Al Hakam - 22 May 2020

Living under the guidance of a “fair man”

The birth of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya

Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya A source of divine “security and peace”

Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I Page 4

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The fate of those who rejected Khilafat

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THE WEEKLY

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

Khilafat: A Muslim’s true Eid To “burn” in the love of Allah and excel in spirituality is what the lexicon of Ramadan signifies. Travelling through this holy month while burning our destructive habits, conflicts, immorality and spiritual rust is the

essence of Ramadan. Allah declares it Himself: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you … so that you may become righteous.”

Continued on page 3

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

Practice of the Holy Prophet on Eid Hazrat Anas bin Malik, Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid-ulFitr unless he had eaten some dates.

Hazrat Anasra also narrated that the Prophetsa used to eat odd number of dates.

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Khilafat is a reflection of prophethood The Promised Messiahas states: “A successor is called a khalifa. The successor of a prophet in the real sense can only be the one who has the excellences of a prophet on a shadowlike basis … In fact, a khalifa is the reflection of a prophet. As no person can live forever, God Almighty willed to retain the existence of prophets – who are the most eminent and best among all beings of the world – as a reflection till the Day of Judgement. It is for this reason that Allah the Exalted chose khilafat so that the world may never and at no time be deprived of the blessings of prophethood.”

(Shahadatul-Quran, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, p. 353)

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This Week in History 22 - 28 May 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

Maulvi Muhammad Hussain. Maulvi Hafiz Azim Bakhsh Sahib requested Huzooras to remove his name from the list of religious scholars who issued fatwas against Huzooras. This Maulvi Sahib also dispatched his poem expressing his reverence for Huzooras. Some other people also exposed the deceitful approach of Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Sahib.

22 May 1893: A debate that took place between the Promised Messiahas (representing Islam) and Abdullah Atham (Christianity), started on this day and continued until 5 June 1893. Huzooras had mentioned that he spent those days like a warrior, giving precedence to this historic debate and ignoring everything else, at times including meals also. This debate was titled Jang-e-Muqaddas (the Holy War) and publicised by the Christian camp, even before the start of the debate.

22 May 1900: The Promised Messiah’sas book Government Angrezi Aur Jihad (The British Government and Jihad) was published on this date. This book explains the true nature of jihad and its philosophy. The arguments presented within the book derive from the Holy Quran, hadith and human conscience. In the book, the Promised Messiahas announced the foretold religious decree about jihad according to ahadith.

24 May 1892: The fatwas (edicts) of disbelief against the claims of the Promised Messiahas, which were gathered by Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala, is mentioned a lot. This useless exercise and unnecessary fatigue saw yet another blow when a Maulvi Hafiz Azim Bakhsh from Patiala wrote a letter to the Promised Messiahas distancing himself from the above mentioned fatwa-e-kufr prepared by

24 May 1897: In the month of May, Husain Kami, the Consul for Turkey stationed at Karachi, after several requests for an interview, came to Qadian probably out of Islamic sentiments to meet the Promised Messiahas. What happened in Qadian has been mentioned in the previous episode, yet this meeting created quite a commotion among the Muslims of Punjab and indeed of the whole of India. Vernacular papers – of both Shias and Sunnis alike – the Nazimul Hind (Lahore) and The Chaudhwin Sadi etc. played the typical role of yellow journalism and misguided the masses that the Promised Messiahas wanted to repent from his claims in the presence of the Consul of Turkey. On this date, Huzooras had to write and publish a detailed notification to clarify the matter. Huzooras also reproduced the letters of Husain Kami here.

25 May 1908: The Promised Messiahas addressed his Jamaat for the last time on this day. Availing the moment, Hazrat Chaudhry Jahan Khanra from Mangat, district Hafizabad, held the hand of the Promised Messiahas and performed the Bai‘at.

Chronologically, he was the last fortunate person to enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat at the hand of the Promised Messiahas.

25 May 1908: After the Asr prayer, the Promised Messiahas went out with his family for an outing. In the evening, he was occupied in writing his last book, Paigham-e-Sulh (A Message of Peace) and before midnight, his final illness intensified.

26 May 1884: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana, commenting on some contemporary issues about some friends and the acceptance of prayers.

26 May 1899: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to his companion and devout friend, Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra, educating him about the philosophy of divine

decree. Huzooras diverted his attention towards the countless bounties of Allah being showered and reiterated that his faith and trust in God must never weaken. Huzooras also informed him that he had just received one hundred rupees sent by Seith Sahibra.

26 May 1908: The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas passed away in the morning of this day at Lahore. At Fajr time, Huzooras performed tayammum [alternative for ablution] and offered Salat whilst lying down. In a state of semi-consciousness, he would repeat the words, “Allah! Merey piyarey Allah!” that is, “O Allah! My beloved Allah!”

At 8:30am, Huzooras attempted to write something down about his health, but was unable to complete the sentence. At 9am, his health deteriorated and at 10:30am, the soul of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas departed this earth and returned to his Lord. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ “Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

27 May 1891: The Promised Messiahas dispatched a caring letter to Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala, expressing his concerns about the escalating tensions amongst the public of the area, where Maulvi Sahib would paid visits and speak. Huzooras wanted to settle this matter without any delays because these vilifying activities of Maulvi Sahib were harming common Muslims.

27 May 1908: The blessed body of the Promised Messiahas was removed from the coffin, placed on a charpai (traditional Indian bedstead) and carried on the shoulders of his servants at 2am.

The funeral procession reached Qadian at 8am.

After the Asr prayer, the Jamaat unanimously elected Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra as Khalifatul Masih I. After Bai‘at, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira led the funeral prayer and the Companions saw their master, the Promised Messiahas, one last time.

At 6pm, the blessed body of the Promised Messiahas was buried at Bahishti Maqbarah Qadian.

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What is a khalifa?

28 May 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra while residing in Batala, where his ailing son, Mirza Bashir Ahmad was under treatment.

The Promised Messiah’sas personal love and care for matters of Maulvi Sahib becomes evident from this letter.

The Promised Messiahas states: “The meaning of ‘Khalifa’ is a successor who renews faith.

28 May 1900: The Promised Messiahas wrote a detailed notification, in which he unveiled the construction project of a minaret in Qadian. Huzooras urged his followers to donate towards this fund and explained the reason behind this elevated tower and other functions it would serve after its completion, for example a clock and a light.

In this same announcement, Huzooras made his famous and historic verdict about jihad by the sword. Huzooras decreed that from now on, no one would be allowed to engage in any combat of the sword or firearms because a new dawn had approached, which was the jihad of the pen.

28 May 1903: Talim-ul-Islam College was inaugurated in Qadian. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. The Promised Messiahas was unwell and so he could not attend.

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira was appointed the principal of the college.

28 May 1903: In reply to the report of the above mentioned inaugurated college, sent by Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, the Promised Messiahas mentioned the reason why he could not bless the ceremony with his presence that night.

Huzooras had experienced chest pains near his heart a day before the ceremony was due to be held. Yet, Huzooras remained occupied in prayers in Baitul-Dua for the success of this college.

28 May 1906: The Promised Messiahas wrote a thorough letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra. In it, Huzooras guided him from the wisdoms provided

by Islam, about predicaments he was facing in his princely state of Malerkotla. Huzooras elaborated his word by citing examples from the verses of the Holy Quran and from the holy life of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Those who come in the place of Prophets to dispel darkness that spreads after their era are called khulafa.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 383)

Continued from page 1

Sadly, for some, Ramadan teaches hatred towards Ahmadi Muslims. They take the “burning” element literally and light fires of hate, discord and animosity against a peaceful and loving community.

This Ramadan was no different.

From government ministers tweeting unimaginable hate to TV presenters supporting extreme politics and artists toiling to improve their following – ignoring the essence of Ramadan – it’s prime time for such people to blaze fires of hatred against a peaceful community.

For Ahmadi Muslims, the hostility grew their faith further while also highlighting the blessing only they enjoy; Khilafat.

The endless persecution and barring of Ahmadi Muslims, especially in Pakistan, is a dark and lengthy history. But the resilience, patience and prayers-alone attitude that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, for over a century, has ingrained amongst millions of Ahmadis is the miracle here.

Without such a divinely guided leader, our minds grow to dark and horrible consequences that the anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric would have brought. Khilafate-Ahmadiyya proves, again and again, the divine promise of, “He will surely give them in exchange security [and peace] after their fear.” (Surah al-Nur; Ch.24: V.56) Where Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya has preached patience and prayer in the face of hatred, it has created a nation of Muslims who don’t simply inherit their faith, but learn and practise it as the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, desired.

Khilafat has been the guiding light which takes millions onto the path towards

God Almighty – the purpose of our lives.

Despite spewing hatred against Ahmadiyyat by opponents, Khilafat-eAhmadiyya continues to manifest Allah’s promise of “He will surely establish for them their religion”. Our history looks up at the great, unshakable tree of faith that Allah has nurtured and established through Khilafat; none can uproot it.

This is the true Eid for Muslims.

The fulfilment of the divine promise of establishing Khilafat to guide and direct Muslims towards the Islam that Allah and His Prophetsa desired for them to follow.

The hatred in the Muslim world begs for the twilight of this Eid to manifest, the disunity amongst the Muslims cries for the Eid of Khilafat and the spiritual state of the world craves it.

The world needs not to wait. The sun of Khilafat had risen long ago and its bright light shines in the hearts of millions across the world!

Hundreds of thousands, from diverse nationalities and beliefs, accept this Khilafat every single year. As a result, they talk about the inner peace, spiritual guidance and religious direction they have

found in their lives. Muslims who were confused, far away and without direction found the path towards Allah once again through Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Atheists who abandoned God found proof of His existence by holding the hand of Khilafate-Ahmadiyya. Those trapped in dark wells of immorality managed to climb out and see the bright sun of faith by holding onto the “rope of Allah” – Khilafat.

It is ironic that Muslims pass through the month of Ramadan and beg for unity, guidance and even the return of Jesusas; they crave for this Eid. At the same time, when Ahmadi Muslims give the good news of the arrival of this Eid, many turn away and refuse to celebrate Allah’s blessing.

Where the Eid of Ramadan will be a celebration and another opportunity to excel in righteousness, Ahmadi Muslims will also enjoy the Eid of Khilafat that the Muslim Ummah, in fact the world, awaits.

It is about this Eid that the Promised Messiahas said: “… its coming is better for you because it is everlasting – the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement.”

(The Will, p.7)

No progress without Khilafat Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Islam can never progress in the absence of Khilafat.

Islam has always prospered with the help of khulafa and will continue to advance under them in future as well.”

(Nizam-e-Khilafat, Barkat aur Humari Zimadarian, p. 35-36)

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“A fair man” and more prophecies Asif M Basit London

How fortunate we all are to be living in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. How privileged we all are to have witnessed the immense scale of success that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon the Jamaat in this blessed era, and that too against all odds.

We have before us almost two decades of this blessed era, decorated with progress and prosperity of Islam and we know that there are many more milestones of Islam’s glory yet to be witnessed through the leadership of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The night of 22 April 2003 was as eventful as it was glorious. It was to transform the fear of millions of hearts into peace; it was to manifest the historic emergence of a fifth khilafat in the history of Islam; it was to be the first election of a caliph in exile. It was indeed a very momentous night that it brought with it the dawn of a new era of the propagation of Islam to the corners of the earth – one that the world continues to witness with every day of this era.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa had received the news of the sad demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in Rabwah.

His role as nazir-e-ala meant that he was entrusted with the duty of organising the electoral college to meet in London.

As he left from his home, he told his wife that as soon as the election would happen, he would seek permission from the new Khalifa to return to Rabwah in a week or so. The heavens would have smiled at the innocence of this great man.

It was nowhere in his imagination that as he set his foot out of Pakistan, he would be leaving behind his homeland never to return to it again. He was also leaving behind a life and entering a completely new one – a life which was to be a lifeline for millions of Ahmadis across the world.

He was unaware that every moment of his life was to be devoted for the service of Islam.

Like most of you, I too have wondered how this realisation must have struck him.

Huzooraa has been very kind to lift the corners of this enigmatic shroud from here and there, always enough to only just give a glimpse into this well-kept secret of his and Allah’s.

I have had the honour to share these brief glimpses with the readers of Al Hakam on various occasions. I am sure that we may not be able to take the intense

radiance of the episode if Huzooraa ever decided to one day lift the mantle for a full viewing. One thing we all know is that the night in question was a sunrise of a magnificent era of Islam.

We know that the Holy Prophetsa had prophesied that there would come a time when the sun of Islamic victory would rise from the West. We have seen this manifest in many ways through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, but the genesis of the Khilafat of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa in London was a unique manifestation of this oracle of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh migration to and exile in the West had in many ways fulfilled the prophesied Westerly sunrise.

That the election of the Fifth Khilafat had taken place in London and it was in London that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was passed on the baton of the Jamaat’s progress by Allah took the fulfilment of this grand prophecy to a completely new level of manifestation. Even imagining that Allah’s decree for Khilafat materialised in the West and from here started a zealous era of the propagation of Islam makes one overwhelmed how clearly the Holy Prophetsa had seen the roadmap of his ummah spread over centuries to come.

The Promised Messiahas too had

seen in a vision that he stood in London addressing a large audience. This vision was fulfilled when Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, immediately after his election as Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas, addressed thousands of people in the streets of London and millions through MTA. The central theme of the address was, “Supplicate fervently; supplicate fervently and supplicate fervently to Allah”. This being the first address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in London – to an audience of millions – many more ground-breaking addresses from this very city of London were yet to follow. But this particular short address, emphasising prayers and only prayers, was a stage-setting one for what was to follow.

Allah the Almighty had spoken to the Promised Messiahas about the birth of a son, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra in the following words: “Here comes a king!”

This prophecy had been fulfilled in many ways earlier, but the night of 22 April took it to an unprecedented height when Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the grandson of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, was made the spiritual king of the Muslim nation.

His spiritual coronation took place in

a country where a worldly monarchy still prevails – a remnant of an empire that ruled half the world in its high noon. India had been the largest colony of the British Empire and it was there that Christian missionaries and evangelists had landed in huge numbers in the hope to convert the whole of it to Christianity. Their mission had flourished and made Muslims wary of their faith in Islam and hence convert to Christianity. Such was the pinnacle of British Imperialism.

It was at such an hour of Christian supremacy in India that Allah the Almighty raised in the same land a Messiah, the promised saviour of the latter days. This revolutionary advent had taken place in a small, negligible hamlet of Qadian in the Punjab.

It was natural for someone claiming the highest rank of all religions to be asked to show signs of his truthfulness. He was blessed with hundreds of signs, but let’s have a look at a splendid sign that saw fulfilment on the night of 22 April 2003 as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa – a successor of the Promised Messiahas – was made king of the spiritual world.

At the time of his advent, the Promised Messiahas had next to none means of communication and transportation, not

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

to speak of other logistic arrangements required for the grand mission that he claimed to have been commissioned with.

He had no wealth, no assets, no printing press and not even a newspaper to facilitate his mission.

Despite being empty-handed in worldly terms, he claimed that he would not only counter the Christian missionary activity, but would turn the tide and send them packing. This claim started to materialise when his writings in defence of Islam started to throw cold water on the evangelical tactics of Christian missionaries; when he defeated them in face-to-face debates and crowds witnessed his single-handed victory. Those claiming to turn India into a Christian empire could not even defend their own fortress. The words of the Promised Messiahas turned out to be the best remedy against the surge of Christology.

Without divine support, this defeat of a mighty religion with a mighty evangelical mission could never have been possible.

The Messiah they were facing was sent from God and it was destined for his truthfulness to prevail. Not only were the Christian missionaries sent back to England, but a successor of the Promised Messiahas was crowned in the heart of their own country in 2003.

Exactly a hundred years prior to the election of Khalifatul Masih V, in April 1903, the Promised Messiahas had seen a vision: “I saw in my dream a swollen river which wound its way along like a serpent from the west to the east and then, as I was looking at it, it reversed its direction and began to flow from the east to the west.”

The surge of the mighty river of Christianity, irreligiosity and atheism that had once flown from the West towards the East, was forced to pack up and go back to the West with the emergence of the Promised Messiah’s Fifth Khilafat in London. Not only this, but Islam saw new horizons of propagation from the West to the rest of the world.

The start of the Fifth Khilafat coincided with the turn of a century and of a new millennium; the century and the millennium that were to bring about energetic floods of atheism. It was for this point – the start of the 21st century – that Peter Berger had predicted back in 1968 that “religious beliefs would be overwhelmed by a worldwide explosion of secularism”. (“A Bleak Outlook for Religion”, New York Times, 25 February 1968) Berger’s notion became a mantra of the anti-religion schools of thought and gained the status of a prediction; anticipated to manifest in prophetic manner.

Then finally arrived the 21st century and along came the Fifth Khilafat of the Promised Messiahas. Although Berger’s prediction was never entirely fulfilled, but the explosion of secularism was treading almost as he had predicted. This explains the phrase that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had emphasised in his first ever address, “Supplicate fervently, supplicate to Allah, supplicate fervently to Allah!”

This indicated that the best way to fight the explosion of secularism was only to be overcome by never facing away from Allah the Almighty. When the world was steadily turning away from God and where being an atheist was rapidly becoming fashionable, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa told us to find our only hope of success in God; a success against those who were against God. These words marked the outset of the Khilafat of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa – the successor of the Promised Messiahas – who was to reach out to every part of the world with the message of the One and Only God. In such tumultuous times when the world had literally rebelled against God, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa called every nation of the world to take refuge in God. From Tokyo in the Far East to Vancouver in the Far West, from Singapore to the USA, from Mauritius to the Scandinavian Peninsula and from the East of Africa to its western lands; nations get to hear his call to the peace and tranquillity of Islam.

The countries where he couldn’t travel to get to, hear his message through satellite television that broadcasts across the globe. World leaders and dignitaries of international influence have heard his message in their audiences with him or when he is invited to speak to parliaments and other bodies of global renown.

Thousands have flocked into the fold of Islam through listening to his blessed words and thousands continue to do so.

Among the many facets of his call towards God Almighty, he has emphasised on the rise of natural disasters that continuously and consistently keep striking the world and continue to wreak havoc. He has attributed this rise to the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas to the neglect of the Almighty God. Nations divided into blocs and the rise in their bloody conflicts in the form of wars is another area that he attributes to the misled and misleading priorities of world leaders – lust of power and wealth at the top and God’s rights at the last or altogether nowhere at all.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa has told the world that this rise of unrest, conflict and uncertainty are all reminders that there exists a God that is Almighty and that all powers cannot be conquered by man.

Almost every natural disaster since 2003, that left humanity in pain and suffering, has seen a heartfelt message of sympathy from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and also a reminder to the world to return to the shelter of God Almighty. This call is supported by surveys and studies carried out by the likes of Pew Research Centre.

One of their surveys in 2015 suggested that the ratio of believing people in the world population will have risen to 87 percent by the year 2050. Also that Islam will have by then surpassed Christianity to become the dominant religion of the world; and that secular tendencies will have significantly fallen by then.

Pew have, in the same research, announced that after the Christ Church earthquake of 2011, New Zealand’s inclination towards religion rose by a significant percentage.

The world may not accept it as such, but we as Ahmadi Muslims see it as a miraculous change having occurred through the divinely guided Khilafat of the Promised Messiahas.

By 2003, the divine scheme of Waqfe-Nau was 16 years old and so were the children devoted at the first instance under this scheme. Amidst the rife trends of Western secularism, these young Waqifeen-e-Nau were now at the crossroads of their career planning. They stood bare before this pandemic awaiting rescue.

It was right at this turning point that Allah sent for them a shield in the form of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. These youth

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sought refuge in seeing Huzooraa and seeking his advice in group mulaqats (also known as Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau classes as seen on MTA) as well as individual mulaqats. Holding Huzoor’saa hand, these youth sailed through schooling, then their college and university years and made their way into many professions and in a few years’ time, they were ready to be launched for the service of Islam.

Writing these lines, I am in the MTA Programming department office where there are three Waqifeen-e-Nau murrabis working on various projects in service of Islam. The Production department of MTA is next door to my office and there are more than a dozen Waqifeen-e-Nau serving in various technical capacities.

The translation department downstairs has quite a few of them and so do all other departments of MTA. If I go out of the MTA compound and walk around the Baitul Futuh Mosque, there are Waqifeen-e-Nau engineers and architects working on the block that is under construction. Going out of Baitul Futuh and into the central offices of the Jamaat in Tahir House and Islamabad, a great number of these Waqifeen-e-Nau can be found serving Islam in various capacities through the education and training they have had in their respective fields; not to speak of hundreds of them serving as field missionaries, teachers and doctors in all parts of the world.

A large number of these missionaries have had their education and training in Jamias established in Western countries like the UK, Germany and Canada. For these young missionaries to have sacrificed a life of luxury that is almost certain for those living in the West, for them to have denied the lures of the temptress of worldly extravagance and for them to have survived the pandemic of secularism bears witness to the magical touch of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih that can not only change hearts but the lives of those who are blessed with it.

Speaking of these Jamias in the West, there are some very interesting aspects of the story. Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada was the first of these Jamias to be opened by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. This was in 2003 and was followed by one in the UK in 2005. This meant that the Sun of Islam was not only ready to rise from the West, but its rays were now ready to spread to not only

the West but all parts of the world. This grand manifestation of the grand prophecy was decreed by Allah to happen in the blessed era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Exactly 100 years before the opening of Jamia UK in 2005, the Promised Messiahas had a revelation in the words ‫مسیر العرب‬.

The revelation was reported by Al Hakam Qadian on 10 September 1905 and had the following words of the Promised Messiahas explain it: “This can mean: Travelling among the Arabs. This might be an indication that I might visit Arab countries. 25 or 26 years ago, I saw in a dream that someone was writing my name. He wrote half of it in Arabic and half in English. Migration is also a characteristic of prophets but some of the dreams of a prophet are fulfilled through him in his own time, and others are fulfilled through a descendant or a follower of his. For instance, the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace and blessings of Allah, was given the keys of the treasuries of Caesar and Chosroes and these countries were conquered in the time of Hazrat Umar”.

A hundred years from this revelation, English speaking missionaries were trained to propagate the teachings of the Promised Messiahas and to make his name known among the English-speaking world.

From a time when evangelist missionaries would travel from the West to the East to a time where Ahmadi missionaries were now being trained in the West to take the message of Islam to the corners of the Earth, it is a faith inspiring series of events.

Is this not what they call “turning the tables”? It is indeed a great miracle.

Then came the year 2007 and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa launched a 24-hour satellite television channel for the Arab world with its entire contents being in the Arabic language. It came at a time

@muslimtv | Twitter

when even the mention of Ahmadiyyat was completely and brutally banned in the Arab world, not to speak of sending a missionary there. There was no way of getting the message of the Promised Messiahas to the Arab belt when this channel came into being.

The reviving message of the Promised Messiahas was in the air of the world and could reach every single household through satellite television. The Promised Messiahas translated ‫( مسیر العرب‬Masir-ulArab) as “walking in the Arab lands”. What better could be the interpretation and then the manifestation of this revelation than what we see through MTA Al-Arabiyya.

This too is a miraculous manifestation of a revelation that we are witnessing in the blessed era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Out of the many events that speak volumes about the victory of Ahmadiyyat, some ought to be highlighted here. The prophecy about Pigott and Abdullah Atham remained a great ammunition for the opponents to fire towards the Jamaat.

They claimed that these two men did not die as prophesied by the Promised

audience, his speech would be very brief and not more than a few hundred words.

But as soon as he assumed the office of Khalifatul Masihaa, he found himself having to speak to large audiences in large settings – added to this the media coverage that extended the scale of audience to larger scales. He is invited to speak at international platforms and his speeches and addresses have had global media coverage. Always calling to the peaceable message of Islam, he has come to be known as the ambassador of Islam throughout the world. His words have seen audiences rise to their feet to pay tribute through standing ovations.

At MTA archives, we have hundreds of hours of footage of such addresses and the comments of world leaders and dignitaries that follow the events. Most cannot help admitting that they had never known this beautiful side of Islam before. His message of individual, national and international justice is seen by the world as a hallmark of his teachings. The shortest description of how this global audience see him can be summed up in three words:

Messiahas. But when the grandchildren of both Pigott and Dr Henry Martyn Clark (the brains behind the debate with Atham) were discovered in England, when they visited Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and when they came to the stage of our Jalsa and spoke to millions of Ahmadis, directly and through MTA, it was a moment of great victory of the Promised Messiahas. Both proclaimed that while their grandfathers had vanished in thin air and turned into a bygone chapter of history, the community founded by the Promised Messiahas continued to flourish into a global phenomenon. They were awe-struck to know that the person they had met was a successor of the Promised Messiahas – a life continuous of the Promised Messiahas.

Hence saw closure two great controversies that had lay open for over a century.

Those who know Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa from the days before he became Khalifa, will recall that he never was known as a speaker. If, owing to his official responsibilities, he had to speak before an

“A fair man.”

The Al Badr newspaper of 11 September 1903 has it that the Promised Messiahas stated on that day: “I uttered a sentence in my dream today: A fair man”.

This is again going a hundred years back from 2003.

Enormous literature to propagate the message of Islam, publication of the Holy Quran in all major languages of the world (and some less spoken ones also), a trail of mosques across and up and down the globe and much, much more in the service of Islam. What better manifestation of the Sun rising from the West!

We hope and pray that Allah enables us to truly appreciate that we are living in a very blessed time: the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. May we always be able to be thankful to Allah for this great blessing. May Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa live long and may the Jamaat continue to stride towards new horizons of success and prosperity.

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

The birth of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I Once, the succession to Hazrat Muhammad Rasulullah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was under discussion. The Holy Prophetsa of Islam concluded this whole chapter by saying that there was nothing to worry about in this regard because God Himself and a party of Muslims would refuse everything except the successorship [Khilafat] of Abu Bakr.

Significantly similar was the case in the latter days, when, after many centuries, the foretold re-initiation of the rightful Khilafat took place following the demise of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

In the coming lines, we will try to recount the election of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra as the first Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas from the established accounts of some eyewitnesses to this historic event.

One can only imagine what went through the hearts and minds of believers when the heart-rending news of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’sas passing in Lahore on 26 May 1908 was received.

Almost all notable Companionsra and family members were present in Lahore at the time.

The news reached Qadian the same day in the afternoon, which sent a thrill of grief and sorrow into the hearts of all Ahmadis. Almost all the Ahmadis of Qadian assembled for the Asr prayer in Masjid Mubarak. They offered their prayers, pouring their hearts out through prayers and profuse weeping. All hearts were filled with grief and sorrow at the sudden and sad demise of their spiritual leader.

All Ahmadis felt like orphans.

Everybody was in a state of shock. “What will happen now?” “The whole world was a body without a soul – the soul having left with the demise of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas”, reflected Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddinra.

During the night between 26 and 27 May 1908, the coffin was placed on a charpai (bedstead) fastened with bamboos and carried on the shoulders of faithful followers from Batala to Qadian. There, it was placed in a room in Mirza Sultan Ahmad Sahib’s garden for the public to view. This garden is now Bahishti

Maqbarah. All the leading members of Lahore, Amritsar, Batala joined the funeral procession to Qadian.

Guests were served with light refreshment in Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan’sra house. On this occasion, Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib was chosen to lead the event, as he first conversed with Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib that leadership was a must for the Jamaat and they both agreed on the name of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. In this regard, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib was under the false impression that only new converts should perform Bai‘at at the hand of the Khalifa and that the Companionsra

and those already members of the Jamaat were not required to perform Bai‘at of the Khalifa. However, after a short discussion, he dropped his idea and agreed to perform Bai‘at.

Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib then, along with Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, approached other influential members from Lahore, like Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib, Dr Muhammad Hussain Shah Sahib and Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig Sahib.

This assembly in the old residence of Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra was joined by Maulvi Muhammad Ahsan Amrohi Sahib to deliberate further.

Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira was

assigned to escort Maulvi Muhammad Ahsan Sahib. The main focus here was that the Bai‘at of the new imam should be performed before the funeral and burial of the Promised Messiahas as was practiced at the birth of Khilafat of Abu Bakrra in early Islam.

Everyone present backed this idea and at this point, Maulvi Muhammad Ahsan Sahib suggested that the young Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad Sahibra would be called in and be part of this important discussion.

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Mahmud Ahmadra was still in the garden, near the blessed body of his revered father, when he was asked to join the meeting.

According to a page of that date’s diary written by Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Sahibra participated in the discussion and endorsed the leadership of Hakim Maulvi Sahibra and feared division if the Bai‘at of the new imam was not performed unanimously. He called the attention of members towards the warning mentioned in one revelation of the Promised Messiahas that there would be two groups of this Jamaat and God would side with one of them if the division took place.

Before joining the mourners gathered in the garden, where the body of the Promised Messiahas was laid to rest, the said delegation sought the opinion of Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra, who also showed his deep adherence to the idea of Bai‘at of Khilafat.

Naturally, the first and foremost thing that occupied the attention of the Jamaat was the election of a successor to Prophet Ahmadas. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’sas family and elders of the Jamaat were naturally inclined to the election of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra as his successor. Every heart, after the demise of the Promised Messiahas, was deeply moved. It was obvious that among all the members of the Jamaat, there was no one better suited than the outstanding personality of Hazrat Hakim Sahibra, but everyone was submerged with sadness and sorrow and the most saddened was Hazrat Hakim Sahibra himself.

