The influx of refugees fleeing war-torn homelands and making their way into Europe is one of the major concerns of European countries. The Economist has recently picked up Belgium to highlight how “Belgium Struggles to Manage its Burgeoning Islamic Scene” (www.economist.com accessed 16 July 2018). The challenge at hand is to prevent radicalism but there are challenges posed by the Muslim factions and the Belgian society.
This is an issue which was highlighted well in advance by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. In various speeches and press conferences, Huzooraa had alerted Europe of what could be coming its way with the huge numbers of prospective refuge-seekers flooding into Europe through both land and sea. Huzooraa had advised European nations to keep their guards up and ensure that all possible measures were in place to deter radical extremists from slipping through. The governments of European countries must have done what they could, but they seem to be at a loss with dealing with the growth of in-house radical extremism.
Experts can suggest what the demographic map of a country looks like, and this much they have done in the case of Belgium: two main divisions: the French-speakers and Dutch-speaking Flemings. But they have also identified new sections emerging on the social map of Belgium, especially highlighting an increase in the Muslim population and their political dispositions within their religious affiliations. The Moroccans and the Turks have been the two major players in the Belgian-Muslim community and new arrivals are having to be part of one of the two.
The Brussels bomb attacks in March 2016 left authorities concerned where this burgeoning Muslim population might be pushing their country to. In this concern – which seems to have turned into an anxiety and obsession – the authorities terminated the arrangements under which the Muslims with Saudi affiliations managed the affairs of Brussels’ Great Mosque.
The control is reported to have been transferred to Executif de Musulmans en Belgique (Executive of Muslims in Belgium) which was, administratively speaking, a dormant group of Muslims. The reasons of this move came to surface through a leaked intelligence report of anti-Semitic, homophobic and violent extremism literature being present in the mosque. Here, we are not commenting on this report; we aim at seeing what measures could possibly be taken because the Belgian authorities seem to be confused over the issue of harnessing the rising extremist tendencies in Belgian Muslims. Why do we see it as confused? Simply because a couple of days after handing over the administration of the Mosque to a Mr Echallaoui (of Moroccan descent) of EMB, the office was revoked and passed on to M Mehmet Ustun of Turk descent.
Previous Mayor of Dilbeek, Priest of Dilbeek and one Councillor of Dilbeek at Dilbeek Jamaat Iftar Program | AMJ Belgium
This hide-and-seek could go on forever but would never solve the problem at hand. A viable and durable solution can only come from a Muslim community with no political interests and no inclination towards extremist tendency. Such a community does exist in Belgium already.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, under the auspices of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, is working day and night to introduce to the Belgian nation the true face of Islam; a community that has no political motives; a community that condemns all forms of extremism; a community that teaches its adherents to love their country and to be loyal to it, to the extent that they should be ready to sacrifice their life, wealth, time and honour for the country that they live in.
Dr Idrees Ahmad, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belgium, told Al Hakam that they have opened the doors of their mosques to be visited by any member of the public and to see for themselves what the Jamaat preaches to its members. He told us how dignitaries, academics, politicians and intellectuals were invited to various events organised by the Jamaat and how this exposure has brought about a very positive change in their perception about Islam.
Governor of Limbourg region and mayor of Hasselt in one of our new year reception program | AMJ Belgium
Dr Idrees Ahmad spoke to us about the Peace Walks that were organised by the Belgium Jamaat after the extremist attacks in Brussels and how this has not only attracted media attention but also sent out a positive message of Islam to the Belgian nation.
Word Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, a work of great excellence by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, has now become a textbook on the topic. The Belgian Jamaat has been presenting this book to the prominent members of the Belgian government, but we share here a link for it to be accessed online by not only Belgian authorities, but any person who wishes to play a role in the establishment of global peace and doesn’t know where to start. This is where to start:
Tazkira-tush-Shahadatain (An Account of the Two Martyrs) is a book by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdias originally written in Urdu in 1903, a Persian rendering of which was published the following year.
The Promised Messiahas, with great love, affection and sorrow, describes the events of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif’sra martyrdom, ruthlessly carried out by the Amir of Kabul.
Sahibzada Abdul Latif Sahibra, of Khost in Afghanistan, was renowned for his pious character and his high stature among the Islamic scholars. He was a recipient of true dreams and visions with a large following but was a very down-to-earth and humble person.
He had seen in a vision that it was time for a reformer to be sent to the world. While expecting to hear news of this advent, he received, through a pupil, the books of the Promised Messiahas. The piety of Hazrat Sahibzada Sahibra led him to whole-heartedly embrace the fact that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas was the awaited one and that his claims were based on truth.
Having read the works of the Promised Messiahas, he could not resist his desire to meet him in person. Having sought leave for Hajj from the Amir of Kabul, he planned to visit Qadian enroute to the Hejaz. Upon arriving in Qadian, Hazrat Sahibzada Sahibra decided to stay in the blessed company of the Promised Messiahas, which he did, and later returned to Afghanistan.
On his way back, he is reported to have received, several times, a revelation: “Do not hesitate from giving your life in this way. God has indeed chosen this for the betterment of the land of Kabul.”
In this book, the Promised Messiahas has recorded in detail the events that led up to the martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Sahibra: from his arrest as soon as he arrived back in Kabul, to the cruel torture inflicted upon him while in prison and the sad event of stoning to death of this great, pious person who chose to listen to the cry of a crier and accept it as truth. The Promised Messiahas remembers him, in this book, in the following words:
“The martyrdom that was destined for Sahibzada Shaheed has come to pass. The retribution for the tormentor has not come to pass though… O Sahibzada Shaheed! May thousands of blessings be upon you. You have shown an example of your righteousness in my lifetime. As for those members of my Jamaat who shall survive me after my death, I do not know what deeds they will render.”
