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Lajna of Mexico Hold 1st National Ijtema

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Lajna of Mexico Hold 1st National Ijtema
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Amen Aqeel Haider

Mexico Correspondent

Lajna Imaillah Mexico held their first national Ijtema in Merida on 30 December 2018. 

A total of 68 women and children were present at the Ijtema, and of this number, 90% were Mexican, while the rest included Lajna from Pakistan, Canada, USA and Belize. 

The Ijtema started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and translation of the verses in Spanish. After this, an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas was recited and the Spanish translation was presented after. 

Following this, a lecture was given by Amir Sahib Guatemala on the importance of Lajna Imaillah and Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, which was listened to attentively by Lajna through loudspeakers. Therafter, all Lajna members wrote letters to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, and for many of the Lajna, this was the first time they were writing a letter to Huzooraa. These letters will be personally presented to Huzooraa by a missionary of Mexico, Insha-Allah.

Competitions at the Ijtema consisted of tilawat, memorisation of the Quran, memorisation of prayers, speech competition and memorisation of Salat with Spanish translation. 

A total of 28 Mexican Lajna members participated in these competitions for the first time ever. After the completion of the competitions, Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered followed by lunch. 

Before the concluding session, Lajna and children enjoyed extracurricular activities such as Chinese whispers, obstacle race, three-legged race and other recreational activities. 

The Ijtema concluded with an awards ceremony, questions and answers and dua. 

Living with Depression

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Living with Depression
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Samar Hafeez

Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor

Bangalore, India 

Almost everyone feels down from time to time; getting a bad grade, having an argument with a dear one, not achieving a positive appraisal at work, disagreements with siblings and many other life instances that pose a demand or pressure on you can make you feel sad. 

Most times, these negative thoughts and feelings last for a couple of days and fade away. They usually don’t seem to disrupt or extensively impair your day-to-day activities, and most of us feel fine after we have had a healthy constructive conversation or a good laugh with a family member, colleague or friend. 

However, if you suffer from depression, these negative thoughts and feelings seem to be leeched onto you, sucking the fun out of your life. The negativity does not seem to improve or subside and may carry on for months perhaps years and definitely causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational and other important areas of functioning.

Depression is more than just sadness; it has been called the world’s number one public mental health problem. Some people experience a few symptoms and some experience many. 

The severity of symptoms also vary in individuals over time. Some of these signs and symptoms include feeling a markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities, feeling gloomy, guilty, melancholic, worthless and hopelessness most of the day, almost everyday; negative thinking, significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (i.e. a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), decreased or increased appetite, insomnia (sleeplessness) or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) nearly every day, psychomotor agitation or retardation (i.e. restlessness or sluggishness), inability to concentrate, recurrent thoughts of death and suicidal ideations, or suicide attempts.

The presence of five or more of the above symptoms over a 2-week period and representing a negative change from previous functioning will indicate the onset of this mental condition.

Depression is a heterogeneous problem which has numerous risk factors including a combination of genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors. It can appear at any age, but the likelihood of onset in adolescence is a lot higher.

Major life changes, trauma, sexual abuse, chronic stress and substance abuse, pregnancy, chronic physical illnesses like cancer, stroke and diabetes can be among causes. For many individuals, life influences and “how” they interpret it appears to be the most important cause. In this article, we will be mainly looking into the cognitive reactions related to depression.

 

You feel the way you think

Depression is an illness that mostly results from thoughts that are distorted subsequently in some way and every bad feeling is the result of negative thinking. Illogical pessimistic attitudes play a central role in the development and continuation of all depressive symptoms. 

Over 30 years of research confirms that people with depression tend to have more negative thoughts leading to being depressed. These thoughts are the most frequently overlooked symptoms of depression. These cognitions contain the key to relief and are therefore the most important symptom.

Emotions and actions result entirely from the way you interpret things. It is an obvious neurological fact that before you can experience any event, you must process it with your mind and give it a meaning, before you can feel or react to it.

The following is list of some cognitive distortions (ways in which our mind convinces us of something that is not really true) that form the basis of our depressive state:

  1. All-or-nothing thinking: In this cognitive distortion, we see things in black or white categories. For instance, if your performance falls short of perfect, you see yourself as a total failure. There is no middle ground in this type of thinking
  2. Overgeneralisation: In this mind trap, you see a single negative event as a never ending pattern of defeat
  3. Mental filter: You pick out a single negative detail about an issue or situation and dwell on it
  4. Disqualifying the positive: You don’t believe in positive experiences and insist that they “don’t count” for some reason or the other
  5. Jumping to conclusions: Without definite facts that convincingly support ones conclusion, you jump to negative conclusions
  6. Magnification (catastrophising) and minimisation: Also called “binocular trick” because you are either exaggerating things or belittling them. It usually occurs when you look into your own imperfections and mistakes and exaggerate their importance and minimise your good points 
  7. Emotional reasoning: You assume that if you are feeling negative, then that must be the way things are: “I feel it, therefore it must be true.” One usual side-effect of emotional reasoning is procrastination
  8. “Should” statements: You try to motivate yourself by telling yourself you should be doing something, but overtime these statements can cause you to feel pressured and demotivated
  9. Labelling and mislabelling: This is a more serious form of overgeneralisation. When making a mistake, you attach a negative label to yourself, such as feeling like “a loser”. This is similar when someone else upsets or annoys you and then you attach a negative label to them
  10. Personalisation: This is when you start to blame yourself for everything and take responsibility of others’ mistakes and failures, when there is no absolute need to

Treatments

For milder forms of depression, I would request the reader to mindfully and thoughtfully identify their thoughts and respective feelings and reactions. Jot down these thoughts in a diary, using a “triple column technique”. In the left column, write down the negative thoughts that drift in your mind; in the middle column, identify your distortions and in the right hand column, write down more realistic interpretations or rational responses to the specific distortions.

This daily written exercise will accelerate your personal growth and shall hopefully provide some substantial emotional relief.

Also try practicing meditation, which in the best form would be spiritual closeness to God Almighty through offering the daily prayers (Salat) with sincerity and hope. Spiritually inclined individuals forgive and forget any negative or cruel event quickly, thereby saving themselves from chronic stress, which can be one of the causes of depression.

It is very important and crucial that you practice positive self-talk daily and surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you.

Keeping a gratitude journal or a record of all positive, rewarding and pleasant experiences of life can help. Reading or recalling it every night before going to bed can increase thankfulness and joy.

Including moderate exercises at least six days a week has a great positive and beneficial affect in mental health. Exploring nature and getting some fresh air often can feel rewarding. Do what you like to do more often and try to get more sunshine as production of vitamin D in the body reduces depressive symptoms.

Do not isolate yourself for long periods and do activities that make you feel better.

When depression is moderate to severe, it can be crippling and can seize your ability to think and reason clearly. In these cases I would recommend you see a mental healthcare professional for an entire mental status examination as soon as possible. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with depression; you can always show it a way out. Even the most severe cases are treatable with help from medications and psychotherapy.

If you know anyone with depression, please offer emotional support which involves patience, understanding, affection, empathy and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Invite him or her for walks or outings. Do not ignore signs of depressions; if a person engages in any suicidal ideations or attempts, immediately seek help on behalf of that person.

The most crucial thing is to offer hope! This eradicates almost every existing problem.

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

MKA Nigeria Arranges Peace Event

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MKA Nigeria Arranges Peace Event
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Saheed Aribisala

MKA Nigeria

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Ondo District organised a youth peace symposium and an awards ceremony on 7 January 2019. 

The symposium, with the theme Peaceful Coexistence: A Veritable Tool for Economic and Social-Cultural Development, was held at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre in Akure, Ondo State.

