GazetteAHMADIYYA. Volume 50 - No. 03 - March 2021 CANADA THE PROMISED MESSIAH DAY
“This day is commemorated in the Jamā‘at as the “Promised Messiah Day” and Jalsas [gatherings] are also held with regards to this day. As part of its commemoration, we learn about the claims and the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas as well . . . The spread of the Aḥmadiyya Jamā‘at in over 200 countries of the world
is a testimony to the fact that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas God Almighty is continuously establishing the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas in the world. May Allāh the Exalted enable us to contribute towards fulfilling the mission of the Promised Messiahas! May He increase us in our faith and conviction and enable us to fulfil our responsibilities!” (Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa, Friday Sermon, Mar 20, 2020, transl. from Urdu) AḤMADIYYA GAZETTE CANADA An Educational and Spiritual Publication CONTENTS www.ahmadiyyagazette.ca | March 2021 | Volume 50 | No. 03
PEARLS OF WISDOM AḤMADĪYYA MUSLIM JAMĀ‘AT 02 SELECTION FROM THE HOLY QUR’ĀN AND AḤĀDĪTH Canada
AS 03 SO SAID THE PROMISED MESSIAH AMĪR JAMĀ‘AT Lal Khan Malik AA GUIDANCE FROM HAZRAT KHALĪFATUL-MASĪḤ V EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hadi Ali Chaudhary 04 SUMMARY OF FRIDAY SERMONS (JANUARY 2020) EDITORS Usman Shahid ARTICLES S. H. Hadi 11 CLAIMS AND TEACHINGS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAHAS ASSISTANT EDITOR Amal Yousuf 15 THE THIRD PILLAR OF ISLĀM - ZAKĀT MANAGER Mubashir Khalid 19 BAITUL EHSAN MOSQUE - HISTORY IN THE BUILDING LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS Maham Aziz 22 PRESS RELEASES COVERPAGES Maham Aziz WEBSITE Kashif bin Arshad
The Editors of the Aḥmadīyya Gazette Canada shall be solely responsible for all errors or omissions contained in the publication herein of the writings of the Promised Messiahas or any of his Successors, as well as the Friday Sermon summaries or other Addresses of Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmad, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa. Articles ABBREVIATIONS OF SALUTATIONS published in the Aḥmadīyya Gazette Canada reflect the views of their respective authors sa (Ṣallallāhu ‘alaihī wa Sallam - May peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him!) and may not necessarily reflect the views, Usage: Salutation written after the name of the Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa beliefs and tenets of the Aḥmadīyya Muslim Jamā‘at Canada.
as (Alaīhis-Salām/ ‘Alaihas-Salām - May peace be upon him/her!) Aḥmadīyya Muslim Jamā‘at Canada Inc. sa Usage: Salutation written after names of Prophets other than the Holy Prophet Muḥammad , 10610 Jane Street, Maple, ON L6A 3A2, sa and pious women prior to the era of the Holy Prophet Muḥammad Canada Tel: 905-303-4000 Fax: 905-832-3220 ra (RaḍīAllāhū ‘anhu / ‘anhā/ ‘anhum - May Allāh be pleased with him/her/them!) [email protected] Usage: Salutation written after names of Companions of the Holy Prophetsa and Companions of the Promised Messiahas The official publication of the Aḥmadīyya Muslim Jamā‘at Canada rh (Raḥimahullāh - May Allāh have mercy upon him!) ISSN 0229 5644 Usage: Salutation written after the names of deceased, pious Muslims who are not Companions 1. Aḥmadīyya - Periodicals. I. Aḥmadīyya Movement in Islām Canada. BP195.A34 1972 297.8605-20dc aa (Ayyadahullāhu Ta‘ālā binaṣrihil-‘Azīz - May Allāh be his Helper!) CANADA POST Usage: Salutation written after the name of Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmad, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa SECOND CLASS MAIL Mail Registration No: 40026877 PEARLS OF WISDOM
THE HOLY QUR’ĀN
ۡ ۡ ۡ ِ ِ ٰ ِ .In the Name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful بِس م اہلل َّارلحم ِ ن َّارلح ِی ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ یس ِب ِ ِہلل ما ِف الس ٰم ٰو ِت وما ِف الَ ۡر ِض الم ِل ِک الق ِد وس العزیۡ ِز Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth ُ َ ُ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ ُّ ُ َ ,glorifies Allāh, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Mighty ۡ ۡ .the Wise َال ِک ِی ۡ ً ۡ He it is Who has raised among the unlettered people a ھوالَ ِذ ۡی بعث ف ال ِمی رس ۡول ِم ۡن ۡھ یت ۡلا عل ۡی ِ ۡھ ٰا ٰی ِت ٖہ ُ َ ّ َ َ َ ِ ُ ّ ٖ ّ َ َ ُ ّ ُ َ ُ َ َ Messenger from among themselves who recites unto ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ them His Signs, and purifies them, and teaches them ویزکِّ ۡی ِھ ویع ِلمھ ال ِک ٰتب و ِالکم َۃ ق و ِان کَان ۡوا ِمن ق ۡبل ل ِ ۡف َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ّ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ the Book and Wisdom, though before that they were ۡ ُ ٰ ٍ .in manifest misguidance َض ل ٍل ّ ُم بِ ی ٰ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ And He will raise him among others of them who have واخ ِرین ِمنھ لما یلقوا بِ ِھ ط وھواالع ِزیزال ِکی َ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ُ .not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise
(Surah Al-Jumu‘ah, 62:1-4) ٰ َ َ ّ ُ َّ َ ّ َ ٰ ُ َ َّ َ َ ٰ ٰ ُ َ َّ َّ َ ْ َ َ ّ ْ َّ َ َ ْ ٌ َّ ْ ٌ اللھم ص ِل علی محم ٍد و علی ا ِل محم ٍد و بارِک وسلم ِانک ح ِمید م ِجید ḤADĪTH
Hazrat Abū Hurairara narrates: َ ٰ ۡ َ ُ َّ ُ ً ۡ َّ َّ ٰ َ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ ّ ُ َ ُ َ ُ ۡ َ ّ َ ّ ُ َ ۡ َ َ َ sa عن ابی ھریرۃ ر ِضی اللہ عنہ قال کنا جلوسا ِعند الن ِبی صلی اللہ علی ِہ وسلم We were sitting with the Holy Prophet when Sūrah ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َٰ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َّ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ٌ ,Al-Jumu‘ah was revealed upon him. When he recited ِاذنزلت علی ِہ سورۃ الجمع ِۃ فلما قرء: واخ ِرین ِمنھم لما یلحقو ِاب ِھم قال رجل And He will raise him among others of them who have“ َ َ َ َ َّ ۡ ٰ ُٔ َ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ّٰ َ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ ّ ُ َ ّ ّٰ ُ َ َ ۡ َ َ ّ َ َ َّ َ َ not yet joined them” (62:3), a man asked, “who are من ھول ِٓاء یا رسول الل ِہ؟ فلم یر ِاجعہ الن ِب ّی صلی اللہ علی ِہ وسلم حتی سٔالہ they, O Allāh’s Messengersa?” The Prophetsa did not ً َ َ َ َّ ً َ ۡ َ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ َ ُّ َ َ َ َ َ َ ّ ُّ َ ّ reply till he repeated his question one, two, or three مرۃ اومرتی ِن اوثلاثا قال وفِینا سلمان الفارِ ِسی قال فوضع الن ِبی صلی ra َ ُ .times. At that moment, Salmān al-Fārisī was with us ّٰ َ ّ َ ٰ ۡ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ّ َ َ َ َ َ The Messenger of Allāhsa placed his hand upon Salmānra الل ُہ َعل ۡی ِہ َو َسل َم یَدہ َعلی َسل َمان ث ّم ق َال: لوۡ کان الاِیۡ َمان ِعند الثر ّیا لنا لہ and said, “even if faith were on Pleiades, a man from ٰٓ ُ َ رِ َج ٌال ِم ۡن ھ ٔول ِٓاء ”!among these people would bring it back )صحیح بخاری، کتاب التفسیر، باب التفسیر سورۃ الجمعۃ( (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābut-Tafsīr)
2 Aḥmadiyya Gazette SO SAID THE PROMISED MESSIAHAS
Why Has God Appointed Me?
The actual mission for which God has appointed me is to remove the estrangement that has come between man and his Creator and to re-establish a relationship of love and sincerity between him and his Lord. He has also appointed me to put a stop to religious wars by proclaiming the truth, to create religious harmony, to reveal the religious truths that have long remained hidden from mortal eyes, and to display the true spirituality that lies submerged under the darkness of selfish passions. I have also been sent to demonstrate practically, and not just in words, how Divine powers enter man, and how they are manifested through prayers and concentration. But, first and foremost, I have been sent to re-establish forever the lost belief in the Unity of God—Tawḥīd—which is pure and luminous and unadulterated by any form of idolatry. All this will not come about by my power, but by the Mighty hand of the Lord of the heavens and the earth.
(Lecture Lahore, English Translation, p.42)
God Almighty desires to draw all those who live in various habitations of the world, be it Europe or Asia, and who have virtuous nature, to the Unity of God and unite His servants under one Faith. This indeed is the purpose of God for which I have been sent to the world. You, too, therefore should pursue this end, but with kindness, moral probity and fervent prayers.
(The Will, English Translation, pp.8-9)
Re-establish the Magnificence of the Holy Prophetsa
I have been sent to re-establish the magnificence of the Holy Prophetsa lost upon the world, and to show the truths of the Holy Qur’ān to the world. All this is being undertaken, but those who have a veil over their eyes are unable to see!
(Malfūzāt, Vol. 3, p.9, translated from Urdu)
Mināratul-Masīḥ Qadian, India
3 GUIDANCE FROM HAZRAT KHALĪFATUL-MASĪḤ V (May Allāh be his Helper!)
The following summaries of Friday Sermons have been provided by Wakālat ‘Ulyā’, Taḥrīk Jadīd Anjuman Aḥmadiyya
FRIDAY SERMON
1ST JANUARY 2021
uzooraa said: While speaking camel of Hazrat Sālehas. who offered himself to kill ‘Amr bin Al-‘Ās. about the background of the The three chose the seventeenth night of martyrdom of Hazrat ‘Alira, When Ibn Muljam, who had attacked the month of Ramaḍān to execute their Hazrat Muṣleḥ Mau‘ūdra Hazrat ‘Alira, was apprehended and brought evil plan. After this, Ibn Muljam returned says: Kharijites decided to before Hazrat ‘Alira, Hazrat ‘Alira ordered to Kūfa. kill all the prominent people in order to that Ibn Muljam should be treated well and Hend this crisis. They planned to kill Hazrat said: ‘If I survive, I will either kill him or In the morning of the day on which Hazrat ‘Alira, Hazrat Amīr Mu‘āwiyahra, and Hazrat pardon him. But, if I die, kill him to avenge ‘Alira was martyred, he said: ‘In my dream, ‘Amr bin Al-‘Āsra all at once. But those who my killing. However, you must not subject I submitted to the Holy Prophetsa, that I am had planned to kill the first two failed in him to any undue harm’. Hazrat ‘Alira also faced with crookedness and confrontation their plan. However, the one who had instructed that Ibn Muljam must not be by my followers. The Holy Prophetsa, planned to attack Hazrat ‘Alira managed killed through driving a spear into his belly replied: ‘Pray against them saying, ‘O Allāh! to attack him on a Friday at the time of or private parts. Grant me in return for them those who are Fajr Prayer and said to Hazrat ‘Alira: ‘‘Ali! better than them and grant them in return You don’t deserve to be followed in each Three men from among Kharijites who had for me the one who is worse than me’. and every matter. This is a singular right come to Makkah and offered themselves of Allāh’. to kill three most important persons [from In his will, Hazrat ‘Alira praised Allāh and among those who had pledged allegiance proclaimed his faith in His Unity and then The Holy Prophetsa, had prophesied the to Hazrat ‘Alira were as follows: ‘Abdur said: ‘You should all hold fast the rope of martyrdom of Hazrat ‘Alira and declared his Rahmān bin Muljam, who had attacked Allāh and avoid discord, for I have heard murderer to be the most ill-fated person of Hazrat ‘Alira, Bark bin ‘Abdullāh Tamimi from Abul Qāsimsa that to mend mutual all times and pronounced him to be akin who offered himself to kill Hazrat Amīr relationships is better than offering Prayer to the person who had hamstrung the she- Mu‘āwiyahra, and ‘Amr bin Bukair Tamimi and keeping fast’. About this Huzooraa said
4 Aḥmadiyya Gazette it is a very important instruction which applied on his dead body as well. However, a majority of the world does not should always be kept in mind, since to live want to realize that this disease might be peacefully with others and reform mutual There are various traditions regarding a warning from Allāh the Almighty to us relationship is a great act of piety. the whereabouts of Hazrat ‘Ali’sra grave. to draw our attention towards fulfilling According to some he was buried in the our duties and obligations towards Allāh Hazrat ‘Alira further wrote in his will to main mosque of Kūfa, and according to and His creature. A few months back, I had look after the needy and the orphans, to some his dead body was shifted to Madinah written letters to different heads of states safeguard prayer and not to be unmindful where he was buried in Jannatul Baqī close so as to draw their attention towards this. of calling others towards good and to the grave of Hazrat Fātimara. According Some of the heads of states also replied to stopping them from evil, for if this is not to Shia traditions, his grave is in Najaf. Ibn my letters, but their replies had a sense practiced, those who are bad among us Athīr and Imām Ibn Taimiya believed this of worldly formalities about them. They would become our rulers. Huzooraa said: was not credible; rather it was the grave did not refer to the rights of Allāh that I To ask each other to perform good deeds of Hazrat Mughīra bin Shu‘aba. had referred to in my letters. Every leader and avoid bad habits is a very important and wise person in this world knows that matter. Otherwise, those who are bad Hazrat ‘Alira married eight women during the aftermath of this disease would be too among us would become our rulers. Then his lifetime and had 14 sons and 19 dangerous. Despite this, they do not pay we would pray, but our prayers would daughters. attention to the actual solution and are not be accepted. Huzooraa said that this making only worldly efforts. Hence, every condition is being witnessed today among About the excellences of Hazrat ‘Alira, Aḥmadī needs to realize the hugeness of the Muslim countries. the Holy Prophetsa said: ‘I am the City of the task he has been assigned. In order Knowledge and ‘Ali is its gate. The one to accomplish this task, one should first Having realized that the injury he had who intends to enter the City should move try to create an atmosphere of love and received on his head was fatal, Hazrat towards its gate.’ affection and brotherhood around him, ‘Alira one day said to his family: ‘Soon I so that the world could be brought under am going to leave you’. Having heard this, Speaking about the courage of Muslim the banner which was raised by the Holy his daughter, Umm Kulthūm, began to cry. scholars, Hazrat Muṣleḥ Mau‘ūdra says: Prophetsa. Only then will we be able to fulfil Hazrat ‘Alira said to her: ‘If you see what ‘The Holy Prophetsa pronounced Hazrat the obligations of Baī‘at and offer New Year I am seeing, you would stop crying. I am ‘Alira to be from among the scholars but at greetings to each other. seeing groups of angels and prophets. The the same time during the Battle of Khyber, Holy Prophetsa, is also among them and he he granted the banner of Islām to Hazrat Huzooraa once again reminded the Jamā‘at is telling me: ‘O ‘Ali! Rejoice, for the place ‘Alira. This shows that the [Muslim] scholars to pray for the Aḥmadīs in Pakistan and you are moving to is better than the one at the time of the Holy Prophetsa were not Algeria. He said: In Pakistan, some clerics you are currently living in’. cowards. and government officials are bent upon persecuting the Aḥmadīs. The worldly Narrating the events of Hazrat ‘Ali’sra On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said people, on account of being the rulers and martyrdom, Hazrat Muṣleḥ Mau‘ūdra to Hazrat ‘Ali: ‘You are my brother and possessing wealth, may persecute us, but says: ‘Upon the death of Hazrat ‘Alira, my companion’. The Holy Prophetsa also they ought to remember that we believe the) نعم المولٰی Hazrat Hasanra said: ‘O people! The man said: ‘The Paradise is anxiously waiting in Allāh the Almighty who is .(the Best Helper) نعم النصیر who has died today was such that some for ‘Ali, ‘Ammār and Salmān’. On another Best Friend) and of his virtues have neither been attained occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat by those who lived before him, nor will ‘Ali: ‘Allāh has granted you such a great What we should, therefore, do is to adorn they be attained by those who are going quality that a quality better than that has our worships further with prayers. If we do to live after him. When the Holy Prophetsa, not been granted by Him to His servants, this, we will succeed. One court in Algeria sent him for a war, he was accompanied that is, the quality of keeping away from had acquitted all the Aḥmadīs, while by Gabriel on his right and by Michael on worldly pursuits’. another released almost all of them after his left. He left only 700 dirhams as his imposing nominal fines on them. However, inheritance. He died on the night on which At the end of the sermon referring to the some are still in prisons. the soul of Jesus was raised to heaven, that beginning of the New Year, Huzooraa said: is, the 27th of Ramaḍān’. ‘Today is the first day of the New Year and Likewise, we should also pray for the the first Friday as well. We should pray that Aḥmadīs who are imprisoned in Pakistan. After his death, Hazrat ‘Alira was given a this year proves blessed for the Jamā‘at, We should also pray for the Muslim bath by his two sons and Hazrat ‘Abdullāh the world and humanity, and that we are ummah, that they are able to accept the bin Ja’afar, and the funeral prayer was led able to fulfil our obligations and rights of Promised Messiahas. May Allāh bless the by Hazrat Hasan. He was buried before the Allāh and His creation. Otherwise, Allāh world with wisdom and enable them to Fajr Prayer. Hazrat ‘Alira possessed some of is capable of drawing the attention of the fulfil the rights of one another. May this the musk scent which was applied on the worldly people to these matters in His year be blessed for the Aḥmadīs living in dead body of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat own way. For the past one year, we are any part of the world! Amīn! ‘Ali willed that the same scent should be faced with a very dangerous viral disease.
