By the grace of Allah, on Wednesday, 13 June 2018, Jamaat Ahmadiyya Ottawa West held a very successful Iftar program at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. The program was a part of the “Fast with Muslims” campaign that is launched each year in Ramadhan in Canada. The Iftar program was run by Awais Mehmood Sahib, Secretary Umur-e-Kharija Ottawa West.
Guests began to arrive at the Sir John A MacDonald Building at 7:00pm. Khuddam had already set everything up by that time and were ready to receive the guests. Time was given to the guests to socialise and inter-mingle, while engaging in inter-faith discussions. At 7:50pm, the formal program began with Tilawat of the Holy Quran and translation. The master of ceremony for the program was Faheem Affan Sahib (Assistant National Secretary Umur-e-Kharija).
Opening remarks were given by Hon. Judy Sgro, who is a member of Parliament in Canada and Director Parliamentary Friends Association, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Canada. I was honored to present the topic of “Islam and Fasting – An Introduction”, where the themes of Islam and peace, the purpose of fasting and an introduction to the Promised Messiahas and Khilafat were covered. This was followed by a presentation by Nabil Mirza Sahib (Missionary Ottawa West) in the French language, where he covered similar themes.
AMJ Canada
This was followed by remarks from the dignitaries, which included Hon. Deb Schulte (MP), Hon. Ramesh Sangha (MP), Hon. Yasmin Ratansi (MP) and Reverend Deacon Dr. Andrew Bennett. The fast ended at 8:55pm, following which the guests broke the fast with dates and water. Arrangements were made in an adjacent hall for prayers. After the Maghrib prayer, the concluding remarks and vote of thanks were given by Khamis Salam-Alada Sahib (Sadr Jamaat Ottawa West). The guests were then able to enjoy a delicious buffet meal.
A total of 110 external guests attended this event, including 5 Members of Parliament, two Shiite Imams, the Deputy High Commissioner of Afghanistan, Charge de affairs of Iraq and Burundi High Commissions, representatives from the department of Global Affairs Canada, a Rabbi, Director and representatives of the Religious Freedom Institute. There were also about 45 to 50 Ahmadi Muslims in attendance.
The program concluded by 10pm when Isha prayer was offered in congregation. It was truly a great blessing of Allah as He enabled members of Ottawa Jamaat to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the dignitaries who reside in the capital of Canada.
Jamaat Suriname engagements in Ramadan | AMJ Suriname
Laeeq Ahmad Mushtaq
Missionary, Suriname
Since 2001, Jamaat Suriname has had the good fortune of being able to present a television show during Ramadan. This year, 67 programmes were presented by us on two major television channels, namely, TBN and Radika. This proved successful and people praised the programmes.
On 18 May, the Jamaat’s first article was published by GFC Nieuws and Starniuews (one of the most notable and reliable websites in the country whose readership exceeds 100,000). This article was published on the main page of three Holland websites and one Suriname website.
The same article got a lot of attention elsewhere, especially by Suriname’s oldest daily newspaper, De Ware Tijd.
This year, Jamaat Suriname hosted 14 Iftar events at Masjid Nasir. At every event, the average total attendance would be 100-120. On 31 May, for the first time, the Chief of Maho, Mrs Astrid Tuanae, along with six companions visited the mosque. They all participated in the Tarawih prayers and returned home late at night.
On 7 June, the Vice President of Suriname, Mr Ashwin Adhin, along with his staff attended our Iftar event at Masjid Nasir. The Vice President toured the complex of the Mosque, where he saw the offices, studio and other parts of the mosque. As we spoke, he asked about the activities of the Jamaat. During the Maghrib prayer, Mr Ashwin Adhin remained in the mosque, observing the prayer. Thereafter, he was presented with the book, Invitation to Ahmadiyyat by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, a memorable shield on behalf of the Jamaat and the Dutch translation of World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.
Jamaat Suriname Engagements in Ramadan | AMJ Suriname
During an address, the Vice President of Suriname said: “I have only come to partake in the joy of Ramadan with you, and spending this short time with you has given me peace of mind.”
The leader of the opposition, and Member of Parliament, Mr Chandrikapersad visited our mosque along with five other gentlemen.
Food and clothes were arranged for the needy during Ramadan. A collective Waqar-e-Amal was organised the day before Eid to clean the mosque and the surrounding plots to accommodate the overflow.
Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated on 15 June, where 220 members of the Jamaat attended. Food was served to all in attendance. Prime Alert, a current affairs news channel arrived before the Eid prayer and recorded the proceedings, parts of which were broadcast in a programme later that night.
On Thursday 31 May at the Waterfront Hotel, Sliema, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta organised an Iftar event, which was attended by respectable guests from different walks of life.
Attending the event, His Excellency, Mark A Schapiro, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to Malta said:
“It seems so often in our world today that we have to keep repeating this message [love for all; hatred for none] that we have to teach and re-teach the value of tolerance and mutual respect. Sometimes it feels like nobody is listening … What we share is far stronger than what divides us.”
The President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta, Laiq Ahmed Atif Sahib said:
“[During Ramadan] It is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the Muslim fast, but the recitation of the Holy Quran, understanding the commandments of God and making those part of everyday life, serving mankind, giving charities, helping those in need, being punctual in five daily obligatory prayers, waking up many hours before dawn for the individual prayer and the remembrance of God, and thus spending a greater part of the night in spiritual exercises make up the very essence of fasting.”
On Monday, 11 June, an Iftar Event was arranged at Ahmadiyya Centre – Baitul Hamd, Colombo in which Representatives from South Asian Forum for Freedom of Religion and Belief were specially invited. Farooq Aftab Sahib, Naib Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and a Swedish lady also participated along with this Forum.
Colombo Iftar | AMJ Srilanka
A H Nasir Ahmad – National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Sri Lanka – welcomed the delegation. After the event that concluded with silent prayer, the National President presented the Holy Quran’s Sinhala Translation and the Sinhala Translation of the book, WorldCrisis andthePathway To Peaceto the Sri Lankan Representative.
Colombo Iftar | AMJ Srilanka
The delegation was told about the tireless efforts being made by the Khalifa and the Ahmadiyya worldwide leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, by spreading the true teachings of Islam through various means, particularly addressing lawmakers at various parliaments across the globe.
Writing a biography on any individual is indeed an arduous task. Human beings are multi-faceted creatures. Therefore, doing justice to the story of any one person’s life requires an author to not only undertake a broad study into the stories and events that have shaped their life, but also delve deep into their personality and character so that insofar as possible, a true reflection may be portrayed in writing.
When the biography in question is about a man dubbed the most influential of personalities in history and who changed the course of the world as we know it, the task at hand becomes all the more formidable. Yet, it is this very task, which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib, may Allah be pleased with him, set out to undertake when he began writing his magnum opus Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets), an extensive biography on the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, spanning three volumes and hundreds of pages.
There is a plethora of biographies written on the life of the Holy Prophetsa, so what should make this one by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra any different? Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, may Allah be pleased with him says:
“I have reviewed much of this book and have also given my own suggestions. I believe that of all the biographies that have been published about the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, this book is the finest. This work also reflects the knowledge that we have been blessed with from the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, and it will, God willing, make our efforts to spread the message of Islam much easier.”
Although there are many biographies on the life of the Prophetsa, the distinctive feature of this magnificent work is that in analysing the events of the Holy Prophet’ssa life, the Holy Quran and the six authentic books of Hadith have been given the place of a judge.
Where other Muslim historians have liberally taken historical accounts from the compilations of Ibn-i-Hisham and Ibn-i-Sa‘d – even inauthentic ones – Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has not blindly accepted every narration, simply because it appears in a book of history. In fact, he systematically and methodologically scrutinises the authenticity of every narration before including them in his work as facts, and he does this on the basis of the Holy Quran and other authentic narrations.
Therefore, in view of this, we will find that where other historians have had to take an apologetic stance when faced with a “so-called” event that took place in the life of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra is gifted with the ability to easily dissect these so-called events and prove, without a shadow of doubt, that the incident did not even occur in the first place, and if it did, the extent to which its relevant details, as recorded in books of history, are accurate.
Additionally, another salient feature of his work is that it is a perfect balance between in-depth scholarship of the highest academic level and simple, easy to follow storytelling. The captivating mastery with which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad takes us through the life of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, in this book is truly unparalleled. One feels as if they have been transported into the streets of Mecca as the Holy Prophetsa conveys his message of love and peace to the Quraish, or perhaps onto the battlefield of Uhud as a handful of companions guard their master like a shield in the face of arrows and swords.
