Staff Writer, Al Hakam
As the Jalsa Salana UK 2024 approaches, excitement builds not only for the spiritual atmosphere it promises but also for the literary treasures awaiting attendees at the bookstore. This year, the bookstore presents an enticing array of new releases from Markaz, as well as special collections from Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya UK.
Among the highlights is the Holy Quran in Khat-e-Manzoor font, an A3 edition that ensures each spread concludes with the end of a verse, enhancing readability and making it particularly beneficial for children.
Here are some of the other notable books that will be available, offering rich insights and spiritual nourishment:
Some of the featured new releases from Markaz
1. Guidance for Perceiving Minds (Al-Huda Wat-Tabsiratu Liman Yara) by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias
“After witnessing the persistent bigotry and rejection of the truth by Indian scholars, Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, diverted his attention towards the scholars of the Arab lands, in particular the Levant and Egypt, that perchance someone amongst them may support the truth.
“Therefore, the Promised Messiahas sent copies of his Arabic treatise I‘jazul-Masih to some Egyptian scholars and editors of magazines, and sent a copy to Sheikh Muhammad Rashid Rida, the editor of al-Manar [The Lighthouse] for review.
“Other editors of magazines wrote complimentary reviews on I‘jazul-Masih, praising its eloquence and quality of language; however, Rashid Rida, without presenting testimonies from Arabic grammarians, criticised the book’s composition, writing that its text was filled with forced fluency, and was against Arabic idiom. In order to reveal the truth, the Promised Messiahas beseeched Allah the Exalted for guidance.
“Subsequently, it was placed in his heart to pen this Arabic treatise Al-Huda Wat-Tabsiratu Liman Yara, which was first published in 1902.
“This is the English translation of that book.”
2. Arba‘in: Forty Announcements to Convey the Message Conclusively to the Opponents by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias
“Arba‘in was written in 1900 by the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, to satisfy the principle of Itmamul-Hujjah, which dictates that a Prophet fully convey the message of God to the people with conclusive evidence. Accordingly, Arba‘in was addressed to the religious clergy and scholars of the Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Aryas to bear witness that the claims, arguments, Signs, and challenges of the Promised Messiahas were fully and clearly conveyed to them and their people. The Promised Messiahas indicated that this book would be his evidence on the Day of Judgment that he faithfully discharged the Divine mission for which he was sent.
“The author’s original intent was to publish forty short handbills fortnightly. However, the length and content of the first four were deemed sufficient to satisfy the initial objective of Arba‘in.”
3. The Wisdom and Philosophy of Prayer by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa
This book consists of the Friday sermons, delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, on 29 March and 5 April 2024, on the wisdom and philosophy of prayer.
4. The Critical State of the World: What is the Blueprint for Peace? by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa
“On 9th March 2024, over 1,200 people gathered at the Tahir Hall in the Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden, including more than 550 Ambassadors of State, Members of Parliament dignitaries and academics representing 30 countries, to attend the 18th National Peace Symposium organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.
“The Peace Symposium provides an opportunity for people of all different walks of life and backgrounds to come together and discuss the ways in which peace can be established in a world riddled by war and rife with conflicts and divisions.
“The highlight feature of the symposium was a keynote address delivered by the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, may Allah be his Helper, who, for over two decades, has been urging the world to mend its ways which are leading it down the path of global and nuclear warfare.”
5. Truth of Ahmadiyyat by Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra
“In the vast tapestry of religious history, humanity has been guided by a multitude of messengers, each entrusted with a divine mission to lead and enlighten their respective communities. Among this illustrious array of prophets, none shines brighter than the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa the paramount leader and guide for all humankind.
“In this exploration of the Truth of Ahmadiyyat, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra takes us on a journey of discovery, guided by the principles of evidence and reason, to unravel the profound significance of the Holy Prophet’ssa divine mission and enduring legacy in the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, who attained the honourable rank of prophethood through obedience to the Holy Prophetsa and illuminated the unparalleled stature of the Holy Prophetasa as the ultimate exemplar of divine guidance and spiritual enlightenment.”
6. Ahmadiyyat is Not a New Religion by Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra
“In this powerful speech, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad Khalifatul-Masih IIra explores the true essence of Ahmadiyyat and its role in reviving Islamic teachings. He dismantles the doctrine of Jesus’as physical return and presents a compelling argument for the prophesied Messiah’s emergence from within the Muslim ummah.
“Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IIra also refutes the accusation of “shirk fi nabuwwat” (partnership in prophethood) against Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas, clarifying the context of his prophethood and demonstrating how it does not imply any partnership in the prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsas.
“This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of faith and the role of the Promised Messiahas in the modern era.”
Special titles from Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya UK
Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya UK has made significant efforts to produce books that cater specifically to Ahmadi children. These books are designed to instil moral values, enhance religious knowledge, and nurture a love for reading from a young age. Reading these books helps young Ahmadis understand their faith, learn important life lessons, and connect with the rich history and teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat in an engaging and accessible manner.
1. Parables of the Wise
- Description: Stories and tales narrated by the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that teach good morals.
- Target audience: All ages
2. Short Stories of the Beloved Prophetsa
- Description: Short stories from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that teach important moral lessons.
- Target audience: All ages.
3. Iqra: The story of how the Quran came to be!
- Description: The story of the first Quranic revelation to the Holy Prophetsa.
- Target audience: 4-8 years
4. The Man Who Could Understand Dreams: Prophet Josephas
- Description: This beautiful narrative is suitable for all ages, highlighting the divine gift bestowed upon Prophet Josephas.
- Target audience: All ages
5. Heroes of Badr
- Description: The story of the Battle of Badr, as narrated by Syed Taalay Ahmad Shaheed.
- Target audience: All ages
6. Parables of the Wise
- Description: The story of Mecca’s victory and the lessons it teaches.
7. Nur’s Fossil Adventure
- Description: The story of a young boy who discovers a fossil but has to overcome a challenge. It teaches children about the importance of overcoming difficulties.
- Target audience: 4-7
The Jalsa Salana UK 2024 bookstore offers a diverse array of literary works that cater to all age groups and interests. Be sure to visit and explore these valuable resources, enriching your knowledge and spirituality.