Cosmic Finale: How the universe may end, a Quranic indication

Islam

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

Cosmic Finale: How the universe may end, a Quranic indication

Mudabbar Ahmad Zafri, Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

IMG 20240208 WA0001 scaled — Udit Chandra | Unsplash

Philosophers and poets alike have pondered the age-old question: “Will the universe meet its end in fire or ice?” There have been many theories that try to answer this fundamental question. Many discoveries have been made that unravel the secrets of the cosmos and many questions remain unanswered, casting a lingering sense of mystery. In this article, I will delve deep into the many theories that have been presented and determine which one correlates most with the Holy Quran.

Dark energy

To understand the reason for many different theories regarding the end of the universe, there is one fundamental principle that has to be understood. This is the idea of dark energy. When talking about dark energy, we enter uncharted territory. Scientists are quite certain that this exists, as we can witness it acting on the universe. They use the term dark energy to explain why the universe is expanding. Scientists believe it has properties that oppose the effect of gravity and cause matter to separate. This idea was first presented by Einstein, who called it a cosmological constant in his theory of gravity. However, no one knows what actually causes the expansion, but the solution has been named dark energy. This dark energy is the most abundant substance in the universe. Dark energy makes up about 68% of the universe, 27% is dark matter and only about 5% makes up normal matter which we can visibly see and interact with. (“Dark Energy, Dark Matter”, science.nasa.gov) This new dynamical energy fluid determines the demise of the universe. It all depends on whether this energy remains constant or if it changes. The death of the universe lies in the hands of a battle between dark energy, which opposes gravity and matter, which allows for gravity to act.

‘The Big Freeze’ or ‘The Heat Death’

One scenario for the end of the universe is called ‘The Big Freeze’ or ‘The Heat Death’. In this scenario, the strength of dark energy will remain constant. This means that over time, all the matter will be separated from one another. This will lead to more empty space, which in turn leads to more dark energy being present and so matter will be pushed apart even more. This leads to a feedback loop that will cause the universe to expand at an exponential rate. However, small clusters of galaxies that are close will remain together as gravity wins the battle against dark energy as the galaxies are already close together. However, all other galaxies will be pushed away and in 100 billion years, all other galaxies will become invisible. In this scenario, the universe will slowly come to an end as, in another 100 trillion years, all stars will have died out and all gas that is used to create new stars will have been used up. Then, in quadrillions of years, all white dwarfs and neutron stars, which are corpses of stars that have run out of energy and gone supernova, will slowly lose their faint glow and the universe will become truly dark, left with nothing except the remains of planets and celestial bodies that were once full of activity and black holes. Then, in sextillion years, all stars and planets will leave their galaxies, truly become alone and dissolve into smaller bits of matter. However, the universe is still not truly dead, as black holes are still striving. Nevertheless, even black holes meet their end. Due to Hawking radiation, black holes lose mass, which leads to their being evaporated and as the last one evaporates, the universe is bathed in light one last time. This process takes over a googol years. The universe will continue expanding at an ever-increasing rate and all matter will be separated into single particles that will be infinitely far away from another single particle. This will take almost an infinitely long time. This will be the true death of the universe in this scenario, as after this, there will be no change in the universe. Therefore, it is called the ‘Big Freeze’ as everything in the universe will become cold and void of any heat or energy in an infinitely expanding universe. It is also called the ‘Heat Death’ as all thermodynamic processes in the universe will gradually come to a halt. This theory is most widely accepted by scientists as, based on what has been detected, dark energy has remained constant and is likely to remain constant.

‘The Big Rip’

In the next scenario, dark energy becomes stronger and starts having a more drastic effect on space. This scenario is called ‘The Big Rip’. It is called this because dark energy will literally rip all matter apart. Over time, dark energy is becoming stronger, which overcomes the pull of gravity. The effects will start by separating galaxies from their local clusters. Then stars in the galaxy will be pushed away from one another and for those living in the solar system, all stars will become smaller and then over time, the night sky will be filled with nothing but darkness. Then, a few million years after the night sky becomes dark, the dark energy causes the space between that star and the planetary system to increase and the planets will become colder and freeze. All life that may exist on these planets will cease to exist as they freeze to death. A few months after this, space between solid objects would be created, causing every solid structure, from stars to steroids, to be ripped apart. Yet dark energy does not stop until everything is destroyed. Half an hour after the destruction of solid matter, it creates space between the nuclei of atoms and electrons, destroying all matter. The last celestial bodies left are black holes, which are a septillion times smaller than atoms and explode with the power of a trillion supernovae within one trillionth of an octillionth of a second. The final event is the obliteration of space-time and reality itself, the big rip of the universe. The universe will cease to exist and there is no meaning to space or time, so the universe will end in chaos almost instantaneously.

‘The Big Crunch’

The final major theory is ‘The Big Crunch’. This is when the dark energy decreases in strength and gravity overcomes the push of the dark energy and pulls everything that exists towards each other. This will ultimately lead to the universe collapsing in on itself. It will start with all galaxies becoming closer and closer. Due to galaxies being mostly empty space, it will be like the merging of two clouds and will not be as destructive as one may assume. The most damaging problem with this is that all the radiation from the Big Bang and supernovae will become concentrated in a smaller and smaller area as the universe itself becomes smaller and smaller. This leads to a vacuum of space and all the planets and stars becoming extremely hot. It will reach a state where it was just after the Big Bang. All the matter in the universe will merge into a single ball of hot plasma. At this point, there is a potential for two outcomes; either the matter will condense into a point of singularity with infinite density and zero size, or the universe will bounce back and start expanding again. A new universe will be born, and so new creations will occur.

The Big Crunch theory is most in line with what was revealed in the Quran. In the Quran, it states:

يَوۡمَ نَطۡوِي السَّمَآءَ کَطَيِّ السِّجِلِّ لِلۡکُتُبِ ؕ کَمَا بَدَاۡنَاۤ اَوَّلَ خَلۡقٍ نُّعِيۡدُہٗ ؕ وَعۡدًا عَلَيۡنَا ؕ اِنَّا کُنَّا فٰعِلِيۡنَ

“Remember the day when We shall roll up the heavens like the rolling up of written scrolls by a scribe. As We began the first creation, so shall We repeat it — a promise binding upon Us; We shall certainly perform it.” (Surah al-Anbiya’, Ch.21:V.105)

In this verse, we can clearly see the end of the universe will be due to gravity pulling all matter into a point of singularity. This is because it states, “We shall roll up the heavens like the rolling up of written scrolls by a scribe”. This is a similar visualisation of a black hole, as when matter falls into a black hole, it orbits around the black hole just before falling in and it looks like a scroll from the side. Furthermore, this may imply that the universe will return to a point of singularity, as in a black hole, all matter is pulled towards a point of singularity that has almost infinite density. This verse also alludes to the ‘bounce back’ of the universe, as it states, ‘As We began the first creation, so shall We repeat it’. This may mean that the universe will be brought back and repeated just as the first creation was made. Therefore, there may be another universe after the death of this universe?

‘The time of victory has come, success is at the door’: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s heartfelt message to Ahmadis

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

‘The time of victory has come, success is at the door’: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s heartfelt message to Ahmadis

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir, Al Hakam

At the beginning of 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad^ra delivered a series of Friday Sermons wherein he called the attention of Ahmadis towards preaching the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat far and wide and also made them aware of the increasing need for financial sacrifices.

For instance, during his Friday Sermon on 18 January 1924, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra drew the attention of members of the Jamaat toward excelling in the field of writing and discourse, and utilising these skills for the propagation of Islam.

Huzoor^ra said that it is the heartfelt desire of each and every Ahmadi to witness the spread of Islam across the world; however, along with such a desire, one is required to utilise the required methods to achieve this goal. It is a very huge task to spread Islam the world over; in fact, it is a spiritual contest with the whole world. There is a need to make full efforts to fulfil this desire and objective.

For more details, see “Master writing and speaking for the spread of Islam: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s advice to Ahmadis”, www.alhakam.org.

A time to serve the Faith

This continuous guidance and advice included a heartfelt article as well, authored on 15 February 1924, titled “Ta‘ieed-e-Deen ka Waqt hay” — It is a time for serving the Faith.

In this article, Huzoor^ra shed light on the services for Islam being rendered by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the sacrifices of Ahmadis, and the need for greater sacrifices in the future. Moreover, Huzoor^ra hinted that such sacrifices would give rise to great victories for Islam.

Huzoor^ra stated:

“All the sincere members of the Jamaat are aware of the fact that a great effort is being made for almost a year for the betterment of the Malkana community [amidst the Shuddhi Movement] and to bring it back towards Islam, and by the grace of God Almighty, we have achieved greater success as compared to all other [non-Ahmadi Muslim] communities, and will continue to do so. Hundreds of members of our Jamaat have served in these areas for three months each, and hundreds are ready to go. Apart from these quarterly groups, a permanent staff has to be kept in that area who can keep the work going in a uniform manner, keep the newcomers familiar with the work and knowledge of the previous ones, and supervise their work as well. Hence, this supervising staff and other expenses of education, etc., require a huge amount of money to be spent. Up to this time, more than 30,000 rupees have been collected through the sacrifices of members who have given a hundred rupees each for this purpose, and most of it has already been spent. Very little amount is remaining now,” and there is a danger that “the ongoing work could be affected.” (Ta‘ieed-e-Deen ka Waqt hay, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 8, p. 3)

The details of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s services for the Indian Muslims in response to the Shuddhi Movement can be read in our article, titled “Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s response to the Shuddhi movement and the Jamaat’s relentless services for Islam”, published on 17 December 2021.

Screenshot 20240110 185719 — Title page and page 97 of Shuddhi Movement in India: A Study of its Socio-political Dimensions by RK Ghai, mentioning the Shuddhi Movement’s progress and the Jamaat’s response

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra continued his article by stating:

“Members would have known at the Jalsa Salana that we are not preaching only in the Malkana community, but rather, in a similar way, we are emphatically preaching to some Hindu communities as well, which is also achieving success. In different parts of the country, some Hindu communities are eager to convert to Islam and some have already begun to join the fold of Islam. The members are acquainted with the situation of some of those [communities] and the information about some others is not yet being revealed due to the requirements of wisdom. In short, this preaching effort also requires a huge expenditure.

“By now, I had fixed a condition for the members who participated in these preaching efforts that they should give at least 100 rupees and then they can join this fund, and until now, only such people have been contributing to it who could have afforded to pay 100 rupees. However, since people of such [capacity] are often very few, the income of this fund is becoming very limited and there is a need to expand the criterion [of this fund] now.

“Looking at the sincerity that Allah the Almighty has filled in the hearts of the members of our Jamaat, it is not difficult to estimate that due to this condition of 100 rupees, the hearts of thousands of sincere people were wounded and their passion [for financial sacrifice] would erupt and then calm down within their hearts alone. This is because, although they had huge [passion in their] hearts, they had no money in their pockets, so they could not fulfil this condition. I am aware that if there was no condition of 100 rupees or they had the money, there are thousands of sincere people in our Jamaat who would have stood in the first row of donors and would never have liked to be behind others. But Allah the Almighty is aware of their difficulties and every individual who felt anguish in their hearts due to their circumstances and could not partake in this scheme — though their hearts did not want to stay behind — holds a status similar to the ones who were among those who offered 100 rupees due to their capacity. There is no shortage of rewards and ranks in the treasure of Allah the Almighty. He will give full reward to those sincere people who have borne more than their capacity and served the Faith, and a similar reward to those as well whose hearts wanted but were unable to afford it due to insufficient means. Moreover, I believe that the members of our Jamaat who gave 100 rupees will not be irritated at this free reward of their brothers, but rather, they will be pleased and I say from my side — regardless of the number of such people — that their thought fills my heart with joy.

