Besmir Yvejsi, Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo
Over 20 million people have contracted Covid-19 worldwide, while the number of deaths has exceeded 700,000. Kosovo, although small in population, has approached the number of 10,000 infected and about 300 deceased. Our people have a wise saying: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
At present, Humanity First, with its volunteers, is doing excellent humanitarian and volunteer work helping people in need in over 70 countries around the world. In these difficult times, Humanity First is coming to the aid of Kosovo as well.
On 29 July 2020, at the premises of the Medical Center of Kosovo Security Force in Prishtina, a cooperation agreement was signed between Humanity First, the Municipal Assembly of Prishtina and Kosovo Security Force (KSF).
On behalf of the KSF, the agreement was signed by the General Director of the KSF Medical Center, Dr Shkëlzen Sylaj, while on behalf of the Municipality of Prishtina signed Mr Dren Kukaj, Directorate for Social Welfare. This agreement was intended to equip a disinfection tunnel for the needs of the KSF and to enable the disinfection of all military personnel, as well as eventual visitors. This disinfectant tunnel contains sensors that are activated at its entrance and stop when the person comes out from the tunnel.
The tunnel has a disinfection system with a capacity of one thousand litres and the beneficiaries will be about 6,500 to 7,000 people who visit these military barracks.
On 5 August 2020, in the area of the barracks “Adem Jashari” of Kosovo Security Force in Prishtina, the disinfection tunnel was inaugurated, donated by the Humanity First and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo. The inauguration was attended by senior KSF officials, officials from the Municipality of Prishtina and representatives from Humanity First and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo.
On behalf of the KSF, the director of the Medical Center, Dr Shkëlzen Sylaj thanked Humanity First for this donation. On behalf of the Municipality of Prishtina, Mr Premtim Fazliu, who is the Coordinator of Projects of the Social Welfare Directorate through his social network, said:
“At the beginning of the pandemic, the Municipality of Prishtina started distributing food and hygiene packages to families in need. In addition to many volunteers, the Kosovo Armed Forces came to our aid, without whom the distribution of packages would be difficult to achieve. Today, we, the Directorate of Social Welfare, through Humanity First handed over the disinfection tunnel for the staff of Kosovo Security Force in “Adem Jashari” barrack. So, such collaborations always result in success. Such solidarity, although even simpler is to wear masks, keep distance and maintain personal hygiene”.
Humanity First and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kosovo with their motto “Love for all, hatred for none”, thanked for the Ministry of Defense (Republic of Kosovo), Kosovo Security Force and the Directorate for Social Welfare who gave them the opportunity to help in this time of need.
Muhammad Ahmad Sahib of Detroit, Michigan reports that bearing in mind the Covid-19 circumstances, members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya across the US were advised to offer Eid prayer in their homes.
The national umur-e-ama department circulated national Amir Sahib’s instructions regarding Eid along with an “Eid-ul-Adha Home Guide” to offer the Eid prayer at homes.
Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated on 31 July 2020. Although members were not able to offer the Eid prayer in mosques, Detroit Jamaat distributed gift packs of traditional sweets and chocolates to each family home to share happiness at this blessed and happy occasion.
Many members spent hours to arrange, prepare and distribute the Eid gift pack to each family. Most of the Jamaat members offered Eid prayer with their families at their homes. Eid prayer was followed by the Eid Sermon that included a summary of the Eid Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, on MTA. Salient points of Huzoor’s Eid sermon were mentioned in the summary.
At the conclusion of the Eid Sermon, silent prayer was offered.
A small number of members (men, women and children) offered Eid prayer at Masjid Mahmood. The missionary, Shamshad Nasir Sahib led the Eid prayer and gave the Eid Sermon where he read the key points from the Eid Sermon of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, delivered on 31 July 2020.
Shamshad Nasir Sahib also read the message of National Amir Jamaat USA, Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib and concluded the sermon with silent prayer.
In his message, Sadr Jamaat, Maqbool Tahir Sahib said, “I had hoped that we could have had the opportunity to celebrate this Eid at the mosque and met each other but due to the current situation, this is not possible. Your local coordinator will deliver a small Eid gift for your family today or tomorrow from Detroit Jamaat, insha-Allah. Eid Mubarak to you and your family”.
May Allah abundantly reward all the volunteers who not only prepared the Eid gift packs, but also delivered them.
It is incumbent for people to remember the Hereafter. One ought to be fearful before punishment arrives.
مرد آخر بیں مبارک بندہ ایست
“A person who keeps their sights set on the Hereafter is fortunate.”
Observe how the people of Lotas and others faced their end. It is essential that even if a person is hardhearted, they ought to admonish it and teach it to be humble and meek. This is necessary for our community more than all others because they receive fresh insight in matters divine. If an individual claims that they are blessed with divine understanding, but they do not act upon it, then such claims are nothing but mere boasting and bragging.
Therefore, our community must not become heedless on account of the negligence of others, nor allow their love to cool on account of the lack of passion in others. An individual harbours many desires. Who has knowledge of the hidden matters of destiny and decree? Life never moves in parallel with one’s wishes. A person’s longings are one thing, but the design of fate and destiny is quite another and it is this phenomenon which is true to life. Bear in mind that the circumstances of a person’s life are in the knowledge of God Almighty. Who knows what life has in store for them? This is why an individual must constantly awaken their heart to make it vigilant…
It is a pity that although afflictions have become widespread, the arrogance and pride that consumes the people has not diminished.
I truthfully say that they will not be dispelled until the obstinacy and prejudice of the people is removed. I observe that people are not fully prepared to reconcile with God Almighty. During the period of famine, the people remained unmoved. In earlier times, a religious edict issued from Mecca or Medina would frighten people. When someone would say that an edict had been issued from Mecca, people would become awe-inspired, but now, even the calamities of the present day do not inspire them in the least. It is my opinion that until people turn to God completely, divine decree will never change. Allah the Almighty states:
“Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.”
