Al Hakam - 20 October 2023

We should pray to save the world from destruction: Khuddam and atfal from Switzerland meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

How the Holy Quran foretold future modes of transportation

Maulana Abdul Hakim Akmal: One of the pioneer missionaries of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Netherlands

Historical analysis of Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya agitation – Part 3

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023 | Issue CCXCII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V calls for Muslim unity amidst Palestine-Israel suffering

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

Helping the oppressor and the oppressed

َ َ َ َ َ​َ ْ َ ّٰ ‫ﺲ ـ رﺿﻰ ا�� ُ� ﻋﻨﻪ ـ ﻗﺎل ﻗﺎل‬ ٍ �‫ﻋﻦ أ‬ َّ َ َ َ َ ّٰ ّ ّٰ ُ ‫َر ُﺳﻮل ا��� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ وﺳﻠﻢ‬ ُ ْ َ َْ ً َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ً .«‫«اﻧ�� أﺧﺎك ﻇﺎﻟِﻤﺎ أو ﻣﻈ��ﻣﺎ‬ ُ َ َ َ َ ّٰ َ ُ ‫ﻗﺎﻟﻮا ﻳَﺎ َر ُﺳﻮل ا��� ﻫﺬا ﻧ ْﻨ ُ� ُ�ه‬ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ً ُ ْ َ ‫ ﻓﻜ ْﻴﻒ ﻧ ْﻨ ُ� ُ�ه ﻇﺎﻟ ِ ًﻤﺎ ﻗﺎل‬،‫�ﻣﺎ‬ �‫ﻣﻈ‬ ْ َ َ َ ُ ُ َ .«‫«ﺗﺄﺧﺬ ﻓ ْﻮق َﻳﺪ ْﻳ ِﻪ‬ Hazrat Anasra narrated, “Allah’s Messengersa said, ‘Help your brother be he the oppressor or the oppressed.’ The companions said, ‘O Allah’s Messengersa, we understand that we should help him when he is the aggrieved party, but how should we help him when he is the wrongdoer?’ He said: ‘Hold his hand [i.e., stop him from oppressing.]’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-mazalim, Bab a‘in akhaka zaliman aw mazluman, Hadith 2444)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Become servants of the Holy Prophetsa

Андрей Полторжицкий | Unsplash

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa spoke on the ongoing Palestine-Israel crisis in his Friday Sermon on 13 October 2023. He asked Ahmadis worldwide to pray fervently for

the situation and highlighted the grave injustices being carried out. Huzooraa said: “I wanted to ask for prayers in relation to the current situation of the world. In the past few days, a war has started between Hamas

and Israel due to which civilians on both sides – women, children and the elderly – are being killed or have been killed, without any distinction.

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“Man is fundamentally a servant, that is, one who serves. The duty of a servant is to accept whatever command the master gives.

Similarly, if you wish to benefit from the blessings of the Holy Prophetsa,

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it is imperative to become his servant. In the Holy Quran, God Almighty states:

َ� ُ َ ُ َُۡ ‫َق ِّۡل َّٰی ِ​ِع َبا ِد َي ال ِ​ِذيۡ َ​َن ا ۡ� َرفوۡا َُعٰلۤی ا�ف ِﺴ ِه ِۡم‬

“‘Say, O My servants who have committed excesses against their own souls.’ (Surah az-Zumar, Ch. 39: V. 54) “Here, servants are meant by the word ‘‘ibad’, and not the creation. To become a servant of Allah’s Messengersa, one must send blessings upon him, never contravene any of his directives, and be steadfast in obeying all of his commands.” (Al Badr, Vol. 2, No. 14, 24 April 1903, p. 109)

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“Even in times of war, Islam does not permit the killing of women, children or anyone who is not participating in the war, and this teaching was strictly established by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

“The world is saying – and it has some truth to it – that Hamas initiated this war and killed Israeli civilians indiscriminately.

Leaving aside the fact that the Israeli army has been killing innocent Palestinians prior to this, Muslims should always act according to Islamic teachings. […] If there is a legitimate war, then it can take place against the army, but not against women, children and the innocent. Nevertheless, the step Hamas took was wrong; it caused more harm than good.

“In response [to Hamas’ attack], the punishment or war should have remained against Hamas alone – this would have been true bravery and the correct response.

However, what the Israeli army is doing now, is extremely dangerous and it seems this will not stop. The number of lives of women and children that will be lost cannot

be imagined.

“The Israeli government announced that it will completely wipe out Gaza and to do that it endlessly bombed Gaza, reducing it to a pile of ashes. The latest development is that the Israeli government is saying that more than 1 million people should leave Gaza, and some have begun leaving already.

“Thankfully, though a weak voice, the UN has raised some concerns that this is against human rights and is wrong. Also, that it will create a lot of problems and that Israel should rethink this instruction.

Instead of condemning Israel outrightly, they [the UN] are making a mere request.

“Nevertheless, the innocent who are not participating in the war are not to be blamed. If the world sees Israeli women, children and civilians as innocent, then the Palestinians are innocent too.

“The teachings of these People of the Book also say such killing is not allowed.

Muslims are blamed that they have committed wrong, but these people should look at themselves too.

“The UK Ambassador of Palestine was interviewed by the BBC and, in response to a question, said that Hamas is a militant

group, not the government. He said the Palestinian government has nothing to do with them. He also raised a valid question – that if true justice had been established, then this situation would not have arisen. If world powers do not have double standards, then such disorder and warfare can never even occur. Thus, end these double standards and the wars will end themselves.”

Huzooraa said he has been saying these points for a long time, in light of Islamic teachings, but in response, leaders agree without any action.

Huzooraa continued: “Ignoring justice, all the world powers – or Western powers – are uniting to punish Palestinians, and conversations are being held everywhere about sending armies.”

Huzooraa also spoke about the misinformation in the media that is being spread. It is often the case that pictures are shared to try and prove injustice against Israelis, but later it is found out that the pictures were actually of Palestinians, yet there is no retraction in the media for this.

Huzooraa said that it seems the world powers do not want this war to end. After World War One, the world powers created

the League of Nations, but it proved to fail due to justice not being upheld, and World War Two ended up taking place. This is the same situation as the UN. It was created to end wars and aid the oppressed but has clearly failed in its objective.

He continued to say the war that will take place now due to the current injustice, we cannot even comprehend the destruction that will be caused and everyone knows this, yet there is still no focus on establishing justice in the world, nor is anyone highlighting this point.

Huzooraa said at least the Muslim nations should pay heed, and erase their own disagreements in order to establish unity. If Muslims have been told in the Quran to improve relations with the People of the Book, then Muslims, who share the same kalima, why can they not place their problems aside and come together? This is the only way to rid the world of the disorder we see today. Then, as one, they must raise a voice against those who are oppressed.

If there is unity, there will be power in the voice that is raised. Otherwise, these Muslim nations will be responsible for the loss of innocent lives. We should keep the teaching of the Holy Prophetsa in front of us, to aid both the oppressed and the oppressor (by stopping them from oppression).

In the end, Huzooraa prayed: “May Allah the Almighty grant wisdom and understanding to the Muslim governments, and may they unite to uphold justice. May he also grant wisdom and understanding to the powers of the world, so that instead of causing destruction in the world, they strive to save it from destruction. […] It should always be remembered that when destruction occurs, even these powers will not remain secure.”

“The only weapon we possess is the weapon of prayer. Thus, more than ever before, all Ahmadis should use the weapon of prayer.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has always been at the forefront of addressing such issues in the public sphere. He continues to emphasise that it is only when true justice is established in the world, that global peace can be attained. The solution has been presented, all that is left is for the world to take heed.

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We should pray to save the world from destruction Khuddam and atfal from Switzerland meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V On Sunday, 15 October 2023, a group of khuddam and atfal from Switzerland had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. At the outset of the mulaqat, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and called upon Hafiz Tahir Idris Sahib to recite the Holy Quran. This was followed by its Urdu translation, presented by Umair Anwar Sahib. Next, Fateh Shah Kamal Sahib presented a poem composed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Huzooraa then enquired about the programme and was informed that khuddam and atfal wished to ask some questions.

The first question was asked by a tifl, Bilal Ahmad Rehman, who stated that he had two questions he wished to ask. The first question he asked Huzooraa was when he would come to Switzerland. In response, Huzooraa said, “When Allah desires.”

Next, he asked why Satan invites people to the wrong path.

In response to the question, Huzooraa explained that Satan was Satan because of his inherent nature. He then proceeded to provide an example, asking why a thief commits theft. The reason, Huzooraa explained, is that the thief is influenced by negative thoughts, leading to such actions.

Huzooraa also emphasised that proper upbringing plays a crucial role in a person’s behaviour.

Then, Huzooraa said that when Prophet Adamas was created, Satan, also known as Iblis, disobeyed Allah the Almighty. Satan declared that people would not heed or listen to Allah or do good and would be inclined towards evil deeds. Allah gave mankind intellect and guidance on what is right and wrong. Good deeds would be rewarded, but following Satan’s word would lead to punishment. Huzooraa added that Allah has provided human beings with wisdom to discern good and evil. Satan’s role is to mislead, which is why Allah the Almighty ad-َ ّ� ُ vises seeking His refuge. “Read ‫َأ ُ​ُعوُذ ِ​ِبالَّل ِ​ِه ِ​ِم َ​َن‬ ّ � َ ّ � ِ ‫ الَّشيَط‬as much as possible and resist ‫يِم‬ ِ ‫اِن الَّر ِ​ِج‬ Satan’s deception,” Huzooraa said.

Then, Attaul Haq Sahib said that the situation between Israel and Palestine is very bad and asked what the effects would be on the world.

Huzooraa said: “I have already spoken, in my Friday Sermon, on this issue. The effect on the

world is quite clear that these people are trying to not only to harm themselves, but they are also trying to doom the world. The world is going towards its destruction, and as I have already said, it is not going to stop here. It will escalate and more nations will be involved in it, and [it is] quite possible that a nuclear arsenal is also used in this war.

“So, we should pray to save the world from the destruction, and we should pray that Allah the Almighty gives them wisdom and Allah the Almighty give the capability and wisdom to the big powers to use justice.”

Next, Hamza Mubashar asked if one would be able to recall worldly relations and matters in the afterlife and asked what it would be like in heaven.

Huzooraa smiled and said that, regarding how heaven will be, one will only know after going there. Huzooraa then added that the blessings in heaven shall be of such a

grand nature that one will not even recall the blessings of the world.

Huzooraa then gave the example of the school, explaining that when someone passes a certain class with good grades, they tend to forget those good grades the following year after receiving better grades.

Similarly, Huzooraa said that in heaven, after experiencing such incredible favours, one would not recall the favours received on earth.

Waseem Ahmad Bashir Sahib said that in all gatherings, they pledge to remain ready for the service of religion. He asked how one can fulfil this pledge in our daily lives.

Huzooraa said that we pledge to give precedence to religion over worldly pursuits. Huzooraa explained that Allah the Almighty has rights we must fulfil, and mankind also has some rights. Huzooraa said that when it is time for salat, we

should leave our worldly matters and go for salat, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Allah has instructed mankind to perform good deeds. Huzooraa added that one should take time to read the Holy Quran daily instead of constantly watching TV and reading novels. Then, one should make an effort to understand the Holy Quran. Regarding fulfilling the rights owed to others, Huzooraa said that one should engage in good deeds, assist the needy, and contribute to charity. For the service of religion, one should engage in tabligh, exhibit good morals, and pray to Allah. When one exhibits good morals, people will naturally be drawn. Always speak the truth, refrain from worldly evils, and seek God’s refuge. By incorporating these practices into one’s daily lives, individuals will prioritise religion over Continued on page 5 >>

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This Week in History A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 20 October 20 October 1891: On this day, the Promised Messiahas went to Delhi’s grand mosque, sitting in a horse-drawn carriage.

There was a large gathering of people chanting slogans against him, so Huzooras had to come back under the protection of a police vehicle because the local clerics incited masses against the Promised Messiahas after their complete failure in the field of argument and logic. More than 5,000 people gathered on that day in the mosque. Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra has recorded the dreadful events of this historic day in his book, Life of Ahmad, pp. 289292.

20 October 1944: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra initiated the project of translating the Holy Quran and other literature into different languages of the world. The proposed languages for initially translating the Holy Quran were English, Russian, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, etc. Huzoorra also pledged to personally bear the expenses of translating and printing the Holy Quran into Italian. This was due to the fact that the successor

of Jesusas [i.e., the Pope] was based and resided in Italy.

Jamaat members showed great zeal and generosity towards this unique call and made significant monetary promises.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 559)

conference on this day, which was attended by Master Muhammad Hassan Asan Sahib and Mahasha Muhammad Umar Sahib. Both scholars made speeches during the event, representing the Jamaat.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 7, p. 438)

21 October

22 October 1945: Muhammad Ali Jinnah was worried as the election season was approaching. On 18 October, he published an appeal to Muslim voters for support. After these developments, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra wrote an article for Al Fazl, which was published on this day on its front page, in which he shared the outline of the Jamaat’s policy for the upcoming elections. Huzoorra permitted Ahmadi voters to support the Muslim League.

21 October 1956: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra drew the attention of Jamaat members to mark a day for the annual commemoration of the institution of Khilafat.

Hence, 27 May was decided to be Khilafat Day. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 18, pp.

153-155) 21 October 1966: On this day, Jamaat’s Markazi ijtima started. This year’s ijtema was the first markazi (central) gathering of the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Atfalul Ahmadiyya during the blessed era of the third Khilafat. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 23, p. 585)

22 October 22 October 1937: The Arya Samaj of Civil Lines in Saharanpur held a religious

22 October 2016: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the keynote address at the First National Peace Symposium hosted by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada at the Bait-ul-Islam Mosque in Peace Village, Vaughan, with an audience of over 600 people, comprising government officials, including the Mayor of Vaughan, Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, member of parliament Deb Schulte, and City Councillor Marilyn Iafrate. (“Muslim leader says justice is a pre-requisite

to conflict resolution”, www. pressahmadiyya.com)

23 - 24 October 23 October 1947: After the sad events of the Indian Partition, Major-General Kodendera Subayya Thimayya and Husain Shaheed Suhrawardy visited Qadian on this day and held meetings with the elders of the Jamaat. They wanted to know about the situation in and around Qadian. They were accompanied by Dr Dinshaw Mehta, the famous associate of Mahatma Gandhi. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 2, p. 217) 24 October 1924: While in London, during his tour of Europe, on this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered the first Friday Sermon at Southfields, where Fazl Mosque, London, is situated today.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 461) 24 October 1980: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh returned to Karachi after a tour of 12 countries. This historic and momentous tour consisted of three continents of the world. Huzoorrh arrived in Rabwah on 26 October. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 3, p. 640) 24 October 1987: On this day, during his tour of the United States, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh laid the foundation stone of the Bait-ul-Hameed Mosque in Los Angeles. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 844) 24 October 2006: Bonnie Crombie, the Mayor of Mississauga, visited Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on this day at the Baitul Islam Mosque in Peace Village, Canada. (‘‘Mayor of Mississauga welcomes Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to Canada,’’ www. pressahmadiyya.com)

25 -26 October 25 October 1924: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-

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20 - 26 October

Maudra commenced his journey back to Qadian after his successful tour of England. He departed from London’s Waterloo Station on this day along with his entourage.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p.

461)

25 October 1926: On this day, Hazrat Maulana Zahoor Hussain returned to Qadian after two years of imprisonment in Russia. This devout missionary travelled to the Soviet lands to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat but was apprehended upon his arrival on false suspicions of espionage. He patiently faced barbaric torture and other hardships during his captivity. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 475) 25 October 2013: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated a mosque in Brisbane, which was the first Ahmadiyya mosque in Queensland State.

26 October 1979: The 22nd annual ijtema of Majlis Ansarullah began on this day. As the government (of Pakistan) did not permit the use of loudspeakers, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III’srh address was conveyed through the use of messengers (who would stand at a particular distance so as to relay Huzoor’srh words to the audience) In his concluding address, some of the points Huzoorrh mentioned were as follows: • Every child should know the rules for reciting the Holy Quran.

• Those who can recite the Holy Quran fluently should learn its translation and commentary.

• Every boy should at least study up to matriculation and every girl should pass middle school at least.

• Every Ahmadi should adhere to the beautiful teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

The gathering was attended by about 3,000 ansar from 672 majalis. (Tarikh Ansarullah, Vol. 2, pp. 99-120)

worldly pursuits, Huzooraa said.

Azim Ahmad Kamal Sahib stated that there are glad tidings about the global spread of Ahmadiyyat, as foretold by the Promised Messiahas and his khulafa. He then asked about Huzoor’saa vision for the future of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Switzerland and what steps should be taken to achieve it.

Huzooraa said that it is their task to “improve your [spiritual] condition, exalt your status of worship, pay attention to salat, supplicate to Allah, seek His help, make efforts to learn and study His religion, read the Holy Quran, and act upon its commandments.” These are things that khuddam and everyone else should do.

Huzooraa then reminded everyone about the pledge he took from khuddam and ansar during the ijtemas in the UK. Huzooraa said that they should focus on the pledge.

Huzooraa added that Allah has said that one should continue to make efforts, pray, and do what they can to spread Islam Ahmadiyya and do tabligh. Then, it is up to God to accept. At this moment, the world is moving away from religion. But if we remain firm in our faith and continuously tell people, Huzooraa said, then a time will come when people shall pay attention to it, and a time will come when “there shall be a breakthrough”, and people will turn back to religion.

Salam Mubarak asked Huzooraa whether hell existed before Iblis’ disobedience to God. Huzooraa stated that hell indeed existed even before. The story of Prophet Adamas is in front of us, and prior to the Adamas we are familiar with, many Adams existed, as Huzooraa explained. Huzooraa said that we are aware of the Adamas of our time, who appeared around 6,000 years ago. Huzooraa went on to explain that hell can be likened to a hospital or a jail, where people are treated, and when they are better, they will leave it.

Mubarak Idris Sahib asked about accounts of individuals who claim to have seen Allah in the clouds or perceived signs in various materials. He asked Huzoor’saa opinion if these experiences were from Allah or products of one’s imagination.

Huzooraa said: “Allah cannot be in a physical shape. If Allah the Almighty is [seen] in a physical shape, then it would be one “shape”.

Different people see Allah the Almighty in different “shapes”. So, that means that it is only a metaphorical view of Allah the Almighty. You cannot see Allah the Almighty in a physical shape. And that is what Allah the Almighty tells us. So, it is the way Allah the Almighty wants to give the message to certain people. And to different people, Allah the Almighty is seen in different “shapes” as the angels; to some people, angels appear in the form of a dove or pigeon; to others, they appear in a bodily shape, i.e., as a human being.

“It was related that when the Holy Prophetsa was sitting with his Companions in the mosque, a person came and sat down very close to the Holy Prophetsa and asked different questions and the Holy Prophetsa answered his questions and he said, ‘Yes! You are right!’ And when he left, the Holy Prophetsa said that he was Jibra’ilas. Then,

some of the Companions went out and tried to see whether the person was walking along the street or not, but they could not see him.”

Huzooraa added, “It is also narrated that somebody saw a dream in a town in India, where people were very corrupt and involved in so much evil. And he saw in a dream that a person totally disabled and having so many diseases and illnesses – leprosy and all sorts of things – and the person asked him, ‘Who are you?’ That sick man and the person in bad shape said, ‘I am Allah.’ So the person asked him, ‘How can you be Allah? Allah is not like this.’ He said, ‘I am the Allah of the people of this town because they think that Allah has no power and they do whatever they like. They do evil, have left the good things, and are indulged in so many bad things. So, for them, this is the shape of Allah, i.e., the concept of Allah for them. But for the pious people, Allah is different.’”

Thus, Huzooraa explained that it is just a metaphor. Huzooraa added that one cannot physically see Allah. Anyone who claims to have seen Allah in any specific form; has in fact seen a metaphorical representation.

A young boy asked Huzooraa if the Holy Quran possesses healing, why do people then rely on medicines?

Huzooraa explained that Allah has instructed humans to pray, and prayer has a profound impact. God is the ultimate Healer, as He is al-Shafi. However, Allah has also emphasised the utilisation of the means He has created. In the Holy Quran, God states that He provides sustenance.

Huzooraa, as an example and to explain to the questioner, asked why, if God is the ultimate provider of sustenance, do people still work to earn money? If it is indeed God who provides, why do humans engage in these activities?

Huzooraa elaborated on the spiritual healing properties of the Holy Quran.

He emphasised that by following Allah’s commandments and fulfilling the rights due to Man, one can achieve spiritual well-being and become a virtuous individual worthy of Heaven. This is what the Holy Quran means by spiritual healing properties.

