I have been meaning to write to Al Hakam for some time now and I find that my inner yearning can hold it off no more, and so I put my thoughts [in writing].
It is indeed a phenomenon that living in a “connected world” and wanting bitesize pieces of information (or just the facts) through the plethora of social media apps and online content, I find myself deeply and intrinsically hooked to the Al Hakam newspaper.
Upon reading the many articles, especially those focused upon our beloved Imam, Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (may Allah be his Helper), the sheer impact that it leaves upon me is like that of a beautiful perfume or musk, where it leaves a trail of fragrance even after the person wearing it has gone. The fragrance continues to be smelt and the pleasure such a fragrance gives continues to invigorate.
I find when reading the writing in Al Hakam that it comes to life and it is as if one can live, or is living through, that moment and I find myself visualising that moment as I read the many incredibly spiritually uplifting articles.
Not only has Al Hakam helped me to garner knowledge that I was previously not privy to, but it has also given me a most dramatic unquenchable thirst of wanting more and more. The highlight is certainly every Friday after Jumuah whereby I look forward to clicking on the app and finding new content.
It is like being in a sweetshop when one is of a young age, but certainly this sweetshop is full of the sweets of spirituality and the sweets that enable one to truly feel connected.
Thus, most humbly, I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to the entire team for this incredible newspaper.
How fortunate we are that this precious gem that was started in the time of Al-Masih and Al-Mahdi, Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas is now once again alive and awakening so many through its incredibly pertinent, sometimes poignant and, more often than not, exhilarating articles.
I do not wish to take more of your time but suffice to say that I have tried to express my feelings above. I cannot do enough justice to expressing the inner pleasure and serenity that I feel when I open Al Hakam.
Indeed, it is a blessing of Allah, and certainly a result of the guidance of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.
May Allah continue to bless all the team involved in the composition of Al Hakam. Amin. May Allah reward you all abundantly. Amin. May Allah enable you all to continue to provide service to the newspaper and may He grant you success in leaps and bounds. Amin.
Finally, may Allah bless our beloved Imam, Huzoor-e-Aqdas (may Allah be his Helper) with a long, healthy life, and may our beloved Imam lead us to the victory of Islam Ahmadiyyat through the grace and help of Allah. Amin.
Wassalam,
Dr Atiq Ahmad Bhatti, Slough
Article on historicity of the Holy Prophetsa
I pray you and your team are well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the service you are being blessed to do. May Allah bless you. Amin.
I would like to draw your attention to the Grand Mosque in Cordoba. This was built by Abdul Rahman I of the Umayyad dynasty. There are detailed accounts of the construction and arrival of Muslims in Málaga, thus proving the existence of the religion of Islam and also proving the existence of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa, peace and blessings of Allah be on him.
There is an overwhelming amount of physical evidence on the existence of the Holy Prophetsa. Much is present around the Battle of Yarmouk preserved in Roman history. It is undoubtedly a great shame that the Muslims of today are not even aware of the need to preserve the holy sites of Islam and proofs around the legitimacy of Islamic concepts and authenticity.
Therefore, I thank you for bringing this to my attention and I hope and pray that this article is read by those in positions of charge for the protection of such sites and relics and that they heed the warnings raised by the so-called scholars in Germany … Without any attention to a universe of proof in front of them, they deny the obvious.
On 15 and 16 June, the 40th National UK Majlis-e-Shura was successfully held in the Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh complex.
Registration of delegates and special invitees began at 9am on Saturday, 15 June, and at 10am the Shura commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the English transition.
At 10:20, announcements were made by the UK Jamaat’s General Secretary, Rana Mashood Sahib followed by the recommendations of the 39th Majlis-e-Shura and a report on their implementation.
Following this, at 11:45am, Amir Jamaat UK, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib addressed the Shura after which the subcommittees were formed.
After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the elections for the UK majlis-e-amila were conducted. After the elections, the subcommittees deliberations commenced.
The following day, the Shura continued and commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and translation. Thereafter the subcommittees presented their reports.
Before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa arrival, Amir Sahib UK addressed the Shura in which he thanked all those who helped in contributing and making arrangements for the Shura, especially those who worked behind the scenes.
At approximately 1pm, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived to address the UK Majlis-e-Shura, the summary of which has been included in this issue.
After the concluding address, Huzooraa proceeded to the construction site of the new administrative block of Baitul Futuh to examine the work.
Thereafter, Huzooraa led Salat at the Baitul Futuh Mosque before attending a dinner with all Shura delegates and guests.
21 June 1908: The Promised Messiah’sas last written work, Paigham-e-Sulh (A Message of Peace), was read out for the representatives of different faiths in Punjab University Hall, Lahore by Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib.
21 June 1913: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira announced the nikah of his son Abdul Hayy Sahib.
21 June 1920: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra established Muballighin Class and appointed Hazrat Hafiz Roshan Alira as its first teacher.
