Al Hakam - 3 April 2020

A letter to our future Inspired by Francesca Melandri’s letter to Covid-struck Britain

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Covid-19: Experience at the front line An intensive care doctor shares his experiences during this unprecedented time

Calling home our birds

Covid-19

A mother’s perspective of tarbiyat amid the Covid-19 lockdown

How to keep safe during this global crisis

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THE WEEKLY

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

Extraordinary message in extraordinary times

Full English transcript of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s message delivered on Friday, 27 March 2020 After reciting Tashahud and Ta‘awuz, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated the following: Due to the pandemic that has recently spread, numerous world governments have implemented restrictions, including the British Government here, that congregational prayers are not allowed in mosques. And, if it is allowed, then no more than two or a few people can convene together and they too should be members of the same household.

At present, the law has not been clearly defined and people hold differing views, saying that this is only allowed (as I said) with close family members. Others are saying that family or people living together can convene.

Nevertheless, during these conditions, until it does not become clear, we cannot Continued on page 3

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

The entire earth has been made a masjid Hazrat Abu Saeed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates, that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The entire earth has been made a masjid, except for the graveyard and the washroom.”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The meaning of wisdom Our friends will meet Christians often.

They will observe that there is nothing in the religion of these uninformed people which may be attributed to the All-Wise God. What is the meaning of wisdom? It is as the Arabic phrase goes: ��‫وﺿع الشی ء فی �ح‬ (The placing of a thing in its proper place). However, in the Christian faith, you will find that no action or injunction falls true to this definition. ّ ‫ا ْہدنَا‬ When we closely reflect upon ‫ال� َر َاط‬ ِ ِ ِ َ‫(ال ْ ُم ْس َتقِیم‬Guide us in the right path), the wording of this verse makes it clear that we have been taught to pray so that we may be guided to the straight path.

However, the aforementioned verse is preceded by the following: َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫إِ ّیاك � ْع ُب ُد َو إِ ّیاك ن ْس َتعِین‬ “Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help.” This alludes to the fact that we must first derive benefit from this verse. That is to say, in order to traverse the stages on the path of righteousness, one must engage their faculties before seeking the assistance of Allah.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 128)

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 3 - 9 April In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, this time, with some more details

3 April 1898: The Promised Messiahas had been warning the masses about fast approaching disasters like the plague and reminding humanity about the rights of Allah. Even during his time, the Promised Messiahas and his Companionsra faced every possible form of adversity. For example, a rumour about the sudden demise of the Promised Messiahas was intentionally spread and a fake obituary under the title “Afsosnak hadsa” was circulated far and wide. The main perpetrator behind this mischievous act was a so-called religious scholar Maulvi Muhammad Bakhsh from Lahore. To calm the distraught Ahmadis, the Jamaat’s (Urdu) newspaper, Al Hakam published a special issue on this day. The editor of Al Hakam also drew the attention of the British authorities in India towards these common enemies who spread fake news and malice.

3 April 1902: Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra was lucky enough to receive the special prayers of his master, the Promised Messiahas. On this date, the Promised Messiahas himself shared in one of his letters that he had prayed for him so much that this prayer could only be done for the luckiest person on earth. Huzooras added that the graciousness of God always comes from an unknown source. In the letter, the Promised Messiahas also mentioned to Hazrat Seith Sahib that the plague was claiming around twenty thousand lives every week.

earthquake began and the seismic activity took off.

4 April 1906: An opponent of the Promised Messiahas, Charagh Din of Jammu, died according to a prophecy. This opponent fell prey to the plague along with his two sons. The Promised Messiahas stated: “The unfortunate Charagh Din of Jammu, who was formerly a member of my Jamaat, perished … He received a satanic revelation that he was a messenger and was from among the apostles and Jesus had given him a staff with which to kill the Dajjal – and he declared me as the Dajjal.

Eventually, in accordance with the prophecy recorded in the treatise Dafi‘ul-Bala‘i wa Ma‘yaru Ahlil-Istifa [Defence Against the Plague and a Criterion for the Elect of God], he died of the plague at a young age along with his two sons.

A few days before his death, he even published an article in the manner of a mubahillah [prayer duel], referring to me by name, that of the two of us, may God destroy the one who is a liar.

Consequently, on 4 April 1906, he, along with both his sons, died of the plague. ‫فاتقوا اللہ یا مع�� الملھمین‬ [Fear God, O ye claimants of revelation!]”

4 April 1908: The Promised Messiahas saw a vision around 1865 about Hazrat Guru Baba Nanakrh.

He then started painstaking research into Hazrat 4 April 1905: In accordance with a series of Guru Nanak’s piety. After 30 years of research, divine prophecies vouchsafed to the Promised he published a book called Sat-Bachan, which Messiahas, a strong earthquake struck the Indian was about the reality of Hazrat Guru Nanakrh. The subcontinent. The modern-day Indian state of Promised Messiah’sas dedication was such that Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, and its surrounding only weeks before his sad demise, he came to areas saw great destruction as a result. The know that a copy of the Quran was also among Promised Messiahas had received a series of revelations prior to this earthquake, warning of its the relics of Hazrat Guru Baba Nanakrh in district Ferozpur of East Punjab. To confirm and further occurrence, such as, “Shock of the earthquake” investigate this vital clue, he sent a delegation and “Temporary residences and permanent ones on this day. This party consisted of eight people, will be wiped out.” including a young Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin On this date, the earthquake measured 7.8 Mahmud Ahmadra, who was then the editor of on the surface-wave magnitude scale and killed Tash-heez-ul-Azhan. The Promised Messiahas more than 20,000 people. As many as 100,000 buildings were reported to have been demolished added the report presented by this delegation by the earthquake. There was also major damage to his book Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, which further strengthened his research on the topic. to the network of hillside watercourses that had provided water to the inhabitants. The total cost 6 April 1894: The heavenly sign of the solar of recovering from the effects of the earthquake eclipse was shown in favour of the Promised were calculated as 2.9 million (1905) rupees. as On the same day as this earthquake, in Qadian, Messiah on 27 Ramadan 1311 AH. The Promised as Messiah himself came out and observed the sky. early in the morning at around 6am, the Promised as A special prayer was offered in Masjid Mubarak, Messiah was occupied in writing the fifth and Qadian on this occasion.

This glorious sign final part of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Immediately manifested by God to prove the truthfulness of after he wrote the clause, “A warner came into as His servant, the Promised Messiah compelled the world and the world did not accept him, many fortunate people to enter the fold of the but God will accept him and will establish his Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Islam. truth by mighty assaults”, the above mentioned

7 April 1907: An adversary of the Promised Messiahas, Munshi Ilahi Bakhsh, who was an accountant, died on this day. Earlier, this unfortunate person was among the closest companions of the Promised Messiahas, but his inner darkness led him to his bitter end. Munshi Ilahi Bakhsh published the mischievous book Asae-Musa, which was full of attacks on the Promised Messiahas.

8 April 1897: The Promised Messiah’sas prophecy about the Arya Samaj’s leader, Pandit Lekhram was fulfilled when this abusive opponent met his end on 6 March 1897. Due to the unexpected death of Lekhram and the Promised Messiahas foretelling that he would die, false accusations were raised against the Promised Messiahas, including accusations of murder. Upon the immense pressure by the Arya Samajists on the government to investigate and hold accountable the Promised Messiahas in the murder of Lekhram, on this date, police investigators searched the house of the Promised Messiahas in Qadian to search for evidence. Moments before the arrival of the police, the Promised Messiahas was busy in reading the final transcript of his book, Siraj-e-Munir. The police contingent was led by Mr Limarchand, Superintendent Police Gurdaspur and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, Inspector Batala. Huzooras welcomed the officials and led them to every corner of the house. During this raid, a police official hurt himself after hitting his head on a door frame. Seeing this, the Promised Messiahas offered a glass of warm milk or anything he wished to ease the pain. Even the Promised Messiah’sas relative, Mirza Imam Din, a man who greatly opposed the Promised Messiahas, joined the police search party to help them find evidence. On this date, this party also searched the guesthouse, press and residence of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. Of course, the police found no evidence at all as the Promised Messiahas had nothing to do with the mysterious death of Lekhram. This was a divine punishment and a great sign for the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

9 April 1907: On this date, the Promised Messiahas was vouchsafed a prophecy from God Almighty concerning the “Calamity of Damascus” (Bala-e-Damishq). The first major manifestation of this prophecy was recorded in the 1920s, when French troops heavily bombed Damascus. Without a doubt, the effects of this prophecy can be felt even today.

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Continued from page 1

offer Jumuah congregations because even in Friday prayers, some aspects require clarification. That is why, after consultation, I have decided to deliver a message from my office to address and talk to you, instead of delivering a [Friday] Sermon – not observing the Friday congregation.

Every Friday, listening to the sermon of the Khalifa of the time is something that all of you have developed a habit of.

If, currently, I do not address the Jamaat, then some people develop despair and various assumptions begin to surface. For this reason, I thought it best to address the Jamaat in one way or another and this transpired into addressing the Jamaat from my office.

Anyhow, like I said, we will not offer the Jumuah congregational prayers [together] and whatever manner that will be adopted for the future will, inshaAllah, be informed to everyone. We cannot leave Friday prayers for a long period of time either and, like I said, my communication with the Jamaat is also essential and in the present conditions, it is even more essential. For this reason, after consultations with lawyers and concerned persons, we will, insha-Allah, come up with the solution.

I would also like to say to members of the Jamaat that where the government has prohibited attending the mosque due to this virus – rather, it has not completely prohibited it; for example here in the UK, individually you can offer prayers at the mosque or a few family members can come and offer their prayers but only while upholding the government’s advice of keeping a safe distance between each other – congregational prayers where everyone attends cannot be offered.

In such conditions, Jamaat members should pay attention to arranging congregational prayers in their homes.

Members of the household should also convene and offer Jumuah prayers.

Friday sermons can be given by reading extracts from Malfuzat or from other Jamaat literature or other writings of the Promised Messiahas or Al Fazl and Al Hakam. Any mature boy or man from the household can lead the Friday prayer and prayers in general.

In any case, Jumuah congregational prayers cannot be left for a prolonged period. When people begin to prepare for and offer Friday prayers [at home], they will inevitably begin to read and as a result, while increasing in knowledge, despite governmental restrictions to stay at home, there will be religious and spiritual benefit.

In fact, in the initiative of Al Hakam these days, for people to comment on how they are spending their time at home, most people are writing that they are, by reading the Quran, hadith, books of the Promised Messiahas and Jamaat literature, increasing their knowledge.

Even in the wider world, worldly people are hugely commenting on different websites and are saying that they also, due to this reason, are getting the opportunity to better their family and personal conditions and that their family life has returned.

Thus, we should also spend time with our families by improving ourselves and positively bringing up children. There are very good programmes shown on MTA; try to spend some time watching these programmes together.

Apart from this, like I have said before, you should fully abide by the rules and regulations that the government has set out for the benefit and health of the

populace.

The most important aspect, as I have said in my previous sermons, is to pay a lot of attention towards prayers. Through prayers, we can attract the grace of Allah the Almighty and better our spiritual and physical wellbeing. This is what the Promised Messiahas continuously advised us toward and even in such conditions, told us that the most important thing is to seek forgiveness from God Almighty, cleanse our hearts and engage in good works. God the Almighty has given us a great weapon through prayer; through it [prayer] we should try to seek and enter the mercy of Allah the Almighty.

As for not offering Friday congregational prayers [together], in some instances, it is proven from some ahadith that congregational prayers and Friday congregational prayer can be exempt. For example, there is a hadith in Bukhari that Hazrat Ibn Abbasra, on a rainy day, told the muazins [callers to prayer] not to say “Hayya alas-Salah” (come to prayer) but to say “Sallu fi buyutikum” (pray in your homes). People found this as something novel and raised concern, but Hazrat Ibn Abbasra said that he – meaning the Holy Prophetsa – “also practised this, who was better than me. Though the Friday prayer is an obligatory duty, yet I disliked putting you to hardship lest you walk in mud and rain.”

This narration, with some differences in wording, is also mentioned in Muslim.

It is a narration from Hazrat Ibn Abbasra that during a rainy day, he said to his muazin that after he said “Ashadu al-la ilaha ilallah wa ashadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh”, he should not say “Hayya alas-Salah” (come to prayer) but say, “Sallu fi buyutikum” (pray in your homes). The narrator says that people found this as novel. In reply,

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra said, “Do you deem this strange? This was done by him, who was better than me. Though the Friday prayer is an obligatory duty. But I disliked putting you to hardship lest you walk in mud and rain.”

Allama Imam Nawawi, in the commentary of this hadith, writes, “And in this hadith, the argument to suspend Friday congregation during the constraint of rain etc. is present. And this is also our belief ”. He writes, “And this is also our belief and the belief of other jurists, whereas Imam Malik’srh view opposes this. Allah knows better what is right.”

In the same way, [Islamic] jurists have included, within the excuses not to attend Jumuah and congregational prayers, such illness which make it difficult to attend the mosque. Their proof of this is within Allah the Almighty’s instruction that “Allah the Almighty has laid no hardship upon you in religion [Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.79]. On this basis, when the Holy Prophetsa fell ill and stopped going to the mosque, he said to tell Abu Bakrra to lead the people in prayer.”

This hadith is mentioned in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. In the same way, due to the outbreak of an illness, a person who is fearful has been labelled as one who is ill. And the proof of this is in that narration of Hazrat Ibn Abbasra in which the Holy Prophetsa said that fear and illness are [legitimate] excuses.

Nonetheless, this disease that can spread and for which the government has set some rules and regulations (and according to following the law of the land, we should also abide by) has meant that in such conditions, convening at one place and offering congregational prayers or Friday congregation is difficult. However, as I have said, in your homes, develop the habit of offering prayers in congregation; children will learn that offering prayers is imperative and offering them in congregation is essential and in today’s condition, where we cannot go to the mosque, it is still important to carry out this obligation in your homes. Pay special attention towards this.

At times, during journeys, such conditions also arose during the life of the Promised Messiahas when he did not offer the Jumuah prayer. Nevertheless, there are lots of narrations about this that throw light on the fact that congregating or meeting each other during contagious diseases is not right and we should remain at distance.

As I have said before, we are not leaving this forever and are arranging for Jumuah prayers to take place in homes. I will also endeavour to arrange this.

It is also important to pray that Allah shows His grace. As said before, may Allah the Almighty quickly cleanse the world from this pandemic and may he enable everyone to fulfil all the rights of humanity and recognise their Creator.

May Allah enable us all to do this.

Assalamo alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatahu

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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A letter to our future Inspired by Francesca Melandri’s letter to Covid-struck Britain

Asif M Basit I woke up this morning (29 March) to read a letter from Italian novelist Francesca Melandri, titled From your future. As Italy is a few weeks ahead of Britain in the catastrophic spread of coronavirus, Francesca has written to Britons telling how things will go from bad to worse, before getting better. She ends this letter with the words, “When all of this is over, the world will not be the same”.

Agreeing with the words, here is a reply to the letter, not to Francesca Melandri only, but to everyone who is seeing this pandemic spread its vicious wings on human society: Dear Future, I am writing this letter from a time when a deadly pandemic called Covid-19 has taken the whole world in its wretched claw. We continue to hear bad news all day long; how thousands are contracting the

virus every hour; how thousands continue to lose their loved ones every day. Scientists are advising politicians, politicians advising people and people are, eventually, beginning to follow their advice.

Staying at home and washing our hands is said to be the best practice during this challenging time. We are at home, eating, drinking and not being too merry. Worry of how long this unnatural way of living is going to last, how long we will have our freedom lost for, how long we are not going to see our elderly (and non-elderly in some cases) loved ones; all this and above all, the concern of what the world might look like when all this starts to abate.

While every news channel is talking about the darkness of the cloud, a silver lining has already started to appear, albeit not mentioned much by commercial television channels.

In the last month or so – ever since lockdowns and housebound isolations kicked in – planet earth has had a chance to inhale cleaner air, something that planet earth had come to believe might never happen again. Well, it has!

With cars parked permanently in garages or driveways, and chimneys of factories not puffing clouds of smoke anymore, air pollution has significantly gone down and the atmosphere seems to have undergone a spring clean. As motors and engines and factories have been forced to quit smoking, noise levels have also fallen drastically.

So, we could possibly recover from this pandemic with newfound indicators towards solving the decades-old problem of global warming – a mutual concern for all mankind.

Witnessing a microscopic organism shake the global economy to its core will surely leave economists with a sense of disbelief in what has evolved into a goddess of modernity – the global stock market.

When the rise or fall of a fraction of a per cent can move the whole world around and where prices of a single share can bless or deprive a nation of its control and authority,

and where a pause of a few minutes can bring international affairs to a halt, why would such a “power” not be seen as omnipotent?

So, the post-coronavirus world might wake up to see the shattered idol of the goddess of capitalism, replaced with a better system that suits not only the rich, but the poor alike.

Politicians too have had a lesson to learn, albeit a very hard way. Disagreement, conflict and military combat have become the hallmark of modern-day international politics. How a country can turn into a power, then a global power and then a super-power is all that politicians seem to care about.

From minerals in underprivileged countries to oil in over-privileged (but unintelligent) nations, world powers have wrestled to loot and rob at a very competitive scale.

This race of lust had left every nation turning against one another and alliances – with strict conditions to stay together in good and bad – turned out to be the only form of friendship between nations.

But coronavirus seems to have erased many lines and boundaries, resolved many disagreements and brought politicians across the globe to agree on ways to fight it off – from isolating and distancing to quarantines and lockdowns. The wishfully anticipated good results in this war against the coronavirus are expected only through this mutual consensus of global leaders.

So, we might recover to find a world where political and geographical boundaries continue to exist, but leaders to have learnt the benefits of unity and mutual cooperation.

In a world where family units were falling apart, this pandemic has left the family as the only form of physical human interaction as soft-core stay-at-home instructions rapidly turn into strict lockdowns. In these days of staying and working from home, we have learnt how precious the family unit is.

Many of us cannot even remember

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM when they spent a whole day at home, not to speak of days and weeks and what is likely to turn into months. Noticing for the first time that you now have a few grey hairs, that your spouse now gets wrinkles around their eyes when they smile, that your last born is no longer a baby but knows (unlike you) how an app can be downloaded, great realisations have struck many of us in the past few days. The joy of having meals together, praying together, having afternoon tea in the back garden and laughing away the worries of the grim situation are great blessings that have come in disguise of isolations and lockdowns.

So, we hope to have a society that has learnt to strengthen society by strengthening its basic unit – the family. This would mean less broken marriages, less broken families, fewer children split between parents, a generation with lesser mental health challenges, and, as a result, a happier and far more progressive global society.

Our busy lifestyles have kept us apart from our elderly parents for very long. The day we got our degrees, took up jobs and started our own families, our parents (and grandparents) got pushed in some hidden nooks of our minds. We forgot how they had once taught us to walk, taught us to read and write, worried and worked for our wellbeing, fed us with the best that they could afford and so many other things that make us what we are today. An occasional telephone call is what most of us took to be sufficient pay-back. Hence were invented mothers days and fathers days as ways to silence our conscience by visiting them on such days, unwrapping the bouquet of flowers and placing them in a vase or jug in our parents’ homes.

Now that we have been told not to see them and now that we were told not to visit elderly mothers on mother’s day, reality has hit most of us really hard. Saddening scenes went viral on social media where a 90-yearold lady stood at her doorstep and waved back to her children and grandchildren as they stood across the garden at, as they call it these days, a safe distance. No hugs, no

Sailing through the global tsunami of coronavirus, many are worried about losing their jobs – jobs that they once hated and complained about. Dragging themselves out of beds to catch the overcrowded buses or underground trains to report at a job where nothing seemed good; the tyrant boss, an arrogant colleague, unrealistic targets, claustrophobic workspace, the squeaky chair and the air-conditioner that gives more sound and less air. But this grey picture has suddenly gained colour and everything seems to have turned not-so-bad.

