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Jalsa Salana France 2019

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Jalsa Salana France 2019

Friday Sermon

4 October 2019

Jalsa Salana France 2019

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

Today, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, your Jalsa Salana [annual convention] is going to commence. The Promised Messiahas has described the Jalsa as “a purely religious gathering”. Thus, it should be clear to every participant of the Jalsa that we have gathered here today to make progress and advancement in terms of religion, knowledge and spirituality. We have gathered here today, and shall remain here over the next three days, reflecting and deeply pondering as to how we can improve our conditions in terms of faith, knowledge and spirituality. If one does not adopt this mindset, then there is no benefit in coming here. 

In today’s age, where the world is becoming unmindful of God Almighty, followers of all religions are moving away from their religions. The figures that come out annually indicate that a large number of people express disbelief in the existence of God Almighty. Even the condition of the Muslims indicates that they are Muslims in name only and that materialism has taken over. We claim to believe in the Imam of the Age, sent by Allah the Almighty in this era in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa to revive the faith and while having made this covenant that we will also help fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiah and Mahdias. Therefore, in light of this if we do not pay attention to improving our conditions, then our claim to have come into the Bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas is just a hollow expression. It will be empty of any spirit and our covenant of Bai‘at is merely a covenant in name and we are failing to fulfil it and our attending this Jalsa equals to attending a worldly festival. Thus, every Ahmadi should greatly reflect upon this. There is a need to pay attention towards assessing your conditions with great concern for if we are guilty of having such a mindset, then [all of this] is of no benefit. 

If we analyse ourselves, while keeping in view the objectives of Jalsa Salana that the Promised Messiahas has stipulated for us, then we will not only be fulfilling the purpose of these three days, but we will also become recipients of the prayers of the Promised Messiahas that he offered in favour of the attendees of Jalsa; we will beautify our life in this world and the Hereafter by making [those objectives] a permanent part of our lives; we will not only be improving our own conditions, but our effort to seek good deeds and our acting upon them will also make our next generations firm in faith, bring them closer to God Almighty and make them recipients of the blessings of Allah the Almighty. In an age where the world is distancing itself from God Almighty and religion, our progeny will come closer to God Almighty and will become a means to bring the world closer to God Almighty. 

Thus, if we wish to fulfil the covenant of Bai‘at and save our progeny, then we need to be ever mindful of the objectives of the Jalsa. We need to observe these three days with the firm resolve that these objectives will now continue to be part of our lives. While elucidating the objectives of Jalsa, the Promised Messiahas said that the attendees of the Jalsa should be concerned about their [wellbeing in the] Hereafter. This Jalsa is being held so that the attendees, being in this environment, should develop a concern about their Hereafter, they should inculcate the fear of Allah, righteousness, kind-heartedness, an atmosphere of mutual love and brotherhood, humbleness, humility and that they should establish themselves upon truthfulness and become active in the service of faith. (Shahadatul Quran, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, p. 394)

Thus, this is the purpose of our gathering here today. In relation to the words of the Promised Messiahas, every follower, whether a man or a woman, old or young, should be worried about their Hereafter to the extent that worldly things should amount to nothing compared to it. While living in this material world, this is a monumental task and a huge challenge, and in order to accomplish this, we need to undertake a great Jihad. One can only be concerned about one’s Hereafter if one truly believes in the existence of God Almighty and has firm faith that this world is only for a few years.

One can, at most, live for 80 years or 90 years or a maximum of around 100 years, but most do not even reach such an age and pass away much earlier. However, what happens is that we tend to sacrifice the permanent life for the sake of this temporary life and yet, despite this, worldly people consider themselves to be great and wise. Thus, a believer ought to not act in this manner. Only then can he be considered a true believer.   

One should instil the fear of God Almighty in their hearts and the love of Allah the Almighty should supersede all other worldly affections. One should not fear Allah the Almighty because they will be punished in the next life, rather they do so because they do not wish for their beloved God to be displeased with them. Only when these sentiments of love develop does a person strive to act in accordance with the commandments of God the Almighty. Every deed of such a person is performed in consideration of the Hereafter.

A person is certain that it is God Alone Who grants him the means for his provisions. It is only God Who blesses him with His rewards. This includes all forms of rewards, worldly as well as spiritual. He believes that if he continues to fulfil the rights of His worship, if he continues to submit himself before God, whilst considering Him to be the Possessor of all powers, he will continue to receive His rewards, Insha-Allah [God willing]. If he continues to live in accordance with His commandments and prohibitions, then he will continue to become the recipient of His blessings. If he continues to fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty as well as those of His creation, whilst showing complete obedience to Him and whilst maintaining righteousness, God Almighty will be pleased with him. Hence, this mind-set and acting in accordance with it will certainly enable a person to become the recipient of the rewards and blessings of Allah the Almighty in accordance with His promise.

Furthermore, these very people, who have such a mindset, are referred to as those who tread the path of righteousness, that is, those who act in accordance with all of the commandments of Allah the Almighty and whose hearts have softened as God is found within their hearts in each and every moment of their lives. These are the very people, who hold sentiments of love for one another for the sake of God Almighty, that is, their love and brotherhood are not for personal interests, but purely for the sake of God Almighty. Similarly, these are the very people, who tread the path of righteousness and develop modesty. Furthermore, they are not merely modest in front of those, who are higher in status in terms of worldly wealth and stature, rather, they are also modest in front of the poor and the needy. These are the very people, who uphold truthfulness at all times and who believe that saying the right word leads a person to God Almighty and that falsehood leads to Shirk [associating partners with God].

Hence, when a person is mindful of the Hereafter, is fearful of God Almighty, comprehends the reality of righteousness, then how can such a person speak falsehood after having become a believer. Furthermore, those who attain these qualities and comprehend the true spirit of virtues are in fact the ones who are truly active in the service of religion. Otherwise, this service also becomes a superficial means of acquiring personal interests. We observe that there are hundreds of scholars among the Muslims, who seem to be very active for the service of their faith, however in reality they are committing cruelties in the name of religion. They lack righteousness, the fear of God cannot be seen in them and worldly interests are dearer to them than the Hereafter, yet, they speak about the importance of God and the Hereafter.  

Therefore, it is integral to understand the true spirit of these guidelines which the Promised Messiahas wanted us to develop within us, that is, we should not simply perform these superficially, rather we should understand the true spirit and essence of these teachings. We must assess ourselves whilst being mindful of this, that is, are we attending this convention with this intention? Do we have the heartfelt passion to attain these objectives?

If, due to human weaknesses, we have erred in the past while striving towards these objectives, then are we ready now with a renewed sense of passion to endeavour towards this with the best of our capabilities to exhibit and establish these righteous deeds? Are we going to adopt this practice?

Today, do we pledge that we will become those who are more concerned about the life in the Hereafter than the life of this world?  Do we pledge to give preference to the fear and love of God over everything else? Will we endeavour as much as possible to tread the subtle paths of righteousness and will we establish kindness in our hearts towards others? Will we increase our mutual love and brotherhood to the extent that it becomes an example for others to follow? Will we become those who progress in humility and politeness? Will honesty and virtue become our distinctive feature to the extent that everyone will say, “Ahmadis always remain firm on the truth and they speak the truth at any cost, even if they have to endure great losses in doing so”? Will we be ever ready to render exemplary services for our faith?

