Home Blog Page 458

Does it amount to shirk to say ‘as-salaamu ‘alaika ayyuha n-nabiyyu’ (Peace be on you, O Prophet!) during salat?

Aqeel
-
0
Does it amount to shirk to say ‘as-salaamu ‘alaika ayyuha n-nabiyyu’ (Peace be on you, O Prophet!) during salat?

Someone wrote to Huzooraa asking whether reciting tashahud during Salat and saying:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَیْکَ أَیُّھَا النَّبِیُّ

“Peace be on you, O Prophet!”, was committing shirk because the words are addressed to a living being.

Huzooraa, in his letter dated 6 June 2018, gave the following reply:

“It is proven by authentic ahadith that this prayer, which is recited in tashahud, was taught to the Companionsra by the Holy Prophetsa himself and he said that when one offers this prayer, this supplication will reach every righteous servant of Allah in the Heavens and the Earth. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Azan)

“In other words, the Holy Prophetsa has himself clarified that this prayer of ours reaches the living, and those who have passed away also receive the blessings of this prayer.

“Therefore, one should not develop any kind of superstition, assuming that the second person pronoun or the vocative particle etc. used in such prayers may be considered shirk because the recipient of those prayers has passed away.

“There is no shirk in this because just as Allah the Exalted has made the air a means of conveying the voice of one person to another in this world, similarly He has made angels the means of conveying our prayers to the deceased in the spiritual world. Therefore, when we go to cemeteries, the supplication that we recite there also begins with:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَیْکُمْ یَا أَھْلَ الْقُبُورِ

“‘Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the graves!’, which does not mean at all that we are seeing these people or that they are physically present before us.

“Regarding this matter, the Promised Messiahas was asked whether the deceased hear the call of:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَیْکُمْ یَا أَھْلَ الْقُبُورِ

Upon this, the Promised Messiahas said:

‘Look! It is not as if they respond to the salutation with “Wa alaikumus-salam” [And peace be on you too]; rather, Allah the Exalted conveys the salutation (which is a supplication) to them. Air is a means by which we hear a voice, but it is not the means by which you communicate with the deceased; rather, Allah the Exalted makes the angels the means of conveying “Assalamo alaikum”. The case with Durood Sharif is the same. Angels convey those salutations to the Holy Prophetsa.’ (Al Badr, 16 March 1904)

“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira explains this matter as follows:

‘In times when feelings of immense love or immense grief occur, one calls those who are not physically present. This does not mean that they are physically present, rather it is an expression of love.’ (Al Hakam, 10 February 1904)”

What is the Islamic ruling regarding women visiting graveyards?

Aqeel
-
0
What is the Islamic ruling regarding women visiting graveyards?

Huzooraa was asked about women visiting graveyards for funerals and standing behind men or sitting in their cars during the burial. Huzooraa explained this in his letter dated 9 June 2018 as follows:

“From various ahadith, we learn that the Holy Prophetsa had generally advised women against visiting graveyards along with funeral processions, but this was not strictly forbidden. If, for some specific reason, a woman was seen at a funeral, the Holy Prophetsa would ignore it.

“In the pre-Islamic era, excessive mourning over the deceased was a common practice and it was mostly done by women. Islam forbade excessive lamentation and at the same time, women were generally forbidden to go to the graveyard with the deceased so that they may not engage in the [aforementioned] excessive lamentation upon being overwhelmed by emotions at the time of burial.

“Salafi scholars and Islamic jurists have also declared it undesirable for women to visit graveyards along with a funeral procession.

“During the blessed time of the Promised Messiahas and the time of his Khulafa after him, it has generally been the practice that women are allowed to join the funeral prayers with a separate arrangement from the men, but at the time of burial, women are not allowed to come along.

“Therefore, except for special circumstances, women should not go to cemeteries for funerals. If for any reason women have to go to the cemetery during the funeral – as you have written in your letter – they should remain seated in their cars. After the completion of the burial and the funeral, when the men have left, they may pray at the grave.”

How authentic is Hadith al-Thaqalayn (The Two Weighty Things)?

Aqeel
-
0
How authentic is Hadith al-Thaqalayn (The Two Weighty Things)?

Huzooraa was requested to shed some light on the authenticity of Hadith al-Thaqalain – a narration from the ahadith in which the Holy Prophetsa advised his Ummah to adhere to two “weighty”, or important, means of guidance.

Huzooraa, in his letter dated 29 June 2018, gave the following reply:

“There are two variations [of this hadith] in the books of ahadith. In one, the words:

کِتَابَ اللہِ وَ سُنَّۃَ نَبِیِّہِ

[the book of Allah and the sunnah of His Prophetsa] are used, while in the other, the following words are used:

کِتَابَ اللہِ وَعِتْرَتِی أَھْلَ بَیْتِی

[the book of Allah and my descendants from among my household].

“The narrations which use the words, کِتَابَ اللہِ وَ سُنَّۃَ نَبِیِّہِ are trustworthy and authentic.

“The Holy Quran is in fact the Word of God Almighty, while the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa is the practical interpretation of that Word. Both are inseparable, complementary and free of any kind of speculation. Those who hold onto both of these i.e. live by their commandments, will never go astray.

“Although the narrations regarding, وَعِتْرَتِی أَھْلَ بَیْتِی have been included in some of the six authentic hadith books [Al-Sihah al-Sittah], Imam Bukharirh did not record them in his Sahih.

