Men of Excellence

Friday Sermon

Al Hakam

4th October 2019

Friday Sermon

6 September 2019

Men of Excellence

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

In the previous sermon, I started to relate accounts from the life of Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit, however there still remained some accounts and so, I will present some further accounts and incidents during his life.

It is written in historical accounts that when the Banu Qainuqa decided to wage war against the Muslims – on the orders of Abdullah bin Ubay – Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit, like Abdullah bin Ubay, was a confederate of the Banu Qainuqa. However, owing to the impending battle, he distanced himself from the Banu Qainuqa and for the sake of God Almighty and His Prophet^sa, he detached himself from being their confederate. It is stated that the following verse was then revealed:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الۡیَہُوۡدَ وَ النَّصٰرٰۤی اَوۡلِیَآءَ ۘؔ بَعۡضُہُمۡ اَوۡلِیَآءُ بَعۡضٍ ؕ وَ مَنۡ یَّتَوَلَّہُمۡ مِّنۡکُمۡ فَاِنَّہٗ مِنۡہُمۡ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ لَا یَہۡدِی الۡقَوۡمَ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ

“O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. And whoso among you takes them for friends is indeed one of them. Verily, Allah guides not the unjust people.” [Ch.5: V.52] (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 506, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005)

At this point, I will reiterate that this verse does not mean that one should not perform virtues deeds that would benefit the Jews or the Christians, nor does it mean that one must sever all ties with them. Rather, it means that one ought to avoid making friends with those Christians and Jews who are engaged in battle with the Muslims. In fact, God Almighty has explained in other place in the Holy Quran that He does not forbid for one to perform virtuous deeds or deal justly with those people who do not wage war against Muslims or to those who do not exile the Muslims from their homes, irrespective of whether they are disbelievers, Jews or Christians. Just as God Almighty states:

لَا یَنۡہٰٮکُمُ اللّٰہُ عَنِ الَّذِیۡنَ لَمۡ یُقَاتِلُوۡکُمۡ فِی الدِّیۡنِ وَ لَمۡ یُخۡرِجُوۡکُمۡ مِّنۡ دِیَارِکُمۡ اَنۡ تَبَرُّوۡہُمۡ وَ تُقۡسِطُوۡۤا اِلَیۡہِمۡ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ یُحِبُّ الۡمُقۡسِطِیۡنَ

“Allah forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you forth from your homes, that you be kind to them and act equitably towards them; surely Allah loves those who are equitable.” [Ch.60: V.9]

Thus, through the earlier verse, it has been made evidently clear that one should not forge relations with non-Muslims on the basis of any weakness, fear or cowardice. The real objective should be that one ought to have complete trust and reliance in Allah the Almighty alone. Furthermore, if one improves their spiritual condition, then God Almighty shall grant His support. Unfortunately, these days we witness that Muslim governments fall in the laps of foreign powers and are fearful of them. The result of this is that owing to benefiting from their aid, one Muslim country is turning against the other and they are the very people who are destroying Islam from its roots. Nonetheless, we pray to God Almighty to enable these Muslim governments to see reason.

In any case, in relation to the incident that is being mentioned, which is the battle against the Banu Qainuqa that resulted in them being besieged after the battle and eventually they were defeated, there are further details about it found in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin. It references various historical sources and states regarding this incident that after their defeat, the Banu Qainuqa were ordered to leave [Medina] and the details of this incident are as follows:

“When the Battle of Badr had taken place and Allah the Exalted, out of His grace, granted a convincing victory to the Muslims, despite their being few and without means over a very fierce army of the Quraish, and the prominent leaders of Mecca were mixed to dust, the Jews of Medina went up in flames of jealousy. They began to openly hurl stinging comments at the Muslims and publicly asserted in gatherings that, ‘So what if you have defeated the army of the Quraish. Let Muhammad^[sa] fight us and we shall demonstrate how wars are fought.’

“This escalated to such an extent that in one gathering they even uttered such words in the very presence of the Holy Prophet^sa. As such, there is a narration that after the Battle of Badr, when the Holy Prophet^sa returned to Medina, one day, he gathered the Jews and admonished them and whilst presenting his claim, invited them to Islam. The chieftains among the Jews responded to this peaceful and sympathetic address of the Holy Prophet^sa in the following words:

“‘O Muhammad^[sa], it seems that you have perhaps become arrogant after killing a few Quraish. Those people were inexperienced in the art of war. If you were to fight us, you would come to know the real likes of warriors.’ The Jews did not rest upon a mere threat, rather, it seems as if they even began to hatch conspiracies to assassinate the Holy Prophet^sa. There is a narration that in those days when a faithful Companion by the name of Talha^ra bin Barra was about to pass away, he bequeathed, ‘If I die at night, the Holy Prophet^sa should not be notified about my funeral prayer, lest a misfortune befalls the Holy Prophet^sa at the hands of the Jews on my account.’ (i.e. lest the Holy Prophet^sa comes at night to lead the funeral prayer and the Jews see it as an opportunity to attack) Therefore, after the Battle of Badr, the Jews openly began to fuel mischief, and among the Jews of Medina, since the Banu Qainuqa were the most powerful and bold, it was they who first began to breach the treaty. As such, historians write:

“‘Among the Jews of Medina, the Banu Qainuqa were the first to break the treaty which had been settled between them and the Holy Prophet^sa. After Badr, they began to rebel fiercely and openly expressed their rancour and malice and broke their treaty and agreement.’

“However, despite such events, under the guidance of their Master, the Muslims demonstrated patience in every way and did not allow themselves to take the lead in any respect. It is narrated in a Hadith that after the treaty which had been settled with the Jews, the Holy Prophet^sa would even take special care to protect their sentiments.

“On one occasion, an argument broke out between a Muslim and a Jew. The Jew asserted the superiority of Moses^as above all the other Prophets. The Companion was angered by this and he dealt somewhat harshly with that person replying that the Holy Prophet^sa was the most superior of all the Messengers. When the Holy Prophet^sa was informed of this, he was displeased and rebuked the Companion saying, ‘It is not your task to go about speaking of the superiority of God’s Messengers in comparison to one another.’ Then, the Holy Prophet^sa mentioned a partial superiority of Moses^as and consoled the Jew. However, despite this loving conduct of the Holy Prophet^sa, the Jews continued to escalate in their mischief. Eventually, it was the Jews who created a cause for war and their heart-felt animosity could not be tamed. What happened was that one day, a Muslim lady went to the shop of a Jew in the market in order to purchase some goods. A few evil Jews, who were then sitting at the shop began to harass her in a most mischievous manner and even the shopkeeper himself committed the evil deed that while the lady was unaware, he attached the lower corner of her skirt to the mantle on her back with a thorn or something of that sort.” (Perhaps there was a hook of some sort and he pinned it against that.) “As a result, when the lady stood up to leave due to their rude behaviour, the lower part of her body became exposed at which the Jewish shopkeeper and his accomplices burst out in laughter. Outraged, the Muslim lady screamed and appealed for help. It so happened that a Muslim was present nearby. He dashed to the scene and in a mutual altercation, the Jewish shopkeeper was killed. Upon this, the Muslim was showered with swords from all directions and this remarkably indignant Muslim was put to death. When the Muslims were informed of this event in national indignation, their eyes gorged with blood in rage. On the other hand, the Jews who desired to make this incident an excuse to fight, congregated in the form of a crowd and a state of riot broke out.

When the Holy Prophet^sa was informed of this, he gathered the chieftains of the Banu Qainuqa and explained that such behaviour was not appropriate and that they should refrain from such mischief and fear God. Instead of expressing disappointment or remorse and seeking forgiveness for what had happened, they responded with very refractory answers and boldly repeated their earlier threat that, ‘Do not become arrogant over your victory at Badr. When you are to fight us you shall come to know the real likes of warriors.’ Left with no other choice, the Holy Prophet^sa set out towards the fortresses of the Banu Qainuqa with a force of Companions.” (When the Holy Prophet^sa went to see the Jews with his companions, they ought to have shown remorse for their actions and extended a hand of peace, but instead they were ready to fight.) “Therefore, war was declared and the forces of Islam and Judaism came forth to battle one another.

“According to the custom of that era, a method of warfare was that one party would secure themselves within their fortresses and wait. The opposing force would besiege the fortress and whenever an opportunity presented itself, every now and then, attacks would be launched against one another. This would continue until the surrounding army would either lose hope in capturing the fortress and lift the siege, and this would be considered a victory to the ones besieged; or being unable to muster the strength to fend off the onslaught, the besieged force would open the gates of their fortress and hand themselves over to the victors. On this occasion, the Banu Qainuqa employed the same tactic, and closed themselves within their own fortresses. The Holy Prophet^sa besieged them and this siege continued for fifteen days. Finally, when all the strength and arrogance of the Banu Qainuqa had been shattered, they opened the gates of their fortresses on the condition that though their wealth would belong to the Muslims, their lives and families would be spared. The Holy Prophet^sa accepted this condition, even though according to Mosaic law, all of these people were liable to be put to death (according to the Mosaic law, they were liable to be put to death for their wrongdoings) and according to the initial agreement, the judgement of the Mosaic law should have been administered to them.

“However, since this was the first crime committed by this nation, as a first course of action, the merciful and forgiving disposition of the Holy Prophet^sa could never be inclined towards an extreme punishment, which should only be imposed as a final remedy. However, on the other hand, allowing such a treacherous and rebellious tribe to remain in Medina was no less than nurturing a snake in the grass, especially when a group of hypocrites from among the Aus and Khazraj was already present within Medina, and from the exterior as well, the opposition of the whole of Arabia had greatly distressed the Muslims. In such circumstances, the only judgement which the Holy Prophet^sa could pass was for the Banu Qainuqa to leave Medina. In comparison to their crime and taking into account the circumstances of that era, this was a very mild punishment. Furthermore, the purpose of this punishment was the security of Medina.” (The main purpose of this was to ensure the safety of the Muslims of Medina.)