14 January 1898
[On one occasion, there was some discussion related to the courts and how witnesses are intimidated by lawyers and judges. The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, said:]
Often, witnesses become so intimidated by lawyers and judges in court that they fail to protect the rights of mankind and utter some untrue or false statement here or there, which results in injustice. To be in awe of the courts is also a form of associating partners with Allah. God Almighty states:
اِنَّ الشِّرۡکَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِیۡمٌ
“Surely, associating partners with God is a grievous wrong”…
Some British judges are meticulous in examining the facts and only issue a verdict after deep contemplation and reflection. It so happened, as per the will of God, that on one occasion, during the time of Mirza Sahib (my father), I was in Amritsar to appear in the court of the commissioner for a case with some of our tenants. One day, before the verdict was to be announced, the commissioner was unjustly favouring the tenants and turning a blind eye to their mischief and said in court that these were poor people and we were being unjust towards them. That night I saw in my dream that the very same Englishman was standing before me in the form of a child and I was patting his head with my hand. The next morning, when we went to court, his state had changed completely, as if he was a new person altogether. He rebuked the tenants sternly and issued a verdict for the case in our favour and also ordered them to pay for all our expenses…
One of the ethical responsibilities of a judge is to reflect deeply over cases so that no one is made to suffer injustice…
Until and unless an individual is strong-willed and calm in disposition, it becomes difficult for a person to stand in the presence of worldly judges. What then will be the state of such people when they stand before the Lord who is the Greatest of Judges?…
In light of the Torah, the seed which issues forth from adultery is accursed and one who is crucified is also accursed. It is astonishing that for their own salvation, the Christians have crafted the doctrine of atonement and for this purpose they have accepted that Christ was put on the cross and became accursed. When they have accepted one form of curse to be applicable to Christ, why do they not accept the other form of curse in his respect also, so that their concept of atonement may become even stronger? When the word “curse” has been deemed acceptable, then it makes no difference whether it is applicable in one sense or two. However, the Holy Quran has refuted both these forms of curse in the case of Jesus and responds by saying that not only was Jesus of pure birth, but his demise was also by natural means, not by crucifixion…
A righteous person turns to God and the entire world follows them of their own accord. But a worldly person bears grief and pain for the sake of the world, yet even still does not find comfort from the world. Just observe how the companions of the Holy Prophetsa abandoned the world, yet despite this, they not only became wealthy in terms of materialistic goods, but also partook in the fruit of the hereafter.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 148-150)
Touseef Ahmad Rehan, Nazim Atfal, MKA Muqami, Canada
Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Muqami, Canada, held a “Taleem Rally” on 19 July 2020. 189 selected Atfal from all 15 areas of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Muqami participated in 30 educational competitions.
The whole rally was conducted virtually on Zoom.
As regards the publicity of the Taleem Rally, a lot of time and effort was put in; reminders were repeatedly sent to Atfal.
Detailed messages informing the parents of Atfal were repeatedly sent through WhatsApp groups and the complete programme of the rally was shared with all parents before the start.
The Taleem Rally started with an opening session at 10am at the Muqami office located on 2 Tahir Street. The session was presided by Naib Sadar Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Canada, Chaudhry Munir Sahib and included a keynote speech by Mohtamim Muqami on the topic of “Obedience of Parents”.
265 Atfal listened to the proceedings of the opening session. Competitions started at 11am with Tilawat and Nazm for all age groups. Atfal of Majlis Muqami participated in these competitions with great zeal and passion, alhamdulillah.
Educational competitions included tilawat, nazm, English speech, Urdu speech, French speech, azan, hifz-e-Quran, hifz-e-Ad‘iya, hifz-e-ahadith and qaseedah.
We had 25 judges for the competitions who marked Atfal on the Google sheets provided to them.
Certificates were made for those Atfal who achieved a top-three position and the “Best Tifl Award” was given to the tifl who won most competitions in each age group. The “Best Halqa Award” was given to Kleinburg based on the criteria that their Atfal won most competitions in all age groups combined.
This was the first time an educational really was held at such a large level with 15 halqajaat, through a virtual online platform.
By the grace of Allah, this event was very successful.
Every time I clip onto my bike and ride out onto the streets of London, I try to embody Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III’srh words:
“Why do you stand for buses and waste your time? Exercise, become healthy and ride a bicycle. I have said it before and I say it again today – in a short time, I want 100,000 ‘Ahmadi Cycles’. An ‘Ahmadi Cycle’ is that which is ridden by an Ahmadi. And these 100,000 Ahmadi Cycles should have the ability to cycle up to 100 miles in a day.” (Mash‘al-e-Rah, Vol. II, p. 384)
These words, promulgated at the opening speech of the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema in Pakistan on 2 November 1973, inspirited me for the preparation of my ride from London to Jalsa Salana Germany 2017 – crossing several European borders – to follow our beloved Huzooraa and eventually arrive at Karlsruhe; a journey just shy of 600 miles recorded over six days.
During these six days, we, as the United Kingdom Ahmadiyya Cycling Club, would encounter many different types of terrain; from gravel pathways in forests to cobbled roads in Europe, ascending to gradients of 20%. To put things into context, 20% gradients alone are relatively hard on weekend rides in the Surrey Hills, a route southern British cyclist are all too familiar with, but adding cobbled roads to this, in foreign terrain, equals one big nightmare!
In goal setting, no target is insurmountable if there is a significant will, desire, passion and commitment to achieving it. Therefore, we oft en hear of people accomplishing what we, personally, may consider the impossible. But, where there is a will, anything can be achieved with Allah’s grace and blessings.
For me, my faith, trust in Allah and true love for Khilafat and all it symbolises provides the foundation and forms the very heart of any goal I seek to achieve. I often get asked how I managed to achieve the absurd physical and mental challenge of cycling 100 miles per day, consecutively over six days across Europe. How does one even decide on setting a goal such as this, let alone achieving it? When it comes to goals, it’s important to form a solid foundation, the scaffolding, as such, to ensure you are prepared and primed for success.
After many years, I returned to cycling and joined the Ahmadiyya Cycling Club. Two years prior to undertaking this challenge, I started working towards regaining fitness; riding regularly to work and participating in group weekend rides to either Windsor or the Surrey Hills. I integrated my cycling to running “household errands” and going shopping too. This was aligned with the desire of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in the very same speech:
“…There are thousands of other advantages to cycling too. For example, many have to go out for household errands or shopping. If you have a cycle, you will save a lot of your quality time and the following glad tiding will also be fulfilled in your person that was given to the Promised Mahdias in these words: ‘You are the sheikh, the Messiah, whose time shall not be wasted’. Thus, we have to be attentive towards time-saving and obtain maximum benefit from the little time available so that those blessings may be fulfilled in ourselves as well.” (Mash‘al-e-Rah, Vol. II, p. 383).
It goes without saying that in order to become a strong cyclist, one has to ride more. It’s true, practice really does make perfect! My cycling is based on cadence (the rate at which a cyclist pedals or the number of pedal revolutions per minute – RPMs) and less on immediate speed, perse. During the winter season, I ride on a low cadence, pushing on higher gears: a form of resistance training for cyclists.
During the summer season, maintaining a high cadence is important for efficiency and speed. Resistance training was maintained until the week before the big ride. It’s worth noting that a higher cadence at a lower gear means you pedal faster, but in turn, put less strain and force on your muscles with each stroke.
As a result, your muscles are resistant to fatigue. By increasing threshold during training, I was able to maintain a smooth cadence on higher gears, which would prevent over exertion on the actual ride. In addition to this, I was focused on improving my general fitness and stamina as well as reducing my overall mass, in a bid to become as light as possible. I achieved this through backpacking across Europe, clocking up steps, drinking three litres of water daily, sleeping as much as possible and monitored my meals by size and nutritional value. This aided me in shedding as much weight as possible.
To go faster, especially on ascents, I had to lose weight. I combined this with investing in lightweight clothing and equipment. During everyday walking and hiking, I would visualise the goal at hand and run through all the possible setbacks and how I would overcome the possible challenges.
