Home Blog Page 140

What does the Quran say about Israel and Palestine?

Al Hakam
-
16
What does the Quran say about Israel and Palestine?
M Adam Ahmad, Al Hakam
photo1701302549 4 scaled
AmirHadi Manavi | Unsplash

God Almighty revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammadsa for the guidance of humanity. This Holy Book of Allah the Almighty foretells many future events to strengthen the faith of the believers and enlighten those who seek understanding and truth. One such Divine revelation concerns the fate of Palestine. Allah the Exalted states:

وَلَقَدۡ کَتَبۡنَا فِي الزَّبُوۡرِ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ الذِّکۡرِ اَنَّ الۡاَرۡضَ يَرِثُہَا عِبَادِيَ الصّٰلِحُوۡنَ۔ اِنَّ فِيۡ ہٰذَا لَبَلٰغًا لِّقَوۡمٍ عٰبِدِيۡنَ۔ وَمَاۤ اَرۡسَلۡنٰکَ اِلَّا رَحۡمَةً لِّلۡعٰلَمِيۡنَ۔

“We have recorded in the Book of David, after the exhortation, that My righteous servants shall inherit the Land. Herein, surely, is a message for those who are devoted to worship. We have sent thee only as a mercy for the universe.” (Surah al-Anbiya’, Ch.21: V.106-108)

In Tafsir-e-Kabir, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra have discussed the above verses at length.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explains that Allah the Almighty says in these verses that after some exhortations in the book of Psalms, He declared that the inheritors of the Holy Land will be His righteous servants. Herein, there is a message for people who truly worship Him. And God has sent the Holy Prophetsa as a mercy for all.

The aforementioned prophecy of the Bible states, “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” (Psalms, 37:29) However, one should not be misguided by the [temporary] dominance of the Israelites on the Holy Land, i.e., Palestine, because this prophecy also signifies that if the opportunity presents itself, the righteous servants of God will again prevail over this country.

Hence, God conveyed this message to the Muslims that a time will come when the Israelites will occupy the Holy Land.  The word ‘abidin [people who worship Allah] is used here to refer to the prophecy of David[as] in the book of Psalms. God forewarned the Muslims to be watchful that if at any time they show weakness in becoming His servants, Allah the Almighty will bring the Israelites back to Palestine. However, if the Muslims become true worshippers of God again, they will prevail anew.

Moreover, they should also realise that the mercy of the Holy Prophetsa is timeless and the era of Prophet Muhammadsa does not end with the triumph of the Israelites over Palestine. In fact, the mercy of Allah’s Messengersa transcends all ages, i.e., the periods before and after the occupation of the Israelites.

Thus, one should not be dismayed, as when divine mercy showers again, the Muslims will triumph once more in Palestine. (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2023], Vol. 8, pp. 105-106)

Explaining this prophecy of the Holy Quran, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas says:

“It is clear from this verse that al-Ard, which refers to the land of [Greater] Syria, will always be inherited by the righteous people, and as of now, it is in the possession of Muslims.

“Allah the Almighty has not used the word “يَمْلِکھَا” [in the aforementioned verse] but in fact said “يَرِثُھَا”. This manifestly shows that the true heirs [of Palestine] will always be Muslims, and if it goes into the hands of some else at some point, such a possession would be similar to a scenario in which the mortgagor gives temporary control of their property to the mortgagee. This is the glory of Divine revelation, [and it shall surely come to pass].” (Al Hakam, 10 November 1902, p. 7)

Based on the divinely inspired commentaries of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, The Five Volume Commentary of the Holy Quran also presents an overview of the prophecy under discussion. In the explanation of the verse 106 of Surah al-Anbiya‘, it states:

“By الارض (the land) is meant Palestine. It is worthy of note that Christian commentators themselves have interpreted the phrase ‘inherit the land’ or ‘inherit the earth’ in the Psalms as meaning, ‘inherit Canaan, the pledge of God’s covenant.’ (Commentary on the Old Testament, published by The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London, notes on Ps. 37:‌3, 9) The reference in the words, ‘in the Book of David’ is to Psalms 37:‌9, 11, 18, 22 & 29, where it is stated: 

“‘For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright; and their inheritance shall be forever. […] For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut; The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.’

“The word الذکر may also refer to Torah, the Book of Moses. There is a prophecy in Deuteronomy (28:‌11 & 34:‌4) that Palestine was to be given to the Israelites: 

“‘For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant […]. And the Lord said unto him, this is the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed.’

“The Israelites rose to great power after Moses[as] and in the time of David[as] and Solomon[as] their rule extended far and wide till it embraced in its orbit far-off lands. Then they fell on evil days. They sinned and transgressed and killed God’s Prophets with the result that Divine nemesis overtook them. First Samaria was conquered and ravaged by the Assyrians about 733 BC and the whole country north of Israel was annexed by them. Then under Pharaoh Necho, the Egyptians ravaged Judah in 608 BC and last of all the greatest blow fell on Israel when Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, laid waste Judah, killed in cold blood the inhabitants of Jerusalem and burned and razed the holy Temple of Solomon to the ground and carried away in captivity the members of the royal family and their Prophets. After wandering in wilderness for about a century the Israelites were restored to Jerusalem and to some of their lost glory through the instrumentality of Cyrus, the Persian king and his successors. To this restoration the following passage of the Bible makes a prophetic reference from the mouth of Moses: 

“‘And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee – thou shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; that then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee […]. And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and He will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.’ (Deuteronomy, 30:‌1-5)

“Again, the Israelites relapsed into sin and iniquity. They opposed and persecuted God’s Messengers and the cup of their wickedness became full to the brim when they hung on the cross Jesus[as], their last great Prophet. Then God’s wrath fell upon them. The Roman hordes under Titus attacked them in 70 AD and amid circumstances of unparalleled horror Jerusalem was destroyed and the Temple of Solomon was burnt down for the second time (Encyclopedia Biblica & Jewish Encyclopedia under ‘Jerusalem’). To this double disaster of the Israelites verses 17:5-8 of the Quran make a pointed reference. 