21 June 1928: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set off on his journey to Dalhousie and stayed there until 5 August. Huzoorra appointed Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra as amir-e-muqami back at the headquarters (Qadian).
21 June 1931: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra article about the financial difficulties of farmers was read out in a conference of agriculturists held in Lyallpur, present-day Faisalabad.
21 June 1950: Hazrat Pir Manzur Muhammadra passed away. He had beautiful handwriting and had the privilege of writing with hand the first copy of many of the Promised Messiah’sas books. Hazrat Pir Sahibra introduced the unique system to teach children how to read the Quran – Qaida Yassarnal Quran.
22 June 1927: To poison the already tense atmosphere of the Indian subcontinent, a shameless member of the Arya Samaj, Rajpal, published a most scurrilous and disgraceful book concerning the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, called Rangila Rasul (The Flamboyant Prophet). A Hindu journal called Vartman of Amritsar also published an equally offensive article against the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra raised his voice against this and guided the masses at large and his Jamaat especially about how to react to this. The government prosecuted Rajpal for the offence. On this day, Rajpal was convicted and sentenced but was later acquitted by a high court judge, who took the view that the publication of the book did not fall within the scope of the relevant section of the Indian penal code. This entire case and a related contempt of court case against the Muslim press is worth studying. The services rendered by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and Hazrat Chaudhry Zafarulla Khanra at the time are worth studying.
22 June 1948: Missionary in France, Malik Ataur-Rahman Sahib received official clearance and related documents from the concerned authorities to propagate the message of Islam in the country.
22 June 1957: Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafarulla Khanra inaugurated an Ahmadi mosque in Hamburg, Germany.
22 June 1964: The Promised Messiah’sas book Eik Ghalati ka Izala (A Misconception Removed) was confiscated on the orders of government officials of Pakistan. This ban was lifted on 16 August.
23 June 1929: Hazrat Hafiz Roshan Alira (right) passed away. He was a saintly individual and one of the stalwart scholars of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. He was famous for reciting the Holy Quran in a melodious voice. Two of his renowned students were Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams and Hazrat Maulana Abul Ata. He accompanied Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in his journey to Europe in 1924.
23 June 1937: Hazrat Dr Syed Abdul Sattar Shahra passed away. He was the father of Hazrat Syeda Umm-e-Tahirra – wife of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra and mother of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh.
23 June 1944: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra instructed the young generation of the Jamaat to develop the habit of offering Tahajud prayers regularly.
25 June 1921: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra set out for his tour of Kashmir, which lasted a few months.
25 June 1956: At the start of the year, a small town was planned and developed near District Sarghoda’s town of Jaba. This settlement was named Nakhla. On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived here for the first time to stay. However, this area was ransacked and looted in May/June 1974 by opponents during anti-Ahmadiyya riots.
26 June 1937: During the Khilafat of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, many conspiracies were hatched against the Jamaat. Some of these plots were so alarming that in all likelihood, the Jamaat could have been wiped off the face of the earth. Huzoorra overcame every obstacle with amazing courage. He foretold that every plot would fail. Every prediction made by Huzoorra came true. In 1937, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Misri, former principal of Madrasa Ahmadiyya started creating a rift in the community. He wrote vilifying letters and tried his utmost to create disorder within the Jamaat. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra wise reply was published in this day’s issue of Al Fazl along with the announcement of his expulsion from the Jamaat.
26 June 1942: With the expansion of war fronts, the flames and horrors of World War 2 started engulfing the Middle East, Egypt and other neighbouring areas. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra asked his followers to sincerely pray for the security and sanctity of sacred places located in the Muslim world.
26 June 1952: On this day, the famous Egyptian newspaper Al-Youm dedicated a column to Hasanein bin Makhlouf, a scholar of the country. This article contained many misleading ideas regarding the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. To defuse the impact, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra prepared an article under the title, Al-Youm. Moreover, Huzoorra issued a pamphlet for the Pakistani public in an attempt to save them from going astray.
26 June 1953: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid the foundation stone of an academic block and hostel building of Talim-ul-Islam College Rabwah. A brick from Dar-ul-Masih Qadian was used for this purpose.
27 June 1905: Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra celebrated the completion of the first reading of the Holy Quran by his son Abdul Hayy Sahib. Under the guidance of the Promised Messiahas, he also arranged food for people.
27 June 1925: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent Hazrat Syed Zain-ul-Abidin Waliullah Shahra and Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shamsra to Syria to establish the Ahmadiyya Mission there. They reached their destination on 27 July.
The 27th Majlis-e-Shura of France was held on 15 June 2019 at the Mubarak Mosque, Saint Prix, the national headquarters of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya France. There was one proposition “Make a tarbiyat plan so that Ahmadis become aware of the traditions and values of the Jamaat” along with the annual Jamaat’s budget.
The opening session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the opening speech by National Amir, Ashfaq Rabbani Sahib. In his speech, he read some extracts from a speech of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra about Shura.