5 FRIDAY SERMON
8TH JANUARY 2021
uzooraa recited verse 246 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which is as follows:
‘Who is it that will lend Allāh a goodly loan that He Hmay multiply it for him manifold? And Allāh receives and enlarges, and to Him shall you be made to return.’ [2:246]
Huzooraa said: This verse speaks of giving a goodly loan to Allāh, but this does not mean that Allāh needs money from people. The ْ is to return ( ْقرض) ’literal meaning of ‘qarz something, whether it is good or evil. In this context it means that whoever spends in the way of Allāh, he will be given the best reward by Allāh. That is to say, when someone spends for the sake of Allāh, he is in fact giving to Allāh, and Allāh will give aa him the best reward in return. Spending Syednā Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V for Allāh’s religion and for the betterment of His creature, has been equated in the even a very small good deed. Huzooraa said: Today I will present some Holy Qur’ān with spending for the sake examples of people who benefited from of Allāh. Whatever is spent for the sake Huzooraa said: It is a great virtue to make this guidance of Allāh. Not only did God of Allāh is never wasted. It is like a loan financial sacrifices for the propagation of meet the needs of those who sacrificed that Allāh multiplies manifold. By asking the religion of Allāh and for the service for His sake, He also blessed them in who will give Him a goodly loan, Allāh of His creature. Allāh never leaves these abundance. There are many who have encourages people to spend in His path sacrifices unrewarded. No one knows made sacrifices while they were worried and thus merit innumerable rewards. this fact better than members of the about feeding their family, but within a Aḥmadiyya Jamā‘at. It is the personal short time Allāh gave them much more The Promised Messiahas says that when experience of Aḥmadis of every level of than they had sacrificed, and this further Allāh asks for a loan, it does not mean society that spending for the sake of Allāh strengthened their faith. Today in Jamā‘at that He is in need of it. To make such not only brings peace of mind but Allāh Aḥmadiyya we see countless examples of an assertion amounts to heresy. What it miraculously returns the money that was people who seek the pleasure of Allāh in means is that Allāh will return whatever is sacrificed. The experience of thousands of this way. given to Him with a reward. The Promised Aḥmadīs testifies to this. There are many Messiahas says: Some ignorant people allege Aḥmadīs who sacrifice just to gain the Huzooraa presented many examples from that this verse means that God is hungry pleasure of Allāh without even thinking countries like Guinea Conakry, Sierra or needy. Such people do not understand that they will get anything in return. But Leone, Tanzania, Malawi, Burkina Faso, that there is no mention of hunger or Allāh, Who says that He will repay this debt Indonesia, Albania, Canada, France, UK, need here. A loan is something that one in the best possible way, returns it to them Germany, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia promises to pay back. Whoever does good manifold. There are some who sacrifice in and India etc. Huzooraa described the faith- deeds for the sake of Allāh is rewarded in spite of adverse circumstances in the hope inspiring experiences of men, women, return. The verse does not only speak that Allāh will provide for their needs, children, young and old, poor and affluent. of money but also promises to reward and Allāh does meet their expectations. After relating these motivating examples of manifold those who do good deeds for His The only condition is that the sacrifice the financial sacrifices at a time when the sake. This meaning is worthy of God and should be made with pure intentions and world is going through an economic crisis, His majesty, for such is the relationship be accompanied by good deeds. It should Huzooraa said that these are just a few of between the Creator and the creation. not be like a businessman who spends the many examples. May Allāh continue Allāh, by His grace, feeds believers and money to make a profit. It is not enough to reward the members of the Jamā‘at as disbelievers alike. Why then would He not just to give money, it is also important to before! May we go on making sacrifices reward those who do good deeds? The fact fulfil other Divine commandments and to with faith and sincerity and continue to is that Allāh pays back anyone who does perform good deeds. experience God’s blessings! Amīn!
6 Aḥmadiyya Gazette After mentioning the Jamā‘ats that made prominent sacrifices within Britain, Germany, Pakistan, Canada, USA, India and Australia, Huzooraa prayed that Allāh may bless the wealth and lives of all those who have made these sacrifices and accept their contributions. Huzooraa also announced the start of the 64th year of Waqf Jadīd.
At the end of the sermon, Huzooraa again appealed for special prayers for Aḥmadīs in Pakistan. May Allāh remove their difficulties and worries and stop the hands of the opponents may not be able to reach them! May Allāh hold accountable the opponents who cannot be reformed! Mubarak Mosque, UK Huzooraa said: There is a lot of opposition Huzooraa said: In the 63rd year of Waqf Pakistan, along with financial sacrifices, in Algeria and prayers are needed for Jadīd, the worldwide Aḥmadiyya Jamā‘at lives are also being sacrificed and Aḥmadīs Algerian Aḥmadīs as well. May Allāh grant has been able to make a financial sacrifice are constantly facing mental torture. In the them peace and bring about the release of of 10 million and five hundred and thirty fourth place is Canada, followed by USA, those who have been detained. Huzooraa thousand pounds. This is an 887,000 India, Australia, a Middle Eastern Jamā‘at, said that special emphasis should be laid on pounds increase from the previous year. Indonesia, and Ghana. Ghana, an African prayers, Nawāfil and Sadaqāt. The situation This is not the result of any human effort country, is now among the foremost in Pakistan is not good in terms of general but has been achieved through God’s grace. countries. law and order. Prayers are needed in this regard as well. May Allāh soon bring an Huzooraa said: This year, too, the UK topped The United States is number one in terms end to terrorism and all kinds of violence! the list of worldwide Jamā‘ats in terms of per capita contributions, followed by In the same way, the general condition of of overall collection. Lajna Imāillāh UK Switzerland and UK. Ghana ranks first the world is deteriorating rapidly and works really hard, but this time it seems among African countries in terms of total it requires our prayers! May Allāh have that men have also worked hard. Germany collection, followed by Mauritius, Nigeria, mercy on all humanity! Amīn! is in the second place. In the third place Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, is Pakistan which has lagged behind due Gambia, Kenya, Mali and Benin. to the devaluation of its currency. In
FRIDAY SERMON
15TH JANUARY 2021
uzooraa said: I will continue preference to the love of Allāh. Hazrat ‘Alira once called his servant but he did not with the account of Hazrat Muṣleḥ Mau‘ūdra mentions this incident respond. When he came a little later and ‘Alira. The material that I and says that what Hazrat ‘Ali meant was: Hazrat ‘Ali asked him the reason for his had collected regarding him I love you, of course, but when my love for delay, the servant said that he was sure of will be completed today, you conflicts with my love for God, I will his kindness and knew that he would not Inshā’Allāh. immediately choose the love of God. be punished. Hazrat ‘Ali liked his answer H so much that he set him free. The Promised Messiahas says: Hazrat Imām Whenever Hazrat ‘Alira faced a major Husain once asked Hazrat ‘Alira, “Do you problem, he would pray by invoking the One day Hazrat ‘Alira heard the teacher of ٰ ْ Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Husain reciting یاکھ ٰیعص ِاغ ِف ْر ْلِی :love me?” Hazrat ‘Ali replied that he did, following Divine attributes whereupon Hazrat Husain wondered as Khatimun-Nabiyyīn (instead of Khātamun- to how two loves (the love for him and The Holy Prophetsa said that these Nabiyyīn). He said: Both readings are -stand for Kāfi, Hādi, ‘Alīm correct but I prefer the reading Khatamun (مقطعات) the love for God) could come together in acronyms one heart. He then asked which of the two and Sādiq. Nabiyyīn, which means the Seal of loves he would give preference to if he had Prophets, and this is what should be taught to choose? Hazrat ‘Ali said he would give Hazrat Muṣleḥ Mau‘ūdra says that Hazrat to my children.