“However, Allah the Almighty does not only want to grant them the share from this reward, but He also desires to remove the longing of their hearts and to create happiness in its place, and this is probably the reason why the Malkana Movement has extended so much that now the need is being felt that all the Jamaat should be given the opportunity to participate in this service and all the members should be included in this service. And if I am not mistaken in reading the thoughts of Ahmadis, then I believe that I am giving them very good news through this announcement, for which they have been waiting for a long time.

“Apart from the Malkana Movement and the scheme for the tabligh to Hindus, the German mission, the Bukhara mission, and preaching to the ‘untouchable’ communities and their education, have such expenses that cannot be met by normal chandas and they also require special donations. In the same way, this year it is also essential to build the Jalsa Gah and to expand the guest house, and granting an amount of 3,000 rupees to the Jamaat in Africa, which has reached a number of 20,000 now, is also essential to enable them to establish a school and a lecture hall. […]

“For all these needs, about 40,000 rupees are required in addition to monthly chandas and I know that the sincere members of our Jamaat can easily meet this amount. I am aware that our Jamaat is financially weak, but the ease in spending money is not due to the excess of wealth; it is due to the courage of the heart, and this courage has been granted to our Jamaat by the grace of God Almighty.

“Since my heart desires that all the members ought to participate equally in this scheme, I have thus made a proposal for the collection of this money and I believe that by following this scheme, the members of our Jamaat will raise this amount very soon. That is, during this year, all Ahmadis should give a lump sum of one-third of their monthly income, in addition to the monthly donations, to meet these needs. […]

“Those who have already given 100 rupees, I do not exclude them from this scheme, because firstly, it also includes other schemes in addition to the Malkana Fund, and secondly, those who have been granted the capacity by God are required to not miss any opportunity [of sacrifice]. […]

“O my beloved ones! Let not any of you say, ‘Why are we always being asked to pay chanda time and time again. How long should we continue to donate?’ The fact is that I am not asking you for this donation for my own sake, but rather, I am asking for this donation for yourselves so that this money will accumulate for you in the treasury of God, increase and continue to multiply, and help you in the life that is eternal, where only the deeds and financial sacrifices of this world prove to be helpful. The opponents object that ‘the Promised Messiah^as has initiated this [Jamaat] to collect wealth from the people’ and that ‘he has left a property for his own children’, but you all know that the Promised Messiah^as was neither in need of anyone’s wealth, nor did the wealth of the Jamaat become the property of his Khulafa or his progeny. They are collected for the sake of God and spent for His sake alone. Who is there who can say that I have ever asked them for even a single penny for me or that I ever claimed even one gift from the Jamaat’s wealth and spent it on myself?

“I am so careful that if some people ask me, ‘We want to send you a gift, what should we send?’ I either do not answer them or write that I have been avoiding demanding anything since my birth and am still not ready to make any demands, by God’s grace. I know that the sincere people of the Jamaat will be more shocked and saddened to read my statement because, though I do not ask anything from them and spend their wealth for their [spiritual] benefit alone, they — due to their sincerity and remembering their pledge of allegiance — deem everything of theirs as mine. But in every community, there is also a section of weak people who are ready to accept satanic impulses. So it is my duty to remove the whispers of these people’s hearts as well, and I have written these things keeping them in mind.

Hazrat Musleh e Maud 3 — Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivering a speech

“O my beloved ones! The time of victory has come, success is at the door, happy hours are approaching towards us and are longing to bow down at your feet. The days are near when people will accept Islam and Ahmadiyyat in huge numbers. Thus, you ought to increase your sacrifices according to the needs of this age, as people spend more on the occasion of festivals than on a normal day. Till now, your sacrifices were such as one bears daily expenses. But now the day of ‘Eid’ is coming; I can see its fine crescent. I wish we continue to tread on the right path on the day of ‘Eid’, surpassing the fortitude shown in ‘Ramadan’. We are Muslims and our days are based on the moon. So, even if it is the day of ‘Eid’, it must be preceded by the night. I have said that Eid’s moon is visible. But dear! Before the day dawns, the night of ‘Eid’ must end. So pray that we are blessed to witness the day after this night and that this night proves to be blessed for us. These early hours of victory will be the hours of extreme sacrifices, but this night will give rise to a day of pure joy and this darkness will produce a bright sun and everyone who sleeps in this night thinking about the greatness of Islam will stand up in the day with the flag of victory of Islam. Blessed are those who persevere to the end and witness the success. And may all Ahmadis prove to be like this. And the conclusion of our prayer shall be, all praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (Ta‘ieed-e-Deen ka Waqt hay, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 8, pp. 3-7)

Bai‘ats at the hands of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra

In accordance with the guidance from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra, the tabligh efforts of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya were attaining significant success. For instance, The Civil and Military Gazette wrote on 17 February 1924, under the heading “Ahmadiyya Movement: Mazhabi Sikhs Converted to Islam”:

“A large dewan of Mazhabi Sikhs was held at Quadian on February 10 and 11. The dewan was convened by the missionary department of the Ahmadiyya community of Quadian. Ahmadi preachers delivered speeches with the result that most of the Sikh visitors became converts to Islam at the hands of His Holiness the head of the Ahmadiyya community. On February 12, about 50 jathedars and other new converts dined with His Holiness and other leading members of the Ahmadiyya community. So far the number of converts from the Mazhabi Sikhs is about 2,000.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 17 February 1924, p. 11)

‘This is the Age of tabligh’

Then, during his Friday Sermon on 29 February 1924, Huzoor^ra said, the world was eagerly in quest of truth and many centuries have passed since the true essence of religion had faded away from the world; even the true teachings of Islam had been veiled under the wrong interpretations and actions of contemporary Muslims.

Huzoor^ra said that at such a time, Allah the Almighty sent the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as of Qadian, who claimed that he had been sent in this Age as the spiritual water to quench the spiritual thirst of the world.

df510510 — The Promised Messiah and Mahdi^as

Huzoor^ra said that the message of Ahmadiyyat would surely spread in the world, as it had been the practice of Allah that He grants help and succour to His Communities, but in this process, Ahmadis would have to offer many sacrifices as well, particularly the financial sacrifices:

“Therefore, if the previous people were able to make sacrifices, and many from our Jamaat have already done so, there is no reason why our other brethren cannot make similar sacrifices. These sacrifices not only bring rewards but also ensure a shining name in history. Worldly honours, as well as spiritual dignities, are attained through sacrifices. Thus, I urge our members to ready themselves promptly so that we may send them to those regions where the need is greatest and the yearning [for the truth] the deepest. May Allah the Almighty enable us to swiftly deliver the truth to all people and spread Islam throughout the world. [Amin].” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 8, pp. 312-316)

Then, during his Friday Sermon on 7 March 1924, Huzoor^ra said:

“During my last few sermons, I have called the attention of members of the Jamaat to the point that this is the Age of tabligh. Thus, all of our members ought to fervently occupy themselves in propagating that Islam which was restored for us by the Promised Messiah^as. We should not cease our efforts until that truth is spread to all corners of the world.” (Ibid., p. 317)

Zikr-e-Habib: Divine succour and heavenly support

Zikr-e-Habib

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

This series, Zikr-e-Habib, explores the life of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, and his sayings, shedding light on his noble character and the impact of his teachings on his followers and the world at large.

Adam Ahmad, Al Hakam

Historical evidence substantiates that there is a sphere outside rational discourse for Prophets of Allah the Almighty in which heavenly support plays a critical role in authenticating the validity and relevance of a claim. According to this sunnah of God that “Most surely, We help Our Messengers” (Ch.40: V.52), the claimants of prophethood, apart from textual or intellectual arguments, receive abundant blessings of divine succour, authenticating their appointment by Allah the Almighty.

It is important to understand that divine assistance is not a mere hypothetical construct, but rather a manifest power that has consistently accompanied God’s messengers. For instance, promising great support to the Holy Prophet^sa in the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states:

وَّيَنۡصُرَکَ اللّٰہُ نَصۡرًا عَزِيۡزًا

“And that Allah shall help thee with a mighty help.” (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.4)

This heavenly support manifested itself in a variety of ways throughout Prophet Muhammad’s^sa life, from the miraculous occurrences recounted in his biography to Islam’s final victory under his divine leadership. The Battle of Badr, the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Triumph of Mecca, etc., were all historical landmarks that demonstrated Allah’s incredible support for the Holy Prophet^sa and his cause.

Likewise, God Almighty extended His support to the Latter-Day Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, who appeared from the ummah of Prophet Muhammad^sa as prophesied in the Holy Quran and authenticated by the Hadith. Shedding light on the manifestation of divine assistance as proof of Prophets’ truthfulness, the Promised Messiah^assaid:

“The truth of the matter is that rational or textual arguments alone cannot fully substantiate such claims; it is also necessary that heavenly support should establish the blessings of the claimant [prophethood]. And this has been the divine practice vis-à-vis the Prophets, peace be upon them, from ancient times. […] In order to prove the truth of His true Prophet [Muhammad^sa], God Almighty did not deem earlier prophecies to be sufficient, nor did He regard the other contextual arguments to be complete. Rather, He sent down many heavenly signs to testify to the Immaculate Prophet, so much so that the truthfulness of that Noble Prophet was fully established and the light of his truth shone like the Sun.

“Likewise, it should be understood that if my humble one is from God Almighty, and is true in his claims, God Almighty will demonstrate my truth with His special succour. And through His special signs, He will enlighten the world that I am from Him and not by my own designs. […]

“In short, God will establish my truthfulness the way He has been establishing the truthfulness of His true servants.” (Testimony of the Holy Quran, pp. 111-112)

Promises of Divine support

Before he was Divinely commissioned, Prophet Ahmad^as generally preferred seclusion, but it is worth noting that the Promised Messiah^as had great regard for the company of righteous elders. Hazrat Abdur Rahim Dard^raMA narrates:

“Maulvi Abdullah of Ghazni (Afghanistan) was an eminent personage. He was persecuted in his native country by fanatics; and, having been declared an infidel, he was expelled from Ghazni. He used to live in the neighbourhood of Amritsar. [Prophet] Ahmad^as visited this holy man twice and took some present for him when he went to see him. The object for which Ahmad^as saw him was not for personal profit or fancy, but to request him to pray for the welfare of Islam.

