Al Hakam - 17 January 2020

Responding to Allegations

The world examined

Hadith in Commentary

From the Markaz

Is Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad the true Messiah?

Scanning the latest research and developments in the realms of science, academia, technology and geopolitics

A Sunni-Shia divide: Hadith-eQirtas

Canadian students meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 17 January 2020 | Issue XCVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

The popes and celibacy: The Islamic take A view of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

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

Excessive laughter Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, states that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “O Abu Hurairah, be righteous and you will be the best of worshippers. Be content, so that you can be the best of those who are grateful. Choose for others what you like for yourself, then you will become a [true] believer. Treat your neighbour in the best of manners then you will be worthy of being a Muslim. Do not laugh excessively, because excessive laughter causes the heart to die.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words Principles of the acceptance of prayer My Compassionate Master, God Almighty, has promised me clearly: “I will accept your every prayer.”

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ope Francis’ recent considerations to relax the 900-year-old celibacy laws for some South American Catholic clergy instigated the previous pope, Benedict XVI,

to speak out against such a step. A meeting of Catholic bishops, who discussed the future of the Church in the Amazon, presented a suggestion to allow

older, married men in the Amazon to be ordained. Such permission would counteract

However, I am well aware that the word “every” refers to those prayers which, if accepted, cause no harm. On the contrary, where Allah the Almighty desires improvement and reform, rejecting a prayer is also a form of acceptance. At times, a person is unsuccessful in achieving the result of their prayer. One surmises that God Almighty has rejected their supplication, even though He has actually accepted the person’s entreaty and acceptance is manifested in the form of a disapproval. In the specific case at hand, behind the apparent veil, in reality, the real advantage and benefit lies in the supplicant’s prayer being rejected. Since man is short-sighted and lacks foresight, giving importance to outward appearance, it is advisable that when he prays to Allah the

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History

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17 - 23 January A selection of brief incidents from the first and second era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya 17 January 1914: The illness of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih I, may Allah be pleased with him, worsened and reached a critical level. However, despite the intensity of his deteriorating health, he continued delivering lectures on the Holy Quran and Sahih al-Bukhari.

19 January 1950: The Jamaat in Sialkot convened its local Jalsa. During the Jalsa, opponents started throwing stones and tried their utmost to disperse the Ahmadi gathering. A positive outcome of the attacks was that a man, after witnessing how Ahmadis peacefully reacted, announced that he wished to enter the Jamaat. 19 January 1954: A court of enquiry for the investigation of the disturbances against the Jamaat in Punjab took a statement of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarulla Khanra. 20 January 1935: A religious debate was held in Nairobi between the Jamaat’s missionary, Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib and Saeen Lal Hussain Akhtar. After listening to the rational and logical arguments of the Jamaat, many accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.

17 January 1930: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, initiated a new series of announcements called Nida-e-Iman, meaning “The call of faith”. 17 January 1945: Hazrat Mirza Muhammad Shafira passed way. He entered the Jamaat in 1901 and served for a long time as the auditor of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, the central administrative body of the Jamaat. 17 January 1948: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud continued his tireless and passionate lectures on how the newly formed Pakistan could strengthen itself. On this date, Huzoorra delivered another public speech attended by scores of people. The public session was held under the presidency of Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir. ra

17 January 1950: A reception was arranged in honour of an Indonesian and some other dignitaries representing foreign countries. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graciously presided over the event and spoke at length to the invitees in English. 17 January 1958: A Christian bishop commissioned in Delhi, India visited Qadian where he was given a due welcome by Jamaat members. 18 January 1934: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set out on a tenday tour of Lahore, Ferozpur and Qasur. 18 January 1945: Upon the instructions of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra, Talim-ul-Islam Research Society was formed within Talim-ul-Islam College Qadian. This facility enabled the renowned college to further conduct original research. 19 January 1911: Due to extreme and sudden deterioration of his health, on this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira asked for a piece of paper and wrote on it that Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra would be his successor as Khalifatul Masih. However, as his health restored, he asked for the paper containing his will and disposed of it. 19 January 1933: On this date, a ship that Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafarulla Khanra was aboard, dropped its anchor on the shores of Mumbai after successfully sailing from England. On 22 January, he arrived in Qadian. He was returning after effectively proving the case of the political rights of the Muslims in India during the third Round Table Conference held in London. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra received Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafarulla Khanra along with hundreds of Ahmadis from Qadian.

20 January 1949: The Jamaat mission in Germany was revived decades later by the efforts of the missionary, Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib. The German mission had not been operating since 1924 due to the political and financial uncertainty of Germany at the time. 20 January 1956: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra asked Jamaat members to send letters of feedback regarding the standards and efficiency of Jamaat offices. These letters would be addressed to the private secretary of Huzoorra, who would choose passages to be published in Al Fazl. The purpose behind the initiative was to improve the Jamaat central offices. 20 January 1956: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed Sadr Anjuman to take suitable measures to ensure the preservation and protection of the clothes and relics that belonged to the Promised Messiahas. During the same sermon, Huzoorra discussed the future of the famous ring of the Promised Messiahra that has “Alaisallahu Bikafin ‘Abdahu” (Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?) inscribed on it. 21 January 1909: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira asked Jamaat members to pay special attention in helping orphans, people in need and students with insufficient resources. 21 January 1910: On this date, a Friday Sermon was delivered from the Masjid Aqsa in Qadian where the presence of women is also recorded. Perhaps it was the first time arrangements could be made for Ahmadi ladies to offer prayer in congregation at the mosque. Arrangements for segregation were made towards the rear of the mosque’s main hall. 21 January 1915: For the benefit of the Lahori Jamaat, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote a book entitled Qaul al-Fasl (A Decisive Word). 21 January 1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graced the awards ceremony of Talim-ul-Islam High School in Qadian. Educational institutions within the Jamaat like Talim-ulIslam School and College etc. were far ahead in terms of standards and education compared to other institutes. This was a result of the divine and insightful leadership of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. 21 January 1937: Malik Muhammad Sharif Sahib reached Rome, Italy to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. 22 January 1920: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra visited Madrasa Talim-ulMalik Muhammad Sharif Sahib

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the shortage of priests in the area. Pope Francis will make a decision on the matter but the issue of relaxing celibacy, even in tight parameters, has stirred controversy. Benedict XVI, the first pope to step down in centuries, said that allowing priesthood and marriage simultaneously did not seem possible and that he could not “remain silent” on the issue. Celibacy is said to instil focus and spirituality towards the motive of attaining God and advancing in clergy work. The practice was not always present in the Catholic Church and was introduced in the 11th century, later being part of formal canon law in 1917. Moral and philosophical arguments for and against celibacy have remained constant for centuries. However, Islam’s take is to be “celibate” from celibacy itself! The Holy Prophetsa of Islam prohibited all such self-imposed so-called purities, whether from food, earning or marriage. He did not even allow one of his companions to fast every day, granting permission to fast only on alternate days throughout the year. A famous saying of the Prophetsa is, “There is no celibacy in Islam”, and for the most part, all Muslim saints and mystics have been married and raised children. The philosophy of marrying and having children in Islam is to extend good to everyone – to live a life of spirituality, while also being present in the world around them. Man has been endowed with abilities to do good and to rise in spirituality; traversing the journey alone defeats the purpose. A collective and very “stayingin-the-world” ideology needs to be practiced. Besides, prohibiting celibacy caps immoral indecency and extinguishes an illicit and promiscuous society. History bears testimony to the obscenities and indecencies caused by celibacy. Islam, after all, is a religion that is intertwined with human nature and conscience. It serves all the possible needs of mankind, whether spiritual or physical. The Holy Prophetsa married multiple times, while also setting an example in the realms of spirituality for all Muslims to follow. His work was immense, taxing and burdensome, but Allah the Almighty ensured that he married, had children and led a very collective life where he shared his abilities to the wider community. The Rightly Guided Khulafara also followed suit and married, while leading the Islamic civilisation to wonderful heights. For all Muslims, faith leaders or not, marriage is an integral part of spiritual and moral development. The Promised Imam Mahdi and Messiahas of our age also married and raised children who would go on to change the world. His Khulafa also married and have led millions to spiritual and worldly successes. Thus, Islam’s leaders have led through their own example by marrying while also excelling in their services for Islam.

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

From the Markaz

Canadian students seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

The Canadian student body of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, AMSA (Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association), had a mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah be his Helper, on 11 January 2020. The mulaqat started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a nazm. A report was then presented before Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. The report stated that in Canada, there are a total of 1,311 Ahmadi students, 563 of whom attend university, 178 attend college and 412 attend high school. Nationwide events, programmes and other activities held by AMSA Canada were also briefly detailed. Following this, a research presentation was delivered by a student currently in medical school. The topic of the presentation was on practicing immunotherapy response in lung cancer patients. Huzooraa took a keen interest in the presentation while commenting on various research and slides. The student, through his research, concluded that there was a clear correlation between smokers and lung cancer. Keeping this research in mind, Huzooraa said it was Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya’s responsibility to now try and reduce the number of Khuddam who smoke. After the presentation, the students sought guidance from Huzooraa and also

had the opportunity to ask questions on various matters. One student, who is studying political science, asked how students could best utilise and manage their time. Huzooraa provided a very effective and simple technique to be productive and develop a good routine. Huzooraa advised to write down every single activity throughout the day for a week and the amount of time spent on each activity. For example, Huzooraa said to write whether one ate breakfast and how long they spent eating breakfast, or how much time was spent in the library or chatting with friends etc. By doing this, Huzooraa explained that a detailed and insightful picture of one’s day would be made apparent and so a daily routine could easily then be drawn up according to the information they recorded. Another student expressed that at some academic and professional organisations in Canada, during interviews or other events, people are asked whether they believe in or support the LGBTQ+ community. The student further said that a student at a certain university was held back a year because he did not support the LGBTQ+ community’s views. The student asked Huzooraa what one should do in such a situation and the best way to handle. In response, Huzooraa said that such

actions against someone who does not agree with the LGBTQ+ community is against freedom of expression. There is no justice in it as it should be a personal choice for someone who wishes to support a cause or not. If there is freedom of speech and thinking, then why does supporting or not supporting a certain cause matter with regard to one’s academic future? Huzooraa further stated that if someone is not granted admission into the university on these grounds, then the matter can be taken to court as it goes against freedom of speech, expression and thought. A biochemistry student at York University, who aspires to go into genetic research and study the origins of life, mentioned that the Holy Quran talks about many great civilisations that were before us and who held more power and strength, but were destroyed by a “a single blast”. The student asked Huzooraa if it could have been possible that these civilisations reached a peak of technological advancements similar to the atomic bomb and, as a result, wiped themselves out from the surface of the earth and that is why we have no trace left of them. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that it could be possible but there is no proof of this as of yet. Huzooraa said to the student that if he has any theories or finds research

on this, then he can present it. A student who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science at York University asked Huzooraa for advice for those Waqifeen-e-Nau who are the only children in their families and want to serve the Jamaat but also feel the duty to look after their parents. Answering the khadim, Huzooraa stated that if their parents have given their children to the Jamaat, the children should fulfil the promise. Huzooraa further stated that they should sincerely ask themselves what they felt was best to do. Principally, if a Waqif-e-Nau has vowed to serve the Jamaat, then they should serve the Jamaat as everything else becomes secondary. If they do not wish to fulfil their promise, then they are free to leave. Alluding to the dangerous state of the world today, a student asked about the likelihood of another world war breaking out. Huzooraa stated that for the last 15 years, he had been warning people that if the world continued as it was, the world, as we know it, would lead itself to another world war. The student then asked what the response should be of Ahmadi Muslims to which Huzooraa said that prayer is the only thing we can do. The mulaqat concluded with a chance for group pictures with Huzooraa.

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The world examined This series scans the latest research and developments in the realms of science, academia, technology and geopolitics, providing a glance at the ever changing world GEOPOLITICS Hypersonic arms race Though the nuclear threat is still humanity’s darkest nightmare, the arms race continues between the superpowers. Recently, China claimed to test its new hypersonic rocket, Xingkong-2 that reached up to Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound). The new rocket can “break through any current generation anti-missile defence system.” These new missiles can, unlike previous US ballistic missiles, “Dodge defences and keep an adversary guessing about the target” due to its ability to maneuver aerodynamically.

Meanwhile, Russia recently showcased its Kinzhal weapon, claiming that it could reach Mach 10 and another weapon that could travel as fast as Mach 27. The US Department of Defence (DOD) on the other hand is “pouring more than $1 billion annually into hypersonic research. Competition from ambitious programs in China and Russia is a key motivator.” Having the ability to overcome hypersonic missiles or defence systems would be a prowess of military advantage for any of the three superpowers, hence the constant injection of funding. “It’s a race to the Moon sort of thing,” says Iain Boyd, an aerospace engineer at the University of Colorado, Boulder. “National pride is at stake.” (sciencemag.org, 10 January 2020) The-need-for-speed arms race is yet another worry to add to the collection of world problems. Our political situation begs for such arms races to take place, drawing us further away from international peace. Until the world does not practice “absolute justice” and sways away from “vested interests”, no improvement will be witnessed. The arms race will continue, until one day, God forbid, it is forced to express its “might” and flex its muscles in a world war. We can only pray that the world refrains from such a state.

WHAT TO WATCH “Lost and Found” – A National Geographic documentary following Kamal Hussein, a Rohingya refugee who dedicates “his life to finding to reuniting children with their parents in the world’s largest refugee camp.” (Available free on National Geographic YouTube channel)

HEALTH Alcohol deaths rise, especially amongst women The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (in the US) analysed nationwide deaths each year from 1999 through 2017 that were reported as being caused at least partly by alcohol. “Most noteworthy to researchers was that the rate of deaths among women rose much more sharply, up 85 percent.” The results showed that 18,072 women died from alcohol in 2017 compared

with 7,662 in 1999 in the US. “More women are drinking and they are drinking more,” said Patricia Powell, deputy director of the alcohol institute, which is a division of the National Institutes of Health. Nevertheless, comparatively, far more men are dying than women due to alcoholrelated illnesses according to the study. (nytimes.com, 10 January 2020)

SCIENCE Interstellar origins of Phosphorous

Oldest material on earth discovered

“Life appeared on Earth about 4 billion years ago, but we still do not know the processes that made it possible,” said Víctor Rivilla, who conducted a new study published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. A key component of early life was phosphorus, one of life’s essential building blocks found in DNA. However, how phosphorus appeared on earth has remained a puzzle. Recently, astronomers, using ALMA and the European Space Agency’s Rosetta have traced the origins of phosphorus from “star-forming regions”. “The ALMA observations showed that phosphorus-bearing molecules are created as massive stars are formed. Flows of gas from young massive stars open up cavities in interstellar clouds. Molecules containing phosphorus form on the cavity walls…” The comets that hit earth most likely transported large amounts of phosphorous along with other organic compounds. (phys.org, 15 January 2020)

A meteorite that hit Australia 50 years ago contained the oldest solid material found on earth. Ancient stardust that formed over 5-7 billion years ago was found within the meteorite. The extremely rare stardust is known as presolar grains-minerals, made before the Sun was created.

PSYCHOLOGY Human success rests on imitation A recent article on phys.org panned out research supporting the idea that human success is not necessarily only due to our large brains and raw intelligence. Rather, “A growing number of cognitive scientists and anthropologists are rejecting that explanation. These researchers think that, rather than making our living as innovators, human beings survive and thrive precisely because we don’t think for ourselves. Instead, people cope with challenging climates and ecological contexts by carefully copying others – especially those we respect. Instead of Homo sapiens, or “Man the knower,” we’re really Homo imitans: “Man the imitator.”