This means that the thankless human race of pre-coronavirus days is learning to be more thankful.

So, let us expect to recover into a generation that will have learnt not to take anything for granted. Jobs, families, homes, amenities, comfort; we hope to be more appreciative for what we have than lusting for what we don’t.

The coronavirus pandemic has not discriminated between rich and poor nations. From the most powerful nations to the least, all have been struck. The pride of preparedness in the wake of war made many affluent nations hold their heads high until the coronavirus army swept across the globe and left very proud nations on their knees.

No matter how strong, stable or stubborn a nation or its leader was, a mere virus has left its economic, political and military strategy in tatters. Satellites, espionage, drones and the most sophisticated of devices could not see this microscopic army that was to swarm and bring the world to a sudden halt – the world that never stopped to think there could be powers that are beyond our control.

Once this coronavirus is gone and we return to normal life, we can hope to have a world that is reconsidering the fact that there is a power that is beyond human control.

This consideration was, in ancient times, the first step towards religion.

Centuries flew past and the human race began to distance itself from faith and religion. A great number of the modern-day human population is cuddles, no holding hands and no kisses oblivious about religion and feels about its for the poor old granny, who represented faith, like Boris Johnson once put it, “… it millions of elderly parents and grandparents. sort of comes and goes”.

So, we hope to wake up to a world – the In the post-coronavirus dawn, faith post-coronavirus-world – where we will in God might come into many hearts and have realised how much our parents mean to never go again. us. How much we owe them and how much Dear future, I write these lines from my we actually love them. What a beautiful home where I am working from these days. world it would be where elderly parents will With great hope, I close this letter. come out of the confines of their flats and Yours very sincerely, start living in our hearts once again. I say The Covid-struck society “once again” because it is only recently that they turned from an asset to a liability, yet another gift of our modern society.

Bob Weighton: A man born in the time of the Promised Messiah A lesson of hope and optimism Sunday, 29 March: News channels, websites and almost all platforms of social media are drenched with news about the coronavirus; it is spreading, it is infecting and it is killing human beings in thousands.

The figures are worrying and what is more worrying is that those showing us the light at the end of the tunnel are politicians; politicians who have left us sceptical about anything they say.

So, shall we sit and worry or is there anything we can do to keep up our hopes that good days will soon return? We will have to look around to see how hope can be squeezed out from the hopeless information that continues to pour in. So let’s give it a try here.

Bob Weighton, a resident of Alton in Hampshire, has turned 112 years old today.

This means he was born two months before the demise of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, on 26 May 1908.

What a blessed time to be born in! Happy birthday Bob and thank you for providing the world to draw hope from your life.

Bob was ten years old when the influenza pandemic broke out. It shook the whole world in pretty much a similar manner as we are experiencing these days.

Was he fortunate to be living in an age when smartphones and social media were not around? Or was he actually unfortunate?

All of us will have our own views on this, but he surely did have newspapers carrying extremely worrying headlines like today.

Just as our children overhear the news we listen to whilst we are glued to our television screens, Bob too must have overheard his parents discuss and worry about the outbreak of the Spanish flu pandemic. We can imagine Bob’s father reading out from the Illustrated London News of 16 March 1918 the headline that said, “Influenza is sweeping the United Kingdom”.

Then a headline in the Scotsman on 24 June 1918 must have passed Bob’s ears

that stated that the flu had turned into a pandemic.

A school-going young Bob might have heard it from his mother on their breakfast table that the Surrey Advertiser had reported that “Surrey ha[d] not escaped” the epidemic and that schools were going to be shut for an indefinite period of time.

How worrying must it have been for Bob and his family knowing that famous people like Dr A Conan Doyle (son of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) and the mayoress of Southport had succumbed to the malady.

And even back then, they must have read just as we do, with a similar hint of doubt, advertisements that claim to be a cure of the Spanish flu; advertisements like the one in the Wigan Observer of 14 December 1918, that read, “Roberts’ Catarrh Cure CREVALIN cures influenza”.

News would have gone around claiming that the pandemic was a precursor of the end of the world, that people would never be able to live a normal life. All such tabloid material goes around even today in the days of Covid-19.

Did they believe such gossip? Did they keep up their hopes? Well, only Bob can tell. But as Bob celebrates his 112thbirthday today, we can say that he and his family went through the deadly pandemic with hope, zeal and ambition to live on and see the dawn of normal life.

We might not outlive the Covid-19 pandemic by a hundred years like Bob, but by the grace and mercy of God, we will together get to the other side of it.

So dear Bob! We wish you many happy returns of this day. And dear humanity, we wish you a happy return of normal life very soon. May God keep us all in His protection.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Responding to Allegations

Surah al-Jumuah and the second coming of the Holy sa Prophet Muhammad Motivated by wrong explanations and interpretations of the Holy Quran presented by a certain group of so-called Muslim scholars, a distinct body of opponents raise questions regarding the following verses of Surah al-Jumuah, which indicate the advent of a prophet in the latter days: َّ ّ َ ُ ۡ َ ّ ُ ‫ُہوَ ال ِذ ۡی بَ َعث فِی الۡا ِّم ٖی َن َر ُسوۡلًا ِّمن ُہ ۡم یَ ۡتلوۡا َعل ۡی ِہ ۡم ٰا ٰیت ِٖہ َو یُ َزک ِ ۡی ِہ ۡم َو‬ ۡ ُّ ٰ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ُ ُ ّ َ ُ ‫یعلِمہم ال ِکتب و ال ِحکمۃ ٭ و ِان کانوا ِمن قبل لفِی ضل ٍل م ِبی ٍن‬ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ ‫ّو ٰاخ ِریۡ َن ِمن ُہ ۡم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوۡا ِب ِہ ۡم ؕ َو ُہوَ ال َع ِزیۡ ُز ال َح ِک ۡی ُم‬ “He it is Who has raised among the Unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves who recites unto them His Signs, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom, although they were before, in manifest misguidance; And among others from among them who have not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (Surah al-Jumuah, Ch.62: V.3-4) Desperate to prove the Promised Messiahas false, opponents emphasise that the above verses of the Holy Quran, which, in view of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, signify the appearance of a prophet in the latter days who would be the reflection of the Holy Prophetsa are not at all interpreted in such a way by any other religious scholar of Islam in the books of tafsir or hadith.

The words aakharina minhum [others from among them] in the above verse are of great significance. After studying and examining all the previous commentaries of the Holy Quran, we find that every exegesis has either determined or considered aakharin [others] as mansub [accusative] or majrur [genitive]. According to Arabic lexicon, case endings are usually of three types, i.e. marfu‘ [nominative], mansub [accusative] or majrur [genitive]. Aakharin is written in case of mansub and majrur, while aakharun is used to show that it is marfu‘. So, it is either mansub or majrur in the verse under discussion.

If aakharin is considered mansub, the contextual meaning of the verses would ّ ّ imply ‫ و یزکی الآخرین و یعلم الآخرین‬i.e. the Holy Prophetsa will purify the souls of other [non-Arab] people as well and teach them the book and wisdom. So, the verses as a whole indicate that the message of the Holy Prophetsa was meant not only for the Arabs among whom he was raised, but for all non-Arabs as well, and not only for his contemporaries, but also for the coming generations till the end of time. This fact is also established from a hadith that is related

by Hazrat Abu Hurairahra. He narrates: “We were sitting with the Holy Prophetsa, when Surah al-Jumuah was revealed to him.

When he recited the verse, ‘And among others from among them who have not yet joined them’, a man asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who are these people [who will hold the rank of the companions of the Prophet, but have not yet joined them].’ The Prophetsa did not answer him. The man repeated his question thrice. The narrator says that [a non-Arab companion] Hazrat Salman alFarsira was sitting amongst us. The Holy Prophetsa placed his hand on his shoulder and said, ‘Even if faith was to ascend to the Pleiades, men from among his people will bring it back to earth.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir) Explaining the condition of Muslims during this faithless era, the Holy Prophetsa said: “There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam save its name and nothing will remain of the Quran save its inscription. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but deprived of guidance. Their scholars will be the worst people under the heavens; strife will issue from and avert to them.” (Mishkat-ulMasabih, Kitab al-Ilm) If aakharin is considered majrur, the contextual meaning of the verses would mean ‫ وبعث فی الآخرین رسولا منھم ّلما یلحقوا بھم‬i.e. the Holy Prophetsa would be raised among another people who had not yet joined his immediate followers. However, these meanings cannot be taken literally because the Holy Prophetsa had passed away and entered paradise. It is not possible for a person to become alive after death and leave paradise to appear again in the latter days.

Consequently, aakharin in this case could only imply that a non-Arab prophet would be sent to the non-Arabs who would be a reflection of the Holy Prophetsa. As Allah the Almighty َّ َ َ َ َ َ ّٰ states: َّ َ ّٰ ‫ِإ ّن ال ِذيْ َن يُ َبايِ ُعوْنك ِإن َما يُ َبايِ ُعوْ َن الل َه يَ ُد الل ِه فوْق أيْ ِديْ ِه ْم‬ “Those who swear allegiance to thee indeed swear allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hand” (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.11). Though the hand of the Holy Prophetsa was placed over the hands of his Companionsra while taking Bai‘at, Allah considered it as His Own hand.

Likewise, Allah the Almighty revealed to the Holy Prophetsa that the castles of Qaisar and Kisra would be conquered and their keys would be handed to him. However, those castles were conquered after his demise in the time of Hazrat Umarra and their keys fell in his hands. So, the hand of Hazrat Umarra was called the hand of the Holy Prophetsa in the prophecy.

Hence, the meaning of aakharin in both cases i.e. mansub or majrur heralds the advent of a prophet in the latter days for the revival of Islam and restoration of faith, and his appearance has been considered the second coming i.e. a reflection of the Holy Prophetsa.

The mujaddid [reformer] of the 12th century, Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvirh stated that the status of the Holy Prophetsa is above every other prophet because he would appear again in a certain manner. (Hujjatullah al-Baligha, Bab Haqiqat-ul-Nubuwwah wa Khawasiha) Explaining the verses under discussion,

Allama Musa Jarullah states: “The meaning of this third verse [of Surah al-Jumuah] is that Allah Almighty is the One Who sent a prophet in the unlettered people from among them and He would raise a prophet in aakharin [others] from among them. Hence, the prophet of every group of aakharin is from among them and all these prophets among these groups are the prophets of Islam as the prophets of Bani Israel among the Israelites were the prophets of Torah.” (Fi Huruf-eAwailis Suwar, p. 132, [Bait al-Hikmat]) Apart from the above interpretations, certain scholars believe that the word aakharin conveys the news of the conversion of Persians to Islam who did convert in the era of Hazrat Umarra. Some are of the view that it carries the news of the birth of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifarh and to some, Hazrat Imam Bukharirh. However, these interpretations are not worthy of acceptance because the aforementioned explanation of the word aakharin by the Holy Prophetsa in the hadith of Bukhari refutes them as it mentions the time of aakharin to be the period when faith would go to the Pleiades and that surely was to happen after the three centuries of Khair-ul-Qurun [the best centuries in Islam]. Hence, it could neither be the era of Hazrat Umarra, nor the time of the birth of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifarh or Hazrat Imam Bukharirh. Surely, the word aakharin signified the age regarding which the Holy Prophetsa said: “My Ummah will go through the same stages as did the Bani Israel. The similarities will be very striking, like one shoe of a pair has to the other, so much so that if a person from among the Bani Israil committed an offence against his mother, a similar unfortunate one would also be found in my Ummah. Bani Israel split into 72 sects; my people will split into 73 sects; with the exception of one sect, all others will be bound for Hell.’ [The Companionsra] asked, ‘O prophet of Allah, who will be these righteous people?’ [The Holy Prophetsa] replied, ‘They will be the people who truly follow me and my Companions.’” (Jami‘ alTirmidhi, Kitab al-Iman) There are several verses of the Holy Quran that indicate that a prophet would appear in the Ummah of Muhammadsa and this messenger has been called the Messiah and Mahdi in countless ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa. However, as the opponents have Continued on page 7

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Congregations Banned!

Does Islam want us to obey or revolt?

Anees Ahmad Nadeem Missionary-in-Charge, Japan

With all continents now within its pale, the coronavirus has turned into a pandemic.

For lack of medical facilities at the time, the Spanish Flu and Black Death had so far been seen as the worst striking of all pandemics in modern history. However, in this age of communication, technological excellence and advancement in medical sciences, Covid-19 seems to have surpassed all pandemics in its footprint and pace.

What raises the Covid-19 pandemic above all pandemics of modern history is how it has led to distancing and isolating in a world that is closely knit through modern means of communication; the global village where mankind has got used to staying in touch, more than ever before.

Religious circles face challenges of a different natures. Where the rest of the world is disturbed due to social distancing as a purely social challenge, religious circles are having to see how certain worships and rituals that call for congregation are to be practised.

We leave the Pope’s mass and the Wailing Wall aside and come straight to Islamic modes of congregational worship.

Despite the fact that certain Muslim circles seem to be the most agitated on the issue of congregations being cancelled, it is none else but Islam that gives the most flexible and practical advice in such situations. It had to be the faith of Hazrat Muhammadsa – the mercy for all worlds – to have the most reasonable approach in such precarious times.

We have seen Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, instructing all Ahmadi Muslims to observe all precautionary measures that are being advised by experts and governmental authorities. Huzooraa has asked for congregations not to be held in countries where authorities have banned gatherings. In line with the basic teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa wants us to do everything that is of greater benefit and in the wider interest of mankind.

Not being able to convene for Friday prayers is obviously not a pleasant occurrence, but then neither is it a matter Continued from page 6

only raised questions on the verses of Surah al-Jumuah mentioned at the outset, we conclude this response by presenting the explanation by the Messiah and Mahdi of the age, whose advent was prophesied in the said verses. The Promised Messiahas states: “In every respect, the perfection of guidance took place during the first advent of the Holy Prophetsa and the perfection of

of choice. We have the Holy Quran and practices of the Holy Prophetsa guiding us in such situations: 1. In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty commands us to obey Him, His Prophet and the Ulil Amr (those in authority), the law of the land being representative of governmental authorities. (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V. 60) 2. When calling worshippers to mosques, Allah the Almighty provided great guidance through the words: ً َ ََُ​َ​َ ْ َ​َ ‫ان آ ِمنا‬ ‫ومن دخلہ ک‬ This means that congregational prayers in mosques should be done only when safety of oneself and of others in not jeopardised.

3. Allah the Almighty gave concession in the way Salat is meant to be offered by saying َ ْ َ ً ْ َ ‫ف ِا ْن ِخف ُت ْم ف ِر َجالًا ا ْو ُرک َبانا‬, believers are given specific instruction that should there be a state of fear (like in war) offer Salat on the backs of horses or camels or even walking on foot.

4. For Hajj – which is an obligation for all Muslims – the condition of safety, security and good health shows that Allah the Almighty has prescribed all modes of worship for the wellbeing of mankind. ‫َم ِن‬ َ ‫اس َت َط‬ ْ (i.e. those who can perform the ‫اع ِال َ ْی ِہ َس ِب ْیلًا‬ Hajj safely and have the means to) shows the great love and care Allah the Almighty has for those who commit themselves to Him and His worship.

5. The sick are allowed to offer Salat in whatever position is most suitable for them; those on extreme dependence can pray even lying in bed with mere gestures. Women who are expecting or feeding their babies and those who are chronically ill are graciously allowed to pay fidya in lieu of their fasts; those with acute illnesses can skip fasts in the prescribed month, but make up for it by fasting when they have recovered.

6. Traditions of the Holy Prophetsa (agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim) relate that he would tell the believers that in scorching heat, they could say Salat in a relatively cooler time (within the band of prescribed times). We all know that combining Zuhr with Asr and Maghrib with Isha is a practice of the Holy Prophetsa when mitigating the propagation of faith, (i.e. the spread of this message) was to take place through the second advent of the Holy Prophetsa. This is because the verse in Surah al-Jumuah that reads, ‘and there are others from among them,’ demands that another group of people should also be prepared through his grace and guidance. From this, it becomes clear that there is another advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and this advent in the form of a buruzi manifestation [spiritual

circumstances permit.

7. The ahadith that Huzoor quoted in his special live message (on 27 March 2020) tell us that the Holy Prophetsa rephrased the Azan (call to prayer) in times of heavy rains, storms and other incapacitating calamities: The words, “Come to Salat” were replaced by, “Say Salat in your homes”. aa

8. Bai‘at, as we all know, requires physical contact when being done in congregation.

A delegation of Bani Saqeef visited the Holy Prophetsa and performed Bai‘at at his hand.

One of them suffered from leprosy – which is contagious – and was told by the Holy Prophetsa: ‫انا قد بایعناک فارجع‬ meaning, “Your Bai‘at has been accepted and you may return with others.” This tradition is recorded in both Bukhari and Muslim.

9. Both Bukhari and Muslim record the Holy Prophet’ssa words as follows: ‫اذسمعتم بالطاعون بارض فلاتدخلوھا واذ اوقع بارض و‬ ‫انتم بھا فلا تخرجوا‬ reflection of the Holy Prophetsa] is taking place in this era.

“Hence, this age is one in which there was to be a complete spread of this faith. This is also why all means of communication and conveyance are also reaching their pinnacle.

There is a multitude of publishing houses, countless printing presses and with each day, there are further improvements and developments in publishing and printing.

There is also the use of courier and mail

(When you come to know of an outbreak of plague in a region, do not visit it; if you live in the region of the outbreak, do not leave it.)

10. Bukhari and Muslim relate that the Holy Prophetsa instructed Muslims not to bring any protective weapon like spears or arrows or knives to the mosque, lest it accidentally injured someone. If the Holy Prophetsa took so much care of the wellbeing of the worshippers, would he want people to bring with them contagious illnesses? Of course not!

11. The Promised Messiahas – the absolute reflection of the Holy Prophetsa – said: “Each one of you should, according to their understanding and capacity, indulge in acts of welfare for humanity. One without sympathy is not human. Equally essential is not to doubt the instructions and measures prescribed by the government”. (Majmua-eIshtiharat, Tract no. 188)

services and the emergence of post offices, wired mail, the railroad, aeroplanes and the publication of newspapers – all of these things have combined to transform the world into a global village.

“In actual fact, these advancements are in service of the Holy Prophetsa because through them, the perfect renaissance of Islam, i.e. the complete spread and delivery of his message, is taking place.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 10)

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

8

The mosque that Covid-19 couldn’t close

is like a sparrow’s nest or even smaller?”

Obviously, this is a metaphor.

Firstly, it is an established fact that the word masjid also refers to the times of prayer.

Secondly, the word used in the narration is derived from the root ammara, which refers to “filling a place or span of time.” (Lane) Hence, the only masjid which can be compared to a sparrow’s nest in its size, or even smaller than that, is the masjid of time – the times of prayer – for each time of prayer is limited and demands that it be filled according to its properly appointed hour. And in the given circumstances, this could also point to a corner of our homes that we allocate for congregational prayers.

The philosophy of prostration and a heavenly vehicle

Sabahat Ali Rajput Missionary in Mexico

While the extenuating circumstances brought upon us by Covid-19 have temporarily forced the doors of mosques, high and low, to be closed, there is another masjid whose doors still stand invitingly open, with welcoming arms for each one of us.

The question is, can we find it in time?

