The comprehensive nature of the Holy Quran

In His Own Words

Alhakam

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11th October 2019

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The comprehensive nature of the Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is a compendium of wisdom and insight. It is not an indiscriminate collection of ideas. It expounds every matter itself and contains provision for requirements of every kind. It is a sign in every respect. If someone denies this, I am prepared to demonstrate its miraculous nature in every respect. In the present age, many vigorous onslaughts are being waged against the Unity of Allah and His existence. The Christians have also exerted their best efforts and written extensively, but everything they have stated and written is with relation to the God of Islam and not about the dead god who was crucified and is but helpless. I can confidently claim that anyone who endeavours to write in defence of the Being and existence of Allah Almighty will ultimately have no choice but to accept the God presented by Islam. For every page of the Book of Nature testifies to His Being and man naturally bears the impress of the very same God in his person. Hence, when such people take a step, they invariably advance towards the field of Islam. This too is a magnificent miracle.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 80)

Men of Excellence

Friday Sermon

Alhakam

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11th October 2019

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Friday Sermon

6 September 2019

Men of Excellence

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

The series of narrating the accounts of the lives of the Badri companions, which I have started, will continue today. However, before I do so, I would like to say to Ansarullahon the occasion of their Ijtema that when those companions, among whom were Ansar as well as Muhajir, accepted Islam, they inculcated pious transformations within them and they set wondrous examples of sacrifices, righteousness, sincerity and loyalty.

Most of you who are present here at this moment in time, have reached the age of Ansarullah and are Ansar as well as Muhajir. Hence, you should undertake a constant self-analysis as to what extent you are following and acting upon those examples that were set before you.

After these brief words, I will now begin with the actual subject [of today].

The first account that will be given is of Hazrat Numan^ra bin Amr. Hazrat Numan’s^ra name is recorded as Numan as well as Nuaiman. His father’s name was Amr bin Rifa‘ah and his mother’s name was Fatima bint Amr. Among the children of Hazrat Nuaiman^ra, we find the following names: Muhammad, Amir, Sabrah, Lubabah, Kabshah, Maryam, Ummi Habeeb, Amatullah and Hakimah. According to Ibn Ishaq, Hazrat Nuaiman^ra participated in the second Bai‘atat Aqabah along with 70 Ansar. Hazrat Nuaiman^ra participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophet^sa, including the Battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. According to a narration, the Messenger^sa of Allah said, “Say anything but good about Nuaiman^ra for he loves Allah and His Messenger^sa.” Hazrat Nuaiman^ra passed away in 60 AH during the rule of Hazrat Amir Muawiyah^ra. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 257 Dar-ul-Haya Al-Turath Al-Arabiy, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) (Al-Kamil Fi Al-Tarikh, Vol. 3, p. 405, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon 2006).

“Hazrat Ummi Salama^ra narrates that Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra went to Busra a year before the demise of the Holy Prophet^sa.” (Busra is a historical and famous city of Syria. During a trade journey to Syria, the Holy Prophet^sa along with his uncle, stayed in this city. Likewise, when the Holy Prophet^sa took the trade goods of Hazrat Khadija^ra to Syria, he also stayed at this place. Maisarah, the servant of Hazrat Khadija^ra also accompanied the Holy Prophet^sa on that journey.)

In any case, [she narrates that] Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra undertook a trade journey to that place before the demise [of the Holy Prophet^sa], and was also accompanied by Nuaiman^ra and Suwaibit^ra bin Harmalah. Both of these men participated in the Battle of Badr. In this journey with Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra, Nuaiman^ra was entrusted with the provisions. It was during this journey that in a lighthearted moment, Hazrat Nuaiman’s^ra companion sold him off to a tribe.

I have mentioned this incident once before whilst narrating the account of the life of Hazrat Suwaibit^ra. However, I will briefly narrate it again.

Suwaibit^ra, who was his companion, had a light-hearted nature. We find in the narrations that both Hazrat Numan^ra as well as Hazrat Suwaibit^ra had a very frank and informal relationship and would often have a lighthearted conversation with one another. During the journey, Hazrat Suwaibit^ra asked Numan^ra to give him some food. However, he replied, “As long as Abu Bakr^ra does not return (as he had gone somewhere), I will not give you any food.” Upon this, Saiwaibit^ra replied, “If you do not give me anything to eat then what I will say may infuriate you.” The narrator of this tradition states that in the meantime, they passed by a tribe. Upon this, Suwaibit asked them if they would purchase a slave from him. (Either this particular incident took place a few days later or perhaps occurred at that time, as they were walking along on their journey. In any case, it was soon after their initial conversation.) Hazrat Suwaibit^ra asked the tribe if they would purchase a slave from him. The tribe replied that they would do so. Upon this, Suwaibit^ra informed them, “He talks a lot and he will continuously repeat that he is a free man. Thus, when he says this to you and asks you to release him, do not do so lest you ruin my slave.” They replied, “We will not do so and we wish to purchase him from you.” Hence, they bought him in exchange for ten camels. Following this, these people came to Nuaiman^ra and wrapped [the cloth of] a turban or a rope around his neck in order to take him as a slave. Nuaiman^ra said to them that he was in fact joking with them and protested that he was a free man not a slave. However, they replied that they had already been informed about him. Nevertheless, they forcefully took him with them. When Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra arrived and people informed him about this, he went after the people of this tribe, returned their camels and brought Nuaiman^ra back. The narrator of this tradition further states that when these individuals returned to the Holy Prophet^sa and informed him about this, the Holy Prophet^sa and his companions enjoyed listening to this and continued to enjoy this lighthearted moment among them for almost a year. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab-ul-Adab, Baab-ul-Mazaah, Hadith no. 3719) (Mujam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 2, p. 348) (Farhang-e-Sirat, p.58, Busra)

In certain other books, this incident is described as Hazrat Numan^ra who was the one who sold Hazrat Suwaibit^ra and not the other way around. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 354, Suwaibit^rabin Harmalah, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2003)

Nevertheless, this narration is found in reference to both of them. In relation to Hazrat Nuaiman^ra, it is stated that he also had a very lighthearted nature and the Holy Prophet^ra would greatly enjoy listening to him.

Rabiah bin Uthman narrates that a Bedouin once came to the Holy Prophet^sa and having entered the mosque, he sat his camel in the courtyard. Upon this, some companions said to Hazrat Numan^ra that if he slaughtered this camel, they would eat its meat as they really desired to have some meat. They also said that since this was the camel of the Bedouin and he would subsequently complain to the Holy Prophet^sa, but once the complaint would be made to the Holy Prophet^sa, he would compensate for it. The narrator of this traditions states that having been persuaded by them, Hazrat Numan^ra slaughtered the camel. When the Bedouin came outside and saw his camel in this state, he raised a hue and cry saying, “O Muhammad^sa! My camel has been slaughtered.” The Holy Prophet^sa came outside and enquired as to who was responsible. The people replied that it was Numan^ra. Upon this, the Holy Prophet^sa went to look for him. Having committed this act, Numan^ra had left the place and was hiding somewhere. Nevertheless, the Holy Prophet^sa went to look for him and found him hiding at Hazrat Zuba’ah^ra bint Zubair bin Abd-il-Muttalib’s house. A person at the place he was hiding, indicated towards his direction with his finger and loudly proclaimed, “O Prophet^sa of Allah! I cannot see him anywhere.” The Holy Prophet^sa took him out from there and asked why he did this. Upon this, Numan^ra replied, “O Prophet^sa of Allah! The people who told you that I slaughtered it, they were the ones who in fact encouraged me and told me to do so. They also said that the Holy Prophet^sa would compensate for it and pay for it later.” Having heard this, the Holy Prophet^ra touched Numan’s face with his hand and began to smile. The Holy Prophet^sa then paid the Bedouin the value of the camel. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 4, p. 332, Suwaibit^rabin Harmalah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Fukaha Wa Al-Mazaah, Zubair bin Bukkar, pp. 24-25, 2017)

In his book, Kitabul Fukaaha wa Al-Mazaah, Zubair bin Bukkar relates an incident regarding Hazrat Numan^ra. He writes that whenever a travelling salesman or merchant would enter Medina, Hazrat Numan^ra would always purchase something from them and present the items to the Holy Prophet^sa as a gift from himself. Since he was familiar to them, therefore he would tell them where he lived and they would retrieve the cost later. Therefore, when the owner would come to Hazrat Numan^ra to retrieve the cost, Hazrat Numan^ra would bring him to the Holy Prophet^ra and ask him to pay for the item he gave him. (He would request the Holy Prophet^sa to pay for the item that he had purchased and brought for him.) The Holy Prophet^sa would reply, “Did you not gift this to me?” to which Hazrat Numan^ra would answer, “O Messenger^sa of Allah! By God, I did not have anything to pay for them at the time, but it was my desire for you to eat of it if it was something edible, and that you keep it if it was something to keep.” The Holy Prophet^sa would smile and would instruct for the merchant to be paid for his item. (Al-Fukaha Wa Al-Mazaah, Zubair bin Bukkar, p. 27, 2017)

Thus, these are example of the gatherings which were filled with such extraordinary love, affection and light-heartedness; and it was not the case that they were always strictly formal and without any lighthearted moments.