On this historic day, Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib reached out to Hazrat Amma Janra on behalf of the Jamaat and sought her views about the leadership Continued on page 8

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Everlasting Khilafat Regarding Khilafat, the Promised Messiahas states: “Its [Khilafat’s] coming is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement.

That second manifestation cannot come unless I depart. But when I depart, God will send that second manifestation for you which shall always stay with you” (The Will, p.7)

Continued from page 7

of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin. She replied by saying, “Who else can be the successor of the Promised Messiahas other than Maulvi Sahib[ra]”.

Moreover, it is reported that on that day, it was Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib, Secretary of Anjuman-e-Ahmadiyya, who stood up and made a very touching speech – a passionate plea for calm and courage, which moved the audience to tears.

In his words, “God sent a warner to guide the people of the world to the right path. He called upon the people to follow him. We responded to his call and rallied around him. But now, he is no longer among us. Now the question is, what should we do?”

There was dead silence for some moments. Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib of English Warehouse, Lahore broke the ice and suggested that Hazrat Hakim Sahibra should be approached to assume the leadership of the community.

Having agreed upon Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddinra as the most suitable person for the office of Khalifatul Masih, the party went to the house of Hazrat Maulvi Sahibra and requested him to accept the office of Khilafat.

Hazrat Maulvi Sahibra replied that he would like to offer nafl [supererogatory] prayer before replying. He performed ablution there and then and went into his private room. After the prayer, he came out and told the audience to proceed to the garden where the sacred body of their beloved master was lying in eternal peace.

Upon the gathering of Ahmadis, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra, Editor of Al Badr held a petition in his hand, which he read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Ever Merciful.

“We, the Ahmadis, whose signatures are appended below, unanimously agree

that the first of the muhajireen, Hazrat Hakim Haji Maulvi Nuruddin, who is the most pious among us and enjoys the highest status and was a close friend of our dear Imamas, and whose personality is clearly reflected in the couplet, ‘What a thing of happiness it may be, if every one of my ummat becomes a Nuruddin [light of religion], and if every heart is full of truth, then the goal of success is achieved.’

We Ahmadis, at the hand of Hakim Sahib, take a fresh Bai‘at in the name of Ahmadas and follow him and show him the same obedience to his commands as shown to the ones by Hazrat Aqdasas [the Promised Messiah].”

This petition carried a large number of signatures and the correct number of people who signed it could not be verified.

After having heard the petition of members of the Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira advanced and spoke. After reciting the Kalima, he recited the following verse from the Holy Quran: ْ ْ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُ ْ َ ٌ َّ ُ ْ ُ ّ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ‫وف َویَن َہوْ َن َع ِن‬ ‫ولتکن ِمنکم أمۃ یدعون إِلى الخیرِ ویﺄمر‬ ِ ُ‫ون ِبال َم ْعر‬ َ ُْ َ ‫نکر ۚ َوأُ ٰول َئ َك ُہ ُم ال ْ ُم ْف ِل ُح‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ‫الم‬ ِ “And let there [always] be among you a body of men who should invite to goodness and enjoin virtue and forbid evil. And it is they who shall prosper.”

(Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.105) Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira said: “I glorify Allah, Who is ever Eternal.

Every prophet who comes to the world has a mission and after its completion, God calls him back. Have a look at my past life; I never desired to be an Imam.

When Abdul Karim Sahib was appointed Imam-us-Salat [one who leads the prayer], I felt a sigh of relief. I know myself well and my God knows me even better. The only desire that I have is that my God is happy with me and in order to achieve this happiness, I keep myself occupied in constant prayers, seeking His pleasure.

“In Qadian, I have spent quite some time in reflecting over what would happen after Hazrat Sahibas. Three members from the household of Hazrat Sahibas are present among us [Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra and Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra]. Take Bai‘at at the hand of any of them and I will happily join you.”

Continuing his address, he reminded them again: “I am an old man, a poorly man and my temperament is not suited for this. This is a very heavy load. I swear in the name of Allah that you take the pledge of Bai‘at at the hand of any one of the three whom I have mentioned and I am with you, but if you want to take Bai‘at at my hand, then be very clear what Bai‘at means. Bai‘at means to sell yourselves; when a person eschews everything else. That is why Allah has called His servant abd [one who submits].

So, whatever feelings and inclinations you have, you must follow what I say and if you accept these conditions, then in the name of Allah, I accept these responsibilities.”

(Al Badr, 2 June 1908, p. 6) After hearing this call, every one of the 1,200, who was present there, said in one voice, “Please accept the responsibility of being our leader because we believe you are the only person who can deliver this heavy responsibility.”

First, the men took the Bai‘at and then the ladies. Among the ladies, the family of the Promised Messiahas was first. Once the Bai‘at was done, Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib, as secretary of Anjuman-eAhmadiyya, took it upon himself to inform external jamaats of the decision taken at Qadian.

The following statement later appeared in Al Hakam and Al Badr of 28 May 1908: “In accordance with the will of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas as mentioned in the booklet Al Wasiyyat and after consultation with the president and

members of Anjuman-e-Ahmadiyya, members of the family of Hazrat Sahibas and over 1,200 Ahmadis who were present in Qadian at the time of the burial of Hazrat Sahibas, Hazrat Haji-ul-Haramain, Janaab Hakim Nuruddin Sahib was elected unanimously as the Khalifa and everyone present took Bai‘at at his hand.

Some of the prominent people who took Bai‘at include Maulvi Syed Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib and, in sequential order, Ahsan Sahib, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib, Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig Sahib, Dr Syed Muhammad Hussain Sahib and the writer of these words.”

This statement was signed by Khawaja Kamaluddin and a letter containing this announcement was sent to all members of the Jamaat, asking them to take Bai‘at either in person or in writing at the hand of Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira. After Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, he led the Janaza [funeral] prayer of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. It was a highly moving scene; every eye was full of tears. The Ahmadis were parting with their master, the Promised Messiahas, who led them through a period of spiritual elevation and purification. By 6pm, the body was lowered into the grave at Bahishti Maqbarah – the heavenly graveyard.

A large number of people wrote about this eventful day. Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarulla Khanra, on page 107 of his book Hadrat Maulawi Noor-udDeen, Khalifatul Masih I, wrote: “As soon as he finished speaking, all present, who arrived from far and near and who numbered about 1,200, urged him with one voice: ‘We offer you our pledge. We shall obey your orders. You are our Amir and successor to our Messiah.”

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya: A source of divine “security and peace” Ataul Fatir Tahir

From Noahas facing mockery to Abrahamas being hurled into fire; from Jesusas facing the cross to Muhammadsa being chased out of his homeland, enduring boycotts, persecution and mockery pervade the lives of prophets.

Despite constant abuse and violent persecution, prophets of God react with “patience and prayer” and are always triumphant in their mission (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.46). Dark days do not end for they continue even after prophets pass; the baton is handed to the khilafat that follows.

Regarding khilafat, Allah makes the same promises of support – “He will surely establish for them their religion” and “He will surely give them in exchange security [and peace] after their fear.” (Surah al-Nur; Ch.24: V.56) The Promised Messiahas stressed the importance of his Khilafat, as it was God’s “ever-lasting promise”. (The Will, p.7) He said, “It is essential for you to witness the second manifestation also and its coming is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement.” (Ibid) Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya is living proof of these promises that Allah declared. Not only has Islam Ahmadiyyat continued to win the hearts of millions – in spite of 131 years of clerics toiling to end it – but security and peace have been around the corner at every difficult turn. Khilafat-eAhmadiyya is a beacon of divine peace and security, and our history proves it.

As Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “Ahmadis are the fortunate ones, for whom the khalifa of the time constantly worries. There is no difficulty – be it individual or communal – that Ahmadis across the world face and the khalifa of the time does not address.

And to solve it, does not – besides exerting [practical] effort – bow before God Almighty and pray to Him.” (Friday Sermon, 6 June 2014) These supplications create a commotion in the heavens and millions of Ahmadis can attest to their efficacy; this is what brings divine “security and peace”.

In this piece, we wish to highlight how, during each khilafat, Allah has helped Ahmadiyyat, as a community, during the most arduous of times.

The history of Islam Ahmadiyyat is

rampant with persecution and difficulties.

Detailing them all is not the purpose of this article, rather an overall picture is desired, of how establishment of religion followed by security and peace, as promised by Allah, has always arrived at the doorstop of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

When the Promised Messiahas passed away, the Jamaat was left vulnerable. There was fear and opponents of Ahmadiyyat began, literally, dancing in jubilation with the confidence that Ahmadiyyat would perish. It was a perilous time for the Jamaat.

Thunderstorms and dark clouds of internal dissension would gather, but ultimately

Allah transformed this fear into security and peace.

The first breath of fresh air for the Jamaat came through the blessed institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, with Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra as the first khalifa.

But the brewing internal hate would soon manifest itself.

Even when the Holy Prophetsa passed away, instant fear struck the Companionsra.

Despite the establishment of Khilafat-eRashida, there were some who disconnected themselves from it, while others accepted it with perversity in their hearts.

History repeated itself. The second

renaissance of Islam – Ahmadiyyat – saw the same dissension amongst some adherents. A group who were ultimately called the Paighamis (or “Lahoris”) had initially questioned the need for khilafat and then, once it was unanimously agreed upon and established, pushed their agendas to ultimately end Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

They deviously spread leaflets to misdirect and influence Ahmadis behind Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’sra back. They would hold misleading discussions on the need for khilafat and the purpose of a khalifa.

Such malicious conspiracies were ushered behind the back of Khalifatul Masih Ira,

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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the aim of which was to end Khilafat-eAhmadiyya.

Baseless allegations were raised, for example, claiming that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was “too old” and should not lead the Jamaat (Hayat-e-Nur, p. 687). But this did not go unnoticed.

The seriousness and danger of this wave of opposition could have ended Khilafat as we know it today. If (and that’s a big “if ”) it had succeeded (God forbid) true Islamic teachings and the future of Islam Ahmadiyyat would have been put in jeopardy. But Allah’s promised of “establishing their religion” while giving “security and peace” inhibited lasting harm.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira strongly uprooted the attempts against Khilafat and even asked the concerned members of these futile discussions to perform Bai‘at at his hands again to prove their loyalty.

Despite publicly attesting to Khilafat, the attempts to end it continued throughout the life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. Those pushing these agendas included wellrespected companions of the Promised Messiahas who had rendered great services for the Jamaat and held a level of influence.

But no matter who it is, if attacks are made against Allah’s Khilafat, the honour and grandeur of God comes into play.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was an ironclad wall in front of such accusations and attacks on Khilafat. He would remind them of the “pledge” they had taken. He once said: “Listen and remember well! Allah the Almighty has Himself made me the Khalifa. By the grace of Allah, I am not in need of any of you … Allah does not like such things. He has great honour for me …”

This honour of God for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira is proven in the pages of history.

At another instance, he declared: “Khilafat is a matter of Shariah. Without Khilafat, the Jamaat cannot succeed. Allah has told me that if anyone from amongst them leaves, then He shall give me a whole Jamaat in return … I believe in the grace of God, that He shall help me.” (Hayat-e-Nur, p. 378-379) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira would openly challenge them to try and snatch the divine mantle of Khilafat from him, while also guaranteeing their failure to do so.

“Allah chooses the khalifa”, he would

make clear. “You can throw thousands of allegations of incompetence [to be the khalifa] at me, but they will not fall upon me, rather they will be aimed at God, Who has chosen me.” (Hayat-e-Nur, p. 352) He reduced all hopes that such people had for power. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira categorically said, “No one shall make you a khalifa, nor can anyone else become a khalifa during my lifetime. When I die, only he will stand [in this position] who God chooses and God will establish his position.” (Ibid) Despite the influence those who were attacking khilafat held, regardless of their endless and dangerous attempts to break this blessed institution, Allah changed the fear of Ahmadis into “peace and security” and established their religion through Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. Ahmadis remained unified through Huzoorra and Allah’s protection hindered all attempts to remove Khilafat-eAhmadiyya. It soon became apparent that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya was shrouded with the grace of God and the appointed khalifa would always be a source of security and peace for the community.

At the demise of each khalifa, the Jamaat has experienced fear, which is swiftly healed by the election of the next khalifa.

After Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra was elected as Khalifatul Masih II, the Jamaat was granted solace once again. However, the separation of the Lahori Jamaat from khilafat was the first of

many waves of difficulties.

The glorious 52 years of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra era are testimony to how Allah presented khilafat as a source of security and peace for the Jamaat while establishing their religion. From being left alone, without anything in the treasury, as a young 25-year-old khalifa to an attempt made on his life, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra showed, without a shadow of doubt, the divine support that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya possessed.

We choose just two instances from the second era of khilafat.

The first is of the dangerous flurry of anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric started by the political movement, Majlis-i-Ahrar-iIslam, created in the last part of the 1920s and the early 1930s.

Anti-Ahmadiyya propaganda emerged as one of the strongest sentiments of the Ahrar and they started to gain popularity among Muslim circles. Rhetoric against Ahmadis spewed by the Ahrar soon turned into protests, demonstrations and open-air conferences, where hate-inciting speeches and slogans were the only content. They had vowed to smash every brick in Qadian and wipe Ahmadiyyat out.

Speaking of the anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric, Dr Sadia Saeed, from the University of San Fransisco, said: “Virtually from the beginning of their formation in 1931, the Ahrars had launched a public anti-Ahmadi campaign, demanding in 1934 that the community be declared outside the pale of Islam and that no Ahmadi be appointed to a public office, the latter being a direct reference to Zafarulla Khan, a prominent Ahmadi personality who was later appointed the first Foreign Minister of Pakistan ...

During the anti-colonial movement, the Ahrar Party eventually aligned itself with the Indian National Congress and openly opposed the movement for the creation of an independent Pakistan.” (Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, Vol. 7, no. 3, Yale University) The Ahrar’s hate for Ahmadiyyat boiled further as Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was chosen to head the All India Kashmir Committee, inadvertently mobilising Muslims. This angered the Ahrar who were desperate for political control over Indian Muslims.

Violent demonstrations and hate

campaigns against the Jamaat began to spread like wildfire.

Tahir Kamran, a notable Pakistani historian, noted: “Subsequently Qadian, the Ahmadi headquarters, became the prime focus of the Ahrar’s assault. The Ahrar leadership had already instituted the Dawat-o-Irshad on 4 March 1933 with the purpose of raising funds as well as a volunteer corps of 100,000 men to combat the growing influence of the Ahmadiya. While this grandiose scheme never came to fruition, the Ahrar persisted in their anti-Ahmadiya activities…

“On 22 October 1934 the Ahrar paraded on the streets of Lahore, chanting antiAhmadi slogans and appealing to Muslims to boycott the Ahmadi community … The Ahrars not only emphasized the importance of the finality of the prophethood, but also the difficulties faced by Sunni Muslims living in Qadian. Lengthy and eloquent addresses were delivered, including a fivehour tour de force by the Ahrar leader, Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari. He, however, overstepped the mark in expressing his hatred of the Ahmadis, and his subsequent arrest and conviction generated a wave of popular sympathy for the Ahmadiya community.

“In 1935, the populist appeal of the Ahrar waned as fast as it had waxed…”

(The Pre-History of Religious Exclusionism in Contemporary Pakistan: Khatame-Nubuwwat 1889-1953.

Cambridge University Press) Speaking of the situation that had developed due to the Ahrar, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra wrote: “Only those people can realise the intensity of the situation who, on the one hand, heard the speeches of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [II] and on the other, saw the activities and inspections of the Ahrar and government officials in Qadian.”

(Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya, Vo. 1, p. 409) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra then writes: “Though the history of those days was painful, they were also hugely majestic.

Painful because the enemies, using superior weapons, attempted to hurt, defame and destroy the Jamaat in every way possible.

And majestic because where Hazrat Khalifatul Masihra would be a step ahead of every ploy from the enemy, each step of

Protection from division Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira said: “God Almighty, by His grace, united you [i.e. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya] after Muhammad Rasulullah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, through our King, the Promised Messiahas. Then, after his demise, [Allah] saved you from division at my hand. You ought to highly regard this blessing [of Khilafat].”

(Al Badr, 4 July 1912)

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM his, like that of a bouncy rubber ball, would also reach new heights following every attack of the enemy.” (Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. I p. 410) How Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was able, through divine help, to steer the small boat of Ahmadiyyat out of this tempest while keeping the flag of Ahmadiyyat high in the sky was what baffled so many.

“Not for a minute did Hazrat Khalifatul Masih let the honour of the Jamaat fall”, noted Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra.

History has gloomy records for the end of the Ahrar, but the story of Ahmadiyyat’s journey, from fear to security and peace, is for all to admire. They had planned to end Ahmadiyyat in the Indian subcontinent, but through the Tahrik-e-Jadid scheme launched by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the Jamaat spread to the corners of the earth.

The partition of India and the transfer of the new headquarters of the Jamaat to Pakistan, Rabwah is another moment when the state of fear transformed into security and peace through Khilafat.

Let’s not forget, the episode of the partition was extremely grave and stained with endless blood.

Describing it, Alex von Tunzelmann, in her Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire, notes: “In Stalin’s famous words, one death is a tragedy; one million deaths is a statistic.

In this case, it is not even a particularly good statistic … That is the true horror of the events in the Punjab in 1947: one of the vilest episodes in the whole of history, a devastating illustration of the worst excesses to which human beings can succumb. The death toll is just a number.”

Moving hundreds of thousands of Ahmadi Muslims from India to Pakistan without harm is an unimaginable feat that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra achieved with Allah’s help. Nationwide political unrest

and unimaginable murders, on both sides, was commonplace and the fear of being raped, murdered, beaten and looted was very real.

It was not an individual move for Jamaat members. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had decided to literally re-plant a whole garden in another land. He described the feat in the following words: “Reaching here (Pakistan), I truly felt that my task was not to uproot a tree and replant it, but to move a whole garden and replant it. (Al Fazl, 31 July 1947) Rabwah was known for its coarse land, lack of clean water and uninhabitable nature. But through the blessing of Allah, Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya once again manifested the prophecy of “He will surely give them in exchange security [and peace] after their fear.” (Surah al-Nur; Ch.24: V.56) Today, Rabwah stands as an example of how a model town should be in Pakistan.

The Khilafat of Hazrat Mirza Nasir

Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh also saw moments of great fear and anguish, where the leadership of Khilafat transformed unrelenting fear into security and peace.

Anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric had been further politicised across Pakistan following the 1953 riots and persecution targeted at Ahmadi Muslims. This reached its peak during the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, when Pakistan ultimately succumbed to right-wing extremist politics and allowed religious clerics to control the narrative.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan was passed, declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims and prohibiting them from identifying as Muslims.

Despite strong intellectual proofs based on the Holy Quran, sunnah and ahadith presented by a team led by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in front of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the government decided to label Ahmadis as

The permanent Eid Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Hence, only those people are worthy of celebrating Eid who have fulfilled their responsibilities. As fasting is compulsory, Muslims are delighted that they have fulfilled this obligation. However, I ask, was fasting our only obligation? If not, then we should pay attention to our actual obligations because the Eids that will come after performing those responsibilities will never end. This Eid is such that it came today and ended with the day. That Eid will never go after coming. Its dress will never tarnish or decay. This Eid is temporary and that Eid is permanent.”

(Al Fazl, 28 May 1923)

non-Muslims through constitution – it was an entirely political move.

Just take a moment and reflect; a whole religious community, based on Islamic principles of peace, a community that never reacted violently, was forced to declare themselves as non-Muslim. The deep emotional cuts this ordinance gave are unimaginable, when overnight, you are declared as non-Muslims even though you love the Holy Quran and the Prophet of Islamsa more than anything else!

What could have transpired if this was done to a community that didn’t possess a divinely appointed leader draws our imagination into dark and horrible places.

When this resolution was passed, conditions for Ahmadis across Pakistan instantly became dangerous. There was no government protection and Ahmadis, rightly so, feared for their lives and safety.

They stopped attending schools, colleges and universities due to the harassment and violence that the constitutional amendment had released. However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh urged them to keep their heads up high, not to lose faith in their Lord, nor be afraid of anyone. He instructed students to go back to their schools, colleges and universities and continue their lives.

The first Friday Sermon, following the amendment that took place on 7 September 1974, was on 13 September. The basis of the sermon further solidifies the proof that Ahmadis are not only Muslims but practice their faith too. The sermon was about how the Jamaat should react to the amendment.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh reminded Ahmadis to reconfirm their faith; to introspect and realise that their hearts are full of Islam. He spoke of the love Ahmadis hold for Allah and His divine attributes.

He highlighted the fear Ahmadis have in upsetting Allah and the hope of His mercy they crave.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh spoke of how it is Ahmadis who believe and follow the teachings of the Quran, the Holy Prophetsa and it is they who have accepted the Imam of the age. True worry should be whether God loves us or not, he stressed. It does not matter what people think of us for we know we are Muslims.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh then presented two injunctions of the Holy Quran to be the guiding light for the Ahmadi reaction to the Second Amendment. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said: “Firstly Allah says: ّٰ ۡ ّٰ ُ ‫َوالل ُہ لَا یُ ِح ّب الظ ِل ِمی َن‬ “meaning that Allah loves not the wrongdoers. If this is true – and there is no doubt that it is – because the Holy Quran has announced that Allah is angered due to wrongdoing, then there can never be a reaction by Ahmadis at any occasion that would result in wrongdoing … Our sight is set on one target and that is Allah, Who is the Greatest.” (Friday Sermon, 13 September 1974) Huzoorrh, in the same sermon, made it clear that any Ahmadi who opposed the teachings of the Quran and reacted unfittingly could not be called a true Ahmadi Muslim.

The second injunction of the Holy

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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The gift of God’s love for Eid Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “I wish to present this Eid gift to you that our God is perfect love. No love can stand against Him, be it the love for parents or between husband and wife or the affection towards teachers, students, children, friends, subordinates, rulers, toddlers or adults. His love is like a sun. Before Him, all admirations are less than the sparkle of a firefly.

So embrace His love. Make room for His love in your heart.”

(Al Fazl, 6 August 1948)

Quran Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh asked Ahmadis to keep in mind was: ّٰ َ َ ‫الل ُہ لَا یُ ِح ُّب ال ۡ َف َس‬ ‫و‬ ‫اد‬ “…and Allah loves not disorder.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.206) From this verse, Huzoorrh stressed that no Ahmadi should fight for their rights in a manner that would lead to disorder, conflict and unrest. Yes, everyone deserved their rights, Huzoorrh noted, but to fight for them and create disorder was not Islamic.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh made it clear that “the reaction of an Ahmadi over the 7 September declaration should not be such that the world sees it as wrongdoing, nor should there be disorder as a result …”

(Friday Sermon, 13 September 1974) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh concluded his sermon by telling Ahmadis, “… When God Himself has declared you Muslim, then what worry is there? Let the world say what it wants. You have nothing to worry about.” (Friday Sermon, 13 September 1974) This is true divine leadership. This is what Khilafat encapsulates. It guides people from a state of extreme anguish and fear into solace and peace.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh enabled Ahmadis to introspect and realise how it didn’t matter if the government declared them non-Muslim, for what mattered was their personal connection and love with Allah. No one could erase the kalimah (Islamic creed) from their hearts.

It was this positivity and rationale that tamed Ahmadis from reacting in any manner that would cause disorder or wrongdoing. They would listen to the directives of their Imam, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh, who would preach, “We will always be smiling” and “Love for all, hatred for none”.

Ten years later, General Zia-ul-Haq would jump on the bandwagon of rightwing politics and stoop to the level of extreme Muslim clerics in Pakistan. He passed Ordinance XX, barring Ahmadis from practising Islam.

Ahmadi mosques were now merely known as “worship places”. They could not use Islamic terminology, call the azan, read the Quran or utter the Islamic greeting

of “Assalamo alaikum”. If violations were made, it meant three years imprisonment along with fines.

The year of 1984 dawned upon the Jamaat, when Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh was the Khalifa, who had been elected only two years prior. Ordinance XX was a direct attack on Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. It meant that the Khalifa could not operate and teach Islam in Pakistan.

One US diplomat pointed out to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh that in Pakistan, “… everyone is crying for your head.” (Iain Adamson, A Man of God, p. 181) A swift and covert migration from Pakistan was the only option and despite great odds against the Jamaat, Allah the Almighty converted fear into absolute security and peace.

A Man of God by Iain Adamson described the migration in the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. By reading the ordeal of escaping Pakistan, it seems to have been nothing short of a miracle.

Without Allah’s promise of security and peace for Khilafat, there was no refuge.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh had made it clear in 1974 that he was not afraid of any political leader or government. He was unshaken and only feared Allah. “The one who says I fear worldly powers is, in other words, announcing that my connection with God has ended …” he declared.

(Silsila-e-Ahmadiyya. Vol. 3, p. 530) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa announced the same unyielding faith in Allah and the power of prayers.

“If governments stand against us, they will collapse. If institutions oppose us, they will be destroyed”, he declared. (Friday Sermon, 27 October 2006) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh gave the same message, “I was never in any way scared of General Zia. I had criticised him very openly in my sermons. I had told him, ‘Mend your ways and your attitude. Cease this persecution or you will face the Wrath of God.’” (Iain Adamson, A Man of God, p.188) However, Ordinance XX had taken away the right to speak out. As Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh noted, “… with this ordinance it was a different kind of situation. It was not my safety that was at stake, but my ability to

speak out. With this law Zia could silence me as the effective head of the Community.

I could remain in Pakistan and speak out and then be put into prison.” (Ibid) Huzoorrh, after much deliberation, decided to leave Pakistan immediately, but he agreed with a caveat. He would only leave if there was no official warrant by the government of Pakistan to arrest him or to appear before a court. If there was, then he wouldn’t leave. The reason given by Huzoor was: “My departure in those circumstances would allow people to malign the Khilafat, perhaps not directly, but certainly by rumour. It would be said that I was guilty of some crime and that was why I had run away. That was my fear and I was not prepared to allow that to happen.”

This is the honour our Khulafa hold for God’s institution; they protect its sanctity by sacrificing their own safety. Allah’s help was such that General Zia-ul-Haq issued a warrant saying, “Mirza Nasir Ahmad, who calls himself the Khalifa” cannot be allowed to leave Pakistan. This was disseminated to all airports and seaports.

There was a grave error. Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, the Third Khalifa had passed away two years prior. In this way, though being held up at the airport to confirm his name, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh was safely and honourably able to leave Pakistan and migrate to England.

Everyone was out to stop him; traps were laid at every corner, but Allah’s help changed the grave state of fear into security and peace and the danger to Khilafat-eAhmadiyya was removed. When Zia found out, “he exploded” and the news sent him “with wild rage”, as Iain Adamson notes.

Zia’s end was not good at all and history has the story to tell.

Iain Adamson writes a passage about the migration and Zia-ul-Haq in his book.

This passage perfectly encapsulates how Allah has bestowed success to Khilafat-eAhmadiyya at every step of persecution.

He writes: “Zia had hoped to silence the Ahmadiyya Movement. Instead he had presented it with its greatest opportunity. London was the crossroads of the world. From London the Khalifa had the opportunity to lead the

Ahmadiyya Movement in its mission to convert the world to Islam. ‘God’s ways are wonderful’, said the Khalifa later.” (A Man of God, p. 201) This single event was a means of “establishing religion” and “security and peace” after fear, as verse 56 of Surah alNur promises.

Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya has flourished in the UK for 36 years now, by the grace of Allah. The past 17 years of the Fifth Khilafat has also seen success after success.

Ahmadiyyat has spread to almost every country of the world; the true picture of Islam is being offered to the West by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Generations of Ahmadi Muslim youth, born and bred in the irreligious Western society are learning and practising Islam through the guidance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. The discourses, sittings and sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa are translated into a plethora of languages and are a means of solace for millions of Ahmadis, from diverse nationalities.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, like all previous khulafa, is given divine support; a means of transforming fear into peace and security.

The dark day of 28 May 2010 is stained with the spilling of innocent blood. 94 people were martyred and more than 120 others injured in attacks on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore, Pakistan exactly ten years ago. The details of the cold-blooded massacre are on record for all to read and witness and the lack of justice that followed is a taint on Pakistan’s government.

A community, that is already barred of basic rights of freedom, stripped of practising their religion and condemned by society, saw the most murders at one time in its history of persecution.

For Ahmadis across Pakistan, this was another message of how society viewed them and what their worth was in their eyes.

It was certainly a state of fear, especially for the wives who lost their husbands, children who lost their fathers, mothers and fathers who lost their sons and siblings who lost their brothers.

Many of those martyred were the breadwinners of their household, while others were the only men in their family or the only son a mother had. The emotional cuts this attack brought are incomprehensible.

However, Allah’s promise manifested once again through Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa calmed the Jamaat and urged everyone to respond with fervent prayers, just like Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh did during the 1974 Second Amendment, he personally comforted those affected directly.

The MTA series, Zinda Log – based on the lives of martyrs of the Jamaat – shows how each family who had lost a loved one in the Lahore attacks felt instant peace when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa spoke to them individually over the telephone.

They expressed how Huzooraa comforted them, raised their morale, gave advice and assured them that all their needs would be taken care of by the Jamaat. Huzooraa encouraged children to keep their heads high and remember the sacrifice their fathers and brothers made for Ahmadiyyat

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and to emulate their qualities. He reminded wives and mothers of the great sacrifice their husbands and children gave for Ahmadiyyat and it thus became an honour for the family.

