Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 15
75th Anniversary Convention of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore Indonesia September 24th 28th 2003
The 75th anniversary Convention of Musleh, Brother Pur and Sister dent of the Hague Jamaat Dr. Hikmat the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Rukhmani. Mahawat Khan and The Secretary Mr. Lahore Indonesia was held in The same evening Hazrat Ameer Dr. Mohammad Mahawat Khan arrived in Yogyakarta Indonesia from Septem- Abdul Kareem Saeed accompanied by Yogyakarta on the morning of the 25th ber 25th – 28th 2003. Sister Saffiya Saeed and members of September 2003. Foreign delegates came from Pa- the Muhtamadin, Mr. Zahur-ur- Hotel arrangements for the del- kistan, Holland, Trinidad and the USA. Rahman, Prof. Ejaz Ahmad Sayyal and egates from Pakistan, Trinidad and The first delegates to arrive in Mr. Amer Aziz arrived at the Yogyakarta USA were made in the Plaza Hotel by Yogyakarta on the 22nd of September airport and were warmly welcomed by the Indonesian Jamaat. The delegates were Dr. Noman and Mrs. Samina the above members including Dr. had a very comfortable and pleasant Malik. They were warmly received at Noman Malik and Mrs. Samina Malik. stay. All expenses for the Hotel were the airport by the President of the In- Maulana Kamal Hydal Missionary borne by the Indonesian Jamaat. donesian Jamaat Prof. Fathurrahman of the Trinidad Ahmadiyya Anjuman The next day, September 24th the Ahmadi Djajasugita, Mrs. Wiratni Ishaat Islam Lahore and Mrs. Nariman Ahmadi, Dr. Iwan Yusuf, Brother Hydal arrived the next day. The Presi- Continued on page 16
Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed with Prof. F. Ahmadi at Prof. F. Ahmadi Djajasugita, President of the Indonesian the Ahmadiyya Convention Jamaat
Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed presenting the Holy Delegates and members of the Indonesian Jamaat with Quran and Religion of Islam to the Rector of the University Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Pasha and the President of the Indonesian Jamaat Prof. F. Ahmadi 16 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya
L to R: Prof. Amir Aziz, Hazrat Ameer, Prof. F. Ahmadi, Dr. Iwan Dr. Iwan Yusuf delivering the Lecture at the Symposium Yusuf, Dr. Noman Malik, Prof. Ejaz Sayal Ahmad and Mr. Zahur-ur-Rahman
L to R: Hazrat Ameer, Dr. Abdul Karim Pasha, Dr. Noman Malik Gathering at the Symposium - view of the audience attending and the President of the Indonesian Jamaat Prof. F. Ahmadi the Symposium
L to R: Hazrat Ameer, Mrs. Samina Malik and Dr. Noman Dr. Hikmat Mahawat Khan with all the Indonesian members Malik Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 17
Foreign Delegates accompanied by Prof. Fathurrahman Ahmadi Djajasugita, Dr. Iwan Yusuf, Dr. Musleh, Mrs. Wiratni Ahmadi and other Jamaat members met with the rector of the Gadjah Mada University. This University, which has a large Sister Samina Malik beautiful campus, is the largest Uni- delivering a speech versity in Indonesia with a student at the Symposium body of fifty five thousand students. Prior to the meeting the foreign del- egates and members of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam In- donesia welcomed by the head of the Religious Studies Department. The Rector welcomed all of the del- egates and Members of the AAII In- donesia and gave a short overview of the history of the University and its importance for the Indonesian Nation. Dr. Iwan Yusuf and Hazrat Ameer gave brief talks explaining the aims and objective of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. They both emphasized the enlightened, rational and peaceful na- ture of the Movement. Hazrat Ameer presented a set of Prof. Amer Aziz delivering a speech the Holy Quran and the Religion of at the Ahmadiyya Islam in Indonesian and English to the Convention rector and also several sets for the University Libraries. Delegates visit to the Piri Foundation All of the foreign delegates accom- panied by Prof and Mrs. Ahmadi, Dr. Iwan Yusuf and other members of the AAII Indonesia went for a visit to the Piri Foundation, where they saw the excellent education being imparted to the students. One day International Symposium Civil Society, The Reality of Fathi Islam Victory of Islam September Sister Saffiya 24th 2003 Saeed delivering Next day the 24th of September a a speech at symposium which was held in the the Ahmadiyya Convention Center of the Gadjah Mada Convention in University. The Symposium was jointly Indonesia sponsored by the AAII Indonesia and the Center for Religious and Cross- Cultural Studies Graduate Program, Gadjah Mada University. The Symposium commenced at 8.a.m. and lasted till 4.p.m. It was very well attended by approximately 18 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya four hundred invited guests among of Islam in developing a spiritual and tremendous success, and that it had whom were University Professors, harmonious society. greatly helped in removing miscon- heads of Islamic Organizations, im- The morning session was followed ceptions about the Ahmadiyya Move- portant Government officials, students by a delicious lunch of Indonesian ment. and members of the Ahmadiyya food. The symposium was followed by a Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore. The afternoon session commenced three day jalsa which was held at the Hazrat Ameer delivered the first with a speech by Dr. Ahmadi, the Presi- Piri institute. speech in which he spoke of the role dent of the Indonesian Jamaat who All of the foreign delegates includ- of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the spoke on Islamic Jihad which was ing the local members spoke at the world. The audience was very im- greatly appreciated by the audience. jalsa. The highlight of the jalsa was pressed with the ideas presented by The last speech of the Symposium the bait taken by new members of the Hazrat Ameer defining the role of the was given by Mrs. Samina Malik. Her movement. They took the bait at the Ahmadiyya Movement in bringing topic was spreading Islam through the hand of Prof. F. Ahmadi. about a spiritual revolution in the Ahmadiyya Movement in the West. All the delegates were very im- World. He was followed by Maulana The audience listened to all of the pressed by the hospitality shown by Kamal Hydal who gave a penetrating speeches with rapt attention and great the President Prof. F. Ahmadi and all analysis of Salvation in Islam and Dr. interest. It was the consensus of all the members of the Indonesian Noman Malik who spoke about the role attendees that the Symposium was a Jamaat.
