Al Hakam - 13 March 2020

In search of a passionate heart

The Westerly Sunrise

Good times or bad, the steps of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra were always seeking the heights of achievements

Exhibition for neighbours of Islamabad, UK

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Page 10

A

100 Years Ago...

Responding to Allegations

Hazrat Mufti Sahib’sra journey to America from England, Liverpool

Why is Ahmadiyyat a small community? Similarities of allegations against all prophets

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 13 March 2020 | Issue CIV Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Huzoor inspects progress of new Baitul Futuh complex

Morden, Tuesday, 10 March 2020: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, visited Baitul Futuh Mosque’s administrative complex’s construction site for an inspection of the progress so far.

Huzooraa arrived at Baitul Futuh at around midday. Showing Huzooraa the site was the construction liaison team from Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK along with Amir Jamaat UK and members of his amila.

All six levels of the new building were inspected by Huzooraa with great detail and interest.

Irfan Qureshi Sahib, Secretary Jaidad

and part of the management team overseeing the construction project, told Al Hakam that on 1 March, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat UK updated Huzooraa with regard to the construction of the new Baitul Futuh complex. Huzooraa thus instructed for Amir Sahib and his team to be ready for a visit in the coming days.

Upon arrival at Baitul Futuh, Huzooraa was pleased to see that pallets containing the mocha-cream limestone that will form Continued on page 3

Youth from Sweden meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih A group of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya from Sweden had the opportunity of an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah be his helper, on 7 March 2020.

Our reporters got in touch with Missionary and Mohtamim Tarbiyat, Kashif Virk Sahib, who has been serving in Sweden since 2012.

Talking about the build-up and background to the mulaqat, he said: “Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Sweden conceived a plan to travel collectively for a mulaqat with beloved Huzooraa as the new year of the Majlis started in November.

“For many Khuddam, this was the first time ever they met with a Khalifa in their life. It was also a good opportunity for Khuddam to increase mutual acquaintances and experience the spiritual environment of the global Markaz of the Jamaat. Khuddam from all across Sweden, starting from Malmo in the south all the way up to Lulea in the north (the distance between the two cities is 1,500 kilometres) enthusiastically embarked on this blessed journey and convened in London.”

During the mulaqat, upon arrival, Huzooraa asked the khuddam regarding their travel, which airline they travelled on and if they faced any inconvenience amidst the journey.

One khadim said that they faced a

problem at the airport, however when they mentioned “Baitul Futuh”, they gave safe passage immediately.

During the mulaqat, the khuddam had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa several questions on various matters.

The first question asked was with regard to an international website for Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. The khadim expressed to Huzooraa that, at present, there was no website and asked if there should be one.

Huzooraa responded by saying, “If you feel that there should be a website, then you may write to the Markaz Khuddam Office through your sadr.” Huzooraa further asked if all the khuddam were able to read and understand English.

Next, a khadim asked Huzooraa that when one seeks forgiveness from God, how is one able to know if their sins have been forgiven.

Answering this, Huzooraa said, “You should continuously seek forgiveness from God. When you feel that your heart has created hate for the sin and other bad deeds, then know that God has forgiven you and saved you from Satan’s grip. However, if man is persistent in sin, even after seeking Continued on page 5

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This Week in History 13 - 19 March A selection of brief incidents from the first and second era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya 13 March 1914: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him, delivered a Friday Sermon and led the congregation in Jumuah prayer, which happened to be the final Friday in the blessed era of the first Khilafat. Upon the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, may Allah be pleased with him, the young Sahibzada Mirza Mahmud Ahmad Sahibra was assigned to lead prayers during the final ailment of Khalifatul Masih Ira. On the same day, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira departed for his eternal Master at around noon, while he was saying his prayer.

13 March 1923: Missionary Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib established the Jamaat’s chapter in Bukhara, an ancient city of Uzbekistan, located on the famous Silk route. Local Jamaat members started offering prayers in congregation and paying Chanda regularly.

14 March 1909: The wedding of Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begumra and Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra took place in Qadian, which could be labeled as a most modest and simple ceremony.

The announcement of nikah between this blessed couple had been made in the life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him.

14 March 1914: After the sad demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, the election for Khilafat was held on this date after Asr prayer in Masjid Nur, Qadian. After due process, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra was elected as the second head of the Jamaat and second Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra accepted Bai‘at of the Ahmadis present and made a short speech. Then Huzoorra proceeded to the lawn of Talim-ul-Islam High School to lead the funeral prayer of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, which was attended by more than 2,000 people. On the same date, after six o’clock in the evening, the burial of Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddinra commenced in Bahishti Maqbara Qadian beside the sacred tomb of the Promised Messiahas.

14 March 1915: Hazrat Sufi Ghulam Muhammadra arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka and during his threemonth stay here, he managed to establish a local chapter of the Jamaat.

14 March 1936: A companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Maula Bakhshra passed away.

14 March 1945: A companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mian Abdur Rahimra passed away.

14 March 1948: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered his keynote address about the stability of Pakistan in the renowned Khaliq Deena Hall, Karachi. Chief Justice of Sindh High Court presided over this largely attended session. Huzoorra had also shed light on this much needed topic earlier in Sialkot and Jhelum for the general benefit of this newly founded country.

14 March 1963: Sheikh Amri Ubaidi Sahib from

Tanzania was fortunate enough to serve both the Jamaat as its missionary and his homeland in various esteemed capacities. On this date, he assumed the portfolio of minister for justice in the central cabinet. Before this, he served his nation as mayor of Dar es Salaam and minister for cultural affairs.

14 March 1964: Upon the completion of a successful and blessed 50 years of the Khilafat of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the worldwide Jamaat arranged humble celebrations of gratitude, where the main focus remained on fervent supplications for the Jamaat and its leadership.

15 March 1919: The three-day Jalsa Salana proceedings were held in Qadian on these dates.

Owing to the global situation of World War I, Jalsa was not able to be held on its due dates in December 1918. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered his speech on Irfan-e-Ilahi (recognition of the Divine), which was listened to carefully by around 5,000 Ahmadis.

15 March 1946: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was an ardent supporter of education within the Jamaat.

He drew the attention of Jamaat members towards donating 200,000 rupees so that he could initiate the extension project of Talim-ul-Islam College in Qadian. This new phase was to accommodate new bachelor of art and science classes.

15 March 1947: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived in Kunri during the course of his Sindh tour. On the same evening, Huzoorra departed for Mahmudabad state for inspections.

15 March 1948: Hazrat Mirza Waseem Ahmad, son of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived in Qadian along with 14 other Ahmadis from Pakistan. This was the start of a new era, which is known as Daur-eDarweshi (the era of Darweshes).

15 March 1954: After the year-long forced closure of Al Fazl, it resumed its publication. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra penned a special message in this connection. For the printing of Al Fazl, initially, Dastakari Press in Lahore was requested. Later, the printing of Al Fazl was shifted to Pakistan Times Press.

15 March 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra issued his second message for the Jamaat members from Lahore.

15 March 1957: Hazrat Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad inaugurated the Baitus Salam Mosque in Tanganyika, Tanzania.

16 March 1947: The Peace Committee held its meeting in Qadian under the presidency of Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh. This group of different religions was formed in the backdrop of violence and disturbance following the political and communal tensions fueling in those times.

16 March 1956: Hazrat Chaudhry Allah Bakhshra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas performed Bai‘at in 1906.

16 March 1957: Hazrat Dr Muhammad Umarra of Lucknow passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas performed Bai‘at in 1905.

16 March 1957: The Jamaat in Kerala, India convened its two-day provincial conference.

17 March 1914: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra started delivering his dars of the Holy Quran in Masjid Aqsa Qadian. Huzoorra started with explaining the commentary of Surah al-Mujadalah, which was being published in Al Fazl from 8 April. This valuable deliberation was later published in book form, titled Haqaiq-ul-Quran. Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra initiated the dars of the Holy Quran for the ladies too, in accordance with the will of his predecessor, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. After being elected as Khalifa, the daily activities of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra multiplied, as Huzoorra began gracing question and answer sessions daily after Maghrib prayers. Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Ismael Halalpurira was assigned to assist Huzoorra in daily correspondence and arrange Huzoor’s daily official and personal mulaqat schedule.

17 March 1925: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra established Madrasatul Khawatin to enhance the education of ladies of the Jamaat. Huzoorra himself spared time to lecture the classes for a considerable amount of time, until his tight schedule made it impossible for him to continue this teaching.

17 March 1928: Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams established the Jamaat mission in Haifa, Palestine.

17 March 1944: Renowned scholar and untiring servant of the Jamaat, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas was also his brother-in-law. His remarkable career was exemplary for missionaries to come. No matter the responsibility assigned to him, he set the best example of work ethics and execution.

17 March 1949: Hazrat Mian Khairuddin Sekhwanira passed away in Jhelum at the age of 80. This companion of the Promised Messiahas accepted him in the very early days of the Jamaat on 23 September 1889. He was the father of Maulvi Qamaruddin Sahib, the first Sadr of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

17 March 1949: The history of potable water and its availability in Rabwah is always a faithinspiring story. After tireless efforts, water gushed forth from a pumping site near Chenab River, which was finally declared healthy and safe for human and agricultural consumption. Later on, this site was utilised to install a tube-well, which streamlined the water supply scheme for different neighbourhoods of Rabwah.

17 March 1949: Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Ibrahimra passed away. This companion of the Promised Messiahas was from Baqapur, India.

Continued on page 11

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the outer shell of the building had arrived from Portugal, something that was a concern due to Brexit.

Irfan Sahib said: “From the point of Huzoor’s arrival, he showed a keen interest in the load-bearing of the structure. His knowledge was astonishing for even the consultants present there. It reflected his vast knowledge of different fields.”

Huzooraa toured almost all of the 5,950 square metres of the new structure and spent around half an hour, enquiring about minute details of the new complex. The overall structure is said to be 25% more spacious than the previous structure.

Al Hakam spoke to Nayar Ahmad Sahib, a civil engineer and waqif-e-zindagi, who is a project manager from the Jamaat and liaises with PDR Contsruction Ltd, the company building the new site.

Nayar Sahib told us that Huzooraa inspected every storey of the new building and enquired about different aspects and systems that were being put in place.

He explained that Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa “depth of knowledge about construction, especially structural aspects, was beyond me! He knew everything in great detail.”

Nayar Sahib said that Huzooraa inspected and approved the stone façade design that will go on the very front of the new building. Further, Huzooraa enquired about the size and capacity of each hall and how they would compare to the previous halls.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa spent a great deal of time enquiring about the truss system on the first floor. The truss is a loadbearing mechanism that enables the first floor to be clear of supporting columns, providing more space. Huzooraa took details about the load capacity of the truss that was being installed.

The air conditioning system was also discussed. Nayar Sahib said, “Huzooraa asked about the air conditioning and why individual cassette units are in place instead of a central duct system?” It was explained that the choice of individual cassette units was to allow more flexibility and adds to saving the running costs.

The top floor is where dormitories are being built for guests. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa took a keen interest in details of the dining areas for guests that will stay

on this floor and other aspects of this floor as well.

After inspecting the construction site and giving valuable advice, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa had tea with the project design team that included the manager from PDR Construction, the stone fitter from Putney & Wood and consultants for mechanical and electrical elements. Huzooraa then led Zuhr and Asr prayers, after which he had lunch.

Following lunch, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa briefly visited MTA International offices at Baitul Futuh.

Irfan Qureshi Sahib, reflecting on the visit, said: “It was an overwhelming experience and all committee members felt very humbled. We were honoured. Even the consultants were quite amazed with the questions and the depth of knowledge Huzooraa possessed.”

About the reconstruction Following the outbreak of a large fire in 2015 across the administrative building within the Baitul Futuh site, plans were made for a much better and larger purpose built complex.

On 4 March 2018, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih laid the foundation stone for the new administrative complex. The main bulk of

the construction started in September 2018 and is close to reaching its final stages.

Following the fire, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in his Friday Sermon of 2 October 2015, spoke clearly about how the fire would not stop any Jamaat progress and told the Jamaat that this was not a reason to worry.

Talking about the loss that occurred through the fire, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “It is essential for a true believer to understand the true meaning of patience.

Patience does not mean that a person cannot feel regret or pain over a loss, rather it means that he or she should not be overwhelmed and consumed by despair to such an extent that they lose their senses and any hope.”

Huzooraa continued: “Of course, some regret is normal, but alongside it, a person should seek to recover and to make a firm resolution to attain even greater heights in future. Thus, in the face of this trial, we should pledge and prove from our actions that we will successfully pass through this period with patience and by prostrating before Allah the Almighty.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “… a lot of damage was sustained during the fire. However, God willing, we

will soon build an even better and more beautiful building and we will be the ones who sincerely say ‘Subhanallah’ (Holy is Allah) and ‘Masha–Allah’ (With the Will of Allah).”

Donating towards the reconstruction Encouraging the Jamaat to partake in financial sacrifice regarding the new project, Huzooraa, in his Friday Sermon on 17 November 2017, said: “As I have mentioned earlier, those people who were unable to offer sacrifices for this cause previously must make an effort to take part this time. They should endeavour to pay their pledged sums within three years and should try to pay one third of the promises within the first year.”

Currently, a lot of funds still need to be raised for this project.

Al Hakam urges Jamaat members who have not yet contributed to the new project to try their utmost in partaking in this blessed appeal by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

Readers can donate at https://chanda. org.uk

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

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The world examined Hubble’s law, role models in science and depression GEOPOLITICS Coronavirus continues to disrupt millions

The virus has dominated headlines recently and continues to do so. Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel announced that the virus was likely to infect close to two-thirds of the German populace.

“The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected,” she said.

Italy has also been on lockdown as it became the country worst affected after China. With the spread of new cases in China clearly slowing, others are saying that more strict measures need to be taken by countries within the West to stop the spread of the virus. What the Chinese did clearly worked and analysts are commending the “harsh” reaction by the Chinese government to compel the populace to self-isolate and only leave the house for essentials.

Now, France, Germany and Spain have well over 1,000 cases each and “hundreds of cases have also been reported elsewhere: Britain, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland each have at least 400 confirmed infections; Denmark and Belgium, which said a first person had died of the virus on Wednesday, have both reported more than 250 cases, and Sweden has more than 350. Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with 81 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.” (nytimes.com) Further, a leading American scientist, Dr Anthony Fauci, said that the virus “is going to get worse”, also recommending all NBA matches to be barred of fans. The stocks dropped again and the economy has clearly been hit. Brits and Aussies rushing to stockpile a number of items; toilet-rolls, peculiarly, being the most popular.

