18 May 1908: Professor Clement Lindley Wragge enjoyed the privilege to have audience with the Promised Messiahas once again, this time with new questions. The meeting took place at noon. Al Hakam (Urdu) reported that a lady was also present with him.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa visited Professor Clement Wragge’s grave during his 2006 Australia tour on 7May.
19 May 1911: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was unwell for some time. On this day, he led the Jumuah prayer after his health restored.
20 May 1895: The Promised Messiah’sas book Zia-ul-Haq (The Light of Truth) was published in Zia-ul-Islam Press Qadian. It was an early publication of the above mentioned historic press. This book deals with contemporary developments in the case with Abdullah Atham.
20 May 1908: The Promised Messiahas was occupied in drafting his last book Paigham-e-Sulh (A Message of Peace) and received the Arabic revelation:
(It is time to march; again, it is time to march and death is near.)
20 May 1909: Companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mir Khudadad Khan, Ruler (Khan) of princely state of Kalat, what is now in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, passed away. He remained chief of this state for almost 37 years. He took the pledge at the hand of the Promised Messiahas in 1904. After him, his son Mahmud Khan became ruler of Kalat.
20 May 1928: Madrasa Ahmadiyya in Qadian gained the status of an Arabic College. Now known as Jamia Ahmadiyya, this prestigious institution’s branches are established today in more than a dozen countries of five continents, since its humble beginning.
21 May 1879: The Promised Messiah’sas written debate with Pandit Shiv Narayan Agnihotri commenced on the topic of “The need of revelation”. This correspondence lasted until 17 June. Primarily, this Pandit stood as an advocate of Brahmo Samaj’s views. But in front of the powerful and rational arguments of the Promised Messiahas, he felt compelled to abandon his previous beliefs of Brahmo Samaj and founded a new school of thought: Dev Samaj.
22 May 1893: Jang-e-Muqaddas (The Holy War) was a debate which took place between the Promised Messiahas (representing Islam) and Abdullah Atham (Christianity). The debate started on this day and continued until 5 June 1893.
22 May 1900: The Promised Messiah’sas book Government Angrezi Aur Jihad (The British Government and Jihad) was published on this day. This book explains the true nature of jihad and its philosophy. The arguments presented within the book derive from the Holy Quran, Hadith, and human conscience. In the book, the Promised Messiahas announced the foretold religious decree about jihad according to Hadith.
23 May 1908: The Promised Messiah’sas lecture to the notables and elite class of Lahore was misreported in the vernacular newspaper Akhbar-i-Aam. The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter as a corrigendum.
24 May 1895: Son of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra was born.
Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra
24 May 1900: After Asr prayer, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra reached Qadian and briefed the Promised Messiahas of the activities of Bishop of Lahore, George Alfred Lefroy. He informed Huzooras that the following day, the Bishop would deliver another public lecture on the topic of “Living Prophet”.
The Promised Messiahas was not in good health at the time. But out of sheer love for his Master, Prophet Muhammadsa, he penned a paper in an hour and a half. Upon his instruction, the paper was printed before midnight.
The Promised Messiahas himself went to the boarding house of Madrasa Ahmadiyya, carrying a lantern. He woke up some of the students and asked them to help fold the printed material. The fortunate youths, with spirits and emotions riding high, completed the task, and before 4am, Hazrat Mufti Sadiq Sahib departed for Lahore with the printed material. The words of the Promised Messiahas were read out and distributed among the masses after the Bishop’s lecture. And the rest is history.
“When I began writing this book, in the early summer of 2004, I was often asked how I intended to end it. Typically, I would dodge the question or brush it away. I did not know, I would cautiously say. Or I was not sure. In truth, I was sure, although I did not have the courage to admit it to myself. I was sure that it would end with Carla’s relapse and death.”
Carla Reed was a thirty-year-old kindergarten teacher from Massachusetts, USA and the mother of three young children. On the morning of 19 May 2004, she developed a severe headache; not the usual headache, but the type that tells you that something is not right. She had been feeling unusual for nearly a month. Eventually her situation was such that from being an active and energetic teacher she began to get extremely tired from walking the flight of stairs at home, to the extent that to get from one room to the other, she would have to crawl on the floor, unable to stand on her legs.
Carla and her husband began to see a general physician and a nurse over the course of four weeks. However, throughout that time she was not diagnosed with anything. Upon demanding a blood test, she and the practitioner were bewildered. “Watery, pale, and dilute, the liquid that welled out of Carla’s veins hardly resembled blood.”
The author got to know of Carla’s case on 21 May. Whilst driving down the highway on his way to work, his beeper informed him that Carla Reed’s diagnosis was leukaemia.
Mukherjee, at the time, was an oncologist in training. However, his education and preparation could never have prepared him enough to face the reality. The emotions that come with the all-consuming presence of cancer are demanding. If the physicians succumb to the realities of cancer then the patients would most surely find themselves, as the author puts it, “obliterated”.
However, this book is not just the story of Carla. It is, in fact, the story of many Carlas; millions of Carlas who day in and day out are fighting the emperor itself: Cancer.
This book is a must-read for all people interested in oncology, cancer-research or the related sciences. It explicitly talks about the various types of cancers, ranging from breast cancer to leukaemia, from Hodgkin Disease to brain cancer. Spanning 470 pages of thorough research and covering 2 millennia, the author has done well to cover every part of the biography of cancer.
The author narrated to us, quite literally, the biography of cancer and how it has affected humanity since time immemorial. From the very first works on cancer found in the documents of the Egyptian physician, Imhotep (2625 BC), who talks of a disease that cannot be pronounced due to being written as a hieroglyph but as having “no cure”, to the remarkable services rendered by many physicians, among whom is the notable name of Sidney Farber.
The book emphasises the importance of cancer research in the modern day and also very clearly explains the research of the past hundred or so years since the various forms of cancers, as we know them today, have been discovered.
Mukherjee, from the outset, clarifies that cancer is not the name of one single disease, rather, many diseases. Everything is categorised under cancer, however the common denominator among all cancers is: the abnormal growth of cells.
Although cancer has become what some may think a very complex field (no doubt it is), a close study of this book will provide you with not only the basic knowledge on cancer, but also a breath of fresh air for even the medical, surgical and radiation oncologists.
Mukherjee tells us about the effects of treatment with radiation and says that although it can be cancer-curing, it can be cancer-causing at the same time. He takes us back 70 or so years ago when researchers in cancer sacrificed their health and lives for the sake of cancer research, whilst studying the cure for cancer through x-rays.