In order for this to be achieved, we must endeavour to propagate the message of God’s religion more than ever before to every individual in our society. We must inform them about the true image of Islam. If we can fulfil this pledge and we spend our lives accordingly, then we have indeed accomplished our pledge of allegiance. 

Thus, let us establish our course of action to attain these goals. A person who is worried about the Hereafter and fears Allah Almighty, directs their attention towards safeguarding their worship. Such a person seeks to enquire the primary objective of their life which God Almighty has established for them. In relation to this, Allah Almighty states: 

وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ الۡجِنَّ وَالۡاِنۡسَ اِلَّا لِیَعۡبُدُوۡنِ

The Promised Messiahas has translated this verse in the following manner:

“‘The Jinn and man have been created so that they may recognise Me and worship Me [Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.57].’” He further states, “Hence, in light of this, the real objective of one’s life is to worship God Almighty and to become devoted to God and to attain the cognisance of God.”

The Promised Messiahas further states:

“It is obvious that a human being does not possess the status to decide the purpose of his or her life.” Although, a human being does try to decide that, however, they do not have the ability to do so. “Neither do they come to this world by their own choice, nor do they leave on their own accord. They are merely a creation. The One Who created them and granted them excellent and superior faculties when compared to other animals, He has established a purpose for their life, whether someone understands this or not. The purpose of the creation of humanity, without a doubt, is to worship God and to wholly devote oneself in seeking the cognisance of God and to immerse oneself in Him.” (Islami Usul Ki Philosophy, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, p. 414)

However, what is the method of this worship which God Almighty has taught us in order to attain this objective? It is to establish prayer. Allah the Almighty states: 

اِنَّ الصَّلٰوۃَ کَانَتۡ عَلَی الۡمُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ کِتٰبًا مَّوۡقُوۡتًا

“Verily prayer is enjoined on the believers to be performed at fixed hours.” [Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.104]

The Promised Messiahas states, “Offering prayers at the fixed hours is something that I hold very dear to me.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 63)

This means that it is vital to offer prayers at its prescribed time. However, we see in this day and age that prayers are not offered on time due to very trivial reasons and people show negligence in this regard. In fact, there are some people who do not offer prayers altogether. They offer three or four prayers instead of the five daily prayers and show indolence in this regard, whereas Allah Almighty has commanded the believers to protect their prayers. He states: 

حٰفِظُوۡا عَلَی الصَّلَوٰتِ وَالصَّلٰوۃِ الۡوُسۡطٰی

“Watch over Prayers and the middle Prayer.” [Surah al-Baqrah, Ch.2: V.239]

This means that we should watch over our prayers, particularly the middle prayer. However, due to worldly endeavours and employment, some people miss their Zuhr and Asr prayers and because of television programmes or other personal plans in the evening, they miss their Maghrib and Isha prayers. Some miss Fajr and use sleep as an excuse. Hence, every one of us must evaluate ourselves and see whether or not we are acting on the commandment of Allah Almighty.

There are some people who offer prayers in congregation during special Jamaat programmes or in the month of Ramadan and consider this as following the commandments of Allah Almighty, and it does not matter whether or not they adhere to these commandments during the rest of the year. However, one must pay heed to what Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa have said about the importance of observing prayer. Allah Almighty states: 

اِنَّمَا یَعۡمُرُ مَسٰجِدَ اللّٰہِ مَنۡ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰہِ وَ الۡیَوۡمِ الۡاٰخِرِ

“He alone can keep the Mosques of Allah in a good and flourishing condition who believes in Allah, and the Last Day [Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.18] ” 

The Holy Prophetsa stated, “When you see someone come to the mosque to offer prayers, then you should testify that such an individual is a believer. This is because Allah the Almighty states that only those individuals populate the mosque who believe in God and the Last Day.” (Sunan ibn Majah, Kitab-ul-Masajid Wa Al-Jamaat)

Although we all call ourselves believers, but only those people are believers in the sight of God and His Messengersa who populate His house, and this is because they believe in Allah the Almighty and the Last Day. Thus, it is also made clear here that simply coming to the mosque is not enough; rather, it is vital to attend the mosque with a firm belief in Allah and the Hereafter.

Whosoever adopts this mindset will fear God and such an individual will not come to the mosque to create disorder and will not be one of those worshippers whose prayers become a means of their ruin. Instead of attaining Allah’s pleasure, such worshippers incur the wrath of God. However, those who are truly righteous are concerned about the Hereafter and instil the fear of God in their hearts. 

Their hearts are tender and filled with love, affection and brotherhood. They are humble and remain established on truthfulness. They propagate the peaceful message of Islam. Their mosques are places which one does not fear and nor are they places where evil ploys are hatched. It is for this reason that God Almighty states that only stand in those mosques whose foundations have been established on Taqwa [righteousness] and not to spread evil and disorder. Thus, those who populate the mosques while remaining firm on Taqwa, they also fulfil the due rights of God and also the rights of His creation. It is regarding these very people the Holy Prophetsa has given the glad-tiding that on the Day of Judgment, the first question that His servants will be asked about is the observance of prayer. God Almighty will ask the angels whether or not they offered their obligatory prayers; those who have offered all their prayers, their account in this regard will be complete and will declare that they have observed all their prayers. However, those who have some deficiencies in their obligatory prayers, God Almighty will ask about their nawafil prayers [voluntary prayers]; if there is any shortcoming in the observance of obligatory prayers, it can be fulfilled from their nawafil prayers. (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-ul-Salat, Hadith no. 864)

Thus, God Almighty stating “His servants” signifies that these people strive in the servitude of God Almighty and seek to fulfil His due rights. At times, in certain extreme cases and owing to one’s natural weaknesses, there can be shortcomings or one can forget, however God Almighty, granting His mercy and forgiveness, fulfils the deficiencies of one’s obligatory prayers by accepting their nawafil in its place and thus forgives His servant and increases his deeds in this way. However, those who offer the nawafil prayers are ones who instil the fear of God Almighty in their hearts. Nawafil is a prayer which one does not even have to leave their home to offer, rather it is offered in seclusion and in privacy, thus one who offers the nawafil prayers truly fears God Almighty. These are the very people regarding whom God Almighty states that they are “My servants”. Indeed, His servants can err, but they do not persistently go on committing them, in fact they seek to expiate those sins. Thus, this is the mercy of God Almighty whereby on the one hand, God Almighty has stated that prayer is not an ordinary matter and that is the very first thing which one will be asked, therefore one must pay attention to this, but on the other hand God Almighty has also stated that if one enters the servitude of God and fulfils the rights of His worship whilst adopting Taqwa [righteousness], then the nawafil will be of the same rank in virtue as the obligatory prayers and will cover His servants in the mantle of His forgiveness.

