Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra (1894-1955)
Eid in London
Eid al-Adha was observed in London on Thursday, 2 July 2025. Since Thursday is not a day off for office workers, there were concerns that many might be unable to attend. However, by the grace of God, attendance nearly doubled compared to previous years.
First-time attendees
Among the participants were Mr Saeed Wilson, who resides in the town of Leifer approximately 100 miles from London, and Mrs Yunus Evans, who had travelled from Portsmouth. Both were joining our Eid celebrations for the first time.
Sermon on the philosophy of sacrifice
Following the Eid prayer, I delivered a sermon focused on the philosophy of sacrifice and the true significance of Eid al-Adha. The sermon included an announcement regarding the advent of the Promised Messiahas and an invitation to accept him.
Recitation of Arabic qasida
After the sermon, Malik Ghulam Farid Sahib[ra] recited several Arabic verses from the qasidah, Ya aina faizillahi wal irfani, composed by the Promised Messiahas. These were translated and explained for the benefit of the audience, who greatly appreciated the presentation.
Expression of brotherhood
Mr Muhammad Alam Sahib, who had travelled from Manchester, expressed his great happiness at seeing such a large gathering of Muslims in London. He proposed that all attendees exchange greetings and introduce themselves to one another in a spirit of Islamic brotherhood. This suggestion was warmly received, and everyone greeted and embraced one another with Eid Mubarak.
Traditional lunch and prayers
At 1:30 pm, a traditional Indian lunch was served. Afterwards, Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered. Mr Mateen and Mr Malik Ismail also took photographs to share with friends and for possible publication in newspapers.
Lecture and speeches
At 3:00 pm, Malik Sahib was scheduled to deliver a lecture. Mr Dean commenced the session with a recitation from the Holy Quran. This was followed by Mrs Hina Clark, who recited an English poem in tribute to the Promised Messiahas and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra].
Malik Sahib then delivered a lecture in which he shed light on the domestic life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, using it as a means to establish his truthfulness and noble character.
Following this, Mr Abdullah Yusuf Ali, a retired officer of the Indian Civil Service (ICS), delivered a speech on the truth of Islam. He stated that while he was not a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, he deeply valued the community’s service to Islam and their missionary efforts. He also expressed his willingness to support their endeavours wherever possible.
After the speeches, tea was served. Mr Muhammad Iqbal recited a poem composed by the Promised Messiahas entitled Jamalo husne Quran noore jane har musalman hai, which delighted the audience. This was followed by remarks from Mr Morden, a barrister, and Mr Loftus Hare, [joint honourary] secretary of the conference of religions. Both expressed gratitude and conveyed their joy at the success of the Eid programme.
The gathering concluded with a silent prayer led by this humble one, bringing the day’s events to a formal and blessed close.
Below are the names of some prominent participants:
1. Mr Martin Late, General Secretary, Nigeria
2. Dr AM Shah, London
3. Justice Liyaqat Ali, Bhopal
4. Mrs Loftus Hare
5. Mr Knight Chorley
6. Nawab Abdul Majid, Hyderabad
7. Dr & Madam Leon MA, PhD
8. Mrs Sheldrake
9. Mr Coll
Token of thanks
This report would be incomplete without expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Syed Inaamullah Shah Sahib of Sialkot. He was entrusted with the food arrangements, which he managed with exceptional dedication and selflessness.
The success of Eid was greatly enhanced by the efforts and guidance of Syed Wazarat Hussain Sahib. He arranged for the display of a revelation of the Promised Messiahas, “I shall exalt thy name […] to the corners of the Earth,” an advertisement for The Review of Religions, and an Eid Mubarak banner – all prominently placed. He also lit incense to enhance the atmosphere and had the community flag hoisted. Additionally, he was in charge of the bookstall, where several attendees purchased literature.
In the distribution of food, both Syed Sahib and our dear brother Zafar Haq Khan Sahib rendered significant assistance.
Special appreciation is due to Mr Azizuddin Sahib, his wife, and Mrs Martin, who undertook the responsibility of preparing and serving tea. They also provided invaluable assistance in various aspects of the meal service, demonstrating tireless effort and excellence throughout.
May Allah Almighty grant them the best of rewards.
Wassalam, Abdur Rahim Dard
Eid in Mauritius
Hazrat Hafiz Sufi Ghulam Muhammadra BA (1881-1947)
On Thursday, 2 July 1925, Eid al-Adha prayer was held at Darus Salaam, Rose Hill. Nearly all Ahmadi members of the community were in attendance, with the exception of a few who were either unwell or otherwise incapable. A meal of pilau was served, and a strong appeal was made for participation in the ‘One Hundred Thousand’ scheme.