Further to physical preparedness, I focused a little attention on the cycling equipment, knowing that the right gear and tools would mitigate sluggishness on the bike and facilitate success; therefore I was very fortunate to be gift ed a new bike and purchased light weight clothing. The single most important piece of clothing for me was a pair of padded cycling bib shorts combined with arm and leg warmers.
We would start off the mornings fully layered up and as the day got warmer, we peeled off layers respectively. I invested in a new pair of road cycling shoes, with a carbon fibre sole. These would allow for a greater power transfer, provide greater comfort on long rides and would be lighter – perfect! Other essential equipment was a set of lights and a Garmin GPS bike computer with navigation and connected features, namely metrics for the ride, especially cadence.
For maintenance, I stocked up on half a dozen inner tubes, a multi-tool, tyre levers and a light carbon mini hand pump.
The day had arrived.
Our journey began with a silent prayer, seeking the mercy of Allah for our safety and success in this endeavour. In preparation of this beast of a ride, I had, on many occasions, visualised this moment and the many challenges that we would encounter. The main obstacles that we foresaw were safety on the road, waning will power, equipment issues, muscle soreness and fatigue.
One of the guiding principles I adopted from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was, “All one needs to succeed is self-belief and prayer”.
Following all other preparations, I consolidated my self-belief based on the underlying confidence that the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh were tethered to each Ahmadi cyclist. The prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh were reinforced and compounded by the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
We had specifically written to Huzooraa seeking special prayers for the team of Ahmadi cyclists embarking on this premier momentous journey. The heart and key component to my entire cycle ride was to establish alignment between my spiritual, emotional, mental and physical self. I achieved this through aligning the pace, hum and rhythm of my pedalling to the melodic recitation of duas – prayers – through constant zikr (comprising of the glorification of Allah, durood, istighfar and other prayers I would recite in my vernacular language).
In all honesty, the journey and overall ride was not easy; we faced many challenges, some of which we overcame due to our preparation, while others were entirely unexpected or perhaps due to an oversight in our preparations. It is, however, the spiritual and emotional connection with the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh that anchored and helped me to take on any challenges experienced on or off the bike. The key challenges we encountered were saddle sores (seriously unpleasant and unfortunately unavoidable), navigation issues, poor equipment, riding on rough terrain, tyre punctures – you name it, we encountered it.
A fellow team mate had no working lights in a particular dark stretch of the ride, so we rallied together as a team and arranged for him to ride in between two bikes with lights. We rode on faith and trusting Allah and the Ahmadi cyclist ahead of us.
On one occasion, I found myself riding alone on the motorway aft er dusk, not sure how I got there and realising it was dangerous, I rode on the hard shoulder and increased the recitation of durood. Allah helped us overcome all the challenges. There were low moments during the ride.
On one such occasion, on the fourth day of the ride, I was struggling to keep seated on the saddle because of the excruciating pain from the many saddle sores I had developed over the first few days. I can’t even begin to describe the level of discomfort experienced, but I alleviated the pain by staying off the saddle or sitting at an angle and standing where possible.
These setbacks, however, were mitigated and overcome, at large, by our preparations and having a good support team assist us throughout the journey. In addition to this, the high morale of the team enabled us to naturally work things out without a losing self-belief and momentum.
We successfully reached our destination with a real sense of achievement. Although I did struggle to walk and sit for long periods aft er this, this was a price worth paying for having achieved a decree set by Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, and participating in my first Jalsa Salana Germany. That was a reward in itself.
Bringing this to the present day, reflecting on our current socio-economic climate, in light of the Covid-19 crisis, where we are striving to create a sense of normalcy whilst continuing to adhere to social distancing policies, the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh are emphasised, from nearly half a century ago. They are more relevant today, then ever before. This wisdom is echoed in numerous articles and guidance from our government, health and bike experts.
This will not only facilitate social distancing by reducing crowding on public transport, but will, in turn, enable us to improve our health and mental well-being, as well as helping to prevent further pollution.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh advised us many years ago of an exemplary and timeless coping mechanism adhering to social distancing, by travelling to work or running household errands on a bike. We should pay heed and align our goals with the inspired words of Khilafat and start riding for our good health and well-being; safeguarding us from obesity and impaired mental health.
For me, cycling can be considered a metaphor for life; sometimes all you need to do is just keep on pedaling, maintain that forward momentum and overcome your self-limiting beliefs by remaining prepared, focused and positive, whilst placing your trust in Allah and above all else, enjoy the ride. And if you fall down, just get back up again and learn from the valuable life lesson the setback offers. So, go on, hop on your bike and increase the “Ahmadi Cycles”!
Before my office was shifted to Baitul Futuh in Morden, I was allocated duties in the general office of MTA International at the Fazl Mosque. The biggest blessing there was that I could offer all my prayers behind Huzooraa. Another blessing that we experienced was that after every few months, Huzooraa would grace us with his presence in our office. Those were indeed jubilant occasions for us. Those few moments with Huzooraa in the MTA offices are remembered by all who were present there.
During our conversations, we often recall Huzoor’s words from those occasions when Huzooraa would grace our offices. Upon finding out that Huzooraa was on his way to MTA, we would immediately start polishing the shape of our office and straightening desks and chairs, the scene of which you can probably imagine. Our situation was such that we would hide all the unnecessary objects in a closed cabinet or beneath something. Any loose papers were thrown into an empty file and instant dusting of surfaces commenced. In that moment, we welcomed Huzoor’s fragrance before welcoming Huzooraa.
On more than one occasion, it so happened that Huzooraa would be talking to us but then began walking towards the cabinet that stored all the unwanted items of the last five minutes. Huzooraa would open the cabinet, observe the mess and close it. With that, Huzooraa would instruct us to keep things in order. Huzooraa once said:
“I clean my office myself. I have a brush with which I dust my office in the morning. If I can do it, then why can’t you?”
Other than shame there was no answer to this question. But I made a promise to myself that I would clean my office every day and that everything would be kept in order. Thus, we began to place everything in order and cleaned the office regularly. But during that period, Huzooraa did not visit our office.
Many months passed. Every day, we anticipated Huzoor’s arrival. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow, or the day after. But the wait turned out to be a long one. To our good fortune, one day, Huzooraa suddenly arrived in our office. I thought to myself, “Today everything is in order.”
Huzooraa entered and out of his sheer compassion, remained in our office for some time. Huzooraa enquired about certain matters. “Who sits there?” “Whose table is this?” “What is this file for?” I was so happy that everything seemed to be going perfectly.
Then, all of sudden, Huzooraa turned towards the small cabinet that stored plastic spoons, chippy plates and tissues. Huzooraa opened it. One of our colleagues had stored a jar of achar (mixed pickles in oil) which he had brought from the langar (kitchen). Although the jar was shut, but many will know that achar has a mind of its own and makes its presence known.
