Al Hakam - 8 March 2024

Allah Almighty: The ultimate source of comfort and peace

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Mastering dawah: Top 10 tips for effective preaching

Zikr-e-Habib: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s chronicles of the Promised Messiah

Justice demands independence of Arab lands: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s speech on All India Radio amidst Iraq disturbance in 1941

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024 | Issue CCCXII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Ready for Ramadan 2024: Some preparation strategies

Luca Bravo| Unsplash

With the blessed month of Ramadan fast approaching, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air among Muslims all around the world. But, amid all the enthusiasm, there’s an essential step that so often gets overlooked: preparation. As

the famous saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. This applies to Ramadan in the same way it does for anything else. It is a month of fasting, sacrifice, worship and reflection – a time we so eagerly await all year long. What we need to make sure of, is

that we have a plan in place to ensure that we hit the ground running when it finally comes around.

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

The Messiah and the Antichrist

ّٰ ّٰ ُ َ ‫ﻋ ْﺒﺪ ا��� ﺑْ َﻦ ﻋ َ� َ� رﺿﻰ ا��� ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ‬ َ َ َ َ ّٰ ّ ّٰ ُ ‫ﻗﺎل ﻗﺎل َر ُﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� ﺻﻠﻰ ا��� �ﻠﻴﻪ‬ َ ّ ُ َُ َ َ​َ ‫ ﺑ َ ْﻴ َﻨﺎ أﻧﺎ ﻧﺎﰱِ ٌﻢ َرأﻳْ ُﺘ ِ�� أﻃﻮف‬:‫وﺳﻠﻢ‬ ُ َ ْ َ ‫� ْﻌ َﺒﺔ ﻓَﺈ َذا َر ُﺟ ٌﻞ‬ ‫آد ُم َﺳ ْﺒﻂ‬ �‫ﺑِﺎ‬ ِ ِ َْ ْ َ َّ ُ ْ ُ ‫اﻟﺸ� ِ� ﺑَ� َ� َر ُﺟﻠ� ٍ� ﻳ َ ْﻨ ِﻄﻒ َرأ ُﺳﻪ‬ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َُ ً َ ‫ﻣ‬ .‫ ﻓﻘﻠﺖ َﻣ ْﻦ ﻫﺬا ﻗﺎﻟﻮا اﺑْ ُﻦ � ْ�ﻳ َ َﻢ‬،‫ﺎء‬ َ ٌ َ َ ُ َْ ُ َ َ َ �ُ �َ ‫ﻓﺬﻫ ْﺒﺖ أﻟ َﺘ ِﻔﺖ ﻓ ِﺈذا َر ُﺟﻞ أ ْﺣ‬ َْ ُ ْ َ ٌ َ ْ ْ َْ ّ �ِ �‫س أﻋ َﻮ ُر اﻟ َﻌ‬ ِ ‫ﺟ ِﺴ�� ﺟﻌﺪ ا��أ‬ ٌ ْ َ ٌ ُ َ َ​َ​َ ،‫ �ﺄ ّن ﻋ ْﻴ َﻨﻪ ِﻋ َﻨ َﺒﺔ ﻃﺎ ِﻓ َﻴﺔ‬،‫اﻟ ُﻴ ْﻤ َﻨﻰ‬ ُ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ ُْ .‫ﻗﻠﺖ َﻣ ْﻦ ﻫﺬا ﻗﺎﻟﻮا ﻫﺬا اﻟﺪ ّﺟﺎل‬ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ​َ ‫اﻟﻨ‬ ‫أﻗﺮب‬ .‫ﺎسﺑِ ِﻪﺷ َﺒ ًﻬﺎاﺑْ ُﻦﻗﻄ ٍﻦ‬ ِ It is narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra that, “Allah’s Messengersa said, ‘While I was sleeping, I saw myself performing the tawaf of the Kaaba. Behold, there I saw a whitishred lank-haired man [holding himself] between two men with water dropping from his hair. I asked, ‘Who is this?’ The people replied, ‘He is the son of Mary.’ Then I turned my face to see another man with a red complexion, a big body, curly hair, and blind in the right eye which looked like a protruding out grape. I asked, ‘Who is he?’ They replied, ‘He is Ad-Dajjal;’ Ibn Qatan resembles him more than anybody else among the people.’’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-

ta‘bir, Bab at-tawafi bi l-ka‘bati fi l-manam, Hadith 7026)

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This makes the 30 days of Ramadan perfect for this, alongside the fact that Satan is in shackles. But instead of just breaking bad habits and being left with a vacuum, the better way to approach this is to replace them with good ones instead. The Holy Quran tells us that good deeds and habits drive out and replace bad ones. (Surah Hud, Ch.11:V.115) But rather than going into Ramadan unsure of how to make the most of it, plan ahead and focus on one or two habits to replace for the whole month. Really think about your own life and your habits, and identify exactly what it is that you would like to change this Ramadan. Identify, write them down, and focus on them this Ramadan. In the same way, write down one or two good habits you would like to instil this Ramadan and stay focused. The goal is, that the habits we either destroy or instil, should be permanent, and not just end when the month does. Instead of temporary progress, permanent improvements to one’s lifestyle should be the ultimate aim.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Fasting in a state of illness or travel “Any individual who observes the fasts of Ramadan while in a state of illness or travel is unequivocally disobeying the explicit command of Allah the Almighty. God has distinctly decreed that those who are ill or on a journey should abstain from fasting. Fasts should be completed after regaining health from illness and upon the conclusion of one’s travels. This directive ought to be followed, for salvation [najat] is attained through His grace, not by demonstrating one’s endurance or physical prowess. Allah has not delineated any specific length for the journey, nor has

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Here are four practical ways which can help in preparation, so we can maximise the blessings of this month and make Ramadan 2024 one to remember!

Spend more time with the Holy Quran Whether you read a line, a ruku’, or a whole part every day – we can all increase the amount of time we spend reading and pondering over the Holy Quran. Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186), and the Holy Prophetsa would complete a full reading of the Quran every Ramadan with Gabriel. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3623) In the last Ramadan before his demise, he even finished it twice!

This is why we should strive to read as much Quran as we can this month, and not just recite it but also ponder over the deeper meanings of it. In mosques throughout the world, duroos take place usually after the Asr prayer, in which a portion of the Holy Quran is recited and exegeses of various verses are read out and expounded upon.

Also, in the Tarawih prayer which takes place after Isha during Ramadan, a part of the Holy Quran is usually recited each night, in an attempt to complete the 30 parts and thus a full reading by the end of the month.

In the days leading up to this month, we can set a time during the day to read a certain amount of the Quran and make it non-negotiable. The key is to work at your own pace and try to progress each day, even if it’s a little. Progress will always be subjective – if you haven’t read the Quran in a while, now is the time to pick it up and either develop or get back into the habit. If you read a ruku’ daily, try to read two. The goal would be to finish the Quran at least

He defined a threshold for the severity of illness. The command is universal, and adherence to it is incumbent. Should a sick person

once during Ramadan. And remember, you don’t need to have the most melodious recitation to reap the rewards. The Holy Prophetsa said that the one who recites the Quran with ease in a melodious voice receives a reward no doubt, but the one who recites with difficulty, stumbling over the words, receives double the reward. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4937) So, whether you have a beautiful voice or not, the aim is to increase our time with the Quran and ponder over its meanings.

Gradually increase in worship The purpose of the month of Ramadan is to get closer to Allah the Almighty and improve our relationship with Him. We give up physical food during the day, and instead focus on spiritual nourishment. (Haqaiqul-Furqan, under verse 184 of Surah alBaqarah) Salat is a fundamental part of the Ramadan experience. It is the pinnacle of worship, and we know from reports that the Holy Prophetsa, the companions, the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa would all use this month as an opportunity to dedicate most of their time to worshipping Allah the Almighty. But, for someone who is not in the habit of praying on time every day, it can be a struggle to perform voluntary prayers, such as Tahajjud and the Tarawih.

This is why it is so important to improve the state of our prayers before Ramadan arrives so that we are already in the habit.

Then, we can go above and beyond with our worship and strive to establish a living relationship with Allah the Almighty. The Holy Prophetsa narrated that Allah the Almighty descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night, saying “Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him?

Who is asking from Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him”. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith

or a traveller choose to fast, they would consequently be defying the command [of Allah].” (Badr, 17 October 1907, p. 7)

1145) This is a short window of time in which our prayers are far more likely to be accepted. But we can only wake up earlier in the morning for Tahajjud if we have prior training on this. If not, it can be very hard to maintain such a routine. This is also the case with Tarawih prayers – for those not accustomed to standing in prayer for long periods, it can be very difficult.

So, with an increased emphasis on worship during the month of Ramadan, it is vital that we get prepared and stay ready.

Start with offering all your prayers on time with no delay. A good way to get into this habit is to set daily alarms or reminders on your phone for each prayer. Next, incorporate nawafil (voluntary) prayers into your routine whenever you find time.

This is a great way to work on the quality of worship and attain extra blessings and rewards from Allah the Almighty. Strive to wake up slightly earlier each morning before Fajr prayer to offer Tahajjud. Remember, start small and remain consistent. This way, when Ramadan comes, you’ll be ready to build on your already-established habits of worship.

Identify specific bad habits and replace When Ramadan arrives, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and Satan is locked up (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1899). This is a hadith of the Holy Prophetsa. The force which incites us towards evil is locked up, which means that this month is the perfect time to efface bad habits and replace them with good ones. No doubt, this is much easier said than done.

Bad habits can be very hard to get rid of, but with courage, determination, strength and of course faith, it is very much possible to defeat them.

Experts even say that a bad habit can be shaken off for good in just under 30 days.

Optimise nutrition and exercise timings Waking up extra early to eat a pre-dawn meal before the Fajr prayer is something most people are not accustomed to. Our bodies are not used to eating at that hour, and the meal we eat is supposed to fuel us for the entire day till sunset. This is why it is vital to make the right choices when it comes to nutrition. The window to eat and drink is so small, so we have to make it count! The right types of food must be consumed – whole foods packed with nutritional value to keep us fuller for longer.

Again, this is where preparation comes in. We know our bodies best – the foods that work well for us, and the foods that don’t. It probably isn’t the best idea to have an oily, heavy meal so early in the morning, but then again, whatever works for you.

The point is, that if we plan what kinds of meals to eat beforehand, fasting becomes easier. If we wake up in a rush, have a quick meal, or worse still, eat nothing at all, we make it harder for ourselves. The more energised we are, the more we can focus on our worship too – be it at night in Tarawih prayer, or the early morning in Tahajjud. Healthy, nutritious food will help us greatly in remaining energised and fresh throughout the month instead of lazy and lethargic.

It is also important to adjust one’s schedule and routine when it comes to exercise. Many prefer to work out in the morning, but this may not be the wisest choice when observing the fast. It is better to plan ahead and develop flexibility in your routine. Experiment before Ramadan with different times of day and see what works best for you. Some choose to exercise just before iftar so they can break their fast and eat and drink straight after the exercise. For others, the night works better, after the Isha and Tarawih prayers. Either way, exercising first thing in the morning while fasting is probably not the best idea!

With Ramadan just around the corner, we hope these tips help you prepare for this blessed month. If you don’t fail to plan, you will succeed, insha’Allah. This is key to making this Ramadan the best one yet!

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024

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Allah Almighty: The ultimate source of comfort and peace Ayesha Naseem UK

Theology has every possible answer to explain and prove the existence of God Almighty. In fact, it is a subject so vast that no word limit would suffice to do it justice.

One way of finding God and believing in His existence is through the experiences of the prophets, the experiences of people in general with their stories of acceptance of prayers or their experiences of visions or dreams in which God Almighty manifested His Existence to them, and there is also the aspect of worship.

There is yet another way to find God interconnected with the idea of worship and personal experience — by seeking and searching for a friend in Allah the Almighty.

In our lives, we are often confronted with moments when we are at a loss for words. We feel like we have a mountain worth to say but we don’t know who to say it to and most importantly, how to say it.

At times we turn to our parents, at times to our siblings, our spouses, and at other times to our friends or closest confidantes. But it is all too human when sometimes none of these relations can provide the comfort we are longing for.

They say that talking and releasing what’s hidden in your mind and heart relieves pressure and lifts the burden from your chest. But what do you do when, no matter how many people you speak to, and no matter how much they comfort you and try to understand you, you don’t get the sense of peace you were seeking?

In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states:

ُ ۡ ُ َُۡ ُۡ َ َُۡ ‫َفاۡذُک ُ​ُر ۡ​ۡوِنِۤۡی�ۤ َاۡذُک ۡ​ۡرُک ۡ​ۡم َ​َواۡشُک ُ​ُر ۡ​ۡوا ِل ِ ۡ​ۡی َ​َوَلَا َتۡکُف ُ​ُر ۡ​ۡو ِ​ِن‬

“Therefore remember Me, I will remember you; and be thankful to Me and do not be ungrateful to Me.” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.153) In the Five-Volume English Commentary of the Holy Quran, it has been explained: “Remembrance of God on the part of man means, to remember Him with love and devotion, to carry out His behests, to bear in mind His attributes, to glorify Him and offer prayers to Him; and remembrance of man on the part of God signifies, God’s drawing him near to Himself, bestowing favours on him and making provision for his welfare. Thus, we are here told that if we seek nearness to God, He will certainly draw us near to Himself. […]

“The expression, remember Me, I will remember you, can also mean that one who truly loves God will eventually attract the love of God. Remembrance is really born of love and is in a way synonymous with it. Indeed, nobody can remember an object more than a lover does the object of his love.”

In one of his lectures on the subject of remembrance of Allah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra also stated that this verse assures a believer that with remembering Allah the Almighty and glorifying Him, one can not only attain His Love but can also befriend Him. (Remembrance of Allah [Zikr-e-Ilahi], p. 109) Discovering and attaining the love of Allah the Almighty can be realised and found through one’s effort in fervent and relentless worship. The act of prostrating during the five daily obligatory prayers and the voluntary prayers provides man with so many opportunities to open up to Allah the Almighty in solitude, to express one’s feelings, to shed tears and to pray to Him for ease and betterment. During prostration, you are in a space and time before that Benevolent and Merciful Being who does not judge your intentions, who knows the state of your heart better than you ever will yourself.

Personal experiences and reflections One question that can arise on this topic revolves around the idea of how a person can recognise that the comfort and satisfaction they are feeling after a period of confusion or difficulty is an answer from God and not due to their own thought process. How do you know that what you feel after intense prayer or remembrance of Allah is a sign from Him? The answer lies in the individual’s experience itself. This is why the focus here is more on personal experiences of man and less on the theological evidence for the existence of God – which will of course continue to be there on its own and will retain its legitimacy.

Years ago, when I had to decide between moving away from my parents to complete my higher education in London or staying in my home town, I decided without further ado to stay in Manchester. Despite having a confirmed place at Queen Mary’s University of London that was not dependent on my grades, I turned up at my college and told my teachers that I didn’t want to go to London and wanted to find a place at a local university by going through the process of clearing.

Anyone familiar with the UCAS application system and the process of university admissions in the UK will know that A-level results day is as chaotic as it gets where clearing helplines of universities across the country are at an all-time peak – something I have now seen first-hand as a member of the admissions team, rather than as a student.

Courses that open at clearing are often leftovers, and even if they aren’t, the demand is so high that they fill up within minutes rather than hours. Not just this, but the

Muhammad Amaan| Unsplash

grades, which did not matter for my place at Queen Mary’s, were now a major factor in having any chance of being considered for a place. But despite all these challenges, I stuck to my decision and started calling universities. My grades were not good enough for some places while other places had alternative choices. But securing a place was not the only dilemma, securing a place on a course that I actually wanted to study was a bigger challenge.

But the Knower of the Unseen, the Most Gracious and the Ever Merciful Allah Almighty made it all so easy for me that within hours I left my college with a place for my preferred course at the university that He had chosen for me. It was the most unexpected decision I had to make, yet it came with so much satisfaction and peace of mind that I see and feel its blessings to this day.

There is something so profound about the prayer that Allah provides you with everything and blesses you only with what is good for you. It encompasses everything you can possibly pray for. From the most insignificant matters like choosing a degree to life-changing decisions, this one prayer has been protecting my affairs that I entrusted to Allah the Almighty at every turn. Its acceptance has manifested itself in so many different ways that they are difficult to describe.

Adulthood comes with different questions and struggles. By this point, you have either almost finished your education or have already entered working life. This is the stage where one has to experience and adjust to the world’s difficult and easy things. It is overwhelming and you’re now in a competitive environment where you’re expected to achieve your goals, do your job to the best of your ability and take on and deal with any difficulties that come along the way without complaining.. No one is your friend – essentially you are on your own.

In September 2023, the Office of

National Statistics (ONS) released a report revealing that “those aged between 16-29 are over two times as likely to report feeling lonely often or always than those over 70 (9.7% versus 3.7%), with those aged between 30-49 close behind at 8.2%.” (“Younger Brits report higher levels of loneliness”, campaigntoendloneliness.org) These figures and statistics are also difficult to relate to if you have not experienced it yourself. It is not just about not having people around you or not socialising enough. This type of loneliness also affects people who may have large friend circles, families, and relatives around them, but still feel unfulfilled and alone. The sense of belonging and comfort they believe they will find around other people, when unattainable, makes them feel lonely.

This is where Allah the Almighty and belief in His Existence can pull one out of this kind of loneliness. Where no friend or relative can understand or be the source of peace one is seeking, there is the prayer mat, some space and all those conversations and tears with which one finds the friend who’s the Best of Friends.

The Holy Quran shows us the path to this friendship, where it is stated:

َ� َ ُ ُ ُ َۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ �ٰ ۡ َ �ٰ ۡ ‫َاَّل ِ​ِذۡیۡ َ​َن ٰ​ٰا َ​َمُنۡوۡا َ​َوَتۡط َ​َم ِ​ِئ �ُّن ُقُلۡوُۡبُ ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم ِ​ِب ِ​ِذۡک ِ​ِر الّٰل ِ​ِہ� َاَلَا ِ​ِب ِ​ِذۡک ِ​ِر الّٰل ِ​ِہ َتۡط َ​َم ِ​ِئ �ُّن‬ ُ​ُۡ ‫اۡلُقُلۡوۡ ُ​ُب‬

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort”. (Surah ar-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.29) This beautiful and profound verse is a source of support for so many believers through the most difficult of times. It is an assurance, a promise and a door that leads one to their most sincere and most trustworthy friend, Allah the Almighty.

Hazrat Anasra relates that the Holy Prophetsa once said, “Allah says, ‘When Continued on page 5 >>

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This Week in History A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 8 March 8 March 1944: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started visiting and praying at the grave of the Promised Messiahas, and continued to do so for 40 consecutive days.

Huzoorra would visit Bahishti Maqbara after Asr prayer and fervently pray for the triumph of Islam. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 629) 8 March 1970: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh laid the foundation stone of the science block of Jamia Nusrat, Rabwah, Pakistan.

Upon its completion, on 27 March 1972, Huzoorrh himself inaugurated this block. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 28, p. 41)

9 March 9 March 1923: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra outlined a detailed scheme to tackle the Shuddhi movement, and instructed the Jamaat to donate 50,000 rupees for this.