The concluding section of the book was titled “Alamat-ul-Muqarrabin” (Signs of those Near to God) and written in Arabic.
I repeat that you should not be content with having made a superficial covenant of Bai‘at, for this amounts to nothing. God looks at your hearts and will deal with you accordingly. Look here, I discharge the obligation of conveying my message by telling you that sin is a poison—do not consume it. Disobedience to God is a filthy death—safeguard yourselves against it. Supplicate so that you might be granted strength. He who at the time of supplication does not believe that God has power over all things, except that which might be contrary to His promise, is not of my community. Whosoever does not give up lying and deceit, is not of my community. Whosoever is consumed by material greed and does not lift his eyes to look at the hereafter, is not of my community. Whosoever does not truly give precedence to religion over the world, is not of my community. Whosoever does not repent of every vice and every evil deed, such as drunkenness, gambling, lustful glances, deceit, bribery and every misappropriation, is not of my community. Whosoever does not observe the five daily prayers, is not of my community. Whosoever is not constant in supplication and does not remember God with humility, is not of my community. Whosoever does not discard the company of an evil one who influences him towards vice, is not of my community. Whosoever does not honour his parents and does not obey them in all matters that are not contrary to the Quran, and is careless in serving them diligently, is not of my community. Whosoever does not treat his wife and her relatives with gentleness and benevolence, is not of my community. He who refrains from doing even the least bit of good to his neighbour, is not of my community. He who does not desire to forgive an offender and harbours rancour, is not of my community. Every husband who deceives his wife, and every wife who deceives her husband, is not of my community. Whosoever breaks the covenant of Bai‘at in any respect, is not of my community. He who does not truly believe in me as the Promised Messiah and Awaited Mahdi, is not of my community. Whosoever is unwilling to obey me in all that is good, is not of my community. Whosoever associates with my opponents and endorses what they say, is not of my community. Every adulterer, transgressor, drunkard, murderer, thief, gambler, deceiver, bribe-taker, usurper, tyrant, liar, forger and those who sit amongst them, and everyone who slanders his brothers or sisters and does not repent of his foul deeds, and does not abstain from evil company, is not of my community.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, pp. 32-33)
Advertised many weeks in advance, this article by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra, included in the 28 July 1918 issue of Al Hakam, expresses his support for the newspaper and reflects his missionary activities in England.
Glorification of Allah
Allah the Almighty is the Superior Being, Who is Eternal and shall remain forever. However, the word “eternal” does not suffice in describing His eternity because His being Eternal is far above our comprehension and contemplation. He is never in a state of decline, and weakness cannot be associated with Him. He does not neglect, He does not slumber, nor does he sleep. The words “beginning” and “end” cannot be associated with His being.
He is Everlasting and the One who grants eternity. He alone was, He alone is and He alone shall always be. He is the Creator of all and all is His creation. He is the Master of all and everyone is His servant. He is the Lord and everyone is His slave. He is the ruler of all and everyone is His subject. He is not dependent on anyone, but all are dependent on Him. None can question Him whilst all are answerable to Him. He provides for everyone and He does not need to take anything from anyone. His knowledge encompasses everything and all knowledge originates from Him. He possesses all treasures and through His grace, others achieve that treasure. He is the true King and through Him, others are bestowed kingship.
The earth, sky, sun, stars, planets, fire, air, water, atoms, lightening, radium and the millions of things which we do not have any knowledge of, are all busy in serving Him. All humans, animals, birds, and all that is in the ocean, and those which dwell on the earth, and those that live in the stars, the heavenly angels and the jinn which dwell on the earth are subjects of His power. There is not a single grain that can move without His permission and there is no air that can blow without His permission.
There is no power for us except for what He has granted. We have no provision except for what He provides for us. We have no salvation except for that which is graciously bestowed by Him. We have no life except for the one which is granted from the Eternal One. We have no sustenance except for what comes from the Everlasting. He is, and we are nothing. He forgives our sins, and this forgiveness does not lessen His treasures. He is One as there is none like Him. His being did not depend on the presence of a father nor does His eternity require a son or daughter. No matter is separate from what He has created and no soul is detached from what He has made. His being is undivided; trinity does not exist in Him, nor is He four or five. He is pure, the One who is praised and the Ever-Merciful; the Gracious, Compassionate, Timeless, First and Last.
(All praise belongs to Allah, the most praise-worthy; all praise belongs to Allah the highest and allpraisebelongs to Allah alone, Lordof all the worlds.)
Hamd-o-sana usi ko jo zat javidani
Hamsar nahin hei uska koi na koi sani
(All Glory be to Him whose being is eternal; neither is one like Him, nor is anyone second to Him.)
Blessings
The Gracious God, through His sheer blessing, continuously sent reformers for mankind, for instance Adamas, Noahas, Abrahamas, Mosesas , and Jesusas, as well as all those who came during their time or before and after them. Setting pure examples, they taught humans the ways of achieving God’s pleasure. They not only practiced those ways themselves but also guided others on this path; finally leading them to God. May Allah the Almighty elevate the status of these reformers and shower His mercy, blessings, bounty and peace upon them, especially on their Master who is the crown of all the Prophets, Chief of all the Messengers, King of the two worlds, a noble titan, the Beloved of God, our reformer and leader of all the creation, Muhammad the Chosen One, may His blessings be forever upon him.
