Al Hakam - 23 April 2021

“For those who pray for others, angels pray in return” Huzoor’s guidance on praying in Ramadan

Page 2

A

Hope for a believer in the forgiveness of God

Friday the 10th A glad tiding to the Jamaat

Answers to everyday issues Part XIII

Page 13

Page 18

Page 7

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021 | Issue CLXII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Your objective is to become devoted helpers of the Khalifa of the time Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian have virtual audience with Huzoor

On Saturday, 17 April 2021, 19 students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, who are training to serve the Jamaat as missionaries, were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat.

As the live stream started, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa conveyed his salaam to everyone and asked the Principal, Ata-ulMujeeb Lone Sahib, how many people were seated in the hall. In response, he said that there were 19 students seated in the hall, 16

of whom were studying in the Sadisa class and three in Khamisa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then asked the total number of students currently studying in Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, to which the principal responded that there were 238 students studying in Jamia, but due to the Covid-19 restrictions, only 20 people were permitted in a gathering.

The class then commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed Continued on page 3

Aim to establish a majlis in every island of Indonesia Indonesia Khuddam amila gets direction from Huzoor On 18 April 2020, the national amila of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia was blessed with a virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The meeting started with dua led by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

Huzooraa advised mohtamim muqami to hold regular meetings with all the Khuddam and Atfal at least once a month. Huzooraa said, “You should have regular contact and link with the Khuddam and Atfal”.

On Huzooraa asking, the national mo‘tamid reported to Huzooraa that there were 166 majalis in Indonesia, 148 of whom sent regular reports. Huzooraa said those who did not send reports should be given reminders to send them. Huzooraa also said to send letters of appreciation to those majalis who were doing good work.

Naib sadr tabligh was asked by Huzooraa what the tabligh target was for the year, to which naib sadr sahib said they aimed to bring 2,000 people to Islam Ahmadiyyat in the current Khuddam year.

Advising additional mohtamim tarbiyat,

who looks after matrimonial issues and who reported that some Lajna members did not understand why their husbands gave so much time to the Jamaat, Huzooraa said to take assistance from Lajna Imaillah Indonesia in order to do proper tarbiyat of Lajna members.

Huzooraa asked mohtamim san‘ato-tijarat what his plans were for the department; the mohtamim reported that he gave digital marketing training to khuddam.

Mohtamim tabligh was next to report.

Huzooraa asked how many bai‘ats had taken place in the last five months, to which the mohtamim said 75 people converted in these Continued on page 5

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

2

From the Markaz

“Those who pray for others, angels pray for them in return” Huzoor’s guidance on praying in Ramadan Islamabad, Tilford, 16 April 2021: In the Friday Sermon today, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa detailed the blessings of Ramadan and the philosophy of prayer, in light of the Holy Quran, ahadith and sayings of the Promised Messiahas.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “We should always remember that merely experiencing and undergoing the month of Ramadan is not enough – eating the pre-dawn meal and keeping the fast and breaking it with iftar, does not complete the purpose of fasting; rather, Allah the Almighty has instructed us to create a pure transformation within ourselves, from these fasts.”

Allah the Almighty, in the Holy Quran, has given the glad tidings that He listens to prayers. However, this requires us to follow his commandments and to increase our faith. “The acceptance of prayer has some conditions too”, Huzooraa said. If we listen to Allah the Almighty’s commandments, our prayers will be accepted.

Huzooraa said there are many who pray and, not seeing their prayer accepted, complain that Allah did not listen to them.

Such people will do whatever they like and live however they want, but demand Allah listens to them, no matter what their own personal condition is.

The Promised Messiahas said that prayer is something that Muslims are especially proud of. However, prayer does not mean merely uttering words with our mouth; rather, a spiritual transformation is required and prayers have pre-requisites too. In the sermon, Huzooraa highlighted these requirements that prayers require, to be accepted by Allah.

Many people ask how we can know that Allah is pleased with us and our sins have been forgiven? The Promised Messiahas answered this question by saying such a person will see in themselves a power to stay clear of sins and will excel in carrying out good deeds – such a person has been given the pleasure of Allah. However, if they are not staying away from sin and carrying out good deeds, they cannot think Allah is pleased with them.

The Holy Quran states that a person should first do mujahida (effort) towards God, then will Allah guide them and listen to their prayers. There has to be effort first from our end, then Allah will draw nearer.

Allah says in the Holy Quran that whoever is (spiritually) blind in this world, will be blind in the next too. Therefore, it is our duty to acquire spiritual sight in this world so that we are given vision in the next.

“In these days, pray the following a lot: Ihdinas-sirat al-mustaqim, ‘Guide

us in the right path’”. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said Ramadan was a month for us to create the environment in which we can seek the forgiveness of Allah and “we should take benefit from this month.”

During the course of the sermon, through the writings of the Promised Messiahas,

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa discussed different aspects of prayer, the philosophy of prayer, its importance and how prayers can be accepted.

At the end of the sermon, Huzooraa said if we were to follow these teachings, we could create a great spiritual revolution within

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The gates of heaven are opened َ

Exhort one another to be steadfast

Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Ramadan, a blessed month, has come to you during which Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has made it obligatory for you to fast. In it, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the rebellious satans are chained up. In it, Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months.

Whoever is deprived of its goodness has indeed been deprived of all good.”

َ ‫َو ت َ َو‬ Furthermore, their practice is ‫اص ۡوا‬ ۡ َّ ‫بِالﺼب ِر‬, i.e. they exhort one another to be steadfast; that is to say, they exhort and advise others with patience. They do not become furious in an instant. If a Muslim cleric or leader becomes an imam and a guide, and is quickly enraged, and if he does not possess the strength to act with tolerance and patience, why does he harm others? Another meaning of the above is that a person who does not patiently listen to advice, cannot gain any benefit. Our opponents do not come forward with a tolerant heart, and do not present their concerns with patience.

In fact, their state of affairs is such that they do not even wish to look at the relevant book. They raise a commotion and seek to cloak the truth. How then can such people derive any benefit? What characterised Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab? It was this very impatience and frustration.

َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ ُ ‫ قال قال َر ُسول الل ِہ صلی الل ُہ‬،‫ع ْن أ�ِ� ه َريْ َرة‬ َ َ ٌ َ َ ُ ٌ ْ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ارك ف َرض‬ ‫علی ِه وسلم أتاكم رمضان شهر مب‬ َ ٰ ُ ‫ام ُه ت ُ ْف َت ُ� ف ْیه أبْ َو‬ َ ‫اللّ ُہ َع َّﺰ َو َج َّل َعل َ ْی ُک ْم ِص َی‬ ‫اب‬ ِ ِ ُّ َ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ َّ ‫یم َوتغل ِف ْی ِه � َ� َدة‬ ِ ‫السما ِء وتغلق ِفی ِه أبواب الج ِﺤ‬ َ ْ َ ْ ٌ ْ َ ٌ َ ْ َ ْ ّ ٰ ْ َ َّ ‫ﻒ ش ْه ٍر َم ْن‬ ِ ‫الﺸیا ِﻃي ِن لِل ِہ ِفی ِه لیلۃ خير ِمن أل‬ ْ َ​َ َ ْ َ ‫ُح ِر َم خي َرها فقد ُح ِر َم‬

(Sunan al-Nasa‘i, Kitab al-Siyam, Hadith 2106)

ourselves and gain closeness to Allah.

“To attain the closeness of Allah the Almighty in this Ramadan, we should try to listen to His commandments, strengthen our faith, understand the purpose and philosophy behind prayer […] and be of those whose prayers are accepted by Allah the Almighty.

“May this Ramadan be a means in creating a revolution within ourselves with regard to establishing a connection with Allah and improving our spiritual condition.”

Huzooraa said we should pray for all Ahmadis around the world who were suffering just because they were Ahmadis, especially those in Pakistan and Algeria.

“By praying for others, our own prayers are accepted – we should always remember this. In fact, for those who pray for others, angels pray in return. And if angels are praying for someone, then what a great transaction this is.”

Huzooraa said we should always pray for others and not just for ourselves.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

They would demand that if you have come from God, then cause springs to flow before us. These unfortunate people did not show patience and were ultimately destroyed; after all, the Zubaida Canal did ultimately reach Mecca. Similarly, our opponents also demand that I should pray for them and it should instantly be fulfilled, deeming this to be the criterion of my truth or falsehood. They will present a few things which they would like to see happen and say that if they can be made to occur, they will accept, but they do not hold up any conditions for themselves. Alas! It is these very people who represent those described ۡ ُ ُ َ​َ َ in ‫(لا �خاف عق ٰب َها‬And God cared not for the consequences thereof). Remember, only one who is patient attains a station where their heart is opened. One who does not exhibit patience seeks to rule over God and does not desire to remain under His rule. An insolent and bold person of this nature, who does not fear the glory and greatness of God Almighty, will be deprived and cut asunder.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 199-200)

3

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Continued from page 1

by its Urdu translation. Thereafter, a hadith of the Holy Prophetsa and a nazm composed by the Promised Messiahas were presented.

During the nazm, scenes from Qadian were displayed on the screen.

After this, an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas was read out, in which the importance of adopting taqwa (true fear of God) was highlighted and it was stated that taqwa alone sums up the Shariah.

After this, the principal presented a report on Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian. In his report, he stated that Jamia Qadian was blessed as its foundation was laid by the Promised Messiahas and further presented a background of the activities of Jamia Qadian, before expressing his gratitude to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for sparing time for the mulaqat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then very affectionately turned towards the students and asked if they wished to say anything.

The principal said that the students had some questions they wanted to ask Huzooraa.

The first question asked was with regard to tabligh. A student asked that as the majority of people in India were Hindus, what would be the best method to introduce them to the peaceful teachings of Islam?

Answering this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: “You are already doing this through the peace symposia, wherein many extracts of my speeches are presented

and other speakers deliver addresses. The majority of the people that attend these symposia are Hindus, educated people, professors, politicians who then also give their comments, in which they state that the peaceful teachings of Islam that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat presents is one that they are hearing for the first time.”

Huzooraa said this part is being done and added that a murabbi should “forge ties with Hindus, Sikhs, Christians” to spread the peaceful teachings of Islam.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa emphasised the importance of expanding one’s circle and spreading the teachings of Islam. Huzooraa said, “It all depends on you and how much effort you exert. I have provided you with a vast amount of content. It is up to you to utilise it.”

Next, a student stated that the Promised Messiahas had prohibited the use of life insurance. He added some people, due to work, were compelled by work in getting life insurance and asked what one should do in such a situation.

Responding to this, Huzooraa explained that anything which leads to interest has been prohibited. Nowadays, the system of insurance is not free from interest. However, for some people, due to their work, it is mandatory to get life insurance.

Huzooraa said, “This matter was presented during the period of the Third Khilafat and it was decided that where the government forces life insurance, making it compulsory, then it is permissible as it is an order [of the government]. However,

generally, one should not voluntarily do it [life insurance].”

A student, whilst asking his question, stated that when Huzooraa visited Qadian in 2005, Qadian saw progress in the Jamaat’s departments and in Qadian’s beauty overall.

The student had only said this much, when Huzooraa smiled and completed his question and said, “Your question is, ‘When will you visit again?’ Right?” The student replied in the affirmative.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “I do desire to visit Qadian. I could have visited last year – or the year before – had the conditions permitted […] When I am granted a visa, I will try to visit.”

Huzooraa then stated that once restrictions had been lifted, “We will see […] Maybe when I come, you might be in the field or still a student in Jamia and then [I’ll see you] during a Jamia class or we might meet during a mulaqat with field missionaries. Let’s see. Whenever Allah the Almighty creates the opportunity, inshaAllah, we shall visit [Qadian].”

Hearing this, the student said, “InshaAllah.”

A student asked that as it was every Ahmadi’s desire to establish a relationship and personal connection with the Khalifa, how could he also establish a bond with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa? Huzooraa enquired, “Do you write letters to me?” The student replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa then said, “Place a photo of yourself on the corner of the letter.

This way, I will know that Syed Malkana

Sahib’s letter has come. And in this way, I will remember you.

“There are many clever students of various Jamias who adopt this method; through this, a relationship is slowly formed.

“Due to mulaqats, I am able to recognise the UK [students] […] to recognise or establish a relationship is not enough. The primary thing is to act upon the instructions and words of the Khalifa and then to encourage others to follow them too. The objective of a murabbi, whilst in Jamia and after graduation, is to understand, with every day that passes, ever more that it is his duty to become a true and devoted helper of the Khalifa of the time.”

Next, a student asked Huzooraa how, whilst studying in Jamia, one could improve their mother tongue. Huzooraa explained: “During your Jamia studies, you should adopt a habit of studying […] in your library, you receive various types of newspapers and magazines of different languages, right?

So, you must also receive newspapers and magazines that are in your mother tongue also. If you do not receive these, then Jamia’s administration should arrange for newspapers and magazines of a high literary standard that are compatible with current literature and languages for those students who speak various languages.”

A student said to Huzooraa, alluding to the rural areas of India, that the means of tabligh were not so extensive as people generally worked in fields and Continued on next page >>

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

4 << Continued from previous page

were labourers. He asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how one could do tabligh to such people.

Huzooraa explained there are seasons for working in fields, one such season being for cultivation. During this time of cultivation and harvest, people are generally busy. Missionaries can utilise the time and do tabligh to farmers in periods where there is less labour in fields. Huzooraa added, “Missionaries cannot simply work alone; they should train others with them.

This is why the scheme of Dai‘ ilallah was introduced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh.” Huzooraa said that it was wrong to assume that those who worked in fields and agriculture did not have time. They also have specific seasons in which they work and are not busy throughout the year.

Huzooraa added, “You should expand your circle of personal relations and dai‘een ilallah should do so too […] personal relationships open avenues for tabligh.”

Huzooraa then said that those who were active and had an interest in tabligh sought ways to perform tabligh themselves.

Huzooraa said, “I remember, when I was studying in university, Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya told us to go out for tabligh. So we would go out on our cycles to rural areas and sit with farmers. [There,] for example, there would be a farmer irrigating his crops – people studying in agricultural universities naturally have an interest in this – and so we would go to them and ask how they were and offered to irrigate their crops. [In this way] we helped them and as a courtesy, they would sit and converse with us. Then Ahmadiyyat was introduced to them.” In

this way, Huzooraa said, “Opportunities are made.”

A student then asked if a time ever came in Huzoor’saa life that was extremely difficult and further asked how he overcame such a situation.

Huzooraa smiled and stated: “There was no such incident, by the grace of God, which I can say caused me a lot of distress.”

Huzooraa added that a student’s biggest concern is to pass [his exams], and if he has not studied, his concern grows and he worries if he will pass or not. So, during Huzoor’saa days as a student, it was only these usual concerns he faced.

However, Huzooraa said, in such situations, “I would bow before God and pray fervently. And thus, Allah would create the way and means for me to overcome such difficult times – this is my experience.

I cannot say that I have faced some great difficulty that caused distress […] Prayer, sadaqah and good deeds help to remove problems – this is what the teachings of Islam teach us and this what I acted upon when any small or big difficulty rose.”

Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked how he was able to read all the letters he received. Huzooraa said: “Are you able to see my table right now?

Can you see the files placed on my desk?”

The student replied in the affirmative.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then counted the four piles of letters in front of him and said, “And the fifth one in front of me, can you see this? These are all letters.

What happens is, among the thousands of letters, some letters are presented in their

original form and some are presented as summaries. Then, I go through them. And by being experienced in this for such a long time, I am able to go through a letter fairly quickly and understand the subject matter of the letter. So, Allah the Almighty helps […]”

Thereafter, upon being asked about the sighting of the new moon in this scientific age, Huzooraa stated that in this day and age of science, we know when the new moon will rise. Thus, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “[…] we should benefit from this science.”

Huzooraa said that although it can be calculated; however, if one also sights the moon, then it is good. Huzooraa added that there is no harm if the sighting of the moon is done through calculation.

“For example,” Huzooraa said, “some people, here in England, started fasting a day earlier. But when the moon was sighted, it was clear that it was not possible for the moon to be seen a day earlier. Some nonAhmadis started fasting a day earlier and some started on the same day as us. But what we have done is correct because I observed thoroughly that it was not possible to see the [new] moon a day earlier […] thus, although [the practice of] sighting the moon is good, if calculations are made, then there can be further confirmation.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was then asked why some people focused a lot on worship but did not pay attention to exhibiting good morals.

Huzooraa said that Allah says to worship Him and also exhibit good morals. Huzooraa added, “A true servant of God is he who worships Him and fears Him. When he

fears Him, whilst worshipping Allah the Almighty, how can it be that he does not follow the commandments Allah has prescribed? Just yesterday, in my sermon, I explained this. You ought to listen to it again carefully.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa further said that our worship should manifest in our other deeds too. If our morals and etiquette do not progress, then our worship is of no use.

Following this, a student from the final class asked Huzooraa how they should carry out the talim and tarbiyat of the areas they are sent to.

Huzooraa said: “First and foremost, you should start your work with prayer.” Huzooraa explained that one must pray that they are able to fulfil their promise they make that they will spread the true teachings of Islam. Huzooraa further said that it should not be necessary to always be told by the markaz to do a certain task for the spread of Islam.

Huzooraa said, “You will, yourself, have to explore new avenues […] When you deliver your sermons, do not give the impression that you are talking about a particular person, thereby putting a person is put in doubt and causing them to think that ‘such things are being said about me and my weakness is being highlighted.’ […]” Then, with a smile, Huzooraa added, “Masha-Allah, your beard is such that Ansar will listen to you and so will Khuddam.”

Following this, the students had the opportunity to present a tarana, before Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa extended salaam to everyone and closed the meeting.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

A traveler or an ill person should not fast On one occasion, the Promised Messiahas said:

“

[...] taqwa [fear of God] is in acting upon the conveniences provided by the Quran. God has granted permission to the traveller and the sick to observe their fasts at other times.

Therefore, this permission should be acted upon as well. I have read that some people of influence have the view that if a traveller or a sick person fasts, it is a sin. After all, the objective is to attain God’s pleasure, and not one’s own pleasure. God’s pleasure is in His obedience; whatever command He gives should be followed, and self-made interpretations should not be done. He has given this exact order:

َ ُ َّ َ ۡ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ َ ً ۡ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ ‫ام اخ َر‬ ٍ ‫فمن کان ِمنکم مرِیﻀا او علی سف ٍر ف ِعدة ِمن ای‬

”

[Whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days. (Ch.2: V.185)] (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 67)

5

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Continued from page 1

months. Huzooraa asked for further details about the training of members who carry out tabligh and whether amila members had been given targets too. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa noted that those who were told about Ahmadiyyat were mostly Muslim; Huzooraa asked whether the khuddam there faced opposition when preaching about Ahmadiyyat. Mohtamim tabligh said that in some areas, they did in fact face opposition.

When mohtamim tarbiyat introduced himself, Huzooraa remarked, “Mohtamim tarbiyat is a very important post.” Huzooraa then asked various questions regarding the tarbiyat plans in place.

Huzooraa asked what measures were taken to encourage those who did not offer Salat regularly. The mohtamim said they told Khuddam about the importance of Salat in meetings and had also increased the number of Salat centres for Khuddam. Upon observing that the number was not up to the mark, Huzooraa said to obtain a Salat report from all Khuddam. Huzooraa said, “[…] and also ask them to read the Holy Quran daily, especially in this month of Ramadan”.