He also narrates the story of AIDS and in doing so, narrates how in March 1981, doctors in New York reported eight cases of an unusual form of cancer among men called Kaposi’s sarcoma. This disease, however, was not new. It had been recognised as a slow-growing tumour that had crept up on elderly Italian men. All of the eight men were homosexuals, and between June and August 1981, many signs of the disease triggered among men. The common factor among them, apart from homosexuality, was the complete collapse of the immune system. Some called the disease the “gay compromise syndrome” while others named it GRID (gay related immune deficiency), or more cruelly, “gay cancer”. Eventually, in July 1982, it adopted its modern name, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: AIDS.
A summary of the book, I found, can be taken from the following one-liner: “This War on Cancer may be best ‘won’ by redefining victory.”
Any researcher who wants to know the truth about the claims of Jesusas would naturally ask the question: Did Jesusas himself make that claim? When it comes to the divinity of Jesusas, the answer is not only that Jesusas never made the claim in explicit terms, he even denied it when confronted over this question.
Throughout the gospels, there is not a single instance where Jesusas plainly said: Ego eimi ho theos (I am God).
The fact is that a claim to Divinity is a very serious claim. If it was the eternal will of God to come to earth as a man and die for the sins of mankind, the least that one must expect is for Him to declare it openly, not just through indications and vague remarks open to a wide range of interpretations. If that is not the case, He would have to be deemed a deceptive god (God forbid) for He chooses not to express His will and His intention to His people in a clear manner.
In fact, it would not even be enough as a claim because there have been many false claimants to deity in the past. What is needed is for that claim to be substantiated by evidence that the claimant possesses God’s powers and attributes.
In the case of Jesusas, we find neither. He never claims to be God, nor does he demonstrate the power of God.
I am not suggesting that people should put their expectations on God and oblige God to state things in a certain way. God is the Master of the universe. He can choose to do things however He wishes, through His infinite wisdom. However, if the eternal salvation of a person depends on their acceptance of Jesusas as God and his atonement for the sins of mankind then the very least the weak humans can expect is for God to declare this truth in a most crisp, unadulterated manner. Otherwise it would be against the justice and mercy of God to hold His people accountable for something that is very vague and ambiguous.
Comparatively, when the Holy Quran states fundamental truths about the nature of God, it does so in the following manner:
In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Independent and Besought of all. He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (Ch.115: V.1-5)
Here, we can notice the clarity with which each statement is made, leaving no room for any doubt. After reading the above, the reader is clear on one point: God is One.
However, when it comes to the Gospels, there is evidence that Jesusas denied being God. On the other hand, those references that are provided as “proof” for the divinity of Jesusas are vague, at best.
The Promised Messiahas illustrates this when he says, “The Messiah never claimed to be God. When the Jews were about to stone him at his alleged blasphemy, he saved himself by presenting the idiom of their spoken and written word. He did not present any evidence for his divinity.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 135-136)
This can be seen in its context in John 10:30-39, when the Jews asked him to tell them plainly if he was the Messiah:
[Jesusas said:] “…The Father and I are one.” The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.”
This is a crucial point in the ministry of Jesusas when he is confronted and accused of claiming to be God. The Promised Messiahas notes that any intelligent person can think and conclude that when Jesusas was put on the spot and accused of blasphemy, he should have responded in one of two ways:
1. If he was truly the son of God, he should have said: “My claim is true. I am indeed the son of God and I have two proofs in support of my claim. One is that in your books it is written that the Messiah is the son of God, rather he is God Himself, and he is All-Powerful, knows the unseen and does whatever he wishes. If you doubt this, bring your books, and I will show you the proof of my Godhead from these books. You charge me with blasphemy because of your misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of the Scripture. Your books proclaim me God and All-Powerful, then why do you say that I blaspheme? You should instead worship me because I am God.” (Jang-e-Muqaddas, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, pp. 133-134)
His second proof should have been, “Come and behold the signs of Godhead in me. As God Almighty has created the sun and the moon and the planets and the earth, I too have created a portion of the earth or a planet or some other part of the universe. I can even now create something of that kind and demonstrate my Godhead. I have more power and strength than is manifested in the miracles of the Prophets.” (Jang-e-Muqaddas, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, p. 134)
However, Jesusas took neither of the options above and chose to quote the scripture instead.
Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’ – and the scripture cannot be annulled – can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. (John 10:34-39)
Here was a chance for Jesusas to clearly state who he was, but instead of explicitly making a claim to be God, he quotes from the scripture where others before him have also been called “gods” because they were the recipients of revelation. This is found in Psalm 82, “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’But you will die like mere men”.
By referring to the scripture, Jesusas essentially says that there is nothing objectionable about his claim as others have also been called “gods” in the metaphorical sense because they were “sons of the Most High” and were “mere men”.
It becomes clear then that Jesusas denies any claim to divinity for himself when he is confronted, as recorded in John 10.
Hazrat Amirul Mominin, Khalifatul Masih Vaa leads the Jamaat in a collective, global, silent prayer just before the end of Ramadan. We have compiled a list of those people that Huzooraa always reminds us to remember in our prayers. We present the list hereby, so that readers may particularly remember these people in their prayers during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Huzooraa usually asks us to pray:
For all Muslims that they may abstain from everything that leads to weakness of faith. May they be able to comply with the commandment of Allah and the Holy Prophetsa of Islam in understanding the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas and then trying wholeheartedly to accept him through Bai‘at
For all Ahmadi Muslims, that they advance in their belief and faith
For the whole Muslim World to unite. Their mutual dissensions are resulting in their enemies taking advantage of their plight. Their enemies are benefitting from the resources and assets that Allah has blessed them with. May Allah enable the Muslim World to bow before Allah, seeking His Mercy
For the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. May Allah keep every single Ahmadi in His Protection and save them from everything bad. The situation in some countries is not favourable for Ahmadis; May Allah grant the Ahmadis in those countries the perseverance and steadfastness on faith
For every Ahmadi to understand the true status of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and may they always remain attached to it
That all Waqifin-e-Zindagi are able to fulfil their pledges as life devotees
That Waqifin-e-Nau, some of whom are now functional in their respective fields, be granted the ability to perform their duties. Those who are still in education, may they be able to fulfil their pledges
That every Ahmadi be protected from the curse of the Antichrist, saving us from its evil plots and schemes
For the Shuhada [Martyrs] of Ahmadiyyat and their families to always remain in His protection
For Asiran [prisoners in the way of Allah], that they and their families are granted patience and comforted by Allah
For those who are in any kind of financial trouble, in their businesses or under heavy loans – whether inevitably or through their own mistakes – that they may be relieved of all such hardships
That all those who are oppressed – politically, socially or religiously – are granted ease by Allah
For those going through matrimonial quarrels
For widows, orphans and those deprived of their rights
For those young women and men who have reached the age of marriage but have still not found the right match
For agriculturalists, industrialists, businessmen and any others involved in litigations
For the Darvesh of Qadian (those who remained behind in Qadian, after the partition of the Indian subcontinent)
For Ahmadis living in Rabwah and in the rest of Pakistan
For Algerian Ahmadis, as the circumstances have turned extremely unfavourable for them
For those who participate in financial sacrifice through Tehrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid
For staff of MTA International that Allah accepts their endeavours. Many are volunteers who work in various parts of the world for MTA
For those struck by natural calamities in various parts of the world
The translation of this verse is, “And who is better in speech than he who invites men to Allah and does good works and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit?’”