“Nonetheless, for the nomadic tribes of Arabia it was nothing out of the ordinary to move from one place to another, especially when a tribe did not own any properties in the form of land and orchards – and the Banu Qainuqa had none. The entire tribe was given the opportunity to leave one place and settle somewhere else, with great peace and security. As such, the Banu Qainuqa very peacefully left Medina and settled towards Syria. The Holy Prophet^sa assigned the task of overseeing the necessary arrangements, etc. associated with their departure to a companion named Ubadah^ra bin Samit (the companion who is being mentioned) who was from among their confederates. Ubadah^ra bin Samit escorted the Banu Qainuqa for a few manzils [ a day’s journey] and after safely sending them off, he returned. The spoils which were attained by the Muslims consisted only of weaponry and instruments of their profession.” Aside from this there was nothing more that the Muslims gained in the spoils. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^ra, pp. 458-460)

Some details in relation to this incident are also found in Sirat-ul-Halabiyyah. It states that the Holy Prophet^sa commanded to expel and exile these Jews from Medina for good. The Holy Prophet^sa entrusted Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit with the responsibility of exiling them and he gave the Jews respite for three days.

Subsequently, after three days, the Jews said farewell to Medina and left. Prior to this, the Jews had requested Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit to extend the period of respite that they were granted. However, Hazrat Ubadah^ra rejected this request stating that not a single minute of respite would be given to them. Following this, Hazrat Ubadah^ra oversaw their exile and the Banu Qainuqa settled in the plains of a town in Syria. (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, p. 287, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah, Ghazwah Banu Qainuqa, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

There are many other Ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet^sa] which have been narrated by Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit. In one narration, Hazrat Ubadah^ra states:

“Owing to the increasing engagements of the Holy Prophet^sa, whenever someone from among the Muhajireen [Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Medina] presented himself before the Holy Prophet^sa, he would entrust him to one of us in order to teach him the Holy Quran as well as religious knowledge.”

He further narrates, “On one occasion, the Holy Prophet^sa assigned an individual to me. He stayed at my home and ate with me and my family and I taught him the Holy Quran. When he was about to return home, he thought that since he had stayed with me and I had taught him the Holy Quran, therefore perhaps I had some rights over him. Hence, he gave me a bow as a present.” He further says, “It was of such exceptional quality that I had previously never seen a better bow and was made of excellent wood and was very soft.” Hazrat Ubadah^ra then says, “I presented myself before the Holy Prophet^sa and asked, ‘O Messenger^sa of Allah! Such and such individual has granted me this bow as a gift. What is your guidance in relation to this?’ The Holy Prophet^sa replied, ‘What you are carrying between your shoulders is like a burning coal.’” Meaning that the present he accepted was only given to him because he taught him the Holy Quran and thus it is was fire which he was carrying between his shoulders. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 7, p. 563, Ubadah^ra bin Samit, Hadith 23146, Aalamul Kutub, Beirut, 1998)

There is another narration related by Hazrat Ubadah^ra as well in which he said:

“I taught the Holy Quran to some individuals from among the Ahl-e-Suffa and I also taught them how to write. Upon this, one of them sent me a bow as a present. In my heart I thought that this is not money, cash, gold, silver or any form of currency and so decided that I will use it to shoot arrows in the way of Allah. It is merely a bow and it will be useful to me to shoot arrows if the occasion of Jihad ever arises and will be used in the way of Allah.” Nevertheless, he says, “I sought guidance from the Holy Prophet^sa in relation to this. Upon this, the Holy Prophet^sa said, ‘You may accept it if you wish to wear a chain made out of fire around your neck.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitabul Tijaaraat, Baab Al-Ajr Ala Taleem-ul-Quran, Hadith 2157)

That is, if he wished to have a chain made out of fire and placed around his neck, then he could accept it.

Both of these narrations are similar and have appeared in different sources. The commentators [of Ahadith] have concluded from these narrations that the bow was given as remuneration for teaching the Holy Quran, however this practice was disliked by the Holy Prophet^sa. Therefore, this incident contains guidance for those people who teach the Holy Quran and use it as a source of personal income.

Hazrat Rashid bin Hubaish narrates that on one occasion, the Holy Prophet^sa went to enquire about the health of Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit who was ill at the time. The Holy Prophet^sa asked, “Do you know who from among my Ummah will be counted amongst the martyrs?” At this, the Companions^ra began to look at one another. Upon this, Hazrat Ubadah^ra asked for help so that he could sit upright and using support, he sat up and submitted, “O Messenger^sa of Allah! You asked about who from among the Ummah, will be counted amongst the Martyrs? The ones who will be counted amongst the martyrs are those who only seek virtue as their reward and are subsequently martyred fighting bravely and displaying steadfastness.” To this the Holy Prophet^sa replied, “If it is left to this alone, then there will be very few martyrs among my Ummah.” The Holy Prophet^sa then said, “The one who dies fighting in the cause of God Almighty is a martyr, the one who dies from the plague is a martyr”, that is, if there is an epidemic and a pious believer passes away due to it, then in that case he will be deemed as a martyr; “the one who drowns will be deemed as a martyr, the one who passes away due to an abdominal illness is a martyr.” The Holy Prophet^sa then further said, “A woman who passes away in the state of nifaas, her child will take her straight into paradise.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 492, Musnad Rashid bin Hubaish, Hadith 23146, Aalamul Kutub, Beirut, 1998)

The state of nifaas is when a woman passes away after childbirth due to excessive blood loss. The state of nifaas can last for up to forty days after childbirth and if owing to weakness or any other reason, a woman passes away during this period, the Holy Prophet^sa has said that her child will be the reason for her entering paradise.

There is a narration in Sahih Bukhari, which is similar to the one I have just stated; Hazrat Abu Hurairah^ra narrates that the Holy Prophet^sa said, “There are five types of martyrs: the one who dies from the plague, the one who passes away due to an abdominal illness, the one who drowns, the one who passes away by being crushed and the one who dies fighting in the cause of Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Hadith 2829)

The Promised Messiah^as was informed [by God Almighty] that the plague was sent down as a sign for him in that whosoever believed in him in the true sense would be saved from the effects of the plague. Thus, this particular case is a completely different matter altogether, however, if under normal circumstances there is an epidemic and a believer who has firm faith passes away as a result of it, then they will be deemed as a martyr.

Ismael bin Ubaid Ansari narrates that Hazrat Ubadah^ra once said to Hazrat Abu Hurairah^ra, “O Abu Hurairah^ra! You were not present at the time when the Holy Prophet^sa took the pledge of allegiance from us on the basis that that we would always demonstrate obedience to him in times of increased activity or times of rest, and in times of hardship or ease; and that we will enjoin good and forbid evil in a way that we would not worry about the reproach of any critic. Then when the Holy Prophet^sa migrated to Medina, we pledged allegiance to support and protect him with our lives as we would protect our wives and children. We pledged allegiance on all of these matters and in return, we were promised the tidings of paradise. Thus, whosoever breaks this pledge that he made with the Holy Prophet^sa, only causes harm to himself. Whosoever fulfils the pledge he made with the Holy Prophet^sa, then God Almighty will fulfil His promise as vouchsafed to the Holy Prophet^sa.”

On one occasion Hazrat Muawiyya^ra wrote a letter to Hazrat Uthman Ghani^ra stating, “The people of Syria are creating unrest against me due to Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit Therefore, either call back Ubadah^ra bin Samit to you, or I will remove myself between him and Syria” i.e. he would leave Syria. Hazrat Uthman^ra wrote back stating: “Provide transport for him and ensure that he reaches his home in Medina Munawwarah.” Hence, Hazrat Muawiyya^ra arranged for him to reach Medina. Hazrat Ubadah^ra went to visit Hazrat Uthman^ra in his home and aside from one person, there was nobody present, meaning out of those who had met with the companions, Hazrat Ubadah^ra saw Hazrat Uthman^ra seated in the corner of the room. Hazrat Uthman^ra then turned to Hazrat Ubadah^ra and asked, “O Ubadah^ra bin Samit what is the matter between you and us?” Hazrat Ubadah^ra stood up and began addressing the people saying: “I heard the Holy Prophet^sa say: ‘After me there will be certain leaders who will urge you to perform deeds that are displeasing to you, and they will dislike those deeds that are pleasing to you. Therefore, whoever is disobedient to God Almighty you should not follow him. Thus, do not transgress the boundaries set by God Almighty.’” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 7, pp. 564-565, Musnad Ubadah^ra bin Samit, Hadith 23149-23150, Aalamul Kutub, Beirut, 1998)

There are certain matters regarding which there can be a difference of opinion between people, and between Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit and Hazrat Amir Muawiyya^ra, there were differences of opinions regarding certain matters. I mentioned in the previous sermon as well that there was a similar incident during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar^ra. Since Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit was among the early companions, who had heard about matters directly from the Holy Prophet^sa, therefore, he would firmly adhere to them and ensure others acted on them accordingly. During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar^ra there was a difference of opinion between Hazrat Amir Muawiyya^ra and Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit. Hazrat Umar^ra instructed Hazrat Amir Muawiyya^ra that he was not to question Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit and to let him act on the matters as he deemed correct. Later, when Hazrat Ubadah^ra retuned to Medina [due to these differences], Hazrat Umar^ra sent him back. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 18)

However, in the time of Hazrat Uthman^ra, when the issue arose again, Hazrat Uthman^ra called Hazrat Ubadah^ra to Medina due to the conditions at the time. Nonetheless, Hazrat Ubadah^ra had a very high status and he was able to interpret certain matters because he had heard them directly from the Holy Prophet^sa. For this reason, there was a difference of opinion in certain matters and he would voice his opinion.