7 One day someone invited the Holy Hazrat ‘Ali says, “Surely did the Holy transgression. Prophetsa and a group of Companions Prophetsa say to me that only a believer for a meal. Hazrat ‘Alira was young, the would love me and only a hypocrite would The Promised Messiahas says about the Companions were eating dates and started hate me.” The Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Righteous Khalifās that they were all truly jokingly placing date stones in front of ‘Ali, “You are like Jesus. The Jews hated faithful to their religion. him. Hazrat ‘Ali did not realize this and him so much that they slandered his when the date stones had piled up, the mother, while the Christians loved him Regarding Hazrat ‘Ali, the Promised Companions said, “You have eaten all the so much that they gave him a status that Messiah (Peace be upon him) says: I saw dates!” Hazrat ‘Ali understood that they was not his.” Hazrat ‘Ali said, “Beware! Two in a state of wakefulness that Hazrat ‘Ali were trying to play a joke on him, and said, kinds of men will perish because of me: gave me the commentary of the Holy “You have eaten even the date stones, but those who exaggerate their love for me, Qur’ān and said, “This is my commentary I have kept mine.” and those who hate me.” and it is now given to you.” The Promised Messiahas says, “I have a subtle relationship Huzooraa said: It was revealed in the Holy Abjar bin Jurmūz cites his father as saying with Hazrat ‘Alira and Hazrat Husain, the Qur’ān that the believers should give that he saw Hazrat ‘Alira walking in the reality of which is known to none but to alms before they seek any advice from market of Kūfa holding a whip. He was the Lord of the East and the West.” the Messenger of Allāhsa. In order to fulfil exhorting the people to be pious, to speak this injunction, he gave alms and then consulted the Holy Prophetsa about a matter. Later when someone asked him what he had consulted the Holy Prophetsa . . . while the opponents try to stop us about, he said that it was a trivial matter in one place, Allāh opens for us other and he had done it only so that he was able to act upon this commandment of the avenues. The avenues that are closed will Holy Qur’ān. Huzooraa said: Such was the also be opened in due time Inshā’Allāh, character of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa. but God continues to provide us with good news. Huzooraa said: Hazrat Allāma ‘Ubaidullāh Bismil was an eminent Shia scholar who became an Aḥmadī at the time of the the truth, to buy and sell with fairness, and Huzooraa said that the mention of Hazrat Promised Messiahas. Hazrat Khalīfatul- to be accurate in their measures. ‘Alira was now complete. Masīḥ IVrh says that he was such a great scholar that his books were being taught The Promised Messiahas says: On 7th Huzooraa then announced the launch of in Shia madrassas until after the partition December 1892, I had a vision in which 24-hour channel ‘MTA Ghana’. Huzooraa of India. Citing one of his books, Hazrat I saw that I was Hazrat ‘Alira and that the said that the Wahab Adam Studio had been Muṣleḥ Mau‘ūdra says that one day Hazrat Kharijites were opposed to my Khilāfat. established in Ghana in 2017. Seventeen ‘Ali asked the people as to who was the Then I saw that the Messenger of Allāhsa workers and more than sixty volunteers bravest person? They said that he was the said to me with compassion and warmth, are working in the studio. This channel bravest. But Hazrat ‘Alira replied, “Abu “O, ‘Ali! Turn away from them and their can be viewed in Ghana through aerial Bakr was the most brave and courageous helpers and their machinations.” antenna. Huzooraa said that while the person. In the Battle of Badr, we made a opponents try to stop us in one place, Allāh canopy for the Holy Prophetsa and were Huzooraa also narrated some judicial opens for us other avenues. The avenues still consulting about who would stay and decisions which reflect the deep intellect that are closed will also be opened in due guard him, when Hazrat Abu Bakrra stood and wisdom of Hazrat ‘Alira. One day his time Inshā’Allāh, but God continues to up with his drawn sword and no idolator case was presented in the Islāmic court and provide us with good news. dared to come near that place. Similarly, the judge showed some courtesy to Hazrat one day the idolators of Makkah caught ‘Alira, whereupon Hazrat ‘Alira said, “This Huzooraa said: I again want to appeal for hold of the Holy Prophetsa and no one is the first injustice that you have done.” prayers for Aḥmadīs who are in captivity dared to confront the idolators, but Hazrat in Pakistan and Algeria. May Allāh bring Abu Bakrra stepped forth and pushed them The Promised Messiahas says that Hazrat about the means of their release! Pray for aside.” Saying this, Hazrat ‘Alira covered ‘Alira was the hope of the seekers of truth the general situation in Pakistan as well. his face with his cloth and cried so much and an unparalleled example of generosity Aḥmadīs of Pakistan should pay special that his beard got wet. and a sign for the servants of God. He was attention to Nawafil, prayers and alms. also the best of the people of his time, and May Allāh keep them under His protection! The Holy Prophetsa said, “He who loves ‘Ali the light of Allāh. Whoever fought him Amīn! loves me, and he who loves me loves Allāh.” during his time was guilty of rebellion and
8 Aḥmadiyya Gazette FRIDAY SERMON
22ND JANUARY 2021
uzooraa said: Today and advising Hazrat Ruqayyah to be kind a life of peace, but it was not long before for a few weeks to come I towards Hazrat ‘Uthmān, for amongst his rumours spread that Quraish had all will speak about Hazrat companions, Hazrat ‘Uthmānra resembled converted to Islām. Believing this, the ‘Uthmānra. He did not take his moral qualities the most. In the month refugees returned to Makkah only to learn part in the Battle of Badr but of Rajab, 5 Nabawi, the Holy Prophetsa that this had been a false rumour. Some of was one of the eight Companions who were instructed 11 men and 4 women to migrate them then went back to Abyssinia while Hgiven a share of the spoils of the Battle of to Abyssinia. Hazrat ‘Uthmānra and Hazrat others entered Makkah secretly or under Badr by the Holy Prophetsa. His name was Ruqayyahra were among them. The Holy the protection of some influential persons. ‘Uthmān bin ‘Affānra and his lineage meets Prophetsa said on this occasion that, after that of the Holy Prophetsa Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr in the fifth generation. Aḥmad Ṣāḥibra says that if His grandmother was we look at it more closely, the real sister of the the story of the rumour Holy Prophet’ssa father. and the return of the His mother Arwa bint refugees seems baseless. Karīz converted to Islām If, however, it was true, it after the peace treaty of may have been related to Hudaibiyyah and died an incident that is reported during the Khilāfat of in Hadith. It is mentioned Hazrat ‘Uthmānra. Hazrat in Bukhāri that one day ‘Uthmān’sra father had the Holy Prophetsa recited died before the advent of verses of Surah Najm in the Islām. At different times, courtyard of Ka‘ba. At the Hazrat ‘Uthmānra was end of the Surah, when the married to two daughters Holy Prophetsa prostrated, of the Holy Prophetsa, the disbelievers also fell Hazrat Ruqayyah and prostrate along with the Hazrat Umm Kulthūm Muslims due to the awe (May Allāh be pleased and majesty of the Holy with them). For this Prophet’ssa powerful voice reason, he was known as and the eloquence of the Dhun-Nūrain. According word of God. This is not to some, the reason for surprising because people this title is that he used do become overawed on to offer Tahajjud at night such occasions and act and recite the Holy Qur’ān a lot. the Prophet Lotas, ‘Uthmān was the first involuntarily in ways that are actually person to have migrated with his family against their beliefs and principles. Hazrat ‘Uthmānra was about five years for the sake of Allāh. younger than the Holy Prophetsa. He was Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad Ṣāḥibra further one of the early converts to Islām. He Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmadra writes that says that the date of migration to Abyssinia accepted Islām at the same time as Hazrat at that time Arabia had trade relations was Rajab, 5 Nabawi, whereas the incident Talha bin ‘Ubaidullāhra before the time of with Abyssinia. The capital of Abyssinia of the prostration took place in Ramadān, Dar Arqam. He was persecuted by his uncle was Aksum and it was ruled by a just and 5 Nabawi. Traditions give the date of the after converting to Islām. vigilant king by the name of Ashamah return of the emigrants from Abyssinia as Najashi. These early emigrants to Abyssinia Shawāl, 5 Nabawi. Given the circumstances Before the Holy Prophetsa made his claim belonged to powerful tribes but even they at the time, it is impossible for Muslims of Prophethood, Hazrat Ruqayyahra, were not safe from the tyranny of Quraish. to have reached Abyssinia in such a the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, was The weaker Muslims were much more short time. In view of the slow modes of married to the son of Abu Lahab. However, helpless and did not even have the means transport, such a journey could not have he divorced her after the revelation of to migrate. taken less than a month-and-a-half or two Surah Lahab, and she then got married to months. However, due to the oppression Hazrat ‘Uthmānra. On one occasion, while Arriving in Abyssinia, the Muslims found of Quraish of Makkah, the migration to
9 Abyssinia continued, bringing the total number of refugees in Abyssinia to one hundred and one, including eighteen women.
After the migration to Madinah, the Holy Prophetsa established bond of brotherhood between Hazrat ‘Uthmān and Hazrat ‘Abdul Rahmān bin ‘Auf or Hazrat ‘Aus bin Thabitra. According to one Tradition, the Holy Prophetsa established Hazrat ‘Uthmān’s brotherhood with himself.
When the Holy Prophetsa went out for the Battle of Badr, he left Hazrat ‘Uthmānra behind to take care of Hazrat Ruqayyah. Hazrat Ruqayyah passed away on the same ra day, Hazrat Zaid bin Hāritha entered Syednā Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa Madinah with the good news of victory. The Holy Prophetsa met Hazrat ‘Uthmānra life-devotee in Tahrīk Jadīd, Rabwah. the age of 85. at the door of the mosque and said: Allāh has married you to Umm Kulthūm with 2. Maulānā Muḥammad Umar Ṣāḥib, 8. Chaudhry Karamatullah Ṣāḥib, the same dowry as Hazrat Ruqayyah. He former Nazir Iṣlāḥ-o-Irshād, Qādiān. former volunteer worker of Al-Fazl instructed Umm Aīman to make Umm- He passed away on 21st January 2021 at International London, passed away Kulthūm ready and bring her to Hazrat the age of 87. He was a very successful on 26th December 2020 at the age of 95. ‘Uthmān’sra house. Hazrat Umm Kulthūm preacher and debater. Hazrat lived with Hazrat ‘Uthmān till 9 AH when Khalīfatul-Masīḥ IVrh lauded his work 9. Chaudhry Munawar Aḥmad Khalid she fell ill and passed away. Upon her in translating the Friday sermons. He Ṣāḥib passed away on 20th August 2020, death, the Holy Prophetsa said: If I had a is survived by four daughters, a son- at the age of 85. third daughter, I would have married her in-law and grandchildren. to ‘Uthmān as well. Huzooraa said he would 10. Naseera Begum Ṣāḥiba, wife of Aḥmad continue the mention of Hazrat ‘Uthmānra. 3. Habib Ahmed Ṣāḥib, Aḥmadiyya Sadiq Tahir Mahmood Ṣāḥib, a retired Missionary, son of Muḥammad Ismail Missionary from Bangladesh, passed Huzooraa repeated his appeal for prayers Ṣāḥib, former Amīr and Missionary away on 28th November, 2020. for Pakistan and Algeria and said that the Incharge Nigeria. He passed away on opponents have planned to make our lives 25th December 2020 at the age of 64. 11. Rafi-ud-Din Butt Ṣāḥib passed away difficult, but they do not know that there on 6th November 2020 at the age of 92. is a higher being, Allāh Almighty, Whose 4. Badr-uz-Zaman Ṣāḥib, who served at decree is in action and He is closing in upon Wakālat Māl UK, passed away on 3rd Ḥuzooraa prayed that Allāh may have them. May Allāh grant them understanding January 2021. mercy upon all the deceased and elevate and protect every Aḥmadī everywhere in their spiritual station in heaven. Amīn! every way! Amīn! 5. Mukarram Mansoor Aḥmad Taseer Ṣāḥib, who worked at Nazārat Umūr In the second part of the sermon, Huzooraa ‘Āmma, Rabwah, passed away on spoke about the sad demise of 11 members 30th December 2020 at the age of of the Jamā‘at. 70. Huzooraa said: I have known him since childhood and we were 1. Maulānā Sultan Mahmood Anwar students together. He was a candid Ṣāḥib, former Nazir Iṣlāḥ-o-Irshād, and courteous person. Nazir Khidmat Darveshān, and Nazir Rishta Nāta, Pakistan. He passed away 6. Dr. Eedi Ibrahim Moanga Ṣāḥib of on the 11th January 2021 at the age of Tanzania passed away on 9th December 88. He was an outstanding speaker 2020 at the age of 73. and preacher. He was also an author of several books. He is survived by four 7. Sughra Begum Ṣāḥiba, wife of Din sons and two daughters, including Muḥammad Ṣāḥib, Darvesh Qādiān, Hassan Mahmood who is serving as a passed away on 6th January 2021 at
10 Aḥmadiyya Gazette CLAIMS AND TEACHINGS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH & IMĀM MAHDI (PEACE BE UPON HIM!)
Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmad, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V (May Allāh be his Helper!)
The following address was delivered by Syedna Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa on March 20, 2020 on the subject of Promised Messiah Day. An English translation is being presented for the benefit of our readers. It was originally published by the Review of Religions.