The deep love and eloquence with which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra tells this riveting story of the life of the Holy Prophetsa can bring one to tears as the heart begins to race as perilous events with all their suspense reach their climax. If ever a book could be as visually captivating as a film, it would be this book. Yet, this vivid storytelling does not take away from the academic value and scholarly nature of this book; and it is this very fusion which makes this literary masterpiece unique.
This book is not only confined to the biography of the Holy Prophetsa but also describes the environment and times in which the Holy Prophet lived. In this respect, Hazrat Mian Sahib states himself that this book is perhaps better described as “The History of Islam” then merely a biography. As such, wherever Western scholars have raised criticisms in an attempt to expose Islam’s so-called “dark history” or where orientalists have levelled allegations against the Holy Prophetsa himself in order to malign his character, the esteemed author has valiantly responded to all of these accusations in a most logical, eloquent and well-evidenced manner.
These rebuttals are truly compelling and not mere passionate responses as one would expect from a religious apologetic; they are academic, well-reasoned and quite simply, irrefutable rebuttals.
Even as decades have gone by it appears that the allegations against Islam and its Founder remain the same. Whether they relate to the age of Hazrat Aishara when she was married to the Holy Prophetsa, or about the Prophetsa “mercilessly executing 700 Jews”, all of these objections have been responded to in this book with ample evidence and compelling argumentation. It is often alleged as a major point, even today, that the Prophet of Islam married the young Aishara when she was only six years of age, against her will. The author has demonstrated through concrete evidence and authentic hadith that this was definitely not the case. In this respect, Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin is as relevant and topical today as it was when first penned.
The book also deals with other enlightening and scholarly discussions on issues that relate to Islam, such as the incidents of the me‘raj (the ascension of the Prophetsa into the heavens), Jihad, polygamy and Islam’s view on slavery, to name a few.
A large majority of Muslim scholars believe that the me‘raj was a physical event in which the Holy Prophetsa of Islam flew to up into the heavens on the back of a winged-horse and ultimately had audience with God in the highest heaven. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins often highlight this “scientific impossibility” and mock at how foolish religious people are.
Unfortunately, since most Muslims do believe in this event to have taken place literally and physically, they are often unable to respond to this criticism. However, in this work, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has established, in light of the Holy Quran and the Hadith, that this was a spiritual experience and explains that the Holy Quran categorically deems the me‘raj to be an experience that was seen by the “heart” of the Prophet, and not his “eyes”. In doing so, the author very eloquently dismantles a powerful argument used by atheists to attack religion at large. He demonstrates through this discussion and elsewhere in the context of miracles, that Islam does not believe in fairy-tale stories that clearly contradict science and reason.
Many of the things that a vast majority of Muslims believe to have occurred literally, are simply dreams, visions and spiritual experiences that take place in a realm that is beyond the physical. Moreover, miracles are nothing more than a timely culmination of various laws of nature in a manner that brings about an extraordinary result – a result that is beyond the power of man to create.
He explains that Islam is a religion that believes in God to be the Creator of the universe. His words cannot contradict His acts. If God’s words form the basis of scripture and religious teaching, then science constitutes His actions in the world around us. But the question is, can humans claim to know all the intricacies of the law of nature or even all the laws of nature themselves?
In his eloquent discussion on the concept of slavery, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him, outlines the meticulous care with which Islam promotes the good-treatment of slaves. He highlights that Islam was the only religion to put in place a proper system for the manumission and freedom of slaves.
He also elaborates on the wisdoms behind not releasing all slaves at once. He points out that since slavery had existed for generations upon generations, if all slaves had been released at once, though this would have given them an apparent freedom to move as they please, they would have been left to suffer a “freedom of famine” (as Martin Luther King puts it), with no way to support themselves economically and socially. And so, Islam did not simply release all the slaves in Arabia at once with a single proclamation, as was done in America – only to leave them helpless and without economic support.
On the contrary Islam sought to first train, and uplift slaves as human beings through the loving care of their Muslim guardians, before releasing them the perils of the world, so that they would not only be able to work for themselves but also support their families. And practically, history bears testimony to the fact that while the slaves of America were released but not given the opportunity in society to uplift themselves, the slaves released by Muslims under the guidance of the Holy Prophetsa and the teachings of Islam rose to the greatest heights and in many cases even outstripped their masters, becoming generals, teachers, scholars and leading figures in politics and government. So, while in the past, slaves have been freed, it was only the Prophetsa of Islam who truly liberated slaves.
