5 June 2019, London: After delivering the Eid Sermon at Baitul Futuh Mosque, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa headed to the Fazl Mosque.
Being his first visit to the Fazl Mosque after the shift to Islamabad, it was another joyous moment on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2019.
Huzooraa attended a lunch that he was hosting for his greater family.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa led the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the Fazl Mosque, bringing back many pleasant memories of over 16 years when he would lead prayers in this mosque.
Local residents of the area – once the Muqami region for being home of the Jamaat’s markaz – were overwhelmed and moved to have Huzooraa in their midst.
Bearing in mind what Huzooraa said in his dars yesterday regarding Ahmadis in Rabwah who have been waiting for the last 35 years for the moment when circumstances become favourable enough to welcome Khalifatul Masih once again, we should all – wherever we live in the world – be thankful that we as Ahmadis have Khalifatul Masih. Wherever he lives, he thinks of us. He cares for us, he remembers us, he prays for us. What else can we ask for! Allah bless our Imamaa with eternal peace, comfort and security.
After his arrival at Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden a little after 10:00 GMT on Wednesday, 5 June, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa led the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer after which Huzooraa delivered the Eid Sermon.
Huzooraa said that over a hundred years ago, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a sermon, the subject of which applies even today. Huzooraa said that he would use the subjects mentioned in that sermon in his Eid Sermon.
Talking about Eid and true happiness, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that true happiness connotes the gathering together of people, for instance in the form of marriage, birth of a new born child or other such get-togethers. Festivals are also joyous occasions as people gather together. Thus, Huzooraa explained, man is a social being who lives with other people and does not cast himself away from society.
However, there are those who suffer from depression or who prefer to cut off from society. Even to such people, doctors advise that they should socialise and surround themselves with people as much as possible.
Thus, for the expression of sadness, one prefers to be alone, whereas for expressing delight and joy, one prefers to be among people.
As Islam is the natural religion, it desires for us to gather together on Eid and partake of the joys and happinesses at this occasion. The foundations of this gathering were laid when a dear servant of Allah proclaimed:
“O man, surely I am a messenger of Allah for you all.”
There were eids during the time of various prophets such as Mosesas, Davidas, Jesusas and others. Those eids were limited to their specific locations. However, the larger Eid was when Allah commissioned His dear Prophetsa to gather mankind at one hand.
All prophets were sent for their specific locations at their specific times; Jesusas at one stage said that he would not cast bread to dogs that came from outside.
The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was told:
ْوَ اَمَّا بِنِعْمَتِ رَبِّکَ فَحَدِّث
“As for the favour of your Lord, remember it often.” The unique aspect of the Holy Prophet’ssa prophethood is that not only did he not refuse giving to others, rather his custom was to spread blessings in each household. His appearance in this world was the greatest eid. Through the Prophetsa, religion was completed and divine teaching was perfected.
In one place, explaining this, the Promised Messiahas explained that the Prophetsa was sent to this world to create one community of the many communities that dwell on this earth, thus reflecting the unity of God and the uniqueness of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in that he was the sole prophet sent for the whole world.
It is to this aspect that the following verse of the Holy Quran points out:
“He it is Who has sent His prophet with guidance and the religion of truth so that He may make it prevail over all others.”
In keeping with this theme, we will truly witness Eid when the entire world gathers at one hand through the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Thus, where the responsibility of experiencing the true eid in this day and age has been assigned to us, we should assess ourselves and realise our duties.
The Promised Messiahas, at one place, explained that we should, in all circumstances, remain loyal to Allah and remain occupied in serving His religion. His Jamaat should be watchful over taking care of the rights of their fellow beings and through our loyalty, we should attempt to please Allah, by means of obligatory and voluntary prayers and deeds.
There is a dire need for us to pay attention to our responsibilities as servants of the Holy Prophetsa and his servant, Promised Messiahas.
Jesusas at one place prayed for a prophet who would gather the whole of mankind at one place and thus bring unity in humanity.
Huzooraa said that a lot of focus is spent on new clothes and celebrations on this joyous occasion. The delight behind this is because Allah has instructed us to do so. However, when we look at this celebration, we are not gaining any material benefit, although we may be obtaining spiritual benefit, provided we celebrate Eid in the true manner. Thus, at this occasion, we should bear in mind that we are celebrating a far more exalted cause; we are celebrating the purpose of the advent of Prophet Muhammadsa and his servant, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.
Today, the world is petrified of the slogan Allahu Akbar due to extremists and radicals. However, we should disclose the reality of such words so that the entire world feels delight in repeating and uttering the words:
“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah; And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” Instead of the world cursing the Holy Prophetsa, they should be taught in a manner so they feel comfort in invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsa.
Huzooraa prayed that may Allah bring that day closer when the world invokes blessings on the Holy Prophetsa.
There is a drastic change in the world’s attitude towards Islam and religion. Huzooraa said that he receives many letters from Africa saying that such and such person was a polytheist, but they eventually accepted Ahmadiyyat in Islam.
Huzooraa prayed that may Allah enable us all to follow the guidance given by the Promised Messiahas in The Will (Al Wasiyyat) in which he said that we should, to the best of our abilities, represent him and his Jamaat before the world in order to draw them closer to the truth.
Towards the end of the prayer, Huzooraa congratulated the entire Jamaat present and watching on MTA all around the world.
Huzooraa then asked the Jamaat to pray for asiran-e-rah-e-Maula (prisoners in the way of Allah who are going through difficult circumstances), Shuhada (martyrs) and their families and children, missionaries (that they may be able to serve the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat with great passion and dedication), all Ahmadis in general (that Allah may keep everyone in His protection from all evils) and Muslims in general (that Allah may enable them to hearken to the Messiah of the age).
On Tuesday, 4 June, at 12:32pm, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad to deliver the final dars of the Holy Quran for Ramadan 2019.
Huzooraa began the dars with the recitation of the final three chapters – Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Falaq and Surah al-Nas – followed by their Urdu translation.
Huzooraa then began the commentary of the three verses by quoting an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas in which Huzooras explained that God Almighty is Independent in all His attributes, everyone seeks blessings from Him and He is the sole Being Who blesses.
In another extract, the Promised Messiahas mentioned that Allah is the Being Who is free from all flaws and Who possesses the perfect attributes.
Huzooraa said:
“Allah is the name of that Being who is the carrier of all attributes. Allah is the personal name of God and it is only Islam that has given this name; no other religion or Shariah uses this name. This is the God Who is free from any associates or partners. Using the word Ahad, believers have been told to proclaim the unity of Allah.”
Huzooraa then explained,
“Athesists think that God is not a Being and the world came into existence itself and that no deity has any control over the universe. On the other hand, they do believe that due to their own control, they can bring about change through their own efforts. God tells us to explain to such people that they are false. God exists and He is free from all blemishes and is the carrier of all attributes.”
Huzooraa then went on to talk about the mercy of God and how He has provided means for our physical sustenance without us asking. He has provided us water, but at the same time, he has also provided spiritual water of which irreligious people do not take advantage.
Huzooraa then quoted multiple verses of the Holy Quran that show how Allah has complete control over the universe, how He has provided ease for us in our day to day lives and provided sustenance for us in the earth.
Huzooraa explained that it was the mercy of God that He has not sent down the full weight of natural calamities on the people who are causing disorder in the earth. People commonly ask why such people are not captured by God and reprimanded, however God Almighty states at different places that He gives such people respite.