n three days, it will be 23rd March we are witnessing these signs of support.” Khazā’in, Vol. 3, pp. 7-8) and it was on this day that the Promised Messiahas inaugurated the The Promised Messiahas further states, Then, announcing that the Messiah, system of Baī‘at [oath of initiation] promised by the Holy Prophetsa had and thus, the Aḥmadiyya Muslim “I openly proclaim and this indeed is my appeared at his appointed time, he states: Community was formally established. very belief and creed that no person can I attain any spiritual benefit and blessing “So, O my brethren! I implore you in the This day is commemorated in the Jamaat without following the footsteps of the name of God, do not commit excesses as the “Promised Messiah Day” and Jalsas Holy Prophetsa.” (Lecture Ludhiana, Ruḥānī against me, for it was imperative that I [gatherings] are also held with regards to Khazā’in, Vol. 20, p. 267) present to you those things which you this day. As part of its commemoration, initially would fail to comprehend. If we learn about the claims and the purpose It is owing to the spiritual blessings that he you were already on the right path, then of the advent of the Promised Messiahas as received from the Holy Prophetsa that Allāh there was no need for my advent. I have well. Thus, although three days still remain the Exalted sent the Promised Messiahas for mentioned previously that I have come until 23rd March, but the next Friday will the reformation of the world. He sent him in the spirit of Jesus, son of Mary, for the be many days later. to re-establish the glory and grandeur of reformation of this Ummah in the same Islām. Hence, the Promised Messiahas states manner Jesusas was sent to reform the Jews. Therefore, in view of this day, I will present on one occasion: For this very reason I have appeared in some quotes of the Promised Messiahas in the likeness of Jesus, son of Maryas and I َ َ ْ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ َ ْ have been commissioned with the same وارسل ِن ْی ر ِب ْی لِاِصل ِاح خل ِق ٖہ his own words. It may well be that due to the recent outbreak of the virus, it may not task that was assigned to him. After his be possible to hold Jalsas in most countries. ‘And God sent me so that I may reform advent, the Messiahas removed the harmful Therefore, in addition to my sermon, mankind.’” (‘Ijāz Aḥmadi, appendix Nuzūl innovations and erroneous beliefs held programmes will be broadcast on MTA Masīḥ, Ruḥānī Khazā’in, Vol. 19, p. 178) by the Jews. One of those beliefs was with regard to this. Every Aḥmadi should that the Jews believed that Elijah would endeavour to listen to them at home along Then, further elaborating regarding appear in this world again. In the same with their children. the purpose of his advent, the Promised way, the Muslims of today believe that Messiahas states: Jesus, son of Maryas would descend from The Promised Messiahas was sent in the heavens. Thus, the Messiahas stated subservience to the Holy Prophetsa, to “I must say – and I cannot be stopped from that Elijah would not descend from the continue his mission and to propagate his repeating – that I am the promised one skies and instead, John [the Baptist], faith across the world. Hence, the Promised who has been sent to restore the faith, to son of Zechariah was Elijah [in spiritual Messiahas once stated: re-establish it in the hearts of men. I have form], those who wish to accept him been sent exactly as was sent the one to should do so. The Messiahas removed the “I invoke durūd [salutations] upon the Holy follow the man of God they call Kalimullah. I misconception of the Jews and as a result Prophetsa for it is for his sake that Allāh have come like him whose spirit underwent of this was declared to be a heretic and an the Almighty established this Community hardships in the reign of Herod and was at infidel, yet, he explained all that what was and it is due to his grace and blessings that last raised to heaven.”(Fath-e-Islām, Ruḥānī true. The same is the case for his spiritual
11 manifestation, in that this humble one gathering of Muslims and Hindus. “…Man can never fathom the wisdom has also been declared a heretic like the behind God’s design. After all, what is man Messiahas. Is this not a similarity of the With regard to the significance of his that he can lay claim to understanding highest order?” (Izāla Auhām, Part II, Ruḥānī advent, the Promised Messiahas writes: Divine wisdom. The wisdom of God’s design Khazā’in, Vol. 3, p. 394) is evident and manifest for this age to see.” “When man acts contrary to the commands The Promised Messiahas did not only state of God Almighty, it becomes a means of The Promised Messiahas then says: that his advent was for the Muslims, him committing sin. Even if a low-ranking but his advent was significant for every soldier is sent by the government with a “Previously,” the Promised Messiahas is religion and every nation. At referring to his time, “if a one instance, the Promised Muslim would abandon his Messiahas said: faith, there would be a great hue and cry. But now Islām is “Finally, let it be clear that in such a weakened state that my advent in the present age approximately 100,000 people is not for the reformation of have turned their back on the Muslims alone, but I have Islām.” come to reform the people of all the three religions: Muslims, The Promised Messiahas further Christians and Hindus. Just says: as God has appointed me the Promised Messiah for the “Islām is a pure and flawless Muslims and Christians, so too religion. However, it has been am I the Avatar for the Hindus. attacked in such a manner For the past 20 years or so, I that there are hundreds of have been proclaiming that just thousands of books written as I have appeared in the spirit which are filled with vile abuse of the Messiah son of Maryas for against the Holy Prophetsa. the purpose of removing sins Some magazines are printed which have filled the earth, so in the millions. If everything too have I come as Raja Krishna that has been written against – one of the greatest Avatars of Islām is gathered together at the Hindu faith. In other words, one place, it would form an I am the same person by virtue enormous mountain. of spiritual reality. This is no fancy or speculation on my part. “The case of the Muslims is that The God of heaven and earth it seems as if they are lifeless has revealed to me, not once, and have become like corpses. but a number of times, that for In times like these, if God the Hindus I am Krishna and for Almighty also remains silent, the Muslims and Christians I am then one can only imagine the Promised Messiah. what would be the outcome. written order, the one who disobeys that One strike from God Almighty is far greater “I know that the ignorant Muslims, on directive would be deemed guilty and than even a thousand assaults of man and hearing this, will immediately say that by punished as a result. If this is the case with this one strike alone would be enough for assuming the name of a kafir [disbeliever], mere mortal rulers, what then would be the His religion to triumph over others. I have openly accepted disbelief. But this state of the one who disrespects and shows revelation is from God and I have no choice no regard for a directive issued by the Best “The Christians have spent the past 1,900 but to proclaim it. Today it is for the first of judges [i.e. Allāh the Almighty]. God years crying out that Jesusas was god. time that I am announcing it before such Almighty holds His honour dear to Him. Subsequently, their religion grew and a large gathering, for those who are from In an age of sin and vice, God Almighty moreover the Muslims are helping them God are never afraid of the reproaches commissioned His servant and sent him in this cause. The Christians have been of faultfinders.” (Lecture Sialkot, Ruḥānī according to the need of the time so that equipped with an excellent weapon in Khazā’in, Vol. 20, p. 228) he can guide people towards the right path. that they say Jesus is alive and our Holy Thus, for one to trample all over this wise Prophetsa has passed away.” This was stated by the Promised judgement is a grave sin.” Messiahas in Lecture Sialkot, which was a The Promised Messiahas further says: lecture delivered by him in front of a large The Promised Messiahas further states,
12 Aḥmadiyya Gazette “In Lahore, Lord Bishop presented this have long remained hidden from mortal “In the same way, when people forsake argument in front of a large congregation eyes, and to display the true spirituality the path of God and renounce tawhid and and no Muslim was able to reply to it. that lies submerged under the darkness worship of God, He raises someone whom However, Mufti Muḥammad Sadiq Ṣāḥib, of selfish passions. I have also been sent He grants perfect vision and honours a member of our community who was to demonstrate practically, and not just in him with His word and revelation, in present at the time, stood up and quoting words, how Divine powers enter man and order to guide mankind and bring about references from the Holy Qur’ān, Ahadith, how they are manifested through prayer a reformation of the evil that has occurred. books of history and also from the Bible, and concentration. proved that Jesusas has passed away “The truth is that God is the Sustainer and the Holy Prophetsa is alive, because “But, first and foremost, I have been sent on whom depends the existence and there have always been individuals who, to re-establish forever the lost belief in the continuity of the universe. He does not having attained blessings through him, Unity of God – tawhid—which is pure and deprive His creatures of His benevolent demonstrated miracles and excellences. luminous and unadulterated by any form attributes, nor does He suspend them. The Lord Bishop was unable to reply to of idolatry – Shirk. All this will not come Rather, they instantly come into play when this.” about by my power, but by the Mighty they are required.” (Barahin-e-Aḥmadiyya, hand of the Lord of heaven and earth. Part II, Ruḥānī Khazā’in, Vol. 1, pp. 113-114, The Promised Messiahas then says, While God has taken upon Himself the task footnote no. 10) of my spiritual training and has inspired “…I once sent an advertisement to a group me, through His revelation, with a zeal to On another occasion, the Promised of Christians in Ludhiana saying that there was little difference in our mutual beliefs. What harm is there if they were to accept that Jesusas had passed away and did It is God’s eternal law that when suffering not ascend to the heavens? At this, they and hardship reach their extreme, His became infuriated and said that if they accept that Jesusas had passed away and mercy is aroused and He creates the did not ascend to the heavens, then there would not be a single Christian left in the means for the alleviation of the world’s world.” woes.
The Promised Messiahas says: bring about this reformation, He has also Messiahas states: prepared hearts that are ready to accept “Always remember that God Almighty is my words. I observe that ever since God “Extremely blessed and fortunate is the All-Knowing and Wise. He has implemented sent me, a great revolution has begun to one whose heart is pure and desires for this design so that the enemy may perish. take shape in the world.” (Lecture Lahore, the manifestation of Allāh the Almighty’s Why do the Muslims remain adamant upon Ruḥānī Khazā’in, Vol. 20, pp. 180-181) greatness and glory because such a person this point? Was Jesusas superior to the Holy is chosen by Allāh over others. As for those Prophetsa? If you hold animosity towards The Promised Messiahas stated this in who oppose me, our decision between us me then do not exceed all limits and act in Lecture Lahore. lies before Allāh the Almighty. Allāh the a manner that would destroy Islām. God Almighty knows the reality of our hearts, Almighty does not implement anything Then expounding further on the fact He knows whose hearts are inclined that is ineffective and without this belief, that owing to God Almighty’s mercy and towards the attraction of this world and [i.e. regarding the death of Jesus] one in order to save mankind, God Almighty whose hearts are filled with fervency and cannot break the cross.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, sends His chosen servants and reformers, fervour for Allāh the Almighty.” pp.174-175) the Promised Messiahas states: The Promised Messiahas further states: On another occasion, the Promised “It is God’s eternal law that when suffering Messiahas said: and hardship reach their extreme, His “Remember well that one can only excel mercy is aroused and He creates the means in spirituality when one purifies their “The actual mission for which God for the alleviation of the world’s woes. For heart. When one’s heart becomes pure and has appointed me is to remove the example, when drought causes a severe cleansed, it develops a particular strength estrangement that has come between famine and people are about to perish, God and faculty to progress in spiritualty. One man and his Creator and re-establish a the Noble causes rain to fall; when there is is then endowed with all kinds of means to relationship of love and sincerity between an epidemic and thousands begin to die, He progress further. Ponder over the example him and his Lord. He has also appointed causes some means for purifying the air or of the Holy Prophetsa; he was alone and me to put a stop to religious wars by some remedy to be found; when a nation while in this very state, he proclaimed: proclaiming the truth, to create religious is in the grip of a tyrant, he is ultimately َ َ ُّ َ َّ ُ ّ َ ُ ْ ُ ّٰ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ ً یا أیہا الناس إِنِی رسول الل ِہ إِلیکم ج ِمیعا .harmony, to reveal the religious truths that replaced by a just and benevolent ruler
13 “‘O mankind! truly I am a Messenger to stipulated in the divine revelation, he was oppose the Holy Qur’ān and would hurl you all from Allāh’ (Surah al-A‘raf, 7:159) granted respite for a while and then in abuse and demand a sign of Islām from accordance to the condition mentioned me and even publish announcements for “Who could have imagined at the time in the divine revelation, he was taken in this. Thus, God Almighty revealed a sign that the claim of such an individual, who the grasp of the Almighty. that Aḥmad Baig shall be made to witness was all alone, would come to fulfilment? the death of some of his relatives and also Moreover, he faced such hardship which “The second contest was with Lekh Ram. some afflictions and ultimately shall pass we have not even endured a fraction of Ponder how God Almighty triumphed in away within the period of three years. what he did.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 157-158) that contest. You witnessed with your very This is precisely what happened and he eyes that the signs regarding his death died within the time period outlined so Granting advice to the world in general, which had been divinely prophesied from that it could be made evident that one who the Promised Messiahas states: before were all fulfilled. The sign of God exceeds the bounds shall ultimately be Almighty’s wrath brought sorrow upon an punished.” (Ayāmus-Ṣuluḥ, Ruḥānī Khazā’in, “My ultimate advice to you is that you entire people. Have you ever witnessed Vol. 14, pp. 325-327) show concern for your faith. Let it not be such glorious signs manifest right before the case that owing to your arrogance and your eyes? Thus, O progeny of Muslims! Do Thus, the Promised Messiahas warned negligence, you become counted amongst not dishonour the works of God. the world that they ought not to oppose the rebellious ones in the eyes of the one who had been commissioned by God Almighty Allāh. “The third contest was on the occasion Almighty. When God Almighty sends of the Maho Taso Jalsa. Again, reflect someone, He then supports him with His “Ponder that God Almighty has looked upon how God Almighty caused Islām to help and succour and shows His signs. upon you at a time that had been destined triumph and made you witness His sign. The Promised Messiahas has stated, “God from before, thus strive so that you can God Almighty had revealed from before to Almighty has revealed to me in manifest become the recipient of these blessings. His servant that his essay will be declared word, ‘A Warner came unto the world, God Almighty witnessed from the heavens supreme, and indeed this promise was but the world accepted him not; yet that one who had been granted honour is fulfilled. Furthermore, the blessed impact God shall accept him and demonstrate being tarnished under the feet and verbal of this essay had left everyone in awe of it. his truthfulness with powerful signs.’” abuse is being hurled at the Prophet, who Was this the work of God or then someone (Barāhīn-e-Aḥmadiyya, Part IV. Ruḥānī is the best amongst all of mankind. He is else?” Khazā’in, Vol. 1, p. 665, Sub footnote, no. 4) counted amongst the evil ones and liars, and similarly, his book, which is the Holy The Promised Messiahas here is referring Thus, the spread of the Aḥmadiyya Qur’ān, is being described with ill words to the Jalsa in which his book, The Community in over 200 countries of the and deemed as a book authored through Philosophy of the Teachings of Islām was world is a testimony to the fact that God human effort. read out and God Almighty had revealed Almighty is continuously establishing the its success and supremacy from before. The truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas in “Thus, God Almighty manifested His Promised Messiahas therefore had issued an the world. promise, which has been recorded in the announcement from before and in the end, following verse [of the Holy Qur’ān]: the non-Muslims all openly acknowledged May Allāh the Almighty enable us to that indeed out of all the essays presented, contribute towards fulfilling the mission ّ ّ ْ ّ as َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ َ ّ َ َ َ َ ٗ َ َ ُ ْ َ this was the most successful. The Promised of the Promised Messiah ! May He increase إِنا نحن نزلنا ِالذکر وإِنا لہ لحافِظون Messiahas further states: us in our faith and conviction and enable “‘Verily, We Ourself have sent down this us to fulfil our responsibilities! Exhortation, and most surely We will be “The fourth contest was the case against its Guardian.’ (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:10) Dr Henry Martyn Clarke in which the Christians, Arya and Muslims in opposition “Today is the day for the fulfilment of to me, were all united in their efforts to this promise. Through mighty onslaughts falsely prove me guilty of attempted and all kinds of signs, Allāh the Almighty murder. God Almighty had revealed to has proven that this community has me from before that they will fail in their been established by Him. Have you ever efforts. This revelation was shared with witnessed such clear and manifest signs almost 200 people from before and in the of God Almighty as you have witnessed end, victory was indeed granted to us. now? God Almighty fought against the non-Muslims like a wrestler and defeated “The fifth contest was the case against them. There was a battle in the case of Mirzā Aḥmad Baig of Hoshiarpur. His Atham and now search for yourself and see family members and close associates where Atham is? Today, he lies buried in would ridicule Islām, whilst some of their the ground. In accordance to the condition staunchest apostates would strongly
14 Aḥmadiyya Gazette THE THIRD PILLAR OF ISLĀM: ZAKĀT, THE DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH
Azhar Goraya, Missionary Mexico
t their heart, all economic Seeing as how the economic models we As a result of following these guidelines, systems seek to allocate and choose to live by have such profound one can expect a strong and vibrant distribute resources amongst effects on us, and the failure of present economy as well as an environment that a populous in the most just models in achieving overall well-being, we fosters mutual relations of trust and manner possible, balancing should ask whether religion has offered kindness. Moreover, Allāh states that He the needs and wants of the individual us any solution, one that puts the ‘heart’ will reward a person at least ten times as Aagainst those of others in society. back into economic philosophy. much as they give in His path, [5] and this can increase up to seven hundred times or There are many different economic Perhaps of all the major religions in the even more. [6] These blessings are received systems in the world. They are most world, Islām has given the most detailed both in this world and the next. Therefore, commonly defined as existing somewhere instructions on how to achieve this the Islāmic economic system is one that along a spectrum with neo-capitalism, a ideal. As a complete religion, it provides focuses on both worldly and spiritual well- system where there is no government extensive teachings about all important being. control over the economy, characterized aspects of human life. by private ownership and for-profit THE ISLĀMIC ECONOMIC MODEL enterprise on one end, and socialism, a Islām has a system of almsgiving and socio- system where the government is heavily religious taxation that is extensive in its Islām envisions an economic model where involved in regulating the economy and theory and practice, one that is intricately people are rewarded in accordance with is characterized by communal ownership connected to the Islāmic socio-economic their personal efforts and ingenuity, on the other. system. It is neither a capitalist nor a but where the needs of others are not socialist system, rather it can be seen as overlooked. Moreover, it seeks to root Nevertheless, it seems that as a species, a balance between the two. Nevertheless, out the feelings of miserliness, envy, we have failed to realize an equitable its underpinnings, unique characteristics, and scorn that sometimes exist between distribution of wealth. and philosophy make it distinct from other people of different economic classes. It is systems. an economic model that is underpinned According to the World Bank, in 2015, 10 with kindness and justice. percent of the world’s population, or 734 SPENDING MONEY: AN ACT million people, lived on less than $1.90 a day OF WORSHIP IN ISLĀM Man is permitted to work and enjoy the which it classifies as extreme poverty.[1] On fruit of his labour, but he has not been the other end of the spectrum, the world’s All money that is spent following the permitted to overlook the basic needs of richest 1% have more than twice as much guidelines that Allāh has provided is his fellow man. The unjust distribution wealth as 6.9 billion people.[2] In terms of deemed an act of worship and merits of wealth through the accumulation of taxation, only 4 cents of every dollar of tax a reward. Therefore, the responsible massive amounts of assets in the hands revenue comes from taxes on wealth.[3] spending of wealth and allocation of of the few has not been permitted in Islām. These inequalities manifest themselves as resources is a religious duty in Islām. At the other end of the spectrum, Islām has various miseries and disadvantages–lack also not allowed man to sit idle and expect of education, healthcare, and malnutrition Amongst the guidelines, we find the that others should support him. Moreover, are some of them. importance of providing for the family with it has forbidden all types of illicit means the Prophet Muḥammadsa once declaring of generating wealth such as corruption, Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the that the morsel of food that you place in bribery, and interest. United States, summed it up succinctly: your wife’s mouth is an act of charity. [4] The repayment of debts, giving dues to the Seeing its ubiquitous nature and perceived ‘The truth is we are all caught in a great government, giving gifts as well as helping essentiality in the world economy today, economic system which is heartless.’ the poor are all treated in detail. some may be surprised to learn that Islām
15 And in their wealth is a share for one who asked for help and for one who cannot.ˮ has banned interest. [7] Nevertheless, the shiny veneer of interest hides many unsightly realities. Unbridled greed, hard- heartedness, living beyond ones means, and the strong upward movement and accumulation of wealth in the hands of the wealthy are but a few of the ills that go hand in hand with interest–all of which run counter to the ideals that Islām seeks to develop within society.