Speaking with mohtamim tajnid, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked what the total number of khuddam was in the 166 majalis.

Mohtamim tajnid reported the total was 10,127 Khuddam. Huzooraa asked whether tajnid information was received every year from the majalis about those youth who had joined Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and those Khuddam who joined Ansarullah, or if they relied on standard reports from the centre.

Mohtamim tajnid reported that they relied on the AIMS department. To this Huzooraa said: “Do not only rely on AIMS; you should have your own information source. Your respective nazim tajnid should go doorto-door, to each and every house and get information from there, instead of relying

on the AIMS’ data.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa noted that as there were fewer active Khuddam, they had a lot of work ahead of them.

Muavin sadr Waqf-e-Nau reported there were 1,236 Waqf-e-Nau boys, out of whom 139 attended university and 444 attended secondary school. Huzooraa asked if those who had reached the age of 15 had reconfirmed their waqf. Muavin sadr said they did and thus far, 302 waqifeen had renewed their waqf.

Chairman Majlis Ansar Sultan-ulQalam was next to report. Huzooraa asked how many members they had, to which he was told there were 18 writers. Huzooraa said articles about Islam or any topic should be published in secular independent newspapers and magazines too and not just in those within the Jamaat.

“Ask your members to write articles for other newspapers, other secular newspapers, independent newspapers and magazines – so in this way, you will get yourself introduced within the outside world, outside the Ahmadiyya community.”

Muavin sadr jaidad (assets) reported.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia had any property. Muavin sadr jaidad reported that they had a 300-metre-squared building in the markaz in Indonesia.

Huzooraa then asked mohtamim khidmat-e-khalq the department’s plans.

He reported that they distributed rice boxes every Friday to those in need and donated blood too. Huzooraa said more Khuddam should donate blood throughout Indonesia.

Huzooraa said that by helping the poor, they could get themselves known too and increase tabligh contacts.

With reference to relief and aid, Huzooraa advised: “There are almost 10,000 Khuddam […] So, you should also try to collect some amount from them and help poor people in

your country without any discrimination of religion or sect etc. or you can even extend your help outside of Indonesia to African countries as well.”

Mohtamim Atfal reported next and on Huzoor’s asking, said there were more than 3,000 Atfal in 166 majalis. Huzooraa then spoke of the islands in Indonesia and said: “You should try to establish a majlis in each and every island. Ask your tabligh department to do more tabligh and go to each and every island.”

Huzooraa began looking at and listing the provinces in Indonesia on his iPad and asked if there were majalis in all the provinces, which mohtamim Atfal confirmed.

Mohtamim tarbiyat for new converts reported next. He reported there were 484 new converts. Huzooraa asked what training plan was in place for them. Mohtamim tarbiyat said they regularly visited new converts, held gatherings and conducted online tarbiyat sessions. Huzooraa said mohtamim tarbiyat should try to contact each and every new convert.

Speaking about the importance of a Khuddam magazine, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said to mohtamim ishaat (publications): “There should be a Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya magazine, either in print form or online. You should write articles, through Majlis Ansar Sultan-ul-Qalam and other writers, who should write articles for you.

And if not a monthly magazine, then there should at least be a quarterly magazine – at least four issues a year should come out – either in print form or online. And it should reach each and every khadim so that they know what Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya is, what their responsibilities are, what their duties are, how to get them trained and how to increase their knowledge etc.

“There are many things that can be included in the magazine. So try to start a magazine and name that magazine, Tariq.”

Mohtamim umur-e-tulaba was next to report. Huzooraa advised him to encourage more students to go into the medical field and said, “We need doctors”.

Talking to mohtamim umumi, Huzooraa asked if all the mosques were covered with security duties. The mohtamim reported that they did so regularly, especially on Fridays.

Huzooraa asked mohtamim sehat-ejismani how many Khuddam participated regularly in sports. He reported that approximately 1,100 Khuddam were regular.

Huzooraa advised him to ask the others to participate too.

Towards the end of the meeting, Huzooraa addressed the sadr and said, “Whatever I have said is enough for you to digest and act on”, and then asked if he desired to say anything. The sadr requested prayers and that he hoped and prayed Huzooraa would visit Indonesia soon.

The translator of the meeting, Hafiz ur-Rahman Sahib, was asked by Huzooraa what he did as a profession. He informed Huzooraa that he was a murabbi and taught English in Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia.

Huzooraa asked where he learnt English from, to which he replied that he attained a graduate degree in English literature after studying in Jamia and was now pursuing a post-graduate degree.

To this, Huzooraa remarked, “MashaAllah, this is why your English is good […] You should improve your Urdu too if you are a murabbi. Your Urdu should be at the same level as your English.” Hafiz urRahman Sahib said that he would, inshaAllah, improve it.

At this Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

6

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Fidya in lieu of the fast “Fidya does not relieve one of the obligation of fasting. Fidya is for those people who, under a reason permitted by the Shariah, are unable to participate in the blessed days of Ramadan in performing this worship alongside other Muslims. These excuses are of two types: temporary and permanent. Fidya should be given in both these conditions depending on the financial means of a person. Although one may offer fidya, but after one, two or three years, whenever the person finds good health, they should observe those missed fasts. The exception is for those who initially suffered temporary ailments and after getting well, intended to observe the fasts every day but their health deteriorated to a state of permanent illness. Whoever finds financial means and falls in the category of a traveler or sick, should provide an underprivileged person with a meal as fidya and observe the missed fasts on other days. This was the practice of the Promised Messiahas; he used to give fidya, eventually observing the missed fasts too. He used to admonish others about this as well.” (Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra,Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 389)

Muhammad – The champion of racial justice and equality: MKA USA hold live webinar with Prof Craig Considine

Talha Saifi Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA USA

If you turn on the television today and flip to your preferred news network, it seems that more often than not, you are greeted by another disheartening report on racial injustice, brutality or inequality somewhere in the USA. This is the sad reality that millions of Americans face every day. But how long can this continue?

When it seems that there has been some change, whether it be through demonstrations or legislation, again, the country is made witness to another tragic incident.

Amongst the violence, the tragedy, the injustice and inequality, the country begs for an answer – a solution to our problem.

But who is bold enough to claim that they

have the answer?

Today, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA, valiantly proclaims to our fellow citizens that we have the answer, the one true solution to ending racism in America: and that is to reflect on and follow the example of our master, the true champion of racial justice and equality, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessing of Allah be upon him.

It is only by adopting the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa, by following his example, that this country, this world, can finally break free from the shackles of injustice that have been holding it back.

Ahtesham Najeeb Chaudhry, Mohtamim Talim, Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya USA reports that it is with this bold proclamation in mind that MKA USA, hosted a live webinar entitled “Muhammadsa

– The champion of racial justice and equality” on 3 April 2021.

MKA USA invited a group of esteemed panellists, who, through their differing experiences, could paint the multilayered and comprehensive picture of the perfect teachings of Islam.

MKA USA was joined by Professor Craig Considine; a sociologist and a nonMuslim scholar and expert on the life of the Holy Prophetsa, from Rice University in Houston, Texas; Missionary Abdullah Dibba Sahib from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and brother Abdul-Hai Dawud Bajwa Thomas Sahib, who converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat in March 2012.

The three panellists presented varying takes on how, from their perspective, they saw the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa impacting the world today.

First, brother Abdul-Hai Dawud Bajwa Thomas Sahib discussed the impact of the Holy Prophetsa on his individual life, how these teachings encouraged him to rethink race and how he learned through the example of the Holy Prophetsa what true racial justice would mean to him.

Abdullah Dibba Sahib went over the impact that the Holy Prophetsa had in Arabia, and how he transformed an otherwise savage and harsh society into a group of model citizens, champions of justice and equality in their own right.

Finally, Prof Craig Considine discussed the crucial topic of what America could learn from the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa and how this country and the world could benefit from these teachings.

Following the formal presentations, the panellists had a 45-minute round table discussion where contemporary issues and their solutions, through the Holy Prophetsa were discussed, as moderated by the missionary Frasat Ahmad Sahib.

The topics discussed were the Derick Chauvin trial, police brutality, institutional racism, the adoption of the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa in a secular society and how to introduce our teachings to Western societies, amongst many other important topics.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya was joined live by 868 brothers, sisters and tabligh guests.

The programme was later viewed on YouTube by over 1,600 people. The programme was our humble attempt at educating our members and the greater public on the perfect teachings of the Holy Prophetsa and will, insha-Allah, be one of many presented and hosted by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA.

7

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Answers to everyday issues Part XIII Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Zaheer Ahmad Khan Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London

The Battle of the Camel and false allegations against Hazrat Umarra Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa was asked about the causes and the truth behind the Battle of the Camel, as some people allege that Hazrat Umarra had mercilessly beaten Hazrat Fatimara, due to which Hazrat Fatimara lost her pregnancy.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in a letter dated 21 November 2019, gave the following reply: “The allegation against Hazrat Umarra regarding Hazrat Fatimara is utterly absurd, unfair and contrary to actual events and facts. Hazrat Fatimara was only alive for a few months after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. She spent most of that time in illness.

“Moreover, Hazrat Fatimara was the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa. How could Hazrat Umarra ever treat her in such a cruel manner? Hazrat Umarra would show immense love to even those people who were merely associated with the Holy Prophetsa even if they were not his physical progeny.

“Hence, on one occasion, Hazrat Umar’sra son, Hazrat Abdullahra, asked him as to why he had allocated less allowance for him than Usamara ibn Zaid. Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘Usama was more beloved to the Holy Prophetsa than you and his father (Hazrat Zaidra ibn Harithah) was dearer to him than your father (i.e. Hazrat Umarra). That is why I have given more allowance to him.’

“Thus, to allege that the person who preferred the son of the Holy Prophet’ssa servant over his own son so much and had maltreated the physical progeny of the Holy Prophetsa, cannot be correct by any measure. This is a completely false allegation against Hazrat Umarra by his enemies.

“As far as the reality of the Battle of the Camel is concerned, there is no doubt that this war was fought between two groups of Muslims; they were the armies of Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Aishara. No other battle that Muslims fought was as bloody as this one. Many Muslims, including great generals and men of great valour, were killed. However, the culprits behind this entire episode were the same seditious insurrectionists who had occupied Medina

after killing Hazrat Uthmanra. This war was also provoked by those miscreants by creating a misunderstanding between the two Muslim groups and by instigating many mischievous acts themselves.

“Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has discussed this subject at great length in Waqiat-eKhilafat-e-Alawi. Read that too.”

An edict regarding children calling the azan in mosques Someone obtained a fatwa from the Jamaat’s Chief Mufti (legal expert) regarding children calling the azan in mosques but held a different view than that of the edict.

He then wrote his opinion on the matter to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stating that small children should not be allowed to call the azan.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 25 December 2019, gave the following reply: “The answer of Mufti-e-Silsila [the Jamaat’s Mufti] on this issue is absolutely correct and I concur with it. Had there been any conditions for a muazzin [the one who calls the azan], the Holy Prophetsa would have definitely drawn our attention to them in the way that he set out several conditions for leading the Salat. However, regarding azan, the Holy Prophetsa has only said that when it is time for prayers, one of you should call the azan. He did not outline any conditions for the muazzin. Thus, although calling the azan is a virtuous act, it is not such a responsibility that requires extraordinary conditions. On the contrary, every person who has a good voice and knows how to call the azan, can perform this duty.

“Giving children the opportunity to call the azan encourages them and instils in them a passion for serving the faith, which is an excellent thing. I myself task different children with calling the azan at Masjid Mubarak.”

(Compiler’s note: The legal opinion of the Mufti-e-Silsila, which was endorsed

by Huzooraa in this letter, is also being produced below for the benefit of the readers:) Questioner: What is the minimum age for calling the azan? Can a child call the azan?

Mufti-e-Silsila: We could not find any age limit for a muazzin in the Shariah.

Therefore, if a child is able to call the azan in the correct manner, then he is allowed to do so.

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

Ladies donating hair to non-Muslim cancer patients aa Huzoor was asked if ladies could have their hair cut to donate them to nonMuslim cancer patients?

In a letter dated 25 December 2019, Huzooraa gave the following reply: “There is nothing wrong with ladies having their hair cut if there is a need to do so. Hence, upon completing Hajj and Umrah, women open their ihram only after having their hair cut.

“It is narrated in ahadith that the female Companionsra used to have their hair cut whenever the need arose to do so.

However, women are not allowed to shave

their heads. Similarly, the Holy Prophetsa forbade men from imitating women and women from imitating men. Thus, women should not have male hairstyles. However, there is no harm in having one’s hair cut to a reasonable extent for the sake of adornment in a way that does not resemble men.

“Donating one’s hair to a patient is a virtuous act. There is nothing wrong with that. If one can donate their blood and other organs to another person for treatment purposes, why could they not donate hair?”

Continued on next page >>

8

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previous page

Punishment for those who blaspheme against the Holy Prophetsa, memorising the Holy Quran and ahadith, reciting durood and other kinds of zikr and counting zikr Huzooraa was asked regarding: 1. The punishment for those who blaspheme against the Holy Prophetsa 2. Memorising the Holy Quran and ahadith 3. Reciting durood and other kinds of zikr 4. Counting various supplications and surahs of the Holy Quran while reciting them.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 25 December 2019, gave the following answers: “1. Neither the Quran, nor the ahadith allow any human being to punish a blasphemer against the Holy Prophetsa in this world. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, himself did not punish any such blasphemer. Once Hazrat Umarra, a great admirer of the Holy Prophetsa, requested permission to punish one such wretched individual who had been guilty of blasphemy, but the Holy Prophetsa did not grant permission. Following in the footsteps of his Holy Master and Leader, the Promised Messiahas has also given the same teaching.

“At the same time, Islam has guided people of religious and secular authority not to speak of anyone’s religion or their respected personalities in such a manner as may cause hurt to the adherents of that faith.

“Thus, on the one hand, Islam does not allow any human being to punish a blasphemer against the Prophetsa, and on the other hand, it also teaches that nobody should use inappropriate words for another religion or its leaders.

“2. The best way to memorise the Holy Quran and ahadith is to recite them attentively and frequently. It is mentioned in ahadith that when Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Abu Hurairahra complained about a similar issue, the Holy Prophetsa instructed them to pay attention to these matters and to recite continuously and frequently.

“3. This is also the way to infuse passion in our recitation of durood, namely to recite it abundantly with love and devotion. Just as we take an interest in the rest of our affairs and pay attention to them, if we create the same love and interest in these good

deeds, then our objectives will certainly be achieved, insha-Allah.

“The frequent recitation of durood is certainly a very blessed deed. As it is stated in ahadith, the supplication of a person can only reach Allah the Exalted by invoking blessings upon the Holy Prophetsa.

However, if reciting the durood alone had been enough for everyone and could absolve one of the rest of the supplications, then why would the Holy Prophetsa himself recite supplications other than the durood on different occasions? And why would he teach various kinds of supplications to the Companionsra?

“Hence, there are many such supplications mentioned in the ahadith, which the Holy Prophetsa used to recite and also taught them to the Companionsra.

This is also the practice that we observe in the blessed life of his ardent devotee, the Promised Messiahas.

“Nevertheless, in light of the saying of َ ّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ the Holy Prophetsa that ‫ات‬ ِ ‫الن ّی‬ ِ ِ‫ِإنما الأعمال ب‬ [actions depend on motives], if someone was to make durood the total sum of all of their supplications and confine them to that alone, with the intention and the optimistic outlook that the durood would become a means of receiving the blessings of Allah the Exalted, then Allah will also treat such a person according to that intention and optimistic outlook, as Allah the Exalted َ​َ َ​َ has stated in a hadith-e-qudsi that ‫أنا ِع ْندظ ِ ّن‬ َ ‫[ ع ْب ِدی بِی‬I treat My servant according to his perception and expectation of Me.].

“Various duroods have been mentioned in the ahadith. Scholars of the ummah have also used various kinds of durood and given them different names. Some of those duroods are lengthy, while others are shorter. The durood that brings more blessings and is more blessed is surely that which was uttered by the blessed tongue of the Holy Prophetsa and one that he taught to his Companions.

“The essence of these matters is a person’s intention, love and attention to how he wishes to absorb the love of Allah the Exalted. Therefore, depending on the intention, love and devotion with which he will carry out these things, his intention and sincerity will surely reach Allah the Exalted.

“4. It is evident from the ahadith that the Holy Prophetsa would give certain instructions in light of the questioner’s psyche. Therefore, he would sometimes give different answers when asked the same

question. He guided people according to their personal shortcomings. Therefore, the counting of some kinds of zikr and supplications is also one such instruction that is mentioned in ahadith. One point of wisdom behind it is that one should offer those supplications and recite that zikr at least to that extent and in that number.

“Moreover, it should be remembered that just as the Promised Messiahas has clearly explained, there is no benefit in reciting supplications and zikr like a parrot.

Rather, to gain the love of Allah the Exalted, it is necessary to adapt one’s life according to the Islamic teachings stated in those supplications and zikr, and to act according to them and to perform other good deeds as well.

“A person who recites Surah al-Fatihah frequently, but does not try to dye himself with the hue of the divine attributes mentioned in that Surah, and does not wear the mantle of the Quranic injunction ً ٰ ّٰ َ َ َ of ‫([ ِص ۡبغۃ الل ِہ ۚ َو َم ۡن ا ۡح َس ُن ِم َن اللّ ِہ ِص ۡب َغۃ‬We will adopt) the religion of Allah; and who is better than Allah in (teaching) religion] and the mantle ٰ of the َ saying of the Holy َ ْ ْ ُ َّ َ َ ّ Prophetsa that ‫اق اللہ‬ ِ ‫[ تخلقوا بِاخل‬Mirror the attributes of Allah], cannot benefit from just verbally repeating the various kinds of zikr.

“This is also the means of acquiring spiritual knowledge because in this way one can absorb the bounties of Allah the Exalted and His love.”

Purdah – a categorical Quranic commandment A virtual mulaqat of Lajna members of the Netherlands with Huzooraa was held on 22 August 2020. While replying to their question regarding purdah, Huzooraa said: “The injunction of purdah is not exclusive to the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Nasirat and Lajna members should be educated that the injunction of purdah has been given by the Holy Quran. It is a commandment of Allah and His Messengersa. Therefore, the Jamaat is to act upon the commandments of Allah and his Messengersa. These are injunctions that are clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran. There are various important, clear and unambiguous injunctions and commandments mentioned in the Holy Quran and purdah is one of them. That is why we emphasise it. Had this injunction been inferred from some other text or had it been understood to mean something by interpreting a certain text, then there may have been some room for girls or women to think that purdah should be observed in certain situations and not in others.

However, since a categorical injunction has been given, we are bound to act upon it and instil it in others as well. You should explain these things to the girls in a clear manner. This way, they will be inclined towards purdah.

“In actual fact, the main thing is that you should instil within them the idea that modesty is part of faith as is mentioned in a hadith. When modesty will be adopted, then girls will automatically be inclined to observing purdah. Then, whether they are university students [or others], they will remain within their limits of modesty and will always be mindful of their attire. They will also remain mindful of their purdah.”