For more details, see “Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s services to the Muslim cause: Guiding Muslims of the Indian subcontinent amid religious and political

conflicts”, at alhakam.org (26 February 2021, p. 17).

9 March 1990: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was in Portugal, where he delivered his Friday sermon, which was the first ever Friday Sermon of a Khalifatul Masih, on this land. During this tour, Huzoorrh also formally inaugurated the Ahmadiyya Mission House Portugal and addressed some press gatherings.

After this visit to Portugal, Huzoorrh went to Spain. (Khutbate-Tahir, Vol. 9, p. 127)

10 - 11 March 10 March 1895: God Almighty manifested the heavenly sign of Solar and Lunar eclipse for the Promised Messiahas. On this day, an eclipse occurred in America and other Western countries. This incident happened in the month of Ramadan and the year 1312 AH. The partial image of the eclipse was captured at Kenwood Observatory in Chicago by astronomer George Ellery Hale.

For more details, see “Observatory images of eclipses of the time of Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi”, at alhakam.org (20 October 2023, pp. 12-13).

10 March 1938: On this day,

Maulana Muhammad Salim Sahib returned from Haifa, after fulfilling his assigned duties of tabligh there for about two years.

For more details, see “Pioneer Missionaries: Part 15 – Some early milestones of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the Holy Land”, at alhakam. org (22 December 2023, p.6).

11 March 1939: On this day, Hazrat Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shamsra invited the Viceroy of Mecca and representatives of Palestine, Iraq and Yemen — who were in London for the Palestine Conference — to a reception at the Fazl Mosque in which 200 guests participated in total, including various dignitaries.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a special message to the Arab delegates through a telegram.

The message was read out in both English and Arabic by Hazrat Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shamsra.

The South Western Star of London published a lengthy article on this event along with a photograph as well.

For more details, see “Ahmadiyya advocacy for Palestinian rights: A historical examination of Arab-Jewish tensions in 1939”, at alhakam. org (10 November 2023, p. 10).

12 March 12 March 1923: On this day, Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s first tabligh delegation consisting of 20 men left Qadian for UP [United Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh] to curb the apostasy [of Malkana Rajputs] and reached Achhnera, District Agra, on 14 March 1923.

For more details, see “100 Years Ago… – Shuddhi Movement: Progress report by Ahmadiyya delegation to Agra”, at alhakam. org (14 Apr 2023, pp. 22-23).

12 March 1957: On this day, the then Education Minister of West Pakistan, Sardar Abdul Hameed Khan Dasti, addressed the convocation of the Talim-ul-Islam College Rabwah.

For more details, see “75 years of Rabwah: A glimpse into its early years”, at alhakam.org (22 September 2023, p. 6).

13 - 14 March 13 March 1971: A farewell ceremony was held on this day for 13 doctors who were going to West Africa under the Nusrat Jehan Aagey Barho (Leap Forward) programme. The ceremony was also graced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh.

National Peace Symposium, Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, UK. 14 March 2015

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8 - 14 March

For more details, see “Nusrat Jehan Scheme: Khilafat’s impetus for ‘Africa to Leap Forward’ – A glimpse into the early years (1970-1982)”, at alhakam.org (27 May 2022, p.

16).

14 March 1948: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a lecture at the Khalikdina Hall in Karachi, titled “Pakistanion se chand saaf saaf baatein”, as part of a series of lectures titled “Istihkam-e-Pakistan”.

The session was presided over

by Hatim Badruddin Tyabji, then Chief Justice Sindh High Court. The lecture was attended by college students, lawyers, professors and doctors.

Moreover, several dignitaries were also present, including the deputy secretary of the Government of Pakistan, advisor to the Sindh Government and officials from the central and provincial governments.

For more details, see “‘Consolidation of Pakistan’: Lectures by Hazrat Musleh-eMaud on how Pakistan can see success”, at alhakam.org (6 May 2022, p. 10).

14 March 2015: On this day, addressing the 12th National Peace Symposium of Jamaat UK, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “The world is being consumed by various issues that are leading to frustration and resentment, which in turn are undermining peace. For example, the effects of the financial crisis continue to be felt in much of the world. […] Then there is the conflict in Ukraine and the global arms race. These are all threats to world peace that are not linked to Islam, but rather have developed as a result of an unquenchable thirst for power, influence and resources. […] Whilst some are saying that another World War is now unavoidable, I believe that even now there is time for the world to wake up to the stark reality it faces and to arrest this threat.” (“Muslim Leader says Justice and Honesty required to prevent Outbreak of third World War” At pressahmadiyya.com)

a servant of Mine advances towards Me a foot, I advance towards him a yard, and when he advances towards Me a yard, I advance toward him the length of his arms spread out. When he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-Tawhid) Further describing the characteristic of God Almighty as a friend, the Promised Messiahas has written: “God Almighty operates in this world in three capacities: one, in the capacity of God; two, in the capacity of a friend; and three, in the capacity of an enemy. His treatment of His average creatures proceeds from His capacity as God and His treatment of those who love Him and whom He loves, proceeds not only in His capacity as God, but also predominantly in His capacity of a friend.

The world feels that God is supporting the person concerned like a friend.” (NuzululMasih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 517518) On deriving the comfort of heart with the remembrance of Allah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, has said: “Hearts find comfort in dhikr [remembrance]. Why? This is so because anxiety develops when man thinks that he is about to be destroyed by some calamity and if he believes with certainty that there is a remedy for every calamity and ailment, then he will not become anxious. Thus, when someone remembers Allah and understands that Allah possesses unlimited powers and can remove all types of ailments, his heart tells him that when he has such a God, then what is the need for him to become anxious about any difficulty? He will Himself remove it. In this way he finds comfort.”

(Remembrance of Allah [Zikr-e-Ilahi], p.

109)

Khilafat: A divine manifestation of hope and comfort There is also another way to reach God Almighty, which not only serves as another proof of His Existence, but also helps strengthen one’s already recognised belief in Him, in the form of the institution of Khilafat, which is established on the precepts of prophethood. In this era and age, it is the Khilafat that is the successor to the Promised Messiah and Mahdias.

One may wonder how one can experience the peace and comfort of turning to God Almighty through another human?

How is a Khalifa different from other people or relatives?

Allah the Almighty establishes the status of the Khalifa by promising that in return for doing good, the believers will see their fear transformed into security and peace.

The Holy Quran states:

َ� َ ۡ َ� �ٰ ُۡ ُ ٰ ُ ‫َۡو َِع َ​َد الّٰل ُِہ اَّل ِ​ِذۡیۡ َُّن ٰا َ​َمُنۡوۡا َِمُنۡک ۡ​ۡم َۡو َِع َِمُلۡوا ا �َّلﺼ ُِل َٰح ُِت َّل َ َۡی َۡس َ​َتﺨ ُِلۡفُن ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم‬ َ� َ ۡ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ​َ� َ ‫اَس َ​َتﺨُل َﻒ اَّل ِ​ِذۡیۡ َُّن َِم ُّۡن ُق ِۡب ُِل ُِہ ۡ​ۡم � َۡوَّل َ ُۡی َ​َم ِۡک� �َن َّل َ ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم‬ ‫ض ُکَما‬ ‫�ۡی اَلاَر‬ َ� ِ ُ ُ َ ۡ ِ ً ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۢ � ۡ ُ َ� َ � َ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ ‫ِ​ِدۡیُنُہۡم اَّل ِ​ِذۡی اَرَت�ۡی َّلُہۡم ۡوَّلۡیِب َِدَّلُنُہۡم َِمُّن َبَع َِد َخۡوَفِ ُِہۡم اَمُنا‬ ُ ۡ َ ً َ َ َُ َ ٰ َ​َ َ ‫َی َۡع ُِب َُد ۡ​ۡوِنِّنِ ۡ​ۡی َلَا ۡیُ� ُِرُکۡوۡ َِن � ِ ۡ​ۡی ۡش ۡ​ۡیَئا َۡو َ​َم ُّۡن ُکُف َُر َبَ َۡع َ​َد ۡذَّل َِک َفاۡوَّلٓ ِ​ِئَک‬ ُ ٰۡ ‫َُہ ُۡم اَّلۡف َِسُقۡوۡ َِن‬ “Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who

were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.” (Surah anNur, Ch.24: V.56) A Khalifa is a successor of someone appointed by God, due to which his status is not that of an ordinary man. He is granted a special closeness with Allah Almighty and receives His blessings and support. By establishing and maintaining a connection with the Khalifa of the time, we can not only reach the benefits of his constant prayers to God Almighty, but also get closer to Allah Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas has said: “It must be borne in mind that true righteousness can never be attained until one benefits from the company of the truthful and holy men of God, and until one annihilates themselves completely in obedience to the chosen ones of God.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, p. 39) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra once stated: “Be exceedingly mindful of the fact that Khilafat is hablullah [rope of Allah]. It is such a rope that holding fast to it alone will lead you to progress. The one who will let go of it will be destroyed.” (Nizam-e-Khilafat, Barakat aur Hamari Zimadarian, p. 77) That one letter you write to Hazrat Amir-ul-Momineenaa, where you share your highs and your lows, your happiness and your sorrows, your ease and your troubles, or where you ask him a question or request him for prayers, or where you feel like you have plenty to say but words fail you, or where you seek his guidance on important decisions of life – these are all proof of God’s existence.

Reaching out to the rope of Allah, choosing to stay under the shadow of the leadership and care of the Khalifa of the time, believing that he is supported by God,

and believing that Allah will lead you to your success answering the Khalifa’s prayers and making his guidance fruitful, you will eventually testify that fear has turned into security and peace, and you will witness the blessings of Allah Almighty that He bestows upon His friend.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained that our relationship with Khilafat should be based on our relationship with Allah the Almighty. During one of his Friday Sermons, he stated: “The relationship of every Ahmadi with the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his Khulafa or the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa, should be based on the relationship of Allah. If the foundation of their relationship is not built on the relationship of Allah, then this relationship is artificial, fake, and meaningless. If the love of Allah gives rise to that relationship and as they grow in their love for Allah, the said relationship with the Holy Prophetsa [and others] also grows, then rest assured that such people are not in any kind of danger, neither in this world nor in the next. Those who possess this kind of relationship, as I have explained, will remain safe from every strife.” (Friday Sermon, 23 November 1990) Recently, a tifl asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa about the ways in which we can attain his love. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa replied: “If you attain the love of Allah, you will attain the ultimate love. In order to attain Allah’s love, it is important that you observe salat as stipulated by Him. Thus, offer the five daily prayers, pray to Allah, that you may attain His love, and He may grant you the love of the Holy Prophetsa, then of the Promised Messiahas and then of Khilafat. Then, if you pray to Allah, He will grant you.” (Al Hakam, 9 December 2022, Issue CCXLVII, p. 3) May Allah enable us all to attain His love and friendship, and make us devoted and obedient followers of the Khilafat that He bestowed on us. Amin.

From fear to awe to joy: A week in Islamabad 2024 Qamar Suleiman Alislam

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously granted the Alislam team the opportunity to spend a week in Islamabad, UK, from 20-26 February 2024. There were twelve of us and we were accommodated at the Sarai Nusrat Guest House and Tahir Guest House in Islamabad.

The hospitality and accommodations were commendable.

The approved plan was to have a group mulaqat with Huzooraa in the MTA Studio in Islamabad on 24 February 2024 that would be recorded. We would spend the week preparing our presentations and rehearsing them and top it off daily by attending congregational salat behind Huzooraa. This was an experience that cannot be explained in words. Our incidental presence for the concluding address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa to Jalsa Salana Ghana from Masroor Hall added to our spiritual uplifting.

The mulaqat was 50 minutes and 50 seconds of spellbounding from fear to awe to joy. We all truly felt the transition from fear to awe to joy. As we presented Alislam work done over the year from March 2023 through February 2024 about the new Alislam AI, Ruhani Khazain search advancements, and Holy Quran search advancements using AI, Huzooraa constantly and keenly engaged in the discussion and provided us invaluable guidance and instructions on how to proceed further.

This was maximised as we rediscovered the blessing of God’s grace in the person of Khalifatul Masih Vaa. It was with great appreciation that we received the prayer Huzooraa wrote on the agenda paper, in which he stated: [Translation] “May Allah, the Almighty bestow His blessings upon the endeavours of the Alislam team. Masha-Allah, you are continuously making strides towards new advancements. Keep moving forward.

JazakAllah.”

We did not want to leave!

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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Mastering dawah: 10 tips for effective preaching Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-Charge UK

Islam is a universal religion, and preaching is an important component of its teachings.

It is one of the fundamental duties of the followers of Islam to spread its message.

The teachings of Islam stipulate that every Muslim should strive to preach Islam to the best of their ability on every possible occasion. This is a great responsibility. To undertake this noble obligation, it is vital to gain proficiency in various techniques of preaching and apply these, employing all the capabilities granted by Allah the Exalted.

The duty of preaching demands that we dedicate all our intellectual and physical faculties to endeavouring for success and triumph.

How should we undertake preaching?

The best and most concise answer to this important question is found in the following verse of the Holy Quran:

َ� ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ َ ‫ُا ۡ​ۡد ُ​ُع ِ​ِاٰلٰی َ​َس ِ​ِب ۡ​ۡی ِ​ِل َ​َر �ِ​ِّبَک ِ​ِباۡل ِ​ِحۡک َ​َم ِ​ِۃ َ​َواۡل َ​َمۡوۡ ِ​ِعَظ ِ​ِۃ اۡل َ​َح َ​َسَن ِ​ِۃ َ​َو َ​َجا ِ​ِدۡل ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم ِ​ِباَّلِتِ ۡ​ۡی‬ َ ‫ِ​ِہَیَ َا ۡ​ۡح َ​َس ُ​ُن‬

“Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in a way that is best.” (Surah an Nahl, Ch.16: V.126) In this verse, Allah the Exalted gives the foremost preacher of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his followers the guidance that is best to beckon people towards God with wisdom and sincerity. Our approach to preaching must be respectful and polite to the utmost, even when discussing contentious and controversial differences between religions. This verse encapsulates the key guidelines of preaching and also the fundamental etiquettes of this important duty. It is vital to frame any preaching activities within the aforementioned three fundamental principles of wisdom, good exhortation and presenting evidence in the best possible manner. I would like to build on the invaluable literature on these three principles by sharing my practical experiences. I trust the readers will find my real-world experiences and observations valuable and fruitful in their preaching endeavours.

1. Supplication According to the teachings of Islam, every believer starts any act with supplication. It is beyond imagination that the most blessed of all tasks, the task of preaching, could be done without supplication. Preaching is the name of a task that beckons people to the way of Allah the Exalted. Only God has the ability to influence people’s hearts.

The ultimate source of all guidance is God Almighty. Therefore, to start any effort of preaching with prayers would act as a way to absorb the mercy of God, adding to its effectiveness. The Promised Messiahas, on one occasion, said these extremely beautiful words: “Prayer holds the power to revolutionise the world. It is the believer’s armament.”.

(Malfuzat, 1988, Vol. 3, p. 202) Every preaching activity is, in fact, an effort to call others to the right path.

Obviously, this effort, or, for that matter, no effort, can be successful without supplication. Therefore, supplication is the most effective method to make our preaching efforts successful. It is imperative to begin any effort of preaching with prayer and focus on prayer all the time. This is a tried and tested prescription to make preaching efforts successful. Supplication is the most effective weapon a missionary has and the first tool for preaching Islam.

When Allah the Exalted commanded Prophet Mosesas to convey the message of truth to the courts of Pharoah, God taught him the following prayer: َ ََۡ � ً ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ ۤ�‫َ � ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ � ۡ ۤۡی‬ ‫اۡحُل ۡ​ۡل ُ​ُعۡق َ​َدًۃ �ِ​ِّم ۡ​ۡن ِّل ََِساِن ِ ۡ​ۡی َیۡفَق ُ​ُہۡوۡا َقۡوِۡل ِ ۡ​ۡی‬ ‫َر ِ​ِّب اۡشَرۡح ِلِۡی َصۡدِرِۡی َوَی ِ​ِّسۡر ِل ِ َاۡمِرِۡی َو‬ “[Moses] said, ‘My Lord, open out for me my breast, “‘And ease for me my task, “‘And loose the knot of my tongue, “‘That they may understand my speech,’” (Surah Taha, Ch.20: V.26-29) Before any preaching effort, this prayer should be recited.

Along with praying yourself, asking for the prayers of the Khalifa of the time is absolutely mandatory. The blessed supplications of the Khalifa have a preferred status for acceptance by Allah the Exalted.

These prayers work as an accelerator to make our meagre efforts highly successful. It is vital to write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, seeking his prayers by keeping in touch with him regularly.

I recall that in 1970, when I was leaving Rabwah for London to take up my post as a missionary, at the farewell audience, Huzoorrh advised me that I should write to him once a week. With the ability that God has given me, I followed this guidance in London and I have always experienced the blessings of this action. Success in preaching activity and in any preaching endeavour happens only and solely because of the blessings of God. The fact of the matter is that any opportunity to preach is granted by the blessings of Allah the Exalted.

Therefore, earnest and passionate prayers should be offered that Allah the Exalted, through His special blessings, provides the

Oleg Laptev | Unsplash

circumstances and situations where the opportunities to perform the preaching of Islam are maximised. Then, God Almighty enables us to fully avail of this opportunity with His blessings.

In my personal practice, I have repeatedly witnessed the blessings of being regular in the prayer mentioned above. I recall that in 1973 I was working in my office in the London Mission. A friend called me to inform me that BBC Radio is doing a live chat show discussing life after death. Anyone can call in to take part in the programme. I turned the radio on straight away to listen to the programme and familiarise myself with the topic. Then I called the BBC, and they asked me to wait. After one or two minutes, they called me back to say I should get ready for the live discussion. Then I was told, “Mr Rashed, you are on the air.” After introducing myself, I explained the Islamic concept of life after death based on the concepts given in the Holy Quran, which is the religious book of Muslims. I explained that I would also refer to the book The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, written by the Messiah of the Age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, on whom be peace. Then I had the opportunity to talk about the concepts of paradise and hell. I was asked if those who go to paradise or hell will remain there forever. I replied that paradise would be there forever and would not be removed from that life of magnificence. However, those who will go to hell will be released after they have been punished for their sins and have become pure and clean. Then they will also be able to enjoy the blessings of paradise. In the end, everybody will benefit from the love and affection of Allah the Exalted. This discussion carried on for a few minutes on live radio and this provided me with an opportunity to spread the true teachings of Islam to thousands of people.

By relating this incident, what I wish to emphasise is that it was only by the grace of Allah that this opportunity was given to me. I did not even have an idea that such an opportunity existed.

2. Wisdom and pragmatism To undertake preaching with wisdom and pragmatism are the golden rules. This entails that a point should be made at the right time and in the right context. This leaves a lasting impact on the listener. I experienced this first-hand when I was delivering a speech at Leamington Spa in England.

I was talking at a religious seminar, and before me, the followers of Buddhism and Sikhism delivered their speeches. I was the last speaker of the day, assigned to explain the teachings of Islam. I had a brief sketch of speech in mind that I would present a short introduction to Islam and then present some particular qualities of Islamic teachings. The follower of Sikhism delivered his speech just before me; in his speech, he said that the religious book of Sikhism, Granth Sahib, does not give solutions to all problems in the world. This is why Sikhs do not claim that this book is perfect in every way and this book does not claim to be perfect. I noticed that the audience was bemused while listening to this. The Buddhist speaker also did not mention anything about his book being perfect in his speech.

