Al Hakam - 15 December 2023

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V continues to urge Ahmadis to raise their voices for Palestinians

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Nobel laureate Dr Arthur H Compton meets Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

The End Times: America, Evangelical Christianity, and Israel’s occupation of Palestine

Answers to Everyday Issues Part: 65

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 15 December 2023 | Issue CCC Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

A call for Muslim unity under Khilafat

In the wake of recent events, particularly the ongoing crisis in Palestine, the disunity within the Muslim world has become more evident than ever. The lack of a cohesive response from Muslim countries and their leaders has left many feeling frustrated

and disheartened. It is clear that there is a pressing need for a unifying force, and an increasing number of Muslims are turning to the idea of the establishment of a Khilafat as a solution to bridge the gaps that divide them.

The Muslim world has long grappled with internal divisions, fuelled by sectarianism and geopolitical differences, and now there is an urgent need for a leader – a Khalifa – who can unite Muslims on a Continued on next page >>

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

Remember Allah during the eclipse

َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫َﻋ ْﻦ‬ ‫أ�ِ� ﻣ‬ ،‫ﺖ اﻟﺸ ْﻤ ُﺲ‬ ِ ‫ ﻗﺎل ﺧ َﺴﻔ‬،‫ﻮﺳﻰ‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ ‫اﻟﻨ ِ� ّ� َﺻﻠﻰ ا�� ُ� َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ َو َﺳﻠﻢ‬ ‫ﻓﻘﺎم‬ َ​َ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ً َ ّ ‫ ��ﺸﻰ أن ﺗ��ن‬،‫ﻓﺰ�ﺎ‬ ‫ ﻓﺄﺗﻰ‬،‫اﻟﺴﺎﻋﺔ‬ ِ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ﻮع‬ ٍ �‫ﺎم ور‬ ٍ ‫ ﻓﺼﻠﻰ ﺑِﺄﻃﻮ ِل ِﻗﻴ‬،‫اﻟﻤﺴ ِﺠﺪ‬ ُ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ َ ُ َ ‫ ﻫ ِﺬ ِه‬:‫َو��ُﻮ ٍد َرأﻳْ ُﺘﻪ ﻗﻂ ﻳَﻔ َﻌ� ُ� َوﻗﺎل‬ ٰ ُ ْ ُ َّ ُ َ ُ‫ا��ّ ُ� ��َ ﺗ َ ُ��ن‬ ‫ا��ﻳﺎت اﻟ ِ�� ﻳﺮ ِﺳﻞ‬ َ​َ َ َ َ َ​َ ‫� ْﻦ‬ ِ �‫ و‬،‫ﻟ ِ َﻤ ْﻮ ِت أﺣ ٍﺪ و�� ِ�� َﻴﺎﺗِ ِﻪ‬ ً َ ُ َ َ َ َُ َ ّٰ ُ َ ُ ‫ﻓ ِﺈذا َرأﻳْ� ْ�ﺷ ْﻴﺌﺎ‬،‫ﺎده‬ ‫�� ِّﻮفا�� ُ�ﺑِ ِﻪ ِﻋﺒ‬ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ ‫ِﻣ ْﻦ ذﻟِﻚ ﻓﺎﻓ َﺰﻋﻮا ِإﻟﻰ ذِﻛ ِﺮ ِه َو ُد َ�ﺎﰱِ ِﻪ‬ َْ ْ َ .‫اﺳ ِﺘﻐﻔﺎ ِر ِه‬ ‫و‬ It was narrated by Hazrat Abu Musara that, “The sun eclipsed and the Prophetsa got up, being afraid that it might be the Hour [i.e., Day of Judgment]. He went to the Mosque and offered the prayer with the longest standing [qiyam], bowing [ruku‘] and prostration [sajdah] that I had ever seen him doing. Then he said, ‘These signs that Allah sends are not due to the death or life of anyone, but Allah uses them to instil fear in His servants. Therefore, when you witness such events, hasten to remember Allah, invoke Him, and seek His forgiveness.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-kusuf, Bab az-zikri fi l-kusuf, Hadith 1059)

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Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Transform after pledging your allegiance [bai‘at] “Refrain from creating discord; abstain from evil. Exercise patience when faced with insults. Avoid confrontations.

If someone challenges you, respond with kindness and good conduct. Exhibit an excellent model of gentle speech. Obey every command wholeheartedly, so that Allah the Almighty may be pleased, and even your adversaries may recognise that you have transformed after pledging your allegiance [bai‘at]. Give truthful testimony in legal matters. Those who join this Jamaat must adhere to truthfulness with all their heart, resolute commitment, and absolute dedication. The world is drawing close to its end.” (Malfuzat [1988], Vol. 3, pp.

620-621)

global scale and spiritually revive them.

There does exist such a leader; his name is Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, and he is the fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

For decades, he has been advising Muslims that unity is the only way to free the Muslim world from the shackles of discord. He has been invited to congresses, conferences and parliaments all over the world and the following message is always echoed: the Muslim world, in fact, the whole world, must unite so that global peace can be established. Vested interests and agendas of nations must be set aside for a greater cause.

This said, however, merely recognising the Khalifa of the time is not enough; rather, it is incumbent on all believers to establish a strong relationship with him and remain firmly attached to this institution.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Khilafat began after the demise of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi of this age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas in 1908. The first Khalifatul Masih, the caliph of the Messiah, to be divinely elected was Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. Expounding on the importance of Khilafat, he likened the relationship of believers with the Imam to a dead body in the hands of one preparing it for burial: “Your state in the hands of the Imam should be like a dead body in the hands of a ghassal [one who bathes the body for burial]. All your aims and wishes should be dead and you should attach yourselves to the Imam as carriages are attached to an engine. Then, see for yourselves whether you emerge out of darkness or not. […] Thus,

be grateful for this blessing, as thankfulness increases the blessings.” (Khutbat-e-Nur, p.

131) The second Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, described Khilafat to be the rope of Allah; holding fast to this rope leads to progress, prosperity and honour: “Be exceedingly mindful of the fact that Khilafat is Hablullah [the rope of Allah].

It is such a rope [of God] that holding fast to it alone will lead you to progress. The one who will let go of it will be destroyed.”

(Nizam-e-Khilafat, Barakat awr Hamari Zimadarian, p. 77) Amidst the rising tide of conflicts and crises in the Islamic world, the pressing question that emerges is: Who has the authority to identify and appoint a leader capable of steering the Muslim ummah towards harmony and peace? It is here that the profound words of Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh resonate deeply: “Our belief is that it is Allah Himself who appoints the Khalifa. If this decision were left to people, they would choose as their Khalifa the one whom they consider the most superior. However, the Khalifa is chosen by Allah Himself, and there is no flaw in His choice. [...] Then Allah lifts him up and places him in His lap, and to those who oppose him, He says, ‘Fight with Me if you have the strength to do so.’” (Al Fazl, 17 March 1967, p. 3) Hence, our relationship with the Khalifa should be based on our relationship with Allah the Almighty. One’s love for Allah must grow stronger as one progresses in nearness to Khilafat. Explaining this matter, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, the fourth Khalifa, said:

‘Voices for Peace’ event held on US Capitol Hill More than 125 people, including staff members from various US Congressional offices, participated in the timely, hourOn 4 December 2023, a ‘Voices for Peace’ long discussion at the historic Rayburn event was held at Capitol Hill by Jamaat-e- building, which featured speakers that included Rep. McGovern, Dr Craig Ahmadiyya USA. Rep. McGovern, who serves as the co- Considine of Rice University and Azhar chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Haneef Sahib, missionary-in-charge of Commission in US Congress, joined Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA. Journalists and academics and faith leaders at the event other special guests also attended the panel to discuss how to de-escalate the Israel- discussion.

The highlight of the afternoon was a video Palestine conflict. featuring the message of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, from one of his recent Friday sermons. He said: “The swiftness with which the conditions of war are increasing and the policies which Israel and the major governments of the world are adopting Photo courtesy of AMJ USA make a World War an Faran Rabbani USA Correspondent

imminent reality.”

Huzooraa added that “until someone does not have the courage to try to bring an end to this war, they are responsible for leading the world toward ruin. […] Thus, along with prayers, you should try to spread the message around you that injustices must be brought to an end.”

Dr Craig Considine echoed the need for a ceasefire, and Karim A. A. Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, also sent a video message to attendees.

The final speaker was Azhar Haneef Sahib, who spoke of the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Quran. He reaffirmed the message of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. He also added, “We stand allied with those who, all around the world at this moment, are giving voice to this message of peace. And we are echoing those voices far and wide throughout the world in these very humbled conferences — Voices for Peace”.

“The relationship of every Ahmadi with the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and his Khulafa or the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa, should be based on the relationship of Allah. If the foundation of their relationship is not built on the relationship of Allah, then this relationship is artificial, fake and meaningless. If the love of Allah gives rise to that relationship and as they grow in their love for Allah, the said relationship with the Holy Prophetsa [and others] also grows, then rest assured that such people are not in any kind of danger, neither in this world nor in the next. Those who possess this kind of relationship, as I have explained, will remain safe from every strife.” (Friday Sermon, 23 November 1990) Thus, we must keep in mind the following words of the pledge that we took before Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Vaa on the occasion of the Khilafat Jubilee in 2008 and never forget our responsibility of building a strong bond with Khilafat: “We solemnly affirm that we shall strive till our last breath for the safeguard and stability of the institution of Khilafat and shall continue to instruct our children and coming generations to form an everlasting bond with Khilafat and benefit from its blessings, so that Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya continues safely till the Day of Resurrection.”

(Al Fazl International, 25 July 2008) In essence, Khilafat is an everlasting source of divine guidance and blessings.

It is the soul of the Muslim world and the unbreakable bond that ensures progress, goodness, and security for every believer.

The call is clear: remain attached to Khilafat, for in this attachment lies the key to emerging from darkness into divine light, and also the key to lasting Muslim unity.

National Flag Day celebrated in Kosovo Besmir Yvejsi Kosovo Correspondent

On 28 November 2023, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Kosovo celebrated National Flag Day, aligning with the Day of the Declaration of Independence of Albania in 1912. This annual tradition holds special significance for the over 92% ethnically Albanian population in Kosovo, as it serves as a poignant reminder of their ancestors’ sacrifices for freedom.

The event in Prishtina began with the recitation from the Holy Quran with Albanian translation, followed by a lecture

by Jinahuddin Saif Sahib, an Ahmadi missionary in Kosovo, on true loyalty to the homeland.

Dr Muhamet Peci led a silent prayer to conclude the event.

The event also provided a platform for engaging in discussions through a questionand-answer session.

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Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V continues to urge Ahmadis to raise their voices for Palestinians Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, continues to shed light on the escalating tensions in Palestine and the broader implications for the global community. His words offer a critical perspective on the role of major powers, the unity of Muslim nations, and the importance of collective prayers and actions to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians.

In his Friday Sermon, delivered on 1 December 2023, Huzooraa reiterated the need for continued prayers for the beleaguered Palestinians, stating: “Continue to pray for the Palestinians.

After the cessation of the ceasefire, indiscriminate bombing will resume and more innocents will be martyred. How much oppression will be inflicted, only Allah knows best. The intentions of the major powers regarding their future are very dangerous. Hence, there is a great need for prayers for them. May Allah the Almighty have mercy. [Amin]” Highlighting the recent developments in the conflict in his Friday Sermon, delivered on 8 December 2023, Huzooraa underscored the increasing violence and its impact on innocent civilians. He emphasised the need for persistent prayers and reflected on the international community’s response, including the United States’ stance influenced by upcoming elections, and the lack of unity among Muslim countries. He said: “I continually urge prayers for the

Palestinians; keep praying. As anticipated, following the end of the ceasefire, the Israeli government has intensified its bombings and attacks across every area of Gaza.

Again, innocent children and civilians are being martyred.

“Now, even a U.S. Congressman, who I believe is Jewish, has said, ‘Enough is enough; America should play its role in stopping this.’ The President of the United States is also now stating, albeit in hushed words, that this gunfire should stop and that the shelling, which is happening equally in the north and the south, should cease.

Initially, they said, ‘Go north, and you will be

safe,’ but now the situation there is the same.

However, these words of the President of the United States are not out of any human sympathy. We should not be under any illusion. Instead, it is for their own interests, as elections are approaching in America, and the youth there are demanding a ceasefire. Similarly, American Muslims are raising their voices. So, these people are doing everything for their votes, without any sympathy for Palestinians or Muslims.

“Then there are Muslim countries. Some of their voices are getting stronger, but unless they unite to strive for a ceasefire, it is of no use. May Allah create unity among

Muslims. The non-Muslim world knows Muslims are not united and are engaged in killing each other. Look at what’s happening in Yemen. Similarly, in other countries, thousands, even millions of children and other innocents are dying at the hands of Muslims. This emboldens others to oppress them further, thinking it makes no difference, as they oppress themselves.

When Muslims do not care for the lives of their fellow Muslims, why would the enemy care? Allah has sternly warned in the Holy Quran about Muslims killing each other, stating that such individuals will be hellbound. May Allah enable Muslims to unite and become a means to end oppression in the world instead of engaging in internal conflicts.

“The UN has tried to raise its voice, but who listens to them? They claim, ‘We will do this, we will do that,’ but they can’t do anything; no one heeds their words.

The major powers just exercise their [veto] rights.

“May Allah have mercy on the Muslims.

Nevertheless, along with prayers, as I have already communicated through the jamaats, we must continuously remind our acquaintances and local politicians to raise their voices to end this oppression. Similarly, we should spread this message in our circles that we must strive to end this injustice. May Allah protect the innocent from oppression.