“Scholars of hadith have debated much about these narrations, in view of their riwayah as well as dirayah. Moreover, books of Asma al-Rijal – the biographies of hadith narrators – have also taken much exception to the narrators of these narrations and have proven that there must have been someone in the chain of their narrators who was sympathetic towards the Shia point of view.

“The statement of one of the narrators – namely Hazrat Zaidra ibn Arqam – is worthy of consideration. He states, ‘I am old and I have forgotten a lot of what I heard from the Holy Prophetsa.’

“Another narrator is Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah. Although the short narration from him, which is recorded in Sahih Muslim and Sunan Tirmidhi, contains the words, کِتَابَ اللہِ وَعِتْرَتِی أَھْلَ بَیْتِی, but, when the same narration by Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah was narrated in detail in Sahih Muslim and Sunan Ibn Majah, nowhere did it mention the words, وَعِتْرَتِی أَھْلَ بَیْتِی. Instead, it only mentions the words کِتَابَ اللہِ i.e. ‘the book of Allah’.

“Therefore, only those narrations of Muwatta Imam Malik, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Daud and Sunan Ibn Majah etc. are reliable and acceptable in terms of riwayah and dirayah, which instruct to hold fast to the Book of Allah or to follow the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa.

“All other narrations – in which the words أَھْلَ بَیْتِی or وَعِتْرَتِی أَھْلَ بَیْتِی are included with the word ‘Book of Allah’, as stated by the scholars of hadith and experts on the biographies of the narrators of ahadith – are not worthy of acceptance.”

Why do Ahmadis not pray behind a non-Ahmadi imam?

Aqeel
-
0
Why do Ahmadis not pray behind a non-Ahmadi imam?

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was presented the following hadith:

الصَّلَاۃُ الْمَکْتُوبَۃُ واجِبَۃٌ خَلْفَ کُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ بَرًّا کَانَ أَوْفَاجِرًا وَاِنْ عَمِلَ الْکَبَائِرَ

[The obligatory prayer is essential behind every Muslim, pious or impious, even if he has committed grievous sins.] (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab as-Salat)

Huzooraa was then asked as to why it was not permissible for an Ahmadi to pray behind a non-Ahmadi. Huzooraa, in his letter dated 5 October 2018, gave the following reply:

“The complete narration, as mentioned in Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Jihad is as follows:

عَنْ أَبِی ھُرَیْرَۃَ قَالَ، قَالَ رَسُولُ اﷲِ صَلَّی اﷲُ عَلَیْہِ وَسَلَّمَ الْجِھَادُ وَاجِبٌ عَلَیْکُمْ مَعَ کُلِّ أَمِیْرٍ بَرًّا کَانَ أَوْ فَاجِرًا وَالصَّلَاۃُ وَاجِبَۃٌ عَلَیْکُمْ خَلْفَ کُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ بَرًّا کَانَ أَوْفَاجِرًا وَاِنْ عَمِلَ الْکَبَائِرَ وَالصَّلَاۃُ وَاجِبَۃٌ عَلٰی کُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ بَرًّا کَانَ اَوْفَاجِرً وَاِنْ عَمِلَ الْکَبَائِرَ

“In other words, the Holy Prophetsa did not only give instructions in regard to offering prayers in this narration, but he also instructed to participate in jihad under the leadership of every amir [leader] and to offer the funeral prayers of every Muslim. However, the Holy Prophetsa himself did not offer the funeral prayers of the debtor, the traitor and the one who committed suicide.

“Due to this, the scholars of hadith have debated much about the soundness of this hadith and have raised many objections regarding the authenticity of the narration.

“Moreover, the Holy Prophetsa said:

لَا یَؤُمَّنکُمْ ذُوجُرْأَۃ فِی دِینہ

meaning that a person who has become shameless concerning his religion or does not care about the religious injunctions should never lead you in prayers as an imam.

“With regard to being an imam (who leads the prayers) the hadith which is above all is one where the Holy Prophetsa says about the Promised Messiah, وَ اِمَامُکُمْ مِنْکُمْ i.e. ‘At that time, your imam will be from amongst you’. This hadith is recorded in the most authentic hadith books, namely Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

“The Holy Prophetsa said in the hadith under discussion that whilst you may offer prayers behind a sinner or an immoral person, it does not mean that you can also pray behind someone who brands the Promised Messiahas as a disbeliever or a liar. So, even if this hadith is considered as authentic, it would only mean that the Holy Prophetsa was actually drawing our attention to an administrative matter that when one of your people is chosen as an imam, do not be curious about his actions in order to find his shortcomings, but rather pray behind him with complete obedience and leave the matter of the acceptance of your prayers to God Almighty.”

Where are the three rings of the Promised Messiah (as)?

Aqeel
-
1
Where are the three rings of the Promised Messiah (as)?

Switzerland’s National Majlis-e-Amila had a virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa on 7 November 2020. One of the members asked Huzooraa the following question:

“The Promised Messiahas had three rings made. It has been observed that Huzoor-e-Anwaraa wears two of the rings on his blessed hand. Who possesses the third ring Huzoor?” Huzooraa replied:

“Hazrat Amma Janra [the noble wife of the Promised Messiahas] gave the ring with the inscription of أَلَیْسَ اللہُ بِکَافٍ عَبْدَہُ [Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?] to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. She gave the ring with the inscription of the revelation of غَرَسْتُ لَکَ بِیَدِیْ رَحْمَتِیْ وَقُدْرَتِیْ [I have planted for you My Mercy and My Power with My own hand] to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and she gave the ring with the inscription of مولیٰ بَس [The Lord (is) enough] to Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra.