In any case, this book is a gem which shines to enlighten readers at various levels and in various subjects, irrespective of their academic background. It is a must-read. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him states:
“O Allah! Make it so by your grace that your servants read this book and benefit from it, and follow in the example of your Chosen Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to attain your pleasure.”
May Allah the Exalted accept this heartfelt prayer of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and continue to reward him immensely for this loving and valuable service to the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Amin.
Tariq Ali is undoubtedly a trendsetter in the field of political analysis. Those who have listened to him speak will find that his writing is very similar to his speech – fluent, analytical and deep. His book, The Duel, is a very good example of how he analyses complex political situations in a way that sounds more like a story than a hard-core, dry and uninteresting analysis.
The genesis of Pakistan – at the hands of leaders that weren’t too clear of what they were sowing – to the infant state being sold to the USA for a price that only suited the so-called leaders and never the nation; call this the precis of the book. But the problem is not as easy as to be summarised in a dozen words. It is a brief history of the breaking down of a state that once boasted to have changed the map of the world after a thick line – or a scar if you like – was drawn to divide the Indian subcontinent. So it is, in fact, a story of sixty years (when the book was written) but spanning a mere few hundred A5 pages; not an easy job.
Tariq Ali holds to account the military rulers who held Pakistan hostage for more than three decades – more than half of the country’s life. When Pakistan emerged on the global scene, America had by then sank into its obsession of bringing the Soviet Union to its knees. So the emergence of a state – a very unstable one – in very close proximity of its battlefield was enough of a temptation for the USA. Thus began a story of an “anti-Communist Jihad” with Pakistan as an ally of the USA at the cost of national integrity, security, dignity and economic independence; the last being the primary factor that led Pakistan to never becoming independent – the transition was only from being a colony of an empire to becoming a slave of a super-power.
The generals of the Pakistan Army – boasting their defence budgets – were too obsessed with maintaining their political and military alliance with the USA and ever-forgetful of other heads that starved in terms of budget. Key areas like education, health and policing were left in tatters as the military preyed on the public purse.
The civilian governments – for whatever short terms they could manage to pull – are also held responsible by Tariq Ali for losing Pakistan to America. This was down to the economic pressures that civilian governments struggled with all through their term as an elected government; only if they were able to make it that far. Tariq Ali cites, as an example, the terms of Benazir Bhutto where both her terms only tried to satisfy her infamous husband’s appetite for wealth and to fuel his lust for power.
Tariq Ali’s is an all-encompassing analysis of all three major areas of governance; the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. This versatile analysis comes into full swing when Ali describes the anti-Ahmadiyya agitation, ignited by the Islamic clerics, in 1953, and how the government sets up a judicial bench to look into the matter, how the judicial commission deals with it and how the army is called to declare martial law and how Bhutto picks up this issue to stabilise his shaking control on political power. Ali devotes a good part of chapter two (titled “Rewinding Pakistan: The Birth of Tragedy”) to tell this pitiful tale that left Pakistan in a state of turmoil from which it was never to recover.
As Ali “rewinds Pakistan”, we see the following interesting scenes:
“The Islamist group began a violent campaign against them [the Ahmadis], attacking their meetings, killing an Ahmediya army major, demanding the sacking of the foreign minister, and insisting that the sect be declared non-Muslim.”
“Daultana effectively prevented the police from providing protection to the besieged Ahmediyya community. In 1953, serious riots broke out, Ahmediyya shops were looted and mosques attacked, and some members of the community lost their lives.”
“An angry provincial governor called on the army to intervene. Martial law was declared in Lahore. General Azam gave orders to shoot rioters on sight. Within twenty-four hours the crisis was over. Maulana Maududi and others were tried for treason, and Maududi was sentenced to death, which was later commuted.”
“A court of inquiry was established to inquire into the cause of the disturbances. It was presided over by Justice Munir and Justice Kayani. The published report, I have often argued, is a classic of its type, a modern masterpiece of political literature. It should become part of the national curriculum if a serious state of education system is ever established. The two judges began to question Muslim clerics from rival schools, and different factions testified as to what they thought constituted a Muslim state and their definition of a Muslim. With each new reply the judges found it difficult to conceal their incredulity, some of which was reflected in their report. All the groups concurred in the view that a secular state was impermissible and that non-Muslims could not be treated as equal citizens.”
