their daily lives, and that we should adopt humbleness, meekness and steadfastness. We should perform five daily prayers, offer tahajjud and adhere to the nizam-e-jamaat, for this will bring success in their lives and their children, amin.

The event ended with silent prayer led by Sheikh Adnan Hashmi Sahib.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone inaugurated a new mosque in Port Loko region’s Maforkie Jamaat, on 4 April 2021. An Amin (completing the Holy Quran) programme was also held with the inauguration.

The foundation of the mosque was laid in August 2020 by Safeer Ahmad Sahib, Regional Missionary Port Loko. The mosque has a capacity for 350 worshipers.

A total of 76 million Leones were spent for the construction of the mosque and all the expenses were paid by Tahir Mansoor Ajmal Sahib from the UK. May Allah bless him.

Amin The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the dignitaries were introduced to the audience. Amir Jamaat Sierra Leone, Saeedur Rahman Sahib listened to the Holy Quran from the children who completed the first recitation of the Holy Quran and distributed certificates among them. A total of 31 children completed the first recitation of the Holy Quran.

In his address, amir sahib told the audience about the advent of the Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiahas and that how 100 years ago, Ahmadi missionaries started coming to Sierra Leone and taught them the real teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Amir Sahib cut the ribbon and officially opened the mosque. The zuhr prayer was offered in the mosque in congregation and after the prayer, the guests were given lunch.

The total attendance was 390 from 20 different jamaats of Port Loko. Many dignitaries also attended, including Regent Chief Maforkie Chiefdom, Regent Chief Bekeloko Chiefdom, a member of parliament, Deputy Mayor of Port Loko, Deputy SDO Port Loko District, a councilor, Chief Imam of Maforkie Chiefdom, Chief Imam of Port Loko’s Old Mosque, Chief Imam of Council of Imams of Maforkie Chiefdom, and Chief Imam of Bashariyya Mosque.

We pray that may Allah always keep this mosque inhabited with true worshipers.

Amin

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

Islam’s insights on sustainability and the environment Lubna Laiq Environmental science student, Suriname Sustainability is a commonly used term in this day and age. The Cambridge Dictionary describes the noun as “the quality of being able to continue over a period of time”. In relation to the environment; this concept is very broad, which makes it possible for various insights to be applicable.

The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In short, using the earth and its resources in such a way that no permanent damage is caused to the environment, allowing future generations to also enjoy it. Through sustainability, the earth will be able bear the total of our consumption in the long run.

In a sustainable world, the three Ps of sustainability – people, planet and profit (knows as the triple bottom line) – would hypothetically be in balance with each other, so that we do not exhaust the earth.

Islamic beliefs and values ​ provide humanity with effective solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Islam has a rich tradition of emphasising the importance of protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. According to Islamic beliefs, the basic elements of nature – land, water, fire, forest and light (like human beings) – all belong to living things.

“And the heaven He has raised high and set up a measure, that you may not transgress the measure. So weigh [all things] in justice and fall not short of the measure.’’

(Surah al-Rahman, Ch.55: V.8-10) The Holy Quran and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammadsa provide a guiding light to promote sustainable development.

Allah the Almighty commands mankind to avoid causing mischief and wasting resources, as these acts lead to degradation of the environment. The privilege of exploiting natural resources was given to the human race with the promise that it will not be damaged or destroyed.

Corruption of all kinds, including environmental corruption such as industrial pollution, environmental damage and reckless exploitation and mismanagement of natural resources, is not appreciated

by Allah. According to the Holy Quran, environmental conservation is both a religious duty as well as a social duty. The exploitation of a particular natural resource is directly related to the accountability and maintenance of the resource. “[...] And create not disorder in the earth

after it has been set in order. This is better for you, if you are believers.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.86) “[…] and neglect not thy lot in this world; and do good [to others] as Allah has done good to thee; and seek not to make mischief in the earth, verily Allah loves not those who make mischief.” (Surah al-Qasas, Ch.28: V.78)

Anasra that mentions seven acts the Holy Prophetsa said would be beneficial to a person even after death, include the following: digging a canal, digging a well and planting a tree. (Majmah-uz-Zawa‘id, Kitab-ul-Ilm) What is distinctive about Islam’s approach to environmental issues is the connection it establishes between “green” practices and the reward in the Hereafter.

For Muslims, this represents an incentive greater than any worldly gain or reward.

This prompts care for the earth and more efforts to conserve its resources.

Food The Holy Quran contains plenty of agricultural information, which is now largely confirmed by modern science.

Plants and herbs with medicinal properties

Water

Waste A huge threat that prevents environmental sustainability is the production of waste.

Research shows that the annual amount of household waste generated in the EU since 2012, has been around 500 kilograms.

Shockingly, not per family, but per person.

A massive culprit in this regard is plastic, especially packaging materials and disposable items. An effective mantra that can help us cut down our amount of waste is the 3 Rs principle, namely: “reduce, reuse & recycle”. Not only for the environment, but also for ourselves, it must be pleasant to spend less and make optimal use of the products and materials we own. Strive to live by “the less, the better” ethos. By reducing our own use of plasticware, we can partly contribute to solving this issue.

Traditions of the Holy Prophetsa also extensively cover various aspects of the environment, including conservation of natural resource and environmental hygiene. The Holy Prophetsa discouraged overconsumption, luxury and opulence and pursued moderation in all walks of life.

Prophet Muhammadsa clearly forbade destruction of trees and crops, even during war, despite the fact that they could be advantageous to the enemy. The Holy Prophetsa attached great importance to sustainable cultivation of land, minimisation of waste and humane treatment of animals.

In Sahih Muslim, we read: “Whoever plants a tree and watches it diligently until it ripens and bears fruit is rewarded.”

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrated: “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift [sadaqah] for him.” (Sahih Bukhari) Furthermore, a narration of Hazrat

is not the case, as much of the production is wasted. 88 million tons of food are wasted every year in the EU alone – costing an estimated 143 billion euros. (www. eurofoodbank.org/en/food-waste) To counteract such waste, Islam has given man teachings. For example, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbasra reported that the Holy Prophetsa said: “The believer is not he whose stomach is filled while his neighbour goes hungry.” (AlAdab Al-Mufrad) This teaching aids in ensuring food is distributed amongst the poor and doesn’t go to waste either. “[…] eat and drink but exceed not the bounds; surely, He does not love those who exceed the bounds.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.32) By consciously deciding to avoid overconsumption and to use local and seasonal vegetables, we can head towards the right direction. If we combat waste, we can certainly contribute to improving the world from, our own homes.

Water is a huge enlivening theme in the Holy Quran. Allah the Almighty tells us how He creates life through water and supports it through the rains, streams, rivers and oceans. The Holy Quran states: “Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were [a] closed-up [mass], then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.31) “[…] And thou seest the earth lifeless, but when We send down water thereon, it stirs and swells and grows every kind of beauteous vegetation.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch. 22: V.6) The use of water is very diverse and immeasurable. This includes households,

are mentioned. Allah the Almighty speaks of His creation and the nutrition available from natural products.

In the Holy Quran, chapter 6, verse 100, Allah the Almighty states: “And it is He Who sends down water from the cloud; and We bring forth therewith every kind of growth; then We bring forth with that green foliage wherefrom We produce clustered grain. And from the datepalm, out of its sheaths, come forth bunches hanging low. And We produce therewith gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate – similar and dissimilar. Look at the fruit thereof when it bears fruit, and the ripening thereof. Surely, in this are Signs for a people who believe.”

Among the foods mentioned in the Holy Quran are also garlic, ginger, onions, cucumbers, bananas and figs etc. Hereof we learn that plants are already part of our diet, simultaneously this is an encouragement to eat mindfully and healthily.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), 1/3 of the earth’s surface is used for agricultural purposes (including forestry, plantations and livestock). The current agricultural production is in fact sufficient to feed all of the world’s population, if there was a fair and correct distribution. Unfortunately, this

agriculture, industry, recreation and transport. In the Holy Quran, God uses the analogy of life and death for Muslims to recognise the value of water. More than 60% of the human body consists of water. 71% of the globe is covered with water, which amounts to over a trillion litres. Out of this, 2.5% is freshwater, while less than 1% is usable for humans. These figures exhibit how extensive and fascinating the creation of the Almighty is.

“And Allah has sent down water from the sky, and has quickened therewith the earth after its death. Surely, in that is a sign for a people who would fear.” (Surah alNahl, Ch.16: V.66) May Allah enable us to consciously and correctly deal with all of His creation, fulfilling our responsibility of making the world a livable and sustainable place.

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadi Medical Association Australia makes generous donation to Masroor Hospital, Senegal

Musa Khan Senegal The

Ahmadiyya

Muslim

Medical

Association Australia (AMMA) sent 50 million FCFA worth of modern and expensive medical equipment, such as ECG machines, defibrillators, heart monitors, endoscopy monitors and cameras, operating room lights, anesthesia equipment, surgical instruments and materials and hospital consumables to the Humanity First Masroor Hospital, in Dakar, as a gift for the benefit of the Senegalese people.

On this occasion, the Pakistani ambassador to Senegal, Dr Ali Ahmad Arain was the main guest of the ceremony.

The other dignitaries were Mr Alioune Mar, Mayor of Rufisque, Mr Fallou Sylla, Mayor of Mbour, Mr Dr Mbaye Thiam, district health chief and with all his team, the president Humanity First Senegal, Nasir Ahmad Sidhu Sahib were also present along with other guests.

For this project to upgrade the hospital, President AMMA Australia, Dr Ata Rehman

Sahib and his entire team, have made a tireless effort.

This hospital, under the direction of its medical director, Dr Tahir Mahmood Minhas Sahib (General and plastic surgeon) with his team of dedicated workers, offers services of emergency care, radiology, ECG, ultrasound, laboratory, maternity, operating

rooms and endoscopy at subsidised rates for the benefit of the population of Senegal and the sub-region.

On this occasion all the speakers applauded the services rendered to the population of Senegal by AMMA Australia.

Fires in villages of Senegal: Ahmadis from Humanity First Senegal go to aid Last month, several villages in the Tambacounda region caught fire, as most of the houses in these villages were made of thatch.

Unfortunately, in such an event of a fire, it engulfs the entire village. In an instant, not only did these poor people become homeless, but they also lost their belongings and even their beds.

In this situation, the government administration and the people of some villages contacted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Senegal to help the affected families. So, Humanity First Senegal, with coordination of Humanity First Canada provided assistance to the families affected by the burning of houses, providing food items such as rice, cooking oil, pasta, as well as sleeping mattresses, utensils for food, buckets and

mugs, clothes for women and children to wear, etc.

Jamaat Senegal also helped many families in the form of cash. $3000 were spent to provide assistance to 29 families from 7 villages of the region.

As for distribution of aid is concern, in some areas, under the administration of the government, in the presence of the mayor and the vice governor we distributed food items and other essentials. We reached remote villages, some 50km from the paved road, and shared the grief of the villagers as well as distributed food items to them.

Mayor Tambacounda organised a special ceremony in appreciation of the social services of Humanity First.

Amir Jamaat Senegal attended the ceremony at the special invitation of the mayor.

The mayor appreciated the social services of Humanity First Senegal. Chairman Humanity First Senegal, Nasir Ahmad Sidhu Sahib and Oumar Sane on behalf of Humanity First, briefed the government administration and audience on the Jamaat’s services and other social works all over the Senegal concerning water pumps, alternate energy resources, solar energy etc.

Later, aid was distributed to the victims in the presence of Governor Tambacounda, Mayor Tambacounda and other officials.

May Allah the Almighty accept these services of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Senegal and Humanity First Senegal. Amin

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

Istighfar after Salat: The benefits and purpose Due to the natural increase in worship during Ramadan, we’ll be finding ourselves on the prayer mat a lot more than on normal days. A teaching of the Holy Prophetsa was that when a person finishes their Salat, they should repent at least three times by saying: ٰ ُ َ َ َ ّٰ ُ َ َ ّٰ َ َ‫اللّ َہ۔ ا‬ ‫سﺘﻐ�ِ ُ�الل َہ‬ �ِ�‫اسﺘﻐ�ِ�اللہ۔ اسﺘﻐ‬ “I seek forgiveness of Allah, I seek forgiveness of Allah, I seek forgives of Allah.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Da‘waat) Speaking on this topic and the reason Muslims are advised to repent after prayer, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira said: “It is a command, that immediately after Namaz [Salat], a person does istighfar at least three times. In a hadith, it has also been said that after Namaz a person should recite “Subhanallah” [Holy is Allah] 33 times, “Alhamdulillah” [All praise belongs to Allah] 33 times and “Allahu Akbar” [Allah is the greatest] 34 times – these are also essential prayers for after Namaz ٰ […] ّ َ َ‫ا‬ is the secret behind reciting ‫سﺘﻐ�ِ ُ�الل َہ۔‬ ٰ ُ “What َ َ ّٰ ُ َ َ َ َ‫اللّہ‬ �ِ�‫ اسﺘﻐ�ِ�اللہ۔ اسﺘﻐ‬three times immediately after namaz? And what is its purpose? The truth is, humans are extremely weak, helpless and lazy. They are very far from true [spiritual] knowledge and can only progress slowly. What significance do we even have? […]

“As humans are weak and their [spiritual] knowledge has not reached its pinnacle, and sometimes due to weakness and negligence, they do not offer Namaz at its appointed time, or at times, offer it without any concentration, or their thoughts wander

around [during Salat] and they are lazy to offer Namaz with its due reverence and with their whole heart – an essential requirement of Namaz – or if Namaz is offered without being able to concentrate, or the true enjoyment and pleasure of Namaz is not attained or due to very minute reasons, the Namaz is left defective, for this reason, there is a commandment to do istighfar immediately after finishing Namaz. This is so that one pleads to God to compensate their weaknesses and any defective parts left in their Namaz.” (Khutbat-eNur, pp. 325-326) Apart from offering these prayers after Salat to cover and compensate for the defective parts of our prayers, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira said that another means of covering the faults we leave in Salat is offering the sunnah prayers after Salat. He said: “[…] the sunnah prayers, which the Holy Prophetsa instructed to offer, are also essential [for removing defective parts of the Salat]. To complete the compulsory [fardh] prayers, it is extremely important to offer the sunnah prayers. Those people who are lazy and unmindful in offering sunnah prayers, should pay attention in this regard […] always offering the sunnah prayers is very important – whether someone offers them at home or in the mosque.” (Khutbat-eNur, p. 327) By acting on such spiritual insights that our khulafa have explained, we can take our prayers and worship a notch further and progress on the ladder of spirituality, especially during this blessed month.

