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Men of Excellence 

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Friday Sermon

14 December 2018

Men of Excellence 

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After reciting the TashahudTa‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

From the accounts relating to the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa, today, I shall speak about Hazrat Mistahra bin Usasah. His name was Auf, and his title was Mistah. His mother was Hazrat Umme Mistah Salma bint Sakhr, who was the daughter of Raitah bint Sakhr, the maternal aunt of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. (Al-Isabatu Fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 74, Mistah bin Uthathah, Printed in Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, p. 150, Mistah bin Uthathah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Isti’ab, Vol. 4, p. 1472, Mistah bin Uthathah, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992)

Hazrat Mistahra bin Usasah migrated to Mecca along with Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith and his two brothers, Hazrat Tufailra bin Harith and Hazrat Hussainra bin Harith. Prior to undertaking the journey, it was mutually agreed that they would meet at the valley of Naajeh. However, Hazrat Mistahra bin Usasah remained behind because he was bitten by a snake during the journey. The following day, when those people who had already left, came to know about the incident of the snake bite, they went back and then accompanied him to Medina. While in Medina, they all stayed at the house of Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Salama. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 37, Ubaidah bin Al-Harith, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Mistahra bin Usasah and Hazrat Zaidra bin Muzayyan. Hazrat Mistahra accompanied the Holy Prophetsa in all the battles, including the Battle of Badr. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 37, Ubaidah bin Al-Harith, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) 

Eight months after the Migration, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith with a cavalry consisting of sixty or, according to one report, eighty horsemen. The Holy Prophetsa had a white flag made for Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith, which was held by Hazrat Mistahra bin Usasah. The purpose of this expedition was to stop the trade caravan of the Quraish in its tracks. Abu Sufyan was the leader of the caravan of the Quraish. According to some narrations, this caravan was headed by Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl; the name Miqraz bin Hafs has also been reported. This caravan consisted of 200 people who were transporting trade goods. The party of the Companionsra caught up with the caravan at the Valley of Raabigh, which was also known as Wudaan. This caravan was not only a trading caravan but was also laden with weapons. Moreover, the profits of the trade by this caravan were to be used to wage a war against Muslims. From the events it is proven that they were fully prepared for this. 

Nonetheless, when the parties arrived there, no battle took place between them except the exchange of arrows, nor were there any proper lines formed for combat. This incident has previously been mentioned whilst relating the account of another companion. The companion who shot the first arrow from the Muslims was Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqasra. This was the first arrow to have been shot on behalf of Islam. At that occasion, Hazrat Miqdadra bin Aswad and Hazrat Uyainahra bin Ghazwan (according to Sirat Ibn Hisham and Tarikh al-Tabari it was Utbah bin Ghazwan) broke free from the party of the idolaters and joined the Muslims, as they had already accepted Islam and desired to join the Muslims. This was the second expedition in the history of Islam sent under the leadership of Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith. After the exchange of arrows, both parties receded. (This incident has also been mentioned in one of the previous sermons.) The idolaters were in such awe of the Muslims that they assumed that Muslims had a very large army at their disposal to support them. Hence, they went back in fear and the Muslims did not pursue them any further. (Al-Sira Al-Halbiyyah, vol. 3, pp. 215-216, Sirya Ubaidah bin al-Harith, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Sirat ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 592, Sirya Ubaidah bin al-Harith, Mustafaal-Babi, Egypt, 1955) (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 12, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1987) 

This was because their intention was not to initiate a war, rather, it was to stop them and warn them that if they were to make preparations to fight against the Muslims, then the Muslims would also be ready.

During the battle of Khayber, the Holy Prophetsa gave wheat weighing 50 wasq, [a unit of weight] to Hazrat Mistahra and Ibn Ilyas. (In those days, it was customary to give this from the spoils of war and this is all mentioned in Al-Tabaqat-ul-Kubra). He passed away at the age of 56, in the 34 AH, during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmanra. It is also reported that he was alive even during the Khilafat of Hazrat Alira and that he participated in the Battle of Siffin alongside Hazrat Alira and passed away the same year in 37 AH. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 39, Mistah bin Uthathah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Al-Isabatu Fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 74, Mistah bin Uthathah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

Hazrat Mistahra is the same person who was under the care of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who arranged for his maintenance and expenses. However, when the accusation was made against Hazrat Aishara, Hazrat Mistahra was also amongst those who leveled this allegation. At that time, Hazrat Abu Bakrra pledged an oath that he would no longer take care of him and support him. Upon this, the following verse of the Quran was revealed:

وَلَا يَأۡتَلِ أُولُواْ الۡفَضۡلِ مِنْكُمۡ وَالسَّعَةِ أَنْ يُؤۡتُوْا أُوْلِى الۡقُرۡبىٰ وَالۡمَسَـٰكِيْنَ وَالۡمُهـٰجِرِيْنَ فِى سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ‌ۖ وَلۡيَعۡفُواْ وَلۡيَصۡفَحُوْا‌ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّوْنَ أَنْ يَغۡفِرَ اللّٰهُ لَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوْرٌ۬ رَّحِيْمٌ

That is, “And let not those who possess wealth and plenty among you swear not to give aught to the kindred and to the needy and to those who have left their homes in the cause of Allah. Let them forgive and pass over the offence. Do you not desire that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (Surah al-Nur: V.23)

Hence, this verse was revealed and as a result, Hazrat Abu Bakrra once again took up his care and supported him. Furthermore, when God Almighty revealed the verses regarding the exoneration of Hazrat Aishara, those who raised the accusation were also punished. According to some narrations, Hazrat Mistahra was amongst those people who raised the allegation against Hazrat Aishara and was thus instructed to be punished with lashes by the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Isabatu Fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 74, Mistah bin Uthathah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

The incident in regard to this allegation [levelled against Hazrat Aishara] is extremely important for it carries a vital lesson for the Muslims. Hence, it has been mentioned in great detail. Furthermore, God Almighty has also revealed verses in the Holy Quran in relation to this.  

Nevertheless, the Promised Messiahas states:

“God Almighty has made it an integral part of His own noble attributes to avert prophecies of warning on the basis of repentance, seeking forgiveness, prayer, and charity, so did He teach the same morals to man.”

Whilst relating this incident, the Promised Messiahas has explained the difference between a promise and a warning. The Promised Messiahas further states:

“As is evidenced by the Holy Quran and the Hadith that when, out of sheer maliciousness, the hypocrites had perpetrated a calumny against Hazrat Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, some unwary companions also had joined in this narrative. (Their intention was not to create disorder, rather they joined owing to their simple-mindedness.) One of those companions used to get his meal, twice a day, from the home of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Due to this lapse, Hazrat Abu Bakrra pledged that he would never again feed him as a punishment for this misdeed, whereupon the verse was revealed:

وَلۡيَعۡفُواْ وَلۡيَصۡفَحُوٓاْ‌ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّوْنَ أَنْ يَغۡفِرَ اللّٰهُ لَكُمۡ ‌ۗ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيْمٌ

‘Let them forgive and forbear. Do you not desire that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Surah al-Nur: V.23)

At that, Hazrat Abu Bakr broke his pledge and restored his meals as usual. It is for this reason that it is part of Islamic morality.” Here, the Promised Messiahas has expounded upon a particular issue that should one pledge something by way of Waid, the breaking of that pledge is a component of good morals.

What is Waid? The Promised Messiahas states: 

“For instance, if someone swears that with regard to his servant, he shall strike him fifty times with a shoe, to forgive him on account of his repentance and earnest supplication is the Islamic custom, so that تخلق باخلاق الله  [morality mirror the attributes of Allah]. Nevertheless, it is not permissible to break a promise; one will be held accountable for the breach of promise, but not for breaking a pledge of chastisement.” (Zamima Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 5, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 21, p. 181) 

A promise is a pledge, which is made keeping in mind all the negative and positive aspects and it is necessary for one to fulfil it. If one breaks it, they will be held accountable and will also be handed out a punishment for it. 

