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The holy month of Ramadan and the significance of Lailatul Qadr

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The holy month of Ramadan and the significance of Lailatul Qadr

To mark the start of the blessed month of Ramadan, the Fazle Umar Foundation English Desk has produced a translation of a Friday sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, the Promised Reformer and Second Successor of the Promised Messiahas, on 11 May 1923 in which Huzoorra discourses on the true meaning of Lailatul Qadr and the importance of prayer during Ramadan.

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Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra

After the recitation of Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Huzoorra said:

Ramadan holds a distinguished position amongst the Islamic months, and of the days of the week, Friday has a special significance as does the Friday sermon, and the Friday prayer, and the time thereafter. Our community is also marked by a distinction. Whereas other religious groups have rejected the [fresh] message of God and His messenger, our community has accepted His latest vice-regent.

Thus, both today and the exact time of the day and the month we are in all bear a uniqueness. Indeed, this moment is so significant, we ought to make every effort to benefit from the rain of God’s blessings that descends on us during this period.

One of the many reasons that edicts of apostasy were issued against the Promised Messiahas was because of the manner in which he interpreted the meaning of Lailatul Qadr (the night of the Decree). The Promised Messiahas said that while Lailatul Qadr refers to the [night of the Decree] that appears in Ramadan, it also denotes the time of the advent of a chosen one of God from which the rise and fall of nations can be determined and those which are of a higher and lesser rank are made more clearly distinguishable. Such a time is one of [spiritual] darkness, and the destiny of nations is decided by the coming of God’s chosen one.

If we cast a glance at the Lailatul Qadr that occurred at the time of the Holy Prophetsa, it is easy to identify those nations whose fortunes were decided during this period. Both the Byzantium Empire which ruled over half the [known] world, and the Persian Empire which ruled over the other half had their fates determined, and these supreme and powerful empires were reduced to ruin. In their stead, the bare-skinned and malnourished people of Arabia, who possessed meagre sustenance and were frequently given over to intoxication and were immersed in every type of vile behaviour, were elevated in the world. Their immoral and corrupt practices were so transformed that they became teachers for the world and these same destitute people assumed the mantle of leadership. This was how Lailatul Qadr unfolded in the time of the Holy Prophetsa.

Such nights have settled many times before and in the Ummah of Muhammadsa they appeared during the periods of the mujadideen (spiritual reformers) in which the lowly were elevated and those of high rank saw their status diminish. But in these respective periods, Lailatul Qadr did not reveal itself in its highest manifestation as it has now in the time of the Promised Messiahas. The Lailatul Qadr of the Promised Messiahas is set to decide the fate of the entire world and the same decree will hold true now, that is, some nations will be vanquished and others will be raised high.

Hence this era is loaded with significance and Allah the Exalted has enabled us to join the community of the Promised Messiahas even though we had no special claim or right to this. In this way we have already received the highest benefit of the judgement to be passed in this Lailatul Qadr. And what of the other rewards that [have been decreed] and when will they be given? The bestowal of these bounties is dependent on our actions. It is our responsibility to present before the world, the blessings of the advent of the Promised Messiahas. We ought to transform our inner selves and spread news of those truths which have been revealed to us by him. Indeed, pray that God makes us heirs to those certainties which He has promised from Himself.

This is a blessed moment and Ramadan is a blessed month and Friday has been set apart as a singular day, therefore, our community ought to try and avail this time as much as possible. The day [of the night of decree] comes but once a year and it represents the hour for the acceptance of prayer, therefore, as much benefit should be drawn from it as possible.

This year is also one of great significance for our community because it marks the beginning of a fatal conflict. Although we have faced such struggles in the past, they have not been of this magnitude. At a cursory level it would seem as though the time has come for our eradication, but those communities which exist for the sake of God are never destroyed.

Thus this is a critical moment. The Muslim leadership has abandoned us and the ulema seethe with hostility, though everyday Muslims stand with us and their eyes are opening up to the truth about who is and who is not serving the cause of Islam. And this is a cause of happiness because it is usually this segment of society which turns to the right path. Therefore, because the Muslims now perceive this matter more clearly, they should be appreciated for this as it is a source of joy for us.

Owing to a sore throat, I cannot speak for too long and this is an incredibly important subject. In any case, the members of our community do not require lengthy addresses to remind them of the value of prayer. But keeping in view the significance of the moment, I still wanted to draw attention to this subject. Pray with great fervour, both today, and for the rest of the final ten days of Ramadan. May Allah the exalted remove our failings. Also pray that we witness with our own eyes the fulfilment of the promises of God and that it is through us that Islam is able to rise to victory.

(Originally published in Al Fazl on 17 May 1923. Translated by Fazle Umar Foundation)

Practices of the Promised Messiah a.s. in Ramadan – Part II

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Practices of the Promised Messiah a.s. in Ramadan – Part II

The noble wife of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas used to say in respect to his youth:

“In that time, it occurred to me that fasting was also necessary to progress along this path … Then, I fasted for six consecutive months and nobody in the household or from outside had an inkling that I was keeping fast. When my morning meal used to arrive from the house, I would hand it to a needy person and eat the evening meal myself.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra enquired from Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara whether he also kept voluntary fasts in old age. She replied:

“In old age too he would keep fasts, chiefly the six fasts of Shawwal to which he would strictly adhere. Whenever he had to pray for a task of particular importance, he would fast, but in his final few years, he could not even fast in Ramadan due to weakness and frailty.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra added here, “The Promised Messiahas mentioned the period of his fasts to be eight to nine months in his book, Kitab-ul-Bariyya.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra also mentioned that Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara narrated to him:

“When the Promised Messiahas began having spells of vertigo, he did not fast during Ramadan that year and offered fidya. When the month of Ramadan came again, he began to fast but he had just kept eight or nine fasts when he experienced vertigo again. Hence, he left the rest and offered fidya. In the Ramadan thereafter, he had kept ten or eleven fasts when he was compelled to abandon fasting due to vertigo and he offered the fidya. In the following year during Ramadan, it was on his thirteenth fast that he experienced vertigo near Maghrib. He broke his fast, refrained from fasting for the rest of the month and offered the fidya.

“Afterwards, he kept all the fasts for every Ramadan which arrived, but a few years prior to his demise, he again was unable to keep fasts due to weakness and continued to offer fidya.” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra enquired from Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara whether he offered the fasts at a later period, which he had left when he had his initial spells of vertigo. Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara replied, “No, he only offered fidya.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra went on to say:

“When the Promised Messiahas initially began having spells of vertigo and encountered cold extremities, he became extremely weak and his health would remain poor. Hence, when he would withdraw from fasting [in Ramadan], it would appear as if he could not gather the strength to offer them again at a later date till the upcoming Ramadan. However, when the forthcoming Ramadan would arrive, he used to begin to fast, springing out of a love for worship, but eventually, he would again have spells of vertigo. Thus, he would withdraw and offer the fidya. And Allah knows best.”

Hazrat Abdullah Sanaurira narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that once, at the beginning of his era, a guest came to visit the Promised Messiahas in Qadian during the month of Ramadan. He was fasting at the time and a great portion of the day had passed. It was perhaps after the Asr prayer that the Promised Messiahas advised him to break his fast. He replied, “There merely remains a small portion of day left, so is there any point in breaking my fast now?” The Promised Messiahas said, “You desire to please God Almighty through dogged means. God Almighty cannot be pleased by tenacious deeds but through obedience. One should not fast when He has directed that travellers should not do as such.” Upon this, he broke his fast.

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra used to relate that once, in the era of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Hakim Fazluddin Bhervira observed etikaf [spending the last 10 days and nights of Ramadan in solitude] but during the etikaf, he had to head out to present himself for a court case. Thus, he broke his etikaf and departed from Qadian near the Asr prayer, upon which the Promised Messiahas smilingly said, “What need was there to sit for etikaf if you were bound to attend the court case?”

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that Hazrat Pir Siraj-ul-Haq Sahibra was once fasting, but he requested for water from somebody as he had forgotten. Upon hearing this, someone remarked, “Are you not fasting?” Hazrat Pir Sahibra then recalled that he was in fact fasting. The Promised Messiahas was also present there at the time and said to Pir Sahibra, “When a person forgets that they are fasting and consumes something by mistake, it is God’s hospitality for that person. However, as you requested for water, and requesting for things is disliked, you were not able to experience this blessing.”

Hazrat Mir Muhammed Ismailra mentioned to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra:

“Once, some guests came from Lahore to Qadian in Ramadan. When the Promised Messiahas received news of their arrival, he attended the mosque in order to meet them, bringing along with him some breakfast. The gentlemen submitted that they were all fasting. The Promised Messiahas replied, ‘It is incorrect to fast in a journey. One should adhere to the leave granted by Allah Almighty.’ Thus, they were fed breakfast and their fasts were broken.”

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas once stated:

“It is also a bounty of God Almighty that he has raised me in such an age when the month of Ramadan occurs in the winter. Fasting does not cause much physical fatigue and I can easily carry out my responsibilities in the month of Ramadan.”

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra said that in those days, Ramadan had occurred in December. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra says:

“I have studied the calendar of that time period. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas   claimed to be the Messiah in 1891 and in the same year, Ramadan commenced on 11 April. In other words, this was the beginning of the time span when Ramadan would occur within winter. Thus, in 1892, Ramadan commenced on 31 March and in 1893, on 20 March. Afterwards, the month of Ramadan would occur each year through the days of winter, to a greater degree. In 1908, when the Promised Messiahas passed away, Ramadan began on 1 October. In this manner, the total period of the Promised Messiah’sas advent elapsed in such circumstances where the fasts of Ramadan would continuously take place in winter. And this was a blessing of God Almighty which transpired under divine decree and which led the Promised Messiahas to carefully observe this blessing and develop sentiments of gratitude, understanding it to be a bounty of God.”

Hazrat Mir Muhammed Ismailra related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas was once fasting during Ramadan in Ludhiana when he felt nauseous and began encountering cold extremities. At that particular time, the time for sunset was nigh, but he immediately broke the fast. Hazrat Mir Sahibra said that Hazrat Ahmadas would always opt for the easy lawful path which the Shariah would afford.

With regard to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra said:

“In the Hadith, regarding the Holy Prophetsa, through the narration of Hazrat Aishara, there is mention that he always used to prefer the easier of two permissible paths.”

