On 23 February, a group of 13 Waqifeen-e-Nau of Ireland, along with parents, had the opportunity to sit in the blessed presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.
During the mulaqat, Huzooraa answered questions and queries presented by the Waqifeen Khuddam and Atfal, whilst also graciously giving them pens and an opportunity for a group photo.
Rabeeb Ahmad Mirza Sahib, a missionary based in Ireland, talking about the purpose of the mulaqat, said:
“The purpose of the mulaqat was not only to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, but also to seek guidance from Huzooraa with regard to challenges the Waqifeen face in their day-to-day routines and ultimately for them to enhance their bond with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.”
Giving further insight into the mulaqat, Rabeeb Mirza Sahib said: “Huzooraa seemed very relaxed during the mulaqat and, as usual, his answers were a means of great clarity. The guidance from the Khalifa of the time is something that we are very fortunate and blessed to have”.
Discussing the effect the mulaqat had on those who attended, he said: “The mulaqat had a profound effect on the group in terms of uplifting the spirituality of each Waqf-e-Nau. Even the parents shared the same sentiments. It was a special moment which will be cherished by the group.”
During the mulaqat, a Tifl asked Huzooraa about any memories he had with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. Huzooraa recollected by saying:
“When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra passed away, I was fifteen years old. Before this, Huzoorra remained ill for a long period and we used to visit him and talk to him a little. I also remember being present at his speeches at Jalsa.”
Huzooraa further advised the Tifl to read the Al Hakam’s Musleh-e-Maud edition, published on 15 February 2019, in which Huzoor had mentioned his recollections with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. (This edition can be found on www.alhakam.org/al-hakam-15-february-2019)
A Khadim enquired about Huzoor’s opinion on Brexit to which Huzooraa said that he had presented his opinion at the European Parliament, which was that he opposed brexit, whilst also voting against it.
A Waqf-e-Nau who has specialised in surgery was interested to learn about Huzoor’saa experiences in Africa. Huzooraa lovingly responded by first asking the Khadim if he was ready to serve in Africa himself, to which the Khadim replied affirmatively. Then, describing his experience, Huzooraa said:
“There is Masha-Allah a strong Jamaat in Africa. People in Africa are very good. You should be good with people whilst there – show humility and practice high morals and as a result people will respect you. However, if you show arrogance or think of yourself as above others, then people will dislike you. My experience was very good; I showed respect to others and they showed respect back.”
One youngster enquired about fast food, whether it was Halal or not. Huzooraa explained:
“If it is cooked separately and not mixed with bacon or ham, then it is allowed. If it is cooked in the same pan and in the same oil where bacon and ham has been fried, then it is not Halal. So make sure it is cooked properly without being mixed with bacon or ham. There should also not be any alcohol in it.”
Huzooraa was asked about what he ate for breakfast by a Tifl. Huzooraa responded by saying that he eats a healthy breakfast which lasts him the day. Huzooraa highlighted the fact that those who have a heavy workload should eat a decent breakfast.
A young Tifl asked whether he was allowed to go to his friend’s house to stay or visit, to which Huzooraa responded by saying:
“You can go to their house but there shouldn’t be overnight stays at other people’s houses. You can go to play, of course.”
One Waqif-e-Nau asked Huzooraa if going to the cinema once in a while was permitted. Huzooraa said that if it was to watch a documentary, then it is allowed, otherwise cinemas should be avoided and instead, if children want to view something, it should be at home with parents.
A Khadim wanted to know Huzoor’s opinion about climate change, to which Huzooraa responded by saying:
“There is a serious issue on climate change, it is quite obvious. Ice is melting in the North Pole, the level of water is increasing and it is said that by 2030, countries like the UK will be underwater – the same will be with Ireland. The duration of warm weather is increasing as well. I remember some 30 years ago, when we would come to the UK, you could not go outside in June without a jacket.”
A young Tifl asked about why Allah created humans. Huzooraa replied by saying:
“Allah wanted to know who is good and bad. That is why Allah said, ‘If you do good works, then I will reward you. Whilst if you follow Satan, I will punish you.’ So, Allah created you to give you rewards after you protect yourself from Satan and do good works.”
A Khadim enquired as to why men were forbidden from wearing gold and silk whereas women were permitted. Huzooraa explained:
“They have different duties and there should be some distinction between men and women; this is why there is a dress code within Islam.”