According to a narration in Sahih Bukhari, mentioning the details of the incident of the calumny, Hazrat Aishara narrates the following; since the details of this incident are important, therefore I will also mention these. Hazrat Aishara narrates: 

“It was a custom of the Holy Prophetsa that when he intended to embark on a journey, he used to draw lots amongst his wives, then he would take along with him the one on whom the lot fell. On one occasion, before a battle, he drew lots in the same manner, and the lot fell on me.”

Hazrat Aishara states that her name emerged from the lot and so she accompanied the Holy Prophetsa

“This was the time when injunctions on purdah [observing the veil] had already been revealed. Hence, during this journey, I would sit in a palanquin (a covered seat which would be placed on the back of a camel) and wherever a halt was made, it would be placed on the ground.”

She further states: 

“When the Holy Prophetsa set back after having finished from his expedition, and we approached near the city of Medina, one night, the Holy Prophetsa ordered for the departure. When I heard this announcement, I also began to walk, and went ahead of the army in order to attend to the call of nature, and returned after I had finished. (Since she had to attend the call of nature, therefore she walked away to one side). When I returned to my camel, I touched my chest and found that my necklace made from black sapphire had been lost. I went back in search of it and was delayed a short while. In the meantime, those who had been appointed to lift my litter and place it on the back of the camel arrived, and assuming that I was in the litter, lifted it and placed it on the camel.” 

Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“In that era, women were light in weight and flesh did not accumulate their bodies in abundance, as they used to eat very little food. The attendants, therefore, did not suspect that I was not already in the litter.”

Hazrat Aishara then says: 

“Furthermore, at the time, I was still a young girl. Hence, they lifted the litter and also got the camel on its feet and proceeded. In any case, when I returned after finding my necklace, lo and behold, the army had left, and the plain was empty. I thought to myself that I should remain at my place, because when people would realise that I had been left behind, they would surely return. Therefore, I sat on my spot and was soon overcome by sleep. Now, it so happened that Safwan bin Mu‘attal Sulami Zakwani was a companion whose duty was to stay behind the army (so that fallen items, etc., could be safeguarded). When he arrived from behind the army and reached my resting place just before dawn, he found me sleeping there alone. Since he had already seen me prior to the revelation of injunctions relevant to purdah, he recognised me immediately, upon which he became flustered and said, ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ Upon him reciting this, I awoke from my sleep. He then brought the camel near to me and sat it down. I then mounted it. He then began to walk, leading the camel by its halter.” 

Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“We finally reached the place where the Muslim army had set up camp at midday and everyone was resting in their camps. This is the account, due to which those who were to be ruined, ruined themselves.”

In other words, people started to level allegations against Hazrat Aishara and began issuing false statements about her. 

Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“The key proponent who was responsible for spreading this slander was Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul.

“After this, we reached Medina, and it so happened that as soon as we arrived, I fell ill, and this illness lasted for one month. During this time, the forged statements of the slanderers were noised widely, and rumours were spread. However, until then, I had absolutely no notion of this calumny. However, one thing I did notice that led me to suspect something was not right was that during my period of illness, the Holy Prophetsa did not extend to me the usual affection and kindness that I was accustomed to in illness. 

“The allegation was made, rumours spread widely and the Holy Prophetsa also came to learn of this. She says that during her illness, she did not receive the same affection from Holy Prophetsa that she would normally receive. 

“When the Holy Prophetsa would visit me, he would only say, ‘Assalamo Alaikum’, and then enquire about my health from my parents. I was completely unaware of this allegation.

“I remained unaware till the point that I had recovered from my illness and was still in a state of weakness, and it was not until Umme Mistah and I went towards the direction of Minasi to attend the call of nature. In those days we used to leave in the night, and this was before the time we had made lavatories close to our homes.”

In those days people would go outside of their homes to attend the call of nature and women would go in the evening when it was nightfall. 

Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“In those days, we followed the traditional customs of the Arabs and would go into the wilderness to attend the call of nature. Umme Mistah bint Abi Ruham and I were both going when all of a sudden she tripped over her outer garment and stumbled. Upon this she said, ‘Woe be to Mistah.’ I said, ‘What an awful thing you have uttered. Do you say something unpleasant about one who had participated in the Battle of Badr?’ Upon this she replied, ‘O innocent young lady, have you not heard the rumours people have spread?’ It was then that I learnt of the allegation which was being propagated about me. I had recovered from my illness and was still in a state of weakness, but upon hearing this, my illness worsened. 

“When I returned home, the Holy Prophetsa came to visit me as usual and said, ‘Assalamo Alaikum, How are you feeling now?’ I sought permission from the Holy Prophetsa to go to my parent’s home as I wanted to find out from them about what was being said about me. The Holy Prophetsa granted permission and I went to them and enquired of my mother about what people were saying. My mother said, ‘O Daughter! Do not worry yourself about this. By God, it is common that when a person has a beautiful wife whom he loves and he also has other wives, the other women say something against her.’ I spontaneously said, ‘Holy is Allah! Are people actually saying these things about me?’ Then I began to weep, and my tears would not stop. I did not sleep all night. At dawn, I was still weeping for such a huge allegation had been levelled against me. 

“In the morning, the Holy Prophetsa called Alira bin Abi Talib and Usama bin Zaidra to seek their counsel in regard to leaving his wife and severing his relation with her, because there had been quite a delay in revelation being sent down. (As there had been an allegation raised against her, the Holy Prophetsa sought advice on deciding whether he should stay with Hazrat Aishara or not). Owing to the Holy Prophet’ssa love for his wives, Usamara submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Aishara is your wife and by God, we know nothing but goodness with respect to Aishara.’”

Hazrat Aishara states: 

“However, Alira bin Abi Talib, (who was a little haste in nature) said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Allah the Exalted has not put you in difficulty, and there are plenty of women other than her.’ Hazrat Alira then said, ‘Nonetheless, enquire of the household maid, perhaps she knows something and may be able to tell you the actual truth.’ 

“Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa called for Barirah and inquired, ‘Have you ever seen anything in Aishara as may be considered suspicious?’ Barirah responded, ‘I swear by that God who has sent you with the truth, I have never seen anything evil about her except that on account of her young age, she is a bit careless. It often happens that she leaves the dough exposed and falls in such a deep sleep that the goats come and consume it.’” 

By citing this example, she proved her innocence from any evil, but said her only flaw was that she would be overcome by sleep. 

“On the same day, the Holy Prophetsa addressed his Companions and complained about Abdullah bin Ubay bin Salul for he had propagated this allegation. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘I have been given great grief with respect to my wife. Is there anyone from among you who can take care of such an individual? By God, I know nothing of my wife except piety and goodness. Moreover, I also consider the man who has been mentioned in this connection to be pious (referring to Hazrat Aisha and the other person who was accused in this incident). He has never come to my home in my absence.’ 

“Upon hearing this address of the Holy Prophetsa, Sa‘d bin Mu‘az, stood up and submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I shall seek revenge against the individual who has raised such an allegation. If this person is from our tribe, we consider him worthy of death, and shall sever his head at once. If he is from our brethren (i.e. from the Khazraj tribe), even still, we are prepared to do as you command.’

