On 23 January 2021, a group of waqifeen-e-nau in Indonesia had the good fortune of meeting with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in a virtual class.
The waqifeen-e-nau gathered in Rahmat Ali Hall, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. The waqifeen-e-nau were from Jakarta and its surrounding areas and also from several regions in Java Island, such as Bandung, Tasikmalaya and Yogyakarta.
After saying salaam to everyone, Huzooraa asked who would be translating for the waqifeen-e-nau and asked if they all understood English.
The class commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, which highlighted the sacrifice of Prophet Abrahamas, after he saw himself offering his son as a sacrifice in a dream. Following this, a nazm composed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was presented.
A waqif-e-nau then had the opportunity to deliver a speech in English, during which he mentioned Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa target given to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia during the Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia’s class.
During the Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia class, held on 31 October 2020, Huzooraa said, “To commemorate the centenary, over this period of five years, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia should set a target of converting at least 100,000 people to Ahmadiyyat. Additionally, every Ahmadi in Indonesia should become regular in offering prayers in congregation. Every Ahmadi must be regular in reciting the Holy Quran. Every Ahmadi in Indonesia must establish a connection and bond with Khilafat. Every Ahmadi must send durood upon the Holy Prophetsa.”
He further highlighted the various methods Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Indonesia had adopted to spread and expedite the progress of tabligh.
Following this, a brief report was presented by national secretary waqf-e-nau. In the report, he stated that there were a total of 2,016 waqifeen-e-nau in Indonesia and of this total, 1,233 were boys and 783 were girls.
He said that there were 61 waqifeen serving as life devotees in several fields, such as 27 serving as missionaries, 20 in Jamaat Indonesia’s central office, six in the MTA Indonesia studios, four in Al-Wahid Senior High School, three in auxiliary offices of Jamaat Indonesia and one serving in the Humanity First office.
Additionally, he said that they had been organising a waqif-e-nau class in which they taught Urdu and the waqf-e-nau syllabus.
After the national secretary waqf-e-nau presented his report, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that there was no hadith presented or any passage from the writings of the Promised Messiahas. Huzooraa added, “That should have also been included in this programme. When you are making a programme, then you should also read a hadith and explain that hadith also. Then, a passage from the writings of the Promised Messiahas should be presented and explain it as well.”
Following this, Huzooraa was shown a video presentation, prepared by waqf-e-nau Indonesia, showing the waqifeen who are serving in different offices and departments in Indonesia.
Upon seeing the video, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah!” and asked, “Now, what’s next?” The national secretary replied, “Questions and answers, Huzoor.”
Hearing this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa lovingly asked, “Am I going to ask questions and you answer them, or will you ask questions and I answer?”
The first question was about studies. A waqif-e-nau said that he was studying biomedical science and asked Huzooraa which research topic would be useful and beneficial for the Jamaat.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa replied by saying, “When you receive topics from your university, then you should ask me, ‘These are the topics which the university, or my professor, has suggested for me.’”
Huzooraa added, “Whenever your professor gives you any topic or he gives you the option that ‘these are the topics, pick any of them’, then if you want to seek any guidance, you may ask me.”
Upon being asked how one is able to preserve the bond of marriage, especially bearing in mind newly married couples, Huzooraa said, “Whenever [your wife] gives good food, you should praise her. Always think that you have to set a good example before her. Always think that if the relation between the husband and wife is not good, then your children will also suffer and in this way, you will be destroying the future of the new Ahmadi generation.”
Whilst seeking guidance from Huzooraa, a waqif-e-nau asked what could be done if someone was studying in university and faced financial difficulties. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “If it is with regard to your fees and educational expenses, then you can ask the Jamaat and the Jamaat can either give you a loan, a soft term loan, to complete your studies or a scholarship according to the condition of the student.”
Following this, a waqif-e-nau, whilst asking his question, said that the impact of climate change was felt and seen throughout the world and was getting severe. He asked for Huzoor’saa opinion regarding the current climate situation and how one should try to address the issue.
Answering the question, Huzooraa said, “The climate change problem is an issue everywhere across the world, especially in the developing countries where the population is increasing in numbers without any proportion. Just to accommodate this population, residential areas are being increased and because of increasing residential areas, forests are also being cut down.
“This deforestation is also causing climate change … Whenever any tree is cut, you should plant two to replace it.”
Huzooraa added, “Fuel consumption should also be reduced. We [mankind] have become so lazy that if we want to go from one place to another and the distance is only 100 or 200 yards, instead of walking, we take our motorbike or car to go to that place. In this way, you are polluting the atmosphere … there are so many other factors which are causing pollution and climate change.”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added, “Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Waqifeen-e-Nau should start a scheme for the plantation of trees in the forest and in different areas.”
Upon being asked if one is allowed to enter politics, Huzooraa said, “Yes, you can go into politics, of course. If it is possible, you can even stand for a parliamentary seat.”
Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked how one can maintain the spirit of waqf. Responding to this, Huzooraa said, “Being a waqif-e-zindagi, always remember that you are doing your work for the sake of Allah and always know that whatever you do, Allah is always watching over you … Always remember that we have to do our work to seek Allah’s pleasure.”
A waqif-e-nau stated there were many cases of discrimination, especially in religious matters, in Indonesia and enquired if a waqif-e-nau could go into the field and become a policymaker or a government employee to serve the country to fight against such discrimination.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Those waqifeen-e-nau who are not directly serving the Jamaat – not going to Jamia Ahmadiyya or those who are not interested in doing medicine and serving in the Jamaat’s hospitals – can go into public service; and if you are in the public service, you can help reduce discrimination in the country.”
A waqif-e-nau stated that before the current pandemic, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa would travel to various countries like USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, etc. He asked Huzooraa how he spends his time whilst travelling.
Huzooraa replied, “It all depends on the condition of the travel. If it is five to six hours of travel, then I take some rest and do some reading. If it is prayer time, then some time is spent in prayers … I don’t get much time to talk to my wife when I am at home, so sometimes, while travelling, we also discuss some matters.”
Following this, a waqif-e-nau stated that he had watched some documentaries about Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and learnt that prior to Khilafat, Huzooraa was a person who didn’t like to be the centre of attention. He further asked how Huzooraa managed to adapt to the change after becoming the Khalifa.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated, “I don’t know. It is Allah Who has changed me.”
Upon being asked how one can eliminate laziness, Huzooraa said, “Make sure that you get up early in the morning, offer Tahajud prayer and the Fajr prayer and then start your work. If you haven’t had enough sleep during the night, you can also sleep for one hour and then start doing your job. So, it all depends on your willpower.”
In the end, Huzooraa prayed, “Allah bless you all and Allah enable each and every waqif-e-nau to strengthen his bond of waqf-e-nau and strengthen his bond with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat.”
Thereafter, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa extended salaam to everyone.
On 24 January 2021, the national amila of Lajna Imaillah Ghana met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in an inspirational meeting wherein Huzooraa outlined his expectations of Ghanaian Lajna.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa initiated the meeting with dua.
Masjid Mubarak, Islamabad on 24 January 2021
Huzooraa asked Nabila Naima Wahab Sahiba, General Secretary about the number of majalis in Ghana, to which she reported that there were 162 majalis. Huzooraa said to ensure every majlis sent their report and emphasised for all the majalis to remain active.
Muavina Sadr and Secretary Wasiyyat, Maryam Bentu Sahiba presented her report next. Huzooraa asked Maryam Sahiba various questions about the department and what the total tajnid of Lajna Imaillah Ghana was.
Huzooraa was told the total number of Ahmadi Muslim women in Ghana was 30,000.
In response, Huzooraa said:
“Then your musiyat [members of the Wasiyyat] should not be less than 15,000.”
Maryam Sahiba reported that by the grace of Allah, many members had applied and are waiting for approval.
Zainab Abdus-Salam Sahiba, Headmistress of the TI Ahmadiyya High School in Ghana and honourary member of the amila of Lajna Imaillah Ghana reported next.
Huzooraa enquired of Zainab Sahiba about the school and the total number of students.
Zainab Sahiba reported that 2,434 students currently studied at the Ahmadiyya Senior High School.
Hearing this, Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Allah, very flourishing”.
Speaking with Secretary Tabligh, Fadila Muhammad Sahiba, Huzooraa noted that her assignment was “very important” and said, “You should try to fix some target [for yourselves] which is challenging, not an easy target … Make a comprehensive and detailed programme to see how can we achieve this target.”
Huzooraa then asked how many Lajna members were participating in tabligh activities and said that at least 3,000 Lajna members – out of the 30,000 – “should be active da‘i ilallah [callers towards God] – those who are doing tabligh actively.”
Secretary Tarbiyat for new converts, Haja Farooq Sahiba reported to Huzooraa next.
Regarding the new converts department, Huzooraa emphasised that all the records of new converts in the last three years should be properly logged and secretary tarbiyat for new converts should personally endeavour to contact every single convert or at least respective local secretaries of new converts should be in contact with them.
Secretary Ziafat, Maryam Segu Sahiba was asked by Huzooraa if any food had been prepared for the amila members that day. During this light-hearted conversation, Huzooraa also began listing various Ghanaian cuisines. Huzooraa was pleased to hear that jollof rice and soup had been prepared for the amila members.
Secretary Umur-e-Talibat, Rahmat Ayub Sahiba reported next to Huzooraa and upon being asked, reported that there were 208 university-going Ahmadi women students, but this number was due to change as records were still being received and verified.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked secretary sehat-e-jismani if she took part in any sports and in a light-hearted comment, said that preparing cuisines like fufu, kenkey and banku were also a form of good exercise which Lajna members take part in. The Lajna members enjoyed this observation of Huzooraa and confirmed this was certainly the case.
Secretary sehat-e-jismani also reported on various initiatives in place to promote exercise amongst Ghanaian Ahmadi Muslim women.
Later, Huzooraa advised naib secretary sehat-e-jismani that she should regularly participate in sports herself so that she could be an example for others.
“Try to complete your tajnid from the grass-root level. Ask your respective secretary Nasirat to go door-to-door in their majalis and complete their Nasirat list. I think you will find more Nasirat than you have at present on your list.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Sara Saeed Sahiba, Secretary Talim to present a summary of her annual plan.
Sara Sahiba said that they had planned a syllabus and were aiming to increase participation of Lajna in talim classes.
Huzooraa asked if the department had suggested any book for Lajna to study during the year and how many members were reading it.
Sara Sahiba reported the recommended book was Noah’s Ark and 1,547 members were currently reading it.
Huzooraa then asked secretary ishaat about any Lajna magazines that were being published. She reported that the 38th annual Khadija magazine was now published and the department was currently compiling the first Nasirat magazine.
Huzooraa asked her to send him a copy of the Khadija magazine.
Addressing Katura Ibrahim Sahiba, Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa commended the efforts of Lajna Imaillah Ghana towards these funds and after hearing the contribution of Lajna in the last year, Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah. This is why, because of Lajna, Ghana has come in the list of the top 10 contributors”.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked secretary tarbiyat for her annual plan. She reported that they had designed a syllabus and aimed for 90% of Lajna members to be able to read the Arabic text of the Holy Quran, its translation and read the Quran daily.
She also reported that there were daily flyers sent to Jamaat members and door-to-door meet-and-greets to enable the tarbiyat of members. Secretary tarbiyat said efforts were being made to ensure all Lajna members improved their purdah.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa appreciated these efforts and added, “And also make sure that 100% of your Lajna members are offering the five daily prayers.”
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then asked various questions to sadr Lajna Imaillah Ghana, including how she carried out the reporting system and whether she goes through the reports personally.
Sadr Sahiba said that each majlis sends their report and she, along with her amila members, goes through the reports and sends constructive feedback to improve their performance.
Huzooraa then opened the floor to questions.
The first question asked was what Huzoor’s expectations were for Lajna Imaillah Ghana regarding their contribution towards Ahmadiyyat.
In response, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:
“My expectations are that 100% of your Lajna members should be regular in offering five daily prayers. My expectation from you is that 100% of your Lajna members recite the Holy Quran daily. My expectation is that at least 50% of your Lajna members involve themselves in preaching and tabligh activities. My expectation is that 100% of your Lajna members study some book of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him.
“My expectation is that all the Lajna members who are married should train and bring up their children in a way that they become good Ahmadis. My expectation is that all the Nasirat members are as regular in offering prayers as Lajna and recite the Holy Quran and try to learn religious, Islamic knowledge and also try to learn what the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, expected from us – and that is to increase our level of piety and righteousness.
“My expectation is that all the Lajna members should follow the motto of ‘Modesty is part of your faith’ … These are some of the expectations.
