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Atfal travel from Germany to Markaz for audience with Huzoor

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Atfal travel from Germany to Markaz for audience with Huzoor
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Atfal from Germany travelled to the United Kingdom for the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The audience took place at the new Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Surrey.

The opening question was regarding the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand. A Tifl asked Huzooraa why Allah did not save the victims as they were His worshippers. Huzooraa explained the concept of martyrdom in Islam and highlighted the fact that since time immemorial, worshippers had been martyred due to their faith, including Ahmadi Muslims.

Discussing the shootings, Huzooraa said:

“The blessings of being martyred whilst praying double”, while further saying, “Martyrdom, in Islam, is an immense honour”.

Huzooraa then emphasised the importance of life in the Hereafter and addressed the Atfal saying:

“You should etch this in your hearts that the real life is the life after death. This worldly life is just temporary – then [in the next life] will all of your worries vanish.”

The topic of atheism was raised by a youngster who wanted to know how to prove the existence of God to an atheist. Huzooraa presented a two-part answer, first saying that the foremost thing to do is “establish a relationship with Allah yourself”. Further, Huzooraa recommended two books to read: Our God by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and Ten Proofs for the Existence of God by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra.

With respect to the importance of establishing a relationship with Allah, Huzooraa explained, “To establish a personal relationship, Allah says you must work hard. He says you must do Jihad to find Him.” Huzooraa added, “Ahmadi Muslims should establish a relationship with Allah and then tell others about their own incidents of the acceptance of prayers.” Huzooraa said that they should be able to tell atheists, “You say God does not exist but my prayers have been accepted.”

Another Tifl from the German delegation asked if Islam permitted vegetarianism. Huzooraa explained that the whole notion is down to personal preference; one can eat whatever they like, so long as it is Halal. Huzooraa said “Islam emphasises to keep your diet balanced. Eat meat protein, bean protein and vegetables etc.” Throughout his answer, Huzooraa explained that the issue was on personal preference and did not relate to religion as such.

“How can we establish love for Khilafat” was asked to Huzooraa upon which he responded by saying, “Pray for Khilafat that Allah enables us to be obedient to the Khalifa of the time and that Allah establishes Khilafat forever.” Huzooraa concluded by stating, “This love is given by Allah, so pray for it.”

Huzooraa chose a young member of the audience, who had his hand up, to ask a question. He wanted Huzoor’s advice on how to be patient, upon which Huzooraa lovingly responded by saying to the child that he was still young and should have patience. Huzooraa then gave insight into ways to be patient saying:

“The Quran says to avoid all immoral things; to just pass by and avoid them. If someone swears and uses abusive language, just pass by them. Also, one should do istighfar [seek repentance] a lot and pray that Allah grants you patience.”

The next question was regarding Jews and Christians and whether they can enter heaven, even though, according to the questioner, they had been cursed in the Holy Quran. Huzooraa replied by saying “Allah has also commended Jews and Christians in the Holy Quran; Allah has said that among them are pious people as well. You should always read the context of the verse first. Allah has only cursed those who do bad deeds; He did not curse them generally … it was about those people who were causing discord.”

Regarding questions concerning the Holy Quran, Huzooraa strongly emphasised that the whole context of a particular verse or passage should be read first, before asking a question. And when we ask such questions, we should have the verse and reference at hand.

A member of the Atfal group was holding a microphone and to his fortune, Huzooraa said, “You have the microphone so you may ask your question”. His question was about shaking hands with women and whether it was permissible to shake hands with senior members of staff. Huzooraa said:

“In general you must not shake hands [with the opposite sex]. The Holy Prophetsa advised not to shake hands with women as sometimes it may lead to wrong. The instruction has a lot of background to it. However, if a senior teacher who is elderly or any senior teacher for that matter puts her hand forward to shake your hand then, you are a child and so, there is no harm to do so. Nevertheless, you must not be the one initiating it.”

A Tifl told Huzooraa about a discussion he was having with his Muslim friends about Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (finality of prophethood). He asked Huzooraa what the Ahmadiyya viewpoint is regarding the true translation of the Khatamun-Nabiyyin. Huzooraa explained by stating:

“[Muslims] say that the appearance of prophets has stopped and none can now come. We say that the word khatam means stamp, meaning that if there is a prophet to come, then he can only come with the stamp of the Holy Prophetsa. It is not only us who believe this; a plethora of past Muslim scholars also held this view.”

“Huzooraa, why do you wear a turban?” one Tifl innocently asked. Huzooraa smiled and said:

“As this has been a tradition of previous Khulafa, I thought I would also wear one. I had to wear something – a topi or a turban. It is a tradition in the subcontinent to wear a turban and also in other countries like Sudan, Somalia and Yemen etc. who wear their own kind of turban – dress codes develop. It is not essential that all the coming Khulafa wear a turban.”

Huzooraa spoke of his childhood after a Tifl asked Huzooraa about his hobbies as a child. Huzooraa said that he would play cricket after Asr prayer to Maghrib prayer, and after Maghrib prayer, he would stay indoors as it was not permissible for them to leave the house after Maghrib during that time.

The topic of creation was raised by another Tifl. Huzooraa explained to the boy that we believe in evolution, however we do not believe that humans were created from monkeys – humans were always humans.

A member of the group asked how one can establish taqwa in an age where dangers of the internet and social media lurk. Huzooraa said:

“There are also decent things on the internet and social media. There is MTA, speeches, dars of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh question and answer sessions, speeches of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, books, my addresses etc. – you should listen to these. Why does one need to watch pornography, immodest images or play games like Fortnite that waste money? Use the internet in the proper way and you will have the opportunity to do good.”

Huzooraa said that one should not be addicted to social media and the internet and emphasised the importance of being regular in the five daily prayers to all Atfal present.

Huzooraa also gave advice on studies to the group, highlighting the need to develop the correct way to study, recall information and the need to revise constantly. Huzooraa said to be regular in revision and to revise daily, especially paying special concentration on weak subjects. Huzooraa said that if another student excels in studies but does not offer his prayers, it does not mean he is better than you.

“Did you miss your family after you became Khalifa and had to leave Pakistan?” one Tifl asked. Huzoor said:

“My son already resided here, my daughter and wife also joined me later – so my immediate family was with me. Apart from this, there was my mother, others, and there was Rabwah. I would remember them; even now, sometimes, I remember Rabwah. However, there is so much work and I get so busy that I do not even have the chance to reminisce or miss these things.”

The Atfal group were blessed to ask many questions, after which they had the opportunity of taking a group photo with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

Practices of the Promised Messiah a.s. in Ramadan

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Practices of the Promised Messiah a.s. in Ramadan
old image of mohala darul anwar from minara 1
Old picture of Qadian taken from Minarat-ul-Masih

Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammed Ismailra related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra:

“In 1895, I happened to pass the entire month of Ramadan in Qadian and offered the Tahajud – i.e. the Tarawih – prayers behind the Promised Messiahas throughout the month. It was Huzoor’sas custom to offer the Witr prayer in the first part of the night and eight rak‘aat [units of prayer] of the Tahajud prayer in divisions of two in the latter part.

“In it, he would recite Ayat-ul-Kursi in the first rak‘ah, i.e اَللّٰہُ لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا ھُوَ  up until وَ ھُوَ الْعَلِیُّ الْعَظِیْم and in the second rak‘ah, he would recite Surah al-Ikhlas. Mostly, whilst in ruku or sajda, he would recite:

یَا حَیُّ یَا قَیُّوْمُ بِرَحْمَتِکَ اَسْتَغِیْث

“‘O Living and Self-Sustaining God, with Your mercy do I seek help.’ His manner of reciting this was such that I would be able to hear his voice. Moreover, he always used to partake in sehri directly after the Tahajud prayer and would delay it to the extent that the Azan would sometimes occur whilst he was eating.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra added to this:

“I would like to make it clear that partaking in sehri is permissible until the break of dawn on the eastern horizon. Partaking in sehri holds no connection with the Azan because the timing of the morning Azan is fixed to occur upon the break of dawn. For this reason, people mostly consider the end of sehri to be the moment when the Azan is called. As the morning Azan would immediately be called out upon the break of dawn in Qadian and was perhaps, on some occasions by mistake and due to inattentiveness, called even prior to it, the Promised Messiahas would, on the most part, not halt at the Azan and used to partake in sehri up until the break of dawn.