Furthermore, it is documented in the Hadith that Surah al-Fatihah possesses healing qualities.

In summary, Huzooraa said that Allah has instructed us to pray and utilise the means He has created for our needs.

Usama Mahmood Sahib asked Huzooraa what, in addition to salat and qurbani [sacrifices], Huzooraa emphasises in his daily life.

Huzooraa emphasised that Allah has commanded the practice of Zikr-e-Ilahi. It is imperative to fulfil both the rights owed to Allah and those owed to fellow humans; both should be prioritised. Huzooraa further said that the ultimate objective is to seek the pleasure of Allah. Huzooraa said that Allah has stated that even if a person performs salat but neglects the rights owed to fellow humans, He does not accept such a person’s namaz.

A tifl, Attaul Haye Mushtaq, asked Huzooraa how he spends time with his family. Huzooraa smiled and responded that he spent his time the same way and in the same manner as he was spending it now with them.

Umair Anwar Sahib enquired about the

status of the 12 imams, as mentioned by the Shia, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Huzooraa stated that they were imams.

According to their belief, the Promised Imam Mahdi was also expected to arrive.

The Promised Messiahas has indeed come as the Messiah and Mahdi. Huzooraa said that Shias should be among the first to accept him. Regarding the imams, Huzooraa said they lived in their respective eras, and they were righteous men.

A young tifl, Adil Mushtaq, asked about Huzoor’saa aspirations when he was a youth.

Huzooraa smiled and responded that he did not become what he had desired; instead, he was made to become what Allah had destined him to be.

Muawwiz Tahir Sahib asked Huzooraa if one can wear rings and bracelets [kara].

Huzooraa stated that wearing rings is permissible and added that when it comes to bracelets, they are typically worn for adornment, primarily by women, and occasionally as amulets. It’s important to note that amulets are not permissible in Islam. Huzooraa explained that if someone wishes to wear a bracelet temporarily and then remove it, that is acceptable. However, it is not permissible to wear gold in Islam.

Next, Mahid Ahmad Mujahid asked how to genuinely engage with a Jamaat book.

Huzooraa emphasised that individuals should pray to Allah, seeking His guidance to enable them to comprehend the books as they encompass difficult topics, matters of righteousness, Allah and His Messengersa.

Huzooraa added that one should seek Allah’s help and pray to Him. Furthermore, Huzooraa pointed out that there are certain Jamaat books tailored to his age group.

Fahad Ahmad Sahib mentioned that the Holy Quran references the existence of seven skies and enquired whether these skies inhabited beings similar to us.

Huzooraa explained that the concept of the seven skies signifies seven protective layers created by Allah for the benefit of humanity. Concerning the possibility of other creatures, Huzooraa added that the Promised Messiahas has mentioned the possibility of numerous universes, each potentially inhabited by various life forms. Achieving contact with these beings remains uncertain and is known only to Allah.

Zahid But Sahib informed Huzooraa that, starting next year, he was to become a member of Majlis Ansarullah. He sought guidance from Huzooraa on how best to prepare himself for this.

Huzooraa smiled and asked Zahid But Sahib if, even after 39 years, he did not know how to prepare himself. Huzooraa then advised that he should attentively listen to his address made at the Majlis Ansarullah UK ijtema, gain an understanding of our purpose, and align his life accordingly.

Huzooraa emphasised the importance of making sincere efforts to fulfil both the rights of Allah and the rights of fellow human beings.

In the end, Huzooraa addressed Sadr Sahib and conveyed that the allotted time had concluded. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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How the Holy Quran foretold future modes of transportation Examining Quranic prophecies as evidence of Holy Quran’s divine origin

Bernice Tong | Unsplash

Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam

references from the Sab‘ Mu‘allaqat that showcase the importance and significance of camels to Arabs:

When we study the history of ancient Arabia, specifically during the era of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, we see that camels held immense importance. Often, camels were referred to as the “ships of the desert,” alluding to and highlighting their role in the Arabian Peninsula’s harsh and dry conditions. It was, in fact, a taxing task to travel without one.

For a glance at the history of Arabia, specifically, prior to the advent of Islam, historians draw upon the Sab‘ Mu‘allaqat, meaning the seven suspended poems.

These poems, or odes, were, in fact, hung in the Holy Ka’bah, prior to the advent of Islam. The reason why they are consulted by historians is because they provide an overview of the nature and environment to which the Arabian land was accustomed.

For example, we find verses and

‫جـمالية وجناء تـردي كـأنهـا سـفنـجـة تبـري لأزعـر‬ ‫أربـد‬ “A she-camel, strong as a male-camel, strong-bodied, who trots as though she were a female ostrich, who is avoiding a male, scanty of feathers and of an ashen grey colour.” (Qaseedah al-Sania, Verse 13; The Seven Poems Suspended in the Temple at Mecca, p. 36) Further, we also read:

‫فأصبح يجري فيهم من تلادكم مغانم شتى من إفال‬ ‫مزنم‬ “Then there was being driven to them from the property you inherited, a booty of various sorts from young camels with slit ears.” (Qaseedah al-Salisa, Verse 25; The Seven Poems Suspended in the Temple at Mecca, p. 72)

Reading the above, it becomes clear the role and significance of camels in the Arabian Peninsula, such that we can infer that life itself could not be imagined without these ships of the desert.

Thus, when we read in the Holy Quran:

َ � َ ۡ َ ‫َ​َو ِ​ِاَذا اۡل ِ​ِعَش ُاُر ُ​ُع ِ​ِّطَل ۡ​ۡت‬

“And when the she-camels, tenmonth pregnant, are abandoned.” (81:5) Hearing this in 7th-century Arabia would have only caused confusion and wonder among the Arabs as to how such a thing could even be possible. Note that the Holy Quran does not merely mention camels. It specifies she-camels that are ten months pregnant. Camels were usually in high demand in Arabia, but a she-camel was even more valuable due to its ability to reproduce. Furthermore, the Holy Quran states that a ten-month pregnant shecamel, meaning a she-camel about to give birth to more camels, shall be suspended.

For a person from 7th-century Arabia, it

would not be surprising to learn that this was a lot to take in and imagine.

In Arabic, ‫ عشار‬is the plural form of ‫عشراء‬, referring to she-camels that have been pregnant for ten months. This term is used for all such she-camels, whether they have already given birth or are still expecting. These animals, as mentioned, were highly valued by the Arabs due to their significance.

The verse of the Holy Quran alludes to the suspension of camels with more advanced and faster modes of transportation such as railway trains, steamships, motor cars, and aeroplanes.

Indeed, we are living in an era where whenever we travel from one place to another, we are witnessing the fulfilment of the prophecy made 1500 years ago.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, in his grand exegesis, Tafsir-e-Kabir, writes that the Holy Quran was revealed in Arabic among the people of Arabia.

Therefore, the Quran prioritises the Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023

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Beauty sickness epidemic Islam’s solution to protecting women in society Asif Munir Missionary New Zealand

In today’s society, there is a huge clamour for absolute gender equality and women’s rights. But, ironically, there is also a pervasive trend that often degrades the image of women inadvertently. That is, they often find themselves subjected to sexualisation.

It is a disconcerting time, just like before the advent of Islam, when women were routinely objectified and pressured to conform to societal standards of objectification. The stark difference today is the existence of a double standard within society.

A relentless proclamation of “women’s rights” is made while simultaneously reinforcing the notion that a woman’s worth is intrinsically tied to her physical appearance.

In today’s digital age, users of modern technology feel compelled to compare their lives to others. Vulnerable young minds are now exposed more than ever to the glittering facade of celebrity culture as they endlessly scroll through Instagram and other social media platforms. Regrettably, this exposure has given rise to an unfair and unattainable standard of beauty because of deceptive photo-editing apps and cosmetic surgeries.

Female psychologist Professor Renee Engeln explains this phenomenon in her book “Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women” as follows: “Today’s young women face a bewildering set of contradictions. They don’t want to be Barbie dolls, but still feel they must look like Barbie dolls. Many are

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needs and sentiments of the Arab people.

This ensures that they grasp the Quran’s teachings thoroughly before spreading them worldwide. The Arab nation, as the primary recipient of divine inspiration, finds its idioms and customs featured prominently in the Quranic discourse. This emphasis is crucial because if they fail to comprehend the message, how can they propagate it?

It is worth noting that in Arabia, both transportation and sustenance were closely tied to camels. Camels served as their means of transportation and provided milk for sustenance. In terms of the ten-monthold pregnant she-camel, whether it was a young camel or one expecting offspring, it held significant value for the people. They hoped that the offspring born from them would be suitable for riding and producing

angry about how women are treated by the media, but they hungrily consume the same media that belittles them. They mock our culture’s absurd beauty ideal. They make videos exposing Photoshop tricks.

But they can’t help wanting to emulate the same images they criticise. They know what they see isn’t real, but they still long for it. They download apps on their phones to airbrush their selfies.” (p. 28) These heightened standards have set a new standard of societal pressure, causing many women to fall into an inferiority complex with low self-esteem. Regrettably, studies have found that this negative impact disproportionately affects girls in comparison to boys. (“Social media may affect girls’ mental health earlier than boys’, study finds”, www.theguardian.com) Dr Engeln makes a very shocking study where she defines “beauty sickness” as “what happens when women’s emotional energy gets so bound up with what they see in the mirror that it becomes harder for them to see other aspects of their lives”.

She even states that “90% of women today have no problem identifying a body part they’re unhappy about,” claiming this to be a pandemic for women across the globe.

(Ibid., p. 19) Western society has cultivated a culture that places an overwhelming emphasis on a woman’s physical beauty. Consequently, women often face societal pressure to adapt to these beauty standards, feeling compelled to constantly strive for approval because society often links a woman’s worth primarily with her outward appearance.

And, therefore, women face widespread objectification worldwide, which can be seen in advertisements where they are often portrayed in a seductive manner to

boost sales.

Western society needs better protection of women Researchers at Ohio State University developed an assessment of how often women are on the receiving end of any type of sexually objectifying behaviour.

One of the questions asks, “How often have you heard a rude, sexual remark

made about your body?” Over 70 per cent indicated that they had been the target of such kinds of remarks. (Kozee HB, Tylka TL, Augustus-Horvath CL, Denchik A, “Development and psychometric evaluation of the Interpersonal Sexual Objectification

sustenance. Additionally, they relied on camel’s milk for nourishment, and the ten-month-old camels were highly prized because they were expected to give birth.

(Tafsir-e-Kabir [2013], Vol. 11, pp. 303-306) Another point we must bear in mind is that the Holy Prophetsa has linked this era, in which camels shall be suspended or lose their significance, with the advent of the Promised Messiahas in a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Hadith 155c.

Referring to the above-referenced hadith, Hazrat Ahmadas states: “[...] In the era of the Promised Messiah, the riding of camels will be abandoned. Hence, no one will mount them and make them run. This alluded to the train, after the invention of which there would be no need for making the camels run. And the camel is mentioned because it was the principal means of transport in the Arab world, onto which

they could load all their household items and ride, too.” (Testimony of the Holy Quran, p. 20) Harat Musleh-e-Maudra, explaining the verse – prophecy – of discussion, said that Allah the Almighty highlights that as material wealth and advancements rise, a time will come when such camels will become redundant. As mentioned earlier, wisdom implies abandoning something to waste and severing all connections with it. In this context, nobility can have two interpretations: i) New modes of transportation will render camels obsolete, leading to a decline in the value of pregnant ten-month-old camels that are about to give birth. Meaning that people will forsake them. ii) Swift modes of transport will emerge, facilitating the import of various types of food to Arabia, diminishing the need for

camel milk. Consequently, the worth of these camels, particularly those ready to give birth, will decrease significantly.

Remarkably, these two scenarios have materialised in our era. Inventions like rail, motor vehicles, and aeroplanes have transformed travel in Arabia. Initially, when motor vehicles were introduced in Arabia, the Bedouins resisted, fearing that it would harm their trade. Nevertheless, motor vehicles prevailed, and camel riding gradually became obsolete. Presently, motor vehicles are the preferred mode of travel to Mecca. (Tafsir-e-Kabir [2013], Vol. 11, pp.

303-306) And so, with such a prophecy consisting of only four words, we have a wealth of knowledge that we see has come to reality.

This is yet another sign of the truthfulness of the Holy Quran.

Ali Pilevar| Unsplash

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Friday 20 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Coming from every distant track

Dr Oscar Brunler visits Qadian and presents research at Mubarak Mosque A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas, his Khulafa and the hospitality of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community when receiving visitors

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

Oscar Brunler was born on 12 May 1892.

His father was a renowned German inventor who later settled in Brussels, Belgium.

Brunler studied at London University, graduating with an engineering degree in 1914. Brunler was a multifaceted genius, with 49 patents accredited to his name.

He gained prominence for two particular patents: 1. The Brunler Flame, a distinctive flame employed for underwater welding, earned him the Bessemer Prize in physics in 1926.

2. A specialised process designed to impart shine to steel.

After gaining his engineering degree, Brunler pursued a career in medicine, enrolling at the prestigious Sorbonne Medical School in France. He received his medical degree in 1931 and subsequently returned to London to commence his practice. (Journey of Hope by Barbara Colby, 2011, Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC, pp. 104-106) One of Brunler’s significant but controversial works was the development of a system to quantitatively measure radiation from an individual’s body, linking it to their consciousness states.

Dr Brunler also measured the “radiation waves” on the Shroud of Turin, which he concluded exhibited a radiation level of 1050° biometric, the highest he ever recorded. This shroud, believed to be the burial cloth of Jesusas, bears a semiphotographic imprint of a man with wounds matching New Testament descriptions. (The Ultimate Reality by Joseph H. Cater, Vol. 2, p. 488) Brunler passed away in Santa Barbara, California, on 1 August 1952. (Facts on File Yearbook, Vol. 12, 1953, Facts on File News Services, p. 251) In 1946, Dr Oscar Brunler, travelled thousands of miles from Europe to reach the town of Qadian in the state of Punjab, British India, during the Jalsa Salana of Qadian.

Visit to Qadian Dr Brunler had the opportunity to visit various well-known places in India during his multiple visits. However, based on his observations, he would say: “Among all the places he visited, the trip to Qadian had

an enduring impact on his mind, as the Jalsa was truly one-of-a-kind in the world.”

(Tehdis-e-Nemat [1971], p. 468)

Friendship between Dr Oscar Brunler and Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra Oscar Brunler was a close friend of Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra during his student days in England. In November 1911, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra first met this friend outside the college in London. At that time, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra was a law student, while this German fellow was pursuing an education in engineering.

Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra speaks of his friend with great admiration, saying that his friendship and companionship were a blessing for him. During his stay in England, he proved to be a very compassionate brother, says Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra. “The bond of friendship forged in 1911 lasted until the end – a little more than forty years.” (Ibid., p. 53) After their student days, both friends continued to maintain contact even after returning to India. For example, Chaudhry

Sahibra writes that a year after the end of the First World War, the last communication from him had come from Brussels in August 1914, just before he was set to join his regiment in Germany. “I had been deeply concerned about his safety and well-being throughout the war and had prayed for him.

In his letter, he revealed the tragic loss of his parents and the family’s wealth, glory, and grandeur. He had been wounded in battle with a fractured knee that shortened one of his legs but didn’t hinder his movements. He had shown remarkable gallantry and faced the hardships of the war with unwavering courage.” (Ibid., 215) After completing his student days, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra returned to India in 1914. Then, in 1924, he embarked on his first trip to Europe. According to his own writings, one significant purpose of this journey was to reunite with his dear friend once again.

During Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khan’sra stay in Germany, when he was appointed to assist in accommodation and other arrangements for Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra historic trip to Europe in 1924, Oscar also obtained permission from the

concerned authorities to travel to London and be part of the arrangements during Huzoor’sra stay. Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra writes, “Oscar Brunler and I had the privilege of joining the entourage in London.” (Ibid., p. 217) During the Second World War, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra undertook a difficult and perilous journey to meet his dear friend, when he was under protective detention owing to the Second World War scenario, which surprised everyone. (For details, see Tehdis-e-Nemat, pp. 464-468) In the hot summer of 1940, Dr Oscar Bernler had trouble with his eyes, but two years later, his eyesight was restored. After his recovery, he arranged his stay in London.

Afterwards, whenever Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra had the opportunity to travel to London, he would stay with him.

His scientific research eventually led Dr Bernler to the United States, where he settled in Los Angeles.

During his research, he became ill.

Later, he wrote to Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla

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AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023 << Continued from page 7

Scale”, Psychology of Women Quarterly, June 2007; 31(2): pp. 176–189) This shocking percentage highlights a pressing issue in Western society – the desperate need for better protection of women. Some may question the role of the hijab in Islam, arguing that men should exercise self-control.

There is no doubt that men should exercise self-control, and this is what God Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

� ُ َۡ َ​َ َ َ ‫الِّزٰۤنۤی ِ​ِاَّن�َ ٗ​ٗہ َک‬ َ ‫اَن َ​َفا ِ​ِح َ​َش ً​ًۃ ؕ َ​َو َ​َس‬ ‫ٓاَء َ​َس ِ​ِب ۡ​ۡیًلًا‬ ِ ‫َوَلا َتۡق َ​َرُبوا‬

“And come not near unto adultery; surely, it is a foul thing and an evil way.”

(Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17:V. 33) Unlike the Biblical commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery”, the Holy Quran says, “Come not near unto adultery”, which is clearly a more comprehensive and effective commandment. The Quran not only prohibits and condemns the actual act of adultery but also seeks to close and shut all those avenues that lead to it, such as free and promiscuous intermingling of the sexes. The Quranic injunction that even the occasions and places that are calculated ultimately to lead to the commission of sin must be avoided applies as much to persons of very strong moral calibre as to those of weak moral calibre. Whereas the latter class of people are warned to avoid going near the places of sin lest they actually fall into it, those who can withstand temptations are commanded to avoid them in order that many others morally not so strong may be

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Khanra that he had almost recovered and had come to Santa Barbara for rest and recuperation. However, a few days later, Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra received news that a sudden weakness had returned and he had passed away.

Oscar Brunler’s presentation in Qadian in the presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra The aforementioned trip of Dr Oscar Brunler to Qadian in 1946 was further graced with another significant engagement, during which he presented his research article. This session was held in the presence and under the presidency of Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra at the Mubarak Mosque after the Maghrib prayer. As reported in Al Fazl,

9

saved, by their example, from falling into sin. (Five Volume Commentary, Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17:V.33) Divine wisdom behind Islamic teachings As society advances, the wisdom of Islamic teachings becomes increasingly apparent. There is a profound wisdom behind Islamic traditions related to hijab.

The Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said: “That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters [mushabbahat] about which many people do not know. Thus, he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah’s sanctuary is His prohibitions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 52) A shepherd’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and nourishment of his flock. Should he allow his herd to graze near the boundaries of a sanctuary or another’s property, he risks the animals straying into prohibited zones. This boundary symbolises the line between lawful and unlawful deeds in our lives.

Similarly, in our journey through life, we are often confronted with choices that might not be explicitly right or wrong.

These are the mushabbahat the hadith refers to. By actively avoiding these grey areas, we safeguard our faith.

In essence, the hadith implores

believers to be discerning in their actions.

It encourages a life of principle where one not only refrains from clear wrongdoings but is also wary of situations that might lead to potential transgressions. Such an approach ensures that one remains within the sanctified boundaries set by Allah the Exalted.

Muslim men are reminded of the story of Prophet Mosesas, who assisted two women, one of whom became his future wife: “And when he arrived at the water of Midian, he found there a party of men, watering (their flocks). And he found beside them two women keeping back (their flocks). He said, ‘What is the matter with you?’ They replied, ‘We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take away (their flocks), and our father is a very old man.’ So he watered (their flocks) for them.

Then he turned aside into the shade, and said, ‘My Lord, I am in need of whatever good Thou mayest send down to me.’”

(Surah al-Qasas, Ch.28:V.24-25) After helping the two women, he did not remain with them and began conversing openly. In fact, he immediately moved to the side, ensuring he segregated himself from the women, contrary to the standards of today’s society.

God Almighty instructs Muslim men: “Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts.

That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do.” (Surah an-Nur, Ch.24: V.31) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra comments that in this verse, God Almighty has provided a means to abstain from vice in

that believers, both male and female, are instructed to lower their gazes. This action reduces the likelihood of sinful behaviour and stops the spread of evil. Additionally, God Almighty has directed women to dress modestly. However, in situations where men and women may be together, it is commanded that both men and women lower their gazes to shield themselves from Satan’s influence and to keep their hearts pure. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p. 484) In Islam, women are encouraged to be modest and cover themselves as a means of safeguarding their dignity and protecting themselves from the dubious standards of society. However, Islam’s wisdom extends beyond mere external appearances.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, advised that a woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion, and he advised prioritising religion when seeking a spouse. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5090) This guidance directs men to prioritise a woman’s religious character when considering a life partner, rather than fixating solely on her physical beauty and appearance.