“As far as the أَلَیْسَ اللہُ ring, which was given to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, is concerned, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra made a will that this ring should be given to whoever is elected as the next Khalifa and it should be passed down in the chain of successorship of Khilafat instead of remaining as his personal ring. Both brothers (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra) kept the other two rings given to them.

“The ring given to Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra was later handed down to my father [Hazrat Mirza Mansoor Ahmad, son of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra] after his demise. After the demise of my father, my mother handed down that ring to me. Then when Allah the Exalted entrusted me with the mantle of Khilafat, I started wearing that ring.

“The third ring which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra had, was handed down to Hazrat Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad upon his demise. Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib did not have any children, so he adopted a child – the son of Amatul Jameel Sahiba (daughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra) and Nasir Ahmad Sial Sahib (son of Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sial Sahibra). He grew up in his home and so, that ring was handed down to him. He currently resides in America.”

Will Ahmadis be affected if WW III breaks out?

Aqeel
-
0
Will Ahmadis be affected if WW III breaks out?

[Switzerland’s National Majlis-e-Amila had a virtual mulaqat with Huzooraa on 7 November 2020. A] national amila member asked Huzooraa:

“Dear Huzoor! You spoke about a potential Third World War in your Friday Sermon yesterday. If World War III does occur, will the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat also be affected by it?”

Huzooraa gave the following answer:

“There is a saying [in Punjabi], ‘The weevil is also inevitably ground when wheat is ground’. We are not weevil as such, but when such circumstances befall the world, they will affect the world at large.

“In the time of the Holy Prophetsa, wars were fought. Allah the Exalted promised that the Muslims would be victorious in battles and they did win battles, but were the Companionsra not martyred in the process?

“When we witness various signs, such as outbreaks, earthquakes and storms etc., during such times, some Ahmadis may also be affected by them. However, the number of Ahmadis affected would be comparatively very little. If we continue to maintain a true relationship with Allah the Exalted, then as the Promised Messiahas has said:

آگ ہے پر آگ سے وہ سب بچائے جائیں گے
جو کہ رکھتے ہیں خدائے ذوالعجائب سے پیار

‘There is a fire, but all those shall be saved from this fire who possess love for the God of Great Wonders.’

“If our relationship with Allah the Exalted is true, if we fulfil our due obligations to Him and His creation, then Allah the Exalted will reduce the level of any harm or damage that may come our way to a great degree and He will protect us with His grace. Then the world will learn its lesson.

“However, before that, if we are fulfilling our due obligations, then it is incumbent upon us to inform the world that the reason for these calamities and wars is their becoming distant from God Almighty and not fulfilling the due obligations to the creation of Allah the Exalted. Therefore, they ought to mend their ways.

“When such a world war ends, people will know that there indeed was a group of people, a nation, a Muslim sect and a Jamaat that used to draw our attention towards this. That is when they will turn to God Almighty and will come towards you.

“Thus, if we are fulfilling our obligations, then we will witness the signs of the progress of the Jamaat after the World War. And if we are not fulfilling our obligations; if our state resembles the state of worldly people; if we are immersed in worldly pursuits; if we shun the five daily prayers; if we forget to fulfil our due rights to Allah the Exalted and to mankind, then we too will experience the effects of such a war.

“Allah the Almighty has not guaranteed our protection for merely having performed the Bai‘at. There are conditions to our Bai‘at. If you meet those conditions, then you will be protected. That is why the Promised Messiahas has said that a person will be protected from the fire when the relevant conditions are met and when your expression of love for Allah the Exalted will not only be verbal, but when it will be demonstrated through your deeds. That is when you will be protected.”

What can one say to Ahmadis living in rural areas who tend to emigrate to bigger cities?

Aqeel
-
0
What can one say to Ahmadis living in rural areas who tend to emigrate to bigger cities?

During the virtual mulaqat of the missionaries of Bangladesh with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, on 8 November 2020, a missionary sought guidance from Huzooraa regarding the fact that young Ahmadi Muslims living in villages or rural areas of Bangladesh tended to migrate to bigger cities in search of better economic or educational opportunities. He said this meant that the number of Ahmadi Muslim youth serving the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the rural areas or villages was reduced.

In response, Huzooraa said:

“This is the general practice of the world. This is something that happens all over the world that people migrate from rural areas or from villages to urban areas or cities. This is something natural in countries that wish to progress. Small areas, towns and villages have populations that increase exponentially.

“If the whole population remains there and does not go to the cities to attain education, then they cannot progress. This clearly shows that there are more opportunities of progressing in cities, through which the nation can excel further, or there are more opportunities to attain an education and to excel.

“Indeed, there was an economist in Bangladesh who initiated a cottage industry system whereby a cottage industry can be provided to people in small villages and towns so that they may work there and find opportunities to make investments there instead of having to go out into the city for this purpose. If these sorts of opportunities are available, then this is wonderful. Members of the Jamaat should also benefit from this and people should stay there and work there. However, those who are very well educated and who have greater opportunities to attain higher education and progress further in the city, will of course go into the city.