L to R: Mr. Mohammad Mahawat Khan, Hazrat Ameer, Dr. Front Row - L to R: Dr. Wiratini Ahmadi, Sister Safiya Saeed, Hikmat Mahawat Khan, Dr. Noman Malik and Maulana Kamal Sister Samina Malik; Back Row - L to R: Dr. Noman Malik, Mr. Hydal Zahur-ur-Rahman, Dr. Iwan Yusuf, Prof. F. Ahmadi, Hazrat Amir, Prof. Amer Aziz and Prof. Ejaz Ahmad
New entrants into the Ahmadiyya Movement taking the Bait Samina Malik with little performers at the Piri Institute at the hand of Prof. Ahmadi, President of the Indonesian Cultural Show Jamaat Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 19
2003 SUMMER IN DARUS-SALAM by atima Zainab Rahman (USA)
The 2003 summer was filled with tures were given on a variety of en- cation. The youngest of the students great enthusiasm and religious spirit lightening topics and practical issues were equally excited about the Course in Darus-Salam, Lahore. By the grace by a group of highly respected instruc- as their older counterparts. And it was of Allah, not only were the annual tors. The daily topics and lecturers very inspiring to see the youngest of Tarbiati classes held in July, but pro- included Mujadadid-e-Azam by Profes- our Jamaat so interested in the true ceeding the two week enlightening sor Ejaz Ahmad, Differences between aspects of life such as Islam and Course, the 100th martyrdom anniver- the Ahmadies and Qadianies by Pro- Ahmadiyyat. sary of our beloved Sahibzada Abdul fessor Amir Aziz, the Relgion of Is- The most inspiring aspect of the Latif Sahib Shaheed was commemo- lam by Professor Safia Saeed, the Tarbiati Course was the persistent rated by a Jalsa. By Allah’s grace, Death of Jesus by Brigadier enthusiasm and motivated spirit of the over a hundred members of our Muhammad Saeed, the Ahmadiyya students to re-organize and modern- Jamaat attended the memorial, many Case by Mrs. Sabiha Saeed, the cor- ize the library. For more than two of whom endured difficult journeys in rect Recitation and Pronunciation of weeks, the students literally spent the sweltering summer heat of Lahore. the Quran by Qari Ghulam Rasul each free second they had between The eager willingness of these mem- Sahib, along with a number of other classes and prayers fervidly working bers made the Memorial all the more topics and respected guest speakers. in the way of Allah. The process was special as they illustrated their zeal The Tarbiati Course was held under long as the students recorded each to also sacrifice for the love and the blessed presence of Hazrat Amir and every book in the library, organized cause of Allah. The day long Jalsa was Dr. Abdul Kareem Saeed, our saintly them, re-shelved, and computerized filled with emotions as various re- elder Malik Saeed Sahib, and our re- them. The students constantly kept a spected speakers remembered the spected elders Qazi Abdul Ahaad smile on their faces as they worked, sacrifices and pious life of one of our Sahib, and Chaudry Mansur and their cheeriness was reflective of most endearing saints. Not only were Ahmad. Their regular presence was their passion to serve the Jamaat. The the most respected elders of our the foundation for the Course. A daily project was lead by two incredibly Jamaat present, but the enthusiastic day in the life of the students began motivated and spirited Ahmadies Miss spirit of young children and teens filled with Fajr prayers which was followed Faiza Aziz and Mr. Usman Aziz. Both the atmosphere with a refreshing by a morning Dars. Breakfast was sacrificed countless hours in the li- spirit. Many of the youngest members then served. The classes began at brary, and were the guiding force be- of our Ahmadiyya Jamaat spoke a few 9am sharp and a tea break was given hind the work done by the stu- words regarding the life of Sahibzada around 10:30am. During the break, tea dents. The Mubalagheen, under train- Sahib, memorializing his sacred ex- and snacks were provided and stu- ing, played a crucial part in the mod- istence. dents were able to freshen their minds ernization of the library, as they not Many of the Jalsa Attendees for more engaging and highly fascinat- only worked the duration of the Course stayed on for the Tarbiati Course, in ing talks. The class session ended in the library, but also continued for order to better themselves spiritually with Zuhr prayers and lunch was months afterward despite their busy and increase their religious served afterwards. Although the training. Our respected Qazi Abdul knowledge. Personally, I found it in- classes would end in the early after- Ahaad Sahib was a constant source credibly enlightening that so many noon, the students were still marked of unimaginable wisdom throughout young persons were willing to suppress for their punctuality and attendance the project, and he greeted the students their desires of this world to fulfill their during the rest of the day’s prayers, daily with his loving personality. more important soul which is all too which of course were held at our beau- The summer 2003 in Dars-Salam often neglected. Most of the attend- tiful mosque. After Maghrib Prayers, was one of religious awakening, en- ees stayed in the guest house in there would be a daily evening Dars thusiasm, and inspiration. We remem- Darus-Salam. And although there was which was given by a variety of people, bered our past saints who have built a cash prize and a stunningly designed who were all eloquently spoken and the foundation for our Jammat and shield for the highest scoring student, knowledgeable. Ishaa prayers were fol- faith. We experienced the present with the students had a greater motivation lowed by dinner, which was served at our respected elders and knowledge- which was participating in a spiritu- the guest house. able instructors. And we saw into the ally enlightening two weeks and serv- There were separate classes held future of our Jammat through the en- ing Allah. The students were scored for the youngest students. They would thusiasm and interest of our young on punctuality and attendance of the attend some of the general classes members who because of their moti- five daily prayers and classes, home- but would then obediently line up to vation to serve Allah will Inshallah be work, how well they did in the quiz, walk to an adjacent room in the the guiding lights for the future of our and the final written exam. The lec- mosque to undergo their religious edu- Jammat. 20 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya News from Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Holland By Mr. Hikmat Mahawat Khan