The Arabic word masjid, which is traditionally taken to mean the physical structure where Muslims offer their five daily prayers, contains a universe of profundity within itself. It does not merely convey the archetypal meaning of a physical structure, but also connotes the time of prayer. In fact, the word masjid follows the form ism zarf, which conveys the meaning of both the place as well as the time of its root word.

The illustrious and pioneer translators of the Holy Quran in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira and Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafarulla Khanra – have both incorporated the dimension of time into their respective translations of the word masjid.

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira, for instance, for the following verse: ُ َ ۡ ُّ َ َ َ​َ ۡ ُ ‫قل ام َر َربِّ ۡی بِال ِق ۡس ِط ۟ َو ا ِق ۡی ُم ۡوا ُو ُج ۡوہک ۡم ِع ۡند ک ِل َم ۡس ِج ٍد‬ translates it as: “And say, my Lord has enjoined justice.

And fix your attention aright at every time and place of worship…” (Translation of Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.30) Similarly, the august Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafarulla Khanra translates the word masjid in a similar light. He writes: “Tell them: My Lord has enjoined justice and that you fix your attention aright at every time and place of worship…” (Translation of Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.30) The mosques made of time It is marvellous how the language of the

Holy Quran throws open galaxies of understanding which abound in the stars of spiritual and intellectual secrets.

While we may not be able to fill the physical structure called masjid in these days, we can certainly fill another mosque made from the intangible and imperceptible fabric of time. The truth is that by its very definition, each time of prayer is literally a masjid – one which waits in anxious anticipation for us to set aside our selfisolation and quarantine-activities and fill it with our “minds and bodies”.

And so, even if the doors of the masjid made from bricks and mortar are closed for some time, the masjid woven from the metaphysical fabric of time unravels its red carpet for us five times a day – Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha – each one, a literal masjid; each one, a time for prayer.

More fascinating still is the fact that God Almighty begins the above verse by inviting mankind towards justice. After all, what connection is there between an invitation to justice and offering prayers on time?

The word for justice in Arabic is ‘adl and the Promised Messiahas has defined this as “the putting or placement of a thing in its proper place at its proper time.” Hence, the very words with which Allah the Almighty opens the verse are a key to unearthing the troves of spectacular treasures contained therein.

The Promised Messiahas has explained that the concept of justice extends to God Almighty as well as His creation. So what does it mean – to do God justice? The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa explains that while offering our prayers, it is “to look at God as though you are seeing Him, and if not (this), then to pray as though He is looking at you.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Iman).

And so, even within the masjid erected by the walls of time, there are towering, lofty standards expected of us. In addition to being particularly focused in mind and body and establishing a pristine “tidiness”

at our place of worship, a believer stands before his Lord as though he is looking at Him. These days, we are largely confined to our homes for prayers, thus the commandment of “putting [our] minds and bodies in a state of tidiness” takes on an incredible new meaning.

Once, the Promised Messiahas commented on the need for prioritising our time exclusively for prayer. The following quote forces us to seriously reconsider how we spend our time at home nowadays. He said: “At most, Salat might occupy an hour, although some prayers do not even require 15 minutes to offer. Then, it is a matter of great astonishment that the time for prayer is considered a waste of time, while it possesses such an abundance of good and benefit. And if the entire day as well as night are wasted in vain and useless pursuits, or in frivolities and horseplay, it is referred to as “being busy”. If such people were possessed of firm faith, let alone firm; if they had any faith at all, then why would their conditions be so deplorable and why would it get to this point?” (Risalat-ul-Inzar [as reproduced in Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 164 – Urdu edition]) A secret hidden in a sparrow’s nest One would be hard-pressed to find a Muslim who is not familiar with the all-too-famous narration of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in which he stated, “Whoever builds a house for the sake of Allah, Allah will build a similar home for him in paradise.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab-ul-Masajid wa al-Jama‘ah) However, there is a particularly intriguing version of this narration in which he also said: “Whoever builds a masjid (mosque) for the sake of Allah, like a sparrow’s nest or even smaller, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab-ul-Masajid wa al-Jama‘ah) The glaring question is, “What masjid

In 2011, while addressing a decorated audience at the opening of Bait-un-Nasr Mosque in Oslo, Norway, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa explained: “The Arabic word for the mosque is masjid, and masjid is derived from the Arabic word sajada, which literally means ‘he prostrated himself ’. So, if we analyse the literal meaning of ‘mosque’, it leads us only towards a path of prayer and prostration.

“One question that naturally arises is how should such prostration be performed?

The answer is that when a Muslim bows down in prayer, his whole body should be encompassed by absolute humility, and he should consider himself to be worthless. In this spirit of humility, he should prostrate before God with total submission and obedience. In this subservient state, he should pray to God that may He enable him to follow God’s every command, perfectly.

Thus, this is what a true mosque is; a place of total humility to bow before God Almighty.”

The Promised Messiahas described the daily prayer with a beautiful metaphor which, quite literally, transports one to cloud nine. He stated: “Truthfully speaking, the rule is that if man wishes to arrive at a particular destination, then he has to walk for this.

Whatever the distance to his destination, he must walk with the same brevity, effort, determination and time. So, to reach God is also a destination and its distance and length is extensive. Hence, for one who seeks to meet God and possesses a yearning to reach His Divine court, the daily prayer is a vehicle by riding which he can arrive there more quickly. And as for the one who abandons prayer, how will he ever make it there at all?” (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 189) And so, while in this time, the dictates of mercy demand that the doors of the physical masjid be temporarily closed to protect mankind from the risks of Covid-19, may Allah the All-Knowing enable each one of us to open up the doors of the masjid which exists within each one of our homes, each one of our timetables and indeed, in each one of our hearts – mosques made from the impassioned flames of Divine love, fuelled by the oil of anticipation to see the glorious day that our beloved mosques are opened for us once again.

And this time, may the mosques on the ground and mosques in our hearts race unceasingly toward each other like long-lost lovers together again at last.

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Covid-19: Experience at the front line Dr Shahzaib Ahmad Intensive Care Doctor, UK

During this coronavirus pandemic, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve at the frontline of the healthcare response, looking after the most severely afflicted and sick patients infected with coronavirus in critical care.

This is my account of how we prepared for the coronavirus and what my daily experience is.

The role of the intensive care doctor is to support a patient’s organs. When patients become very ill, some organs fail and without support, this can be fatal. We take over the job of the failing organ and give it time to recover, at which point patients can be taken off organ support. Typically, we support the lungs through invasive ventilation, support the heart through specific drugs and support the kidneys by doing temporary dialysis.

Preparation for the surge The UK was behind China and Italy and had some time to prepare. Our intensive care unit has the capacity to ventilate a maximum of eight patients at a time, with a further seven patients who need organ support.

We had three contingency plans (Phase 1 to Phase 3) for the expected surge in the number of patients with coronavirus.

We knew from the data that came out of China and Italy that most of the patients afflicted with coronavirus only required invasive ventilation. We knew we needed more staff. Thus, all the anaesthetic colleagues (the closest specialty to intensive care and very familiar with organ support) stopped doing surgery and prepared to look after patients with coronavirus. We also knew we needed more ventilators and more drugs, and this was also being prepared.

We practiced putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking it off. We ran simulation drills of how we would ventilate these patients. We identified staff with comorbidities. This meant that they could not work with patients with coronavirus and made rota changes so that we could plan to work without them.

We were told that all normal work patterns were abolished and a new rota would be sent out. There would be no normal shifts; all shifts would be 13 hours

long and we would have to do far more night shifts and weekend shifts than we did previously. We were ready!

March 2020 – The surge The first wave of patients arrived in the second week of March. Within 24 hours, we went from normal working conditions in intensive care to Phase 3. So many patients came that we had filled up all the space in intensive care with ventilated patients and we were now overflowing into operating theatres looked after by anaesthetic doctors, who were masquerading as intensive care doctors.

After the emergency rota came into play on 18 March, I was the first to be on duty. I got called to the resuscitation department of accident and emergency (A&E). I was called to see a 74-year-old man who felt extremely short of breath.

Whilst talking to me, he was unable to even finish a sentence without taking several breaths. He was being given as much as oxygen as possible without mechanical ventilation, but his oxygen levels were still too low. His comorbidities were that he had diabetes and high blood pressure. Otherwise he was well, independent and lived a normal life.

We quickly spoke to him, explained to him that he was very sick. We spoke to his family and told them that without invasive ventilation, he was unlikely to survive and even with invasive ventilation, there were no guarantees, but that was his best chance. All parties agreed to invasive ventilation.

A team of us donned our disposable PPE, which includes a mask, hat, goggles, gown and gloves. This took at least five minutes and we all checked each other to make sure that we wore our PPE properly.

My mask didn’t fit me properly and I could feel my breath leaking from the edges and misting my glasses. This wasn’t going to protect me from the aerosol generated during the procedure of putting someone on a ventilator. I found the stickiest tape I could and firmly taped the mask to my face to ensure there was no leak.

A team of us went into the room with the patient. We put our monitors on him, gave him drugs that put him into a medically induced coma (without which invasive ventilation is not possible) and then we

put a breathing tube into his windpipe and connected him to a ventilator.

After this, my consultant left the room to arrange his bed in the intensive care unit and I was left to carry out further invasive procedures to ensure he could get the right drugs in the right places. In the midst of this, I noticed that my mask was causing me significant pain to my nose. I couldn’t touch it to readjust it; I couldn’t take it off; I just had to carry on.

I finished everything I needed to do and finally took off my PPE. I found my nose bruised and where I had taken the tape off, my skin had developed micro haemorrhages.

I safely delivered the patients to intensive care. Then, I performed ablution.

As soon as I had done this, I got another call for another patient. This time, a 54-yearold man, who had exactly the same problem.

I went through the whole ordeal again. I performed ablution again. Then, again.

Finally, for the fourth time that day, I went through the same ordeal again. The thing that struck me most about my last patient was how young he was. This one was a 38-year-old man whose only medical problem was that he was asthmatic. This one struck fear into me.

I successfully completed the high-risk procedure of ventilating the patient and delivering him to the intensive care unit. I reviewed four other patients during the day, who probably needed ventilating, but not quite yet. I told the night doctor about those four patients so that they were aware.

I got changed, performed ablution and on the way home, my mind raced. I couldn’t shake off the fear and concern that the last patient struck in me. Who could I talk to?

That patient could have been a colleague, a relative or a friend.

I got into my car and on the way, called a close friend who was also an intensive care doctor. I shared my grief, worries and concerns with him. I told him that I was

worried about my patients and those that were yet to come. I was worried about my family, friends and colleagues, some of whom were not dissimilar to the patients we ventilated that day.

I arrived home and called my wife to open the door, even though I have the keys. I entered the house without touching anything and went straight into the bathroom. I shut the bathroom door without using my hands and took a shower.

At the same time, I washed my phone, watch and glasses. I called my parents and pleaded with them to stay indoors, no matter the temptation to go outside.

The next day, I started all over again.

How my faith helps me Doing this job can be stressful, but there is a support that helps me get through. My most fundamental and effective support is Allah the Almighty and his Khalifa.

I listen to the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, which are imbued with wisdom. He says that performing the ablution five times a day is a very high standard of cleanliness, so I try to do it each time after I take off my PPE having ventilated a patient. I also take the prophylactic homeopathic medicine that is advised by Huzooraa.

I go with the firm faith that my action of potentially putting myself in harm’s way by doing a humanitarian deed is pleasing to Allah the Almighty and I take comfort in that knowledge.

I also take comfort in the knowledge that from a staff perspective, we are extremely thin on the ground and therefore, my presence is sorely needed. I have trained for this; I chose this specialty to look after patients in their hour of most need, at a time when they have never been as sick as this before.

I pray for my patients and hope for their recovery. I implore you to join me through prayers.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Anxiety in a Covid-struck society Clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Saqi-Waseem advises us about some ways to look after our mental wellbeing during this pandemic Dr Sarah Saqi-Waseem Clinical Psychologist

The freedom to buy what we want, when we want and to go where we choose, is something that many of us take for granted wherever we are in the world, apart from times of war, conflict, natural disasters or if we are living under authoritarian and repressive regimes.

Covid-19 has challenged all of this. It has spread across the world with alarming speed and has had a massive impact on the global economy. Illness and death rates have risen in a seemingly unstoppable fashion. Shops have, at times, run out of basic food items and our health services are overwhelmed.

The media is abounding with heart wrenching stories of families, split apart through self-isolation measures.

“Social distancing” is the catchphrase of 2020 and has changed our lives in ways that few of us could ever have envisaged.

Certainty and routine have been replaced by chaos.

As our worlds are turned upside down, it is not surprising that many of us are left feeling anxious and worried. None of us have lived through anything like this before.

Our bodies are responding to anxiety as if we were facing a physical threat. This is unsurprising given some of the warlike metaphors being bandied around by politicians.

Little wonder it is then, that many of us may experience a variety of bodily symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, tingling sensation in our fingers or tightness in our chests. We may at times feel out of breath and all of this combined with constant reminders about the symptoms of Covid-19 only serve to increase our anxiety. This is indeed especially overwhelming for those who already suffer from health anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

However, our bodies are only doing what they are designed to do. These are normal responses to stress as our bodies prepare to respond to threat by “fight or

flight”. Adrenaline pumps through the body at times of stress, which leads to the higher heart rate and heavier breathing. Because in most situations, “fighting or fleeing” is not possible, the adrenaline does not get used up as it should and we are left with these rather unpleasant symptoms. Certainly, it can feel like there is no hiding from Covid-19!

When in “threat” mode, our minds focus on the threat, making us less able to think rationally and clearly. Imagine being on a ship in the Arctic on the lookout for icebergs! It is unlikely that you will notice the scenery or stunning wildlife! Being in a state of threat makes it harder “to think out of the box” or to reflect on what is going well and what we can control.

How do we bring down our anxiety states? Relaxation exercises are really helpful as are simple breathing exercises, where one focuses on regulating breathing to slow it down. Yoga has also been found to be helpful in alleviating stress.

Once breathing is under control, this lowers the other symptoms associated with anxiety. So, try and practice doing this on a daily basis. There are many apps and videos that take people though such exercises.

Engaging in regular physical activity also helps because it helps the body dissipate the extra adrenaline that results in stress.

We can stop looking for the “icebergs” by reducing our exposure to social media about Covid-19. Listening to reliable news reports once or twice a day only helps with this. Avoiding excessive social media content is also important. Most of the time, the content is subjective – one person’s view or interpretation of what is happening. So, choose content carefully.

We can choose to reflect on those things that are under our control rather than the ones that are not. For example, we do not know what is going to happen in the future regarding how this pandemic will progress, but we can take control of our health. We

can try and eat healthily and make sure we are hydrated. So, focus on the things that are within your control, even if it is as simple as weekly meal planning. Establish routines to give your days and weeks some comforting structure. Avoid ruminating about worst case scenarios that you will not be able to control. Notice your worry and distract yourself by doing something else.

Many people who ruminate incessantly find that it helps to write down worries and put them aside and then address them in a “worry slot” – a time in the day (not close to bedtime) when you try and come up with workable solutions to your worry. Ask yourself, “If a friend came to me with this worry, what would I tell them?” Imagining your situation from the outside can often provide perspective and fresh ideas.

Social distancing is another measure that we must adopt to reduce the spread of Covid-19. However, not being able to go out freely in the way we are used to can affect one’s mood. We will be spending a lot of time with our family, when possibly, we had not done so for a while. Children will not be at school and spouses will be at home much more than usual. This can prove challenging! It is very important to establish regular routines as you would normally do.

Ensure you have structure in your day – eat at regular times, exercise, have time for “work” and rest. There are currently a lot of free resources being offered on the Internet that we can tap into. Check these out and get the children to adopt regular routines as well.

Social distancing in this age of technology means that we can keep up relationships with families and vulnerable relatives. Get the young ones to show you how to use your phones, tablets, laptops to connect via Facetime, Skype, Zoom etc.! They will enjoy demonstrating your incompetence to you!

Seriously though, it can be a good way to bond, reminding us and them of their

strengths as they will be the ones who will ultimately have to navigate the new postCovid-19 world, when this all ends.

We are a social species and maintaining healthy relationships with people that we trust is important for our mental wellbeing. Connecting with empathetic and understanding people can remind you that you are not alone during difficulties. So, make a point to connect with people who are going to help your mental health, rather than those who make it worse.

Evidence indicates that the act of helping others makes us feel better about ourselves.

Check on the vulnerable members of your community, give food to food banks, donate to charity and most importantly, call them.

Loneliness has a detrimental effect on mental health.

Whether you volunteer to help out those less able to help themselves or simply support a friend in their own time of need, you will get a sense of purpose and selfworth, all of which can empower you to grow in resilience.

Finally, what of prayer? I leave this to the end, because it is the most powerful behaviour you can engage in. This is a time when many will be able to pray regularly, unencumbered by the demands of external work schedules.

Prayer exercises the body and relaxes the mind. It reminds the believer that he or she is not in total control, but that there is a Higher Power that controls everything. We can only “tie up our camels” and implore His Help. Prayer reduces rumination as one hands over one’s worries and concerns to Allah, and implores Him, in His Mercy to remove them.

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah.

Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort” (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.29)

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

USA youth activities during Covid-19 outbreak Shamshad Ahmad Nasir Missionary, USA

Madeel Abdullah Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA reports the following: Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya USA regularly disseminates the instructions that Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa gives to us during his Friday Sermons and other information we receive through MTA and Al Hakam to all the Khuddam and Atfal, especially during these times.

There is an increasing need of blood donations that the government has asked of. We are currently working with the Jamaat, Humanity First and the American Red Cross to hold blood drives all across the country in our mosques. We have offered our full support to the Red Cross during this dire need.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, under the Khidmat-e-Khalq department, is also offering help to the neighbours and

community members. If anyone is isolated at home and needs basic items, such as groceries, first aid items etc. our Khuddam are available to deliver.

We have a website where Jamaat members and the public can submit a request. Our Khuddam take precautions when delivering the goods. We have delivered to 600 families so far.

We are not able to get together in groups, so to strengthen our own selves during this, we are doing several things: 1. Our tarbiyat department is working on a series called “Quran Supreme” in which questions are taken from Khuddam and answered by missionaries and other experts in the field. The topic of marriage is coming up 2. Our talim department is working on an interactive week-long series in which various topics will be discussed, including Covid-19 updates and what our teachings are in regard to what is happening 3. Our sehat-e-jismani department is

sending videos of what Khuddam can do at home to stay in shape 4. Our Atfal department is holding regular Atfal classes via YouTube and Zoom conference 5. Our tabligh department is working on strengthening our social media presence and responding to allegations about Islam Ahmadiyyat as per the recent instructions

of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa Other departments are also continuing to work as much as possible.

We request prayers that we are able to spread the message of the Promised Messiahas during these precarious times and heed the call of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa at every step, insha-Allah.

Covid-19 pandemic and Jamaat Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

The year 2020 saw the acceptance of Covid-19 virus as a health problem by health authorities across the world. Originally thought to be a localised health crisis, it has slowly spread around the world. With an ethnically diverse population travelling to and from their country of origination, it was a just a matter of time before Covid-19 reached Canada.

Under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada restarted its Emergency Preparedness initiative in September 2019, reported National Secretary Umur-e-Ama Canada, Shafqat Mahmood Sahib.

Information packages were prepared and delivered to create awareness and readiness among Jamaat members. These contained details of what to have in a “Basic Emergency Kit” and what and how much food to acquire for “Emergency Food Supply”.

With the help of local Jamaat officebearers, the packages were delivered to every household. A follow up campaign was launched to check that all houses had received it. Help was provided where needed. In addition, Jamaat made provisions to stockpile supplies for the vulnerable or those impacted directly by the disaster.

