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.”
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 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 Ahmadashad 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 Ahmadasunder Section 114. The news of the arrest spread like wildfire and people eagerly looked forward to seeing the Promised Messiahasalight 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.
On 13 January, a group of seven new converts who travelled from Canadawere 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.
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.
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.
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]:
[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.
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.
On Wednesday, 9 January 2019, the inauguration ceremony of duties for Jalsa Salana Uganda was held.
After the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the Amir and Missionary In-charge Uganda, Al-Haj Muhammad Ali Kaire held a meeting with all the departmental heads.
In his address, Amir Sahib emphasised the importance of devotion and serving in Jalsa Salana. In connection with Waqar-e-Amal (voluntary physical labour), he said that congregational work and congregational prayers are symbols of unity among us, and the unity among us complements the unity of God.
The inauguration concluded with the inspection of different departments by Amir Sahib.
On Friday 11 January 2019, the 31st Jalsa Salana Uganda commenced with the Jumua prayer led by Amir and Missionary In-charge Uganda and Rwanda, Maulana Al-Haj Muhammad Ali Kaire.
In his sermon, Amir Sahib said that it was a blessings of Allah that in an age of great satanic influences, He raised the Messiah and Mahdi as the Imam of the age to counter these influences and He has bestowed upon us the favour of Khilafat that leads us on the right path.
He also said that the Jamaat started in Uganda in 1934 and the numbers would have been easily at least ten million by now, but unfortunately the tarbiyat of the younger generation was not properly performed and when they grew up, they distanced themselves from the Jamaat.
Amir Sahib said that it is only through obedience and in keeping a peaceful environment that we can attain victory.
After the Jumua prayer, Amir Sahib met the press. Mr Henry Nsubuga asked the Amir to clarify the point of the youth being the foundation upon which the spiritual transformation of people is laid. In answering this question, he said that old people have already moulded in the shape that they will remain for the rest of their lives. However, the youth are akin to a fertile land on which the seeds of taqwa can be sown.
The first session began with the hoisting of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat by Amir Sahib, which was followed by recitation from the Holy Quran by Sheikh Hafiz Azhar Nkuutu. This was followed by an Arabic poem recital by Sheikh Nasir Nsonko.
In his opening speech, Amir Sahib welcomed the guests and thanked all the organisers who worked tooth and nail to make the Jalsa Salana a success.
He then read out Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V’saa message to the members participating in Jalsa Salana Uganda 2019.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
“Dear members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Uganda. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. I am pleased that you are holding your 31st Jalsa Salana on 11, 12 and 13 January 2019. May God Almighty make this Jalsa Salana a great blessing for you, and through it, may He enable you raise your spiritual conditions.
“A great favour upon us that we have accepted the Promised Messiahas and Mahdi who is the Imam of age. It is therefore incumbent upon us, who have pledged allegiance to him, to strive always to improve our spiritual conditions.
“The Promised Messiahas admonished us to raise our standard of righteousness and shun all kinds of evils and also strengthen our personal relationship with our Creator.
“We should not only read the words of the Bai‘at and listen to the sayings of the Imam of the age, but also endeavour to put these teachings in practices.”
During the month of December, we had the opportunity to organise two humanitarian events under the motto of “Love for All, Hatred for None”.
One day we distributed toys in a children’s hospital located in Buenos Aires to more than 100 children. Aside from the 3 members of the Jamaat, around 13 friends of the community participated and supported us and thus made this event successful.
Only a few days ago, along with the Sai Baba community, we went to a underprivileged neighbourhood near Buenos Aires to distribute food, clothes and toys. The Ahmadiyya Jamaat was represented in this event by 3 members and 3 friends of the community. More than 100 people received different types of donations.
The online news channel ABC Mundial also published an article about these activities of the community.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Jamaica has successfully, by the grace of Allah, launched its first radio talk show called Voice of Islam recently. The programme goes live every Sunday from 4pm to 5pm on one of Jamaica’s most popular radio stations for religious listeners called Bess 100 FM.
The purpose of this programme is to clear the misconceptions that the people of Jamaica have about Islam and to share the true message of Islam.
The very first show was hosted by Umair Khan Sahib, Missionary In-charge Jamaica Jamaat along with missionary Ibrahim Forson Sahib and Haneef Taylor Sahib, National Secretary Tabligh for Jamaica Jamaat.
The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The first programme for the Voice of Islam Jamaica focused on removing misconceptions about terrorism and teachings of peace in Islam. The topics of the oneness of God and belief in Prophet Jesusas were also discussed. The programme came to a conclusion with a very interesting question and answer session between listeners and the Jamaat panel.
The programme is interactive and allows listeners to call in, send text messages and ask questions, while also sharing feedback and ideas for new topics related to Islam.
We hope and pray that Allah makes this radio programme a means of successfully conveying the message of Islam Ahmadiyya to the people of Jamaica.