“If you achieve this, then you will be one of the best Lajnas of the world. And I hope that Ghana Lajna, if they try, are among one of the best Lajnas of the world.”
A question was asked how the Jamaat should pray for the third world war to be averted and to be protected from the ill effects of the coronavirus.
Huzooraa said:
“First, reform yourself and try to follow the teachings given to us and the commandments given to us in the Holy Quran and try to be a good Muslim. And if we are following the teachings of Islam and then, at the same time, praying in our five daily prayers, while in prostration, we should pray fervently to Allah the Almighty that Allah saves us from the torment of the world war and also saves us from the ill effects of this coronavirus and also saves us from all bad things, so that the world becomes a place of peace for us.
“But it cannot be achieved until we try to reform ourselves; we try to change ourselves; we try to follow all the commandments of the Holy Quran given to us by Allah the Almighty. So, in this way, if we reform ourselves, insha-Allah, Allah the Almighty will remove all the difficulties and will make this world a peaceful place to live, like a heaven. Allah the Almighty even says in the Holy Quran that you can develop and create Paradise on this earth and that can only be achieved when you are following Allah the Almighty’s commandments.”
Another Lajna member reported to Huzooraa about an MTA programme she participates in and said the response from non-Ahmadis was very positive.
Huzooraa asked the member what the feedback was on the new MTA Ghana channel and whether positive feedback was received?
She reported that lots of non-Ahmadis tune in and make a lot of phone calls to enquire about more and overall, the feedback was very positive with lots of people engaging with the new channel.
A question was asked regarding the literacy of Lajna members and how the umur-e-talibat secretary could improve literacy. Huzooraa responded by saying:
“The nasirat secretary should make it a point that all their nasirat members at least complete their middle school … And when they enter Lajna Imaillah, then secretary umur-e-talibat should make it a point to try and find out the talent. If your students are talented, then they should be given the opportunity to have a better and higher education to go to university. And if, because of some financial restraints and some other problems, they cannot do it, then the Jamaat should be informed of it and we should not waste such talent.
“Apart from that, you should also make it a point to reflect on how, according to your condition, you can improve the literacy rate? You know your situation better than me. So, make a plan and whatever plan you make, send it to me for approval. And then, if there is any financial help needed in this plan, then I can ask your sadr Lajna or even the Jamaat to help you. But the plan should be very much practical and try to improve the level of education of your members.”
Sadr Lajna took the opportunity to thank Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for granting them the meeting and for his kind letters sent to Lajna Imaillah Ghana full of prayers and valuable guidance.
Sadr Sahiba said she shared the contents of those letters with other amila members who were then motivated even more.
At the end of the meeting, Huzooraa said:
“I am happy I have seen you. May Allah the Almighty bless you and let you achieve all those expectations which I have explained just now. Allah bless you all.”
Huzooraa then conveyed salaam to everyone and the meeting ended.
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahibra, who was serving as a pioneering missionary in the USA at the time, sent the following letter to present to the audience of Jalsa Salana Qadian. It was read out on 28 December 1920.
From this article, one can learn a great deal about our responsibilities in this age and how earnestly we must strive for the service of Islam Ahmadiyyat, irrespective of whether we are missionaries or not. The likes of Hazrat Mufti Sahib, may Allah continue to elevate his status in Paradise, left no stone un-turned in practically manifesting their heart-felt passion for the service of the Promised Messiahas and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Not only that, but they did it in the most decent, pragmatic and effective manner.
We must ask ourselves: Are we following suit?
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957), Companion of the Promised Messiahas and first Ahmadi Muslim missionary of USA
The sun never sets on the Khilafat of Mahmud
Dear brothers! Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I had a longing to live and stay in Qadian for the sake of Allah and His Messengersa, but presently, I am so far away from my friends and loved ones and children that if the sun is shining on you at this time, I am in the dark night, and if the night has spread its wings upon you, I am in the bright day.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra with a guest. Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra is seated on Huzoor’sra right
Owing to the Promised Messiahas and through the blessings of this righteous Khilafat, the sun never sets on the tabligh of Islam in this age. When the missionaries of the East are in a state of rest, the missionaries of the West are engaged in tabligh and when the missionaries of the West have finished their works of the day, the missionaries of the East stand to deliver lectures.
This never-setting sun is announcing the truth of the Khilafat of Mahmud to the top of its voice. Think and reflect as to whose sun is shining from the West for the spread of the truth [of Islam]. Can this service to the religion of Islam be achieved by anyone without divine support?
Why am I out of Qadian?
I wanted to live and die in Qadian and I wished to be buried in the footsteps of the Promised Messiahas. I still long for it. Then the question arises: Why am I so far away from Qadian?
I never understood how anyone could stay away from Qadian. I used to warn and caution those who did not live in Qadian and thought that it might be their punishment. However, I am satisfied that I am out of Qadian for the sake of which I used to live in Qadian. All praise belongs to Allah that the practical interpretation of the following verse of the Holy Quran is manifesting through my life:
[And say, “O my Lord, make my entry a good entry and then make me come forth with a good forthcoming. And grant me from Thyself a helping power.” (Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.81)]
Accommodation in England
I spent a period of three years in England. All the good or average works that were performed during that time have been published in various reports so there is no need to repeat them. I beg before Allah the Almighty to accept the good deeds of that life and forgive the bad ones. Wa huwa Khairul-Muhsineen [And He rewards good deeds in the best possible way].
I have full confidence in the grace of God Almighty that the foundations of the London mission have become so strong that the work there will progress day by day and it will never see downfall, insha-Allah.
In the beginning, when I set off for London, I came across a time of great danger of war. My ship voyage was such that the sailors expressed a fear of sinking at every step of the way. Moreover, the life in London was such that every night, there was a danger of enemy planes dropping bombs.
However, as I look back on my three years in London now, I think that those days were spent in great comfort and solace. Much of this convenience was due to the valuable companionship of a noble and hardworking friend. Apart from the works of tabligh, Qazi Abdullah Sahib used to carry out all the household chores and make the necessary arrangements.
Moreover, since he had lived in England for some time before me, he was well experienced in all matters, which was helpful to me and I used to carry out meetings and engage in the work of writing or travelling without bothering about anything. I was so fearful of the cold in London that in winter, I would go to a city where it is less cold. It was easier for me to do that during Qazi Sahib’s companionship, as when I would be out of station, he would handle the work in London.
In addition, we had full freedom in London because we were citizens of the British Empire. At the time of my departure from England, a large number of friends had tears in their eyes due to parting from me and I still have their addresses and loving letters with me. Leaving England was the beginning of hardships for me.
To this day, nine months after I have left England, I still have not felt the comfort I had back there. I do not complain about this and I am happy in every situation. I am ready to lead any sort of life in this way. Several times, I have had near death experiences in this way and I am still willing to sacrifice my life at any stage, but as a friend of Sadiq once said, “Perhaps our blood is not so colourful that it be granted the honour of martyrdom.”
Zikr-e-Habib [recollection of beloved’s memories]
I only mention these things for the information of friends and to increase the knowledge of future missionaries; otherwise, comfort and hardships are apparently similar for us in this path:
اے محبت عجب آثار نمایاں کردی
زخم و مرہم بَرہِ يار تو يكساں کردی
[O love, how strange are your signs and wonders that you have left no difference between the remediation and the wounds afflicted in the way towards the beloved.]
What comfort and joy can I desire when the pleasures of the holy gatherings and noble companionship of the beloved Messiah are no longer for me? Who is more fortunate than me to have had the pleasant companionship of the Holy Messiah of God, who was surely the Prophet of God, Ahmadas of Muhammadsa.
A group photo of the Promised Messiahas with his companions. Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra can be seen seated on the floor (third from right)
I heard his charming words while travelling and staying with him, in the mosque and the bazaar, in the crowds and the wilderness and on the train and on the ground. I witnessed the charisma of his love. I can never forget the words of grace and kindness. At times he would say, “Mufti Sahib, come inside with me. I ordered a basket of mangoes for you.”
On other occasions, he would bring a spouted jug full of milk and give me a glass filled to the brim and say, “Drink this. I will pour some more.” Sometimes he would bring a tray of food in his blessed hands and place it in front of me, saying, “Start eating. I will bring some water from inside.”
At times he would call me inside [his house] and say, “I am writing an important essay. Please keep copying it as you have good handwriting.” While writing the essay, we would come to know that night had passed and the call to the Fajr prayer would be made.
Once, he said to my late mother, “A mother loves her son very much, but I am sure that Sadiq is much dearer to me than he is to you.” Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest)! What a pure example of good morals that is hard to find in humans. Surely, he was a prophet of God and divine morals manifested through his personage.
I was going to write about something else, but the charm of the recollection of the beloved’s memories led me off course. I only mentioned these accounts to express that after the holy companionship of the Promised Messiahas, I have no value for any worldly pleasure. Be it comfort or distress, the rest of the days [of my life] will pass.
I have expressed these incidents to enhance the experience and imagination of members of the Jamaat.
Journey to America
Travelling by ship is really hard for me and [it is all the more difficult] on days when there are strong gusts of wind. Coincidentally, I happened to board a ship that sailed from one port to another for some government needs and took so much time that what should have been a five-day voyage was completed in 19 days.
The winds were very strong and the unsteady movement of the ship caused dizziness, nausea, vomiting and many other problems. It was difficult to get out of bed for several days. The desire to eat anything had vanished in the first place.
However, I used to have whatever little food I could eat and that too while lying down. The second major problem was that the meat and all the meat products, i.e. soup etc. had to be avoided from the foods served in the ship because it was doubtful whether they were [halal or not].
Ahmadiyya ship
Experiencing the said conditions and facing the hardships of the journey, this idea repeatedly came to my mind that we should have our own Ahmadiyya ship to take our missionaries to different countries.
Moreover, it would take Ahmadis from Bombay [now Mumbai] to Jeddah for Hajj and other passengers besides Ahmadis would also be accommodated as per its capacity. The ship must be large in size as it would help keep it steady. It should have all the accessories that are present in the ships made to date.
I put my trust in the blessings of Allah the Almighty that the day is not far when [we] will have such a ship.
Tabligh of Islam in America
40 men and women have converted to Islam since I boarded the ship from England. In addition, 10 Muslims have joined the rightful Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Those people who converted to Islam from Christianity, directly joined Ahmadiyyat. It is not that they are first converted to Islam and then asked to enter Ahmadiyyat at some other time.
Likewise, those who convert to Islam from Judaism, they directly join Ahmadiyyat and not that they are first converted to Christianity, then to Islam and then persuaded to join Ahmadiyyat.
The details of the most prominent new converts are as follows:
1. Mr Rachford [written as راخ فورڈ]: This gentleman met at the coast during my detention [at the Philadelphia port]. He converted to Islam after reading the book, [The Philosophy of] the Teachings of Islam. He was so absorbed in Islam that he decided to do his business in the city where I would carry out the work of tabligh to help me spread the message of Islam. Unfortunately, due to some legal complications, he was not allowed to enter the country. However, his letters are received on a regular basis and he still wishes to dedicate himself for the spread of Islam whenever the opportunity presents itself.
2. Mrs Sobolewski [or Sobolevski]: I gave her the Islamic name Fatima Mustafa to fulfill one of my dreams. This honorable lady presents weekly chanda out of her hard-earned money, as in this country, salaries are given on a weekly basis. She has memorised the complete Arabic wording of Salat and regularly offers five obligatory prayers. She has twice presented five dollars before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra]. That sacrifice also contributed to the fulfillment of a dream of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra]. This dear sister is sick. We request our friends to raise their hands right now and pray for her return to full health (Editor Al Fazl 1921: A prayer was carried out in the Jalsa). I hope that Allah the Almighty will listen to someone’s prayer and she will immediately get well. Huwa al-Shafi [He is the Best of Healers].
3. Mr James Sadiq: This young native of Russia has lived in this country for a long time. He works in a restaurant. Every day in his spare time, he carries out some work of religion. The management of the Sunday gathering is entrusted to him. He is keen on learning Arabic and Urdu so that he can study the books of the Promised Messiahas.
4. Madam Siddiqat-ul-Nisa: This honorable lady has memorised half of the Arabic wording of Salat. She has done all the decoration of that section of the house which has been rented for office work of the Jamaat with her own hands. Occasionally, she gives lectures in support of Islam.
5. Mr Moses Johnson: His Islamic name is Moses. This young man is in Baltimore city nowadays. He is very fond of doing tabligh. A person has converted to Islam by his tabligh efforts.