[Amin]”

Annual Peace Conference 2023 held in Leicester Ibrahim Bonsu President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Leicester, UK

On 18 November 2023, Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Leicester held their annual Peace Conference at the Baitul Ikram Mosque. The event was attended by many guests including the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester Dr Susan Barton, the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police and various Councillors. Other dignitaries in attendance were representatives of faith groups, the neighbourhood policing team, the Leicestershire Fire Service and members of the general public who had registered their interest prior to the event.

This year’s theme ‘Foundations of True Peace’ was adopted from the theme of this year’s National Peace Symposium which

was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque earlier in the year. The main speaker for this event was Mansoor Clarke Sahib, a missionary with the UK Jamaat.

The reception prior to the commencement of the event included a tour of the mosque and an exhibition made up of a Jamaat literature stall and pull-up banners display, showcasing the beliefs and tenets of the Jamaat.

The formal event started with the recitation from the Holy Quran with its English translation, followed by a welcome address by my humble self which highlighted the objective of the Peace Conference and why it is so important for communities to come together in this critical hour where humanity stands at the brink of global catastrophe and the critical

need for each individual to strive for peace. The welcome address was followed by a two-minute silence to remember the victims of war.

A short video presentation on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the role of Khilafat and the global peace efforts of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was relayed to the audience.

The first guest speaker for the event was the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Leicester Dr Susan Barton. The second speaker was the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Rob Nixon. The third guest speaker was Councillor Deepak Bajaj (former Lord Mayor of Leicester).

This was followed by a video presentation of an excerpt from a speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at the 2023

National Peace Symposium which was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque.

The video was followed by the fourth guest speaker of the event, Tony Nelson, a Jewish representative from the Leicester Hebrew Congregation.

This was followed by a speech by Mansoor Clarke Sahib who addressed the topic of injustice as a fundamental root cause of social agitation with references to the atrocities going on in Palestine. He elaborated how injustice can be tackled if all individuals take it upon themselves as their responsibility and do not neglect it as the responsibility of someone else.

The vote of thanks was presented

by Muneeb Ur Rahman Sahib, the local missionary, after which, dinner was served.

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Responding ‘They desire to see to allegations menstruation blood in you’

15 - 21 December

A series looking into the allegations raised against Hazrat Ahmad’sas personality, writings, revelations, and prophecies, along with the answers he has provided

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, authored his book, Arba‘in, Number 4, in 1900. In it, he penned a short section especially dedicated to those of a hasty nature. Here, the Promised Messiahas states that he received a book containing personal attacks and criticisms against his prophecies, prompting a revelation from God. Huzooras writes: “I have received the book of Munshi Ilahi Bakhsh, accountant, entitled ‘Asa‘-e-Musa, in which he has made personal attacks – based entirely on ill-thinking – on me and has also attacked some of my true and holy prophecies without due consideration.

When I had looked through that book and put it aside, I received the revelation concerning Munshi Ilahi Bakhsh:

�ٰ َ ‫َيﺮَيْدَوْن ا ْ​ْن َيﺮَوا ﻃَمْثﻚ َوالّٰلُه َيﺮَيْد اْن َيﺮَيﻚ ا�َعاِمُه‬ ‫اًلا�َعاِماِت اَلَمﺘًواﺗﺮة‬

often eagerly embraces sensationalised narratives. Consequently, despite the unequivocal refutation, owing to the heated atmosphere persistent against the Jamaat, these opponents try to assert that Hazrat Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, experienced menstruation. For instance, in late 1919, a Muslim body named Anjuman Muhammadiya Rawalpindi published an advertisement titled Mardon ka Haiz (Menstruation of Men). This below-the-belt advertisement was refuted by Fazl-ud-Din Ahmadi Sahib and published in the Jamaat’s Newspaper, Al Fazl, on 24 December 1919.

However, the above assertion of opponents lacks substance, as the Promised Messiahas did not mention, document, or even hint of such a thing anywhere in his writings, and in fact, such claims have been refuted.

Hazrat Ahmadas writes: “Similarly, the following revelation about Babu Ilahi Bakhsh is recorded on page 19 of my book, Arba‘in, Number 4:

�ٰ -‫َيﺮَيْدَوْن َأْن َيﺮَوا ﻃَمْثﻚ َوالّٰلُه َيﺮَيْد اْن َيﺮَيﻚ ا�َعاِمُه‬ ٰ “‘They desire to see menstruation blood ‫ اَنْت ِمْنى ُبَم��َلِة اَوًلادي۔ َوال �ّٰلُه َوَلَّیﻚ‬-‫اًلا�َعاِماِت اَلَمﺘًواﺗﺮة‬ in you. [That is, they are seeking to discover ‫َو ِرُبﻚ َفﻘِلْنا َيا َناِرُكًو�� ُبﺮدا‬ impurity and filth and vileness] but God

desires to exhibit His continuous favours unto you.’

“How can they find in me any matter resembling menstruation, and what trace of it is left in me [...]?” (Arba‘in, Number 4, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p. 452, footnote) Opponents of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat sing from the same hymn sheet, and the audience they address in their gatherings

“Meaning that, Babu Ilahi Bakhsh wishes to see your menstruation or come to know of some other filth or defilement, but God, on the other hand, will shower His bounties upon you, which shall be perpetual. You do not have menstruation, but you do have a child – a child who is at the status of the children of God. “In other words, menstruation is

Ahmadi missionary in Paraguay meets with the vice minister of Religion Mishaal Baten Paraguay Correspondent

On 14 November 2023, the missionary-incharge of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Paraguay, Abdun Nur Baten Sahib met with the vice minister of Religion, Mr David Velazquez.

They spoke about various topics, including the importance of religious freedom and the

role that faith plays in our society.

The vice minister was presented with a copy of the Holy Quran and they spoke about the need to establish peace in the world through justice. He was invited to attend an interreligious dialogue that the Jamaat is hosting later this month with the topic Voices For Peace, in light of recent events in the Middle East.

something impure, but a child’s body grows out of it. Similarly, when man surrenders to God, then all the filth and defilement, which is part and parcel of human nature, is transformed into a spiritual body. This menstruation becomes the cause of human progress. This is the basis for the saying of the mystics: ‘Had there been no sin, human beings could have made no spiritual progress.’ The same was the cause of Adam’s progress. This is why every Prophet, keeping in view the hidden shortcomings, kept invoking istighfar [seeking forgiveness], and the same fear has always been the cause of all kinds of progress. God says:

َ ۡ ُ �ٰ َ ۡ َ� ُ ‫ِا �ْن الّٰل َُه َيُ َِح �ﺐ اَلﺘ �ًوَ ِاُب� َ� َ​َوَيُ َِح �ﺐ اَل َُم َﺘﻄ �ِ​ِهﺮَِيۡ َْن‬

[“Allah loves those who turn to Him and loves those who keep themselves clean” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.223)] “Thus, every son of man inherently contains the impurity of menstruation within him, but that very menstruation prepares the body of a pure and clean child for the one who sincerely turns to God. This is why those who lose themselves in God are called the children of God. However, this does not mean that they are literally God’s sons. It would be sheer blasphemy to say so, for God is Holy and has no sons. But they have been called ‘children of God’ only as a figure of speech since, like an innocent child, they keep on remembering God with utmost zeal. Indicating the same spiritual station, the Holy Quran says:

ُ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ �ٰ ُ ُ ۡ َ ‫ﺂء� ْۡم‬ ‫َفاُذ�ِرَوا الّٰلُه ُك ِﺬ� ِ​ِر�ْم اُب‬

“Meaning that, remember God with such love and heartfelt compassion as a child remembers its father. [Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.201] “This is why God has been addressed as Ab or Pita [meaning ‘Father’] in the scriptures of every people. Figuratively speaking, God has a resemblance to a mother as well, and just as a mother rears her child in the womb, so are the beloveds of God nurtured in the lap of God’s love. They are granted a holy body out of a filthy origin.

This is why the auliya’ [friends of Allah] are called ‘children of God’ by the mystics. It is only a figure of speech. Otherwise, God has no children, and God is:

‫َل َ ْۡم َيَ ِ​ِل ْۡد � َ​َوَل َ ْۡم َيًُوَۡل َ ْۡد‬

“[‘He begets not, nor is He begotten’ (Surah al-Ikhlas, Ch.112: V.4)]” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation [HaqiqatulWahi], pp. 728-729)

15 December 15 December 1900: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published a lengthy announcement in which he invited Pir Meher Ali Shah to write a commentary on Surah al-Fatihah. (Majmu‘ah-eIshtiharat, Vol. 3, p. 147) Pir Meher Ali Shah, a well-known pir in India, had claimed to have a great command of the commentary of the Holy Quran and used to say that he had been blessed with the understanding of the Holy Quran. However, the Promised Messiah’sas challenge exposed the pir’s ignorance.

15 December 1926: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra launched Misbah (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 28, p. 150) upon the suggestion of various members of the Community, the most prominent among them being Hazrat Qazi Muhammad Zuhuruddin Akmalra and his wife Sikkinat-un-Nisa.

(Tarikh Lajna Imaillah, Vol. 1, p. 184) 15 December 1929: On this day, a Dutch missionary and doctor, Mr Kremer visited Qadian and had an audience with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Upon his return, he shared his pleasant experience of visiting Qadian and especially spending time in the company of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 5, pp. 154155) 15 December 2000: On the basis of a vision, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh directed members of Jamaat, while delivering his Friday Sermon, to pay special attention to the matrimonial issues of Ahmadi youth. Huzoorrh also emphasised the need to end unemployment among members of the Jamaat.

(Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p.

905)

16 December 16 December 1983: Hazrat

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This Week in History A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Khalifatul Masih IVrh while delivering his Friday Sermon, directed Jamaat members to initiate a meaningful campaign to end the prevailing bad customs in society, specially, when marrying their children.

(Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 2, p.

625)

16 December 1991: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh began his historic trip to Qadian, India on this day. This tour continued until 16 January 1992. On this day, Huzoor(rh) arrived at Delhi airport. The following day, aside from other engagements, Huzoorrh travelled to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra, and on 18 December, he visited Tughlaqabad and Qutb Minar. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 868)

Khalifatul Masih IIIrh urged Ahmadis to create such an environment of brotherhood around them that any impecunious Ahmadi may not have to sleep hungry at night. Huzoorrh directed that presidents of local jamaats should oversee this important campaign. (Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 1, p. 45)

18 December

Punjab Express. In Amritsar, Huzoorrh boarded a local train and reached Qadian at 7 pm.

Thus, for the first time after the partition of India in 1947, the blessed presence of Khalifatul Masih was witnessed again in Qadian. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 868)

19 - 20 December

16 December 2005: During his first ever Friday Sermon from Qadian, delivered in Masjid Aqsa, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said it was the duty of the residents of the Promised Messiah’sas town to always give precedence to their faith over the world.

16 December 2009: During his tour of Germany, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inspected the proposed venue in Karlsruhe for Jalsa Salana Germany and gave important guidance to the volunteers. Huzooraa also laid the foundation of the Bait-ulBaqi Mosque in Pforzheim. (Al Fazl International, 22 January 2010, p. 16)

17 December 17 December 1892: Alluding to an edict issued by Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh of Lahore, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar (announcement) titled, Qiyamat Ki Nishani [A Sign of the Day of Resurrection]. In this announcement, the Promised Messiahas responded to allegations raised by maulvis who said that Jalsa Salana was an innovation. (Majmu‘ah-eIshtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 372) 17 December 1965: Hazrat

and Maulvi Barkaat Ahmad Rajeki Sahib was appointed as editor.

By March 1952, Badr had begun its publication on a regular basis.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 13, p.

394)

20 December 1991: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh delivered the Friday Sermon in Qadian on this day, which was the first Friday Sermon delivered by Khalifatul Masih in Masjid Aqsa Qadian in 44 years.

(Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 868) 20 December 2009: During his tour of Germany, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa called a one-day majlise-shura (consultative committee meeting) of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany at Bait-us-Sabuh Frankfurt and addressed members of the shura on this day. (Al Fazl International, 19 February 2010, p.

16)

21 December

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh addressing the Jamaat members in Rabwah, Pakistan

18 December 1913: Owing to an article published in the Badr newspaper about Christianity, it was censored was censored and ceased circulation. See the date 20 December 1951 below for further details. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 3, p. 484) 18 December 1945: For the first time in Qadian, a delegation of nine missionaries departed for Europe to spread the message of Islam. Two more missionaries joined this unique group as they commenced their journey.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 9, p. 525) 18 December 1991: On this day, during his tour of India, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh reached Amritsar from Delhi by a train named Shan-e-

19 December 2009: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed a special reception marking 50 years since the construction of the Noor Mosque in Frankfurt, Germany.

The reception was held at the historic Ratskeller in the Römer building in Frankfurt. (Al Fazl International, 5 February 2010, p. 16) 20 December 1940: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra completed a volume of Tafsir-e-Kabir, consisting of chapters from Surah Yunus to Surah al-Kahf. In its print run of the first edition, 3,000 copies were printed. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 123) 20 December 1951: The newspaper Badr had been out of publication since 1913. On this day, the historic paper was relaunched from Qadian

21 December 1929: On this day, a political debate was held at India’s National Congress in Lahore. On this important occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra drafted a letter in English addressing the participants.

The letter was entitled An Appeal to Hindu Leaders. This letter was published and widely circulated.

This political gathering of the Indian National Congress gave birth to the renowned religio-political group called Majlis-e-Ahrar-e-Islam.

(Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 5, pp.

156-160) 21 December 1944: Based on one of his visions, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra directed members of the Jamaat to thoroughly study the upcoming communist movement (a political, economic, and social ideology that seeks the equality of social classes through the abolition of private ownership and property) and find counterarguments to it.

Huzoorra directed the Jamaat’s scholars, jurists, teachers, professors, life devotees, and students of Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya and Jamia Ahmadiyya to study the communist movement thoroughly and critically. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 8, p. 573)

Friday 8 December 2023 | AL HAKAM

6

Answers Tawhid, Prophethood, to Everyday Issues Messiahship, Ishraq, dhuha, Part 65

awwabin or chasht prayer

Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Prophethood and Messiahship A lady from the UK wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, enquiring, “When Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, was informed that he was the awaited Messiah, why did he then state that it was possible for another Messiah, the son of Mary [Masih ibn Maryam], to come after him and, according to some traditions, could also be the Promised One? What wisdom could there be in such a statement? Furthermore, why did the Promised Messiahas state that the theme of Monotheism [Tawhid] is not as clearly expounded in the scriptures preceding the Holy Quran as it is detailed in the Quran, despite the fact that the teaching of monotheism has been a part of all religions and the nature of God has always been eternal and unchanging?”

Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 25 August 2022, provided the following response: “The sending of a prophet or reformer

by Allah the Exalted for the guidance and reformation of the world is a blessing beyond compare, one without any parallel in the world. Whenever Allah the Exalted perceived the need for a prophet or reformer for the world’s guidance, He, in His mercy towards humanity, certainly appointed one for this purpose. The power of Allah the Exalted in this regard has always been, and will always be, perpetual, never ceasing.

The misguided interpretation of the term Khatam an-Nabiyyin by certain clerics, which has deprived the Muslim ummah of

the blessing of prophethood, is also a result of their ignorance of the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

No human being has the right to deem this divine tradition as discontinued, as there is no scriptural evidence in either the Quran or the sunnah to suggest the cessation of the possibility of prophethood.

“Hence, despite the repeated glad tiding given by Allah the Exalted to the Promised Messiahas, affirming that he is the very Muhammadan Messiah meant to guide the world and rejuvenate the faith of Islam in these Latter Days and that he is indeed the Promised Messiah, the Imam [Mahdi], and the Seal of the Caliphs [Khatam al-Khulafa] for this last millennium of the world’s seven thousand-year cycle, with no room for another Messiah to come within this period, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, fully clarified the matter for his followers, to keep them truly aligned with the genuine teachings of Islam, that the power of Allah the Exalted is boundless and unstoppable.

Therefore, he stated that Allah the Exalted could, whenever He deems it necessary, raise someone in the likeness of the Messiah [Mathil-i Masih]. This was to ensure that his followers did not fall into the same trap as the so-called clerics who deny the possibility of prophethood.

“Drawing upon various verses of the Holy Quran, sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, and historical references from other religions, the Promised Messiahas argued for the lifespan of the human race being seven thousand years. Following this, he mentioned that the Holy Prophet

Masjid Aqsa| Wiki Commons

Muhammadsa was commissioned in the fifth millennium of this timeline and said: “‘We are now at the head of the seventh millennium and there is no room for any other Messiah to come after this, because there are only seven millennia that have all been divided into good and evil.’ (Lecture Lahore, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 186) He further states: “‘Since it is the last millennium, it was inevitable that the Imam of the Latter Days should be born at the turn of this millennium. After him, there is no Imam and no Messiah except the one who comes in his image, for in this millennium the world comes to an end, as all the Prophetsas have testified. This Imam, whom God has designated as the Promised Messiah, is the Mujaddid [reformer] of this century as well as of the last millennium.’ (Lecture Sialkot, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 208) “The Promised Messiahas is also the Reformer [Mujaddid] of the last millennium.

This implies that the successors who follow in the caliphate initiated by him, based on the model of prophethood [Khilafat ‘ala Minhaj al-Nubuwwah], in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, will themselves be Mujaddids of their respective times. This is a result of the blessings derived from their adherence and complete obedience to the Promised Messiahas. Therefore, it is now inconceivable for any mujaddid to arise outside the purview of his obedience and following.

While addressing the possibility of the advent of a Mathil-i Masih after himself, the Promised Messiahas states: “‘We wish to clarify that we do not reject the possibility of another individual emerging as a likeness [mathil] of the Messiah after us. Indeed, throughout history, figures resembling the prophets [i.e., mathil] have continuously appeared. Moreover, God Almighty has manifested to me through a definitive and unequivocal prophecy that a person from my own progeny shall be born.

This individual shall bear a resemblance to the Messiah in numerous aspects. He shall descend from heaven and shall make the path of the people of the earth straight and shall grant release to those held in bondage and shall free those who are shackled by the chains of various doubts and misgivings.’

(Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 179-180) “He further states in this regard: “‘This humble one also does not claim

that messiahship has ended with me and that no messiah shall come in the future. Nay, I believe and I say repeatedly that, let alone one, more than ten thousand messiahs can come.’ (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 251) “In another place, while elucidating this subject, the Promised Messiahsa states: “‘Jesusas son of Mary reached the age of 120 years when he died and joined his Creator. There in heaven, he stays in the company of John [the Baptist] because both had similar experiences. There is not the least doubt that he was an extremely righteous man and a prophet of God. However, to call him ‘god’ is tantamount to disbelief. Hundreds of thousands of people like him have passed away and will come in the future and God is never tired of exalting righteous people in the past or in the future.’ (Tazkirat-ush-Shahadatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 29) “Thus, this is the last millennium of that dispensation during which God sent the spiritual son and the most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa, in exact accordance with his prophecies as the Promised Messiah and the Khatam al-Khulafa’. It can be deduced from the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa and the sayings of the Promised Messiahas that, by the grace of Allah the Exalted, since this is the era of the Islamic Ahmadiyya Caliphate, established through the Promised Messiahas in the last millennium, therefore, if ever there is a need for a reformer for the reformation of the world, Allah the Exalted will raise someone from among the followers of the Promised Messiahas for that reformation, who will be the Khalifa of the time and will also be granted the status of his like [mathil] and a reformer [musleh] in addition to being a caliph, as Allah the Exalted conferred this status on Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in exact accordance with the glad tidings given to the Promised Messiahas. Hence, while elucidating the status of that promised caliphate, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “‘Moreover, it is not just a question of any caliphate, but a question of a promised caliphate. It is a question of a caliphate established by divine inspiration and revelation. One kind of caliphate is when God Almighty causes people to elect a caliph and then He endorses him, but this one is not only such a caliphate. That is, I am not only a caliph because, on the day after the demise of Hazrat Khalifah Ira, the members

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 December 2023 of the Ahmadiyya Community gathered together and agreed on my caliphate, rather, I am also a caliph, because, even before the caliphate of Khalifa Ira, the Promised Messiahas had also said, on the authority of divine inspiration [ilham], that I would become a caliph. Thus, I am not just a caliph but a promised caliph. I am not an appointee [ma’mur] but my voice is the voice of God Almighty because God Almighty gave this news through the Promised Messiahas. In other words, the position of my caliphate is between Ma’muriyyat and Khilafat. This is not an opportunity for the Ahmadiyya Community to let go and still be exonerated

by God. Just as it is true that prophets do not appear every day, so it is also true that promised caliphs do not appear every day.’ (“Report Majlis-e-Mushawarat 1936” in Khitabat-e-Shura, Vol. 2, p. 18) “Our faith holds that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be upon him, is indeed the Promised Messiah, whose advent was foretold in the earlier scriptures.

Alongside this, we also believe that Allah the Exalted possesses the power to appoint a reformer for the guidance of the world whenever He wills. However, as this 7,000year era is known as the era of our master and lord, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and since the sharia was completed through him, Allah the Exalted chose one of his followers, who excelled in love and devotion to him, for the service of the faith of Muhammadsa and for the rejuvenation of his sharia. Should there be a need in the future, we believe that Allah the Exalted will choose someone from the true devotees and followers of this most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, i.e., Muhammadan Messiahas as the Promised Caliph [maw‘ud khalifa] for the service of this faith, who will be endowed with the status of being the like [mathil] of the Messiah in addition to being his Khalifah.

This prophecy has already been fulfilled once through the person of Hazrat Fazle-Umar Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II, the Musleh-eMaud (Promised Reformer), may Allah be pleased with him.”

Tawhid “The answer to your second question is that the concept of Tawhid (monotheism) was perfected through the Holy Quran. Previous scriptures indeed contained teachings of monotheism, but they were according to the understanding and consciousness of people at that time. However, when religion was perfected, the teaching of Tawhid was also given in its most complete form. Moreover, the frequency and repetition with which the Holy Quran has proclaimed Tawhid are not found in previous scriptures. The Quran mentions the teachings of Tawhid in various ways, unlike earlier scriptures. Furthermore, no other religion has articulated the concept of Tawhid with the same degree of emphasis and definitiveness as the Holy Quran has.

For instance, Surah al-Ikhlas, which the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa referred to as one-third of the Quran (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab fada’ili l-qur’an, Bab fadli qul huw allahu ’ahad), is an extremely comprehensive chapter based on the teaching of Tawhid.

“Discussing the perfection of the teaching of Tawhid in Islam, and referring to Surah al-Ikhlas, the Promised Messiahas states:

7

“‘In the Torah, the attributes of Allah the Exalted are not fully mentioned. If there were a Surah in the Torah like the following one in the Holy Quran, perhaps Christians would have been spared from the misfortune of worshipping a creature:

ُ ُ​ُ َ� ُ �ٰ ٌ َ َ ُ �ٰ َ ُ ْ ُ ‫الَّص َ​َم ُ​ُدَل َ ْ​ْم َيَ ِ​ِل ْ​ْد َ​َوَل َ ْ​ْم ُيُوَل َ ْ​ْد َ​َو َل َ ْ​ْم َيَُك ْ​ْن َل َ ُ​ُه ُكُف ً​ًوا‬ ‫ُقْل ُهَو الّٰلُه َأَحٌدالّٰلُه‬ ٌ‫َأَ َ​َحٌد‬

“‘[Say, ‘He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Independent and Besought of all. He begets not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.’ (Surah al-Ikhlas, Ch. 111, V. 2-5)]’ (Kitab-ul-Bariyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 13, p. 84) “The personal name of God Almighty, ‘Allah’, is the root of Tawhid, encompassing within itself all the divine attributes. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas, states regarding this matter: “‘In the terminology of the Quran, ‘Allah’ is the name of the Being in Whom all the attributes of beauty [husn] and benevolence [ihsan] have reached their pinnacle of perfection, and there is no flaw in His entity. The Holy Quran attributes all divine qualities exclusively to the name of Allah, indicating that the name ‘Allah’ is truly realised when all perfect attributes are found within it.’ (Ayyam-us-Sulh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, p. 247) The Promised Messiahas further states: “‘‘Allah’ is translated as that God, or that Being Who is beyond perception, transcending all intellect, beyond the beyond, and intricately unfathomable and subtle, towards Whom, everything turns in a state of worshipful hue, that is, in a state of existential annihilation—either a metaphorical annihilation in Divine love, which is a spiritual state, or an actual annihilation, which is death.’ (Tuhfa-eGolarwiyya, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p.

268) “He also stated: “‘The God whom the Holy Quran seeks to establish belief in is free from all imperfections and possesses all perfect attributes, for the word ‘Allah’ is used only for that Being who is devoid of any flaws.

Perfection is of two types: either in terms of beauty or in terms of beneficence. Thus, both kinds of perfection are found in this word.

The terms coined by other nations for God Almighty are not as comprehensive. And it is this very term ‘Allah’ that completely refutes the existence and attributes of the deities of other false religions.’ (Al Hakam, Issue 17, Vol. 7, 10 May 1903, p. 2) “Surah al-Fatiha, which the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa referred to as ‘Umm al-Kitab’ (Mother of the Book) and ‘Umm al-Quran’ (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab assalat, Bab fatihati l-kitab), contains such a comprehensive teaching of Tawhid that seeking its parallel in any other religion would be futile. Hence, the Promised Messiahas says: “‘Reflect deeply on Surah al-Fatiha, which is a precise outline of the Holy Quran and also known as Umm al-Kitab. It briefly encompasses all the insights of the Holy Quran. It begins with ‘Alhamdulillah’, which means all praises are due to Allah alone. This verse teaches that all benefits and all progress in human civilization are from Allah, as He alone is worthy of all praise. Thus, the True Bestower can only be He. Otherwise, it would imply that He may not be deserving of any praise and glorification, which is a

blasphemous thought. Thus, ‘Alhamdulillah’ contains such a comprehensive teaching of Tawhid, leading one away from the servitude and [the wrong notion of any] inherent beneficence of worldly things, clearly imprinting in the mind that every true and inherent benefit and profit comes from Allah alone, since He alone deserves all praises. Therefore, in every benefit and profit, prioritise Allah above all. Nothing else will avail if it contradicts the pleasure of Allah. Even offspring can become enemies, and they do become so if it is against the will of Allah.’ (Al Hakam, Issue 32, Vol. 5, 31 August 1901, p. 1) “Therefore, the teaching of Tawhid that Islam has elevated to its zenith, and the details of which it has laid out for its followers, are also articulated in various styles in the Holy Quran. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa also expounded upon it in different manners, and these aspects have been extensively elaborated upon in the writings and speeches of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, who was the most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa. Such comprehensive and detailed discussions of these aspects are not found in the earlier religious laws.”