“They’re solid samples of stars, real stardust,” said Heck, associate professor at the University of Chicago, and lead author of a paper describing the findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The professor said that “These bits of stardust became trapped in meteorites where they remained unchanged for billions of years, making them time capsules of the time before the solar system.” The findings will enable scientists to better understand how stars are formed in our galaxy. (sciencedaily.com, 13 January 2020)

GOOD TO KNOW The Feynman learning technique The physicist Nobel laureate, Richard Feynman used a relentless technique to ensure he deeply learnt key concepts and ideas. In a nut shell, the technique rested on the pillars that the definitive test of one’s knowledge lies in their capacity to explain it to another. If someone cannot explain a concept in simple terms, they do not have an understanding themselves. The Feynman Technique incorporates the following four key steps to learning: 1. Choose a concept 2. Pretend you are teaching it to a student 3. Review and observe gaps in your understanding. Relearn it and then re-teach it 4. Simplify what you have learnt further if too complicated.

LISTEN IN Iran: What Next? – A panel discussion of reporters and editors detailing what the latest developments mean for Iran and the US and current tensions. What does the future hold for the two countries? Listen free at https://theintercept.com/2020/01/14/iran-what-next/

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

Is Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad the true Messiah? Despite countless revelations and glad tidings about the appearance of the Messiah in our time, opponents raise objections against the prophethood of the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and question the reasons that led to the need for a prophet. Moreover, they question how the prophecy of kasr-e-salib (breaking of the cross mentioned in ahadith) related to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. They suggest that it was scientific knowledge which led to the breaking of the cross and not the founder of Islam Ahmadiyyat. One of the reasons for the appearance of prophets explained in the Holy Quran is: َ َ َّ َ ُّ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ٌ ُ َ ً ُ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ‫ون ال ِذيْ َن أ ْسل ُموْا‬ ‫إِنا أنزلنا التوراة فِيها هدى ونور ۚ يحكم ِبها الن ِبي‬ ُ ‫ل َِّل ِذيْ َن َه‬ ‫اد ْوا‬ “Surely We sent down the Torah wherein was guidance and light. By it did the Prophets, who were obedient to Us, judge for the Jews.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.45) It is clear that the Torah was present in the Israelites with its “light” and “guidance”, and it had not been subjected to any kind of alteration at that time. However, the followers of the Torah were in disagreement and dissension regarding its interpretation and other faith matters. Therefore, God Almighty sent those prophets towards the Israelites in the presence of the Torah, who presented its right interpretation after receiving knowledge from Him and provided just explanations to resolve religious disputes between the Jews. These prophets had no Law of their own and they carried out their assigned tasks in light of the Torah because it had all the necessary guidance for them, as the Holy Quran states: َ َّ َ ً َ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َّ ُ َ ُّ َْ ‫اما َعلى ال ِذ ْي أ ْح َس َن َوتف ِصيلًا ل ِك ِ ّل ش ْي ٍء‬ ‫ثم آتينا موسى ال ِكتاب تم‬ ً ‫َو ُه ًدى َو َر ْح َمة‬ “Again, We gave Moses the Book completing the favour upon him who did good, and an explanation of all necessary things, and a guidance and a mercy.” (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.155) The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “My Ummah will go through the same stages as did the Bani Israil. The similarities will be very striking, like one shoe of a pair has to the other, so much so that if a person from among the Bani Israil committed an offence against his mother, a similar unfortunate one would also be found in my Ummah. Bani Israil split up into 72 sects; my people will split up into 73 sects; with the exception of one sect, all others will be bound for Hell.’ [The Companionsra] asked, ‘O prophet of Allah, who will be these righteous people?’ [The Holy Prophetsa] replied, ‘They will be the people who truly follow me and my Companions.’” (Jami‘ Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Iman) The above hadith clearly indicates that the Holy Prophetsa foretold his Ummah about similar circumstances which were experienced by the Israelites. As the Israelites were subjected to dissensions resulting in their 72 sects, the Ummah of the Holy Prophetsa would be split into 73 sects, due to inner disputes. Had the Holy Prophetsa said

that his Ummah would not split into various sects, he would have removed the possibility of a prophet to reform and reunite them. On the contrary, the Holy Prophetsa gave the glad tidings of rightly guided Khulafa after him, then the news of the appearance of reformers after them and then prophesied about the Prophet of Allah, the Messiah of the latter days. Another reason why prophets appear is highlighted by the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty states: ُْ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ِين۔ َولَق ْد أ ْر َسلنا فِ ْي ِهم ّمن ِذرِيْ َن‬ ‫ولقد ضل قبلهم أكثر الأول‬ “And most of the ancient peoples had erred before them and We had sent Warners among them” (Surah al-Saffat, Ch.37: V.7273). The verse signifies that one of the reasons which leads to the appearance of a prophet is the corruption of mankind. At the time of the advent of the Holy Prophetsa and the revelation of the Holy Quran, most of the nations had fallen into moral darkness and

despair. As a prophet is sent during the decline of humanity, it is imperative to see whether the Muslims also fell in their standards like previous religious nations did. Was there ever a need for a non-law bearing prophet to come amongst Muslims after the Holy Prophetsa, or have the Muslims always stuck to their faith and remained united? Certainly, Muslims became disunited, corrupted and detached from one another. This was not insignificant as the Holy Prophetsa had already prophesied it when he said: “There will come a time upon the people when nothing will remain of Islam except save its name and nothing will remain of the Quran save its inscription. Their mosques will be splendidly furnished but deprived of guidance. Their divines will be the worst people under the heavens and strife will issue from and avert to them.” (Mishkatul Masabih, Kitab al-Ilm) The Holy Prophetsa not only foretold the occurrence of dissension within Islam

but gave the glad tiding of the Nabiyullah [Prophet of Allah] Messiah who would revive Islam and reform his Ummah. With regard to the age of the appearance of the Promised Messiah, the Holy Prophetsa said: “And I swear by the Lord in Whose hands is my life that the son of Mary shall surely appear among you as a just arbiter and shall break the cross, annihilate the swine ...” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Anbiya). This hadith indicates that people would be experiencing religious and mutual discords at the time when the Promised Messiah would appear. The Messiah would come and provide justice to the people. Soon after his arrival, the power of Christianity would fall as indicated by the breaking of the cross. Before the advent of the Promised Messiahas, there was widespread Christian missionary activity throughout the world to spread Christianity. Promulgation of the Christian faith was carried out parallel to political advancements. Countless people embraced Christianity through the efforts of priests and many more joined it owing to the monetary assistance that was provided to give solace to their hearts. The Prophetsa specifically warned of Christianity (out of the plethora of religions), pointing to the fact that during the time of the Messiah, Christianity would rule the world and have the most significant influential role. The Messiah would thus “break the cross” i.e. the arguments and influence of Christianity, especially those arguments that were levelled against Islam by Christian missionaries. Breaking of the cross does not mean that the Messiah would break the material crosses made of stone, wood or iron because this goes against the teachings of Islam. The Holy Quran states: َّ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ ّٰ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ٌ َ ٌ ُ ‫ض ل ُه ِّد َم ْت َصوَا ِمع َو ِب َيع َو َصلوَات‬ ٍ ‫ولولا دفع الل ِه الناس بعضهم ِببع‬ َ َ​َ ‫اج ُد‬ ِ ‫ومس‬ “And if Allah did not repel some people by means of others, there would surely have been destroyed cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.41) During the defensive wars fought by Muslims, Islam forbade to attack churches and synagogues. Moreover, it was forbidden to kill worshipers and scholars therein. The Quranic verse clearly proves that the breaking of the cross by the Promised Messiahas did not mean its apparent destruction. On the other hand, Hazrat Allama ibn Hajrrh states: ‫فیکسر الصلیب و یقتل الخنزیر ای یبطل دین النصرانیۃ‬ “The breaking of cross and the annihilation of swine means that the religion of Christianity will become ineffective.” (Fath-ul-Bari Sharah Sahih al-Bukhari) History bears testimony to how Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas, during the reign of the British Empire in India, was granted compelling Continued on page 16

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Hazrat Imam Shafi‘i Part I An early image of the Mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh in Cairo, Egypt

Malik Saif-ur-Rahman 1914-1989

Muhammadrh bin Idris al-Shafi‘i alMuttalibi was born in Gaza, Palestine in 150 AH, the same year as Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifa’srh demise. Thus, the same year a leading scholar of fiqh passed away, a child was born who would go on and become a leading scholar of fiqh. His father was a soldier in a regiment of the army that was based in a military encampment of Gaza. His father’s income was minimal. His father was originally from Mecca, whereas his mother originated from Yemen and belonged to the Azdi tribe. When Imam Shafi‘irh was still a child, his father passed away in Gaza and his mother took him to Mecca so that he may

be brought up befittingly among people of his tribe. At the time, he was ten years old and had committed the entire Holy Quran to memory. He belonged to the famous Quraish tribe of Banu Muttalib and Shafi‘ was the name of an elder of this family, after whom the family had taken its name and was known as Shafi‘i. After arriving in Mecca, Imam Shafi‘irh began acquiring education from teachers there. After acquiring basic knowledge, he studied hadith from the famous muhadiths, Sufyan bin Uyainah and Muslim bin Khalid al-Zanji. During this time, he began visiting the tribe of Hazeel which resided near Mecca so that he could gain proficiency in Arabic. The Hazeel tribe lived in valleys and were considered an authority in Arabic

for their knowledge of Arabic language and poetry. He learnt a high standard of Arabic from them and also learnt archery there. Once, he said, “Very few can stand against me in archery. If I want to shoot ten arrows at a fixed target, not one of them will miss.” During this period, he also gained familiarity with astronomy and medicine. He was a good poet and was considered a talented writer. His proficiency in language was reflected in his writing and it is for this reason that his books are counted among the great works of Arabic literature, even though they are to do with fiqh-related matters and not literature per se. Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh had a very melodious and touching voice. When he would recite the Holy Quran, people would be overcome with emotion. He spoke Arabic clearly and was an eloquent speaker. He would make use of proverbs whilst speaking. The famous muhaddith, Ibn Rahwayh called him Khatib-ul-Ulema [orator of the scholars]. When he turned 20 and had completed his education with the scholars of Mecca, he desired to travel to Medina to study the Muwatta from Hazrat Imam Malikrh and gain mastery in the field of hadith. This was at the height of Hazrat Imam Malik’srh profession and it was very difficult to be admitted into his school. Thus, he worked very hard to make himself worthy of being accepted. He acquired a copy of Muwatta and memorised the ahadith narrated therein. He also had the governor of Mecca write a letter of recommendation to the governor of Medina. With this, he set off for Medina. When he arrived in Medina, the letter unfortunately made no difference. However using his speaking skills, he managed to acquire a place in Hazrat Imam Malik’srh school. He then went on to get the attention of Imam Malikrh through his dedication and love for hadith. He stayed in Hazrat Imam Malik’srh company for around ten years. He also benefitted from the other leading scholars of Medina, which enabled him to become a scholar of hadith and an unparalleled authority in fiqh. A trying time for Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh After the demise of Hazrat Imam Malikrh, he returned to Mecca. In search of a job, he travelled to Yemen, where the maternal side of his family lived. With the recommendation of the governor, he acquired a position in Najran, which gave him financial stability. In terms of public relations, however, this post caused many problems for him. People were accustomed to dishonest

recommendations and fulfilling selfish interests. The rich people of the area were used to doing things their own way. Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh would work with complete justice and integrity and would not care for how influential a person was. As a result, a bombardment of complaints was filed against him. The new governor of Najran was a cruel and harsh ruler and he too felt strongly against him. At the time, the Abbasids were extremely concerned about the Alawites lest they gained influence. The governor of Najran therefore took benefit of this weakness on the part of the Abbasids and, through a conspiracy, complained to Harun al-Rashid that some Alawites had sought to stir up commotion in Najran, among whom was Muhammadrh bin Idris al-Shafi‘i. Harun al-Rashid immediately took notice of this complaint and ordered for the rebels to be captured and brought to Baghdad. Thus, the captives – among whom was Muhammadrh bin Idris alShafi‘i – were brought to Baghdad before Harun al-Rashid in shackles after suffering extreme cruelties. Rashid took everyone’s statement individually, which involved very brief hearings. He would then order for each one of them to be guillotined. One of the accused said, “I am innocent, but if you still wish to kill me, then please permit me to write a letter to my aged and ill mother, who is probably eagerly awaiting my arrival in Medina.” Rashid did not listen to him in the slightest and ordered for him to be beheaded. Imam Shafi‘i’srh turn came and Rashid said to him with a furious look, “You are dreaming of a caliphate and you think that we are not worthy of it.” At the time, people were drowning in their own blood; he was surrounded by a ghastly view. When it was his turn to talk, using his God-given faculty of wisdom, Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh said, “I am a victim of enmity and jealousy. Opponents have unjustly captured me. As the Amirul Momineen, you should ponder over how I can be a part of this when they consider me their servant and how I can go against your family, which considers me its brother.” Imam Muhammad bin Hasan was present in the court when Imam Shafi‘irh pointed in his direction and said, “I am a knowledgeable person and possess a thirst for knowledge. I have no interest in rebellions and this qazi knows it.” Rashid looked in Imam Muhammad’s direction as if to confirm what Imam Shafi‘irh was saying. Imam Muhammad replied, “Shafi‘i is speaking the truth. I know him. He is not a rebel, but rather