Even the biggest superpowers on the earth cannot stop natural disasters. If they come to God Almighty, only then can they seek protection from these calamities and it is only God Who can halt them. Huzooraa recalled an incident that occurred a few years ago, saying:
“While on a tour in Fiji, one day early in the morning before Fajr, I received phone calls from Nazir-e-Ala in Pakistan and the news had it on BBC that a severe Tsunami was headed for Fiji that would cause devastation. There was great panic. Various loved ones began calling too. The time for prayer came and we left our residence for the mosque. Before prayer, I announced to all worshippers that in our prostrations we would pray for Allah to divert this Tsunami elsewhere. I would pray and I told them that they should follow me in this. We prayed and Allah bestowed calm there and then. When we returned, we realised that the Tsunami had diverted. This is God’s power. Superpowers cannot halt these calamities, however He listens to the prayers of His servants, His believers, His worshippers.”
Huzooraa explained that in this time of polytheism and atheism, we must inform the world about the unique attributes of God.
In an age when the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and Islam are targets of opposition and contempt, Huzooraa said that it is incumbent upon us to follow the path that Allah has drawn out for us.
There are constant efforts to cripple and weaken the state of Islam and the reaction of certain Muslim groups are strengthening such intentions. Huzooraa explained that it was for such reasons that Allah had taught the prayer:
“And from the evil of the night when it overspreads; And from the evil of those who blow into knots [to undo them].” (Surah al-Falaq, Ch.113: V.4-5)
Similarly, many efforts have been made to establish a khilafat, and when a considerable amount of money was spent in this cause, people have written that groups such as Daesh was functioning as a result of the world’s superpowers and their funding. According to analysts, such a long war with seemingly unending resources would not have lasted as long as it did. Nonetheless, Huzooraa said, the purpose of this was to cripple the state of Islam.
“Once, during a tour in Ireland, I was asked by a journalist that terrorists and rebellious groups would not succeed due to standing up to governments. However, now that Khilafat has been established and Muslims had united by this, I was asked, would it not be different? I explained that this group was a terrorist and extremist organisation similar to how groups had risen in the past and as previous groups desired to only spread unrest, this group would also not be successful and would end miserably as Khilafat can only be bestowed by God. Thus, we see that the 3-4-year hue and cry has now died down and very few remnants of this leadership are left today.”
Huzooraa said that such efforts cannot be successful. Such efforts to cripple the state of the believers have been made in the past, but just as those were never successful, similarly, these efforts would go in vain. We must, as believers, establish a living connection with our Lord and follow every command of Allah.
While we should be thankful to our parents, loved ones, benefactors and governments that have provided us ease, we should never forget that this is done under the command of Allah, and we must naturally be grateful to Allah who is “the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind” and “the God of mankind” (Surah al-Nas, Ch.114: V.2-4)
In circumstances when nations have decided to severely oppose Ahmadis, we Ahmadi Muslims must realise that it is only Allah the Almighty Who can protect us from the evil intentions of such groups. We should only seek His protection as only He can make positive changes. May Allah grant all Ahmadis the strength to do this.
Before dua, Huzoor said that we should pray for the following:
We should pray for the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his progeny.
We should pray that Muslims realise the real purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas and that all Ahmadis are protected from all harms. May the Muslims become united once again. Huzooraa said that it was as a result of this division that external groups take advantage and are able to further divide Muslims.
We should pray for the worldwide Ahmadiyya Jamaat that Allah may keep every single member in His protection and that everyone may be attached with Khilafat. Similarly, may Allah make it so that all office-bearers are such that they realise their responsibilities and other Ahmadis are such who respect office-bearers within the Jamaat. May all office-bearers fulfil the rights of all Ahmadis.
We should pray that we are protected from the evils of today and the direction the world is headed, i.e. worldwide catastrophe. May Allah protect everyone from warfare.
We should pray that we fulfil the responsibility of spreading Islam to the corners of the earth.
We should pray for shuhada-e-Ahmadiyyat and their families. May Allah protect their families Himself and keep them from every worry. May Allah keep asiran (prisoners in the way of Allah) in His protection and grant their families happiness once again.
We should pray that all those who are ill are granted health; those who are in debts are quickly given the means to pay off their debts; all groups who are targeted in any form of opposition that Allah may help them.
We should pray that family feuds end. We should pray for orphans, for those young women who have reached the age of marriage but are not yet married; widows; those students who are about to take examinations; labourers; people with businesses; those in litigations.
We should pray for the Darwesh of Qadian and the residents of Rabwah that Allah may create means for us to travel their once again.
Huzooraa said that after shifting to Islamabad from the Fazl Mosque, many of the local Ahmadis raised a hue and cry that they were sad due to the shift and that the place felt empty. Huzooraa said that they should think of the people of Rabwah who, for the last 35 years, have hoped that the conditions would soon become favourable for Khilafat to return. Thus, we should pray for them.
We should pray for all those in different sorts of anguishes and worries. Then we should pray for those who sacrifice financially for the cause of the Jamaat. We should pray for the workers of the Jamaat, the staff of MTA in countries abroad and locally. We should pray for MTA Africa and other studios like Indonesia and Germany; may they be able to spread the true message of Islam in the best manner in their local languages.
After reciting Durood Shareef, Huzooraa recited some prayers, which included the following:
اللہم انا نجعلک فی نحورہم و نعوذبک من شرورہم
لا الہ الا اللہ العظیم الحلیم لا الہ الا اللہ رب عرش العظیم لا الہ الا اللہ رب السماوات و رب الارض و رب العرش الکریم
اللہم انی اسئلک حبک و حب من یحبک والعمل الذی یبلغنی حبک اللہم اجعل حبک احب الی من نفسی و اہلی و من الماءالبارد
یا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبی علی دینک
اللہم لا تقتلنا بغضبک ولا تہلکنا بعذابک و عافنا قبل ذلک
ربنا ظلمنا انفسنا و ان لم تغفر لنا و ترحمنا لنکونن من الخاسرین
ربنا لا تزغ قلوبنا بعد اذ ہدیتنا و ہب لنا من لدنک رحمة انک انت الوہاب
ربنا آتنا فی الدنیا حسنة و فی الآخرة حسنة و قنا عذاب النار
“The similitude of those who
spend their wealth for the cause of Allah is like the similitude of a grain of
corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies
it further for whomsoever He pleases; Allah is Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (Surah
al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.262)
Hazrat Anasra
narrated that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said,
“The best charity is the one that is offered during the month of Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi,
Kitab az-Zakat)
Hazrat Ibn Abbasra
relates, “The Holy Prophetsa was the most generous of all people,
and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel would meet him.
Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Quran with
him. Allah’s Messengersa then used to be more generous than a fast,
fierce wind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Manaqib)
In Arabic, fitrana is
called Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, as it is stated in a Hadith:
Hazrat Ibn Abbasra
relates, “The Holy Prophetsa deemed Sadaqat-ul-Fitr obligatory
upon Muslims. It is a means of purifying the fasting person from idle talk and
foul language and also to feed the poor.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab
az-Zakat)
Fitrana has to
be offered before Eid. At times it is observed that it is offered right before
or after the Eid prayer, however it is better to offer fitrana well
before Eid, so that the poor and needy can be provided with the means to
celebrate Eid in time.
The amount or rate of fitrana
is one saa‘ of grains, which is equivalent to 2.5 kilograms. However, if
someone is unable to offer the exact amount, they can offer half of the amount.
Fitrana is obligatory upon every Muslim man, woman and child, so much so
that it has to be paid on behalf of a new-born as well.
Keeping in view the amount of
fitrana, it is fixed annually at a national level and then collected
accordingly.
What is Eid fund and why is it offered?
The practice of offering Eid
fund exists since the time of Promised Messiahas. The purpose of
offering this fund is so that as a person spends money on clothes, food,
gatherings and gifts etc., on all happy occasions like Eid, one should bear in
mind the requirements of faith and religion.
