Ismael – Oct-Dec 2023 (English)

ISMAEL

S

Taleemi & Tarbiyyati Magazine for Waqifeen-e-Nau QUARTERLY

|

ISSUE #32

| OCT-DEC 2023

acrifice

a pathway to success

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“The magazine has been named as “ISMAEL ISMAEL”, which reminds us of the sacrifices made by Hazrat Ismaelas and

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ISMAEL

Taleemi & Tarbiyyati Magazine for Waqifeen-e-Nau

CONTENTS

QUARTERLY

|

ISSUE #32

| OCT-DEC 2023

Sacrifice

06 07 08 10

a pathway to success

Editorial

What is 'Ismael'

15 16

Q&A with Huzooraa

The Holy Qur'an

Financial Sacrifice: A Rent you Pay to Live a Meaningful Life

The Holy Prophetsa

20

12

The Promised Messiahas

14

pearls of Wisodm

By Farukh Ahmed Arshad

The Blessings of Being a Waqf-e-Zindagi

By Ayyaz Mahmood Khan Sahib

28

Sacrifice Your Time at the Threshold of Khalifa-tul-Masih Ataul Karim Gohar Sahib

Meet the Team Chief Editor & Manager: Luqman Ahmed Kishwar English Editor: Talat Syam

32

Syed Taalay Ahmed Shaheed Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba Ahmed Sahiba

40

Ask A Murrabi

Jalees Khan Sahib

44

In the Spotlight

Harris Hafeez Sahib

50

The Role of Faith and Khilafat in my Recovery Mohammed Sabahuddin Rafiuddin

Urdu Editor: Farrukh Raheel Editorial Team: Touqeer Tanvir Farukh Arshad Musharraf Ahmed Talat Syam Content manager: Raheef Ahmad Muslun Anas Mahmood Creativity & Cover: Talat Syam Designing Team: Talat Syam (Lead Designer) Ehtesham Ul Islam Proofreading: Sadiq Ahmed Rabeeb Mirza Mudassar Butt Dr Mahmood Aqib Khan

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Editorial

y the grace of Allah the Almighty, in this quarterly edition of the Ismael magazine the subject matter is around the concept of Sacrifice.

This edition goes into detail regarding the early forms of sacrifice in Islam, financial sacrifice and martyrdom. When we hear the word sacrifice, many concepts come to mind but what is the true meaning of sacrifice? It is not just the slaughtering of an animal, it is a theme that goes above and beyond many characteristics which a true Muslim should adopt.

This verse in the Holy Quran states that Allah will provide you with more than you gave and that you should deem spending in the way of Allah as a means for forgiveness. Huzooraamay Allah be his helper and has emphasised the importance of financial sacrifice many a time.

In his Friday sermon in May 2004, Beloved Huzoor explained how Allah the Almighty states that man should spend in the way of Allah and spending in the way of God is the root of strong faith and encourages man to partake in many other good things. Although, it is a matter between man and God how much one may spend in the way of Allah, one should always try their best to spend in the way of God as it brings nearness to Allah and tranquillity.

There are many examples of sacrifice within our lives which have derived from Islam and it's prophets. The most famous example is the story of Prophet Abraham and his son. God tested his faith more than anyone could imagine yet he put his faith in the Almighty and was ready to sacrifice his son as Allah commanded him to do so.

The Promised Messiahas has also explained the concept of financial sacrifice in his book Fatehe-Islam (Victory of Islam) where he emphasises the aspect of financial sacrifice and what a blessing it is to be able to spend out of what Allah the Almighty has provided us with. There have been many examples of our fellow Ahmadi brothers and sisters who have spent in the way of Allah and were blessed in ways they couldn't imagine. The following extract is from a Friday sermon from the 9th January, 2015.

The celebration of this sacrifice which we commemorate every year is Eid Al Adha, the Eid of sacrifice. However, this should not be the only time we embark the true essence of sacrifice, this is something we should entail in our daily lives. For example the sacrifice of our egos, the sacrifice of slaughtering our own desires for the sake of Allah the Almighty and for our faith. Thus, it should not just be once a year where we implement the true essence of sacrifice by slaughtering animals and embarking in financial sacrifice on the occasion of Eid Ul Adha. Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran : “Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness [taqwa] that reaches Him.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.38) This quranic verse explains that our acts are not what pleases Allah the Almighty, it is our spiritual states that pleases Allah the Almighty.

''Our missionary from Brazzaville, Congo writes that an impoverished Ahmadi friend Aalipa Sahib works as a labourer and pays his chanda each month. He says that when we announced Waqfe Jadid chanda he only had franc CFA 2000 and had no job. He went to the mosque and offered two Nafl Prayers and gave the franc CFA 2000 that he had to his Sadr Sahib. He says in the evening someone sent me franc CFA 20,000 as payment for a job I had done for him a while ago but he had not paid me. He says that he feels that by virtue of him paying chanda God compelled the man to pay him and thus blessed him ten-fold.''

Another example of sacrifice can be seen in our daily lives. The essence of financial sacrifice is one that everyone has experienced at some point in their life. Whether it be helping out a loved one or simply donating a few pounds to charity, the reward is immense. In the Holy Quran Allah has stated “ If you lend to Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you, and will forgive you; and Allah is Most Appreciating, Forbearing,’ (64:18)”.

This is just one of many extracts which Huzooraa has mentioned in his sermon regarding the blessings of financial sacrifice.

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What is the Ismael Magazine?

By the grace of Allah Ta'ala, Waqifeen-e-Nau are now spread across the globe, many of whom are studying in their respective fields while others have already fulfilled their pledge of dedicating their lives for the Jama’at. There are many who are Missionaries, practising Doctors, Television producers, Architects, Graphic designers, Engineers, Accountants and much more.

Ismael is an international magazine, which was launched in 2012 by Hazrat Khalifat-ulMasih the fifthaba specifically for the Waqifeen-e-Nau around the world. At this auspicious occasion, addressing the Waqifeen-e-Nau Huzoor-e-Anwaraba wrote: “The magazine has been named as “ISMAEL”, which reminds us of the sacrifices made by Hazrat Ismaelas and by Hazrat Hajiraas who spent their lives in a desolate and barren place and instituted exceptional standards of sacrifices for the sake of religion. Likewise, it is expected of every Waqf to uphold the covenant of Waqf (dedication) made by their parents even before their birth, who have in turn themselves reaffirmed the same.”

Waqifeen-e-Nau can contribute by sending articles regarding their respective fields of studies.

This magazine is published on a quarterly basis as a platform for the Waqifeen-e-Nau to get in touch and say what they have always wanted to. To subscribe to this magazine, you can contact your National Waqf-e-Nau Secretary. You can also read the magazine online at: www.waqfenauintl.org/resources/ismael Remember, this magazine is for the Waqifeen-e-Nau, by the Waqifeen-e-Nau. Everyone is welcome to send their articles, contributions and comments. Ismael magazine is the central magazine for Waqifeen-e-Nau from around the globe.

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Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

The Holy Quran

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Ismael Magazine

ٰ ّ َ َ ۡ ٰ ّ ‫الرحمن‬ ّ ‫ب ۡسم الل ِہ‬ ‫الر ِح ۡی ِم‬ ِ ِ ِ

Issue 32 - 2023

ٰ ُ ُ ۡ ُ َ ّ ُ َ ّ َ‫ل َ ۡن تَ َنالُوا الۡب َّر َحتی تن ِفقوۡا ِمما ت ِح ّبوۡن ؕ۬ َوما‬ ِ ٰ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ّ َ ٌ َ ۡ ﴾۹۳﴿ ‫تن ِفقوا ِمن شی ٍء ف ِان اللہ ِب ٖہ ع ِلیم‬ Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, Allah surely knows it well.

The Holy Qur'an 3:93

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‫‪Ismael Magazine‬‬

‫‪Issue 32 - 2023‬‬

‫‪The Holy Prophetsa‬‬

‫َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ّٰ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ َ‬ ‫َ َ ّٰ‬ ‫ول كَانَ‬ ‫ْ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫الل ُه َع ْنه ـ يَقُ ُ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫عن ِإسحاق ب ِن عب ِد الل ِه ب ِن أبِي طلحة‪ ،‬أنه س ِمع أنس بن مال ٍِك ـ ر ِضى‬ ‫َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ّ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ ً َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ‬ ‫أبو طلحة أكثر أنصارِ ٍي ِبالم ِدين ِة نخلا‪ ،‬وكان أحب أموال ِ ِه ِإلي ِه بيرحا ٍء‪ ،‬وكانت مستق ِبلة‬ ‫ّٰ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ ّ َ َ َّ‬ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ُ ّٰ‬ ‫ْ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ال َم ْس ِج ِد‪ ،‬وكان رسول الل ِه صلى الله علي ِه وسلم يدخلها ويشرب ِمن ما ٍء فِيها ط ِي ٍب‪ ،‬فلما‬ ‫ُ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُ ْ ْ َّ َ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ ْ َّ ُ ُّ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ َّ ّٰ‬ ‫اللهَ‬ ‫أن ِزلت‏{‏لن تنالوا البِر حتى تن ِفقوا ِمما ت ِحبو ‏ن ‏} قام أبو طلحة فقال يا رسول الل ِه‪ِ ،‬إن‬ ‫َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َ ُ ْ ْ َّ َ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ ْ َّ ُ ُّ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ٌ‬ ‫ون ‏} و ِإن أحب أموالِي ِإلى بيرحا ٍء و ِإنها صدقة‬ ‫يقول‏{‏لن تنالوا البِر حتى تن ِفقوا ِمما ت ِحب ‏‬ ‫ّٰ َ ْ ُ َّ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ّٰ ُ َ َ َ ُ ُ ّٰ َ َّ‬ ‫لِل ِه‪ ،‬أرجو ِبرها وذخرها ِعند الل ِه‪ ،‬فضعها يا رسول الل ِه حيث أراك الل ‏ه ‏‪ .‬قال رسول الل ِه صلى‬ ‫ّٰ‬ ‫ال َراي ٌح‪َ ،‬و َق ْد َسم ْع ُت َما ُق ْل َت‪َ ،‬وإن ّي أَ َرى أَنْ‬ ‫ال َراي ٌح‪َ ،‬ذل َِك َم ٌ‬ ‫الل ُه َع َل ْي ِه َو َس َّل َم ‏"‏ بَ ْخ‪َ ،‬ذل َِك َم ٌ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ِ​ِ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ‬ ‫َ َ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ت ْج َعل َها فِي الأقر ِبين‏"‏‏ ‏‪ .‬قال أبو طلحة أفعل يا رسول الل ِ‏ه‪.‬‏ فقسمها أبو طلحة فِي أقارِ ِب ِه وبنِي‬ ‫َ ّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ّٰ ْ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ ٌ َ ٌ‬ ‫ع ِم ِ‏ه‪.‬‏ قال عبد الل ِه بن يوسف وروح بن عبادة‏ ‏" ذل ِك مال ر ِابح‏"‏‏‬ ‫‪10‬‬

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Hazrat Anas, God be pleased with him, narrates that Abu Talha Ansari was the wealthiest of the Ansar, (the people of Medina who accepted Islam before the migration of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to that town). The source of his income was from date-palm gardens, and the garden most dear to him was Bayruha.

It was situated opposite the Prophet's mosque. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to enter it and drink its pure and fresh water. Hazrat Anas, God be pleased with him, says, ''When the verse, 'You cannot attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love' was revealed, Abu Talha, God be pleased with him, went to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and said, '0 Messenger

of Allah, Allah has revealed to you: [You cannot attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love], and the dearest of my possessions is the Bayruha garden. I give this as charity in the cause of Allah, and hope that Allah will accept this good deed and preserve it for the Hereafter.

Use it, O Messenger of Allah, as Allah directs you.' The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 'Excellent! it is a profitable asset. It is a profitable asset. 1 have heard what you propose, but I think you should give it to your relatives.' Abu Talha, God be pleased with him, said, 'I will do as you have told me, 0 Messenger of Allah.' Abu Talha, God be pleased with him, accordingly divided it between his near relatives and the children of his uncle.''

Sahih al-Bukhari 4554 11

The Promised Messiahas

“…Until a person is completely ready to completely forsake all the pleasures and attractions of the world and until a person is ready to endure every form of humiliation, hardship and struggle for the sake of God, it is impossible to attain the virtue of truthfulness and sincerity. Therefore, to be truly faithful and sincere to Allah requires a person to be ready to give up all of his desires and worldly pursuits for His sake. It requires a person to willingly withstand humiliation and rejection, to be ready for all possible sacrifices and to absorb every type of torment and grief for the sake of His faith.

Al Hakam Vol. 7, No. 10, 17 March 1903, p. 1 referenced in Tafsir Hazrat Masih-e-Mau’ud Vol. 7 p. 306.)

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Pearls of Wisdom Huzoor'saa guidance With regards to ‘I shall give precedence

to faith over worldly matters’

''God is not in need of anything of ours. It is indeed His grace and favour that He has told us that if we give precedence to faith over worldly matters we will attain His pleasure. Otherwise God is not in need of any money. All the resources, silver and gold in the world is created by Him. Had He so willed He could have Himself given wealth to people who serve faith, He could have Himself provided them. But He informed us of our objectives and drew our attention to making sacrifice in order to attain the objectives so that we may gain His pleasure.''