“So, the only solution for those who remain behind is that they should try their utmost to fulfill their duties and try to get as many Bai‘ats as possible; they should try to do as much tabligh and preaching as possible; they should try to introduce the Jamaat to more and more people; they should try to instil a sense of fulfilling one’s obligations in the younger generation which is growing up – those who are joining Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya from Atfal so that they may serve the Jamaat as much as possible.

“They have to go out in order to attain their livelihood. So, you should try to get as many new converts as possible in those areas. Secondly, educate the young generation in a manner that they are capable of looking after the Jamaat.”

America in turmoil: The solution world leaders ignore

Alhakam
-
1
America in turmoil: The solution world leaders ignore

Zane Chowdhry, Student at Georgetown University and Chairman of the Muslim Writers Guild of America.

As the United States Congress was set to convene to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, protestors from around the country converged on the nation’s capital of Washington, DC.

123456Pro Trump Rallies Washington DC March 2017

Across every major news network, scenes of thousands of upset supporters of the sitting US president shocked Americans and those abroad, as the nation some regard as the most advanced democracy in the world appeared to be wavering.

Thousands stood at the steps of Capitol Hill in a chaotic scene, waving flags and signs in support of Donald Trump and chanting slogans claiming that there was widespread election fraud that ultimately led to his illegitimate defeat to his democratic challenger, Joseph Biden.

While election officials, judges and state legislatures from both major political parties have repeatedly debunked these claims, the president continues to insist on them through legal challenges. Resultingly, thousands of his supporters, from Oregon to South Carolina, took to the district to prevent what is, in their minds, the certification fraudulent results.

The Capitol Police force claimed they were not prepared for such large scale and forceful demonstrations. Scores of zealous supporters of the president used this lapse to their advantage and broke into Capitol Hill by breaking windows, smashing through doors and eventually breaking into the Congress Chambers and offices of several elected officials. Security forces fatally shot one woman amid the chaos, forcing members of congress to evacuate. The scenes were truly horrific.

As the president put out a weak statement asking protesters to go home and affirming his claims of election fraud, the city of Washington announced its enforcement of a curfew.

123456Capitol Hill Washington DC

The pandemonium of the protests prompts the question: What led to the shock of the day?

As the protests winded down throughout the night, many took to media outlets and social media to express their shock at the day’s proceedings, claiming the events that unfolded were unbecoming of the United States, even going so far as to claim that the events were similar to that of a “third-world country.”

Unfortunately, given the path the United States has followed, along with other developed nations, the unfolding of the day’s events should hardly come as a surprise.

Throughout the past decade, the United States has witnessed an increasingly bitter rise in partisanship, not just at the governing level, but along a social one as well. Political party and affiliation have become paramount – rather than working to support the rights owed to their fellow citizens, many Americans choose to support party over rights, faith and country.

This debased partisanship demonstrated itself during the assault on the United States’ Congress – some waved signs conflating political party with faith; some claimed that they were protesting in the name of both President Trump and Jesus; others displayed anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim statements.

To see citizens conflating the holy example of Jesusas and the aspects of God Almighty with any political party is deeply revealing of the need for many to introspect their relationship between nation and faith.

This is not to say that there can be no relation between the two, as Allah has stated in the Holy Quran:

 “O ye who believe! obey Allah, and obey [His] Messenger and those who are in authority among you…” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.60).

Allah continues in the same verse: “And if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you are believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most commendable in the end.”

The guidance of the Holy Quran remains pertinent. Clearly, a matter such as a disagreement regarding election proceedings should never devolve to the level of chaos as witnessed in Washington, DC. Instead of taking matters into their own hands, they should leave such matters to God and use the democratic process.

Apart from faith in God, faith in the United States’ democratic institutions – which the nation is infamously known to try to export abroad – remains at a grave low for millions of its citizens.

This level of partisanship and distrust that has bred such insidious hatred against political opponents did not appear out of a vacuum. The events of the riots inside Capitol Hill are indicative of the rampant spread of misinformation on social media regarding the systems of government, the nature of the pandemic and the goals of political opponents. These online echo-chambers serve only to sew mistrust and division between people and distract people from serving their duties to God and humanity.

While only a select few are driven to violent actions such as breaking into the Capitol to halt a democratic process or even plot to kidnap a governor, these incidents should serve as a sobering reminder about the deleterious effects of social media.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has repeatedly warned against the dangers social media poses as a distracting force from spiritual and worldly responsibilities and as a tool for exploitation and disinformation.

While his mistrust of social media may have appeared unnecessary for some initially, over time, his wisdom on the matter has become clear and concrete. Now, universities and think-tanks have entire departments focused on the ills of social media and research on how it is used to fuel conspiracy.

People should be more cognizant than ever about careful social media consumption and focus on uplifting their fellow siblings in humanity, especially amid a pandemic which has only increased social divisions and inequity.

In response to these growing inequities, in his last Friday sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa warned against the enmity that would result out of the pandemic:

“… worldly people only have one solution to this, which is that when their own resources become depleted, they will take the resources of smaller nations, as a result of which wars will break out. In fact, some say wars have already begun.” (Friday Sermon, 1 January 2021)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s insightful analysis can be extended to the national scale, where modern day “titans of industry” and self-serving politicians have exacerbated existing wealth, social and public health disparities by refusing to properly distribute relief for those affected.  