“Once Ahmad^as requested him for prayers at Khairdi, [British India], whereupon Maulvi Abdullah went to his house in the midday heat for that purpose and there received the following revelation:

اَنۡتَ مَوۡلٰٮنَا فَانۡصُرۡنَا عَلَي الۡقَوۡمِ الۡکٰفِرِيۡن

“‘Thou art our Master, help us therefore against the disbelieving people.’ He returned from his house at the time of Zuhr prayer and told Ahmad^as with a smile, in Persian, which was his mother tongue, that he had received a revelation and interpreted it to mean that God would help Ahmad^as as He helped the Companions^[ra] of the Holy Prophet^sa. When Ahmad^as reached Qadian he confirmed the same thing in a letter.” (Life of Ahmad^as, p. 63)

Consequently, Prophet Ahmad^aswas chosen by God Almighty to revive Islam, so continuing His sunnah of extending divine support, Allah sent him the following revelation:

قَدْ جَآءَ الدِّيْنُ مِنْ النُّصْرَةِ ثُمَّ سَيَعُوْدُ مِنْ النُّصْرَةِ

“The faith triumphed with Allah’s help in the beginning and will be revived with His help.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 680)

The promises of divine support were fulfilled consistently and evidently at every stage of Prophet Ahmad’s^as life. Soon after the demise of his father, Allah the Almighty comforted the heart of the Promised Messiah^aswith the words: اَلَيْسَ اللّٰہُ بِکَافٍ عَبۡدَہٗ, “Is Allah not sufficient for his servant?” Henceforth, God Almighty provided such strong support and succour to the Promised Messiah^as that not only were his personal needs satisfied, but Allah also became his eternal Helper and Guardian in all respects.

Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib relates:

“Dilating on an aspect of this Divine care and guardianship, at one place, he [Prophet Ahmad^as] says with a feeling of extreme gratitude:

لُفَاظَاتُ الْمَوَائِدِ کَانَ اُکُلِيْ

وَصِرْتُ الْيَوْمَ مِطْعَامَ الْاَھَالِيْ

“There was a time when the crumbs fallen from the tables of others constituted my food, but today, by the Grace of Allah, whole families are being entertained at my table.” (The Promised Messiah^as, p. 13)

Succour against opponents

Affirming His support against his enemies, Allah the Almighty sent the following revelation to Prophet Ahmad^as:

اِنّيْ مُھِيْنٌ مَّنْ اَرَادَ اِھَانَتَکَ۔وَ اِنِّي مُعِيْنٌ مَنْ اَرَادَ اِعَانَتَکَ

“I shall humiliate him who designs to humiliate you. I shall help him who designs to help you.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 582)

By His grace, God brought about the fulfilment of His promise to the Promised Messiah^as, humbling his opponents and sending devoted helpers his way. Consequently, Dr Alexander Dowie died as a result of divine wrath when he did not pay heed to the warnings of Prophet Ahmad^as. In a similar vein, Pundit Lekhram met his demise in 1897 after becoming a manifestation of a divine prophecy. Iain Adamson states:

“The Muslim divines preached against him [Prophet Ahmad^as]. The Hindus denounced him. So did the Christian missionaries. They had money, position and power. But they were never able to silence him. He was always ready to debate, to put his beliefs before the people and let them judge. His opponents were not so ready and the Christians were absolutely adamant that they would not debate with him. When he was questioned why this was so, [Prophet] Ahmad^[as] replied:

“‘God never favours the wicked with His support. He never lets down His good servants.’” (Ahmad^[as], The Guided One, p. 289)

Absolute trust in support of Allah

Providing insight on his perfect trust in the support and succour of God Almighty, Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib relates:

“One day, in open court, referring to the Promised Messiah’s^as revelation, ‘I will certainly humiliate him who seeks to humiliate thee’, he [the magistrate] asked the Promised Messiah^as whether he had received any revelation to the effect that God would humiliate the person who sought to humiliate him. The Promised Messiah^as said confidently, and in a very dignified manner, ‘Yes, these are the words of God revealed to me. God has assured me that whoever will seek to humiliate me, shall himself be humiliated.’ The magistrate said, ‘Suppose, I were to humiliate you, what will then happen?’ Again, with the same confidence and dignity, the Promised Messiah^as observed, ‘Whoever he may be, he shall be humiliated.’ To over-awe the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, the magistrate repeated his question, two or three times, and every time, the Promised Messiah^as replied majestically in the same word: ‘Whoever he might be, he would be humiliated.’ The magistrate then held his peace.

“The second incident of that nature also pertains to the same milieu. One day the magistrate, Mr Chandu Lal, held court in the open. During the course of the proceedings, the magistrate asked the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, in a jesting tone whether he claimed to be able to show Divine signs. The Promised Messiah^as replied, ‘Yes, God shows signs at my hands.’ Having answered the question, the Promised Messiah^as was silent for a while, as if praying to God and entreating His succour, and then said with great dignity and full confidence, ‘I can show you any sign you like.’ The magistrate was greatly struck by this reply, and did not pursue the matter any further. Those within hearing were also deeply impressed.” (The Promised Messiah^as, p. 39)

Hazrat Hakeem Noor-ud-Din, Khalifatul Masih I^ra relates:

“During the course of a discussion, a tradition of the Holy Prophet^sa was mentioned and an arrogant opponent demanded the reference from the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, forthwith, thinking that the Promised Messiah^as would not be able to furnish it forthwith and would thus be publicly embarrassed. But the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, did not worry at all. He sent for a copy of the Sahih Bukhari and when it was brought, he held it in his hand, and started turning over its pages very rapidly. Reaching a certain page, he exclaimed: ‘Here is the reference.’ Those present were astonished to have seen that he had been turning over the pages without even scanning them carefully, and had yet found the reference.

“Later, someone asked him how it was that he went on turning over the pages without reading them, and, at last, stopping at a certain page, said, ‘Here is the reference.’ The Promised Messiah, peace be on him, explained, ‘When I was turning over the pages, holding the book in my hand, the pages appeared to be quite blank, nothing seemed to be written on them, till I found a page on which something was written, and I then firmly believed that, by God’s grace and succour, that was the reference I needed, and without any hesitation I put forward that reference before the opponent. It was the same reference the opponent had demanded.’” (Ibid., pp. 40-41)

Victory in The Conference of Great Religions

In 1896, the Promised Messiah^as composed a paper on the insights and marvels of the Holy Quran that was read at The Conference of Great Religions in Lahore Town Hall. This treatise, also known as The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, was prepared under God’s special assistance and thus declared a heavenly sign by Prophet Ahmad^as, as he stated: “God the All Knowing, has informed me by revelation that this paper will tower above all others.” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 371)

Regarding the impact of the abovementioned sign of God’s support, Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib narrates:

“All the writings of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, his lectures and discourses, possess a special spiritual quality which attracts and impresses the mind and are proof of his being the recipient of Divine help and succour.

“Here I shall speak only of one writing and one speech, written and spoken with the help of special Divine grace. The first of these is ‘The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam’. It was written for the Religious Conference held at Lahore in the last days of December 1896, in which the representatives of all religions were invited to read papers written in the light of the teachings of their respective faiths on topics formulated by the conveners of the Conference. Detailed accounts of this Conference were published in the Press and were set forth in the Report of the Conveners of the Conference and in the later writings of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him. […]

“[Hazrat] Bhai Abdur Rahman^[ra] says, ‘While the paper was being read, I heard Hindus, Sikhs, Aryas and Christians, saying spontaneously, Subhan-Allah, Subhan-Allah (Glory be to Allah! Glory be to Allah!). The audience, which consisted of thousands of people, was sitting motionless, like lifeless statues, listening with rapt attention. It would have been no wonder if birds had alighted and perched on their heads without being noticed. The paper seemed to have gripped all hearts; no sound, not even that of breathing, was audible except the sonorous tones of the reader of the paper. Would that I had the ability to describe even one tenth of what I saw and heard at that time! There was not a single heart that did not feel the joy and pleasure of the hour. There was not a single tongue that did not acknowledge and praise the beauty and excellence of the paper.

“I saw and heard many Hindus and Sikhs embracing Muslims, and saying, ‘If this is the teaching of the Quran, and if this is Islam, as described by Mirza Sahib, we shall be constrained to accept Islam tomorrow, if not today.’’” (The Promised Messiah^as, pp. 47-48)

Iain Adamson recorded the press reports about this paper in his biography on the Promised Messiah^as in the following sequence:

“The main newspaper of Lahore at that period was the ‘Civil and Military Gazette’. Its report of the conference read, ‘Particular interest centred in the lecture of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, a master in the apologetics of Islam. An immense gathering of all sects from far and near assembled to hear the lecture, which […] was read by one of his able scholars. On the 27^th [December 1896], the lecture lasted for about three and half hours and was listened to with rapt attention, though so far it dealt only with the first question.’ […]

“‘Theosophical Notes’ a much-respected religious journal of the period, wrote, ‘The best and most attractive presentation of the faith of Muhammad^[sa] which we have come across.’

“‘The Indian Review’ wrote, “Entertaining and pleasant reading, lucid, comprehensive and philosophical … evokes admiration. The book deserves to be in the hands of every Muhammadan student and also in the libraries of those who wish to know something of the Muhammadan religion.’

“The ‘Muslim Review’ wrote, ‘The reader will meet many true, profound, original and inspiring ideas which will interest Muslims and non-Muslims alike […] strongly commended.’

“In North America, the ‘Spiritual Journal’ declared it ‘pure Gospel’ and the ‘Chicago Daily News’ commented, ‘The devout and earnest character of the author is apparent.’

“In Great Britain it found its way into the hands of a religious reviewer of a West Country weekly newspaper who wrote, ‘Clearly, this is no ordinary person who thus addresses himself to the West.’” (Ahmad^[as], The Guided One, pp. 144-145)

God’s assistance in Arabic knowledge

The Promised Messiah^as received knowledge of Arabic through the direct support of Allah the Almighty. This heavenly succour made him proficient in Arabic, as Prophet Ahmad^assays:

“One form of God’s support is manifested in a clear and evident manner, and this can be witnessed by the general public as well. However, there are certain hidden kinds of support. I am at a loss to think of any method by which I can show this hidden succour of God to the common masses. For example, there are my written works in Arabic. I know well the extent of my expertise in Arabic literature, but the fact is that when I begin to pen a treatise in Arabic, I am inspired with words – one after the other – which fit precisely in places that are most appropriate and apt. Do tell me, how am I to show you this form of divine succour whereby words are revealed upon my heart?” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, p. 269)

On 11 April 1900, God Almighty assisted the Promised Messiah^as to deliver an extempore sermon in eloquent Arabic language. This sermon is known as Khutba Ilhamiyah (The Revealed Sermon). Regarding this heavenly-inspired sermon, Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah^ra writes:

“Syed Abdul Hayy Arab Sahib^ra, who came from Arabia and stayed in Qadian for many days for the purpose of research and later took bai‘at of the Promised Messiah^as, described the incident of his bai‘at to this humble one.

“He said, ‘After reading the expressive and eloquent books of the Promised Messiah^as, I was convinced in my heart that no one can write such words without the support of God. However, I was not certain that those works were of the Promised Messiah^as, even though Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin^[ra] Sahib and other scholars used to assure me of this and testify […]. I continued to stay in Qadian to examine this matter, so that I too could see for myself any incident of divine succour. Thus, the time of the revelation of Khutba Ilhamiyah came and I witnessed with my own eyes the revelation of this prophetic and miraculous sermon. I heard with my own ears that without the help of any other person, this man was delivering such a powerful and moving sermon before the entire gathering in broad daylight. Hence, after listening to this sermon, I took bai‘at with full sincerity of heart.’” (Ashab-e-Ahmad, Vol. 7, p. 188; Al Hakam, 18 September 2020, Vol. 3, Issue 131, p. 9)

Helpers of God

At a time when it seemed impossible, God Almighty gave the following glad tidings to the Promised Messiah^as:

اَلٓا إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللّٰہِ قَرِيْبُ ۔ يَأْتِيْکَ مِنْ کُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيْقٍ ۔ يَأْتُونَ مِنْ کُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيْقٍ۔ يَنْصُرُکَ رِجَالٌ نُوحِيْ إِلَيْہِمْ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ

“Hearken! The help of Allah is near. His help will reach you from every distant track. Your helpers will come from every distant track. Men will help you whom We shall direct from heaven.”