“The fact is that in this matter, the Shariah does not advocate the halting of food and drink upon the break of dawn in the light of scientific facts and perception. Rather, food and drink should be stopped when the first light of dawn becomes manifest to the masses. Hence, the word تَبَيَّنَ also makes this matter plain. In a Hadith, it is also recorded that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Do not stop eating and drinking at the Azan of Bilal, but instead, continue to do so until the Azan of Ibn-e-Maktum because he is blind and does not call out the Azan until people raise a hue and cry of the morning.”

Regarding the diet of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, it is said that in sehri, during Ramadan, there usually used to be salan [curry dish] or a chicken leg and firni [Indian sweet dish] for Huzooras. Hazrat Ahmadas would take a paratha [Indian fried bread] instead of a roti [flat bread], though he would only eat a small amount of it.

In his formative years of seclusion, he performed many spiritual exercises and meditations. At one occasion, Hazrat Ahmadas kept fasts for six consecutive months under the will of God. At iftari his food intake would merely be half a bread or even less. He also would not eat sehri and would secretly hand the food, which used to arrive from home, to less privileged individuals so that members of his household remained unaware. However, his general stance was that he disliked for his Jamaat to carry out exercises of such a nature and in its place, declared the jihad of this age to be services in relation to tabligh and the pen against the opponents of Islam. Thus, if entertaining the notion that such a person was desirous of material pleasures is not a complete injustice, then what is?

Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahib of Faizullah Chak narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that once during the month of Ramadan, somebody called the Azan prior to its actual time during sehri. The Promised Messiahas entered the mosque and said, “I had just raised a glass of milk to my mouth when I heard the call for Azan. For this reason, I put down the glass at that very moment.” Someone humbly submitted, “Huzoor, there is still time to eat and drink.” He replied, “I do not desire to partake of anything after the Azan.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, with regard to this narration, said:

“I would like to add that if this narration is authentic, then Huzooras would have taken precautions for his own sake at that particular occasion. Otherwise, the practise of the Promised Messiahas was that hedid not estimate the time [for the end of sehri] by the Azan but through the emergence of the break of dawn. In this regard, he would also adhere to the stance that the break of dawn should be clearly manifest as is the objective of the Quranic verse. However, it is of the scholar’s opinion that fatwa [Islamic verdict] and taqwa [righteousness] are two very different matters.”

(Taken from the compilation of narrations related to the life of the Promised Messiahas in Sirat-ul-Mahdi by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra. Translated by Fateh Alam, UK)

Evidence of divine involvement for Africa – Physics Noble Prize

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Evidence of divine involvement for Africa – Physics Noble Prize
Dr Ataul Habib Khalid, Lecturer in sensors and sensor systems

The 2014 Nobel Prize for physics was awarded to three scientists in Japan and the US for the invention of blue light emitting diodes (LEDs). They are Professors Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura who made the first blue LEDs in the early 1990s.

It would be beneficial to non-expert readers to learn briefly about this light emitting device technology.

Gallium nitride is a semiconductor material where its electrical properties can be changed to positive and negative type i.e. p-type or n-type material. The problem was in making good p-type material that would ensure a good semiconductor device with p- and n-type material to form a light emitting diode or LED.

Nakamura, the inventor of this LED, not only solved the problem, but also developed an industrial process to achieve a high-power blue light emitting device. All white LEDs are in fact blue light devices with a suitable phosphorus coating that absorb the blue light and re-emit it as white light.

I was attending an international semiconductor conference in the University of California, Santa Barbara, where Professor Shuji Nakamura is a faculty member, and he gave a talk about his Noble Prize winning a year earlier in 2014. The meeting hall was full to its capacity and many people were standing patiently at the back to listen to what Nakumura had to say.

Professor Nakumura glanced over the crowded hall and said that a long time ago, he had seen similar sorts of crowded halls when renowned researchers were presenting their research on the blue light emitting diodes made from a different semiconductor material than the one he was working, gallium nitride (GaN). He said that in those days, he would rarely see anybody in the halls where he used to present his work because no one believed that a blue light emitting diode was possible in GaN material. So many people had tried before and failed, and as a result, all efforts and money was directed elsewhere; people were making claims but without real success.

Professor Nakumura questioned himself many times as to why he was working in an area where there was no apparent prospects of success. “But then, I needed a PhD,” he added, “and it was not possible without publications. So it was easier to publish my research as there was no competition for gallium nitride work”, with tongue firmly in cheek!

In reality it was his perseverance and hard work that finally delivered the desired blue light emitting device, which is the basis of the white solid-state lights around us.

The biggest impact of their work can be seen in the new generation of bright, energy-efficient white lamps, as well as colour LED screens of all gadgets around us. We are all now used to having these energy-saving, yet highly bright and versatile lights everywhere, from our homes to our streets.

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Lights in cities and towns are now visible from space thanks to the white LED light

The white LED light, or solid state light source, has had a revolutionary impact that is even visible from satellite pictures taken by astronauts in space.

The other big impact of this invention is just becoming apparent and that is how the African continent will light up to its population across its small towns to smallest of villages. With the increasing needs for lighting solutions in Africa, a consensus is now being reached on the need to have LED lights which are environmentally safe but most importantly, highly energy efficient and can run on solar charged batteries, hence without the grid supplied electricity (https://www.lightingafrica.org/).

The International Association of Ahmadi Architects & Engineers (IAAAE) is an international organisation that has a dedicated department, Alternative Energy Committee (AEC) that is doing exactly that in Africa.

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said in his tour of Africa in 1970:

“I foresee – as indeed many people do now – an even richer future for you. A strange wind blows today, promising change and hope, inducing a new awareness, new enterprises, and, if I may add, pointing to new evidences of divine involvement in your destiny.” (https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Africa-Speaks.pdf)

It is very interesting to see an amazing evidence in the destiny of Africa. I remember thinking about the developments in Africa – I used to wonder how it would even happen because the development of a country needs the infrastructure of communications, electrical grid for power transport and roads for human and goods transportation. Yet, every new technological development points towards the “divine involvement” for the destiny of Africa.

The advent of mobile phones eliminated the telephony cable infrastructure and the inventions of solar electricity panels removed the need to install electrical grids to transport the power. And white LEDs have solved the lighting issue that can be sustained with the solar charged batteries.

One can now foresee the fast technological developments of electrical vehicles, land based and airborne, that will eventually solve the transportation problems in Africa!

However, the most important thing that will enable this divine destiny is the spiritual light that will change the hearts, and we know that light is shining brightly without any sunset on Africa. This light is the message of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas that is spreading all over Africa through MTA and other means – it is truly evidence of divine involvement.

15th IAAAE symposium of European Chapter

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15th IAAAE symposium of European Chapter
20190427 617

With the recitation of Surah al-Rahman, verses 1-14, and translation, the concluding session of the 15th annual International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) Symposium of the European chapter commenced in the presence of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 27 April at around 17:45 BST in Baitul Futuh, London. 

The theme for this year’s event was Education for Sustainable Development. 

IAAAE was established in 1980 during the time of Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to collect and employ the talents of Ahmadi architects and engineers for the progress of the community. The first supervisor of this association was Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh.

IAAAE has an impressive track record of serving the Jamaat in various capacities, including the setting up of the simultaneous interpretation system used in Jalsa Salana for the translation of live speeches for the first time in the Jamaat’s history.

In 2004, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa directed IAAAE to form sub-committees in order to carry out humanitarian aid.

In the exhibition part of the conference, we spoke to the Chairman of the Model Village Committee (which aims to design and construct schools, hospitals and mosques) Khalid Ahmad Kareem Sahib who told us:

“Today’s symposium is about education for sustainable development, so this theme is based around one of the concepts we’re developing at the moment, which is the Masroor International Technical College. The purpose of the college is, rather than our engineers coming from the UK to work over there, we want to help the local people and improve their education and knowledge.”

Khalid Sahib was talking to us inside a 360 immersive experience pod in which the ongoing projects were shown in a unique way to the visitors.