Therefore, on the one hand, whilst God Almighty has given glad tidings of His forgiveness, He has also directed our attention towards offering the nawafil prayers in order to become the recipient of His grace. Hence, a believer is one who whilst adopting the fear of God Almighty, not only directs his/her attention towards observing the obligatory prayers, but also observes the nawafil, so that they can fulfil any shortcomings in the obligatory prayers. These are the people who truly fear Allah the Almighty and adopt Taqwa – and it is owing to Taqwa that their attention is then directed towards fulfilling other virtuous deeds as well. Their hearts become tender for one another and instead of seeking revenge, they forgive one another.

In order to attain the love of God Almighty, they treat one another with love and affection and their hearts are filled with humility. They develop a spirit of sacrificing for the sake of others. Therefore, in this regard, everyone should assess their own condition as to whether they have these characteristics. A true believer is one who strives to adopt every form of virtue. If a person does not show love towards his fellow brother, then he does not have true Taqwa within him. Similarly, one should be concerned if they are not kind-hearted. One whose wife and children are deeply annoyed at him over his conduct, lacks in Taqwa. Similarly, those wives who fail to fulfil the rights of their husbands and children and make unjust demands, their hearts are also devoid of Taqwa. Those who treat one another with love and kindness for the sake of God Almighty, they are the ones who truly adopt Taqwa. The Holy Prophetsa stated that on the Day of Judgment, God Almighty will declare:

“Where are those who love each other for the sake of My glory? Today, I will shelter them in My shade on a day when there is no shade but Mine.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Birr, Hadith no. 2566)

Thus, those who love one another whilst adhering to the commandments of God Almighty purely for His sake, they are the ones who become the recipients of His grace. On the other hand, those who do not do this can incur the displeasure of God Almighty. Therefore, each and every one of you must instil this spirit within them. We proclaim the slogan of “Love for all, hatred for none”, however we must practise this within our own homes and in our societies so that this message can spread in the world in the true sense. Moreover, through just a small effort on our part, we can enter the shade of God Almighty’s mercy. On numerous occasions, the Holy Prophetsa has granted advice on how one can establish peace and tranquillity in society and to increase love, affection and brotherhood for one another. In regard to this, the Holy Prophetsa once stated:

“Muslims are brothers of one another, he does not treat his brother unjustly and nor abandons him.”

The Holy Prophetsa also stated:

“One who remains occupied in helping his fellow brother, God Almighty Himself fulfils his needs. Whosoever alleviates his brother’s affliction, God Almighty shall lessen one affliction from him on the Day of Judgment. One who covers the fault of his fellow brother, God Almighty shall also cover his fault on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Mazalim, Hadith no. 2442)

Thus, God Almighty bestows His mercy and benevolence through different means and provides means of our forgiveness, but despite this if one incurs the displeasure of God Almighty, then it is owing to his own inefficiencies, ego and stubbornness incurs the displeasure of God Almighty.

Thus, one should be greatly concerned and deeply ponder over this matter. During these days while everyone’s attention and emotions are directed towards virtue and you have also gathered here with the view that you are to take part in a gathering where you will listen to talks of virtue and piety, you should asses your conditions and focus towards fulfilling the rights of God Almighty and His creation. You should seek to recognise the true essence of developing kindness and love for one another and also humility.

This is also important for us to achieve because the pledge of Bai‘at that we have taken with the Promised Messiahas is on the conditions of abstaining from Shirk, observing prayers – both obligatory and voluntary prayers – but also in addition to these conditions is that under the impulse of any passions, he/she shall cause no harm whatsoever to the creatures of God in general and Muslims in particular.

This is not only limited towards fellow Muslims or members of the Jamaat; indeed we must begin from our own home, then in our dealings with other Muslims, but then ultimately, this should apply to the whole of mankind and we should have love and affection in our hearts for every single person. We must become free from our inner passions and we should also treat our subordinates with kindness. Our conduct should be such that if anyone wishes to assess and determine whether our standard is according to what we claim, they may do so. Moreover, when others assess our standard and it is truly according to what we claim, only then can we say that indeed we are true believers and are fulfilling the due rights of our Bai‘at.

Another condition of our Bai‘at is that he/she shall entirely give up pride and vanity and adopt humility and meekness. (Izala Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 564)

To adopt humility and meekness is not just one of the objectives for which the Promised Messiahas established the Jalsa [annual convention], in fact to adopt meekness and humility is also amongst the conditions of the Bai‘at that we have pledged with the Promised Messiahas. Thus, it is our responsibility to fulfil this pledge and this in fact is the very first step towards the truthfulness that is to fulfil the pledge we have made. Therefore, we should regularly read the conditions of our Bai‘at and assess whether we are holding true to these conditions and striving to lead our lives according to them. If this is not the case, then our claim of wanting to reform the world is wrong, therefore we should first seek to reform ourselves, otherwise we would be counted amongst those whose actions are not in harmony with their words and God Almighty has expressed His displeasure at such people. Moreover, in such an instance, instead of testifying to the truth, our actions would be testifying to falsehood. When there is incongruity between our words and deeds, then our claim to serve faith and all our efforts towards this will also be false. Indeed, the Promised Messiahas is true, his claims are true, there is no doubt that God Almighty has vouchsafed His promises of granting him victory; indeed, God Almighty has promised to grant him a Jamaat of sincere devotees, but if our condition remains the same, then we will not be counted amongst those who are the true helpers of the Promised Messiah’sas Jamaat.

Therefore, in order to receive the blessings of our Bai‘at, we must assess our conditions and also ponder over the objectives of the Jalsa. We are very fortunate that we have been granted three days of the Jalsa to reflect over this. Thus, each and every one of you should assess their condition and instead of engaging in idle conversations, you should spend your time in supplications, seeking forgiveness and sending salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa [Durood], it is only then that we can truly benefit from the Jalsa. The Promised Messiahas states:

“The members of my Jamaat, wherever they might be, should listen with attention. The purpose of their joining this Movement and establishing the mutual relationship of spiritual preceptor and disciple with me is that they should achieve a high degree of good conduct, good behaviour and righteousness. No wrongdoing, mischief or misconduct should even approach them.”

This is the standard of true Taqwa, in that they should be free of such ills. The Promised Messiahas states:

“They should perform the five daily prayers regularly in congregation, should not utter falsehood and should not hurt anyone by their tongues. They should be guilty of no vice and should not let even a thought of any mischief, wrong, disorderliness or turmoil pass through their minds. They should shun every type of sin, offence, undesirable action, passion and unmannerly behaviour. They should become pure-hearted and meek servants of God Almighty (they should become such individuals whose hearts are pure and free from all ills). And no poisonous germ should flourish in their beings.

“Sympathy with mankind should be their principle and they should fear God Almighty. They should safeguard their tongues and their hands and their thoughts against every kind of impurity, disorderliness and dishonesty. They should observe the five daily prayer services without fail. They should refrain from every kind of wrong, transgression, dishonesty, bribery, trespass, and partiality.”

One should refrain from usurping the rights of others, showing unlawful bias and causing harm to others.

The Promised Messiahas further states:

“They should not participate in any evil company.”