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM is a scholar and holds a keen interest in teaching.” Imam Shafi‘i’srh clarity of speech and Imam Muhammad’s endorsement worked in his favour. Rashid said to Imam Muhammad, “Very well, keep him with you and I shall make a decision about him later.” In this manner, Imam Shafi‘irh came into the refuge of Imam Muhammad and began residing in his house. There, he studied the Hanafi fiqh and studied Imam Muhammad’s books. This trying time became a means of excelling his knowledge further and thus, he became an imam of the fiqhs prevalent in Medina and Iraq. This favour of Imam Muhammad remained embedded in his heart forever and he would often mention Imam Muhammad with great reverence. Imam Shafi‘i’s school After living in Baghdad for around two years, Imam Shafi‘irh returned to Mecca and established his school in Masjid alHaram. This school gradually excelled to the extent that Imam Ahmadrh once said, “When I went to Mecca, I heard Muhammad bin Idris giving a lesson on hadith and fiqh.” He then said to his friend Ishaq bin Rahwayh, “I have just seen a young man giving a lesson and the more I listen to him, the more I become fascinated by what he says. Come, let me show you.” Thus, Ishaq bin Rahwayh also heard his lesson and was intrigued. Alongside teaching in Mecca, he also began writing. To explain his fiqh school of thought, he compiled a set of rules on deduction and thus founded his fiqh order. Here, he also wrote two books. One was Khilaf Malik, wherein he criticised his teacher, Imam Malik’srh fiqh-related views and expressed his views on the actions of Medina’s dwellers. He also referred to Imam Malik’srh care in deducting ahadith as “unnecessarily extreme”. The other was Khilaf al-Iraqiyeen, wherein he criticised Imam Abu Hanifa’srh views … In this manner, he served his duties of writing and teaching in Mecca for around 12 years. In 195 AH, when he was around 45 years of age, he travelled to Baghdad again. When he got there, he prayed at Imam Abu Hanifa’srh grave, offered two nawafil in the adjacent mosque and during the prayer, he only raised his hands at the beginning of the prayer. When asked about this, he replied that he had done this out of respect and recognition of Imam Abu Hanifarh. Whilst living in Baghdad, he authored two further books. One was called AlRisalah, a unique work on the principles of fiqh which had never been touched on previously, and the second was named AlMabsut, wherein he described the details of his fiqh. Both these books are famously known as Al-Kutub al-Baghdadiyah [the two books of Baghdad] and were narrated by his intelligent student, Al-Hussain bin Muhammad al-Sabah al-Za‘farani (died 260 AH). Compiled with a few other

booklets, this set is known as Al-Umm and is used even today. When he travelled to Egypt in 199 AH and interacted with the Maliki scholars there, he made some amendments to some of his books, which were narrated by another of his brilliant students, AlRabi bin Sulayman al-Muradi (died 270 AH) and are called Aqwal-e-Jadidah. This period, in which Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh was busy explaining his fiqh school of thought, was the period of compilation of knowledge. Whilst students of Abu al-Aswad al-Du‘ali were occupied in compiling rules of Arabic grammar, Al-Asma‘i and his students were busy collating Arabic literature and poetry. Khalil had just founded Ilm-ulUrooz; Jahiz was busy explaining the methods of critiquing and investigating Arabic literature; Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad bin Hasan al-Shaybani were occupied in collating the Hanafi fiqh; Imam Malik’srh efforts were gaining acclaim in Medina; narrating hadith was becoming an acquired skill; various groups were organising themselves intellectually and Kharijites, Shiites and Mu‘tazilites were engaged in combat with debates and conflicts erupting everywhere. In such an intellectual climate, Imam Shafi‘irh was occupied in searching for the truth. He cited incredible arguments on the authenticity of akhbar-e-ahaad [ahadith with a single narrator or very few narrators]. He earned the title of Nasir al-Sunnah [the Defender of the Sunnah] from the Muslim Ummah. In terms of qiyas [deductive analogy], even though nobody could compete with Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifarh, the services rendered by Imam Shafi‘irh in the field of qiyas stand alone and have a unique status. He explained that even though akhbar-e-ahaad and qiyas were sources of deductive knowledge, it did not diminish their importance. They were of equal importance and all human life revolved around this deductive knowledge. “Therefore”, he explained, “when we solve most of our day to day problems by means of this, then why is it that we feel insecure about resorting to this in matter of Shariah?” He would say that most problems could be resolved through the Quran and ahadith, but if any question still remained unanswered by them, then one can resort to qiyas through the means mentioned in the nass [sources of ruling]. He would say that any intellectual mujtahid [a person who practices ijtihad – exerting one’s mental faculty to find an answer] can answer such problems. In terms of ahadith, his knowledge was sound. Once, a person asked him, “I have heard that you answer all problems from the Quran and ahadith. Tell me, is there any compensation for a person in the ihram [sacred state a person must enter during Hajj] who kills a wasp?” Answering the question, Imam Shafi‘irh replied, “Allah says that whatever the Prophetsa says to you, you must act upon it and the Prophetsa also said to follow his example and the example of his Khulafa.

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Exalted and does not receive a result that seems apparently beneficial to his own preconceived notion, he should not think ill of God and conclude that his prayer has been rejected. God Almighty hears the prayer of every supplicant. “Pray unto Me; I will answer your prayer.” The mystery and secret is that the greatest good and benefit for the supplicant lies in their prayer being refused. This is the principle of prayer. In the acceptance of prayer, Allah the Exalted is not subject to our thoughts and desires. One may observe how dear a mother holds her child. She desires that no harm should come to her child. But if a child should cry and insist upon the absurd idea that they be handed a sharp dagger or a bright and glowing piece of coal, would the mother, despite her true love and compassion, ever approve of her child taking hold of a flaming piece of coal and subsequently burning their hand, or cutting their hand on the sharp blade of a dagger? Of course not. The underlying principle in the acceptance of prayer can be understood in light of this example. I am myself experienced in this regard. Where a detrimental aspect exists in a certain prayer, it is not accepted in the least. One can easily understand that our knowledge is not definitive and without its faults. There are many things we do with great pleasure, considering them to be blessed, and in our own view we consider their outcomes to be blessed as well, but ultimately they turn into a grief and affliction that clings to us. Hence, it cannot be said that all the desires of man are free from harm if fulfilled. Man is but a mixture of faults and errors; thus, as one would assume, and as is the case, some of his desires are injurious. If Allah the Exalted were to accept such desires, this would clearly contravene divine mercy. It is a matter quite sure and

Tariq bin Shahab narrated that Hazrat Umarra once asked a person in the ihram to kill a wasp. From this, we can ascertain that there is no compensation for a person who kills a wasp.” As has been mentioned previously that aside from qiyas, Imam Shafi‘irh considered all other means of knowledge as improper, for example istihsan [making a ruling different from that on which similar cases have been decided, on the basis of precedent], masalih-e-mursalah [consideration of public interest] etc. In fact, he deemed such methods harmful. Despite holding differing views, Hazrat Imam Shafi‘irh held other schools of thought in high regard and held no grudge against them. Once, a person asked, him, “What do you think of Abu Hanifa?” He replied, “He was the leading figure of Iraq.” When he was asked about Abu Yusuf, he replied, “He followed the ahadith and revered them.” Imam Muhammadrh was an expert of

certain that Allah the Exalted accepts the prayers of his servants and confers upon them the honour of acceptance, but not every foolish desire. Inner emotion blinds a person to what is best in the long run and moves one to pray to their own detriment. However, Allah Almighty, who desires the best for us in the truest sense and sees the ultimate end of all matters, rejects the prayer which He knows would bring about harm and detriment for the supplicant if it was accepted. This rejection of prayer actually constitutes an acceptance. Hence, those prayers which do not compromise the safety of mankind from calamity and adversity are accepted, and harmful supplications are accepted by God in the form of a rejection. I have received the following revelation countless times: “I will accept your every prayer.” In other words, this means that any supplication that is, in essence, beneficial and advantageous will be accepted. When I reflect over this point, my soul becomes satiated with pleasure and delight. The first time that I received this revelation, about 25 or 30 years ago, I was immensely delighted that Allah the Almighty would accept those supplications of mine which I would make for my own person or my dear ones. Thereafter, I understood that even the slightest miserliness must not be exercised by me in this regard, because this is a divine favour and Allah the Exalted has described the righteous in the following words: “And they spend out of what We have provided for them.” Hence, I follow an established practice for my friends, whether they remind me or not; whether they inform me of a serious matter or not, I regularly pray for their welfare in matters pertaining to their worldly and spiritual affairs. (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 101 - 103)

the branches of fiqh and was gifted in the field of qiyas. Thus, he expressed his views concerning Hanafi imams with great reverence and clarity. Imam Shafi‘irh was not fond of kalam [argumentation on the basis of Islamic scholastic theology], debates and such encounters. He would say that debates had no benefit and they only served to sharpen the tongue and entertain the mind and thus, they were futile. He would say that true salvation was in following the Quran and Sunnah. He would say to his students: َ َ ْ ْ َّ َ ُ َّ ‫ام‬ ِ ��‫اِیاك ْم والنﻈ َر ِفى ال‬ “Do not give any importance to matters of kalam and save yourself from pondering over it.” (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in Tarikh Afkar-e-Islami, authored by Malik Saif-ur-Rahman Sahib)

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Islam and spoke about the need of religion. 22 January 1938: Hazrat Master Abdur Rahman Sahib was imprisoned and fined as he was accused of writing and publishing a pamphlet that was considered against the law. In actuality, the pamphlet contained the teachings of the Jamaat and nothing harmful. He spent some time in Gurdaspur jail and was later shifted to Mianwali Jail. He was set free on 22 March of the same year. 22 January 1944: A special commission from Punjab University visited Qadian upon the request of the Jamaat. The committee was to survey whether the Jamaat could establish and build a college in Qadian. The commission gave approval for the Jamaat’s proposals. 22 January 1960: Jalsa Salana of 1959 was held on 22 to 24 January 1960, and was attended by over 70,000 people. On the final day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra took an oath from all the participants that they would remain engaged in tabligh after they returned home. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra 1953 speech’s audio was also played during the Jalsa. A new nizamat (department) was also introduced during this Jalsa to help improve arrangements for guests. 23 January 1921: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra devised a very unique and beneficial plan to foster interfaith harmony and help eliminate prevailing misconceptions. Huzoorra proposed that an exchange be set up between Hindu and Ahmadi students. Huzoorra graciously invited 20 Hindus to study the Holy Quran in Qadian free of charge. In return, Huzoorra said that Hindu faith leaders should accommodate at least two Ahmadi students who can be taught Sanskrit and the Vedas. Huzoor said that the Jamaat would bear all the expenses of this project. 23 January 1922: Hazrat Hakim Fazl-ur-Rahman Sahib set off for West Africa for tabligh. 23 January 1944: Sir William Patrick Spence visited Qadian and addressed Talim-ul-Islam High School. Sir Patrick Spence was a British lawyer, judge and conservative politician. He served as chief justice of India from 1943 to 1947. 23 January 1956: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra graciously blessed a reception held in honour of missionaries and delivered a speech.

100 Years Ago...

How can atheist Europe accept Islam? The speech of a foreign missionary, Qazi Muhammad Abdullah Sahib BA, BT, which he read out at Jalsa Salana Qadian 1919 before members of the Jamaat. Al Fazl, 12 January 1920 Part I

Qazi Muhammad Abdullah

First of all, praise and homage be to the Merciful Lord Who, with His grace and mercy, sent His beloved messenger, an embodiment of Muhammad Al-Mustafa [the chosen one], peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, for us so that when all the religions and various sects have emerged on the earth with their colourful attires, He may cause the rightful faith to prevail over all of them with bright signs. Peace and blessings be upon His holy messenger [the Promised Messiahas] and upon him whom he obeyed [the Holy Prophetsa], who granted us that light of divine insight through his spiritual prowess that we abstained from every kind of darkness and recognised the true Islam. Moreover, he caused us to drink such an energising and stimulating portion that we were not only revived from it but an extraordinary passion and devotion was instilled within us for the spread of this religion. Thus, congratulations O admirers of the Messiah and Mahdi that your religious fervour is not only limited to your countrymen but through your hard work and efforts, a party has embraced the true faith in other countries as well. There is a strong hope that it will progress, grow and spread every moment and at all times. It is an occasion of great thankfulness that the reigns of our Jamaat are in the hands of a resolute Imam. Through the blessings of his continuous prayers and unyielding courage, we hear the good news of success in far of countries. Truly, the help of God is granting him the title of Umar II [Hazrat Umar the second], no matter how bad the envious feel. It is quite surprising that once, an opponent of Ahmadas spread a rumour that the tabligh of Ahmadiyyat was like a deadly poison in the UK. The devotees of Ahmadas became overly astonished at this, for how is it possible that Allah Almighty sends His beloved for the guidance of mankind and promises complete success and progress to his mission and Jamaat, but on the other hand, some ignoramus says that the tabligh of Ahmad’sas mission in the UK is detrimental. This statement indicates three things: either this informer is an enemy of God’s chosen messenger or he is extremely ignorant or some personal gains compelled him to spread such nonsensical views. Be that as it may, just think about the state of that person when he reads the names of Muslim converts through our tabligh in the UK. This is such a defeat to him and his associates that they can no longer raise their

heads. In fact, it was a very fine trick that was played against Ahmadiyyat by the conspirators but they fell flat on their faces before the rightful Khalifa. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra has proved this fact by establishing the Ahmadiyya mission over there that the truth is with us and currently, the victory is bound with the name of Ahmadas. These people cannot succeed in opposing the rightful Jamaat. I assure you that the atheists of Europe and the philosophical minded people of the UK who live materialistic lives, and any other person, whether religious or non-religious, is not free from the influence of atheism and materialism. Making them accept the existence of God only by reason and explanation, to give them knowledge and certainty is not enough unless they are not made to witness the fresh and incredible signs of the Living God Almighty. God’s communion with man and the open door of divine communication is such conclusive proof of God Almighty’s existence that every doubt and uncertainty can be eliminated. This is a very conducive approach. There is no other alternative that can persuade atheists abroad towards accepting God’s existence with their hearts. We tried it many a time and each time, we were successful. There is no doubt that common people laugh and mock at the prophecies. The main reason behind this is that they have witnessed many false claimants of prophethood. Therefore, their conscience does not satisfy with it. It is rather startling that Khawaja Sahib came under the influence of these people as well and he does not look at a true prophecy to be worthy of any consideration. This year, I happened to meet him in March. During the discussion, he expressed great surprise towards this approach of ours that we convey the truth of Islam to the people by spreading and publishing various other prophecies of the Promised Messiahas and his prophecy about the Tsar of Russia. Khawaja Sahib said, “What significance do prophecies hold? Such prophecies are even foretold by common people. Recently, I came across a book which had prophecies about this war that are being fulfilled word for word.” I told him that such predictions could not be compared with the divine revelations that are granted to God’s chosen ones by God Almighty Himself, which are then fulfilled in extraordinary manners, regardless of opposing circumstances and become signs of [a prophet’s] truthfulness and a source of guidance for the people. I pointed towards a chair placed before us and explained by its example

that everyone could predict that the chair would one day break. There was absolutely no doubt that a time would come when it would decay and break. However, if some clever person predicted by observing the weak state of the chair and his healthy body that as soon as Khawaja Sahib sat on it, the chair would break, then it would be a proof of his intelligence. But if someone, without knowing and seeing him and without observing the actual state of the chair, predicted through divine revelation that God Almighty spoke to him and the proof of this fact was that such and such chair, which was present at a certain place, would break in a matter of days by the use of a person whose appearance was such and such, and it was fulfilled to the letter, then this would be proof of that person being the recipient of divine revelation. As I was clarifying this, Khawaja Sahib said, “You are explaining it to me now. We have been in the company of Mirza Sahib. I used to fear when he would give a prophecy because it is not decisive, rather it happens to put one in a difficult situation.” Thereafter, he narrated the long story of the son of Asadullah from Ludhiana. So, this is what I mean, that there is one such group who mocks when the prophecies are presented before them. Most probably, our Khawaja Sahib was so disheartened by them that he has withdrawn from one of the most influential weapons of the Promised Messiahas. The reality is that the progress of Islam in this age is dependent on this very way that the God of Islam who communicates with all His attributes is proven alive through His supreme and penetrating, fresh and bright

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

signs. This is the means whereby all of Europe will enter into the fold of Islam. It is very important to mention the Promised Messiahas in Europe because the personage of Huzooras is associated with such signs that are proof and testament of the existence of the All-Knowing, Wise and Omnipotent God, so much so that the earth and the skies cannot present such conclusive evidence of God Almighty’s existence compared to that person who is spoken to by God and is sent as the divinely commissioned reformer of the world. In truth, it can be inferred from the design of the earth and the skies that a Supreme Being should be its Creator, however it cannot be said with full certainty that He is, because nobody has seen Him creating them. It should be borne in mind that there is a huge difference between the words “is” and “should be.” “Should be” alludes to probability and possibility. So in order to demonstrate that God “is”, He presents the clear proof of His existence by choosing a man who is in a state of complete obscurity and raises him to guide the people. He says that the person is from Him and is His

messenger. “Obey his instructions.” “I shall humiliate those who oppose and disgrace him.” “I shall safeguard him from the conspiracies of opponents.” “I shall increase his honour and status by the day.” “I shall take him out from the state of obscurity and spread his eminence across the globe.” “People will come to him from far off places.” “I shall make him so and so...” At that time, the apparent condition of people is not such that they pay attention to his teachings, in fact the storm of opposition and hostility raises in such a way that it seems likely for this seedling to be annihilated. However, regardless of every kind of animosity and affliction, God’s beloved advances and triumphs. When people witness this progress before their very eyes, they then realise that surely, it is God who ordains a very weak person to be His prophet through His mighty power and makes the world submit before this prophet or in his obedience. This is more convincing than the design of the earth and the skies. What I mean to say from this explanation is that the message of Ahmadiyyat is not a deadly poison in the UK and in truth, Ahmadiyyat in every way is the only remedy for the incurable diseases of atheism and

through which the grace and blessings of God is proving satisfactory by all means. Secondly, God’s conclusive signs manifested in the form of the World War in recent times and have awakened every class of people. They are noticing their weaknesses and trying to find out the ways to reform them. The civilisation of Europe in which Christianity had extreme pride, led to such a destruction across the globe that there is no parallel to be found. The general public is angry from every corner [of the earth]. They are discontented by Christianity. They are trying hard for their problems to be solved by any means. Restlessness has increased at every level. In particular, there is mutual dispute between labourers and the upper class. Apparently, there seems no way for it to be resolved. It is only Islam that can bear the burden of this entire reformation. This is the time to promulgate the doctrines of Islam with full force. Presently, the whole world is in a furnace. Suffering has made hearts to melt. This is the right time to freeze the truths of Islam upon them. The ship of present day Christianity is sailing through a sea storm. It has countless holes in it. Its sailors, being fully aware of its