Hazrat Sheikh Karam Ilahi Patialvira narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra in writing:

“Once, I came to spend the month of Ramadan, which had arrived at an intensely cold period, in Qadian. In those days, Hazrat Hakim Fazluddinra was the administrator of the library of the Promised Messiahas and therefore responsible for it. The room where the library was situated was adjacent to Masjid Mubarak and Hazrat Hakim Sahibra lodged in the very same place. Upon my arrival, he also granted me permission to temporarily reside in the same room. Offering gratitude, I set up my bed at a corner and began passing time with great ease and enjoyment. The Promised Messiahas used to walk to the mosque, passing by this room for every prayer. At one occasion, the doors opened at the time for sehri [pre-dawn meal for fasting]. I was sat directly in front and stood out of respect when I saw that the Promised Messiahas was stood at the door. Huzooras called me towards him through a gesture. When I advanced, I observed that there were two china bowls in the hands of the Promised Messiahas, which had kheer [rice pudding] in them. Handing me both bowls, Huzooras said to me, ‘Deliver these to those people whose names are written on it.’ I handed them to Hakim Sahib. Hakim Sahib called a person from the mosque and had the bowls delivered to those people whose names were inscribed in ink. Thereafter, the doors opened again. The Promised Messiahas handed us two bowls again and those were also delivered to those people, in accordance with their names. In this manner, the Promised Messiahas continued to bring bowls of kheer on ten or eleven occasions and we would deliver them to the people in the guest room. Finally, upon one of the two bowls which the Promised Messiahas handed was the name of Hakim Sahib and upon the second was my name, inscribed. After consuming the kheer, Hakim Sahib remarked, “Today, manna and salwa [divine bounties] have descended upon us.”

(Taken from the compilation of narrations related to the life of the Promised Messiahas, Sirat-ul-Mahdi, compiled by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra. Translated by Fateh Alam, London.)

Prayers to remember during Ramadan

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Prayers to remember during Ramadan

(As quoted by Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in his Friday Sermon on 15 June 2018 during Ramadan)

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رَبَّنَآ اٰتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِي الْاٰخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

 “Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Ch.2: V.202)

رَبَّنَآ اَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَّتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ

“Our Lord, pour forth upon us steadfastness and cause us to die resigned unto Thee.” (Ch.7: V.127)

اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّنَآ اَنْزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ تَكُوْنُ لَنَا عِيْدًا لِّاَوَّلِنَا وَاٰخِرِنَا وَاٰيَةً مِّنْكَ وَارْزُقْنَا وَاَنْتَ خَيرُ الرّٰزِقِينَ

“Our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven spread with food that it may be to us a festival, to the first of us and to the last of us, and a Sign from Thee; and provide sustenance for us, for Thou art the Best of sustainers.” (Ch.5: V.115)

رَبَّنَآ اِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُّنَادِيْ لِلْاِيمَانِ اَنْ اٰمِنُوْا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَاٰمَنَّا رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّاٰتِنَا وَ تَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْاَبْرَارِ

“Our Lord, we have heard a Crier calling us unto faith, ‘Believe ye in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us, therefore, our errors and remove from us our evils, and in death number us with the righteous.” (Ch. 3: V.194)

رَبَّنَآ اٰمَنَّا بِمَآ اَنْزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشّٰهِدِينَ

“Our Lord, we believe in that which Thou hast sent down and we follow this Messenger. So write us down among those who bear witness.” (Ch.3: V.54)

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوْبَنَا بَعْدَ اِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ

“Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us; and bestow on us mercy from Thyself; surely, Thou alone art the Bestower.” (Ch.3: V.9)

رَبِّ هَبْ لِيْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيْعُ الدُّعَآءِ

“My Lord, grant me from Thyself pure offspring; surely, Thou art the Hearer of prayer.” (Ch.3: V.39)

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ اَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَّاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِيْنَ اِمَامًا

“Our Lord, grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.” (Ch.25: V.75)

رَبِّ اَوْزِعْنِيْٓ اَنْ اَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِيْٓ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلٰى وَالِدَيَّ وَاَنْ اَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضٰهُ وَاَصْلِحْ لِيْ فِيْ ذُرِّيَّتِيْ ۔اِنِّيْ تُبْتُ اِلَيْكَ وَاِنِّيْ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

“My Lord, grant me the power that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do such good works as may please Thee. And make my seed righteous for me. I do turn to Thee; and, truly, I am of those who submit to Thee.” (Ch.46: V.16)

رَبِّ هَبْ لِيْ مِنَ الصّٰلِحِيْنَ

“My Lord, grant me a righteous heir.” (Ch.37: V.101)

رَبِّ اِنِّيْ لِمَآ اَنْزَلْتَ اِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ

“My Lord, I am in need of whatever good Thou mayest send down to me.” (Ch.28: V.25)

رَبِّ اَوْزِعْنِيْٓ اَنْ اَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِيْٓ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلٰى وَالِدَيَّ وَاَنْ اَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضٰهُ وَاَدْخِلْنِيْ بِرَحْمَتِکَ فِيْ عِبَادِكَ الصّٰلِحِينَ

“My Lord, grant me the will and power to be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do such good works as would please Thee, and admit me, by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants.” (Ch.27: V.20)

رَبِّ اَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزٰتِ الشَّيٰطِينِ۔ وَاَعُوْذُ بِكَ رَبِّ اَنْ يَّحْضُرُوْنِ

“My Lord, I seek refuge in Thee from the incitements of the evil ones. And I seek refuge in Thee, my Lord, lest they come near me.” (Ch.23: V.98-99)

رَبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْمًا

“O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Ch.20: V.115)

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِيْ صَدْرِيْ۔ وَيَسِّرْ لِيْٓ اَمْرِيْ۔ وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّنْ لِّسَانِيْ۔ يَفْقَهُوْا قَوْلِيْ

“My Lord, open out for me my breast, and ease for me my task, and loose the knot of my tongue, that they may understand my speech.” (Ch.20: V.26-29)

رَبَّنَآ اٰتِنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَّهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ اَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا

“Our Lord, bestow on us mercy from Thyself, and provide for us right guidance in our affair.” (Ch.18: V.11)

رَبِّ اَدْخِلْنِيْ مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَّ اَخْرِجْنِيْ مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَّاجْعَلْ لِّيْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ سُلْطٰنًا نَّصِيْرًا

“My Lord, make my entry a good entry and then make me come forth with a good forthcoming. And grant me from Thyself a helping power.” (Ch.17: V.81)

رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا ربَّيٰنِيْ صَغِيْرًا

“My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me in my childhood.” (Ch.17: V.25)

رَبِّ ھَبْ لِیْ حُکْمًا وَّ الْحِقْنِیْ بِالصَّالِحِیْنَ وَاجْعَلْ لِّیْ لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ فِی الْاٰخِرِیْنَ۔ وَاجْعَلْنِیْ مِنْ وَّرَثَۃِ جَنَّۃِ النَّعِیْمِ

“My Lord, bestow wisdom on me and join me with the righteous; and give me a true reputation among posterity; and make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss.” (Ch.26: V.84-86)

رَبِّ اِنِّيْ ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِيْ فَاغْفِرْ لِيْ

“My Lord, I have wronged my soul, therefore forgive me.” (Ch.28: V.17)

رَبَّنَآ اَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُوْرَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا اِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us; surely Thou hast power over all things.” (Ch.66: V.9)

رَبَّنَآ اٰمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْلَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَاَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

“Our Lord, we believe; forgive us therefore our sins, and have mercy on us; for Thou art the Best of those who show mercy.” (Ch.23: V.110)

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ اَنْفُسَنَا وَاِنْ لَّمْ تَغْفِرْلَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْخٰسِرِيْنَ

“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost.” (Ch.7: V.24)

رَبَّنَآ لَا تَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ

“Our Lord, put us not with the unjust people.” (Ch.7: V.48)

رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَّاَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوٰرِثِيْنَ

“My Lord, leave me not childless, and Thou art the Best of inheritors.” (Ch.21: V.90)

رَبِّ اِمَّا تُرِيَنِّيْ مَا يُوْعَدُوْنَ۔ رَبِّ فَلَا تَجْعَلْنِيْ فِي الْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ

“My Lord, if Thou wilt show me that with which they are threatened. My Lord, then place me not with the wrongdoing people.” (Ch.23: V.94-95)

رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَحْمَةً وَّعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِيْنَ تَابُوْا وَاتَّبَعُوْا سَبِيْلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيْمِ۔رَبَّنَا وَاَدْخِلْهُمْ جَنّٰتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِيْ وَعَدْتَّهُمْ وَمَنْ صَلَحَ مِنْ اٰبَآئِهِمْ وَاَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيّٰتِهِمْ۔اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيْمُ۔وَقِهِمُ السَّيِّاٰتِ۔ وَمَنْ تَقِ السَّيِّاٰتِ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمْتَهٗ۔ وَذٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

“Our Lord, Thou dost comprehend all things in Thy mercy and knowledge. So forgive those who repent and follow Thy way; and protect them from the punishment of Hell. And make them, our Lord, enter the Gardens of Eternity which Thou hast promised them, as well as such of their fathers and their wives and their children as are virtuous. Surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. And protect them from evils; and he whom Thou dost protect from evils on that day – him hast Thou surely shown mercy. And that indeed is the supreme triumph.” (Ch.40: V.8-10)

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْلَنَا وَلِاِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِيْنَ سَبَقُوْنَا بِالْاِيْمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِيْ قُلُوْبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا رَبَّنَآ اِنَّكَ رَؤُوْفٌ رَحِيْمٌ

“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in the faith, and leave not in our hearts any rancour against those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Compassionate, Merciful.” (Ch.59: V.11)

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَنْ دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَّلِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتِ۔ وَلَا تَزِدِ الظّٰلِمِينَ اِلَّا تَبَارًا

“My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and him who enters my house as a believer, and the believing men and the believing women; and increase Thou not the wrongdoers but in perdition.” (Ch.71: V.29)

رَبَّنَاوَاٰتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَّنَا عَلٰي رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيٰمَةِ۔ اِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيْعَادَ

“Our Lord, give us what Thou hast promised to us through Thy Messengers; and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection. Surely, Thou breakest not Thy promise.” (Ch.3: V.195)

اَنْتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغْفِرْلَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَاَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْغَافِرِيْنَ

“Thou art our Protector; forgive us then and have mercy on us, for Thou art the Best of those who forgive.” (Ch.7: V.156)

رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا

“Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell; for the punishment thereof is a lasting torment.” (Ch.25: V.66)

رَبَّنَآ اِنَّنَآ اٰمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“Our Lord, we do believe; forgive us, therefore, our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Ch.3: V.17)

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِيْ مُقِيْمَ الصَّلٰوةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِيْ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ۔رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْلِيْ وَ لِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يَوْمَ يَقُوْمُ الْحِسَابُ

“My Lord, make me observe Prayer, and my children too. Our Lord! bestow Thy grace on me and accept my prayer. Our Lord, grant forgiveness to me and to my parents and to the believers on the day when the reckoning will take place.” (Ch.14: V.41-42)

رَبِّ نَجِّنِيْ وَاَهْلِيْ مِمَّا يَعْمَلُوْنَ

“My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.” (Ch.26: V.170)

رَبِّ اِنَّ قَوْمِیْ کَذَّبُوْنِ۔ فَافْتَحْ بَیْنِیْ وَ بَیْنَہُمْ فَتْحًا وَّنَجِّنِیْ وَمَنْ مَّعِیَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ

“My Lord, my people have treated me as a liar. Therefore judge Thou decisively between me and them; and save me and the believers that are with me.” (Ch.26: V.118-119)

رَبِّ انْصُرْنِيْ عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْمُفْسِدِيْنَ

“Help me, my Lord, against the wicked people.” (Ch.29: V.31)

اَنِّيْ مَغْلُوْبٌ فَانْتَصِرْ

“I am overcome, so come Thou to my help!” (Ch.54: V.11)

رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ اِنْ نَّسِيْنَآ اَوْ اَخْطَاْنَا۔ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ اِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهٗ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا۔ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهٖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْلَنَاوَارْحَمْنَآ اَنْتَ مَوْلٰنَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ

“Our Lord, do not punish us, if we forget or fall into error; and our Lord, lay not on us a responsibility as Thou didst lay upon those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with what we have not the strength to bear; and efface our sins, and grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us; Thou art our Master; so help us Thou against the disbelieving people.” (Ch.2: V.287)

رَبَّنَآ اَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَّثَبِّتْ اَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ

“O our Lord, pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people.” (Ch.2: V.251)

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْلَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَاِسْرَافَنَا فِيْٓ اَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ اَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ

“Our Lord, forgive us our errors and our excesses in our conduct, and make firm our steps and help us against the disbelieving people.” (Ch.3: V.148)

رَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَاَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِيْنَ

“O our Lord, decide Thou between us and between our people with truth, and Thou art the Best of those who decide.” (Ch.7: V.90)

رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِّلْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ

“Our Lord, make us not a trial for the wrongdoing people. And deliver us by Thy mercy from the disbelieving people.” (Ch.10: V.86-87)

رَبِّ انْصُرْنِيْ بِمَا كَذَّبُوْنِ

“O my Lord, help me, for they have treated me as a liar.” (Ch.23: V.40)

رَبِّ ابْنِ لِيْ عِنْدَكَ بَيْتًا فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِيْ مِنْ فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهٖ وَنَجِّنِيْ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ

“My Lord! Build for me a house with Thee in the Garden; and deliver me from Pharaoh and his work, and deliver me from the wrongdoing people.” (Ch.66: V.12)

Prophecies of the Promised Messiah a.s.: Plague and Earthquakes

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Prophecies of the Promised Messiah a.s.: Plague and Earthquakes
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“Coming catastrophes and various new epidemics are far greater in number than those which have ever occurred in this country previously. They are frightening and horrifying. A severe and dreadful plague is likely to happen in this year or the coming year, which will spread within and outside of this country and cause havoc. An earthquake is likely to happen that will strike unexpectedly and it will be extremely destructive. I am not aware of its happening; it may occur in a particular part of the country or strike globally. If people of the earth fear God, it is entirely possible that this catastrophe goes away because God is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth; He is capable of passing His commands and taking them back. Though apparently, it seems beyond recall that the people would fear God because hearts have extremely hardened. I do not expect that they will be cautioned through these prophecies which have been foretold. The only expectation is that we will be ridiculed or verbally abused or wrongly accused of spreading panic.” (Chashma-e-Marifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 403)

Citing the above-mentioned extract, opponents of the Jamaat and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiahas sarcastically allege that every catastrophe befalls suddenly and that new epidemics never occurred, therefore it is a false prophecy. Moreover, they express that there is not a single mention of a specific place regarding the occurrence of a catastrophe, therefore these predictions are extremely dubious assumptions.

Opponents, referring to the words of the Promised Messiahas, “An earthquake is likely to happen, that will strike unexpectedly and it will be extremely destructive”, mockingly point out that every catastrophe befalls suddenly. In this manner, they try to create an impression upon the general public that a natural phenomenon which occurs on a regular basis cannot be considered a prophecy or a divine revelation.

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

يَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ إِنَاثًا وَيَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ الذُّكُوْرَ أَوْ يُزَوِّجُهُمْ ذُكْرَانًا وَإِنَاثًا وَيَجْعَلُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ عَقِيْمًا

“He [Allah the Almighty] bestows daughters upon whom He pleases, and He bestows sons upon whom He pleases; or He mixes them, males and females and He makes whom He pleases barren.”(Surah al-Shura, Ch.42: V.50-51)

At another place, it is stated:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللّٰهَ يُزْجِيْ سَحَابًا ثُمَّ يُؤَلِّفُ بَيْنَهُ ثُمَّ يَجْعَلُهُ رُكَامًا فَتَرَى الْوَدْقَ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ خِلَالِهِ

“Hast thou not seen that Allah drives the clouds, then joins them together, then piles them up so that thou seest rain issue forth from the midst thereof?” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.40)

Everyone is already aware about the aforementioned facts highlighted in the above verses of the Holy Quran by Allah the Almighty as these phenomena occur naturally without a shadow of a doubt. So, the opponents must explain these verses because according to their views, there was no need to mention these facts in the Holy Quran.

The opponents claim, quoting the words of the Promised Messiahas, “Coming catastrophes and various new epidemics are far greater in number than those which have ever occurred in this country previously. They are frightening and horrifying”, that the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas was not fulfilled because nobody witnessed the spread of new epidemics.

The First World War took place during the years 1914 to 1918 in which around 16 million people lost their lives. Thereafter the influenza pandemic spread in 1918 and 1919 which, according to the research of 1940, wiped out 40 to 100 million people across the globe, including India, China and Russia. This pandemic claimed 20 million lives in India alone. (The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919, Paul Kupperberg, pp. 64-66)

But unfortunately, opponents are unable to spot these epidemics. Instead of attaining benefit from these signs and bearing witness to the truth of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, opponents target these prophecies with mockery and scorn, following the footsteps of those who were the opponents of earlier prophets. In this manner, they effectively announce the truth of the Promised Messiahas because Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

يَا حَسْرَةً عَلَى الْعِبَادِ ۚ مَا يَأْتِيْهِمْ مِّنْ رَّسُوْلٍ إِلَّا كَانُوْا بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِئُوْنَ

“Alas for My servants! There comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him.” (Surah Ya Sin, Ch.36: V.31)

Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas foretold:

“A severe and dreadful plague is likely to happen”. Hence, in accord with the revelation of Allah the Almighty, various new epidemics rose across the globe and continue to do so even in the present time. A severe and dreadful plague is HIV/AIDS which has been named “The 21st Century Plague” (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/hivaids-the-21st-century-plague-516391.html) and it has claimed countless lives.

It is said that the region of Africa is most affected by HIV/AIDS, followed by India, which is widely affected by it. According to an article published by World Bank on 10 July 2012:

“The Government of India estimates that about 2.40 million Indians are living with HIV … The four high prevalence states of South India (Andhra Pradesh – 500,000, Maharashtra – 420,000, Karnataka – 250,000, Tamil Nadu – 150,000) account for 55% of all HIV infections in the country. West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are estimated to have more than 100,000 PLHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) each and together account for another 22% of HIV infections in India.” (http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2012/07/10/hiv-aids-india)

The world has fallen prey to epidemics that vary in nature. For instance, the epidemics of dengue fever, yellow fever and ebola etc. have wiped out millions from the face of the earth. Thus, it is evident that the world is witnessing dynamic catastrophes and epidemics.

The opponents express regarding the prophecies mentioned in the extract of  Chashma-e-Marifat that neither is there any mention of a particular place of occurrence nor is there any specification of a precise time. Therefore, these ambiguous predictions cannot be considered divine revelations.

There are various examples of prophecies in the Holy Quran and the Hadith in which there is neither any mention of specific places of occurrence nor is there any description of specific time.

Allah the Almighty vouchsafed a revelation to the Holy Prophetsa, stated in the Holy Quran:

لَتَدْخُلُنَّ الْمَسْجِدَ الْحَرَامَ إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰهُ آمِنِيْنَ

“You would certainly enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, in security” (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.28). Is there any mention of a specific year in this prophecy?

Similarly, Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

سَيُهْزَمُ الْجَمْعُ وَيُوَلُّوْنَ الدُّبُرَ

“The hosts shall soon be routed and will turn their backs in flight” (Surah al-Qamar, Ch.54: V.46). Is it indicated in the prophecy in which year, which month or which place it would occur and which army it was referring to?

Hazrat Sarah was given a glad tiding:

فَبَشَّرْنَاهَا بِإِسْحَاقَ وَمِنْ وَرَاءِ إِسْحَاقَ يَعْقُوْبَ

“We [Allah the Almighty] gave her glad tidings of the birth of Isaac, and after Isaac of Jacob” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.72). Is it mentioned in this prophecy as to when Isaacas and Jacobas would be born?

Undoubtedly, the Holy Quran is a miracle of Allah the Almighty and it shall remain so till Judgement Day.

There are various verses of the Holy Quran in which there are no specifications of place, person or time. For instance:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ لِمَ تُحَرِّمُ مَا أَحَلَّ اللّٰهُ لَكَ

“O Prophet! why dost thou forbid thyself that which Allah has made lawful to thee?” (Surah al-Tahrim, Ch. 66: V.2). That thing which was forbidden is not mentioned here.

إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ

“Surely, it is thy enemy who is without issue” (Surah al-Kauthar, Ch. 108: V.4). Which enemy is intended here? The name was not revealed. 

أَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِيْ يُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّيْنِ فَذٰلِكَ الَّذِيْ يَدُعُّ الْيَتِيمَ

“Hast thou seen him who rejects religions? That is the one who drives away the orphan?” (Surah al-Ma‘un, Ch. 107: V.2-3). The name of that person who drove away the orphan is not stated.

وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ وَالشَّفْعِ وَالْوَتْرِ

“By the dawn, and the Ten Nights, and the Even and the Odds” (Surah al-Fajr, Ch. 89: V.2-4). Which dawn, ten nights, even and odds? Nothing is explained.

The Holy Prophetsa was given a glad tiding that he would be united in marriage with Hazrat Aishara, but there is no indication as to when and where this marriage would take place. Below is the Hadith, stated in Bukhari:

“Hazrat Aishara narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘O Aisha! You were shown to me twice in a dream. I saw you in a silken piece of cloth, and I was told, “She is your wife”, so I uncovered it and behold, it was you.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar)

Similarly, Allah the Almighty foretold the Holy Prophetsa about the migration from Mecca and it was indicated that the resettling place would be filled with date palms. However, neither was it mentioned when exactly that migration would take place, nor was the specific place of settlement disclosed. It is stated in Bukhari:

Hazrat Abu Musara narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “I saw in a dream that I was migrating from Mecca to a land where there were date palm trees. I thought that it might be the land of Yamama or Hajar, but behold, it turned out to be Yathrib i.e. Medina.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar)

Likewise, Allah the Almighty revealed to the Holy Prophetsa that the castles of Qaisar and Kisra would be conquered, but it was not made clear as to when exactly that would happen – either in the life of the Holy Prophetsa or after his demise.

We bring forth this question before the opponents of the Jamaat and the Promised Messiahas, that do they have the courage to consider the aforementioned verses of the Holy Quran and Ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa ambiguous and not the word of God or authentic sayings of the Prophetsa? After all, they too do not specify exact place and time regarding the occurrence of prophecies.