The youth should be mindful of ensuring to abstain from keeping bad company and the parents should also be mindful of this and ensure that their children are not keeping bad company, otherwise they will take their influence and become like them. The Promised Messiahas further states:

“If it should be proved that one who frequents the company of such a one who  does not obey God’s commandments … or is not mindful of the rights of people, or is cruel or mischievous, or is ill-behaved then it should be their duty to repel him and to keep away from such a dangerous one.” Thus, an Ahmadi should always keep good company.

The Promised Messiahas further states:

“They should not design harm against the followers of any religion or the members of any tribe or group. Be true well-wishers of everyone.”

If one wishes to advise others, they should do so in a sincere manner, in other words, one’s speech and actions should be such that the words of advice should have an impact and one should not show bias towards anyone. The Promised Messiahas states:

“And take care that no mischievous or vicious person, or disorderly one or ill-behaved one should ever be of your company or should dwell among you for such a person could, at any time, be the cause of your stumbling.”

The Promised Messiahas states:

“It is the duty of every member of my Jamaat to act upon these instructions. You should indulge in no impurity, mockery or derision. Walk upon the earth with good hearts, pure tempers, and pure thoughts. Do not attack anyone improperly and keep your passions under complete control. If you take part in a discussion or in an exchange of views on a religious subject, express yourself gently and be courteous. If anyone misbehaves towards you, withdraw from such company with a greeting of peace.

God Almighty desires that you should become a Jamaat that should set an example of goodness and truthfulness for the whole world. Therefore, be alert, and be truly good-hearted, gentle and righteous. You will be known by your regular attendance at prayer services and your high moral qualities.”

Thus, you will be recognised by your observance of the five daily prayers and high morals. If you can develop these traits, then consider that you have fulfilled the rights of your Bai‘at.

The Promised Messiahas further states:

“He who has the seed of evil embedded in him will not be able to conform to this admonition.” (Majmua Ishtiharat, Vol. 3, pp. 46-48, Ishtihar no. 188)

May God Almighty grant us all the ability to fulfil the rights of our Bai‘at with the Promised Messiahas and may we adhere to his instructions and fulfil his expectation from us.

May we also avail as much benefit as possible from this Jalsa and thereby improve our religious, spiritual and intellectual conditions, and then may we continue to remain established upon these virtuous deeds.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 25 October 2019, pp. 5-8. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Majlis-e-Shura MKA UK 2019

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Majlis-e-Shura MKA UK 2019

Zishan Kahlon, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK

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Majlis-e-Shura of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK took place on Sunday, 20 October 2019.

The Shura started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the Khuddam pledge. A welcome address was then delivered by Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK, Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib.

He highlighted the various activities that had taken place, and the progress that had been made by the Majlis during the course of this year.

Thereafter, the implementation reports for last year’s proposals were presented. Motamid Sahib reported that 27 proposals had been submitted, three of which had been accepted by the Majlis-e-Amila and sent for approval to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. Three sub-committees were formed to discuss each of the proposals, each consisting of about 35 representatives.

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For the remaining delegates who were not part of the sub-committees, workshops were held throughout the day.

Workshops included Markaz and Our Responsibilities, Ijtema Feedback, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association and Understanding the System of Shura.

There was also a speech by Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya on the topic of the importance and blessings of Hifazat-e-Markaz (Protection of the Markaz). Later, the plenary session commenced with sub-committees presenting their reports and the Majlis-e-Shura then deliberating.

The recommendations of the sub-committees and any amendments thereon that constituted the final recommendations were formally agreed for submission to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for approval and guidance.

A farewell dinner was also held for members entering Majlis Ansarullah.

The attendance at Shura was over 385 Khuddam from across the country.

Baitul Baseer, Nahe, Germany – Inaugural reception held

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Baitul Baseer, Nahe, Germany – Inaugural reception held

Tahir Bhatti, Germany Correspondent

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Nahe, Germany, Saturday, 26 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, addressed guests at the formal inaugural ceremony of Baitul Baseer, Mahdi Abad, Germany.

The ceremony was initiated with the recitation of the Holy Quran after which Amir Sahib Germany, Abdullah Wagishauser presented a brief history of Mahdi Abad – the geographical location of Baitul Baseer.

A number of guests also addressed the congregation. Lt Colonel, Gustav Lunenborg explained how thirty years ago, he saw the banner of “love for all hatred for none” by the Jamaat for the first time. At the time, he thought to himself that the slogan might be deceitful and that those who claim this might not practice it in action. However, today the Jamaat has proved that they also practice what they preach. He said that he was confident that along with the Jamaat, the community can go further to establish human values collectively.

Lt Colonel Lunenborg accepted that they feared and had reservations for Ahmadis but it has now changed for the contrary.

A representative of the Protestant Church, Pastor Susanne Hahn congratulated the Jamaat and Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for the new mosque. She expressed how the community has always been open and accommodative to the wider society. Pastor Hahn said she was glad to attend the inaugural ceremony of “a House of God”. Commenting further she expressed, “We believe in the same God … our ways may be different but our destiny is the same.”

Next, the Lord Mayor, Elke Christina Roder congratulated the Jamaat and Huzooraa for the new mosque. She acknowledged the good character and behaviour of Ahmadi Muslims and said that she believed this mosque would promote tolerance and make the society a more peaceful and pluralistic place.

A Member of Provincial Assembly, Tobias von der Heide travelled from Kiel to attend the event. He congratulated the Jamaat and expressed that the Jamaat is our practical partner for the promotion of social peace and that it is open and much integrated into German society.

After this spoke a Member of the German parliament, Gero Storjohann. He noted that many ex-Mayors, Mayors of different cities, and other representatives of federal and provincial institutions were present at the event and this was a good sign of the mosque bringing many people together. He said that all aspects he had observed indicated a positive social and cultural integration of the Ahmadiyya community.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, addressed the congregation. After reciting Tashahud and Ta‘awuz, Huzooraa thanked all the guests who attended the ceremony. Huzooraa expressed his pleasure to see a great number of local non-Muslim guests attending the event. Huzooraa said that he was glad to know that the locals and guests were well acquainted with Ahmadi Muslims and have interacted with the community. This shows that Ahmadis have had good relations with neighbours.

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Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa noted that the mosque was situated in a small and pleasant village. Since the environment of villages is clean and people are simple and gentle, Huzooraa expressed his wish that the mosque would be a good addition to the existing values.

History plays an important role and whatever one hears about Islam, a historical fact check should take place. Islam does not believe in wars and attacks in the name of religion. Whatever wars were fought in the early days of Islam were to defend religion as a whole.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa mentioned that Holy Prophetsa had greatly urged and stressed the rights of neighbours to be upheld. Huzooraa said that as common human values were mentioned by a speaker, Islam and the Prophetsa of Islam have instructed Muslims to adopt good values from any culture.

Islam has also stressed on rights of women; a prime teaching being that paradise lies under the feet of mothers.

Huzooraa said that along with other values and traditions, purdah and head coverings are also a human value and tradition. Although there can be differences in various faiths and traditions but one ought to see the intention behind them. Purdah is there to enhance a woman’s dignity and respect in the society.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that our religion teaches us to unite on common points rather than just arguing on differences. Holding onto differences is not a uniting principle but finding common grounds can help in establishing durable global peace.