Huzooraa looked at it and said, “If you keep things like this in the office for too long, they begin to give off an odour. We may not be able to smell it due to being accustomed to it, but passers-by can. This is an office of MTA International where external guests also visit. No negative impression should be left on them.”
Thus, Huzooraa gave us a moral lesson in how we should be aware of our responsibilities as a department that is attributed to the Jamaat.
In 2008, on the joyous occasion of the centenary of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, MTA International organised an International musha‘ira (poetry recital). Poets from USA, Pakistan, Canada and other countries were invited. At that time, I too would partake in musha‘iras. Then Chairman of MTA wrote to Huzooraa requesting him to grace the occasion. Huzooraa instructed that we should commence and that if Huzooraa could, he would attend. It was just before the Jalsa Salana period. Huzoor’s 24-hour schedule is busy in normal days, but during the Jalsa period, the schedule intensifies. Thus, Huzooraa could not attend the musha‘ira. Although we can all appreciate the extent of Huzoor’s schedule, but no matter how minute, there is always an element of sadness that Huzooraa could not grace us with his blessed presence.
The following day, as I sat in my office in MTA, Huzooraa entered the office. Huzooraa asked, “Did you read anything in yesterday’s musha‘ira?” I replied to Huzooraa that I had recited some couplets. “Which couplets?” As Huzooraa said this, he pulled a chair towards him and sat down. Normally, I am able to recite my poetry from memory, but on that occasion, my mind went completely blank. I began searching my pockets, but to no avail. I searched my drawers, then the pockets in my bag. Thankfully, I found what I was looking for. Huzooraa then said, “Sunao, kiya parha tha?” (Read what you recited yesterday.)
Thus, I read out what I recited the night before. After I had finished, Huzooraa replied, “I couldn’t come to the musha‘ira yesterday, but at least I have heard your poetry.”
It is difficult to convey the thoughts running through my mind at the time. It was ordinary poetry, but when Allah the Almighty bestows His bounties upon His servants, He knows no bounds. Huzoor’saa compassion was also beyond words. Huzoor’saa compassion, too, knows no bounds. I was still coming to terms with my joy when Huzoor’saa eyes seemed fixed on something beneath a colleague’s desk. I turned my head towards it and noticed some chronic tea-stains behind the printer. Huzooraa said, “Tell him to at least wipe the tea-stains.”
At such an occasion, Huzooraa was able to spot something seemingly hidden and instructed us to clean even hidden areas. Those stains could possibly have been left with the thought that no one would notice. But Huzooraa noticed and very affectionately instructed for it to be cleaned. Albeit due to the possibility of Huzoor’s unexpected arrival, alhamdolillah we managed to develop the habit of keeping our office clean (although there is still a lot of room for improvement).
This reminds me of another incident. One morning, I arrived at the office and noticed some commotion in the transmission department. I found out that shortly after Fajr prayer, Huzooraa had come to the MTA offices. The MTA broadcast is transmitted on an automated system, so the programmes are played automatically through the system. However, there is always someone on-duty. That day too, someone was seated there, when suddenly, the door opened and Huzooraa walked in. Huzooraa enquired as to why there had been a blank-screen for a few seconds on MTA. The staff member tried to find out to the best of his ability why it had happened but was unable to answer.
Huzooraa returned to his residence, but the individual called the person in charge of his department and informed him of what had just happened. The manager called the chairman and thus, a state of panic ensued. What had happened, how it happened and why it happened; all the details to the investigation were sent to Huzooraa. Huzooraa instructed that the person in charge of transmission should spend the next few days in MTA and monitor the transmission around the clock, ensuring that nothing of the sort would happen again.
The person in charge resided in MTA for some two months and after a thorough investigation, a conclusion was drawn. What we understood from this was that there was a break in the broadcast, which only Huzooraa noticed but took strict notice. The person responsible was oblivious to it, but Huzooraa had turned on the television and happened to be watching MTA when it occurred.
From this, one can comprehend the importance Huzooraa gives to MTA. God Almighty has bestowed us with a grand blessing in the form of MTA, which connects Ahmadis all over the world with their beloved Imam. The wisdom behind Huzoor’saa love and attention for MTA is this very fact. Why should the relationship between Huzooraa and his beloved Jamaat be split for even a few seconds? Such a separation is neither acceptable for the Jamaat, nor for the Khalifa of the time.
There are some other incidents that I wish to share with you, which are a source of guidance in our administrative affairs. Once, I presented a proposal to Huzooraa regarding a task in which our department and another department were to collaborate. Huzooraa carefully listened to the proposal and instructed that it was alright, but I should consult the other department’s head. Huzooraa said, “Actually, write them a letter saying that you would like to meet them personally. ‘Please could you be so kind as to spare some time.’ Then, go and meet them on the agreed date and time and discuss the matter. He will be happy and you will achieve your purpose.”
The individual who I was to meet is a humble and cooperative person anyway. Thus, I wrote the letter in accordance with Huzoor’s instruction. The individual very generously met with me and listened to what I had to say. He agreed to collaborate with us and undertake the desired task. The lesson I learnt from Huzooraa on this occasion was that not only should I not consider myself superior to anyone, I should not even consider myself at the same level, so much so that I should consider myself inferior to everybody, no matter who they are.
On one occasion, Huzooraa told me, “When you meet people, you should greet them open-heartedly, to the extent that the other becomes extremely happy to meet you.” I replied saying, “Huzoor, I do try. But please pray that if there is any shortage then Allah gives me the capacity to express myself more positively.”
Huzooraa very lovingly replied, “Everyone has a different standard of happiness. It is not necessary that the standards that please you must also please another. Thus, you should try your utmost. If someone is pleased by you stopping to say Salaam and talking to them, then you should do so. If someone gets happy by you saying Salaam whilst respectfully bowing your head, then you should bow. There is no harm in pleasing another individual through your actions.”
Alongside this, Huzooraa also said, “There is a difference between pleasing someone and flattering someone. Some people think that if they talk to someone cordially, then the other may consider it flattery. But flattery means to insincerely please someone in order to attain undue favours, whereas to please someone is a good deed.”
It may seem a challenge to some, but in my humble experience, I have seen that this piece of advice has many benefits. People begin to meet you with love and accordingly, that love springs forth which Allah the Almighty has taught us as:
رُحَمَآءُ بَیۡنَہُمۡ
“Tender among themselves” (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.30)
the Holy Prophetsa has described as:
اَلْمُؤْمِنُ مِرْآۃُ الْمُؤْمِنِ
“A believer is the believer’s mirror” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitab al-Adab)
and the Promised Messiahas has explained as:
دیکھ لو میل و محبت میں عجب تاثیر ہے
ایک دل کرتا ہے جھک کر دوسرے دل کو شکار
(Observe the wonderful effect of meeting and greeting; where one heart bows, the other submits.)
A friend of mine, who is also the head of his department, would oft en complain about an individual working in his department that at times, they would attend work for months, but suddenly would disappear the following few months without any contact. This was all due to mental pressure the individual was suffering from. He said that he had had enough of that person and would request Huzoor’s permission to relieve them of their duties.
