Rev. Albert Barnes in his notes on the Gospels writes regarding dreams, “This was a common way of making known the will of God to the ancient prophets and people of God … In what way it was ascertained that these dreams were from God cannot now be told. It is sufficient for us to know that in this way many of the prophecies were communicated; and to remark that now there is no evidence that we are to put reliance on our dreams. Dreams are wild irregular movements of the mind, when it is unshackled by reason, and it is mere superstition to suppose that God now makes known His Will in this way.”
The above shows the utter helplessness of the exponent of Christianity to satisfy modern-day critics. The uniformity of God’s providence is a fact established by experience. To say that formerly God spoke to men in dreams but that now all such belief is mere superstition is strange logic.
Has there been such a strange change in the constitution of the human mentality? If so, we expect our Christian doctors to present us with the new comparative psychology. The fact is that ignorance in this case has led to a denial.
Dreams, prophetic dreams are in fact still matters within the range of human experience. It must be so in order to enable men to believe in what has been told of the ancient prophets. For belief can come only from understanding and we cannot possibly understand things which are altogether outside our experience.
If Christian doctors and other fair-minded inquirers will just for a little while free their minds from prejudice and consult the more eminent Islamic divines, they will be surprised to find how much they have to say regarding the different kinds and classes of dreams, and their distinguishing features.
Specially in the writings of the latest of Islamic reformers, the Promised Messiah[as], is to be found a whole philosophy on the subject of dreams, visions, prophecies and second-sights.
May we not hope that the prospect of opening up a new department of scientific knowledge will attract some of the Western minds to this study?
In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, this time, with some more details
17 July 1885: The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas dispatched a decisive letter for Pandit Lekhram on this date. Lekhram was born in Chakwal, District Jhelum. He joined the police force in 1876 and established the Arya Samaj at Peshawar in 1881. Later on, he resigned from this post and went to Lahore in 1884. He was appointed as editor of the Arya Gazette in Firozpur. In this letter, Hazrat Ahmad invited prominent representatives of different faiths to come and stay in Qadian for at least one year and witness heavenly signs in favour of Islam, as a result of Hazrat Ahmad’sas prayers. Huzooras added one term for Pandit Sahib in response to his demand of depositing 2,400 rupees and Huzooras gave fine details of it.
17 July 1898: The Promised Messiahas informed Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra in a letter that he had received 100 rupees sent by him. From this letter, Huzoor’sas tenacious attitude towards prayers becomes evident, alongside his cordial care for his devout followers.
17 July 1901: The Promised Messiahas arrived back in Qadian after attending a court hearing of the Wall Case in Gurdaspur, where he was summoned as a defence witness. Hazrat Ahmadas had his statement recorded, which explained not only the background of this case, but his mission, his prophecies and the opposition he had faced from all fronts. After the court session, Hazrat Ahmadas was happy to have had the opportunity of vindicating his prophecies in court and thus, a large number of people who had gathered in the court became his witnesses. There were government officials, such as Ganga Ram, Mirza Zafrullah Khan and Muhammad Abdul Shakur present in the court. They were all struck by the wonderful force, conviction and authority with which Hazrat Ahmadas spoke before the court. He was summoned as a witness, but everyone felt that he behaved and spoke there as the supreme judge.
17 July 1902: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra expounding on the philosophy of grief in this world.
18 July 1891: The Promised Messiahas responded to a letter of Hazrat Mian Sheikh Fath-e-Muhammadra, which reached Huzooras in Ludhiana. Hazrat Ahmadas expressed his concerns upon the news of Fath-e-Muhammad Sahib’s illness and said that he had prayed for him.
18 July 1900: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Mian Shadi Khanra lauding his financial sacrifice and termed it a sacrifice akin to the sacrifices of the Holy Prophet’ssa Companionsra.
18 July 1904: The Promised Messiahas was in Gurdaspur, where he was approached by a person, Mehar Nabi Bakhsh Sahib, also known as Abdul Aziz Nambardar of Batala. This individual was of the notion that he should write a commentary of the Holy Quran to help guide people and he requested for the help of the Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Ahmadas rightfully guided him and out of his graciousness, shepherded him to the right and logical approach after eliminating some of his false perceptions.
19 July 1887: The Promised Messiahas rendered thanks through a short letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, upon receipt of mangos. Huzooras said that the gift reminded him of another pressing task that needed to be accomplished very soon.