The secretary Shura later on presented the previous year’s report followed by this year’s agenda. The national secretary finance then presented the budget.
Two subcommittees were formed, one for the proposition and one for the budget.
During the meetings of subcommittees, a seminar was held by the manager of Al Fazl International Tahir Mahdi Sahib for increase in sales and awareness of Al Fazl International.
In the evening, the subcommittees presented their reports in front of the Shura.
After the respective reports, the elections for the national amila for the years 2019-2022 were held. A silent prayer was led thereafter by Amir Sahib France and the proceedings of this year’s Shura concluded.
In the current day, objections are raised against the veil. However, people do not realise that the Islamic veil is no prison. It is only a barrier which prevents the free mixing of men and women. The veil saves them from stumbling. A just-minded individual would appreciate that if non-mahram men and women were to mix without any hesitation and concern, and if they were to go about together, they would surely succumb to the flare of their inner-passions. It has often been heard and observed that certain people see no ill in a non-mahram man and woman remaining alone behind closed doors. Civilisation they call it. It is to counter these very adverse effects that the Founder of Islam has forbidden an individual altogether from approaching anything that may lead them to stumble. In this relation, the Holy Prophetsa has stated that where a non-mahram man and woman sit in seclusion, the third of them is Satan. Just reflect on the harrowing outcomes that Europe is having to bear as a result of this non restrictive and unbridled teaching. In certain places, an utterly shameless life of promiscuity is led. This is due to teachings of the sort just mentioned. If you wish to protect a thing from misuse, it must be safeguarded. However, if one does not watch over a possession – and considers the world to be innocent – then keep in mind that it will surely be ruined. The Islamic veil is a truly holy teaching indeed, which through segregation, saves man and woman from stumbling. It has delivered mankind from a grievous and bitter life, on account of which Europe has seen domestic disputes and suicides every other day. The fact that noble women drift into lives of promiscuity is the practical outcome of the permission to gaze freely at non-mahram women.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 33-34)
After Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa arrival in Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh at around 13:07 local time, the concluding session of the National UK Majlis-e-Shura commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and its translation.
Thereafter, Huzooraa took to the rostrum and addressed the national Shura.
After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that he was confident that all members of the Shura, in their individual capacities, will have taken full part in the proceedings of the Shura.
Huzooraa said that initially, some of the members will have given suggestions in their respective subcommittees, and after having discussed them, they will have been presented to the full house.
Huzooraa said that in the concluding session, he would elaborate on the responsibilities of Shura members in light of a speech given by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Musleh-e-Maudra, in a Majlis-e-Shura.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that Shura members should inculcate the fear of Allah in them. No matter how eloquent or well-spoken a person is, this cannot be a criterion for their success in life. True success and victory in this life and the Hereafter demands that we live our lives with the belief that our lord is Allah.
“Our Lord, we have heard a Crier calling [us] unto faith, ‘Believe ye in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us, therefore, our sins and remove from us our evils, and in death, join us with the righteous us.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.194)
With this, Huzooraa said that we Ahmadi Muslims should endeavour to live our lives in this way with true righteousness. If we do not, then we should ask ourselves what our worth is.
Today, when our Jamaat has millions of members across the world, the truth remains that we represent a very small proportion of the world’s Muslims. Our Jamaat’s population is, in contrast, a mere drop in the ocean. Our Jamaat is, thus, seemingly insignificant.
However, there is one thing that we can take pride in; that we have heard the cry of a caller and that we listen, and we obey. This is our true value and a great blessing that should remain at the forefront of our minds. It should remain embedded in our hearts at all times.
As members of the community of the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa said that our views and opinions and beliefs should be rooted in the fear of Allah the Almighty.
The fear of Allah should take precedence in every sphere of our lives. Thus, every decision we make in our lives should be made with the fear of Allah.
If, in the world today, people perceive our truth and significance, it is only due to the fact that we are a united community that stands together in all circumstances at the hand of Khalifatul Masih. They attest to the fact that we live our lives according to the true teachings of Islam, that are peace, love and humanity. We are the group that preaches the true Islam as taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Many people, as a result of this, are drawn to the Jamaat each year.
Thus, all Shura members have an immense responsibility on their shoulders.
Another profound point made by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was that if a person makes a wrong decision, it would not be detrimental to the Jamaat so long as a person made it with the best intention and fear of Allah. On the contrary, if a person makes a good decision and they do not have the true fear of Allah in their hearts, it will lead to harmful and negative consequences. If we make an error of judgement whilst having the fear of Allah in our hearts, Allah will rectify the mistake Himself. Through His grace and mercy, He will forgive us and lead us towards success.
Huzooraa said that some people may query this statement as to how a correct decision can lead to harm or a negative decision can have positive results. In answer to this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that once the Holy Prophetsa saw in a dream that he was performing the tawaf [circuit] of the Holy Ka‘bah and thus, he set out for the Holy Ka‘bah. This was not done for any personal benefit or to increase his own personal influence among people. The Holy Prophetsa did this with the best of intentions, yet as it was not the decree of Allah, it was an innocent mistake. The decision was made with the complete fear of Allah. As a consequence, in Chapter 48, verse 2 of the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states:
اِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَکَ فَتْحًا مُّبِیْنًا
“Verily, We have granted thee a clear victory.”