“Palestine, the Holy Land, remained in the hands of Christians till Muslims conquered it in the Caliphate of ‘Umar[ra], the Second Successor of the Holy Prophet[sa], and unlike Nebuchadnezzar and Titus he accorded such benign and kind treatment to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and showed such respect and reverence to the Temple of Solomon as are unparalleled in the whole annals of foreign conquest.

“It is to this conquest of Palestine by Muslim arms that the prophecy embodied in the verse under comment particularly refers. Palestine remained under Muslim possession for about 1350 years with the exception of a brief space of 92 years when during the Crusades it changed hands, till in our own time through the evil designs of some so-called democratic Christian powers, the country of the name of Palestine has altogether ceased to exist and on its ruins the State of Israel has been built. The Jews have come to their own after wandering in wilderness for about 2000 years. But this great historical event, too, has taken place in fulfilment of a Quranic prophecy. The Muslims were told that in the time of the Promised Messiah[as], the Jews will be made to come back to their Holy Land from the ends of the earth (17:105). But this is only a temporary phase. The Muslims are destined to win it back. Let the whole world know that sooner or later – sooner rather than later – Palestine will revert to Muslim possession. This is a Divine decree and nobody can alter God’s decree.” (The Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 4, pp. 2122-24)

In Tafsir-e-Kabir, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained that through Prophet Mosesas, Israelites were informed of two catastrophes and also told that their possession of Palestine would not be permanent. Rather, they would occupy it at first and then be expelled. After some time, they will occupy it once more and yet again lose dominion over it. These divine words of Allah the Almighty were fulfilled with sheer glory and greatness. Its details can be studied in Surah Bani Isra‘il, where Allah the Almighty says:

وَقَضَيۡنَاۤ اِلٰي بَنِيۡۤ اِسۡرَآءِيۡلَ فِي الۡکِتٰبِ لَتُفۡسِدُنَّ فِي الۡاَرۡضِ مَرَّتَيۡنِ وَلَتَعۡلُنَّ عُلُوًّا کَبِيۡرًا۔ فَاِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ اُوۡلٰٮہُمَا بَعَثۡنَا عَلَيۡکُمۡ عِبَادًا لَّنَاۤ اُولِيۡ بَاۡسٍ شَدِيۡدٍ فَجَاسُوۡا خِلٰلَ الدِّيَارِ ؕ وَکَانَ وَعۡدًا مَّفۡعُوۡلًا۔ ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنَا لَکُمُ الۡکَرَّةَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَاَمۡدَدۡنٰکُمۡ بِاَمۡوَالٍ وَّبَنِيۡنَ وَجَعَلۡنٰکُمۡ اَکۡثَرَ نَفِيۡرًا۔

In other words, God Almighty had revealed to the Israelites in the Bible that they would certainly cause strife in this country [of Palestine] twice. And surely, they would gravely transgress. Thus, when the time came for the fulfilment of the first of these two atrocities, God gave strength to His servants against them. They were fierce warriors who entered their houses and this divine warning was bound to be fulfilled. Then, God restored the power of the Israelites against their enemy. And Allah the Almighty aided the Israelites with wealth and children and also made them stronger in number than ever before. (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17: V.5-7)

In the coming verses 8-9 of Surah Bani Isra‘il, God Almighty says:

فَاِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ الۡاٰخِرَةِ لِيَسُوۡٓءٗا وُجُوۡہَکُمۡ وَلِيَدۡخُلُوا الۡمَسۡجِدَ کَمَا دَخَلُوۡہُ اَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَّلِيُتَبِّرُوۡا مَا عَلَوۡا تَتۡبِيۡرًا۔ عَسٰي رَبُّکُمۡ اَنۡ يَّرۡحَمَکُمۡ ۚ وَاِنۡ عُدۡتُّمۡ عُدۡنَا ۘ وَجَعَلۡنَا جَہَنَّمَ لِلۡکٰفِرِيۡنَ حَصِيۡرًا۔

“So when the time for the latter warning came, We raised a people against you to cover your faces with grief, and to enter the mosque as they entered it the first time, and to destroy all that they conquered with utter destruction. It may be that your Lord will now have mercy on you; but if you return to your previous state, We too will return, and We have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers.”

It is evident from the above verses that the land of Palestine was promised to the righteous servants of Allah the Almighty. Since this promise was made first to the Jews, they reigned over it. However, while bestowing this land to them, God Almighty also imposed some conditions and said that after some time, He will take away this land from them because of their transgressions. (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2023], Vol. 8, pp. 107-108)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also clarified that some people mistakenly believe the triumph of Jews over Palestine as the end of Islam. Their viewpoint asserts Muslims’ loss of Palestine as proof that they are no longer regarded as ‘righteous servants.’ However, if the momentary occupations by the Babylonians and Romans during the time of Mosesas and Davidas are not considered to have abrogated their respective laws, it is irrational to term Muslims’ loss as a sign of Islam’s abrogation.

Thus, the temporary loss of Palestine by Muslims is consistent with the prophecy of the Holy Quran, where the return of the Israelites is not indicative of Islam’s abrogation but rather substantiates its truthfulness. The concept of ‘temporarily’ losing the land of Palestine clearly aligns with the Quranic promise asserting that ‘righteous servants’ will inherit the land, and it clearly means that, despite all the efforts of the global powers, the decree of Allah the Almighty will prevail, ensuring the eventual return of Muslims to Palestine and the establishment of their rule. (Ibid., p. 113)

Unpacking allegations: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani and the British Empire

Al Hakam
-
0
Unpacking allegations: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani and the British Empire
Jazeb Hafeez, Student Jamia Ahmadiyya UK
photo1701302549 5
Picryl

Recently, Adnan Rashid, a well-known Sunni academic, released a video on his YouTube channel raising the allegation that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was a “colonial prophet” or a “spy for the British”.