We urge Jamaat members to pray for the protection of the world and take heed to the advice Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa given to the Jamaat in his Friday Sermon on 6 March 2020. The transcription of what Huzooraa said is available on the alhakam.org website via the following shortened URL: https://bit.ly/2TIGtaE

SOCIAL SCIENCE Mother’s status improves child’s health The status of a mother greatly affects the health of their child, according to anthropologists from the University of California. The study was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. “New research by anthropologists at UC Santa Barbara suggests that a woman’s status does pay off, but in the form of better health outcomes for her children.” The researchers studied the Tsimane, in the Bolivian Amazon, and found that “the children of politically influential mothers are less likely to be sick and more likely to be of healthy weight and height for their age.” Men are often seen as fighting for social status and the benefits that go along with it from a fertility perspective. But women may use social status to “be more likely to leverage their status into greater resources in a way that can benefit their existing children” said Sarah Alami, a doctoral student in anthropology at UC Santa Barbara. “We found

women’s political influence was correlated with their husbands having more gender-egali t a r i a n views, their husbands thinking, for example, that it’s okay for a woman to have opinions that differ from her husband’s,” Alami said. “And women’s influence was also correlated with their husbands thinking their wives have a say in household decisions such as where to live, when to travel and how to spend household money” said Alami. (phys.org, 11 March 2020)

HEALTH

PSYCHOLOGY

Microbes and the great outdoors Ecology researchers from Australia and the UK have come up with the “Lovebug Effect”, that suggests “microbes could theoretically influence us to spend more time in nature while simultaneously improving our immune system to help combat diseases like inflammation and allergies.” One of the researchers, Dr Jake Robinson, explained that “By altering our brain chemistry, microbes may be able to manipulate our behavior to influence the food choices we make or the environments we visit. Part of this process could involve our decisions to spend time in nature, that is, to be immersed in dense clouds of invisible biodiversity and phytochemicals that are potentially beneficial to our health”. (medicalxpress.com, 11 March 2020)

GOOD TO KNOW Hubble’s Law Edwin Powell Hubble was an American astronomer who showed groundbreaking astronomical research in the 1920s. Hubble proved that galaxies existed other than the Milky Way, while also discovering that galaxies were moving away from our own; he called this “recession”.

To measure the speed of this inter-galactic movement, Edwin Hubble proposed Hubble’s Law of Cosmic Expansion (Hubble’s law) which states: velocity = H × distance. Velocity is the galaxy’s recessional velocity, H is the parameter that specifies the rate that the universe is expanding and distance is the galaxy’s distance from the one with which it’s being compared. These movements between galaxies can been traced back to the Big Bang itself. The Holy Quran has referred to the expansion of the universe in chapter 51, verse 48.

Depression and smartphones

Research by the University of Arizona indicates that young people who are addicted to their smartphones may be at an increased risk of developing loneliness and depression. In a study of 346 youth (ages 18-20), Matthew Lapierre and his wider team discovered that smartphone dependency “predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms and loneliness, rather than the other way around.” “There’s an issue where people are entirely too reliant on the device, in terms of feeling anxious if they don’t have it accessible, and they’re using it to the detriment of their day-to-day life.” Said Lapierre. The researchers found that depression and loneliness doesn’t lead to increase smartphone use, rather it’s the opposite way. (sciencedaily.com, 30 September 2019)

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forgiveness, God will punish such a person.”

Thus, Huzooraa said, “Man should fear God’s displeasure … and continue to seek His love and pray that may He keep us on the right path. This is why God has taught us the prayer in Surah al-Fatihah: ‫اهدنا ال�راط المستقيم‬ [Guide us in the right path] and may we not divert to the path of those who have incurred God’s displeasure.”

Another question was about the importance of the Islamic tradition of sacrifice on the occasion of a child’s birth known as aqiqah. In response, Huzooraa said, “This is a type of sadaqah and it is good if one is capable to do so, as it is the practice of the Holy Prophetsa.”

One khadim asked about the method we should utilise to further spread the message of Islam. Answering this, Huzooraa said, “The first method is prayer. You should pray that Allah may enable us to spread the message of Islam and become true Ahmadis.

To be a true Ahmadi, one must remain steadfast on God’s commandments and the teachings of Islam. True and sincere prayers are only answered when one is regular in the five daily prayers. One’s morals should be of such par that they attract others. Our prayers are only accepted when our morals and actions are of a high standard.”

Huzooraa added, “In this day and age, the European continent is moving further away from God. Their regard for religion is heavily decreasing. Thus, only when you embody good morals will people be ready to hear what you have to say. Then, you should hold functions and invite them to the mosque and utilise that opportunity for tabligh and tell them that our morals are set to such a standard because our religion has laid much emphasis on it.” Huzooraa added, “You should create a strong and firm

relationship with God and then do tabligh.”

Following this, a khadim asked if there was any chance that the Third World War will not occur. Huzooraa replied, “It seems as if it is an inevitable reality.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked, “Are people coming towards God or moving further away? Are people indulging in bad deeds or good deeds?”

Huzooraa further expounded: “The survey that was conducted here shows that those who are religious and believe in God are regular in giving to charity. Thus, this means that people who are forgetting God are not just moving further away from God, but are not even fulfilling the rights owed to fellow human beings.

The world is continuing to make weapons of mass destruction. In such circumstances we cannot say that conditions will get better.”

Huzooraa further added, “Thus, before the war breaks out, it is important that we tell people that if they don’t reflect on their deeds and continue to move further from God, their actions can have a catastrophic effect.”

One khadim expressed a difficulty he was facing when inviting guests to the mosque for tabligh. Upon this, Huzooraa answered, “You should tell them that if they ever wish to see and visit our mosques, then they are most welcome and tell them that there is no compulsion in religion.”

Following this, a khadim asked what tasbih Huzooraa recited daily in abundance.

In response, Huzooraa said, “Every prayer is important. You should recite the Durood and istighfar. I, myself, continuously do istighfar.”

The mulaqat concluded with the khuddam having the opportunity to take a group picture with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

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

The virtue of performing ablution Hazrat Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Should I not suggest to you that by which Allah obliterates sins and elevates the ranks [of a person].” They [the hearers] replied, “Yes,

Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Performing the ablution thoroughly, despite difficulties, increasing the number of steps towards the mosque and waiting for the next prayer after observing a prayer, for that is mindfulness.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The graciousness and mercy of God One ought to remember that there are two forms of beneficence. Firstly, there is graciousness (rahmaniyyat); and secondly, mercy (rahimiyyat). The divine grace of rahmaniyyat is that which was in practice even before our beings came into existence. For example, before anything else, through the insight of His eternal knowledge, Allah Almighty created a heaven and earth and other worldly things and heavenly bodies, which would all fulfil some purpose in our lives – and so they do. It is humans that ultimately benefit from all of these creations. When goats and sheep and other animals are themselves beneficial to man, what benefit do they derive in the real sense? Among those things that are physical, just observe how humans consume many exquisite and excellent forms of food. High-quality meat is reserved for humans whereas scraps and bones are thrown to dogs. At a physical level, the pleasures and comforts that humans enjoy are experienced by animals as well, but they are the primary privilege of mankind. Animals do not partake of spiritual pleasure. Hence, there are two forms of beneficence. Firstly, that which resulted, since the earliest times, even before our existence, in the creation of the elements and matter and which are bound to our service.

All of these things were present even before our own existence, human desire or prayer, by virtue of the demands of rahmaniyyat.

The second form of beneficence is divine mercy (rahimiyyat); that is to say, when we pray, Allah the Exalted bestows. If one contemplates, it becomes evident that the relationship which

underpins the law of nature is the exact relationship found to exist in prayer. Some people consider prayer to be a self-invented belief. However, I would also like to elaborate on the relationship that our prayer has with God Almighty.

When a child becomes restless with hunger and screams and wails for milk, a woman’s breast begins to fill with milk. A child has no conception of prayer, but how do the cries of a child bring forth milk? Everyone is experienced in this regard. At times, it has been noted that a mother feels no milk in her bosom, but as soon as her child cries, milk begins to flow forth. Now, can our cries before Allah the Exalted bring forth nothing? Indeed, divine favour does flow forth and all our cries are heard, but those who are blind and consider themselves to be scholars and philosophers are unable to see. If an individual keeps in mind the relationship that a child has with its mother and reflects over the philosophy of prayer, it becomes very simple and easy to understand.

The second form of beneficence teaches us that one form of grace is received by asking for it. If a person continues to beg, they shall continue to receive. Allah the Exalted states “Supplicate and I shall accept.”

This is not as an empty phrase; rather, this is an inherent characteristic of human nature.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 125-126)

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In search of a passionate heart Good times or bad, the steps of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra were always seeking the heights of achievements. Accordingly, he once said in a couplet: ‫ھجم وک اک ٓاشت اشفں رُپ وولہل دل یک التش‬ “I search for a heart throbbing with passion; Like an active volcano ready to erupt”

Asif M Basit London

Two very significant events took place on 12 January 1889. Both events hold important place in religious history and both events are associated with the prophecies of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

The first prophecy was that in the final era, the Muslims would resemble the Jews and would divide into 73 sects of which only one sect would be worthy of being called “Al-Jamaat”, who would follow the true teachings of Islam. This Jamaat would belong to the Messiah and Mahdi.

The second prophecy was that the Messiah, who would come in the latter days, would marry and he would be blessed with progeny.

It was 12 January 1889, when Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, from a small, unknown town of Qadian published a pamphlet that declared that by the command of God Almighty, he would take the pledge of fealty and whoever would take that pledge, would be considered to be a member of his “Jamaat”.

But this pledge was not an ordinary pledge because it had ten conditions attached to it, which were compulsorily to be fulfilled to remain faithful to the pledge.

All these conditions were the essence of Islamic teachings. These conditions were a summary of all injunctions that must be followed and a collection of all prohibitions that were to be avoided.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas included another announcement at the end of the above announcement and that was that he was blessed by the birth of a son on that very date and that he was named Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad.

Thus took place the twin birth of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra and the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The claim of being the Messiah by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadianias made it palpably clear that these were the two prophecies of Hazrat Muhammadsa, the Holy Prophet of Islam, that were fulfilled simultaneously.

This child continued to grow under the watchful eye of his august father. From infancy to childhood, he progressed to a youth and showed all the talent on the way.

It was in his childhood, when he was in the lap of his august father, that he pointed to a

twinkling star in the sky and said, “Father! I want to go to the stars.” It may be innocent, but it was also a very ambitious desire.

From his very childhood, he suffered from the redness and swelling of the eyes and his childhood was seemingly wasted with unsuccessful efforts of having regular education. Some teachers went to see his august father and in a manner of complaint, said that the boy was falling behind other students.

The Promised Messiahas said, “Let me test him”. He asked the child to write something, which he did correctly. He showed his satisfaction and said that he could write well. In fact, Hazrat Ahmadas knew that this child did not need the knowledge of usual subjects and that his syllabus of covert and overt knowledge had been arranged in the Heavens. However, in gaining the knowledge of the Holy Quran and ahadith, the child never showed any contraction, nor did the Promised Messiahas leave any deficiency. The child had great love in his heart for these two subjects from the very beginning.

The child was growing very fast and so was the twin born Jamaat going through different stages of progress. The child was always worried about this twin. The welfare of the members of the Jamaat was always dear to his heart from the very young days.

His passion for prayers increased and God Almighty showed him the way. He gathered an assembly of people with the name of “Tash-heez-ul-Azhan” and started a journal of that name as well.

In the early publications, the articles of

this young man on different subjects are so mature that no one can say that those were written by a 16 or 17-year-old boy. After reading those essays, no one can say that that was written by a young man who did not have a regular education. Not even a scholar could write so lucidly.

In 1908, the trying moment came when the Promised Messiahas passed away. This young man became an orphan. In this very stage of helplessness, he stood next to his great father, who had only just passed away, and took an oath that even if the whole world forsook him, he would continue the great work of his great father and would spread the message to all the corners of the Earth.

Only six years had passed this event, when the historical year of 1914 arrived – the year in which the First World War started and all the nations of the world were tormented with fear. That very year, this callow looking youth was made to take the helm of the Jamaat and God Almighty made him take the great seat of his great father. Thus, two prophecies came to be fulfilled – two prophecies of the Promised Messiahas.

One prophecy was about the Great World War and the other was the great son taking over his mission to spread the message of Islam to the corners of the world. On the one hand, the World War had shaken the whole world from its foundation and on the other, this young man was challenging the world: ‫ی‬ ‫وھچڑ� ےگ مہ قح وک ٓااکشر‬ ‫ومحمد رک ےک‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ی‬ � ‫روےئ زم وک وخاہ الہان ڑپے‬

7

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

“We will manifest the message of truth to the world, even if we have to ruffle and startle the Earth.”

Thus, the year 1914 – the year of initiation of the Khilafat of Hazrat Mahmudra – proved to be the year that shook the world. The twin prophecies of the World War and the Khilafat of Hazrat Mahmudra occurred simultaneously.

Thus began the Khilafat of the Promised Reformer [Musleh-e-Maud] in tumultuous and violent times. Neither the violence receded, nor did the restlessness of the people abate, and thus the desire of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra became an impassioned call: ‫ھجم وک اک ٓاشت اشفں رُپ وولہل دل یک التش‬ “I search for a heart throbbing with passion; like an active volcano ready to erupt.”

If the man, who immediately after taking the seat of Khilafat had to face the learned and prosperous of the Jamaat decamp with the treasury, who had only a few coins to run a Jamaat of hundreds of thousands and whose educated class falls victim to its own arrogance, still remained steadfast to uphold the promise he made to his dying father with God as his Witness, then that steadfastness was surely because of a heart of volcanic disposition.

Thus, why would this great Musleh not feel incensed when someone suggested delaying an educational institution because of shortage of money. How could

the one who had the courage to take over a Jamaat of hundreds of thousands without a penny in the treasury and who had experienced God’s blessings being showered on the Jamaat have accepted such a plea? Therefore, as soon as he heard this excuse, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, with all the majesty, ordered, “The college will start, and it shall start today. Who told you to worry about money? Go and inaugurate the college.”

In one of the corners of a dilapidated building known as Jodha-mul Building, a bed-sheet was spread on the floor. Thus started the college that is known as Talim-ulIslam College. Very soon, the same college was acknowledged as one of the premier colleges in academic and extracurricular activities. Later on, the same college had its own impressive building, which produced many acknowledged academics and wellknown personalities. Since then, many Ahmadiyya educational institutions have been opened in different parts of the world and yet, new colleges and schools are being prepared for the future.

But this was not limited to colleges; every project was started when the Jamaat was in a state of scarcity and every project reached the pinnacle. During World War I, America and Britain produced a famous poster for the recruitment of soldiers. It had words in bold saying “I Need You”.

The occupant of the spiritual title of Musleh-e-Maud also announced at the

beginning of his reign and published a poster saying “I Need You”.

But this need was not for any war or a crusade. This was the need to preach the message of Islam, to go through deserts, forests and wildernesses without fear and declaring, “God is Great”. The need was of those who could protect the honour of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, even if they were tortured on burning coals. Hundreds of people came forward in response to this appeal. He made it clear that those who come forward to devote their lives to serve must remember that they may have to surmount hunger, poverty, opposition and loneliness to accomplish this task. This great personality did not make demands only, but proved it with his own example and conduct.

light of an oil lamp, was bound to create commotion in the religious circles.

These commentaries of the Holy Quran attracted the Muslims who were becoming distant from their religions. The light of Islam was getting dim but these commentaries brought back the brilliance once again and the teachings of Islam are still radiant because of them. Those commentaries were the treasures that were buried for centuries, but were discovered by the divinely guided Messiah and Mahdi and given to mankind by the Musleh-eMaud, who was promised by God to be filled with overt and covert knowledge.

These are the very commentaries that are used by the opposing Islamic scholars to find precious points to use as their own to gain kudos from the audiences and yet,

He wrote the translation and commentaries of the Holy Quran during the night with the aid of oil-burning lamp that emitted equal amounts of smoke and soot and a small amount of light. Members of the household noted that he worked so long during the night that one could see traces of oil smoke on his face in the morning. This was during the time of undivided India and just after the partition, when the electricity was not available in every household. He performed an invaluable service of the Holy Quran in those dark nights and the commentaries that came out of his pen as a result created a great stir in the world.