This is a perfect example of a verse which contains all the attributes that should be the hallmark of a believer. Who can put these words into practice more than a true Muslim? If one is equipped with these three characteristics, of which Allah the Exalted has spoken of, a revolution can be brought about in that individual’s life. It can not only bring about a revolution in one’s own life, but such a person can also bring about a revolution amongst others. These three things are: calling towards Allah, performing righteous deeds and, having demonstrated obedience, announcing, “I am one who acts upon or endeavours to the best of my abilities to act upon, all the instructions of Allah the Exalted and His Prophetsa.”These things are such that the first of them leads a believer to acquire religious knowledge and then to teach it to the world. It teaches the believer to tell the world as to what the rights of Allah the Exalted are and how they ought to fulfil them. It informs the believer to convey to others as to what mutual rights among the people have been established by Allah the Exalted and how they ought to fulfil them. One can only be driven to tell others if one harbours an anguish in one’s heart for others and is fully focused on freeing them from the grasp and clutches of Satan. At the same time, he is anxious about increasing the number of servants of the Gracious God. One who inculcates this characteristic or has a passion and desire for bringing [people] closer to Allah the Exalted – especially given the current times in which the ploys of Satan and various means of entertainment have reached their pinnacle – and harbours the fear of God the Exalted and seeks His nearness, can undertake such endeavours and strive under such circumstances.
The second characteristic is that God enjoins us to perform righteous deeds; in other words, to heed our attention to fulfilling the rights of Allah the Exalted and His servants, and in addition to this, one ought to set such an example that it serves as a model for others. Otherwise, your religious knowledge will prove futile and, if you do not personally act upon these things, your calling towards Allah the Exalted would also be void of the blessings of God and will be fruitless. If this is the case, then all endeavours of calling [people] towards Allah will be in vain and the pleasure of Allah will not be achieved.
Then, the third characteristic which has been expounded is that a true believer should proclaim, “I am of those who submit fully”, meaning, “I fully believe in the commandments of Allah the Exalted and His Prophetsa. Not only do I believe in them, but I also inculcate them into my life and I give precedence to my faith over the world and shall continue to do so.”
This obedience also includes the obedience to the Nizam-e-Jamaat as well as to the Khalifa of the time. If one was to say that due to being extremely busy in preaching or being very knowledgeable, they do not require to follow the system, then this is a practice not liked by Allah the Exalted. It was the wish of God Almighty to establish a community in this day and age, and hence He did so. Thus, it is necessary to be attached to this community. Allah the Exalted has proclaimed that even though calling [others] towards Allah is a good deed, yet it is also necessary to proclaim “Innani Minal-Muslimin”, in other words, “I proclaim to practice the highest degree of obedience”.
Similarly, the standards of one’s good deeds and righteousness can improve when the standard of their obedience is raised. At times, there are certain individuals who outwardly appear to be pious and serving their faith, however, their end seems not to be prosperous. Thus, Allah the Exalted says that a believer, as well as someone who utters most excellent words will only achieve the highest standards of morals, and [their actions] will only be fruitful when they proclaim that they are submissive, and that they show absolute obedience to the system formed by Allah the Exalted.
Furthermore, for us Ahmadis, these standards of absolute obedience will only be achieved, and our tabligh [preaching the true message of Islam] will only be successful, and our virtues will be deemed as virtuous deeds when we demonstrate complete obedience to the Khilafat established after the Promised Messiahas and when we cooperate with the system that is under the supervision of Khilafat. Our individual, as well as collective, efforts will only be blessed when every member of the Jamaat, including every office bearer, worker and missionary understands the system, and also fulfils each other’s rights.
There is no doubt in the fact that Allah the Exalted has sent the Promised Messiahas according to His promise, and in accordance to the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa. The promises with which he was sent, in other words the tasks that he was going to undertake, will be achieved, Insha-Allah [God willing]. Some were fulfilled during his lifetime, whereas some were going to come to fruition following his demise and this is what we are witnessing today. Furthermore, the message of Islam is also reaching the corners of the world through the Promised Messiahas, and the pure-hearted are gradually entering the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Allah the Exalted fulfils the purpose and objective with which He sends His messengers. Allah the Exalted states in the Holy Quran:
كَتَبَ اللهُ لَاَغْلِبَنَّ اَنَا وَ رُسُلِيۡ
“Allah has decreed, ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.” (Al-Mujadilah: 23) Allah the Exalted disclosed this to the Promised Messiahas countless times, and he was vouchsafed this through revelation. (Urdu Tadhkirah, p. 84, fourth edition)
Commentating on this verse, the Promised Messiahas states in one place, “This is the established practice of God Almighty that since the day He created humans on the earth, He has continued to manifest this tradition in that He helps and supports His prophets and messengers and grants them victory as He states:
كَتَبَ اللہُ لَاَغْلِبَنَّ اَنَا وَ رُسُلِيۡ
[Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers (Al-Mujaadilah: 23)]. What is meant by victory is that just as prophets and messengers wish to establish the signs of God on this earth and that no one will be able to oppose these [signs], God the Exalted also manifests His truthfulness with powerful signs. Furthermore, God plants the seeds of the truthfulness which He wishes to spread in the world by their very hands’ (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. XX, p. 304)
The Promised Messiahas then states, “From time immemorial it has been the decree of God Almighty and He has established His law that He and His Messengers shall always prevail.” The Promised Messiahas says with regards to himself, “As I am the Elect and Messenger of God, but without bringing any new sharia, claim or label, rather I have come in the name of that very Noble Prophet, the Seal of the Prophetssa, being completely absorbed in him and as his second manifestation. This is why I say that since the beginning, i.e. from Adam to the Holy Prophetsa, this verse always proves to be true, and in the same manner it will prove to be true in my favour in this day and age.” (Nuzulul-Masih, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. XVIII, pp. 380-381)
Therefore, the seed that God Almighty wishes to sow in every corner of the world through the Promised Messiahas is the law that was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa, and its absolute propagation was decreed to take place in the time of the Promised Messiahas. Hence, just as the Promised Messiahas has said that the seed of righteousness that God Almighty desires to spread in the world is sown at the hands of His messengers, this seed of absolute propagation of Islam was sown at the hands of the Promised Messiahas. In fact the harvest of this seed in certain areas was shown to the Promised Messiahas. Furthermore, the fruits of this seed planted by the Promised Messiahas are spreading all over the world through the institution of Khilafat. So this seed that God Almighty sowed at the hands of the Promised Messiahas is flourishing and also spreading in other countries.