One child spoke of the solace Huzooraa gave him in the following words: “[Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa] gave me confidence and comfort. He said that if one or five people had been martyred today, then tomorrow double or triple will become Ahmadi. The whole world has received the message of Ahmadiyyat and have become acquainted with our beliefs.

This is a new sun that has risen, through which, insha-Allah, a new light shall spread across the earth. Huzooraa gave me comfort and spoke to me in a manner that gave me inner peace.” (Son of Muhammad Ashraf Bullar on the MTA Programme Zinda Log) The wife of a martyr said the following: “The relief and comfort I received after speaking with Huzooraa, I could never have imagined. Huzooraa prayed a lot for us and also gave an immense amount of comfort.”

(Wife of Dr Umar Ahmad on the MTA Programme Zinda Log) Another family member spoke of how they felt after listening to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa: “… When Huzooraa spoke about him and mentioned all our names, we felt so relieved and comforted. Then, later, Huzooraa called us too. He spoke to me as well and gave me comfort. When Huzooraa was speaking to us, I could not believe it. It felt as if he knew us very personally and deeply; as if he had always known us.

We had only seen him on the television.

Huzoor’saa love and compassion was such that it removed all our pain, anguish and worries. (Hameed Sami Chaudhry on the MTA Programme Zinda Log) This is the epitome of khilafat being a means of security and peace after fear. Only Allah’s help can enable this. To comfort people in this manner is not the work of any man; it is the work of God. Huzooraa also started a series of Friday Sermons detailing the great qualities of each martyr and how the Jamaat should follow their example. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa highlighted how martyrdom was an honour and reserved for only those whom Allah chose. The series of Friday Sermons gave peace to the whole Jamaat and the understanding of what all divine communities must face. They set the standards for all Ahmadis to follow and reintroduced the honour a martyr holds in

Islam.

Yes, there was fear and uncertainty during the Lahore attacks for Ahmadis. But as they looked towards their Khalifa and his reaction and advice, this fear moved towards security and peace. Not only for family members, but for the whole Jamaat.

In fact, after the Lahore attacks, the series of Zinda Log shows how other Ahmadis also desired such a noble end and were ready to give the ultimate sacrifice for their faith.

The day of the Lahore attacks was certainly dark, but as Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa pointed out, it would serve to spread the Jamaat further. This is exactly what happened. Ahmadis in Pakistan and across the world looked towards their Khalifa and reconfirmed their faith and zeal to spread Islam Ahmadiyyat more than before. That is why the Jamaat continues to spread and no matter what comes its way, the history of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat has proven that Allah transforms all states of fear into “security and peace”, while also establishing Ahmadiyyat further.

The Friday Sermons immediately following the Lahore attacks were history repeating itself. Like all the previous Khulafa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reminded Ahmadis of their faith and of the Imam they had accepted.

Just a week prior to the Lahore attacks, on 21 May 2010, Huzooraa reminded the Jamaat of how every divine community, including the Holy Prophet’ssa, experienced persecution. Huzooraa explained that there was no reason to fear this persecution as there is always light at the end of the tunnel – God’s help and succour.

Huzooraa said: “God states that there is no need to be upset over such cruel treatment, for it becomes the source of guidance for many.

God is our Helper and Guide; He will most certainly help us and only His appointed one will triumph. For this, God can, if He wills, exhibit heavenly signs. Cruel, powerful, Pharaoh-like rulers cannot hinder the work of prophets of God. “The Promised Messiahas said that just as manure causes growth for crops, wicked opposition works like a fertiliser for the growth of divine communities. It has always been the way of the criminal-minded to oppose the elect of God. Therefore, it was but natural that following the claim of the Promised Messiahas, this was to materialise, and it did.” (Friday Sermon, 21 May 2010) How great is Allah! Through His Khalifa, the Jamaat members are, at every

God’s support shall come to the obedient Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “At the occasion of the Battle of Hunain, when a voice was raised on behalf of the Holy Prophetsa and said, ‘O Ansar, the Messenger of God calls you!’ and the Companionsra anxiously ran towards his voice and in fact, those whose horses refused to turn, had their necks slashed and the companions ran on foot, in a similar fashion, when my voice went out, the hearts of apostate jamaats purified and they began to take Bai‘at [pledging their oath of allegiance] through telegrams and letters. The same God Who supported the armies of that time is helping me today and if you understand the concept of obedience to Khilafat today, He will surely come to assist you.

Succour always comes through obedience. As long as Khilafat remains, the foundation of faith stands on collective obedience.”

(Al Fazl, 4 September 1937)

corner of fear, given solace, security and peace. They march forward and accept every will of God and no blow can throw them to the ground.

In 2011, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reminded the Jamaat about our responsibilities considering persecution against the Jamaat. He said that despite strong winds of opposition since the time of the Promised Messiahas, Allah has always fulfilled His promise for the Jamaat and spread it to more than 200 countries. But, Huzooraa asked, are we fulfilling our roles as Ahmadis?

“At every step, we are witnessing the help and succour of God the Almighty. The

only worry we should have is whether we are bowing before God. Are we prostrating before God with humility or not? ...

Dampen your places of prostrations [with tears]. We should call upon the God of the Holy Prophetsa, Who made the weak into rulers.”

Instances of fear and worry are part-andparcel of divine communities. Our history proves how Allah’s promise of establishing religion for Khilafat and changing fear into security and peace has always come true.

However, like the Promised Messiah’sas core message preached, have we created that spiritual transformation within ourselves that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya strives for?

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Obey the Khulafa with true sincerity Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II and Musleh-e-Maudra on 29 June 1917.

After reciting Tashahud Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, the following verses were recited, after which Huzoorra proceeded with the sermon: ٰۡ ۡ ‫ٰۤیاَ ّیُ َہا الَّ ِذیۡ َن ٰا َم ُنوۡا لَا تَقُوۡلُوۡا َرا ِع َنا َو ُقوۡلُوا ان ۡ ُظ ۡرنَا َو‬ ‫اس َم ُعوۡا ؕ َو ل ِلک ِف ِریۡ َن‬ َ ٌ َ​َ ‫اب ال ِۡی ٌم‬ ‫عذ‬ َ َ ُ ۡ ّ َ ُ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ َّ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ ‫َما یَوَ ّد ال ِذیۡ َن کف ُر ٰ ۡوا ِم ۡن ا ۡہ ِل ال ِک ٰت ِب َو لا ال ُمش ِرک ِین ا ٰن ّینز َل َعل ۡیک ۡم ِّم ۡن‬ َ ۡ ۡ ُ َ ّ ّ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ُ ‫َخیۡر ِّم ۡن َّر ّب ُک ۡم ؕ َو الل ُہ یَخت ّص برَ ۡح َمت ِٖہ َم ۡن ّیش‬ ‫ٓاء ؕ َو الل ُہ ذو الفض ِل ال َعظ ِۡی ِم‬ ِ ِ ٍ [O ye who believe! say not “Ra‘ina,” but say, “Unzurna” and hearken. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment. They who disbelieve from among the People of the Book, or from among those who associate gods (with Allah), desire not that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord; but Allah chooses for His mercy whomsoever He pleases; and Allah is of exceeding bounty. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.105-106)] Lots of people are unable to exercise control over their speech and writing.

Hence, the Promised Messiahas noted that sufis advance the maxim, “Courtesy is the root to all success”.

So long as a person is unable to govern their words, whether spoken or written, and is not fully aware of what flows from their tongue and pen, they are hardly worthy of being called a human being.

Indeed, they are worse than animals, for even beasts steer clear of danger; yet some people never consider the consequences of their actions.

For example, if an animal is dragged towards a treacherous place, such as a cave, it will resist. In his well-known work, the Masnavi, Rumi writes a parable about a mouse and a camel.

In it, the mouse catches a rope tied to a camel and drags it in the direction that the camel is walking [causing the mouse to think that it is pulling the camel along].

On approaching a river, the camel abruptly turns around, startling the mouse and dragging it at its rear.

Thus, even a camel might choose to be led by a mouse, provided it does not perceive a threat; but the moment it senses any trouble, it cannot be forced along by someone who is strong and powerful, much less a mouse. In other cases, there are animals that camouflage themselves against predators and hunters to shield themselves from danger.

Conversely, human beings are often prone to making reckless comments, even though, at times, the slightest misstep can cause great harm. Allah the Exalted says: “O believers, do not use such words that might be misinterpreted when addressing the Prophetsa for otherwise, you will squander you faith.”

That is, God says, while such people may be believers, they will eventually squander their faith. He will turn their belief into

disbelief and afflict them with a severe punishment if they do not control their tongues. This impropriety will bring about their downfall. Therefore, a person must guard against their words or risk losing their faith.

I have observed that there are certain people who are far from obedient, despite referring to me as the Khalifatul Masih in their speeches and writings. Such hollow honorifics are meaningless.

Shias, out of a sense of irony and jest, use the term khalifa for barbers and tailors, but this does not lessen the status of khilafat.

In the eyes of God, khilafat has an elevated station [and it makes no difference] whether people try to undermine it or not. God affirms that khulafa are divinely appointed. He says: ُ ْٰ َ ُ َ َ ٰ َ​َ ‫َو َم ْن كف َر بَ ْع َد ذل ِك فاولٰٓ ِٕىك ُه ُم الف ِسقوْ َن‬ [Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious. (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.56)] That is, rejecting the khulafa is a form of rebellion and whosoever turns away from them stands in defiance of God. So, while the word khalifa, in and of itself, is not important given that it may even be used in reference to barbers, rejecting and deriding the khulafa – those who are successors to the prophets of God – is fraught with peril and effectively transforms faithful people into rebellious ones.

Therefore, do not think that giving free rein to your speech and writing will be profitable for you. God Almighty says that He will remove such people from His community, as those who are insubordinate can have no connection with God. Bear in mind that anyone, even if they are a believer, who belittles a system established by God Almighty through needless and indiscreet objections will die as a disbeliever. In the following verse, Allah the Exalted [while addressing the believers with regard to] the Holy Prophetsa says: َّ ُ َ َ ُْ ُ ُ َ ُ َُ ُ ؕ١ ‫ٰۤيا ّي َها ال ِذيْ َن ٰا َمنوْا لَا تقوْلوْا َرا ِعنا َو قوْلوا انظ ْرنا‬ [O ye who believe! say not “Ra‘ina”, but say, “Unzurna”. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.105)] However, this commandment is equally applicable to others who are worthy of respect. For example, God elevated Hazrat Abu Bakrra to an exalted station.

When discord arose [within the Muslim community], Abu Bakrra declared that even if the entire world stood against him, he would not hesitate in confronting those who refused to pay the [zakat] with the same spirit and commitment as they did during the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa, even if their dues were of as little value as a small rope. (Tarikh Al-Khulafa lis-Sayuti, p. 51, [1892] Delhi) So do not think that showing disregard to your rulers is a minor affront and

confined to an individual. It is imperative everyone show respect to those in positions of spiritual or temporal leadership. Would a person not face punishment if they disgraced a worldly sovereign?

I have narrated the following story many times.

There used to be a famous poet, Insha-Allah Khan, who wished to remain unequalled in his ability to praise the king.

Once, a person admiringly asked, “How noble is our King?” Insha-Allah countered, “Just noble? How most noble is our King?”

The word anjab, which means “most noble” can also be interpreted as “son of a slave”.

It so happened that the king was born to a bondwoman. No sooner had Insha-Allah uttered these words that all around him fell silent, construing his remark as a jibe against the sovereign.

At the king’s command, he was sentenced to prison and while there, he lost his mind and perished.

In short, feigning respect for me is meaningless.

In a recent letter I have received, the writer alleges that I made a judgment against him because he came from an underprivileged background. However, anyone who issues verdicts on the basis of social rank and status is both wicked and corrupt, let alone being worthy of the status

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM of Khilafat.

Still, I do not concern myself with people who, in my opinion, are opponents of the community, even if this means that all of them desert me. It is God Who has appointed me the Khalifa, and not any individual.

A person appointed by other people cannot be protected by them. For example, if God caused such a person to die from a fatal disease, there is nothing that his selectors could do about it.

Any khilafat which does not emanate from God is a curse. Similarly, I have no desire whatsoever for being addressed as the Khalifatul Masih. I affirm my belief in the divinely established Khilafat and disregard all khilafats instituted by human beings.

It is alleged [in the same letter] that I fail to dispense justice or aid the poor. If I am unjust, why does this individual maintain ties with me? An inequitable person is of no benefit or value. Such people can do me no harm.

I have been called far worse things: a murderer, a usurper of the movement and been referred to in other abusive ways.

Therefore, this particular allegation is nothing more than a minor insult.

A person pleading a case always thinks that they are in the right. However, they have to accept whatever verdict is given by the court. Allah the Exalted says: َ َ ُ َ َ ّ َ ّٰ ‫فلَا َو َر ِّبك لَا يُ ْؤ ِمنوْ َن َحتى يُ َح ِك ُموْك فِ ْي َما ش َجرَ بَ ْين ُه ْم‬ [But no, by thy Lord, they are not believers until they make thee judge in all that is in dispute between them. (Surah alNisa, Ch.4: V.66)] That is, “Such people cannot become true believers until they wholeheartedly accept your decisions.”

When they have no choice but to submit to verdicts made by worldly courts, why do they refuse to accept rulings passed by God’s appointed khulafa? After all, if worldly courts can issue judgments, surely God can too?

A person who gives verdicts on behalf of God carries in their hand a sword, which, though it cannot be seen, strikes hard and causes lasting ruin.

Whereas the sphere of a secular court is limited to this world, [the court of] God is convened in the next life. His punishment, though seemingly unobservable, is ferocious.

Therefore, show restraint in your written and spoken words. And if you do not refrain from objecting to the khilafat established

by God, you will be granted no respite and divine wrath will fall upon you in ways you cannot imagine.

May Allah the Exalted enable you to recognise the status of the one He has chosen for you.

A person does not attain [spiritual] rank because of who they are. The Holy Prophetsa was not superior to others because of his Arab ethnicity or lineage, but rather because of the status that God had bestowed on him.

I am merely a human being. Nothing more. But given my divine status, if you do not forgo such disrespectful behaviour, you will be punished for it. Therefore, [again] certain matters may seem trivial to you, but they hold great significance in the sight of God. May God give you insight into these issues. Amin.

(Al Fazl, 7 July 1917)

The fate of those who rejected Khilafat Ata-ul-Haye Nasir London

After the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, a large number of Ahmadis in Qadian had sincerely pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra. By doing so, they unanimously declared their allegiance with the divine system of Khilafat.

But still, those who rejected Khilafat-eAhmadiyya – who are commonly known as Paighamis or “Lahoris” – held important positions in the Jamaat at that time. They were in control of most of the press. They had access to the treasury and many well-known and seemingly great personalities were their allies. They used the Jamaat’s publication system to launch a campaign against the system of Khilafat. This propaganda was, in fact, silently brewing during the life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. Even in the life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, various debates about Khilafat were arising. But he always gave apt answers to those who objected to Khilafat.

Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, may Allah be pleased with him, stated: “Allah the Almighty, through His grace, united you through our king, the Promised Messiahas, after the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and then saved you from division by uniting you at my hands. Show gratitude for this blessing and do not occupy yourselves in futile discussions …

“I cannot understand what type of spiritual or moral benefit you will achieve from these useless debates. Allah the Almighty has appointed me as a Khalifa according to His will and made you all bow your heads before me. It is utter folly if you continue to argue about it, even after this act of Allah the Almighty. I have told you many a time and shown from the Holy Quran that to appoint a Khalifa, is not the work of a human being, but the work of God Almighty … Allah the Almighty has appointed me as a Khalifa, just as He made Adamas, Davidas, Abu Bakrra and Umarra a Khalifa.

“If anyone says that the Anjuman has made me the Khalifa, then he is a liar. Such thoughts lead to destruction. Beware of them. Listen, no human being or anjuman has made me the Khalifa, nor do I consider any anjuman capable of making the Khalifa.

Thus, no anjuman has made me the Khalifa and if that was the case, I would have never valued it, nor would I have bat an eyelid for it. Now, no one has the power to take away the cloak of this Khilafat from me.”

(Khitabat-e-Nur, pp. 470-472) Regarding the situation following the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “Then came the time when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira passed away. At that time, a rift arose within the Jamaat. A group of people – who were regarded as

the administrative setup of the Jamaat, who occupied Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and were responsible for the treasury and under whose influence were the influential figures of the Jamaat – began to say that there is no need for Khilafat. Eloquent speakers like Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib, famous writers like Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, famous traders like Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib, famous scholars like Maulvi Ghulam Hussain Sahib who has many students in the border area, Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig Sahib who is a wealthy man and a property holder and doctor, Syed Muhammad Hussain Shah Sahib, all gathered on one side and said that people wished to destroy the Jamaat by making a child a Khalifa.

“The child they were referring to was me and at the time, I was 20 years old. God is my Witness that I had no idea that questions were being raised about me becoming the Khalifa of the Jamaat. Allah is my Witness that neither was I involved in these things,

nor did I know anything of it. This came to my knowledge first and foremost through Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib, owner of the English Warehouse. I heard him saying in the mosque with great enthusiasm that the Jamaat was being destroyed for the sake of a child.” (Mein hi Musleh-e-Maud ki Peshgoi ka Misdaaq hun, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 17, p. 204) Those who shunned Khilafat spread the notion within the Jamaat that Mirza Mahmud Ahmad Sahibra and his peers were using the system of Khilafat for their own personal gain and that the real successor to the Promised Messiahas was Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya.

Another misunderstanding that also spread was that the likes of Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Mahmud Ahmadra had already started corrupting religion and if the Continued on page 16

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Relationship with Khilafat requires one to build strong ties with God Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said: “Every Ahmadi’s relationship with the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his Khulafa or with the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa is based on the relationship with Allah. If the foundation of their relationship is not built on the relationship with Allah, then this tie is artificial, fake and meaningless. If the love of Allah creates this relationship and as the love of Allah grows, the relationship with the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa progresses as well, then rest assured that such a person is not in any kind of danger, neither in this world, nor in the next. Those who possess this type of relationship, as I have stated, will be safe from every discord.”

(Friday Sermon, 23 November 1990)

Continued from page 15

leadership of this young child was accepted by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, then very soon, Ahmadiyyat would be shattered to pieces and Qadian would be taken over by Christianity. They even went on to say that Christianity would take over the buildings of the Jamaat in ten years.

Those who were desirous for such dangerous and false propaganda went to different parts of the country to spread their views. Every effort was made to prevent Ahmadis from pledging allegiance to Khilafat.

But God Almighty had destined the system of Khilafat for the development and propagation of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and for the stability of Khilafat, Allah showed great signs of His power in support of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and a large number of Ahmadis present in Qadian pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra and recognised him as Khalifatul Masih.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “The poor section of the Jamaat pledged allegiance to me and the so-called ‘big figures’ were separated from the Jamaat. One of them was Dr Mirza Yaqub Baig Sahib. As he left, he pointed to our buildings and said, ‘We are leaving because the Jamaat has not treated us well, but you will see that in ten years’ time, these places will be occupied by Christians and all these properties will be taken from the hands of Ahmadis.” (Mein hi Musleh-e-Maud ki Peshgoi ka Misdaaq hun, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 17, p. 206) Those who rejected Khilafat had a strange kind of pride and arrogance over their power in terms of numbers and wealth. They even wrote that 95% of the Jamaat was with them and only 5% was with Mirza Mahmud Ahmadra. They continued to consider this majority as a great pride for themselves and a proof of their success and truthfulness.

But after a while, they changed their views and started writing that although they were in fact only 5% in comparison to the 95% that was with Mirza Mahmud Ahmad Sahib’sra Jamaat, “the fact is that we are the ones who stand for the truth because it has always been the rule that the number of

truthful people is smaller.”

There was a time when they were proud of their majority and used it as an argument for their truthfulness. But then came a time when they began to consider themselves proud of being the minority and used it to justify their truthfulness. This is but another proof that they had no other argument in their support.

Regarding this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated: “About 2,000 people pledged allegiance to me at that time, while most of the outside Jamaats had not yet performed Bai‘at.

Even Paigham-e-Sulh [the magazine of the Paighami group] wrote that 95% Jamaat is with them and only 5% is with Mirza Mahmud Ahmad. But then two months had passed – in fact only a month had passed when the whole Jamaat joined in my allegiance and Paigham-e-Sulh began to write that 95% of the Jamaat is with Mirza Mahmud Ahmadra and only 5% is with them.” (Mein hi Musleh-e-Maud ki Peshgoi ka Misdaaq hun, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 17, p. 206) He states at another place: “I see that there are signs of division in the Jamaat and some people are inciting others against Khilafat or at least insisting that the Khalifa should be as a president only and that there has not been any Khalifa in the Jamaat yet. But I inform the whole Jamaat through this announcement that it is necessary to have a Khalifa, as I have proved, and that pledging allegiance to him is as necessary as it was with Khalifatul Masih Ira. It is wrongly said that no Khalifa of the Jamaat has been appointed so far; God Almighty has assigned Khilafat to he who was to be appointed and now, he who opposes him, in fact, opposes God.” (Kaun hay jo Khuda ke kaam ko rok sakey, Anwarul-Ulum, Vol.2, p. 14) He continues: “It was the act of God Almighty to make the necks of most people submit before me. How can I reject the command of God Almighty for your sake? He made me the Khalifa in the same way as he made those who came before. But I wonder how a humble person like me became His chosen one. Whatever the answer, he has chosen

me and now, no man can take off the cloak that He has bestowed to me. This is the gift of God; who can take away this gift of God from me? God Almighty will be my Helper.

I am weak, but my Master is very strong; I am weak, but my master is very Powerful; I am without any means, but my King is the Creator of all means; I am helpless, but my Lord will send down the angels to help me, insha-Allah. I do not have any refuge save in my Protector alone, in Whose presence there is no need for any other refuge.

“People accuse me of being a liar, that I have been seeking a high rank for a long time, that I was proud and desired to get a high status, so much so that it made me restless. I say to them that your objection is what Thamud did to Salehas: َ ٌ َّ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ‫اب ا ِش ٌر‬ ‫بل ہو کذ‬ ‘Nay, he is a boastful liar’. (Surah alQamar, Ch.54: V.26) “Now, I will also respond to you in the same way as Hazrat Salehas did: َ ُ َّ َ ۡ َّ ً َ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ‫اب الۡا ِش ُر‬ ‫سیعلمون غدا م ِن الکذ‬ ‘Tomorrow will they know who is the boastful liar!’ (Surah al-Qamar, Ch.54: V.27)” (Kaun hay jo Khuda ke kaam ko rok sakey, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol.2, p. 15) While giving the glad tidings of victory to the mubai‘een [those who had performed Bai‘at of the Khalifa], Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “There are trials and tribulations, but rejoice, for the end will be better for you who have bound yourselves in the ropes of unity and that you will be God’s chosen people. The rain of His bounty will descend upon you, insha-Allah, with such force that you will be amazed.” (p. 19) In one of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra dreams, a man named Abdul Samad told him: “Congratulations to the poor Jamaat of Qadian! The blessings of Khilafat descend upon you.” (Mansab-e-Khilafat, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol.2, p. 50) When Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra assumed the office of Khilafat, the financial condition of the Jamaat was very weak. All administrative positions were in the hands of those who

were in denial about Khilafat. However, God Almighty strengthened the system of Khilafat and showed His support and help.

Today, the great progress of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is a reflection of the blessings of Khilafat itself and is a conclusive proof of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

Regarding the financial condition of the Jamaat at that time and the actions of the opponents of Khilafat, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra says: “The world tried as hard as it could, but in spite of its efforts, God made us grow and develop in a way that was beyond our imagination.

“When I became the Khalifa, we had only 14 annas in our treasury and a debt of 18,000 rupees. Even when I wrote the first announcement in my Khilafat, whose title was, ‘Who can stop the work of God?’, I did not have any money to publish it.

“At that time, our maternal grandfather had with him donations that he had collected from people for the mosque. He gave 200 rupees out of that donation to publish the announcement and said that when the money started to come in, then the 200 rupees could be returned. The announcement was published by borrowing that money from him.

“But at that time, when the prominent members of the Jamaat were against me, when the leaders of the Jamaat were against me, when the treasury was empty with only 14 annas in it, when there was a debt of 18,000 rupees, when the majority of the Anjuman was against me, when the secretary of the Anjuman was against me, when the headmaster of the Madrasa was against me, I published the following words in that announcement under the will of God Almighty: ‘God Almighty wants the Jamaat to be united at my hands and no one can stop this will of God now. Do they not see that there are only two ways open for them?

Either they should pledge allegiance to me, to prevent the Jamaat from division, or they should follow their baser desires and uproot and throw away the sacred garden, which was watered by pious people with tears and blood. Whatever has happened, it is in the past now, but there is no doubt now that the unity of the Jamaat is possible in only one way and that is to pledge allegiance to the one whom God has appointed as the Khalifa. Otherwise, every person who goes against him will cause division.’

“I then wrote: ‘Even if the whole world accepts me, the status of my Khilafat will not be affected and if everyone abandons me (God forbid), even then there will be no effect to my Khilafat.

Just as a prophet remains a prophet when he is alone, so is the khalifa a khalifa even if he is alone. Therefore, blessed is he who accepts God’s decree. The burden which God Almighty has placed on my shoulders is a great one and I cannot do anything without His help. But I believe in the Holy One that He will always help me.” (Mein hi Musleh-e-Maud ki Peshgoi ka Misdaaq hun, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 17, pp. 209-210) In the time of a prophet, the humble become the influencers and the influential ones are made to appear humble. So, since the Khalifa of a prophet is also sent by God Continued on next page >>

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Scenes of God’s forgiveness Part II Written in Urdu by Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismailra – brother-in-law of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas – and published in Al Fazl on 13 June 1944.

In the previous article, we read that in a trance-like state, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismailra was being shown the place of reckoning by an angel, Ghufran, and various instances of God’s immense forgiveness and mercy were displayed to him.

The second part commences with the continuation of these instances.

18. There was a special kindness being shown when it came to women. There was a general commandment that a woman who prays five times a day, fasts, protects her chastity and does not disobey her husband, can enter paradise from whichever door of the heaven she prefers.

19. Then we went further and saw that the case of a person who had died during the time of the Holy Prophetsa was being presented in the court.

When he passed away, the Holy Prophetsa also went out for his funeral prayers. Hazrat Umarra requested, “O prophet of Allah, this person was an open sinner and transgressor, please do not offer his funeral prayer.”

The Holy Prophetsa enquired from those attending the funeral prayer, “Has anyone seen this person act upon any of the commandments of Islam?” People replied that on one occasion, he stood for guard duty at night.

The Holy Prophetsa offered his funeral prayer, poured soil in his grave, looked at the grave of the deceased, and said, “O you who have died! Your friends think you are hell-bound, but I bear witness that you shall go to paradise. O Umar ibn Al-Khattab!

Do not dig too deep into people’s actions.

Generally observe if they were observant of Islam or not.” Thus, the same act rewarded him the salvation in the Hereafter.

20. Similarly, there was a Muslim fighter who had fought in the way of Allah. His deeds were not sufficient to send him to heaven. Allah put his horse, horse’s feed

<< Continued from previous page

Almighty to fulfill his purpose, in the time of a Khalifa, this tradition of God Almighty continues; humble people become the influencers and the influential are made to appear weak.

In keeping with this principle, the leading people among the deniers of Khilafat, who were apparently big, influential and seemingly learned people, were reduced after their rejection of Khilafat to such an extent that their names ceased to remain in common reference and those who were seemingly weak and small, by pledging allegiance to Khilafat, became so great that today, their names are written in bold letters and the world prays for them.

It was in the life of the Promised Messiahas that Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra received a revelation from God Almighty:

and even the horse’s dung into the scale of his good deeds, until the scale of his good deeds became heavier than the scale of his wrongdoings and shortcomings and he raced towards paradise on his horse.

Similarly, infinite people were forgiven because they were in love with prophets, saints and other holy figures. Even though their actions were not enough, but they were made the neighbours of their loved ones according to the hadith: َ َ َ َْ ‫ال َم ْر ُء َمع َم ْن أ َح ّب‬ “A person will be with whom he loves.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab] 21. I saw at another place that a group of people, who used to do zikr and tasbih of God, was being taken to paradise beneath the wings of the angels. There was another person walking behind them. Ghufran [the angel accompanying Hazrat Mir Sahibra in this vision] told me that the story of this person is very interesting.

“Once, Allah asked the angels, what did you see in the world today? The angels replied, ‘We saw a group of people in a mosque remembering you with love and devotion.’ Allah said, ‘Bear witness that I have forgiven them all.’ The angels said, ‘O Allah, there was a person in that gathering who did not come there for Your remembrance, but for a personal errand.’

Allah said, ‘Bear witness that I have forgiven him as well, for ُ ْ ٰ ْ َ َّ ُ ‫ه ُم ال ِذي لا يَشقي َجلِی ُسھ ْم‬

َّ َ ٓ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َّ ْ ‫ِا ّن ال ِذیْ َن ات َب ُعوْک فوْق ال ِذیْ َن کف ُر ْوا ِا ٰلی یَوْ ِم الق ِٰی َم ِۃ‬ “I will surely place those who follow you above those who disbelieve, until the Day of Resurrection.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra narrated this revelation to the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Ahmadas noted it down.