Peace and blessings be upon the true embodiment of the chief among the chosen ones, the complete manifestation of “Ahmad”, the Promised Messiah, the foretold, the prophet of the age who is the king of the spiritual world and like an engine of the Islamic machinery, the Imam of the holy Jamaat. He is the proof of God Almighty’s existence and the defender of the truthfulness of Islam. May God shower His abundant mercy, blessings, assistance, bounties and benevolence upon him, and upon his progeny, his companions, his Khulafa, his followers, his helpers, those who rest beside him in their graves, his Jamaat, his devotees, his faithful admirers, all the holy men, adherents and the righteous who have passed away or are yet to come. Bi-rahmatika Ya Arhamar-Rahimin. (By Your mercy, O Most-Merciful of those who have mercy.)
First Newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat
In the early age of Jariyullah fi hulalil anbiya [the champion of God in the mantle of the Prophets], when the Jamaat of the faithful was fewer in number and the opponents were in their full swing, articles were published in the newspapers of Punjab and Hindustan against Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam. However, there was not a single newspaper devoted for the articles of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
At times it was very difficult to eradicate the misconceptions spread by the opponents. I remember the time when the editor of Chaudhvin Sadi newspaper published an article against us, I wrote an answer to that article and sent it to the Promised Messiahas from Lahore. Huzooras replied to me with his own blessed hand saying that I had written an outstanding answer, but the opponents would not publish it. Allah the Almighty would surely provide us some other sources, he said.
In those difficult times, God the Benevolent gave the courage to Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Turab Sahib to launch a newspaper for the true cause; he named the newspaper Al Hakam.
I was in Lahore and the late Hazrat Maulana Maulvi Abdul Karim [Sialkoti] Sahibra happened to be there as well when the first issue of Al Hakam reached Lahore. Hazrat Maulvi Sahibra said that our community was in great need of this kind of newspaper and Allah the Almighty had fulfilled that requirement. And so, the first newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was launched.
Although the newspaper was not fully functional in its early days due to low sales and difficulties in acquiring equipment for printing in Qadian, we were still happy whenever Al Hakam was published as if it was Eid. After all, it was the first newspaper of the community. The face of every Ahmadi was delighted by the sight of this newspaper – it was spiritual nourishment for us through which we were nurtured.
Services of Al Hakam
The great service which Al Hakam has provided since its inception goes without saying. I feel there is no need to delve into it with great detail.
At the moment, the Editor of Al Hakam offers a collection of previous issues of Al Hakam for 150 rupees and politely thanks the purchaser, considering the sum a donation. However, I see the day when this collection will be bought for 100,000 rupees and the purchaser will be proud that this treasure fell in their hands.
This newspaper has recorded clear signs of the progress and the outstanding history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. It served as the only organ to record and publish Allah the Almighty’s fresh revelations [to the Promised Messiahas]] for a long time. Collections of the late Hazrat Maulana Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahib’s writings and sermons are present in it. As a matter of fact, those who are full of grudges and hatred against Al Hakam themselves copy its columns in their newspapers and books. Owing to their cowardice, at times they do not even care to mention that a certain article was taken from Al Hakam, but deep down in their hearts they know that they are indebted to Al Hakam and its Editor for those precious pearls (published in their newspapers and books).
Many newspapers and magazines of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat were launched after Al Hakam, all serving religion in a magnificent manner. Thereby each and every one these publications is worthy of commendation and praise, but difficulty always lies in the beginning of any work. When a passageway of water lies ahead, and we are to pass through it, then real courage lies with the one who throws themselves in the arms of danger without knowing the depth, thereby guiding others and providing a safe passage for the rest. As a result, those who come after do not find it difficult to pass through it.
Thus, it is an honour for Al Hakam to fall in the category of the leading newspapers of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. It thus helped the Jamaat increase in confidence and determination that Ahmadiyyat has the capacity to produce this kind of literature.
Happiness
I find myself completely drawn towards Al Hakam due to the qualities mentioned earlier and for many of its unique characteristics. It was quite upsetting when it stopped being published but I was certain that its closure was temporary.
I have read this news with great delight that Al Hakam has started to be published again. All praise be to Allah! This will serve as a sign for the blessed era of the Second Khilafat that Al Hakam survived, overcame its difficulties and started to be published again.
It may be due to the wisdom of Allah the Almighty that Al Hakam was not published for a period of time. One reason for it being stopped was that according to some, Al Hakam caused certain people to fall into doubt. However, when the time came, no one could say that Al Hakam was the reason for those people abandoning the Jamaat. Their departure was the outcome of their own actions, their arrogant writings, their secret conspiracies which were at last unfolded, and their prejudices, enmities and grudges against the family members of this Prophetas. May Allah the Almighty save us from the uprisings of evil and rebellion. Amin
Newspaper Assistance
It is not possible for me to serve Al Hakam during my stay in this country. The only thing possible for me is to write an article whenever I find time. I have hope from the Ahmadis of Hindustan and other countries that they will provide support to the Editor and workers of Al Hakam by increasing its purchase.
Along with brief reports which I send to all newspapers and which will continue to be published in Al Hakam Insha-Allah, some very special articles will be written for Al Hakam. Editor of Al Hakam may select a title for those set of articles and this article should be considered the first of those that fall under that title.
Winter Report
Now I shall present a brief report of the works done in the previous five months for the readers of Al Hakam. At times, when I was in Hindustan, it was quite difficult for me to bear the cold of Qadian owing to my weak body and that I do not generate much natural body heat. As I had the honour of being in the company of the Promised Messiahas during his journeys, he was quite aware of my natural weakness and he used to say, “Mufti Sahib’s body is particularly weak, and this is concerning.” I hope that this worry was a source of special prayers for me and thus, through this weak body, Allah the Almighty, by His Grace, saw the accomplishment of those tasks which many strong men were not able to do.