MKA Eswatini, Swaziland, holds second Ijtema Abbas Bin Suleman Swaziland Correspondent

The second Ijtema of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Eswatini took place on 22 December 2019 at Nhletjeni in the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland). The theme of the Ijtema was “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of its youth”. The first event of the Ijtema was Tahajud prayers, Fajr and Dars-ul-Quran. The formal session started at 9am with recitation of Holy Quran by Abdur Rahman Dladla Sahib followed by Siswati translation done by Abdul Aziz Lwazi Sahib. The Khuddam pledge was read by Mr Raqiq Msibi Sahib on behalf of the Qaid. The first speech was delivered by Mr Salim Dlamini Sahib on tolerance and its

importance in social life. This was followed by a speech by missionary Abbas Bin Suleman Sahib. Quoting verses from the poem “To the Nation’s Youth” written by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, he advised the Khuddam to take care of themselves as they are the future leaders of their people, they must lead responsible lives devoid of drugs and drunkenness. The speeches were followed by an open forum for questions and answers. Next was the sports session. Our Khuddam football team played against the area’s local team. This was followed by lunch and Zuhr and Asr prayers. The second session of the Ijtema was reconvened at 3pm where the academic competitions were held. Both Khuddam and Atfal competed in calling the Azan,

Salat memorisation and general knowledge quiz. The development officer of the area who accepted our invitation to attend thanked the Khuddam for choosing the area to hold the Ijtema. He said their youth needed such occasions for improving their life styles. He also urged the Jamaat to host many more events like these in the traditional areas of Swaziland. The Ijtema came to an end at 5:30pm with remarks and a closing prayer by the Jamaat President, Tahir Dlamini Sahib. Tahir Sahib advised Khuddam to be more proactive in Jamaat events like these, as it is the best sure way to enhance their knowledge and spiritual well-being. A total of 67 khuddam attended.

defects and slow advancement, are in deep thought to save it from sinking. Owing to its special organisation, the Roman Catholic religion is making progress because it has a devotional spirit. Therefore, if it is saved from sinking, then most probably, its followers would steer it towards Catholicism. Thereafter, there is strong expectation of a reaction like the reformation period. If free thought is awakened in liberal Christianity, it would be so destructive to Christianity that there will remain nothing of it. The breaking of the cross is happening by itself. Only moral teaching is left. There will remain no distinction of Christianity in it because the teaching of kindness and virtue has already been given to the world before Jesusas. Hence, this ship is not capable of directing the seekers of truth to any destination. The tempest of atheism and materialism has gone out of bounds. Another ship has been prepared for it, which can fight every kind of storm and escort to the port of salvation. It is that ship in which all of you have already embarked. Its captain is God’s chosen one, the Promised Messiahas and his successor in this age is Hazrat Mahmud[ra]. We benefited greatly from the English ّ government. ‫ھل جزاء الاحسان الا الاحسان‬. When we observe our noble government’s nation in a poor spiritual condition, then is it not our responsibility to wholeheartedly effort for their reformation? The time is not far and it is not impossible for God Almighty, when all of them will board the ship of the second Noah and join us. Our present progress is sufficient proof that they possess those noble souls who recognise the truth and immediately adopt it. They do not have such prejudice that once they realise the truth, they turn away without benefiting from it. It is beyond doubt that every truth is opposed in the beginning. Even those laws which were proven true from time to time through scientific research were opposed at first. However, once it is recognised that they are for their own betterment and welfare, they are quick to adopt them. The same is the case of religion. History bears witness to the way they renounced the faith of their forefathers and accepted Christianity. Thereafter, when doctrines of the Catholic faith became unbearable, they embraced the Protestant faith. Now, they are disheartened by it and owing to their freedom of religion, they will certainly adhere to the perfect and grand doctrines of Islam, provided that the message of Islam is conveyed to them in a suitable manner and they recognise that through it, their nation can hold its progress and advancement intact. This nation has greatly excelled in the practical side of worldly matters. The Holy Quran portrays them in a small phrase: َّ َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ ‫ضل َس ْع ُيه ْم فِي الحَ َيا ِة الدن َيا‬ [Those whose labour is all lost in search after things pertaining to the life of this world]. We have to clarify before them if we desire to make them accept Islam that surely, they will be able to overcome such and such weaknesses by adopting it. Once they are reformed, their national progress and wellbeing will strengthen.

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Ibn Haytham: The man behind the camera

Frontispiece of Johannes Hevelius, Selenographia 1647. Depiction of Ibn al-Haytham (left) holding a geometrical diagram and symbolising knowledge through reason and Galileo Galilei (right), holding a telescope and symbolising knowledge through the senses. | Wiki Commons

Jalees Ahmad London

Dozens of inventions come to mind that possibly created the largest transformation in modern human history. But there is one such invention that has completely revolutionised the 21st century; the camera. The camera is now part-and-parcel of our lives, and even the latest mobile phone launch boasts its “new camera specs” as a unique selling point. Today, according to research by Pew, of the five billion people who own a smart phone around the world, approximately 90% have only taken a picture with a smartphone as opposed to a purposebuilt camera, thus making the camera on the smartphone one of the most used functions. From selfies to family group photos, our phone cameras have enabled us all to become photographers in some way or another. However, one question which almost never crosses one’s mind is, where, when and who invented the camera? What

scientific research was necessary for mankind to get here? Who opened the gateway to such an invention? How far did science need to progress for someone to invent such a glorious image-capturing and breathtaking machinery? Picture this: The year is 965. The world has seen inventions such as the windmill and gunpowder among many more and they seem to be the most advanced inventions of their time. If someone was to attempt to explain to people of that time the concept of a machine that is able to capture a moment and save it as an image forever, instant laughter would break out. However, during the late 900s, a man by the name of Abul Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham, through his research paved the way for mankind to ultimately invent the camera. Ibn Haytham was a Muslim born in Basra, an Iraqi city located on the Shatt alArab, who spent most of his life in Cairo. He was an astronomer, mathematician and one of the most renowned scholars of the Islamic Golden Age. Ibn Haytham was famous for possessing great influence in

the fields of celestial physics, astronomy, optics and the science of perspective. (History of Islamic Philosophy, Henry Corbin) In fact, this Muslim scientist was the first to explain the science behind our vision and explained, through his research, that vision occurs when light reflects from an object and then passes to one’s eyes. (Philosophy in the Islamic World, Peter Adamson) Being a person who understood the complexities of scientific methods five centuries before the dawn of the age of science in Europe, among the many great works he accomplished, Ibn Haytham, also known as al-Hazen, penned a sevenvolume treatise on optics in Arabic. The work was later translated into Latin and his scholarly work is still being used even up to this day. In it, he explores and explains his research on light, colour and its interaction with the eye. One aspect which I will briefly cover in this article is his works in the field of optics and being the first to analyse and understand the science behind the camera obscura. The first mention of the camera obscura can be found in old writings of a Chinese literature of Mozi, a Chinese philosopher famously known for being the founder of the Mohist School of Logic. In Mozi’s writings the camera obscura is described as a collecting point. For centuries it was used as a means of studying and viewing eclipses of the Sun without endangering the eyes. (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Great philosophers and scholars such as Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci, Anthemius and Al Kindi all used the camera obscura in their research. Camera obscura, in simple words, means a dark chamber. “Camera” is Latin for chamber and “obscura” is Latin for dark; a darkened room in simple words. A camera obscura can be a darkened room or even a small dark box with a small opening to allow light to come in. Since light travels in straight lines, the light projected off the objects outside the box will then project itself inside the camera obscura. Through excessively studying, analysing and testing this science, Ibn Haytham was the first to fully comprehend the camera obscura effect, which opened new avenues to the gates of science. He began his analysis of vision simply by studying bright lights and colours, and came to the conclusion that bright lights cause eye pain from which he deducted that the eye receives something from outside itself and emits nothing. Ultimately, Ibn Haytham concluded that each point of an object radiates in all directions and that some of these rays strike the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and anterior chamber.

He further deducted that the rays that pass through the cornea are transmitted to the lens, which further transmit them as a bundle to the optic nerve. (Alhacen’s Theory of Visual Perception: A Critical Edition) His theory had tremendous influence on Western optical theorists such as Roger Bacon, Witelo, John Pecham (among many others) and ultimately Johannes Hevelius, the German scholar, famously known as the founder of lunar topography. In the title page of his book, Selenographia (1647), an image of Ibn Haytham along with Galileo is shown, indicating his respect and acknowledgment of these two scholars as being the two pillars of this science. Our knowledge of science and technology today is based on the 1,000 years of uncompromising research conducted by the scholars before us. These people were from diverse backgrounds and different faiths. Had it not been for them, it is questionable whether technology would be what it is today. Upon closer examination into Ibn Haytham’s life, scholars assert that the reason Ibn Haytham was able to accomplish so much was due to his thinking, vision and approach of life as a whole.

Illustration of the camera obscura principle | Wiki Commons

He was a Muslim by faith. Whilst reading and conducting experiments and research, Ibn Haytham would look at all possible views. And, instead of trusting what he read, he would question it. This helped him to not fall into the hypothesis of others and ensured him success as he further conducted his research. The camera we use to capture life’s finest moments would not have existed had it not been for Ibn Haytham’s revolutionary research. Prior to Ibn Haytham, many great thinkers wrote extensively and elaborated on the visual theories that were present but no real ground breaking progress was made. In short, Ibn Haytham was the first to explain that vision occurs when light reflects and bounces off an object and then passes to one’s eyes. So the next time you use your smartphone to take a selfie, a breath-taking scene or a photo at a family reunion, just remember that Ibn Haytham, a Muslim scientist, made it all possible.

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Wives of the Holy Prophetsa

Hazrat Maymunah bint al-Haris “Maymunahra has left this world … By God, she was the most pious of us all and the most devoted to her relatives.” (Hazrat Aishara)

Awais Rabbani Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

Name: Maymunah bint al-Haris Father: Haris ibn Hazn Mother: Hind bint Auf Tribe: Hilal Marriage to the Holy Prophetsa: 7 AH Family Hazrat Maymunahra hailed from a prestigious and noble family. Her father was Haris ibn Hazn and belonged to the Hilal tribe in Mecca. Her mother, Hind bint Aufra has been termed by a number of historians as “the noblest mother-in-law on earth”. This was due to the fact that she was the mother-in-law of numerous companions of the Holy Prophetsa. Before Hazrat Maymunahra, her halfsister, Hazrat Zainab bint Khuzaimahra was also married to the Holy Prophetsa. Her maternal sisters also included Asma bint Umays (wife of Hazrat Abu Bakrra) and Salma bint Umays (wife of Hazrat Hamzara).

Her original name was Barrah but the Holy Prophetsa changed it to Maymunah, meaning “the blessed”. Marriage The incident of her marriage is unique in nature. The Holy Prophetsa had seen a dream that he was doing tawaf [circumambulation] around the Holy Ka‘bah. In 628 AD, he set out with hundreds of his companions to perform Umrah. They camped outside Mecca at a place called Hudaibiyyah. However, the Quraish did not agree to it and instead, signed a peace treaty which had several conditions. This was a pivotal treaty to cease war and maintain peace in the region. One of the conditions of Treaty of Hudaibiya stated that the Holy Prophetsa and his companions had to return to Medina that year and the following year, they would be permitted to enter Mecca and fulfil the rites of Umrah. During the journey, Hazrat Abbasra approached the Holy Prophetsa and told him that his wife’s sister was a widow, and that, if it pleased him, he could marry her. This was Hazrat Maymunahra. The Holy Prophetsa

agreed to the proposal and hence she was married to him at a place called Sarif. Hazrat Maymunahra belonged to the family of tribe that was hostile towards Muslims. With this wedlock, the Prophetsa of Islam had intended to reduce the tension between them. Regarding her marriage, Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates: “The Prophetsa married Maymunah … and she appointed Hazrat Abbasra in charge of her marriage, and he married her to the Prophetsa.” (Sunan al-Nasai, Hadith 3273) Knowledge She had a keen sense of observation and had a hunger for obtaining knowledge. She is a narrator of numerous ahadith and several of them have been reported in Sahih alBukhari and Sahih Muslim. It is reported on her own authority: “I heard the Prophet of Allah say, ‘A prayer offered in this mosque [Masjid alNabawi] is better than a thousand prayers in any other mosque, except Masjid al-Haram.” (Sunan al-Nasai, Hadith 2898) She was a mentor, teacher and guide

for the Ummah. On several occasions she explained to them the intricacies of the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and imparted her knowledge for the benefit of people. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Bakr alHakam bin Faruq that Hazrat Maymunahra is reported to have said: “There is no deceased person for whom a group of people offers the funeral prayer, but their intercession for him will be accepted.” The narrator goes on to ask the number of people and he was told that it was 40. (Sunan al-Nasai, Hadith 1993) Faith in Allah All mothers of the faithful were staunch believers in the message that the Holy Prophetsa had brought. Hazrat Maymunahra too had firm faith in God and was resolute in her belief that the Almighty would never let her down. It is narrated from Ubaidullah bin Abdullah bin Utbah that Hazrat Maymunahra took a loan and it was said to her: “O Mother of the Believers, why have you taken a loan when you do not have the means to pay if off?” She replied, “I heard the Prophetsa of Allah say, “Whoever takes a loan intending to pay it back, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will help them.” (Sunan al-Nasai, Hadith 4687) So resolved was her faith in her Lord. It was owing to this determination and belief that she had the privilege to be part of a vision the Holy Prophetsa once saw. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra narrates an incident in Tafsir-e-Kabir that once, the Holy Prophetsa was asleep at Hazrat Maymunah’sra house. When he woke up to offer Tahajud and perform ablution, she heard him saying “I am ready” thrice, followed by the words “the help will be provided to you” thrice. When the Prophetsa returned, Hazrat Maymunahra asked him if someone was there to meet him. He disclosed to her that I saw a group of people from Khaza‘a tribe shouting and rushing towards me. They said that they had made a pact with the Prophetsa and his forefathers before him and had always abided by it. However, the Quraish had broken the pact and attacked them while a number of them were in the state of prostration and bowing down. They had arrived to ask for help. The Prophetsa added that when he saw their group, he told them that he was ready to help them. He then assured them that help would be provided to them. (Tafsir-eKabir, Vol. 7, pp. 113-114) Although Hazrat Maymunahra was not directly involved in the vision, she heard him call out the words and in this sense, partook in the aforementioned incident. Demise When she fell ill before her demise, she realised that her time was fast approaching. Hence, she asked to be taken to the same spot, Sarif, where she had first met the Holy Prophetsa for marriage. This is where she passed away as well. Her funeral was led by her nephew, Hazrat Ibn Abbasra. Hazrat Aishara spoke very highly of her. She is reported to have said: “Maymunahra has left this world … By God she was the most pious of us all and the most devoted to her relatives.” (Al-Asaba, Vol. 8 [under Maymunah bint Al-Haris])