Ishraq, dhuha, awwabin or chasht prayer A lady wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, asking about the method of performing the chasht prayer. She mentioned that she has been taught that the prescribed way is to pray two units [rak‘at] of prayer after the morning prayer when the sun has risen to the height of a spear, and then another two rak‘at when the sun has risen well above the horizon. She expressed her difficulty in discerning the correct time for the first two rak‘at, and hence she only performs the latter two rak‘at. She enquired whether this practice was correct.

Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 31 August 2022, gave the following reply to her question: “After the Fajr prayer, and subsequently after the sunrise, but before the Zuhr prayer, there is mention in the ahadith of performing various supererogatory prayers known as salat al-ishraq, salat ad-dhuha, or salat al-awwabin. These are not obligatory prayers but voluntary ones. Hence, anyone who wishes to perform these prayers may do so, and there is no sin upon someone who does not perform them.

“As for the timings of these supererogatory prayers, there is a narration from Hazrat Anasra bin Malik regarding the two rak‘at of voluntary [nafl] prayer after the sunrise following the Fajr prayer. He narrates, ‘The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Whoever performs the Fajr prayer in congregation and then sits engaged in the remembrance of Allah until the sun rises, and thereafter performs two rak‘at of prayer, he shall receive the full reward of performing a Hajj and ‘umrah.’’ (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab aljumu‘ah, Bab dhikri ma yustahabbu mina l-julusi fi l-masjidi ba‘da salati s-subhi hatta tatlu‘a sh-shams) “Scholars and jurists refer to this prayer as salat al-ishraq or the first salat ad-dhuha.

Regarding its timing, they state that this prayer should be performed when the sun has risen to the height of a spear.” (Tuhfat Al-Ahwadhi Bi Sharh Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi,

Kilic-Emre Akdag | Unsplash

Kitab al-jumu‘ah) “The phrase ‘when the sun rises to the height of a spear’ means that when the sun’s yellowishness fades away and the prohibited time for offering prayer ends. In terms of time measured by the clock, this period begins approximately half an hour after sunrise.”

“Regarding the chasht prayer [salat addhuha], there is a narration by Hazrat Abu Hurairara where the Holy Prophetsa stated:

ُ� ْ َ َ ُ ُ​ُ ْ ُ َ َ​َ ‫َ​َم ْ​ْن َ​َحاَفَظ َ​َعَلى ُشْف َ​َع ِ​ِة الُّض َ​َحى ُغ ِ​ِف َ​َر َل َ ُ​ُه ُذُنوُبُ ُ​ُه َ​َو ِ​ِإ ْ​ْن َكاَن ْ​ْت ِ​ِمْث َ​َل‬ ْ ْ َ ‫َزَبَ ِ​ِد اْل َ​َبْح ِ​ِر‬

“‘Whoever consistently performs the two rak‘at of dhuha, his sins will be forgiven, even if they be as [vast as] the foam of the sea.’ (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab as-salah, Bab ma ja’a fi salati d-dhuha) “According to scholars and jurists, the time for this prayer begins when the sun’s heat becomes so intense that it heats the sand to a degree that causes the feet of camel calves to burn. As narrated by Hazrat Zaidra bin Arqam, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘The time for salat al-awwabin is when [due to the sun’s heat, the sand becomes so hot that] it burns the feet of the camel calves.’ (Sahih Muslim, Kitab salati l-musafirin wa qasriha, Bab salati l-awwabina hina tarmadu l-fisal) “Based on this hadith, the chasht prayer or salat ad-dhuha is also referred to as salat al-awwabin (the prayer of those who turn towards Allah the Exalted). In any case, the time for this prayer begins between sunrise and midday. According to the clock, this time in Islamabad, UK, would be approximately 9:45 am today (as sunrise was at 6:15 and midday at 13:04). Thus, today the time for chasht, dhuha, or salat al-awwabin starts around 9:45 and lasts until just before the sun reaches its zenith.

And when the sun is directly overhead, the Holy Prophetsa forbade praying at that time, except on Fridays. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab as-salah, Bab as-salati yawma l-jumu‘ati qabla z-zawal) “Therefore, you can perform the ishraq prayer half an hour after sunrise, and the chasht prayer can be performed during the time between sunrise and [beginning of] its descent [i.e., the meridian].”

(Compiled by Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London. Translated by Al Hakam.)

Friday 8 December 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Opinion

Abdul Haleem UK

The ongoing Israeli attacks on Palestinians have deeply affected a vast majority of the global population. People worldwide are exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed by the distressing scenes unfolding before their eyes. It is the first time in history that we can witness the live massacre of a nation with a simple click of a button. This has taken a toll on everyone globally, sparking protests worldwide, with tens of thousands expressing their outrage over the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza.

However, despite widespread global opposition to these attacks, America, it seems, stands as an exception by staunchly supporting Israel. It remained the singular country that vetoed humanitarian aid to Gaza, has not yet agreed to a ceasefire, and continues to provide Israel with billions in military aid. So, the question arises: Why does America provide such extensive support to Israel, and what do they gain from this?

There are multiple explanations, but one that is highly significant is often not discussed enough and is tied to Christianity and its concept of the End Times.

Evangelical Christians greatly influence the political decisions made by the United States government, because they dominate one of the most powerful pro-Israel lobbies in America with over 10 million members. (“The American Evangelical Christians and the U.S. Middle East policy: A case study of the Christians United for Israel (CUFI)”, www.proquest.com) Understanding the beliefs of Evangelical Christians clarifies why they staunchly support Israel. Many Evangelicals see Israel as playing a pivotal role in what they consider the End Times. For them, it’s a biblical belief that as soon as the state of Israel is established, Jesus will return to Earth, triggering the battle of Armageddon, which they view as a holy war. According to their faith, in this war, Jews and other non-Christians will suffer for accepting the Antichrist as their messiah and will be killed. They believe that true Christians will be spared as they will have been raptured (taken directly into Heaven) before the war begins. Following this, they believe Jesus will rule the world from the temple mount in Jerusalem. (“The dispiriting truth about why many evangelical Christians support Israel”, www.msnbc.com; “John Hagee: Understanding End Times Prophecy (Full Episode) | Praise on TBN”, www.youtube. com) This becomes clear after listening

The End Times: America, Evangelical Christianity, and Israel’s occupation of Palestine to John Hagee, an evangelical pastor, and the founder of Christians United for Israel, he says: “God is getting ready to defend Israel in such a supernatural way it’s going to take the breath out of the lungs of the dictators on planet Earth but we are living on the cusp of the greatest most supernatural series of events the world has ever seen ready or not.

“Hagee said when Jewish people are present in Israel ‘the clock starts ticking’ on the rapture.

“What will come soon is the antichrist and his seven-year empire that will be destroyed in the battle of Armageddon. Then Jesus Christ will set up his throne in the city of Jerusalem. He will establish a kingdom that will never end.” (“‘This war is prophetically significant’: why US evangelical Christians support Israel”, www.theguardian.com) Evangelical Christians justify their support of Israel based on passages from the Bible, such as “Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.” (Numbers 24:9) From this, they believe that if America, as a country, does not bless Israel, meaning if it does not offer its government unconditional support, God will curse America. (“Televangelist Pat Robertson Warns U.S. Will ‘Suffer Curse’ from God If Dems Don’t Support Israel”, www.newsweek. com) We can also see how important the creation and support of Israel is to the Christians from the following statement of pastor Jerry Falwell: “I have arrived at the conclusion that unless the United States maintains its unswerving devotion to the State of Israel, the very survival of that nation is at stake [...] Every American who agrees Israel has the right to the land must be willing to exert all possible pressure on the powers that be to guarantee America’s support of the State of Israel at this time.” (Simon, Merrill (1984), Jerry Falwell and the Jews, p. 62) People may wonder how Evangelicals arrived at the belief that establishing the state of Israel would lead to the end times. This belief often comes from how

Marek Piwnicki | Unsplash

they understand certain parts of the Old Testament such as: “And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

(Isiah 11:12) “And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land.”

(Ezekiel 37:21) Bible scholars interpreted these verses to mean that the return of Christ or end times would occur when the Jewish people returned to Palestine and the state of Israel was established. (“Zionism: Christian Zionism” by David Krusch”, www. jewishvirtuallibrary.org) That is why a Popular evangelical pastor Greg Laurie in a speech regarding the Israel and Hamas war on 13 October 2023 said that the recent events were a “super-sign” that the “prophetic clock ticking is the regathering of the nation Israel into their homeland.” (“War in Israel: A Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy?”, harvest.org) Additional evidence supporting this notion that Evangelical Christians are behind the support of Israel is the role of William Eugene Blackstone, an American evangelist, who is regarded as a Father of Zionism. He wrote the Blackstone Memorial in 1891, a petition urging the American government to facilitate the return of the Jewish people to Palestine.

He is recognised as one of the pioneers in initiating this movement. (Journal of the

Evangelical Theological Society, 53/4, p. 787, www.etsjets.org) By thoroughly examining the provided information, we can comprehend why there is resistance to a ceasefire and why America persists in supporting Israel’s occupation of Palestine because a ceasefire for them is seen as slowing the process of the birth of the state of Israel. The faster the Palestinian people vacate Gaza, the swifter the state of Israel is created, quickening the return of Jesus and the dominance of Christianity globally!

Jewish Zionists also support this idea, viewing it as the fulfilment of God’s promise of land to the Jews mentioned in the Torah. (Genesis 17:8) However, they hold contradictory beliefs compared to Christians regarding the coming Messiah.

So, Jewish Zionists and evangelical Christians, share the ultimate goal of establishing the state of Israel, but with different outcomes in mind. On the surface, it might appear that Christians and Jews have united forces, especially given America’s immense support for Israel.

However, Christian Zionism (Evangelical Christians) seeks to establish Christian dominance on a global scale. This scenario once again proves the truthfulness of the Quran, where God Almighty states that Jews and Christians will continue to stand in disagreement with each other until the Day of Judgment. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.114)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 8 December 2023

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A message of love and prayer Hafiz Habeebullah Adeyemi Student Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana

As the Israel-Palestine conflict unfortunately continues to escalate, the world continues to witness numerous horrific incidents in which scores of people are dying. In response to these unbearable occurrences, thousands of people took to the streets of major cities like London and Paris, to show support to Palestinians and pressure their governments to push for a total ceasefire.

Moreover, there have been posts across almost all social media platforms and others are engaging in heated discussions to protest in support of the oppressed Palestinians, who are evidently being bombarded every day.

Recently, a group of us engaged in a discussion on this issue and, of course, we went back and forth delving into the latest updates of the war, expressing our sincere concerns, and, like many others, we in this way protested in support of the Palestinians.

We were all in our ways passionately expressing our views when a friend politely asked “What do we gain from these discussions?” I was personally startled at his question because I felt it was obvious that we were in our own way showing our support for the Palestinians by expressing our heartfelt concerns.

Yet, the following words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh were brought before me: “Ahmadis are not allowed to hate any particular group of people or a nation. We have not been fermented with the enzyme of hatred. Therefore we cannot, like certain misguided nations, indulge in prayers against the Western powers or harbour any intrinsic hatred against anyone.” (The Gulf Crisis and The New World Order, p. 345) It was then that it dawned upon me that although most of us show our sincere support for the oppressed civilians of Palestine, it may come across as, at times, resentment and entertain negative thoughts against the Jewish Community and the West as a whole.

<< Continued from previous page

It is evident from America’s actions and decisions that they are ready to go to great lengths to support Israel, consistently emphasising Israel’s right to self-defence.

In this process, innocent civilians being massacred seems to hold little to no significance to them. Perhaps they should grab their notepads and consider taking a page from Islam, understanding that in a state of war, no harm should come to the elderly, women, or children. However, it appears as if they flourish on the blood of these innocent children, rejoicing in their

We begin to call them all sorts of names not because we are ill-mannered but because we instinctively think that we are only expressing our sincere concerns and showing our support for Palestine and the oppressed world at large.

This is why it is very important that we pay heed to the recent advice given by the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during his Friday sermons: “Ahmadis should not engage in discussions about which country’s leader is good and which one is not, and that Muslims shouldn’t speak against such and such person; because these are all futile discussions.”

(Friday Sermon 27 October 2023, www.alhakam.org) Nelson Mandela, in his book, whilst contemplating the intricacies of human nature, expresses that beneath the surface of every individual’s heart lies a reservoir of mercy and generosity: “I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity.

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” (The Long Walk To Freedom, p.

639) The Khulafa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat have always extensively advised the Jamaat on how we must react when the world is in such a precarious condition as it is today. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh said: “O Ahmadis! -You posses the power of prayer. Recognise its magnificence which lies in your humility. Never forget the basic difference between worldly powers and spiritual powers. Worldly powers are based upon pomp and pride, while spiritual powers have the hallmark of absolute humility. Thus, the amplitude of your prayer

is dependent upon your mode of humility before God. The greater the recognition of your helplessness in prayers, the greater will be the strength in your supplications. Your prayers will be granted effectiveness as a result of your helplessness. […] Prostrate before God in meekness, humility and desperation pleading that O Allah, frustrate the evil designs of these great powers.