On Thursday, 13December 2018, a group of central and local politicians visited Baitul Hamd Mosque, Nakskov, Denmark.
Mr Daniel Toft Jacobsen, a member of parliament was chief guest while Mr Kasper Roug, Vice Mayor of Lolland Council, Remzi Grepi, President Integration Committee and Muj Barish, member of Lolland Counsil were assisting him.
The delegation was accompanied by journalists and photographer from local newspapers who covered the whole gathering.
The purpose of visiting our mosque was to increase inter-religious harmony, clarification of certain myths and beliefs regarding Muslims, and especially the role of Jamaat-e-Ahmaydiyya in the current era.
Upon arrival, a warm welcome was given by the local missionary of the Jamaat, Naimatullah Basharat. Later on, the delegation was given a brief overview of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and its history in Denmark. Thereafter, the guests were taken into the prayer hall where Jamaat books, placards and pamphlets were displayed in the Danish language.
A brief and comprehensive lecture was given to the delegation with questions and answers following the speech. The delegation mainly asked questions about the role of Muslims in society, Islamic beliefs and practices such as fasting in Ramadan. The local politicians appreciated the Jamaat’s positive role to hold dialogue with other religious and social leaders.
After the formal proceedings, the guests had the chance to dine with the hosts. At the dining table, many questions were asked by the delegation and they were answered in detail accordingly.
Gifts of the Holy Quran and Jamaat Books were presented to guests on their departure.
The local newspaper Folketidende published a brief report with photos about this visit.
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mexico held its 2nd Jalsa Salana on 28-29 December in Merida, Mexico. The total attendance at the Jalsa Salana this year was 195 among which the majority were Mexican members and guests. The remaining members consisted of guests from USA, Belize, Guatemala, Ghana and Pakistan.
Guests of the Jalsa travelled from all over Mexico to attend, some driving 15 to 20 hours to reach the city of Merida to attend the Jalsa. There was representation from 4 different states of Mexico; members attended from Chiapas, Mexico City, Querétaro and Merida.
Guests started arriving on Wednesday, 26 December and everyone was provided accommodation near the mosque or at the mosque. The Langar Khana was located at the mosque throughout the day for anyone who arrived, no matter what time of day or night. Some of the members who drove from far off places and arrived at two or three o’clock in the morning were all served food from the Langar at their arrival, after which they were taken to their accommodations. Transport was available for all guests flying in or arriving by bus; they were all provided pick and drop services.
Jalsa Salana commenced on Friday, 28 December with the Friday Sermon and prayers. After this, lunch was served.
The first session of the Jalsa started in the evening. The topics of the speeches and presentations during Jalsa Salana were selected bearing in mind that the majority of the members in Mexico are newly converted Ahmadi Muslims. After the completion of the first session, Salat was offered and dinner was served.
On Saturday, Lajna Imaillah held their session separately for the first time and men held their session separately. For many Mexican guests, this was their first time seeing women having their own Jalsa session and delivering all the speeches and presentations. This really impacted their view about leadership among women. Salat was offered and lunch was served before starting the third session of Jalsa Salana.
During the third session of Jalsa Salana, in which guests and dignitaries were also invited to attend and share their views, a few of the guests were as follows:
Norma Barnet Cantón, Director of Religious Affairs for the state of Yucatan. She was also representing the governor of Yucatan state
Luis Antonio Andrade Castillo, Director of Promotion and Diffusion of Culture in the department of culture and arts
Hector Castellano, Secretary of Religious Affairs for the city of Merida. He also represented the mayor of the city of Merida
Dr David Vegue, a Catholic priest
Padre Oscar Viñas Oliveras, Vice President of Inter-Religious Council for the state of Yucatan
Sofía del Carmen Brito Soberanís, Coordinator of Blood Donation Camps in the state of Yucatan
A request was sent by Mexico Jamaat for a message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa for the attendees of Jalsa Salana Mexico. The request was graciously approved and a letter from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was received. This letter was translated into Spanish and was read out during the first session of Jalsa Salana and printed copies were given to each and every attendee.
The Jalsa Salana concluded with taranas [choral poems] prepared by children and Lajna, followed by dua (silent prayer). Therafter, Salat was offered and dinner was served.
Mexico Jamaat is based on members who have converted during the last three or four years, and many of them dedicated their time in organising the Jalsa and serving throughout the Jalsa in various departments. Volunteers ranged from children to the elderly, all eagerly wanting to serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas. For many, it was the first time ever doing Jalsa duty, however, each and every volunteer fulfilled their duties as if they had been doing it for years. This dedication to serve, which was seen in the new converts, was a clear result of the prayers of the Promised Messiahas regarding every Jalsa Salana and its blessings.
In accordance with the permission granted by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, Jalsa Salana Mexico was streamed live on various social media websites.
By the grace of Allah, many media outlets covered Jalsa Salana; print media and electronic media was present during the last session and various articles were published in various media outlets.