In relation to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “I have been narrating this revelation to my friends for a long time. As a result, notice in how many ways I was opposed, but Allah the Almighty granted me victory. The ghair mubai‘een [those who denied to perform Bai‘at] spread false propaganda in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, that there was an attempt to destroy the Jamaat for the sake of a child. But this proved to be ineffective.”

(Al-Maud, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 17, p. 547) When members of the Jamaat performed Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat

“These people [who remember Allah] are such that those who are in their company can never be unfortunate.”’ The person walking behind is that same person.”

22. As we went further, Ghufran pointed towards a person who was walking around with the mantle of Allah’s forgiveness covering him. Ghufran informed me that the story of this person is also very interesting.

“This person migrated to Medina along with a noble companion of the Holy Prophetsa at the time of the migration of the Holy Prophetsa. He got sick in Medina and got so impatient that he slit his own wrists with an arrow, which caused so much bleeding that he eventually died. His friend, who was a companion, saw him in the dream that he was in a very good condition, but he had both his hands covered. His friend asked him, ‘What happened with you [at Judgment Day]?’

“He replied, ‘My Lord forgave me because I had migrated towards His Prophetsa. But Allah also told me that He would not heal my hands which I had damaged.’ When this was mentioned to the Holy Prophetsa, he prayed for him that: ّٰ َ ْ َ َ ‫الل ُھ َّم َول َِيدیْ ِہ فاغفِ ْر‬ ‘O Allah, forgive his hands as well.’”

Ghufran informed me that he remained in his original condition, but today, due to this prayer, his hands’ completely function and now, he was going to paradise.

23. We went further and I learned of a person about whom Allah had ordered that

Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, the opponents of Khilafat saw that they could not leave Khilafat under any circumstances, so they took on a new colour. By using an excerpt from the booklet of the Promised Messiahas, The Will, wherein he states, “Hence if 40 believers agree that a person is competent to accept Bai‘at in my name, he will be entitled to accept Bai‘at”, they tried to make their own Khalifa in opposition to Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra.

Master Abdul Haq Sahib, who was earlier associated with those who rejected Khilafat and later pledged allegiance to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, informed Huzoorra that to attain this purpose, Maulvi Sadruddin Sahib, Master Abdul Haq Sahib and another person went door to door of nearly 2,000 Ahmadi houses so that 40 men could be gathered to support this idea. But he could not find the sufficient number to support them and in the end, only 13 people did.

He would call him to account personally. So, this person was brought in front of Allah’s throne. Allah asked him, “Do you know that you committed (such-and-such) grave and heinous sins in the world?” He replied, “Yes, my Lord, I do.”

Every single muscle on his body was trembling with fear that now, there would be no place for him except hell. However, in that very moment, Allah the Almighty said, “I covered your sins while you were on earth so I will cover your sins today as well.

Here, take the register of your good deeds, Continued on page 18

They had suggested the name of a certain person for this purpose, but they faced such embarrassment that eventually, that person pledged his allegiance to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. The fact is that the deniers of Khilafat failed in all their plans and continue to do so today. Under the shadow of Khilafate-Ahmadiyya and with the support and succour of God Almighty, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat continues to progress and has spread all over the world.

Just ponder upon the plight of those who said, “We do not need the Khilafat”. On the contrary, however, under the shadow of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya: ‫ن‬ ‫مہ وت رہ َدم ڑچھ رےہ ہ ی� اِک ُ ب�دی یک رطف‬ “We continue to soar to new heights with every passing moment.” (Durr-e-Sameen)

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

18 Continued from page 17

go towards the people whose accounts are being checked and leave the register of your sins with Us. Now be on your way; We shall take care of things from here.”

24. Then, another case was presented in the court of Allah. A prisoner was brought with 99 huge registers of his actions. He was asked, “These are the registers of your deeds.

If you dispute any of these, let Us know.” He replied, “My Lord, whatever is mentioned in them is correct.” He was asked, “Do you have any excuse,” He replied, “No, my Lord.”

Allah replied, “We have one excuse from you, which is a great virtue. You will not be punished.” Then, a piece of paper was presented on which it was written: ُ ٗ ُ َ ً َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ ‫اإل َه اِلا الل ُه َو أش َهد أ ّن محَ ّمدا ع ْبده َو َر ُس ْول ٗه‬ ِ ‫أشهد أن ل‬ “I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

It was commanded to put this sheet in the scale of his good deeds and when this sheet of paper was put with his good deeds, the scales of goodness lowered against the other side with heavy registers of sins and that person went running towards paradise, repeating the words: ّٰ َْ ْ َ ّٰ ‫ ال َح ْم ُد ل ِل ِہ‬،ِ‫ال َح ْم ُد ل ِله‬ “All praise belongs to Allah; All praise belongs to Allah.”

25. Then we turned our attention to another side and we heard a caller making an announcement on behalf of Allah the Almighty: َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ُ ُ ُ ٰ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ ‫اج ِع‬ ِ ‫این ال ِذی کانت تتجافی جنوبهم ع ِن المض‬ “Where are those who used to separate their bodies from their beds at night in the remembrance of their Lord?” Upon hearing this, many such people stood up and gathered at one place and it was announced that all of them were forgiven without any judgment.

26. Then, a third case was presented in the special court of Allah. A man was brought forward and an order was decreed

by Allah to read out all of his smaller sins and errors and ask him whether he had committed these sins, but not to present the graver sins. Upon hearing these smaller sins, the man replied, “Yes, my Lord. I have made all of these mistakes. How can I lie about this truth?”

At the same time, the person was thinking fearfully in his heart that these were only his smaller sins. He asked himself what would happen when his more severe sins would be read out aloud. While he was still in his thoughts, Allah said, “Go, We have forgiven you and given you one good deed for each of your sins.”

Hearing this the person lost all his faculties due to happiness and blurted out, “O my Lord, these were only my small sins.

The major sins have not been recited yet; those should also be presented before of You.” When the audience heard this, they all started laughing. The person, obviously embarrassed, went towards paradise and was covered in the mantle of God’s forgiveness by one of the angels.

27. I also saw that those who were already punished for their crimes on earth were being treated with extra compassion and kindness.

For example, there was a person who had

committed a grave sin, so he himself went to his ruler and said, “I have committed this sin. I am terribly regretful and have asked Allah for forgiveness, but I would rather face the punishment in this life than face the punishment of the Hereafter.” On this, he was stoned to death.

When this person was brought in front of Allah on the Day of Judgement, Allah said to him, “O My servant! We are very pleased with your repentance. If your regret and repentance was distributed to an entire city, we would have forgiven all of them.”

28. There was also a case of a very cruel ruler who had wronged many of his subjects.

All of his oppressed subjects were present to look at the punishment that was about to be dealt to him, but when they heard that this person had truly repented from his sins in his last days and had migrated to Medina and died there, they all said that they forgave all of his trespasses against them and beseeched Allah to do the same. Hence, that person also went to paradise with a smile on his face.

29. Millions of people were being forgiven because those who were wronged by them were being recompensed by Allah manifold and in return, these wronged souls were forgiving their transgressors and seeking forgiveness for them and in this manner, they – both the wronged and the wrongdoers – were being forgiven.

Many people who did not have enough good deeds were being forgiven because their parents were happy with them and they were absorbing God’s grace under the rule: ّ ‫رضی‬ ‫الرب في رضی الوالد‬ “The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parents.”

30. The most astounding example for me was that of two persons. Two people were standing to one side, waiting to be dragged to hell, when they saw a forgiven person entering paradise.

One of the hell-bound man said to him, “Dear brother! Do you recognise me?

I am the person who gave you water on one occasion at such-and-such place.” The second one added, “You must remember me also, brother. I filled up your container with water so that you could perform ablution.

Now, look at us, you are going to heaven and we are going to hell.” This melted the heart of the forgiven person and he started praying for them to Allah, the Most Merciful, there and then. It was ordered to take both of them to paradise with him as well.

31. We were still engrossed in these scenes when all of a sudden, we heard some commotion coming from hell. It was reported [to Allah] that two people were causing all this noise. It was ordered to bring the two in front of Allah. Once presented, they were asked, “Why are you making so much noise?” They replied, “O our Lord!

We are burning. We cannot bear this pain and punishment. Please have mercy on us.”

Allah said, “Alright, go back to your places in hell. We shall make a decision about you later.” One of them returned back, but the other stood there and said, “O my Lord, did you take me out of hell only so that you could put me back?” This caused everyone to laugh. Allah the Almighty ordered, “Alright then, go, O impatient one. We have forgiven you and your friend.”

32. Hence, we went forth, observing

similar incidents, until we reached a group of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa.

There was similar commotion and judgment happening there too. There was a companion by the name of Hatib about whom certain witnesses said, “He is guilty of treason to Islam and the Holy Prophetsa and the punishment for that should have been death in the world and hell in the Hereafter.”

It was alleged, he had written a letter to the disbelievers of Mecca informing them of the imminent attack of the Holy Prophetsa, which was a state secret, the divulgence of which could have resulted in the destruction of the Muslims. “If Allah had not informed the Holy Prophetsa of this treason in time, the entire plan for the victory of Mecca would have been ruined. We cannot find a bigger traitor than him.”

It was ordained from the throne of Allah, “You are right, but look at our order that was passed in second year of Hijra regarding the Companions who fought in the Battle of Badr. The order was searched and presented and it said: ُ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ّ َ ُ ْ ‫ِإع َمل ْوا َما ِشئت ْم فاِنِی غف ْرت لَک ْم‬ “Do whatever you wish. For I have surely forgiven you all.”

It was further said, “There are certain services of our servants which are worthy of such rewards. Let Hatibra bin Balta‘ah go, for he is forgiven along with the Companions of Badr.”

33. After this, the case of the Chief of the Martyrs, Lion of Allah, Hazrat Hamzara bin Abdul Muttalib was presented. The witnesses reported that on one occasion, he was drunk and listening to songs from his female slave.

He was so pleased with the singing that he asked her to make a wish. This woman felt some animosity towards Hazrat Alira, so she asked him to bring the livers from the two camels of Hazrat Alira that were given to him as a bounty of war from the Battle of Badr.

On this, he went to that place and split open their stomachs and took the livers out. The poor animals died in agony.

When Hazrat Alira was informed, he reported this to the Holy Prophetsa in tears.

The Holy Prophetsa went to Hazrat Hamzara, along with Hazrat Alira. Hazrat Hamza was still drunk and in his drunken condition, said, “Are you two not the slaves of my father.” The Holy Prophetsa realised that Hazrat Hamza was drunk and did not deem it appropriate to continue talking to him in this manner.

After a while, Hazrat Hamzara was martyred in the Battle of Uhud.

It was said, “He must be punished for the crimes against humanity and the creation of Allah, and though alcohol was not yet forbidden at the time, but it still does not take away from the severity of the crime as it was a demonstration of extreme cruelty, which is against human nature, no matter which religion a person may belong to. That is why we are asking for recompense.”

It was said from the throne of Allah: “We have already taken retribution for his mistake. Hamza is our lion. The recompense that was taken from him is evident and the nearness [to Allah] which we have bestowed upon him is also evident.

Is it not correct that he killed the camels on the request of his female slave. So, in Uhud, a slave named Wahshi, who was hired for a reward, killed Hamza and tore open his torso in a manner that animals do. Then Hind, the

wife of Abu Sufyan, took out his liver from his body just as Hamza removed it from the carcasses of those animals. Just as the liver of the camels was grilled and eaten, so was his liver chewed by Hind in front of everyone at Uhud. As another, second camel was killed, so Hamza’s body was mutilated and his nose, ears and lips were cut off and made into a necklace and shown off to everyone in the battlefield. As he declared the Holy Prophetsa as the slave of his father, a slave was arranged for the murder of Hamza, as opposed to a nobleman of the Quraish.”

Allah continued to say: “Now, tell us, was every aspect of this crime not retributed? Even to the point that the one on whose request camels were killed was a singer and Hind, who mutilated Hamza’s body was also a singer who sang songs in the Battle of Uhud to inspire the army, the first couplet of which is: َّ ُ َ ‫ن ْح ُن ب َ َنات الطا ِر ِق‬ َ َ َّ ‫ن ْم ِش ْی َعلی النما ِر ِق‬ “But because he was our beloved, our retribution was in fact a reward for him. His martyrdom at Uhud made him the Chief of the Martyrs and whatever was done to his body after death did not cause him any pain; neither the mutilation, nor the removal or biting of his liver. So, today, we have covered him in our mantle of forgiveness and dignity. His status is raised and your claim is answered. Now, take him to heaven and give him a station near his nephew [the Holy Prophetsa]. We are pleased with him and he, with Us.” 34. After hearing this judgement, we went further and saw a believer who had committed every type of sin other than Shirk [associating partners with Allah]. He was about to be dragged towards hell, when we heard an awe-inspiring voice proclaiming: ُ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ّ َ َ َ ‫َم ْن‬ ‫الذن ْو ِب غف ْرت ل ٗہ َولا ابَال ِْی َما‬ ‫علِم انِی ذو قدرۃ علی مغفرۃ‬ ً َ ِ ِْ ْ َ ٍ ‫ل ْم یُش ِرک بِ ْی ش ْیئا‬ “I shall forgive the person who believed about Me that I have complete power to forgive all of someone’s sins and shall not care for anything until they associate a partner with me.”

There was another person standing next to him. Every page of his register of deeds was full of sins and transgressions, but every once in a while, there were a couple of istighfars [seeking forgiveness] recorded on the pages as well. It was ordered that today, all of his sins were effaced due to those istighfar.

35. There was an argument regarding a blind man. Order came from the throne of Allah that we took his two beloved eyes from him, so today we forgive him because of that.

36. I went further and saw a huge crowd of sick, poor and needy people. Allah said: َ ٗ ّ ً َ ُ ُ َ ُ ُ ْ ُّ ‫لا ا‬ ‫لہ َح ّتی استو فی كل‬ ‫خرج ا َحدا ِم َن الدن َيا ا ِريْد اغفر‬ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ ُ ‫اقتار فِي ِرز ِق ٖه‬ ‫سقم ِفی بَدنِ ٖه َو‬ ٍ ٍ ِ ‫خ ِطيئ ٍة في عن ِق ٖه ب‬ “Whenever I care for someone’s forgiveness, I make sure to get rid of all their sins by putting them through trials of sickness and poverty.”

When I heard this, I became very happy because I was also a very sick child and suddenly, all of my pains began to feel like blessings.

(To be continued…)

(Translated by Talha Ali, Missionary Philippines)

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

The binding of hearts Love between Ahmadis and the Khalifa

Aizaz Khan Missionary, Canada

“And He bound the believers’ hearts to one another in affection [to the point that they were prepared to sacrifice their blood in place of your sweat, O Prophet]. If you had spent all that which is in the earth, even then you would not be able to bind their hearts in such a manner. But Allah has placed mutual affection between them [and deep love for you]. Verily, He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (Ch.8: V.64, Tafsir-eSaghir Translation) “The binding of hearts” (ta‘lif-ulquloob) is an extraordinary and powerful expression of love depicted in the Holy Quran. Like the compilation of individual pages into one book, the word ta‘lif means collecting many things into such a state that one name becomes applicable to them all, whether the individual components bear relation to each other or not. (Dictionary of the Holy Quran, p. 27; Lane’s Lexicon, Book 1, p. 80) Such is the condition of the hearts of Ahmadis and our beloved Khulafa.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh once explained how the binding of hearts was a reality manifested in the shape of Ahmadiyyat.

In 1967, while in Denmark, a Christian priest asked Huzoorrh what his status was in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Huzoorrh replied by saying that his question was incorrect.

“The Imam of the Jamaat and the Jamaat itself are two names of one and the same thing. The Khalifa of the time and the Jamaat itself both unify to become one entity. This is why it is the task of Khilafat to strive to alleviate the pain and suffering of the Jamaat.” (Al Fazl, 21 May 1978) Indeed, there is absolutely nothing as pure and sincere as the love that exists between Ahmadis and the Khalifa. It is a type of love that transcends tribal, ethnic, national, and political boundaries. It is a love that is, in many respects, no less than a miracle of God. Flipping through the pages of our book of love, we find innumerable instances that manifest the reciprocal affection shown by Ahmadis for their beloved Khulafa and – even more inspiring – the love shown to us by them.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira Once, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was unwell, members of the Jamaat prayed fervent prayers for Huzoorra that truly reflected the pain and anguish that a child feels for his ailing mother. As companions

of the Holy Prophetsa were prepared to shed their own blood before a drop of sweat appeared on the blessed face of their Beloved Mastersa, so too were Ahmadis ready to lay down their own lives for their Khalifara.

Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Sahib prayed, “O Allah! I pray that all of Huzoor’s suffering be transferred to me instead and he be relieved of it all.”

Syed Iradat Hussain Sahib prayed, “O Allah, I beg you, take two years away from my own life and grant them to Huzoor instead.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, pp.

329-331) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, Khalifatul Masih IIra As a child cannot bear to be distanced from his mother, Ahmadis also feel the pain of being away from their beloved.

When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra embarked upon his tour of Europe in 1924, Babu Siraj-ud-Din Sahib Station Master expressed feelings that Ahmadis across the globe still resonate with even today: “My Beloved Master, we are far from you and are helpless. If it was possible, we would become the dust upon Huzoor’s shoes so we would not have to endure the agony of separation.” (Swaneh Fazle Umar, Vol. 5, p. 475) This was merely a reflection of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra love for members of the Jamaat. Huzoorra once said: “You have someone who has true sympathy for you; who truly loves you; who considers your pain and sufferings to be his own; and who is always praying to Allah for you.” (Blessings of Khilafat, p. 6) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh The scope of a khalifa’s prayers encompasses all Ahmadis. Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh once said: “I often pray during the sajda [prostration], ‘O God, in respect of those who have written to me, please relieve them of their anxiety, sickness or worries about their examinations. In respect of those who wanted to write to me but could not, please shower Thy Mercy on them as well. And please show Mercy on those who become averse or lazy.’ I say this prayer because I have a relationship with everyone and deep in my heart lies love and affection for all.” (A Glimpse into the Life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, by BA Rafiq, p. 10) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh A day before migrating to London in 1984,

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh told members of the Jamaat in Masjid Mubarak, Rabwah: “I have not gathered you to address you with a formal speech. I simply wished to see you, for my eyes are cooled and my heart is comforted by seeing you. By Allah, I love you more than a mother could love her own child.” (Monthly Khalid, Syedna Tahir Number 2004, p. 36) Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib writes that an Ahmadi from Canada brought a non-Muslim, Professor Dr Gualter, to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in London. Ataul Mujeeb Sahib realised that it was his first time meeting

Huzoorrh so he thought it appropriate to tell him a little about who he was about to have an audience with.

Ataul Mujeeb Sahib writes that when an Ahmadi speaks about the Khalifa of the time, the love he has for Khilafat in his heart naturally manifests itself – as it did when he began to speak about Khilafat.

Dr Gualter then went and had the honour of an audience with Huzoorrh. When he came out of Huzoor’srh office, he shared his observation with his Ahmadi host, saying, “When I met with Imam Rashed Sahib, I Continued on page 20

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

20

Continued from page 19

perceived that Ahmadis have great love in their hearts for their spiritual leader. But after meeting with their spiritual leader, the Khalifa, I have come to the conclusion that the Khalifa loves Ahmadis much more than they love him!” (Monthly Khalid, Syedna Tahir Number 2004, p. 299) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has immense love for each and every one of us. In the Friday Sermon of 6 June 2014, Huzooraa stated: “Before sleeping at night, there is no country of the world that I do not visit in my imagination and no Ahmadi for whom I do not pray whilst sleeping and whilst awake.”

One need only glance at the diaries of Abid Khan Sahib to get a glimpse of the mutual love and affection shared between Ahmadis and Huzooraa.

The importance of reading these diaries is apparent from the fact that during Huzoor’saa visit to Germany in 2015, a 16 year-old-boy approached Abid Sahib and said that until he had learned about Huzooraa from the diaries, he did not love Khilafat in the way that an Ahmadi should; but having read them he had seen just how much Huzooraa loved the Jamaat and why we needed Khilafat. (Diary of Germany Jalsa 2015, Part 1) There are countless examples of mutual love to be discovered in these diaries that refreshes and revitalizes one’s love for Khilafat.

The families of Shuhada (martyrs) who received personal phone calls from Huzooraa giving them comfort in a way only a Khalifa could; children of martyrs telling how they receive Eidi personally from Huzooraa every year; when Huzooraa told Amir Sahib France that the Ahmadis who were eating lunch after Friday prayers

should be well fed and Huzooraa would personally cover the costs if he could not; Huzooraa embracing and consoling the family of a Lajna member of Ireland Jamaat who passed away from cancer; the elderly man from Ohia, USA who said that the rest of the world was struggling and facing increasing difficulties but Ahmadis constantly feel at ease due to the blessings of Khilafat; how carefully and lovingly Huzooraa takes care of each member of his entourage while on tour; Huzooraa visiting the homes of Jamia Germany professors and commenting that when he was unable to visit them during his previous tour he felt a burden in his heart for 18 months; Huzoor’saa many expressions of humility that bring tears to the eyes; journalists who were amazed and touched by the devotion of Ahmadis to Khilafat; Huzooraa continuing to carry out his duties despite being in pain and discomfort, opting to rest in the car during a journey; and the list goes on and on and on.

This love that both the Ahmadis and beloved Huzooraa express for each other are visible to everyone.

A French-speaking journalist from Benin once said to Huzooraa, “Whilst I

have been here [at Jalsa UK] I have seen that your people love you very much. They do not worship you, but their hearts are overflowing with love for the Khalifa and in the same way it seems that you sincerely love each and every Ahmadi and you have a personal relationship with them.”

In reply, Huzooraa said: “This is a sign of the truth of Ahmadiyyat, whereby there is an everlasting spiritual bond of love between the Khalifa and the Ahmadis ... this connection and attachment is natural and has been implanted in the hearts of Ahmadi Muslims by Allah the Almighty.

It is a continuation of the two-way love that existed between the Holy Prophetsa of Islam and his Companions.” (Diary Jalsa UK 2016, Part 4) Without a doubt, it is the love for Khilafat that unites Ahmadis across the world. Commenting on this very point, Huzooraa once said to Abid Sahib: “You were with me on my tour of Africa in 2008 and so you have seen the African Ahmadis and now you have seen the Far Eastern Ahmadis. You will have realised that the love for Khilafat is universal and not exclusive to Pakistani Ahmadis.”

(Diary Singapore 2013) During the tour of USA and Guatemala, Huzooraa commented on the Ahmadis in USA, saying: “The way they meet and talk is different to the Ahmadis from the UK and Europe but, in almost every mulaqat, after a minute or two their sincerity and their love and loyalty for Khilafat becomes apparent. So, the style amongst Ahmadis in different countries can be different but the love for Khilafat is the same across the world.” (Diary USA and Guatemala 2018, Part 4) Indeed, the love expressed by Ahmadis for Khulafa is but an evaporating drop from the ocean of love given to us by them.

Through His grace and mercy, Allah has bound our hearts and united us in love as a favor from Himself. It is our responsibility as Ahmadi Muslims to recognise this blessing and Mercy of Allah, be grateful for it, pray fervently for our Beloved Imamaa and strive to build a strong relationship with him through all means available to us.

May Allah continue to shower the Jamaat with the blessings of Khilafat and may He pour down the showers of His grace and mercy on the Khilafat of our Beloved Imamaa, amin thumma amin.

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Establishment of universal unity under the institution of Khilafat Part I

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-Charge UK

Khilafat is the lifeline of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Allah the Exalted has promised Muslims the blessing of khilafat in the Holy Quran: “Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.56) In this verse, Allah the Exalted has made a definite promise of khilafat with Muslims with two conditions: faith and good deeds. The purpose of the advent of prophets in the world is to establish tawhid – belief in the unity of God – and the basic and ultimate purpose of true khilafat is the establishment of tawhid and unity among mankind.

Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Qur’an: ُ َ َ ً َ ّٰ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ ‫يعا َولَا تف َّرقوْا‬ ‫واعت ِصموا ِبحب ِل الل ِه ج ِم‬ “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided…” (Surah Ale-Imran, Ch.3: V.104) It is stated herein that, as the means for the guidance of the whole mankind and their unification, Allah the Exalted has sent down the hablullah (rope of Allah).

Hablullah refers to the Islamic faith and the holy personage of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as well as the Messiah

who has been sent to the whole world in subordination to the Holy Prophetsa.

Moreover, it also purports to the institution of Khilafat in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. A strong bond with that institution is the means to our progress, unity and salvation.

It is our duty to hold this rope of Allah firmly and keep holding onto it.

Khilafat – Message of universal unity The usage of words “universal unity” in the title is based on profound wisdom and truth. It is important to grasp its meaning.

The concept of unity starts with Allah the Exalted, Who is the One and Only in His being and in His attributes. There is no one comparable to Him. He is the only Creator and Master of all the universe. His attribute of Rabb-ul-Alameen (Lord of all the worlds) points to His Exalted status.

Moreover, the book of guidance – the Holy Quran – that He vouchsafed to the world provides guidance to all and sundry – Arabs and non-Arabs alike. He said it is a “guidance for mankind” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.186) The Almighty Allah has granted our beloved master, the perfect guide, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa, the status of Khatam al-Nabiyyin, which encompasses in it perfection, excellence and universality.

Allah directed him to announce: ّٰ ُ ُ َ ّ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ْ ُ ً ‫الل ِه إل َ ْي ُك ْم َجم‬ ‫يعا‬ ِ ِ ‫قل يا أيها الناس ِإنِي رسول‬ “Say, ‘O mankind! Truly I am a Messenger to you all from Allah.” (Surah al-A‘raf, Ch.7: V.159) This is a magnificent proclamation of universal prophethood that is unequalled by any other prophet. The scope of Khilafate-Rashida that was established with divine support after the Prophet’ssa demise was also worldwide. Every rightly guided

Khalifa was referred to as Khalifatur-Rasul (Khalifa of the Messengersa).

The universal message continued to spread to all corners of the world as far as possible by means of this institution of Khilafat. And when Allah the Exalted sent the Promised Messiahas for completion of the propagation of Islam in the Latter Days, his sphere of activity covered the whole world, in the capacity of the ummati and zilli (as his follower and in his reflection) Prophet of the Holy Prophetsa. As such, he propagated the message of the true Islam throughout the whole world.

He described the sphere of his mission in the following words: “This, indeed, is the Will of Allah now to unify all the nations spread out in the world.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 76) He further added: “God Almighty desires to draw all those who live in various habitations of the world, be it Europe or Asia and who have virtuous nature, to the Unity of God and unite His servants under one Faith. This indeed is the purpose of God for which I have been sent to the world.” (The Will, pp.

8-9) He also explained that the progress of the Jamaat would continue after his demise as per the divine promise: “He will promote and advance this Jamaat to the full. A part of it will happen at my hands, and some after me.” (The Will, pp. 4-5) After his demise, in fulfilment of divine promises, the power of God manifested for the second time and the rightly guided Khilafat was established in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Thus, the progress of the true Islam commenced on a global scale.

Globalisation depends on the means

available and the communication industry of the age, which continues to advance all the time. With the wide-sweeping development of social media and the means of mutual communication, nowadays the whole world has become a global village.

We are observing the fulfilment of the Quranic prophecy: ُ ُ ُ َّ َ َ ‫وس ز ِّو َج ْت‬ ‫و ِاذا النف‬ “And when the people are brought together”, the extent of which is increasing extraordinarily with the advancing age.

(Surah al-Takwir, Ch.81: V.8) The Promised Messiahas says: “The means are now available to continue and promote the unification of different nations.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 76) The abundance and vastness with which the propagation of Islam is taking place throughout the world during the blessed period of the Fifth Khilafat is unparalleled and unique in every respect.

The manifestation of unification on such a vast scale under the universal benevolence of Khilafat is unprecedented.

Worldwide campaign for peace and unity Following the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has written efficacious letters to prominent political leaders and religious heads of the world individually, inviting them to unite and work together for peace and security.

He has also toured most of the major countries of the world and delivered the same message in one-to-one meetings with heads of those countries.

During these travels, Huzooraa has also addressed most effectively the government chambers in countries including Great

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

22 Britain, Germany, America, the EU, New Zealand and Canada several times. These speeches were widely reported in the press.

An annual Peace Symposium is being held in London for the last 15 years, wherein Huzoor’saa magnificent lectures on universal unity are listened to most attentively. A Peace Prize is also awarded every year to a person engaged in selfless services for the sake of world peace, along with pointing to pathways to peace, messages to unite for mutual love, respect and service to humanity. The Khalifa’s immense efforts to pave the path for establishing universal unity are great and effective examples.

Captivating hearts by international call for peace The frequency with which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has propagated and proclaimed Islam’s message of peace and prosperity throughout the world has created a deep impression, so much so that in these countries, Huzooraa is remembered as the “ambassador of peace”.

There is a strong consensus developing among world leaders that peace can only be established in the world by adopting the viewpoints presented by the real Islam, as being proclaimed by the head of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Islam.

It is becoming increasingly clear to the heads of states and intellectuals of the world – and they declare it openly – that the true Islam is the one being presented by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Such acknowledgements by non-Muslim leaders are plentiful.