In January 2020, the homeopathic preventive prescription was prepared and distributed among Jamaat members at a national level, covering almost all Jamaats in Canada.

A national Emergency Response Cell (ERC) was established under the leadership of Naib Amir Canada and

Chairman Humanity First Canada, Dr Syed Muhammad Aslam Daud Sahib.

The mandate of ERC is to provide guidance and offer assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Working closely with government agencies, ERC is helping adjust Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada programmes and activities to remain compliant with government directives.

For Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, being prepared meant designation of essential operations and plans to reassign staff and volunteers from non-critical functions if absence of staff or volunteers occurs.

Another important task undertaken was a detailed review of the Jamaat’s IT infrastructure’s ability to support an increase in remote work and manage any added load e.g. use of video, telephonic and digital systems and an increase in the use of live streaming and conference calls.

Confirmation of the chain of command and back-ups for leaders and their critical roles have been defined. Policy and practices are established to limit face-to-face meetings and travel when the risk level is high.

A detailed communications plan within the Jamaat was established to ensure that members are always regularly updated and remain in contact. This meant establishing multiple communication channels to effectively convey public health information, government directives and Jamaat instructions in an efficient and timely manner.

Regional ERCs were established to offer assistance to Jamaat members. Local Jamaat office-bearers’ help was engaged to ensure that Jamaat members were on track with the Emergency Preparedness plan.

As per government directives, Jamaat

events were initially limited to a maximum attendance of 50 people. This number was further reduced by the government.

Presently all mosques and prayer centres are closed in compliance. Jamaat members are asked to offer prayers in congregation with their families at home.

All Jamaat programmes and events are cancelled. This includes major events like national Majlis-e-Shura Canada 2020, as well as National Jalsa Salana Canada 2020.

The last Jamaat event held was Jalsa Yaum-eMasih-e-Maudas. For the whole of Canada, a single event was held at Baitul Islam Mosque Toronto, under strict attendance limitation.

Jamaat members from across Canada participated through live streaming, with more than 11,000 viewers.

At the time of writing of this report, Canada is in a partial shutdown situation.

All non-keyworkers are asked to work from home, with a strict limit on all public gatherings. As a result, families are at home, including the youth. The Jamaat has responded to their need as well.

Quran classes and other educational classes are being held over the phone and through conference calls. Watching MTA, offering of congregational prayers with family, recitation of the Holy Quran and remaining occupied in the worship of Allah is being promoted regularly.

Meetings of office-bearers are now being held via conference calls. Jamaat members are advised to donate online, instead of paying in person. Regular communications to office-bearers and Jamaat members are being sent through messaging services.

Jamaat members are encouraged to stay home, practice physical distancing and avoid crowds along with enhanced hygiene

practices. Local Jamaats have been asked to ensure the wellbeing of sick, elderly and other vulnerable members.

Auxiliary organisations are playing an important role in this. Lajna Imaillah Canada is working diligently by contacting their members regularly to ensure they have food, medicine and other essentials.

Education of members regarding Covid-19, especially the precautions for elderly, is an ongoing project.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada is performing various security and khidmate-khalq duties. Khuddam are offering assistance with grocery and prescription pickups. Majlis Ansarullah Canada is reaching out to all senior citizens to check their wellbeing and offering any assistance needed.

Humanity First is assisting the general public by offering food hampers to hundreds of families every week. Their food bank is open seven days a week, with food being delivered to homes of the needy.

Newcomers and refugees to Canada are being provided additional support and financial assistance during the outbreak.

Grocery and prescription pickup services, along with over the phone counselling and guidance services are being offered.

Humanity First has offered its services to federal and provincial emergency services and is on standby. At the request of WHO, Humanity First has established the Emergency Command Centre and is on standby for deployment of the Emergency Medical Team.

May Allah protect all Jamaat members from all harms and bring relief to all of humanity. Amin.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Jamaat France activities amid Covid-19 First half of France’s lockdown (16 to 30 March) Mansoor Ahmad Mubashir France Correspondent

With the Covid-19 spreading rapidly all around the world and making all travel very difficult, the activities of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya France never came to a halt.

Since the lockdown announced by the president of France from 16 March 2020, the Jamaat activities took a new turn via modern technology.

Humanitarian Activities Jamaat France launched a campaign to look after vulnerable and elderly neighbours in local communities We have been contacted by a clinic who requested a tent so that health professionals can start on-site coronavirus tests. The Jamaat decided to offer the tent. The tent was set up with the help of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya France. Coronavirus tests

Impact of Covid-19 in Spain Abdusalaam Stedman Spain Correspondent

As I am sure you know, the situation in Spain is particularly difficult currently with severe restrictions in place.

In response to these restrictions that have been in place for more than two weeks now and which are likely to last until at least 13 April 2020, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Spain has redoubled its efforts to use online resources for tarbiyat and tabligh.

The missionaries in-charge in Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba and Valencia have organised online Dars of Tafsir-e-Kabir everyday after Fajr prayer.

At midday they provide help for those who are preparing for a test on Noah’s Ark, the memorisation of prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, especially for Khuddam and Atfal.

There is a similar class of this kind at 3pm and yet another class going on for teaching Spanish to Jamaat members.

Amir Sahib and National Secretary Tabligh have sent messages of support to local authorities as well as contacting them by telephone. For example, National Secretary Tabligh spoke to the deputy Mayoress of Madrid who replied that she would be interested in renewing the contact when circumstances permit. At the same time 6,500 emails have been sent to authorities and media outlets and 300 emails have been sent to members of parliament.

Next Saturday, a Spanish language radio podcast based in Vancouver, Canada will do an interview for an hour with National Secretary Tabligh about the life of Jesusas after crucifixion.

I pray that you and all the staff of Al Hakam will be safe from the pandemic and its consequences.

for healthcare professionals started on 23 March.

100 blankets were offered in a blanket drive in Paris for homeless people. Also, a high school was given 500 packets of crisps, which were offered to the homeless and the rest were given to healthcare professionals in a hospital.

In Strasbourg, hygiene and sanitisation products and food were distributed between 220 people (refugees and homeless) living in a shelter.

Lajna Imaillah prepared handmade masks.

Khuddam in Epernay helped Ahmadi families and some non-Ahmadi people in buying their house hold things.

Homeopathic medicines were provided to Jamaat members in many cities of France.

Tarbiyat and tabligh activities By the grace of Allah the Almighty, there

are five missionaries in France. Four are in the field (St Prix, Lyon, Epernay and Strasbourg) while one is in the national amir’s office. The four missionaries working in the field are all benefiting from modernday technology for their missionary work of tabligh and tarbiyat. Applications used are Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype and Microsoft Teams.

Jalsa Yaum-e-Masih-e-Maudas was listened to by more than 500 members online.

Daily dars in Urdu and French started from 16 March and has been attended by more than 55 people daily. Daily Quran Classes are held in small groups, with an average of more than seven members per class.

Translation of the Holy Quran classes have been attended by more than 24 participants.

Combined book reading classes are held, with an average of eight participants per class. Khuddam, Atfal and Waqifeen-e-Nau classes are also held.

Alongside these classes online, national amila meetings and local presidents’ meetings were held online. Local amila meetings of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Lyon and Epernay were held. Tabligh question and answer sessions were held live on Twitter in which more than 11 people participated. An Inter-religious conference was also held via Skype, which was attended by 22 people.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya France request prayers of all Al Hakam readers that Allah may bless us all. Amin.

A mother’s advice on getting through the Covid-19 lockdown Noor ul Ain Frankfurt, Germany

All over the world, millions of families find themselves under complete or partial lockdown. This abrupt departure from their daily routines has left many parents and adults feeling stuck. I am also one of them.

So what is next? What needs to change first? Our mindset. The situation is out of our control. The only thing we are in control of is our reactions. So in these challenging times, let us adjust our sails. As one of America’s most quoted writer of maxims, William Arthur Ward says, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

Accept the situation and adapt, trying to make the most of it. The way I am coping and spending my time during the lockdown is as follows: Routines are your best friends Children are bored and restless if they do not have a daily routine. Adults benefit greatly from setting up their routines as well.

So, making a daily plan with the input of my children and spouse proved very helpful.

Home schooling Study time is not only homework anymore.

It is giving lessons in a classroom-like atmosphere, with short intervals. It provides a semblance of normalcy for the children in their otherwise rapidly changing life.

Learning Urdu Although I was teaching my children Urdu before, the lockdown provided me with a lot of free time to speed up the process.

Since it is the primary language used by the Promised Messiahas in his books, I feel it is important that my children develop a love for the language.

However, if you know another language, try and use this time to impart it to your children or those in your household.

Physical activity A walk in the woods, riding bicycles (if allowed) or some type of fun physical activity at home is imperative. It helps the children unwind and boosts immunity.

Children love it when parents join in.

We play musical chairs, hide and seek and if you are wondering, we do not have a garden. We live in a two-bedroom apartment. But remember, where there is a will, there is a way.

Reenacting ijlasat Since the lockdown started, in accordance with the new law, all Jamaat programmes and ijlasat (meetings) have been called off.

To make up for this, I reenact ijlasat at home with my two daughters. I am very grateful to the auxiliary organisations Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya and Lajna Imaillah for providing us with a lot of information and new ideas.

Imparting religious knowledge through flashcards, quizzes and games makes

learning interesting and easier for children.

Screen time Many parents are facing the challenge of restricting screen time for children these days as there is not much else to do. But letting your screens do the babysitting for you can eventually lead to chaos. It makes the children lose sleep and agitates them.

So, why not make screen time an occasional event? There is a range of amazing content on MTA for both children and adults. I am personally a huge fan of Dr Bablu (Bachon ki Dunya). Watching MTA documentaries with the whole family is a great experience as well.

Be kind Crisis brings out the good in many people and also the worst in many. Social media is full of videos of people fighting over the last roll of toilet paper, or being xenophobic, or spewing out negativity for no reason at all.

We, as Ahmadi Muslims, are so fortunate that in these challenging times, we have a spiritual leader, guiding us at every step of the way. Practicing social distancing, good hygiene and following the instructions of authorities is absolutely necessary. But what does not help at all is forwarding WhatsApp messages about the coronavirus irresponsibly, complaining, hoarding, creating panic and adding to the anxiety of people around you. Try to be a part of the solution, not the problem. Be kind and be responsible.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

The untold murders of April Fools Sabahat Ali Rajput Missionary, Mexico

There’s a friend who comes knocking every time we tell a lie. He waits a while in hope that we might open the door and then leaves.

He’s persistent – and quite annoyingly so. He occasionally slips into our veins and begs our blood to bellow in revolt against the lie we’re about to tell. At times, he tugs at the strings of our hearts, making them run as though away from the scene of a crime.

And sometimes, he even tries to choke us because he knows that between life and falsehood, “neither can live while the other survives.”

At first, it’s loud and clear. But each time, the knocking gets a little quieter, subdued, restrained; he comes back time and time again, until one fateful day, he doesn’t. The deaf ears that a person casts toward this sincere and warm friend ends up killing them both.

And that is the beginning of the end.

The spectacular biochemistry associated with truth and falsehood directly impacts not only our neurological functions, behaviours, habits and character, but permeates the deepest recesses of our soul.

Much like the measles virus, lies are self-replicating – they possess the cunning capacity to grow rapidly – and like Hansen’s disease (more popularly known as leprosy), are posthaste at purging away the light of truth.

Lies are not always quick to die, but they are very quick to kill.

The science of falsehood – An evil that trains itself The brain scans conducted through fMRI’s (functional magnetic resonance imaging) of subjects telling lies reveal that the first victim of this bloodless moral murder is the liar himself.

Scientists at the University of London who partnered with Duke University found that when they scanned subjects telling lies after having just told a previous lie, their brain activity was reduced in certain regions of the cranium – particularly in the Amygdala – which is a pair of almondshaped masses deeply connected to our emotions. (N Garrett et al. The brain adapts to dishonesty, Nature Neuroscience, Published online, 24 October 2016) It is crucial to point out that while most

other experiments ask its subjects to tell pre-planned lies, this experiment allowed for organic and creative lies, which, after all, reflects real-life catalysers and incentives to oppose the truth. Hence, the decision to subjectively lie requires us to disconnect from our emotional self which seeks to call us toward truth.

Even more remarkable was that when a person was about to lie, the sudden drop of activity in the emotional centres of the brain proved to be a “fib-forecast,” indicating that the subject was about to lie. Thus, not only is there a direct correlation between lying and a decrease in general brain activity, which demonstrates how lies are connected to baser levels of thought processes, but once a person lies, he unwittingly trains the brain to assume a neurophysiological temperament conditioned to lie with greater ease and less thinking the next time, and the time after that.

Falsehood and the slippery slope toward psychopathy Each one of the most notorious and frozencold sociopaths ever recorded have one thing in common – they were all worldclass puppeteers of the truth. They learned to manipulate the reality with such ease and evasive finesse that they could imperceptibly massacre dozens while living “amicably” in our midst as charming heroes.

Such swindling duplicity was born – science now tells us – from perfecting lies at a young age. As we now know, lying physically decays the centres of our brain which control and regulate emotions. By progressively numbing his own emotions, a liar inadvertently becomes the killer of his own conscience. It is out of this moral death that many more murders and moral massacres are born.

That’s not to say that all psychopaths are killers, rather the qualities which award one this unenviable title are each so inextricably ingrained with falsehood, lying and the manipulation of truth that one is compelled to admit that deception and fibs are hugely responsible for this uninhibited flame known as lying.

Professor Essi Viding, recipient of the much-coveted Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award of 2017, explains that most psychopaths are defined by the following: 1. A lack of remorse and guilt

2. Superficial charm 3. A bloviated or exaggerated perception of self-worth, which causes them to become aggressively defensive 4. Pathological lying and manipulation of truth 5. Extreme unreliability What’s incredibly fascinating is that the Holy Prophetsa has also used the word “hypocrite”, which is generally coined for a spiritually or morally backward person with qualities which almost echo the above characteristics of a psychopath.

Thus, we read in the Sahih Muslim that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Whoever has the following four characteristics is a real hypocrite, and whoever has one of these characteristics has an element of hypocrisy, until he leaves that habit: • When he speaks, he tells a lie [His speech is mingled with falsehood, and he utters falsehood] • When he makes a contract, he breaks it • When he makes a promise, he does not follow through [This is also a form of falsehood] • When he argues, he starts using foul language Evidently, there exists an incontrovertible connection between the spiritual and neurophysiological consequences of lying.

Islam places lying right next to the cardinal sin of Shirk – associating partners with Allah Almighty. (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.31) Because a lie is not founded upon reality, it is not weighed down by anything and begins to race madly in every which direction its fancy flies. It is in the very nature of nifaq (the Arabic word for hypocrisy, duplicity and deceit) that it diminishes with time, becomes exhausted and creeps back into its hole. (Dictionary of the Holy Quran) It’s no wonder then that those who allow their fabrications to massacre their emotional faculties also suffer from antisocial tendencies and behaviours. They become engrossed in a sticky and taxing web of lies. Slowly, this once insignificant spider’s web woven from the elusive silk of deceit becomes a raging black-hole, ravenously sucking dry all their energies,

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Lying physically decays the centres of our brain, which control and regulate emotions

just to preserve a fictitious reality.

Of course, no one could have put it better than the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, when he said: “Lying leads a person toward (other) evils, and evils pave his way to the Fire; and a person keeps lying till, in the sight of Allah, he is named a liar.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Adab) Another hadith relates that a man came asking the Messengersa of Allah, which actions lead one to the fire, to which the Holy Prophetsa replied: “It is falsehood. When someone tells a lie, he becomes disobedient and disobedience is kufr[disbelief]. When the person eventually becomes established in this disbelief, he enters the Fire.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 2, p. 176 [Beirut]) It’s imperative to note that the fire which ensnares a liar begins in this world and like any fire, the more oxygen it gets, the more indignantly it roars, until finally its speaker hears nothing but the deafening lies and starts to make them his truth.

This is the purport of the Holy Prophetsa when he comments that “the person eventually becomes established” in uttering falsehoods. He is altogether stripped of His God-given ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, just as he consistently chose to tear off the mantle of truth for so long a time.

And so, this 1 April, while many will opt for celebrating with a fib or two, let’s encourage our colleagues and friends who might think its alright to tell a white lie to check the door and see whose been knocking all this time, lest it’s the very last time he comes to visit.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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“Islam Ahmadiyyat is the best thing to ever happen to me” A rural Jalsa Salana in Jamaica Misbah Anmol Tariq Jamaica Correspondent

A mother’s perspective of tarbiyat amid Covid-19 lockdown

On 14 March 2020, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Jamaica organised its first Regional Jalsa in Trelawny.

Trelawny is one of the smallest parishes in Jamaica, consisting mostly of several small towns and villages. By the grace of Allah, our Jamaat is well established in two towns in Trelawny, while a handful of members reside in nearby towns.

The panic due to Covid-19 The Jalsa was scheduled to be a three-hour event, including speeches and questions and answers. But three days before the Jalsa, the first Jamaican tested positive for Covid-19. This changed the mood of the country. Many who considered it a foreign issue now started to get worried and take precautions. However, the government had not placed any major restrictions at this point and considering the Jalsa was being held in a rural area, we decided to go ahead with the Jalsa while taking extra precautions.

Health and safety measures For the health and safety of all attendees, the length of the programme was reduced to two hours by shortening speeches and cutting out some segments. The organisers placed the chairs at least three feet apart to maintain safe distance. Upon entry, hand sanitisers were provided to attendees. It was repeatedly announced that despite Islamic traditions, we would not be shaking hands. For distributing food, it was decided that guests would take food outside to the grounds to avoid any form of crowding inside.

Jalsa programme and positive feedback The Regional Jalsa Salana of Trelawny Parish was chaired by Tariq Azeem Sahib, President and Missionary-in-Charge, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Jamaica.

The event started with recitation of the Holy Quran. Following this, the missionary-in-charge welcomed guests and delivered the opening remarks.

After this, the first speech of the Jalsa was delivered by local missionary, Ghulam Ahmed Sahib on the topic of “Islamic teachings on harmonious family life.”

Ibrahim Forson Sahib then delivered a speech on the topic of “Islam’s response to contemporary issues”. Following this, there

Calling home our birds

was a faith-inspiring speech by Ibrahim Reid Sahib on “Why I became an Ahmadi Muslim?”

The final speech of the day was delivered by local missionary, Abdullah Malcolm Sahib, on “The Messiah of the Age”.

The speeches left a great impression on Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike as it was visible during the questions and answers.

At first, the guests asked a few questions and this was followed by two converts who sought permission to share their story of accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat.

One elderly lady stated that it was the love she received from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat that drew her close to Islam. Another elderly person, a man in his late eighties, while narrating his story, said: “Islam Ahmadiyyat is the best thing to ever happen to me”.

The event concluded with silent prayer led by Tariq Azeem Sahib. After lunch, members offered Zuhr and Asr prayers in congregation.

A new convert By the grace of Allah the Almighty, despite the panic caused by the pandemic, we had an attendance of 60 guests, including more than 20 non-Muslim guests. At the conclusion of the event, several guests appreciated the organisers and expressed their interest in learning about Islam. After the event, one local gentleman accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat, alhamdolillah.

Readers of Al Hakam are requested to pray for the continuous growth of our Jamaat in Jamaica.

to burn, cut and slash my hands due to the high demand for baking, cleaning and cooking respectively.

As summer holidays approach, you know It is also mind-boggling to see how long the kids are going to hang around for a I spend cleaning one area from another 6-week period. You get to plan ahead your area. Yet, magically, either I find a new ideas of how to entertain them; whether mess conjured or astonishingly, the mess visiting family, having people over, catching reappears. I am still at odds in deciphering up with school friends or going on holiday. how this trick works.