For example, in matters of exchanging goods, bartering or in matters of trade. This is a lengthy subject and there is not enough time to discuss it here, but it was relating to such matters that Hazrat Ubadah^ra and Hazrat Muawiyya^ra were in disagreement. Since Hazrat Ubadah^ra had sound arguments to prove his case, therefore he would interpret matters accordingly, while at the same time Hazrat Ameer Muawiyya^ra held a different opinion about the same issues. However, it is not for everyone to voice disagreements, unless they have clear proof from the Holy Quran or Hadith. Moreover, in this era the Promised Messiah^as has elucidated many issues. Nonetheless, the fundamental point to remember in all of this is that one should never cross the limits set by God Almighty and always remain within those prescribed limits. Thus, every Ahmadi ought to bear this in mind and demonstrate complete obedience.

Ata narrates, “I met Waleed, who was the son of a companion of the Holy Prophet^sa named Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit and I asked him what his father, i.e. Hazrat Ubadah^ra, advised him before he passed away. Waleed replied that he (i.e. Hazrat Ubadah^ra) said: ‘O my son! Fear God Almighty and know full well that you can never become righteous until you have firm belief in Allah the Almighty, and also until you believe in the divine decree, whether good or bad. Therefore, if you die and believe something contrary to this, then you will be thrown into the fire.’”

Hazrat Anas^ra bin Malik narrates that the Holy Prophet^sa would frequently visit the house of Hazrat Umme Haram^ra bint Milhan, who was the wife of Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit and she would present the Holy Prophet^sa food. On one occasion when the Holy Prophet^sa visited her home, she served him food and then began to groom his hair, at which the Holy Prophet^sa fell asleep. A short while later, he woke up from his sleep and he was smiling. Hazrat Umme Haram^ra asked, “O Messenger^sa of Allah! Why were you smiling?” The Holy Prophet^sa replied, “A few people from among my Ummah who had set out to fight in the way of God Almighty were brought before me. They were sailing in the sea in a manner as if they were kings sitting on thrones, or he stated that they were like kings seated upon their thrones.” The narrator of the incident was unsure as to exactly which word the Holy Prophet^sa had used. Nonetheless, Hazrat Umme Haram^ra said to the Holy Prophet^sa, “O Messenger^sa of Allah! Pray to God Almighty that I may be among those people.” The Holy Prophet^sa then prayed for Hazrat Umme^ra Haram and then rested his head and fell asleep again. Again, he woke up and he was smiling. She asked again as to the reason why the Holy Prophet^sa was smiling, to which the Holy Prophet^sa said, “Some people from among my Ummah who had set out to fight in the way of Allah were presented before me.” The Holy Prophet^sa then repeated what he mentioned earlier. Hazrat Umme Haram^ra submitted to the Holy Prophet^sa, “O Messenger^sa of Allah! Pray that Allah the Almighty also enable me to be among those group of people.” The Holy Prophet^sa stated, “You already are included in the company of these people.” Subsequently, during the era of Muawiyyah bin Abi Sufyan, Hazrat Umme Haram^ra was part of a voyage and upon disembarking, she fell from her mount and passed away. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Hadith 2788-2789)

The Holy Prophet^sa would visit the house of Hazrat Umme Haram^ra because he had close familial ties with her. With regard to this, it is stated that Umme Haram^ra was the daughter of Milhan bin Khalid and belonged to the tribe of Banu Najjar. Umme Haram was the sister of Umme Sulaim, whose son was Hazrat Anas^ra, and thus she was his maternal aunt. Both Umme Haram^ra and Umme Sulaim were maternal aunts of the Holy Prophet^sa, related to him either through a blood relation or foster relation. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 4, p. 1931, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992)

Imam Nawawi writes that all the scholars unanimously agree that Umme Haram^ra had a close family relation with the Holy Prophet^sa. Owing to this relation, the Holy Prophet^sa would sometimes visit her house and take rest during the afternoons. However, there are varying opinions as regards the exact relation. Everyone agrees that she was his close family relative, but there are different views as to exactly how they were related. (Al-Minhaj Bi-Sharah Sahih Mulsim, Imam Nawawi, Kitab-ul-Amarah, Hadith no. 1912, Dar-e-Ibn Hazam, Beirut, 2002)

In any case, they had close family relations in one way or another. Hazrat Umme Haram^ra accepted Islam at the blessed hand of the Holy Prophet^sa. Later, during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman Dhul-Noorain^ra, she left to take part in Jihad, along with her husband, Ubadah^ra bin Samit, who was a very prominent companion from among the Ansar (whose account is being mentioned) and she was martyred whilst reaching territory occupied by the Byzantines. Thus, she attained the status of martyrdom according to the vision of the Holy Prophet^sa.

In Umdatul Qari and Sharah Irshhaad-ul-Saari, which are commentaries of Bukhari, it is stated that Hazrat Umme Haram^ra passed away in 27-28 AH. According to some, she passed away during the rule of Amir Muawiyya^ra.

However, the earlier narration is more commonly known and has been quoted by the historians, which is that she passed away during a naval battle during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman^ra. In reference to the “era of Muawiyya”, it does not refer to the rule of Hazrat Amir Muawiyya^ra, rather it refers to that period in history in which Hazrat Amir Muawiyya^ra fought a naval battle against the Byzantine Empire. Hazrat Umme Haram^ra also took part in this with her husband, Ubadah^ra bin Samit and upon returning from the battle, she passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman^ra. (Umdatul Qari [Sharah Sahih al-Bukhari ] Vol. 14, p. 128, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 2003), (Irshhaad-ul-Saari [Sharah Sahih al-Bukhari], Vol. 5, p. 230, Dar-ul-fikr, Beirut, 2010)

Junadah bin Abu Umaiyyah narrates that they visited Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit during his illness. They requested him to narrate a hadith which he had heard from the Holy Prophet^sa, so that by doing so, God Almighty will grant him blessing. Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit stated that the Holy Prophet^sa once called them and took their Bai‘at. The Holy Prophet^sa took a pledge from them on the conditions that they will show complete obedience in all circumstances, whether it be in a state of happiness, sadness, poverty or affluence or even when the decision goes against their preferences. Moreover, they shall not dispute with the rulers in order to assume power for themselves, with the exception of manifest disbelief. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Fitn, Hadith no. 7055-7066)

In regards “with the exception of manifest disbelief”, [i.e. when one can disagree] even then that is when it comes to a fundamental law of God, for which one has a clear and conclusive argument from God and also if one has the power or means to do so.

Sunabihir relates, “I visited Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit when he was close to his demise and I began to cry. Hazrat Ubadah^ra bin Samit told me to stop and enquired the reason for my crying. He then said, ‘By God, if I were to testify, I would certainly testify in your favour. If I were granted the permission to intercede, I will certainly intercede for you and if I had the strength to help you in any way, I would certainly do so.’ He then said, ‘By God, I have narrated to you all the hadith from the Holy Prophet^sa which contain all that is good for you, except for one hadith, which I shall narrate to you today at a time when I am close to my demise. I heard the Holy Prophet^sa state that whosever affirms that there is no God except Allah and Muhammad^sa is the Messenger of Allah, will be safeguarded from the hellfire, in other words, such a person is a Muslim.’” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Iman, Hadith no. 29)

May God Almighty continue to elevate the status of the Companions^ra, who have conveyed to us such knowledge which is not only beneficial to us spiritually but also in our practical lives as well.

I shall now mention some deceased members [of the Jamaat] and will also lead their funeral prayer.

The first is Saeed Suqiya Sahib from Syria. He passed away on 18 April, however the funeral prayer is being offered late since the news of his demise was not received until recently.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

The deceased was among the very sincere and pioneer members of the Jamaat in Syria. He completed the first reading of the Holy Quran by the age of 5 and right from his childhood, he was extremely proficient and skilled in the rules for the correct pronunciation of the Holy Quran and also its recitation. He taught many Ahmadis the rules for the correct pronunciation of the Holy Quran [i.e. Tajweed]. Respected Munir-ul-Husni Sahib had great trust in him.

The deceased acquired an education in law, however he did not like the field of law and instead pursued a career in teaching. He was considered among the top teachers in the country. He taught in various parts of the country and was promoted as headmaster.

The deceased had great passion for tabligh and would preach to everyone he met. A few years ago, when the Arabic Desk translated the books of the Promised Messiah^as into Arabic and republished them, he stated that despite having been Ahmadi for such a long time, only now had he truly understood what the Promised Messiah^as had stated and for the first time he understood the true essence of the Jamaat. He further stated that he was acquiring information all over again about the true Islam Ahmadiyyat. Every acquaintance of his has mentioned his attributes of exhibiting high morals, dealing with others with kindness, generosity, confidence, considerate of other’s feelings and sentiments and to selflessly help others. In fact, every person who knew him mentioned these qualities of his and had great love for him because of this.

He remained occupied in his own work, very cheerful, a benevolent father and was a devoted husband. He had a very extensive social circle, very regular in his prayers and worship. Whenever he received any money, he would offer his Chanda first, and at times, he would donate the entire amount towards Chanda. He leaves behind three sons and three daughters. His eldest son, Muhammad Sahib, and his youngest son, Jalal-ul-Din Sahib, are Ahmadis. May God Almighty grant him His mercy and forgiveness. May He elevate His status and enable his progeny to become the recipient of his prayers. May God Almighty also enable the rest of his progeny to accept the truth.