I present just one example that bears clear testimony to the fact that the viewpoints expressed by the Khalifa keep winning the hearts of the world: In 2012, Huzooraa addressed the European Parliament in Brussels. Bishop Dr Amen Howard from Geneva (Switzerland) was there to attend Huzoor’saa lecture. He was a representative of the inter-faith, international and founding president of the charity, Feed a Family. He said:

“This man is no magician, but his words work like magic. He speaks in a gentle tone, but the words uttered by him have an extraordinary power, grandeur and effect. I have never seen a man with such courage in my life. If this world had only three men like him, an astonishing peace revolution could be brought about within days, not months, and this world can become a cradle of peace and brotherhood.

I did not have a good impression about Islam before, but Huzoor’s address has completely changed my view about Islam.”

(Ahmadiyya Gazette, Canada, May 2018, p.

20) This is just one out of hundreds of

sweet fruit during the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas and pious people from various faiths responded positively to this divine call. People from different nations and races from India and other countries joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, and after his demise when the institution of Khilafat commenced in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, this trend became increasingly prevalent during every Khilafat. The Ahmadiyya heaven started being adorned with shining stars and this galaxy got brighter and brighter all over the world with the blessings of khilafat.

There is a long list of dedicated and devoted servants of Ahmadiyyat from

examples indicating that the institution of Khilafat in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is bringing about an ideological revolution in the world by propagating true Islamic viewpoints. A unity and unanimity is developing in the hearts of the people with the blessing of Khilafat.

different countries and nationalities who entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat through the true Islamic Khilafat in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Enlightened by Ahmadiyyat they presented a fascinating scene of a united ummah. The process is ongoing and progressive.

How delightful it is when we see, on the one hand, pious people of Arabia like Syed Munir al-Husni, Taha al-Qazaq, Mustafa Thabit and Muhammad Hilmi alShafi and on the other, prominent devotees like Bashir Ahmad Orchard, Abdus Salam Madsen, Sven Hansen, Muhammad Abdul Hadi Chiussi, Nasir Ahmad Scrivener and Hadayatullah Hübsch from the Western world!

We have seen the likes of Ravil Bukharaev from Russia, Muhammad Osman Chao from China, Abdul Wahab bin Adam, Ismail BK Addo, Amri Abedi and Sir FM Sanghate, who rendered prominent services to their countries and their religion.

These are but a few examples of devotees, who have left indelible marks of worldwide unity as their legacy by rendering selfless services under the umbrella of Khilafat-eAhmadiyya.

“Every nation will drink of this fountain” About 131 years ago, from an obscure little hamlet called Qadian (of which it was rightly said that “no one knew as to where it was located”) a call was made, about which Allah the Almighty decreed, “I will cause they message to reach the corners of the earth”.

That call was a small seed sown by divine command and it grew into a holy tree with worldwide dimensions and continues to expand at every moment. This holy tree of Ahmadiyyat has 213 countries under its canopy. Ahmadiyyat is the name of a spiritual fountain, about which the Founder of the Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian declared under divine authority, “Every nation will drink of this fountain.” (Tajalliyat-eIlahiya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 409) By the grace of Allah, this prophecy has been fulfilled. The beneficence of this spiritual fountain is increasing and spreading day by day. The holy tree of Ahmadiyyat had started bearing

Jalsa Salana – Example of worldwide unity A beautiful example of worldwide unity is the international Jalsa Salana of the

Ahmadiyya Jamaat. It was started by the Promised Messiahas in Qadian in 1891.

Starting with passionate entreaties, it has now grown into a holy tree of global proportions and these Jalsas are organised throughout the world. The central Jalsa Salana is convened in Britain, which is, undoubtedly, an incomparable spiritual gathering organised under the umbrella of Khilafat, to which the lovers of Islam flock from over one hundred countries.

The blessed participation by the Khalifa and his insightful speeches create such a spiritual atmosphere during these three days that it instils peace and spiritual bliss into the participants. One who attends the Jalsa once, leaves with the desire and resolve to come back again and again.

Non-Ahmadi and non-Muslims from all over the world also attend the Jalsa and openly declare that participation in this spiritual gathering has opened their eyes.

Having witnessed the living picture of the peaceful Islam, especially listening to insightful speeches of Huzooraa and having an audience with him, has changed their lives altogether.

People of different colours, races and nationalities come as strangers and leave with mutual love and brotherly and sisterly sentiments; they leave with tearful eyes and the intention to come back again.

Undoubtedly, this spiritual gathering is a unique example of global brotherhood and unity under the umbrella of Khilafat.

That, indeed, was the purpose of this Jalsa as stated by the Promised Messiahas: “It is to unite spiritually all the brothers into one.” (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 341) I can say with utmost certainty that you cannot find the like of this atmosphere of love, mutual brotherhood and unity anywhere else in the world. Undoubtedly, the only force that can unify the scattered and broken-down humanity is Khilafat Ahmadiyya. This is the only spiritual power that can blend the whole of mankind into one unit.

International Bai‘at – An inspiring example of global unity The Ahmadiyya Jamaat is the flag-bearer of unity of mankind in the whole world under the umbrella of Khilafat. One such fascinating scene we observe every year at Jalsa Salana is in the form of the International Bai‘at.

During this Bai’at, one representative from each of the seven continents of the world places his hand under the blessed hand of the spiritual head, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, and all others establish a physical link with the Khalifa by putting their hands on the shoulder of the person in front and repeat the words of allegiance in Urdu and English. Simultaneously, these words are repeated in many languages of the world.

The whole proceeding echoes throughout the world. Hundreds of thousands of people of all colours and races from many countries enter the fold of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam simultaneously and thus present an inspiring scene of an unparalleled nature.

Under the umbrella of khilafat this caravan of global unity marches on and on.

(To be continued…)

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

The blessings of being attached with Khilafat An Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II and Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, on 13 August 1915 After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra recited the following verses of the Holy Quran and commenced with the Eid Sermon: َ​َۡ ُ َ ُ ‫ق ۡل ا ُعوۡذ ِبرَ ِّب الفل ِق‬ َ​َ َ َ ّ َ ۡ ‫ِمن ش ِر ما خلق‬ َ َ َ َّ ‫اس ٍق ِاذا َوق َب‬ ِ ٰ ّٰ ‫َو ِم ۡ َن ش ِر َّغ‬ َ ُۡ ‫َو ِم ۡن ش ّ ِر النفث ِت فِی العق ِد‬ َ َّ ‫اس ٍد ِاذا َح َس َد‬ ِ ‫َو ِم ۡن ش ِر َح‬ (Surah al-Falaq, Ch.113: V.2-6) Today, by the grace and blessing of Allah, we have been bestowed two eids – the first in the form of Eid-ul-Fitr and the second in the form of the eid of Jumuah. Sermons are a part of both prayers. After the Eid prayer, a sermon is delivered and there is a sermon before the Jumuah prayer. This was the practice of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

It is my habit that when I proceed somewhere to deliver a speech, I do not think of a subject beforehand, but rather, whatever topic God Almighty instils in my heart, I commence with that.

Only just now, a person mentioned to me that some ghair mubai‘een [a term that was used for those who had not performed Bai‘at at the hands of Khalifatul Masih, despite associating themselves with the Jamaat] have come to offer the Eid and Jumuah prayers and requested that I say something with regard to them.

Not only are we prepared to address big figures, but also those who are socially considered weak, poor, totally unworthy and the worst of creation. In fact, such a “poor” person is better than a king who has rejected us as such a person ponders more profoundly on God’s word.

Nonetheless, I deliver my sermons for the sake of Allah. If the ghair mubai‘een do not benefit from my words, then it is possible that someone else may benefit and attain guidance.

The fact is that true guidance can only be bestowed by God. Even while addressing the Holy Prophetsa, God Almighty said: َ َ ‫ل َ ۡس َت َعل ۡی ِہ ۡم ِب ُم ۜص ۡی ِط ٍر‬ “You are not a warden over them.” In other words, “Your task is only to convey.

To enable people to accept or reject is in the control of God.” Similarly, I am astounded as to what the actual issue is surrounding Khilafat. Is it a political dispute? I am unable to fathom

such debates.

Debates usually surround doctrinal matters or on issues related to Shariah, that such-and-such command of God is thus and it should be followed in such-and-such manner. Furthermore, debates can also arise over nations, wealth, property and various other items. For example, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, all these countries fight and quarrel over nations, however Khilafat is not the name of any country. Khilafat is not a bag of wealth. Khilafat is not something that you can consume.

There can only be two purposes of Khilafat: First, so that the Jamaat may not disunite, to protect it from division and to keep it united under one markaz [headquarters]. To wipe out such discord and avoid any such disunity, it is important to have one khalifa. Additionally, its purpose is to prevent the Jamaat’s strength from crippling in different ways and to unite them at one markaz and gather its strength at one place.

Now, one party says that in view of Ayate-Istikhlaf (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.56), Khilafat is essential, while the other group says that Khilafat is not necessary.

One simple way of reaching a verdict on this issue is to have everyone reflect over their actions by asking themselves how beneficial or detrimental their actions to the larger community are. If, by performing a certain task, the Jamaat benefits, then one should proceed with it, otherwise they should drop it there and then.

Now observe that the majority of the Jamaat deems Khilafat as essential in ridding it of discord, while another group considers it nonessential. Debates can never settle anything.

If you reflect, then the existence of God is also disputed, as are His attributes.

There are debates on the existence of angels.

Differences of opinion will always remain, however the question remains, whose responsibility is it to shun their obstinacy and stubbornness?

If the opposing party says that Khilafat is not established, then our argument is that the opposite to such a scenario is also not established. If the believers in Khilafat shun Khilafat, then they are guilty in the sight of Allah as they already believe it to be true in light of Ayat-e-Istikhlaf. But if those who are impartial to the debate of whether Khilafat

should exist or not exist accept Khilafat for the mere purpose of unity, then this discord can be avoided, which is causing such a rift.

On the morning of Hazrat Maulvi Sahib’sra [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’s] demise, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib said to me, “Mian Sahib, you should compromise.” I asked, “Is it a sin to have Khilafat?” to which he replied, “No, it is permissible.” I then said, “In my view, it is essential and wajib [an obligation].”

In such circumstances, where both parties agree on the same thing – with one party believing that to act on it or not is the equally the same, while the other party believes that it is wajib – it becomes incumbent upon the group that can justify both scenarios to set their obstinacy aside.

God Almighty will surely question such a person, “If, in your view, performing this act and not doing it were the same, then why did you not set aside your stubbornness?”

Thus, such a group will surely be answerable to God. Then, I further wish to say that the progress Islam made when they were under a khalifa was never experienced at any other time. Can anyone suggest that after Hazrat Usmanra and Alira, the Abbasids also saw progress? The moment the khilafats saw disunity was exactly when Islam’s progress halted.

Those who raise the issue of a khalifa being ma‘mur [appointed by God] or ghair ma‘mur [not appointed by God] should just take a look at their own homes and ask themselves whether it can function without a head?

A European author wrote a novel in which he satirised such people. The crux of one such setting is that there was a father who lived by the principle that the roles and responsibilities of men and women are the same and that there need not be any figure who is most worthy of being obeyed.

Accordingly, his two daughters used this as an excuse to remain occupied in their personal hobbies and disturb the way the house was run by disobeying their father.

This led to the father getting so irritated that he eventually had to apologise to them.

Thus, no task can be achieved without having a markaz or an imam [leader]. Even

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

24 during warfare, a subject must obey his superior. If even the slightest disobedience is displayed, they are immediately shot dead …

Those who oppose the Khalifa should be clear that when people rose in opposition to Hazrat Usmanra, he rose up and declared, “I say to you clearly that you should desist from spreading this discord for you will never be able to live at peace afterwards and you shall never be united.”

Thus, to this day, Muslims have never been at peace with one another.

After hearing Abdullahra bin Salaam say that there would be discord later on, Ibn Abbasra replied that he should seek the “jamaat” [community]. People asked, “Even if they are the oppressors?” He replied, “Yes, even if they are the oppressors” and repeated this thrice.

People should draw comparisons and reflect over where the benefits lie.

You say that Bai‘at is not essential, however we say that unity is essential. Then why do you pursue the path that furthers us away from unity?

Only yesterday, I quoted: َ َ َ َ ُّ ٌ َ ً َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫لو کان ال ِایم‬ ‫ان ُم َعلقا بِال� َریّا ل َنال ُه ِر َجال ِّم ْن ابْ َنا ِء فارس‬ [If faith was to ascend to the Pleiades, men of Persian descent would bring it back.]

(Al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir lil-Hafiz Abil-Qasim Salman bin Ahmad al-Tabrani, Vol. 18, p.

353, Maktabah Ibn Taimiyah Cairo, 1397 AH) The word rijaal has been used here, which suggests that this is a prophecy that if faith was to rise up to the Pleiades, then some men from Persia would restore faith.

It is essential that they should belong to the people of Persia, i.e. the family of Hazrat [Ahmadas] and if they belong to another family, then they cannot be termed “the people of Persia”. In such a scenario, this prophecy becomes flawed.

“Rajulun min Faris” [a variant of the same hadith] suggests that the actual founder of this community is one, but “Rijaal” connotes that his devotees and supporters will also belong to other “people of Persia”.

Thus, my purpose is not to escalate discord. No progress could have come if it was manmade. As Shirk [association of partners with God] is rampant in the world today, God Almighty selected a weak person and thus said, “For anything to be achieved is in My hands.”

When God took hold of me and placed me in this position, what part did I play in this? My opponents declare to be bigger than me in knowledge, experience and emotions, but God has His work carried out by the weakest.

I do not consider myself to be of any worth. God desires to show that He can bestow great strengths to the weakest of weak.

I once saw a dream before my Khilafat that one of my peers said to me, “I will deliver a lecture in opposition to your lecture.” I replied to him by saying, “If you deliver a lecture in my opposition and even make a true accusation against me, then you will perish.”

Remember, no one can stop the works of God. May Allah give you the potential to understand what I have said.

(Al Fazl, 31 August 1915)

The Khalifa’s pain for his community “You [the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community] have someone who has true sympathy for you; who truly loves you; who considers your pain and sufferings to be his own; and who is always praying to Allah for you. You have someone who is always anxious for your well-being, who puts himself into trouble for your sake and who prays restlessly before his Lord for the sake of your comfort and peace.”

(Blessings of Khilafat, p. 6)

Responding to Allegations

The Ahmadiyya Khilafat: An accurate representation of true Jihad Prophets of God encounter various accusations by their opponents, but Allah the Almighty always clears His noble prophets from all charges and causes them to prevail.

In the same way, the Promised Messiah, Ahmadas Nabiyullah was falsely accused of forbidding jihad [striving in the way of God], which is an important and fundamental doctrine of Islam.

Misunderstanding the true teachings and the actual spirit of jihad in Islam constitutes the basis of such objections.

Explaining the true nature of the Islamic concept of jihad, the Promised Messiahas states: “The philosophy and true nature of jihad is a matter both complex and subtle. Grave errors have been made both in our age and in the middle ages [of Islam] because people failed to understand this subject ... It should be understood that the word jihad is derived from the [Arabic] root juhd, which means ‘to strive’ and is therefore used figuratively for religious wars ... The commandment that in other words came to be known as jihad. The original wording, which is still preserved in the Quran, is as follows: ّٰ َّ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ ُ َّ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ُ َ ْ َّ َ ُ َ ‫یر ۔ الَّ ِذ‬ ٌ ‫الل َہ َع َل ٰى ن َ ْ� ِر ِہ ْم لَقَ ِد‬ ‫أ ِذن ل ِل ِذین یقاتلو ُن ِبﺄنہم ﻇلِموا ۚ وإن‬ ‫ین‬ ْ َْ ِ ‫أخ ِر ُجوْا ِم ْن ِدیَارِ ِہ ْم بِﻐیرِ َح ّ ٍق۔۔۔‬ “That is, ‘Allah has heard the cry of those oppressed people who are killed and unjustly turned out of their land and has permitted them to retaliate. Allah is AllPowerful, and able to help the oppressed.’

(Surah al-Hajj, Ch. 22: V. 40–41) “This commandment was specific to that period and time. It applied during the time when those entering the fold of Islam were

being slaughtered like sheep and lambs.

After the time of the Holy Prophetsa and his successors, people unfortunately made very grave mistakes in understanding the philosophy of jihad, which is rooted in the preceding verse. The unjust slaughter of God’s creatures was deemed to be a mark of religious virtue ...

“It should be remembered that today’s Islamic scholars (who are called maulvis) completely misunderstand jihad and misrepresent it to the general public ... They should remember that their understanding of jihad is not at all correct and that human sympathy is its first casualty. Their belief, that jihad should be lawful today because it was permitted in early Islam is totally incorrect and we offer two rejoinders.

“The first is that their reasoning is baseless. Under no circumstance did our Holy Prophetsa raise the sword against anyone unless they had first raised the sword, mercilessly killing innocent, pious men, women and children with such brutality that reading about these events even today brings tears to our eyes.

“Second, even if we assume that jihad as conceived of by these maulvis was obligatory in early Islam, the commandment is no longer applicable because it is written that violent jihad and religious fighting will come to an end with the appearance of the Promised Messiah, who would not raise the sword or any other earthly weapon. Prayer would be his only instrument and firm determination his only weapon. He would establish peace and gather together the goat and the lion. His age would be one of peace, gentleness and human sympathy.

“Alas! Why do these people not reflect

that 1,300 years have passed since the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘yada‘ul-harb’ in honour of the Promised Messiahas. These words mean that the Promised Messiahas would end warfare when he came.” (The British Government and Jihad, pp. 3-8) The Promised Messiahas further states: “I have come to you with an order: Jihad with the sword has ended from this time forward, but the jihad of purifying your souls must continue. I do not say this of my own accord. This is indeed the will of God. “Recall the hadith from Sahih alBukhari which honours the Promised Messiahas by saying ‘yada‘ul-harb’. That is to say, when the Messiah comes, he would put an end to religious wars.

“Accordingly, I command those who have joined my ranks to refrain from all such thoughts, to purify their hearts, to foster sympathy and to be compassionate towards the suffering. They should spread peace on earth, because that will cause their faith to spread in return. They should not entertain doubts about how this will transpire.

“Just as God Almighty has – without the usual means of intervention – used the resources of the earth to create modern inventions and satisfied our physical needs by making trains that outrun horses, He will in the same way – unaided by human hands – use His angels to fulfil spiritual needs.”

(The British Government and Jihad, pp. 1718) Highlighting the commandment of God about jihad in the present age, the Promised Messiahas clarifies: “I – whom Allah the Exalted has sent as the Promised Messiah – have not been commanded by God to engage in jihad and

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM wage wars for the sake of the faith. On the contrary, I have been commanded to be kind, seek help from God for the spread of the Faith and ask for heavenly signs and heavenly assaults. And God Almighty has promised that great signs shall be manifested in my support. As opposed to my God Who helps me from on high, no nation shall have the power to demonstrate any sign from their false gods. Accordingly, my God has, in fact, already shown hundreds of signs in my support.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, pp. 581-582) The concept of jihad presented by the Promised Messiahas is not an innovation in Islam. The verses of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa strongly support his explanations and present ample proofs in his favour.

Encouraging the believers in the Holy Quran to strive in the way of God, Allah Almighty states: َّ َ َ ْ َ ّٰ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫ین َج‬ َ ‫َوالَّ ِذ‬ ‫اہ ُد ْوا فِ ْینا لَن ْہ ِدیَن ُہ ْم ُس ُبلنا ۚ َو ِإ ّن الل َہ ل َ َمع ال ُم ْح ِسنِی َن‬ “And [as for] those who strive in Our path – We will surely guide them in Our ways. And verily, Allah is with those who do good” (Surah al-Ankabut, Ch.29: V.70). This verse sheds light on the basis of jihad laid down by Islam.

The root of Islamic jihad is not killing and being killed, but in fact, endeavouring to win the delight of God is the true essence of jihad.

At another place in the Holy Quran, the Almighty Allah says: ُ َُْ ُ َ ْ ُ ُ َّ ْ َ ُ َ ّٰ ‫َو َجا ِہ ُد ْوا ِبﺄ ْموَال ِک ْم َوأنف ِسک ْم � ِ ْي َس ِب ْی ِل الل ِہ ۚ ذل ِک ْم خی ٌر لک ْم ِإ ْن کن ُت ْم‬ َ َ ‫ت ْعل ُموْ َن‬ “And strive with your property and your persons in the cause of Allah. That is better for you, if only you knew.” (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.41) Muslims are advised in this verse to do jihad in the way of God by offering monetary sacrifices and devoting their lives for the cause of Islam.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh states: “According to the Quran, the Holy War, called jihad, is in reality a holy campaign which uses the help of the Quran to bring about a spiritual revolution in the world. ْ َ ‫َو َجا ِہ ْد ُہ ْم ِب ٖہ ِج َہ ًادا ک ِبی ًرا‬ ‘Strive against them with it [the Quran] a great striving.’ (Surah al-Furqan, Ch.25: V.53) “These are the very words of the Quran which shed light on the nature of jihad. It must be fought by means of the Quran and the Quranic message alone. Again, to tame one’s rebellious nature into complete submission to God is another form of jihad which is in fact the greater jihad, according to the Holy Prophetsa of Islam.

“On returning from a battle, he is reported to have said: َ َ َ َ ََْ​َ َ َ َ ‫ﺻﻐر الَى‬ ِ‫الجہا ِد الاکبر‬ ِ ِ ِ ‫الجہا ِد الا‬ ِ ‫رجعنا ِمن‬ “‘We are returning from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad.’

“Of course, defensive war is permitted only on the condition that the enemies initiate hostilities and raise the sword against a weak, defenceless people for having committed the only crime of declaring that God is their Lord. All offensive wars according to Islam are unholy.” (An Elementary Study of Islam, p. 47)

Hence, in accordance with the true teachings Islam presents in the Holy Quran and the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas declared that the jihad by the sword has no place in Islam. In its place, he advised his followers to carry out peaceful and compelling jihad of the pen to defend Islam. In order to achieve this objective, leading by example, the Promised Messiahas penned over 85 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivered hundreds of lectures, and engaged in scores of public debates.

After the demise of the Promised Messiahas, his successors continue to spread the peaceful teachings of Islam and Ahmadiyya Khilafat is the most accurate representation of jihad in present day and age.

In the face of bitter opposition from all parts of the Muslim world, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, under the guidance of Khilafat, marched forth in the way of God, offering every kind of sacrifice heedless of worldly impediments and hardships.

God Almighty dispersed the situation of fear and uncertainty looming over Jamaate-Ahmadiyya with the election of the first Khalifa, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra and he took resolute steps to ensure the spread of the message of Ahmadiyyat to the corners of the world.

Huzoorra laid special emphasis on the development and advancement of Madrasa Ahmadiyya and donated a large amount of his books for the library of the school. He also set up a public library in Qadian and donated several books from his personal library and also made some funds available to the library.

Huzoorra set up a majlis [society] to help and provide necessities for the needy.

A small dispensary was started by this society which grew into a hospital and later, it was named Maulana Hakim Nuruddin Memorial Hospital.

The newspaper Nur was launched for the purpose of preaching among the Sikh friends. Moreover, Al Haq and Al Fazl newspapers were launched as well.

The process of sending missionaries in foreign countries for the promulgation of Islam was initiated. Huzoorra continued to deliver darses of the Holy Quran and hadith towards the end of his life. The works of Hazrat Khaliftul Masih Ira signify that the Ahmadiyya Khilafat right after its establishment indulged in true jihad and has continued to strive in the way of God. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra steered Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya away from the tempest of dissensions and through his God given powers, strengthened the institution of Khilafat by bringing key reforms.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra services in the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat are immeasurable and vast. He made special efforts to establish Ahmadiyya missions across the globe and by God, they were successful as the message of Islam reached countless countries with in his lifetime.

He organised the internal and external structure of Jamaat by forming various key departments and introducing separate auxiliary organisations for various sections of the Community to effectively carry out their tarbiyyat. He laid the foundation of Majlis-e-Shura [advisory consultative council] and launched prolific schemes such

Seek the lost treasure of Islam to experience true Eid

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Muslims can attain true Eid and real happiness only when they learn from the present Eid and seek the lost treasure and honour, reputation and wealth, power and glory, righteousness and purity, goodness and devotion, eminence and prestige, and making every effort to find these lost things, they are able to achieve them. Just as there was a time when only the religion of Islam was prevalent in the world, in the same way, may Islam spiritually prevail across the globe in this age as well, so that Muslims may prove through arguments and evidence, knowledge and practice that no one’s neck can stand high in the face of Islam’s arguments and no falsehood can withstand this truth. Only then and only then will Muslims be able to celebrate true happiness and Eid and that will be the day of true Eid and real delight.”

(Al Fazl, 2 June 1954)

as Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid.

The prophecy pertaining to the Muslehe-Maud [the Promised Son] granted to the Promised Messiahas was fulfilled in his person. His vast writings and lectures full of wisdom in favour of Islam and humanity are testimony to the jihad done by the Ahmadiyya Khilafat.

Following the footsteps of earlier Khulafa, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, with the help of God Almighty, went to great lengths for spreading the name of Allah and Islam across the globe. Throughout his Khilafat, Huzoorrh sought to infuse the love of the Holy Quran in members of the Jamaat and encouraged parents to raise their children in such a way that they practice the Quranic teachings.

Huzoorrh launched the Nusrat Jahan Scheme for the establishment of schools and hospitals in Africa. He laid the foundation of the Basharat Mosque. He coined the great

motto of “Love for all, hatred for none,” instilling in the hearts of Jamaat’s members in particular and the rest of the world in general that the Ahmadiyya Khilafat would strive for peace and harmony, which is the actual jihad in Islam.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh was elected as the fourth Khalifa of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya. Huzoorrh remained resolute in the face of opposition when General Zia-ulHaq passed Ordinance XX. Huzoorrh was compelled to migrate from Rabwah to the UK. Under his Khilafat, the steps of this divine Jamaat did not falter, but continued to move forward and the message of Islam spread at a much higher rate. Through the blessed migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, the Jamaat entered into a new era of globalisation. Huzoorrh launched various schemes like Buyut-ul-Hamd, Syedna Bilal Continued on page 26

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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7 steps to achieve LailatulQadr, the Night of Destiny Frasat Ahmad Missionary, USA

Time is running out.

As Ramadan draws to an end, we desperately seek an elusive night – one that can forever change the course of our destiny and dye our hearts with Divine Bounty.

Lailatul-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, now lies at the cusp of our fingers. This fleeting moment holds more weight than an entire lifetime of success.

If we do discover this transient moment, the Prophetsa has instructed us to pray: ّ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ْ ُ ُ ٌ ُ َ َ َّ ّ ٰ ‫الل ُه َّم ِإنك عف ّو ت ِح ّب ال َعف َو فاعف ع ِني‬ “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving. You Love Forgiveness, so do Forgive me.”

One may wonder: Why ask for forgiveness at a moment when I can ask for any bounty the world has to offer? When the bounties of the entire world are at the cusp of my fingers, why would I only pray for forgiveness?

It is because forgiveness is the very bedrock that all Divine Bounty rests upon, says Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. How can Allah pour his Bounty into the cup of my heart if it is already brimming, overflowing and dripping in sin? How can Allah colour His attributes into my heart if it is already so blackened and discoloured, he asks?

“God’s Bounty will descend upon man only when his heart is clean. A cloth is dyed in colour only after it is washed thoroughly.

No colour permeates into filthy cloth.” (Friday Sermon, March 12 1993) Unless we wash and wring our hearts thoroughly of sin, no Divine Bounty will

Continued from page 25

Fund and Maryam Shadi Fund etc. and established Humanity First for the purpose of serving mankind.

Huzoorrh launched the 100-mosque scheme in Germany. In order to further expand the work of tabligh, he introduced Dawat-e-Ilallah [calling people to God] scheme. Moreover, he launched MTA, through which the message of Islam has been reaching the corners of the Earth every second of the day since its inception.

In order to perform jihad-e-akbar [the greater jihad], he launched the Waqf-e-Nau scheme and thousands of parents dedicated their children to the service of the Jamaat and continue to do so to this day.

The present head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa is the leading

saturate our hearts. And seeking Allah’s forgiveness is the means by which we can drain our hearts of the swamp of sin they are infested in, emptying them so that Allah’s Bounty has space to pour through.

In his own words, here are Hazrat Musleh Maud’sra seven steps to attaining God’s forgiveness and unleashing the bounty of Lailatul-Qadr into our lives. These are taken from the book Irfan-e-Ilahi.

himself of all his previous sins. By removal, I do not mean that someone should revive a man that he has killed or reverse the adultery that he has committed. Rather, I mean that he removes all those sins that he is able to remove.

For example, if one steals a buffalo and ties it to his own property, then he should return it and not keep it to himself.”

1. Regret

“The fourth condition is that one should not only remove the pain that he has caused another but should also seek his forgiveness.

“This is so delicate an issue that God has set forth this condition for man’s forgiveness: that he seeks forgiveness from his victim and that his victim forgives him so that God does not take him to account. Thus, one should, if possible, seek pardon from those whom he has pained and harmed.”

“That man inculcates regret for his past sins; that he remembers his past sins and brings them before his memory, regretting them so immensely as to leave him akin to sweating profusely.”

2. Past responsibilities “The second step towards repentance is that one fulfills and completes all past responsibilities, which he is able to fulfill.

“Take, for example, one who was not performing his prayers in the past. If he decides to repent and it is the time for prayer, then he should perform his prayers. Or if a person possessing wealth has not performed Hajj, then he should perform Hajj. If he has not given Zakat, then let him overlook his past life; he should give it for this year.