The life and legacy of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, remain subjects of intense debate and interest within the Muslim world. While accepted by his followers as the Promised Messiah and reformer of Islam of this age, his association with the British colonial authorities has been a topic of never-ending controversy.

Are Ahmadis trying to divide the ummah?

An allegation is commonly raised against the Jamaat stating that Ahmadis are secret spies of the British, traitors to the Muslim ummah, and have been sent out to establish division within the ummah.

Ironically, this is not the case, as it appears that many Muslim sects united to label Ahmadis non-Muslims. Under the Bhutto Regime In 1974, persecution and opposition against the Ahmadiyya community spouted. However, later, the Pakistani government, under General Zia Ul Haq in 1984, passed Ordinance XX, which declared Ahmadi Muslims as non-Muslims and stopped them from practising basic Muslim duties. Its aim was to, God forbid, eradicate Ahmadiyyat in Pakistan. This ordinance received great support from a majority of Muslim sects at the time and, to this day, is something so deeply engraved in Pakistan’s establishment. Nevertheless, this shows that Ahmadis have actually helped unite the ummah by allowing them to unite against them.

Persecution of Muslims in India prior to the advent of the Messiah

Prior to the advent of the Promised Messiahas, India, as a country, was in a very precarious state. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs were at each other’s  necks. Many oppressive regimes, including those of the Hindu Maratha empire, were the key to reducing the Mughal reign. “After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Marathas rapidly conquered Mughal territory across India and often retaliated against local Muslim populations in the process.” (“Hindu-Muslim conflict in India: A ‘pre-colonial’ view”, https://theasiadialogue.com)

“Using a new historical dataset of religious violence, we argue that the construction of religious identities and the origins of religious conflict in India are not colonial but precolonial processes.” (Ibid.)

We can see that many years of bloodshed followed with many atrocities being committed against Muslims, especially in this era. Muslim places of worship were quickly converted into stables for the horses and cows of the regime, as well as many Muslim buildings and homes set alight. Muslims were not even allowed to announce the call to prayer, being stripped of their basic religious rights. (Aaina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, p. 507)

Mr Syad Muhammad Latif, a renowned Indian historian, states in his book, The History of the Punjab, regarding the levels of persecution faced by Muslims at the time, “Numerous mosques were razed to the ground, and the Afghan prisoners who were in chains, were compelled to smear the debris with the blood of hogs.” (History of the Panjab from the Remotest Antiquity to the Present Time, Syad Muhammad Lateef, [1891], p. 287)

He further states, “They (Muslims) were persecuted in every conceivable manner, their mosques being desecrated and turned into pigsties, and their men into swineherds. The grandest of their shrines were utilized as magazines and arsenals. In the meanest of the mosques (which were in a dilapidated condition previous to the Sikh ascendency), the Muslims used to assemble secretly to offer up prayers ; but even in these they dared not pray aloud, for fear of their enemies falling upon and annihilating them” (History of the Panjab from the Remotest Antiquity to the Present Time, Syad Muhammad Lateef, [1891], p. 291)

“The majority of the well-to-do Mahomedans emigrated into British territory and claimed the protection of its rules. Here they were allowed to follow their religion unmolested. The muezzin could now fearlessly summon the faithful to the performance of their devotion, and his stentorian voice gladdened the hearts of those who had so long been in bondage, and who had been prevented by their idolatrous and infidel masters from performing their religious duties according to their divine law. Politics and religion could here be discussed freely; subjects of which they could only dream while under the control of the Khalsa”. (Ibid.)

Why did the Promised Messiahas praise the Empire?

After the British Empire took control over India, as stated above by historian Muhammad Latif, all of these draconian restrictions were lifted, and people were allowed to freely practise their religions. Therefore, when Hazrat Ahmadas praises the British government in his books, it’s not because he was a spy; rather, he was thankful for the protection the Empire provided for all Muslims.

It is narrated in a hadith of Tirmidhi that the Holy Prophetsa stated:

 ‏ مَنْ لاَ يَشْكُرِ النَّاسَ لاَ يَشْكُرِ اللَّهَ ‏

“Whoever is not grateful to the people, he is not grateful to Allah.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-birri wa s-sillati ‘an rasulillahsa, Hadith 1954)

Furthermore, if we delve into the life of the Holy Prophetsa, we see that he would encourage his Companionsra in the early days to migrate to Abyssinia under the gracious rule of the Christian king Negus, or Najashi, and we see that the Holy Prophetsa showed him great respect and would only speak positively of him.

This doesn’t therefore mean that the Holy Prophetsa, God forbid, was his spy or his agent. He was grateful to him due to his method of just rule and the help he provided the Muslims in their hour of need.

Did the Promised Messiahas support the British?

Now, to counter the main allegation that Hazrat Ahmadas worked for the British and was their spy, we should take a look at the quote from St. Paul, who stated:

“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:13-17)

For the majority of his life, one of the matters the Promised Messiahas dealt with was proving the demise of Jesusas. Furthermore, Hazrat Ahmadas, over large periods of his life, debated key and influential followers of the Christian faith and strongly rejected the ideas of the Trinity as well as Jesus physically returning from the heavens.

The British Empire was a Christian empire; it intertwined its political pursuits with a primarily Christian ideology. Anglicanism, alongside other Christian denominations, was employed as a tool for “spiritual guidance” and cultural assimilation within its extensive territories, although the manifestation of this relationship varied across regions and time periods.

