Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra (1894-1955)
Debate at Hyde Park with Christians
This week, a debate was held at Hyde Park with a group of Christians. Representing our side was the esteemed Babu Azizuddin Sahib, while the opposing side was represented by a member of the Protestant Society. The subject of discussion was the status of women in Islam and Christianity.
Islamic perspective on women
Babu Azizuddin Sahib opened the debate with a thirty-minute address in which he demonstrated, through references from the Holy Quran, that men and women are accorded equal status in spiritual matters. He highlighted [the Islam teachings] on the honour and respect due to mothers – so much so that paradise is described as lying under a mother’s feet [Sunan an-Nasa‘i, Kitab al-jihad, Hadith 3104] – and that even an expression of impatience such as ‘uff’ is forbidden towards one’s parents.
Christian perspective on women
In contrast, it was pointed out that the Christian Gospels records an incident where Jesus addressed his mother in the following words, “[…] What have I to do with thee.” [John 2:4]
Furthermore, the Bible is virtually silent on the rights of women. Where women are mentioned, it is often in negative terms – for instance, Eve is accused of having misled Adam, resulting in the downfall of the entire human race. And [Christian scholars have] described women as the “devil’s gateway.” [Tertullian]
Response to objections on polygamy
In rebuttal, the opposing side raised objections regarding polygamy, criticising the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. These objections were answered from our side by showing that the Bible does not oppose polygamy; rather, it explicitly permits it, even allowing men to have hundreds of wives.
Lectures
At present, no society lectures are being held here, but preparations are underway for the upcoming season. Through correspondence with various societies, we have thus far secured 10 lectures. Three of these societies have also promised to bear the costs of travel. Correspondence continues with several other organisations, and, God willing, many more lectures will soon be arranged in different locations. [Al Fazl, 22 August 1925]
A conversation with a German Professor on prophethood
During my recent visit to Berlin, I had the opportunity to meet several distinguished individuals. Among them was a professor at a Berlin college who teaches the Holy Quran and Hadith, is well-versed in Arabic, and also edits a journal published in Arabic-German. I had a religious discussion with him. I introduced him to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and conveyed Islam’s message.
Since I do not know German, our conversation was held in Arabic. I asked him: “As you teach the Quran and Hadith, could you – setting aside your personal beliefs – tell me whether prophethood continues after the Holy Prophetsa or not?” He replied: “Hiya jariyah wa wajibah,” i.e., it certainly continues.
Need for the Promised Messiah’s Arabic works
Just as the British Museum and Library in London are the largest in that country, Berlin also possesses a major library. Together with Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib[ra], I visited the library to ascertain whether the works of our Jamaat were available there. We met with the librarian, who was also a university professor of Arabic, and conversed with him in Arabic. After introducing the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and conveying the message of Islam, I enquired about our books. He confirmed they had some materials and produced a catalogue. I discovered that the only items held were two periodicals previously published against our Jamaat in Berlin – none of our own works were present. I remarked that if literature opposing our Jamaat was available, then fairness demanded that our own works also be included. He requested that we send them. I suggested that he submit a written request, which he did following my visit.
Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, neither have these books yet been dispatched to him, nor has his request been answered. The aforementioned professor had also expressed a keen interest in seeing our books.
As Berlin is a major centre of learning, I appeal to my friends: those who are willing to contribute copies of the Promised Messiah’sas works in Arabic for this noble cause should kindly send them to me, so that they may be forwarded to both individuals. For the library, the entire set of Arabic works is required.