“Hence, man must first hold regret for his past sins and secondly, he must fulfill and complete those past responsibilities which he can now fulfill.”

3. Remove all previous sins

4. Seek forgiveness from the one you wronged – make amends

5. Right your wrongs “The fifth condition is that he should, to the best of his abilities, show benevolence to those people he has harmed; and if he can do nothing, then he should at least pray.

“The noble saints have also written [that] if one has illegally usurped another’s wealth and does not have the power to return it, then he should pray, supplicating, ‘I do not have the means to return this person’s wealth. Please grant him from Your means.’”

6. Resolve to never commit the sin again

“The third step is that he removes and purifies

“The sixth condition is that he vows in his heart never to commit sin and make a deep-seated

Muslim figure promoting peace and harmony across the globe.

Since his election of Khilafat, he has remained engaged in conveying the peaceful message of Islam through all forms of print and digital media platforms.

In order to promote peace, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has delivered lectures and speeches all over the world to show the true reflection of Islam and bring about reforms in every sphere of life.

Shedding light on the true concept of jihad, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “The jihad accepted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the reformation of self. This is not a recent idea. It was mentioned 1,400 years ago by the Foundersa of Islam upon his return from a battle, when he said, ‘We are moving from a minor jihad to a greater jihad’ and the greater jihad is the jihad of reforming one’s self and that is

never ending and forever.

“The state of war does not last forever.

True jihad is the reformation of the evils which are borne in the times of relative peace and comfort. Serving mankind is a real jihad.

“In the 120 years of our history, there is testimony to it. We are engaged in this jihad. Whereas we are trying to bring mankind nearer to his Creator, our schools and hospitals, our plans for water wells and pumps in countries of Africa, Asia and other poor countries and in far-flung areas of the world are continuing. We are also helping those affected by natural disasters.” (Khilafat Centenary Celebration Reception, USA, 23 June 2008) Below is one testimony of a guest, who was moved with the words of Khalifatul Masih at the 39th Jalsa Salana of Germany and acknowledged the true meanings of

resolve that he shall no longer do so.

“If he is compelled to sin afterwards, it is an altogether different matter, but he should affirm this resolve while repenting. By this, I do not mean that one commits a sin in the night and by morning meaninglessly resolve never to do so again, rather I mean that man’s intent should be sincere when he repents and resolves not to commit sin again and strive as hard as he possibly can on his own part to abstain from it.”

7. Incline your soul towards virtue “The seventh condition is that one begins to incline his soul towards virtue and that he strives to inculcate sincere thoughts and actions in his heart. Additionally, he should prepare his soul towards committing virtue.”

“These are the seven conditions necessary for repentance. If these conditions do not exist within man, his repentance will not be complete. Now, you must all reflect and contemplate as to whether you perform this repentance or something else altogether.

“Everyone should keep the matters I have discussed in view and perform true repentance so that his previous accounts be cleared. For, until one’s previous account is not cleared, his future matters will not progress with clarity and cleanliness, and his previous shortcomings will only increase.”

“Thus, everyone should perform repentance to clear his past accounts and he should perform true repentance. To act upon the pathways I have laid out shall cause one to lift his previous debts so that not even a coin shall remain on his account.”

jihad.

Mr Claud Tatah from Cameroon said: “The Khalifa’s speech was very elaborate and permeated with knowledge. Interreligious dialogue was fabulous. I gained a lot of knowledge regarding Islam; things I didn’t know before. The true meaning of jihad is to fight for the establishment of love without any weapons. Now I have understood the true definition of jihad and that of religious tolerance and cooperation.

This is the actual meaning of jihad.” (The Review of Religions, A Gathering of Peace, 11 July 2014) Hence, God Almighty is blessing the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat to spread the true teachings of Islam about jihad. A great number of people are acknowledging this fact and many more will certainly admit by each passing day.

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadi youth talk Islam, Khilafat and Chanda Ataul Fatir Al Hakam

Leo Tolstoy once noted, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

This changing-yourself-first attitude before even thinking of changing others, is what forms generations of Ahmadi Muslim youth who don’t inherit their religion but learn it for themselves and put it into practice. Then, they set out to change the world.

Ahmadiyyat has seen, through the grace of Allah, each generation closely attached to their religion, despite repeated attempts of clerics for over 130 years to stamp it out, often targeting Ahmadi youth. “Swords can win territories but not hearts, forces can bend heads but not minds”, as Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh pointed out.

Being a Muslim youth in the modern world also brings challenges; Islam is in constant inspection and scrutiny.

All Muslims, especially the youth, have questions they want answered. It’s natural, right? But not all Muslim youth have a khalifa who gives rational, intellectual and religious direction to them, while also guiding them towards a very real connection with God Almighty; a khalifa who cares for them, worries for them, cries for them and sees them as his own. Ahmadi youth, however, have such a khalifa – after all, this Khilafat was a divine promise.

Through the generations, Ahmadis have been encouraged to understand not only their own faith but to respect and be accepting of other religions and views. That is one reason why not a single Ahmadi youth has fallen into the trap of extremism.

For someone on the outside, it may be challenging to comprehend how and why Ahmadi youth are so attached to their faith, not just by word, but through action. For this reason, we reached out to some Ahmadi youth and asked them about Islam, Khilafat and why – as some ask – they pay Chanda (a financial contribution for the welfare of humanity).

Here’s what they had to say.

Melissa Ahmadi, a secondary school religious studies teacher in the UK, explained: “I believe in Ahmadiyyat as it is the most logical form of Islam I have come across and researched, throughout my life. It has helped me understand Islam better within the modern, scientific backdrop of our times. Islam Ahmadiyyat really isn’t based on pure conformity; its foundations lie in understanding the deep wisdoms of Islam.

“Khilafat is the cornerstone of our faith.

As a convert, I did Bai‘at of our beloved

Khalifa ten years ago. Khilafat underpins our lives. The Khalifa’s guidance has shaped my life on every level and through his prayers, the impossible has been made possible. On a personal level, he has completely changed my life.

“Islam is a religion for all people of all times; it is timeless. Many of the wisdoms that were taught over 1,400 years ago have been proven scientifically in the modern day. The importance of cleanliness being half of faith and the origins of the universe are all beautifully expounded upon in the Holy Quran and its commentary. This is the truth of why we are here – to gain nearness to our Creator and to worship Him and learn of His attributes.”

Muhammad Ahmad Khalid, final year medical student in Bulgaria, said: “I believe in Ahmadiyyat as it is the most logical form of Islam I have come across and researched. It has helped me understand Islam better within the modern, scientific

backdrop of our times. Islam Ahmadiyyat really isn’t just based on pure conformity; its foundations lie in understanding the deep wisdom of Islam.

“Khilafat to me, on a personal level, provides true guidance and leadership. On a larger scale, it is millions of people under one voice moving in accordance with one another like one body, this is what Islam teaches.

“The reason I sacrifice my time and give Chanda too is because it helps me keep connected, grounded and I feel my relationship with Allah develops as a result of sacrificing those things that I value – this is an Islamic teaching of course. The Jamaat doesn’t need my money at all.”

Memoona Rajput, Master’s degree student in biomedical science, from Belgium expressed: “As humans, we tend to forget our purpose in life and get carried away in worldly matters. We, as Ahmadi Muslims, are very blessed to have an institution like Khilafat, which reminds us of the greater purpose of life, which is to worship God and serve mankind.

“Khilafat has helped me build a stronger relationship with God and reminded me constantly to be kind to His creation. During my studies, it wasn’t always easy to make time for the Jamaat. However, whenever I sacrificed time to serve the Jamaat, God blessed me in numerous ways and eased the struggles I was facing. Khilafat not only teaches and encourages me to follow the good morals that Islam promotes, but gives me inner peace and strength to be a confident Ahmadi Muslim woman in Western society.”

Hamoudi Hani Odeh, a secondary

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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school student from Kababir, said: “I am an Ahmadi because of the seamless connection with Allah. Khilafat helps remind us and updates us on how to practice Islam in a dynamic and practical way – the way the Holy Prophetsa taught. The connection of brotherhood within Islam Ahmadiyyat is also amazing. For example, last year, we had Atfal [Ahmadi youth aged 7-15] visit us here and we connected with one another. So it helps understand other people from different backgrounds by doing activities with them.”

Asad Saleem, a civil engineer from the UK, said: “Ahmadiyyat has provided me with a coherent and logical set of beliefs, which fit in with the world I see, and are completely in tune with science and other fields. Thus, I find no contradiction between my faith and modern-day advances in knowledge, but I find them happily coexisting in their own spheres.

“Another important differentiating factor for me between Ahmadiyyat and other versions of Islam is Khilafat, as a result of which I am part of a united community that is divinely led by a person appointed by Allah. There is no one else in the Islamic world who can say that Allah has appointed them to this status. Also, I have been fortunate enough to have had personal interactions with Huzooraa and these have only increased me in my faith.

“My faith also helps me fulfil my true purpose in life and gain nearness to Allah the Almighty by continually reminding me that this life is temporary and that the true purpose of one’s creation lies in the Hereafter. Thus, it encourages me to be the best version of myself. Without Ahmadiyyat, I would simply be lost.”

Harris Dogar, a Jamia Ahmadiyya UK student, spoke about Chanda and said: “Allah mentions in the Holy Quran, ‘You cannot attain righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, Allah surely knows it.’

So, after all, we try to seek Allah’s pleasure, right? And paying Chanda is one form of it. What the Jamaat does is that it spends our financial contributions in the way of Allah, be it through spreading the message of Islam or helping the needy in developing countries, taking care of their health and education and providing them food and clothes.”

Adnan Ahmad, an investor from the UK, said the following about Chanda: “I pay chanda because I feel it goes towards good initiatives; mosques are built throughout the world so that you are never too far away from somewhere to pray. There

are also other initiatives like Jalsa Salana or our annual Khuddam gatherings, which are great opportunities for us to connect with our peers, learn and gain new perspectives.”

Lubna Waheed, Master’s in pharmacy, UK, told us: “I can safely say that being an Ahmadi Muslim is what defines my identity. It is something that I refer to consciously and subconsciously in every aspect of my life.

Islam is a way of life for me and it gives me structure and guidance to what I want to achieve from this world; the most important

thing is my connection with Allah. I am now 26 years old and in my entire life, through every difficult time, I have only found solace in my prayers to my Almighty and during all my happy moments I have always found myself thanking Him alone.

“I have been very blessed to have grown up with Khilafat close to me. My passion for wanting to pursue my waqf [life service for Islam Ahmadiyyat] to the best of my ability comes from seeing how much Khalifatul Masihaa does for this Jamaat and its members.

“Being able to attend many classes with Huzooraa and having the many opportunities to gain the love of Khilafat, for me, it is about now trying to put this love that I have in my heart for Huzooraa towards hard work for the Jamaat, such as giving it my best, whenever I have been assigned to any Jamaat role and trying to instil this love and passion for the Jamaat naturally in my son and children to come insha-Allah.

“Chanda to me is also one way in which you can serve the Jamaat. This financial sacrifice can sometimes be challenging, but I personally have seen so many blessings in giving Chanda, some of which are so incredible that I will forever hold those memories close to my heart.

“It is one of those moments that God Himself really shows the true essence of the Jamaat by rewarding you for your financial sacrifices. After seeing the rewards on many occasions, my true desire to make money is so that I can pay my Chanda. In my humble opinion, the Jamaat is so rich with Allah’s blessings that even if there was no Chanda, then this Jamaat would continue to flourish.

It is in fact an honour to pay Chanda.”

Noushaba Mubarak, Bachelor of Arts, from the UK, said: “Having been born and lived almost my entire life in Pakistan, I can very clearly say that Khilafat has guided me at every step of my life. The main source of guidance I’ve received from Khilafat is through the Sermons delivered by beloved Huzooraa, the various classes shown on MTA and letters.

“In my childhood, I remember very vividly that the entire village in Pir Kot Sani would gather together to watch the weekly

lost and have no idea about what Islam teaches, even about the most basic of things; they have no one to guide them. We have Huzooraa at every step of the way. To understand Khilafat, imagine a dark room with no light, that’s what the world is for every individual who hasn’t yet been blessed with Khilafat. Now imagine a lantern in that very room. It is the same place, but two very different situations – the latter is what Khilafat is for me.

“At every step of my life – education, career or marriage – my guide has been Khilafat and I cannot imagine my life without it. I have always had Khilafat, alhamdolillah, through which I have found solace and peace in every anguish and difficulty.

“Raising a child, today, is probably the most challenging of things for a Muslim mother, but with the guidance of Khilafat, it becomes much easier. Then there is our community; our children not only have a sense of belonging, but we, as parents, know that we are not alone and that at every step of the way, we have our Khalifa.

Aizaz Khan, a missionary in Canada, said: “Someone once asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh what the greatest miracle of

Friday Sermons. Thus, I am grateful that I have received guidance from Huzooraa in every sphere of my life.

“I pay Chanda to gain the blessings of Allah, as the Holy Quran on many occasions states that to gain God’s blessing, we must spend out of that which He has provided for us. My personal philosophy, which I endeavour and continue to pursue, is that the more I can help others, the more I feel like I am fulfilling the rights of Allah and rights of man.

“I see that through our financial sacrifices we are able to establish hospitals, schools, water wells, mosques and other recourses to help mankind.

Manahil Malik, Bachelor’s in biomedical science, UK, explained: “Islam Ahmadiyyat helps me understand the Quran in a better way – especially in today’s world. It helps put Islam into prospective and guides at every step, in accordance with the Quran and sunnah.

“I see around myself Muslims who are

the Promised Messiahas was. Despite the countless academic, empirical, medical and scientific proofs one can present to demonstrate his truthfulness, Huzoorrh responded by looking at the members of the Jamaat and said ‘You are!

The creation of such a Godly community, sacrificing everything in the way of Allah in an age of materialism, living a different life as if they are living on an island in the whole world, is the greatest miracle of the Promised Messiahas.’

“At some point, everyone needs to determine what side of the truth they stand on. One of the main reasons I have such strong faith in Ahmadiyyat is that this community has stood the test of time.

Time is the greatest proof of truth and time itself has proven, beyond a shadow of doubt, that our Jamaat is a divine community that cannot be affected by any worldly elements.

Ahmadiyyat itself is a life-changing and transformative force, “Reflect over this example: There was

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Eid can only be celebrated after huge sacrifices Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “What are Eids in Islam? One comes after a bodily sacrifice, when all halal [lawful] things are given up during the month and then we express gratefulness. We thank God that we were able to carry out His command. The second Eid is a financial offering and wealth is sacrificed in it.

“Islam does not believe in any such Eid which has no sacrifice and that sacrifice should only be done for God alone. Thus, I call the attention of my Jamaat’s members that they should be ready to sacrifice everything for God. They should not value anything over the religion of God. The only happy occasion for them will be when they find the strength and courage to sacrifice all of what they have in the cause of God.” (Al Fazl, 24 June 1952)

an Ahmadi Missionary in Africa who was debating with another Muslim. He presented numerous arguments from the Holy Quran and hadith, proving why Ahmadiyyat was truthful, but nothing seemed to convince the other Muslim. After exhausting any and all academic proofs, the missionary said to him, ‘Let’s do a little experiment. You knock on the house of every non-Ahmadi family and I’ll do the same with every Ahmadi household and let’s determine how over the past two to three generations, who has fared better and whose conditions have worsened over time.’ The other Muslim thought about this and then finally accepted defeat, saying that he now realised the true power of Ahmadiyyat.

“Sometimes, it takes generations for people to finally realise what side of the truth they stand on. We Ahmadi Muslims are blessed to have recognised the Promised Messiahas.”

Ibn Rasheed, a writer from the UK, explained: “As an Ahmadi Muslim in my 20s belonging to a Jamaat with a Khalifa, I always have consistent guidance, reassurance about Islam’s future and the ability to spend my time, wealth and efforts in helping spread the true peaceful teachings of Islam.

“The fact is many young Muslims are disillusioned and confused about their faith and the hostility towards it by others.

So, they react by joining extremist groups and ruining their lives. But because we as a community have a clear focus and direction.

“We are involved in planning inter-faith events, spiritual gatherings and marathon walks, among so many other things. Having the opportunity to help organise these functions gives us a strong grounding for the future. It means the Chanda or donations we give to the community are going towards events, schemes and projects for our own spiritual and moral development and to inform others about what true Islamic principles really are. What better way is

there than to spend your wealth in the path of God? “One’s adolescence is a delicate and vulnerable time, but no Ahmadi has ever been radicalised because from the very beginning, we’re taught how to respond peacefully, how to entrust our affairs to Allah and exert our efforts to invite people to the way of God. “If I didn’t belong to this Jamaat I would be as wayward and lost as the next person.”

Rana Qasid Rehman, a student of philosophy and ethics from the UK, expressed: “Ahmadiyyat has taught me everything I know about the pure form of Islam that the Holy Prophetsa taught. It can be often taken for granted the extent that Ahmadiyyat gives insight into the true Islam. Ahmadiyyat has reformed the condition of mankind and given youth, like myself, the ability to practice the selflessness that Islam prescribes.

“Khilafat to me is more than a figurehead of a community. The importance of Khilafat cannot be put into words. It can only be recognised through experience. As a young Ahmadi, I often find myself at odds against the world and its pressures, yet, I never feel weak or alone. The power and comfort of having the unwavering leadership of a divine leader for generations to come always powers me through.

“I have only spoken briefly of the benefits of the Khalifa and why he, to me, is the most important role model I have today. But, in essence, Khilafat taught me the correct way of Islam.

“It would be unfair to condense Chanda to subscription or a payment. For me, Chanda is one way that I am reminded of the important things in life. Chanda reminds me that the worldly importance of money is only limited to this world. The spiritual benefits supersede the monetary value. That is what I pay my Chanda.”

Raneem Jahangeer, Bachelor’s in law,

UK, said: “Seeing the success of the jamaat and having an unexplainable love for the Khalifa has always been my strongest reason for believing in Ahmadiyyat being the true Islam. Whenever you go meet the Khalifa or write him a letter, the love, wisdom and attention he gives you is unbelievable. At times of struggle or difficulty, you can go to the Khalifa and his answer would give you immediate relief and you would feel in your heart that his words are from Allah.

“I pay chanda as a sacrifice to Allah the Almighty and to gain his pleasure and blessings. I pay it as a sacrifice because I know any sacrifice I make, no matter how small, in the name of Allah and his Jamaat, my spiritual development would improve through the act of financial sacrifice.

“Since reading the Promised Messiah’s, peace be upon him, books this past month,

I’ve noticed more and more how compatible the Quran is with the teaching of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and when I read how other Muslims have interpreted the words of the Quran, I feel grateful for being a part of this Jamaat.”

There are millions of Ahmadi youth who feel the same. The sentiments articulated here were just a drop in the ocean.

The revival of Islam and the world at large begs for God to choose a Khilafa on earth. Ahmadi Muslims have recognised that Khalifa and the Prophet he represents.

No matter how fierce the persecution is or how much anti-Ahmadiyya rhetoric is pushed, the world will witness generations of Ahmadi youth who will be unshakeable in their faith, insha-Allah.

Khulafa help in attaining nearness to God Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Prophets and khulafa help in attaining nearness to God Almighty. Just as a weak person cannot climb the slope of a mountain but can only do so with the help of a staff or a hiking stick, in the same way, the prophets and khulafa are supports for the people.

They are not walls that block the path of nearness to God, in fact they are pillars and supports, through whose help even the weak attain nearness to Allah the Almighty.”

(Al Fazl, 4 September 1937)

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Sheep without a shepherd and the progress of the Jamaat under Khilafat

The greatest of all the reformers and the purest of all the beings, the Holy Prophet Muhammad of Arabia, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, appeared in this world and laid the foundation of the peaceful religion of Islam, which was destined to flourish and advance under the guidance of Khilafat, established on the precepts of prophethood.

Allah the Almighty states: ّٰ َ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ُ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ٰ ّٰ ‫الل ُہ الَّذیۡ َن ٰا َم ُنوۡا ِم ۡن ُک ۡم َو َعم ُلوا‬ ‫ض‬ ِ ۡ ‫َ َو َعد‬ ِ ِ ‫الص َل َِّح َ ِت لیس َتخل َِّفنہم فِ َ ٰی الا َر‬ َ ّ َ َ ّ َ ُ ُ ُ َ ۡ ‫ک َما‬ ‫اس َت َخلف ال ِذیۡ َن ِم ۡن ق ۡبل ِ​ِہم۪ۡ َو ل ُی َم ِکنن لہ ۡم ِدیۡنہ ُم ال ِذی ۡارتضی لہ ۡم َو‬ ُ ۡ ّ َ َ ً َ َ ً َ ‫ل َ ُی َب ِّدلَن ُہ ۡم ِّم ۢۡن بَ ۡع ِد خوۡفِ ِہ ۡم ا ۡمنا ؕ ی ۡع ُب ُد ۡونن ِۡی لَا یُش ِرکوۡ َن ِب ۡی ش ۡیئا ؕ َو َم ۡن‬ ُ ٰۡ َ ُ َ َ ٰ َ​َ ‫کف َر بَ ۡع َد ذل ِک فاولٰٓ ِئک ُہ ُم الف ِسقوۡ َن‬ “Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.56) However, the followers of Islam deviated from the true teachings of the Holy Quran and turned a blind eye to the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, who had clearly prophesied: ‫ ثم يرفعها الله إذا‬،‫تكون النبوة فيكم ما شاء الله أن تكون‬ ‫ ثم تكون خلافة على منهاج النبوة فتكون‬،‫شاء أن يرفعها‬ ‫ ثم‬،‫ ثم يرفعها الله إذا شاء أن يرفعها‬،‫ما شاء الله أن تكون‬

ً ً ‫ ثم يرفعها إذا‬،‫تكون ملكا عاضا فيكون ما شاء ًالله أن يكون‬ ‫ ثم تكون ملكا جبرية فتكون ما شاء الله‬،‫شاء الله أن يرفعها‬ ‫ ثم تكون خلافة‬،‫ ثم يرفعها الله إذا شاء أن يرفعها‬،‫أن تكون‬ ‫ ثم سكت‬،‫على منهاج النبوة‬ “Prophethood shall remain among you as long as God wills. He will bring about its end and follow it with Khilafat on the precepts of Prophethood for as long as He wills and then bring about its end. Kingship shall then follow, to remain as long as God wills and then come to an end. There shall then be monarchical despotism which shall remain as long as God wills and come to an end upon His decree. There will then emerge Khilafat on the precepts of Prophethood.

Then he became silent.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal) The divisions and dissentions within the Muslim ummah are the consequences of turning away from the above mentioned basic guidance of Islam and key direction of God Almighty. Their present condition is like a flock of sheep without a shepherd to guide them and show them the right path.

They are scattered like seeds on a barren land. Their so-called religious leaders are at odds with each other and issuing edicts of kufr [disbelief] is their custom and primary motivation. These types of clerics are a living testimony to the following sayings of the Holy Prophetsa: ‫ 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 [they will be the primary source of all ills].”

(Mishkat-ul-Masabih) َ ْ َ​َ ُ َ َ َّ ‫ائهم ف ِإذا هم قردة‬ ‫الناس ِإلى علم‬ ‫تكون فِي أم ِتي فزعة فيصير‬ َ َ َ ‫وخنا ِ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-ul-Usul-fiAhadithir-Rasul) The Muslims of the time are experiencing dilemmas and confusion due to their selfcentred and egoistic leader. For instance, in the present situation, when a global pandemic is attacking humanity irrespective of class, colour and creed, a group of mullahs are in favour of opening mosques and conducting religious processions, knowing full well that the Covid-19 virus can spread through touch, sneeze or even by talking to each other. On the other hand, some religious clerics are opposing these ideas.

These perilous circumstances and serious, contentious times, cry for the need of one Imam and Guide, who can steer the ship of Islam from the ravaging storm of evil and carry it peacefully towards righteousness and harmony.

Emphasising the need of unity and harmony, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, stated: “Let the righteous persons of the Jamaat who have pure souls accept Bai‘at in my name. God Almighty desires to draw all those who live in various habitations of the world, be it Europe or Asia, and who have

virtuous nature to the Unity of God and unite His servants under one faith. This indeed is the purpose of God for which I have been sent to the world. You, too, therefore should pursue this end, but with kindness, moral probity and fervent prayers.” (The Will, p.

8-9) Soon after the demise of the Promised Messiahas, God Almighty fulfilled His promise mentioned in Surah al-Nur and established Khilafat in the heavenly Jamaat which was declared as the only successful sect of Islam by the Holy Prophetsa.

Since the inception of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat in 1908, the Jamaat is progressing and spreading the message of God and true Islam with great unity at the hands of their Khalifas.

Members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya are fortunate to have a worldwide leader and Imam who advises and directs them every step of the way from the time when Khilafat was established to date. Every Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat leads by example and guides his followers in the right direction.

In the blessed era of the first Khalifa, when Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibrh was handed the reigns of a naïve and shell-shocked Jamaat by God Almighty, he unified the Jamaat and despite all difficulties, continued to work for the spiritual elevation and education of his followers.

He was succeeded by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, who raised the morale of members and lifted the Jamaat to new heights through

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Khulafa explain religion in simple terms Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “Certainly, divine commandments have already been revealed to the prophets, but sunan [ways of life] and practices are established with the help of khulafa.

The khulafa explain and elucidate the religion and while unfolding its complex matters, explain them to the people and show such ways that treading upon them results in the progress of Islam.”

(Khutabat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 18, p. 367)

his visionary administration and divinely stimulated writings and speech. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instilled a unique concept of unity and accord among Ahmadis.

Advising the Jamaat to unite at the hand of one Khalifa for their success, he said: “If, in the presence of an Imam and a Khalifa, a person thinks that we need an independent plan and demonstration, then there is no need for a Khalifa. The need of the Imam and the Khalifa is that a believer takes every step behind him, makes his will and desires submissive to his wishes and demands, makes his plans, intentions and resources subservient to his plans, intentions and resources. If the believers stand on this pedestal, then success and victory is certain for them.” (Al Fazl, 4 September 1937) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further said: “I advise you that no matter how wise and intellectual you may be, you will not be able to benefit religion by following your own tactics and intellects unless your faculties and plans are subordinate to Khilafat; unless you follow the Imam, you cannot get the help and support of Allah Almighty. Thus, if you seek the succour of God Almighty, then remember that there is no other way to achieve it unless you get up, sit down, stand, walk, speak or remain silent at my command.” (Ibid) He added: “Of course I am not a prophet, but I stand in the stead of prophethood and in his place.

Any person who disobeys me is certainly disobedient of the Prophet … Obedience and submission to me is obedience and

submission to God Almighty.” (Al Fazl, 4 September 1937) Similarly, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh further strengthened the bond of members of the Jamaat with Khilafat and Ahmadis progressed in every field under their leadership. Be it the noble works of the third Khalifa to promote the love of the Holy Quran in every young and old member of the Jamaat or the brave and courageous steps of the fourth Khalifa to keep Ahmadis strongly attached with the rope of Allah after his historic migration from Rabwah, every era of Khilafat appears to be striving for instilling love of God and Islam, unity, peace and harmony.

Explaining the reason behind the downfall of the Muslim Ummah and stressing the need for one Imam, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh said: “The entire Muslim Ummah, which really should be one, is divided into so many sects, not just in the religious plane, but also in the political plane. When a people are divided, they cannot attain in the world what a united people can attain because their might is not only divided and split, their might is pushed against one another.

When this happens, then sometimes the sum total is even less than zero.

“However big a people may be, if they are opposing each other over big or small issues, if they are fighting each other, if they are dividing their might against each other

and unfortunately calling it Jihad, then what will be the outcome of this? What energy will be left to build themselves and to defend Islam and the Muslim interests against their enemies? So that is the need for unity and for one Imam to bring order, a single order in all of Islam. This cannot be done without Khilafat.” (Liqa Ma‘al Arab, 13 December 1994) The current spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. We are blessed to have a divinely guided Khalifa, who directs Ahmadi Muslims in every small and big issue.

Through his prayer and wisdom, he unites our community, which has now spread in over 200 countries. Under the leadership of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is progressing by leaps and bounds and has built over 16,000 mosques, 500 schools, 30 hospitals and has translated the Holy Quran in more than 70 languages.

Huzooraa is a leading figure in the worldwide campaign for peace and has delivered keynote addresses at parliaments across the world including the UK, USA and EU. Huzooraa meets heads of state, presidents, prime ministers and faith leaders to urge the need for peace based on justice.

Following Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa guidance, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community provides food, shelter, education, health services, disaster relief, clean water, electricity and much more to the needy across the world.

Drawing the attention of the general public towards unity and promotion of peaceful teachings, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa said: “You are seeing for yourselves that in these halls, there are thousands of men and women who are completely attached to Khilafat and through this unbreakable spiritual bond they are perfectly united.

They speak only of how to spread love and affection and how to fulfill the rights of humanity … There are only two complete parts of faith. One is to love God and the other is to love mankind to such a degree that you consider the suffering and trials and tribulations of others as your own and

that you pray for them …

“Islam teaches Muslims to free every person and every nation from all forms of slavery and servitude – whether physical, economic or social slavery. Islam teaches us that all people are equal and that one’s race and colour are not means of superiority or status … Instead of pointing fingers at one another and instead of hurting the feelings of each other, we should instead join together as one and work towards the progress of the nation and towards establishing peace in the world.” (Address to guests at Jalsa Salana Germany, 15 June 2014) On another occasion, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Another objective of obedience towards the Holy Prophetsa is to become united, which cannot be achieved without the institution of Khilafat. Although other Muslims observe their prayers, however due to a lack of unity, their hearts are divided.