The guest lecturer, Mualim Muhammad Waiz Apooyin in his lecture condemned the pitiable condition of society in relation to the disunity, nepotistic rivalry, sociocultural enmity and lack of peaceful coexistence among the culturally diverse and multi-ethnic Nigerian society. However, he urged policymakers and most importantly all Nigerians at large to foster the much-craved national cohesion which would usher peaceful coexistence and ultimately culminate into a glorious economic and sociocultural development.

Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure Engineering Aminu Abdul Rahman thanked the members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya for the award and stressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the Muslim community in the state. He noted that a large number of people in the state were Muslims and therefore enjoined their continuous support for his administration.

Highlights of the event included a presentation of awards to Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria Saeed Aina, Executive Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and former Qaideen in the state Uthman Malik and Mushood Jimoh who contributed immensely to the development of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya activities in the state.

New Year’s Reception by Jamaat Belgium

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New Year’s Reception by Jamaat Belgium

Mohammad Arsalan Ahmad

Belgium Correspondent

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Turnhout in Belgium had the opportunity to organise a new year’s reception on 12 January 2019.

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The programme started at 4pm. The first half an hour was dedicated to touring the exhibition about Quran, Islam and Ahmadiyyat. At 4:30pm, the programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Dutch translation, after which Mr Nazeem Vandenbroucke delivered a welcome speech and thanked all the guests. 

 

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The first speech of the event was delivered by the Mayor of Kasterlee, Mr Ward Kennes. He expressed his gratitude towards the Jamaat and its work for humanity. 

The second speech was delivered by the regional missionary, Tauseef Ahmad Sahib on the introduction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and its humanitarian services in 2018. 

The final speech was delivered by the ex-mayor of Kasterlee, Mr Francis Stijn, in which he lauded the Jamaat’s efforts. At the end of the programme, a documentry was shown to guests on the Ahmadiyya Community.

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To conclude the programme, a group of Atfal recited the national anthem, something that was highly appreciated by the guests. The event concluded with dua by Belgium’s missionary in-charge. 

42 guests and 52 members of the Jamaat participated in the event. May Allah enable us to propagate the true message of Islam. 

Men of Excellence 

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Men of Excellence 

Friday Sermon

28 December 2018

Men of Excellence 

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

The first of the Companionsra that took part in the Battle of Badr whom I shall mention today is Hazrat Abdullahra bin Al Rabee Al Ansari. Hazrat Abdullahra bin Al Rabee belonged to the Banu Abjar clan of the Khazraj tribe. His mother’s name was Fatimah bint Amr. He participated in the second Bai‘at [oath of initiation] that took place at Aqabah. He also had the honour of participating in the battles of Badr, Uhud and Mautah. He attained martyrdom during the Battle of Mautah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 407, Abdullah bin Al Rabee’, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Tarikh Medina wa Dimashq, Vol. 2, p. 11, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 1995)

The second companion is Hazrat Atiyyahra bin Nuwairah. He participated in the Battle of Badr and this is the only information that is found regarding him. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 4, p. 45, Atiyyah bin Nuwairahra, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Next is Hazrat Sahlra bin Qais. His mother’s name was Nailah bint Salaamah. He was the cousin of the famous poet, Hazrat Ka‘bra bin Malik, from his father’s side. Sahl participated in the Battles of Badr and Uhud and was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 436, Sahl bin Qaisra, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Each year, the Holy Prophetsa used to visit the graves of those martyred during the Battle of Uhud. When he would enter that particular valley, he would loudly say:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَي الدَّار

(This is a verse from Surah ar-Ra‘d, however the verse in the Holy Quran begins with the words سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ [Surah ar-Ra‘d: V.25] instead of اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ )

It means, “Peace be unto you, because you were steadfast…”” 

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَي الدَّار

“…how excellent is the reward of the final Abode!”

After the Holy Prophet’ssa demise, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Usmanra continued this practise. Also, whenever Hazrat Mu‘awiyahra, used to come for Hajj or Umrah, he also would visit the graves of those martyred during the Battle of Uhud. The Holy Prophetsa used to say:

لَيْتَ اَنِّيْ غُوْدِرْتُ مَعَ اَصْحَابِ الْجَبَل

“How I wish I was with the people of the mount!” In other words, he wished that he had also attained martyrdom on that day. Similarly, whenever Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqasra used to go to his estates in Ghaabah, a village located to the northwest of Medina, he would also visit the graves of those martyred during the Battle of Uhud. He used to convey to them the greetings of Salaam [peace] three times. Then he used to turn to his companions and say, “Will you not convey Salaam to those who would reply to your Salaam? Whoever conveys Salaam to them, they will reply to his Salaam on the Day of Judgement.”

Once, the Holy Prophetsa passed by the grave of Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair. He stopped by it, prayed there and recited the following verse:

مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوْا مَا عَاهَدُوا اللّٰهَ عَلَيْهِ فَمِنْهُمْ مَّنْ قَضٰى نَحْبَهٗ وَمِنْهُمْ مَّنْ يَّنْتَظِرُ۔ وَمَا بَدَّلُوْا تَبْدِيْلًا

“Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with Allah” [Al-Ahzab:24]

مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوْا مَا عَاهَدُوا اللّٰهَ عَلَيْه 

“There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait, and they have not changed their condition in the least.”

The Holy Prophetsa then said:

“I bear witness that they will be considered martyrs by Allah on the Day of Judgement. You should visit them and send your greetings of peace to them. I swear by the Being in Whose hands is my life, whoever sends their greetings of peace to them will receive an answer from them on the day of Judgement.”

The Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa used to come here, pray for them and send their salutations of peace. (Kitab-ul-Maghzai, Vol. 1, p. 267, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004)

The sisters of Hazrat Sahlra bin Qais, Hazrat Sukhtahra and Hazrat Umrahra, also accepted the Holy Prophetsa and were blessed to pledge allegiance to him. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 8, p. 301, Sukhtah bint Qais& Umrah bint Qais, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

The next companion is Hazrat Abdullahra bin Humayyir Al-Ashja‘i. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Duhman, who had a treaty with the Ansar. He participated in the Battle of Badr alongside his brother, Hazrat Kharijah. He also participated in the battle of Uhud. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 218-219, Abdullah bin Humayyir, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

His wife’s name was Hazrat Umm-e-Thabit bin Harithara and she also accepted the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Asaba, Vol. 8, p. 366, Umm-e-Thabit bin Harithara, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995)

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Humayyir was among the few companions who stood resolutely on the mount alongside Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair on the occasion of the Battle of Uhud. When the other companionsra witnessed the scenes of victory and started to descend [from the mount] in order to join the rest of the army, Hazrat Abdullahra bin Humayyir stood up in order to advise them. He first praised God Almighty and then advised them to obey God and the Holy Prophetsa. However, they did not listen to him and descended from there. Along with Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair, no more than ten companions remained on the mount. Meanwhile, Khalid bin Walid and Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl saw the mount empty and attacked the remaining companionsra. This small group fired arrows at them, but eventually they got them and martyred all of them in an instant. (Imta-ul-Isma, Vol. 9, p. 229, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1999)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra Sahib has written about this incident of Uhud in further detail in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa]:

“Putting his trust in God, the Holy Prophetsa marched forward and set up camp on a plain at the foot of mount Uhud, in such a manner that the mountain range fell behind the Muslims, and Medina was positioned in front of them, as it were. In this manner, the Holy Prophetsa managed to secure the rear of the army. There was a mountain pass in the valley to the rear from where an attack could be made. Thus, the plan which was devised by the Holy Prophetsa in order to secure it was that he positioned fifty archers from among his Companions at this location under the command of Abdullah bin Jubairra, and emphatically instructed them not to leave this place under any circumstances, and that they should continue to shower the enemy with arrows. The Holy Prophetsa was so greatly concerned for the security of this mountain pass that he repeatedly instructed Abdullah bin Jubairra:

“‘Look here, this mountain pass should not be left empty under any circumstances. Even if you see that we have become victorious, and the enemy has fled in defeat, do not leave this place; and if you see that the Muslims have been defeated, and the enemy has prevailed upon us, do not move from this place.’