Ramadan: The epitome of all worships Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, said: “The Blessed Ramadan is the epitome of all worships. The Blessed Ramadan is the climax of all worships. The Blessed Ramadan leads mankind towards the goal for which it was created. It elevates humans to the highest level of fulfilling the rights of mankind and also helps them achieve perfection in fulfilling the rights of Allah.”

(Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 2, pp. 326-327)

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Tarawih prayer Akmal Sahib of Goleki wrote to the Promised Messiahas asking that “although it is emphasised to wake up during the night and pray, but generally labourers and farmers struggle to do so. Is it possible that they offer the 11 rak‘aat [units] in the latter portion of the night rather than in the beginning?” The Promised Messiahas replied, “There is no harm, you may do so.”

(Badr, 18 October 1906, p. 4)

Rak‘aat [units] of Tarawih It was asked concerning the Tarawih prayer that as it is Tahajjud, instead of offering 20 rak‘aat, what was the instruction, because Tahajjud with the Witr prayer is only 11 or 13 rak‘aat. The Promised Messiahas replied, “The constant practice of the Holy Prophetsa was to offer eight rak‘aat during the time of Tahajjud and this is the best way. However, it is also permissible to offer them in the earlier portion of the night. There is a narration that the Prophetsa offered them in the first part of the night.

20 rak‘aat were offered afterwards but the practice of the Holy Prophetsa was what I just mentioned.”

(Badr, 6 February 1908, p. 7)

“Why should I read this?”: MKA Los Angeles host conference with The Review of Religions, Al Hakam and International Press Office Talha Saifi Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA USA Faiq Ahmad Malik Sahib, Qaid MKA Los Angeles, reports that on 14 March 2021, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Los Angeles organised, under its Ishaat department, a conference named “Why should I read this?” requesting Amer Safir Sahib and Qaasid Muin Ahmad Sahib, to present the history, evolution and a few arguments to convince local Khuddam to subscribe to their respective publications.

Additionally, Farhad Ahmad Sahib was also present and substituting for Abid Khan Sahib from the International Press Office, presented facts about how Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa approaches the secular and religious publications.

The conference, recorded via Zoom, gathered more than a hundred participants and was presented in a light and friendly approach. The idea behind it was to present some historical and contemporary facts about The Review of Religions and Al Hakam for Khuddam to subscribe and benefit from the insights provided within those publications.

The meeting started with a silent prayer and the moderators took the floor in order to present the programme. Faiq Ahmad Malik Sahib, Qaid MKA Los Angeles, Asif Arif Sahib, Secretary Ishaat MKA Los Angeles and Abdullah Dibba Sahib, Missionary USA, moderated the event.

It was the first time that MKA Los Angeles was presenting a programme broadcast live through a studio constructed through the efforts of young Khuddam and guidance from Ghalib Khan Sahib, from MTA International USA. This was a tremendous opportunity to provide enrichment to Khuddam during the pandemic via virtual content.

Amer Safir Sahib presented some facts in relation to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and The Review of Religions and all the participants realised how critical the USA plays a role in laying down the foundation of this historic publication.

Launched by the Promised Messiahas, The Review of Religions helped many Americans to convert to Islam Ahmadiyyat.

The example of Dr Baker is worth quoting.

Amer Safir Sahib stated: “Mufti Sadiq Sahibra, when he reached American, settled in Philadelphia. In fact, the first convert of Philadelphia, was converted through The Review of Religions.

Huzooraa mentioned in his sermon that he was the first convert in Philadelphia. On his grave, and Huzooraa visited it, it is written

that he was a convert through The Review of Religions”.

Qaasid Muin Ahmad Sahib then presented how Al Hakam, also launched during the Promised Messiah’sas time was equally important. Qaasid Sahib mentioned, in particular, how “we are looking, in the current world, for our identity. These publications are in fact our identity as a Jamaat.”

At the end of the programme, Farhad Ahmad Sahib presented some outstanding facts about how Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was approaching mainly secular press.

Very often, the International press and media department encounter that, while presenting a piece of news to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, Huzooraa was already aware of it. Farhad Sahib mentioned that Huzooraa has very good knowledge of every country that he has visited and was always up to date regarding the news.

At the end of the event, and before the questions and answers, Tariq Malik Sahib, a waqif-e-zindagi, in-charge of The Review of Religions USA, presented the importance of subscribing to The Review of Religions and all the members of the audience were reminded to download the Al Hakam application and to subscribe to those publications.

In fact, during the programme, many Khuddam discovered new historical facts that further encouraged them to subscribe to The Review of Religions and Al Hakam to help deepen their understanding on how these publications are the fruit of our history and our identity as a Jamaat.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

100 Years Ago...

Does Ahmadiyyat promote sectarianism? New Ahmadis and letters from Africa Al Fazl, 18 April 1921 Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra (1887-1960) By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the work of the London mission is progressing by the day. During the period of this report, the work of the tabligh of Islam continued in both places – Star Street and Putney. On Sunday, lectures were held at both houses. The speeches are delivered from 3:30pm to 6pm at the Putney house and from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Star Street house. As London is such a big city, it costs a lot of time and money for people of one area to go to another. The two houses are about an hour’s train journey from each other and it costs one rupee and four annas [a unit of currency formerly used in the subcontinent, equal to 1/16 of a rupee] to travel from one place to another, so considering the given situation both markaz [centres] have been retained.

Meetings During this period, tabligh was done by

meeting various people. All the Indian notables who came to visit us made excuses that, “You people promote sectarianism.”

I answered them that firstly, sectarianism existed in Islam before the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Therefore, this accusation should be leveled at all the Islamic groups that existed before the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

The second answer was that the actual problem that is befalling Islam and Muslims is not because of sectarianism but due to the universal slackness and carelessness that is found in every Islamic sect. This problem is not because the people are [divided into] Sunni, Shia or Wahhabi [sects], but owing to the fact that the Sunnis are no longer Sunnis and the Shi‘ites have turned away from Shiaism and the people of the Wahhabi sect are oblivious to Wahhabism. Since true faith is lacking, there is no longing in the hearts for the tabligh of Islam.

Christians also have sects, but this sectarianism has not diminished but increased their zeal for preaching

Christianity. Hence, if the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is separated, then all the Muslims of the world together are not doing as much for the tabligh of Islam as each Christian sect is doing independently.

In addition, discussions were held with the members of the delegation of Turks and literature was distributed among them.

Most of them are well acquainted with the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. I have mentioned this because some people in India say that the Turks do not know about the arrival of the Promised Messiahas and they are thus excusable for the time being.

New members By the grace of God Almighty, three new members have become the part of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, London. Among them, Brother Keel is noteworthy. He is from Ireland and is a smart, intelligent and learned person. He is currently residing in Manchester. He has lived in India for a long time in military service and can speak fluently in Urdu. The second person is Abraham Kapaka, who is an African from Salt Pond. He is highly educated and has travelled all over Europe. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, it is a good omen that a learned resident of that place entered Ahmadiyyat before Brother Abdur Rahim Sahib Nayyar reached there. It has been almost a month since he came from America and said that 10 million Africans are ready to convert to Islam in America. There is a lot of national enthusiasm in these people. The hypocrisy of Christianity is very clear to them. Thus, they have decided to study Islam and become Muslims and adopt the same religion that their brothers and sisters have in Africa. The situation described

by Abraham Kapaka is confirmed by the study of American magazines published

by Africans there. By the grace of God Almighty, that day is near when we will see this scene with our own eyes: ّٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ً َ‫الل ِہ اَ ۡفو‬ ‫یدخلون فِی ِدی ِن‬ ‫اجا‬ [“(And thou seest men) entering the religion of Allah in troops.” (Surah alNasr, Ch.110: V.3)] Hazrat Mufti Sahib, who is currently

in America, if he pays attention to these people, it is hoped that most African Americans will believe [in Islam] through the blessings of God Almighty.

Letters We have received a letter of Master Abdur Rahim Sahib Nayyar from Sierra Leone and it is hoped that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, he would have reached Salt Pond by now. One of our best friends in Sierra Leone is Khairuddin Sahib. He is an educated young man and respectable resident of Freetown. He has been exchanging letters with me for almost seven years. He has also corresponded with Qazi Abdullah Sahib and Mufti Sahib.

Moreover, this gentleman has carried out an in-depth study our literature as well. He is well aware of our internal differences. Until now, due to some misunderstandings, he thought that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat had developed a new style of prayer and fasting. After Master Sahib reached there and gave lectures etc., he has become convinced that Ahmadiyya Jamaat has not introduced any [bad] innovation [in Islam]. He has thus started tabligh of Ahmadiyyat among his friends with great enthusiasm. He has written to me to send a telegram to Qadian for a missionary. Consequently, the telegram has been sent according to his wish.

Their good news of success and delight is received from Hazrat Mufti Sahib on regular basis.

Haji Sufi Hassan Musa Khan Sahib, who is carrying out tabligh of Islam in Australia, is in a lot of distress due to being a chronic patient. Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray for him.

All the friends here are well and each of them is helping me in his own way. My arm has become even stronger with the safe arrival of esteemed Ali Muhammad Sahib, son of Seith Abdullah Aladdin Sahib, and Sheikh Ahmadullah Sahib, here last week. May Allah the Almighty grant the best of rewards to all these friends. The lectures are being held on regular basis.

Muslims of Sierra Leone give grand welcome to first Ahmadi Missionary Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra Liverpool to Sierra Leone I wrote the last letter, which was the first letter of West Africa, from the Abinsi ship. I was well at the time of writing the letter, but the Bay of Biscay reminded me

of the dangers of the Atlantic Ocean the next day, and the sea sickness struck the weak Nayyar. Along with weakness and severe sea sickness, wind had an effect on my teeth and I experienced a sharp pain in my left jaw. However, after four days, by the grace of God, I recovered completely.

Continued on next page >>

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

By the time I reached Sierra Leone, my health was beginning to look like that of London.

By the grace of God, I got a good opportunity to work on the Abinsi ship.

I distributed literature, exchanged views with the travelers and many people had feelings of love and affection for Islam after hearing the message of the true religion.

Compassionate and new converts to Islam There were around 30 Europeans in my friends’ circle. One of them was from Switzerland and the rest were from England. We had the opportunity to exchange views on various issues.

Three of them came so close that they requested for pen names and asked to be called by Arabic names. These people are compassionate towards Islam and their names are as follows: 1. Sergent W Habeeb Murrell 2. Mr S Mahboob Raidshaw 3. Mr A Mohibb Foreman The first of these friends is a very good natured gentleman and said to his friends in the drawing room: “I am no longer William Herbert Murrell, I have now been christened Habeeb; call me by that name.”

The second and third gentlemen were jealous of their friend and they also asked for Muslim names, which were given to them. Insha-Allah, one day, from being just compassionate, they will be granted the strength to become truly compassionate and show sincere compassion for Islam.

Moreover, five African Christians, after listening to the prophecies of the Bible, believed in the true comforter, the spirit of truth, the embodiment of Moses, and the true Messiahas of Muhammadsa.

Their requests of bai‘at have been sent to be presented before Hazrat Khalifatul [Masih IIra]. Their names are as follows: 1. Christian name: John Macaulay, Muslim name: Abdur Rahim of Sierra Leone 2. Christian name: Zac T Owens, Muslim name: Abdur Rahman of Bathurst, The Gambia 3. Christian name: Thom Peter, Muslim name: Abdullah of Sierra Leone 4. Christian name: Thom Wilson, Muslim name: Abdul Aziz of Sierra Leone 5. Christian name: Jack Thompson, Muslim name: Abdul Hayy of Sierra Leone Four lectures in Sierra Leone and a Muslim Bishop The ship, Abinsi, which is one of the best ships of the Elder Dempster Lines, had a wireless telegraphy device. Taking advantage of its services to the missionary of Islam, where I sent a request for prayers to Hazrat Imam Al-Muttaqin, [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra], I also sent a message to Mr Khairuddin, the Muslim Education Officer of Sierra Leone. Mr Khairuddin spread this message as far as he could.