Allah the Almighty stated that instead of causing harm, this decision would result in the progress of Islam. Through this, the entire world saw how the innocent mistake foreshadowed a glorious victory of Islam.
At the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa stationed a group of Muslims at a certain place, he instructed them that they were not to leave their assigned posts under any circumstances. However, when the enemies of Islam were in a state of defeat and retreat, the Muslims disregarded the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa and left their posts. True obedience, however, required that they followed the instruction, no matter the circumstances. Thus, the victory of Muslims turned into the defeat of Muslims.
Courtesy of AMA UK
Huzooraa said that he wished to remind each member of the Shura that they must always remain true to themselves and Allah at all times. The members should be ever ready to live their lives for the sake of the cause of Islam and they should never be motivated to desire the praise of others. For instance, when giving Chanda or giving other financial sacrifices, they must ensure that it is done for the sake of Allah and not to impress others.
The work of a spiritual community is far greater than worldly companies. The goals of a worldly company are limited and remain focused on limited areas. However, if the Promised Messiahas or his Khulafa had followed such worldly goals, our tabligh would have stopped long ago. For example, if it was ever decided that funds could only be used in the area they were raised, then success would never have been seen in the Jamaat.
If it was decided that we should stop building mosques in order to save money, then we would see that our spiritual success would come to a halt and we would no longer witness the blessings of Allah the Almighty.
The national budget should be drawn in a way that enables the work of the Jamaat to be fulfilled. Above all else, before allocating resources and making plans, the fear of Allah should be at the centre of our minds. If plans are made with the fear of Allah and according to the desire of Khalifatul Masih, then we will be successful. The budget should be used to help all needy people. If we look at the budget, however, one marvels on how this can be possible.
The Jamaat’s budget is different to worldly organisations. Where worldly groups gather huge sums of money, the Jamaat is able to achieve huge tasks with minimal resources.
Huzooraa added that Shura members should set the best example for people to follow. Only when this has been achieved can others be inspired to better their examples, increase in financial sacrifice and offer time for the Jamaat.
Shura members should recognise that their duties do not end after walking out of this hall but remain throughout the year. As Shura members, it is an obligation to remind members of the Jamaat about the importance of financial sacrifice so that the tasks of the Jamaat can be achieved.
Courtesy of AMA UK
Members of the Shura must remember that our opponents are taking all possible measures to impede the growth and success of the Jamaat. Around the world, schemes are being hatched to achieve this. Despite their cruel and unjust endeavours, Allah grants us unending success.
Many of the members migrated here from abroad, while others were born and raised here. Allah has, in any case, granted everyone the opportunity to represent their respective Jamaats at the Shura. It is up to the members, Huzooraa said, that they prove not only as representatives in name but through their conduct and righteous examples too.
A true Shura member is he who talks truthfully and sincerely for the betterment of the Jamaat.
Another element of fulfilling the duties of representing the Jamaat is to be a righteous example for members of their respective localities and encourage them to take part in Jamaat events and activities.
At the end, Huzooraa reiterated the fact that the duty of all representatives would continue throughout the year and if the decisions of the Shura were approved by Huzooraa, then every effort must be made to fulfil these decisions and others should be motivated to do so.
Huzooraa prayed toward the end that the fear of Allah remains firmly ingrained in the hearts of members of the Shura and that they strive to fulfil their obligations as members of Majlis-e-Shura.
Thereafter, Huzooraa led the congregation in dua, after which group photos were taken with the delegates.
Huzooraa then proceeded to examine the construction work of the new complex at Baitul Futuh, after which he led congregational prayer at Baitul Futuh Mosque.
14 June, London: After leading the Friday prayer at the Baitul Futuh Mosque, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa launched the new Al Taqwa website and the new Al Fazl International app and website.
Though Al Taqwa – the first Arabic magazine of the Jamaat – has been in publication for a long time, it was realised that its outreach and readership could be further facilitated. Therefore, Huzooraa gave the magazine the task of digitising every article in its archive in a blog format which would increase access.
By the grace of Allah the new website has been launched as www.altaqwa.netand contains a treasure trove of articles for the Arabic speaking world.
Abada Barbouche Sahib – Editor in Chief of Al Taqwa – stated:
“I am confident there will be a lot of Arabs coming towards the Jamaat through this website Insha-Allah. And this is really another demonstration of the truth of Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas.”
This was followed by the launch of the new Al Fazl International app and revamped website. Al Fazl International was launched in 1994 as a means of reading the words of the Khalifa of the time and is a central Urdu newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community having its roots established over a hundred years ago by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.
The new app features individual articles in blog format as well as previous issues of the newspaper with the updated website – www.alfazl.com – adopting a similar style. The app is available on iOS and Android devices.