His Holiness had warned years ago of a possible civil war that could erupt in America, but back then, this was given no attention. Today, #CivilWar2 trends in America as the norm and analysts say such a war would be no shock.

rsz_k5399.jpg

His Holiness now warns of a looming world war that can engulf the world in horrific ways. It seems, thus far, that world leaders have decided not to take heed, a step they may seriously regret.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, in the same sermon of 1 January 2021, emphasised:

“Our true happiness will be when humanity begins to recognise the rights we owe to one another, when hatred turns to love … May the world turn the attention of every nation and every person towards fulfilling the rights owed to one another.”

To prevent further degradation of the United States – and the world – it is incumbent that we all remember our duties to God Almighty, fulfil our dues to mankind and uphold absolute justice. The words of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa remain the solace for mankind; let us pray and hope that the world doesn’t look back and deeply regret the side of history it chose to side with.

“Modesty is part of faith”: UK Lajna amila seeks direction from Huzoor in virtual mulaqat

Alhakam
-
4
“Modesty is part of faith”: UK Lajna amila seeks direction from Huzoor in virtual mulaqat

On 2 January 2021, the national amila of Lajna Imaillah UK were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual mulaqat.

Upon seeing the amila members seated in the Tahir Hall of Baitul Futuh Mosque complex, Huzooraa smiled and said he was seeing the Tahir Hall of Baitul Futuh once again, after a year.

20210102 132007 D7D52620 1

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then led everyone in silent prayer, after which various departments’ secretaries began introducing themselves and presenting their annual reports.

The first report was presented by Naib Sadr and Secretary San‘at wa Dastakari (cottage industry and handicraft), Safiya Salam Sahiba. During the report, Huzooraa asked various questions while also giving valuable advice and direction to improve the department.

Safiya Salam Sahiba reported that during lockdown, Lajna UK had made and distributed 86,890 masks, 1,045 sets of scrubs and 3,841 scrub bags to keyworkers with the help of the khidmat-e-khalq department.

Naib General Secretary, Zuna Khan Sahiba was next to present her report. She reported that there were a total of 140 majalis in Lajna UK. Huzooraa asked various questions including how many majalis, out of the 140, sent regular reports and whether each secretary received feedback and comments on their report.

Zuna Sahiba explained that 100% of the majalis sent reports and feedback was given to each secretary. Huzooraa emphasised that all majalis should be kept in contact and said to sadr Lajna that she should contact each sadr at least 2-3 times a month.

After this, Sadr Lajna UK, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba said she contacted sadraat once to twice a week. Huzooraa smiled and said, “Very efficient, masha-Allah”.

Farzana Yousaf Sahiba, Secretary Tabligh, presented her annual report next in which she said a total of 29 ladies had converted to Ahmadiyyat and done Bai‘at in the last Lajna year. Huzooraa asked her what the annual target for tabligh was; she responded by saying that they aimed to see 140 women enter the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Why not one Bai‘at for each national amila member? … Give this target to amila members; activate them also in this field.”

Farzana Sahiba said she would act on this, insha-Allah.

Regarding the coffee morning initiative – in which Lajna members preach to other women wanting to know more about Islam over a cup of coffee – Huzooraa asked how these coffee mornings were still being held in the current climate.

Farzana Sahiba explained the coffee mornings were now held virtually. Huzooraa asked how coffee was being provided to the women during a virtual meeting. Farzana Sahiba replied that the coffee was arranged individually and not from the tabligh department.

Huzooraa, with a smile, said, “Then you should at least pay for the coffee of those who are in contact with you.”

Next, Farzana Sahiba reported that special attention was paid in the last year to distribute leaflets about Islam, especially regarding the rights and role of women in Islam – 35,683 Jamaat leaflets and books were shared with contacts.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked what the expected target was for this year in distributing leaflets and books, to which Farzana Sahiba said they aimed to double the figure.

The report further detailed the aim of Lajna Imaillah UK to increase relations with schools and to ensure the teachings of Islam were conveyed to students from a young age.

Commenting on this, Huzooraa said, “I know that the majority – 90% of the schoolteachers – are ignorant about the true teaching of Islam; this is why sometimes the way they speak about Islam disturbs the minds of our children. So you should try to start a campaign on this issue.”

Thereafter, Secretary Finance, Shafqat Khokar Sahiba presented her report. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired about targets, their fulfilment and other matters concerning budgets and savings.

Regarding savings, Huzooraa asked whether a plan was in place regarding where to spend the saved amount from the Ijtema chanda, as the Ijtema was not to take place. In response, Sadr Sahiba asked Huzooraa if they could spend the chanda towards the new maternity hospital in Sierra Leone being built through the funding of Lajna UK.

In response, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “I have learned that some of your members are raising this question, that since you are not going to hold the Ijtema, why are you collecting Ijtema chanda? Tell them that you are going to use it for a hospital.”

Nasirat Secretary, Mateen Bhatti Sahiba was next to present her report. She reported the total Nasirat tajnid was 2,211. Huzooraa asked what special plan was given to Nasirat members during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mateen Sahiba detailed the virtual events and discussions that had taken place.