“This instruction was so emphatic that in one narration, the following words have been related:

“‘Even if you see that vultures are tearing away at our remains, do not budge from this place until you receive an order to leave’,” (i.e. an order from the Holy Prophetsa).

“In this manner, after completely fortifying his rear, the Holy Prophetsa began to arrange the Muslim army in battle array, and appointed separate commanders for the various sections of the army.

“When the companions of Abdullah bin Jubairra saw that victory had been secured, they said to their Amir, Abdullah, ‘Now victory has been secured and the Muslims are collecting spoils of war. Permit us to join the army as well.’ Abdullahra restrained them and reminded them of the strict order of the Holy Prophetsa, but they were becoming heedless in the joy of victory, and therefore, did not abstain, and left their positions saying, ‘All that the Holy Prophetsa inferred was that the mountain pass should not be left empty until security fully prevailed, and now that victory has been clinched, there is nothing wrong with proceeding forward.’ Hence, except for Abdullah bin Jubairra and five or seven companions, there remained no one to secure the mountain pass. When the sharp eye of Khalid bin Walid caught sight of the mountain pass from afar, he found it to be an empty field, upon which he quickly gathered his riders and immediately proceeded towards it. Behind him, Ikramah bin Abu Jahl also followed suit with whatever was left of the detachment, and quickly reached there. Both of these detachments instantly martyred Abdullah bin Jubairra and the few companions which stood by his side and suddenly attacked the Muslim army from the rear.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra Sahib, pp. 487-488, 491)

The next companion is Hazrat Ubaidra bin Aus Ansari, son of Aus bin Malik. Hazrat Ubaid bin Aus participated in the Battle of Badr. He captured Hazrat Aqeel bin Abi Talib during the battle of Badr. Similarly, it is said that he also captured Hazrat Abbasra and Hazrat Naufalra. When he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa with all three of them tied up in ropes, the Holy Prophetsa said:

لَقَدْ اَعَانَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ مَلَكٌ كَرِيْمٌ

That is, “Surely, an honourable angel has assisted you in this matter.” Owing to this incident, the Holy Prophetsa granted him the title of muqarrin i.e. the one who shackles others. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 528-229, Ubaidra bin Aus, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

In another narration it is mentioned that Hazrat Abul Yasar Ka‘b bin Amrra was the one to capture Hazrat Abbasra during the Battle of Badr. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 6, pp. 326-327, Abul Yasar, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

Hazrat Ubaidra bin Aus married Hazrat Umaimahra bint Al-Nu‘man. Hazrat Umaimahra also accepted the Holy Prophetsa and was blessed to take pledge initiation to him. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 8, p. 257, Umaimahra bint Al-Nu’man, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Now, I will mention about Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair, who was previously mentioned in relation to another companion. He was among the seventy Ansar, who participated in the second pledge of initiation at Aqabah. He participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud and was martyred during the Battle of Uhud. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 362, Abdullahra bin Jubair, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

Hazrat Abul Aasra, who was the husband of Hazrat Zainabra – daughter of the Holy Prophetsa – participated in the Battle of Badr with the idolaters and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair captured him.

Mentioning the details of this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra Sahib has written in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa]:

In the Battle of Badr, when Abul Aas, the son-in-law of the Holy Prophetsa, was captured, his wife, in other words, Zainabra, the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, who still resided in Mecca, sent some of her possessions as a ransom, which included a necklace. This was the same necklace which Hazrat Khadijahra gave to Zainabra in her bride’s paraphernalia. When the Holy Prophetsa saw this necklace, he was reminded of the late Khadijahra and his eyes filled with tears. The Holy Prophetsa said to his companions, “If you wish, return the reminiscence of Khadijahra to her daughter.” They needed a single indication, and the necklace was immediately returned. Instead of taking a ransom in the form of money and commodities, the Holy Prophetsa made deal with Abul Aas to go to Mecca and send Zainabra to Medina. In this manner, a believing soul was freed from the abode of disbelief. A short while later, Abul Aas also became a Muslim and migrated to Medina and in this manner, the husband and wife were reunited.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra Sahib, p. 368)

During the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair as the leader of the fifty archers who were appointed to protect the pass located behind the Muslims. The details have already been mentioned with regard to the account of Abdullahra bin Humayyir. However, some additional details written by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra Sahib are as follows:

“Putting his trust in God, the Holy Prophetsa marched forward and set up camp on a plain at the foot of mount Uhud, in such a manner that the mountain range fell behind the Muslims, and Medina was positioned in front of them, as it were. In this manner, the Holy Prophetsa managed to secure the rear side of the army… Thus, the plan which was devised by the Holy Prophetsa was to position fifty archers from among his Companions at this location under the command of Abdullah bin Jubairra, and emphatically instructed them not to leave this place under any circumstances, and that they should continue to shower the enemy with arrows.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra Sahib, p. 487)

As mentioned earlier, the Holy Prophetsa was so greatly concerned for the security of this mountain pass that he repeatedly instructed Abdullah bin Jubairra:

“Look here, this mountain pass should not be left empty under any circumstances. Even if you see that we have become victorious, and the enemy has fled in defeat, do not leave this place; and if you see that the Muslims have been defeated, and the enemy has prevailed upon us, even then do not move from this place.”

Hazrat Baraara bin Aazib relates:

“During one of the days of the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophetsa appointed Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair to command over the 50 foot soldiers. He told them emphatically:

“‘Even if you see that vultures are tearing away at our remains, do not move from this place until you receive an order from me. Even if you see us defeating the enemy and they begin fleeing, you must not leave this post until I command to do so.’

“Thus the Muslims defeated the enemy and drove them away.”

Hazrat Baraara further states:

“By God, I witnessed the disbelieving women holding up their clothes whilst fleeing (in those days women would also accompany the men in battle to motivate them) to the extent that their anklets and calves were laid bare.”

“Whilst witnessing this, the companions of Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair said, ‘Let us go and collect the spoils of war. Our comrades have been victorious so what are you waiting for?’ Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair then said, ‘Have you forgotten the instructions given to us by the Holy Prophetsa?’ Those who wished to leave their position replied, ‘By God, we too will go to our companions and partake of the spoils of war. They are taking the loot so we shall take it too.’ When they reached there, they were made to turn back, and they came running back as they had experienced defeat. That is to say that the enemy launched an attack once again and what looked to be a victory turned into the opposite.”

Hazrat Baraara relates, “It was this incident regarding which God Almighty stated, ‘When the Messenger was calling out to you from your rear.’” This is a verse from Surah Aal-e-Imran [of the Holy Quran]. “Only twelve Companionsra remained alongside the Holy Prophetsa and the disbelievers had martyred seventy of our men. During the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa and his Companions had taken 140 of the disbelieving men – 70 were captured and 70 were killed.

“Abu Sufyan exclaimed thrice,” the incident of Uhud is being narrated, “‘Is Muhammad still alive among them?’ The Holy Prophetsa did not permit the Companionsra to reply to this. When Abu Sufyan saw that the defeat of the disbelievers had turned into victory and that they had subdued the Muslims after relaunching an attack, this was when he said, ‘Is Muhammad still alive among them?’ The Holy Prophetsa stopped the Companionsra from responding. He then asked three times, ‘Is the son of Abu Quhafah, i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakrra alive among them?’ He then asked three times, ‘Is Ibn Khattab, i.e. Hazrat Umarra alive among them?’