20 July 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter of Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira and informed him that Huzoor’s son, Bashir Ahmad had remained critically ill, so he could not respond to letters in the meanwhile. In response to a query of Munshi Sahibra, Hazrat Ahmadas expressed his unawareness of a certain book written by Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra.
20 July 1891: The Promised Messiah’sas written debate with Maulvi Muhammad Hussain of Batala commenced on this day in Ludhiana. It continued for the next 10 days. It was later published in book form under the title, Al Haq: Mubahisa Ludhiana, from Sialkot. It was through Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkoti’sra efforts that it saw publication through his magazine Al Haq Sialkot.
20 July 1892: The Promised Messiahas responded to a letter of Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira and informed him that Huzooras had prayed for the success of a Ghulam Mustafa. Furthermore, Huzooras wrote that his new book was being printed.
20 July 1900: On this date, the Promised Messiahas issued an announcement in which he invited Meher Ali Shah to a contest. On page 81 of Shams-ul-Hidayah, Meher Ali Shah had insinuated that Hazrat Ahmadas did not know the Quran, so Huzooras suggested that a meeting be held in Lahore and 40 verses of the Quran should be selected by casting lots. Hazrat Ahmadas and Meher Ali Shah should then pray that God enable the truthful among the two to write in fluent Arabic a commentary of the verses in that very meeting with the help of Allah. The commentary should be no less than the agreed page count. The parties should have no book with them, nor should there be any assistant. Seven hours should be given for this purpose. The parties should then sign the papers, which would be read out to three learned men selected by Meher Ali Shah. They should neither be followers of Ahmadas, nor of Meher Ali Shah. These three men should then give their decision under oath as to which of the papers was superior in language as well as in commentary.
Hazrat Ahmadas added that he was prepared to entrust the decision to his enemies like Maulvi Muhammad Hussain, Maulvi Abdul Jabbar Ghaznavi and Professor Maulvi Abdullah. This announcement was signed by some 20 men as witnesses. In a supplement to this announcement, issued on the same date, Hazrat Ahmadas invited mullahs also to prevent them from complaining afterwards that Meher Ali Shah was not their representative or that he was not fully competent for the contest.
Pir Meher Ali Shah
The invitation was, therefore, developed as follows: Meher Ali Shah should publicise his acceptance with an announcement within a month so that the mullahs of the country are able to join the contest, for which suitable arrangements should be made in Lahore by Meher Ali Shah or, if he was unable to do so, Huzooras would take on the responsibility. The contest should finish in one day and seven hours be allowed for the writing of a paper of 40 pages. Each of those who enter the contest must write their paper sitting alone, without help. Hazrat Ahmadas would hand over a signed copy to Meher Ali Shah, from whom other copies might be obtained, but all of them should hand over signed copies of their papers to Hazrat Ahmadas before he handed over his copy to Meher Ali Shah. The paper must be written in Arabic. After the reading of papers, the three adjudicators appointed by Meher Ali Shah would give their award under oath. If Meher Ali Shah did not have the courage to enter the contest, then the other mullahs could do so, but their number must be 40 and not less in any case.
If, however, Meher Ali Shah or the mullahs failed to come forward by 22 August 1900, it would be understood that God had forsaken them all and that the silence of his enemies was a heavenly sign in favour of Ahmadas. The names of 86 prominent mullahs were appended to the announcement and the rest were all invited in general.
21 July 1898: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra and dispatched Marham-e-Isa (the Ointment of Jesus, also known as the Apostle’s Ointment).
22 July 1891: The Promised Messiahas updated Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra, in reply to his letter, regarding the ongoing written debate with Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi. Huzooras lamented the clumsy approach of this entrant, yet Huzooras was confident that this exercise would bring positive outcomes, as earlier, Maulvi Muhammad Hussain succumbed to the pressure of influential people of Ludhiana and had to engage in this debate. This letter also adds that news of Hazrat Hakim Sahib’sra illness worried the Promised Messiahas. Huzooras expressed his love and prayed fervently for Hazrat Hakim Sahibra.
23 July 1892: The Promised Messiahas wrote to Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira that he was sending him a copy of his book, Nishan-e-Asmani and informed him that his book, Dafi‘-ul-Wasawis (Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam) was being printed, which would become available in the coming months. Hazrat Ahmadas expressed his longing to see him and asked him to visit Qadian.
