S Mukarram Nazeer
Canada Correspondent
Darkness spells fear but makes one realise what is missing. Khilafat is a gift, a blanket of solace for the faithful and Khilafat-e-Rashida exhibition by Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada a fulfillment of Allah’s promise that “He will surely transform fear into peace” and bridge the gap of 1300 years with the Companionsra of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Starting on 23 March, Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada invited guests to a four-day exhibition to learn about this three-decade period of early Islam and the legacy of sacrifices of its first four caliphs.
This episode of Islamic history is generally considered awash in turbulence by some, but beyond shallow research, one discovers a divine truth. The chaos surrounding the beginning of Islam is undeniable; nations were bent on crushing this flower before it bloomed, but in the meadow of every heart it would continue to flourish. Thus, in truth, the maelstrom only helped reveal the light of Khilafat through four of the dearest companions of the Holy Prophetsa.
Nearly six months ago, students and faculty of Jamia convened for this project and were divided into teams. The aim was to deliver information in a manner both coherent and concise.
Having produced three exhibitions in the past, some features were reintroduced this year as well. Youngsters roamed around with clipboards, searching for answers to a quiz to win a small reward. A VR (virtual reality) headset allowed guests to immerse in the ambience of holy Islamic places without leaving the room.
Talks were held throughout the four days, narrating the humble and pious lives of Khulafa-e-Rashideen (may Allah be pleased with them), including two additional talks on The Outset of Dissension in Islam and the preservation of the Holy Quran and history of Islamic calligraphy. The audience was left moved. Guests later remarked that hearing stories of Islam in narrative form was very captivating and forceful.
The last exhibition on Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya was published in book form. By the grace of Allah, over 1,500 guests toured the exhibition.
Khilafat-e-Rashida holds a special significance for Ahmadi Muslims. For today, we are granted the Khilafat which connects us to the Holy Prophetsa. Every Ahmadi pays homage to Allah for this blessing.
The Promised Messiahas writes, “I came from God as a Manifestation of Divine Providence and I am a personification of His Power. And after I am gone, there will be some other persons who will be the manifestation of His second Power”.
He also writes, “It is essential for you to witness the second Manifestation also, and its coming is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement.” (Al Wasiyyat [The Will])
With such a blessing, gratefulness means to pray for our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (may Allah be his Helper) and serve him earnestly so that Ahmadiyyat may conquer the hearts of mankind.