Preserve whatever virtue is left in these nations. […] Do not pray for the destruction or annihilation of any nation out of prejudice and partiality. [...] Keep your conscience clear of your own vice and the multitude of other vices and then pray exclusively for the sake of Allah while shunning all types of national and racial prejudices. If you pray in this way, then I am certain that by the grace of Allah, your prayers are bound to be accepted.” (The Gulf Crisis and The New World Order, p. 345) Recently, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in various of his Friday Sermons, has called upon Ahmadi Muslims to resort to prayers as it is the greatest weapon in countering

injustices: “In any case, all we have is the weapon of prayer, which every Ahmadi should use now, more than ever before.” (Friday Sermon 13 October 2023, www.alhakam.org) Then, the following week, Huzooraa reminded: “In any case, we must focus on prayers.

May Allah bring an end to this war. May Allah save the innocent Palestinians and save them from further cruelty. May He eradicate injustice from the world, wherever it may be. And may Allah the Almighty grant us the ability to pray.” (Friday Sermon 20 October 2023, www.alhakam.org) Further, Huzooraa reminded the Jamaat: “Thus, along with prayers, you should try and spread the message around you that injustices must be brought to an end. If an Ahmadi has connections with people, then they should explain this to them. This is courage, this is the standard of obeying the commandments of Allah the Almighty.”

(Friday Sermon 27 October 2023, www. alhakam.org)

suffering and pain.

Isn’t it absurd that when bloodshed occurs in the sacred name of Islam, the world erupts in condemnation and it’s swiftly labelled as terrorism? However, when individuals or nations, claiming to adhere to the teachings of Christianity and Judaism, drive a narrative steering the world towards a massive conflict that would engulf the world in violence and bloodshed, world leaders seemingly turn a blind eye. This apparent hypocrisy challenges America’s claim of being a champion of human rights, perhaps, a more fitting title should be the champion of human crises.

The world leaders and those

orchestrating these plans should be reminded of a verse in the Holy Quran where God states: And they planned, and Allah [also] planned; and Allah is the Best of planners. (Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ch.3: V.55) We witness a divine plan in action as nonMuslims observe the distressing violence and crimes against humanity inflicted upon the Palestinians. As these individuals clutch the flesh and body parts of their loved ones the only words to escape their lips are “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘m al-wakeel” (‘Sufficient for us is Allah, and an excellent Guardian is He’) and “Alhamdulillah” (all praise belongs to Allah), this profound act

has left non-Muslims worldwide in awe and a state of shock, forcing many to reach for the Holy Quran, seeking to understand how such devotion to God is possible.

Numerous videos capturing these moments circulate on social media, showing how individuals, moved by the steadfastness of the Palestinians, have embraced Islam after delving into the pages of the Holy Quran. (“Young Americans are picking up the Qur’an ‘to understand the resilience of Muslim Palestinians’”, www.theguardian. com) So, while these supposed world leaders continue planning, they should remember that the True Living God is also at work.

Raimond Klavins | Unsplash

Friday 8 December 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Opinion

Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar Canada

Worldwide, the Muslim community is facing a highly unpredictable wave of opposition.

Incidents that sometimes spark global outrage are, at other times, barely noticed, highlighting a worrying inconsistency. This, combined with a rising trend of extremism in Western democracies, with countries like Argentina and the Netherlands witnessing a growing right-wing zeal, presents a daunting challenge.

Consider the stark difference between the immediate international condemnation from Muslim countries following the recent Quran burnings in Sweden, and the lukewarm response to the distressing situation of the Uyghurs. This contrast is telling. Furthermore, the few Muslim voices that have spoken out against the troubles in Palestine have been largely silenced. This glaring inconsistency reveals a concerning lack of unity and moral fortitude among predominantly Muslim countries when it comes to standing up for Muslims facing persecution around the world.

Ultimately, short-term economic and political considerations have taken precedence over solidarity with fellow believers in East Turkestan (China) or Palestine. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which aims to represent the Muslim world, has repeatedly failed to address China’s crimes against the Uyghurs, even as it reacted vigorously to the Swedish incident. In 2019, the OIC foreign ministers issued a joint statement disregarding the widespread repression of Uyghur Muslims, exemplifying the selective outrage that plagues Muslim nations regarding human rights abuses against Muslims.

China’s strategic leverage, wielded primarily through its economic clout and the promise of investment, has bred compliant silence from Muslim allies.

Chinese economic penetration of the Gulf region and the importance of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects have entrapped key Muslim nations, including Iran, Qatar, Morocco, and Iraq. Their lucrative codependence on China has muzzled any criticism of the regime’s oppressive policies in Xinjiang. The recent visit to the region by Arab League members further demonstrated the willingness of Muslim countries to toe China’s line in exchange for economic and diplomatic dividends.

China and the dilemma of Muslim nations in face of injustice Propaganda and media manipulation have also been pivotal in shaping favourable narratives among Muslim nations regarding China’s policies towards Uyghur Muslims.

Chinese state media works closely with Middle Eastern outlets, while proChina content reaches millions through conferences, speeches, and social media campaigns aimed at Muslim audiences. By co-opting influencers and Islamic NGOs, China has manufactured an illusion of Uyghur contentment that much of the Islamic world seems willing to believe.

This crisis of unity and moral leadership within the Muslim world has profound implications. Firstly, the legitimacy of organisations like the OIC, which seem more devoted to political expedience than defending human rights, will continue to erode. Secondly, the economic dependence on China will further inhibit any principled stance supporting the Uyghurs. Finally, the perceived apathy towards Uyghurs will tarnish the global image of Muslim nations.

Rectifying this situation is critical for the Uyghur community, the Palestinian community, and Muslim solidarity worldwide.

Muslim nations must acknowledge the overwhelming evidence of widespread repression rather than deny the facts on the ground. Coalitions like the OIC must reform their agenda to prioritise

human rights advocacy over political or economic interests. Reducing economic dependence on China through trade diversification among the Muslim nations could also grant them more diplomatic flexibility and perhaps a backbone.

In the realm of Muslim geopolitics, the absence of a divinely guided Khilafat among non-Ahmadi Muslims represents a significant gap. This is especially apparent when considering the Ahmadi Muslim Community, where the Ahmadiyya Khilafat exemplifies an effective model of spiritual and organisational leadership. This Khilafat, functioning as a cohesive force, provides a living example of how such leadership can effectively guide a global Muslim community, addressing broader challenges and fostering collective welfare. The lack of this amongst non-Ahamdi Muslims results in Muslim groups and nations acting based on narrow state interests rather than the collective interests of the ummah. This is particularly evident in the operations of the OIC, a body united under the Islamic banner but fragmented by the diverse geopolitical realities of its member states. The recent Israel-Palestine conflict underscores this fragmentation, highlighting the OIC’s inability to present a united front against global injustices, especially those affecting the Muslim world.

The OIC’s challenges are not merely organisational but fundamentally ideological. The Quranic injunctions, which should guide the policies of Muslim nations, often take a backseat to nationalistic aspirations. This misalignment is starkly visible in conflicts like those in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, where national interests have overshadowed the broader good of the Muslim ummah. Such a prioritisation fuels regional strife and contributes to global issues, such as the Uyghur crisis in China.

The only solution is the unification of the Muslim ummah under a spiritual rather than a political Khilafat. This approach advocates for alignment with Islamic teachings and the principles of justice, potentially mitigating conflicts and fostering global Muslim solidarity.

In the interim, as emphasised by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the focus for Muslims should be on prayer and advocacy for justice and unity.

This spiritual commitment and adherence to Quranic principles will gradually pave the way for a more cohesive and just Muslim world. The journey is challenging, but the potential for a unified Muslim Nation, harmonised by faith, presents a compelling goal for the future.

Image: Library

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 December 2023

Coming from every distant track

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Nobel laureate Dr Arthur H Compton meets Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud 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

Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

On 24 December 1949, a tea party was held at the Talim-ul-Islam College Lahore, in honour of a delegation of some American educationists, led by the noble laureate Dr Arthur H Compton, the then Chancellor of Washington University. Hazrat Muslehe-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, also graced this event with his presence. This event was organised by the Fazl-e-Umar Research Institute and Talimul-Islam College, Lahore. (Al Fazl, 31 December 1949, p. 7) The Civil and Military Gazette published a group photo of this event and reported under the heading “US Educationists Entertained”: “A Tea Party in honour of Dr. Arthur H. Compton, (second from right) Chancellor of Washington University, and his delegation of leading U.S. educationists, was given at the Talimul Islam College, Lahore, on Saturday last. In the centre is [Hazrat] Khalifa Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood[ra].” (The Civil and Military Gazette, 28 December 1949, p. 5) Various local dignitaries were also present, including educationists of West Punjab, University professors, principals and teachers of the local colleges, members of the American Consulate, and editors of various periodicals. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh, Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dardra, Sufi Matiur Rahman Sahib Bengali, Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, and Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sahib also attended the event. (Al Fazl, 31 December 1949, p. 7)

Dr Arthur Holly Compton Dr Arthur Holly Compton (1892-1962) was an American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927 for his 1923 discovery of the Compton Effect, which demonstrated the particle nature of electromagnetic radiation.

Speech by Mr Charles Spurgeon Johnson During this event, various speeches were delivered. Mr Charles Spurgeon Johnson (1893-1956) also delivered a speech. He was an American sociologist and college administrator who advocated for racial equality and the advancement of civil rights for Afri-

A delegation of American Educationists with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra | 24 December 1949

can Americans and all ethnic minorities. He served as the first African-American president of Fisk University.

During his speech, he proudly mentioned that African-Americans are gradually integrating with white Americans.

He expressed his hope that this fact would help the African-Americans become ‘nonAfrican’, which would eventually eradicate the problem of racial hate and discrimination will get solved. (Ibid., 1 January 1950, p. 6)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra speech and response to Mr Johnson’s speech Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a speech in English. While addressing Mr Johnson, Huzoorra said that he was surprised upon listening to his ideology, and said that in view of the Muslims, the African nations are themselves very respectable and honourable. It is not a matter of pride for them to gradually render themselves obsolete by considering themselves inferior to the Western nations. The African people can retain their respect and greatness — which they have attained through Islam — without harming their identity.

Huzoorra continued by saying that Islam is the religion which has emphasised equality among mankind. The Holy Prophetsa has not only taught about equality but showed an example by acting upon it in true essence. Hence, we see that in the early era, some people from the African nations also accepted Islam, one among them was Hazrat Bilalra as well. He offered great

sacrifices for the cause of Islam and endured such hardships from the opponents, which makes one astonished upon learning about them. His exemplary sacrifices always became a cause of envy for the other Companionsra. The Holy Prophetsa had great love for him and would care for him a lot.

After this, Huzoorra narrated various incidents depicting Hazrat Bilal’sra great sacrifices and the love and compassion which was shown for him by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Huzoorra stated that the same Hazrat Bilalra who was once an African slave, became a recipient of great respect and honour after joining Islam, and his greatness was acknowledged by not only the Companionsra but all the coming generations as well.

Huzoorra said that it was a result of the criterion of equality and greatness established by Islam that the African origin of Hazrat Bilalra could not cause any hurdle in his religious and worldly progress. Rather, through him, the honour and dignity of the African nations increased in the eyes of the Muslims more than ever before.

Huzoorra continued by saying that according to the Divine Decree, the first migration of the Muslims was also to a country which was a country of Africans due to being located in Africa, and was known as Habsha (Abyssinia). The king of that country treated Muslims justly, and the Muslims continued to live there in peace for 10 years. In response, the Muslims also treated them with kindness in the future and retained good relations. During the

times of conquests by the Muslims, when a great part of Northern Africa and Europe came under their empire, they did not look upon the small government of Habsha with any bad intentions. However, how did the major Christian nations treat the Habsha which was a Christian country? Italy, which is itself a Christian country, invaded Habsha and occupied it after carrying out huge oppression.

Huzoorra further said that in this era as well, when Allah the Almighty has created means for the propagation of Islam through Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya by raising the Promised Messiahas. We witness today that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has the opportunity to spread the message of Islam to Africans. Our multiple tablighi missions are established in America as well – the homeland of our respected guest, Dr Johnson. Through these missions, many African Americans have accepted Islam. Moreover, a youngster from among them, whose Islamic name is Rasheed Ahmad, has devoted his life to the service of Islam. He is currently in Pakistan to attain a religious education and resides in Rabwah, the current headquarters of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Huzoorra then spoke about the propagation of Islam in Africa through the Ahmadi missionaries and said that we are inviting them towards Islam and informing them about the Islamic teachings of equality. In addition to quenching their spiritual thirst, we are making utmost efforts for their worldly progress and betterment as well. Thus, many of our schools are established there, and now, arrangements are being made to establish a college there.

All of these efforts made by us may seem very insignificant to the world, however, whatever we are doing for the betterment of the Africans according to our capacity, is very important from the aspect that we are helping them by making sacrifices and compromising our needs. No doubt, America is spending on them, however, as if only one Dollar from the tens of millions of Dollars. In comparison, we are sharing with them our ordinary incomes. Why should we not make sacrifices for them, while they had rendered great services for our Master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa? We can never forget them, and will never leave any stone unturned in serving them and making them aware of the Islamic teaching of equity. (Al Fazl, 1 January 1950, p. 6)

Friday 8 December 2023 | AL HAKAM

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100 How to live in harmony: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s

Years lecture at Bradlaugh Hall, Lahore Ago...

The Review of Religions [English], November & December 1923

His Holiness, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], [then] head of the Ahmadiyya Community delivered a public lecture on the afternoon of 14 November 1923 at the Bradlaugh Hall of Lahore before a large and representative gathering of the people of that city. Khan Bahadur Sheikh Abdul Qadir BA (Barat-Law) of Lahore was in the Chair. His Holiness dealt with the causes of the present estrangement between the different communities inhabiting India and made a number of practical suggestions as to how the causes of friction could be eliminated and the various communities be induced to live in peace with each other. A brief summary of this lecture has been sent to us by the Nazir Talif-o-Isha‘at Qadian for publication in The Review of Religions, and this we insert below. – Editor (1923) The learned speaker started by saying that the recent Hindu-Muslim unity had proved unstable as it had come into being during a period of temporary excitement and was based on foundations, which were soon undermined by subsequent events.