23 July 1898: The plague was claiming lives in most parts of the Indian subcontinent. This was a matchless heavenly sign shown in favour of the Promised Messiahas. But out of sheer love and compassion for humankind, he announced on this day that everyone should repent to God and that a precautionary medicine had been prepared for plague patients. It was named “Tiryaq-i-Ilahi” (Divine cure) as the main ingredients of this medicine were inspired to Huzooras by God Almighty. This indigenous medicine cost 2,500 rupees. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra bore a major part and donated around 2,000 rupees.
Wasim Ahmad Zafar, National President, Jamaat Brazil
Coronavirus is spreading very fast across the world, especially in Brazil, where the number of cases is increasing rapidly. Moreover, the mayor of Petropolis advised citizens to wear masks whenever they leave their houses.
During this challenging time, Humanity First Brazil set up a 5-day camp in Petropolis to help its fellow citizens.
Wasim Ahmad Zafar Sahib, President and Missionary-in-Charge Brazil started this camp with prayer. Humanity First team members (men, women and children) stood for hours distributing face masks and providing hand sanitisers. Some bottles of sanitisers were also distributed to the needy.
Thousands of people benefited from sanitisers and masks. They expressed their gratitude and expressed their happiness, saying that this was a true manifestation of the moto, “Love for all, hatred for none.”
Humanity first team members served people of this city with great zeal and loyalty and worked for hours to serve humanity. The city mayor and health secretary thanked Nadeem Ahmad Tahir Sahib, President Humanity First Brazil, for this effort.
A councillor admitted that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is always seen at the front line to serve humanity. Two local newspapers reported the services rendered by Humanity First Brazil.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the programme was very successful and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Brazil is planning to continue it. May Allah the Almighty reward all team members for their efforts. Amin
Majlis Ansarullah Niger conducted the first refresher course of its kind for members of the national amila and regional zaeems. The purpose of this refresher course was to equip them towards understanding and propagating the alluring teachings of Islam and to strengthen the organisational structure administratively in accordance with the vision of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.
The ceremony of the refresher course formally took place on the evening of 16 June 2020, after Isha prayer. The inaugural session was presided by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger, Asad Majeeb Sahib.
The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which the pledge of Majlis Ansarullah was read out. Afterwards, Amir Jamaat Niger addressed the participants, highlighting the importance and usefulness of the organisational structure and drawing attention to make full use of the next two days of the refresher course.
Therefore, the refresher course continued until 18 June, during which on the first day, Vice President Majlis Ansarullah Niger, Amir Irshad Sahib enlightened participants thoroughly with arguments from the Holy Quran and Hadith regarding disputed issues.
In the evening session, Amir Sahib Jamaat Niger spoke about the topic of the need for Imam and described the importance of Khilafat.
The refresher course provided a special training regarding fundamental beliefs, which are the bedrock of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.
On the second day, some passages from the Constitution of Majlis Ansarullah were read out regarding the responsibilities of the working committee of Majlis Ansarullah.
The concluding session of this refresher course was held on the same day after Isha prayer, in which Amir Jamaat Niger drew the attention of all the members to make Majlis Ansarullah active to its full potential and fulfill their responsibilities. Later on, Amir Sahib concluded this refresher course with the silent prayer.
This refresher course was attended by eight members of the national working committee of Majlis Ansarullah Niger and seven regional zaeems, alhamdulillah. May Allah the Almighty bless the organisers and participants of this event. Amin
Besmir Yvejsi, Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo
Humanity First and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo are closely monitoring the situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic in Kosovo, as well as the increase in new cases of the virus (in the last week alone, about 1,000 new cases having been added).
The most affected city in Kosovo is estimated to be its capital, Prishtina. Humanity First and Jamaat Kosovo in cooperation with the municipality of Prishtina, on 8 July 2020, installed 30 stations for disinfection of hands and provided hygienic masks. Some of them are static and some are located on the wall.
The donation comes as a help to follow decisions of the ministry of health and the recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo because it is important to put masks and sanitise hands if people frequent urban buses or visit other places.
The places and neighborhoods of the municipality of Prishtina where they have been installed are at the social housing of Hajvali, Center for Social Work in Bregu i Diellit, food bank at Aktash, Center for Social Work in Qafa, food bank in Tophane, Center for Social Work in Kodra e Trimave, social housing of Fusha e Pajtimit, the most frequented bus shelters where urban buses are expected and at a train station.