Referring to this promise, Prophet Ahmad^asstates:

“The maulvis did create obstacles, and tried their utmost to stop people from turning to me, so much so that religious edicts were obtained even from Makkah, and nearly 200 maulvis issued edicts of apostasy against me. Even edicts that I deserved to be killed were published. But they were frustrated in all their efforts and the result was that my Jamaat spread throughout all the towns and villages of the Punjab, and took root in many places throughout India. In fact, even some Europeans and Americans embraced Islam and joined this Jamaat. So many people flocked to Qadian that the road to Qadian became rutted at several places by the sheer number of horse-driven carriages. One must reflect very carefully upon this prophecy, and deliberate over it with careful consideration: Had this prophecy not been from God, this storm of opposition that had arisen, causing the population throughout the entire Punjab and India to turn against me to the point they wanted to crush me under their feet, would certainly have succeeded in its arduous efforts and would have destroyed me. But they failed one and all.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p. 320)

Conclusion

One cannot help but acknowledge the undeniable divine assistance and support bestowed upon the Promised Messiah^as. Prophet Ahmad^assays, “Now, my claim that I have been raised at the head of this century for the revival of the Faith is clear. I emphatically proclaim that Allah the Exalted has divinely commissioned me, and over twenty-two years have since passed. The divine support that I have received over such an extended period of time serves as an argument and proof of Allah Almighty against you. For the claim that I have made of being the Reformer, and of being sent to put right the disorders that have become prevalent, is on the foundation of the Hadith and Quran. Now those who deny me, do not deny me, they deny Allah and His Messenger. These people have no right to reject me, until they present another Reformer who would take my place, because the state of the present age and time demands the coming of a Reformer.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, p. 258)

We are not powerless: History and acts of compassion for Gaza

Palestine

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

We are not powerless: History and acts of compassion for Gaza

Ayesha Naseem, UK

IMG 20240208 WA0002 scaled — Jorge Fernández Salas | Unsplash

Amidst so much uncertainty in the world, it is easy to feel powerless and helpless.

‘How can I help the Palestinians?’

‘What will my retweeting and reposting on social media do?’

‘I am thousands of miles away; what will my condemnation do?’

‘I am neutral; I have no opinion on this, and this is a complicated matter as it is.’

These are some of the comments and questions people often make to try and avoid a conversation on what’s happening in Gaza. Reflecting of detachment and individualism, this mindset stems from the idea of “minding one’s own business” and the belief that “no one owes anyone anything” in this world until something directly affects such a person.

Islam, which is a religion of moderation and balance, teaches against such attitudes and mindsets. In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty places repeated emphasis on the importance of enjoining justice. Compassion and kindness for all of humanity, especially for those who are oppressed or vulnerable, are also crucial aspects of Islamic theology.

Compassion for Humanity – A primary teaching of Islam

In the Holy Quran, it is stated:

وَمِمَّنۡ خَلَقۡنَاۤ اُمَّةٌ يَّہۡدُوۡنَ بِالۡحَقِّ وَبِہٖ يَعۡدِلُوۡنَ

“And of those We have created there are a people that guide men with truth and do justice therewith.” (Ch.7, V.182)

In the Five-Volume English Commentary of the Holy Quran, it has been explained:

“What it [this verse] means is that among God’s creatures there are men who not only themselves are rightly guided and practise justice but also enjoin others to do the same; and the verse hints that it behoves other people to follow their example…” (The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary [1947], Vol. 1, p. 853)

From this, a simple lesson is learnt; that is, we cannot simply ignore or shut our eyes towards injustice in the world just because it is not directly affecting us or harming us.

Furthermore, the Promised Messiah^as stated on one occasion:

“The perfection of man’s faith lies in the emulation of Allah’s perfect attributes.” (Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 10, p. 339)

Attributes of Allah: O’ Merciful and O’ Compassionate

If we study the attributes of Allah the Almighty, two specific attributes are of relevance here. These are:

“Yā Rahīm – O Merciful! – يا رحيم”

“Yā Ra’ūf – O Compassionate! – يا رؤف”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra explained the difference between mercy and compassion and stated:

“The difference is that Al-Rahīm (The Merciful) is more general, whereas Al-Ra’ūf (The Compassionate) is more specific. Mercy is in response to both happiness and suffering, but pity is a response to seeing someone suffering and wanting to remove that hardship. Pity is a part of Mercy. Pity is specifically the feeling of sympathy and love resulting from seeing someone in pain. (“Names of Allah: ar-Rahmān, ar-Rahīm, ar-Ra’ūf, al-Barr, al-Latīf, ar-Rafīq, al-Waliyy, al-Wadūd, al-Hādī”, www.alhakam.org)

About emulating Allah the Almighty’s attributes, the Promised Messiah^as also stated:

“In other words, one should follow to the best of one’s ability the various perfect virtues and attributes that exist in Allah and try to dye oneself in the hues of God Almighty. For example, forgiveness exists within God Almighty; man should also forgive. There is mercy, compassion, and benevolence. Man should also be merciful, compassionate, and benevolent with people.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, p. 435)

These insights inform a believer that he cannot be ignorant or unaffected by the suffering of others. Not only this but alongside compassion and concern, a good believer would also be the voice for those who are vulnerable and are enduring oppression or any kind of injustice.

Israeli government’s open and transparent display of oppression of Palestinians

The Israeli government, alongside its Western and European allies, continues to claim that this war is against Hamas and that it is only in retaliation to the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on 7 October. Yet, in the age of social media and smartphones, daily and hourly updates from the Palestinians in Gaza continue to challenge the truth of these claims, showing the unprecedented scale of destruction to civilian infrastructure and civilian life itself. Residential buildings, schools, colleges, universities, churches, mosques, refugee camps, and hospitals have all been targeted and destroyed in Israeli airstrikes.

None of that has come without an immense cost to civilian life. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed, half of whom are children. This death toll does not include those still under the rubble or those who were buried in mass graves without identification. By the time this piece is published, the death toll mentioned above may be outdated. In fact, we may stop receiving regular updates on figures because of a lack of resources and manpower to determine the extent and number of the lives lost.

This is the scale of human and material destruction. These numbers, therefore, are not normal, nor should they be normalised.

History testifies that dehumanisation and desensitisation of oppression give birth to an indifferent and complicit society. If we want to protect our world and our values as humans, we must see and witness every atrocity that is being committed against a population that is defenceless and cornered.

Witnessing historical times calls for the preservation of history

One may ask, how can we humanise suffering and how can we be an active part of ensuring “Never Again” and not just use it as any other slogan? This question is answered by a question of history itself. That is, how did the world learn about the atrocities of the past?

The answer is also history. Speaking, writing, archiving, documenting, and photographing are all acts of keeping a record of what’s happening around us. In the past, people relied on government papers, official statements by world leaders, exchanges of letters, personal diaries, journals and so on. With the advancement of the internet, smartphones and social media in the current age, live images, videos, tweets, blogs, letters to editors, interviews with newspapers and news channels via online phone calls, and emails to Members of Parliament or State Representatives are all enhanced acts of writing and recording history.

God-willing, when all this ends, it is all these forms of records and pieces of evidence that historians will compile, study and research. All of this will be used by prosecutors as evidence for accountability and justice.

Gaza’s archive centres, libraries, universities, and museums have been destroyed by the current Israeli aggression. Local journalists and reporters on the ground have been risking their lives while recording, photographing, and documenting the sheer horror that is on display in Gaza. Up until now, over 100 journalists have been killed. Everywhere in Gaza “smells like death” – these are the exact words of people who have recently visited the Strip or are still there, trying to hold onto survival.

This makes it even more imperative and incumbent on the international community to record and preserve the evidence and accounts of suffering and oppression inflicted on the Palestinians. Yet where seeing universities, archive centres and libraries be reduced to dust with the most horrific forms of weapons should awaken the academic community across the world, what we are witnessing is a loud silence. This is partly due to censorship imposed in universities in the West.

But if academics and researchers cannot voice their opinions or concerns based on their understanding of the world and its history, then what is left for the professions they represent?

The act of bearing witness

The proclamation of faith in Islam literally translates as:

اَشْہَدُ اَنْ لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ وَ حْدَہٗ لَا شَرِيْکَ لَہٗ وَ اَشْھَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہٗ وَ رَسُوْلُہٗ

“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.”

In Islam, the act of bearing witness has deep wisdom and meaning. The very proclamation of belief in faith is one where a believer admits being a witness to Islam’s truth.

The Holy Quran also emphasises the importance of bearing witness; it is said in Chapter 4, verse 136 of the Holy Quran:

يٰۤاَيُّہَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا کُوۡنُوۡا قَوّٰمِيۡنَ بِالۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلّٰہِ وَلَوۡ عَلٰۤي اَنۡفُسِکُمۡ اَوِ الۡوَالِدَيۡنِ وَالۡاَقۡرَبِيۡنَ ۚ اِنۡ يَّکُنۡ غَنِيًّا اَوۡ فَقِيۡرًا فَاللّٰہُ اَوۡلٰي بِہِمَا ۟ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الۡہَوٰۤي اَنۡ تَعۡدِلُوۡا ۚ وَاِنۡ تَلۡوٗۤا اَوۡ تُعۡرِضُوۡا فَاِنَّ اللّٰہَ کَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ خَبِيۡرًا

“O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore, follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do.”

Being witnesses for Allah means that one should bear witness truly for the sake of God and in strict accordance with His injunctions.

Bearing witness to the existence of Allah the Almighty and bearing witness to injustices in the world may seem like two matters that are poles apart. One might even claim they have no link to each other. But Islam not only helps us identify a link but in doing so, allows Muslims the room to be of service to humankind and the universe because of their belief in God.

A firm and sincere belief in Allah the Almighty would mean understanding His Existence. By improving one’s standards of worship and understanding of Islam through the Holy Quran, a believer comes to realise the importance and attention Islam gives to the rights of mankind and the incredible responsibility Muslims are assigned with to always be on the side of justice.

In an address to the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^ra stated:

“In truth, all prophets guided their people towards a certain way of thinking based on the needs of their time and circumstances. Accordingly, the Promised Messiah^as also instilled hope in the people of the world. By hope, I do not mean a sense of easiness that makes a person free of worry, or [hollow] optimism bereft of action, or [empty] supplications marked by helplessness.

“Rather, I am referring to that hope which arises from knowing that God has indeed endowed human beings with all the subtle strengths, hidden capacities, and inherent faculties necessary to fulfil their primary purpose [in life] – that is, to attain the nearness of God. It was to this end that human beings were created with such phenomenal powers, strengths, and capabilities.” (“The purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah^as, www.alhakam.org)

Conclusion: Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya – the beacon of hope

On 31 October 2023, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community launched the #VoicesforPeace campaign under the guidance of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V^aa to raise awareness about the oppression of the Palestinians and to urge governments and world leaders to end this war and aggression.