Then, I was asked to address the audience in an atmosphere of bemusement and curiosity. With only His blessings, Allah the Exalted guided this humble one.

I discarded the sketch of speech I had in my mind and started my speech by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce a religion to you that claims that its religious book is perfect in every way and that this book provides answers to all the needs of humanity. This claim has been mentioned in the first few verses of the Holy Book and is repeated with vigour and authority again and again in the book. The name of the book is the Holy Quran, which is the sacred religious book of the universal religion of Islam.” With the grace of Allah the Exalted, this pertinent start of the speech fully captured the attention of the listeners. I learned from this experience that during the act of preaching, we need to say things that

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024 draw the attention and focus of the listeners.

3. Relevant and practical points Islam is a beautiful and practical religion, and its teachings are highly effective. A judicious and influential practice to preach in the Western world is to emphasise Islamic teachings relevant to contemporary economic and social conditions. This opens the door for detailed debate and discussion. One of the important teachings of Islam is freedom of consciousness and no compulsion in matters of religion.

My experience is that clearly explaining these concepts greatly impacts the listeners.

This teaching can be presented with evidence that has been given in the Holy Quran, that there is no need to use force to proclaim facts and truth. The truth is more compelling and appealing than falsehood.

This argument makes the audience appreciate the truthfulness of Islam. The listener is bound to agree that a religion that prohibits compulsion for its preaching must have teachings that are so attractive, powerful, and logical that it does not require any force to convince others of its authenticity. Force can subjugate bodies but cannot conquer hearts. The whole objective of Islam is to win the hearts of the whole world and to do this with love, affection, and tenderness. This is indeed our motto; Love for All, Hatred for None.

4. Earnest sincerity I feel it is imperative to explain to the listeners that our only purpose in preaching is our true love for humanity, an aspiration to reform society and genuine compassion towards our fellow beings. These days, the preaching practices of some religious and non-religious leaders make preaching look like an occupation. This may lead to misunderstanding while inviting people to Islam, and distributing literature, etc.

Therefore, it is vital to say that our sole goal in inviting people to the teachings of Islam is true love for humanity. Our example is like someone who has discovered an authentic and magnificent hidden treasure and desires to share it widely, driven by, and only by, compassion for fellow human beings. It is a very inviting way to explain to others that we preach to express our gratitude to God for giving us the treasure of Islam, and we wish others to benefit from this treasure as well. This approach tends to yield results.

5. Practicality of teachings During preaching, it is a good practice to emphasise that Islam is a practical religion.

During discussions in the UK and Japan – where I had the chance to serve as a missionary – it appears that people are not fully comfortable with the practical aspects of the teachings of Islam. Some consider religious worship and boundaries difficult and cumbersome and a majority consider these impractical and undoable. Some people express the view that some religious teachings may have been relevant in the past, but in today’s fast-paced, busy and rapidly changing world, it is not practical to follow these religious teachings. When responding to this objection, some everyday practical examples can be used to address this point.

I recall, once, when I was talking to the

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manager of a Japanese private school about this topic; even thinking about praying five times a day, stressed him out. When I explained to him the importance of Salat and the time spent offering this prayer, he felt a bit reassured. I explained that if we eat three times a day and have tea or coffee two or three times a day and this routine doesn’t upset us and we don’t regard this as a waste of time, then salat, too, is like nourishment for our soul. We cannot attain true peace of mind without it. After this explanation, he was able to appreciate the effectiveness and benefits of salat.

6. A personalised approach There are many ways to preach. These include addressing meetings, and seminars, distributing books, newspapers, and pamphlets, and exchanging letters and individual chats. These are all effective ways of preaching. Depending on individuals’ circumstances, some of these methods could be more effective than others. It is vital to use the correct method of preaching at the correct time.

In general, I feel that one-to-one conversation is the most effective way of preaching. Grand speeches are very important indeed, but one-to-one discussion allows us to address the needs and interests, and match the discussion with the intellectual level of the participants.

This makes the preaching discussion more effective and objective. The effectiveness of one-to-one discussion tends to be better than giving an address to a crowd.

When carrying out one-to-one discussions with Hindus, Christians, and followers of other religions, this humble one is always mindful to stress that by accepting Islam, they will excel in their already high standards and will not need to relinquish any of their previous pious virtues. For example, if Christians accept Islam, then they would gain the virtue of believing in the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas, and they would not need to forsake any of their previous good practices. Their good practices will only increase; in addition, they will be able to rectify any wrongful beliefs of the past and will gain sound faith based on accurate religious teachings. This is a highly effective method from a psychological perspective. This is totally in concordance with the truth, because Islam confirms the excellent qualities of the previous religions and provides a comprehensive, complete and best sharia.

7. Active listening During a one-on-one conversation, I feel it is really important to listen to the audience’s questions with deep understanding and focus. If the question is not fully understood, then there is no harm in requesting the person to repeat the question. The audience should have a full opportunity to discuss things and we should listen to them fully before responding to their question. I have learned that if we listen to the other person with total focus and attention, then they also try to listen to us with the same focus and attention. This approach provides a pleasant atmosphere for conducting preaching discussions. Whatever the beliefs and faith of the other person, it is mandatory to respect their right to hold their beliefs and

speak kindly. People’s beliefs are important to them; therefore, it is imperative not to go on the offensive. Talking to people with love, affection and tenderness is highly impactful, and indeed, this is the teaching of Islam.

8. Media For preaching, I also have one other routine, that I go through newspapers every day.

If anything is published in the newspapers that can be helpful to guide people from an Islamic perspective, or if inaccurate information about Islam is printed, then responding to this right away via letter to the editor is an effective way to do preaching. I recall – when I was serving in Japan – that a letter was published in a Japanese newspaper where a person asked which people are happier, those who believe in God or those who do not? The author wrote that they did believe in God but still questioned why life was so miserable. I then responded to this with a letter straightaway, and this letter was published in the famous Japanese newspaper, Japan Times.

Similarly, I recall seeing the newspaper and the objection that Islam does not give women any social rights and now they are fighting to liberate themselves from these shackles. In response to this article, I wrote a letter to the editor explaining the high status of women in Islam.

In summary, keeping in touch with local newspapers and writing letters and articles can be a good and effective way to preach.

9. Create opportunities I remember, soon after coming to Japan, I had the privilege to meet ambassadors from two countries. The opportunity to meet the Austrian ambassador arose because there was a letter published in a newspaper by his wife, who said that he served as an Austrian ambassador in Pakistan. This provided me with an opportunity to make an introduction. I wrote a letter to the ambassador and set a date for a meeting.

During the meeting, I gave him a copy of the Holy Quran as a present and spent quite a while in an interesting dialogue with him.

Similarly, I saw a book review in a newspaper. The book was titled “Africa Speaks”. I found the title of the book very intriguing, wondering what type of book it is. The reason was that a book of the same name was published in 1970 after the visit of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to West Africa.

The book being reviewed was written by the Japanese ambassador in Ghana. I then got in touch with the ambassador and mentioned the tour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and also remarked on the book. When I met him after a few days, it allowed me to present him with the Holy Quran and the book of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. This was a good opportunity to discuss matters in a nice and informal atmosphere for about 45 minutes.

I relate these two incidents to make the point that sometimes, even a small happening can become an excellent opportunity for an introduction. My principle is to always readily avail of any such opportunity and not let these slip away.

10. Avail every opportunity With the grace of God, there are always

opportunities where one can do preaching, whether big or small. This is my principle and practice that I do not let even the smallest opportunity to preach slip away. No matter how minute the opportunity appears, never regard it as insignificant. We never know what could inspire a pious-natured person to accept the path of righteousness.

I shall now share an example from my experience that may appear trivial; however, I feel that it is akin to sowing a small seed in the earth. With time, this seed will turn into a seedling and grow into a plant, then a strong, powerful tree.

In Japan, based on their concept of gender equality, during a train journey, men do not usually vacate their seats for women.

However, it is their practice that if an old man or woman comes into the carriage, they always offer elderly people their seats out of respect. I have had the opportunity to do this many, many times. This is part of my Islamic faith that people of old age and people in need, both men and women, should be respected. Whenever I vacated my seat for an elderly person, I would say to them in the Japanese language: “Watashi no shukyo wa, kore o oshiete kuremasu…”

It means that my religion teaches me to do this. Very often, they respond by asking, “What religion is that?” This used to allow me to preach without any prior introduction, during the train journey. Alhamdulillah!

Many times, it led to a long discussion during the train journey. I have strong faith that these discussions would have left a long-lasting and beautiful impression about the teachings of Islam.

In the art of preaching, these are some of the practices that I have explained concisely.

I pray that Allah the Exalted enables us to continue rendering accepted service to faith for the foreseeable future. Amin.

Tarbiyat session and football tournament held in Farafenni, The Gambia Lamin Nyabally Missionary, Farafenni, The Gambia

On 28 January 2024, a bi-monthly tarbiyat session and a regional football tournament were held at the regional headquarters by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Farafenni, the Gambia.

The tarbiyat session commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya pledge.

Various speeches were delivered on topics such as the purpose of mankind’s creation and the importance of salat.

In his speech, the Regional Qaid shed light on the need for an enduring relationship with the Khalifa of the time.

A regional football tournament was also held.

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s chronicles of the Promised Messiah This series, Zikr-e-Habib, explores the life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, and his sayings, shedding light on his noble character and the impact of his teachings on his followers and the world at large.

M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam

The promised son of Prophet Ahmadas, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra wrote extensively on the blessed life of his father. Owing to his close relationship with the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, peace be upon him, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra had the privilege to explore aspects of his character that other historians could not. Consequently, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra historical perspective provides a more thorough understanding of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’sas legacy, making it stand out as a special and priceless contribution.

To begin with, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra did not blindly pledge allegiance to his father. Rather, he set out on a quest of careful research, ultimately comprehending the high status and profound spiritual wealth ingrained in the personage of Prophet Ahmadas. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra says: “I did not come to believe in the Promised Messiahas solely because he was my father. In fact, I made a firm vow at the age of eleven, promising myself that I would run away if, God forbid, I found him false on the basis of my research. However, his truthfulness became apparent to me and my faith increased in him. Eventually, as he passed away, my faith grew even stronger [in the Promised Messiahas].” (Al Fazl, 6 June 1924) The aforementioned statement of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra explicates that his commitment to the Promised Messiahas and his cause was not inspired by filial ties.

Likewise, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra chronicles of his father simply highlight the great significance of a prophet’s life and the deep wisdom encapsulated in his teachings.

Homeland and origin Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra narrates that the name of the founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, and he was a resident of Qadian. It is a town 11 miles from Batala railway station, 24 miles from Amritsar and approximately 57 miles east of Lahore.

Prophet Ahmadas belonged to a noble and respected family, and its lineage was traced back to Barlas, who was the uncle of Amir Timur. One of Barlas’ family members, Mirza Hadi Beg Sahib, settled in a village near the River Beas, Punjab, and named it Islampur. As time passed, Hadi Beg was designated as the Qadhi [magistrate] of the neighbouring district, so IslampurQadhi became the village’s name due to

its association with the Qadhi. This name evolved into numerous versions depending on local dialects, until Islampur was eliminated entirely, and it became simply known as Qadian. (Sirat Hazrat Masih-eMaudas by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, pp. 1-2)

match, it does not light up.

They try it time and again but are unsuccessful. I became very worried about this spectacle. However, when I looked towards the doorsill, it was written [there]: ‘No fire can burn the men of God.’” (Fazl-e-Umar, p. 87; Al Fazl, 16 February 1968)

Love for Qadian Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states that places blessed with Divine bestowments are made holy forever and Qadian is one such place.

God’s chosen messenger was sent there. He spent his whole life in Qadian and loved this place. Huzoorra relates, “On one occasion, while the Promised Messiahas was in Lahore, (When he went to Lahore in the days of his last illness or in the eventual days of his life.), one day, the Promised Messiahas called me to the house [he was staying in] and said, ‘Mahmud! Look, the sunshine appears so pale.’ I found it the same as what I used to see every day, so I replied that it was no different. The Promised Messiahas said, ‘No, the sun here is somewhat pale and dim.

The sunshine of Qadian is very clear and bright.’ Since the Promised Messiahas were to be buried in Qadian, he said these words, expressing his great love and affection for Qadian.” (Friday Sermon, 22 May 2015; Anwar-e-Khilafat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 3, p. 175)

Company of Prophet Ahmadas As Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra grew older in the blessed company of the Promised Messiahas, the number of those who came to Qadian for various needs also increased.

In due course, Qadian became a great place for knowledge and wisdom. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, mentioning this time of his life, states: “Till this day, the sound of the Promised Messiah’sas voice is reverberating in my ears.

I was young but my preoccupation was always to sit in the company of the Promised Messiahas and listen to his discourses.” (Fazle-Umar, p. 51) Describing the benefits derived from the company of Prophet Ahmadas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra says: “We heard so many issues being discussed in these gatherings that thereafter, whenever we read a book of the Promised Messiahas, it seemed as if we had already heard all these things from him before.

The Promised Messiahas had the habit of discussing, in the gatherings of the morning and evening, whatever he had written during that day. For this reason, we remember all his words and clearly understand their meaning, which are completely in line with the Promised Messiah’sas desire and are

Absolute obedience

based on his teachings.” (Ibid.)

Hard work and active life Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra relates that though the Promised Messiahas was never inclined towards the world, he was still very hardworking and not lazy at all. He preferred solitude but never shied away from arduous endeavours, and it often happened that when he went on a journey, the Promised Messiahas would send the servant with the horse ahead and himself travel 20 to 25 kos [a kos is approximately 2 miles] on foot to reach the destination. The Promised Messiahas would mostly travel on foot and rarely mount the horse. (Sirat Hazrat Masihe-Maudas, p. 16)

‘Fire is our servant’ During the lawsuit of Dr Henry Martin Clark, where the Promised Messiahas advised others to pray, he also asked Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Mahmudra to pray and perform istikhara [seek goodness from God Almighty]. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra narrates, “At that time, I saw in a [divine] vision that there are guards surrounding our house. I entered the house by the steps where there used to be a basement. I saw that they made Huzooras stand, and in front of him, they raised a screen of dung cakes over which they poured petrol and then tried to set it alight. But as they strike the

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra relates that he was still a child when he heard the instruction to show loyalty to the government from the lips of the Promised Messiahas.

Huzoorra said, “Thereafter, I became so committed to this advice that I disagreed with my close friends on this subject. I even disagreed with several leaders of the Jamaat about it.” (Al Fazl, 30 August 2004; Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 15, p. 323) When Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra was just a child, the Promised Messiahas instructed him not to take any food or drink from anyone. The English teacher of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra, states: “Now observe how this child of tender age acts upon the Promised Messiah’sas guidance. […] Huzoorra would come to my house for tuition. This house was adjoining the house of the Promised Messiahas; in fact, it was a part of the Promised Messiah’sas house. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra came to study there for three years. Whenever Huzoorra became thirsty, he would get up, go to his own house and return after having a drink. No matter how pure the water, no matter how clean the glass being offered to him, he would not drink it only because it was the instruction of the Promised Messiahas. […]

“Firstly, one can see how completely Huzoorra obeyed the instructions of the Promised Messiahas from an early age.

Secondly, we see the care he took to obey the instruction.” (Fazl-e-Umar, pp. 52-53)

Kindness Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra relates that a government official once said to the Promised Messiahas in the middle of an issue that, “The people (of Qadian) are Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024

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Power of prayer: Fostering a deeper connection with Allah through humility Lawal Ibraheem Olaniyi Student, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

In the chaotic landscape of the modern world, marked by several challenges, uncertainties and exponential changes, the significance of prayer is increasingly becoming more profound. In a time when humanity seeks stability, unity and answers to world problems, the timeless catalyst of prayer emerges as the only ray of hope that can navigate man through global crises, societal shifts and personal struggles.

Prayer transcends mere religious or cultural practice; it evolves into a universal and transcendental solution to the world’s challenges.

In this article, we explore one of the fundamental elements essential for the acceptance of prayer, drawing inspiration from the exemplary lives of devout Prophets of Allah.

In lexical terms, humility refers to “the quality of being humble or having a lowly opinion of oneself; meekness, lowliness, humbleness: the opposite of pride or haughtiness.” (www.oed.com) In the context of religion, it means the recognition of self in relation to a Supreme Being and subsequent

<< Continued from previous page

your fellow citizens, you should treat them kindly.” The Promised Messiahas replied: “Ask this noble elder here if he missed a single opportunity to hurt me when he got the chance, and then ask him if there was even a single occasion where I had the chance to be kind to him and I did not show kindness.” (Al Fazl, 24 November 2004; Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 10, pp. 277-78)

Sublime manner of tarbiyat and edification Sometimes, a child eats more food than is necessary, and the parents get upset and reprimand him. Even when they attempt to take it away, the child refuses to give in and becomes more insistent. During such times, the Promised Messiahas used a very different approach, and the result was also totally different. A companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Syed Fazl Shah Sahibra, narrates: “One day, the Promised Messiahas was sitting in the upper storey courtyard with almonds in front of him. I was shelling the almonds when Hazrat Mian Bashirud-Din Mahmud Ahmad[ra], who was 4 or 5 years of age at the time, came and took all the almonds and put them into his lap.

Observing this, Huzooras said, ‘Mian is very good; he will not take too many. He will only take one or two. He will put all the rest back.’

submission to that Supreme Being.

Allah the Almighty explicitly mentions one of the foremost prerequisites of an accepted prayer in the Holy Quran. He says:

َ� ً ۡ ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ُ ۡ ُ ‫ُا ۡ​ۡد ُ​ُعۡوۡا َ​َر �َّبُک ۡ​ۡم َتَض �ُّر ً​ًعا �َّوُخۡف َ​َیًۃ� ِ​ِاَّن ٗ​ٗہ َلَا ُیُ ِ​ِح �ُّب اۡل ُ​ُم ۡ​ۡع َ​َت ِ​ِدۡیۡن‬

“Call upon your Lord in humility and in secret. Surely, He does not love the transgressors.” (Surah al-A’raf, Ch.7: V.56) This verse elaborates the significant prerequisite of an accepted prayer; to admit your weaknesses as a human towards the Almighty.

In the Five Volume Commentary, it is written, “The reader should note that instead of saying ‘openly’ and ‘secretly’, the Quran here uses the words ‘humbly’ and ‘secretly,’ substituting the word ‘humbly’ for ‘openly’, thus indicating that a prayer said openly is useful only when it is offered in humility. ‘Open’ prayers may sometimes be offered from a motive of display and show. Such prayers are of no value. Prayers are efficacious only when offered with due humility.” (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 874) It is in this sense that Prophets and devouts have enjoyed sheer blessings and miracles from Allah the Almighty.

