Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shamsra(1901-1966)
Syria
The situation in Damascus remains much the same. At times, the rebels enter the city, kill a few soldiers and then depart. Every day, the sounds of gunfire and pistol shots can be heard. Under these circumstances, tabligh is carried out by visiting people in their homes and those who come to meet are also conveyed the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.
Previously, a residence had been taken outside the city, where opportunities to meet people were limited. However, a house has now been obtained within the city, and despite these dangerous conditions, the work of preaching continues in some measure.
During the past week, another friend has entered the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and friends are requested to pray for his steadfastness.
Christian missions in Damascus
There are two Christian missions here. One is headed by a Danish priest and the other by an American priest. The American priest’s representative visited on two occasions and discussions took place on various religious issues. When he attempted to prove the superiority of Jesusas from the Holy Quran, I replied that it is not possible to establish from the Quran that the status of Jesusas is superior to that of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Rather, according to the Quran, Jesusas appears in a position akin to the disciples of the Holy Prophetsa.
Quranic arguments
In the Holy Quran, Jesusas is described as “ghulaman zakiyya” [a pure son], whereas the Holy Prophetsa is described as “wa yuzakkihim” – [the one who purifies others], the purifier who renders people pure. Furthermore, regarding Jesusas, it is stated: “ayyadnahu biruh al-qudus” – [that he was strengthened by the Spirit of holiness]. In contrast, regarding the Holy Prophetsa it is stated: “ʿallamahu shadid al-quwa” – [that he was taught by one mighty in power]. The rank of shadid al-quwa is far greater than that of the Holy Spirit. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesusas took place in the form of a dove, whereas upon the Holy Prophetsa the manifestation of the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of shadid al-quwa. The entire horizon was filled with its manifestation.
The difference between these two prophets, therefore, is comparable to the difference between these two manifestations: on the one hand, a dove, which even a cat could capture and kill; and on the other, a magnificent manifestation that filled the space between the heavens and the earth.
Furthermore, the Quran states “wa ayyadahum bi ruhin minhu”, meaning that the Companionsra were also supported by the Holy Spirit. Thus, from the Holy Quran one cannot establish the superiority of Jesusas.
The purity of Jesusas’ family
The representative [of the Christian priest] then argued that the Quran mentions the innocence of Jesusas and the purity of his family, whereas the families of other prophets are not mentioned in this way. I replied that exoneration becomes necessary only when an accusation has been made. The purity of the families of other prophets was already accepted among people, but accusations had been levelled against the family of Jesusas, which is why their innocence was explicitly declared.
Parallel Quranic examples
A similar example appears elsewhere in the Holy Quran. God Almighty states: “ma kafara sulayman” – Prophet Solomonas did not disbelieve. Disbelief is thus specifically negated in relation to Solomonas. Yet disbelief is not negated in this particular manner with regard to other Prophets. Does this imply, God forbid, that the other Prophets were disbelievers? Certainly not. The specific mention of Solomonas was made because disbelief had been attributed to him.
Likewise, an accusation of falsehood was directed against Prophet Abrahamas. His innocence was established through the words “siddiqan nabiyya”, meaning that he was a most truthful Prophet.
Conclusion of the discussion
At this point, when he was unable to produce any further response, he said that he would bring his priest. Two weeks have passed since then, yet neither he nor his priest has returned.
A gathering at the house of a Kurd
A Kurd had invited us to his home. When we arrived, we stayed there for the night. Two sheikhs had also been invited and around twenty men were present. A discussion ensued on various disputed theological matters, particularly the life of Jesusas and the question of prophethood. When they were unable to produce any satisfactory response, they declared that merely holding such a belief constituted disbelief.
At this point, the respected [Hazrat Syed Zainul Abideen Waliullah] Shah Sahib[ra] remarked that to maintain the belief in the life of Jesusas [after his death has been established by the Quran] was, in fact, an act of shirk [associating partners with God]. This statement produced a favourable impression upon those present.
A book on the death of Jesusas
The book by Shah Sahib[ra] entitled Hayat al-Masih wa Wafatuhu min Wujuhatihi al-Thalathah has now been published. In this work, he has demonstrated the death of Jesusas through three distinct lines of argument: from the Gospel, from the Holy Quran and from historical evidence.
Within the book, it is also argued that the tomb located in the Khanyar neighbourhood of Srinagar in Kashmir – widely known as the grave of Yuz Asaf and also referred to as the tomb of Isa Nabi [Prophet Jesusas] – is in fact the resting place of Jesusas of Nazareth. The book also contains a reference to the claim of the Promised Messiahas. Copies are given to people for study and those who read them express appreciation and satisfaction.
In conclusion, all friends are requested to pray that Allah the Almighty may soon establish a strong and permanent jamaat here, Amin. – Jalaluddin, Damascus.
Tabligh in Sumatra
By the grace of God, the work of preaching continues here. This week as well, seven individuals have entered the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat by the grace of Allah the Almighty. Their letters of bai‘at have been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra].
Among them is a distinguished religious scholar who has also accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat. Friends are requested to pray for his steadfastness. His sphere of influence extends to roughly three to four hundred individuals and the message is now being conveyed to them as well.
Another individual, who is extremely enthusiastic and courageous, has also joined the Jamaat. Through him, the work of preaching is progressing remarkably. Carrying copies of Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and the Holy Quran, he visits scholars and prominent figures of the town and challenges them by asking: Show where it is written that Jesusas ascended bodily to heaven.
Opposition and false allegations
Some non-Ahmadis, in their opposition, have become exceedingly blind and circulate strange allegations against Islam Ahmadiyyat. On one occasion, a sermon was delivered among the people in which it was claimed that the Ahmadis’ Mecca is Qadian and that if a person does not go there, his Hajj is not valid.
In response, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat [Sumatra] wrote to them asking for proof: from whom had they heard this claim, or where had they read it? In contrast, we can point to many Ahmadis who have performed Hajj and they completed their pilgrimage without having visited Qadian beforehand.
Friends are especially requested to pray for the success of these efforts. – Rahmat Ali, Sumatra.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 2 and 16 March 1926 issue of Al Fazl)