As the Promised Messiah’s^as Khalifa, Huzoor^aa has been at the forefront of leading his Jamaat to be the voice of justice and peace.

Through this campaign, Ahmadi Muslims across the world have organised events with non-Ahmadi guests, including politicians, academics, and professionals, to raise awareness about the devastating situation in Gaza and the critical need for peace in the world. Ahmadi Muslims have also been using the medium of social media to spread the solutions Islam presents for peace and have also contacted their local leaders and politicians to urge them to support calls for a ceasefire.

Therefore, by documenting what’s happening, by initiating conversations to bring awareness, and by being on the right side of history, as is said, we are fulfilling our rights owed to the Creation of God Almighty. This is why there is always something we can do. We may be politically powerless, but we are powerful with belief and prayer.

Indeed, it is the belief in Allah the Almighty that can inspire and move a believer to go out of his way to be of use and help to mankind so that his God can be pleased with Him. Ultimately, this is the hope that the Promised Messiah^as came to spread, and this is the hope we have to emulate today. The hope we have to keep alive today.

Twenty pearls of wisdom from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s ‘Guidance for Missionaries’ – Part II

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

Twenty pearls of wisdom from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s ‘Guidance for Missionaries’ – Part II

Abdul Hadi Masood, Missionary, UK

IMG 20240208 WA0005 scaled — Brad Switzer | Unsplash

As the second Khalifa and the Promised Son of the Promised Messiah^as, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad^ra provided invaluable advice to Ahmadi muballigheen (missionaries) during his time. His profound guidance is compiled in a book titled Zarreen Hidayat Baraye Muballigheen, which translates to “Valuable Guidance for Missionaries.”

In this article, I will be compiling twenty further pieces of advice from the next hundred pages, which, although originally directed towards missionaries, carry valuable insights that can be universally beneficial, because the work of tabligh and tarbiyat is a shared responsibility of every Ahmadi.

1. Excellent morals are a mighty sword

Advice: Morals are a mighty sword; faith without morals is futile.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra, underscoring the significance of moral values, expressed, “From my perspective, the decline of Islam stemmed from a decline in morals. This led to discord within the religion, ultimately resulting in the loss of temporal authority. Therefore, steadfastly adhere to moral principles. No sword is as impactful as the sword of morals. Even opponents acknowledge its influence, and among our own people it fosters unwavering strength, elevating their spirit and aspirations.” (Zarreen Hidayat Baraye Muballigheen, p. 103)

2. Read Jamaat’s central publications

Advice: Study the central newspapers, as they keep you connected to the centre and renew your faith.

Huzoor^ra, emphasising the importance of continually expanding knowledge through Jamaat’s literature, also stressed the significance of staying connected to the central headquarters through the central newspaper. He stated, “Any newspaper from Qadian that contains matters related to the Markaz and the Jamaat should be studied, as it renews your faith. Also give this advice to the people you are preaching to.” (Ibid., p. 104).

3. Sloth: soul’s nemesis

Advice: Guard against laziness, for it affects the soul. Engage in regular training of any kind.

Huzoor^ra emphasised, “A person should never be lazy; they must always stay active, and for that, some kind of exercise should be undertaken. For example, walking, etc. It has a deep connection to the soul. The Prophets never succumb to laziness.” (Ibid., pp. 105-106).

4. A facade of humility

Advice: Everyone is humble at the inception of a task but remember to stay humble even after success, attributing your achievements to God Almighty, not yourself.

Huzoor^ra states, “Everyone tends to think this way at the inception of a task, including atheists who admit their weakness and inability to carry out the endeavour. However, as the task concludes and retirement draws near, if one still harbours the same thoughts, emotions, and sentiments, that is indeed a source of happiness. But if they no longer possess these thoughts and that is the case for most individuals, then it becomes evident that the initial expressions were merely a facade, intended to deceive the world and portray themselves as superior than before.”

Huzoor^ra elaborates further, “Regrettably, there are individuals in our Jamaat who claim that all our endeavours are for the sake of God, and whatever transpires, unfolds with the blessings of God – that they themselves are not capable of carrying out such works. When they express this sentiment, they genuinely perceive themselves in this manner. Consequently, they may achieve some feats because, witnessing their humility, God aids them, and the world observes a significant transformation brought about through them. But when success comes, and it comes as a result of their humility and God’s blessings, at that moment, they fail to recall the initial acknowledgement of their incapability at the start of the task. In reality, they were incapable, yet they look back and proudly claim ownership of their achievements, forgetting the earlier sincere admission of their limitations. It was precisely that humble recognition of incapability that paved the way for success.” (Ibid., pp. 111-112)

5. Heartfelt devotion

Advice: Inculcate such love in the people that their philosophical faith transcends into a heartfelt devotion.

Huzoor^ra states, “Remember, no nation can remain united unless the bond that binds them is robust. Therefore, the narratives of the benevolence of the Promised Messiah^as and the tribulations he endured for the betterment of the world should be retold. By reiterating these incidents, one should strengthen their love for the Promised Messiah^as and the Jamaat in their hearts to such an extent that it transcends mere philosophical faith and transforms into sincere faith. Such faith is indispensable for salvation.” (Ibid., p. 118)

6. The deceitful side of compassion

Advice: Be cautious of the deceptive nature of compassion because both, a believer and a non-believer can show it. A non-believer’s display of it may create a false perception of faith, while a faithful person’s discreet compassion might be overlooked. Always show compassion with your actions.

Huzoor^ra states, “Carefully remember that there is no faith without compassion, but ‘compassion’ without faith may be possible. Hence, a missionary treads a very delicate path. Without compassion, he risks losing faith, and a non-believer may be counted among the believers solely due to his compassion, causing double harm. He not only loses faith himself but also leads others astray because people observe his actions and consider him faithless. On the other hand, they might regard a person of another faith a believer due to his evident compassion. Therefore, it is imperative for the missionary to embody profound compassion – not merely in name but also in action. His words, actions, and even his eyes should radiate compassion.” (Ibid., p. 124)

7. A Satanic thought

Advice: It is wrong to think that your faith is only between you and God. Express your faith through meaningful actions, as certain attributes have been made to be showcased for the betterment of the world.

Following the aforementioned guidance, Huzoor^ra emphasised, “Do not assume that this is merely between you and God, and that He knows your intentions. Undoubtedly, God knows your intentions, yet Almighty God has endowed certain attributes in humans that, unless displayed, are of no benefit to others. If people cannot benefit from these qualities, then what purpose do they serve? This is a Satanic notion. As showing off is a sin, neglecting to exhibit these attributes through your actions, speech, and demeanour is also a sin. Concealing them can detrimentally impact the world, or it deprives the world of genuine love and conciliation.” (Ibid., p. 124)

8. Another Satanic thought

Advice: Never deem yourself incapable of achieving something.

Huzoor^ra states, “Never entertain the thought that such and such attributes are beyond your reach. There is not a single virtue, necessary for mankind, that they cannot acquire. While there may be varying levels, every quality exists within humans, and improvement is achievable through effort. Considering oneself incapable is a Satanic notion designed to distance individuals from virtue.” (Ibid., p. 124)

9. Truth in considerate shades

Advice: Embrace honesty as a guiding principle in all aspects of life, while simultaneously recognising the importance of thoughtful deliberation in the disclosure of each truth.

Huzoor^ra emphasised, “Remember that truthfulness is a virtue, which can’t be a bad deed. However, bear in mind that not every truth needs to be disclosed. Describing an individual with a walking disability as ‘disabled’ is truthful, but revealing this truth is a sin. There exists a distinction between lying and revealing every truth. It is not obligatory to disclose the truth, especially when its revelation doesn’t serve the betterment of the religion and instead harms the sentiments of others. In fact, it becomes a sinful act.” (Ibid., p. 125)

10. Suffering for God’s sake

Advice: Embrace beatings for God’s sake, respond with patience, and witness divine assistance.

Huzoor^ra recounts the story of a gatekeeper serving a Russian king. One day, the king instructed him not to allow anyone inside. A man of high rank approached, but the gatekeeper, obedient to the king’s command, denied him entry. The man, a duke, questioned the gatekeeper, who acknowledged recognising his status but continued to adhere to the king’s orders. The duke resorted to physically assaulting the gatekeeper, who endured the beatings steadfastly. This repeated several times until the king intervened, inquiring about the commotion.

Upon learning of the situation, the king asked the gatekeeper if he knew the duke, and, upon confirmation, questioned why he obstructed the duke’s entry. The gatekeeper reiterated his commitment to the king’s command. The king then asked the duke if he was informed about the king’s directive, to which the duke affirmed. In response, the king ordered the gatekeeper to strike the duke. However, the duke objected, claiming that someone of the gatekeeper’s low rank couldn’t strike him. To address this, the king elevated the gatekeeper’s rank until it matched that of the duke, enabling him to deliver the punishment.

Huzoor^ra concludes, “If a gatekeeper, by obediently following God’s command and enduring beatings, could ascend from his position to become a ruler and commander, then will God not reward us when we endure suffering for His sake, refusing to retaliate against our enemies? Certainly, He will reward us. Therefore, endure the beatings and pray for those who inflict the pain.” (Ibid., pp. 130-131)

11. Holding your ground

Advice: Stay encouraged, even if your words echo unheard. Change takes time, and countless transformations speak to the power of persistence.

Huzoor^ra states, “As you embark on tabligh [preaching], keep in mind that the opponents are greater in number, i.e., we are one in hundred as compared to them. They will behave harshly with us as we are going to their homes. They will repeatedly express their unwillingness to listen, insisting that your words hold no sway over them. However, a believer does not succumb to such responses. If the opinions of irreligious and misguided people held any value, the Holy Prophet^sa would have ceased preaching and chosen to stay at home on the day he was appointed.” (Ibid., p. 136)

12. Love vs philosophy

Advice: Remember, a single act of love holds more power than a thousand arguments.

Huzoor^ra states, “Discard the philosophical attitude. Let the heart brim with good intentions, and let the tongue be adorned with love and good manners. A single word infused with love can wield more impact than a thousand arguments. A child embraces Hinduism upon parental command, driven by the love in his heart for them, reciprocated by the love his parents hold for him. Yet, you can present countless arguments to disprove Hinduism; he will remain un-swayed.” (Ibid., pp. 139-140)

On another occasion, Huzoor^ra advises missionaries to exercise great care in their behaviour and interactions with people of other faiths. He states, “Be cautious in your eating, drinking, and clothing choices, avoiding anything that may cause them discomfort. Feel free to do as you wish in private, but refrain from actions in their presence that might hurt their feelings. Such behaviour not only undermines your own efforts but is also morally objectionable.” (Ibid., p. 149)

13. The stepwise nature of human progress

Advice: Recognise and appreciate the step-by-step nature of human progress. Don’t expect people to change overnight. Also, don’t delay your work unnecessarily; take one step after another.