Members of Lajna writing to or getting published in newspapers During the same mulaqat, Huzooraa was asked as to what steps Lajna could take to be able to write to or get published in newspapers. Huzooraa said: “Whatever contemporary issues arise or whatever articles are written in newspapers or the issues that you feel are being discussed on social media or other platforms, can be addressed on social media or on your Lajna website so that there may be awareness about it and so that everyone learns that this is the correct answer to such and such matter.

“Similarly, those people who wish to write articles in newspapers about various issues in defence of Islam should, for instance, write that ‘you say that Islam teaches such and such when in actual fact, this is the true teaching of Islam.’ So, you should encourage those who are capable of writing such articles. The various topics that come up on social media are the ones that should be addressed so that readers are attracted and turn towards what you have to say.

“In the Western world, the issue that arises with regard to [Muslim] women is that it is alleged that they do not have freedom; the restriction of purdah applies to them; such and such restrictions are made against women and such and such injustices are committed upon them.

Women should write about these issues and explain that ‘you say such and such [about us]; I am a woman and this is my response to your assertion.’

“There are Lajna members who write articles like this in the UK and it has a positive impact. Instead of men responding to such issues, women should respond to them as that has a better impact on people.

“Therefore, you should form a team for this. Then, you should also have knowledge of these issues. You should possess knowledge of the teachings of Islam and when you begin to write anything, you should be well-prepared and should write in light of facts and figures so that others are impressed [with what you have written].”

Lack of talent in doing tabligh and its solution During the same mulaqat, Huzooraa was informed that there were very few Lajna members who could write independently.

Huzooraa was asked what they should do in this regard. Huzooraa said: “Even if such members are few, you should guide them and they will get better. Once a team of two, four, six, eight or however many Lajna members there are, is trained, then others will also be inspired by them and will follow suit. It is not the question of whether there are a few members or many. Even if there is one hard-working person, she can bring about a revolution. So, when you begin to give answers, people will automatically come to you for answers, which will allow you to provide more answers and insight. This will also serve as an encouragement to others to be a part of this and to be able to provide answers.

“There is always an incentive behind the desire to achieve something or to persuade someone to do something. When the names of a few Lajna members come

9

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021 up in newspapers, then others will be also encouraged to have their names in newspapers and to try to write something.

Then the number of Lajna members will gradually increase.”

The appropriate use of sattari and qaule-sadeed in matrimonial affairs During the same mulaqat of 22 August 2020, Huzooraa was asked, “Allah is AlSattar i.e. the Concealer of weaknesses. In light of this attribute, would it be right to investigate or ask around about a particular boy, a girl or their family when arranging marriages?” Huzoor aa said: “Allah the Exalted is Sattar and He loves sattari [concealing people’s faults]. Thus, if one comes to know about another person’s faults, they should not disclose them to others. It means that one should cover the flaws of another. However, with regard to matrimonial affairs, a commandment of the Holy Quran is that both parties should ‘say the right word’ [qaulan sadeedan].

“If there are any faults in either the boy or the girl when a marriage proposal is made, they should be made clear to one another and both parties should be truthful about it. There should be no twisting of facts, so that later on, it does not cause any rifts in the relationship. That is why everything should be openly conveyed to one another. Matrimonial affairs are a very sensitive matter. Later on, people quarrel and say, ‘We were not told about such and such things.’ Therefore, whilst agreeing to a marriage proposal, it is best to openly convey everything and in the verses of the Holy Quran which are read out at the nikah ceremony, great emphasis has been laid upon ‘saying the right word’ for this very reason.

“So, the instruction to conceal one’s faults [sattari] has a different significance and that is that you should not disclose one’s flaws or blemishes. If you are proposing a suitable match, you can explain that this is the marriage proposal, and even if you are aware of some of the weaknesses of either party whilst suggesting a suitable match, you should make it clear that this is only a proposal; both parties should get together, meet each other, pray and then make a decision. This is how you should act upon sattari.

“It should not be the case that before suggesting a match, you say to either party that this person has such and such weaknesses and as a result of which that person does not get married. You should simply say, ‘Here is a match and it is merely a proposal. Whatever positive things and potentially negative things there may be about each other is something that you should determine on your own after having met the other party. And if you like the proposal, then you may accept it; you should pray and then make a decision.’

“In actual fact, Allah the Exalted is the Knower of the unseen and only He possesses knowledge of the unseen. He knows as to which marriage proposal is best for a particular person and that is why one should always pray before making a decision and that is why Allah the Exalted has said that one should offer the istikhara prayer. Istikhara means to seek goodness.

One should seek goodness from Allah the Exalted and pray, ‘If there is goodness in this

Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian share sentiments following their first virtual mulaqat

Wakalat Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan

Ata-ul-Mujeeb Lone, Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, said: “Alhamdulillah, thumma alhamdulillah; 19 students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian had the privilege of meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. This occasion is a great milestone in the history of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian. For the first time in its history, students of Jamia Qadian met their beloved Imamaa virtually.

“The students eagerly awaited the day of the mulaqat and on 17 April 2021, the waiting time finally came to an end, when our beloved Imam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa gave us the honour of meeting him”.

Usman Ahmad of Sadisa class said: “I had the opportunity to join the virtual meeting with Huzooraa. I also had the chance to read an excerpt in this meeting, alhamdulillah. It is very difficult to express my emotions after this meeting.”

Tahir Ahmad of Khamisa class said: “I am thankful to Allah the Almighty that

by His grace, I was able to attend the virtual meeting with Huzooraa. He gave detailed answers to the questions which were very useful for us. At the start of the meeting, I was relieved to see the illuminating countenance of Huzooraa. Huzooraa spoke to all students as a loving father.”

Muqeeb-ur-Rehman of Sadisa class said:

“I am very grateful to Allah the Almighty for the meeting with Huzooraa. I never thought that I would have the chance to meet him. A wish of mine was fulfilled in the form of this meeting.”

Hafiz Syed Gulistan Arif of Khamisa class said: “Meeting Huzooraa was the greatest achievement of my life […] The answers which he gave to the questions are the asset of my life.”

Azeem-ul-Haq of Sadisa class said: “I had the opportunity of meeting Huzooraa. This meeting cannot be expressed in words.”

Saeed Ahmad Malkana of Sadisa class said: “By the grace of Allah, we had a virtual meeting with Huzooraa. He spoke to us with such compassion and love that it was as if he has known us for years.”

Hafiz Salman Ahmad Arif of Sadisa class said: “By the grace of God, the students of Jamia Ahmadiyya got the opportunity to have a virtual meeting Huzooraa. I had the opportunity to recite the Holy Quran and ask a question as well. After 2005, it was my heartfelt desire to meet Huzooraa. God fulfilled this desire through this meeting.”

S Faisal of Sadisa class said: “I am thankful to God Almighty that by His grace, I was able to meet Huzooraa. I also was able to ask a question. I will never forget this moment.”

marriage proposal, then may Allah ordain it for me and open up the ways for me with ease. If, however, there is no goodness in this marriage proposal, then Allah may cause a hindrance in the finalisation of this proposal.’

“Sattari does not mean that both parties should not present the true facts before one another during a marriage proposal. If both parties meet each other and sit down

with one another, then it is best to “say the right word” and mention the positive and the negative things about oneself so that they are known to both parties. No one is perfect. There is goodness in everyone and there are bad habits in people as well. This does not mean that one should announce all of his or her bad qualities, but if there is something that can potentially cause issues later on in the relationship or break

Sheikh Haider Wali of Sadisa class said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, I was able to have a virtual meeting with Huzooraa. There was a spiritual atmosphere that cannot be put into words.”

Salman Faris of Sadisa class said: “By the grace of Allah, I was able to meet Huzooraa. He advised all students in the same way as that of a benevolent father.”

Rizwan Ahmad Tahir of Sadisa class said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, I was able to have a virtual meeting with Huzooraa. I cannot express my feelings in words. My heartfelt wish has been fulfilled.

We pray to Allah the Almighty that may He grant us the ability to live according to the instructions of Huzooraa.”

Bashir-ud-Din Qadir of Sadisa class said: “There was no end to my happiness; it cannot be described. It was a strange spiritual atmosphere.”

Mazhar Ahmad Khan of Khamisa class said: “At first, we were nervous, but when Huzooraa appeared on the screen, all fears disappeared. This class was a great experience.”

Muhammad Adnan Dehlvi of Sadisa class said: “It was an enjoyable experience to see Huzooraa and receive direct guidance from him. Insha-Allah, we now have the opportunity to grow spiritually.”

Abdul Basit of Sadisa class said: “I was very happy to meet Huzooraa. I was very scared and nervous. I was able to ask him a question as well […] Our dear master answered our questions just like a kind father.”

Abdul Samad Khan of Sadisa class said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, I was able to have a virtual meeting with Huzooraa. Before this meeting, there was fear in my heart, but as soon as his blessed face appeared, all fears disappeared. I also got a chance to ask a question. In short, I cannot forget these moments for the rest of my life.”

Mudassir Ahmed Butt of Sadisa class said: “Before this meeting, I was a bit anxious, but as soon as Huzoor’s blessed face appeared, all fears vanished.

“My question was answered in great detail by Huzooraa. I will never forget these moments and will try to follow all the advice of Huzooraa.”

Laiq Ahmad Siddiqui of Sadisa class said: “I sincerely wished to have the opportunity to meet him, and this was fulfilled in this way, alhamdulillah. May God help us to follow all the advice of our beloved master. Amin.”

the relationship, then it is best for that weakness to be made clear to the other party beforehand. Whether there is a weakness or an illness; if a girl is unable to bear children or if there is some deficiency within a man, then that should be made clear to one another beforehand so that it does not cause issues later on.”

(Translated into English by Al Hakam from the original Urdu)

10

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 23-29 April

A group of Khuddam with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Ivory Coast

23 April 1910: In 1910, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira inaugurated Masjid Nur in Qadian with the Asr prayer.

23 April 1933: Mr MA Jinnah arrived at the Fazl Mosque to attend an event organised by the imam of the Fazl Mosque, Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra.

23 April 1980: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was in Islamabad where he remained until 4 May. During this time, Huzoorrh appointed Sahibzada Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahib as the amir-e-Muqami.

24 April 1902: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to his companion, Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Hassan Khan Peshawarira and asked for the hand of Maulvi Sahib’s daughter, Sarwar Sultan Sahiba, for her marriage with his son, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra.

24 April 1893: It was a historic day in the religious history of the Indian

subcontinent, when Rev Dr Henry Martyn Clark MD, CM (Edinburgh), MRAS, CMS, medical missionary incharge of Amritsar district agreed on the principles of the debate with the Promised Messiahas. A day earlier, Hazrat Ahmadas had sent a letter to Dr Clark through his trusted friends and assigned those ambassadors to parley with the Christian group to finalise topics for discussion and general terms and regulations to smoothly run the much needed debate. Hazrat Ahmadas was happy that the decisive debate was going to take place because Christian missionaries were carrying on their work in the country without much opposition. The orthodox Muslims and their mullahs bothered little about the progress of Christianity. The next day – 25 April – Huzooras dispatched another registered letter to the Christian camp with the aim to further cement the particulars of the agreed debate.

24 April 1970: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh held a press conference in Accra and then went to Saltpond on 24 April.

This is the historical place where the first missionary to Africa, Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra first set foot on

African soil on 28 February 1921. From here, he started his tabligh mission.

Huzoorrh was given a warm welcome and after seeing the mosque and mission house, delivered the Friday Sermon. After the Friday prayer, he addressed members again and met with all of them.

24 April 1971: On this date, the Jamaat in Sierra Leone, under the Nusrat Jehan scheme, established its first health centre.

24 April 1981: Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Pakistan held its 27th annual tarbiyati class which lasted until 7 May. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered the closing address.

25 April 1966:: Foreign Minister of India, Sardar Swaran Singh visited Qadian on this day. He was given a warm welcome. A reception was held for him and he was gifted with a copy of the Holy Quran. On this occasion, deputy commissioner Gurdaspur, Major General Rajinder Singh Sparrow MVC Commander, First Armoured Division, was also present.

The English newspapers of India, Tribune of Ambala, Times of India (Delhi) and Patriot of Delhi published detailed news on 26 April, and Indian Express of Delhi on 25 April, about the visit of the foreign minister.

25 April 1977: On this date, Hazrat Maulvi Mohibur-Rahman of Kapurthala passed away at the age of 88. He was the son of Hazrat Munshi Habibur-Rahmanra of Kapurthala.

After receiving Hazrat Munshi Habib-urhis primary Rahmanra, father of Hazrat education Maulvi Mohib-ur-Rahman from Qadian, of Kapurthala he remained in Lahore for about 50 years and continued to perform various services for the Jamaat. Maulana Dost Mohammad Shahid Sahib led the funeral prayers at the behest of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh.

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

25 April 1981: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh laid the foundation stone of the offices of the private secretariat. A few days later, he laid the foundation of Qasr-e-Khilafat.

26 April 1980: On this date, the first one-day annual gathering of Majlis Ansarullah Rabwah was held at Masjid Aqsa.

26 April 1980: On this date, a school was established in Oni, Nigeria by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

26 April 1981: On this date, the first tarbiyati class for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Fiji was held, which lasted until 1 May.

27 April 1914: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra began darses of Sahih al-Bukhari. His predecessor, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira used to deliver darses of Bukhari – the most authentic compilation of ahadith – along with darses on the Holy Quran, regularly.

27 April 1979: On this date, Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Markaziyya held its 25th tarbiyati class, which lasted until 10 May. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh delivered the opening and closing address. 539 Khuddam of 361 majalis joined.

28 April 1970: On this date, Hazrat Khlaifatul Masih IIIrh arrived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast during his visit. Missionaryin-Charge, Qureshi Muhammad Afzal Sahib received Huzoorrh at the airport.

After Maghrib, Huzoorrh addressed the Jamaat members who were present. The address was translated simultaneously into French and Abidjan’s local language.

29 April 1946: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed members of the Jamaat to learn the basic teachings of the Holy Quran and enhance their focus on producing more Huffaz (those who memorise the Holy Quran by heart).

29 April 1970: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh invited 28 students of Abidjan’s Ahmadiyya Arabic School.

The students had their pictures taken with Huzoorrh. At noon, a tour of Liberia started. Upon reaching Monrovia, the personal representative of the president welcomed Huzoorrh.

Along with dignitaries of the Jamaat and politicians, press correspondents were also present. Huzoorrh gave an interview to the press correspondents.

He also spoke with the Muslim governor.

On the same evening, Huzoorrh met with President William Tubman. Then, Huzoorrh attended a dinner organised by the Jamaat in which the vice president, chief justice, speaker of parliament and ambassadors were present.

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

29 April 1976: On this date, the annual tarbiyati class, organised under Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Markaziyya, which lasted for two weeks, concluded. The inaugural address was delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh.

Both fasting and Salat are forms of worship The Promised Messiahas, while explaining the spiritual superiority of fasting and Salat, says: “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.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 378-379)

12

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Indonesia’s Khuddam amila recounts blessings experienced in mulaqat Muhammad Talha Mohtamim Ishaat MKA Indonesia

In this Ramadan, the majlis-e-amila of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Indonesia had the priceless blessing of a virtual mulaqat with

Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand. The mulaqat was attended by 28 members; the sadr, three naib sadrs and 24 mohtamims.

Upon the request of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Indonesia, Huzooraa graciously

An example of God’s forgiveness The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “No discomfort, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates their sins on account of their patience.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Marza)

approved a virtual meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Sadr MKA Indonesia asked all mohtamims to prepare reports that could be presented to Huzooraa.

It was determined that the virtual meeting would be conducted in Rahmat Ali meeting hall, in Central Jakarta.

As far as communication with Huzooraa was concerned, two translators were prepared to help the naib sadrs and mohtamims interpret from English to Indonesian by Mahmud Ahmad Wardi Sahib and from Indonesia to English by Hafizurrahman Sahib.

Sadr MKA Indonesia said: “This blessed mulaqat increased my love for Huzooraa as I love my own father.”

Ahmad Syarifuddin, Majlis Ansar Sultan-ul-Qalam, said: “I was impressed with the level of detail Huzooraa asked questions with and the clear guidance he provided.”

Abdul Hafidz Bahansubu, Additional

Mohtamim Tarbiyat expressed: “It was the greatest blessing in my life to communicate with His Holiness directly and get guidance from him. I am speechless!”

Agus Sifti Ahmad, Naib Sadr for Tarbiyat Department, said: “It was a very touching experience. May Allah the Almighty shower upon Khuddam and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia His abundant blessings. Amin.”

During the meeting, Huzooraa asked mohtamim ishaat about the Khuddam magazine in Indonesia and gracefully gave it a new name: Tariq.

I am so thankful that we were blessed in this manner. Huzooraa directly gave the name for the Khuddam magazine, that is Tariq. May Allah the Almighty enable us to publish this magazine. Amin.

May Allah the Almighty make this mulaqat a source of strengthening our bond with the Jamaat and Khilafat. Amin.

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Hope for a believer in the forgiveness of God Aqeel Ahmad Kang Al Hakam

We have already zoomed past the first 10 days of Ramadan and from today (Friday, 23 April 2021), many of us will be entering the second third of the blessed month of Ramadan. A distinguishing feature of these 10 days is forgiveness. The Holy Prophetsa said: َّ َ ٌ ْ ُ ُ َ ٌ َ ْ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َ ٌ َ ْ َ ُ ُ َّ َ ٌ ْ َ َ ُ ‫آخره ِعتق ِمن‬ ‫النا ِر‬ ِ ‫ و‬،‫ وأوسطه مغفِرة‬،‫هو شهر أوله رحمة‬ “It is a month, the first third of which is designated for mercy, the middle third for forgiveness and the last third for deliverance from the Fire.” (Al-Jami‘ li-Shu‘ab al-Iman by alBayhaqi)

Hence, during these days, on the one hand, the gates of Allah’s vast forgiveness open for us and on the other, we get an opportunity to open our hearts and cleanse them by forgiving others.

Upon learning of how forgiving Allah is, one cannot help but be filled with immense hope. Istighfar, or seeking forgiveness from Allah, not only removes our sins, but also empowers and strengthens one against sin.

It is the water that nourishes the tree of faith.

It crushes the ego and makes us humble and more forgiving towards others. Hence, it is crucial for a believer to learn the various ways to attain Allah’s forgiveness during this blessed month. The Holy Prophetsa said: َّ َ َ َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫يمانًا َو‬ َ ‫ان إ‬ ‫اح ِت َسابًا غفِ َر ل ُه َما تقد َم ِم ْن ذن ِب ِه‬ ِ ‫من صام رمض‬ “Whoever fasts in 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

Fadlu Lailat al-Qadr)

Allah, the Most Forgiving The divine attributes of forgiveness and mercy are given great prominence in the Quran where God’s attribute of forgiveness has been mentioned more than 90 times. It is stated that He is al-Ghafoor (‫ )الغفور‬and alّ Ghaffar (‫ – )الغفار‬the Most Forgiving.

Even in the case of our closest relations, we observe that they may forgive our mistakes a certain number of times before refusing to do so any further. However, these attributes of Allah denote that He continuously and repeatedly covers the shortcomings of his servants, who, upon realising their mistakes, sincerely seek forgiveness. Such is the vastness of His forgiveness (‫)مغفرة‬.