The amount of Eid fund in the
time of the Promised Messiahas was such that each Ahmadi who had a
source of income would offer one rupee as Eid Fund. However, in the present
age, the value of the rupee has not remained the same, so instead of
restricting it to one rupee Ahmadis should pay a sum on both Eids keeping in
view the spirit of this fund according to their financial position.
The Promised Messiahas
said:
“What a blessed time this is!
No one is asked to lay down their life. This is not the time for offering the
ultimate sacrifice, but rather it is the time to spend out of one’s
possessions, according to one’s means.” (Al Hakam, 10 July 1903)
Why is Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated?
As the name suggests,
Eid-ul-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.” It is a festival that marks
the end of the holy month of Ramadan and it is celebrated on 1 Shawwal. This
joyous day serves as a reward for those who observe fasts and occupy themselves
in the worship of Allah during the blessed month of Ramadan.
How should a person begin the day of
Eid-ul-Fitr?
As Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated
on the very next day at the end of Ramadan, therefore a person should begin
their day by carrying on the practise of offering Tahajud prayer, the
obligatory prayer of Fajr and the recitation of the Holy Quran. However, one should
not fast on this day. One should take a shower, wear good clothes, perfume and
offer Eid prayer in congregation which is offered in an open area or the mosque
before the sun begins to set. Hazrat Anasra narrates, “The Messengersa
of Allah never proceeded [for the prayer] on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr unless he
had eaten some dates.” He also relates that, “The Holy Prophetsa
used to eat an odd number of dates.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Eidain)
Hazrat Jabirra bin
Abdullah relates, “On the day of Eid, the Holy Prophetsa used to
return [after offering the Eid prayer] using a different route from that which
he went by.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Eidain)
How is Eid prayer offered?
In the first rakat [unit of prayer] of Eid-ul-Fitr, after reciting thanaa, the imam says 7 takbirat [Allahu Akbar] in a loud voice before commencing with the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah. The imam and followers should raise their hands to their ears and drop them at each time. After the takbirat, ta‘awuz and bismillah, the imam recites Surah al-Fatihah and a portion of the Holy Quran aloud and completes the rakat as is the sunnah.
On the second rakat,
instead of 7, the imam says 5 takbirat and then completes the second rakat
as mentioned above. The imam delivers a sermon after the Eid prayer as is
delivered before the Jumuah prayer.
Hazrat Abdullahra
bin Umar narrates, “The Holy Prophetsa used to offer the prayer of
Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr and used to deliver the khutba after the prayer.” (Sahih
al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Eidain)
Hazrat Ibn Abbasra
narrates , “The Holy Prophetsa offered a two-rakat prayer on
the day of Eid-ul-Fitr and did not pray before or after it. Then he went
towards women along with Bilalra and asked them to pay alms and so
they started offering their earrings and necklaces [in charity].” (Sahih
al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Eidain)
Is it obligatory to offer Eid prayer?
The Eid prayer is Sunnat-e-Mu‘akidah
(a practice that the Prophetsa told us to follow). Everyone should
come for Eid prayer. Even women having their period should also come to the
mosque, but they should not take part in the prayer and instead, occupy
themselves in the remembrance of Allah.
How can we celebrate Eid in the best
possible way?
A person should celebrate
Eid-ul-Fitr by keeping in view the lessons learned during the month of Ramadan.
All those goals and aims that are achieved during the blessed days of fasting
should be made part of one’s life. One should remember everyone in their
happiness, especially those who are poor and needy. One should not only
maintain their previous good deeds but in fact progress in spiritual
development and attain the pleasure of Allah.
Highlighting the importance
and spirit of Eid, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa
states:
“Today, young and old, men
and women have gathered together because this day holds great significance.
Islam has decreed the day of Eid as a day of happiness in which Muslims should
join together with their loved ones…
“Today,
if Ahmadi Muslims wish to celebrate Eid in the true sense, then where they seek
to attain the blessings of true Eid by bringing about a moral reformation, they
should also make every effort to free the world from injustices and should
engage fervently in prayer to free the Muslim world from the disorder and
troubles it is engulfed in.” (Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon, Baitul Futuh Mosque, London,
19 July 2015)
By the time these lines reach you, we will be more than halfway through the last ten days of Ramadan. These last ten days – or last ashra – is, according to a Hadith, one that helps distance us from the fire of hell. It is during this ashra that the great Night of Destiny (Lailatul Qadr) may be blessed to those who have wholeheartedly spent Ramadan in worship and doing good deeds. It is this ashra that brings Ramadan to an end. It is in this ashra that we bid farewell to yet another Ramadan. With the end of this ashra will appear the crescent of Eid.
One important aspect of this ashra is that on its last day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa usually delivers Dars-ul-Quran which is broadcast live globally through MTA International. The silent prayer at the end becomes a global phenomenon when Ahmadis around the world join their beloved Imam, in the final few moments of Ramadan, to pray to their Mighty Creator.
Before leading this silent prayer, Huzooraa usually reminds us to pray for all those who are experiencing hardships and trials of any kind. The list of those who Huzooraa urges us to pray for is such that it covers almost all aspects of humanity.
So that we can remind ourselves of these prayers, we list here some of the people and causes that Huzooraa especially asks us to pay special focus to in our prayers.
Huzooraa draws our attention to pray:
For all Muslims that Allah the Almighty saves them from unchaste and materialistic evils, and guide them towards spirituality
For the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat that Allah may keep every single Ahmadi in His protection and save them from everything negative; grant them steadfastness and grant them strength to always remain attached to the institution of Khilafat
For all Waqifeen and Waqifeen-e-Nau that Allah grants them the ability to fulfill their pledges and responsibilities
For those entangled in worldly vices that Allah rescues them and enables them to follow the right path
That every Ahmadi, other Muslims and the rest of the world be protected from the curse of the Antichrist
For the shuhada (martyrs) of Ahmadiyyat and their families. (Syedna Bilal fund is established in the Jamaat where readers can donate for the welfare of the families of shuhada)
For asiran (prisoners in the way of Allah), that they and their families are granted patience and comforted by Allah. May Allah provide immediate means for the acquittal of all asiran
For those who are struck by any kind of illness
For those facing financial difficulties, either in their businesses, due to being under heavy debts or otherwise
That the oppressed – politically, socially or religiously – are granted ease by Allah
For those undergoing matrimonial disputes
For widows, orphans and those deprived of their rights. (Readers are reminded of the Yatama Fund where they may donate in this way)
For young women and men who have reached the age of marriage but have still not found the right match. (Readers may donate to the Maryam Shadi Fund, launched in 2003, to help deserving and less fortunate parents with regard to the marriage of their daughters)
For couples with no offspring, the unemployed and students
For agriculturalists, industrialists, businessmen and any others involved in litigations
For the Darveshes of Qadian (those who remained behind in Qadian after the partition of the Indian subcontinent) and for the residents of Qadian
For Ahmadis living in Rabwah and in the rest of Pakistan who continually face hardships inflicted upon them in the name of their faith
For Ahmadis of other countries, like Algeria, where life has been made difficult for them only because they have accepted the Imamas of the age
For those who participate in financial sacrifice through Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid that Allah may grant them prosperity. (Tahrik-e-Jadid was initiated by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra in 1934 when Majlis-e-Ahrar started an agitation against the Jamaat and declared that they would not rest until they had wiped the Jamaat off the face of the earth. In response, Huzoorra launched Tahrik-e-Jadid, so that Allah’s message could be delivered to the corners of the earth. Waqf-e-Jadid was founded in 1957 by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. The aim of this scheme is to provide education and training to rural Jamaats, as well as to take the message of Allah’s oneness to polytheists. Readers may want, in these final days of Ramadan, to fulfill their promises towards these schemes and participate in spreading the message of Islam across the globe)
For workers of the Jamaat around the world and for the staff of MTA International that Allah accepts their endeavours and grants them with the best of His rewards. Also for the many volunteers who work in various parts of the world for MTA. (There is a fund in the Jamaat’s financial system dedicated to MTA and readers may donate towards it)
For those struck by natural calamities in various parts of the world that Allah may shower His mercy upon them. (Humanity First is a charity organisation of the Jamaat that provides relief to calamity stricken people on a global scale. This great opportunity to donate and help the calamity stricken creation of Allah is also a great way to spend in the way of Allah)
(Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa will deliver Dars-ulQuran on Tuesday, 4 June. The Dars will be broadcast live, Insha-Allah)
“We should pray for the spread of Ahmadiyyat in China” – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa
Towards the end of his Friday Sermon on 24 May 2019, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned the foundation stone laying of the Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad. Huzooraa said that he had mentioned some facts and figures in his Friday Sermon (17 May 2019) that inaugurated the Mubarak Mosque but he wanted to add another point to the facts relating to the mosque.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that when the
foundation stone of the Mubarak Mosque was to be laid, he was on his tour of
Canada (October 2016). As he could not lay the foundation stone himself, he
appointed Usman Chou Sahib to do so instead. The brick was presented to Huzoor
and Huzoor prayed for the foundation stone laying before departing for the
journey. Usman Chou Sahib then laid the foundation stone on 10 October 2016
with which began the construction work of the Islamabad project.