Talking of religious freedom, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa expressed that religion is solely the decision of one’s heart. Whether someone wants to be a Jew, Christian or hold any other creed, they can do so. No coercion should take place in freedom of belief and conscience.

Huzooraa also instructed the local Ahmadis of Baitul Baseer to be diligent in upholding the increased responsibilities that now lay upon them with the mosque.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V a.a. inaugurates Baitul Baseer

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Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V a.a. inaugurates Baitul Baseer
MTA BASEER

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, is on a tour of Germany these days. Having opened the Mubarak Mosque in Fulda and Baitul Hameed Mosque in Wiesbaden over the past couple of weeks Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa today formally unveiled the plaque of Baitul Baseer Mosque in the north of Hamburg. The first Ahmadiyya mosque to be built in Hamburg was Fazl-e-Omar Mosque inaugurated in 1957.

Before delivering his Friday Sermon, Huzooraa unveiled the plaque and led the congregation in silent prayer which marked the formal inauguration of Baitul Baseer Mosque. In his sermon, Huzooraa reminded the Jamaat of the philosophy behind the building of mosques. Worship of Allah the Almighty being the primary impetus of mosque-building, Huzooraa stated that the first and foremost responsibility after having built a mosque is to inhabit it with worshippers who offer their salat in the way that Allah the Almighty has prescribed. To explain what Allah the Almighty expects from our prayers, Huzooraa read excerpts from the writings of the Imam of the Age, The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa elaborated that Qayam-us-Salat requires to keep our salat steadfast and upright, which means that one will fall short at times but Allah the Almighty expects us to uphold it and offer it in the best possible manner.

Huzooraa said that salat helps keep satanic temptations away and that by regularly offering our salat, we can curb the attack of temptations. There does come a time for a regular worshipper when Satan gives in and leaves them to carry on treading on the way that leads to Allah. Thus, Huzooraa said, one should never give up by not noticing immediate results.

 A believer should stay busy finding the Sirat-e-Mustaqeem – the right path. Huzooraa referred to the Promised Messiahas where he states that “Salat is another name for supplication”, hence anything that one wants should be presented as supplication before the Almighty God. Presenting an eloquent analogy given by the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa said that calling out to Allah and Him replying back can only happen when one calls from an audible distance and can only hear the reply if their hearing is not impaired. So what is required is to call out in the best way and listen carefully to the response from Allah.

This requires continuous supplicating , tirelessly and with utmost perseverance. A farmer does not just throw a seed in soil and sits to see its results; the seed requires good care to be taken, to be watered and be protected from weathering. The same is the case with supplication and prayers. The ultimate result of salat and supplication should be attaining nearness of Allah. If this result is not achieved, one should worry and realise that there is something wrong and should try and rectify it.  

Huzooraa urged that we should all contemplate and gauge the depth of our salat and supplication. The basic element that distinguishes between a believer and a disbeliever, as said by the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings be upon him, is Salat. Good deeds, financial sacrifices and not falling into temptations are routes that lead us towards better worship.

Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany class with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany class with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
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On 15 October 2019, during his European tour, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany. During Huzoor’saa visit, the students of Jamia were fortunate to have a sitting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

The class started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Hadith and nazm; speeches were also prepared and delivered by the students.

During the class, the students had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions and sought guidance on different subjects. Huzooraa asked the students who had never visited London if they had any questions they wished to ask.

One student asked Huzooraa how to attain a close connection with the Almighty God. Upon this, Huzooraa stated that one should continue to pray. Huzooraa further stated that this is God’s promise that those who seek God will ultimately find Him.

Another student asked Huzooraa as to what a student should do if they have a desire to learn a language, which is not taught in Jamia.

Answering the question, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that such a student should focus on their Jamia studies and finish the Jamia course first. Then the decision will be made later by the administrative body of Jamia, should they feel the need. If so, they will write a report and a decision based on that will be made.

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One student asked Huzooraa what should be done if one has a stutter in their speech. Huzooraa stated that he has observed that some missionaries do stutter whilst speaking, but when they deliver speeches, the stutter seizes.

Huzooraa further stated that the main thing is to be relaxed whilst speaking as stutters usually increase when one is nervous or tries to talk fast.

At the end of the class, the students had a group photo with Huzooraa.

Hazrat Khadija r.a.

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Hazrat Khadija r.a.
Hazrat Khadija - as described by Hazrat Ali

“She believed in me when the whole world refuted and attested to my truth when the whole world accused me of falsehood. She offered me compassion and loyalty with her wealth when everyone else had forsaken me” (The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him)

Born: 555 in Mecca, Arabia

Full name: Khadija bint Khuwaylid

Father: Khuwaylid ibn Asad

Mother: Fatima bint Zai‘dah

Tribe: Quraish, Banu Asad

Titles: Tahira (pure), Mother of the believers, Khadija al-Kubrah (Khadija the great)

Date of demise: 619 AD

Hazrat Khadijara was born to a noble and wealthy family. Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a merchant. After his demise she took over the family’s business and earned distinction within the Quraish for her fair dealings and piety which gained her the name of Tahira, the pure one.

Even before the advent of Islam, she was renowned for distributing riches to the destitute, generously spending on the needy, financially assisting her relatives and providing women with dowries for their marriages. Unlike her own people, she never believed in, nor worshipped idols. She married twice before the Holy Prophetsa; first to Atiq bin Aidh bin Abdullah and later to Abu Hala bin Al Nabbash; both of her husbands passed away during the earlier years of her life. By the time she married the Holy Prophetsa, she was 40 years old.

Marriage to the Holy Prophetsa

Hazrat Khadijara was an esteemed businesswoman who traded through the primary commerce centres at that time. Since she would not travel with the caravan herself and relied on an agent to trade on her behalf, she was in search of an honest person who would take her merchandise to Syria. Hazrat Abu Talib suggested that she hire the Holy Prophetsa. The integrity and honesty of the Prophetsa brought such blessings that he returned with an unexpected profit. Hazrat Khadija’sra servant, Maysarah, who accompanied the Holy Prophetsa on his journey was full of praise for him. Impressed, she extended the marriage proposal to the Holy Prophetsa, which was accepted and through mutual consent, they got married. The Holy Prophetsa was 25 and Hazrat Khadijara, 40. Despite the disparity between their ages, the union proved extremely successful. The Holy Prophetsa also had children from this great wife.

The first revelation

When the Messengersa of Allah was 40 years old, he received his first revelation. Greatly agitated, he returned home and recounted the whole encounter to his wife and disclosed his fears of the responsibility, which God had placed on him. Her answer reflected unwavering support, faith and love she held for her husband. She consoled him with the following words:

“Allah will never disgrace you [how can God do such a thing], while you are kind and considerate to your relations, help the poor and the forlorn and bear their burdens? You treat guests with honour and help those who are in distress.”

Soon afterwards, she took him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal, a renowned scholar of past religious scriptures, who affirmed the Holy Prophetsa of his prophethood and declared his encounter to be of divine origins. Thus, Hazrat Khadijara was the first person to believe in her husband’s mission and embrace Islam.