So the winters of Qadian were quite tough for me, and after experiencing a [relatively warm] winter of Hyderabad Madras, I would say that had it not been for the immense attraction of Qadian, I would have built a home in Hyderabad Deccan to spend winters. However, what value does human planning have? Only that which Allah desires, happens. Instead of (Hyderabad) Deccan, I had to spend winters in England where the intensity of the cold in June and July exceeds the cold of Decembers in Qadian.
I remained in London from April to November 1917. Many a time, I fell sick owing to cold weather. Accordingly, due to the cold climate, I received an instruction from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih which read: “Leave for Nigeria, if the journey is not dangerous.” Letters from the people of Nigeria started pouring in saying that as I had been directed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II to leave for Nigeria, I should immediately travel to Nigeria. I would have gladly left for Nigeria without having cared about any danger if the following instruction was not in the message: “if the journey is not dangerous”.
The passage was not safe even at the time I left Qadian for London in April 1917, and our ship, whilst crossing the Mediterranean Sea, went through seriously dangerous stretches, before reaching the destination unharmed by Allah the Almighty’s grace. The monthly reports of sunken ships which have been published till now show that the highest number of ships sunk in April 1917, but at that time I was sent here on the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah strengthen his hand, and there was no condition attached to it. Now that there has been a condition attached about journeying to Africa, it would inappropriate to weather the storm. Due to these reasons, the recommendation for Nigeria was postponed, and through mutual consensus it was settled that I spend the winter in the town of Ventnor [Isle of Wight] which is located near the seashore beneath high mountains, as the temperatures there are not as cold as London’s. Thus, on 4 December 1917, I came here to spend winter. Now, after passing five months, on 6 May 1918, I leave for London again.
Photograph of Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra found in his own personal records
The cold
Though there has been intense cold here [in Ventnor, Isle of wight], however the rooms are full of warmth with fire and plenty of warm clothes are available; beds are kept warm by an abundance of sheets, blankets and hot water bottles. Medicine also helps to retain warmth, but all these are materialistic approaches. The fact is that the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah strengthen his hand, and members of the Jamaat helped me pass this winter season with good health. All praise be to Allah, surely, all praise is for Allah.
The earth rendered white with snowfall in December-January, and to some extent, in February and April as well. The temperature would be around 23°F and sometimes even less than this as the strong cold winds kept blowing. Sometimes I fell ill and caught a cold or flu, but for the better part, I was fine. Alhamdolillah.
Work in winter season
It is quite obvious that it was difficult for me to work due the intensity of the cold, yet still, by the Grace of Allah Almighty, I had the opportunity to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Several lectures were delivered, articles were published in newspapers and dialogues were held with several people. Applications of Bai‘ats and acceptance of Islam by five people were sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, among whom two were men and three were ladies. Two ladies bore testimony to the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.
Many towns were visited for the purpose of tabligh and literature was distributed. During these days, I received news from London that in response to the movement which arose after my lectures in London, the London College of Physiology had selected me as their Fellow and awarded me with a diploma and the title of FPC. Two of my poems written for the propagation of Islam, and the articles written by me, as a way of preaching, regarding the loyalty of the Government in English newspapers were published, and letters of appreciation were received from the Prime Minister of England and Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The reply of the letter written to the Sultan of Egypt for the purpose of tabligh was received, expressing his gratitude. Many respectable people held tea parties for me and I had the opportunity to preach there. Many other works were carried out which have been stated previously in the many issues of Al Fazl, Faruq [and other such periodicals].
The people of Europe
There are two main spiritual problems in this country: Christianity and materialism (in other words, atheism). Mostly there are Christians, but there are also a few who are in-between Christianity and atheism, while the rest are engrossed in atheism.
Concepts and beliefs which are instilled from childhood are very difficult to let go of, and this problem is found throughout the whole society. Atheists are very defiant, aggressive and abusive but their target is mainly Christianity and the concept of God, which is presented in front of the world. We had the experience of taking part in conversations and debates with various people, coming across all sorts of questions. But Allah the Almighty unveils the most suitable answers which strike through the hearts of the opponents.
Debate with a Christian
Once, a person came to meet the owner of the house in which I am staying. He belonged to a passionate sect of Christianity called Plymouth Brethren. The concept of priesthood is not present in this sect; a group of people gather together to take part in a silent prayer and suddenly, a person stands up who believes that they have been raised up by a certain spiritual force. This ceremony is concluded by the person praying or delivering a speech.
As the members of this sect are quite passionate to preach, the owner of the house acquainted me with the guest, leaving both of us on our own in the room as she attended to some work. Recalling the discussion which we had will be quite interesting. The name of that person was Mr Stripp.
Stripp: Have you come from Hindustan?
Sadiq: Yes, I have.
Stripp: The greenery and the hilly areas of this town are worthy of praise!
Sadiq: I feel exactly the same.
Stripp: Oh, how remarkable is the love of God for mankind that He sacrificed His son for them!
Sadiq: Which son to be exact? There are many sons of God.
Stripp: There are not many sons of God. I am talking of Jesus Christ, the only son of God.
Sadiq: I beg your pardon! I made a mistake to assume that your holy book was the Bible, but maybe you deny the Bible.
Stripp: No, I am not a denier of the Bible, the Bible is the word of God!
Sadiq: Alright then, if the Bible is the word of God, it states that Israel was the son of God, in fact, the first son, and that Solomon was the son of God. Among those abundant sons and daughters falls Jesus as well. How could you consider him the only child of God?
Stripp: (Nervously) Oh! You present philosophical arguments. A German scholar happened to meet me, he too presented similar arguments. God’s words are not worthy of philosophical solutions.
Sadiq: I have not presented any philosophical explanation. I have only presented the exact words which, according to you, are the words of God.