Very early, in the beginning in 1915, the English translation and commentary of the first part was published. The publisher was of his own establishment, named “Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Islam”. This translation and short commentary was sent to various libraries in Western Europe for the benefit of general public.

As soon as it arrived in the West, the world of religion was shaken to the core.

Well known journals of Europe, The Muslim World and Harvard Theological Review, wrote the critique and complimented that “this was a first attempt of its kind”.

This occurred in a period when a great deal of literature was being published in the religious world; but this effort made by a fiery heart, from an unknown town of Qadian during the nights under the smoky

they are not ashamed to declare Ahmadis non-Muslims.

The World War, at the start that began the era of the Khilafat of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, decimated the world. The British, who had an empire spread all over the world, started worrying about the very existence and preservation of Britain. The British started planning to wind up their empire. The big problem was India, which, within the empire, was not only the biggest country, but a subcontinent. How was that issue to be resolved?

The British Government started making plans to give self-rule to India; All India National Congress came into existence, which was meant to give opportunity to the common people to give their opinion through their representatives. Muslims, because of lack of education, were at a disadvantage and felt like a helpless community. Apathy among the Muslims and Hindus continued to intensify.

Simpleton newly converted Muslims were being forced to revert to Hindu faith in the name of Shuddhi (purification). At this critical juncture, Christian clergy also accelerated their activities. The government that was already debilitated became even more incapacitated.

In this critical hour for Muslims, the sympathetic disposition of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra came to the rescue of Muslims.

His heart was full of compassion for the community and according to the Heavenly

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

8 prophecies, it was ordained that “he will be the cause of deliverance of nations”.

God Almighty had bestowed on him zafar (victory) as an appellation of honour.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave the benefit of his advice to the Muslim public and leadership, to the Hindu leadership and the British Government and because of these efforts, he became the favourite among all these groups. We cannot go into the details of political expediencies that caused difficulties. The fact remains that everyone acknowledges that no one possessed the political far-sightedness that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had.

In 1924, when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived at the port of Bombay from his return from England, Mr Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi came to visit him and invited him to join the Indian Congress party. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained that his intentions were not political and he could not support anyone until it became clear which political party was inclined towards equity and justice.

Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan, a prominent member in the struggle for freedom of India, wrote in his book, The Nation that Lost its Soul, that Mr Muhammad Ali Jinnah asked him to go to Qadian, see Mirza Sahib (Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra) and request him to pray for the success of Muslim League. The writer says that he arrived in Qadian at night and Mirza Sahib had gone home from his office.

When Huzoorra received the message, he came immediately, heard the message of Jinnah Sahib and replied, “We have always prayed for the success of the objectives of Jinnah Sahib”.

Even the servants of the British Raj were fully aware of the greatness of the character

of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

In 1915, the British Government provided an opportunity to the Muslim population to have a choice in deciding the matters related to inheritance either according to their social traditions or according to the Islamic Shariah. The Digest of Customary Law preserved the government decision in these words, “The Mugul Barlas Dynasty of Qadian is strictly obedient to the Mohamadan Sharia.”

In short, although the British government knew Qadian as the upholder of “Mohamadan” Shariah, the British Government discovered many more precious dimensions in this rare pearl.

In those days, all matters concerning India were the responsibility of the secretary of state for India. In 1917-1918, this office was held by Edwin Samuel Montagu and in those days, he came to visit India to assess the situation.

On that occasion, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra presented an address to the secretary of state for India presenting clearly and in detail the suggestions to solve the problems faced in India. This address was presented to him in Lahore, which Hazrat Sir Zafarulla Khanra orally recounted to him. Huzoorra himself also had a meeting with Mr Montagu and explained the situation and guided him.

Mr Montagu noted about this meeting in his diary which was published after his demise as An Indian Diary. He noted under the date of 15 November 1917: “Fourth delegation was Ahmadiyya delegation which is also a sect of Islam.

They are Muslim; they believe in human equality and believe in all Prophets. A long document was read to me that was written by their ‘Huzoor’. This document was

Copy of the English translation of the first part of the Holy Quran, published at the very start of the second Khilafat in 1915. This translation was given much acclaim by the likes of Harvard Theological Review and The Muslim World

much better than all the other documents that were presented to us”.

He continues, ‘His document pertaining to the election of Members of the Executive Council and for Legislation, were better than those of other delegations and they had been prepared after a great deal of thought and with intelligence.’

It is important to give his concluding note in his own words: “He has a good mind and had carefully thought out his constitutional scheme.”

Similarly, from December 1921 to June 1922, Edward, Prince of Wales (Heir apparent to the crown) visited India.

Wherever he went, whichever state he visited, he was showered with expensive gifts by the nobles and the heads. From priceless carpets to jewels and diamonds were presented to the Crown Prince to gain his good will and favour. When he came to Lahore, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also decided to give him a gift.

After a great deal of thought, Huzoorra wrote a booklet in which he introduced the Crown Prince of the British Empire with Islam and the Ahmadiyya Community and invited him to the religion of Islam. The title of the booklet was A Present to His Royal Highness – The Prince of Wales. A delegation of the Ahmadiyya Community presented the booklet to the Prince at Lahore.

The secretary to the Prince wrote a reply to Huzoorra, a part of which is produced below: “His Highness, the Prince has read the introduction to the Ahmadiyya Community in your address. His Highness desires to have more information on this subject.”

A copy of the address presented to ES Montagu, Secretary of State for India 1917-22

Wherever and whenever the question arose for the rights of Muslims, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra heart became most restless and this restlessness manifested itself as a magnificent guidance.

When Hijaz and Najad were granted self-rule, the British Empire fixed stipends for the heads of the states to keep them under control. The British gave them arms and ammunition and loans to stabilise them and did whatever could be done to please those heads of states.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra warned Lord Chelmsford that these actions would affect the independence of Hijaz and Najad. They would always remain under the obligation of the British. He also wrote to the heads of these states that the apparent courtesy of the British would always cost them dearly.

When Lord Reading became Viceroy of India, Huzoorra sent a delegation who read his address in the presence of the viceroy.

The address contained condemnation of the agreement that compromised the independence of Hejaz and Najad.

Such efforts on the part of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra have eternal testimony of his compassion and counselling for the rights of Muslim people and Muslim nations.

If rulers of these states today look back to the decisions of their forebears, they may, perhaps, realise how far-sighted the advice was, and had it been accepted, they would not have been in the perpetual state of enslavement of the West.

The deep roots of compassion of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra for his own Jamaat were in fact the same as the compassion he had for the Muslim Ummah. While he so much loved the Muslim Ummah, how could it be that he would have less love for the Jamaat

This book was gifted to Edward, Prince of Wales during his tour of India in 1921-22.

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Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM through which the revival of the true Islam was to take place? That Jamaat was formed by the people, who sacrificed their wealth, their homes and their countries and accepted opposition to join the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas. The betterment and welfare of these people was the most important mission of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra. In this love, his heart was taller than a mountain and kept on smouldering like a volcano.

When an opportunity came to introduce Islam in the conference of the Religions of the Empire held in England, Huzoorra himself mentioned that while he was writing his presentation, some nights, he did not sleep at all and often, he did not go to bed before one or two in the morning. The day was used up in this work and making travel arrangements.

When the journey started, it was a two-month voyage by sea. Throughout the journey, Huzoorra suffered from flux and sea voyage also caused nausea and vomiting. The reports sent from England during his stay show that his diarrhoea aggravated due to lack of rest. In one of his own letters, Huzoorra mentioned that he did not get time to even see some of London.

In such a state of severe illness, this magnificent Musleh-e-Maud continued his efforts to spread the message of Islam. This was but one example of the action of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. However, to understand a personality, it is very important to see his reaction as well.

The opponents were burning with jealousy. While burning in their own fire, they exceeded all limits and crossing all bounds, started riots and arson. The assault of the Ahrar was at its zenith. In the name of religion, the processions of the Ahrar troublemakers were roaming the streets of Qadian, threatening that they would raze Qadian to the ground.

If the Khalifa of Qadian had issued just one command, the Ahmadiyya population of Qadian would have dealt with these miscreants. But Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra displayed great patience and asked his community to show patience as well. He himself prostrated to the Almighty Creator – He, Who had made promises of his birth, his upbringing and had promised the restoration of grandeur of Islam through him. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra showed his reaction according to the directions that he received from the Almighty to counter the excesses and threats of the Ahrars. But just what was this reaction?

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra declared that the opponents could use all their schemes, they could do the worst that they could, they could spread fear and fright, but his God had given him a different command.

“As a reaction to all this disturbance, I want to announce a new scheme that God Almighty has disclosed to me; it is a scheme according to which each and every Ahmadi will donate all their spare income for the spread of Islam; it is a scheme according to which every Ahmadi should come forward and devote their life for the sake of God; every Ahmadi should devote their assets and property; a scheme according to which every Ahmadi promises to spend a simple life. In short, every Ahmadi should become an integral part of this scheme for

the advancement of Islam.”

Hazrat Mahmudra called this scheme Tahrik-e-Jadid (The New Movement).

Neither the behaviour of opponents changed, nor did Tahrik-e-Jadid, started

by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, slow down.

Indeed, during the times of later Khulafa, the scheme kept on growing and is still growing like an evergreen tree.

Whatever auxiliary organisations and schemes that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra launched and activated are a testimony of his heartfelt concern for children, youth, old men and women of the Jamaat. He wanted to see them improving and he guided them to the path of progress, showed all of them their real destination and guided them.

The question arises as to what the expectations of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra were from us? Or what Khilafat-eAhmadiyya expects from us today?

The answer, in a nutshell, is in one couplet of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra: ‫ ومت ی‬،‫مایب‬ ‫ےہ لمع ی‬ ‫م اک ی‬ ‫م ےہ زدنیگ‬ ‫ در ی�ا یک ھچک رپوا ہن رک‬، ‫اج ٹپل اج رہل ےس‬ “Victory lies in action and life is in extinction; Go! Embrace the rapids and ignore the depth and flow.”

Indeed, Huzoorra followed the same principle all his life. When he was young, frail in health, with adverse social circumstances, without means, a migrant and in an inimical political environment, nothing could stand against his determination. He did not care about the depth or the violent flow of the river; he embraced the waves with prayers and determination and competing with death, he continued to triumph in his objectives.

When he uttered the following couplet: ‫ٹ‬ ‫دان واغ ی‬ ‫�پ� ی�ھ ی‬ ‫م ہن داھکےئ وکیئ‬ ِ ‫م‬

‫ہنم ہپ ی�ا قشع اک رھپ انم ہن الےئ وکیئ‬ “Turn not your back in the battleground of loyalty, or never ever utter the words of love and fidelity.”

This reminds us of the promise that he

made in 1908 to the Promised Messiahas.

Standing at the head of the bed, the corpse was in front of him, the house was bereft of all worldly good and outside, the opponents were creating riot. In such a scenario, his pledge became a practical image of the above couplet.

This is what is also expected from us.

Either do not give this pledge or, if you have given a pledge of loyalty, you will have to fulfil this to the end of your life. This is the very foundation of a community as he said: ‫ی‬ ‫م اےنپ پ ی�اروں یک تبسن‬ ‫رہزگ ہن رکوں اگ دنسپ یھبک‬ ‫رایض وہں‬ ‫وہ وھچےٹ درہج ہپ ن‬ �‫� ی چ‬ � ‫اور ان یک اگنہ رےہ ی‬ “For my beloveds I shall never feel satisfied; If they have low ambitions or downcast eyes.”

He demonstrated this resolve in his lifetime. A man living in a small town of Qadian, starts a newspaper by the name of Al Fazl and with his vision, elevates it to such high standards that the political fraternity of India, be it Hindu, Muslim or the British government, waited impatiently for this newspaper to see what Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra had to say about the latest social and political issues.

Well-known editors of Urdu newspapers, that had started with large capital and were published in many cities of India simultaneously, were awe-struck to see the wondrous take-off of this newspaper.

We see that Huzoorra never lowered his aims, nor did he allow the circumstances to interfere in his lofty aspirations. His also expects us to have the same resolve and high ambitions, whatever the circumstances are. He instructed all Jamaat members to gain knowledge and skills of all sorts. He provided the means to gain education. He started schools and colleges and instituted scholarships for deserving students so that no one was deprived of the opportunity.

Although he appreciated the scholarship

and knowledge, he also ‫ ن‬cautioned: ‫مت دمرب وہ ہک ی‬ ‫رج� وہ یا� اعمل وہ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫مہ ہن وخش وہں ےگ یھبک مت م رگ االسم ہن وہ‬ “A general, a diplomat, a savant you may be; no delight it is to me if no Islam in thee.”

Addressing all of us, he emphasised: ‫رسع وہ ی�ر وہ یگنت وہ ہک ٓااسشئ وہ‬ ِ ‫دوعت االسم ہن وہ‬ ‫ھچک یھب وہ دنب رگم‬ “Affluence or indigence, meagreness or profusion; invite to Islam must go on whatever the condition.”

He left behind magnificent practical examples for us. In 1924, neither circumstances, nor health was suitable to undertake a sea-voyage to London; but it was an opportunity to give the message of Islam. The treasury of Anjuman-eAhmadiyya could not bear the burden of this journey. Huzoorra borrowed the money from a devoted and generous friend from Deccan to commence this arduous journey.

The sweet rewards of this journey are evident even today – a journey that was undertaken without any regard to the circumstances of poverty or richness or personal health.

The mind is running out of superlatives and ink in the pen has run dry. Perforce, I have to end this article. I conclude it with a couplet that encapsulates all hopes and expectations that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had from his precious Jamaat. ‫ن‬ ‫ مت دم ہن یلا بج کلت‬،‫یمرے پ ی�ارے دووتس‬ ‫ن‬ ‫د�ا ی‬ ‫م ہن رہلاےئ ولاےئ اقد ی�اں‬ ‫اسری ی‬

“My dear friends, persevere till comes the time; in all corners of the world, flies the Qadian ensign.”

(Translated by Saleem Ahmad Malik, UK. Originally published in Al Fazl International, London; 20 February 2020)

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

10

The Westerly Sunrise: Exhibition for neighbours of Islamabad

Khalifatul Masih IIra directly addressing the officials of the British-Indian government.

Guests were given a glimpse of this rich literature that provided insight into Quranic teachings on inter-faith harmony, intercommunal coexistence, loyalty to the rulers and also on political themes when it came to handing over the governance of India to the Indian people and, for that matter, the drawing of a boundary to divide the subcontinent into two countries: India and Pakistan.

Great interest was shown in the remarks of Edwin Samuel Montagu – then Secretary of State for India – during his visit to Lahore.

He had expressed that of all advice received by social and political circles of India, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra was the most thoroughly researched, thought over and one based on realistic expectations.

The photograph of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, stepping out of the Fazl Mosque would usually hold the gaze of visitors when told that it was in this mosque that he launched a grand-scale humanitarian scheme to alleviate the sufferings of the under-privileged parts of Africa. The Nusrat Jehan Scheme, as it is called, has had hundreds of Ahmadis leaping forward to contribute towards the noble cause; the most prominent of such devotees being Hazrat

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa viewing the Westerly Sunrise Exhibition

It is quite normal to expect rain and chilly breezes of early March in England; so normal that everything goes on as usual.

Things went on more than normal on 7 and 8 March when the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre opened the doors of Masroor Hall in Islamabad for local neighbours. In the hall stood an exhibition themed “The Westerly Sunrise” where history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Britain was depicted in pictorial form with supporting text.