“Thereafter, he returned to his confederates. The Holy Prophetsa prohibited them from answering on all three occasions. When Abu Sufyan had returned to his cohorts, he said that these three could have been their leaders and had now been killed. When Hazrat Umarra heard this, he was unable to control himself and proclaimed, ‘O enemy of God! By God you have lied. Those who you have named are all alive. Much still remains of that which is unpleasant to you.’ Abu Sufyan responded by saying, ‘This battle serves as revenge for the Battle of Badr and war is like a pendulum; sometimes victory is yours and sometimes it is ours. You will find among the dead some who have had their noses and ears cut off (i.e. they were mutilated).’ He then said, ‘I did not order for this to happen, but I also do not deem it wrong.’ Abu Sufyan proceeded enthusiastically to recite the words,

 اُعْلُ هُبَل اُعْلُ هُبَل

‘Long live Hubul, long live Hubul!’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Will you not reply to this?’ The Companionsra asked, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, what shall we say in reply?’ The Holy Prophetsa answered, ‘Say اَللّٰهُ اَعْليٰ وَاَجَلُّ’  that is to say, ‘Allah is the Highest and Most Glorious’. Abu Sufyan then said, ‘Our god Uzza is with us and you have no Uzza.’ On hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Will you not respond to this?’”

Hazrat Baraa bin Aazib states, “The Companions asked, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, what shall we say in response?’ He then stated, اَللهُ مَوْلَانَا وَلَا مَوْليٰ لَكُمْ That is,‘Allah is our Helper and you have no helper.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Hadith no. 3039)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also written concerning this incident in great detail and has shed light upon the Battle of Uhud. He states:

“Those Muslims who made a ring round the Prophetsa but were driven back, ran forward again as soon as they saw the enemy withdrawing. They lifted the Prophet’ssa body from among the dead. Abu Ubaydah bin al-Jarahra caught between his teeth the rings which had sunk into the Prophet’ssa cheeks and pulled them out, losing two teeth in the attempt. After a little while, the Prophetsa returned to consciousness. The guards who surrounded him sent out messengers to tell Muslims to assemble again. A disrupted force began to assemble. They escorted the Prophetsa to the foot of the hill. Abu Sufyan, the enemy commander, seeing these Muslim remnants, cried aloud, ‘We have killed Muhammadsa.’ The Prophetsa heard the boastful cry but forbade the Muslims to answer, lest the enemy should know the truth and attack again and the exhausted and badly-wounded Muslims should have again to fight this savage horde. Not receiving a reply from the Muslims, Abu Sufyan became certain the Prophetsa was dead. He followed his first cry by a second and said, ‘We have also killed Abu Bakrra.’ The Prophetsa forbade Abu Bakrra to make any reply. Abu Sufyan followed by a third, and said, ‘We have also killed Umarra.’ The Prophetsa forbade Umarra also to reply. Upon this, Abu Sufyan cried that they had killed all three. Now Umar could not contain himself and cried, ‘We are all alive and, with God’s grace, ready to fight you and break your heads.’ Abu Sufyan raised the national cry:

اُعْلُ هُبَل۔ اُعْلُ هُبَل

That is, ‘Glory to Hubal. Glory to Hubal. For Hubal has put an end to Islam.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes:

“The Prophetsa could not bear this boast against the One and Only God, Allah, for Whom he and the Muslims were prepared to sacrifice their all. He had refused to correct a declaration of his own death. He had refused to correct a declaration of the death of Abu Bakrra and of Umarra for strategic reasons. Only the remnants of his small force had been left. The enemy forces were large and buoyant. But now the enemy had insulted Allah. The Prophetsa could not stand such an insult. His became restless and passionately looked at the Muslims who surrounded him and said, ‘Why do you stand silently and make no reply to this insult to Allah, the Only God?’ The Muslims asked, ‘What shall we say, O Prophetsa?’ ‘Say:

اَللّٰهُ اَعْليٰ وَاَجَلُّ اَللهُ اَعْليٰ وَاَجَلُّ

“Allah alone is Great and Mighty. Allah alone is Great and Mighty. He alone is High and Honoured. He alone is High and Honoured.”’ This is how he informed the enemy that he was still alive.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: 

“The Muslims shouted accordingly. This cry stupefied the enemy. They stood chagrined at the thought that the Prophetsa after all had not died. Before them stood a handful of Muslims, wounded and exhausted. To finish them was easy enough. But they dared not attack again. Content with the sort of victory they had won, they returned making a great show of rejoicing. (Debacha Tafsirul Quran, Anwarul Ulum, Vol 20, pp. 252-253)

Whilst explaining a verse of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes:

فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُوْنَ عَنْ أَمْرِهٖ أَنْ تُصِيْبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيْبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

Meaning, ‘So let those who go against His command beware lest a trial afflict them, or a grievous punishment overtake them.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says: 

“Observe how much loss the Islamic army had to suffer due to the violation of this commandment. The Holy Prophetsa had appointed fifty soldiers for the security of a mountain pass. This mountain pass was so crucial that the Holy Prophetsa called for the leading officer, Abdullah bin Jubairra Ansari and instructed him: ‘Whether we die or we are victorious, you should not abandon this mountain pass.’ However, when the disbelievers were defeated and the Muslims began to chase them away, the soldiers on duty at the mountain pass said to their leader, ‘We have become victorious now and it seems pointless to remain here. Please grant us permission to partake of the Jihad and attain the blessings.’ Their leader advised them against this and stated, ‘Look! Do not disobey the orders of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa had instructed us not to abandon this mountain pass, whether the Muslims army is triumphant or is defeated. Hence, I cannot grant you permission to leave.’ They responded: ‘The Holy Prophetsa did not mean that we should not move from this location even at the time of victory. His intention was to advise us. What purpose are we serving by staying here now that we have become victorious?’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further says: 

“They gave precedence to their own judgment over the commandment of the Messengersa of God and abandoned the mountain pass. Only their leader, (Abdullahra bin Jubair) and a few others stayed there. When the army of the disbelievers retreated, Khalid bin Walid turned around and observed that the mountain pass was unoccupied. He called upon Amr bin Al Aas. Both of them had not yet accepted Islam at the time. Khalid bin Walid said to him: ‘Look! What an excellent opportunity lies before us. Let us turn back around and attack the Muslims.’

“Hence, both these generals rearranged their troops who were fleeing the battlefield and ran around the Muslim army and climbed onto the mountain. The few Muslims that were present there could not withstand this attack and were killed. The enemy attacked the Muslim army from the rear. This attack by the disbelievers was so unexpected that the Muslims, who had dispersed whilst celebrating victory, could not hold their ground. Only a few Companionsra, twenty at most, were able to gather around the Holy Prophetsa. How long could these few men contend with the enemy? Eventually, the Muslim soldiers were pushed back due the large number of disbelievers and the Holy Prophetsa was left all alone in the battlefield. It was at this time that a stone hit his helmet causing the nails to pierce his head, rendering him unconscious, and he fell in a ditch. “As it has been mentioned already that a companion took the nails out and lost his teeth in the process as well.

