Al Hakam - 10 April 2020

The ExCel Exhibition Centre A witness to blossoms of soul and body Page 4

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Infodemics A by-product of pandemics

How the Muslim world used soap, distilled alcohol and quarantine

The global Ahmadiyya family

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Page 17

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Utilising isolation in the best possible way

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 10 April 2020 | Issue CVIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

No shutdown in lockdown: Global Jamaat keeps spirits alive With cases of the current coronavirus pandemic surpassing the one million mark and closing in on two million, what was once an unpredictable Covid-19 is now turning into a reality.

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has been treated in intensive care at St Thomas’ Hospital following a tough battle with the illness, while thousands continue to succumb to this fateful pandemic. The USA, which currently has the most cases of Covid-19, has seen a surge in figures in recent days, with New York bearing the brunt of it.

World leaders continue their ongoing battle with Covid-19 and are providing solutions to their countrymen and women to rid their nation of this virus.

In the midst of this, in keeping with the law of the land and gathering only a couple of people for Friday prayer, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, delivered his Friday Sermon last week to the worldwide audience via MTA International. Huzooraa continued with the series of Friday Sermons on the Badri Companionsra. However, before proceeding on this subject, talking about the global condition, Huzooraa said: “According to the current world situation and abiding by the law the government here has implemented, Friday sermons cannot be given in front of an audience of worshippers. In accordance to what the law permits, it has been arranged today that I deliver the sermon from the

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mosque because whether there are people directly in front of me or not, there are still hundreds of thousands who are listening

to the sermon worldwide.

“We should always strive and pray for upholding this worship [Friday Prayers].

May Allah improve the situation, get rid of this pandemic and then may the beauty of Continued on page 3

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 10 - 16 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

10 April 1904: The Promised Messiahas was drawn into numerous lawsuits by his opponents, but he bore all harsh adversities with patience, prayers and steadfastness. Karam Din of Jhelum filed a lawsuit and during the hearing, a Hindu judge, Lala Chandu Lal did his utmost to discomfort the Promised Messiahas. This man was stripped of his position by the government on this date.

The following day, the new judge, Atma Ram commenced the proceedings.

In his book Haqiqatul Wahi, the Promised Messiahas stated that the expelling of the previous judge was a divine sign in his favour and was a fulfilment of a prophecy which he had previously given about Lala Chandu Lal, Extra Assistant Magistrate Gurdaspur. Accordingly, he was transferred from Gurdaspur to Multan and posted as a deputy judge.

11 April 1900: The heavenly sign of Khutba Ilhamiyah (the Revealed Sermon) was displayed on this date in Masjid Aqsa, Qadian. On the eve of Eid-ul-Adha in 1900, the Promised Messiahas spent the whole night in prayer and supplication.

In his book, Nuzul-ul-Masih the Promised Messiahas has described the events and stated: “On the morning of Eid-ul-Adha, I received a revelation, ‘Say a few words in Arabic’. I, therefore, informed my friends about the revelation. I had never delivered a speech before in Arabic. But, on that day, when I stood up to deliver the Eid Sermon, God produced an articulate, eloquent and full of wisdom speech to flow from my tongue, which is set out in Khutba Ilhamiyah. It is a lengthy speech which was delivered impromptu. God called it a sign in His revelation, for it was made unplanned, under the influence of the power of the Almighty God.” The Promised Messiahas further writes, “When the speech was made, there were around 200 people who listened to it. A stream of words flowed from the unseen. I cannot say whether it was I who spoke, or an angel spoke through my tongue. I knew only that I had no part in this address. Sentence after sentence issued from my mouth and each one was a sign for me. This is a miracle of a literary nature that God has shown, and no one can present anything like it.”

Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra and Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira were assigned to note it down simultaneously. The Promised Messiahas advised his companions to memorise the sermon, after which several companions committed the whole sermon to memory. The revealed sermon was published in August 1901.

The Promised Messiahas took special care in having it written by a scribe and translated it

into Persian and Urdu himself, adding diacritical marks as well. When the book was published, it astonished the greatest scholars of the Arabic language at the time and they declared it to be incomparable in terms of eloquence, beauty and knowledge.

11 April 1900: A photo of the Promised Messiahas and another one with his companions was taken in Masjid Aqsa, Qadian. Dr Nur Muhammad Sahib of Lahore took these photos. Huzooras was planning to write a book addressing the inhabitants of Europe to spread the message of Islam there, which would be later translated into English. On this occasion, a suggestion was made that the people of the West had an advance knowledge and expertise in physiognomy. Through looking at a picture, they could comprehend the highest moral and intellectual stature of a person. Upon this, Huzooras permitted to call a photographer.

During the photograph, the Promised Messiah’sas habit of restraining his eyes became evident when the photographer had to request Huzooras to keep his eyes open and look towards the camera and to lift his face a little bit as well.

12 April 1891: On this date, the Promised Messiahas was in Ludhiana for a visit. After his claim of being the Messiah, he decided to tour the main cities of India. Ludhiana was the first one, where his personal attendants, Hafiz Hamid Ali Sahib and Peeran Ditta Sahib accompanied him. Huzooras was in ill health, so he sent word to Hazrat Munshi Abdullah Sanaurira to come over and assist him in the daily correspondence.

Despite his health issues, the Promised Messiahas remained occupied in conveying the message to the masses. During his stay there, people were incited openly to assassinate him and multiple attempts were also made on his life. People approached him with the intention of murder, but Huzooras remained under God’s protection.

The situation was difficult as there was no proper personal security in place for Huzooras at his residence. Despite this, others would still visit him regularly and enjoy his discourses.

13 April 1891: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to his companion, Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. This fortunate person was the deputy inspector at the railroad police, Lahore and had a close relationship and was in regular contact with the Promised Messiahas. In this postcard, Huzooras reminded this trusted companion to buy and dispatch a certain English remedy from

merchants in the cantonment area of Jalandhar.

15 April 1886: A girl was born in the late hours of Friday at the house of the Promised Messiahas.

She was named Ismat. The birth of this girl proved to be a trial for the weak in faith, as they were expecting the “Promised Son” – as prophesied by the Promised Messiahas – but a girl was born who later passed away. Meanwhile, Christian and Hindu opponents took this opportunity and published countless articles in newspapers. The subject of those articles was that the prophecy about the Promised Son proved to be false. However, Huzooras said that there was reason and logic in the birth of a girl for those who could contemplate. Abdur Rahim Dard Sahibra has recorded the situation accurately in his book, Life of Ahmad. A storm of ridicule and abuse was raised by the sworn enemies of Islam, who were bent at any cost upon throwing dirt at the Champion of Islam.

The Christian paper Nur Afshan (on 3 June 1886), Pandit Lekhram of the Arya Samaj (in his Ishtihar dated 25 April 1886), Nabi Bakhsh, a Muslim of Lahore and others declared that the prophecy was falsified by the birth of the daughter.

15 April 1908: The Promised Messiahas invited a staunch opponent, Maulvi Sanaullah of Amritsar to settle issues through a mubahala (prayer duel), but Sanaullah turned down the opportunity and for many decades had to witness the progress of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He died at Sargodha, a city near Rabwah in 1948 after losing his young son and suffering from a stroke.

While looking back into the historic background of this hostility, we find that primarily, the mubahala challenge was given by the Promised Messiahas in his book Anjame-Atham published in 1897. At that time, the Promised Messiahas was 62 years old and Maulvi Sanaullah was a young man of 29. The ulema of that period to whom Huzooras particularly extended his challenge were listed in a notification which is appended to the book Anjam-e-Atham. In that list, the name of Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib appears at number 11.

In response to this challenge, Maulvi Sanaullah remained silent for years. We find that later, the Promised Messiahas, in the newspaper Badr of 4 April 1907, in reply to the call of mubahala by Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib, published a notice of acceptance of this challenge. Later, the Promised Messiahas published a notification captioned, “Final decision with Maulana Sanaullah Sahib Amratsari” on 15 April 1908.

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

gatherings in mosques return again.”

At the end of his sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa read out extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiahas: “Once the Promised Messiahas said to Hazrat Mufti Sahibra ‘to keep houses lit with lights and in these days’ – it was the days of the plague – ‘houses should be kept very clean, clothes should also be kept clean’.

The Promised Messiahas said, ‘Days are very arduous at present and the atmosphere is poisonous; cleanliness is also Sunnah [the practice of the Holy Prophetsa]. It is also written in the Holy Quran: َ َ َ ْ ‫ابﻚ َ‌ف َﻄ ّه ْر َ‌والرُّ ْج َز َ‌ف‬ ‫اه ُج ْر‬ ‫و‌ ِثي‬ ِ [“And keep thy clothes clean. And uncleanliness do thou shun.” (Ch. 74: V. 5-6)]’ “Then, at another occasion, the Promised Messiahas said, ‘Those who are seeing the plague spread with intensity in their towns and villages should not leave their areas; they should keep their houses clean and warm while also taking all essential precautions. The most important aspect is that they seek true forgiveness. By undergoing a pure transformation, they should seek peace with God Almighty.

Waking up at night, they should profusely pray in Tahajud.’

“Then he [the Promised Messiahas] said, ‘It is only the true transformation of oneself that can protect from this punishment of God. And how true this is.’

“May Allah the Almighty enable every Ahmadi to pay special attention towards prayers in these days. Follow the instructions of the government as well and keep your houses clean; incense should be used and continue to spray Dettol [disinfectants] etc. which are available.

“May Allah the Almighty have grace and mercy upon everyone. In any case, pay great attention towards prayers in these days. May Allah enable everyone to do this.”

While the world has come to a halt and businesses are on a break until this battle comes to an end, under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, auxiliary organisations of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya around the world have taken measures to ensure that Ahmadis in their respective countries are kept engaged with daily online activities. Not only this, but they are also reminded to help in relief efforts for those fellow countrymen and women who are less able to help themselves.

Within the UK, for example, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya has introduced many initiatives to keep the youth engaged in spiritual and educational activities.

With regard to efforts to keep both Atfal and Khuddam engaged, Farhad Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Atfal UK, told Al Hakam: “At this time, Huzoor-e-Anwaraa has guided that we should utilise our time productively and under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, MKA is engaging Atfal and Khuddam through

various online initiatives.”

Farhad Sahib told us that some of the initiatives they are running include: • Spring Retreat: A week-long online class series where four lectures are delivered every day on Urdu, Arabic and answering allegations against Islam and finally, a class on history and religion • Islam in 60 – Motivational videos about Islam on a daily basis • The Atfal Show: A weekly 15-minute YouTube show, including a live quiz and videos from Atfal. This is a programme for Atfal by Atfal • Daily Reminder: Motivational videos on a daily basis • Golden Words: Daily videos based on quotes of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa • Daily AMYA Fit: Videos on how to exercise • Daily Insights: Videos to keep Atfal motivated • Daily Dua: A daily video to memorise prayers. Similarly, a poster is being uploaded daily too • Khuddam and Atfal Live YouTube Workouts: At least four times a week, Khuddam and Atfal separately run their live workout sessions

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

Holding fast to the Quran and Sunnah Hazrat Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Leave me as I leave you, for the people who were before you were ruined because of their questions and their differences over their prophets. So, if I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

• Monthly Khuddam talim tests: Online tests based on religious knowledge

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

• Tahir Magazine: Atfal write for their magazine about their experiences of this period of social distancing

What are morals?

• Weekly Talim Webinar: Discussions on YouTube on issues such as the existence of God • Kahoot Quizzes: Weekly online Kahoot quizzes for Atfal and Khuddam to take part live and become champions. These comprise of both religious and secular topics • Let’s Talk: Initiative for Atfal to take part in a discussion twice a week on a communication platform where they can ask questions to a missionary • Atfal Trainee Scheme: A scheme for almost 100 Atfal to receive lessons for eight weeks on administrative skills, photography, becoming a junior journalist etc.

• Writing letters to the NHS: Atfal write letters to key workers to show their appreciation and support • Atfal classes: Regional and local classes are being held online across the country for Atfal. Aside from that, two national classes are running once a week At the same time, Lajna Imaillah – the ladies wing of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat – both in the United Kingdom and around the world is currently serving humanity through initiatives like food banks and occupying its members during the lockdown period through book study schemes.

Dr Fariha Khan, Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK, told Al Hakam: “Lajna Imaillah is serving humanity during the Covid-19 crisis through khidmat-e-khalq [service to mankind] efforts by helping with shopping, collecting/delivering prescriptions, Continued on page 5

Now, one should reflect over what things are worth asking for? Firstly, morals, which raise a person to the status of a human being. One should not surmise that gentle behaviour alone is what constitutes good morals. Creation (khalq) and morals (khulq) are two Arabic words which give corresponding meanings. The word khalq refers to physical birth i.e. the creation of one’s ears, nose, hair, etc., whereas khulq refers to inner, spiritual birth. As such, inner faculties which are the distinguishing factor between a human and non-human are all encompassed in the term khulq. Even a person’s intellect and thoughts etc. and all their other faculties are a part of khulq.

Through khulq, a person reforms their human character. If a person had no responsibilities, one would have to ask whether they were a human, a donkey or something else. When a person’s khulq becomes corrupted, nothing is left but their physical form. For example, if one loses one’s senses, they are deemed mad, and are considered to be a human only by virtue of their apparent figure.

Hence, morals are to attain the

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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pleasure of God Almighty (which is personified in the practical life of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). For this reason, it is necessary for us to mould our own lives in accordance with the life of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

These morals are a foundation and if this foundation is weak, an edifice cannot be built upon it.

Morals are to place one brick over another. If one brick is misaligned, the entire wall shall be crooked.

Someone has rightly stated: � ‫� اول �ں � �ر‬ � ‫� � �� � رود د�� �ار‬

The ExCel Exhibition Centre: A witness to blossoms of soul and body

“When the builder lays crooked the very first brick; The wall will remain crooked even if it reaches the heaven.”

One ought to pay close attention to these matters. I have seen many men and analysed them closely to find that some are generous, but are also prone to anger and they are easily irritated. There are some who show forbearance, but they are also miserly. There are some who are so bold that they will wound a person, striking them with bats in a state of anger and fury, but have no traces of humility and modesty in them.

Then, I have observed some who are humble and modest to the utmost extent, but are bereft of the quality of bravery, to the extent that they become petrified by even hearing about plague or cholera. I do not say that those who suffer a lack of bravery are devoid of faith.

There were some from among the companions of the Holy Prophetsa who did not have the strength and courage for battle. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would consider them excused. There are numerous aspects of morality. In my address at the Conference of Great Religions, I have described all of these aspects clearly and at length. All people neither possess every moral quality, nor are they completely deprived either.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 128-129)

Asif M Basit

27 May is one the most significant dates on the calendar of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya; more so in the heart of every Ahmadi. It was on this date in 1908 that the divine institution of Khilafat was established, following the demise of the founder of the Ahmadiyya

Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be upon him.

What was seen by opponents as a wishful fantasy of a handful of Ahmadis – which they predicted would perish very soon – continued to flourish and become an institution working globally for the propagation of Islam and service

of humanity. 100 years of challenges and obstacles, paired albeit with multiple successes and prosperity, flew by and the Jamaat witnessed a great milestone in the history of Khilafat – the centennial celebrations on 27 May 2008.

This magnificent century of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Caliphate saw its office relocate from Qadian – where it had taken birth – to a town called Rabwah in Pakistan, and later to London when Pakistan’s anti-Ahmadiyya laws left no stone unturned to curb the growth of the Ahmadiyyat.

So the Caliphate and its headquarters were based in London when the time came for its centennial celebrations.

Many thousands were expected to attend the event and a suitable venue had to be finalised to house this huge gathering. A number of venues were considered, but the one that seemed to be most favourable in all regards was the world-famous ExCel Exhibition Centre in the east of London.

With deals finalised and signed, those wishing to attend were informed of the venue. These ardent lovers of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya i.e. of humanity started making

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM travel arrangements to be able to attend the historic event at the ExCel Centre. Who were these thousands who flocked to the ExCel Centre in the early summer of 2008?

They were Ahmadi Muslims who believe in the One God, His Prophet Muhammadsa, His Mahdi and Messiah and the chain of succession that followed the Mahdi and Messiah – the succession called Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya-Muslimah.

They were Ahmadis who pledge to be ready to sacrifice their life, wealth, time and honour – anything and everything – for the cause of their nation; who love the country that they live in; who believe in the teaching of Islam that saving one life is akin to saving the whole of humanity.

These 19,000 Ahmadis revived their pledge to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya in the ExCel Centre 12 years ago on 27 May 2008.

When news spread that the ExCel Centre had been chosen to establish a temporary hospital to treat coronavirus patients, my mind went 12 years back.

It was as if I could hear the loud slogans of Allah-u-Akbar that had been raised 12 years ago in those very halls. Yes, God indeed is great. Only 9 days to set up a hospital and that too with critical care equipment! Allah-u-Akbar!

The hall that once provided spiritual care for thousands will now be providing medical care to thousands. Although we very much hope and pray that the number, in this case, does not hit thousands, but the stunning provision is in place.

What shocked me, even more, was to see Prince Charles inaugurate the makeshift hospital from Scotland via video link. This again reminded me how, from this very hall, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had been connected via video link Continued from page 3

providing the prescribed homeopathy medicine, cooking and delivering food, delivering essential supplies packs, distributing neighbourhood care cards, feeding the homeless, donating items to food banks and distributing medicine that is otherwise not easily accessible due to shortages.

“Apart from this, the Lajna talim [education] department has been sending quizzes to members. The sanat-o-tijarat [trade and industry] department has been sending videos and information promoting learning new skills and are currently making face masks for vulnerable individuals. The ishaat [publications] department has sent recommended reading lists.

“The tarbiyat department has found that their work on parenting has come at a very apt point as they have uploaded parenting workshops online, which are proving very useful for those mothers who are home-schooling their children these days.

“The sehat-e-jismani [health and fitness] department is sending correct upto-date information regarding Covid-19 and how to keep fit, both physically and mentally, but also debunking myths.

“The Nasirat department has been very busy. Nasirat all over the country have been taking part in projects such as focusing on

Khilafat Centenary Jalsa held at ExCel Centre, London, 27 May 2008

to its previous headquarters in Qadian (India) and Rabwah (Pakistan). They had joined the pledge of allegiance to Khilafat – the torchbearer of humanity in this day age – live through webstream.

The intention here is not to draw conclusions. So let’s end this piece by paying tribute to the NHS staff who will be working here as they look after critically ill

citizens of our country; also, by reminding those who will be treated here that the man who delivered a historic address at this conference centre 12 years ago, is busy praying for them, for their families and for humanity at large – the one and only Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. His prayers are heard and will be

heard by God Almighty.