Having all four children at home with Anyhow, I have decided not to stress only a two-day notice has not yet sunk in. too much, for I don’t think anybody will be It’s passed one week now and still it has not visiting us soon. Now, where our door mat sunk in. lays for guests to dust off their shoes, I have At first, the kids and I thought it was just permanently parked my vacuum cleaner a long holiday, with a joke that “an MP in until further notice. The mop will join it Scotland is saying that most likely, we won’t soon. be going after the summer terms.” “As if!” we The constant pleas to reduce screen time all laughed. is getting boring, even for me to say it, so Suddenly, over the next couple of days, much so that I feel I should now not bother that statement looked far from exaggerated, saying it at all. My progeny has mentally rather it now seems conservative at the time applauded this thought also.

I write this.

Despite these things and some more, The idea that we are on holiday at home the kids are stuck with me and I with them. has also changed. The schoolwork is coming Truthfully, having my children at home is in daily, but the relaxed environment of the an utter pleasure. I am getting the chance home is making each lesson seem laborious. to talk to them, to tease them. Rather As I am the main carer, I have succeeded provokingly, I quoted someone’s illogical Attiya Shaukat UK

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

America’s intolerance: Our missionary in the detention house The Review of Religions (English), April 1920

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira

quote, waiting for any child to take bait. I was only mid-sentence, when one of my children explained the philosophical flaws of the comment … success!

Not all battles have to be won. I whisper something daily that will make them realise God. I do something small for the community around me and they see my damaged hand. I hope they learn enough maths during this time to equate that their mother is doing this out of love, propelled by faith, albeit a flawed one, as I too am learning. I desperately hope that they aspire for a purer, better and perfect version of what I am trying to achieve.

Living in close confines means that we all have to respect each member of the family a little more. To me, it has meant that giving into some tantrum is not losing the battle but winning the heart.

I hope at the end of this, when they leave home and go back to school, that I have gained enough of their heart, so that when I call them, they come flying to me.

Moreover, it is true that most things only grow properly when treated with close, kind nurturing and care.

Prophet Abrahamas especially asked God how to bring about change in something.

God answered saying: “Take four birds and make them attached to thyself. Then put each of them on a hill; then call them; they will come to thee in haste. And know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.261) The word “attach” in Arabic means become as close as mincemeat is entwined.

So if we attach things to our filthy state, then we will make everything close to us impure, or we can aspire to a better self to produce better attachments of us.

I therefore, have come to the definite conclusion that it is not so much the children who are under my scrutiny, but it is me under their microscope. The drama has started, the curtains are rolled back and the lights are focused on me. The kids are watching and they will remember my “acting” for a lifetime. It will shape their performance forever.

At this moment, I am engulfed with an anxiety that I have much to pray for in order to bring the necessary changes in myself so that I can change what is nurturing before me.

It’s action time … Lord help me!

On the 24th of January, 1920, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, MR, AS, Phil B, ASP, FPC (London) proceeded from England to America to preach the truth of Islam to the people of that continent. But as soon as he reached that coast, he, quite unexpectedly, found the door of the great democracy closed against him. The immigration authorities would not let him in and what do you suppose was the reason for which he was refused admission? Every reader, I am sure, will be surprised to learn that the only fault for which the door of the United States of America was slammed in his face was that he believed in a religion which permitted polygamy. He assured the authorities that if a belief in polygamy was something which disqualified one from preaching in the United States, he would undertake not to preach the doctrine while in the United States; but the authorities were still obdurate and asked our missionary to go back to the country from which he had come. Our missionary asked for permission for appeal. That permission has been given, but the gentleman has been sent, to the detention house, pending the decision of the appeal. Thus our brother is now in the Detention House, New Jersey, Philadelphia, cut off from the outside world. It was about the middle of February, that he was sent to the detention house and up to the time of writing [the 20th April, (19)20] we have received no news of his release.

The treatment which our brother has received at the hands of the United States authorities is highly intolerant and inequitable. The American people boast of being the most enlightened of all nations.

They pose as the champions of liberty and freedom. They profess not only to be themselves the most liberal of all nations, but also ready to defend, the rights of the weak and the oppressed even among other nations. But the pity is that with all such big professions they have acted most intolerantly towards a Muslim missionary who went to their land to preach Islam.

One measure for you, another for me, that seems to be the American idea of justice and fair play. Talk of freedom of thought and speech! That is when I go to your land to preach what I think right. But when you come to me to tell me that there is another side of the picture, the laws of the free republic shut the door against you.

American democrats and republicans!

You hate the Turks and call them a barbarous people. But the Turks at their worst did never display the intolerance and fanaticism which you display today. The worst forms of Christianity with all the abomination of man-worship and image-worship were never treated by the Turks as you treat the Islamic missionary today.

Children of the Pilgrim Fathers!

Remember the fanaticism and persecution of the nations then in power, which first sent your forefathers as fugitives to your shore. You, more than any other people, should have held sacred the freedom of thought and speech. You have increased in wealth, you have increased in power. Beware, these are the rocks, on which have foundered the moral ships of older nations. You have passed a law forbidding people who believe in the validity of polygamy, admission into your country. Do you think even the highest legislative body in the world has the jurisdiction to pass, such a law against inalienable human rights? Such legislation only serves to brand the nation with the stigma of arrogance and pride. And where these come in, decadence is not far behind.

Now that our brother has appealed against his detention and has undertaken not to preach polygamy, he may be permitted to stay in the land and to preach, but if the authorities there still refuse him permission to preach Islam in America, it will be only just and fair that the British authorities should expatriate all the American missionaries working in India. If the American government cannot grant permission to an Indian missionary to preach in the United States, there is no reason why American missionaries should be allowed to preach in India.

As we have already said, the United States authorities may grant permission to our missionary to preach Islam, on the condition that he should abstain from making any reference to polygamy, but such an undertaking on the part of our missionary will be a concession to the

intolerance of the American government and will remain as a blot on the fair name of America. [Information has subsequently been received that as a result of the appeal by our missionary, the American government has been pleased to waive all objections and granted him free permission to enter the country. The outlook seems very hopeful and our missionary has already reported the conversion of 17 Americans (to Islam) – Editor of The Review of Religions (1920)] America must remember that now the time has come for Islam to spread throughout the world. God Himself will break all barriers which the opponents of Islam may set up to check its spread. The flood of Islam is now rising and it will sweep away all obstacles that may come in its way.

It has been decreed that Islam should spread in the United States, and no human effort can prevent its progress. Today the United States authorities are detaining a Muslim missionary because he believes in polygamy, but the day is not distant when the State itself will pass laws recognising polygamy as a legal form of marriage.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Promised Messiah Day in Finland Syed Abdul Samad Finland Correspondent

On 22 March 2020 Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Finland organised a Promised Messiah Day. This year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and restriction on gatherings by the government the Jalsa was organised online. Alhmadolillah despite the crisis the Jalsa’s attendance was very good and a total 157 members participated from all around the Finland.

The Jalsa was presided by the President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Finland, Ataul Ghalib Sahib. The programme started with the recitation and translation of the Holy

Quran, followed by a poem of the Promised Messiahas. Next, Shafeeq Ahmad Sahib read out the 10 conditions of Bai’at.

Musawir Ahmad Shahid Sahib, Missionary in-charge Finland spoke on the life of the Promised Messiahas. He mentioned that a lot of people accepted Huzooras because after observing his high morals, for example his kind personality, hospitality, generosity and empathy for humanity. He also mentioned some of the faith inspiring stories from the life of the Promised Messiahas.

Musawir Sahib explained how not only Ahmadis but also the enemies of Islam Ahmadiyyat testified to the fact that

the Promised Messiahas did a great job in defending Islam from the false allegations by the Christians in British India.

He further advised that we should always keep in mind those 10 conditions of Bai’at in our life and abide by them. This will make us improve spiritually and we shall become true followers of the Promised Messiahas.

We should read and follow the teachings described by the Promised Messiahas in his book Noah’s Ark. After the speech, Usharib Hamdoon Sahib recited a Qaseedah [Arabic poem] written by the Promised Messiahas.

At the end, Sadr Sahib explained the current situation of the Coronavirus

in Finland and the changes to Jamaat programmes and events. He explained that currently we are doing all programmes online. And instructed that everyone should follow the government’s instructions and stay at home as much as possible. He said to remain connected through the phone with other members of the Jamaat so that we can continue our strong bond and help each other. He also mentioned that due to social distancing, we should focus on offering regular prayers as well as Jumuah at home with family.

May Allah the Almighty bless all of us and save humanity from this disease.

The Jalsa concluded with silent prayers.

Promised Messiah Day Jalsa in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

The Promised Messiahas, through divine instruction, accepted the first Bai’at (oath of allegiance) on 23 March 1889 in Ludhiana, India at the house of Hazrat Sufi Ahmad Jan and laid down the foundation of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya.

On that day, 40 individuals performed Bai‘at at the hand of the Promised Messiahas with Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra being the first.

Every year, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, all around the world, celebrates 23 March as the Promised Messiah Day, to mark the day of the foundation of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and the start of a new era. 2020 marks the 131st anniversary of this event.

Abdul Hafeez Sahib from the tarbiyat

department of Canada reports that in view of the prevailing Covid-19 crisis, a special national Jalsa was held on 22 March 2020 after Zuhr and Asr prayers in Baitul Islam Mosque, Toronto.

Naib Amir Canada, Dr Aslam Daud Sahib presided the Jalsa. The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Fateen Riaz Sahib. English and Urdu translations were presented by Haseeb Ahmad Sahib and Syed Labib Junood Sahib respectively. A poem from Durr-e-Sameen was recited by Basil Raza Butt Sahib, while the English translation was presented by Azeem Ahmad Cheema Sahib.

In his opening remarks, Dr Aslam Daud Sahib explained that due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a restricted attendance policy was in place. This policy was adopted in consultation with the local public

health department. The Jalsa was being live streamed across Canada with Jamaat members invited to join online.

The Ten Conditions of Bai‘at were read concurrently in Urdu and English

by Amir Mahmood Rana Sahib and Noor Muhammad Chaudhry Sahib respectively.

The first speech was in English and delivered by Missionary-in-Charge Vaughan Imarat, Imtiaz Ahmad Sra Sahib, on “The truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas”. He cited multiple examples, revelations, trials and challenges from the life of the Promised Messiahas to prove his truthfulness.

The second speech was in Urdu and delivered by Missionary-in-Charge Peace Village Imarat, Mirza Muhammad Afzal Sahib. His topic was “Zikr-e-Habib, the remembrance of the beloved one”. He highlighted attributes of the Promised Messiahas, such as his kindness, guidance,

desire to see the propagation of Islam throughout the world and immense love and dedication for the Holy Prophetsa.

Dr Aslam Daud Sahib, in his concluding remarks reminded that as followers of the Promised Messiahas, we have gathered here to refresh our determination to follow his teachings and lead our life accordingly.

He added that in the current pandemic situation, the instructions and guidance given by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa should be followed.

The session was broadcast live in both English and French. The English stream was viewed by 2,600 families online and has gathered more than 13,000 views on YouTube so far. The French session was watched by 300 families online, with more than 400 views on YouTube.

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

USA Jamaat amid Covid-19 Anwer Khan USA Correspondent

Baltimore Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the following events were conducted online by Baltimore Jamaat, during the last two weeks: a question and answer session about coronavirus precautions via Zoom. This was conducted by the local missionary. This was attended by 25 members.

An interfaith programme was held on Radio First Amendment, which was conducted by the local missionary.

Another question and answer session about safety was held via Twitter, which was conducted by the local missionary; the duration was 10 minutes and was attended by 25 members.

The Ansarullah amila meeting was held via telephone, which was conducted by the Zaim Majlis.

The Promised Messiah Day was held via Zoom, which was conducted by the local missionary. This was attended by more than 150 members, including three non-Muslim faith leaders.

Miami Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Miami took on an initiative to read the Promised Messiah’sas book Noah’s Ark with the youth everyday for 45 minutes online. Not only do they read, but they also discuss it in detail to understand the hidden treasures.

The local president is the moderator of the class, along with our local missionary, Syed Mohammad Abdullah Sahib. The youth’s feedback is reassuring as they wish to continue this in the future as well, alhamdolillah

“We are in high spirits” Ahmadis report from China

Mahmood Ahmad Lone

Fahad Sharif reports from Sanhe that since Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is not registered in China as yet, therefore it does not have any official premises to operate from. We are

having to rely on makeshift arrangements to convene and carry out the little help that we can offer in this challenging time.

We have about 10 to 15 families living in the Hebei province, about 70 kilometres east of Beijing.

About 150 students are studying in universities and educational institutes at different cities in China. Most of the students are from Pakistan, while some are from Ghana and other countries also.

During the outbreak of Covid-19 in China, most of the students went back to their home countries where they continue to attend online classes arranged by their respective institutes.

Some of the students were in the Wuhan area – the epicentre of coronavirus – and with the grace and mercy of Allah the Almighty, they are all safe (at the time of writing this report) alhamdolillah.

There is only a small number of Ahmadis in China who are all well and continue to remain engaged in their businesses and jobs. Due to the geographic situation, all are located far away from each other. All Ahmadis in China are connected to each other through WeChat – the Chinese equivalent to WhatsApp. In December 2019, Covid-19 was initially identified in Wuhan, Hubei province of Central China. Wuhan is a Continued on page 18

Colorado, Arkansas and Kansas In these local Jamaats, a missionary, Feroz Hundal Sahib is conducting online dars-ul-Quran classes through many conference apps.

Philadelphia Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Philadelphia has been using WebEx to conduct classes of Noah’s Ark. Discussions run from 9 to 10pm every night, with more than 20 families logging in and having an attendance of over 50 members.

Wiki Commons

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Covid-19: Serving in the ICU Osama Hamid Junior Doctor, London

My name is Osama Hamid and I am a junior doctor working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a busy North West London district general hospital during the Covid-19 crisis.

I normally work in the hospital’s surgery department. However, with the emergence of coronavirus, hospitals have taken drastic steps. One has been to cancel all elective operations and clinics, which has meant that the workload has also dropped. Therefore, I have been redeployed to ICU. This is the first time I have worked in this environment and the first few days were daunting to say the least. It was only through prayers and listening to the guidance from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa that I have been able to stay calm and collected during this difficult time.

In ICU, we see the sickest patients. The ones whose lungs have been affected so much by the virus that they are not able provide adequate oxygenation to their organs without mechanical support, in the form of ventilators. Whereas previously, there would be all sorts of patients – from those with kidney failure to those post major surgery – now, ICU is solely full of Covid-19 positive patients.

A day in the life A typical day starts at 8am in the morning handover. The team congregate and receive an update on what happened during the

Continued from page 17

large city with a population of about 11 million, located about 1,200 kilometres south-west of Sanhe.

The government of China took very swift and strict measures to prevent and control the epidemic. Wuhan city was sent in complete lockdown and the whole population was put under quarantine.

Similar preventive measures were followed by other cities.

Similarly, Sanhe City government has resorted to strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus. All schools, government offices, restaurants, shopping malls and other public facilities have been closed down until the outbreak comes under control.

The government has put restrictions on large gatherings and even meetups within the community inside and outside of houses and in places of worship. In compliance with the government instructions, we immediately advised our Jamaat members

night. Since this is such a novel virus, new guidance comes out almost daily, so if there is anything relevant, this is also disseminated to the team.

After handover, the ward round is started. The consultant, registrars and myself go around all the patients that have been admitted, making sure the ventilator settings are correct, the patients observations are stable and their blood is well oxygenated. Decisions such as whether to prone the patient (laying the patient on their front in order to improve oxygenation) or possibly extubating the patient (taking them off the ventilator in the event of improvement) are also made at this point.

After this, I continue with jobs, such as booking chest X-rays, doing discharge summaries for the ones that leave ICU having recovered and updating the ward lists. During this time, we are always on call for possible new referrals from A&E and the medicine department.

Perhaps the most uneasy time is when you are required to physically go into the patient’s room. Lanyards, stethoscopes, pens, phones and papers all have to be removed. Then, full personal protective equipment (PPE) is donned. This includes a hat, visor, FFP3 face mask, gown, double gloves and shoe covers. There is a very specific order to donning and doffing the PPE, all to minimise the spread of the virus.

Reflection This is an immensely unprecedented and

to offer prayers at their own homes instead of coming to the Salat Centre.

Jamaat members have been encouraged to keep stock of essential grocery items and dry food for emergency purposes.

We keep in touch with the local government, health department and UNHCR for any updates and instructions from the government.

We offer voluntary services to the city government assisting the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in translating different circulars from Chinese to English regarding Covid-19 for foreigners living in the city.

The city government has issued very strict instructions about reporting symptoms of fever or any other symptoms appearing in an individual concerning Covid-19. In case of any symptoms appearing in an individual, we are supposed to call a 24-hour emergency helpline.

As per government instructions, no one should call community members or neighbours for help as state-provided

unpredictable time for the whole world.

For me personally, it has been the guidance of the Jamaat and of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa that has been instrumental in keeping me going.

Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness, as well as remembering Allah as much as possible, has allowed me to keep safe, both physically and mentally by the grace of Allah, alhamdolillah.

I have seen and had to verify many deaths from Covid-19. However, equally, I have also seen a far greater number of patients having recovered and been discharged from ITU. The press and media are full of news about the lack of healthcare resources available to fight this pandemic. I have certainly seen occasions where there has been a lack of PPE, which has hindered patient care. A lack of testing for healthcare professionals has also meant professionals have to stay off sick for longer than they need to.

However, despite being a very highpressured environment, with new patients coming in, some sadly passing away and others by the grace of Allah getting better, there is a sense of calm to all of the professionals I have been working with.

Everyone is fixed on doing their job and doing it as well as they can in order to give patients the best chance of survival.

Personally, I am privileged to be serving humanity in this way. Allah says in the Holy Quran, “Whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to

all mankind”. Although the job I do puts me at high risk, the sense of elation and happiness I see when someone recovers and is able to leave far, far outweighs it.

We are just at the start of this pandemic and we do not know how it will turn out.

My advice to everyone is to ensure high standards of cleanliness are maintained.

Wash or sanitise your hands as much as possible, avoid touching your face and maintain social distancing.

In addition, we should put all of our trust in Allah the Almighty and listen and act upon the advice of our beloved Khalifa.

This way, we will not only come out of this pandemic safely, we will come out stronger and more pious.

May Allah heal all those suffering from this affliction and keep the whole Jamaat and the world safe and sound. Amin.

medical help is immediately made available.

Building/community managements distributed thermometers to each household throughout the city for monitoring body temperature; everyone is required to report their body temperature to the designated government department at least twice a day or as and when required.

For better awareness of Jamaat members regarding Covid-19, we have shared the soft copy of the guidebook with Jamaat members compiled by Humanity First International.

We shared the Humanity First guidebook with (PSB) Public Security Bureau of Sanhe who highly appreciated not only the guidebook, but also the efforts of Humanity First International.

On the request of Public Security Bureau of Sanhe, we briefed them about the motive and activities of Humanity First International and provided them with Humanity First’s contact details, should they require any assistance.

During this quarantine period, Jamaat members are regularly watching MTA, studying the books of the Promised Messiahas, as well as other literature of the Jamaat.

Jamaat members have made arrangements in their homes for congregational prayers with their families.

Most of us are trying to offer Tahajud as much as possible.

We are fervently praying for Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, all Jamaat members worldwide and for humanity at large that the Almighty Allah protects us from the deadly epidemic of coronavirus.