Dear brother and sisters, press and media. the name of Lahore Ahmadies and In addition to the regular ULAMON To mention some: there effort to propagate Islam give news which we send to you all we us now a place on the map. These would like to inform you about the de- 1. We had in the major national news- were major breakthroughs since we velopment and activities of our Jamaat paper of Holland the same day a never were mentioned before. My big- in Holland. coverage of our seminar and about gest concern is to keep this and I also We celebrated this year on 12 Oc- the Lahore Ahmadiyya movement pray with you to keep all my brothers tober our 27th anniversary with a Semi- and about misunderstanding in the and sisters together and work as one nar with the theme Islam and the civic community about over beliefs. big family. I share this success with society. master piece all my Jamaat members and the other Our aim is every year on the occa- Jamaats as well. 2. We had an article (mentioning the sion of our anniversary to have a Semi- I thank Allah for His help and guid- Lahore Ahmadies) the next day in nar with theme that interact with Is- ance. Honestly I was very emotional a newspaper that covers about 3 lam and the society where we lived to see how everyone all sudden is in- million readers in. terested in the Lahore Ahmadies. Al- Two years ago we had a three days 3. We had national Radio coverage lah rewards good work. conference with the theme Islam in where there was a live interview Coming Friday we have the presen- the western society and last year we where I mention our movement tation of the book we produced with had seminar with the theme Islam etc. the title “Islam about acceptation, par- about acceptation, participation and ticipation and integration”. The Gover- 4. We had an article in a Christian integration. nor of the Queen is going to take book newspaper Our program set up is to in the press centre of the Parliament invite press, media, politicians, univer- 5. I was last weekend live on national of The Netherlands. We have orga- sities, organizations and other TV where we mention the Lahore nized a press conference after the moslims groups besides all our own Ahmadies hand over of the books. The aim is to Ahmadie brothers and sisters in Hol- inform the media and via the media 6. We had an article in a strong land. the society about us. Christian newspaper Our strategy is comparable with the We hope that we can set a step marketing strategies major corporate 7. We had 2 articles on Ahmadiyyat further. We will keep you informed. companies use for their product in a news paper read mostly by May this good news encourage all namely Branding. We want a break- immigrants such as Surinames my other brothers and sisters all over through in Holland for the Lahore and Turks and Moroccans. This the world to step up our efforts to Ahmadiyya movement. Therefore we has a tremendous impact because propagate Islam with our (Lahore) want a campaign of big awareness of mostly Sunni moslims can read Ahmadiyya view. the name Lahore Ahmadiyya. At the about us now. Please give our salaam to the whole same time we want that everyone Jamaat and may Allah bless you and 8. We had TV coverage in a local TV knows where we stand for. And then help you in effort to take this move- mostly viewed by immigrants. the we will spread all our messages and ment further. same impact as in the news pa- books. per. With the help of Allah we are mak- Wassalaam ing good progress. Our last seminar 9. The international press associa- Hikmat Mahawat Khan and in the wake of it all media atten- tion AFP is going to produce an President of Ahmadiyya Anjuman tion is a major breakthrough. article for whole Europe. I have Isha’at Islam (Lahore) I am honestly touch by the amount stressed to mention the name Netherlands (AAIILN). of attention and press coverage about Lahore Ahmadiyya movement. Lahore Ahmadiyyat due to the Semi- nar and my personal interviews with All these attention with every time Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 21 News from Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore Australia By Mr. Sadar-ud-Din Sahukhan
As for the Sydney Jammat we held classes. We also had a social gather- We have lectures delivered every- Masih Mahood day, Maulana ing with all members and their respec- day in Radio Navtarang during the Muhammad Ali day, Prophet tive families at a park. The food and month of Ramadhan. We are further Muhammad day. Then we have our refreshments were supplied/donated negotiating to have lectures through- monthly Quran Dars. They are deliv- by Dr. M.A.Sahu Khan and his imme- out the year. In addition we are hoping ered by our President Muhammad diate family. to have articles published in the “Fiji Nazeem ud Dean Sahu Khan. Jumma We also had a Mr. Jason French Times” in Sydney. That willl be on prayers are held at 3 centres. One at take the bai’t. He is a University stu- monthly basis. Dr. A.H.Sahu Khan’s residence in dent in Brisbane. We also have a Our President also spoke at the Haberfield NSW, one at Muhammad brother Muzaffari Falarti. Our general Canberra Islamic Centre. About 300 Jaffrullah Sahu Khan residence in Secretary Muhammad Usman Sahu were in attendance. He spoke on Hinchinbrook in NSW and the other at Khan made time to meet him in women in Islam. Muhammad Sadar ud Dean Sahu Brisbane who is very actively distrib- We are also actively distributing our Khan’s residence in Canberra Austra- uting our literature. literature. lia. Taraweh Prayers are held at Mr. and We have had regular Arabic Mrs Usman Sahu Khan residence.