The hospital at ExCel Centre has been, most befittingly, named Nightingale Hospital, after Florence Nightingale.

Florence means to “blossom in faith”.

When we recover from this pandemic, the blossoms of spring might have succumbed to the heat of summer, but we will surely all have “Florenced”.

finishing their first reading of the Holy Quran, memorising duas [prayers], online Nasirat classes and also making pictures and posters for the NHS. “The social media team has been very active in sending tweets and Instagram posts and also many blog posts related to this pandemic.

“I have been sending regular messages to Lajna in order to keep in touch with them and to keep their spirits high.”

This is only an example of what is keeping members of the Jamaat in the UK busy.

By the grace of Allah, throughout the world, the Jamaat’s auxiliary bodies are working tirelessly in a similar fashion to engage its members as much as possible, despite not being able to physically attend mosques and centres.

And that’s not all.

Aside from the Ahmadi doctors, nurses, pharmacists and many other staff and employees serving throughout the world during this crisis, Ahmadis, through its auxiliary bodies, are providing relief and comfort to those that have been affected.

It is truly a faith-inspiring spectacle when the Ahmadiyya Movement continues with its mission of tarbiyat and tabligh in the midst of a global crisis. How true are the words that “there is no earthly creature that can hinder the growth of Islam Ahmadiyyat”!

May Allah quickly alleviate the world

from this suffering and let us come out of this battle even stronger, spiritually, physically and morally.

Al Hakam wishes to remind everyone

to pray for all healthcare and key workers, all Ahmadis and of course, the whole of humanity.

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Prophet Muhammad’s teachings regarding pandemics Aizaz Khan Missionary, Canada

Every morning, like clockwork, I get two particular notifications on my phone. One tells me the weather in my local city and the other tells me the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in some part of the world. The real tragedy in all this is that we’re living in times where checking the number of deaths due to a pandemic is not so different from checking the weather – you can see how it’s changed since the night before, take a glance at the upcoming week’s projected forecast, maybe compare your city to another and even anticipate that it’s so unpredictable, you’ll be surprised just hours later.

It goes without saying, the unraveling of Covid-19’s timeline over the past several weeks has perplexed the masses – travel bans, social distancing, self-isolation and a newfound obsession with what are otherwise expected hygienic practices.

All the while, one can’t help but wonder in amazement at the parallels that can be drawn between these preventative measures and those found in Islamic history.

After all, Islam has been handling pandemics for more than 1,400 years and an honest study of the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, demonstrates that infection control is inherent in Islamic practices.

Here are five of Prophet Muhammad’ssa teachings regarding pandemics: 1. Travel bans and quarantine The Holy Prophetsa recognised and preached the importance of travel bans and quarantine

in places contaminated with disease in order to mitigate the spread of illness. He said, “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; and if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) The wisdom in these teachings asserts that when confronting any outbreak, it is absolutely imperative that we assume the worst until we know otherwise (and act accordingly). Thus, strict travel bans imposed much earlier in Covid-19’s timeline could very well have curtailed the spread of the virus.

2. Social distancing and isolation The Holy Prophetsa practiced social distancing as well. It is reported that a leprous man once wished to pledge his allegiance to him, an act that would require him to touch or hold the Holy Prophet’ssa hand.

Keeping his distance, the Holy Prophetsa kindly sent word to him that his pledge had already been accepted and that he should return home. (Sunan Ibn Majah) Regarding isolation, the Holy Prophetsa taught that those who are sick should not in any way compromise the community at large. He said, “Do not place a sick patient with a healthy person.” This teaching was extended to animals as well; “The cattle suffering from a disease should not be mixed with healthy cattle.” (Sahih alBukhari)

In our current circumstances, social distancing and self-isolation have been frustratingly difficult for governments to impose. Ultimately, they have been compelled to lay heavy fines – in some cases up to $750,000 for failing to self-isolate – and even imprisonment for not obeying emergency laws.

In stark contrast to this, Muslims in the time of the Holy Prophetsa and thereafter practiced social distancing and isolation as if it was a religious injunction.

Hazrat Umarra once encouraged a leprous woman who was circling the Holy Ka‘bah in Mecca to go back to her home as it would be better for her (and others). After Hazrat Umar’sra demise, a man told her that the one who forbade her had passed away so she could go and circle the Ka‘bah as she pleased. She replied, “I am not going to be the one who only obeys him when he is alive and disobeys him when he has passed away.”

Indeed, this is a beautiful example that reflects the spiritual power and impact of the Holy Prophetsa and his rightly guided Khulafa.

3. Hygiene If there is one thing people have learned over the past several weeks, it is proper handwashing techniques and thorough hygienic practices – a hallmark of Islam.

Any Muslim child can quote verbatim the tradition that states, “Cleanliness is half of the faith.”

Before each of the five daily prayers, a Muslim performs an ablution that comprises of ritual cleaning from head to toe with clean water. The Holy Prophetsa also taught through his practice that the right and left hands should be used to handle pure and impure things respectively, further

committing to a high standard of cleanliness on a day-to-day basis.

Furthermore, when he would sneeze, the Holy Prophetsa would cover his face and muffle the sneeze, effectively containing the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses.

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi) In essence, Muslims are taught that physical cleanliness and spiritual purity have a close affinity with one another. Thus, the Holy Quran teaches, “Indeed, Allah loves those who turn to Him [repenting] and he loves those who keep themselves clean and

pure.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.223) 4. Seeking medical treatment Islam, as taught by the Holy Prophetsa, is a practical and progressive faith-based system. The Holy Prophetsa encouraged people to seek medical assistance alongside relying on the power of prayer.

Once, he was asked by a group of Bedouins if it would be considered sinful if they did not seek medical treatment. He replied, “Seek (medical) treatment, O Slaves of Allah, for Allah does not create any disease but He also creates with it the cure, except for old age.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) The Holy Prophetsa also clarified that seeking medical assistance coupled with divine intervention was the key to successful treatment; “Every disease has a cure. If a cure is applied to the disease, it is relieved by the permission of Allah the Almighty”.

(Sahih Muslim) Continued on page 8

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Editorial

Infodemic: A by-product of the pandemic

The only good thing about a pandemic is that their potential harm is acknowledged, assessed and then combated with all possible means. Such united and focused effort at a global scale is what has seen tides turn in the past and we hope to see the same with this coronavirus.

But the worst thing about pandemics is that they bring along a number of social and moral issues that are left totally unattended or given very little attention.

One such socio-moral evil that has seen a spike directly proportional to that of the disease itself is infodemic.

Misinformation, as the name suggests, is the spread of false information. This moral pandemic needs to be addressed, before things get out of hand (if they haven’t already, that is).

With roots in irresponsible actions of individuals and having stemmed into social media groups, this tree has had branches spread into international politics. Society in general has always become ever more vulnerable to this moral vice in crises like the one we are going through these days – a global state of emergency.

Let us take a look at the “chain of transmission” of this virus of misinformation; very aptly is this process called “going viral”.

So we start from the very basic level. A member of the Jamaat fell ill and had to be admitted to hospital. He was quite a wellknown figure in the Jamaat. The type of WhatsApp messages that began pouring in started off with enquiring what had happened, how it happened, whether it was Covid-19, and, very sadly, some even seemed inquisitive about the prognosis.

This all started off with a single message from an individual asked in a group, then sent out in further groups and then in even more groups. So an individual’s question kept getting multiplied every time and ended up transmitted globally in a very large number of groups.

Then started an even stranger series of messages, where everyone in all of those groups seemed to be pooling in any information that they had. The gentleman who had had a heart attack, ended up being “diagnosed” with a variety of illnesses and conditions by a variety of people in a variety

of worldwide groups.

This speculation went on for a few days and then someone, somewhere, suddenly got bored and decided to take it to the next level. Hence, a large number of people woke up one morning to see in their WhatsApp groups the gentleman’s photo with the announcement that he had passed away.

This started off another discussion – whether the news was true or false. The two camps that emerged – one saying it was true and the other saying that it wasn’t – had only begun to convince each other that the news of his demise spread in social media groups again.

This time, the news of his passing away was accurate, but the previous episode of misinformation left this correct information in shadows of mistrust and the silly discussions started to roll out again.

Imagine the agony and distress of the family as they saw all this happen; all in a moment when they required support and consolation and not a bout of this

“infodemic”.

With the news of the gentleman’s demise confirmed started a whole new series of instructions about how to pay respects and about funeral arrangements. Random individuals decided to take on the self-styled roles of undertakers, funeral directors and marshals as they continued to spread baseless instructions. Random laymen turned into jurists and voluntarily issued fatwas as to how funerals should be conducted in the state of a pandemic.

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased continued to endure the pain of what was seen by others as a mere game of ping-pong, with all the wrong type of information being hurled through the catapult of WhatsApp and other such platforms.

This is a time of great uncertainty.

Conspiracy theorists have taken full advantage of these times and present the slightest inklings of their hearts and minds as thoroughly researched and proven facts. “It is Russia that is behind all of this”; “America released this virus in China”; “China sent it back to America”; “It’s just a flu and the rest is Western propaganda”; Vaccinations are already there, but ‘they’ are not letting it slip out”.

At a time when the general public was in an extremely fragile mental state, ready to believe anything, they deserved to be allowed to focus on the instructions that they were being given in terms of precautionary measures from credible sources.

Misinformation played a big role in delaying the public taking expert advice seriously and responding in a more responsible and cautious manner.

At the onset of the outbreak, some radio and television channels played the unbecoming role of fearmongers, leaving aside the role expected of them as information providers. With something

The roots of "fake news" from UNESCO's World Trends Report

so new to everyone, including virologists and epidemiologists, some radio presenters posed to be great experts and painted the bleakest and scariest pictures, with fewer facts and an abundance of fantasy.

Then started pouring in facts – figures of people infected, those who had been put on ventilators, the shortage of ventilators, personal protection equipment becoming scarce, less trained staff in ICUs than required and, sadly, the numbers of those who had succumbed to the coronavirus and died.

Television and radio channels now started running after facts, but only those facts that could keep the fear alive and fuel the bottomless appetite of revenue.

The sad thing is that channels that have no commercial agendas – at the prima facie at least – sided with fear-mongering tactics.

What was never or hardly ever mentioned was the number of people who had recovered after contracting the virus and walked back home on their own two feet. These were in far greater numbers than those who lay battling the virus in ICUs or those who had unfortunately died.

Was it to keep the masses in a state of fear so they didn’t lift their foot off the pedal? Well, even then, it was their right to be shown the light at the end of the tunnel to maintain their ability to pull through these utterly difficult and sorrowful days.

Then came the time when the figures of those who had recovered started to appear, albeit briefly, on channels that were slightly more on the sensible end of the spectrum.

But by then, misinformation, like the virus itself, had undergone mutation and taken a new shape. It had now incubated itself in groups that started blaming 5G networks for the spread of coronavirus. It now thrived on groups that tried to prove that the good news from China was not really as good as it sounded; that the numbers were not being reported fairly.

The Covid-19 pandemic is nearing its peak in many countries. Some seem to have reached their peak, some are seeing the curves of bad news plateauing and for a very few, it now seems to be heading back to the bottom axis.

God willing, this pandemic of Covid-19 will be over. But what about the pandemic of misinformation? If it has ever seen its peak in human history, it is now. Will it ever decline? We do not want to give any assertive reply and add more to the misinformation industry. Let’s hope it does.

Even before both had got out of hand, the WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebryesus said in a statement, “We are not just fighting a epidemic, we are fighting an infodemic”.

As we just typed the word “infodemic”, our MS Word’s latest edition is showing a red line to mark it as a misspelled word.

It does not yet know, like many, that the latest edition of Oxford Dictionary of New Words has taken it on. What an impact this infodemic has had!

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

8

How the Muslim world used soap, distilled alcohol and quarantine

Jalees Ahmad London

Many people ask what Islam has provided to the world; what good has come from Muslims, Islam and following the teachings of Islam.

This question is harshly and rather ignorantly pressed with a special demand asking for the Muslim contribution towards science and research.

Of course, for anyone who has studied a bit of the history of Islam, it is clear how Muslim scientists, doctors, academics and philosophers provided the pillars of modern advancements in science, innovation and research across a plethora of disciplines.

Muslims, first a foremost, present the revolutionary teachings of the Holy Quran that span across countless subjects; morals, purpose, ethics, society, economy, international peace, science, research, discovery, the role of religion, atheism, the soul, the Hereafter etc. By following such teachings, humanity can (as proven throughout the history of Islam) steer its ship towards huge advancements spiritually and physically. Couple these teachings with the practise of the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of

Allah be upon him, and you have a force of good that the world had never seen.

Here, I would like to magnify a small snippet from the history of the great Islamic civilisation in which huge steps for medicine were taken.

Ever since the outbreak of Covid-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) have emphasised on many occasions that to prevent further spread, everyone should wash their hands, often, using soap for at least 20 seconds and to apply hand sanitisers. Along with the recommendations of hygiene, countries have been forced to go into lockdown and quarantine to prevent the continuous spread of this virus and to “turn the tide” and “flatten the curve”.

All these methods have been used throughout history. Yet, it is be interesting to learn that these inventions and approaches came about during the Islamic Golden Age. In narrations of the Holy Prophetsa, he emphasised a great deal on cleanliness and even said, “Cleanliness is half of faith”. He urged Muslims to continuously brush their teeth, use perfume and to keep nails and pubic hair always cut and trimmed. Thus, with such importance given to cleanliness, it does not come as a surprise if the invention of soap was by a Muslim.

Recipes of making hard-soap can be found and traced back to the Islamic Golden Age, and more specifically to Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (854–925), a Muslim Persian philosopher, physician and an important figure in the history of medicine.

The book Science

and Technology in Islam: Technology and Applied Sciences provides the following evidence in support to soap making in the Islamic Golden Age: “By AD 800, soap from animal fats was produced in Europe which had a very unpleasant smell. But hard toilet soap with a pleasant smell from the Islamic lands started to arrive.

“In the Islamic lands, soap-making was an established industry. Recipes for soapmaking occur in alchemical treatises such as those of al-Razi.”

In fact, Muhammad ibn Zakariya alRazi also gave recipes for making olive oil.

The Holy Quran is very clear that the consumption of alcohol is forbidden. The Quran also states that there is some benefit in it, but the sin of its consumption is greater than the benefit. On multiple occasions, the Quran enjoins upon the Muslims to ponder and think about the universe and world around them. This push by the Author of the Holy Quran further helped and drove Muslims to continue pursuing knowledge and new ways and inventions in benefiting mankind.

Thus, wisdom dictates, that though the consumption of alcohol isn’t permissible, its use in a way of striving for the wellbeing of mankind is allowed.

The famous hand sanitisers of today are strongly based on the antibacterial properties of distilled alcohol. Early Muslim scientists had been using alcohol in their Continued from page 6

5. Free medical care Free medical care and financial assistance during a pandemic are crucial in successfully controlling the spread of illness.

If the citizens of a nation know that they will be provided and cared for, they will be more likely to follow sanctions that could otherwise put them in financial distress.

The bait-ul-mal (government treasury) was conceptualised in the time of the Holy Prophetsa and formally established during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra. The taxes collected in this treasury were used to provide for the poor, disabled, elderly, orphans, widows and others in need. The government was also made responsible to stockpile food supplies in case of disaster or famine.

It is reported that Hazrat Umarra was on his way to Syria, when he came across

medical practices and discoveries for a very long time, such as Jabir ibn Hayyan who described the distillation of wine in his works.

Science and Technology in Islam explains that alcohol from distilled wine was heavily used from the time of Jabir ibn Hayyan, famously known as the father of chemistry.

Various other scholars also mentioned the distillation of wine and its medical properties such as Al-Kindi, another prominent figure, in his book The Book of the Chemistry of Perfume and Distillations.

Today, many countries have resorted to a full country lockdown in order to control Covid-19 from further spreading. This method is also known as quarantine. The method of quarantine, or, isolating oneself from others during an illness, can first be seen during the Umayyad Caliphate when the first hospital in Damascus for this purpose alone was made. (The Oxford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Science, and Technology in Islam) Thomas Walker Arnold, a British orientalist and historian of Islamic art, in his book, The Preaching of Islam: A History of the Propagation of the Muslim Faith mentions an incident of Hazrat Umarra. Whilst highlighting the topic of how Hazrat Umarra treated people of other faiths, it has been recorded that he ordered an allowance of money and food to be made available to some Christian lepers. As recorded by Tabari, charity toward lepers was shown again by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid, who established a leprosarium in Damascus in 707 AD. This did not serve as a hospital as known today, but as a shelter and a place whereby those infected could isolate from society, thus inhibiting further spread of the disease. (A History of Medicine: Byzantine and Islamic Medicine) Many of the basic medicinal practices that we rely heavily on today actually originate from discoveries made by the Muslim world.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, recently urged Ahmadi Muslim scientists and researchers to reignite the dawn of a new era for scientific advancement made by Muslims. Let us hope that this new wave is nigh and the teachings of the Holy Quran once again push humanity towards advancement and discovery. a group of Christians afflicted with leprosy.

He immediately ordered that a medical allowance be provided to them from the government treasury so they could seek medical treatment. Hazrat Umarra also ordered Muslims to keep a close watch on prisoners and provide for all of their medical needs as required.

In conclusion, the Holy Prophet Muhammad’ssa teachings around pandemics propose an infection control mechanism that calls for both faith and practical measures to be taken in order to effectively contain infectious diseases.

Today, world leaders have two equally important responsibilities – solving the Covid-19 crisis and improving the way we respond to outbreaks in the future. Without a doubt, the history of Islam’s battle against pandemics is indispensable and could very well guide our infection control systems now and in the future.

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

“Silence the guns” An unforgiving world during Covid-19

Ataul Fatir Tahir London

Antonio Guterres, the ninth SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations struck a chord amid the grim fiasco of Covid-19; “The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of

war”, he noted earlier this week.

The global pandemic that ignores race, religion and borders has, thankfully, drawn society closer together. Ironically, despite isolation and distancing, it seems we have emerged closer as a society.

Neighbours are caring for each other by picking up shopping, prescriptions or just checking in for those in need; families are reconnecting on WhatsApp or Zoom calls; parents are spending valuable time with children and the public is showing their appreciation to health professionals from their windows. Charities have also taken their good work to a higher gear and all sorts of positive online initiatives have sprung.

It is, however, extremely important to step outside this echo chamber of positivity and open our eyes to the ongoing “folly of war”.

Governments are most definitely collaborating to overcome the Coronavirus; Chinese health professionals have landed in

a plethora of countries, including severely hit Italy to assist, Russia has sent medical supplies to the USA and the statements from the WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee meetings have been positive towards international cooperation amid the virus.