I will stop the special mention of new converts on number five, and present some quotes from various other friends:
1. Miss Wilston, who is under tabligh, says, “The most delightful thing for me in exchanging letters [with you] is that you are Sadiq [truthful] before that God, Who is the Giver of all things.”
2. Mrs Griffin of New York, who is also under tabligh, writes, “I am sad that I am deprived of your wonderful and useful lectures since you left New York. I have planned to go to India.”
3. Mr Louis Loir [written asلائر], whose Islamic name is Ahmad Mufti, writes, “I am currently thinking to pass on this nur [spiritual light] granted to me through you to my friends and attach them with me.”
4. Ibrahim Faith writes, “You were a shining star made of spiritual light and we are deeply saddened by your departure.”
There are a lot of other letters as well, but I think this should suffice for now.
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra worked tirelessly to preach the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in the UK and USA. He delivered many public lectures, wrote extensively and launched The Moslem Sunrise, the first American Muslim periodical
Letters of friends from India
I will write below a few words from the very many letters of friends from India that make me happy every week and give me spiritual strength:
1. Maulvi Ghulam Akbar Khan Sahib of Hyderabad Deccan:
“All the time, heartfelt prayers come out for you on their own. At times, your memories turn into a kind of prayer.”
2. Maulvi Muhammad Amiruddin Sahib of Assam:
“We sincerely congratulate you on your resoluteness, perseverance and your blessed achievements. Well done; well done; well done!”
3. Mirza Kabiruddin Ahmed Sahib of Lucknow:
“This heavenly Adam will breathe life into the American people because Sadiq’s trumpet is no less in any way and it will surely prove revolutionary. We are only waiting for the order of Allah the Almighty. The call of the trumpet happens on time, so the first trumpet has been blown in which several people converted to Islam.”
4. Asadullah Khan Sahib of Kanpur:
“You did what was not possible in the time of Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Alira.”
5. Abdul Majeed Khan Sahib of Kapurthala:
“You deserve a place in Paradise as you are spreading the teachings of the second Adam [the Promised Messiahas] to the corners of the world.”
6. Maulvi Muhammad Usman Sahib Badni of Lucknow:
“The truth is that you have done such work as will be remembered in the pages of the history of Islam till the world ends.”
7. Babu Sheikh Fazal Ahmad Sahib of Nowshera:
“As you enjoy special blessings of Allah the Almighty, you should be much more grateful for them. I have written these words considering the special favours and significant distinction.”
8. Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Hameed Sahib of Deccan:
“Our hearts desire that the whole of America converts to Islam through your hands. Amin!”
9. Khan Bahadur Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Sahib (Pensioner):
“Congratulations to you that the seed of success in America is being sown by your hands.”
10. Syed Azizullah Shah Sahib of Raia:
“There is probably not a single Ahmadi who does not pray for you from the depth of their heart. My parents specially pray for you at all times and their prayers are full of love and compassion. May Allah accept [all the prayers].”
Sadiq’s prayer
There are many more letters and some of them possess such highly regarded words of sincerity and love that I cannot even express them. I will now write a prayer that was made for some special needs. It might prove beneficial for someone and someone’s amin [asking Allah to accept the prayer] may become useful for me.
“O my Lord, You reward my good deeds, make up for my loss and solve my problems. O Lord of the heavenly armies, Lord of the skies and the earth and Lord of everything, forgive me, my Sattar (Coverer of flaws) and my Ghaffar (Most Forgiving); everything is in Your control and You are Omnipotent.
“You do whatever You wish and You can do whatever you want. Nobody can question Your authority and everyone is under Your rule. You are my Creator, my Master, You Forgive me, You are my Helper, You are extremely kind to me, I have trust in You, You are my pride, You are my glory, You are my power and You are my strength. I am a beggar at Your threshold and You are the One who fulfills every need. I am a beggar before You. You are my eyes.
“Please forgive us our sins and expunge our shortcomings. O Everlasting God, efface our bad deeds, wipe out our sinful actions, save us from every disgrace and humiliation and protect us from every sorrow and calamity. Suppress, annihilate and obliterate every strife that rises against us. Humiliate and destroy our enemies:
اِک کرشمہ اپنی قدرت کا دِکھا
تجھ کو سب قدرت ہے اے ربّ الوریٰ
“[Pray, show a sign of Your might; You are Almighty, O Lord of the worlds!]
“You were always Merciful and Gracious to me. You forgave me, pardoned me and covered my [sins]. You come to my aid on every occasion and in every field. O my Lord of the heavenly armies, come to help me again and take me in Your refuge. Yes, O Lord, take us all in Your refuge – me, my admirers, my friends, my associates, my helpers, those who pray for me, my family and children, my well-wishers and their families in [Your refuge]. Help us every situation, for there is no helper except you.
[O Allah help us with Your support and bestow on us mercy from Thyself and an excellent home. O our Lord, forgive us our sins. Surely, You are the One, Most Forgiving and Merciful. O Allah, my Lord, Thou art the Hearer of all prayers. O Allah, always plan in our favour and do not let anyone’s plan succeed against us; help us and do not help anyone against us. Surely, You the Best of Helpers. [O Allah] guide us and make it easy for us to achieve guidance. Surely, You are the Best of Guides. O Most Merciful, (bless us) with Your Mercy.]”
Correspondence
Apart from lectures and other tabligh activities, routine correspondence is such that the number of letters received in the month of May was around 200 and approximately 400 letters were sent.
In the month of June, around 300 letters were received and roughly 600 letters were sent. In the month of July, around 1,300 letters were received and nearly 1,900 letters were sent.
It is worth mentioning that India is in a state of peace and tranquility as compared to the number of crimes committed here on a daily basis. Not a single day goes by without the news of murder, bloodshed and theft being published in the newspapers.
Right in the middle of the market, girls are abducted and taken away on cars and no trace is found afterwards as to what happened [to them]. A bomb fell in New York in broad daylight and around 24 persons were killed. The banks are robbed openly. Looters break into the banks by force and snatch the money from employees.
You may have heard of other robberies, but you might not have heard of what happened in this country last month. An entire train was stolen. It was a freight train that was attacked by bandits in the middle of woodlands. They stopped the train and removed the guard and driver. They then drove the train themselves and stopped it in the woods a few miles away. The valuables were loaded into cars and taken away and the train was left there.
Hence, in comparison to the hostile incidents and accidents that take place over here, the people of India should be grateful to Allah the Almighty that they are in peace and comfort thanks to the British government.
I have a lot of work over here and need the help of as many friends as possible. I wish that some friends come to this country for trade or education.
At the end, I request all the friends that they pray to Allah the Almighty for my success in the works of tabligh and that He may grant me His holy approvals.
May all of my desires be for His sake and may He fulfill each and every one of them.
Wassalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!
Humbly yours, Muhammad Sadiq, 10 November 1920. 4334 Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA
A brief account of the correspondence between the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid of Chachran
Furhan Hamza Qureshi, Lecturer Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada
Introduction
In the province of Punjab, in current-day Pakistan, lies the small town of Chachran. It’s not an especially popular town – many people probably don’t even know of its existence – but it does have one claim to fame. Chachran is the hometown of a reputable nineteenth-century saint of the Chishti-Nizami order; Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid.
Shrine of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid | Photo credit: Wiki Commons
Born in 1845, Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid was a descendant of Hazrat Umarra, Second Caliph of the Holy Prophetsa. He hailed from a hereditary line of sufi successors who passed down spiritual and temporal authority from father to son.
His father, Khawaja Khuda Bakhsh, was one of the successors of Khawaja Fakhruddin of Delhi. This line traced its roots to one of the most famous sufi saints of India, Hazrat Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliyarh (1238-1325 CE). Ultimately, after the demise of his elder brother in 1872, the reigns of successorship passed onto Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid.
Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid’s piety, breadth of knowledge and magnetic personality attracted many towards him. Fluent in six languages, he was also a poet of remarkable prowess and his poems have received universal acclaim and contain many points of spiritual wisdom.
He passed away in 1901 at the age of 55. His mausoleum is in Mithankot, about 135 kilometres south of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.
The mubahala challenge
The advent of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be upon him, caused a great stir in India. His defence of Islam from the attacks of Christians and Hindus was unprecedented. At first, some Muslim scholars welcomed this champion of faith onto the scene, but that would change in 1891, when Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas – under divine instructions – made the claim to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. Scholars initiated a campaign against him, collecting edicts from as far as Mecca, declaring him an unbeliever (God forbid).
In 1897, in his book Anjam-e-Atham, the Promised Messiah issued a mubahala challenge (prayer duel) to the sajjada nasheens (successors of sufi saints) of India, saying that they had caused him great pain and anguish by labeling him a disbeliever and heretic. Now, God Almighty had instructed him to engage them in a prayer duel so that the truth may become distinct from falsehood. (Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khazain, vol. 11, pp. 64-68)
The addressees of this challenge were over a hundred Muslim scholars and sajjadah nasheens, whose names were listed in the book – Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid’s name was amongst them too.
Whereas most of the addressees either remained silent or expressed opposition, Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid immediately responded to the challenge, clarifying his stance regarding the Promised Messiahas.
In an Arabic letter, dated 27 Rajab 1314 AH (31 December 1896) he wrote:
قد أرسلت إلي الكتاب وبه دعوت إلى المباهلة و طالبتَ بالجواب وإني وإن كنتُ عديم الفرصة ولكن رأيتُ جزءه من حسن الخطاب وسَوق العتاب اعلم يا أعزَّالأحباب اني من بدوحالك واقف على مقام تعظيمك لنيل الثواب وما جرتْ على لساني كلمةٌ في حقّك، إلا بالتبجيل ورعاية الآداب والآن اطلع لك بأني معترف بصلاح حالك بلا ارتياب وموقن بأنك من عباد اللّٰه الصالحين وفي سعيك المشكور مثاب وقد أوتيتَ الفضل من الملك الوهاب ولك أن تسأل من اللّٰه تعالى خيرعاقبتی
“… you sent me the book in which you invited me to a mubahala and sought a response. Although I haven’t much spare time, I looked at a portion of it, which is replete with eloquence and admonition. O most honourable of men, you should know that since the beginning, my position has always been to honour you, so that I might receive reward from God. I have only ever spoken about you with reverence and respect. Now, I inform you that I undoubtedly acknowledge your goodness. I believe that you are among the righteous servants of Allahand that your efforts are appreciated and will be rewarded. You have been granted grace from God, the Master and Great Benefactor. Pray to Allah the Almighty that my end be a fortunate one …” (Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khazain, vol. 11, pp. 323-324)
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi
Upon receiving this letter, the Promised Messiahas commented that contrary to the thousands of clerics who had rejected him, Khawaja Ghulam Farid displayed “the light of righteousness” by responding so sincerely. Then, he prophetically stated:
“As long as these writings remain in the world, Mian [Ghulam Farid] Sahib will be remembered along with them. This era will pass, and another era will come; God will give insight to the people of that era and they will pray for those who, having found me, stood by my side.” (Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khazain, vol. 11, p. 322)
The Promised Messiahas also responded to Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid in a letter that has been reproduced in his book Siraj-e-Munir. He wrote that the Holy Prophetsa had foretold that when the Promised Messiah would appear, only the righteous would testify to his truth and only the wicked would reject him. “Hence,” he said, “through the glad tidings of Mustafasa, you are in high standing and congratulations to you, from the Highest Lord.” (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 90)
Letters of devotion
Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid wrote two more letters to the Promised Messiahas, expressing his love and devotion.
The first of these letters was in Persian, dated 27 Sha‘ban 1314 AH (30 January 1897). In it, he said that upon receiving the Promised Messiah’sas warm response, he was overcome with joy. Although he was being reprimanded by other scholars for supporting the Promised Messiahas, he professed such reproach had no effect on him.
He wrote that the more he became aware of the Promised Messiah’sas efforts for the cause of Islam, his heart was increasing in its sincerity towards him. He articulated his yearning to meet the Promised Messiahas in person with the prayer:
“I pray that by the favour of God, such a means may be created – and that fortunate hour may arrive – by which the veil of bodily separation and the mask of lengthy distance is lifted from between us.”
He ended the letter by requesting a copy of the Promised Messiah’sas essay, which was presented at the Conference of Great Religions, and later published as Islami Usul ki Philosophy (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam). (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 91)
In response, the Promised Messiahas wrote a lengthy letter in Persian, detailing the purpose of his advent and inviting Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid towards his community. In gratitude for the Khawaja’s expression of love towards him, the Promised Messiahas wrote:
“Thank God that this land is not devoid of such men of God who do not fear the blame of a critic while expressing a word of truth; and who possess a light from the One God and wisdom from the Lord of Honour. Thus, their complete and pure nature draws them towards the truth; and the Spirit of Holiness assists them in establishing the truth. So, all praise belongs to Allah – again, all praise belongs to Allah – for we have found that these matters apply to you. (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, vol. 12, p. 92)
He proceeded to write that God Almighty had named him Adam, and so those who accepted him would become like angels whereas his deniers would become Iblis.