Services to Islam

In its nascent years, when Islam was under the constant tempest of oppression, Hazrat Khadijara stood firmly by the Messengersa of Allah and assisted him with moral and financial support. She bequeathed all her wealth at her husband’s disposal for the propagation of Islam. Her services can only be best described in the words of the Holy Prophetsa himself, he said: “She believed in me when the whole world refuted and attested to my veracity when the whole world accused me of falsehood. She offered me compassion and loyalty with her wealth when everyone else had forsaken me” (Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 6, p. 117)

The year of grief

Despite the hardships and atrocities Muslims faced at the hands of the aristocrats of Quraish, they remained as stout as ever and their resolve in the message of Islam only increased. The zenith of oppression was a three-year socio-economic boycott, which forbade dealings with the Muslims and proved to be a time of excessive austerity and privation. Consequently, it took its toll on both the Prophet’ssa beloved wife and his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib, who met their demise shortly after their return from Shib.

Hence, this year is known as the year of grief (Aam-ul-Huzn), owed to the loss of Hazrat Khadijara, a caring wife and a faithful proponent of Islam; and Hazrat Abu Talib, the Prophet’ssa trusted counsellor and uncle who protected him at the cost of his life and demonstrated great fortitude at the face of persecutions till his demise.

Hazrat Khadijara died at the age of 65 and was buried in the Meccan cemetery of Hujoon. The Holy Prophetsa lost his family and Islam lost its valuable defenders.

High regard

Hazrat Khadijara held a distinctive position among the wives of the Holy Prophetsa. He would reminisce fondly of her and often mention her great stature. He once said: “Of all the women in Paradise, the most noble are Hazrat Khadijara bint Khuwaylid, Hazrat Fatimatul Zohrara bint Muhammad, Hazrat Mariam bint Imran, and Hazrat Asiya (wife of Pharoah). (Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 293)

Hazrat Khadijara demonstrated unequivocal faith and support for the Prophetsa in the moments when he was alone and helpless. She stood firmly by him and sacrificed her vast wealth to promote her husband’s cause. She remained steadfast and practiced immense patience at the face of the oppositions levelled against her family by the adversaries of Islam. Despite all this, she filled her home with peace and provided her husband solace. It is no wonder she was promised a palace in paradise wherein she was promised no clamour or fatigue. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3819)

Awais Rabbani, Pakistan

“A virgin and widow”: A great sign

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“A virgin and widow”: A great sign

Ataul Fatir Tahir, Al Hakam

یٰحَسۡرَۃً عَلَی الۡعِبَادِ ۚؑ مَا یَاۡتِیۡہِمۡ مِّنۡ رَّسُوۡلٍ اِلَّا کَانُوۡا بِہٖ یَسۡتَہۡزِءُوۡنَ

“Alas for My servants! There comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him.” (Ch.36: V.31)

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A point of contention a recent video has made is upon the Promised Messiah’sas understanding of a revelation that he received concerning his marriage.

The Promised Messiahas received the following revelation from Allah around 1881:

بکْرٌ وَّثَیِّبٌ

“A virgin and a widow”

Commenting on this revelation, the Promised Messiahas interpreted it as his marriage to two separate ladies:

“It is God’s intention that He will bring two ladies in my wedlock. One will be virgin and the other, a widow. Therefore, this revelation, that is related to the virgin, has been fulfilled and presently, by the grace of God, I have four sons from this wife. I am still awaiting the [fulfillment] of the revelation regarding the widow.” (Taryaq-ul-Quloob, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 15, p. 201)

One must note here that the Promised Messiah’sas interpretation is not the prophecy, rather the Arabic words are the prophecy given by Allah. This is important to keep in mind.

The Arabic of the prophecy:

بکْرٌ وَّثَیِّبٌ

can have two translations. Firstly, it can describe a state and condition of one woman who would be “A virgin and widow”. Secondly, it can be used to mean two separate women, “A virgin and a widow”. The Promised Messiahas interpreted the revelation to mean the latter. However, time would tell that Allah merely described the state and condition of one lady in this revelation.

As we have explained in our previous issue, prophets, including the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, can, and have, interpreted prophecies and revelations initially according to their understanding. We desire not to delve into this topic as it has been dealt with in our previous issue. Nevertheless, the incident of the Treaty of Hudaibiya and also the Holy Prophetsa understanding a dream to mean that he would migrate to Yamama or Hajar are two instances that should suffice for any fair-minded person to accept this reality.

The Promised Messiah’sas understanding and interpretation of this prophecy, which he received very early on, was further informed by Allah in 1906. The following revelation was given to the Promised Messiahas on 16 February 1906:

تَکْفِیْکَ ھٰذِہِ الْاِمْرَأَۃُ

“This woman will suffice for you”

“This woman” was none other than Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahiba, may Allah be pleased with her, who the Promised Messiahas was married to.

Through the above revelation, Allah told the Promised Messiahas that “a virgin and widow” was always about one lady. Consequently, the revelation was fulfilled with Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begumra, who experienced both “states” of the prophecy as she passed away after the Promised Messiahas. The revelation was always about her and in this manner, the prophecy was clearly fulfilled.

Prophets do not shy away from openly sharing revelations and prophecies Allah has revealed to them, even if they seem impossible. They also give interpretations of their prophecies and revelations throughout their life, most are accurate, and others are not.

One must keep in mind that prophecies can be multidimensional and fulfilled in numerous ways and so, if, for some reason someone does not attest to the fulfilment of this prophecy with Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begumra, then another angle will also fulfil this prophecy.

In As-Sirat-ul-Halabiya (volume 3, Battles and the Conquest of Mecca) it is written:

“The Holy Prophetsa saw in a dream that he entered heaven and saw a date palm full of fruits. This surprised him. He asked, ‘Who is this for?’ It was said, ‘For Abu Jahl’. This was difficult to bear for the Holy Prophetsa. He said, ‘None will enter heaven except a believer.’ So, when Ikrimah, son of Abu Jahl came to him as a Muslim, he became joyful and interpreted the fruit as being for Ikrimah.”

Here, the Holy Prophetsa himself did not fully understand or interpret a prophecy Allah gave him. However, later, the Holy Prophetsa understood that Hazrat Ikrimahra, the son, represented Abu Jahl in reality and his conversion was the fulfilment of the prophecy.

In the same vein, the son of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra also fulfilled the prophecy of “A virgin and a widow”. This is so, as Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra married both a virgin and a widow. In this manner, sticking to the manner of interpretation of the Holy Prophetsa, a son representing his father in a prophecy, the Promised Messiah’sas prophecy is clearly fulfilled.

Both of these applications of the prophecy are valid and a clear sign of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.