The Holy Prophetsa has also taught us that Allah does not look at our faces and wealth but rather at our hearts and deeds.

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564c) In essence, these teachings remind us that, in the grand scheme of things, our physical appearance holds very little significance. It is the purity of our hearts that truly matters in the end.

on 25 December, following the recitation of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra introduced Dr Oscar Brunler to the attendees. After the introduction, Dr Brunler read an academic article on the subject of religion and science. He stated that if one ponders on the system of the universe, it becomes evident that specific laws of nature are working in everything, big or small. Science helps us understand the properties of material substances, whereas religion guides us in ethics and spirituality.

Dr Brunler explained explicitly that brains continuously emit certain types of waves that can be measured. The strength of these waves is directly related to human capability. Dr Brunler also mentioned some details about the philosophy of prayers and their characteristics. He stated that a professor in France had proven that when

a person prays in silence, specific waves are emitted from their body, which were successfully captured by the said professor.

After the conclusion of the article, the opportunity was given to ask questions, and Abdus Salam Sahib Akhtar, Malik Bashir Ahmad Sahib, and Dr Abdul Ahad Sahib participated in the discussion. Dr Abdul Ahad Sahib emphasised that since souls are not material things, the waves emitted during prayers cannot be material either.

And if these waves are not material, they questioned how they could be measured.

In the end, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra stated that the subject of the waves emitted during prayers from the soul is debatable.

Nevertheless, denying the effects of these waves cannot be justified. Expectations from each person are based on their capabilities and inner capacity, and each individual is accountable to Allah according to their abilities. (Al Fazl, 28 December 1946) According to Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, it is evident that the establishment of the Majlise-Mazhab-o-Science at the Talim-ul-Islam College in Qadian and the establishment and habit of reading scientific and research articles through this forum were a result of the excellent guidance of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra. As mentioned in the report above, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra himself would graciously preside over such sessions, enlivening them with his unique presence and providing invaluable guidance. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 9, p. 66)

Oscar’s connection with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira via Sir Zafrulla Khanra During these events, we find that Oscar had the opportunity to be present and experience the kindness of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in 1924 and 1946. Similarly, he also received special blessings from Hazrat Hakeem Maulvi Nur-ud-Din, Khalifatul Masih Ira, through the mediation of his friend, Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra.

Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Zafrulla Khanra refers to an incident where Oscar Brunler mentioned that he was feeling a burden on his nerves, which affected his ability to study with full focus and caused sleep disturbances.

He sought Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s Ira help, and in response, Huzoorra kindly provided him with some instructions. One of the instructions that he distinctly remembered was to avoid reading with the light directly facing him but rather sit in such a way that the light falls on the paper from the left shoulder. Additionally, he might have been advised not to eat a full meal or sleep on an empty stomach at night.

After this incident, there was a slight negligence on my part in not informing Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira about Dr Brunler’s updated condition. In response, Huzoorra personally sent a letter of acknowledgement in his own handwriting, inquiring, “What happened to your German friend?” (Tehdis-e-Nemat [1971], p. 110)

Friday 20 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Maulana Abdul Hakim Akmal: One of the pioneer missionaries of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Netherlands The author of this essay is the grandson of Maulana Abdul Hakim Akmal Sahib. This article is based mainly on the author’s personal research, and much of the information presented here has been gleaned from personal memories rather than Jamaat’s literature. –The Editor welcomed at the Mobarak Mosque in The Hague by Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib and his family.

A great difficulty Akmal Sahib endured was that he had to live away from his family for a very long period of time. His wife and children had to stay back in Pakistan, as it was not affordable to bring them along.

Although there were occasional visits in between, Akmal Sahib had to live away from his family for more than fifteen years. He would always be fervent in his prayers and had put all his trust in Allah, who eventually instilled in him a strong feeling of comfort and relief from his worries through a dream.

Suhaib Akmal The Netherlands

First contact of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya with the Netherlands The first contact of the Jamaat with the Netherlands was when Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra visited the Netherlands in 1914 for a tour. The second contact was when a Dutch lady named Mrs Budd, who was inspired by reading an article by Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad-ud-Dinra, performed written bai‘at in 1924. However, the first missionary to be posted to the Netherlands was Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib, who reached the Netherlands on 2 July 1947. (History of Jamaat Netherlands, Saeed Ahmad Jatt, pp.

27-40) After having served the Jamaat for three years, Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib was called back to Pakistan in 1950. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, p. 183) At the time, there were two other missionaries in the Netherlands, one being Maulana Ghulam Ahmad Bashir, who was posted in 1947, and Maulana Abu Bakr Ayub, who was posted in 1950.

Maulana Abdul Hakim Akmal Sahib, together with Maulana Hafiz Qudratullah Sahib, Maulana Ghulam Ahmad Bashir Sahib, and Abu Bakr Ayub Sahib, was one of the pioneer missionaries in the Netherlands.

Akmal Sahib reached the Netherlands on 6 December 1957. He served the Jamaat for various periods in the Netherlands. First from 1957 to 1961, then from 1964 to 1970, then from 1972 to 1977, and at last, from 1981 to 1994. (Ibid., p. 108) From 1964 to 1994, he had the honour of serving as the missionary in-charge of the Netherlands. He also served the Jamaat in Belgium in 1987 and had the honour of establishing the Jamaat in Luxembourg in 1989. In total, he served the Community for a period of approximately 32 years. (In Memory of Abdul Hakim Akmal, a biography

by Shoaib Akmal, 9 December 2005)

Early life and education Maulana Abdul Hakim Akmal was born on 4 December 1931 in Qadian. He was the eldest child of Mian Abdur Rahim Sahib and Khadija Begum Sahiba. His ancestors originated in Kashmir. Akmal Sahib’s family was fortunate to have his grandfather, Mian Khair Din Sahib, work in the service of Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra and it played a significant role in his family’s spiritual upbringing.

He successfully completed his intermediate education and did Maulvi

Some of his tabligh efforts

Photo courtesy of Author

Fazil at the Punjab University in Lahore.

In 1947, the family migrated from India to Pakistan. Through Lahore and Chiniot, they eventually arrived in Rabwah. On 8 November 1950, Akmal Sahib decided to dedicate his life to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He completed his studies at Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah in 1956.

On 10 January 1957, Akmal Sahib married Masooda Begum Sahiba. They had six children together, two of whom passed away in infancy. (Ibid.)

Posting to the Netherlands Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra decided to send Akmal Sahib as a missionary to the Netherlands in 1957. Once Akmal Sahib was informed about his posting, he was quite worried because he could not speak a word of Dutch and thought to himself how he would ever be able to spread the message of the Promised Messiahas without knowing the language of its citizens. When Akmal Sahib met Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, he expressed his concerns. When Huzoorra heard of this, he said, “You will learn the language; I shall pray for you.” (Ibid.)

After hearing these words, Akmal Sahib’s worries instantly vanished. Akmal Sahib had, during his time in the Netherlands, never studied the Dutch language at a university. However, because of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra special prayers, he became fluent in the language.

Akmal Sahib left Pakistan by ship in September 1957 and arrived in Italy after a couple of days’ journey. From there, he took a train, which took him through France and Belgium to the Netherlands.

When he arrived in the Netherlands, he was

Most of his time was spent in the Netherlands. Hibbatun-Nur Verhagen Sahib, who is currently serving as Amir Jamaat, mentions that Akmal Sahib was one of the first people to do tabligh to him and that on one occasion they sat down in the mosque and he preached to him for two hours. He also used to go for walks in the park near the Mobarak Mosque. Sometimes during his walks, when he used to sit down on a bench, he would preach to the person sitting next to him on the same bench. He used to avail himself of every possibility to do tabligh. (Interview, Hibattun-Nur Verhagen, Life of Abdul Hakim Akmal, 12 May 2019) Another interesting incident where Akmal Sahib had the opportunity to do tabligh was in a church in Amersfoort.

Some priests were gathering and holding an event in a church in Amersfoort. They also wanted to invite someone from the Muslim community who could share his views from an Islamic perspective. The priests were certain that it was highly unlikely for someone to show up from among the Muslims who might be capable enough, and their intention was, in fact, to defame Islam. They knew that many people would come, including Muslims, so they thought that this was a good opportunity for them.

The invitation reached a non-Ahmadi imam in Utrecht. He was concerned about the situation and did not know what to do.

However, he was informed by someone that there is an imam in The Hague who is very knowledgeable. The imam contacted Akmal Sahib, who was prepared to come to the event and present Islamic teachings. He delivered a very powerful speech on Islam, and afterwards, he also answered the questions people had raised about Islam. Because of Akmal Sahib’s efforts, the priests miserably failed in their objective, and Islam won their hearts. After the session concluded, the

Muslims who were present at the church were full of joy and happiness – so much so that they grabbed Akmal Sahib and lifted him into the air! (Audio recording, Shoaib Akmal, Life of Abdul Hakim Akmal, 18 April 2019) Many natives in the Netherlands were converted to Islam through him.

Character and personality Akmal Sahib used to live a very simple life. It was his routine to go to the market at 4 pm, as this was near the closing time of the market.

The sellers used to reduce their prices, and this way he used to save money. However, he was also keen on having nice food and loved to have omelettes for breakfast. Once Abdul Ghany Jahangir Khan Sahib said to Akmal Sahib: “Maulana Sahib, your doctor has forbidden eggs; you shouldn’t eat them.”

He replied: “I know, but I can’t help it; I like eggs too much!”. Jahangir Khan Sahib also mentioned that “Akmal Sahib was a gentle, kind, and soft-spoken man. He was very loving towards me. May Allah rest his soul in the highest stations in Paradise.” (Interview, Abdul Ghany Jahangir Khan, Life of Abdul Hakim Akmal, 16 April 2019) Akmal Sahib was also a poet and wrote a number of poems in Urdu.

Abdul Basit Shahid Sahib wrote that Akmal Sahib was simple in personality and was a contented man in all situations. He had a special character that gave the impression of a serious personality, but his sense of humour was so striking that people were left laughing for a long time afterwards.

Publications He was humble in character and was able to convincingly pursue the defence of Islam by presenting irrefutable arguments. He made a major contribution to the defence of Islam against the attacks of various Christian groups in the Netherlands. Akmal Sahib also played an important role in the publication of the monthly magazine Al Islam and the translation of several books. In addition, he also published a lot of articles in various newspapers and magazines and wrote a book titled What is Islam?.

In the 1970s, Akmal Sahib was blessed to spend a lot of time in the company of Hazrat Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra, who used to visit the Jamaat during his tenure as the president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Special bond with Khilafat Aslam Javaid Sahib relates that “If there is Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023

11

Digital deception and the Israel-Palestine conflict Asif Munir, Missionary New Zealand

The Israel-Palestine conflict extends beyond the physical realm, where innocent lives are being lost, into the digital sphere where misinformation and unfounded rumours are being disseminated far and wide without any verification.

It’s unfortunate and extremely disheartening to witness masses of people blindly accepting unverified claims, causing a dangerous influx of fake news and disinformation being circulated widely.

At times, this can even result in victims of a situation being portrayed as the perpetrators.

This has led to much confusion amongst the public – in a survey conducted in 2016, it was found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults say fabricated news stories cause a great deal of confusion about the basic facts of current issues and events. (www. pewresearch.org/journalism/2016/12/15/ many-americans-believe-fake-news-issowing-confusion/) Social media and mainstream media play a significant role in displaying the dynamics of this conflict. Countless images and videos flood these platforms every single day, where consumers often accept the content to be truthful at face value, creating a challenging environment to distinguish truth from falsehood.

Images are being shared all over the internet to illustrate the severity of the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, it has come to light that many times the identity of the people in the picture has been wrong; for example, pictures of Palestinian children have been captioned as Israeli children, and so on.

Addressing this issue, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated the following in the last Friday Sermon: “Now, all the major powers, or Western

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one thing that I saw in Akmal Sahib’s life, it is that he had much love for Khilafat.”

(Interview, Aslam Javaid, Life of Abdul Hakim Akmal, 28 April 2019) Akmal Sahib was blessed that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited the Netherlands during his service there. Akmal Sahib had the honour of being the private secretary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh from 1971 to 1972. (History of Jamaat Netherlands, Saeed Ahmad Jatt, p.

108) One incident is that when the Jamaat was informed about the migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh from Pakistan to the United Kingdom, Ataul Mujeeb Rashed

powers, have put justice aside and are uniting to inflict cruelty upon Palestinians and there is talk of armies being sent from all directions.

“Images of the oppressed are shown to depict the injustices being perpetrated, and false reports are shown in the media. One day, there will be news about the condition of Israeli women and children and their dire circumstances. The next day, it turns out that they were not Israelis but, in fact, Palestinians. Yet the media does not take any accountability for this, and there is sympathy expressed for them.

“These people simply follow whoever has power. They will succumb to anyone who has worldly means.” (Friday Sermon, 13 October 2023) Such dissemination of false information and propaganda has been the cause of animosity and rancour brewing in the hearts of some. In America, a 6-year-old Palestinian child was stabbed to death by an Islamophobe as a direct result of media consumption of the Israel-Palestine conflict. (www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/15/ palestinian-american-boy-stabbed-to-deathin-gaza-war-related-killing-in-us) This is the reason why Islam offers a profound teaching to dispel falsehood altogether. God Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

ُ َ ۤ ُ َ َ ۢ َ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ ۤ�‫ۤ َ � َ �ّ ۡ َ ٰ َ ُ ۤۡو‬ ‫ُت ِ​ِص ۡ​ۡی ُ​ُبۡوۡا‬ ‫َا ۡ​ۡن‬ ‫َف َ​َت َ​َب �َّیُّنۤۡو�ا‬ ‫اِس �ٌۢق ِ​ِبَن َ​َب ٍ​ٍا‬ ِ ‫َف‬ ‫َجآَءُکۡم‬ ‫ِاۡن‬ ِ ‫ٰاَمُن ا‬ ‫ٰۤیَاُّیَّہا اَّل ِ​ِذۡیَن‬ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ َ َ ۢ �‫َ ًۡۢم‬ َ‫ٰنِدِمۡیَۡن‬ ٰ ‫َف َ​َع ۡ​ۡل ُ​ُت ۡ​ۡم‬ ‫ا‬ ‫َم‬ ‫َعٰلی‬ ‫َفُتۡص ِ​ِبُحۡوا‬ ‫َقۡو ا ِ​ِبَجَہاَل ٍ​ٍۃ‬ ِ ِ

“O ye who believe! If an unrighteous person brings you any news, ascertain the correctness of the report fully, lest you harm a people in ignorance, and then become repentant for what you have done.” (Surah al-Hujurat, Ch.49:V. 7) God Almighty lays importance on verifying information before accepting it.

Also, extra caution should be exercised when receiving information from an unrighteous

Sahib telephoned Akmal Sahib, then missionary in-charge, Holland, and gave detailed instructions as to how Huzoorrh was to be received in the Netherlands and that the information of his arrival was to be communicated immediately to London.

(The Review of Religions, Migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, May 2007, p.

33) Akmal Sahib had the blessed opportunity to be the first person to receive Huzoorrh for his temporary stay at the airport and spend some time with him.

Later, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited the Netherlands, he always showed his love to Akmal Sahib. Huzoorrh would also often have informal sessions with the Jamaat members, whereby they would go for bicycle rides and share stories in a very friendly manner, sitting in a park, like family

or untrustworthy source. In this context, an ‘unrighteous person’ could refer to someone with a questionable character or someone known for spreading rumours. The verse serves as a reminder that unverified information can lead to harm.

An unverified report claiming that 40 Israeli babies were beheaded began circulating on social media to highlight the horrors of the ongoing conflict.

However, it’s crucial to emphasise that, as of today (18 October), this report remains unconfirmed (www.nbcnews.com/tech/ internet/unverified-allegations-beheadedbabies-israel-hamas-war-inflame-socialrcna119902) The journalist who initially reported this story later retracted her claim on the social media platform X, but unfortunately, the damage was done. Her initial account managed to sway mainstream news outlets, including the Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, and the Daily Express. (https://x.com/beltrew/status/17120230 42560291083?s=48&t=12mMkK7etDbOPWj7wsbKGw) In a similar manner, the BBC hastily labelled all those who participated in a pro-Palestine march as Hamas supporters without substantial evidence. Subsequently, the BBC retracted their statements, revealing a lapse in professionalism when reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

This type of unverified information only adds fuel to the fire. Many social media users, driven by emotions and often lacking proper verification, may be affected by such news. This, in turn, contributes to an atmosphere of increased hatred and animosity. Innocent people may become targets, just like the tragic incident of a 6-year-old boy in America.

The Holy Prophetsa taught us:

َ َ ْ َ​َ ُ َ َ ‫َكَفى ِ​ِباْل َ​َم ْ​ْر ِ​ِء َك ِ​ِذ ً​ًبا َأ ْ​ْن ُيُ َ​َح �ّ​ِّدَث ِ​ِبُك ّ �ِّل َ​َما َ​َس ِ​ِمَع‬

everything he hears.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 6) This serves as a reminder that speaking without sound knowledge of a situation can also lead to the spread of falsehoods, gossip and rumours. The Holy Prophetsa encouraged mindfulness in speech and the importance of verifying any piece of information before sharing it.

We find a powerful incident from the life of the Holy Prophetsa which really highlights the dangers of rumours and hearsay. The companions who had migrated to Abyssinia made the decision to leave the country and return to Mecca after hearing a false rumour that the Quraysh had embraced Islam. Upon their return, they faced severe persecution.

Hazrat Abu Masoodra was once asked, “What did you hear the Messenger of Allahsa state about saying the phrase ‘they say…’?” He said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah say, ‘How bad it is for a man to keep saying, ‘they say…’” (Al-Silsilah alSaheeha, Hadith 866) The hadith teaches us to be vigilant in passing news that we hear from others.

Without thorough verification, it can be the cause of confusion, division, and consequences. In the sensitive context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, it is imperative to exercise the utmost care when sharing news lacking substantial evidence and to avoid relying solely on hearsay.

The Holy Prophetsa wisely reminded us in hadith 5975 of Sahih al-Bukhari that God Almighty does not like gossiping or idle talk, and this advice is extremely vital in the situation we find ourselves in today, where the loss of thousands of innocent lives is a tragic reality. Therefore, it is essential to approach this matter with empathy and sympathy for all those affected, and also with critical fact-checking.

“It is enough of a lie for a man to narrate

members.

Demise Akmal Sahib passed away on 10 May 2000.

When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was informed of the demise of Akmal Sahib, he wrote the following to Masooda Begum Sahiba, the wife of Akmal Sahib: “The news regarding the demise of dear Abdul Hakim Akmal is very sorrowful, inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji‘un. May Allah descend His mercy upon him and grant him a place among the most esteemed people.

The deceased was very just and a sincere life-devotee. He has served for a long time in the Jamaat Netherlands. He has also brought up his children in a just manner.

On this occasion, I would like to convey my condolences to the children. It is my prayer

that they may be able to keep alive the work of their father, and may Allah grant them patience.” (In the memory of Abdul Hakim Akmal, a biography by Shoaib Akmal, 9 December 2005) On 12 May, his funeral prayer was offered at the Mobarak Mosque in The Hague, where many Jamaat members expressed their love for Akmal Sahib. Then, on 13 May, his funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, who later was elected as Khalifatul Masih Vaa. On 16 June 2000, his funeral prayer in absentia was also led

by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in London.

The body of Akmal Sahib was transported to Rabwah, Pakistan, where he was buried in Bahishti Maqbarah. (In the memory of Abdul Hakim Akmal, a biography by Shoaib Akmal, 9 December 2005)

Friday 20 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

12

Observatory images of eclipses of the time of Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi Dr Bilal Rana Houston, Texas, USA

On Saturday 14 October 2023, I witnessed a solar eclipse in my hometown. When it reached its maximum, the day grew dark, the birds fell silent, and the temperature noticeably dropped.

Eclipse (14 October 2023) casts shadows of the solar crescent | Image courtesy of author

Celestial signs, including moon splitting, comets, meteor showers and eclipses, are recorded and prophesied in religious history and texts. While these often astound the masses with awe, a believer understands that grand events in nature only point to the greatness of their Creator.