The first wing brought to life the Jamaat’s history from the time of the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Islam, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, on whom be peace; his correspondence with Queen Victoria where he introduced her to the message of Islam and invited her to accept it was also explained here.

The visuals in this wing included title pages of the first editions of the following books that carried this message: Aina-eKamalat-e-Islam, Nur-ul-Haq and Star of the Empress. Covered too were the Promised Messiah’sas correspondence with the BritishIndian Government in relation to the teachings of Islam regarding coexistence in a society like the British-India and to not to take up arms against just and tolerant rulers like the British.

Tour guides would tell guests about the Promised Messiah’sas work “Jehad and the British Government”, how he got it printed in bulk, arranged for distribution

in areas of major uprisings like Peshawar and the North-Western Province and how he offered government officials to provide more copies of the work to circulate them at a wider scale.

The foundation of the Ahmadiyya

Jamaat’s London Mission in 1913 naturally caught the attention of visitors of the exhibition and more so, the 1924 England tour of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra. Visitors found it fascinating to learn that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was invited all the way from India to address the Conference of Living Religions of the Empire by School of Oriental Studies and the Sociological Society, the conference being a part of the British Empire Exhibition.

Associated with this episode was the story of the corner-stone laying of the Fazl Mosque – London’s first mosque.

As the majority of visitors were from the local neighbourhood of Islamabad – who have only known us since 1984 – the story of the Fazl Mosque extended their knowledge of the Jamaat’s history to almost a hundred years back.

The next part of the exhibition shed light on the literature produced by Hazrat

Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the current head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, when he first devoted his life in early 1970s.

Huzooraa lived in Ghana for many years and served on educational and agricultural fronts, before returning to Pakistan after great services spanning over almost a decade-and-a-half.

The migration of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya from Pakistan to London is a story that most locals knew about, but it worked as a reminder of many details that can fade in memories with time. This wing of the exhibition caught attention as the migration and the purchase of the land of Islamabad had happened like twin-birth.

A spike in interest could be visibly seen as guests walked on to the wing that focused on Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa – the great man who is their neighbour, as described by a number of local-resident visitors of the exhibition.

Most local residents have visited Islamabad on several occasions, but the displayed aerial view of the newly refurbished Islamabad caught the eye of

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Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM many guests. What they had always seen as rundown barracks, weathered by the flight of time, did most definitely serve as a feast for their eyes – or anyone’s eyes for that matter; it is a spectacular view of the Mubarak Mosque, Huzoor’saa offices and the attached residential colony.

This led to the final wing of the exhibition where guests could see a glimpse of how dignitaries, intellectuals and heads of states take pride in having an audience with Huzooraa, where they get a chance to be enlightened about contemporary affairs concerning their religious, social, economic, national and international interests.

Highlight of the exhibition The exhibition had been up for only a few hours on Saturday, 7 March, when Huzooraa blessed it with his presence. After leading the Asr prayer, Huzooraa walked to Masroor Hall and visited the exhibition, graciously viewing the displays, asking about various related issues and providing insightful guidance.

The organisers, Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre, felt very fortunate and privileged that Huzooraa took time out of his extremely busy schedule and walked through every aisle and wing of the exhibition.

Jamaat and have seen Islamabad flourish into what it is today, yet the historical material displayed in the exhibition opened new avenues for their perception about the Jamaat. Both the mayors stayed in the exhibition for more than an hour respectively to go through the whole exhibition.

Comments by guests Most visitors expressed a great deal of appreciation in their remarks that they jotted down in the visitor’s book. We present only a few that represent the spirit of all remarks by the visitors: “What a privilege to be a neighbour of His Holiness”. “What a fascinating experience”. “This exhibition has given a new dimension to my perception about the Ahmadiyya”.

Prominent guests Pat Evans, the Mayor of Farnham and Mary Foryszewski, Mayor of Waverley Borough Council (the home-borough of Islamabad, Tilford) both took time out to visit the exhibition in the early part of Saturday afternoon.

Both have been very good friends of the Continued from page 2

17 March 1964: Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian had a piece of land on the western side of Reti Challa, a central and known neighborhood of Qadian. On this date, the foundation stone for some commercial buildings was laid.

18 March 1921: On this date, after the tabligh of Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Nayyarra, members of the Fante Community converted en masse, giving immediate rise to the number of Ahmadis in Ghana.

18 March 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced the expulsion of some members of the Jamaat on this date, after it was established that those men were being used as handlers of Bahai faith and trying to spread their views to the Jamaat members secretly.

18 March 1939: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya employed its first ever paid clerk in their central offices. Syed Abdul Basit Sahib was appointed to this post, where he served for the next 28 years.

18 March 1946: Talim-ul-Islam College’s history shows us that it was not merely an educational institute, but a momentous source of religious and secular knowledge and inspiration for its staff and students. On this date, 41 companions of the Promised Messiahas were hosted at Fazl-e-Umar Hostel in a unique ceremony, where they introduced themselves to the younger generation.

To mark this historic moment, the noble guiests graciously signed a piece of paper individually and a group photo was taken.

18 March 1947: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived at Ahmadabad, Sindh. On the same evening, Huzoorra left for Mahmudabad. For the next three days, Huzoorra graciously inspected the agricultural farms located in

Roshan Nagar, Latif Nagar, Karim Nagar and Nur Nagar.

18 March 1948: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered his speech in Theosophical Hall, Karachi, in front of a gathering of women. Around 600 people attended this session.

18 March 1949: An Ahmadi, Muhammad Khan Sahib was martyred in Kashmir.

18 March 1953: Governor of Punjab, Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar issued a strict warning addressing Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, subjecting Huzoor’sra message in which Huzoorra guided Jamaat members regarding the ongoing systematic agitation, written on 3 March. On 19 March, the deputy superintendent of police travelled all the way from Jhang to Rabwah to serve the above mentioned order. This police official personally visited Huzoorra and conveyed the word of the governor. Upon this unjust call, Huzoorra spontaneously said, “It is true that I live under the protectorate of the governor, but this governor’s powers are under the firm grip of my Lord.”

As a clear sign, within days, the federal government removed him for many reasons. Moreover, his successor, M Aminuddin withdrew the above-mentioned cruel notice served to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

18 March 1962: Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital Kanu, Nigeria was inaugurated.

19 March 1908: Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra established a literary circle in Qadian under the title of Majma-ul-Ikhwan.

19 March 1944: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced the extension project of Masjid Mubarak in Qadian.

Discussing tabligh in Kosovo

Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

On 1 March 2020, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo organised a National Tabligh event.

The programme was attended by members of the three Kosovo Jamaat centres: Prishtina, Peja and Mitrovica. In addition to the Ahmadi Muslims, there were other Muslim participants who are currently studying, researching and praying about the truth of the Jamaat. The day began in the morning with a silent prayer from the Mission House in Prishtina.

The meeting point for the participants was on the Brezovica mountain range, a settlement located between the state border of Kosovo and North Macedonia and is 2000 meters above sea level (the highest peak is 2,212 m). For some of the participants it was their first time visiting this beautiful place, and according to them, this trip will be remembered for a long time because it was organised by the Jamaat.

It is interesting to note that the local mu‘allim of Peja branch helped an elderly man who had reached the top of the mountain range by cable car, but was afraid to go down alone. After seeing the elder, mu‘allim sahib went down with him by cable car. The elder greatly thanked him later.

On the way back, Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered on the bus. Among the goals of the program was to inform participants about the approach of the Jalsa Salana Kosovo Jubilee to be held next month. The number of participants in this program was around 30 people.

Lord Bishop of Worcester Invites Jamaat Birmingham West to event Mobbashir Kaleem Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Birmingham West, UK

Rt Reverend Dr John Inge, Lord Bishop of Worcester invited Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Birmingham West to a service to welcome The Rt Reverend Martin Gorick and inaugurate his ministry as Bishop of Dudley on 22 February 2020 at St Thomas Church, Dudley.

Two members of the local Jamaat attended and represented Jamaat-eAhmadiyya to the welcome service at St Thomas Church Dudley.

The new appointed Bishop of Dudley, Martin and his wife thanked the members and hoped to work closely in future with our community.

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Religious Founders Day in Perth, Australia Kamran Mubashar Missionary, Australia

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Western Australia held its first ever Religious Founders’ Day Symposium on 29 February 2020, at Nasir Mosque in Perth, Australia.

This unique interfaith event was one in which the Jamaat once again worked on its interfaith relationship to show the true and peaceful teachings of Islam.

The theme of the event was “Our founders’ teachings about service to mankind” in which each speaker highlighted the teachings that their respected founders taught in terms of service to mankind.

I took this opportunity to highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in relation to his dealings with fellow beings, whether it be of religious tolerance or love taught to your fellow creation.

The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a translation in English. Secretary External Affairs, Mirza Yasser Ahmad Sahib, warmly welcomed all guests and gave a brief introduction about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s past efforts in bringing people of different faiths together to such interfaith events.

Representatives from the Hindu Association of Western Australia, the Sikh Community and the Christian Church presented teachings from their respective founders about the need for serving humanity. Several dignitaries attended the event including the Mayor of City Cockburn and several senior representatives from the Western Australian Police Force, Department of Home Affairs and RSL (Returned and Services League).

All attendees left with a great impression with many highlighting the fact that the motto of the Jamaat “Love for all hated for none” is something that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community does not only preach but practice through such events.

In his speech, the Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Mayor Logan K Howlett, JP, said: “When I was looking at today’s speech, and the fact that we are looking at Religious Founders’ Day, when I went on to the website, and I found that the Muslim community hold these events all over the world. It is quite amazing how in different parts of the world, in bringing together members of different faith groups and sharing their knowledge and understandings, which I think is very good for all of us.”

I also had the opportunity to speak and explained that “As we are all gathered

here today, let us remember that to show compassion to the whole of humanity is a universal teaching of every religion. Every prophet of God provided care, comfort and support to the poor and needy. Similarly, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa displayed compassion to all people in a perfect manner because God appointed him as a mercy for all of humanity. Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community revives these pristine Islamic teachings as taught by the Holy Prophet by raising thousands of dollars for local charities, and providing clean water, education and health care in developing countries.”

In the end, all guests and event organisers were thanked for making the symposium a success which was then followed by a prayer.

A total of 30 guests attended the event and stayed for dinner.

Amnesty International Conference on Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws

Fareed Ahmad National Secretary External Affairs Jamaat UK

On 27 January 2020, in partnership with Amnesty International, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, through the national exter-

nal affairs department co-hosted a conference to raise awareness of the persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan – particularly the Ahmadi Muslims.

The conference – held at Amnesty’s UK headquarters – focused on the impact of the blasphemy laws on perpetuating an environment of hate and extremism.

This was the first conference of its kind to have been hosted by Amnesty International. Around 70 individuals attended the event, which included former

journalists and researchers, as well as many Jamaat members.

Jerry Allen, Amnesty International’s Country Coordinator for South Asia, welcomed attendees to the conference and noted that this conference followed a resolution passed at its previous AGM. He spoke of the need to develop practical steps to help improve the situation in Pakistan.

Peter Murray, Amnesty International’s Country Coordinator for Pakistan, gave an overview of the laws of the country and how they are being used to target different minorities in Pakistan.

Fareed Ahmad, National Secretary Umur-e-Kharijah focused on how persecution impacts Ahmadi Muslim from the cradle to the grave. He also emphasised

that we were not against Pakistan, but wanted to see laws reformed so that all citizens have freedom of religion, as this would engender social peace and deliver prosperity for the country. He also raised the issue of voting rights, the publications ban and the need to remove hate from the education system. He then highlighted the cases of three Ahmadis on death row.

Omar Warraich, Amnesty International’s Deputy South Asia Director, spoke about the retaliation of authorities against religious communities and minorities. He also noted that the current government had only acted when the army shows an interest. He noted the case of Atif Mian and said that Ahmadis faced extremely difficult times and there was little sign of change from the government at present, despite warm words.

Siobhain McDonagh MP, Chair of the APPG for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, gave an account of the APPG’s work and key findings from its inquiry into the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims and other minorities.

She also called for greater action by the Charity Commission in the UK to tackle imported extremists who are operating as registered charities and promised to raise this through the APPG. Siobhain also spoke of the need for the UK government to have more resources to stop preachers of hate coming to the UK and for UK aid money to be monitored carefully to ensure it is not being misused in Pakistan to promote hate.

Siobhain went on to say that she would continue to press the UK Government to do more to urge Pakistan on the issue of persecution of Ahmadis. She also said how it was worrying to note that in Pakistan the youth are perhaps more radicalised (due to madrasas) rather than being more liberal and tolerant.

Siobhain praised the work of the Jamaat in the UK and globally.

John Pontifex, Aid to the Church in Need’s Head of Press and Information, gave an account of the persecution faced by Christians in Pakistan. He acknowledged that Ahmadis faced more severe persecution and also spoke on how the FIR system and judicial process needs to change to distance it from mob pressure.

Fiyaz Mughal OBE, Director of Faith Matters, gave a powerful account of the likely rise in extremism if UK authorities fail to address anti-Ahmadi Muslim hate. He called for the UK government to be more willing to recognise hate and if someone supported or travelled to a funeral of people like Mumtaz Qadri then they must be held to account as that is the same as glorification of extremism. Mr Mughal noted how hate is impacting Ahmadis – even in the public sphere and noted the work he has done with us to produce a report (being published this year) on this. He added that some mainstream Muslims hold deep prejudice against Ahmadis and this is completely unacceptable and the UK Government must be alert to this and not use such people for their faith engagement or public policy work.

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and suggest ideas for future steps to ensure Amnesty’s sustained support for the rights of Ahmadi Muslims.

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Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Mufti Sahib’s journey to America from Liverpool Al Fazl, 8 March 1920 from the missionaries, there were Raeeszada Thomas Ibrahim, Brother Muhammad Suleiman Faith, Mr Wilson Yarther, Secretary Welfare League of India and Mr Kamaluddin Khachichi of Ceylon.

Every one of them expressed their love for Mufti Sahib and talked about his high morals and compelling way of tabligh and prayed that Allah bless him with victories in the new field.

Hazrat Master Abdur Rahim Nayyarra

On 20 January, Mufti Sahib’s associates and friends were given a farewell party and an address by the London Jamaat, in which they expressed their affectionate and sincere relationship with him and acknowledged his services.

Dr Henry M Leon MA, Dr Bett PhD, principal of Philology College and Madam Leon, who also holds a Master’s degree, were present in the audience. Dr Leon read out the address from the chair of the president.

Thereafter, Dr Sahib and Dr Bett commended the works and competence of Mufti Sahib in highly praiseworthy addresses. In the speeches of each of the two scholars, there was a particular mention of Mufti Sahib’s article, which he wrote on the comparison of the Arabic and Hebrew Languages. Moreover, the speakers openly expressed that his article had been regarded with great appreciation around the world.

The final words of the speeches were, “Our loss is America’s gain.”

Among the Ahmadi speakers, apart

Mufti and Nayyar in Liverpool On 26 January, Hazrat Mufti Sahib set off to Liverpool for his journey to America.

This humble one also travelled with him to Liverpool to take some time off after 6 months of work and more so, to witness his countenance, which was a reminiscence of the Promised Messiahas, sailing from the coast of England.