Behind these curtains of hope lurks the dark truth of ongoing international warfare, ugly geopolitics, crippling sanctions and heart-breaking stories of the most vulnerable in society. As Antonio Guterres put it, “The most vulnerable – women and children, people with disabilities, the marginalised and the displaced – pay the highest price.”

Wars and sanctions continue despite

a common enemy; Covid-19. But, sadly, a common foe will not stop nations fighting each other. As a result, war-struck countries have less access to medical supplies, health professionals are targeted, health systems collapse, sanitation and hygiene is compromised and almost impossible, access to food, water and shelter becomes scarce and the overall threat of contracting and dying from the virus increases.

Add this to the mental and physical suffering of those parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends and family who must suffer while bombs drop above their head and sanctions squeeze the neck of their existence. Forget social distancing, being safe even at home is impossible.

What needs to happen, as the secretarygeneral rightly pointed out, is to “end the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world”, not temporarily, but forever.

Light at the end of the tunnel has been seen during this pandemic. Despite US sanctions on Iran and their resolve not to relieve them, Europe has began shipping relief to the country, despite pressure not to. However, this is not near enough what needs to be achieved.

In his message, Antonio Guterres said that “to silence the guns, we must raise the voices for peace.” Yes, we must raise our voices for peace, and frankly they have been raised since the First World War, but no lasting peace has ruled in modern history.

A practical and effective solution is first needed for us to even come close to lasting world peace.

Teachings of “absolute justice”, “upholding the rights of humanity”, “tolerance and mutual respect”, dropping “vested interests”, “establishing fair and honest dialogue, to “like for others what we like for ourselves” and “recognising God”, that Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the worldwide leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has relentlessly preached in light of the Quran need to be adopted for everlasting peace. These are the practical and effective steps that will “silence the guns” forever.

Let’s hold onto the glimpse of hope we have witnessed during this pandemic but, at the same time, open our eyes to the catastrophic threats that linger throughout the world.

For you and me, the comfort of our homes, connecting with family and having a steady supply of food and medicine, is a norm we enjoy while we isolate. For millions of others who have lost family, don’t have medical treatment and have had the roof over their heads stripped, the outbreak is just another problem on the list to haunt them physically and mentally.

As we emerge from the virus, God willing, let our reflections on society grow to where we look beyond ourselves and strive for practical solutions for peace.

Our emergence should build on the current positivity of unity and “helping thy neighbour” while shedding the skin of hate, discord and war.

Let’s return to God and serving His creation; the solution to humanity’s failure.

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Retracing Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq’s travels in America

Ghulam Misbah Lecturer, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

While serving in England as an Ahmadi Muslim missionary, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957) received instructions from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra to travel to the United States of America and establish the Ahmadiyya mission there.

Thus, he departed from Liverpool on 26 January 1920 and reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 15 February. Upon his arrival, he was refused entry into the United States and was detained for nearly seven weeks at the Gloucester City immigration station in New Jersey. Eventually, he was allowed to enter the country and start his missionary work.

As one of the first voices of Islam in America, he utilised every method possible to convey the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the masses. He visited different cities, delivering lectures and met Americans from all walks of life.

While we celebrate the historic 100-years anniversary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in USA in this centennial year of 2020, we try to retrace some of his journeys in the United States through newspaper archives.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra was in the news from the very day he arrived in Philadelphia. Apart from local Philadelphian newspapers such as The Philadelphia Record, Public Record, North American, Evening Bulletin and Public Ledger etc., other newspapers also reported his arrival. The headline of Pittsburgh Daily Post read: “Mahomet Missioner Comes to Convert – Antithesis of Billy Sunday to ‘Evangelize’ America “Boy, page Billy Sunday. Tell him there’s a competitor of his’n in the hoosegow. His name is Mufti Mohammed Sadiq, American missionary of the Prophet Mohammed, and he aims to convert Americans… “‘When I am permitted to land,’ said Sadiq today, ‘I am going to New York to establish a center there and … to start the Ahmadi movement.’ Ahmadism, Sadiq explained, is an advanced form of Mohammedanism.”

(Pittsburgh Daily Post, Sunday, 22 February 1920, p. 9) Soon after, he took up residence in New York City. The Ahmadiyya community’s pioneer newspaper Al Hakam mentions two of his postal addresses in 1920 and they are: 245 West 72 Street, NY and 1897 Madison Ave NY

(Al Hakam, 7 July 1920, p. 11) Missionary work was carried out through articles in newspapers and correspondence with different dignitaries and other individuals.

For example, Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Daily Monitor in its edition of 29 July 1920, page 8, under the heading of “Costly Movement on to Convert Americans to Muhammadism” reports: “The Tribune today received propaganda from an Indian Buddihist or Mohammedan who has come to the United States to convert the country. Evidently the literature has gone to every newspaper in the United States and more is to follow in a comprehensive and costly effort to present the claims of Ahmad, claimed to be the Messiah of all religions who has come to save the people…

“Being stationed in New York, he had the opportunity to visit different cities to propagate the message of Islam. Among his journeys was a visit to Detroit, Michigan where he attended a meeting of Arab immigrant Muslims. An Arabic newspaper of New York, Al-Bayan, reported his visit in its edition of June 26, 1920 as follows: ‘[Translation] The Islamic Community in Detroit, Michigan has held a general body meeting on June 14 for the occasion of having Mr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, one of the best men of India. He has come all the way from New York especially just to visit the Islamic Community here in this city.

‘Mr Mufti begun this meeting with the following words “In the name of Allah, and blessings be sent upon the Holy Arab Prophet”.

Then he delivered his address in both English and Arabic, he expressed how the Muslims of India are highly determined and well dedicated to uplift the pride of Islam again, and how supportive they are towards their brothers in the East and the West. His address left a noble impact in the hearts of attendees.’” (Al Bayan, 26 June 1920, p. 3, 26 Court St, Brooklyn, NY) In his letter dated 7 August 1920, he expressed his intentions to move to Chicago, considering it more suitable as the centre of the Ahmadiyya mission (Al Fazl, 23 September 1920, p. 1). And in the very next letter, he wrote that he had reached Chicago.

In a brief report about “One Year’s Moslem Missionary Work in America”, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra mentioned the cities of Michigan City, Indiana, Sioux City, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. However, no further details are given about these journeys. (The Moslem Sunrise, Vol. I, no. 1, July 1921, p. 12) However according to the Sioux City Journal (Sioux City, Iowa) he was there in early April 1921 and delivered a lecture on the subject of “Oriental Religions” followed by questions. (Sioux City Journal, 14 April 1921, p. 10) Chicago remained his station. He reached Detroit on 5 February 1921, upon an invitation for lectures in the city. This time, he had adequate programmes in Detroit, which gave him widespread fame in the city and facilitated

his missionary work. Writing about one of his lectures, The Detroit Free Press, the city’s largest newspaper, published the following under the headline, “Moslems Avow Loyalty to US”: “Islam set before big business men and governmental heads of the neighbour city Sunday the most savery of Eastern dishes in a dinner tendered to Professor Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of India, missionary of the Ahmadia movement by which it is hoped to bring light to those who shout down any but the Christian religion.” (The Detroit Free Press, Monday, 14 February 1921, p. 3) He also secured the headlines: “Moslem Mufti Seeks to Make Detroit Islam” and “Moslem Hurls Tolerance Defy at Christian Pulpits” etc. in different editions of the aforementioned newspaper.

In Highland Park, a suburb of Detroit, a new mission house was established, in which Hazrat Mufti Sahib resided. It was from here that he started his renowned quarterly magazine The Moslem Sunrise.

In July 1921, he visited Toledo, Ohio. A local daily newspaper, The Toledo News Bee reported his visit and interview in its edition of 12 July 1921 under the heading “Plan a Mosque for Toledo”.

In the same month, he also visited Fort Wayne, Indiana and Bremen, Indiana upon the invitation of Mr and Mrs Michael Abraham. The Bremen Enquirer reported his visit on the front page of its 28 July 1921 issue, under the heading: “First Missionary of Moslems to US Visits in Bremen”.

Miss Elizabeth Barton, a learned lady who accepted Islam through Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra and was named Zeineb lived in Dowagiac, Michigan. She invited him to her city and arranged his lectures and debates. (Al Fazl, 10 October 1920, p. 2) Being invited to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he delivered a series of lectures there in early October 1921.

In February 1922, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra fell seriously ill, so much so that he even wrote his will (Al Fazl, 27 March 1922). By Allah’s grace, he recovered, but still suffered from an eye condition, for which he travelled to Niles, Michigan to be treated by the internationally known eye doctor Dr Frederick N Bonine (1863-1941). He was advised to see the doctor twice a week and during his free time during the rest of the week, he visited nearby cities and towns to convey the message of Islam. He paid a visit to the Michigan cities of Benton Harbor and Dowagiac, along with South Bend, Indiana. There, he delivered many lectures, distributed literature and gave interviews on Islam. (Al Fazl, 8 and 22 June 1922) In May 1922 he travelled to Chicago and once again made it the mission’s centre. The first Ahmadiyya mosque in America was built in Chicago on 4448 Wabash Avenue.

By the end of 1922 (most probably in October), he travelled to Ross and Stanley, North Dakota (nearly 970 miles from Chicago).

Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan)

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan) 13 February 1921

This is believed to be the farthest journey he had taken towards the west.

In Stanley, he delivered a lecture in Picture Hall. In all likelihood, this journey was undertaken at the invitation of some Muslim brethren residing near Ross. In his lecture, he thanked brothers Hessen Husain Jaha, Farhat, Omar and others. On his way back, he spent some days conveying the message of Islam in both Crookston and St Paul, Minnesota. (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue I, 1923, p. 166, 167) An organisation named Exchange Club in Grand Haven, Michigan invited him to deliver a lecture on Islam at a banquet attended by a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen.

Accepting the invitation, he travelled to Grand Haven in November 1922.

In The Moslem Sunrise, issue II, 1923, page 190, he mentions his tour of New York, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. The Buffalo Times under the heading “Islam Missioner Visits Buffalo” reported: “Muhammadans of this city are rejoicing for Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, first and only missionary of Islam to come to America, is here this week. Although he has been in America for three years, this is the doctor’s first visit to Buffalo …” (The Buffalo Times, 13 February 1923, page 15) The Buffalo Enquirer also interviewed him at 450 Seneca Street, which was published in its 12 February 1923 issue.

It was during this period that he was informed of his transfer to Qadian and that Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Dinra – who reached Chicago on 29 March 1923 – was to replace him in America (Al Fazl, 14 May 1923). He spent nearly three months with the new missionary and handed him charge of the

Copyright © 2018 Newspapers.com.

Rights Travelling Reserved. issue 4, p.All275). further, he reached mission. While awaiting the travel expenses from Qadian, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Williamson, West Virginia and met some Sadiqra visited yet more cities. As he had not Muslims working as coal miners (Al Fazl, 4 yet visited the western part of America, he September 1923). Logan, West Virginia was his intended to depart from the west coast for next stop where he was invited by some locals.

India via Japan. That would also enable him In his report in Al Fazl, dated 9 October to convey the message of Islam in western 1923, he mentioned his stay and preaching America, but the delay of travel expenses from activities in Washington DC, Philadelphia and Qadian made him give up this idea and he New York. ended up visiting neighbouring areas instead.

As he was to depart from the Port of Boston, In early July 1923, he was in Ashland, he travelled to Boston, making a short stay in Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia. Local Springfield, Massachusetts. He made good newspapers Ashland Daily Independent and The use of his time before departure by delivering Sunday Advertiser Huntington published his eminently successful lectures in Peabody, a interviews (The Moslem Sunrise, July 1923, city in the suburban area of the North Shore in

Massachusetts.

On 8 September 1923, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra travelled by ship from America to Europe, staying a few weeks in France. He arrived back in India at Bombay Port on 23 November 1923. Finally, he reached Qadian on 4 December 1923, where he was welcomed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra along with a good number of Ahmadis.

In brief, he travelled around 10,000 miles and visited 14 states of America – Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts.

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Mental health amid Covid-19 Samar Hafeez Clinical Psychologist and Holistic Health Coach, Bangalore, India

We are living in uncertain times; there is no denying it. Self-isolation and quarantine are in effect across the world. This has almost become the new norm.

In such times, it is absolutely imperative to mention that Covid-19 (the new coronavirus) is jolting everyone’s mental health. We are facing inconvenience and loss in our daily lives, not to mention the disruption it is causing on our emotional, social, environmental and financial management.

Widespread social distancing, drastic changes in stock markets, school and college closures, devastating news headlines, nationwide shut downs and lurking public health threat are contributors to unexpected mental health challenges.

Covid-19 is changing the face of the world as we know it; it is changing our perspective of ourselves and how we view others around us. Our resilience is being tested every single day. How do we navigate through these unsettling times is the new question that we will try to discuss further in this article.

Firstly, let us take a look at some of the negative consequences of this disease on mental health Fear and anxiety Negative emotions are on the high; people are frightened, confused, agitated and restless. Major shifts in daily routines, loss of income, loss of jobs, working from home while taking care of children and household chores is overwhelming, which is causing emotional distress. It puts us in a state of adjustment and re- adjustment, thereby increasing pressure on our adaptive capabilities.

Bread winners are particularly anxious due to their health and the threat of loss of employment. This feeling of lack of control is mentally exhausting and intimidating.

Being in a constant state of fear and anxiety pushes our body’s fight or flight response into overdrive. The result is that instead of helping us survive, it sets us in panic mode, which in turn makes us take all the irrational choices and decisions.

Health anxiety is another challenge.

People feel threatened each day with the growing cases of Covid-19; they have intense fear of contracting this serious disease and often worry that minor symptoms may indicate something serious.

A person may persistently clean themselves and their environment to the point where it causes them and others around them significant distress. Being cautious up to a certain point is helpful, however overdoing health care practices can take a toll on general mental well-being.

Social distancing and isolation We all understand the dire need to stay at home to prevent this virus from spreading; it is one of our best chances to defeat it, however it does come with negative consequences for many.

As humans are socially inclined species, we live and thrive on face to face social interactions. We all crave for get-togethers and family dinners. Any eerie and unaccompanied lifestyle seems unnatural and makes us uncomfortable, becoming almost unbearable.

Loneliness, as we all know, is a precursor for depression, anxiety and mood instabilities.

Over time, it can make one more doubtful and distrustful of others, making them

withdraw even more.

But of course, solitude is not to be confused with isolation; you can be alone and still not be lonely. Many individuals who live alone and who also see friends and family once in a while are mentally healthy. It is a subjective experience and only if you feel cut off from people and have no one to turn to is there a major risk factor.

Anger When someone is restricted and forced into confinement, not being allowed to go on with their daily routine creates a sense of frustration, which undoubtedly leads to anger outbursts. Impatient people can start displacing their anger on less harmful subjects like family members, children or even pets. Such behaviour strains interpersonal relations, adding to already existing distress.

Depression and suicide With social life curbed and work life halted, people are feeling more and more disassociated and bored. Work roles form a vital part of who we are, in other words, it is a crucial part of our identities. Many

relate themselves with the work they do; when the self-improvement opportunities are taken away, people tend to feel low and dejected. When talents and abilities go unutilised or untapped, there occurs a sense of unhappiness and dissatisfaction, which further extends into causing depression and negative outlook. Boredom can also lead to low physical energy, which lands you in an unending cycle of lethargy and laziness.

People who feel completely hopeless, helpless and worthless in such distressful times often have a high chance of developing suicidal thoughts. Seeing death and suffering everywhere can shove a person into considering taking their own life in order to escape from the crisis.

Recently, a few positive Covid-19 cases

who committed suicide have come to light.

Fear of stigmatisation, guilt and shame are a few reasons behind such a drastic step.

It is critical for a person or a supporter to contact first responders in case they or someone else are feeling actively suicidal.

Sleep disturbance and poor sleep quality Anxiety and fear has the power to decrease your sleep quality. Checking distressing headlines on news channels and social media platforms (especially when you watch just before bedtime) makes you worried and anxious, leading to physical agitation, which delays the time you take to fall asleep.

Apart from this, inactivity, monotonous routine and sedentary lifestyles are associated with diminished sleep during night. Avoiding naps during the day and following the same sleep patterns and timings everyday, even during lockdown, will help immensely to regulate sleep patterns.

Below are some insights that can help you navigate through these unsettling times.

1. Acceptance and awareness: Many countries are in a state of denial regarding Covid-19 and its harmful impact. They still believe it is something minor and will vanish after a few months, if not weeks.

Many are refusing to cooperate with the governments and are not adhering to public health safety measures. They are not only endangering their own health, but also that of their families and fellow citizens. It is undoubtedly hard to accept something this bad, but this, unfortunately, is a reality for now.

Being aware and by educating yourself about what Covid-19 is will prepare you to deal with the illness and to support those who get it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA, the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS in the UK are just some of the organisations that offer authentic information and advice on what Covid-19 is and how to protect oneself from it.

2. Eat healthy, boost immunity: Consider this time at home the best time to focus on your health. With restaurants closed and junk food consumption reduced, we have a great opportunity to learn and cook nutritious and healthy meals at home.

Cooking is known to be a potential stress buster and a great distraction. Avoid snacking on crisps/chips, chocolates and packaged drinks and try to eat whole foods at regular intervals. Eat plenty of foods containing anti-inflammatory vitamins like vitamin A, C, E and D. Minerals like iron, zinc and selenium are beneficial too. Vitamin C and D are known to improve immunity and reduce symptoms of depression. Including 2-3 servings of various types of green vegetables, colourful fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains will give you, your daily recommended dose of vitamins and minerals. Avoid smoking, as it supresses your immunity. Maybe this is the right time to start thinking about quitting the habit for good.

3. Exercise!: Schedule 15-25 minutes at-home exercises daily with or without equipment. If 25 minutes seems daunting, begin at least with 10 minutes of cardio exercises and later switch to strengthening exercises, or you can try a combination of both. YouTube channels have some interesting videos on simple and quick athome exercises.

If your government has permitted going outside for exercise, try any one form of exercise a day, like walking, running or jogging. Daily exercise is proven to help manage depression, anxiety and to regulate sleep patterns, boost immunity and revitalise your spirits. Indoor sports and games with family are great add-ons Continued on page 13

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

10 World Religions Conference, Yukon th

Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Yukon is the smallest and westernmost of Canada’s three territories. It is situated east of Alaska, between British Columbia and the Arctic Ocean. It has an area of 482,442 square kilometres, which is about the size of Spain.