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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UK missionary meetings and the best source of guidance

Raza Ahmad Missionary, Jamaat UK

Khilafat is the greatest blessing we have in this world. For an Ahmadi there is absolutely no doubt about this fact. It is a source of blessings and guidance for millions of people around the globe. Whenever we are in need of counselling as to what path we should take in our lives, we write and turn to our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Waqifeen-e-Nau often ask Huzooraa what career path they should adopt so that they can serve the Jamaat in the best possible manner. After seeking guidance from their beloved Imamaa, some decide to go into the field of research, while others opt for engineering or pursue medical careers. And then you have those who dedicate themselves solely for the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the strengthening of the Jamaat. The year 2012 is of great significance in this regard as this was the year the first batch of students graduated Jamia Ahmadiyya UK. 23 new missionaries were ready to be offered for services of the Jamaat. These were the first fruits of the direct tarbiyat of our beloved Imamaa and now they were being sent far and wide as representatives of the Imam of time. It is quite obvious that after graduating, the relationship between student and teacher changes. We no longer remain the young students who are being taught the vast knowledge of religion; who can turn to their teacher for every question even if it is for the tenth time; whose faults and mistakes are sometimes overlooked to teach us another lesson of life. Yes, this teacher of ours remains our teacher for the rest of our lives. He still has love for his students, but now, it is time for the student to put into practice what the Khalifa taught him with so much care and love over the past years. The responsibility of being the

representative of a Khalifa is something that none of us are worthy of carrying, but this is what our Imamaa expects of us, so we try our utmost with patience, prayer and obedience. It is impossible for an Ahmadi, including missionaries, to fulfil our roles and duties in the best possible manner without having a relationship with Khilafat. Khilafat is the fuel that keeps us going and this is the flame of love and obedience that Huzooraa has ignited and put into the heart and mind of every Jamia student who was blessed of having undergone that direct or indirect tarbiyat through the hands of Khalifatul Masih himself. Every instruction, every wish and every expectation of Khilafat has to be fulfilled and acted upon by the missionaries first, before we can even mention beloved Huzoor’s instructions to any member of the Jamaat. Missionary meetings since 2016 One of these instructions was received by Missionary-in-Charge UK, Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib some three years ago when beloved Huzooraa instructed him to have monthly meetings with all missionaries in different locations throughout the UK. Imam Sahib did not waste any time in following this instruction and so, our first meeting took place in Baitul Futuh Mosque in February 2016. It was Huzoor’saa instruction to have it in a different location every time so that missionaries could see for themselves all the mosques and properties of the Jamaat in the UK. With the increase of new buildings and mosques, by the grace of Allah, it took us almost three years and now, this round will be completed close to Jalsa UK 2020, InshaAllah. From the first meeting until today, we have had the honour of holding 36 monthly meetings in 28 different mosques and venues across the UK, Alhamdolillah. Hence, this report also intends to give a

map to the readers of where these meetings have been conducted. Our last meeting for the year that was 2019 took place in Islamabad which was a rather historic and very significant meeting as it was the first time it was held there since the move of Khilafat from London. We also had the opportunity to offer three prayers behind Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib regularly reports back to Huzooraa about every meeting that was held and receives direct guidance from Huzooraa. We have no words to describe how fortunate we are to be living and serving in the Jamaat that is blessed with having Khilafat in their midst. At the same time, though this is a fact that the fifth successor of the Promised Messiahas lives in the same country we have the honour of serving in, it demands from all 29 missionaries in the UK to work harder, pray and seek forgiveness more than anyone else and be obedient to a level higher than anyone else in the world. May Allah enable us to do so. Amin. 29 December 2019 meeting In the 29 December meeting, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib reminded us about our monthly reports we send to Huzooraa and the importance of being regular in this regard. Every month, we receive valuable guidance and instructions directly from Huzooraa through Imam Ataul Mujeeb Sahib and we have an opportunity to review our activities, exchange ideas with our colleagues and seniors and learn from each other on how to further improve in our work. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib then went through an article published in Al Fazl (27 December 2019) which was about a meeting with missionaries in the USA. In that meeting, Huzooraa gave some very pertinent guidelines for missionaries on how to increase attendance at prayers,

increase one’s knowledge and what the conduct and behaviour of a missionary should be in general. Huzooraa said that even if nobody comes to prayers, it is the duty of the missionary to open the doors to the mosque, call the Azan and offer his prayers in the mosque. He also instructed the missionaries to occupy their offices and plan their work ahead for the next three months. Similarly, Huzooraa said that as missionaries, we must never waste time and keep ourselves occupied with reading books of the Promised Messiahas or any other books that can increase our knowledge. In particular, Huzooraa mentioned Essence of Islam and the commentary on the Holy Quran of the Promised Messiahas. In a similar meeting with missionaries of Canada, Huzooraa reminded missionaries that now that they were missionaries, they should never forget that Allah is always watching and so, we must observe our responsibilities and duties with sincerity and honesty. After this, Imam Ataul Mujeeb Sahib asked for an update on the Seerat-ulNabi Jalsas and meetings held in different regions of the UK, which was submitted to him by the missionaries in writing. This was followed by some discussions on the national leaflet campaign rolled out by the national tabligh department UK, after which Imam Ataul Mujeeb Sahib conveyed the message of the Al Fazl newspaper to help them increase the number of subscriptions. Various points were raised about the blessings and benefits of Jamaat publications such as Al Fazl, Al Hakam, The Review of Religions as well as Guldasta Ilm-o-Adab and other newspapers and magazines of the Jamaat. During this meeting, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib informed the missionaries that one of our colleagues, Attaur Rahman Khalid Sahib, who is currently serving in Baitul Wahid, Feltham had been transferred by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to Ireland where he would be serving from the following month. We wish him well in his future endeavours that may Allah enable him, as well as every missionary, to live up to the expectations of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and serve Islam Ahmadiyyat in a way that is befitting of a missionary and pleasing in the sight of Allah. Amin. Lastly, Imam Ataul Mujeeb Sahib asked for ideas and suggestions regarding our upcoming refresher course. This refresher course was also started on the instructions of Huzooraa, which prove to be a great source of bonding and exchange of information, as well as education for all of us. The greatest blessing attached to the refresher courses (when they take place near the residence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa) is that we are blessed with the opportunity to offer prayers behind Huzooraa. The 2-hour meeting ended with silent prayer.

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Youth organise Jalsa Salana Jakarta 2019

Hafizurrahman Indonesia Correspondent

Muhammad Nurdin Sahib reports the following: Nabil, Erik, Falah and Fazal, all in their 20s, not totally experienced, but here they are on the Jalsa Salana podium providing information, reading out prayer requests and also organising all the departments to ensure a successful Jalsa Salana. It was their first experience to stand on

the Jalsa Salana podium and they probably never imagined that at the end of this year, they would be in the situation in which thousands of eyes attending the Jalsa would be looking at them attentively along with MTA International’s cameras. This scene in fact was new for everyone. It can sometimes be difficult to hand over the baton of service to the youth, who are younger, fresher and more innovative. Our founding father, Mr Soekarno once announced, “Give me 10 youths, and I will shake the world.”

This year’s Jalsa Salana in Jakarta has opened everyone’s mind that the spirit and inspiration of our young generations were truly unlimited. Why? To gather about 1,331 Ahmadis in Al-Hidayah Mosque, Kebayoran Lama and organise the whole Jalsa Salana was no piece of cake. Obviously, some doubted how the youth could possibly organise a whole Jalsa. How sure were they to guarantee the comfort of all participants? How confident were they to create this Jalsa more different and more unique than the previous ones? Alhamdolillah, it was merely through the grace of the Almighty God showered upon them that the youths, who were led by Wahyudi Prasetya, a khadim from Kebayoran achieved this difficult task. Teams were led by Khuddam who ensured a successful Jalsa Salana was organised. The creative team was led by Arif Rahman Hakim, a khadim from Kebayoran, who added new features that would enhance the Jalsa Salana. For example, the huge department of accommodation was led by Budiman Amiyuddin, a khadim from Kebayoran and his team, who served to make sure all the facilities for accommodation were available for Jalsa guests. Other teams were flooded with youngsters who were serving in departments such as decoration, audio and video, electricity and the water department. We saw many people, not only from various cities in Indonesia such as Aceh, Papua, Kalimantan, but also from around the world – Ghana, Nigeria, UAE, Pakistan, India, Cambodia, Tuvalu, the Netherlands, Australia and also the UK – expressing “Jalsa Mubarak”. Everyone here knows that it is nearly impossible to hold a programme in AlHidayah Mosque for a thousand Ahmadis! However, a new scheme was initiated this year. The walls separating the basement were removed and the basement was

transformed into a huge hall which would function as the Jalsa Gah for ladies with children. The priority was to make children comfortable during the Jalsa. As you came through the separate men and women registrations, the students from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Associations, both boys and girls respectively, seemed very engaged in their duties. Other students were seen serving in the security of the Jalsa Gah. In front of our mosque is an elementary school which, by the grace of God and due to our good relationship with the teachers and school management, permitted us to use the area of the school as a parking lot and bazaar. During the coffee break, participants would take a seat in the school area to sip a cup of coffee while having meetings and greeting fellow Ahmadis. The zeal to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, in the eyes of the youth was sensational. They wanted the event of the Promised Messiahas to succeed. Eventually, participants were spiritually uplifted due to the Jalsa as a result of collective prayers, listening to speeches and engaging in an atmosphere of spirituality. This was more valuable and fruitful than just having a long-weekend holiday at the end of the year, from 27-30 December 2019. Our Jalsa proved the quote of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth” to be true. We should give them the trust to take part in this true Jihad. Surely, then we will witness how remarkable and extraordinary they could be in their sacrifice. Insha-Allah, we will meet next time at Jalsa Salana Jakarta.

AMRA Academy: Thinking with engineers Mudassar Ahmed and Foaad Tahir AMRA UK

Society is made by engineers. Their job is to solve real world problems, whilst building and supporting infrastructure upon which society can live and flourish. This requires ingenuity and genius. It requires hard work and perseverance. To instil such demanding qualities, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) ran an engineering workshop on 27 December 2019 at Bait-ul-Moeed, Cambridge, UK. The workshop was organised under the auspices of AMRA Academy, the educational division of AMRA. This was part of the winter retreat for 12 young Ahmadi students from 4 different chapters of Hertfordshire region, with ages ranging from 13 up to 17 years old. The aim of the AMRA Academy is to enable youngsters to

experience learning in a hands-on way from experts in their respective fields. Previous workshops have included rocket building and DNA sequencing to name a few. This workshop comprised of two different hands-on activities for the participants. Automotive design: Building the fastest car Foaad Tahir, a University of Cambridge graduate and a Formula 1 enthusiast, who also serves as the Head of AMRA Academy, led this session and introduced the students to the world of automotive engineering. He highlighted the need to strike the right balance between the weight, horsepower and aerodynamics of the car, and how a heavier car would be desirable at the bends however a lighter car will go quicker on straight roads. This inspired some interactive discussion which was followed by a hands-

on-activity where students, in groups of 4, took upon the challenge to design and build their cars using K’nex. In the end, the cars were raced against each other from a slope with the winning car going as far as 2.9m. The activity gave students a flavour of automotive engineer and spurred interesting discussions amongst them. Algorithm unlock: An introduction to coding Mudassar Ahmed led the coding session. Mudassar is a final year PhD student at the University of Cambridge and a passionate engineer, who also serves as the Regional Director of Student Affairs (Hertfordshire). The workshop was designed to complement the hardware (discussed above) with the software to give a holistic picture to the young enthusiasts. The students were introduced to the world of coding, programming languages,

logic and semantics at a higher level. Numerous pre-written codes in C-language were shared with students on the laptop to give them a flavour of programming, which were compiled and uploaded on Arduino. They were later asked to tweak the codes to change the SOS blinking duration to ensure they grasped the idea. The session concluded with students sharing one real life example where programming is in action as well as the underlying high-level logic. The students found the session useful in getting to know the engineering behind the inventions around them including driverless cars. They felt inspired to not take the engineering marvels for granted and invest some time to familiarise with their working principles. If you would like advice on any of these activities please contact AMRA at research@ khuddam.co.uk

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

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Humanity First Germany Lunch for Maltese elderly donates Braille printer to Blind Association in Kosovo Shkelqim Bytyqi Kosovo Correspondent

Besmir Yvejsi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Kosovo reports that the InterMunicipal Association of the Blind in Prishtina, which operates with a membership of over 600 persons – including the municipalities of Podujevo, Fushë Kosovë, Obiliq, Lipjan and Skënderaj – recently made several requests to the municipality and the ministry to be equipped with a Braille writing printer. The municipality of Prishtina, in

donation, this printer will meet our longterm needs”. An important member of the Community of the Blind, Mr Asllan Canolli, who is also a literacy coach at Braille, was highly appreciative. He said: “The printer brought to us today by Humanity First Germany, through the Department of Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina, is very welltargeted and timely as it is a complete

Volunteer from Humanity First, director of the Association of the Blind and coordinator for projects and activities from the Department of Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina

collaboration with Germany’s branch of Humanity First, sought and found such a printer that would meet the needs of this community. This type of printer is indispensable for the normal operation of this association as printing in the Braille alphabet helps to make it easier to integrate into society. In addition to Braille printing, this printer also enables the printing of drawing and graphic art. With the grace of Allah, on 23 December 2019, the Braille printer arrived at the association and at the function of this donation made by Humanity First, representatives and volunteers of this organisation, the Coordinator for Projects and Activities from the Department for Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina Mr Premtim Fazliu, Director of Association Mr Ujup Rashica and some other members of this association attended. According to the director of this Association: “In countries of the region, such as Montenegro and Albania, there is a lack of this type of printer, and we in Kosovo only have one old printer in Peja that does not meet our requirements. Thanks to your

opportunity for the Blind to read in Braille. This donation was missing for many years but it’s never too late. This donation will benefit a large number of members of the association … I would like to thank the Municipality of Prishtina who has mediated as well as the donor and all those who have contributed to this.” The Coordinator for Projects and Activities from the Department for Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina, Mr Premtim Fazliu said: “From the very beginning of our contact with Humanity First, we have seen opportunities and marvelous success with the first project by delivering of assistance to families with poor conditions. With this success and the good cooperation, we have continued analysing other options we can collaborate and at the same time we can create and operate with other further programmes. Thus, in further contacts with representatives of Humanity First, we have visited the Inter-Municipal Association of the Blind here in Prishtina, where we have also seen the miserable conditions in which they are working. “Considering, that here, they are not

Laiq Ahmed Atif Malta Correspondent

In the modern and technological world, life has become so busy and hectic that the people who should matter the most many a time are abandoned and neglected. Marginalisation, deprivation and isolation are pressing issues for the contemporary world we live in. In such circumstances becoming selfless, caring for others and serving humanity is an unparalleled noble deed. The Promised Messiahas says: “The principle to which we adhere is that we have kindness at heart for the whole of mankind.” (Siraj-e-Muneer, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 28) Following this guiding principle, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta organised some charitable events during the month of December 2019. On Sunday, 29 December, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta organised a festive lunch for the elderly who feel lonely. A traditional Asian cuisine was prepared by the Ahmadi families living in Malta. More than 100 elderly people attended the lunch and were extremely impressed by the hospitality of the Jamaat and its services to humanity. All the guests thanked the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and said that in these days when people prefer enjoying very good conditions, either in their inventory but also as a building, and the concern of the Blind Association representatives was a lack of a Braille alphabet printer, representatives of Humanity First have taken this responsibility and made the order to purchase it in Germany. The printer was brought to Kosovo and today, 23 December 2019, we accept the Braille printer, which will not only increase the well-being of the Community of the Blind, but will also make their process of integration into the society easier.” For this help, the Director of the Department of Social Welfare in the

to spend time with their loved ones and also are busy in enjoying their holidays, the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community have sacrificed greatly to provide an atmosphere of care, happiness and friendship. Fr Charles Cordina, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia in Malta, also attended this programme and he was extremely moved by the services of the Jamaat for humanity. This event was covered by the National Television of Malta and One News; both media houses aired featured news during the night bulletin and also uploaded them on their websites. In this way, the message of “Love for all, hatred for none” echoed by Islam Ahmadiyyat reached every household in Malta. Prior to this event, on 18 December, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, presented 50 gift hampers to Dar il-Kaptan, an NGO that provides respite care services to people with special needs and to their families. Another donation of 50 gift hampers was presented to Caritas Malta for people in need and their families.