The next companion I shall mention is Hazrat Khubaib^ra bin Isaaf. Hazrat Khubaib^ra belonged to the Banu Jusham branch of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. According to another narration, his name was Habib bin Yasaaf. His father’s name was Isaaf, but according to another narration it is recorded as Yasaaf. His grandfather’s name is recorded as Itabah, but also as Inabah. (Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 476, Al-Ansar wa man ma’ahum, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 275, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-e-Ihyaa Al-Turath Al-Arabiy, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 683, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Hazrat Khubaib’s^ra mother’s name was Salama bint Masud. Among his children was Abu Kathir, whose actual name was Abdullah and was born to Jamila bint Abdillah bin Ubayy bin Sulool. His second son was Abdur Rahman, who was born to Umm-e-Walad. He had a daughter named Unaisah, who was born to Zainab bint Qais. After the demise of Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra, Hazrat Khubaib^ra married Habiba bint Kharijah, the widow of Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 275-276, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 153, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008)

Even though Hazrat Khubaib^ra had not yet accepted Islam at the time of the migration, he had the honour of hosting and accommodating the Muhajireenin Medina as the migration took place. Despite the fact that he was not a Muslim, he acted with great hospitality [towards the Muhajireen]. Hazrat Talha^ra bin Abdillah and Hazrat Suhaib^ra bin Sinaan stayed at his house, but according to another narration Hazrat Talha^ra stayed at the house of Hazrat Asad^ra bin Zurarah. (Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 338, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

Likewise, according to a narration, when Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra migrated to Medina, he stayed at the house of Hazrat Khubaib^ra in Sunah, Qubaa. Sunah is the name of a high area of the village in the outskirts of Medina where the Bani Harith branch of the Khazraj tribe lived. Yet according to a different narration, Hazrat Abu Bakr^ra stayed at the house of Hazrat Kharijah^ra bin Zaid. (Al-Sirat al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 348, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Lughaat-ul-Hadith, Vol. 2, p. 373)

Hazrat Khubaib^ra took part in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet^sa, including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 276, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-e-Ihyaa Al-Turath Al-Arabiy, Beirut, 1996)

According to one narration, Khubaib^ra was living in Medina but despite that, he had not accepted Islam until the Holy Prophet^sa set off for the Battle of Badr and he joined the Holy Prophet^sa along the way and it was then that he accepted Islam. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 152, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2003)

The incident of Hazrat Khubaib’s^ra acceptance of Islam is mentioned in Sahih Muslim and has been narrated by Hazrat Aisha^ra, the noble wife of the Holy Prophet^ra. She narrates that the Messenger^sa of Allah departed for the Battle of Badr and when he reached Harratul Ghabara, which is situated about three miles from Medina, a person who was famous for his courage and valour met with him. The Companions^ra of the Holy prophet^sa were very pleased to see him. Upon meeting with the Holy Prophet^sa, he stated, “I have come to accompany you and to partake of the spoils of war.” The Holy Prophet^sa said to him, “Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger^sa?” He responded, “No. I do not believe [in Allah and His Messenger^sa]” i.e. he was not a Muslim. The Holy Prophet^sa then stated, “Then you can return as I do not seek help from the mushrik [idolater].” Hazrat Aisha^ra states that the man went his way. When the Holy Prophet^sa reached Shajarah, a place situated near Dhul Hulaifa which is 6-7 miles from Medina, the same individual approached the Holy Prophet^sa and said exactly what he said before. The Holy Prophet^sa also gave him the same response as before, telling him to leave as he was in no need of the support of a mushrik. The man left once again and met the Holy Prophet^sa again at a place called Baidaa near Dhul Hulaifah, 6-7 miles away from Medina and which is close to Shajarah. (These two places are not far from one another.) The Holy Prophet^sa again said to him as he did the first time that he will not take the help of a mushrik. The Holy Prophet^sa then said, “Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger^sa?” The man replied, “Yes, I do”. The Holy Prophet^sa then said, “Now you may accompany me.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Jihad, Fitan Wa Ashraat al-Sa‘ah, , Hadith 1817) (Mujam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 142) (Akmaal-ul-Ilm Bi Fawaid Al-Muslim, Vol. 4, Kitab-ul-Hajj, Dar-ul-Wafa, 1998)

It has been mentioned in the commentary of this narration that the man mentioned to have accepted Islam in this narration was Hazrat Khubaib^ra. (Al-Bahr-ul-Muheet, Vol. 1, p. 620, Dar ibn Al-Jauzi Riyadh, 1434 AH)

Whilst explaining Hazrat Khubaib^ra bin Isaaf’s acceptance of Islam and participation in the Battle of Badr, Allama Nooruddin Halabi states in his book Sirat Halabiyyah that there was a strong and courageous person in Medina by the name of Habib bin Yasaaf. (This was the other name of Hazrat Khubaib^ra bin Isaaf as is mentioned in the books of Sirat.) In any case, this man belonged to the Khazraj tribe and had not accepted Islam until the Battle of Badr.

Nevertheless, he too departed with the Khazraj tribe in the hope of partaking of the spoils of war, in case they won the battle. The Muslims were very pleased to see him go forth with them but the Holy Prophet^sa told him that only those can accompany them to battle who adhere to their faith. In another narration, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet^sa told him to go back as they did not require any help from the mushrik. The Holy Prophet^sa told Habib or Khubaib to turn back on two occasions, but the third time the Holy Prophet^sa asked, “Do you believe in Allah and His Messenger^sa ?” to which he replied, “Yes” and thus he accepted Islam and fought valiantly in the battle. (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, p. 204, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah/Ghazwah Badr Al-Kubra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

In Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, the account of how Hazrat Khubaib^ra accepted Islam is mentioned as follows:

“One of my tribesmen and I visited the Holy Prophet^sa when he was preparing to depart for a battle, but at that time, we had not accepted Islam. We submitted to the Holy Prophet^sa saying that we felt ashamed that our people would go for war and we did not participate with them. The Holy Prophet^sa asked, ‘Have you both accepted Islam?’ We replied that we had not, to which the Holy Prophet^sa said, ‘We do not wish to seek help of an idolater against another idolater.’”

The battle the Holy Prophet^sa was preparing for was against idolaters, therefore the Holy Prophet^sa questioned how could he accept the help of an idolater?

“Hazrat Khubaib^ra then stated that they decided to accept Islam and joined the Holy Prophet^sa in the battle. He states, ‘During the battle, I killed one of our adversaries, but before that, he managed to inflict injury upon me. Later on, when I married the daughter of the person I had killed, she would often say, “You will never be able to forget the person who gave you those scars,” and I would reply by saying that she would also not forget the person who hastened her father into the hellfire.’” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 411, Hadith 15855, Aalamul Kutub, Beirut, Lebanon, 1998)

During the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Khubaib^ra bin Isaaf killed Umayya bin Khalf, one of the leaders of the Quraish of Mecca and this account of the marriage that took place between Hazrat Khubaib^ra and the daughter of the person who was killed was briefly alluded to in Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, but the person who was killed was not mentioned by name.

Allama Nooruddeen Halabi has mentioned this account in detail in his book Seeratul Halabiyya which is as follows:

Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra bin Auf narrates,

“In the plains of Badr I met Umayya bin Khalf, who was a friend of mine during the Jahilyya period [the era before the advent of Islam]. Umayya’s son, Ali, was standing beside his father, holding his hand. Ali was among those Muslims who had accepted Islam before the Holy Prophet^sa migrated to Medina. However, his relatives pressurised him to leave Islam and succeeded. Thus, he accepted Islam initially but later renounced his faith and died in a state of disbelief. Regarding such people, God Almighty revealed the following verse:

اِنَّ الَّذِیۡنَ تَوَفّٰہُمُ الۡمَلٰٓئِکَۃُ ظَالِمِیۡۤ اَنۡفُسِہِمۡ قَالُوۡا فِیۡمَ کُنۡتُمۡ ؕ قَالُوۡا کُنَّا مُسۡتَضۡعَفِیۡنَ فِی الۡاَرۡضِ

‘Verily, those whom the angels cause to die while they are wronging their own souls, they (the angels) will say to them: ‘What were you after?’ They will reply: ‘We were treated as weak in the land.’” (Surah al-Nisa: V.98)

Nonetheless, he further stated, “Among these people there were Haritha bin Rabiah, Abu Qais bin Faaqey, Abu Qias bin Waleed, Aas bin Munabbah and Ali bin Umayyah.”

Allama Nooruddeen Halabi further writes that in the book Seerat Hishamiyya, it is written that these people accepted Islam when the Holy Prophet^sa was still in Mecca. When the Holy Prophet^sa migrated to Medina, the relatives of the aforementioned held them back in Mecca and pressurised them. As a result of this, they succumbed to their pressurisation and abandoned Islam (i.e. they left the pale of Islam). They then came with their tribe to the Battle of Badr and were all killed in this battle. From this narration it seems that these people had not recanted from Islam before the Holy Prophet’s^sa migration, whereas from the earlier narration it seemed as if these people had left Islam before the Holy Prophet^sa migrated from Mecca.

Nonetheless Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra narrates an incident regarding the battle. He states:

“I was holding many chain armours. When Umayyah saw me, he addressed me using my name in the Jahiliyya period which was Abd-e-Amr. I did not respond to him because when the Holy Prophet^sa had given me the name Abdur Rahman, he asked whether I would like to give up the name of my forefathers, to which I replied in the affirmative. Umayyah said that he did not recognise the name ‘Rahman’. Then, when Umayyah later called me by my actual name – Abdur Rahman – I responded to him.” It seems that when Umayyah had called out to him the first time, Abdur Rahman^ra knew he was being addressed, yet he refused to acknowledge him because he called out to him by referring to him as a servant of an idol. At the same time, it is quite possible that Abdur Rahman^ra did not even comprehend that he was being addressed, as he abandoned the name a long time before this incident. Then when Umayyah called out using his actual name – Abdur Rahman^ra – that is when he realised that he was being addressed and thus responded to him. Umayyah then said to Abdur Rahman, “If I have any rights over you, then I am better than the chain armour you hold in your hands.” He gave reference to their old friendship and thought that his life may be spared owing to it, for they had already been defeated. He said to Abdur Rahman^ra that he had rights over him and that since he was better than the chain armour, he should arrange for his safety. Abdur Rahman^ra then further narrates, “I said, ‘Very well.’ I then put the chain armours on the floor and held Umayyah and his son Ali by the hand. Umayyah said, ‘I have never seen a day such as this one (i.e. the Day of Badr).’ He then asked, ‘Who was it among you that had an ostrich feather on the armour of his chest?’ I replied that it was Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib. Umayyah then said, ‘He was the one responsible for all that took place. It was because of him that we are in such a state.’” Nonetheless, this was his own opinion and according to one narration Umayyah’s son said the aforementioned statement.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra bin Auf further states:

“After that, I was walking with both of them and held them by the hand, when Hazrat Bilal^ra saw Umayyah with me and shouted out, ‘The chief of the disbelievers, Umayyah is here; only one of us will survive.’” In Mecca, Umayyah severely persecuted Hazrat Bilal^ra in an attempt to try and turn him away from Islam. Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra states, “When I heard this, I said to him, ‘Why do you say this regarding my prisoner?’ However Hazrat Bilal^ra kept on repeating the aforementioned and I replied in the same way. Hazrat Bilal^ra would repeat, ‘Only one of us can survive,’ and I would continue to repeat my reply. Hazrat Bilal^ra then said at the top of his voice, ‘O Helpers of God! The chief of the disbelievers, Umayyah bin Khalf, is here.’ He cried at the top of his voice, ‘O Helpers of God! The chief of the disbelievers, Umayyah bin Khalf, is here. Know this that only one of us can live’ and he kept on repeating this statement.”

Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra says, “Upon hearing this, the Ansar ran towards us and surrounded us. Hazrat Bilal^ra then attacked Umayyah’s son and dropped him to the ground. Witnessing this, Umayyah shrieked in such a horrific manner, that I have never heard a scream like it. The Ansar then attacked them with their swords and killed them.” (Al-Sirat al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, pp. 232-233, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah/Ghazwah-e-Badr Al-Kubra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002)

In Sahih Bukhari, the killing of Umayyah bin Khalf is recorded in the following manner,

Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra bin Auf states:

“I wrote a letter to Umayyah bin Khalf stating that he should look after my wealth and wife and children, who were in Mecca, which at the time was Daar-ul-Harb. Similarly, I would protect his wealth in Medina for him. When I wrote down my name as ‘Abdur Rahman’, Umayyah replied, ‘I do not know any Abdur Rahman; write down the name you used previously in the Jahiliyya period.’ Upon this, I wrote down my name as Abd Amr. During the Battle of Badr, whilst the enemy were asleep, I climbed a hill with the intention of securing that passage (i.e. in case the opposing army attacked from there). Hazrat Bilal^ra happened to see Umayyah nearby and went to a gathering of the Ansar and said, ‘Umayyah bin Khalf is nearby; if he escapes, then my life will be in danger.’ Hazrat Bilal^ra then followed us with a group of the Ansar. (It seemed as though by this time, Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra bin Auf and Umayyah had spoken and come to an agreement.) Nonetheless, I said that I will take them, i.e. Umayya and his son, as prisoners; hence I captured both of them. Prior to facing this group of Muslims, I left Umayyah’s son behind where we were, so that they could contend with him and whilst they would be engaged in battle, we would be able to escape. The group killed Umayyah’s son and they did not allow my plan to save Umayyah succeed and chased after us. As Umayyah was of heavy build, it was difficult to travel far and as a result they caught up with us. I told Umayyah to sit down and he complied. I laid over him in order to shield him, however, they stabbed their swords from underneath me and killed him. One of them even injured my foot with his sword in the process.”

The narrator, Ibrahim, states: “Hazrat Abdur Rahman^ra bin Auf would show us the scar on the back of his foot that he received during the incident.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Wakalat, Hadith no. 2301)

As for who killed Umayyah and his son, according to famous narrations, it is stated that a person from the tribe of Banu Maazan killed him, whereas Ibn Hisham states that Umayyah was killed by Hazrat Muaz bin Afraa, Kharjah bin Zaid and Khubaib^ra bin Isaaf – i.e. the companion who is currently being mentioned, he was also present. It is also mentioned that Hazrat Bilal^ra killed him; in reality, the companions all took part in his killing and Umayyah’s son, Ali, was attacked and brought to the ground by Hazrat Bilal^ra. Subsequently Hazrat Ammar^ra bin Yasir killed him. (Sharh Zurqani Alaa al-Mawahib al-Deeniyyah, Vol. 2, p. 296, Ghazwah-e-Badr Al-Kubra, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996)

There are certain incidents which are not always directly related to the companion being mentioned, although in this case, he is mentioned, but I mention them so that we can learn what took place in that period of history.

Khubaib^ra bin Abdur Rehman relates that his grandfather, Hazrat Khubaib^ra, sustained an injury during the Battle of Badr and broke one of his ribs. The Holy Prophet^sa placed his blessed saliva on the injured area and placed the bone back in its proper place as a result of which Hazrat Khubaib^ra was able to walk again.

According to another narration, Hazrat Khubaib^ra relates, “I sustained a very severe injury to my shoulder which penetrated my abdominal region, causing my arm to dangle. I presented myself before the Holy Prophet^sa and he placed his blessed saliva on that particular area and reattached the shoulder in its place and the wound also healed.” (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 152, Khubaib^ra bin Isaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Badaaya Wa Al-Nihaya Li Ibn Kathir, Vol. 3, pt. 6, pp. 166-167, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)

In relation to his demise, there is a narration which states that Hazrat Khubaib^ra passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar^ra. Whereas, according to another narration, he passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthman^ra. (Al-Isaba Fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 224, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 276, Khubaib^ra bin Yasaaf, Dar-e-Ihyaa Al-Turath Al-Arabiy, Beirut, 1996)

However, in any case, may God Almighty elevate the station of the Companions^ra.

Now, I shall mention some details regarding three deceased members [of the Jamaat] and will also lead their funeral prayer.

The first is respected Rashida Begum Sahiba, wife of respected Syed Muhammad Sarwar Sahib of Rabwah. She passed away on 24 August at the age of 74.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

Her forefathers migrated to Pakistan from Chaar Kot, Kashmir and her father, respected Din Muhammad Sahib, worked in the railway department. The deceased was only five years of age when her father passed away and their mother brought the children up all alone with great effort and bearing much hardship.

Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the deceased through their grandfather, respected Fateh Muhammad Sahib, who travelled to Qadian and had the good fortune to perform the Bai‘at through a companion of the Promised Messiah^as, Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Akbar Sahib^ra. Upon witnessing the solar and lunar eclipse in 1894, Qazi Sahib informed his family members and the locals of his area that this sign signified the advent of the Imam Mahdi^as. The deceased’s family had close ties and relations with Qazi Sahib, thus the message of Ahmadiyyat also reached them and subsequently they did the Bai‘at.

The deceased’s son, Muhammad Zakariyah Sahib, who is currently serving as a missionary in Liberia, states:

“My mother offered her Chandas [monetary sacrifices] with great regularity. She would always be concerned and would often ask whether her Chanda had been paid. She would also take great care and show a lot of concern in the upbringing of her children. She would not permit the children to leave the house unnecessarily, so that they do not grow with the habit of wandering aimlessly in the streets or fall to prey immoral habits.”

He further writes:

“During our childhood, when our father would wake us brothers up to offer our Fajr prayer in congregation at the mosque, our mother would play a very important role in getting all the children up. Until we did not leave for the mosque, she would continue to remain anxious. She had a very loving and loyal bond with the institution of Khilafat. She would listen to the sermons very attentively and would note down various points which she would then discuss with her children.”

The deceased’s elder daughter writes:

“Right up until her final days, she paid great attention towards her prayers. [Prior to her demise] she offered a very lengthy prayer and did not let anyone even realise that she was not well, however immediately after she completed her prayers, she felt unwell and was taken to the hospital where she suffered a heart attack and they were unable to revive her and she passed away. By the grace of Allah, she was a Musia [part of the Wasiyyat scheme] who paid 1/8 towards Wasiyyat.”

Her five sons have the opportunity to serve their faith as life devotees [Waqf-e-Zindagi]. Two of the sons, Muhammad Mohsin Tabassum Sahib and Muhammad Momin Sahib, are currently serving in Rabwah under the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme and two sons, Daud Zafar Sahib and Zakariyah Sahib, are currently serving as missionaries. The other son, Asif Sahib, is a Waqf-e-Nau and is serving in the Computer Section in Khilafat Library. As I mentioned, Muhammad Zakariyah Sahib is serving as a missionary and is currently in Liberia and he could not travel back for his mother’s funeral. He demonstrated an excellent example of patience and continued to fulfil his duties away from his homeland and did not express at all that he was not able to go back or that he could not fulfil his duties.

May God Almighty grant patience and steadfastness to all her children, particularly her son who is in Libera serving as a missionary, who could not meet his mother at the time of her demise. May God Almighty enable her children to continue her good deeds and elevate the station of their mother.

The second funeral is of respected Muhammad Shamshir Khan Sahib, who was the president of Nadi Jamaat in Fiji. He passed away on 5 September.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

He was born in 1952 and in 1962, along with his late father, he did the Bai‘at and joined the [Ahmadiyya] Jamaat from the Lahori Jamaat. He was initially a member of the Lahori Jamaat – who have many members in Fiji – however in 1962, he came under the Bai‘at of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. The deceased was among the pioneering members of the Jamaat in Fiji and by the grace of God Almighty, he had the opportunity to extensively render his services to the Jamaat.

He played a very important role in establishing mosques in Maru, Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. From 2010, he had the opportunity serve as the President of the Nadi Jamaat until his demise. For a long time, he also served as the National Ishaat Secretary. Even in worldly terms, he was held in high esteem by the grace of Allah the Almighty, but he always gave precedence to his Jamaat work. Aside from serving as president and national ishaat secretary, he was also a manager of a Muslim primary school in Lautoka. The deceased was extremely sincere and devoted to the institution of Khilafat and displayed utmost obedience. He leaves behind his wife, Raazia Khan Sahiba and a daughter, Nadia Nafisa Sahiba. May God Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and enable his progeny to continue his good deeds.

The third funeral is of respected Fatima Muhammad Mustafa Sahiba who was originally from Kurdistan and was currently living in Norway. Although she passed away on 13 June, however her details were not received until now, therefore the funeral prayer [in absentia] is being offered now. She passed away at the age of 88.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ اِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”

She had the opportunity to do the Bai‘at in 2014 and leaves behind three daughters and five sons, out of whom only her daughter, Barifaan Muhammad Saeed Sahiba is Ahmadi and is currently living in Norway.

Her daughter says:

“I came to Norway in 1999 where I had to endure very difficult circumstances, therefore my mother came to Norway from Kurdistan in order to help me. Although my mother was unable to read or write, however she had committed many verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet^sa to memory. She had such passion to read and write that despite being over the age of 40, she spent great effort in order to learn how to read and write. Her most important objective in life was to offer her prayers on time. She would also keep a lot of fasts and would often say that she was fasting for the sake of those who were unable to fast. My mother had such passion to help and serve others that in Iraq sometimes she would travel for 50 miles accompanying women who needed to get treatment from hospital and she would also financially support them as well.”