Hafiz Muhammad Zafrullah Aajiz Sahib – Editor in Chief Al Fazl International – said:
“Whenever Huzooraa guides on anything and takes interest in anything it automatically brings blessings of Allah the Almighty. At the same time, Huzooraa has a vision and it is a very wide and vast vision; the vision of Huzooraa is to serve mankind and to take the message of the Promised Messiahas across to the whole world.”
Hafiz Zafrullah Sahib told Al Hakam that the first issue of Al Fazl International was published in the month of June over a hundred years ago and when possible dates of the launch were presented to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, today’s date was selected by Huzooraa. He also stated that Huzooraa had been encouraging and motivating towards achieving new heights.
After viewing and launching both websites on two separate smart-screen monitors, Huzooraa led a silent prayer before returning to Islamabad.
Nations
are engaged in yet another war, known as the trade war, not only with their
neighbours but with various other countries as well. These rising economic
escalations are resulting in conflicts and disorders throughout the world.
America,
under Trump’s rule, is the leading nation which is involved in a trade war with
China, the EU, Mexico and Canada.
Recently,
America has banned Huawei, a Chinese multinational telecommunication equipment
company, owing to security issues which have caused a great stir across the
globe.
Certain
critics are of the view that these actions would not only undermine global
peace but also have a huge impact on the economy of America on a long term
basis.
Along
these lines, afflicted nations have abandoned America and consented to new
trade agreements with different nations. For instance, the Chinese company
Huawei has signed a deal with a Russian telecoms firm to handle the ban imposed
by the Trump administration. Moreover, they have announced that they have
prepared their own operating system as well.
Meanwhile,
the UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May resigned from party leadership as she was
unable to deliver Brexit and thus lost support of her own members of
parliament. May’s step-down in May has pushed Britain into a tough situation
and leaves behind significantly more deep-rooted divisions than when she became
the prime minister. Now, there is a race for who will be the next leader of the
United Kingdom.
Nations are trying to protect their national interests and complying with beggar-thy-neighbour polices which would result in a chain reaction, leading to great catastrophe. The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, considering the present state of affairs, stated:
“In
terms of verbal proclamations, it is very easy to say that ‘Yes we do desire
the best for others’, however in practice, it is much more difficult and
challenging. Wherever there is a conflict of interests, most people tend to
prioritise their own interests and welfare over and beyond the rights of
others.” (Lecture at York University, Toronto, 28 October 2016)
Members
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community recently gathered in front of the UK
parliament in order to enlighten the British public on the need of justice to
avoid World War III.
Hazrat
Khalifatul Masih Vaa states on another occasion:
“The
severity of the situation is such that a third world war could begin at any
time – in fact, in reality, a third world war has already begun on a small
scale. I have been warning of this for a number of years but only now analysts
and world figures have started to agree.” (Friday Sermon, Baitul Futuh Mosque,
4 December 2015)
World
superpowers and stable countries should sense the turning tides across the
globe and look after the interests of weaker nations in order to sow the seed
of peace and harmony on this planet. Nations should seek to establish justice
even if they have to sacrifice their national gains and welfare.
“Corruption
has appeared on land and sea because of what men’s hands have wrought, that He
may make them taste [the fruit] of some of their doings, so that they may turn
back [from] evil.” (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.30: V.42)
Head
lowered like a branch fully laden with ripe fruits, a triumphant ruler rode
upon his horse into a city that had persecuted, shunned and exiled him. Yet he
spoke no harsh word, raised no sword and desired no wealth for his aim had
never been such. Indeed his opponents had suffered a horrible defeat, however,
his true victory was in the fulfillment of a prophecy made long before him as
he “shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints.”
(Deutronomy 33:2 [KJV])
In a
mere 10-year period, a nation rose from the ashes of a dead society, a vile and
degenerate world, devoid of all light, akin perhaps to a black hole
obliterating the light of morality and righteousness into its bottomless pit of
nothingness and oblivion. No society bears more striking resemblance to our own
modern global village of moral and spiritual decrepitude, where Satan’s claws
are extended forth clasping upon the throat of morality, virtue and belief,
than this one.
Yet,
such a phenomenon manifested upon the sands of Arabia over 1400 years ago that
the dead became alive, the blind began to see and the deaf began to hear.
Hence, it is entirely befitting that in order to find the lost light and life
amongst the rampant darkness and death in our world, we must turn the dial of
time back, once more, 1400 years. It was upon the sands of Arabia long ago,
that the solution to all evils, ills and vices that have risen again to plague
society at a hitherto unbeknownst intensity and scale was miraculously
manifested by the nurturing and moral training of our master, the Seal of the
Prophets, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
It is regarding this wonderful miracle that the Promised Messiahas
writes beautifully:
صَادَفْتَھُمْ قَوْمًا کَرَوْثٍ ذِلَّۃً
فَجَعَلْتَھُمْ کَسَبِیْکَۃِ الْعِقْیَانِ
“You
found them to be a group of people who [owing to their sins] were despicable
like dung; But [due to your spiritual power] you transformed them into an ingot
of pure gold.”