“This ditch had been dug by certain mischievous individuals who had covered it up in order to cause harm to the Muslim army.” They dug out a ditch and covered it with grass and sward and so no one could tell there was a ditch and the Holy Prophetsa fell inside it. “Thereafter, a few more Companions were martyred and their bodies fell on top of the blessed body of the Holy Prophetsa. As a result, news spread amongst the people that the Holy Prophetsa was martyred. However, the Companions who were pushed back due to the heavy onslaught of the Kuffar, immediately came around the Holy Prophetsa when the Kuffar moved back. They took the Holy Prophetsa out of the ditch and after a short while, the Holy Prophetsa regained consciousness and ordered for soldiers to run around the outskirts of the battlefield in order to regroup the Muslims, the Holy Prophetsa then led them into the valley of a mountain.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra draws the following conclusion from this incident – and this is something that one should pay close heed to. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:

“The reason why the Muslim army had to endure a momentary loss after their victory was because a few individuals disobeyed a commandment of the Holy Prophetsa and took their own initiative instead of adhering to the Holy Prophet’ssa instruction. However, if they followed the Holy Prophetsa just like the pulse follows the heart; if they believed that a single commandment of the Holy Prophetsa was more important than even if the entire world was to sacrifice their lives; and if they had not used their own initiative and thereby had not left the mount regarding which the Holy Prophetsa had instructed them to not leave irrespective of whether they were in a state of victory or defeat, then the enemy would not have had the opportunity to attack again and nor the Holy Prophetsa and his Companions would have suffered any loss.”

Musleh-ud-Din Shambour Sahib, a missionary serving in Canada writes: “After listening to the sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, Nadir Al-Husni Sahib would print the sermon and then read it again, after which he would store it in a file. At home, he recorded the Arabic books of the Promised Messiahas and the ten-volume Arabic translation of At-Tafseer Al-Kabir in his voice. Then during his journey to and from Jumuah, he would listen to them, or he would listen to tilawat [recitation of the Holy Quran], the Darsul Quran of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh that are being shown on MTA and he would keep them with him.” He then says: “I stayed at his house on many occasions. Approximately an hour and a half or two hours prior to the Fajr prayers, I would hear him crying and lamenting in his Tahajud prayers. When he would turn on the television, he would only watch MTA or the news. On one occasion, MTA was not showing on his television. He immediately sent a message for it to be fixed, saying it would be difficult to survive without it.” 

Shambour Sahib has also written that “during the prayers he would recite the prayer: 

 اَللّٰهُمَّ اَتْمِمْ عَلَيْنَا نِعْمَةَ الْخِلَافَةِ

Meaning, “O Allah! Enable us to derive the utmost blessings from Khilafat” and whenever he recited this prayer he would begin to cry. He said that he had witnessed this on many occasions.

May God Almighty elevate the status of the deceased and may He enable his wife and children to perform the Bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas. May God accept all his supplications that he offered for them.

(Translated by the Review of Religions)

 

Democratic Gridlock

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Democratic Gridlock
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Modern day politics seems to be taking unprecedented courses. Nations that hold democracy to be their flagship seem to be struggling to uphold this claim.

The flaw with Western democracy is that almost half the nation could disagree with a choice that the other almost-half strongly agrees with. 

52% of the British population thought it was best to leave the European Union while the remaining 48% thought it was best to remain. The contentious climate that it has given rise to within the British nation has set an example that best depicts this flaw.

With just a couple of months left before the official “divorce”, the British nation is still struggling to come to, what is now globally known as, a Brexit deal; no result reached so far and the nation is widely split in opinion.

Representing the general masses, the members of the British parliament seem to be in a total deadlock situation concerning the departure from the EU, but with no reasonable way forward. The day to day affairs continue, but the government is virtually paralysed. The historic that Mrs May’s proposed deal had to face in the parliament earlier this week only added fuel to the fire and the situation remains as completed as it was before the parliamentary polls, if not more.

Some say that this divorce of Britain from the EU is pushed by its next marriage, planned with the USA. But even the US government has, as we write these lines, been paralysed for a few weeks now. 

We all know how President Trump would have reacted to a similar situation had it occurred in the time of some other president. But since it happened to be his own regime when the US government is shutdown, he seems quite content with the “fast food” that he has had to order for a White House reception. 

President Trump appears to oppose those who are against his border wall idea, and thus he left from a meeting with congressional leaders, which in turn solidified a standoff that has closed down a significant part of the government for a much longer period than before. 

So here we have two governments paralysed, leaving the two proud democracies in crisis. 

On 27 June 2012, a historic event took place at Capitol Hill, Washington DC. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed leading congressmen, senators, ambassadors, White House and state department staff, NGO leaders, religious leaders, professors, policy advisors, bureaucrats, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of think-tanks and the Pentagon, and journalists from the media. 

This meeting, the first of its kind, gave the opportunity to some of the most influential leaders in the United States, including Hon Nancy Pelosi, now Democratic Leader in the House of Representatives, to hear first-hand Islam’s message on world peace. 

Huzooraa, expressing why manmade governments are falling apart and people are getting frustrated and in turn losing hope in their leaders, stated:

“It is important to always remember that human knowledge and intellect is not perfect, but is in fact limited. Thus, when making decisions or forming thoughts, often certain factors enter human minds, which can cloud judgement and lead to a person trying to fulfil his own rights. Ultimately, this can lead to an unjust outcome and decision being made. 

“God’s Law, however, is perfect and so no vested interests or unfair provisions exist. This is because God only desires for the good and betterment of His creation and therefore, His Law is based entirely on justice. 

“The day the people of the world come to recognise and understand this crucial point will be the day that the foundation for true and everlasting peace will be laid. Otherwise, we continue to find that although efforts are endlessly made to establish world peace, yet they are unable to provide any worthwhile results.”

Yearly Harvest

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Yearly Harvest

Every year, around the world, the Jamaat continues to produce fresh batches of missionaries, who dedicate their lives for the cause of Islam to further spread the true message. 

The Jamaat has many Jamias around the world such as Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, Rabwah, Ghana, Germany, Canada and the UK, just to name a few.

After completing the Shahid exams, a new batch spends a period in which they are sent to different areas like Africa, Pakistan and Spain. During this period, they are also temporarily posted in various offices of the Jamaat to broaden their understanding of the Nizam (system) of the Jamaat. 

During the activities of the year, the highlight for many fortunate young missionaries are the mulaqats the missionaries have with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa in which they are given the opportunity to learn and ask Huzooraa various questions. 

Before the batch departs for Africa or Pakistan, they leave with guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa as to what tasks they should focus on during their time there and are once again reminded of their actual purpose. 

Last week, both the Canadian and the UK batches of missionaries had seperate mulaqats with Huzooraa. 

Al Hakam spoke with Sabahat Ali Sahib who, along with his Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada class fellows, had a class mulaqat on Saturday, 12 January. Regarding the mulaqat, he said: 

“This was our first class mulaqat. It was totally different in that the level of expectation was clearly much higher, and this air of expectation from Huzooraa fanned the flames of devotion in each one of us. 

“One person asked Huzooraa about how many letters one should ideally write to him. Huzooraa replied, ‘As many as your love impels you to write. It shouldn’t just be to fulfil a certain quota of letters.’” 

“We asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa about his expectations for us in Rabwah, to which he responded that we should always remember that we are going there as missionaries, and should conduct ourselves as such. He told us that there are many elders in Rabwah who are experienced and knowledgeable, and that we should take advantage of that. First and foremost, he said that we should offer all five prayers in Masjid Mubarak, and that whatever programme the organisation has given shape for us should be adhered to perfectly.

“Huzooraa asked a student about what time he got up for Tahajud, and advised that for a missionary, half an hour before Fajr is expected as a bare minimum, stating that it should be around an hour before preferably.”

