On the
fifth of this month as announced earlier, men and women gathered at Masjid Aqsa
at the time of Maghrib. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra combined the
Maghrib and Isha prayers as heavy rain had poured throughout the day amidst
cloudy skies. He then instructed the worshippers to offer Witr later on in
their homes. He delivered a brief address as follows:
As I announced in the previous Friday
Sermon, the foundations for the Berlin Mosque shall, by the grace of Allah the
Almighty, be laid today. Its time, as we have come to know from the telegram,
is three o’clock in the afternoon, which, in respect to the difference of
timings, matches the current time here. Announcements regarding it have also
been made externally.
We have also gathered here to pray that
God Almighty blesses the construction of this mosque. Although a plot has
already been purchased for a mosque in London, it has not yet been built as a
mosque due to the fact that a sufficient and required sum of rupees has thus
far not been accumulated.
Hence, our very first mosque in Europe is
the Berlin Mosque. In fact, this is the first mosque built
by Muslims though three mosques have already been constructed in Europe
earlier. One is in Woking, which an Englishman had constructed, and the second
is in France, which the French government have built. There is also an old and
derelict mosque in Berlin which the government had erected too.
Tadib-un-Nisa, April 1923: Artist’s impression of the Berlin Mosque
When the Germans captured numerous war
prisoners from Russia, they consisted of many Muslims who numbered around
12,000 and the government had constructed that mosque for them. Hence, the very
first mosque built by Muslims in present-day Europe shall be this mosque.
I specifically mentioned “present-day
Europe” because Muslims have in fact lived in different parts of Europe for
thousands of years and built mosques in those lands. However, those mosques
disappeared when they were coerced into Christianity. To this day in Europe,
there still exist mosques in areas populated by Muslims but they are not deemed
to be part of Europe, rather they are declared to be outside its territory.
Hence,
this area, which is considered to be Europe and from where Muslims were ousted
at the time holds its very first mosque. For this reason, it is my desire for
all of us to collectively pray that God Almighty blesses this mosque and makes
it a means for the propagation and expansion of Islam.
Along with the progress of the Jamaat, the
mosque in which we are currently gathered is similarly also entitled for
expansion. For this objective, there was an old plot of land which we had
purchased. However, due to some reasons, it was not included. I have now
thought that if we use this part to offer prayers, we might as well get the one
adjacent to this new plot.
I shall initially place its foundation
stone and then return here to pray.
Afterwards, Huzoorra headed downstairs with a few companions, descending the staircase of the mosque’s southern flank. He placed seven bricks with his hands into the eastern corner of the present mosque. Then, he went back to the mosque and led a lengthy supplication in which both men and ladies participated.
Khadija Mosque Berlin, Germany
(This mosque could not see completion and was built in the time of
Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa and was formally
inaugurated in 2008.)
Alhamdolillah, the
foundation stone for the mosque has been laid. I had a general idea of its
occurrence, but I interpreted it according to what you wrote; that the timings
were not given in the initial telegram and were mentioned in the second.
Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib
When I heard that the Egyptian national
delegation opposed this development when they came to know of it, I was
astonished. What do they know about us?
I hope that you will have refuted their opposition.
At present, I do not have enough time, but
next week, I shall write an article about it and dispatch it from here, in which
the notion that we are the “agents” of the British shall be properly refuted.
I was surprised to hear of the objection
regarding “Khalifatul Masih”. The word “masih” [messiah] is not as
commonly used amongst the Christians as is “Yasu” [Jesus]. “Masih”
is a status rather than a name. This word is used both in Arabic and Hebrew and
its meaning is “mamsuh”, i.e. whom God has blessed and placed His hands
upon. Thus, what relation does it have with the Christians? Further, is the
word “Khalifa” not enough to demonstrate that the word refers to the
forthcoming Messiah who would be a Muslim? If we accept this objection that
these people raise, we should also remain prepared, in future, when they object
as to why Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas is called “Masih-e-Maud”. What
connection does this have to Christianity?
If it is not objectionable to call Hazrat
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad the “Masih”, then why is it objectionable to brand his
successor Khalifatul “Masih”? Thus, altering the words “Khalifatul Masih” would
be tantamount to showing that we are prepared to forsake the words
“Masih-e-Maud” for Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.
God Almighty has bestowed the name “Masih”
upon the Imam of this age. Hence, his successor will be Khalifatul Masih. Those
who fathom spiritual insights can understand that this word is not parallel to
that of the Christians but is, on the contrary, a powerful weapon to shatter
the false doctrines of Christianity.
I have come to understand from what you
have written regarding politics that you have neither understood the manner in
which the Jamaat is run, nor are you well versed in politics yourself. As a
result, you cannot satisfactorily reply to those who raise allegations. On no
account do we claim that every Englishman ought to be supported, nor do we
claim that the British government is perfect. The crux of what we say, rather,
is that subjects of every country should respect their country’s laws and also
that India benefitted to a great degree by the arrival of the English
government. Since India has accepted the British government as rulers, offices
can be taken by coming to a compromise with them in accordance with
international law and a code of conduct.
Freedom is undoubtedly an admirable thing.
However, are the Germans prepared to separate from the Rhine and Bavaria
through a palisade? Was the war of Southern America lawful? Thinkers in Europe
name it a struggle for freedom. If it was not, then why? Are the Germans now
ready to make Hamburg and Berlin independent or have those who make tall claims
of freedom deemed such struggles for these cities lawful? Or do they currently
think it lawful?
A principle should initially be
established and then, all matters ought to be decided based on that principle.
It should not be that there be a different law for others and another for
yourselves.
“God Almighty desires to draw all those
who live in various habitations of the world, be it Europe or Asia, and who
have virtuous nature, to the Unity of God and unite His servants under one
Faith. This indeed is the purpose of God for which I have been sent to the
world.” (The Will, pp. 8-9)
It is stated in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat:
“Acting in accordance with Divine
instructions, the Promised Messiahas made special arrangements to
promulgate this message [of reformation and revelations] across the globe.
Hence, the Promised Messiahas published a total of 20,000
announcements in Urdu and English and dispatched them through registered
couriers to all the famous religious leaders, rulers, great emperors, scholars,
intellectuals, judges and noblemen of Asia, Europe and America. There was not a
single noteworthy personality left in that age whom he had not conveyed this
message of God to.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, pp. 253-254)
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad,
Musleh-e-Maud, Khalifatul Masih IIra, states:
“It is incumbent upon us to caution the
world about their mistakes and to take advantage of every opportunity for the
tabligh of Islam as much as possible. After this war [World War II], at least
two countries must be convinced to consider our message with seriousness and
sincerity, i.e. Germany and Japan. These two countries are such that they would
be inclined to hear our message.
“Specifically, Germany is a type of country
which stands out in this regard. We will reach out to these people and draw
their attention to understand the fact of how greatly Christianity has failed
and that regardless of being slaves to Christianity for almost 2,000 years,
they have still remained slaves, the example of which is nowhere to be found
except for the ancient times. Thereupon, their hearts shall incline towards
Islam and they shall be of the opinion that they should leave Christianity and
begin to ponder over Islam and observe as to what remedy it suggests for their
sorrows.
“Thus, that time is fast approaching when
we will have to present clearly the failure of Christianity and the supremacy
of Islamic teachings before German and Japanese nations, both. In the same
manner, we will be able to indicate the eminence of every principle of Islam
before the intelligentsia of England, America and Russia.
“However, this is only possible when our
strength is organised, when members of our Jamaat are ready to make sacrifices
in abundance, when we have missionaries in large numbers and when we possess
all that is required for these missionaries. Likewise, this task is only
possible when all the youngsters of our Jamaat are well organised and not one
individual is left who is out of that system. In order to establish Islam and
Ahmadiyyat, each one of them should engage day and night obsessively, removing
their focus from everything and engage in this task.” (Mash‘al-e-Rah,
Vol. 1, pp. 377-378)
“Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was
invited by the local Jamaat of Hamburg, Germany during his tour of Europe [in
1955]. He stated on the occasion that the German nation held a dignified
character and they had rebuilt the city of Hamburg in a short period of time.
Huzoorra said that the German nation, with its lively spirit, would
rapidly accept Islam which itself encourages to elevate the spirit. Huzoorra
said that he was the follower of that Prophetsa who made great
efforts to establish peace and harmony across the globe and being triumphant,
showed remarkable forgiveness towards his enemies who had left no stone
unturned after they put the Muslims to sword.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
Vol. 17, pp. 532-533)
Mission house in Germany
Regarding
the establishment of a mission house in Germany, it stated in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat:
“At the end of this year [1923], owing to
the efforts of Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib BA (Bengali) and Malik Ghulam Farid
Sahib MA, the second Islamic mission in Europe has been established in Germany.
Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib, who was carrying out tabligh in London since 1920,
was sent to Berlin and Malik Ghulam Farid Sahib MA was sent from Qadian by
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra on 26 November 1923, reaching Berlin on
18 December 1923 at 10 o’clock in the morning.
“Renowned authors of Germany, Professor Fernsehe LLDand Dr Uska inclined towards Ahmadiyyat and following them, the college professors and students in Berlin were also inclined towards the quest of researching about the Jamaat. The aim of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was to establish there a significant hub of Islam. Therefore, he encouraged [the members of Jamaat] to build the Berlin Mosque, but the [econmic and political] situation of Germany suddenly took a turn for the worst. Paper currency was practically terminated and gold coins were introduced which caused prices to soar three hundred times. On one side, the expenses of a missionary rose up to 25 pounds from 6 pounds, while on the other hand, the expenses for building the Berlin Mosque were indicated to have reached 1.5 million rupees, which were previously estimated to be 30,000 rupees.
“Owing to the given circumstances, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra postponed the construction of the mosque and decided that instead of dividing the strength by establishing two marakiz [sing. markaz] in Europe, they should strengthen the mission house of London and the tabligh of Islam in central Europe should be carried out from there. This decision was taken in March 1924 and in May 1924, this [Berlin mission house] was closed and Malik Ghulam Farid Sahib MA, missionary to Germany, moved to the UK. Ultimately, this [mission house] was reestablished after quarter of a century through Chaudhry Abdul Latif BA in 1949.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, pp. 411-412)
Reestablishment
of German mission
“The
German mission was reinitiated through the hands of a life devotee, Chaudhry
Abdul Latif BA on 20 January 1949, which was previously established through
Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib Bengali and Malik Ghulam Farid Sahib MA in 1923,
beforing being closed down in 1924.
“Chaudhry Sahib established the
[Ahmadiyya] Markaz of tabligh in Hamburg. Initially, he began to learn German
for a period of time and meanwhile, sufficed with English. He conducted the
first gathering of tabligh in the large hall of the state building (Debnicke),
situated in the city centre. He also delivered lectures arranged by the
Universal League and Hamburg Study Club. In addition to the lectures, Chaudhry
Sahib focused on writing and published the German translation of Hazrat
Musleh-e-Maud’sra book, The Life and Teachings of Prophet
Muhammad from Zurich. This was the first book of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat which
was published in that era of the mission.
“Several Germans have accepted Islam
through the efforts of Switzerland’s mission. Abdul Karim Dunter showed
exceptional passion from among them and became the right hand of Germany’s
missionary. Mr Hans Dunger and Mr E Nowak embraced
Ahmadiyyat on 18 October and 25 November [1949] respectively and they were
given the Islamic names Abdul Hameed and Abdul Rahim. In this way, a small
Jamaat began to form in the very first year.”
Accommodation difficulties for the missionary
of Islam
“In the
beginning, Chaudhry Sahib lived in the house of a new convert, Mr Kohne, but
that person parted from the Jamaat and made it difficult for Chaudhry Sahib to
continue living in the country. Following the defeat in the World War, Germany was
experiencing tough circumstances in those days and the availability of a
residential property seemed impossible. In spite of all this, Allah the
Almighty came to our aid and help in such a sublime manner that the government
of Germany itself accepted the residential rights of the missionary of Islam in
Hamburg and arranged for a residential house for him.”
Establishment of Ahmadiyya Jamaat in
Nuremburg
“Thus
far, Ahmadiyyat had been established in Hamburg but its spread reached
Nuremburg in 1952. By the grace and blessings of Allah, a new Jamaat comprising
of three individuals was established over there. Thereafter, a new German
convert, Omar Hoffer was appointed there as an honourary missionary who
continued to serve with extreme devotion till the year 1968.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
Vol. 13, pp. 137-138)
Publication of German translation of the
Holy Quran
“In the
beginning of 1954, when the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission of Switzerland published
the German translation of the Holy Quran, it was published in Germany as well.
This translation produced a huge impact on the intellectual class of that
country. It was greatly acknowledged by the German press while German journals
and magazines wrote exquisite reviews on it. Two editions of this translation
have been published.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 13, p. 150)
Der Islam
magazine
“Although the German [magazine], the monthly Der Islam, began to publish in 1948 [this should 1949 – Editor] from the Switzerland mission, the task of its
publication was handed over to the German mission in 1962 and it began to
publish from Hamburg. In the year 1970, when the Markaz of German missions was shifted
from Hamburg to Frankfurt, Der Islam magazine began to publish from
Frankfurt as well.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 13, pp. 151-153)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh
in Germany
“The
primary foundation of Islam’s spiritual revolution in Germany had been laid by
the blessed hands of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. In order to make that
foundation stronger and larger than before, the promised grandson of the
blessed Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh went
to Germany during his famous tour of Europe in 1967. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
IIIrh stayed in Frankfurt from 8 to 10 July.
“A huge welcome ceremony was arranged in
Huzoor’srh honour by the Germany Jamaat on 9 July. Apart from
devoted Ahmadis of Germany, the [ceremony] had the participation of various
esteemed personalities of the city, i.e. clergymen, lawyers and professors.
“On that occasion, Missionary In-charge, Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib read out the welcoming words, in response to which Huzoorrh delivered an impressive address in English. In that [address], Huzoorrh gave a wonderful message to the Germans saying,
‘Allah the Almighty has sent His promised one for the help and assistance of
Islam as the reformer, Promised Messiah and Mahdi of this age. He challenged
the world that God Almighty has manifested countless signs on his hand in the
capacity of the Holy Prophet’ssa noble son and if anyone from among
the Christians could prove that the miracles of Jesusas were greater
in superiority and magnitude than his miracles, then he would be ready to
present a mighty reward for him.’
“Carrying on with the subject, Huzoorrh
stated, ‘In the capacity of the third Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas,
I repeat the same challenge and we will be extremely delighted if the leaders
of other religions accept my challenge because in that way, the world shall
witness a manifest sign of the truth of Islam and the founder of the Ahmadiyya
Jamaat.’
“At the end, Huzoorrh said, ‘I
solemnly claim that the God of Islam is a living God and the Holy Prophetsa
is a living prophet [in spirit] and the Promised Messiahas is his
noble son.’” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 13, pp. 154-155)
“When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh
was in Frankfurt, he expressed his dream from the past, bearing glad tidings
about the German nation that there was a place where Hitler was present as well
and he said to Huzoorrh, ‘Come with me so that I may show you my
museum.’ Hence, he escorted Huzoorrh to a room which had a collection
of various things. A stone was placed at the centre of the room which
looked like a betel leaf. That stone bore the inscription of äîÇ Çðäٰçî ÇðäñîÇ Çääñٰç [There is none worthy of worship accept Allah]. Huzoorrh
interpreted the dream to mean that though the German nation appears to be
hard-hearted at first or outwardly away from religion, but their hearts possess
the ability to accept Islam.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 13, p. 155)
Mission
and mosque in Berlin
It is
recorded in Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat:
“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra
had been making great efforts to build a mosque in Germany for a period of
time. Finally, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib was sent to Berlin from London in
September 1922. He managed to obtain a piece of land under the guidance of
Huzoorra. Thereafter, Huzoorra launched an appeal on 2
February 1923 that the Berlin Mosque should be built from the contribution of
women’s Chanda [monetary sacrifice].
“This appeal uplifted the morale of Ahmadi
women and initiated a remarkable passion of sincerity, sacrifice, devotion and
divine spirit which has no equivalent in the history of Islam. If there exists
a similar example, then that is only of the female Companions of the early
period of Islam.
Early photo of Berlin, Germany
“Hence, Hazrat Ummul Momineen (Syeda
Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara) received a share of 500 rupees from a
property and she presented all of it in Chanda. Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum
Sahibara presented 1,000 rupees. Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begum
Sahibara, the wife of Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahibra,
Hazrat Umme Daud (wife of Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahibra) and the
wife of Khan Bahadur Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sultan Ahmad contributed to the
cause to a great extent. The immediate family of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra
did not fall behind in [monetary] sacrifices from other blessed female family
members of the Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Umme Nasirra
received a sum of money from Huzoorra, half of which she presented
for Wasiyyatand the rest, in this cause. Hazrat Amatul Haye Sahiba
presented 100 rupees. Hazrat Umme Tahirra presented one of her
necklaces and some money.
“Among other women of Qadian, the family
members of Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfani Sahibra, Hazrat Qazi Amir
Hussein Sahibra and Hamidah Begum Sahiba (daughter of Hazrat Pir
Manzur Muhammad Sahibra) took special part in contribution. A very
poor and feeble pathan widow who was an immigrant and used walk with great
difficulty with the help of a stick came on foot and presented two rupees
before Huzoorra. This woman was poverty-stricken. She had a handful
of hens and she used fulfill some of her necessities by selling eggs while the
rest of her expenses were managed through the aid of the [Jamaat’s] system. A
Punjabi widow who had nothing except for jewellery, presented one of her
jewellery sets for the mosque. Another widow who was fostering a number of
orphans and had nothing to present from jewellery or wealth gave her utensils
of everyday use. One of the ladies presented her jewellery for the cause and
went back in order to present some utensils as well. Her husband said that she
had already presented jewellery to which she responded that she was
experiencing such a passion that if there arose a need for the religion of God
and His prophet, she would sell him and present him for the cause [only if it
was possible and permitted].
“Though these words were not at all worthy
of praise either ethically or by the Shariah (divine law), but one can surely
assess the passion which made an illiterate lady show an extreme spirit of
devotion in this manner. The wife of a brother from Bhagalpur reached Al-Dar(Qadian) with two goats and said that there was nothing in their home
except themselves and only the two goats were present, so they should be
accepted.