Instead of loans being given on interest, to a certain degree for his fellow man, and man to give away a part of his wealth Islām envisions that loans be given as is taught that those less fortunate than him voluntarily, Islām develops within society an investment or as charity. In this way, have a right to a portion of the wealth that the qualities of compassion, generosity and the risk is shared between all parties vs. he earns, irrespective of whether they ask sympathy, and does away to a great degree just the debtor. In the standard capitalist for it or not. The Holy Qur’ān states: with greed and miserliness. economy, accumulation of wealth is َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ٌّ ّ َّ َ ْ َ ْ ُ The spending of wealth according to وف ِي أموالِ ِهم حق لِلسائِ ِل والمحر ِوم rewarded through interest, whereas in the Islāmic model, accumulation of wealth is the dictates of God is known as Infāq Fī penalized. Essentially, what Islām proposes And in their wealth is a share for one who asked Sabīlillāh or spending in the way of Allāh. is a wealth tax to ‘even the playing field,’ so for help and for one who cannot.’ [11] All such spending, even if it seems to to speak. This tax is known as Zakāt. not be directly religious, is also referred Islām dictates that within a society, food, to as Sadaqat, commonly translated as DETAILS OF AN ISLĀMIC ECONOMY clothing, water, and shelter are basic rights almsgiving. Sadaqat is the plural of Sadaqah, of everyone and must be provided to them. which is derived from the tri-letter root The root meaning .(قدص) Islām systematically establishes, with [12] Sad-Dal-Qaf a top-to-bottom approach, how an implies sincerity and truthfulness. In a economy should function and under what Moreover, there are a myriad of other similar fashion, Zakāt in Arabic denotes philosophy. needs such as security, transportation, purification. Therefore, a person who sanitation, etc., that must be provided for spends his wealth in the path of Allāh It first draws our attention to the idea that the proper functioning of government and demonstrates the sincerity that exists in all wealth that exists in the world in the society. his heart for his faith and his fellow man form of natural resources belongs foremost whilst purifying the rest of his wealth in to Allāh, [8] who is the Creator of this world To fulfill these needs, Islām has taught a the process. and all that it contains. Next, it tells us system where people in certain cases, are that God has created everything for the obliged to hand over their wealth, and in Hazrat Mirzā Ghulām Aḥmadas was the ultimate benefit of man. [9] As a custodian others are encouraged to voluntarily part Promised Messiah and reformer of the and guardian of the wealth of this world, with it for the greater good. The hoarding age. His purpose was to re-establish he has been instructed to benefit from of wealth is not encouraged. Rather, human sympathy and godliness in our time it responsibly. He is to work, spend, and systems are put in place to ensure that through the pristine teachings of Islām. In distribute the wealth of the world which wealth continuously circulates in society one place, he stated about Zakāt: he has received as a sacred trust in a just and that there is a strong downward manner. movement of wealth away from the ‘The root of the word Zakāt means wealthy and towards those who are in purification. When a person who acquires Islām encourages man to be a responsible, need. By taking a portion of the wealth of something lawfully and out of it spends compassionate member of his society. citizens by right, the legitimate needs of in the cause of the faith, the rest of it is Where each person is responsible for his the government and society are met on a purified.’ [13] own well-being, [10] he is also responsible day to day basis. Moreover, by encouraging
16 Aḥmadiyya Gazette THE INSTITUTION OF ZAKĀT of that which you love.’…There are many The fluctuations in their wealth before the who give to the poor rotten crumbs which date of payment are irrelevant. Of course, The institution of Zakāt is perhaps the are of no use to anyone, and they imagine piety and godliness are necessary in the one which contributes the most to the that they have given charity. Allāh does calculation of Zakāt–one should not try realization of the Islāmic socioeconomic not accept such things, nor is such charity and avoid paying the Zakāt through last- model. Muslims have been repeatedly acceptable. He clearly states: ‘You cannot minute re-allocation of funds. encouraged in the Holy Qur’ān to pay achieve virtue until you spend out of that Zakāt. [14] It is the minimum obligatory which you love.’ Virtue cannot truly be Certain types of wealth are exempt from amount that must be given to guarantee called virtue until you spend out of your taxation. For example, someone’s personal the working of the government, the possessions which you love in the path of home, jewellery which is in regular use, equitable distribution of wealth in society, Allāh for the purposes of the propagation and precious stones are not counted safeguarding the morals of man and the of faith and sympathy for mankind.’ [16] towards the calculated amount. fulfillment of the needs of religion within the larger socioeconomic Islāmic model. TWO FORMS OF ZAKĀT Historically, the Zakāt was distributed under the auspices of the Prophet At its core, Zakāt is a tax which is levied There are two forms of Zakāt–that which Muḥammadsa and later his Khulafā’ upon both commercial earnings and is levied upon commercial wealth and that (rightly guided successors). The Qur’ān personal savings. It can thus be considered which is levied upon personal savings. indicates that the system of Zakāt can a tax which is levied upon the rich, with only truly be implemented when the an eye of returning it to the poor. Historically, Zakāt was the primary funds are distributed under the direction form of regular taxation that Islāmic of a divinely appointed successor to In the Qur’ān, the holy book of Islām, God governments levied. There were distinct the Prophet Muḥammadsa. [17] In Islām explains where these funds are to be spent: rates on different forms of commercial Aḥmadiyyat, Zakāt is thus collected and wealth, such as produce, cattle and distributed under the direction of the َّ َ َّ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ mining operations. These were referred to Khalīfa (Caliph), the supreme head and إِنما الصدقات لِلفق َر ِاء والمساكِي ِن والع ِام ِلين عليها .(wealth that is observable) ْ ّ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ as Amwāl Zāhira spiritual leader of the community. The َوال ُم َؤلَفة قلوبُ ُه ْم َوفي ّالرقاب َوالغارمي َن َوفي َسبيل الله :Promised Messiahas states ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ َ ْ َّ َ َ ً ّ َ َ ُ َ ٌ َ ٌ These days, secular governments have واب ِن الس ِبي ِل ف ِريضة ِمن الل ِه ۗ والله ع ِليم ح ِكيم implemented other sorts of taxes on ‘He who pays Zakāt should send it here. The alms (Sadaqat) are only for the poor and commercial wealth and earnings. As Every person should save himself from the needy, and for those employed in connection such, where such taxes exist, it will not vain pursuits and should spend his money therewith, and for those whose hearts are to be be necessary for Muslims to give Zakāt on in this path. He should show sincerity, so reconciled, and for the freeing of slaves, and for such wealth that is already taxed, if they that he be rewarded with grace and the those in debt, and for the cause of Allāh, and for are paying what is equal to or greater than Holy Spirit, because this is the reward that the wayfarer—an ordinance from Allāh. And what was historically levied during the is prepared for those who have entered Allāh is All-Knowing, Wise. [15] time of the Prophet Muḥammadsa. into this movement.’ [18]
The Promised Messiahas explained that a The second type of Zakāt is that which The Fifth Caliph and current Worldwide primary purpose of Zakāt is to alleviate is levied upon personal savings, known Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim the suffering of the poor: as Amwāl Bātina (wealth that is hidden). Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirzā Muslims are obliged to give this Zakāt of Masroor Aḥmadaa explains that the true ‘What is Zakāt? It is taken from the rich their own accord, as it is not the responsibility implementation of Zakāt in today’s day and given to the poor. Zakāt thus teaches of the government to collect or distribute and age can only be under the Khilāfat the highest level of human sympathy. By it. The rate of this tax is 2.5% on personal (Caliphate) established upon the precepts the coming together of both rich and poor, disposable wealth whose value exceeds 87.48 of prophethood, as foretold by the Holy the Muslim community gains collective grams of gold, which according to current Prophetsa. He says: strength. The rich are obligated to pay the rates (July 2020), amounts to approximately Zakāt. Even if it were not an obligation, $4,900.00 USD. ‘. . . this Divine promise refers to the human sympathy by itself would demand Khilāfat that was to be established on that the poor be assisted. But nowadays, I The way that it is levied is that once the precepts of prophethood and with see that even if their neighbour is starving someone reaches the threshold, every regards to which the Holy Prophetsa to death, people are not bothered in the year on the same date that Zakāt first had clearly mentioned that it would be least; so engrossed are they in their own became obligatory upon them, they will be established following the advent of the comfort and enjoyment. I cannot cease required to see whether they have wealth Promised Messiahas. The institution of from declaring what Allāh has placed in equivalent or greater than the stipulated Khilāfat would continue from there as the my heart. Sympathy is a very precious threshold. If it is equivalent or more, they Promised Messiahas would be the Khātamul gem within man. Allāh Almighty says: ‘You will pay 2.5% of the total amount. If it is Khulafā’ [seal of the caliphs, or successors]. cannot achieve virtue until you spend out less, they are not required to pay Zakāt. Furthermore, this Khilāfat would not engage