The other committees in IAAAE (which also were hosting exhibitions and talks during the conference) are:

Water for Life: Tasked with providing clean portable drinking water to remote parts of Africa

Alternative Energy: Investigate and provide renewable energy solutions to remote parts of Africa

Architecture: Provides services in the design and construction of sustainable buildings across Africa

Throughout the day, various sessions were held in which presentations were delivered aiming to give insight into the ongoing projects of IAAAE by members of the association.

Patricia Haveman, Founder of the NGO Mundo Younido, delivered a presentation on her work on an international scale. Another interesting presentation was on Islamic sacred buildings and its influence on urban development, as well as a short pictorial walkthrough on the building of the Dar es Salaam Mosque in Tanzania from its design to construction phase.

Akram Ahmedi Sahib, International Chairman of IAAAE, stated in his presentation in the presence of Huzooraa:

“Through your vision, IAAAE has done so well, so what we thought we should give you is that your name should be remembered forever. So, we named the technical college after you.”

The day started for participants at around 8am with breakfast, after which participants were taken through various talks and presentations related to the various projects being run under IAAAE around the world. 

Before Akram Ahmedi Sahib’s presentation of the year’s activities, Ataul Mohsin Tahir Sahib of IAAAE presented a report of the day. 

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In his address to the gathering, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, said that in recent years, IAAAE had become far more active and the breadth of its work had increased a great deal. 

“According to my instructions, which I have been giving from time to time, members of the IAAAE from the United Kingdom and other countries have now initiated many new projects and are working on extensive and complex assignments throughout the world. For example, IAAAE is playing an excellent role in the construction of some of our mosques and Jamaat buildings, as well as continuing to develop and expand its humanitarian projects. 

“With the grace of Allah, wherever in the world IAAAE is serving, its members are working in an exemplary fashion and with a spirit of true service and dedication. In this regard, I pray that may Allah enable all of you to continually increase the scope of your work and expertise.”

Huzooraa said that amongst the various projects of the European chapter, one of the largest projects was construction work in Mali and Tanzania. The complex in Mali includes a mosque, various offices, guest house and missionary house. From the photos that were presented to Huzooraa in the report, Huzooraa said that it was clear that the new mosques and associated buildings were aesthetically pleasing and well designed, something that was reflected by comments of those who had travelled and visited the mosque. 

Similarly, Huzooraa said, in Tanzania, there was another construction work of a mosque and a multi-storey building of offices and other Jamaat needs there. The complex was built in a developed area and was designed, ensuring that it blended in with the local buildings. 

“With the grace of Allah, these building are also providing us with new avenues for tabligh and have increased the awareness of our Jamaat amongst the local people who cannot help but be impressed when they see the new structures and centres. They are seeing how we use our centres to serve humanity and try to improve the lives of those who are suffering, irrespective of caste, creed or colour and to offer a helping hand to the most vulnerable and weakest members of society.”

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Huzooraa went on to say:

“Of course, our efforts to serve humanity predate these recent projects in Mali and Tanzania. However, the new complexes have enabled us to further advance our efforts and have made a very positive impression on the local people and are proving a means of spreading the message of the true Islam. 

“Furthermore, the humanitarian projects established by the IAAAE continue to progress and develop. For example, you have now completed the construction of 20 model villages, Alhamdolillah. Furthermore, according to the report I have received during the past year, IAAAE has installed 119 new water pumps, which provide clean running water in extremely remote areas, whilst 200 other water pumps have been rehabilitated. Moreover, a lot of effort has been made in providing electricity through the installation of solar panels in deprived areas.”

Huzooraa said that there are many other projects by IAAAE, where people, both fulltime workers and volunteers, show their expertise in the works that they do. In all the spheres IAAAE serves, it proves its need in the Jamaat and in the world. Some of the volunteers, Huzooraa said, do not even claim expenses and work free of charge, bearing their travel expenses and other such costs. Such people are, Huzooraa expressed, working with the same level of devotion as Waqifeen. 

Huzooraa prayed that Allah may bless them manifold for this dedication and prayed that each member of IAAAE continued to enhance in their dedication and service to the Jamaat and to humanity so that they may reach the best of standards. 

Advising members of IAAAE, Huzooraa said:

“In addition, I wish to remind all of you that it is of the utmost importance that you pay special attention to establishing a true and lasting connection with Allah the Almighty and remain ever-grateful to Him and continually strive to improve the standards of your worship. Your sole focus should not be the material work you are doing, but rather building your personal relationship with Allah the Almighty should always remain your paramount objective. If you sincerely aspire to attain the nearness of Allah the Almighty, you will see how He blesses your efforts and you will come to see the most beautiful fruits of your labour.”

Praying for the members of IAAAE, Huzooraa said:

“May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to grow ever closer to Him and increase your efforts to serve humanity in the best possible way. May you all prove to be great assets for the Jamaat and may the younger generations step forward in great numbers to follow in the footsteps of the older members who have offered years of service. May they learn from the positive examples of their elders and serve with even greater passion, energy and skill than their predecessors so that the work of IAAAE continues to go from strength to strength. May Allah the Almighty continually bless the efforts of IAAAE and may He reward all of you for your sincere efforts.”

Thereafter, Huzooraa led the congregation in dua, after which the event came to a successful close. 

Questions related to Ramadan

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Questions related to Ramadan

What is the purpose of fasting?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

 “Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.184)

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Fasting is a way to mend one’s soul by leaving one’s own desires for Allah. It nourishes the believer in almost every area of their spiritual life. A person becomes aware and personally experiences what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomforts mean to the less fortunate sections of society. As a result, a person abstains from performing bad deeds and strives to do good works during Ramadan.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever wakes up in the middle of the night and offers prayer with the intention of reward and to fulfil the demand of belief, and fasts, his previous sins are forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states:

“The purpose of fasting is not to starve. If one could enter Paradise by starvation, then in my view, disbelievers and hypocrites would be ready to do so, as it is not so difficult. In reality, the challenging thing is moral and spiritual transformation. People starve themselves for the most trivial of matters; prisoners go on hunger strikes; Brahmans famously stop eating when they are not listened to. Thus, it is nothing extraordinary to remain hungry, nor is it the purpose of Ramadan.

“Ramadan’s actual purpose is to abstain from everything for Allah during this month and fasting is a way of expressing that one can leave every right for Allah. Eating, drinking, conjugal relationships between a husband and wife, etc. are all rights of a person; whosoever leaves these rights, shows that they are ready to leave their rights for Allah.” (Al Fazl, 17 December 1966)

As fasting is a source of spiritual elevation, there are physical benefits to it as well which include good health, patience and strength to bear hardships.

How should one keep fasts?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

وَكُلُوْا وَاشْرَبُوْا حَتّٰى يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ

“And eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.188)

In order to fast, one should eat and drink before the time of Fajr, which is called sehri (or sahoor).

The Holy Prophetsa said:

“Eat sehri because there are blessings in eating sehri.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

However, if someone has the intention to fast but happens to wake up late without deliberation and the time for sehri is over, it is permissible to keep fast without eating sehri.

Intention is also mandatory for keeping fasts. A person who wishes to observe the fast must have the intention to fast.

The Holy Prophetsa said:

“Whoever does not have the intention of fasting before morning, he has no fast.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab as-Saum)

Although words are not necessary to show the intention of fast, but traditionally the following words are expressed after eating sehri:

وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ

 “I hereby express my intention to keep the fast of tomorrow during the month of Ramadan.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states:

“For fasting, intention is necessary. Without it, there is no reward. Intention is from the heart. One is allowed to eat and drink until they see light from the eastern horizon. If one takes precautions and is later told that daybreak has already happened, his fast will still remain. The time span between eating and Fajr prayer for the Holy Prophetsa was equal to the time spent on reciting 50 verses.” (Al Fazl, 28 July 1914)

However, if someone intends to fast throughout the month of Ramadan but forgets to make a proper intention for a fast or two, this won’t affect their fast. Also, if there is a valid excuse – for instance, they are mistakenly informed about the appearance of the moon of Ramadan after Fajr time and they have not eaten anything – they may still make the intention of the fast and it will count.