As agriculturalists will know how a plant nursery is arranged – it is a custom here too to have plant nurseries – and that these plants can be taken to other places. Similarly, the nursery of the Promised Messiah’sas knowledge and insight of the Holy Quran, and the manner in which he clearly explained to us the message of Islam in light of the Holy Quran, is being replanted to every corner of the globe. The world is being attracted to this beautiful teaching of Islam.
Hence, there is no doubt that the beautiful message of Islam is to spread by means of the Promised Messiahas, and indeed is doing so. With reference to this, God Almighty gave the Promised Messiahas glad tidings through his numerous revelations, one of which was;
كَتَبَ اللہُ لَاَغْلِبَنَّ
which has been mentioned earlier. Besides this there are other revelations, some of which I shall present. For example, God Almighty revealed
يَنْصُرُكُمُ اللہُ فِيْ دِيْنِهِ
“Allah will help you in the matter of His faith.” (Urdu Tadhkirah, p.574, fourth edition). In other words, the work that the Promised Messiahas was propagating was the religion of Allah i.e. Islam. Then there is the revelation
يَنْصُرُكَ اللہُ مِنْ عِنْدِهِ
“God will grant you help from Himself” (Urdu Tadhkirah, p.39, fourth edition). Then there is another revelation,
میں تجھے زمین كے كناروں تك عزت كے ساتھ شہرت دوں گا
“I shall make you famous with honour to the ends of the earth” (Urdu Tadhkirah, p.149, fourth edition). The honour of the Promised Messiahas will be established and it shall be due to spreading the teachings of Islam and from God Almighty Himself. Then the revelation that is well-known and often quoted that I wished to present before,
میں تیرى تبلیغ كو زمین كے كناروں تك پہنچاؤں گا
“I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth.” (Urdu Tadhkirah, p.260, fourth edition). Therefore, there is absolutely no doubt that the Promised Messiah’sas message shall reach the entire world, and the world will come to know of him as the true champion and the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa, and is doing so.
We now see that through MTA, God Almighty is Himself conveying this message to the world. I have previously mentioned on many occasions that with our worldly resources, it was never possible or at least until now it was not possible for us to run a 24-hour-a-day TV channel. It was not possible for such a channel to present programmes in different languages of the world, and for these programmes to reach every part of the world, and also for the translations of my sermons to reach every part of the earth. Six or seven translations are running simultaneously with my live sermons. This is all a result of those promises made by God Almighty to the Promised Messiahas.
Then through my sermons and the different programmes on MTA, pious-natured people are entering into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Many people write to me on how different programmes of MTA – my sermons or other programmes – had a profound impact on them; how they became interested in Ahmadiyyat and later God Almighty enabled them to accept it also.
Two or three days ago, a programme from Guadalupe was being broadcast [on MTA] in which there was a new-convert and a missionary. The new convert from there says that he was introduced to Ahmadiyyat but did not take the oath of allegiance. However, when he listened to my sermons, he felt content to take the Bai’at. So these are the works and promises of God Almighty which shall continue to be fulfilled, Insha-Allah [God-willing]. This is not down to any human effort, rather God Almighty has stated that the best quality of a believer is that they call others to God. Hence, God Almighty desires for us to partake in this work which He is actually doing Himself and has already decided to do. He wishes for us to partake of the blessings. Therefore, each and every Ahmadi must give importance to this; that they ought to be part of the task which Allah the Almighty has taken upon Himself; to partake of its blessings and to be among those who attain His pleasure.
Therefore, all of you who live here in Spain ought to take time out and dedicate at least two days of the month to tabligh[preaching the message of Islam]. Find different ways of spreading the message to the people here according to their temperament. There is a Spanish Ahmadi convert who came to meet me a few days ago. He mentioned that the Jamaatis not conveying the message of Islam in this country the way it ought to be. In fact, he believes that even the missionaries, except one or two – despite understanding the nature of the people here – are not propagating the message adequately, or they do not know how to do so. He said that although Spain is part of Europe, but the attitude of the Spanish people is somewhat different to the rest of Europe. Due to the current state of affairs, just as the people of Europe are afraid of Islam and Muslims, the effect is to be also found in Spain. However, as Muslims ruled in certain regions of Spain for a long period of time, the people here have a subconscious sentiment to Muslims that needs to be rekindled. In particular certain areas of Andalusia. Therefore, where our Central Tabligh Secretary, the Tabligh Secretaries of each Jamaat and other office-bearers ought to be devising plans according to the circumstances, at the same time it is also the duty of every Ahmadi to give time to this, whether they are part of Khuddam, Lajna or Ansar auxiliaries.
Here, seven or eight hundred years ago, Muslims were forced to convert to Christianity by the sword. However, we are to win the hearts with love, affection and with the beautiful teachings of Islam. Awareness of the Jamaat and Islam is increasing on a wider scale. TV channels and newspapers are giving coverage to the Jamaat, and this is one means in which we are conveying the message. The editor of a newspaper in Cordoba, or perhaps the proprietor himself came to meet me. He showed me his newspaper and informed me on how he was writing about the community and how he had given an entire page to the Jamaat. During our Peace Symposium in London the representatives of this newspaper and TV channel were also in attendance. The representative of the TV channel also conducted an interview with me in London and then returned here to make a programme about how our Jamaat was conveying the peaceful teachings of Islam. In that program a portion of my interview was also broadcast.
So the situation in Spain today is not like that of 35 or 40 years ago. Today, if there is any shortcoming in spreading the message, then it is on our part. Also in different cities there are Moroccans and other Arabs who have settled here. Arab speaking people ought to be utilised to convey the message to them and they ought to be given Arabic literature also.
When it comes to distributing Spanish literature based on introducing Islam and Ahmadiyyat, for the last few years I have been sending Shahid graduates from [Jamia] UK and Germany before they enter the field of work to distribute literature in the cities. They distribute literature in all parts of the countries. In my opinion, approximately more than 3 million pieces of literature have been distributed. The general consensus of the new graduates about the people of Spain is that when they distribute literature to people here, they are usually more courteously and respectably greeted. Furthermore, the Spanish people tend to read the literature and there are fewer who throw it away. It has been noticed that by and large the people carefully observe it and take it away with them.