Parents are giving extra time to their children to teach them the Holy Quran, ahadith and Jamaat knowledge. With the help of online platforms, some Jamaat members and children are learning different useful things and doing online IT and computer courses.

By the grace of Allah, we are in high spirits and happy to help as much as we can.

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

A new era of servants for Islam Ata-ul-Haye Nasir London

3 April 1987 is a special day in the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. On this day, after receiving divine guidance from Allah the Almighty, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh called on Ahmadi parents to devote the lives of their unborn children for the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

He instructed them to bring them up in such a way that they would grow up to willingly sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah the Almighty. Huzoorrh called this scheme “Tahrik-e-Waqf-e-Nau”.

Initially, the scheme was launched for two years, but this was later extended to four and then the scheme was made permanent, with the added clause that those parents who wished to devote the lives of their children must do it before their birth.

While launching this scheme, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh stated: “So I thought I would persuade the whole Jamaat that before entering the next century, where we are trying to make spiritual offspring, by inviting people towards Allah the Almighty, that we should dedicate our unborn children in the path of Allah the Almighty before their birth ... Whatever is in my womb, mothers should pray in this way, and fathers should pray to Allah the Almighty like Abrahamas that may Allah the Almighty choose our children for His cause and make them His servants. And in the coming century, a great army of life devotee children should come in such a way that they are shunning worldly desires and entering this century as the servants of the God of Muhammadsa, the Prophet of Allah. We should be dedicating our infants as a gift in the way of Allah the Almighty. And there is a dire need for this dedication because in the next hundred years, Islam will spread everywhere, so millions of trained servants are needed, who will be the servants of the God of Muhammadsa, the Prophet of Allah. Life devotees are needed in huge numbers, from all the fields and from every country.” (Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, Friday Sermon, 3 April 1987) The base of this heavenly scheme lies in the following verse of the Holy Quran: ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َۡ َ َ َ َ ُ َ​َ ّ ‫امرَات ِع ۡم ٰر َن َر ِّب ِاَنِ ۡی نذ ۡرت لَک َما فِ ۡی بَط ِن ۡی ُم َح ّر ًرا ف َتق َّب ۡل‬ ‫ِاذ قال ِت‬ َّ َ ۡ َ َ ّ ۡ ّ ُ‫السم ۡی ُع ال ۡ َع ِل ۡیم‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ک‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ا‬ ۚ ‫ی‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ “[Remember] when [the] woman of Imran said, ‘My Lord, I have vowed to Thee what is in my womb to be dedicated to Thy service. So do accept it of me; verily, Thou alone art All-Hearing, All-Knowing.’”

(Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.35) Pondering over the meaning of waqf, we come to know that it means to submit wholly in the cause of Allah the Almighty.

This definition of waqf has been beautifully stated in the Holy Quran in the following verse: ّٰ ۡ َ ۡ َ ‫ُق ۡل ِا َّن َصلَا ِت ۡی َو ن ُ ُس ِک ۡی َو َم ۡح َی‬ ‫ای َو َم َما ِت ۡی لِل ِہ َر ِّب ال ٰعل ِمی َن‬ “Say, ‘My Prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are [all] for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.163) The basic requirement of waqf is to give preference to religion over the world and that everything should be sacrificed to propagate the message of Islam. In this regard, the Promised Messiahas stated: “In any case, give preference to religion. The world should not be the main objective. The main objective should be religion. Then, worldly affairs will automatically serve the religion.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 410 [2010]) The Promised Messiahas desired from us that we dedicate our lives in the way of Islam, as he states: “It is necessary to dedicate your life in the way of Allah the Almighty and in fact, this is Islam and this is the sole purpose of my advent.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 138 [2010]) He further states: “The intention of Islam is to make

many Abrahams. So each one of you should strive to become Abrahamas. I tell you the truth: ‫ویل رپتس ہن ونب۔ ہکلب ویل ونب‬ ‫اور پ ی�ر رپتس ہن ونب۔ ہکلب پ ی�ر ونب‬ ‘Do not become a mere follower of a wali [saint], instead become a wali yourself; and do not become a mere follower of a pir [holy person], instead become a pir’”.

(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 139 [2010]) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: ‫وفق رکان اجں اک ےہ بسکِ امکل‬ ‫وج وہ اصدق َوفق ی‬ ‫م ےہ ےب اثمل‬ �‫چ‬ ‫مک�یں ےگ وافق یھبک امدننِ دبر‬ ‫ن‬ ‫د�ا یک رظن ی‬ ‫م ہ ی� الہل‬ ‫ٓاج ی‬

This means, “To devote one’s life is a great act; the one who is truthful in his devotion is unprecedented. One day, the devotees will shine like the full moon, though they are akin to the crescent in the eyes of the world today.”

In this great era of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya, every devotee should obey Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and get guidance from him at every step of their life. An example of this high spirit of devotion was Maulana Abdul Wahab Adam Sahib (former Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Ghana). In the course of his treatment,

when he was asked to be taken to the hospital, he said, “I will seek approval from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa in this regard. If he permits, only then will I act.”

This is the standard that every life devotee should attain and this is the pathway to follow for the Waqifeen-e-Nau. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been continuously bringing the attention of Waqifeen-e-Nau towards their responsibilities.

At one instance, he stated: “Waqifeen-e-Nau should increase their standards of contentment. The quality of your sacrifice should be greatly increased. It should not be thought that if we are financially weak, our siblings would consider us inferior or our parents will not pay attention to us as they are paying to others. First, parents should never think that Waqifeen-e-Nau are inferior.

The status of Waqifeen-e-Nau should be very high in their eyes. But Waqifeen-eNau should make themselves the most humble and meek persons.

“While Waqifeen-e-Nau should raise the standards of sacrifice, they should also raise the standard of their worship Continued on page 23

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Covid-19: How to keep safe during this global crisis Dr Ramla Shah General Practitioner, London

The Covid-19 outbreak is undeniably one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. The UK recorded its first confirmed case of acute respiratory infection due to Covid-19 in January 2020.

This outbreak has changed our lives dramatically. Schools are shut across the country (UK), most businesses have closed their doors and people have been told to stay at home to prevent further spread of virus.

What is Covid-19?

At the end of December 2019, Chinese public health authorities reported several cases of an acute respiratory illness in Wuhan City, Hubei province. It was soon identified that this is caused by a novel coronavirus called Covid-19. It is related to the virus that caused the SARS outbreak in 2003. The Covid-19 virus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans.

Coronavirus can be transmitted to people from animals. Many of the early cases of Covid-19 were traced back to a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan in China. The virus is thought to have come from bats, possibly via an intermediary animal.

Covid-19 spread to several countries around the world in a short span of time.

Italy, Spain and China are at top of the list, where several thousands of people lost their lives due to the disease. WHO (World Health Organization) confirmed the outbreak as a pandemic on 11 March 2020 (which means that multiple countries are seeing sustained transmission between people of an outbreak causing disease or death).

Coronavirus has so far (31 March) affected more than 178 countries across the world and caused loss of more than 37,000 lives. There are more than 780,000 confirmed cases across the world (BBC News website, accessed 31 March) In the UK currently, 22,141 cases have been identified (GOV UK website, accessed 30 March) i.e. tested positive, though the actual number affected is estimated to be much larger. Unfortunately, 1,408 patients in the UK have died of this disease (GOV UK website, accessed 29 March) The spread of Covid-19 Covid-19 is largely spread via (respiratory) droplets in the air. These droplets are typically expelled when a person infected with the illness coughs or sneezes.

These droplets quickly fall on surfaces as they are too heavy to hang in the air (this is considered to be due to the fact that coronavirus particles are surrounded by a fatty layer). Some lighter particles may remain suspended in the air.

It is suggested that a person can become infected by inhaling the virus if in close proximity of an infected person.

Also, if you touch the contaminated surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, it may cause infection.

Hence, the importance of washing hands with water and soap frequently can be understood. Coronavirus has also been detected in blood, faeces (stools) and urine of an infected person.

According to the New Scientist Journal, a project in Italy has also found many symptomless cases (patients who display no symptoms of disease). When everybody was tested in a town called Vò, Italy, one of the hardest hit in the country, 60% of people who tested positive were found to have no symptoms (therefore, it is important to practice strict hygiene measures).

You may have heard of “viral load”, which relates to the number of viral particles being carried by an infected individual and shed into their

environment. If an infected person has a high viral load, they are more likely to infect other people because they may be shedding more virus particles.

In the case of Covid-19, it is not yet confirmed if a higher viral load can lead to more severe symptoms, however this may be a possibility.

Signs and symptoms of Covid-19

Signs and symptoms include: - Fever - Cough (new cough) - Tiredness - Runny nose - Sore throat - Shortness of breath or wheezing

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM - Chest pains - Nasal congestion - Body aches and pains In the majority of patients affected by the illness, symptoms are mild (e.g. just a runny nose or a sore throat or a little cough) or they may have flu-like illness.

Having said that, some patients may experience more significant symptoms, including shortness of breath or chest tightness/pain etc.

Some patients with Covid-19 may also experience: - Loss of smell - Loss of taste - Loose stools - Nausea/vomiting It is important to remember that in those patients where the illness may not present itself with any symptoms, they are still infectious and can still spread the virus.

The question is, how do patients who have no symptoms – no cough or sneeze – spread this infection?

These persons can spread the disease by spitting, touching their mouths or noses and then a surface or possibly talking or with an occasional cough or sneeze. This is the reason why social isolation and hand washing is so important to prevent spread of disease as these patients with no symptoms may spread the disease unknowingly.

Incubation period & statistics of Covid-19 The incubation period refers to “the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of the first symptoms.”

According to an article in BMJ (British Medical Journal): - The median estimated incubation period for Covid-19 is five to six days (range 0-14 days) - The median age of confirmed cases is around 59 years - Initial data indicates that more than 80% of patients have no symptoms or mild disease and then recover, but about 15% may get severe disease including pneumonia - Around 5% of patients may become critically unwell with septic shock (severe infection in blood leading to shock) and/or multi-organ failure (failure of body organs e.g. failure of kidneys) and/or respiratory failure (lungs fail to work, hence requiring ventilator support) - The case fatality rate (death rate) is estimated to be approximately 2% overall, but ranges from 0.2% in people under 50 years to 14.8% in those over 80 years of age and is higher among those with chronic comorbid conditions Reasons why Covid-19 can cause serious illness

The UK government has advised washing hands for 20 seconds to maintain a good standard of hygiene

Covid-19 is a rapidly spreading disease across the world because the transmission rates for this disease are higher e.g. as compared to those for SARS and flu.

As stated earlier, many people don’t show symptoms once infected with the virus, hence it may spread the infectious disease unknowingly. Due to these reasons, this illness spreads very rapidly and can infect a large number of people.

As well as this, complications of Covid-19 include pneumonia, respiratory (lungs) failure and organ failure, which may lead to death, especially in those who have co-morbidities or older patients or those with impaired immune system.

It is important to be aware that in some cases, young and usually fit and well persons developed complications from this illness and unfortunately lost their lives, however this is rare.

Diagnosis of Covid-19 At present, diagnosis is mostly done based on clinical signs and symptoms. If you have a new cough or fever, it is possible you may have Covid-19. Due to the limited availability of diagnostic test in the UK, only those patients who are quite unwell and being admitted to hospitals in the UK are currently being tested.

Recently, frontline NHS staff in the UK are also being offered the test. It is expected that testing facilities will be available to a wider population in the future.

Treatment of Covid-19 Most people with Covid-19 do not need any specific treatment. Patients are advised to rest and isolate and take paracetamol if required (avoid ibuprofen, unless advised by your GP). Those who are more ill will receive supportive care to help them recover from the illness in specialist settings.

Those patients with Covid-19 who are significantly unwell may require ventilators to help with breathing.

It has been recently reported that a new breathing aid to help keep Covid-19 patients out of intensive care will soon undergo clinical trials in several London hospitals. This device can deliver oxygen to the lungs without the need for

a ventilator. It was designed and built in under a week (as part of collaboration between engineers and doctors) at University College London and Mercedes Formula One (New Scientist).

There are currently no vaccines, but efforts to develop a vaccine are underway.

On 18 March, the World Health Organization (WHO) said they had begun a trial on drugs, including the longused antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine and some antiviral drugs. However, there is no clear evidence yet to confirm if they can be successfully used in the treatment of Covid-19.

MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) UK has advised: “Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are not licensed to treat Covid-19 related symptoms or prevent infection. Clinical trials are ongoing to test chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as an agent in the treatment of Covid-19 or to prevent Covid-19 infection. These clinical trials are still not completed, so no conclusions have been reached on the safety and effectiveness of this medicine to treat or prevent Covid-19”. (GOV UK website) What should you do if you think you may have Covid-19?

It is advised that if you develop a high temperature or a new continuous cough, do not leave home as you may have Covid-19. You will need to self-isolate for seven days. Do not visit places like GP surgeries, pharmacies or hospitals (unless advised to do so) to protect others. In some cases, coughs can linger on after seven days, however this does not require isolation if other symptoms have settled (unless the GP advises otherwise). If you are not sure, please contact your GP for advice.

After seven days of illness, if you still have a high temperature, keep selfisolating until your temperature returns to normal. You may contact your GP for advice.

If you live with others, all other household members (who remain well) must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This is to cover the incubation period in case they develop the disease

and become infectious to others.

It is advised that if you live with any vulnerable individual e.g. elderly or those with co-morbidities, if possible, they should consider moving out to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period. If this is not possible, stay away from them as much as possible.

You must wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, using soap and water (or use hand sanitizer).

The general advice given in the UK is that if you are finding it difficult to cope with the illness, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after seven days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service for advice. You can also call NHS 111 if you do not have Internet access. For a medical emergency e.g. significant shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling very unwell, dial 999. You can also take advice from your GP via telephone. Various GP surgeries have recently started video consultation with patients.

Those who are vulnerable to Covid-19 There are some people who are vulnerable and at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 .In view of this, they need to be particularly strict in following social distancing measures advised by their government.

Currently, the UK Government has advised vulnerable people to follow strict isolation for 12 weeks (this may change in future depending on the circumstances).

There are various reasons why these patients are more vulnerable. As we age, our body’s strength to fight off infection gets affected. This is the reason that elderly people are advised to self-isolate to prevent infection. Similarly, those who are diabetic especially those with poorly controlled diabetes may become more unwell with the virus as compared to a healthy person. Those who have lung disease e.g. asthma or COPD (lung disease due to smoking) can develop complications from this illness due to obvious reasons.

A list of vulnerable people is given here for information.

The group of vulnerable people includes (as per gov.uk) those who are: - Aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions) - Under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (this includes any adult instructed by their GP to get a flu jab each year on medical grounds): - Long-term respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD (lung disease due to smoking), emphysema or bronchitis - Chronic heart disease (such as heart failure) - CKD or chronic kidney disease - Chronic liver disease (e.g. hepatitis) - Chronic neurological conditions (e.g.

Parkinson’s disease, MS or multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease. Those with a learning disability or cerebral palsy

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

22 - Those who have diabetes - Those who have spleen problems (an organ in your abdomen which helps the immune system) e.g. sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed - A weak immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy (medications used for cancer treatment) - If you are seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above) - Those who are pregnant Those who are “extremely” vulnerable to Covid-19 There are some clinical conditions that put people at even higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19. If you are in this category and live in the UK, NHS England should have directly contacted you with advice about the more strict measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe.

You should strictly follow the social distancing advice in full.

If you are in this category and have still not received a letter from NHS England, please contact your GP for advice.

According to GOV UK, people in this group include: - People who have received an organ transplant (recently or in the past) - People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy - People with lung cancer who are receiving radical radiotherapy - People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma) who are at any stage of treatment People with cancer having immunotherapy or continuing antibody treatment - People with cancer having targeted cancer treatments which can affect their immune system (e.g. protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors) - People with cancer who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplant in last six months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs (which can affect your immune system) - People with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma, COPD (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets) - People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID or Severe combined immunodeficiency, homozygous sickle cell).

- People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.

- Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired (For further information on the

recommendations made by the UK Government, please visit GOV UK website on this link: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ guidance-on-shielding-and-protectingextremely-vulnerable-persons-fromcovid-19/guidance-on-shielding-andprotecting-extremely-vulnerable-personsfrom-covid-19) General measures advised by the UK government for vulnerable persons - Stay at home - Avoid non-essential use of public transport - Try to minimise the time any vulnerable family members spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas. Make sure to keep shared spaces well ventilated (open windows) - Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from vulnerable people you live with.

Encourage them to sleep in a different bed if possible. If possible, they should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. If this is not possible, make sure that you clean the toilet every time you use it (e.g. wiping surfaces you have come into contact with) Avoid using the kitchen in the presence of a vulnerable person. If possible, they should take their meals in their room to eat. If possible, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family’s used crockery and cutlery.

If this is not possible, wash them using washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly - Those who are vulnerable and work should work from home (in the current circumstances, due to the lockdown in the UK, this applies to everyone except keyworkers e.g. NHS staff).

- Avoid large gatherings, shopping, public places (again, due to current lockdown in the UK, this is already in practice). Use telephone to contact your doctor where possible You should do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Information for those who are pregnant RCOG (Royal college of Obstetricians & Gynaecologist UK) advises that pregnant woman have been placed in a vulnerable group and advised to reduce social contact through social distancing measures.

RCOG explains that the decisions made by the British Government to place pregnant women in the vulnerable category is due to the reason that some viral infections can become worse in pregnant women. At present, there is no evidence that this is the case for

coronavirus infection, however the evidence available is still quite limited.

RCOG states that so far, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get coronavirus are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals.

RCOG states that on 26 March, new information was published from China where in one case from Wuhan, there is stronger evidence that transmission of this virus from mother to baby may have occurred during birth. This requires further investigation and the RCOG is monitoring all the evidence. RCOG also reports that in all reported cases of newborn babies developing Covid-19 very soon after birth, the baby was well.

RCOG advises that given current evidence, it is considered unlikely that if you have the virus it would cause problems with the baby’s development and none have been observed currently.

RCOG reports that some babies born to women with symptoms of Covid-19 in China have been born prematurely, however it is not clear whether coronavirus caused early labour or whether it was recommended (by doctors) that the baby was born early in order to preserve the mother’s health.

It is advised that pregnant women with significant heart disease (congenital or acquired) should follow strict shielding (isolation) measures to keep safe.

RCOG also advises that all pregnant ladies in their third trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant) should be particularly strict in social distancing and minimising any contact with others.

RCOG advises that if you have a routine ultrasound scan, appointment or visit due in the coming days, please contact your maternity unit for advice and a plan.

If you are pregnant and think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, you should use the NHS 111 online service for information in the UK (contact your GP/ doctor if you live in another country).

If you develop more severe symptoms or if your symptoms do not settle in seven days, contact your maternity care team or use the NHS 111 online service for further advice (alternatively contact your GP).

Please note that as Covid-19 is a new virus and new information is coming every few days, therefore please contact your GP for up-to-date information and advice, should you have any questions or concerns.

Guidance & instructions from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper) regarding coronavirus: On 20 March 2020, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper, issued instructions pertaining to the recent outbreak of coronavirus in Friday sermon.

Huzooraa said:

“Some Ahmadis have referred to this illness as plague. Some say that this is a sign, similar to that of the plague. Prior to the time when the plague broke out, Allah the Almighty informed the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, regarding it. Thus, the plague served as a sign [from God].

“Then, prior to that very outbreak of plague, Allah the Almighty informed the Promised Messiahas that his followers would be protected. Thus, the plague became a sign in this manner also.

“Neither was this coronavirus foretold, nor have I ever expressed that this is a sign that has appeared.”