“Keeping in view the several definitions given by the ulama, need we make any comment except that no two learned divines are agreed on this fundamental… If we adopt the definition given by one of the ulama, we remain Muslim according to the view of that alim, but kafirs according to the definition of everyone else.”
The Duel is not only an in-depth analysis presented in a beautiful narrative, but it also carries solutions to the chronic problems of Pakistan; land-reforms, improving the infrastructure, investing in education, empowering women and freeing the thought process of the general public.
True salvation exhibits its light in this very world. Who is the one who attains salvation? Such a person is he who believes that God is true and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Intercessor between God and all His creation, and that under the heaven there is no Messenger equalin rank to him, nor is there any book equal in status to the Quran. God did not desire that anyone should remain alive eternally, but this Chosen Prophet lives forever. To keep him alive forever, God has ordained that his spiritual and law-giving blessings would last until the day of resurrection. Finally, as a continuation of his spiritual blessings, God has sent unto the world the Promised Messiah—whose advent was essential for the completion of the edifice of Islam. It was necessary that the world should not come to an end until the dispensation of Muhammad had been granted a spiritual Messiah, as had been endowed to the Mosaic dispensation.
(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, pp. 24-25)
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Western Region held a successful Peace Seminar & Iftar Dinner in the premises of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Shianda on 13 June 2018.
On this occasion, 10 Government Officials from the National Government, 3 from County Government, 7 representatives from 2 Media Outlets, 18 local visitors, 17 students from Bumini Secondary School and 170 members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community participated.
The purpose of the programme was to propagate the message of Islam as a religion of peace, present the true meaning of Jihad and show how hard the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat works day and night to preach peace to the four corners of the earth.
After the formal start of the proceedings, two speeches were delivered by missionaries on the given subject, and later on, the Government Dignitaries in their speeches appreciated the services rendered by the Jamaat in this regard and also by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital in Shianda.
Towards the end, participants of the Peace Seminar were provided with refreshments at Iftar time, and after Maghrib prayer, dinner was served to all attendees.
During this blessed month of Ramadan, we also distributed 198 food packs to the needy in the Western Region, while more than 55 food packs and other basic necessities will be distributed among the students of Rehabilitation Centre, Kakamega.
Mr Bernard Rapando, Chief Lubinu Location said:
“The spirit of peace advocated for by Ahmadiyya Community is worth being emulated by other Muslims and even non-Muslims. Today I have been touched by the speeches about the true Islam.” Mr Joseph Wafula, Sub-County Ward Administrator (Kakamega County) said:
“I have met with Ahmadi Muslims on several occasions and I have learnt that they are quite different from other groups. They are generous and with true teachings of Islam. I feel encouraged that if everyone here follows what has been preached, then there will be no issues like crime in our county.”
Mr Wycliffe Okati, Representative District County Commissioner, Mumias East:
“I have learnt for the first time that Islam accepts the truth about Jesus Christ and now I got a true picture of who Muhammad is. The two prophets highly recognised each other…”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Georgia (AMAG) held three separate Iftar events during Ramadan to spread the true teachings of Islam to local Georgians and to foster friendships.
On Friday 8 June, four non-Muslim Georgian guests joined AMAG for Iftar and dinner at the Jamaat Centre. All the guests were working professionals. The event lasted 2 hours, during which detailed discussions on Islam were held. Three AMAG members were present.
AMJ Georgia
On Saturday 9 June, 17 guests joined AMAG for Iftar and dinner at the Jamaat Centre. The event lasted over 2 hours, during which detailed discussions on Islam were held. Some of the guests were students, some working professionals and one retired professional who had previously worked for the United Nations. The majority of the guests were non-Muslim, while some were Muslim. Three AMAG members were present.
On Wednesday 13 June, two guests joined AMAG for Iftar and dinner at the Jamaat Centre. The event lasted 2 hours, during which a wide range of topics were discussed including Islam, religious freedom, spreading peace and AMAG’s aims in Georgia amongst others. The guests were Christian leaders from Tbilisi; Rev. Prof. Dr Malkhaz Songulashvili, Metropolitan Bishop of Tbilisi, Senior Minister of Peace Cathedral, Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia and Revd Simon Spanner Hansen. The guests joined AMAG members in praying Maghrib in congregation. The guests were given Jamaat literature. Three AMAG members were present.