One child asked about the responsibilities of a khalifa and a prophet, to which Huzooraa replied:
“There are two things for which prophets come: One, to bring people closer to their Creator, and second, to make them realise their duties towards each other – this is the duty of the prophet. The khalifa is to continue the job of the prophet after his demise.”
A Tifl asked why Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered in silence in congregation as opposed to recitation aloud as is done in other prayers. Huzooraa explained:
“Firstly, we follow the practice of the Holy Prophetsa. Secondly, there is a unique sense of peace by reading these prayers in silence. You enjoy offering Zuhr and Asr prayers whilst there is silence, don’t you? It is because the atmosphere of that time of day means it is better to offer Salat in silence. Conversely, at Fajr and Isha, the atmosphere during that time of day requires tilawat to be offered aloud.”
Another Tifl wanted to know about the story of Adam and Eve being cast out of heaven. He enquired about which heaven they were cast out of. Huzoor, talking about this heaven, said:
“Heaven is this world. If you follow Allah’s commandments, then you are in heaven. If you do not, then you are in hell. They [Adam and Eve] were not sent anywhere. Allah said, ‘This is the right path. If you follow this path, you will go to paradise.’ And that paradise is here in this very world. This is why the Quran says that there are two paradises – one in this world and one in the hereafter.”
The mulaqat concluded with having the opportunity to meet Huzooraa individually and then having a group photograph.
On Friday 22 February, Sally Benater, Leader of the South West BCU in the Metropolitan Police, met with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. During the meeting, the topics of discussion was generally on community engagement along with various pressing matters.
On 12 February, a group of maulvis from Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nabuwat and mullahs from other groups attacked an Ahmadi locality.
The Ahmadiyya Mulsim Jamaat Bangladesh began its journey long ago at the very start of the Jamaat. In the time of the Promised Messiahas, the message of Ahmadiyyat reached Bangladesh. The first person to accept Ahmadiyyat was Ahmad Kabir Nur Muhammad Sahib from Chittagong.
After this, a person sent a leaflet to East Bengal from Lahore. Hazrat Maulana Wahid came across this leaflet and that is how he came to know about the claim of the Promised Messiahas and began correspondence with Huzooras via letters, which are recorded in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V.
He then was able to travel to Qadian in 1912 and there, he met many scholars and at long last met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira and did Bai‘at at his hand. He then returned to Bangladesh in 1913 and began preaching the true message of Islam with thousands and thousands of people accepting Ahmadiyyat through him.
Today, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is established and spread throughout Bangladesh.
At different periods in the Jamaat’s history in Bangladesh, different phases of persecution came upon the Jamaat. Before the partition of Pakistan and India, Bangladesh was a very tolerant society. However, after the partition, Pakistani Maulvis who had immense hatred for the Jamaat travelled to Bangladesh frequently to create disorder and stir up animosity and poison against the Jamaat in the whole society.
In the 1980s, many of the Jamaat’s mosques were seized by these maulvis and many houses of Ahmadis were burned. Then again in the 1990s, it was a very sad phase where seven Ahmadis were martyred in Khulna due to a bomb blast.
Now, looking at the present, the circumstances remain the same. In Bangladesh we used to hold our Jalsa Salanas within our own mosque complex. Then, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said to hold the Jalsas in open fields. Thus, upon Huzoor’s guidance, Jamaat Bangladesh purchased an 18-acre plot of land in the northern part of the country with the aim of holding Jalsas there.
This year, we planned to hold the Jalsa there on 22, 23 and 24 February. However, on 12 February after sunset, a group of mullahs from Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nabuwat and mullahs from other groups came prepared and attacked the Ahmadi locality. They looted, burned and attacked the property, houses and shops. This resulted with 15-16 Ahmadis hurt, and two people very seriously injured. The loss was worth millions.
What is unfortunate is that when the Jamaat requested the police to come, they didn’t. It was after two hours and when all the damage had been done that the police showed
By the grace of Allah, the Jalsa preparation was not affected and everything related to Jalsa remained intact. Khuddam remained firm and did not allow them to enter our mosques.
The local council extended their support and cooperation towards the Jamaat. But under the pressure of the maulvis, they requested the Jamaat to withdraw and postpone the Jalsa.
All over the country, tension has been created by maulvis. They now say that they will not allow any Ahmadi to hold any event or conference anywhere in the country and are pressurising the government to declare us non-Muslim. We pray that the government does not bow before the maulvis and that common sense prevails.