“The ladies outside of Qadian showed
highly inspiring and prideworthy examples as well. The wife of Captain Abdul
Karim Sahib (Ex-Commander in Chief of Khairpur State) presented all of her
jewellery and precious fabric in Chanda. Similar examples were displayed by the
female family members of Chaudhry Muhammad Hussein Sahib Sadr Revenue Official
of Sialkot, Seith Ibrahim Sahib, Khan Bahadur Khan Sahib Assistant Political
Officer of Chakdarra (Bannu), Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sahib Sanaurira,
Dr Azam Ali Sahib Jalandhari, Khan Bahadur Sahib Khan Nun Extra Assistant
Commissioner, Hazrat Dr Qazi Karam Ilahi Sahib Amir Jamaat Amritsar (father of
Muhammad Aslam Sahib) and Mian Muhammad Din Sahib Revenue Accountant.
“Unfortunately,
due to the unstable political situation of Germany and certain other inevitable
impediments, the construction work of the mosque had to be stopped. However,
the sacrifices of Ahmadi ladies were not wasted and a mosque was built in
London thorough their Chanda, which is the first mosque of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya
in Europe.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, pp. 398-400)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:
“The condition was such in the year 1920
that when I announced that we would build a mosque in Berlin and 100,000 rupees
were needed for it, the ladies of the Jamaat collected that amount in a matter
of a month. They removed their jewellery and presented it to collect the money
by selling them.
“Today when I mentioned that incident in
the ladies’ gathering, one of my wives told me that she was unmindful at that
time as she was still a child and she was unaware of the Jamaat’s requirements,
but her mother used to say that when Huzoorra appealed for Chanda,
her mother-in-law (who was Syed Waliullah Shah Sahib’s mother and my
mother-in-law as well) gathered her daughters and daughters-in-law, and said,
‘Each one of you should place your jewellery here.’ Thereafter, she sold that
jewellery and presented Chanda for the Berlin Mosque.
“These instances were not rare in the
Jamaat but in fact there were hundreds of households in which ladies removed
the jewellery of their daughters and daughters-in-law, and selling them,
presented [the money] for the Berlin Mosque. Hence, 100,000 rupees were
collected within a month.
“… Now, I have appealed for the Hamburg
Mosque that members of the Jamaat should present 150 rupees each. However, if
Allah the Almighty grants us wealth, then the practice of our Jamaat should be
such that each individual should build a mosque independently. I myself
contemplate that if God Almighty grants me [financial] ease, then I may build a
mosque on my own. It is not impossible that God Almighty grants me that
strength within my lifetime and I am able to build a mosque in any one of the
European countries.” (Mash‘al-e-Rah, Vol. 1, pp. 773-775)
Construction and inauguration of a mosque
in Hamburg
Hamburg, 1920
During
his stay in Hamburg on 26 June 1955, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra had
instructed to build a mosque in Germany without delay. Hence, God Almighty
fulfilled Huzoor’sra blessed wish within two years. The foundation
stone of the Hamburg Mosque was laid on 22 February 1957 and Hazrat Chaudhry
Zafarullah Khan Sahibra inaugurated it on 22 June 1957 and read out
the following message of Huzoorra on the occasion in English:
“Brothers of Germany! Assalamo Alaikum
wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatohu.
“I am
sending my son, Mirza Mubarak Ahmad, to participate in the inaugural ceremony
of the Hamburg Mosque. Although the inaugural ceremony will be carried out by
Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khan Sahib Insha-Allah, but Mirza Mubarak Ahmad will
participate as my representative. With Allah the Almighty’s help, my aim is to
inaugurate a series of mosques in various other cities of Germany as well.
Hopefully, Mirza Mubarak Ahmad meeting with Maulvi Abdul Latif Sahib will
surely bring about schemes so that mosques can be built right away.
“May God enable the German nation to
accept Islam at the earliest. According to its inner abilities, just as it is
the leader of the material world in Europe, may it emerge as a spiritual leader
as well. Thus far, it is true that a German new convert is carrying out tabligh
in America after devoting his life. However, I am not satisfied by one
missionary and dozens of new converts, in fact I desire that countless missionaries
are produced from Germany and millions of German natives accept Islam so that
Europe’s leadership in the task of promulgating Islam rests in the hands of the
German nation. O Allah, accept our prayer.
“Humbly yours, Mirza Mahmud Ahmad,
Khalifatul Masih II.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 148)
After the completion of the Ahmadiyya
Jamaat’s mosque in Hamburg, the reviews by the press of that time can be read
in various newspapers from that time.
A religious newspaper The Church,
expressed in the following way:
“Hamburg has become the centre for the
holy war between Christianity and Islam. It rests upon us as to how we can
encounter the dangers attached with the building of a mosque.
“The missionary of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat
for Germany, Mr Abdul Latif came to Hamburg in 1949 and the building of a
mosque in 1957 points out his successful efforts.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
Vol. 13, p. 150)
A correspondent of Bilefield
newspaper wrote under the heading, “Mosques in our country”:
“I was totally surprised when I was told
during my stay in Hamburg that a mosque has been built in Hamburg. After
further research, I was even more amazed to learn the fact that apart from the
Hamburg Mosque, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat intends to build mosques on a step-by-step
basis at various other famous places of Germany.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
Vol. 13, p. 150)
Construction and inauguration of Frankfurt
mosque
“Less
than two years had passed over the inauguration of the Hamburg Mosque when
Allah the Almighty granted the German mission the strength to build another
mosque. Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khan Sahib came from Holland for it.
“Nearly 40 newspapers of Germany published
the photographs of the mosque and several scenes of the inaugural proceedings.
Moreover, they gave remarkable reviews over the tabligh efforts of the
Ahmadiyya Jamaat. For instance, the newspaper Mannheim Morgen on 15
September 1959 gave the photograph of the mosque’s inaugural ceremony and
stated under the heading “Islam is heading towards Europe”:
“The followers of Muhammad[sa] came
to the south of France with the help of swords and spears in the past. This
task is being carried out with the help of spiritual weapons in the present
age. A number of individuals of Islamic countries come to Europe and at the
same time try to spread Islam. Likewise, various proselytising sects,
particularly that of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad [Sahib] of Qadian established in the
year 1890 [sic.] in Punjab, has built mosques at various places.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
Vol. 13, pp. 151-153)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stated:
“Thus, it is my desire that the mosque in
Germany is built by the Chanda of women because people in Europe think that we
treat women as animals. When the people of Europe realise that at the present
time in this city which is becoming the centre of the world, Muslim women have
prepared a mosque for the new converts of Germany, then the people of Europe
will be regretful and surprised at their viewpoint which they hold about Muslim
women. They would be awe-stricken when walking past the mosque and the mosque
would call out aloud that those clergymen tell lies who say that there is no
status for women in Islam. Such people are of the view that women are animals
in our country and they are considered and believed as such; as though we think
that Muslim women are mere animals. After a mosque is built there by the Chanda
of women, then they will know that our women are also aware of the fact that
the world possesses the kind of people who worship a mere human being [i.e.
Jesusas].
“Generally, they [Europeans] have this
custom that the husband and wife clash with each other a month after their
marriage and the husband roams about in search of another mate while the wife
too wanders in search of another partner. People there are surprised to see a
husband and wife happily living together with love; the true relationship which
is present between the husband and wife in our society is rarely present in
them but the situation is such that the pen is in the hand of an enemy. As the
pen is in their hands, therefore they write against Islam and Muslims as they
will.
“Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib has sent a
letter in which he has stated that an expert architect gave an estimate of
250,000 rupees for the construction of a mosque because he thought that the
group of people who had decided to build a mosque in their country would have
been extremely wealthy, but then Maulvi Sahib told him that we did not possess
that amount of money. Thereupon, he gave an estimate of 50,000 rupees, i.e.
5,000 rupees for the land and 45,000 rupees for the building.
“As he points out that it is a big city
and a city of affluent people, therefore a great building is required which can
cause an impact on people so that they are attracted towards it. An ordinary
building would not make an impact on people as it would be like a house.
Moreover, if it contains a part built by raw bricks, it would seem
inappropriate. Nevertheless, according to his estimate, the mosque can be
constructed in 50,000 rupees which would not only be a mosque but it would
contain a house for the accommodation of missionaries.
“I present this matter before all women of
the Jamaat. This is the age of competition. Women of foreign countries even
compete with men studying law and medicine. They do this to show that they are
parallel to men, regardless of whether they are able to practice that line of
work or not. However, they waste their lives in this, but we must take part in
a virtuous competition. Therefore, we say that this time, women should build a
mosque in Europe.
“Previously, the total of women’s Chanda
for the London Mosque was 10,000 rupees and according to the Shariah, it should
be half with respect to men because the Shariah has declared their share to be
half. Therefore, women should present 50,000 rupees Chandawithin three
months for the Ahmadiyya mosque of Berlin. It is a prophecy of the Promised
Messiahas that the scepter of the Tsar would be snatched and handed
over to him; the door to Russia is Berlin and only through that door can Russia
be won. Carrying out tabligh in Russia is still quite far as it is even
impossible to enter it in the present circumstances.