The second funeral is of respected Al-Tayyab Al-Ubadi Sahib from Tunisia, who passed away on 26 June at the age of 70

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

He was the only Ahmadi in his area and was extremely sincere and had great love for the Jamaat and Khilafat. He spent almost his entire life in the mosque. He was a true devotee of the Holy Quran and spent a lot of time occupied in the remembrance of God Almighty.

Upon learning about the Jamaat, he immediately travelled to its headquarters and did the Bai‘at. He had great love for the writings of the Promised Messiah^as. In order to attend the Friday Prayer, he would travel almost for five hours on train to offer his prayer in the headquarters. He was an extremely courageous person, and would introduce the Jamaat to whoever he met. He faced a lot of pressure from his family and locals but he remained firm in his belief.

He openheartedly contributed towards Chanda, right from the moment he did the Bai‘at and when he learnt about the Nizam-e-Wasiyyat, he immediately became a part of it. He would always urge the youth to spend in the way of Allah the Almighty and would tell them that it was owing to spending in the way of God Almighty that his wealth was greatly blessed. The deceased also had the opportunity to perform the Hajj. He had great love for the Jamaat and Khilafat. May God Almighty grant him His mercy and forgiveness and enable his progeny and dear ones to become the recipient of his prayers.

The third funeral is of respected Amatul Shukoor Sahiba, who was the eldest daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^rh. She passed away on 3September at the age of 79

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

As I mentioned that she was the daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^rh and she was the paternal granddaughter of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra and the maternal granddaughter of Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahiba^ra and Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib^ra.

She was born in April, 1940 in Qadian. She acquired her primary education in Qadian and completed her BA from Lahore. She was married twice. Her first marriage was with Shahid Khan Sahib, who was the son of Nawab Abdullah Khan Sahib, she had two sons and three daughters from that marriage. One of her sons, Amir Ahmad Khan, is a Waqf-e-Zindagi and is currently serving in Tahrik-e-Jadid. Two of her grandsons are currently studying in Jamia. Her second marriage was with Dr Mirza Laiq Sahib, however she did not have any children from that marriage.

Although she did not serve in any major office for the Jamaat, however she generally had the opportunity to serve in various Jamaat departments of Lajna Imaillah. Everyone who has written about her has mentioned that she worked with great cooperation and humility. She had great interest in reading and writing and had written a biography on Hazrat Amma Jan^ra and another book on Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahiba^ra, the title of which is, Mubarka Ki Kahani, Mubarka Ki Zubani. Her third book is a biography on the wife of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib^ra, Hazrat Bu Zainab Sahiba^ra. The manuscript of the book is complete but has not been published yet due to the current circumstances [in Pakistan]. These three books therefore are a great literary contribution for the Lajna. Her maternal granddaughter, Malahat, writes, “My grandmother would always tell us that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^rh would say that one should always smile for it is an act of charity. Therefore, I saw that even during the period of her final illness, she would always be smiling.”

She was suffering from a very painful illness and found out very late that it was cancer, however she bore this with great courage and patience.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^rh would also say that she would endure every difficulty with great patience.

May Allah the Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy and may He enable her children and future progeny to also remain attached with Khilafat and the Jamaat with a bond of true loyalty.

I would also like to mention that since the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema is commencing from today, therefore the Asr prayer will be combined with the Friday Prayer.

(Originally published in Al-Fazl International on 27 September 2019, pp. 5-9. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

100 Years Ago… – Ahmadiyya Mission News

100 Years Ago...

Al Hakam

4th October 2019

The Review of Religions, October and November 1919

The future of Turkey, which forms the first article of this issue, has also been translated into Arabic by Syed Zain-ul-Abideen Wali Ullah Shah for distribution in Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia and other Muslim countries. The pamphlet is to be printed in Egypt.

The annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya community will Insha-Allah take place on the 26, 27, 28 and 29 December 1919. It is expected that there will be a gathering of Ahmadi ladies also, as usual.

Chaudhary Abul Hasham Khan M A, Assistant Inspector of schools Dacca Division, Bengal, has come to Qadian on long leave ans is nowadays engaged in translating Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s^ra reply to Mr Muhammad Ali’s pamphlet entitled The “Split”.

Students from Ceylon, Mauritius and Nigeria are making satisfactory progress in their studies and we are glad to say that Mr Abdur Rahim Smith of Nigeria who arrived at Qadian on the 6th September 1919, can now express himself in Urdu fairly well.

England

Our missionaries in England are actively engaged in their propagation work. They are receiving visitors daily who inquire from them about Islam and the Ahmadiyya Movement and we are glad to say that they are generally favourably impressed. These visitors are not only Englishmen, but also men and women coming from foreign countries. Lately, they had two visitors, a gentleman and a lady, from Brazil and two from Italy. Among the visitors are also men from Arabia, Egypt and other Muslim countries. New converts also visit them as frequently as possible.

Lectures are delivered every Sunday at the Ahmadiyya Lecture Hall and many seekers after truth have begun to take a keen interest in Islam as represented by the Ahmadiyya Movement. Following is a list of the subjects on which our Missionaries have delivered lectures between 8 August to 8 October, 1919.

1. Are you Christian?

2. Love of God

3. Muhammad, the perfect ideal

4. Need of the Holy Quran

5. Islamic prayer

6. Word of God

7. Children of God

8. Prayer

9. The philosophy of sacrifice

The above lectures were delivered in London. Lectures were also delivered at Hastings and Folkestone by Qazi Abdullah BA, BT, Chaudhary Fateh Muhammad Sayal MA and Mr Muhammad Sagar Chand, Bar-at-Law, some of the subjects they covered were, “certainly of faith”, “prayer”, “Islam” and “revelation”. These lectures are generally followed by a discussion.

Propagation work is also being conducted by distributing literature. A new pamphlet entitled “A Call to Truth” has been published and is being freely distributed. A curious incident took place while our brother, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, offered a copy to a number of old men sitting in a railway train. One of them had a short discussion with the learned Mufti, and was soon silenced. Then another of the party remarked, “Do you not then believe in the Atonement?”. “I cannot believe in it as you do,” replied the Mufti. “Oh! what is the use of talking with you then?” said the old man. Then the learned Mufti explained to him that it was vain to believe in Atonement and that it served no useful purpose at all. “You are doing harm to the world,” exclaimed the old gentleman and with these words, he tore up the pamphlet and threw it away. That act was well worthy of such a gentleman.

A good deal of propagation work is being done by means of correspondence which is carried on not only with persons living in England, but also with those living in foreign countries, such as Denmark, Norway, Honduras, Persia, Africa, America &c.

We thank God that the propagation work is making satisfactory progress and many persons have begun to feel great interest in Islam. There are said to be a large number of men who have become Muslims at heart, though they have not yet openly declared their faith. There are others who have declared their faith in the truth of the Holy Prophet (may peace and the blessings of God be upon him) and even in the truth of Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and have also adopted Muslim names but have not yet formally joined the Ahmadiyya Movement by signing the form of Bai‘at (initiation into the Ahmadiyya movement).

Among these, may be mentioned the name of Miss Reynold who, during the period under report, declared her faith in the truth of the Holy Prophet^sa and the Promised Messiah^as and was given the Muslim name of Saeedah.

The following is a list of the gentlemen and ladies who have embraced Islam and joined the Ahmadiyya movement during the period under report:

1. An Arab gentleman, named Abdullah Hasan, who is the proprietor of a hotel in London.

2. An Egyptian gentleman, named Hasan Gauhar.

3. An Indian student, named Ali Muhammad.

4. An English lady, whose Christian name was Lilion, embraced Islam in August last. She knows something of Arabic and when she signed the Bai‘at form, she expressed her determination to remain true to her word and said, pointing to her lips, “my profession of faith is not from this,” – meaning, it is not merely a lip-profession, and then pointing to her heart, she said, “but it is from this,” i.e., “my faith is sincere and true”.

5. A British lady named Anne May who was given the Muslim name of Ayesha.

6. An Arab named Haji Ali Musa.

7. An Arab named Haji Hasan Ali.

8. George Samuel Bailey MD, who has been given the Muslim name of Ahmad.

9. Mr F William, who has been given the Muslim name Mahmud.

10. A Nigerian prince, Mr Thomas, who has been given the Muslim name Ahmad Ibrahim. Mr Thomas is the son of a Nigerian Muslim Chief. He had been Christian for some years but now, thanks to the efforts of our preachers in London, has re-embraced Islam and has become a member of the Ahmadiyya community. His coming in contact with our missionaries in England is, he says, in fulfilment of a vision which his father had seen years ago and which he had told him when he was yet a child.

11. An English lady named L Wilson, who has been given the Muslim name Fakhira.

12. A learned Jew of Russian descent named Solomon Faith. He had embraced Christianity and even acted as a Christian preacher. About three years ago, our brother Qazi Abdullah met him at Hyde Park and as a result of our brother’s preaching, his faith in Christianity was shaken and he gave up that faith. At last a vision led him to the acceptance of Islam. He saw himself on a rock and was in imminent danger of being drowned. Just then he saw a holy figure clad in an eastern dress holding out his hand from another rock and beckoning him to lay hold of a rope. Having seen this dream he came to our missionaries at 4 star street and related to them his dream. They told him that the rope which could rescue him from the storm was the one spoken of in the Holy Quran as ÍÈä Çääç “The rope of God”. Then they showed him a photo of the Promised Messiah, upon this he said, “this photo does bear resemblance to the holy man whom I he saw in the dream, but he was a different man.” Then they showed him the photo of Hazrat Mirza Bashirudin Mahmud Ahmad, son and second successor of the Promised Messiah and the present Head of the Ahmadiyya Community. At seeing this [photo] he declared, “this is indeed the photo of the holy man who stretched out his hand from the other rock and beckoned me to lay hold of the rope.” The dream had made him restless and he had in vain rummaged the pages of the Bible for some passage which might give him some consolation, but when he read in the Holy Quran the verse which says, “lay hold of the rope of Allah all together” and when he saw the actual image of the holy man who had beckoned him with his hand to lay hold of the rope, he was convinced of the truth of Islam and signed the Bai‘at form which begins with the words, “Today I enter the Ahmadiyya Movement and repent of all my sins at the hand of Mahmud.”