When Huzooras said this, Mian Sahib[ra] quickly put all the almonds in front of me and only took one or two for himself.” (Fazle-Umar, p. 23) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once went out hunting and returned with a parrot. The general Muslim public of the subcontinent considers parrot’s flesh unlawful, and many scholars oppose eating it but do not consider it forbidden. However, there is no evidence that it is deemed unlawful under Shariah, and eating it is not prohibited. Rather than plunging into these apparent complexities, the Promised Messiahas addressed the problem to Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra in such a loving manner that he not only resolved the main issue but also shed light on other matters. The Promised Messiahas said: “It is flesh, so morally it is not forbidden to eat it. But God has not created all birds for eating. Some beautiful birds are there for us to see and enjoy, while other birds are gifted by nature to delight us with their songs. The parrot is one of them.” (Ibid., 68) It is not kindness to allow every action of a child in any kind of situation, even if they behave irresponsibly. When Hazrat Mian Mahmud’sra mishap burnt his priceless manuscripts – which had been prepared through countless hours and nights of labour – the Promised Messiahas showed extraordinary forbearance (Sirat Masih-e-Maudas by Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira, pp. 20-21). However, the

Numerous verses in the Holy Quran highlight the humility of these Prophets of Allah.

One such example is in the life of Hazrat Zakariyyaas who called upon Allah in humility. Allah the Almighty refers to this in the Holy Quran in the following words:

� ۡ � ۡ ۡ ً ‫ِ​ِا ۡ​ۡذ َن َ ٰاٰدی َ​َر �َّبَ ٗ​ٗہ ِنِ َ​َد‬ َ ‫ٓاًء َ​َخ ِ​ِف �ً​ًّیا َ​َق‬ ‫اَل َ​َر ِ�ِّب ِ​ِاِّن ِ ۡ​ۡی َ​َو َ​َہ َ​َن اۡل َ​َعۡظ ُ​ُم ِ​ِمِّنِ ۡ​ۡی َ​َواۡش َ​َت َ​َع َ​َل‬ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ� ‫الَّرَۡا ُ​ُس َش ۡ​ۡی ً​ًبا �َّوَل َ ۡ​ۡم َاُک ۢ​ۢۡن ِ​ِب ُ​ُد َ​َعٓاِئَِک َ​َر ِ�ِّب َش ِ​ِق �ً​ًّیا‬

“When he called upon his Lord, crying in secret. He said, ‘My Lord, the bones have indeed waxed feeble in me, and the head glistens with hoariness, but never, my Lord, have I been unblessed in my prayer to Thee.’”

(Surah Maryam, Ch.19: V.4-5) The verses illustrate that Hazrat Zakariyyaas had concealed in his heart his innermost desire. However, when he heard the beautiful reply of Hazrat Maryamas (Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ch.3: V.38), he was deeply touched that he expounded his weaknesses and helplessness before Allah the Almighty and poured out his heart towards Him that he may be bestowed an illustrious son. His prayer possessed all the ingredients of a successful prayer. (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1558) Another such magnificent acceptance of

Promised Messiahas could not tolerate the naive disrespect directed towards a Muslim King who, though he had no personal relationship with Prophet Ahmadas, was martyred protecting national honour.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra narrates: “Once, as I was standing at the door, a dog approached. At that time, there were just Huzooras in the room. I beckoned the dog, calling it, ‘Tipu! Tipu!’. ‘Aren’t you ashamed?’ Huzooras asked, emerging [out of the room] in a state of distress, adding that ‘the English have named their dogs after the names of devout Muslims due to their enmity. Beware! Never say that again!’ This was the day Tipu Sultan’s respect was firmly established in my heart, and I was just eight or nine years old at the time.” (Al Fazl, 30 August 2004)

Opposition is a blessing in disguise Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra heard many times from the Promised Messiahas that, “When people slander us, we feel pity for them as they are ruining their life hereafter.

On the other hand, if they do not abuse, we still feel bad because, without opposition, the Jamaat does not make [quick] progress.

Thus, we feel contented in facing abuse, so none of us should care about allegations or the foul language of the people.” (Al Fazl, 24 November 2004; Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 15, pp. 265)

Jamshaid Mughal | Unsplash

prayer was bestowed upon Hazrat Yunusas who at the depth of the ocean cried out to Allah from the belly of the fish saying:

ۡ َ ۤ َ� ۤ َ� ُۡ � َ َ ۡ �ٰ ‫َّلۤا ِ​ِاٰلٰ َ​َہ ِ​ِاَّلۤا َاۡن َ​َت ُ​ُس ۡ​ۡب ٰ​ٰحَنَک ۖ٭ ِ​ِاِّن ِ ۡ​ۡی ُکۡن ُ​ُت ِ​ِم َ​َن الّٰظ ِ​ِل ِ​ِمۡی َ​َن‬

Continued on page 12 >>

Works of the Promised Messiahas Realising the need to remind and educate people about the important works of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra gave a lecture at Jalsa Salana Qadian on 28 December 1927. This lecture was later published as a book under the title Hazrat Masih-e-Maud Ke Karnamey [Remarkable Works of the Promised Messiahas].

In this speech, Hazrat Muleh-e-Maudra delineated several contributions of Prophet Ahmadas to the cause of Islam. For instance, Proving the existence of God, Establishing a Jamaat, Removing all forms of Shirk, Explaining true nature of divine revelation, Describing works of angels, etc. (For details, see Remarkable works of the Promised Messiahas, Al Hakam, 22 March 2019, Vol. 2, Issue 53)

Conclusion The writings and narrations of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra on the life of Prophet Ahmadas are certainly replete with rich anecdotes and vivid accounts of his father’s memories. Hence, it is impossible to present all of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra recollections, yet within the limited description above, readers will learn a great deal about the blessed character of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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Did the Promised Messiah speak ill of Prophet Jesus?

Zeeshan Ahmad Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

The reverence shown by God’s appointees to other chosen ones of Allah Almighty goes beyond the ordinary human scope; it encompasses the preservation of Divine message, acknowledgement of their shared source of spiritual enlightenment, promotion of harmony among their followers, and above all, the continuation of their common mission of guiding humanity. Conversely, it simply diminishes their own divine standing if they disrespect or speak ill of God’s prophets.

Treading in the footsteps of his masterprophet Muhammadsa, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, manifested a great deal of respect for all the prophets of God, going beyond mere acknowledgment of their divine works to actively restoring their true status and honour in the history of religions. The Promised Messiahas strove for the revival of the original teachings of God’s prophets, especially the Prophetsa of Islam, ensuring that the profound significance of their message was not diminished or misinterpreted.

Deceivingly or being completely unaware of the true honour and respect of God’s messengers, some nominal scholars of today try to disparage the Promised Messiahas and misrepresent his writings.

This malevolent approach of opponents is described in the Holy Quran, where God says:

ۡ َ ُ َ َ� ‫َ​َو َ​َما َیَۡا ِ​ِت ۡ​ۡی ِ​ِہ ۡ​ۡم �ِ​ِّم ۡ​ۡن �َّر ُ​ُسۡوۡ ٍ​ٍل ِ​ِاَّلا َکاُنۡوۡا ِ​ِب ٖ​ٖہ َیَ ۡ​ۡس َ​َت ۡ​ۡہ ِ​ِز ُ​ُء ۡ​ۡو َ​َن‬

“And there never came to them any Messenger but they mocked at him.” (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.12) The Holy Prophetsa prophesied regarding latter-day Muslims that they would become like the Jews and Christians (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3456), and as is well known, the Jews of Jesusas’ time also rejected the Messiah of their age. We observe that instead of benefiting from the advice of Prophet Muhammadsa, they are determined to make untenable allegations to reject the Promised Messiahas.

Accentuating one of the signs of the People of the Book in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty says:

َۡ ُ َ َ ‫اِض ِ​ِع‬ ِ َ‫ِم ۢ​ۢۡن َب ۡ​ۡع ِ​ِد َ​َمَو‬ ِ ‫ُیَُح � ِ​ِّرُفۡوۡ َ​َن اۡلَک ِ​ِل َ​َم‬

“They pervert words after their being put in their right places.” (Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.42) In a recent online discourse, some selfprofessed scholars of Islam accused the Promised Messiahas of insulting Prophet Jesusas. These opponents misrepresent the

references from the books of the Promised Messaihas and misguide the ummah with their evil plots. Today, these scholars compromise their faith for some cheap publicity and views, regrettably becoming a testimony to the following hadith of the Holy Prophetsa: “A time will come when nothing will remain of Islam except its name and nothing will remain of the Quran except its script. Mosques will be full of worshippers, but as far as guidance is concerned, they will be empty and deserted. Their scholars will be the worst of creatures under the canopy of the heavens. Evil plots will originate from them and to them will they return.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 276) However, it is incumbent on each individual to do their own research when it comes to an allegation against a claimant of divine appointment and not blindly follow the scholars. On the other hand, if the scholars would have an iota of academic honesty, they would never take anyone’s writings out of context and deceive their followers.

Did the Promised Messiahas insult Jesusas or accuse him of ill morals?

The references of the Promised Messiahas presented in recent online discourse on the topic under discussion were ex concessis arguments, also knows as arguments from commitment, against the Christian clerics and missionaries of his age, i.e., arguments based on the commitments, assertions, or concessions of the opponents, not the arguer’s own convictions. In other words, these arguments were based on the convictions and the subjective truth of the opponents, not the objective truth or the personal conviction of the Promised Messiahas. These Christian clerics and missionaries spent day and night writing scores of books slandering and insulting the blessed character and life of the Holy Prophetsa. Therefore, it was necessary to give these Christians a taste of their own medicine and silence them by presenting the character of that Messiah of their own Gospels.

At the same time, on many occasions, the Promised Messiahas has clearly recorded his personal views about Jesusas based on the Holy Quran, but these streamers hide the truth to create controversies and spread falsehood.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas categorically accepts Jesusas as a true Prophet of God

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas writes: “We inform our readers that our belief concerning Jesusas is extremely noble. We most sincerely believe that he was a true prophet of Allah the Almighty and His beloved. As the Holy Quran tells us, we hold firm faith that he most sincerely believed in our leader and master Prophet Muhammad Mustafa, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, for his salvation, and that he was one of the hundreds of obedient servants of the Law of Moses. Therefore, we hold a great esteem for him in accordance with his exalted status.” (Nurul-Quran, Pt. 2, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 9, p. 374) In his book, Jang-e Muqaddas (The Holy War), the Promised Messiahas writes: “And you are mistaken in your statement that having described the use of an abusive word by the Messiah, it is as if I have disrespected him. I consider

extracts published online to exemplify academic dishonesty.

Did Hazrat Ahmadas describe Jesusas as a drunkard?

The following extract from the Promised Messiah’sas book, Noah’s Ark, was misrepresented and attributed to him as if this was his own viewpoint: “The degree to which alcohol has harmed the people of Europe is because Jesus himself used to drink [according to the Gospels] – perhaps on account of a malady or out of previous habit. But O ye Muslims! Your Prophet, peace be upon him, was pure and free from every kind of intoxicant. Indeed, he was truly free from all sin. So as Muslims who do you follow?

Unlike the Gospel, the Quran does not permit alcohol. On the basis of which scripture do you then deem alcohol to be lawful? Why are you so heedless of death?” (Noah’s Ark [Kashti-eNuh], p. 113) In the above extract, the Promised Messiahas is simply cautioning the Muslims not to follow the Europeans into drinking alcohol because in their Gospel it has been wrongfully stated that Jesusas used to drink. Hence, this cannot be used as an excuse by them. The Promised Messiahas then explains that Muslims have got no excuse because their Holy Prophetsa was purified by God and the Holy Quran testifies to his noble character as he never committed such acts.

This is the most sublime method utilised by the Promised Messiahas to admonish the Christians and advise the Muslims. This in no way implies that he insulted the Quranic Prophet Jesusas.

Explaining how Christians justify their consumption of alcohol, the Promised Messiahas says: Pisit Heng | Unsplash “For since the Christian gentlemen the Messiah [Jesusas] a true Prophet and have a sure prescription for the remission a venerable and beloved servant of God of sins in their hands, i.e., the blood of the Almighty. That was merely an argument Messiah [Atonement]. It is quite obvious from commitment that was appropriate what [bad] results this prescription must to your taste, and that accusation falls on have produced among their people and to you, not on me.” (The Holy War [Jang-e- what extent it would have emboldened the [people’s] self that incites evil to commit Muqaddas], p. 122) After reading the above words of the sin. I think I need not describe to which Promised Messiahas, it would be extremely extent this prescription has undermined unfair for an individual to just quote a the practical life and purity of Europeans couple of biased selections from the writings and Americans. Especially since the of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas where he second ingredient of this recipe, alcohol, is making an argument from commitment has also been added to this prescription, against the Christian clergymen, and then it has become a dangerous and incendiary present them as the viewpoint of Prophet substance. In support of this practice, it is Ahmadas regarding the Quranic Prophet stated that the Messiahas used to drink wine, so it is the duty of every true Christian to Jesusas.

Now, we will briefly look into some of the drink wine as well and follow their master.”

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024 (Nasim-e Da‘wat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, pp. 432-33) Clarifying his own position on Jesusas in the book Noah’s Ark, the Promised Messiahas states: “Anyone who asserts that I do not revere the Messiah [Jesusas], son of Mary[as], is mischievous and a liar.” (Noah’s Ark, p. 29) As mentioned by the Promised Messiahas in his writings, alcohol addiction is attributed to Jesus Christ in the Gospels, as Matthew writes: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” (Matthew 11: 18-19) Another misrepresented extract shown on the live stream was taken from the second part of an article series titled “Trinity and Unity” published in the issues of February, March, and April 1902 of The Review of Religions (Urdu). The misquotation attributed to the Promised Messiahas comes under the sub-heading, “Discussion on the Divinity of the [Biblical] Messiah as per their Evidence of Sinlessness”.

The title of the aforementioned article and the sub-heading clearly substantiates that the Promised Messiah’sas intended audience was the Christians. The Promised Messiahas challenged them to revisit the Evidence of Sinlessness of Jesus Christ present in their own book, and then he admonished the Christians to examine the character of their Messiah of the Gospels as compared to the holy and blessed life of Prophet Muhammadsa. However, the nominal scholars of present age, striving to deceive the general public, handpicked the following statement: “I have pondered carefully over [the “Evidence of (the Biblical Messiah’s) Sinlessness”] and pondered over it as deeply as possible. As per my [research], Jesus Christ [of the Gospels] did not abstain from wine, and never took a wife, however, I believe that God protected him from evil. What shall I do, my examination [of the Gospels] does not declare that he can be as perfect in chastity as another person who neither drinks alcohol nor lacks lawful wives.” (The Review of Religions [Urdu], March 1902, p. 116) In the life of the Promised Messiahas, the above statement along with the entire context was published in The Review of Religions (English) of March 1902. Analysing the following complete paragraph along with the statement under discussion simply does not support the allegation on its own: “It is for this reason that I cherish a far greater love for my Lord andٰ Master, the � Prophet Muhammad ‫ صلی الّٰلہ علیہ وسّلّم‬than for Jesus Christ, and this is the reason that the former stands on a much higher and firmer rock of purity and innocence than the latter.

The causes in which virtue takes its rise and the occasions on which it may be practised, were not granted by the Lord Almighty in the same abundance to Jesus Christ as to our Prophet[sa] and the former far surpassed the latter in these respects. Jesus Christ made free use of wine and never took a wife. Now we believe that Providence protected him from evil, but we cannot admit that under these circumstances he

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could be as perfect in the purity of heart and in spotlessness of character as the person who remained a total abstainer throughout his life and had also lawful wives.” (The Review of Religions [English], March 1902, pp. 119-20) The name “Jesus Christ” manifestly shows that the writer is referring to the Messiah of the Gospels and not the true prophet Jesusas mentioned in the Holy Quran, as the Promised Messiahas himself states: “Therefore, wherever we have used harsh words in our discourse, we have meant the fictitious Jesus of the Christians.

The meek servant of God Almighty, Jesus son of Mary, who was a Prophet mentioned in the Quran, is never intended in our severe rhetoric. We have adopted this approach after having heard for forty years abuses [of the Holy Prophetsa] from the Christian clergymen. Some ignorant maulvis – who should be called blind and sightless – excuse the Christian clergymen saying that these poor, helpless people do not utter anything wrong from their mouths and do not disrespect our Holy Prophetsa. But let it be remembered that, in reality, it is the Christian clergymen who are at the forefront in expressing contempt, insults and abuses. We have a repository of books by those clergymen who have filled their writings with hundreds of abuses.

Any maulvi who wishes can come and see for himself. And let it be known that in future, whichever clergyman will shun the ways of abuse and speak respectfully, we shall also deal with him respectfully. But at present they themselves are responsible for the attacks on their own Jesus, for under no circumstances can they refrain from abuses and insults. We have grown weary of listening to them.” (Nurul-Quran, Pt. 2, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 9, p. 375) The following quote was also shown out of context on the stream and was presented as the viewpoint of the Promised Messiahas: “Therefore, we cannot consider such an impious, arrogant and enemy of the righteous as a good-natured person, let alone a prophet.” (Zamima Anjam-e Atham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 11, p. 293) It is very surprising to observe how these opponents who have no fear of God present only two lines from a long footnote and refer to it as the Promised Messiah’sas view about Jesusas. If anyone reads the complete context, it will be evident on him that here the Promised Messiahas is making an argument from commitment against an opponent of Islam named Fateh Masih, who not only rejected the prophecy of Promised Messiahas regarding Atham, but also disrespected other honourable prophets and used abusive language for the Holy Prophetsa.

The Promised Messiahas clarified on countless occasions by using the phrases “[we] come to know from the Gospel of Matthew […]” (Ibid., p. 289), “an erudite priest states […]” (Ibid., p. 290), etc., that the said beliefs were held by the Christians and should not be considered his personal views. Moreover, the Promised Messiahas finishes this footnote with a very clear statement against this opponent of Islam.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas addressed Fateh Masih towards the end and said: “Finally, we write that we had no issue with the Jesus of these Christian clergymen

and his conduct. It was they who unjustly abused our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which prompted us to expose to them some of the realities of their Jesus. For instance, this very wretched and unworthy Fateh Masih, in a letter to me, called the Holy Prophetsa an adulterer and also hurled many other abuses. Consequently, in the same way, this lifeless and wicked group of people, which worships the dead, has compelled us to write down some of the accounts of their Jesus.” (Ibid., pp. 292-93) The so-called religious scholars showed many other similar handpicked references accusing the Promised Messiahas, but the truth becomes quite visible to the reader once they read the context with absolute unbiasedness and impartiality.

Did past scholars of Islam insult Jesusas?

We have observed that these streamers rush towards accusing the Promised Messiahas of false allegations; however, if they read the literature of their past scholars, they would find similar techniques used by them to reply to the Christians missionaries and priests.

For example, in his book Izalat alAwham, Shaykh Rahmatullah Kairanavi (d.

1891), a well-respected Sunni scholar from India who opposed the Christian mission and wrote several pamphlets in Urdu and Arabic against Christianity, wrote: “And in John 11, 5, it is written that Jesus Christ loved Martha and her sister Lazarus. […]

“Many women would walk around with Jesus Christ. They would serve him with their money and he had Martha and her sister as his friends. He loved them. Now those who reject Jesus Christ can raise the allegation that because he was young and beautiful, women fell in love with him and went after him. Moreover, they served him with their money.