Apart from this there is Spanish lady who converted to Ahmadiyyat and lives in London. She is the wife of the Secretary for New Converts in the UK. Her family and parents are here in Spain. She visits different schools, universities and colleges here and conveys the message. She searches for opportunities to come here from London to introduce the Jamaat and spread the message of Islam. So why is it that the residents and missionaries here are unable to find such opportunities? Hence, the Ahmadi residents, office-bearers and missionaries here must make a resolute and concrete plan [for tabligh]. I said the same thing to the newly-converted Spanish gentleman, whom I have already mentioned that he should send me in writing whatever he feels is the best way to do tabligh. When he sends me his suggestions, I shall send it here too and if you are able to understand and implement it then you ought to act accordingly.
But the main point is that there should be co-operation amongst yourselves, putting aside all personal egos, we ought to give precedence to that which is beneficial for the Jamaat. We need to understand that by becoming Ahmadis we must fulfil our obligations with a special passion and fervour. The target is not just for new missionaries to come for a month annually to distribute literature. The reason why I began sending them here was to assist you due to the lack of Jamaat members. The second reason was so that a passion and desire to do tablighmay be borne in your hearts, or at the very least the obstacle of not knowing the language properly may be removed, and for everyone to take part in the endeavour of conveying the message. The new graduates who come here do not know the language, yet they still go around and fulfil their duty. Hence, there is a need for us to understand and fulfil the duty to call others to God, assigned to a true believer by Allah Almighty. We must participate in this with great eagerness and enthusiasm. This duty is first and foremost for the missionaries to find different methods in doing tabligh. They ought to inform the members of the Community and to move forward with them.
The National Tabligh Secretary expresses his keen desire with regards to doing tabligh. He did not openly say this to me but it seems that there are limitations due to the budget and also with the lack of co-operation from members of the Community. Hence, it is also the duty of the Ameer Jamaat [National President] that if the Secretary Tabligh, missionaries or the members of the Jamaat have an issue with the budget then it ought to be resolved by writing to me. Also the Ameer Jamaat then ought to show full cooperation in this. Much of the expenses is already taken on by the Centre.
This is the means by which we can establish the lost grandeur of Islam once again. This was the objective of the Promised Messiah’sas advent. The Promised Messiahas has outlined the current times and condition of Islam. He has shared his heart-felt pain and informed everyone that now God Almighty desires to establish the splendour and glory of Islam once again. The eminence of Islam is made evident to the world once more and God Almighty wishes to destroy the plan of the enemies of Islam. This will happen soon and it is for this reason that God Almighty has sent the Promised Messiahas in order to establish the Community. God Almighty is demonstrating to the world the magnificence of this Community. In one place, the Promised Messiahas says,
“How blessed is this era that God Almighty, out of His sheer Grace, has desired to provide support for Islam during such turbulent times in order to demonstrate the greatness of the Holy Prophetsa and thus, through support from the unseen and owing to His Grace, He established this movement. I would ask those who possess heartfelt pain for Islam, and have some respect and regard for it in their hearts to tell me a time when Islam has experienced such abuse and the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Quran have been insulted to such extent? I am also extremely saddened and experience heartfelt anguish at the condition of the Muslims. Sometimes I become restless due to this pain that the Muslims do not have the slightest sentiment to feel this humiliation. Hence, God Almighty did have regard for the honour of the Holy Prophetsa that He established a heavenly movement to silence the enemies of Islam by spreading the grandeur and purity of the Holy Prophetsa in the world. God Almighty and His angels send salutations on the Holy Prophetsa, then how integral is it for a movement to be established at this time when the Prophetsa is being insulted. God has manifested it at this time (through the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Community).”
The Promised Messiahas says, “God sent me to establish the lost grandeur of the Holy Prophetsa and to demonstrate the truths of the Holy Quran to the world. All of this work is taking place but those whose eyes are covered, cannot see. This movement is shining bright like the sun and there are so many people who are witnesses to its signs. If these signs are all gathered in one place, they will outnumber the troops of any emperor’s army. There are so many signs for the truthfulness of this movement that it is difficult to even mention them all. Since Islam was severely dishonoured, therefore God Almighty demonstrated the greatness of Islam just as emphatically.” (Malfuzat, Vol. V, pp. 13-14, 1985 UK)
We are all witnesses to the fact that God Almighty continues to demonstrate this greatness today. A lot of attention of the media and other people has been directed towards this, and it is being expressed openly in some countries. Therefore, this is a testimony to the words of the Promised Messiahas. Just as I stated earlier, that this work is already being carried out by God Almighty, however He wishes for us to take part in this. Hence fully immerse yourself in this.
In another place whilst stating that if one desires to increase their age, they ought to do tabligh, the Promised Messiahas says, “Not everyone is fully acquainted with the purpose of their existence. Some limit themselves to simply eating and drinking like cattle. They are not concerned about anything else apart from how much meat they should consume and what clothes to wear. When such people are held to account they perish in an instant.”
The Promised Messiahas further states, “However, those who occupy themselves in serving the faith, they are treated with leniency until they do not complete the task or service they are rendering.”
The Promised Messiahas further continues, “If one wishes to live a long life and extend their age, then as much as one possibly can they ought to sincerely dedicate their life for the service of faith. They ought to remember, God Almighty cannot be deceived by any means. The one who attempts to deceive God ought to understand that they deceive none but themselves alone and eventually they will perish in this pursuit.”
The Promised Messiahas continues, “Let it be known that there is no better way to increase one’s age except to sincerely and devotedly occupy themselves in spreading the word of God and serving the faith. This method indeed is most effective in this age since the faith is in need of such sincere servants. However, if one fails to do this then no one can be responsible for one’s age, and it will continue to go in vain.” (Malfuzat, Vol. VI, pp. 329-330, 1985 UK)
Whilst drawing attention towards tabligh, the Holy Prophetsa gave some advice to Hazrat Alira which also serves as a beautiful piece of advice for us. On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Alira, “I swear by God that if one single person was to attain guidance through you then that would be far better than if you had attained precious red camels.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul-Jihad, Hadith No. 2942) In those days, red camels where considered to be extremely valuable. A person who possessed red camels was considered to be rich and affluent. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa stated that the wealth and fortunes of this world are of no value as compared to carrying out tabligh and becoming the means through which one attains guidance.
Therefore, those who have come here should no doubt endeavour to earn worldly wealth but they also ought to devote some of their time towards tabligh. Even though I have said that you ought to give one or two days during the month, you should, in fact, be giving more than this. In this way you will be able to acquire worldly wealth and God Almighty will also be pleased with you.