Municipality of Prishtina, Mr Dren Kukaj, said: “I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the Municipality of Prishtina to the organization of Humanity First. This is not the first time that they have helped us. I hope that it will not be the last. This time, they have hepled a very specific community; the Community of Blind and Poor Eyesight.” In addition, for this donation of Humanity First Germany, the Mayor of Municipality of Prishtina, Mr Shpend Ahmeti, as well as the Deputy Mayor of this Municipality, Mr. Selim Pacolli also extended their gratitude.

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Hadith in Commentary

A Sunni-Shia divide: Hadith-e-Qirtas Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra

ّٰ ّ ّ َّ َّ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ‫الله عليه وسلم َو َج ُع ُه َق‬ ‫ قال لما اشتد ِبالن ِب ِي صلى‬،‫اس‬ ‫ال‏»‏‬ ٍ ‫ع ِن اب ِن عب‬ َّ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ َ َ ً َ ْ ُ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ّٰ ّ ُْ َ ‫‏۔ق‬ ‫ال ُع َمرُ إِ ّن الن ِب ّيَ صلى الله‬ ‫اب أكتب لكم كِتابا لا ت ِضلوا بعده‬ ٍ ‫ائتونِي ِب ِكت‬ َ ُ ٰ ّ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َْ ُ َ​َ​َ َُّ َ َُ ْ َ َ ‫عليه وسلم غلبه الوجع و ِعندنا كِت‬ ‫اب الل ِه َح ْس ُبنا فاخ َتلفوْا َوكث َر اللغ ‏ط‬ َّ ْ ْ ََْ​َ َ َّ ُُْْ َ َ ُ‫الت َن ُازع‬ ‫ ولا ينب ِغي ِعن ِدي‬،‫قال‏‏ قوموا عنِي‬

[Translation] [Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrated “When the ailment of the Prophetsa became worse, he said, ‘Bring for me (writing) paper and I will write for you a statement after which you will not go astray.’ But Umarra said, ‘The Prophet is seriously ill, and we have got Allah’s Book with us and that is sufficient for us.’ But the companions of the Prophetsa differed about this and there was a hue and cry. On that, the Prophetsa said to them, ‘Get up (and leave me alone). It is not right that you should quarrel in front of me.”] (Sahih al-Bukhari) [Referring to this famous Hadith-eQirtas, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra said the following:] It is mentioned in a hadith that during the final illness of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, some people were arguing over whether to bring a pen and paper [for the Holy Prophetsa] during which the Prophetsa said to them “Get up and leave me alone”. This hadith, in its entirety, is known as “Hadith-e-Qirtas” [hadith of the pen and paper] and is a famous disputed hadith amongst the Ahl-e-Sunnah wal-Jamaat [Sunnis] and the Shiites. Shiites argue that the Holy Prophetsa asked for a pen and paper as he wanted to write a will in favour of Hazrat Alira, that he would be the khalifa after

his demise. However, [they allege] Hazrat Umarra stopped people from bringing a pen and paper so that the Holy Prophetsa would not be able to write such a will. On the other hand, the Sunnis say that Hazrat Umarra was actually concerned and worried about the Prophet’ssa agony, due to his illness. That is why he stopped others from bringing a pen and paper, as he did not want the Prophetsa to undergo more suffering. Sunnis maintain that such a thought [to conceal a will in favour of Hazrat Alira] could never have crossed the

New Year’s Day schedule of Jamaat Kenya Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

Hospital Shianda (23 Lajna members and 5 nasirat)

The humble servants of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, celebrated New Year’s Day in Western Region, Kenya in accordance with guidance from Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. Congregational Tahajud and Fajr prayer and Dars-ul-Quran was attended by 185 members of the Jamaat, including Lajna, Nasirat, Atfal, Khuddam and Ansar from 11 Jamaats. Thereafter, 247 members performed waqar-e-amal in the following areas:

3. Musamba Mosque and school compound

1. Shianda Market and the surrounding area (16 khuddam, 14 atfal and 1 nasir) 2. Ahmadiyya Mosque and Ahmadiyya

4. Ndivisi Mosque compound and market (14 members of the Jamaat) 5. Namusasi Mosque compound 6. Ematawa Mosque compound 7. Kakamega Mosque compound 8. Buhuru Mosque compound 9. Elwaminyi Mosque compound 10. Inyesi Mosque compound 11. Shibinga Mosque compound and neighborhood A total of 257 members attended these activities. Alhamdolillah.

mind of Hazrat Umarra. As this is a very famous hadith that is disputed and we Ahmadis also have to face Shiites from time to time, I wish to detail the reality of the hadith. 1. The hadith is narrated by Hazrat Ibn Abbasra َْ ُ 2. Theُ Holy Prophetsa said ‫أك ُتب لَك ْم كِ َتابًا‬ ّ َ َ َُ ‫ لا ت ِضل ْوا ب َ ْعده‬which means, “I will write something which, if followed to the letter, will make sure you never fall astray” 3. At the time, lots of people were present at the Holy Prophet’ssa house 4. Hazrat Umarra said: َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ َْ ّٰ ّٰ َ ‫ِإ ّن َر ُسول الل ِه ُصلى الله عليه وسلم قد غل َب ٰه ال َو َجع‬ ْ ّ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ ُ ‫اب الل ِه‬ ‫كت‬ ِ ‫ ح ْس ُبنا‬،‫و ِعندك ُم الق ْرآن‬ meaning that the Prophetsa was in great pain and they had the Quran with them which is a complete guidance and would serve every possible need 5. No one from among those present rejected the claim by Hazrat Umarra, that the Holy Prophetsa was experiencing great pain at the time ْ ُ َْ َ​َ َ ْ َ 6. ‫ت‬ ِ ‫[ فاختلف أهل ال َب ْي‬mentioned in other narrations] indicates the fact that the Holy Prophet’ssa family were also divided in opinion. Some agreed with Hazrat Umarra while others differed 7. Those present disagreed to such an extent that they began to argue loudly 8. As a result, the Holy Prophetsa told everyone to leave and said that arguing in front of the Prophet of God is not

agreeable. Apart from this the Holy Prophetsa did not say anything. He never insisted on bringing the pen and paper Firstly, the narrator of this hadith is Hazrat Ibn Abbasra. His age at the time would have been 11 years at most. For this reason, we simply cannot give such importance to a narration by someone of that age and as a result, label the very pillars of Islam [the Khulafa] as misguided and disbelievers. God forbid. If we attest to the notion that Hazrat Alira was meant to be the Khalifa immediately after the Holy Prophetsa and it was this that the Holy Prophetsa wanted to write down and the Companionsra deliberately did not listen to the Holy Prophetsa, then we will have to accept that the Companions knowingly disobeyed the command of the Holy Prophetsa and disobeying the Holy Prophetsa is known as kufr. We will also have to agree that the Companionsra would (God forbid), as a result, have to be labelled as liars and transgressors. This is because they purposefully blocked the right of Hazrat Alira as the first Khalifa after the Prophet’ssa demise and did this by devising a deceitful plan. In fact, accordingly to Shiites, the Companionsra forcefully took away this honour from Hazrat Alira. If we verify and accept these accusations against the Companionsra, then the entire list of Islamic victories, advancements and the services to establish Khilafat that were achieved by the Khulafa must be rejected and deemed un-Islamic. If we do so, nothing will be left of Islam. The beautiful and elegant edifice of Islam that the Khulafa toiled night and day for would be destroyed and flattened in an instance. Secondly, if the Holy Prophet’ssa message, which he wanted to write down and that would have ensured Muslims would not go astray, was that Hazrat Alira would be the next khalifa, then why, despite knowing this, did Shia Muslims go astray? They should have stayed on the right path and not have been divided. The reality is that Shias themselves were divided into many sects, going so far as to label one another as hell-bound. A sect of Shiites called the Ghalis go as far as to label Hazrat Alira as God... The third point to consider is that others were also present with the Holy Prophetsa. Apart from them, the Ahl-eBait (family of the Holy Prophetsa) was also present. Hazrat Alira himself was also there and amongst everyone. Now, if Hazrat Umarra is to be labelled as someone who disobeyed the Holy Prophetsa, then Hazrat Alira and, in fact, all the Ahl-e-Bait and Companionsra who were present are also guilty of disobedience to the Prophetsa (God forbid). Further, those who knew that the Holy Prophetsa was about to write a will to make Hazrat Alira the khalifa are more blameworthy for not bringing the pen and paper. (Originally published in Al Fazl on 17 January 1940 in the form of notes taken by Mahmood Ahmad Khalil Sahib from the lectures on hadith by Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra, a scholar of hadith and brother-in-law of the Promised Messiahas)

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

16

Faith-inspiring scenes at Jalsa Salana Mexico

Amen Aqeel Haider Mexico Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mexico held its third Jalsa Salana Mexico on 27 and 28 December 2019 in Merida, Mexico. The seed of Islam Ahmadiyyat was planted in Mexico in 2014 and since then, we have seen the prayers of the Promised Messiahas become manifest at every step of the way. Especially during the time of Jalsa Salana, one gets to witness first-hand the blessings of this community united under one leader. This year’s Jalsa Salana was no different. By the grace of Allah, 145 people attended Jalsa Salana this year, among which were members from the following five different states of Mexico: Mexico City, Yucatan, Chiapas, Queretaro and Campeche. There were also guests present from the United States of America. The theme for this year’s Jalsa Salana

Continued from page 5

evidence and decisive arguments by God Almighty through which he refuted the false doctrines of Christianity and “broke” their cross. As a result, Christianity in India was awestruck by the profound arguments of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. He was seen as an unstoppable force and a Muslim champion who began to defend Islam against Christian missionaries in India. Despite the aforementioned facts, the opponents of Islam Ahmadiyyat still propose that scientific knowledge led to the breaking of the cross and that the Promised Messiahas had nothing to do with it. The problem with this suggestion is that the Holy Prophetsa clearly indicated how the breaking of the cross would happen through the Messiah who was to come and not scientific knowledge alone. Being blessed with divine knowledge, the Promised Messiahas proved through the Holy Quran, ahadith and the Bible that Jesusas did not die on the cross, nor did he

was Tawakkul-‘alallah (trust in Allah). Therefore, it is necessary to mention faithinspiring stories that unfolded during the Jalsa Salana that truly embodied the concept of Tawakkul-‘alallah. In the small state of Queretaro, when a new convert, Irma Garcia Sahiba was informed about the upcoming Jalsa Salana and the blessings of this gathering, she responded that, God willing, she would attend. She later notified the missionary that she requested leave from her work for the Jalsa days, however she was not being granted any leave so he should pray for her. A few days before the departure for Merida to attend Jalsa, she came to the mission house and exclaimed with full conviction in her voice: “It is Allah who brought me to this community and opened my heart to Islam and it is He who will help me. My job supervisor did not grant me leave for Jalsa,

therefore I am quitting my job to attend Jalsa and I am leaving the rest to Allah.” Just like that, she packed her bags, got on the bus and travelled 22 hours to reach Merida to be a part of this gathering. As mentioned in the Holy Quran “And he whom Allah guides – there is none to lead him astray…” (Surah al-Zumar, Ch.39: V.38). As far as her loss is concerned, Allah also promises, “Thereby does Allah guide those who seek His pleasure on the paths of peace, and leads them out of every [kind of] darkness into light by His will, and guides them to the right path.” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.17) Guests of the Promised Messiahas started arriving on Wednesday, 24 December to attend the Jalsa Salana and the Langar of the Promised Messiahas was available for everyone. Langar food for all days prior to Jalsa Salana was prepared by members of Lajna Imaillah Mexico with dedication and the desire to serve, so much so that one of the Lajna members, who had just arrived after 20 hours of travelling insisted that she wanted to help with the cooking and serving. Lajna members who were already present insisted that she rest and that she could help later on, but she responded, “I am here to reap the blessings of Jalsa Salana, please don’t stop me.” These people have accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat in the past year or so, but their faith is remarkable. Among all the preparations for Jalsa Salana, the registration cards were also being printed for all those who had pre-registered. A 10-year-old tifl from Mexico City was helping with organising the cards and out of complete love for Khilafat, he stated with a curious smile on his face, “I think there is one card missing.” After enquiring whose card he was referring to, he answered with a longing in his voice, “Huzoor’s card is missing.” Later, he explained that he really wished for Huzooraa to, one day, bless us

with his presence in Jalsa Salana Mexico, Insha-Allah! Jalsa Salana proceedings commenced as usual on Friday, 27 December, however before any speech was delivered, a letter from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, with a special message for all attendees, was read out in Spanish. Towards the end of the letter, Huzooraa instructed everyone the following: “After the Jalsa, you have to return to engage in worldly affairs. However, your experience in this Jalsa will only be beneficial if you continue to give preference to religion over worldly matters. Faith must be given precedence in every case and you must always remember that behind the face of each Ahmadi is the honour of Ahmadiyyat, the honour of the Promised Messiahas and the honour of Islam.” Distinguished guests were also present during the last session and a few of them shared their remarks. When enquired about her first ever experience at a Muslim gathering, Ms Eva Virginia, a non-Ahmadi guest, who had travelled all the way from Queretaro to attend Jalsa for the first time, responded, “Being in this environment for the past 2-3 days has made me very emotional and wanting to have a closer relationship with the Creator. I cannot explain the feeling, but my experience has been very interesting and motivational.” In accordance with permission granted by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, Jalsa Salana Mexico was streamed live on YouTube. By the grace of Allah, two television stations and two news outlets also covered Jalsa Salana. Readers are requested to remember the Mexico Jamaat in their prayers that they may excel in devotion and sincerity to their Lord and the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Amin.

ascend towards heaven, rather he was saved from the cross, ultimately dying a natural death in Kashmir, India. This argument destroys both the concept of divinity and atonement. That is why Paul said: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians, 15:14). This statement shows that Paul knew if the concept of Jesus’ resurrection was proven as null and void, the whole edifice of Christianity would come stumbling down. A religious debate was held in 1893 between the Promised Messiahas and priests of Amritsar which was called Jang-e-Muqaddas (The Holy War) by the Christian clerics. Soon after this in 1894, an international clergy conference was held in London where the Lord Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, the Right Reverend Charles John Elliot informed the Christian world with great concern and said on 29 May 1893: “But perhaps the movement in Mohammedanism is the most striking. I

learn from those who are experienced in these things that there is now a new kind of Mohammedanism showing itself in many parts of our empire in India, and even in our own Island here at home, Mohammedanism now speaks with reverence of our blessed Lord and Master, but is not the less more intensely monotheistic than ever. It discards many of those usages which have made Mohammedanism hateful in our eyes, but the False Prophet holds his place no less preeminently than before. Changes are plainly to be recognised; but Mohammedanism is not the less aggressive, and alas! to some minds among us (God grant that they be not many) even additionally attractive. (The Official Report of the Missionary Conference of the Anglican Communion, 29 May 1894, p. 64) The Christian bishop singled out only one sect in the international conference of clergies from all the sects of Islam, which clarifies that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had managed to draw their attention by refuting their fundamental

doctrines and beliefs. The Promised Messiahas passed away in 1908. There came a revolution in the world’s mightiest Christian Empire of Russia and the new government announced in 1917 that they no longer abided by Christianity. Hence, a few years following the demise of the Promised Messiahas, the biggest Christian government declared that Christianity would not be their official religion. Countless churches were sold and many still have the boards of “For Sale” hanging outside. The prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa was fulfilled in the most astonishing and clear manner. The Promised Messiahas appeared and revealed the weak teachings of Pauline Christianity and refuted concepts of resurrection, divinity and atonement. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was the Messiah of the latter days. Jesusas will not return. This is an undeniable fact that the world is coming (and will come) to know.