She further states:

“Upon her demise, I received numerous letters from people of all different backgrounds, particularly many Pakistani Ahmadi sisters, who expressed with great emotion that they had a deep bond of love with my mother.”

She further states:

“I have been in the company of my mother since my birth and had the opportunity to witness her excellent morals and pious character. She never harboured any ill feeling about anyone in her heart and was always willing to forgive even the greatest of wrongs. Right from our childhood she taught us to always adopt the truth even if it went against us. She would say that if our eyes or hands committed a wrong, we should at least have the courage to admit that they are guilty of committing a wrong. She would always meet everyone with a cheerful smile and she would always be occupied in seeking supplications from God Almighty. She had great love for God Almighty and the Holy Prophet^sa and perhaps it was owing to this that she had the opportunity to do the Bai‘at of the Messiah of the age. I came across MTA in 2007 by chance but then could not relocate the channel despite searching for it.

“One day, after three years, in 2010 I once again came across MTA Al-Arabiya and called out aloud to my mother that the channel had been found. I told my mother that I had been searching for this very channel for the last three years. I told my mother to listen to what they had to say as they claimed that the Imam Mahdi and the Promised Messiah^as, who we are waiting for has already appeared. Our father also used to say the same. My mother started to watch MTA with me. After a few days, my mother narrated the entire incident to my siblings, however they made certain comments which caused the complexion of my mother to completely change, but she did not take any notice of what they said and continued to watch MTA. When she travelled back to Kurdistan, she came under the influence of my brothers and turned completely against me. When she returned to Norway, she started to stop me from watching MTA. My personal circumstances worsened after I had the Bai‘at and my mother was told that I was now a kafir [disbeliever]. Nevertheless, when my mother would return to my brothers, she would go against me and when she would come stay with me, she would again start to watch MTA. She really liked the poems written by the Promised Messiah^as in Arabic in praise of the Holy Prophet^sa and would often begin to cry when she would listen to them.

“One day, she was listening to the following Arabic poem of the Promised Messiah^as:

یَاعَیْنَ فَيْضِ اللهِ وَالْعِرْفَان

She was also reciting the words along with it and I asked her that can one who has written these couplets be called kafir? She looked at me with great anger and said which unjust person claims that the author of these couplets is a kafir. I told her that her children were among such people. Upon hearing this, she fell silent. I then said to my mother that she was famous for the strength of her belief, thus who was she in fear of? Her children or her God? She became deeply affected by this question but did not give an answer. The same night she called me and asked me to call the headquarters of the Jamaat and inform them that she would like to do the Bai‘at. I told her to carefully ponder over it so that she would remain resolute on this decision. Therefore, she spent the entire night pondering over it or perhaps praying and the next morning said that she had decided that she was going to do the Bai‘at.”

Thus, in 2016 when I travelled to Norway, she also had the opportunity to meet me and she was extremely happy that she was able to meet the Khalifa of the time and would tell everyone about this. She had a bond of great loyalty with Khilafat.

May God Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy and elevate her status. May God Almighty also grant strength to her daughter’s faith and her children. May He also enable her other children, who are not Ahmadi, to open their hearts [for Ahmadiyyat] and become the recipient of her prayers.

(Originally published in Al Fazl International, 4 October 2019, pp. 5-9. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Half a century for Jalsa Salana Tanzania

Africa

Alhakam

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11th October 2019

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Half a century for Jalsa Salana Tanzania

Dr Swaleh Kitabu Pazi, Tanzania Correspondent

Tanzania was the country that was privileged to be referred to as “hamara mulk” by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra. Tanzania, a name coined by an Ahmadi Muslim, Muhammad Iqbal Dar Sahib, is celebrating half a century of Jalsa Salana in the country. This year’s Jalsa Salana was held on 27 to 29 September 2019 and saw delegates from all across Africa.

The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa Kassim, during Jalsa Salana in 2019

It has not been an easy journey; after all, no spiritual journey can be a bed of petals. We have had our moments of pain and agony.

Our first ever Jalsa Salana in 1969 took place in our small mosque, Masjid Salaam in Dar us Salaam. We had less than 50 participants from different parts of the country who faced problems of transport, accommodation and even cooking facilities.

Jalsa Salana in early 1970’s in Tanzania

Despite such obstacles, our hope and shield has always been the Almighty Allah, who has made the impossible possible.

The advice of Khalifatul Masih has also always played a valuable and essential role for the success of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Tanzania.

For the best part of half a century, we have been on the move; our Jalsa Salana would constantly move from one region to another. We faced all sorts of problems, from transport to unpredictable weather conditions.

Jalsa Salana held in a school rented hall during Ahmadiyya centenary 1989 in Dodoma, Tanzania

In this situation of uncertainty, Jalsa Salana Tanzania 2005 was graced by the presence of His Holiness, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper. During his historical tour of the country, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa underlined the importance of having a permanent and reliable site for Jalsa Salana. This heavenly desire of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa was fulfilled in 2007 when we acquired our centre at Kitonga region where subsequent Jalsa Salanas have been held.

Kitonga resembles a fountain of knowledge, as it is here where we listen to informative speeches during Jalsa Salana Tanzania.

Jalsa Salana held for the first time in Jamaat ground Kitonga in 2007

Non-Ahmadi guests always attend the Jalsa and appreciate what we are doing for society, including the building of schools, water wells, solar power supply and humanitarian aid through Humanity First Tanzania. We also present to them Jamaat literature and books.

Half a century of Jalsa Salana in Tanzania, with Allah’s grace, has provided us with experience and how to practically organise events. With this experience we hope to Insha-Allah continue to hold Jalsa Salana every single year.

11-17 October

This Week in History

Al Hakam

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11th October 2019

0

11 October 1947: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra wrote a powerful and detailed article, sharing details of the fierce and continuous attacks on Qadian. During the events of the partition, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra would provide timely and essential guidance on all matters. His articles would be taken very seriously by the authorities. For example, on 7 October, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra wrote an article describing the situation in Qadian and it was published in Al Fazl. Later, when this article was published in the form of a leaflet and distributed, the government ordered it to be confiscated and banned.

On 10 October, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra advised Ahmadi men to train themselves in basic military skills, so they could serve their country in times of distress.

On 12 October, Huzoor^ra exhorted Jamaat members to remain punctual in their five daily prayers in congregation and the remembrance of Allah.

11 October 1948: Attempts to locate ground water in Rabwah failed. The Jamaat continued to bore holes in various locations of Rabwah, but to no avail. After continuous efforts, water was found in one location but it was foul and dirty.

12 October 1935: Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Razaq, a barrister and local amir of Lyallpur (now Faisalabad), and Hazrat Shiekh Ghulam Ahmad Waiz passed away.

12 October 1956: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra delivered a profound sermon shedding light on the topic of apostasy.

13 October 1931: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra attended a meeting of the Kashmir Committee in Lahore. He also attended their meeting held on 24 October and presented his views.

13 October 1934: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Nigeria held its first ever Jalsa Salana in Lagos, which continued for two days.

13 October 1937: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra left for a tour of Sindh and Bombay, which lasted until 3 November.

13 October 1937: The Jamaat’s mission in Sierra Leone was re-established by the arrival of Hazrat Maulvi Nazir Ahmad Ali.

13 October 1946: An Ahmadi doctor, Yousuf Salman Sahib from the Cape of Good Hope (also known as Cape Colony, South Africa) visited Qadian in March 1946. After enjoying the blessed company of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra, Yousuf Sahib expressed his strong wish to serve humanity and do tabligh. On this date, he departed for South Africa to fulfil this aim.

13 October 1946: With the aim to spread the message of Islam across Europe following WWII, three Ahmadi Muslim missionaries arrived in Switzerland; Chaudry Abdul Latif Sahib, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad Sahib and Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Bashir Sahib.

14 October 1947: Hazrat Mirza Aziz Ahmad^ra was called back to Lahore from Qadian upon the instructions of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra. Jalaluddin Shams Sahib took his place and began his responsibility as amir-e-muqami, Qadian.

14 October 1947: After fatal attacks on the inhabitants of Qadian, the attackers started occupying Jamaat’s property. Buildings of Jamia Ahmadiyya and Talim-ul-Islam College were taken. On this date, the intruders took control of the building where the printing press machinery was installed and also the library building of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra.

14 October 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra gave two important instructions for the missions operating outside of Pakistan. Firstly, they should try to inculcate the habit of giving Chanda in new converts. Secondly, to encourage students from outside countries to travel to the Markaz in Pakistan and gain education there.

15 October 1917: Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Khalil Ahmad Sahib from Monghir was sent from the Markaz to organise the local chapters of the Jamaat in Punjab.

15 October 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra visited the School of Oriental Studies, University of London (SOAS).

15 October 1936: Hazrat Lieutenant Sardar Muhammad Ayub Khan OBE passed away. He joined the Jamaat in 1902.

15 October 1946: Jalaluddin Shams Sahib returned to Qadian after serving a decade in England as a missionary. He returned with the company of Syed Munir Al Husni Sahib, Amir of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Damascus, Syria.

16 October 1909: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I^ra delivered an Eid-ul-Fitr Sermon in which he spoke about the institution of Khilafat.

16 October 1934: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra started his two day trip towards Ferozpur, a famous city on the bank of River Satluj in Punjab.

16 October 1935: Hazrat Munshi Fiyaz Ali^ra passed away. He was among the early 313 Companions^ra of the Promised Messiah^as.

16 October 1951: Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan, widely known as Qaid-e-Millat (Leader of the Nation) was one of the leading founding fathers of Pakistan, a statesman, lawyer and political theorist who served as the first prime minister of Pakistan. On this date, he was shot twice in the chest while he was addressing a gathering of 100,000 at Company Bagh, Rawalpindi. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra expressed his deep grief and pain on this barbaric assassination. He sent his condolences to the government and grieved family members. The next day, residents of Rabwah convened a special remembrance to show respect to this great leader.

17 October 1925: A monthly magazine in Bengali from Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) commenced its publication to spread the message of the Jamaat. Maulvi Ghulam Samdani Sahib was its first editor.

17 October 1948: Maulana Abul Ata Jalandhari Sahib placed the foundation stone of a mosque in Ahmad Nagar, a village next to the new Markaz in Rabwah. This mosque was likely to be the first purpose built mosque by those Jamaat members who had migrated to Pakistan from India.