On 14 January, the UK batch had their second class mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, the first being before they departed for Africa. After the recent mulaqat, our Al Hakam reporters spoke with Sabahuddin Ahmedi Sahib, who expressed his feelings saying: 

“We have had the honour to meet Huzooraa twice as a class; once before going to Africa and today being the second time before we travel to Pakistan. I feel honoured, privileged and humbled to be able to spend time with our Imam who advises us on different aspects before travelling. As a father advises his child is how my Khalifa advised us. From what to eat and drink, to how to worship and greet others. Despite our beloved Imam’s busy schedule, he took out over half an hour for us, asked us about our previous experiences in Africa and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. To be in the presence of an individual who we believe to be the closest man to God Almighty is truly a blessing.” 

After the mulaqat, our reporters also spoke with Attaul Fattir Tahir Sahib from the UK batch, who said: 

“Spending any amount of time with Huzooraa is priceless. By the grace of Allah, we have been blessed with two mulaqats with Huzooraa since passing Jamia. It’s Huzoor’s sheer love and affection that he grants us this time in his blessed company.

“The first mulaqat was prior to our trip to Africa in which Huzooraa advised us on what to do, gave us insight into the African culture and specifically told us to show love to Africans and learn from them. Huzooraa reminded us that our conduct should be of a very high standard and that we should not be unmindful of our daily prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran and extra studies whilst in Africa. 

“In this recent mulaqat, Huzooraa enquired about our experience in Africa and gave us valuable advice for our next visit to Pakistan.  The mulaqat was very light-hearted and Huzooraa showed us great love.”

Ataul Fattir told our reporters that he had the opportunity to ask Huzoor about the recent Halal meat debate and ban in one area of Belgium and what response should be given to those who say that the manner in which animals are slaughtered in Islam is cruel. 

“Huzoor presented a beautiful answer,” said Ataul Fattir, “highlighting the fact that Halal meat is actually more beneficial and less cruel to animals as compared to other methods of slaughter. Huzoor said that countries like New Zealand are actually promoting Halal meat and that the world would soon realise that the method Islam presents is actually the best.”

He added an interesting aspect of the mulaqat, highlighting Huzoor’s love for the Jamaat around the world, “Huzooraa graciously gave us each two pens as well at the close of the mulaqat. Huzooraa said to give a pen to any friend we made in Rabwah.”

“Each mulaqat has enlightened, blessed and spiritually uplifted our whole class. The advice Huzooraa gives us prior to going into the field has been extremely valuable. It’s another proof of the truthfulness of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.”

These mulaqats are preparing the young missionaries for their journies ahead. Though they may have completed their studies in Jamia, however the real training comes from every guidance received from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

18-24 January

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18-24 January

 

18 January 1903: The Promised Messiahas began his journey back from Jhelum and reached Lahore on this day. He was in Jhelum for the Karam Din case court proceedings. 

18 January 1970: Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh laid the foundation stone of Khilafat Library, Rabwah. Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Muhammad Zafarulla Khanra was also present. Huzoor’srh speech on this occasion was about the philosophy of learning, branches of knowledge and establishing libraries. Khilafat Library’s inauguration was held on 3 October 1971 and Huzoorrh himself presided over this historic event. The building of the library was funded by Fazle Umar Foundation and the authority was given to Sadr Anjuman. As Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra (Fazle Umar) was a scholar of the Quran and other branches of knowledge, he wanted to establish a library for the coming generation. On this basis Fazle Umar foundation built this library. Nowadays, Khilafat Library is a household name amongst book lovers, publishers and literary circles of the country.

19 January 1903: The Promised Messiahas arrived back in Qadian from Jhelum after attending court proceedings. On this day, the judge announced the final verdict which was in favour of the Promised Messiahas as foretold by God Almighty.  

21 January 1886: The Promised Messiahas went for a chillah [forty days of seclusion for worship] to Hoshiarpur on a small ox-drawn two-wheeled vehicle. One narration recorded that the oxen were of white colour and Huzooras also made an overnight stay in Rasul Pur. 

22 January 1897: The Promised Messiah’sas book Anjam-e-Atham (End of Atham) was published on this day. In the conclusion of Jang-e-Muqaddas (Holy War), on 5 June 1893, the Promised Messiahas published a prophecy about Abdullah Atham, who represented the Christian community in the debate called Jang-e-Muqaddas, that Abdullah Atham would be thrown into hell within 15 months – one month corresponding to each day of the debate – and that he would be (severely) disgraced “provided he did not turn to the truth”.

A period of 15 months ended on 5 September 1894 by which day Abdullah Atham was still alive. There was a great uproar that the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas turned out to be false as he was still alive. A procession was taken out on 6 September 1894 in Amritsar in which Atham was paraded as a sign that the Christians had become victorious over Islam. The Promised Messiahas wrote that the prophecy made by him was fulfilled in letter and spirit, because during the period of 15 months, Abdullah Atham had repented, turned towards the truth and had remained quiet without saying a single word against Islam and the Holy Prophetsa, nor did he write any article or book against Islam during this period. 

Since 6 September, the Promised Messiahas issued seven announcements, one after the other, inviting Atham to take an oath that during the period of 15 months, he did not turn to God. In the posters, he offered a prize of 1,000 rupees which went on increasing with every poster – to 2,000, 3,000 and then 4,000 rupees. Every time, Atham was invited to take an oath. It was after the seventh poster (issued on 30 December 1895) that the refusal of Atham had reached a point where he would not be given any further respite. 

Abdullah Atham died on 27 July 1896. This book, Anjam-e-Atham, contains the related details of the events. The book also bears the list of Hazrat Ahmad’sas 313 Companions. 

24 Jan 1898:  The Promised Messiah’sas Urdu book Kitab-ul-Bariyyah (The Acquittal) was published on this day by Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian. History shows us that the Christian missionary of Amritsar, Dr Henry Martyn Clark brought a charge of conspiracy to murder under Section 107 of IPC against the Promised Messiahas on 1 August 1897 in the court of Mr AB Martineau, District Magistrate of Amritsar. 

Dr Clark stated that Hazrat Ahmadas had sent a young man, Abdul Hamid, to murder him. Abdul Hamid’s statement was also recorded. The magistrate immediately issued a warrant of arrest for Hazrat Ahmadas under Section 114. The news of the arrest spread like wildfire and people eagerly looked forward to seeing the Promised Messiahas alight the train at Amritsar railway station handcuffed. They gathered every day at the station waiting for him, but God would not let him be humiliated at the hands of his enemies. The warrant of arrest never reached its destination and was never served to the Promised Messiahas. On the other hand, the district magistrate of Amritsar later realised his own mistake that he had no jurisdiction outside of Amritsar. Therefore, the case was transferred to the district magistrate of Gurdaspur. This book carries the details of this court case and also briefly mentions details of the Promised Messiah’s ancestry. 

New Converts from Canada Meet Huzoor a.a.

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New Converts from Canada Meet Huzoor a.a.

On 13 January, a group of seven new converts who travelled from Canada were blessed with a mulaqat, organised by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiayya Canada, with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

The main purpose of mulaqats initially took root at the time of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. He emphasised the importance of those who accepted him as the Messiah and Mahdi to meet him and foster a relationship with him. 

Huzooraa started by asking each person for their introduction and further enquired from them what they had studied and where they all worked.

The guests arrived in the UK on Thursday, 10 January. Huzooraa asked where they were staying and enquired about the food and hospitality. Huzooraa then asked each person the date and year they converted.

Among the new converts, one guest asked that they had prepared and wished to ask a few questions, upon which Huzooraa graciously accepted.

A brother asked Huzooraa to relate a personal faith inspiring incident. Huzooraa affectionately said, “You are the new convert, you should tell me a faith-inspiring story.” Huzooraa further asked the gentleman to narrate his story of how he converted to Ahmadiyyat.

One of the guests asked Huzooraa, as a born Ahmadi, at what point he had certainty that Islam Ahmadiyyat was in fact the true Islam.