A dozen chiefs and imams of different nations, dressed in their glittering robes and turbans, and wearing heavy silver

bells around their necks, came to greet this humble on the deck of the steam launch ship.

After exchanging salaam and “Ahlan wa sahlan wa marhaba” [Muslim way of welcoming], the first conversation was held in Arabic. The exercise of speaking in Arabic had already happened thanks to speaking in the language of the Holy Quran [Arabic] with the Sudanese and Tripoli passengers, so I had no difficulty.

Moreover, one of the signs of the admirers of the Messiah is that they would speak in different languages. Accordingly, He [God] granted me such strength that I was myself amazed at it. There were motors on the shore.

In the form of a procession, I was taken to a beautiful mosque, where representatives of fifteen thousand Muslims were present. I explained the purpose of my mission in English and thanked them for the welcome. Brother Khairuddin Sahib translated it into local English, which is called Pigeon English and explained what I said to the audience.

In response, Chief Alna, the old special imam, thanked me by comparing my arrival with the promise of the arrival of reformers and mujaddids after the Holy Prophetsa. It was the morning of 19 February [1921].

I was brought to a magnificent English style hotel and all kinds of comforts were afforded to me. The arrangements for speeches were made for 20 February [1921] and announcements were published for them. The mosques were beautified and governmental Islamic madrasas were decorated with flags etc.

The Muslims expressed happiness and delight in their own way.

To begin with, a speech was delivered in a mosque at 8am. Thereafter, a second speech was held in a madrasa at 12pm and then in the evening a third speech was delivered in another madrasa at 6pm. Brother Khairuddin Sahib was the interpreter in the first two [speeches]. The men and women listened to these speeches with civility, respect and love. Before the speech, a young man recited naat [poem in praise of the Holy Prophetsa] in Arabic in a very beautiful voice. After each of the

four couplets, a verse was recited by the audience in one voice.

The atmosphere was amazing. I attended these meetings on a charismatic ride. Imams in red robes were present in front of the rickshaw and people wearing white robes were on the back. The young students were seen standing in a row on both sides.

I repeatedly mentioned the appearance of the Holy Messiah in my speeches and I heard no other voice except for “Aamanna” [we believe in him]. I preached separately to the imam of the country who confessed about his faith.

The evening’s speech was for Christians and was listened to attentively. As there are two Christian colleges in Sierra Leone, and two bishops and 118 priest reside here, so the Christian gathering was made up of educated Africans. After the speech, a session of questions and answers took place. The Muslims looked happy while the Christians were lost in thought.

On the morning of 21 February [1921], I met with the authorities and drew the government’s attention to the educational situation of Muslims. I am happy to express that I was encouraged by the authorities. By the blessings of God, the unskilled master of Qadian’s madrasa, the humble Abdur Rahim, became known here by the name of Muslim Bishop. Isn’t it the glory of Mahmud that the inferior were made superior? Alhamdulillah thumma Alhamdulillah!

Departure from Sierra Leone and the seed of Ahmadiyyat The Muslims of Sierra Leone wanted me to stay longer, but the ship was scheduled to depart at 3pm on 21 [February 1921].

Therefore, it was not possible for me to stay. The manager of the shipping company did his best to make arrangements in the first class of the ship, “Bruto”. A group of my Muslim hosts from Sierra Leone came to see me off at the deck of the ship. May Allah grant them the best of rewards.

Before my departure, Brother Khairuddin Sahib, who has been studying Jamaat’s literature for many years but did not take bai‘at, had the honour of taking bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II. Consequently, the only highly educated Muslim in Sierra Leone became an Ahmadi, alhamdulillah. Many more young people are ready, who will join the army of the Promised Messiahas at a particular time and serve Islam, inshaAllah. God willing, the people of this place will greatly serve Islam. The spread of Christianity will now cease in the educated group, and in fact, the Christians will become Muslims, insha-Allah!

New ship, “Bruto”, and an officer’s Islam The ship, Abinsi, on which I came from Liverpool was a large mail ship and weighed 57,000 tons. However, the ship, “Bruto”, is a relatively small cargo ship, and weighs five and a half thousand tons.

God gave me a lot of comfort on this [ship]. Captain Mr Nelson is a very gentle and a good natured Englishman. I was treated with utmost respect.

A Greek tradesman, an Englishman BA from Cambridge (superintendent of section) and the captain himself, are under tabligh. The second officer, who speaks nine languages ​​ and apart from passing naval examinations, is a senior of Cambridge, has accepted Islam by the grace of God. His name is now Ahmad Frank Bowen. Mr Ahmad hopes that his wife, who is a Spanish, will convert to Islam, insha-Allah. He has thus suggested the name Afifa Bowen for his wife and got his child named Mubarak Bowen.

May Allah the Almighty grant them perseverance.

Prayer This traveler, nine thousand miles from India, the weak and the lonely, Nayyar, requests for prayers from the friends of the Jamaat.

An Ahmadi hero for students: Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II – 6 March 1921 The dress code of our missionaries Addressing Sheikh Abdur Rahman Misri Sahib (Headmaster of Madrasa-eAhmadiyya), Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: We should instill in our students the spirit of making the greatest of sacrifices for the sake of religion and they should not care about the worldly honours.

[Huzoorra] further said: It is permissible for our missionaries to

wear the outfits of whichever country [they are in] because Islam is for the whole world.

Therefore, the dress of every the place [of the world] is the dress of Islam. If they dress humbly, as the sufis used to dress, they can do significantly better work.

[Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] said: Right now we need a lot of such people who can serve the religion by living a simple life on minimum expenses and they should also themselves provide for their expenditures.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021

Ramadan requires a change Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib, Khalifatul Masih Ira, said: “In Ramadan, weep, excel in fervent prayers and fear of God, and change your diet, so that blessings may descend upon you from heaven. I think [the following verse of the Holy Quran] is proof of this fact: َّ ٰ ّ َ َ ّٰ َ ُ َۡ َ ‫ا ِّن الل َہ لا یُﻐ ِ� ُ� َﻣا بِﻘ ۡو ٍم َح ّﺘی یُﻐ ِ� ُ� ۡوا َﻣا بِانﻔ ِسھِ ۡم‬ [‘Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.’ (Ar-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.12)] Very unfortunate is the person who is blessed with Ramadan but he does not change.”

(Irshadat-e-Nur, Vol. 1, p. 343)

A role model of sacrifice for Ahmadi youth In this regard, [Huzoorra] mentioned Mian Karam Din Sahib, a former student of Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya. This young man is around 19 years old. Regarding the sacrifice he made, [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] said: “He has set a great example for our youth and he is an Ahmadi hero for our students.

His marriage was about to take place when he went to Bombay [now Mumbai] without informing his family and thinking that I would stop him, he did not even ask me (but this was a mistake because it is necessary to ask the Imam). He did not worry about the expenses and did not even meet the people of Jamaat there and kept looking for a job. Here, the family wondered where he had gone. He finally got a job on a ship and reached London through it. Master Abdul Rahim Sahib was surprised to see him and asked him, ‘Where are you coming from?’

We do not know for certain as to how much he had to suffer during his entire journey, but it is a great sacrifice indeed. He now serves the missionaries, gives azan [call to prayer] five times in the mosque and does all the work for free. He is not ashamed to perform any kind of work. He has got the

peddler’s license. Moreover, he is learning the work of making [chain] rings. He wrote to me that he would go to Japan after a while because none of our missionaries had gone there yet.

“As he gives the call to prayer aloud, a woman came running saying that it was against the law to make such noise. He said, ‘I do not make any noise.’ She said, ‘The noise you make five times [a day] would lead to your imprisonment.’ He said, ‘I call people to One God through it and if I am imprisoned [for this], I will give azan there as well.’

“Once on the train, an Englishman laughed at his beard and also engaged others to see it. He said, ‘I am not a woman, why should I get my beard shaved?’ The Englishman became the laughing stock because of this [answer] and the women started to laugh at him. The Englishman got angry and said, ‘I will hit you.’ He said, ‘[I know] you cannot hit me, don’t you know that I am Indian!’”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 18 April 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Proving the claim of the Promised Messiah’s knowledge of miraculous and profound Arabic Part VII Shedding light on the claim of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas with regard to his knowledge of the Arabic language, this series of articles seeks to answer major allegations raised against the Promised Messiah’sas use of Arabic phrases, his God-given eloquence and his command over the language and the usage of sentences taken from past literature.

Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Central Arabic Desk

The reality of Al-Sarf wa Al-Nahw [morphology and grammar of Arabic] Opponents, due to their lack of knowledge and ignorance, try to assess the quality of the Arabic language of the Promised Messiahas in light of the few commonly known rules of Arabic and this lack of understanding is the real reason behind their very many objections.

The Promised Messiahas had a deep knowledge of the truth and reality of these rules of Arabic grammar, so he recorded an opinion about Arabic rules and grammar, which is even confirmed by modern day scholars.

The Promised Messiahas said: “The lughat of Arabs, which is the real key to sarf wa nahw [morphology and grammar], is a limitless river and Imam

Shafi‘i’srh saying in this regard is very accurate: ّ ‫لا يعلمه الّا‬ ‫نبي‬ “That is, ‘No one can acquire complete knowledge of this language and understand its variety of idioms, save a prophet.’ This statement also proves that it is not in everyone’s power to gain command over every aspect of this language, and grasping it in its entirety is from the miracles of prophets, peace be upon them.” (Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 437) In the above statement, the Promised Messiahas has very succinctly presented such a great argument that in only a handful of lines, the whole reality of Arabic morphology and grammar has been brought to light. The Promised Messiahas said that sarf wa nahw was formed according to the Arabic lughat.

Hence, its key lies in the lughat of Arabs.

Since the Arabic lughat is a limitless river, it is wise enough to understand that a limitless river cannot be confined into limited rules of Arabic sarf wa nahw.

In addition, the Promised Messiahas has also discussed the philosophy of sarf wa nahw in detail and has shed light on some of its important aspects. The Promised Messiahas said: “Sarf and Nahw is a knowledge that should always be conditional upon the idioms and common speech of the people of the language, and the testimony of the people of the language against [any rule of grammar] at once rejects the artificial rules of nahw wa sarf. Allah and His Messengersa did not oblige us to take the self-composed sarf wa nahw rules of human beings as a guide for ourselves when the meaning of a particular verse [of the Holy Quran] are made clear to us in a complete and perfect manner,

and not abandon this sarf or nahw rule when testimonies of the native akabir momineen [greatest of the believers] are also found [in favour of that meaning].

We do not even find the need to criticise this [bad] innovation. Is it not enough for us that Allah and His Messengersa and his Companions have conveyed us the true meaning [of a verse]? The rules of nahw and sarf are post-occurrences and it is not our belief that these people are free of any mistake in their self-composed rules and their eyes have grasped the deep sayings of the Divine Word [the Holy Quran], beyond which the door to search and follow is closed. I know that even you do not think they are free of any mistake. َ َ َ ْ You know that the verse ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ان ل َس‬ ِ ‫اح َر‬ ِ ‫ ِإن هذ‬is also present in the Holy Quran, but can you give an example ofَ any ancient Arab’s َ ْ ْ saying which says ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ ِإن هذ‬instead of ‫ِإن‬ َ َ ‫ين‬ ِ ‫هذ‬. To this day, not a single grammarian has claimed that we have perfected grammatical rules to such an extent that it is now impossible for any new matter to occur or for any kind of error to occur in our research. Hence, adhering to invented rules of sarf wa nahw is not from hujaje-shariah [incumbent by divine law]. This knowledge is merely an afterthought and post occurrence and no divine evidence can be found that they are error free. The principles of the knowledge of lughat are a limitless river. Unfortunately, those who set our rules of sarf wa nahw gave up very soon and did not carry out the research as was required. They never intended, nor could they, to formulate complete and perfect rules with a deep and profound look by keeping in view the extensive meanings of the words of the Holy Quran, and thus left their works unfinished. Our faith must compel us that we should not make the Holy Quran subject to them in any way, but to correct our old and incomplete nahw according to the wide range of meanings of the words of the Holy Quran.

“It is also important to keep in mind that every language is and will always be in circulation. A person who will now go to the country of Arabia and observe, he will know how much difference has occurred in the Arabic language from the old languages. [There are so many variations] that for example, ‫ ادگ‬is spoken in place of the word ‫اقعد‬. In the same way, many idioms have been changed. It is not known how much the time in which attention was paid to the formulation of sarf wa nahw rules differed from the time of the Holy Prophetsa and how much change had occurred in the idioms. The morphologists and grammarians are also convinced that despite the existing rules, there is a significant portion of anticonjecture words and anti-conjecture sequence of words, and the limits of this [group of words and structures] is still unknown, and it has not yet come under any rule.

“Hence, the present sarf and nahw that we have in our hands is only to teach kids about the simple rules [of grammar]. To consider it a flawless guide and free from error and mistake is the work of those

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021 who consider someone else other than Allah and His Messengersa to be infallible.