Stripp: Yes, but not every person can comprehend the word of God. It is only the Holy Spirit who can teach the word of God.
Sadiq: Does that Holy Spirit only come to you or can someone else be in his company as well?
Stripp: Yes, whoever prays for him, he comes to that person!
Sadiq: Alright then, I have prayed for the Holy Spirit and he has come to me. I tell you that this matter has been resolved with the help of the Holy Spirit that God does not possess a son or a daughter and that the near ones of God are called the sons of God as a figure of speech in Hebrew. Jesus Christ passed away like any other person and his tomb is present in Hindustan.
Stripp: (Angrily) This conversation is insulting and hurtful towards the Holy Spirit. I cannot continue this discussion, but we will talk on this matter some other time perhaps.
Sadiq: That’s fine, some other time.
After this encounter we happened to come across each other many times but he never had any religious discussion with me again. As to his spouse, she does not agree with his logic. When she heard about this incident, she invited me to have tea and thus, this opened the door of preaching. A number of times I had the honour of being at their home and at times she visits mine.
Blessings of Khalifatul Masih II
May an abundance of blessings of Allah the Almighty be upon the living embodiment of Hazrat [Umar] Faruqra – the resolute Khalifatul Masih, Mahmud – under whose influence, a feeble part of this precious Jamaat was separated.
They were in a constant effort to close the door of Prophethood. Undoubtedly the accomplishments of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II will be remembered not only by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and Muslims in general, but the whole of mankind will remain indebted to him. Unfortunate are those who wish to compel God not to award prophethood to anyone; who wrongfully allege that Hazrat Muhammadsa closed the door of prophethood; who say that this door has been shut so firmly that it cannot open for anyone. Although the Promised Messiahas perceived and satisfied them, they disbelieved.
(Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us and bestow on us mercy from Thyself. Surely, Thou art the Great Bestower.) Amin
Qazi Abdullah Sahib
My colleague Qazi Abdullah Sahib in this winter season has not only borne the difficulties of the intense cold but remained in London under heavy bombardment from fighter jets and continued his work of preaching. He constantly presented the challenge of dialogue and discussion to Khawaja Sahib but whenever Khawaja Sahib agreed to have a discussion on the insistence of Arab Sahib and Qazi Sahib, Khawaja Sahib vanished into thin air when they went to his place.
During his stay, Qazi Sahib delivered many lectures, had debates with several people, answered letters, preached to those who came to his house and showed hospitality. As we now have our own residence, the expenses of hospitality have increased. According to the values of this country, whenever someone pays a visit and it is time for a meal, then that person must be invited to join. There are at least four different meals here. Despite being alone, Qazi sahib single-handedly took care of such matters and did so whilst being very economical; something which he has mastered. May Allah be his reward Himself and bless him with a long, healthy and virtuous life.
Expenses
Firstly, the expenses have increased because of war and lack of food, and secondly, immense progress in work demands more expenses. I hope that, Insha-Allah, a time will come when the people of this country will themselves bear the expenses of propagation, but owing to the present situation, it rests with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya as a whole. It is necessary for the members of the Jamaat to offer special donations for the London Mission Fund, owing to the increased requirements of work, and submit them in Anjuman Taraqi-e-Islam, Qadian. God knows how long the repercussions of the present war and its difficulties may last. Thus, in my view, it would be appropriate for the members of the Jamaat, through special sacrifice, to provide us with the expenses for the whole year.
Consequences of the war
The war has affected the whole country’s trade, economy and labour, but my observation is that every man and woman of the country is full of confidence that eventually they will be victorious. Nervousness, worry or cowardice is nowhere to be found. Women are not only helping men with courage and valour, they are performing duties usually attributed to men like driving cars, shop-keeping, bearing responsibilities of clerks, accountancy, working in factories and industrial labour. In fact, everything is being managed by women with full devotion and preference.
Women are delivering sermons in some churches where the priests have gone to the frontiers and even leading prayers on certain occasions. Several women work in the police and steadily stand on duty in police uniforms. As to the scarcity of paper, newspaper prices have doubled and tripled, yet every man and woman purchases it and nobody seems empty-handed. Several newspapers are published three or four times a day. Thousands of them are published and sold each day.
The food stock of the country is being managed extraordinarily well, where the rich are not permitted to buy purchase more food than they need, and thus, the poor are getting their full share, making no room for complaint. If anyone is found stocking surplus food in their homes, the police file a case against them, and some people have already been fined in this regard.
Divorce and polygamy cases in courts have increased as a result of the war. Contrary to the religious principles of Christianity, divorce has been legalised, and it could very well be that due to the current situation, polygamy is allowed. Although army service during the war has been made compulsory for every adolescent, but whoever says that their conscience does not allow them to take part in war, they are either relieved from responsibilities or are given some work which is free from bloodshed.
Precaution in food-intake
A Muslim should take precautionary measures while eating in this country. Although at times it might be permissible to eat whatsoever is presented to you in restaurants and encourage friends to eat quietly without enquiring about the ingredients or the process of cooking – like Khawaja [Kamaluddin] Sahib does – however, I have reason to believe that one can save themselves by taking good caution. I have found all sorts of Halal and lawful meat available in this country. Qazi Sahib has been living here for more than two years and I have been living here for over a year; by Allah’s grace, we have been eating Halal and lawful meat, alhamdolillah.
Undoubtedly, there is no sin if someone unknowingly eats something, and we pray that Allah forgives, however, Haram meat can have a very bad effect on one’s spiritualty and thus, salihin [righteous men] have remained very cautious about it.