Again, in the case of our friends, we also see that they may still harbour malice or rancour in their hearts after they have claimed to forgive us. However, not only does our God never hold a grudge, but he also protects and shields us from the consequences of our own actions upon granting us forgiveness. That is a mere

glimpse of the quality of His forgiveness.

In most places in the Holy Quran, along with the attribute of forgiveness, God’s mercy has also been mentioned. Hence, we often read the phrase “Most Forgiving, َ ُ َ Merciful” (‫)غف ۡو ٌر ّر ِح ۡیم‬. It means that those who sincerely beseech God, calling upon Him with reference to His attribute of forgiveness, not only succeed in benefitting from this attribute of God but also from His immense grace and mercy.

For example, it states in Surah al-Nisa:

َّ ُ َ ّٰ ّٰ ۡ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ ٓ ‫َو َم ۡن ی ۡع َم ۡل ُسوۡ ًءا ا ۡو یَظ ِل ۡم نف َس ٗہ ث ّم یَ ۡس َتغ ِف ِر الل َہ یَ ِج ِد الل َہ غفوۡ ًرا‬ َ ‫ّر ِح ۡی ًما‬

“And whoso does evil or wrongs his soul, and then asks forgiveness of Allah, will [surely] find Allah Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.111) Istighfar “Asking forgiveness”, as mentioned in this َْ verse, is called istighfar (‫)الإ ْس ِتغفار‬ ِ in Arabic.

There are two kinds of istighfar; that of the prophets and that of the common people.

In the case of the prophets, istighfar is a means of continuously protecting, nourishing and strengthening the roots of the tree of their faith. The other istighfar is that of the sinners, the roots of whose tree of faith have become exposed.

Hence, istighfar acts like the soil that covers and protects the exposed roots, which, if left uncovered, weaken and destroy that tree. However, even if one has not committed a sin and thereby exposed the roots of the tree of his faith, one should remember that humans are naturally weak. Thus, the essence of istighfar is to continuously seek strength from Allah so that our natural weakness does not come to light.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Man possesses a weakness in human nature. As such, Allah the Almighty states:

ً َ ُ َۡ ۡ َ ُ ‫ان ض ِع ۡیفا‬ ‫خ ِلق الاِنس‬

“In other words, ‘Man is created weak.’

“It is this feebleness of man which, without the helping hand of God, leads to diverse forms of sin. The essence of istighfar therefore is that one should ever and always seek the succour of God and beseech Him so that human failing, which is frailty of the flesh and is inescapable, may not come to light [...] At times, the meaning of this word is extended to apply to such people who have already committed a sin. In such cases, the meaning of istighfar or seeking forgiveness is that God may save them from the punishment of the transgression that has already been committed.” (The Honour of Prophets, pp. 33-34)

Hence, the primary meaning of istighfar is not that God may forgive and cover up

a sin that has already occurred, but that He should grant us strength so that no sin should occur.

It is a proven fact that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term conditions. In the same way, istighfar is the spiritual exercise that has been prescribed by no other than our Maker Himself. Regular istighfar is crucial for preventing diseases of the soul and for strengthening the soul.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Remember, the Muslims have been bestowed two things; one for obtaining strength and the other for the practical demonstration of the strength that has been obtained. Istighfar is for obtaining strength.

It is also called seeking help. The Sufis have

said that as physical strength and power is fostered through exercise, in the same way, istighfar is a spiritual exercise. Through it, the soul obtains strength and the heart achieves steadfastness. He who desires strength should do istighfar.” (The Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, p. 246)

The correct way to do istighfar Istighfar is a prayer. When man prays whilst keeping in view his transgressions and shortcomings, it produces, and should produce, zeal and fervour. One should feel anguish in the heart and not just pay lip service to merely uttering, “Astaghfirullah, astaghfirullah” superficially whereas one’s attention is not on God but is elsewhere, for Continued on next page >>

14

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

this would not serve any purpose.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Istighfar does not mean to merely repeat the words of ‘Astaghfirullah, astaghfirullah’ [...] There are many people who say that they offered istighfar in such quantity and praised and glorified God a hundred or a thousand times. However, when you question them about the meaning of istighfar, they are unable to answer. They remain dumbfounded. A person should continue to truly seek forgiveness within his heart with the intention that he may not have to bear the punishment of the wrongdoings and sins he has already committed.

“Furthermore, he should continuously implore God Almighty within his heart for help so that he may be enabled to act virtuously and so that He may safeguard him from wrongdoings in the future.

Remember full well that words are of no benefit. One may also seek forgiveness in his own tongue that God the Exalted may forgive his previous sins, protect him from committing sins in the future and enable him to act virtuously. This is true istighfar.

There is no need for a person to wander about uttering the words of ‘Astaghfirullah, astaghfirullah’, whilst the heart is completely unaware of its essence. Remember that only those words reach God, which are uttered from the heart.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 9, pp. 372-374 [1985 edition])

Thus, the correct way of offering istighfar – seeking forgiveness – is to engage in istighfar in a way that develops tenderness, fervour, passion and the fear of Allah the Almighty within the heart.

How does istighfar differ from taubah (repentance)?

The Promised Messiahas states: “Istighfar and repentance [taubah] are two separate matters. From one point of view, istighfar has priority over repentance, inasmuch as istighfar is the help and strength which are obtained from God and repentance means standing on one’s own feet.

“It is the way of God that when a person seeks help from Him, He bestows strength and with that strength, the supplicant stands on his own feet and thus possesses the faculty to do good. This means turning to God and this is the natural sequence of it.

“It is appointed for seekers that they should seek help from God in every condition. Till a seeker obtains strength from God, he can do nothing.

“The strength for repentance is acquired after istighfar. If there is no istighfar, the faculty of repentance dies. If you will thus follow up istighfar with repentance, the result will be as set out in the verse:

ً ُ َ ً ً ‫یُ َم ّ ِت ۡع ُک ۡم َّم َت‬ ‫اعا َح َسنا ِال�ی ا َج ٍل ّم َس ّمی‬

“[He will provide for you a goodly provision until an appointed term. (Surah Hud, Ch. 11, V. 4)]

“This is the way of God, that those who follow up istighfar with repentance will achieve high grades.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, p.

245)

Would Allah still forgive me after everything I have done?

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

ََُْ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ّٰ � ‫ین أ ْ� َرفوا َعل ٰی أنف ِس ِہ ْم لَا �قنطوا ِمن ّر ْح َم ِۃ الل ِہ‬ ‫قل یا ِعبا ِدي ال ِذ‬ ُ َ ّ ْ ّ َ ُ ُ ّٰ َّ ْ ُ ُ َ ُ ً َ ُ‫الرَ ِحیم‬ ّ ‫الل َہ یَغ ِف ُر الذنوب ج ِمیعا � إنہ ہوَ الغفور‬ ‫ِإن‬ ِ

“Say, ‘O My servants who have committed excesses against their own souls! despair not of the mercy of Allah, surely Allah forgives all sins. Verily He is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (Surah al-Zumar, Ch.39: V.54)

The Quranic concept of forgiveness holds out a message of hope to the sinners.

It encourages optimism and kills despair.

The God of Islam is “Most Forgiving, full of mercy” (18:59). “He has taken it upon Himself to show mercy” (6:55). “His mercy encompasses all things” (7:157). Thus, according to Islam, the sinner is never beyond redemption.

This is elucidated through a narration in which the Holy Prophetsa tells the story of a person from the Bani Israel, who had killed 99 people but then felt remorse and sought repentance. He approached a monk and asked if repentance was still possible. The monk responded that, “No, there is no route left”. So, the man even killed that monk.

He felt remorse yet again and went on asking if his repentance could be accepted.

A wise man told him that it was possible and that he should go to such and such town to seek forgiveness. However, en route to that town, he died. The angels of mercy descended upon him and so did the angels of punishment. They started arguing over him, each group claiming that he belonged to them.

Allah ordered the town to which the man was going to in order to seek forgiveness to draw closer to him, and the town from where he came to distance itself from him.

Then He ordered the angels to measure as to which town the man was closer to. It turned out that he was closer to the town where he intended to go to seek forgiveness. Thus, Allah forgave him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Ahadith al-Anbiaa)

This is the God of Islam, Who, rather than punishment, prefers forgiveness. His mercy is all-encompassing.

In another hadith (qudsi), the Holy Prophetsa said regarding His Lord: “Allah, Blessed is He and Most High, said: ‘O son of Adam! Verily as long as you called upon Me and hoped in Me, I forgave you, despite whatever may have occurred from you, and I did not mind. O son of Adam! Were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky, then you sought forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you, and I would not mind. O son of Adam! If you came to me with sins nearly as great as the earth, and then you met Me while not associating anything with Me, I would come to you with forgiveness nearly as great as that.’” (Jami‘ alTirmidhi, Kitab al-Da‘waat an Rasulillahisa]

During last week’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “Some people, thinking that they will not be forgiven, fall deeper into sin. In reality, Satan puts this thought in their hearts and uses these ploys to distance them from God and such people then get firmly trapped in the grips of Satan.” (Friday Sermon, 16 April 2021) The Promised Messiahas states: “The thought of having committed a plethora of sins ought not to hold back a sinner from supplication. Prayer is an antidote. Ultimately, such a one will observe how prayers serve to foster within him an aversion towards vice. In the end, those steeped in sin who despair of the acceptance of prayer and do not seek recourse to repentance, lose faith in the prophets and

their effects [i.e. such people then move away from religion].” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 4)

How do I know if Allah has forgiven me?

During a virtual Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau of Khuddam from Mauritius, held on 13 December 2020, Huzooraa, while responding to a similar question by a Khadim, stated: “After you have committed a sin, if you do istighfar, seek Allah’s refuge and come under His shelter, then you will [see] that you are not committing that sin [anymore].

Once you feel that you are not committing that sin, or any of the sins, [anymore] and you are now inclined towards the commandments of Allah the Exalted and you are now following the true teachings of Islam, then that is one way of knowing that your past sins have been forgiven. Then, do more istighfar so that you may not commit any sin again in the future.”

During another mulaqat with Khuddam from Germany, held on 9 February 2020, Huzooraa, while responding to a similar question by a Khadim, stated: “If the person does not turn back to the same sins and mistakes, and he begins to hate those very things, then his repentance has been accepted. It is not necessary that Allah Almighty reveals to you that you have been forgiven […] Allah Almighty has His own ways. If you were informed that your repentance had been accepted, then you would commit a new sin every day and then seek forgiveness for it. Hence, Allah has kept us in suspense that we may continue to do istighfar and repent […] Even if your repentance is approved, continue to seek forgiveness and repent and Allah will continue to elevate your status and you begin to hate sin. This is true repentance. Do not worry about knowing it. Is not our goal to please Allah? […] All righteous people worry about is [that He is pleased.]”

Forgive, and you will be forgiven As we seek to benefit from the divine attributes of al-Ghafoor and al-Ghaffar, it is also incumbent that we adopt the hue of these very attributes. What we wish for from God, we must give to His creation, for Allah says:

َ ُ َ ّٰ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫َو ِا ۡن � ۡعفوۡا َو ﺗ ۡصف ُحوۡا َو �غ ِف ُر ۡوا ف ِا ّن الل َہ غفوۡ ٌر ّر ِح ۡی ٌم‬

“And if you overlook and forgive and pardon, then surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (Surah al-Taghabun, Ch.64: V.15) The Holy Prophetsa said: ْ ُ ُ ّٰ ْ ْ ‫ار َح ُم ْوا ت ْر َح ُم ْوا َواغفِ ُر ْوا يَغفِر الل ُہ لَ� ْم‬ “Show mercy and you will be shown mercy. Forgive and Allah will forgive you.”

(Al-Adab al-Mufrad, Kitab Rahmah, Baabu Rahmat al-Bahaim) Thus, we owe it to our fellow creatures that we harbour no malice, hatred, prejudice or rancour against them. It is not easy! It requires that we crush our egos and humble ourselves for the sake of Allah.

The Promised Messiahas states: “God desires a complete transformation in your being and He demands from you a death whereafter He should revive you.

Hasten to make peace with one another and forgive your brethren their sins. For he who is not inclined to make peace with his brother is wicked and will be cut off because he is the cause of dissension. Part with your ego in every way and do away with mutual grievances. Be humble like the guilty, though truth be on your side, so that you may be forgiven. Do not feed your vanity, for those who are bloated cannot enter the gate to which you have been called […] The one who most forgives the transgressions of his brother is the more honourable among you.” (Noah’s Ark, p. 22) May all our past sins be forgiven. May Allah the Almighty infuse in us, through His special grace, the strength and ability to abstain from sins in the future also. May the following prayer find fulfilment in all of us this Ramadan: َ َ َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َ ّٰ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ‫ أن َها قالت يَا َر ُسول الل ِہ أ َرأيْت ِإ ْن َوافقت ل ْیلۃ‬،‫ع ْن َعا�ِﺸۃ‬ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُّ ُ ٌّ ُ َ َ َّ َّ ُ َّ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫القد ِر ما أدعو قال تقول ِين ا���م ِإنﻚ عفو ت ِ�ﺐ العفو فاعﻒ‬ َّ ‫ع ِني‬ “It was narrated by Hazrat Aishara, who said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication if I experience the Night of Destiny [LailatulQadr]?’

“He said, ‘Say, ‘Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa, fa‘fu anni [O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me].’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Du‘a)

15

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Jesus’ return

Part II

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

Proof the Second Advent is figurative As the Holy Quran has undoubtedly proclaimed the death of Jesusas, and nowhere does the Holy Quran mention he would physically descend to the earthly realm in the Latter Days, it is only natural to assume the second advent of the Messiah refers to another person who would personify the first Messiah’s characteristics.

Proof for this can be found in two ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa in which he clearly draws a distinction between the physical features of the two Messiahs.

The first hadith refers to Jesusas (Isa ibn Maryam): ّ ٰ َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ ‫الن ِب ّي َصلی الل ُہ‬ ‫اس ـ ر ِﺿی اللہ عنهما ـ قال قال‬ ٍ ‫ع ِن اب ِن عب‬ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫اه‬ ‫ فﺄ ّما ِع� َسی‬،‫یم‬ ِ ‫علی ِه وسلم رأيت ِع�سی وموسی و ِإبر‬ َ​َ ُ َ ٌ ْ َّ ‫فﺄ ْح َ� ُ� َج ْعد ع ِريﺾ‬ ‫الﺼد ِر‬ Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrated that the Prophetsa said, “I saw Moses, Jesus and Abraham [on the night of my ascension to the Heavens]. Jesus was of red complexion, curly hair and a broad chest […]” (Sahih alBukhari) Here, the Holy Prophetsa clearly describes

some physical features of Jesusas: 1. He was of red complexion 2. Had curly hair 3. Had a broad chest The second hadith refers to the LatterDay Promised Messiah. Regarding him, the Holy Prophetsa described different physical features, compared to Jesusas. In Sahih alBukhari, the Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said: َ​َ َ ً ُ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ َ َ ‫آد َم کﺄ ْح َس ِن‬ ‫أ َرا�ِ� الل ْیلۃ ِع ْند الْ� ْع َب ِۃ ف َرأيْت َر ُجلا‬ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ٌ َّ ُ َ ُْ ْ َ ّ َ َ َْ َ ‫ت َرا ٍء ِم َن‬ ‫ له ل ِمۃ کﺄحس ِن ما أن‬،‫ال‬ ِ ‫ما أنت را ٍء ِمن أد ِم ا��ِج‬ َ َ َْ َ ً َّ ُ ً َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ّ ‫کﺌا َعلی َر ُجلي ِن ـ أ ْو َعلی‬ ِ ِ ‫ مت‬،‫ قد رجلها تقطر ماء‬،‫اللم ِم‬ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ْ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ‫ ف َسﺄلت من هﺬا ف ِقیل ال َم ِس‬،‫ت‬ �� ِ ‫ع َواتِ ِق َرجلي ِن ـ يَطوف بِال َب ْی‬ ْ ْ ْ َْ َ​َ َ َ​َ َ ُ ‫ ﺛ َّم ِإذا أنا بِ َر ُج ٍل َج ْع ٍد قط ٍﻂ أع َو ِر ال َعي ِن ال ُی ْم َنی‬.‫ابْ ُن � ْ�ي َ َم‬ َ ُ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ ٌ َ َ ٌ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ‫�� الد ّجال‬ ‫ فسﺄلت من هﺬا ف ِقیل الم ِس‬،‫کﺄنها ِعنبۃ ﻃا ِفیۃ‬ “I saw myself (in a dream) near the Ka‘bah last night, and I saw a man of brown complexion, the best you may see amongst men of that complexion, having long straight hair reaching his earlobes which was the best hair of its sort, and he had combed his hair and water was dropping from it, and he was performing the tawaf around the Ka‘bah while he was leaning on two men or on the shoulders of two men. I asked, ‘Who is this man?’ Somebody replied, ‘(He is)

Messiah, son of Mary.’ Then I saw another man with very curly hair, blind in the right eye, which looked like a protruding grape.

I asked, ‘Who is this?’ Somebody replied, ‘(He is) Messiah, al-Dajjal.’”

In this hadith, the Holy Prophetsa describes the messiah with the following physical features: a)A brown complexion b)Long and straight hair Evidently, there is a difference in the physical appearance of both messiah’s mentioned by the Holy Prophetsa. The fact the Holy Prophetsa mentions the Dajjal in the second hadith along with the messiah, proves that in this hadith the Latter-Day Messiah was being referred to.

As there is a stark difference in the physical descriptions in the two ahadith, it becomes clear the Promised Messiah would not be Isa ibn Maryamas of the Bani Israel, rather someone who resembled his character and disposition.

Another point mentioned by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was that Jesusas was an Israelite prophet from amongst the Bani Israel, whereas the Latter-Day Messiah was described as an “ummati” (one from amongst the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa).

And so, the second messiah would be a

Taking care of orphans The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “I will be like this in Paradise with the person who takes care of an orphan.” The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab)

A

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org

prophet by virtue of the Holy Prophetsa and from amongst the Muslims, as the following ahadith testify: َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ​َ َ َ َّ ّٰ ُ ‫ قال قال َر ُس ْول الل ِہ صلی الل ُہ َعل ْی ِه َو َسل َم ك ْیﻒ‬،‫أ ّن أبَا ه َريْ َرة‬ ُ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُْ َْ ‫امک ْم ِم ْنک ْم‬ ‫أن�م ِإذا نﺰل ابن ��يم ِفیکم و ِإم‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrated that Allah’s Messengersa said, “How will you be when the son of Mary descends amongst you and is an Imam from amongst you.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari) The Latter-Day Messiah is being clearly referred to as an ummati by the words “from amongst you [Muslims]”.

The Promised Messiahas provides another hadith of the Holy Prophetsa, which testifies to the advent of the Latter-Day Messiah as a different person to the Israelite Messiah: ‫علماء امتی کﺄانبیاء بنی ا��ايل‬ “The scholars of my ummah are like the prophets of the Bani Israel.” (Al-Tafsir alKabir, Imam Razirh, Vol. 3, p. 302) From this hadith, we can draw the conclusion that the Latter-Day Messiah would resemble Isa ibn Maryamas of the Bani Israel because it mentions that some of the followers the Holy Prophetsa would be in “likeness” of the prophets of the Bani Israel.