Huzoor^ra advised, “Every transformation occurs gradually. Do not expect individuals to become devout Muslims in a single day. Those who embrace Islam will progressively strengthen their faith. Therefore, avoid overwhelming them; they will naturally progress in 3-4 months. Start by instilling the love of Islam within them and formally making them Muslims, but do not withhold any teachings of Islam, as it may pose difficulties for them later on or lead to the creation of a new religion.” (Ibid., p. 149)

Explaining this concept further, Huzoor^ra elaborated, “I have consistently offered the advice to proceed with caution. This doesn’t imply taking months or years to complete a task but rather advancing step by step. Once you have a solid foothold, delaying the next step is a waste of time and harms your work. If the task requires hours, complete it in hours; if it takes minutes, accomplish it in minutes. Just keep in mind that the pace shouldn’t be so fast that it harms the work or negatively impacts future tasks.” (Ibid., p. 151)

14. Strategic preaching

Advice: Engage in debates only if you have been designated for that purpose. Focus on preaching one-to-one.

Huzoor^ra advises, “If you find the opportunity to preach to the old Hindus during that time, seize that opportunity. However, debates should be the domain of those specifically chosen; others should refrain and instead concentrate on one-to-one preaching.” (Ibid., p. 151)

15. Renewing commitment

Advice: Consistently revisit the oath you’ve taken and the guidance received from Khalifa-tul-Masih to strengthen your commitment.

Huzoor^ra states, “Keep that oath in front of you, whether it be the one you took on my hand during bai‘at or the one at this occasion. Read those guidances repeatedly, and act upon them without any distinction. May Allah be your Helper.” (Ibid., p. 153)

16. From glad tiding to warning

Advice: Recognize that the misuse of anything can have a negative impact. Approach the advice not for amusement but with the intention to earnestly act upon it.

Huzoor^ra advised, “Similarly, the Holy Prophet^sa was a bearer of glad tidings, but for whom? For those who accepted him. But for Abu Jahl, he wasn’t a glad tiding; for him, he was a warner. Thus, only advice that proves beneficial is the one put into practice. Sadly, most people read advice merely for amusement without reflecting on it. It is essential for them to contemplate how they can incorporate these pieces of advice into their day-to-day lives.” (Ibid., p. 156)

17. Newton’s discovery

Advice: Treasure every piece of guidance from Khalifatul Masih, whether it appears significant or trivial to you. Some things may seem insignificant, but upon deeper reflection, you’ll realise their immense importance and the profound impact they can have.

Huzoor^ra remarked, “There are numerous small things with immense importance and significant impact. In my childhood, I used to question why Newton’s discovery was considered such a noteworthy achievement. Newton unravelled the mysteries of gravity. While sitting in the garden, observing an apple fall from a branch, he contemplated why it descended rather than ascending. This curiosity led to the discovery of gravity. As I grew older and understood how this revelation expanded knowledge exponentially, I came to appreciate Newton’s contribution. This discovery has multiplied our understanding a thousandfold. Reflect on how a seemingly small occurrence had such a colossal impact.” (Ibid., p. 156)

In another instance, Huzoor^ra advised, “These guidelines are presented to you with the intention that you read each of them thoroughly. Avoid distinguishing between important and less significant; every guideline holds significance. If any lacked importance, it would not have been presented to you.” (Ibid., p. 174)

18. No gain from either side

Advice: “Commit steadfastly to serving Islam, for wavering may lead to loss in both worlds.

Huzoor^ra states, “Secondly, those who neglected to offer their services and remained behind due to negligence should reflect on the difference between themselves and those who returned from their service. Did the stay-behinds become prosperous while the returnees faced impoverishment? Did they retain their possessions while those who served experienced loss? Did they strengthen while the others grew weak? Although their worldly circumstances remained unchanged, spiritually, those who served received special blessings from God, while the stay-behinds gained nothing in this world or the hereafter. Their situation is reminiscent of [the following couplet]:

نہ خدا ہی ملا نہ وصال صنم

نہ ادھر کے رہے نہ ادھر کے رہے

“Found not the Divine, nor the beloved’s grace; in neither realm did we find our place.” (Ibid., p. 167)

19. Emulating the child’s spirit

Advice: Sacrifice with unwavering commitment, even in humble pursuits.

“Our situation is akin to that of a child who constructs a castle from sand and declares it a fortress, attaches a rope to his back and proclaims himself a soldier, seizes a small stick and deems it a sword, sits on a stool in untidy clothes and declares himself a king. The Promised Messiah^as used to narrate that certain Hindus, who abstain from eating meat, create meat-like objects from [something] and consider them to be meat. It saddens me that we lack the opportunity to engage in Jihad like the people before us. In an attempt to appease our hearts, we have labelled trivial acts as Jihad. However, if we harbour a genuine desire for the Jihad undertaken by our predecessors, if we possess a fervent wish to sacrifice for the sake of our faith, and if we are determined to show no weakness, then God, who orchestrates circumstances, will not deprive us of the blessings associated with Jihad. If these circumstances are not present, preventing us from engaging in Jihad, it is because God has not provided the necessary conditions. Therefore, He will not withhold the blessings that would be available if those conditions were present.” (Ibid., p. 168)

20. Impact of prayers from empty hands

Advice: The opportune moment to implore God Almighty is when your hands are emptied first. Labour diligently, give your all, and when all else seems ineffective, God Almighty will descend His blessings to aid you.

Huzoor^ra explained that prayers come in two forms: one that a person can offer at any time, and the second that should be invoked only when one has nothing left. He states, “Imagine if a person asks for help, claiming to have nothing, but later money is discovered with him, how would he be treated? Similarly, a person who seeks God Almighty’s help without having utilised all his faculties is treated similarly—he incurs the wrath of God Almighty rather than His blessings.

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra used to narrate a story of an Indian coming from Arabia. On the way, he approached an Arab, saying, ‘Give me something to eat, but don’t expect any money from me because I don’t have any.’ Upon hearing this, the Arab’s expression changed. He went to his watermelon field, carefully selecting the best ones to offer to the Indian. Once the Indian was satisfied, the Arab inspected his clothes and then allowed him to leave. When asked about the reason, the Arab explained, ‘When you came to me claiming you had nothing, I sacrificed my field, which supported my wife and kids. I selected the best watermelons and gave them to you. Now, God is our protector. If you had even one coin with you, I would have killed you.’” (Ibid., p. 177)

Huzoor^ra further advises, “Therefore, focus on prayers, but always remember that prayers are accepted only when you work with all your might. If you don’t work hard or engage your mind in the effort, your prayers won’t be accepted.” (Ibid., p. 178)

This Week in History: 9-15 February

This Week in History

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

This Week in History: 9-15 February 11 — Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa leading a silent prayer at the Conference of World Religions, held at Guildhall

9 February 1878: An article written by Dayananda Saraswati on the subject of souls being eternal was published by the Arya Samaj in newspapers such as Wakeel, Hindustan, etc., on 7 December 1877. In response, the Promised Messiah^as rigorously challenged Swami Dayananda’s views on souls and effectively countered the Arya Samaj’s criticisms of Islam. Huzoor’s^as deep commitment to serving Islam was evident in these articulate responses, which were serialised in the Safir-e-Hind newspaper from 9 February to 9 March 1878. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 153)

9 February 1945: On this day, the National College Lahore hosted an event highlighting the importance and need for unity between Sikhs and Muslims. Giani Wahid Hussain Sahib, an Ahmadi orator, raised important points to be considered on the matter. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 9, p. 559)

10 February 1925: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra initiated a special fund to broaden tabligh in Europe and invited Jamaat members to donate 100,000 rupees towards this cause. Ahmadis contributed the required amount within three months. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 515)

10 February 1956: A barrister from the Baháʼí faith said that as Islamic teachings and the sharia were now redundant [God forbid], the new constitution of Pakistan was made from Baháʼí teachings that ﬁlled the gap of Islam’s inability to construct a constitution. On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra strongly condemned this false and baseless claim through logical and irrefutable arguments. Moreover, Huzoor^ra challenged members of the Baháʼí faith to show the teachings that were supposedly not present in the Holy Quran and were contained in the Baháʼí faith. He also urged that they present the teachings of the Holy Quran that were, according to them, not applicable in this age. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 17, p. 390)

10 February 1980: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^rh began his journey from Rabwah towards Karachi, Sindh, where he stayed till 8 March. (Al Fazl Rabwah, 11 February 1980, p. 1)

11 February 1955: On this day, a delegation representing Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK met the Prime Minister of Ceylon in London and presented a copy of the English translation of the Holy Quran to him. The Birmingham Post and other newspapers published this event. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 17, p. 312)

11 February 1956: On this day, Talim-ul-Islam College Rabwah students got to attend a talk by successful journalist, writer, and poet, Abdul Majeed Salik. The title of his speech was “The evolution of my poetry”. Talim-ul-Islam College was the centre of academic and literary events in the country. In February 1956, the college organised speech competitions in which teams from different colleges of Punjab participated. Among the eminent writers and journalists of the country, Naresh Rizvi, Chaudhry Abdul Rashid Tabassum and Abdul Majeed Salik were invited to Rabwah to act as judges. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 18, p. 346)

11 February 1975: The Ahmadiyya Mission in Japan was established in June 1935, when Sufi Abdul Qadeer Sahib was sent there as the first missionary. Owing to multiple reasons, this mission could remain fully functional, but it was later revived in the blessed era of the Third Khilafat when, in September 1969, Abdul Hameed Sahib was sent as a missionary. On this day, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib reached Japan to take charge of the mission. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 3, pp. 658-661)

11 February 1988: On this day, during his tour of Africa, while in Ghana, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^rh granted an audience to the country’s president. Huzoor^rh also prayed at the grave of Mahdi Appah, who was a respected local chief and among the pioneer locals who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat in Ghana. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 845)

11 February 2014: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa delivered the keynote address at the Conference of World Religions, which was organised by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK as part of its centenary celebrations at the famous Guildhall in the City of London. The theme of the much-anticipated event was “God in the 21^st Century.” Around 500 delegates attended the conference, including faith leaders from various countries, politicians, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and representatives of various NGOs. The conference also received messages of support from the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Dalai Lama, David Cameron (then prime minister of the UK), and several other dignitaries. (“Historic Conference of World Religions Held at Guildhall, London”, www.pressahmadiyya.com)

12 February 1946: On this day, the Arya Samaj’s Delhi chapter convened an interfaith conference where Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata Jalandhari^ra also delivered a speech.

Tej newspaper published a summary of his speech. The title for this conference was “My religion is not an obstacle to the development of the country.” (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 9, p. 619)

13 February 1835: On this day, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi,was born to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Murtaza and Hazrat Chiragh Bibi. It was a Friday and according to the Hijri Calendar, it was 14 Shawwal 1250 AH. The Promised Messiah^as was born at the break of dawn in Qadian. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 48)

13 February 1953: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra discussed preemptive measures for the establishment of peace during the violent anti-Ahmadiyya agitations in Pakistan. Huzoor^ra said that if the opponents won, then Ahmadis would be proven false, but as they were truthful, Ahmadiyyat would prevail. Huzoor^ra also instructed all Ahmadis to remain where they were during the agitations. (Al Fazl, 15 February 1953)

13 February 1955: On this day, a famous Italian academic and linguist visited Rabwah and enjoyed the blessed audience of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra during his short stay. (Al Fazl, 15 February 1955, p. 1)

14 February 1925: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, advised the Muslims of India concerning communal representation at the elections. His suggestions proved to be of great benefit, especially considering India’s political backdrop at the time. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 517)

15 February 1920: In response to the New Year’s Message from the then British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a lecture on this day at the Bradlaugh Hall in Lahore, titled “Kiaa dunya ke amn-o-amaan ki buniyad Isa’iyyat par rakhi ja sakti hay?” – Could the foundation of world peace be laid on Christianity?