Would this Empire really employ such a person to represent them who was so outspoken about their very own religion? Why would the Christian Empire allow such a person to work for them? Would they not rather punish such a person? Hazrat Ahmadas even invited Her Majesty Queen Victoria to accept Islam and, on multiple occasions, has offered to educate the people of the Empire regarding their religion.

Did the Promised Messiahas write books to fund his medication?

Regarding the ludicrous allegation that Hazrat Ahmadas would write his books solely to generate income for his medication expenses, again, this is just an absurd allegation made by whimsical people. How one can even concoct such a statement only displays their own inner self. We see that even in the life of the Holy Prophetsa, he would ask his followers to contribute to the cause of Jihad and people from all walks of life would sacrifice their wealth, or their horses, or their swords, and would even donate dirhams or dates.

Regarding Hazrat Abu Bakrra, we read:

Zaid bin Aslam narrates from his father, “I heard Umar bin al-Khattabra saying, ‘The Holy Prophetsa told us to give alms, and at that time, I had some wealth. I thought to myself that today I would surpass Abu Bakr. If there is a day that I shall surpass him, then it is today.’ Hazrat Umarra continued, ‘I offered half of all my wealth. The Holy Prophetsa asked, “What have you left behind for your family?” I humbly submitted, “I have left for my family as much as I have brought with me.” Then, Hazrat Abu Bakrra brought all the wealth that he had (when Hazrat Abu Bakrra arrived, Hazrat Umarra explained that Hazrat Abu Bakrra had brought all the wealth he owned). The Holy Prophetsa asked, “O Abu Bakr, what have you left behind for your family?” He submitted, “I have left [the name of] Allah and His Messengersa for them.”’ Hazrat Umarra said, ‘By Allah, I can never surpass him in anything.’” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-manaqib, Bab raja‘ih an yakuna abu bakr…, Hadith 3675)

Is it fair to say that even these beloved Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa, who sacrificed anything and everything in a split second for their beloved Mastersa, were also part of a so-called cult? Absolutely not! Hence, this shows that the Companionsra were ready to strive for the cause of Islam. Now, in this era, as the time of jihad of the pen has come, the Companions of the Promised Messiahas also sacrificed everything they had for the propagation of Islam by explaining its truth through books and literary works to spread and defend the honour of Islam.

When the Promised Messiahas penned Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya to defend Islam from the attacks of Christians and Hindus, the Muslim ulema were left astounded and awe-inspired by his works, and Muhammad Hussien Batalvi, who would later become an opponent of Hazrat Ahmadas, also praised this book. Another reason that proves that the Promised Messiahas had no desire for financial gain from his books is that he freely distributed many of his works, aiming for people to read and benefit from them.

Jalsa Salana Sri Lanka 2023 takes place in Pasyala

Al Hakam
-
0
Jalsa Salana Sri Lanka 2023 takes place in Pasyala
A.  Abdul Aziz, Sri Lanka Correspondent
WT Address 1 scaled
Photo Courtesy AMJ Sri Lanka

The Jalsa Salana of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka was held on 29 October 2023, at the Baitul Basit Mosque in Pasyala, chaired by Markaz representative, Additional Wakilul Tabshir Abdul Majid Tahir Sahib.

To mark the event, the Tahajjud prayer was held, followed by the Fajr prayer and Holy Quran dars.

Prior to the main programme, flag hoisting was done by Abdul Majid Tahir Sahib, followed by silent prayer.

The main event started at 9:30am with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an Urdu poem and a welcome address by the National President, S Nizam Khan Sahib, who highlighted the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pasyala, wherein he mentioned the inauguration of the Baitul Basit Mosque, which was inaugurated two days prior.

Ahmadiyyat in Pasyala was established through the late Ubaidullah Sahib who faced a lot of opposition in the beginning.

A markaz guest, Sir Iftikhar Ayaz Sahib, detailed in his speech the history and objectives of Jalsa Salana as outlined by the Promised Messiahas.

The National President, S Nizam Khan Sahib, also delivered an address in Sinhala on the true concept of jihad.

There were addresses on topics such as the spiritual revolution created by the Promised Messiahas, the institution of Wasiyyat, the existence of God, faith-inspiring incidents of Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat, and the blessed life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

The concluding address was delivered on the system of Wasiyyat, by Abdul Majid Tahir Sahib.

Urdu addresses were translated into the local Tamil language. Urdu nazm and group qaseedah were also part of the Jalsa. The day-long Jalsa concluded with a vote of thanks by the National President, followed by a silent prayer led by Abdul Majid Tahir Sahib.

Ahmadi men, women and children from all parts of the country attended the Jalsa and their number exceeded 1,000.

‘Believing Men and Believing Women’

Al Hakam
-
0
‘Believing Men and Believing Women’
Tayyaba Ahmed, UK

“Surely, men who submit themselves [to God] and women who submit themselves [to Him] […] Allah has prepared for [all of] them forgiveness and a great reward.” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.36)

I am sure for many sisters and brothers around the world, it has not gone unnoticed that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has recently addressed Lajna Imaillah around the world to follow the examples of our sisters and mothers in Islam – those Sahabiyat (female companions of Prophet Muhammadsa) who not only pledged allegiance to the Prophet of Islamsa, but also adhered to the pledge in every possible manner.

When we listen to these addresses, the amazing sacrifices of our early sisters in Islam strike our hearts, and whereas our heads are always bowed before Allah in humility, our heads are raised with the honours bestowed on the Sahabiyat in comparison with all the women of later time, alhamdolillah.