The Promised Messiahas goes on to explain that Jesusas, due to his soul having been raised, had entered Heaven, as the Holy Quran states:

ُ ۡ َ ً َ ّ ۡ َ ّ ً َ َ ّ َ ٰ ۤۡ ۡ ُ َ ّ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ّ َ ُ َ ّ َ � ‫ادخ ِل ۡی‬ ‫اضیۃ مر ِضیۃ ف‬ ِ ‫یایتہا النفﺲ المطم ِ�نۃ ار ِج ِعی ِالی ر ِب ِﻚ ر‬ َّ ُ ‫فِ ۡی ِع ٰب ِد ۡی َو ۡادخ ِل ۡی َجن ِت ۡی‬

“[And] thou, O soul at peace! Return to thy Lord well pleased [with Him and] He well pleased [with thee]. So enter thou among My chosen servants, And enter thou My Garden.” (Surah al-Fajr, Ch.89: V.28-31) Although the final reckoning will be on the day of resurrection, and that is when all souls will enter Heaven or Hell in their entirety; however, even at this point whatever rewards of Heaven (to a lesser degree) have been granted to souls means that they will not be taken out of those comforts and be brought back to this world full of grief and sorrow.

The above-mentioned arguments, in both parts 1 and 2 of this article, prove two very important points that non-Ahmadi Muslims should really take heed of, as these arguments are purely based on the Holy Quran and the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa. They are: 1. The Israelite Messiah, Hazrat Isa ibn Maryamas (Jesus) has passed away and will not physically return to the earth in the Latter Days 2. The references of the Holy Prophetsa to the Latter-Day Messiah are metaphorical in nature and refer to a person from amongst the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa who would personify the characteristics of the first Messiah; and that person is Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian.

Although the Promised Messiahas has provided many more verses of the Holy Quran and plenty of authentic ahadith in his books and treatises as a testimony to his claim, I have presented a mere taste of these references.

May Allah guide all Muslims to the right path and may they attest to the truth of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiahas.

16

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

PAAMA Canada hosts Journey to Mauritius event Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh established the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) in 1984. The purpose of the association was to unite and reactivate Ahmadi Muslims whose ethnic identities represent the African diaspora. These include individuals with African-American, African-Caribbean, North African and SubSaharan African heritage.

Since then, PAAMA is established in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada.

Dr Mohamed Sadiq Boodhun Sahib from Newfoundland and AH AbdoolRahman Abdul-Raheem Sahib from Toronto reported that on 3 April 2021, PAAMA Canada held a virtual town hall meeting. The theme of the event was “Journey to Mauritius”, with the objective of highlighting the history of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Mauritius and the contributions made

by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mauritius for the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat in the rest of the world.

Speakers from Canada, United Kingdom, Belgium and Mauritius addressed the event.

Within Canada, speakers participated from across the country, joining from Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Newfoundland.

The event was conducted in English and French, with live streaming on two separate English and French channels.

Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib chaired the event.

Abdul Rahman Abdul Raheem Sahib of Toronto set the stage for what was to come by placing the event under the Islamic concept of Tahdith-e-ne‘mat, “Proclamation of divine favours”. He stated that Mauritius Jamaat was born out of the sheer grace of Allah. It was again the grace of Allah that enabled Mauritius Jamaat to give back to the world of Islam Ahmadiyyat, devoted missionaries, medical doctors, literature in the French language etc.

Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mauritius, Aniff Muslam Sahib, spoke on the topic of “Islam Ahmadiyyat in Mauritius: Past, present and future”. In his speech, he gave an overall picture of how Islam Ahmadiyyat reached Mauritius and also highlighted the contributions of various missionaries who served in Mauritius. He also highlighted key moments of Islam Ahmadiyyat on the island and touched on some plans of the Mauritius Jamaat.

Next was Dr Mohamed Sadiq Boodhun Sahib of Newfoundland, who presented a slideshow illustrating key moments in the history of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Mauritius.

Head of French Desk UK, Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan Sahib spoke of his first-hand experience working under the direct instructions of two Khulafa and in their beneficent entourage. He recounted examples of the Khulafa’s insights regarding common daily issues.

In one example, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh had stated that a walnut tree that he himself had planted in Islamabad would bear fruits only when the UK Jamaat brought in new bai‘ats. Amazingly that was exactly what came to pass. Many years later, during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the same walnut tree produced 5 walnuts. When reported to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, he stated that the UK Jamaat would now get some bai‘ats. It turned out that within a few days, UK Jamaat got exactly five new bai‘ats.

Jahangeer Sahib added that the essential lesson from this episode was that when a Khalifa says something about the future, it is fulfilled literally in due course, by Allah’s grace.

Missionary-in-Charge Jamaat Belgium, Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib spoke in French about the grand prophecy of the Promised Messiahas, “Kings shall seek blessings from thy garments”. He played a video clip showing the speech of the King of Parakou at the 2004 Mauritius Jalsa Salana. Another clip showed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh presenting the King of Parakou with a piece of the garment of the Promised Messiahas.

Representing PAAMA Canada, Imourane Chados Sahib presented a book review of The Will, written by the Promised Messiahas in 1905.

President PAAMA Canada, Abdul Ghani Omokanye Sahib, presented PAAMA Canada’s progress report.

Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib reminded viewers that Huzooraa, in his recent Friday Sermon of 2 April 2021, mentioned Dr Nizamudeen Boodhun Sahib of Mauritius, who had served in clinics and hospitals of the Jamaat in West Africa for over 40 years.

Hafiz Sahib reminded viewers about other Mauritian medical doctors, who are serving in Africa.

In his concluding address, Amir Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib, reminisced about his student days in Rabwah, Pakistan and his friendship with a Mauritian student there. He also mentioned his visit to Mauritius during Mauritius Jalsa Salana 2019.

The event had 1,318 YouTube connections, from Mauritius, Canada, the United States of America, United Kingdom and Belgium.

The event recording is available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4Tpgt0nCpGE

Refrain from fasting while on journey Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra writes that Mian Rehmatullah Sahib, son of Mian Abdullah Sanauri Sahibra, said, “Once, Huzooras came to Ludhiana during the blessed month of Ramadan [...] We started our fast in Ghaus Garh before travelling to Ludhiana. Upon enquiring from my father, or having found out from someone else (I cannot recall), Huzooras came to know that all those who had come from Ghaus Garh were fasting. Huzooras said, ‘Mian Abdullah. Just as Allah has commanded us to fast, He has also commanded us not to do so while travelling. Therefore, you all ought to break your fasts.’ This occurred after the Zuhr prayer.” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, p. 125)

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Responding to Allegations

Proving the claim of the Promised Messiah’s knowledge of miraculous and profound Arabic | Part VIII

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.

“For a person who writes a lot of books in Arabic or Persian, it is very possible they make some syntactical and morphological ٌ ‫ قَل َّ َما َس ِل َم ِم ْک َث‬. mistakes, as the adage goes, ‫ار‬ And due to not seeing those mistakes, they are not corrected. It is also possible that owing to the fault of the scribe, a mistake is published and the author misses those mistakes due to human error.” (Karamat-us-

Muhammad Tahir Nadeem Central Arabic Desk

Now we will take a look at the allegations raised against the opponents of the Jamaat with regard to the Promised Messiah’sas proficiency in Arabic. We will see how the Promised Messiah’sas writings were an ocean of deep and profound meanings. In fact, the Promised Messiahas gave some very important and great insights into his claim in his Arabic works and also replied to allegations made against his works.

The possible allegations on the Arabic works of the Promised Messiahas After reading the replies the Promised Messiahas gave to those who raised issue regarding his Arabic works, one realises that the Promised Messiahas knew exactly what kind of allegations his opponents would raise. His replies also point towards his unshakable belief in his God-given knowledge and that whatever he wrote was free from error as it was inspired by Allah. Often, the way he wrote and used Arabic in his writings that would be the target of allegations, would also be found in old Arabic works – therefore nullifying the allegation. For example, the Promised Messiahas said: “An ignorant person raises issue saying that such and such conjunction is incorrect or a compound is wrong, and then [later] the exact same type of conjunction or compound or tense is found [to be used] in the old couplets of the Jahiliyyah.” (Nuzulul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p.436)

Today, the answers to the allegations made on the Arabic writings of the Promised Messiahas are answered how he advised us to answer them. All the Arabic usages of the Promised Messiahas that are subject to scrutiny, are searched in old books, old lughaat or grammar, and the same usage is found in them. This proves the Promised Messiahas had a deep understanding of all the content he wrote and indicated its origins and sources too.

Reconciliation of texts that appear to contradict the rules of Arabic syntax and morphology (Al-Sarf wa Al-Nahw) It is not a concern when it seems the Arabic writing of the Promised Messiahas has not followed rules of Arabic syntax and morphology – in fact, when faced with such an instance, the Promised Messiahas

Sadiqeen, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 7, p. 47)

has explained how to reply to such issues.

He said: “It is a wonder that at times, the wording of the revelation [wahi] of God Almighty is not in accordance with manmade syntax and morphology; however, with a little attention, it can be reconciled.

For this very reason, some ignorant people, keeping in mind their self-devised syntax, have raised issue with the Holy Quran too, but all these allegations are preposterous.”

(Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 436)

At another place he said: “God has the full knowledge of language, something which humans do not. And as languages change when locations are changed, so too is it changed over the duration of time. Today, the Arabic idiom used in places like Egypt, Mecca, Medina and the countries of Sham [Middle eastern countries], completely uproots the rules of Arabic syntax and morphology, and it is possible such Arabic idiom was used at a previous time too.

Therefore, nothing prohibits the revelation of God Almighty from using language that is in accordance with earlier or present Arabic idiom. This is why the Holy Quran contains some special and unique features [in terms of language].” (Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 436)

Old Arabic lughaat and the different dialects of tribes and areas were all part of eloquent Arabic. However, today, Arabic dialects have been tremendously spoiled and changed and the statement of the Promised Messiahas is one hundred per

cent true that today, the Arabic spoken in Arab countries completely uproots and contradicts the rules of Arabic syntax and morphology.

It is possible that certain dialects were spoken in the past and in accordance with their idiom and style, Allah taught Hazrat Ahmadas or gave him revelation in that old idiom.

From all of this, one can see how much certainty the Promised Messiahas had in the revelations he received and how confident he was that the Arabic revelation would most definitely be part of an old Arabic idiom used in the past, one just has to search for it.

Those who reply to the allegations made on the Arabic writings of Huzooras just need to base their research on Huzoor’s statement: “With a little attention, it can be reconciled”. This is because with a little research, one can easily find other examples in old books that will negate the allegation made against the Arabic of the Promised Messiahas.

Are there no mistakes at all in the books of the Promised Messiah?

The above should not make someone think that every mistake found in the books of the Promised Messiahas can be reconciled by some kind of rule or Arabic usage. Even the Promised Messiahas pointed out some mistakes that were made in his writings, and so we should not reject this possibility.

Nevertheless, what Huzooras explained with regard to these mistakes should always be kept in mind. He said:

At another instance he said: َّ َ ُ َ َّ َ ٌ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ٌَ َ َ ‫ ِإلا َس ْهو‬،‫ َو ُمن ّزهة عما ظ َن ْنت‬،‫ِإ ّن ك ُت ِبي ُمب ّرأة ِمم ّا زع َمت‬ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ّ َ ‫اه ِل‬ ‫ين‬ ِ ‫ بِتغاف ٍل ِم ِني لا ك َجه ِل الج‬،‫ أو زيْغ القل ِم‬،‫بين‬ ِ‫الكات‬ This means: “My books are free from your selfdevised mistakes and the faults that are according to your own thoughts, apart from those mistakes that are due to the error of scribes, or a mistake by the pen or that have been left due to my negligence.

They have not been committed due to [my] ignorance [of knowledge and language].”

(Maktub-e-Ahmad, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 11, pp. 241242)

He also wrote: “Most of those who are quick to criticise, especially Shaikh Muhammad Hussain Sahib Batalwi, who reads my Arabic books just to find faults, due to their being clouded by prejudice, even regard scribal errors as mistakes.” (Sirr-ulKhilafah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 316)

This means the Promised Messiahas checked some of the mistakes that had been pointed out and realised they had been made due to the scribe, not Huzooras.

And so, Huzooras said not to attribute the mistakes of the scribe as his mistakes. This is further clarified when some people took out mistakes from the Arabic writings of Huzooras that had actually been made by the scribe, and demanded the reward of Huzoor’s challenge. In response, Huzooras said: “Some naïve people, pointing out a few mistakes made by the scribe or accidental errors, became hopeful for the reward.”

(Ibid) This means that some accidental errors, or mistakes made by the scribe when writing up the final draft, were later presented before Huzooras and where it was established that such a mistake was actually published, Huzooras himself admitted it.

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

by Al Hakam)

18

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday the 10 : A glad tiding to the Jamaat th

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam Today is the 10th day of Ramadan and it happens to be a Friday. This reminds us of a great glad tiding of Allah the Almighty, which was granted to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, in December 1984.

We must remember that the interpretation of this glad tiding is completely a matter between Allah the Almighty and his chosen one. So, this article does not intend to do any interpretation in this regard.

Our duty is to always pray to Allah the Almighty that He may grant victory to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and may we continue to show complete obedience to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

During his Friday Sermon of 28 December 1984, while mentioning his divine vision, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh stated: “Two or three days ago, I was feeling very anxious due to some news I had received. After Zuhr, I laid down to

rest, when I started uttering the words ‘Jumuah, Jumuah’, and at the same time, I saw the dial of a clock on which ‘10’ began to shine brightly at the spot where the figure of ‘10’ normally appears [on a dial].

This was not a dream, but a vision seen in a state of wakefulness […]

“Despite the fact that the ‘10’ was exactly at that spot where ‘10’ happens to be on a clock, my mind was perceiving it to be the 10th date i.e. ‘Friday the 10th’. I was uttering in English, ‘Friday the 10th’ […] Allah the Almighty knows better as to which Friday it will be when God Almighty grants this bright sign […]

Whenever severe worry has been faced, Allah the Almighty has continuously granted glad tidings in regard to the Jamaat.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 3, p. 777) Then, during his Friday Sermon of 10 May 1985, Huzoorrh mentioned this vision again. After mentioning the vision, he stated that he had received several interpretations from members of the Jamaat. He then went on to narrate some of those interpretations. He said:

“While returning from the tour [of Europe], during our stay at a house in Gillingham, a person narrated his dream in which God Almighty had given him a glad tiding about the 10th [date] of the lunar month. He said that when one of his close ones informed him over the phone that Allah the Almighty had shown me [Huzoorrh] this vision, he remembered his own dream, and he thought that it meant the 10th date of the lunar calendar, not the 10th of the Gregorian calendar.

“I said to him, ‘It is fine. You may interpret it in this way as God has shown you the dream; it may be connected with this, but until God Almighty does not manifest this interpretation, we cannot say anything with certainty. One thing is certain anyway, that when God Almighty shows this glad tiding for the Jamaat, it will be so prominent and bright that it will be [clearly] visible. It will not require any interpretation then, but will be clearly visible that it has been fulfilled.’

“Then, some people wrote letters to me stating that they had calculated that

this date seemed to be 10 May, meaning today [10 May 1985]. So, I said, ‘May Allah bless your words. If it is this 10th, then what better thing could there be for me than God Almighty fulfilling this vision so soon.’ However, Allah the Almighty has not told me the year but has only told the date […] We cannot make a final decision merely on the basis of interpretation. In relation to the same interpretation, someone even wrote that no mention of the year bore an aspect of warning as well.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 4, pp. 436-437) Huzoorrh added that the most interesting interpretation was received from a member of the Lahore Jamaat, that this divine vision did not mean any literal date or Friday and instead, pointed towards the 10th verse of Surah al-Jumuah.

Huzoorrh stated that as this surah has 12 verses, it resembles a clock as it has 12 numbers.

Huzoorrh elaborated that sometimes, Allah the Almighty fulfils a sign several times and in several ways. Moreover, Surah al-Jumuah bears great connection with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Then, during his Friday Sermon of 21 June 1985, Huzoorrh described this divine vision again and further stated that members of the Jamaat were making assumptions and writing letters to him, while having their eyes set on Friday, 10 May 1985. However, Huzoorrh said that nothing had happened on that day and many opponents thus said that they would celebrate on the following Friday that nothing had happened on 10 May. Huzoorrh continued by stating that there was another Friday which was to come, which was to be Friday, 10 Ramadan in Pakistan, and as Allah the Almighty had told some members of the Jamaat also about the 10th date of the lunar calendar, and they had informed Huzoorrh about this, everyone waited to see what manifestation Allah the Almighty would show on this date.

Huzoorrh added that news started pouring in from Tahajjud time on the morning of the 10th Ramadan (31 May 1985) about the danger of a huge cyclone in Karachi. However, the storm later turned away and Allah the Almighty saved the people of Karachi from a catastrophe.

Huzoorrh stated that after receiving more details about this matter, it was clear that the glad tiding of Allah the Almighty had been fulfilled [from one aspect] with immense glory.

Huzoorrh further stated: “The newspaper cuttings we received later on not only elaborated the extraordinary importance of this news, but also explained the unprecedented nature of this incident. Moreover, Allah the Almighty has made some bitter enemies of the Jamaat declare that this incident was not an ordinary one; it was not an accidental thing, but instead, it was a huge warning from God. Apart from that, an incident also happened at the northern border of Pakistan which has been given unprecedented importance, and it has been presented as a sign of the

19

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021 upcoming danger, and this incident too happened on Friday, the 10th of the blessed month of Ramadan.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 4, p. 552) Huzoorrh then stated some details of those incidents. In regard to the first incident related to Karachi, he stated that many articles and headlines had been published in newspapers, which stated that this incident was unprecedented and frightening. The Jang of London ran the headline that the danger of a cyclone in Karachi had caused great panic. The Dawn bore the headline, “Cyclone Threat”, and also published another article, titled “Panic Grips Karachi”.

Huzoorrh continued by stating that it had been said that upon hearing the expected threat of a huge cyclone, the people of Karachi started calling azans, which was a sign that people thought that they were facing grave danger. So, they called azans as a sign of istighfar [seeking forgiveness] and they believed that if the azan was called, the wrath of Allah the Almighty would be averted.

Huzoorrh stated that the Jang of Lahore wrote a headline quoting a severe opponent of the Jamaat, Prof Abdul Ghafur Sahib, who belonged to Jamaate-Islami, which stated, “What would have been our fate if Allah the Almighty had not turned this storm away”.

Laulak, a newspaper of the Ahrar, wrote the editorial, titled “God’s Warning”, in which it stated: “We have to ponder again and again from which aspects and in which ways we are showing disobedience to God the Exalted and Glorious. The people of Karachi should set aside the internal disputes and enmities and offer a sajdah-e-shukr [prostrate in thanks] to God Almighty and pledge to obey God Almighty. They are fortunate that they have been saved from a big trial. This cyclone is God’s warning for them.”

Huzoorrh stated that this was an act of Allah that two opponents of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya – Jamaat-e-Islami and Majlise-Ahrar – had to concede that this incident of 10th Ramadan was not an ordinary one and instead, it was a great sign and warning from Allah the Almighty.