“Germans are the means to tabligh in it
and we can very easily carry out tabligh in Russia through the Germans. It will
leave a huge impact upon them when this prophecy is fulfilled through women.
Those who come after them will realise that women equally possess that passion
which is present in men. On the other hand, Europe will recognise the burning
passion of Muslim women for the promulgation of their religion and it will be
engraved on the façade of the mosque that this mosque was built by Ahmadi women
for the new converts. It will also be an eye-opener for others and Paighamis
will also understand that Ahmadi women alone present that amount of Chandawhich
the Paighamis collect by begging of other people.
“Thus, women of all places must be
informed to present Chanda for this cause and every newspaper which is
published from Qadian must appeal to give Chanda for it. Moreover, this address
of mine should be published so that those people who are associated with these
newspapers express to the women in their homes and motivate them to present
Chandafor the mosque within three months. The men of all places must
inform the women in their households about this and those men whose wives were
unable to attend the Friday prayer should inform them and help raise funds for
this cause.
“And I have entrusted this task to the
Anjuman [body] which has been named by me as Lajna Imaillah.” (Al Fazl,
8 February 1923)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in
Germany
During
his tour of Europe, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reached the city of
Nuremburg, Germany from Austria on 15 June 1955. Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib,
Missionary of Germany and various other devoted fellows were present there to
welcome [Huzoorra] at around 6pm. There were 15 Ahmadi men and women
in Nuremburg at that time who were brimming with passion and admiration. At
this place, Huzoorra shared his views with the new converts on the
subject of tabligh in Germany.
Huzoorra went to The Hague on
17 June and stayed in Holland until 24 June.
Huzoor’s
flightlanded at Hamburg Airport on 25 June accompanied by Syeda
Umme Mateen Sahiba, Syeda Mehar Apa, Sahibzadi Amatul Jamil Sahiba, Sahibzadi
Amatul Mateen Sahiba, Sahibzada Dr Mirza Munawar Ahmad Sahib, Mir Daud Ahmad
Sahib, Sahibzada Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib and his wife and Dr Hasmatullah
Sahib. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 13, pp. 529-535)
Taken from
speeches delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih
IIra on 24 January and 3 February 1949
24 January 1949
Amongst
the Europeans, the second person who accepted Islam in its true spirit is Mr
Kunze.
The first is Bashir Ahmad Orchard. He is also utterly sincere and has developed
great love for Islam. He is the first individual who has successfully impressed
upon me the fact that the English can also be spiritually reformed. Before
this, I would reply to whoever used to enquire of me about the extent of
success we achieved in the UK Mission that I apparently did not see any
benefit. As far as religion is concerned, I did not see the prospect of any of
the English converting to Islam.
English people
accept a religion as a social organisation. They change the manner of their
food and clothing when entering into the fold of Islam or any other religion
but do not comprehend its importance. They do not understand why they would
have to sacrifice everything for its cause. They tend to think, “Is this favour
of ours not enough that we have accepted Islam?” They assume that they
performed enough sacrifices when they changed religion.
However, Bashir Ahmad Orchard was the
first person who accepted Islam, believing it to be the truth. Moreover, he did
not merely accept it but dedicated his life for the service of Islam and is now
serving Islam with great sincerity. There were a few persons before too who
deemed only Islam to be true, for instance Abdullah Quillam, and this was the
extent of their sincerity. Although they used to believe Islam to be true in
essence, they would not practise its teachings. On some occasions, they would
drink alcohol and if they were constrained on time, they would even
abandon their prayers. They used to offer prayers but were irregular. They used
to stop drinking alcohol but would sometimes consider no harm in drinking …
Mr Kunze is the second success of our
tabligh efforts. In my opinion, this nation [Germany] will excel in religion
and wholly lead Europe in this respect as it has advanced in science and other
worldly fields of knowledge, and is academically leading Europe. Although it
was defeated in the war, the nation possesses a vigour and spirit for progress.
Hence, I expect that these people will prove to be excellent servants of our
faith once Islam spreads in this nation.
I have deeply reflected upon the following
matter and made it explicit when I wrote letters to some German Ahmadis: In my
view, this nation surpasses others in practical endeavours and sacrifice but in
spite of this fact, they have been attempting to make progress for a hundred
years but have always been unsuccessful. They have always been defeated
diplomatically and were unable to attain the position to which they had the
justifiable right. People have mentioned many reasons as to why this has been
the case, but the reason in my opinion is that God Almighty desires to spread
Islam in this nation and as Islam is destined to spread in this nation, they
are unsuccessful whenever they strive for any worldly progress.
Islam also has a role to play in Europe.
Jesusas was undoubtedly born in Asia but Christianity spread thereafter
in Europe as well. Similarly, it is now Islam’s turn to spread in Europe. As
Italy had the privilege of accepting Christianity at the outset and spreading
it afterwards throughout the whole of Europe, similarly it is destined that a
country must accept Islam and then spread it through Europe entirely; in my
view, that country is Germany.
In the past hundred years, they were
always unsuccessful whenever they tried to make progress. God Almighty desires
that they play a leading role in religion and this is why they were
unsuccessful whenever they strove to make progress. I deem that when Islam will
spread in this nation, they will make every possible sacrifice for its cause. I
have observed that the number of people who accepted Ahmadiyyat in a single year
in Germany are equal to what has been achieved in England after many years of
effort. I am receiving countless letters that they are studying Islam. To my
understanding, they [the German people] will have a great role in the
forthcoming progress of Ahmadiyyat …
Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib,
Amir of Lahore, has expressed a desire for Mr Kunze to set an example that
would create an awareness amongst the youth here and so they may dedicate their
lives for the service of religion. Mr Kunze is my spiritual son and I love him
dearly but I wish for those who live here to set an example and that Mr Kunze
may follow in its wake. We are the pioneers of the community and hence, many
responsibilities fall upon our shoulders.
It is of course commendable
to wish that he becomes our brother, but it is not correct for us to desire
that he sets an example for us. We should present our own example so that he
returns to his country, being inspired by our example, and that he tells his
countrymen that they are being deprived of something precious by rejecting
Islam and to accept Islam so that this life and the hereafter becomes whole.
3 February 1949
Nevertheless, Allah the Almighty has
established this community in Germany for the propagation of Islam. It is Mr
Kunze’s view, as well as Mr Kohne’s (Mr
Kohne is from Italy and has friendly relations with scholars and professors
there), that Germans can be easily attracted towards Islam. They say that the
most apparent thing found in Germans is materialism and they have been
completely unsuccessful in this regard. It is their view that they now require
something else to satisfy them and that can only be religion.
As they consider that it is
only religion now which can satisfy them, it is best if maximum effort is
exerted to propagate Islam to them. In this manner, a favourable environment
will be created for Islam to take root. They detest Christianity because they
believe that all Europeans were opposing them and were of the stance that they
were fighting to save Christian civilisation. For this reason, to some extent
this word appears frightening to them. They think Christianity alone caused
their destruction and hence, they are in search of another religion through
which they can make progress. I expect that when these people accept Islam,
they will offer many sacrifices for its cause …
Nevertheless, I have informed
you of how people are converting to Islam in Germany and how they have
developed an inclination towards it. Bearing in mind the spirit of sacrifice
and labour which can be found in these people, I deem that when these people
accept Islam, they will offer sacrifices for religion in the same manner they
are seen to offer sacrifices for the world.
Take the case of Mr Kunze for
instance. He always feels that he should be doing the same work which other
people are doing. When Mr Kunze was in London, the missionaries there were
aware that he would always insist that whatever work they did, he should do
too. They used to treat him with regard as a guest but he used to always insist
that he would live there in the same manner as they lived with a bond of unity.
His clothing was also simple and he desired to accomplish his every task in
accordance with our way.
The
author, a German Ahmadi Muslim, Hadayatullah Hübsch Sahib, relates his
sentiments and experiences about his visit to Qadian during the 100th
Jalsa Salana in December 1991.
He explains the purpose of Jalsa Salana
and what the Promised Messiahas expected from his community. Step by
step, the reader is inspired by his spiritual experiences at Bahishti Maqbarah,
Bait-ul-Dua and Masjid Mubarak. In the minutest detail, he describes for the
reader what every fibre of his being felt.
We also get a deep look at the Jalsa
atmosphere, the preparation and the hospitality; for example, scenes from the
Bazaar where Asian specialities are sold and where the streets are overcrowded.
Moreover, he shares some incidents of this trip and how he spent time there
with his family.
Hadayatullah Hübsch Sahib describes the
atmosphere in India, but also discusses some cultural aspects and how the Jalsa
changed his opinion.
For example, he describes how begging had
become normal in India. He expresses how he disliked this action as there are
many other ways to get money. Thus, he sometimes refused to give money. But his
entire outlook and opinion changed once he heard that the Promised Messiahas
never refused giving to a beggar.
Apart from this, the author describes the
huge impact Hazrat Khalifatul Masih had on him at this historic occasion. He
was stunned by how people had come from across India to meet Huzoorrh;
not only Ahmadis but also members of other communities.