The Promised Messiahas states:

“In the case of the chastisement that was promised to the Arabs (in the Holy Quran), God Almighty did not provide details of that chastisement as to what kind of chastisement it would be and what would be its nature. He only said that God has the power to bring it down from heaven, or send it from the earth, or make the infidels taste the swords of the Muslims. In these verses the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, himself admits that he has not been informed as to what kind of chastisement it would be. And when he was asked about the time of its occurrence, he did not specify any date, as the Holy Quran says:

وَيَقُوْلُوْنَ مَتٰی هَذَا الْوَعْدُ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِيْنَ قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْعِلْمُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ وَإِنَّمَا أَنَا نَذِيْرٌ مُّبِيْنٌ

Meaning: ‘The disbelievers ask, “When will this proclamation come to pass; tell us the date if you are indeed true?” Say to them, “I do not know of any date, only God has this knowledge. I am only a warner”’ (Surah al-Mulk, Ch.67: V.26–27). And when the disbelievers repeated their question about the date, they got the answer:

وَإِنْ أَدْرِيْ أَقَرِيْبٌ أَمْ بَعِيْدٌ

Meaning: Tell them, ‘I know not whether the chastisement is near at hand or far off’ (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.110).” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, p. 340 [English Translation])

Explaining the following verse of the Holy Quran:

يَسْأَلُوْنَكَ عَنِ السَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرْسَاهَا فِيْمَ أَنْتَ مِنْ ذِكْرَاهَا

“They ask thee concerning the Hour, ‘When will it come?’ But what hast thou to do with the mentioning thereof?” (Surah al-Nazi‘at, Ch.79: V.43-44).

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Khalifatul Masih IIra states:

“It is not necessary regarding prophecies to specify their exact time of happening and moreover, it has nothing to do with the actual matter. When an occurrence of a catastrophe is inevitable, what difference does it make if it befalls two days before or after? It is beyond any doubt that there are certain hidden reasons for the delay of prophecies and Allah the Almighty has explained this subject at other places [in the Holy Quran] but the opponents always bring forth this question that once a prophecy has been foretold, the exact date of its occurrence should be disclosed as well and it should be notified as to when it will come to pass. But on the contrary, Allah the Almighty states, what has this to do with anybody? Once the prophecy is fulfilled, everyone would bear witness and realise that whatever Allah the Almighty had said was proven truthful…

“It is mentioned in the Holy Quran that the infidels used to question the prophecy which was being foretold as to when it would come to pass. Destpite this, opponents today raise the same allegation, as to when that catastrophe will occur regarding which they have been foretold. Thus, opponents frequently levelled the same allegations against the Promised Messiahas, expressing that he foretold ambiguous prophecies and the exact time of their occurrence was not specified, even though, it is the sort of question which brings no benefit to the opponents. The actual prophecy of a prophet is that he would triumph and the world would fail in front of him. This prophecy is such that it is not necessary to specify any exact time for its occurrence for otherwise, there lies no ambiguity in it…” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p. 141-142)

According to the prophecies, countless earthquakes occurred within the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas. The details of these earthquakes have been mentioned in the previous part of Responding to Allegations, under the heading Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas.

(Research conducted by a panel of scholars at the Research Cell, Rabwah. Translated by Al Hakam)

100 Years Ago… – Missionary activity in UK and Ceylon – April 1919

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100 Years Ago… – Missionary activity in UK and Ceylon – April 1919

Al Fazl, 13 May 1919

Ever since I returned to London on 5 April, I have been suffering from influenza and a cough. In fact, the symptoms began to appear when I was in Bournemouth. I request members of the Jamaat to pray for me.

In the month of April, I received 172 letters etc. while the number of letters dispatched amounted to 265. One can assess the volume of work from the fact that I sealed those packets myself which were present in the mail. Moreover, nearly all the mail was personally transported to the post office and dispatched in person. The mail of brother Qazi Abdullah Sahib is apart from this. The aforementioned mail is particularly mine.

May Allah the Almighty through His blessings provide means whereby a scribe can be arranged for correspondence who can work according to my instructions.

At present, owing to the war, there is a law here that every person’s name, address etc. must be recorded in the governmental office and every individual must carry a verified slip of that record at all times. In case someone moves to another place, the government must be informed about the change of address.

Arab Sahib was unable to inform the change of address due to a misunderstanding. Therefore, he came under the custody of the current authorities. However, by the blessings of Allah the Almighty he was released in the end. Throughout those difficult times, several friends came to his aid in every way possible. The assistance of Mr A Khan Sahib, a cook, is worthy of praise and thanks. May Allah the Almighty grant him the best of rewards.

The good news of a young lady named Miss Parker who embraced Islam, along with the request of her Bai‘at has been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. She has been given the Islamic name Nur.

Presently, mail from India usually arrives weekly on Saturdays. However, sometimes it arrives rather late.

Muhammad Sadiq. 10 April 1919

Al Fazl, 17 May 1919

(The following article, filled with exhilarating and delightful news, is a gift from our revered Master Abdul Rahim Nayar Sahib. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, whilst being responsible for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s correspondence department, he is also blessed with the opportunity of conveying various activities of Ahmadiyya Jamaats taking place within and outside of India. The article below serves as a source of nourishment for the soul.)

United Kingdom: Hazrat Qazi Sahib and Mufti Sahib are actively engaged in their works. Seekers of truth come regularly in large numbers and research about Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

Members of the Jamaat should be informed that there are two kinds of people who are being brought forth under the tabligh of the missionaries from the United Kingdom. Firstly, there are those individuals who after only hearing the ten conditions of Bai‘at and get acquainted to Ahmadiyyat and sign the Bai‘at form. They are called Ahmadis. Secondly, those individuals who after reading the conditions of Bai‘at accept them, and attest by signing the Bai‘at form and bearing witness to the truth. We name them musadiqin (those who attest to the truth).

The wording of Musaddiqin’s form is as follows:

I bear witness that:

1. لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ

[There is none worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.]

2. Ahmadas of Qadian is the prophet of the present time

3. The Holy Quran is the final Shariah [divine law]

4. Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Confucius, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all) were prophets of God

5. The tomb of Jesusas, where he is buried, is located in Kashmir, India

6. The door to divine revelation has never been closed

7. Allah the Almighty still speaks to His servants

8. The present imam and head of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is Hazrat Mahmud, Khalifa II

A lady’s request for Bai’at has been received in the recent mail from the UK. The subject of that letter is as follows:

“To His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad of Qadian,

“Your Holiness! Agreeing with the beliefs of Ahmadiyyat, I hereby announce that I embrace Islam. I request His Holiness to kindly admit me into his Jamaat and pray for me. I am His Holiness’ highly obedient servant. Nelly Parker Nur”

Ceylon [now Sri Lanka]: The members of Ceylon Jamaat are working hard with steadfastness. Every one of them resembles a missionary. Maulvi AP Ibrahim Malabari … is the imam of Ceylon Jamaat who has previously lived in Qadian. Currently, he works as a merchant in Colombo.

The members of Ceylon Jamaat convey the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat in both written and spoken form. They have had religious debates with the people of that area which are now held on a regular basis. Lectures are delivered in Colombo Jamaat’s weekly gatherings which are followed by questions and answers. Apart from lectures, the weekly Anglo-Tamil newspaper of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Colombo is proving extremely beneficial and responds to the allegations of opponents in the most convincing manner.

The Ahmadiyya youth of Colombo have laid the foundation of a new organisation which publishes tracts. Colombo Jamaat has published exceptionally useful tracts in Tamil and English. Members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat are requested to assist the Colombo Ahmadis and to aid them in publishing these tracts. All post regarding the tracts should be sent to: Mr WM Thaka, Post Box 216, Colombo.

The recent converts [in Ceylon] are WA Nuruddin, Abdur Rahman Yusuf Lebay, EA Ibrahim Adham, EN Nagupchay, Muhammad Saleh, Fatima Amina and K Fatima.

First Charity Challenge in Bulgaria

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First Charity Challenge in Bulgaria

Asad Hameed

Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA Bulgaria

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria had the opportunity to hold its first Charity Challenge on 13 April 2019 in the city of Plovdiv (the second largest city aft er the capital Sofia and the European Capital of Culture 2019) organised by Humanity First and the municipality of Plovdiv.

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Along with donations, additional activities were planned which included 2 sprinting events of 800 metres and 200 metres. Stalls and games for children were also organised, which the children enjoyed. The funds raised, along with the donation of a tram lift and wheelchairs, were all given to a centre for children with special needs.

Over 200 people attended which included people from various cities across Bulgaria as well as locals, which showed a nationwide coverage. Other local NGOs, schools and universities came to support and stand together for this noble cause.

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Ahmadi Medical Students from the cities of Plovdiv, Sofia and Pleven helped in the organisation and success of this event, including many Khuddam under the leadership of Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria Hasseeb Ahmad Yaqub Lone Sahib and Missionary Jawaduddin Uffan Sahib.

Many Lajna across Bulgaria participated and volunteered to help. The Lajna Students had their first meeting with Sadr Lajna Imaillah, Rifat Jahan Ara Sahiba, and the Lajna also had a meeting with Amir Sahib Germany.

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The National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Germany Mr Abdullah Wagishauser, Marketing Director of Humanity First Germany Mr Stefan Haerter and Director of Projects for South East Europe Mr Zubair Khan attended the event after travelling 1,878km from Germany. Amir Sahib had a meeting with the members of municipality of Plovdiv, the director of social politics and the director of religious affairs, who were introduced to the Jamaat and were invited for the Germany Jalsa Salana.

During the award ceremony, 2 Khuddam – Munib Ahmad and Farhan Chowdry – managed to secure third position in the 200-metre and 800-metre race respectively.

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After the successful completion of the event, a small meeting was held with the Khuddam of Bulgaria and Amir Sahib Germany, in which a small video summary was played on the first national Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria held on 6 April 2019 in Plovdiv.

After the introduction of all members present, a small discussion was held. Amir Sahib asked everyone about their role in the Jamaat and the reasons for choosing to study medicine. Amir Sahib spoke to the students about how they can make a difference and integrate themselves into society, thus building strong relationships with locals and paving a good way of tabligh.

Acne Vulgaris

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Acne Vulgaris

Dr Noureen Ahmad

General Practitioner, Belgium

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition which is a result of chronic inflammation of the skin. 80% of people with acne are aged between 11-30. Acne can disappear with age, however in some individuals the fl are up of acne can fl uctuate.

The skin exists of pores (hair follicles) and sebaceous glands which produce an oily-substance (sebum) to lubricate the skin and the hair. In puberty, when the body matures and develops, more hormones are produced. These androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum which can block the pores and cause the accumulation of dead skin cells in these pores, thus stimulating bacteria growth (P acnes). This results in swelling and redness, which leads to the onset of acne.