He is a learned Jew and knows Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, German, Lettish, Finnish, Flemish and English. He is now inspired with a zeal to preach the truth to other people. May God help him!

13. Mr W J Sarsh who has been given Yahya as his Muslim name.

14. A Scotch lady named Mrs S Roberts. She has been named Majidah.

15. Yoosaf Ammad

16. Abdullah Ibrahim

17. Abdullah Adham

18. Ali Adam

19. Farih Abdulla

20. A. Muhammad

11. Muhammad Farih

22. Muhammad Ali

The last named eight gentlemen who joined the Ahmadiyya Movement on the 5 October come from Arabia and Somaliland.

23. A respectable Englishman of good family whose name has not yet been disclosed.

Twenty-three converts in two months’ time is a good number and we congratulate our brethren in England on their success. Of these twenty-three persons, four are British gentlemen, 4 are British ladies, 1 Russian Jew, 1 Nigerian, 1 Indian, 1 Egyptian and 11 Arabs and Somalis. It is also gratifying to learn that among this number, there is a Doctor of Medicine, a Jewish Scholar, a Nigerian prince, and the rest are also mostly educated and of good social position.

Some of the converts and even some Christians have begun to learn the Holy Quran. They have also begun to make weekly contributions to the mission funds.

Our brother, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq also acted as a political delegate of the Ahmadiyya community to represent the views of the community on the Indian Reform Scheme before the Parliamentary Committee for Indian Reforms. His Memorandum on the Reform Scheme which he laid before the members of the Committee was published in our last issue.

English papers have published in their columns the substance of this memorandum with a photo of our brother and a brief account of the Ahmadiyya Community. While attending one of the sittings of the Committee in the House of Lords, our brother met Sir Michael O’Dwyer, late Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab, who happened to be sitting close to him. Without recognising the late Lieutenant Governor, he delivered his message to him and the latter listened to him with close attention and showed great respect for him. Afterwards our brother learnt that the gentleman to whom he had been preaching was Sir Michael O’Dwyer who had only recently come from the Punjab.

[The fact that] the people of London have now become well acquainted with the message which our brothers have gone there to deliver is clear from an incident which occurred on the day of the Victory Celebrations. Our brother Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, as a representative of a loyal community, thought it his duty to share with the Londoners their rejoicings at the victory and joined a victory procession with a green flag in his hand. His green turban soon attracted notice and a party of spectators who were watching the procession from a roof, in order to convey to him the pleasure they had felt by his presence in the procession, took a brass horn and sounded through it the words:

“Allah is Great, and Muhammad is His Apostle”

Our brother made a courteous acknowledgment and passed on with the procession.

Brother Qazi Abdullah who has worked as an Ahmadi preacher in England for about 4 years, and Mr Muhammad Sagar Chand who declared his faith in Islam not long ago and who has done good missionary work at Hastings and Folkestone have come back to India. Brother Mufti Muhammad Sadiq will shortly proceed to another country to deliver the message of Ahmad to another people. May God grant him success! We congratulate our esteemed brothers and friends, Qazi Abdullah and Mufti Muhammad Sadiq on the success with which, through God’s grace, their work in England has been crowned.

India

Ahmadi preachers are working as usual in different parts of India. Meetings have also been held in different places and there have also been controversies with non-Ahmadi maulvis and others. Propagation secretaries have also been appointed in a large number of towns and villages whose duty it will be to make arrangements for preaching through the members of the Ahmadiyya Community in their respective districts, to superintend the work of these honorary preachers, devise and carry out different plans for the dissemination of Ahmadiyya doctrine and send regular reports of their work to the Secretary for propagation at Qadian. Arrangements have also been made to establish Libraries and Reading-rooms in different towns.

Among honorary workers, the name of Seith Abdullah Allah Din of Sikandrabad deserves special mention. He is filled with great zeal for the propagation of the truth taught by the Ahmadiyya Community and has spent thousands of rupees in publishing and distributing Ahmadiyya literature. He has only recently succeeded in winning over a learned Imam of Sikandrabad whom he now wishes to employ as an Ahmadi preacher and has asked him to prepare himself for that purpose. It is gratifying to learn that many a seeker after truth has benefited by the literature published by our brother and Ahmadi preachers are making the best use of his publications. They are mostly English and Gujrati translations of the writings of the Promised Messiah.

Among those who have been led to the acceptance of truth by a perusal of Seith Abdulla’s publications, is the name of Sulaiman Ismail Jamoter of Cutch Jakhao, who is a big business man and is the owner of several vessels sailing to Bombay, Karachi, Malabar, Colombo, Arabia &c. He is now a devoted adherent of the Ahmadiyya movement and proposes to hand over his whole business to his younger brother so that he may be able to devote himself wholly to the propagation of truth.

The records in the office of the Secretary to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih for propagation, show that since the 1 January 1919, 1640 new men have joined the Ahmadiyya Movement by entering into the Bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih but the figures are not complete, as most of those who enter into the Bai‘at by coming to Qadian are not included in the above number. The above figure represents mostly those who send written applications for admission into the Ahmadiyya movement.

Ceylon

The secretary of the Colombo Ahmadiyya Association reports:

“Opposition to us has become very bitter again, owing to malicious letters appearing in a local non-Ahmadi paper and the continued preaching by a South Indian, thousands flocking to hear him. He has preached in four centers and now last of all is expected in Slave Island. We are not afraid. Allah is our Helper.”

This bitterness of opposition on the part of the non-Ahmadi public of Ceylon and the activities of the South Indian preacher who is going about delivering lectures against the Ahmadiyya movement is a proof that our brethren there are working zealously to convey to their fellow-islanders the message of the Promised Messiah. Enemies of truth always do their worst to destroy heavenly movements and so are our opponents in Ceylon doing. But all their efforts are doomed to failure and we pray that God may help our brethren in the island and enable them to make Ceylon an Ahmadi Island.

Showing mercy to mankind

Hadith

Alhakam

4th October 2019

Hazrat Jair bin Abdullah, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tawheed)

National Ijtema Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium

Alhakam

4th October 2019

National Ijtema Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium

Mohammad Arsalan Ahmad, Belgium Correspondent

National Khuddam Ijtema Belgium was held from 30 August to 1 September in Bait-ur-Rahim Mosque, Alken.

The Ijtema committee started work about two months prior to the Ijtema and held two meetings with committee members. Five to six meetings with Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium, Tauseef Ahmed Sahib were also held.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium paid special attention towards promoting the Ijtema through social media and video promos. Video promos were circulated before the Ijtema and at the end of the first day, a highlights video was released that also motivated those Khuddam who were unable to attend the first day, to attend the Ijtema.

On the second day, a video was released in which Sadr Majlis, Tauseef Ahmad Sahib gave a very inspirational message.

Our social media team was actively releasing content throughout the Ijtema and tweeted regularly during all the sessions.

Missionary in charge, Hafiz Essan Secunder Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Ijtema nazim-e-ala all inspected the Ijtema site and hoisted the flags afterwards.

The opening session was presided by Hafiz Essan Secunder Sahib, who advised Khuddam and Atfal about the importance of Salat; the theme of this year’s Ijtema. Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya then delivered the welcome speech.

As usual, there were various educational and sports competitions for Khuddam and Atfal. This year, a bouncy castle was set up for Atfal along with other interesting activities.

For Khuddam, there was an extra competition of strong man, where Khuddam had to pass through six hurdles including lifting tractor tyres. Khuddam and Atfal really enjoyed the competitions, Alhamdolillah.

In educational competitions, there was recitation of the Holy Quran, hifz-e-Quran, namaz, azan, nazm, qaseeda, speeches, translation of the Holy Quran, hadith and attributes of Allah.

Sports competitions for Khuddam included Cricket, Volleyball, Football and Tug of war.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium invited missionaries and Ansar members to friendly matches of volleyball and football with the Khuddam.

This year, the Alm-e-Inami was awarded to Majlis Muqami.

On the last session, Dr Idrees Ahmad Sahib, Amir Jamaat Belgium visited the Ijtema and appreciated efforts of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium.

Amir Sahib also distributed prizes along with Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Belgium.

By the grace of Allah and through the prayers of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa, the Ijtema was a great success.

The total Khuddam participation was 186 while Atfal totaled to 121. A total of 64 guests also attended the Ijtema.

True gratitude is in adopting righteousness and purity

In His Own Words

Alhakam

4th October 2019

True gratitude is in adopting righteousness and purity

Your true expression of gratitude is by adopting righteousness and purity. To merely respond by saying Alhamdulillah (all praise belongs to Allah) when asked if you are a Muslim does not constitute thankfulness and appreciation. If you pay true gratitude, i.e. if you tread the ways of purity and righteousness, I give you glad tidings that when you stand at the frontier, as it were, no one can gain dominance over you. I remember that a Hindu head clerk named Jagan Nath, who was a very prejudiced man, mentioned that he was serving as head clerk in Amritsar or some place else and there was an employee—apparently a Hindu— who secretly observed the Islamic Prayer. Jagan Nath says that he along with the other Hindu employees disliked him greatly and all of them decided to have the man dismissed. Jagan Nath says that he harboured the most ill-intent at heart and lodged complaints against the Hindu many times, saying that he had committed this mistake or broken that rule, but no attention would be given to these complaints. He goes on to say: ‘However, we had determined that we would have this man dismissed and in order to succeed in our objective, we had even gathered a list of complaints and from time to time I would present these complaints to the officer in-charge as well. If ever our officer became furious and finally summoned the man, as soon as he appeared before him, his rage would subside just as water puts out a fire. The officer would lightly rebuke him in a very soft manner, as if the employee had committed no mistake at all.’