Yukon is rich in minerals, gas and oil and tourism is big due to the unspoiled valleys and Rocky Mountains. It is home to Canada’s highest mountain peak Mount Logan, which rises to a height of 5,959 metres or 19,551 feet. It has the smallest population of any province or territory in Canada, totalling just over 40,000. Of these 30,000 call the capital city of Whitehorse home. The other 10,000 residents just really like their peace and quiet!

Yukon is the western most part of Canada and is truly the “western corner of Canada”. For Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, conveying the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to this part of Canada, is a fulfillment of the prophecy of the Promised Messiah, “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth”.

Regional co-ordinator Tabligh, British Columbia and Yukon, Rizwan Peerzada Sahib reports that since 2007, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya British Columbia has been hosting events regularly in Yukon with this intent. These include world religion conferences and other events. For the last two years, events have been organised in cooperation with indigenous tribes of Yukon. It is a huge undertaking given that Whitehorse is at close to 2,400 km (1,491

Continued from page 12

to revamp physical and mental health. In addition to this, it nurtures quality time with family.

4. Pending work: Complete tasks that you never get a chance to finish. As you are currently saving commuting time, use it wisely.

Read books, journals, excerpts on spirituality and mental health. Download the Holy Quran app with Arabic text and English translation by our Jamaat. Also catch up on your favourite audio books.

Enhance your existing skills or build new ones through online learning by enrolling yourself into online courses of your interest and upgrade your career opportunities.

These activities will surely uplift and stabilise your mood, bring clarity to your perception and of course adds to your performance, knowledge and wisdom.

5. Catch up on sleep: Sleep is exponentially beneficial to manage stress and anxiety. It also assists in building a strong immune system. Research suggests that people who are sleep-deprived are more likely to fall sick than those who are not. Try getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night and follow the same sleep timings, even in lockdown. A 10-15 minute afternoon power nap is enough to reenergise you, therefore avoid excessive

miles) from Bait-ur-Rahman Mosque, Vancouver, the provincial headquarters of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya British Columbia.

The planning for the conference started in September 2019 by reserving the venue, Whitehorse United Church, Whitehorse, Yukon. Over the following two months, speakers, panel members, and moderators were confirmed. Next was the publicity of the event. For this, 120 posters were put up at various locations in Whitehorse, Yukon.

These included local churches, coffee shops, libraries, public notice boards, and college notice boards. 200 flyers were distributed, 200 invitations were sent to email addresses collected from previous events in Whitehorse, and 500 invitations were faxed.

Conference advertisement was run on social media including Facebook and Instagram and also in local newspapers and radio. Various Whitehorse organisations including community organisations, Whitehorse tourism, and Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce were contacted and invited to be part of the conference.

The 10th World Religions Conference was held on 5 March 2020 in Whitehorse.

The theme of the conference this year was “How to establish a just society?”.

The event moderator was Member of Parliament, Honourable Larry Bagnell.

Other distinguished guest included Speaker of Yukon Legislative Assembly Honourable Nils Clark, Commissioner of Yukon Honorable Angelique Bernard, Chair Interfaith Council of Whitehorse Mr Clark Stuart, and Mayor of Whitehorse His Worship Dan Curtis.

Speakers from nine faith and spiritual

groups participated and presented their answer to the question of the conference, in light of their faith. These included: 1. Indigenous – Ms Alestine Andre 2. Baha‘ism – Mrs Linda Thorseth 3. Christianity – Mrs Elizabeth Roberts, Protestant Christians Perspective 4. Judaism – Mr Rick Karp 5. Islam – Missionary Umair Khan Sahib 6. Christianity – Mr Michael Dougherty, Catholic Church Perspective 7. Hinduism – Vaibhav Nandwana 8. Buddhism – Mr Rick Buchan 9. Sikhism – Gian Singh Sandhu

napping during daytime as it will make you more inactive and flat.

transforms the way you look at life.

Prayers are the best way to show gratitude to God and dua (prayer) is the best way to show gratitude to fellow human beings. Thankfulness and appreciation refines mental health and interpersonal relationships.

During these times, medical healthcare workers deserve our utmost admiration and acknowledgement as they are risking their lives for our sake. We cannot thank them enough.

Providing home cooked meals and essential goods with notes of sincere appreciation would ease some burden on healthcare workers and will contribute greatly to their sense of accomplishment and mental well-being.

6. Practice mindfulness and gratitude: Being present in the ongoing moment is extremely important now more than ever.

The more racing thoughts you have about the past or future, the more you tend to get confused.

The mind associates very quickly with pessimistic thinking and makes it easy to be lost and submerged in thoughts that may not be real. Practising mindfulness and to teach the same is lifesaving. Think of it this way; if one man remained calm, the whole group could remain calm, hence we all could survive.

Meditation, deep breathing exercises with guided visualisations and chanting positive affirmations can definitely make you feel better. Breathing exercises and mindfulness are proven to instantly bring down physiological symptoms of stress and anxiety.

“You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.” (Elizabeth Gilbert) Practice gratitude on a daily or even hourly basis. Count your blessings, for there are so many homeless people with not a single meal to eat and no access to medical facilities during this epidemic. Gratitude

A large number of attendees were nonAhmadi guests. Many of them shared their experience of the event. Some comments from guests are shared below: Commissioner of Yukon, Honorable Angelique Bernard said: “Thank you so much for organising the Whitehorse event. It was a great evening.

Let us know when you are back in Yukon.”

Yukon Legislative Assembly Speaker, Honourable Nils Clark said: “I just wanted to follow-up to thank-you and your organisation for dedicating your time and energy in making the 10th World Religion Conference in Whitehorse a reality.

It is likely the only annual opportunity that Yukoners of so many faiths have to meet and learn from each other. It is evidently well-received!”

The total attendance of the event was 143. After the event, all guests were served dinner.

7. Do not panic or excessively complain and help instead: Try to be the change you want to see in the world. Grumbling and whining can only make you and others around you feel worse. Giving back to the community. Helping others improves your own stress levels. Help others who are in need, casually call up your friends, colleagues (especially if they are healthcare workers) and neighbours to check on how they are doing.

Emotionally supporting each other is absolutely necessary during crisis. Cooperating with the government to protect

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo distributes medicine to more than 200 people Besmir Yvejsi Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat Kosovo

In these difficult days for the whole world, Kosovo has also been a target of the coronavirus pandemic and the country’s government has taken the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the disease.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo is helping in humanitarian works wherever it can and towards the end of March, it has delivered medicines and vitamins to over 200 people across Kosovo in the cities of Prishtina, Peja, Mitrovica, Gjilan, Shtime, as well as some people living in the villages around these cities.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), people most affected

by Covid-19 are elderly people, and the Jamaat has taken this fact into account when giving out medicine.

our fellow citizens makes us silent heroes of our respective nations.

On the other hand, avoid judgements and ethnic discrimination, blaming and shaming as this only creates discord, sadness and remorse. Be kind, considerate and generous. Know this: we are in this together, so let us fight this together.

8. Keep an active virtual relationship with friends, family and colleagues via video or audio calls. However, try and avoid unproductive social media consumption as excessive usage can only make you feel helpless and miserable. Look for reliable sources of national print media or genuine online news websites for your daily dose of exclusive news.

Optimism and hope are twins, both of which have extraordinary healing powers. People who have high degrees of faith, hopefulness, kindness and optimism are better able to hold up under trying circumstances, including medical difficulties.

Covid-19 is perhaps the biggest wakeup call our time has seen; we should swiftly consider re-prioritising things that are essential for our survival and that are pleasing to Allah; things that can win His love, forgiveness and of course, good health and peace of mind. May Allah have mercy on all of us. Amin.

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Efforts of Ahmadis in Pakistan at a critical hour Jamaat Pakistan’s services to the public of Pakistan amid Covid-19 outbreak

Nazarat Umur-e-Ama Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Pakistan

7 April, Rabwah: In accordance with our longstanding tradition of helping in the service of our country and its people, the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan has over the past few days and weeks strived to help and assist wherever it can in the fight against the new coronavirus.

A contribution was made of 3 million rupees to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Covid-19 relief fund. Numerous Ahmadi youth have also eagerly signed up to volunteer for the Covid-19 relief force.

Rations have been distributed to 7,228 underprivileged households of all backgrounds and faiths.

Coronavirus awareness leaflets have been handed out to 16,868 households as well as 23,380 bottles of hand sanitiser, 3,500 face masks and 5,000 bars of soap.

A grassroots awareness campaign has been organised by sending teams to guide

15,706 households about the pandemic.

Disinfecting all of Rabwah’s residential areas and roads, including Christian neighbourhoods and churches with chlorinated water.

The Ahmadiyya Community has always endeavoured to help and assist whenever Pakistan has been faced with a crisis and will always continue to stand on the frontlines of the service of our country.

Whether it is in protecting the sovereignty of our nation, striving for the progress and success of Pakistan, or offering aid and support during natural disasters, Ahmadis have never shied away from fulfilling our duties to the country.

We will continue to extend our help in this critical time, and only ask that at this precarious juncture people find it within themselves to put their differences aside, religious or otherwise, so that we can all come together in the service of our nation.

Our prayer is that God protects us all and brings about a swift end to this pandemic.

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

Gog and Magog and the Promised Messiah One of the many objections raised against Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas is that if the advent of the Messiah was to take place due to Gog and Magog, then he should have appeared two centuries before them i.e. in the 15th century CE. Referring to Gog and Magog, in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states: َ َْ َ ‌ ٍ ‫وج ف ِ ‌ي بَ ْع‬ ‫ض‬ ‌ ُ ‫َو ترَکنا بَ ْعض ُه ْ‌م يَوْ َم ِئ ٍذ يَ ُم‬ “And on that day We shall leave some of them to surge against others.” (Surah alKahf, Ch.18: V.100) The verse indicates that at the time of Gog and Magog, all nations of the world will indulge in religious fights against each other.

Nations will wage war against other nations, like waves hit each other and kingdoms will attack other kingdoms.

A similar description is found at another place in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states: ُ ‫وج َو َمأْ ُج‬ ُ ‫َح َّت ٰى إ َذا ُفت َِح ْت يَأْ ُج‬ َ ‫وج َو ُه ْم م ْن ك ُ ّل َح َدب يَ ْنس ُل‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ٍ ِ ِ ِ “It shall be so even when Gog and Magog are let loose and they shall hasten forth from every height and from the top of every wave.” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.97) The Promised Messiahas states: “Christians will be dominant in the last age. Conflicts of different kinds will spread through their hands and waves of tribulation will rise from all sides. They will plunge down from every height, i.e. they will show their power, eminence and superiority in every way. They will hold distinction in material strength and dominion as well.

Governments and states will become helpless before them. They will also achieve prominence in arts and sciences, so much so that they will invent various types of disciplines and technologies and develop unique and extraordinary industries. They will possess an upper hand in systematic organisation and devising schemes and plans as well. They will show great resoluteness in worldly endeavours and achieving their goals. They will predominate and surpass all others in the efforts and struggles for the propagation of religion and also in civic planning, commerce and agricultural advancements. Hence, they will overpower and rise above every nation in every field.

This is the meaning of: َ ‫ِم ْن ك ُ ّل َح َدب يَنْس ُل‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ٍ ِ “Hadab means high ground and nasal means to run ahead and excel. It implies that they will outclass every nation in every aspect of excellence and superiority. This precisely is the most significant sign of that nation of the latter days which is known as Gog and Magog. It is also the sign of that mischievous group of Christian clergymen who are called the Promised Dajjal. As hadab means elevated ground, it is indicated here that they would achieve all worldly heights, but be deprived

of heavenly exaltation. It is evident from this that in fact, this very nation has been named Gog and Magog owing to their national dominance. Among this nation are the people who have made every effort to spread misguidance and therefore, they were known as the great Dajjal.” (Shahadatul Quran, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, pp. 361-362) Earlier scriptures revealed to the Israelite prophets clearly show and in fact, it is specifically mentioned that Gog and Magog refers to the Christian nations of Europe. This statement exists in such books with such clarity that it cannot be denied in any way.

For instance, the rulers of Russia are named Gog in the Bible. Prophet Ezekielas states: “The word of the Lord came to me, ‘Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him and say, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshek and Tubal.’” (Ezekiel, 38: 1-3) Let it be clear that Rosh means Russia, and Meshak [Moscow] and Tubal [Tobolsk] are different regions of Russia as well. The city of Moscow is situated on the banks of the Moskva River and so the city is named Moscow. Similarly, the city of Tobolsk was named Tobolsk because it is located on the banks of the Tobol River.

Likewise, Prophet Ezekielas says that God said to him: “I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel, 39: 6).

Here, Magog points towards those nations that are settled in European countries as opposed to Russia.

A hadith of Sahih Muslim relates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon, said: َ َ َ ً َ ّٰ َ ْ َ َْ ْ َ ّ َ ُ َ ‫لأ َح ٍد‬ ‫يسى ِإنِي ق ُد أخ َر ْجت ِع َب‬ ‫الل ُه ِإلى ِع‬ ‫أوحى‬ ِ ‫ادا لِي ْلا يد‬ ْ ‫ان‬ ٰ ُ َ َْ َ ّ َ ْ َ َ ‫وج َو َمأ ُج‬ َ ‫ث اللّ ُه يَأ ُج‬ ‫وج‬ ‫بِ ِق َتالِهِ ْم فحَ ّ ِرز ِع َبا ُدِي ِإل ُى الطو ِر‏۔ ويبع‬ َ ‫َوه ْم ِم ْن ك ّل َح َدب يَنْس ُل‬ ‫ون۔۔۔‬ ِ ٍ ِ “Allah would send a revelation to [the Promised] Jesusas that, ‘I have brought forth such people, against whom no one has the power to fight; so you take my people safely to the mount Tur. Then Allah would send Gog and Magog and they would hasten forth from every height.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fitan) This hadith signifies that no one will have the power to make an outward contest with Gog and Magog. The Promised Messiah will then be instructed to take refuge at mount Tur with his Jamaat, i.e. worship and prayers will be brought to attention, and it is through prayer and heavenly signs that the Jamaat of the Promised Messiah will ideologically conquer these powerful nations and spread its message.

On another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said:

“Gog and Magog will throw their arrows towards the sky.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab alFitan) This hadith makes it clear that Gog and Magog nations will make great progress in knowledge and space research by working with fire and they will reach different planets by inventing new types of spacecrafts and rockets etc.

It is clear from the above mentioned description that Gog and Magog refer to the advanced Western nations of today, particularly Russia and the United States of America. Those who have established their dominance over the whole world by successfully utilising the power of fire and even inventing atom bombs.

Moreover, these ancient names are still used by Western nations and the statues of Gog and Magog fixed at the Guildhall, London, are quite a testimony to this.

In 1951, on the occasion of their restoration, the British Prime Minister, Churchill declared Gog as the symbol for Russia and Magog as the symbol for the United States and its allies. (London Times, 10 November 1951) Apart from them, no other nation in the world has declared itself as Gog and Magog, and we have no other testimony of theirs which contradicts this claim.

Hence, the words of the Holy Quran regarding Gog and Magog and the signs that the Holy Prophetsa mentioned fourteen hundred years ago, have been fulfilled in the present age, to the letter. The fulfilment of these prophecies is certainly a great sign of the truth of our Prophet Muhammadsa but this should also draw our attention to search for the Promised Mahdi and the Messiah, whose advent has been prophesied in these descriptions. We should contemplate as to why it is so that all the signs have come to pass but the promised one has still not appeared?

Surely, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas has appeared in accordance with the earlier prophecies.

Below are some of the writings of the Promised Messiahas which explain the nature and the time of the emergence of Gog and Magog.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Yajuj [Gog] and Majuj [Magog] are two peoples who have been mentioned in earlier scriptures. The reason why they are called thus is that they make extensive use of ajij [fire] and reign supreme on earth and dominate every height. At the same time, a great change will be ordained from heaven and will usher in days of peace and amity.”

(Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 305, [Lecture Sialkot, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 211]) At another place, the Promised Messiahas states: “I have also proved that it is essential for the Promised Messiah to appear at the time of Gog and Magog. Since ajij, from which

the words Gog and Magog are derived, means ‘fire’, God Almighty has disclosed to me that Gog and Magog are a people who are greater experts in the use of fire than any other people. Their very names indicate that their ships, trains and machines will be run by fire. They will fight their battles with fire.

They will excel all other people in harnessing fire to their service. This is why they will be called Gog and Magog. These are the people of the West, as they are unique in their expertise in the use of fire.

“In Jewish scriptures too it was the people of Europe who were described as Gog and Magog. Even the name of Moscow, which is the ancient capital of Russia, is mentioned. Thus it was preordained that the Promised Messiah would appear in the time of Gog and Magog.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 305, [Ayamus-Sulh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, pp. 424-425]) In his book, Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, the Promised Messiahas states: “On the one hand, it is proved from the Bible that the Christians of Europe are Gog and Magog, and on the other, the Holy Quran has mentioned specific signs concerning Gog and Magog, which can only be applied to European powers, as, for instance, it is written that they will scale every height, i.e. they will overcome all other powers and be supreme in all worldly matters. Similarly, it is also mentioned in the ahadith that no country will be able to stand up to them.

Thus it is conclusively established that these powers are Gog and Magog. To deny this is sheer obstinacy and opposition to God’s word. Who can deny that in accordance with the word of God Almighty and the explanation of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, these are the people who, in their worldly power, are superior to every other people. They have no equal in the art of war and statecraft. Their inventions and machines have established new patterns, both in war and in worldly comforts and luxuries. They have brought about an amazing revolution in the culture of mankind and have displayed such mastery in statecraft and in providing equipment for war and peace, as has no parallel since the creation of the world.

“Thus, centuries after the prophecy of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the rise of European powers is the event in accordance with the

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

16

Jamaat Los Angeles during Covid-19 Anwer Khan USA Correspondent

The President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Los Angeles reports that California has been under a mandatory lockdown along with many other states to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

Members are advised to offer congregational prayers at home. They are participating in various Jamaat activities through social media, such as online meetings and conference calls.

These difficult times have brought the community closer and members are contacting each other regularly to offer help and care for each other’s well being.

Below are some key activities that have been going on in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Los Angeles.