Allah the Almighty told us: َّ َ ّ ٰ َ ُ ۡ ُّ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ ‫الر ُس ۡو ِل‬ ‫فاِن تنازعتم ِفی شی ٍء فردوہ اِلی الل ِہ و‬ Meaning that if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer its decision to Allah and His Messengersa, and only let Allah and His Messengersa to be the judge and no one else. Now, how is it possible to let the ignorant morphologists and grammarians to be the judge instead of Allah and His Messengersa? Is there any argument in favour of them? It is surprising that after being called the followers of sunnah [way of the Holy Prophetsa], one should turn to someone other than the pure and holy fountain head of Allah and His Messengersa.

“You should keep in mind that it is not my belief that the existing rules of sarf wa nahw are free from errors or that they are complete and perfect for certain reasons. If you believe in this, then in support of this belief, either present a verse of the Holy Quran or show a sahih hadith, otherwise your argument is a baseless nonsensical idea, and not a hujjat-e-shariah.” (Al-Haq Mubahathah Dehli, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 4, pp. 183-184) The summary of the philosophy mentioned in the above extract of the Promised Messiahas about the rules of sarf wa nahw is as follows: 1. The scholars of sarf wa nahw are not free from error and mistake.

2. The rules of the Arabic language are not perfect, nor are they comprehensive in the sense that all kinds of matters are considered to be included in them. Hence, there might be many things which do not fall under any of these rules.

3. Following the rules made by the scholars of sarf wa nahw is not a hujjat-eshariah, so it is not incumbent to adhere

to them in all circumstances.

4. The key to sarf wa nahw is in Arabic lughat and since the Arabic lughat is a limitless river, so it is wise enough to understand that a limitless river cannot be confined into limited rules.

5. No one can have a perfect command on the Arabic language except for the prophet of God. 6. The linguists’ method of making grammatical rules of the Arabic language is flawed and incomplete.

7. Understanding of the Holy Quran should not be based only on the current commonly known rules, but it is necessary to understand the Holy Quran by considering the Holy Quran as an authority on all these rules. That is, if a change in these rules reveals the pearls of wisdom and meanings of the Holy Quran, then it would be perfectly fine to change the rule. Moreover, if a new rule manifests new meanings of the Holy Quran, it must be considered one of the strongest rules in

the Arabic language.

8. The grammarians acknowledge this fact that there are many words in the Arabic language that do not fall under the popular rules of Arabic.

The present grammarians also support this view of the Promised Messiahas.

Abbas Hassan, the author of Al-Nahw AlWafi, writes about nahw: “The first thing a researcher gets to read about nahw are the different opinions about a grammatical problem and based on these opinions there are different rules or views of various grammarian about the same problem. Even if one comes to the conclusion that one of these opinions is the most correct, a common man can easily say without researching that another opinion is against the said view because they know that none of the rules of nahw and its principles are free from two or more conflicting opinions.”

(Mulakhas az Sareeh Ar-Ra‘y fi Al-Nahw Al-Arabi Da‘uh wa Dawa‘uh Al-Maqalatul Ula li Al-Ustadh Abbas Hassan) There is a great deal of disagreement on the principles of grammar. In this regard, there is a difference of opinion between two well-known schools of thoughts, Basri and Kufi. The Kufis accept everything, even if only one example is found in its favour. It is for this reason that they have also accepted the Qira‘at [different reading and recitation styles] of the Holy Quran. However, Basris say that no lughat can be called eloquent by a single example, but at the same time, they have not set any standard or number on the basis of which a lughat can be called eloquent or non-eloquent.

This difference of opinions is in itself an acknowledgment of the authenticity of the sayings of the Promised Messiahas that rules of sarf wa nahw are not a hujjat-eshariah to be accepted blindly. Moreover,

they have not been formulated by looking at all the lughaat and usages. In fact, when a lot of literature, lughaat and knowledge were lost, then the rules based on the rest of the literature and knowledge will remain flawed.

Explaining this matter, the Promised Messiahas said: “A person cannot understand the Arabic idioms and acquire complete knowledge of their sarf wa nahw [morphology and grammar] unless, firstly, one is well-versed in the language of Arabs; secondly, one has gone through all the couplets of pre-Islamic poets; thirdly, one has carefully studied the vast early literature of language, which contains Arabic idioms and has reached the pinnacle of proficiency in [Arabic] knowledge.” (Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 436) If someone has lesser knowledge than the criterion mentioned in the above statement, then it is possible that some of the rules of sarf wa nahw of the Arabic language and some of the idioms, structures and usages of the literature may have remained hidden from their sight and they may object on the basis of their lack of knowledge.

As far as present limited rules of sarf wa nahw are concerned, they can only be used for basic information and everyday common language.

Hence, it would be considered ignorance to evaluate the Promised Messiah’sas complete proficiency in Arabic knowledge by confining it to the limited rules of today.

(Research conducted by Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Sahib, Arabic Desk UK. Translated

by Al Hakam, with special thanks to Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib, Arabic Desk UK)

Promised Messiah Day jalsas held throughout Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent Every year Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya celebrate 23 March as the Promised Messiah Day. On this day in 1889, the Promised Messiahas accepted the bai‘at from 40 of his followers, Thus, seed of Jamaat-e-Ahmaddiyya was sown. Over the ensuing 132 years, Jamaate-Ahmadiyya grew and today has branches in almost all the countries of the world.

This day reminds every Ahmadi that the mission of the Promised Messiahas was to restore the lost glory of Islam. This was fulfilment of the prophecies of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophetsa.

Furthermore, Jalsa Yaum-e-Masih-e-Maud motivates every Ahmadi to work towards achieving this goal.

This year, the Jalsa held during pandemic, so all Imarats and jamaats were advised to hold their Jalsajat virtually. A standard programme was followed across Canada which included recitation from the Holy Quran, poem, reading of the Ten conditions of bai’at, followed by speeches.

Translations were presented in English and Urdu as needed. Montreal Imarat, Jamaat Ottawa East, and part of Eastern Toronto region also included French translations.

Documentaries showing historical and pictorial progress were also shown during the program.

Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib addressed Brampton West Imarat Jalsa on 23 March 2021, and elaborated the importance of celebrating Jalsa Yaum-e-Masih-e-Maud. In this jalsa, a quiz about the Promised Messiah Day was conducted and 150 members took active part in it.

Jamaat Edmonton East also had Amir Sahib preside over their Jalsa. His opening address was on the topic “Achievements of the Promised Messiahas”. A panel discussion was held on the topics of the mission of the Promised Messiahas, how he propagated his message, and how he explained the spiritual and mental states of a man.

Amir Sahib also addressed the Jalsa of Jamaat London, Ontario.

Naib Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Farhan Khokhar Sahib presided the Jalsa of Calgary Imarat. After recitation of the Holy Quran and poem, the missionary Asif Arif Sahib described the “life of the Promised Messiahas as stated by his companions”. Farhan Khokhar Sahib in his speech explained the life and writings of the Promised Messiahas based on the Holy Quran. He explained impact of those writings on the companions and their efforts to excel in piety and financial sacrifices. A quiz was also held.

Naib Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Hadi Ali Chaudhry Sahib presided the Jalsa of Peace Village Imarat.

After recitation of the Holy Quran and poem, a missionary Imtiaz Ahmad Sra Sahib delivered his speech on the “First condition of Bai‘at”. Hadi Ali Chaudhry Sahib elaborated “Divine miracles of Sultan-ul-Qalamas”. He explained impact of the writings on the companions and how these attracted pious persons.

Jalsa for Montreal Imarat saw local missionary Ishaque Fonseca Sahib

deliver an English speech on the topic of “Summary of events that took place on 23 March 1889 related to the ceremony of initiation”. A missionary, Nabil Mirza Sahib made French speech on the topic “Le Messie Promiseas, Sa confain absolue in Allah (The Promised Messiah’sas absolute trust in Allah”, and presented faith inspiring incidents.

Jalsa in Ottawa jamaats was presided by the Regional Amir Eastern Canada, Aleemudin Ahmad Sahib. A missionary, Luqman Ahmad Sahib spoke about “A conclusive argument of truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas”, while the missionary Farhan Iqbal Sahib made presentation on “Practices of the Promised Messiahas in Ramadan”.

Vancouver Imarat arranged a series of activities leading to the Jalsa Yaum-eMasih-e-Maud on 23 March 2021.

For all Imarats and different Jamaats, 11,251 views have been reported for the live programmes.

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ramadan: Strengthening our bond with our Lord Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam It was in this very month of Ramadan that Allah the Almighty revealed the Holy Quran to the Holy Prophetsa and began a spiritual revolution for mankind which became a means to eradicate darkness and misguidance that had plagued the world.

The link between the Holy Quran, which is the final book and blessing for mankind, and Ramadan is unique.

Ramadan is a month in which “the gates of mercy are opened”. It was also in this very month that Allah manifested a sign of the advent of the Promised Messiah – who was to rejuvenate faith and dispel darkness and misguidance – when the solar and lunar eclipses took place.

Shedding light on this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa states: “[…] God Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas for our reformation, for the propagation of the Holy Quran and for drawing our attention towards acting on its teachings and also to reveal the paths for

us to follow. Furthermore, he has granted us the opportunity to accept him. Thus, it is a huge responsibility upon us Ahmadis that we understand the essence of fasting and try to attain its true objective during the month of Ramadan; which is to adopt taqwa and continuously progress in it.”

(Friday Sermon, 18 May 2018) So, Ramadan is a very blessed month; a month wherein we seek God’s blessings, mercy and increase our bond with our Creator.

It is recorded that the Holy Prophetsa, with regard to observing fasts during the month of Ramadan, said: “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, will have all his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Iman, Hadith 38) This hadith itself highlights the importance and grandeur of fasting in Ramadan.

Below is presented the importance of Ramadan through the lens of the Holy Quran and various extracts underlining the

Entrance of the Cave of Hira, where the Holy Prophetsa would often isolate and where the first words of divine revelation descended upon him

importance of fasting in Ramadan.

َّ َ ُ َ ُ َ ّ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ‫ام ک َما ک ِت َب َعلی ال ِذیۡ َن ِم ۡن‬ ‫الصی‬ ِ ‫یایہا ال ِذین امنوا ک ِتب علیکم‬ َ‫َق ۡب ِل ُک ۡم ل َ َع َّل ُک ۡم تَ َّتقُوۡن‬

“O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.184) The commandment of fasting, in one form or another, is found in most religions.

The book of Exodus (34:28) mentions the fasting of Prophet Mosesas; and the book of Mathew (4:2) mentions the fasts of Prophet Jesusas.

The act of fasting is not something unique to religion alone. “Fasting”, as stated by Encyclopedia Britannica, “has been used therapeutically since at least the fifth century BCE, when Greek physician Hippocrates recommended abstinence from food or drink for patients who exhibited certain symptoms of illness.”

(To read about the benefits fasting has on our health, see: “Health benefits of fasting in Ramadan”, Al Hakam, 24 April 2020, p.

18: www.alhakam.org/health-benefits-offasting-in-ramadan) The Holy Quran has explained the importance and philosophy of fasting in this very verse. Through fasting, God Almighty states one is able to attain righteousness.

The Promised Messiahas, whilst emphasising the importance of taqwa, stated that tawqa is a necessary condition for the discovery of Quranic knowledge.

He states: “The Holy Quran is the book of Allah the Almighty and the knowledge contained within it is in the hand of God; righteousness serves as a staircase leading to this knowledge. How then can the faithless, evil and corrupt, and those who are slaves of earthly desire be fortunate enough to receive this knowledge? For this reason, a Muslim, who is a Muslim by name, could well be the greatest scholar of Arabic morphology, syntax, etymology, literary critique, and other such sciences, and in the eyes of the world, could well be the greatest expert in all fields of knowledge, but if such an individual does not purify their soul, the knowledge of the Holy Quran is not granted to them.”

Huzooras further states: “[…] it ought to be remembered that until an individual brings about a pure transformation and purifies the soul, one cannot gain an understanding of the insights and excellences of the Holy Quran.

The points of wisdom and divine verities comprised in the Holy Quran are ones which quench the thirst of the soul. Alas!

If only the world knew of that which brings pleasure to the soul, and then came to realise that what they require is comprised within the Holy Quran, and the Holy Quran alone.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 140-144) Thus, Ramadan is indeed the perfect opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah and increase their righteousness, which can then aid them in acquiring Quranic knowledge and lead them on the “right path”.

The Promised Messiahas, while explaining the spiritual superiority of fasting and Salat, states: “Both fasting and Salat are forms of worship. The fast affects the body powerfully and Salat affects the soul powerfully. Salat generates a condition of burning and melting of the heart, and is, therefore, a higher form of worship than fasting. The latter fosters the capacity for visions.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 378-379) Hence, during the month of Ramadan, we must strive to lay greater focus on our Salat and help inculcate within us habits as can please God. Hazrat Abu Hurairahra is reported to have said in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever prayed at night in it [the month of Ramadan] out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all their previous sins will be forgiven.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Salat al-Tarawih, Hadith 2008)

َ َ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ ٰ َ ً ۡ َّ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َّ ً َ‫اَ ّی‬ ‫ام‬ ٍ ‫اما معد ۡو ٰد ٍت ؕ ف َم ۡن کان ِمنک ۡم مرِیضا ا ۡو َعلی َسف ٍر ف ِعدۃ ِم ۡن ا ّی‬ ۡ َ َ​َ َ ۡ ُ ‫اُ َخ َر ؕ َو َع َلی الَّ ِذیۡ َن یُ ِط ۡیقُوۡن َ ٗہ فِ ۡدیَ ٌۃ َط َع‬ ‫ام ِم ۡس ِکی ٍن ؕ ف َم ۡن تط ّوَ َع خی ًرا‬ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ َّ ۡ َ َ َ َّ ۡ َ َ ‫ف ُہوَ خی ٌر ل ٗہ ؕ َو ا ۡن ت ُصوۡ ُموۡا خی ٌر لک ۡم ِا ۡن کن ُت ۡم ت ۡعل ُموۡ َن‬

“[The prescribed fasting is] for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.