How should one break their fast?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ

“Then complete the fast till nightfall.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.188)

It was the practice of the Holy Prophetsa to open a fast with a date, milk or simple water. The Holy Prophetsa said:

“When one wants to open a fast, they should open it with a date because there are blessings in it. If this is not available, then open it with water because it is a very pure thing.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab as-Saum)

The prayer for opening the fast is:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّی لَکَ صُمْتُ وَبِکَ اٰمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْکَ تَوَکَلَّتُ وَعَلٰی رِزْقِکَ اَفْطَرْتُ

“O Allah, I observed the fast for Your sake. I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I end the fast with what You have provided me.”

According to the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, it is essential that one should break their fast immediately after sunset. Prolonging it beyond this point is not acceptable. The Holy Prophetsa said:

“My people will adhere to good as long as they hasten to break their fast [at the fixed time].” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

Who is fasting obligatory for?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيْ أُنْزِلَ فِيْهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present [at home] in this month, let him fast therein.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186)

During the month of Ramadan, the observance of fasts is mandatory upon every adult Muslim man and woman who is healthy, muqim (stationary, not travelling) and able to fast.

Only those have been given exemption who are sick or travelling etc. Such people can complete their fasts later. Those who are suffering from a chronic illness, are weak or a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding etc. and are incapable of fasting, as compensation during the rest of the year, can offer fidya (feeding of a poor man). This is stated in the Holy Quran by Allah the Almighty:

فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيْقُوْنَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِيْنٍ

“And whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast [only] with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)

Regarding the fasting of children, it should be kept in mind that they should be trained to observe fasts through a gradual process. Owing to the atmosphere of devotion to values of faith, at a very early stage they begin to exhibit an eagerness to keep fasts, but parents should restrain young children from observing entire fasts too frequently as this can affect their growth. Children may be permitted to keep one or two fasts as a practice before they become fully mature to observe mandatory fasts. 

What is the guidance for those who deliberately abstain from fasting?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

وَأَنْ تَصُوْمُوْا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ

“Fasting is good for you.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. One should be extremely cautious and watchful regarding the fasting of Ramadan. If someone consciously refrains from fasting without any excuse and cares not about the command of Allah the Almighty, they may not ever be able to make up for this mistake, even if they fast for the rest of their lives. It means every person upon whom it is mandatory to fast must take the fasting of Ramadan seriously.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,said:

“Anyone who does not fast on any of the days of Ramadan without lawful excuse or illness will never be able to ransom the loss even if he fasts for the rest of his life.” (Musnad Darimi, Baab Man aftara yauman min Ramadan muta‘amidan)

The terms “illness” or “journey” are not defined by the Holy Quran because they are left to be defined by common usage of the people and the attending circumstances. If doctors do not recommend fasting, one must refrain from fasting.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states:

“In my opinion there are some people who take fasting as something trivial and leave it due to minor excuses. At times, they possess a thought that they will become sick and abstain from fasting, even though there is no excuse to quit fasting, with only the mere thought that they will become sick. One can leave fasting only in the condition that they are sick, and sick to the extent that fasting is harmful. It is unacceptable for a person experiencing a sickness which has no risk through fasting to not fast.” (Al Fazl, 11 April 1925)

What is the status of one who fasts?

Fasting spiritually elevates the status of a believer and draws the love of Allah the Almighty for His creation. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,said:

“Allah declares that each act of man is for himself, apart from fasting. Fasting is for Allah and Allah alone is its reward.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum)

Fasting helps a person wash away their previous sins and come closer to Allah the Almighty. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,said:

“Whoever wakes up in the middle of the night and offers prayer with the intention of reward, fulfilling the demand of belief, and fasts, their previous sins are forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

Allah the Almighty begins to love that person who restrains from drinking, eating and sexual desires etc., thereby pardoning their earlier mistakes and errors, making them pure like a new born child. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,said:

“By the Being in whose hands is the life of Muhammad! The odour from the mouth of a person fasting is much more pure and pleasant than that of kasturi [deer’s scent].” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

Explaining the following verse of the Holy Quran:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيْ أُنْزِلَ فِيْهِ الْقُرْآنُ

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas states:

“This verse indicates the greatness of the month of Ramadan. The sufis have recorded that this is a good month for the illumination of the heart. The one who observes fasts has frequent experience of visions in this month. Salat purifies the spirit and the fast illuminates the heart. The purification of the spirit means that one may be delivered from the passions of the self that incites to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be opened so that one may be able to behold God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. IV, pp. 256-257)

What renders a fast invalid?

A fast is broken by eating, drinking or conjugal relationships between a husband and wife. It is also broken by bleeding profusely, either by accident or illness, or by vomiting deliberately.

If someone accidently breaks a fast of Ramadan, there is no sin, but they will have to make up for the fast later. However, if a person mistakenly eats or drinks and immediately or after some time realises that they were fasting, then there is no sin in it.

It is stated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:

“Whoever forgets that they are fasting and eats or drinks, then they should still complete their fast. It is only Allah who fed him and gave him drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

During Ramadan, if a woman’s menstrual cycle begins, she should stop fasting and make up for the missed fasts later.

The fatwa (verdict) for those who break the fast of Ramadan deliberately, being compelled by an inner desire or a sudden burst of feelings, can be found in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

It is pointed out in Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum that whoever breaks a fast of Ramadan on purpose must fast the one missed, plus 60 consecutive fasts. If one cannot fast, then they must feed 60 poor people, either together or separately. Or, they can feed one person for 60 days or give the required amount in money. If one cannot feed anyone, then they should beseech the mercy and blessings of Allah.

What is the guidance about fasting during a journey or illness?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ

“And whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)

The above-mentioned Quranic injunction clearly states that one should refrain from fasting during a journey or in sickness and make up the lost count on other days.

Hazrat Amrra ibn Umayyah reported, “I came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, from a journey and he said, ‘Stay, so that we can eat, O Abu Umayyah.’ I said, ‘I am fasting.’ The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said, ‘Come close to me and I will tell you about the traveler. Surely, Allah Almighty has relieved him from fasting and half of the prayer.’” (Sunan al-Nasai, Kitab as-Saum)

It should be noted here that we find certain sayings of the Holy Prophetsa which show that he did sometimes fast whilst travelling but this happened only when he was keeping voluntary fasts and not the fasts of Ramadan.

Hazrat Jabirra relates that once, the Holy Prophetsa was on a journey and he saw a crowd around a person over whom a shade had been erected. The Holy Prophetsa asked “What is the matter?” to which the people replied that the man was fasting. The Holy Prophetsa said, “It is no virtue to keep a fast while travelling.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

The Promised Messiahas states:

“Whosoever fasts in Ramadan during sickness or journey clearly disobeys the command of God. God has clearly said that the sick and travellers should not fast. A sick person should fast after recovering from sickness and the traveller should fast after completing the journey. This injunction should be heeded for repentance is through the grace of Allah and not by a forceful exhibition of one’s physical strength. God has not specified what the length of the journey should be, nor has he set a criterion for the degree of sickness. The injunction is general and thus, if a person keeps a fast, they are succumbing to transgression against the command of God.” (Badr, 17 October 1907, p.7)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra writes that Mian Fazl Muhammad Sahib (shopkeeper, Mahalla Dar-ul-Fazl) wrote to him saying,

“During litigation with Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi, for a court hearing, we had to go to Dhariwal. It was a hot summer’s day and in the month of Ramadan. Many friends had convened at Dhariwal, many of whom were fasting. One of the influential chieftains [who was a lady] extended an invitation to the Promised Messiahas. Huzooras accepted the invitation. The chieftess presented sweet rice alongside other foods. Some companions asked Huzooras regarding their fasts. Huzooras said, ‘It is not permissible to fast while on a journey.’ Therefore, all of the companions broke their fasts.” (Siratul-Mahdi, Vol. 2, p. 303)

During Ramadan, if a woman’s menstrual cycle begins, she should stop fasting and make up for the remaining fasts on other days. The woman who is pregnant or breast feeding is exempted from fasting because she falls in the category of sick. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said:

“Allah has relieved the pregnant woman and the suckling woman from fasting.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab as-Saum)

 According to the saying of the Promised Messiahas, those who are permanently sick, travellers or mothers who know that they will not find the opportunity to fast, either because of being very old or breast-feeding, they should not fast and should give Fidya because it is almost impossible for them to fast. (Al Badr, 24 October 1907, p. 3)

What is the guidance for the one who journeys for work?