In Liverpool, each of the two green turbaned Ahmadi missionaries, wearing eye glasses and having white beards, distributed the literature of the Jamaat and gave people the good news of the revival of Liverpool’s Islamic Mission and the regathering of the scattered sheep of Muhammadsa, Prophet of Allah. There, we landed at the hotel which was incidentally named after the British conquerour, Alger Lord Nelson, and carried a lot of prayers.

Hazrat Mufti Sahib saw in a divine vision “Fateh Muhammad Bahadur,” written on the door of the hotel. On the same night,

I heard the following phrase in an aweinspiring voice: “The tree of Islam will flourish, progress and spread to the corners of the world.”

Thus, I think that Allah will give new victories in the new world, and many noble souls here and there, will take refuge under the flag of the Promised Messiahas.

Green turbaned men on an American ship The name of the ship that Mufti Sahib boarded was [SS] Haverford. It is a giant of the Atlantic Ocean, weighing 11,000 tonnes.

He went on its deck, prayed and met the officials who behaved respectably.

The ship set sail on 28 January at 1pm and Hazrat Mufti began his journey towards the west with the message of the Promised Messiahas. Before departing, Mufti Sahib lifted his hands from above the ship, and I from the shore, and prayed twice for half an hour. The ship was high and it was not possible for [his] voice to be heard on the shore, therefore we bade farwell, saying Assalam-o-Alaikum through gestures.

Distribution of literature and a brief lecture Upon return from the port, I saw a rally of labourers. There was a large crowd. As Allah Almighty gave the opportunity, I distributed the literature [of the Jamaat] and spent around 15 minutes conveying the message taught by the Promised Messiahas and explaining the principles of equality laid down by Islam. All praise belongs to Allah!

Letter from the ship A letter of Hazrat Mufti Sahib has been received from the ship. He has begun to carry out tabligh on the ship. He has regained good health after a little distress.

Below is his address in America: C/O Thomas Cook and Sons, 24 Broadway, New York, USA

Third Jalsa Salana Swaziland Abbas Bin Suleman Swaziland Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Eswatini successfully held its 3rd Jalsa Salana on 29 February 2020.

The Jalsa was organised in Hlatikulu, Magele at our Mosque, where 165 participants attended comprising of Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis. The National President and Missionary-in-Charge, Mansoor Ahmad Zahid Sahib and two others from Cape Town, South Africa and two delegates from Durban were in attendance.

This year, the theme for the Jalsa was “The role of religion in preventing domestic violence”. Several guests also attended the event, including the Member of Parliament of the area and representatives of the Regional Police Command, and the inner council of the traditional area The missionary-in-charge inaugurated the Jalsa and Huzoor’saa message and prayers were read out before the Jalsa attendees. Based on the theme, the Member of Parliament thanked the Jamaat for

inviting him, who also spoke fondly of Jamat-e-Ahmadiyya and urged everyone to pay attention to what the Jamaat had to say, especially with regard to the theme of stopping domestic violence.

The unit committee member of the constituency known in Eswatini politics as ‘Bucopho’ thanked the planning committee of the Jalsa for once again inviting him.

He is also a pastor of the churches and he urged the Jamaat to continue the good work of bringing people together and teaching them positive things. He said that he had personally benefitted a lot. By accepting our invitation and attending, he has cleared his mind of many misunderstandings about Islam.

The police on their part, expressed their gratitude for the Jamaat’s effort for ensuring a peaceful and moral society for all. Their representative urged all other religious groups to learn from the activities of Ahmadi Muslims. He expressed his gratitude for the Jalsa theme and said it could not have been more appropriate. He said, the doors of the police are always open and they are ready to

work with the Jamaat for the good of their people at any time.

Alhamdolillah the Jalsa was a great success, largely due to the prayers of our beloved Huzoor, may Allah be his Helper.

Amin This year’s Jalsa ended by a sod cutting

ceremony of our new Mosque project for Manzini. The Member of Parliament and unit committee member for the constituency, where the Jamaat is located, were present for the event. They each laid a brick for the commencement of the mosque building.

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Atheism on Trial

New Atheism – A game of smoke and mirrors Part I “When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.”

(Euripides, Orestes)

What happens when those who carry the torch of scholasticism and science conveniently extinguish its light when investigating God? While New Atheists take great pride in their so-called academic approach to investigation, a perusal of their literature reveals that their denunciation of God Almighty is replete with a rich variety of logical fallacies and an unabashed use of unscientific methods of enquiry.

The most prominent New Atheistic authors have mastered several nonacademic – and indeed in the scientific world – laughable techniques (Glausser Wayne, The Rhetoric of New Atheism, Paper published under DePauw University) in a shrewd attempt to confuse their readership and exploit the average person’s ignorance about religion. They seek to totally demonise religion in the eyes of the public, thereby inciting and fostering hatred, outrage, and doubt regarding the existence of God. Paralepsis The term paralepsis (to brush something aside as insignificant or unworthy of consideration – used as a technique to avoid answering a question) is derived from its Greek original, which literally means to pass over something purposefully while treating it as unimportant. When speakers use this technique, they make it seem as if something is not even worth mentioning when, in fact, by passing over it lightly, they intend to draw deliberate attention to it, often with the intent to malign.

Take the following sentence as an example: “Let’s forget 9/11. Let’s just brush the London Bombing and numerous shootings in the US under the rug, because the word Islam, ladies and gentlemen, means peace.”

Here, all three qualifying allusions to these acts of reprehensible evil and mammoth magnitude have nothing to do with the actual teachings of Islam. Yet, capitalising on the venomous lies that have taken residence in the minds of many Westerners, a new atheist will pass over them nonchalantly, when in fact, the intention is to sow a dangerous seed of misinformation in the process.

Of the many rhetorical devices used

by New Atheists, paralepsis is the easiest for them to use and can mete out severe damage, because several falsehoods can be packed into a single statement, so that even if time allows for one allegation to be reconciled, others can simply get lodged as

“fact” and latch parasitically onto the minds of New Atheism, Paper published under of the audience.

Depauw University)Similarly, Daniel Another example of such illusory Dennett, another household New Atheist deception is provided by the case of Alain personality, also treats the subject with the de Botton, author of Religion for Atheists. In same contemptuous air of triviality and this book, right from the onset, he totally condescension, quickly brushing it aside. dismisses the entire question of “whether He writes: any religion is true or not” as something “Many of us brights [i.e. ‘bright’ minds, obvious and trivial. He begins his book by or atheists] have devoted considerable time passing absolute judgement upon every and energy at some point in our lives to religion in the world. looking at the arguments for and against the Nihilistically, he declares, “… let us existence of God … as if they were trying bluntly state that of course no religions are to refute a rival scientific theory. But not I. true in any God-given sense.” (Alain de I decided some time ago that diminishing Botton, Religion for Atheists, Vintage Books, returns had set in on the arguments about New York, 2012, pp.

God’s existence, 1-2) and I doubt that One might dare any breakthroughs to ask whether Mr are in the offing, Botton has even from either side.” studied the original (Daniel Dennett, sources of more than Breaking the Spell: one religion, let alone Religion as a Natural solicit wherefrom Phenomenon, he has earned his Penguin Books, whimsical powers 2016, pp. 26-27) to pass outright A constantly and unequivocal recurring pattern judgement on the in this technique divinity of every of paralepsis is single religion in the brazen and the world. Such pronounced absence gargantuanly of fair investigation. sweeping statements One must bear in expose a dangerous mind that these The “Four Horsemen of the Nonimbalance against the are the very people Apocalypse”: Richard Dawkins, New Atheists’ claims who subscribe to the Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, to being champions of scientific method Sam Harris unaffected research. as their intellectual Paralepsis also stands upon another bedrock. Yet, a deeper look into the rhetoric nearly unassailable pedestal – it totally of these self-styled methodological notables rules out consideration of any supporting reveals a disappointing disregard for the evidence, imposing a totally unconfirmed well-known principles of the scientific point as fact upon its readers. Here, for method. instance, Alain utilises this method to serve Where is the measured reason, a two-pronged purpose. the calculated logic and the patient Firstly, he uses the word “of course” to investigation? When it comes to Islam, feign an astonishingly false facade that the some New Atheists, blinded by their hate for matter has long been resolved and agreed religion, are willing to totally compromise upon, and that the falsehood of all religions and neglect the fundamental groundwork is incontrovertible. of scientific investigation in the process of Secondly, in a similarly covert manner, criticising religious people for making the he subliminally invites his readers to join his same mistake. elite club and be part of “us”, giving up their Mr Dennet unapologetically admits that own individual spirit of critical examination he “did not … devote considerable time and of these questions – “let us bluntly state” energy to looking at the arguments for and – trying to give the reader the impression against the existence of God.” that he and the reader are already on the After this, what is left of the much same team. (Wayne Glausser, The Rhetoric touted ideal of fair-minded investigation?

How can a person who has simply “decided” that there is no God without conducting a fair investigation, criticise those who have “decided” that there is a God without scientific proof? Mind you – Islam declaredly rejects both and labels them not just an academic error, but sin as well. Is this really a pull in the direction of education, academic rigour and critical thinking? As a philosopher, he must surely know that even after a philosophical conclusion is reached, it should constantly be challenged.

Here, New Atheists like Mr Dennet like to play the “fairy card”, committing the logical fallacy of equating the belief in God to belief in magical folklore and the fabled existence of fairies. Thus, a New Atheist might argue:“[W]ell, fairies don’t exist.

Does that demand that I constantly check my garden to make sure that a fairy has not turned up?”

This argument – if it can even be called an argument – is often used by the Four Horsemen and is a discernable logical fallacy.

Firstly, billions of people in the world do not profess any faith in the existence of fairies as the original and ultimate cause of the universe (unlike God being the Creator of the universe).

Secondly, the existence or non-existence of fairies is simply not a serious subject of discussion for the average person, nor is it relevant to the beliefs of the vast majority of mankind, whereas the concept of God is subscribed to billions.

Thirdly, the graveness of not accepting the existence of a God Who wishes to be recognised cannot be compared with the existence of fairies, or any other fabled creatures.

The former proposition is highly consequential – the question of whether a Conscious Creating and Controlling Force is governing the universe, while you would be hard-pressed to find a dozen souls who profess faith in fairies.

Hence, the argument of comparing God Almighty – the Creator, Developer, Sustainer and Perfecter of the Universe – to fairies is a strawman fallacy if ever there was one. In Arabic scholasticism, this is known as qiyas ma‘a al-fariq, or the logical fallacy of comparing two totally different things.

Childish and arrogant rebuttals like this cast a revealing light on the frivolity with which these gentlemen have sought to deal with the subject of the existence of God and lay bare their biased approach. Yet, simply out of respect for their fellow humans, if they had but tried to understand what it is that believers in God posit, perhaps it would have enlightened them to some extent.

One might ask Mr Dennet of his opinion of a hypothetical believer, who, in his investigation of the existence of God, “decided” (to use Mr Dennet’s expression) that:“Many of us blessed ones [believers] have devoted considerable time and energy at some point in our lives to looking at the arguments for and against the existence of God … as if they were trying to refute a rival theory to faith. But not I. I decided some time ago that diminishing returns had set in on the arguments against God’s existence, and I doubt that any breakthroughs are in the offing, from either side.”

No doubt, Mr Dennet would be in the forefront criticising such closed-minded thinking and would pointedly call out the blindness and ignorance of religious people.

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Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM Evidently, barba non facit philosophum, “the beard does not make the philosopher”.

The truth is that a person who harbours preconceived and rigid convictions will carry out his research accordingly. One who investigates with zeal and passion, leaving no stone unturned enjoys a privileged perspective insofar as his scope and experience regarding the subject is concerned.

Alas, atheists have tried too hard to confine the Creator of the universe to the asphyxiating confines of their microscopes.

To confine all human erudition and enlightenment to the test-tubes and crucibles of a laboratory is to condemn entire realms of reality and millennia of human experience to oblivion.

It is therefore imperative that we submit before our atheist friends that God Almighty as presented by the Holy Quran is not a god who should become a test-subject to the whims and caprice of our intellects, but is a being which is – and indeed must need be – the Most Subtle of all things conceivable.

That is not to say that His existence and attributes should run contrary to rationality, but that the faculties used to recognise Him must also include those which existed before the large hadron collider and other forms of bleeding edge technology. Hence, He must be sought accordingly.

More about the methods of investigating God as per the Holy Quran shall be dealt with in future submissions, but for now, the unworthy author leaves the readers of Al Hakam with the following exposition of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra:“Let us also consider the case of a philosopher and a seeker after truth, both of whom set out for the same goal – i.e., to find out about God’s existence – but with completely different intentions. The philosopher tries to use his knowledge and wisdom to ascertain whether or not the universe has a creator.

“Even if he comes to the conclusion that God does exist, he will not bother to find out His attributes or His relationship with His creatures, for this is not his aim. His aim is only to satisfy his intellectual thirst. He is not desirous of communion with God, nor anxious for His nearness, nor craving for His friendship. He does not have the desire to reach Him, nor does he care to know of His Will.

“A seeker, on the other hand, aims at reaching God. He wants to have communion with Him and desires His friendship and nearness. He is anxious to know of His Will, so that he can follow it. Can we put the philosopher and the seeker on the same plane? Of course not.

“The first step, therefore, is that one should set one’s intentions straight and seek God like a seeker, not like a philosopher.

He should first evoke yearning and passion in his heart for these qualities are essential when seeking the truth.

“Consider this: If a child pulls a certain face and asks its mother if she could produce any milk for him so that he may feed upon it, would this bring the milk into the mother’s breast? On the other hand, the child to cry and scream with hunger, would this not spontaneously bring the milk surging into her breasts? In the same way, God does not reveal His face to a philosopher, rather He runs far from him because He does not want to become a toy of the philosopher’s whims.

“But when a seeker seeks Him, He comes close to him, for He is more Compassionate

Hadith in Commentary

Misconceptions about contagious diseases Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra

َ​ََُْ َ ْ َ ُّ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫عليه‬ ‫الله‬ ‫صلى‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ب‬ ‫الن‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ـ‬ ‫عنه‬ ‫الله‬ ‫رضى‬ ‫ـ‬ ‫ة‬ ‫عن أبي هرير‬ َ ِ َ َ ٌ ْ َ َ​َ َ ‫ َولاَ َه‬،‫ َولاَ َصفَ َر‬،‫وسلم‏‏ ِلاَ َع ْد َوى‬ ‫‏ فقال أع َراب ِ ّي يَا َر ُسول‬.‫‏»‏‏‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ام‬ ُ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ُ َ ّ َ َّ َ َ ْ َّ ُ ُ َ ‫ال الإب‬ ‫ فيخال ِط َها‬،‫اء‬ ‫الظب‬ ِ َ ‫ل تكون فِي َالرم ِل كأنها‬ ِ َ ‫ْالل ِه فما ب‬ ِ ِ ّ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ ‫الأ ْج َر ُب فَ ُي ْجرب‬ ُ ‫ال َب ِع‬ ‫ول الل ِه صلى الله عليه‬ ‫س‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ف‬ ‫‏‬ . ‫ا‬ ‫‏‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ير‬ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ​َ ِ ‫وسلم‏»‏ فمن أعدى الأول»‏‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “There is no ‘adwa [i.e. no contagious disease is conveyed to others], nor [is there any evil omen in the month of] Safar, nor Hama.” A bedouin asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! What about the camels which, when on the sand [desert] look like deers, but when a camel with an itch mixes with them, they are all infected with itchiness?” On that, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Then who conveyed the disease [itch] to the first camel?” (Sahih alBukhari, Book of Medicine) [In his commentary of the above hadith, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra said the following:] Most of the opponents of Islam are mistaken by the Holy Prophet’ssa statement

and Loving than a mother and does not want His true seeker to remain in darkness and be ruined. This may seem strange indeed. A philosopher and a devotee both seek God, yet God stays aloof from the philosopher and draws nearer to the devotee.