Huzooraa said: “For a long time now, I have been issuing instructions to take precautionary measures and medications; even when the virus had not spread outside China.

If I had deemed it to be a sign, then I would have stopped everyone from taking precautionary measures.

“I have said it before and continue to say that people should follow the precautionary measures being prescribed to them by experts through authorities in respective countries.

“Observing precautionary measures, they should help whoever they can. To please Allah, it is essential that one takes care of His creation and most importantly, beseech Allah the Almighty’s mercy for their own sake and for the sake of mankind.”

There is no doubt that these unprecedented times have been difficult for everyone. Many people around the world have lost loved ones and there are many patients on ventilators struggling for their lives.

NHS frontline staff and thousands of doctors and nurses are working tirelessly to save lives. There are many who have lost their income due to the lockdown and facing significant financial difficulties. We as Ahmadi Muslims need to pray from Allah and practice the safety measures as advised by the government in order to save lives.

Please do not take self isolation and hand washing advice lightly. All of us have a responsibility to practice these measures as advised by our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

If you can, please volunteer to help those who are vulnerable, elderly or in isolation due to health conditions or illness. May Allah help us all and save mankind from this deadly disease.

The Promised Messiahas states: ‫پش‬ ‫دن تہب ہ ی� تخس اور وخف و رطخ در ی‬ ‫� ےہ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫رپ ہ� ہ ی� دووتس اُس ی�ار ےک اپےن ےک دن‬ “The days are difficult; fear and risk are ever-present; But these my friends, are the days to attain nearness to Him.” References. BMJ (British Medical Journal, Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19): A guide for UK GPs, NHS Choices, New Scientist, RCOG website, GOV UK website, MHRA (UK). RCOG website. alislam.org.

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Businesses and surviving Covid-19

Muhammed Ahmad Chaudhry Silicon Valley Executive, USA

As the Covid-19 pandemic impact grows exponentially around the world, one thing is for sure; it is not discriminating between “first world” vs “third world” and rich vs poor.

This has presented a once-in-a-lifetime challenge for our leaders in government, business and faith communities. The government is having to make life or death decisions on how to allocate resources, such as ventilators, N95 masks, whether or not to accelerate the development and approval of testing kits and ultimately, a cure.

Many experts continue to share responses to the challenges in our healthcare system, including separating fact from myth on questions about prevention. Similarly, there are a lot of sensitive conversations happening around business sustainability.

Business leaders around the world are grappling with a long list of issues on survival of their organisation with very limited information.

There’s a lot to consider; so to make this easier to digest, let’s play out a scenario of a restaurant.

Let’s assume you own a restaurant with 50 employees. Overnight, no one is coming in to eat, yet there are some take-out and delivery orders. You still have your fixed costs to pay, like employees, lease payments and insurance. What does the small business owner do?

Here’s a step-by-step approach that I

suggest which will assist business leaders think through the short term and long-term challenges: Focus on people Protect your most important asset, which is your employees and customers. Recognising and following government guidelines, like staying at home and focusing on their families’ safety to implement alternative working arrangements, are just a few examples. You have employees whose income is based on tips to employees who now have kids at home and don’t have day-care. Help your employees with the compassion they deserve, even if you can’t clearly address their future.

Communicate People are currently stressed and in a state of shock and fear. This will require over-communicating your message. Most business leaders I know are doing daily conference calls to check-in on the health and safety of their employees and providing updates on the business.

The future In these uncertain times, it is essential that leaders paint a vision of resilience for getting to the other side of the crisis. No one knows what is going to happen, so this requires a lot of prayer and an optimistic mindset.

Ask your team members for advice on what you should do. Once you have a plan, overcommunicate.

Identify exposure Boardrooms and small business owners around the world need to model exposure, develop financial scenarios and conserve cash. In other words, you need to spend time understanding what risks you face, short term and long term.

It is essential to build extreme downside scenarios as this has a clear potential to be a once-in-a-100-year event. For example, what will you do if your revenue comes down by 20%, 40% or 60% for the year?

What will you do if countries lift the stayat-home order on 15 April, 30 April or 30 June? Those are all dramatically different outcomes to your ability to pay employees and pay vendors. Be sure to have a game plan going forward.

Government reform Spend the time and energy to study whatever relief your government is providing for you.

This can have a significant impact on your business and on your employees. I serve on the board of directors at a company that has presence in multiple countries, so the impact of government action in each country is very different.

Stabilise operations As you assess the current demand, you will need to adjust your operations. The most difficult part of this is what decision you make with employees? This is where you need to determine whether it is best to place employees on furlough (temporarily leaving the worksite) or permanently lay off some employees? Or, is there a way to

Continued from page 19

and should enhance the standard of their loyalty. They should use all their abilities and capabilities to fulfil the promise made by themselves and their parents. One should try to work for the sake of religion and for the victory of religion. Then, Allah the Almighty also provides and does not leave anyone without his reward.” (Friday Sermon, 28 October 2016) During this Friday sermon, Huzooraa further stated: “As I said, Waqf-e-Nau are very special, but they will have to prove to be special.

What will they need to prove? That they are ahead of others in their relationship with Allah the Almighty, then they will be called ‘special’. If they have fear of God more than others, then they will be called ‘special’. If their standards of worship are a lot higher than others, then they will be called ‘special’. If they offer voluntary prayers along with the obligatory ones, then they will be called ‘special’. If their degree of general conduct is extremely high, then this is a sign of being ‘special’.”

(Friday Sermon, 28 October 2016) Huzooraa mentioned many other qualities also, which should be the hallmark of Waqifeen-e-Nau. This sermon is a must-read sermon for all Waqifeene-Nau. May Allah enable all Waqifeene-Nau to act upon these words of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Amin

reallocate financial resources to prevent furloughs or layoffs altogether? There is a tremendous human element to this that requires emotional intelligence for the employees that leave and the ones that stay.

This is why, the number one on this list, to compassionately focus on people, is so important.

Find the opportunity We all need to remember that everyone is going through this issue. Great leaders will imagine how to outperform their competitors. This may require contrarian thinking. How is your team preparing for the recovery bounce? Can you imagine doing business in an entirely different way?

In our restaurant example, can you hire your competitor’s chefs? Can you rent out your kitchen for maximum utilisation? Can you spend the time on e-commerce to build out a whole new business for yourself?

Pray A lot of business leaders are, for the first time, using the term “pray” in boardrooms and management meetings as they know they need to ultimately turn to God. Remember that Allah the Almighty is our Source and Provider. Seek His help in your five daily prayers and in your Tahajud prayers.

We continue to receive a constant stream of new information. Often, it is conflicting information. I suggest using these steps as a roadmap to stay coordinated on your goals and know that change is the only constant.

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon Men of Excellence

6 March 2020 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In the previous sermon I spoke on Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair. Some of the accounts from his life still remained which I shall narrate today.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, while speaking about Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair being sent as a missionary to Medina and also in regard to the services he rendered, states: “The Holy Prophetsa began to receive revelation which hinted the near possibility of migration from Mecca.

Some idea of the place they were to migrate to was also given to him. It was a town of wells and date-groves. Initially, the Holy Prophetsa thought of Yamamah as the location of migration, but soon the thought was dismissed. The Holy Prophetsa then waited in the assurance that whatever place they were destined to go to would certainly become the cradle of Islam.

“During this time, the annual Hajj drew near and from all parts of Arabia, pilgrims began to arrive in Mecca. As was his practise, the Holy Prophetsa went wherever he found a group of people, expounded to them the teaching of the One God and told them to give up excesses of all kinds and prepare for the Kingdom of God. Some listened with interest and then left. Some wished to listen but were sent away by the Meccans. Some who had already made up their minds, stopped to ridicule. The Holy Prophetsa was in the valley of Mina when he saw a group of six or seven people, who were the citizens of Medina.

“He found that they belonged to the Khazraj tribe, one in alliance with the Jews. He asked them if they would listen to what he had to say. Since these

people had heard of the Holy Prophetsa and were interested, they agreed and sat in his company. The Holy Prophetsa spent some time telling them that the Kingdom of God was at hand, that idols were going to disappear, that the idea of One God was due to triumph, and piety and purity were once again going to rule.

Would they not, in Medina, welcome the Message? The group became much impressed. They accepted the Message and promised, on their return to Medina, to confer with others and report the following year whether Medina would be willing to receive Muslim refugees from Mecca. Subsequently, they returned and conferred with their friends and relations.

There were, at the time, two Arab and three Jewish tribes at Medina. The Arab tribes were the Aus and the Khazraj and

the Jewish tribes were the Banu Qurayzah, the Banu Nadir and the Banu Qaynuqah.

The Aus and the Khazraj were at war. The Qurayzah and the Nadir were in alliance with the Aus and the Qaynuqah were with the Khazraj. Tired of unending warfare, they were inclined to peace. At last they agreed to acknowledge the Khazraj Chief, Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul, as King of Medina. Since they had alliances with the Jews, the Aus and the Khazraj had heard of prophecies in the Bible. When the Jews would speak of their troubles and affliction, they would also mention that they had heard of the advent of a Prophet ‘like unto Moses.’ This advent was near at hand, the Jews used to say and that it was to mark their return to power and the destruction of their enemies.

“When the people of Medina, who

had travelled for the pilgrimage, heard of the Holy Prophet’ssa claim, the truth of the claim penetrated their hearts and realised that this was the very Prophet who they had heard about from the Jews.

Many young men were impressed by the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet’ssa teaching and the prophecies which they had previously heard from the Jews helped them in believing in the Holy Prophetsa.

“At the next Hajj, twelve men from Medina came to Mecca with the intention to join the Holy Prophet’ssa faith. Ten of these belonged to the Khazraj and two to the Aus tribe. They met the Holy Prophetsa in the valley of Mina and, holding the Holy Prophet’ssa hand, solemnly declared their belief in the Oneness of God and their resolve to abstain from all common evils and immoralities, such as theft, killing their daughters, and from making false accusations against one another.

They also resolved to obey the Prophetsa in all good things.

“When they returned to Medina, they started telling others of their new faith with even greater zeal. The idols from the houses of Medina were taken out of their homes and thrown on the streets. Those who used to bow before images began to hold their heads high. They resolved to bow to none except the One God. The Jews wondered. Centuries of friendship, exposition and debate had failed to produce the change which Islam had produced in a few days and the message of the One God penetrated into the hearts of the people of Medina.

“The people of Medina would go to the few Muslims in their midst and make enquiries about Islam and ask them to teach them their faith. But the few

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM Muslims could not cope with the large numbers of enquiries, nor did they know enough about its teaching. They decided, therefore, to address a request to the Holy Prophetsa to send them someone to teach Islam. The Holy Prophetsa agreed to send Mus‘abra, one of the Muslims who had returned from the migration to Abyssinia.

Thus, Mus‘abra was the first missionary of Islam to go out of Mecca.” (Deebacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 214-216) At another occasion, whilst speaking on the same subject, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra has stated: “When the people of Medina came to know about Islam, some of them met the Holy Prophetsa during the pilgrimage of Hajj and became convinced of his truthfulness. They returned to their people and said to them that the Messenger whose advent the Jews of Medina used to speak of had taken place in Mecca. Hence, their hearts became inclined towards the Holy Prophetsa and, at the following Hajj, they sent a delegation to the Holy Prophetsa.

After a brief discussion, this delegation professed their belief and pledged their allegiance to the Holy Prophetsa.

“Since the Holy Prophetsa was facing fierce opposition in Mecca at the time, this meeting took place in a valley away from the sight of the Meccans. As the Bai‘at also took place there, it is referred to as Bai‘at Aqabah.” “Aqabah” means a valley or a mountain that is difficult to manoeuvre through or a difficult mountainous path.

“The Holy Prophetsa gave this delegation the duty of organising the believers of Medina and advised them to propagate Islam. He sent one of his young companions, Mus‘abra bin Umair to assist them and to teach the faith to the Muslims … Before departing, the delegation also extended an invitation to the Holy Prophetsa saying, should he ever need to leave Mecca, he should come to Medina. When these people returned to Medina, Islam spread in Medina within a very short period of time. Hence, the Holy Prophetsa sent some more companions to them, including Hazrat Umarra ... After that, upon receiving the command to migrate, he himself also went to Medina.

Upon his arrival, all the idolaters of Medina accepted Islam within a very short period of time.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 1, pp. 171) (Farhang Sirat, p. 203, Aqabah, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi [2003]) After the migration to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair and Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansarira.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 88, Mus‘abra bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair participated in the Battles of Badr and Uhud. During the Battles of Badr and Uhud, the main flag of the Muhajireen was being carried

by Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair. During the Battle of Badr, the main flag of the Muhajireen was given to him by the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 89, Mus’abra bin Umair,

Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1990]) Then, there is another similar narration, which has been recorded in Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahamd Sahibra in which it also states that during the Battle of Uhud, the flag of the Muhajireen was held by Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair. It further states: “The Holy Prophetsa began to arrange the Muslim army and appointed separate commanders for the various sections of the army. On this occasion, the Holy Prophetsa received news that the flag of the army of the Quraish was in the hands of Talha. Talha was from that dynasty, who under the administration of Qusayy bin Kilab, the paramount ancestor of the Quraish, held the right of standardbearing in representation of the Quraish during wars. Upon becoming aware of this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘We are more worthy of demonstrating national loyalty,’ and then, the Holy Prophetsa took the flag of the Muhajirin from Hazrat Alira and entrusted it to Mus‘abra bin Umair, who was also a member of the very same dynasty to which Talha belonged to.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 488) Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. On the day of Uhud, Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair was fighting in front of the Holy Prophetsa and was martyred during the battle. He was martyred by Ibn Qami‘ah.

(Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p.

383, Ghazwah Uhud, Maqtal Mus‘abra bin ‘Umair, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut [2009]) In the books of history, it is mentioned that the flag-bearer during the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair, protected the flag [of Islam] in an excellent manner. Hazrat Mus‘abra was carrying the flag on the day of Uhud, when Ibn Qami‘ah, who was riding a horse, attacked with his sword and struck the right hand of Hazrat Mus‘abra, with which he was holding the flag, and severed it. Upon this, Hazrat Mus‘abra started reciting the following verse: ٌ ‫َو َما ُم َح َّم ٌد ِا ّلاَ َر ُس‬ ّ ‫ول َق ْد َخ َل ْت ِم ْن َق ْب ِل ِہ‬ ‫الرُ ُس ُل‬ [And Muhammad is only a Messenger.

Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him] and grasped the flag in his left hand. Ibn Qami‘ah struck the left hand and severed it as well, upon which Hazrat Mus‘abra embraced the flag of Islam with both of his arms and held it to his chest. Following this, Ibn Qami‘ah attacked Hazrat Mus‘abra with a spear for a third time which pierced his chest. The spear broke and Hazrat Mus‘abra fell to the ground. Upon this, two individuals from [the tribe of] Banu Abd-id-Dar, Suwaibitra bin Saad bin Harmala and Abu Rumra bin Umair, stepped forward. Abu Rum bin Umair grabbed the flag and it remained in his hands until the Muslims returned and entered Medina. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 89, Mus‘abra bin ‘Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1990]) Hazrat Mus‘abra was 40 years old, or just over 40 at the time of his martyrdom.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 76, Mus‘abra bin ‘Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [2003]) Mentioning this particular incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra states in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin: “The army of the Quraish had pretty much surrounded them from all four fronts and continued to crush the Muslims moment by moment through repeated attacks. Yet, even after all this, the Muslims probably would have regained themselves shortly thereafter, but the outrage was that a bold warrior from among the Quraish named Abdullah bin Qami‘ah attacked Mus‘abra bin Umair, the flag-bearer of the Muslims and severed his right hand with the blow of his sword. Mus‘abra immediately clutched the flag with his other hand and advanced to confront Ibni Qami‘ah, but in his second blow, the other hand was severed as well. Upon this, Mus‘abra joined both of his severed hands together in an endeavour to keep the Islamic flag from falling and held it to his chest, upon which Ibni Qami‘ah struck him a third time, and this time Mus‘abra was martyred and fell to the ground. As far as the flag was concerned, another Muslim immediately advanced and took hold of it, but since the size and figure of Mus‘abra resembled the Holy Prophetsa, Ibni Qami‘ah thought that he had slain the Holy Prophetsa. It is also probable that this scheme of his was merely guided by motives of mischief and deceit. In any case, when Mus‘abra was martyred and fell, Ibni Qami‘ah exclaimed that he had slain Muhammad[sa]. At this news, the Muslims lost whatever composure was left in them and their force was scattered completely.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 493) This was also a major reason the Muslims lost their composure during the Battle of Uhud. Nevertheless, they regrouped later. When the Holy Prophetsa approached the body of Hazrat Mus‘abra, it was turned face down. The Holy Prophetsa stood beside it and recited the following verse: ُ َ َ ّٰ ُ َ َُ ٌ ۡ ۡ ۡ ‫ِم َن ال ُمؤ ِم ِن َی َن ِر َجال ُ َصدق ۡوا َما َعاہدوا الل َ َہ َعل ۡی ِہ ۚ فم ِۡنہ ۡم‬ ً ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ّ َ َ َ ُ َ ۡ َّ ۡ َّ ۡ ۡ َ ٗ َ ۡ ٰ َ ۡ َّ ‫من قضی نحبہ و ِمنہم من ینت ِظر ۖ۫ وما بدلوا تب ِدیلا‬ That is, “Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah. There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait, and they have not changed their condition in the least.” [Surah alAhzab, Ch.33: V.24] Following this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ٰ َ ْ ُ َ َ ُّ ُ َّ َ ُ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ُ َ َّ َ َ ‫اللّ ِہ ی‬ َ ‫القیام ِۃ‬ ‫وم‬ ‫اِن رسول الل ِہ یشھد انکم اشھداء ِعند‬ That is, “the Messengersa of Allah bears witness that even on the Day of Judgment they will be counted as martyrs in the sight of Allah.”

Then, the Holy Prophetsa addressed the companions and said, “You should visit him and send your salutations upon him.

By Him, in Whose hand lies my life, he will respond to the salutations of everyone who will send salutations upon him until the Day of Judgment.” Hazrat Mus‘abra’s

brothers, Hazrat Abu Rumra bin Umair, Hazrat Suwaibitra bin Saad and Hazrat Amirra bin Rabi‘ah lowered him into the grave. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 89, Mus‘abra bin Umair, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut [1990]) In Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra mentions this in the following manner: “One honourable man from among the martyrs of Uhud was Mus‘abra bin Umair.

He was the first Muhajir who was sent to Medina as a missionary of Islam. In the era of the Jahiliyyah, among the young men of Mecca, Mus‘abra was considered to be the most well-dressed and elegant, and lived in great comfort and luxury.

After accepting Islam, his condition was transformed completely. In fact, there is a narration that on one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa saw him dressed in a cloth which was covered with numerous patches. At this, the Holy Prophetsa was reminded of his earlier life, and the eyes of the Holy Prophetsa began to glisten with tears. When Mus‘abra was martyred at Uhud, he did not even have enough cloth by which his body could be fully covered. If his feet were covered, his head would become exposed, and if his head was covered, his feet would become bare.

As such, according to the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, his head was covered with cloth and his feet were covered with grass.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 501) There is a narration of Sahih alBukhari which states: “Food was brought before Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf to break the fast which he was observing at the time. Upon this he said, ‘Mus‘abra bin Umair was martyred and he was better than me, but only one sheet was available to shroud him [at the time of his burial]. It was so small that when his head was covered; his feet remained uncovered and if his feet were covered, his head remained uncovered.’