And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185) This verse emphasises how Islam is a practical religion. Islam does not command that which is impossible to abide by and comply with. Therefore, where the Holy Quran has mentioned fasting, it has also clarified the requirements and conditions one must meet to fast and undergo this spiritual task.

Hazrat Amrra ibn Umayyah reported: “I came to the Holy Prophet Muhammadas from a journey, and he said, ‘Stay, so that we can eat, O Abu Umayyah.’

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021 I replied, ‘I am fasting.’ The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated, ‘Come close to me and I will tell you about the traveller. Surely, Allah the Almighty has relieved him from fasting and half of the prayer.’” (Sunan alNasai, Kitab al-Saum, Hadith 2267) In another hadith, Hazrat Jabirra relates: “The Holy Prophetsa was on a journey and he saw a crowd and a person, over whom a shade had been erected. The Holy Prophetsa asked ‘What is the matter?’ to which the people replied that the man was fasting. The Holy Prophetsa said, “It is no virtue to keep a fast while travelling.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum, Hadith 1946) Therefore, through the verse of the Holy Quran and hadith, it is evidently clear that to observe a fast, one must first fulfil the conditions.

In this day and age, we find some who choose to ignore this verse of the Holy Quran and force themselves to fast, whereas this is clearly disobeying God’s word.

On one occasion, shedding light on this point, the Promised Messiahas states: “It is an act of taqwa to follow the leniencies mentioned in the Holy Quran.

God has granted permission to those who are sick or on a journey to fast on other days, which is why one must also act upon this commandment. I have read that many great men held the view that if one is to fast during sickness or on a journey, then this is disobedience [to God] because the purpose [of fasting] is to please Allah and not oneself. Obedience to Allah is to follow all the commandments and not apply one’s own notation to it.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 67) Our refraining from food will not benefit us, nor God. Fasting has been prescribed for our purification. Therefore, in order for one to be purified and attain true taqwa, one must show true obedience and submission to Allah in all His commandments.

Explaining the benefits of fasting, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Due to fasts, one safeguards themselves from carnal pleasures and abstains from spiteful words. Fasting produces generosity in a person; it produces perseverance and courage. It enables a person to tame themselves. Thus, if a person fasts during Ramadan, fulfilling all its conditions with a pure heart, the month of Ramadan can cleanse all the sins they ever committed.”

(Al Hakam, 7 June 1918)

َ ّ ّ ً ُ ُ ٰ ُ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۤۡ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ٰ ‫اس َو بَ ِّین ٍت ِّم َن‬ ِ ‫شہر رمضان ال ِذی ان ِزل فِی ِہ الق ۡران ہ َدی ل ِلن‬ ّ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ​َ َُۡۡ َ ٰ ُۡ َ َ ‫الش ۡہرَ َف ۡل َی ُص ۡم ُہ ؕ َو َم ۡن ک‬ ‫ان‬ ‫ان ۚ فمن ش ِہد ِمنکم‬ ِ ‫الہدی و الفرق‬ ٰ ّ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ُ َّ َ ۡ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ َ ً ۡ َ َ‫الل ُہ ب ُک ُم ال ۡ ُی ۡس َر َو لا‬ ٍ ‫مرِیضا او علی سف ٍر ف ِعدۃ ِمن ای‬ ِ ‫ام اخر ؕ یرِید‬ ُ ٰ َ َ ٰ َ َ ّٰ ُ ّ َ ُ َ َ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ُ ُ ۡ ُ َ‫ٮک ۡم و‬ ‫یرِید ِبکم العسر ۫ و ل ِتک ِملوا ال ِعدۃ و ل ِتکبِروا اللہ علی ما ہد‬ ُ ۡ َ ُ َّ ‫ل َ َعلک ۡم تشک ُر ۡو َن‬

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present [at home] in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, [shall fast] the same number of other days. Allah desires to [give] you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186) Alluding to this verse and explaining the grandness of this month, the Promised

Messiahas states: “This verse indicates the greatness of the month of Ramadan. The sufis have recorded that this is a good month for the illumination of the heart. The one who observes fasts has frequent experience of visions in this month. Salat purifies the spirit and the fast illuminates the heart. The purification of the spirit means that one may be delivered from the passions of the self that incites to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be opened so that one may be able to behold God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 256257) Here, in this verse, God Almighty highlights that the month of Ramadan was the month “in which the Quran was sent down”. Thus, where we are reminded of God’s favours, bounties and guidance He bestowed upon the world, we must express our gratitude to God for His blessings and act upon the teachings He has laid out for us which, in actuality, benefits and illuminates our hearts.

Contrary to what most people assert, fasting is not simply abstaining from food; the essence is far greater. Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “The purpose of fasting is not to starve.

If one could enter Paradise by starvation, then in my view, disbelievers and hypocrites would be ready to do so, as it is not so difficult. In reality, the challenging thing is moral and spiritual transformation.

People starve themselves for the most trivial of matters; prisoners go on hunger strikes; Brahmans famously stop eating when they are not listened to. Thus, it is nothing extraordinary to remain hungry, nor is it the purpose of Ramadan.” (Al Fazl, 17 December 1966) In a hadith, recorded in Sahih alBukhari, we read: َ َ َّ َ ‫الص ْو ُم لِي َوأنا أ ْج ِزي بِ ِه‬ “The fast is for Me, so I will give the reward for it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab alTawheed, Hadith 7538) Analysing this hadith and following on the path taught to us by the Holy Prophetsa, we are told and made aware of the importance of fasting. Through taking on the spiritual task, man is able to reach God Almighty and strengthen his connection with Him and also intensify one’s love for the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “So many centuries have passed between us and the Holy Prophetsa and so many years continue to pass. Every passing day separates us from his time, but with the coming of Ramadan, it feels as though this month has wrapped up all those centuries and brought us closer to the Holy Prophetsa. In fact, not only the Holy Prophetsa, but since the Quran has been revealed by Allah the Almighty, it feels that Ramadan has shrunken this vast span of time and brought us closer to God. The distance that exists between man and God, between the Creator and His creation, between a frail being and the Creator of the whole Universe all contracts and vanishes, just like the rays of the sun eliminate the darkness of the night.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 393-394)

Promised Messiah Day Jalsa in Boston, USA Syed Shamshad Nasir Missionary, USA Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Boston was able to hold Jalsa Masih-e-Maud via Zoom on 20 March 2021. The programme began with recitation of the Holy Quran with English translation, followed by a poem from Durre-Sameen, with translation.

The first speech was delivered by a tifl, Danial Ahmad Sahib, on “The Promised Messiahas – the man, the message, and the movement”, which narrated some incidents from the life of the Promised Messiahas.

The next presentation, titled “The first condition of Bai‘at and its relevance in the modern age” was delivered by Asif Jamil Sahib. With interactive questions initiated by the speaker, the presentation engaged the audience and led to fruitful discourse.

The keynote speech was delivered by a missionary, Salman Tariq Sahib, which detailed the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas with respect to revitalising the teachings of Islam.

After this, the local President, Dr Karim Sharif Sahib gave his concluding remarks.

He presented a slideshow of pictures

of historical sites in Qadian where the Promised Messiahas had claimed to be the Messiah and would frequent and reside in.

Sites included an overall view of old Qadian, the train station, the “Gol Kamra”, Masjid Mubarak, Masjid Nur, and the house of the Promised Messiahas.

After this, a question and answer session was held, where members of the Jamaat asked questions pertaining to the forgiveness of shirk, the nature of jinn, satan, iblis, and whether Hazrat Adamas was the first man on earth. The question and answer session continued for over half an hour and was well appreciated by the attendees.

The programme concluded with silent prayer led by Salman Tariq Sahib.

Promised Messiah Day celebrations in Sri Lanka

A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent The Promised Messiah Day celebrations were held in centres of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka on 27 and 28 March 2021.

The event was held in Colombo on 27 March, at Bait-ul-Hamd premises in the presence of the national president, A H Nasir Ahmad Sahib. The local president of Colombo Jamaat, M A Anis Ahmad Sahib presided the event.

The programme started with recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a poem from Durr-e-Sameen. The opening speech was delivered by Nasir Ahmad Sahib, national president, followed by an address by Anis Ahmad Sahib.

Nizam Khan Sahib, national vice president, and Musthaq Ahmad Sahib, missionary-in-charge also addressed the event.

During the jalsa held in Negombo, the missionary Tahir Sahib delivered a speech titled “Ahmadiyyat – an ark built by Allah under His eyes and command”.

Missionary, Ahsan Sahib delivered a speech about a book of the Promised Messiahas, The need for the Imam, and encouraged the audience to read the book attentively.

In regard to the Promised Messiah Day, separate programmes for atfal were also arranged at Negombo and Pasyala. To mark the event, a waqar-e-amal session was also held at Polonnaruwa.

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 19 March 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Uthmanra ibn Affan After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

will be killed during this disorder in a state of oppression,” and as he stated this, he pointed towards Hazrat Uthmanra. (Jami‘ al-

I was previously narrating accounts from the life of Hazrat Uthmanra. Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra has also written briefly about his martyrdom and the subsequent events.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes: “Medina fell into the hands of these very people [i.e. the rebels]. Furthermore, the acts of these individuals during those days were extremely shocking. They had already martyred Hazrat Uthmanra, but they even objected to the burial of his body, as a result of which he could not be buried for three days. Eventually, a group of companions took the courage and buried him in the night. Those individuals [i.e. the rebels] hindered their path as well. However, some people threatened to attack them fiercely owing to which they backed off.” (Islam Mein

Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Manaqib, Bab Qauluhum Kunna Naqul Abu Bakr wa Umar wa Uthman, Hadith 3708)

We find the following narrations with regard to the inheritance Hazrat Uthmanra left behind. Ubaidullah bin Abdillah bin Utbah relates that the day Hazrat Uthmanra was martyred, his treasurer had 30,500,000 dirhams and 150,000 dinars that belonged to Hazrat Uthmanra, all of which was looted.

Hazrat Uthmanra also had 1,000 camels which were kept at Rabazah. Rabazah is a settlement located at a distance of three days travel from Medina en route from the Hejaz. He had also left 200,000-dinar worth of charity at Baradis, Khaybar and Wadi Al-Qura. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3,

Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, p. 333)

Uthmanra bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya alTurath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 42) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-i-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 130)

The Holy Prophetsa had made prophecies in relation to Hazrat Uthmanra. These are mentioned as follows: Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘arira relates, “The Holy Prophetsa entered a garden and instructed me to stand guard at its entrance. In the meantime, an individual approached and requested for permission to enter. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Let him enter and give him glad tidings of Paradise.’

I saw that this individual was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Another individual approached thereafter and requested for permission [to enter]. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Let him enter and give him glad tidings of Paradise.’ I saw that it was Hazrat Umarra.

Thereafter, another individual approached and requested for permission [to enter].

Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa remained silent for a few moments and said, ‘Let him enter and give him the glad tidings of Paradise. However, he will encounter a great trial.’ I saw that this individual was Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Uthman bin Affanra, Hadith 3695)

Hazrat Anasra relates that the Holy Prophetsa climbed Mount Uhud along with Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra. Mount Uhud started to tremble, upon which the Holy Prophetsa

It has already been mentioned previously that Hazrat Uthmanra said, “I used to be a wealthy man. However, now, I only have two camels for Hajj.” (Islam Mein Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz,

Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, p. 294)

It is possible that this narration could refer to a time when such abundance of wealth was present in the national treasury, which the narrator has attributed to Hazrat Uthmanra personally. It is also possible that he possessed this wealth, but instead of spending it on himself, he gave it away as charity and spent it in the national interest.

Nonetheless, this is one narration which I have mentioned. Another narration that related to him personally has been mentioned prior to this as well. Furthermore, from the narrations of the treasurers who had been appointed to safeguard the wealth of the treasury, it becomes evident that this wealth belonged to the treasury for which they were appointed to oversee. (Islam Mein

said, “O Uhud! Stop!” The narrator says, “I believe that the Holy Prophetsa also stamped his foot on the mountain and said, ‘A prophet, a siddiq [truthful] and two martyrs are standing on top of you.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari,

Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Uthmanra bin Affan, Hadith 3699)

Hazrat Ibn Umarra relates that whilst mentioning a particular disorder and strife, the Holy Prophetsa said, “This individual

Ikhtilafat ka Aghaz, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, p. 329)

The narrations of the companions in relation to the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthmanra are as follows: Hazrat Alira was asked with regard to Hazrat Uthmanra. Hazrat Alira said, “He

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AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021 was an individual, who was declared to be ‘Dhun-Nurayn’ [possessor of two lights] even by the exalted angels.” i.e. He was deemed to be ‘Dhun-Nurayn’ even in the sight of God Almighty. (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Uthmanra bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 378)

Hazrat Alira said, “Hazrat Uthmanra was most kind to his relatives.” When Hazrat Aishara came to know of the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthmanra, she said, “These people have killed him, even though he was the most kind to his kinfolk and also feared God more than all of them.” (Ibid) We find a narration regarding the prayer of the Holy Prophetsa for his sons-inlaw. It is written in Al-Isti‘ab that the Holy Prophetsa said, “I have prayed to my Lord, the possessor of Glory and Majesty, to not allow anyone to enter hell who is a son-inlaw to me, or to whom I am a son-in-law.”

(Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma’rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 3, Uthman bin Affanra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Jil, 2002], 156.)

With regards to the attire and appearance of Hazrat Uthmanra, it is related by Mahmud bin Labid that he saw Hazrat Uthman bin Affanra riding a mule and his body was covered with two yellow garments.

Hakam bin Salt relates, “My father told me that he saw Hazrat Uthmanra delivering a sermon. He was wearing a black garment and his hair had been dyed with henna.”

Sulaym Abu Amir relates that he saw Hazrat Uthman bin Affanra wearing a Yemeni cloak, which cost 100 dirham.

Muhammad bin Umar relates, “I asked Amr bin Abdillah, Urwah bin Khalid and Abdur Rahman bin Abu Zinad with regards to the appearance of Hazrat Uthmanra. All of them unanimously said that he was neither very tall, nor very short. He had a beautiful countenance, soft skin and a thick and long beard. He was of a wheat complexion, had a strong build, broad shoulders and had thick hair. He would dye his beard yellow.”

Waqid bin Abi Yasir relates that Hazrat Uthmanra had his teeth bound with a golden wire. Musa bin Talha relates, “I observed that when Hazrat Uthmanra left his home on a Friday, he would be covered with two yellow garments. He would then take a seat on the pulpit and the muazzin [person giving the call to prayer] would call the Azan. When the muazzin would finish, he would stand up with the support of the handle of a staff and would deliver the sermon whilst holding on to it. Following this, he would come down from the pulpit and the muazzin would give the iqamah [pronounced immediately before the prayer begins].”

Hassan relates, “I saw Hazrat Uthmanra sleeping in the mosque, using his garment as a pillow.” (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Dhikr Libas Uthmanra bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], pp. 32-34)

Musa bin Talha relates that on Friday, Hazrat Uthmanra was standing with the support of a staff. He was more handsome than everyone else. He would be clothed in two yellow garments; one for the upper body and one for the lower body. He would then ascend the pulpit and take a seat. (Majma alZawa‘id wa Manba al-Fawa‘id, Kitab-ul-Manaqib, Bab Sifatuh, Hadith 14493, Vol. 9, p. 75, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

The Holy Prophetsa had a ring which had the following words engraved on it: “Muhammad, Rasulullah [Muhammadsa, the Messenger of Allah]” and the Holy

Prophetsa used to wear this ring. In regard to this we find a narration: Hazrat Anas bin Malikra narrates that when the Holy Prophetra intended to write a letter to the Byzantine king, he was informed that if the letter did not contain a seal, the letter would not be read. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa made a silver ring and had the following words engraved on it: “Muhammad, Rasulullah.” The narrator states, “It is as if I can still see the brightness of that ring on his hand,” i.e. he recalls it that vividly. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas, Bab

himself will enter Paradise, Abu Bakrra will enter Paradise, Umarra will enter Paradise, Uthmanra will enter Paradise, Alira will enter Paradise, Talhara will enter Paradise, Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf will enter Paradise, Zubairra bin Awam will enter Paradise, Saadra bin Malik will enter Paradise and if I wish, I could name the tenth individual as well.”

The narrator states that the people enquired about the identity of the tenth individual.

Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid remained silent for a short while. The narrator states that some people enquired again as to who the tenth

Hazrat Anasra relates that the Holy Prophetsa climbed Mount Uhud along with Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Uthmanra.

Mount Uhud started to tremble, upon which the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Uhud! Stop!” The narrator says, “I believe that the Holy Prophetsa also stamped his foot on the mountain and said, ‘A prophet, a siddiq [truthful] and two martyrs are standing on top of you.’”

Ittikhadh al-Khatam…, Hadith 5878)

Hazrat Anasra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa wore this ring and after him, Hazrat Abu Bakrra wore it, after whom Hazrat Umarra wore it. Then during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra, one day Hazrat Uthmanra was sitting near a water well named Aris. The narrator states that Hazrat Uthmanra took out the ring and began playing with it, when it fell (i.e. he began turning it around on his finger). He states that they searched for the ring for three days alongside Hazrat Uthmanra. All of the water from the well was also emptied, but the ring was not found. Hazrat Uthmanra was greatly perturbed by the loss of the ring and announced that the one who finds it would be given a large monetary reward. When all hope was lost in finding the ring, Hazrat Uthmanra instructed for the same silver ring to be made, thus an identical ring was made which had the engraving: “Muhammad, Rasulullah.” Hazrat Uthmanra wore the ring until his demise. At the time of Hazrat Uthman’sra martyrdom, an unknown person took the ring. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas, Bab Hal Yuj‘alu Naqsh al-Khatam…, Hadith 5879) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], pp. 111-112)

Hazrat Uthmanra was part of the Asharah Mubasharah [10 companions given the tidings of Paradise by the Holy Prophetsa].

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Akhnas relates that he was in the mosque, when an individual spoke about Hazrat Alira in a very disrespectful manner. Upon this, Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid stood up and said, “I bear witness that I have most certainly heard the Holy Prophetsa say that 10 individuals would certainly enter Paradise. The Holy Prophetsa

individual was, upon which he said, “Saeed bin Zaid”, i.e. he himself. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Sunnah, Bab fi al-Khulafa’, Hadith 4649)

I have mentioned this narration before in regard to Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid.

With regard to Hazrat Uthmanra being blessed with the companionship of the Holy Prophetsa in Paradise, Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah narrates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Every prophet has a friend, and my friend is Uthman”, i.e. who will be with him in Paradise. (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Manaqib, Bab wa Rafiqi fi Jannah Uthman, Hadith 3698)

Hazrat Jabirra narrates, “On one occasion we were in a house with the Holy Prophetsa and a group of the Muhajireen companions.

Among those present were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Zubair, Abdur Rahman bin Auf and Saad bin Abi Waqas. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Everyone of you stand next to their companion.’ The Holy Prophetsa then stood next to Hazrat Uthmanra and embracing him, the Holy Prophetsa said to him: ْٰ ْ ُّ َ َْ ‫انت َول ِ ِّی ِفی الدن َیا َو َول ِ ِّی ِفی الا ِخ َر ِۃ‬ “‘You are my friend in this life and in the Hereafter.’” (Majma al-Zawa‘id wa Manba alFawa‘id, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab Mawalatuh, Hadith 14528, Vol. 9, p. 66, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Abu Sahla, the freed slave of Hazrat Uthmanra, narrates: “On Yaum al-Dar”, i.e. the day on which the rebels besieged Hazrat Uthmanra and martyred him, “I said to Hazrat Uthman, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Fight against these people who are causing disorder.’

Hazrat Abdullahra also said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Fight against these people who are causing disorder.’ Hazrat Uthmanra said,

‘By Allah! I shall not fight them. The Holy Prophetsa had made a promise to me and I wish for that to be fulfilled.’” (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, Uthmanra bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Fikr, 2003], p. 483)

The hypocrites would raise the allegations against Hazrat Uthmanra that he remained behind during the Battle of Badr, fled from the battlefield in the Battle of Uhud and not being present during the Bai‘at al-Ridwan.

Uthman bin Mauhab narrates: “A man from Egypt came to perform the Hajj. He saw a few people sitting down”; he said a few things in order to create disorder and strife. “The man asked, ‘Who are these people sitting down?’ Somebody said, ‘They are the people of Quraish.’ He said, ‘Who is the elderly man?’ They said, ‘Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra.’ He went to him and said, ‘O Ibn Umar, I want to ask you about something; tell me do you know that Hazrat Uthmanra fled on the day of Uhud?’ Hazrat Ibn Umar said, ‘Yes. He said, ‘Do you know that he [i.e. Uthman] was absent from the Battle of Badr and did not participate in it?’

Hazrat Ibn Umarra said, ‘Yes.’ He then said, ‘Do you know that he was also absent during Bai‘at al-Ridwan and did not take part in it?’ Hazrat Ibn Umar replied, ‘Yes.’ Out of astonishment, the man then said, ‘Allahu Akbar [Allah is the greatest]!’ Hazrat Ibn Umarra said, ‘Come here; (you have raised allegations) I will inform you and explain to you the reality of the matter. As for him [i.e. Hazrat Uthmanra] fleeing on the day of Uhud, I testify that Allah the Almighty forgave him and bestowed His mercy upon him.’”

At the time, there was a state of panic and confusion and the disbelievers had spread the [false] news that they had killed the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, at the time owing to the circumstances, he was forced to leave the battlefield.

Nonetheless, Hazrat Ibn Umarra further said: “As regards Hazrat Uthman’sra absence from the Battle of Badr, the reason for this was that his wife, the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa was unwell. So the Holy Prophetsa instructed him to remain behind to look after his wife and said to him, ‘You will receive a reward equal to the one who has fought in the battle and will also have the same share from the spoils.’ As for his absence from Bai‘at al-Ridwan, then know this: had there been anybody more respected than Hazrat Uthmanra in Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa would surely have sent him as an emissary to the disbelievers instead of Uthmanra. But the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Uthmanra and Bai‘at al-Ridwan took place when Hazrat Uthmanra had gone to meet the people of Mecca. During the Bai‘at al-Ridwan the Holy Prophetsa raised his right hand and indicating towards his left hand, said. ‘This is the hand of Uthman’, and placed it over his other hand, then said, ‘This is for Uthman.’” After narrating all of this, Hazrat Ibn Umarra then said to that man, “Go now and remember all of these points”, i.e. that no allegation can be raised against any of these matters. This is a narration of Sahih Bukhari. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib Uthman bin Affanra, Hadith 3698)

The expansion of Masjid Nabawi took place in the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa,

36

Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM bricks. (Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p.

430, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)

These details are regarding the construction of the mosque, details about the extension will also be mentioned later.

The walls of the mosque were approximately 3/4 of a metre wide, which is approximately 2-2.5 feet and the height was approximately 7 cubits, almost 3.5 metres. (Justuju-e-Madinah,

Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 432, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)

The construction of Masjid Nabawi was completed in Shawwal 1 AH, April 623 CE. (Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 435, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007) Hazrat Kharijah bin Zaid bin Thabitra narrates that for his mosque, the Holy Prophetsa made the length 70 cubits – approximately 35 metres and the width at 60 cubits – approximately 30 metres. (Justuju-e-

Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, pp. 437-438, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)

which Hazrat Uthmanra had the opportunity to partake in also. Abu Malih narrates on the authority of his father that in order to expand Masjid Medina [Nabawi], the Holy Prophetsa said to a man from the Ansar who owned a piece of land that in place of this piece of land, he would be granted an abode in Paradise, but the man refused to give it.

Upon this Hazrat Uthmanra went to him and said that he would purchase the piece of land for 10,000 dirhams.

Hazrat Uthmanra bought the piece of land from him and went to the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! You can purchase this piece of land from me which I have bought from the Ansari man.”

Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa then purchased the land from Hazrat Uthmanra in exchange for an abode in Paradise. In other words, the Holy Prophetsa then promised the same to Hazrat Uthmanra in that he would be given an abode in Paradise. Hazrat Uthmanra said that he had bought this [land] for 10,000 dirhams. Subsequently, the Holy Prophetsa laid a brick down and then called for Hazrat Abu Bakrra who also laid down a brick. Then Hazrat Umarra was called who laid down a brick and then Hazrat Uthmanra came and laid down a brick. The Holy Prophetsa then asked everyone else to lay a brick each and they did as they were asked. In this manner, the foundations were laid for the extension. (Majma al-Zawa‘id wa Manba al-Fawa‘id, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab ma Amila fi al-Khair…, Hadith 14524, Vol. 9, p. 65, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Thumama bin Hazm Qusheri narrates, “I was present during the siege (of Hazrat Uthman’s house) when Hazrat Uthmanra peered from the top and said, ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that when the Holy Prophetsa came to Medina, there was no other water well containing sweet water other than the Rumah well? The Holy Prophetsa asked, “Who will purchase it [i.e. the well] so that the Muslims can also draw water from it alongside him? (i.e. the Muslims can drink from it as well as the one who purchases it) and he will receive a most excellent reward in Paradise in exchange for it.” Upon this I purchased the well from my personal wealth and shared it with the Muslims. But today you wish to stop me obtaining water from there and are forcing me to drink seawater.’

Upon this everyone said, ‘By God! You have spoken the truth.’ Hazrat Uthmanra then said: ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that I spent my own wealth in order to prepare the army for Jaish Al-‘Usrah (i.e. Battle of Tabuk)?’ Upon this, the people said: ‘By God, this is correct.’

Hazrat Uthmanra then said, ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that when Masjid Nabawi became too small to accommodate the worshipers, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whosoever purchases the piece of land from such and such family, and includes it as part of the mosque, he shall receive an even greater reward in paradise.”