As I mentioned earlier, through tabligh you will also increase your religious knowledge. The Holy Prophetsa has stated that one who invites another towards good deed and guidance, they will attain the equal in reward to that who follows and carries out the good deed and nothing will be taken away from their reward. (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul-Ilm, Hadith No. 6804)
Therefore, this is a commentary of the verse that I recited at the beginning, “Who is better in speech than he who invites men to God Almighty”. The one inviting others [towards God] shall earn the reward. They will also be rewarded when the invitee performs any good deed and then accepts guidance.
One who invites men to God shall attain worldly rewards, blessings by way of longevity in age and also the reward for performing the good deed. Thus, in order to become the recipient of God Almighty’s rewards, it is essential to devote time towards tabligh and offering the world guidance.
Furthermore the Promised Messiahas, reminding us of the importance of serving Islam, states, “Time is at an end. I repeatedly admonish you that no young person ought to be in a false sense of security that as they are only eighteen or nineteen they have many years ahead of them. One ought not to take pride on account of their good health. Similarly, one who enjoys an excellent condition ought not to trust this prosperous state. We are passing through a time in which revolutionary changes are occurring. These are the latter days. God Almighty desires to distinguish between the truthful and the dishonest. This is the time to demonstrate sincerity and loyalty, and one last opportunity has been given. This time shall not come again. This is the era where all the prophecies of past prophets reach their end. Therefore, this is the last opportunity granted to mankind to show one’s sincerity and to render service [to faith]. Thereafter, no other opportunity will present itself. Most unfortunate is one who fails to avail this moment.”
The Promised Messiahas further states, “Simply making a verbal proclamation to have pledged allegiance to me is of no value. Rather, one ought to make an effort and supplicate to God Almighty so that He may count you among the truthful. Therefore do not show indolence or slothfulness, rather become active and try to adhere to the teachings which I have presented to you. Tread the path which I have shown you.” (Malfuzat, Vol. VI, pp. 263-264, 1985 UK)
As I mentioned in the previous Friday Sermon, in relation to the book Noah’s Ark, that each and every Ahmadi ought to read the section Our Teachings. In fact, the Promised Messiahas stated that we ought to read the entire book. (Malfuzat, Vol. III, p. 408, 1985 UK)
The directives contained in this section Our Teachings, will serve as a guide when we are given opportunities of inviting people towards God and performing good deeds. The teachings contained within it can enable us to become excellent believers.
Directing our attention towards righteous deeds, the Promised Messiahas further states, “We observe that even though people proclaim [the Islamic creed] ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah’, testify to the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa, observe the prayers and the fasts, however they are completely devoid of spirituality. Moreover, the fact that their actions are completely contrary to righteous deeds in itself proves that they are not performed in a righteous manner.”
Their actions are against the injunctions of God Almighty. This proves that the works of the Muslims are not righteous. Whatever deeds they are performing, “are done in a customary and ceremonial fashion because they are devoid of any kind of sincerity and spirituality, otherwise why is it that the blessings and spiritual light that accompany such righteous deeds are invisible? Remember, until these actions are not performed with true sincerity of the heart and spirituality, they are of no benefit and avail. Righteous deeds can only be counted as righteous when they are pure from all kinds of disorder. The antonym of virtue is disorder, and one who is virtuous is free from all forms of disorder. Those whose prayers are filled with disorder and their personal interests are deeply hidden in them, their prayers are certainly not for God Almighty and do not rise from the earth even the slightest because they are devoid from the spirit of sincerity and have no spirituality within them.” (Malfuzat, Vol. VI, p. 237, 1985 UK)
What is the true reality of righteous actions? In relation to this the Promised Messiahas states, “Remember, God Almighty looks towards one’s soul and spirituality. He does not look towards one’s physical actions, and instead looks towards one’s inner state, in order to gauge whether in the depths of their deeds there is a hint of egotism or selfishness or there is sincerity and true obedience to God Almighty. However, on some occasions, man can be deceived by physical actions, for example if a person has a tasbih [prayer bead] in his hand or offers Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayer] and Ishraq [prayer offered late morning] prayers, he is considered to be pious by others. Seemingly he is carrying out virtuous deeds and as a result, people consider him to be pious (as apparently he is displaying virtue).”
Usually if someone has a tasbih in their hand, they are considered to be pious. “However, God Almighty does not favour the outward appearance of something. (He does not like superficial actions.) This is merely a shell, which is not liked by God Almighty, nor is He pleased by it until one displays loyalty and truthfulness.”
Apparent charm, an exterior state is equivalent to a hollow shell and is not liked by God Almighty nor can one attain His pleasure. The Promised Messiahas states, “An unfaithful person is like a dog who falls prey to this lifeless world. From the outside they may appear to be righteous, but in fact they are engrossed in immorality (they commit sin) and are guilty of concealed impiety. What good are those prayers that are filled with pretentiousness and what benefit will they provide?” (Malfuzat, Vol. VI, pp. 239-240, 1985 UK)
Thus, deeds that are filled with pretentiousness can be of no benefit to man. Those deeds which are not carried out with the fear of God and His pleasure in mind will not be worthy of reward. Even the outcome of those who call others towards the path of God and have similar actions, is not fruitful, irrespective of how much effort they exert. Thus, just as the Promised Messiahas has stated, we need to pay attention towards this also.
Whilst mentioning that one ought to perform virtuous deeds constantly, the Promised Messiahas states, “Those people who wish to preserve their faith ought to look to excel in performing virtuous deeds. These are spiritual matters which have a profound effect upon one’s beliefs.” If one wishes to be firm in their faith, then virtuous deeds are a vital component.
“Look toward those who choose to live a life of sin and you will arrive at the conclusion that they have no belief in God. For this reason, it is mentioned in a Hadith that when a thief carries out the crime, they are not believers, and when an adulterer commits their crime, they are not believers. The meaning of this is that one’s immoral actions have influenced their pristine belief and rendered it futile. The members of our Jamaat ought to strive to perform virtuous deeds in abundance. If their condition is that of others then what is the distinguishing factor? What would be the purpose of God Almighty’s protection and guardianship? God Almighty will only provide refuge when you please Him through righteousness, purity and true obedience. Remember that He has no special relation with anyone.” God Almighty has no relatives. “Mere boastfulness and vain dialogue can be of no avail.” Idle discourse and making claims are meaningless until one shows loyalty.