Day by day, as the climate of enmity rises against the Ahmadiayya Jamaat in Bangladesh, so too does the faith of the Bangladesh Ahmadi Muslim. Members of the Jamaat are requested to continue to pray for Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh.
On 24February 2019, qaids from Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya United Kingdom had the opportunity to seek guidance from Huzooraa in a group mulaqat. A total of 127 local qaids and 22 regional qaids were present.
The mulaqat started with silent prayer led by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa after which Huzooraa asked each qaid about the location of their respective majlis and the number of Khuddam and Atfal there. After ensuring all qaids had introduced themselves, Huzooraa enquired whether or not all qaids held monthly meetings, while later emphasising the importance of holding meetings at least every month.
One qaid asked Huzooraa whether he could donate to charities other than Humanity First. Huzooraa replied by saying:
“It is up to you. I cannot say that you should give precisely the same amount as you give to Humanity First, but whatever amount you like, you can give to local charities. I also give to local charities … Whenever they make an appeal, they write to me to participate and I give regularly.”
A qaid from North West Region asked how attendance for Salat could be increased at mosques. Huzooraa responded first by quoting the Holy Quran, saying: “Admonish, therefore, for thou art but an admonisher.” (Surah al-Ghashiyah, Ch.88: V.22) Further, Huzooraa said: “You have to be persuasive; be consistent in calling them. Qaids and their amila members should themselves be active and regular in offering their congregational prayer, then Khuddam will follow.”
Regarding Khidmat-e-Khalq events (serving humanity) Huzooraa advised that Khuddam should be made aware of the reality behind Khidmat-e-Khalq, only then will they understand its true purpose and begin to come to events. Huzooraa said “Again, this comes down to the tarbiyat department”.
Another qaid raised the issue of a small number of inactive or demotivated Khuddam, to which Huzooraa advised by saying: “If you, as a qaid, and your amila are active, then there is no question of other Khuddam being demotivated.” Regarding those Khuddam who were inactive, Huzooraa said that qaids should frequently visit them just to see how they are doing, in a friendly manner. Addressing the issue of demotivation within Khuddam, Huzooraa instructed the qaids “You should never give up.”
The topic of marriage amongst Khuddam was also raised. Huzooraa commented by saying:
“I think every young boy needs to be married. If they have a good job and they are of the right age of marriage, then you should ask them to get married. This is the Sunnah. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Whoever follows my Sunnah is from among me and whoever doesn’t, he is not.’”
Giving advice on social contact with Khuddam, Huzooraa directed the qaids by saying:
“You should not pressurise them. Make good friendships with them and when you are talking with them, you should talk as a friend. There is no need to put pressure on them – just make them realise their obligations. Once they realise it, they will come.”
Towards the end of the mulaqat, Huzoor guided the Qaideen in the following words:
“You should give equal emphasis towards chanda, tarbiyat and to tabligh. If your tarbiyat is good, then everything is done.”
In view of the recently published Al Hakam special on Musleh-e-Maud Day, our readers are familiar with the grandeur and importance of this day.
It was a day when the Promised Messiahas, who we believe to be the final fortress for seeking refuge with against satanic forces, was divinely promised succour and help. He was promised a boy who would carry his mission to the ends of the earth, not stopping for anything or anyone that may stand in his way.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra – the Musleh-e-Maud – served Islam in magnificent ways throughout his life. On 20 February, or whichever national holiday falls in the country closest to this date, Ahmadis the world over seek to remember his sacrifices and effectively reflect upon their responsibilities as servants of this cause.
We have received reports of many countries that celebrated this day by getting together and learning about the splendour of this prophecy. Some are presented below.
Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Muqami, Rabwah, held a gathering in Aiwan-e-Mahmud with Isfandyar Munib Sahib, Head of the Ahmadiyya Tarikh (History) Department in the chair. 603 Khuddam from all over Rabwah participated.
As the Khuddam auxiliary was one of the many founded by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the Khuddam of Rabwah learnt about the purpose of MKA at its inception through a speech by Adeel Shahzad Sahib.
Isfandyar Munib Sahib then narrated incidents from the life of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra that reflected his passion for serving Islam Ahmadiyyat, the mission of his father, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. He also explained his importance in light of the prophecy foretold by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with regard to the coming Messiah marrying and having offspring.