Apparently, there seemed to be nothing wrong with it, as every head of department likes to see the best of those working with them and does not like uncertainty on their part. However, I did not make any remarks.
One day, that friend of mine narrated the events that occurred in his mulaqat and said that he had submitted to Huzooraa that the individual in question had not attended work for many weeks, but was receiving their monthly allowance and there was no knowing when they would arrive and when they would not attend work. Thus, he requested Huzooraa to relieve him of this duty.
But Huzooraa replied, “I am aware of his mental state. You are not giving him the allowance out of your own pocket! How he attends, when he attends, let him. He will get better.”
I am a witness that after only a short period of time, the individual began attending work regularly, got married and now happily attends work. These are the facts that tell us that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih should not be considered merely a head of an international organisation. God Almighty has commissioned him with the task of managing and guiding the Jamaat. God has Himself chosen him, then breathed into him the spirit of purity whereby He strengthened him. This individual is prayer personified. We all seek prayers from our Imam (and if we don’t, then we should), but how extraordinary is it that even a complaint before him can turn into a prayer for us and act as an elixir to heal our moral, spiritual, mental and physical weaknesses. How can we not accept that this man is prayer personified! His relationship with Allah is beyond our understanding; we cannot comprehend it.
So, instead of trying to comprehend it, why not try and become a part of the prayers that he submits to Allah every day.
The science of organisational behaviour has reached such a stage where students now obtain PhD degrees in it. But no school or university teaches the basic principle of taqwa for sharpening administrative capabilities. If taqwa is taught anywhere, then it is in this very institution that we know as Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.
Whilst reading this article, my friends and acquaintances may (either openly or discretely) say that despite countless opportunities to better myself, there is no difference in me. I humbly submit that the purpose of this article was not for me to claim that I have perfected myself. The sole purpose was to show how Huzooraa pointed out such sublime matters that were beyond my comprehension and had Huzooraa not shown the right track, I may not have realised that what I was doing was wrong. Huzooraa is our guide and he guides us so that we may follow the path he wants us on.
May Allah give us the potential and strength to follow the path Huzooraa wishes to see us on and may we continue to do so. Amin
The second article of Islam, after faith in Allah, is the belief in His angels. This article of faith has been entirely or partially distorted and misrepresented by a number of Muslims. Some people believe that angels can commit sins.
Referring to the incident of Prophet Adamas, certain so-called scholars presented angels in such a way that (God forbid) they stood before God and objected to His wisdom. However, we find in the Holy Quran that the angels never criticised the actions of God Almighty, as they said:
وَ نَحۡنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِکَ وَ نُقَدِّسُ لَکَ
“We glorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.31)
The story of Harut and Marut is even more shocking than the previous incident. It is said that (God forbid), God sent two angels in this world in the guise of men and they fell in love with a prostitute woman and as a punishment, they were blindfolded and hung upside down in a well.
Likewise, it is said that (God forbid), Iblis was the leader of all angels. Some people are of the view that angels are also material beings and run around like humans.
On the other hand, some people even deny the existence of angels and call them mythical beings. They interpret the angels described in the Holy Quran as powers and forces of nature.
The Promised Messiahas not only rejected these non-Islamic beliefs but also presented their true explanation and removed all objections raised against angels. He proved through the Holy Quran that angels neither object God, nor do they indulge in sins. Allah the Almighty says:
“[Angels] disobey not Allah in what He commands them and do as they are commanded.” (Surah al-Tahrim, Ch.66: V.7)
Thus, a creation of the Almighty Allah, created with the powers of obedience and submission, can never fall into evil and love of prostitutes. Moreover, if angels are prone to sin, then why are we commanded to believe in them? The meaning of believing is to obey them. Instructing us to believe those who can defy God is like commanding someone to commit suicide.
In the same way, the Promised Messiahas explained that angels are spiritual beings. They do not wander around like human beings. On the contrary, just as the sun shines from its place, they also obey the commands of Allah from their assigned places. The Promised Messiahas states:
“Muslim scholars, for one, do not subscribe to the view that angels, with some kind of material bodies quite like humans, have to walk on foot to come down to earth. This kind of thinking would evidently be false. Were it necessary for angels to come down to earth in any formal shape to carry out their respective duties, it would have been absolutely impossible for them to complete any task. For instance, the angel of death has to take the lives of thousands of people per second, who live thousands of miles apart from one another, in different parts of the world. If he was under the obligation to walk to each country, town and home to find the opportunity to take a life, then let alone seconds, even months wouldn’t suffice to carry out such a huge task. Is it possible for a person moving about like humans to go around the world in a split second or even less? No, not at all. On the contrary, angels do not even fractionally stir from their true stations allotted to them by God Almighty. Quoting the angels, God says in the Holy Quran:
“‘And there is no one of us but has an appointed station. And verily we are those who stand ranged in ranks’” (Surah al-Saffat, Ch.37: V.165-166)].
Hence, the fact of the matter is that just as the Sun keeps to its orbit and its heat and light continue to envelop the earth and benefit each and everything in accordance with the capacity of each, the same is true about spiritual entities. Call them what you will; for instance, celestial spirits after the Greeks, or, in terms of the Avesta and Vedas, call them spirits of stars, or, in the simple and straightforward manner of those who believe in One God, call them God’s angels. The fact remains that these strange beings, each in its own particular station, are staying put and holding fast.
“In the infinite wisdom of God Almighty, these spiritual entities are busy serving everything that exists on earth and has the potential to help everything attain its desired goal to the fullest extent. The functions they perform are both visible and invisible. Just as our bodies and overt functions are influenced by the Sun, the Moon and other planets, all these angels too are exerting their respective influence on our hearts, minds and indeed on all our spiritual functions in keeping with our respective capacities. Be it a particle of dust or a drop of water that enters an oyster shell, or the womb of a mother, through the spiritual influence of these angels of God, it is transformed into a ruby, sapphire, diamond, a highly lustrous and large pearl or a human being with great qualities of head and heart …
“I would like to point out that the Quranic perception regarding angels is so clear, straightforward and reasonable that one cannot help but accept it. A close study of the Holy Quran shows that the presence of certain intermediaries is essential for external and internal development, not only of mankind, but also of all terrestrial creation. At places in the Holy Quran, there are clear and positive hints to the effect that some of these pure and holy beings known as angels are variously related to the different levels of the heavens. Through their specific influence, some of them perform the function of controlling winds while others control rain.
“There are still others who bring their influence to bear on this earth. Without doubt, because of their affinity to light, these holy spirits may well have some kind of relationship with the bright and luminous stars found in the heavens. But this relationship should not be confused with the kind of relationship the living organisms on earth have with life. Instead, these holy entities, because of their own light and lustre with which they are spiritually blessed, have a subtle and mysterious relationship with the stars. This relationship is so close and intense that it is not possible to imagine any separation between the two without undermining their strength. It is through the hidden hand of these beings that all stars are busy performing their assigned tasks. As God Almighty is the life force of the entire universe, so are these enlightened spirits, not wholly but in part, the elan vital of these stars and planets. Their separation would mean disaster for the existential condition of the stars. To date, no one has ever differed from the view that all heavenly bodies – stars and planets – are busy all the time contributing to the development and completion of life on earth.