The Promised Messiahas further says, “True obedience is akin to death. Whosoever does not adhere to this, risks playing a game of chess with God Almighty, in that when one is in need they are content with God, but when one does not need God they become displeased with Him. This should not be the conduct of a believer. Ponder over the fact that if God Almighty grants success at every level to the extent where one does not see any failure, then would everyone not become monotheists?” Would they not believe in the One God? “What other trait would remain? Therefore, in times of trial, if one displays loyalty and truthfulness, then God Almighty will be pleased.” (Malfuzat, Vol. VI, pp. 366-367, 1985 UK)
Thus, actions can only be deemed as virtuous if one shows complete obedience and perform actions with this in mind. Also they are carried out to attain the pleasure of God. When one completely breaks away from personal desires, and their every action has one goal – which is to give precedence to the Will of God and obey all His commands – in such a case this will be labelled as true obedience. It ought not to be the case that when there is personal gain, one demonstrates obedience and when something is averse to one’s own desires, one makes complaints. Always remember that making unnecessary complaints to the administration of the Jamaat inadvertently leads one away from the Jamaat. Then it also leads one away from faith, Khilafat and even God Almighty. We have seen the fate of such people in the past.
The Promised Messiahas says, “The weapons that will lead us to victory are: istighfar [seeking forgiveness], taubah [repentance], increasing religious knowledge, understanding the grandeur of God Almighty and offering the five daily prayers. Worship is the key to the acceptance of prayer. When you observe prayer, ensure that you supplicate and do not show negligence in this matter. Abstain wholly from every vice, regardless of whether it is connected with fulfilling the rights of God or fulfilling the rights of His creation.” (Malfuzat, Vol. V, p. 303, 1985 UK)
May Allah the Almighty enable us to propagate the message of the Promised Messiahas and make us a part of his victory. May He enable us to disseminate His message and make us a part of His dominance. Whilst offering taubah, istighfar and also praying, may we fulfil our responsibility of spreading the message. May we fulfil the due rights of God Almighty and His creation. It is the fulfilment of these rights that enables one to carry out virtuous deeds. May we keep the pleasure of God in mind in all of our actions and be counted amongst those that are completely obedient to God Almighty. When we keep these matters in mind, then Insha-Allah[God willing], we will be able to see the victory of Islam in accordance with the promises of God Almighty. May Allah enable us to do so.
The mosque that was commonly used by the Promised Messiahas was Masjid Aqsa in Qadian. Since this mosque was already in place, Masjid Mubarak was the first mosque to be inaugurated, built and established by the Promised Messiahas. But first, let’s take a quick glance at Masjid Aqsa of Qadian.
Masjid Aqsa, Qadian
The Promised Messiahas, in Kitab-ul-Bariyya, mentions how the building of Masjid Aqsa was initiated by his father, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Murtaza (Chief of Qadian). Huzooras narrates that his father had gone into a feeling of deep remorse on having spent his entire life in worldly pursuits. To find peace of heart, he thought of having a mosque built next to his house, where he could hear the call to prayers five times a day, and not only offer prayers himself but also provide this great amenity to the local Muslims too.
The piece of land that he purchased in an auction was formerly a prison, once managed by the Sikhs (Sheikh Nur Ahmad, Mukhtar-i-Aam [Attorney] in Al Hakam, 14 January 1936). Some traditions suggest that this piece of land had once been the local court of law of the Sikh rulers (Sufi Ghulam Muhammad Sahibra, Register Riwayat, Vol 7). However, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Murtaza purchased this plot of land and the task of building a mosque began in 1875.
The mosque is said to have become functional by 1876, but Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Murtaza had by then, unfortunately, passed away.
The Promised Messiahas was a regular worshipper at this newly built mosque. A Pandit Devi Ram was posted as a teacher in a local school of Qadian in 1875. He witnessed, and reported, that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad would walk through a narrow street from his house to the Aqsa Mosque and offer his prayers. He would usually be alone, but when joined by Mirza Kamaluddin or Mir Abid Ali (two local Muslim residents of Qadian), they would offer prayers in congregation. Otherwise [Hazrat] Mirza Sahibas would offer his prayers and return.
Pandit Devi Ram narrates that the Muslims of Qadian were generally uninterested in religious affairs and the majority would find ample time for gambling and other vain activities.
When the Promised Messiahas started the great jihad of the pen and wrote great scholarly works like Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, he felt the need to have a mosque near his house so that no time was lost; not even the few minutes that were occupied by the walk to and from Masjid Aqsa.
It was with this intention that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas initiated the building of a mosque right next to Bait-ul-Fikr – a room in his house where he produced great works like Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.
Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira (Editor Al Hakam Urdu) reported that the construction work started in 1883, however Hazrat Pir Sirajul Haq Numanira dated it to 1882.
The Promised Messiahas arranged for timber from some trees of his orchard and a frame was prepared by the southern wall of his house, just by Bait-ul-Fikr. Bricks were obtained from the foundations of a rundown, redundant ruin of a building. A builder, namely Piran Ditta, started the construction work. Huzoor’sas entrance was made through the wall of Bait-ul-Fikr but the steps – for outsiders to enter the mosque – were built on 30 August 1883. The interior of the mosque was ready to use on 9 October 1883 and the exterior was whitewashed later on.
Masjid Mubarak, Qadian
The entrance of the mosque had a revelation of the Promised Messiahas, that he had received about this mosque, inscribed on it:
“This mosque is a source of blessings and is blessed itself. In it will be performed every blessed deed.”
Thus, was built the first ever mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Every Ahmadi can bear witness – hand on heart – that this humble beginning of the Ahmadiyya building scheme has given such beautiful fruits in the form of hundreds of mosques in every part of the world.
With every continent of the world, and many countries of every continent having an Ahmadiyya mosque, we can proudly say that “The Sun Never Sets on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat”.
Prayer at the Opening of Baitul Muqeet Mosque | AMA UK
12 and 13 May last week, saw the opening of two mosques, in Nottingham andWalsall. Both mosques were graced with the attendance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
Local Ahmadis as well as Ahmadis from other parts of the UK travelled to these areas and joined the crowds of hundreds who were there to witness this historic occasion.
A reception was held at Walsall following the aforementioned events.
Such receptions have now become a tradition of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Local community members, neighbours and members of the local authorities are invited to attend such mosque-opening receptions with the purpose that they are able to know that the mosque being built in their area is an Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque and will be a means of spreading peace and harmony in society and – contrary to the general impression of a mosque these days – not propagate terror or violence.
The purpose has been well met all along, ever since the initiative has been introduced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Under Huzoor’s leadership, hundreds of mosques have been built across the globe.
This might sound easy but the challenges usually faced by the local Jamaats in only attaining a plot of land is something that most of us cannot imagine.
The local authorities in Western countries have always shown concern over mosques being built as it can lead to an uproar in local communities, who – unfortunately – have come to know a mosque as a place where hate is preached. Once these steps are overcome, then come the stages of planning permissions, funds, drawings and construction; every stage bringing with it an array of challenges.