Huzooraa said, “The foundation stone of this
mosque was laid by Usman Chini Sahib, and thus, in one respect, we can say that
by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the people of China have also contributed
towards this [project] through his representation. Therefore, we should pray
that Allah the Almighty enables us to spread the message of Islam in China very
soon.”
“Usman Chini Sahib had a fervent desire to spread the message
of Islam in China. While we should pray for his soul to be granted an elevated
station, we should also especially pray for the spread of Ahmadiyyat, the true
Islam, in China and other parts of the world. May Allah enable us to do so.”
China, with its socialist outlook, is not currently an ideal
ground for the propagation of Islam, or any other religion for that matter.
Religion has, for quite some decades, been unsuitable for China, but the first
attempts of taking Islam to the people of China in modern history were made by
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Let’s go seven decades back in history.
Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy of India, appointed Hazrat Sir
Zafrulla Khanra as Agent-General of British India in China. This
appointment was made in February 1942 and Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra
was to stay in China for a period of six months to establish direct diplomatic
relations between China and the Indian subcontinent and pave way for a
diplomatic mission to continue thereon.
Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra
During this brief stay, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra
came into contact with Muslim leaders of China. In his autobiography, Tehdis-e-Nemat,
Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra has mentioned that he was pleased to meet
the Muslim representatives who had come from the north-western states of China
where the Muslim population was in millions. Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra
urged the Muslim leaders to send their youth to study Islam in the
subcontinent. This offer was happily taken on board, although faced by very
many challenges in materialisation.
Among
the Chinese Muslim youth inspired by Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan’sra
invitation to travel to Pakistan and enhance their understanding of Islam was a
young man called Usman Chou, who we would later affectionately know as “Chini
Sahib”. He, along with another three friends, travelled to Pakistan and had the
blessed fortune to accept Ahmadiyyat at the hand of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin
Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra. He joined Jamia Ahmadiyya in
Rabwah and trained as a scholar who was later to run the Chinese Desk in
Islamabad, Tilford for the last three decades of his life. He worked tirelessly
to produce literature in the local language of China to acquaint the Chinese
population of the world to the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Now that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has expressed
his desire for the spread of Islam Ahmadiyyat in China, prayed for this purpose
and asked us to follow suit, we know that China’s doors will open to Islam
through the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.
May Allah grant many more Chinese Ahmadis to the Jamaat. We know that Allah hears the prayers of his appointed Khalifa with great love and affection; we know that this prayer will be blessed in the same manner. May Allah fulfil this desire, and every desire, of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Amin
The overwhelming response to Al Hakam’s Khilafat Day Special
Qaasid Muin Ahmad
Editor Al Hakam
Al Hakam’s
Khilafat Day special issue last week was received with great passion by our
worldwide readership. Comments have flooded in and the team has been busy in
reading and going through the observations and prayers written by all Ahmadis
who were deeply moved to learn of new aspects of the life of our beloved Imam,
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah continue to strengthen his hand.
Where Al Hakam, in its
first phase, played a great role in the life of the Promised Messiahas
as a medium of bringing the Jamaat closer to their Imam, today Al Hakam
desires to continue this role as an extension of the link between Hazrat Amirul
Momineenaa and his dear Jamaat.
The team at Al Hakam
has been overwhelmed with the response and feedback of the many Ahmadis who
took the time out to send their messages that were full of prayers for Huzooraa
and the Jamaat.
Readers should be aware that
while these messages are met with eagerness by the Al Hakam team, it is
our constant desire and effort to convey these sentiments to Hazrat Khalifatul
Masihaa as it is, after all, in his love that members of the Jamaat
read such articles and pour their hearts out.
As all comments received are
full of prayers for Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, we share some of them
so every reader’s heart can echo the prayers for Huzooraa in these
final blessed days of Ramadan.
The article written by
Respected Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib prompted some to reminisce their memories of
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa prior to Khilafat.
Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib
wrote:
“My elder brother MA Latif
Shahid MA and my sister-in-law, Zakiya Latif were fortunate to have spent 14
years in Ghana under the Nusrat Jehan Scheme as teachers. They had the
privilege of becoming well-acquainted with Huzoor’s family whilst they were
there. They narrated many incidents related to his time in Africa prior to
Khilafat. They said that once, they went to visit Huzooraa whilst it
was raining. The ceiling of the house in which Huzooraa resided
would leak from multiple places and Huzoor had placed various pots and pans
directly beneath those places where there were leakages. In spite of such
circumstances, Huzooraa continued to live cheerfully.
“They said that they had the
good fortune of shopping with Huzooraa on various occasions and they
noted that while other families would make purchases somewhat beyond their
needs, it was Huzoor’saa practice that he would only buy what he
needed … Huzooraa would be extremely careful in spending in those
difficult days.
“My sister-in-law said that
they were fortunate enough to ride in the same car at times and she noted that
Huzooraa would drive very carefully.”
Mahmud Mujib Sahib goes on to
share his own, personal recollections:
“When working on a project in
Muzaffargarh, I served the Jamaat in the capacity of amir of the district.
During that time, along with Syed Qamar Suleiman Sahib, Huzooraa one
day stopped for Jumuah prayer on his way to Dera Ghazi Khan. I tried my utmost
to persuade Huzoor to lead the Jumuah prayer, but Huzooraa insisted
that I lead the prayer. After Jumuah, Huzoor quietly departed for the remainder
of his journey.
“When the election took place
on 22 April 2003, I was also present as the amir of Attock District. I had seen
very vivid dreams about Huzooraa being the next Khalifa. It was one
night before the election when, as I lay down to sleep, whenever I would change
sides, I would see Huzooraa before my eyes with a string of flowers
around his neck…
“Prior to the public
announcement, the members of the Khilafat committee had the opportunity to
individually meet Huzooraa. Huzooraa displayed the same
humility and simplicity. Huzoor embraced me and after I said a prayer, ‘May
Allah help you with Ruh-ul-Qudus [the Spirit of Purity]’, with great
emotion in his tone, Huzooraa said three times, ‘Please pray a lot
for me.’”