The main causes of an understanding between the two communities were the speedy attainment of the Swaraj and a satisfactory settlement of the Khilafat question. The latter was brought about by dramatic and unexpected events, namely the Turkish victories in Asia Minor and the establishment of a republic at Angora. The hopes of a speedy Swaraj gradually ended in disappointment and the result was a reaction in both the Hindu and Muslim communities in which each community began to take stock of the sacrifices it had made for the common cause and of the ground which it had lost in the race for progress as compared with the other community. Suspicion was engendered in the mind of each community and each believed that it had not been fairly dealt with by the sister community.

An inherent cause of this rupture existed from the very beginning in the fact that a section of each community used the apparent unity for the achievement of selfish objects. The Congress failed to exercise a unifying influence as its own constitution had been fatally tampered with and while representative forms were retained it had really become subservient to the will of Mr Gandhi. But as the attachment and devotion felt by the nation for Mr Gandhi was a purely personal one and there was no body to step into the place which he was occupying his imprisonment left the central organisation of the country in a paralysed condition. All efforts which have since been made towards unity have proved futile as they were purely artificial and public enthusiasm could not be enlisted in their support.

In the meantime, the Sangathan and the Shuddhi movement happening to synchronise as they did with this disruption

of relations between the two communities gave further umbrage to the Muslims who began to suspect that the Hindu Community was organising itself on a wide scale with the object of crushing the Muslims. Neither of these movements taken by itself during normal times could justly be described as offensive but in this instance, there were certain peculiar features which justly gave alarm in the minds of the Muslim Community.

The speaker said that he had no objection to Shuddhi if it was meant merely to indicate that the Hindu Community were desirous of propagating their various forms of religion in making converts to them, but the means which were employed for the achievement of this object were at once immoral and mischievous and created extreme exasperation in the minds of the Muslims. The speaker then gave various authentic instances of the false and mischievous propaganda which was in several instances resorted to by the Shuddhi preachers. He then put forward various practical suggestions which if adopted, according to him, would remove the principal causes of friction at present working between the various communities dwelling in India. It was pointed out that any scheme of unity which was put forward must include all the communities of the country and the government being vitally interested in such matters must not be left out of it. The following were the principal points suggested: 1. The Muslims must organise themselves and put the community on a basis of social, commercial, economic and industrial independence. There could be no real unity between two communities, one of whom was entirely dependent upon the other. It must not be imagined that steps taken towards organising and strengthening the Muslim Community would tend towards a disturbance between the communities. It is an accepted principle that strength and equality are indispensable guarantees of peace and no nation deliberately abandons the means of self-defence and progress merely because it is at peace with other nations.

The economic, commercial and industrial works of the Muslim Community in India were then pointed out and means of improvement were suggested.

2. The speaker insisted that the Muslims must pay more attention to the propaganda [tabligh] of their faith, as a living organism which ceases to grow is sure to fall into decay.

3. Thirdly, they must adopt means to protect and educate backward sections of the community, as their present neglected condition meant the loss of so much community.

In religious matters, it was suggested that all communities must accept and revere the founders of the great religions of the world not merely out of courtesy but because the universal providence compels us to accept the principle that as He has provided means of material sustenance in all ages for all sections of humanity, He must equally have provided the means of spiritual sustenance through His prophets in all ages and all countries. If this could not be done, all communities must at least agree that references to founders of religions should always be made in respectful terms and words and expressions which are likely to give offence to the followers of any particular religion should be carefully eschewed.

In religious controversies, each community should avoid disparaging remarks about other religions and should confine itself to putting forward the excellence of its own. But if this was found impracticable and comparative criticism could not be avoided then it should be confined to doctrines and beliefs which the followers of each religion profess and believe and should not be directed against such doctrines as are disowned by them.

Again, no community should endeavour to compel another community to adopt the practices which are considered obligatory or desirable in their own religion. For instance, the Hindus should not insist upon the Muslims giving up the eating of beef nor should the Muslims insist upon the Hindus doing anything which the Muslims consider desirable according to their own religion but which the Hindus would find inconvenient.

In political matters, each community should gladly accede to the other their proportionate rights and by all means insist upon obtaining their own legitimate dues.

The meeting concluded with a remark from the president in which he complimented the learned and revered speaker and expressed his entire consent to the suggestions which had been made by him.

The meeting lasted for over two hours.

(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from the original, published in The Review of Religions [English], November and December 1923)

Need for missionaries in Africa Al Fazl, 16 November 1923 Below is a letter sent recently by an Ahmadi brother from a place in Africa to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra]. From this letter, it becomes evident how God is guiding people towards Islam despite the lack of any apparent means. In the given circumstances, if a dedicated missionary reaches this place

[in Africa] and devotes his life to the service of Faith and starts teaching Islam among these people, then, God willing, in a very short time, a large number of people will come under the flag of Islam and attain satisfaction of heart. The person who sent this letter is a government employee in Africa, and though he possesses a great zeal for tabligh [preaching] in his heart, there are many hurdles in his path. It is for this very reason that there is a pressing need for devoted [Ahmadi] missionaries to go to Africa with the sole intention of preaching.

However, they can certainly do some private business to fulfil their needs. – The Editor, Al Fazl (1923) “In spite of the fact that the enemies of Islam have been trying to destroy this Faith, the powerful divine providence and the angels of Allah the Almighty are instilling the spirit of Islam in the hearts of countless people without any visible means. From all quarters, I hear that Africans are getting circumcised, i.e., they are converting to Islam. This [circumcision] is the sign of being a Muslim here. A few months ago, two men converted to Islam in this region.

Now, only five days have passed since two more individuals received circumcision.

Another two gentlemen will be circumcised tomorrow, insha-Allah.

“I really admire and respect those who instil in them [Africans] the love of Islam. I also offer some monetary sacrifice, but there is no proper missionary for them.

“Surely, angels are always at work. At a distance of around a hundred kos [one kos is equal to approximately two miles] from here, there is a native chief who has also received circumcision. Beholding him, all the people of the village under him are getting circumcised, [i.e., converting to Islam]. These people do not want to hear anything about the Hindu religion. They consider the practice of burning the dead and worshipping stone images as gods extremely bad and wrong.

“This humble one wants to preach Islam to all of them [i.e., natives of this place] along with those who have come to settle here. I am keen to go to the cities and convey the message of Islam.

“However, the Indian Muslim brothers as well as the Arabs and the Hindus are creating problems for me by employing all kinds of vile schemes. Those who had become Christians are converting to Islam.

A priest had made nearly thirty Christians in seven years with a desperate effort, but only three of them remained steadfast after his departure.”

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 16 November 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 December 2023

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Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

17 November 2023 Muhammadsa: The Great Exemplar After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba stated:

Towards the end of the previous Friday sermon, whilst relating historical accounts from the life of the Holy Prophetsa there was mention of Furat bin Hayan accepting Islam. Further details with regards to him accepting Islam are that he was initially imprisoned and was taken as a captive, this was mentioned in the previous sermon.

On the day of the Battle of Badr, he was wounded as well, but somehow managed to evade captivity. On this day, however, he was, imprisoned by the Muslims. As soon as Hazrat Abu Bakrra saw him, he said, “Will you not mend your ways even now?” Furat replied, “If I escape from Muhammad[sa] this time, I will not be captured again.” Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra said, “Then accept Islam.” Meaning that if he wished to escape then there was only one way and that was for him to accept Islam. Nevertheless, hearing these words from Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Furat bin Hayan set off to meet the Holy Prophetsa.

Passing by one of his Ansari friends, he said to him, “I am a Muslim”. The Ansari companion went to the Holy Prophetsa and informed him that he had accepted Islam.

Entrusting his matter to Allah, the Holy Prophetsa said:

ُْ َ ُ َ ‫ِ​ِإ �َّن ِ​ِمْنُك ْ​ْم ِرِ َ​َجاًلًا َن ِ​ِكُل ُ​ُه ْ​ْم ِ​ِإٰلٰى ِ​ِإْيْ َ​َماِنِ ِ​ِه ْ​ْم‬

“There are undoubtedly some men among you, whose faith we leave to them.”

That was to say that if he claims to have accepted Islam, then very well, but his matter is between him and Allah. Nonetheless, after this incident, the Holy Prophetsa released him. (Dairah Ma’arif Sirat Muhammad Rasool Allahsa, Vol. 6, p. 398, Dar-ul-Ma’arif Lahore; Al-Isabah, Vol. 5, p. 273, Dar-ulKutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) Among these details, it is also mentioned that an expedition of Hazrat Zaid bin Harithahra was sent towards Qaradah in Jumada al-Akhir, 3 AH In “The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa”, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has recorded this very incident in the following manner: “After the Muslims had become

somewhat free from the attacks of the Banu Sulaim and Banu Ghatafan, they were compelled to go forth from their homeland to put down another threat. Until now, for their trade ventures in the north, the Quraish would generally travel to Syria from the coastal route of Hijaz. However, they had now abandoned this route, because the tribes of this region had become allies of the Muslims; hence there was less prospect for the Quraish to spur mischief. As a matter of fact, in these circumstances, they began to consider this coastal route to be a threat to themselves.” The threat from the Muslims was not the only reason. Rather, they were no longer able to carry out the schemes they wanted against the Muslims and cause them harm since these tribes had entered into treaties with the Muslims. “In any case, they had now abandoned this route and begun to travel from the route of Najd, which led to Iraq. The tribes of Sulaim and Ghatafan, who were allies of the Quraish and were deadly enemies of the Muslims inhabited the close proximity of this region. Along the previous route were those whom Muslims had made treaties with and along the route which the Quraish had adopted were those with whom the Quraish had made treaties with. Similarly, [along this route] were tribes that were deadly enemies of the Muslims; the tribes of Sulaim and Banu Ghatafan. As such, in the month of Jamadi al-Akhir, the Holy Prophetsa received intelligence that a trade caravan of the Quraish of Mecca was to pass by this route of Najd. It is obvious that if the movement of caravans belonging to the Quraish to and from the coastal region was a cause of threat for the Muslims, their passing by the route of Najd was equally, rather, even more dangerous. The reason was that, unlike the coastal route, this new route was inhabited by allies of the Quraish, who like the Quraish, were thirsty for the blood of the Muslims. It was very easy for the Quraish to join forces with them and launch a sudden attack upon Medina at night, or perform any other act of mischief.

Then, in order to weaken the Quraish and push them so that they may be inclined to seek reconciliation, it was necessary to intercept their caravans on this route as well. Hence, as soon as the Holy Prophetsa received word, he dispatched a detachment of his Companions under the leadership of his freed slave, Zaid bin Harithahra.

Chieftains such as Abu Sufyan bin Harb and Safwan bin Umayyah also accompanied this trade caravan of the Quraish. Zaidra performed his duty with remarkable speed and intelligence, and subdued these enemies of Islam at a place known as Qiradah, situated in Najd. Flustered by this sudden attack, the people of the Quraish fled, leaving the goods and valuables of the caravan behind. Zaid bin Ḥarithahra and his companions returned to Medina with success and triumph, with a large value of spoils. Some historians have written that the guide of this caravan of the Quraish was a man named Furat, who was taken captive

at the hands of the Muslims, and then set free upon his acceptance of Islam. However, it is ascertained from other narrations that he was an idolater commissioned to spy upon the Muslims. However, later on, after becoming a Muslim, he migrated to Medina.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Vol. 2, pp. 296-297) Another incident around the same time was the killing of Ka’b bin Ashraf. Ka’b bin Ashraf was among the chieftains of Medina and was included in the treaty made by the Holy Prophetsa. However, after agreeing to the treaty, he tried to spread disorder and the Holy Prophetsa ordered for him to be sentenced to death. The details of this incident have been mentioned in Sahih alBukhari as follows: Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Who is willing to deal with Ka‘b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His Messenger?” Thereupon

Friday 8 December 2023 | AL HAKAM

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Muhammad bin Maslamah got up saying, “O Allah’s Messengersa! Would you like that I kill him?” The Holy Prophetsa said, “Yes.” Then Muhammad bin Maslamah went to Ka‘b and said, “That man (i.e., referring to the Holy Prophetsa) demands alms from us, and he has troubled us, and I have come to borrow something from you.” Upon this, Ka‘b said, “By Allah, you will get tired of him!” (I.e., they would grow weary of the Holy Prophetsa and would leave him.)

Muhammad bin Maslamah said, “Now as we have followed him, we do not want to leave him unless and until we see how his end is going to be. Now we want you to lend us a camel load or two of food.” Ka‘b said, “Alright, but you should leave something with me as a guarantee.” Muhammad bin Maslamah and his companion said, “What do you want?” Ka‘b replied, “Leave your women to me.” They said, “How can we leave our women to you as a guarantee while you are the most handsome of the Arabs?” Ka‘b said, “Then leave your sons to me.” They said, “How can we leave our sons to you? Later they would be abused by the people saying that so-and-so has been left as a guarantee for a camel load of food. That would lead to us being disgraced, but we will leave our arms to you as a guarantee.”

(Arms here also refer to various weapons for war.)