Huzoor'saa Friday Sermon 17th Oct 2014 14

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Q&A with Huzooraa Why is there an emphasis on reading Sura alKahf on Fridays?

Sacrifice: The pathway to success

The first ten verses mention about the establishment of Tauhid and reject the concept of trinity and also reject the idea to hold someone as equal to God. Furthermore, it teaches that God is One. Similarly, the last ten verses also contain the same teaching that Allah the Almighty is One. Therefore, one of the reasons of reciting this daily in the morning and evening is in order to develop a better understanding of the Oneness of God and to remain established upon it and to always prostrate before Allah the Almighty alone.

Also to reject the concept of trinity and not to become immersed in worldly endeavours. This is the wisdom behind this. If you ponder over the subject matter, particularly the first ten verses and the last ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf, you will understand the significance of establishing the belief in One God and the rejection of Trinity and it also speaks of the lofty status of the Holy Prophetsa. Despite the fact that he was a prophet that was only a human, however Allah the Almighty states that let people know that “Allah the Almighty has bestowed divine revelation upon me.” This revelation contains in it all the cures for one’s spiritual ailments and ensures that everything functions in its proper way. Therefore the emphasis to recite these is to draw one’s attention to this. It is not only to be recited on Friday, rather whenever you get the opportunity on other days as well you should recite these, so that you remain firm on the belief in One God, strengthen your faith in God, increase your faith in the Holy Prophetsa, abstain from shirk, reject the concept of trinity and for it to also become a means of spreading the message of Islam. You should pray for this as well.

In this special segment we will be mentioning some Shining Stars of Ahmadiyyat. These bright stars showed us what true sacrifice meant. Huzooraa in his friday sermon earlier on this year said that this is what God Almighty has said regarding those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of God – that they are not dead, but they are living. For more than a century, Ahmadis have been sacrificing their lives for the sake of God. Have their sacrifices gone in vain? No. Rather, not only did God elevate the name and status of those martyrs, He also made it a means for the continuous progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. These are the people who are enabling the success of those left behind; how then can they be considered to be dead?

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Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Financial Sacrifice: A Rent you Pay to Live a Meaningful Life Farukh Ahmed Arshad Murrabi Silsila - Central Waqf-e-Nau Department

I

n the English language, there is a famous proverb that goes, ‘Sacrifices are the rent you pay to live a meaningful life’. This goes hand in hand with what religion teaches, whether be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam or any of the world religions. When we study the philosophy of sacrifice in any of them we find that this teaching is universal and the Holy Qur’an being the final law affirms this by mentioning such examples.

In this article I will cover the different types of sacrifices mentioned in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and will draw a decisive conclusion that Islam presents the ultimate and universal teaching as compared to with former religions.

Let’s start off by taking a look at what Judaism has presented in its respective law. In Judaism, the concept of financial sacrifice is often related to the practice of giving support in charitable causes, to help those in need and to fulfil various religious obligations. While the term

‘Financial Sacrifice’ is not commonly used, the principles of charity, justice and compassion are deeply ingrained in Jewish traditions. Below are some key aspects of Financial Sacrifice according to Judaism.

the Old Testament, we observe Abraham and Jacob offering a tithe to God in Genesis (14,28).

This practice is based on the concept of sharing one’s blessings and wealth with the wider community.

1. Tzedakah which is the Hebrew word for charity, and it is a fundamental concept in Judaism. Jews are encouraged to give to those in need as an act of righteousness and social responsibility. Giving to charity is considered a Mitzwvahi (a good deed) and is an important way to help others and fulfil one’s moral and religious obligations.

Tzedakah Boxes are a common object placed in Jewish homes and Synagogues where people deposit coins or cash regularly.

This tradition encourages regular giving and reminds individuals of their responsibility to help others.

3. Gemilut Chasadim is the act of loving and showing kindness beyond the formal act of giving charity. Judaism emphasizes the importance of performing acts of love and showing kindness which may involve financial sacrifice to help an individual in need or to support community initiatives.

2. Ma’aser which is a Jewish practice of tithing. Tithing in the Bible refers to giving 10 percent of your annual earnings, productions, or possessions. In

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Now let’s move on to Christianity, the concept of financial sacrifice is often tied to broader principles of stewardship, generosity, and selflessness.

While specific teachings and interpretations may vary among denominations, here are some general perspectives on financial sacrifice in Christianity: 1. Tithing: Many Christian traditions emphasize the practice of tithing, which involves giving a specific percentage (often 10%) of

Ismael Magazine

one's income to the church. This practice is derived from various biblical passages, such as Malachi (3:10), where believers are encouraged to bring their tithes into the storehouse.

2. Generosity and Charity: Christianity teaches the importance of generosity and caring for others, especially those in need. The Bible encourages believers to share their wealth with the poor and contribute to charitable causes. For example, Jesus praised the widow who gave her two small coins, emphasizing the significance of giving from the heart rather than the amount (Mark 12:41-44).

3. Detachment from Material Wealth: The New Testament warns against the love of money

Issue 32 - 2023

and the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of spiritual wellbeing. The idea is not necessarily to live in poverty, but to avoid the temptation of making wealth the primary focus of one's life (Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:10).

4. Sacrificial Giving: Some Christian teachings emphasize sacrificial giving, where individuals are encouraged to give beyond their comfort zone, even to the point of personal sacrifice. This reflects the selfless love exemplified by Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

5.

Stewardship: Christians are often taught to view their financial resources as a trust from God. The concept of stewardship involves responsibly managing and using these resources in ways

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that align with God›s principles.

This includes not only financial resources but also time and talents.

It›s important to note that interpretations of these principles may vary among Christian denominations and individual believers. Some may emphasise the obligation of tithing, while others may stress the broader principles of generosity and stewardship without specifying a particular percentage.

Ultimately, the idea of financial sacrifice in Christianity is intertwined with the larger call to love God and love others, expressing faith through actions, including how one manages and shares their material resources.

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023 to the practice of giving support in charitable causes, to help those in need and to fulfil various religious obligations. While the term ‘Financial Sacrifice’ is not commonly used, the principles of charity, justice and compassion are deeply ingrained in Jewish traditions. Below are some key aspects of Financial Sacrifice according to Judaism.

As stated before, the name given to this type of financial sacrifice is Tzedakah which, when you think about it, sounds very similar to Sadaqah in Arabic. In both religions it is a form of financial sacrifice which has no set rate of payment and solely depends on the payer’s circumstances and the money is used to help the less fortunate. God Almighty in the Holy Qur’an states that: ُ ُ ُُۡ َ َ ٰ َّ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ ‫الص َدق ِت ف ِن ِع ّما ِہ َی ۚ َو ِا ۡن تخفوۡ َہا َوت ۡؤتوۡ َہا‬ ‫ِان تبدوا‬ ُّ ٰ َ ۡ ُ ٰ ّ َ ۡ ّ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ُ ّ َ ُ َ ۡ ُ َّ ٌ ۡ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ ۡ ‫الفقرٓاء فہو خیر لک َم ؕ ویک ِفر عنکم ِمن س ِیا ِتکم ؕ واللہ‬ ۡ َ ُ ﴾۲۷۲﴿ ‫ِب َما ت ۡع َملوۡ َن خ ِبی ٌر‬ That is to say; if you give alms openly, it is well and good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you; and He will remove from you many of your sins. And Allah is aware of what you do. (2:272)

Finally let us now focus on the ultimate teaching presented by Islam. In the Holy Qur’an we read:

That is to say; ‘Who believe in the unseen and observe Prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them’ (2:4)

in the way of God Almighty. But in actuality, if we were to ponder on the second part of the phrase where it says, ‘what We have provided for them’ we are not bound to just wealth, rather our God given blessings also include our physical health, knowledge, property, children and all the blessings we benefit from in our daily lives.

When we read the phrase ‘and spend out of what We have provided for them’, it draws our attention to spending our money

Let’s take a look at what Judaism has presented in its respective law. In Judaism, the concept of financial sacrifice is often related

ٰ ۡ َ َ َ َّ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َّ ‫الص ٰلوۃ َو ِم ّما َرزقن ُہ ۡم‬ ‫ال ِذین یؤ ِمنون ِبالغی ِب وی ِقیمون‬ ُ ۡ ﴾۴﴿ ۙ ‫یُن ِفقوۡ َن‬

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Islam has most wisely recommended both forms of giving alms, openly and discreetly.

By giving alms openly, a person sets a good example for others which they may follow. Secret alms-giving in some cases is better because one refrains from exposing the poverty of the less fortunate and there is also little chance of feeling proud when giving secretly. In some cases, parents give their children a personal Sadaqah box to inculcate the habit of paying Sadaqah and this is also found in Judaism in

Ismael Magazine some form or another.

When we learn that in Judaism there is a type of financial sacrifice which has a set ratio, we quickly recall some similarities resembling a particular form of sacrifice in Islam. First of which is quite obvious in the form of Zakat which is paid at the ratio of 2.5% annually on savings but it only applies to an individual who fulfils a certain criteria and is not obligatory on all Muslims.

The main purpose of this type of sacrifice is so that the wealth keeps circulating from the rich to the poor and needy. The Holy Qur’an sheds light on this by stating: ُ َّ َ ٰ َّ ُ ٰ َ َ ٰ َّ ُ ۡ َ َ ّ ‫وۃ َواَ ِط ۡی ُعوا‬ ‫الرَ ُسوۡ َل ل َ َعلک ۡم‬ ‫واقِیموا الصلوۃ واتوا الزک‬ ُ َ ۡ ﴾۵۷﴿ ‫ت ۡر َح ُمون‬

That is to say; and observe Prayer and give the Zakat and obey the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy. (24:57) The concept of Zakat was not totally new to Islam; similar alms giving had been enjoined upon the Israelites and the Christians as well. In Islam, Zakat takes the form of a prescribed contribution based on a person’s wealth and savings. The rate of contribution varies with the kind of property owned but, on average, works out to two and a half percent of the total value. The proceeds of Zakat are supposed to be devoted towards: • relieving poverty and distress • helping those in debt • providing comfort and convenience for travellers • providing stipends for scholarships • providing ransom for prisoners of war • propagation of Islam

Issue 32 - 2023 • meeting the expenses for the collection of Zakat • other things beneficial for society

or young, is not deprived from their basic rights. Islam teaches its followers the following:

Zakat, therefore, is a duty enjoined by God in the interest of the society as a whole. While on one hand these charitable contributions provide for the needs of the society, on the other hand the act of giving in the name of God purifies the heart of the contributor from selfishness and greed.

That is to say; And He found thee in want and enriched thee.

So the orphan, oppress not, And him who seeks thy help, chide not, And the bounty of thy Lord, proclaim. (93:9-12)

The second type of sacrifice which is similar to that of ‘Ma’aser’ is that which is known to Ahmadi Muslims and is titled as ‘Al Wasiyyat’ (The Will). The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas wrote a book in the last days of his life which is known as ‘Al-Wasiyyat’ or ‘The Will’. In this book he outlines his instructions and wishes for the future leadership of the Jama’at and the continuation of his mission. In ‘The Will’, he gave the glad tidings of the second Manifestation of Khilafat which was prophesised by the Holy Prophetsa.

In this system an individual pledges 10% to 33% of their income for the service of religion.

Al-Wasiyyat also emphasizes the importance of continued propagation of the message of Islam, peace, and universal brotherhood, which were central aspects of the teachings and mission of the Promised Messiahas.

Similar to this Jewish practice, Islam lays down fundamental guidelines which are put in place to ensure that every person whether it be man or woman, old

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ٰۡ َ​َ َۡ َ َ ۡ َ​َ​َ ﴾۱۰﴿ ؕ ‫﴾ فا ّما ال َی ِت ۡی َم فلَا تق َہ ۡر‬۹﴿ ؕ ‫َو َو َج َدک َعٓائِلًا فاغنی‬ ۡ َ َ َ​َ ۡ َ َ َّ َّ َ َ ﴾۱۲٪﴿ ‫﴾ َوا ّما ِب ِن ۡع َم ِۃ َر ِّبک ف َح ِّدث‬۱۱ؕ﴿ ‫السٓائِ َل فلَا تن َہ ۡر‬ ‫واما‬

Here, God Almighty states that I have given you many bounties when you were in need of it so now when people of different needs come to you expressing their problems, you shouldn’t oppress nor chide them. Rather, you should proclaim the bounties of God Almighty on you by giving and helping the oppressed and those in need of your help.

In conclusion while each religious tradition offers unique perspectives on financial sacrifice, Islam stands out for its comprehensive and detailed teachings on economic ethics.

Grounded in the principles of Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), Islam emphasizes the redistribution of wealth to ensure social justice and alleviate poverty. The Qur'an and Hadith provide explicit guidance on financial responsibility, encouraging believers to share their resources generously and engage in acts of kindness and compassion. The Islamic emphasis on economic justice, combined with the concept of selfless giving, positions it as a tradition with profound teachings on financial sacrifice, fostering a sense of communal well-being and compassion for those in need.