Similarly, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Norway held their event on 17 February at Bait-ul-Nasr Mosque in Oslo. Shahid Mahmood Kahlon Sahib, Missionary In-charge Norway explained similarities between Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.
An interactive online quiz was also conducted on the day wherein both men and women answered questions to do with the life of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra.
This was followed by a talk on Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra expectations of Khuddam and Atfal by Tahir Mahmood Khan, Missionary Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Norway. The event concluded with a speech by Zahoor Ahmad Chaudhry Sahib, Amir Jamaat Norway.
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia celebrated Musleh-e-Maud Day not just in their headquarters but in Padalarang, Ikatan Saudara, Tidung Island, Wanasigra, West Jakarta, Bontang, Cianjur among many other towns and cities.
Jamaat Indonesia began the day with congregational Tahajud prayers. Following recitations of the Holy Quran, poem recitals and readings of the prophecy pertaining to the Musleh-e-Maud, speeches were read out in all areas on various unique aspects of this prophecy.
In Samarang, West Java, after listening to the speeches and being informed of the divine help that has supported and continues to support the Jamaat, 3 individuals declared their acceptance of Islam Ahmadiyyat and thus joined the Jamaat.
Alongside the more traditional features of the event, competitions were also conducted in Indonesia to further the benefits of this day. Competitions consisted of tilawat, speech, Azan and singing nazms.
On 16 February, Jamaat Macedonia also commemorated this day. After being introduced to the background of this prophecy, Waseem Ahmad Saroa Sahib, Missionary and President of Macedonia Jamaat, explained to the congregation aspects of the life of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra that showed his level of piety, persistence, zeal for the Jamaat and services for Islam. 44 Ahmadis attended the event.
Jamaat Kenya held their Musleh-e-Maud Day event on 23 February at the national headquarters on Murang’a Road, Nairobi.
A short talk on the signs and prophecies regarding Musleh-e-Maud was delivered by a local missionary, Nasir Hadji Sahib, who explained how the Promised Messiahas journeyed to Hoshiarpur from Qadian in pursuit of divine succour and a sign from the Almighty. He emphasised the point that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had encouraged all Ahmadis to adopt the unique qualities mentioned in the prophecy of Musleh-e-Maud and found in the personality of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra.
Sameer Mubarak Butt Sahib spoke to the congregation about the early life of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, prior to Khilafat. He narrated the famous incident when the Promised Messiahas passed away and a young Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra stood at his bedside and declared that even if the whole world turned away from his mission, he would not, and would carry on furthering the cause of this mission.
The audience also got the learn about the many schemes Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra brought about. This was done through a speech by Sheikh Abdullah Hussein Juma Sahib and included schemes such as Tahrik-e-Jadid, Al Fazl newspaper, evolution of the administrative structure of the Jamaat done in Rabwah, Waqf-e-Jadid and the auxiliary organisations to name a few.
Thereafter, the amir and missionary in-charge of Jamaat Kenya spoke on how such dates only come once a year and are not nearly enough to fully understand their importance. Therefore, in order to maintain a decent level of understanding about the importance of such dates dotted on the Jamaat calendar, each person should endeavour to become acquainted with history, and this can be done through watching MTA.
Jamaat Kosovo reports that they held their event on 16 February in Prishtina where 50 people gathered to remember this champion of Islam. Along with members of the Jamaat from Kosovo, a delegation had travelled from Macedonia, which included non-Ahmadi guests also.
A speech was delivered on the basis of Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa Friday Sermon of 19 February 2016 in which Huzooraa explained the personality of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and about the fulfilment of this prophecy.
A speech was then given on the importance of carefully upbringing children, based on what Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated in Minhajut-Talibin (The Way of the Seekers) about bringing up children in a healthy environment, bearing in mind their physical, moral and spiritual conditions.
With thanks to Usman Malik Sahib (MKA Pakistan), Tahir Mahmood Khan Sahib (Norway Correspondent), Hafidh al Rahman (Indonesia Correspondent), Waseem Ahmad Sahib (Macedonia Correspondent), Tahir Ahmad Machengo (Kenya Correspondent) and Shkelqim Bytyqi (Kosovo Correspondent)
Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan
The New Delhi International Book Fair, organised by the National Book Trust of India, was held between 5 and 13 January 2019. Out of the hundreds of exhibitions, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of New Delhi also had the opportunity to partake.