Answering his question, Huzooraa stated: “There were so many occasions.” Huzoor went on to say: 

“When I was just 16, I believed that there is a God, and if there is a God, He has appointed Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadianias as the Messiah and Mahdi of the age. So, if he has been appointed by Allah, then his followers should have firm belief in Allah and in the acceptance of prayers. So I prayed, and my prayers were accepted. Then, I realised that God is with Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas.” 

Huzooraa further said, “There were so many stories I had read of the old Ahmadis and companions of Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas that also made my faith firm.”

Then, a guest asked, “In Islam, a son has the obligation of – financially and by other means – looking after his parents when they are older. However, if parents only have daughters, what will the duty be for the daughters regarding her parents?”

Answering this question, Huzooraa said, “If Allah did not give them sons, then the daughters can help their parents in other ways. It is not necessary that they help in a financial way.”

Huzooraa further stated, “How many sons are helping their parents today? In modern day society, in the Western world, old people are sent to old people homes. It is not only the sons that should try to seek paradise under the feet of their mothers, it is the daughters as well who should try to seek paradise under the feet of their mothers.”

A brother asked Huzooraa, “How can we know the difference between good innovations and bad innovations?”

Huzoor answered, “Anything which is against the teachings of Islam is a bad innovation. Anything which is depriving the people of the society from their rights is a bad innovation.”

For the new converts department, an idea was presented before Huzooraa regarding Muakhaat (brotherhood), where each convert is partnered with another person to strengthen the bond between them and the Jamaat. Regarding this, Huzooraa replied affirmatively and said, “Even in Qadian, this was done by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra.” Huzooraa further stated, “Sometimes, even Nau Mubai‘een [new converts] can help all Ahmadis increase their spiritual level.”

A new convert asked Huzooraa what motivated him to devote his life for the cause of the Jamaat. Huzooraa replied, “When I was quite young, I thought I should dedicate my life for the cause of the Jamaat.” Huzoor went on to say: 

“I wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh that I want to dedicate my life. He [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh] sent my letter to the Tahrik-e-Jadid office, and after being processed, the Tahrik-e-Jadid office called me and interviewed me. After some time, they wrote back to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh [saying] ‘We don’t need a person of this qualification at present.’ Then, on the letter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh wrote, ‘Tahrik-e-Jadid might not need this person, but I need him.’ Then, he [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIra] accepted my waqf and sent me to Ghana.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then turned to the person who, in the beginning of the mulaqat, asked Huzooraa for a faith inspiring story, and said, “You were asking for a faith inspiring story, so this is also one”.

In the end, Huzooraa graciously gifted each person a ring with the inscription أَلَيْسَ اللهُ بِكَافِِ عَبْدَهُ  and concluded the mulaqat with a group photo.

100 Years Ago… – Tabligh in the UK

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100 Years Ago… – Tabligh in the UK

Al Fazl, 21 January 1919 

As readers will have gathered from my previous report, I submitted a request for my passport to travel to Africa, however that was rejected. [Mufti Sahibra wrote in an earlier report that he was struggling to acquire the relevant documents to travel to Africa, after being instructed to travel to Africa by the markaz.] 

Upon the advice of Qazi Abdullah Sahib, I went to the passport office and submitted a request again, however, it was of no avail. The secretary of the India office wrote in his letter dated 4 November [1918], “In this regard, the chief of naval staff is very strict; he does not permit travelling by sea unless it is imperative. There is a shortage of ships as most ships are currently being used for the war. However, as the war is nearing its end, it seems that the conditions may, Insha-Allah, improve within the next few months and travelling to Africa shouldn’t be a problem.”

Two letters from the secretary of the India office were sent to Daftar Taraqqi-e-Islam for presenting to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah be with him and help him with divine support. 

Due to the postponement of this journey, I travelled to Torquay. This town is situated in the south-west of England, approximately 200 miles from London. I set off at 10am from London and got to Torquay at around 2:30pm. It was a direct train. This area is lush green and the air here is pure. It is said that compared to London, the cold is not so bitter here. Thus far, I have noticed nothing different other than the fact that the sun stays out of the clouds far longer than it does in London. 

I have acquired two furnished rooms from an Englishman’s home. Other tenants also reside here. The gentleman, along with his sister and daughter, cook the food, feed us and clean the rooms. They are very hospitable. The meat I consume comes from a Jewish butcher in Plymouth via post. Due to the cold, the meat stays in good condition for many days. I eat my food in my room. The fireplace is always lit in my room. (28 December 1918) 

Tabligh in the town hall

On 8 November, there was a gathering of dignitaries in the Torquay town hall. One of the board members delivered a lecture on how towns are formed and how they can be managed. On such a subject, at first I saw no opportunity for me to speak, but my heart did not accept that whilst being present there, the gathering should be bereft of the remembrance of Allah. 

After the lecture, I stood up, and my remarks have been published in newspapers. I said: 

“What the speaker said about the formation and management of towns is very beneficial. I belong to a village and that village is progressing day by day in accordance with prophecies of a prophet of God. The name of that village is Qadian. It is strange how the first three letters of the second syllable in the word Torquay are similar to the first three letters of Qadian [when spelt ‘Quadian’, which it sometimes was]. It was said to Hazrat Ahmadas, Prophet of Allah, in the revelations vouchsafed to him that Qadian would grow exceptionally. With regard to such a place, what advice would the respected speaker give?”

In this manner, I had the opportunity to perform tabligh. What answer was the speaker to give? He replied, “The case of villages is different. We reside in a town.” 

The report of this speech was given in the newspapers the Torquay Times and the Torquay Directory on 15 November [1918]. Both newspaper cuttings have been sent to Master Abdur Rahim Nayyar Sahib so that they may be given to the appropriate English magazine or journal. 

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Speech in Spiritualist church

On the evening of 5 November, an event was held in this church and I too participated. The organiser of the event said that if I wished to speak, then 5-10 minutes could be allocated for me. I responded affirmatively. 

Thus, in a brief speech, I spoke on the need of revelation and proofs in support of the door to divine communication still being open. It had a positive impact on the audience. After the speech, I had the chance to speak to some ladies about Islam Ahmadiyyat in detail. Two of those ladies visited the house where I stayed and I had the chance to preach to them. Very happily, they took the Bai‘at form with them to ponder over it. May Allah bless their decision and may He bring them towards Islam. Amin. 

The local newspaper, the Torquay Directory, published a report on this brief speech on 12 November [1918] with the heading [translated from Urdu] Address of an Eastern Scholar.

Newspaper cuttings

I usually purchase those newspapers that include mention of the Jamaat or about us and send the cuttings of articles to friends. Regrettably, within the given budget, this is not possible anymore and I have had to discontinue this. However, should anyone desire for me to continue sharing such newspaper articles, they should send some money and I shall carry on sending such newspapers with their help. The funds can be sent via postal order. 

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India’s part in the war

The secretary of state for India said, in a speech at Cambridge University, “During the war, 1,161,800 people recruited the army in India, and yesterday, 1,215,600 recruits set off for the war via ship. Nobody can say that India has not played a part in gaining victory for this war. Now, India shall be considered part of the British Government.”

This is all correct, but the larger part of India’s contribution is that a prophet of Allah belonging to India not only foretold this war, but he prayed for the British monarchy’s victory. 

Thirty-six new Ahmadis

I have received a letter from the secretary at Gold Coast [now known as Ghana], Africa – where I have been posted as a missionary but have not been able to go due to not receiving my passport. In the letter, he has sent a list of 36 new Ahmadis. May Allah grant them perseverance, taqwa and strength. Amin. The list is being sent along with this report to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah assist and help him. (It has been conveyed – Editor.)