On Saturday 9 June, four guests visited AMAG at the Jamaat Centre spending 2 hours. The meeting was arranged as they wanted to know more about our Community. They mentioned that “Love for All, Hatred for None” is required for all mankind, and wanted to develop a relationship with AMAG.
15 June 1895: The Promised Messiahas was committed to transmitting the light of the Holy Quran to the world. For this, Huzooras wished to publish a monthly magazine about the Quran, its miracles and spiritual treasures etc. Some issues were practically written with his own hand and it was named Nur-ul-Quran. On this day, its first issue was brought to the public. Due to Huzoor’sas constant and unprecedented engagements, the magazine could not be regularly published and Nur-ul-Quran ceased to endure.
15 June 1897: A note was published in the vernacular newspaper of Rawalpindi, Chaudhvin Sadi, by an “eminent personality” containing material directly offensive and intended to humiliate, deride and mock the Promised Messiahas. It was done, taking the excuse of Sultan of Turkey. This note and its wording pushed the Promised Messiahas to make supplications to God, beseeching a final verdict from God Almighty between 1 July 1897 and 1 July 1898. Thereafter, the person who wrote the article wrote to the Promised Messiahas on 27 October 1897 and asked very humbly and meekly to be forgiven. This “eminent personality” was Khawaja Jahandad, Chief of Gakhar, resident of the Rawalpindi District.
15 June 1909: In the Indian State, Rampur, a debate was arranged between Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis. It continued until 19 June. A delegation of scholars was sent from Qadian with the auspicious guidance and prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira.
17 June 1900: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Miyan Shadi Khan Sahib. Earlier, this fortunate companion sent some money as chanda [donation] for the construction of Minarat-ul-Masih after selling his properties. The Promised Messiahas acknowledged this passionate contribution and appreciated his devotion and high spirit. He wrote that if any Nawab (Ruler of State) had sent him 100,000 rupees, the Divine reward of that would be nowhere near that of the above-mentioned sacrifice.
17 June 1928: Under Divine guidance, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra planned to conduct Jalsa Sirat-un-Nabi across the Indian subcontinent. This historic step bore many fruits and removed many misconceptions about the Holy Founder of Islamsa.
18 June 1913: The Urdu newspaper, Al Fazl, was launched by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra. This ample example of his determination as the Promised Son served as a humble helper to the institution of Khilafat for more than a century. This organ of the community faced severe censorship and its staff bore state-backed persecution many times, even today.
20 June 1898: The Promised Messiahas, in his book The Need for the Imam, had briefed the readers about a law-suit under the heading “Income Tax and a Fresh Sign”. In those days, some of his foolish opponents were much aggrieved, and they were frustrated by their failure in the lawsuit started by Dr Henry Martyn Clark. Now, a summary action without any regular enquiry by any court, he was assessed to and notified with a demand to pay income tax to the amount of 187.50 rupees. In short, on this day, his lawyer filed an objection to this “Income Tax” case.
20 June 1905: A person named Munshi Abdul Qader Bedil from Shikarpur, Sindh sent some queries to the Promised Messiahas. He drafted a detailed reply to them. One part of that spiritual gem was published in the Urdu newspaper Badr on 22 June 1905.
20 June 1905: The Promised Messiahas received an Arabic revelation:
(You are to Me like My Throne. You have a standing with Me of which the people have no knowledge. Blessings from the Throne to the earth. You are from Me and I am from you.)
21 June 1908: The Promised Messiah’sas last drafted book Paigham-e-Sulh (A Message of Peace) was read out in front of an audience in Punjab University Hall, Lahore by Khawaja Kamaluddin Sahib. This was done under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira.
21 June 1917: In Qadian, the foundation stone for Nur Hospital was laid on this day, the first day of Ramadan. Hazrat Dr Hashmatullah Sahib migrated from Patiala to serve in it. The hospital that started off with humble beginnings in the era of Khalifatul Masih IIra is still today a valuable medical facility for the countless needy living on the outskirts of Qadian. Religion, caste and creed notwithstanding, the hospital has always served humanity.