The narrator states that he believes Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf also said, ‘Hamzara was martyred and he was better than me.’ Thereafter he continued, ‘Then the bounties of this world were bestowed upon us generously’ or perhaps he said, ‘We were granted that which was destined for us and I am afraid that the reward of our good deeds may have been bestowed to us in this world.’ Thereupon, he began to cry and left the food untouched.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana’iz, Bab idha lam yujad illa thaub wahid, Hadith 1375) He became emotional owing to his fear of God Almighty and the treatment he would receive from God in the Hereafter, for if they had been granted bounties in this world, then he thought that perhaps they may not receive anything in the next life.

Hazrat Khubbabra bin Art narrates, “We migrated with the Messengersa of Allah seeking the pleasure of Allah and expecting our reward from Him. Some of us died without partaking anything from their reward. Among them was Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair, and there are those among us whose fruits of their deeds have

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

26 ripened and they are enjoying its delight.

Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair was martyred in the Battle of Uhud, and there was only one cloth available for us to cover him in.

When we covered his head with it, his feet were exposed and when we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered.

So the Holy Prophetsa told us to cover his head and to put some idhkhir (i.e., lemon grass) over his feet.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana‘iz, Bab idha lam yajid kaffuna illa ma yuwari ra‘sahu, Hadith 1376) There is also a narration of Tirmidhi in which Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talibra narrates, “The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Every prophet has been granted seven noble companions.’ The narrator states that perhaps the word used was ‘guardians’ instead of ‘companions’. However, the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘I have been granted 14 such individuals’. So we asked who these individuals were and the Holy Prophetsa stated that it was me and my two sons, [Hasanra and Husainra], Jafarra, Hamzara, Abu Bakrra, Umarra, Mus‘abra bin Umair, Bilalra, Salmanra, Miqdadra, Abu Dharrra, Ammarra and Abdullah bin Masudra.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab Manaqib, Hadith 3785) Hazrat Amir bin Rabi‘ahra relates that his father would often mention, “From the time Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair accepted Islam to the Battle of Uhud, he remained my close friend and companion. He was alongside us in both migrations to Abyssinia. He was my companion during the migration. I have never seen someone as well-mannered as him, nor did he engage in dispute with anyone.” (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p.

87, Mus‘abra bin Umair, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) When the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina after the Battle of Uhud, he met Hazrat Hamnah bint Jahshra, the wife of Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair. The people had informed her that her brother Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahshra had been martyred.

She replied by saying Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji‘un [To Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return] and prayed for him to be granted forgiveness. Then they informed her of the martyrdom of her maternal uncle, Hazrat Hamzara, to which she again replied Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji‘un, and prayed for his forgiveness.

Thereafter, the people informed her that her husband, Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair, had also been martyred, upon which she began to weep and became anxious. The Holy Prophetsa then said, “A husband holds a special status in the eyes of his wife.” (Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 396, Ghazwah Uhud, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut, 2009) There is another tradition in which Hazrat Hamnah bint Jahshra is mentioned.

It stated that when she was told that her brother was martyred she replied, “May Allah have mercy on him” and said Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un. The people then said that her husband had also been martyred, to which she said, “Woe be unto me!”. The Holy Prophetsa then said, “A relationship between a wife and her husband is like no other.” (Sunan Ibn

Majah, Kitabul Jana’iz, Ma Ja’a fil Bukaa, Hadith 1590) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh has mentioned this incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair and the emotions of his wife, in his own words.

He states: “The male and female companions who had more than one close relative [martyred], would be told gradually to avoid being overwhelmed with the sudden news. When Hazrat Hamnah bint Jahshra, sister of Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahshra came to the Holy Prophetsa, he told her, ‘O Hamnah, be patient and seek the reward of God Almighty.’ She replied, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, what should I seek the reward for?’ He said, ‘For your uncle Hamza.’ Hazrat Hamnahra then replied, ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un’ (may Allah have mercy on him and grant him forgiveness through this martyrdom).’

Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa repeated, ‘O Hamnah, be patient and seek the reward of God Almighty.’ She replied, ‘What should I seek the reward for?’ He said, ‘For your brother Abdullah.’ Hazrat Hamnahra then replied, ‘Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji‘un (may Allah have mercy on him and grant him forgiveness by means of this martyrdom). The Holy Prophetsa once again repeated, ‘O Hamnah, be patient and seek the reward of God Almighty.’

She replied, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, what

should I seek the reward for?’ He said, ‘For Mus‘ab bin Umair’, to which she said, ‘Woe be unto me!’ After hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Indeed, the husband has a right over his wife that no one else possesses, however why did you utter such words?’ Hazrat Hamnahra answered, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! It occurred to me that his children have become orphans, which worried me, and it was in this state that I uttered these words.’ Having listened to this, the Holy Prophetsa prayed for the children of Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair, saying, ‘O Allah, be their Guardian and Protector, treat them with kindness and affection and take good care of them.’”

(Khutbaat-e-Tahir, Qabl az Khilafat, p.

363) God Almighty did indeed take good care of them as the prayer of the Holy Prophetsa was accepted. This brings a close to the accounts from the life of Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair. Insha-Allah [God-willing] the next companion will be mentioned in the future sermon.

I would now like to draw the attention of the Jamaat on a few matters regarding the current outbreak of the coronavirus.

We must all adhere to the precautionary measures that are set out by governments and the health departments. From the outset, after consultation with some homeopaths, I advised about the use of certain homeopathic remedies as a

precautionary measure as well as for treatment. These medicines should be taken as this is one possible treatment.

It cannot be said for certain that this is the exact cure for it or that these homeopathic remedies are for this virus as little is known about this exact strain of the virus, but in any case, it is still the closest form of treatment in homeopathy for this type of outbreak.

May Allah the Almighty grant cure through them. Thus, we ought to use them and at the same time we must adhere to the precautionary measures that have been outlined.

In relation to this, it is advised that you should avoid large gatherings. People coming to the mosque should err on the side of caution and even if they have a slight fever and feel aches and pains in their body, or if they are sneezing and are suffering from the flu, they should not be come to the mosque. There are certain etiquettes of the mosque, among which is that if one is suffering from something such as a contagious illness – which can affect others – they should avoid coming to the mosque.

Then, in these days especially and generally as well, when sneezing, one ought to cover one’s face with their hands or use a handkerchief. Some worshippers complain that whilst standing in prayer, certain people neither place their hands over their face, nor do they use a handkerchief when they sneeze. Moreover, they sneeze with such force that some droplets also fall on them. Thus, people that are worshipping around you also have certain rights, therefore, everyone ought to be mindful of this. As mentioned earlier, everyone ought to be more careful about this in these days.

One preventative measure mentioned by doctors is that one’s hands and mouth should always be clean. If one’s hands are unclean, they should not touch their face, or ensure that they use hand sanitisers or they should wash their hands regularly.

However, for a Muslim – as is in our case – who pray five times a day and also perform the ablution in the correct manner, which includes cleaning the nose with water etc., then this high standard of hygiene is such that it can compensate the shortage of sanitizers; as it is reported these days that owing to panic buying, entire shelves in supermarkets have been emptied of such products. Nonetheless, if the ablution is performed in the correct manner, this can not only help towards physical cleanliness, but one who performs the ablution would subsequently offer their prayers, which then in turn becomes a means for their spiritual cleanliness as well. Moreover, in these days we must pay particular attention towards our prayers.

Since I spoke about the etiquettes of the mosque, I would also like to say that especially in the winter and also at other times [of the year], those who wear socks to the mosque ought to wear a clean pair of socks each day and they ought to wash them. If there is a foul odour from one’s socks or feet, then this can be a source of discomfort for those around that person,

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Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM or it will cause discomfort for those who are standing for prayer and would perform the sajdah [prostration] in the row behind him. We should be very mindful of this.

The Holy Prophetsa has instructed that one should not eat anything that gives off a strong odour, such as garlic or [raw] onion and come to the mosque. (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitaul At’imah, Bab fi akl althum, Hadith 3823) At times, one belches or if one has bad breath, it is unpleasant for other worshippers and also spoils the atmosphere of the mosque. In fact, it is advised to wear fragrance when coming to the mosque. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jumuah, Bab al-Duhn lil-Jumuah, Hadith 883) The Holy Prophetsa was so careful in this matter that he stated that one should not pass through the mosque with raw meat, let alone someone sat inside the mosque with such odours. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitabul Masajid, Ma Yukrahu fil Masajid, Hadith 748) Thus, it is vital for every worshipper to be mindful of their personal hygiene as well as the general cleanliness of the surroundings [of the mosque]. However, this does not mean that one ought to use this as an excuse to stop coming to the mosque. Everyone ought to assess their own conditions and make a decision based on their own judgement. Always remember that only God Almighty knows what is concealed in people’s hearts. If one feels ill, they ought to seek assurance by consulting a doctor in order to identify the cause of illness; in any case, it is better that one should avoid going to the mosque for one or two days.

Furthermore, it is being advised that one should refrain from shaking hands and this is also extremely important, as one does not know what the hands are contaminated with. Although shaking hands increases the bond with one another and instils mutual love, however, owing to the current outbreak these days, it is better to avoid this practice.

Even those people who previously raised an outcry that we do not shake hands with men or women of the opposite gender, have themselves been a target of amusement. A minister in the cabinet of the German chancellor refused to shake her hand and this has been depicted in a humorous manner. Even a member of parliament in the UK has commended the fact that they are abstaining from shaking hands owing to the coronavirus.

He further said that shaking of hands was not even part of their traditions, in fact, the tradition was to salute or take off their hats out of respect. He further stated that in shaking hands or embracing women or trying to kiss them, they are not even aware if these gestures are even welcome by them and thus are compelling them to follow suit.

These people were not willing to adhere to the commandments of Allah the Almighty, but nonetheless, the spread of this outbreak has drawn their attention towards this injunction.

May Allah the Almighty also enable

them to draw closer to Him. They greatly opposed this injunction of Allah the Almighty, which we would explain to them in a loving manner that it is not permissible for us to greet the opposite gender in this manner and shake their hands. But in their case, it is reported that in various organisations and other places, they have shunned this practice and at times, they have done so in a rude manner. We, however, explained to them courteously that this prohibition was owing to our teachings, but in their case out of their fear of coronavirus, they have abstained from this practice, at times even forsaking common courtesy. Thus, this epidemic has brought about their reformation to some degree in this regard and as stated earlier, may this reformation enable them to draw closer to Allah the Almighty.

Allah the Almighty knows best to what extent this epidemic will spread and what He has decreed. However, if this virus has emerged owing to the wrath of God, and just as we have seen in the present age, since the advent of the Promised Messiahas there has been a significant increase in the number of epidemics, diseases, earthquakes and storms, then one ought to turn towards God Almighty more than ever before to be safeguarded from the harmful impacts of what has been destined by God Almighty.

Moreover, every Ahmadi ought to pay particular attention towards prayers and also to improve their spiritual condition.

One also ought to pray for the world in general that may Allah the Almighty grant them guidance. Instead of immersing themselves in worldly endeavours and being neglectful of God, may Allah enable the world to recognise their True Creator.

After this I shall lead some funeral prayers in absentia. The first is of respected Tanzeel Ahmad Butt, son of Aqeel Ahmad Butt Sahib. He was a young 11-year-old child who passed away on 27 February 2020. In fact, in my opinion, he attained the station of martyrdom.

The background of this incident is that it took place in Shahidrah Colony of Delhi Gate, Lahore when the neighbour of Tanzeel Ahmad Butt Sahib brutally killed him on 27 February. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

The edicts of the clerics in Pakistan have ensured that it is easy to kill an Ahmadi owing to any reason. This killing is also as a result of this and for this reason, I count the dearly departed among the martyrs.

Whatever the reason for this killing may be, there is always an underlying hatred against Ahmadiyyat, and Tanzeel Ahmad Butt was an innocent child who was not at fault for anything according to the reports received thus far.

The details of this incident is that on 27 February, the mother of Tanzeel Ahmad Butt Sahib sent him to the neighbour’s house to bring his younger sister’s [toy] doll, which she had left there.

This shows that they [i.e. the two families]

had mutual relations. Only God knows what the reason was for this [killing]. The younger sister had left the [toy] doll at the neighbour’s house the day before and Tanzeel Ahmad Butt was sent to collect it.

When the child did not return after some time, the mother went to the neighbour’s house herself. Initially, the neighbours did not open the door. After some time, when they eventually opened the door, upon enquiry, the neighbour said that he took the doll and had left.

The mother of the deceased informed her husband, Aqeel Sahib, who immediately began searching for their son with the help of the local Jama’at, and also reported it to the Police. When they checked the CCTV cameras of their street, the child was seen entering the house, but not seen leaving from there. Upon this, with the help of the police, the neighbour’s house was searched, in which they found the body of the child in a trunk. The police then mentioned that the suspect’s husband had already informed them that his wife had killed the child and hid him in the trunk.

The woman, along with the son of the owner of the house, killed the young child and has now even admitted to the crime.

Tanzeel Ahmad Butt was born on 20 November 2009 in Lahore and was part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. He was a very active member of the Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya organisation and would regularly take part in all the Jamaat programmes. He was counted amongst the intelligent students in his class and was studying in the fourth year.

After his demise, his results came and he stood first in his class after attaining 729 marks out of 750. The deceased’s mother states, “Tanzeel was the most obedient out of all my children. If he ever wanted to do something, he would always seek permission from me first. If any of the neighbours or an office-bearer asked him to do something, he would immediately do it and never refuse. In fact, at times even the neighbour who killed him would get her work done from him. He would always show obedience to her and fulfil any work she gave him. His school teachers and Jamaat office-bearers were all very happy with him and would always praise him.

He would regularly watch programmes on MTA, especially programmes for children and the sermons. He would regularly attend the mosque for prayers. If ever his father would return from the factory very tired and would be reluctant to go to the mosque, he would persist and take him to the mosque.”

The young child leaves behind his father, Aqeel Ahmad Butt, mother, Naila Aqeel, and four siblings, which include two brothers and two sisters.

May Allah the Almighty grant him His nearness and grant the murders a punishment they truly deserve. May God Almighty also grant patience and comfort to the parents.

The second funeral is of Brigadier Bashir Ahmad Sahib, who was the former Amir of Rawalpindi district. He was the son of Dr Muhammad Abdullah Sahib and passed away on 16 February at the age

of 87 in Rawalpindi: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ “Surely to Allah we belong and to him shall we return” The deceased was a Musi and is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. Brigadier Bashir Ahmad Sahib was born in 1931 to an extremely devout Ahmadi family in the district of Gujrat.

His father, Dr Muhammad Abdullah Sahib did the Bai‘at and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat. The deceased acquired his early education from Qadian and passed his matriculation exams in 1947.

In 1952, he received commission in the Pakistan Military Academy as part of the 6th Long Course. In 1982, he retired from the army as a brigadier. Thereafter, he served the country by working as the head of a policy institute in Islamabad.

Thus, he had the opportunity to serve his country for 66 years.

In regard to his Jamaat services, I appointed him as the Amir of the Rawalpindi Jamaat in 2012 and he continued to serve as the Amir of the Rawalpindi district and city until 9 February 2020. His transfer to Rawalpindi took place in 1979 and for 16 years, he had the opportunity to serve as naib amir and secretary talim for the Rawalpindi Jamaat and district. He was one of the directors for the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation and part of many committees of Majlis-e-Shura.

The deceased was extremely sincere and rendered his services with utmost devotion. He was a very sociable person and would greatly serve others and generously help those in need. In regard to his Jamaat services, he was very principled and punctual. He worked with great efficiency and would also advise the same to his fellow workers, and he would never tolerate inefficiency, be it matters of faith or any other work. Any task he would assign to the members of his executive committee, he would always follow-up nearer to the time. He was extremely devout in his supplications and prayers and had great love for Khilafat. Even until his advanced age, his memory remained sharp. He had great love for the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas and would always express his gratitude to Allah the Almighty for enabling him to be an Ahmadi. He would always have the Holy Quran, Ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa and books of the Promised Messiahas by his bedside and had studied many books. He would financially help the poor and needy with great generosity and in a discrete manner. He would especially show great concern for fulfilling the needs of widows and was always ever ready to help them.

Many individuals and entire families were benefiting from his continuous financial help. He would help to such an extent that someone mentioned that his shop had burnt down and had suffered quite a big loss, however the deceased discretely gave him some money and told him to not to tell anyone about it. When this individual went home and looked at the money, it was 200,000 rupees. When his business restarted, he tried to return

Friday 3 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

28 the money, however he told him that he did not give this money with the intention of taking it back.

The missionary of Rawalpindi, Tahir Mahmood Sahib writes: “Amir Sahib had a very composed disposition; he was compassionate, spoke very little and extremely devout in his prayers. On Friday, he would come very early to Aiwan-e-Tawhid for the Friday prayers and would offer his nawafil prayers with great humility and fervency. Those who would hastily finish their prayers, he would narrate to them accounts of the companions and other elders of Qadian where he grew up. He would express his pleasure at those who would take time in observing their prayers. He himself would also pray and spend a long time in his prayers and would advise others towards observing prayers as well. He would always help the needy and his friends (this is a trait which everyone has mentioned) and if anyone would thank him for this act of his, he would stop them from doing so. He had great love for the books of the Promised Messiahas and would share its insights in the meetings.”

He was also one of the directors for the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation. The secretary

for the Fazl-e-Umar Foundation, Nasir Shams Sahib writes: “He served as a director for the Fazle-Umar Foundation from the early part of 2011 till the end of 2019. Despite his old-age and weakness in health, he would regularly attend the board of director’s meetings. We greatly benefited from his prayers and advice for a long time. The deceased was an extremely devout and righteous individual and a great loyal servant of Khilafat. One particular quality which I personally was witness to was that he had a strong link with God Almighty and observed his prayers with utmost humility and sincerity” May Allah the Almighty grant the deceased His forgiveness and mercy.

May He elevate his station and enable his progeny to continue on his good deeds.

The third funeral is of Dr Hameedul-Din Sahib who lived in 121 Geem Be Gakhowal Faisalabad. He passed away on 29 February 2020: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِه و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Ahmadiyyat entered the family

of the deceased through his father, respected Muhammad-ul-Din Sahib and paternal grandfather, respected Fatehul-Din Sahib, who belonged to Harissia, Gurdaspur. Both did the Bai‘at together during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Maish IIra. The deceased was born in Qadian and his mother’s paternal uncle, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Sahib Qadianira was a companion of the Promised Messiahas. He was a great scholar in Christianity and served as a teacher in Madrasa Ahmadiyya Qadian for a very long time. After the partition of India, the deceased’s family migrated and settled in Faisalabad. The deceased was a dispenser by profession and in this way he had the opportunity to serve the people of his entire area. He would treat the needy for free. He led an extremely simple life, was very righteous, regularly observed his prayers and fasting from his childhood and was very respectful of Islamic customs and traditions. He had great love for Khilafat, was extremely compassionate, and had great trust in Allah the Almighty and was an extremely honest and truthful individual. He would never refuse help to anyone and would always look out for others and seek to help

them. The deceased had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in various roles. One of his sons is Karimuddin Shams Sahib, who is a missionary and currently serving in Tanzania and was not able to attend the funeral of his father owing to his Jamaat commitments. One of his son-in-laws is also a missionary and another son-inlaw is a muallim of the Jamaat. Also, one of his grandsons is currently studying in Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah and is in his final year. Similarly, he has many other grandsons and granddaughters who are part of the blessed Waqfe-Nau Scheme.

May Allah the Almighty grant the deceased His forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station. May He also enable his progeny to continue to fulfil the due rights of their Bai‘at with utmost loyalty.

As I mentioned earlier that after the Friday prayers, I shall lead their funeral prayers in absentia.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International on 17 March 2020, pp.

13-17. Translated by The Review of Religions)

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