“In short, it is a considered and fully established truth that day and night, heavenly bodies continue to work their influence on all existence – animate or inanimate. If nothing else, even an ignorant peasant would at least know for certain that moonlight effectively nourishes fruit and sunlight ripens it and that certain winds help increase its yield.
“Now if the apparent order of the universe is subject to the different influences of these phenomena, can there be any doubt that the latent order of the universe too is being influenced by these enlightened spirits – angels – at God’s command. Since the apparent order of external reality is being constantly nourished and moulded by the influence of such phenomena, how is it possible to doubt that the latent and innate order of reality is also subject to the influence of these luminous forces. In fact, they are as intense to the luminous stars as life is to our organism.” (Elucidation of Objectives, pp. 27-33 [English translation of Taudih-e-Maram])
The Promised Messiahas also rejected the idea that Iblis was the leader of angels or that he was an entity living among the angels. He was an evil spirit who defied Allah the Almighty, as has been stated in the Holy Quran:
وَ کَانَ مِنَ الۡکٰفِرِیۡنَ
“And he was of the disbelievers.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.35)
The Promised Messiahas also dispelled the misconception that angels are mythical creatures or names of various forces of nature. He proved the existence of angels based on his own experience and observations. He enlightened the ill-informed people who already believed that Allah created the sun to help us see and the wind for sound to reach our ear and this has no effect on the omnipotence of God. However, if we say that Allah has created many means to carry out spiritual affairs, then the ignorant among us argue that holding such a belief calls into question His powers.
The Promised Messiahas explained that the creation of means by Allah the Almighty is not because He cannot convey His commandments directly to His servants, but on the contrary, humans lack the capacity to listen to the word of Allah the Almighty without these means. Moreover, these means are helpful in the development and progress of His servants. Th e Promised Messiahas states:
“In order to accept the existence of angels, the easiest way is that we should direct our reason to the following. It is admitted that for the training and perfection of our bodies and in order for the desired actions of our senses to be carried into effect, God Almighty has promulgated the law of nature that the elements and the Sun and the Moon and all the stars have been pressed into service that they should help our bodies and faculties to perform all their functions in the best manner possible. We cannot escape from the verity that our eyes cannot perform their function by their own light unless they are aided by the light of the sun and our ears cannot hear anything by their faculty of hearing unless they are aided by the air. Does this not prove that Divine law has ordained that the perfection of our faculties should be achieved through external means and that our nature cannot dispense with the help of external means? If we observe carefully, we will find that not in one or two matters, but for the perfection of all our senses and faculties and powers, we are dependent upon external help.
“As this law and system of God Almighty, Whose works display unity and appropriateness, operates firmly and compulsorily with reference to our external faculties and senses and our material needs, then does it not follow necessarily that there should be some system for our spiritual perfection and spiritual performance so that the identity of the two systems should prove the Unity of the Creator? It is obvious that the All-Wise One, Who has instituted this external system and has chosen that through the effect of the external means like the heavenly bodies and elements etc., our bodies and faculties and senses should be perfected, the same All-Wise and All-Powerful One would have chosen that system for our spiritual perfection, for He is One without any associate and there is unity in all His wisdom and works. Thus, the external means that affect our spirituality and fulfil our spiritual needs, as the Sun and the Moon and the elements help us with regard to our physical needs, are known by the name of angels.
“This proves the existence of angels and, observing the law of nature as a whole, we are compelled to acknowledge their existence, though we may not be able to penetrate their reality, nor is this necessary. When we have accepted the external law, there is no reason why in the same way we should not accept the internal law. We shall have to accept it in the same way as we have accepted the external law. This is the reason why God Almighty in His Holy Book has set forth these two laws in the same words, as He says:
“[By the winds that scatter seeds with a true scattering. Then by the clouds that carry the load of moisture. Then by the rivers that flow gently. And then by the angels that finally administer and execute affairs (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.2-5)], that is to say, God puts forward the testimony of the winds that separate the vapours from the oceans and other waters and carry them inside like pregnant women and waft them in the shape of clouds to their goal and the testimony of the angels that put into effect all these matters. This indicates that the winds have no power in themselves to lift the vapours from the oceans and to convert them into clouds and to cause them to send down rain where it is needed and thus administer matters. All this is the function of angels. In these verses, God Almighty first indicated, like philosophers, the cause of rain descending from the clouds and set out how water becomes vapour and then becomes clouds. Then, in the last verse:
فَالۡمُقَسِّمٰتِ اَمۡرًا
“[And then by the angels that finally administer and execute affairs (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.5)] disclosed the reality that no one should imagine that the system of material causes and effects is adequate for the divine dispensation, but that a system of spiritual causes is behind this physical system that supports this visible system. At another place, it is said:
“[By the angels who are sent forth with goodness. And then they push on with a forceful pushing. And by the forces that spread the truth, a good spreading. And then they distinguish fully between good and evil. Then they carry the exhortation far and wide (Surah al-Mursalat, Ch.77: V.2-6)]. This means that God Almighty puts forth the testimony of the winds and angels which proceed slowly and then proceed fast, and the winds that raise the clouds, and the angels which are appointed over them, and the winds that carry the message to the ears, and the angels who carry the Divine Word to the hearts. “In this way, God Almighty has combined the angels and stars in the verse:
فَالۡمُدَبِّرٰتِ اَمۡرًا
“[Then they manage the affair entrusted to them’ (Surah al-Naziat, Ch.79: V.6)]. The seven planets have been referred to as arranging the affairs of the earth externally and the angels are referred to as arranging them internally. The commentary, Fath-ul-Bayan sets forth both these views on the authority of Muaz bin Jabal and Qushairi. Ibn-e-Kathir has reported on the authority of Hasan that all arrangements that are carried out between heaven and earth are carried out through angels and Ibn-e-Kathir writes that this is an agreed interpretation.
“Ibn-e-Jarir has interpreted the verse:
فَالۡمُدَبِّرٰتِ اَمۡرًا
“[Then they manage the affair entrusted to them (Surah al-Naziat, Ch.79: V.6)] as meaning that the angels carry out the arrangements of the universe, that is to say, that though on the surface, the stars, the Sun, the Moon and the elements carry out their functions, yet in reality, it is carried out by angels.” (Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, pp. 143-147, [Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. I33-I37])
I want to expand this work with the help of God. All Ahmadi members are requested to send news of the Jamaat from their respective places to the office of Al Hakam and grant us the opportunity to acknowledge your efforts.
Jamaat’s Markaz, Qadian
On 31 July 1920, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], under medical advice, visited Mount Dharamsala.