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

The Blessings of Being a Waqf-e-Zindagi A Soul Nourishing Incident Ayyaz Mahmood Khan Sahib Murrabi Silsila - Additional Wakalat-e-Tasneef

A Note: Huzoor-e-Anwar, may Allah be his Helper, instructed Ayyaz Mahmood Khan Sahib that “this account should be sent to the Ismael Magazine to be published so that others are also encouraged to devote their lives in the way of Allah.”

As you have probably gathered from the title, in what follows, I will share with you a small piece of my heart. If my words are able to inspire even one person to devote their life for the cause of Ahmadiyyat, I need nothing else.

If through my story I am able to show you that Allah Almighty exists and that He shows His love to those who trust in Him, what more can I ask for?

After graduating from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, our beloved Huzoor would send newly qualified missionaries to Pakistan and Africa for a period of training and fieldwork before assigning them their official postings. In this short piece, I would like to tell you briefly about the time I spent in Ghana and relate one story in particular.

The time I spent in Africa changed my life completely. If I were to express it in one sentence, I would say that although I left for Ghana with great apprehension and fear, I returned with a priceless treasure–a real faith in God. It was in Ghana that I experienced how God lovingly cares for those who sacrifice themselves in his cause and it was in Ghana that I truly saw God in a way that I had never seen before.

I must say at the outset that I would perhaps never have shared this story. Though many years have passed, the story I share now remained buried away in the secret chest of my fondest memories. I had not even shared the experience with beloved Huzooraa until recently.

When we returned from Africa,

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all our meetings with Huzooraa were in the form of a class, together; and quite simply, I felt rather embarrassed to relate my experience in front of my fellow classmates. Then, I thought to tell Huzooraa verbally in a private mulaqat, but even then I was reluctant as I felt that I would take up much of Huzoor’saa valuable time. Some time ago, when I was relating my experiences in Africa to my son, my wife insisted that I write everything to Huzooraa, and so I mustered the courage to do so. Huzoor-e-Anwar graciously – and to my utter surprise – wrote back instructing me to send the incident to Ismael magazine.

So now, on the instruction of Beloved Huzooraa, I am presenting in English the account that I wrote to him in Urdu some time ago:

Ismael Magazine After graduating from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, I was from among the seven or eight graduates who beloved Huzoor sent to Ghana. The village in which I spent my time is a remote village towards the “interior” as they call it in Ghana, or the thick of jungle, situated 70 miles off the main road that stretches from the northern city of Tamale to Techiman. The village is called Tuluwe (pronounced Tuluway).

There is no proper road that goes to the village and the only passage that leads there is an unpaved path that requires a 4 X 4 truck or motorbike to cover.

I remember that when we were returning to the UK after our training period, a dinner was arranged for us.

The late Abdul Wahab Adam Sahib (who served as the Amir of Ghana for many decades) affectionately said to the guests in the jovial tone that was typical of him: “Do you know that we even had one boy who went to Tuluwe!

Tuluwe is so deep into the jungle that once the President of Ghana thought of visiting and he had to turn his car back!”

Anyway, I vividly remember even today being driven to Tuluwe. I was taken there in a white pickup truck.

We took a left off the main road at the junction and began to drive towards the village. As we continued on this bumpy, unpaved road, I began to see thicker and thicker jungle and eventually, I could see nothing but trees around me and a little blue sky above. The further in we went, the more apprehensive I became. My heart began to sink deeper and deeper, if I’m

Issue 32 - 2023

Sacrifice: The pathway to success Huzooraa said that on 11 January in the Mahdi Abad community of Dori, Burkina Faso, 9 Ahmadis were martyred for not renouncing their faith. According to reports, 8 people on 4 motorcycles came to the Ahmadiyya mosque at the time of the evening prayer (Isha). They had an announcement made that everyone should come into the mosque swiftly as there were some people who had come to meet them. They then asked who the Imam of the mosque was and who the associate Imam was. They asked various questions about the belief of Ahmadis, to which the Imam confidently gave answers.

They asked about whether Jesusas is alive or has passed away, to which the Imam replied that the Ahmadiyya belief is that Jesusas has passed away. He then also told them about the advent of the Promised Messiahas. They then brought in pictures of the Promised Messiahas and the Caliphs and the Imam gave an introduction to all of them. They then said that – God forbid – the Promised Messiahas was false in his claim.

The terrorists then formed groups of all those present in the mosque, separating the children, youth and the elders. There were about 11 or 12 women present in the mosque as well. Then, the terrorists took the elders out into the courtyard of the mosque. There were 10 elders at the time, including one with an ailment, who the terrorist told to stay inside. Whilst outside, the terrorists said that whoever renounced Ahmadiyyat would be saved. The Imam replied that if they wished to behead him then they could, however he would not renounce the truth after having found it.

They laid him down on the ground with a knife to his neck, however he said that if they were going to kill him they should let him be upright. Upon this, they shot him, and thus, the first martyr was Imam Alhaj Boureima Bidiga.

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Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023 children in the evening, under flashlights. There was no electricity in Tuluwe.

quite honest. “Where are they taking me” I thought to myself. “God have mercy.” When we arrived in Tuluwe it was evening time and as I stepped out of the pickup truck, took a deep breath and looked around, the scene that greeted me was something I had only previously seen in Discovery Channel documentaries, but never with my naked eyes. Small mud houses, with cone-like roofs made of straw, chickens strutting about pecking the ground and goats roaming about without a care in the world.

That evening, there was light rain, almost like a mist.

After my luggage had been offloaded, the Ghanian missionary that dropped me off along with another Ahmadi from Tuluwe said: “Now we’ll see you after two months, because it’s very difficult to come back here. Here are your water sachets. Alright, Allah Hafiz.”

When I returned I did share with beloved Huzooraa the state of my heart for the first week or so. I mentioned that initially whenever I would be alone, my eyes would well with tears. Everything reminded me of home. My greatest challenge was that I could not speak the local language; so no one would approach me and even if I was to approach someone, I was unable to speak to them, unless the local Mu’allim was with me to interpret. The villagers would smile at me, however, and I would smile at them. That was the extent of our communication.

Despite this, however, I would deliver a dars in the morning after Fajr prayer and teach the Quran to

During the days that I was there, since it was farming season, all the men would be at their farms from morning to evening, and so it was difficult for me to engage with the men during the day, and this only added to my heavy heart. And so during the day, I would pace back and forth in the mosque for hours and hours, hands crossed behind my back and pray so that Allah would grant me strength and enable me to fulfil the purpose for which my beloved master had sent me to Ghana.

After five or six days, when my incessant tears began to aggravate me, it dawned on me that it does not behove a waqf-e-zindagi and especially a missionary to despair of their circumstances and to feel helpless. It was in that moment of epiphany that I felt a change of heart – almost instantly. I still remember that moment vividly. Suddenly, as soon as the realisation dawned upon me, I began to feel a sense of determination and purpose. My tears dried and I was ready to go. I thought to myself that although the men are at their farms during the day and the children are at school, I will make use of whatever time I can get with the villagers. After this realisation, I managed to develop a proper routine by the grace of Allah Almighty. I would deliver dars in the morning, teach the children Quran in the evening, lead the daily prayers during the day, and I would use the prayer times as an opportunity to speak to the Ahmadi brothers and sisters briefly about various matters. Whatever time I found in between, I would spend in prayers and personal study.

There was a Christian priest from the United States, who lived in the village with his family and a few other volunteers. The very next morning, after I had arrived in Tuluwe, I went over to meet him and introduced myself. I told him that I was a missionary

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Issue 32 - 2023

from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and as the large majority of this village is Ahmadi, our Khalifah and spiritual head of the community had sent me here to teach them, and just engage with them in general. The priest was a kind man. As soon as I mentioned the name “Ahmadiyya,” he said: “Oh I know about the Ahmadis very well! You are quite different from other Muslims. I am surprised that a young man like you has come to such a far-off and remote village all alone.” I laughed and said: “You too are here with your mission of propagation to spread Christianity aren’t you?” I continued: “You don’t think that we Muslims are any less determined than you, do you?” The honourable reverend enjoyed the comment and laughed. “But I have brought all of my facilities with me,” said the reverend, “and I

the village was a small place, there were no stores or markets.. Every Thursday, two or three trucks that resembled army vehicles would drive to the village with some goods and setup a small weekly market.

How those trucks managed to travel over the unpaved road that led to the village is still a mystery to me even today. I was fond of the immensely sweet – and massive – mangos. So I would purchase some fruit for the week and also send some fruit to my Christian friend as well.

have my family and children and others to accompany me. So it’s easier for me to be here than you.

Anyway, if you need anything, just let me know without the least hesitation.” I wasn’t about to let him have the last word, of course.

“I’m not alone, I’m here with God” I said to the priest.

something I hadn’t mastered until then (and I still haven’t). So the solution I came up with in the morning for sehri was to drink a glass of water and have two dates. When we were leaving the UK, one of our classmates from Jamia, Ata-un-Naseer Sahib gave us each a box of dates as a gift from his father. When I arrived in Tuluwe, I emptied the box of dates on my table and counted the number of dates it contained.

There were exactly sixty dates in the box. So I simply divided 60 dates by 30 days – 2 dates per day. In the evening, however, I would arrange for myself a more elaborate iftar, while there was daylight. Before leaving for Tuluwe, I had purchased two packets of lentils, some flour, rice and some packets of instant noodles. So on day one, I would cook some lentils or daal with a paratha, the second day, I would make some rice with lentils (our classic daal chawal) and on the third day, I would make my packet of instant noodles with boiled water. After I had completed my

In those days, it was Ramadan. As I have mentioned, since there was no electricity in the village, and therefore no light, I genuinely found it difficult to make anything in the morning for sehri. Cooking one-handed with a flashlight in my other hand is

God Almighty never abandons anyone who strives for His There was no water or electricity cause. God in Tuluwe. I brought my 2 month stock of drinking water with me Almighty is from the city. The reverend had built a large home and powered never disloyal it with solar energy. There was no dearth of sunlight during the day, so the solar panels would sufficiently charge to provide light and electricity in the evening, and power his washing machine, microwave, and other household appliances. In any case, I thanked him and assured him that he need not be concerned on my account – I was perfectly fine and felt no difficulty whatsoever. As long as I remained there, I came to develop a very good relationship with my new Christian friend. Since

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Ismael Magazine three day menu, I would begin again. So it was ‘eat and repeat’ with those three meals.

Now, the incident that took place during these days of Ramadan – an experience that I will never forget for the rest of my life. This incident strengthened my faith in Allah to such extent that I can honestly say that I will never and can never doubt the existence of God for the rest of my life. If an atheist were to tell me that God does not exist, I simply could never accept this, because I have practically experienced how God Almighty cares for weak, worthless servants such as myself and the subtle manner in which He furnishes evidence of His existence.

So before I was set to leave for Ghana, my dear mother and wife were enjoying some cooking show on TV. I happened to be sitting in the living room at the time as well and one of the items in that specific episode caught my attention – chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing. Honestly, who doesn’t like chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing? I have quite a sweet tooth, so as my mother and wife were watching the show, I asked them if they would be so kind as to make me some of those cupcakes from the show, before I

Issue 32 - 2023 left for Ghana. I had an idea that I’d probably be posted in a village away from the city, and chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing are a bit of luxury to say the least in such circumstances, so I wanted one last treat before leaving. Both my mother and wife, of course, kindly agreed to make some before I left, but then as the days of my departure drew near, I forgot in the chaos and so did they.

Every so often, I would call home to let my family know that I was enjoying myself. Now as I have mentioned, Tuluwe was a remote village with no electricity and no water. Naturally, mobile reception was also unavailable – except for in one location. I remember, there was a lone tree in the middle of desolate patch of land spanning some 500 meters, situated in the middle of the village. The empty plain was surrounded by homes on two sides, the mosque on one side and the local school on the fourth. In order to catch mobile reception, I would have to stand under the tree, and strategically position myself at exactly the right angle, dial my home phone number and then hold up my phone into the air to catch signal.

After a few seconds, my phone would start dialling and I’d have to stay still in order to continue my conversation. Moving here or

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there meant a dropped call.

You may ask how I charged my phone in a remote village without electricity. Whenever I visited my Christian friend – the priest – for tea, he would encourage me to charge my phone through his solar powered system at home.

I would call home every few days just to assure them I was doing fine. Anyway, one day, on the phone my mother asked me, as all mothers do when their children are away, what I had been eating.

God bless them, that’s all mothers care about. “What are you eating these days Ayyaz? It’s Ramadan.”

I replied that sometimes I eat paratha (butter chapatti), sometimes rice and daal (lentil curry), or I will make myself noodles. By the Grace of Allah, I eat well. On hearing this, my mother was absolutely horrified and said that if I kept to my ways I would fall ill. So she firmly instructed that I slaughter a chicken (she said, you say they’re running around all over the place, just pick one up) and make some chicken curry. I tried to evade her line of questioning, but my mother was persistent. I tried reassuring her that if I was eating a paratha almost every day, how could I possibly fall ill, by the Grace of Allah, I have no health issues. In fact, I even said to her, “I could

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

literally eat paratha every day.