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Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon Men of Excellence 20 December 2019 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In continuation of the accounts of the Badri companions, I was narrating incidents from the life of Hazrat Utbahra bin Ghazwan in the last sermon, which were left unfinished. There are some further details about him that I shall narrate now. In 2 AH, the Holy Prophetsa sent a military expedition to Nakhlah under the leadership of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jahsh, who was the son of the Holy Prophet’ssa paternal aunt. Hazrat Utbahra was also part of this expedition. I have previously mentioned certain details regarding this expedition in relation to another companion. Nonetheless, I will mention some brief details now as well. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes the following in Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin: “The Holy Prophetsa decided that the

movements of the Quraish should be surveyed from a closer distance, so that all the necessary intelligence with respect to them may be available on time and Medina could be safeguarded from all kinds of sudden attacks. Hence, for this purpose, the Holy Prophetsa assembled a party of eight Muhajirin. As an act of wisdom, the Holy Prophetsa selected such men for this party who were from the various tribes of the Quraish, so that it was easier to obtain intelligence with regard to the hidden conspiracies of the Quraish. The Holy Prophetsa appointed his paternal cousin, Abdullahra bin Jahsh as the commander of this party … “Upon ordering this Sariyyah [expedition], the Holy Prophetsa did not even inform the commander of this party as to where he was being sent and for what purpose. Rather, upon their departure, the

Holy Prophetsa handed him a sealed letter and said, ‘This letter contains necessary instructions for you. When you cover a distance of two days travel from Medina, open the letter and act in accordance with the stipulated instructions.’ As such, Abdullahra and his companions set out by the command of their Mastersa. When they had journeyed a distance of two days from Medina, Abdullahra opened the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa, which were as follows: “‘Go forth to the Valley of Nakhlah between Mecca and Ta‘if, and obtain information on the Quraish and return with news therefrom.’ “At the bottom of this letter, the Holy Prophetsa had written that after the objective of this mission became known, if anyone from among his companions was hesitant in accompanying this party

and desired to return…” i.e. after reading the letter and learning of the mission and understanding what is required, if anyone from among the party had any reservations or objections, they could return if they wished to do so and there were to be no restrictions for him. The Holy Prophetsa instructed that they would be permitted to return. “Abdullahra read out this guidance to his companions who unanimously affirmed that, ‘We happily present ourselves for this service.’ Then, this party proceeded to Nakhlah. Sa‘dra bin Abi Waqqas and Utbahra bin Ghazwan lost their camels en-route, and were separated from their companions. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to relocate their companions. The party was now left with only six people.” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM

18 states that an orientalist, Mr Margolius has written regarding this incident: “Saadra bin Abi Waqqas and Utbahra intentionally let their camels loose and used this as an excuse to remain behind.” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes, “Each and every life event of these devotees of Islam, who were ready to sacrifice their lives, is a testimony to their valour and devotion. One of them was martyred at the hands of the disbelievers in the campaign of B‘ir-e-Maunah, while the other distinctly participated in many dangerous battles and ultimately became the victor of Iraq. Therefore, to doubt the sincerity of such people, especially when that doubt is founded on self-concocted notions, is the work of Mr Margolius alone. It is ironic that in his book Mr Margolius claims that he has written this book being completely free from prejudice.” In any case, this is the practice of the orientalists, they never allow an opportunity to pass in which they can malign Islam or Muslims. I will now turn to the actual incident relating to this expedition. “This small community reached Nakhlah and became engaged in their work…” i.e. to seek information and intelligence about the movements and intentions of the disbelievers of Mecca, in case they planned an attack against the Muslims. Hence, they became engaged in their work. “With the thought of concealing their classified mission, some of them shaved their heads so that travellers etc. would not be alarmed in any way, and so that they would consider them as being such people who had come with the intention of Umrah. However, they had only just arrived there, when suddenly a small caravan of the Quraish also happened to arrive, which was travelling from Ta‘if to Mecca, and both parties encountered each other. The Muslims consulted one another as to what should be done. The Holy Prophetsa had sent them for the purpose of secretly obtaining intelligence, (and not for an attack) but on the other hand, war had begun with the Quraish. Both opponents were before one another and naturally there was a risk that now, since the people from the caravan of the Quraish had spotted the Muslims, their covert intelligence mission would no longer remain secret. Another predicament was that some Muslims thought that it was perhaps the last day of Rajab, i.e., a sacred month in which fighting was prohibited as per the ancient Arabian custom. Others thought that Rajab had passed and the month of Sha‘ban had started. In some narrations it has been related that this Sariyyah was dispatched in JamadiyulAkhir, and there was a doubt as to whether this day was of Jamadi or Rajab. However, on the other hand, the Valley of Nakhlah was situated right on the outskirts of the Haram and it was obvious that if a decision was not made that day, the caravan would have entered the Haram on the following day, the sanctity of which was definite. “Hence, taking all of these factors into consideration, it was finally decided that the caravan should be attacked, and the people of the caravan should either be taken

captive or killed. Therefore, they launched an attack, and as a result, one of the men from among the disbelievers was killed, and two were taken captive. However, the fourth individual unfortunately escaped, and the Muslims were unable to apprehend him, hence they were unsuccessful in their plan. Thereafter, the Muslims seized the goods of the caravan. Since one man belonging to the Quraish had escaped and news of this conflict would inevitably reach Mecca quickly, Abdullahra bin Jahsh and his companions swiftly returned to Medina with the spoils. “On this occasion, Mr Margolius writes that Muhammad[sa] deliberately dispatched this company in the Sacred Month, because in this month the Quraish naturally would have been unmindful, and the Muslims would find an easy and definite opportunity to raid their caravan. However, every sensible individual can understand that a small party of this nature could not have been dispatched to such a far-off region to plunder a caravan, especially when the enemy headquarters were so nearby. Furthermore, history categorically establishes that this party had merely been dispatched for the purpose of obtaining intelligence. Moreover, when the Holy Prophetsa found out that the companionsra had attacked the caravan, he was extremely displeased. As such, it is narrated that when they presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and informed him of the entire account, the Holy Prophetsa was extremely displeased and said: “‘I have not given you permission to fight in the Sacred Month,’ and the Holy Prophetsa refused to accept the spoils. Upon this, Abdullahra and his companions felt extreme remorse and shame. They thought that due to their incurring the displeasure of God and His Messengersa, they had been ruined. Even the other Companionsra reproached them over their actions. “On the other hand, the Quraish also raised a huge hue and cry, that the Muslims had violated the sanctity of the Sacred Month. Since the person who had been killed, Amr bin Al-Hadrami, was a chieftain, and was also a confederate of Utbah bin Rabi‘ah, a chieftain of Mecca, this occurrence greatly enraged the Quraish’s fire of fury. They began to prepare for an attack upon Medina with even greater zeal and uproar. Therefore, upon this occurrence, there was murmuring both among the Muslims and disbelievers, and finally the following Quranic verse was revealed, which provided a means of relief for the Muslims: ٌ َ ْ َ ٌ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ‫ال فِ ْی ِہ ک ِب َی ٌر ّو َص ّد َع ْٰن‬ ‫ال فِی ِہ قل قِ َت‬ ٍ ‫یسألون ّٰک ع ِ ُن ْالشہرِ ْالحرام قِ ْت‬ ْ ّ ْ ْ ْ ‫َس ِب ْی ِل َالل ِہ َوکف ٌر ِب ٖہ َوال َم ْس ِج ِدال َح َرا ِم َوإِخ َر ُاج أ ْہ ِل ٰ ٖہ ِمن ُہ أ کب َ ُر ِعن َد الل ِہ‬ ُ ُ ُ ّ َُ ُ َُ ُ ْ َُ ْ َْ ‫َوال ِف ْتنۃ أ کب َ ُر ِم َن الق ْت ِل َولَا یَ َزالوْ َن یقا ِتلوْنک ْم َحتى یَرُ ّد ْوک ْم َع ْن ِدیْ ِنک ْم‬ ُ ‫اس َت َط‬ ْ ‫إ ِن‬ ‫اعوْا‬ ِ “‘People ask thee about fighting in the Sacred Month. Tell them: Undoubtedly, fighting in the Sacred Month is a great transgression, but to forcefully hinder men from the religion of God in the Sacred Month; rather, to disbelieve in relation to the Sacred Month and the Sacred Mosque, i.e., to violate their sanctity, and then to turn out by coercion, the inhabitants of

the Haram, as you are guilty of doing, O ye idolaters, is a greater sin with Allah than fighting in the Sacred Month; and verily, to persecute in the land during the Sacred Month is worse than such fighting, which is for the purpose of preventing persecution. O Ye Muslims! The state of the disbelievers is such that they have become so blinded in their enmity towards you that they will not cease fighting you at any time and at any place, until they turn you back from your faith, if they find the power to do so.’ [Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.218] “Therefore, history establishes that the chieftains of the Quraish would spread their bloody propaganda even in the Sacred Months. As a matter of fact, they became even more active in their evil designs during these months, taking benefit of the gatherings and journeys which would take place in the Sacred Months. Furthermore, with great shamelessness, in order to gratify themselves with a false satisfaction, they would re-arrange the order of the Sacred Months, which was known as nas‘i. Then, later on they crossed all bounds, when during the era of the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, despite there being a firm covenant and agreement, the disbelievers of Mecca and their allies took up the sword against an ally tribe of the Muslims, in the area of the Haram.” Then when the Muslims came to the aid of their ally tribe, the disbelievers raised the sword in the area within the Haram. “Hence, it was only natural for the Muslims to find comfort in this response (i.e. in this Quranic verse revealed by God Almighty), but the Quraish were also brought to level. During this time, two of their men arrived in Medina in order to have their two captives released. However, until now, Saadra bin Abi Waqas and Utbahra bin Ghazwan had not returned. On their account, the Holy Prophetsa greatly feared that if the Quraish happened to seize them, they would not release them alive. Hence, for this reason, the Holy Prophetsa refused to release the captives until they returned and said, ‘When my men safely reach Medina, I will release yours.’ Therefore, when they both reached Medina, the Holy Prophetsa released both captives for a ransom. However, from among these two captives, one individual was so deeply impressed by the high moral qualities of the Holy Prophetsa and the truth of the Islamic teaching during his stay at Medina, that even after his release, he refused to return, and joined the servants of the Holy Prophetsa by accepting Islam at his hand. He was finally martyred at Bi‘r-e-Maunah.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 330-34) Hence, for him to accept Islam and then to go on and make sacrifices for the cause of Islam is sufficient as an answer to the allegation of Margolius. As it were, these people have a habit of overlooking such aspects. Hazrat Utbahra bin Ghazwan had the honour of participating alongside the Holy Prophetsa in the Battle of Badr and all the battles thereafter. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 559, Utbah bin Ghazwanra, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) Khabbab and Saad, the freed slaves of Hazrat Utbahra bin Ghazwan also had the distinction of fighting alongside him

in the Battle of Badr. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 439, Khabbab Maula Utbah bin Ghazwan, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 612, Saad Maula Utbah bin Ghazwan, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) Hazrat Utbahra bin Ghazwan was among the elite archers of the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 72, Min Hulafa Bani Naufal bin Abdi Manaf, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Utbahra bin Ghazwan to Basrah to fight the people of Ubullah, who were from Persia. Whilst dispatching them, Hazrat Umarra instructed them, “You and your companions shall continue along your path until you reach the borders of the Arab kingdom and the non-Arab lands. Go forth with the blessings and grace of God Almighty. Always fear God Almighty and remember that you are heading towards a fierce enemy.” Hazrat Umarra then said, “I am confident that God Almighty will help you against them and I have written to Hazrat Alaara bin Hadrami for him to send Arfajah bin Harsamah along with you for assistance, for he is very experienced in fighting the enemy and well-versed in the art of war.” Hazrat Umarra then stated, “Hence, you must take council from him and call the people unto God Almighty. Whoever accepts what you say, you are to accept their initiation into Islam, but whosoever rejects what you have to say, you shall impose the jizya (tax) upon them, which they ought to submit willingly. However, he who refuses to even pay that, then you are to use the sword.” That is to say, if they are not willing to pay the jizya whilst following their own religion and living there, and furthermore, if they are prepared to fight, then Hazrat Umarra said that it is only then that they can take up the sword against them. Hazrat Umarra then stated, “You must call all the Arabs you pass by to participate in the jihad and deal with the enemies very vigilantly and fear your Lord - Allah the Almighty.” Hazrat Umarra dispatched Hazrat Utbahra to Basrah with 800 men and reinforcements were also sent later on. Hazrat Utbahra conquered Ubullah, in which he then set the boundary of the city of Basrah. He is the first person to turn Basrah into a city and a settlement. When Hazrat Umarra bin Khattab appointed Hazrat Utbahra as the governor of Basrah, he was residing in a place named Khareebah; this was an ancient city ‫ ش‬of Persia, which in Persian was known ‫شت‬ as ‫�ر‬ ْ‫ َو ْھ َ� َ��ا َ ا�ب ْذا ُْر ْد ِ ی‬. The Arabs then named it Khareebah and the Battle of Jamal also took place nearby. Hazrat Utbahra wrote a letter to Hazrat Umarra explaining that such a land is necessary for the Muslims to remain in during the winter months and where they can rest whilst returning from battle. Hazrat Umarra wrote back telling him that he should gather them in such a land which is close to water and grazing ground. In other words, if this is what they intended for, then it should be in a land where water is readily available and where there is grazing ground for the animals. Thereafter, Hazrat Utbahra settled the Muslims in Basrah where they constructed their buildings of bamboo. Hazrat Utbahra