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 75 – 76)

Why did the Promised Messiah a.s. permit his community to use other remedies against the plague?

Responding to Allegations

Alhakam

4th October 2019

Opponents level an allegation against the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as of Qadian as to why he permitted his community to use other remedies against the plague, while prohibiting his community from taking the prescribed inoculation for the plague.

By raising this objection, opponents suggest that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was not directed by any revelation of God to take such measures.

The opponents point out an extract of the Promised Messiah^as in relation to the above allegation. Below is the actual statement of the Promised Messiah^as in this regard:

“A person raised a question that certain people say, ‘When [the plague] vaccine is not an option and Allah Almighty has promised protection [against the plague], then why is it prescribed to use marham-e-Isa [Ointment of Jesus^as] and habb-e-jadwar [a herbal medicine]?’”

To this, the Promised Messiah^as replied:

“The remedy which has been told by Allah Almighty is part of that protection because, along with [the promise], He Himself indicated [these medicines] as a means for safeguarding. We can use them with an open mind. However, if there was any benefit in taking the inoculation, we would have been directed [by God] in this regard and then [the people] would have witnessed that we were the first ones to take it. If God Almighty reveals today that a certain remedy or medicine is beneficial, then should we not use it? [We will use it] as it will be a sign … If we take the inoculation against the plague like the general public, then [it shows that we] do not have faith in God … God would have revealed upon me if there had been any benefit in the inoculation [for plague] and in that case, I would have been the first one to receive the vaccine, but when the government has given the choice, then in fact God Almighty has given us this option and lifted the compulsion…

“Our Jamaat must not adhere to mere verbal claims alone and should not be satisfied on simply taking the pledge of Bai‘at. Instead, they should bring a [positive] change in themselves. Ponder over the fact that the army of Moses^as was affected by the outbreak of plague on various occasions. The enemies must have rejoiced, but Moses^as would have been deeply affected by the situation. It is written [in the books of history] that the epidemic claimed 80,000 lives due to the curse of Balam. Although many others were sinful as well, but the followers of Moses^as were dually responsible. Very few people purify their hearts…”

“We do not deny the efficacy of medicines … However, if those people are killed who take the inoculation [for plague] and you [the members of Jamaat] also die, then there is no difference. Therefore, [spiritual] transformation is required.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 68-72)

The above-mentioned statement of the Promised Messiah^as elucidates that God Almighty had only indicated to refrain from taking the inoculation of plague. Moreover, the Promised Messiah^as laid much emphasis on spiritual reformation as the real remedy against the plague instead of falling into the discussion of worldly cure.

The opponents highlight another extract of the Promised Messiah^as and allege that he considered the act of certain rich persons of Lahore who opted to take the inoculation for the plague to be a negligence. Moreover, the opponents conclude from the statement of the Promised Messiah^as that he mentioned the account of wealthy people to demonstrate that it was only them who agreed to take the plague vaccine in order to please the government whereas the general public rejected it.

Below is the complete statement of the Promised Messiah^aswhich significantly clarifies the above allegation:

“The act of certain respectable landlords who have agreed to take the inoculation [for plague] does not show their bravery, but in fact, this intrepidity is to please and assist the government. Thus far, it will be considered that our Jamaat is going against the government. Pressing priority should be given to the realisation of God. All matters come after God as we have already mentioned that salvation is possible through [true] faith.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 78)

The above extract simply addresses the act of certain respectable landlords of Lahore with respect to the plague vaccine. By no means does it conclude that the general public rejected the inoculation for the plague.

The opponents have falsely assumed from the statement that the Promised Messiah^as, by mentioning the upper class to have opted for the plague vaccine, meant that the rest of the people did not take it.

The statement of the Promised Messiah^as is quite clear, and deducing any meaning that is not even hinted is irrational and absurd. For instance, if someone prays:

اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ

“[O Allah] guide us on the right path” (Surah al-Fatihah, Ch.1: V.6), in view of the opponents, this means that God should guide us on the right path but lead others astray. However, a sensible person can never derive such a meaning from the verse.

Moreover, there are various statements of the Promised Messiah^as which openly express that the general public was inclined to take the inoculation for the plague. For instance, the Promised Messiah^as states:

“If we take the inoculation against the plague like the general public, then [it shows that we] do not have faith in God.”(Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 78-79)

Apart from that, the opponents have deceivingly refrained from mentioning the next few lines following the extract under discussion. It is stated in Malfuzat that the Promised Messaih^assaid regarding the inhabitants of Qadian who opted for inoculation of plague:

“It is in our favour [that some people have taken the inoculation] because sinful and impious people are also present and the vaccine is an apparent means [of cure]. When these people believe in their assumptions [i.e. inoculation], then why should we not believe in our faith?” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 78-79)

Hence, it is evident from the statement of the Promised Messiah^as that some of the people decided to take the plague vaccine, which quite clearly shatters the objection of the opponents.

The opponents highlight another extract of Malfuzat, dated 5 November 1902, which indicates that the Promised Messiah^as was informed about the cessation of plague inoculation in district Gujranwala and Gurdaspur by the then government. By presenting this excerpt, opponents suggest that the news of cessation led Hazrat Ahmad^as to prohibit his community from taking the plague vaccine.

It should be noted in the first place that the news specifies the cessation of vaccine in only two districts and not the entire subcontinent. Moreover, examining the medical history of the subcontinent, we find from reliable books of medicine that the procedure of plague vaccination was carried out even after the year 1903. For instance, Khan Bahadur NH Choksy reports some figures of various private practitioners of the subcontinent in his book, Serum-Therapy of Plague in India: A Record of Work Brought up to Date (1907). He states that 1,408 people received the plague vaccine during the course of the years 1904 to 1907. There were 751 deaths and the mortality ratio was 53.3%. (Khan Bahadur NH Choksy, Serum-Therapy of Plague in India: A Record of Work Brought up to Date, pp. 49-52)

The reference cited above signifies that the process of plague inoculation continued even after 5 November 1902 till 1907. All those statements presented by the opponents which show that the Promised Messiah^as was not satisfied with the efficacy of the plague vaccine were given after the publication of the book Noah’s Ark on 5 October 1902. Moreover, we have proved with sufficient evidence in a previous article of Responding to Allegations (Prophecies of the Promised Messiah^as – Part XIX) that the announcement made by the Promised Messiah^as indicating the refusal of plague inoculation published in Noah’s Ark was based on a revelation of Allah Almighty that he received two or three months earlier.

Lastly, we present those extracts of the book, Noah’s Ark, which clearly show that the Promised Messiah^as was not informed about the harmful effects of the plague inoculation and that he did not criticise its efficacy while he was writing those lines and it was only God Almighty Whose hand was at work. The Promised Messiah^asstates:

“There can be no doubt that until now inoculation is by far the best physical remedy that the government has found, and there is no denying that this remedy has proven to be effective. It is the duty of all subjects to make use of the means that are available to them so that they may relieve the government of the pain it feels for them. This notwithstanding, we must say to this kind government with all due respect that had there not been a heavenly prohibition for us, we would have been the first among its subjects to be inoculated.” (Noah’s Ark, p. 2)

The Promised Messiah^as further states:

“I consider it a sin to throw doubt on this sign by recourse to inoculation, for it is a sign, which God, for our sake, wishes to demonstrate clearly in the world. I dare not demean His true sign and His true promise by resorting to inoculation. If I did, I would be accountable for the sin of not believing in the promise that God has given to me. If I was to benefit from the inoculation, then I should be grateful to the doctor who invented the vaccine and not to God Who promised me that He would protect everyone dwelling in this house.” (Noah’s Ark, p. 5)

The Promised Messiah^as then states:

“It should also be kept in mind that on account of this divine promise, it is necessary for me to eschew any human contingencies, lest our enemies attribute this divine sign to other agencies. However, in addition to this, should God Almighty Himself disclose any other means or remedy to me through His word, then such means or remedy would not contravene this sign, for they emanate from God Who has manifested this sign.” (Noah’s Ark, p. 8)

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

Humanity First UK: Disaster Response Course

Alhakam

4th October 2019

Masood Malik, Director Disaster Relief, Humanity First UK

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, has regularly put an emphasis on members of the Jamaat preparing for any disaster situation. In response to this Humanity First held a disaster response course on 31 August 2019 at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK.

This was a course run by the Humanity First International team to train members of the UK fraction, with the aim of creating a team that can carry out a similar course for Khuddam and Ansar across the country. This was a successful one-day event attended by 24 people, of which twenty two members were from the Humanity First UK Disaster Relief (DR) team.

The course started off with an introduction by Dr Aziz Hafiz, head of Humanity First International DR. In his talk, he said that “disaster relief has been around since the start of time” and spoke about the importance of showing emotion in humanitarian relief.

The resdt of the day covered the three main phases when managing an emergency: preparation, response and recovery. To give a perspective of the types of disaster responses within the UK the different levels of emergencies were described, ranging from significant to catastrophic. The response to each of those emergencies were explained.

One of the sessions required teams to make an assessment of a response to a plane crash. They were taught that to make an assessment in any disaster situation one must consider safety, logistics, funding, medical response and business continuity. It is also important to identify all the stakeholders involved.