Online Classes

sign specified in his prophecy. As God has disclosed the meaning of Gog and Magog and events have proven that a certain people fit the signs that have been mentioned, refusal to acknowledge this would be denial of an established verity. No one can stop a person from persisting in his denial, but every just minded one who is a seeker after truth would, on being informed of all these particulars, testify with full confidence that these people are Gog and Magog.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, pp. 308-310, [Chashma-eMa‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, vol. 23, pp. 8789]) The Promised Messiahas further states: “There would seem to be a contradiction in the ahadith, for on the one hand, it is stated that at the time of the advent of the Promised Messiah, Gog and Magog would have spread all over the world, and, on the other, it is stated that the Christians would prevail in the world; for instance, it is said that the Promised Messiah would break the cross, which means that the Christians will be dominant at that time. Another hadith also indicates that the Romans, i.e. the Christians, would be in power. At the time of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the Roman Empire was Christian, as Allah says in the Holy Quran: َ ‫وم ۔ في أَ ْدنَى الْأَ ْرض َو ُهم ّمن بَ ْعد َغ َلبه ْم َس َي ْغل ُِب‬ ُ ُّ َ ُ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ​ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫غلِب ِت الر‬ [The Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious (Surah al-Rum, Ch.30: V.3-4)].

Here the word Romans refers to Christians.

Some ahadith also indicate that at the time of the appearance of the Promised Messiah, Dajjal would be supreme all over the world, with the exception of Mecca.

“Now, will any Maulvi Sahib tell us how this contradiction can be reconciled? If

Dajjal prevails over the earth, where will the dominion of the Christians lie, and where will Gog and Magog go, whose world empire is foretold by the Holy Quran? These are the errors from which those who reject me and call me a disbeliever suffer. Events bear out that the characteristics of both Gog and Magog and of the Dajjal are to be found in the European powers. As described by the ahadith concerning Gog and Magog, no power will be able to withstand them in battle and the Promised Messiah too will only have recourse to prayer against them.

These characteristics are unquestionably found in the European powers. The Holy Quran too confirms this, as it says: َ ‫َو ُه ْم م ْن ك ُ ّل َح َدب يَ ْنس ُل‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ٍ ِ ِ [“They shall hasten forth from every height and from the top of every wave” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.97)].

“About Dajjal, it is stated in ahadith that he would use deception and create religious mischief and turmoil. According to the Holy Quran, this particular characteristic belongs to the Christian clerics. For instance it says: َْ َ ُ َّ ُ َ ‫ون الكل َِم َعن ّموَاضِ ِع ِه‬ ‫يح ِرف‬ [They pervert the words from their proper places (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.47)].

“All this shows is that these three groups are actually one. That is why Surah al-Fatihah teaches definitively that we should seek security against the mischief of Christians. We have not been taught to pray for security against Dajjal. Had there been another Dajjal, whose mischief was to be greater than that of the Christian clergy, the word of God would never have ignored the greater mischief and taught us to pray for security against the mischief of the Christians, nor would we have been warned

that the Christian mischief was such that it might rend heaven apart and shatter the mountains into pieces. Instead, we would have been warned that the evil of the Dajjal is such that it might well cause heaven and earth to rend asunder. To ignore a greater mischief and warn against a smaller one would have been totally unreasonable.”

(Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, pp. 307-308, [Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 85-87]) Today, it is evident that Gog and Magog have manifested themselves with all their might according to the prophecy of God Almighty. From the 15th to 17th century, Gog and Magog had just started to set the stage for their advancement and they had not achieved the power which is described in the Holy Quran and ahadith. There were no railways, modern ships, rockets, missiles, atom bombs etc. that are purely fire and fuel related. In the 19th and 20th century, they emerged as a power in almost every field with incredible and remarkable inventions and discoveries. So their peak age is clear to all and everyone knows that these are the nations with whom no one dares to fight.

Hence, the Promised Messiahas appeared at a time when Gog and Magog i.e. Russians and European nations were in a head to head race of progress and development. He stood up against them with his prayers and irrefutable arguments. He left a Jamaat of ardent followers who, under the guidance of their worldwide head, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, is peacefully fighting every enemy of God and Islam with prayers and dialogue.

Regional Missionary, Irshad Malhi Sahib has been holding the Holy Quran reading classes twice a week on Saturday and Sunday online.

He is also conducting an online class every Wednesday for those members who want to learn translation of the Holy Quran.

Book club meetings are held online every Sunday to read and discuss the books of the Promised Messiahas.

Coronavirus response Homeopathic medication is distributed inperson and has been mailed to over 1,200 members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Los Angeles and some members of other Jamaats as well. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, all members have received medication.

Refills are being sent out by mail for those who need it.

Food is stored at three mosques across the Los Angeles area, including Baitul Hameed Mosque, Baitul Masroor Mosque and Baitul Salam Mosque. The goal is to serve members of the Jamaat, two meals a day for two weeks, in case of shortage of food in markets.

Members of Los Angeles amila have been requested to contact each member of their Jamaat to offer help, stay informed about the members’ well-being and to find out if a member has received homeopathic medication or not. Local presidents are also requested to contact their members to offer help, stay informed and deliver homeopathic medication.

Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Umure-Ama are contacting Jamaat members to help those who need help with picking up groceries or running errands.

Tabligh The Jamaat is holding a weekly radio show, Voice of Islam, to reach out to local non-Ahmadi and non- Muslim communities and discuss Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

Da‘iyan meetings are being held once a week over Zoom conference calls to discuss different methods to reach people while they are quarantined in their homes.

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

The global Ahmadiyya family Utilising isolation in the best possible way

Come what may, the history of Islam Ahmadiyyat proves that this Jamaat has consistently been the epitome of positivity and making the best of circumstances, even in the most testing times.

Whether it was the patience the Promised Messiahas preached to exercise when opponents spewed hate-filled propaganda, the strength Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira gave to the Jamaat when disputes began to appear on a small scale, the hope Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra radiated to Ahmadis as they set up new lives in the barren land of Rabwah, the slogan of “we will always be smiling” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh taught and practised at the face of anti-Ahmadiyya persecution, the great opportunity Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh saw in England after he was forced to migrate, or the comfort, guidance and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during this pandemic, Jamaat members have been taught to explore new avenues in adversity.

The coronavirus pandemic has been no different. During his message on Friday (27 March 2020), Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously referred to an initiative of Al Hakam where Al Hakam asked Ahmadis how they have been positively spending their time at home in lockdown. Huzooraa pointed out that most had responded by saying that they were using the opportunity to further expand their religious knowledge; studying the Quran, hadith and writings of the Promised Messiahas etc. Huzooraa encouraged all Jamaat members to focus on offering congregational prayers at home, increasing their religious knowledge and praying for

the pandemic to end.

Soon after Huzoor’saa message ended, the influx of comments on our Twitter feed and website dramatically increased, with Ahmadis across the world sharing their isolation stories, while also setting new targets “to complete Ruhani Khazain” or to offer more “voluntary prayers”.

Jamaat members said how they had now taken this opportunity to develop spiritually and intellectually.

Tahir Machengo from Kenya explained how “the mosque is out of bounds, so we just pray at home with our families and loved ones.” Then, the routine his family now follows starts with “tahajjud prayers, Fajr prayers and dars-ul-Quran, after

which we make a circle and everyone reads one ruku of the Quran.”

An Arab Ahmadi lady from Canada told us how her children are attending online Jamaat classes and then memorise “three chapters from the Holy Quran.”

From Belgium, Rayan Ecaan, explained how isolation was actually a “golden opportunity” for him: “This is a golden opportunity to read all the books of the Promised Messiahas. Also, it is interesting to read the history of Islam.

We should take this time to read these hidden gems so we can benefit during this difficult period...”

It certainly is a “golden opportunity” for us as there are no more long commutes,

getting packed lunches ready, school runs to drop and pick up kids or the hustle and bustle of modern-day lifestyles. It is a moment to ourselves; to improve wherever we can, both individually and collectively as families.

Following Huzoor’saa address, Ahmadi Muslims across the board have set new positive targets for themselves and their families to grow spiritually and increase their religious knowledge. One comment on Twitter said, “Just completed the Ark of Noah [Noah’s Ark] … Now starting Paighame-Sulh.” Shahina Noor told us that she is, Insha-Allah, “going to read all volumes of Ruhani Khazain” – a wonderful and praiseworthy target.

A lady from Canada explained how she had now started to teach her “niece to read the Holy Quran and her Nasirat syllabus, reading books of the Promised Messiahas, watching MTA, connecting with my family and finally just taking proper measures and not panicking at all”. In fact, the education of children has been a constant theme throughout the comments we received.

Students spoke of completing school or university tasks and overcoming their previous procrastinations. Along with workouts, healthy eating, spring cleaning and other ticks on their checklists, they have set targets “to read all those articles of Al Fazl and Al Hakam that have been left due to shortage of time and documentaries from MTA”, as Armaan explained.

Zainab, a student, told us that “all of

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Among many other activities to keepk their families entertained, Jamaat members have been tuning in to their favourite programmes on MTA International

my university courses have been shifted to online format, so I study and join as part of the class online via video call. I write letters to our beloved Huzooraa … Another excellent way to pray for the end of this deadly disease, is to attend multiple online services being offered by the Jamaat now.

This involves online dars, Quran classes and many other services that can help us all to build our morale and spirituality in this time.”

As families have had a chance to breathe from their busy schedules and reconnect during this pandemic, Ahmadi Muslims have created positive environments within their homes. Parents are now staying at home with their children, but utilising this “golden opportunity” to set positive examples within their household.

Muhammad Dawood from India explained how “we as a family have set a daily schedule. We offer Namaz on time.

The kids are memorising portions of the Quran” while the adults read the Promised Messiah’sas books.

One parent noted how there is “more time with kids to learn Quran, Salat and Islamic history”, while Faraz Rabanni from Ghana explained on Twitter how “it’s more like a family reunion … We have got Tafsire-Kabir dars after Fajr, Ruhani Khazain dars after Maghrib” and “MTA, Al Fazl and Al Hakam to fuel the day, Alhamdolillah.”

Another parent described how they were avoiding consuming negative news over the media, staying away from getting depressed

and instead, their family was “reading Hazrat Masih-e-Maud’sas books, attending online Quran classes…” And relaxing by playing board games.

A father had the following to say about the effects of the pandemic on family life: “We have been offering congregational prayers on time at home for last 2 weeks with children. This is something I haven’t done with this much regularity since moving to UK 13 years ago. We do offer prayers but with jobs and busy lifestyles it is sometimes combined or offered individually during busy life style. Our children have been following atfal activities on online platforms.”

Others have taken the wisdom of grandparents to teach grandchildren: “My children have been using WhatsApp to call their Nana Abu ... Every day, he tells us stories of Prophets. We do a 4-way call with cousins and listen together. This helps us to stay connected, learn good things from our elders and make life-long memories.”

Nida Salahat from the UK explained how her child is now “learning all about Allah, His creation. Practicing some calligraphy too.”

Another parent, Qayyum Muzaffar, spoke of how they have turned their house into a mosque: “Turning our homes into mosques – yes, alhamdolillah, my son (first year student of Jamia UK) came back home and we are trying to do congregational prayers, watch MTA and catch up on documentaries and discuss them. Yes, this time is not only our family time, but a time to increase our bond with Allah the Almighty.”

Members of the public, across the internet, are expressing their difficulty to find meaning, purpose and directions whilst sitting at home. By the grace of Allah, Ahmadi Muslims have steered their boats in the right direction and have begun to sail towards self-improvement, helping humanity and developing their connection with God. One comment said how “it truly feels

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM like we are living a new life altogether; from homeschooling the kids and devising ways to keep them busy to spending an enormous amount of time in the kitchen preparing 3 meals a day! … Following Huzoor’saa instructions, we are trying our utmost to improve the quality of our ibadat [worship]; from engaging in zikr-e-Ilahi all day – especially while doing household chores – to reading works of the Promised Messiahas to watching programmes on MTA.” Usman wrote the following on our website: “A close friend and convert shared this comment with me a few years ago that is very relevant these days as the world is locked down and in isolation mode. He said if someone was to lock him in a room by himself prior to learning about Islam Ahmadiyyat, he would go crazy! Now, after accepting the Imam of the age and having read numerous books, if someone was to lock him in a room, he would be completely content as he could close his eyes and reflect in peace on those spiritual treasures.”

In his message two Fridays ago, Huzooraa instructed Jamaat members to watch MTA programmes together with the family. Our feedback reflects how Ahmadis have responded to this and are “catching up” with MTA documentaries, watching MTA through its “YouTube Channel” and listening to their “favourite tilawat recitations” on MTA. Rouba Alzaid explained, “I am spending most of my time listening to MTA 3, especially the [Al-Hiwar al-Mubashar]; the last three days from

Qadian were amazing!”

On Friday, 27 March Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa made it categorically clear that “prayer” is our “strongest weapon” always.

He drew the Jamaat’s attention to continue prayers for the wider world and for the world to be “cleansed” of this virus. Comments show how Ahmadi Muslims are listening to this guidance of Huzooraa as well; some praying for the “pandemic to end”, whilst others aiming to offer more “voluntary prayers”.

Other Jamaat members have noted how spending time in isolation has been a “spiritual experience” for them and that “this time in isolation has definitely opened my eyes and made me realise that we should use our time wisely and fill our day with reading Jamaat material.” Another comment said that there has now been a “focus on more prayers and reading Malfuzat. Doing graphic design from home. Reading the Holy Quran with tafsir and dua [prayer] for all humanity…”

Missionaries of the Jamaat responded as well and explained their adaptations to continue Jamaat tabligh and tarbiyat efforts, taking most things online and offering group classes.

Kashif Virk, a missionary based in Sweden commented by saying: “Jazakumullah for this great initiative, which Beloved Huzooraa mentioned in the special message … I have started translation of a book of the Promised Messiahas into Swedish. Instead of physical meetings for tabligh, focus has changed on spreading the true message of Islam online through

various means. I believe now is the time to present the beautiful teachings of Islam, when the world has other concerns than unjustly criticising religion.”

Auxiliaries from Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya joined the conversations and described how they are striving to think of new ideas to continue Jamaat progress and aid members of the public.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Australia commented on their scheme of “turning our homes into mosques” and that they are “praying for the world and spending this time in reflection and enhancing our knowledge” of Allah the Almighty.

Overall, Jamaat members have shared very promising and positive responses with

us and continue to do so. After all, we are one Jamaat and should stay connected with one another.

Only time will tell how long this tragic pandemic will last. Until then, we urge Jamaat members to continue implementing the advice of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa of advancing both spiritually and intellectually during this lockdown.

Please do continue to update us on how you’re spending this time at home!

You can comment on our website, tweet us, send us Telegram messages and photos (@theweeklyalhakam) or send us an email at info@alhakam.org

Atheism on Trial

New Atheism – A Game of Smoke and Mirrors Part II Sabahat Ali Rajput Missionary, Mexico

In continuation of our series “Atheism on Trial”, we present herein the second part of the previous piece (published on 13 March) discussing the logical fallacies and unscientific approach to investing faith of famous New Atheists.

It is not just philosophers like Daniel Dennet whose approach to investigating God drips with unprincipled bias and premature conclusion. Indeed, even Richard Dawkins, who for decades has blown the trumpet of the need for conducting fair investigation, research and purely academic methodology, as he boldly proclaims in a BBC interview, “I see my role as trying to persuade people to think for themselves and look at evidence.” (Richard Dawkins on Islam, Jews, Science and the Burka, BBC Newsnight, Evan Davis speaks to Richard Dawkins) Yet, such words slip into an abyss of forgotten nothingness when it comes to God. The truth is that he has altogether brushed aside the need for real investigation into Islam.

How curious that when it comes to Darwinian rhetoric and genetics, Dawkins

has demonstrated great regard for careful investigation. When it comes to the subtlemost genomes, Mr Dawkins is willing to endure astounding patience because he truly believes that it will unravel scientific truths. Yet, when it comes to the idea of God, he has hardly given a second thought to His existence.

Apodioxis Apodioxis has been defined as an emphatic rejection or dismissal of an opponent’s argument or an opposing proposition. For example, when Dawkins is asked, “What are the five best reasons why there is no God?”, he smugly replies, “What are the five best reasons why there are no fairies?”

This deceiving proposition has been dealt with at length in part two of this series of articles. Without answering the question, he slips past the onus of presenting five sound arguments against the existence of God and attempts to distract his audience with the totally erroneous illusion that the existence of God and fairies is contemporaneous in nature. It is fun houses of mirrors like these which New Atheists orchestrate and puppeteer with finesse and flair.

Another aspect of apodioxis as used

by New Atheists relates to the sweeping,

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20 melodramatic and unfounded claims they make about religions and their founders.

What is astounding is the slick manner in which New Atheists will circumvent answering the question and just vilify the opposing view, entirely abandoning reason, rationality and fact for fibs, fabrications and fables.

Important note on Muhammadsa as a medical man Take, for instance, the example of Christopher Hitchens – evidently, the King of Apodioxis – when he unabashedly declares: “Today, the least educated of my children knows much more about natural order than any of the founders of religion.” (God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything, Hachette Book Group Publishing, 2007, pp.

66-67) Alas, Hitchens’ deliberate refusal to investigate religion honestly has cast him into a cavern of ignorance. If he had but studied the most authentic and famous of all the books of Islamic Traditions, the Sahih of Imam Bukharirh, he would have thought twice before making such an absurd and irreverent comparison.

It must be borne in mind that despite the lack of education and availability of medical knowledge among the desert-dwellers 1,400 years ago, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa declared, for instance, that the medicinal qualities of Nigella Sativa (known as kalonji in the Indian subcontinent) “are a healing for nearly all of your ailments and illnesses except death.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, The Book of Medicine, Chapter 8 – Treatment by Black Cumin, Hadith 10) Considering the latest research on this subject, this ancient declaration is astonishing.

After all, what investigative or scientific technology did the Founder of Islam have at his disposal that he could have proclaimed such a thing? One must bear in mind that his words were acted upon and followed to the letter by thousands and so, countless traditions also exist of him prescribing various herbs and other foods to treat an array of ailments, with remarkable success.

An honest perusal of just two books from Bukhari – Kitab al-Tibb (The Book of Medicine) and Kitab al-Taharah (The Book of Cleanliness) offers ample evidence of the remarkable expertise of the Founder of Islam about the natural order of the world.

One must also remember that, all along, the opponents of Islam were constantly on the lookout for any opportunity they may have had to try to disprove any statement of the Prophetsa. Yet, no authentic narration exists where these eager opponents have even tried to challenge the medical knowledge of the Holy Prophetsa, despite the traditions being replete with his various ingenious prescriptions.

On the contrary, Jews and Christians would themselves present their medical needs before him, asking for a remedy or treatment. One is totally baffled at the extent to which educated scholars like Hitchens have allowed their exaggerated biases to cloud their judgement and have, as a result, made such sweeping and unsubstantiated claims as the one quoted above. After all, what laboratory resources did the Holy Prophetsa possess that he could confidently declare a single spice or food to be a source of healing and treatment for nearly every

ailment?