Officials from the municipality of Prishtina have thanked and expressed their gratitude for this donation.
Mrs Medina Braha, Directress of the Directorate for Public Services, Protection and Rescue, among other things, said:
“As the Municipality of Prishtina, we thank Humanity First organisation for donating masks and sanitisers in the 15 bus shelters in Prishtina. This has been done on purpose to increase security for passengers who frequent public transport in Prishtina, but also to raise awareness with our citizens at this time of pandemic”.
Mr Dren Kukaj, Director of the Directorate for Social Welfare, emphasising that this is not the first time that the Humanity First donated and helped the municipality of Prishtina, said:
“I would like to express my thanksgiving on behalf of the municipality of Prishtina for the Humanity First organization, which is not the first time they are helping us. Today, we are in an extremely important project for public health in the city of Prishtina. Thanks to this project, many citizens will have the opportunity to disinfect their hands in different parts of the city and be equipped with masks in different parts of the city. So once again, thank you very much”.
Mr Premtim N. Fazliu, Coordinator for Projects at the Directorate for Social Welfare, on the occasion of the successful completion of this project, said:
“We are located in the food bank here in the Aktash neighbourhood. Throughout the day, in cooperation with Humanity First, we have set up stations for disinfection of hands and equipment with hygienic masks for citizens and various beneficiaries of the social scheme in Prishtina. This is due to the disturbing spread of the Covid-19 pandemic especially in the municipality of Prishtina. Thus, we have continued with social housing, veterans houses, the most frequented various bus shelters of urban buses, here in the food bank in two centres and in the Center for Social Work in three units”.
This project also received media coverage. 10 newspapers and official persons have published news about this donation on their websites and social networks. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, over 1.4 million people have followed this donation.
Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of the Canadian confederation, which took place on 1 July 1867. On this day, three colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick united into a single Dominion named Canada, within the British Empire. Originally named Dominion Day, the day was renamed Canada Day in 1982.
The day is celebrated with a patriotic zeal across Canada. Celebratory ceremonies are held all day long, with live performances, stalls, activities for children and food for all. Fireworks in the evening bring the day to an end.
The largest event of such kind is held in Ottawa (the capital city of Canada) where the governor general of Canada and prime minister address the attendees.
Nadeem Mahmood Sahib reports that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada has been celebrating this event across the country for many years, especially in cities where the Jamaat has a mosque. These events are held, keeping in line with the commandment of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:
“Love of one’s homeland is part of faith.”
These events are open to the public and are attended by government officials, neighbours and members of the Jamaat. A complimentary barbecue lunch is usually served. Jamaat Calgary has the distinction of serving free barbecue to the highest number of attendees in a single Canada Day event, totalling 10,000.
In Bait-ul-Islam Mosque, Toronto, the Canada Day celebration programme is the largest of its kind in the city of Vaughan. In addition to a barbecue, there are kid’s rides, vendor stalls and many more festivities.
This year, due to Covid-19, all Canada Day events were held virtually. Local dignitaries, including councillors, mayors, MPPs (member provincial parliament), MPs (member federal parliament), provincial ministers, federal ministers, head of police, attended and delivered their messages.
Blood donation drives by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada were especially appreciated.
Canada Day events were held in the jamaats of Vaughan, Calgary, Brampton, Toronto, Hamilton, Saskatoon and Ottawa. All events were broadcasted on YouTube, enabling local Jamaat members to attend virtually.
Below are highlights of some of the events held at major Canadian cities:
The city of Brampton is located some 30 km west of Bait-ul-Islam Mosque, Toronto. Both local chapters of Brampton celebrated Canada Day at a joint virtual event.
The event started with the recitation and translation of the Holy Quran and recital of the Canadian national anthem by children in English and French. Children presented video greetings.
Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib addressed the virtual event and welcomed all those present. He explained the importance of love for one’s country for all Muslims. Guests and dignitaries shared their thoughts.
The city of Calgary is at some 3,300 km west of Bait-ul-Islam Mosque, Toronto. This year, Canada Day was a virtual event, with a live blood donation clinic. 87 donors showed up, of which 58 were from Jamaat. A total of 74 units were donated. Hamilton is about 90 km south-west of Bait-ul-Islam Mosque, Toronto. The Jamaat held a car rally, which started at the Ahmadiyya Mosque and ended at city hall.