Touring Canada for Tabligh

North America

Alhakam

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11th October 2019

1

Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent

“I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the Earth”, was a grand prophecy given to the Promised Messiah^as that is being fulfilled every day. In the same spirit, by the grace of Allah, Calgary Jamaat has been holding world religions conferences across Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC) and Northwest Territories (NT) for over a decade. Every year, 20 to 25 members travel over 3,600 km to hold several events in remote towns of these areas.

The theme of this year’s events was, “Universal compassion: The core human value”. During the journey, the help and support of Allah was experienced more than ever.

This year an entourage of 26 members embarked on a 5-day journey on Friday 13 September. They held six events at Dawson Creek BC, Grande Prairie AB, Peace River AB, Hay River NT, K’at’lodeeche First Nation Reserve NT and Yellowknife NT – spanning two provinces and one territory.

After travelling 300 km, the first stop of the trip was Baitul Hadi Mosque, Edmonton, AB. The entourage stayed there for the night. The following morning, they were divided into three teams, each team was to visit one city and hold a conference.

Dawson Creek, British Columbia

The first team had to drive 590 km to get to Dawson Creek, BC. The 3^rd world religions conference was held at Kiwanis, the Performing Arts Centre, from 1pm to 2:30pm. The conference was attended by 21 people including 14 non-Ahmadi guests. The event was moderated by a well-known local media personality. Representatives from Buddhism, Aboriginal Spirituality, and Islam expressed their views on the topic. The local newspaper, Dawson Creek Mirror also published articles before and after the event.

Grande Prairie, Alberta

The second team drove 460 km to get to Grande Prairie and held their 6^th annual world religions conference at local public library. The event was held from 1pm to 2:30pm and was attended by 20 guests including 13 non-Ahmadi guests. Christian and Islamic perspectives were presented at the conference.

Peace River, Alberta

The third team set its sight on Peace River, at a distance of 500 km. Once there, they hosted the 6^th world religions conference from 2pm to 3:30pm. The event was attended by 19 guests including 5 non-Ahmadis.

Later that afternoon, the three teams converged and continued their journey. After travelling 1300km in one day, they reached Hay River, NT. This was their stop for the night. The stay at Hay River was hosted by the K’at’lodeeche First Nation on their land.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

The following morning, Sunday 15 September the entourage travelled another 500km to Yellowknife, NT. The 12^th world religions conference was held at Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre from 2pm to 4pm.

The conference was moderated by Deputy Mayor Shauna Morgan, and six speakers representing Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Aboriginal Spirituality, and Islam presented their respective views on the topic. The conference was attended by 40 guests. Several guests showed keen interest in the program and appreciated this effort.

The mainstream media, CBC Northaired a 15 minute live interview of Asif Arif Sahib. A local French radio station, Radio Taiga also interviewed him.

After concluding the Yellowknife WRC, the group travelled 500km back to the K’at’lodeeche First Nation Reserve, Hay River for the night. The following morning, a friendship BBQ was held, at the K’at’lodeeche First Nation Reserve. This was attended by aboriginal Dene people and the deputy Chief of the nation.

Hay River, Northwest Territories

On the same evening, the 4^th world religions conference was held from 6pm to 7:30pm at downtown Hay River. The Mayor of Hay River, Kandis Jameson moderated the even and while representatives from Christianity, Aboriginal Spirituality, and Islam presented their perspectives.

The local newspaper, Hay River Hub published an article on the event which included interviews and pictures.

By the grace of Allah, several new contacts were made during all these events and existing friendships strengthened. An important aspect of this year’s tabligh tour was the keen interest and participation of young Ahmadi boys in a significant number. Ten high school students became part of the entourage and participated in tabligh activities.

May Allah bless these humble efforts and produce long lasting results and reward all the volunteers abundantly. Amin.

Harmony through educational excellence: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V speaks at UNESCO

Alhakam

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8th October 2019

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Harmony through educational excellence: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V speaks at UNESCO

Paris, France, Tuesday, 8 October: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was graced with an address by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa.

At approximately 6:15 local time a special session by UNESCO commenced in Miollis, Paris with the arrival of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa.

UNESCO, with 193 member-countries, is a body of the United Nations that “seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.” UNESCO’s constitution, signed on 16 November 1945, envisions to establish peace “upon dialogue and mutual understanding”, and “upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.” UNESCO globally carries out a large number of charitable, humanitarian and intellectual projects.

With Huzoor’s^aa arrival, the session started with a series of speeches from UNESCO officials and other dignitaries, followed by an introduction to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya by Asif Arif Sahib.

The speakers included; the communications supervisor of Mali’s delegation at UNESCO, Mr Jean Christophe Auge the Religious Adviser of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr Clement Rouchouse from the Central Religion Advisory Board at the Home Office, Mr Gregoire Dublineau, Mayor of Eaubonne, Mr Willy Breton, President of the NATO Memorial and Mr Guillaume Diallo, representative of the Malian Christians living abroad.

The speakers expressed their admiration of the peaceful aspirations and works of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. Huzoor^aa greeted the guests and thanked UNESCO for the event.

Huzoor^aa also thanked all the guests who came to listen to “a person who is neither a politician, nor a political leader, nor a scientist, but the head of a religious community…”

Huzoor^aa said that the founding objectives of UNESCO being peace, respect, human rights, education, freedom of expression and alleviating poverty are all “excellent and praiseworthy”. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa expressed that the guests may be surprised to hear that these are also the objectives of Islam. “Such service is based on the very first chapter of the Holy Quran which states that Allah the All Mighty is the Lord of all the worlds”. Huzoor^aa explained that this verse is a reminder for Muslims that Allah is the Lord of all humankind, “irrespective of cast, creed and colour.”

Huzoor^aa said that Islam teaches that “the values of mutual respect and tolerance must be firmly embedded within society”.

Allah is the Provider and Sustainer to all people, even though they may reject him. “His grace and mercy remain even with those who continually speak ill of Him”, Huzoor^aa explained.

The philosophy of punishment or sanction established by God, in Islam, is geared more towards the hereafter. In this life, Allah continues to manifest his grace and mercy and has instructed mankind also to show compassion and sympathy to one another.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa stated that “it is a religious obligation on Muslims to fulfil the requirements of other people, irrespective of religion, culture or ethnicity and to always be kind” to “the emotions and needs of others”.

Huzoor^aa explained how the Holy Prophet^sa was the best of all creation but yet, had to endure great hardships. After migration to Medina, the Holy Prophet^sa was elected as Head of the State and “under his leadership, the covenant proved to be a magnificent charter of human rights and governance, ensuring peace between the different communities”.

The Prophet^sa of Islam established an impartial judiciary and made it clear that there would be the same law for the rich and powerful and the poor and weak. All people would be treated equally, according to the law of the land. The Holy Prophet^sa made it clear that the same law applied to his own family.

Further, “the Prophet of Islam established an excellent education system through which the intellectual standards of that society were raised”. Educated people were instructed to teach the illiterate. “This was all done so that the weak and powerless could stand on their own two feet and advance”.

Huzoor^aa mentioned that the Holy Prophet^sa established a code of business and financial ethics.

“In an age when slavery was rampant and slave owners treated their slaves mercilessly, the Prophet of Islam sought to bring about a revolution in society.” Slave owners were urged by the Holy Prophet^sa to treat their slaves with compassion and respect and to ultimately free them.

The roads of the city were expanded and improved. A city-cleaning programme was also implemented by the Holy Prophet^sa and the population was taught about the importance of hygiene and health.

Huzoor^aa said “For the very first time amongst the Arabs, an orderly and civilised society was established”, resulting in citizens becoming beneficial and active members of society.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then spoke about how the Holy Prophet^sa of Islam has been mischaracterised in today’s society. The reality is that the Prophet^sa of Islam spent every moment of his life, “championing the rights of all people.” He established “a timeless charter of human rights.”

The Prophet^sa of Islam taught to respect the beliefs and feelings of others.

Huzoor^aa said that it was regrettable that, in the modern world, respect has been sacrificed in the name of so-called freedom and entertainment.

“The founders of religion are no longer spared mockery and contempt”

The Holy Quran, however, says that Muslims should not even speak ill of the idols of others, as they, in return, may speak ill of Allah the Almighty, hence disrupting the peace of society.

The Holy Prophet^sa of Islam established various schemes to raise the standard of living of the weak and underprivileged. He said that “a poor person who was moral and considerate had far greater value than a rich person who cared not for the feelings of others”.

Even in small matters, the Holy Prophet^sa paid great attention to ensure protection of the feelings of underprivileged citizens of the society. For instance, the Holy Prophet^sa would tell Muslims to invite the poor and weak to dinner.

The Prophet of Islam^sa continually told his followers to free slaves, or, if it was not possible, to at least feed and clothe them the same way that they fed and clothed themselves.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then spoke of the rights of women in Islam. Huzoor^aa said that it is often alleged that Islam denies women’s rights, but “nothing could be further from the truth”.

In a time when women were not respected, the Holy Prophet^sa instructed his followers to ensure girls were educated and respected. He said that a person who educated and guided three daughters in the best way, would be sure to enter paradise.

The way to enter heaven, according to the Prophet^sa of Islam was to educate and instill moral values within female members of the society. In light of this, Ahmadi Muslim girls are educating themselves in order to serve Humanity.

“We ensure that girls are given equal access to education as boys. Hence, the literacy rate of Ahmadi Muslim girls in the developing world is at least 99 percent”, Huzoor^aa pointed out.

Islam was the first to give women the right of inheritance, divorce and many other human rights.

The Holy Prophet^sa placed great emphasis on the rights of neighbours. The Holy Prophet^sa paid great stress on education. Huzoor^aa explained an example of this, saying that after his first battle, the Holy Prophet^sa agreed to release prisoners if they educated others.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that it is often alleged that Islam is a religion of violence. This is far from the truth as the Holy Quran gives freedom of belief and conscience.

“In reality if the early Muslims engaged in warfare, it was always defensive and fought for the sake of establishing long-term peace and to protect the right of all people to live with freedom”, Huzoor^aa explained.