One of the prophecies made by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa concerning the arrival of Imam Mahdi stated that during Ramadan, a lunar eclipse would occur on the earliest of the three potential nights (13th, 14th and 15th) of the lunar eclipse,

Photo of the solar eclipse in Houston, Texas (14 October 2023) | Image courtesy of author

specifically the 13th; and a solar eclipse would transpire on the central day of the three possible days (27th, 28th and 29th) of the solar eclipse, being the 28th. The prophecy reads as follows: “For our Mahdi, there are two signs that have never appeared before since the creation of the heavens and the earth, namely that the moon will be eclipsed on the first night in Ramadan [i.e., on the first of the nights on which a lunar eclipse can occur] and the sun will be eclipsed on the middle day [i.e., on the middle one of the days on which a solar eclipse can occur].

And these signs have not appeared since God created the heavens and the earth.”

(Sunan al-Daraqutni, Kitab al-‘idayn) These significant celestial signs came to pass in 1894 in the Eastern Hemisphere, and in 1895, the same divine signs were evident in the Western Hemisphere. In this manner, God manifested His extraordinary signs in support of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, peace be upon him.

Hence, as people from all over flock to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, I would rather be searching for images of these eclipses from 1894 and 1895, and I have been doing so for the last few years. By Allah’s sheer grace, I’ve managed to locate two images of these remarkable eclipses by contacting observatories across the world. Of the signs of the Imam Mahdi, some scholars are of the opinion that the eclipses are among the most powerful of all signs. Hence, I wish to share them through this article in hopes that it will inspire people to believe and accept the reality of signs and provide evidence of the truthfulness of the claims of the Promised Messiahas.

The first is a partial image of the solar eclipse of 10 March 1895, captured at Kenwood Observatory in Chicago by

Image of coronal flares burst off the edge of the solar eclipse, 10 March 1895, Kenwood Observatory, by George Ellery Hale. | Courtesy of “The Effect of a Total Eclipse of the Sun on the Visibility of the Solar Prominences”, Astrophysical Journal, Col. 3, p. 374, Hale, G.E.

astronomer George Ellery Hale.

The image below is that of the solar eclipse that occurred in the Western Hemisphere on 26 March 1895.

Image of the moon just beginning to eclipse in its lower left quadrant, depicted by French astronomer and illustrator Lucien Rudaux in his private observatory in Northwestern France on 26 March 1895, published in L’Astronomie. | Courtesy of Société Astronomique de France

Additionally, written descriptions of the solar eclipse of 6 April 1894, which occurred the year prior in the Eastern Hemisphere and was seen both in Mecca and Qadian, have also been uncovered, most notably by Norwegian explorer, scientist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Fridtjof Nansen.

In his book, The Farthest North, he describes the event in the following manner: “Friday, April 6th. A remarkable event was to take place to-day which, naturally, we all looked forward to with lively interest. It was an eclipse of the sun. During the night Hansen had made a calculation that the eclipse would begin at 12.56 o’clock. It was important for us to be able to get a good observation, as we should thus be [432]able

to regulate our chronometers to a nicety. In order to make everything sure, we set up our instruments a couple of hours beforehand,

Lucien Rudaux | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

and commenced to observe. We used the large telescope and our large theodolite.

Hansen, Johansen, and myself took it by turns to sit for five minutes each at the instruments, watching the rim of the sun, as we expected a shadow would become visible on its lower western edge, while another stood by with the watch. We remained thus full two hours without anything occurring.

The exciting moment was now at hand, when, according to calculation, the shadow should first be apparent. Hansen was sitting by the large telescope when he thought he could discern a quivering in the sun’s rim; 33 seconds afterwards he cried out, ‘Now!’ as did Johansen simultaneously. The watch was then at 12 hrs. 56 min. 7.5 sec. A dark body advanced over the border of the sun 7½ seconds later than we had calculated

Kenwood Observatory, Chicago, United States, where the solar eclipse image was captured on 10 March 1895. | Courtesy of Yerkes Observatory, University of Chicago, courtesy of AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Yerkes Observatory Collection

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George Ellery Hale, a famed astronomer, who captured the solar eclipse. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023

13

Lajna Imaillah Sri Lanka holds annual ijtema 2023

Ahmadi youth donate blood in Riga, Latvia

A. Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

Nasirat-ul-Ahmadiyya and Lajna Imaillah Sri Lanka held their ijtema on 16 and 24 September 2023, respectively, at the Fazl Mosque, Negombo.

The Nasirat Ijtema included academic competitions and a documentary on the “Existence of God”.

Lajna Imaillah Sri Lanka held its ijtema on 24 September, which started with flag hoisting by Sadr Lajna Imaillah Sri Lanka, followed by a silent prayer led by the National President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka, S. Nizam Khan Sahib.

The National President delivered a short speech on the importance of remembering Allah’s favours and Lajna’s responsibility towards this. The Lajna Imaillah Centenary Souvenir was also launched.

The main event started with the recitation

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on. It was an immense satisfaction for us all, especially for Hansen, for it proved our chronometers to be in excellent order.

Little by little the sunlight sensibly faded away, while we went below to dinner. At 2 o’clock the eclipse was at its height, and we could notice even down in the saloon how the daylight had diminished. After dinner we observed the moment when the eclipse ended, and the moon’s dark disk cleared the rim of the sun.” (Farthest North by Fridtjof Nansen, Vol. 1, New York and London, Harper & Brothers Publishers) God Almighty gave us a digital timestamp, marking the exact occurrence of this event. In many world religions, this is a sign of the ‘End Times’. They prophecy that eclipses will accompany the advent of the latter-day Second Coming. For Christianity, we read, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and

Marghoob Ahmad Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Latvia Photo courtesy of AMJ Sri Lanka

from the Holy Quran with translations in Tamil, Sinhala, English and Urdu. The Lajna pledge was read out by Sadr Lajna Imaillah Sri Lanka, followed by a welcome address.

This was followed by academic competitions.

A documentary was shown on “The Revival of Islam and the Contribution of Women.”

After the prize distribution ceremony, the programme ended with a silent prayer led by Sadr Lajna Imaillah Sri Lanka.

346 Lajna members, 82 nasirat and 82 children attended the ijtema.

the moon shall not give her light.” (Matthew 24:29). And in Islam, “And the moon is eclipsed. And the sun and the moon are brought together” (Quran, Ch.75: V.9-10).

We also find similar prophecies in other religions. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa prophesied that the moon and sun would be eclipsed in the holy month of Ramadan as a sign of the Imam Mahdi, as mentioned above.

“O my dears, the man who was to come, has already come. Even the sun and the moon have disclosed this secret to you.” (Zamimah Tohfa-e-Golarviyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, pp. 70-80)

Acknowledgements: Dr. Wayne Osborn, Yerkes Observatory, Wisconsin, for assistance in locating images of the solar eclipse of 10 March 1895 and Maria Culrin, Société Astronomique de France, for assistance in locating the images of the eclipse of 26 March 1895

Fridtjof Nansen and fellow scientists, photographed while documenting the solar eclipse of 6 April 1894, published in the book The Farthest North.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Latvia organised its first blood donation programme in Riga, the capital of Latvia, on 19 September 2023. Jazib Ahmad Shahid Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Latvia, and Khaqan Ahmad Saim Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Latvia, visited the State Blood Donation Centre in Riga, where they discussed with the centre’s administration the Ahmadiyya Community’s intention to donate blood for the local people. The administrative staff of the Blood Donation Centre expressed happiness and welcomed the initiative, stating that we could visit any day for the donation.

After consultation, 19 September 2023 was chosen as the day for the blood donation.

Eight members of the Jamaat participated. Four individuals donated blood after initial tests and other necessary procedures.

In Latvia, blood donors receive compensation from the government.

However, when the members of the Jamaat were asked for their bank account details for compensation, they clarified that they did not want any payment. Their sole purpose was to donate blood for the pleasure of Allah and to alleviate the suffering of humanity.

The staff were pleased with this response, appreciating the Jamaat’s selfless dedication.

At the end of the programme, a group photo was taken with the staff of the Blood Donation Centre, capturing the memorable occasion. Furthermore, Jamaat’s literature in the Latvian language, along with pens engraved with the message of Love for All, Hatred for None were presented as gifts. The staff at the centre gladly accepted these gifts.

Refreshments were also offered to the blood donors after the programme.

Photo courtesy of AMJ Latvia

Waqf-e-Nau ijtemas held in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

On 16-17 September 2023, ijtemas of Waqifaat-e-Nau and Waqifeen-e-Nau were held at the Baitul Islam Mosque Complex, Canada. This year’s theme was “Rabbi Zidni ‘Ilma”. Accordingly, all presentations and activities revolved around this focal point to draw the attention of all participants and encourage them to excel in their pursuit of knowledge and education.

The opening session of the Waqifaat-eNau ijtema had two special presentations, explaining Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa instructions about waqifaat choosing medicine or teaching as their preferred profession.

Dr Maryam Farhan Sahiba started with Huzoor’saa message from the UK Waqifaate-Nau ijtema 2018 for waqifaat to come forward in medicine and explained the importance and need of choosing medicine as a waqifa-e-nau. Sobia Iqbal Sahiba, a waqifa-e-nau teacher at the Ahmadiyya Elementary School in Mississauga, Canada, and Mona Dard Sahiba, a local teacher for almost 20 years, highlighted the importance of waqifaat as qualified teachers.

A special mothers’ session was arranged for the benefit of the mothers of Waqf-

e-Nau members. Almost 400 mothers attended. Presentations were made on avoiding vain pursuits and practical ageappropriate tips for raising Waqf-e-Nau children.

The Waqifeen-e-Nau ijtema’s opening session was presided over by Amir Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib. Basil Raza Butt Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau Canada, delivered the opening remarks. Amir Jamaat Canada delivered an address afterwards.

Waqifeen were divided into several groups based on their school year or grade.

This allowed for more focused and targeted programming tailored to each grade level.

There were also groups dedicated to postsecondary students as well as professionals already working in the field.

There was a wide array of activities on a wide variety of topics, including Quranic literacy, financial literacy, peer pressure, and other contemporary challenges.

Special sessions were held for parents on how to talk to their children, challenges with social media, and the responsibilities of parents.

The total attendance of these two ijtemas was 2,300, including around 530 waqifeen-e-nau, around 850 waqifaat-enau, and around 920 parents and guests.

Friday 20 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

14

100 Eid in London and Ahmadi missionaries

Years in Wheeling, Williamson and Logan Ago...

The Moslem Sunrise, October 1923

Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Dinra (1881-1983)

Muslim missionary in Wheeling “Wheeling folks seeing a bearded man on the streets yesterday and today, wearing a green turban, were wont to look upon him as a member of some new side degree of the Pythians, hordes of whom are now overrunning the city. But such is not the case. The green-turbaned stranger is the real article – none other than Mufti Muhammad Sadiq of Quadian, Punjab, India, a Moslem missionary of the Ahmadi movement in Islam.

“Dr Sadiq is calling on local Mohammedans [Muslims] and will leave shortly for Chicago, where he is making his headquarters while in this country.

“The Ahmadi movement, according to Dr Sadiq, accepts the prophet Mirza Ghulam Ahmad[as] of Quadian, as the Promised Messiah. He has passed away, and the present head of the movement is Mahmud Ahmad[ra], who has his headquarters in Quadian. There are two missionaries in this country. “‘The Moslems, or Mohammedans as they are called, in America,’ said Dr Sadiq, ‘believe in one God, just one, who has no father nor son.’ Mohammed[sa] was a man and messenger of Allah, the Arabic word for God. They believe in all the prophets of God. Noah[as], Abraham[as], Moses[as].

They consider [Jesusas] Christ one of these prophets.

“The Quran is the Mohammedan Bible, the final book of Sacred law given to humanity through revelations to the master, Mohammed[sa]. ‘Islam,’ Dr Sadiq contends, ‘was never spread by the sword. The battles fought by Mohammed[sa] were all defensive.

All Turks are not Moslems and all Moslems are not Turks. The Moslems are Arabians, Syrians, Palestinians, Kurds, Beluchis, Hindus, Malayas, Chinese, Egyptians, Tripolitans, Javanese, Algerians, Tunisians, Moroccans and Somalis [etc.]. Turks are in the minority. Their fighting with Armenians has been political, nothing more. Stories brought here are badly warped.’

“Dr Sadiq speaks English fluently and knows seven languages. He has the degree of Doctor from several universities and has worked for his faith in this country for about three years, securing 700 converts to Islam.

He has a permanent mission and a mosque at Chicago and edits the quarterly Oriental Magazine, ‘The Moslem Sunrise.’” (Wheeling Daily News, West Virginia, 9 August 1923)

Muslim visitor in Williamson “Williamson is entertaining a distinguished visitor in the person of Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, Moslem missionary and editor of Moslem Sunrise, who is here for a time. Dr

Sadiq will be glad to give interviews to those who are interested in Eastern religions and Oriental subjects, of whom there are many in this city. He is the guest while here, of M Madlom, and will be at home to visitors at the store of M Madlom-Shaheen Company, on Second Avenue.

“Dr Sadiq is a man of high culture, broadly traveled, and having had a wide and vivid experience of life in many lands is a most interesting personage.”

Muslim minister in Logan “Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, the Moslem Missionary of Ahmadia movement of India is visiting Logan and staying at the Aracoma Hotel will be glad to give interviews to those who are interested in the Eastern Religions and Oriental Subjects.”

Poem by new convert Allah, Allah, Allah! Oh, Protect and bless us Waking, sleeping, journeying, wherever we may be.

Only Thou, O Allah, can keep us from wrongdoing: Heal the sick, cure the lame, make the blind to see.

Allah, Allah, Allah! All the world adores Thee.

Thou wilt lift our burdens. Thou can’st give us peace.

Thy Word shall be established, victory manifested, Bow the knee to Allah. His mercy shall not cease.

Allah, Allah, Allah! He is Omnipotent.

The hour approaches, His power it shall be known.

Lo, He sent a “Warner” and the world rejected,

But Allah doth accept and bless the seed that’s sown.

Allah, Allah, Allah! Show Thy signs around us, Flash Thy light that all may see the wonders of Thy love.

Multiply the faithful. Give them of Thy knowledge, Lead them to the pastures of Thy home above.

By E Maulding

Divine love [Poem of the Promised Messiahas: An Interpretative rendering into English by the new convert, Miss Dorothy Taher Siddika] How evident is the splendour Of that source of Light so nigh, And the whole world has become One great mirror for the eye.

The sight of the moon last night Unnerved me as it shone from above.

For it betokened something Of the beauty of my Love.

My heart is bubbling over With that Blooming Beauty, Mention not to me Any Helen or a Cleopatra beauty.

On all sides my Dear Thy lustre is visible in every race.

Whichsoever way we look We see the way to Thy Face.

Thy waves are plainly visible In the fountain of the sun.

Every star is redolent with Thy Light If ignorance we would shun.

Salt hast Thou sprinkled on the souls With Thy own hands – Why do the distracted lovers

Make so much noise throughout the land.

The atoms with wonderous properties Were created by Thee; Who can read through the whole volume Of these secrets as they flee?

None can fathom the limit of Thy Power Upon this plane; Who can unravel this tangled, mysterious skein?

The mellowness of a beautiful face is due To Thy sweetness, which Thou hast imparted, Every rose bed is but a reflection Of Thy rose garden.

The dreamy looks of every sweet soul Reveal Thee.

Every curling lock only points Its hand to Thee.

The blinded eyes have been shut off By many a barrier.

Else faithful and infidel Would be Thy message carrier.

Thy sweet looks my Love Are a sharp dagger Which severs all ties With the stranger who staggers.

To meet Thee we have reduced ourselves To the dust of the nation, That relief we may find For this pang of separation.

Not a moment can I feel at ease Without Thee, As the heart of a patient sinks So, my life ebbs from me.

What noise is this in Thy alley?

Haste Thee and hear.

Lest some love distracted Put an end to his life in fear.

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Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana hosts ‘Writing for Al Hakam’ workshop

<< Continued from previous page

Religion of peace: Islam, not Muhammadanism [In its issue of April 1923], the “Peace Number” of the “Theosophical Path” [magazine] includes among other things an appreciative notice of Islam under the heading of “Science and Early Muhammedanism”. The perusal of the “Peace Number” has impelled me [Hazrat Muhammad Dinra BA] to write a note on Islam in so far as its message is concerned with peace, its promotion and establishment.

I have preferred the name of “Islam” to “Muhammadanism” because this is the name that the Holy Quran, the sacred book of Islam, gives to the system of religion taught by it. The words “Muhammadan” and “Muhammadanism” are given to us by those who would not understand us. We call ourselves Muslims and our religion Islam, and these are the names given to us in our revealed word of God. Says the Holy Quran, “Verily the religion with God is Islam.” In another place it says, “And I have chosen for you Al-Islam as a religion.” The believers in this faith have been called Muslims, vide the verse, “And He named You Muslims.”

We don’t worship Muhammad[sa], neither any other man. We worship one God alone and we regard Muhammad[sa] as no more than His prophet. We are asked to pray for him just as we would pray for any

of Lajna Imaillah held in Ireland Shahzad Malik Ireland Correspondent

Jazib Mehmood Student Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya at Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana held its monthly meeting on 5 October 2023. During this meeting, the Ishaat department held a special programme titled “Writing for Al Hakam: Taking the First Steps.”

This programme was initiated with the intention of drawing students’ attention to the newspapers and magazines of the Jamaat, increasing their scope of reading and gaining knowledge, and encouraging them to polish their writing skills.

In the beginning, a short history of Al Hakam was presented, and the current global nature of the newspaper was also highlighted.

During this presentation, the speakers mentioned why it is important for students to nurture their writing skills and how this could help them after they have left Jamia when they send reports of their work in the field.

They were told that it is important to present the true teachings of Islam

14th annual ijtema

Photo courtesy of Jamia Ghana

Ahmadiyyat to the world and offer solutions to all the problems plaguing society today. We are fortunate to have the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, who has provided apt guidance for such problems.

Thus, students were told to give special regard to reading the addresses of Huzooraa, delivered on various occasions, and extracting important points. Students were reminded of Huzoor’saa special attention to Al Hakam, and how Huzooraa has consistently advised Jamia students to read widely and understand the solutions to the issues present in our society today.

Attention was drawn to this year’s

convocation at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK where Huzooraa mentioned how students and missionaries should read non-Jamaati books and use them to present parallels between the teachings of Islam and new scientific research.

Students were also given a brief outline on how they could choose topics, how they could frame their articles, and how they ought to avoid using longwinded sentences and complicated words.

Interested students were also given a book titled On Writing Well by William Zinsser to help them improve their writing skills.

A short question and answer session was also held after the presentation.

other man. It is not a question of stickling in words; it is a matter of principle, for our religion requires of us the avoidance of every association with idolatry. Yet among other misrepresentations against Islam, it is this bogus and fictitious name that has been fastened upon us.

Islam is pre-eminently the religion of peace. The very name is significant – in fact the word Islam indicates the very essence of the religious system known by that name.

It comes from the root silm which means “peace” and the primary significance of the word Islam is “Peace with God and peace with man.” I think I am justified if I say that of all the religions of the world Islam alone is the one that proclaims this peace mission in its literal implication.

According to the Holy Quran, a Muslim is one who has made his peace with God. And as a Muslim, is at perfect peace, he enjoys peace of mind and contentment. “Peace” is the greeting of a Muslim to another and “Peace” shall also be the greeting of those in paradise. Nay, in the paradise which Islam depicts, shall no word be heard but “Peace, Peace,” says the Holy Word, “They shall hear therein no vain words or sinful discourse, but they shall hear the only words, peace, peace” (Ch.19: V.63). As-Salaam, i.e., the “Author of Peace” is the name of God in the Quran (Ch.59: V.24), and the goal to which Islam leads is Dar-us-Salaam, i.e., “the abode of peace” as is said in the chapter 10 (V. 25). Peace is therefore the dominant note

and essence of Islam, peace being the root from which it springs and the fruit it yields.

In former times, wars were waged under the cloak of religion, while even now another religion called enlightenment, progress, and civilisation is being pushed through by forceful methods. Such a thing was denounced and forbidden in clear and unmistakable terms, for says the Holy Quran, “There is no compulsion in religion.”

Nay, we are enjoined “to strive hard to remove all the disturbing elements and to establish freedom of worship and freedom of conscience so that everyone may worship God according to his own way.” The Prophet Muhammad[sa] says that “a Muslim is one from whose hands, tongue, and thoughts others are free.” And if anybody has the temerity to break the peace then a Muslim’s duty is to bring about such a strong moral pressure against him as to make him quit his waywardness, but if this remedy fails then the culprit must be forced to give up his violent methods.

By Muhammad Din. […]

East meets West in London suburb “A quiet garden in a prosaic London suburb provided the setting yesterday for a scene more in keeping with the colour and heat of a street in Bombay or Madras than the grey skies and brick-and-mortar background in which it was staged.