Furthermore, trainees were told to get involved on a local level by joining the Local Resilience Forums, which are comprised of local organisations that support the response to any emergency. Apart from this there were sessions discussing mental health problems and everyone was trained in basic first aid.

To create an interactive course, disaster simulations were carried out at the start and end of the day. The trainees were able to provide a better response by the end due to applying the skills and knowledge they gained throughout the day.

One of the key themes in these simulations was safeguarding a disaster victim, which does not only include medical attention, but also safety and emotional support. In the closing session Dr Aziz Sahib praised the efforts of the team and reminded the attendees that they should forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve Allah the Almighty and gain His blessings.

May Allah enable us all to follow the instructions of our Khalifa and serve mankind to the best of our ability. Amin.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V arrives in France

From The Markaz

Alhakam

2nd October 2019

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V arrives in France

Adnan Haider, France Correspondent

2 October, Trie-chateau, France: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, arrived in Trie-chateau, France at 18:34 local time.

Huzoor^aa was welcomed by the Mayor of Trie-chateau, David Didier together with hundreds of Jamaat members.

Following his arrival, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa inaugurated Baitul Ata and led everyone in silent prayer.

Screenshot 2019 10 03 at 21.42.52 — Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa inaugurates Baitul Ata

Insha-Allah, during the week, Huzoor^aa will be gracing the 27^th Jalsa Salana of France. The three-day Jalsa Salana is due to commence on Friday, 4 October with Hazrat Amirul Momineen’s^aa Friday Sermon.

During his visit to France, Huzoor^aa will also be opening a new mosque in Strasbourg, northeast France.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa is also scheduled to deliver an address at UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

MTA international will be covering all live sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa during his stay in France.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa is on a tour of Europe and will be visiting Germany after France.

Al Hakam will be updating its readers with the engagements of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa during this tour, Insha-Allah.

The house of security and peace in Almere, Holland

History of Islam Ahmadiyyat

Alhakam

1st October 2019

The house of security and peace in Almere, Holland

Safeer Ahmad Siddiqui, Missionary, Almere, Holland

Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

“And I have not created the Jinn and the men but that they may worship Me.” (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.57)

The primary purpose of our creation is to worship our Creator to the best of our ability. The most suitable place for a Muslim to carry out worship of Allah Almighty is a mosque. The first house of God, the Holy Ka‘bah, in the Holy Quran has been declared a place of peace for all of mankind. Allah Almighty states:

اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَیۡتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِیۡ بِبَکَّۃَ مُبٰرَکًا وَّ ہُدًی لِّلۡعٰلَمِیۡنَ۔ فِیۡہِ اٰیٰتٌۢ بَیِّنٰتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبۡرٰہِیۡمَ ۚ وَ مَنۡ دَخَلَہٗ کَانَ اٰمِنًا

“Surely, the first House founded for mankind is that at Bakkah, abounding in blessings and a guidance for all peoples. In it are manifest Signs; it is the place of Abraham; and whoso enters it, enters peace.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.97-98)

There are also countless sayings of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, regarding the importance and significance of mosques. Once, the Holy Prophet^sa said:

“O ye people, praise Allah. Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah the Exalted shall build a house for such a one in paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Salat)

The Holy Prophet^sa said on another occasion:

“To Allah, the most adored places are the mosques”. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Masajid wa Mawadhi as-Salat)

Following the model of the Ka‘bah and the practice of the Holy Prophet^sa, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is earnestly engaged in building mosques across the globe. The Promised Messiah^asand the Khulafa have always paid special attention and emphasis towards the construction of mosques in every corner of the world.

The Promised Messiah^as said:

“At present, there is a pressing need for our Jamaat to build mosques. A mosque is a house of God. Be it a city or a village, wherever our mosque is built consider it being the building block for the development of the Jamaat in that area. If there is a village or city where there are no or very few Muslims and promulgation of Islam is required, then just construct a mosque there. Allah will indeed Himself attract Muslims to that place. But there is a condition that the mosque shall be built with very true and honest intentions [i.e. only for God Almighty].” (Malfuzat, Vol 7, p. 119)

Baitul Afiyat Mosque of Holland is a picturesque manifestation of every word expressed by the Promised Messiah^asin the above statement. Before the construction of Baitul Afiyat, there were only two families in the city of Almere.

A few months later, after the completion of the mosque, by the grace of God Almighty, there has been a sudden increase in the members of the Jamaat in Almere and the total number has equaled the capacity of worshippers which the mosque can accommodate.

Raised from the sea, Almere is purpose-built city of Holland. Its construction began on 20 September 1975. The meaning of Almere is “a huge lake” or according to some lexicons, it means “a modern lake”. It is home to more than 200,000 inhabitants from diverse races and ethnic groups. Baitul Afiyat is the seventh mosque in this city and the first of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Every success and progress of the Jamaat is due to the blessings of Khilafat. The construction of Baitul Afiyat Mosque in Almere was also made possible through the guidance and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. The project of Baitul Afiyat Mosque was initiated as a result of the blessed instruction of Huzoor^aa.

Addressing the Holland Jamaat in 2007, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said:

“You should remember that one of the best means of capturing other people’s attention towards you is to build mosques and I want to draw your attention towards this. Currently, there is only one purpose-built mosque in Holland located in The Hague and it was built nearly 50 years ago. Even then, the expenses of that mosque were given by Lajna, the Lajna of Pakistan in particular. Thereafter, this center of Nunspeet was purchased and even this place, where we are offering the Friday Prayer right now, was bought by the Markaz.

“Thus far, the Jamaat of Holland has not built even a single mosque. Presently, you are in such numbers here that if you decide and harvest a capacity for sacrifice, you can build mosques one after another. When you will initiate the work, Allah will also help you, Insha-Allah. A great sign of being the best of ummah is that you have full trust in God. When you believe in God, you should also put your trust in Him and as I have just said, when you will start this task of building mosques Allah will help you, Insha-Allah.

“Yesterday I was telling Amir Sahib and missionaries during a meeting that once you start constructing mosques, they will eventually be built, Insha-Allah. If you are fearful of taking it upon yourselves, thinking about where the expenses will come from and when the money will be collected for its construction, then you will never be able to build it. If you make a resolve, Allah Almighty will surely help you, Insha-Allah … Therefore, you need not worry; you should not underestimate yourselves and you should not have wrong opinions about yourselves. By doing so, you are not having wrong opinions about yourselves, but in fact you are having wrong opinions about the blessings of Allah Almighty. If you have faith, then you should believe in the blessings of God. If you set a target that you will at least build one mosque in a city where Ahmadis are in reasonable number (there are two or three cities of such kind), then the Jamaat will spread in abundance, Insha-Allah.

“As I have said earlier, carry out the tabligh and continue to build mosques. As this is a small country, when mosques are built here, and the call of Allah’s unity resonates from its minarets and you advance in good deeds and worship, then the wrong opinions of the people shall certainly be eliminated and you will be the ones to remove them and you will become the beneficiaries of Allah Almighty’s blessings. These people will know the truth as well and they will also realise that whatever they think or used to think about Islam is not right in reality, but rather it is a religion of those who are spreading peace and beauty. Hence, along with promulgation, you should also pay special attention towards the construction of mosques.” (Friday Sermon, Nunspeet, Holland, 5 January 2007)

Against all the odds, when Allah Almighty wills, paths begin to open. Likewise, the city of Almere was selected for the construction of a mosque when an Ahmadi, Mehbub Ilahi Ranjha Sahib, who lives there, contacted the council in this regard. Thereafter, a mutual connection was established with the city council. The council suggested a land for the construction of a mosque.

In 2008, a centre by the name of Baitul Mahmud was purchased in the city of Amsterdam as an expression of gratitude for the Khilafat Jubilee. Huzoor^aa also visited this place in 2008. During the same trip, Huzoor^aa went to Almere for the first time and visited the council’s proposed land. Eventually, the council itself refused to give the place because of a great protest from the locals.

The council then proposed another location, but this time, the Jamaat refused because the place was not suitable for the construction of the mosque. Thereafter, the Jamaat’s administration felt that there was no hope. In fact, the interaction with the council was almost over.

A few months later, unexpectedly, the council contacted the Jamaat and suggested another place for building the mosque. When the Jamaat surveyed the land, everyone liked the place. Upon the approval of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa, the land was purchased. Huzoor^aa named the mosque to be built on this land “Baitul Afiyat”.

After purchasing the land, the administration was worried because the council had mentioned while suggesting this place that an anti-Islamic group might object to the construction of the mosque at this place, which could halt its construction. The Jamaat wrote a letter seeking prayers to Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa. The effect of this prayer was such that it appeared as if the anti-Islamic party went to sleep, and during the period in which it had a legal right to object, the party did not object and thus there was no stopping in the construction of the mosque.

Amir Sahib Holland has formed a committee known as the CMC (Central Mosque Committee) for the construction of mosques and to purchase centres. This committee had the opportunity to take all the important decisions regarding the mosque. Moreover, the members had the honour of taking guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa. The members of this committee include Hibatunnoer Verhagen Sahib (Amir Jamaat Holland), Abdul Hameed van der Velden Sahib (Naib Amir Jamaat, appointed as the president of the committee), Naeem Ahmad Waraich Sahib (Missionary In-charge), Hamid Karim Mahmud Sahib (missionary), Muzaffar Hussain Sahib (National General Secretary), Hanif Handrekas Sahib (National Secretary of Estate), Azhar Ali Naeem Sahib (National Secretary of Foreign Affairs), Abdul Haq Compier Sahib, Abdul Basit Sahib and Shahid Fras Sahib.

The architect of this mosque is a friend of the Jamaat, Farhan Ilahi Bakhsh Sahib. During the construction of this mosque, according to the direction of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa, Akram Ahmadi Sahib of IAAAE continued to oversee the mosque committee. The supervisor of this project was Azhar Ali Naeem Sahib and the president of Holland mosque fund was Abdul Basit Sahib.