Other causes of acne can include the use of corticosteroids, hormonal imbalance in women at menstruation, pregnancy or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The latter is a medical condition in which women can experience symptoms of irregular menstruation cycles, excess androgens (leading to excess facial and body hair), weight gain and cysts in the ovaries. These women can develop infertility problems and are further referred to gynaecologists for further investigation and therapy.

Acne neonatorum, or baby acne, is acne in new-born babies or infants and is often seen on the nose and cheeks. The main cause is unknown, but it is believed that it could be the effect from the maternal hormones during pregnancy. However, this form of baby acne is innocent and resolves itself and does not require treatment.

Diagnosis of acne is usually made by the doctor based on the skin condition. There are usually spots on the face, back and sometimes on the chest. These spots can be blackheads (small black bumps), whiteheads (white bumps), papules (red bumps) and pustules (red bumps with pus). Some acne lesions can result in nodules (red hard lumps) and cysts (pus filled lumps) which are painful and have a high chance of giving permanent scars.

There are three forms of acne; mild acne is when there are only black- and whiteheads and some papules while moderate acne is with pustules. Severe acne is with nodules and cysts and is usually on many parts of the body.

Despite the physical scars, acne does cause emotional scars and affects more than just the appearance. It can lead to low self-esteem, poor self-image, depression and anxiety, which can all seriously affect one’s social life. Thus, it is important to treat acne to reduce the physical and mental scars.

Treatment of acne depends of the severity of the condition. It can usually takes several months before acne can start improving. There are practical tips to avoid further irritation of the skin such as washing the face two times a day with an anti-comedogenic, anti-allergic and anti-fragrance cleanser or soap. It is also advisable to avoid too much makeup or buy products which contain water-based emollients as they can block pores.

Regular exercise and smoking cessation have also a positive effect on acne. Noteworthy to mention is that acne does not improve by picking of squeezing at the skin lesions. It can make the acne worse and lead to scarring. At this moment, studies have not shown that certain foods are associated with acne.

Treatment for mild acne exists of local treatment with creams or gels containing benzoyl peroxide, which is usually available over the counter in pharmacies and has to be used for four to eight weeks. If there is no improvement after this period, then local antibiotics or local retinoids can be added by the doctor.

Moderate acne requires stronger treatment and the doctor may start prescribing with oral antibiotics (lymecycline or tetracycline) tablets for eight weeks.

For women with moderate acne, an oral combined contraceptive pill can be prescribed with anti-androgen hormones. For severe acne, oral retinoids can be used, however these medications have many side effects and additional advice by a dermatologist is necessary.

Acne treatment requires patience and can take weeks to months before it starts to work properly. Usually this treatment must be continued for months, even years and will be reassessed by the doctor regularly.

(Please always consult a doctor or specialist to diagnose health conditions and follow the advised plan of a qualifi ed doctor)

Men of Excellence; “Enlarge your abode”

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Men of Excellence; “Enlarge your abode”

Friday Sermon

12 April 2019

Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Men of Excellence

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After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

The first of the Badri Companions that I will mention today is Hazrat Hussainra bin Haris. His mother’s name was Sukhaila bint Khuzai. Hazrat Hussainra bin Haris belonged to Banu Muttalib bin Abdi Manaaf tribe. He migrated to Medina along with his two brothers, Hazrat Tufailra and Hazrat Ubaidahra. Hazrat Mistahra bin Asasah and Hazrat Abbaadra bin Muttalib also accompanied them. While in Medina, he stayed at the house of Hazrat Abdullah bin Salama Ajlaani. According to a narration by Muhammad bin Ishaq, the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Hussainra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair. Hazrat Hussainra participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the battles of Badr and Uhud. The two brothers of Hazrat Hussainra – Hazrat Ubaidahra and Hazrat Tufailra – also participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Hussainra passed away in 32 AH. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 30, Hussain bin Haris, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) (Al-Isti’ab fi Ma’rifatis Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 141, Ubaida bin Haris, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2002) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 573, Hussain bin Haris, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

The name of Hazrat Hussain’s son was Abdullah, while his daughters were Khadija and Hind, all of whom accepted Islam. At the occasion of the Battle of Khayber, the Holy Prophetsa gave grains weighing 100 wasaq to both of them. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 30, Hussain bin Haris & Vol. 8, p. 364, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996),

1 wasaq equals 60 saa, and 1 saa is equal to 2.5 kg. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa gave them grains weighing almost 375 maund [equivalent to about approximately 13,500 kg] due to the Holy Prophet’s regard for their father. (Lughatul Hadith, Vol. 4, p. 487, “Wasaq” & Vol. 2, p. 648, “Saa, Nashir Numani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005)

The next companion is Hazrat Safwanra. His father’s name was Wahab bin Rabi‘ah. The title of Hazrat Safwanra was Abu Amr. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Haris bin Fehr. His father’s name was Wahab bin Rabi‘ah. In one of the narrations, his father’s name has also been recorded as “Uhaib”. His mother’s name was Da’ad bint Hajdam, who was more commonly known as “Baidaa”. For this reason, Hazrat Safwanra was also referred to as Ibn Baidaa [the son of Baidaa]. He was the brother of Hazrat Sahlra and Hazrat Suhailra. These two brothers are different from Sahl and Suhail, from whom the Holy Prophetsa bought a plot of land for Masjid-e-Nabawi. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Safwanra and Hazrat Rafey bin Muallara. According to another narration, the bond was established with Hazrat Rafey bin Ajlaanra. There are varying opinions regarding his demise. According to some, he was martyred by Tuaimah bin Adi during the Battle of Badr. According to another narration he was not martyred during the Battle of Badr, rather he participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the Battle of Badr.

With regards to Hazrat Safwanra, it is also reported in one narration that he returned to Mecca after the Battle of Badr and after some time returned to Medina. We also find a narration which states that he stayed in Mecca until the Victory of Mecca. Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa included him in the expedition of Abdullah bin Jahsh and sent him towards Abwaa. According to various narrations, he is reported to have passed away in 18 AH, 30 AH or 38 AH. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 33, Safwan bin Wahab, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 358-359, Safwan bin Wahab, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 318, Safwan bin Baidha, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

In any case, it is evident from all the aforementioned narrations that he was a BadriCompanion.

The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Mubashirra bin Abd-il-Munzir. His father’s name was Abd-ul-Munzirra and his mother’s name was Nasiba bint Zaid. He belonged to Banu Amr bin Auf clan of the Aus tribe. The Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra and Hazrat Aqil bin Abu Bukairra. According to some narrations the Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Aqil bin Abu Bukairra and Hazrat Mujazzarra bin Ziad. Nevertheless, Hazrat Mubashirra participated in the Battle of Badr and was martyred during the battle. Hazrat Sa‘ibra bin Abu Lubaba – who was the son of Hazrat Mubashir’sra brother, Hazrat Abu Lubabara – narrates that the Holy Prophetsa allotted a share of the spoils of war to Hazrat Mubashirra bin Abd-il-Munzir and Ma‘an bin Adi brought his share to us. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 248-347, Mubashir bin ‘Abd-il-Munzir, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1990)

His brother and his nephews also received a share from the spoils of war. 

At the time of the migration to Medina, from among the Muhajireen [those Muslims who had migrated to Medina from Mecca], Hazrat Abu Salamara bin Abd-il-Asad, Hazrat Amir bin Rabiahra, Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahashra and his brother Hazrat Abu Ahmadra bin Jahash, stayed with Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra at Quba. Following this, the Muhajireen started arriving there in large numbers. (Al-Sira Al-Nabwaiyyah Li ibn Hisham, p. 335, Zikr Muhajireen ilaa Al-Medina, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra participated in the Battle of Badr along with his two brothers, Hazrat Abu Lubaba bin Abdil Munzirra and Hazrat Rifa‘ah bin Abd-il-Munzirra. Hazrat Rifa‘ahra participated in the pledge at Aqba along with seventy companions and he also participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud. He was martyred on the day of Uhud.

When the Holy Prophetsa set off for the Battle of Badr, he appointed Hazrat Abu Lubabara as the administrator of Medina and sent him back from Rauha. As has previously been mentioned, Rauha is the name of a place located at a distance of 40 miles from Medina. However, the Holy Prophetsa allotted a share for him from the spoils of war. Allama Ibn Ishaq states that Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra belonged to Banu Amr bin Auf tribe. He was among the Ansari companions [Muslims native to Medina] who were martyred during the Battle of Badr. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Pt. 5, Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzir, p. 53, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2008) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Pt. 3, p. 241, Mubashir bin ‘Abd-il-Munzir, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) (Lughatul Hadith, Vol. 2, p. 149)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Haram relates, “I saw a dream before the battle of Uhud that Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra is saying to me that I will join them in a few days. I asked him, ‘Where are you?’ Upon this, he replied, ‘We are in heaven. We eat and drink wherever we desire.’ I asked him, ‘Were you not martyred during the Battle of Badr?’ He replied, ‘Indeed, I was certainly martyred, however, I was revived once again.’” 

This companion related this dream to the Holy Prophetsa, upon which the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Abu Jabir! This is the reality of martyrdom.” (Al-Mustadrak Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 5, pp. 1840-1841, Kitab Marifat Al-Sahaba, Zikr Manaqib Abdillah bin Amr, Maktaba Nizar Mustapha, Mecca, 2000)

A martyr returns to Allah and is granted the freedom to do as he desires. 

Whilst mentioning the companions that were martyred during the Battle of Badr, Allama Zarqani writes that two companions belonged to the tribe of Aus out of which one was Hazrat Saad bin Khaithamara. Some are of the opinion that Tuaima bin Adi martyred him, whereas others claim that Amr bin Abdi Wudd martyred him. Samhudi has written in his book Wafa that according to the historians it is said that apart from Hazrat Ubaidara, all of the companions that were martyred during the Battle of Badr were also buried there. Hazrat Ubaida passed away a little later and as such, he was buried in Safra or Rauha.

In light of the authentic narrators, Tibrani has related an incident on the authority of Ibn Masud in which he states, “God will most certainly place the souls of the companions of the Holy Prophetsa that were martyred on the day of Badr among the green birds of heaven and they will eat and drink therein wherever they please. They will be in this very state when their Lord will appear before them and say to them, ‘O My servants! What do you desire?’ Upon this, they will say, ‘O our Lord! Is there anything greater than the fact that we have already entered heaven?’ God Almighty will then ask, ‘What is it that you desire?’ On the fourth occasion of asking, the companions would say, ‘Return our souls to our bodies, so we can be martyred again in the same manner as we were martyred before.’” (Sharh Al-Allama Al-Zurqani, Pt. 3, p. 327, Baab Ghazwah-e-Badr Al-Kubra, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996)

The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Warqa bin Ayasra. There is a difference of opinion about his name. Other than “Warqa”, his name has also been recorded as “Wadfa” and “Wadqa”. His father’s name was Ayas bin Amr. He was from the Banu Lozaan bin Ghanam clan of the Khazraj tribe. According to a narration by Allama bin Ishaaq, Hazrat Warqa had the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Badr along with two of his brothers, Hazrat Rabeera and Hazrat Amrra. Apart from the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Warqara participated in the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of Khandaq and all other battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa. He was martyred in 11 AH in the Battle of Yamama during the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. (Al-Sira Al-Nabwaiyyah Li ibn Hisham, p. 469, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, pp. 412-413, Warqa bin Ayas, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 471, Warqa bin Ayas, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005)

The next companion that will be mentioned is Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra. His father’s name was Nadhlah bin Abdullah, but according to another narration, his father’s name was Wahab. His title was Abu Nadhlah. He had a fair complexion and a beautiful countenance. He was also known by the titles of Fuhaira and Akhram. He was a confederate of the Banu Abd Shams whereas Abdul Al-Ash‘al tribe have claimed to be his confederates as well. Hazrat Muhrizra was known as Muhriz or Akhram and he was from a Meccan tribe called Banu Ghanam bin Dudan which later accepted Islam.  