“In seeking God, you should never tread the path of the philosophers, for you can never reach Him that way and your quest will bear no fruit. Moreover, why should we bother to find God if, having found Him, we are not going to do anything about it.

“Should we spend our time, devotion, and energy merely to find out about the socalled existence of God? Such knowledge can even prove harmful because after having ascertained his existence, remaining unconcerned about God will make us double offenders. God will never reveal Himself to us through such efforts. He will only appear to us when He sees that we genuinely desire Him.” (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Our God, 2007, Islam International Publications Ltd. pp. 31-33)It is only when we realise that different faculties of human investigation exist to ascertain and recognise different aspects of reality that we can start to fairly investigate God Almighty. After all, is the person who throws his lover under an electron microscope to ascertain whether she loves him or not anything but a madman?

“One who never anticipates deceit or expects duplicity, and yet is the first to recognise such things – is that not a sage indeed?” (Confucius, The Analects) In the next issue, we shall explore some painfully unscientific claims of New Atheists about Islam – particularly regarding the Holy Prophet Muhammad’ssa knowledge of secular sciences.

(To be continued…)

ْ َ َ of ‫[ لا عد َوى‬There is no contagious disease].

They raise issue with this statement and allege that the Prophetsa of Islam said “There is no contagious disease”, whereas experience and observation negates this belief as there are plenty of contagious diseases. َ In reality, this hadith which says ‫لا‬ ْ َ ‫ عد َوى‬does not mean that “no disease is contagious”, rather it means “not every disease is always contagious”. In other words; it is not necessary that a disease always passes onto someone who is healthy.

A bedouin said to the Holy Prophetsa: ُ َ َ​َ ّ َ َّ َ َ ْ َّ ُ ُ َ ُ ‫الظ َب‬ ُ ‫ فَ ُيخَال ُِط َها ال ْ َب ِع‬،‫اء‬ “‫ير‬ ِ ‫الإبِ ِل تكون فِي الر َم ِل كأن َها‬ ِ ‫فما بال‬ َ‫”الأ ْج َر ُب ف ُي ْجربُها‏‬ ِ “Are you not aware that hordes of our camels roam with great jubilance like that of deers on the sand of the desert, and then suddenly a camel who has an itch mingles with the rest and then all the camels develop an itch. But you [O Prophetsa] say that there are no contagious diseases”. Upon hearing this from the bedouin, the Holy Prophetsa never told the bedouin that he was wrong and َ that no disease is contagious. َ​َ َ َْ َ But said ‫ فم َ ْن أعدى الأ ّول‬i.e if every disease is

contagious, then from who did the initial camel (with the itch) catch the disease?

Then, in another narration of this hadith, َ َ َ‫فمَن ا‬, meaning, “Then the wording is ‫جرب الاول‬ what animal made the first camel develop an itch?” So, in this way, it becomes clear that the first camel had to be the one who first developed the itch, and it developed the itch by itself.

By hearing this explanation [from the Holy Prophetsa], the bedouin remained silent and understood the matter.

Thus, allegations develop as a result of a lack of thinking and reflection. The Holy Prophetsa never said an itch was not contagious; his answer showed that he believed some diseases are contagious.

His َ َ​َ​َ َ َْ َ َ َ‫فمَن ا‬, “Who reply of ‫ فم َ ْن أعدى الأ ّول‬and ‫جرب الاول‬ made the camel itchy originally?” shows that he was explaining how not every disease is always, necessarily, contagious. And so if the Holy Prophetsa himself clarified the matter, what room is left for contention?

With this in mind, this hadith means that not every disease is always contagious.

Yes, some diseases are contagious.

Humanity First donates playground in Kosovo Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

The Germany branch of the charity Humanity First has invested in dozens of projects in Kosovo over the past two years. On 3 March 2020, the Mayor of the Municipality of Kamenica, Mr Qendron Kastrati together with Mr Fatmir Agaj from the Municipal Directorate of Education invited he coordinator of Humanity First for Balkan, Mr Zubair Khan Sahib and the representative of this organisation in Kosovo, Jinahuddin Saif Sahib, where they discussed the playground project funded by the organisation in the village of Karaceva e Poshtme (Lower Karaceva).

After the meeting, Mayor Kastrati together with Zubair Khan Sahib, Jinahuddin Saif Sahib and the principal of the Asllan Thaci school, Mr Ramadan Guda traveled to Karaceva e Poshtme to inaugurate the playground located in the park of this village.

Mayor Kastrati, during the inauguration and unveiling of the plaque, said: “I feel very happy that Humanity First has expressed its willingness to fund such a project. I thank Mr Khan for his interest in carrying out this project. I hope there are better conditions for children to spend their free time”.

Further, through Facebook, Mayor Kastrati thanked Mr Premtim Fazliu for his involvement in this project as well as the residents who participated in the works.

The coordinator of Humanity First for Balkan, Zubair Khan Sahib thanked Mayor Kastrati for the opportunity to contribute to this project and said: “I am very happy to have made a little contribution here. I express my sympathy for these nice and happy children. These are the future of Kosovo, and if they are happy then so we are too. We will be here for other occasions within our opportunities”.

Mr Ramadan Guda, who is the principal of Asllan Thaçi shool in Karaçeva e Poshtme village, thanked Humanity First for funding the project. He said: “This project is for the benefit of the community and the pupils. Such projects are welcome. On behalf of the pupils and the community, I thank them very much”.

The playground has many aspects to it including various games, areas to sit and open playing areas, all equipped with sports apparatus. The Municipality of Kamenica will take care of the further maintenance of this playground. This project of Humanity First has been covered by several websites as well as many social media users.

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

16

Responding to Allegations

Marriage at a young age and why the Jamaat has a “small” following – Allegations against all prophets Highlighting the accusation raised against the marriage of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with Hazrat Aishara (who was still very young), and considering it an allegation against Islam, opponents of the Jamaat object that the Promised Messiahas made the issue of Hazrat Aisha’sra marriage more contentious when he gave his daughter’s hand, Mubarakara, in marriage when she was not even 11, to a man who was 40 years of age, with the condition that they will join in marriage after a year.

As has been mentioned repeatedly, objections raised against the prophets of God are mostly the same. This too becomes a proof of their truthfulness.

Let’s take a look at the allegation at hand.

The opponents have questioned the Promised Messiahas for getting his daughter married at an early age, and by doing so, they have supported the viewpoint of Fateh Masih, a priest, and the Arya Samajists, who levelled similar accusations against the Holy Prophetsa. Otherwise, every wise person can understand that a purely personal issue of marriage of a young person cannot be considered an allegation against the religion of Islam.

It does not behove a Muslim to object to a marriage that took place with the consent of both the father and the daughter, while the Shariah permits it as well. Moreover, it is in accordance with the practice of Umm-ulMomineen, Hazrat Aishara and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa. Furthermore, the couple, by living an ideal life, proved this marriage to be a most successful one and made it clear that God’s will was behind it.

Similar absurd objections were made by enemies of Islam at the time of the Holy Prophetsa. In response to those accusations, the Promised Messiahas expressed his love for his master and addressed every aspect of the accusation. He explained that firstly, the hadith which narrates the age of Hazrat Aishara as nine when she was married to the Holy Prophetsa is doubtful, and even if it is true, it is not at all objectionable as some girls attain maturity by that age.

The Promised Messiahas states: “First of all, the reference of nine years old is not proven through the words of the Holy Prophetsa. Neither was there any revelation about it, nor did a series of traditions establish that [Hazrat Aishara] was certainly nine years old [at the time of her marriage]. Only one narrator relates it. The Arabs were not used to keeping past years’ almanac because they were ignorant. So, taking their condition into account, a mistake of two to three years was an ordinary thing for them. As in our country, too often, illiterate people cannot

keep the gap of two to four years in mind.

On the other hand, even if we are to assume that [someone] kept day to day record which determines that [Hazrat Aishara] was exactly nine years of age, then still no wise person would object to it … Research doctors agree that girls can become adults even at the age of nine.” (Nurul-Quran Part II, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 9, pp. 377-378) In response to this strong defence by the Promised Messiahas, the opponents were rendered speechless. But if the accuser is still not satisfied by this reply, then he should address the issue of Hazrat Aisha’sra age in a more satisfactory way. Instead of commending the effective defence of the Promised Messiahas, opponents, due to their enmity with the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, similar to the approach of the Christian clergy and Arya Samajists, have raised an allegation against him; that he married his 12-year-old daughter to a 40-year-old man. In doing so, they do not even think for a second about what this objection would lead to, because the Holy Prophetsa was 55 at the time of his marriage with Hazrat Aishara, and when Hazrat Safiyara was married to the Holy Prophetsa, she was about sixteen and he was 59.

The opponents raise another objection against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, saying that it is insignificant in the world and it is in fact a weak Jamaat. Adversaries assert that certain people might say that the Jamaat has filled the whole world with mosques and television channels, but no one in the UK or outside of it recognises the name of this Jamaat.

Opponents have provided another proof for the truth of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya with this objection because the Holy Quran shows that divine communities have always been criticised for being weak, inferior and insignificant. Prophet Noahas was ridiculed in the same way, as it is stated in the Holy Quran: َ ُ ‫َقالُوا أَن ُ ْؤم ُن ل َ َك َو ّاتَ َب َع َك الْأَ ْر َذل‬ ‫ون‬ ِ

“They said, ‘Shall we believe thee, when it is the meanest that follow thee?’” (Surah alShu‘ara, Ch.26: V.112) Prophet Mosesas was also mocked on similar grounds and the statement of his opponents is recorded in the Holy Quran as: َ ‫إ َّن ٰ َه ُؤلَا ِء لَش ْرذ َم ٌة َقل ِْي ُل‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ “These are a small party.” (Surah alShu‘ara, Ch.26: V.55) The Holy Quran also shows that the believers are always fewer in numbers, as it states: َ ‫َفقَلِيلًا َّما يُ ْؤم ُن‬ ‫ون‬ ِ “Little is that which they believe”(Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.89) and at another place,

Allah Almighty states: َ ‫بَ ْل أَ ْكث َ ُر ُه ْم لَا يُ ْؤم ُن‬ ‫ون‬ ِ

“Nay, most of them have no faith”(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.101).

These verses signify that the majority do not truly believe.

It is also evident from Sahih [authentic] ahadith that certain prophets were only accepted by one person and it had no effect on their prophethood. In some cases, nobody believed in the prophet but these insignificant numbers did not take away from their truthfulness, as it is stated in a hadith: “One day, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, came out to us [companions] and said, ‘Some nations were shown to me. A prophet passed in front of me accompanied with one man, another prophet passed having two men with him, another prophet passed with a group of people, and another prophet passed with nobody accompanying him.” (Sahih alBukhari, Book of Medicine) Explaining the matter under discussion, the Promised Messiahas states: “As for the point that many have not yet believed, this cannot be a proof that the claim remains unsubstantiated. If one who has been ordained by God possesses arguments and signs, his claim cannot become weak by someone not believing in him. Besides, one needs to consider that the people who accepted the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with a sincere heart by the time of his demise numbered no more than 150,000. Would their small number render doubtful the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa?

“The fact of the matter is that the prerequisite for the truth of a true prophet is not that the majority should accept him. The prerequisite, indeed, is the incontrovertible evidence by irrefutable arguments.” (Barahine-Ahmadiyya Part V, pp. 480-481) Another point worth considering is that if Ahmadiyyat is so insignificant and it is not progressing in the world, then the question arises as to why there is so much opposition against this particular Jamaat?

Opposition against anyone or anything always results from jealousy and jealousy pervades a person when they look at the advancement of something. There is no jealousy in the heart of anyone for someone whose business is destroyed. The strong opposition of Ahmadiyyat by the opponents and their efforts, day and night, forcing people to abandon the Jamaat or to at least dissuade from it, shows that their hearts accept that Allah the Almighty is spreading and increasing Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Noble souls in every place of the earth

are turning towards Ahmadiyyat according to the statement of the Holy Quran: ْ َّ ْ ّ ‫ُه ًدى ل ِل ُمتقِي َن‬ This progress had created jealousy in the hearts of our opponents, and their envy is forcing them to lie, deceive, criticise and raise objections and to use various countertactics against the Jamaat. The Holy Quran has explained this matter in the following verse: َّ ُ ُ َُ ُ ْ ْ َ ٌ َ َّ َ ‫اب لَوْ يَرُ ّد ْونك ْم ِّمن بَ ْع ِد ِإيْ َمانِك ْم كف ًارا َح َس ًدا ِّم ْن ِعن ِد‬ ‫ِير ِّم ْن أ ْهل الك َت‬ ‫ود كث‬ ُّ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ّ ْ ِ ُ َ ِ ِ ‫أنف ِس ِهم ِمن بع ِد ما تبين لهم الحق‬ “Many of the People of the Book wish, out of sheer envy from their own selves, that after you have believed, they could turn you again into disbelievers after the truth has become manifest to them.”(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.110) According to the Holy Quran, the Holy Prophetsa was sent for the entire world. Allah Almighty states: َّ ّ ً َّ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ً ‫ِلناس بَش‬ ً ‫يرا َون َ ِذ‬ ‫يرا‬ ِ ِ ‫َو َما أ ْر َسلناك إِلا كافة ل‬ “And We have not sent thee but as a Bearer of glad tidings and a Warner for all mankind” (Surah Saba, Ch.34: V.29). It is stated at another place in the Holy Quran: ّٰ ُ ُ َ ّ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ْ ُ ً ‫الل ِه إل َ ْي ُك ْم َجم‬ ‫يعا‬ ِ ِ ‫قل يا أيها الناس ِإنِي رسول‬ “Say, ‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to you all’”(Surah al-Araf, Ch.7: V.159).

However, Islam did not spread across the globe in the time of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hence, while most parts of the world were not yet discovered, like the United States, Australia and most of the islands, where was Islam? Was it in Russia, China and Japan? God forbid, even Islam is subjected to criticism because of this objection and is proved wrong as it is still not a majority in comparison to Christianity.

The Ahmadiyya Jamaat has never claimed that they have the majority in the world. Every year, Khalifatul Masih presents the annual report of the Jamaat’s progress and efforts on the occasion of Jalsa Salana UK. Accordingly, below is a brief outline of the Jamaat’s progress report by August 2019: 1. Ahmadiyyat has been established in 213 countries 2. 849 new Jamaats were formed worldwide 3. 355 new mosques were built. 216 of these were pre-existing mosques and have now come into the custody of the Jamaat, whereas 139 were constructed afresh 4. 349 mission houses were established 5. 331,810 books were printed by Raqeem Press in the UK alone 6. 16,257,000 leaflets were distributed worldwide 7. 668,527 people took the Bai‘at and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat in Islam. These new converts belonged to 120 countries and represented 300 nationalities 8. 560 million radio programmes were conducted in Africa alone 9. Under the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, there are now 685 schools in 12 countries 10. 14,723 free operations were conducted by Humanity First Similarly, while serving humanity in Africa through free hospitals, homeopathic dispensaries, colleges, schools, water taps, wells and providing free food in famine areas, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is spreading Islam as well.