Any Muslim who adopts violence is far from Islamic teachings. Such acts of violence only aim at gaining power or wealth and for attaining geopolitical and vested benefits.

The Holy Prophet^sa and his Rightly Guided Caliphs never sought war and “at all times sought peace and reconciliation”.

Another allegation against Islam is of being a backward and archaic religion or one that does not promote intellectual advancement. Huzoor^aa said that such an assumption is based on merely on fiction rather than facts.

“It is a baseless allegation. The Holy Quran itself has signified the importance of education by teaching the prayer, ‘O my Lord increase me in knowledge’”. Huzoor^aa said that where this prayer helps Muslims it also inspires them to advance in knowledge. The truth is that the Holy Quran and the Prophet of Islam inspired generations of Muslim scientists, inventors and philosophers who transformed the world.

Huzoor^aa drew the audience’s attention to Ibn Haytham, who was also recognised by UNESCO as the pioneer of modern optics. Huzoor^aa said that the word camera originates from Arabic. In the 12^th Century a Muslim cartographer developed “the most extensive and accurate world map of the medieval times that was used by centuries of travellers.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa also spoke of the great contributions of Muslim physicians towards medical and biological sciences. For instance, Jabir Ibn Hayan bought a revolution in the field of Chemistry and invented many of the basic processes that are still in use today.

Huzoor^aa also pointed towards Algebra as a discipline that a Muslim mathematician invented.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then referred to a New York Times article that stated, “Muslims created a society that was, in the middle ages, the scientific centre of the world”.

“Hence, from the outset, Islam emphasised the immense value of learning and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge”,

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been promoting such trends learning and education since its inception. The very first Muslim scientist to receive a Nobel Prize was Professor Dr Abdus Salam, an Ahmadi, who said that there were “around 750 verses in the Holy Quran directly related to science and which enhanced our understanding of nature and the universe”.

Huzoor^aa explained that the third Caliph of the Jamaat desired a “new dawn of great Muslim scientists and academics”. As a result, he started a tradition within the Jamaat of awarding gold medals to those who achieve academic excellence.

Huzoor^aa said that education is the key to breaking poverty and this is why the Holy Prophet^sa urged Muslims to fund the poor in education.

Huzoor^aa explained that Muslims are required to achieve the love of God not only through worship, but by serving humanity also.

“In all parts of the world the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community acts upon these noble teachings to the best of our abilities”

“We believe that Islam is a religion of love and compassion”, Huzoor^aa said. That is why the Jamaat serves humanity irrespective of cast or creed.

The Jamaat is providing clean running water in African villages, this enables children to focus on their education rather than travelling miles to collect water from ponds. Huzoor^aa spoke in further detail of the humanitarian works of the Jamaat that were done out of human sympathy.

At the end, Huzoor^aa prayed that mankind forsakes greed and forgoes the pursuit of narrow self-interest and focuses on alleviating the pain of the less fortunate.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa thanked those who came to the event and concluded the session with silent prayers.

Members of Waqf-e-Nau France meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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7th October 2019

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Members of Waqf-e-Nau France meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

Adnan Haider, France Correspondent

Saint Prix, France, Monday, 07 October: Earlier today, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, arrived in Saint Prix, France.

Huzoor^aa led Jamaat members in Zuhr and Asr prayers at Mubarak Mosque, Saint Prix.

In the evening, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa graced two separate sittings with Waqifaat-e-Nau and Waqifeen-e-Nau from France.

The first was with Waqifaat-e-Nau. The class started with recitation of the Holy Quran and its translation. A Hadith and an excerpt from the writings of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was then read out. This was followed by a poem, written by the Promised Messiah^as.

Next, two presentations were given by the Lajna Waqifaat-e-Nau. The first was by Raghiba Zahoor Sahiba and Naila Akram Sahiba on Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s^ra visit to France in 1924.

The second presentation was about the Catacombs of Paris, this was presented by Khawla Ahad Sahiba and Bushra Lateef Sahiba.

The Waqifaat-e-Nau also had an opportunity to ask Huzoor^aa questions during the class. One member asked if Huzoor^aa could narrate an interesting dream of his. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa narrated a dream he had when he was a student. In the dream, Huzoor^aa saw a prophecy of the Promised Messiah^as that pointed towards Divine support.

Another Waqf-e-Nau asked Huzoor^aa about his opinion on getting married within other nations and cultures. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that such marriages within the Jamaat are positive as everyone is Ahmadi. Huzoor^aa also mentioned that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^ra said that marriages in other nations can aid in the spread of Islam.

The sitting concluded with choral poems by the Waqifaat-e-Nau in Urdu and French.

Waqifeen-e-Nau also had a sitting with Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa. The session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by its translation. A Hadith and an excerpt from the writings of the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was then read out. This was followed by a poem, written by the Promised Messiah^as.

The boys Waqf-e-Nau also gave two presentations. The first was by Talha Rashid Sahib, a doctor who presented his research on a rare disease.

The second presentation was delivered by Usama Rabbani Sahib regarding the mountains found in France.

During the class, a Waqf-e-Nau asked Huzoor^aa whether the hadith of heaven being under the feet of mothers, only applied to Muslims. In reply, Huzoor^aa explained that a mother who brings their children up in a proper manner comes within the remit of this Hadith and their children will grow to become pious. This Hadith also applies to any child who carries out their responsibility for their mothers and shows them due respect. A child should adopt good morals from their parents and shun bad ones. The Holy Quran has said that if one’s parents teach shirk then the children should not listen to them in this instance.

Tomorrow, 8 October, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa will deliver an address at UNESCO. The proceedings of this session will be shown live on MTA at 16.30 GMT.

Only Allah and His messengers will prevail – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V concludes the 27th Jalsa Salana France

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6th October 2019

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Only Allah and His messengers will prevail – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V concludes the 27th Jalsa Salana France

Trie-Chateau, France, Sunday, 06 October: The 27th Jalsa Salana France concludes with Bai‘at and the final address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper.

The Bai‘at ceremony at the 27th Jalsa Salana France took place at approximately 3:15 local time. Huzoor^aa then led the congregation in Zuhr and Asr prayers.

The concluding session was initiated with the recitation of the Holy Quran, verses 13-20 of Surah Luqman (chapter 31), followed by their Urdu translation by Mansoor Ahmad Sahib. The verses captured Hazrat Luqman’s^as guidance to his son; shunning shirk, being thankful, praying and adopting good morals.

An Arabic poem written by the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was then read out by an Arab Ahmadi, Hamza Sahib. The couplets were translated by Usama Ahmad Sahib. The poem was in praise of Allah the Almighty.

An Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiah^as was then read out by Matlub Ahmad Sahib.

Next, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa presented awards of academic excellence to more than 35 members.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa recited verse 22 of Surah al-Mujadalah from the Holy Quran followed by its translation. The translation of the verse is “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.’ Verily, Allah is Powerful, Mighty.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained that prophets have to endure great hardships when they are raised by Allah. It seems as the prophets will be defeated by enemies, but Allah grants them ultimate success. Huzoor^aa said that the verse he recited points towards this victory.

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, went through this as well. His enemies thought they would destroy the weak Muslims but the complete opposite happened.

Then, Allah sent the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, and gave him great promises of success and victory. Allah continuously told the Promised Messiah^as that he would come out successful despite enemies from all sides.

On numerous occasions, the Promised Messiah^as received the revelation, “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.’”

The Promised Messiah^as said that God, from the outset, has written and has made it His practice that He and His prophet shall be victorious. In a similar vein, the Promised Messiah^as came as the second coming of the Holy Prophet^sa.

In Noah’s Ark the Promised Messiah^as asks if people think that enemies will stop the prophet of Allah i.e himself. The answer is that it is not possible and “Allah has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and my Messengers.’”

At an occasion, the Promised Messiah^as said that the one who is from Allah can never go to waste. And that Allah grants victory to His prophets.

The meaning of “victory” is to establish the message and truthfulness of Allah in the earth. Prophets come to sow the seed; this is the “victory” that is followed by a second manifestation that cultivates the seed sowed by the prophet.

This second manifestation of Khilafat can be observed through the success of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Huzoor^aa said that the message that was given from a small hamlet is now echoing throughout the world.

The history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya bears witness to the promise of Allah that His Prophet will prosper.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa expressed that he would relate incidents on how Allah has and is fulfilling this promise.

A gentlemen from Cameroon phoned the Jamaat and said that his son received a pamphlet that was entitled, “The Messiah has come”. The man said he was lazy in offering namaz prior. Once, in a dream and prior to seeing the Jamaat pamphlet, he saw a white bearded man who told him to get up and offer namaz and to be consistent in it. Later, he came across MTA Africa and saw the exact same white bearded man delivering a lecture. The man did not know that there was a Jamaat in Cameroon as well. Through the pamphlet he came in contact with the Jamaat and was told about Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa. The man testified to the truthfulness of the Jamaat and did Bai‘at. Huzoor^aa said that the man by the grace of Allah is now consistent in prayers and is increasing his knowledge.

A lady from Tunisia states that she had illnesses from a young age. She was unaware about religion and only knew that she was a Muslim. At that time, in a dream, she saw a man leading her in prayers and she declared that this was the correct manner of worship. The lady would listen to Sheikh Hasaan’s lectures on the signs of the day of judgement. She would ask herself whether such signs would manifest at the coming of the Messiah and whether he would come. She then saw in a dream that she was in a hospital, time was passing very quickly and she wanted to leave the hospital. She then heard a voice which said “do not be afraid, I will take you home”, the person who said this was a man who had a thick beard and wore a turban. Upon asking who he was, the man said that he was “Muhammad”. She woke up and felt as if it was real. When she told her sister, her sister expressed to her that Satan cannot embody the Holy Prophet^sa. Later, she came across MTA Al Arabiya and saw the picture of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa in which Huzoor^aa quoted the Promised Messiah^as. When a picture of the Promised Messiah^as was shown on screen, she was astonished as it was him who she saw in her dream as “Muhammad”. The lady then accepted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

There is a city in Tanzania in which our missionary was persecuted. Now there are regular radio programmes of the Jamaat in this city. As a result of these programmes, the son of the Imam of the city has accepted Ahmadiyyat along with others. Huzooraa said that now, none can raise a voice against Ahmadis in this city and people say that no scholar there can complete with Ahmadi Muslims in knowledge.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa mentioned an incident from Nigeria. Mubarak Sahib, an Ahmadi preacher, began to show Huzoor’s^aa live Friday Sermon. After Huzoor’s^aa Friday Sermon he would deliver a short sermon of his own and offered Jumuah prayers. A non-Ahmadi gentlemen commented on this and said that showing the Friday Sermon of Huzoor^aa was an innovation. The non-Ahmadi gentlemen was told that this was not an innovation and that he also should listen to the sermon. After listening to them, the gentlemen expressed that he was shaken by the Friday sermons of Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa and later accepted Ahmadiyyat.