Addressing Lajna Imaillah UK at our National Ijtema in September – which celebrated the centenary of the establishment of the auxiliary of Lajna Imaillah by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra – Huzooraa said:

“In the blessed era of the Holy Prophetsa, the sacrifices given by Muslim women were also extraordinary and beyond all compare in the history of mankind. During the first few years of Islam, Muslims were relentlessly persecuted and subjected to barbaric cruelties.” (“100 Years of Lajna Ima’illah – Shaping the New Century”, www.reviewofreligions.org)

Huzooraa then described how an enslaved husband and wife were mercilessly persecuted, culminating in their martyrdoms, with the wife, Hazrat Sumaiyara being recorded as the first martyr of Islam.

Huzooraa went on to reiterate:

“These were the outstanding examples of early Muslim women who were ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of their faith, including leaving behind their homelands. Moreover, they never forgot the objective of their migration, which was to attain religious freedom. Thereafter, they devotedly practised their faith and prioritised it above all else.” (Ibid.)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa also explained how fearless other early Muslim ladies were, such as the sister of Hazrat Umarra who had accepted Islam with her husband before Hazrat Umarra and showed no hesitation to boldly declare her belief in the face of her brother’s fury.

In another example, we are told of another lady, high in moral values, who participated in numerous occasions of jihad while also training her children to become deeply faithful servants of Islam. These ladies’ faith was such that as compared to their love for the Holy Prophetsa, they cared less for the lives of their near and dear. It was through their deep unwavering faith in the truth of the Holy Prophetsa that they were able to become the torchbearers of early Islam alongside their male counterparts.

The female companions were shining examples in all areas of belief and faith. In his address to Lajna in Germany, Huzooraa gave detailed standards of worship and sacrifice seen in the early female believers in Islam.

“With regard to obedience to Allah, it is narrated about Hazrat Hafsara that she was someone who would keep many fasts and would offer a lot of prayers at night for Allah’s sake. To attain high levels of worship, she would try her utmost to excel more than the men as well.” (“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih encourages Ahmadi women to embrace legacy of female companions: Jalsa Salana Germany 2023”, www.alhakam.org)

In this same address, Huzooraa mentioned, amongst many examples, the woman of Juhaina, whose mother had intended to perform Hajj but had died before she was able to. When she sought permission from the Holy Prophetsa to perform Hajj on her mother’s behalf, he encouraged her to pay this “debt to Allah”. The plentiful examples set before us fill us with awe and inspire us to work harder and aim to improve, insha-Allah. 

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa has provided us with so many stellar examples of how the early Muslim ladies were obedient, brave and steadfast, and Allah the Almighty blessed them so much as a result.

“A young female Muslim opposed her mother, who was going against an instruction given by Hazrat Umarra. At the time, Hazrat Umarra was listening to this young girl and got his son, Hazrat Asimra married to her. It is said Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Azizrh was from the children of this Muslim girl.” (Ibid.)

In his address at Jalsa Salana UK to Lajna Imaillah, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa described in several examples the love the female Sahabiyat had for the Holy Prophetsa. He explained that during the Battle of Uhud, when a false rumour was spread that the Holy Prophetsa had been martyred, one lady was told that perhaps her husband, father and other relatives had been lost. She ran to the battlefield, only asking, “What has the Prophetsa done!”. Her greatest worries were not her relatives; her greatest fear was losing the Holy Prophetsa. Once she was told that the Holy Prophetsa, by the Grace of Allah, was alive, she feared no more and all losses faded in comparison. (“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V urges Ahmadi women to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s female companions – Lajna address at Jalsa UK 2023”, www.alhakam.org)

The family of the Holy Prophetsa were, of course, always at the forefront of sacrifices of every kind and Hazrat Khadija’sra example is one that was also narrated during Huzoor’saa) address to Lajna UK.

“When Hazrat Khadijahra embraced faith, she could not have known the blessings that Allah Almighty had destined for her as a result of that faith. Indeed, she sacrificed all her wealth in the service of Islam and the Messengersa of Allah. She endured poverty and hardship despite being the wealthiest woman in Mecca, dedicating her life to the cause. For three consecutive years, she supported and endured such trials alongside her husband in Shi’b Abi Talib, where they were forced to live in seclusion. However, Allah showered His blessings upon her sacrifices to the extent that even today, she is held in high esteem and respected by the Muslim world.” (Ibid.)

The words of Huzooraa are like precious pearls threaded together, a beautiful adornment, enchantingly drawing us to reflect on our daily words, thoughts and actions.

We have the opportunity to consider how much room for improvement there is, and it is an obligation we must not take lightly. For indeed, it is the 5th Successor to the Promised Messiahas who has relayed the clarion call, one made 14 centuries ago by the Holy Founder of Islam, peace be upon him.

In the writings of the Promised Messiahas, the most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa, we understand that it is by Allah the Almighty’s grace and acceptance that endows a person, male or female, with the faith we require and are praying for.

The Promised Messiahas writes:

“Faith means acceptance at a stage when knowledge is not yet complete, and the struggle with doubts and suspicions is still in progress. He who believes, that is to say, has faith, on the basis of probability and likelihood and despite weakness and the lack of perfect means of certainty, is accounted righteous in the estimation of the Supreme One. Thereafter, perfect understanding is bestowed on him as a bounty, and he is given to drink of the cup of understanding after partaking of faith. When a pious one, on hearing the call of a Messenger, a Prophet or a commissioned one of God, does not just go about criticising but takes that portion which he can recognise and understand on the basis of clear proof the means of acceptance and faith, and considers that which he is unable to understand as metaphorical or allegorical, and thus removing all contradiction out of the way, believes simply and sincerely, then God Almighty, having pity on him and being pleased with his faith, and hearing his supplications, opens the gates of perfect understanding for him and leads him to perfect certainty through visions, revelation and other heavenly signs.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 3, p. 48)

May Allah the Almighty, out of His sheer mercy, enable us to increase in faith and worship so that we can emulate the examples Huzooraa has put forward for us to follow, insha-Allah.