17 in wars and cruelties. Rather, it would draw [2:262] The similitude of those who spend 13. Essence of Islām, vol. 2, pg. 318 (Speeches our attention towards observing prayers, their wealth for the cause of Allāh is like to Jalsa Sālāna, 1906, pp. 20-21) towards paying the Zakāt for the sake of the similitude of a grain of corn which the propagation of religion and for the grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred 14. َ ّ َ َ ُ َّ َ َ َ ّ َ َّ ُ ُ َ َوأقِي ُموا َالصلاة َوآتوا الزكاة َوأ ِطي ُعوا الرَ ُس َول ل َعلك ْم ت ْر َح ُمون fulfillment of the rights of mankind and it grains. And Allāh multipliesitfurther for would draw our attention towards making whomsoever He pleases; and Allāh is financial sacrifices. Thus, presently this Bountiful, All-Knowing. [24:57] And observe Prayer and give the institution can only be found within the Zakāt and obey the Messenger, that you Aḥmadiyya Jamā‘at.’ [19] 7. may be shown mercy. ّ َ َ ُّ َ َّ َ َ ُ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ّ َ ُ ُ ُّ ْ َ يا أيها ال ِذين آمنوا اتقوا الله وذروا ما ب ِق َي ِمن الرِبا إِن كنتم مؤ ِم ِنين CONCLUSION 15. The Holy Qur’ān, 9:60 [2:279] O ye who believe! fear Allāh and Zakāt is one of the five pillars of Islām and relinquish what remains of interest, if you 16. its purpose is manifold. Through Zakāt, are believers. ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ّ َ ْ ُ َ زٰوکة یا کےہ۔ یُؤخذ ِم َن الا َمرَ ِاء َو یُرَ ُد ِالی الفق َر ِ۔ اءارماء ےس ےل رک Islām ensures the just distribution of ی ہ َ ّٰ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ّٰ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ ُ ُ رقفاءوک دی اجیت ےہ۔ ا س اٰیلعم درہج یک دردی �اھکسیئ یئگ ےہ، ولِل ِه ما ف ِي السماو ِات وما ف ِي الأر ِض ۚ وإِلى الل ِه ترجع الأمور .wealth in society while not overlooking 8 اسرطحےسابمہرگمرسد ےنلم ےس املسمن لھبنس اجےت ہی�۔ ارماء the legitimate needs and wants of the رپ ی�رفض ےہ ہک وہ ادا یرک�۔ارگہنیھب رفض وہیت وت یھب ااسنین individual. [3:110] And to Allāh belongs whatever is in ت ہ دردیاکاقتاضاھت ہک� رغابء یک دمد یک ناجےئ۔ رگم اب یم د�یکھ��ا وہں ,the heavens and whatever is in the earth ہ ش ہک یاسمہ�ارگافہق رماتوہ وت رپوا ی ۔ �اےنپ ع� ی و �آرام ےس اکم ےہ۔ The World Bank—Understanding Poverty and to Allāh shall all affairs be returned .1 وجابت دخا اعتٰیل ن ےن یمرے دل یم ڈایل ےہ۔ یم اس ےک ب ی�ان .for decision ہ ی ی ہ رکےن ےس رک اتکس۔� ااسنن م دردیاٰیلع �درہج اک وجرہ نےہ۔ Shocking facts about extreme global 2.5 َ َ َ ُ ْ َّ َ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ َّ ُ ّ َ � یع� اہللاعتٰیل نرفامات ےہ ۔ ل ْن تنالوا البِر حتی تن ِفقوْا ِمما ت ِح ُبوْن۔ ی مت .inequality and how to even it up. 9 ہ ی چ � ْ رہزگ اس ی�وک احلص رکےتکس �بج کت اینپ پ ی�اری ی زوں �وک اہلل َ َ ٌ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ًّ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ی ہ وآية لهم الأرض الميتة أحييناها وأخرجنا ِمنها حبا ف ِمنه ئا ْكلون وجعلنا یک راہ مرخچہن رکو۔۔۔تہب ےس نولگ یا�یھب وہےت ی ۔ � ہک َ َ َّ ّ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ .Ibid .3 ُب ٹ ہ ی ہ فق� فِيها جن ٍات ِمن ن ِخي ٍل وأعن ٍاب وفجرنا فِيها ِمن العي ِون لِئاكلوا ِمن ثمرِ ِه ابیس اور ڑسی � یوت�اںوج یسک اکم خ �آیتکس ی�۔ ی�روں وک تدے َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ت ہ ہ ی َوما ع ِملته أي ِديهم ۖ أفلا يَشك ُرون ید� ی�۔اور نےتھجمس ی ۔ہک � مہ ےن خی�رات رکدی ےہ۔ ا� یاب� ِ .4 ٰ ہ ی ہ ی َّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ً َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ُ اہلل اعتلوک وظنمر � ی�۔ اور ہن ا� ی�راتوبقمل وہ یتکس ق قےہ۔ وہ And the dead earth is a Sign for [36:34] إِنك لن تن ِفق نفقة تبت ِغي ِبها وجه الل ِه إِلا أ ِجرت عليها حتى ما تجعل َ َ َ ُ ْ َّ َ َّ ُ ُ َّ ُ ُّ َ ت َ ْ َ َ وتاصفوطر رپ ناتہک ن نےہ۔ لن تنالوا البِر حت ٰى ت ِنفقوا ِمما ت ِحبون۔ یح them: We quicken it and bring forth ف ِي ف ِم امرأ ِتك ی ہ ی َ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ّ ّ َ ْ ْ م وکیئ ی� ی� وہیتکس۔� بج کت اےنپ پ یارےامل � اہلل ٰاعتل .therefrom grain, of which they eat صحیح البخاری، کتاب الایمان، باب ما جاء أن الأعمال ِب ِالن َي ِة وال ِحس َب ِة) ی ن ہ َ ُ ّ ْ َ َ َ یک راہ ماس ےک ید�یکااشتع اور اس یک ولخمق یک �دردی ےک (ولِك ِل امرِ ٍئ ما نوى، حدیث ۶۵ ےئل رخچ ہن رکو۔ And We have placed in it gardens [36:35] You will be rewarded for whatever you of date-palms and grapes, and We have spend for Allāh’s sake even if it were caused springs to gush forth therein, 17. See commentary of Hazrat Mirzā a morsel which you put in your wife’s Bashīrud-Dīn Maḥmūd Aḥmad, Tafsīr mouth.” [36:36] That they may eat of the fruit Kabīr (The Grand Exegesis), under 24:56, thereof, and it was not their hands that Āyat Istikhlāf. (Saḥīḥ Bukhārī, The Book of Faith, Ch.: made them. Will they not then be grateful? What is said regarding the statement: 18. “The reward of deeds depends upon the 10. ن � بھ�ی�ج ٰۤ َ ُّ َ َّ ۡ َ ٰ َ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ُ ۡ ہ یاچ�ہک زٰوکۃ ی ت ئد� واال ایسہگج ِاینپ زٰوکۃ ے اور رہ ا�ی صخش یایہا ال ِذین امنوا علیکم انفسکم intention and hoping to get rewards from یوضفلوں ےس اےنپ ی� اچبوے اور اس راہ یم وہ پ ی رو�اگلوے اور .(Allāh.”, Hadith #56 ی O ye who believe! be heedful of your [5:106] رہباحلدصقداھکوے ات لضف اور تروح ادقلس اک ااعنم اپوے کوہکن ی� ااعنم اُن ولوگں ےک لی ی�ارےہ وج اس ہلسلس یم دالخ وہےئ ہی�۔ .own selves .5 َ ّ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َّْ َ َ َ َ َّ ّ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ٰ َ َ َ من جاء ِبالحسن ِة فله عْشّر أمثالِهَّا ومن جاء ِبالس ِيَئ ِة فلا يجزى إِلا ِمثلها َ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ ََ ُ َُ ََ َ َّ ّ َ ََ ُْ َ ٰ َ َ َ (یتشکونح، رواحین زخانئ دلج 91ہحفص The Holy Qur’ān, 51:20 (38 .11 وهم لا يظلمونوَن ِءبالظلمل َيوههال ِل ِمث ِءبالس ِِي ِئةفليجزىإومنجا
(Whoso does a good deed shall have 12. ُ (Kashtī-e-Nūh, p. 83, Ruḥānī Khazā’in vol. 19 [6:161] َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ٰ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ إِن لك ألا تجوع فِيها ولا تعرَىوَأنك لا تظمٔا فِيها ولا تضح ٰى ten times as much; but he who does an evil deed, shall have only a like reward; and 19. Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat they shall not be wronged. [20:119] ‘It is provided for thee that thou Khalīfatul-Masīh Vaa on May 25, 2018 wilt not hunger therein, nor wilt thou be 6. naked. [20:120] ‘And that thou wilt not َ َ ُ َّ ۡ َ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ َ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ّٰ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ۢۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ thirst therein, nor wilt thou be exposed مثل ال ِذین ین ِفقون اموالہم فِ ۡی س ِبی ِل الل ِہ کمث ِل حب ٍۃ انبتت سبع َ َ َ ُ ّ ُ ۢۡ ُ َ ّ َ ُ َ َّ َ ّٰ ُ ُ ٰ ُ َ ۡ َّ َ ُ َ ّٰ ُ َ ٌ َ ۡ ٌ ’.to the sun سن ِابل فِ ۡی ک ِل سنبل ٍۃ ِمائۃ حب ٍۃ ؕ و اللہ یض ِعف لِمن یشٓاء ؕ و اللہ و ِاسع ع ِلیم
18 Aḥmadiyya Gazette HISTORY OF FUTURE THE BAITUL EHSAAN MOSQUE NEWFOUNDLAND
Mohamed Sadiq Boodhun, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
n October 2016 during the course of an interview with His Holiness Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa current Head of the Worldwide Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community at the Baitul Islām Mosque in Maple Ontario, Peter IMansbridge mentioned that the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Jamā‘at (AMJ) Canada has Mosques stretching from Newfoundland to British Columbia. That was not an accurate statement, because there is no mosque in Newfoundland. but it triggered a desire in many members to build a Mosque in Newfoundland.
Respected Lal Khan Malik Ṣāḥib, Amīr Jamā‘at Canada visited Eastern Canada on multiple occasions and often floated the aa idea of having a Mosque in the Province of Peter Mansbridge of CBC News with His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad in Toronto (2016) Newfoundland & Labrador (NL)
St John’s, NL occupies a very strategic place in the world. It is the oldest and most eastern town of North America. The first Airport and Seaport one comes across when travelling from Europe to North America is in St John’s, NL.
In October 2018 Amīr Ṣāḥib Canada met Mansour Aḥmad Ṣāḥib of Regina, Saskatchewan in Guatemala at the time of the inauguration of Nasir Hospital by His Holinessaa. Amīr Ṣāḥib Canada expressed the desire of finding a property in St John’s, NL so that the local community could congregate regularly. Mansour Ṣāḥib subsequently visited St John’s, NL in November 2018 with that aim in mind.
During his 10 day stay in the Province he looked at all the real estates in the region and could not find any property available in the St John’s area that would be zoned for place of worship. Interestingly he was able to find an old property on 2.17 acres of Lal Khan Malik, Harris Mubashir & Mohamed Boodhun: 2750 Topsail Rd.—CBS, NL (Nov. 2019)
19 land next to a river in the town of Manuels. by AMJ Canada. The town of CBS fondly When Mansour Aḥmad saw the property remembers this property as the old he immediately felt that he found what he Doctor’s house. was looking for. Since then the parking lot has been The property is situated at a very good completed with proper drainage and location in the Conception Bay South lighting. It can accommodate thirteen Community. It lies between Topsail Road cars. and the famous Manuels River. Once inside the property the sound of the Manuels The Property was purchased by the River is soothing and music to the ears! Aḥmadiyya Muslim Jamā‘at Canada in August 2019. The town of CBS agreed to The initial asking price of that property renovations according to the National was $600,000 CAD. There was no buyer in Construction Code. The new Parking the first year. The price was later reduced. lot was constructed in November 2020. AMJ made a few counter offers. Inside renovations—upper level as residence for the Imām and lower level In the end the Property was purchased at as congregational/Mosque space—were Dr Omer Malhi and Aamir Sheikh Sahib: Parking a sum of CAD $425,000 including taxes delayed because of COVID-19. The plan is Lot Construction (October 2020) and other fees. The property was paid in now to complete the building renovations full from contributions of members of AMJ by August 2021, Inshā’Allāh. Newfoundland. fireplace. This was actually the fourth act The property is on a major road (2750 of vandalism of that property. Our good Currently there are only 8 families who Topsail) and has always been off the eyes neighbor, Doug, across the street heard came and stayed in the Province. They are of the public, so to speak, because of the the sound of glasses being smashed in the as follows in chronological order: red wooden fence on Topsail road and building from his Your Way Pizza Shop. the trees all around it. Since the fence He ran into our building and identified 1. Mansour Aḥmad & family - St John’s, was torn apart and the trees cut down those three youngsters. They were about NL - 1997 to accommodate the Parking area, the 14 years old and managed to escape after 2. Dr. Mohamed S Boodhun & family property has suddenly started catching seeing him. Our neighbor then called the Grand Falls-Windsor, NL - 2000 the attention of everyone. Many people Police who arrived on the scene shortly 3. Dr. Khalid Jat & family - St John’s, NL thought that the local council made the afterwards. The police were able to trace - 2004 parking so that the residents may have them through their footsteps in the snow 4. Kaleem Aḥmad Ṣāḥib & family - St access to the hiking trails and the other to their nearby homes. John’s, NL - 2007 side of the popular Manuels River! 5. Harris Mubashir Ṣāḥib - St John’s, NL The NTV reported the incident on Feb 2 in - 2011 On January 28, 2021 three youngsters its evening news bulletin. Now everyone in 6. Aamir Sheikh & family - St John’s, vandalized the property. They shattered the Province knows about this unfortunate NL - 2012 many windows and broke a beautiful incident. AMJ-Newfoundland decided to 7. Dr. Omer Malhi & family - St John’s, NL - 2016 8. Dr. & Mrs Munir Shahzad - Corner Brook, NL - 2019
Manuels is one of the towns within the community of CBS (Conception Bay South). It is about 15 minutes from Downtown St Johns and 20 minutes from the YYT Airport. This is where Allāh has willed that AMJC has its center in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This property at 2750 Topsail road has changed owners over time. Dr. Butler, Dr. Aloysius John Walsh (Old doctor’s house), Arnold and Nancy Bennett and now Baitul Ehsaan Mosque (House of Grace) owned Leila Beaudoin reporting (Feb 2, 2021)
20 Aḥmadiyya Gazette forgive rather than press charges against those youngsters, hoping that this will eventually lead to reformation.
The outpouring of goodwill messages from different walks of society has since been overwhelming.
The Telegram, main newspaper of Newfoundland, published a brilliant article on this incident. The next day Dr. Malhi had an interview on CBC Radio one. It went very well.
Dr. Omer Malhi and the President of the women’s wing AMJ NL, Sadia Malhi Ṣāḥiba, had a meeting with the RNC, the children who caused the damage and Island on Topsail Rd. opposite Baitul Ehsaan Mosque to facilitate Traffic their parents at the Police Station in CBS. Everyone was pleased and grateful for our decision.
One lady Sarah Prichett who runs the Facebook site of the CBS community got in touch with our Center in Toronto. She was redirected to our Provincial President Dr. Omer Malhi. Dr. Malhi introduced the AMJ on the CBS Facebook site. More than 400 people of that community so far voiced their support for our Mosque to be. They are all thanking us for having chosen CBS. They are welcoming us and look forward to the open house!