Huzoor’s address was later televised on
various television channels in which Huzoorrh spoke about global
peace and the responsibility of all religions to search what connects us as opposed
to that which divides us.
To get a glimpse of the spiritual
atmosphere of Jalsa Salana in Qadian, this is a great book. To learn something
about Hadayatullah Hübsch Sahib – an ardent lover and devotee of
Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya – and what inspired him in life, it is perfect. Everything
he saw or felt has been described in detail.
The author writes this in a way that can
be understood by all. The words are all his own, but in a simple manner he
conveys the deep emotions that he felt during the Qadian Jalsa.
This book is a good introduction to
converts such as Hadayatullah Hübsch Sahib as it breaks down different aspects
of the Jamaat’s teachings and traditions; from the slogans (naarey) to
the various holy places like Bahishti Maqbarah and Bait-ul-Dua.
Spanning
45 pages with pictures and spiritual poems as well, it is a perfect reflection
of a devout servant of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and a deep and spiritual encounter
with the roots of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
The various castes are no cause of honour. God Almighty has only made these castes a means of recognition. In these days, even aft er four generations, it becomes difficult to confirm a person’s lineage. It does not behove a righteous person to fall into disputes over caste. Allah the Exalted has decreed that castes are no means of preference in His estimation. True honour and greatness comes from righteousness alone.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 36)
5 July
1906: On this day, the first ever applications
for Wasiyyat were received from Ahmadis in Afghanistan, who wished to be part
of this divine scheme to offer substantial sacrifices. These fortunate Ahmadis
were Nemat Bibi Sahiba, daughter of Syed Ahmad Sahib and Khayal Bibi Sahiba,
mother of Syed Ahmad Nur from Kabul.
5 July
1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra presided
over a session of All India Kashmir Committee, held in Lahore. This committee
was formed by the prominent Muslim leaders soon after communal tensions sprang
forth from the Kashmir riots of 1931. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was
invited to join the committee by Allama Muhammad Iqbal who, at that time, held
the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and its leadership in high esteem. Subsequently, Huzoorra
became the president of the committee upon the invitation and persuasion of
Muslim political leaders of that time. This provided the Jamaat with an
opportunity to display its ability to get involved in a major crisis and to
lead the Muslim population.
6
July 1948: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was
invited by a sincere Ahmadi to visit Hanna Lake. This lake is
located in the Urak Valley near Quetta,
Balochistan Province in
southwestern Pakistan. It is surrounded
by mountains. Huzoorra enjoyed this scenic natural beauty with his
family members.
7 July
1915: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went to
Lahore.
Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra
8 July
1935: Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra
was attacked by an opponent. Mischievous activities by the Ahrar group were on
the rise and the situation was turning tense and gruesome even in Qadian during
those days. It was around 6 o’clock in the evening when he left his office on
bicycle for his residence that a local attacked him with a long and sharp club
three times. Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra courageously blocked this
sudden assault with sharp reflexes. This physical attack was condemned by
everyone.
9 July
1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set out
for Dalhousie and remained there till 14 July. From Dalhousie, he went to
Shimla, where he stayed till 18 July. On 20 July, Huzoorra embarked
again on his journey towards Dalhousie. Huzoorra remained extremely
occupied and travelled in those days for the welfare of Muslims.
9 July
1957: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra hinted
a new scheme during his Eid-ul-Adha sermon, which he later elaborated and
formally announced during his Jalsa Salana speech on 27 December. This blessed
project was called Tehrik-e-Waqf-e-Jadid (The New Dedication). The primary
objective of this project was to look after the spiritual upbringing of Jamaat
members living in rural communities. The secondary objective was to bring the
message of Islam to the Hindu population of the country.
9 July
1957: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra
special message was published in a special issue of Azad Nau Jawan on
the eve of Eid-ul-Adha. This weekly newspaper was being published in those days
from Madras.
9 July
1962: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra went to
Nakhla for the last time in his life. Huzoorra stayed there till 26
September.
10
July 1913: The official magazine of the Ahmadiyya
Anjuman Ishaat-e-Islam Lahore commenced its publication under the title of Paigham-e-Sulh.
This magazine represented the voice of those who were opponents of Khilafat –
the Paighami group. It was for this reason that once Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira
referred to it as Paigham-e-Jang.
10
July 1931: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra asked
members of the Jamaat to adopt the style of writing of the Promised Messiahas.
11
July 1915: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra
delivered his speech in Lahore for the general public on the message of the
Messiah.
11
July 1957: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra
travelled to Murree and stayed there until 27 July.
11
July 1957: Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III
passed away on this day in Geneva Switzerland at the age of 79. He was the
48th Imam of
the Ismaili group in Shias. He was one of
the founders and first president of the All-India Muslim League. Hazrat
Musleh-e-Maudra sent his condolences to the bereaved family and
followers.
Hazrat Abu Huraira, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“Whenever people gather together in one of the houses of Allah for recitation of the Quran and teaching it to one another, comfort descends upon them, mercy covers them, angels spread their wings over them and Allah makes mention of them to those around Him.”
“Does
Islam belong to Germany?” It’s hard to believe, but this question has indeed
dominated the public debate about Islam in Germany for years.
While a few historians and Germanists
would point out the cultural heritage of the Muslims, which affected German
literature, philosophy and science, some leading politicians have held the
opinion that Islam does not belong in Germany.
However, something changed. In 2013,
nearly all prominent nationwide German newspapers headlined, “Islam officially
belongs to Germany” So what happened?
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was
acknowledged as the first Muslim association accepted as a corporation under
public law. Since then, the Jamaat is equated to the Christian church. Many
other Muslim associations have attempted to receive the status of a corporate
body for decades because the status is connected to the opportunity to build
Islamic kindergartens and graveyards or to teach Islam as
confession-oriented religious education in schools but to no avail. Why
were all applications of other Muslim associations neglected? Why was the
application of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat accepted alone?
In Germany, it is important to have a
consistent teaching and organisation for the legal equalisation of Muslim
communities with churches. Other Muslim communities have not been able to
ensure this to date.
Through the beneficial institution of
Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is a unit worldwide, its
teachings are consistent, its structure and organisation is consistent and it
is independent from the funds of foreign states. It is because of the system of
Khilafat that as a consequence, the Jamaat in Germany – although it is seen as
minority with its 45,000 members compared to 5 million Muslims in Germany –
could achieve something that other Muslim communities couldn’t. Alhamdolillah.
As a result, Ahmadi teachers are now
teaching faith-oriented Islamic education in German schools since 2013.
May
Allah enable Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany to achieve great success by constant
attachment with Khilafat and to reach the hearts of the German people. Amin.
After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:
From
today, I will resume relating accounts of the lives of the Badri companions,
i.e. those companions who took part in the Battle of Badr.
The name of the first of the companions
that I will mention today is Hazrat Abdullahra bin Tariq. According
to Allamah Zuhri, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Tariq Zafari participated in
the Battle of Badr. Urwah has reported his name as Abdullah bin Tariq Balawi,
who was a confederate of the Ansar. According to some, Hazrat Abdullahra
bin Tariq Balawi was a confederate of the Banu Zafar tribe of the Ansar.
According to Ibn Hisham, he belonged to the tribe of Balee and was a
confederate of the tribe of Banu Abd bin Rizaah. Hazrat Muattibra
bin Ubaid was the stepbrother of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Tariq, born
to the same mother. The mother of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Tariq
belonged to the Banu Kahil branch of the tribe of Banu Uzra. Hazrat Abdullahra
bin Tariq and Hazrat Muattibra bin Ubaid participated in the battles
of Badr and Uhud.
Both of the brothers were martyred during
the incident at Raji. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Tariq was among the six
companions (according to some narrations, which also includes a narration from Bukhari,
it is reported as ten companions), whom the Holy Prophetsa sent to
some of the people belonging to the tribes of Adal and Qarah towards the end of
3 AH so that they may introduce them to Islam and teach them about the Holy
Quran and the Islamic Shariah. When these people arrived at the place called
Raji, which is a fountain in Hijaz that was under the possession of the Huzail
tribe, the people of the Huzail tribe transgressed, besieged these companions
and waged war against them. The names of seven of those companions are as
follows; Hazrat Asimra bin Thabit, Hazrat Marsadra bin
Abu Marsad, Hazrat Khubaibra bin Adi, Hazrat Khalidra bin
Bukair, Hazrat Zaidra bin Dathinah, Hazrat Abdullahra bin
Tariq and Hazrat Muattibra bin Ubaid. From among these, Hazrat
Marsadra, Hazrat Khalidra, Hazrat Asimra and
Hazrat Muattibra bin Ubaid were martyred immediately. However, when
Hazrat Khubaib, Hazrat Abdullah bin Tariq and Hazrat Zaid surrendered, the
disbelievers captured them and started to walk them towards Mecca. When they
arrived at Zahran, a valley located five miles from Mecca, Hazrat Abdullah bin
Tariq managed to get his hand free from the rope and took out his sword. Upon
seeing this, the mushrikeen [idolaters] stepped back from him and
started to pelt him with stones until he was martyred. His grave is situated in
Zahran.
The incident at Raji took place in the
36th month after the Hijrah, during the month of Safar. (Sirat ibn Hisham,
p. 464, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3,
pp. 284-285, Abdullah bin Tariqra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut,
2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol.