Embracing Islam Ahmadiyyat: A journey of faith and success

Al Hakam
-
0
Embracing Islam Ahmadiyyat: A journey of faith and success
Maymuna Abdulrahman, Nairobi, Kenya

It has been almost two years since I accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat and did bai‘at, and around two and a half years since I initially learned about Ahmadiyyat.

I recall – like it was yesterday – in 2021 when I was at my lowest point. With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, staying home all day, and facing a complicated situation at home, I was engaged in a battle within myself and was overthinking things. It took a heavy toll on my mental health.

I just wanted to be busy and distracted, so I started praying fervently and seeking Allah’s help. I eagerly desired to become a better person, get a job, and be more independent. I fasted and prayed, seeking Allah’s help, and not two weeks later, my mother called me on the phone, saying that a family friend had called and asked if there was anyone who wanted to become a flight attendant. My mother said she remembered me wanting a job. Look upon Allah’s doings!

I wasn’t excited about the job; however, I had prayed for it, and here the job was handed to me on a silver plate. Allah had answered my prayer, and He had a plan for me.

I went for the interview with no history in aviation. The company specifically wanted Somali-speaking ladies. Although I am Somali, I don’t speak the language, yet I still got the job.

Then, when we were almost done with training, four of us had to be transferred to the company I work for now. That’s where I met a colleague who intrigued me with his character. From our first conversation, he challenged me on what I believed in and asked me what I wanted from this life. All I could say was that I wanted to be better—a better Muslim, a better daughter, a better sister, and a better friend.

He told me to research my faith and understand the differences between the sects of Islam—what Sunni, Shia, and other sects believe in. He also told me to read about Ahmadiyyat, but the name kept escaping my mind. I would read about Shiaism, Sunnism, and the other sects; however, for some reason, though I would always ask him to repeat the name, I would forget about Ahmadiyyat. The day I remembered and read what it said, I was intrigued. I would think to myself, “How could these people believe in a man to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi? Don’t they know Prophet Jesusas will return?” I went to my colleague to tell him that I read about Ahmadiyyat and thought, back then, that they were very wrong.

He told me not to be quick to judge and said to read more about Ahmadiyyat and to pray istikharah, seeking Allah’s guidance. He gave me books on Ahmadiyyat, and I read them. The first book I read was Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam. With every chapter I finished, I became worried, and I remember telling him that it was alarming and challenging me. I would find myself crying while reading the books, especially Invitation to Ahmadiyyat.

Everything made sense. I was excited! I wanted to tell everyone about what I had found and how lost we had been. I called my sister and told her about it, and I shared it with my cousin; however, they didn’t replicate the enthusiasm I expected. They said they didn’t agree with me and posed many questions that I couldn’t answer. They also placed doubts in my mind. A cousin of mine went to school with an Ahmadi at the university, and she said the Ahmadi girl never used to pray with them. It raised questions in my mind, as I did not know enough about Ahmadiyya. At that moment, I wondered, “Why pray separately? Do they pray differently?” Thus, I would rush to my colleague with all these questions, and every question I asked was answered. I felt like I had no doubt in the answers I received; they seemed logical. I went through brief periods of uncertainty, wanting to close this chapter and go on with life.

I was constantly arguing with my sister about Islam Ahmadiyyat, and the arguments would always escalate. Ceasing to learn about it and just placing this discovery to the side seemed like an easier option, yet my heart kept telling me, “While this would please my relationship with my sister, what about my relationship with Allah?”

By the time I was done with my fourth book by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, I was convinced and there was no turning back. I went to my colleague and told him, “I had discovered a lot of truth in this, and I don’t know how I could ever refute this.” I felt like my heart had settled and decided to take the next step and take my bai‘at. The day I took my bai‘at, I was lying on my bed after Asr. I wasn’t really asleep, yet I was unaware if I was dreaming; the words حي على الفلاح were being said to me. I felt my very being shiver, and I just wanted to get up and pray. This is what success is.

I have found that Islam Ahmadiyyat is the success I was looking for, and Alhamdulillah, Allah guided me to it. May Allah preserve us and allow us to practise our religion in its pristine state, and may Allah enable us to be true followers of the Promised Messiahas and grant us heaven in this very world and the Hereafter.

100 Years Ago… – Eid-ul-Adha in Saltpond, Africa

Al Hakam
-
0
100 Years Ago… – Eid-ul-Adha in Saltpond, Africa

The Review of Religions [English], November & December 1923

photo1701302549 6
Picryl

Qadian

We have to apologise to our friend, the secretary of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman of Saltpond, West Africa, for the delay that has occurred in the publication of his report about Eid-ul-Adha at Saltpond. This incident, we hope, will not deter him from sending us reports of the workings of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman in the future. – Editor, The Review of Religions (1923)

Our brother [from Saltpond] writes:

Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Saltpond, West Africa

To

The Editor, The Review of Religions,

Qadian (India)

31 July 1923

Dear Brother,

I am herewith sending a copy of the report of our “Eid-ul-Adha” celebration, which I sincerely hope you will publish in the columns of your esteemed journal and oblige us.

Yours fraternally,

BE Keelson,

Secretary, Gold Coast Ahmadiyya Mission

“Eid-ul-Adha (the festival of sacrifice) celebration by the Fanti Ahmadi Muslims of the Gold Coast.”

The “Eid-ul-Adha” festival of the Muslims came off this year on 25 July 1923, which one section of Ekunfi Side Fanti Ahmadis celebrated at Ekunfi Ekooful. The service was led by Maulvi Fazlur Rahman Hakeem, the Ahmadi Muslim Missionary of Salt Pond. Though the Maulvi was very weak in health at the occasion, he so kindly, regardless of his health, decided to go to Ekooful to lead the above services.