“Black, white, and olive skins; natives of Southern India, [… Africans] from

Lajna Imaillah Ireland held its 14th annual ijtema on 30 September 2023, at St. Finian’s Community Hall, Newcastle, in Dublin. The ijtema was attended by 67 Lajna members and 14 nasirat members from all over Ireland.

The ijtema proceedings began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Lajna pledge and a poem. After this, Secretary Talim Lajna Imaillah Ireland read out a comprehensive report summarising the previous year’s activities, and the competitions commenced thereafter.

As we are celebrating 100 years of Lajna Imaillah all over the globe, Lajna from each region designed exhibition tables commemorating this remarkable achievement, adorning their displays with model mosques, providing information regarding all the milestones Lajna Imaillah has attained, and more. This was followed by academic competitions and a prize distribution ceremony. During the concluding session, Sadr Lajna Imaillah Ireland addressed the attendees and spoke about the importance of attending Jamaat gatherings.

the swamps of West Africa, Afghans from beyond the Khyber Pass, impassive Egyptians, brown-eyed Italians from the Mediterranean, Englishwomen, wearing costly furs, were among the crowd gathered together in honour of the Id el-Fitr, the Moslem Feast, which was celebrated at the Mosque in Southfields.

“After the service and sermon in the morning the Id was celebrated by those present embracing each other in the manner characteristic of the East.

“The Imam, a picturesque figure with a half-black beard tinged slightly with grey, and wearing a black and white pagri [turban], welcomed his flock with Eastern enthusiasm.

Prayers on the Lawn “A number of praying mats were laid on the lawn in the garden, and at intervals during the day the Imam conducted services, reading passages from the Koran, chanting prayers in Arabic, and delivering his sermon in English.

“During the past 30 days Mohammedans [i.e., Muslims] have been keeping the Fast of Ramadan, and the festival marks the breaking of the fast.” (Westminster Gazette, 19 May 1923) (Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Moslem Sunrise, October 1923)

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Historical analysis of Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya agitation – Part 3 Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

Ahmadiyyat continued to progress Despite severe opposition from the Ahrar, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya continued to flourish and marched towards its objective — propagating the message of Islam to all corners of the world.

Arjun Singh, editor of the newspaper Rangeen, states: “Upon reading the Ahmadi newspapers, one finds that since the time Majlis-e-Ahrar has raised the alam-e-jihad [opposition] against Ahmadiyyat, the Ahmadi Jamaat is progressing with each passing day. Hence, their financial condition is better than before, their institutions are functioning with greater fervour, and not a day goes by without five to ten individuals from the [non-Ahmadi] Muslims joining Jamaat-eAhmadiyya. We have come to know from some credible Ahmadis that they consider the Ahrar movement to be very beneficial for the progress of their Jamaat. Therefore, it is their claim that Ahrar could never succeed in effacing Ahmadiyyat. But rather, they believe that as long as the Ahrar continue their efforts to destroy Ahmadiyyat, harm and persecute them, the more will be the progress of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.” (Sair-eQadian, Sardar Press, Amritsar, pp. 29-30)

Ahrar and KL Gauba Mr KL Gauba, also known as Kanhaiya Lal Gauba or Khalid Latif Gauba, son of Lala Harkishen Lal, converted to Islam in 1933.

He was a politician and member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from a Muslim constituency.

As far as his connections with the Ahrar are concerned, it is evident from the fact that in the 1934 general elections, KL Gauba contested the election as an Ahrar nominee.

(Tarikh-e-Ahrar, p. 198; Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 2, pp. 94-95)

Mr Gauba’s anti-Ahmadiyya stance emerged openly when he raised false allegations against the Promised Messiahas and stated that, God forbid, he had disrespected the non-Ahmadi Muslims by using abusive language. He proposed to put the question in the Assembly whether the government was aware that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has, God-forbid, used “abusive” language against the non-Ahmadi Muslims. Mr Gauba’s false allegation was refuted in detail in the March 1935 issue of The Review of Religions.

Mr Gauba once said, “If the Government genuinely wants Muslim friendship, it must remove the sources of irritation; it must give up its support of the Qadianis. [...] However great the task which the Ahrar party has set itself, it has been achieved, Kashmir Kapurthala, Alwar and now Qadian are milestones in its march of triumph. Its

The Civil and Military Gazette, 16 May 1935

successes lie in the causes that it champions.

It is the party of the Muslim masses and the masses regard it as their own.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 16 May 1935, p. 7)

Ahrar Conference in Lyallpur On 29 June 1935, an Ahrar Conference was held in Lyallpur [now Faisalabad], where a resolution was passed demanding the showing of Ahmadis “as a section separate from Muslims.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 2 July 1935, p. 13)

Attack on Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra On 8 July 1935, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmadra, son of the Promised Messiahas, was attacked in accordance with

a vicious plan by Ahrar. It was around 6 pm when he set off from his office on his bicycle for his residence that someone attacked him with a long and sharp club three times.

Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra courageously blocked this sudden assault with sharp reflexes.

Accepting the responsibility for such a vile act, the official historian of Ahrar, Janbaz Mirza, states under the heading “Ahrar ki Anokhi Jasarat”: “In those days, Master Tajuddin Ansari was in in-charge of the Ahrar office in Qadian,” and he “formulated a plan.

Accordingly, he prepared a youngster, Muhammad Hanif, who was the son of the beggars. He was given the responsibility to publicly beat Sharif Ahmad[ra], the brother of Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud[ra], Khalifa

Sair-e-Qadian, pp. 29-31

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023

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situation with close attention?”

Mr Butler responded, “I can certainly give the hon. member that assurance. The Government of the Punjab have been giving the matter very serious consideration.”

Then, Mr William MacColin Kirkpatrick of Conservative Party asked, “Is it not a fact that the two parts referred to are not Hindu and Moslem but are both Moslem?”

Mr Butler replied, “They are both Moslem.” (Hansard, HC Deb, 2 August 1935, Vol. 304, cc. 2982-3, https://api.parliament. uk)

Shahidganj Mosque and Ahrar

The Civil and Military Gazette, 22 September 1935

of Qadian, and then to run away from the scene.” (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 2, Maktaba Tabsarah Lahore, 1977, pp. 311-312)

Ahmadiyya-Ahrar situation discussed in the British Parliament On 2 August 1935, the AhmadiyyaAhrar situation came under discussion in the House of Commons of the British Parliament.

Mr C Emmott from the Conservative Party asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, “Whether he is aware that grave and increasing unrest is being produced among the Ahmadiyya community at Qadian by the hostile activities of the Ahrar, and that these activities have assumed an aggravated form since October of last year; and whether he intends to take any measures to prevent their continuance?”

Mr Butler, the Under-Secretary of State for India, responded, “I am aware that there has been serious tension between the Ahmadis and Ahrars at Qadian since last autumn, which still unfortunately continues.

The Government of the Punjab are keeping a close watch on the situation.”

Mr Emmott asked, “Will my hon. friend give an assurance that the Government of the Punjab will continue to watch this

In the 17th century, during the Mughal rule in India, a mosque was built in Lahore, known as “Abdullah Khan Mosque”, later named the “Shahidganj Mosque”. Due to the historical background of its location, this mosque remained a cause of controversy between the Sikh and Muslim communities.

On 8 July 1935, the Mosque was demolished by some members of the Sikh Community.

This created a new wave of Sikh-Muslim disturbances. (The Civil and Military Gazette, 9 July 1935, p. 1) Ahrar showed great passion at the beginning of this dispute and initiated civil disobedience, though their leaders had divided opinions on this movement.

The Ahrar were intensifying their violent acts in relation to this issue, and the then Governor of Punjab, Sir Herbert William Emerson, mentioned it to the then Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, stating that “the Ahrars do not appear to have secured much Muslim sympathy, as it is generally recognised that their action has been inspired entirely by political motives.”

(Punjab Politics, 1936-1939: The Start of Provincial Autonomy [Governor’s Fortnightly Reports and other Key Documents], Lionel Carter (ed.), Manohar, 2004, p. 154) Thereafter, the Ahrar ceased their violent movement and claimed that this was in fact a conspiracy by Ahmadis against the Ahrar to damage them politically. Mentioning this, the Governor of Punjab wrote to the Viceroy, on 19 October 1936, and stated: “The Ahrars had found a popular platform; they were entirely unscrupulous in making the best use of it; and by raising the cry of ‘Danger to Islam’ they were fast increasing their strength. Then came the Shahidganj incident. The Ahrars, believing that the Ahmadis were at the back of it, refused at a critical time to take the popular Muslim side. They lost a great deal of their influence and have not yet fully recovered the ground that was lost. But they have recovered a great deal of it, and because of their antagonism to the Ahmadia community, they gain more sympathy and support on this account than their merits deserve. They are anti-Government and have flirted with Congress from time to time. They have no outstanding leaders of position, but have several good mob orators and their Party is fairly well organised.”

(Ibid, p. 51) Two years later, the then Governor of Punjab Sir Henry Duffield Craik wrote to the then Viceroy of India Lord Linlithgow, on 10 May 1938, and stated: “The Ahrar party has now announced its decision of abandoning civil disobedience, but unfortunately Maulana Zafar Ali Khan’s rival party, the Ittihad-i-Millat, has decided to continue the process, their decision being

based, in the words of their resolution, on ‘the irreconcilable attitude adopted by the Akalis and Master Tara Singh and the wayward policy of the Majlis-i-Ahrar.’”

(Ibid, p. 212)

Ahmadiyya response on Shahidganj Mosque issue As far as the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya’s response is concerned, The Civil and Military Gazette reported on 10 September 1935: “Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad[ra], head of the Ahmadiyya community of Qadian states that the Ahmadis are willing to cooperate with other Muslims in the campaign for the reservation of the Shahidganj mosque. They do not, however, believe in the method of civil disobedience recently proposed, since there are other and more constitutional means of settling this issue. He says: ‘Ahmadis are prepared to make great sacrifices in this cause.’”

This news report was referring to the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, dated 6 September 1935, in which he refuted the Ahrar’s false allegation against the Jamaat that the dispute of the Shahidganj Mosque was created by the Ahmadis.

On one hand, Huzoorra categorically stated that the government could have avoided such an incident and the following chaos by taking preventive steps, and on the other, he made it clear that though Ahmadis would be ready to cooperate with the Muslim community in a peaceful way, it could never support any kind of violence such as civil disobedience. Huzoorra also granted valuable guidance and advice to the Muslims as to how they should have reacted and what steps they needed to take in the future. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 16, pp.

562-568) Huzoorra also issued the following statement: “I want it to be known that we have always been against what is known as ‘civil disobedience’. We shall try our best to dissuade Muslims from having recourse to it, although Ahrars, by opposing us, have weakened our influence with the general Muslim community. In the days of the Congress agitation, Muslims were prepared to listen to our advice, but if they reject it now, the responsibility would be with the government, whose policy has encouraged the Ahrars to excite the public against us.

“I and my community believe that the mosque can be regained without employing any unlawful or unconstitutional method. I was silent hitherto, because If I had spoken, the Ahrars would at once have raised a cry that the Ahmadis were at the back of the agitation. We are ready today to render all lawful and permissible assistance—legal, financial, or otherwise—if the present workers declare that our joining them would not

injure the cause from their point of view.

I feel far more acutely in regard to this question than I have been able to give expression to that feeling in words. Our only regret is that on account of the agitation of the Ahrars against us, we have not been able to participate in the movement as we should have done.

“Government’s Mistakes “In connection with the mistakes committed by the Government, I also want to point out that it placed the law-abiding Muslim leaders in a very awkward position.

It should have informed them that the Sikhs were not willing to compromise, and that they were free to explore further lawful means of attaining their object. Similarly it should have informed the Sikhs to do what they pleased. But in both cases it should have been made clear that whoever broke the law would be punished. It was clearly unjust to allow Sikh Jathas to pour in, and prevent parties of Muslims from coming into the city. The Government knows that only a short time ago it took a decision in a similar situation here in Qadian, in conformity with which it had no right to stop Muslim Jathas, but instead should have prevented the Sikhs from coming into the city.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 22 September 1935, p. 7)

Ahrar’s anti-Ahmadiyya activities echoed in Hejaz In a letter dated 21 January 1936, the then Undersecretary to the Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Fuad Bey Hamza, inquired about Majlis-e-Ahrar from the Indian Government’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in Saudi Arabia, Sir Andrew Ryan.

Sir Ryan sent a telegram to the Foreign Office in New Delhi on 6 February and received the following response on 13 February: “Your telegram No. 10 dated 6th February. Reference is to Ahrar movement.

Correspondence between Sir Andrew Ryan and Fuad Bey Hamza | Qatar Digital Library

Friday 20 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Movement was started in 1931 by group of nationalist Muslims who finding association with Hinduised Congress uncomfortable sought to rehabilitate themselves by emerging as champions of Muslim interests wherever threatened. Movement attained wide publicity in Kashmir agitation of that year, and subsequently gained notoriety by attacking Ahmadiya community. Recently Ahrars have turned attention to where they have taken line of condemning action of Bin Saud in granting mining contract to British firm. On 20th December 1935 they staged observance of Hejaz day, which, however was a failure, and followed this up by decision to send deputation to Hejaz. This phase of agitation may possibly be inspired by personal hostilities to Ismail Ghaznavi.

“Ahrar agitation is practically confined to Punjab, and has recently lost much ground by decision of party to refrain from engaging in Shahidganj agitation in Lahore with apparent object of appearing nationalist and not communal in sentiment.” (Coll 6/11 ‘Hejaz-Nejd Affairs: Economic Development in the Hejaz’ [29r] (58/504), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/12/2077, in Qatar Digital Library, www.qdl.qa [accessed 29 September 2023]) Thereafter, on 25 February 1936, Mr Metcalfe from the Foreign and Political Department of the Indian Government, sent a telegram to Sir Ryan, including a “Note recording the history of the Ahrar Movement in India”, which stated: “This Majlis lost no opportunity to advertise itself and it was fortunate in securing an ideal stage in the Kashmir agitation of 1931-32. When this died down the Ahrars found their importance diminishing and therefore they turned their attention to fresh fields and at the close of 1933 they embarked on an attack on the Ahmadiya community. For nearly two years they maintained their influence but their failure to take part in the Shahidgunj agitation (August and September 1935) resulted in a considerable loss of their prestige among their co-religionists. Their indifference was attributed partly to the ‘nationalist’ views of their leaders and partly to a desire on their part not to alienate the Sikhs and Hindus who had been supporting them in their campaign against the Qadianis and whose sympathy they hoped to retain in future.

“The Ahrars have recently been making efforts to regain their lost influence by diverting the attention of the Muslim masses to other avenues of agitation (e.g. the Hejaz).” (Ibid, [32r] (64/504), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/12/2077, in Qatar Digital Library, www.qdl.qa [accessed 22 September 2023]) In light of this note, Sir Ryan wrote to Fuad Bey Hamza on 28 February 1936 and stated: “The Ahrar movement at one time achieved much publicity in Kashmir and later became notorious for its attacks on the Ahmadiya Community. [...] The activities of the Ahrar in India seem to be confined almost exclusively to the Punjab and even there they have recently lost ground owing to their refusal to co-operate with those concerned in another movement known as Shahidganj, of whom, however, I know very little.” (Ibid, [27r] (54/504), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers,

IOR/L/PS/12/2077, in Qatar Digital Library, www.qdl.qa [accessed 22 September 2023])

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra poem about the Ahrars In September 1935, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra wrote a poem in which he described the true image of the Ahrars and mentioned that despite their utmost efforts, they had failed to cause any harm to Ahmadiyyat and that their only objective was to create disorder and chaos. The first four verses of this poem are as follows: ��‫�بز‬ ِ �‫�ھ�ا�ار�ا‬ ��‫�بز‬ ِ �‫�����اان‬

‫�ن�ں‬ ِ ‫����وہا�و‬

��‫�بز‬ ِ ‫�دا�����و‬ ������‫د��ان�ا‬

��‫�ابز‬ ِ ���‫اك��ں�اب‬ ‫�وا�دو�و�و�لوا�ال‬

� ُ� ��‫�بز‬ �ِّ ُ �����‫اس‬ ِ � “The Ahrars have now completed their lifetime; the bubble of their life has burst into the air. They desired to snatch away the peace and ease of the weak ones; instead, their own life’s peace and happiness have gone away. You will surely witness that their desires will remain unfulfilled and their dreams will turn into nightmares. This group, in a nutshell, is disorder, chaos, oppression, abusive language and immorality.” (Al Fazl, 6 September 1935, p. 1) In response, Maulvi Mazhar Ali Azhar wrote a poem and used extremely abusive and disrespectful language. In fact, he portrayed the true face of the Ahrar, as narrated by Huzoorra in his poem. (Al Fazl, 12 September 1935, p. 4)

Ahrar’s hesitance in accepting the mubahala challenge The Ahrars were spreading false notions against Ahmadiyyat and attributing certain beliefs to the Jamaat. When this act of theirs went out of bounds, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra challenged the Ahrar for a mubahala (prayer duel) during his Friday Sermon on 30 August 1935. (Al Fazl, 3 September 1935, p. 6). Mentioning this whole episode, Huzoorra wrote an article that was published as a tract on 30 October 1935: “For a long time, the office-bearers of Majlis-e-Ahrar and their missionaries have been raising various false allegations against Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, and misleading the people who are not aware of the true facts.

For instance, they are saying that, God forbid, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiahas] has disrespected the Holy Prophetsa and considers himself superior to him, and that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya holds the same belief.

In the same way, they are alleging that, in view of the Promised Messiahas, [God forbid] Qadian has superiority over Mecca alMukarramah and Medina al-Munawwarah, and that the Ahmadis hold the same belief as well. [...] When such misattributions from the Ahrar crossed all bounds, and they did not mend their ways despite continuously calling their attention, I issued a challenge to the Ahrar.” (Majlis-e-Ahrar ka mubahala ke mut’alliq na-pasandidah rawaiyyah, Anwarul-Ulum, Vol. 14, p. 27)

After this, Huzoorra formed a committee of some members of the Jamaat and instructed them to inform the Ahrar leaders through letters, stating all the conditions of the mubahala. Ahrar did not respond to those letters, and there was no response in regard to the conditions of the mubahala as proposed. However, after some time, on 14 October 1935, Maulvi Mazhar Ali Azhar sent a telegram to Huzoorra and said that the mubahala would take place on 23 November 1935. Huzoorra instructed Nazir Da’wato-Tabligh to reply to the telegram and ask Mazhar Ali Azhar as to why he did not state their view on the proposed conditions.

The Ahrar did not respond to that question either and hesitated to respond directly to the Jamaat in written form so as to settle the terms and conditions of mubahala.

However, they were announcing through newspaper articles, for instance in Mujahid, that they were ready for the mubahala and all conditions were accepted.

In this regard, Huzoorra said: “If, in reality, Ahraris have accepted all of these conditions, why are they not responding in written form, since a response in the newspaper cannot be deemed a responsible reply. Due to the fact that the initial challenge is not termed a formal proceeding, it can be published in newspapers; however, the settlement of the terms and conditions should necessarily be done in writing along with the signatures of both parties.” (Ibid., p. 29) Despite the above-mentioned article from Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, there was no appropriate response from the Ahrar, and therefore, Huzoorra wrote another article and said: “On 30 October 1935, I had published a poster and tract entitled ‘Majlis-e-Ahrar ka mubahala ke mut’alliq na-pasandidah rawaiyyah’ [Inappropriate response from Ahrar in relation to the mubahala]. I hoped that after this announcement, Majlis-i-Ahrar would mend its behaviour and incline towards a serious discussion about the mubahala, however, regretfully, in contrary to my hope, Majlis-e-Ahrar has made its behaviour even worse, and instead of adopting the correct method, they are committing alterations of facts. [...] Mr Mazhar Ali Sahib has stated in Chiniot that ‘I went to Qadian and told that the mubahala should take place in Qadian and on the truthfulness of Mirza Sahib [the Promised Messiahas], and Mirza Mahmud has accepted it.’ (Mujahid, 6 November 1935, p. 2) [...] However, the fact is that I had given a challenge to the Ahrar to do a mubahala in Lahore or Gurdaspur, on the allegations of Ahrar that [God forbid] the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community and Jamaate-Ahmadiyya gives higher status to Mirza Sahib than the Holy Prophetsa and that they disrespect him. Upon this, I came to know that the Ahrar said that a mubahala should also happen in Qadian on the truthfulness of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. In response, I wrote that if they wish to do a mubahala on the truthfulness as well, then let it be, but this mubahala should be separate from the one on the allegation of giving higher status to the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community than the Holy Prophetsa. And in regards to Qadian, I wrote that if Ahrar have any specific reservations concerning Lahore or Gurdaspur [where the mubahala on the allegations was supposed

to be held], they can come to Qadian. Now, everyone can understand that the president of the Ahrar Conference has lied during his Chiniot speech.” (Ahrar Khuda Ta’ala ke khauf se kaam letay huay mubahala ki sharait tay karein, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 14, pp. 37-39) Huzoorra went on to narrate the reason behind Ahrar’s hesitation and said: “The truth of the matter is that the government did not allow Ahrar to hold their conference in Qadian this year.