One councilor, Darrin Bent, from the town of CBS has contacted Dr. Malhi and invited him to speak with the rest of the councilors via zoom. He is also eager to have the Mosque up and running as soon as possible. The council member asked about Parking Lot @ 2750 Topsail Rd. (Nov. 2020) the identity of the one who will be residing at 2750 Topsail road. Dr. Malhi said this is a matter that will be decided by our National meeting with the Manuels River Charity We are all looking forward to be a force Center once the building has been cleared group, whose office is across the Manuels of good in this beautiful town as soon as by the town council. bridge. They have welcomed us and are our Mosque/Mission House is renovated. looking forward to the open house. Dr. Malhi was also informed by the royal On January 28, 2021 a small island was constable of CBS that the RNC Chief (Royal One Mr. Rodney Etheridge writes for a completed on Topsail road in front of our Newfoundland Constabulary) was very monthly neighborhood magazine in CBS Parking Area to make traffic around safer. pleased with the way that the incident was called Conception Bay Living. He now This is per the condition of the transport handled. The Chief said that it reflects the wants to write a story about the plans for department. maturity of AMJ Canada. He also requested a Mosque in Conception Bay South. He us to invite him at the time of opening of already interviewed me a few days ago. We now have to work hard in order to the Mosque. complete the renovations as soon as This is in brief the story of the upcoming possible. Many people including neighbors Since then we have made monetary Baitul Ehsaan Mosque in Newfoundland are eagerly waiting to attend the opening donations to a Charity Group, Boys and & Labrador so far and the response of the ceremony of the Mosque. Girls of St John’s. We also had a zoom Province to that unfortunate incident.
21 Aḥmadiyya Muslim Jamā‘at Press Releases
The following press releases have been provided by Press & Media Office, Aḥmadiyya Muslim Jamā‘at
Mubarak Mosque, UK MEMBERS OF WAQF NAU FROM BANGLADESH HAVE HONOUR OF A VIRTUAL MEETING WITH THE HEAD OF THE AḤMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY
n 30 January 2021, the World Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Always try to strengthen your bond with Community, the Fifth Khalīfa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Khilāfat – Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmad Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa held a virtual online meeting with over 135 male Omembers of the Waqf Nau Scheme from contemporary issues. when you realise that you have to Bangladesh. follow the commandments and the Whilst responding to a question about how injunctions given in the Holy Qur’ān His Holiness presided the meeting from a Waqf Nau can better fulfil their pledge by Allāh the Almighty. his office in Islāmabad, Tilford, whilst the of dedicating their lives for the service of Waqf Nau members joined from the Darut Islām, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa continued: Tabligh Mosque complex in Dhaka, which serves as the National Headquarters of Before your birth your parents You must offer the five daily prayers the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community in dedicated your life in the cause of and the best way for boys is to offer Bangladesh. Islām and when you reached the the five daily prayers in congregation. age of 15 you renewed the bond of Pray to Allāh fervently in those The event started with the recitation of Waqf Nau. If you keep this in mind, prayers that He save you from all bad the Holy Qur’ān, followed by a poem and then you will recognise that you things and enables you to discharge sayings of the Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa are life devotee for the cause of your duties as Waqf Nau and to follow and the Promised Messiahas. the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community all the commandments of Allāh the and for that the first and foremost Almighty. Secondly, you should also For the rest of the one-hour meeting, duty of a Waqf Nau is to obey, follow recite the Holy Qur’ān daily and not members of Waqf Nau had the opportunity and practice the commandments of only recite the Holy Qur’ān in Arabic to ask His Holiness a series of questions Allāh the Almighty… You can only text but also try to know the meaning regarding their faith, life devotion and maintain the spirit of the Waqf Nau of it.
22 Aḥmadiyya Gazette His Holiness also explained that maintain- Always try to strengthen your bond ing a strong relationship with Khilāfat of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community is vital. with Khilafat and that can only be done
Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: if you are listening to all the addresses, speeches and instructions given to you by Always try to strengthen your bond with Khilāfat and that can only be the Khalifa of the time. done if you are listening to all the addresses, speeches and instructions with a spirit of service for mankind. of the five daily prayers and said that the given to you by the Khalīfa of the So therefore you must please God by Holy Qur’ān has mentioned that offering time. In this way you can strengthen serving the people. the five daily prayers stops a person from your faith and be a good Waqf Nau. indulging in immorality and so one should Another doctor appointed to serve as a life make all efforts to offer the prayers with One of the younger Waqf Nau attendees devotee in a medical facility being built due diligence. asked why God had sent the coronavirus. by the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community in Bangladesh also asked for prayers and His Holiness further advised that rather In response, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor guidance. than playing computer and online games, Aḥmadaa said: which make a person lazy and affect their Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: mental health, it was better to adopt Many illnesses come in the world. outdoor activities and sport and to seek For example, an outbreak of typhoid You must work hard and pray. A good company for one’s friends. occurs from time to time or the flu or doctor should always remember that some other illness. Sometimes those Allāh is the one who cures a patient In response to another question about illnesses which become widespread and so that is why whenever you see laziness and how to avoid it, His Holiness global pandemics are sent by Allāh a patient, do so after having prayed stated that children and young adults the Almighty to remind mankind that and when you write a prescription, should seek to work hard and consistently. there is a God and so they may come write ‘Huwash-Shāfi’ [“God is He who He advised them to produce a daily time- towards Him and seek forgiveness for cures’] on top of that prescription... chart to ensure their hours were spent in their sins and try to save themselves And in your prayers at night pray for a productive and efficient manner and said from the illness and do good deeds. those patients whom you have seen that each day should start with the worship that Allāh grants health to them and of God Almighty. One of the attendees mentioned that His Allāh places His cure (shifa) in your Holiness had appointed him to serve as a hands. Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: doctor in a hospital in Liberia being run by the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community. He Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa further How can we get rid of laziness? With asked for prayers and the guidance of His said: determination. Make it a point that Holiness. you are not going to be lazy. First you Treat each patient with great kindness should get up early in the morning for Upon this, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa and special attention. If you do so, Fajr prayer and then recite the Holy said: then much of the illness of the patient Qur’ān. In your prayers, you should will improve simply by your good pray to Allāh The Almighty that He My guidance to you is that you should bedside manner and the other half removes your laziness. serve the African people with true will be cured by the medication. If you sincerity and with a spirit of service. pray and give medicine then Allāh Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa continued: The African people are such that if will enable you to successfully treat a they are treated well and are looked maximum number of those patients The foremost thing is personal after then they will be sincerely who come to you and through you, determination. No other person can grateful to you and they will also be Allāh will give them health. help you in this regard. You yourself happy that the Aḥmadiyya Muslim have to take measures. A doctor can Community is serving them. If you A Waqf Nau asked what productive forms only prescribe medicine. He cannot do not behave well and do not show of entertainment members of the Waqf put the medicine in your mouth a good example then instead of Nau scheme should view. His Holiness forcefully. You have to get your serving appropriately as a life devotee mentioned that rather than watching TV treatment by yourself. Offer five daily doctor, you will come to defame our dramas or films, educational programmes prayers on time and pray to Allāh Community. Always remember you should be viewed instead. Further, His the Almighty that He removes your are going there for the sake of Allāh Holiness again highlighted the importance laziness.
23 WAQF NAU GIRLS AND WOMEN FROM BANGLADESH HAVE HONOUR OF A VIRTUAL MEETING WITH THE HEAD OF THE AḤMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY
n 31 January 2021, the World Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim There is no one else. It is only Allāh the Community, the Fifth Khalīfa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Almighty. Only Allāh helps me and no Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa held one else has the strength to help me.” a virtual online meeting with over 130 - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa Ofemale members of the Waqf Nau Scheme from Bangladesh. you will attain the same reward as parents and that members of the Waqf Nau His Holiness presided the meeting from men.’” scheme should be known for their good his office in Islāmabad, Tilford, whilst the character. Waqf Nau members joined from the Darut Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa further Tabligh Mosque complex in Dhaka, which said: Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: serves as the National Headquarters of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community in By ensuring the moral and spiritual Always remember that you are Waqf Bangladesh. state of their homes and living a Nau. You have to behave well and righteous life, women can attain a always be polite and kind to your The event started with the recitation of truly great spiritual status. After fellow girls and fellow students and the Holy Qur’ān, followed by a poem and all, they are the mothers of the manifest the highest standards of a saying of the Holy Prophet Muḥammad prophets! Indeed, the Holy Prophet conduct so that every person who (peace and blessings be upon him) and an Muḥammadsa has said that ‘Paradise knows you testifies to the fact that excerpt from the writings of the Promised lies under the feet of the mothers’ and you are extremely well mannered Messiahas. so the status of a woman is such that if and of good character. You can then they bring up their children in a pious tell them, ‘It is because I am Waqf Nau For the rest of the 55-minute meeting, way they will prove to be the means of that I am well behaved and seek to do members of Waqf Nau had the opportunity unlocking the doors to heaven. What good.’ to ask His Holiness a series of questions can be greater than this? Remember, regarding their faith and contemporary the Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa did One Waqf Nau member asked about how issues. not state that ‘heaven lies under the a person could best show gratitude to God feet of one’s father.’ Thus, the status Almighty. In response to a question about the of a mother in Islām is of the highest spiritual status that women can attain, rank and consequently the status of a In reply, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: woman is very high. It is a rank and said: status that no one else can compete “Other than prophethood, according with – so long as a woman is firm The best way to be grateful to Allāh to the Holy Qur’ān, women can in her faith and ensures the moral the Almighty is that when you say ‘All attain the spiritual rank of a Siddiq and spiritual upbringing of the next praise belongs to Allāh,’ you should (truthful), Shaheed (martyr), Salihaat generation. do so whilst keeping in mind all the (righteous). There is a Hadith where favours of God that He has bestowed a female companion of the Holy One of the younger attendees asked how upon you. Even if a person has to face Prophet Muḥammadsa asked, ‘Men she could become a good Waqf Nau from some trials and tribulations, they can attain martyrdom and they a young age. should bear them with patience and take part in battles and make great remember that Allāh has conferred sacrifices. But those of us women who His Holiness advised her that when she upon them countless other bounties are at our homes, what is our status?’ reaches the age of seven she should start and blessings. Those favours should The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘When you offering the five daily prayers regularly always be borne in mind and never look after your homes and raise your and learn how to read the Holy Qur’ān and forgotten. children well and nurture the next recite it daily. Additionally, His Holiness generation and guard over the homes, said that children should listen to their His Holiness narrated the story of a king
24 Aḥmadiyya Gazette and his courtier. The king offered his did a degree in that and thereafter order to best control her emotions, upon courtier a fruit which turned out to be I dedicated my life for the sake of which His Holiness said she should recite very bitter, however the courtier ate the the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community Durūd Sharīf – invoking blessings upon the fruit and highly praised it and expressed and Allāh gave me the opportunity to Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa. gratitude. When the king realised the fruit do so. Anyway, this desire to dedicate was bitter he asked his courtier why he my life was one that I had from In another question, His Holiness was had praised it. The courtier replied that childhood and which I was able to asked that apart from God who had been it would have been ungrateful of him to fulfil with the Grace of God. a source of emotional support that His spit it out and complain and forget all past Holiness had relied upon during his period favours he had received from the king Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa continued: of Khilāfat in the face of adversity and the and so it did not behove him to show any intense opposition and persecution faced ingratitude. I had many other wishes whereby I by the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community. thought I may become one thing or His Holiness also narrated a saying of the another and then I would dedicate my Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa replied Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa that a person life. I could not become any of those and said: should always look at those less fortunate but Allāh gave me the opportunity than himself in matters of materialism and to dedicate my life and ultimately “There is no one else. It is only Allāh the thus express gratitude for the favours that Allāh the Almighty brought me to Almighty. Only Allāh helps me and no one God has shown us. However, in matters of this position. Anyway, my guidance else has the strength to help me.” faith and spirituality, a person should look for all of you is that because you at those of a higher rank and should try have dedicated your lives, you should At the end of the meeting, His Holiness to attain their status and excel them. His work diligently, study hard and seek prayed that the Waqf Nau members be Holiness said this was the way to become to achieve a high standard in your those who lived up to their pledge of truly grateful to God. studies. Even if later, you do not go devoting their lives for the sake of Islām. into employment, you will benefit His Holiness was asked how he was as a from your education and will be able Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: student in his secular education and what to use it to help the future generation. he had desired to be when he grew up and May Allāh the Almighty protect you if His Holiness had any guidance for those A mother mentioned the challenges she and keep you safe and, as female who were currently studying. faced raising her young child. She said members of the Waqf Nau scheme, may that having a small child often left her you all come to fulfil the true purpose Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: exhausted and she sought the guidance and objectives of the dedication of of His Holiness in this regard. your lives for the sake of your faith I was not the best of students but all and be those who protect and nurture of you should strive to excel in your In response, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor the future generation in the best studies. Nowadays without studying it Aḥmadaa said: way! May a pious Aḥmadi Muslim is difficult to survive and because you generation be born and raised are Waqf Nau and you have dedicated Even if you find it difficult, you should through you and may they become your lives, you should strive to become not express your anger at your child those who carry forth the propagation an asset for the Aḥmadiyya Muslim or take out your frustration upon of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community Community. Therefore, by studying her. Rather, you should explain to the and spread its message in Bangladesh! and gaining knowledge strive to child that you are tired and you are I also pray that may you soon be improve and excel so that you may be going to rest and reassure her that relieved from the evil clutches of able to better the lives of the future you will play with her afterwards. the fanatical religious clerics in your generations and be in a position to Children are naturally intelligent and country and may Allāh the Almighty guide and protect them. they do understand. You can even always be your Helper and Protector! tell her that you are tired and so she Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa further should press your legs or massage stated: your head and the child will begin to enjoy that too. In this way you can When I was young I had many guide and train her but do not show aspirations and sometimes I thought anger, do not shout and do not say I would become one thing and at anything negative to them. other times I thought of becoming something else. Eventually, because The mother who asked this question also I had an interest in agriculture, I enquired what prayer she should recite in
25 MEMBERS OF WAQF NAU FROM INDONESIA HAVE HONOUR OF A VIRTUAL MEETING WITH THE HEAD OF THE AḤMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY
n 23 January 2021, the World Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalīfa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa held a virtual online meeting with 50 male Omembers of the Waqf Nau Scheme from Indonesia.