Thus, I purchased that piece of land from my own wealth and donated it to become part of the mosque. And now you people wish

to stop me even offering two rak’as [unit of prayer] inside this mosque?’ The people replied, ‘By God, this is correct.’ Hazrat Uthmanra then said, ‘I ask you in the name of Allah and Islam; are you aware that when the Holy Prophetsa was on Mount Thabir in Mecca along with Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and myself and the Mount began to shake, the Holy Prophetsa stamped his feet down and said, “Stop, O Thabir, because a prophet, siddiq [truthful] and two martyrs are standing above you.”’ Hearing this, the people said, ‘By God, this is correct.’ Hazrat Uthmanra then said, ‘Allahu Akbar! By the Lord of the Ka‘bah, they have given their testimony in my favour.’” i.e. that he would receive the station of martyrdom. (Sunan alNasa‘i, Kitab al-Ahbas, Bab Waqf al-Masajid, Hadith 3638)

The further expansion of Masjid Nabawi to a greater extent took place during the era of Hazrat Uthmanra. Thus, I will mention some details and a brief history regarding this extension and also the early conditions.

It has already been mentioned that the mosque was extended during the time of the Holy Prophetsa. With regard to this there is a note that in Rabi al-Awwal of 1 AH, October 622 CE, the Holy Prophetsa laid the foundation stone for Masjid Nabawi with his blessed hands. This foundation was approximately 3 Zar’a [cubits] deep, which is 1.5 metres. The walls of the foundations were made using blocks cut out from rocks and the main walls were made from blocks of clay that had been dried in the sun. The walls were made from sun-dried [clay]

During the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, the first expansion of Masjid Nabawi took place in Muharram 7 AH, June 628 CE. When the Holy Prophetsa returned having gained victory in the Battle of Khaybar, the Holy Prophetsa gave orders for the expansion and renovation of Masjid Nabawi. The mosque was not extended on the south side, i.e. towards the qiblah, nor on the eastern side. Majority of the extension took place on the northern side and partly towards the western side. On the northern side, there were some houses, among which was the house of an Ansari Companion, who was somewhat hesitant about giving up his house. Upon this, as was mentioned earlier, Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan bought that house from his own money for 10,000 Dinars and presented it to the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, most of the construction was possible only towards the northern and western side. After this expansion, the total area was 100 x 100 cubits, i.e. 50 x 50 metres.

(Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, pp. 446447, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007)

Masjid Nabawi was extended for a second time in 17 AH during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar relates that during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, the mosque was constructed from mudbricks, the roof was made from date-palm branches and leaves and datepalm trunks were used as pillars. The mosque remained the same throughout the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and no expansion or changes were made. Hazrat Umarra instructed for the mosque to be extended and renovated, but did not make any changes to the appearance and building structure, he left it on the original foundations or left the old part as it was. He constructed it in the same style and only extended it. The roof was kept in its original condition using datepalm leaves but changed the pillars using wood. The renovation of the mosque was completed in 17 AH under the supervision of Hazrat Umarra. After this expansion, the area of the mosque increased from 50 x 50 meters to approximately to 70 x 60 metres, i.e. 140 x 120 cubits. From this narration, it is evident that during the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, the mosque remained in the same condition as it was during the time of the Holy Prophetsa. But it was extended significantly due to the construction in the time of Hazrat Umarra. (Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, p. 459, Oriental Publications,

37

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021 Pakistan, 2007)

Then, during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra, Masjid Nabawi was expanded and reconstructed. This took place in 29 AH. Hazrat Uthmanra expanded and reconstructed the mosque and in order to make it more beautiful and stronger, he used stone, gypsum and carvings. Hazrat Uthmanra constructed the walls from decorative stone and for the first time, Masjid Nabawi was whitewashed with lime.

The roof was made from Teak wood.

When Hazrat Uthmanra was elected as the Khalifa in 24 AH, the people requested him to expand Masjid Nabawi. They complained that the courtyard area was too small, especially during the Friday Prayers and gatherings; many times people had to offer prayers outside. Thus, Hazrat Uthmanra sought counsel from the Companions; all of them were of the opinion that the old mosque should be demolished and a new mosque should be constructed in its place.

One day, after leading the Zuhr prayers, Hazrat Uthmanra delivered a sermon from the pulpit and said, “All praise belongs to Allah! I intend to demolish the mosque and construct a new one in its place and I bear witness that I have heard from the blessed tongue of the Holy Prophetsa that whosoever constructs a mosque, Allah the Almighty will construct an abode for them in Paradise.

Before me was Hazrat Umar Farooqra. The reconstruction and expansion of the mosque that took place in his time is an example and model before me. I have sought the opinion of all the eminent companions of the Holy Prophetsa and they all unanimously agree that Masjid Nabawi ought to be demolished and constructed again.”

When Hazrat Uthmanra presented the idea of the reconstruction of the mosque, a few companions stated their reservations.

They opined that the mosque should not be demolished. Among these companions were those whose houses were situated next to Masjid Nabawi and their homes were to be affected as a result of this plan.

The majority of the people were in support of this proposal; however, a few of the companions objected to this. Hazrat Aflah bin Hameed relates that Hazrat Uthmanra wished to stand at the pulpit and seek counsel from the people. Upon this, Marwan bin Hakam submitted, “This is undoubtedly a noble deed, therefore what need is there to seek counsel from the people?” Upon this, Hazrat Uthmanra admonished him and stated, “I do not wish to force or compel anyone to do something.

I will certainly seek their advice.” Hazrat Uthmanra stated that he did not wish to forcibly impose his viewpoint on others and whatever he would do, would be done with their support. When his plan had the support of those companions who possessed sound judgment and sagacity in matters, Hazrat Uthmanra purchased the houses situated to the north of Masjid Nabawi and thus acquired its land. Despite Hazrat Uthmanra offering quite a large sum of money to the companions in order to buy their homes, even then there were a few companions who did not want to sell their houses. Almost four to five years passed by and despite all efforts, he was not able to succeed in getting them to agree.

Hazrat Ubaidullah Kholani relates that when people continued to show reluctance in offering their houses and presented their

arguments, he heard Hazrat Uthmanra say, “You have all said enough. However, I have heard the Holy Prophetsa say that whoever builds a mosque for the sake of attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, they will be rewarded by Allah the Almighty in return with an abode similar to that in Paradise.”

Similarly, Hazrat Mahmud bin Labeed relates that when Hazrat Uthmanra decided to reconstruct Masjid Nabawi, people did not agree with this plan. They insisted that Masjid Nabawi should remain in the exact condition as it was in the time of the Holy Prophetsa. Upon this, Hazrat Uthmanra stated that whoever built a mosque for the sake of attaining the pleasure of Allah the Almighty, they would be granted a similar abode in Paradise as a reward. When Hazrat Uthmanra managed to convince the people [for its reconstruction], he began the work in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal 29 AH/649 CE. And by the first of the month of Muharram 30 AH, within a period of 10 months, the reconstruction work of Masjid Nabawi was complete. Hazrat Uthmanra personally supervised the entire work and during the day, he would always be fasting and in the night, if he was overcome with sleep, then he would rest in Masjid Nabawi.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Safina relates that he observed that the cement mixture would be brought to Hazrat Uthman Ghanira and whilst standing, he would direct and oversee the workers. And whenever it would be the time for prayer, he would offer his prayers with them. At times, he would sleep there as well.

Hazrat Uthmanra expanded the mosque to its south in the direction of the qiblah. The wall facing towards the qiblah was moved to where it stands even till today. The mosque was also expanded by approximately 50 cubits, which is approximately 25 metres towards its north side and also towards the west. However, there was no extension done towards the east-facing side where the blessed houses [of the family of the Holy Prophetsa] were situated. At the end of the reconstruction work, the total area of Masjid Nabawi was now 160 x 150 cubits, approximately 80 x 75 metres. During the era of Hazrat Uthmanra, there were a total of six doors in Masjid Nabawi.

For the first time, designs were engraved onto the stones of Masjid Nabawi and they were whitewashed [with lime]. According to the narration of Hazrat Kharijah bin Zaid, Hazrat Uthmanra placed windows in the west and east facing walls of Masjid Nabawi. Among the houses which Hazrat Uthmanra had to purchase for the expansion of Masjid Nabawi was the house of Ummul Momineen [Mother of the Believers] Hazrat Hafsara. In exchange, she was given a house whose wall was joined to the wall of the qiblah and was situated to the south-east of it and a small opening was made to make her access to come in and out of her house easier. Also, half of the properties belonging to the relatives of Hazrat Abu Ja‘far bin Abi Talib were purchased for 100,000 dirhams.

Similarly, some area from Dar-ul-Abbas was purchased and included into the area of Masjid Nabawi.

Apart from moving the wall of the qiblah further south, another notable development in Masjid Nabawi was that the mehrab of the Holy Prophetsa was also further moved in the line with the qiblah. This was in exactly the same spot where the mehrab-e-Uthmani

“I liken Hazrat Uthmanra to Hazrat Sulaimanas for he also had a great passion to construct buildings. The era of Hazrat Alira was filled with internal discord; Mu‘awiyah was on one side and on the other was Alira and owing to this discord there was a lot of bloodshed amongst the Muslims. In those six years, there were no major works carried out in Islam. All of these works came to an end with [the demise of] Hazrat Uthmanra because after him, civil war began.”

is situated today and the area of the original mehrab was marked out. Instead of using mud, they used crushed stones and iron rods were placed in the pillars made from stone. Special care was taken to ensure that these new pillars were erected in exactly the same spots where the pillars, made from date-palm tree trunks, were placed during the blessed time of the Holy Prophetsa. The same kind of material and architectural design that was used by the Byzantines for the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was used for this construction as well. The roof was made of Teak wood which was placed on wooden beams and they were supported by pillars made from stone and iron rods inside them. Since Hazrat Umarra was martyred in the mehrab of the Holy Prophetsa whilst leading prayer, therefore to prevent such an incident from taking place again, Hazrat Uthmanra built a “maqsurah” – i.e. an enclosure was built in front of the rows of where the worshipers stand and where the pulpit is. It was built from bricks and had small holes and openings in it so that the congregants could see the Imam.

This was the first precautionary measure that was constructed in Masjid Nabawi and later adopted as an official architectural feature in [the mosques of] Damascus as a safety protocol for the Khulafa of the Banu Umaiyyah. (Justuju-e-Madinah, Abdul Hameed Qadiri, pp. 463-465, Oriental Publications, Pakistan, 2007) (Urdu Lughat Tarikhi Usulon par, Vol. 18, p. 492, Zair Lafz Maqsurah)

I.e. to build walls around the mehrab in order to secure it but still enabling the congregants to see the Imam. Thereafter, at various times the mosque continued to be expanded.

The Promised Messiahas states: “I liken Hazrat Uthmanra to Hazrat Sulaimanas for he also had a great passion to construct buildings. The era of Hazrat Alira was filled with internal discord; Mu‘awiyah was on one side and on the other was Alira and owing to this discord there was a lot of

bloodshed amongst the Muslims. In those six years, there were no major works carried out in Islam. All of these works came to an end with [the demise of] Hazrat Uthmanra because after him, civil war began.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 8, p. 278) The Promised Messiahas further states: “It is not necessary that mosques have to be a solid and fixed structure. In fact, an area can be specified for the mosque and marked with a boundary. A canopy made of bamboo, or other material can be placed to provide shelter from the rain etc. God Almighty does not like extravagance. The mosque of the Holy Prophetsa was made from the branches of date palm trees and remained like this. Later, during the era of Hazrat Uthmanra, who had a passion for construction, he further strengthened the structure of the mosque. I sometimes reflect that the names of Hazrat Sulaimanas and Uthmanra are quite similar in sound and perhaps it is owing to this shared desire of theirs [to build].” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, p. 119) The expansion of Masjid Al-Haram [the mosque that surrounds the Holy Ka‘bah in Mecca] began in 26 AH. Hazrat Uthmanra restored the landmarks within the Haram and further expanded the Masjid AlHaram. Hazrat Uthmanra purchased the nearby houses and included that area as part of Masjid Al-Haram. Some of the people happily sold their houses; however, some were not willing to do so. Hazrat Uthmanra tried to convince them in every way possible but they remained adamant in their decision. In the end, upon the instruction of Hazrat Uthmanra, those houses were taken down and the amount [in value] was given to the treasury. Upon this, people began to create unrest against Hazrat Uthmanra and so he had them arrested and put in jail.