If someone travels far for work or their livelihood is based on travelling, then they must fast because they are used to this routine.

Once the Promised Messiahas was asked about the person who travels for work whether such a person’s travel fall in the category of a journey? Huzooras replied:

“[The person who travels for work] their journeys should not be considered journeys because they are part of their work.” (Al Fazl, 16 August 1948)

What is the guidance for the one who travels to Markaz or temporarily settles somewhere during Ramadan?

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra said:

“When Jalsa Salana was due in Ramadan and the question arose of whether or not the visitors should fast during the days of Jalsa, an individual reported that in the time of the Promised Messiahas, when the Jalsa was held during Ramadan, they personally served Sehri [as breakfast] to the guests. In the given circumstances, on the basis of the edict given by the Promised Messiahas, I have permitted the visitors of Jalsa to observe fasts. Previous scholars even permitted observing fasts on journeys, and non-Ahmadi maulvis of today do not consider modern-day travels worthy of being called a journey. Nonetheless, the Promised Messiahas forbade observing fasts during journeys, however he himself has permitted to observe fasts whilst staying in Qadian [the Markaz]. Thus, it is improper to consider one of his edicts and abandon another.” (Al Fazl, 4 January 1934, pp. 3-4)

The general guidance is that if someone settles somewhere for at least 15 days or more and they are able to make preparations for Sehri and Iftari, they should observe fasts.

However, Hazrat Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shahra states that the Promised Messiahas said about fasting:

“If somebody stays somewhere for more than three days, they may fast but they may not do so if they are staying for less than three days. If somebody who is staying for less than three days observes fasts in Qadian, then there is no need to fast again [in compensation].” (Fatawa Hazrat Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah Sahib, Register no. 5, Dar-ul-Ifta, Rabwah)

Thus, it all solely depends on the heart and intention of the person. If someone considers their journey worthy of falling in the category of a journey, they should refrain from fasting. On the other hand, if they realise that their travel does not fall in the category of journey, they should fast.

What is the guidance for the one whose illness does not affect their fast?

The term “illness” has not been defined by Allah the Almighty in the Holy Quran. Thus, regarding an illness, one should decide with Taqwa if someone is able to fast or not. The Promised Messiahas said:

“There are certain kinds of illnesses in which a person continues to perform other works … Hence, if one can find time to perform other works, then what is the reason that he does not observe fasts?” (Al Fazl, 16 August 1948)

It should be borne in mind that if doctors do not recommend fasting, one must refrain from fasting.

The Promised Messiahas states:

“As far as I am concerned, I do not leave a fast unless it is likely to cause my death; I do not feel inclined to leave a fast. These are blessed days and the days of the showering of God’s blessings and mercy.” (Al Hakam, 24 January 1901)

What are those actions and conditions by which a fast does not break?

  • Below is the list of certain actions and situations which do not render a fast invalid:
  • Brushing your teeth or using miswak (a teeth cleaning twig)
  • Rinsing your mouth
  • Rinsing your nose
  • Putting oil on your beard or hair
  • Smelling or wearing perfume
  • Taking a shower
  • Putting on surma (but it is better to apply it at night)
  • Accidental vomiting
  • Forgetfully eating or drinking
  • Bleeding gums

What is fidya and why is it offered?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَّرِيْضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِيْنَ يُطِيْقُوْنَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِيْنٍ

“And whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast [only] with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)

The general rule is that one should be eager to fast during the month of Ramadan. However, those who are permanently sick, weak or a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding continuously etc., and do not possess the strength to fast may offer fidya (expiation). In addition, a person who is not able to fast owing to a genuine reason and can fast at a later time may also give fidya, as it is a virtue. However, it is essential for such a person to fast at a later time.

As far as the quantity or amount of fidya is concerned which is given to a poor person, its guidance is present in the Holy Quran:

مِنْ أَوْسَطِ مَا تُطْعِمُوْنَ أَهْلِيْكُمْ

“With such average food as you feed your families with” (Surah al-Maidah, Ch.5: V.90). Thus, for every missed fast, a person should feed a poor person two times a day or offer the amount needed for it. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa states:

“Although fasting has been prescribed for the development of taqwa [righteousness], but as Islam is a religion in line with nature, therefore it makes allowances for situations which naturally arise in life. However, attainment of taqwa should always be the aim, so if fasting is not possible, then either a needy person should be fed or fidya should be paid.” (Friday Sermon, Baitul Futuh Mosque, 21 September 2007)

Explaining the true philosophy and purpose of offering fidya, the Promised Messiahas states:

“Once I had an intuition about the philosophy behind fidya and observed that the main objective behind it is to attain the means whereby one can observe fasts. Allah the Almighty provides all the abilities and one should ask Him for everything. Allah is the All-Powerful and if He Wills, He can grant the strength needed for fasting to a feeble person. So, fidya provides one with the strength to observe fasts and it can only be delivered by the grace of Allah the Almighty. Thus, I believe that one should pray to Allah, asking for strength, ‘O Lord! This is your blessed month and I am being deprived of its blessings. I do not know if I will live to see the next year’s Ramadan or if I may find the opportunity to compensate and observe the missing fasts.’ I am certain that Allah the Exalted would bless such a person the strength to observe fasts.” (Al Badr, 12 December 1902, p. 52)

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states:

“Fidya does not invalidate the obligation of fasting. Fidya is for those people who, under a reason permitted by the Sharia, are unable to participate in the blessed days of Ramadan in performing this worship alongside other Muslims. These excuses are of two types: temporary and permanent. Fidya should be given in both these conditions depending on financial means of the person. Although one may offer fidya, but after one, two or three years, whenever the person finds good health, they should observe those missed fasts. The exception is for those who initially suffered temporary ailments and after getting well, intended to observe the fasts every day but their health deteriorated to a state of permanent illness. Whoever finds financial means and falls in the category of a traveler or sick, should provide an underprivileged person with a meal as fidya and observe the missed fasts on other days. This was the practice of the Promised Messiahas – he used to give fidya, eventually observing fasts too. He used to admonish others about this as well.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 389)

What is etikaf in the month of Ramadan?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ

“And We commanded Abraham and Ishmael, saying, ‘Purify My House for those who perform the circuit and those who remain [therein] for devotion and those who bow down and fall prostrate in prayer.’”(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.126)

Etikaf is a form of worship which is generally observed during the last ten days, beginning from the Fajr prayer on the twentieth in the month of Ramadan by staying in a mosque. After fasting for 20 days in the month of Ramadan, a believer feels an eagerness to attain as much pleasure and delight of Allah the Almighty as possible, and therefore, in the last ten days of Ramadan, with much enthusiasm and vigour, strives to achieve the nearness of Allah the Almighty.

The most suitable place to perform etikaf is a mosque, as it is stated in the Holy Quran:

وَأَنْتُمْ عَاكِفُوْنَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ

“While you remain in the mosques for devotion.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.188)

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It is reported that the Holy Prophetsa used to tighten his girdle, stay awake for most of the night for prayers and exhort his family to do the same during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Hazrat Aishara reported that every year till the time of his demise, the Holy Prophetsa used to observe etikaf in the mosque during these ten days and nights of Ramadan, and the same practice was continued by his wives after his demise. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Etikaf)

Hazrat Abu Hurairara narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, went into retreat for ten days in the month of Ramadan but in the year in which he passed away, he went into retreat for twenty days. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Etikaf)

During etikaf it should be kept in mind that a person should try to completely cut off from the material world and should make a habit of sacrificing worldly desires. One should not leave the place of etikaf except for when necessary (for example, using the bathroom etc.). It is not permissible to have conjugal relations even at night during etikaf.