Khutba (Sermon) that followed the prayer lasted for about two hours, in which the Maulvi explained the object of the festival to an audience of about 300 men and women and said that this “Eid” is celebrated to commemorate the great sacrifice of Abraham[as], when he, the father of prophets, peace be on them all, in obedience to Divine command, prepared himself to sacrifice his firstborn, the then only son Ishmael[as] and thus laid the foundation of Islam, i.e., total resignation and complete obedience to the will of God. Drawing the audience’s attention to this object of sacrifice, the Maulvi exhorted them to the killing of the fat ram of their low and mean desires and the love of worldly things, thus becoming Muslims in the true sense of the word.

He also related the painful story of the great Ahmadi martyr Abdul Latif and how, in spite of the repeated promises of the Amir of Kabul (India) of bestowing upon him greater honour and wealth, he quite willingly and with the pleasure of his heart allowed his life to be taken away by being stoned. But he did not deny the truth of Ahmad, peace be on him, whom he had recognised as the true Messiah and Mahdi of the age and he cheerfully bore all this for the sake of truth. By citing this example, he impressed upon the audience to hear for the sake of truth, every kind of trouble cheerfully.

After this, the Maulvi reminded the people of the dark days of the Ashanti rule, and comparing those troublesome days to the present peaceful days of the British Rule, he laid force upon the point that the Fanti Ahmadis should distinguish themselves from the other communities of Gold Coast in loyalty to the British Government.

The sermon ended with prayers for the glory of Islam all over the world.

– BE Keelson,

Secretary, Gold Coast Ahmadiyya Mission

(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Review of Religions [English], November and December 1923)

Fourth Pan-African Peace Symposium held in London, UK

Al Hakam
-
0
Fourth Pan-African Peace Symposium held in London, UK
Tommy Kallon, President, PAAMA UK

The 4th edition of the Pan-African Peace Symposium was held on 11 November 2023 at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London. The theme for this year was Economic Equity and Eradicating Poverty: Keys to Peace. This is a topic that is much needed in these turbulent times. The event attracted a live audience of eight hundred people from all backgrounds, with thousands more joining through livestreams on YouTube and Facebook. In attendance were very prominent speakers and guests from across the UK, USA, Africa and beyond. These included diplomats, religious leaders and civic leaders.

After the recitation from the Holy Quran with its English translation, a welcome address was given by my humble self, President of Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) UK.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously sent a message for this occasion, which was read out by Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK. Huzooraa charged the members of PAAMA “to make an effort as there is an essential need for communities and individuals alike to work diligently within their circles of influence” because “in the complex and rapidly changing circumstances that our world is currently facing, it becomes increasingly vital for every individual to play a role in fostering understanding and harmony.”

Among the speakers were Andy George, President of the National Black Police Association; Leroy Logan, MBE, Founding Member of the National Black Police Association; HE Justina Mutale, President Justina Mutale Foundation; and Mr Musa Mewa, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone.

In addition, there were goodwill messages via video from Nigel Stewart, Founder and Director of the School of Pan African Thought, Dr Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, and Honourable Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, Sierra Leone.

Interluding the speeches and goodwill messages were video presentations of an introduction to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

In the main symposium hall, there were also displays of various exhibitions from Humanity First and PAAMA UK.

An address was delivered by Azhar Hanif Sahib, Naib Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, who reminded participants why the theme for the occasion was very appropriate.

The formal session of the event ended with closing remarks by Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, followed by a silent prayer.

This was followed by dinner.

In a series of short interviews organised by the Ishaat team, several guests and participants disclosed how impressed they were with the smooth and successful organisation of the event. Many first-time participants could not hide their enthusiasm to attend the next edition of the Pan-African Peace Symposium.

The total attendance was 799.

This Week in History: 1-7 December

Al Hakam
-
0
This Week in History: 1-7 December

A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

1 December 1888: The Promised Messiah’sas book, Sabz Ishtihar (The Green Announcement), was published on this day at Riaz-e-Hind Press, Amritsar. Its full title was Haqqani Taqrir bar Waqi‘ah Wafat-e-Bashir and was printed on green-coloured pages. It contained the news of the sad demise of his son Bashir Awal (the first). This announcement provides us with another clear sign of Hazrat Ahmad’sas truth; he announced that he was commanded by God Almighty to accept bai‘ats (pledges of initiation). (Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat [2019], Vol. 1, p. 205)

1 December 1952: Dr Curt Tiltack, an orientalist from Germany, wanted to write a book about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. A German missionary gave him the book Ahmadiyyat or the True Islam (an extended treatise of a lecture read at the Conference on Some  Living Religions Within the Empire in London by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra) to study. With the help of this book, he was able to collect and compile material. For further guidance, he sent four questions in a letter to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra on this date. 

Huzoorra wrote a letter in response to the questions, which can be read in volume 12 of Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat (pp. 138-145).

1 December 1989: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh instructed parents and office-bearers of the Jamaat that every child who has devoted his or her life under the Waqf-e-Nau scheme must learn at least three languages. (Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 8, pp. 771-783)

1 December 2008: During his tour of India, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was interviewed on this day by a correspondent of the Indian Express, a well-known newspaper in India. Huzooraa was also interviewed by reporters of The Hindu and a Malayalam newspaper, the Janam Bhumi. (Al Fazl International, 23 January 2009, pp. 11-12)

2 December 1912: At the request of Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira sent him a list of Arabic literature. Huzoorra wrote that great writers agreed and even German scholars of the Arabic language said that the best book in Arabic was the Holy Quran. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 429)

2 December 1982: On this day, a special reception was held in honour of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Huzoorrh, while addressing the attendees, emphasised the importance of preparing and sharing academic responses to the allegations raised by globally recognised orientalists. (Silsila Ahamdiyya, Vol. 4, p. 819)

2 December 2005: On this day, during his tour of Mauritius, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated the 44th Jalsa Salana Mauritius with his Friday Sermon. It was the first time that a Khalifatul Masih had graced the Jalsa Salana of Mauritius. (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 3, p. 701)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurating the 44th Jalsa Salana Mauritius with his Friday Sermon

3 December 1943: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set up the Ifta Committee to look into various issues of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). He appointed the following three members for it:

• Hazrat Maulana Syed Sarwar Shahra, who served as the mufti of the Jamaat

• Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra

• Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 454)

4 December 1970: A devastating cyclone hit the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) on 12 November 1970, resulting in a tragic loss of life, with hundreds of thousands of people perishing in the densely populated region.