Banners comprising of quotes of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in relation to world peace were part of the exhibition as well as the various translations of the Holy Quran undertaken by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. A separate area had been set up for discussions with the public on the works of the community.
Free literature was also given out to those individuals that expressed an inclination towards further research. Such literature comprised of the Holy Quran, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, Life of Muhammad, The Economic System of Islam and Homeopathy – Like Cures Like etc.
Leaflets were also distributed at the fair on the peaceful teachings of Islam and Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa efforts towards establishing world peace.
It is estimated that around 20,000 people visited the stall over the course of the Book Fair and thus, thousands were able to benefit from the message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
In 1892, addressing the Promised Messiahas, Allah the Almighty promised him:
اِنِّيْ مُهِيْنٌ مَّنْ اَرَادَ اِهَانَتَكَ
“I shall humiliate him who seeks to humiliate you.” To this very day and in accordance with this promise, whoever has used foul language to humiliate the Promised Messiahas and assumed a path of mockery and scorn has been disgraced by God. Those who embrace such a course of action are including their own selves within this party.
The mannerism of mockery and scorn that some have adopted in their videos on social media regarding the Promised Messiahas is not unanticipated. This has always been the practise of enemies of the truth, and Allah the Almighty has presented proof of the truthfulness of prophets commissioned by God in the following words:
“Alas for mankind! there comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him.” (Surah Ya Sin, Ch.36: V.31)
In accordance with the eternal principle mentioned in this verse, the manner of mockery and scorn of some opponents in respect to the Promised Messiahas is proof of his truthfulness.
Allegation 1: On 11 October, when 1905 was drawing to a close, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira passed away after a long illness. The founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas prayed for him repeatedly and delivered numerous prophecies of his recovery, but he did not recover.
A short while after his death, he said that he had prophesied and received revelation that he would, on no account, recover from his illness. However, [in such circumstances] it was impossible for him to have received revelation of the demise of Hazrat Abdul Karim Sialkotira prior to its occurrence.
Response to allegation 1: Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira was born in 1858 and passed away at the age of 47 on 11 October 1905. In August 1905, Hazrat Abdul Karim Sialkoti’sra illness intensified, upon which the Promised Messiahas prayed for his recovery. The revelations which occurred during this period are presented before readers.
Under the heading Recent Revelations in the weekly Al Badr, the following revelations have been recorded:
2 September 1905:
سينتاليس سال کی عمر. اِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَ اِنَّا اِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
“The age of 47. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”
“When armies and poison shall descend from the sky. Wrapped in a shroud.”
9 September 1905:
اِنَّ الْمَنَايَا لَا تَطِيْشُ سِهَامُهَا
“The arrows of death do not miss.”
(The weekly Al Hakam, 10 September 1905, p. 12)
Before you are the revelations revealed during the illness of Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira and a few days prior to his death. On some occasions, the Promised Messiahas used to undoubtedly conclude from several of these revelations and dreams that Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira would recover, but God Almighty had not mentioned his recovery in any revelation.
In accordance with the revelations, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira passed away at the age of 47 on 11 October 1905. According to the aforementioned revelation, “Two rafters will break”, two of his prominent companions passed away – Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira and Hazrat Maulvi Burhanuddin Jehlmira on 11 October 1905 and 3 September 1905 respectively – thereby manifesting the truth of revelations from God Almighty to the Promised Messiahas.
The Promised Messiahas used to interpret certain dreams to mean that Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira would return to health, but no revelation included mention of his recovery. Thus, he was wrapped in a shroud, passing away at the age of 47.
It is absolutely unobjectionable for the Promised Messiahas to conclude from interpreting some revelations and visions that Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira would recover. The true interpretation of a prophecy is that to which true accounts attest. Sometimes, prophets can also err in interpreting prophecies.