Despite believing in the same essential doctrines, they have created divisions as a result of delving into the finer details of faith. In order to uphold their authority and fulfil their objectives – which now also include political objectives in the case of Pakistan – scholars constantly fight with one another. The same is the case of those who follow them.” (Friday Sermon, 25 May 2018) Imam Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya helps us cure both our spiritual and physical ailments. With his regular Friday Sermons, classes and sittings etc. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa make every possible effort to increase our religious knowledge and create a bond with Almighty Allah.

On the other hand, in the present uncertain situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, Huzooraa advises his community on a regular basis and has prescribed homeopathic medicine as a preventive measure.

Hence, we are certain that those days are near when the unity of mankind will take place under the flag of Islam through the blessed institution of Ahmadiyya Khilafat and we shall witness the establishment of Allah’s unity all over the world.

Responsibilities associated with celebrating Eid Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said: “If we really want [to celebrate] Eid, then spread guidance across the globe. Bring those who are far from God closer to Him. Guide them towards the right path. Otherwise, there is no Eid for us. The true Eid is in nearness to God and the nearness of God comes from bringing God’s creation closer to Him. The sun that rises after success in this endeavour never sets again. May Allah grant us strength and help us achieve our goals so that as a result, we may witness the real Eid for which Eids have been appointed as a sign.”

(Al Fazl, 5 July 1951)

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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28 May: Yaum-e-Takbir and the Lahore Martyrs Ata-ul-Haye Nasir London

Of the eight nuclear powers of the world, Pakistan was the seventh to announce its nuclear capability on 28 May 1998.

Nuclear tests were carried out at Ras Koh Hills in the Chaghi area of Balochistan and the day was labelled Yaum-e-Takbir (Day of Supremacy); the day is celebrated on the same date every year.

Such milestones are not reached in days or months, but it takes years of tireless efforts of many to reach fulfilment.

Pakistan’s nuclear project was established in 1972 by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who had initiated it in his days as minister for fuel, power and natural resources. This was well before he went on to become president and prime minister of Pakistan.

Shortly after the fall of East Pakistan in 1971 and the preceding war with India, Bhutto initiated the programme by calling top brass physicists and engineers to a meeting held at Multan in January 1972.

Those who played a significant role in the success of this initiative included an Ahmadi Muslim Noble Laureate, the renowned scientist Dr Abdus Salam Sahib as well.

Upon accomplishment of the programme, he never got the appreciation and is now among the unsung heroes of the nation.

Why? Merely for being an Ahmadi Muslim, all thanks to the draconian, discriminatory and decadent laws of Pakistan.

A Pakistani Nuclear Physicist, Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy recently wrote an article about the contributions of Dr Abdus Salam Sahib, with regard to the Nuclear Program of Pakistan, published in the daily Dawn, on 30 November 2019. (https://www.dawn. com/news/1519654) His article also brings to life two Chinese physicists, Jinghan Sun and Xiaodong Yin, who stated details about the role of Dr Abdus Salam Sahib in the Atomic Program of Pakistan in their article titled “Abdus Salam and China – A View on Salam’s Influence on China’s Science Development Based on His Six Visits to China” (http://www.cnki. com.cn/Article/CJFDTotal-ZRBT201903015. htm). This was published from Beijing in March 2019.

These authors have drawn upon transcripts of various meetings held at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and revealed Dr Abdus Salam Sahib’s efforts to seek China’s help for Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

The Lahore Martyrs While commemorating the so-called Yaume-Takbir in 2010, another incident was to overshadow the “greatness” of this day and leave it blemished as the darkest of days in the history of Pakistan.

It is strange how history writes its own course, despite our efforts to twist or turn it in the way we like. From then on, 28 May turned into a day that Pakistan could no longer boast about, and rather feel ashamed about.

Ten years on, the world has not forgotten the brutal and inhumane attacks on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore. More than 80 Ahmadis lost their lives while worshipping Allah the Almighty in Jumuah prayers; dozens left injured and thousands traumatised.

The world failed to believe that such attacks were carried out on members of a community that had always been at the forefront of service and remained loyal to their country – when the country was in the making, when it was made, during its formative years and ever after.

Regardless of the persecution, Pakistani Ahmadis continue to remain loyal to their country. Hundreds of thousands of Ahmadis still continue to live in their homeland despite having the choice to flee to foreign lands.

24 years after his demise, Dr Abdus Salam Sahib rests eternally in the soil of the same Pakistan that never acknowledged his unparalleled contribution and services.

Ahmadis of Pakistan have deep love for their country, thanks to the Islamic teaching: ْ ‫ُح ُّب ال ْ َو َﻃن ِم َن الْایْ َم‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ِ “Love for one’s homeland is part of faith.”

Pakistan has unfortunately turned into a bunch of ironies. Takbir, or supremacy, is associated to Allah the Almighty in Islamic context. A nuclear test was associated to this tenet, we can assume, as a reminder that the ultimate supremacy only lies with Allah the Almighty and not to the military or nuclear strengths of a country. The day was, we assume again, named ‘Yaum-e-Takbir’ to always keep the reminder alive.

Ironic it is that on the same day, some Pakistani militants attacked hundreds of innocent Ahmadis as they uttered “AllahuAkbar” (Allah is Supreme) in their prayers and slayed so many of them.

This ruthless show of inhumane brutality left the worldwide Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in deep grief. But then the world witnessed

Relationship of Khilafat and the community Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said: “One characteristic of this Khilafat is that it has been established by God the Exalted and He promised that through this institution of Khilafat, He would manifest the mighty hand of His powers. This Khilafat is supported by God the Exalted. This Khilafat has one entity. Khilafat is a soul and it has a body – the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The combination of the soul and body forms an institution. It is the task of Khilafat to struggle for the removal of the Jamaat’s troubles. The Khalifa of the age has to pray for you... So the Khalifa of the age is the person who should partake in your grief as well as in your happiness.”

(Khilafat and Mujaddidiyyat, p. 9-10)

that Ahmadis, under the Divine leadership of Khilafat, never lost their patience and never retaliated. They had before them the Holy Quran, that states: ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ّ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ّ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َّ َ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ﺲ َو‬ ٍ ‫و لنبلونکم ِبشى ٍء ِمن ال َّخو ِف و الج ّو ِع و ن ٰق‬ ِ ‫ص ِمن الامو ِال و الانف‬ ّ ‫الث َم ٰر ِت ؕ َو بَ ِشر‬ ‫الصبِرِیۡ َن‬ ِ ۡ‫الَّ ِذیۡ َن ِا َذا ۤاَ َﺻابَ ۡت ُہ ۡم ُّم ِص ۡی َب ٌۃ � َقالُوۡۤا ِانَّا ل ِّٰل ِہ َو ِانَّا ۤ ِال َ ۡی ِہ ٰرج ُعون‬ ِ “And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives, and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient, who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.156-157) It is hard to digest that a community of millions can so calmly and peacefully absorb the grief inflicted upon them.

But then at the same time, it is not true that the community did not react to it.

They did. The grief kept them up all night and it was during these nights that they would react to it. Not by taking up arms; not by opening fire at the camps of their opponents; not by making it to streets. They would spend nights bowing and prostrating before Allah the Almighty and beseeching His help.

While the attacks were still underway in Pakistan, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his Friday

sermon in London. He addressed the worldwide Ahmadiyya Jamaat and told them what our response was going to be.

The plan was such that no one was going to be harmed, no one injured but the Jamaat was to come out of this great atrocity with a greater strength, greater zeal and was to strive even harder to take the message of Islam to every human being of the world. It was to show the world what true Islam is.

“Allah the Almighty is certainly capable of taking revenge from those who have tried to cause this collective harm. He knows better how He will show His Power, how He will catch those who commit these mischief and oppression. But may Allah make these people, who are repeatedly challenging the honour of God and are increasing in oppression, a sign and example for people; Insha-Allah, it will happen.” (Friday Sermon, 28 May 2010) Ten years on, we can all witness how these simple words have brought about a revolution that could never have happened with guns, bombs or grenades. Not even with nuclear bombs for that matter.

28 May remains to be Yaum-e-Takbir, but not for those who had initially coined the term. It has moved out of their home and settled with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Eid-ul-Fitr: A key to spiritual advancement Serjeel Ahmed Missionary, Micronesia

The sighting of the new moon at the end of Ramadan is a special time for over one billion Muslims worldwide. It is a time of grand celebration that follows a rigorous month of fasting during the day and prostrating in front of Allah during the nights.

On this day, Muslims observe the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, adorning themselves with specially selected clothes and perfume, before heading to the mosque for Eid prayers.

After that, people busy themselves with family reunions and shared meals. The sweet shops are filled with long lines of people eagerly waiting to get their hands on specially prepared confectionaries so that they can be distributed. Children anxiously wait for gifts, also called “eidi”, from their elders. More importantly, the occasion of Eid emphasises sharing with those in need.

The need for celebration and happiness has always been an innate trait of humans designed by the creator of the universe himself. Every religion and society has their days of celebration.

Hinduism, known as the oldest religion on earth, celebrates Diwali. Christians celebrate Easter and adherents of the Jewish faith celebrate Hanukah. Nations around the world celebrate different seasons and times to relieve people of their fatigue, perhaps for a few hours.

With the advent of Islam, Allah gave Muslims two days of Eid to elevate the believer’s spirituality. While other worldly celebrations may be held, Islam’s goal is to provide a person with a celebration that grants eternal happiness of the Hereafter.

It can be likened to an incredibly thirsty person – he may be given unclean water for temporary survival, but the real pleasure is when he drinks fresh, cold water.

Allah has given us two main days of Eid with great intricate reasoning in their occurrence. On Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims spend their day in the remembrance of Allah to allow them to develop their spirituality.

The second occurrence of Eid-ul-Adha is a day of remembering the sacrifice that Abrahamas became ready for, in wishing to slaughter his son in the way of Allah.

It is a lesson for all to be prepared to sacrifice whatever they have for Allah.

In remembering Hazrat Abrahamas, we recognise the value of obedience in Allah’s cause as this is the actual moment of Eid for a believer.

In chapter five of the Holy Quran, we read of the disciples of Hazrat Jesusas that they asked for “a table spread with food”, to which Jesusas replied, “Fear Allah, if you are believers.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.113).

Prophet Jesusas then prayed to Allah: “O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven spread with food that it may be to us a festival, to the first of us and to the last of us, and a Sign from Thee; and provide sustenance for us, for Thou art

the Best of sustainers.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.115) Allah then replied, “Surely, I will send it down to you, but whosoever of you disbelieves afterward – I will surely punish them with a punishment wherewith I will not punish any other of the peoples.”

(Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.116) Thus, the days of Eid are not a time for worldly celebration alone, but are within themselves a profound call to become closer to Allah the Almighty.

When one becomes a recipient of Allah’s blessings, a heavier responsibility is laid upon a Muslim to remember Allah for the favours that have been bestowed upon him. That is why the Holy Prophetsa would pray six times on the day of Eid, rather than the daily five prayers.

The lesson in these Eid days is to remember Allah with greater passion and supplication in times of our happiness. In every moment of life, we must keep Allah’s love stronger than every other pleasure.

Like a fruit-bearing tree, if we do not bend with the weight of the fruit that Allah has bestowed upon us, the branches of our faith will inevitably falter and break.

The Holy Prophetsa would spend his nights supplicating in the way of Allah with that his feet would swell from standing.

Once, Hazrat Mughirara bin Shu‘ba asked the Prophetsa for the reason of his great struggle in the way of Allah, to which he replied, “Should I not become a thankful servant of Allah?” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1130) A man by nature is inclined to become blind in his time of happiness. That is why the Holy Prophetsa taught us that our greatest Eid is in recognising that Allah is greater than everything else in this world and that only when we thank Allah can we

The role of a Khalifa In response to a question by an Arab in Liqa Ma‘al Arab, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said: “Khilafat is the system whereby the absence of a prophet is compensated by a person who sits as his deputy and subordinate on the seat which has been vacated by the deceased prophet. So, this is the principle of Khilafat. The need for Khilafat was immediately felt after the Holy Prophet’ssa demise. In fact, Islam cannot be practised properly without unification and discipline. There has to be an imam when you say the prayer five times a day in the mosque and it is behind that imam that the unity of the people is established. So if there has to be an imam in the mosque in a small community, how can you conceive an Ummah without an Imam.”

(As stated in Liqa Ma‘al Arab on 13 December 1994)

progress as believers.

The Sahabara (Companions of the Prophetsa) understood this sentiment and worked with the greatness of love in their hearts for Allah. They were among those who never had bread made of fine wheat, nor did many of them have enough cloth to cover their heads and feet at the time of their burial. What they did have at their disposal was the opportunity to inculcate the pleasure of Allah in their actions; they submitted to His desire, so much so that every day became an Eid. Eid holds within itself an extraordinary message for the Muslim world. Up until the point that the Muslim world held its time of Eid as a chance to run towards Allah with even greater vigour, they flourished with an extraordinary victory.

The moment they started to forget Allah during their times of triumph, they fell into great sorrow and their achievements began to recede one by one.

It is a shame that a majority of the Muslim population today deems Eid as a time of worldly celebration alone and have lost the true essence of Eid within their hearts.

We as Ahmadi Muslims should continue to run towards Allah’s mercy and in these days of Eid, thank Allah and bow even further in our prostrations and humility, so that every day becomes a day of Eid. May the coming of this Eid grant us true happiness and contentment of our hearts. While it is a time of celebration amongst ourselves, we must never forget the essence within: to fall in Allah’s lap in every moment.

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Demystifying a hijacked notion A look at Netflix’s Caliphate Jalees Ahmad London

As she walks through the streets of Raqqa, Parvin, the wife of an ISIS fighter, Husam, tries to give solace to her friend, whose husband is in a coma and fears for her life that she’ll be married off. Just as Parvin tells her friend that everything will be alright, a commotion overtakes the city, with people screaming, running and others hurrying to find a safe place.

A “traitor”, as held by ISIS fighters, is captured and blind-folded, whilst forced to bring out his hand. Knowing exactly what is about to occur, Parvin desperately tries to look away and continuously tells herself, “Don’t look, Parvin. You can’t look”. Breathing heavily, with her eyes wide open, Parvin finally looks away. The blade drops! Ominous music plays in the background. This is just another day in Raqqa.

The Swedish drama series Caliphate, nowadays streaming on the popular ondemand service Netflix, tells the almosttoo-accurate story of how young minds fall prey to a fallacy of a notion; how they are enticed and brainwashed into serving the self-proclaimed “caliphate” in Syria, fashioned into carrying out horrific acts of terrorism, all the while being told and promised of “jannah”.

Discussing where he found the idea and inspiration of writing this series, writer Wilhelm Berhman said in an interview that he initially got the idea when the news continuously reported on ISIS. He went on to say that when he saw the news of the three young girls who fled the UK to join ISIS – Shamima Begum, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana – he was taken aback.

“I was so upset about it”, Wilhelm says, “maybe because I have a daughter the exact same age, so I realised I had to write something about it”.

After watching the series, as an Ahmadi Muslim who has accepted the Promised Messiahas as prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, I feel grateful for the true Khilafat bestowed to us from God’s sheer mercy; the Khilafat that guides us along every path; that guides us to become our best selves; that helps us understand the true wisdom of the Holy Quran; helps us understand Islam and helps us serve humanity in the best possible way.

We have a system in place that teaches the youth the true essence of Islam and organises various activities, which creates a sense of belonging – something that was obviously missing among the many disenfranchised youth who opted to join the Raqqa based organisation in the series.

Ironically, it is a sense of belonging that is crucial in preventing young minds from being radicalised.

Amidst the many, many issues it has endeavoured to tackle in its eight-part series, one issue, unfortunately, remained unanswered: the projection of the true Islamic teachings.

Whilst watching the show, as Muslims who pray for the Aal-e-Muhammad (followers of Muhammad) daily and throughout the day, who earnestly and sincerely hold their faith and the faith of their Mastersa in high esteem, it becomes immediately clear that to any viewer unacquainted with Islam’s true teachings, it will still raise questions as to why people still follow this religion at all.

When a daughter mentions to her once-Muslim-mother that apostates must be killed as it is stated in the Quran, she simply replies by saying, “The book is over a thousand years old.”

Although it may not be suitable to enter into an entire debate about this issue here, it has to be proclaimed clearly that the writers surely did a poor job in explaining what could have otherwise been answered in only a couple of additions to the script.

Apostasy is NOT punishable by death; it is not punishable at all in Islam. This, I feel, should have been addressed within the series as it would have highlighted the ridiculous notion that ISIS stands for.

The Holy Quran is very clear on this matter. In fact, the Holy Quran even goes as far to say, “For you is your religion and for me, my religion” and again, “There is no compulsion in religion”. How wonderful it would have been if these verses somehow slipped into the script of this series and made it clear that the ISIS caliphate is

completely oblivious to the very teachings they so proudly profess.

Needless to say, there were some serious issues with the series. However, not all is negative.

The series, set in 2015, handles a very sensitive subject. After hearing of a plan to attack Sweden, the young Swedish woman, Parvin, along with her baby, stuck in Raqqa, feels desperate to flee from the everyday chaos that surrounds her.

The ambitious Fatima, an agent of the Swedish Security Service, receives a phone call from Parvin, who tells her about

A scene from the Caliphate series Netflix

a plan of an attack in Sweden. Fatima promises Parvin that she will help her escape Raqqa. However, in return, Parvin is tasked with investigating and providing more information on the attack.

The plot also tells the story of two young girls – Sulle and her friend Kerima – who find themselves being radicalised by a man named Ibrahim, who is working as a teacher’s assistant in a Muslim high school.

Ibrahim, also known by his ISIS brothers as “Al-Musafir” or “The Traveller” attempts to entice the young girls into fleeing Sweden for Raqqa to serve the “Caliphate” by falsely promising them a luxurious lifestyle.

Extremists have attempted to hijack the concept of Khilafat and use it for their political gains

After being lured in and brainwashed, arrangements are made for their departure.

As they leave, Sulle’s younger sister, Lisha, joins them and they make their way to airport. Eventually, when Sulle’s father finds out, he makes his way to the airport with an officer. They head for Syria and finally intercept the transport vehicle at the border between Turkey and Syria and manage to rescue everyone except for Lisha.

Fatima, after revealing vague details about a terror plot to her superiors, is forced to stop the investigation and ultimately suspended. However, she continues to collect information of the terror attack, she learns the three planned terror targets which are to take place simultaneously.

Eventually, all three attacks are stopped by the security service, who, as we find out later, knew about the attacks all along and decided to keep Fatima in the dark due to deeming her untrustworthy.

The reason given by the head of the security service for waiting till the last moment to act and not acting sooner is shocking. The security service told the media that being able to stop the attack was a result of long-term surveillance and systematic reconnaissance. They also wished to give off the impression to the public that Sweden was very vulnerable in terms of international terrorism. This would, in turn, lead them to further strengthen the belief that only the Swedish security service could protect them.

This certainly makes the viewer question whether such state of affairs – which seems all too plausible in today’s unpredictable world – is even viable in the world and whether we have been subject to this. Conspiracy theorists, be alerted.

In the last episode, Fatima, upholding her promise, arranges to travel to Syria to save Parvin, Lisha and Husam, and tells them to be ready. Seconds before she arrives, Husam’s colleague shows up to summon him for a suicide mission. Lisha, who is unwilling to return to Sweden, completely radicalised and brainwashed, exposes their plan to escape.

The very last scene sums up the crux of the series.

Kerima, once again radicalised by Ibrahim, decides to plan another attack at a girls’ concert. Kerima, lured in after being led to believe that Sulle planned the attack with Ibrahim, straps a bomb to her chest where she plans on committing suicide. She texts her friend, Sulle, “Time to die!!! See you in heaven”. Confused, Sulle calls Kerima. Realising that she’s been tricked, Sulle pleads Kerima to take the vest off. Kerima desperately tries but

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

Unity under the institution of Khilafat

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said: “When a nation divides into two sects or

splits into three, four or five sects and none of them are associated with Khilafat and they do not hold fast to the rope of God in a way that they are all united and combined at one hand, then, according to the decree of the Holy Quran, their bond with the rope of Allah is broken. The truth is that no system of the world can create unity without Khilafat. You must have seen many sects, but no sect has the unity that you observe under the institution of Khilafat.”

(Friday Sermon, 13 November 1987)

to no avail.

Knowing that these are her final moments, Kerima asks Sulle if she can stay with her and comfort her over the phone.

In these last moments, we are shown the true innocent nature of these simple young girls who have been lured into something they haven’t the faintest clue about. As they realise that they have been tricked, they started to grasp the reality of the situation. Ibrahim, having tapped her phone, is listening to the conversation in his car with a remote control, ready to trigger the bomb. Sulle realises now that not only has she lost Lisha but has also just lost her best friend.

These young girls, as portrayed in the series, are misled with information given in the media. Their ideologies, based on what they see on TV, further digs the tunnel into darkness and hatred until they become prey for people like Al-Musafir.

Another aspect that I felt is a takehome lesson is the mismanaged way the

parents of the young girls treated them.

Even though the father has been seen watching the news constantly, these stories continued to eat at Sulle’s subconscious.

When she displayed warning signs, he never helped guide his daughters and let them roam freely, knowing the dangers of the media. This further goes to show that parents should be there for their children, something that our Khilafat has constantly stressed.

Would any sane parent desire for their

A scene from the Caliphate series Netflix

children to play around broken glass or with fire? The same applies with reality and real life. Every day, we are constantly bombarded with horrific news stories that are unhealthy for children to openly see without any proper guidance on the matter.

The sad reality is that we live in a world today where the media is in control of what we see and how we see them. The days are over when human nature had the ability to think and extrapolate information for themselves. Now we are simply told how we should feel and how we should view things through the power of the media.

The media has simply etched into everyone’s mind that Islam is a religion of war and terror and that all Muslims can only unite to serve a bloodthirsty notion of leadership, who, in reality, entices people and uses them as an outlet for their own selfish desires.

The entire series shows how the ISIS caliphate brainwashed and tricked young minds, something that true leadership would never do.

By using the sentiments of caliphate, which has always been a good thing within, not only has ISIS committed a fraud in the name of Islam and everything sacred it carries, but the media has, unfortunately, portrayed Khilafat (or Caliphate) as a brainwashing mechanism.

Yes, the ISIS caliphate was and is a brainwashing mechanism. What the series got absolutely right is how they showed these youth, who desired a sense of belonging, being brainwashed due to their longing for unity under Khilafat. It just goes to show how Islam has been used in politics and how ISIS used politics to draw out the sentiments of young Muslims who are promised a sort of unity and direction.

However, if you look at the Rightly

Guided Khilafat (Khilafat-e-Rashida) after Prophet Muhammadsa and Khilafate-Ahmadiyya in this day and age, you will see that it was not established to brainwash people and give false hope.

Studying history, we find that Khilafat should be the direction in life and a purpose to live for, without resorting to violence when things aren’t going your way.

In the Holy Quran, we are told about the four roles of a prophet: 1. To teach arguments in support of Islam’s truth 2. To convey God’s word to people and to teach them the dos and don’ts 3. To explain the commands of the Holy Quran and their innate wisdom and thus, uplifting the faith of people 4. To endeavour for the physical and spiritual purification of people (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.130) (Commentary taken from Tafsire-Kabir by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Vol. 2, p. 195) These very objectives are the goal of a khalifa, for a khalifa’s purpose is no different from the prophet he succeeds.

These goals are being achieved by Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya in over 200 countries of the world. Ahmadi Muslims adhere to the true teachings of Islam as prescribed by their Khalifa on a regular basis.

This is the type of Khilafat that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has and continues to believe in wholeheartedly. It is this Khilafat that we celebrate every year on 27 May. Through this Khilafat, we are guided at every step of the way.

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon 24 April 2020 Ramadan and achieving taqwa After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa recited verses 184-186 of Surah al-Baqarah and commenced with the Friday Sermon:

َّ َ ُ َ ُ َ ّ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ‫ام ک َما ک ِت َب َعلی ال ِذیۡ َن ِم ۡن‬ ‫الصی‬ ِ ‫یایہا ال ِذین امنوا ک ِتب علیکم‬ َ‫َق ۡب ِل ُک ۡم ل َ َع َّل ُک ۡم تَ َّتقُوۡن‬

َ َ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ ٰ َ ً ۡ َّ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َّ ً َ‫اَ ّی‬ ‫ام‬ ٍ ‫اما معد ۡو ٰد ٍت ؕ ف َم ۡن کان ِمنک ۡم مرِیضا ا ۡو َعلی َسف ٍر ف ِعدۃ ِم ۡن ا ّی‬ ُ ‫اُ َخ َر ؕ َو َع َلی الَّ ِذیۡ َن یُ ِط ۡیقُوۡن َ ٗہ فِ ۡدیَ ٌۃ َط َع‬ َ‫ام ِم ۡس ِکی ۡ ٍن ؕ َف َم ۡن تَ َط ّوَ َع َخی ۡ ًرا َف ُہو‬ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ َّ ۡ َ َ َ َّ ۡ َ ‫خی ٌر ل ٗہ ؕ َو ا ۡن ت ُصوۡ ُموۡا خی ٌر لک ۡم ِا ۡن کن ُت ۡم ت ۡعل ُموۡ َن‬ َ ّ ّ ً ُ ُ ٰ ُ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۤۡ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ٰ ۡ ‫اس َو بَ ِّین ٍت ِّم َن ال ُہ ٰدی‬ ِ ‫شہر رمضان ال ِذی ان ِزل فِی ِہ الق ۡران ہدی ل ِلن‬ َ ً ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َّ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ‫ان َمرِیضا ا ۡو َع ٰلی‬ ‫ان ۚ فمن ش ِہد ِمنکم الشہر فلیصمہ ؕ و من ک‬ ِ ‫و الفرق‬ ّٰ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ُ َّ َ ۡ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ َ َ‫الل ُہ ب ُک ُم ال ۡ ُی ۡس َر َو لَا یُریۡ ُد ب ُک ُم ال ۡ ُع ۡس َر ۫ و‬ ٍ ‫سف ٍر ف ِعدۃ ِمن ای‬ ِ ِ ِ ‫ام اخر ؕ یرِید‬ ّٰ ُ ّ َ ُ َ َ َّ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ‫الل َہ َع ٰلی َما َہ ٰدک ُ ۡم َو ل َ َع َّل ُک ۡم تَ ۡش ُک ُر ۡون‬ ‫ل ِتک ِملوا ال ِعدۃ و ل ِتکبِروا‬ The translation of these verses is as follows: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”

The translation of the next verse is as follows: “The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.

And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah

desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.184-186) By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Ramadan will commence here [in the UK] tomorrow. Allah the Almighty has prescribed fasting in Ramadan for our spiritual progress. The first verse of the Holy Quran which I recited states, “Fasting is prescribed for you ... so that you may become righteous.”

What is taqwa (righteousness)? Whilst expounding upon this, the Promised Messiahas stated on one occasion: “Taqwa is that a person upholds and

fulfils every trust of God and spiritual covenant made with Him, as well as the trusts and covenants made with His creation to the best of one’s abilities. In other words, he should uphold and fulfil even the minutest aspects of it to the best of his abilities.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part 5, Vol. 21, p. 210, Appendix) Thus, this is not an easy task. What are the rights of Allah? What are the rights of people? If one was to list all of them, one would become greatly worried. We are not even able to fulfil the rights of Allah’s worship.

All the favours which Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon us make it incumbent for us to be grateful to Him. However, not only do we not fulfil this

obligation of expressing our gratitude, but we do not even possess the ability to do this.

There are many people who continue to benefit from the blessings of Allah the Almighty without expressing any gratitude, thinking as if it is their right.

In fact, it is a great favour of Allah the Almighty that He continues to bless us despite our conditions and our ungratefulness. We fail to honour the pledges we have made to God Almighty.

Then there are the rights of [God’s] creation, rights of parents, rights of neighbours, rights of travellers and other general rights within society that we do not fulfil. We have been commanded to fulfil them, but we do not do justice to them. Thus, if we analyse minutely, we are neither fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty, nor the rights of people.

Once I had a general list made, which only included some of the main obligations we owe to fellow mankind and the creation of Allah. Even they came up to 28 or 29. In any case, the Promised Messiahas states that true faith and true righteousness require one to fulfil their oaths made with Allah the Almighty and to do so by delving into the finer details of these oaths. Similarly, one should fulfil His trusts. Likewise, one must delve into the depths of fulfilling the rights of His creation and also fulfil their trusts with a sense of deep concern. At that point can it be said that one has adopted taqwa.

Allah the Almighty says that the reason why the month of Ramadan has

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM arrived and your attention has been drawn towards fasting is so that you may make up and fulfil any of your shortcomings and weaknesses of the past 11 months.

And this is to be done whilst turning your attention purely towards Allah the Almighty, abstaining from even the lawful things purely for His sake, tolerating hunger and thirst for His sake, paying greater attention towards the worship of Allah the Almighty than before and whilst paying particular attention towards fulfilling the rights of His creation.

When one fulfils these injunctions, this in essence is true taqwa and this is the very purpose of Ramadan and fasting. When a person observes the fast and passes through the month of Ramadan with this objective and for this purpose and does so with pure intentions then this will not bring about a temporary transformation, rather it will be a permanent change.