Hazrat Uthmanra then said to them, “Do you know why you have had the courage to act in this manner against me? This courage you show is because of my compassionate nature. Hazrat Umarra also did the same

38 thing; however, you did not create any disorder against him.” Later, Abdullah bin Khalid bin Usaid spoke to Hazrat Uthmanra regarding those who had created disorder upon which they were released. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], p. 92)

The first ever naval fleet in Islam was established during the era of Hazrat Uthmanra in 28 AH. Amir Mu‘awiyah bin Abi Sufyan was the first person to fight a naval battle during the era of Hazrat Uthman’sra Khilafat. Amir Mu‘awiyah sought permission from Hazrat Umarra once before to take part in a naval battle, but Hazrat Umarra did not grant him permission. When Hazrat Uthmanra became Khalifa, Amir Mu‘awiyah mentioned this a few times again and sought permission for this. Eventually, Hazrat Uthmanra gave him permission but stated that he should not include anyone to be part of the army nor draw a lot to decide, in fact give them the choice and take only those who wish to go along with you and assist them. Amir Mu‘awiyah did as he was instructed. Abdullah bin Qais Jasi was appointed as the commander of the naval force and he fought a total of 50 battles in the season of summer and winter and not a single soldier drowned and nor did they incur any kind of loss. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir alTabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], p. 97)

The Holy Prophetsa narrated that one who resembled him the most in morals was Hazrat Uthmanra. Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Uthman relates that the Holy Prophetsa visited his daughter and at the time, she was washing Hazrat Uthman’sra hair. The Holy Prophetsa stated, “O my daughter! Treat Abu Abdillah”, i.e. Uthman, “in the most excellent manner, for in morals, he resembles me the most among my companions.” (Majma al-Zawa‘id wa Manba al-Fawa‘id, Kitabul Manaqib, Bab ma Ja‘a fi Khuluqih, Hadith 14500, Vol. 9, p. 58, Dar al-Kutub al-

Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Uthman relates that the Holy Prophetsa visited his daughter and at the time, she was washing Hazrat Uthman’sra hair. The Holy Prophetsa stated, “O my daughter! Treat Abu Abdillah”, i.e. Uthman, “in the most excellent manner, for in morals, he resembles me the most among my companions.”

Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) Hazrat Yahya bin Abdir Rahman bin Hatib relates that he heard his father say that among all the companions of the Holy Prophetsa, there was no one better than Hazrat Uthmanra in expressing himself in a most comprehensive and beautiful manner and he would not engage in unnecessary talk. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Uthmanra bin Affan [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], p. 32) Hazrat Abu Hurrairahra narrates that he presented himself before the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Ruqaiyyahra.

Instead of Hazrat Ruqaiyyahra, perhaps it is meant Hazrat Umm Kulthumra because according to the narrations, Hazrat Ruqaiyyahra passed away in the days of the Battle of Badr and Hazrat Abu Hurairahra accepted Islam five years after that and then came to Medina. Therefore, perhaps Hazrat Umm Kulthumra is meant here because she passed away in 9 AH. In any case, the narration states that he presented himself before the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, who was the wife of Hazrat Uthmanra and she had a comb in her hand.

She stated, “Just now the Holy Prophetsa left

from here. I was combing his hair and he asked me, ‘How do you find Abu Abdillah (Hazrat Uthmanra?’ I replied, ‘He is excellent.’

Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Thus, you should also treat him with respect for in morals he resembles me the most among my companions.’” (Majma al-Zawa‘id wa Manba al-Fawa‘id, Kitab al-Manaqib, Bab ma Ja‘a fi Khuluqih, Hadith 14501, Vol. 9, p.

58, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) I conclude narrating the accounts from the life of Hazrat Uthmanra here. I will lead some funeral prayers [in absentia] today as well and will mention some details about them.

The first funeral is of Mubasher Ahmad Rind Sahib, son of Ahmad Bakhsh, who was serving as a muallim of Waqf-e-Jadid in Rabwah. He passed away on 10 March [2021]: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫اج ُع ْو َن‬ ِ ‫اِنا لِل ِہ واِنا اِلی ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

The deceased belonged to the village of Rindan in the district of Dera Ghazi Khan and was a born Ahmadi. He started his services as a muallim of Waqf-e-Jadid in Tharparkar in 1990. He then served in various places as a muallim and inspector.

Wherever he was sent, he would always show utmost obedience and never presented any kind of excuse. He always strived to fulfil his waqf with great sincerity. His own relatives as well as others have all stated that he was extremely hard-working, devoted to prayers, regular in offering Tahajud prayers, outstanding preacher, excellent speaker, very sociable, hospitable, cheerful and a humble person. He always spoke softly and in a very sweet manner, but if he ever heard anything against the nizam-e-Jamaat or Khilafat, he would become like an unsheathed sword and would not leave that gathering until he had reformed that individual.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. His youngest son, Shazil Ahmad, is a fourth-year student of Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah. May Allah the Almighty grant the deceased His forgiveness and mercy.

The next funeral is of Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib, who was the former amir of Islamabad district. After a long period of illness, he passed away in Canada on 9 March [2021] at the age of 84: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫اج ُع ْو َن‬ ِ ‫اِنا لِل ِہ واِنا اِلی ِہ ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was a Musi and had done a Wasiyyat at the rate of 1/9. Munir Farrukh Sahib was an engineer. His grandfather was Hazrat Munshi Ahmad Bakhsh Sahibra who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas. He travelled to Qadian for the Jalsa Salana in 1903 and had the good fortune of performing the bai‘at at the hands of the Promised Messiahas. The father of the deceased was Dr Chaudhry Abdullah Ahad Sahib, who obtained an MSc and PhD in Agriculture.

Only the most intelligent students were able to acquire a PhD in those days. In any case, his father had a PhD. His father also had the opportunity to serve as the amir of Lyallpur.

In 1944, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra called for the youth, particularly scientists, to come forward and dedicate their lives [for the service of the Jamaat], Dr Sahib, i.e. Farrukh Sahib’s father, resigned from his government job, dedicated his life

39

AL HAKAM | Friday 16 April 2021 and moved to Qadian with his family. By then, under the direct supervision of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, the Fazl-e-Umar Research Institute had been established and Huzoorra appointed him as the director of Fazl-e-Umar Research Institute. He was also appointed as a science teacher in Talim-ulIslam College.

Farrukh Sahib attained a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology and then worked in various roles early on in his career.

He then formally began his services for the government of Pakistan in the telegraph and telephone department. During his service, he had the opportunity to serve in various cities of Pakistan and also travelled to numerous countries as a representative of Pakistan. He retired in 1997 as the director general of Pakistan Telecommunications.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

May Allah the Almighty enable his children to follow his [virtuous] example.

During his stay in Rawalpindi, he had the opportunity to serve as the qaid of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya of his district. This was during the challenging and tumultuous times of 1974 and he had the opportunity to serve in that time. In 1977, he permanently settled in Islamabad and had the opportunity to serve [the Jamaat] in various capacities. In 1990, he had the opportunity to serve as Naib Amir I and after taking retirement, he presented his waqf to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. After his waqf was approved, he was given the responsibility to serve as the amir of Islamabad city and also the district in 1999. He also made great effort in forming the digital exchange in order to provide the accessibility of direct dialling in Rabwah. He was also a member of the Central Finance Committee and an Executive Member of IAAAE. He had the opportunity to serve in various capacities and also in various honorary roles.

In 1996, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appointed him as the director of the Fazl-eUmar Foundation and he continued to serve in this role until his demise.

In 1980, during the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, at the occasion of Jalsa Salana, when work was started to provide translations to the foreign guests, a team of engineers was formed for this and the deceased rendered great effort for this and was able to make a notable contribution towards this endeavour.

Munir Farrukh Sahib was also the overall in charge of this team as well. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh migrated to the UK in April 1984, he would regularly come to attend the Jalsa here and he would be entrusted with the responsibility of providing translation service to the guests.

He rendered this duty in a most excellent manner.

He would work with great effort and during his time as the amir of the Islamabad Jamaat, many buildings of the Jamaat were constructed.

One of his sons says: “He would always advise his children to fully participate in the work of the Jamaat.

He was always at the forefront in offering his services to the Jamaat, in spite of his work for the government. He would go from his work directly to the Jamaat offices and fulfil the responsibilities he was assigned. Every year,

َ ْ َّ َ ّٰ ُ ُ َ َ‫الر‬ ّ ‫ان‬ ‫یم‬ ‫ج‬ ‫ط‬ ِ ِ ِ ‫أعوذ ِبالل ِہ ِمن الشی‬ ّٰ ْ َ‫الر‬ ّ ‫الرَ ْح َم ٰـن‬ ّ ‫الل ِہ‬ ‫ِبس ِم‬ ‫یم‬ ‫ح‬ ِ ِ ِ

ْ ‫آم�ُوا‬ ْ‫اﺻ� ُ�وا‬ َ ‫یَا أَیُّ َھا الَّذیْ َن‬ ِ ِ “O ye who believe! be steadfast.”

(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.201)

he would reserve his holidays especially for Jalsa Salana UK.” Since he was an Ahmadi, during his time in employment, he was posted to work in a far-off place in Dera Ismail Khan. At that time, Prime Minister [Zulfikar Ali] Bhutto said that he should not be reposted in Islamabad, but Allah showered His grace and he was once again posted in Islamabad; from there, he had the opportunity to travel to different countries to represent the government. May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy.

The next funeral prayer is of Retired Brigadier Muhammad Latif Sahib, the former amir of the Rawalpindi district. He passed away on 28 February at the age of 77. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫اج ُع ْو َن‬ ِ ‫اِنا لِل ِہ واِنا اِلی ِه ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Brigadier Latif Sahib accepted Ahmadiyyat alongside his father around 1955. His father passed away in 2000, after which Brigadier Sahib was the only Ahmadi in his family; that is apart from his own children. He has a wife, two sons and two daughters. May Allah Almighty enable his children to also follow in his footsteps.

After his retirement in 2000, he dedicated all his time in serving the Community. He

served as the umur-e-ama secretary and deputy amir of the Rawalpindi district. He had the honour of serving as the amir of the Rawalpindi district from 2019 up until his demise in 2021. He had the honour of serving the Community for approximately 20 years.

He was very compassionate and caring towards the poor; he would render his services to the Community deeming it to be a blessing of God and he would advise his children to do the same. Even during the severity of his final illness, whenever he would be called upon by an office-bearer, he would go immediately, not worrying in the slightest about his illness. He had cancer and was undergoing treatment at the same time. In spite of this, he was always ready to serve and never refused to do so. May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy.

The next funeral prayer is of Konokbek Omurbekov Sahib, an Ahmadi from Kyrgyzstan. He passed away on 22 February at the age of 67. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫اج ُع ْو َن‬ ِ ‫اِنا لِل ِہ واِنا اِلی ِه ر‬ [Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

The national president of Kyrgyzstan, Ilyas Kubatov writes:

“I have known Konokbek Sahib for over fifteen years. He was one of the pioneer Ahmadis in Kyrgyzstan after having accepted Ahmadiyyat in 2000. He was a very sincere and loyal Ahmadi. He always took part in programmes of the Community, regularly donated to Jamaat’s chandas and other financial sacrifices and fulfilled his promises on time.

“He was regular in offering his five daily prayers and the Tahajud prayer. During the time of the Soviet Union and in his youth, he held good positions in large organisations and commercial companies in the country, and they all praised him for his honesty, good manners and hard work. When he was no longer working towards the latter part of his life, he would sell books, especially Islamic books. Even before the prohibition of the Jamaat’s religious activities in Kyrgyzstan, he would regularly distribute the literature of the Jamaat and the translation of the Holy Quran among the people. As a result of his preaching, he conveyed the message of Ahmadiyyat to many people. He is survived by his wife and a seven-year-old son.” This is his second wife. He was separated from his first wife and has elder children with her, who are perhaps not Ahmadis. May Allah the Almighty enable them to accept Ahmadiyyat. May Allah grant him His

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Friday 16 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

forgiveness and mercy.

The missionary writes: “After the Russian translation of the Holy Quran was published, Konokbek Sahib highlighted some errors [in the translation].

So I told him to read the entire Quran and review it [for any errors in translation].

He completed this task within 10-15 days by reading the entire Holy Quran with the translation and highlighting the errors.”

The missionary then writes, “Konokbek Sahib would perform his ablutions with

utmost care before the prayers and one would be envious upon seeing the way in which he would offer his prayers.”

Uzgenbaev Artur Sahib says: “In truth, Konokbek Sahib is the one who conveyed the message of Ahmadiyyat to me. Whenever I would ask questions, he would answer me in an amazing manner and his answers were filled with logic, reason and wisdom. Konokbek Sahib possessed very high morals and was a patient and forbearing person. It is due to

his morals and these qualities that I entered the Community.”

When I instructed that voluntary fasts should be held regularly and [to concentrate on] prayers, he would fast on Mondays and Thursdays. So when he was told to fast one day of the week, he said, “I fast on both Mondays and Thursdays, so that I may answer to each and every call of Khilafat.”

He was an ardent devotee of Khilafat and would regularly listen to the Friday Sermon in Russian. He was an extremely humble

and meek person. He was very cheerful, and as I already stated, he was passionate about calling people towards God Almighty. May Allah the Almighty grant him forgiveness and mercy.

May He elevate the rank of all the deceased members and enable their progeny to continue their virtuous deeds.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 9 April 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Permissibility of vaccine while fasting:

Latest instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

Recently, the British Islamic Medical Association UK issued a statement saying that taking the Covid-19 vaccine would not invalidate a fast during Ramadan.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes otherwise. To clarify this issue and to remove any confusion, the latest guidelines of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa are being presented below for everyone’s benefit: “To receive any type of injection, whether it is intramuscular or intravenous, during the state of fasting, is forbidden. If an Ahmadi gets an appointment for the coronavirus vaccine during Ramadan, then the leave that Islam has granted should be availed and on the day of the injection, they should not fast and they should complete that fast after the month of Ramadan.” (Addressed to the Editor of Al Fazl International, 13 April 2021) (Statement translated from original Urdu published by Al Fazl International) Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmad Kang | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021