“When this matter has reached the level of certainty that Jesus Christ loved some of the women, and because of alcohol, he would take other benefits from them as well, then why would he need a nikah?”

(Izalat al-Awham, Vol. 2, p. 210) Rahmatullah Kairanavi then mentions the story of a female prostitute who kissed the feet of Jesus Christ and cried in front of him, so much so that he forgave her sins.

(Ibid., pp. 210-11) Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi (d. 1921), a well-known Sunni leader from India, in Fatawa-e Razaviyya under the heading “False gods of Christians”, states: “Breathing his last, the god of Christians (Jesus Christ) went to his Father due to the cruelty of the people. He honoured his only son in such a way that he exalted the oppressed and innocent [Jesus Christ] by throwing him into the hellfire and roasting him in Hell owing to the [sins] of others.”

(Fatawa-e Razaviyya, Vol. 15, p. 539) Ahmad Raza Khan further states that Christians believe in such a god who was certainly a deceiver and had two female prostitutes as his partners. (Ibid., p. 540) A famous scholar of Ahl-e-Hadis, Maulvi Muhammad Hussein of Batala (d.

1920), writes: “Contrary to the miracle of turning [water into] wine by the Messiah of the Gospels, (which legitimised their use of alcohol), the Quran instructed that liquor, gambling, idols and divining arrows are

impure and evil deeds, so avoid them in order to be saved. And the commandments of the Quran in rejection to the moral teaching of Jesus Christ have been published previously […].” (Isha‘atus-Sunnah, Vol. 17, No. 7, p. 221)

What was the need for the Promised Messiahas to use such harsh words?

One may ask why would the Promised Messiahas use such harsh words. For this, we need to revisit the situation and events of 19th century in British India. On the one hand the Christians were spreading their teachings, on the other hand they were constantly attacking Islam and the character of the Holy Prophetsa. Christian critics and clergymen would use extremely abusive language for the Holy Prophetsa.

Thus, it was necessary to silence them by showing them the Jesus Christ which is mentioned in their Gospels. As Allah the Almighty clearly states:

ُۡ ٌَ َ ُ ‫ِّمۡثُل َ​َہا‬ ِ� ‫َ​َج ٓ​ٰٓزُؤا َ​َس �ِ​ِّیَئ ٍ​ٍۃ َ​َس �ِ​ِّیَئٌۃ‬

“The recompense of an injury is a penalty in proportion thereto.” (Surah ash-Shura, Ch.42: V.41) However, the Promised Messiahas at numerous occasions called on the Christian missionaries and scholars that if they would stop abusing the Holy Prophetsa, he would also stop portraying their Messiah of the Gospels.

Saviour of Islam In 1898, a Christian missionary, Ahmad Shah, a former Muslim, wrote a book, Ummahatul-Momineen. This book was full of slurs against the character of the Prophet Muhammadsa, slandering his wives and accusing him of various mischiefs.

Thousands of copies were published and distributed to the public for free.

In response, the Muslim Anjuman only sent a memorial to the government appealing for the suspension of the book’s publication. However, the Promised Messiahas was of the view that if no book was written from the Muslims’ side, the impression to the public would be that we have no answers. Scholars like Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan agreed with him.

Conclusion As the Promised Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas not only wrote numerous books replying to the Christians but also invited them to public debates and prayer duels for their reformation. Hence, every step the Promised Messiahas took was due to his immense love for the Holy Prophetsa and to present the true teachings of Islam to the world.

Yet we see today that the opponents hide many great works of the Promised Messiahas and present a few words taken out of context accusing him of insulting Prophet Jesusas.

Moreover, the enemies of the Promised Messiahas don’t realise that it is impossible for him to first declare himself as an embodiment of Jesusas and then disrespect him at the same time.

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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Pioneer Missionaries

Resilient missionaries’ journey Part XVI to Iran and Bukhara A series looking at pioneer missionaries and devotees of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat who gave precedence to faith over the world.

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

In July 1924, when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra departed from Qadian on his historic and epoch-making journey to Europe, it marked a memorable and most important milestone in the history of Ahmadiyyat’s tabligh efforts in both the East and the West. This is because, on the same day, Huzoorra also dispatched three missionaries from Qadian.

Among them, Hazrat Syed Shahzada Abdul Majeed Khanra was designated for the propagation of Islam in Iran, while the missionary delegation for the Russian region of Bukhara comprised Zahur Hussain Sahib and Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib.

Bukhara was a region of particular importance due to its location on the Silk Road. This region, which was once a wellknown name between Russia and Iran, is now the fifth largest city in the country of Uzbekistan, which gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and is the capital of its Bukhara province.

The region of Bukhara has remained an important centre of Iranian culture in the neighbourhood of Bolshevik Russia in the books of history, and the architecture and antiquities of this city are a sample of Iranian history and art.

In short, the missionary delegation sent to the region of Bukhara, which was considered to be the gateway to Soviet Russia, arrived in the Iranian city of

<< Continued from page 9

“There is no God but Thou, Holy art Thou. I have indeed been of the wrongdoers.”

(Surah Al-anbiya’ Ch.21: V.88) About this humble prayer, Allah the Almighty says;

ٰ َ​َ ُ َ َٰ َۡ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ ‫َ​َف‬ ‫اَس َ​َت َﺠ ِۡبُنا َّل َ ٗ​ٗہ � َۡوِن �ﺠ ۡ​ۡیُن ُٗہ َِم َُّن اَّلﻐ ِ �ۡم َۡوُکِذَّل َِک ِنــ � ِ�َی اَّل َُم ۡﺆ َِم ُِنۡی َ​َن‬

“So, we heard his prayer and delivered him from the distress. And thus, do We deliver the believers.” (Surah al-Anbiya’, Ch.21: V.89) This verse further strengthens the promise of Allah the Almighty towards anyone who calls out to Him in absolute humility. A deeper perspective of the prayer of Hazrat Yunusas brings to light the profound relationship he had with Allah the Almighty that even the Holy Prophetsa said in a narration:

Mashhad on 16 October 1924. Here, Zahur Hussain Sahib fell ill with typhoid and was admitted to the hospital, but Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib, who had also travelled to Bukhara in 1921, left for Bukhara on 6 November 1924, and did missionary work for some time.

Muhammad Amin Sahib’s mission to Iran and meeting with General Jan Muhammad Khan During his years of service, Muhammad Amin Sahib was once again sent to Iran, specifically Bukhara. Regarding this period, Al Fazl published a report in the issue dated 17 August 1926. At the beginning of this report, the editor wrote in his introductory note: “The Ahmadiyya Community is well aware of the selfless and heroic dedication of Khan Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib of Bukhara to the propagation of Ahmadiyyat.

He has not only travelled to difficult and remote places without regard for danger or relying on external equipment, but he has also been imprisoned several times and endured the hardships of incarceration.

However, by the grace of God, he continued to demonstrate courage and bravery during perilous times, remaining undaunted by any formidable power. Recently, he wrote in a private letter about his experience of attending the court of a highly respectable and prominent member of the Kingdom

�ٰ َ َ َ ْ َ� ُ� َ ْ َ ٌ ْ ُ ٌ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ� َ ‫َف ِﺈِنٗہ َّلۡم ۡیَدُع ِ​ِبُہا َرَجِل َمَس ُِلۡم �ِۡی �ۡی ًٍء ُقﻂ إَِلا اَسَتﺠ‬ ‫اُب الّٰل ُِہ َّل َ ُٗہ‬ “So indeed, no Muslim man supplicates ۡ َ ۤ َ� ۤ َ� ُۡ � َ َ ۡ �ٰ with it, [ie., ‫ ]َلا ِاَّلٰ َٗہ ِاَلا اِن َُت َُس ِۡب َٰحُنَک ۖ٭ ِاِن ِ ۡ​ۡی ُکُن ُ​ُت َِم َُّن اَّلَظ ُِل َِمۡی َ​َن‬for anything, ever, except Allah responds to him.” (Sunan at Tirmizi, Kitabu d-da‘wati ‘an rasulillahi sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Abwabu da‘wat, Hadith 3505) This hadith of the Holy Prophetsa also teaches us how we can connect with Allah to seek his forgiveness, admit our wrongs and seek purification from our evil desires. This attitude evokes the mercy of Allah upon an individual. The Holy Prophetsa is also reported to have said: “[...] And no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him.”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitabu l-birri wa s-sillati wa l-adab, Bab is-tihbabi l-‘afwi wa t-tawadu‘, Hadith 2588) Even in the zenith of Islam’s triumph, historical records attest to the profound humility embodied by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. During this triumphant

AXP Photography | Unsplash

of Iran. This further illuminates his heroic methods.” (Al Fazl, 17 August 1926, p. 3) For the interest of our readers, some related excerpts from this letter are provided below in his own words.

Muhammad Amin Sahib, recounting his journey, describes his encounter: “During my temporary stay in Mashhad, the Ahmadiyya movement gained considerable fame. Scholars, educated individuals, officials, journalists, shopkeepers, merchants, and people of all professions became acquainted with the claims of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

Observing this, while some earnest and discerning individuals opted to peruse the literature of the movement and engage in personal conversations with me, there were also some bigoted and narrow-minded individuals who adopted an antagonistic attitude. They began endeavouring to expel this humble missionary from the country by various means.” (Ibid.)

He further states: “I thought it appropriate that I should also meet the supreme ruler here, Amir-

period, the Holy Prophetsa dedicated significant time in the stillness of the night, immersed in prostration, shedding tears, and fervently praying to Allah. His supplications were a poignant plea for the salvation of his ummah, earnestly seeking divine intervention to avert impending destruction. While describing the humility of the Holy Prophetsa , the Promised Messiahas writes: “The exalted station [‘uluww] that is granted to the chosen servants of God Almighty is imbued with the hue of humility, whereas Satan’s self-exaltation [‘uluww] was tainted with arrogance. Behold, when our Noble Prophetsa conquered Mecca, he bowed down and prostrated [before Allah], just as he used to do during the days of afflictions and difficulties when he used to face every kind of opposition and be inflicted with hardships in the same [town of] Mecca.

Upon seeing the state he had left Mecca in and the state that he was now returning to, his heart was filled with gratitude to God,

and he prostrated himself in thanksgiving.”

(Al Hakam, 31 October 1902; Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 4, p. 65, footnote) The Promised Messiahas has also said: “Wherever you fall weak, raise your hands in prayer with sincerity and faith. For hands that are raised with a spirit of humility and meekness as a result of sincerity and faith are never returned empty.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1 p.143) In conclusion, the world is looming towards destruction as several crises have arisen in different parts of the world.

Therefore, it is our duty as believers to always reflect and act upon the profound lessons of humility learnt from the lives of Prophets.

While absolute humility is significant in the acceptance of prayer, humility alone is not enough for prayer to be accepted but one must also strive to live a life of righteousness, purity and perfect attention and love.

Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024

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100 Exploring the Islamic world:

Years Ago...

A century ago Al Fazl, 4 March 1924

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Sitting in the capital of the British Empire, one can take a thorough look across the globe and study to a great extent what is happening in any part of the world. The trend of political freedom in the Islamic world and the struggle in the nations belonging to Islam to stand on their own two feet can be well observed from London.

This week, the ambassador of newly liberated Egypt arrived in London. His Excellency, Aziz Ezzat Pasha, has met the British King [George V].

In the same week, His Excellency Yusuf Kemal Bey, who is the representative of the Turkish government, also arrived here.

The political relations between Britain and Turkey are set to resume once the Turkey deal is confirmed by the newly elected

<< Continued from previous page

ul-Askar, East General Jan Muhammad Khan Sahib, who is also the governor of the province of Khorasan and Sistan [...]. Due to the current revolution, a military system of government is in place throughout Iran. The entire country is currently in the throes of a political revolution, and the commander of the entire armed forces is General Jan Muhammad Sahib. He is the same general who recently won a significant victory over the Turkmen, which had a major impact on the current revolution. Since he is also the governor of the province, I tried to meet him, and he scheduled a time for me [...].

“I went to meet the general at the appointed time for the meeting. By chance, on the same day, in honour of his victory over the Turkmen, gifts, and medals also arrived from Tehran for him in great pomp and glory on several vehicles from the current ruling Shah of Iran. On the occasion of which, there was army personnel’s immense presence inside and outside his palace.

“Military officers adorned with their gold medals, wearing khaki uniforms, were standing on the porch of the palace waiting for the governor to come out so that a salute parade could be given to him and then a photo could be taken with military and civil officers. Since the time for the meeting was also fixed at the same time, I had to be present. I passed through the general army and the military bands, but when I reached the military officers, some officials tried to stop me. Because the Russians took away all my clothes and belongings at the border, and I had no clothes other than the clothes I was wearing. And the overcoat I was

[British] parliament.

The Muslims of Serbia, Albania and Bosnia are trying to reform themselves. Iran is discreetly and Afghanistan passionately focused on educating its youth. The Arab nations are busy thinking about ways of unifying, harmonising, and progressing.

The Muslims of Russia are under the influence of atheism. The flames of war are raging between the people of Tripoli and Morocco and the European government.

The state of the Muslims of India appears to be one of the most pitiable in the world.

Despite their hue and cry, it seems that no one knows them in Europe and they also have no voice in India. The British, who were sympathetic towards them at first, have now become hopeless. Some Muslims of India have abandoned their British friends.

The [Indian Muslims] have also deprived themselves of the sympathy of Arabs by

calling them rebels. On the other hand, the Turks do not need such unwise friends who make Turkey a thorn in the eyes of Europe and especially the British Empire with their short-sighted actions. The government of Ismat Pasha, therefore, by separating the empire and the caliphate, has secured the political course of the Turkish government from the dangers that have always caused it trouble.

wearing had become a little too old due to several years of use. Which I had tied with a rope from the waist due to the cold. I was wearing Punjabi shoes without socks, which I had repaired in several places. Seeing my condition, some military officers stopped me. However, since I had the handwritten letter from the general, some senior officers allowed me to go further after reviewing it.

“Some Indian friends had asked me to wear borrowed clothes and shoes for the meeting. However, my heart and mind did not agree to this because if I can be honoured in the presence of my master, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] in these clothes, and if I can be present in the court of God Almighty, Who is our ultimate Master, in these torn old and worn-out clothes, why is it objectionable if I get an audience in the court of these worldly rulers in these clothes? [...] “[During the meeting] I gave a brief account of the situation of the Ahmadiyya movement, the claims of the Promised Messiahas, the central situation, external missions, newspapers, the mosque in London, the mosque in Chicago, and all the services done in the cause of Islam. I also told the story of my brother, Moulvi Zahoor Hussain Sahib, going to Russia.

“While mentioning other things, I also mentioned that my parents are originally Afghan Yusufzai, but now my real homeland is Qadian, and not only me but also many Afghans have migrated to Qadian due to the oppression in Afghanistan.

“A copy of the book Da’watul Amir [Invitation to Ahmadiyyat] in Persian was presented as a gift. Accepting it, he said: ‘I shall definitely read it, but since my schedule is very tight, I will be able to finish it in two

to three months.’

“I also drew attention to the poor and destitute who perished in the winter due to the scourge of cold and hunger. I suggested that a charity shelter house should be launched for such people. He liked this suggestion and promised that, ‘Insha-Allah I will not only ensure that the charity house is established and run properly, but I will also make arrangements to improve the lives of such people in the future.’

“In the end, I thanked them very much and returned.” (Ibid.)

Sir Archibald Hamilton The [5th] Baronet of the English royal family, [Sir Archibald Hamilton] has boldly announced his conversion to Islam, and commending the tabligh [preaching] efforts of the Right Honourable, Lord Headley [AlFarooq], ascribes his declaration to their friendship.

A congratulatory telegram has been sent

Maulana Zahoor Hussain Sahib’s arrival in Qadian The newspaper, Al Fazl, published the following news on its first page on 29 October 1926, under the heading “Maulana Zahur Hussain Sahib arrives in Darul Aman”: “The news will be a source of great joy for our dear readers that the mujahid in the way of Allah, Maulana Zahur Hussain Sahib, arrived safely in [Qadian] Darul Aman on the morning of 25 October. He departed for the propagation journey to Bukhara with our dear brother Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib on 12 July 1924. Maulana Zahur Hussain Sahib fell ill upon reaching Mashhad, and there was also a fear of both of them being arrested. Therefore, Brother Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib proceeded to Bukhara first. He was also arrested on the way, but somehow he reached Bukhara.

From there, he brought Haji Ali Quli Khan Sahib with him, who stayed in Darul Aman for several months before returning to his homeland. Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib was then sent out again with him. Currently,

to Baronet from Ahmadiyya Darut Tabligh, because the message of Islam being conveyed to the people of this country is essentially in the form of the blessed teaching presented by the Promised Messiahas and the guidance imparted by him. Though the ungrateful people do not mention the name of this holy benefactor, the message is clearly given by the Promised Messiahas and its impact is evident. Even if some people are nominal Muslims, the followers of Prophet Ahmadas hold all those brothers very dear to them who claim to be the servants of Prophet Muhammadsa.

This humble one, [Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra] is happy that the honourableٰ son of theٰ United Kingdom has � ُ ُ َ� ُ َ� َ ُ ُ � َ� َ ٰ َ ‫“[ َلآ ِ​ِاٰلَہ ِ​ِاَّلا الّٰلُہ ُمَحَّمُد َّرُس‬There is none professed ‫وُل الّٰلہ‬ worthy of worship except Allah, and Continued on page 15 >>

the missionary brother is once again out of contact, and various rumours are circulating about him.

“One of Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib’s tasks during his second visit was to locate Maulana Zahur Hussain Sahib.

Maulana Zahur Hussain Sahib had departed Mashhad alone for Bukhara. Upon crossing the border, he boarded a train, which took him to Bukhara. However, upon arrival, he was arrested by the police, who erroneously suspected him of being a spy.

“He was incarcerated in the jails of Tashkent and Ashgabat before being transported to Moscow. The investigation yielded no results. However, the Bolshevik authorities failed to comprehend that someone would undertake such a long and arduous journey solely for the sake of religion, with no involvement in politics.

These tyrants subjected him to severe physical torture, binding him with ropes and throwing him into dark cells at night, where they beat him. Nevertheless, our respected and valiant brother endured it with God’s grace, never losing sight of his original purpose of spreading the message of faith.

Consequently, 40 individuals from various regions, particularly Turkestan, pledged allegiance to the Ahmadiyya community and vowed to propagate its message of truth to others. May Allah Almighty reward our steadfast brother abundantly. These are the chosen individuals who comprehend the true essence of Ahmadiyyat and, through the blessings of Khilafat, achieve their objective.

“May Allah reward them abundantly and shower them with gratitude from me and all Muslims.” (Al Fazl, 29 October 1926, pp. 1-2)

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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Justice demands independence of Arab lands Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s speech on All India Radio amidst Iraq disturbance in 1941 A map of Iraq | The Daily Mail, 27 May 1941

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

In 1941, during World War II, Iraq had to face severe turmoil when Rashid Ali al-Gaylani – former prime minister of Iraq (1892-1950), Mohammed Amin alHusseini – Grand Mufti of Jerusalem (18951974), and like-minded people initiated chaos and disorder in the country. It was on 1 April 1941, when a revolt erupted against the pro-British government of Iraq, with support from the Axis powers during World War II. This is commonly known as the “Rashid Ali al-Gaylani coup” or the “Golden Square coup”. This situation endangered the safety and peace of the sacred places of the Muslim world. (A History of JewishMuslim Relations: From the Origins to the Present Day, [Ed.] Abdelwahab Meddeb and Benjamin Stora, Princeton University Press, 2013, pp. 349-356) In light of these happenings, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, delivered a speech on the All India Radio Station, which was also broadcast from the Delhi and Lucknow stations.