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-I-Islam Inc. Trinidad & Tobago Initiatives By Mr. Roger Bissessar
Within the last two (2) years sev- two (42) students received certificates international effort of propagating the eral key initiatives have been imple- for their success at the Primary, Sec- peaceful teachings of Islam for eleva- mented by the Ahmadiyya Anjuman ondary and Technical/ Vocational level. tion of the human spirit and attainment Isha’at I Islam Incorporated of Trinidad Seven (7) students were awarded cer- of closeness to Allah. Along with his and Tobago to strategically propagate tificates for their success at the Uni- wife, Mrs. Nareeman Hydal, he at- the beauty and pure teachings of the versity level. The Anjuman awarded tended the 75th Anniversary conven- noble religion of Islam. One such ini- four scholarships to deserving stu- tion of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman tiative has been the establishment of dents at this function. Isha’at I Islam (Lahore) Indonesia. Fel- the Institute of Imamaat Training un- Two of the youths at the Second- low foreign delegates included Hazrat der the guidance of Maulanaa ary level were also honoured at a spe- Ameer Dr Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha, M.K.Hydal. A class of approximately cial banquet and honour function in Sister Samina and Dr Noman Malik of fifteen (15) students has been trained recognition of their achievement of the USA Jamaat and members of the over the last two (2) years by Further Additional National Scholar- Holland Jamaat. He presented papers Maulanaa Hydal in Islamic History, ships. The Anjuman continued the fo- at this convention on the theme ‘Fath- Proper recitation of Arabic and Tafseer cus of empowerment of youth in ac- I-Islam – Victory of Islam.’ of the Holy Qur’an. Two (2) students cordance with training and guidelines The Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at-I- of this class created history in Trinidad provided by the Commonwealth Youth Islam Incorporated of Trinidad and To- and Tobago by becoming the first Mus- Programme based in the United King- bago has several exciting initiatives lim women marriage officers to be reg- dom. that will be launched in 2004. Some of istered in the country. At the national level, thirteen (13) these include programs via the Insti- The Trinidad Anjuman continued its new marriage officers were appointed, tute of Imamaat Training and strategic focus on training of youths via an in- inclusive of the two women marriage religious, social and educational ac- tensive Three (3) day Islamic seminar officers. In addition to performing mar- tivities for society. The Trinidad in 2003 August, a series of breakfast riages, these new officers will provide Anjuman continues to work with fel- meetings for over one hundred (100) counselling services and religious low jamaats and organizations around youths, and the annual Miraj-Un-Nabi guidance for people in various com- the globe in promoting spiritual devel- Awards and Recognition function held munities. opment and peaceful propagation of a in 2003 September. A total of forty- Maulanaa M.K. Hydal continued the winning and progressive Islam. 22 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya
News of Stichting Ahmadiyya Ishaat Islam Holland By Mr. A.S. Hoeseni
A. End of 10 years discussion bers of the other religions had re- C. Invitation of Christian group between Christians and quested for a talk for beginners. Mr. discussion group to explain Islam Muslims A.S. Hoeseni elaborated on Islam on At the beginning of this year our Ten years ago a group of Christians the basis of Maulana Muhammad Ali’s organisation got a request from a under the leadership of a priest booklet Islam the Religion of Human- Christian group from the province of approached our organisation to take ity. After this talk the questions were New Zeeland to give them information part in a discussion group. This group answered by Mr. A.S. Hoeseni, Mr. N. on Islam. They wanted to know in came together every month at alternate Sardar and Mr. Keeskamp. On request general about Islam and they had a locations, at our centre and at theirs. of the visitors Islamic prayer positions, lot of questions about up to date topics On request of the Christian group it and also about the garment during Haj appearing in the media. was decided to stop these sessions was exposed by Mr. H. Ramdjan. At Mr A.S. Hoeseni and Mr. N. Sardar now ‘because each group had acquired the end all the visitors got free litera- visited the group of about 20 learned enough knowledge about each others ture, among which was Zahid Aziz’s and very critical Christains. After a talk religion’. From the beginning our group Introduction to Islam and copy of Mus- of Mr. Hoeseni the Christians asked a was leaded by mr Noer Sardar, our lim Prayer Book by Maulana lot of questions which in our opinion vice-president, and seconded by Mr. Muhammad Ali. Islam the Religion of were answered to everyone’s R. Niamat. From the beginning till his Humanity was not offered because the satisfaction. illness our Imâm Mr. M. Ahmadali was present Dutch translation contains Because we had only two hours also a permanent member of this mistakes and is being revised now. before the starting time of their prayer group. Later his place was filled up by Because it was such an interesting in the church a lot of questions still Mr. Habiboellah. The other members gathering with so many interest- remained unspoken. At the beginning of de group were changing. On special ing questions and answers the of next year we will get another occasions Mr. A.S. Hoeseni joined the meeting was extended by one more invitation to continue. group also. hour. We donated a lot of books in At this moment, the second series English and Dutch language to the B. Geloven in de buurt of sessions has come to an end. Our members and the church library. ‘Geloven in de buurt’ or ‘Practicing organisation was represented by vice of Faith in the Neigbourhood” is an ac- president N.Sardar, Mr. R.Niamat, Mr D. World Tour in Our Own City 2003 tivity of the organizing committee H. Habiboellah and Mrs. R. On 15 June 2003 The Municipality Stuurgroep Kleurrijk Kerk in Den Haag. Shaimahomed. In fact these sessions of The Hague for the 15th successive The objective of this project is to cre- have come to an end according to year organised this World Tour in Own ate a dialog between Christians, schedule. City. Stichting Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i- Mulims, Hindus and adherents of other However, the interest to hear about Islam again participated. During this religions represented in the municipal- some points of view of the Muslims Hague activity many people from the ity of The Hague. Some years back was so great that it was decided to Dutch community visit our mosque on these activities started by organizing continue these meetings from their own initiative to get information a series of meetings in de houses of December 2003 on, by adding a third on the teachings of Islam, and they prayers of different religions, i.e. the