I love them.” However, mother insisted and said that I do it for her sake. So ultimately, I gave in and said: ‘Alright, I will see what I can do.’ To be entirely honest, I had not intended to actually make the chicken curry, and had only promised my mother that I would ‘see’ what I could do, I did not promise her that I would actually make the chicken curry. Who has time to make chicken curry in the scorching heat? I was doing just fine the way things were going.

So the same day, as evening approached and it was almost time to break the fast, I started preparing my meal. I prepared a ball of dough, rolled out my paratha, made my daal and when it was time to eat, I sat down to eat. I had only taken a few bites when I heard a knock at the door.

I opened the door and saw that one of the teachers working at the village school with the priest stood at the door. She had a tray in her hands. Since the tray was covered with a cloth, I could not see what was on the tray, but it was obvious that the tray was filled with hot food. In any case, she said: “The priest’s wife has prepared something for you.

You’re fasting these days aren’t you? So she wanted to send something for you.” I told her that there was no need for this as

I had already cooked something to break my fast. She continued: “Well that’s alright, please have this from us too. The young lady told me that the priest’s wife sent a message saying: “I’m not sure if you like it, but I hope I’ve managed to cook your type of food to a satisfactory standard.”

I took the tray and expressed my gratitude to all of them.

When I went back inside and put the tray on the table, I removed the cover and as I stared at the tray of food in utter shock and amazement, immediately tears began flowing from my eyes – and then I could see nothing. I was absolutely astonished. The priest’s wife had sent around five or six rotis (chapatti) and a chicken karahi salan (curry). I can say without exaggeration that

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the salan smelled and looked as if it was made by a native Pakistani.

There was also a small basket on the tray, with three chocolate cupcakes covered in peanut butter icing. On every bite, I could not help by say Alhamdulillah from the depths of my heart. All the while, as I continued to eat, I could barely swallow my food as I was overcome with emotion. I thought to myself, truly, my Allah is such a Loving God. Now, while others may say that this was a mere coincidence, but for me, this was a remarkable expression of God’s love and grace – one which I will never forget. It was only God Almighty who knew about the conversation I had had with my mother on the phone a few hours ago, and it was only God Almighty who knew

Ismael Magazine what I had desired before coming to Africa. Although both of these things may seem perfectly normal and perhaps even insignificant, but this is the very proof of the existence of God Almighty. It was only God who knew of these ‘insignificant’ and ‘normal’ things. For me, this was a lesson from God Almighty, in which he showed me that despite me being away from home, in the jungles of Africa, God Almighty can still grant us anything and everything, He showed me that He is AllPowerful, He showed me that He had not forgotten me.

I thought to myself that the incidents we read in books happen in today’s age as well. Truly God Almighty never abandons a Waqf-e-Zindagi, in fact, God Almighty never abandons anyone who strives for His cause. God Almighty is never disloyal, rather, it is us, His servants, who fall short in fulfilling the rights due to God. If God Almighty shows this much love despite us being so weak, how many blessings would we receive if we actually fulfilled the rights of God Almighty and improved the standards of our worship.

Whenever I am reminded of this incident, I think to myself, if God Almighty shows us such vast amounts of love in our difficult times, then as gratitude, we too should strive to our full ability in the cause of God Almighty when

Issue 32 - 2023 we are in a state of comfort. Here in the West, we are living with every facility at our disposal. So we should strive to do our duty to Allah to the best of our ability, so that we do not feel ashamed when we stand before God Almighty on the Day of Judgement, after having been blessed so abundantly in this world. This responsibility is heavier on the Waqifeen, who are closer to beloved Huzooraa.

A Waqif-e-Zindagi must go to whatever country Beloved Huzooraa has instructed them to fulfil their duty. Even today, there are countless missionaries who are making great sacrifices, however we live here in the UK and have no difficulties, nor are we having to make great sacrifices like those living in other countries.

Moreover, we are physically close to Beloved Huzooraa, we see his blessed face, we are able to pray behind him, we also have personal meetings with him. If we do not fulfil the expectations of Beloved Huzooraa, despite having all these blessings, then we are responsible for double the negligence and will be answerable to Allah Almighty.

If we are not loyal to God and true to our responsibilities, we will be guilty of dishonouring the love showered on us by Beloved Huzooraa. In fact, we will also be guilty of dishonouring those missionaries and Waqifeen who are living lives filled with greater sacrifice and hardship in distant

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countries, far from Beloved Huzooraa and their loved ones.

We will be committing a silent injustice against those of our brothers and sisters who are engaged in service in all the four corners of the world. We who live in the UK must never forget that we are not living close to Beloved Huzooraa because we are any more worthy or capable than others.

We are close to Huzooraa only due to Allah’s grace. If it were not us, others who are more worthy would be here in our place.

I request prayers from Beloved Huzooraa. May Allah enable not just me, but all the waqifeen – especially those living close to Beloved Huzooraa, to fulfil the rights of this nearness to Khilafat. May Allah conceal our shortcomings and weaknesses, and not just cover them, but enable us to progress and become better individuals in every respect.

May we reach the level at which Beloved Huzoor desires to see us.

May we become true examples of righteousness and piety for others, so that no one is able to take issue with the standard of those missionaries and life devotees that live near Beloved Huzooraa. May we never become a cause of displeasure for our Beloved Khalifah due to our own failing standards. Instead, may we always be a source of pride for the Khalifa of the time and may his eyes and heart find comfort when he sees us – His loyal servants.

Ameen Allahumma Ameen.

Ismael Magazine

Sacrifice: The Pathway to Success

Issue 32 - 2023

“And say not of those who are killed in the cause of Allah that they are dead; nay, they are living; only you perceive not”.

Alhaj Boureima Bidiga.

to attend the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana). He had an immense passion for the propagation of Islam. It seemed as if he did not care for anything else as much as he did for this. He endured many death threats but he never responded harshly. Many great scholars of the area accepted Ahmadiyyat due to his efforts and many villages also entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat due to his efforts as well. He had a profound love for the Caliph; he would sit and intently listened to the classes that the Caliph held with children, despite not knowing any Urdu at all. He said it was an honour for him just to sit and listen to the Caliph. Many of his students work as local missionaries now in different areas of Burkina Faso. He was regular in offering the five daily prayers in the mosque. He had two wives and 11 children. His Holinessaa attested to his firm faith and resolve and also presented the personal accounts of many who were positively impacted by him. His Holinessaa said with regards to the sincerity of people in Burkina Faso, that whilst on a tour there, he noticed that whenever people met him, they would always try to hug him. Even the Fourth Caliphrh once stated that he found the soil of Burkina Faso to be fertile and ready to accept the truth.

He had lived in Saudi Arabia for some time for studies. He was a scholar of the Tamasheq language, especially of the commentary of the Holy Qur’an in this language.

Before accepting Ahmadiyyat, he was the chief Imam of various areas, and many scholars would come to stay with him to learn and benefit from his knowledge. Sometimes, this number would reach five hundred, and they would remain with him for a week. The first time he heard about Ahmadiyyat was in a market. When he learned that Ahmadis believe in the death of Jesus and the advent of the Promised Messiahas, he went to the mission house in Dori to learn more. He accepted Ahmadiyyat after a great deal of research. His Holinessaa said that some opponents say that the Ahmadiyya Community targets to convert poor people, however these martyrs have refuted this as well, for he is an example of those who accepted Ahmadiyyat after a great deal of research and study. In 2000, he travelled to the UK

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Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Sacrifice Your Time at the Threshold of Khalifa-tul-Masih Ataul Karim Gohar Student of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

S

ummer break is something we all look forward to. I am from Australia and studying on the opposite side of the world in Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, it’s always nice when summer is around and I know I will have the chance to spend some time with family and friends after a long eventful year of studies. As life devotees the time we have for family and friends is a beautiful blessing, and all international students including myself cherish this blessing a lot. However, this year I was blessed with the opportunity to spend more than two weeks as part of the Waqf-e-Arzi scheme in Islamabad UK in the presence of beloved Huzooraa. What more could I ask for, than to be in the presence of my Khalifa whilst simultaneously fulfilling my duty? This was not a question of ‘if ’ I should do it, but merely ‘when’ will the time come when I get to see my Khalifah and present myself at his service.

This experience was very fruitful as it taught us the true spirit of ‘Life-devotion’; simply being exactly that in letter and spirit, a devotion of an entire lifetime, not a few months or years or any other unit of time, but the ultimate unit: life; this is a sacrifice that shall last until the last breath, InshaAllah.

Nevertheless, this sacrifice of an additional two weeks is imperative for all Jamia students to get a taste of what life is like out in the field. Whether that experience be through performing daily routine duties at a Mosque, or working in the offices, or even

being assigned to a department under a subsidiary or auxiliary of the Jama’at. When we sacrifice our time with a higher purpose in mind, Allah the Almighty blesses us accordingly; There is nothing more special than sacrificing one’s time during the summer break at the threshold of Khalifa-tul-Masih whilst simultaneously reaping the blessings of ‘Qurbat’ (nearness) with a Man of God. This is the story of my Waqf-e-Arzi experience.

Alhamdulillah, thumma Alhamdulillah, it was truly through the sheer Grace of Allah that this humble one was fortunate enough to present his services over a span of three weeks to Hazrat Ameer-ul-Momineenaa through performing Waqf-e-Arzi in Islamabad, Tilford, UK. This year more than twetnty five students from Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada traveled to Islamabad to render their services in the blessed institution of Waqf-eArzi, the sacrifice of a minimum of fifteen days completely devoted to the service of Jama’at. And there is no greater feeling of service than serving Khalifa-tul-Masihaa in person in the blessed grounds of Islamabad. Huzooraa had graciously assigned us to the department of Hifazat-e-Markaz under Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya meaning we were entrusted with the task of protecting the Markaz at twenty four hours a day, seven days a week; no exceptions.

We felt the weight of the responsibility that Huzooraa had graciously given us considering that the grounds

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of Islamabad are neighboring miscellaneous properties and so the perimeter must be secure at all times. The day was split into three sections with each security shift lasting eight hours. At the start I mostly had night shifts and even that would feel crucially important just knowing that Huzooraa is finally getting a few hours of rest after another busy day and that he is weeping for all Ahmadis across the world in the latter hours of the night - and I must make sure to safeguard this precious time for Huzooraa. Sometimes it would be difficult to maintain the same sense of awareness in a long and daunting 8 hour shift, however the importance of the task at hand, required a sacrifice of our ease and comfort to stay alert and sharp when entrusted with protecting the Khalifa of the Time.

Then as the crowds for Jalsa Salana UK started pouring in, our duties broadened and toughened. We had to direct traffic on top of covering some temporary posts and the original standing security posts. Sometimes students’ shifts would extend beyond 12 hours as they would be relieved from one duty only to start the next one. But we enjoyed the thrill and adrenaline we received from these tough circumstances, and making sure that the guests of the Promised Messiahas would not be inconvenienced by our shortcomings. The parking in Islamabad was limited due to the marquees set up for Jalsa, so we had to be smart in our parking management strategies and use quick thinking to overcome newer and challenging scenarios day by day. It felt like an honour when our seniors would even take counsel from us mere volunteers in how to improve the strategies for the next day as we felt like we were having a direct involvement in the management of the Markaz.

We had to sacrifice attending the Jalsa Salana so that we could fulfill our obligations owed to the duty that had been assigned to us directly by Huzoor-e-Anwaraa. Our obligation was to protect the Markaz regardless of whether Huzooraa was present or not.

However, this was an intricate yet important lesson for us, as it taught us the value of the institution of Markaz in itself. In fact, we gained a deep realisation and even greater appreciation of the Darweshaan who volunteered to stay back and protect Qadian,

and the wisdom behind Hazrat Musleh Maud’sra decision. Although our status and sacrifices are microscopically small compared to the Darweshan-e-Qadian, for a second we could fractionally relate and empathise with the feelings they must have gone through. We had Qasr-e-Khilafat and Masjid Mubarak to safeguard; and it was an honour this humble one was bestowed with, to protect these sites, just like the Holy sites of Qadian used to be safeguarded.

Only we were in a state of peace and cannot even begin to imagine the harrowing state of fear and chaos those brave Ahmadis faced. One’s heart cannot refrain from praying for the Darweshaan-e-Qadian after thinking about their sacrifices, and we were blessed through our Waqf-e-Arzi to develop this realisation. May Allah accept the Darweshaan’s sacrifices and may we be able to follow in their courageous path, Ameen.

The highlight of our time in Islamabad – on top of all the prayers we offered behind Huzooraa and the fleeting glimpses we caught of His ‘pur-Noor’ (filled with light) face where sometimes even the slightest

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Sacrifice: The pathway to success

AG Maniel Alhassane.

He was a farmer by profession. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999 and was among the foremost Ahmadis in the village. He had a great deal of love for Khilafat. He was regular in offering prayers, offering financial contributions, and always presented sacrifices for the sake of the Community. He was well liked by all. He would always be at the forefront of fulfilling any call made by the Community.

AG Maliel Ousseni.

He was the twin brother of the above-mentioned martyr. He also accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999.