A very small caravan accompanied him, which included Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib, Syed Zainul Abidin Waliullah Shah Sahib, Dr Hashmatullah Sahib, Maulvi Muhammad Ismail Sahib Fazil, Mirza Gul Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Taqiyuddin Sahib, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sahib Qadiani, Mian Neik Muhammad Pathan Sahib, Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib MA (Nazir Ishaat [publications]) and Chaudhry Ali Muhammad Sahib.
On Friday, 30 July [1920], Hazrat Sahib[ra] delivered the [first] sermon himself. In the second sermon, he appointed Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib as amir of Salat and Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib as amir of administration and instructed members of the Jamaat to be obedient [towards them]. It was raining on the day of Hazrat Sahib’s departure and it had rained all night before that. The road was badly damaged.
However, it had no effect on the determination of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. Before leaving, he prayed in Bait-ul-Dua and members of the Jamaat prayed standing outside.
Rain
It has rained heavily in Qadian. The houses of some friends have suffered serious damage. For instance, the houses of Mistri Abdul Rahman Sahib, Khan Sahib Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sahib, Syed Aziz-ur-Rahman Sahib etc. All sides of Qadian are seen surrounded by water. Currently, coastal scenes appear before us.
Montgomery (now Sahiwal)
In the Montgomery District, two young Ahmadi maidens are being severely ill-treated by their non-Ahmadi uncle. They are receiving death threats to repent from Ahmadiyyat. Moreover, they are being told that if they do not repent, they will be poisoned. He wants to marry them with non-Ahmadis by force, which is not permissible according to our Ahmadi faith. Authorities ought to pay attention and listen to the cries of the oppressed girls who are suffering because of Ahmadiyyat.
Sultanpur
A Jalsa was held on 31 July and 1 August 1920 in Sultanpur, Kapurthala State. A great number of flyers were distributed [before it]. Lectures were delivered, especially on the death of Jesusas and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.
Ceylon
This news will be heard with great delight that the enemies have failed. Mr Lye was released along with his brother and another Ahmadi brother, alhamdulillah!
اُنہیں ماتم ہمارے گھر میں شادی
فَسُبْحَانَ الَّذِیْ اَخْزَی الْاَعَادِیْ
“They are in mourning – there is joy in our home; Holy is He [Allah] Who has confounded my foes.”
Enemies were killed and a murder case was filed [against us] but God blessed the Jamaat with stability and perseverance. The Ahmadi secretary came back home after acquittal, along with his associates. We have received this news through a telegram. Details will be published later.
Malabar
A case has been filed in court against those who have forcefully remarried Ahmadis’ wives to non-Ahmadis without being divorced. On 10 July [1920], Maulvi Abdul Rahim Sahib (missionary) reached Kudali from Kinanoor. A special meeting was held at the Anjuman office that night and the list of donations for the case was opened. Sheikh Abdullah, secretary of Kudali [Jamaat] and Mr Ahmad Sahib of Calicut were also present in the meeting. Sheikh Abdullah Sahib contributed 50 rupees and Mr Ahmad gave 25 rupees. May Allah grant them the best of reward.
On 11 July [1920], Mr Ahmad went to a lawyer named Mr Canton and prepared a petition. Summons were sent to the other party, which comprises of 5 men. The day of the hearing was 27 July. Non-Ahmadis are under great distress. (Ibn Hamid)
Bombay
Mr Abdul Rahim Smith Sahib, who had come from Nigeria and was seen by most of the friends at the annual Jalsa, has left Bombay for Jeddah with the intention of Hajj. Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray that Allah Almighty help him [in his journey].
Bhupal
In the state of Bhupal, a few clerics had been pressing to have a debate. However, when our religious scholars visited there, they found out that neither was there any discussion, nor had their wives permitted them…
America
In America, Hazrat Mufti Sahib was invited to give a lecture at a distance of 700 miles from his residence. The lecture was very successful. Two new gentlemen converted to Islam. All praise belongs to Allah who made it possible. Thus far, respected Mufti Sahib is in good health by the grace of God, alhamdulillah. He has to dine at hotels and do a lot of work himself…
Dharamkot Bagga
Maulvi Fatehuddin was an old servant of the Promised Messiahas and a well-learned man. His presence was considered very beneficial in Gurdaspur district. He was the author of many Punjabi books and was one of the leading Punjabi poets. He has passed away.
إِنَّا للہ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”
May Allah the Almighty grant patience to the bereaved and give the departed soul His nearness. The deceased possessed countless attributes. May Allah the Almighty grant the Jamaat a blessed replacement in his exchange … His body was brought to Qadian. Hazrat Sahib[ra] offered his funeral prayers and he was buried in Bahishti Maqbarah.
I wrote the [previous] report (number 3) on 17 March [1920]. After that, due to the busy schedule of the case of entry in America and then, being engaged in the search for a house and office after reaching New York, I was unable to write reports and could not even write a reply to letters.
A lone man on a journey in a foreign country faces a lot of challenges. When this humble one reached the UK, brother Qazi Abdullah Sahib was already there. A house [for accommodation] was present and Qazi Sahib had more than a year’s worth of experience about the country’s state of affairs.
Thus, everything was made easy. He used to carry out all the household chores and continued to do so till the end. I only supported them in their tabligh work. However, the situation is quite the contrary here.
It is a new country, new mission, new work, no residential arrangements, no furniture and no other such comforts. A lot of work is to be done and I have to do it all by myself.
Moreover, the prices are very high. London’s accommodation seemed expensive to us as compared to India. However, after arriving here, I found out that living in London is very affordable. I had earlier rented a house but had to leave due to the mischief of unwelcoming Christians.
Now, I have hired another house. We put our trust in Allah the Almighty who will fulfill every requirement by His grace.
Acknowledgements from the British Council
I sent an address to the British Council in this country, which was presented by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab on 17 December 1919 and was later reprinted and distributed by friends in London, along with other literature and documents of the Jamaat. It was regarded with great appreciation. The British Consul General in New York thanked this humble one and wrote, “I request you to send all that you publish in this country about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to me as well.”
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra
A seven hundred-mile journey
In the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, the first long journey that I had to take was to Munger. This humble one was sent there along with Hazrat Maulana Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib. We were the first two Ahmadi missionaries to Munger. Presently, the head of Jamaat Munger, Khalil Ahmad Sahib himself goes to other cities as a sermoniser.
ذٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ
“That is Allah’s grace; He bestows it on whom He pleases.”
That was a thousand-mile journey and its report was published in the newspaper, Al Badr, under the heading, “Safar alf mila” [a thousand-mile journey]. Thereafter, I undertook even longer expeditions in India. However, I did not have the chance to travel such long distances in England. England is a small country and the cold and humidity there did not permit me to go outside.
Now, I have come to a country that is even bigger than India. Only two months have passed since I was allowed to enter the country and I have received a telegram from the city of Detroit, 700 miles away from New York, that a few respectables over there have heard of me and arranged a lecture.
Thus, I had to take this journey. 700 miles were covered in 14 hours and the one way fare was 27 dollars.