series of sessions. On the basis of also ask question about the different Christian groups, Muslims the good relations the organizing information they get from the media. (Lahore Ahmadi’s being the only Mus- committee Stuurgroep Kleurrijk Kerk Most of the cases we succeeded in lims), Arya Samaj of the Hindus, in Den Haag and the Foundation Islam removing the wrong picture they had Jews, Budhists, Humanistic. The at- and Dialog have invited Muslims from about Islam. But sometimes we don’t tended religion had to elaborate on its different cultural back grounds to do because there is not much time, as own religion. After the talk people could iftâr (breaking of the fasting) in we normally have to handle 300 to 400 ask questions, not only on the topic Ramadhan and have dinner together, visitors in 4 hours. Again, this year presented but on every questions the so joined by the group of non Muslims the visitors had many questions about questioner felt necessary. The largest also. The gathering was a very for example Islamic praying. We also meeting was held at our centre at successful one, a reason being the explained the view of the Lahore Kepplerstraat in The Hague. The mem- unity among the whole group. Ahmadiyya Movement to the visitors Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 23 and many brochures and booklets were Surinam community in The Hague, his purpose. So in 1989 we founded handed out for free. Every year a participation in and organising of major Stichting Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i-Islam. special topic is chosen for this activity. festivities and his activities in the Since then we have been translating This year the theme was Jihad. We neighbourhood organisation Regentes/ many books of the Lahore Ahmadiyya distributed the booklet with the Dutch Valkenbos of the municipality. In his Movement using the new books and translation of Dr. Zahid Aziz’s article speech the mayor stressed that Mr. the revised and reprinted books by Jihad, the situation today and a Sardar made his contribution to the AAIIL-USA, Maulana Tufail Memorial hundred years ago. Visitors were community from the mosque of Literary Trust and The Muslim Literary handed over a free copy of the Dutch Stichting Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i-Islam. Trust T&T. However, we don’t have translation of Anecdotes on the life of Both persons were nominated by enough manpower to check these the Promised Messiah by Mr.N.A. Federation EEKTA, a non Ahmadiyya translations to have them printed Faruqui. organisation. Our organisation quickly. That is why we called up cooperates with EEKTA in carrying out members of all the separate jamats E. Sirat-un Nabi jalsah certain projects. to help with the correction of books On 25 May Stichting Ahmadiyya and articles yet to be published and Isha’at-i-Islam organised a well G. Fancy Fair/Bazar also revising those already published. attended Sirat-un Nabi gathering with On Sunday 31 August a fancy fair Previous to this we had spoken to speeches on the life of the Holy was organised in the building of enthusiastic and promising individuals Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Because Stichting Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i-Islam at to help with the corrections, ultimately this gathering was held close to the the Kepplerstraat 265 in The Hague. the attempts were without the date of the decease of the founder of Visitors can see all kinds of thins and expected results, reasons being lack the Ahmadiyya Movement (26 May to do such as a flee market, selling of of time and illness. Despite this wide 1908) there was also a discussion on toys, plants, flowers, kitchen and other action to get volunteers for this some aspects of the Lahore household equipments which are not important we were not successful. Ahmadiyya Movement. From time tot being used anymore by our mem- Now we have decided to have the time this series is continued to keep bers and therefore donated to correction work partly be done from the members informed. These the organisation, etc. In this fancy outside and against payment. Another sessions results in lively interaction fair there was opportunity to get part will be done by people who are between speakers and audience. In some health treatment by already working for our organisation, the past such meetings were professionals in their own daily i.e. Mr. Reza Ghafoerkhan, Mr. Riaz organized already. The last one of this profession. Non Muslims from the Ahmadali and Mr. Abdullah Hans year was held on July 20. neighbourhood of the mosque, our own Drost. After the correction of the Dutch members and members from other translation of the Holy Qur’ân more F. Municipality of The Hague jamats participated. Even the capacity will be available for the awarded medal and badge to youngest members had something to correction of books and articles. After members of the Lahore do. the Holy Qur’ân the new Dutch version Ahmadiyya Community of Religion of Islam will be printed and On the occasion of 130 years Indian H. Translation of the valuable other major works. Also because of immigration to Surinam, mayor literature of our Movement in attention paid to the Ahmadiyya Deetman of the municipality of The Dutch language Movement in the Netherlands Hague awarded our vice-president Mr. Our late Ameer Dr Saeed Ahmad nowadays and the momentum it has Noer Sardar and our member Mrs. Khan and the late Maulana Hafiz Sher taken in the press because of efforts Sakoenat Hassanmohamed for their Muhammad were very eager to have of sister organisations and ULAMON, service to the community of the the literature of the jamat published in priority will be on the books on the municipality of The Hague. The latter Dutch language. In fact this initiative Ahmadiyya Movement: The was awarded with the Stadsspeld was taken as early as 1980. Because Ahmadiyya Movement of Lahore – A (badge of the city) of The Hague for things didn’t go as planned originally Survey, Ahmadiyyat in the Service of her support and guidance of the elderly Hafiz Sahib in one of his last visit to Islam, chapters from Ahmadiyya in the home for the elderly Transvaal the Netherlands on behalf of the Ameer Movement in Islam, Ahmadiyya Case, and her efforts in other rest homes and of that time charged some persons etc. her participation in various projects in who are now board members of During Ramadan 2003 we have The Hague. Mr. Sardar was awarded Stichting Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i-Islam to printed the booklet Six Parallel Stages with the highest medal of the take up the heavy task of translating of Physical and Spiritual Perfection in municipality of The Hague called the valuable literature of the Lahore the Light of the Holy Qur’ân’ taken from Stadspenning (medal if the city) of The Ahmadiyya Movement into Dutch. This Hazrat Mirza sahibs book Barahin-i- Hague because of his long lasting had to be done even when a new Ahmadiyya, part 5, on the basis of the service and helpfulness for the Indian organisation was needed for this English translation by Mr. Kalamazad 24 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya
Muhammad. The Dutch translation was All the four organisation were in fact the local radio station of The Hague done by Reza Ghafoerkhan. eager to start such an education and he gave speeches of about 10 According to the policy of Central centre as soon as possible. In this way minutes on different interesting topics. Anjuman most of our books already the courses can go on independent On Mondays and Fridays half an hours published and yet to be published will from the situation of the separate Dars programmes were broadcasted be published on our website organisation. All the jamat have their on radio. Although we have these kinds moslim.org and moslim.nl. input, i.e. managers, teachers, their of programs throughout the year and own location in different cities, etc. also in every Ramadhan the regular I. Islamic Courses In the first part of 2003 ULAMON listeners were very much appreciating For several years board members started its courses which is being the simple way in which he could of AAIIL(USA) and Mr. Nasir Ahmad managed by its department called explain things using simple Urdu, Hindi (former editor of The Light and Nederlands Instituut ter Bevordering and English words as used by the Urdu Paigham-i-Sulh) and several other van Islam Studies NIBIS (Netherlands and Hindi speaking community of the persons, have been imposing on Institute for the Advancement of Islam Hague. Stichting Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i-Islam to Studies). At this moment courses are start Islamic courses and education held in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and K. ULAMON and AAIIH payed a on an stronger and broader basis. Our The Hague. visit to the mosque of Stichting location in The Hague was thought We have heard that Surinam will Ahmadiyya Isha’at-i-Islam suitable for this, because we have carry out the same curriculum and ULAMON took the initiative to visit enough space in our building to start interest for the curriculum was all sister organisations in Holland, different classes at the same time, expressed from Trinidad. whether belonging to it or not. On because we have a library, etc. The November 15 board members and Hague was chosen because this city J. Dars-i- Qur’ân during members of these organisations and has got the largest Lahore Ahmadiyya Ramadhan 2003 the representative of AAIIL for Europe Muslim Population in Europe. USA During Ramadhan Isha and Tarawih visited our mosque. After Tarawih Jamats idea was to have an prayers was led by our brother Zafar prayers all the representatives gave international education centre at our Iqbal from Frankfurt (Germany). He inspiring talks to inform the gathering mosque building for students from was accompanied by his wife. On a about the turning point in a positive all over Europe and even outside daily basis he gave half an hours Dars- way which the Ahmadiyyat in the Europe. USA Jamat also promised i- Qur’ân on the basis of Bayanul Netherlands has come to reach now. help in setting up such a centre at our Qur’ân by Maulana Muhammad Ali, Stress was laid on education and the place. either in Urdu or English. This Dars-i- individual responsibility of each and However about two years back, Qur’ân was very much appreciated by everyone calling themselves Ahmadi ultimately, four Jamats in the the people who attended the prayers. muslims. After a welcome of president Netherlands saw the necessity of After the Dars people could ask Mr. A.S. Hoeseni of the Stichting AII cooperation on different fields. This questions which were answered to addressed to all the representatives resulted in the formation of Union of satisfaction of the questioners. As and members the speakers were Mr. Lahore Ahmadiyya Muslim brother Iqbal is conversant in Arabic Firoz Nasrullah (president of RIV and Organisations (ULAMON). Because he could answer the questions of ULAMON, Mr. Jakoeb Jagroep the separate organisations have ups some Arab speaking people who (president of AAIIH), Mr. Khan Jahier and downs from time to time we attended the prayers. (president of AAIIA), Mr. A. Santoe thought ULAMON a more suitable Also on daily basis the Adhân of (representative AAIIL) and Mr. H. organisation to carry out this project. Maghrib-prayer was done by him on Mahawat Khan (president AAIILN). Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 25
The Status of Woman in Islam By Mrs. Samina Malik
Speech delivered at the 75th International Convention Of Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Indonesia
I have been asked to speak on the tions: Ch: 40-40 Status of Woman in Islam. This topic Whoever does evil, he is requited is extremely important these days as Ch.92:1-3 only with the like of it; Islam is under great scrutiny in the By the night when it draws a veil! and who ever does good, whether western world due to the current con- And the day when it shines! male or female, and he is a believer, flicts in the Middle East and Afghani- And the creating of the male and these shall enter the Gardens, to stan. female! be given therein sustenance without There is a very negative impression measure. of Islam in the West as a consequence Ch 53: 44-46 of these conflicts. This negative im- And that He it is Who causes death Ch: 6:97 age is reinforced by most of the me- and gives life: Whoever does good, whether male dia and the Christian evangelical And that He creates pairs, the male or female, and is a believer, movement. and the female: We shall certainly make him live a Perhaps after the subject of Jihad, From the small life-germ when it is good life, the status of woman in Islam is the adapted: and We shall certainly give them most misunderstood and misrepre- Thus, right from the earliest revela- their reward for the best of what they sented subject in the West. tion the male and the female are spo- did. Unfortunately this bad impression ken of in equal terms. is further reinforced by the poor treat- Later revelations develop the same Ch 33:35 ment of women in certain Muslim basic idea: Surely the men who submit and the countries due to local cultural prac- women who submit, tices . Ch.4:1 and the believing men and the be- Woman in Islam are thought to be O people, keep your duty to your lieving women, inferior to men in every aspect. In fact, Lord, and the obeying men and the obey- some people in the west think that who created you from a single be- ing women and the truthful men and women, according to Islam, even do ing and created its mate of the same the truthful women, not have a soul! (kind), and the patient men and the pa- The position of an individual, and spread from these two many tient women, and the humble men and whether male or female, in a religion men and women… the humble women, will depend on the spiritual status and and the charitable men and the social and economic rights granted Another great service which Islam charitable women, and the fasting men to the individual. No other Relig- has done for woman is that it has and the fasting women, ious Book, and no other reformer has cleared her of the charge