The Civil and Military Gazette, 25 May 1941

The Civil and Military Gazette announced under the heading “Broadcast on Iraq”: “Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmed of Qadian will broadcast a talk in Hindustani on ‘Iraq’ from All India Radio, Lahore, on Sunday, May 25, at 8:50 pm.”

(The Civil and Military Gazette, 25 May 1941, p. 10) Before proceeding to the details of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra speech, an excerpt from the newspaper Riasat of Delhi is presented below, which highly commended Huzoor’sra speech and explained how it was a better solution to this issue: “The weakest aspect of a subjugated country or nation is that its people lack moral truthfulness and courage, and the characteristics of flattery, lies, and cowardness become more apparent amongst them. Iraq’s Rashid Ali cannot be labelled as a traitor of the country – whether he is wrong from the British perspective or his fight against the British is inappropriate – he is striving for his country’s political

freedom. But look at the [moral] character of our subjugated country’s leadership and chiefs of its states that whoever speaks about the situation of Iraq, labels Rashid Ali as a traitor. Moreover, any leader who gives a statement about the war, commences it by declaring Rashid Ali as a traitor, and then proceeds with their statement. Due to the subjugated mindset, the [moral] character of these leaders and chiefs of states has degraded so much that they are considering the wrongful flattery [of the West] to be a good service to the country or government.

On the contrary, in the presence of such an ignorant flattery by the country’s leadership and chiefs of states, the moral courage, great character, and honesty of the religious leader of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat of Qadian would be received with great interest and pleasure, which he had expressed during a radio speech last week.” (Riasat of Delhi, 2 June 1941, p. 10) During his speech, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra said: “The present unfortunate rising in Iraq is naturally causing deep anxiety to Muslims all over the world, including the Muslims in India. Baghdad – which is the Capital of this country, Basra – its main port, and Mosul – the centre of its oil wells, are names with which a Muslim becomes familiar from early childhood. The Abbasid period, with its great scientific and cultural achievements, is naturally treasured by the Muslims as a proud and pleasant memory; but Alif Laila, the book that is the best friend of children interested in the study of Arabic literature, has invested these ancient towns with a glamour all their own. The moment they close their eyes and give their imagination a little play, the thoroughfares of Baghdad, the lanes of Basra and the caravan sarais of Mosul stand before them, so vivid and lifelike as though all their lives they had lived among those scenes.

“Speaking of myself personally, I can say that in the days of my childhood, Baghdad and Basra had far more attraction for me than London and Paris; for, while the latter two were hardly more to me at that time than a couple of geographical names imprisoned in the cells of my brain, the former on the wings of my imagination seemed to float all over the world. The bond which sprang from the delight that tales about these cities gave to us when we were children, deepened when, on growing to maturity, we learnt of the great Imams in the realms of Hadith and Fiqh – Ahmad bin Hanbalrh, Abu Hanifarh and Abu Yusuf, of the great Sufis – Junayd

Baghdadi and Shibli and Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, and of a host of great scholars, historians, men of letters, statesmen and great kings – like Abdur Rahman Ibn Qayyim, Nizam-ud-Din Tusi, Al-Mubarraz Sebuah, Jarir and Al-Farazdak for literature, the great Harun al-Rashid and his equally illustrious son, Mamun. These are the gems produced by Iraq that still inspire our minds and fire our imagination.

“When scenes and places associated with such treasured memories of a glorious past, became the scene of a most ill-advised political disturbance, how could the Muslims help feeling deep stabs of pain over it? When the sacred mausoleums over the remains of these heroes, doubly sacred to us because we are bound to them by spiritual ties as well, became exposed to the terrible destruction of a modern total war, how could we remain unconcerned!

“Iraq contains the sacred places of both the Sunni and the Shi‘a Muslims; moreover, this country is situated in the very heart of the Muslim world, its prosperity and peace are therefore the heart’s desire of every Muslim. But this dear land now lies exposed to the horrors of a war of which the devastation in other lands wrung our hearts even when there was no special tie between us and its victims. In the face of this peril, the Muslims cannot remain silent, and indeed, they are not silent over it. All over the world, they are giving expression to the deep anxiety gnawing at their hearts, and their apprehensions over this unfortunate situation are fully justified. For the war in which a decision had so far been expected in the African Sahara and in the waters of the Mediterranean shall have to be fought out now on fields where the ebb and tide of battle would flow in no man’s land over Muslim homes. Our mosques and the courtyards of our dwelling houses would now form the redoubts over which the war shall pour out all its fury.

“It is painful to reflect that, but for a deplorable lack of foresight on the part of a few Iraqi leaders, it need not have been so.

It is unfortunate that these leaders, ere they decided to raise this revolt, did not pause to take note of the fact that in the case of all those countries that Germany had so far overrun, she had not given freedom to any; that she had only clamped down her own irons on them and was holding them down.

If Sheikh Rashid Ali al-Gaylani and his friends had not joined hands with Germany, the danger to the Muslim world need not have arisen.

“In consequence of this revolt, Turkey has been encircled; the war has been brought to the very door-steps of Iran; and as for Syria, that country now lies in the direct line of the conflict; Iraq has become the epicentre of the war; while, at the rate the storm moves, Afghanistan is not far out of its reach. The greatest danger, thus, lies in the fact that the furies of war are now hovering on the very borders of places that, to us, are dearer far than our own native lands, our lives and our honour. Our sacred places, which are guarded by no ramparts – which, as far as material means are concerned, have no defence at all, are now fully exposed to the danger. Those slender walls to which cling our hearts with inexpressible love, no matter where we are, now lie in the reach of dive-bombers and high explosive missiles, of which a single hit can shatter rock-like fortifications to the ground.

“All this has come to pass through a mistake on the part of a few of our own brothers; for, before the trouble broke out in Iraq, the war front was hundreds of miles away from these places. In these circumstances, it is the duty of each single Muslim to try to nip the mischief while it is still in the bud. There is still a chance for us to push back the theatre of war ere it has had time to develop fully, for German and Italian forces have not so far penetrated into Iraq in any great strength. Should the enemy succeed in gaining a surer foothold, our task would not be so easy, and the flames of war in one big leap would then spread all over the Arabian desert.

“This mischief cannot be adequately fought merely by heaping abuse on Sheikh Rashid Ali and the Mufti of Jerusalem: we cannot put out this fire by simply calling them traitors. I am not acquainted with Sheikh Rashid but I know the Mufti personally. [The Mufti had invited Huzoorra to a tea party at his home, on 2 August 1924, while Huzoorra visited Palestine in 1924. (Al Fazl, 4 September 1924, p. 3)] “The explanation of his hostility towards Britain should not be looked for in the supposition that he has been bought over

by Germany. His opposition springs from the fact that he thinks that the undertakings given to the Arabs by the Allies in the course of the war of 1914-18 have not been duly fulfilled. If we persist in merely venting our wrath by calling these people names, those who hold them in esteem would only be angered thereby. [...] Therefore, Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024 << Continued from previous page

Muhammadsa is the Messenger of Allah”].

May Allah grant us many more [converts to Islam].

Missionary work The missionaries of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat are engaged in spreading the message of Islam to the best of their ability. The people of this country were busy with the inauguration of their new parliament. As compared to politics, relatively less attention is given to religion over here.

The outdoor lectures are now receiving more attention than before, and there is a great demand for literature on Islam. By the grace and mercy of God Almighty, 1924 appears to be a much better and glorious year for Islam [Ahmadiyyat].

In all the religious circles in this part of the world, there is a tendency to interact with tolerance, mutual love and broadmindedness. Moreover, people here are realising that seeds are being sown in the land of their hearts, and they are also looking for a Harith [i.e., landlord or cultivator; one of the names of the Promised Messiahas], and Ahmadiyya Jamaat is providing them exactly with what they need.

Students Hafiz Syed Mahmudullah Shah Sahib is preparing to return home [i.e., British India], and will leave on 1 February [1924]. Abdul Rahim Khan Khalid Sahib will return home within the next six months after completing the bar exam. Malik Muhammad Ismail Sahib is diligently studying and regularly comes from the city to join us for Friday prayer. Mr Gabriel Sirens is doing a Bar course at the Lincoln Inns and is also enrolled in the LLB class at the University College. Seith Ali Muhammad Abdullah Sahib and Ghulam Hussain Bhanu Sahib are both studying well in Edinburgh. These days, Zafar Haq Khan Sahib has gone to Berlin to meet his sister and brother.

Malik Maula Bakhsh Janjua Sahib of Oxon (Barrister-at-Law and BA Honours) is busy with LLB and BSL exams. Please request our friends to pray for their success.

<< Continued from page 13

in order to safeguard from this possible but dangerous reaction the thousands and thousands of Muslims all over the world who think well of Sheikh Rashid Ali and the Mufti of Jerusalem and hold them in esteem, we should take care to keep our feelings in control. In all that we might say, we should be actuated only by a desire to see the situation righted: we should not let our feelings over the immensity of the issues at stake betray us into mere expressions of anger in terms of abuse.

“We should remember that all that is necessary for us to realise in connection with this rising is that this move on the part of Sheikh Rashid Ali and his friends has put into grave jeopardy the tranquillity and peace of the sacred places of Islam. We have no need to impute low and unworthy motives to the leaders of this revolt. We have

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Berlin Maulvi Ghulam Farid Sahib, along with his wife and child, has reached Germany and is engaged in studying the German language.

He and his family are doing well.

Requests The readers of Al Fazl are requested to pay special attention to the following requests: 1. For Ahmadiyya Darut Tabligh London, please inscribe the creed in Arabic and English on a beautiful fabric and also make a star shape sketch on it, and then send this piece of cloth to this humble one for using it in the flag.

2. Please send neatly calligraphed planks for installation on the walls of Ahmadiyya Mosque [London].

3. Also, send some incense to burn in the mosque.

4. Please send some high-quality prayer mats.

5. Send a large and beautifully written copy of the Holy Quran.

6. Moreover, send copies of the translations of the books, Umdat al-Ahkam and Bulugh al-Maram.

Paying immediate attention to the above requests will be greatly appreciated.

Khwaja Kamaluddin Sahib Our former friend, Khwaja Kamaluddin Sahib has been mentioned as a follower of the “Hanafi Faith” in the recently published Woking Review of December 1923, and his relationship with Qadian has also been disowned. They have also expressed that “An unknown person, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, formed a sect and claimed as the ‘Reformer’ only to free Indian Muslims from human worship.”

The same Khawaja Sahib, during the period in his life when he firmly believed, wrote: ‫االاےرکنمازاشناحیسم‬ ‫ایبونشبزنماوحالایرے‬ [“O denier of the glory of the Messiah, come and hear about the accounts my friend.”] ‫افشےئرہرمضدراقدایناتس‬

neither the right to do so, nor can any good be expected from it. In this crisis, Muslims everywhere should unite in working for the speedy restoration of peace in Iraq”, and “this is the only way to keep the flames of war at a distance from Mecca and Medina, from Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“This is no time for indulging in controversies or recriminations: it is time for quick action. Every Muslim should, without loss of time, warn their neighbours of the danger that hangs over Muslim lands so that all should be ready to do their duty, and to make every possible sacrifice for the common cause.” Those who are not in a position to do anything to alleviate this chaos, “should bow down in prayer that God may be pleased to safeguard the peace and welfare of the Muslim lands, and to open the eyes of our misguided brothers so that they may themselves strive to undo the harm of which unfortunately they have been

‫دشہداراالامنوکےئاگنرے‬ [“The cure for every disease is in Qadian.

The streets of my beloved (i.e., the Promised Messiahas) have become Darul Aman (‘Abode of Peace’).” ‫اطمعاعملودخممداین‬ � ‫ت‬ ‫رگمدراکردنیدخم�گ�ذار‬ [“His obedience and servitude are due upon the world, but he himself is devoted to the service of the faith (of Islam)”]. ‫اشنےنےباشنےنرگوجبیئ‬ ‫م‬ ‫ایبنک ج�لسےابآناگنرے‬ [“If you want to witness a sign, then sit in the company of this man(i.e., the Messiah of the Age)”]. ‫� ت‬ ‫زنبدتکیاشنناخرجزاعدت‬ ‫دخادادنہکنمددیمزہارے‬ [“As far as you are concerned, miracle is a supernatural phenomenon, however, by God, I [Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib] have personally witnessed around one thousand of such signs.”] ‫زاالخقرکہمیاوہچوگمی‬ ‫درںیآوراںیبنراایداگرے‬ [“I do not find the words to describe his high moral standards. In this era, he [i.e.,

the Promised Messiahas] brings back to mind the time of Prophet(sa).”] ‫ت‬ ‫زامناوزفوناز � �تسیبوہسدش‬ ‫وچںازویحاشاخمبطہکدایرے‬ [“His epoch spans over 23 years, and the entire world is the addressee of his revelation.”] ‫وچںاںیذکباتسریحامنہچوگیئ‬ ‫اشبنآںروسلرکداگرے‬ [“I will be very surprised if you still consider him false. You must understand the glory and honour of this Messengeras of Lord of all Creation.”] ‫دخاراوتہبنکازقسفایصعن‬ ‫ہبرتسازاذخآںریغتاعشرے‬ [“Repent to God from the wickedness of rebellion, and fear the grip of the Envious Supreme Being.”] ‫اجنےتسبامہںایدبہکابدش‬ � ‫ت‬ ‫اامموتقرادخم�گ�ذارے‬ [“Salvation will only be attained by those who seek to serve the Imam of the Age (i.e., the Promised Messiahas).”]

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 4 March 1924 issue of Al Fazl)

Nasir Tournament held in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada held the Nasir Tournament from 30 December 2023 to 1 January 2024 at Aiwan Tahir. It was a three-day multi-sport event featuring volleyball, basketball, and a 3-point competition. Each sport had 16 participating teams, bringing together over 300 athletes.

Participants hailed from across Canada, including the Greater Toronto Area, Western Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and Eastern Canada. A team from the neighbouring the cause.

“In my opinion, the trouble in Iraq has come not only as the sharp cut of a whip to rouse the Muslims alone to an adequate sense of the danger, but it is a cause for grave anxiety to all Indians in general, irrespective of class or creed, for this trouble has brought the war near to India. This country now is no more as safe as it was before. An army holding Iraq in its grip could easily march straight to India, either through Arabia or Iran. Therefore, in the face of this peril the people of India should rise superior to the animosities of their internal quarrels and unite in helping Britain to guard the country, as by doing so they would only be helping themselves.

“Perhaps Sheikh Rashid Ali and his supporters think that during the war of 1914-18 the Arabs were assured that on the conclusion of the war, they would be helped in the task of creating an independent Arab

country of the USA also participated.

On 31 December 2023, a sohbat-esaliheen session with Abdus Sami Khan Sahib was held on the topic of the blessings of Khilafat.

Using social media allowed a much larger audience to witness the exciting competitions and added an extra layer of engagement to the event, amplifying its impact and reach beyond the physical venue.

Total attendance for the event was close to 600. This includes athletes as well as spectators.

State, but what actually took place was that Arab lands were parcelled out into four or five divisions; that Britain no doubt had given a measure of independence to Iraq, but the rest of the Arabs too had in no way been behind in point of sacrifices for the Allied cause. Should Britain undertake for the future to give independence to other Arab countries as well, then I am sure the Muslim world would strive as one man to keep their lands clear of war. The indirect gain therefrom to the British Empire, I venture to think, would not be insignificant.

“At the end of this war, the question should be settled not only of the independence of Czechoslovakia and Poland but of the Arab lands as well. Justice demands it: and I am sure that by honouring this requirement of justice Britain would become far mightier than before.” (The Review of Religions, Vol. 40, June 1941, pp. 218-223 [Edited by Al Hakam])

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

9 February 2024 Muhammadsa: The Great Exemplar After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

The slogans raised by Abu Sufyan during the Battle of Uhud were being mentioned [in the previous sermon]. He glorified his idols, upon which the Holy Prophetsa expressed the honour he had for Allah the Almighty. I mentioned how the Holy Prophetsa expressed this honour and that, despite the circumstances, he instructed for slogans glorifying Allah the Almighty to be raised. I will present further references in this regard.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “It is recorded in the ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophetsa] that during the Battle of Uhud, when Abu Sufyan loudly proclaimed:

that they had killed ‘Umar as well. Hazrat ‘Umarra was a man of fiery disposition and was about to respond, but the Holy Prophetsa stopped him from doing so as well. He (Hazrat Umarra) later said ‘I was going to reply that you say we have killed ‘Umar, whereas, ‘Umar is still here and ready to break your neck.’ Nevertheless, the Holy Prophetsa stopped him from replying.

When Abu Sufyan did not receive any response, he raised the slogan:

ُ ُ ‫ُا ْ​ْع ُ​ُل ُ​ُھ َ​َب ْ​ْل ُا ْ​ْع ُ​ُل ُ​ُھ َ​َب ْ​ْل‬

ُ ُٰ ُٰ َ ‫َلَ​َنا ُع �ّٰزی َ​َوَلَا ُع �ّٰزی َلَُک ْ​ْم‬

“‘Uzza is our helper, but you have no idol to help you,’ at that time the Holy Prophetsa instructed the Muslims to say:

ُ َ ‫َلَ​َنا َ​َمْوْٰلٰی َ​َوَلَا َ​َمْوْٰلٰی َلَُک ْ​ْم‬

“‘Our Master and Helper is our God, the Self-Subsisting and Self-Sustaining, but you have no Master or Helper.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says: “What a remarkable way to practically demonstrate the reality of

َ َ‫َا‬ ٰ ‫نَت َ​َم‬ ‫ولٰی‬

“[‘Thou art our Master’] that despite being surrounded by swords, they held firm to the belief that only Allah can save us.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir [2004], Vol. 2, p. 660) On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “When the news of the Holy Prophetsa having been martyred reached the Muslims, they immediately turned back and removed the dead bodies from on top of him. They discovered that the Holy Prophetsa was still

alive and breathing. Subsequently, the first thing they did was to remove the nail of his helmet [from his countenance]. It would not move an inch, but eventually, a Companion removed it with his teeth, which caused two of his teeth to break. Water was sprinkled on the Holy Prophet’ssa face and he regained consciousness. Most Companions had become dispersed and only a small group of Companions were around him. The Holy Prophetsa said to them, ‘We should move to the foot of the mountain.’ As such, he led them to the foot of the mountain and slowly, the remaining army started gathering there as well.