“Upon this, Sa‘d bin Ubadah, chief of the Khazraj tribe, stood up, and though he was a righteous man, at the time, he was overcome by the honour of his tribe and said, ‘You have spoken a lie. By God! You shall not kill a man from our tribe, nor do you possess the power to do so.’ Thereafter they began to argue with one another. Upon this, Usaid bin Huzair stood up and addressed Sa‘d bin Ubadah saying, ‘You are a liar, By God! we shall surely kill the one who has made this allegation.’ He even said: ‘In fact you are a hypocrite, for you argue on behalf of the hypocrites.’ This exchange of remarks incensed some from among the Aus and Khazraj, and an altercation almost broke out, to the extent that although no fighting took place, they were close to doing so. But the Holy Prophetsa came down from the pulpit and admonished everyone and diffused the situation. Everyone then fell silent and the Holy Prophetsa also remained silent.” 

The narration from Bukhari continues. It is quite a lengthy narration. Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“My state was the same as usual, in that my tears would not stop, nor could I sleep. My parents were also with me and I remained as such for two whole nights and one day. I felt as if my liver would burst into pieces and I would die. I was sitting by my parents in this very state, weeping, when a lady from the Ansar sought permission and entered, and began to weep with me in a sympathetic manner. At this, the Messenger of Allahsa arrived in the house of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and sat down next to me. This was the first day that he had sat down with me after the calumny.”

Prior to this, the Holy Prophetsa did not sit next to Hazrat Aishara. He would enquire about her health from far and return or ask through the maid, and when she had returned back home, he would go there and enquire about her. Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“A month had elapsed, but no divine revelation had been sent down in my case. For a whole month since the allegation, the Holy Prophetsa did not come and sit next to me, but on that day, he did and was waiting for God Almighty to reveal something.” 

Hazrat Aishara then states: 

“The Holy Prophetsa recited the Kalimah [Islamic declaration of faith], then he addressed me saying, ‘O Aishara! I have been informed of such and such thing about you.’” This was the first time the Holy Prophetsa enquired about this matter from Hazrat Aishara. “‘If you are innocent, I trust that God shall affirm your innocence. If, however, you have committed a mistake, you should seek forgiveness from God and bow before Him, because when a person bows before God confessing their sin, Allah accepts their repentance, and shows Mercy to them’ When the Holy Prophetsa had finished his address, I noticed that my tears had dried away completely, and there was absolutely no sign of them. At that time, I looked to my father (Hazrat Abu Bakrra) and asked him to respond on my behalf, but he said, ‘By God! I do not know what to say in response to the Holy Prophetsa.’ (She, of course, wanted him to affirm her innocence.) I then turned to my mother to respond on my behalf, but she also said, ‘By God! I do not know what to say in response to the Holy Prophetsa.’”

Hazrat Aishara states: 

“At the time, I was a young girl and did not know much of the Quran, but I said, ‘By God, I am aware that certain things which people have rumoured about me have reached you (i.e. that this heinous allegation has been levelled against me) and you have been affected by these statements. In fact, you have considered them to be true.’”

Hazrat Aishara says: 

“Hence, if I advocate my innocence, and God surely knows I am innocent, you will, however, doubt me since this rumour has been propagated so much, but if I accept myself as being guilty, despite my being innocent and God Almighty also being aware of my innocence, you will believe me.” If she admitted to it then he may have thought that there was truth behind it. 

Hazrat Aishara then said: “By God, I find myself in the situation of the father of Josephas, who said, ‘Patience is better for me, and it is Allah Alone Whose help I seek.”’

“This is what Hazrat Jacobas said to the brothers of Hazrat Josephas that it is Allah Alone Whose help I seek against what these people assert.”

Hazrat Aishara furtherstates: 

“I quoted this verse and then turned to the other side and sat on my bed hoping for God Almighty to reveal my innocence.” She knew she was innocent and God Almighty would establish her innocence. “However, by God! I never thought that a revelation would be revealed in my favour. I knew that God Almighty would declare my innocence, but never thought that a revelation would be sent down. I did not consider myself worthy for a Quranic revelation to be sent down to clear me of the charges, and that God the Exalted would declare my innocence in such a manner, whereby he would send down a revelation in the Holy Quran. I thought that perhaps the Messenger of Allah would be shown a vision in his sleep wherein He would declare my innocence.”

Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“However, by God, the Holy Prophetsa had not yet left this sitting, nor had any other person of the household left, when he began to receive a revelation and was overtaken by the arduous state, which he would experience upon the receipt of divine revelation. He would sweat so much that even on a cold day, he would be dripping with sweat. After some time, this state left him. The Holy Prophetsa smiled and looked towards me saying, ‘O Aisha! Show gratitude to God for He has affirmed your innocence.’ At this, my mother spontaneously said, ‘O Aisha! Get up and go the Messengersa of Allah.’ However, I said that I would not go to him, nor would I be thankful to anyone but God Almighty. God Almighty had revealed, ‘Verily, those who brought forth the lie was a party from among you.’ 

“When my innocence had been affirmed by God Almighty through divine revelation, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who would grant regular support to Mistah bin Usasah due to his kinship, pledged that as Mistah had taken part in slandering Aisha, he would no longer render him this support. 

“However, shortly thereafter, the verses of Surah al-Nur were revealed in which God Almighty stated (I have already quoted the verse previously and the translation is as follows): 

“‘And let not those who possess wealth and plenty among you swear not to give aught to the kindred and to the needy and to those who have left their homes in the cause of Allah. Let them forgive and pass over the offence. Do you not desire that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’

“Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘Indeed, by God, I desire for my sins to be covered and that God Almighty forgives me.’ Thus, the allowance Mistah used to receive was reinstated. Moreover, prior to my being absolved, the Holy Prophetsa enquired of Hazrat Zainabra bint Jahash as to her opinion of me after what had happened. She responded by saying, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I seek to protect my eyes and ears from evil, thus I consider Aisha to be a pious and God-fearing lady.’”

By seeking to protect her eyes and ears meant that she could not utter anything false on account of them and thus she found Aisha to be a pious lady. 

Hazrat Aishara further states: 

“This was despite the fact that from among all the wives of the Holy Prophetsa, Zainab was the only one who competed with me. However, due to her virtue, Allah the Exalted saved her from taking part in this calumny. However, her sister Hamna bint Jahash was siding with those who had spread the rumours and perished alongside them.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Shahadat, Bab Ta’dil al-Nisa…, Hadith 2661, Vol. 4, pp. 721-731, Nazarat Isha’at, Rabwah) (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Hadith al-Ifk, Hadith 4141, Vol. 8, p. 325, Nazarat Isha’at, Rabwah)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has narrated this incident of Hazrat Aishara in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets] which I have already mentioned from Bukhari. The additional aspect mentioned therein is that she narrated: 

“When the Companion said:

 إِنَّا لِله وَإِنَّا إِلَيۡهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return], I woke and immediately covered my face with my scarf, as the commandment regarding the veil had already been revealed. By God, he did not speak a word to me (he did not say anything) and I did not hear any other words uttered by him apart from these (i.e. اِنَّا لِله وَاِنَّا اِلَیْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ – Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return). Following this, he brought his camel forward, made it kneel down near me and placed his foot on both of its knees so that it did not stand up all of a sudden. Subsequently, I mounted the camel.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 563)

In Bukhari it is mentioned that she placed her feet on the hands to mount the camel, however here it states he placed his feet on the knees of the camel so that the camel would not suddenly stand up. 

As Hazrat Aishara has mentioned that the revelation of God Almighty in relation to her was of great importance for her. Hazrat Aishara says:

“This revelation was of great significance to me as I was not expecting it.”