that she was and the men who guard their chas- done even a fraction of what the Holy responsible for introducing sin into the tity and the women who guard, Quran and The Prophet Muhammad human race. According to the bible it and the men who remember Allah have done to raise the position of was woman who listened to the devil much woman. and then misled Adam by tempting and women who remember- Allah him. has prepared for them forgiveness and Spritual status of woman in Islam Islam completely absolves her a mighty reward. Spritually, woman is equal to man from this charge by stating in the Holy in Islam. In the Holy Quran they are Quran that it was both Adam and Eve Women were also capable of receiv- both created from the same single together who were deceived by the ing the highest spiritual gift, that of soul. This corrects the account in the devil. divine revelation, as in the case of the Bible where she is created from Not only does the Quran establish mother of Moses: Adam’s rib as an afterthought. This the equality of the soul of man and idea of the equality of the creation of woman, but it also states that woman Ch 28:7 man and woman is expressed in the has an equal opportunity to develop And We revealed to Moses’ mother, Holy Quran from the earliest revela- spiritually: saying: Give him suck; 26 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya
then when thou fearest for him, cast society, an individual must have eco- sexual relations between the sexes, him into the river and fear not, nomic rights. Islam gives these eco- in which woman was the exploited nor grieve; surely We shall bring him nomic rights to woman in several party, prevailed to an extreme. Men back to thee and make him one of the ways. used to openly boast about their messengers In the first place women are given sexual exploits, and pre Islamic po- the right to work. A woman can do any etry is filled with these accounts. And also in the case of Hazrat work she chooses and is entitled to Islam corrected this state of affairs Mariam: her earnings: by introducing measures to protect the sexual dignity of woman. Ch 3:42 Ch 4:32 The utmost modesty is demanded And when the angles said: O Mary, … For men is the benefit of what of both men and women in their sexual surely Allah has chosen thee they earn. And for women is the ben- relationship: and purified thee and chosen thee efit of what they earn… above the women of the world. Ch 24:30-31 In the time of Hazrat Umar he ap- Say to the believing men that they The Wives of the prophet are spo- pointed a woman to be the superin- lower their gaze and restrain their ken of in the Holy Quran as being thor- tendent of the market. sexual passions. oughly purified: To start a marriage on a healthy, That is purer for them. Surely Allah In their status as the mothers of right and balanced footing, the woman is Aware of what they do. the faithful they serve as spiritual role was given a dowry to make her a prop- And say to the believing women that models to all Muslims. erty owner. The dowry could be of any they lower their gaze The fact that a substantial portion amount. and restrain their sexual passions of Hadith is transmitted from Hazrat The Quran speaks of even a heap and do not display their adornment Ayesha, and that she was a leading of gold being given to a woman as except what appears thereof. teacher of Hadith for many years af- dowry: And let them wear their head-cov- ter the Holy Prophet ‘s death , firmly ering over their bosoms… establishes the high spiritual position Ch 4:24 of women in the Islamic tradition. … give them their dowries as ap- Ch:33-59 pointed… O Prophet, tell thy wives and thy Economic Rights daughters and the women of believ- In addition to the establishment of ers to let down upon them their over- Also in the marriage relationship woman as a spiritual equal of man , garments. she was entitled to support from the Islam also brought about a revolution This is more proper, so that they husband: in the social, legal and economic may be known, and not be given standing of women. Women in Arabia trouble. before Islam had no rights to property. Ch. 34:4 And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merci- In fact she herself was considered “Man are the maintainers of women ful. property and was inherited along with because Allah has made some of Thus this object of having a chaste other property by men. She had no them to excel others and because and pure relationship between the right to the property of her deceased they spend out of their property”. sexes is achieved by the above husband or father. means. Unnecessary mingling of men The birth of a daughter was con- Thus in Islam when a man supports and women which so often leads to sidered as a disgrace, and among the his wife he does not do her any favor illicit sexual relations is strongly dis- nobility of the Quaraish female infants for which she should be grateful to him, couraged. Muslim women are required were buried alive so that the family rather it is a right given to her by God. to dress modestly and not to expose would not have to put up with the dis- Another way that Islam gave their bodily beauty which may be a grace of a female child. woman economic equality is by grant- source of attraction for men. The change that Islam brought ing her inheritance rights: The holy prophet has said that when about in this condition is unparalleled a woman attains her majority, it is not in human history. Ch. 4:7 proper that any part of body should The reform introduced by Islam “For man is a share of what the be seen except her hands and face. made woman a free person in the full- parents and the near relatives leave, The modesty of dress for Muslim est sense of the word, and thus half and for women a share of what the women therefore protects their sexual the human race was freed from bond- parents and the near relatives leave” dignity and prevents them from be- age in a span of twenty three years- a coming mere sexual objects. Islam status which woman have only partly Social Rights also prohibits the exploitation of achieved only recently in the non-Mus- Besides granting women the same women by using woman’s beauty to lim world - and that to after decades economic rights as men, Islam brought sell products. The shameless manner of hard struggle. about a great change in the social in which women are used in advertis- To be a fully equal participant in position of women. Before Islam, loose ing in selling products in western coun- Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya 27 tries is abhorrent to Islam. created mates for you form yourselves women. Say: Allah makes known to The above measures together with that you might find quiet of mind in you His decision concerning them; and strong recommendation to be in a them, and He put between you love that which is recited to you in the Book married state serve to protect the and compassion is concerning widowed women, whom sexuality of men and women. you give not what is appointed for Marriage is encouraged and is con- Ch 2:187 them, while you are not inclined to sidered