Shaista Sahiba writes, “I
wanted to thank you all for putting together such a beautiful newspaper that
you publish regularly each Friday. I have benefited hugely from this initiative
as I am able to expand my knowledge and learn new things each day. I look
forward to new articles being published and spend my time on my commute to read
through these thoroughly.”
Humayun Butt Sahib from
Copenhagen, Denmark writes, “Jazakallah for all your wonderful articles;
may Allah bless you all with abundance. The article with Sahibzada Mirza Waqas
Ahmad Sahib is completely astonishing. The insight we are blessed with is of
such immense value, Alhamdolillah. Jazakallah for all your work
and may Allah the Almighty continue to grant the entire team with more
success.”
Nemat Ali Sahib from Sydney,
Australia said, “Jazakallah for sharing such precious and beautiful
memories through which we have been introduced to such aspects of Hazrat
Khalifatul Masih’s personal life that are an example for us all to follow. May
Allah reward you and may we be the ones to adopt these aspects in our lives.”
Taofeek Ajibade Sahib says,
“A truly inspiring story of parental love, care and exemplary training of
children. It is also a great lesson in humility and faith in Allah’s decree.
May Allah keep Huzooraa in sound health and continue to guide him as
he leads this divine community. Thank you, Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib, for sharing
this. Jazakallah Khairan.”
Nasirudin Sahib of Lahore,
Pakistan says, “I just read the articles related to beloved Huzoor. I have
never quite enjoyed like this before in reading on any person’s life. After
reading about Huzoor’s life, I have become much more confident and now I
understand how we all must spend our lives. I pray to God that He enables me to
always offer prayers and remain patient for His sake. May Allah make me helpful
to the Jamaat, honest to God and spend my life in the footsteps of Huzoor.
Allah always be the helper of Huzoor and the entire Jamaat. I can’t describe in
words how grateful I am to have read about Huzoor’s life. May Allah enable
every Ahmadi to live a life like Huzoor’s.”
Majid Iqbal Sahib wrote,
“Many new aspects of Huzoor’s life were brought to our attention through this
article, which inspired and increased our faith further as well as introducing
us to new ways of improving our personal lives. May Allah grant health and long
lives to Huzooraa and his entire family and keep them in His
protection. May Allah also enable us to live our lives according to Huzoor’s
pious example.”
Awais Ahmad Sahib from Layyah
District said, “What a great article! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Many new aspects
about our beloved Imam were brought to light, especially the importance of
Salat … This is a great gift Masha-Allah. Jazakumullah from the
depths of my heart!”
Khawaja Muhammad Aslam Sahib
from Maryland, USA said, “Alhamdolillah, this article has beautifully
and eloquently reflected the life of a dear one of Allah. May Allah guide us
and give us the ability to practically live according to this.”
Naseerah Syed Sahiba wrote, “Jazakumullah
for this beautiful, great and highly inspiring article, which I shall call none
other than gold dust. You have indeed done a great service by carefully
acquiring this and publishing it. May Allah reward you and bless you all
abundantly and may Allah bless Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib and his family and
Huzoor’s family with uncountable happiness and grant our Huzoor a highly
successful, happy, healthy and long life and also allow us and our children to
follow in his footsteps.”
Saadat Sahib says, “We also
thought that the calligraphy was only for the beautification of the mosque.
Through Huzoor’s words, we got to know the wisdom behind it.”
Nadeem Sahib of Canada
writes, “The sajda-e-shukr at the opening of Mubarak Mosque shows that
Allah alone guides Khalifatul Masih to what is appropriate at what time.”
Isfandyar Munib Sahib writes,
“Reading Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s words in your article enabled us sitting
thousands of miles away to feel close to Huzoor; we washed our hearts with
tears that came to our eyes in the love of Huzoor.”
Imran Ahmad Qaisrani Sahib
writes, “I was extremely delighted to read these words on Huzoor. One is
awestricken after learning about Huzoor’s pace in his work. To manage all these
responsibilities is indeed a sign of Huzooraa being a man of God.
May Allah shower his countless blessings on Huzooraa and may He
increase our love and the love of our future generations for Khilafat.”
Tariq Ahmed Sahi, Naib Amir
Faisalabad District, says, “May Allah reward Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib for
opening this treasure for us through Al Hakam. May Allah bless Huzoor’s
life and always keep Huzoor and his family healthy. May Allah enable each and
every member of the Jamaat to become the delight of Huzoor’s eyes.”
Freeha Butt Sahiba says, “May
Allah bless Huzooraa with a long and healthy life and lead the
Jamaat towards countless victories and blessings.”
Musharaf Tariq Sahib, a
missionary in Gujranwala District, said, “I really enjoyed reading Mirza Waqas
Ahmad Sahib’s article and I immediately prayed that Allah grants Huzooraa
a long and healthy life and this shade continues to protect us and future
generations. May we always remain obedient to Khilafat and may we become the
recipients of Huzoor’s prayers … Please extend my heartfelt Assalamo Alaikum
to Huzoor [this has been conveyed]. May Allah make us punctual in Salat just
like Huzoor and the ones to carry out good deeds solely for His pleasure.”
Mateen Bhatti Sahiba writes,
“A must read and an extremely inspirational insight from a close family member
regarding beloved Khalifatul Masih. Loved every word of this article. Jazakallah
Ahsanal Jazaa to respected Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib for sharing such an
in-depth life of Huzoor, may Allah be his Helper. May Allah also enable us to
rely solely on Allah in all circumstances.”
Ahsan M Khan MD Sahib from
the USA says, “A beautiful window into Huzoor’s life as a father, from the
perspective of his son.”
Faraz Ahmed Kamran Sahib of
Germany said, “Jazakallah for sharing your special moments with Huzoor,
Basit Sahib. Jazakallah for this precious interview.” He added, with
respect to the article Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V – A loving father, a unique
role model, “How fortunate when the chosen one of God himself reminds you
of Salat every day for 16 years!”
Shafeeq Ahmad Sahib writes,
“The personal qualities of Huzooraa explained here are something to
be constantly kept in mind. We are very fortunate to live under the shade of
Khilafat and witness Huzoor’s exceptional qualities. Jazakallah.”
Ahmad Zafar Sahib writes,
“Through Asif Basit Sahib’s mulaqats with Huzoor, we get to learn of many
aspects of Huzoor’s life which we were not otherwise familiar with … My thanks
to Al Hakam for preserving such articles.”
Saud Rafaqat Sahib of
Pakistan said, “A most beautiful and profound piece of writing. Thank you,
thank you Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib for sharing your impressions.”
Farzana Akbar Sahiba writes
“A wonderful article! It gives a wonderful insight into Huzoor’s character and
duties at home. Thank you for writing this amazing article.”
Nadimur Rahman Sahib of
London said, “What a great article! Just shows how Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa
is full of wisdom and love for all.”
Q Ahmed Sahiba writes, “A
very sincerely written emphatic journal of Huzoor’s day-to-day life. An
eye-opener to Huzoor’s engagements and responsibilities of being the supreme
head of the worldwide Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. May Allah strengthen His Holiness’
hand and enable us to follow him.”
Bushra Nasir Ahmed Sahiba
said, “A beautiful and worth reading article about the life of Huzooraa
as a ‘loving father’ and ‘role model’ by his son, Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib.”
S Huma Sahiba says, “Jazakallah
Ahsanal Jazaa. Loved reading every single letter of this article. May Allah
make us as Huzooraa wants to see us.”
Waseem Ahmad Sahib writes,
“This is very faith-inspiring. It is worth reading again and again.”
Faran Rabbani, a missionary
based in the USA, said, “An extremely captivating account. Very moving. The
significance of Salat in beloved Huzoor’s life before and after khilafat is
extremely moving and truly thought provoking for every Ahmadi Muslim. May we
also understand the importance of Salat and establish it in our homes.”