Free distribution of The Review of Religions
I would also like to make the following announcement: a friend here has pledged to bear the subscription cost for 20 readers of The Review of Religions. Thus, those members who cannot afford to purchase the magazine themselves, but are eager to read it, should submit their applications through their local jamaat’s secretary to me. Priority will be given to deserving non-Ahmadi friends who apply, though all requests must be forwarded via the local secretary to the following address: Abdur Rahim MA, The Mosque, 63 Melrose Road, London, SW18. [Al Fazl, 29 August 1925]
Damascus
Hazrat Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Shamsra (1901-1966)
Preaching is being carried out gradually here. Broadly speaking, there are four categories of people: (1) Sufi-minded elders – they respond positively upon hearing about the Promised Messiahas, acknowledging [the message]; (2) other scholars – comparable to the Indian mullahs, they are less receptive; (3) contemporary educated youth – they listen with great attention, show readiness to accept, yet most of them are preoccupied with politics. There also exists a degree of tension between them and the clerical class. (4) The uneducated masses – at present, they remain largely inattentive.
At this time, our preaching efforts are directed primarily towards the third group. These young people are, by and large, neglectful of religion, and only a small number among them observe prayer and other Islamic injunctions.
Encounters in Damascus
One of Syed Waliullah Shah Sahib’s[ra] acquaintances is the editor of a newspaper. He had previously seen some of the Jamaat’s books. Shah Sahib[ra] conveyed him the message again and shared teachings from Kashti-e-Nuh (Noah’s Ark) and other works. Upon this, he expressed his wish to join the Jamaat but added, “I cannot yet observe prayer regularly; I only perform the morning prayer.”
He was advised to reflect further, and the conditions of Bai‘at were presented to him and it was explained to him that only one who endeavours to live by this teaching can truly be considered an Ahmadi.
Similarly, one of Shah Sahib’s[ra] students, who had studied in Germany, stated, “I accept all your teachings, but I need some time to remove the older beliefs inherited from my parents.” He has since departed for Egypt, and the address of Sheikh Mahmood Ahmad Sahib, our missionary in Egypt, has been provided to him.
In light of these circumstances, we request the prayers of the entire Jamaat for the success of this mission. [Al Fazl, 29 August 1925]
Africa
An Ahmadi lady’s lecture to women in Nairobi
A few months ago, the wife of Muhammad Hussain Sahib Butt of Qadian, Darul Aman, arrived in Nairobi. Having lived in Qadian, this respected lady had been blessed with a remarkable zeal for tabligh [preaching] and religious benefits.
Upon her arrival, she contributed a most insightful article on women’s education in Al-Balagh (Issue No. 4). In that article, she highlighted the importance of religious education for the nation, drew attention to the educational institutions of other faiths, and generously offered her services free of charge for the education of girls.
It is a matter of great joy that this religious fervour and commitment of the respected lady was duly appreciated by the community. Several members expressed the desire that she deliver a lecture to the women.
Accordingly, brother Sher Muhammad Sahib and brother Dost Muhammad Sahib Ahmadi, on the occasion of their daughter’s Amin [completion of the first full reading of the Holy Quran], invited the women of the region to a tea gathering. On this occasion, the respected lady was also requested to deliver a lecture. More than forty women, both Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi, attended the gathering.
The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by the wife of Abdul Rahman Sahib Ahmadi. This was followed by a poem recited by the wife of Dr Umaruddin Ahmadi. Thereafter, the wife of Muhammad Hussain Sahib Butt recited verses of the Holy Quran in a pleasant tone with great eloquence, and for nearly three-quarters of an hour presented their commentary. She vividly explained, through Quranic evidence, the distinguishing features of believers and disbelievers. The audience of women listened with deep attention, and the address left a highly positive impression.
Women’s rights in Islam
In addition, the respected speaker presented a comparative summary of the position of women in other religions. With clarity and excellence, she established that Islam is the only religion that not only instituted the rights of women but also ensured their complete protection. She elaborated upon the reciprocal rights of men over women and women over men, in a detailed and persuasive manner.
Finally, the Ameen was carried out jointly by the respected lady and the wife of Dr Umaruddin Ahmadi, which was heard with great interest by the gathering.