For instance, Allah the Almighty informed Noahas that a great storm was coming his way and instructed him to build an ark that would save his followers and family from the storm. Hence, he constructed an ark and when the flood arrived, he boarded his followers and essential necessities on the ark. His son did not board the ark and though he instructed him to do so, he disobeyed. He said, “I shall betake myself to a mountain that will shelter me from the water.” At that very moment, a wave of water surged forth and his son drowned before his eyes. When the rain ceased and the floodwater dried, Noahas prayed with great humility before God Almighty:
“[O Noah] He is surely not of thy family; he is indeed a man of unrighteous conduct.” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.47)
These verses inform us that within the period since he had received revelation regarding the safeguarding of his family from Allah the Almighty up until the dialogue that he shared with the Almighty, Noahas had assumed the meaning of the revelation to be that his son would also be within the scope of the promise of safety and would be protected. However, divine revelation had informed him that the interpretation which he had understood of this revelation, was not correct. Similarly, it is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari:
“Hazrat Aishara relates that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Aisha, you have been shown to me twice in my dream. I saw your image on a piece of silk and it was said to me, “This is your wife.” When I uncovered the picture, what I saw was you.’ Then I remarked, ‘If this is the will of Allah, it shall certainly come to pass.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib-ul-Ansar)
“Hazrat Abu Musara relates that the Prophet of Allahsa said, ‘I saw in a dream that I was migrating to such a land which contained date palms. Therefore, my estimation was that the land would be Yamama or Hajar, but in the end, it emerged to be Medina which is also known as Yathrib.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib-ul-Ansar)
Thus, if the Promised Messiahas had interpreted a revelation or vision to be that he would recover, which did not prove right, it is definitely not a basis for raising an allegation. This is because Allah did not mention his recovery in any revelation. On the contrary, the tidings were clearly of death.
In the book, Al-Nabras Ala Sharah Aqaid byAllama Abdul Aziz Farhari, which pertains to beliefs of Sunnis, it is written:
ان النبي صلعم قد يجتهد فيكون خطا كما ذكره الاصوليون و كان النبي صلي الله عليه و سلم يشاور الصحابة فيمالم يوح اليه و هم يراجعون في ذالك ۔۔۔ و في الحديث ما حدثتكم عن الله سبحانه فهو حق و ما قلت فيه من قبل نفسي فانما انا بشر اخطي و اصيب.
“As scholars have mentioned, when the Holy Prophetsa used to interpret a certain revelation, the interpretation would sometimes not prove to be correct. He used to consult his companions in matters regarding which revelation had not yet descended and they would engage with him in fruitful dialogue in that respect. It is recorded in the Hadith that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Anything which I relay to you from God is the truth, and know regarding that which I relate as my own interpretation that I am a human; my interpretations can be both correct and can prove to be inaccurate.’” (Al-Nabras Ala Sharah Aqaid, p. 392, published Quetta, Pakistan)
(Research by a panel of scholars at the Research Cell, Rabwah. Translated by Al Hakam)
Anyone who has ever had a job has felt some of the pressures of work-related demands. Even if it’s a job you love, there are still stressful elements of it. Stress is often described as a feeling of being overwhelmed, worried or run-down.
Hans Selye in 1936 proposed the first definition of stress as, “Stress is the non-specific response to any demand for change.” These changes can be physical, emotional or psychological in nature.
So, let us take our first step in understanding what work-related stress is?
Work-related stress is the harmful physical and emotional response an employee may have when there is a conflict between job-demands and the person’s capability to tackle and cater to these demands. Some jobs produce more stress than others, and some employees have lower stress thresholds than others.
Jobs that involve rotational shift work, machine paced work, repetitive tasks and hazardous environments aggravate stress. Workers who spend many hours daily in front of computer screens also experience high stress responses.
Work pressures and frustrations often result in people reporting to work with migraine attacks, body and neck aches, mental fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Stress can be a costly business, affecting the employee’s health; if the health of the worker does not allow them to function efficiently, it will lead to an increased absenteeism and demotivation, which will directly affect the organisation’s growth and profit. As we all know, employees are the main source of profit generation for any establishment.
Acute stress involves symptoms that last from three days to a month following exposure to work-related stressors (stress causing triggers). Some of the cognitive symptoms include poor concentration, problems in retaining information, poor judgement, negative thinking, racing thoughts and constant worrying.
Emotional symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, irritability, bursts of anger and mood swings.
Physical symptoms include body aches and pains, constipation, hyperacidity, nausea, dizziness, loss of stamina throughout the day, muscle agitation, restlessness and exaggerated startle response.
Lastly, behavioral symptoms include extreme hunger or no hunger at all, procrastination, too much or too little sleep, difficulty falling and staying asleep, abusing drugs, alcohol or smoking and nervous habits like nail biting, pacing, restlessness in sleep etc.
People with acute stress may also experience a great deal of guilt about not being able to cope with the work demands.