I remember when Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib went abroad for the first time, I believe the first advice the Promised Messiahas gave him was not to eat the animals slaughtered by Christians, as they did not slaughter it in a Halal way. Sheikh Sahib took special care of that and benefited from the advice. Special care is needed here because the people here are unmindful of the concept of Halal and Haram. In my view, the meat which is delivered to me from a Jewish butcher is cooked in separate pots, stirred with separate utensils and is placed separately from others because the landlady has been briefed carefully. I also take special care myself in terms of eating. I take good care myself in this regard.
On one occasion, although I had explained everything to the landlady, she once served me peas, and when I routinely enquired about it, I came to know that they were cooked separately but were put on the same plate as unlawful meat, so I returned them and did not eat them. Thus, precautionary measures can save a person, though the real safety rests with the blessings, benevolence and beneficence of Allah the Almighty.
Prayers
Although there was not much work for me during my stay in Ventnor, but I found ample time to pray, by the grace of Allah. I said combined prayers for everyone and also individually. I cannot write the names of every single person, but I wandered the streets of Hindustan and other countries of the world during my prayers, praying for Ahmadis. It is the sheer mercy of God that in such times, the memory of dear friends is triggered and when someone writes a letter for prayer, I find that I would already have prayed for them. However, I specially pray for them again after reading their letter.
May Allah the Almighty, through his sheer blessing, benevolence, mercy and kindness, fulfill these prayers and the prayers of members of the Jamaat for us. Amin
Wassalam
Muhammad Sadiq
2 May 1918
Ventnor, England (Permanent Address: 4 Star Street, W2, London. England)
The first National Refresher Course for all UK Missionaries was held from 9-13 July.
Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary In-charge UK, and his team organised the Refresher Course following instructions from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, who also guided Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib on the programme to be held.
Accommodation was provided for those missionaries outside of London, and all missionaries had the opportunity to attend all five daily prayers behind Huzoor. Missionaries were also blessed to give the Adhan for each prayer; Dars ul Quran after Fajr prayer; Tarjumatul Quran (translation of the Quran) after Asr prayer and Dars on an extract from Kashti-e-Nuh (Noah’s Ark) after Maghrib and Isha prayers.
Missionaries were asked to deliver speeches for 25 minutes, and then 35 minutes were allotted for question and answers.
Over the five days, a total of thirty lectures were delivered (seven lectures every day and two lectures on Friday). The lectures covered a vast range of topics: from religious subjects to how various departments operate; from health-related issues to and tarbiyat-related matters.
Every day, a full programme was made which included Tahajjud prayer, morning walk, recitation of the Quran and studying the book Haqiqatul-Wahi in Urdu, or a book of the Promised Messiahas in English.
On Friday we also visited Tahir House and were shown around the different central offices. We then went for the Jumua prayer at Baitul Futuh Mosque and finally returned to the Fazl Mosque for feedback and general comments from the missionaries. All praise be to Allah that we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Huzooraa and also have a photo session with him.
The Refresher Course was very successful and enlightening. Whilst every missionary expressed their happiness with the Refresher Course, it was felt that perhaps the course of the day could have been shortened to allow more time for personal study and some time for sports.
All missionaries were very thankful to Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib and his team for all the hard work they did to ensure that the Refresher Course was successful, for the tasty food and that all their needs were catered for.
May Allah shower His abundant blessings on all those that helped with this Refresher Course and always strengthen and support our beloved Huzoor with His Hand and guidance. Amin.
Jamaat Ahmadiyya Cape Town, South Africa held a successful Peace Symposium in Khayelitsha on Saturday 30June 2018.
Khayelitsha is a sub-economical suburb of Cape Town, situated about 25 kilometers away from the Jamaat Headquarters in Athlone.
The Theme of the Symposium was, “Unity in Diversity: A Journey Towards Peace”, and it was held at the Hopolang Primary School, which is about 100 meters away from our Jamaat Centre in Khayelitsha.
It was well attended by members from various cultural and religious groups, including men, women and children.
The program consisted of recitation of the Holy Quran with the Xhosa and English translation.
The Reverend Roux Malan of the Unitarian Community offered a devotional prayer. This was followed by the opening address by Jamaat Ahmadiyya National Sadr and Missionary In-charge, Mansoor Ahmad Zahid Sahib along with the opening silent prayer.
AMJ South Africa
The first guest speaker was Father Matsepane Marore of the Roman Catholic Community. His speech dealt with unity in what we are, and what we become.
We were honoured by the presence of Councillor Albert Ntsodo, Cape Town Mayoral Committee member, who represented the Honourable Madam Mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille of Cape Town at our Symposium. In his Mayoral Message, Councillor Ntsodo expressed his happiness that in the harsh and corrupted times we are living, there are people who will come together, to talk about love and peace, and to find solutions to bring about love and peace. His speech mainly dealt with love and peace, and that God has created us as one common human race, and this is what we have to strive for.
The third speaker was Comrade Kama Mesuli, African National Congress (ANC) Youth League Leader. With reference to the theme, Comrade Mesuli said that unity in diversity must be a unity with purpose. Quoting Mother Theresa, he said that there are things we can do and there are things we cannot do; therefore we need to take hands to help one another to achieve what we could not do before.
The fourth speaker was Apostle Lorraine Moko from the House Ministries International. This was followed by the fifth speaker, Rayaan Allom Sahib of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.
Before the closing remarks by Mr James Ellman from Faith Hope Love Communities, Mansoor Ahmad Zahid Sahib presented gifts to all speakers.
We were also honoured by the local Sunni Imam of the Harare Mosque, Sheikh Nazeem, who graciously accepted our invitation to attend. He also offered a few closing remarks in the Xhosa language and a prayer. The Symposium ended by offering everyone soup and bread.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, every year a management committee is appointed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih (may Allah be his Helper) to oversee the arrangements of Jalsa Salana.