Huzoorrh stated that it was reported that if that storm had struck Karachi, hundreds of thousands of lives could have been lost. There were 50-feet high waves approaching Karachi at a speed of 100 miles an hour and according to some newspapers, the waves turned away at a distance of only 50 miles from Karachi, meaning that it was just a matter of 30

minutes.

Then, while mentioning the second incident, which occurred on the northern border of Pakistan, Huzoorrh stated that on Friday, 31 May – 10 Ramadan – MiG21 jets from Afghanistan bombed the Drosh town of Chitral. This incident was discussed in the assemblies (of the country) and given importance in many newspapers as well. The chief minister and governor of NWFP (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and President Zia-ul-Haq visited the site. This shows that it was not an ordinary incident and had a great impact at the national level. Moreover, ITV also reported this incident.

In relation to the opponents, Huzoorrh then stated: “God had focused their eyes on 10 May only and they forgot that a Friday was also to come on 10 Ramadan. If they would have thought that Jamaat-eAhmadiyya would present it as a sign of God Almighty, then even if the Day of Resurrection had occurred, they would have never uttered anything from their mouths or write from their pens [in regard to these incidents]. So, this was a clear sign from God Almighty, which has been fulfilled by the grace and mercy of Allah the Almighty, and in a way the wrath also turned away […]

“When I ponder over the scene, which remains illuminated in front of my eyes, that the 10th figure of the dial was flashing, [it occurs to me that] light is a sign of manifestation and a sign of mercy, meaning that sometimes light is a sign of the manifestation of wrath and sometimes a sign of the manifestation of glad tidings as well.

“So, the flashing of this figure tells that it [the vision] is not [related to] an incident that will occur only once; [in fact] it will begin from Friday the 10th – which will be the 10th date of the lunar calendar – and on that Friday, this matter will begin and then this sign will flash and appear again and again.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 4, p.

557) Huzoorrh added that the current happenings had clarified that these two incidents were only one aspect of this prophecy, and that it was not over yet; instead, the manifestation of this prophecy had only just begun.

Huzoorrh stated that Allah the Almighty was Merciful and Generous.

Signs had been manifested before and Continued on next page >>

20

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ramadan and the Quran Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, said:

“Allah Almighty has drawn the attention of the believers especially to the recitation of the Holy Quran in the month of Ramadan because as we go through this month of self-restraint, while paying special attention to the Holy Quran, then even in ordinary days, we will get in the habit of paying attention to this. Otherwise, the whole purpose of drawing attention to the Holy Quran by Allah the Almighty in the month of Ramadan will be lost.” (Friday Sermon, 10 May 2019)

<< Continued from previous page

would continue to do so, but those divine communities for whom these signs were manifested, their hearts cried in sympathy for a nation instead of merely waiting for the sign to be manifested and the destruction of a nation to take place as a result.

While mentioning the fall of the Berlin Wall, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh stated, during his Friday Sermon of 23 February 1990, that he had previously mentioned the fall of the Berlin Wall and that it was one of the most significant incidents of this century. This incident took place on the night between 9 and 10 November 1989 and according to the Islamic calendar, 10 Rabi al-Thani had started.

Huzoorrh elaborated that many newspapers had published this news. A newspaper, Akhbar Watan Weekly London, wrote, “After midnight, people stormed the Berlin Wall”. So, this means that not only according to the Islamic calendar, but also according to the Gregorian calendar, the 10th date had started when the Berlin Wall was being felled.

Huzoorrh said what was even more intriguing was that the Islamic calendar and the Gregorian calendar had perfectly corresponded with one another, and that too on a Friday. Huzoorrh said that that Friday the 10th (of 1989) could truly be termed as the “Friday the 10th”.

While mentioning the connection of this incident with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Huzoorrh mentioned the Promised Messiah’sas prophecy regarding the spread of

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Russia. Huzoorrh narrated the sacrifices of early missionaries in Russia and a divine vision of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra regarding Russia.

Huzoorrh continued by stating that the current happenings were Allah’s decree, and all incidents were inter-linked. He added that Allah the Almighty had shown him the vision of Friday the 10th, and on Friday the 10th, such wonderful incidents had happened which would open the doors for Islam’s spread in Russia through Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Huzoorrh elaborated that only a biased person could say that this incident (fall of the Berlin Wall) on Friday the 10th, is coincidental. The correlation of the Islamic and Gregorian calendars and the day of Friday is clearly a decree of Allah.

Then, Huzoorrh gave the Jamaat a glad tiding that the time was near for the fulfilment of the Promised Messiah’sas prophecies, as Allah’s decree had started to manifest its signs.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated during his Friday Sermon of 8 October 2004, delivered from Baitur Rahman, Glasgow, Scotland: “[…] The first sermon Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh delivered in the UK regarding ‘Friday the 10th’ was here, at this place, when he came here for the inauguration of this mosque. So I thought that I should also see that sermon as well, as to what advice he gave to the Jamaat here, 19 years ago.

“This sermon was delivered on 10 May 1985. When I looked at it, he mentioned in

detail the bounties of God Almighty and how this mission house was bought after going through different circumstances and after going through stages of hope and despair.

“Then, while advising the Jamaat, Huzoorrh said, with reference to Surah alFatihah, that this [mosque] was merely a seed which they had sown and that it had to flourish and grow, insha-Allah.

“He said that with this inauguration, they were laying a founding brick and on this brick, the grand palaces were to be built, in which the world would live.

“And then, towards the end, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV, may Allah have mercy on him, said that today, on this Friday, all Ahmadis should pledge that they would live and die according to the will of God and spread the message of Islam all over the world. And we will indeed spread it!

“He said that this could be achieved only through prayers [...]” (Khutbat-eMasroor, Vol. 2, p. 721) Then, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated during his Friday Sermon of 10 October 2008, from Masjid Mubarak, Paris, France: “[…] On 28 December 1984 – during his tour to France – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh mentioned his vision for the first time, in which he saw the number ‘10’ shining on a clock. And the thought which came to his mind was that it was the date of Friday the 10th, instead of being related to time on a clock.

“So today also, coincidentally or by Allah the Almighty’s decree, it is Friday

the 10th and the first [Ahmadi] mosque of France is being inaugurated.

“May God attach those blessings with this mosque as well, which were vouchsafed to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh – as Allah the Almighty fulfils matters in many aspects and many ways. May this mosque prove to be a milestone for the Jamaat’s progress in this country.”

(Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 6, p. 420) During a Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau Atfal class on 29 January 2012, a tifl asked a question in regard to the vision of Friday the 10th, upon which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that upon seeing this vision, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh thought that on Friday the 10th, an incident could happen in favour of the Jamaat or against its opponents. Then, during his life, some incidents took place which were in favour of the Jamaat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa elaborated: “It is not necessary that something must occur on every Friday the 10th [...] In fact, we say that each and every day, something [in our favour] happens and continues to happen. If anything significant will occur, it will come to our knowledge. But it is not compulsory that it must happen on Friday the 10th.”

May Allah the Almighty enable us to see the days when Islam triumphs over all other religions and philosophies and may we play our part in this victory. May Allah grant our beloved Imamaa a long and healthy life and may we see the victory of Islam Ahmadiyyat under his leadership.

Amin.

21

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

New Ahmadi mosques in Sierra Leone’s Bo and Kenema regions

Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone inaugurated a new mosque in Bo region’s Kundorwahon Jamaat on 9 April 2021.

An Amin ceremony was also held with the opening of the mosque.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya was established in this area in 2019 and keeping in mind the number of worshipers, a mosque was needed.

After the gracious approval of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, a Lajna member from Germany, Khalida Zia Parveen Rana Sahiba paid the total expenses of the construction of the mosque on behalf of some of their late relatives. A total of 100 million Leones were spent on the construction of the mosque.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously named the mosque “Masjid Baitur Rahim”.

A solar panel, MTA system and loud speaker are also installed in the mosque so that Jamaat members may listen to Huzoor’s Friday sermons and other programmes on MTA. Approximately 250 people can offer prayer in this mosque.

Aqeel Ahmad Sahib, regional missionary,

and Amara Simbo Sahib, a muallim looked after the construction work of the mosque.

The foundation of the mosque was laid by Saeedur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-charge Sierra Leone on 21 February 2020, during a brief programme.

The inauguration event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which the guests were introduced.

Aqeel Ahmad Sahib introduced the Jamaat in the area and gave an introduction of the mosque.

Amir Sahib listened to the Holy Quran from the children who completed the first reading of the Holy Quran. A total of 11 children completed the Holy Quran.

In his address, Amir Sahib told the audience that the purpose of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya is to establish prayer and to teach the Holy Quran, and the Jamaat does this work without any charges and in less than a year’s time our muallim has taught the Holy Quran to 11 children. Alhamdulillah.

Amir Sahib cut the ribbon and formally opened the mosque and the Friday prayer was offered in the mosque. In his Friday sermon, he told people about the advent of the Promised Messiah and Mahdias.

Lunch was served to everyone after the Friday prayer.

The attendees included eight chiefs (including two paramount chiefs, the regent chief and the town chief), a representative of chiefdom imam, 15 non-Ahmadi imams, central and local missionaries, and more than 300 members from various jamaats of the region.

New Mosque in Kenema region Another new mosque was inaugurated in Kenema city, alhamdulillah.

The foundation of this mosque was laid in 2006 by the late Lutfur Rahman Mahmood Sahib, the central delegate for Jalsa Salana Sierra Leone 2006. At that time, the foundations and walls were erected under the supervision of the missionary of Kenema region, Iqbal Munir Sahib. But later due to some reasons, further construction was delayed.

In 2017, Qasid Ahmad Waraich Sahib, a missionary from Canada, came for waqf-earzi in Kenema and on his return to Canada, his family expressed the desire to complete the construction of the mosque and their request was graciously accepted by Hazrat

Khalifatul Masih Vaa. On the request of Qasid Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa sent four tiles and one of the tiles was fixed in the foundation of this mosque. Nasir Ahmadiyya Secondary School paid 49 million Leones for the construction of the mosque and Qasid Sahib’s family paid 65 million Leones for the construction of the mosque. May Allah bless them all. Amin.

The mosque was constructed under the supervision of Munir Hussain Sahib, the former regional missionary of Kenema, and the arrangements of the inauguration were done by Muhammad Naeem Azhar Sahib, current regional missionary of Kenema.

The mosque is situated in Nasir Ahmadiyya Secondary School’s compound at the main highway which leads to the country’s capital, Freetown and can be seen from far.

Approximately 450 people can offer prayer in this mosque. The height of the minaret is 60 feet.

On 7 April 2021, the inauguration programme started at 11:30am with a recitation from the Holy Quran and was chaired by Saeedur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-charge Sierra Leone.

Asadullah Waheed Sahib recited the Holy Quran. Ismail Koroma Sahib, a teacher of the Ahmadiyya school, presented the Promised Messiah’s qaseedah, “Ya ‘aina faizillahi wal irfani”.

Regional president, Muhammad Sharif Sahib introduced the guests.

In his speech, Amir Sahib gave an introduction to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and told the audience about the purpose of the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi. He told the audience that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, under the auspicious guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, calls people to the true teachings of Islam and works to promote peace and harmony in the society.

He briefly presented the 100 years’ history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone and mentioned some of the achievements of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone.

Some of the guests gave goodwill messages. Paramount Chief Muhammad Banya, Naib Amir II on behalf of the chiefs, thanked the Jamaat and Amir Sahib. The principal of Government Secondary School on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Mr Mustapha Skaikay on behalf of the Lebanese Community, and Mr Muhammad Bah Inspector of Police on behalf of the DIG, thanked the Jamaat on establishing this mosque.

Amir Sahib cut the ribbon and formally opened the mosque. The Zuhr prayer was offered in the mosque in congregation and the guests were served lunch after the prayer.

The attendees included the Paramount Chief, the District Imam and 3 members of his executives, representative of Chiefdom Speaker, seven principals of the Ahmadiyya Continued on next page >>

22

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

“Love Thy Neighbour” event: Bringing religions together Arshad Mehmood Scotland

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland held its virtual Religious Founders Day on the theme “Love Thy Neighbour” on 11 April 2021.

There were representatives from Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Jewish faiths in the programme who presented the teachings of their religion on the theme “Love thy Neighbour”. The online event was broadcast on YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitter periscope etc. The event had an audience of more than 1000 participants online from all walks of life.

The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran with English translation followed by an introductory video about Islam Ahmadiyyat and Khilafat. Muhammad << Continued from previous page

schools, four central missionaries, seven local muallimeen, 76 non-Ahmadi guests, and 324 Ahmadi members. Members from six jamaats of Kenema region attended this blessed programme.

We pray that may Allah always keep both these mosques inhabited with true worshipers. Amin.

Ahsan Ahmad Sahib, regional president of Scotland welcomed all guest speakers of other faiths and highlighted that the event was supposed to be held at the mosque but due to the restrictions it had to be done virtually. Mo-az Ahmad Sahib presented a slideshow and showed humanitarian work done by the Scotland region in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife and Dundee.

Rabbi Rubin, Senior Rabbi of Jewish Community in Scotland said: “I am deeply impressed by the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the respect you have for other faiths. He added that loving thy neighbour is a fundamental Jewish law, let me say it’s a universal law.”

Dr Maureen Sier, Director, Interfaith Scotland said: “I know that the Ahmadiyya community has been organising such events to bring

all religions together and this is the need of the modern era. She added that ‘Love thy neighbour’ is such a simple rule and yet it is deeply profound and holds the whole world within it.”

The Right Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said: “’Love thy neighbour’, the easier it is to say, the harder it is to practice and all who is needy and you know him is your neighbour.”

Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, the Sikh representative Scottish Religious Forum, Advisor to Sikhs in Scotland said: “All were created equal by the creator [...] Love our neighbours and be a shining example to future generations.”

Rawah-ud-din Arif Khan Sahib, missionary Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland said:

“As an Ahmadi Muslim, love for humanity is a vital part of our faith which is clear through our community’s motto: ‘love for all, hatred for none’.”

Mansoor Shah Sahib, Vice President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK said: “All religions should build a society together where we march towards civilisation [...] We need to move forward rather than backwards and respect everyone.”

Viewers also benefited from a presentation at the event, focusing on the event organised for the upcoming month of Ramadan. An open invitation was given to all to join the “Big Virtual Iftar” events organised over the next four weeks.

Members of the public can register online via https://bigvirtualiftar.co.uk/

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Prayer with the support of other people.

(Sunan al-Nasa‘i, Kitab al-Imamah, Bab Al-Muhafazati ‘alas-Salati Haithu Yunada bihinna)

Every step to the mosque earns reward Banu Salma’s settlement was at a considerable distance from the mosque in Medina. On account of their mindfulness of regularity in Salat, they decided to abandon their settlement and settle near the mosque. The Holy Prophetsa did not approve of the idea of abandoning a settlement and remarked that every step that they took to the mosque would earn them reward. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Salat, Bab Al-Ab‘du fal-Ab‘du minal-Masjid A‘zam Ajran)

Offering Salat while walking The Companions were always conscious of offering Salat on time. Once, the Holy Prophetsa sent a companion off to complete an urgent and important errand. By Asr time, the companion had reached close to the destination. He feared that if he continued his journey to the destination, he might miss the Asr prayer. On the other hand, he did not want to cause the slightest delay in the task he was sent for.

Therefore, he offered his Salat in gestures whilst walking. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Salat, Bab Salatut-Talib)

The exemplary young Companions:

Patiently waiting for the Prophetsa to come to the mosque for Salat The Companionsra were always ready to bear any difficulty for congregational Salat.

One night, the Holy Prophetsa was busy in an urgent task. The Companionsra patiently waited in the mosque for the congregational Isha prayer. Many of them, in wait, went to sleep, then woke up and went to sleep again and finally woke up when the Holy Prophetsa came to lead the Prayer. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Taharah, Bab

Keenness for punctuality in Salat Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

The Companions were very mindful of worship, especially of the congregational Prayer.

Regularity in praying at the mosque, despite flood ra Hazrat Itban bin Malik was visually impaired. He lived near Quba. There lay a valley between the mosque and his house. After rainfall, the valley would be inundated. Despite this hindrance, he would regularly come to the mosque to offer Salat in congregation. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Salat, Bab Masajid fil-Buyut)

Guidance on offering Salat in mosque Once Hazrat Itbanra, a visually impaired Companion, requested the Holy Prophetsa to allow him to offer Salat at home as the way between his house and the mosque was not smooth and even, which hindered him coming to the mosque. The Holy Prophetsa asked him if he could hear the call for prayer. He replied in the affirmative.

The Holy Prophetsa thus said, “You are not allowed to offer the prayer at home.” Thus he would come for Salat in the mosque.

(Musannif of ibn Abi Shaibah, Bab man Qala iza Sami‘al-Munadi)

Hazrat Saeedra bin Yarbuh was blind.

But Salat in congregation was so essential

in the sight of the Companionsra that a slave was assigned the responsibility by Hazrat Umarra to accompany him to the mosque for Salat and back home after it was over.

(Usdul-Ghabah, vol.2, p.249, Zikr Sa‘id bin Yarbu‘)

Eagerness to offer the same Salat twice Hazrat Muazra would lead Salat in the mosque in his area. But due to his eagerness for Salat, first he would offer it in the Prophet’s Mosque in the company of the Prophetsa, then he would lead the same Salat for his people in his area. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Azan, Bab iza Taulal-Imam wa kana lir-Rajuli Hajatan fa-Kharaja fa-Salla)

Eagerness to pray in the battlefield The following account will suffice to assess as to how eager the Companionsra were for Salat.

At the time of the Fajr prayer in the battlefield of Qadsiyah, the young Muslim troops rushed for Salat so swiftly that the opponent Iranians thought that perhaps the Muslims were about to attack them.

But when they busied themselves in Salat, their commander, Rustam, said, “Umar has devoured my liver”, i.e. the Muslim army is bound to rout us. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, p. 533) Hazrat Bilal’sra passion for worship It was Hazrat Bilal’sra routine to offer two rak‘aat [units of prayer] of Salat after the azan. He would always keep his wuzu intact and whenever he needed to renew it, he

would do it instantly.

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-

Faza‘il, Bab Faza‘ili Bilal)

Trade or commerce did not divert the Companionsra from Salat The Companionsra were regular not only in their five daily prayers, but they would regularly offer nawafil and other forms of worship too.

Hazrat Sufyan Thaurira relates: ‫کانوا يتبايعون الﺼلاة المکتوبۃ فی الجماعۃ‬ That is, although the Companionsra were businessmen by profession, they would never miss the congregational Salat. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra relates that once, at the time of Salat, he was in the market. The Companionsra instantly closed their shops and left for the mosque.

ٌ ُْ َ ٌ َ ٌ ّٰ ْ ‫یہ ْم ِﺗ َج َارة َولَا بَ ْیع َع ْن ِذک ِر الل ِہ‬ ِ ‫رِجال لا ﺗل ِہ‬

(Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.38) that is, the Companionsra were such people whom their businesses and trades did not hinder from the remembrance of God Almighty.

(Fathul-Bari, Bab Tijarah fil-Barri …, Vol. 4, p. 297)

Coming to the mosque despite physical ailment The Companions were very mindful of congregational Salat; even in extremely difficult situations and states of physical disability, they would never bear to forgo their Salat, so much so that some unwell or physically disabled Companions would come to the mosque for congregational

Wuzu‘ minan-Naum)

Hazrat Anasra reports that the Companions would wait for the Isha Salat for so long that due to sleep, their necks would bend to one side.