We pray that Allah the Almighty may bring forth favourable outcomes and grant the respected lady even greater opportunities to serve the cause of faith, amin thumma amin. – Umaruddin Ahmadi, President, Anjuman Ahmadiyya Nairobi. [Al Fazl, 29 August 1925]
Gold Coast
Hakeem Fazl-ur-Rahman Sahib (1901-1955)
Gifts to the Governor and Princess Marie Louise
On 13 June [1925], the Governor of the Gold Coast, accompanied by Princess Marie Louise – sister of His Majesty King George V – passed through here during her visit to the Gold Coast for sightseeing and hunting expeditions.
On this occasion, I presented, through the Honourable District Commissioner, a copy of the London Conference address of Hazrat [Khalifatul Masih IIra] Sahib, and a copy of A Present to the Prince of Wales. Along with this, I sent a letter of welcome to the Governor and Princess, briefly describing the state of our Jamaat in the Gold Coast and expressing gratitude for the assistance the District Officer has from time to time extended to me.
The following reply was received from the Governor’s Private Secretary:
“Dear Sir, I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 12th of this month [July], together with the two books enclosed therein. These have been duly presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Marie Louise, who has instructed me to convey her thanks. His Excellency deeply values the spirit reflected in your letter and wishes you success in all your undertakings. [Signed] Private Secretary”
Eid al-Adha
On Thursday, 2 July 1925, the Eid al-Adha prayer was offered in this region. As per established practice, I led the prayer in a village of Ekroful, with a congregation of around four hundred men and women. In the sermon, I spoke on the subject of becoming a true Muslim in its fullest meaning and the acquisition of righteousness.
Imams at other places
Since last year, it has become my practice to prepare several schoolboys to lead Tarawih prayers during Ramadan and to send them to different places to lead congregational prayers on Eids.
This year as well, 10 such imams were sent to various localities, from where reports have been received confirming that they discharged their responsibilities satisfactorily. All praise belongs to Allah the Almighty.
Thirty new converts
During the period under report – that is, from Eid al-Adha until today – 30 individuals have entered the Jamaat, alhamdulillah. Among them is the independent chief of a region. May Allah the Almighty grant them all steadfastness and sincerity. Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray for them. Their Islamic names are as follows:
(1) Chief Yunus; (2) Yusuf; (3) Saeed; (4) Yaqub; (5) Sarah; (6) Ayesha; (7) Amina; (8) Maryam; (9) Fatimah; (10) Maryam; (11) Usman; (12) Muhammad; (13) Adam; (14) Ahmad; (15) Muhammad; (16) Ayyub; (17) Siddiq; (18) Yunus; (19) Abdullah; (20) Ibrahim; (21) Isa; (22) Muhammad; (23) Isa; (24) Abdullah; (25) Adam; (26) Abdullah; (27) Adam; (28) Abdullah; (29) Ibrahim; (30) Saeed.
Madrasa Ahmadiyya Saltpond
At present, the school is closed for a month due to seasonal holidays. Friends may have seen in the June issue of The Review of Religions (English) the photograph of the pupils.
I request prayers for all of them – that Allah the Gracious may make them righteous and devoted servants of Islam.
Former King of Ashanti
To the north of the Gold Coast lies a region known as Ashanti, which was completely subdued by the British in 1896. At that time, its king, Prempeh, ruler of a most courageous and warlike nation, was exiled. Now, after twenty-eight years in exile, he has been permitted to return to Ashanti. When he was taken into exile, he and his people were idolaters. However, during his years of exile, under the influence of a new environment, he adopted Christianity. Upon his return, he gathered his people and proclaimed to them the message of Christianity. I have written him a detailed letter, explaining the death of Jesus of Nazareth, the advent of the Promised Messiah, and the call to embrace Islam. May Allah the Almighty bless this effort with fruitful results, amin. [Al Fazl, 1 September 1925]
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 22, 25 & 29 August and 1 September 1925 issue of Al Fazl)