Addressing the opposition, he faced from Muslim clerics, the Promised Messiahas said that his case rested with God. If he was a liar, God would destroy him and his community; but if he was truthful, then God would help him against his enemies.
What followed this was a 177-couplet eloquent Persian poem. A few couplets of that poem are reproduced below:
اے فريدِ وقت در صدق و صفا
با تو باد آن رُو كه نامِ اُو خدا
“O peerless one of the era, in truth and purity; May that Being be with you Whose name is God!”
بر تو بارَد رحمتِ يارِ ازل
در تو تابد نُورِ دِلدارِ اَزَل
“May the mercy of the Eternal Friend be upon you; May the light of the Eternal Beloved shine in you.”
از تو جانِ من خوش ست اے خوشخصال
ديدمت مردے دريں قحط الرجال
“O good natured one, my soul is pleased with you. In the era of scarcity of men, I have found you to be a true man!”
اے مرا رُوئے محبت سوئے تو
بُوئے اُنس آمد مرا از كُوئے تو
“O you, towards whom the face of my love points; the fragrance of affection comes to me from your lane.”
كس ازيں مردم بما رُوئے نه كرد
ايں نصيبت بُود اے فرخنده مَرد
“From these men, no one turned towards us; O fortunate man, this was your destiny.”(Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 94; Durr-e-Sameen Farsi with Urdu translation, Vol. 2, pp. 342-343)
Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid penned the response to this letter on 4 Shawwal 1314 AH (8 March 1897) which again expressed his ardent desire to meet the Promised Messiah: “We have a great yearning to meet your excellency,” he wrote. “Our love for you, the endeavourer in the way of Allah, is increasing with each passing day.”
Acknowledging receipt of the copy of The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, he stated, “Along with being a priceless feast of verities, it has been presented in a remarkable manner, which has won over the hearts of listeners.”(Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 102)
Words of love for the Promised Messiahas
Apart from these letters, Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid spoke words of high praise and love for the Promised Messiahas. These sayings were included in the first edition of Isharat-e-Faridi, the collection of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid’s discourses, published in 1902, shortly after his demise. It is unfortunate that these sayings have been removed from newer editions by his followers.(See Maqabees-ul-Majalis, p. 46-62, published by Al Faisal Nashiran wa Tajiran Kutub, Lahore)
They claim that the Khawaja recanted his praise of the Promised Messiahas after learning that he had claimed prophethood but fail to provide any evidence from his writings or sayings to substantiate this claim. In this age, however, the truth cannot be concealed. A scan of the first edition of Isharat-e-Faridi is readily available online. (www.rekhta.org/ebooks/isharat-e-fridi-khwaja-ghulam-fareed-ebooks)
Observe how bravely and openly Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid spoke in favour of the Promised Messiahas and his claims. It is mentioned that certain ostentatious scholars were once speaking ill of the Promised Messiahas. Upon hearing this, he rebuked them saying:
“No! No! He is a truthful man, not a fabricator or a liar. This matter is not made up by him.” (Isharat-e-Faridi, p. 42, published 1302 AH [c. 1902 CE])
On another occasion, someone asked him about the validity of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’sas claim to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. His response was:
“The characteristics of the Mahdi are veiled and they are not according to the thoughts people harbour in their hearts. It is quite possible that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib of Qadian is the Mahdi, for it is mentioned in ahadith that there would be twelve dajjals [antichrists] hence there should be as many Mahdis as well. It is also mentioned in a hadith that Jesus and the Mahdi would be one person.” (Isharat-e-Faridi, p. 123, published 1302 AH (c. 1902 CE))
He then continued by stating the example of the Holy Prophetsa:
“When the Holy Prophetsa appeared, some people had made up signs of his advent according to their own understanding. Those who recognised the truthfulness of the Holy Prophetsa accepted him whereas those upon whom this matter was shrouded denied him. Such is the case with the Mahdi. Therefore, if Mirza Sahib is the Mahdi, then what is the hindrance?” (Isharat-e-Faridi, p. 124, published 1302 AH [c. 1902 CE])
Furthermore, Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid silenced critics who raised allegations about the sign of the eclipses in Ramadan of 1894 (Isharat-e-Faridi, p. 27, published 1302 AH [c. 1902 CE]) and the fulfilment of the prophecy regarding Abdullah Atham.
In the case of the latter, when he heard some of his followers – including the Nawab of Bahawalpur – mocking the prophecy after the initial 15-month period ended and Atham seemed to have survived, he reprimanded them saying, “Who says Atham is alive? I can see his corpse!” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 17, p. 405, Friday Sermon, 19 June 1936)
Thereafter, when Atham ultimately died, he said Atham had died through the “breath of Mirza Sahib” (Isharat-e-Faridi, p. 15, published 1302 AH [c. 1902 CE]). In other words, according to Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid, Atham died through the prayers and the powerful spiritual effect of the Promised Messiahas.
Mentioning some of the qualities of the Promised Messiahas and why he considered him to be a truthful man, Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid once stated:
“Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian is also right and he is honest and true in his affair. He is engrossed in the worship of God Almighty day and night and has devoted his life to the advancement of Islam and raising the cause of Faith high. I do not see anything wrong or bad in him at all. If he has claimed to be the Mahdi and Messiah, that too is permissible.” (Isharat-e-Faridi, p. 179, published 1302 AH [c. 1902 CE])
Testifying to the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas
In Haqiqatul-Wahi, the Promised Messiahas mentioned a dream of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Faridra and listed it as the nineteenth sign of his divine commission. He wrote:
“Khawaja Ghulam Farid, the pir [spiritual mentor] of the Nawab of Bahawalpur, saw a dream testifying to my truthfulness, on account of which God Almighty imbued his heart with love for me. And on this very account, Khawaja [Ghulam Farid], in the book Isharat-e-Faridi, which consists of his sayings, repeatedly testifies to my truthfulness.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation [English translation of Haqiqatul-Wahi], p. 262)
He continued by saying that some clerics visited the Khawaja to try to dissuade him from this love and support; however, “he paid no heed to anyone and gave these unenlightened mullahs such crushing replies as silenced them completely. By the grace of God, he died a believer testifying to my truthfulness.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation [English translation of Haqiqatul-Wahi], p. 262)
History is preserved
The Promised Messiahas encapsulated this saint’s spirituality and righteousness in the following words:
“In short, God Almighty had blessed Khawaja Ghulam Farid with the inner light that he could distinguish between the truthful and an impostor at a single glance. May God bless him with His mercy and grant him a place in His nearness. Amin.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation [English translation of Haqiqatul-Wahi], p. 262)
The so-called heirs of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid may try to erase mention of the Promised Messiahas from his books, but they cannot change facts. His correspondence with the Promised Messiahas is well documented and will forever stand as a testament to his righteousness.
There will come a time when this history which has been purposefully shrouded to try to hide the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas will unveiled and the world will come to recognise the light of truth.
So long as the books of the Promised Messiahas remain, so too will the letters of devotion and love from Chachran.
Further Reading
1. Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, pp. 88-102: A record of the correspondence between the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid, in Persian and Urdu.
2. Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid of Chachran Sharif Kay Irshadat Mein Tahrif. Al Fazl International, 29 December 2000, pp. 3-4, 10: A detailed article by Maulana Dost Muhammad Shahid on the correspondence and sayings of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid, in Urdu.
3. Hazrat Masih–e-Maud Kay Mutalliq Pir Ghulam Farid Sahib Kay Bayanat. Al Fazl Qadian, 1 March 1932, p. 6: A collection of some sayings of Hazrat Khawaja Sahib regarding the Promised Messiahas, in Persian and Urdu.
Nabeela Naeema Wahab, General Secretary, Lajna Imaillah Ghana
The national amila of Lajna Imaillah Ghana had the immense honour of a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 24 January 2021 and were particularly pleased that of the three auxiliary organisations in Ghana, the first virtual mulaqat was granted to Lajna Imaillah Ghana.
Amila members gathered at the Wahab Adam Studio in Bustan-e-Ahmad in Accra and MTA Ghana provided the video link to Huzoor’s office in Islamabad, UK.
41 out of 56 amila members were able to attend, alhamdulillah. All Covid-19 safety protocols were observed.
Even though it was a virtual mulaqat, it felt as though members were physically in the presence of beloved Huzooraa.
Muhasiba Mal, who was appointed as an amila member only a week before the mulaqat, stated that she had never met Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa and it felt as though she was in his presence, physically.
She said that she felt very blessed to have had the opportunity to meet with beloved Huzooraa, interact with him and watch other amila members interact with him.
She was grateful and humbled by the opportunity afforded to her to serve in the amila and her luck at meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa shortly after her appointment.
Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid stated that she felt as though she was meeting with beloved Huzooraa face to face and it was the first time in her life to speak with him. She stated that she was overwhelmed and most humbled.
Honourary member in-charge of Kumasi, Sefwi, Obuasi and Sekyere Zones also stated that she had served in different capacities as an amila member for about 20 years and alhamdulillah, had met beloved Huzooraa a few times; however, although the meeting was a virtual meeting, it felt as though she was in the physical presence of Huzooraa and she was overjoyed.
During the mulaqat, members introduced themselves to Huzooraa and informed him of the departments they were responsible for. Huzooraa asked meticulous questions and in so doing, he drew the attention of amila members to the areas of their departments they needed to concentrate more on to improve their work.
While describing how the meeting with Huzooraa would improve her work as a national amila member, the general secretary wrote that before the mulaqat, she looked forward to reporting to beloved Huzooraa on the improvements that had been made.
She was hoping to inform Huzooraa that alhamdulillah, 23 to 26 zones of the 27 zones in Ghana were submitting regular reports as compared to the 12 to 15 zones that were submitting reports in the 2018/19 Lajna year. She was looking forward to telling beloved Huzooraa that alhamdulillah, all amila members had been submitting departmental reports each month of this Lajna year as well.
However, after beloved Huzoor’s meticulous questions about the number of majalis in these zones that were submitting regular reports and after stating his expectations for Lajna in Ghana, she felt encouraged to work even harder with all amila members to increase work in all inactive majalis and have an even more improved report to submit to Huzooraa at the earliest possible time, insha-Allah.
Secretary tabligh also wrote that the expectations of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for Ghana encourages her to work harder to achieve more in tabligh.
Considering the number of jamaats, the world over, which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has to supervise, it was exceptional to observe Huzoor’s in-depth knowledge about the activities of all the departments, the tajnid and the way of life of the people in Ghana.
Naib secretary Nasirat wrote that after listening to Huzoor’s interaction with Secretary Nasirat and Huzoor’s questions about the tajnid of Nasirat in Ghana, she became very anxious that she would be asked a question about her department that she may not be able to answer satisfactorily.
Naib secretary tajnid, who was appointed to serve in the amila four months prior to the mulaqat, stated that she was excited at meeting Huzooraa for the first time in her life, but also pleasantly surprised at the in-depth knowledge Huzooraa had of all activities and the questions Huzooraa asked.
Sadr Lajna Imaillah Ghana also stated that she felt blessed. The interactions with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa were most kind and loving. This became manifest when Huzooraa asked the secretary ziafat what meals she had prepared for the amila members for lunch, after the mulaqat. It was a delight to hear Huzooraa mention some of the favourite Ghanaian dishes.
It was also kind of beloved Huzooraa to enquire about the welfare project or programmes planned for Lajna members in Ghana in his interactions with muavina sadr II in-charge of Khidmat-e-Khalq.
Alhamdulillah, the mulaqat was a most spiritually inspiring and blessed mulaqat.
An amila member who had served the Jamaat for over 25 years and was once national Lajna sadr, now an honourary member, stated that seeing Huzooraa rekindled her faith in Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Secretary Nasirat said that she felt spiritually inspired. Another amila member wrote that she felt special and blessed.
Secretary tabligh stated that she had never met Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa even though it had been her dream to meet and interact with him someday. She wrote that she felt blessed that one year after being afforded an opportunity to serve as an amila member, her dreams had materialised. She wrote that alhamdulillah, the meeting with beloved Huzooraa virtually was a blessed opportunity.
Secretary for new converts stated that it was a blessed opportunity and she hoped and prayed that despite beloved Huzoor’s very busy schedule, other sisters may derive blessings from such an opportunity too, insha-Allah.
Many other amila members had similar comments, alhamdulillah.