On this day, while delivering his Friday sermon in Rabwah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh requested prayers for the people suffering from the storm in East Pakistan, Huzoorrh also made a special request for prayers for peaceful general elections in the country. (Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 3, p. 401)

4 December 2012: On this day,  Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered questions from a range of media outlets during a 40-minute press conference in the Press Room of the European Parliament in Brussels.

A number of global media organisations from the UK, Spain, France, Belgium, Pakistan and other countries attended.

After this, Huzooraa delivered the keynote address at the European Parliament to an audience of more than 350, representing 30 countries. The event was hosted by the European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group, whose chair and vice-chairs all took to the stage to welcome Huzooraa. Martin Schulz MEP and President of the European Parliament also came to greet Huzooraa. (“Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat calls for peace during Press Conference at European Parliament”, and “Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community makes historic address at European Parliament”, www.pressahmadiyya.com)

216j41u
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in the Press Room of the European Parliament in Brussels

5 December 1953: The fifth Jalsa Salana of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone started on this day, and lasted for three days. 500 delegates from 41 regions participated in it. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent a message instructing all members to work with unity and he prayed that God be with them all. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 16, p. 209)

6 December 1953: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra inaugurated the newly constructed building of Talim-ul-Islam College Rabwah. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 16, p. 420)

7 December 1917: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra exhorted the younger members of the Jamaat to come forward and devote their lives to the cause of Islam. Upon this call, 63 earnest young men stepped forward, rendering their services for this cause. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 204)

Holy Prophet (sa) in the eyes of kings of his era

Al Hakam
-
0
Holy Prophet (sa) in the eyes of kings of his era

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ الْحَكَمُ بْنُ نَافِعٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عُبَيْدُ اللّٰه بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُتْبَةَ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، أَنَّ عَبْدَ اللّٰه بْنَ عَبَّاسٍ، أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ أَبَا سُفْيَانَ بْنَ حَرْبٍ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ هِرَقْلَ أَرْسَلَ إِلَيْهِ فِي رَكْبٍ مِنْ قُرَيْشٍ ـ وَكَانُوا تُجَّارًا بِالشَّأْمِ ـ فِي الْمُدَّةِ الَّتِي كَانَ رَسُولُ اللّٰه صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم مَادَّ فِيهَا أَبَا سُفْيَانَ وَكُفَّارَ قُرَيْشٍ، فَأَتَوْهُ وَهُمْ بِإِيلِيَاءَ فَدَعَاهُمْ فِي مَجْلِسِهِ، وَحَوْلَهُ عُظَمَاءُ الرُّومِ ثُمَّ دَعَاهُمْ وَدَعَا بِتَرْجُمَانِهِ فَقَالَ أَيُّكُمْ أَقْرَبُ نَسَبًا بِهَذَا الرَّجُلِ الَّذِي يَزْعُمُ أَنَّهُ نَبِيٌّ فَقَالَ أَبُو سُفْيَانَ فَقُلْتُ أَنَا أَقْرَبُهُمْ نَسَبًا‏.‏ فَقَالَ أَدْنُوهُ مِنِّي، وَقَرِّبُوا أَصْحَابَهُ، فَاجْعَلُوهُمْ عِنْدَ ظَهْرِهِ‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ لِتَرْجُمَانِهِ قُلْ لَهُمْ إِنِّي سَائِلٌ هَذَا عَنْ هَذَا الرَّجُلِ، فَإِنْ كَذَبَنِي فَكَذِّبُوهُ‏.‏ […] قَدْ كُنْتُ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ خَارِجٌ، لَمْ أَكُنْ أَظُنُّ أَنَّهُ مِنْكُمْ، فَلَوْ أَنِّي أَعْلَمُ أَنِّي أَخْلُصُ إِلَيْهِ لَتَجَشَّمْتُ لِقَاءَهُ، وَلَوْ كُنْتُ عِنْدَهُ لَغَسَلْتُ عَنْ قَدَمِهِ‏.‏ […] الخ.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbasra narrated, “Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham, at the time when Allah’s Messengersa had a truce with Abu Sufyan and the disbelievers of Quraish. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya. Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’ questions said to them, ‘Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?’ Abu Sufyan replied, ‘I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group).’ Heraclius said, ‘Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him.’ Abu Sufyan added, that Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (i.e., the Holy Prophet) and that if I (Abu Sufyan) told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me.’ [… After posing his question and hearing the responses, Heraclius remarked:] ‘I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.’ […]”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab bad’i l-wahy, Hadith 7)

Universal compassion

Al Hakam
-
0
Universal compassion

“Be mindful that, in my estimation, the scope of sympathy is very wide. One should not exclude any group or individual. I do not say – like the ignorant people of this age – that you should limit your kindness to only Muslims. I say that you should have sympathy for all of God’s creations no matter who they are, whether a Hindu, a Muslim, or someone else. I never approve of the words of such people who wish to limit sympathy only to their own people.”

(Al Hakam, 10 November 1905; Malfuzat [1988], Vol. 4, p. 217)

1...139140141...686Page 140 of 686

Al Hakam is a weekly English newspaper for members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat around the world. Its aim is to provide Ahmadis with content regarding the beliefs of the true Islam, reintroduced to the world by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be on him.

Contact us: info@alhakam.org

© 2019 Al Hakam