In any case, this was a very important incident and there was a grave allegation being raised against a family member of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Aishara held an exalted status and one of the reasons for this was that the Holy Prophetsa had stated about her: “I receive the most revelations in the house of Aisha” and because of the revelation of a specific portion in Surah al-Nur which contained detailed instructions for the believers regarding their reaction towards those who had falsely accused her. Hence, there are ten or eleven verses of the Holy Quran which address this matter. Apart from what I have already stated from the Hadith, now I would like to mention what Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said about the verse which Hazrat Aishara mentioned. However, firstly, I will share the verse under comment: 

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ جَآءُوْ بِالۡإِفۡكِ عُصۡبَةٌ مِّنكُمۡ ‌ۚ لَا تَحۡسَبُوهُ شَرًّا لَّكُم  ‌ۖ  بَلۡ هُوَ خَيۡرٌ لَّكُمۡ ‌ۚ لِكُلِّ امۡرِىٍٕ مِّنۡهُم مَّا اكۡتَسَبَ مِنَ الۡإِثۡمِ ‌ۚ وَالَّذِىْ تَوَلَّىٰ كِبۡرَهُ  مِنۡهُمۡ لَهُ  عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

“Verily, those who brought forth the lie are a party from among you. Think it not to be an evil for you; nay, it is good for you. Every one of them shall have his share of what he has earned of the sin; and he among them who took the chief part therein shall have a grievous punishment.” (Surah al-Nur: V.12) 

This verse is followed by others in which further details have been mentioned. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: 

“When they arrived in Medina, Abdullah bin Ubay bin Salul and his associates began to spread rumours that God forbid, Hazrat Aishara remained behind intentionally and that she had a relationship with Sufwan.” 

This was the companion who had brought her afterwards to Medina on a camel. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: 

“This rumour was repeated so much that some Companionsra, out of their misjudgment, started to believe that this was true. One such companion was Hassanra bin Thabit, another one was Mistahra bin Usasah, and a female companion named Hamnahra bint Jahashwho was the Holy Prophet’ssa sister-in-law. Hazrat Aishara was shocked for being left behind to the extent that she became ill after returning to Medina. Since she was very young, the fear of being left alone in the wilderness was a factor in her becoming ill. This is what she was going through and at the same time the hypocrites continued to spread rumours, which eventually reached the Holy Prophetsa. Due to her illness, the Holy Prophetsa did not ask Hazrat Aishara about the allegations being raised by the hypocrites. At the same time, the rumours were spreading day by day.

“Hazrat Aishara states, ‘I was astonished to see the Holy Prophetsa when he would return home. His face looked indifferent and he would not speak to me.’ She states, ‘He would seem extremely worried and would ask others about her condition, then leave. She states, ‘I sought his permission one day and left for my parents’ house.’ It was here that the incident took place when she left to attend the call of nature with another woman who was her relative and would also go with her. The lady mentioned the name of her son Mistah and said, ‘May he be ruined.’ Upon hearing this, Hazrat Aishara enquired, ‘Why would you say such a thing?’ The woman responded, ‘Why should I not say such things? Are you not aware of what he has been saying?’”

 Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: 

“This woman was looking for an opportunity to mention to Hazrat Aishara the things that were being said and what she was being accused of because she was not aware of this. When Hazrat Aishara heard about it, she became distressed. She returned home and, as it was mentioned before, she had not fully recovered, but knowing what was being said about her increased her illness.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues to narrate the incident: 

“The Holy Prophetsa called Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Alira and Usama bin Zaidra for consultation with regard to what to do about this matter. Hazrat Umarra and Usama bin Zaidra both stated, ‘This is a false accusation which has been spread by the hypocrites. There is no truth to it whatsoever.’ However, Hazrat Alira who was slightly haste in his nature stated, ‘Whether it is true or not, what is the need of maintaining relations with a woman who has been accused of such an allegation?’ At the same time, as it has already been mentioned, he also said, ‘You could ask her maid. If there is something, she would know.’ Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa asked Barirah, Hazrat Aisha’sra maid, ‘Are you aware of any flaws in Aisha?’ She responded, ‘Apart from her habit of falling asleep due to her tender age, there are no flaws in her.’ She narrated the same incident which was mentioned before, that is, she falls asleep quickly and falls into deep sleep. After listening to this, the Holy Prophetsa came outside and gathered the companions. Then he said, ‘Who shall guard me from the person who has caused me this pain?’ The Holy Prophetsa was speaking about Abdullah bin Ubay bin Salul who had caused him this pain. Hazrat Sa‘d bin Mu‘az, who was the chief of the Aus tribe, stood up and said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! We are ready to kill that person if he is amongst us. If he is amongst the Khazraj, even then we are ready to kill him.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: 

“Satan is constantly in search of opportunities to cause mischief and he did not let this occasion pass either. The Khazraj tribe was unaware of just how much grief this caused the Holy Prophetsa, so when Sa‘d bin Mu‘az spoke up, other tribes became incensed. Sa‘d bin Ubadah then stood up telling Sa‘d bin Mu‘az, ‘You would never kill one of our people. You do not have the strength to do so.’ During this exchange of words, another companion stood up and said, ‘We will kill him and let’s see who tries to protect him.’” 

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: 

“This confrontation did not remain confined to mere words, it escalated to the point where the people of the Aus and Khazraj tribes began drawing their swords from their sheaths and were close to fighting one another. It was only with great difficulty that the Holy Prophetsa was able to calm them down. The Aus tribe said that they would kill whoever had grieved the Holy Prophetsa, whereas the Khazraj tribe claimed that this was not being said out of their sincerity, as the Aus tribe were well-aware that the person was from among the Khazraj tribe and this is the only reason why they made such a claim. Nonetheless, it is well-documented that the Holy Prophetsa had love for both these tribes, but Satan had caused mischief and discord between the two of them.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes:

“Anyone can easily understand how delicate the situation was at that time. On one side, the Holy Prophetsa had been afflicted with so much misery, and on the other side, the state of affairs between the Muslims had reached the point where swords were being raised. Hence, it is Satan who causes such disarray, even amongst people of pious nature.” 

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further relates the same incident as has been related by Hazrat Aishara when she was asked about the event. In reply to which she said: 

“If I accept [what they assert] I will be lying and if I plead my innocence, the people will not believe me. Hence, at this point, I will only repeat what Jacobas, the father of Josephas said:

فَصَبۡرٌ جَمِيلٌ  ‌ۖ  وَاللّٰهُ الۡمُسۡتَعَانُ

That is, ‘So comely patience is good for me. And it is Allah alone Whose help is to be sought.’ (Surah Yusuf: V.19) 

Hazrat Aishara then said that she stood up and went over to her bed. Soon after this, the verse (which I recited earlier) was revealed in which it stated, ‘Verily, those who brought forth the lie are a party from among you. Think it not to be an evil for you; nay, it is good for you. Because through this, the punishment of those people who labelled allegations would soon come to light and also you have been bestowed a wise teaching. Indeed, every one of them shall have his share of what he has earned of the sin; and he among them who took the chief part therein shall have a grievous punishment.’

“Nevertheless, after this revelation, the Holy Prophet’s face began to radiate. Hazrat Aishara says that her mother told her to stand and thank the Holy Prophetsa, but she said that she would only thank God Almighty.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pp. 269-271)

Nonetheless, as has been mentioned earlier, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also explained this incident in one of his sermons and stated:

“Due to labelling allegations against Hazrat Aishara, three people received lashes. From among them, one was Hassanra bin Thabit, who was poet laureate to the Holy Prophetsa, one was Mistahra, who was the uncle of Hazrat Aishara and also the cousin of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He was so poor that he lived in the house of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He would eat from there and Hazrat Abu Bakrra would get clothes made for him. The third person was a woman; all three received punishments.” (Khutbaat-e-Mahmudra, Vol. 18, pp. 279-280)

This is also mentioned in Sunan Abi Daud. (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-ul-Hudud, Bab Hadd-ul-Qazif, Hadith 4474-4475)

According to some narrations they received punishment, whereas others are of the opinion that they did not receive any punishment. (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 15, p. 169, Surah Nur, Mu’assisa al-Risala, Beirut, 2006) 

Nonetheless, irrespective of whether they received punishment or not, God Almighty forgave them. He received the punishment for this in this world, but I as I mentioned earlier, he also participated in later expeditions. He was a Badri companion and therefore, Hazrat Mistahra held a lofty status. God Almighty ensured he had a pious end and preserved his elevated rank. May God Almighty continue to elevate his status.