The management committee consists of Amir Sahib UK, Afsar Jalsa Gah, Afsar Khidmat-e-Khalq, Afsar Jalsa Salana and Sadr Lajna. Every year, Huzoor-e-Anwaraa also approves the names of Afsar Jalsa Salana along with the Naib Afsaran who will be responsible for the various Nizamats that function to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah, peace be on him.
There is a vast number of supplies and other services that are required to make the Jalsa Salana a success, and for this the various Nazimeen who are responsible for overseeing their respective departments provide a detailed budget to the management committee, which then approves such requests in collaboration with the finance committee, of course with the final approval of Huzoor-e-Anwaraa.
Painstaking efforts are undertaken to ensure that the best quality services and supplies may be procured for the cheapest possible price. A separate department for supplies is responsible for procuring things like disposable plates, glasses, water, rice, flour, lentils, meat, milk, oil, butter, tomatoes, onions, etc. All of these budgets and all other matters are constantly sent to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masihaa for guidance and approval. It is with Huzoor-e-Anwar’s blessing and continuous guidance that the preparations for Jalsa Salana move forward every year.
During the year, the Jalsa Salana management committee meet to ensure that all preparations are progressing as planned. The red book from the previous year is also taken on board, and every year there is an active effort to ensure that lapses from previous years are not repeated again, so there can be a constant growth to improvement.
Another important aspect of Jalsa preparations is the formulation and finalisation of the site-map. The Jalsa Salana has grown over the years and now every year by the grace of Allah a tiny village is temporarily constructed to accommodate 35,000 to 40,000 people. The position of every marquee and cabin, as well as all the temporary tracks, showers and toilets are outlined on a site-map, with dimensions and exact particulars. Other services such as water, electricity and sewage etc. are all planned well in advance and the infrastructure to support their successful operation is planned and put in place in due time.
Furthermore, transport and accommodation are also provided for the guests of the Promised Messiahas. We receive our guests from various hubs and airports, and bring them to the Jalsa Salana. All of our overseas guests are provided with bedding to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Tents are also available to hire for those who are interested. All of these things must not only be purchased, but are setup well in time so that our guests are made to feel as easy as possible.
The Langar of the Promised Messiahas also works to serve the guests of Jalsa Salana, and volunteers work relentlessly to cook 3 meals a day for 40,000 people. Our automated roti plant produces 10,000 flat-bread rotis per hour.
The Jalsa Salana is held in Alton, Hampshire, on a 210 acre farm – Hadeeqat-ul-Mahdi. There are strict guidelines that must be adhered to as stipulated by the local council. The Jalsa management is given a 28-day window in which to erect all the temporary structures for the Jalsa Salana and dismantle everything, returning the farm to its original state. We remain in constant communication with the local authorities and as soon as one Jalsa finishes, we begin meeting with them in preparation for the next years arrangements.
By the grace of Allah Almighty and with the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masihaa this seemingly impossible task is accomplished every year. Thousands of guests from all corners of the world come to participate in this blessed Jalsa, and a multitude of facilities – some tangible and other intangible – are offered to make their Jalsa experience as convenient as possible.
Without the grace and mercy of God, this could never be possible. We pray that Allah covers our shortcomings and enables us to continue serving the guests of the Promised Messiahas in the manner that pleases Him. Amin.
The arrangements of Jalsa Gah have been going on for several months. After the approval of various volunteers in different departments, they have been holding meetings on a regular basis.
Big marquees for men and ladies have been arranged. The Jalsa Salana stage design is being finalised and will be ready soon.
The Jalsa programme for the three days has been finalised and will be printed within a week.
A Jalsa Gah detailed site map is ready – one new nizamat for cleanliness of Jalsa Gah has been established this year.
The translation arrangements are in place, we hope to include two new languages for translation this year.
Sami Basri department is finalising their arrangements.
The ticketing department is ready to start issuing tickets for various areas in the Jalsa Gah.
We request prayers for all arrangements to go smoothly by the grace of Allah.
The success of Jamaat Ahmadiyya lies in the fact that this Jamaat is Divinely guided. This Jamaat is led by a spiritual leader who is appointed by God Almighty Himself. Throughout the history of Ahmadiyyat, every small and big achievement and success of the Jamaat is a result of the Divinely appointed leader: the Khalifa of the time.
Jamaat Ahmadiyya Holland has also reaped the blessings this Divine leadership for almost a century now. In this short article, I will narrate only a few selected interactions of Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat with the Dutch nation.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra
Jamaat Ahmadiyya Holland was established with the arrival of the first official missionary, Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib, in 1947. (Missionaries of Jamaat UK did visit Holland for missionary work prior to the arrival of Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib, but Hafiz Sahib was the first missionary sent by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra to Holland to formally establish a mission.)
Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dard’s historic visit to the Netherlands – 1926 or 1925?
🇳🇱 “Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dard (ra) visited the Netherlands in 1925, which marked the first-ever visit to this country by an Ahmadi missionary.”
The interaction of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IIra with Holland, however, can be traced back even before this period. In 1924, a Dutch lady, Mrs Budd, accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat through written Bai‘at of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra. In one of her letters she mentions that she sent her first monthly report to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and that she was waiting for further instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra concerning the preaching of the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Holland. (Al Fazl, 11 December 1924) She was given the Islamic name Hidayat (guidance) by Huzoorra.