After accepting Islam, the women and men of this tribe were able to migrate to Medina, and Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra was amongst these migrants. Waaqdi states: “I heard from Ibrahim bin Ismail that on the Day of Sarh (this is the name of the Battle of Zee Qard also known as the Battle of Al-Ghabah which took place in 6 AH) other than Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah, no one from the house of Banu Abd Al-Ash‘al participated in it. He was riding Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamah’s horse and the name of this horse was Dhul-Lama’.”

The Holy Prophetsa had established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah and Hazrat Umarahra bin Hazam. According to Waqadi, he participated in the Battle of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. Salih bin Qisaan narrates that Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah said, “I saw in a dream that the heavens were made to open up for me and I entered and reached the seventh heaven. Then I arrived at the Sidratul Muntaha [farthest Lot-tree]. It was then revealed to me that this was my destination.” Hazrat Muhrizra further states, “I mentioned this dream to Hazrat Abu Bakrra who was an expert in the interpretation of dreams. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘Rejoice at the glad tidings of martyrdom.’” Subsequently, after this dream, he attained martyrdom.

Hazrat Muhrizra set off on the Day of Sarh alongside the Holy Prophetsa for the Battle of Al-Ghabah, also known as Ghazwah Zi Qard which took place in 6 AH. Amr bin Usman Jahshi narrates an incident from his forefathers:

“Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra was thirty-one or thirty-two years old when he participated in the Battle of Badr, and at the time of his martyrdom, he was approximately 37 or 38 years of age.” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Pt. 3, Vol. 3, p. 52, Muhriz bin Nadhlah, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996) (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 5, p. 68, Muhriz bin Nadhlah, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2008)

The incident of his martyrdom is narrated as follows:

Hazrat Ayasra bin Salama relates regarding the Battle of Zi Qard, “My father informed me that after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, we departed for Medina and stopped at one place. There was a mount situated between us and the Banu Lihyaan – an idolatrous tribe. The Holy Prophetsa prayed for the person who would spend the night treading the mountain” i.e. the one who would keep an eye out and stand guard for the Holy Prophetsa and the other companions overnight, thus he would climb the mountain to ensure that no enemy launched an attack. Hazrat Salama bin Akwa says, “In the evening, I climbed up the mount two or three times. Later on we arrived at Medina.” He further says, “The Holy Prophetsa sent his camels with Rabaah, who was a servant of the Holy Prophetsa. I mounted Hazrat Talha’s horse and went with him to allow the camels to drink water. In the morning, Abdur-Rahman Fazaari attacked the camels of the Holy Prophetsa. There was an enemy tribe with them and they stole the camels belonging to the Holy Prophetsa and killed the shepherd.” The narrator further says: “I told Rabaah, ‘O Rabaah! Take this horse to Talhah bin Ubaidullah and inform the Holy Prophetsa that the idolaters had stolen his animals.’ I then stood on a sand-dune facing Medina and repeated three times, Ya Sabaahahu, Ya Sabaahahu!”

The Arabs used to proclaim these words if they saw an enemy return to attack again. They would raise this as a slogan, connoting a cry for nearby forces to assemble immediately and come to the army’s aid to take on the enemy and cause them to flee. Some have said that it was a rule among the warriors that at nightfall they would put down their arms and retire to their encampments – this is another narration about the term Sabaahahu – and the next day it was this call that would be made to let the armies know that it was morning and they should prepare for battle once again. This explanation is found in Lughaat-ul-Hadeeth.

Nonetheless, the narrator further states, “I followed in search of them, casting arrows at them and repeating the couplet:

اَنَا ابْنُ الْاَکْوَع وَالْیَوْمُ یَوْمُ الرُّضَّعِ

(Meaning, “I am the son of Al-Akwa; today is the day where all the wretched shall perish!”)

“And so, each person I encountered from among the thieves, I would cast an arrow into the camel carriage until the tip of the arrow reached the rider’s shoulder. I would then say, ‘Take that! I am the son of Al-Akwa; today is the day where all the wretched shall perish.’”

He goes on, “I swear by God, I kept hitting them with arrows and injuring them, and if any of the cavaliers rode towards me, I would head towards a tree and sit under it, i.e. I would hide behind the tree and keep shooting arrows at the person until he was injured. This continued until they reached a narrow passage in a mount and entered it. I climbed on top of the mount and began throwing rocks at them.”

The people fleeing were the ones who looted the animals belonging to the Holy Prophetsa all the while Hazrat Salamara was alone. Initially, he pursued them with arrows, after which he says, “When I reached the valley, I began throwing rocks, and I continued to pursue them like this until there was no camel belonging to the Holy Prophetsa which had not been saved…” meaning that because of the narrow valley, they had to leave the animals behind. “…The thieves ran ahead, leaving the camels between them and myself. I then continued to pursue them with arrows until they dropped more than 30 blankets and over 30 spears to lighten their load. Meaning that the people who were fleeing had already abandoned their camels, but were now also leaving behind their belongings so that they could run with more ease.”

He further says:

“Whatever items they left behind, I kept placing a rock upon it as a sign so that the Holy Prophetsa and his companions would recognise it. They kept running until they reached a narrow valley in which they encountered one of the sons of Badar Fazaari. They sat down and began eating, and I sat on a nearby mount. Fazaari asked them, ‘Who was that man?’ They explained, ‘By God! This man has troubled us a great deal. He has been continuously pursuing us since morning, to the extent that he has taken everything from us.’” Badar Fazaari’s son then advised that four of the thieves should go towards him. Hazrat Salmahra recounts, “Four men from among them climbed the mount in my direction. When they reached close enough to me that I could speak to them, I asked them, ‘Do you know who I am?’ They answered, ‘No. who are you?’ I replied, ‘I am Salama, the son of Akwa. I swear by Him Who has honoured the Holy Prophetsa that I can overpower anyone from among you who I wish to. However, if any one of you wishes to overpower me, he cannot do so.’ One of the four men who had approached him became particularly frightened and said, ‘I think he is right.’ The four returned to their place and I remained sitting where I was until I saw the horses of the Holy Prophetsa approaching from between the trees. The first person I saw was Akhram Asadi, and behind him was Abu Qatadah Ansari, and behind him was Miqdaad bin Aswad Kindi. I grabbed hold of the saddle of Akhram, i.e. Hazrat Muhriz’s horse, and the enemies turned their backs and dispersed in different directions.”

There is some confusion here. It may seem as if the companions ran whereas it was actually the thieves who had sat down to eat food, and when they saw that the Muslims had drawn even closer to them, they turned their backs and ran away. Hazrat Salamara further narrates, “I said, ‘O Akhram [meaning Hazrat Muhriz], save yourself from them so they do not kill you, especially until the Holy Prophetsa and his companions arrive for support.’

“He replied, ‘O Salama! If you believe in Allah and the Day of Judgement, and you know paradise is true and that the hellfire is a reality, then do not stand between me and martyrdom.’ I left him, until Akhram and Abdur-Rahman engaged in battle against each other. He injured Abdur-Rahman along with his horse, and Abdur-Rahman threw a spear at Akhram, i.e. Hazrat Muhriz, and martyred him. He then mounted his horse and turned to go back and join his own people. From among those who were coming with the Holy Prophetsa, Abu Qatadah pursued Abdur-Rahman. Abu Qatadah caught him and killed him with his spear, for the reason that he had martyred Hazrat Muhrizra.”

Hazrat Salamara further narrates, “I swear by Him Who has granted honour to the Holy Prophetsa that I continued to follow them on foot, but I kept going until I could not see any of the Holy Prophet’ssa companions, not even the dust from their movement. (He had travelled some distance ahead). This continued until they reached a narrow passage where there was water, which they called Zee Qard. The perpetrators of the theft, wanted to stop for water, as they were thirsty. However, they saw me pursuing them, and this caused them to flee from there as well, and they were unable to drink even a drop from it. They rushed towards another narrow passage and I also pursued them closely. Whoever from among them I was able to fine alone from his accomplices, I would shoot an arrow into his shoulder-bone, saying, ‘Take that! I am the son of Al-Akwa; today is the day where all the wretched ones shall perish!’”

He further narrates, “One of the idolaters beingchased exclaimed, ‘Woe be to Akwa! Is this the same Akwa that attacked us in the morning?’ (His constant attacks which were injuring them caused one of them to enquire whether this was the same Akwa who had been chasing them since the morning?) Akwa proclaimed, ‘O enemies of your own selves! It is the very same Akwa from the morning!’ They consequently left two of their horses behind in the narrow passage. I brought the two horses back to the Holy Prophetsa. I encountered Aamir, who gave me a bowl filled with milk mixed with water and another filled with only water. I performed the ablution and also quenched my thirst. I then arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophetsa who was standing at the source of water wherefrom I had chased the thieves away that morning. (The Holy Prophetsa had already reached that location by then.)   

“I saw that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa took the camels and everything else which I had retrieved from the idolaters, and Hazrat Bilal slaughtered a camel from among the camels that I had taken back from the thieves. He was cooking liver and the hump-meat of the camel for the Holy Prophetsa.

“I said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Grant me permission to select 100 men from the army of people who have come with you so that I can pursue the thieves and kill them all. Not a single person from among them shall remain to tell their tribe what transpired.’ (He said this about those who had come and stolen the property of the Muslims and were going to run away with it). The Holy Prophetsa laughed so much that his blessed teeth became visible in the light of the fire. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Salama! Do you really think you can do this; that you can really kill them even before they arrive back home?’

“I replied, ‘I swear by the One Who has granted you honour!’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘By now they would have reached the outskirts of Ghatfan.’”

In another narration, it is said that when Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa sought permission from the Holy Prophetsa to go in pursuit of the idolaters, the Holy Prophetsa replied,

يَا ابْنَ الْأَكْوَعِ مَلَكْتَ فَأَسْجِحْ

“O ibn Akwa! You have overcome them, now let them be.” i.e. there was no point in going after them and killing them, and instead he should forgive them.