What is Lailatul Qadr (the night of decree)?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِيْ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ۔ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ۔ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ۔ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيْهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِّنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ۔ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

“Surely, We sent it [the Quran] on the Night of Destiny. And what should make thee know what the Night of Destiny is? The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. Therein descend angels and the Spirit by the command of their Lord with their Lord’s decree concerning everything. Peace – so will it be even at the rising of the dawn.” (Surah al-Qadr, Ch.97: V.1-6)

Lailatul Qadr is a night of great blessings in which Allah the Almighty showers His Mercy upon His sincere and faithful believers. It is said that the Holy Quran’s revelation began on this very night and it is generally associated with the showering of blessings and mercy of Allah the Almighty in the month of Ramadan, particularly in its last ten days. However, it possesses other meanings as well which are all deeply rooted in Allah the Almighty’s attribute of Al-Rahman (the Gracious).

Hazrat Abu Hurairara narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said:

“Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all their past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stands for the prayers in the night of Qadr with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all their previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fazl Lailatul Qadr)

Regarding the occurrence of this night, Hazrat Aishara relates that the Holy Prophetsa said:

“Seek Lailatul Qadr (the night of decree) among the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fazl Lailatul Qadr)

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states:

“The day [of the night of decree] comes but once a year and it represents the hour of the acceptance of prayer. Therefore, benefit should be drawn from it as much as possible.” (Al Fazl, 17 May 1923)

Prophecies of the Promised Messiah a.s.: Plague and Earthquakes

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Prophecies of the Promised Messiah a.s.: Plague and Earthquakes
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An allegation raised by opponents of the Jamaat and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas is that he stated in his book Chashma-e-Marifat, published in 1908, that the miracles displayed by him numbered 100,000 or more and that the earthquakes and plague that occurred in his age belonged to those miracles that were bestowed to him from Allah the Almighty.

In response to this, opponents suggest that the world witnessed earthquakes and plagues at all times. Before the claim of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, plagues wiped out a hundred times more individuals than those who died in his age. For instance, in the 14th century, one third of the total population of Europe was totally wiped out from the face of the Earth due to the plague.

They then ask whether this can be compared with the plague that spread in India. The plague that occurred in India was nothing as compared to that of Europe. Similarly, the earthquake of 1905, although it was effective, but comparing it with massive earthquakes, it seems ordinary.

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat claimed to be the Promised Messiah and several religions acknowledge this fact that the Promised Messiah would appear close to Judgement Day i.e. it would be the last age. The Bible, the Holy Quran and the Hadith contain different prophesies about the arrival and time of the Promised Messiah.

Jesusas pointed out various signs regarding his second coming, as it is stated in the Gospel of Matthew:

“As Jesus was sitting on the mount of olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew, 24:3-7)

Similarly, it is stated in the Gospel of Luke:

“‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’ He replied: ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, “The time is near.” Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolution, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’ Then he said to them: ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.’” (Luke, 21:7-11)

Luke states that these incidents would occur before the second coming of Jesusas, but the intellect proves it wrong because punishment befalls people when the law is violated and not before it. Great catastrophes engulf the Earth only after the appearance and denial of a prophet. As it is stated in the Holy Quran:

وَمَا کُنَّا مُعَذِّبِیْنَ حَتّٰی نَبْعَثَ رَسُوْلًا

 “We never punish until We have sent a Messenger” (Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.16).

Similarly, it is stated in the Bible, “I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.” (Deuteronomy, 18: 19)

Regarding the arrival of the Promised Messiah, it is stated in the Gospel of Matthew that he would appear suddenly, which also shows that the catastrophes would occur after the advent of the Promised Messiah. Hence, Jesusas said:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew, 24: 42-44)

Similarly, it is stated in the Gospel of Mark:

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”  (Mark, 13: 32-37)

The Holy Prophetsa, highlighting the signs of the final days, stated:

تکثر الزلازل

“Earthquakes shall occur frequently.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Fitan)

Thus, the earthquakes or plague that occurred before the advent of the Promised Messiahas are not under discussion as they are not associated with the prophecies of his age. The earthquakes and plague that engulfed the Earth in the era of the Promised Messiahas are in accord with the prophecies. Hence, comparing them with previously occurred catastrophes seems illogical.

The Promised Messiahas received a revelation from Allah the Almighty:

“A warner came unto the world, but the world accepted him not; yet God shall accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with mighty assaults.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV, p. 435 [English translation])

Accordingly, Allah the Almighty demonstrated the truth of the Promised Messiahas with powerful assaults. Earthquakes and plagues occur naturally, but when they occur in accordance with prophecies, then they are considered as a sign. Similarly, wars take place between two sides and one of them turns out victorious, but when it is foretold that a particular side would triumph, then its victory becomes a sign. As for the wars that were fought in the era of the Holy Prophetsa against the opponents, they were divine signs because it was foretold by Allah the Almighty that the Holy Prophetsa would triumph.

Likewise, tempests and floods occur naturally; moreover, ships and vessels are built, but Noah’s Ark stands out as a sign as it was built under the command of the Divine, carrying a glad tiding that those who would mount Noah’s Ark would be saved from the flood.

The same is the case of marriages; people are united in marriages and blessed with children, but when glad tidings are given regarding the birth of a child, it is considered a sign. Hence, it is stated in the Holy Quran:

فَبَشَّرْنٰھَا بِاِسْحٰقَ وَمِنْ وَّرَاءِ اِسْحٰقَ یَعْقُوْبَ

“We gave her glad tidings of the birth of Isaac and, after Isaac, of Jacob” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.72). So, the births of Isaac and Jacob happened as a sign, and denying this fact on the basis that many people are blessed with even more children than the mother of Isaac and Jacob seems irrational.

Referring to the sign of plague, the Promised Messiahas states:

“Let it also be borne in mind that both the Holy Quran and even certain books of the Torah foretell that plague will break out in the time of the Promised Messiah. In fact, the Messiah, peace be upon him, also spoke of this in the Gospel. It is impossible for the prophecies of the Messengers to be revoked.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 7-8)

Below is the list of deaths that occurred due to the outbreak of plague in India between the years 1896 to 1906, according to Encyclopedia Britannica:

1896: 2,219 deaths

1897: 47,974 deaths

1898: 89,265 deaths

1899: 102,369 deaths

1900: 73,576 deaths

1901: 236,433 deaths

1902: 452,655 deaths

1903: 684,445 deaths

1904: 938,010 deaths

1905: 940,881 deaths

1906: 300,355 deaths

(Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. xxi, p. 700 [edition 1911])

This clearly shows that the plague killed 3,868,182 people in India alone in the span of almost 11 years.

The New Encyclopedia Britannica states:

“An outbreak in Canton and Hong Kong in 1894 left 80,000 to 100,000 dead, and within 20 years the disease spread from the southern Chinese ports throughout the whole world, resulting in more than 10,000,000 deaths.” (The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Wol. 9, p.493 [15th edition, 2010])

Opponents allege regarding the earthquake of 1905 that it seems ordinary when compared with various other massive earthquakes.

The earthquake of 1905 holds significant prominence because it occurred according to the divine prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas. Thus, comparing this earthquake with various other earthquakes cannot be considered just in any way.

As the births of Isaac and Jacob proved to be divine signs for the reason that glad tidings preceded them, the earthquake of 1905 belongs to the sign of the Divine. The Promised Messiahas frequently received revelations about the occurrence of this earthquake from Allah the Almighty which were published from time to time.