In this regard, in order to serve humanity, a humanitarian organisation by the name of the Humanity First has been registered in 49 countries of the world under UNO for the last 22 years. All praise belongs to Allah!

17

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon Men of Excellence 14 February 2020 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In the previous sermon, I narrated incidents about Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah, but a few accounts were still remaining and, God willing, I shall narrate them today.

With regard to the killing of Kaab bin Ashraf, it was stated that the strategy used

by Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah to lure him out of his house and to kill him in a secure location did not amount to lying. It was also stated that in light of one particular hadith, certain scholars were of the opinion that one is permitted to tell a lie in three situations.

However, the truth of the matter is that this concept that one is permitted to lie or utter a false statement on three occasions is a completely false notion or it is based on a wrong interpretation of the hadith.

Nevertheless, I clarified its meaning according to what has been stated in Seerat Khatam an-Nabiyyin.

The Promised Messiahas, however, has also made this point evidently clear in his book Nur-ul-Quran, while writing in response to an allegation raised by a Christian.

I will now present some parts of that reply, which clarifies beyond doubt that Islam categorically forbids lying.

While replying to a Christian’s allegation, the Promised Messiahas states: “One objection raised is that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa had given permission to lie on three occasions and that the Holy Quran gave clear instructions that one can conceal their faith. However, the Gospels have never permitted one to conceal their faith.”

This was the objection [raised by the Christian]. The Promised Messiahas replied by saying: “It should be made clear that the manner in which the Holy Quran has laid emphasis on truthfulness and its significance, I can say that the Gospel does not even mention one hundredth thereof.”

The Promised Messiahas then writes: “The Holy Quran considers uttering falsehood akin to idolatry, as God Almighty says:

ُّ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ ّ ُ َ ْ َ ‫ان و‬ ِ‫اجتن ُِبوْا قوْ َل الﺰ ْور‬ ِ ‫فاجتنِبوا الرِجﺲ ِمن الاوﺛ‬ “i.e. ‘Shun therefore the abomination of idols, and shun all words of untruth.’

“And as He states on another occasion: َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ � َ ْ َ َ ّٰ َ ٓ َ َ ُ ْ ْ َ ْ ّٰ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ ٰ َ ْ َّ َ ُّ َ � ‫يايها ال ِذين امنوا كونوا قو ِمين ِبالقِس ِﻂ ﺷهداء ل ِل ِه ولو على انف ِسكم ا ِو‬ ْ ْ َْ ‫الوَال َِديْ ِن َوالْا� َر ِبي َن‬ “i.e. ‘O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for

Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred.’”

Whilst addressing the person who raised this allegation, the Promised Messiahas further states: “O ye who has no fear of God! Open the Gospels and show me where the Gospels urge one to speak the truth with such

vigour?”

Then, addressing that Christian, whose name was Fath-e-Masih, the Promised Messiahas writes: “You have written that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa had permitted to utter falsehood on three occasions. However, you are mistaken on account of your ignorance, and in actuality, there is no hadith which permits one to lie. In fact, the words of the hadith are: َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ ‫ا ِْن ق ِﺘلﺖ َوا ْﺣ ِرقﺖ‬ “i.e. ‘Do not deviate from truth even if you are murdered or you are set on fire for it.’ The Holy Quran directs that one should never abandon justice and one should always speak the truth even if one loses their life because of it, and in the Hadith we find that one is enjoined to speak the truth even if one is killed or set alight due to it. Then, supposing there is a Hadith which contradicts the Holy Quran and the authentic ahadith, it will not be deemed worthy of acceptance because we take only those ahadith to be accurate which are not contrary to the authentic ahadith and the Holy Quran.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “Indeed, in some ahadith an indication towards the permission of tauriyah can be found; that is under certain circumstances using words or phrases that can have multiple meanings. Moreover, in order to discourage people, this practice has been described with the word kizb [falsehood].”

The opponents, out of their spite, have intentionally taken the use of words and phrases which could have multiple meanings as akin to actually lying.

The Promised Messiahas further states: “When an ignorant and foolish person comes across such a word [i.e. kizb] in a hadith, which has merely been used in order to convey the meaning in a simplified manner, he may take the term kizb it in its literal sense. That is because he is unaware of the unequivocal commandment in Islam that falsehood is considered to be an act of impurity, unlawful and akin to shirk [associating partners with God]. According

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

18 to some ahadith, tauriyah, which is not kizb in its literal sense – although it can be deemed so – is permissible under pressing circumstances. However, despite this, it is stated that to abstain from the use of tauriyah is of a greater moral excellence.

In Islamic terminology, tauriyah refers to a statement made in the form of parables and allegories in order to hide a matter or secret due to fear or due to some other reason, which will though be understood by a wise person, but an ignorant one would be oblivious to the underlying intention of the one uttering this phrase and his attention would be diverted elsewhere. Upon reflection, the individual would realise that in actuality there was no utterance of falsehood whatsoever by the speaker, and was the absolute truth, nor was his heart inclined towards falsehood in any way.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “In some ahadith permission for tauriyah can be found when adopted to bring about reconciliation between two Muslims, safeguarding one’s wife from any discord or domestic dispute and keeping one’s affairs hidden from the enemy during war and diverting the enemy towards another direction. However, despite this, there are many other ahadith from which it becomes evident that tauriyah stands in contrast to a high standard of righteousness and that the clear truth is better, even if one is to be slain or burnt as a result of this.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “The Holy Prophetsa has instructed to refrain from this to the greatest extent of one’s capacity so that even the essence of a statement does not resemble falsehood.”

The Promised Messiahas then states, “When I reflect upon the Holy Prophetsa during the Battle of Uhud, when he was alone, in front of unsheathed swords, was uttering the words ‘I am Muhammadsa, I am the Prophet of Allah, I am the son of Abdul Muttalib’…”

Here, I would like to clarify that when this book was published, it was written in a footnote of this very book that this part was a misprint and that this incident took place during the Battle of Hunain, and not during the Battle of Uhud. However, now, our Research Cell has extracted and sent me a reference from Seerat-ul-Halabiyyah in which it states that the Holy Prophetsa said these words during the Battle of Hunain as well as the Battle of Uhud. Therefore, the department of Ishaat [publications] should remove this footnote in future.

I have often observed that at times, out of haste and in order to clarify the meanings of the words of the Promised Messiahas or to create ease, footnotes are added stating that there is a misprint or that it was a mistake, however a lot of research needs to be carried out and attention needs to be paid in this regard.

Nevertheless, this reference has now been brought to my attention in which it is clearly stated that these words were said by the Holy Prophetsa on both occasions, i.e. the Battle of Hunain and Battle of Uhud.

In any case, this matter has now been clarified.

The Promised Messiahas further states: “If, in any hadith, the word kizb [falsehood] has been used to describe Tauriyah in order to convey its meaning in a more simplified manner, it will be sheer ignorance for one to literally take its meaning as kizb. The Holy Quran and

the authentic ahadith have emphatically declared kizb to be unlawful and an act of impurity. The most authentic ahadith have clearly elaborated on the subject of tauriyyah, therefore even if the word kizb has been used for tauriyyah in certain ahadith, it does not mean, God-forbid, that this should be taken to mean kizb in its literal sense. In fact, the person who had narrated this perhaps had such high level of righteousness that he considered tauriyyah as a form of kizb and thus used the term to explain this for the purpose of simplicity of the message. For us, it is imperative to adhere to the Holy Quran and the authentic ahadith and we can never accept a meaning which goes against these teachings.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “The Holy Quran has cursed those who speak falsehood. Moreover, it has stated that those who speak falsehood are the companions of Satan, faithless and influenced by satanic thoughts. Not only does it state that one should not speak falsehood, but also to abandon the company of such people and not to befriend them. It instructs to instil the fear of God and keep the company of the truthful. In another place it states that one should only speak the truth and not speak falsehood even in a light-hearted manner.” (Nur-ul-Quran Part II, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 9, pp. 402-408) (Seerat-ul-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 310, Darul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 2002) This explanation was in regard to the subject-matter being discussed earlier.

However, I shall now continue with the remaining accounts from Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah’s life.

When the Banu Nazir attempted to deceive the Holy Prophetsa and sought to kill him by throwing a millstone on him, God Almighty informed the Holy Prophetsa of their plans through divine revelation.

The Holy Prophetsa immediately stood up as if he had to see to an important matter of his and arrived in Medina. Soon after the Holy Prophetsa had left, the companionsra also arrived in Medina.

Upon arriving in Medina, they found out that the Holy Prophetsa had called for Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamahra.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! You stood up and left, however we were completely unaware that you had departed.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “The Jews sought to deceive me, but Allah the Almighty informed me and so I left. Allah the Almighty revealed the following verse [of the Holy Quran]: ُْ ُ َّ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ّٰ َ ‫یَ َا أ ّی َہا ال ِذیْ َن ٰا َ َمنوا اذک ُر ْوا ُن ِْع َمۃَّالل ِہ َعٰل ْیک ْم إِذ َہ ٰ ّم قوْ ٌم أ ْن ّیَ ْب ُسطوْا إِل َ ْیک ْم‬ ّ َ َ َ َ ّ ُ َ ْ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ‫الل ِہ َف ْل َی َتوَک ّل ال ْ ُم ْؤم ُنوْن‬ ‫أی ِدیہم فکف أی ِدیہم عنکم واتقوا اللہ وعلى‬ ِ ِ “O ye who believe! Remember Allah’s favour upon you when a people intended to stretch out their hands against you, but He withheld their hands from you; and fear Allah. And on Allah should the believers rely.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.11) In any case, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah to the Jews. The account of this incident has been narrated as follows that when Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Go to the Jews of the Banu Nazir and tell them that you have been sent by the Messengersa of Allah to order them to leave your town.” Their punishment to be banished from the city was because they had committed a conspiracy and thus had

violated their covenant.

Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah went to the Jews and said, “I have been sent to you by the Holy Prophetsa with a message. However, I shall not share this with you until I have reminded you of something which you would often discuss in your gatherings.”

It was something they used to discuss amongst each other quite a long time ago.

“What is it?” the Jews enquired.

Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah stated, “I swear by the Torah which Allah the Almighty revealed to Mosesas that I once came to you before the advent of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa and you were sat with the Torah open before you. During this gathering, you said to me, ‘O Ibn Maslamah! If you wish to eat something, then we shall present you with food and if you desire to become a Jew, then we can make you a Jew.’” Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah said: “At the time, I replied to present me with food and that by God, I would never become a Jew. You then presented me with a tray of food and said to me, ‘You will never become a Jew because this is the faith of the Jewish people,’” meaning the Jews said to Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah that he did not want to become a Jew because this was the faith of the Jewish people. “‘You desire the Hanifiyat which you have heard of. However, Abu Amir Rahib, is not the one whom this [prophecy] applies to.’” They had heard that a prophet would appear, but Abu Amir Rahib was not that individual.

The Jews then continued. “‘A person shall come to you whose countenance will be cheerful, he will engage in battles and there will be redness in his eyes. They will appear from the direction of Yemen, mounted on camels, clad in cloaks and they will remain content with whatever little they have. Their swords will be resting upon their shoulders, they will speak with wisdom as if you have close relations with them. By God, your land shall now witness violence, killing and mutilation of the dead.’ Upon hearing this, the Jews acknowledged that this is exactly what they had said”, i.e. they acknowledged everything that was recounted to them

by Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah.

“However, they claimed that he (i.e. the Holy Prophetsa) was not that Prophet.’”

Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah then stated, “I am done with my message as I simply wanted to remind you of this.”

He then conveyed the message of the Holy Prophetsa and stated, “I have been sent by the Holy Prophetsa and he has stated that you have broken the treaty which he had established with you as you sought to conspire against him.” Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah then informed the Jews of their conspiracy against the Holy Prophetsa and how Amr bin Jahash stood on the roof to throw the stone on the Holy Prophetsa.

Hearing this, they fell silent and could not say another word. Then Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah said to them, “The Holy Prophetsa has ordered you to leave this town. You will be given ten days respite. After this, whosoever is seen around here will be put to death.”

The Jews replied, “O Ibn Maslamah, we could never have imagined that we would receive this message from a man belonging to the Aus tribe.” Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamahn replied, “The hearts [of

the people] are inclined to change.” The Jews spent the next few days making their preparations and brought their mounts from Zu-Jadar, which was a grazing ground situated approximately six miles from Medina in the direction of Quba. Their animals would graze in Zu-Jadar and these animals were also the mounts they used for travel. Along with their own mounts, they also borrowed camels from the Banu Ashja‘ tribe and completed preparations for their migration. This reference is found in a book of history. (Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, pp. 317-320, Kutub-ulIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1993) (Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rishad [Translation], Vol. 4, p.

754, Zaaviyah Publisher, Lahore, 2013), (Mujam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 132) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra has written about the attitude and conduct of the Jews, including the treachery of the Banu Qurayza. Although this has been narrated previously with regard to Hazrat Ammar bin Yasirra, however owing to its historical importance, I will narrate it here as well.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra writes: “But they still had the Banu Qurayza to settle with. The Banu Qurayza had dishonoured their pact with the Muslims and this could not be passed over. The Holy Prophetsa collected his exhausted force” returning from the Battle of the Ditch “and told them that there was no rest for them yet. Before the sun went down, they must fall upon the Banu Qurayza in their fortifications. Then he sent Hazrat Alira to the Banu Qurayza to ask them why they had gone back on their solemn word. The Banu Qurayza showed no regret and no inclination to ask for forgiveness. Instead, they insulted Hazrat Alira and the other Muslim delegates and started hurling vile abuse at the Holy Prophetsa and the women of his family. They said they did not care for Muhammad[sa] and had never had any kind of pact with him. When Hazrat Alira returned to report the reply of the Jews, he found the Holy Prophetsa and the Companions advancing towards the Jewish fortifications. The Jews had been abusing the Prophetsa, his wives and daughters.

Fearing lest this should pain the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Alira suggested there was no need for the Holy Prophetsa to take part as the Muslims themselves could deal with the Jews and that he ought to return. The Holy Prophetra understood what Hazrat Alira was referring to and said, ‘You want me not to hear their abuse, Ali?’ ‘Exactly,’ replied Hazrat Alira. “‘But why?’ said the Holy Prophetsa.

‘Moses was of their kith and kin. Yet they inflicted more suffering on him than they have on me.’ The Holy Prophetsa continued to advance. The Jews put up their defences and started fighting. Their women also joined them. Some Muslims were sitting at the foot of a wall. A Jewish woman, seeing this, dropped a stone on them, killing one of the Muslims … The siege went on for some days. At the end of this period, the Jews felt they would not be able to hold out for long.

Then their chiefs sent word to the Prophetsa requesting him to send Abu Lubabah, an Ansari chief of the Aus, a tribe friendly to the Jews. They wanted to consult him about a possible settlement. The Holy Prophetsa sent Abu Lubabah to the Jews, who asked him if they should lay down their arms and accept the conditions of the Holy Prophetsa.