For more details, see “Response to an appeal of British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s lectures in Lahore and Amritsar, 1920”, www.alhakam.org.

15 February 1960: On this day, the supervisor of the Ahmadiyya mission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Sheikh Amri Ubaidi Sahib was elected as the mayor of Dar es Salam. He was the first native African to be chosen as mayor of the capital of Tanzania at the time. (Al Fazl, 11 December 1998)

100 Years Ago… – News of advancement of Ahmadiyyat in America, Germany, France, and England

100 Years Ago...

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

100 Years Ago… – News of advancement of Ahmadiyyat in America, Germany, France, and England

Al Fazl, 5-8 February 1924 &The Moslem Sunrise, January, [February, March] 1924

Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Din^ra (1881-1983)

IMG 20240208 WA0000 — Alexandr Popadin | Unsplash

In the period of this report under discussion, 133 men and women have converted to Islam and joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Alhamdulillah, 60 of them have become Muslims through the efforts of a sibling pair (brother and sister), and 30 have entered Islam through the efforts of another friend. Moreover, 15 of them converted to Islam as a result of the efforts of our dear friend Sheikh Ahmad Din Sahib, who is in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in St. Louis. May Allah bless the efforts of all these friends. May God Almighty grant perseverance to every new and old convert and increase them in faith.

A significant challenge here [in America] is its extensive geographical size. For instance, it is almost twice the size of [British] India. Sometimes, a person gets acquainted with Islam in one part of the country and also becomes a Muslim, but then it is very difficult to look after them. They do not find many Muslims to interact with in their surroundings and not to mention, the general environment is also not very Islamic.

On the other hand, the lifestyle here is completely different. Generally, fair and pastime are the religions of the people here. They do not go beyond that and some of them are even heedless of the very name of their religion, etc. In such a situation, it is very difficult to bring them together and keep them consolidated. Only Allah the Almighty can cause their state to change.

A recent example of irreligiousness is the sermon of a priest who was saying publicly that God has given beauty so that people can see and admire it. Therefore, the girls must bare their thighs while dancing in the churches. He further stated that the teaching of Jesus had been corrupted and changed form by falling into the hands of ignorant Jews and Orientalists. He added that as compared to them, the teachings of the people of Rome and Greece were quite right, as they were fond of ‘natural beauty’, which they expressed in their paintings and statues. Their bare dances are not for fun, but to make the eyes take full advantage of the beauty, and hence the words of these priests are: “Back to Paganism.” That is, turn back to paganism and benefit from its true spirit.

Polygamy

The women of Europe and America are generally opposed to polygamy, that is, a man should not have more than one wife. When one discusses this matter with them, their first response is that a woman should also be allowed to have more than one husband. They do not easily understand the fact that, naturally, it is difficult for a woman to practice [polygamy] and moreover, society’s structure cannot stand on it. […]

– Muhammad Din, America.

Al Fazl, 8 February 1924

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyar^ra (1883-1948)

Berlin

It has been reported from Berlin through mail and telegram that on 20 December [1923], Maulvi Ghulam Farid Sahib reached Germany with his family.

Receiving the news of the illness of his sister and the wife of Maulvi Ghulam Farid Sahib, (caused by the inconvenient journey of the ship), Zafar Haq Khan Sahib (BSc) of Wales also reached Berlin from England.

God willing, Abdur Rahim Khan Khalid Sahib and Syed Mahmudullah Shah Sahib, who went to Belgium during the Christmas holidays, are visiting Berlin to meet Maulvi [Ghulam Farid] Sahib.

Friends are requested to pray for the establishment of missions in the Western world and the success of those newly departed missionaries who are the flag bearers of Ahmadiyyat in the centre of Europe.

I am very close to our dear friend, Maulvi Ghulam Farid Sahib, so I personally congratulate him and pray to Allah the Almighty for his success in every endeavour.

Efforts of Ahmadi students in holidays

Abdul Rahim Khan Sahib (Khalid) from Belgium writes:

“We spent the last night in great distress and the sea was very turbulent. Syed Mahmudullah Shah Sahib is still unwell. The first thing we did was to distribute [Ahmadiyya] literature among the travellers in accordance with your instructions. In this way, God gave us a little opportunity to serve the religion [of Islam].”

Malik Muhammad Ismail Sahib, son of the late Dr Elahi Bakhsh Sahib, is temporarily residing in Turkey. During his short stay, he renders service to faith by distributing literature [of Ahmadiyyat] and carrying out individual discourses. He possesses a great desire for tabligh [preaching].

Paris

A dear friend, who recently converted to Ahmadiyyat, is engaged in continuing the work initiated by Mufti [Muhammad Sadiq] Sahib. Every week, literature is sent to him from here [i.e., England] and he distributes it in various [literary] societies. In this way, the message of Prophet Ahmad^as is being spread in the capital of France, [Paris], and this is surely the True Islam. When we use the term “Ahmadiyyat,” we mean the religion Islam brought by Prophet Muhammad^sa of Arabia. This faith was revived with manifest signs by the Promised Messiah^as, the reflection of the Holy Prophet^sa. He restored the beauty of True Islam by removing the darkness of superstitions and misconceptions that had placed a veil over Islam’s pure countenance.

London

On 23 December [1923], it was the first Saturday of Sulh. On this occasion, the Ahmadi missionary and some other friends gave speeches on “Peace” and “Reconciliation”. This humble one emphasised that it is futile to look for avenues of peace in the world, as true peace is exclusively found in the servitude of the Promised Messiah^as. The world has never truly progressed before without religion, and even now, a desolate house will never be inhabited until the throne of the “Prince of Peace” is firmly established in it.

Interesting discussion

Miss Theodor, a saintly lady, was lecturing at a society. She has authored books on “Drama and Holy Chronicles”, and her speech was on the same subject. During the speech, the lecturer stressed that it is essential to adopt different postures of the body in worship. When I asked [about recitation], she added that reciting pleasantly in worship and shedding tears from the eyes is very helpful in the advancement of spiritual levels. However, the erudite speaker said that shedding tears is seventh on the list. Then, she also said that there will occur a great change in the world in [the next] 10 years.

After her lecture, I expressed in a short speech that, “Today’s lecture was rather an explanation of the Islamic worship, [i.e., salat].”

Glimmer of hope

For the past two weeks, I have been very concerned. I was deeply saddened and worried that the enemies are all around us and the armies of opponents and apostates are always ready to crush the truth. On the other hand, despite the promise of Allah the Almighty, the time for God’s help seems far away owing to the consequences of our shortcomings. Some nights, I can’t sleep due to these reflections, but on second thoughts, the last week of the year 1923 fills my heart with contentment and the bright sunshine of 1924 shows a glimmer of hope in the darkness prevailing in England.

غم مخور زانکہ من دریں تشویش

خرّمى وصل یار مے بینم

[“But do not grieve, for in the midst of these anxieties, I envision the joy of meeting the Beloved [God].”]

I have found that Spiritualists on the one hand, and Theosophists, New Thought adherents, etc., on the other, and all those in pursuit of spirituality are more or less seeking a “witness”, “bearer of glad tidings” and a “warner” who will be the healer of the world’s ailments and the divinely appointed leader of mankind.

Promised Messiah^as and Christmas

This realisation [that people are looking for a divine leader] and that the hopes of religious men are associated with the year 1924, prompted me to announce the arrival of the “Promised Messiah” in London with great vigour. For this purpose, a magazine with the title “Promised Messiah” has been prepared and printed in thousands. On its cover page is a portrait of the Promised Messiah^as along with the mosque and the tall minaret. It is as if God’s Messiah is preaching Islam in English from the top of the minaret in London. This magazine will be a monthly and an effort will be made to make this four-page treatise an interesting read, insha-Allah. A copy of this magazine can be obtained from Nazir Talif-o-Isha‘at (1924), [Hazrat Syed Zainul Abideen^ra], Qadian, by sending a postal ticket of one and a half anna [a unit of currency formerly used in India and Pakistan, equal to 1/16 of a rupee].

We distributed this Christmas gift to scores of people in London on the big day, alhamdulillah summa alhamdulillah.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 5 and 8 February 1924 issue of Al Fazl)

Press reports on missionary work in America and appreciations

The Moslem Sunrise, January, [February, March], 1924

‘Ahmadi missionary preaches faith of Muhammad’

[A news piece by the Chicago Daily Journal stated:]

While churches of Chicago are sending men and women and money to the far-away Orient to spread the gospel of Christianity, there is in this city a Moslem missionary, six months from India, seeking converts to the faith of Mohammed.

In an improvised mosque at 4448 Wabash Avenue, each Sunday and Friday morning, Maulvi Muhammad Din, a picturesque man of middle age, with a short black beard tinged with grey, conducts services before a devout gathering of Turks, Africans and a few Americans.

There, in this temple, which was a two-story gray stone residence, and which now is topped with a large green dome and three spires. Maulvi Din, in fluent English colored with a rich oriental accent, performs a mission that to Chicagoans may seem strange in their city.

200 Chicagoans converted

Through the efforts of Maulvi Din, (“maulvi” is a title of respect similar to “reverend”), and his predecessor in the Chicago Mosque, Dr MM Sadiq, more than 200 Chicagoans have accepted the doctrine of “One God, one aim, one destiny.” In all the United States there are more than 700 converts for the Ahmadiyya movement in Islam.

The services in the mosque, opening with the sing-song “call to prayer” from the minaret, played upon a phonograph in a corner of the mission “living room,” and concluding with prayers in a second-floor room reserved for that purpose only, are impressive.

Most picturesque of all is the fifteen minute “salat” to Allah, in which the converts, sometimes kneeling, sometimes standing, sometimes touching their foreheads to the floor, are led by Maulvi Din.

In short Arabic phrases the missionary, who stands facing cast upon a small brown prayer rug spread beneath a green dome, repeats the words of devotion. His followers, standing shoulder to shoulder at their prayer rugs and also facing cast, drone the words after the leader.

Has five prayers daily

On the walls of the prayer room, which at one time might have served as a bedroom when the house was used as a residence, are tacked colorful prayer rugs and a large, finely woven, red and yellow drape.

“We have five daily prayers,” Maulvi Din explained to the [Chicago Daily] Journal reporter after the services. “They are Fajr in the morning, Zuhr at about 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Asr at about 4 o’clock, Maghrib at sunset and Isha at bedtime. There are five positions assumed by the Moslem in prayer, and while praying he is forbidden to speak to any one, to look about at random, or move from his place until he has finished.”

Before entering the prayer room to lead his followers in devotion, Maulvi Din performs “wuzu,” which, he explained, consists of washing the hands and face several times to express physical cleanliness in the salat. – Chicago Daily Journal

650 join Islam in Chicago

Chicago, 3 November [1923]: The teachings of Mohammed are making great headway in Chicago, according to Maulvi Muhammad Din, newly come to the city as conductor of a south side mosque.

Since his arrival from Punjab, [British] India, last April, the newcomer said, 650 Chicagoans have accepted Islam.