Regarding interpretations, the Holy Prophetsa said:

المُجْتَهِدُ يُخْطِئُ وَيُصِيْبُ فَإِنْ أَصَابَ فَلَهُ أَجْرَانِ وَإِنْ أَخْطَأَ فَلَهُ أَجْرٌ وَاحِدٌ

[The one who makes an independent judgement may be correct or incorrect. If they are correct, then they will have two rewards. If they are incorrect, then they will have one reward.] (Al-Nibras Sharh-ul-Sharh Aqaid Nasfi)

In fact, Muslim scholars of the past have attested to the fact that the Holy Prophetsa gave some judgments and interpretations that were not correct:

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ قَدْ يَجْتَهِدُ فَيَكُوْن خَطَأً

[The Holy Prophet gave a judgement and was mistaken.] (Ibid.)

When one can come to grips with this trait of prophets, the Promised Messiah’sas prophecies will be better understood and readily accepted. Prophets, after all, are human beings and can make human errors.

We have presented numerous examples of where prophets have misjudged a prophecy. The following example of the Holy Prophetsa is also presented for this purpose. The Holy Prophetsa said to his wives:

اَسْرَعُکُنَّ لِحَاقًا بِیْ اَطْوَلُکُنَّ یَدًا

“The one from among you who has the longest hands shall be the first to pass away after my demise and join me.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Zakat)

Regarding this, Hazrat Aishara said:

 “We inferred this to mean physical hands and would often measure our hands with one another. However, when the Holy Prophetsa passed away and Zainab bint Jahash was the first to leave this world, it was then that the secret revealed itself to us that the word ‘hand’ referred to charity and alms, not a physical hand.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Zakat)

The point to note here is that the Holy Prophetsa did not stop his wives measuring one another’s physical hands, nor told them the prophecy was metaphorical. This indicates that the Holy Prophetsa also believed this prophecy to have a literal meaning, which was not the case in the end.

Therefore, one must always look at the bigger picture and refer to the actual prophecy at hand.

It is not that the Promised Messiahas would misinterpret all his prophecies, far from it! The majority of what he understood from his revelations were accurate and the opponents of Islam Ahmadiyyat, like all previous deniers of prophets, cling onto ambiguity or human errors.

Khawaja Rashiduddin Qamar

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Khawaja Rashiduddin Qamar
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On 18 October 2019, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa announced the demise of Khawaja Rashiduddin Qamar Sahib.

The late Khawaja Sahib had a long history of service to the Jamaat. In the early 1950s, Khawaja Sahib served as qaid Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Drigh Road, Karachi. Later, upon relocating to the UK in 1958, he served the Jamaat in various capacities. He had the honour of serving as qaid Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK for seven years, general secretary of the UK Jamaat for 18 years and chairman of the Jalsa Salana UK committee.

He is also remembered for accompanying Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on his daily morning walks around the Queensmere Pond situated at Wimbledon Common and for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh naming a club, the “Khawaja Club”, after him, in which selected members would gather regularly to greet each other and eat meals together.

During the Friday Sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:

“I would now like to mention someone who recently passed away and I will also be leading his funeral prayer in absentia; he is respected Khawaja Rashiduddin Qamar Sahib, son of Maulana Qamaruddin Sahib.

“[Khawaja Rashiduddin Qamar Sahib] passed away under divine will at the age of 86 on 10 October after suffering from an illness. َ

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَيْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“[Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Khawaja Sahib was born in 1933 in Qadian and, as I mentioned earlier, he was the son of Maulvi Qamaruddin Sahib. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra appointed Maulvi Qamaruddin Sahib as the first Sadr [president] of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

“Khawaja Sahib was the paternal grandson of Hazrat Mian Khairuddin Sahib Sekhwanira and was the maternal uncle of our respected Amir Sahib UK.

“With regard to Hazrat Mian Khairuddin Sahib Sekhwanira and his two brothers, the Promised Messiahas has written in Anjam-e-Atham:

“‘I am astonished at the love and sincerity of our Jamaat; even persons with meagre incomes like Mian Jamaluddin, Khairuddin and Imamuddin of Kashmir who live near our village. These three brothers of meagre means, who work as labourers and perhaps earn twelve or sixteen annas [a form of currency in India] a day, take part in monthly donations with great zeal.’

“Then, the Promised Messiahas once made an appeal for Chanda and all three brothers contributed. Mentioning this, the Promised Messiahas states:

“‘Their contribution towards Chanda is indeed astounding and admirable for they keep very little of the worldly wealth to themselves, much like the example of Hazrat Abu Bakrra who brought everything he had in his home, and they have given precedence to faith over all worldly things, just as it is stipulated in the conditions of the Bai‘at.’

“Khawaja Sahib was among their progeny.

“After the partition, the deceased served in the Pakistan Air Force for a short while, before moving to the UK in 1958 and worked in British Airways for 33 years. Since he had great passion to serve the Jamaat, he would arrange to have night shifts during his employment so that he could serve the Jamaat during the day.

“He spent almost his entire life serving the Jamaat and served in various posts. The deceased had the opportunity to serve as the first qaid of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK and served at this office for seven years. At the time, all of the auxiliary organisations of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya around the world were under the central Markaz and Khawaja Sahib was the first qaid for the UK. Khawaja Sahib also had the opportunity to serve as the national general secretary, secretary mal, secretary rishta nata, secretary umur-e-ama and naib afsar Jalsa Gah.

“Khawaja Sahib was a man of many qualities. He had great love for Khilafat and would show great respect towards the elders of the Jamaat, missionaries and office-bearers of the Jamaat. He was an extremely pious person, very regular in offering his Tahajud prayer, congregational prayers and in his contributions towards Sadqa and charity. He was very sociable, looked after the poor, showed great compassion towards children and showed respect to everyone, young and old alike and was extremely devoted towards prayers.

“The deceased was a Musi by the grace of Allah the Almighty and leaves behind his wife, a son and two daughters. He also has one sister and three brothers. One of his maternal grandsons, Qaasid Muin, is a missionary of the Jamaat and is currently serving in MTA and Al Hakam.

“Qaasid Muin Sahib writes:

“‘Every weekend, we would spend at our grandfather’s house and would stay there. Therefore, every week, I had the opportunity to observe him very closely. During my childhood, I would often sleep in his room and I observed that he would always offer nawafil [voluntary prayers] before sleeping. He would offer these nawafil in a most beautiful, calm and peaceful manner. He would then wake up for the Tahajud prayer in the morning and would also wake us for the Fajr prayer.’

“He further writes:

“‘I always found him to be extremely compassionate and had a very angelic personality. He never told us off, however I recall that once he told me off when, during the time of the fourth Khilafat, in my innocence, I asked him about the next Khalifa and who it would be. Upon this, my grandfather told me off and explained to me not to say such things. Thus, right from my childhood, this taught me a great lesson about the true status of Khilafat.’

“He had an extraordinarily loyal relationship with Khilafat and would regularly write to me. During the final days of his illness, he also came to visit me a few days before this tour. He had been diagnosed with cancer and had to go through a very painful treatment and illness, however he endured this with great patience and steadfastness and explained everything to me with great courage.

“May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and grant him the company of his loved ones. And may he also enable his children and future progeny to continue his good deeds.” Amin.

Humanity First in Bosnia

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Humanity First in Bosnia

Zubair Khalil Khan, Director Projects Humanity First Germany, South East Europe

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Humanity First aims to support the most deprived segments of society and to deliver the aid and relief to the door step of those who need it most.