Zaida Baig Sahiba writes, “Jazakallah,
Al Hakam! A priceless piece! I wanted to read more! May Allah Almighty
enable me and all Ahmadis to emulate the example of our beloved Khalifa and
grant him a long and healthy life.”
Masood Ahmad Ansari Sahib
says, “May Allah help us to understand how our Khalifa is leading us and always
keep us in his prayer … May Allah help us follow Huzoor’s example and may Allah
accept prayers offered by Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib. Jazakallah.”
WA Malik said, “May Allah
reward Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib for sharing these amazing sentiments
for his beloved father, beloved Huzooraa. I came to know about a lot
of things of the blessed life of Huzooraa which I didn’t know
before. My love for Huzoor has increased. And Jazakumullah to the Al
Hakam team as well. May Allah reward all of you.”
Farhan Iqbal Sahib, a
missionary based in Canada, said, “What a moving article! I’m shaken to my
core! May Allah bless Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib for sharing such personal details
about Huzooraa as a father.”
Ambareen Manzoor Sahiba says,
“Truly inspirational! Beloved Huzoor’saa love for Salat dominates
everything! May we learn, self-reform and inculcate this example of
Huzoor-e-Anwaraa in our daily lives.”
Ahmad Adewusi Sahib writes,
“May Allah help us to follow and emulate these noble examples of Hazrat
Khalifatul Masihaa. May Allah continue to strengthen his hand and
continue to protect him.”
Amina Sahiba says, “Masha-Allah.
A loving man, kind father, our beloved Amirul Momineen (may Allah strengthen
his hand). May Allah bless him abundantly.”
Nidaa-e-Sehar Sahiba said, “Jazakallah
for sharing such a beautiful side of beloved Huzoor with us (may Allah be his
Helper)! There is so much to learn from this personal account. I pray that we
are able to develop the same strong love for and belief in Allah just like our
beloved Huzooraa.”
Saad Waraich Sahib of Canada
said, “Masha-Allah, an amazing read. May Allah strengthen Huzoor’s hand
and always be his helper.”
Nayyab Khan Sahiba of Germany
wrote, “Jazakumullah Khairan to the team of Al Hakam and
obviously to Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib for this wonderful article.”
Youssef Sahib says, “Very
emotional to read the beautiful article and the comments. As a convert, I bear
witness that Ahmadiyyat is the truth and that our beloved Khalifa is truly a
man of God. Long live Islam Ahmadiyyat! Long live Khilafat! May Allah continue
to bless our dear Khalifa and our Jamaat.”
Raja Ata-Ul Mannan of the UK
writes, “The article written by Sahibzada Mirza Waqas Ahmad Sahib describes personal
memories and various aspects of Huzooraa as a father. Very
uplifting, enlightening and inspiring.”
Ghadeer Ahmad from the UK
writes, “A truly inspiring and moving article written by Respected Mirza Waqas
Ahmad Sahib about his impressions and sentiments relating to his father, Hazrat
Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.”
Comments continue to pour in,
yet these reflect just some of the emotions and sentiments of the Jamaat for
our beloved Imam.
May
Allah enable us all to understand the importance of this divine blessing,
Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, and may we always remain attached, loyal and obedient to
it so that we and our future generations may always be prosperous in the sight
of Allah.
An allegation is raised by
opponents of the Jamaat and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas against
an announcement of 18 April 1905. In this announcement, the Promised Messiahas
stated that Allah had foretold him on 9 April 1905 regarding the occurrence of
yet another earthquake, which would be an example of Judgment Day and extremely
terrifying. He expressed that as the All-Knowing God twice vouchsafed him the
news of the incident which would be remembered till Judgement Day, its
occurrence was not too far and that Allah had said that these two earthquakes
would be a proof of his truth, resembling the signs of Mosesas which
he showed to the Pharaoh or the signs of Noahas which he showed to
his people.
He clarified that the
occurrence of signs would not stop after the said two signs, but in fact they
would occur one after the other until the time when people would become anxious
as to how it happened. Each day would be worse and more extreme than the
previous. Allah said that He would cause to appear astonishing occurrences and
would not stop until people reformed themselves. A similar catastrophe to the
age of Prophet Josephas when even the leaves of trees were not left
to eat would befall here.
Huzooras further
stated that as Josephas saved the lives of people with stocked
provisions, similarly Allah had made him responsible for spiritual provision
and whosoever would take this provision with a righteous heart and to the best
of their capacity, God would surely shower His mercy upon them.
Opponents claim that the
prophecies mentioned in the announcement were not fulfilled. They assert that
the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat slept in his orchard for almost two and
half months but the earthquake never occurred and he was forced to come back to
his house. Moreover, they point out that the Promised Messiahas
advised people to refrain from residing in multiple-storey buildings because an
earthquake could occur which also shows, according to opponents, that the
earthquake did not occur.
The Jamaat’s claim, however,
is that the prophecies regarding the earthquakes foretold by the Promised
Messiahas were not only fulfilled in his lifetime but even after his
demise. The details of these occurrences have already been mentioned in
previous articles in the Responding to Allegations series. However, if
someone questions, owing to the prophecy of an earthquake, as to why the
Promised Messiahas left his house while he was promised that his
house would be saved from the catastrophe, what reason was there for residing
in the orchard and whether Huzooras was doubtful regarding his
prophecies, then pondering over the Holy Quran, we find that Allah states:
“For him [the Messenger] is a
succession of angels before him and behind him; they guard him by the command
of Allah” (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.12). This verse of Surah al-Ra‘d was
revealed in Mecca in which the Holy Prophetsa was promised divine
safety. In spite of this promise of safety, the Holy Prophetsa came
up with a plan during migration and took refuge in the cave of Thawr. During
battles, the Holy Prophetsa used a casque and chainmail armour.
Although the Holy Prophetsa was injured during battles – once he
lost his blessed teeth, his face was wounded and the casque covering his head
was broken (Sahih al-Muslim, Kitab ul Jihad wa al-Siyar) – still, his
life was saved according to the promise of Allah.
Hazrat Umarra was
once going to Syria in his era of Khilafat when he reached a place called
Surgh. He was told that the country of Syria was experiencing an outbreak of
plague. He discussed the matter with his companions, upon which he decided to
go back instead of advancing. When objections were raised against this
decision, Hazrat Umarra said:
نفر من قدر الله الی قدر الله
“We are escaping from one
divine decree of Allah to another divine decree Allah” (Sahih al-Bukhari,
Kita al-Tib). Thus, he came back to Medina from that place.
The Promised Messiahas
was at his house when the earthquake of 4 April 1905 occurred and Allah the
Almighty saved him and his family in accord with His promise:
اِنِّيْ اُحَافِظُ كُلَّ مَنْ فِي الدَّارِ
“I shall safeguard all those
who are in this house” (Al Hakam, 10-17 June 1904, p. 10). However, when
the tremors of the earthquake weakened, the Promised Messiahas,
along with several associates, moved to his orchard and resided there for some
days (Siratul-Mahdi, Vol. 1, pp. 23-24).
A series of aftershocks
continue after an earthquake takes place, therefore it is necessary to take
precautions. In the month of April of 1905, various areas of the country
experienced aftershocks. On 11 April 1905, Shimla was struck by a severe
aftershock (Al Hakam, 10 May 1905, p. 10).