It may
not be possible to do justice to this vast topic by attempting to discuss every
moral issue and ill facing our society. It is in fact impossible for human
beings to even comprehend the innumerable ways in which we are forever
increasingly plunging into certain moral and spiritual decays. Hence, it is
only fitting that we should look upon the only One who knows all and sees all,
Allah the Almighty.
Allah,
the Most Gracious, has blessed us by simplifying the whole complicated affair
into three words in the following verse:
“Verily,
Allah requires you to abide by justice, and to treat with grace, and give like
the giving of kin to kin; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and
transgression.”(Surah al-Nahl, Ch.16: V.91)
This
verse lucidly defines for us the various aspects of all evil and sin: fahsha
(indecency), munkar (manifest evil) and baghy (transgression).
The Holy Quran also teaches us which steps must be taken in order to combat
the various evils.
Islam
seeks to provide total cure from these ills; hence, it also deals with specific
ills and vices and clarifies for us what our response to them should be and
what their solution is. Furthermore, the greatest quality of Islamic teachings
is that it truly strikes at the root of all problems and solves all issues and
matters by demolishing their root and base. Hence, in order to understand and
find a working, pragmatic method to safeguard against the modern world’s moral
ills, it is imperative to explore all these aspects.
The
Promised Messiahas has explained multiple times that the root of all
sin is a lack of ma‘rifat (deep insight), hence, in order to uproot
evils and vices, we must first gain knowledge and understanding into their true
nature and ill effects on our body and spirit. Once a state of understanding
and recognition is reached regarding any harmful action, we naturally will
avoid this action and any path that leads to it. For example, if we are certain
that cobras inhabit a place, no one would dare even take the path that crosses
this place. Hence, recognition and understanding lies at the root of
safeguarding ourselves from such evils.
Hazrat
Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II and Musleh-e-Maudra
states:
“In
order to safeguard against ill deeds, it is imperative to gain a perfect
recognition of God” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 7, p. 643)
Fahsha are
such indecencies and moral evils as pertain to the individual and their
personal wrongdoings. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra has explained in Tafsir-e-Kabir
under this verse that in this category fall all ills that may not be
affecting other members of society but may be done in secret and their circle
of influence is the person committing them.
There is
no lack of such shameful immoral actions in our society. In fact, all around
such heinous propaganda to jump into this abyss is apparent as puts any decent
person to shame. This category of moral ills includes all matters related to
sexual misconduct – hyper-sexualisation, premarital and extramarital relations
– and may include other addictions.
Munkar (manifest
evil) points to such evils as not only affect the individual, but rather
negatively affect others as well. Let us first understand the ill effects of
these moral evils on our body and spirit; as Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra
has explained, lack of understanding and true recognition is the mother of
sins.
Recent
studies which have been reproduced time and again show that by the age of 20,
75% of Americans have premarital relations, and by the age of 44, that
percentage jumps to 95%. Among those 25% of Americans who abstained until the
age of 20, 81% were no longer celibate by the age of 44 (Dr Lawrence B Finer, Trends
in Premarital Sex in the United States, 1954–2003 Public Health Reports [2007]
National Centre for Biotechnology Information). Approximately 30-60% of all
married persons in the United States of America had an affair and did not
remain faithful to their partners (Dr David M Buss and Dr Todd K Shackelford,
Susceptibility to Infidelity in the First Year of Marriage, Journal of
Research in Personality [1997]).
Premarital
relations have a strong connection with extra-marital relations because, due to
the culture of dating and breaking-up, they make light of the bond of marriage
which can be broken whenever desired. Hence, the rate of divorce also rises,
which destroys families, and such children as grow up in these broken family
systems often grow up to repeat the same wrongful behaviours, thus beginning
the cycle anew.
Islam
places great importance upon family systems, because they are the building
blocks of a society and the centre for the moral training of future
generations. As these building blocks crumble under the nonchalant, “playful”
and careless behaviour of dating and cheating, it only escalates immorality and
the domino effect of moral destruction keeps claiming one generation after
another. As premarital relations and affairs have risen, so have the divorce
rates naturally risen. It is estimated by some studies that in the earlier 20th
century, the divorce rate was under 5%, however, now studies suggest that in
the United States, divorce rates are as high as 40-50%. (www.politifact.com/new-jersey/statements/2012/feb/20/stephen-sweeney/steve-sweeney-claims-more-two-thirds-marriages-end/)
As far
as pornography is concerned, no statistics are required for this. It is a
disease so rampant that seldom is one safe from it. Simply pondering over the
effects of this evil reveals that it is also directly connected to divorce,
hyper-sexualisation, objectification of women and, worst of all, assault and
violence cases against women. In a study included in Rolling Stone
magazine, in the 1960s it was found that 11% of men and 44% of women were
sexualised, meaning they were purposefully portrayed in an overtly
over-sexualised manner. In the 2000s, the numbers increased to 17% of men being
portrayed in such a manner and an astounding 83% of women (Patricia Donovan,
Study Finds Marked Rise in Intensely Sexualized Images of Women, Not Men, University
at Buffalo News Center [website], 16 September 2018). That is a devastating 55%
increase, how can we imagine that it would be without any ill effects?