(Translated by the Review of Religions)

Canada Holds Fifth Holy Quran and Science Conference

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Dr Hameed A Mirza

Secretary Talim, AMJ Canada

The national department of talim of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada organised its 5th Annual Holy Quran and Science Conference on Sunday, 25 November 2018 at Baitul Hamd Mosque in Mississauga. 

The Holy Quran and Science Conference highlights novel research carried out on the Holy Quran to discover the treasures buried in the Holy Book of Muslims. The wide range of subjects that were covered included physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, medicine & health sciences, engineering, as well as other areas of research.

The conference proceedings were divided into four sessions. At the end of each session a panel discussion with questions from the audience was arranged.

By the grace of Allah, this year, over 400 people from all walks of life participated in the conference. In addition, 2,500 people benefited from the web-stream of the conference proceedings. Many non-Ahmadi guests also attended the conference.  

There were a total of 22 oral presentations and 4 poster presentations. Presenters came from UK, USA and Canada. 

The first session chaired by Professor Dr Sohail Z Husain started at 10:15am with the recitation of the Holy Quran and English translation.  The session chair then explained briefly the guidelines for presenters.  

This was followed by the opening remarks by Farhan Khokhar Sahib (Naib Amir Jamaat Canada). He stated that Holy Quran draws attention of the believer to the creation of the heavens and the earth as a sign for those who ponder. He further said that it is through the scientific knowledge that people know their Creator and this is a noble journey. 

In the first session, the following scholars presented their research:

1.  Mr. Mahmood Akbar on Mountains for Food and Water

2.  Dr Altaf Qadeer on Human Creativity and the Word of the Creator: Insights From the Holy Quran

3. Ms Maleeha Qazi on Therapeutic Targeting of Tumorigenic EphA2+/EphA3+ Brain Tumour Initiating Cells With Bi-Specific Antibody in Human Glioblastoma

The second session was chaired by respected Dr Zahid Khan Sahib who came from UK. 

The following scholars presented their research in this session:

1.  Suleman Ahmad on Low Risk Lifestyle Behaviors and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

2. Dr Karim Sharif on The Genomics Education Partnership: Assessing and Improving a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE)

3. Dr. Ali Alburaki on Honey

4. Dr. Zia H. Shah on The Human Soul and the Holy Quran

5. Dr Marya Ahmad on Synthetic Biomaterials for Health Applications

6. Mrs Shehla H Mirza on The Holy Quran, Cure for Ailments

The third session was chaired by Dr Zia Shah Sahib, Chief Editor of The Muslim Times 

The following researchers presented in the third session:

1. Dr Sohail Z Husain on Preventing Asparaginase-Associated Pancreatitis Using the Novel Dimension of Metabolomics

2. Zeeshan A Bhatti on Irrigation Advisory Services for Farmers of Pakistan – Science in Service of Mankind

3.  Dr Tauseef A Khan on Hormesis: Surely, There is Ease After Hardship

4. Dr Hameed A Mirza on Recent Advances in Trace Element Analysis, Food Safety and Impact on Our Lives

5. Rumsha Baig Sahiba and Sania Ahmad Sahiba on The Effect of Nigella Sativa on Cardiometabolic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials

6. Karim Aziz Sahib on Fruits Mentioned in the Holy Quran

The fourth session was chaired by Lal Khan Malik Sahib, National Amir Jamaat Canada and co-chaired by Dr Hameed Mirza, national secretary talim. 

The following researchers presented in the third session:

1. Dr Zahid Khan on From the Macro to Micro Evidence of the Existence of God

2. Shahab Khokhar Sahib on Fine Tuning and the Holy Quran

3. Dr Qasim Farah on Sustainable Development in the Quran

4. Dr Ali Alburaki on Beekeeping Research and Training Project

5. Shamaila Bajwa Sahiba on The Effect of Honey Intake on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trial

6. Usama Ahmed Malik on ADHD Cures Within Islamic Practices

7. Dr Ijaz Ahmad on Design of Experiment: Using the Fleeting Time Wisely

In the closing session, Dr Hameed Mirza, Conference Chair thanked the audience, presenters and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Dr Mirza stated that it was now time that we pondered on the deeper meaning of the Holy Quran and sought guidance for our research work. Ahmadi students and researchers should look into developing research projects based on ideas from the Holy Quran and work to show this face of the Holy Quran to the rest of the world. 

Then, Mubarak Nazir Sahib addressed attendees and reminded them that only one Dr Abdus Salam is not enough. We should work hard to become like him. 

At the end, Malik Lal Khan Sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada said that he felt that justice was not being done to the study of the Holy Quran. Many a time, one reads the Quran and a thought arises in our minds, but true research was the manner in which the presentations had been prepared and delivered. 

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Grants Audience to Lajna Imaillah UK

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Shermeen Butt

Lajna Imaillah UK

Alhamdolillah, the national amila of Lajna Imaillah UK was privileged to be granted an audience with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa on Sunday, 6 January 2019 which took place in Mahmood Hall, Fazl Mosque. It was indeed our great blessing that we started the new year with an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. 

The national amila had started preparation for the mulaqat as soon as we received the good news. The preparation involved looking back at work carried out during the previous year and also the plan for the rest of the current Lajna year. Previous mulaqat notes with Lajna UK amila and amilas of other countries were also consulted in the preparation. 

On the day, Huzooraa graced us with his presence at 3:15pm and started the mulaqat with silent prayer. 

In the beginning of the mulaqat, Huzooraa very graciously granted a present of the first print copy of Huzoor’s book Domestic Issues and Their Solution to the translator of the book, muavina to sadr Lajna for press and media, Shermeen Butt Sahiba. Huzooraa also most graciously signed the book. 

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked what the agenda of the mulaqat was and Sadr Lajna, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba, said that the secretaries would submit their introductions. 

Huzooraa spoke to all national amila members and gave them guidance relating to their departments. He also enquired from them the yearly plan for their particular department. Each secretary introduced herself and the role she served in and proceeded to give an outline of her respective plan for the current Lajna year. Huzooraa asked specific questions about the plans of some departments. It was a most invaluable experience for all the amila to have Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa take interest in minute details of our plans and grant us his esteemed guidance. 

After the departmental introduction and recounting of the current year’s plans, Huzooraa most graciously answered questions asked by some amila members relating to their respective departments. Huzooraa concluded the mulaqat at 4:20pm just before Maghrib Salat time. 

Each member of Lajna UK national amila felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude having had the honour of the mulaqat and the immense benefits reaped from it. Here are some impressions of Lajna UK national amila of the memorable mulaqat that they were most fortunate to experience. 

Mateen Bhatti Sahiba, Secretary Nasirat, said, “It was an incredible, majestic experience. Huzoor’saa amazing presence of mind for the smallest of details to the larger concealed issues was awe-striking. Never to be forgotten!”  

Farzana Yousuf Sahiba, Secretary Tabligh, said, “For me, to be in the presence of Khalifatul Masih and to witness Huzoor-e-Anwar’saa divinely guided perceptions is truly profound.”