The level of sacrifice and passion amongst Holland Jamaat members can be estimated in that there was no delay, even for a moment, during the construction of the mosque due to expenses.

The administration of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Holland all express that they do not know who gave the money and where the money came from, but members of the Jamaat continued to provide financial support and ensured the construction of the mosque.

The land of the mosque was purchased in 2012 and it totalled 1436 square metres. This piece of land was purchased for 276,000 euros. The area on which the mosque is built is 634 square metres. The total cost for the construction of the mosque was close to 1.8 million euros.

The building of the mosque consists of two storeys. Downstairs is a multipurpose hall along with two offices for men and women respectively. Upstairs is a mission house of the Jamaat and the mosque itself. During the period of construction, the community purchased 247 square meters of extra land. Now the total area of the mosque amounts to 1,683 square meters.

The foundation stone of Baitul Afiyat Mosque was laid on 7 October 2015 by Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa. Thereafter, Hazrat Syeda Amatus Sabooh Begum Sahiba placed the second brick, and then various Jamaat office-bearers and individuals had the honour of placing a brick.

The foundation stone ceremony was attended by more than 55 guests. The Deputy Lord Mayor of Almere, Frits Huis welcomed Huzoor^aa to the city and said in his address:

“Both His Holiness and I were born in the same year, but His Holiness has far more wisdom than me and hence, I will keep my comments extremely brief. It is much more important for us all to listen to him. All I wish to add is that the key principle of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is peace and so you are extremely welcome in Almere.”

Highlighting the true teaching of Islam, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa said:

“Alongside laying the foundation stone, I wish to let the people of this city know that we have named the Mosque as ‘Baitul Aafiyat’ and this means a ‘House of Peace and Security for all people’.”

Referring to a couplet written by the Promised Messiah^as, Huzoor^aa said:

“The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community wrote that the entire world was consumed by danger and peril, so he had been sent to provide peace, security and refuge to all mankind. Therefore, every Ahmadi Mosque, no matter where in the world it is built, is an abode of peace, security and shelter for all of humanity.”

Furthermore, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said:

“In our own personal lives, if we build a house, we seek to ensure that it is a place where we feel protected, safe and is a place where we can live with true peace of mind and comfort. Hence, in terms of building a House of God, how is it possible that we could ever seek to construct a Mosque that is a means of spreading harm or a threat to anyone? … It is incumbent on a true Muslim to exhibit love and compassion towards all others and to be guardians of the peace of society. Let it be clear, therefore, that this mosque, whose foundation stone is being laid today, will prove to be a glorious symbol of peace, security and sanctuary for all.”

May Allah the Almighty grant the Jamaat strength to build mosques in every city of the world, so that this religion of “peace” conquers the hearts of humanity and establishes the unity of Allah.

Islamic Abode of Peace and Security in the Netherlands – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V opens a new mosque, Baitul Afiyat in Almere

From The Markaz
Addresses

Alhakam

1st October 2019

Islamic Abode of Peace and Security in the Netherlands – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V opens a new mosque, Baitul Afiyat in Almere

Almere, the Netherlands, Tuesday, 01 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his helper, attended the inaugural ceremony of Baitul Afiyat Mosque, Almere, the Netherlands.

The inaugural session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran with Urdu translation, chapter 2, verses 128 to 130.

A member of the Socialist Party was then invited on stage in which he welcomed Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa and the congregation to the city. He thanked Huzoor^aa for adding “this beautiful project in this wonderful city”. He also recognised the strains upon Ahmadis in Muslim countries. However, he said, the motto, “love for all hatred for none” would ultimately dispel the hatred.

Next, a member of the political party “Respect Almere” spoke to the congregation. He said that “freedom of religion is for everyone” and also congratulated the community for the new mosque.

After this, a member of the Sikh community congratulated the Jamaat for “this holy day”. The Sikh gentleman spoke of his visit to Qadian and the honour and respect he has received from the members of the Jamaat. He said that “I have deep respect for Hazrat Sahib, His Highness, who has come all the way from England”.

Next, Amir Sahib Holland welcomed Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa to the inauguration. Amir Sahib thanked the government for allowing Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya the Netherlands for building this mosque. A brief history of the Jamaat’s progressions in the Netherlands was also given by him.

A Dutch politician from the Labour party also spoke before the congregation. He spoke of the new city of Almere and welcomed the Jamaat’s mosque in Almere.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa thanked the guests for accepting the invitation to the opening of the new mosque.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that many people living in the western world harbour suspicion about Islam and Muslims. Huzoor^aa said that it was no exaggeration that many people fear the religion of Islam and its followers. Despite this, the fact that the guests had accepted the invitation to the opening of the mosque proved that they are “open-hearted people”. Further, Huzoor^aa assured the guests that religion is a “matter of the heart” and everyone is free to follow what they like.

Referring to the Holy Quran, Huzoor^aa said that it clearly states that there should be no compulsion with matters of religion. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa told the congregation that Ahmadi Muslims have a deep connection with their mosque and on the other hand the guests had no such emotional bond to the mosque. Noting this, Huzoor^aa said that this proved that the guests were “kind, generous and tolerant people”. Huzoor^aa said, “I also commend you, because taking the time to learn about the faith and beliefs of others’ is a crucial way of knocking down the barriers that divide us and exposing those myths that often cultivate unnecessary anxiety…”

Huzoor^aa said that it is a cause of extreme regret to him and to all peace loving Muslims that in non-Muslim countries there is the “widespread fear of Islam”. Many people believe that mosques only disrupt the peace within society. However, the reality is opposite to this, Huzoor^aa said.

With this in mind, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa mentioned the core purposes of a mosque so that everyone could also understand the purpose of the new mosque in Almere.

“Mosques are a place where Muslims join together to bow down and prostrate before God Almighty”, Huzoor^aa explained.

The second crucial purpose of a mosque is to be a place for Muslims to strengthen their relations and unity. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained that the third objective for any mosque “is to be a means of introducing non-Muslims to the teachings of Islam and to fulfil the rights of the wider society”. Huzoor^aa said that mosques provide a platform to fulfil the rights of the wider society, regardless of creed or colour.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa made it clear that any mosque that does not serve as a beacon of peace and sympathy for mankind and neither fulfils the rights of God and man are nothing but a “hollow and empty shell.”

A mosque that was built to divide Muslims and promote hostility during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was referred to by Huzoor^aa. The mosque, from the commandment of Allah, was demolished by the Holy Prophet^sa.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that a mosque’s objectives can only be fulfilled when worshippers enter to worship Allah the Almighty and to work for the betterment of humanity. Huzoor^aa said that “a mosque’s purpose can only be fulfilled when the worshippers are infused with a spirit of selflessness, humility and true sympathy and love for all mankind”.

Another aspect Huzoor^aa made clear was that a mosque is a purely spiritual place that should be kept clear of worldliness. Mosques are only permitted to hold such events or gatherings that encourage the worship of the One God or which peacefully convey Islam’s teachings or serve the needs of humanity.

With the grace of Allah, the Jamaat has been able to establish an international charity, Humanity First. At a community level, various charity events are also carried out all across the world. Huzoor^aa spoke of the charitable works of the Jamaat in Africa and the schools, hospitals and clinics that the Jamaat builds. This is all for serving humanity.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa detailed the humanity relief project of the Jamaat that provides clean and potable water to local people across Africa. Huzoor^aa said “You cannot imagine, until you see it with your own eyes, how the local people who had no concept of clean water are overcome with emotion and are bridled with joy when they see it flowing from their taps, for the very first time”. Huzoor^aa said that when such desperate people received clean water “it is as if they have received all the treasures of the world”.

Huzoor^aa explained that “If a Muslim causes pain and distress to other people and fails to show compassion, then even if they are regular in the worship of God, their prayers and supplications are futile and utterly worthless.”

Referring to chapter 107, verses 3 to 7 of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained that serving humanity was essential for prayers to be accepted. If the rights of the weak and needed are not fulfilled by someone, their prayers shall not be accepted.

“The holy Quran is very clear that their prayers are meaningless and their hypocritical ways will lead only to their humiliation and despair.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained that a mosque draws a Muslim’s attention to not only worship God but also to serve humanity. With this in mind, there should be no reason to fear a mosque.

The definition of a neighbour in Islam is extremely vast and concludes a huge sphere of society. “It comprises the entire neighbourhood” Huzoor^aa said. Quoting the Holy Prophet^sa, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that a person’s neighbours included 40 houses around them. In such a manner, it can be said that all the people of Almere are the neighbours of the new mosque.

“Regardless of whether our neighbours are Muslims or non-Muslims, it is our religious duty to care for them; to fulfil their rights and to ensure we do not cause any problems or difficulties for them”, Huzoor^aa said. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that this was no favour, rather it is “our basic religious duty”.

The local Ahmadi Muslims consider all people of Almere as their neighbors. Huzoor^aa said “I am confident that the local Ahmadi Muslims will take, extremely seriously, their obligations towards the local society and will always strive to contribute positively to the city…”

Local Ahmadi Muslims must always display the highest moral standards and display the true teachings of Islam. Ahmadi Muslims should remove any fears or misconnections about Islam that may appear among the locals.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa was confident that through the will of God, the relationship between the Jamaat and the wider local society with strengthen. Huzoor^aa said that at this time, more than ever before, it is incumbent to unite and strive to bring peace to the world.

Huzoor^aa prayed that the mosque “proves to be an everlasting beacon of light, radiating peace, love and humanity in all directions”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa thanked, once again, all those who attended the opening of the Mosque.

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