He was among those who accompanied Imam Boureima to the Dori mission house to learn more about Ahmadiyyat, He was regular in offering the five daily prayers and the pre dawn voluntary prayers.

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feeling that Huzoor had laid his eyes on us melted our souls away – was the Honour of a Mulaqat. I will speak only for myself that the love Huzooraa showed me makes one speechless at how a man is able to distribute so much tenderness and endearment to every person that walks into his office. If my passion for serving Huzooraa was already 110%, somehow Huzooraa had energized it to 200%. A few words with Khalifa have so much power in them that they rejuvenate the soul and grant peace and comfort to the heart. Huzooraa initially asked a few questions regarding Jamia, and then about my family, but the highlight was when Huzooraa asked me what I was doing in Islamabad. I responded as best and concisely as I could with that I was performing Night Shifts as part of Hifazat-e-Markaz (that had been my only duty at the time of the Mulaqat); Huzooraa with such care and compassion instantly inquired “Darr to nahi lagta” (Don’t you get scared) and I responded saying “No, Huzoor”.

Huzooraa then again inquired, “Bohat andhera hota hai, darr nahi lagta?” (it’s very dark, don’t you get scared) and I responded saying “Nahi Huzoor, sunsaan hota hai lekin darr nahi lagta”. (No Huzoor, its quiet but I don’t get scared) Then after a few seconds, with even more love and concern, Huzooraa asked me my age almost as if to confirm/reassure that I will be okay. Such is a mere example of the deep love and affection of Huzooraa that I was also blessed to witness pertaining to myself. But every single student who went on this Waqfe-Arzi trip had their very own special moment with Huzooraa, Alhamdulillah.

A similar highlight was being able to be a part of the International Bai’at.

Alhamdulillah all of us were blessed with the opportunity to undertake the oath of allegiance at the hands of Khalifa-tul-Masih. The magnitude of that singular moment in one’s life is incom-

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Issue 32 - 2023 the UK. At the time he was not ready to do Bai’at but much to my wonder and amazement, at Jalsa amongst a crowd of 40,000 plus, somehow I came across him and he embraced me full of joy and passionately told me he’s signed the Bai’at form. It is truly a humbling experience seeing these new converts enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat with so much devotion and witnessing their transformation, and to see their passion of sacrifice when they are willing to leave their family and friends behind for the True Islam. Alhamdulillah, thumma Alhamdulillah.

prehensible. As soon as Huzooraa stepped into the Jalsa Gah, the atmosphere completely changed.

With the first words of the Bai’at a pin drop silence befell the hall and a tranquilising energy disseminated into the souls. That feeling of placing your hand on another devout Ahmadi to connect to the Khalifa, and also providing that link to the person behind you is an unexplainable feeling. The loud and passionate repetition of the words of Bai’at behind Huzooraa creates such a mesmerizing scene where the echoes resonate into the heart and allow it to ponder over each word.

Alhamdulillah, spending time in Islamabad not only allowed us to make unforgettable memories but also long-lasting friends. All the volunteers, from the grass-roots to the in-charges, worked tirelessly towards our collective goals and they treated us with love and respect like brothers. No matter what tough circumstances the volunteers might have been going

through and despite their packed schedules, they would always be present to help us and would lead with exemplary valour sacrificing for the sake of their Khalifa. The beauty of sacrificing for the Khalifa is such that like the Qur’anic injunction َۡۡ ُ ۡ َ ‫اس َت ِبقواالخی ٰر ِت‬ ‫ف‬ every person with respect to their personal affinity with the Khalifa, tries to sacrifice above and beyond so that their Khalifa is specifically pleased with them.

Similarly, even carrying out everyday tasks would flourish into networking with amazing people and listening to their faith-inspiring stories. I myself got the chance to make a connection with a Tabligh contact named Joseph and Murabbi Mansoor Clarke Sahib whilst simply waiting for the tuckshop to open. We had a long 1 hour discussion regarding the intricacies of society, delving especially into the inherent societal structures and how life differs between Australia, Canada and

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In the end, I would just like to urge all the Waqifeen-e-Nau who have the opportunity to sacrifice some time that they most definitely should travel to Islamabad.

I use the phrase ‘opportunity to sacrifice’ with great reason and wisdom behind it as the chance to sacrifice is only through the sheer blessings of Allah, however, we must also be ready to grasp that opportunity at the first instant it arises. It’s a life-changing experience living in Huzoor’saa presence and the world-wide Markaz, and a means to make countless blessed memories even through just the simple act of praying behind Huzooraa. Moreover, if one has a bit more time, then performing Waqf-e-Arzi in the direct service of Huzooraa is an experience like no other. If anything, this article is a mere synopsis and just basic insight into some of the truly rich experiences I had during my Waqf-e-Arzi; I hope and pray this article acts as a vessel in proving to be motivational for the readers to sacrifice their time in the direct service of the Khalifa and plan their very own Waqf-e-Arzi too, Ameen.

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Syed Taalay Ahmed Shaheed A Son who Became a Diamond of Khilafat.

Amtus Shakoor Tayyaba Ahmed Sahiba From a Mother's Perspective

“He was an example for older people aswell, so try to be that example, so he didn’t ask anybody to follow ‘me’, but the way he was living his life, that was an example for everybody.”1 Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaa 32

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y mother, Sajida Hameed was fortunate to have grown up in the family of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him). This was due to her father’s marriage to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad’sra daughter, after her own mother Qanita passed away due to illness. She particularly used to mention how blessed and fortunate she had been to receive prayers in two moments of her life by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and also by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadra, who later became the 4th Caliph of the Promised Messiahas, when she was a college student.

Just a few days before Syed Taalay Ahmed was born, she rang me from the UK to tell me of her dream that I would have a baby boy whose hands she had seen raised up from a cradle and who clearly said the words, ‘Assalam Alaikum’. She also saw the words Allah in Arabic and God written in English on a blue card. Thus it was my mother brought me the good news of my son just before he was born, MashaAllah.

It has taken me some time to be able to write this as this article has a special significance for me personally. I hope and pray that by sharing a very personal and true story, readers will InshaAllah be inspired to build a closer relationship with Allah the Almighty and the teachings He sent to us to make us better people.

Taalay’s own story began in Lahore, Pakistan in the year of 1989, when, shortly after the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at’s centenary in March, I, a newly married young woman, found out I was expecting a child. It had not been long since the Waqf-e-Nau scheme had been launched by our beloved Hazrat Khalifatul- Masih IVra, and so my husband and I wrote to him requesting that our baby could be accepted into this blessed scheme.

Alhumdolilah, Allah was Kind, Loving and Merciful and on February 9th 1990, a day that does not seem so long ago to me, Taalay was born. It was a Friday; the day that spring was celebrated in Lahore by the flying of kites. Taalay was a beautiful baby and loved by his whole family including his paternal grand-parents, Syed Muhammad Ahmad (son of Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail sahib) and Amtul Latif Begum (daughter of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad).

Taalay’s grandmother looked after Taalay and me

Issue 32 - 2023 wonderfully.

First interaction with Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IVra The first interaction I remember of this young Waqf-e-Nau child with the Khalifa of the time was in the spring of 1990, when I visited my parents in Hartlepool, in the North-East of England. Huzoorra would visit our home as my parents were busy in many Tabligh activities at the time. There were often gatherings of women and men and they would ask questions to Huzoorra.

Although I do not remember exactly the reason for Huzoor’sra visit on this occasion, I do remember Taalay was just a few months old, sleeping in his pram in our dining room. Huzoorra was discussing which of my mother’s children was most intelligent — Huzoorra suggested one name and my mother another. Eventually, Huzoorra accepted her opinion over his own but pointed to the little baby in the pushchair saying, ‘But he will be even more intelligent than him!’

Early Years One of the qualities of Taalay from a very young age was his keen interest in matters relating to faith and religion. Indeed, when he was three years old, he began learning small chapters from the Holy Quran and I remember my mother was surprised at how much he had learnt. He was also able to converse on many topics that most three-year-olds would not, such as the topic of Tabligh. Although I am sure my conversations were made in an age-appropriatee manner, it was his keen interest and concentration on the subject that surprised me.

Another quality that I remember keenly is his kind heart and concern for others when he was quite small. I remember when he was two or three years old I would tell him to tidy up his toys and be sometimes annoyed at the mess, as is the case with most children that age, he would make.

One day, however, I was to learn an important lesson from him. By accident I had hoovered up one of his toys and had let out a surprised shriek when the toy cracked as it was gobbled up. Taalay came running into the room, asking me if I was okay, and showed no concern for the toy. Instead, all his concern was

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Issue 32 - 2023 Favourite childhood stories.

Taalay remembered his early childhood years and has recorded in personal correspondence that when he was only about three, I would sometimes tell him bedtime stories that were incidents of the life of our dear beloved Master the Holy Prophetsa. Taalay’s enlightened mind absorbed the stories as if he could see the incidents happening before him and so the Holy Prophetsa became his greatest hero.

However, when he was a little older — perhaps when he was five or six — on the way to school one day he was discussing the life of the Holy Prophetsa with me, when he suddenly realised that the Holy Prophetsa was no longer in this world. He became worried and scared, before carefully asking, is Huzoor (meaning Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IVra) still alive? Upon hearing that he was, he felt relief and happiness that at least one of his heroes was still alive.

Looking back, it is apparent that the deep love of the Holy Prophetsa bestowed by Allah the Almighty on Taalay developed, by Allah’s Blessing, into a love for Khilafat at a very young age.

Deep interest in Early Islamic History

to find out that I was alright. I felt embarrassed that every day I would tell him off about his toys and that day, when I had broken his toy whilst cleaning, he only had concern for me.

Moving to the Middle East and beyond Once Taalay entered our lives, worldly and spiritual blessings arrived with him. Only three weeks after his birth, his father moved to Abu Dhabi for work and we joined him a few months later. Taalay was only around 2 years and nine months when we enrolled him into nursery part time. His first task, therefore, was to learn English, as we spoke Urdu with him at home. Within a few months he had gained a large vocabulary and could make long rhyming patterns with his teacher.

My mother passed away when Taalay was nearly 5 years old and we migrated to Hartlepool from our home in Abu Dhabi to be close to my father and to be closer to our beloved Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IVra.

It was around this age that one of the incidents from the times of the Holy Prophetsa became a favourite of Taalay’s — that of Hazrat Bilalra. In pre-Islamic times, it was commonplace to keep slaves who had no rights or freedoms and had no choice but to serve their masters as they were told to.

When Hazrat Bilal, of African descent, and other slaves like him heard the teaching of equality in Islam, that all people — men and women, rich and poor, old and young, Arab and non-Arab — had the same basic human rights, he was moved. His heart had believed this all along and now a teaching had been sent from God Almighty to this wonderful, peaceful, kind and wise man, Hazrat Muhammadsa.

There was no other equal in nobility and character to him. Hazrat Bilalra, of course could not help but accept this true teaching and he became a Muslim.

Not long after, his cruel master Ummayya heard the news that his slave had accepted the man he considered an imposter. He demanded that Bilalra

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renounced his beliefs and accept Umayya’s false idols.

When Bilalra refused, the punishments began. Bilalra was dragged around the hot dusty Meccan streets by young vagabonds, his body scratched and sore, only to be brought back injured and thirsty to his master so that large boulders could be placed on his chest to burn his back in the molten sands of Arabia. However, no matter how Umayya tried to get his slave to worship idols, Bilal, gasping for breath, would only utter the words, “Ahad! Ahad!” (meaning Allah is One, Allah is One) Once, as some injury was being inflicted upon Bilalra, Hazrat Abu Bakrra passed by and offered to pay Umayya for the slave, Bilalra. Umayya asked for a price, which was paid by Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who added that he would have happily paid ten times more.

Taalay heard this incident many times and as a young four or five year old, when I would ask what the response from our dear Hazrat Bilalra was when being coerced to worship idols, Taalay would respond passionately with the words, ‘Ahad!’ ‘Ahad!’.

Taalay’s Truth Serum After beginning the Qaedah Yassarnal Quran (Arabic learning lessons) seriously at about three years, Taalay began reading the Holy Quran when he was about four and a half. He completed his first reading of the Holy Quran a day before his seventh birthday. I can remember that when he would read the Holy Quran, afterwards he would tell me what was on his mind and also reveal if he had done any childish action that he knew he wasn’t supposed to. I would tease him, “Taalay, the Holy Quran is a truth serum for you!”

A special incident aged 10 years As we had moved to Hartlepool in the UK in 1995, we were able to spend time close to my father, late Dr Hameed A Khan, with whom Taalay had a strong bond. This was demonstrated by an incident a few weeks before my father’s demise, when he was quite unwell. He called Taalay by his side in his armchair and told him he would recite Surah Yusuf, which

contains the incidents relating to the life of Hazrat Yusufas in particular. I remember the scene, Taalay, a young boy of 10 years, listening intently as my father recited the surah with translation and perhaps some commentary, all the while with tears trickling down my father’s face.

Although I remember this incident distinctly, its impact I realised many years later. On one occasion in 2017, when Taalay’s sister was visiting his marital home in London, he gathered his family members together and then very emotionally proceeded to recite Surah Yusuf beautifully with translation and commentary, a special gift perhaps for his family during her visit.