19

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM built a mosque out of bamboo in 14 AH. He built the residence of the governor in an open space near the mosque. When the people would go forth to fight, they would dig up these houses of bamboo and tie them up as they departed, and when they would return, they would reconstruct the homes in the same manner. It was only later on that the people then built permanent houses. Hazrat Utbahra gave the instructions to Mihjan bin Adrah who then laid the foundation stone of the Basrah mosque and had it built out of bamboo. Soon after Hazrat Utbahra went to perform the Hajj, and appointed Mujashi‘ bin Masood as his deputy and entrusted him to leave for the Euphrates and handed the responsibility of leading the prayers to Hazrat Mughirahra bin Shu‘bah. When Hazrat Utbahra met Hazrat Umarra, his desire was to resign as the governor of Basrah, citing that it was too difficult for him and therefore, someone else should be appointed as the governor. However, Hazrat Umarra declined his request to resign. It is mentioned in a narration that Hazrat Utbahra prayed in the following manner, “O Allah, do not bring me back to this city”. Consequently, he fell from his mount on 17 AH and passed away. This took place when Hazrat Utbahra was en route from Mecca to Basrah and had reached a place which people call Ma‘din bani Sulaim. According to another narration, he passed away in 17 AH at a place called Rabadhah. According to a third narration – there are different narrations with regard to his demise – in 17 AH, at the age of 57, Hazrat Utbahra passed away in Basrah due to an ailment of the abdomen. Others have stated that he passed away in 15 AH. After the demise of Hazrat Utbahra, his slave, Suwaid, brought the belongings and property of Hazrat Utbahra to Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Utbahra passed away at the age of 57. He was a tall and handsome man. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, pp. 559-560, Utbah bin Ghazwanra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Kitab Jumal min Ansab alAshraaf, Vol. 13, Nasab Bani Mazin bin Mansoor, p. 298, Darul Fkir, Beirut, 1996) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 73, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Khalid bin Umair Adavi narrates that Utbahra bin Ghazwan addressed them by praising God Almighty and then said, “The world has announced its end and turned away in haste (i.e. the world is heading towards destruction) and nothing is left of the world except for the remnants that are left inside a cup after one drinks from it. You are heading towards an everlasting abode which has no decline,” (i.e. this world is merely transient) “Thus, head towards that very abode which is greater than anything you own. We have been informed that a stone will be thrown from one corner of hell and will continue to fall down [a pit of abyss] for 70 years and will not reach its end. By God! This hell will be filled,” i.e. hell will be filled with sinners, therefore, you have the opportunity to derive benefit from this life and perform virtuous deeds. He then further stated, “Why then do you doubt this? You have been informed

that the distance between one door of heaven and the other is equal to 40 years [of travel]. Verily a day will dawn in which this entire space will be filled with people. There were times when I was among the seven people alongside the Holy Prophetsa and we had no food except for the leaves of the trees (i.e. previously they experienced great hardships) we ate nothing except leaves from the trees and owing to this, the edge of our mouths would suffer cuts.” He then narrated a personal incident, “I once found a cloak, which I cut into two pieces and gave half to Saad bin Malik. This was our condition in that we did not even have cloaks with which to cover ourselves. With one half of the cloak I made a garment to cover myself and Saad did the same with his. However, today, the case is such that some people from among you wake up in the morning and they are governors of certain areas. I seek refuge with Allah against the thought of thinking myself to be a noble man, whereas in the sight of God I may be lowly. Therefore, I consider myself to be inferior and insignificant. The times have changed; people have become affluent, hence you all ought to be greatly concerned for this.” He then further stated, “There has been no prophethood in the past, whose era after the demise of its prophet was eternal, rather it always declined in the form of a kingship. You will soon learn the truth of this matter and after our passing, you will experience the treatment meted out by your leaders.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab alZuhd wa al-Raqa‘iq, Bab al-Dunya Sijnun lil Mu‘min wa Jannatun lil Kafir, Hadith 2967) He further said, “The state of the Muslims will be such that worldliness will become rampant among them. Keep my words in mind, as you will come to learn that all of this was the truth. However, you all ought to focus your attention towards God Almighty; turn towards religion and spirituality. Only through this can one earn the reward of paradise.” The next companion who I will mention is Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah belonged to the tribe of Banu Saidah, which was a branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. His father’s name was Ubadah bin Dulaim and mother’s name was Umrahra, who was the third daughter of Masood bin Qais. His mother also had the honour of pledging allegiance to the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah was the maternal cousin of Hazrat Saadra bin Zaid Ashhali, who was from among the Badri companionsra. Hazrat Saadra had two marriages. One of his wives was Ghazia bint Saad to whom Saeed, Muhammad and Abdur Rahman were born. The second wife was Fuqayha bint Ubaid to whom Qais, Umamah and Sadoos were born. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, pp. 460-461, Saad bin Ubadah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Mandusra bint Ubadah was the sister of Hazrat Saad bin Ubadah, who pledged allegiance to the Holy Prophetsa and accepted Islam. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah had another sister whose name was Lailara bint Ubadah and she also had the honour of pledging allegiance to the Holy

Prophetsa and entering the fold of Islam. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 8, pp. 277, Wa min Bani Sa‘idah ibn Kaab bin al-Khazraj, Mandus bint Ubadah, Layla bint Ubadah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah’s title was Abu Thabit and it has also been reported as Abu Qais, however the former seems more authentic and correct, i.e. Abu Thabit. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah was a guardian for the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah was a leader of his people and extremely generous. He held the flag of the Ansar in all the battles he participated in. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah was held in great esteem and considered among the leaders of his people in Medina and he was regarded for his leadership by his people. (Usdul Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 441, Saad bin Ubadah, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) During the era of ignorance [era prior to the advent of Islam], Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah knew how to write in Arabic, even though very few people in that time could write. He was also very skilled in swimming and archery. Anyone who possessed these qualities would be known as kamil. During the period of ignorance, Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah and also his ancestors would announce from their fortress that whosoever desires to eat meat and tallow, he should come to the fortress of Dulaim bin Haritha. Hisham bin Urwah relates from his father, “I first saw Saadra bin Ubadah whilst he was announcing from his fortress that whosoever desires to eat meat and tallow, he should go to him.” That is, he would slaughter the animals and distribute its meat amongst the people. He further relates, “I observed his son doing the same and he would also invite others. At the time, I was a young man and was walking near Medina. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra was also walking past me. (Hisham bin Urwah has related this from his father and states that he was young at the time and Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra walked past him.) We were walking past Aliya which is a valley situated approximately 4 to 8 miles from Medina towards the direction of Najjad and I was heading towards my land. Addressing me, Abdullah bin Umar said, ‘Young man! Come here. Can you see any anyone calling out from the fortress of Saadra bin Ubadah?’ (The fortress was nearby). I replied in the negative. He then stated, ‘Indeed, you have spoken the truth, however it seems that the extent of generosity shown by Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah has not passed on.’” (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 460-461, Sa’d bin Ubadah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 16, p. 279, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 2003) It was for this reason that Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra enquired about this from him. Hazrat Nafira relates that Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra walked by the fortress of Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah and he said to him, “O Nafi! These are the houses of their ancestors. One day in the year, a caller would cry out: ‘Whosoever

desires for meat and tallow, they should go to the house of Dulaim.’ When Dulaim passed away, Ubadah continued this practice. When Ubadah passed away, Hazrat Saadra continued this practice, then I saw Qais bin Saad doing the same and he was extremely generous.” (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, p. 595, Saad bin Ubadah, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) From the aforementioned narration it has been further clarified that this practice was continued by his progeny, but no longer continued after them. Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah accepted Islam during the second pledge at Aqabah. (Siyar asSahabah, Vol. 3, p. 375, Darul Isha’at, Karachi, 2004) This incident has been related in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyin as follows: “Dhul-Hijjah of 13 Nabawi, on the occasion of Hajj, many hundreds of people from the Aus and the Khazraj came to Mecca. Among them, there were 70 such people who had either become Muslim or now desired to become Muslim, and came to Mecca to meet the Holy Prophetsa. Musab bin Umairra was also among them. Musab’sra mother was alive, and although she was an idolatress, she loved him very much. When she was informed of his coming, she sent word that, ‘First come and meet me, then go elsewhere.’ Musabra responded, ‘I have not yet met the Holy Prophetsa, I shall come to you once I have met him’ (he said this to his mother) Therefore, he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa first, and briefed him on key issues, then visited his mother. She was very upset (that he did not visit her first). When she saw him, she began to weep and complain. Musabra said, ‘Mother! I tell you something wonderful which is very beneficial for you, and shall put an end to every disagreement.’ She inquired, ‘What is that?’ Musabra quietly responded, ‘This, that you forsake idol worship and become a Muslim, and believe in the Holy Prophetsa.’ She was a firm idolatress, and as soon as she heard this, she began to put up a commotion saying, ‘I swear by the stars that I shall never enter your religion,’ and signalled her relatives to capture Musabra, however he was wise and quickly escaped.” With regard to the Second Pledge at Aqabah, it is written: “The Holy Prophetsa had been informed of the arrival of the Ansar by Musabra, and a few of them had also met the Holy Prophetsa personally. On this occasion, since a collective and private meeting was necessary, after the rites of Hajj, the middle dates of the month of Dhul-Hijjah were set for this purpose. On that day near the middle of the night, all these people were to come and meet the Holy Prophetsa in the same valley as last year, so that a private meeting could be held in peace and complete attention. The Holy Prophetsa ordered the Ansar, ‘Do not come as a group, but arrive in pairs of one or two to the valley at the appointed time. Do not wake the sleeping and do not wait for the absent.’ Therefore, when the appointed date arrived, during the night, when about a third of the night had passed, the Holy Prophetsa left his home. He took his uncle Abbas along with him, who was still an idolater, but loved the

20 Holy Prophetsa and was a chieftain of the Hashim dynasty. Both of them reached this valley, and it was not long before the Ansar began to arrive in pairs of one and two. These were 70 souls from the Aus and the Khazraj. In the very beginning, Abbas – the uncle of the Holy Prophetsa – began the discourse saying: “‘O party of the Khazraj! Muhammadsa is revered and beloved within his dynasty. To this day, his dynasty has always remained responsible for his protection, and in times of danger has always come forward. But now, Muhammadsa intends to leave his homeland and reside with you. As such, if you wish to take him, you must protect him in every way, and will have to face every enemy. If you are prepared for this, then well and good, otherwise give a forthright answer, for true speech is good’ “Al-Bara bin Ma‘rurra, an aged and influential man from the tribe of the Ansar, said: “‘Abbas, we have heard your address, but we would like to hear the Holy Prophetsa from his own blessed tongue, that he may expound the responsibility which he wishes to put upon us.’ “Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa recited a few verses from the Holy Quran and described the teachings of Islam in a brief address. Whilst alluding to Huququllah [rights owed to God] and Huququl-Ibad [rights owed to mankind], the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘With regard to myself, all I desire is that, just as you protect your dear ones and your kindred, if need be, you deal with me in the same manner.’ When the Holy Prophetsa had completed his address, as per the custom of Arabia, Al-Bara bin Ma‘rurra took the hand of the Holy Prophetsa into his own, and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! We swear by the God Who has sent you with the truth that we shall protect you with our lives, for

Friday 17 January 2020 | AL HAKAM we have been raised under the shadows of swords…’ he had not yet completed his statement, when Abul-Haitham bin Tayyihan interjected and said: “‘O Messenger of Allah! We have had long relations with the Jews. By supporting you, they shall be severed. May it not happen that when Allah grants you victory, you leave us and return to your homeland, and we are left with nothing.’ “The Holy Prophetsa laughed and said, ‘Nay, Nay! That shall not happen. For your blood shall be mine, your friends shall be my friends and your enemies shall be my enemies.’ Upon this, ‘Abbasra bin Ubadah Ansari looked to his companions and said, ‘O People! Do you understand the purpose of this treaty and pledge? This means that you should prepare yourselves to confront everyone, no matter who they may be, and should be ready to offer any sacrifice.’ “The people said, ‘Yes, we understand, but O Messengersa of Allah! What shall we receive in exchange for this?’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘You will receive the paradise of Allah, which is the greatest of all His rewards.’ Everyone said, ‘We agree to this bargain. O Messengersa of Allah, extend your hand.’ “The Holy Prophetsa brought forth his blessed hand, and this group of seventy devotees were sold at the hand of the Holy Prophetsa in a defensive pact. The name of this Bai‘at is ‘The Second Bai‘at at Aqabah’. “When the Bai‘at had taken place, the Holy Prophetsa said: “‘Mosesas appointed twelve chiefs among his people who served as their supervisors and protectors. I also wish to appoint twelve chiefs from among you who shall be your supervisors and your protectors. They shall be like the disciples of Jesusas unto me, and they shall be answerable to me regarding the people. As such, propose the names of worthy men

before me.’ “Therefore, twelve men were proposed, who the Holy Prophetsa approved, and appointing each as a supervisor to one tribe, he explained to them their duties. For some tribes, the Holy Prophetsa appointed two chiefs. “When the chiefs had been appointed, Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib who was the paternal uncle of the Holy Prophetsa reminded the Ansar to tread wisely and cautiously, for spies of the Quraish have their eyes set in every direction; may news of this meeting not leak out and cause further problems. He was perhaps still reminding, when in the middle of the night from atop the valley, the sound of a miscreant (who was spying on them) was heard saying, ‘O Quraish! Are you aware that here Mudhammam (God-forbid) and the rest of his apostates are making vows and pledges against you?’ “This voice startled everyone but the Holy Prophetsa remained completely calm and said, ‘Now you people should return to your dwellings just as you arrived, in pairs of one and two.’ “Abbas bin Nadlah Ansarira said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, we fear no one. If you were to order, we shall attack the Quraish at dawn and give them a taste of their cruelties.’ ‘Nay, Nay!’ said the Holy Prophetsa, ‘For I have not yet received permission to fight. Do this much, quietly return to your pavilions,’ upon which everyone silently dispersed from the valley in pairs of one and two. The Holy Prophetsa also returned to Mecca with his paternal uncle Abbas. “Since the Quraish had already found out that a secret meeting was held at night, the next morning, they reached the encampment of the people of Yathrab and said: “‘We have had an old relationship and

we do not desire in the least that these relations be tainted. But we have heard that last night, you had a secret mutual agreement with Muhammadsa, what is this all about?’ “Since the idolatrous people of the Aus and the Khazraj were completely unaware of this, they were extremely bewildered and outright denied the occurrence of such a meeting. Abdullah bin Ubaiyy bin Sulul, who later became the leader of the hypocrites of Medina, was also among that group. He said, ‘This can never happen. How is it possible that the people of Medina agree to such a significant issue and I remain unaware of it?’ “Thus, the suspicion of the Quraish was dispelled and they returned. A short time thereafter, the Ansar left for Yathrib, but after their departure, the Quraish somehow received an affirmation that the people of Yathrib did in fact have a pledge and agreement with the Holy Prophetsa. Upon this, a few men chased the people of Yathrib. The caravan had left, but for some reason, Saadra bin Ubadah was left behind. These people brought him back and assaulted him on the stony streets of Mecca. They dragged him here and there by the hair on his head. Finally, when Jubair bin Mut‘im and Harith bin Harb who knew Saad, received news of this, they saved him from the cruel Quraish.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 227-229, 232-233) There are further incidents relating to Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah which will be narrated in future sermons, God willing. (Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International on 10 January 2020, pp. 5-8. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

A Message of Peace In a world plagued with intolerance for cultural, racial and religious differences, A Message of Peace serves as a panacea to the ills of the society. Prophetic in foresight and universal in scope, this book lays out a path to the peaceful existence of all humans based on the central theme of worshipping the One God. It is not surprising, therefore, that A Message of Peace forms the last work of a man who was destined to lay the

foundation for the establishment of peace in this day and age and whose advent was prophesied in all major religions of the world, the Promised Messiah and Reformer of the Latter Days. “My countrymen!” writes the Promised Messiahas, “A religion which does not inculcate universal compassion is no religion at all. Similarly a human being without the faculty of compassion is no human at all.”

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