Huzooraa then asked, “What slogan have you given to the Nasirat for this year? There should be some motto.” Mateen Sahiba said there was nothing given yet.

Huzooraa then gave the slogan for the year, saying:

الحَیَاءُ مِنَ الْاِیْمَان

“[Modesty is part of faith] … This will cover quite a number of things which will help you to do tarbiyat of your Nasirat.”

Nasirat Secretary thanked Huzooraa for the motto and Sadr Sahiba also added that indeed, this motto covered a wide range of topics, which they had previously planned to cover with Nasirat.

Secretary Tajnid, Fakhira Safeer Sahiba was next to report. Huzooraa asked what the total tajnid of Lajna Imaillah UK was. Fakhira Sahiba said Lajna members totalled 11,906, an increase of 5% from last year.

Huzooraa emphasised that Lajna Imaillah should not only rely on the tajnid data given by the Jamaat centre, but ought to carry out their own work too.

Secretary Ishaat, Lubna Sohail Sahiba was next to present her report. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked, “During this Covid period, what have you published?”

Lubna Sahiba reported that seven books had been approved for printing, while another seven books had been submitted for approval.

Huzooraa also enquired about the topics of the books and gave advice on how to overcome delays during the publishing process. Many other projects were detailed by Lubna Sahiba, including projects on the history of Lajna Imaillah and various programmes produced by Lajna MTA UK.

Secretary Sehat-e-Jismani, Nina Qudsia Ahmad Sahiba reported on the achievements of the last Lajna year, with the European volleyball tournament that took place in February 2020 and a virtual sports week that saw 500 participants. Mental health initiatives, raising awareness for healthy eating and exercise and providing updates on the pandemic were amongst other activities of the department.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said to encourage Ahmadi women to go for walks: “Now, even during Covid, parks are open and individuals can go for exercise or for walk. So, why don’t you encourage your Lajna members to go outside and walk? … Instead of walking on the streets, they should go to the parks.”

Secretary Tarbiyat for New Converts, Nusrat Safir Sahiba was next to introduce her department. Huzooraa asked the number of new Lajna converts; Nusrat Sahiba replied by saying in the last three years, there were 58 new converts. She further reported that new converts were being provided support in learning Surah al-Fatihah with translation, according to Huzoor’s instructions. 65% of them had learned the chapter of the Quran thus far.

Nusrat Sahiba reported that conference calls and book clubs for new converts were held throughout lockdown too. Giving further advice, Huzooraa said, “Try to attach them with MTA as well.”

Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid, Amatul Wadood Sahiba reported on her department next. After hearing the report on the chanda for Waqf-e-Jadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid, Huzooraa asked “So your share is one third of the total income collected by the UK Jamaat?”

Wadood Sahiba confirmed and said that she thought it was a little higher than one third, to which Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Allah!”

Secretary Umur-e-Talibat, Dr Qurratul-Ain Rahman Sahiba introduced her department. Huzooraa asked how many students went to university and how many were pursuing PhDs or postgraduate degrees.

Dr Sahiba reported that 825 students currently went to university, seven of whom were PhD students and 76 students were pursuing their master’s. Qurratul-Ain Sahiba reported that 25% of Lajna university students went to the top Russell Group Universities. The three most studied courses by Lajna students are psychology, medicine and law, according to the report. Interestingly, 14% of the whole Lajna UK population were students.

The umur-e-talibat report highlighted the activities held by the department in the previous Lajna year, including the mulaqat with Huzooraa in which 255 Lajna university students attended. A meeting was also held with national sadr Lajna UK with 32 medical students, informing them of the Ayesha Maternity Hospital in Sierra Leone (being built by funds raised by Lajna UK).

Regarding the maternity hospital, Huzooraa asked, “Will they dedicate their time or [do] waqf for a few years for the hospital?”

Sadr Sahiba replied by saying the meeting was for this purpose; to encourage Lajna medical students to go into specialisations (such as obstetrics and gynecology) so that they could dedicate their lives and serve in the maternity hospital – the students welcomed the idea.

Huzooraa approved and said, “But after having completed your hospital, lajna also has to run that hospital and you have to provide the doctors to the hospital.”

Secretary Ziafat, Rashida Naeem Ahmad Sahiba introduced her department next and reported the year’s focus was on teaching food etiquettes, various tutorials and serving food at Lajna events (prior to the pandemic).

Huzooraa remarked food or refreshments should also have been arranged for the amila members after the meeting. Huzooraa further advised that food banks should be aided, such as those of Humanity First.

Sadr Sahiba reported to Huzooraa that Lajna UK, through khidmat-e-khalq department, had donated to the food banks of Humanity First.

Following this, naib general secretary, various muavina sadrs and the national auditor also introduced themselves and their assigned roles.

Muavina Sadr Press and Media, Shermeen Butt Sahiba then introduced herself. Huzooraa noted that she also served in the Voice of Islam radio station and asked what the feedback from both Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis was regarding her programmes.

Shermeen Sahiba said the feedback was positive and people enjoyed the in-depth radio shows.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa also enquired if the Lajna press and media team coordinated with the central Jamaat press and media team.

Shermeen Sahiba said that they did so and explained that they worked independently too.

Huzooraa continued to ask more questions, for example how many articles were written in renowned newspapers in the last three months and how many writers were active.