In Ottawa, which is almost 500 km north-east of Bait-ul-Islam Mosque, the Jamaat distributed sweets to kids in the local community through a drive-thru arrangement.
May Allah the Almighty enable us to continue to be loyal to our country and become model citizens. Amin
Like rest of the world, Covid-19 has resulted in strict precautionary measures across Canada. A ban on public gatherings resulted in all mosques and Salat centres in Canada being closed.
Recently the restrictions have eased, and now mosques are slowly opening. Friday prayers are now being offered in mosques. However, all is not back to normal.
Mubarak Mosque in Brampton is home to the two local chapters. To facilitate the large number of Ahmadis who could potentially attend Friday prayers, some strict restrictions were placed. The purpose of these restrictions was to ensure the safety of all people coming in for prayers.
All 16 divisions of the two local chapters were assigned a Friday when members of each division could attend. Women, children, the elderly, sick and members who had recently travelled outside of Canada were not permitted to come.
Furthermore, attendance was limited to one male person per family. Each attendee was instructed to wear a mask and bring their own prayer mat.
Upon arrival at the mosque, the body temperature was taken of each person. The person was asked questions pertaining to their health, recent travels and being in contact with any potentially sick people.
Next, they were given hand sanitisers and their names, member codes and local jamaat name were recorded. Thus, all attendees could be contacted in case at a later time, one of the attendees became sick.
In the prayer hall, markings were made on the floor at a distance of 2 m (6 ft) from each other. Alternate rows were left empty. Each person laid down their prayer mat at the assigned place and offered his prayers on his mat. The podium had a plexiglass shield placed in front of it. Masks were not required of the person on the podium.
After the prayers, all made a line to get out of the prayer hall, keeping the social distancing precaution.
Under normal conditions, the Mubarak Mosque has the capacity to accommodate up to 800 people. Only 78 people offered their Friday prayer due to Covid-19 restrictions.
May Allah the Almighty forgive our sins and relieve the world from Covid-19. Amin
An individual who exhibits a change in their morals, so that their neighbour may see how they were before and what they have become, manifests a miracle, as it were. This has a deep and lasting impression upon one’s neighbour. People raise objections against our community and allege that they can see no improvement in those who have joined us and allege that our followers indulge in falsehood and do not restrain their temper and rage. Are such people not embarrassed that others flock to the community considering it to be exemplary? An obedient son becomes a source of honour for his father.
Likewise, a person who swears an oath of allegiance to a divinely appointed one is also like a son. This is why the blessed wives of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, are known as the Mothers of the Believers. In other words, the Holy Prophetsa is a father to the Muslim community at large. A biological father brings a child into the world, becoming a cause for worldly life, but a spiritual father takes their child, as it were, into heaven and returns them to the original source from which they sprang (i.e. God). Would you view in a positive light the son who dishonours his father? What if a son were to visit prostitutes, indulge in gambling, consume alcohol, and commit other immoral actions which disgrace his father?
I know that there can be no one who would approve of such actions. But nonetheless, when the undutiful son acts in this manner, the voice of the people cannot be silenced. The people will speak with reference to the father and say that the son of so-and-so indulges in such and such wrongdoing.
Hence, the undutiful son himself becomes a means of disgrace for his father. Similarly, when an individual joins a religious community and does not remain mindful of its dignity and honour and acts against its teachings, he is worthy of blame in the sight of God. For such a one does not only ruin themselves, but deprives others from the path of blessing and guidance due to their own immoral example.
Therefore, insofar as is within your power, seek the assistance of God and endeavour to eliminate your weaknesses with all your strength and resolve. Wherever you fall weak, raise your hands in prayer with sincerity and faith. For hands that are raised with a spirit of humility and meekness as a result of sincerity and faith are never returned empty.
I can say from experience that thousands of my prayers have been accepted and continue to be accepted even now. It is an invariable fact that if an individual does not possess within their hearts the fervour of sympathy for mankind, then they are miserly. If I see a path that leads to goodness and benefit, it is my responsibility to loudly proclaim it to the people, irrespective of whether anyone follows it or not.
کس بشنود یا نشنود من گفتگوے میکنم
“Whether anyone listens or not, I shall continue to speak.”
If even a single soul emerges with life, then this is sufficient. I loudly proclaim that it does not behove me to give you this counsel out of a desire for spiritual reward. Not at all! On the contrary, my soul is imbued with an extreme fervour and pain. Though I do not know why I possess this fervour, there cannot be even an iota of doubt regarding the fact that I cannot stop myself from feeling this way.