In the long run, work related stress can and will take a major toll on the health and well-being of an individual. The consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate, elevated levels of the stress hormone “cortisol” and high blood pressure can cause irreversible damages if not comprehended and treated.
Chronic stress can result in anxiety, insomnia, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal problems, weakened immune system and even some organic diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
People who experience chronic work-related stress often try to cope with it in unhealthy ways such as over eating, consumption of junk foods and aerated drinks and smoking or drug abuse. This leads to a decrease in job performance, which then results in further aggravating symptoms of stress.
It’s no fun experiencing these stress related issues, and I wouldn’t leave you with all the bad news.
In attempting to manage stress let us work on three categories for effective results. The first one being the identification of stressors, secondly prevention or being proactive and lastly, coping or adapting to it.
Identification of stressors
Keeping a track of stress causing elements will set your course towards effective work stress management.
For a week or two, keep a journal or diary and record situations, events and people who cause you to have a negative physical, emotional or mental response. Include a brief description of your thoughts, feelings and information about the environment.
Also record how you reacted to the situation. Did you raise your voice? Did you become physically or verbally abusive? Did you go for a walk? Did you distract yourself in anyway? Did you meditate?
Taking notes will help you find patterns and persistent causes of stress that are subtle thereby giving you a crystal-clear picture as to which method of prevention or coping can be used.
Prevention by being proactive
Resist long working hours or accepting overtime – this will take the joy out of work and life. Try other alternative work schedules, for example write down a to-do list which does not exceed more than 3 tasks that need completion by the end of the next day. This helps in managing time and doing better-quality work in the given time. Make sure you get a few days off a month to unwind and mentally relax yourself.
Develop healthy choices like maintaining a healthy balanced diet as a well-nourished body; this is better able to withstand stress and avoid skipping any meal of the day including healthy snacks and drinks.
Eat a lot of green vegetables, fresh whole fruits and whole grains. Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day to avoid dehydration and headaches. Eat rich sources of vitamin b-complexes, concentrate on calcium rich foods and keep in check your vitamin D levels. Go lean with protein and add healthy MUFA and PUFA fats like coconut oil and avocados. These are also known to increase your stamina and keep your weight in check.
Obtain regular exercise and get enough deep sleep. Physical activity increases your body’s production of feel-good endorphins. Exercise also decreases the body’s stress response and practice healthy sleep hygiene habits. My experience with many clients shows that physical exercise produces more restful deep sleep.
Avoid procrastination – delaying work will lead you into a lot of unwelcome stress. Develop a simple method of organising things or events and stick to it. Clear the clutter on your desk, except those things that are related to the immediate problem at hand.
Find and create opportunities to laugh. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases production of immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, according to research.
Laughter and sharing laughs reduces pain, increases job performance, connects people emotionally and, believe it or not, makes you more beautiful and charismatic. Laughter stimulates an increase in blood flow and oxygenation in the body which gives good exercise to 15 facial muscles and the result is less stress and improved looks.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, encouraged us to always be cheerful and taught us to be happy and to spread happiness to others. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Harith reported, “I have never seen a man who was as cheerful as the Prophetsa of God.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Most importantly, a prayer makes busy life easier and sweeter. When you feel part of a greater purpose, it’s easy to understand that you aren’t responsible for everything that happens in and around your and others’ lives. When positive feelings rise high and the conscious effort to let go of things you can’t change occurs, your ability to handle stress too improves.
Take part in employee wellness programmes in workplaces. These include programmes like disease screening, mental health education or psycho-education, yoga classes at work and fitness centres of preventive nature for personal wellness. Employers may also develop a sensitive and responsive management systems.
Relaxation techniques to better cope with work-stress
In today’s fast-paced world, relaxation means zoning out in front of the television at the end of a tiring day. However, this does very little to reduce the damaging effects of stress.
To effectively cope, we need to activate our body’s natural relaxation response. Try practicing the following techniques:
1. Diaphragmatic breathing with positive visualisation or guided imagery: The key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply from the abdomen, getting as much fresh air as possible into your system. From taking deep breaths from the abdomen rather than shallow breaths from the upper chest, you inhale more oxygen, and the more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath and anxious you feel.
To this you can also add a cognitive component, for example visualising peaceful, pleasant mental images such as a beautiful holiday destination or all the wonderful things you have achieved in life until now. This gives a strong feeling of relaxation and keeps you away from all the negative and distracting thoughts.