“When the disbelievers’ army was departing, Abu Sufyan loudly proclaimed the name of the Holy Prophetsa and said that they had killed him. The Companions

wanted to reply, but the Holy Prophetsa stopped them and said, ‘This is not the right time. Our men have been dispersed; some have been killed and others are wounded. Only a few of us remain here and everyone is exhausted. The disbelieving army is 3,000 strong and intact. Under such circumstances, it is not wise to respond. If they say that they have killed me, then let it be.’ Thus, the Companions remained silent according to the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa. When Abu Sufyan did not receive a reply, he said that they had killed Abu Bakr as well. The Holy Prophetsa stopped them once again from replying and said, ‘Remain silent! If he says this, then so be it.’ Hence, the Companions remained silent upon hearing this as well. When Abu Sufyan did not receive a reply again, he said

“‘O Hubl! (the idol Abu Sufyan deemed most high) Exalted be thy name’, May Hubl be glorified.” “(In other words, saying that Hubal had killed Muhammad[sa] and his Companions).

Since the Holy Prophetsa had prohibited the Companions from responding, they remained silent on this occasion as well. The Messengersa of Allah, said to remain silent and not respond upon the announcement of his own death; he said to remain silent and not respond upon the announcement of the death of Hazrat Abu Bakrra; he ordered to remain silent and not respond upon hearing the announcement of the death of Hazrat Umarra; he repeatedly said that their army had become dispersed and that there was a risk of the enemy attacking so they should quietly listen to what he was saying.

However, when the words of

ُ ُ ‫ُا ْ​ْع ُ​ُل ُ​ُھ َ​َب ْ​ْل ُا ْ​ْع ُ​ُل ُ​ُھ َ​َب ْ​ْل‬

“‘O Hubal! Exalted be thy name!’ fell upon the ears of this pure and holy man, his honour for the Unity of God was impassioned – because now, it was no longer the question of Muhammadsa, Abu Bakrra or Umarra, but it was of the honour of Allah the Almighty. The Holy Prophetsa emphatically

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024 said, ‘Why do you not respond?’ The Companions asked, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! How shall we respond?’ He said: “‘Say

َ َ �ٰ َ َ َ �ٰ َ ‫َالّٰل ُ​ُہ َع �َّز َ​َو َ​َج �َ​َّل َالّٰل ُ​ُہ َع �َّز َ​َو َ​َج �َ​َّل‬

“‘What is Hubal? Greatness and grandeur belong to Allah the Exalted alone.’”

What an excellent example this was of his passion and zeal for the Unity of God! He forbade his Companions on three occasions from responding, which proves that he was well aware of the associated risks and dangers. He knew that the Muslim army had dispersed, that very few people remained close to him, that the majority of the Companions had been wounded, and that the rest were all exhausted. If the enemy were to learn that a group of the Muslim army had regrouped, perhaps they would have had the courage to attack once more.

But in spite of all of these circumstances, when it became a question of the honour of Allah the Almighty, he could no longer bear to remain silent and even if it meant the enemy would find out their whereabouts, attack and kill them, he was unable to remain silent any longer. Hence, he said to his Companions, ‘Why do you remain silent? Why do you not say:

َ َ �ٰ َ َ َ �ٰ َ “‫َالّٰل ُ​ُہ َع �َّز َ​َو َ​َج �َ​َّل َالّٰل ُ​ُہ َع �َّز َ​َو َ​َج �َ​َّل‬

(Tafsir-e-Kabir [2004], Vol. 10, pp. 341342) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned all of this in the commentary of Surah alKauthar.

For those who wish to, they can read further details from Tafsir-e-Kabir. There are many other points as well that can help one increase in knowledge.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Do any heirs exist today of the Meccan chiefs who sought to kill Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him?

Abu Sufyan called out at Uhud saying, ‘Is Muhammad[sa] still alive among you?’ When there was no response, he declared, ‘We have killed Muhammad[sa]. ’ He then asked, ‘Is Abu Bakr[ra] among you?’ As there was no response, he shouted, ‘We have slain Abu Bakr[ra]!’ He then asked, ‘Is Umar[ra] among you?’ Once again, there was no response, owing to which he exclaimed, ‘We have killed Umar[ra] as well’ But today, even if you go to the corners of the earth and call out the name of the leader of the disbelievers, Abu Jahl, who was the comrade of the one making these proclamations, and ask, ‘Is Abu Jahl among you?’ [and also ask if any followers of the Holy Prophetsa are present], you will find that there are millions of people who will raise their voices upon hearing the name of Muhammad, the Messengersa of Allah and the entire world will exclaim that, ‘Yes, Muhammadsa is present among us, as we are honoured to represent him.’. But upon calling out for Abu Jahl, you will not hear even a single sound in any part of the world. The progeny of Abu Jahl are present in the world even today, but none of them have the courage to claim that they are his descendants. Perhaps even the progeny of Utbah and Shaibah are present today, yet does anyone ever say that they are their descendants?” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2004], Vol. 2, pp. 290-291)

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Hence, it is only the Holy Prophet’ssa name, which Allah Almighty exalted and held aloft.

In this regard the Promised Messiahas states: “Allah the Almighty has placed thousands of hidden intricacies behind the trials that befall the prophets. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa faced many trials as well. One narration records that during the Battle of Uhud, he endured 70 wounds, and the disbelievers rejoiced at seeing the condition of the Muslims. As such, a certain enemy who believed that the Prophet Muhammadsa along with his most eminent Companions must have been martyred, asked in a loud voice, ‘Is Muhammad amongst you?’ The Holy Prophetsa instructed the Companions to remain silent and not to answer him. The silence sent a wave of happiness into the questioner’s heart who took it as confirmation that he must have indeed died. Then he similarly called out, asking about Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Again, he was met with silence. Then he asked about Hazrat Umarra, at which Hazrat Umarra was not able to stop himself and exclaimed, ‘You wretched individual, what nonsense are you spewing? They are all alive!’ Enduring such painful moments is also important, for after this the Holy Prophetsa declared that now the disbelievers will not launch an attack against us.”

Here, the Promised Messiahas is perhaps referring to the Battle of the Ditch, as it took place after Uhud. This reference is from Malfuzat, so it could be that the one taking notes forgot to write this point. It was after the Battle of the Ditch that the Holy Prophetsa said ‘From here on now, the disbelievers will not attack us; instead, we will be victorious.’ [The Promised Messiahas continues], What a painful moment it was for the Holy Prophetsa when he left his hometown of Mecca.” (Malfuzat [2022], Vol. 9, pp. 266-267) But now, God had changed their circumstances.

The incident of Hazrat Hanzalah’sra martyrdom has also been recorded. We find mention of another Companion’s courageous loyalty and total willingness to sacrifice himself out of love for Holy Prophetsa during this battle. This is the Companion whose wife relates, “When my found out that the Messengersa of Allah had left for battle, despite the fact that the ablution was incumbent on him owing to conjugal relations, he left the house to join the Holy Prophetsa in such a rush that he did not even consider the ablution necessary at that moment, and made way for the battle with sword in hand.”

On one occasion, during the battle, he came face-to-face with the chief of disbelievers of that time, Abu Sufyan, who was on his horse. Hazrat Hanzalahra struck Abu Sufyan’s horse, injuring it. As a result, Abu Sufyan fell from his horse and began screaming as soon as he hit the ground.

No sooner had Hazrat Hanzalah raised his sword, intending to finish off Abu Sufyan, that Shaddad bin Aus (according to one narration his name was Shaddad bin Aswad), caught sight of him. In any case, when Shaddad saw Hanzalah raise his sword to kill Abu Sufyan, he swung his sword at Hanzalah, martyring him. Upon the martyrdom of Hanzalah, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated that the angels

are bathing your Companion, i.e. Hanzalah.

One version adds that the Holy Prophetsa said, “I am watching the angels washing Hanzalah between the heavens and the earth using dishes of silver filled with pristine and pure water.” Hazrat Hanzalah’sra wife’s name was Jamilah. She was the daughter of the chief of hypocrites, Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulul, and the sister of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulul.

Hazrat Jamilahra mentioned that Hazrat Hanzalahra had hurried into battle in a state where ablution was incumbent upon him owing to conjugal relations. When the Holy Prophetsa heard her say this, he explained that the angels were themselves arranging his ablution. It was Hazrat Hanzalah’s first night of his marriage with Hazrat Jamilahra, and the Battle of Uhud took place the following morning.

According to one narration, Hazat Jamilahra relates that when Hanzalahra heard about the announcement for the army to embark on the expedition, he left immediately without bathing. The same night, Hazrat Jamilahra saw a dream in which a door in the sky opened to allow her husband in, after which it closed immediately. Another narration adds that Hazrat Jamilahra made four women of her tribe a witness to the fact that she had indeed consummated the marriage with Hazrat Hanzalahra. She did this lest anyone became suspicious of her pregnancy. People concoct stories and spread rumours and suspicion. Even today, there are people who level false allegations against others.

Nonetheless, Hazrat Jamilahra did this to personally absolve herself from any such allegations. She explains that she made witnesses due to her dream, wherein she saw Hazrat Hanzalahra enter a door in the skies from which she understood that her husband’s time had come, and she explains that she indeed became pregnant as a result of that night. As a result of this pregnancy, Abdullah bin Hanzalah was born. After killing Hazrat Hanzalahra, the Quraish did not mutilate his body – meaning they did not cut off his ears and nose and remove his eyes, owing to the fact that his father Abu Amir Rahib had come with the Quraish.

(Taken from Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, pp.

327-328) There is mention of the martyrdom of Hazrat Sa‘d bin Rabira. Hazrat Sa‘dra bin Rabi‘ participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud and was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. On the day of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Who will bring me news of Sa‘d bin Rabi`ra?” “I will”, someone replied. And so, this individual went forth and began searching for him among those who had been slain.

Upon seeing this individual, Hazrat Sa‘dra asked him how he was and he replied, “I have been sent by the Messengersa of Allah so I can inform him of your condition.” Hazrat Sa‘dra stated, “Convey my salaam [i.e., greeting of peace] to the Holy Prophetsa and inform the Holy Prophetsa that I have received 12 spear wounds and I have condemned all those who fought me to hellfire, (in other words, whoever came up against him was killed.)

And tell my people that if the Holy Prophetsa is martyred while a single one of them is still alive, then remember that they shall have no excuse to offer before God Almighty.”

It is stated that it was Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka‘bra who went to enquire about the condition of Hazrat Sa‘dra. Hazrat Sa‘dra told Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka‘bra, “Let my people know that Sa‘d bin Rabi‘ says that they ought to fear Allah the Almighty.” And in another narration, he has been recorded as saying, “And remember the pledge they took at the hands of the Messengersa of Allah on the Night of ‘Aqabah. By God, they shall have no excuse before God if the eyes of even one of them still flickers (i.e., if any one of them was still alive) and the enemy was to reach the Holy Prophetsa.” In other words, they should sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Messengersa of Allah and his religion. This was the passion of the Companions that even when they were breathing their last, they would only be worried for the safety of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka‘bra narrates that he was still by the side of Hazrat Sa‘dra when he passed away. His body was covered in wounds and when he returned and presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa, he informed him of the conversation he had and the condition he was in when he was martyred. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “May Allah the Almighty have mercy upon him. In his lifetime and even after his demise, he continued to serve Allah and His Messengersa.”

Hazrat Sa‘d bin Rabira and Hazrat Kharjah bin Zaidra were buried in one grave.

(Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol 3, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, p. 396; Al-Isti’ab, Vol. 2, Dar al-Jil, Beirut, pp. 590-591; Usd alGhabah, Vol. 2, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, p. 433) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has recorded the incident surrounding Hazrat Sa’d’sra martyrdom as follows: “Now the Holy Prophetsa had also descended into the battlefield and the work of tending to the bodies of the martyrs was underway. At the time, (i.e., when the battle finished) the sight that was before the Muslims was one to bring forth tears of blood. (Even though the Holy Prophetsa was injured, he still went into the battlefield and work began tending to the bodies of the martyrs).”

He further says: “70 Muslims were laying in the field of battle smothered in dust and blood, and they displayed a horrific scene of the barbaric Arab tradition known as Muthlah [Mutilation of dead bodies]. Their limbs were cut, faces distorted. Among the casualties, there were only six Muhajirīn and the rest were all from the Ansar. The number of men slain from among the Quraish was twenty-three. When the Holy Prophetsa came to the body of his paternal uncle and foster brother, Hamzah bin ‘Abdul Muttalibra, he was stunned because Hind, the barbaric wife of Abu Sufyan had severely spoiled his dead body.

For some time, the Holy Prophetsa stood there silently, and signs of grief and anger were evident upon his countenance. For a fleeting moment, the Holy Prophetsa even thought to himself that until these bloodthirsty beasts of Mecca were not given a taste of their own medicine, perhaps they would never come to their senses, but then the Holy Prophetsa refrained from this idea and exhibited patience. As a matter of fact, after this, the Holy Prophetsa prohibited the custom of Muthlah in Islam forever, (i.e. to disfigure a dead body and cut off limbs) and

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

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said that the enemy may do as it pleases, but the Muslims should in any case refrain from such a barbaric practice, and follow a course of virtue and benevolence.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Vol. 2, pp. 344-345) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra further writes: “The Quraish had more or less meted out the same barbaric treatment to the bodies of other Companions as well. Hence, the body of ‘Abdullah bin Jahashra, the paternal cousin of the Holy Prophetsa had also been severely disfigured. As the Holy Prophetsa would move from one body to the other, signs of pain and anguish would become more and more evident upon his countenance.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Vol. 2, p. 345) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has made reference to these martyrs and their sacrifices. While speaking about the love and devotion Hazrat Sa’dra bin Rabi’ – leader of the Ansar – had for the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “There is an incident that took place on the occasion of the Battle of Uhud. After the battle, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka‘bra to go and enquire about the state of those who had been wounded.

Whilst searching for the wounded, Hazrat Ubayyra bin Ka‘b reached Hazrat Sa‘dra bin Rabi‘, who had been severely injured and was breathing his last. Hazrat Ubayyra bin Ka‘b asked him if he had any message he would like him to convey to his relatives and dear ones. Hazrat Sa‘dra smiled and said, ‘I was waiting for a Muslim to come, to whom I could deliver my message. Place your hand in mine and promise me that you will certainly convey my message. (Even in such a condition, he was aware enough to say for him to place his hand on his hand.

This is a sign of giving a solemn pledge) Promise me that you will certainly convey my message.’ The message he then gave was as follows, ‘Convey my greetings of peace to my Muslim brothers and tell my people and my relatives that the Messengersa of Allah is the greatest trust bestowed upon us by God Almighty and we ought to protect this trust

with our very lives. I must now depart from this world and hand over this trust to you.

Let it not be that you show weakness in this regard.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Ponder, at such a time when one feels as if they are about to die, one entertains all kinds of thoughts in their heart. He thinks about the circumstances his wife would have to face or who would tend to the needs of his children, etc. However, this Companion did not convey any such message of this kind and simply said that he was departing this world whilst he was striving to protect the Holy Prophetsa and they ought to do the same and follow after him. It was this very strength of faith that enabled them [i.e., the Muslims] to bring about a revolution in the world and topple the rule of the Romans and Persians. The Roman emperor was astonished as to who these people were. Likewise, Chosroes wrote to one of his generals and told him that if he could not even defeat the Arabs, then he should return and instead, sit at home wearing bangles. (I.e., for them to stay behind with the women, and that there was no need for them to go and fight.) The king also stated to his general that the Arabs were such people that would eat ordure and yet he could not even stop them. (I.e., they would eat filth and unwholesome foods.) In reply, the general stated that they did not appear as mere mortals, but rather were like beasts that would come galloping over the swords and spears.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2004], Vol. 7, p. 338) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has shed light on this incident from another angle, stating: “When the Battle of Uhud came to an end, the Holy Prophetsa dispatched a Companion to tend to those who were wounded. This Companion saw a man from the Ansar who was in a critical condition.

He went to him and said: ‘My dear brother, if you have a message, tell me and I will pass it on to your friends and relatives.’

He replied: ‘I was waiting for this exact moment, wondering if I would meet a person from Medina, so I could convey a message to my friends and family. It is good that you came to me. Give me your hand

and promise me that you will convey this message to my family members.’ He held his hand and vowed that he would convey his message. The injured Companion said: ‘Go and tell my friends, relatives and all my tribesmen that the Holy Prophetsa is our nation’s most precious treasure. He has been entrusted to us as a nation. I have full conviction that, deep down, you also know the value of this asset. Therefore, I deem it my duty to relay this message to you that until the time we draw our last breath, we must not breach this trust bestowed on us. Expend all your energy to safeguard it.

I will now depart, but I leave this trust to you. I hope that all my sons, brothers, and their progenies will safeguard this holy trust more than their own lives and will not allow any form of negligence in discharging this duty.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2004], Vol. 10, p.

185) In another place, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra has mentioned this in the following manner: “An Ansari chieftain was lying wounded and his condition was such that he was going to pass away in a matter of minutes.

Another Companion saw him and went and sat beside him. He enquired about his condition and asked if he wanted to convey any message to his wife, children or any of his loved ones. Upon this, he stated, ‘Yes, I was in fact waiting for a Muslim to come to me so that I could convey a message through him.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Everyone knows that the time of one’s death, even if one is in their own home, is an extremely difficult time. The lasting wish of one who is about to die is that he may be granted even just a few minutes more, so he may be able to speak to his wife, children and siblings, or to impart any final advice.

However, this companion was not with his wife or children nor was he at home or in a hospital on a soft bed. In fact, he was lying on a rocky ground and yet he did not ask him to covey his salaam to his wife and to advise her to provide his children with a good upbringing nor did he say for his property to be divided in such and such way or that he had some wealth kept in such and such place and for it to be retrieved from there (since he was a chieftain). In fact, he said, ‘Convey this message to my children and fellow brothers that “Muhammadsa, the Messenger of Allah is a precious trust given to you by God Almighty. Until my last breath, I sacrificed my life to safeguard this trust and now in my final words of advice to my beloved brothers and children is that they also ought to protect this trust with their very lives.”’ Thereafter, he breathed his last.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 23, Friday Sermon, 30 January 1942, pp. 45-46) These are examples of the expressions of love for the Holy Prophetsa that leave one truly astounded. May Allah the Almighty develop this spirit of love for the Holy Prophetsa within us as well. Once we develop this spirit, we will strengthen our bond with Allah the Almighty. Furthermore, we will also truly strive to remove our weaknesses so that we can demonstrate the true Islamic teachings in our worship, morals and habits.

May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.

I shall lead a few funeral prayers and will also mention some details about them.

The first mention is of the respected Dr Mansoor Shabooti of Yemen. Mansoor

Shabooti was imprisoned in Yemen due to being an Ahmadi. He passed away while in prison on 26 January [2024] at the age of 63.

ۤ َ� �ٰ َ� ‫ٰر ِ​ِج ُ​ُعۡوۡ َ​َن‬ ٰ ‫ِاَل َ ۡ​ۡی ِ​ِہ‬ ِ ‫َو ِ​ِاَّنۤا‬ َِ ‫ِلِّٰلِہ‬ ‫ِ​ِاَّنا‬

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

Since he passed away whilst in prison and his imprisonment was due to him being an Ahmadi – moreover proper medical treatment was also not available to him and he was perhaps ill-treated as well – in any case, irrespective of the exact extent of the details received, he passed away whilst in prison and therefore he is a martyr and, as such, the first Ahmadi martyr of Yemen.