When they read my mubahala challenge, they thought, ‘Well, we will see what to do about the mubahala, we will benefit from the opportunity and hold a conference in Qadian without confronting the Government, because the mubahala challenge is from Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, and we will go there on their invitation, and the Government would not stop us.’ Thus, keeping in mind this point, they decided to accept the mubahala without bringing the terms and conditions into written form.

Hence, due to the fact that the conditions would be undecided, various points could be raised on the spot in order to reject the mubahala. Meanwhile, in this way, they would have the opportunity to hold a conference in Qadian.” (Ibid., pp. 42-43) Meanwhile, the Ahrar were mobilising their masses and appealing to them to gather in Qadian on 22 and 23 November for a conference: “Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, President of the All-India National League, referring to the challenge for a ‘prayer ordeal’ issued by the Head of the Ahmadiyas of Qadian, says that the Ahrars have not accepted the challenge on the terms stipulated, but that they are preparing to assemble in Qadian on this pretext.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 14 November 1935, p. 5) On 21 November 1935, Huzoorra wrote another article and mentioned that the Ahrar were spreading lies by announcing that ‘We have accepted the mubahala challenge, but Imam Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya is hesitating from accepting it.’

In this article, Huzoorra refuted this false notion in light of the true facts, narrated the whole episode, and stated what the actual objective of the Ahrar was. (Kiya Ahrar waqe’ie mein mubahala karna chahtay hain?, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 14, pp. 53-61)

Government bans Ahrar from holding the conference

The Civil and Military Gazette, 21 November 1935

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023 The Ahrar requested the government for permission to hold a conference in Qadian, however, the response was as follows: “From the Chief Secretary, Punjab Government, to Maulvi Mazhar Ali Azhar, dated November 18, 1935. “‘I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated November 18, 1935. In the present state of the relations between the Majlis-i-Ahrar and the Ahmadiyya community, Government must regard any gathering of the nature and on the scale contemplated by you as likely to lead to a breach of the public peace. They cannot, therefore, alter their attitude to such a gathering.’ [...] It is understood that the District Magistrate of Gurdaspur has issued an order under Section 144, Cr.P.C., prohibiting the adherents of the Majlis-iAhrar from assembling in large numbers in the vicinity of Qadian, in fact, within eight miles of Qadian, on any date from November 21 to November 24, inclusive.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 20 November 1935, p.

4) On 20 November 1935, the Government issued a notice to the Ahrar leaders to inform them about the ban on any gathering in Qadian: “Orders of the Punjab Government under the Criminal Law Amendment Act were served today on Sheikh Hissam Din, Municipal Commissioner, Maulvi Habibur-Rehman and some other Ahrar leaders, prohibiting their entering Gurdaspur. and participating in or organising a gathering of Ahrars within an eight miles’ radius of Qadian, in the Gurdaspur District. Another notice, issued by the District Magistrate, Gurdaspur, under Section 144, directs them to abstain from convening or attending a meeting, debate or discussion at Qadian and three other places in the Batala Tehsil on or about November 23, owing to the danger of a disturbance of the peace.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 21 November 1935, p. 5)

Ahrar procession in Amritsar

The Civil and Military Gazette, 23 November 1935

On 21 November 1935, the members of Majlis-i-Ahrar gathered in Amritsar and held an anti-Ahmadiyya procession, where they shouted anti-Ahmadiyya slogans. “After the procession the volunteers intended to go to Batala, to hold a meeting of ‘Mubahila’ against the Mirza of Qadian, as the entry of Ahrar leaders has been prohibited in Qadian and in the Gurdaspur District.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 23 November 1935, p. 18)

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Call for even greater sacrifices The Civil and Military Gazette reported on 26 November 1935, “Information has been received here that Friday prayers [on 22 November] at Qadian were held peacefully.

Ahmadis from every centre assembled in response to the appeal made by the President of the National League. In consequence of the order issued by the District Magistrate of Gurdaspur, prohibiting Ahrars from assembling within eight miles of Qadian, Ahrars did not go to Qadian. The Friday sermon was delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, the head of the community. He exhorted Ahmadis ‘to be prepared to make even greater sacrifices in the following year.’”

Ahrar’s inflammatory efforts Janbaz Mirza falsely alleges that in December 1935, “the government announced Section 144 in Qadian upon the behest of ” Ahmadis, just to prevent any outsider Muslim from offering Jumuah prayer in Qadian. Obviously, this order was an interference in religion. The Ahrar decided to disobey this order.” (Karwane-Ahrar, Vol. 1, 1975, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, pp. 57-58) He further states: “While on the way to Qadian,” Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari “was arrested between Batala and Qadian; however, I somehow reached Qadian and offered the Jumuah prayer at the ‘Beri Wali Masjid’”, and “addressed the local Muslims who had gathered for the prayer and made them aware of the mutual connections between the [British] Government and the” Ahmadis. “For the coming Jumuah, Maulana Abul Wafa Shahjahanpuri was to visit Qadian, and I was instructed by the Jamaat [Ahrar] to accompany Maulana up to Batala. Since I had been to Qadian a week ago, the government handed a notice to me also along with Maulana Abul Wafa at the Batala Railway Station, stating that I could not enter Qadian. However, I ripped off the notice and prepared to go to Qadian along with Maulana. Upon entering the marked boundary, both of us were arrested by the police. On the same day, the court gave both of us three-month imprisonment, a 50 rupee fine, and one month of further imprisonment in case of non-payment of fine. [...] Upon reaching the Gurdaspur Jail, we met Shah Ji. After some days, both of the elders were transferred to another jail, and I was alone there. However, the next Friday, Maulana Qazi Ahsan Ahmed joined me.”

(Ibid., p. 58) Narrating this incident with more details, he wrote under the heading “Ahrar ki Qadian mein Civil Naa-Farmani” – Ahrar’s Civil Disobedience in Qadian: “In response to the government’s decision that Ahrar could not enter Qadian, Ahrar leaders decided to disobey this order,” and that “Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari will lead the Jumuah prayer in Qadian on 6 December [1935] and then return.

If the government interfered, it would be considered a ban on Jumuah [prayer], thus, Ahrar would take it as interference in religion, and initiate a movement in response.” Hence, “Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari departed from Amritsar on the morning of 6 December, and upon reaching the Batala station, the government wanted

to stop him from entering Qadian through a notice. However, according to the party’s order, he proceeded towards Qadian.” The “police were also aboard the same railcar where Shah Ji was sitting. As soon as the train reached Jaintipur railway station, the police inspector went to Shah Ji and said that ‘beyond this will be the disobedience to Section 144. Thus, you must get off at this very place.’ However, Shah Ji refused to obey this police order and continued the journey.

At last, police arrested him.” (Karwan-eAhrar, Vol. 2, 1977, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, p. 302) Ataullah Shah Bukhari was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment by the Additional Magistrate, Gurdaspur, on a charge of “disobedience of the order prohibiting his entry into Qadian or any other place four miles around Qadian.

Bukhari was placed in the ‘B’ class.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 8 December 1935, p. 7) On 21 December 1935, a member of the Ahrar from Shujabad, Qazi Ahsan Ahmed, went to Batala with a view to proceeding to Qadian to lead the Jumuah prayer there.

He was arrested by the police of Gurdaspur District since they had banned the entry of any Ahrar worker within a four miles’ radius of Qadian. Qazi Ahsan Ahmed had entered the prohibited limit and was taken into custody. “It is understood that Ahrar workers will be going in this manner at the rate of one every week in contravention of orders.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 22 December 1935, p. 6)

programme of any party in the Council. [...] The Ahrar bubble has been pricked.

Their political game of winning popularity for electioneering purposes by unduly emphasising the Qadiani issue is no longer as successful as it used to be once.”

Ahrar’s demand from Muslim Anjumans On 31 January 1936, “Majlis-e-Ahrar demanded from all Muslim Anjumans [societies] from all over India to expel” Ahmadis “from their institutions.” When the Anjuman Himayat-e-Islam did not expel the Ahmadi members, the Ahrar made a desperate move and “presented a resolution on behalf of the public, at the annual Jalsa of the Anjuman Himayat-e-Islam,” demanding that the Ahmadis “must be expelled from the Anjuman immediately, since they are non-Muslims, and a non-Muslim cannot be a member of the Anjuman Himayate-Islam. Upon this resolution, there was a bit of a hue created; however, at last, the resolution was passed.” (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 2, 1977, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, pp. 328-329)

Ahrar’s demand from Jinnah In 1936, some Ahrar leaders had a meeting with Mr Jinnah in Lahore, in which they offered him their support in the upcoming Provincial elections on one condition that the doors to join the Muslim League would be closed for Ahmadis. Upon this, Jinnah said that this decision can only be made by the All-India Muslim League. (Karwane-Ahrar, Vol. 2, 1977, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, pp. 372-273)

An attack

The Civil and Military Gazette, 22 December 1935

‘Ahrar Bubble Pricked’ The Civil and Military Gazette wrote on 22 December 1935, “The Ahrars have so far never cared to have a constructive programme. ‘Down with the Qadianis!’ appears to be the be-all and end-all of their political creed. This cry, by arousing religious feelings among Muslim masses, may ensure the Ahrars a certain number of votes during the elections, but it is obvious that this cry cannot form the political

The Civil and Military Gazette, 22 December 1935

On 17 September 1936, when Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was returning from the Qadian railway station after saying goodbye to Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh who was going back to England for his studies, an opponent threw a stone at the car of Huzoorra. However, by the grace of Allah, Huzoorra remained unharmed. (Al Fazl, 19 September 1936, p. 2) Reporting on this, The Civil and Military Gazette wrote on 20 September 1936, under the heading “Serious Situation in Qadian”: “Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, President of the All-India National League, has issued the following statement to the press: “‘A very serious situation has arisen in Qadian as a result of an attack on the head of the community. When Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiya community of Qadian, was returning from the Qadian railway station after saying goodbye to his son [Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh], who was returning to England to continue his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, stones were thrown at his car. “‘The culprit could not be traced. Great concern prevails among members of the community throughout the Punjab, and volunteers are going to Qadian to defend the sacred person of their leader.’”

On 29 September 1936, the Ahrars held a conference in Sialkot, where “Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Ludhianvi said that they had determined to oppose the Ahmedyas and to secure freedom.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 2 October 1936, p. 7)

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The Civil and Military Gazette, 20 September 1936

Anti-Ahmadiyya propaganda in Ahrar’s electoral manifesto In their manifesto for the upcoming Provincial elections of 1936-37, which was in fact a speech of Chaudhry Afzal Haq, they also included hateful propaganda against Ahmadiyyat, which stated: “It is the duty of every patriot person to remain aware of the plans of this ‘enemy’ of the country. I expect from the Islamic communities of the country, in addition to the political parties, that they should keep an eye on” the “activities of this ‘enemy’ of the Muslim world. They pretend to be friends but are the enemies of the Muslims. [...] Due to the full encouragement from the Government, they pose themselves as Muslims and are very swiftly seizing the rights of the Muslims.” (Karwan-e-Ahrar, Vol. 2, 1977, Maktabah Tabsarah, Lahore, p. 451) In this manifesto, they also declared Ahmadis to be the “enemies” of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

The only purpose behind such false and hateful propaganda against Ahmadiyyat was to get some sympathy from the Muslim community during the elections; however, despite all these desperate moves, “Majlise-Ahrar faced a huge defeat in Punjab and other provinces.” (Ibid., p. 495)

A failed ‘prediction’ of Chaudhry Afzal Haq Mentioning the Ahrar’s efforts against Ahmadiyyat, during the All-India Ahrar Conference at Peshawar in April 1939, Chaudhry Afzal Haq, known as the Mufakkir-e-Ahrar, made the following statement: “We have faith in the mercy of God that the vast system of the Ahrar will, despite financial difficulties, definitely eradicate this ‘fitna’ within ten years’ time.” (Khutbate-Ahrar, Vol. 1, compiled by Agha Shorish Kashmiri, Maktaba-e-Ahrar, Lahore, 1944, p. 37) The early part of this article has narrated the details in light of facts as to how the Ahrar’s activities caused unrest and chaos in British India in general and within the Muslim community in particular. So, the history is clear on this point that Ahrars were the real fitna of that time.

As far as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and its progress is concerned, after 84 years of his ‘prediction’, I would like

to let the readers assess the validity of his ‘prediction’.

In another instance, Chaudhry Afzal Haq states: “Ahrar’s current condition and [the level of] determination does not make us proud at all. There are many who have been associated with us for a very long time; however, their passion for Islam has not taken any significant shape. Regardless of how great the passion is, what is the significance of one’s life if they do not begin to make [practical] efforts? There is a huge army of Ahrar’s sympathisers; however, each of those sympathisers has not become a soldier of Islam. Right now, they are wasting their time, and for this reason, this movement is not limited to cities alone.

By now, we have learnt destructive work; a constructive mindset is also required along with a destructive one.” (Tarikh-e-Ahrar, Maktaba-e-Majlis Ahrar-e-Islam Pakistan, 1968, pp. 260-261)

Ahrar’s internal dilemmas Professor Dr Muhammad Khurshid and Professor Dr Muhammad Akbar Malik, both from the Department of Pakistan Studies at the Islamia University Bahawalpur, have concisely described Ahrar’s internal dilemmas: “The Ahrar often acted imprudently,” and “their leaders did not care for the public sentiments in certain locations and created resentment against themselves by speaking unnecessarily against popular religious and spiritual personalities, highly venerated by the local people.” The Ahrar “had always been facing a paucity of funds.” Towards the end of 1932, “the Ahrar organ Hurriyat had to discontinue its publication due to non-availability of funds.” Next year, the Ahrar were “reported to be in a deplorable financial position, which continued to be so till the Quetta earthquake when the Ahrar leaders appealed to the public to give contributions to the Ahrar for relief work instead of contributing to the Government.

How people gradually became reluctant to give contributions to the Ahrar? It is well demonstrated by the fact that on the occasion of Eid at Lahore, the Ahrar could collect only an amount of Rs. 41 from a gathering of more than 40,000 Muslims. [...] One possible reason for failure of the Ahrar in collection of contributions from the public was the frequent charges of embezzlement of funds.”

They further state: “In 1932, on at least three occasions, apprehensions were raised regarding the funds etc. In Sialkot, the Secretary of the Majlis filed a suit against the treasurer accusing him of embezzlement. In July, Zain-ul-Abdin Shah, the president of Multan branch resigned and refused to render an account of the funds at his disposal. There were instances of stealing the property of the organization by responsible workers of the Majlis. The Manager of Hurriyat, Hussain Mir, was dismissed on the charges of stealing 250 reams of newsprint. Sometimes, the Ahrar workers were found guilty of stealing petty office goods and misappropriating cash from the office of the organization.

Janbaz Mirza, General Secretary Majlisi-Ahrar Amritsar, was accused by his Ahrar friends of stealing Rs. 300 from the Ahrar office and he resigned from [the]

secretary-ship. There was a split again among the Lahore and Sialkot Ahrar in March 1933, and the Ahrar Leaders were accused of misappropriating funds and not accounting for expenditure. Next year the Jullundur Muslims accused Ahrar leaders of accepting bribe from Kapurthala state authorities and of embezzlement of funds collected for propaganda purposes.” (The Political Activities of Majlis-i-Ahrar: A Critical Study, Pakistan Annual Research Journal, 2015, pp. 44-45)

Pakistan: Ahmadis and Ahrar While much has been written on Jamaate-Ahmadiyya’s support for the Indian Muslims and its role in the formation of Pakistan, and readers can find various Al Hakam articles on this topic as well, let us shed some light on the Ahrar’s opposition to the Muslim League and the formation of Pakistan.

The Civil and Military Gazette wrote under the heading “Ahrar’s Opposition to Pakistan”: “At a public meeting of the Ahrars held last night, Maulana Mazhar Ali Azhar, M.L.A., described Pakistan as being opposed to the tenets of Islam. He regarded Hakumat-i-Elahia as a real substitute, which could solve the difficulties of Muslims.”

Moreover, “he criticised the policy of the Muslim League and of the Ahmediyas of Qadian.” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 13 August 1944, p. 5)

The Civil and Military Gazette, 13 August 1944

Mentioning the Ahrar’s support for the Indian National Congress in the non-cooperation movement and their opposition to the creation of Pakistan, Muhammad Jalaluddin Qadri states: “‘The supporters of the non-cooperation’ interpreted and inferred the Quranic verses and Ahadith of the Prophetsa in accordance with the ‘policy of Gandhi’. We are unaware as to under the influence of which magic of trust, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Majlise-Ahrar-e-Islam cooperated with the Congress in its ideology of ‘Nationalism’ that was based on unacquaintance of the Faith. [...] An active volunteer of the Pakistan Movement, former MPA Sheikh Muhammad Saeed (of Jhang), writes in his memoirs in relation to the Majlis-e-Ahrar: “‘Majlis-e-Ahrar and nationalist Muslims, under the leadership of Chaudhry Afzal Haq, Maulana Habib-ur-Rahman Ludhianvi, Mian Hassamuddin, Syed Ataullah Shah Bukhari, Maulana Dawood Ghaznavi, and the survivors of Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari, staunchly stood in opposition to the Pakistan Resolution.

Majlis-e-Ahrar, which was in fact a branch of the Jamiat [Ulema-e-Hind], now openly

came forward in opposition to [the creation of] Pakistan.’ (Mushkilat-e-Laa-Ilaah, Faisalabad, 1981, p. 56)” (Khuli Chitthi Banaam Jamit Ulem-e-Hind wa Majlis-eAhrar-e-Islam (Taqdim by Muhammad Jalaluddin Qadri), Maktaba-e-Rizwiyyah, Lahore) The Munir Inquiry Report stated: “Though they had cut themselves off from the Congress, the Ahrar continued to flirt with that body right up to the Partition. One of the resolutions passed by the Working Committee of the Majlisi-Ahrar which met at Delhi on 3rd March, 1940, disapproved of the Pakistan plan, and in some subsequent speeches of the Ahrar leaders Pakistan was dubbed as ‘Palidistan’. [...] In the resolution passed by the Punjab Provincial Ahrar Conference held at Gujranwala from 17th to 19th March 1943, and in a subsequent resolution passed at Saharanpur in the same year they declared themselves against the proposed Partition which they described as vivisection of the country.” (Report of the Court of Inquiry constituted under Punjab Act II of 1954 to enquire into the Punjab Disturbances of 1953, 1954, p. 11) It further states: “The Partition of 1947 and the establishment of Pakistan came as a great disappointment to the Ahrar because all power passed to the Congress or the Muslim League, and no scope for activity was left for the Ahrar in India or in Pakistan. The new Muslim State had come to them as a shock, disillusioned them of their ideology and finished them as a political party.”

(Ibid., p. 12) It is stated in the Encyclopedia Pakistanica: “In cooperation with the Congress, Majlis-e-Ahrar staunchly opposed the Muslim League and the creation of Pakistan until the general elections of 1946. Following the formation of Pakistan, general Ahrar accepted the reality; however, some of their leaders did not accept it from the heart.

As a result, in order to get control over the unlawfulness and rebellion-like situation in its political activities, the Government of West Pakistan banned this Party on 27 June 1957. Since none of their pioneer leaders were alive at the time, thus, general volunteers did not take the path of protest.

However, they diverted the attention of their efforts with greater fervour in favour of the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat movement, which was being run against” Ahmadiyyat.

(Encyclopedia Pakistanica, Syed Qasim Mahmud, Al Faisal, p. 164)

Conclusion The Ahrar, having a confused ideology, harboured sentiments of hate against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and, hence, faced a huge downfall.

On the other hand, Tahrik-e-Jadid, the scheme launched by Hazrat Musleh-eMaud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, in response to the Ahrar’s onslaught on Ahmadiyyat, is continuing to bear fruits. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has been able to build hundreds of mosques around the world, translate the Holy Quran into multiple languages, defend the teachings of Islam amidst harsh attacks by anti-Islam movements, and take the message of Islam to the corners of the world.

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Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

22 September 2023 Muhammadsa: The Great Exemplar After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

Some time ago, I mentioned certain incidents of the Holy Prophetsa from the Battle of Badr, that related to the battle itself. Today, I will present some details and events pertaining to the Battle of Badr.