3, p. 347, Abdullah bin Tariqra
wa Ikhwatul Ummah Muattib bin Ubaid, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut,
1990) (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad, Hal yasta’siru al-Rajulu…, Hadith
3045) (Mu’jamul Buldan, Vol. 4, p. 247, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi,
Beirut)
Hazrat Hassaanra, while
mentioning these companions in one of his poetic works, states:
وَابْنُ الدَّثِنَةِ وَابْنُ طَارِقٍ مِنْهُمْ
وَافَاهُ ثَمَّ حِمَامُهُ الْمَكْتُوْبُ
The
opening couplet of this poem is:
صَلَّى الْإِلٰهُ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ تَتَابَعُوْا
يَوْمَ الرَّجِيْعِ فَأُكْرِمُوْا وَأُثِيْبُوْا
The meaning of the first couplet that I
quoted is, “Hazrat Ibn Dathinah and Hazrat Ibn Tariq were from among them – who
died at the very location where death was destined for them.” The translation
of the opening couplet of his poem is, “God blessed those who were martyred one
after the other during the expedition of Raji. Thus, they were bestowed with
honour and granted reward.” (Al-Istiab, Vol. 3, pp. 928-929, Abdullah
bin Tariq, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992)
I have previously already mentioned the
incident of Raji in relation to other companions. I will mention it briefly
again from the detailed account mentioned by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra:
“These were days of
grave danger for the Muslims and the Holy Prophetsa was
receiving horrific news from all four ends. However, the greatest danger posed
to the Holy Prophetsa was from the Quraish of Mecca, who had grown
very bold and daring due to the battle of Uhud.
“Perceiving this threat, in the month of
Safar4 AH, the Holy Prophetsa assembled a party of ten
Companions, appointed Asim bin Thabitra as their Amirand
ordered them to secretly go towards Mecca and obtain intelligence with regards
to the Quraish, and then inform him about their plans and motives. However,
this party had not yet departed, when a few people from the tribes of Adal and
Qarah presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa, and said that
many people from among their tribes were inclined towards Islam and that the
Holy Prophetsa should send a few men with them, who could convert
them to Islam and educate them. The Holy Prophetsa was happy to hear
their request and the same party which had been assembled for the
reconnaissance mission was sent off with them instead. However, in actuality,
as was later discovered, these people were liars and had come to Medina upon
the incitement of the Banu Lahyan, who sought revenge for the execution of
their chief, Sufyan bin Khalid, and had thus contrived the plan that when the
Muslims come out of Medina on this pretence, they would attack them.
“In lieu of this service, the Banu Lahyan
promised the people of Adal and Qarah a hefty reward of many camels. When the
treacherous people of Adal and Qarah reached between Asfan and Mecca, they
secretly sent word to the Banu Lahyan that the Muslims were accompanying them
and that they should come as well. Upon this, 200 young men from the Banu
Lahyan, 100 of whom were archers, set forth in pursuit of the Muslims, and
subdued them at a place known as Raji. But how could 10 men (whilst according
to some narrations were only 7 companions) compete against 200 warriors, who
were equipped with weapons? The Muslims, however, owing to the strength and
passion of their faith by the grace of God Almighty, had not been taught to
throw in their arms.
“The Companions immediately ascended to a
nearby hillock and prepared for battle. The disbelievers, who did not consider
deception as being reprehensible, called out to them and said, ‘Come down from
the mountain, we give you a firm promise that we shall not kill you.’ Asimra
responded, ‘We have no confidence whatsoever in your treaties and agreements.
We cannot descend on your guarantee.’ Then, he raised his head towards the
heaven and said, ‘O God! You are witnessing our state. Do convey knowledge of
our condition to Your Messenger.’ Hence, Asimra and his Companions
stood and fought and were finally martyred in battle.
“When seven Companions had been put to
death, and only Khubaib bin Adiyyra, Zaid bin Dathinahra,
and one other Companion were left, the disbelievers whose actual desire was to
capture these people alive, called out again and said, ‘There is still time.
Come down and we promise not to cause you any harm.’ This time, these innocent
Muslims fell into their trap and descended. However, as soon as they stepped
down, the disbelievers tied them with the strings of their arrow bows.
“Upon this, the Companion of Khubaibra
and Zaidra, whose name has been recorded in history as being
Abdullah bin Tariqra, could not restrain himself and called out,
‘This is your first breach of agreement and who knows what you shall do
hereafter,’ and Abdullahra refused to continue along with them. For
some distance, the disbelievers dragged Abdullahra along, beating
and assaulting him, and then killed him and left him for dead.” Abdullah here
is the companion, Abdullah bin Tariqra.
In this narration it stated that the
disbelievers took them to Mecca. However, in another narration it states that
Abdullah bin Tariq managed to free himself from the rope he was tied to and was
ready to fight but was attacked with a stone and martyred. In any case, he was martyred
and his body was left there.
“Moreover, now that their revenge had been
sought, in order to please the Quraish, and also in the greed of money, they
took Khubaibra and Zaidra and made way to Mecca; upon
reaching there, they sold both of them to the Quraish. As such, Khubaibra
was purchased by the sons of Harith bin Amir bin Naufal, because Khubaibra
had slain Harith in the Battle of Badr and Zaidra was purchased by
Safwan bin Umayyah.”
It is regarding Hazrat Khubaibra
that it is stated that while he was held captive, one of the children of the
disbelievers, whose house he was held in, ran towards him whilst playing.
Hazrat Khubaibra placed him on his lap upon which the child’s mother
became extremely anxious as Hazrat Khubaibra had a razor blade in
his hand at the time. However, Hazrat Khubaibra told her not worry
and that he would not harm the child. Thus, this was the account of how Hazrat
Abdullahra bin Tariq was martyred during the incident of Raji in
that he refused to go along with the disbelievers and fought against them. (Sirat
Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp.
513-515)
The second companion to be mentioned is
Hazrat Aqilra bin Bukair. Hazrat Aqilra bin Bukair
belonged to the tribe of Banu Saad bin Laith. (Sirat ibn Hisham, pp.
462-463, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)
Hazrat Aqilra was previously
named Ghafil. However, when he accepted Islam, the Holy Prophetsa
changed it to Aqil. The name of his father has predominantly been mentioned as
Bukair in most books of history. However, it has also been mentioned as Abu
Bukair. During the era of ignorance [i.e. prior to the advent of Islam], his
father, Bukair, was a confederate of Nufail bin Abd-il-Uzza, who was one of the
elders of Hazrat Umarra. Similarly, Bukair and all of his sons were
confederates of Banu Nufail. Hazrat Aqilra, Hazrat Amirra,
Hazrat Ayyasra and Hazrat Khalidra, all four brothers
were the sons of Bukair, all of them accepted Islam in Dar-e-Arqam together and
all of them were the first ones to have accepted Islam in Dar-e-Arqam. When
Hazrat Aqilra, Hazrat Khalidra, Hazrat Amirra
and Hazrat Ayyasra migrated from Mecca to Medina, they gathered all
of their men and women and migrated together. In this manner, no one from their
households remained behind in Mecca, and their houses were completely sealed.
In Medina, all of them stayed with Hazrat Rafa‘ahra bin
Abd-il-Munzir. The Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood
between Hazrat Aqilra and Hazrat Mubashirra bin
Abd-il-Munzir and made them as brothers. Both of them were martyred during the
Battle of Badr.
According to one tradition, the Holy
Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Aqilra
and Hazrat Mujazzirra bin Ziad. Hazrat Aqilra was
martyred on the day of the Battle of Badr at the age of 34 and was martyred by
Malik bin Zuhair Joshami. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p.
208, Aqil bin Abi al-Bukairra, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996) (Usdul
Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 113, Aqil bin al-Bukairra, Dar-ul-Kutub
al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 4, p.
466, Aqil bin al-Bukairra Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005)
Ibn Ishaq says that apart from these four
brothers, i.e. Hazrat Ayyasra, Hazrat Aqilra, Hazrat
Khalidra and Hazrat Amirra, all of whom who participated
in the Battle of Badr, it is not known whether there is any other example of
where four brothers participated in the Battle of Badr. (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez
Al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, p. 310, Ayyas bin al-Bukairra Dar-ul-Kutub
al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005)
Zaid bin Aslam narrates that the sons of
Abu Bukair presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and said,
“O Prophetsa of Allah! Please marry our sister to such and such
person.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “What is your opinion about
Bilal?” In other words, either all four brothers or perhaps some of them
presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa with regard to the
marriage of their sister. The Holy Prophetsa then asked about their
opinion regarding Hazrat Bilalra. Since they were not content with
this, they left and presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa a
second time and said, “O Prophetsa of Allah! Please marry our sister
to such and such person.” The Holy Prophetsa once again asked them,
“What is your opinion about Bilal?” Hearing this, they left again. They
presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa a third time and
said, “Please marry our sister to such and such person”. The Holy Prophetsa
asked, “What is your opinion about Bilal?” The Holy Prophetsa
further stated, “What is your opinion about a person, who is among the dwellers
of paradise?” Upon this, they agreed to marry their sister to Hazrat Bilalra.