Abu Lubabah said they should. But at the

19

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM same time, he passed a finger over his neck, making the sign of death. The Holy Prophetsa had said nothing on this subject to anybody. But Abu Lubabah, fearing that the crime of the Jews (i.e. breaking a covenant) merited nothing but death, and without giving any thought, made this sign, which proved fateful for the Jews. The latter declined Abu Lubabah’s advice and refused to accept the Holy Prophet’ssa decision. Had they accepted it, the utmost punishment they would have received was expulsion from Medina.” The Jews did not accept this and had they accepted, the most that they would have suffered was exile. “But as illluck would have it, they refused to accept the Holy Prophet’ssa verdict. Instead of the Holy Prophet’ssa, they said, they would accept the verdict of Saadra bin Muaz, chief of their allies, the Aus. They would agree to any punishment proposed by him. A dispute also arose among the Jews. Some of them began to say that their people had really gone back on their agreement with the Muslims. The behaviour of the Muslims, on the other hand, showed that they were true and honest and that their religion also was true. Those who thought in this way joined Islam. Amr bin Saadi, one of the Jewish chiefs, reproved his people and said, ‘You have committed a breach of faith and gone back on your plighted word. The only course now open to you is either to join Islam or give jizyah.’

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

“What he meant was that this Jew had shown remorse and regret over the conduct of his people. It was the moral duty of Muslims, therefore, to forgive men like him. In letting him go, he had done a good thing and he prayed that God should give him the chance to do such good deeds again and again. When the Holy Prophetsa got to know of what Muhammadra bin Maslamah had done, he did not reprove him for letting go of this Jewish leader, rather he approved of what had been done.” (Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran, pp. 162-164) Thus, owing to the education and moral training the Muslims had received from the Holy Prophetsa , they always administered justice. When the people of Khayber instigated their mischief, a Jew by the name of Abu Rafey was killed. Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah was also part of the group of companions that were dispatched to kill Abu Rafey. Although he was killed by one person, however, Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah was part of that delegation. Analysing this incident in depth from different historical sources, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “The mischief-making and instigation of the Jewish Chieftains resulted in the dangerous conflict of the Battle of Ahzab against the Muslims in 5 AH. Among them, Huyaiy bin Akhtab had already met his end

along with the Banu Qurayzah. However, Sallam bin Abil-Huqaiq, whose appellation was Abu Rafey, was still engaged freely in his mischief-making as before, in the region of Khaybar. Rather, the humiliating failure of Ahzab and the terrible end of the Banu Qurayzah had only further increased his animosity. Since the settlement of the tribes of Ghatafan were situated near Khaybar and the Jews of Khaybar were as if neighbours to the tribes of Najd, for this reason, Abu Rafey who was a very affluent and influential merchant, had made it a custom to incite the barbaric and warmongering tribes of Najd against the Muslims. In his animosity towards the Holy Prophetsa, he was the like of Kaab bin Ashraf. As such, during that era, which we are mentioning now, he had given the Ghatafani people very significant financial aid in order to launch an assault against the Holy Prophetsa. Furthermore, it is proven by history that the Jews of Khaybar, who were creating disorder in the watch of Abu Rafey, were also behind the threat which emerged against the Muslims by the Banu Saad in the month of Sha‘ban for the defence of which an army was sent from Medina under the leadership of Hazrat Alira.

“However, Abu Rafey did not suffice with this, and his enmity was thirsty for Muslim blood and the person of the Holy Prophetsa was a thorn in his eye. Therefore, ultimately the plan which he employed was that in the likeness of the Battle of Ahzab, he once again began to tour the tribes of Najd, including the Ghatafan and other tribes, and began to gather a grand army to destroy the Muslims.

“When the state of affairs reached this extent and the scenes of Ahzab once again began to appear before the eyes of the Muslims, a few Ansar from the Khazraj presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and said, ‘Now, the solution to this turmoil is nothing but to put an end to the mastermind of this unrest.’ Considering the fact that the elimination of a single mischief-maker and seditious person was more preferable than mass bloodshed throughout the land, the Holy Prophetsa granted permission to these companions.

He sent four companions from the Khazraj under the leadership of Abdullahra bin Atik Ansari towards Abu Rafey. However, as he sent them, he emphasised, ‘Look here, do not at all kill any women or children.’

Therefore, in the month of Ramadan 6 AH, this party set off and returned after very skilfully completing its mission. In this manner, these clouds of calamity dispersed from the sky of Medina.

“The details of this account as mentioned in Bukhari and is one of the most accurate narrations in relation to this incident. It states: Bara‘ bin Azib narrates that the Holy Prophetsa sent a party of his companions to kill Abu Rafey the Jew, and appointed Abdullahra bin Atik as their leader. The story of Abu Rafey is that he would inflict great grief on the Holy Prophetsa and would incite and help people against the Holy Prophetsa. When Abdullahra bin Atik and his companions reached near the fort of Abu Rafey and the sun had set, Abdullahra bin Atik left his companions behind and proceeded to the gate of the fort. He covered himself with his mantle and sat down as if answering the call of nature. When the

gatekeeper approached the entrance of the fort, he called out to Abdullahra bin Atik and said, ‘O ye, enter if you wish, for I am about to close the gate.’ Still covered in his mantle, Abdullahra bin Atik quickly entered the gate and hid to one side of the castle.

The gatekeeper closed the gate, hung the key on a nearby peg and left.

“After this, the narration of Abdullahra bin Atik himself begins. He says, ‘First and foremost, I got up and opened the lock in the gate, so that a swift and easy exit was possible if needed. At the time, Abu Rafey was in a room of his, and many people were seated around him in a night assembly talking to each other. When these people dispersed and it became silent, I climbed the stairs to the home of Abu Rafey. I was careful that whenever I came to a door, I would enter it and close it from behind.

When I reached the room of Abu Rafey, he had put out the lantern and was preparing to sleep. The room was pitch dark. I called out the name of Abu Rafey to which he responded, ‘Who is there?’ So, I sprung towards the source of the voice and made a single and powerful strike of the sword.

However, it was very dark, and due to my perplexity, I missed him. Abu Rafey cried out, upon which I left the room. After some time, I entered the room again and changing my voice, enquired, ‘O Abu Rafey what is this noise?’ He could not recognise my changed voice and said, ‘May your mother forsake you, someone has just attacked me with a sword.’ Upon hearing this voice, I sprung towards him again and struck him with the sword. This time, my strike was on point, but he was still not dead, upon which I attacked him a third time and killed him.

“After this, I quickly opened the doors one by one till I reached outside of the home. However, when I was descending the stairs, there were still a few steps left and I thought I had reached the ground due to which I fell down and broke my leg” and in another narration it is mentioned that the leg was dislocated. “However, I tied it with my turban and dragged myself out, but I said to myself that until I am fully satisfied that Abu Rafey is dead, I shall not leave.

Therefore, I hid in a place near the fort. The next morning, I heard the voice of someone from inside the fort saying, Abu Rafey, the merchant of Hijaz, has died. Thereupon, I got up, and slowly but gradually met with my companions. Upon arriving in Medina, we informed the Holy Prophetsa of the death of Abu Rafey. Upon listening to the entire account, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Stretch out your broken leg.’ I stretched out my leg and the Holy Prophetsa rubbed his blessed hand upon it while praying, and I felt as if I had never had any ailment whatsoever.’

In another narration, it is mentioned that when Abdullahra bin Atik attacked Abu Rafey, his wife began to scream loudly, upon which he became worried that others might be alerted by her noise and clamour.

Upon this, he raised his sword to kill her, but then he remembered that the Holy Prophetsa had prohibited the killing of women and therefore he refrained from doing this.”

It is further written in Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin: “At this point, we need not enter a discussion on the justification of the killing of Abu Rafey. The bloodthirsty undertakings of Abu Rafey are an open page of history. Furthermore, an elaborate

“Meet Your Muslim Neighbors” Campaign in Regina, Saskatchewan Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Muntazim Tabligh, Majlis Ansarullah Regina, Asif Mahmood Sahib reports that Majlis Ansarullah Regina held their “Meet Your Muslim Neighbors” campaign at Mahmood mosque in Regina on 29 February 2020. 18 non-Ahmadi guests visited the mosque.

Social media was the main channel of reaching out to local people. The campaign was conducted for 15 days at a very nominal cost. The invitation reached approximately 8,000 people. In addition, a website, an email address, a twitter account, guest registration portal, and a guest feedback portal were also set up as part of the campaign.

At the mosque, all the visitors were given a tour of Mahmood mosque and a Jamaat bookstall was setup which showcased the Holy Quran as well as other books and flyers.

The venue was decorated with banners that included indigenous banners, “Love for All Hatred for None” banners and photo banners featuring the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa.

Healthy discussions were held with guests, who also had an opportunity to ask questions. The event received positive coverage in local CTV News Media.

exposition has been written on a similar instance with relevance to Kaab bin Ashraf … During that era, the Muslims were in a very weak state, surrounded by adversity from all directions … It was as if the entire land was uniting to annihilate the Muslims.

In these delicate times, Abu Rafey … was inciting the various tribes of Arabia against Islam.” I am mentioning a summary of why the killing was permissible and not relating the entire account. “Also, in the likeness of the Ghazwah [Battle] of Ahzab, he was preparing to unite the barbaric tribes of Arabia to again launch an assault against Medina.

“During that era, there was no government in Arabia whereby justice could be administered. Instead, every tribe was free and independent. Therefore, there was no other option other than to employ a strategy for self-protection.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Vol. 3, pp. 79-82) In the previous sermon the details regarding this were mentioned in that there was no government in place but in fact, the Holy Prophetsa was the leader. In these circumstances, whatever the companions did was absolutely correct and prudent.

Moreover, in a state of war, when a nation is passing through life or death, strategies of this kind are completely permissible.

During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamahra was appointed to collect the Zakat from the

Friday 13 March 2020 | AL HAKAM

20 Juhainah tribe. Whenever a complaint was received by the Khalifa against a collector, Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah would be sent to investigate the matter. Hazrat Umarra trusted Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah greatly and thus would send him for official collections. Hazrat Umarra would also send him to various areas to resolve complex and difficult matters. When Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas built a fort in Kufa, Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah as his representative to investigate. With regard to this incident, the narration is as follows; Hazrat Umarra learnt that Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas had a fort, and constructed a door, which did not allow sound to reach inside. Hence, Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah [to investigate]. It was the practice of Hazrat Umarra that whenever he desired to send someone for official work, he would send Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah. Hazrat Umarra instructed Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah that when he reaches Saad’s fort, he ought to burn the door. When he reached Kufa, he went to the door and using flint to light it, he set fire to the door. Hazrat Saadra learnt of this and came outside. Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah then explained to him the reason why he set fire to the door. (AlIsaba fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 28, Muhammadra bin Maslamah) After the martyrdom of Hazrat Usmanra, it is said that Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah lived in seclusion and made a sword out of wood. Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah said that this was the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa to do so.

He also stated that the Holy Prophetsa gave him a sword as a gift and told him to use it to fight the idolaters whilst they continue to fight against them. The Holy Prophetsa also stated, “When you see that the Muslims begin to kill one another, then climb onto a

hill and strike the sword with it” i.e. so that the sword breaks. “Then remain in your home until one of those wrongdoers attacks you as well or until death overtakes you.”

Thus, Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah acted according to these instructions and did not take part in the Battle of Jamal nor in the Battle of Siffin. (Usdul-Ghaba, Vol. 4, p. 319) Zubaiya bin Hussain Tha‘labi relates, “We were sat with Hazrat Huzaifahra when he told us, ‘I know a person who is not affected at all by any mischief ’. We asked, ‘Who is this person?’ Hazrat Huzaifahra then said, ‘He is Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah Ansarira’. Then, when Hazrat Huzaifahra passed away and the discord became rampant, I departed along with those who were leaving Medina and I reached a place where there was water.”

There was water available in that particular place. “Therein I saw a broken tent which was tilting to one side and was swaying owing to the gusts of wind. I asked, ‘Whose tent is this?’ The people told me, ‘This is the tent of Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah’.

I went to him and found that he was advanced in age. I said to him, ‘May Allah have mercy on you, in my opinion you are among the best of the Muslims. You have left your town, your home, your family and your neighbours.’ He replied, ‘I have left all of this behind due to my aversion to evil.’”

(Al-Tabqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 339, Darul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1990) There are differing views with regard to the time of the demise of Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah. According to the varying accounts, he passed away in Medina in 43, 46 or 47 AH and at the time of his demise, he was 77 years old.

Marwanra bin Hakam led his funeral prayer who was the amir of Medina at the time.

It is also mentioned in some accounts that he was martyred. (Usdul-Ghaba Fi Marifat

Al-Sahaba, Vol. 5, p. 107, Muhammadra bin Maslamah, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Istiab, Vol. 3, p. 433, M u h a m m a d r a bin Maslamah, Darul-Kutub Al- Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2010) This concludes the accounts relating to Hazrat Muhammadra bin Maslamah.

After the Friday prayer, I shall lead the funeral prayer of Respected Taj Din Sahib, son of Sadr Din Sahib. He passed away on 10 February at the age of 84: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِه و ِانا ِالي ِﻪ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong, and to Him shall we return.]

By the grace of Allah Almighty, he was a musi [part of the system of Al-Wasiyyat].

Taj Din Sahib was born in Uganda and moved to the UK in 1967. When Islamabad was bought in 1984, he offered his services to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh for Islamabad. Thereafter, he continued to serve with utmost sincerity and selflessness in Islamabad for 22 years. He worked tirelessly ever since the first Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] in Islamabad was held, until the very last one held there and made every possible effort to provide comfort and ease for the guests of the Promised Messiahas.

He possessed the ability to do all sorts of technical work, which is why he spent day and night working on all kinds of tasks, including electrical work, plumbing, sanitation, woodwork etc. He was very regular in observing fasts and offering his prayers, he was very devout, extremely well-mannered, obedient and had a composed personality. He had a deep bond of sincerity and loyalty with Khilafat.

His grandson, Mudabbir Din Sahib, who is a missionary and graduate of Jamia Ahmadiyya UK and is currently working in MTA, writes: “Many of the people who lived in Islamabad would say that he was extremely

hard-working. My grandfather would say that he was alone when he first came to Islamabad. At the beginning, there was neither electricity nor heating and it was a very difficult time, but even then, he was pleased to have had the opportunity to make sacrifices for the Jamaat and the Khalifa. Some of his notable characteristics were offering prayers on time, working selfsufficiently and his hospitality of guests and his patience.” Those who have written to me have mentioned many of his qualities.

Majeed Sialkoti Sahib has written: “He built his own workshop here in Islamabad and was an expert in machines.

He had good relations with different companies and worked on the barracks one by one to make them suitable to live in. He had the art of forming a team. He remained busy working throughout the year, owing to the fact that the [buildings] were very old, it was an arduous task to refurbish it all and he did so with great diligence. He was always courteous and cheerful and would always request for prayers. He lived in Islamabad the entire time in a small room and worked tirelessly. Despite his wife and children living in London, he continued to work selflessly. He would occasionally go to visit them.”

May Allah the Almighty grant him forgiveness and mercy, and enable his progeny to excel in sincerity and loyalty as he did, and may God Almighty grant them patience and steadfastness.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International on 6 March 2020, pp. 5-9.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Islam in Comparison with Other Religions of India, which is commonly known as Lecture Lahore, was written by the Promised Messiahas and read out before a large gathering in Lahore on 3 September 1904.

This lecture contains a comparative study of Islam, Hinduism and Christianity and shows that the doctrines and practical teachings of Islam are superior to those of the other two religions.

The Promised Messiahas says the reason for the deluge of sin in the present age is the lack of awareness about God, and this can be remedied neither by the Christian doctrine of Redemption nor by the teachings laid down in the Vedas. True and perfect awareness about God, which is only possible through direct communion with the Almighty, can only be attained through Islam, because all other religions have closed upon themselves the door to Divine revelation and communion.

To read Lecture Lahore, please visit alislam.org

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