They have been recorded in history, and it is important to know them as well. As mentioned in previous Friday sermons, the Holy Prophetsa stayed on the battlefield of Badr for three days. On the third day, he ordered [the people] to prepare the saddles of their riding animals. He dispatched Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahahra and Hazrat Zaid bin Harithahra from the plains of Badr towards Medina with the glad tidings of victory at Badr. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa commenced his return to Medina as well.

Alongside this victorious caravan were 70 prisoners from the disbelievers of the Quraish. (Al Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, pp.

420, 425, 426, Ghazwah al-Badr al-Kubra, Dar al-Ma’rifah, Beirut; Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazhi, Hadith 3986) In the books of history, it is recorded that two of these prisoners were killed during the journey due to their severe war crimes, which was in line with the customs of the time. One of them was Nadr bin Harith, and the other was Uqbah bin Abi Mu’ait.

However, not every historian agrees with this. Allamah Ibn Ishaqrh says that when the Holy Prophetsa reached Safra on his return from Badr, Nadr bin Harith was killed by Hazrat Alira. (Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 438, Dar al-Kutubal al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut 2001) In al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, it is mentioned that while imprisoned, Nadr said to his friend: “By God! Muhammad is about to kill me because he looked at me in a way that reflected death.” His friend said: “By God! This is merely due to his awe.” In other words, you have only experienced this due to being overawed by the Holy Prophetsa.

Upon this, Nadr said to Mus’ab bin Umair: “O Mus‘ab! You are more closely related

to this individual than I am. Hence, speak to your companion to make me one of the prisoners. By God! He is going to kill me.”

Mus’ab replied: “You used to say such and such things about the Book of God; you used to say this and that about the Holy Prophetsa, and you used to cause the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa harm and distress.” (AlSirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, pp. 429-430, Ghazwary Badr al-Kubra, Dar al-Ma’rifah, Beirut) Hence, these things of the past are attached to him, and if he were going to be killed, then it would be for these crimes.

In another narration, it is said that Nadr bin Harith’s sister, Qutailah bint Harith, said some couplets upon the death of her brother. According to some, these were said by his daughter, and later she accepted Islam.

When the Holy Prophetsa came to know of these couplets, he wept profusely, so much so that his beard was soaked with tears. The Holy Prophetsa then said: “If these couplets had reached me prior to this (i.e., the killing of Nadr bin Harith), I would have been kind to him and forgiven him.” (Al-Sirah alHalabiyyah, Vol. 2, p. 430, Ghazwatu Badr al-Kubra, Dar al-Ma’rifah, Beirut; Al- SIrah al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, pp. 510-511, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) However, some historians reject the narration regarding these couplets and the Holy Prophetsa weeping upon hearing them.

Some historians reject the entire incident.

Nevertheless, Allah the Almighty knows best what is correct. If this incident truly took place due to the kind-heartedness of the Holy Prophetsa, then this expression [of his sorrow] could very well have happened.

He was very kind-hearted, and his heart was filled with mercy. Similarly, there is another narration with regard to Nadr bin Harith not being killed, as I have just mentioned.

Rather, he remained alive and participated in the Battle of Hunain alongside the Holy Prophetsa, and the Holy Prophetsa granted him 100 camels out of compassion. (Sharh al-Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Ladunya, Vol. 1, p. 482, Dar al-Kutbub al-Ilmiyyah)

The second killing during the journey back from Badr that is recorded in history is of Uqbah bin Abu Mu’ait. He was killed on the way to Medina, at Irq al-Dhabyah. Hazrat Asim bin Thabit Ansarira killed Uqbah, and according to another narration, Hazrat Alira killed him. (Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, pp. 438-439, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut)

One author writes: “Nadr bin Harith and Uqbah bin Abu Mu’ait were those who ignited a war against Islam and were the ringleaders of inflicting heaps of difficulties and harm on the Muslims. For this reason, they received this punishment.” (Al-Lu’lu al-Maknun, Sirat Encyclopaedia, Vol. 5, pp.

490-491, Maktabah Dar al-Islam) Nevertheless, the summary of both of

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a prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, and as I mentioned, this is connected to the Battle of Badr as well. It is therefore appropriate to now mention this. Surah al-Rum was revealed in the 5th year of prophethood, which contains the prophecy regarding the victory of the Byzantine Empire. (Dala’il alNubuwwah li al-Baihiqi, Vol. 7, p. 143, Bab Zikr al-Sur allati Nazalat bi Makkah…, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut 1988; Allama Shibli Nu’mani, Sirat al-Nabiyy, Vol. 2, p.

315, Idarah Islamiyyat, September 2002) I shall mention the details of this. When Allah the Almighty revealed the first verses of Surah ar-Rum, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra announced as he was reciting these verses in the outskirts of Mecca: these two being killed is that there is nothing conclusive about either prisoner actually being killed during the journey. The reason for this is that there are some narrations that clearly state that Uqbah bin Mu’ait was killed on the battlefield of Badr. (Al-Sirah alNabawiyyah li Ibn Hisham, p. 477, Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001) However, when it comes to Nadr bin Harith, there are narrations of him being killed and those of him not being killed. In fact, he remained alive and accepted Islam during the Battle of Hunain. Albeit, these narrations are considered somewhat weak.

Regarding the killing of these two captives of Badr, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra says: “Among the chieftains of the Quraish who are recorded to have been taken captive, some historians have mentioned the name of Uqbah bin Abu Mu‘ait, and it is written that by the order of the Holy Prophetsa, he was later killed in captivity. However, this is not correct. Narrations of Ahadith and history very clearly mention that Uqbah bin Abu Mu‘ait was killed in the field of battle (this happened during the battle, and he was not held captive) and was among those chieftains of Mecca whose corpses were buried in a pit. Albeit, the execution of Nadr bin Harith is evident from many narrations.

The reason for his execution was that he was among those people who were directly responsible for the deaths of those innocent Muslims who had been martyred at the hands of the Quraish in Mecca. Furthermore, it is most probable that Nadr bin Harith was among those who had brutally martyred Harith bin Abu Halah, the stepson of the Holy Prophetsa, in the early period of Islam.

However, it is definite that except for Nadr, no other prisoner was executed, nor was it a practice to execute prisoners merely due to their being an enemy or fighting on behalf of the opposing side. Therefore, later on, a specific injunction was revealed in the Holy Quran with regard to this as well. Moreover, it should also be remembered that although many narrations have recorded the execution of Nadr bin Harith, there are also certain narrations that prove that he was not executed; rather, he remained alive after Badr for a period of time and finally became a Muslim, and joined the servants of the Holy Prophetsa on the occasion of the Ghazwah-e-Hunain. However, these latter narrations have generally been deemed weak in comparison to the ones mentioned َ َ �ٰ first. ‫[ َوالَّل ُِه ا ُْعَل ُِم‬And Allah knows best].

In any case, if there was any individual who was executed from among the prisoners, it was Nadr bin Harith, who was executed

as an act of retribution. In this respect, it is also narrated that after his execution, when the Holy Prophetsa heard the painful couplets of his sister, he said, ‘Had these couplets reached me earlier, I would have forgiven Nadr.’ In any case, except for Nadr, no other prisoner was executed.” (The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets, Vol. 2, pp.

159-160) This is the conclusion Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra came to from the books of history.

During the Battle of Badr, 70 disbelievers were killed at the hands of the Muslims, including the most prominent chieftains of the polytheists, and 70 were taken into captivity by the Muslims. In relation to the number of captives, there are also records or narrations of there being 49 and 74. However, the most accepted and correct number of disbelievers held captive is 70. (Da’irah Ma’arif Sirat Muhammad Rasulullahsa, Vol. 6, p. 245, Dar al-Ma’arif, Lahore) Various books of history mention there being 70.

There is a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari that mentions that on the day of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa and his Companions caused a loss of 140 disbelievers; in other words, 70 were held captive, and 70 were slain. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Hadith 3986) Concerning the polytheist captives who later accepted Islam after the Battle of Badr, it is written that the Companions would treat them in a very good manner, in line with the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa. Among those captives were some fortunate ones who were impressed by the Islamic teachings and lofty morals of the Companions and became Muslims. They have also listed some of their names in detail, such as Abbas bin Abd al-Muttalib, Aqil bin Abu Talib, Naufal bin Harith, Abu al-Aas bin Rabi’, Abu Aziz – whose name was Zurarah bin Umair Abdari, Sa’ib bin Abi Huwaish, Khalid bin Hisham Makhzumi, Abdullah bin Abu Sa’ib, Muttalib bin Hantab, Abu Wada’ah Sahmi, Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Khalaf Jumahhi, Wahab bin Umair Jumahhi, Suhail bin Amr Amiri, Abdullah bin Zam’ah – who was the brother of the Mother of Believers, Hazrat Saudah bint Zam’ahra, Qais bin Sa’ib and Nistas – who was the slave of Umayyah bin Khalaf, and Sa’ib bin Ubaid. These all paid their ransom on the day of the Battle of Badr and accepted Islam. (Subul al-Huda wa alRashad fi Sirah Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4, pp. 7879, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut 1993) There is a link between the Battle of Badr and the victory of the Byzantine Empire.

Regarding the Byzantine Empire, there is

ۡ َ​َ ٓ� ٓ َ َ َ � ‫ـِم َُغ َِل َب ِۡت‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن‬ ‫الَّرُ ۡو ُ​ُم ِف ِ ۡیۤ ا ۡدٰۤنی الۡا ۡر‬ ‫ال‬ ِ َ ۡ َ‫ِف ۡیۤ اَ ۡدٰۤنی الۡاَ ۡرِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡعد َ​َغ َ​َلبه ِۡم َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ۡی َب ۡ​ۡضَع س ِنۡیَۡن‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ​ِ ِ ِ ِ

(Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.2-5) “The Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious, between three to nine years.”

These verses were revealed in Mecca. The polytheists of Mecca wished for the Persians to overcome the Romans because they were idolaters like them. The Persians or Iranians were idolaters and fire-worshippers, and the people of Mecca were also idolaters. They desired for the Persians to be victorious, whereas the Muslims desired for the Romans to defeat the Persians, as they were the People of the Book. They mentioned this to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, and he, in turn, mentioned this to the Holy Prophetsa, who stated, “They shall surely be victorious”, meaning the Romans. Hazrat Abu Bakrra told this to the idolaters, to which they said, “Set a time between us (meaning, place a wager). If we are victorious, then this and that will happen. If you are victorious, then this and that will happen in your favour.”

They set a period of five years. It was a sixyear period, according to another narration.

It is written in Sharh Sunan at-Tirmidhi Tuhfah al-Ahwazi, that the Muslims rejoiced on the day that the Romans defeated the Persians, and they learnt of this on the day of the Battle of Badr, when, alongside this, they were given the glad tidings of support against the idolaters at Badr by Gabrielas.

This is when Gabrielas revealed the support for them against the idolaters, alongside the news of that victory. (Tohfah al-Ahwazi, Sharh Sunan at-Tirmizi, Vol. 2, p. 2169, Maktabah Bait al-Afkar al-Dauliyyah; Sunan at-Tirmizi, Abwab Tafsir al-Quran, Bab wa min Surah al-Rum, Hadith 3194) Hence, this is the link between this incident and the Battle of Badr. The same day that they were victorious in the Battle of Badr, they were given the glad tidings of the victory of the Romans.

There is a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari, and in its commentary, Allamah Badruddin Aini writes regarding the prophecy of the victory of the Romans, “When the Romans fought the Persians, the Muslims desired for the Romans to defeat the Persians. They supported them seeing as they were the People of the Book (the Muslims were sympathetic to the Romans as they were the People of the Book), whereas the disbelievers of the Quraish longed for the Persians to be victorious, for they were Magians or fireworshippers, and the disbelievers of Mecca were also idol worshippers. Thus, when the wager was placed between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Abul Jahl on this matter, the Holy

ُ Prophetsa stated, ‘The word ‫ َبِۡضَع‬has been used, and it signifies up to nine or seven, so increase the period.” He therefore did so accordingly. In the end, the Romans were victorious and Allah the Almighty stated:

َ​َ ٓ� ٓ َ َ َ � ‫ـِم َُغ َِل َب ِۡت‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم‬ ‫الَّرُ ۡو ُ​ُم ِف ِ ۡیۤ ا ۡدٰۤنی الۡا ۡر‬ ‫ال‬ ِ ۡ َ​َ ۡ َ‫َس َي ۡغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ۡیۤ اَ ۡدٰۤنَی الۡا‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن‬ ‫ر‬ َ ِ َ �ٰ ِ ۡ ۡ ۡ َ� ‫ِف ِ ۡی َِبۡض َِع ِس ِنۡی َ​َن لَِّل ِ​ِه الۡا ِۡمَّرُ ِ​ِم َۡن َق ۡب ُِّل َو ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ُد ؕ َويَوۡ َِم ِ​ِئ ٍِذ َّیۡف َ​َر ُ​ُح‬ �ٰ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ ‫المۡؤ ِ​ِمنوِن ِ​ِبنُص ِر الَّل ِ​ِه‬

The translation is, “Alif Lam Mim (I am Allah the All-Knowing). The Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious. Between three to nine years. Allah’s is the command before and after that – and on that day the believers will rejoice, with the help of Allah.”

(Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.2-6) Sha’bi relates that at that time, placing wagers was permissible. (Umdah al-Qari, Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, p. 29, Dar alFikr, Beirut) Among the incidents foretold by the Holy Prophetsa, the prophecy about the fall of the Roman Empire was exceptionally clear and mighty. The Roman and Persian Empires both bordered Arabia, and in that era, the King of Tehran was Chosroes, while the Roman Emperor was Heraclius. Both of these empires were engaged in warfare for quite some time. In 614 AD, or the 5th year of prophethood, a war of tremendous bloodshed ensued between the two Empires. Although the two nations had not accepted Islam, the Romans were followers of Prophet Jesusas and consequently among the People of the Book, while the Persians held similar views to those of the Meccan polytheists. Thus, certainly, the Muslims were sympathetic towards the Roman Christians, while the Meccan polytheists sided with the Persians. Owing to this, both the Muslims and the disbelievers of the Quraish were eagerly awaiting the war’s outcome. Both nations’ borders met at the shores of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

On the Eastern front, the Roman Empire had spread throughout Asia Minor, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Egypt.

The Persians attacked on two fronts; on one side, they advanced from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and approached Syria, and from the direction of Asia Minor, they travelled from Azerbaijan to modern-day Anatolia via Armenia. From both these fronts, the Persians continued to push the Romans back until they were forced into the sea. From the Syrian front, the Persians snatched city after city from the Romans in that holy land.

In 614 AD, the Persians seized control of Palestine and the holy city of Jerusalem.

Churches were demolished, religious monuments were desecrated, and the Roman Emperor’s palace was decorated with 30,000 severed heads of the dead (people were killed, and their severed heads were placed in the palace). The series of victories for the Persians continued until 616 AD, when they had conquered all of the Nile Valley, or, in other words, the kingdom of Egypt, and finally reached the shores of Alexandria. From the other front, the Persians wreaked havoc throughout Asia Minor until they reached the walls of Constantinople at the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. The victorious armies of Persia set up their encampment before the headquarters of the Roman Emperor.

AL HAKAM | Friday 20 October 2023 Now, instead of the Romans, the Persians occupied the vast territories of Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Asia Minor.

Fire temples were constructed everywhere, and in place of Jesus, people were forced to worship fire and the sun. Upon witnessing the ruin of the Roman Empire, pockets of rebellion began to arise in the vast kingdom. There were insurrections even in Africa. Many European nations around Constantinople also became engulfed in killing and chaos. In short, the Roman Empire was falling apart. It was evident that, due to the unfavourable outcome of the war, the Muslims were surely distressed, as opposed to the disbelievers who rejoiced.

They taunted the Muslims, saying, “Just as our brothers were victorious, we would also be victorious over you if you stood against us.” The disbelievers said that they would prevail over the Muslims, as the outcome [of the war] suggested. The Romans at the time were in a very pitiful state, as we have observed. They had lost every inch of their territories in the East. Their treasuries were empty, their armies were scattered, and their land was overcome by rebellion. Heraclius, the Roman Emperor, was completely carefree, remiss and delusional. Once a great ruler, he was reduced to incompetence. The victorious Persian commander came to the gates of Constantinople and presented the following conditions for the Romans to comply.

The Romans were required to surrender 1,000 talents of gold, 1,000 talents of silver (a talent is an ancient Greek unit of measurement equivalent to 23 kilogrammes today), 1,000 rolls of silk, 1,000 horses, and 1,000 virgin girls to the Persians. The Romans were in such a sorry state that they accepted these humiliating demands. Upon this, a Roman messenger went to the Persian Emperor’s court to reconcile the matter, and the arrogant Chosroes replied, saying, “I do not need these things. Surely, you have agreed to these conditions; however, I desire for Heraclius to be chained up and brought beneath my throne (he wanted the Roman Emperor to be brought beneath his throne).

I will not reconcile between us until the Roman Emperor abandons his crucified god and bows before the sun in worship.

He must turn away from Christianity.”

Thus, the writer states that these were the circumstances on the battlefield. And far away from this conflict, a Prince of Peace appeared on a lonely mountain in a dry and desolate land. He made a prophecy completely opposite of the world’s events, which has been mentioned in the Holy Quran in the verses I will now recite. I have outlined these details to prove the true grandeur of this prophecy. As I recited earlier as well, this prophecy was:

َ​َ ٓ� ٓ َ َ َ � ‫ـّٓم ُ​ُغ ِ​ِل َ​َب ِ​ِت‬ ‫ِض َ​َو ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم �ِ​ِّم ۢ​ۢۡن َبَ ۡ​ۡع ِ​ِد َغَل ِ​ِب ِ​ِہ ۡ​ۡم‬ ‫الُّرُ ۡ​ۡو ُ​ُم ِفِۤۡی�ۤ َا ۡ​ۡدَنی اۡلَۡا ۡ​ۡر‬ ‫آل‬ ِ َ ۡ ۡ َ‫َ​َس َ​َیۡغ ِ​ِل ُ​ُبۡوۡ َ​َن ِفۤۡی�ۤ َاَ ۡ​ۡدَنی اۡلَۡاَ ۡ​ۡرِض َ​َو ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم �ِّم ۢ​ۢۡن َبَ ۡ​ۡعِد َ​َغ َ​َلِبِہ ۡ​ۡم َ​َس َ​َیۡغ ِ​ِل ُ​ُبۡوَۡن‬ ِ ِ​ِ ِ ِ ِ ُ‫ِف ۡ​ۡی ِب ۡ​ۡضِع ِس ِ​ِنۡی ۡ َ​َن ِل ِ ٰ�ّٰل ِ​ِہ اۡلَۡاَ ۡ​ۡمُرُ ِم ۡ​ۡن َ​َق ۡ​ۡب ُ​ُل َ​َوِم ۢ​ۢۡن َبَ ۡ​ۡع ُ​ُد� َ​َوَیَۡوۡ َ​َمِئٍذ �َّیَ ۡ​ۡف َ​َرُح‬ ِ ِ ٍِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ُ ‫اۡل ۡ ُ​ُم ۡ​ۡؤ ِ​ِم ُ​ُنۡوۡ َ​َن ِب َ​َن ۡ​ۡصِر ال ٰ�ّٰلِہِ� َیَ ۡ​ۡن ُ​ُص ُ​ُر َ​َم ۡ​ۡن �َّیَ َ​َش‬ ُ‫الَّرَ ِ​ِح ۡ​ۡیُم‬ � ‫ٓاُء� َ​َو ُ​ُہَوَ اۡل ۡ َ​َعِزۡیۡ ُ​ُز‬ ِ ِ ِ ۡ �ٰ �ٰ ‫َ​َو ۡ​ۡع َ​َد الّٰلِہِ� َلَا ُیُۡخ ِ​ِل ُ​ُف الّٰل ُ​ُہ َ​َو ۡ​ۡع َ​َد ٗ​ٗہ‬

That is, “I am Allah, the All-knowing.

The Romans have been defeated. In the Land nearby, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious. Within three to nine years – Allah’s is the command before and after that – and on that day the believers will rejoice, with the help of Allah. He helps whom He pleases; and He is the Mighty, the Merciful.

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Allah has made this promise. Allah breaks not His promise.” (Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.2-7) The writer states that according to events, this prophecy was farfetched and unbelievable. The disbelievers had pledged to forfeit many of their camels should this prophecy be fulfilled. Now, the Muslims and disbelievers eagerly awaited to see the turn of events. Ultimately, in a few years, the world witnessed an unexpected development.