All such
immoral behaviors are creating a society which accepts and celebrates lustful
thoughts and behaviors, be that in music, media or entertainment. This in turn
destroys the moral base of society and severs the connection with God Almighty.
Hence, Islam lays stress upon modesty and purity of thoughts. The Holy Quran
calls adultery an abominable sin and forbids it, and striking at the root of
all deeds, it guides regarding stopping the entrance of such thoughts into the
mind. Before instructing women to cover their beauty and not display it, it
states:
“Say to
the believing men that they restrain their looks and guard their private parts.
That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is Well-Aware of what they do.” (Surah
al-Nur, Ch.24: V.31)
However,
we must treat the problem at its grand level, so that a cure can be found which
may be applicable not only in specific situations, rather may be effective
against all issues. Allah the Almighty states in His blessed word:
Recite
that which has been revealed to thee of the Book, and observe Prayer. Surely,
Prayer restrains [one] from indecency and manifest evil, and remembrance of
Allah indeed is the greatest [virtue]. And Allah knows what you do. (Surah
al-Ankabut, Ch.29: V.46)
In the
simplest words, to answer our question of “how to safeguard against ills”, it
is quite clearly stated in the verse quoted above: Salat. Salat is the answer
that God Almighty has given us in order protect ourselves from both indecency
and manifest evil. Hence, it is the most potent cure available to us in order
to combat all forms of moral ills in our society, for these two categories
encompass most of our modern society’s issues.
Some genres of music celebrate immorality and hypersexualisation
For a
cure to be considered worthy of applying to such a massive issue, two things
are necessary in order to testify to its potency and effect: firstly, whether
the source of this cure is reliable and good, and secondly, whether it is
proven to be working? In the case of the first question, the source is the
Almighty and All-knowing God of all the worlds, the Creator and Master of
everything, therefore, we must agree that the source is the best possible one.
To answer the second question, we need only look at a mere 23 years of a once
insignificant deserted peninsula known as Arabia, whose people would rise to
become the leaders and teachers of the entire world, because a man of God
taught them this simple cure. It not only transformed their personal lives but
also their national identity. Where they once drank alcohol like water five
times a day, it was replaced with five daily doses of its cure, and the results
are evident to every person, friend or foe. The Promised Messiahas
states:
“What is
Namaz [Salat]? It is a form of prayer which safeguards a person from all evils
and indecencies, making them worthy of goodness and receiver of divine
blessings.” (Malfuzat, Vol.3, p. 37)
Hence,
when we speak of any type of indecency and moral ill that may be rampant in our
society and various ways to safeguard ourselves, the message of God Almighty,
His Prophetsa and the Imam of the age is crystal clear; Salatis
the answer. The Promised Messiahas further explains:
“Namaz
is such a deed that by observing it, a person is saved from every type of evil
deed and indecency.” (Al Hakam, 10 January 1908, p. 4)
This
fact is also supported by the greatest servant of the Promised Messiahas,
Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira. He states in the
commentary of this verse:
“Namaz
has been made obligatory for the purpose of safeguarding against manifest evil
(munkar) and indecency (fahsha).” (Haqaiqul Furqan, p.
338)
Now that
it has become abundantly clear from all these references that in fact it is
Salat that is our greatest shield against all evils, we must understand how.
How is it that a mere composition of movements – standing, bowing, and
prostrating, while saying some words in Arabic – can possibly be considered a
shield against all vice and evil? In order to understand this, we must
understand the truth and essence of prayers and its various parts.
Islamic
prayer known as Salatis not a simple exercise, rather every single part
of it bears grand wisdom in it, and it provides the solutions to all forms and
shapes of problems one may experience living in any society and at any time in
the world.
The Holy
Prophetsa is reported to have said that cleanliness is half of
faith, therefore, this highlights for us that it must have an effect on our
moral state as well. In fact, cleanliness has a deep connection with purity of
mind and abstaining from lustful thoughts and eventual sexual misconduct. Islam
clearly stresses cleanliness throughout one’s daily actions, and in fact this
starts quite early in age.
According
to one Hadith, prayer is to be taught to a 7-year-old and becomes obligatory at
age 10 (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Salat). At this age a child generally
learns of their private parts, and girls, in some cases, start their periods.
Hence, with prayer, the emphasis on cleanliness should also be kept in mind.