One amila member stated that having interacted with Huzooraa, her suggestion was that all efforts should now be made to engage other Lajna in Jamaat work to fulfil the expectations of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for Lajna in Ghana, as soon as possible. Almost all amila members wrote that the point which they liked the most was Hazrat Amirul Momineen’s advice and expectation that all members should offer their Salat five times a day, lead lives as good Muslims, bring up their children to become righteous and insha-Allah, Allah would then make Lajna in Ghana one of the best in the world.
Huzooraa said that once we do this, Allah would have mercy on us and answer our sincere prayers for world peace.
Alhamdulillah, Lajna Imaillah Ghana’s virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was a blessed one, an extremely uplifting experience and a most loving interaction, inspiring all amila members to do more.
It is our prayer that other sisters may be able to experience this, insha-Allah.
A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas when receiving visitors in Qadian
Awwab Saad Hayat, Al Hakam
It was common practice for the Promised Messiahas to go out for morning walks and in the evenings, he would remain in Masjid Mubarak where he would address his Companionsra and highlight various matters with regard to spirituality and faith.
Masjid Mubarak, Qadian. The Promised Messiahas would spend many evenings in this mosque where he would explain the true message of Islam. These evening sittings would prove to motivate his Companionsra in their spiritual and moral training
This proved to help the Companionsra immensely with their spiritual and moral training. Just as they benefited a great deal from the evening sittings in Masjid Mubarak, the morning walks too, in which Huzooras shared his knowledge and wisdom, aided and quenched a similar spiritual need.
On 17 November 1901, Hazrat Ahmadas, accompanied by his companion, Hazrat Mir Nasirra, went for his routine excursion. During the walk, Hazrat Mir Nasirra read aloud a lengthy essay he had written. Even after the Promised Messiahas had completed his walk, Hazrat Mir Nasirra had not finished reading the paper. Hazrat Ahmadas, rather than making his way back home, went to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra clinic where he continued to listen.
When Hazrat Mir Nasirra finished reading his essay, the Promised Messiahas began explaining various matters that were addressed in the piece. When Huzooras began elaborating on a certain matter, a European tourist entered the clinic and greeted everyone by saying salaam. As the European gentlemen sat down, [Hazrat] Nawab Khan[ra] of Gujrat enquired, “Where are you from?”
The following conversation has been recorded in Malfuzat (Vol. 1, pp. 580-582):
European: I am a tourist.
[Hazrat] Nawab Khan[ra]: From which country?
European: I do not understand Urdu fluently; I am from England.
Meanwhile, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra entered [the clinic]. He started translating [the discussion] for the Promised Messiahas and thus, a conversation ensued between the Promised Messiahas and the European gentlemen.
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra
Hazrat Ahmadas: Where have you come from?
European: From Kashmir; I made my way to Kullu and from there, I arrived here.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Where are you originally from?
European: England. I am a tourist; I have also visited Arabia and Karbala. From here, I shall travel to Egypt, Algeria, Carthage and then Sudan.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Why did you decide to make this journey?
European: Sightseeing and travelling.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Are you travelling as a priest?
European: No, not at all.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Are you more interested in religious affairs, secular knowledge or political affairs?
European: I am simply travelling the world so that my heart may find comfort.
Hazrat Ahmadas: You must have some purpose for your journey?
European: No significant purpose.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Are you a Freemason?
European: I do not believe in their doctrine. I am my own master and represent only myself. I am a friend to all and an enemy to none.
Hazrat Ahmadas: What is your name?
European: DD Dickson.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Which Christian sect do you belong to?
DD Dickson (formerly referred to as the “European”): I am not bound to any particular sect. My religion [which I follow] is rather unique. There is no religion in the world void of divine truths. Thus I take all truths from all such religions and adhere to a religion of my own.
Hazrat Ahmadas: If you do not belong to any religion, then this selection of divine truths [which you talk about] ought to be a religion too.
DD Dickson: Yes, if you desire to recognise it as a religion, then my religion is a collection of various divine truths.
Hazrat Ahmadas: I see. Is this religion, which you have adopted by selecting various teachings from other faiths, free from flaws or is there another religion which, in your view, is completely free from faults?
DD Dickson: The combination of religions which I follow is suitable to educated people and is in accord with the example which the Messiah has given of a wealthy man who gave his servants some money. One of those servants invested it and made good use of it, while the other just set it aside. So if we make good use of what God has provided us, He is pleased and if we do not utilise it, He is displeased.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Will you be staying here a few days so that you may benefit from our teachings?
DD Dickson: I wish to leave after one day. At most, I can only stay until tomorrow.
Hazrat Ahmadas: Are you not able to stay back for a week?
DD Dickson: No, I cannot unfortunately. Mr Kennedy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, will be waiting for me in Batala. I had already told him to come today; however, I will go tomorrow.
Hazrat Ahmadas: If you are not an employee and you are a master of your own self and [the purpose of] your visit was for sightseeing alone, then why are you not able to stay for a week?
DD Dickson: This is true. However, I wish to see the entire world. If I remain here, I am afraid that a lot of that which my heart desires will hold me back.
Hazrat Ahmadas: You appear to be a decent, sensible and smart gentleman. How wonderful it would be if you stayed back for a week and [tried to] understand our view. If you so desire [and change your mind] then you can write to [Mr Kennedy] and inform him.
DD Dickson: I am extremely grateful. However, I must apologise as I can only remain for a day.
Following this discussion, Mr Dickson was given the Gol Kamra (a room which served as a guest house in Qadian) to stay and take rest. The Promised Messiah a s appointed Hazrat Sheikh Masihullahra to prepare special food for the guest as he had some experience of cooking Western-style dishes.
The Gol Kamra (next to the staircase leading up to Masjid Mubarak) was a room that served as a guest house in Qadian during the time of the Promised Messiahas
Hazrat Sheikh Masihullahra was among the 313 Companionsra of the Promised Messiahra. He was originally from Uttar Pradesh, Bharat, a state in northern India.
Later that day, Mr Dickson was shown Madrasa Talim-ul-Islam. There, in the school’s library, he came across the book, The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ, by Nicolas Notovitch and expressed his desire to read it.
Mr Dickson made his way back to the Gol Kamra where he found Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddinra, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib and Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra and began conversing with them.
Hazrat Dr Khalifa Rashiduddinra
They began expounding upon the various teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat. They told him about Prophet Jesus’as grave in Kashmir and explained that Arabic was the mother of all tongues.
After the Asr prayer, Mr Dickson took three photos of the Promised Messiahas – one portrait photo of Huzooras and two photos of him with his Companionsra (these photos are yet to be discovered).
The following day, in the morning, as Mr Dickson got ready to depart for Batala, the Promised Messiahas also accompanied him so that he may see him off.
Whilst addressing Mr Dickson, the Promised Messiahas once again expressed his desire for him to remain for a week so that he may enlighten and show him the spiritual philosophy of Islam which God had granted him. Hazrat Ahmadas began to explain various matters relating to religion.
Huzooras talked about the purpose of his advent, the true philosophy of abstaining from sin, his personal experience with God, the reality of divine reward and punishment and the truth behind the delights of Paradise.
Hazrat Ahmadas also explained the importance of surrounding oneself around pious people. Huzooras, expounding upon the reason of his advent, said that prophets of God are sent to the world to help man understand his Creator and save him from following a path which ultimately leads one to Hell and committing sin.
Whilst explaining how one can refrain from sin, the Promised Messiahas said that it is essential that one develops a hatred for sin itself. One must understand the damage and loss that comes with sins and believe in a Powerful, Higher Being Who is displeased when man commits sin.
Hazrat Ahmadas added that for one to truly adopt and acquire firm faith in God, it is crucial that one surrounds himself with pious men who have themselves witnessed God. By doing this, one is able to clean the malice hidden inside which helps ignite a spiritual war between good and evil within oneself.
Huzooras further stated that by travelling throughout the world, man is able to reach the resolution that there must be a Creator; however, through following the Promised Messiah, Huzooras said, one can attain something far greater.
Mr Dickson was very impressed by the hospitality. He witnessed high moral values and also witnessed a massive presence of learned scholars of a vast range of subjects in the small hamlet of Qadian.
Upon reaching the canal bridge, Huzooras saw him off and bade him farewell.
Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948), First Ahmadi Muslim Missionary for West Africa
Happy New Year
Brothers! May Allah the Almighty be with you and bless your courageous works. May He crown your good intentions with success and grant you an abundance of religious and worldly treasures. Amin!
Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra
As I write my last letter of the year 1920, I express congratulations to you along with prayers for the [New Year] 1921. I have full trust in Allah the Almighty that as you have purchased land for the London Mosque in the last year and also established a great mission in America, in the same way, you will not only spread the white light of the blessed Messiah’s message to the continent of black people i.e. Africa, but you will also look forward to every country of the world, insha-Allah!
Thus, O dear friends! Happy New Year from Nayyar, the traveller.
My journey and request
Abinsi, the ship Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra – the pioneering Ahmadi missionary for Africa – boarded for his journey to West Africa on 9 February 1921 | Photo Credits: Trove Australia National Library | shipspotting.com
In following the instructions of the Imam – the wajib al-ita‘ah [necessary to be obeyed] leader of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat – I will set off to West Africa from Liverpool on 9 February 1921 by a ship called Abinsi.
I have a huge task ahead of me, but I am a weak and fragile person. The ghair mubai‘een [those who refused to take bai‘at of the Second Khalifa] have sent their literature over there and letters of non-Ahmadis have already reached that place. Christians are ready to confront Islam in every way possible. In the face of so many enemies, as far as worldly resources are concerned, I am going there with a wooden sword.
The Scotsman, 10 February 1921, published steamship news. Abinsi, the ship Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra boarded for his journey, left via the River Mersey, UK on 9 February 1921
However, I have firm faith that being a servant of the Promised Messiahas, I will be able to annihilate anything they send my way. I am fully convinced that victory is ours. The Akharin [people of the Latter Days] are included in the following instruction [of Allah the Almighty]:
فَاَیۡنَمَا تُوَلُّوۡا فَثَمَّ وَجۡہُ اللهِ
[So withersoever you turn, there will be the face of Allah. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.116)]
This was exactly why Hazrat Jariullah [the champion of Allah, the Promised Messiahas] said:
لوائے ماپنہ ہر سعید خواہد بود
ندائے فتح نمایاں بنام ما باشد
[The refuge of my [the Promised Messiah’s] flag will be acquired by every blessed person and the announcement of the glorious victory of my name shall be made.]
However, this humble one, who is unskilled, sinful and weak, needs the prayers of his Imam and all members of the Jamaat. Please, for the sake of God, do not show negligence and pray as much as possible. I will get news from India and newspapers of Qadian after every two months.
Thus, keep sending me messages through the wireless signals of spiritual relationship and I firmly believe that prayers possess the power [to do it].
Apology and a request
I apologise to those friends who have sent me letters and are waiting for a reply, for I was not able to write back to them as I was engaged in preparations of my journey. [I expect] that being generous, they will accept [my apology].
Moreover, I humbly request all my friends who love me for the sake of God and also those who have treated my family with love and kindness in my absence that please keep me updated about your well-being and continue to do so without waiting for my reply. I will remember all of you in my prayers, insha-Allah.
Some friends have not sent a single letter in over a year and this is rather disappointing.
Permanent Ahmadiyya Dar-ul-Dawat [tabligh house]
The house on the land of the mosque for the accommodation of missionaries has been repaired and the necessary equipment has been provided in it.
On 29 December 1920, missionaries will move into [that house]. It is by the grace and blessings of Allah the Almighty that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has now its own permanent house and a permanent markaz, Dar-ul-Tabligh [mission house], has been established. We have been saved from the troubles caused by moving from one place to another on a regular basis. This was a huge task, which came about with the support of Allah the Almighty.
Now, the construction of the mosque will begin, insha-Allah! The previous Dar-ul-Tabligh is being retained as a branch and I am living here for the time being. After my departure, when people get acquainted with the central Dar-ul-Dawat, it will be decided whether to keep this branch or not.
The postal address of the central Dar-ul-Dawat is as follows:
Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl
The ignorance of the Arabs during the time of the Prophetsa is known to all, where even the traces of knowledge were hard to find. But along with the light of faith, a zeal to seek knowledge was infused into the Muslims, who not only themselves underwent a revolutionary transformation, but became the founding fathers of various sciences in the current world.