the normal state of social ex- …they are an apparel for you and marry them” istence of both men and women. By you are an apparel to them. Now the first of these verses allows these measures sexual desire is chan- This means that a husband and wife polygamy on the express condition that neled into a useful and beneficial qual- protect, and comfort each other like “You cannot do justice to orphans”, and ity. clothing and the weakness of one is what is meant is made clear by the made up by the strength of the second verse, which contains a clear Ch 24:32 other. reference to the first verse in the And marry those among you who Kind treatment of the wife is given words, “that which is recited to you in are single… great importance, to the extent that the book is concerning widowed the Holy Prophet has said that the best women”. The Holy prophet on many occa- of Muslims is he who treats his wife The Arabs were guilty of a double sions praised the virtues of marriage, the best. injustice to widows: they did not give and said that it was the best way of Thus this loving relationship devel- them and their children a share in the guarding chastity and keeping the ops these good qualities which carry inheritance of their husbands, nor were looks down. On one occasion after over into every day life and benefits they inclined to many widows who had noticing monkish inclinations in cer- society as a whole. children because the responsibility for tain young men, he said “ I am mar- In fact the prophet is reported as the maintenance of the children would ried. Whoever inclines to any way other having said that “the man who mar- in that case devolve upon them. than my way, is not of me”. ries perfects half his religion”. The Quran remedied both these However, we live in an imperfect evils; it gave a share of in heritance A woman’s consent is necessary world, and sometimes unhappy rela- to the widow with a share also for the for marriage. She cannot be married tions may require that a union be orphans, and it commended the tak- against her will: ended. In this case Islam gives the ing of such widows in marriage, and woman the right to divorce which in allowed polygamy expressly for this technical terms is called Khula. purpose. It should, therefore, be clearly Ch 4:19 In the Islamic divorce great stress understood that monogamy is the rule It is not lawful for you that you is laid on the kind treatment of the di- in Islam and polygamy is allowed only should take women as a heritage vorced woman: as a remedial measure, and that, not against their will. for the sake of the man, but for In marriage the woman is described Ch. 2:231 the sake of the widow and her chil- by the Holy Prophet as a ruler of the …Retain them in kindness or set dren. household of her husband, and in the them free with kindness … This permission was given at a time Holy Quran she is given the same when the wars, which were forced on rights and obligations as the man I will read from Maulana Muhammad the Muslims, had decimated the men, Ali’s work which discusses polygamy: so that many widows and orphans Ch 2:228 “… monogamy is the rule in Islam and were left for whom it was necessary …And women have rights similar polygamy only an exception allowed to provide. A provision was made in to those against them in a just man- subject to certain conditions. The fol- the form of polygamy so that the widow ner… lowing two verses are the only author- should find a home and protector and The man is commanded to provide ity for the sanction of polygamy, and the orphans should have paternal care for the woman. This is therefore not let us see how far they carry us: and affection.” any favour he does for her, rather it is Therefore, we see that in Islam a her right to be housed and provided Ch 4:3 woman is a truly free and independent for by him. “And if you fear that you cannot do person who is an equal partner with justice to orphans, marry such women man in the eyes of God and Society. The Quran emphasizes that the re- as seem good to you, two, or three, or Since her position and rights are speci- lationship between men and women is four: but if you fear that you will not fied by the Holy Quran, and embodied more than simple physical desire. They do justice, then marry only one or what in the practice of the Holy Prophet and are supposed to be a source of com- your right hands possess. This is more his companions, these will endure for fort and protection for each other: proper that you may not do injustice”. all times and in all circumstances.
Ch 30:21 Ch. 4:127 And of His signs is this, that He “And they ask thee a decision about 28 Basharaat-E-Ahmadiyya RENOVATION O BERLIN MOSQUE By Mrs. Samina Malik
The late Hazrat Ameer, Dr. Saeed to their original height of 30 meters. I am extremely grateful to the Ger- Ahmad Khan Sahib, had made several Of the total cost, Eight hundred thou- man government for its support and appeals for funds for the repair of the sand DM have been provided by the funding of this project, and to the USA Berlin mosque as he was very con- German government , fifty thousand DM jamaat for sending me to Germany cerned about the continued damage to by the Central Anjuman and seventy many times to moniter the progress of the building. However, the needed thousand DM by the USA jamaat. No the project, and for providing funds to amount of nearly two and a half million funds from the worldwide Ahmadiyya meet the share of the Central Anjuman marks seemed an impossible target for jamaats have been used in the funding for obtaining the grants for the funding. the jamaat members to achieve. for this repair projects. In 1995, with the encouragement of the late Hazrat Ameer, Dr. Saeed Ahmad and the Board of Directors of the USA jamaat, I went to Berlin to see if I could obtain funds for the repair project from the German government. Although pros- pects for funding were bleak due to bud- getary constraints caused by the drain on the German economy by the union with East Germany, by the Grace of Almighty Allah, I was able to persuade them to fund the project. Alhamdolillah, the first and second phases of the repair project of the Ber- lin Mosque and Mission House have been completed. The first phase involved the repair of the mission house , the roof of which was in danger of collapse due to dam- age to the beams by water leakage and dry rot .New beams have been installed and the entire roof has been replaced. The bathroom has been completely renovated. This necessitated replacing the beams in the bathroom floor which had rotted due to water damage. The deteriorating old water pipes have been replaced by new plumbing, and a new heating system has been installed. All the windows which were in a bad condi- tion have been replaced by custom built windows crafted individually according to the original specifications. Painting and plastering of the mission house has also been done to prevent further dam- age. Temporary repairs to the parapet of the mosque have been made to pro- tect people from falling debris. In the second phase both the North and South minarets have been restored