Activities of the Arya Samaj
At present, the state of tabligh – by the grace of God – appears favourable for our efforts. Mr Jemini Mehta, an Arya Samajist lawyer from Rangoon [now Yangon], is currently visiting Mauritius. His arrival has sparked renewed enthusiasm within the Arya Samaj circles. In Mauritius, the majority of Hindus belong to the Shudra class, while Brahmins and Kshatriyas are very few in number.
Although Arya Samaj branches have been established in many parts of the island, their organisational structures were in disarray. Mr Mehta has been invited to Mauritius to bring reform and order to these branches. Among local Hindus, strict caste-based restrictions are observed: Brahmins do not shake hands with anyone outside their caste, and Kshatriyas likewise only with other Kshatriyas. However, Brahmins do extend handshakes to Muslims and Christians. Because the Arya Samaj permits caste mobility – where even Chamars can become ‘Brahmins’ by undergoing the Dvija (twice-born) rite – many among the lower castes, including Chamars, are affiliated with Arya Samaj. Kshatriya and Brahmin adherents, on the other hand, are exceedingly rare.
Invitation extended to the Arya Samaj
The Arya Samaj also maintains music ensembles, which attract many young Hindus who join primarily for singing and musical activities. Each local Arya Samaj branch invites Mr Jemini Mehta for one week at a time to speak at their local gatherings. Mr Mehta knows only English and Urdu, and typically presents the views of Europeans in his gatherings. However, he does not teach directly from the Vedas.
We sent an invitation informing him that we conduct regular Quranic study sessions at Darus Salaam and extended a cordial invitation to him and senior members of the Arya Samaj to attend. We proposed a reciprocal arrangement: on one Sunday, we would present a lesson on the Holy Quran, and on the following Sunday, the Arya Samaj should deliver a structured lesson from the Vedas, beginning from the fundamentals, and invite us to attend. However, Mr Mehta declined, stating that such an arrangement would be too difficult to carry out.
A conversation with an Arya Samajist
Seven of us, all Ahmadis, were invited to attend the wedding procession (baraat) of a Sanatan Hindu. On 27 June, we travelled to Souillac. We were received with great respect and accommodated in a separate house. There, we offered the Maghrib and Isha prayers and had our evening meal.
After some time, an Arya Samajist Hindu addressed me and asked, “Qadiani Sahib, where does the soul go after death?” I responded, “It comes from God and returns to Him.” From this exchange, the conversation naturally transitioned to the topic of reincarnation, and eventually to meat consumption.
Meat-eating and the Vedas
When I pointed out that meat consumption is mentioned in Yajur Veda, Chapter 21, Mantra 42, all the Hindus present were visibly startled. They admitted, “We have no response to this.” They then brought a Pandit to sit before me. The Pandit replied, “A single shabd (word) can have multiple meanings. The eating of meat is forbidden for satvagun.”
Knowledge of the Vedas
I repeatedly requested that the Yajur Veda be brought forth, but they continued to make excuses. They claimed even Swami Dayanand Saraswati did not fully understand the Vedas – since it takes 20 years just to study the Daya Karan. According to Swami Dayanand’s own writings, it takes twelve years to study a single Veda. Thus, studying all four Vedas would require 48 years. Assuming that at least the first five years of life are not counted as scholarly years, this adds up to 73 years – yet Swami Dayanand lived only 59 years.
As a result of this exchange, word quickly spread throughout the area that “The Qadiani Maulvi proved, from the Yajur Veda in front of a Pandit, that meat-eating is indeed permitted.”
Arya Samaj propaganda
The Arya Samaj publishes a weekly newspaper – half in English and half in Hindi. Similarly, the Sanatan [Hindus] have a daily newspaper. In these papers, objections against Islam raised by Mr Jemini are regularly published.
In response, a Muslim wrote and published several articles addressing these objections. However, the Sanatani newspaper decided to discontinue the debate thereafter. The Arya Samaj paper also refrains from publishing any rebuttals. Many ordinary Muslims have now been requesting us to respond to these allegations, which we intend to do through the distribution of informative tracts.
Request for prayers
I am developing a growth over my right eye, which is making reading and writing extremely difficult. I request friends to kindly pray that Allah the Almighty grants me full recovery.
– Ghulam Muhammad
Sacrifices of Nairobi Ahmadis
Friends may have read in Al Fazl, dated 30 April [1925], that, by the grace and mercy of Allah the Almighty and through the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], the Ahmadi members in Africa purchased an Ahmadiyya Hall and still contributed generously to the appeal of ‘One Hundred Thousand.’ Their names and donations have already been published in the newspaper. […]
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 4 and 8 August 1925 issue of Al Fazl)