Today, modern science is just beginning to realise the great depth and far-reaching truth of such medical statements of the Holy Founder of Islamsa. From being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antianxiety and anti-depressant, to an antibacterial, anti-viral, anti- fungal and antiparasitic, the various uses of Nigella Sativa in its different forms are truly wondrous. It also combats histamine intolerance boosts Immune functions, and has been proven repeatedly to have incredible effects on different cancers. (Potential adjuvant effects of Nigella sativa seeds to improve specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients, Medical Principles and Practice: International Journal of the Kuwait University. Accessed 21 December 2017; www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pubmed/20357504) (Can methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seed affect glycoregulatory enzymes in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma?; Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, Accessed 2 December 2017; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/22767221) Nigella Sativa seeds are also proven to help protect against heart disease, increasing testosterone levels, helping with asthma, rhinitis and other respiratory difficulties. They are also anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, natural painkiller, aid in treating osteoporosis and arthritis, as well as eczema and other skin conditions. They protect the kidneys while preventing kidney stones. Furthermore, they are an anti-septic, conducive to male fertility, anti-epileptic, radioprotective and highly effective in the treatment of opioid dependence. Their phytochemistry reveals a staggering number of effects in laboratory environments, from possessing a hypoglycemic effect to being effective in treating gastrointestinal complications including ulcers. (A Review of Medicinal Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Nigella Sativa, Department of Biological and Medicinal Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan, Asian Network for Scientific Information) This is but one example from a long list of truly astounding medicinal statements of the Prophet Muhammadsa. Yet, people like Mr Dennet seek to deceive their readers into believing that founders of religion were totally ignorant of the realities of nature by making extensive and unfounded claims about them.

The truth is that the Prophet Muhammadsa was a brilliant compendium of knowledge when it came to the natural sciences. His revolutionary teachings about spirituality notwithstanding, he brought the desert Arabs out of their degenerate state of deplorable hygiene and turned them into soaring exemplars of physical cleanliness and civility.

From using water to cleaning oneself after the privy (something that much of the civilised elites of today are still ignorant of), to the medicinal uses of dozens of natural plants, honey, leaves, herbs and seeds, to his numerous remedies for various ailments, his minutely recorded life stands boldly in

contrast and indignantly in contradiction to such uneducated statements about him by his biased detractors.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, the Fourth Successor to the Promised Messiahas, refers to yet another brilliant observation which could not have been conceived by a desert Arab 1,400 years ago. He writes: “This … is fully endorsed by a tradition of the Holy Prophetsa in which he strongly admonishes people not to use dried up lumps of dung or bones of dead animals for cleaning themselves after attending to the call of nature because they are food for the jinn.

“As we use toilet paper now, at that time people used lumps of earth, stones or any dry article close at hand to clean themselves.

We can safely infer therefore, that what he referred to as jinn was nothing other than some invisible organisms, which feed on rotting bones, dung etc.

“Remember that the concept of bacteria and viruses was not till then born. No man had even the vaguest idea about the existence of such invisible tiny creatures. Amazingly it is to these that the Holy Prophetsa referred.

The Arabic language could offer him no better, more appropriate expression than the word jinn. (Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, pp. 363-364) One must bear in mind that New Atheists like Hitchens seek to entertain atheists as well as infuriate believers. Such statements issued forth from the mouths of the academic hallmarks of our society are astonishingly against the basic principles of academic research and investigation.

On one occasion, Hitchens goes so far as to say that “all attempts to reconcile faith with science and reason are consigned to failure and ridicule.” (Christopher Hitchens, God Is Not Great: How Religion

inextricably interwoven and ingeniously interdependent relationship of academic symbiosis between the faculties of rationality and revelation. It rejects the rejection of science and scientifically substantiates the need for revelation – indeed, it is this very relationship betwixt the two which birthed the Scientific Islamic Golden Age, without which the fundaments of European enlightenment would simply not have existed.

As Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, in his magnum opus, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, explains, “During that period, although Muslim enquiry was predominantly influenced

by Quranic teachings and the traditions of the Holy Prophetsa, it could not be entirely qualified as Islamic. There was a rapid proliferation of academic growth in all directions. Many new philosophies and sciences were acquired from past eras of secular, academic and scientific achievements.

“Also, many a new branch of religious and secular knowledge was pioneered by some outstanding Muslim thinkers. Thus, religion and rationality went hand in hand.

They drew their thrust largely from the emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge laid in the Quran and the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa. The role of rationality was so powerfully highlighted that religious belief and rationality became synonymous.”

(Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth) It is this bridge between the two faculties of revelation and rationality which Islam seeks to reconstruct, so that the science of spirituality and the mystic realms of science may combine to usher in another thousand golden eras of erudition and wisdom along with the technological advancements of today.

Poisons Everything, Hachette Book Group Publishing, 2007, p. 65) For a man who advocated education for so many years, one is left astounded at how closed-minded and non-progressive his views are. For him to forever slam the door of trying to reconcile religion with faith is directly contradictory to what he apparently spent his life preaching and practicing.

It is true today more than ever before that the audience of New Atheists are often atheists first and scientists after.

This dangerous order of precedence is no less intellectually lethal and spiritually debilitating than those who are criticised for being believers first and scientists second.

The truth is that Islam propounds an

It was well over a century ago that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Jamaat, the Promised Messiahas declared: “In this time, God Almighty has not just confined religious affairs to fables and speechmaking but has deemed faith a science. This is precisely why this is the age of scientific discovery; a time where every matter is presented academically. I have been sent for this very reason – to present the historical accounts of the Noble Quran and religious beliefs in an academic manner.

(Al Hakam, 10 April 1902, p. 6) “The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass, God is waiting for you.” (Werner Heisenberg)

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Humanity vs Covid-19: A matchup for the ages

Qasim Choudhary Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

From the iconic Staples Center to a now desolate Madison Square Garden and muted Camp Nou, the once-bustling sporting world has been hushed and forced to cooperate with Covid-19.

These multibillion-dollar corporations have instructed their respective athletes to quarantine, following governments and world leaders. Unfortunately, our seemingly invincible and immune superstars like Kevin Durant and Paulo Dybala (amongst others) have succumbed to the indiscriminating virus.

Although in the recent past, the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was determined not to cancel the hallmark of all sporting events, the Olympics, his determination was short-lived. The decision of cancelling the event came after swelling resistance from nations and athletes about holding the games amid the coronavirus pandemic. (New York Times, 24 March 2020, IOC and Japan agree to postpone Tokyo Olympics) Despite the millions lost in revenue, the commissioners and chairpersons of these profitable corporations have sided with team humanity in hopes of flattening the deadly Corona-curve. Not even scores of unhappy fans accustomed to watching playoff games this time around have been able to sway their ultimate decision of cancelling the season. (NBC Sports, 14 March 2020, If NBA season is cancelled how much ticket revenue is the NBA out?

Roughly $500 million) Though football fans will miss Lionel Messi’s highlight-reel goals, it seems the time has come for assists (an underappreciated statistic) to take centre stage. After all, even Messi is out of commission.

Today, team humanity is in dire need of us all assisting and cooperating with health authorities and governments in hopes of defeating the opposing team.

Our adversary stands at 0.14 microns and proves fatal on the offensive. But, as they

say, “Offence sells tickets. Defence wins championships.”

Although countless battles have been lost, the war carries on against team Corona. We must continue practicing social distancing, self-isolation and keeping ourselves clean; this is the defensive tactic chalked up for us by our leaders.

As far as leadership is concerned, poised and humble captains lead all successful teams. In America, Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is leading the way as a distinguished and credible expert. He is grounded in humility and humanity; he uses plain language; he admits uncertainties and failings and refuses to make the science overtly political. (Scientific American, 26 March 2020, Anthony Fauci shows us the right ways to be an expert) North of the border is Dr Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Her calm, informative, yet plain-spoken demeanor has won the trust of millions of Canadians. If this is not enough, while we are in the comfort of our beds and surrounded by loved ones, there is one who wages spiritual battle during the still of the night and comforts us during the day.

The head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, may Allah be his Helper, continues to urge humanity to obey the health experts and authorities. Time and time again, he draws our attention to the severity of prevailing circumstances in the world and even called upon his community to close mosques due to government laws to combat the spread of the virus.

We’ve all witnessed on-screen or been there ourselves when the coach calls a timeout and brings out the drawing-board in a last-minute attempt to draw up a final play to salvage the season or clinch a playoff spot. We, too, have a game plan drawn up and presented by our leaders in hopes of saving humanity. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa echoes this plan by stating: “It is imperative to act upon the precautionary measures that are being announced [by the health authorities].

Large gatherings should be avoided and those coming to the mosque should also take special care. If anyone shows any signs of a slight fever, flu or body-ache, sneezing or other symptoms, then they ought not to come to the mosque. Mosques have rights upon the people that visit them. It is the right of the mosque that no one should

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22 attend who can affect other attendees of the mosque with a contagious illness.

“Those with contagious diseases should especially take care to avoid mosques.

Doctors are advising that hands should be washed regularly, and hand sanitisers should be used. If one’s hands are dirty, they should avoid contact with the face until clean. This should be followed, but regardless, for us as Muslims, if someone prays five times a day, they will wash themselves properly five times a day through ablution and amongst other things, will be running clean water through their hands and nose, which ensures that personal hygiene is maintained at all times and will reduce the need for hand sanitisers that are already reported to be in short supply.” (Friday Sermon, 6 March 2020) In the sporting world, coaches often

rely on a “secret weapon” or a “trick play”.

How fortunate are we that our beloved Imamaa has revealed what he considers his “weapon” for the benefit of the world.

Thus, he says: “However, the last weapon is prayer.

And we should pray that Allah protects us all from this illness. We should also pray for all those Ahmadis who have contracted this illness for some reason or doctors expect them to have it. In fact, pray for all those who have any illness. In the same manner, as I have said, the virus affects those with underlying health conditions, so pray for such people as well that Allah the Almighty keeps them protected. In general, pray for everyone. May Allah keep the world protected from the ill effects of this pandemic. May He grant full health to everyone who is ill. And along with giving

health to every Ahmadi, also allow them to increase their faith and belief.” (Friday Sermon 20 March 2020) As countries like Italy fade in sudden death overtime or signs of America struggle in the fourth quarter, now more than ever, observing social distancing, self-isolation, cleanliness and sincere prayers are the only game-plan to mitigate this pandemic.

In a world being mercilessly pushed towards the need for individuality and celebrating our uniqueness, ironically it is unity, cohesion and international teamwork, which will score Team Humanity the winning goal. Although we cannot do this hand in hand, we can accomplish this by standing six feet apart.

100 Years Ago...

Why Fatima Kathleen, an English convert, accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat Al Fazl, 5-8 April 1920

London’s weather Even though the spring season has arrived, London’s sky, on the one hand, is still retaining the shades of winter and for the past two to three days, the sun is being veiled due to the fog and mist. On the other hand, the clouds of terror have not yet been dispersed from the political climate.

Meetings of the reconciliation conference are regularly taking place and special confidentiality is being maintained with respect to the publishing of news.

Today, the former prime minister, Mr Asquith reappeared in the arena of politics with his victory in Paisley’s

election. Most probably, he will lead the rising English public’s opinion against the current prime minister, Mr Lloyd George. A storm of incivility is being raised against the ministry in relation to the issues of Russia and Constantinople.

It is very sad to write that a part of the press of this country, against the views of the government of India, the minister of India and other acquaintances, under the influence of Christian prejudice, is taking such course with regard to the affairs of Turkey which is not in the best interest of the British Empire.

An English Ahmadi lady cook The Lahori newspaper, Paigham-e-Sulh looked at some poor Ahmadi women with contempt by calling them wives of chefs.

They have proven themselves to be ‫الا انھم‬ ‫[ ھم السفھاء‬Beware! it is surely they that are foolish] and have committed a terrible deed similar to the enemies of Islam.

On hearing the translation of this note [published in] Paigham, our dear sister Fatima Kathleen wrote the following letter

for the members of Paigham [newspaper].

This letter will be self-evident as to what are the standards of English Ahmadis. I just want to clarify that this letter has been written by respected Fatima herself. Unlike Khawaja Sahib, we did not write the subject [of the letter] and have it signed by her. By the grace of God, the letter and its writer are both present and anyone can, at any time, test the faithfulness through writing or speech, which is entwined in the hearts of English Ahmadis after believing in “Hazrat Ahmadas Nabiyullah [Prophet of God].” May Allah bless them with much more devotion.

It is incredible that Respected Fatima does not yet know that her addressees are not non-Ahmadis. In fact, they are those unfortunate Ahmadis who, unfortunately, for the sake of material gains, considered the disclosure of their faith in Ahmadiyyat to be a deadly poison.

Reply to Paigham Below is the letter of Fatima…

“To the members of the Lahori Paigham, Assalam o Alaikum.

“I have learned that referring to the Ahmadi Muslims of London, one of the issues of your newspaper, Paigham, has stated, ‘wives of chefs’ and these words along with the rest of the context have been used to derogate us.

“You should understand that your words, instead of angering me, which should have been my natural reaction because I am proud to be one of these chefs’ wives, are motivating me to feel sorry and take pity for you. I talked to myself and contemplated on your matter and said that they claim that they are the followers of Muhammad Rasulullah [Prophet of Allah], peace be upon him, but they mockingly laugh at me for accepting Islam and they regard my Islam as worthless and they do not care whether my soul has been saved or not. Why is this so? Just because my husband and I earn a living by working with our own hands or because I have entered that community whose missionaries have tried in every

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM way to bring me into this Jamaat.

“In fact, I believe in the same religion you put your faith in. However, the only difference is that the general misconceptions have been removed and that person has reformed them who was chosen by God to bring back the teachings of Muhammadsa Rasulullah to its original form. This reformation can be understood with the help of an example of a building which suffers from years of windy storms and needs repairing. Likewise, the teachings of Muhammadsa Rasulullah were subjected to similar circumstances and now they have been refreshed and restored.

“Moreover, I know full well that on many occasions, Muhammadsa Rasulullah used his hands without any feeling of shame to carry out the works of everyday life. Thus, on the basis of this knowledge, I say that your hateful statement is definitely unjust.

“Respected fellows! I did not write these lines to answer in the same kind but rather, I want to tell you that I have been taught the beautiful and reasonable teachings of Ahmadas and certainly, a large number of rational people have accepted Ahmadas.

“Now, ask the following questions to yourself: 1. Does Hazrat Ahmadas consider himself superior to Muhammadsa Rasulullah?

2. Has Hazrat Ahmadas given us an entirely new religion?

3. Does Hazrat Ahmadas annul the teachings of the Holy Quran in any way?

4. Are Hazrat Ahmad’sas teachings impossible and difficult to act on?

“The answer to all the above questions is ‘No’ and certainly ‘No.’ The teaching of God’s Messengersa has been tampered owing to his absence and in some cases, attempts have been made to eradicate it altogether. It is now irrational to say that the teaching of Rasulullahsa is as pure and perfect in the Muslims as it was at the time of the downpour of revelation.

“Is it then impossible for God to choose a holy man and through him, restore the beautiful teachings to its true form? Prophets have appeared in every age. They have always been accepted and some of them have been denied as well. So take lesson from my endeavour and carry out research about the claims of Hazrat Ahmadas. I pray that Allah Almighty grant you the strength to accept the truth. Amin!

“I request my Ahmadi brothers and sisters to double their efforts now to achieve Ahmad’sas holy objectives and remember that in England alone, there are hundreds of souls who will express joy in your victory and show compassion towards your hardships.

“I shall happily correspond with every Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi who will contact me through Ahmadiyya Mission, 4 Star Street, Edgware Road, London, W2 “From Mrs Muhammad Fatima Kathleen.”

Two new Muslims By the grace of Allah, an American gentleman and a German lady have joined the true Jamaat.

Their names will be given in next week’s issue, InshaAllah!

Letter from the President of the Republic of France This humble one wrote a letter of congratulations to M Paul Deschanel, the new President of the Republic of France on the occasion of his taking office of the state and explained those specific teachings of the Promised Messiahas, which are centered on the betterment of both the Muslims and their rulers. In response, he sent a special card of acknowledgement and expressed his gratitude.

Letter from the Prime Minister of the UK In response to the resolutions that were sent to the dignitaries after the confirmation of reconciliation agreement, in which it was explained that the British victory happened in accordance with the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas and a sign of the truthfulness of the Messengersa of Almighty Allah was highlighted, the following reply has been received from the respected Prime Minister of the UK: “Dear Sir, “The Prime Minister has wished me to express gratitude for your letter and the resolution conveying congratulation on the confirmation of reconciliation agreement.

“Yours sincerely, E Evans.”

Southsea Jamaat A port in the south of British Islands is known by the name of Southsea. It has a population of a dozen Ahmadis. Every once in a while, Ahmadi missionaries visit the members of this local Jamaat for their tarbiyat and education and also carry out

tabligh to the non-Ahmadi public. It is here that Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal gave lectures in the time of his earlier stay in the UK and sowed the seed of Ahmadiyyat.

After him, respected Qazi and Mufti visited that place and delivered speeches.

By the grace of Allah, the seed sown by Fateh Muhammad is now a fruitful tree with the irrigation of Qazi and Mufti.

Moreover, the people of the Jamaat continue to carry out tabligh over there in their own way.

Ahmadas and his mission Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal decided to go to the Southsea on repeated requests from Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Southsea and Theosophy Society of Southsea.

Before leaving, he sent a list of topics of his lectures to the Theosophy Society, so that they could select one of the subject for the speech, and in this way both, the task of conveying the message of Islam to the general public and meeting with the local Jamaat could be achieved simultaneously. Upon receiving this list, the subject which was selected according to the need of the age by the secretary of Theosophy Society from more than a dozen topics and considered an elixir for the spiritually parched souls in the land of England, was, “Ahmad and his mission.”

Summary of the lecture The society’s lecture hall was full of a keen audience during the speech and every man and woman was waiting for Fateh Muhammad to hear the message of Ahmadas. The knowledgeable speaker quite remarkably impressed the subject of his [lecture] on the minds of the audience.

If described briefly, below is the summary of the subject on which he laid emphasis: “Now, it is Divine providence to unite the East and the West through the teachings of Hazrat Ahmadas. You should bear in mind that England and Russia will be the first to accept Islam. As all the prophecies about the war of Europe, the victory of the British, and the plight of the Tsar have been fulfilled, so too will this prediction be fulfilled.

“Unfortunately, the world laughs when they hear about the occurrence of future events and when the prophethood reaches the zenith of success, they look for reasons.

Southsea

Listen! Ahmadiyyat will overwhelm you.

The land of your hearts will be conquered and the words of God will be fulfilled.”

An opportunity for questions and answers was given after the lecture but the audience was so dumbfounded that no one dared to ask any question. However, some people met the speaker separately and thanked him. They promised to contemplate on the subject [of the lecture].