Akhtar Sahib from India says that he saw a man in 2007 in his dream. The man’s face was full of light and spirituality and left a deep impression on him. In 2009 when he was in Pakistan he heard about the agitations against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. He contacted the Jamaat and later saw Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa in a dream where Huzoor^aa was taking Bai‘at of people. In the dream, when Akhtar Sahib put his hand forward for Bai‘at, his hand could not reach. People from behind him exclaimed that he could not reach this. Akhtar Sahib continued to phone the Jamaat and learn more about the Jamaat. After another dream and even visiting Qadian Akhtar Sahib could not gather the strength to perform Bai‘at. After some time Akhtar Sahib attended a book fair in Shimla, India and after prayers he accepted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Every week the Jamaat does a very popular radio programme in a city of Ivory Coast that presents true Islamic teachings. In the city, the inmates of a prison would listen to the Jamaat’s radio programme and greatly enjoy it. A big audience of the inmates would continually begin to listen to the radio programme with great interest. The Imam of the prison asked to contact the Imam who was doing this radio programme. The Imam of the prison then told the local Jamaat Mualim that many of the inmates had almost turned atheist and stopped practice of religion. But due to the Jamaat radio pragrammes they have started to believe in God again and are turning back to Islam.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa articulated another incident about patience. A gentlemen came to the Jamaat mission house in Mali and performed Bai‘at. His household greatly opposed him and his father even beat him and threw him of the house. Despite this, the Khadim would continue to grow in sincerity towards the Jamaat. One night, the Khadim came to the mission house and said that his father had thrown him out. The Jamaat mubaligh prayed to Allah for his father to show mercy. The next day his regretful father came to collect his son and told him that he was allowed back and could continue to believe in Islam Ahmadiyyat. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that the Khadim contributes to Chanda above his capacity and is full of sincerity and faith.

Huzoor^aa mentioned an incident from India that a missionary, Zulfiqar Ali Sahib narrated. This year a ship from Bangladesh was about to sink but the Indian army saved the ship. When the local Jamaat found out, they collected some donations and gave it to those on board. They also did tabligh to them and some of them even accepted Ahmadiyyat.

A lady from Benin prayed that if she was given a job, she would accept the Jamaat. Prior, she had applied to three jobs but was rejected on all occasions. The Mualim sahib explained to her that such conditions should not be placed, religion and worldly affairs should not be mixed. He told her to first do Bai‘at and then pray. The lady accepted and did Bai‘at and became an active Jamaat member. After Bai‘at, the very place that rejected her, contacted her and said they would offer her the job despite her lack of experience.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa voiced that many write and present lots of worldly conditions after which they will accept Ahmadiyyat. Huzoor^aa said that this was not the right manner.

Amir Sahib Congo Kinshasa states that a Jamaat Mualim went to a village for tabligh. A man, Abdul, said to the Mualim that Ahmadis do shirk, have a separate prophet and even a different book from the Quran. The Mualim sahib explained to them the reality and performed namaz as well. When the man realised that Ahmadis are no different, he accepted that he was wrong and all that the so-called clerics had told them about Ahmadis was false. As a result, more than 50 members of the village accepted Ahmadiyyat.

A village in Mali accepted Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyyat. The villagers had no religion prior but are now Ahmadis. The village chief told the Jamaat that they were waiting for the appearance of the Imam Mahdi for a very long time. The chief expressed that he was very happy that now the message of the Jamaat reached him and unfortunately his father had died, who also was awaiting the arrival of the Imam Mahdi.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa narrated an incident from Ivory Coast. An area was purchased by the Jamaat for a mosque and mission house. Illegally, some people tried to take the property from the Jamaat and took the matter to the governor. The governor gave the decision in favour of the Jamaat and said non can interfere with the building of the Jamaat Mosque. On the foundation of the mosque, the governor even attended. A lady, who supposedly would perform magic, and was part of the group that wanted to illegally take the Jamaat’s property said that Ahmadis will themselves leave this property. However, the lady fell ill to such an extent that others would not go near her has she had contracted a contagious disease. Despite her enmity, the local Mualim went to visit the lady and ask of her health. The lady later died. The locals, observing this, saw it as a great sign for the truthfulness of the Jamaat.

There is an area in Ghana where there is a large population of Ahl-e-Sunnah Muslims. The non-Ahmadi community in this area called a scholar from Egypt and told him to go to the areas that had accepted Ahmadiyyat and convert Ahmadis back. They also wanted to put water wells in those areas as the Jamaat build these wells as well. The Egyptian scholar took a local translator with him, but the translator later stole the Egyptian scholar’s money. The Egyptian scholar then separated his translator and started to live in a separate house. His translator was angered with this and attacked the Egyptian. Upon this, the Egyptian scholar fled back to his country. In this manner, Allah stops the designs of those who oppose the Jamaat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa narrated an incident from India. This year during a Jamaat book stall, there was great opposition from a Muslim group. They wrote to the book fair committee in which they stated that Ahmadis are kafir and are promoting the wrong translation of the Holy Quran. They demanded to have the Jamaat bookstall prohibited. This was rejected. In return, the Muslim group called the media and expressed their hate towards the Jamaat. They said that Ahmadis are kafir and Pakistan has also declared them this. As a result, the media’s attention turned towards the bookstall of the Jamaat and there were lots of reports on the Jamaat. This turned into a great opportunity for tabligh and the message of the Jamaat was delivered.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then quoted the Promised Messiah^as who said that Allah supports His chosen ones and defeats the enemies of His prophet. Prophets become the Khalifah of God. The Promised Messiah^as received numerous revelations in which Allah promised His support to him.

The Promised Messiah^as openly challenged those who opposed him and said that he would always come out as victorious as Allah has promised this to him.

Huzoor^aa said that Allah is guiding people towards the Jamaat in miraculous ways. However, those, who are Ahmadis by birth need to play their role in spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. In the same manner, new converts need to spread the very message that guided them to the truth.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa laid stress on a need to carry out tabligh.

Huzoor^aa then led the congregation in silent prayer.

Next, various groups recited choral poem before Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa.

“May justice and compassion prevail” – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V to French dignitaries and guests at Jalsa Salana France

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5th October 2019

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“May justice and compassion prevail” – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V to French dignitaries and guests at Jalsa Salana France

Trie-Chateau, France, Saturday, 05 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, addressed French dignitaries and guests at Jalsa Salana France at approximately 6:30pm local time.

The session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sebastian Ataul Hayye Sahib who recited verse 14 of Surah al-Hujurat (chapter 49). He also presented the French translation of the verse.

A brief introduction to the Jamaat was presented to the non-Ahmadi guests present. After, the Mayor of Trie-Chateau, David Didier addressed the Jalsa in which he said he was honoured to receive Hazrat Khlaifatul Masih V^aa in the little town of Trie-Chateau.

The next speaker was Dr Agnes De Foe, a Sociologist, who spoke before the Jalsa. Her brief speech encapsulated her interacting with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and spoke highly of the message of peace that Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa is promoting.

Dr Katrin Langewiesche, an Anthropologist, spoke of her interacting with the Jamaat in Burkina Faso when the Jamaat was carrying out some charitable works. She also took the opportunity to present her book to Huzoor^aa, that includes a chapter on Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa thanked the guests for joining the “purely religious function”.

Huzoor^aa then condemned the atrocities and violent attacks that have also taken place in France by so-called Muslim extremists. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa highlighted that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. “A true Muslim is a person who himself is a peaceful person” Huzoor^aa explained.

The Islamic greeting itself portrays how Islam is a religion of peace. Even non-Muslims use this greeting. Thus, it cannot be that Islam teaches to meet others with peace and security and on the other hand, promotes hate and extremism.

“All forms of extremism and violence are completely against Islamic teachings”, Huzoor^aa expressed.

In order to truly understand the teachings of Islam, one must study the life of its Holy Founder, peace be upon him.

Huzoor^aa laid out how inhumane injustices were carried out against Muslims. However, the Holy Prophet^sa taught patience. The Holy Prophet^sa called upon his followers to remain peaceful even if it costed their lives.

The Holy Prophet^sa and his companions endured this relentless pain and then migrated out of their city to escape this agony. However, the enemies of Islam continued to pursue them and cause pain to Muslims. Finally, Allah gave permission to fight in defence to safeguard religion.

“Hence, when the Holy Prophet^sa and his followers were forced to partake in wars and battles, it was for the sake of defending the rights of all people” including people of other faiths, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained.

If Islam wanted to spread its teachings with force, then why would the Holy Quran explicitly state that it was the duty of Muslims to safeguard all people and their rights? Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa exampled that early Muslims gave their life to uphold and establish the principles of “individual liberty, freedom of religion and freedom of belief”, which are the “corner stones of Islam.” Chapter 2 verse 257 of the Holy Quran encapsulates this freedom, Huzoor^aa explained.

The Holy Prophet^sa and the four Rightly Guided Caliphs never usurped rights of others. Rather they promoted freedom and peace. The Holy Prophet^sa, after migrating to Medina, formed a treaty with the Jews of Medina.

“The Muslims and the Jews pledged to cooperate and to be faithful citizens of the state” Huzoor^aa said. They were able to practice their religion and customs without the fear of sanctions or persecution. The Holy Prophet^sa never deviated from this covenant.

Islam has never permitted its followers to spread their faith “through the use of force”. The treaty of Medina enabled all people to practice their beliefs and traditions and were duty bound to be loyal citizens of the state and to refrain from all activities that would undermine the peace of the city.

Keeping these aspects in mind, it is not accurate to attribute the deeds of a minority of Muslims who commit atrocities to the religion of Islam. Huzoor^aa said that “from cover to cover” the Holy Quran is replete with guidance that instruct Muslims to avail “every opportunity for attaining peace in the world.”