Historic First: Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dard’s (ra) 1925 Visit to the Netherlands 🇳🇱✨
In 1925, Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dard (ra) made history as the first Ahmadi missionary to visit the Netherlands! 📜 His arrival in Amsterdam, photographed in front of the C.S., marked a… pic.twitter.com/TeH6U8ZXje
— Ahmadiyya Archive & Research (@ahmadiyya_arc) October 10, 2024
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra once gave guidance to the mission in Holland that although there were more protestants in Holland, we should focus more on the Roman-Catholics because when they convert to Islam, they will prove to be very firm Muslims. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 12, p. 187)
These words have proven to be true in the history of Jamaat Holland. Even in the present time, Hibatunnoer Verhagen Sahib (Amir Jamaat Holland) and Abdul Hameed van der Velden Sahib (Naib Amir Jamaat), both from Roman-Catholic backgrounds, are living proof of this.
Under the auspices of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IIra, the Dutch translation of the Holy Quran was published in 1953 and the first mosque of Holland, the Mobarak Mosque, was constructed in The Hague in 1955. Both of these achievements require a separate article, but what can be said in short is that these favours of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIsa are a source of guidance for many people to this day.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra wrote a letter to the mission of Holland at the opening of the Mobarak Mosque. Huzoorra mentioned in his letter that kings would remember those services in the future. (Al Fazl, 23 June 1955)
These words came true on the occasion of the fifty-year jubilee of the Mobarak Mosque, when the Queen of Holland, Queen Beatrix, visited the mosque in 2006. In the history of the worldwide Jamaat, she became the first Queen in the Western world to have visited a Jamaat mosque.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh has blessed Holland on many occasions with his visit. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh even met with the Prime Minister of Holland in 1980, and the same year Huzoorrh visited the Dutch parliament for a press conference.
One particular incident that Huzoorrh himself mentioned more than once in his speeches was regarding an encounter with a Dutch journalist during a press conference. During a press conference when the answers of Huzoorrh had had a positive effect on the minds and hearts of the journalists, a young catholic journalist tried to remove the positive effect by asking Huzoorrh: How many converts have you seen to this date in Holland? His purpose was to show that there were only a few converts and that the Jamaat was small in number and therefore should not be given any importance. Journalists today still demonstrate this attitude towards the Jamaat.
Huzoorrh said that that was the very first time he had been asked such a question in public. Huzoorrh said that he replied, “According to your belief, the amount of converts Jesus Christas made during his entire life, we have made more converts in just a few years in this country alone.”
This unexpected and prompt response of Huzoorrh silenced the journalist, and all other present journalists enjoyed this reply. Then Huzoorrh further went on to explain that in the initial stages of preaching the question of numbers was irrelevant and that the question should be related to whether a gradual reformation was taking place in people or not. Huzoorrh said that by the grace of Allah, such a reformation was taking place and so the figure would gradually grow. (Khutabat-e-Nasir, Vol. 6, pp. 497-498)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh
Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IVrh blessed Holland with his visit on numerous occasions. There are countless touching and faith inspiring incidents of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in Holland, but keeping it brief, I will narrate only one.
Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh established a very special bond with not only the Ahmadis but even with the local native people. Huzoorrh would come and stay in Nunspeet where the national community centre Baitun-Noer is based. Baitun-Noer was purchased in 1985 and was, at the time, the second biggest property of the Jamaat after Islamabad in Tilford, UK.
Huzoorrh himself attended the inauguration of this centre, and the local Jamaat arranged a reception for this occasion. Many neighbours, members of the local council and the mayor were invited.
In Holland, Nunspeet is known to be part of the “Bible Belt” with many Christians living here. During the inaugural session, one member of the local council asked Huzoorrh in a somewhat irritated tone as to why the Jamaat had decided to come and settle in Nunspeet? “Why does Jamaat not go to the cities where a lot of Muslims reside?” Huzoor handled this situation with great wisdom and replied very kindly, “We are exactly at the right place where we should be. You love Jesus, and so do we love Jesus. You love God, and so do we love God, and we are in search of people who love God. So, we are exactly where we should be.” This wise response by Huzoorrh removed the anger of the questioner and comforted him. Not only did Huzoor’srh answer satisfy the questioner but also the audience. (Narrated by Faheem Dieffenthaler Sahib and Hamid Karim Mahmud Sahib, both present during the session.)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has blessed Holland also with his visits on many occasions. One particular visit that stands out to this date was the blessed visit of Huzooraa in October 2015. Among other activities Huzooraa also laid the foundation stone for Baitul-Afiyat Mosque in Almere and addressed the foreign office committee in the Dutch Parliament.
During this visit, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa also gave interviews to various media outlets. On one occasion, Huzooraa said to a journalist, after he had asked his questions: “I did not consider it to be an interview, rather it was like a friendly meeting.” (Diary of Abid Khan Sahib, Holland Tour 2015, Part 1, p. 27)
Every journalist was impressed by the extreme kindness and loving character of Huzooraa. One journalist was so impressed that she said, “I have never seen someone giving an interview while being so calm, relaxed and at peace. It was unbelievable.”
After Huzoor’saa address in the Dutch Parliament, Huzooraa had a meeting with some dignitaries. During this meeting, MP Harry van Bommel explained that Islamophobia was also present in Holland. The former Defence Minister of Holland, Mister van Eekelen said to Huzooraa that “If they (i.e. the Dutch nation) don’t hear something positive from time to time, it may get worse.” Huzooraa very beautifully replied, “So you give us time to speak on this issue from time to time, so people get to know what is the true teaching of Islam.”
You are the last community of God, so practice virtue at its best. Anyone of you who becomes slothful will be cast out of the community like a foul thing and will die in regret and will be able to do no harm to God. Igladly inform you that your God truly exists. Though all are His creation, but He chooses the one who chooses Him. He comes to the one who goes to Him. He bestows honour upon him who honours Him. Approach God with sincere hearts, and pure tongues, eyes and ears, for He will then accept you.