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira reports that sometimes, the Companionsra would wait for as long as midnight for the Holy Prophetsa to lead them in the Isha Prayer.

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Salat, Bab fi Waqtil-‘Isha’lAkhirah)

Deep concentration in Salat The Companions would come with great humility and fear of God to offer Salat on time and in congregation. The pleasure and delight they got in bowing their foreheads before their Creator can be gauged from the following account.

Once, two companions were posted on a mountain pass for security reasons. One of them went to sleep, whereas the other proceeded to offer Salat. In the meantime, an idolater happened to pass there, who shot three arrows on the praying Muslim.

All the three arrows penetrated his body.

But he was so engrossed in his prayer that he uttered not a single sigh of pain and continued his Salat.

When his comrade woke up and saw blood and wounds on his body, he asked how it had happened and complained as to why he did not wake him up. He replied that he was in the middle of reciting a Continued on next page >>

24

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

surah in Salat and he did not like to leave it incomplete. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Taharah, Bab Wuzu‘ min-ad-Dam)

As is clear from the above accounts, Salat was very valuable in the sight of the Companions and they would not tolerate any hindrance in its way.

Level of taqwa of companion following distraction amid Salat Once, Hazrat Abu Talha Ansarira was busy offering Salat in his orchard when his eyes fell on a sparrow. It was a pleasing sight as it was a colourful bird and he continued to look at it for quite some time. His attention was diverted from Salat and he forgot as to how many rak‘aat he had offered and how many were yet to be offered.

He was so agitated by this that he decided to give the whole orchard in charity as it had become a trial for his spirituality.

Therefore, he later visited the Prophetsa and recounted the whole event and gave the orchard in charity. (Mu‘atta Imam Malik, Kitab alSalat, Bab An-Nazr fis-Salat ila ma Yashghiluka)

Similarly, another Companion, who, while looking at the crop of dates, forgot in Salat as to how many rak‘aat he had offered, gave his orchard in charity merely because it had diverted his attention from Salat. The orchard was so valuable a property that later, Hazrat Uthmanra sold it for 50,000 dirhams.

Prolonged worship in isolation About Hazrat Anasra, it is reported that his qiyam [standing] and sajdah [prostration] in Salat were so prolonged that people thought he had perhaps forgotten. This is said only about his Salat in isolation.

Otherwise, the Shariah ordains an Imam to lighten Salat lest ailing ones and other people do not get tired. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Azan, Bab Al-Mukthu bainas-Sajdatain)

Praying under the scorching sun of Arabia The hot climate of Arabia is a known phenomenon. At Zuhr time, the sun would be blazing. In the beginning of Islam, the Muslims were poor and could not afford to put up a roof over the mosque. The gritty ground would blaze like a griddle. The noble Companionsra would keenly gather to offer Salat on this very land. They would blow the heat out of the pebbles to cool them before Salat and then for prostration, they would place the pebbles on their prostration spot.

Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit relates that no other Salat, other than Zuhr, was more difficult for them, yet still they would not slacken in it.

If youngsters today, who show reluctance to come to the roofed and floored mosques with electric fans for Zuhr prayer, bear in mind the keenness of the Companionsra in this regard, their necks would hang low in shame. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Salat, Bab fi Waqti Salatiz-Zuhr)

Struggle to go to the mosque for Salat A companion’s house was rather far from the mosque, yet he would not let any Salat be missed and regularly came to the mosque. Another companion suggested to him that he buy a donkey for a mount so that he could comfortably come and go in

the heat and in darkness. He replied that his coming and going on foot earned him merit and he did not want to be deprived of it. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Masajid wal-Jama‘at, Bab Al-Ab‘du fal-Ab‘du minal-Masjid A‘zam Ajran)

The importance of the worship of our Creator, especially of congregational Salat in the Islamic teachings does not need any elaboration. Regretfully, however, youngsters and well-off people of this age are found to be extremely negligent in this regard. Due to slothfulness and worthless engagements and activities, they slack greatly in worship and in punctuality in Salat.

This negligence of Muslims is the most essential reason for their decline. The abovementioned accounts of the Companionsra show how important and essential Salat was for those who were trained directly by the Holy Prophetsa and who directly benefited from his companionship.

Another feature that is distinct in these accounts is that the rich and the poor, both exhibited equal alacrity in this regard. The physically well and the disabled, young and old, men and women were all equally passionate about offering Salat. And with great pleasure, they would endure all difficulties in its way.

Our youngsters should learn from these accounts. Unfortunately, the youth of today are as negligent of it as the Companionsra were keen for it. Beyond doubt, one is most ambitious and zealous in the prime of one’s life – a time of merriment and festivities.

But it is equally true that worship in one’s prime is especially meritorious.

Some of the above-mentioned accounts are significant especially in this age of ours in that some Companionsra gave their orchards in charity because they caused a distraction in the engrossment of their Salat. That the Companionsra would close their shops and businesses and proceed to the mosque for Salat is something worth emulating.

Regretfully, in this age, people are not ready at all to bear the slightest of losses for the sake of prayer and worship.

Shopkeepers are deprived most of the time of congregational Salat merely because they fear a reduction in sales if they leave their businesses for Salat.

A comparison of the two mentalities will help one understand the causes of strength to strength progress of the Companions and decline of the Muslims in this age.

The Ahmadiyya Community is a reflection of the Companionsra. Beyond doubt, to a large extent, they keep in view the example of their noble elders in regard to worship and regularity in Salat. But it is a fact that a large number of individuals still need to rectify themselves a great deal. The youngsters especially need to pay heed to it.

In short, how can a person, who is unmindful of Salat and without any rhyme or reason, neglects to offer Salat with all its prerequisites, claim to be the like of the noble Companionsra?

(Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

Preaching Islam: Sinoko Jamaat educate Kenyans on pure life of Muhammad Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

On 12 April 2021, prior to the commencement of Jalsa Seeratun Nabi, Sinoko Jamaat members held a book stall in Misikhu town and distributed nearly 1500 tabligh leaflets. Many people were contacted and Jamaat literature was shown to them.

Some of those guests who visited the book stall also attended the Jalsa Seeratun Nabi.

The Jalsa started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, and several speeches were delivered on the life of the Holy Prophetsa.

The blessed life of the Holy Prophetsa was introduced to non-Muslims who attended; how he spiritually reformed the dead of Arabia, how he brought peace and harmony

amongst the people of Arabia and the world at large and how his advent was prophesied in the previous books of other religions, especially the Torah and the Gospel.

Another speech was delivered in regard to the holy month of Ramadan, in which the members were told about the importance of Ramadan and how to be recipients of its blessings.

In the end, muallim-in-charge Sinoko Jamaat, Abdallah Murtaza Wanyasi Sahib, gave a brief introduction of the Jamaat to the guests.

A total of 40 people attended the Jalsa, including 12 guests. Among the guests, a local pastor attended who was gifted the book of the Promised Messiahas, Fountain of Christianity.

At what age should one start fasting?

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “In my opinion, it is a crime to make a child, under the age of 12, fast; also, to make a child between the ages of 12 and 15 fast is wrong. One should try to observe as many fasts as possible around the age of 15 and by the age of 18, fasting should be considered obligatory.

“I remember when we were young, we also wished to fast, but the Promised Messiahas would not permit us, and instead of stressing and urging us to fast, he would describe to us its grandeur and sanctity.” (Al Fazl, 11 April 1925, p. 11)

25

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021

Friday Sermon 26 March 2021 The Promised Messiahas: The need for the Imam After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa recited the following verses 3 and 4 of Surah Al-Jumuah, before commencing with the sermon: َّ ّ َ ُ ْ َ ّ ُ ‫ُہوَ ال ِذ ْی بَ َعث فِی الْا ِّم ٖی َن َر ُسوْلًا ِّمن ُہ ْم یَ ْتلوْا َعل ْی ِہ ْم ٰا ٰی ِت ٖہ َو یُ َزک ِ ْی ِہ ْم َو‬ َ ُ َ َ ْ ْ ْ ّ ُ ْ ُ َ ‫ی َع ِل ُم ُہ ُم ال ِک ٰت َب َو ال ِحک َمۃ َو ِا ْن کانوْا ِم ْن ق ْب ُل ل َ ِف ْی ض ٰل ٍل ّم ِبی ٍن‬

“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 had been, before, in manifest misguidance.”

(Surah al-Jumuah, Ch.62: V.3)

َ ُ ْ َ ْ ْ ْ ‫َو ٰاخ ِریْ َن ِمن ُہ ْم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوْا ِب ِہ ْم َو ُہوَ ال َع ِزیْ ُز ال َح ِک ْی ُم‬

“And [among] others from among them who have not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (Ch.62: V.4) A few days ago was 23 March; this day is commemorated in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat as the day the Jamaat was established and the Promised Messiahas took the bai‘at [pledge of allegiance]. Thus, each year, this day ought to serve as a reminder for us that the purpose of the Promised Messiah’sas advent, which is in line with the prophecies of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophetsa, was to revive the faith and to re-establish the true teachings of Islam in the world.

Furthermore, we are the ones who profess to have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas. Therefore, in order to fulfil this significant mission, we must play our role according to our respective capabilities and ensure that we re-establish the relationship between mankind and God Almighty, for mankind has lost its way. We must also draw people’s attention towards fulfilling the rights they owe towards mankind. Undoubtedly in order to achieve this, we must first reform ourselves.

Nonetheless, at present, I will mention some extracts of the Promised Messiahas in which he explained the purpose of his advent; how the earlier prophecies of the Quran and the Holy Prophetsa were fulfilled to demonstrate the proof of his truthfulness, which we are also witnessing being fulfilled today. I will also mention what the Promised Messiahas stated about the pious transformations brought about by the Companions [of the Holy Prophetsa].

The Promised Messiahas also mentioned the difficulties and hardships which the

Companions had to endure and which some members of the Jamaat are experiencing today. Thus, we should always be mindful of these points so that we can progress as a community as opposed to stumbling.

With regard to his advent and truthfulness, the Promised Messiahas openly announced making God his witness, which undoubtedly is a means of strengthening our faith. If we continue to be mindful of

these things and keep them before us, then they will most certainly become a means of progressing in our faith and will continue to remind us of our objectives. Now, as I mentioned, I will present certain extracts which invite others towards his message, be they Ahmadis or non-Ahmadis. Regarding the verse of the Holy Quran which I have just recited, the Promised Messiahas explains: “The essence of this verse is that God Almighty is He, Who sent the Messengersa in an era when the people were completely bereft of knowledge and wisdom.

Furthermore, the prospect of any religious sciences, through which perfection of the soul could be accomplished and mankind’s knowledge and deeds can reach their pinnacle, had completely vanished.

“Furthermore, people had gone astray, meaning that they had become distant from God and His right path. Then at such a time, God Almighty sent His Prophetsa, the immaculate one, who purified their souls and filled them with the knowledge of the Book, and wisdom, by way of signs and miracles, led them to perfect certainty, and through the light of the recognition of God, illumined their hearts. Thereafter, He stated that there was another group of people, who would appear in the Latter Days. They would also, at first, be in darkness and misguidance, and bereft of knowledge, wisdom and certainty. Then, God would also make them like the companions; meaning that whatever the companions witnessed, they would also be made to witness, to the extent that their sincerity and level of conviction would resemble the sincerity and conviction of the companions.”

Thus, this is the level of conviction and faith that we ought to have in the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas after having pledged allegiance to him. We should have the same level of faith and conviction in God Almighty, the Holy Prophetsa, the truthfulness of Islam as the companions did. These days, I am relating accounts from the lives of the companions; hence their examples are before us. The Promised Messiahas further states: “Moreover, it has been narrated in an

26

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

authentic tradition that whilst explaining this verse, the Holy Prophetsa placed his hand on the shoulder of Salman the Persian and said: َ َ َ َ ُّ ٌ ً َّ ُ َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫لو کان ال ِایم‬ ‫ان ُم َعلقا بِالث َریّا ل َنال ٗہ َر ُجل ِّم ْن فا ِرس‬ “Meaning, ‘Even if faith goes up to the Pleiades’, meaning the sky, ‘then a man of Persian descent will bring it back.’ This indicates to the fact that in the Latter Days, a man would be born of Persian descent, in a time regarding which it is written that the Quran would ascend to the skies. This very time is that of the Promised Messiah.”

In other words, people would completely abandon the teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran.

“Moreover, the man of Persian descent is non-other than the Promised Messiah because the onslaught of false Christian doctrine, for which the Promised Messiah was meant to come and break, is an attack on faith. All these signs have been mentioned regarding the time of the onslaught of false Christian doctrine and it is written that this assault would have a very negative effect on the faith of people.”

These severe attacks were taking place during the era of the Promised Messiahas and in fact, they continued for a long period of time after him as well and history is a witness to this. The Promised Messiahas continues: “These very attacks, in other words, are called the onslaught of the Dajjal. The traditions say that during the assault of that Dajjal, many naive people would leave God – the One Who has no partner – and the zeal of their faith would diminish.

Moreover, the most significant task of the Promised Messiah would be to rejuvenate faith because the attack is against faith and the following tradition: ُ ‫ان الْایْ َم‬ َ َ ‫ل َ ْوک‬ ‫ان‬ ِ “[even if faith ascends to the Pleiades] which is regarding a man of Persian descent, proves that he would come to establish faith once again. Thus, just as the time of the Promised Messiah and that of the man of Persian descent was the same, so too were their duties, that is; to re-establish faith. This is why it has certainly been established that the Promised Messiah himself was the man of Persian descent and it was regarding his community that the following verse refers to:

َ ُ ْ َ ْ ‫َو ٰاخ ِریْ َن ِمن ُہ ْم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوْا ِب ِہ ْم‬

“[And (among) others from among them who have not yet joined them.] The meaning of this verse is that after complete deviation from the right path; there are only two groups that attain guidance and wisdom, and witness the miracles and blessings of the Holy Prophetsa. Firstly, the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa, who, before his advent, were in total darkness, after which, they witnessed the age of prophethood with the grace of God and saw miracles with their own eyes and witnessed the fulfilment of prophecies. Furthermore, their level of conviction created such a change within them that they became as if they were a single soul.

“The second group are the followers of the Promised Messiah, which according to the aforementioned verse are like the companions. Because this group, like the companions, would also witness miracles of the Holy Prophetsa, and would become recipients of guidance after darkness and

misguidance.

“In the verse ‘Akharina minhum’ [And ‘among’ others from among them], this group has been referred to in the words ‘min hum’ [from among them], which signifies that this latter group would be granted a measure of the blessings of being likened to the companions.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “[…] This is exactly what has come to pass today. After 1,300 hundred years, the door of the miracles of the Holy Prophetsa was opened and people witnessed with their own eyes that the solar and lunar eclipses of Ramadan has been manifested, according to the hadith of Al-Daraqutni and Fatawa Ibn-Hajr, that is the moon and the sun were eclipsed in Ramadan. Moreover, as described by the contents of the hadith, the lunar eclipse took place on the first night from among the nights the eclipse could occur, and the sun was eclipsed on the middle day from among the days it could occur; and this was at a time when a claimant to being a Mahdi was also present.

This condition has not come to pass since the creation of the earth and heaven because no one has been able to present an example of it from history. This was a miracle of the Holy Prophetsa, which people saw with their own eyes. Moreover, thousands of people saw the appearance of the star, Dhus-Sineen [The Great Comet of 1882], which was said to appear at the time of the Promised Messiah. Similarly, millions of people witnessed the fire of Java. Likewise, everyone observed, with their own eyes, the spread of the plague, and the prohibition of Hajj. The railways being manufactured in this country as well as the abandonment of camels are all prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa, similar to those witnessed by the Companions. This is why; speaking of this final community, God, the Exalted used the word ‘minhum’ [from among them] to indicate that they are also similar to the companions with regards to witnessing miracles.

“Just consider whether, during the last 1,300 years, anyone had experienced a time which was so similar to the time of the Holy Prophetsa. Our Jamaat, which has been established in this age, resembles, in many respects, the companions of the Holy Prophetsa. Our people witness miracles and signs such as the companions witnessed and gain light and certainty from fresh heavenly signs and support as the companions did.

They endure, in the cause of Allah, the mockery and derision and reproaches of people, and bear persecution and boycotts, just as the companions endured. They lead pure lives helped by clear heavenly signs and supports and wise teachings, as did the companions.”

This is a very important point. One must always remember that through the wise teachings one has to attain a pure life. It is important that one ponders over the Holy Quran. The Promised Messiahas further states: “There are many among them who weep during their Prayers as the companions wept – so profusely that their places of prostration were dampened. Many of them see true dreams and are honoured with Divine revelations, as was the case with the companions. Many of them spend their hard-earned money in promoting the activities of the Jamaat, purely for the sake of winning the pleasure of God Almighty, as

“After 1,300 years, the door of the miracles of the Holy Prophetsa was opened and people witnessed with their own eyes that the solar and lunar eclipses of Ramadan had been manifested, according to the hadith of Al-Daraqutni and Fatawa Ibn-Hajr, that is the moon and the sun were eclipsed in Ramadan.” did the companions. Many among them keep death in mind”; this is also a very important point as one ought to always be mindful of death; “and they are gentle of heart and tread the path of true righteousness, as was the practice of the companions.”

These are very important points which the Promised Messiahas has mentioned and we must always keep this in mind just as the companions did.

“They are the party of God who are supported by God Himself and whose hearts He is purifying daily and whose bosoms He is filling with the wisdom of faith”. Thus, we ought to assess our own conditions as to whether we have also instilled these qualities within us or not. “… and whom He is drawing towards Himself through heavenly signs, as He did with the companions. In short, this Jamaat exhibits all those signs which are implied in the verse:

َ ُ ْ َ ْ ‫َو ٰاخ ِریْ َن ِمن ُہ ْم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوْا ِب ِہ ْم‬

“[among others from among them], the Word of God Almighty was bound to be fulfilled.” (Ayyam-ul-Sulh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, pp. 304-307) The Promised Messiahas further states: “This, therefore, is the time when God Almighty had destined to put an end to all religious differences and to bring all religions together into one fold. It is with reference to this time and age, when wave will fall upon wave, that the Holy Quran says:

َ ُ ٰ َ ُّ ‫الصوْرِ ف َج َم ْعن ُہ ْم َج ْم ًعا‬ ‫َو ن ِفخ فِی‬

[and the trumpet will be blown. Then shall We gather them all together.

(18:100)] “In its context, the verse means that when the world will become filled with religious

wrangling, and religion will attack religion as a wave falls upon a wave, desiring to destroy one another, the Lord of heaven and earth shall bring about a new dispensation by His own hand, without resorting to worldly means, and shall draw into this dispensation all worthy and capable souls, who will then understand the true purpose of religion, and a new life and a spirit of true righteousness shall be breathed into them, and they shall be made to drink from the fountain of true divine cognisance – ma‘rifat.