The topic under discussion is so vast that a large number of voluminous books can be written on it. But this is not the fit occasion for this. Therefore, only a few examples in this regard are cited below.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah
The whole world is well aware of the high standing of Hazrat Abu Hurairahra in the discipline of hadith. But probably very few people know that he accepted Islam in the prime of his life, when he was 30. Sacrificing all his ambitions and longings and like a destitute man, he presented himself to the Holy Prophetsa so as to gather the pearls, in the form of words, uttered by the Holy Prophetsa and preserve them for the generations to come.
Like a shadow, he would accompany the Holy Prophetsa everywhere. He bore starvation upon starvation and with his stomach pressed with stones, he would stay inside the mosque lest be deprived of a saying of the Holy Prophetsa by stepping outside for income or food. Frequently, he would faint due to starvation and people would take him to be suffering from epilepsy, whereas this condition of his was due to starvation. As a result of his blessed labour, the number of ahadith he reported from the Holy Prophetsa is as many as 5,374. (Al-Isabah, Vol. 7, p. 353, Zikr Abu Hurairah)
Hazrat Usama was a storehouse of the Prophet’ssa sayings
Hazrat Usama bin Zaidra was only 20 at the death of the Holy Prophetsa. But all are in agreement that he was a storehouse of the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa. Even the senior Companionsra would seek his counsel in matters about which they had doubts. (Al-Isabah, Vol. 1, p. 203, Zikr Usamah bin Zaid)
Excellent knowledge of the Quran and Islam
Hazrat Uthmanra bin Abi Al-As embraced Islam in the final years of the Holy Prophetsa and he was quite young at that time. But his standing in knowledge was so high that Hazrat Umarra used to say that this boy was very keen in understanding the Islamic faith and the Holy Quran. Though he was quite young, but on account of his distinction in learning, the Holy Prophetsa appointed him the imam of Bani Thaqif. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 476)
Desire to memorise ahadith Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira was quite young in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, but he reported as many as 1,170 ahadith, which gives a clue as to how keen he was to the acquisition of knowledge. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 4, p. 1672)
The youngest of all the naqibs
Hazrat Saadra bin Zarah, on account of his knowledge, was appointed naqib [chief] of Banu Najjar by the Holy Prophetsa. He was the youngest of all the naqibs. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 196)
Travelling to a distant land to learn
Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah was only 18 or 19 years old when he embraced Islam. But he was so keen to learn that once after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, Jabirra learnt that Hazrat Abdullahra bin Anis knew a hadith which he himself did not know. At that time, Abdullahra lived in Syria. Hazrat Jabirra bought a camel and to learn the hadith from him, travelled all the way to Syria. Similarly, for another hadith, he travelled as far as Egypt to learn it from Hazrat Muslimah, the amir of Egypt. (Bahuth fi Tarikh Al-Sanatil-Mushrifah, p. 213)
Memorisation of the Quran
Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit accepted Islam when he was only 11 years of age and started learning the Holy Quran from that very time. Hazrat Zaidra had memorised 17 chapters when the Holy Prophetsa came to Medina. Keeping in view the lifestyle of the Arab youths, this was something unusual. To see this, people brought him to the Holy Prophetsa, who was pleased to hear the Quran from him. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 127)
Hazrat Zaid learning Syriac and Hebrew
Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit, as mentioned in the above account, was very pious and intelligent. Once the Holy Prophetsa said to him that sometimes, he received letters in Syriac or Hebrew languages, whose content did not need to be disclosed. Nobody knew those languages except the Jews. Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa directed him to learn the language. In compliance, he started learning it. He worked in this regard so keenly and diligently that he became proficient in reading and replying the letters in only 15 days. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 182)
Keenness to report ahadith
Hazrat Sahalra bin Saad was very young in the time of the Holy Prophetsa but was so keen to learn that he reported as many as 1,188 ahadith. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 320)
Appointment as governor due to knowledge
Hazrat Amrra bin Khuram accepted Islam at a young age, but he was so good and well-versed in learning, maturity of opinion and decisiveness that despite his being as young as 20, the Holy Prophetsa appointed him the governor of Najran. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 771)
Need for more knowledgeable people among Muslims
Hazrat Umairra bin Saad was so young in the time of the Holy Prophetsa that he could not join in any ghazwah [a battle in which the Holy Prophetsa participated in person]. But he acquired so high a standing among the Companionsra in learning and excellence that Hazrat Umarra used to say that if only he had a few more men like Umairra, he would have been greatly facilitated in matters pertaining to Khilafat. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 3, p. 790)
Desire to become huffaz
The Muslim youth were very eager to commit the Holy Quran to memory. Once, for some reason, Hazrat Umarra had the huffaz counted; he learnt that in one detachment of an army, there were over 300 huffaz. (Kanzul-Ummal, Vol. 1, p. 217)
On many occasions, the Holy Quran encourages mankind to seek knowledge and contemplate over Allah’s creation: “Allah will raise those who believe from among you, and those to whom knowledge is given, to degrees [of rank].” (Surah al-Mujadalah, Ch.58: V.12)
Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal
Hazrat Muazra bin Jabal died in the prime of his life, at 36. Hazrat Muazra spent this age with utmost piety, which is normally considered the age of carnal desires. People suggested to Hazrat Umarra to appoint someone as Khalifa when he was taking his last breaths. He replied, “If only Muazra was alive, I would have appointed him as Khalifa.”
He used to say:
عَجَزَتِ النِّسَاءُ اَنْ يَلِدْنَ مِثْلَ مُعَاذٍ
“Women are unable to give birth to another man like Muazra.”
He was also a member of the Shura body. After the fall of Mecca, the Holy Prophetsa appointed him the amir of Yemen, which is a proof of the fact that he possessed a high literary and intellectual standing in his eyes. (Halyatil-Auliya wa Tabaqatul-Asfiya, Vol. 2, p. 229) (Sunan Al-Kubra, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 15558, Kitab-ul-Adab, Qismus-Sadaqat wan-Nafaqat)
Unaffected from hypocritical views
Hazrat Majmara bin Jariyah had committed the Holy Quran to memory in his childhood, which in this age of ours is not something outstanding, but in the perspective of that society, it was really something remarkable.
On account of his piety and righteousness, he became the imam of his people. His father was the founder of the mosque of Zirar [a mosque built by the hypocrites in Medina], but despite being young, he had grasped the Islamic teaching with its spirit so purely that he accepted no evil effect from his father. (Usdul-Ghabbah, Vol. 4, p. 290)
An eight-year-old’s desire to learn about Islam
Hazrat Nu‘manra bin Munzar was only eight in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, but had a keen eye and would study the circumstances of the Holy Prophetsa with deep attention and remember them. He would take his seat very close to the pulpit at the time of address. He claimed that of all the Companionsra, he knew most about the Tahajud prayer of the Holy Prophetsa. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 4, p. 269)
Hafiz of hadith
Hazrat Samrahra bin Jundab was very young in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, yet he had memorised hundreds of ahadith. It is reported that he was the hafiz of ahadith and reported a large number of ahadith from the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 2, p. 654)
Desire to hear the words of the Prophetsa
Hazrat Umarra lived at some distance from Medina, but he was so desirous to learn that on alternate days, he and his neighbour, Hazrat Utbanra bin Malik, would visit the Holy Prophetsa, lest they miss any of his sayings. On his turn, he would apprise his neighbour of the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and the next day, he would listen to it from him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Ilm, Bab Tanawub fil-Ilm)
The Muslim tribes that resided out of Medina would send some of their men to live for some time in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and acquire the knowledge of faith and on their return to their clan, they would teach it to their people. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Ilm, Bab Tahriz-un-Nabisa wafad Abdul-Qais ala an Yahfazu)
Ashab al-Suffah
The Ashab al-Suffah [companions who remained in the close company of the Holy Prophetsa in Masjid al-Nabawi] were extremely poor and destitute, so they were bound to earn their living with hard labour and toil. During the day, they would cut wood from the woodland and bring water in the town; in this manner, they earned their living. Therefore, they had very little time for education during the day; hence they would study at night. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 3, p. 137, Musnad Ahmad bin Malik, Hadith No. 12429)
A child as an imam
Hazrat Umarra bin Muslimah was only seven or eight years old in the time of the Holy Prophetsa. But amongst the people of his tribe, he knew the most Quran. The people of his tribe enquired from the Holy Prophetsa as to who should lead their prayers. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “The one who knows the Quran the most.” Thus, Umarra was appointed their imam. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Salat, Bab man Ahaqqu bil-Imamah)
The responsibility of a learned person on others
Hazrat Salman al-Farsira [the Persian] wrote to Hazrat Abu Dardara, “Knowledge is a fountain where people come to slake their thirst and dig drains out of it to irrigate others. But if a learned person keeps quiet, he is a body without soul. If knowledge is not squandered, it is nothing more than a buried treasure. A learned person is like a man who leads others with a lamp on a dark route.” (Sunan Darmi, Bab No. 46, Al-Balagh an Rasulillah wa Talimus-Sunan, Hadith No. 576)
Learning has nothing to do with being young
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbasra was young not only in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, but in the time of Hazrat Umarra as well. He was so highly learned that most of the time, in complex issues, Hazrat Umarra would seek his counsel. As he was young, he would show reluctance from speaking in a public meeting. But Hazrat Umarra would encourage him and say, “Learning has nothing to do with being young or of an advanced age.” He would seat him among the noble Companionsra of Badr. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ut-Tasfir, Bab Qaulihi Fa-Sabbih bi-Hamdi Rabbika Wastaghfir)
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbasra was only 14 or 15 years old at the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. But he was so keen on learning that he reports as many as 1660 Ahadith. (Al-Tahzibut-Tahzib, Zikr Abdullah bin Abbas)
Nobility should not impede learning
Some people are deprived of knowledge or the service to the faith only because they deem it below their dignity to go to somebody to learn something. But the Companionsra were free from such a malady.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbasra, being a cousin of the Holy Prophetsa, belonged to the noble family. Besides this distinction he was highly learned, which has been discussed earlier. But this nobility was not an impediment in his way to learning and acquisition of knowledge. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, he would visit the Companionsra and listen to his ahadith from them. When he learnt that so and so person had heard a hadith from the Holy Prophetsa, he would immediately visit his house to hear that hadith from him. Thus, he collected the golden words scattered all around Arabia. As a result of this toil and hard work, whenever there was a disagreement among the Companionsra about a saying or deed of the Holy Prophetsa, they would consult Hazrat Ibn Abbasra. He promulgated this knowledge with the same struggle and hard work as when he had acquired it. He had a large number of students; hundreds of them would come to learn from him daily. (Tabaqatul-Kubra, Vol. 2, pp. 280-81)
Acquiring knowledge of other subjects
Hazrat Umarra acquired excellence not only in matters of faith, but he also acquired knowledge of those secular disciplines which were needed in the way of faith. It is reported in some ahadith that aft er coming to Medina, he had got proficiency in Hebrew. Once, he brought a Hebrew copy of the Torah to the Holy Prophetsa and started reading from it. As he continued reading, the Holy Prophet’ssa face radiated with pleasure. (Sunan Darmi, p. 62, Bab ma Yattaqi min Tafsir Hadith-in-Nabiyy wa Qauli Ghairihi)
Discipline of the distribution of inheritance
It is Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Zaidra bin Thabit who introduced the discipline of the distribution of inheritance. On the basis of the principles mentioned in the Holy Quran, both of these noble men erected so sound a building of this discipline that the Muslims are benefiting from it until this day and will continue to benefit from it till the Day of Judgement. (Kanzul-Ummal, Vol. 6, p. 372)
Hazrat Ali’s knowledge
Hazrat Alira accepted Islam at a young age. He was so keen on learning that observing his excellence in learning, the Holy Prophetsa said:
أَنَا مَدِيْنَةُ الْعِلْمِ وَعَلِیٌّ بَابُھَا
“I am the house of knowledge and Ali is its gate.” (Mustadrak lil-Hakim, vol. 3, p. 127, Kitab Ma‘rifat-us-Sahabah, Bab wa amma Qissatu I‘tizal Muhammad bin Muslimah Al-Ansari anil-bai‘at)
Hazrat Hasan’s knowledge
Hazrat Hasanra was only eight when the Holy Prophetsa passed away. But he had excelled so much in learning that in later years, he became a member of the committee formed in Medina responsible for compiling the discipline of fiqh [jurisprudence]. (A‘lamul Muqieen, Vol. 1, p. 72)
What Hazrat Mughirah bin Shu‘bah heard from the Prophetsa
Every old and young companion was keen to increase their knowledge. Once, Amir Mu‘awiyahra wrote to Hazrat Mughirahra bin Shu‘bah to teach him whatever he had heard from the blessed tongue of the Holy Prophetsa. In reply, he wrote, “The Holy Prophetsa forbade [everyone] from silly talk, wasting money and begging. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-uz-Zakat, Bab Qaulillah Ta‘ala La Yas‘alunan-Nasa Ilhafa)
Secular knowledge in early Islam
Besides religious learning, the Companionsra had special attention to secular knowledge as well. During his sovereignty, Amir Mu‘awiyahra heard accounts of earlier history, non-Arab kings, the evolution and history of languages and accounts of various countries and notable places from a renowned scholar, Hazrat Ubaid bin Sharbah, and had them compiled in book form. (Mu‘jamul-Mu‘llifin, Vol. 2, p. 348)
Learning languages
Hazrat Abdullahra bin Zubair was only seven or eight years old in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, but when he grew older, he acquired excellence not only in religious learning, but also had good command over secular subjects. He owned slaves from various countries and surprisingly, he spoke with them all in their respective mother tongues. (Mustadrak lil-Hakim, Vol. 3, p. 633, Bab Zikr Abdullah bin Zubair bin Awwam)
Keeping in view the hindrances in the way of learning at such an age, it becomes apparent from this how much labour the Companionsra would put in to acquire knowledge.