“Christianity on the decline in India,” he told International News Service. “Christianity is not profound enough for the philosophical Indian mind.”

Appreciations

“What a glorious ‘Sunrise’ in the West. The sun of Islam is sending forth his life-giving rays from the zealous Ahmadi missionaries in America, thus fulfilling our Holy Prophet’s^[sa] wonderful prophecy. May this sun never set until the whole earth embraces Islam.” – Mahomet Kamel Anderson, Paris, France

“The contents of the Moslem Sunrise are undergoing great advancement under your able editing in giving the world-wide readers of its columns something worthwhile their notice and financial support.” – Charles F Sievwright

“The more I hear from Maulvi Muhammad Din, the more I am attracted to him; he writes a most interesting letter and he is clearing up many perplexing questions concerning the early history and traditions of the holy faith. I am fortified with facts and will soon be able to fare forth and cause some of these orthodox … ‘to seek the tall timbers,’ as well as being able to answer questions of those interested in faith.” – Brother Shaikh Abdullah Allahdin (Mr JL Mott) to Dr. Sadiq

“[The] Moslem Sunrise is a Moslem missionary paper brought out by a body of Indian Moslems at Chicago, USA. We are in receipt of its latest issue in which it is stated that about eighty Americans, men and women, have joined Islam in the month of January, 1923. We thank the movement on the great work it has undertaken to spread Islam in the Western lands.” – Al-Yaqeen of Baghdad

(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original in The Moslem Sunrise, January, [February, March], 1924)

11 khuddam walk 150 km to attend the 39th national ijtema of MKA, The Gambia

Gambia

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

11 khuddam walk 150 km to attend the 39th national ijtema of MKA, The Gambia

Lamin Nyabally, Missionary, The Gambia

On 19 December 2023, 11 khuddam from different majalis of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Farafenni, The Gambia, undertook a long walk of 150 kilometres to participate in the 39^th annual ijtema, held on 22-24 December 2023 at the Nusrat Senior Secondary School.

They began the journey from the Farafenni mission house on 19 December, after Fajr prayer. In the first phase of the journey, they stopped at Saba Mission House by way of rest; they spent the night there. On 20 December, they started the second phase of their journey, stopped at the Barra Mission House, and spent the night there as well. Finally, on 21 December, they reached the ijtema venue.

At the end of the ijtema, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya The Gambia, Ba Saikou Jammeh Sahib, in appreciation of the courage demonstrated by these khuddam, organised a reception for them and they were each issued a certificate as well.

A khadim, Brother Omar Bah Sahib, aged 17, states:

“This was my first time doing such and it serves as a fundamental tool for increasing one’s faith.”

Muhammad Zafrullah Nyabally said:

“Walking 150 kilometres is very important because sacrifice does not only stop at contributing financially; one has to also physically participate in trying to get the pleasure of Allah. He further buttressed that previously he was not able to participate because he was too young but this year, alhamdulillah, he was able to partake, so the young ones should look upon them as they were able to look upon their brethren before them.”

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Senegal holds its 11th Jalsa Salana

Senegal

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Senegal holds its 11th Jalsa Salana

Musawer Ahmed Muzzamil, Missionary, Senegal

The 11^th Jalsa Salana Senegal was held on 29-31 December 2023, at the national headquarters of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Dakar, Senegal. The theme of the Jalsa Salana was “Islamic teachings for sustainable development.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa had nominated Baba F Trawally Sahib, Amir Jamaat The Gambia, as his representative for Jalsa Salana Senegal 2023. Moreover, for the first time, Huzoor^aa wrote a special message for the participants of the Jalsa Salana.

For the first time, two regional governors attended the Jalsa and expressed their good wishes to the audience.

On 28 December, participants from remote regions of the country started coming in convoys. There were many who had travelled more than 600 kilometres to attend the Jalsa.

On 29 December, the Jalsa was inaugurated with flag hoisting. All attendees proceeded to the hall and listened to the live Friday Sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa. After that, Amir Jamaat Senegal led the Jumuah prayer.

In the evening, the first session was presided over by Amir Jamaat The Gambia, who read out the special message of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa and led everyone in silent prayer.

As usual, sessions were held in local languages (Wolof, Polar, Sirer, and Jola) after Maghrib and Isha prayers. Apart from speeches in local languages, question and answer sessions were also organised.

On 30 December, the day started with Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, followed by dars. After breakfast, in the morning session, there were various speeches on the topics of Islamic teachings for permanent peace and at the end of the session, the honourable guests were also given an opportunity to express their views.

At the end of this session, the Governors of Region Kolda and Region Thies came and expressed their sincere feelings regarding the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Both of the governors have also participated in Jalsa Salana UK 2023.

After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the third session started, in which speeches were given on various topics. Later, some guests expressed their views. The third session ended with a silent prayer.

After Maghrib and Isha prayers, sessions were also held in local languages (i.e., Wolof, Polar, Sirer, and Jola).

On the second day of the Jalsa, the proceedings of a separate Lajna session were also held. Women speakers mentioned Islamic teachings for permanent peace in the world. Nasirat recited the Arabic qasidah of the Promised Messiah^as, in praise of the Holy Prophet^sa.

On 31 December 2023, the day began with the Tahajjud prayer. Later, after the Fajr prayer and dars-ul-Quran, the participants stayed in the Jalsa Gah. The Amir of Jamaat in The Gambia distributed awards to outstanding students for their academic achievements over the year.

Around 10 am, all the members listened to the concluding address of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V^aa to the Jalsa Salana Qadian. For the first time in the history of Senegal, Jalsa Salana Senegal, along with several other Jalsas, was streamed live on MTA and scenes from Jalsa Salana Senegal were seen on MTA several times during the concluding address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa.

This concluded the Jalsa Salana Senegal 2023.

3930 men and women from more than 300 villages of 14 regions of Senegal joined the Jalsa Salana Senegal 2023. Apart from them, delegations from neighbouring countries, such as Mali, Mauritania and Gambia, also participated. Two Ahmadis from the UK also joined this Jalsa. Similarly, more than 150 guests of the Jamaat joined the Jalsa, including chiefs of villages and representatives of various villages who were joining the Jalsa for the first time.

The Jalsa Salana was attended by representatives of several radio stations and other journalists and caused the message of Ahmadiyyat to be broadcast. Ten days before the Jalsa, announcements were made on radio stations in all regions to inform people about the Jalsa. After the Jalsa, the programmes of the Jalsa are being broadcast on the radios of the regions.

MKA Canada holds 17th annual talim and tarbiyat camp for grade-10 students

Canada

Al Hakam

9th February 2024

MKA Canada holds 17th annual talim and tarbiyat camp for grade-10 students

Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada held its 17^th annual grade-10 Talim and Tarbiyat camp at the Baitul Islam Mosque Complex from 22 to 29 December 2023.

The opening session was presided over by Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada, Tahir Ahmed Sahib. He was accompanied by Imtiaz Ahmed Sra Sahib. Later, they were joined by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib.

Khuddam were divided into eight groups, which competed with one another in academic and sports competitions.

The camp’s schedule closely resembled a typical day in the life of a Jamia Ahmadiyya student. After offering Fajr prayer, students recited the Holy Quran in the mosque, followed by breakfast and assembly in the Jamia auditorium. Next were classes with various missionaries on basic Islamic jurisprudence, salat with translation, dismantling atheism, and basic Islamic beliefs.

Students also participated in special activities to enhance brotherhood and teamwork. After Zuhr and Asr prayers and lunch, students proceeded to Aiwan-e-Tahir for sports. After sports, students had some time to spend in their hostels before the Maghrib prayer, followed by dinner and the Isha prayer.

Special guest lectures were organised after the Isha prayer, which were delivered by various speakers of Jamaat. These lectures included talks with Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada, National Secretary Tarbiyat Canada Shahid Mansoor Sahib, and Missionary Sharrukh Abid Sahib. The night concluded with open group discussions with missionaries in the hostels.

A highlight of the camp was the live broadcast of Radio Ahmadiyya from the Baitul Islam Mosque. Radio Ahmadiyya has been broadcasting weekly in Canada since 1995. It invites missionaries from the Jamaat and allows listeners to ask questions of them. Missionary Mirza Muhammad Afzal Sahib, was the guest and answered questions from camp participants.

The camp participants also had a field trip to a local attraction, where they were able to play a game of mini golf.

At the end of the camp, students were tested on what they had learned during the week.

Throughout the camp, discipline was emphasised and at the end of the camp, the best student and best group were recognised.

The camp came to a successful conclusion on 29 December. Missionary-in-charge Canada, Abdul Rashid Anwar Sahib, and Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada presided over the closing session. Prizes were awarded and students were recognised for their work over the week.

In the end, students had the opportunity to express their opinions and feedback about the camp. Overall, students thoroughly enjoyed the camp. A total of 79 khuddam participated in this year’s camp.

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‘It is your duty to tell the world that the Promised Messiah has already come’: Huzoor addresses the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Germany...

From The Markaz

Al HakamThe Weekly

AlhakamAl hakam newspaper

Mudabbar Ahmad Zafri, Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

Dark energy

‘The Big Freeze’ or ‘The Heat Death’

‘The Big Rip’

‘The Big Crunch’

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir, Al Hakam

A time to serve the Faith

Bai‘ats at the hands of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra

‘This is the Age of tabligh’

Adam Ahmad, Al Hakam

Promises of Divine support

Succour against opponents

Absolute trust in support of Allah

Victory in The Conference of Great Religions

God’s assistance in Arabic knowledge

Helpers of God

Conclusion

Ayesha Naseem, UK

Compassion for Humanity – A primary teaching of Islam

Attributes of Allah: O’ Merciful and O’ Compassionate

Israeli government’s open and transparent display of oppression of Palestinians

Witnessing historical times calls for the preservation of history

The act of bearing witness

Conclusion: Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya – the beacon of hope

Abdul Hadi Masood, Missionary, UK

1. Excellent morals are a mighty sword

2. Read Jamaat’s central publications

3. Sloth: soul’s nemesis

4. A facade of humility

5. Heartfelt devotion

7. A Satanic thought

8. Another Satanic thought

9. Truth in considerate shades

10. Suffering for God’s sake

11. Holding your ground

12. Love vs philosophy

13. The stepwise nature of human progress

14. Strategic preaching

15. Renewing commitment

16. From glad tiding to warning

17. Newton’s discovery

18. No gain from either side

19. Emulating the child’s spirit

20. Impact of prayers from empty hands

Al Fazl, 5-8 February 1924 &The Moslem Sunrise, January, [February, March] 1924

Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Dinra (1881-1983)

Polygamy

Al Fazl, 8 February 1924

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

Berlin

Efforts of Ahmadi students in holidays

Paris

London

Interesting discussion

Glimmer of hope

Promised Messiahas and Christmas

Press reports on missionary work in America and appreciations

The Moslem Sunrise, January, [February, March], 1924

‘Ahmadi missionary preaches faith of Muhammad’

200 Chicagoans converted

Has five prayers daily

650 join Islam in Chicago

Appreciations

Lamin Nyabally, Missionary, The Gambia

Musawer Ahmed Muzzamil, Missionary, Senegal

Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent

Bai‘ats at the hands of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra

Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Din^ra (1881-1983)

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyar^ra (1883-1948)

Promised Messiah^as and Christmas