Allah the Almighty instructed the Holy Prophet^sa to convey the message of Islam and thereafter leave the matter to Allah.

The Holy Quran never once advocated violence or force against those who shunned its teachings, rather “it called on Muslims to exhibit tolerance and patience” Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that “Islam’s teachings are categorical that violent conquest or forceful conversion are strictly prohibited”. Any act or conduct that is detrimental to the peace of society is forbidden in Islam.

The Holy Prophet^sa taught that a true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands, others are safe. The Holy Prophet^sa made it clear that Muslims must protect and care for all members of society, irrespective of faith.

Consequently, terrorists who commit suicide bombings, attack night clubs etc. are all guilty of violating the teachings of Islam.

The Holy Quran has also given guiding principles of day-to-day life that promote peace. For example chapter 2 verse 189 of the Holy Quran promotes fair trade and upholding the integrity of all transactions. Allah instructs Muslims to acquire wealth in an honest and truthful manner, not being unjust.

Chapter 83 verses 2-4, the Holy Quran condemns those who are exploitative in business transactions, try to short-change others while demanding more than their due, in return. Such people are cursed and will be disgraced.

The Holy Quran has given guidance for internal conflicts as well. The Islamic focus is always in establishing sustainable peace. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa referred to chapter 49, verse 10 of the Holy Quran that details how two conflicting parties or nations should be dealt with, in a just and peaceful manner. Huzoor^aa said that the verse captures a means of lasting peace, if acted on.

However, regrettably, many Muslim nations fail to act upon this Quranic injunction.

Today, we observe that cruelty and injustices are perpetrated by dominant powers in the name of upholding peace. Such instability is beneficial to none, except terrorists.

Huzoor^aa said that in both east and the west, “The blue skies of peace and prosperity have given way to heavy clouds of war and injustice”. Nations are being torn apart across the world. Until and unless international relations are based upon justice and integrity and fulfilling the rights of others, peace cannot be established.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that he can only pray that mankind does not repeat the mistakes of the past.

If we look back to the period after the First World War, the League of Nations failed miserably in its task to maintain peace. This was because “justice and fairness did not prevail”. As a result, the most deadly war (WWII), in the history of mankind, erupted.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa explained how modern warfare would be the most deadly – due to nuclear arms. A war would ensure “the most horrific and devastating legacy” of our children. Huzoor^aa then painted a picture of what the consequences of a nuclear war would bring.

“Thus no one should be under the illusion that this world crisis we are passing through is trivial or something that will heal itself without us changing our behaviour” Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa noted.

If the lack of peace continues to be attributed towards the “door of Islam”, grievances will continue.

If Muslim countries or terrorist groups continue to perpetrate atrocities in the name of Islam then it is only for their vested interests, it is not Islam.

“Today’s conflicts and wars have nothing to do with religion, rather they are all about attaining wealth, power and geopolitical dominance”, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said.

“Let it be, that our future generations come to remember us with love and affection rather than hate and resentment”, Huzoor^aa said.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa ended his speech by once again thanking the guests for attending.

Huzoor^aa then led the congregation in silent prayer.

Before leaving, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa launched the new French Review of Religions website.

Fall not into temptation – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V addresses women at Jalsa Salana France

Alhakam

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5th October 2019

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Fall not into temptation – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V addresses women at Jalsa Salana France

Trie-Chateau, France, Saturday, 05 October: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, graced the ladies’ Jalsa Gah on the second day of Jalsa Salana France at 12:37 local time.

The Lajna session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Anam Khalon Sahiba, who recited verses 21-22 of Surah al-Hadid (chapter 57). Hajrah Hadi Sahiba presented the Urdu translation.

The verses highlighted that man tends to take this world as “nothing but (temporary) enjoyment” and competition with one another in attaining riches. In comparison to this, one should vie with one another in seeking forgiveness and attaining heaven that has been prepared for believers.

Next, an Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was read out by Amatul Basir Mansoor Sahiba. The couplets drew attention towards the hereafter and the fact that all will be presented in front of our Lord. Believers should always remember that Allah can alleviate all problems and one should plead only before Allah.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then presented awards of academic excellence to 39 Lajna members, including international students.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa addressed the congregation. After Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa stated that as he had mentioned in his recent Friday Sermon, the world is moving away from God. A lot of people reject the existence of God in this society; this trend has also affected some Ahmadis, both young and old.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that in such an atmosphere, it is essential to bring oneself and one’s children closer to Allah. Elders should present such examples in front of children that enable them to draw closer to Allah and His love.

This responsibility is for men and women both. Allah and His Prophet^sa have placed the responsibility of the upbringing of children upon mothers, and this is no easy task. Mothers present their children in the scheme of Waqf-e-Nau but cannot just leave them to their fate after that; tarbiyyat at home is essential.

Some mothers pay more attention towards their sons only but this is not right. Here in the western society, tarbiyyat is a very sensitive issue. Tarbiyyat should be carried out with great care and consideration.

If men are not carrying out their responsibilities properly, then women should also guide them towards the right path.

The Holy Prophet^sa said that his companions^ra are guides for Muslims. These include both men and women companions^ra. Huzoor^aa said that there were women companions^ra who would show great examples. They would worship all night and then fast during the day. As a result, men would complain to the Holy Prophet^sa, saying that their wives worshipped all day and night. The Holy Prophet^sa had to guide those women companions^ra and tell them to adopt a middle path. Thus, if there was a complaint, it was that they would worship all day and night. This was also the same for men. Some women companions^ra would complain that their husbands worshipped day and night.

Allah has told us to follow such people. It was the example of the lady companions^ra that they would beautify themselves for their husbands only and not for the world. They established such examples from which Allah and His Prophet^sa were pleased.

Huzoor^aa said that today we observe that there are mothers who beautify themselves, leave their children, and go out with friends. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa also noted that men also sometimes tell their wives to attend mix parties and not do pardah.

Huzoor^aa instructed that we should ask ourselves if accepting the Promised Messiah^as has brought about any change in us. If our worship has not developed to the extent that Allah requires of us, then we are not fulfilling the purpose of our creation.

Men have been commanded to attend mosques, while women have been given the concession to pray at home and gain the same blessings as men. However, if a woman does not take benefit from such an opportunity then they are at great loss.

When women begin to worship Allah more attentively, they will be able to carry out good deeds as well and the sense of following Allah and His Prophet^sa will begin to manifest within them.

The wife has the responsibility of safeguarding the house and the children of the husband. If the husband is not at home, the wife has the responsibility of the children. When children come home from school, the mother should be there for them.

If Ahmadi women fulfil this responsibility, then we will have a generation of pious children. However, Huzoor^aa said, that along with being good examples, mothers must also pray for their children. Those mothers who show good examples and also pray for their children, most often than not, their children grow up to become pious and religious and more mindful of their parents’ rights.

Fathers must also help their wives in the upbringing of children. Without the attention of fathers, children cannot be brought up in the desired Islamic way. If mothers are unduly scolding their children, fathers should play their roles wisely. They should not counter their wives’ behavior in the presence of their children but discuss it at a later point.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that modern research suggests that children express their feelings better with their mothers up to the age of 15-16. However, they do not have such a relation with fathers. Huzoor^aa said that in our culture, at the age of 15-16, fathers and sons tend to develop a distance which is not helpful in tarbiyyat. Fathers and children should always have a friendly relationship.

Western research states that children keep a relationship with their fathers even after the ages of 15-16 because their fathers do not stop them from immoral acts. However, Ahmadi fathers should keep this relation and friendship so that they can attach their children with religion and distance them from immoral behaviour.

In Western society, in the name of freedom, certain things are taught to children that they cannot even comprehend at their age. In the name of knowledge, such education is ending up pushing children into the darkness of immorality. In such an atmosphere, it is vital that Ahmadi mothers first learn and gain knowledge themselves. Then, if their child questions them about indecent things like sexual relationships, then without shying away, mothers should answer and tell them that this is not the age for them to discuss such matters.

An Ahmadi woman, through her example and prayers, need to adopt such high levels of tarbiyyat that it can be said that these women are giving the Jamaat a very valuable asset in the form of their children.

Such children will be admired by the world for not indulging in immoral acts and for having an interest only in gaining the blessings of Allah. People around them should be able to say that these children only care about being part of Allah’s promise to the Promised Messiah^as that his community will excel in knowledge and understanding.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that Ahmadi mothers should be such wives that embody the words of the Holy Prophet^sa and become “of the best provision.”

Our Allah fulfils his promises. Those who draw towards Him and listen to His commandments, Allah grants worldly needs to such believers. Allah will provide for them in such a manner that they would not have imagined.

Having settled in the Western world, people develop an unreasonable desire for wealth. Sometimes, women begin to demand more from their husbands but then there are such men who themselves strive for more and more wealth. The pressure is not only from wives but sometimes from mothers and sisters also.

There are men who try to gain wealth in a wrong manner. Huzoor^aa said that not all Ahmadi men are exemplary. Wives of such men who evade taxes and commit benefit frauds should question their husbands. They should tell their husbands that they do not want unlawfully earned money for themselves or their children. This can reform Ahmadi men and bless their humble earnings. Those who strive to increase righteousness, Allah develops contentment within them.

Mothers should also keep in mind that for the tarbiyyat of girls, they should show their own examples. Modesty is the sign of women. They should tell girls, from the age of 5-6 years old, that society does not protect their modesty and that they have to do this themselves.

Some girls think that their mothers observe an overdue level of pardah due to being uneducated and backward. Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa said that without any inferiority complex, Ahmadi women should shun all clothing that is against modesty.

Our girls should stay away from such professions that require them to dress immodestly. If women today free themselves from pardah, the danger is that future generations would drift further away from it.

The Promised Messiah^as said that societies like Europe are abandoning pardah and this is becoming the root of immorality and drawing them away from religion.

In western society, instead of having an inferiority complex, women should tell others not to interfere with their pardah, as it is a matter of their own faith.

We should always remember the teachings of the Promised Messiah^as to adopt righteousness.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa prayed for every Ahmadi woman and girl to put their religion first.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen^aa then led the congregation in silent prayer. This was followed by choral poems by various Lajna groups.

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