Al Hakam (Urdu) wrote under the heading Revelations and Dreams:

“I [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas] saw in a dream that someone said:

زلزلہ كا دهكا

‘Shock of an earthquake.’ I saw the house shaking but did not see anything fall, nor did I feel the earthquake. Then came the revelation:

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَضُرُّ۔ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الَّذِيْنَ اتَّقَوْا وَّ الَّذِيْنَ هُمْ مُحْسِنُوْنَ۔ تَريٰ نَصْرًا مِّنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ وَ هُمْ يَعْمَهُوْنَ

‘Allah will cause no damage. Allah is with those who are righteous and who do their duty to the utmost. You will see help from Allah and they will continue to flounder.’” (Al Hakam, 17-24 December 1903, p. 15)

Similarly, under the heading God’s Pure Words, the weekly Al Badr had it:

“On 19 December 1903, in a dream I saw someone saying:

زلزلہ كا ايك دهكا

‘A single shock of an earthquake.’ Neither did I feel any tremors, nor did the walls shake. Thereafter, I received the revelation [same Arabic as above], ‘Allah will cause no damage. Allah is with those who are righteous and who do their duty to the utmost. You will see help from Allah and they will continue to flounder.’” (Al Badr, 1 January 1904, p. 6)

Then, under Revelations, the weekly Al Hakam (Urdu) says:

“8 June 1904:

عَفَتِ الدِّيَارُ مَحَلُّهَا وَ مُقَامُهَا۔ اِنِّيْ اُحَافِظُ كُلَّ مَنْ فِي الدَّارِ۔ اَعْطَيْتُكَ كُلَّ النَّعِيْمِ

 ‘Temporary residences and permanent ones will be wiped out. I shall safeguard all those who are in this house. I have bestowed upon you all bounties.’” (Al Hakam, 10-17 June 1904, p. 10)

The Promised Messiahas stated about the earthquake that occurred on 4 April 1905:

“This very earthquake which wrought so much damage in the Punjab that, regarding it, researches have been published in the Civil and Military Gazette and other sources that incontrovertibly conclude that an earthquake of such magnitude has not been experienced in the Punjab during the last 1,600 years.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part V [English translation], p. 232)

The Promised Messiahas further states:

“According to research published in the Civil and Military Gazette, the temple at Kangra that was destroyed in the earthquake was about 2,000 years old. Had such earthquakes occurred before, this temple would already have collapsed long ago.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part V, p. 236)

Now, for the benefit of the readers, we present a brief account of the destruction caused by the Kangra earthquake of 4 April 1905.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra writes in his book, Zikr-e-Habib:

kangrah
The Kangra Earthquake, 1905

“As the earthquake struck on the morning of 4 April 1905, several towns located in the valley of Kangra were destroyed, and the temple of Hindu Goddess, Jwalamukhi blacked out and the building collapsed. On the same morning, a severe earthquake was felt in Qadian around 6:30am. Although some houses collapsed in Lahore and Amritsar, resulting in deaths and injuries to countless individuals, with the blessing of Allah the Almighty no such incident occurred in Qadian.” (Zikr e Habib, pp. 98-99)

It is stated regarding the earthquake of Kangra:

“The Kangra earthquake of 4 April 1905 in the north-west of the Himalayas was the first of several devastating 20th century earthquakes to occur in northern India. The Punjab Government estimated that more than 20,000 people of its 375,000 epicentral population were killed, and that 100,000 buildings were destroyed by the earthquake. Farming was disrupted by the loss of 53,000 domestic animals and extensive damage to a network of hillside aqueducts that had been constructed over many generations. The cost of recovering from the earthquake was estimated at 2.9 million rupees (1905) … There is a dispute in the magnitude of the earthquake; some say it was 7.6 while others say 8.6 on the Richter scale.” (A note on Kangra Earthquake Ms 7.8 of April 1905 by Nicholas Ambraseys and Roger Bilham)

Dharamshala was the central point of District Kangra which was completely obliterated by the earthquake of 1905. Apart from Kangra, tremors were felt in Murree, Jhelum, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi, causing very little damage. Severe shocks were observed in Jammu and Srinagar, resulting in the total destruction of countless buildings while several others were damaged. Many lost their lives in Srinagar. A hundred houses were razed to the ground in Sialkot. Extreme shocks were felt in Shimla as well.

Nobody in the past 1600 years of India ever experienced an earthquake of such a scale as that of the 1905 Kangra earthquake, causing massive destruction, claiming countless lives and wiping out huge buildings. Previously, 2,000 people died in the earthquake of 1819, and 1542 people lost their lives in the earthquake of 1897 that occurred in Shillong, while the earthquake of 1905 singlehandedly claimed more than 20,000 lives.

The opponents should ponder over this fact that in all the destruction and devastation caused by this horrifying earthquake, the glad tiding vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas was fulfilled, which is as follows:

اِنِّيْ اُحَافِظُ كُلَّ مَنْ فِي الدَّارِ

 “I shall safeguard all those who are in this house” (Al Hakam, 10-17 June 1904, p. 10).

Had the revelation concerning the earthquake been fabricated, Allah the Almighty would have wiped out the very name of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, but instead, every single individual who belonged to his spiritual house was saved from this catastrophe.

(Research conducted by a panel of scholars at the Research Cell, Rabwah. Translated by Al Hakam)

100 Years Ago… – Tabligh in Baghdad

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100 Years Ago… – Tabligh in Baghdad

Al Fazl, 10 May 1919

I went to the main part of the city today (22 April 1919). There I had the opportunity to meet and talk to an Arab who was well versed in Persian. We had a conversation for almost an hour. Drawing his attention towards the prophesies of the Holy Prophetsa, Iasked him, “Is it still not the time for the arrival of the Mahdi and the Promised Messiahas?”

I then explained to him almost every prophecy regarding the Messiah and Mahdi. Highlighting the root cause of the catastrophes and wars of the present age, I informed him about the claim of the Promised Messiahas.

Accompanying him were two persons belonging to Kurdistan. One of them raised the issue regarding the Mahdi’s reappearance that he would kill all the kuffar [infidels] and ensure the victory of Islam. I replied that he was completely mistaken because the Holy Quran openly stated:

لا اکراہ فی الدین

“There is no compulsion in religion.” So, taking this manifest guidance into account, I asked him how one could believe that the Mahdi would kill the kuffar. Moreover, I highlighted the fact that the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra never took up the sword to convert anybody to Islam by force. When the brutalities of the kuffar had exceeded certain bounds, the sword was drawn in defence.

Had the opponents refrained from carrying out extreme acts of cruelty, violence and inflicting pain on the Muslims, the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra would under no circumstances have drawn the sword. In fact, the principles of Islam are so firm, clear and easy to act on that every fortunate soul accepts them instantaneously.

Further, I laid emphasis on the fact that in the period of 1300 years after the exalted Seal of all Prophets, Muhammadsa, Islam was only able to spread in Arabia, Syria, Afghanistan and Egypt etc. while there are a number of other religious groups who are still thriving in most of these countries, and the majority of the world is deprived of this blessing [Islam]. I asked him, in his view, whether the coming Mahdi or Jesus, who would convert the entire world to Islam in a matter of days, would surpass the greatness of the Holy Prophetsa. (As Islam progressed gradually in the past, likewise it would progress in the latter days.)

I informed him about the progress and present condition of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, which was a source of delight for them all. Thereupon, the objector left the first allegation and presented another, saying that the Mahdi would appear soon but there was still time. I replied that in raising this allegation, he had made an even bigger mistake than the previous one because accepting his view, the denial of both the Holy Quran and the Hadith became inevitable.

It is stated in the Holy Quran that the appearance of a prophet is imperative before a universal catastrophe can occur. This is evident from the verse:

وَمَا کُنَّا مُعَذّبِیْنَ حَتّٰی نَبْعَثَ رَسُوْلًا

“We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.” I then said to the gentleman that he could not deny the fact that the world had witnessed a great catastrophe.

On the other hand, it is stated in a Hadith that a mujaddid [one who revives Islam] would appear at the turn of every century. This is clear from the Hadith:

إنّ اللّٰہ یَبعَث لہذہ الأمة علی رأس کل مِائة سَنةٍ من یجدّد لہا دینَہا

“Verily, Allah shall appoint for this Ummah, at the head of every century, a person to revive their faith for them.” (Sunan Abi Daud)

37 years of this century have passed, but so far, their Mahdi has not appeared. So, I explained, this would naturally cause frustration because this could be none other than Hazrat Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi.

The one who was to appear had descended, I informed them. “The decision rests in your hands whether to accept him or not.”

Then, I reminded him that the one who does not recognise the Imam of the age dies the death of ignorance.

In addition, we had a comprehensive discussion about the Jamaat and on the life and death of Jesusas, which resulted in securing a positive impact on this person regarding the Jamaat.

He now asks for Arabic books of the Promised Messiahas. Thus far, I have duly conveyed the message of the Jamaat to the successor of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul QadirGilanirh, a bookseller Numan Afandi and a mualim [teacher of theology] who has been reading the books I have been sending for a while. Alongside them, I have conveyed the message of the Jamaat to several other individuals through Numan the bookseller.