Likewise, a weekly newspaper, Ahl-e-Hadith, which
was published from Amritsar by an opponent of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Maulvi
Sanaullah Amritsari, stated on 12 May 1905:
“The Daily Times
newspaper of 3 May indicates that Shimla [which is about 300 kilometres away
from Qadian] constantly experienced the aftershocks of an earthquake during the
past week. At times, the rumble of a train is heard. Formation of cracks on the
earth’s surface is a daily occurrence in Palampur [which is a green Hill
Station of Himachal Pradesh and lies almost 181 kilometres away from Qadian]. A
snowy mountain shows up miles away and begins to tremble due to the
earthquake.” (Ahl-e-Hadith, Amritsar, 12 May 1905, p. 11)
After the earthquake of 4
April 1905, the Promised Messiahas was foretold by Allah that
earthquakes would continue to occur. Hence, the Promised Messiahas states:
“In the days when the
earthquake of 4 April 1905 struck, I had been told by God Almighty that it was
not just one earthquake and there would be more earthquakes. This is why, by
way of precaution, I, along with my family members and most of my Jamaat
members, shifted to the garden and stayed there in two marquees in a large open
ground.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p. 352 [English
Translation of Haqiqatul Wahi])
The Promised Messiahas
further states:
“It is feared that a
triple-storey building would collapse due to a severe earthquake, thus
following the order of Shariah [divine law], we came out in the open from a
dangerous place for our safety and the earthquake is such that it can still be
felt. Allah inspired my heart to move to an open place. Although it was
prohibited to leave the house during the outbreak of plague, but for an
earthquake, the Almighty Allah stimulated my heart [to come out] and it was a
source of great benefit and solace for us.” (Al Badr, 13 April 1905, p.
2)
The Promised Messiahas
states regarding his stay in the orchard:
“During the earthquake, we
moved to the orchard in order to pray. Presently, we have only prolonged our
stay to become aware about the [other] prophecy of Allah, whether it is near or
far. If it is known that there is still some time, then we will go back after a
month. It appears that this earthquake will occur suddenly and nobody will be
aware of it. In fact, people will deny me and will say that this prophecy
turned out to be false.” (Al Hakam, 10 May 1905, p. 8)
As far as those instructions
are concerned that the Promised Messiahas cautioned people to
refrain from residing in multi-storey buildings and to carry out precautionary
measures, it should be kept in mind that the Promised Messiahas was
a prophet of God and Allah states about prophets and messengers:
“Verily, We have ever been
sending Messengers, as a mercy from thy Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearing,
the All-Knowing” (Surah al-Dukhan, Ch.44: V.6-7). Accordingly, the Promised
Messiahas not only warned people regarding the occurrence of God’s
torment but also guided them as to how they could save themselves from it.
Firstly, one apparent
precaution given by the Promised Messiahas was that people should
avoid residing in multi-storey buildings in order to save themselves from the
torment of Allah.
The Promised Messiahas
states:
“I say this out of sympathy
that if someone avoids residing in multi-storey houses which are double- or
triple-storey, then there is a possibility of being saved [from the
catastrophe].” (Majmua Ishtiharat, Vol. 3, p. 536)
At one place, the Promised
Messiahas states:
“Alas! These people do not
fear God. They have piles and piles of filth in their hearts. They follow the
Jews and the Christians. The Christians used to say that already there was a
prophecy about the victory of the Holy Prophetsa, then why did he
wage war and why did he kill the enemy through different means. Similar
allegations are being raised by these people of today … They do not understand
that it is not forbidden to carry out reasonable precautions with regard to
prophecies. If someone receives a glad tiding from Allah that a certain sick
person will recover, then it is not forbidden to prescribe a medicine for that
person as it might be possible that his recovery is destined through that
medicine. Thus, such precaution might be forbidden in the eyes of Christians
and Jews, but not in Islam.” (Ijaz-e-Ahmadi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 19, p.
118)
Allah had already promised to
the Holy Prophetsa that he would triumph over his enemy, but in
spite of this promise, the Holy Prophetsa fought battles and used
swords, spears, shields and body armor.
The Promised Messiahas
states:
“God has not declared any
attempts at the fulfilment of prophecies to be unlawful. Do you not even
remember the Hadith in which it is written that Hazrat Umarra made a
companion of Holy Prophetsa wear gold bangles with a view to
fulfilling a prophecy? And there is also a Hadith that says that if you see a
dream or a vision, and you can yourself make it come true, then try to make it
come true by your own efforts.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p.
577 [English Translation of Haqiqatul Wahi])
Secondly, the Promised
Messiahas presented a spiritual precaution so that people could save
themselves from the torment of Allah. He advised them to offer charity, abstain
from sins, repent and seek forgiveness from Allah.
Allah has not made it
obligatory to have firm belief in Him to save oneself from His torment, but
rather seeking forgiveness is enough. As it is stated in the Holy Quran:
“Allah would not punish them
while they sought forgiveness” (Surah al-Anfal, Ch.8: V.34). Allah has said
that He would not punish them “while they sought forgiveness” and it is not
stated here that He would not punish them if they believe only.
Allah even saves that person
from His torment regarding whom He knows that after temporarily seeking
forgiveness, they would return to their previous condition. Hence, Allah states
regarding the non-believers that they say:
“Then will the people cry:
‘Our Lord, remove from us the torment; truly, we are believers’” (Surah
al-Dukhan, Ch.44: V.13). In response to this, Allah says:
“We shall remove the
punishment for a little while, but you will certainly revert to disbelief”
(Surah al-Dukhan, Ch.44: V.16). This verse clearly shows that Allah delays His
torment when a person seeks forgiveness, knowing that he would revert to his
old hypocritical and deceitful nature.
“And when affliction befalls
a man, he calls Us, lying on his side or sitting, or standing; but when We
relieve him of his distress, he walks away as if he had never beseeched Us to attend
to the misery afflicting him. Thus it is that the doings of the extravagant are
given a fair appearance in their eyes.” (Surah Yunus, Ch.10: V.13)
In the coming verses of the
same Surah, Allah states:
“He it is Who enables you to
journey through land and sea until, when you are on board the ships and they
sail with them with a fair breeze and they rejoice in it, there overtakes them
a ferocious wind and the waves come on them from every side and they think they
are encompassed, then they call upon Allah, promising sincerity of faith for
Him, saying, ‘If Thou deliver us from this, we will surely be of the thankful.
But when He has delivered them, lo! They begin to commit excesses in the earth
wrongfully.” (Surah Yunus, Ch.10: V.23-24)
It is evident from the Holy
Quran that whenever God sent his torment on Pharaoh and his nation, they would
say:
“And they said, ‘O thou
magician, pray for us to thy Lord, according to the covenant He has made with
thee: for, then we will surely accept guidance.’ But when We removed the
punishment for them, behold! they broke their word” (Surah al-Zukhruf, Ch.43: V.50-51).
These verses signify that the
mercy of Allah is so vast that even though He knew that the Pharaoh and his
nation would revert to their previous state and even when they did not directly
ask Mosesas to pray for their forgiveness, He delayed His torment
and continued to forgive them whenever they would seek forgiveness.
Thus, it is comprehensively
proven from the above mentioned arguments that a prophet is not in any kind of
doubt regarding his prophecies, but in fact he is eager and anxious for his people
to save them from the torment and anguish of Allah by seeking forgiveness and
he does everything within his power and reach to caution them.
(Research conducted by a panel of scholars at the Research Cell, Rabwah. Translated by Al Hakam)
A missionary of the Ahmadiyya
Jamaat, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, delivered a scholarly lecture on Comparison
of the Arabic and Hebrew Languages before the Société de Philologieon
3 December 1917. It has been published in the society’s journal, The
Philomath. The very first page of that journal possesses an awe-inspiring
portrait of Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, a servant of the Promised Messiahas
and a warrior for the cause of Islam. Hazrat Mufti Sahib can be seen sitting in
that photograph with his compelling face, wearing a turban and a cloak,
representing a momin [true believer].