Teenage Years: When Taalay was 13 years old, I sent him to Pakistan for about two and a half months so that he could spend time in Rabwah, learn about this special place, and learn some Urdu too. His father gave him some diaries to write facts in about the elders from the family of the Promised Messiahas, so that he could learn the history and importance of belonging to this family. Taalay did write a few facts but also wrote a daily diary, which was extremely entertaining and enjoyable, about the interesting incidents and friendships he made whilst in Pakistan. Although

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Issue 32 - 2023 years that remind us that it is only the blessings and protection of Allah that can one keep away from bad influences.

For this it is of course necessary to pray and keeping a close connection to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masihaa is also hugely beneficial, MashAllah.

it is difficult to explain just how witty and funny Taalay could be, an uncle has told us that one day Taalay exclaimed that when he grew up he would open a Pizza Hut restaurant in Rabwah! His uncle remarked gently that as he was a Waqf-e-Nau, would this be appropriate? Upon this Taalay responded — yes! It will be a Pizza Hut Langar khana!

Young Waqfe Nau Growing up, Taalay enjoyed his Jama’at related activities such as Ijtemas or sports fixtures and participated regularly, often winning prizes. He was particularly successful gaining prizes in categories such as English speech. His enthusiasm was obvious to all. Once I was given feedback by an observer that he had never seemed so happy as he was at the National Waqfe Nau Ijtema!

The first incident is related to Taalay’s election as Head Boy at English Martyrs’ Sixth Form College. One of the main duties of being Head Boy was welcoming students to the annual party held for his class.

That year the party had been organised at the local nightclub in the early evening. Although we did not permit Taalay to go to such places, he explained to me that as head boy it was his duty to go for a short while to welcome his class, after which he would return home and avoid the rest of the function.

Blessings of Islam Ahmadiyyat on a young man

What happened made my heart leap with gratitude to Allah the Almighty. Taalay arrived to welcome his class only to find the whole class waiting outside the nightclub. Even though the booking had been made for sixth formers, there was a rule that anyone under the age of 18 years could not enter the nightclub. As it happened only 4 of the students there were over 18 and so the whole class waited whilst further legal permissions were sought.

There are two outstanding incidents from Taalay’s teenage

Taalay took full advantage of this time, saying hello to all his

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classmates and sharing witty comments and jokes with them whilst they waited. After half an hour or 40 minutes Taalay’s duty had been completed and he was able to return home Alhamdulillah, having been saved from even setting foot in the nightclub. It was only after he had left that the other students were allowed in! Allah the Almighty had protected him from a poor environment.

The second incident relates to the start of Taalay’s first year at university. He had gone quite far away to Queen Mary University London and was happy to have made a friend there named Alan.

They were on the same course and were able to help each other with organising their studies.

However, Alan would also attend parties and often requested Taalay to join him, requests which he would politely decline.

It was one evening in late October that Taalay rang me whilst travelling on the tube. He explained that to pacify Alan (just this once) he had finally agreed to go with him to attend a social gathering, at least for a short while. However, a little while earlier it occurred to him that today was a day when Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaa would meet some extended family informally at his home, and so he had impulsively jumped on the tube and set off towards Masjid Fazl in Southfields. It was only once he was on his way that he remembered Alan’s invitation.

He would make apologies later, he chuckled happily. Thus it was that when Taalay had planned to attend a University party, his love for Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaa prevented him. Alhamdulillah.

Ismael Magazine Care for parents as a young Waqfe Zindagi As a young adult, Taalay cared deeply about us and would have concern that we should not be overburdened with costs, and similar worries, in any way. Once serving as a life devotee, he would always take care about expenses because he did not wish to waste any money that belonged to the Jama’at. One small example is that he would always keep the heating on low in his flat in London. He was very content with all material things that Allah blessed him with and quite simple in his overall outlook.

His concern for his parents was such that he would worry that his father was having to pay more than needed for bills. So one day, at his insistence, we rang our energy company and another insurance company, perhaps car insurance. I think we saved £1100 that year due to these phone calls — advice given to us by a caring son. Alhamdulillah.

Doting Husband and Dad… As a brief example of Taalay’s attitude of consideration to his wife I shall mention a conversation we had a few weeks before his martyrdom. Someone was discussing a couple where the husband decided on all the furniture and decoration in the family home. Taalay was somewhat startled to hear this, commenting that he did not interfere with his wife’s furniture and room setting choices as she was the one who spent much of the time at home so it should be more according to her comfort and taste than his own.

Issue 32 - 2023 As a young father Taalay showed a great deal of attention and love towards his son Talal and daughter Zainab, often phoning or messaging us with the latest news of their developments.

For example, I could hear the happiness in his voice when on one occasion, (mentioned in Untold Narrations - by Syed Taalay Ahmed Shaheed (mta.tv), Huzooraa picked up Talal, when he was I think only two or three years old, took him into his office and gifted him with chocolates. When Talal showed good manners and behaviour in any such family meeting with Huzooraa, Taalay would be delighted and he would ring us to tell us happily what had happened, MashaAllah.

He would be pleased at any good habit of his children, such as when Talal first learnt Surah Fatiha or when he made progress in reading at school. Although Zainab was so young when he was martyred, she had a strong bond with her father, and he would mention this to me.

Caring Brother Taalay himself was a naturally gifted student by the Grace of Allah and gained 5 A stars and 7 As at GCSE in an average state school. Due to his academic abilities, I had encouraged him to become a doctor. However, as it was later to become apparent, Allah the Almighty had a perfect plan and Taalay very fortunately spent most of his adult years in London near to Hazrat KhalifatulMasih Vaa, who guided, inspired and trained Taalay both morally and spiritually so that he became a dedicated and loyal life devotee Alhamdolillah. May Allah Bless

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Huzooraa bountifully, as only He can, Ameen.

Thus, Taalay was instrumental in encouraging all his siblings academically.

His younger brother Adil, recollects how Taalay coached him for several hours one night before his GCSE History exam, a subject he was struggling with. Much to the surprise of his teacher, Adil gained an A grade result. He encouraged both his sisters in their University applications, redrafting personal statements with a flair few could match. Taalay and my daughter in law also welcomed his sister into their home whilst she studied for her degree at London University, an exceptional sacrifice for a young couple to make. Most encouraging with religious learning efforts, Taalay sent his youngest brother a gift of £30 when he completed his first reading of the Holy Quran.

Having a good understanding of age appropriate reading interests,

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during lockdown he sent his nine year old brother, ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘Horrible Science’ book sets. May Allah continue to shower Taalay and his family with manifold blessings Ameen.

The Miracle of Four Days without a Shepherd2 In his Friday Sermon of 3rd September 2021, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (May Allah be his Helper) graciously described much of Taalay’s work as a Waqf-e-Zindagi (life devotee). There is one documentary that, from start to finish, seemed to me like a miracle.

My recollection begins on the date of May 27th 2018, on our way home from Nasir Mosque in Hartlepool from our local Khilafat Day meeting. Taalay rang us, and excitedly detailed how Abid Khan sahib, Director MTA news, had mentioned his draft documentary to Huzooraa. Upon this, Huzooraa asked for it to be played and then not only watched the whole

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documentary but also suggested the final title including the word, ‘Shepherd’. It struck me as a huge and unique honour for Taalay that Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaa, watched his documentary about Khilafat on the day marked annually as Khilafat Day. Later, upon viewing the programme, I found it amazingly inspirational. It recorded this historical event with expertise, covered the subject matter in depth and expressed the emotions of the Jama’at at that time with great insight and maturity, MashaAllah.

The Moon of the Prophets Taalay’s last MTA documentary, The Moon of The Prophets - MTA Documentary Special , was as yet unpublished at the time of his martyrdom. It was about the blessed middle son of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, a true devotee of Khilafat. He was blessed by Allah the Almighty to write a wonderful biography about the Holy Prophetsa, The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets, and he spent his life in the service of Islam Ahmadiyyat. The message was that if we have a familial relationship to the Promised Messiahas or even if we are not physically related, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad was a shining role model in obedience and devotion to Khilafat e Ahmadiyya and any one of us would do well to follow him in this, by the Grace of Allah.

Ismael Magazine

To Allah we belong and to Him we return…

Taalay was 31 and a half years old at the time of his martyrdom.

In his last few months, I noticed especially how much wisdom, knowledge, kindness and forgiveness he had gained and I was looking forward to sharing whatever life Allah granted us with this special son.

On the night of his martyrdom, I dreamt that I was in my mother’s home (her name was Sajida Mubashira — meaning one who prostrates and gives good news) and she was holding a baby of a few months old who leapt into my arms, making me so happy.

However, no sooner had the baby come to me than it turned and returned to my mother as I continued with some kitchen jobs.

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By the Will of Allah the Almighty it was thus that my late mother, who had informed me many years earlier of Taalay’s arrival, was letting me know that it was time for him to return to his Lord, Allah. ّٰ ‫انا للہ و انا الیہ راجعون‬ The dedication of Taalay as a young life devotee by the Grace of Allah has been recorded in greater detail in the blessed Friday sermon of Hazrat KhalifatulMasih Vaa on the day of Taalay’s funeral3. Undeniably there is no better way with which to end, as I began, than with the words of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaa, who was so gracious and kind in his Friday Sermon 3rd September 2022,

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‘He was a diamond which has now departed from us. May Allah the Almighty continue to grant the Jamaat such people who are loyal, have a sincere and dedicated relationship with Khilafat, and give precedence to their faith over worldly matters.’

Ameen References 1. Virtual mulaqat with Midlands Khuddam 5.9.21 (45.25 mins) https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=j6Z36wWeK4I 2. (Four Days Without A Shepherd [MTA Documentary Special] - YouTube 3. (Syed Taalay Ahmed : A man true to his commitment (alislam. org)

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Ask A Murrabi

Jalees Khan Sahib is currently serving in the Nau-Mubaieen (new converts) department We asked Murrabi sahib a few Questions about his work and here is what he had to say...

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Issue 32 - 2023

Ask A Murrabi Jalees Khan Nau-Mubaeen (New Converts) Department

What inspired you to apply for Jamia Ahmadiyya UK? From a young age, I had a strong affection for serving the Jamaat. As I grew older this fondness deepened.

I was especially inspired by a very close friend who embraced Islam at a young age. Seeing his extremely high level of dedication in serving the Jamaat with immense passion and zeal left a permanent impression on me. I felt that as a born Ahmadi I too should show the same level of commitment as him, and I felt that dedicating my life would be the most rewarding and meaningful way to help the Jamaat.

Name three things that you experienced in your time studying in Jamia that changed you as a person.

One of the main things that really shaped the person I am today is the level of independence Jamia expects of you. Keeping that in mind, I am from Scotland and I would stay in Jamia for most of the year, I had to wash my own clothes and iron them as well. These kinds of tasks were alien to me. I had to learn to manage on my own. This experience was invaluable because after you experience this level of independence, you gain a sense of self-confidence that you can do more than you actually think.

Jamia students are privileged to receive personal Mulaqaats with Huzoor-e-Anwar (May Allah be his helper). This enabled us to gain direct guidance from Huzooraa. On top of that, Huzooraa would visit Jamia for classes. I can recall the night before convocation

or even a class with Huzooraa. The whole Jamia (students, teachers, the cooks and other workers) would be striving and working hard to make sure that Jamia is up to standard and to make sure that everything is in order for beloved Huzoor’saa arrival the next day. I remember we would stay up all night to ensure this would happen, and the memories of these nights were my fondest.

What are two things that you would advise the current Jamia students around the world?

Protect the corners of your time and don’t waste your time. When you graduate from Jamia, you will experience that a lot of responsibilities will be handed to you and if you are not able to manage it properly and if you're not disciplined, you will definitely struggle to meet your deadlines.

Whatever you read in Jamia read it well and remember to take notes. The Jamia syllabus covers a lot but you can never think that your studies have finished after covering it. Beloved Huzooraa as mentioned on the occasion of Convocation that your true education has just begun. Missionaries are expected to be aware of an array of topics whether they be secular or religious.

Where are you posted and what is your daily routine?

By the grace of Allah I have been posted in the National Department for New Ahmadi Tarbiyyat and Waqfe-Jadid. We have, including myself, three workers in

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Issue 32 - 2023 What are some of the guidelines from Khalifatul-Masihaa to this department and how do you implement them?

the office: Respected Jonathan Butterworth Sahib, who is the National secretary of the Tarbiyyat New Ahmdis department and respected Zakaria Bhatti Sahib, who is a full time employee. Apart from us we have our amazing volunteers who come into the office on the weekend.

During the day I spend my time contacting New Ahmadis and Murrabian ensuring everything is running smoothly. If they need any sort of assistance I am here to help. Apart from that we have many visitors in our office in Baitul Futuh, from Sadraan, Murabbiaan and New Ahmadis themselves. We try to visit our New Ahmadi brothers often either during the week or weekends.

Describe some of your challenges serving within the New Ahmadis Department and how have you tackled them?