His Holiness presided the meeting from his office in Islāmabad, Tilford, whilst the Waqf Nau members joined from the Ar-Rahmat Hall at the Al-Hidayah Mosque complex in Jakarta.
The event started with the recitation of the Holy Qur’ān, followed by a poem and a presentation and brief report outlining the activities of the Waqf Nau in Indonesia.
For the rest of the one-hour meeting, Syednā Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa presiding the virtual meeting members of Waqf Nau had the opportunity to ask His Holiness a series of questions regarding their faith and contemporary Always remember that if the relationship issues. between a husband and wife is not good Responding to a question about how to then your children will suffer” ensure a successful marriage, Hazrat Mirzā aa Masroor Aḥmadaa said: – Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmad
Always think that you, as a husband, Climate change is a problem distance is only 100 yards or 200 must set a positive example in your everywhere, all across the world. yards, instead of walking to the place home and always remember that if Especially in the third world they use their motorbike or car. In the relationship between a husband countries where the population this way pollution is increasing. There and wife is not good then your is increasing disproportionately. are so many other factors which are children will suffer and in this way Just to accommodate the increased also causing pollution and climate you will be destroying the future of population, nations are developing change. So we have to be very careful. the next Aḥmadi generation. So, the new residential areas and because Although, we cannot say that because best way is that the husband should of this, forests are being cut and this of the fear of climate change we set a good example within the house deforestation is a major cause of should not have children. and he should always be polite and climate change. So you have to be very kind to his wife and children. If he particular that whenever one tree is His Holinessaa went on to explain that behaves like this then there will be no cut, two trees should be planted in human beings should do all that is in trouble in his house and his children return. their capacity to combat climate change will get better training and education and change their ways for the sake of the and they will improve their behaviour Continuing, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa future of the human race. also. said: His Holinessaa referred to the specific In response to a question on climate Fuel consumption should also be effect of climate change in Indonesia, change and how it can be tackled, Hazrat reduced. Now people have become where its capital city Jakarta is said to Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: so lazy that if they want to go from be sinking under rising sea levels and is one place to the other place and the at risk of submerging during the coming
26 Aḥmadiyya Gazette decades. His Holiness said it was not that only Indonesians were afflicted by climate change and nor were they particularly causing it through their means of living. Rather climate change was a global phenomenon, both in cause and effect.
Concluding his answer, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said:
The Aḥmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (Majlis Khuddamul Aḥmadiyya) and Waqf Nau should start a scheme for the plantation of trees in the forest and in different areas.
His Holinessaa was asked if Waqf Nau members can enter politics or the civil service. His Holiness said it would be good for more Aḥmadi Muslims, including members of the Waqf Nau scheme, to enter public service and to strive to establish Syednā Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ Vaa presiding the virtual meeting better human rights for all people.
In response to a question about how those you are working, do your job honestly Another question was asked to His who are Wāqf Zindighis (life devotees) and sincerely… Allāh the Almighty Holinessaa on how a person can eliminate of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community has asked that whatever assignment laziness. can maintain the spirit of dedication to or work is given to you or any job is the cause of God Almighty, Hazrat Mirzā entrusted to you, then you should do In response, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Masroor Aḥmadaa said: it honestly. In terms of the Hereafter, Aḥmadaa said: Allāh the Almighty has said that there Being a life devotee, always remember are certain obligations one must fulfil It requires willpower. Make sure that that you are doing your work for the and these are, that he prays to Allāh you get up early in the morning and sake of Allāh and always think that five times daily and seeks Allāh’s help offer Tahajjud prayer and the Fajr whatever you do, Allāh is always with regards both his worldly and prayer and then start your work . . . watching over you. And if Allāh is spiritual endeavours. Also, be kind It all depends on your willpower; how seeing us in whatever we are doing, and brotherly to your fellow beings. strong you are. To eliminate laziness then we should do our work honestly In this way you can also please Allāh you have to be strong enough to and sincerely. So always remember and in the Hereafter also you will get overcome it. It all depends on you, that we have to do all our work to reward.” how strong you are, how strong your seek Allāh’s pleasure. So if a person willpower is. is working with this spirit then they One of the Waqf Nau mentioned that he will serve honestly and with sincerity. learnt from some documentaries that At the end of the meeting, whilst praying Further you must pray to Allāh that before being elected as the Caliph of for the Waqf Nau, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor He may help you to discharge your the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Community, His Aḥmadaa said: duties honestly and sincerely. Holiness did not like to be the centre of attention and so he asked His Holiness how May Allāh bless you all and may He Another questioner asked what success he adapted to the new circumstances. also enable each and every one of you means in this life and in the Hereafter and to strengthen his bond of Waqf Nau how to achieve both. In a short but insightful and powerful and to strengthen his bond to the response, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa Khilāfat of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: said: Community and to always work hard for the betterment of the Aḥmadiyya As far as this world is concerned, “I don’t know myself. It is Allāh who has Muslim Community! whatever you are doing, wherever changed me. That’s enough.”
27 LAJNA IMA’ILLĀH GHANA HAVE HONOUR OF VIRTUAL MEETING WITH WORLD HEAD OF AḤMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY
n 24 January 2021, the World Head of the Aḥmadiyya Muslim I hope that Ghana Lajna can be one of the Community, the Fifth Khalīfa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat best Lajnas in the world” Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa held – Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa a virtual online meeting with members Oof the National ‘Āmila (Executive) of Lajna prayers and the recitation of the the difficulties and He will make this Ima’illāh Ghana (Aḥmadiyya Muslim Women’s Holy Qur’ān and try to increase their world a peaceful place to live, like Auxiliary). Islāmic knowledge. Try to learn what a heaven. Even Allāh the Almighty the Promised Messiahas expected from says in the Holy Qur’ān that you can His Holiness presided the meeting from us – that is to increase our level of piety develop and create paradise on this his office in Islāmabad, Tilford, whilst and righteousness. My expectation earth and that can only be achieved the National ‘Āmila members joined from is that all the Lajna members should when you are following Allāh the the Wahab Adam MTA Studios at Bustan-e- follow the motto of ‘modesty is the Almighty’s commandments. Aḥmad in Accra. part of your faith.’ So, these are some of my expectations and if you achieve One of the ‘Āmila members asked how they During the meeting, His Holiness outlined this you will be one of the best Lajna could ensure 100% literacy amongst the the various responsibilities assigned to of the world and I hope that Ghana members of Lajna Ima’illāh and Nasiratul the respective Lajna members and gave Lajna can be one of the best Lajnas in Aḥmadiyya. guidance on improving the activities of the world. their departments. In response, His Holiness said that Lajna In response to a question about Ima’illāh Ghana should seek to ensure that One ‘Āmila member asked His Holiness how Aḥmadi Muslims should pray so that all Aḥmadi Muslim girls are literate and what expectations he had of Lajna Ima’illāh the world may avoid another World War, have proper schooling. Further, all those Ghana. Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: who seek higher education should have the opportunity to pursue it. In a detailed answer, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor The best way is to first reform Aḥmadaa said: yourselves and try to follow the Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa said: teachings and commandments given My expectations are that 100% of to us in the Holy Qur’ān and try to The Nasirat Secretary [Secretary for your Lajna members should be be a good Muslim. We must follow Girls] should make it an objective to regular in offering five daily prayers. the teachings of Islām. Whilst in ensure all the Nasirat members should My expectation of you is that 100% prostration during our five daily at least complete their middle school. of your Lajna members should do prayers, we must pray fervently that, When the girls enter Lajna Ima’illāh, recitation of the Holy Qur’ān daily. ‘Allāh the Almighty, save us from the the Secretary Umūr Taliba [Student My expectation is that at least 50% torment of the world war. And also Affairs] should then try to identify of your Lajna members involve save us from the ill-effects of this their talents. They should be given the themselves in preaching and Tabligh coronavirus and also save us from all opportunity to have better and higher activities. My expectation is that bad things so that the world becomes education and to go to university. If 100% of Lajna members study some a place of peace for us.’ because of some financial restraints book of the Promised Messiahas. My or some other problems, they cannot expectation is that all Lajna members Continuing, Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa do so, then we should help them and who are married should train and said: so we should not let the talent or bring up their children in a way that potential of even one girl go to waste. they become good Aḥmadi Muslims. So, we must first try to reform ourselves, we must try to better Hazrat Mirzā Masroor Aḥmadaa further ourselves, we must try to follow said: all the commandments of the Holy Qur’ān given to us by Allāh the My expectation is that all the Nasirat Almighty. If we do this, God willing, members are regular in offering Allāh the Almighty will remove all
28 Aḥmadiyya Gazette COVID-19 Fact Sheet stay home stay safe help others #HFCares
As COVID-19 continues to spread, there are things we can all do to keep each other and ourselves safe. Stay informed and take all necessary precautions to ensure we are doing our part to help the government and frontline workers combat the virus.
SOME ARE AT • Change your routine to avoid HIGH RISK crowded places, such as going COMMUNICATE to the grocery store at off peak hours. Anyone with pre-existing medical • Communicate with your health- conditions and/ or a weakened im- • Keep at least a 2 arms length (or care provider. They will help mune system is at a higher risk. 2m) distance from others ensure you have enough pre- scribed medication and medical • Avoid all nonessential travel This includes seniors and those with supplies. the following conditions: • put a system in place to regular- • Heart disease HYGIENE MEASURES ly check on family and friends • Hypertension via phone or email. • Lung disease • Wash your hands frequently ac- • Diabetes cording to the World Health Or- STAY INFORMED • Cancer ganization’s guidelines and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when not available. • Learn about the symptoms of Covid-19, how it spreads and HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK • Avoid touching your face and preventative measures you can food with your hands take STAY HOME • Ensure your information is com- BE PREPARED ing from reputable sources, such Stay home if possible and limit the as Public Health Agency of Can- number of visitors at your home ada and the World Heath Orga- PLAN AHEAD nization. • Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces in your home regularly • Monitor yourself for symptoms • Stock up on necessary supplies • Give yourself a break from the If you must step outside, please in case you need to stay at home news and find time to relax take the following measures: for a few weeks. • Avoid touching high touch sur- • Identify services that can deliv- Visit canada.ca/coronavirus for faces er food and medications more info
Contact Humanity First: +1 416 440-0346 humanityfirst.ca [email protected] Twitter: @humanityfirst PRAYERS FOR THE CURRENT PANDEMIC In these days, we should pay special attention to the study of Kashti-e-Nooh (Noah’s Arc) and arrange regular Dars of this book in our homes. In the current situation, whereas Syedna Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masiḥ V (May Allah be his Helper!) has advised us to take other precautionary measures, Huzoor aa has also urged us to turn to Allah in repentance and pray. Therefore, some prayers from the Holy Qur’an, Ahadith and prayers of the Promised Messiah as are given below:
Prayer of Hazrat Ayubas Prayer for Protection from Pandemics Hazrat Ayubas supplicated to seek cure from his illness During a pandemic, God Almighty conveyed it and presented his weak state for attracting Allah’s the Promised Messiah as that, as a remedy against it, mercy. This prayer was accepted and, miraculously, Allah should be remembered through His following the affliction was removed. attributes: ْ ْ ْ ْ یَا َح ِف ْي ُظ۔ یَا َعزِیْ ُز۔ یَا َرفِْي ُق َان ِّی َم َّسنِ َی ُّالض ُّر َو َان َت َار َح ُم ّٰالر ِح ِمی َن Affliction has touched me, and Thou art the O Protector, O Almighty, O Companion Most Merciful of all who show mercy. (21:84) (Tadhkirah, p,660) َ Prayer of Hazrat Mosesas یَا َح ُّی یَا َقي ْو ُم ِب َر ْحم ِت َک أ ْس َت ِغ ْي ُث ُّ َ When an earthquake overtook Hazrat Mosesas and O Ever-Living and Self-Subsisting One, I the chiefs of his people , Hazrat Mosesas considered it supplicate for Your mercy. (Tadhkirah, p,439) indication of Allah’s displeasure and he supplicated as: The Promised Messiah as has stated that it was con- ْ ْ ْ ْ ْ ْ ْ of (اسم اعظم) veyed to him that this is the Great Name َان َت َو ِلیَُّنا َفاغ ِف ْر َل َنا َو ار َح ْم َنا َو َان َت َخی ُر ال ٰغ ِف ِری َن Thou art our Protector; forgive us then God and that whoever supplicates with these words and have mercy on us, for Thou art the would be delivered from every affliction. ْ ْ ِّرب کُ ُّل َش ٍئ َخ ِاد ُم َک َر ِّب َف ْاحَفظنِی َوان ُص ْرن ِی ْوار َح ْمنِی (Best of those who forgive. (7:156 Prayer for Protection against All Harms O my Lord everything serves You. So O Uthman ibn Affan ra says: I heard the Holy Prophet sa my Lord, protect me and help me and say: “He who recites this prayer thrice in the morning have mercy on me. (Tadhkirah, p,601) and again in the evening every day, God will protect Prayer for Deliverance from him from anything which is harmful.” Sufferings and Illness
سْبحان اهللِ و ِبح ْم ِد ٖہ سْبحان اهللِ ْالع ِظ ْیم ِب ْس ِ ماهللِ الَّ ِذي َلا َي ُضر َم َع ْاس ِمهِ َش ْی ٌء ُ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ ُّ ٍ ٍ في ال َأ ْر ِض وَلا في السما ِو ُهو الس ِم ُيع ْالع ِل ْیم َاللّٰ ُھ َّم َص ِّل َعلٰی ُم َح َّمد َّو ِٰال ُم َح َّمد ِ َ ِ َّ َ ء َ َ َّ َ ُ In the name of Allah, with Whose name Holy is Allah and worthy of all Praise; Holy nothing can harm in the earth and in is Allah, the Great. Allah, bestow Your Heaven, and He is All-Hearing, All- blessings on Muhammad and the people of Knowing. (Sunan Abi Dawood: 5088) Muhammad. (Tiryaqul-Qulub, pp. 36–37, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 15, pp. 208–209)
Department of Tarbiyat, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at Canada Updated March 18, 2020