The simultaneous appearance
of Mufti Sahib’s photograph and the appearance of Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib in
India triggers a thread of thoughts in the hearts of Khawaja Sahib’s associates
and draws our attention to review the motives behind both gentlemen’s departure
to the UK.
Considering all the
circumstances and analysing all the results, we are compelled to draw this
conclusion that although Khawaja Sahib still receives wealth from non-Ahmadis
in exchange for which he sold the name of the Promised Messiahas,
the practice of publishing the lists of former Muslims depicted as new converts
came to end with the departure of Mufti Sahib to the UK and thus far it has not
resumed.
Regardless of the Woking
Mosque’s glory and strong ties with non-Ahmadis, Khawaja Khamaluddin Sahib of
Lahore returned unsuccessfully as compared with Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq
Sahib Philo BM, RAS, ASP, FPC of Qadian, a servant of Mahmud[ra].
All of this resulted from breaking ties with Qadian. If only Khawaja Sahib
could learn a lesson from this.
Qazi Sahib
Qazi Abdullah Sahib, BA BT,
who is a missionary of Islam, delivered a lecture on the subject of Ahmadas
– The Promised Messenger of the Age at Trades Union Hall, 40 [name
illegible] Road, London. The audience
members were atheists and deniers of God’s existence. Qazi Sahib
delivered a 40-minute lecture and highlighted the fact that each day of Hazrat
Ahmad’sas life presented a manifest proof of God’s existence with
fresh and bright signs. Once the lecture was finished, a lot of questions were
asked to which satisfactory answers were given. It was hailed a successful
lecture.
Recent Bai‘at
Below is a request of Bai‘at
received in the previous batch of post from the UK to be presented before
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih:
“To Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
II of Qadian. Huzoor, learning about Islam Ahmadiyyat through the guidance and
tabligh of Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, I humbly request Huzoor to kindly admit
me into the religion of Islam and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and pray for me. I am His
Holiness’ loyal servant. Miss Daisy Morris Diyanat.”
Ceylon
The members of Ceylon Jamaat
are earnestly engaged in carrying out tabligh. The Ahmadiyya Tract Society,
Colombo has republished verses of the Promised Messiahas, originally
published in 1907, highlighting the revolt in India in the form of a tract on a
remarkably fine paper. It clearly shows that the servants of Mahmud[ra]
within and outside of India hold a special association and loyalty towards the
British government.
The members of Ceylon Jamaat
are facing a rising sea of hostility like the strong rocky shores of Lanka. A
false case was filed against one of our brothers which was dismissed by the
authorities upon discovering the truth. A devoted brother of Negombo Jamaat, Mr
Abdul Rahman was attacked and injured. Our brothers are bearing everything with
steadfastness and firmly believe that the future is ours, Insha-Allah.
Recent converts of Ceylon and
Malaya include TA Karim of Colombo, Ceylon; AV Aziz of Negombo, Ceylon; GB Khan
of Galle, Ceylon and … who Maulvi Ibrahim Sahib has named Nasiruddin. This
brother is a resident of Kochi. May Allah grant him steadfastness. Sheik Asghar
Ali of Singapore, Malaya has also accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Al Fazl, 31 May 1919
A new
convert wrote to Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in French:
“Il
n’y a pas de dieu que Dieu, et Muhammad est l’apôtre de Dieu.”
The
translation is:
“There
is no God except God and Muhammadsa is His Messenger.”
I will hopefully reach India
in a few months and my heart will be pleased to see you. I have told Abdul Hayy
Arab Sahib how delightful that day will be for me when I offer prayers behind
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in Qadian and listen to his sermons with my own ears.
Surely, God can do whatever
He wills. I praise Allah the Almighty in front of everybody I happen to have a
conversation with here. In fact, what better work could a person perform than
to engage his tongue in praising his Lord.
Yesterday I went to the
famous Hyde Park of London for a walk. There, I conveyed the message of Hazrat
Ahmadas with full enthusiasm. I request Huzoor to pray before Allah
the Almighty for a friend of mine that God bless him with a child. A few years
have passed since their marriage but still they have no offspring. Their hearts
yearn for a child. Though I have also prayed before Allah the Almighty with
humility to fulfill their desire, but as the impact of Huzoor’s prayer before
Allah is greater, therefore I request Huzoor to pray for them as well.
Tomorrow, when I meet Mrs
Cliff, I will lend her Huzoor’s lecture on “How prayers may be accepted”.Her
heart will surely be pleased to hear that I have requested Huzoor to pray for
her. The hearts of people are softening towards Islam. In fact, it is the
result of the blessings of Allah the Almighty. The Promised Messiahas has
stated:
“If He
[Allah the Almighty] displays a miracle, hardened hearts, which resemble
mountain rocks, will soften instantly.
“The hearts are in God’s
control. If He so wishes, He can turn them to me. Then they shall come without
hesitation.”
I have a special desire in my
heart but how can I express it? However, Allah the Almighty, Who reads every
heart like a book, Himself knows about that wish. As He is Al-Rahman and
Al-Rahim, therefore being Merciful, He will surely fulfill this wish of
His servant. Thus, I request Huzoor to pray for me during Salat for several
days so that Allah the Almighty make this servant successful, and bless Mr and
Mrs Cliff with a child and mercifully fulfill that wish present in the heart of
this servant, should He not dislike it.
I desire that this humble one
serves Huzoor in any way possible. Hence, I will be extremely happy if Huzoor
could let me know in writing how I can be of any help for you. I request Huzoor
to send a photograph of himself through Master Abdul Rahim Nayyar Sahib.
I have handed over the story
highlighting the need of the appearance of the Promised Messiah in the present
age written by a famous French author, Gabe
Honoré, to Mr Bashir Koreo’s daughter Roxanna for translation. As soon
as its translation is completed, it will be sent to the editor of the Review
of Religions in Qadian.
Ceylon
In order to demonstrate
before the readers of Al Fazl the immense love of members of Ceylon
Jamaat for Ahmadiyyat and their true belief in the Promised Messiah, we
translate below a few lines from tract number 10 of Anjuman Ceylon.
Brother Muhammad BW Lai
states:
“In every century, a person
is born in Islam who is blessed to receive divine revelations from Allah the
Almighty. Hence, according to the promise, a person appeared in the latter days
at that time when the world was suffering from worry and distress. He is a
manifestation of the attributes of earlier prophets. Surely, he has appeared
who fulfilled the second coming of every prophet.
“Behold! He has come who was
long awaited by all religions. He who is the teacher of the entire world has
been born in the land of India which is the meeting place of every religion. He
has awakened the world to enter into a new world.
“He is the Mahdi. He is the
Messiah. He is Jesus son of Mary. He is the Promised Reformer of Islam. He is
the coming of Jesus, though he is not that Jesus who happened to escape from
the cross 2,000 years ago and reached Kashmir where he died a natural death. O
friends! He is the Promised Hindu Avatar [one who is sent by God] of
Kali Yuga [last age] … He is Hoshdar (warner) for the Parsees. In fact,
it is he who is the hope of every nation.
“He is Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who
appeared in Qadian, Punjab, India at the promised hour. Heaven showered a rain
of signs and the earth presented countless proofs of his truth. He is the
Prophet of this age who foretold great universal spiritual victories of Islam.
“Make use of your wisdom.
Ponder over it, O people, and reflect.”
Al Fazl International, the Markazi Urdu newspaper has now begun publishing twice-weekly.
Since its launch in 1994, it was published weekly every Friday. It will now be published twice a week, which means a mid-week issue being published alongside the Friday issue.
It will be available to its subscribers through the post and to its worldwide Urdu readership online.
May Allah make this change a step towards even more success.
Al Fazl International can be accessed at www.alfazl.com