Nusrat Safir Sahiba, Secretary Tarbiyat Nau Mubai‘at, said, “Alhamdolilah, by the grace of Allah, the mulaqat with Huzooraa greatly exceeded my expectations. To be able to speak directly to Huzooraa about our respective departments and receive blessed guidance on specific issues was a unique experience for me. To be able to spend so much time in the company of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih was both inspiring and highly motivating. I left Mahmood Hall with greater drive to fulfil my responsibilities to both my Khalifa and to the Nau Mubai‘at.”

Nadia Sohail Sahiba, General Secretary, said, “It was my first mulaqat with Huzooraa as an amila member for Lajna. I felt so privileged to have had this blessed opportunity. Huzooraa gave us invaluable guidance on many administrative matters. Alhamdolillah.”

Tayyaba Ahmad Sahiba, Naib Sadr, said, “Surely, it is just a miraculous blessing of Allah, the Gracious and Merciful, that the ladies of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat have the most precious opportunity to spend such time with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. I felt as if there was a calm and peace in the room throughout the meeting and can truly say that Huzoor’saa presence and his manner of guiding us was completely inspiring. Alhamdolillah.”

Each national amila member expressed the immense privilege and honour to have been in the mulaqat and hoped and prayed that Allah the Exalted enabled all to try and meet the expectations of our beloved Huzooraa

First AMA Georgia Peace Symposium

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Mohsin Tahir

AMA Georgia

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Georgia (AMAG) held its first National Peace Symposium on Sunday, 25 November 2018 in Tbilisi, Georgia. 

The event’s theme was How Does Religion Promote Peace? The event started at 6pm and finished at 9:30pm, with 5 speakers addressing the gathering.

The event was attended by 153 non-Ahmadi guests, 16 Ahmadi guests and 8 local Jamaat Georgia members, bringing the total attendance to 177 participants.

The National Peace Symposium was held to spread the true message of Islam and to bring together people from different faiths and backgrounds to promote peace, love and harmony. This was the first major event held by AMAG in Georgia.

The event was held in the centre of Tbilisi, at Freedom Square, in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Guests from 6 different countries (excluding those living in Georgia) and various backgrounds attended.

Speakers from different faiths were invited to talk on the topic of peace. The following people spoke at the event:

  • Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze from the Christian faith
  • Rabbi Aviemelekh Rosenblatt from the Jewish faith
  • Darpan Prasher from the Hindu faith
  • Ambassador Jean-Marie Ehouzou, the Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United Nations Office at Geneva
  • Amir Jamaat Germany, Abdullah Wagishauser Sahib, represented the Islamic faith

The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a brief introduction of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the Peace Symposium. Bishop Rusudan spoke first, followed by Rabi Aviemelekh, Mr Darpan, Ambassador Ehouzou and the keynote speech was delivered by Amir Sahib Germany. A video on Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa efforts for peace was also shown. All the speakers were presented with gifts. The event concluded with dinner.

The event was organised by AMAG, with strong support from Jamaat Germany who brought a team of 10 people that assisted during the event. Ahmadis from Oman, Switzerland, Lithuania, Latvia and Croatia also attended and assisted during the event.

Alhamdolillah, the feedback from the guests was very positive; they said that they enjoyed the event and many remarked that it was the first time they had attended such an event.

AMAG is grateful for the people who assisted in making the event a success, and foremost for Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa prayers and guidance. 

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

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Samar Hafeez

Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor, India

“And He it is Who has made the night a covering for you, and Who has made sleep for rest, and has made the day for rising up.” (The Holy Quran, Ch.25: V.48)

Sleep is one of those things that should come naturally, and for many it does. However for some individuals, a restless night is a routine. Our bodies require a tranquil “rest and relaxation” period in order to revitalise themselves. To understand more on why sleep is important, think of your body as a factory carrying out vital functions or tasks and as you drift off to sleep, your body begins its night shift work. An adequate amount of sleep is crucial to mental, emotional and physical health. The widespread practice of “burning the candle at both ends” in industrialised societies (meaning overworking yourself) has created so much sleep deprivation that it has now become the norm.

Improper sleep leads to more than just the feeling of being tired or groggy, it actually interferes with one’s cognitive functions which includes impairments of attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, problem solving and decision making abilities. This places people at risk for automobile and work-related accidents. In children, sleep deprivation can lead to learning disabilities and poor memory.

Recent research has shown that sleep plays a role in “consolidating” memories in the mind; if you don’t get sufficient sleep, you may find it difficult to retreive information learnt from the previous day. 

On the other hand, sleep is an integral part of emotional regulation and a lack of it leaves your emotions unstable and in disarray. One often feels grumpy, irritable, angry and impatient after a poor night’s sleep. Chronic sleep loss can adversely affect life by contributing to the development of health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

In the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, using mice, researchers showed for the first time that the space between brain cells may increase during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins that build up during waking hours. This evidence showed a good night’s sleep may literally clear the mind. 

 

Understanding the sleep cycle

A closer look at sleep shows a good deal of activity occurring throughout the night and understanding what happens during sleep also means understanding the sleep cycle, which consists of two recurring phases: REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement). In addition to be termed as good quality sleep, these phases are imperative.

NREM sleep typically occupies most of the total sleep each night. There are many health benefits of this such as tissue growth and repair, while energy is restored and essential hormones for growth and development are released.

Most of your dreaming occurs during the REM stage. Dreaming is essential to our minds for processing and consolidating emotions and memories. It is also thought to be vital for learning and developing new skills.

If the REM and NREM cycles are interrupted multiple times throughout the night, either due to snoring, difficulties breathing or waking up frequently through the night, then we miss out on critical body and mind processes. 

How much sleep is required

The amount of sleep each person needs depends on many factors, including age. Infant’s generally need about 16 hours a day, while teenagers need about 9 hours. For most adults, experts generally recommend at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.

The amount of sleep a person requires also increases if a person has been deprived of sleep in previous days. Getting too little sleep creates a “sleep debt”, and eventually, your body will demand that the debt be repaid. 

It normally takes 10-30 minutes to fall asleep once you climb into bed (this is called sleep latency). If it takes more than this, then your body may be trying to tell you something. The first step here would be to try to improve your sleep hygiene, which brings us to the question, what is sleep hygiene?

While the word “hygiene” conjures up images of brushing teeth, washing hands and grooming hair, but sleep hygiene is different. It is a variety of different practices and behaviours that are necessary to have a good night sleep resulting in full daytime alertness.

Keeping your sleep time “clean” from waking activities will improve your sleep and overall quality of life as well. 

Use the following practices to get a good night’s sleep:

Make good sleep a priority: Block out 7 hours for a full uninterrupted sleep. Develop sleep promoting slow bedtime routine; do the same things in the same order to cue your body and mind to slow down and relax

Maintain regularity: Set and stick to a bedtime schedule, sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every day to set your circadian rhythm or, in other words, your body’s internal or biological clock. This includes weekends and holidays too

Avoid stimulants: Alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, chocolates and nicotine post sunset should be avoided. These stimulants hamper one’s quality of sleep by decreasing the time spent in deep sleep leading to fragmented sleep and nocturnal restlessness. Try to avoid engaging in tasks that require attention and concentration including studying or any stimulating conversations

Keep it cool: Sleep in a slightly cool room as this helps the temperature in the brain to drop and helps you fall asleep quicker. Most importantly, don’t ever go to bed angry as this will not only feed the mind with racing thoughts, but will negatively affect relationships and cause persistent sleep disturbances.