Ahmadis were delighted and nonAhmadis were happy. Moreover, Allah Almighty inspired a noble natured English white “bird” to become Muslim.

All praise belongs to Allah; the name of this new brother will be published in the next issue, insha-Allah!

Song of a white bird Praise be to Allah that this poor Ahmadiyya Jamaat of London is now capable enough to not only have its male members deliver lectures, but women are also not far behind men in expressing their inner feelings.

You [readers] have previously read “the new year’s message” from Sister Haneefa Bekon. Now you would be happy [to hear] that last Sunday, another white bird sang the praises [i.e. explained the attributes] of the true religion of Islam in the tune of Ahmadiyyat and expressed the pride and honour that this poor bird is fortunate to have by falling prey to the holy huntsman [of noble souls]. In other words, a new convert Ahmadi lady, respected Fatima Kathleen gave a speech at the Ahmadiyya lecture hall on the subject of “Why have I accepted Islam?”

Summary of the speech After reciting the Surah al-Fatihah in the Arabic language with an English accent and then translating it into English, she said that after comparing the teachings of Christianity and Islam from English translations of the Bible and the Holy Quran and listening to the sermons of Ahmadi missionaries, my verbal faith has been replaced with haqqul-yaqin [true certainty]. Now, I get spiritual food in Ahmadiyyat which is the true Islam.

Fatima Kathleen, may Allah safeguard her, presented the prophecies of the Promised Messiahas to prove that Islam is a living religion. She narrated the prophecies about the pitiable condition of the Tsar and the sermon of Hazrat [Ahmadas] in London.

Furthermore, apart from other concepts of Islam, she laid great emphasis on the justification of the concept of polygamy and highlighted its need after explaining the rising immorality in London and the abundance of women.

Some phrases of the speech “I was a sinner, I admit but I am now saved. Mr Muhammad Suleiman Faith not through blood. Yes, yes, certainly not through blood but in fact through my faith in the blessed one of Ahmad of Qadian, peace be upon him.

“Friends! I am proud to say, ‘I am a white bird of Ahmad, the Messenger of the latter days. Peace be on him and on the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.”

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

24

“Shariah: License to kill?”

Unpacking misleading narratives about Islam Azhar Goraya Missionary, Mexico

RT En Espanol recently came out with a documentary called “Shariah: License to Kill?”, focused on the struggles of the artistic community in Afghanistan.

It showcases people like Atefa, a female model, and Roya Sadat, a film director, who in their desire to produce art in their respective fields, face social boycotts from their families and death threats from their religious leaders and followers.

The most harrowing is the story of Aryana Sayeed, a female singer, whose crew members were attacked and killed while going to a show, and who receives constant threats of bodily harm and death.

Afghanistan has been a place of international and national conflict for many years. The country is struggling to find stability.

The people of Afghanistan are also suffering under Islamic leaders who have twisted the faith of Islam beyond recognition and turned it from the ultimate goodness and force for justice sent by Allah for mankind into a brutal doctrine that is used to oppress people instead of guiding them.

Let’s unpack some of the wrongful insinuations and one-sided reporting that went into this documentary, so that everyone can see that the religion of Islam is not to blame for the woes of Afghanistan, but rather Islam has been hijacked, there and in other places, by ignorant religious clergy and twisted beyond recognition.

Throughout the documentary, fantastic claims about Islam being a barbaric and repressive religion are insinuated, with Maulvi Azizulah Mufleh, the “religious scholar” saying openly that Islam states that those Muslims who don’t follow Islamic injunctions should be killed, principally women who don’t take hijab and supposedly all people involved in the arts.

Such scholars of the latter days have been referred to by the Prophet Muhammadsa as the “worst of creation under the sky” that would cause all types

of disorder:

‫ من عندهم تخرج الفتنة‬،‫علماؤهم شر من تحت أديم السماء‬ ‫وفيهم تعود‬

“…Their religious leaders will be the worst people under Heaven and strife will issue from them and return to them.” (i.e. They will be the source of all the ills.)

(Mishkat-ul-Masabeeh) They would be so corrupt that he compared them to apes and swine: َ ْ َ​َ ُ َ ّ ‫تكون في أمتي فزعة فَيصير‬ ‫ائهم ف ِإذا هم‬ ‫الناس ِإلى علم‬ ِ ِ َ ‫قردة َوخ َنا ِزير‬ “There will be a great fear that will come upon my Ummah. The people will go to their religious scholars but will find them as apes and swine.” (Nawadir-ulUsool-Fi-Ahadith-ir-Rusul) RT is also to blame here. Their biased, one-sided reporting in the documentary is unfortunately one that is most-often employed whenever the media decides to report about Islam.

Islam does not allow anyone to be killed or physically harmed for not wearing the hijab. If a Muslim woman decides not to wear the hijab, she is doing so against the teachings of Islam, but nevertheless, Islam does not condone for her to be killed or harmed for doing so.

The Holy Quran is very clear that capital punishment is the most serious punishment possible that can only be meted out by the authorities in cases of brazen murder: َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ َ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ‫فِي الق ْتلى‬ ‫اص‬ ‫ال ِقص‬ ‫يا أيها ال ِذين آمنوا ك ِتب عليكم‬ “O ye who believe! [Equitable] retaliation in [the matter of] the slain is prescribed for you…” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.179) Or in cases of open rebellion against the state authorities in a way that seriously undermines its institutions: َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ّٰ َ ُ َ ُ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ َّ ‫ض ف َس ًادا أن‬ ِ ‫إِنما جزاء ال ِذين يحارِبون الله ُو َر َّس ُوله ويسعون فِي الأر‬ ‫يقتلوْا‬ “The reward of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to create disorder in the land is [only this] that they be slain…” (Surah

al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.34) Deciding not to cover your head doesn’t count as “seriously undermining the state”.

In either case, Islam does not allow vigilante justice, and any investigation and subsequent decision must be given by the state and justice system. Anyone who takes the law into their own hands and advocates for individuals to harm another person would themselves be guilty of spreading mischief and subject to punishment: ْ َّ ّٰ َ َّ ْ َّ ُ ْ َ ‫َولَا تق ُتلوا النف َس التِي َح ّر َم الل ُه ِإلا ِبال َح ّ ِق‬ “…Take not life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law…”

(Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.152) The arts are not prohibited by Islam.

The Quran speaks of how the Prophet Davidas would make statues: َ ‫يَ ْع َم ُل‬ ُ ‫ون ل َ ُه َما يَ َش‬ َ ‫اء ِمن َّم َحارِيْ َب َوتَ َما ِث‬ ‫يل‬

“They made for him what he desired; palaces and statues…” (Surah Saba, Ch.34: V.14) And the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, allowed singing and recitation of poetry: َّ َ َ ّٰ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ‫ض ال َم ِدين ِة َف ِإذا ُهوَ ِب َجوَا ٍر‬ ‫أ ّن النب ّيَ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ مر ببع‬ َ َّ َ َ َّ ّ َ ْ ِ َ َ ِ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ َّ ّ ُ ِ َ ْ ْ َ ‫يض ِربن ِبدفِ ِهن ويتغني َن ويقلن نح ٰن جوا ٍر ِمن بنِي النجارِ يا ٰحبذا‬ ّ ّ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ْ ٌ َّ َ ُ ّ ‫محمد ِمن جا ‏رِـ ‏ فق‬ ‫ال الن ِب ّيُ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏”‏ي ْعل ُم الل ُه إِن ِي‬ َُّ ُّ ُ ‫نـ ‏‬ ‫لأ ِحبك ‏‏‬ “The Prophet passed by some part of Madinah and saw some girls beating drums and singing, saying, ‘We are girls from Banu Najjar; what an excellent neighbour is Muhammad.’ The Prophet said: ‘Allah knows that you are dear to me.’” (Sunan Ibn-e-Majah) All forms of art that do not promote immorality, indecency or idol worship in society are therefore not prohibited in Islam.

The documentary speaks much against the Taliban and the great suffering they inflicted upon Afghanistan.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for over 100 years has condemned all forms of terrorism and injustice in the name of Islam, and our position is the same today: Islam is a peaceful religion

and has never allowed for its teachings to be imposed on another.

The Quran unambiguously declares that there is no coercion in matters of faith: ّ َ ْ َ ‫ين‬ ِ ‫لا ِإك َراه فِي‬ ِ ‫الد‬ “There should be no compulsion in religion.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.257] It tells Muslims that they must aspire to be the best of mankind: َ ْ َْ ْ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َّ ْ َ ْ ُ َّ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ‫وف َوتن َهوْ َن َع ِن ال ُمنك ِر‬ ‫اس تأمر‬ ِ ُ‫ون ِبال َم ْعر‬ ِ ‫كنتم خير أم ٍة أخ ِرجت ل ِلن‬ “You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.111) The documentary showed how some so-called Muslims were chanting “death to democracy”. Contrary to what people may think, Islam is not against democracy. It advocates for a system of government where the people choose leaders who are most worthy to lead, and then instructs those leaders to lead with absolute justice: َّ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُّ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اس‬ ِ ُ ‫ِإن الله يأمركم أن تؤدوا َالأمان‬ ِ ‫ات ِإل ٰى ْأه ِلها و ِإذا حكمتم بين الن‬ َ ْ َ ْ ‫أن ت ْحك ُموا ِبالعد ِل‬ “Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice…” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.59) Further, these leaders must never forget to consult their people on matters of governance: ْ َْ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ِ‫وشا ِورهم فِي الأمر‬ “and consult them in matters [of administration]…” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.160) That sounds a lot like what democracy aspires to be.

The media has a crucial responsibility to show both sides of the coin. Yes, religion has, both presently and historically, been hijacked by those who want to serve their purpose. At other times it has been severely misunderstood. Nevertheless, giving light to what Muslims truly believe and practice is essential instead of magnifying supposed negatives of Islam.

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Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon Men of Excellence

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

The name of the Badri companion whose accounts I will narrate today is Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah.

Hazrat Talhara belonged to the Banu Taym bin Murrah tribe. His father’s name was Ubaidullah bin Uthman and the name of his mother was Sa‘bahra, who was the daughter of Abdullah bin Imad Hadrami and was the sister of Hazrat Alaara bin Hadrami. Hazrat Talha’s title was Abu Muhammad. The name of Hazrat Alaara bin Hadrami’s father was Abdullah bin Imad Hadrami.

Hazrat Alaara was originally from Hadhramaut and was the confederate of Harr bin Umayyah. The Holy Prophetsa had appointed Hazrat Alaara as the governor of Bahrain and he served as the governor until his demise. Hazrat Alaara passed away in the fourteenth year after Hijra during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra.

One of his brothers, Aamir bin Hadrami, who had not accepted Islam, was killed during the Battle of Badr. Another brother of his, Amr bin Hadrami was the first idolater to be killed by a Muslim. Furthermore, his possessions were the first to be acquired by the Muslims as part of the spoils of war. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 160, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 4, p. 71, Al-Alaa bin al-Hadrami ra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) Hazrat Talha’sra ancestry connects with the Holy Prophetsa from the seventh generation through Murrah bin Kaab and it connects with Hazrat Abu Bakrra at the fourth generation. His father, Ubaidullah did not witness the era of Islam, however his mother lived a long life. She had the opportunity to accept the Holy Prophetsa and was granted the honour of being amongst the companions of the Holy Prophetsa. She had accepted Islam prior to the migration to Medina. (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 128)

Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah did not participate in the Battle of Badr, however the Holy Prophetsa gave him a share from the spoils of war. The reason he did not participate in the Battle of Badr is that the Holy Prophetsa was aware that the caravan of the Quraish had departed from Syria and subsequently sent Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah and Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid 10 days prior to his own departure, in order to gather information about this caravan. Both of them set off and reached Haura, where they stayed until the caravan passed by.

Haura was a resting place situated along the Red Sea, where caravans travelling between the Hijaz and Syria would pass by.

Nevertheless, the Holy Prophetsa came to know of this before Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Saeedra returned. The Holy Prophetsa assembled the companions and set off in pursuit of this caravan of the Quraish.

However, the caravan escaped taking another route, i.e. it quickly set off on a

path along the coast. This incident has been previously been mentioned as well. The people of the caravan continuously walked day and night in order to escape from those who were in search for them; that is the caravan of the disbelievers from Mecca.

Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah and Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid set off towards Medina in order to inform the Holy Prophetsa of this caravan. They were unaware that the Holy Prophetsa had already departed for the Battle of Badr. They reached Medina on the same day the battle between the Quraish and the Holy Prophetsa took place in Badr. Both of them set off from Medina in order to present themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and met with him at Turbaan, while he was returning from Badr. Turbaan is a valley at a distance of nineteen miles from Medina, which has an abundance of sweet water wells. The Holy Prophetsa stayed there on his journey towards the Battle of Badr.

Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Saeedra did not

participate in the Battle of Badr. However, as mentioned previously, the Holy Prophetsa gave them a share of the spoils of this battle.

Thus, the two of them are counted amongst those who participated in the Battle of Badr. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 162, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah, Fi Daw al-Quran Vol. 2, p. 123, Dar-ul-Qalam, Damascus) (Farhang Sirat, p. 75, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) Hazrat Talhara participated in the Battle of Uhud and all other battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa. He was also present during the treaty of Hudaibiyyah. He was among the ten people who the Holy Prophetsa had given the glad-tidings of paradise in their lifetimes. He was also among the first eight people to accept Islam and among the five who accepted Islam through the preaching of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He was among the six members of the Shura Committee established by Hazrat Umarra. He was among those blessed individuals whom the Holy Prophetsa was pleased with at the time of his demise. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 317, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul- Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, p. 430, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) Yazid bin Rumaan relates that once, Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah followed Hazrat Zubair bin Awamra and when they reached the Holy Prophetsa, he conveyed the message of Islam to them and recited the Holy Quran before them, informed them of the rights within Islam and promised them the honour they were to receive from God Almighty. Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Talhara then accepted Islam and testified to the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Uthmanra then said, “O Messengersa of Allah, I have just returned from Syria and when I reached Ma‘an… (this is the name of a place situated just before Mu‘tah. At the time

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

26 of the battle of Mu‘tah, it was when the Muslims reached this place that they came to realise that the Byzantines had prepared an army 200,000 strong to combat them, and so the Companionsra stayed there for two days.) Hazrat Uthmanra continues: “… when I reached the land between Ma‘an and Zarqah on my return (this too is a place near Ma‘an), we set up camp there. As we were sleeping, we heard a caller announce, ‘O ye who sleep, awaken! Ahmad has appeared in Mecca!’ We then returned [to Mecca] and heard news regarding you.” (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 40, Uthman bin Affan, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Farhang Sirat, p. 279, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 173, Al-Zurqaa al-Maktabah al-Asriyyah, Beirut, 2014) Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah relates, “I was in Busra (which is an ancient town of Syria, where the Holy Prophetsa also stayed when he went there to trade goods with his paternal uncle.” He further states, “I was in the markets of Busra when a monk was proclaiming from his Sawma‘ah (i.e. a synagogue), ‘Find out if there is anyone from among the travelling merchants who has come from Mecca.’ I told him that I was from there, so he asked, ‘Has Ahmad really appeared?’ I replied, which Ahmad do you refer to? He said, ‘The son of Abdullah bin Muttalib. This is the month in which he is to appear, and he will be the final Prophet; his advent will be in Mecca and his migration will be to a place with date-fields, where the land would be rocky, barren and saline.

Do not forsake him.’” Hazrat Talhara states, “Everything he said deeply affected me, so I departed swiftly and reached Mecca. I asked the people if anything new had transpired, to which they answered, ‘Yes, Muhammadsa bin Abdullah, the Ameen [trustworthy] – (which was the title given to the Holy Prophetsa by the Meccans) – has made a claim to prophethood and Ibn Abi Qahafah (the title of Hazrat Abu Bakrra) has accepted him.’ Hence, I left and went straight to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and asked if he had truly become his follower. He answered, ‘Yes, and you should also go to him and accept him as he calls towards the truth.’”

Hazrat Talhara then related to Hazrat Abu Bakrra everything the monk had stated, subsequently he took Hazrat Talhara to the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Talhara then accepted Islam and informed the Holy Prophetsa in regard to what the monk had said. The Holy Prophetsa was pleased to hear this.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 161, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) This is also mentioned in a book of history, Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra.

When Hazrat Talhara accepted Islam, Naufal bin Khuwailid bin Adawiyah tied him and Hazrat Abu Bakrra with a rope, which is why both of them are known by the title “Qareenain” i.e. the two fellow companions.

Naufal was known in Mecca for his harsh treatment. Among those who tied them up was Uthman bin Ubaidillah, the brother of Hazrat Talhara. He tied them up to prevent them from seeing the Holy Prophetsa and in order for them to relinquish their faith in Islam. Imam Baihaqi has written that the Holy Prophetsa prayed, “O Allah, protect them from the harm of Adawiyah.” (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, pp.

129-130) Hazrat Masudra bin Khiraash relates, “One day I was walking between Safaa and Marwah, when I saw a large number of people following a young man whose hands were tied to his neck. I enquired as to who this was. The people told me that this was Talhara bin Ubaidillah, who had given up his faith and his mother Sa‘bah was following behind, whilst cursing him with rage.” (AtTarikh as-Saghir li Imam Bukhari, Vol. 1, p.

113, Dar-ul-Ma’rifah, Beirut) Abdullah bin Saad relates from his father that when the Holy Prophetsa was migrating to Medina, he reached Kharraz (this is the name of a valley situated near Hijaz, and it is also said that it is one of the valleys of Medina). When he was leaving Kharraz, he met Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah in the morning, who was part of the caravan returning from Syria. They gave the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abu Bakrra Syrian clothes to wear and informed the Holy Prophetsa that the people of Medina had been eagerly awaiting his arrival for a long time. The Holy Prophetsa then went forth with greater pace, whilst Hazrat Talhara made his way to Mecca. When he completed his work there, he later migrated with the family of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and reached Medina. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 161, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Mu’jamul Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 400, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut) When Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra accepted Islam in Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between them prior to the migration. After the Muslims migrated to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansarira. However, according to another narration, it is reported that the bond of brotherhood was established between Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid and according to yet another narration, it was established between Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Ubayra bin Kaab. After migrating to Medina, Hazrat Talhara stayed at the house of Hazrat Asadra bin Zurarah.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 85, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 161, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Owing to some of the financial sacrifices offered by Hazrat Talhara, the Holy Prophetsa had conferred him with the title of “Fayyaz” [the generous one]. On one occasion, during the Ghazwah of Dhi Qard, the Holy Prophetsa walked past a fountain and enquired about it. The Holy Prophetsa was informed that its name was “Bisan” and that its water was salty. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “No, in fact its name is Numan and its water is sweet and pure.” Subsequently, Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah bought the fountain and donated it and thereupon, its water became sweet. When Hazrat Talhara came before the Holy Prophetsa to relate this incident, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Talha, you are extremely ‘Fayyaz’ (i.e. generous)”.