Furthermore, one’s attention will constantly be turned towards fulfilling the rights of Allah and towards fulfilling the rights of His worship.

Such an individual will not be overcome by worldly endeavours and vain pursuits and he will also pay attention towards fulfilling the rights of mankind.

Such an individual will not usurp the rights of people for his personal interests.

Thus, if we are not entering the month of fasting with this intention and objective then this month of Ramadan will be of no benefit.

The Holy Prophetsa stated on one occasion that the person who observes the fast for the sake of Allah the Almighty and in order to seek His grace, Allah the Almighty places a gap of 70 seasons between his face and the hellfire. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jihad Wa Al-Siyar, Hadith no. 2840) The difference between one season and the following season is an entire year, thus Allah the Almighty creates a distance of 70 years. Hence, these are the blessings of fasting and this is the taqwa that is developed within a person as a result.

The observation of fasts does not create taqwa for merely 30 days, rather a true fast leaves its impact for 70 years.

Furthermore, if we look at it from this perspective, that if a Muslim, who has reached the age of maturity and upon whom fasting is obligatory, truly derives benefit from fasting and understands its true spirit and observes it accordingly, then they will continue to benefit for the rest of their lives from the blessings which Allah the Almighty has placed in fasting. Moreover, such an individual will continue to search for the different avenues of attaining taqwa.

In this manner, one will be protected from incurring the displeasure of Allah the Almighty and will instead continue to attain His pleasure.

If, in our society, people observe the fasts in this manner, then what a beautiful society that would be, wherein the rights of Allah the Almighty are fulfilled as well as those of His creation. This is the very ideal society, which every believer desires to establish. As a matter of fact, every human desires to establish and uphold

such a society, as far as his own rights are concerned.

As I have mentioned, in relation to the fulfilling of one’s right, one generally desires this for themselves, irrespective of whether they are mindful of fulfilling the rights of others. However, Islam says that you must establish this society for others as well. You should not merely look at your personal conveniences, interests and rights, rather you must protect and care for the rights of others as well.

The current widespread pandemic has bound most people to staying in their homes under government regulations. A good thing that has generally developed amongst people here, and especially within the Jamaat in various countries through Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and volunteers, is that they are giving greater attention to providing help, support, medical aid or other facilities to people. Through these actions, where we benefit ourselves, we are also benefitting others from outside the community who are impressed by this.

Therefore, this increased vigour to serve humanity should not just be temporary during these unprecedented times, rather we should make this a permanent feature of our lives.

In any case, additionally, what are the spiritual benefits from remaining at home?

People write to me that a new environment has been formed in their homes by praying in congregation, delivering religious talks after the prayers and by listening or watching the Friday Sermon and other MTA programmes together.

This lockdown may extend further and even cover the whole Ramadan period.

In any case we should strive to make the aforementioned habits a permanent part of our lives.

Further, we should give children small lessons and teach them. As I said in a previous sermon that through this, you can increase your and your children’s knowledge. Pay special heed to praying and beseech Allah the Almighty for His mercy for both yourself and the world in general. So, from these days that Allah that Almighty has provided us, we should derive maximum benefit.

As I have said, a new atmosphere has developed in people’s homes owing to this pandemic, but we should try and improve this even further. Our homes should not become like those of many worldly people where it is often reported that domestic quarrels and disputes have increased leading to further anxiety and restlessness.

Through giving attention to those righteous acts, we have been reminded that we should constantly improve the environment of our homes.

Sometimes, there are men who do not properly play a part in the righteous household atmosphere that is being formed, whereas there are also some women who have other priorities and preferences. People who act in this manner are completely unaware of just how much, in these circumstances, we need to be praying and bowing down to God the Almighty and seeking His pleasure. This is also a time when we can bring our children closer to Allah the Almighty.

The Khalifa’s love for each one of his followers Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “It is only the Khalifa of the time who is anxious for Ahmadi children to seek education and is concerned for their good health. In short, there is no problem of any Ahmadi, anywhere in the world, be it of someone’s private life or of the Jamaat as a whole, regarding which the Khalifa of the time is not concerned about, and for which, apart from his practical efforts, he does not prostrate before God to pray. Before sleeping at night, there is no country of the world that I do not visit in my imagination and no Ahmadi for whom I do not pray whilst sleeping and whilst awake. I am not saying this to count favours, no, this is my duty.

May Allah the Exalted make me perform my duty more than ever.”

(Friday Sermon, 6 June 2014)

Therefore, every one of our Ahmadi homes should pay special attention to this during these days so that we can attain the love of Allah the Almighty and a prosperous end. May Allah the Almighty enable us to attain and remain established upon taqwa.

On different occasions the Promised Messiahas has explained taqwa from various perspectives. The Promised Messiahas is the most secure fortress of this era. He is that strong fortress and refuge who having received guidance from Allah the Almighty, explained to us the true teachings of Islam. With great pain and passion, he has shown us the ways of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa and drawn our attention to entering that sanctuary. It therefore behoves us having pledged allegiance to him and joining his community to act upon his teachings and fulfil our pledge.

We should reflect upon the Promised Messiah’sas heartfelt words and then

implement them. When we come to fulfil our pledges, we will adorn our lives in this world and the hereafter.

At present, I shall read out some extracts of the Promised Messiahas where he addressed members of the Jamaat in various gatherings to help improve their level of spirituality and taqwa. In one gathering, explaining the true meaning of taqwa and how it can be attained, the Promised Messiahas says: “First and foremost, one should understand the true meaning of taqwa and how one can attain it. Taqwa means to desist from even the most nominal and smallest elements of immorality and impurity. This can be achieved by devising such robust and complete strategies and efforts through which you avoid crossing paths with sin altogether. However, it is insufficient to only make efforts. In fact, one also needs to fulfil the right of prayers and pray in a way that melts the heart.

“Whist sitting, standing, bowing and

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

38 prostrating in prayer, in Tahajjud, in fact at all times, one should constantly pray for Allah the Almighty to deliver him from the depravity of sin and transgression.

There is no greater blessing than gaining salvation from sin and becoming an innocent individual, where Allah the Almighty considers him as righteous and truthful.” However, the Promised Messiahas says, “this blessing is not attained through efforts alone, nor is it attained through solely prayers.” It is insufficient to only make efforts and it is also not enough to only pray. “In fact, this is achieved through the combination of prayers and efforts.”

Unless you take efforts and prayers to their highest point, you will not be able to attain this. The Promised Messiahas says: “One who only prays and fails to make efforts is guilty of sin and is putting God Almighty on trial. Similarly, one who makes efforts alone and abandons prayer acts with insolence is indifferent to God Almighty and believes that they can carry out righteous deeds through personal efforts and plans.”

One cannot become pious through mere efforts alone. The Promised Messiahas then says: “However, this is not the way of a true Muslim and believer; he, in fact, utilises both prayer and efforts. He makes full efforts and planning and recourses to the resources and means available to him. Then he leaves the matter to God the Almighty and prays to Him. Indeed, this is the teaching we have been given in the very first chapter of the Holy Quran, where God Almighty says: َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ِا ّیاک ن ْع ُب ُد َو ِا ّیاک ن ْس َت ِعی ُن‬ “‘Thee Alone do We Worship and Thee Alone do We Implore for Help.’ One who does not use his faculties appropriately not only dishonours them but is also guilty of sin.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 337-338) Then, whilst further elaborating on this, the Promised Messiahas states: “Man should fully avail the faculties granted to him by God Almighty and then entrust Him with the outcome. He should plead to God by saying, ‘I have made use of these faculties to the extent of which You have granted me.’ This is َ َ َ the meaning of ‫[ ِا ّیاک ن ْع ُب ُد‬Thee alone do we ْ َ َ َ worship]. Then he says ‫[ َو ِا ّیاک ن ْس َت ِعی ُن‬Thee alone do we implore for help] and seeks help of God Almighty whilst saying ‘I seek Your support in the remaining stages.’”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 338-339, footnote) However, we should always bear in mind that God Almighty is aware of our inner state and of all our actions. Therefore, one should make maximum effort to the best of one’s abilities, as only then will one be able to seek the help of God Almighty.

Hence, one must fully assess themselves in this matter and always consider whether or not they are acting with taqwa.

The Promised Messiahas then states: “There is no doubt that at times, man derives benefit by means of his planning.

However, to place full trust in one’s own plans is the height of foolishness and ignorance. Planning without prayer is

futile and prayer without planning is of no benefit. It is necessary that one first closes the window through which sin can pass.”

In other words, one should get rid of the hole through which sin can enter and eliminate whatever factor may cause sin to be committed, be it disobedience or swaying away from religion. The Promised Messiahas states that one should first close this window and continue praying for the constant inner struggle. This is why it is stated: َّ َ َ َ​َ َ ‫َوالَّذیْ َن َج‬ ‫اہ ُد ْوا فِ ْینا لَن ْہ ِدیَن ُہ ْم ُس ُبلنا‬ ِ [‘And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways.’ (Surah al-Ankabut, Ch.29: V.70)] “How wonderfully has the guidance to act upon one’s planning been mentioned in this. Even in planning, one should not forsake God Almighty. On the other hand, it is stated: ُ ُ َ ‫ا ْد ُعوْنِ ْٓی ا ْس َت ِج ْب لَک ْم‬ [‘Pray unto Me; I will answer (your prayer).’ (Surah al-Mu‘min, Ch.40: V.61)] Therefore, if man truly desires to attain taqwa, he should plan and supplicate and fulfil the rights of both aspects. In such circumstances will God Almighty have mercy. However, if one were to act upon one and abandon the other, he would remain deprived.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp.

338-339) Whilst further expounding upon this, the Promised Messiahas states: “This is how one remains firmly established upon taqwa”, i.e. through planning and prayer “and Taqwa is the root of all deeds.”

The Promised Messiahas states that man remains firmly rooted in righteousness through this, i.e. the means which have been previously mentioned, that is planning and prayer.

“One remains firmly established in righteousness through this and the root of all deeds is taqwa. Whoever is void of this is a sinner. The beauty in one’s actions is brought about through taqwa”, that is the beauty of one’s deeds is created by means of righteousness; “by means of this can one attain nearness to God Almighty and through this does one become a friend of God. God Almighty states: ُ َّ ْ َّ ٓ ُ َ ‫ِا ْن ا ْول َِیآؤ ٗہ ِالا ال ُمتقوْ َن‬ [‘Its (true) guardians are only those who are righteous.’ (Surah al-Anfal, Ch.8: V.35)]” Whilst expounding upon this verse, ُ َّ ْ َّ ٓ ُ َ ‫ ِا ْن ا ْول َِیآؤ ٗہ ِالا ال ُمتقوْ َن‬i.e. ‘Its [true] guardians are only those who are righteous’, the Promised Messiahas states: “To attain this friendship, one must possess taqwa. If one were to attain this whilst remaining fearful of God, then he would surely attain excellence.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 340, footnote) If one desires to be a friend of God, he must remember that it can only be attained through righteousness and if he has the fear of God in his heart, then he will be able reach the stage of excellence.

The Promised Messiahas then states:

“When there remain absolutely no further stages of taqwa, one will then be counted amongst the ‘friends of Allah’. In reality, the final stage of taqwa is a sort of death because when one contests all the sides of the inner self, it will cease to exist.

This is why it is said: ُ َ َ َ ُ ‫ُموْتوْا ق ْب َل ا ْن ت ُموْتوْا‬ [‘Bring about a death (of your inner self) before death overtakes you’.]

The inner-self desires worldly pleasures and is completely unaware of the hidden pleasures (i.e. it does not know of the pleasures of God Almighty and the spiritual pleasures which are hidden).

Man only knows the apparent attractions of the world and that is all that the innerself desires.”

The Promised Messiahas then states: “In order to make the inner self aware of this, it is necessary for one to firstly bring about a death upon the worldly and physical pleasures and make the inner self aware of the hidden pleasures”; worldly desires should be eradicated and only then will the self become aware of the hidden pleasures. “It is at this point that the divine pleasures, which are a manifestation of the heavenly life, shall begin.”

When one begins to learn of the hidden pleasures, then the manifestation of the heavenly life will also begin. Whilst advising his community in this regard, the Promised Messiahas states: “The members of our Jamaat should bring about a death upon themselves.”

This was not just his advice to those who have attained great spiritual heights and people of greater esteem, rather it was generally to each and every member of the Jamaat. Do not be under the impression that one must hold a special rank to reach God Almighty and that not every person can attain this. The Promised Messiahas gave general advice and said to his Community. He states: “In order for the members of my Jamaat to bring about a death upon their inner self and to attain righteousness, they must first strive in this regard, just as when children who learn fine-writing at first, write letters rather sloppily, but in the end, after much practice, the letters become neat and orderly. Likewise, they are also in need of striving. When God Almighty sees their efforts, He Himself will show mercy.”

It was previously mentioned: َ َ ‫َوالَّذیْ َن َج‬ ‫اہ ُد ْوا فِ ْینا‬ ِ [‘And (as for) those who strive in Our path’] Whilst elaborating on this further, the Promised Messiahas states: “The meaning of ‘striving’ in the verse َ َ ‫‘[ َوالَّذیْ َن َج‬And (as for) those who ‫اہ ُد ْوا فِ ْینا‬ ِ strive in Our path’] is that man must practice and strive in this manner and pray to God.” That is when God Almighty will show mercy and grant the fruits of their labour.

The Promised Messiahas states further: “The meaning of striving is that man must practice and strive” in the same manner that a child does, “and so, on the one hand he prays, but on the other, he makes full planning and preparation.

In the end, God Almighty sends down His grace and the passion of the innerself will start to fade away and diminish.

Thereafter, such a state is brought about just as water is thrown on fire. There are many who are engulfed in the affliction of the nafs-e-ammarah [the self inclined to evil].”

The Promised Messiahas then says to his community in regard to their internal reformation: “I have observed that people among the Jamaat become involved in disputes”, i.e. there are mutual quarrels and disagreements, “and even the smallest of arguments can lead to one attacking the honour of his brother and quarrels with him. This behaviour is extremely inappropriate and this should not take place. In fact, what is the harm done if one admits to their mistakes.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “Over the smallest of matters, some people do not rest until they have humiliated the other. It is vital for our Jamaat to abstain from all of this. One of the attributes of God Almighty is ‘Sattar’ [the One Who conceals faults]; why then do they not show mercy to their brothers and conceal their faults. One ought to conceal the shortcomings of their brethren and not attack their honour.”

The Promised Messiahas further says: “There are still many people in the Jamaat, who, if they hear even a small point raised against them, become enraged. Whereas, it is vital to discard such emotions so that one develops meekness and forbearance in their disposition.” He further writes, “It is often observed that when two people quarrel over even the smallest of matters, they become intent on overcoming the other”, i.e. in order to win the argument over the other. “In such instances, one ought to forsake such emotions and in order to settle the dispute, one ought to willingly accept defeat. It should not be the case that in the dispute, one tries to humiliate their brother.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 341-342) The Promised Messiahas states: “To disclose the faults of others is the root of arrogance and a disease.”

As mentioned, the Promised Messiahas stated that to overcome one’s brother is the root of arrogance. Secondly, he mentioned about propagating someone else’s weakness. He further elaborated that if one has a desire to defeat their brother, it is the root of arrogance and if one propagates the fault of another, then this is a grave disease.

The Promised Messiahas says: “These matters cause the soul to decay and therefore one ought to abstain from such practices. Thus, all of these matters are associated with righteousness. The one whose inner and outer traits are infused with righteousness is deemed amongst the angels because no form of rebellion is left within them. Adopt righteousness, for only after this can one receive the blessings from God Almighty. A righteous person is saved from the afflictions of this world as God Almighty covers their shortcomings.

Until one adopts this method, all else will

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Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM be in vain and such people are the ones who will derive no benefit from pledging allegiance to me.”

The Promised Messiahas further says: “Always remember that verbally pledging allegiance to me is of no use for God Almighty desires one to bring about a pious transformation within them.” He continues, “One will derive no benefit [from pledging allegiance] and how can one do so when injustices remain within one’s character. If one still has arrogance, conceit, vanity, pretentiousness and is easily overcome with rage, just like other people, then what is the difference between the two?”

The Promised Messiahas further elaborates on this by saying: “Therefore, bring about a transformation within yourselves and adopt the most excellent virtues. If there is even one pious individual in the entire village, they will be astonished and influenced by him.”

If there is a pious person who has a virtuous disposition and grants benefit to others; if he is humble and controls his passions, then the Promised Messiahas has said that the people will turn to him owing to his beneficence. This is also a form of Tabligh [propagating the message of Islam]. A pious person who adopts piety owing to the fear of God Almighty is bestowed a spiritual awe from God Almighty, which impacts the hearts of others and they affirm that such a person is a man of God. The Promised Messiahas states: “No matter how much one opposes that individual, gradually they will become his followers, and instead of looking at him with contempt, they will attest to his grandeur.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “There is no doubt that the one who is sent by God Almighty is granted a part of divine majesty and this is the way of the righteous. Remember, to upset one’s brother over insignificant matters is wrong. The Holy Prophetsa was the embodiment of the most perfect morals, and God Almighty has declared that his example is the final model for mankind.”

The Promised Messiahas says: “Today, if one still has traces of barbarity within them, then it will be truly regrettable and unfortunate. Thus, do not slander others because sometimes, when one slanders another person, they themselves become embroiled in that trait for which he accused the other person.”

If he does not have the trait within him, then you will be guilty of defamation and become immersed in that very evil.

“However, if the other person truly has the shortcoming, for which he is accused, then his matter is between him and God. Despite this, no one has a right to slander another.”

If one has an ill habit, then that is between that individual and God Almighty. However, if the other person does not have the trait which he is accused of, then that accusation can revert back onto him.

The Promised Messiahas says:

“Many people have the habit that they immediately raise sinful allegations against their brethren, this is something that ought to be avoided. Provide benefit for mankind and show sympathy to mankind … be kind towards your brethren and courteous to your neighbours; treat your wives with kindness and above all abstain from Shirk [associating partners with God] as this is the first step towards righteousness.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 340344, footnote) The Promised Messiahas then says: “Righteousness means to abstain from even the smallest aspects of sin, but remember, piety is not that one declares themselves to be pious because they abstain from theft, usurping from others or avoids leering and adultery, as according to the wise, to call such deeds as an act of piety is worthy of amusement.

The reason for this is if one commits these crimes such as theft or adultery, they will be punished for it.

“Therefore, to declare this to be piety is of no value to the wise. True piety is that one ought to help others and strive in the way of God Almighty with complete sincerity and loyalty, to the extent that one becomes prepared to sacrifice their life in the way of God. For this reason, God Almighty states: َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیْ َن اتقوْا ّوال ِذیْ َن ُہ ْم ّم ْح ِسنوْ َن‬ “‘Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.’ [Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.129] “It should be remembered that simply abstaining from sin is not a virtue, until one also performs virtuous deeds along with it.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 241-242) The Promised Messiahas then states: “Let it be known that the root of every virtue and piety is belief in God Almighty.

The more one’s belief in God Almighty diminishes, the more one becomes negligent towards performing virtuous deeds.

“On the contrary, when one’s belief in God Almighty is strengthened, their deeds will also be good. When one has firm faith and believes in all the perfect attributes of God Almighty, at the same time, astonishing transformations are witnessed in one’s deeds.” When one has full conviction of the attributes of God Almighty, they undergo an astonishing transformation in their deeds. “The one who truly believes in God Almighty does not have the ability to sin because this conviction cuts off all the limbs of one’s carnal desires and sin.”

The Promised Messiahas then says: “Observe, if one loses their sight, how would they be able to commit adultery or trespass of the eye? Similarly, if one’s hands are cut off, how can one commit sin by means of it?” He further writes, “In the same manner, if one reaches the stage of nafs-e-mutma‘innah [the soul at rest], this state makes one blind and the eye no longer has the ability to sin. Although he can see, but at the same time, he does not see.”

Although one in this state can see, however they no longer commit adultery

of the eye because their ability to commit sin of the eye has been diminished.

“Although they possess ears, they are deaf. They can hear, but they do not hear any evil or sin. In this manner, all of one’s carnal passions and faculties as well as internal passions that drive one to sin are diminished. Every power that enables one to sin are destroyed and the individual becomes like a corpse. They only act in accordance with the will of God and do not move until and unless they are commanded by God Almighty.

This stage is developed when one has true faith in God Almighty and in return one is bestowed complete conviction in Him.” The Promised Messiahas further says, “This is the ultimate goal that one ought to strive to achieve.”

Then further elaborating on the real goal that one ought to achieve and advising the Jamaat, the Promised Messiahas states: “This is vital for our Jamaat and in order to attain perfect conviction, one ought to have perfect faith. Therefore, the primary goal of our Jamaat is that we ought to have true belief in God Almighty.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 244-245) The Promised Messiahas further says: “No one can be pure unless God Almighty Himself purifies them. When one’s soul falls at the threshold of God in complete humility and submission, God Almighty will then accept their prayers and they will be deemed a true righteous person. At such a stage, one will have the ability to understand the faith of the Holy Prophetsa. Until such a stage is reached, everything that one knows about faith, including all worship etc., is merely a custom and a philosophy that one has inherited from their forefathers and having heard them, they adopted it”; in other words, they would have seen their forefathers perform the same rituals and thus, they would adopt it, “but it would be devoid of any essence or meaning.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 228) Thus, this is the standard of righteousness and the level of understanding and implementation of one’s faith which the Promised Messiahas has drawn our attention to so that we may strive and act in accordance. We must fall at the threshold of Almighty God with utmost humility and whilst performing good deeds, seek help from Him in order to attain these standards and fulfil the expectations of the Promised Messiahas.

It is the acquisition of this very taqwa, which then enables one to properly utilise the exemptions which have been granted in the subsequent verses [which I recited earlier], which give further details of fasting.

God Almighty has left everyone to assess their own conditions, provided they do so with taqwa. If one is suffering from an illness, which does not allow them to fast or if the doctor has advised against fasting, then one should pay the fidya [expiation]. However, one should not search for excuses so that one can simply pay the fidya and exempt themselves from fasting.

The Promised Messiahas states that one

ought to demonstrate obedience when doing good deeds. One should reflect as to what instruction God Almighty has given for carrying out the particular deed.

Therefore, if one deeply ponders over the actual commandment whilst adhering to taqwa, one will know if it is better for them to fast or then to pay the fidya temporarily.

Furthermore, God Almighty has expounded in more detail that if one is sick or on a journey, then they should not fast because God Almighty does not desire hardship. However, when one recovers from their sickness, then one should make up for the missed fasts.

Likewise, one should make up for the fasts that were missed whilst on journey, even if they have paid the fidya.

Thus, whatever the case, it always comes down to the fact that one ought to adopt taqwa, instil the fear of God and know that He has full knowledge of our conditions, and then take any decision and God Almighty will grant the best results and outcome.

The Promised Messiahas states: “He whose heart is filled with joy at the arrival of Ramadan and was eagerly awaiting it so that he could partake in the observing of fasts, but owing to an illness, is not able to, is not deprived of his fasting in the heavens.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “Many in this world are prone to a habit of offering excuses. They assume that just as they are able to deceive the world, they can also attempt to deceive God Almighty.” They feel that since they have deceived the world, they can do the same with God. “Such people think of justifications from themselves and then exacerbate it further that such and such thing happened to them and thus feel that they have presented a legitimate reason to exempt themselves from fasting.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “However, this is not permissible in the sight of God Almighty. The scope of presenting excuses is limitless”; if one wishes to offer excuses, they can endlessly continue doing so. “If one were to adopt such an attitude, they could go on to offer their prayers whilst sitting and also exempt themselves from fasting in Ramadan for the rest of their life.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “However, God is aware of one’s intentions and plans; He is the Knower of the Unseen.” He knows every intricate detail and all of our intentions and plans.

The Promised Messiahas states: “Allah the Almighty knows who is loyal and sincere and who is simply offering excuses, thus He treats them accordingly.

God Almighty knows that the one who is loyal and sincere has anguish and desire in his heart, whilst one who offers excuses is bereft of such a desire. Thus, God Almighty grants a greater share of reward to the former because having heartfelt desire is a truly admirable trait. Conversely, one who simply presents excuses and relies on offering interpretations, this is such an act that holds no worth in the sight of God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 259-260) Thus, these are the principals which we

Friday 22 May 2020 | AL HAKAM

40 have to be mindful of. Allah the Almighty has clearly stated that there is no hardship for those on a journey and the sick and they can make up for the missed fasts later.

However, the Promised Messiahas has also stated that despite this, one ought to pay the fidya as well because this grants one the ability to fast. (Malufzat, Vol. 6, p. 258) Owing to the current pandemic, many people are asking that their throats will become dry and this could increase the chances of contracting the virus, therefore should they fast. In this regard, I will not give a general fatwa [edict] or decision, in fact I always reply that one should assess their own condition and make a decision for themselves with pure intentions of the heart and whilst adhering to taqwa.

The instruction of the Holy Quran is very clear that one who is sick should not fast, but to simply not fast because one could potentially become sick is not right. As mentioned earlier, that the Promised Messiahas has stated that in such an instance, one excuse would lead to another and thus, there will be an endless chain of excuses.

If someone claims that doctors have said that this could lead to problems, then I have sought the opinions of various medical experts and they also have varying opinions on this.

Some of the doctors have clearly stated that there is no evidence to suggest that fasting will definitely cause one to contract the virus. However, if someone develops symptoms such as a cough or a fever or any other symptoms, then they should not fast and if they have started the fast, they should break it. Those doctors who lean towards the opinion that one

should not fast or they stipulate certain conditions which lead to the conclusion that it is better for one to not fast, even their opinion is not clear.

On the one hand, they caution from fasting and on the other hand, they say that one may keep them by taking care of their diet. However, those who are less affluent do not have the provisions to be so selective in relation to their diet.

In any case, taking into consideration the various opinions, it generally seems that there is no harm in fasting. But, if one has even the slightest doubt [in regard to developing the symptoms], they should immediately stop fasting.

Some are of the opinion that if a person himself is healthy, but a household member is ill, even then they should not fast. However, the opinion of other doctors is that there is no justification for this. Nevertheless, whilst breaking the fast and at the time of keeping the fast, one ought to drink plenty of water. Those who are more concerned and also have the provisions should try to eat such foods which help retain the water in the body.

Hence, since there are varying opinions of doctors – which includes doctors from the USA, Germany and here [in the UK] – therefore we should be mindful of not abstaining from the fasts without any reason, lest we become counted amongst those regarding whom the Promised Messiahas states that they rely on offering justifications and interpretations.

Indeed, it is imperative that one takes all precautionary measures.

There are certain individuals who generally have a very low requirement of water and drink very little. They fast as

well but even in normal circumstances, they drink very little water.

There was an elderly gentleman, Chaudhry Nazir Sahib and he would go about his work all day in the summer, while we, however, would immediately go towards the water. I asked him on many occasions as to why he would drink very little water or at times, not drink at all. He replied that he had a very low requirement of water. Therefore, everyone’s nature and conditions are different and so, in the current circumstances, everyone should assess their own conditions and their health and seek a decision based on their own conscience as to how they need to take care of their health.

One should pray to Allah the Almighty to be granted the ability to fast.

One should pray extensively in these days that Allah the Almighty guide mankind and they come to recognise Him. Pray that Allah the Almighty quickly rid the world of this pandemic and bestow His mercy upon the world. Pray that Allah the Almighty enables us Ahmadis to fulfil the rights owed to God Almighty and His creation whilst instilling taqwa within ourselves and partake of the blessings of Ramadan.

Also remember that whenever the world suffers from an economic downturn, just as it is experiencing nowadays owing to the current pandemic, then the possibility of wars also increases. Some of the analysts are also mentioning this.

In such conditions, various worldly governments seek different ways to fulfil their vested interests through different worldly ploys. In order to divert the attention of the public, they make such

claims that can cause them to be engulfed in further difficulties and destruction. As I have mentioned that some of the analysts have also been mentioning this.

Thus, may Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to the powerful nations lest they take such an action which could lead the world into further disorder and destruction.

In fact, even the newspapers have widely published and also the political commentators have stated that the USA has threated Iran and is also levelling accusations against China that they did not disclose accurate information and that a lawsuit should be filed against them and other actions. Similarly, they have stated that they will take such and such action against Iran.

Therefore, the USA as well as the other governments should act with wisdom.

In the current circumstances, instead of taking a wrong action and causing the world to be engulfed in further destruction, they should act with wisdom and careful planning. And also, whilst turning towards God Almighty and prostrating before Him, they should seek His help; they should pray to be protected from this pandemic and also strive in their efforts to find a cure and help and support the scientists who are working for this.

Pray that Allah the Almighty grant us the opportunity to pray and to improve our conditions. Pray that He may enable the powerful nations of the world to form their future policies and plans with wisdom.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 15 May 2002, pp. 5-9.Translated

by The Review of Religions.)

What Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya works towards Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “Today, the institution of Khilafat – that is the institution of spiritual succession that leads the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat – is keeping Islam’s true teachings alive. The Khilafat of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat can never depart from Islam’s core teachings of fulfilling the rights owed to God and to mankind. Today, the institution of Khilafat is striving for peace in every possible way and to spread love and affection throughout the world.”

(Address to Non-Ahmadi Guests at Jalsa Salana Germany, 15 June 2014) Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2020