(Al-Tabaqat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 126, Bilal bin Rabahra,
Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996)
The name of the next companion to be
mentioned is Hazrat Zaidra bin Haritha. Hazrat Zaid’sra
father’s name has been mentioned as Haritha bin Sharaheel as well as Haritha
bin Shurahbeel. The name of his mother was Sauda bint Tha‘laba. Hazrat Zaidra
belonged to the tribe of Banu Quza‘ah, which was a most respected tribe in
Yemen. Hazrat Zaidra was young when his mother took him to her
village. There, some riders from the tribe of Banu Qain were passing by. They
set up their camp during the journey and picked up Zaid, who at the time was
still a child, from their camp. They made him their slave and sold him in the
market of Ukaaz to Hakim bin Hizam for 400 dirhams. Subsequently, Hakim bin
Hizam presented Hazrat Zaidra to his maternal aunt, Hazrat Khadijahra
bint Khuwailid. Following this, Hazrat Khadijahra gave Hazrat Zaidra
to the Holy Prophetsa along with all of her other slaves. (Al-Sirat
al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 188, Dhikrul Islam Zaid Thaniyan,
Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Siyar al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, p.
165, Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah, Dar Ishaat, Karachi)
According to one narration, when Hazrat
Zaidra was purchased and brought to Mecca, he was only eight years
old. (Umdatul Qari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Jana’iz, Bab man
Jalsa indal musibah yu’rafu fil Huzn, Vol. 8, p. 94, Darul Fikr, Beirut)
The father of Hazrat Zaidra,
Haritha, was extremely upset over losing him. A short while later, some men
from the Banu Kalb tribe came to Mecca in order to perform Hajj. There, they
recognised Hazrat Zaidra. Hazrat Zaidra asked them to
tell his family that he was living with a respected family of Banu Muad near
the Holy Ka‘bah. Therefore, they did not need to worry. The people of Banu Kalb
went to his father and informed him about this. He responded by saying, “I
swear by the Lord of the Ka‘bah! Was that my son?” When people shared the
details of his appearance with Harithah (Hazrat Zaid’sra father), he
left for Mecca with Hazrat Zaid’sra paternal Uncle. In Mecca, they
arrived before the Holy Prophetsa and offered Fidya (expiation) in
order to acquire the freedom of Hazrat Zaidra. The Holy Prophetsa
called for Hazrat Zaidra and sought his opinion regarding this
matter. Hazrat Zaidra refused to return home with his father and
paternal uncle. (Sair al-Sahabah, Vol. 2, pp. 165-168, Hazrat Zaid bin
Harithah, Dar Isha’at, Karachi)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has
detailed this incident in the following manner:
“When Hazrat Khadijahra married
the Holy Prophetsa, she realised in the future when the Holy Prophetsa
might need something, he will have to ask her for it as she was very well off
and he was not. She thought that perhaps the Holy Prophetsa will be
reluctant in asking. Hazrat Khadijahra was an extremely wise woman
and knew that it would make things very difficult. Since she was a very
intelligent and wise woman, she decided that if she offered her entire wealth
to the Holy Prophetsa, this will resolve the issue and the Holy
Prophetsa would be able to spend from it as he wished. Hence, only a
few days had passed after their marriage that Hazrat Khadijahra said
to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘I would like to humbly submit a proposal
before you with your permission.’ The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘What is
your proposal?’ Hazrat Khadijahra responded, ‘I have decided to
present you with all my wealth and slaves so that everything becomes yours. I
would be delighted and fortunate if you would accept this.’ Upon hearing this,
the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Khadijah, have you carefully reflected
upon this idea before making this decision? If you give me all your wealth,
then it will become mine and will no longer be in your possession.’ Hazrat
Khadijahra stated, ‘I have given this idea much thought before
presenting it to you and I have decided that this is the best manner to live a
peaceful life.’ The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Think about this once
more.’ Hazrat Khadijahra responded, ‘Indeed! I have given this much
thought.’ The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘If this is your final decision
and you have presented me with all your wealth and slaves, then know that I do
not take pleasure in calling another human being like myself, my slave.
Firstly, I would like to free all the slaves.’ Hazrat Khadijahra
stated, ‘All this wealth is now yours. You may spend it as you wish.’ The Holy
Prophetsa was delighted to hear this. He went outside towards the
Ka‘bah and announced, ‘Khadijah has presented me with all her wealth and her
slaves. I now free all her slaves.’”
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further
writes that nowadays, if someone receives wealth, they might consider
purchasing a car, constructing a large house, or travelling across Europe.
In fact, these days I have noticed that in
certain cases even if the wife decides to give all her wealth to her husband
then not only does he spend it on fulfilling his personal desires, in fact, he
also refuses to fulfil the due rights of his wife. Women in such cases feel
helpless and the men think that now that they have acquired her wealth, they
can treat her like a slave. However, the status and lofty vision of the Holy
Prophetsa was such that the wealth ought to be spent in the way of
God Almighty and for the propagation of faith and that the slavery of human
beings should be completely abolished. In any case, his desire to free slaves
was embedded in the question that why should those human beings like him who
possess intellect and sense just like him should live their lives in bondage?
This notion of the Holy Prophetsa at the time was not only
considered strange in Arabia but the entire world. However, the Holy Prophetsa
openly announced this and displayed incredible generosity upon receiving the
wealth.
When the Holy Prophetsa made
the announcement that he had freed all the slaves and they all went their ways,
it was only Zaid bin Harithara – who was later known as his son –
who approached him and said, “You have freed me, but I do not wish to be freed.
My only desire is to remain with you.” The Holy Prophetsa insisted
that he return to his homeland and meet his relatives as he was now free.
However, Hazrat Zaidra replied to the Holy Prophetsa,
“You are dearest to me due to the love and sincerity I have witnessed in you.”
Zaidra belonged to a wealthy family but was abducted at a young age
and sold off. In this way, he was taken from place to place until he eventually
ended up at the house of Hazrat Khadijahra. His father and uncle
were very worried for him and went out in search of him.
When they discovered that he was in Rome,
they travelled there. When they reached there, they found out that he was now
in Arabia. When they reached Arabia, they learnt that he was in Mecca. When
they came to Mecca, they found out that he was with the Holy Prophetsa.
They went to the Holy Prophetsa
and said, “We have come to you having heard of your nobility and generosity.
Our son is a slave of yours and we are ready to meet whatever price you ask in
order to free him. His mother is elderly and has lost her sight as a result of
the constant weeping caused by this affliction. It will be much appreciated if
you accept the asked price and free him.” The Holy Prophetsa said,
“Your son is no longer my slave, I have already freed him.” He then called Zaidra
telling him that his father and uncle had come to take him, that his mother was
old and had become blind from all the crying and that since he had already
freed him, he was now no longer his slave and could go.
Hazrat Zaidra answered, “You
may have freed me, but I do not want to be freed and consider myself your
slave.” The Holy Prophetsa again said that his mother was suffering
and his father and uncle have journeyed so far and been through many
tribulations to retrieve him, therefore he must go with them. Zaid’s father and
uncle also tried their best to convince him, yet Hazrat Zaidra
refused to leave with them, saying, “You may be my father and uncle and you may
hold me dear to you, however the relationship I have developed with the Holy
Prophetsa cannot now be broken. It pains me to hear that my mother
is in great agony, but I cannot live away from him (i.e. the Holy Prophetsa).”
On the one hand was the pain his mother
was feeling, but this pain would be far beyond that. When Zaid had said all
this to the Holy Prophetsa, the Holy Prophetsa went to
the Ka’bah and announced, “Due to the love and affection Zaid has expressed,
from today Zaid shall be [known as] my son”. Having heard this, Zaid’s father
and uncle were overjoyed and left jubilantly as they had seen him living his
life in great ease and comfort. Thus, proof of Muhammad’ssa perfect
morals is that when Zaidra expressed his loyalty [to him], the Holy
Prophetsa demonstrated extraordinary kindness. (Tafsir-e-Kabir,
Vol. 10, pp. 334-335)
The details of this particular incident
are mentioned in Sirat Khatamun Nabiyyin. It states that when Zaid’s
father and uncle came to take him, the Holy Prophetsa said to him:
“‘If you wish to leave with them, I gladly
give you permission to do so.’ ‘I shall not leave you on any account,’ answered
Zaid; ‘To me, you are far dearer than my own uncle or father.’ Zaid’s father
responded with great anger and grief, ‘What? Do you give preference to a life
of slavery over that of freedom?’ ‘Yes,’ responded Zaid, ‘For I have witnessed
such virtues in him as now, I can give preference to none above him.’
When the Holy Prophetsa heard
this response he immediately stood up and took Zaid to the Ka‘bah and announced
in a loud voice, ‘O People! Remain witness that as of this day I free Zaid and
make him my son. He shall be my heir and I shall be his.’When Zaid’s
uncle and father observed this sight, they were astounded. They happily left
Zaid with Muhammadsa. Since then, Zaid bin Harithah became known as
Zaid bin Muhammad. However, after the Hijrah, God revealed a commandment that
it is unlawful to take an adopted child as an actual son. Upon this, Zaid was
once again given his original name, Zaid bin Harithah. Nonetheless, the loving
conduct of the ever-loyal Muhammadsa remained unaltered with this
ever-sincere servant, rather, it increased day after day. After the demise of
Zaid, the Holy Prophetsa extended the same graciousness and love to
his son Usama bin Zaidra who was born of Ummi Aimanra, a
servant of the Prophetsa. In addition to the honourable distinctions
of Zaidra, one is that among all the companions of the Prophetsa,
only his name is specifically mentioned in the Holy Quran.” (Sirat
Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp.