Thus, Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa continuously battled with them on his own. Later, when Hazat Muhrizra came, the thieves launched an attack, either secretly or through other means, and martyred him. Initially, Hazrat Salmara bin Akwa took hold of Hazrat Muhriz’s horse and caused the enemy to disperse, however they again launched an attack and martyred Hazrat Muhrizra. Therefore, from this incident we learn of the account of Hazrat Muhriz’sra martyrdom and secondly the bravery of Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa and his knowledge of warfare and combat as a result of which he was able to retrieve all of the possessions from the thieves. However, most importantly, from this we can observe the excellent example of the Holy Prophetsa in that when Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa sought permission to go in pursuit of the thieves even after he had recovered all the stolen items and possessions, the Holy Prophetsa however did not grant him permission because they had recovered all their possessions and thus there was no need. The reason for this was because the Holy Prophetsa did not wish to engage in any battle or bloodshed. Thus, since all the stolen items had been recovered and the culprits ran away with some of their men having sustained injuries as well, the Holy Prophetsa therefore did not further pursue the matter and avoided any further conflict or fighting.

Nonetheless, he further relates:

“During the course of this conversation in which the Holy Prophetsa was saying to not pursue them and to let them go, an individual from among the Bani Ghatfan tribe came and said that so and so individual had slaughtered a camel for them, however while he was preparing it and taking of its skin, they noticed a cloud of dust and thus they fled from there as well thinking that Muslims had arrived in pursuit of them. The next morning, the Holy Prophetsa stated: ‘Amongst us today, our most skilled rider is Abu Qatadara and the most excellent foot solider is Salamara.’” (This was because Salama had caused the enemy great difficultly whilst pursuing them on foot.)

He further relates:

“The Holy Prophetsa granted me with a double share from the spoils of the war; one for a rider and the other for a foot soldier. Also, upon returning to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa placed me behind him on his camel called Adhbaa. Whilst travelling back to Medina, one of the Ansar whom no one could outrun in a race, offered a challenge to compete with him in a race back to Medina.”

Despite undergoing great hardship from the enemy and engaging in battles, the companionsra also took part in light-hearted moments by offering one another to simple challenges. This allowed them to pass time and also alleviate the constant mental strain they had to endure from the enemy. In any case, he offered a challenge to compete with him in a race. He further relates:

“He repeated this challenge several times and when I heard this, I said in a light-hearted manner: ‘Do you not have any respect for your elders? Do you not have any fear of them?’ To which he replied: ‘No, except for the Holy Prophetsa.’ I said to the Holy Prophetsa: ‘O Prophetsa of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for your sake, allow me to compete with him.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Go ahead if you wish to.’ I therefore accepted his challenge and took my feet out of the saddle and jumped off and started to run. I ran after him for some distance, but then in order to conserve my energy, I slowed down whilst chasing after him. I again began to sprint and caught up with this individual who was the fastest runner in Medina. Upon catching up with him, I punched him between his shoulders and said, ‘By God, you have been left behind.’”

Another narrator says, “I believe he said that he remained ahead of him till Medina and then they stayed three nights there and then set off to Khaybar in the company of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 9, pp. 228-238, Kitab-ul-Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Baab Ghazwah Dhi Qard Wa Gharuha, Hadith no. 3358, Noor Foundation, 2008) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Baab Ghazwah Zaat-ul-Qard, Hadith no. 4194)

Tabari has recorded some details in relation to this expedition. Hazrat Asim bin Umar bin Qatadara relates:

“The very first horse which reached the enemy belonged to Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah who was from the Banu Asad bin Khuzaima tribe. Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah was also known by the names of Akhram and Qumair. When a call was made to gather people together in fear of the enemy’s attack, Hazrat Mahmood bin Maslmah’s horse, which was tied in his garden at the time, jumped up and began to run upon hearing the neighing sounds of the other horses. This was an excellent and well-trained horse. When the women of the Banu Abdil Ash’al tribe saw this tied up horse jump and leap in this manner, they said to Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra: ‘O Qumair! Do you possesses the strength to ride on this horse despite seeing the condition that it is in and reach the Holy Prophetsa and his companions?’ Hazrat Muhrizra replied in the affirmative and said he was ready. The women then handed the horse over to him and he rode off on it. Hazrat Muhrizra loosened the reigns of the horse to the point that he caught up with the companions who were traveling in the company of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Muhrizra went ahead of them and then whilst standing before them, he said, ‘O party of men! Wait here so that the other Muhajireen and Ansar who are still behind can join you.’”

The narrator states that one of the enemies then launched an attack and martyred Hazrat Muhrizra. The horse he was riding on then began to run uncontrollably and no one was able to overpower it, to the point that it returned to the houses of Abdil Ash‘al and stood calmly by the rope it was originally tied to. Apart from Hazrat Muhrizra, no one else was martyred on that day from among the Muslims. (According to Tabqaat ibn Saad, the horse belonged to Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamahra). The name of Hazrat Mahmood’s horse was Dhul Lamah. However, according to another narration, Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra was martyred while riding on the horse of Hazrat Okasha bin Mihsan. The horse was known as Jannah and other animals were also freed from the thieves. The Holy Prophetsa travelled to the mountain of Ghazwah Dhi Qurd and stopped there for one day and one night. It was here that other companions were able to join him. Salama bin Akwa submitted to the Holy Prophetsa, “O Messengersa of Allah! If you send a hundred men with me, we will be able to free the remaining animals from them as well and will finish the enemy.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Where will you go because by now they are probably drinking the wine of Ghatfan.” Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa divided them into groups of a hundred each and distributed camels amongst them to eat. The Holy Prophetsa then returned to Medina. (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Ghazwah Dhi Qard, pp. 115-116, Maktaba Dar-ul-Fikr, 3rd Edition, 2002) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 70, Muhriz bin Nadhlah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1990)

The Holy Prophetsa did not go in pursuit of the enemy and left them and Hazrat Muhrizra was the only person who was martyred. According to another narration, Hazrat Muhrizra was the first martyr among the horse riders. This is also mentioned in the narration that was quoted initially.

The next companion is Hazrat Suwaibitra bin Saad, who was also known as Suwaibit bin Harmala. His name is also reported to be Suwait bin Harmala and Saleet bin Harmala. Hazrat Suwaibit belonged to the tribe of Banu Abd Daar. His mother’s name was Hunaida and he was from amongst the early Muslims. Many of the historians have counted him amongst those companions who migrated towards Abyssinia. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 5, p. 354, Suwaibit bin Sa’d, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, 2003) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 368, Nuaiman bin Amr, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2005) (Tarikh Dimashq Al-Kabir Li Ibn Assakir, Vol. 12, Pt. 24, p. 117, Dar-ul-Haya Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon)

Hazrat Suwaibit migrated to Medina and stayed at the house of Hazrat Abdullah bin Salma Ajlaanira. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Suwaibitra and Hazrat Aaiz bin Maaisra. Hazrat Suwaibitra took part in the battles of Badr and Uhud. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 65, Suwaibit bin Sa’d, Dar-ul-Haya Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996)

Hazrat Umme Salmara relates:

“One year prior to the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra travelled to Busra, which is a city situated in Syria, for the purpose of trade. Nuaiman and Suwaibit bin Harmala also accompanied him during this journey and both took part in the Battle of Badr. Nuaiman was appointed to oversee the provisions of the travel for the entire caravan. Suwaibit, who had a little humour in his disposition, asked Nuaiman to give him food. (He was appointed to look after the provisons for the entire caravan.) Nuaiman replied that he would not give out food until Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned. Suwaibit responded that if he did not give him any food, then he would cause him grief. (This has briefly been mentioned before as well.) Whilst on their journey, they passed by a tribe and Hazrat Suwaibit asked them they if they would like to purchase his slave and the people of the tribe agreed. Hazrat Suwaibit then said, ‘O people of the tribe! Remember however that he is a slave that speaks and he will continue to say that he is a free man. When he repeatedly says this, do not leave him and thus ruin this transaction.’ They replied that this would not be the case and that they wished to purchase the slave. Thus, they bought him for 10 camels. They then came to Hazrat Nuaiman and placed a cloth or rope around his neck. Nuaiman said: ‘He is joking with you, I am a free man and not a slave.’ They replied: ‘He already warned us that you would say this,’ hence they took him away. When Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned and people narrated the incident about Nuaiman to him, he went after that tribe. Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned their camels to them and brought back Nuaiman. He said to them that he is a free man and not a slave, and that it was only done so in a light hearted manner.”

The companions would often have humorous exchanges with one another in this manner. Nonetheless, when the group returned and informed the Holy Prophetsa of the incident, the narrator of the account mentioned that this incident became a source of amusement for the Holy Prophetsa and his companions for the entire year. (Sunan Ibn Maaja, Kitab-ul-Adab, Baab Al-Mazaah, Hadith no. 3719) (Mujam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 522, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut)

The Holy Prophetsa laughed at this incident and this incident was remembered for the entire year.

In the aforementioned incident there is a small difference in certain narrations; in some books it is written that the one who sold the slave was not Hazrat Suwaibitra, rather it was Hazrat Nuaimanra.

Having narrated the incidents of the Companions, I would like to briefly speak about a revelation of the Promised Messiahas:

وَسِّعْ مَکَانَکَ

[Enlarge your abode]

The Promised Messiahas was vouchsafed this revelation at different times. The Promised Messiahas says that initially when God Almighty granted him the revelation of:

وَسِّعْ مَکَانَکَ

“Enlarge your abode”, only a two or three people would come to meet him and sit in his gatherings, nor did many people know of him. (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 73)

Subsequently the Promised Messiahas received many other revelations and alongside them, the revelation of:

وَسِّعْ مَکَانَکَ

“Enlarge your abode” was revealed to him on several occasions. In the other revelations, God Almighty promised to grant him various blessings. When God Almighty instructs His prophets by way of revelation to carry out a certain task, it means that God Almighty would assist them with Divine succour and support. Moreover, God would provide the means to fulfil the task; and this is something we have witnessed for ourselves.

The history of the Jamaat is proof of how God Almighty fulfilled this prophecy with full grandeur and glory, and how He continues to fulfil the prophecy to this day. At different times, God Almighty has shown us – humble servants of the Promised Messiahas – just how this prophecy continues to be fulfilled. Every revelation vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas or any command by God Almighty or any tidings bestowed to him in the form of revelation is in fact the spread of the religion of the Holy Prophetsa, i.e. it is glad tidings regarding the spread and progress of Islam through the Promised Messiahas.

After the demise of the Promised Messiahas, there were tidings that the message of the Holy Prophetsa was to continue through the institution of Khilafat. Therefore, every progress or any advancement that we witness is in reality part of the wider scheme which God Almighty has ordained for the spread of Islam throughout the world.

After these brief words, I once again return to the words of the revelation of the Promised Messiahas:

وَسِّعْ مَکَانَکَ

After Khilafat moved to the UK, the Jamaat has established new places in Britain, as well as other parts of Europe, USA, Africa and many other countries of the world. Along with the spread of the Jamaat, God Almighty has constantly granted us new places.

When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh migrated here, God Almighty immediately showed a miraculous sign of His divine support and enabled the Jamaat to purchase 25 acres of land, [later] named Islamabad. Subsequently, a further six acres were later added to this.