One of the biggest challenges in the department is to make sure that the New Ahmadis are well engaged. If new Ahmadis are not looked after properly, they can drift away. You need to make sure that you connect with them on a human level, just like you would with anyone else. The department of Tarbiyyat New Ahmadis has taken on the task to visit each and every New Ahmadi across the UK. So, we have been travelling up and down the country since my arrival. We visit our New Ahmadis and make sure everything is alright with them and if they need assistance in any aspect. We must acknowledge that our New Ahmadi brothers and sisters have sacrificed a lot after accepting Ahmadiyyat. They might face some backlash or experience other complications, so it is our responsibility to ensure that we cater for our New Ahmadis needs.

In July 2014, Huzoor -e- Aqdasaa issued the following guidance concerning New Ahmadi Training classes “[…]

Like untamed birds, New Ahmadis will fly from the Jama’at unless they are cared for on a regular basis […]”. I believe this is an extremely important department and it is highlighted by this beautiful statement by Huzoor-eAnwar. This is a big challenge that we face and it is up to the Local Jamaat to ensure the New Ahmadis are well catered for, and it is our responsibility that the Local Jamaats possess all the tools to ensure they are doing their best to provide the New Ahmadi brothers and sisters the atmosphere to grow and progress not just as Ahmadis but as human beings.

I personally try to phone New Ahmadis as frequently as I can. I recently got in touch with a 66 year old individual from Wales. A lovely gentleman who was over the moon to hear that I was from the New Ahmadis department. He related how Islam has enabled him to become closer to God. At the end of the call he asked if I would call again and I replied of course. He was elated to hear this and in general I was extremely happy to talk to such a enthusiastic person. It just shows how a little human touch, a little care can go a long way. We have learned from this that strike while the iron is hot. When someone does accept Ahmadiyyat we must try our best to ensure the New Ahmad brother or sister is given special care as it could be daunting for someone in such a new environment.

What is the most rewarding aspect in serving within the New Ahmadis Department?

I have had the pleasure and privilege to meet so many amazing people and listened to their faith inspiring journeys that they have taken to reach Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam. This in turn reaffirms my faith and truly shows how blessed we are. I have spoken to many New Ahmadis and have asked them why they accepted Ahmadiyyat? A new Ahmadi from London said that the brotherhood and unity you see in the Jamaat you don’t see anywhere else.

He related that it is amazing to see how everyone is united under one flag. One banner. One faith. He continued by saying that we are very blessed that we

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Sacrifice: The pathway to success

have beloved Huzooraa to guide us. Another New Ahmadi from London said that Ahmadis don’t shy away from answering questions. Whatever question is asked is answered, and if someone doesn’t know the answer they research and they tell you afterwards but, they do not run away. A new Ahmadi from Preston saw a dream where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was smiling at him and when it was time take his Bai’at he expressed that God breathed a new life into him.

These are but few journeys I have mentioned and stating that ‘there are so many more’ is an understatement. May Allah Almighty shower his countless blessings on All Ahmadis new and old.

AG Hamidou Abdouramanae.

He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999. He was also a farmer by profession. He was very kind and always attended programmes conducted by the Community. He always taught his family to remain attached to the Community. He always watched MTA with regularly

What advice would you give to Waqifeen-eNau on the importance of Waqf (devotion) and serving within the Jama’at?

I have a few personal stories relating to Huzooraa, but I feel the one I would like to mention will be of great benefit to the Waqifeen-e-Nau around the world. We had the great blessing of a class Mulaqat in my second year of Jamia. His Holliness graciously permitted us to ask questions. Huzoor saw me sitting at the back and said ‘Does the one who asks many questions have a question for me?’ referring to me. I answered ‘yes Huzoor’. I asked regarding ‘Will Power’ and how one can increase in will power. Huzoor replied and said ‘Whatever job or duty you have don’t leave it for later or tomorrow do it straight away’. This had a lasting impression on me as I was someone who would delay things as much as possible, but after hearing these words from Beloved Huzoor I would try my utmost to finish the work I had at hand. This is exactly what I would suggest for Waqfeen-e-Nau to do and that is make sure you complete your work straight away instead of delaying it to tomorrow because tomorrow never comes.

AG Ibhrahim Souley.

He was also a farmer by profession. He always read prayers in congregation and presented financial sacrifices. He possessed great knowledge and would have scholarly discussions. He was very kind and gentle and treated everyone with kindness.

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Issue 32 - 2023

In the Spotlight

My name is Harris Hafeez and I am a Waqf-E-Nau by the grace of Allah.

I am 29 years old and am currently serving as a volunteer member of IAAAE (International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers) as well as the Media and Publications department of Majlis Khuddam Ul Ahmadiyya UK (MKA UK).

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In the Spotlight Harris Hafeez Volunteer IAAAE

(International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers)

Can you please tell us a bit about what you have studied and how you have been serving within the Jama’at in various capacities?

After completing my A-Levels I pursued a Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. This meant that I would be studying at University 1-2 days a week and spending the rest of the week working for an Engineering Firm. This process is longer than the traditional route of going to University full time, however the extra 2-3 years of University allow you to gain invaluable work experience whilst working on Engineering projects in your day job. I learnt how to use design and 3D software to create drawings and this allowed me to serve IAAAE and MKA UK on various projects.

You have mentioned some of your work with IAAAE (International Association of Ahmadi Architects & Engineers), what was your most challenging project?

By the grace of Allah I have had the chance to work on various projects for IAAAE such as the Alternative Energy project and the Model Village projects. All the projects have their own various challenges however I think my first IAAAE trip to Benin, West Africa in 2013 was the most challenging one. I spent 5 weeks there and for the first 2 weeks I had a Senior Engineer to guide me but the 3 weeks I spent by myself were a tough but valuable learning experience for me. Also I had never been away from home for such a period of time and didn’t have access to electricity or the internet.

Installing Solar Street Lamps Is there anyone who specifically inspired you?

First and foremost, Beloved Huzooraa who in essence is “The Project Manager” of the Jamaat and all of IAAAE’s projects around the globe.

After every Africa trip with IAAAE I have had the blessed honour of being present in “Daftari (Office) Mulaqats” with beloved Huzooraa. These are very different to the “Family Mulaqats” as you sometimes get to spend between 30-45 minutes in beloved Huzoor’s company. It is quite amazing to witness

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Issue 32 - 2023 beloved Huzooraa reading and responding to the letters that he receives whilst also listening to Project reports and providing invaluable feedback or guidance on these Project reports. I have never met anyone with such an ability to multi-task and work so efficiently. MashAllah!

Also the fact that beloved Huzooraa himself spent almost a decade serving the Jama'at and people of Africa is a great source of inspiration. You can see the love and care that Huzooraa has for the people of Africa.

Secondly, my father who served in West Africa for almost a decade and also people such as Shafqat Malik sahib, Mohsin Tahir sahib and Khalid Kareem sahib who are all active members of IAAAE and who I grew up watching as a kid whilst they served IAAAE on various projects.

What creates passion and motivation when you are carrying out your duties within the Jama’at?

As a Waqf-e-Nau growing up we are constantly reminded of the fact that we have dedicated our lives to serve the Jama'at and to serve humanity, but perhaps at a younger age we don’t really understand what this means or the blessings that are attached to serving the Jama'at and serving humanity. I remember as an 8 year old Tifl attending Jalsa Salana UK and wanting to get closer to better see Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Rabirh who I had mostly only seen on MTA but was stopped by Security. I felt quite sad and disheartened but then noticed that children of a similar age to me were distributing drinking water to the attendees of Jalsa Salana and that no one was stopping them! So I made my way to the small tent where water bottles were being refilled and asked to take part in the duty. As you can probably imagine the first place I went to after collecting my water bottle and some

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Issue 32 - 2023 ended up helping me to get my first Job. Similarly when I applied for my Civil Engineering Apprenticeship, there was only one vacancy and the Office location for the company was based 100 miles away from my home. I was competing with University drop out students and candidates who unlike me were local residents. My interview lasted forty five minutes and to my pleasant surprise 40 minutes of the interview were questions regarding my five week trip to Benin in West Africa whilst serving IAAAE’s Model Village Project. Alhamdulillah I was successful and started my apprenticeship soon after. The person who had interviewed me ended up being my Line Manager and she mentioned that there were candidates older than me, more educated than me and with previous work experience but I was the only one who had volunteered in West Africa whilst doing Engineering Work and that this had set me apart from other candidates. Alhamdulillah!

How can we attain the pleasure of Allah Tala when we serve within the Jama’at?

Allah says in the Holy Quran that we cannot attain his love unless we fulfil our rights towards the worship of Allah and fulfil our rights towards Allah's creation.

In simple terms, when one makes the intention to serve Allah's Jama'at or to serve Allah's creation out of no worldly motive but simply to obey Allah's command then you are certainly on the right path towards attaining Allah's pleasure.

disposable cups was the “Green Area”! However, after a few blessed seconds of seeing Huzoorrh up close I was quickly absorbed in distributing water and performing my duty. Every time my water bottle emptied, I would want to rush back to the tent to refill the bottle and distribute more water.

And that is when the desire to serve humanity and the Jamaat began.

During the 2019 trip to Benin, I still remember the reaction of the people in Gbeyekorou Model Village when the water burst out of the ground for the first time during the borehole drilling process and I saw people shouting and raising slogans praising Allah and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Watching their reaction gave me goosebumps and in that moment I realised how ungrateful I had been all these years towards Allah when we can simply turn on a tap in our homes and out comes a clean and endless supply of drinking water. On the other hand these people have literally walked miles every day to go and find water

As I grew older and physically stronger, I began to take part in Waqar-e-Amal sessions and other duties such as hygiene, site set up and serving meals to Foreign guests attending Jalsa Salana.

Aged 18 when I applied for my first job at my local supermarket, I didn’t have much work experience to draw on in my job interview. I didn’t think I had any skills, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was asked a lot of questions about serving meals, pot washing, cleaning up and setting up tables and chairs! I had not realised but a lot of the skills and experiences I picked up whilst doing Jama'at work

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which is usually not even clean or safe for drinking. But due to the blessings of Allah and the vision of Hazrat Ameerul Momineenaa, these people would now have multiple taps installed around the village where they could access clean and safe drinking water.

I also remember meeting an elderly man in Soyo Village, Benin during the Model Village project of 2013. It may have been my last day in the Village when he asked me to come and see him, and I am ashamed to admit that in that moment I thought he would ask me for something materialistic.

What he said next brought tears to my eyes. He asked me to take a photo of him and to show it to Huzoor-e-Anwaraa when I got back. He asked me to write his name down and to tell Huzoore-Anwaraa that he loved Huzoor.

He had never met any Khalifa nor did he think he would ever have the means to travel and meet Huzooraa in person and he had only seen photographs of Huzooraa.After I took his photo

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and noted his name down, he hugged me and was extremely happy. When you meet such pious, humble and loving souls you cannot help but realise that despite having almost nothing these people are content with their lives and grateful to Allah for every small thing that he has given them. It makes us realise that even though we have a much higher standard of living, we are nowhere near the spiritual standards of where we should be as Muslims.

My love and appreciation for Allah, his Prophets and Khilafate-Ahmadiyya has grown significantly after every trip to Africa whilst serving IAAAE. I didnt know it at the time but after making the intention to serve Allah's creation, I met such humble and pious people who made me fall in love with Allah and his Jama'at.

For a Waqif-e-Nau/Waqifa-eNau who is interested in pursuing engineering and working with IAAAE, what guidance would you give him/her? How can you pursue in this field?

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Engineering is a very vast field, so you should identify what subjects you find interesting i.e. Science, mathematics, Geography, computing etc. or practical courses such as electrical, plumbing and construction courses and then write a letter to beloved Huzooraa to request guidance and prayers regarding a potential career in Engineering.

If you are interested in the work that IAAAE does, then it is a good idea to attend one of their events or to meet them at their various Jalsa Salana exhibitions. You can also watch their previous symposiums on MTA International to see the sort of work they do and the guidance that Beloved Huzooraa gives them.

How are you still keeping in touch with Khalifatul Masih Vaa and why is it important to have that bond with Khalifatul Masih Vaa? The easiest method is to write letters regularly to Huzoor-eAqdasaa. Whenever I have failed

Ismael Magazine at something, I try to look back and find areas that I could have improved on. It just so happens that quite often I realise that I had not written a letter to beloved Huzooraa to seek his prayers prior to taking on the task. During a Virtual Mulaqat I heard Huzooraa say that the more often we write to him the more he will remember our names and naturally the more prayers we gain from him. If we study the Jama'at’s history we learn from the stories of various life devotees and even people who gained worldly success such as Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrullah Khan Sahib that the main reason for their success was in their obedience to and bond with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Please share a story or event you had with Khalifatul Masih Vaa? On my last trip to Benin in West Africa (2019) I travelled with Khalid Kareem sahib for two weeks and we had various tasks to complete for the Gbeyekorou Model Village Project. The village was in a remote area and would require a day of driving to get there and a day of driving to get back to catch our flight home.