The deceased is survived by his elderly mother, wife and two sons, Aiman and Bilal.

The deceased’s brother, Nasir Shabooti, resides here in London. His brother says that his body was handed over to his son on 1 February. However, since almost all the Ahmadi men have been imprisoned, the non-Ahmadis offered his funeral prayer and buried him.

Nasir Shabooti says that their grandfather, Abdullah Muhammad Uthman Shabooti, was the first Ahmadi in Yemen and Dr Mansoor Shabooti’s father, Mahmood Abdullah Shabooti, was Yemen’s first missionary who had attained a Shahid degree. The deceased’s mother is Shahrukh Nasreen Sahiba, who is the daughter of Syed Bashir Ahmad Shah of Rabwah and Farrukh Khanum. Farrukh Khanum is from the Junood family and she, along with her mother, Haleema Banu and her brother, Syed Hajji Junoodullah, had the opportunity to fulfil the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa that when the Imam Mahdi appears, then even if one has to crawl over snow [ice-capped mountains], they should do so in order to pledge allegiance to him [bai‘at]. And so, they travelled by foot from Kashgar over ice-capped mountains, reached Qadian and performed the bai‘at.

Mansoor Shabooti Sahib’s mother was a member of this family and his maternal grandmother was with them when they walked over snow.

His son, Bilal Shabooti, has written regarding the incident of his martyrdom “The security forces broke into our house.

They pushed our father and pointed a gun at his chest and then they were about to take me and my father. My father told them that they could kill him if they wanted, but to let his son go.” When the non-Ahmadis offered his funeral prayer, his son, who is 16 years of age, was present and took part [in the funeral] and there was no other Ahmadi male present. In any case, he further states, “They stole money from my father and accused him of receiving money from abroad. However, my father denied receiving money from outside of the country and told them that this was his own money, which he had earned.”

This is a misconception that the so-called scholars have spread against the Ahmadis that God-forbid we receive money from the Western powers and that we have an agenda against Islam. In fact, every Ahmadi is spreading the message of Islam across the world by personally offering financial sacrifices and also serving humanity. In any case, he has mentioned quite a detailed account.

I shall now read what his wife has

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 March 2024 written to me. She says, “Those who imprisoned him showed me the location of where they had imprisoned my husband.

They informed me that my husband would often weep in his obligatory and voluntary prayers [nawafil].”

She further stated that Dr Sahib was imprisoned because some Ahmadis had informed that Dr Sahib would receive money from Britain, which he was using to prepare a militia force in Yemen.

This is a completely baseless allegation.

However, upon enquiry, they found this to be completely untrue. They were going to release him but his health deteriorated due to the stress of the situation he was in.

This was the statement of those who had spoken to his wife. It is possible that the officer in the high command had a different attitude than the subordinate officers, who tend to make their own decisions, and so as a result of their harsh treatment it impacted his health. In any case, his brother, Nasir Shabooti Sahib, writes regarding the deceased “Our brother, Dr Mansoor Shabooti, was extremely kind and caring. He was very intelligent in his studies, was among the top ten students of the country and was given an award by the government. He was very regular in offering prayers and Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers]. He would regularly recite the Holy Quran after Fajr [prayer offered right before dawn] and was also regular in his financial contributions. Before his own relatives, he would always help and treat others first. He would always speak to the patients in a cheerful manner and would never take any fee from those patients who were not well-off. He would also provide them with medication and if they needed to be admitted to the hospital, then he would assist them in this as well. When operating on anyone who was poor, he would deduct his operation fee from his own earnings.”

He further says, “If anyone from among our neighbourhood fell ill, they would come to our brother for treatment. When he moved to another area, Sana, the neighbours became very sad. He would always treat his parents with great kindness and also helped them perform Hajj.”

Doctor Sahib’s mother, Shahrukh Nasrin, says, “When I was expecting, I saw in a dream that a pious woman from Rabwah named Zainab held my mother in her lap and said that the Promised Messiahas was coming. I looked around for the Promised Messiahas but I did not see him, and after this, I woke up. Doctor Sahib had a passion for tabligh [propagation] right from his childhood. In school, he would preach the message of Ahmadiyyat to his religious studies teachers, and the teachers would listen to what he had to say without any opposition.”

One of his sons, Aiman Shabooti, lives in Germany; he says, “My late father never scolded me nor hit me. I recall him only ever hitting me once when I was 13 years old and I had refused to offer prayers in congregation, upon which he hit me lightly.

But aside from that time, he never did.” He says, “During times of difficulty, my father would always enjoin me to pray, and he acted upon this himself as well. I have seen him weeping in prayer.” He says, “When I was in school and we were just children, he would wake us up for Fajr and we would offer the prayer in congregation and then

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we would recite the Holy Quran.”

He obtained his PhD in surgery, for which he went to Jordan, where he lived for five years. He says, “I went to visit him there and the mosque or centre, where the Friday prayer was offered was an hour away, and he would drive there every Friday. He had a passion for studying and would read many of the Jamaat’s books.” He says, “When he returned from Jordan, his bag was quite heavy and I thought that he had brought back a lot of gifts (just as children hope that their parents have brought something for them). However, there weren’t any gifts in the bag; rather, it contained the Arabic translation of Tafsir-e-Kabir along with some other books of the Jamaat.

He would go to meet his relatives, even if they were non-Ahmadi.” He says, “He would also take me and my mother along with him. When I would ask him why it was necessary to meet non-Ahmadi relatives, he would say, ‘The Holy Prophetsa has commanded to maintain good relations with family. If we do not maintain a connection with close relatives, then it will displease Allah the Almighty.’”

Marwah Shabooti says, “He was well respected, of sound morals, pious, always smiling, loving, cooperative, kind, generous, merciful, noble, and very intelligent. He always excelled in his studies and was a renowned doctor throughout Yemen. He was at the forefront of service to mankind and service to Ahmadiyyat. He was beloved among Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike and everyone has been greatly impacted by his loss, including non-Ahmadis.”

Non-Ahmadis have also expressed their sentiments. The Doctor’s Union in Yemen made the following statement, “We announce this with sorrow and regret that General Surgery Consultant Doctor Mansoor Shabooti has passed away. He passed away on the following date.

ۤ َ� �ٰ َ� ‫ٰر ِ​ِج ُ​ُعۡوۡ َ​َن‬ ٰ ‫ِاَل َ ۡ​ۡی ِ​ِہ‬ ِ ‫َو ِ​ِاَّنۤا‬ َِ ‫ِلِّٰلِہ‬ ‫ِ​ِاَّنا‬

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

This statement from the medical council further reads, “His mysterious demise has caused a great deal of worry and unease to spread within medical circles. According to details that have been obtained thus far, Doctor Mansoor was in very good health before his arrest. The reason for his arrest was unknown and for two weeks there was no information about where he had been taken. Just a day or two before his demise he resurfaced in very poor condition.”Some of his non-Ahmadi friends have also written about him on social media. Doctor Khalid Adeeb, who is a non-Ahmadi says, “The first time I went to work in the emergency ward of the hospital in Sana, I saw many doctors standing around a young doctor.

Upon my enquiry, someone told me that it was Doctor Mansoor Shabooti, a General Surgery Consultant, and he is the hardest working doctor and the easiest to work with. All the doctors and students prefer being on duty with him because he always tries to impart as much knowledge as he can to everyone. He is not greedy for money, for rank or for fame.’ The deceased had a very calm disposition, was very poised and took good care of his health. He was always smiling and was very kind. He was far removed from any sort of arrogance or

love for the world.”Another person wrote, “His demise is a great loss for Yemen.

Yemen has lost a righteous person who was pure hearted and who spent his life serving the ill.”Another person writes, “Doctor Mansoor had a healing hand and possessed lofty morals.” All of the newspapers in southern Yemen have published the news of his demise under various titles, for example, “The Killing of a Renowned Doctor”, “The Demise of the Most Renowned Doctor”, “Capture of the Most Well-Known Doctor”.

Someone also wrote to me that because of him, the name of Ahmadiyyat has spread quite a bit in Yemen and if Allah wills this could become a source of tabligh. May Allah the Almighty treat the deceased with forgiveness and mercy, elevate his station and grant patience and strength to his family. May the conditions improve.

Those who are currently imprisoned there of the small Community that does exist, may Allah the Almighty swiftly procure the means for their release.The second mention is of respected Salahuddin Muhammad Saleh Abdul Qadir Odeh who was the father of Sharif Odeh, National President of the Jamaat in Kababir. He had a heart complication on 31 January, and he passed away during the operation in the hospital at the age of 85.

ۤ َ� �ٰ َ� ‫ٰر ِ​ِج ُ​ُعۡوۡ َ​َن‬ ٰ ‫ِاَل َ ۡ​ۡی ِ​ِہ‬ ِ ‫َو ِ​ِاَّنۤا‬ َِ ‫ِلِّٰلِہ‬ ‫ِ​ِاَّنا‬

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

The deceased was a musi. He is survived by his wife, three sons, Muhammad Sharif Odeh, Munir Odeh and Amir Odeh, as well as a daughter, Manal Odeh. He has grandsons and granddaughters; two of his grandsons, Masroor Munir Odeh and Bashiruddin Mahmud Odeh are studying in Jamia UK and Jamia Canada [respectively].

Sharif Odeh writes, “The deceased’s paternal grandfather, Al-Haj Saleh Abdul Qadir Odeh was among the pioneer Ahmadis in Palestine who accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1928. After him, the deceased’s paternal great-grandfather, Abdul Qadir Odeh, also pledged allegiance and some time later the deceased’s father, Muhammad Odeh, also pledged allegiance. Thus, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the deceased’s father, paternal grandfather, and paternal greatgrandfather were all Ahmadis. He was born in 1938 and he was born an Ahmadi. When he was 14 years old, it was very cold one day and the deceased went outside for some task.

Due to the cold weather and not wearing the appropriate attire, his body froze and he fell unconscious. After a long search he was found and taken to the hospital. His condition was very dire, and the doctors said that firstly it would be a miracle if he survived, and even if he did survive, he would never be able to have children.

Chaudhary Muhammad Sharif, who was the missionary there at the time, wrote a letter to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Thereafter, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, not only was he cured but he later married, and Allah the Almighty bestowed him with children; three boys and one girl. Like his father, the deceased spent his entire life at the forefront of serving the missionaries. Similarly, he would wholeheartedly serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas, which was attested to by every person who came to express their condolences.”

Sharif Odeh says, “The guests had become accustomed to his hospitality.

Guests would desire to stay with him and experience his hospitality.” Once, a priest was due to come for a meeting [with the National President of Kababir]. He asked whether his father was there. He told him that his father had gone out, to which the priest replied, ‘I will come back when he returns so that I may enjoy his hospitality.’

The deceased also took care of the poor and the needy and would spend on them. New converts whose families had cut ties with them settled in Kababir and the deceased treated them all like a kind father. Upon his demise, one woman said, ‘My husband spent most of his time with him, and now he says that he does not know who to go to.’” Sharif Sahib says, “My father raised us by setting his own practical example; rather than explaining things to us, he would show us how to do things through his actions.

My father loved studying and he would always be studying some literature of the Community, due to which his knowledge was also very vast.”

Then, Sharif Sahib says, “It was not that he needed our help in his old age; he did not require any help from us. In fact, he would help us and the fact that his children were serving the Jamaat made him happy.”

His granddaughter, Dr Yasmin, says, “I lived for a few years with my grandparents in their home. I observed that my deceased grandfather was regular in offering prayers and Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayer].

He would spend most of his time in the mosque and in the Community’s [local] headquarters. He regularly cooked and cared for guests, and was also occupied with renovating the Community’s [local] headquarters among other tasks. He loved to read the books of the Community to the extent that on the day of his demise, we found an open book on his bed.” She further says, “There were some repairs needed in their home. My deceased grandfather told my grandmother that these repairs were not necessary because they would soon pass away, and it is better to donate the funds needed for the repairs to the needy instead.

During his heart surgery, the doctors not only observed that his heart was very weak, but also that his arteries were almost completely blocked; they were astonished as to how we was walking about until that time.” Nonetheless, it was his prayer to be able-bodied up until his demise, and thus, until his final moment, he was never dependent on anyone.

Sharif Odeh says, “My father spent his money on others with an open heart. One day, an elderly relative asked for some help, and my father handed him everything that he had in his pocket at that very moment.

When the late Maulana Fazl Ilahi Bashir was the missionary in Kababir, he asked the deceased to contribute funds towards the Kababir mosque. At that time, he [the deceased] acquired a large sum of money from somewhere; he gave the whole amount towards the mosque.”

A youth also wrote, saying, “When he underwent a surgery for his hernia, I asked about his well-being, and he replied that he was in a lot of pain. I then asked him why he was doing work whilst he was in such a condition. He said that there were some minor tasks of moving things around and repairing a broken door. I said that because

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“

he had undergone surgery, he should not engage in any heavy labour. He replied that he could not live without doing so because he considers serving the Jamaat his responsibility.”

Saifuddin Abu Asad from Palestine writes, “I only observed goodness and virtue in respected Salahuddin Odeh. During my stay in Kababir, I found him to be a truly sincere member of the Community. He was very loving and would come to everyone’s aid. Despite being the father of the National President of the Community, he would engage in serving and hosting guests. Owing to his hospitality, I only realised afterwards that he was the National President’s father.

He was exceedingly humble. Someone informed me afterwards about who he was.”

Dr Aiman Al-Maliki says, “Immediately after leading the Fajr prayers, he would go straight to the Langar Khana and work tirelessly until the evening, when he would return home. This was his routine for all seven days of the week. He loved Khilafat dearly and greatly respected the Jamaat to the extent that, although his own son was the National President, he would stand up in respect for him. He was passionately occupied in serving the Jamaat, preaching and fulfilling his responsibilities until the end of his life. Examples of such passion are uncommon. He witnessed the eras of four Caliphs, and he would have very interesting discussions on the topic of Khilafat.

Muhammad Alaona writes, “I pledged allegiance 20 years ago, after which I went to Kababir. He greeted me with great love and sincerity. I always observed him to be serving the Community. Despite his old age, he exemplified sincerity in his work the likes that cannot be seen even in the youth.

He was very benevolent and kind.”

Namal Ajwah writes, “I belong to the city of Al-Khail. When I came here [Kababir] with my two children, I did not have a home to live in. The deceased told me to leave my daughters in his care while I could stay at Dar az-Ziyafat. For one and a half months, they cared for my daughters, gave them food to eat and fulfilled their other needs.

He was like a kind father to me. With his demise, I feel like my soul has left my body.”

Shamsuddin Sahib, the missionary of Kababir, writes, “He disliked to throw away anything old from the mosque or mission house. Instead, he repaired those things as though they were brand new and made them usable once more. (This is a method of saving money that should be adopted in other places as well). Sometimes, I observed that when people would come to the mosque seeking help, he would honour them as guests, seat them down and also feed them.

Rana Odeh Jahangeer, his granddaughter, writes, “I always observed my grandfather waking up early in the morning for Tahajjud, and offering his prayers regularly. My grandfather cared deeply for the poor. People would tell him to spend money on himself as well, but he would always reply by saying, ‘I prefer to give this money to those who need it.’ He had firm conviction in God, and boundless love for Khilafat.

May Allah the Almighty show mercy to the deceased, grant him forgiveness

Friday 8 March 2024 | AL HAKAM

These are examples of the expressions

of love for the Holy Prophetsa that leave one

truly astounded. May Allah the Almighty develop this spirit of love for the Holy Prophetsa

within us as well. Once we develop this spirit, we will strengthen our bond with Allah the Almighty. Furthermore, we will also truly strive to remove our weaknesses so that we can demonstrate the true Islamic teachings in our worship, morals and habits. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so. and elevate his station. May He also grant his children and progeny patience and fortitude, and enable them to carry on his virtuous deeds.

Next, I will speak about Rehana Farhat, wife of Karamatullah Khadim, a missionary serving in Rabwah. She passed away on 29 January.

ۤ َ� �ٰ َ� ‫ٰر ِ​ِج ُ​ُعۡوۡ َ​َن‬ ٰ ‫ِاَل َ ۡ​ۡی ِ​ِہ‬ ِ ‫َو ِ​ِاَّنۤا‬ َِ ‫ِلِّٰلِہ‬ ‫ِ​ِاَّنا‬

Her family entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat through her great-grandfather, Hazrat Munshi Jalaluddinra of Bulani, located in the district of Gujrat. His name was the first amongst the list of 313 Companions included in the Appendix of Anjam-e-Atham by the Promised Messiahas.

She is survived by her husband, one son and three daughters. Her son, Ehsanullah Sahib, is currently serving as a missionary in Spain. He was unable to attend the funeral prayers and burial of his mother due to his work in the field among other reasons. Her husband, Karamatullah Khadim, is a lifedevotee and missionary. Her son-in-law, Asif Mahmood Butt, is also a missionary serving in Tanzania. Her son, Ehsanullah Sahib, who is a missionary, writes, “She was a constant canopy of prayers for us.

She would offer exceedingly emotional Tahajjud prayers. Whilst working and walking about, she would hum prayerful

couplets of the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa. In this way, the children around her would also learn those couplets. She was regular in almsgiving and offering services to the Jamaat. Until her health permitted, she regularly attended and participated in events of the Jamaat. She was very grateful, content and a patient person. She took pride in being an Ahmadi woman.” Her daughter, Numanah Nusrat, writes, “She had a distinct quality of being very grateful. If someone ever praised her by saying that she dedicated the one son she had, she would reply with humility and gratefulness saying, ‘How can I thank Allah the Almighty that after giving him one son, he gave me many in return,’ referring to her grandchildren. She would say that all Ahmadis are life-devotees.”

She was born in Rabwah and it pleased her greatly to see the new developments.

She was known as a strong woman with good etiquette. Alongside being contented and simple, she lived a life of etiquette. She expressed her gratefulness by saying that she was afforded all the comforts of life.

She never complained that the allowance of a missionary was insufficient. She would say, “I could not receive the blessings I have now anywhere else.” Due to lawsuits filed against the Community, her son had to migrate in 2017. As I mentioned, there were other reasons he could not attend [the funeral]. It was not possible for him to go

to Pakistan, and due to the weakness caused by her illness, she could not go visit him.

Nevertheless, she would always advise her son to discharge his duties as a life-devotee with patience and dedication. Her daughterin-law says, “She offered the Tahajjud prayer with great pain and fervour. She would also see true dreams. She saw clear dreams that would come true. We would all be astonished upon witnessing this.”

It is further stated that her son had to migrate due to some lawsuits, and due to her illness, she was unable to visit him. Despite this, she never expressed any sadness. She always advised her son to fulfil his life devotion with steadfastness. She would remark that it was very easy to stay in touch these days and never allowed her maternal love and instincts to become a hurdle in a life-devotee’s work. Someone told her that it had been a long time, and if she wrote to the Khalifa of the time to be allowed to visit her son, some arrangements would be made for her. She replied that she had dedicated her son and would not make such requests.

May Allah the Almighty shower His mercy upon her, grant her forgiveness and elevate her station. May He also grant her family patience and fortitude. [Amin.]

(Official Urdu transcript published in the Al Fazl International, 1 March 2024, pp. 2-7.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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