Jalsa Salana [the Annual Convention] would take place here and it contained residential homes for Jamaat employees and Waqifeen-e-Zindagi [life devotees]. There was a small house for the residence of Khalifatul Masih, a few offices and one of the barrack-style buildings was used as a mosque to offer prayers. I remember when I came here in 1985, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh especially said to me that God Almighty had granted us an excellent site to serve as the headquarters. Although these were not his exact words, however he said words to this effect. Furthermore, there are some other evidences which also indicate this, and I am convinced that it was the wish of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh to establish the headquarters in Islamabad.

Nevertheless, God Almighty has appointed a time for everything and He has now granted us the opportunity to carry out construction work in Islamabad. New offices have been built with better amenities. A purpose-built mosque has been constructed; along with a residence for Khalifatul Masih; houses for life devotees and Jamaat workers have been built and more will be built in due course. The offices in London were houses that had been converted temporarily into offices. The space was congested and was difficult to operate in these circumstances. Since the workload has increased manifold, it was difficult to continue due to a scarcity of space. In addition to this, the council would make complaints that these houses were for residential purposes as opposed to offices and therefore we should close the offices. From time to time they would voice their concerns.

Now after the reconstruction, the three or four offices that would operate in these houses will be moving to Islamabad, Insha-Allah. Alongside the Islamabad redevelopment project, God Almighty has granted the Jamaat a large two-storey building in Farnham, situated two to three miles away. In this building there is the printing press and a few other offices. Aside from this, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK have also bought a large building there. Prior to this, God Almighty enabled us to purchase Hadeeqatul Mahdi to hold the Jalsa Salana – a site which spans over 200 acres. In addition to this, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, which was previously in London, also moved nearby. God Almighty granted us the new site for Jamia Ahmadiyya UK for a remarkably low price, which was far better in terms of atmosphere and facilities. The current site is also approximately 30 acres. All of these places are situated at a 10- to 20-minute drive from Islamabad. There was no plan in place to purchase all of these sites due to the redevelopment of Islamabad, rather, it was God Almighty Who provided us with all of these sites close to one another. Alongside the headquarters, God Almighty granted us all of the other sites. It is important for Jamia Ahmadiyya to be close by. Now that all these sites are situated near one another, pray to God Almighty that He makes this a blessing for us in all respects.

As I have mentioned earlier, the residence of the Khalifa and some offices have been constructed there. A large mosque has also been built. Therefore, in a few days’ time – God Willing –  I will also move to Islamabad. After the move, pray that may this change in residence prove to be a blessing in every respect. May God Almighty continuously shower His blessings on us. May God Almighty enable us to propagate the message of Islam from Islamabad more than before and may the revelation of

وَسِّعْ مَکَانَکَ

not only be related to physical expansion, rather, may it aid in fulfilling the plans of God Almighty.

At this point, I would also like to say that the neighbours of the Fazl Mosque have always had grievances and complained about Ahmadis who come to the mosque due to the increased traffic or parking issues. Therefore, the people coming for prayers to Islamabad or anyone who comes to visit should be mindful of this and not allow any instance for the neighbours of Islamabad to make similar complaints. Indeed, the people residing nearby will come to Islamabad, therefore, always be mindful of the traffic regulations.

As for the Friday prayers, I will mostly lead the Friday prayers here in Baitul Futuh, Insha-Allah. I have asked Amir Sahib UK [National President] to devise a plan as to which people or Jamaats will offer Jumuah in Islamabad – it will be those people living nearby; if they wish to offer the prayers in Islamabad they can do so. As for who they will be and how it will be divided; the people living within a 20-mile radius can offer the Friday prayers in Islamabad. Nonetheless, the details of this will be given by Amir Sahib to the relevant local presidents. However, those Jamaats outside of this 20-mile radius who would like to offer the Friday prayers in Islamabad, a plan will be devised for them and they will be informed in due course.

Nevertheless, I once again reiterate to pray that may God Almighty bless this plan and relocation in every respect.

(Translated by The Review of Religions)

(Originally published in Al Fazl International, 3 May 2019)

10-16 May

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10-16 May

11 May 1930: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra shared his wise observations on the famous political document of the time, the Nehru Report. The Nehru Report of 28-30 August 1928 was a memorandum outlining a proposed new dominion status for the constitution of India. It was prepared by a committee of the All Parties Conference chaired by Motilal Nehru with his son Jawaharlal Nehru acting as secretary. There were nine other members in this committee. 

11 May 1937: Pir Meher Ali Shah died on this day at the age of 78 in Golra Sharif, British India (Present Day Pakistan). He is known among masses as a Hanafi scholar leading the anti-Ahmadiyya movement. He wrote several books, most notably Saif-e-Chishtiyai (The Sword of the Chishti Order), which is claimed to be a polemical work criticising the Ahmadiyya Movement. But his encounters with the Jamaat and a critical study of his works are enough to prove the truth. 

COVER

11 May 1942: An Ahmadi, Abdul Karim Khan Sahib, appointed in the Middle East during his military duties, sent a written query about the verses in the Holy Quran about Jesusas to Al-Azhar University, Cairo. The university is associated with Al-Azhar Mosque and is Egypt’s oldest degree-granting university and is renowned as “Sunni Islam’s most prestigious university”. On this, His Eminence Shaikh Mahmoud Shaltout – Rector of Al-Azhar University, later to become Grand Imam of Al-Azhar – issued a decree that the Holy Quran pronounced Jesusas dead. This fatwa sparked a heated debate. This Egyptian scholar was forced to take back his words, but he remained firm in his belief and replied to all the allegations raised against him. He then had this entire debate published in the monthly Al-Majallah, Cairo. Later on, the complete series of this debate was also published in his book Al-Fatawa too.

11 May 1948: Ahmadi Missionary Rashid Ahmad Chughtai Sahib had a meeting with the King of Jordan. During the meeting, he conveyed the well wishes and message of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to which the king replied positively.

12 May 1907: An important session for the general public was held in Qadian for raising awareness of the establishment of peace. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra presided over the gathering on the instructions of the Promised Messiahas.

12 May 1932: The Ahmadiyya Mission was established in Zanzibar through the special efforts of Dr Shahnawaz Sahib. It is located in the Indian Ocean and is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, East Africa.

12 May 1932: With great effort, members of the Jamaat collected 175,000 rupees to pay off loans because in previous fiscal years, some extra money had been borrowed to run the everyday businesses of Anjuman. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was very much pleased with the generosity and obedience of members of the Jamaat.

12 May 1954: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra legal statement was recorded at Lalian court in connection with the assassination attempt made on him. On 25 May, the additional district magistrate gave his verdict and the attacker was sentenced to a 5-year imprisonment.

13 May 1921: Hazrat Hakim Fazlur-Rahman took charge of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana.

13 May 1927: Lahore witnessed great unrest and communal riots. This day’s Al Fazl published a detailed account written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. In his time, Huzoor’s selfless services were not limited to the religious field, but also on social and political rostrums, his voice, views and actions were taken very seriously and weighed heavily. On the same day, a detailed tract written by him was also widely circulated titled What can you do for Islam and Muslims? In it, Huzoorra put forward 31 important points for Muslim unity amongst the Ummah.

13 May 1933: On this day, Hazrat Syeda Sara Begum passed away after giving birth to a child. She was the third wife of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. In her loving memory, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra wrote a eulogy titled Meri Sara (My Sara).

13 May 1951: The Ahmadiyya Mosque in Samundri, Faisalabad was ransacked and burnt on this day. Ahmadis present in the mosque were tortured and items available in the premises of the mosque were looted. However, the influential members of the neighbourhood and the city condemned this irreligious act committed in the name of religion.

14 May 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra received an invitation from the organisers of the Wembley Conference in London. Upon this, Huzoorra wrote a letter for consultation to members of the Jamaat.

14 May 1932: Mirza Muhammad Ashraf Balanvi Sahib completed his tenure as auditor of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. Upon his retirement, a farewell function was arranged. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graced this event with his presence and delivered an address.

14 May 1953: The Holy Quran’s Swahili translation was published on this day. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote its preface. For the first edition, 10,000 copies were printed.

15 May 1908: In Lahore, a debate took place between Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra and Mufti Ghulam Murtaza Sahib. The topic was the life and death of Jesusas.

16 May 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra conducted a Shura and discussed with representatives the invitation received from the Wembley Conference. This was the first ever proposed long-distance journey of Khalifatul Masih out of the Indian subcontinent.

16 May 1938: Hazrat Hussain Bibi Sahibara passed away. She was the mother of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafarulla Khanra. Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khanra wrote My Mother in her memory and described the attractive and moving events of his mother’s life. Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra not only performed the duty owed by a son to his mother in an excellent manner, but also rendered valuable service to the movement. Such literature can, by Allah’s grace, prove extremely useful helpful in fostering the moral and spiritual standards of the community.

16 May 1963: Hazrat Syed Zain-ul-Abidin Valiullah Shahra passed away. He was blessed with some admirable qualities and had many noteworthy achievements in the Jamaat, social and political fields and literature.

CORRECTION: Last week, on 3 May 2019, a companion, Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Yousufra was referred to in This Week in History. The information pertaining to him was incorrect. Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, volume 2, pages 477 to 478 has it that he performed Bai‘at at the hand of the Promised Messiahas in 1906 and had the honour of translating the Quran into Hindi and Gurmukhi.

Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, volume 14, pages 391 to 393 tell us that he was born in 1889 and accepted the Imam of the age in 1905 by sending his request for Bai‘at via post. He translated the Quran into Hindi and Gurmukhi, as well as authoring various other books.

His tombstone, however, has it that he was born in 1882 and performed Bai‘at in 1906.

Ghana Jamaat Shura 2019

Alhakam
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Ghana Jamaat Shura 2019

Abass Bin Wilson

Ghana Correspondent

The 2019 Majlis-e-Shura of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana was held at the mission’s national headquarters, Osu, in Accra.

The Shura brought together over 800 delegates, comprising of elected representatives and presidents of local Jamaats, members of the national amila as well as individuals who were invited by the Amir for consultation.

The Shura was held on 27-28 April and was presided over by Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih, Amir and Missionary In-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana.

A Section Of Participants At The Shoora

The members of Majlis-e-Shura deliberated on a number of issues boarding on the progress of the Jamaat. It reviewed the finances and other activities of the Jamaat for the year, and also discussed financial and other proposals to advance the Jamaat in the coming year. The proposals, as reviewed by the Shura, will be sent to Markaz in the form of recommendations to seek the guidance and approval of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

Addressing the Shura, Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih underscored the importance of Shura and described it as one of blessed institutions bestowed upon the Jamaat by Allah. The Amir admonished all and sundry to uphold the principles of Shura, adhere to its guidelines and be honest and clear in expressing their views on issues tabled for discussions.

The Amir called on members to play their individual, as well as collective, roles to ensure the Jamaat’s speedy progress.

“The Jamaat in Ghana will soon be a hundred years old and we will be called upon to make sacrifices to commemorate the occasion. It is my hope and belief that we will all make such sacrifices that will be a testimony of our faith and will show that we are indeed members of a hundred-year old religious community.”

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