Note: Other relaxing elements like aromatherapy or music can also be added into this technique.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This is a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body, starting from your feet and moving towards your head. With regular feet to head relaxation you will get familiar with what tension and complete relaxation feels like in different parts of your body. This can help you to react to the first signs of muscular tension that accompanies stress, and as your body relaxes in this procedure, so will your mind.
Note: PMR can be combined with deep belly breathing with positive visualisation for additional stress relief.
3. Basic mindfulness meditation: Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness meditation switches our focus to what’s happening right now, enabling us to be fully engaged in the present ongoing moment.
The method is to sit quietly in a correct posture and focus on your breathing, on one word or mantra which you have to repeat silently. Allow your thoughts and emotions to come and go without judgement and return your focus on the word or mantra each time after the thought and emotion has crossed your mind. One can also try to focus on breathing, observe how you inhale and exhale each time, this can help catch your attention.
4. Tai Chi: Originally developed for self-defence, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful body movement exercise. By focusing on present movements and breathing, the mind gets cleared and leads to a relaxed state. Tai Chi is safe as a low impact option for people of all ages and fitness levels, including older adults and those recovering from injuries.
5. Cue-controlled relaxation: This technique reduces the time you need to relax and in this technique, you will focus on your breathing and condition yourself to relax exactly when you tell yourself to relax.
Method: Make yourself comfortable in a chair. Take a deep breath and hold it for a moment. Concentrate on blowing the worries of the day. As you exhale, your stomach should move in and out with slow, even breaths. With each breath, the feeling of relaxation deepens. Continue to breathe deeply and regularly, saying “breathe in” to yourself as you inhale and “relax” as you exhale. Focus all your attention to words, feel your muscles and relax more deeply with each affirmation. Let the word “relax” crowd every other thought from your mind. Continue to breathe in the same manner for 5-7 minutes. Practice cue control twice a day for the best results.
6. Self-massage: Try taking a few minutes to massage your neck and head when at your desk between tasks, in bed or at the end of a hectic day. This will help you unwind. To enhance relaxation, you can use aromatic lavender essential oils or any scented lotions you like.
Note: Essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil before applying on skin. Avoid its use if pregnant. You can also use a diffuser in the office.
7. Social support: Some people experience stress owing to their detachment from the world around them due to the lack of warm interpersonal relationships at work, and this can be debilitating.
Studies have demonstrated that low levels of social support leads to higher rates of many mental health problems and there is a positive relationship between the social support at work and job satisfaction. Hence, a powerful antidote to this problem lies in the increased positive and beneficial social interactions like interesting educational programmes, counselling sessions and games etc. Between co-workers and organisations, these can be included in between work schedules or on the weekends in the offices.
8. Sabbatical leave: Relaxation will help you cope with stress. Sometimes it’s the wisest to temporarily remove yourself from it. Such a leave is given by the institutions to encourage stress relief, personal education and growth in workers. Most employees return refreshed, renewed and valued by their employers. Most of them bring back new perspectives gained from readings, travel and workshops.
Stress can be inordinate. Stress can be isolating. But you are not alone! You shouldn’t be ashamed of stress and you should always believe that you can overcome it.
The above techniques are simple. Find the relaxation technique that best suits you. Everyone’s stressors and reactions to stress are different. It may take a little experimentation and a little dedicated practice, but you will find something which works best for you. Keep trying – and try not to stress about it!
(Do see a psychologist or a counsellor if stress is unmanageable. Please always consult a doctor or specialist to diagnose health conditions and follow the advised plan of a qualified doctor.)
Hazrat Anas bin Malik, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), do not make it hard for them; give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam).”
Islam is such a pure religion that it does not permit the use of abusive language against any religious founder. The followers of other religions let out a stream of invective at the drop of a hat. Just look at how the Christians use foul language against the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. If he had been alive today, even in view of his worldly status, they would not have had the courage to say a word against him. In fact, they would have treated the Holy Prophetsa with a thousand times more reverence. Such people would not dare curse or insult the Amir of Kabul or the Sultan of Rome, who are humble followers of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. But when the name of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is mentioned, they revile him with a thousand obscenities. Islam is a benefactor for other religions because it vindicated every Prophet and divine scripture of the past. But despite this, Islam is abused. The essence of Islam لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہ There is none worthy of worship except Allah) is to be found in no other religion.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 6-7)