Shermeen Sahiba Sahiba said that four or five Lajna members were active in writing letters and articles for newspapers etc. Huzooraa responded by saying, “You should increase your team; there should be no less than 500.”

Shermeen Sahiba also gave details about an online Lajna blogpost and expressed the positive feedback they received from non-Ahmadis who read the articles, especially those concerning spirituality.

Muavina Sadr and in-charge Wasiyyat, Manahil Tahir Sahiba introduced herself next. Huzooraa asked Manahil Sahiba how many Lajna members were musis, to which she said that there were 3,622.

Huzooraa then enquired about the total number of earning members and said that the number of musis amongst earning members of Lajna still needed to increase.

Muavina Sadr for Waqifaat-e-Nau, Dr Shahnaz Ahmad Sahiba introduced herself. Amongst other questions, Huzooraa asked if the waqifaat-e-nau were following their prescribed syllabus, what strategies were in place to check they were and whether respective waqifaat-e-nau secretaries were in regular contact with the waqifaat-e-nau of their majalis.

Shahnaz Sahiba detailed how they taught and tracked syllabus learning and confirmed secretaries were in regular contact.

Huzooraa asked whether secretary tarbiyat had a good plan for the year and what the plan was. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, regarding the tarbiyat department, said:

“Your target should be that 100% of Lajna members should observe Salat regularly five times. Since they are sitting in their houses, there are no excuses that now time is short etc. … They should offer prayers five times daily so that their children are also trained in this way.

“Secondly, 100% of your Lajna members should do tilawat regularly [of the Holy Quran] and during this Covid period, at least 75% of the households should have arrangement of giving dars in their houses of any of the Promised Messiah’sas books or a short commentary of hadith. And 100% of your Lajna members should listen to my sermons.

“Yesterday, I have entrusted some tasks to you at the end of my khutba – to each and every member of the Jamaat and you are also among them. Don’t think that a separate message will be sent to you.”

Huzooraa asked Sadr Sahiba when they would hold the next meeting with him. Sadr Sahiba, jubilantly, expressed that they were ready to meet Huzooraa the very next day!

Huzooraa responded by saying he was going to hold a virtual meeting with new Lajna converts from Germany the next day and asked Nusrat Sahiba, Secretary for new converts to plan for a similar meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and new lajna UK Ahmadi converts.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa concluded the meeting by conveying salaam to all the amila members.

“Never argue or quarrel with them, give them their due respect and do not compromise the teachings of Islam”: Lajna Germany new converts’ audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

Alhakam
-
0
“Never argue or quarrel with them, give them their due respect and do not compromise the teachings of Islam”: Lajna Germany new converts’ audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

On 3 January 2021, a group of 25 newly converted Lajna members of the Germany Jamaat gathered in the Baitul Subuh complex in Frankfurt and were fortunate to have an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and its translation. Following this, a nazm, composed by the Promised Messiahas, was read out, after which its translation was presented.

During the mulaqat, all converts had the opportunity to introduce themselves and ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa various questions about Islam and other matters relating to everyday life. Some also had the opportunity to narrate their journey to Islam Ahmadiyyat.

One of the converts, whilst narrating her story and journey to Ahmadiyyat, expressed her gratitude to Huzooraa for the mulaqat and further stated that she was from a Russian Christian family. Prior to accepting Ahmadiyyat, she said that she felt as though something was missing in her life and didn’t feel complete. Then, when she came to learn about the Jamaat, she fell in love with the Jamaat and its teachings. She added that it was a long and arduous journey as her family was against her decision and expressed that she had to face many trials and obstacles.

She added that she had formally become part of the Jamaat only a week ago.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked, “When did you come to know about Ahmadiyyat and Islam?”

The new Ahmadi sister responded by saying that she had learnt about Islam Ahmadiyyat three years ago. Huzooraa then asked her to continue narrating her story.

She went on to say that she was torn between her religion and family, but she decided to eventually choose the Jamaat and said that “it was the best decision of my life.”

Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked a member of the mulaqat, who had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat six months ago, what drew her towards Ahmadiyyat.

The young lady said that she was from a Christian family but never felt a sense of belonging. Then, one year ago, she said that when she came to know about the Jamaat, she started watching videos of MTA on YouTube and began visiting the local Jamaat mosque. There, she found her true self.

Hearing this, Huzooraa asked her if she had studied or read any of the Jamaat’s literature, upon which she replied that she had read some books online on the Jamaat website.

20210103 133207 4B0CCA57

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa further said to all those in the mulaqat, “All of you, who are new converts, should try to memorise Surah al-Fatihah.”

Whilst conversing with a Turkish convert who accepted Ahmadiyyat two months ago, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated that as her family was Muslim, she may have to bear hardships and religious opposition.

Upon this, she replied that though her parents were not in favour of her decision, she still decided to accept Ahmadiyyat because she felt that she belonged with the Jamaat.

Upon hearing this, Huzooraa said, “Then, you will have to face a hard time; are you ready for this?” She replied that for this beautiful path, she was ready to do anything.

Following this, a convert of Sikh background expressed that her family did not agree with her decision of accepting Ahmadiyyat and disliked her wearing a headscarf or even practice Islam.

She further asked Huzooraa for guidance and what she should do in such a situation.