“This world will not come to an end until this prophecy – announced by the Holy Quran 1,300 years ago – is fulfilled; nor is this the only sign of the age when all people will be united under one religion, for the Holy Quran mentions many other signs, such as the building of numerous canals flowing out of rivers, the discovery of minerals from beneath the earth, a profusion of worldly knowledge, the availability of means for the mass publication of books, invention of a new means of transport – which will render camels useless, make it easy for people to meet and communicate, and facilitate the spread of news and information.” And in this day and age, these means continue to further increase, “and the eclipse of the sun and the moon in the same month of Ramadan. The plague will also be a sign of that age, and it will be so severe that no town or village will be spared from its ravages and death will pervade the land making it virtually desolate. Some habitations will be completely wiped out, while others will be spared after suffering to an extent. These days will be marked by expressions of Divine wrath because people will not accept the signs shown in favour of His Emissary in

27

AL HAKAM | Friday 23 April 2021 that age and will reject His Messenger who will come for their reformation. In this age, we have seen the fulfilment of all these signs.

Every sensible person will realise that God has sent me at a time when all the signs that were written in the Holy Quran have been fulfilled.” (Lecture Lahore [2018 edition], pp. 44-46 [English Translation])

History bears testimony that all of these signs were fulfilled during the time of the Promised Messiahas and some of them continue to be fulfilled to this day. The Promised Messiahas further states: “When God saw the world sunk into an abject state and the earth full of wickedness, tyrannies and iniquity, He sent me with the mission of propagating truth and reforming the world. And the time was such that people had witnessed the end of the thirteenth century and had entered into the fourteenth century. Then, under Divine command, I raised my voice through printed announcements and public speeches proclaiming to everyone that I am the one who was destined to be raised

by God at the beginning of this century to renovate religion, claiming that I have been sent with the mission to re-establish the faith that has disappeared from the face of the earth and to draw the whole of mankind back to piety and righteousness with the aid of God’s own hand and to reform them and to remove errors of belief and conduct.

“It was disclosed to me through Divine revelation a few years later that the Messiah that had been promised from the earliest time to this nation and that the last Mahdi (Reformer) who was destined to appear after the deterioration of Islam and who was to be granted direct guidance from God and who was to provide once again the spiritual nourishment, as had been preordained and about whom glad tidings had also been given by the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, himself 1,300 years ago, is none other than me. Divine revelations from God the Gracious, in this regard, came to me so clearly and persistently that no room for even the least doubt was left in this matter.

Every revelation that came in this respect was firmly fixed in my mind like a steel nail and all these revelations contained profound predictions which were fulfilled later with the clarity as of the daylight. Their constant persistence, as also their miraculous powers, constrained me to acknowledge that the words revealed to me were, no doubt, the words of the same One and peerless God Who had revealed the Holy Quran. I have not mentioned the Torah and the Gospels in this connection because they have suffered so terribly at the hands of the interpolators that they could hardly be called the Word of God now.

“The revelation that has come to me is so convincing and definitive that I have been able to attain nearness to God through it.

This revelation was explicitly true, not only through reinforcement by heavenly signs, but when referred to the Holy Quran was found to conform fully to it. Thereafter, heavenly signs from above poured in like the raindrops in support of these revelations. It was in these very days that the eclipses of the sun and the moon occurred during the month of Ramadan as had been foretold in the earlier scriptures beforehand, as a sign of the appearance of the Mahdi. And in those very days, the plague spread in

epidemic proportions in the Punjab; it later spread throughout the length and breadth of the country as has been foretold in the Holy Quran. The earlier prophets had also forewarned that deaths would increase in those days to an extent that no town or village would escape the scourge. And so has it happened while the epidemic is still rampant. Nearly 22 years ago, God had foretold me about this scourge when there was no sign or likelihood of its occurrence.”

(Tadhkiratul Shahadatain, Ruhnai Khazain, Vol. 20, pp.

3-4)

In relation to his claims, the Promised Messiahas states: “I am the one who came at the appointed time and for whom the eclipses of the sun and the moon in the month of Ramadan occurred as a Sign as foretold by the Holy Quran, hadith, the gospels and earlier Prophets; and I am the one in whose time the plague spread in extraordinary circumstances, in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Quran and all the earlier prophets; and I am the one in whose time, as predicted in the authentic traditions, the pilgrimage to Mecca was banned; and I am the one in whose time the same star appeared as had appeared at the time of Jesus son of Mary; and I am the one in whose time railway trains commenced running in this country and the camel became redundant and the time is approaching – nay it is near – when railway trains shall begin to run between Mecca and Medina and camels shall become superfluous and be deemed a relic of the past.”

Initially, people travelled by road but now they travel by means of train as well.

“Although they were being continuously used for the past 1,300 years for these auspicious journeys and the prediction contained in Muslim’s Hadith shall be fulfilled which says: َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َ ْ ُ َ ‫اص فلا ی ُ ْس ٰعی َعل ْی َھا‬ ‫لیترکن ال ِقل‬ “That is, in the time of the Promised Messiah, ‘they shall abandon the use of the she-camel’, which shall cease to ply there, i.e. no one shall use them for riding.

“In the same way, hundreds of signs have appeared in my support. Is there a person living on the earth today who could outshine me in this respect? I call Him as a witness who is the Master of my life that so far more than 200,000 Signs have been manifested in my favour and, more or less, 10,000 souls have seen the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace, in dreams who gave testimony in my favour. Moreover, sages of great renown and spiritually exalted persons who have very large numbers of followers numbering up to 300,000 to 400,000 have been directed in their visions that I have truly come from God. Some of these died 30 years before my appearance; such a sage was named Gulab Shah, who lived in Ludhiana and who had told Mian Karim Bakhsh of Jamalpur that Jesus had been born at Qadian and that he would visit Ludhiana.

“Mian Karim Bakhsh was a righteous man of advanced age who firmly believed in One God. He came to see me at Ludhiana and related to me this prediction for which the ‘maulvis’ harassed him greatly, but he paid no heed to them. He told me that Gulab Shah used to say in his presence that Jesus, son of Mary did not live; he was dead; he would never come back to this world; Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Jesus for

this nation who, under divine power and wisdom, had been created the-like-of-Jesus and in heaven, he had been named Jesus.

He reiterated saying, ‘O Karim Bakhsh’”, i.e. referring to his follower, “‘when that Jesus shall appear, you will see how bitterly the clerics shall oppose him, but they will not succeed’” and they continue to fail till this day. “‘He shall be sent to this world to clear and embellish the disfigured and distorted commentaries of the Holy Quran, which he shall again present to the world in their original perspectives.’ In this prediction, the sage had clearly pointed out that Mian Karim Bakhsh would live long enough to see the Messiah personally.” (Tadhkiratul

for the demonstration of these rewards and blessings that God Almighty has appointed me. The dire state that Islam is in today is not a secret. Everyone agrees that Muslims suffer from all sorts of shortcomings and decadence. They are degenerating in every aspect.” Today, their situation is in an even more dire state.

“They pay only lip-service to Islam; their heart is not in it. Islam has become like an orphan. Such are the circumstances in which God has sent me so that I may support Islam as its guardian. What is more, God has sent me in fulfilment of His promise, for He had declared:

Shahadatain, Ruhnai Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 35-37)

“[Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian. (Ch.15: V.10)] “When will this help and succour and protection come if not now? The situation in the fourteenth century is like that of the Battle of Badr, regarding which Allah says:

In other words, this prophecy was also regarding the age of one of his followers.

The Promised Messiahas then further states: “Remember, God is also Ghafur – Most Forgiving. Why then should He not forgive those who repent and turn to Him? One example of this kind of erroneous thinking, which is rampant in Muslims as a whole, is Jihad. It is amazing how they start breathing fire when I say that Jihad is forbidden, and yet they admit that the traditions about the blood-thirsty Mahdi are doubtful. Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi has written a number of booklets on this subject.” He accepted the fact that such traditions are doubtful. “Mian Nazir Hussein of Delhi too was of the same opinion.” Even today, some of the ulema are of this viewpoint as well. “Both do not consider such traditions authentic. Why then should I be called a liar? The truth of the matter is that the main task of the Messiah and Mahdi was to abolish religious warfare and to establish the superiority of Islam with pen, prayer and dedication.” This is the same task which the followers of the Promised Messiahas ought to continue, i.e. to use the pen, prayer and dedication.

“What a pity, people do not understand this because they are interested more in what is mundane than in faith.” We should also assess our conditions in that after having accepted the Promised Messiahas, are we inclining more towards worldly pursuits?

“Steeped as they are in worldly worries and immoralities, how can they ever hope that the deeper verities of the Holy Quran will be revealed to them, for the Book clearly says:

َ َ ْ َّ ٓ ُ ‫لَا یَ َم ّس ٗہ ِالا ال ُمط ّہرُ ْو َن‬

“[which none shall touch except those who are purified. (Ch.56: V.80)] “Listen carefully as to the ultimate purpose of my advent, which is to renew and reaffirm Islam. This should not be construed to mean that I bring a new law or shariah or new commandments or a new book will be revealed – not at all. If somebody so thinks, he is highly misled and devoid of faith. Let it be clear that prophethood and the shariah have found their total and absolute expression in the person of the Holy Prophetsa. There can be no new divine law. The Holy Quran is the last and perfect book; it does not admit of any change, not even of a dot or a mark. Nevertheless, it is also true that the blessings and bounties of the Holy Prophetsa and the rewards of the Holy Quran’s teaching and guidance are unending. They are to be seen in every age, ever fresh in their pristine purity. It is

َّ ْ ّ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َّ ُ ‫الذک َر َو ِانا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰح ِفظوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا نحن نزلنا‬

ٌ َّ َ ْ َ َ ّٰ ُ َ َ ‫َو لَق ْد ن َص َرک ُم الل ُہ ِب َب ْد ٍر ّو ان ُت ْم ا ِذلۃ‬

“[And Allah had already helped you at Badr (Ch.3: V.124)] “This verse actually implied a prophecy: When in the fourteenth century, Islam becomes frail and weak, God, according to His promise, shall come to its help. Why do you wonder if Allah has come to help Islam?”

Then with regard to the profanities uttered by the opponents, the Promised Messiahas states: “I do not care about being called a liar and Antichrist or about aspersions cast on me. This had to happen, for such was the treatment meted out to God’s Messengers who came before me. I too had to share this age-old tradition. In fact, my share of these sufferings and hardships is not even a fraction of what our lord and master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa had to face. His suffering has no parallel in the whole history of the prophets. He suffered such hardship for the sake of Islam as is beyond the pen to describe and the tongue to express. This shows how magnificent and determined a prophet he was. Without divine help and succour, it would not have been possible for him to face up to such mountains of trials and tribulations. Any prophet other than the Holy Prophetsa would have failed.

The Islam he established in the face of such suffering and hardship is in such dire straits today as defy description!” (Lecture Ludhiana [2003 English Edition], pp. 43-45)

This is the condition which the Muslims have left Islam in and they are unwilling to accept the one who was appointed to come for the revival of faith.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Through my writings, I have exhaustively demonstrated the way which would help Islam succeed and establish its supremacy over all religions. My publications are sent to America and Europe. Endowed with intelligence, those people have come to realise the truth. But when the same point of view is presented to a Muslim, it makes him froth at the mouth, as if he were mad or seeks to kill.” These days they are practically perpetrating such acts against the Ahmadis.

“In point of fact, the teaching of the Holy Quran is none other than:

َّ ْ َ َ ‫ِا ْدفع ِبال ِت ْی ِہ َی ا ْح َس ُن‬

“[Repel evil with that which is best.

28

Friday 23 April 2021 | AL HAKAM

Delay in sehri Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra states that Munshi Zafar Ahmad Sahib Kapurthalvira wrote to him: “I used to stay in a room adjacent to Masjid Mubarak. Once, as I was eating sehri [breakfast], the Promised Messiahas came and after taking a look, asked, ‘Do you eat dal [lentil soup] with bread?’There and then, the manager [of the kitchen] was called and asked, ‘Do you serve my friends this food? Not all among those present here are on a journey.

From now on, ask each and every one of them what kind of food they are accustomed to; what they would like to have in sehri and prepare that food for them.’ Thereafter, the manager brought more food for me but I had already eaten and the call for prayer had already been made. Huzooras instructed, ‘Have your meal. The azan [call to prayer] was called early.’ ” (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, p.127) (Ch.23: V.97)] “The purpose of this teaching is to transform the enemy into a friend through such kind and decent behaviour that he feels compelled to listen with patience and calmness. I swear by Allah, the Glorious, that I am from Him; He knows that I am not a liar or an impostor. If, in spite of this solemn oath and despite witnessing the signs God has shown in my favour, you still call me a liar and an impostor, then I implore you to cite just one instance of an impostor who continues to be blessed with divine support and succour in spite of his constant lying in the name of God.” They ought to present an example of such a person, who is a liar and yet Allah the Almighty continues to grant him support.

Today, is the Jamaat spread across the world not clear proof that the support of God Almighty is with the Promised Messiahas?

The Promised Messiahas further states: “Such a person should be killed by God, but just the reverse is happening in my case.

I again swear by God that I speak the truth and that I have been sent by Him. Though I am, in turn, called a liar and an impostor, God comes to my help in every case in which my opponents implicate me. What is more, He helps me by infusing my love in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people.”

At the time, the Promised Messiahas was referring to India alone, but today this has been instilled in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people from across Europe, the USA, Africa, North America, South America, various Islands, Australia and the Arab countries. What a strange phenomenon this is that all of this is happening in support of the one who they claim to be false.

The Promised Messiahas further states: “I stake my credibility on this.” This is the proof of the Promised Messiahas’s claim. “Show me an impostor and a liar and someone who dared attribute to God what was not from Him, and was still the recipient of His help and continued to enjoy life as long as mine and whose aspirations were similarly fulfilled.” (Lecture Ludhiana [2003 English Edition], pp. 37-38))

The Promised Messiahas states: “It is incumbent on Muslims to value the light and the blessings that are, at present, descending from Heaven and be grateful to God for this timely guidance and for helping them out in their hour of distress in keeping with His promise. If Muslims do not cherish

this divine bounty, God Almighty will not be in the least bothered about them. He will not stop before completing His task and will leave them to rue their plight. I declare with all the emphasis at my command and with full conviction and understanding, that God has decided to demolish all other religions and let Islam triumph and be strong. No power or person can now resist or stall the fulfilment of the Will of God. He is: ّ ٌ َ​َ ُ ‫ف ّعال ل ِ َما ي ُ ِريْد‬ “[Doer of whatever He wills. (Ch.85: V.17)] “O Muslims, Listen! God has communicated this tiding to you through me and I have duly conveyed the message.

Now it is for you to heed or not to heed. The plain truth is that Jesus, on whom be peace, has passed away, and I swear by God that I am the Promised one who was to appear.

And this too is an undeniable fact that Islam lives if Jesusas dies.” (Lecture Ludhiana [2003 English Edition], p. 59)

The Promised Messiahas then states: “Each day God continues to humiliate my ignorant opponents by manifesting all kinds of signs. I swear by Him that just as He granted His converse to Prophet Abrahamas and then to Isaacas, Ishmaelas, Jacobas, Josephas, Mosesas and Jesus, son of Maryas, and, after them all, spoke with unmatched clarity and purity to our Prophet Muhammadsa, so did He honour me with His converse and revelation.

“But this honour was bestowed upon me solely because of my complete submission to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. If I had not been part of the Holy Prophet’ssa ummah and had not been his follower, then, even if my good deeds had matched all the mountains of the world, I would never have received this honour of divine converse with God, for all prophethood has come to an end except the prophethood of Muhammadsa.

No law-bearing prophet can come after him.

A prophet who does not bring a new law can come, but he has to be a follower of the Holy Prophetsa first.

“On this basis, I am both an ummati and a prophet. My prophethood, i.e. my converse with God, is nothing but a reflection of the prophethood of Muhammadsa. Apart from this, my prophethood is nothing. It is the same prophethood of Muhammadsa which has manifested itself through me. And, since I am a mere reflection of him as well as his devout follower, this does not in the

least diminish the high status of the Holy Prophetsa.

“The divine converse which I experience is unequivocal. If I were to doubt it even for an instant, I would become a disbeliever and my afterlife would be ruined. The word that is revealed to me is certain and definite. Just as no one can doubt the sun and its light when he has seen it, in the same manner, I cannot doubt the veracity of the word which is revealed to me from God. I believe in it just as I believe in the Book of God.” (Divine Manifestations [2006 English Edition], pp. 27-29)

The Promised Messiahas then states: “The actual mission for which God has appointed me is to remove the estrangement that has come between man and his Creator and re-establish a relationship of love and sincerity between him and his Lord. He has also appointed me to put a stop to religious wars by proclaiming the truth, to create religious harmony, to reveal the religious truths that have long remained hidden from mortal eyes, and to display the true spirituality that lies submerged under the darkness of selfish passions.

“I have also been sent to demonstrate practically, and not just in words, how divine powers enter man and how they are manifested through prayer and concentration. But, first and foremost, I have been sent to re-establish forever the lost belief in the unity of God – tawhid – which is pure and luminous and unadulterated by any form of idolatry – shirk. All this will not come about by my power, but by the Mighty hand of the Lord of the Heaven and the Earth. While God has taken upon Himself the task of my spiritual training and has inspired me, through His revelation, with a zeal to bring about this reformation, He has also prepared hearts that are ready to accept my words.

“Ever since God sent me, a great revolution has begun to take shape in the world. Even though the people of Europe and America are ardent believers in the divinity of Christ, their own scholars are now beginning to distance themselves from this doctrine” and now there are countless people who reject this view. “People who had, for generations, been infatuated with idols and other deities are now coming to realise the worthlessness of their gods, and even though they remain unaware of true spirituality and still hold on to their rituals, they have managed to break free from many frivolous rites, superstitions and idolatrous

practices and are virtually standing upon the threshold of accepting divine unity.

“I sincerely hope that soon God’s grace shall push them into the citadel of His true and perfect Oneness – tawhid – where one is granted perfect love, perfect fear and perfect awareness. This is not just wishful thinking on my part, for God Himself has informed me of this through His holy word.

God, in His wisdom, has brought about this change so that all the different people of this country may become one, and He will bring about peace and harmony. The fragrance of this breeze can be experienced by all and all the various people will soon unite as one.”

(Lecture Lahore [2008 English Edition], p. 42-43])

May Allah the Almighty enable the people of the world, particularly the Muslims, to understand the true reality [of the advent of the Promised Messiahas] and his claims. And may they quickly enter into the bai‘at of the Messiah and Mahdi, who was sent to the world by Allah the Almighty for the revival of Islam. May Allah the Almighty also enable us to do true justice to our bai‘at.

I would like to remind you all once again to pray for the Ahmadis in Pakistan and Algeria. The conditions are worsening and remain uncertain. Therefore, we cannot say that there is complete peace and harmony.

Every day, a new incident comes to light in Pakistan. Similarly, in Algeria as well, the intention of some of the government officials does not seem to be good and they want to reopen the cases [against Ahmadis].

May Allah the Almighty keep all the Ahmadis in His protection; those in Pakistan, Algeria and every Ahmadi, wherever they may be who are having to face hardship. However, along with this, Ahmadis should pay even more focus on the fact that they ought to prostrate before Allah the Almighty even more than before. And may they do true justice to their worship and in fulfilling the rights of mankind and also improve their own conditions and establish a special bond with Allah the Almighty.

May Allah the Almighty grant everyone the ability to do so.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 16th April 2021, pp. 5-9.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmad Kang | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021