Therefore, all of you ought to consider my advice to be the words bequeathed by a man who you may not be fortunate enough to hear in the future; thus adhere so perfectly to my counsel that you become examples for others. You must teach those who are far from us through your own actions and words. If there is no need for action in the manner that I have explained, then tell me why anyone should come here?
I do not want a hidden change in you; I require a noticeable transformation, so that our opponents are overcome with shame; and so that the hearts of the people are illuminated instantly, they lose hope in our opponents and realise that they are in a state of misguidance. Even the most wicked people repented at the hand of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. How so? It was the magnificent transformation that took place in the companions of the Holy Prophetsa and their model, which was worthy of emulating, and which moved the evil to feel contrition.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 143-144)
Over the years, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) UK has conducted what have come to be known as “Research Cafés”. These are small events, typically attended by a handful of researchers, to focus on a topic presented by an expert in the field.
The aim of Research Cafés is to bring Ahmadi researchers together and discuss scientific topics, both from secular and religious perspectives, providing a safe platform for reflection, discussion and debate.
In 2017, Dr Musa Sami Sahib was the host of one such Research Café at the Nasir Mosque in Gillingham on a cold and wet January morning. At the time, Musa Sahib was in the early phases of his PhD research, although already exploring the link between cannabis and psychosis. The event was attended by about 12 people and all left wondering where Musa Sahib’s research would go.
Fast forward to 20 June 2020 and we were in the privileged position of finding out what Musa Sahib had learned in his research. The event was held virtually (a first for AMRA’s Research Café) and attended by nearly 20 people, both men and women.
Musa Sahib presented what was, by all accounts, a fascinating talk guiding the listeners through what is both an incredibly complex, yet tremendously fascinating topic. He started by describing the key challenges that psychiatrists face around the certainty of diagnosis of psychotic disorders.
He then delved deeper, explaining the different types of disorders and the impact that they have on patients that come to see him. Having given the audience an overview of the field of psychiatry, Musa Sahib moved on to talk about cannabis, its history, its uses and the chemical compounds that interact with the receptors in our brains. He also described the plethora of experiences that users of cannabis described, classifying them into three categories: desired, undesirable and physical.
There was then the crux of the talk, where the association between cannabis and psychosis was discussed and elaborated upon. Importantly, it was emphasised that the link between cannabis and psychosis should be made with due consideration for which psychosis outcome is being associated. These were classified as:
1. Symptom: Expressing traits of a psychotic disorder, but not actually having that disorder, e.g. a runny nose may be a symptom of a cold, but it does not always mean that when you have a runny nose, you have a cold
2. Risk of psychotic disorder: Transitioning from having symptoms of a disorder (where traits may be periodically expressed) to a more permanent and diagnosed disorder
3. Relapse of psychosis: For one that has suffered and subsequently recovered from a psychotic disorder, the association between using cannabis and relapsing into that psychotic disorder
It was also identified, as part of Musa Sahib’s research, that there were important differences between patients with psychosis that did and did not use cannabis e.g. those that did not use cannabis, but did have a psychotic disorder were able to better track objects with their eyes.
This led to the conclusion that there was a neurobiological distinction between the two groups, although whether these differences were a consequence of or preceded cannabis use remains an unanswered question.
Following the first part of the talk, attendees had an opportunity to ask questions which ranged from discussions on the science through to the legal and wider social implications of the research.
We then moved onto the Islamic implications of the research and linking the topic with relevant verses in the Holy Quran on the topic such as Surah al-Baqarah (chapter 2), verse 220 where the word “khamr” is translated to wine.
However, the root word also has definitions around concealment and coverings, highlighting how the word has been chosen to extend to those intoxicants that cover one’s senses. In the same verse, the Holy Quran goes on to concede that there are some advantages of such substances, but that their harm outweighs them.
This then fuelled the debate around medical marijuana and the distinction between the good it could do and how the system was being abused.
AMRA will be holding its next Research Café on 8 August 2020, where Dr Ahmad Mannan Sahib will be talking about his research on the use of bacteria as factories for manufacturing chemicals. You can sign up at https://amracafecells.eventbrite.co.uk/
If you would like to participate or indeed, if you are a researcher who wants to use Research Café as a means to disseminate your research, please reach out to research@khuddam.co.uk