Whilst writing about Heraclius, Edward Gibbon – renowned author and historian of the fall of the Roman Empire, states: “In the first and last years of a long reign, the emperor appears to be the slave of sloth, of pleasure, or of superstition, the careless and impotent spectator of the public calamities. But the languid mists of the morning and evening are separated by the brightness of the meridian sun; in 621 CE, the Arcadius of the palace arose the Caesar of the camp (i.e. this very emperor); and the honour of Rome and Heraclius was gloriously retrieved by the exploits and trophies of six adventurous campaigns.”

The example that he has given is of Arcadius, who was a powerful Byzantine Emperor, reigning from 408 BCE up until 378 BCE. Similarly, Caesar was also an earlier general of the army. Nonetheless, when Heraclius took his remaining army and set off from Constantinople, the masses knew that the world was beholding the last army of the mighty Byzantine Emperor.

But the prophecy of the unlettered Arabian Prophet was fulfilled word for word. At exactly the time when the Muslims defeated the Quraish at Badr, the Byzantines gained victory over the Persians. From among the eastern occupied areas, they reclaimed a city and pushed the Iranians from the banks of the Bosphorus and the Nile, all the way to the banks of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. The truthfulness of this extraordinary prophecy astounded the world. Upon seeing it fulfilled, many people of the Quraish became Muslims. And after 1,200 years, Edward Gibbon, who was not a Muslim, is perplexed by the truthfulness of this incredible prophecy and accepts its authenticity.

He says: “Sitting on the boundary of the two mighty eastern empires, Muhammad[sa] pondered deeply on how to destroy both of them and, at ease, worked on how to implement his plan. And just when the Iranians were acquiring some decisive victories, he boldly made this prophecy that in a few years, the victory and success of the Byzantines will rise along with their flag. At the time when this prediction is said to have been delivered, no prophecy could be more distant from its accomplishment, since the first twelve years of Heraclius announced the approaching dissolution of the empire.”

The authors of Roman history have mentioned peculiar details in their explanation for this astonishing and revolutionary change in Heraclius’ temperament. However, little did they know, as Allama Shibli Nu’mani writes in his book Sirat al-Nabiyy, that far away from this brutal battle, a prophetic hand had been extended to assist the Byzantines and the greatest factor for this incredible transformation and change was this spiritual effect. It is written in Mustadrak and Jami’ al-Tirmidhi that when the ByzantinePersian war began, the idolaters of Mecca

supported the Persians, because they too were idol worshippers. The Muslims sided with the Byzantines because they were the People of the Book. At that time, the Persians were crushing the Byzantines, upon which the prophecy in Surah al-Rum was revealed.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra exuberantly recounted this prophecy to all the idolaters, to which the idolaters said to set a timeframe. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stipulated five years. When the ْ ْ Holy Prophetsa learnt of this, he said: ‫ِ​ِبْض ِ​ِع ِ​ِسِنِْی َ​َن‬ means a timeframe of three to nine years, therefore, a period of less than 10 years should appointed. In line with this understanding, this prophecy was fulfilled in the 9th year, when, on the occasion of the Battle of Badr, the Byzantines gained victory.

Some youths or adolescent children – some even write to me, I received some letters just last week – asking how they can know if Islam is the true religion and that the Holy Prophetsa is the true prophet to follow as opposed to the other [faiths]? The society and environment here is affecting them and is causing them to have doubts about the truthfulness of Islam. They should accept this history and the testimony of the nonMuslims. Furthermore, they should ponder over the prophecies of the Holy Quran about this era. Parents should read the Holy Quran and show their children how it is proof of the truthfulness of Islam. There are thousands of proofs of the truthfulness of Islam. The parents as well as the youth ought to increase their knowledge. It is not enough to simply ask a question. If one wishes to ask questions, they should also try to increase their own knowledge. Similarly, our [auxiliary] organisations should also try to educate them in this regard. I have been asked this question many times.

Nonetheless, it was important to explain this and so I mentioned it here. I now turn back to the topic under discussion.

The battle of Badr took place in the first year after the migration to Medina and in the fourteenth year of the Prophet’s mission.

Nine years prior to this was the fifth year of the prophetic mission. This puts the time of the prophecy as the fifth year of the prophetic mission, and it was fulfilled in the fourteenth year or the first year after the migration.

Some people claim that this prophecy was fulfilled in the year that the Treaty of Hudaibiyah took place, meaning in the sixth year after migration. However, this is incorrect. Perhaps they have erred from the fact that in Sahih al-Bukhari etc., it is written that the envoys of the Prophetsa went to deliver the message of Islam to the Byzantine Emperor, at the time he was in the Levant, as a form of gratitude for this victory. It seems that the envoys left after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. It is conceivable that this is the reason why people have mistaken this to be the time of the Byzantine victory. However, this is not the case, and it is plainly evident that this was not the time of the victory; rather, it was the time of the celebration of this victory. The emperor had gone there to celebrate this victory. Nonetheless, when we compare the details, it is proven that in 609 CE, the Holy Prophetsa was commissioned as a prophet, then in 610 CE tensions between the Byzantines and the Persians commence.

In 613 CE, war was declared. In 614 CE the Byzantines started to lose ground. In 616 CE, the Byzantines suffered defeat. In 622 CE, the Byzantines began retaliation. In

623 CE, the Byzantine victory began. In 625 CE, the Byzantines gained complete victory.

Keeping this timeline in view, the beauty of this prophecy is that if one takes into account the beginning of the Byzantine defeat to the beginning of the Byzantine victory, this totals nine years, and if one counts from when the Byzantines were defeated up to the beginning of the Byzantine victory, this also equals nine years.

After gaining victory, Heraclius returned to his former ways of indolence and seeking pleasures. It seems as if it was only for the purpose of fulfilling this prophecy that, for a period of just a few years, the divine power influenced his heart and mind and gave him new strength. However, after the prophecy was fulfilled, his life of seeking pleasures and slothfulness caused him to remain heedless and negligent. (Allama Shibli Nu’mani, Sirat al-Nabiyysa, Vol. 2, pp. 313-316, Idarah Islamiyyat, September 2002; Encylopedia Britannica, Vol. 2, p. 341; Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 4, p. 938) These are the details written by Allamah Shibli Nu’mani in his works on the history [of early Islam].

With regards to the differing opinions on the dates for the victory of the Roman Empire, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has reconciled this by stating: “In various narrations it has been related that the Byzantines acquired this victory in the era of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah.

However, these narrations are not contradictory because, in actuality, the era of the Byzantine victory covered a period spanning from the battle of Badr to the Treaty of Hudaibiyah.” (The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Vol 2, p. 174) In relation to this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra states: “While the Holy Prophetsa was still in Mecca, news arrived that the Persians had vanquished the Romans in battle.

This occasioned great rejoicing among the Meccans, for the Persians were idolaters just as they were. The Meccans took the victory of the Persians as a good omen indicating their own ultimate triumph over the Holy Prophetsa. On this occasion, the Holy Prophetsa received the revelation:

َ​َ َ َ َ � ‫ُ​ُغ ِ​ِل َ​َب ِ​ِت‬ ‫ِض َ​َو ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم �ِ​ِّم ۢ​ۢۡن َبَ ۡ​ۡع ِ​ِد َغَل ِ​ِب ِ​ِہ ۡ​ۡم‬ ‫الُّرُ ۡ​ۡو ُ​ُم ِفِۤۡی�ۤ َا ۡ​ۡدَنی اۡلَۡا ۡ​ۡر‬ ِ َ ۡ َ​َ َۡۡ َۡ ۤ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ‫ِض َ​َو ُ​ُہ ۡ​ۡم �ِ​ِّم ۢ​ۢۡن َبَ ۡ​ۡع ِ​ِد َغَل ِ​ِب ِ​ِہ ۡ​ۡم َ​َس َ​َیۡغ ِ​ِل ُ​ُبۡوۡ َ​َن ِف ِ ۡ​ۡی‬ ِۡ ‫َسَیۡغ ِ​ِلُبۡوَن ِفِۤۡی� َاۡدَنی اۡلَاۡر‬ ۡ ‫ِ​ِبۡض ِ​ِع ِ​ِس ِ​ِنۡی َ​َن‬

(Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.3-5) that ‘the Romans had been vanquished in a neighbouring land of Syria, but do not consider this to be the final outcome; within nine years of their defeat, the Romans would again be victorious’. When this revelation was announced among the Meccans, they laughed and jeered at the Muslims. Some of them made a wager of a hundred camels with Hazrat Abu Bakrra. They claimed that if, even after such a defeat, the Byzantines were to gain any success, they would give him 100 camels. However, if this did not happen, then he would have to give them 100 camels. Events indicated that there was very little chance of the Romans defeating the Persians, as their defeat in Syria was followed by further victories by the Persians, and the Roman army was pushed back by stages to the shores of the Sea of Marmara. Constantinople was cut off from its Eastern dominions, and the Roman Empire was reduced to the size of a small

Friday 20 October 2023 | AL HAKAM

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state. The word of God was, however, bound to be fulfilled and was fulfilled. In their state of utter despondency, the Roman emperor himself set out from Constantinople along with his troops and met on the shores of Asia for a decisive battle. The Romans, though smaller in number and not so well equipped as the Persians, won a complete victory – as prophesied by the words of the Holy Quran – and the Persians were put to flight. They were forced to retreat into Persia not finding any respite anywhere and the Romans re-occupied their Asiatic and African possessions.” (Dibacha Tafsir-ulQuran, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, p. 445) The Promised Messiahas states: “When Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra placed a wager with Abu Jahl about the prophecy of the Holy Quran:

َ​َ ٓ� ٓ َ َ َ � ‫ـِم َُغ َِل َب ِۡت‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم‬ ‫الَّرُ ۡو ُ​ُم ِف ِ ۡیۤ ا ۡدٰۤنی الۡا ۡر‬ ‫ال‬ ِ َ ۡ ۡ ۡ‫َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ۡیۤ اَ ۡدٰۤنی الۡاَر‬ ۡ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َ​َغ َ​َل ِب ِه ِۡم َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِفی‬ ِ ِ ۡ ِ ۡ ‫َِبۡض َِع ِس ِنۡی َ​َن‬

(Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.2-5) a period of three years was stipulated.

When the Holy Prophetsa came to know of this, upon pondering over the prophecy and owing to his foresight, he asked Abu Bakr Siddiqra to make an amendment to the details of the wager, stating that the words ْ ‫ َِنْيِ​ِنِس ِعِضِب‬had a broader meaning and often meant up to nine years.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 310-311) The Promised Messiahas further states: “During the era of the Holy Prophet’ssa life, the Persians were polytheists and the emperor of the Roman Empire was a Christian and believed in One God.” This was also a reason for the Muslims siding with them. The Promised Messiahas further states: “The emperor of the Roman Empire was a Christian and believed in One God and did not believe Jesusas to be the son of God. Hence, when the status of Jesusas was presented to him in light of the Holy Quran, he said, ‘In my view, the status of Jesus is not any superior, even by an iota, than that which has been mentioned in the Quran.’

This testimony of his is also recorded in a hadith of Bukhari in which he states, ‘I testify that these words are the same as those found in the Torah. His [Jesusas] status is no greater than that of a prophet.’ It was following this that the verse [of the Holy Quran] was revealed:

َ​َ ٓ� ٓ َ َ َ � ‫ـِم َُغ َِل َب ِۡت‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم‬ ‫الَّرُ ۡو ُ​ُم ِف ِ ۡیۤ ا ۡدٰۤنی الۡا ۡر‬ ‫ال‬ ِ ۡ َ​َ ۡ َ‫َس َي ۡغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ۡیۤ اَ ۡدٰۤنَی الۡا‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ِ ۡی‬ ‫ر‬ ِ ۡ ِ ۡ ‫َِبۡض َِع ِس ِنۡی َ​َن‬

“(Surah ar-Rum,Ch.30: V.2-5) “That is, ‘the Romans have been defeated; however, in a short time, (within nine years), it will once again be victorious.’

The Christians, out of mischief, allege that the Holy Prophetsa had assessed the strength of the two powers and then, based on his foresight, announced this prophecy. In response, we say that Jesusas would also assess among the ill as to those who had the potential of getting better and then cure them of their illness (the Promised Messiahas is responding to their allegations by making a comparison as an example). In such a case, Jesusas would not have demonstrated a single miracle.

ُ ۡ ۡ َ� ‫يَوۡ َِم ِ​ِئ ٍِذ َّیۡف َ​َر ُ​ُح ال ُم ۡ​ۡؤ ِ​ِمنوۡ َِن‬

“On that day, the believers will be granted two sources of joy. One of them is the victory in the Battle of Badr and the second is the fulfilment of the prophecy regarding the victory of the Byzantines.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 3, pp. 298-299, Edition 2022) They allege that the Holy Prophetsa had assessed the situation of the battle beforehand; however, the circumstances surrounding the Battle of Badr were completely different, and yet the glad tidings of this victory were mentioned alongside this, and both glad tidings were fulfilled together. The Promised Messiahas further states: “The Holy Quran is filled with countless prophecies, such as the extraordinary prophecy regarding the Roman Empire and Persian powers. This prophecy was made at a time when the polytheists [i.e., the Persian Empire] defeated the Roman Empire and, as a result, took control of some of their land. The polytheists of Mecca considered this victory of the Persians as a good omen for them. They believed that just like them, the Persians were also polytheists, and therefore, they too would defeat their prophet, whose sharia [religious law] resembled that of the People of the Book.

It was then that God Almighty revealed this prophecy in the Holy Quran and declared that the Roman Empire shall ultimately become victorious. Since this prophecy was regarding the victory of the Roman Empire, this chapter was named Surah Ar-Rum [the Chapter of Rome]. Since the polytheists of Arabia took the victory of the Persian Empire as a sign of their own victory as well, God Almighty also stated in this prophecy that when the Roman Empire once again becomes victorious, the Muslims shall also gain victory over the polytheists. And so, this is precisely what manifested, and the verses of the Holy Quran in relation to this is as follows:

َ​َ ٓ� ٓ َ َ َ � ‫ـِم َُغ َِل َب ِۡت‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم‬ ‫الَّرُ ۡو ُ​ُم ِف ِ ۡیۤ ا ۡدٰۤنی الۡا ۡر‬ ‫ال‬ ِ ۡ َ​َ ۡ َ‫َس َي ۡغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ۡیۤ اَ ۡدٰۤنَی الۡا‬ ‫ِض َو ُ​ُہ ِۡم �ِ​ِم َۢن َبَ ِۡع ِد َغَل ِب ِه ِۡم َس َيغ َِل ُبوۡ َِن ِف ِ ۡی‬ ‫ر‬ ِ ۡ ِ ۡ ‫َِبۡض َِع ِس ِنۡی َ​َن‬

“(Surah ar-Rum, Ch.30: V.2-5) “‘I am Allah the All-Knowing. The Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious after a period of three to nine years. And on that day the believers will rejoice.’

“This is exactly what happened and within the stipulated period of three to nine years, the Roman Empire once again gained victory over the Persians. On the same day, the Muslims also gained victory over the polytheists as this was the day of the Battle of Badr in which the followers of Islam were granted victory.” (Chashma-e-Ma’rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 320) The Promised Messiahas further states: “Ponder as to how astonishing and magnificent this prophecy was. This prophecy was announced at a time when the Muslims were in a state of great danger owing to their very weak and frail condition and had no wealth nor any power. In view of their condition, the enemy would claim that they would be destroyed very quickly.

Moreover, a time period was also stipulated in this prophecy by stating:

ُ ۡ ۡ َ� ‫يَوۡ َِم ِ​ِئ ٍِذ َّیۡف َ​َر ُ​ُح ال ُم ۡ​ۡؤ ِ​ِمنوۡ َِن‬

“It is also mentioned that this prophecy had two aspects which is that the day the Roman Empire gains victory over the Persians, the Muslims shall also be granted success and become joyous. Just as was mentioned in the prophecy, it was indeed fulfilled on the day of Badr. And just as the Roman Empire gained victory, so too did the Muslims.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 387, Edition 2022) This series of incidents from the life of the Holy Prophetsa will continue. Godwilling, I will mention the rest in the future.

After the [Friday] prayer, I will also lead a funeral prayer in absentia, which is of Firas Ali Abdul Wahid Sahib from the UK. According to the decree of God, he recently passed away at the age of 47.

ۤ َ� �ٰ َ� ‫ِانا لَِّل ِ​ِه َو ِانا ِال َ ۡي ِٗہ ٰر ِ​ِج ُِعوۡ َِن‬

He was originally from Iraq and entered the fold of the Community in 2012 when he pledged allegiance. He is survived by his wife and daughter. He had committed the Holy Qur’an to memory when he was a child. As he grew older, he developed extremist ideologies in faith, thus becoming among the extremist Muslims. He even sold his television, saying that it was haram [forbidden] to watch it. He also ripped apart all the pictures in the home, saying that those were haram as well. He himself was a good artist, however, having obtained religious knowledge from some cleric, he became completely fanatical and abstained from any type of images. But then he developed doubts as to whether he was right or if Islam was even true. He was friends with a Christian class fellow and, after some time, became influenced by him. Since he had been unable to dispel his doubts or find answers to his questions about Islam, he became a Christian. However, with the passage of time, he became impassioned with love for the Holy Prophetsa once again, and he reverted to Islam. He was very hardworking and studious. He obtained a degree from the University of Basra in its College of Business Administration and Economics.

He had a passion for learning languages, as a result of which he became fluent in English and learned French, Spanish, German and also Russian to some degree. In 2009, he moved here to the UK with his wife, and it was here that Allah the Almighty bestowed him with a daughter. Upon arriving in the UK, Firas Sahib happened to come across MTA AlArabiyyah, from where he started receiving the answers to his questions. Ultimately the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas took root in his heart to such an extent that he would often sing the Arabic poetry written by the Promised Messiahas in honour of the Holy Prophetsa. It was during this time that he saw Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in a dream delivering a sermon in a large white mosque, and light was emanating from his blessed countenance. Then he saw a beautiful youth who, like a news reporter, was speaking into a microphone and was referring to the Promised Messiahas with the most excellent of names, and encouraging

others to follow him. Upon this, in 2012, he pledged allegiance. He came in contact with Dr Bilal Tahir from Sheffield, through whom he sent his request to pledge allegiance. He then remained attached to him and studied the Community’s various books and [benefitted from] question-andanswer [sessions]. Very soon, he began propagating the Community’s views and beliefs, defending against allegations and presenting intellectual refutations in favour of the Community.

Yazan Rababah from Jordan writes, “Brother Firas Abdul Wahid was a very good Ahmadi. He would study the Community’s books. He would respond to the Community’s opponents and apostates. He was a true defender of Islam Ahmadiyyat. People on Facebook called him ‘Faris-e-Ahmadiyyat’, meaning a horseriding warrior of Ahmadiyyat. My eyes well with tears as I remember him. May God Almighty grant him forgiveness.”

Tamim Abu Daqqah writes, “Firas Sahib was an extraordinary researcher, and was exceptionally skilled in Arabic and English translations and writing. He was an active member of the team which responded to questions on the Community’s website.

His answers were always complete, and evidence-based, which he would support with references both from within the Community and elsewhere, from both Arabic and English sources. When certain Arab apostates and rebels raised disorder, Firas Sahib was on the front lines of responding to their allegations and standing up to them. On account of his complete faith, he would fiercely defend the Community and Khilafat.”

Dr Aiman Odeh says, “Through his articles and writings, our deceased brother Firas Abdul Wahid was known for his vast knowledge, and extraordinary intelligence. He had not been a member of this Community for long, yet even in this short amount of time, he attained deep knowledge of the Community’s views and beliefs, and with resounding answers, he would silence the opponents. A few years ago, the deceased was entrusted with the responsibility of answering questions on our website, which he diligently carried out until the end and worked with great passion and sincerity. On the Arabic website for questions and answers, Bisat-e-Ahmadi, he has about 800 articles and responses to allegations and questions, which continue to testify to how deeply scholarly he was and his passion for spreading the views and beliefs of the Community and responding to allegations.”

May Allah the Almighty grant forgiveness and mercy to the deceased and elevate his station. May He protect his wife and daughter, and grant them patience and forbearance. May He accept his virtuous desires for his family; may He accept his prayers. May Allah the Almighty grant the Community people like him in his place.

As I said, after the [Friday] prayer, Godwilling, I will offer the funeral prayer.

(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 13 October 2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Editor-in-chief: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Executive editors: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | Research coordinator: Awwab Saad Hayat | Associate editors: Jalees Ahmad, Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Translations: M Adam Ahmad | Design: Tahmeed Ahmad | © Al Hakam 2023