Fulfilment of another prophecy

I wrote an article on Turkey’s recent attempt of conciliation and it was published in the Torbay News newspaper, the title of which was [translated from Urdu] Another Prophecy Fulfilled. In this article, I showed that one of the major errors made by Turkey in terms of the war was that they termed it a religious Jihad, hence their defeat. 

The Imam of the time and Prophet of God, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias has already explained in many of his writings that now, Jihad is not permissible, and prophesied:

اب چھوڑ دو جہاد كا اے دوستو خیال

دیں كے لئے حرام ہے اب جنگ اور قتال

“Dismiss the thought of Jihad, dear friends;

War and bloodshed are forbidden in the name of religion”

اب آگیا مسیح جو دیں كا امام ہے

دیں كى تمام جنگوں كا اب اختتام ہے

“The Messiah has come, who is the Imam of faith;

It is now the end of all religious warfare”

 یہ حكم سن كے بھى جو لڑائى كو جائے گا

وہ كافروں سے سخت ہزیمت اُٹھائے گا

“Having heard this, those who set off for bloodshed,

shall face humiliation at the hands of disbelievers”

اِک معجزہ كے طور سے یہ پیشگوئی ہے

كافى ہے سوچنے كو اگر اہل كوئى ہے

“This prophecy is as a miracle;

It is enough for one to reflect, provided one is worthy”

The newspaper cutting of this article has also been sent to Master Abdur Rahim Nayyar Sahib. 

The same cutting was sent to the prime minister of Great Britain, along with a letter of congratulations upon our victory. He acknowledged receipt of this letter on 12 November 1918 in a letter written to me. A copy of this letter has also been sent to Qadian. 

Memorial for martyrs of war

A memorial service was held in a popular place of central London for the fallen soldiers of the war, where a platform full of flowers was put up. Those people who lost dear ones and friends bring bouquets in memory of their loved ones with notes attached to the bouquets with names of the love ones and some words in their praise. 

After a while, to make space for more flowers, all old flowers and papers are removed. It has been announced that all papers will be stored safely and after some time, they will be preserved permanently. 

As a large number of Ahmadis took part in this war, and a number of them lost their lives, I thought it appropriate to place a bouquet in memory of the martyrs there. Therefore, along with the bouquet, a big piece of paper was placed with the following words [translated from Urdu, originally in English]:

لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ

[There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.]

“In memory of our dear Ahmadi brothers, who sacrificed their lives in the days of war for the beneficent British government, because it was the instruction of their spiritual leader, Hazrat Nabiyullah [prophet of Allah] Ahmad Qadianias, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, to always remain loyal and obedient to their government and to serve and help the British Government. Hazrat Nabiyullah foretold this war well before its time and prayed for the British monarchy that it may hail victorious. These soldiers served in France, Egypt, Dardanelles, Syria, Iraq, Arabia etc. May God’s mercy descend upon those who fell and those who lost their lives as a result of their injuries. O Benevolent God, grant them paradise. Amin.

“Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and Qazi Abdullah – Ahmadi preachers. 4 Star Street, Paddington, London. November 1918.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return].”

This is the [English from the Urdu] translation of the note that was written and placed there. Thousands of people travel to central London to see this memorial and read these notes. 

Influenza

According to the revelation of God that a disease would spread in Europe, influenza is killing thousands of people. In some households, there have been three or four deaths as a result of this. It is getting more and more difficult to seek medical attention from doctors. Aside from Europe, we have received news of it spreading its ghastliness in America, Africa and many other places. A friend from Nigeria wrote that the disease has claimed two thousand lives. May Allah save everyone out of His grace, benevolence and mercy and may He cause everyone to come to the right path, accept the prophet of the time and be saved from His wrath. Amin. 

Swine fever

A doctor has published his views that the disease started as a result of consuming pork, and due to it being contagious, it has spread. Its actual name is swine fever, which results from eating pork. During the war, swine meat was not sold as fresh as it was before the war, and after it had gone bad, it would be included in foods and influenza bacteria would spread in that meat. That is how, he suggests, the disease started. 

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Torquay Town Hall, 1922 |Postcard from 1922 | Wiki Commons

The studio lecture

In a previous report [published in Al Fazl on 24 December 1918] I wrote that Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib was scheduled to deliver a lecture in Scarsdale [or Scarborough] Studios on 25 October [1918], but due to being ill, he was not able to attend. Accepting the request of the organisers of the event, I delivered a lecture in his place. The topic of his lecture was Treading Humbly in the Sight of God. I changed the topic to An Example of Treading Humbly in the Sight of God – Hazrat Ahmad Nabiyullah’s Life and Teachings. 

The chairlady of the event sent me a letter following my lecture, a part of which is as follows:

“I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for the lecture that you delivered in the studio despite the short notice. Your lecture was incredibly interesting for me. We, the residents of London, have very little acquaintance with this major prophet, Ahmad. Whatever you said with respect to him and the Ahmadiyya movement, of which you are an Imam in London, was very inspiring and insightful. I feel as though we owe you a great debt for having opened a door for us to an Eastern religion and explaining the teachings of Islam. On behalf of myself and all my associates, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope that you will deliver another lecture on the same subject in the next session. Yours sincerely, Mrs Alice Hall Simpson. 3 November 1918.”

Tabligh to prince of Japan

Friends will have read in the newspapers that Prince Higashifushimi Yorihito of Japan arrived in England as a guest of our king, George V. He was shown great courtesy and regard in this country. On this occasion, I wrote him a letter on a green tabligh form in which I, on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, congratulated him on his successful visit and victory in the war. Along with the words “Ahmadiyya Jamaat”, I explained that the founder of the Jamaat, Hazrat Nabiyullah Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was a resident of Qadian.

In response to my letter, the secretary to the prince, Mr Mikodira wrote on 20 November 1918, “His Royal Highness has instructed me to inform you that he is entirely grateful to you and the entire Ahmadiyya Jamaat and highly appreciates your kind words.”

The letter along with the response has been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih…

Return from Torquay

With the thought that Torquay would not be as cold as other places, I set off for Torquay. As of yet, I have not found the cold any different to that of London. For this reason, I have returned to London. My intention is to try and spend summer in London. If the cold becomes unbearable, then I shall shift to Ventnor or some other place for a few months, or if my passport is approved for travelling to Africa, then I will have to travel there for a few months. In all cases, my postal address will remain the same, and the mail sent here will, Insha-Allah, reach me wherever I am. 

Celebrations

I was in Torquay the day the war ended. There were scenes of jubilation in the entire town. Soldiers would march the streets, beating their drums and singing songs. The flags of Great Britain, the USA and other ally nations decorated houses and doors. Small children jumped around and danced in the streets with little flags in their hands whilst singing songs. Church bells were ringing from all corners in joy and celebration for the war having come to an end. I have heard that the same was the case in London. 

Article in a London newspaper

Two or three days after the war ended, I returned to London. I wrote an article for a London-based newspaper Marylebone Record, which the editor published under the heading An Eastern Prophet. The article said [translated from Urdu]:

“Eventually, Great Britain and its allies proved victorious after the biggest and longest war in the history of the world. Around seven years prior to this war, a prophet of God, Hazrat Ahmad of Qadian, India foretold these events as well as the collapse of the Tsar. Further, he prayed for the victory of the British monarchy. That prophecy has been fulfilled today. As an Ahmadi and as an Indian, I congratulate Great Britain and its allies. India performed its role in a befitting manner also… 

“Mufti Muhammad Sadiq. 4 Star Street, London.”

The newspaper cutting of this article has also been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. 

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Al Hakam is a weekly English newspaper for members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat around the world. Its aim is to provide Ahmadis with content regarding the beliefs of the true Islam, reintroduced to the world by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be on him.

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