Knowledgeable female companion
The holy company of the Holy Prophetsa had induced the Companionsra to desire to learn so much that not only men of the barbarian Arabs, but women as well would put their toil into it. Not without struggle, they attained excellence in matters learning. Despite being a woman, Hazrat Rabira bint Mu‘awwaz bin Afra was so great a scholar that even very renowned scholars such as Hazrat Ibn Abbasra and Imam Zainul-Abidin would frequently seek her counsel in religious matters. (Siyar al-Sahabiyat, p. 135)
Hazrat Asmara bint Amis was very good at interpreting dreams, so much so that a renowned and excellent scholar like Hazrat Umarra too would sometimes ask her the interpretation of his dreams. (Al-Isabah, Vol. 8, p. 16, Zikr Asma bint Amis)
Setting aside the struggle and excellence of these holy men in learning, just look at their toil and hard work not only for religious learning, but despite the severest difficulties, for secular learning as well. It greatly saddens us to learn the situation in the present day, when Muslims are considered to be the most backward and ignorant in terms of education.
These are the achievements of the earlier Muslims in the field of education. The achievements and services of Muslims who came aft er them are also glorious and eternally alive in our memories.
The whole world acknowledges that the foundations for many modern day sciences were laid by Muslims. Modern research in all these sciences and arts are being carried out in light of the mental endeavours of these holy men.
Europe benefited from these gems and advanced to such a degree in every science that it has prevailed the whole world today. But regretfully, the Muslims did not value this heritage of theirs and benefited naught from it.
As a result, those who had already lost sovereignty, gradually deteriorated in all aspects of life as well and today, they are counted among the most backward of peoples in the world. May Allah have mercy on them.
(Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)
Exorcism is the practice of removing evil spirits and it is common in many faiths. Many Christians have a strong belief in exorcism. It is likewise a feature of popular Hindu practice and as a custom, it is rife in the Indian subcontinent and in the Middle East and Africa.
Some Muslims also believe in such a concept; however, as far as Islam is concerned, there is no scriptural support for exorcism.
Indeed, we find no trace of it in the Holy Quran at all, while in the ahadith – which are the traditions of the Holy Prophetsa – there is one tradition which is classified as da‘eef, meaning it was narrated by an untrusted narrator, so it is classified as denounced.
It says that a woman went with her seven year-old son to the Holy Prophetsa and told him that he was suffering from a kind of epilepsy twice a day. The Holy Prophetsa put his hand on him and said, “O enemy of Allah, get out!” So, from this, some scholars understood that this boy was possessed by a jinn and the Holy Prophetsa drove out the evil spirit from him.
As Ahmadi Muslims, we do not reject even a weak hadith unless it clearly contradicts the Holy Quran. Thus, we can easily understand from this narration that the Holy Prophetsa was praying that this illness left the boy’s body and that he recovered from it – not that he was possessed by a jinn or spirit.
The Holy Quran speaks about jinn in different contexts and the meaning changes from one place to another, but there is a general rule which is applicable to the interpretation of all references to jinn in the Holy Quran.
The rule which we have to always bear in mind is to look at the linguistic meaning of the word jinn in Arabic. The word jinn in Arabic is a descriptive word, which refers to anything hidden from sight.
Based on this meaning, we can easily understand the word jinn in the Holy Quran as well as the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa to sometimes refer to the elite among men, who do not usually mix with the public, while sometimes referring to strangers and foreigners in a country, whereas elsewhere it refers to night travelers.
There is also one reference in the Holy Quran to a snake (Ch.27: V.11 & Ch.28: V.32) and in many traditions of the Holy Prophetsa, it means bacteria and germs.
The common denominator among all of these is the idea of disappearance and invisibility.
Where does the Holy Quran refer to jinn possessing humans?
There is no basis for this idea in the Holy Quran; however, there are some who misinterpret verse 276 of chapter 2 (Surah al-Baqarah), which says, “Those who devour interest do not rise except as rises one whom Satan has smitten with insanity.”
“Satan has smitten with insanity” is in fact a metaphorical expression to indicate the ugliness and atrocity of taking interest, as the Arabs of the time did not consider anything uglier than devils or Satan, so it is a literary device.
However, the Quran does speak about the jinn and Satan. What exactly are these two entities? Are these physical entities such as can be removed or are these conscious thoughts within a person’s mind?
Satan in the Holy Quran is the whisper in the hearts of people and he incites and urges them to do evil. He cannot possess their body, nor physically be in their minds or in their veins. He is quoted clearly in the Holy Quran:
“And I had no power over you except that I called you and you obeyed me. So, blame me not, but blame your own selves.” (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.23)
So the solution to be protected from Satan according to the Holy Quran is to be a good, righteous person and to follow the Quranic commandments. This is how you can be protected from Satan’s attacks.
Jinn, as mentioned earlier, are either human beings who are not visible normally or are hidden creatures like snakes, bacteria and germs.
In the first case, in chapter 72, which is called Surah al-Jinn, we read:
“Say, ‘It has been revealed to me that a company of the jinn listened, and they said, ‘Truly we have heard a Quran that is wonderful.’’” (Surah al-Jinn, Ch.72: V.2)
According to an authentic tradition of the Holy Prophetsa, those jinn were a group of Jewish people from a place called Nasaibeen who came to meet the Holy Prophetsa and accepted his message. They were called jinn because they travelled to meet the Holy Prophetsa secretly, fearing the non-believers of Mecca; secondly, they were foreigners from another country.
Some Muslim scholars insist that they were supernatural beings from Nasaibeen; however, they declared themselves to be believers in Mosesas. Furthermore, the Holy Quran declares, “O company of jinn and men, did not messengers come to you from among yourselves?” (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.131).
We do not know of any prophet who came from among supernatural beings! This shows clearly that jinn, in this context, are just human beings.
Moreover, if this delegation consisted of supernatural creatures, why then did they meet the Holy Prophetsa at night? They could have met him during the day and no one would be able to cause them any harm. In the ahadith, we read, for example, “Do not use bones and dung to clean yourselves after relieving yourselves, for they are the food of [jinn].” (Sahih Muslim)
The Messengersa of Allah also said, “Cover up the [kitchen] containers, tie up the mouth of the water pots, lock up the doors because Satan can neither untie the water pot, nor open the door, nor uncover the containers.” (Sahih Muslim)
It is very clear that the Holy Prophetsa is speaking here about bacteria and germs; an astonishing hadith, as the Holy Prophetsa, over 1400 years ago, is explaining the modern phenomenon of germs and bacteria.
What did the Holy Prophet say about ridding ourselves of such inner thoughts?
The Holy Prophetsa advised us to get rid of the whispers and attacks of Satan and inner evil thoughts through seeking refuge in Allah from Satan in every matter and through the continuous istighfar, meaning to ask Allah to save us from the evil effects of our sins and to help us from falling into error or into Satan’s clutches.
He also encouraged us to read, on a daily basis, a number of chapters of the Holy Quran, such as al-Mu‘awwidhatain (the last two chapters of the Holy Quran).
We have always to remember the golden principle in the Holy Quran in the words of Allah to Satan:
“Surely, you shall have no power over My servants”.
Thus, the Holy Prophetsa admonished us to always be true servants of Allah in order to be protected from Satan or from evil thoughts.
The Promised Messiahas said:
“‘Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind”’ [Ch.114: V.2] indicates satanic incitements that Satan is spreading among humankind nowadays.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 2, pp. 244-245 [1985 edition])
The Promised Messiahas also explained:
“Until and unless all lowly morals are shunned, one’s heart cannot be cleansed. Everyone has some form of evil within them and that is their Satan. Until and unless that Satan is killed, one cannot progress.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 9, pp. 280-281 [1985 edition])
According to the Holy Quran, there are two types of sehr (magic); the first type is the magic of imagination and visual deception, which is mentioned in the story of Mosesas with the Pharaoh’s sorcerers.
The second type is the magic of secret groups and gangs, which seek to trick, conspire, incite and spread rumours within society to undermine the system of government and rebel against it. This type of magic is also mentioned in Surah al-Falaq, so one can refer to its tafsir as well as the tafsir of Surah al-Baqarah (verse 103, under “Harut” and “Marut”).
All of this serves to highlight the multifaceted and complex understanding of jinn in Islam, a far cry from the supernatural jinn of folklore. Even if there does exist a separate creation of Allah called the jinn, according to what Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat have told us, there is no evidence from the Holy Quran or ahadith that proves that such jinn can affect human beings in anyway.
Where jinn are mentioned in the Holy Quran, they are descriptive words used for certain types of people.
Before the appearance of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, a common misconception crept into a number of early Muslims through Christians and the Muslims of recent times in particular that Isa Ibn-e-Maryam, i.e. Jesusas, son of Mary, would bodily descend from the skies to fulfil the prophecy of the Messiah that was foretold by the Holy Prophetsa.
The Promised Messiahas held the same view in the beginning, but when Allah the Almighty revealed to him that he was that Isa Ibn-e-Maryam who was being eagerly awaited by the people of the Latter Days, he left the preconceived notion and presented his claim before the world that God had appointed him as the Messiah.
Ruins of the fishing village, Bethsaida (also known as Julias) mentioned in the New Testament. It is reported that Prophet Jesusas performed miracles just outside the ancient village of Bethsaida | Photo credit: Wiki Commons
The Promised Messiahas said:
“I had written in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya that Masih Ibn-e-Maryam would descend from Heaven; and later, I wrote that I myself am the Messiah who was to come. The reason for this contradiction was the same: God Almighty had named me Isa in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya and also informed me that God and His Messenger had prophesied my advent.
“But as a body of Muslims was firm in the belief – and I, too, held that same belief – that Hazrat Isa would descend from Heaven, I did not wish to take God’s revelation for its literal meaning, but interpreted this revelation and maintained my belief in consonance with that of the Muslims at large and published the same in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.
“But afterwards, divine revelations regarding this descended like rain, affirming that I am, indeed, the Promised Messiah who was to come. Along with them [i.e. the divine revelations] appeared hundreds of Signs and both the Heaven and the earth arose to testify to my truthfulness. The bright Signs of God compelled me to realise that, indeed, I am the Messiah who was to come in the Latter Days. Otherwise, my belief was what I had set forth in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya.
“Moreover, not relying entirely upon it, I sought adjudication for my revelation from the Holy Quran. It was established by conclusive verses that Isa Ibn-e-Maryam had indeed died and the last Khalifa [vicegerent] would appear from among this very ummah under the title of the Promised Messiah. As no darkness remains after the dawn of day, in the same way, hundreds of Signs, heavenly testimonies, conclusive verses of the Holy Quran and definitive and explicit ahadith compelled me to accept that I am the Promised Messiah.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, p. 183 [Translation of Haqiqatul Wahi])
Allah the Almighty not only told the Promised Messiahas that he was Isa Ibn-e-Maryam, but also drew his attention towards conclusive arguments present in the Holy Quran, ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa and old scriptures to shun irrational and strange ideas and beliefs entertained by the Muslims in particular and the followers of other religions regarding the coming of the Latter-Day Messiah or the saviour of the last age.
The Promised Messiahas said:
“The ‘descent’ or the ‘coming’ does not mean the coming of the Messiah, son of Mary; that actually it is a figure of speech signifying the coming of someone resembling the son of Mary; and that, in accordance with divine intimation and revelation, it is the present writer – my own humble self – to whom it applies.