They promised that they would return to Ka’b, and so they went back at night accompanied by Ka‘b’s foster brother, Abu Na’ila. Ka‘b invited them to come into his fort, and then he went down to see them. His wife asked him, “Where are you going at this hour?” Ka‘b replied, “None but Muhammad bin Maslamah and my [foster] brother Abu Na’ila have come.” His wife said, “I hear a sound as if blood is dripping”. Ka‘b said, “An honourable man should respond to a call at night even if invited to be attacked.”

Muhammad bin Maslamah went with two men and said, “When Ka‘b comes, I will take hold of his hair and smell it, and when you see that I have got hold of his head, then step forward and kill him.” Ka‘b came down to them wrapped in his cloak, which smelled of perfume. Muhammad bin Maslamah said. “I have never smelt a better scent than this.” (I.e., the scent was excellent.) Ka‘b

replied, “I have got the best Arab women, who are the most fragrant and beautiful.”

Muhammad bin Maslamah requested, “Will you allow me to smell your head?” Ka‘b said, “Yes.” He smelt it and made his companions smell it as well. Then he requested, “Will you permit me [to smell your head again]?” Ka‘b said, “Yes.” When Muhammad got a strong hold of him, he said to his companions, “Get him!” So they killed him and went to the Holy Prophetsa and informed him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Baab Qatal Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf, Hadith 4037) Further details of Ka’b being wounded as mentioned in the commentary of Sahih al-Bukhari, Sharh Umdat Al-Qari are that when Muhammad bin Maslamahra and his comrades attacked Ka’b bin Ashraf and killed him, one of the comrades, Hazrat Harith bin Aufra was struck by the tip of the sword and was thus wounded. He was wounded by the tip of the sword of one of his comrades. His comrades lifted him and swiftly reached Medina, presenting themselves before the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa applied his saliva upon Hazrat Harith bin Auf ’sra wound after which he did not experience any discomfort. (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 7, p.

192, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Dar Ihya-ul-Turath, Beirut, 2003) The killing of Ka’b in Ashraf has been mentioned in “The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets” as follows – I will mention it briefly here: “The Battle of Badr brought forth the heart-felt enmity of the Jews of Medina, and even the exile of the Banu Qainuqa‘ was unable to sway the other Jews towards reconciliation, and they continued to grow in their mischief and disturbances. As such, the incident of the execution of Ka‘b bin Ashraf is also a link in this very chain.

Although Ka‘b was a Jew by religion, he was not actually Jewish by descent; rather, he was an Arab. His father, Ashraf, was a very clever and cunning man of the Banu Nibhan, who came to Medina and developed relations with the Banu Nadir and became their confederate. Ultimately, he managed to gain such power and influence that Abu Rafi‘ bin Abil-Haqiq, head-chief of the Banu Nadir, gave him his daughter in marriage.

It was this very daughter who gave birth

to Ka‘b, who grew to attain an even greater status than that of his father. This was to such extent that ultimately he took on such a capacity that all the Jews of Arabia began to accept him as their chief. In addition to being a well-built and attractive man, Ka‘b was also an eloquent poet and a very wealthy man. Through generous spending, he would always keep the scholars and other influential personalities of his nation under his own control.

However, from a moral perspective, he was a man of extremely ill morals, and was a master in the art of secret schemes and conspiracies. (There were no ill morals which he did not possess.) When the Holy Prophetsa migrated to Medina, Ka‘b bin Ashraf, along with the other Jews, also participated in the treaty which the Holy Prophetsa drafted between the Jews with regard to mutual friendship, peace and security, and collective defence.

(He participated in this oath outwardly.)

However, deep within, the fire of malice and enmity began to burn in the heart of Ka‘b and he began to oppose Islam and the Founder of Islam through secret schemes and conspiracies.

As such, it is recorded that every year Ka‘b would give a large sum of charity to Jewish scholars and religious leaders.

However, after the migration of the Holy Prophetsa, when these people came to collect their yearly allowances, within the course of discussion, he began to mention the Holy Prophetsa and inquired of them as to their opinion of the Holy Prophetsa in light of religious scriptures. They responded that apparently, it seemed as if he was the very same Prophet who had been promised (in the Torah). Ka‘b was greatly displeased at this response and sent them away referring to them as immensely dull, and did not give them their usual charity. When the Jewish scholars lost their bread and butter, after some time, they came back to Ka‘b and said that they had misinterpreted the signs and that they had contemplated again to discover that in actuality, Muhammad[sa] was not the Prophet who had been promised to them.

This response served the purpose of Ka‘b, and satisfied with their answer, he reinstated their yearly stipend. In any case, this was merely religious opposition, which although expressed in an unpleasant manner, could not at all be objectionable, and nor could Ka‘b be brought to task merely on this account. However, after this, the opposition of Ka‘b took on a more dangerous form, and ultimately, after the Battle of Badr, he began to employ such conduct, as was extremely mischievous and seditious, and created very dangerous circumstances for the Muslims in Medina.

In actuality, prior to the Battle of Badr, Ka‘b thought that this religious zeal was a temporary one, and gradually, all of these people would disperse on their own and revert to their ancestral religion. However, on the occasion of Badr, when the Muslims were granted an extraordinary victory, and most of the chieftains of the Quraish were slain, he understood that this new religion would not die out by itself. Hence, after Badr, he resolved to exert his best efforts to abolish and utterly destroy Islam. The first expression of his heartfelt rancour and jealousy was at the occasion when news of the victory of Badr reached Medina. Upon hearing this news, at the outset, Ka‘b said

(whilst openly announcing) that this news seemed to be false, because it was impossible for Muhammad[sa] to triumph over such a large army of the Quraish, and for such renowned chieftains of Mecca to be mixed to dust; if this news was true, then death was better than such a life. When this news had been confirmed and Ka‘b was assured that the victory at Badr had granted Islam such strength as was beyond his wildest dreams, he was overcome with anger and rage. He immediately prepared for the journey and took to Mecca, and upon reaching there, by the power of his persuasive speech and poetic tongue, inflamed the fire that was kindling in the hearts of the Quraish. (He incited them even more) He created an unquenchable thirst in their hearts for Muslim blood, and filled their hearts with sentiments of revenge and enmity. Then, when their emotions had become immensely sparked as a result of his incitement, Ka‘b took them to the courtyard of the Ka‘bah, and handing them the drapes of the Ka‘ba, had them swear that they would not rest until Islam and the Founder of Islam had been wiped out from the face of the earth. After creating this fiery atmosphere in Mecca, this evil person turned to the other tribes of Arabia, and travelling from tribe to tribe, he incited people against the Muslims. Then, he returned to Medina and whilst composing tashbib, he alluded to the Muslim women in a very filthy and obscene manner in his provocative couplets.

In doing so, he did not even spare the women from the household of the Holy Prophetsa in his vulgar couplets, and had these couplets widely publicised throughout the country. Finally, he hatched a conspiracy to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa. Under the ploy of a feast, he invited the Holy Prophetsa to his residence, and with a few Jewish young men he schemed to have the Holy Prophetsa assassinated. However, by the grace of God, information was received in advance and this plan of his was unsuccessful.

Thus, when the state of affairs escalated to such an extent, and charges of infraction of treaty, rebellion, inciting war, sedition, use of foul language and conspiracy to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa were established, then in light of the treaty which had been settled between the inhabitants of Medina upon his arrival, the Holy Prophetsa was the chief executive and commander-inchief of the democratic State of Medina, he issued the verdict that Ka‘b bin Ashraf was liable to be put to death due to his actions.

The Holy Prophetsa, therefore, instructed some of his Companions to execute him.

However, due to the sedition of Ka‘b, since the atmosphere of Medina at the time was such that if a formal announcement had been made before his execution, there was a possibility that civil war may have erupted in Medina, and there was no telling how much massacre and carnage would have ensued as a result.

The Holy Prophetsa was willing to offer any possible and reasonable sacrifice in order to prevent international violence and bloodshed (so that the Muslims and Jews do not wage war, causing them to harm or kill one another).

Thus, he instructed that Ka‘b should not be executed publicly; rather, a few people should quietly find an opportunity and put an end to him. The Holy Prophetsa assigned this duty to a faithful Companion named Muhammad bin Maslamahra, and

AL HAKAM | Friday 8 December 2023 emphasised that whatever strategy was devised, should be executed with the counsel of Sa‘d bin Mu‘adhra, who was the chief of the Aus tribe. Muhammad bin Maslamahra submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! In order to kill him silently, we shall be required to say something,’ which meant that some excuse, etc., would be required, by which Ka‘b could be lured out of his residence and executed in a secure location. Taking into account the grave consequences which could have arisen if a covert operation had been ruled out, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Alright then.’ As such, with the counsel of Sa‘d bin Mu‘adhra, Muhammad bin Maslamahra took Abu Na’ilahra and two or three other Companions along and reached the residence of Ka‘b. They called Ka‘b out from his living quarters and said, ‘Our Chief (i.e., Muhammadsa) demands charity of us, while we are of straitened circumstances.

Would you be so kind as to give us a loan?’

Upon hearing this, Ka‘b jumped with joy and said, ‘By God! This is nothing - the day is not far when you shall become averse to him and abandon him.’ Muhammad bin Maslamahra responded, ‘In any case, we have already accepted Muhammadsa and are now waiting to see the final outcome of this dispensation, but you tell us whether or not you will give us a loan.’ ‘Of course!’ said Ka‘b, ‘But you will be required to deposit some collateral.’”

Initially, he asked for their women, then their children, as I just mentioned from the narration of Sahih al-Bukhari. Eventually, he was happy to settle with their weapons as collateral.

“Muhammad bin Maslamahra and his companions left with the promise to return at night. At nightfall, this party arrived at the residence of Ka‘b with their weapons.

When they had led Ka‘b out of his home, they brought him to one side during the course of discussions. After some time, walking along they captured him [and]… the Companions, who were already prepared and armed, wielded their swords at once; finally, Ka‘b was killed and fell to the ground. Muhammad bin Maslamahra and his companions departed from there and quickly presented themselves to the Holy Prophetsa, and conveyed to him the news of his execution.

When news of the execution of Ka‘b became known, a tremor rippled through the city, and the Jewish people were deeply enraged. The following day, in the morning, a delegation of the Jews presented themselves before the Holy Prophetsa and complained that their leader Ka‘b bin Ashraf had been murdered in such and such way. The Holy Prophetsa listened to their comments and said, ‘Are you also aware of the crimes which Ka‘b is guilty of?’ Then, the Holy Prophetsa briefly reminded them of all the evil schemes which Ka‘b was guilty of, i.e., infraction of treaty, inciting war, sedition, use of foul language and conspiracy of assassination, etc. Upon this, the people became fearful and did not say a word. After this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘At least from here onwards, you would do well to live in peace and harmony, and do not sow the seed of enmity, violence and disorder.’ As such, with the agreement of the Jews, a new treaty was drafted, and the Jews promised once again to live with the Muslims in peace and harmony, and to abstain from a course of violence and disorder. This treaty

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was entrusted to Hazrat ‘Alira. Furthermore, nowhere in history is it recorded that after this, the Jews ever mentioned the execution of Ka‘b bin Ashraf and accused the Muslims, for in their hearts they knew that Ka‘b received the rightful punishment due to him.

Hence, Ka’b was punished according to the law and custom of that time and the silence of the Jews proves that they accepted this punishment and treatment. Some historians later raised allegations that the Holy Prophetsa ordered an unlawful killing and it was wrong. Let it be clear that this was not an unlawful killing.

It should be remembered that Ka‘b bin Ashraf had entered into a formal agreement of peace and security with the Holy Prophetsa. Scheming against the Muslims was out of the question, especially when he had agreed to support the Muslims against all foreign enemies and to maintain friendly relations with the Muslims.

By virtue of this treaty, he had also accepted that the Holy Prophetsa would be the chief executive of the democratic state which had been established in Medina, and that the verdict of the Holy Prophetsa would be legally binding in all disputes, etc.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra further writes, “Therefore, historical evidence proves that under this very treaty, Jewish people would present their cases before the Holy Prophetsa and he would administer verdicts to them…In these circumstances, ignoring all of his treaties and agreements, Ka‘b committed treason against the Muslims, as a matter of fact, against the very government of the time. (it was not a case that he betrayed the Muslims, but he rebelled against the government, because the Holy Prophetsa was the leader of Medina) He planted the seed of violence and disorder in Medina; he attempted to inflame a fire of war within the country and dangerously incited the tribes of Arabia against the Muslims…and conspired to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa. Furthermore, all of this was done in such a time, when the Muslims were already surrounded by difficulties from all four directions. (He created extremely difficult circumstances for them)…In these circumstances, did the crime of Ka‘b not warrant some form of punishment?

Thus, such steps were taken…Even today, in countries which are known as ‘civilised’, when a criminal is guilty of the crimes of rebellion, infraction of treaty, inciting war, and attempted assassination, is such a person not administered the death penalty?

Then how can this be objectionable? (In fact, what is happening nowadays in Palestine and Israel is on a much larger scale. And it is unjustified in many ways.)

“The second question relates to the method of the execution (and why he was secretly killed in the night). With regard to this issue, it should be remembered that there was no formal ruling power in Arabia at the time. Indeed a leader was elected, but it was not his verdict alone, every individual and every tribe was free and independent to make decisions. (If there were any collective decisions to be made, they would be made by the Holy Prophetsa, but if there were separate decisions to be made, the tribes could deal with them themselves.) In this state, which court of law existed where a case could be filed against Ka‘b and a formal judgment for his execution could be sought?