This service to humanity was once again displayed in an elementary school of Bosnia on 14 October 2019.

The director of the elementary School at Ustikolina, a small city about 80 kilometres from Sarajevo, through the mayor of the city met with concerned authorities of the Jamaat and Humanity First for provision of a van, enabling the school to transport the students and teachers living at places where arrangement of public transport was difficult.

A van was procured by Humanity First at the earliest possible opportunity.

On 14 October, close to midday, Humanity First handed the van to the school at a ceremony. In addition to the director of the school, Ms Jasmian OmarBasic, Mayor of the city, Mr Zijad Kumanovic and the Minister of Education for the area, Mr Arman Beslija were also present at the occasion.

The swift response by Humanity First for the provision of a van surprised the Bosnian authorities.

They all thanked Humanity First for this donation and also expressed their wish to continue such humanitarian works in future.

100 Years Ago… – London letter

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100 Years Ago… – London letter

Al Fazl, 18 October 1919

Maulvi Abdul Rahim Nayyarra

London’s weather

Through the warmth of the sun, the first half of August was beautifying the weather in such a way that the atmosphere of the east was being experienced in the west. A lot of people were traumatised by the hot weather as it caused a lot of deaths and some women even lost her minds.

However, the weather has changed now and the temperature varies between cold and hot. At times, it begins to rain. Beneath the ever-changing skies, Ahmadi missionaries request their master and the members of the Jamaat to always pray for their spiritual and physical health.

Meetings

Below is the list of those noteworthy persons who visited the house during this week:

  1. A Christian doctor, who is extremely keen on listening to the attributes of Islam. He takes interest in our Jamaat as well
  2. An educated young lady, who is a Catholic and holds hours of discussions with our missionaries. After the discussions, she says that she is a Christian and will remain so till the time of her demise. She studies Arabic from Mufti Sahib and now, she has started to learn Urdu from me
  3. An educated new lady convert who accompanied us at the time of our arrival. She accepted the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and returned with a positive impression
  4. Some sailors and several Arab and Egyptian gentlemen have visited the house and listened to the narrative of the Jamaat. They had a long discussion as well
  5. A lady by the name of Annie May, to whom [the teachings of] Islam has been explained

The list of people who we visited at their residence, is as follows:

  1. We met Mr Ahmad Din Kar Ahmadi, who is a passionate person, along with his wife Amina (an English lady) and their children. Certain beneficial recommendations were presented for the promulgation of the Jamaat. Soon enough, a second Markaz of tabligh shall be established in London, Insha-Allah!
  2. We met two musadiqa [those who attest to the truth] ladies. I was greatly moved to see their affection, familial dignity and compassionate attitude towards Ahmadiyyat. Allah Almighty is All Powerful that owing to their virtues, He may illumine them with the light of Islam. Each of the two ladies prepared sumptuous feasts for us and we met new persons through them, conveying the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to new souls

Distribution of literature and general tabligh

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Maulvi Abdul Rahim Nayyarra

The meetings demand a great deal of time and money. As we put in money, other people also spend their money in coming [to meet us]. Therefore, meetings hold a special importance. Besides this, as time is equally precious, we distribute literature while walking along the way and travelling on a tram or a motor. Our brothers in Ceylon have recently printed a tract and sent us [tabligh literature] in a large quantity. [In the literature] they have admonished the world from divine torment and have drawn attention towards the prophet of the age.

Hazrat Mufti Sahib distributes the leaflets in a very effective way and gives them to all sorts of people by talking to them in charming words. For instance, yesterday, some ladies approached us and there were four of them. He turned towards them, their eyes were already focused on the green turban and now they were more attentive.

Mufti Sahib said, “You are four, correct?”

They responded with a smile, “Yes, four! Yes, four!”

Mufti Sahib, “These four are for each of you.” (He handed over four leaflets in the hand of one lady.)

The Ladies replied, “Thank you, so much.”

On one occasion, the ladies who bring telegram messages met us. They had a conversation with Mufti Sahib in the following way:

Mufti (with a green turban): “Are you here with a message for me?”

Ladies: “No.” Mufti:

“Right, if you are not, then I am here with a message for you.” (The very next moment, he handed them some leaflets.)

Ladies: “Thank you.”

Sometimes when leaflets are distributed to passenger vehicles, the answer is, “No, thank you.” At other instances, not only is the leaflet accepted, but a long discussion ensues and questions are asked. Moreover, letters are received afterwards.

Sermon and lecture

I delivered the Friday sermon this week. An Egyptian gentleman and an English Ahmadi lady seemed greatly influenced. On Friday, Dr Abdul Hakim Khan Ahmadi (veterinary assistant) came along with three men from Houston Court. A lecture was held on Sunday at 6pm in the evening. Its announcement was already made through mail. We had also glued the announcement on the wall of our house in bold letters in the following manner:

“Mohammad[sa] the Perfect Ideal”

The attendance was quite good. Apart from Ahmadi English ladies and gentlemen, the audience also included a Christian doctor and Catholic Christians (as mentioned in the section of “Meetings”). Moreover, a Brazilian gentleman was also there along with his English wife. I delivered the lecture and it proved successful by the grace of Allah.

After the lecture, Dr Sahib expressed remarks in extremely affectionate words and showed his interest in Islam. Following the speech, some people had a discussion with me and Mufti Sahib regarding the Jamaat. A new convert friend delivered a number of successful lectures in the suburbs of London about Ahmadiyyat. A lot of people are enquiring about the Jamaat.

Acceptance of Islam Ahmadiyyat

By the blessing of Allah Almighty, as a result of our humble efforts in the current week, a respected and wealthy lady accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat through this humble one and embraced the servitude of Syedna Mahmud Ahmad. Her request of Bai‘at has been sent to be presented before Huzoor. The name of the lady was Annie May and I have given her the Islamic name of Ayesha.

Aside from her, two Arabs, Haji Ali Musa and Haji Hassan have accepted Ahmadiyyat through the combined tabligh of this humble one and Mufti Sahib. Their request of Bai‘at has been sent to be presented before Huzoor.

Through the tabligh of Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib, an educated and respected English man of noble descent has started to call himself an Ahmadi in Folkestone.

A recent musadiqa

Owing to the efforts and influences of Hazrat Mufti Sahib, a party of those people is being established who possess affection towards Islam and prefer to use Islamic names for themselves. If we have no fear of Allah Almighty and the only goal is to collect money from people, their names can very easily be mentioned in the list of Muslims.

As matter of fact, our task is based on taqwa [righteousness], therefore except for those people who sign the Bai‘at form, we do not add anybody’s name in the list of those who accept Islam.

This week, a lady of noble descent by the name of Ms Ronald included herself in the party of musadiqin and got herself named from Mufti Sahib as Saeeda. These persons use Islamic names in correspondence with Mufti Sahib.

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Al Hakam is a weekly English newspaper for members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat around the world. Its aim is to provide Ahmadis with content regarding the beliefs of the true Islam, reintroduced to the world by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be on him.

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