Melatonin – the sleep hormone: We need darkness in the evening to allow the release of a hormone called melatonin (the chemical of sleep). This hormone prepares you for sleep and is inhibited by bright light. In this modern era, we are severely deprived of darkness, so try to dim lights down in your home an hour before bed; stay away from LED screens as they emit blue light that actually puts breaks on melatonin production and fools the brain into thinking it’s still daytime

Keep your bedroom for sleep only: The room should be a relaxing space, avoid working, studying or eating on the bed

Do not stay in bed awake: If you haven’t fallen asleep within 30 minutes of getting into bed or have woken up and finding difficult to fall asleep, the advice is to get up, go to another room and in a dim light try to meditate. Take in deep belly breaths; don’t use electronics, and definitely no food! Only when you feel sleepy should you return to bed, and that way your brain can actually re-learn the association between the bed being a place of sleep, rather than a place to stay awake

Sleep aiding accessories: Get earplugs, eye masks and sound conditioners. Extraneous noises in the bedroom can disrupt sleep; use whatever you need to create a serene environment. Try to ensure that the noise is consistent like white noise and not variable like a radio or television; the latter can disrupt your sleep rather than help it. There are many sleep trackers in the market to measure your quality of light and deep sleep. Tracking your sleep can give you vital insights into your overall health and well-being

Get a power nap: A short sleep session during the day ideally between 1-3pm, which should last no longer than 30 minutes can help you recharge and improve mood and performance. Any longer than 30 minutes and you run the risk of developing “sleep inertia” – the unpleasant muzzy feeling that takes a considerable amount of time to shake off

 Avoid large meals 2 to 3 hours before bed: Try eating a salad or drinking a protein rich smoothie at night as this keeps your digestive system at ease and helps you fall asleep quicker and keeps acidity and indigestion at bay. Also, avoid consumption of large amounts of water close to bedtime for obvious reasons. Limit yourself to simple healthy and light snacks like nuts or seeds when studying late at night

 Exercise to promote good quality sleep: Exercising during the day fosters sleep at night. Make physical activity a regular part of your life. 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and cycling can positively affect sleep quality, especially in drastically reducing the time you take to fall asleep. However, exercising too close to bedtime may keep you wired and make it difficult to settle down, so always keep a 3 hour gap between your exercise and sleep time. If you are planning to workout in late evenings, more relaxing exercises like yoga with diaphragmatic breathing can help unwind real quick

 Stress: If you find you are stressing over all the things you have to do, write them down in a sleep journal. Your prefrontal cortex is assigned to keep all these things active in your working memory. Writing the racing thoughts down can help alleviate stress to a great extent

 Try magnesium rich foods like fish or fish oil, almonds, bananas, pumpkin seeds, warm milk, cherries or a glass of cherry juice before bed, mushrooms and dark leafy green vegetables in dinner. Magnesium relaxes muscles and eases anxiety around bedtime

 Try a herbal route: Have a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before bed. Chamomile is regarded as a mild tranquiliser and sleep inducer as it aids in relaxing muscles and nerves and helps you fall asleep quicker

A few signs of poor sleep hygiene

Frequent sleep disturbances and day time sleepiness are the most telling signs of poor sleep hygiene. In addition, if you are taking too long to fall asleep, you should consider re-evaluating your sleep habits. 

It is normal to have an occasional sleepless night, but if you find that it’s becoming a routine, then you should consider seeing a therapist to sort out deeper reasons behind sleepless nights. 

You may be having conflicts that you are unaware of, which might be preventing you from sleeping peacefully. The therapist can help you develop a plan to address its causes and thereby help you accomplish a good night’s sleep every night.

Is the Past Our Future?

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Man’s cognisance is yearning to move back towards the peaceful and serene environment of the past, away from the technomania of modern times. 

The difficulties of the modern era seem to play with the sentiments and liberty of the masses, as in Congo, a day after the presidential elections on 31 December 2018, there was an internet blackout. Voters were full of doubts regarding the results. The government accused Radio France Internationale (RFI) of adding fuel to the fire and thus turned it off on 2 January 2019.

Somehow, somewhere, people are longing to live in a less complex society than the one carved out of mechanisation, mass expansion and the breakdown of joint family households. The latest illustration of cognition swaying towards conservatism, away from the modern liberalist ideologies is that of the newly elected president Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, as he is said to be an admirer of Brazil’s military dictatorship of 1964-85 and has a conservative mindset.

Following the same anti-modern wave of humanity, governments of advanced countries are presently promoting climate friendly practices by encouraging builders to construct new structures to zero-carbon standards. The public sector buildings in the European Union are to be constructed to nearly zero-carbon standards from 1 January 2019. Every other structure will follow in January 2021. Governments of eight other countries are being persuaded to present a comparative strategy. Wooden houses are being promoted to counter the problem of carbon emissions as cement manufacturing is responsible for 6% of carbon emissions, while steelmaking accounts for another 8%. We might soon find ourselves living in houses similar to those of our early ancestors.

Looking at the bigger picture, the way minds are being strongly influenced by the thought of moving back in time, there arises a possibility that people might start to ponder more on the need for religion, and, in return, come back from the fantasies of materialism into the domain of peace and ultimately in the merciful arms of God. 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the worldwide head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and the fifth successor of the Promised Messiahas, emphasising the need for religion in the concluding address of Jalsa Salana UK 2014, stated:

“Scientific devices and inventions such as chemical weapons lead to widespread devastation and nothing else. Stretching the figure as much as possible he [Steve Wells, a critic] has reached the figure of 25 million deaths, which he attributes to religion. Did the death toll of just the Second World War alone not cross his mind? It was the scientific machinery, equipment and inventions that resulted in approximately 60 to 70 million deaths, including innocent women and children. Entire cities were reduced to piles of ashes. Was this a religious war?

“Religion does not kill, it only warns and admonishes people that they must establish peace and security – at least this is the teaching of our religion. Its every injunction is laced with sentiments of love and compassion for all mankind. The Quran has informed us that every prophet brought the same message, which is that cruelty, injustice, oppression and persecution should be eliminated. The prophets admonished people to, instead, adopt love and sympathy for one another, or otherwise face God’s punishment. God says in the Quran that He is slow to punish people and is not hasty in unfurling His wrath. Even when punishment is meted out, it is for the purpose of bringing about reformation.”

Ahmadi Teams in International Basketball Tournament

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Umar Akbar

Missionary AMJ Belize

The Ahmadiyya Basketball League Belize participated in the Copa International Basketball Tournament in Chetumal, Mexico. The tournament was held from Friday, 7 December to Sunday, 9 December 2018. 

Two teams were selected to represent Belize in the under-18 category (U18) and open category. Apart from Mexico, the tournament had teams from Belize, Colombia and Guatemala. This presents an excellent opportunity to build contacts in different parts of Mexico as well as other countries. 

By the Grace of Allah, both teams were very successful throughout the tournament and won the championships in their respective age categories. The open team was very dominant and won all of their games by a good margin to win the championship. The U18 team had tougher competition but managed to remain undefeated in pool play and gained the number one seed. After a convincing victory against the Chiapas Tornados in the semi-finals, our team narrowly won the championship game against a well-coached and well-equipped Yucatan Cardenales team. 

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Prior to departing for the tournament, for the first time, we were interviewed by all three major television stations. Upon our return, all three major television stations – Channel 7, Channel 5 and Love TV – as well as two newspapers – The Reporter and Amandala – covered the story. 

Channel 7, Belize’s main news channel, aired a detailed report praising the Jamaat for its efforts with at-risk youth. These interviews, as well as scores and updates, were also broadcast on various radio stations. We have also been invited to appear on a few more talk shows to discuss the victory, as well as the upcoming 5th season of the Ahmadiyya Basketball League, Insha-Allah.

Humanity First Kosovo Donates 100 Food Packages to Families in Need

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 Shkelqim Bytyqi

Kosovo Correspondent

On 19 and 20 December, the humanitarian aid action from Humanity First continued its services in the municipality of Pristina. 