Restful train [journey]
Trains here are like moving hotels. They have attached food compartments. At about 8 o’clock in the evening, the servants make the beds. The beds have new sheets, blankets, pillows and all the essentials. Each passenger has a separate bed and there are two beds to one room. There is a separate place for washing hands with soap, towel and each necessary item ready. There is nothing distressful.
Tabligh on the train
Most of my time on the train was at night, which was spent sleeping. However, in the morning, a few magazines that were in my possession were distributed and little discussions were held. A gentleman, who seemed to be prepared for some reason, converted to Islam. Allah the Almighty guides whom He wills. I did not even talk to him much and as his station was close and he got off soon after.
Now, more about his state of affairs shall be found out through correspondence, insha-Allah. His name is Mr Robert Bednell.
Lecture
On Sunday afternoon, 13 June [1920], my lecture was held in a large hall full of listeners. The subject of my talk was “The attributes of Islam and the blessings of unity”. It had a great effect on the audience. After the lecture, some Arabs recited their qasaid [poems], in which they mentioned my arrival in the country for the support of Islam. Thereafter, a respectable lady, Miss Barton, whom I was already preaching through correspondence, converted to Islam in the same gathering. She was given the Islamic name Zainab. This woman is a college educated person and her parents and relatives are strongly opposing her owing to her conversion to Islam.
Readers are requested to pray that Allah the Almighty grants her perseverance by His grace.
Tabligh to presidential candidates
There is a lot of hubbub about the presidential election these days. There are about 150 candidates in total. I have written letters and conveyed to them the message of Islam. Moreover, I have sent them magazines in support of Islam. Today, the Fajr azan was at 2am over here; sunrise was at 4:23am; sunset was at 7:40pm; the starting time of Isha prayer was 10pm; the total darkness of the night was only four hours and the temperature was 60 degrees.
Dispelling misconceptions about
Islam There are many misconceptions about Islam in this country. A gentleman criticised Islam in a public lecture. Coincidently, I was there and so I responded. The lecturer was embarrassed and it had a great impact on the audience. The series of Islamic lectures will start from the next Sunday, insha-Allah.
(Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, New York, 22 June 1920)
Al Fazl, 5-9 August 1920
Gratefulness
Before I write a report on my work here, I would like to thank all those who heard the news of my detention and expressed sympathy for this humble one and wrote supporting articles in newspapers and held Jalsas against this action of American authorities and passed resolutions.
However, I was allowed to enter before these articles could reach me here. The newspapers Al Fazl, Al Hakam, Nur and Faruq are our own. Thus far, I have not received any other newspaper except for Al Fazl and Nur. However, I hope that others also wrote articles. I have received news that the newspaper Hamdam and Wakeel wrote articles [in my support]. May Allah grant all of them the best of reward.
Paighamis [Lahori Ahmadis] should pay attention I have also heard that Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib and his associates also participated in such meetings and passed the resolution. I express thanks to them as well. In the newspaper, Paigham, the following verse of the Promised Messiah’sas couplet:
کبھی نصرت نہیں ملتی درِ مولیٰ سے گندوں کو
“The evil ones never obtain help from God’s door” has been applied on this humble one and the real reason of my detention has been suggested that I was not worthy of support. I do not wish to say anything in response to this personal attack. However, I would certainly like to draw the attention of the people of Paigham that the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] and the blessings of Khilafat have shown this miracle that even an incompetent one like me and according to you, an evil one, finally received help, to which you are also witnesses.
Hence, if a talented person like you, who considers himself virtuous, had associated himself with the blessings of Khilafat, you would have achieved great heights. There is still time; it is never too late to make amends. Reflect upon it. Leave your opposition. Nothing good comes from this. Join your own people and God will immensely bless and honour you. The truthfulness of Khilafat is now shining like the sun. Its blessings are becoming more visible by the day. Mahmud’s prayers and attention showed such wonders that the one who was evil in your view gained God’s support.
Thus, which miracles do you wish to see after this extraordinary marvel? Who else are you waiting for after Mahmud?
Thanks from the president of France
Readers must have read in the newspapers about the incident of the President of France, Paul Deschanel’s fall from a moving train. In this regard, I wrote him a letter of sympathy on behalf of the Ahmadis over here and sent him some books of the Jamaat.
In response, Mr Deschanel has expressed gratitude and written to me with his own hand. An enthusiastic Turkish Ahmadi Mr Muhammad Gad of Turkey, who is serving in the American military and has joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, is engaged in carrying out tabligh to the people of America in the military. He says that people strongly oppose and mock him … but he has been conveying the message to everyone and handing over my address to them. May Allah guide them. He says, “At least after hearing about your tabligh efforts, everyone has started to honour you and take your name with respect.”
Penalties for high profits
According to the law of this country, taking excessive profit is also a crime in the eyes of the law. A well-known businessman named Gumble announced discount rates. The police caught him selling a coat which was worth five and half dollars and was being sold at 20 dollars. Mr Gumble Sahib is being prosecuted for it.
Inflation
Thus far, inflation is rising here. Last Wednesday, our milk seller sent a printed notice that the price of milk will increase from 1 July. Some daily newspapers have raised prices in this very week. There is a great shortage of paper and the price of each item is rising. Several reasons are presented for this [inflation]. One is that the American government is sending a lot of food to help [people in] the devastated areas of Europe. Food prices have skyrocketed due to food shortages.
As a result, the wages of the workers are being affected and everything is becoming expensive. Our maid in London only took one pound and ate her own food. Here, a maid used to work only eight hours a day in the house where I used to live and apart from food, she used to take the equivalent of 4 pounds a week.
Therefore, I have not yet hired a maid for cooking. There is only one for cleaning the house who comes for a short time. I have meals at the hotel or cook some tea and eggs myself. I do not know how to cook though. Qazi Abdullah Sahib was also skilled in such works as well. In the time of need, he would prepare something not only for himself but also for me.
A young man of Tatar has converted to Ahmadiyyat here. Sometimes he cooks and sends something. He is a very sincere person. He works as an agent by profession. He is a native of Russia but lives in America now. His name is Mr James Sadiq.
Two new converts
With the help and guidance of Allah the Almighty, two persons have entered the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. One of them is an Arab gentleman who runs a business of sweets in this country. He is a scholar and a member of a respected Syrian family. His name is Abdul Rahman Al-Qadri. He resides in Fort Wayne located in the state of Indiana. He came to know about the Jamaat through correspondence and entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat by sending the letter [of allegiance].
The second person is a lady named Mrs Young who has long been a convert to Islam. However, she is not very familiar with Islamic customs. Her Islamic name is Siddiqa. At first, she came to know about Ahmadiyyat through correspondence. Later, she met me in Detroit. Her hometown is in پری لیکس where her father resides. Due to religious differences, the people there do not consider them good.
Article in Arabic newspaper
My journey to Detroit and the accounts of the lecture were published in an Arabic newspaper called Al-Bayan. That issue of the newspaper has been sent to be presented before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra].