“I am only too well aware that as soon as this view of mine, which is based on clear and definite revelation, is made public, many a hostile pen shall come alive and a public outcry full of horror and rejection will ensue …
“Let it be clear, that according to the Bible, our own books of ahadith and other records, only two Prophets are supposed to have physically ascended to the Heavens, namely Elijah, also known as Elias, and Messiah son of Mary, also known as Isa or Jesus.
“Concerning both these prophets, some books of the Old and New Testament say that they were raised to the Heavens and shall return to the earth sometime in the Latter Days and that people will actually witness their descent from the skies. The ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa also contain words to the same effect.
“Concerning Elias, whose Biblical name is Elijah, the Gospels positively declare that the prophecy of his descent from the skies has been fulfilled with the birth of Yahya or John, son of Zechariah. The Messiah son of Mary declares in unmistakable terms, ‘He is indeed the Elijah who was expected to come. Acknowledge him if you will.’ [Mathew 11:13-15 & 17:10-13]
“Through this arbitration by no less a person than a prophet of God, the case of Elijah, his ascension to the skies and subsequent descent has been effectively settled and the manner and meaning of the ‘Second Coming’ clearly determined. This, therefore, is the doctrine, consistent with the Gospels, to which Christians should unanimously subscribe, that Elijah, whose descent was awaited, did, in the time of the Messiah, return from the Heavens in the person of John who was born to Zechariah, with the temperament and qualities of Elijah …
“Concerning the descent of the Messiah, it is still claimed with great fervour that he will descend from the skies, clad in rich royal robes, accompanied by angels. The two camps have, however, failed to agree on the place in which he will actually touch down. Will it be Holy Mecca, a church in London or some royal Russian Cathedral?
“Were the Christians not waylaid by their holding fast to their hackneyed opinions, they could have realised, more readily than the Muslims, that the descent of the Messiah should take place in exact conformity with what has already been spelled out in such clear terms by Jesus Christ himself, for it is impossible for two similar scenarios to admit of contradictory interpretations. This is a point which deserves serious consideration by all serious-minded people …” (Elucidation of Objectives, pp. 1-5 [English translation of Taudih-e-Maram])
The Promised Messiahas further explained in the same book that Muslims and Christians believe that Prophet Jesusas was raised to the Heavens and granted Paradise. He then called their attention towards old scriptures and verse 49 of Surah al-Hijr of the Holy Quran, which clearly states that those who enter Paradise shall never be made to leave it:
وَّمَاھُمْ مِّنْھَا بِمُخْرَجِیْنَ
Then the Promised Messiahas said:
“Muslims and Christians are, therefore, under obligation to consider seriously if it is possible for a man of God like Jesus to enter Paradise and then be driven out? Wouldn’t it be contrary to the divine promise contained in all the Holy Scriptures with such frequency and detail, that those who enter Paradise will never be made to leave it. Would the breach of such a solemn and positive commitment not shatter the credibility of all Divine promises?
“Of a certainty, such a belief would not only unfairly place Jesus in an awkward position but indulging in such futile exercise would also be disrespectful and derogatory to God Himself. “The matter deserves a very keen and close study. Belief in a lesser doctrine of this kind, which can otherwise easily be explained as a metaphor, amounts to a virtual murder of cardinal religious verities. It is in fact a doctrine that is full of faults and is heir to a host of complex problems and difficulties. It provides the opponents with occasion for ridicule. As I have already mentioned elsewhere, the disbelievers of Mecca also wanted the Holy Prophetsa to perform this miracle, namely, that he should ascend to the skies before their very eyes and then come down. The reply they received was:
قُلْ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّیْ
[Say, “‘Holy is my Lord!’” (Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.94)].
This means that it is against the wisdom and glory of God Almighty to show such palpably obvious miracles in this world of trials, and thus undermine the wisdom and value of belief in the unseen. Now I say to you: How is it possible that something, being against the divine law, should not be permissible for the Holy Prophetsa – who is the best of the Prophets – and be permissible for the Messiah. It amounts to rank disrespect that we, with respect to the Holy Prophetsa, regard a merit as impossible for him to have, and about the same merit we believe that it is possible for the Messiah to have it. Can a true believer be guilty of such insolence? …
“Now let us turn to our Holy Master and Mentor – the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, the Seal and Certificate of all Prophets. In order to single out the second Messiah from the first, the Holy Prophetsa did not merely announce that the former would be a Muslim by faith; that he would conduct himself in accordance with the Quranic Law; that he would pray and fast and carry out other Quranic injunctions like a Muslim; that he would be a born Muslim; that he wouldn’t bring any new Law; and that he would not claim to be an independent Prophet. In addition to all this, the Holy Prophetsa also disclosed that there would be a marked difference between the physical features of the two Messiahs …
“Let us pause for a moment and consider. Surely the distinguishing marks of the two Messiahs, as stated by the Holy Prophetsa, adequately assure us that the first and second Messiah are two entirely different persons. As for addressing each of them as “the son of Mary”, this is a metaphor which is as subtle as it is fine: it has been employed on account of the temperamental and spiritual affinity between the two Messiahs.” (Elucidation of Objectives, pp. 7-15)
The Promised Messiahas also delineated 16 of the very many similarities between him and Prophet Jesusas to substantiate that he was the divinely appointed Messiah and unquestionably, an embodiment of Isa Ibn-e-Maryam.
The Promised Messiahas said:
“When God Almighty terminated the Mosaic dispensation, he instead established the Muhammadan dispensation as had been predicted in the old scriptures. The All-Wise and the All-Knowing God wished that there should be a complete resemblance between these two dispensations, both at the beginning and at the end.
“He first raised the Holy Prophetsa, as is mentioned in the Holy Quran: ‘We have sent to you a Messenger who is a witness over you, even as We sent a messenger to Pharaoh’ [Ch.73: V.16]. Moses had to take up the sword against the disbelievers. In the same way, the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, when he was driven out of Mecca and was then pursued to Medina, the Muslims also, in self-defence, took up the sword. Abu Jahl, the arch-enemy of the Holy Prophet and the Muslims, was destroyed before the eyes of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, exactly as Pharaoh, the arch-enemy of Moses, was destroyed before his eyes.
“There are many more similarities, which, for the sake of brevity, we do not mention. These were the similarities in the corresponding beginnings of the two dispensations. Also it was necessary that there should be a marked resemblance between the last successors of the Muhammadan dispensation and the last successor of the Mosaic dispensation, so that the similarity may be complete and may concur with the Word of God as stated above …
“The first similarity between the last two successors in the two dispensations is that the advent of both of them had been predicted. In Islam, there have been thousands of saints, yet none of them had come as the ‘Promised one’. But he who came as the ‘Like-of-Jesus’ was, no doubt, the Promised Messiah. Similarly, no other prophet but Prophet Jesus was the Messiah promised for the Jews.
“The second similarity is the loss of independence and political power. There is no doubt that the Muslims in India, like the Jews, prior to the birth of Jesus, had lost their independence on account of their many wicked ways. The British had been firmly established in India before the birth of the last Messiah.
“The third similarity is that at the time of the advent of the first Messiah, the Jews had become divided into several sects and, therefore, stood in need of an arbiter for them. In the same way the Muslims, at the advent of the last Messiah, are divided into many sects.
“The fourth point is that the first Messiah was not commanded to wage wars for the sake of faith. In the same way, the last Messiah has not been commanded to take up the sword …
“The fifth point worth considering is that during the ministry of the first Messiah, the Jews had become morally corrupt: especially those of the priestly class had become exceedingly greedy and immoral. Jealousy and avarice prevailed over the whole nation and everyone hankered after material gains all the time. In the same way, the people of our time – the time of the Promised Messiah – especially Muslim priests and Mullahs – have gone mad after worldly pursuits. This is a patent fact which needs no further elucidation.
“The sixth point of similarity is that Jesus appeared during the reign of a Caesar – a foreign ruler. The Promised Messiah of Islam also shares this characteristic. He also lives under the rule of a foreign emperor who is far superior to the one that ruled during the time of the Messiah of the Jews …
“The seventh point in this connection is that the Christian faith eventually succeeded in winning over the Romans. In this respect there is a similarity with my time also, because I find that people in Europe and America are showing considerable interest in my claim and the way of my reasoning. They have, of their own accord, published my claim in hundreds of newspapers with favourable comments which could hardly be expected from the pens of Christians …
“Another characteristic of Jesus was that a certain star had appeared at the time of his advent. This characteristic is equally shared by me because the very same star that had appeared in his time has again appeared in my time also. This is what has been verified in the English newspapers from which it could be concluded that the time is now ripe for the second advent of the Promised Messiah.
The Holy Quran, the only religious scripture that claims to have the complete law and guidance from God Almighty
“The ninth characteristic of Jesus was the eclipse of the sun that was seen when he was crucified on the cross. I also share this characteristic. When people rejected my claim, God manifested His Sign in my support not only causing the sun to eclipse but also caused the eclipse of the moon. Both these signs occurred during the month of Ramadhan. This did not only happen once but occurred twice as is mentioned in the traditions. These two eclipses are mentioned in the Gospels as well as in the Holy Quran. This prediction is also mentioned in Dar Qutni, an authentic book of the sayings of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
“The tenth characteristic common between us is the occurrence of the epidemic of plague. Because of the persecutions of the Jews, it became rampant in the time of Jesus and for the same reason, it has spread in my time as well.
“The eleventh characteristic common to both of us is that the divines and the elders left no stone un-turned in denouncing Jesus as a hard-core renegade for which reason a false case was framed against him and he was taken to the court hoping that he would be condemned there to death. An identical case was also fabricated against me of conspiracy to murder. An effort was also made to prove me a rebel against the government. This was the case in which Maulvi Abu Saeed Muhammad Hussain of Batala appeared as a witness against me.
“The twelfth point is that a robber was also hanged on the cross along with Jesus; on the day I was acquitted of the false charge of conspiracy to murder, regarding which I had informed in advance hundreds of men on the basis of revelation, a Christian was also brought before the same magistrate. He was a member of the Salvation Army and had misappropriated some money. He was given three months imprisonment – he was not sentenced to death like the robber who was hanged along the side of Jesus and died.
“The thirteenth resemblance between Jesus and me is that when Jesus was brought before the governor and was prosecuted for capital punishment, the governor declared that he could not see any fault in the accused. Similarly, Captain Douglas, the District Magistrate, on my asking him a question, had replied that he was not accusing me of any guilt. In my opinion, Captain Douglas outshines Pilate in imparting judgment fearlessly and in showing determination and steadfastness.
“The fourteenth resemblance was that since Jesus had no father, he was, strictly speaking, not an Israelite. Despite this drawback, he was the last prophet for the Children of Israel and of the Mosaic dispensation. He was born in the fourteenth century after Moses. In the same way, I do not belong to the Quraish and have been raised in the fourteenth century of Islam and, like Jesus, I am the Promised Messiah of the Muslims.
“The fifteenth characteristic is that by the time Jesus appeared, great strides had been made in the progress of civilisation. Good roads had begun to be constructed; an efficient defence system had come into being and very many improvements had been made in the organisation and training of the armies. Means of travel were vastly improved and to ensure the comfort of travellers, rest-houses had become common. Also the judiciary had been reformed. Similarly, there has been much progress and outstanding developments in our time in these fields. For example, a new means of travel, the railways, has been invented, the prediction for which is found in the Holy Quran and the reader can easily call to mind various other inventions.
“The sixteenth characteristic of Jesus was that, being born without a father, he was like Adam. Similarly, I have a resemblance of a sort with him: according to what Mohyuddin ibn Arabi has mentioned about the Final Successor to be of Mongol origin and to be born the second of twins, a girl being born first, I was born exactly the same way on a Friday. It is not known how Ibn Arabi got hold of this Sign, but it has come to pass. These are the 16 similarities between me and Jesus. They show that the hand of God was working in all this phenomenon. If it had been a man-made project, so many similarities between Jesus and me could not have been found.” (The Narrative of Two Martyrdoms, [English translation of Tadhkira-tul-Shahadatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 30-35)
Hence, the Promised Messiahas did not invent this idea that he was Isa Ibn-e-Maryam. It was an open secret which remain hidden in plain sight for centuries and was then revealed to the Messiah of the age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, according to the prophecies mentioned in the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Prophetsa. The Promised Messiahas says:
“Bear in mind that prophets carry another name in the Heavens and common people are not even familiar with it. At times, when that heavenly name appears before the world, people misapprehend it. For example, in my case, God Almighty also named me Masih Ibn-e-Maryam and people who lack knowledge objected to it that ‘your name is Ghulam Ahmad’. They cannot understand this secret. This is one of the hidden secrets of prophethood.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 364)