I also had the chance to converse with a scholar belonging to the town of Imam Azam [“The Great Imam” – title of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifarh], who was left speechless and unable to give a reply to my questions. He was briefed in detail about the Jamaat.

Similarly, there are a number of other individuals to whom I have conveyed the rightful message. Allah will grant the strength to whoever He pleases from among them to enter the Jamaat. The members of the Jamaat should pray that Allah the Almighty grants success because mere words, without the prayers of fellow members, are not enough. Surely, Allah the Almighty will fulfil our tasks.

I request members of the Jamaat to pray for this humble one because the intensity of the hot and cold weather is extreme. May Allah the Almighty grant me peace and safety through His blessing and benevolence and save me from pain and suffering.

Wassalam. Syed Fateh Ali Shah, Baghdad

(Translated by Al Hakam)

3-9 May

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3-9 May

3 May 1935: On this day, Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned figure in the Indian subcontinent, made a demand of declaring Ahmadis a non-Muslim minority. The responsible Muslim press of that era found this demand objectionable and condemned the whole idea.

3 May 1938: A tourist from Iran, who was Zoroastrian by faith and agriculturist by profession, visited Qadian on this day. Mr Manochehar was so impressed by the spiritual aura of Qadian that he decided to enter the fold of the Jamaat.

3 May 1943: Hazrat Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, a scholar and missionary of the Jamaat, completed the Swahili translation of the Holy Quran.

3 May 1946: The Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Sierra Leone conducted its first ever national Shura. 

3 May 1952: Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Rehan Botalvira passed away. He entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat in 1901. He was the first amongst the Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas to be buried in the designated area for the Companionsra at Bahishti Maqbarah, Rabwah.

3 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was in Damascus. On this day, he announced a Nikah between a Syrian Ahmadi boy with an Ahmadi girl who belonged to the same country. It is also reported that on the same day, Huzoorra graciously blessed a question and answer session in Damascus.

4 May 1928: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed members of the Jamaat to devote their lives for the cause of Islam. More than 20 members, as a result, requested and presented themselves to Huzoorra to be considered for this blessed cause.

5 May 1948: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed Ahmadis while addressing the participants of Shura that they should come forward to reinhabit those localities vacated by the Ahmadi immigrants of Qadian post-partition. On this call, 35 devoted members departed for Qadian, amongst whom were 12 companions of the Promised Messiahas.

Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Yousuf ra

5 May 1952: Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Yousufra passed away. He accepted the Promised Messiahas in the early days of the Jamaat in 1889. He was the editor of Nur newspaper and had the blessed opportunity of translating the Holy Quran into Punjabi.

6 May 1911: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra graced a two-day convention organised by Anjuman Ahmadiyya Batala with his presence and two speeches.

6 May 1935: From Qadian, a team of three missionaries – namely Maulvi Ghulam Hussain Ayaz Sahib, Sufi Abdul Ghafur Sahib and Sufi Abdul Qadeer Nayaz Sahib – departed for Singapore, China and Japan. 

6 May 1949: Bashir Ahmad Orchard Sahib who was appointed as a missionary in Glasgow, Scotland conducted the first public meeting as an outreach effort for locals.

6 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a Friday sermon in Damascus.

7 May 1933: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stepped down from the presidency of the Kashmir Committee.

7 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived at Beirut, Lebanon and went to visit the ancient remains of the Baalbek.

7 May 1960: A prize and certificate distribution ceremony was held in Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah. The guest of honour was Justice MR Kayani, part of the top brass of Pakistan’s judiciary.

8 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra departed from Beirut on an aeroplane. Passing over Athens and Rome, Huzoorra reached Geneva. He then left for Zurich and reached there on 9 May. A medical checkup was carried out in a hospital situated in Zurich on 10 May. Huzoorra met a homeopath specialist in Zurich on 12 May. On the same day, digging began for the foundations of a mosque in Holland.

8 May 1959: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra departed for Nakhla and stayed there until 16 September. During his stay, Huzoorra spent more than a month in reviewing the manuscript of Tafsir-e-Saghir for a third time.

8 May 1957: The foundation stone of Noor Mosque, Frankfurt was laid on this day.

9 May 1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra presided a session of the All India Kashmir Committee.

9 May 1935: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled to Sindh for a period of ten days to survey lands there.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria and Humanity First collaborate in charity event

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Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria and Humanity First collaborate in charity event

Zubair Khalil Khan

Director Projects in South East Europe

Humanity First Germany

Ahmadiyya Youngsters who have come all the way from the UK, France and Germany to study medicine in Bulgaria were lined up for a great cause to donate their blood for the people of Bulgaria. The following day, the same youth participated in organising a charity walk and football matches by Humanity First in collaboration with the municipality of Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria.

It was a great festive ceremony in the main Plovdiv Stadium. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat missionary, Mr JawwadUddin Affan – currently stationed in Bulgaria – initially contacted the Social Welfare Department of the municipality of Plovidv, and on behalf of Humanity First, offered to donate medical equipment required by a school taking care of children with special needs.

Director of social welfare in the municipality, Ms Vaselina Boteva, along with head of the school Ms Bateba, the mayor and the deputy mayor of Plovdiv, appreciated the humanitarian gesture and wholeheartedly welcomed the idea.

13 April was agreed for the festive ceremony for handing over the donated equipment. Along with the donation, additional activities were also planned, which included  two charity runs (800-metre and 200-metre) by male and female adults as well as children.

An exhibition football match was also scheduled between students and professors. Ms Boteva, the director of social welfare of Plovdiv, remained the true spirit behind the success of this humanitarian event.

Weather forecasts in Bulgaria indicated heavy rain on 13 April, which created apprehensions for the success of the event. An urgent fax requesting the special prayers of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was sent to the UK. After two nights of heavy rainfall, on the morning prior to the start of Humanity First event, Allah showed His mercy and Kindness and clouds began to disperse. Throughout the entire programme, the sun continued to shine on us.

Amir Jamaat Germany Mr Abdullah Wagishauser, Director Marketing Humanity First Germany Mr Stefan Haerter and Director Projects for South East Europe Mr Zubair Khan travelled from Germany to be part of this festive event.

Almost 35 Ahmadi Students currently undergoing medical studies were the most visible group to donate blood and to facilitate organisation of this event under the leadership of Mr Haseeb, recently appointed as Qaid Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria.

In addition to Humanity First, many other humanitarian organisations including Red Cross also sponsored the event. Almost half a dozen stalls were erected to house the activities of different organisations.

Children with special needs were very happy to have received the equipment and one could see tears of joy and gratitude in their eyes. It was an historical event, the first of its kind in Bulgaria by Humanity First. Local officials expressed appreciation and recognition certificates were given to Humanity First with the hope that such activities continued in the future.

Norway Peace Symposium 2019

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Norway Peace Symposium 2019

Tahir Mahmood Khan, Norway Correspondent

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Norway hosted a peace symposium on 9 April 2019 at the Bait-ul-Nasr mosque in Oslo, Norway. Around 200 guests from across the country attended this unique event, including politicians, ambassadors, faith and civic leaders as well as representatives from different faith communities.

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The theme of this year’s peace symposium was Challenging Intolerance & Promoting Moderation.

Various dignitaries spoke at the event and shed light on the subject from their viewpoint. They were thankful to be invited to such a gathering, which they thought was a good initiative through which we could build strong relations with communities and attain peace in the world.

Dignitaries who spoke at the event included Mr Ed Brown (Secretary General for Stefanus Alliance International), Ms Chro Borhan (Dialogue Advisor for the Nansen Peace Centre), Mr Torstein Dale Akerlund (Director of Studies at the Bjorknes College), Mr Steinar Murud (Secretary General of Universal Peace Federation in Norway) and Mr John Roger Lund (Unit head of unit east at Oslo Police District).

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The keynote address was delivered by Sir Iftikhar Ayaz Sahib. He conveyed the greetings of peace from Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa to the audience.

He then addressed the audience explaining the true teachings of Islam as taught by the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and revealed by God almighty in the Holy Quran. He emphasised that Islam, as a religion of peace, teaches no form of extremism or terrorism, and that the true Islam, as shown by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is not to be feared. After dinner, guests were offered a guided tour of the mosque and the peace exhibition.

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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.

Contact us: info@alhakam.org

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