This foundation distributed food supplies to 100 families in severe economic conditions during the two days. The cooperation of Humanity First, the municipality of Prishtina and the directorate for social welfare, which is directed by Mrs Valbona Osmani, aid was distributed in several locations of Prishtina such as Kodra e Trimave, Qafë, Bregu i Diellit and Hajvali.

On 19 December, aid was distributed to the Kodra e Trimave neighborhood for 60 families. The joy could be seen on the faces of the families as well as their children.

On 20 December, aid was distributed to the neighborhoods of Qafa, Bregu i Diellit and Hajvali. A family living in difficult conditions in Hajvali heartily thanked Humanity First by saying, “May God reward you as you came to our help in these cold winter and snowy days.”

The food packs included oil, flour, sugar, salt, pasta, rice, soup, tuna and marmalade. What is worth mentioning is that food products were chosen to be all local, so that alongside helping families in need, the Kosovo business market was also given custom.

The representative of Humanity First in Kosovo thanked the municipality of Prishtina and the volunteers who helped in those bitter days for their cooperation and promised that this assistance would continue and would extend to all Kosovo municipalities in the months to come.

Letters to the Editor – Tsunami and Manifestation of Divine Help

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Harpan Aziz Ahmad

Missionary, Indonesia

On the evening of Saturday, 22 December 2018, as widely reported, a Tsunami swept the Sunda Strait area. It left a huge mark on the area not least because it destroyed houses and hotels, killing many, injuring others with people still missing. 

A viral video shows a band performing in the area suddenly being struck by a huge wave and everything being wiped off in just a matter of seconds.

We were part of that scene. On 20 December, along with 200 participants, we travelled to Carita beach to hold a sequence of tarbiyat sessions, named Religious Moral Training Course (KPA) for Atfal, Nasirat, Khuddam and Lajna in Wira Carita Hotel to spend their school holidays. 

When the Tsunami struck, we were having a “togetherness” event. This event was deliberately arranged on the last night of the programme and became a farewell night for participants, committees and mentors.

Generally, to make it more impressive, this event is usually set outdoors. However, the plans changed at the last minute and the committee chose the hotel hall for that programme. 

It was indeed a blessing of Allah that plans changed to hold the event indoors as we would later realise. We can only imagine what would have happened if the programme had been organised outdoors. Even though our hotel was not affected directly by the Tsunami like other hotels, it certainly brought about an extreme panicked situation due to the chaos that ensued that night.

We were, Alhamdolillah, safe and followed the programme quietly and comfortably, at least until our regional missionary whispered, “Call all missionaries to go out, now!”

With a gesture, we called one another and walked out, while asking ourselves what had happened.

“The Anak Krakatau mountain has erupted. The sea water levels are rising and some buildings along the coastline have been damaged. Pray that the Almighty God protects us!” 

Having prayed, we immediately went out of the hall and watched the panic; people crying for help, ambulance sirens and vehicles going back and forth honking one another. This created an even more terrifying image of the situation.  

Some of us tried to get close to the road to see the condition of the sea with waves being thrown at the stall we visited in the afternoon.

Whether the aftershocks would cause the ocean waves to reach us was what strongly and quickly haunted our thoughts.

We sought to attempt various options like obtaining valid information and finding evacuation routes. Under Allah’s benign protection and care, we were safe that night. 

Morning came, but the anxiety still remained.

On the one side, negotiations with bus drivers seemed really long and arduous. There was no chance of evacuating the participants before midday. The roads were blocked off, covered by debris and fallen buildings. Thinking that the aftershocks were yet to come was their reason for not picking us up from the hotel. Alas, we were isolated and misinformed.

However, the Almighty God was always with us. While hoping for any bus or public transportation to come and take us, He came along with His succour. 

At 4:35pm, buses from Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) came in one-by-one to our hotel. On whose instructions they came, we did not know yet. We evacuated with three bus units to Pandenglang Resort Police Office. Our journey felt very special with patrol cars guarding us. 

What is good in our sight is not always good in His Sight. What is easy in our sight is not always easy without His blessed intervention.

Our God always has His own ways.

(Translated by Hafizurrahman, Indonesia Correspondent)

Parliament of the World’s Religions Toronto 2018  

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Imtiaz Ahmed Sra,

Missionary, Vaughan, Canada

The parliament of the world religions is an organisation which was created to “cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities”.

The first Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR) took place in the city of Chicago in 1893 and was attended by almost 7,000 people. Scholars from different religions presented the teachings of their respective faith. Muhammad Alexander Russell Webb represented Islam in the First PWR.  He was an Anglo-American who had accepted Islam by reading the works of the Promised Messiahas and through detailed correspondence with him.  

The Promised Messiahas had conveyed the message of Islam to many in Europe and America. His message was printed in the Theosophist, a publication of the Theosophical Society, in September of 1886. Being a member of the society, the message also reached Alexander Russell Webb, a journalist with Missouri Republican Party. Mr Webb had been searching for the truth in religion and began correspondence with the Promised Messiahas. He accepted Islam and wrote to the Promised Messiahas in 1887, “It occurred to me that I might, through your aid, assist in spreading the truth here.” (Shahna-e-Haqq, Ruhani Khazain , Vol. 2, pp. 439-443) 

After accepting Islam, Muhammad Alexander Russell Webb started preaching the message of Islam in the United States and later in India. In the series of lectures he delivered, one of them, Influence of Islam on Social Conditions, was delivered at the first PWR Conference in 1893.

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Alexander Russell Webb

After a break of one hundred years, the PWR resumed in 1993 and was held at its birthplace, Chicago. 

Seven PWRs have been held since its inception: 

1. 11-16 September 1893 in Chicago, USA with a total attendance of 7,000 

2. 28 August-5 September 1993 in Chicago, USA with a total attendance of 8,000

3. 1-8 December 1999 in Cape Town, South Africa with a total attendance of 7,000

4. 7-13 July 2004 in Barcelona, Spain with a total attendance of 9,000

5. 3-9 December 2009 in Melbourne, Australia with an attendance of 6,500

6. 15-19 October 2015 in Salt Lake City, USA with an attendance of 10,359

7. 1-7 November 2018 in Toronto, Canada with a total attendance of 8,000

This year, by the grace of Allah, the 7th conference of Parliament of the World’s Religions was held in Toronto (see www.parliamentofreligions.org). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Canada was an early supporter of hosting this event in Toronto. 

The steering committee of PWR extended a warm invitation to the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa to speak at the conference as the keynote speaker, stating: “As the leader of a tradition that was faithfully present at the first-ever Parliament in 1893 – and the leader of a faith committed to inclusion and cooperation, ‘Love for All and Hatred for None’ – we believe that you are the perfect person to help us celebrate our history and our future.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa sent his regrets for not being able to attend and wished success to the conference.

After receiving this response, the PWR invited the Jamaat in Canada to speak at a separate session of conference. Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada instructed me as missionary Vaughan Jamaat to speak at this session on the topic of Pathway to Peace, an international campaign being held by the Jamaat. 

In this speech, nine fundamentals of peace were presented as explained by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The session was attended by guests who came from different parts of the world, some from as far as Japan. Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa book World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace was also introduced during the session. The attendees expressed an appreciation for the Jamaat’s endeavours in trying to achieve world peace.   

Since its inception in 1893, this is the first time that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has participated in a conference organised by PWR. Allah the Exalted granted an opportunity to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Canada to be part of this conference and share the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Alhamdolillah.

A month after the conclusion of the PWR Toronto, Hon Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell hosted a reception in honour of the Steering Committee of PWR. I had the opportunity to attend this reception and, by the grace of Allah, introduced the Hon Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and its peaceful endeavours of the Jamaat.