One of the major tasks was for us to find a contractor to drill boreholes in the village to find water and then to send a sample of the water to a Laboratory for testing to see if the water was safe enough to drink. We spent the first few days meeting potential contractors but none of them had the required equipment to carry out the task whilst we were there. The earliest that any of the contractors could work would not be for at least two weeks as they had other pre-planned work to carry out. However, this would mean that we would not be present to oversee the work. In our desperation we did not know

Issue 32 - 2023 what to do so myself and brother Khalid typed up a letter requesting prayers of Huzooraa on my phone and sent it via WhatsApp to London. Im not even sure if that letter had yet reached Huzoor'saa table but we received a phone call from the contractor to say that they could potentially help us next week. However, the process for finding water and drilling can sometimes take a few days so we would still struggle to complete all our tasks in the limited time we had. Therefore, I wrote a second letter to Beloved Huzooraa seeking his prayers and to our joy the contractor called again to say that they may be able to meet us even sooner. In total I wrote four letters to beloved Huzooraa requesting his prayers and after every letter we would get a call from the drilling contractors to say that they could meet us sooner than we thought. Alhamdulillah by the grace of Allah and prayers of beloved Huzooraa not only did the contractor meet us in the Village on time but we managed to locate a large quantity of water below the ground on the first attempt!

We were able to send a sample to the Lab and upon our return to the UK we were informed that the results had come back and Alhamdulillah the water was safe to drink.

How do you see yourself serving the Jama’at in the future?

At the moment I am continuing to work outside the Jama'at gaining experience, as per the instructions of beloved Huzooraa. However, whenever I receive instructions to offer myself for the service of the Jama'at I will, InshAllah, gladly accept.

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Sacrifice: The pathway to success

AG Maguel Agali.

He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1999 along with his father. He was a very sincere Ahmadi. He was regular in offering prayers and financial contributions.

AG Adramane Agouma.

He was the youngest among the martyrs. He accepted Ahmadiyyat at the age of 20.

Thereafter, his attachment to the Ahmadiyya Community only increased. When the terrorists entered the mosque and asked who the associate Imam was, he boldly stated that it was him.

He would always be among the first to arrive at the mosque. He would also bring his children to the mosque in order to keep them attached as well. He was an expert cyclist and even cycled to Ghana in 2008.

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

The Role of Faith and Khilafat in my Recovery From 10 Years of Severe Mental Illness including Severe Depression, Severe Psychosis and Severe Anxiety.

Mohammed Sabahuddin Rafiuddin Waqif-e-Nau - Watford

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y name is Mohammed Sabahuddin Rafiuddin. I am a Waqif-e-Nau from Watford. From the age of 22 (back in 2013) to 32 (in 2023) I suffered from severe mental illness including severe depression, severe anxiety and severe psychosis.

As a result of these illnesses I was left bed-bound for 7 years unable to leave my house with doctors telling me there was slim to no chance of my illnesses ever completely going away.

I have written this article to highlight the importance that my faith and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya played in my recovery from severe mental illness and to give hope to anyone reading this who is suffering from any sort of illness (whether mental or physical) that recovery is indeed possible Insha’Allah.

to fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a Human Rights Lawyer.

Whilst working there, I began to experience symptoms of mental illness which were completely strange for me because nobody in my family or circle of friends had ever suffered from mental illness and everything I was experiencing came completely out of the blue. Scared of the stigma and deeply embarrassed with being stuck with the damaging label of being “Mentally ill” I put off going to the doctor for over a year. At that time my illness got so bad that photocopying a piece of paper at work or even making a cup of coffee became impossible. Consequently, this resulted in me losing my job and being made redundant from my dream workplace. This triggered a severe onset of depression, psychosis and anxiety which would last for over a decade. For the next ten years, I would visit seven different therapists, take four different prescription tablets every single day just to keep me alive and spend my 30th Birthday on a Mental Health Hospital in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

My journey started in 2013, aged 22, when I had just finished my postgraduate Legal Practice Course studies at the University of Law in London Bloomsbury and was working at a globally ranked law firm called Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in Central London on my way

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As a devoted Ahmadi Muslim, a passionate Waqif-e-Nau and someone who wishes to spend the rest of my life serving Islam, Ahmadiyyat, it was my faith and the love, prayers and guidance of beloved Huzooraa that kept me alive for the decade that I was in severe pain. It was my absolute conviction in the existence of God that allowed me to keep fighting my illness and motivated me to not give up. At first I was too embarrassed to write to Huzooraa about my mental illness because I

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thought he would deem me as being a weak Ahmadi Muslim, weak in faith or not fit enough to serve the Jama'at as a Waqif-e-Zindagi which is what I wished and dreamed to do. This could not have been further from the truth.

My decade long illness with mental health allowed me to grow so close to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and beloved Huzooraa in a way that I could never have imagined or been able to if it wasn’t for my illness. I saw Beloved Huzooraa in a new light, that I would not

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have been able to have, had it not been for my illness. From April 2021 when I was in the Mental Health Hospital, I had no energy and was not well enough to write letters to Huzooraa myself so I would dictate the contents of my letters to my mother who would get a pen and a piece of paper and write down my letter to Huzooraa and post it to him to give him an update of my illness. From April 2021 to today (November 2023) I have not missed a single day without writing a letter to Huzoor.

Huzooraa would be kind enough to personally write back to me himself and his letters would be filled with prayers, well wishes and motivation to keep fighting my illness. In one letter he even quoted a verse of the Holy Quran [And when I am ill, it is He who heals me.] (Chapter 26: Verse 81) upon receiving this letter I would keep reciting this verse out loud repeatedly and ponder over it’s meaning that it is truly Allah who has the power to heal all illnesses and nothing is impossible for him.

This letter touched me deeply and was a huge motivating factor in my recovery because it made me believe that I could be cured and that recovery was indeed possible - a feeling that no doctor could give me but my Khalifa gave me repeatedly in his letters to me for which I was eternally grateful. On average I would receive a personal letter from Huzooraa once every month inquiring about my health and containing love, prayers and warm wishes for me and my family to not give up, keep praying and remain steadfast and patient.

I was so touched that despite having the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to lead, he would still find the time to reply to my

Ismael Magazine letters personally on a monthly basis and took the time to inquire and pray for my health and wellbeing. This increased my love for Khilafat which already was extremely high to being ready to do anything and offer any sacrifice for the sake of my Khalifa. Every time I would receive a letter from Huzoor, I would put it inside a frame that I would order from Amazon and place the frame with Huzoor’s letter on my bedside table. I would then read all of Huzoor’s letters every day and this would give me hope and motivation to keep fighting knowing that Khalifatul Masih was praying for me and wishing me well.

The immediate question that will come to a reader’s mind is how did I survive 10 years of severe depression, severe anxiety and severe psychosis? The answer is my faith and absolute conviction in my religious beliefs and the existence of God. If it wasn’t for my faith, my story would have ended in 2013 and I would not be here in 2023 to share the lessons that I have learnt from my experience and help other people who are suffering. It was my faith and absolute conviction in the existence of God and truthfulness of Islam, Ahmadiyyat that gave me the belief to keep fighting severe mental illnesses that were not just debilitating but also degrading and dehumanizing, taking over my life and completely changing my personality. I do not want to be misinterpreted here as saying just by being religious or becoming a Muslim all of your health problems will go away - that is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that my faith and religious beliefs gave me the weapon that I needed to fight and combat

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My determination not to give up for 10 long years was solely down to my faith and conviction in my religious beliefs and abololute conviction in my belief in the existence of Allah... my illness without which I would have been defeated within a matter of weeks and would not have lasted 10 long years.

My faith and religious beliefs gave me the hope and inspiration I needed to get through each 24 hour period which is how I spent every day during the decade of my illness. I would just tell myself all I have to do is get through the next 24 hours. As a devoted Ahmadi Muslim, before my illness I would pray five times a day. During my illness, not only did I pray five times a day but I would lead the prayers in my house for all of my family members who joined me in prayers every single day.

My depression and psychosis affected my memory so much that at lunchtime I would forget what I had to eat for breakfast that same day and when I would wake up in the morning I would forget not just what I did the day before but also what clothes I had worn the day before. It was truly a horrifying experience and the symptoms of psychosis truly took away every aspect of my independence. However, remarkably, whilst I would lead prayers I was still able to remember all of the Salat and all of the verses of the Quran recited during prayers without forgetting them. I was still able to offer my prayers properly and correctly

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without making any mistakes despite being severely ill. This was hugely relieving for me and it gave my heart so much satisfaction and joy that the illness which had taken over my whole life and stopped me from living my life had not taken over my power to pray. For many other people going through severe psychosis, severe depression and severe anxiety would be enough to lose their faith in Allah and religion altogether but for me my illness drew me closer to Allah and made me even more religious than I was at the start of my illness. I see this ten year chapter of my life as Allah bringing me close to Him and allowing me to progress spiritually in my faith and now view this illness as a spiritual blessing after a traumatic decade of suffering from severe mental illness.

My determination not to give up for ten long years was solely down to my faith and conviction in my religious beliefs and abololute conviction in my belief in the existence of Allah Ta’ala. If it wasn’t for my faith I would not have lasted even a single year with the severity of psychosis that I had let alone lasting and surviving ten years. Every day, despite being severely ill, I would pray to Allah Ta’ala and study the Holy Quran with the commentary written by

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Hazrat Musleh Maudra in English. This would give me hope and motivation to keep fighting and not lose hope. There were specific verses of the Quran that I would read several times every day to help me not to give up my fight against severe mental illness - these were “surely there is ease after hardship” [94:7], “Allah burdens not any soul beyond its capacity” [2:287] and the verse that Huzoor specifically mentioned and referred to in his letters to me “And when I am ill, it is He [Allah] who cures me” [21:81].

At the worst point of my illness back in 2020, I went to see a specialist in Psychosis who had over thirty years of experience in treating patients with severe Psychosis. He was a Christian man and said to me that because I had left my symptoms untreated for such a long time it was extremely unlikely that my illness would ever go away completely and said that I would need to be taken care of for the rest of my life without being able to live an independent life.

This deeply upset me and shook me to my core. However, despite this assessment I continued to pray, write to Huzooraa every single day and never give up my fight against my mental illness to the extent that within 3 years not only had all traces of my illness gone away but I had moved out of my home in Watford and was living independently in Morden working a full time job for the first time in over 8 years. In 2023, I went back to that same doctor that said it was extremely unlikely that my illness would ever go away and I explained to him how I had recovered from all of my illnesses and his exact words were “Mohammed your recovery is nothing short of a miracle!”.

I then took this opportunity to tell the specialist psychiatrist that it was indeed a miracle and the reason why it happened was because I had the prayers of a man that was so close to God that God answered his prayers and this became an opportunity for me to do Tabligh to the Psychiatrist who was in awe at my recovery and how I had healed in such a short space of time.

I am currently working with the NHS in England as an Expert on Mental Health with specialist expertise in depression, anxiety and psychosis and am also working with leading national and international Mental Health Charities including Mind, Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, Anxiety UK and Hertfordshire County Council to improve Mental Health Services not just in the UK but all over the world. I am passionate about breaking the stigma around

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Mental Health within Asian, Middle-Eastern and Ethnic Minority communities and particularly amongst the global general Muslim and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as well. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental illness is costing lives as people are too scared to seek treatment for fear of being judged or labeled as being mentally ill. This needs to change and this can only change through education and awareness which is the change that I hope, with Allah’s help, I can bring in the world. I have now written to Huzooraa to dedicate my life to Allah, Islam and Ahmadiyyat as a Waqfe Zindagi (Life Devotee) and spend the rest of my life serving Allah and helping mankind hopefully in the field of Mental Health. A humble request for prayers for my success in this endeavor. (Ameen)

Ismael Magazine

Issue 32 - 2023

Sacrifice: The Pathway to Success

Huzooraa said that these are the shining stars of Ahmadiyyat. They have left us with an example. Huzooraa prayed that may Allah increase their progenies in sincerity. The enemy may think that they will eliminate Ahmadiyyat from the area with their martyrdoms, however, God-willing, Ahmadiyyat will only increase in the area. Huzooraa said that the local community should carefully devise a plan to continue propagating the message of Ahmadiyyat. Huzooraa prayed that may Allah continue to grant patience to the families.

AG Idrahi Moussa.

He was also a farmer by profession. He was an active Ahmadi and was regular in offering his prayers. He would spend time in the mosque whilst occupied in the remembrance of God. He regularly wrote letters to the Caliph and would pray for him as well.

Huzooraa said that in order to help support the families of martyrs, a fund was started at the time of the Fourth Caliphrh called the Syedna Bilal Fund.

Huzooraa said that since this incident, people have been sending donations directly for these people, however people should donate these funds to the Syedna Bilal Fund and specify that this donation is specifically for the families of the martyrs in Burkina Faso.

Huzooraa said that this is not a favour being done, rather it is the Community’s responsibility to care for them.

AG Soudeye Ousmane.

He was a sincere Ahmadi, always presenting his time and wealth. He helped with the construction of the mosque in Mahdi Abad.

He always presented whatever income he made first for the sake of the community. He would also help others in need however he could.

Huzooraa prayed that may Allah continue to elevate the station of these martyrs. May their martyrdoms bear fruits and be the means of the message of the Holy Prophetsa spreading swiftly across the world.

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Issue 32 - 2023