Thereafter, he was known by the title of “Fayyaz”.

Musa bin Talha relates from his father, Talha, that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa gave Hazrat Talhara the title, “Talha-tul-Khair” and on the occasion

of Tabuk and Dhi Qard, he was granted the title, “Talha-tul-Fayyaz”, and on the occasion of Ghazwah Hunain, he gave him the title, “Talha-tul-Jud” – which also means one who is generous and openhearted. (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, p. 478, bab yudhkaru fihi Sifatuhu al-Batinah, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 85, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) Saib bin Yazid relates that he spent time with Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah, whilst travelling and also at home, and there was no one who was more generous than Talhara in regard to granting money, clothes and food to others. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 167, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) On the day of the Battle of Uhud, at a time when the Muslims had seemed to suffer defeat, the Holy Prophetsa took Bai‘at [oath] from a party among his companionsra to pledge on the condition of offering their lives. Subsequently, the companionsra stood resolutely and risked their lives in order to defend the Holy Prophetsa to the point that some of them were martyred. Amongst those who took the Bai‘at were Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Saadra, Hazrat Sahlra bin Hunaif and Hazrat Abu Dujanara. (Al-Isabah Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahabah, Vol. 3, p. 431, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005) On the day of the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Talhara took part in the battle alongside the Holy Prophetsa. He was among those who stood resolutely with the Holy Prophetsa and pledged on the condition of offering their lives. Malik bin Zuhair fired an arrow in the direction of the Holy Prophetsa but Hazrat Talhara protected the Holy Prophet’ssa blessed face with his hand. The arrow struck him on his little finger which consequently became incapacitated. When the first arrow struck him, he let out a small cry due to the immense pain. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa stated, “If he had recited Bismillah [in the name of Allah], he would have entered paradise in a manner that people would be witnessing it before their very eyes.” In one of the books of history, it further states that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, an idolater twice struck a blow to Hazrat Talha’sra head; once when he was coming towards him and the second time when he was turning away from him. He lost a lot of blood as a result of this. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 162-163, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) This same account has been mentioned in another narration in Seerat Al-Halabiyyah.

Qais bin Abu Haazim relates that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, he saw the state of the hand of Hazrat Talhara which had become severely withered as he had placed it in front of the Holy Prophetsa to protect him from the arrows. According to one narration, he lost so much blood after an arrow pierced his hand that he lost consciousness. Hazrat Abu Bakrra sprinkled water on him and he eventually regained consciousness and even then immediately enquired about the Holy Prophet’ssa condition. Hazrat Abu Bakrra informed him that the Holy Prophetsa was fine and it was the Holy Prophetsa who had sent him to see to him. Hazrat Talhara replied:

ُ ّٰ َ َْ ‫ال َح ْم ُد ل ِلہِ ک ُّل ُم ِص ْی َب ٍۃ بَ ْع َد ٗہ َجل ٗل‬ “All praise be to Allah! After knowing that the Holy Prophetsa is fine, every hardship becomes insignificant.” (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 324, Ghazwah Uhud, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) The account of this battle is also recorded in another tradition from a source of history. Hazrat Zubairra relates that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa was wearing two chain armours. Owing to the weight of the armour the Holy Prophetsa was wearing and from weakness after having lost a lot of blood from the injuries he had sustained to his head and face – this account is relating to after the battle had concluded – the Holy Prophetsa was not able to climb a mound. The Holy Prophetsa made Hazrat Talhara kneel down and placed his foot on him and ascended onto the mound. Hazrat Zubairra narrates that he heard the Holy Prophetsa state, “Talhara has made paradise incumbent upon himself.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 85, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 321, Ghazwah Uhud, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) In another narration, it states that Hazrat Talhara had a limp in one of his legs and as a result of this, he could not walk properly.

When he lifted the Holy Prophetsa, he made every effort to ensure he placed every step carefully and walked straight so that owing to his limp, the Holy Prophetsa would not experience any discomfort. After this, he completely recovered from his limp. (AlSirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 322, Ghazwah Uhud, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) Aishah and Umm-e-Ishaq, who were the daughters of Hazrat Talhara, state that on the day of the Battle of Uhud, their father sustained 24 injuries, among which there was a large wound to the head and one of the blood vessels in his leg had been cut. Also, one of his fingers had become incapacitated and the rest of his body was full of wounds and he was in a state of semi-consciousness.

The Holy Prophetsa had also sustained injuries and his front two had broken and he had sustained many injuries to his blessed countenance and he was also semiconscious. Hazrat Talhara carried the Holy Prophetsa on his back and walked backwards and whenever he encountered an idolater, he would fight against them and continued to walk in this way till they reached a valley and seated the Holy Prophetsa with his support. This is a reference from AlTabqaat-ul-Kubra. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 163, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) On the day of the Battle of Uhud, Khalid bin Waleed took the Muslims by surprise and launched a sudden attack on them, causing them to disperse. Based on various narrations, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has related these aforementioned incidents in further detail. His narration illustrates an astonishing account of the level of steadfastness and sacrifice of Hazrat Talhara.

Even though this was evident in the earlier accounts, but nonetheless the details of this account he has related are as follows: “A few companions rushed to the Holy

27

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM Prophetsa and formed a ring around him.

They could not have been more than thirty in total. The Meccan army attacked this ring fiercely, where the Holy Prophetsa was stood. One by one, the Muslims in the ring fell under the blows of Meccan swordsmen.

Aside from the Meccans who were with swords, from the hill, the archers sent volleys of arrows towards the Holy Prophetsa. (Upon witnessing that the enemy was relentlessly firing arrows) at that time, Talha, one of the Quraysh and the Muhajirin (Meccan Muslims who had taken refuge in Medina), saw that the enemy arrows were all directed to the face of the Prophetsa. He stretched out his hand and held it up against the Prophet’ssa face. Arrow after arrow struck Talha’sra hand, yet this brave and valiant warrior did not allow his hand to move.

With each shot, Talha’s hand was pierced through. Ultimately it was completely mutilated and Talhara lost his hand.

“Many years later, during the time of the Fourth Khalifa of Islam, when internal dissensions had raised their head, Talhara was tauntingly described by an enemy as the handless Talha. One companion replied, ‘Handless, yes, but do you know where he lost his hand? At the Battle of Uhud, in which he raised his hand to shield the Prophet’ssa face from the enemy’s arrows.’

Long after the Battle of Uhud someone asked Talhara, ‘Did not your hand hurt under the arrow shots and the pain make you cry in anguish?’ Talhara replied, ‘Indeed it hurt me, and it almost made me cry in anguish, but I resisted both because I knew that if my hand shook even slightly, it would expose the Prophet’ssa face to the volley of enemy arrows.’” (Deebacha Tafsir-ul-Quran, Anwarul Ulum, Vol. 20, p. 250) On the occasion of Ghazwa Hamra-ulAsad, whilst pursuing the enemy, the Holy Prophetsa met Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah.

“Talha, where are your weapons?” asked the Holy Prophetsa. Despite the fact that at the time, Hazrat Talhara had sustained nine wounds to his chest alone from the Battle of Uhud, however he submitted that they were nearby and then quickly went and got hold of his weapons. There were a total of over 70 wounds on his entire body. Hazrat Talhara relates that he was more concerned about the Holy Prophet’ssa injuries than his own. He states that the Holy Prophetsa came to him and asked where he had seen the enemy. He replied that he had seen them in the area which was slightly low-lying. The Holy Prophetsa states that he also thought the same and stated, “As far as the Quraish are concerned, they will never have the opportunity to act in this manner again to the point that that Allah the Almighty shall grant us victory over Mecca through our hands.” (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, pp.

350-351, Ghazwah Uhud, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) On the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk, the Holy Prophetsa learnt of the news that some of the hypocrites were gathering at the house of a Jew named Suwailam, which was near Jasum. Jasum was also known as Bire-Jasim, which was in the direction of Syria near Ratij and was a well that belonged to Abu Haitham bin Tayyihan. The water of this well was of an extremely good quality and the Holy Prophetsa had also drank from it. In any case, they were all gathering at his house and he was conspiring against the

Holy Prophetsa by urging them to not go along with him for battle to Tabuk. The Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Talhara, along with some other companions, towards his house and instructed them to set Suwailam’s house alight. Hazrat Talhara acted accordingly.

During this, Zihaak bin Khalifa broke his leg whilst trying to escape from the back of the house. Similarly, the other men also fled. (Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 517, Ghazwah Tabuk, Maktabah Matba’ah Mustafa Albani, Egypt, 1955) (Farhang Sirat, p. 84, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003) Hazrat Alira relates that he clearly recalls that he heard the Holy Prophetsa say that Talhara and Zubairra will be his neighbours in paradise. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 86, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) Among those who remained behind from travelling for the Battle of Tabuk was Hazrat Kaabra bin Malik. Consequently, he was boycotted and after 40 days, Allah the Almighty accepted his repentance and announced his forgiveness. When he came to the mosque to present himself before the Holy Prophetsa, it was Hazrat Talhara who came forward and met Hazrat Kaabra bin Malik and congratulated him. Apart from Hazrat Talhara, no one else stood up from the gathering and Hazrat Kaabra stated that he would never forget this kind gesture of Hazrat Talhara. (Roshan Sitarey az Ghulam Bari Saif Sahib, Vol. 2, p. 145) Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid states, “I can bear witness regarding nine people who were given glad tidings of paradise, and even if I mention the tenth person, I would not be wrong to do so.” He was asked how was this possible, to which he replied, “We were in the company of the Holy Prophetsa on mount Hira when all of a sudden it began to shake. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Hira! Steady yourself! For there is none upon this mount except for a Prophet, Siddique [truthful] and Shaheed [a martyr].’” Hazrat Saeedra was asked who those people were, to which he replied, “The Holy Prophetsa, Abu Bakrra, Umarra, Usmanra, Alira, Talhara, Zubairra, Saadra and Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf.” These were the nine men [who were given tidings of paradise] When he was asked about who was the tenth person, Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid paused for a while and then said: “It is I”. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Manaqib, Bab Manaqib Abi alA‘war…, Hadith 3757) Hazrat Saeedra bin Jubair narrates, “The status and conduct of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Usmanra, Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Saadra and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf and Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid was such that during battles, they would stand right before the Holy Prophetsa and fight and during the prayers, they would stand right behind him.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 478, Saeed bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah narrates that the Holy Prophetsa once said, “Whosoever wishes to see a martyr in person, they ought to see Talha bin Ubaidillah.”

Hazrat Musa bin Talhara and Hazrat Isa bin Talhara, narrate on the authority of their father, Hazrat Talha bin Ubaidillahra that the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa would say that a Bedouin once came to the Holy

Hazrat Saeedra bin Jubair narrates, “The status and conduct of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Usmanra, Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Saadra and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf and Hazrat Saeedra bin Zaid was such that during battles, they would stand right before the Holy Prophetsa and fight and during the prayers, they would stand right behind him.”

Prophetsa and asked who were the people referred to in the verse of the Quran: َ َٰ ‫َم ْن قضى ن ْح َب ٗہ‬

“There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow” Initially upon asking, the Holy Prophetsa did not answer. The Bedouin asked for the second time, but the Holy Prophetsa did not answer and again upon asking for the third time, the Holy Prophetsa remained silent.

Hazrat Talhara stated, “I entered through the door of the mosque and at the time I was wearing a green attire. When the Holy Prophetsa saw me (i.e. Hazrat Talhara) he asked, ‘Where is the questioner who asked about the people referred to in the verse, ‫َم ْن‬ َ َٰ ‫ قضى ن ْح َب ٗہ‬i.e. “There are some of them who

have fulfilled their vow.”’ The Bedouin replied, ‘It was I, O Messengersa of Allah.’”

Hazrat Talhara then said, “The Holy Prophetsa pointed towards me and said; he is one of َٰ the people regarding whom it is said, ‫َم ْن قضى‬ ٗ‫ ن َ ْح َبہ‬i.e. ‘There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow.’” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 86, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Darul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) Abdur Rahman bin Uthman states, “On one occasion, we were with Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah in a state of Ihraam [the intention to perform Umrah or Hajj]. One person brought a bird and presented it as an offering. At the time, Hazrat Talhara was resting. Some of us ate from it, while others abstained from eating it. When Hazrat Talhara woke up he agreed with the action of those who ate the offering and said, ‘We also ate the offerings that were hunted by others whilst in the company of the Holy Prophetsa.’” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 3, p. 7, Musnad Abu Muhammad Talha bin Ubaidillah, Hadith 1383, Mu‘assisatul Risalah, 2001)

Aslam, the freed slave of Hazrat Umarra narrates, “Hazrat Umarra saw Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah wearing two garments that had been dyed using clay, despite the fact that he was in a state of Ihraam. Hazrat Umarra asked, ‘O Talha! What is the meaning of these clothes?’ (i.e. since he had dyed his clothes) he replied, ‘O Amir-ul-Momineen [Leader of the believers]! I have dyed them in clay.’ Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘O ye Companions! You all are leaders and people will follow your conduct. If an ignorant one sees you wearing these clothes, he will say that Talhara wears coloured clothes in a state of ihram.’” i.e regardless of whichever colour was used, people could raise an allegation that instead of wearing white clothes, he wore clothes that were coloured. In another narration, the following words are found in addition to the aforementioned hadith that Hazrat Umarra stated, “The best clothes to wear in a state of ihram are white, therefore do not place other people in doubt regarding this matter.”

Hazrat Hasanra relates that Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah sold a piece of his land to Hazrat Uthmanra bin Affan for 700,000 dirhams. When Hazrat Uthmanra paid the amount, Hazrat Talhara took the money home. He thought to himself that if one has this amount of money at home, no one knows what God Almighty has decreed with regards to life and death. Thus, throughout the night, with the help of others, they went around the streets of Medina and gave money to those in need. When day broke, Hazrat Talhara did not have even one dirham left from this amount. (Al-Tabaqaat-ulKubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 164-165, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Al-bidayatu wa al-Nihayah li Ibn Atheer, Vol. 4, Ch. 7, p. 208, 35A.H.,

Friday 10 April 2020 | AL HAKAM

28 Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) Ibn Jarir narrates that Hazrat Talhara once met Hazrat Uthmanra when he was leaving the mosque. Hazrat Talhara said, “I have 50,000 dirhams that I owe to you, kindly send someone to collect it.” (i.e. he may have borrowed the amount off him in the past, and now had the money to pay him back). Hazrat Uthmanra replied, “I gave that to you as a gift owing to your kindness.”

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 167-168, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Talhara was martyred in Jang-eJamal [Battle of the Camel]. With regard to this, there is a narration by Qais bin Abi Hazim in which he states: “On the day of Jang-e-Jamal, Marwan bin Hakam shot an arrow which hit Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah in the knee, piercing a blood vessel. When he would apply pressure on the wound, the blood would stop, but when he would leave it, blood would gush out. Hazrat Talhara then said, ‘By God! We have not experienced their arrows as of yet.’ He then said, ‘Leave my wound, as this arrow was sent by God Almighty!’” Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah was martyred on 10 Jumad al-Thani, 36 AH, during Jang-eJamal. At the time of his martyrdom, Hazrat Talhara was 64 years old, whilst according to another narration he was 62 years old.

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 88, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut)

Saeed bin Musayyib narrates that a man was once speaking ill of Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra. Hazrat Saadra bin Malik, i.e. Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqas stopped him, saying, “Do not revile my brothers,” however, the man did not desist.

Hazrat Saad stood up and offered two rak‘ats [unit] of prayer and offered the following supplication, “O Allah! If these things that he is saying are a means of incurring Your wrath, then send down your chastisement upon him in front of me so that he can be a lesson to others.” Thus, as soon as this individual left the gathering, a camel was charging towards him. The camel caught him in a rocky terrain and throwing him underneath, it crushed him, thereby killing him. The narrator states that the people went to Hazrat Saad saying, “O Abu Ishaq!

Rejoice for your prayer has been accepted.”

(Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 88, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut) Ali bin Zaid narrates on the authority of his father that one person saw Hazrat Talhara in a dream who appeared to him and said to change the location of his grave, as the water disturbed him greatly. He appeared to him in the dream again and saw the same dream on three consecutive occasions. That person came to Hazrat ibn Abbasra and related his dream. When they went to his grave, the part of his body that was immersed in the ground had become green due to the water.

Thus, the people moved Hazrat Talha’sra

body and buried him in another place. The narrator states, “It is as if I can still witness the camphor that was on his eyes, which was completely unchanged. The only change was his hair that had moved from their place.

The people bought one of the houses of Hazrat Abu Bakarah for 10,000 dirhams and buried Hazrat Talhara there.” (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 88, Talha bin Ubaidillah Quraishi, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah would earn 400,000 to 500,000 dinars from his different farms in Iraq. He would earn crops from the lands in different areas of Saraat, which was a mountainous region similar to an Island, to the west of the Arab peninsula and spanned from north to south. It was also known as Jabal as-Saraat. He would earn at least 10,000 dinar from the grain of this area and also from other lands he owned. There was not a single poor person from among the Banu Taim whose family did not benefit from the wealth of Hazrat Talhara and whose widows were not married from that wealth and whose needy were not granted assistance, i.e. he would help the poor and would pay the debts of those who were unable to pay them. Moreover, each year when he would earn from his produce, he would send 10,000 dirham to Hazrat Aishara. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 166, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Farhang Sirat, p. 147, Zawwar Academy Publications, Karachi, 2003)

Hazrat Muwaiyyara asked Musara bin Talha, “How much wealth did Abu Muhammad (i.e. Hazrat Talhara bin Ubaidillah) leave behind?” He replied, “2.2 million dirham and 200,000 dinar.” All of his wealth was earned from the various lands he owned. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 166, Talha bin Ubaidillah, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) As mentioned, he was martyred in Jange-Jamal, the details of which, God Willing, I will narrate in the future, because the details are such that they ought to be mentioned separately so that the questions that arise in one’s mind can be addressed. God willing, I shall narrate it in future.

Now, as mentioned in the previous sermon, everyone ought to continue adhering to the precautionary measures against the current coronavirus pandemic.

One should also take caution whilst attending the mosque. If one is suffering from a slight fever or is suffering from aches and pains, one ought to refrain from public places. They should protect themselves as well as others. We ought to pay particular attention towards prayers. May Allah the Almighty safeguard the world from this affliction.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 3 April 2020, pp. 5-9.

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