Regarding
the cleanliness of the child and its effect on them, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin
Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states in Minhaj-ut-Talibin (The
Way of Seekers):
“Let the
child have a clean body. Its impact on his mind will be great. As a
consequence, the child will come to have a clean mind and will become immune to
sins which are caused by uncleanliness. Medical research bears out that a child
commits their first sin because they are dirty. Dirt irritates the anal
passages which the child rubs and manipulates. They find pleasure in the
process and becomes conscious of sex. They can be safeguarded against sexual
errors to a very large extent if they are kept clean. This training must begin
the very day they are born.” (The Way of Seekers, p. 51)
The
Promised Messiahas has explained regarding the importance of
cleanliness while speaking about prayers:
“As long
as uncleanliness remains in a person, Satan remains in love with him.” (Al
Badr, 13 February 1903, p. 27)
There
are various other ways that prayer protects us against moral ills. Hazrat
Khalifatul Masih IIra has explained in the commentary of this verse
(Ch.29: V.46) that prayer surely saves one from impurities and indecencies. It
not only saves us on an individual level but on a collective level as well,
because the time spent in prayers, especially congregational prayers, will take
time away from other activities and keep our minds focused on God. Also, Huzoorra
mentions, that Salat contains many supplications, hence, these supplications
shall be a source of not only personal but collective reformation. Then, Namaz
also contains recitation of the Quran and professing God’s glory and praise,
which has a very strong effect on the heart. The most influential effect of
Salat, however, is that it “grants the human heart a shining light and
with its help, a person can abstain from evils and bad deeds”.
Then,
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues that this is due to the prayers
that Salat contains “through which the glory of Allahthe Almighty and
Him being truly worthy of love becomes manifest upon the person.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir,
Vol. 6, p. 643)
As far
as addictions are concerned, nothing need be said regarding their physical and
spiritual harms. That is an obvious and well understood fact. Addictions impair
individuals on every level and block the process of conscious thought. It is
for this reason a person is told to stay away from prayer in the state of
intoxication (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.44). When something affects one’s prayer,
then that impairs their ability to defend against other evils as well, hence,
addictions in this manner give birth to countless evils.
Salatoffers a solution against this as well. Where the other effects have been
discussed above, it is very interesting how Salat ties in with popular
habit-reformation and behaviour-modification techniques and knowledge. The
premise for most of habit-reformation techniques is quite simple, since habits
are based on habit loops, starting from a cue, then a routine, ending with a
reward.
Researchers
such as Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habits, suggest that in
order to reform a habit, we simply need to replace the routine while keeping
the same outcome and cue. Let us now look at Salat. Most addicts and
drunks indulge because they desire to alleviate a stress or other feeling from
their life; this action provides them with pleasure and temporary relief. Now,
what if the cue – stress, loneliness, company etc. – was followed by another
routine that resulted in the same reward of pleasure and stress alleviation,
while providing much better company? The Holy Quran states, “Aye! it is in the
remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.” (Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13:
V.29)
This is
not merely a theory, in fact, this was displayed beautifully in the lives of
the companions of the Holy Prophetsa, when prayer became their
safe-haven, their hobby and their passion; it annihilated all other desires. It
is to this effect that the Promised Messiahas writes:
تَرَکُوْا الْغَبُوْقَ وَ بَدَّلُوْا مِنْ ذَوْقِہ
ذَوْقَ الدُّعَاءِ بِلَیْلَۃِ الاَحْزَانِ
“[Following your instructions, O Prophetsa] they gave up their [habit of] evening drink, and in exchange for drinking pleasure, they adopted the [practice of deriving] pleasure of prayers in nights of grief.”
In
conclusion, Islamic moral philosophy is quite simple: do not do things that
take you away from God, and do things that take you towards God. All moral ills
take one away from God, therefore, they are to be shunned entirely because God
Himself is to be loved above all. His attributes – or as mentioned in the Holy
Quran, “sibghatullah”–are to be adopted in one’s life in
order to become closer to Him and save oneself from evil; this is the greatest
weapon against moral decay and societal evils.
In order
to achieve this, God Almighty provided us with the gift of Salat and the other
forms of worship such as fasting, Zakat and Hajj. All of these are merely
expressions of love for God and teach us to adopt His love in our lives, and
therefore are not the cure themselves, rather, they allow us to reach the cure
– the love of God.
All of
Islamic moral philosophy is encapsulated by this simple understanding. At the
end of the Biblical verse of Deuteronomy quoted in the beginning, it states
“from his right hand went a fiery law for them”.This completes the
prophecy and states that the law given by him will be a “fiery law”. As
Muslims, this should not be very difficult to understand. Almost every Ramadan,
we are reminded that fasting and Salatliterally mean burning because
they burn away sins. This was the law of the Holy Prophetsa; it
burned away all evil and he didn’t just theorise what this teaching would
achieve, he practically showed its power and cleansed the rust and dirt from
the hearts of the Arabs and the rest of the world for centuries.
It is
not the movements or words of prayer or the act of fasting that safeguard us
against evils, rather it is these forms of worship that connect us to God and
allow us to recognise and love Him by providing the necessary pathway to reach
purity of heart, mind and soul.