Whilst offering direction, Huzooraa said:

“Tell them, ‘As far as my religion is concerned, I will practice my religion, since I accepted my religion as a true religion.’ But never try to argue or quarrel with them or fight with them in any way. Respect them, give them their due respect – especially to your parents – and be polite to your siblings as well. But, never compromise the teachings of Islam.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa added, “Pray to Allah the Almighty that He changes their minds and hearts.”

Addressing a convert from Pakistan who accepted Ahmadiyyat, Huzooraa asked why she had accepted Ahmadiyyat and whether she was prepared to never return to Pakistan, having appeared on MTA. This, Huzooraa said, could put her life in jeopardy as the killing of innocent Ahmadi Muslims was considered a “sacred work” in the view of maulvis in Pakistan.

Upon this, the Ahmadi sister stated that she had been struggling for the past six years and faced many hardships. She further added that she had seen the Promised Messiahas in a dream and felt that it was the right time for Bai‘at but could not do so in Pakistan. She had left her family and further asked Huzooraa to pray for them as she was the only person in her family who had accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Additionally, she expressed her desire to see her daughter in the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. She then added that she felt maybe there was some deficiency within her as she was not a born Ahmadi and was not like other born Ahmadi women.

Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained, “Every Ahmadi has shortcomings and deficiencies. Don’t feel that you are lacking something; you might even be better than some of the born Ahmadis.”

Huzooraa was then asked how one can increase their concentration during Namaz. Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained:

“When you are reciting Surah al-Fatihah, repeatedly recite:

اِھْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَ

“[Guide us in the right path] and:

اِیَّاکَ نَعۡبُدُ وَ اِیَّاکَ نَسۡتَعِیۡنُ

“[Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help]. Then you will see its results, insha-Allah.”

A lady asked Huzooraa a question relating to dreams and enquired how one may know if a dream was a product of one’s fantasy or whether there were deeper meanings to it.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said:

“I have explained this on many occasions that every person sees at least 4-5 dreams during the night and most of them are just the views or things seen during the day. But there are some dreams which have very deep meanings and require some interpretation. So, the dream itself tells you that it has some meaning. For that, either you should ask somebody who can better interpret dreams, or read the book of interpretation of dreams, or you can write to me.

“Whenever you see a dream and you feel it is quite serious, then write to me and I will give you the interpretation of it.”

Following this, a convert, who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat during the Germany Jalsa Salana in 2019, asked for Huzoor’saa opinion on the Covid-19 vaccine.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained:

“If it is available, then you should take it. But I think they have made an order of preference to whom they are going to give the vaccine first … First, they are going to give it to the elderly, people who are very sick, ill and fragile, and then the paramedic staff and medical staff.

“If it is available in your country and the government asks you to take the vaccine, then yes, you can take it. There shouldn’t be any problem. That is what the government says.”

A new convert, whilst narrating her dream to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, stated that about a month ago, her grandmother passed away in Turkey. Two days later, she saw her grandfather, who passed away 10 years ago, in a dream sitting with Huzooraa, dressed in white. Then, two days after that, she saw the same dream in which her grandfather said to Huzooraa that he had now completed his task and that she (referring to herself) needed Huzoor’saa prayers.

Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if her grandparents were Ahmadis, to which she replied that they were not. Thereafter, whilst explaining the dream, Huzooraa said:

“When they have reached Heaven, they know that Ahmadiyyat is the true Islam. So this is why they have sent you the message. Now that you have accepted and you are in the right place, you should practice the true Islam and keep in touch with Khilafat. This is the meaning of this dream. Allah bless you!”

Following this, a convert who accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat requested Huzooraa to pray that her family may also accept Ahmadiyyat.

Upon this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “You accepted Ahmadiyyat because you know that it is the best way to live a pious life and please Allah … Apart from preaching [to your family], you should pray for them regularly.”

Another newly converted Ahmadi sister explained that due to the current pandemic, some mosques were closed, making it a challenge to maintain an Islamic environment at home, especially when one’s parents oppose the teachings of Islam. She asked how one could continue to grow spiritually during such a time.

Huzooraa replied, “Do you have an iPad, iPhone, Internet connection, computer or TV? If so, then you can attach yourself to MTA and to the Jamaat’s websites. Keep in touch with your Ahmadi friends who are very good in their religious knowledge.”

Following this, an Ahmadi sister, who performed Bai‘at in 2017, requested Huzooraa to pray that her husband accepted her religious choice and that Allah enabled him to find the truth and also join Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Upon this, Huzooraa said, “You should also pray for him. May Allah the Almighty accept your prayers and bless your husband to accept the true teachings of Islam.”

As the mulaqat drew to a close, Huzooraa was asked how one could raise their child in the best manner and ensure that they grew up to be faithful Ahmadi Muslims.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa replied by saying:

“If you become a good Ahmadi and show a good example, your daughter will naturally be good … When your child reaches the age of 7, make them offer Namaz with you and tell her to recite the Holy Quran. Educate your child about Islam, explain to her that the Holy Prophetsa was the last law-bearing prophet and in accordance with his prophecy, the Promised Messiahas was sent.”

Huzooraa further said, “Explain to her those teachings of Islam which are easily comprehensible. Teach her prayers, the Kalima and show her your own example. Treat her with tenderness and kindness.”

1...457458459...693Page 458 of 693

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

Contact us: info@alhakam.org

© 2019 Al Hakam