Huzoor a.a. addressing Jamaat members in Baitul Hafeez Mosque, Nottingham | AMA UK
Such receptions play an immense role in introducing the local public to Ahmadiyya Islam (or the true Islam), which enables them to see a very different side of the picture.
The aspect that changes their minds (and hearts) is the way Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa speaks to them and describes to them the Ahmadiyya mosque-building schemes. The Jamaat has a whole philosophy behind this scheme, which Huzooraa summarises for them in his address; the philosophy of winnings hearts and not lands.
These addresses by Huzooraa to guests at the receptions work as a preamble for a long-term relationship between the local community and the local Jamaat that endures forever.
The Fazl Mosque was the first mosque to be built in London (in 1924) and has now entered the fifth-generation of cordial relations with the local community.
Every Ahmadi mosque inherits this tradition and the credit goes to the inaugural addresses of Huzooraa and the continued guidance he imparts for the local Jamaats at every stage of decision-making.
Congratulations to the Walsall and Nottingham Jamaat, on behalf of Al Hakam and the global readership, that they have now been blessed with mosques. This, God willing, will further open new avenues of tabligh in the local regions.
I have already spoken of the Salat. Next in order is worship in the shape of the fast. It is a pity that some who call themselves Muslims at this time desire to modify these forms of worship. They are blind and are not aware of the perfect wisdom of God Almighty. These forms of worship are essential for the purification of the spirit. These people seek to intervene absurdly in a sphere of which they have no knowledge and devise false schemes for the improvement of a territory that they have not visited. Their lives are devoted to worldly affairs; of spiritual matters they have no notion. To be moderate in eating and drinking and to bear hunger and thirst are necessary for the purification of the spirit and promote the capacity for visions. Man does not live by bread alone. To discard all thought of eternal life is to invite Divine wrath.
It should be remembered that the fast does not mean merely that a person should abstain from food and drink over a certain period. During the fast one should be occupied greatly with the remembrance of God. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) occupied himself greatly with worship during the month of Ramadan. During that month one should discard one’s preoccupation with eating and drinking; and cutting asunder from these needs should address oneself wholly towards God. Unfortunate is the person who is bestowed material bread and pays no attention to spiritual bread. Material bread strengthens the body, and spiritual bread sustains the soul and sharpens the spiritual faculties. Seek the grace of God, as all doors are opened by His grace.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa was on a two-day tour of the West- and East-Midlands regions of England on 12 and 13 May 2018.
This tour saw the inauguration of two mosques in the two regions – Baitul Muqeet Mosque in Walsall and Baitul Hafeez Mosque in Nottingham.
Baitul Muqeet Mosque, Walsall | AMA UK
With the inauguration of these two mosques, the number of purpose-built mosques of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the UK has now reached 22 – a grand total of around 40 if Salat Centres and Community Centres of the Jamaat are included in the count.
Right from the very onset of the Khilafat of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Huzooraa has paid special attention to the building of mosques in the Western world. The wisdom behind this initiative is now beginning to dawn upon the world as these mosques serve as hubs of Islamic teachings reaching the general Western society.
The early members of Jamaat Walsall settled around fifty years ago. Starting off with only a few families, the total number continued to increase with 269 members in the current census. The building, when purchased in 2009 for a price of £250,000, was a derelict warehouse. But being in the heart of the town centre, it was seen as a promising location for a mosque.
From purchase to planning permissions, every step was met with bitter opposition by residents of the town – Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This mosque, named Baitul Muqeet, was formally inaugurated by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on Saturday 12 May 2018.
The event was naturally a great source of pleasure and joy for the local members of the Walsall Jamaat; years of fundraising, hard work, patience produced a very satisfying reward at the end.
Hundreds of Ahmadis from Walsall and other parts of the UK, were part of this historic event. Huzooraa unveiled the plaque and led the congregation in silent prayer. Huzooraa then led the Asr prayer in the newly inaugurated mosque after which he addressed the Ahmadis in attendance. Before Huzoor’s address, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat UK conveyed brief facts-and-figures of mosque.
Huzooraa, in his address, reminded the local Jamaat that while it was a moment of joy, it also brought along a whole range of responsibilities with it. The eyes of the local community would now turn to them more keenly which meant that excellent examples of character had to be demonstrated by all local Ahmadis. With the presence of their mosque in the town, there would now be no excuse to hold any Ahmadi back from tabligh.
Later that evening, Huzooraa addressed a reception where dignitaries, local residents and people with various interests were invited to attend. Among the dignitaries were the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD, Eleanor Smith MP, Steve McCabe MP and Bill Etheridge MEP. Expressing their thoughts after the event, guests and dignitaries openly expressed how beautiful a version of Islam they had been shown through the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
Not very far, in the city of Nottingham, was another mosque to be inaugurated by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. This happened the following day on Sunday, 13 May 2018, when Huzoor arrived at the Baitul Hafeez Mosque.
Baitul Hafeez Mosque, Nottingham | AMA UK
As the first Ahmadi family settled in Nottingham in 2001, the Jamaat there is fairly new. Over the years, it has grown from only four families to around two-hundred members.
The mosque has come as a great reward for the local Ahmadis who would previously assemble in houses, community centres and schools to offer Salat in congregation. It was in the same year that the Nottingham Jamaat started to rapidly grow in number and had to plan for a local mosque. A property – formerly St Bernadette’s School and later a Catholic Church – was acquired on 26 May 2001 at a cost of £360,000.
After unveiling the plaque and leading Zuhr and Asr prayers, Huzooraa addressed the local Jamaat and other members of the UK Jamaat who had travelled to attend the blessed event.
To benefit from the addresses of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on these occasions, please visit www.mta.tv
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Japan held its 35th Jalsa Salana at Baitul Ahad, on 3-4 May 2018.
As per tradition, the Annual Convention commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony. Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, appointed by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to attend the event on behalf of the Markaz, hoisted the flag of Ahmadiyyat.
Anees Ahmad Nadeem Sahib, National President and Missionary in-charge Japan raised the flag of Japan. This was followed by the opening session in which Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, in his opening address, explained the objectives and blessings of Jalsa Salana as taught by the Promised Messiahas.
During the proceedings of this gathering, speeches were delivered on a wide range of topics and was, thus, a great source of enhancing religious knowledge and uplifting spirituality of the attendees.
AMJ Japan
In the concluding session, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, presented Academic Excellence Awards to exceptional students. The National President (AMJ Japan) in his concluding remarks reminded the members of an instruction given to all Ahmadis by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa; to read, understand and follow the teachings of the Promised Messiahas included in the book Noah’s Ark.
Over 175 people from across Japan – including guests from Indonesia, Pakistan, UK and UAE – attended Jalsa Salana Japan. Also, representatives of various faiths and guests from different walks of life participated in this gathering.