Should a complaint have been lodged with the Jews, of whom he was a leader, and who had themselves committed treachery against the Muslims already, and would create disorder every other day? Therefore, it was out of the question that this matter should be lodged with the Jews.

“Should justice have been sought from the tribes of Sulaim and Ghatafan, who had planned to launch a sudden attack on Medina at night three or four times, in the last few months alone? (They were also his tribes, so it is clear that no justice could be sought from them.) Reflect on the state of Arabia at the time, and then contemplate that when a person was guilty of provocation, inciting war, mischievous behaviour and attempted assassination, and due to this, his remaining alive was felt to be a threat to their own security and the security of the country, what other alternative was available to the Muslims, except for executing such a person. It is far more beneficial for an evil and violent man to be executed, as opposed to the lives of many peace-abiding citizens being put in danger, and the peace of the country being ruined. “(Allah Almighty also states that disorder is worse than killing. In any case, in light of this treaty that took place between the Jews and Muslims after they migrated) the Holy Prophetsa did not possess the capacity of an ordinary citizen. On the contrary, he had now become the chief executive of the democratic state which had been established in Medina. The Holy Prophetsa had been given the authority to issue whatever verdict he deemed appropriate with respect to all disputes and political affairs. Hence, in the interest of domestic peace, if the Holy Prophetsa declared Ka‘b as being worthy of death due to his mischievous behaviour, what right does anyone possess to object to this verdict of the Holy Prophetsa and raise an allegation against Islam after 1300 years (like the orientalists do so) because even the Jews took to silence without raising a single objection.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Vol. 2, pp. 207-305) During this period, the second marriage of Hazrat Hafsah bint Umarra also took place. Hazrat Hafsahra was the daughter of Hazrat Umarra. The details of her marriage to the Holy Prophetsa are as follows; Hazrat Hafsah’sra husband fought in the Battle of Badr, and whilst on his way back from the battle, he fell sick and passed away.

Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa married Hazrat Hafsahra. The details surrounding this event are recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari in the following manner: Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra narrates, “Hazrat Hafsah bint Umarra was widowed

by Hunais bin Hudhafah Al-Sahmira, a companion of the Holy Prophetsa who fought in the Battle of Badr. When he passed away in Medina, Hazrat Umarra said (according to the narration), ‘I met with Hazrat Uthmanra and mentioned that if he wished, I will marry Hafsah bint Umarra to you.’ Hazrat Uthmanra replied, ‘I will think about it.’ Hazrat Umarra reported, ‘I waited for many days.’ After some days, Hazrat Uthmanra said, ‘I do not feel that it is appropriate for me to marry at this time.’ Hazrat Umarra reports, ‘I then met with Hazrat Abu Bakrra and said that if he wished, I would marry Hafsah bint Umarra to him. Hazrat Abu Bakrra fell silent and did not give me a reply.’ Hazrat Umarra says that he felt even more strongly about

this rejection than he felt about Hazrat Uthman’sra rejection. Hazrat Umar says, ‘I waited a few more days. Then, the Holy Prophetsa sent a proposal to marry Hazrat Hafsahra, and I gave her hand in marriage to him.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Hadith no. 2005) This incident has been recorded in The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets in the following manner: “Hazrat Umarra had a daughter by the name of Hafsahra, who was married to a faithful Companion, Khunais bin Hudhafah, who had taken part in the Battle of Badr. After Badr, upon returning to Medina, Khunais fell ill and was unable to recover from his illness. Sometime after his demise, Hazrat Umarra began to feel a sense of concern for her second marriage. At the time, Hafsahra was over twenty years of age. Due to his simplicity in nature, Hazrat Umarra met ‘Uthman bin Affanra himself and mentioned that his daughter Hafsahra was now a widow, and that if he was interested, he could marry her. However, Hazrat Uthmanra avoided the subject. After this, Hazrat Umarra mentioned it to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, but he too remained silent and did not respond. At this Hazrat Umarra was deeply saddened, and in this very state of dismay, he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and submitted the entire account. The Holy Prophetsa responded, “O ‘Umar! Do not worry at all, if Allah so wills, Hafsah shall find a better husband than Uthman and Abu Bakr; and Uthman shall receive a better wife than Hafsah.

“The Holy Prophetsa said this because he had already intended to marry Hafsahra and to give his own daughter Umm Kulthumra to Hazrat Uthmanra in marriage. Both Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Abu Bakrra were aware of this and this is why they turned down the proposal of Hazrat Umarra.

Sometime thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa married his daughter Umm Kulthumra to Hazrat Uthmanra…following this, the Holy Prophetsa sent a proposal himself to Hazrat Umarra for Hafsahra. What more could Hazrat Umarra have asked for? He very happily accepted this proposal. In Sha‘ban 3 AH, Hazrat Hafsahra was married to the Holy Prophetsa and became a part of his household.

“When this marriage had taken place, Hazrat Abu Bakrra said to Hazrat Umarra ‘Perhaps your heart has been saddened on my account. The fact is, that I was already aware of the intention of the Holy Prophetsa, but I could not reveal his secret without permission. Of course, if the Holy Prophetsa had not intended so, I would have most gladly married Hafsah.’

“One special wisdom in marrying Hafsahra was that she was the daughter of Hazrat Umarra, who one could say was considered to be the most eminent Companion after Hazrat Abu Bakrra, and he was from among the most intimate friends of the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, in order to further strengthen mutual relations and to compensate for the grief of Hazrat Umarra and Hafsahra, which they had sustained by the untimely demise of Khunais bin Hudhafahra, the Holy Prophetsa deemed it appropriate to marry Hafsahra himself. Another general wisdom under consideration was that if the Holy Prophetsa had a greater number of wives, the tasks of preaching and propagation, as well as

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education and training, could be performed on a much wider scale with greater ease, and in a more excellent manner among the women – who constitute half, if not, more than half of the world’s population in some respects.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Vol. 2, pp. 311-312) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra says: “At the time of her marriage, Hazrat Hafsahra was approximately twenty-one years of age. After Hazrat Aishara, since she was the daughter of an individual who was the most eminent from among the Companions, she held a special rank among the noble wives of the Holy Prophet. She also possessed a close relationship with Hazrat Aishara, and except for the odd disagreement, which is nothing out of the ordinary in such relationships, both of them lived together very lovingly.

Hazrat Hafsahra knew how to read and write. As such, there is a narration in the Ahadith that she learned to write from a lady Companion named Shifa’ bint ‘Abdullahra.

She passed away in 45 AH, when she was more or less, sixty-three years of age.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Vol. 2, p. 315) Also during this period, Hazrat Imam Hasanra was born. Hazrat Imam Hasan bin Ali bin Abu Talibra was born in 3 AH in the middle of Ramadan. Some claim that he was born in Sha’ban 3 AH, some say that he was born one year following the Battle of Uhud, while others say he was born two years after [the Battle of Uhud]. Allama Ibn Hajar ‘Asqalani, who wrote a commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, says that the former view is more correct and reliable. Hazrat Alira named him Harb, however, the Holy Prophetsa changed his name to Hasan. Seven days after his birth, the Holy Prophetsa held his aqiqah [a ritual on the 7th day after birth], shaved his head, and instructed that silver equivalent to the weight of his hair should be given as alms.

Umm Fadl once submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah! I saw in a dream as though one of your limbs is present in my home (or my room).” The Holy Prophetsa said, “You have seen a good dream. Fatimah will give birth to a child. You will care for him and feed him alongside Qutham.”

Umm Fadlra was the wife of Hazrat Abbasra, the Holy Prophet’ssa paternal uncle, and Qutham was their son. Thus, Hazrat Imam Hasanra was born, and Umm Fadlra nursed him along with Qutham. Hazrat Hasan bin Alira was once asked to share any memories he had of the Holy Prophetsa. He said, “I remember one thing about the Holy Prophetsa; I once took a date from those that were collected for alms and put it in my mouth. The Holy Prophetsa removed it from my mouth despite it being covered in my saliva and put it back with the dates being distributed as alms. Someone said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, what difference would one date make?’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Alms and charity is unlawful for us (i.e., the family of the Holy Prophetsa).’”

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrates, “No one looked more similar to the Holy Prophetsa than Hazrat Hasanra.” Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates, “Once, the Hazrat Hasanra was sitting on the Holy Prophet’ssa shoulders.

“

Friday 8 December 2023 | AL HAKAM

I have been reminding everyone to pray for the people of

Palestine, and I wish to do the same again today. Everyone should continue praying. Now, the cruelties are exceeding all bounds. In

the name of fighting against Hamas, innocent children, women, the elderly and the sick are being killed. This so-called civilised world has abandoned all the rules and principles of war. May Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to the Muslim countries.

Upon this, someone said, ‘O young one!

You are riding a most excellent mount.’ The Holy Prophetsa remarked, ‘Even the rider is excellent.’” The Holy Prophetsa loved his grandson dearly.

Hazrat Bara’ra narrates, “I saw the Holy Prophetsa whilst Hasan bin Alira was sitting on his shoulders. The Holy Prophetsa was continuously saying, ‘O Allah, this is my friend, so You should also befriend him.’”

In some narrations, it is also reported Imam Hasanra died as a result of being poisoned.

(Al-Isabah, Vol. 1, p. 492, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2001; Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, pp. 13-16, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) Nevertheless, whilst mentioning the birth of Hazrat Imam Hasanra, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “In the events of 2 AH, the marriage of Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra was mentioned. In Ramadan 3 AH, i.e., approximately ten months after their marriage, they were blessed with a child.

The Holy Prophetsa named him Hasanra. This is the very same Hasanra, who received the appellation of ‘Imam Hasan (May the Mercy of God be upon him)’ among the Muslims.

In his physical appearance, Hasanra greatly resembled the Holy Prophetsa. Just as the Holy Prophetsa dearly loved his child Hazrat Fatimahra, in the same manner, he had special love for her children as well. On many occasions, the Holy Prophetsa would say, ‘O God! I love these children. You also love them and love those who love them.’ Many a time, it would so happen that the Holy Prophetsa would be occupied in Salat and Hasanra would cling to the Holy Prophetsa.

When the Holy Prophetsa would be in Ruku’, Hasanra would make way and slip through his legs. At times, when the Companions would stop him from doing so, the Holy Prophetsa would hold back the Companions saying, ‘Let him be.’ In actuality, since his clinging to the Holy Prophetsa failed to divert his attention, the Holy Prophetsa did not wish to become a hindrance in the childish expression of his innocent love. On one occasion, with regards to Imam Hasanra, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘This child of mine is a

Sayyid (i.e., a Chief) and a time shall come when through him, God shall reconcile two parties among the Muslims.’ As such, at its appropriate time, this prophecy was fulfilled.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophetssa, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, Vol. 2, pp. 315-316) The Promised Messiahas states: “In my view, Hazrat Hasanra did an admirable deed by parting from the Caliphate; thousands of lives had already been lost, and he did not desire for more blood to be spilt. Thus, he allowed Mu’awiyah to take over. (In other words, he made a covenant with him.) Because this action of Hazrat Hasanra impacts the Shias, they are not completely pleased with him.

We, however, praise them both (i.e., Hasan and Hussein). The truth is, every individual exhibits unique strengths. Hazrat Imam Hasanra did not desire for there to be further bloodshed amongst the Muslims owing to the civil war. He kept the establishment of peace in view, while Hazrat Imam Husseinra was against pledging allegiance to someone who was a sinner and transgressor, as this would allow for corruption to enter the faith. Both of them [Hasanra and Husseinra] had pure intentions.

َ ْ َ� َ � ‫اُل ِب‬ ‫اِت‬ ِ ِ ُ ‫ِ​ِاَّن َ​َما اْلَا ْ​ْع َ​َم‬ ِ ‫الِّن �َّی‬

“[Deeds are judged by their intentions].”

(Malfuzat [1984], Vol. 8, pp. 278-279) This was the account of these [noble] children.

I have been reminding everyone to pray for the people of Palestine, and I wish to do the same again today. Everyone should continue praying. Now, the cruelties are exceeding all bounds. In the name of fighting against Hamas, innocent children, women, the elderly and the sick are being killed. This so-called civilised world has abandoned all the rules and principles of war. May Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to the Muslim countries.

Approximately 72 or 73 years ago, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra admonished that Muslims must become united. They should

decide whether they wish to die off one by one and individually (if they fail to unite), or whether they want to maintain their existence as a single entity. If only these people would understand this today and become united.

Now, the situation is such that someone told me that people who are going to perform umrah [pilgrimage] are being told that once they have arrived there they cannot mention anything regarding the conflict of Israel and Palestine. These are the instructions given by the government when issuing visas. If this is indeed true, then it is an expression of great cowardice on the part of the Muslim government. In any case, one should fulfil the due rights of performing umrah. Whilst performing the umrah, one cannot engage in such talks, however, one should certainly pray for Palestinians who are being oppressed. May all those who are travelling [for umrah] remember to pray for them.

Nowadays, the Muslim nations do raise a voice, but it is a very feeble one. Though some have raised their voices, however, stronger voices have been raised by non-Muslims and their politicians and governments. May Allah the Almighty develop courage and wisdom amongst the Muslims.

The Secretary General of the UN has spoken very well, and has done so particularly during these current circumstances, but it seems as if his voice is given no importance.

It seems that when this war finishes, or if it escalates and turns into a world war, then even the UN will not remain. May Allah grant wisdom to the world.

It seems the world is ushering in its destruction. May Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to those who remain after this destruction and enable them to turn towards God. In any case, we must pray a great deal in this regard.

Pray that may Allah the Almighty have mercy on the world.

(Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 8 December 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