110-111)
In another narration, Hazrat Jablahra
– the elder brother of Hazrat Zaidra – is reported to have said, “I
went to the Holy Prophetsa and requested him to send Zaid with me.”
Perhaps this incident took place afterwards or is a repetition of the previous
incident. “The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Your brother stands before
you, if he wishes to leave I will not stop him from doing so.’ At this Zaidra
said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! I will never give anyone preference
over you.’ Hazrat Jablahra stated that in hindsight, Hazrat Zaid’s
judgment was more accurate than his own.” (Kanzul Ummal, Vol. 13, p.
397, Bab Fada’il al-Sahabah, Zaid bin Harithah, Hadith 37065, Muassisah
al-Risalah, Beirut, 1985)
With regard to Hazrat Jablahra
there is another narration. Hazrat Jablahra – who was older than
Zaid – was once asked who from among the two brothers was older. Hazrat Jablahra
replied, “Zaid is older than me, but I was born before him.” He meant that
since Hazrat Zaidra had accepted Islam before him, therefore he held
a greater rank. (Al-Raud al-Anf Fi Sharh al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah Li ibn
Hisham, Vol. 3, p. 19, Islam Zaid, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Hadithah)
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra
narrates, “We would call Zaid bin Harithah, the freed slave of the Holy Prophetsa,
‘Zaid bin Muhammad’, until the following verse was revealed:
“Call them by the names of their
fathers. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33:
V.6) (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Bab Ud’uhum lu abaa’ihim huwa
aqsatu ‘indAllah, Hadith 4782)
Hazrat Barara narrates that the
Holy Prophetsa said to Zaid:
اَنْتَ اَخُوْنَا وَ مَوْلَانَا
Meaning, “You are our brother and friend.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Kitab Fadail Ashab al-Nabi, Bab Manaqib Zaid bin
Harithah Maula al-Nabi, Nazarat Ishaat)
In another narration, the Holy Prophetsa
is reported to have said the following words:
“O Zaid! My friend, you and I are like one
of the same persons. You are dearer to me than all other people.” (Al-Isaba
Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 497, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut,
1995)
Hazrat Ibn-e-Umarra narrates:
“Hazrat Umarra set an allowance
for Hazrat Usamara bin Zaid which was more than what I
received.” Hazrat Umar’s son is
narrating this incident that Usama, who was the son of Zaid was given an
allowance which was more than his own. “I asked the reason for why his
allowance was more. Hazrat Umarra replied, ‘Usama, the son of Zaid,
was dearer to the Holy Prophetsa than you and your father.’” In
other words, Hazrat Umarra is referring to himself that Hazrat Zaidra
was dearer to the Holy Prophetsa than himself. (Al-Isaba Fi
Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 497, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)
Hazrat Alira narrates,
“Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah,
who was the freed slave of the Holy Prophetsa, was the first from
among the men to accept the Holy Prophetsa and offered prayers.” (Kanzul
Ummal, Vol. 13, p. 397, Bab Fada’il al-Sahabah, Zaid bin Harithah, Hadith
37063, Mu’assisah al-Risalah, Beirut, 1985)
Elaborating on this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra
says:
“The Holy Prophetsa was granted
followers from all backgrounds. Usman, Talha and Zubair were from the elite
families of Mecca. If someone was to raise the allegation that only lowly and
people from modest backgrounds had accepted the Holy Prophetsa, then
Usman, Talha and Zubair were ready to answer such an allegation as they
belonged to noble families. In contrast, if one was to raise the allegation
that the Holy Prophetsa had gathered a few noble men around him and
not many had accepted him from among the poor – who numbered more than the
upper class – then Zaid and Bilal etc. would arise in response to this. If then
one was to claim that only youths had accepted him and they are naïve, people
could respond by saying that Hazrat Abu Bakrra was not a youth nor
was he naïve or inexperienced; how did he manage to accept the Holy Prophetsa?
In short, they would raise every sort of allegation against the Holy Prophetsa,
however, each one of his companions was a living proof to reply to those
allegations. This was a great blessing from God Almighty that was granted to
the Holy Prophetsa. Whilst mentioning this God Almighty states:
meaning,
‘O Muhammad! Can the world not see that the provisions that the world relies
upon to succeed have been granted to you. If the world succeeds through the
sacrifice offered by youths, then you have been granted youths with the same
temperament. If the world succeeds due to the intellect of mature individuals,
then they have also been granted to you. If it is affluent and those belonging
to influential families that are needed to defeat the world, then they are
already with you. If success is achieved in the world through sacrifice and
devotion of the ordinary people then these servants of yours devotedly follow
you everywhere. Thus, how can it be possible then for you to fail and the
Meccans triumph over you.’
Means, “And we removed from thee thy
burden. Which had well-nigh broken thy back.”
In other words, when the Holy Prophetsa
looked at the task ahead, he was anxious as to how it would be possible to
fulfil the task. However, in just a matter of a single day, God Almighty
granted him five helpers. He granted him Abu Bakrra, Khadijahra,
Alira, Zaidra and Waraqa bin Naufal to serve as a strong
pillar to support the religion of Islam. Thus, they all helped to shoulder the
burden which was on the Holy Prophetsa. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.
9, p. 140)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:
“Four people who had a strong relation
with the Holy Prophetsa accepted him, i.e. his wife, Khadijahra,
his paternal cousin, Alira, his freed slave, Zaidra and
his friend, Abu Bakrra. At the time, the only proof they had for
their faith was that all those close to him affirmed that Holy Prophetsa
always spoke the truth.” (Daura-e-Europe, Anwarul Ulum, Vol. 8, p. 543)
In relation to Hazrat Zaid’s acceptance of
Islam, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes:
“When the Holy Prophetsa began
the propagation of his mission, the first to believe was Hazrat Khadijahra,
who did not hesitate, even for a moment. There is a discord among historians in
reference to who the first convert among the men was after Hazrat Khadijahra.
Some name Hazrat Abu Bakr Abdullah bin Abi Qahafahra while others
say Hazrat Alira, whose age, at that time, was only ten years.
Others assert that the freed slave of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Zaid
bin Harithahra was the first one to embrace Islam. However, to us,
this argument is useless. Hazrat Alira and Zaid bin Harithahra
were among the house-folk of the Holy Prophetsa and lived with him
as his own children. They were to follow whatever was said by the Holy Prophetsa,
as a matter of fact, no verbal declaration was necessary. Thus, their names
need not be included. Among the rest, Hazrat Abu Bakrra is
unanimously accepted as the first and foremost in his acceptance of Islam.” (Sirat
Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 121)
In other words, he was the first to accept
Islam amongst those who were of a mature age. In fact, the standard of
considering one intellectual and wise which is generally perceived today, even
the children of those days were of this level, Masha-Allah. However,
Hazrat Abu Bakrra was the first to accept Islam amongst those of a
more experienced and mature age. Thus, these were the four individuals, three
men and one woman, who accepted the Holy Prophetsa and hold a lofty
rank. In this regard, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:
“Hazrat Zaidra accompanied the
Holy Prophetsa during the journey to Ta‘if. Ta‘if is a city situated
approximately 36 miles south east of Mecca. It is an area extremely rich and
lush in its vegetation and raisins of a very high-quality grow in that area and
the people of the Thaqif tribe lived there.” (Mu’jamul Buldan, Vol. 3,
p. 241, Lughaat al-Hadith, Vol. 3, p. 46, Kitab Faa)
After the demise of Hazrat Abu Talib, the
Quraish once again began to perpetrate cruelties against the Holy Prophetsa.
The Holy Prophetsa travelled to the area of Ta‘if and was
accompanied by Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithahra. This took
place in 10 Nabawi towards the end of the month of Shawal. The Holy Prophetsa
stayed in Ta‘if for up to ten days and during this time, he met all the leaders
of Ta‘if, but no one accepted his message. However, when the elders feared that
perhaps the youth and the general public may accept the Holy Prophet’s message,
they said, ‘O Muhammad[sa]! Leave our town and live in the area
where your message has been accepted.’ Thereafter, they incited some of the
mischievous youth of the area to go after and attack the Holy Prophetsa,
who began to pelt stones at the Holy Prophet and both his feet began to bleed
profusely. Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah would try and put himself in
front of the stones that were aimed at the Holy Prophetsa and
sustained several wounds to his head.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d,
Vol. 1, p. 165, Dhikr Sabab Khuruj Rasulillahsa ilaa Ta’if,Dar-ul-Kutub
al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)
Further details from the life account of
Hazrat Zaidra shall continue to be narrated in the next sermon, Insha-Allah.
(Translated by The Review of Religions.Originally
published in Al Fazl International 28 June 2019, pp. 5-8)
