AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY

Invites the general public to visit our booth and volunteers to help at the Miami Book Fair International, the nation's finest literary event of its kind that welcomes hundreds of thousands of book lovers from USA and all around the world who attend reading and discussion sessions. Please pray for the success of this great Tabligh event.

Where: Downtown Miami Miami Dade College Campus When: November 13-15 Time: 10 am - 6 pm

The Promised Messiah has come Love for all Hatred for none

Miami Chapter Information: Baitul Naseer Mosque 208 NW 7 th Court Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Phone: (954) 241 7373 Email: [email protected] www.alislam.org September - October 2009 1 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

An educational and spiritual monthly publication

OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT IN ISLAM, USA 2 AI-Qur'an September-October 2009 3 AI-Hadith 4 Sayings of the Promised Messiah"'

Patron Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar 5 Synopsis of the Friday Sermon Delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatul Ameer Jama'at USA Masih v•b• on July 31, 2009 at Baitul Futuh Mosque, London

Editor-in-Chief Dr. Naseer Ahmad 9 Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V's•h• Message for the 81st Annual Convention USA, June 2009 Editor Dr. Karimullah Zirvi 11 61st Jalsa Salana USA Held at Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA On June 19- 21, 2009: A Brief Report Editorial Advisor Muhammad Zafrullah 21 Forging Ahead in the New Century of Khilafat: Dr. Waseem Sayed Hanjra 30 The Blessings of Financial Sacrifice in Times of Hardship: Cover: LatifAhmed Photos: Kalim Bhatti Falahud Din Shams

36 Prayer Service at Olympia-State Capital: Maulana lrshad Malhi

37 Jihad Akbar of Youth: Ahmad Chaudhry

42 Messiah Films: A New Approach to Spreading Our Message: Masjid Baitur Rehman Dr. Basiyr Rodney 15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905 50 The Reality of a Living God: Abdul Rahim Hubbs Phone: 301-879-0110 Fax: 301-879-0115 55 Prophet Muhammad's'"w Farewell Sermon: Maulana Azhar Haneef Editor: [email protected] 59 Poem: The Hand of Allah is With Ahmadis: Tel. and Fax: 201-794-8122 Ramadhan Ali Mahmud

www.ahmadiyya.us www.alislam.org 60 Finding the Right Life-Partner: Maulana Mubasher Ahmad

66 Domestic Harmony: Faheem Younus Qureshi Acronyms for salutations used in this publication 73 Dhikr-e-Habib: Glimpses of an Ideal Marriage: Dr. Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad saw: sallallahu alaihi wasallam (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him) 79 Closing Address: Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, Ameer USAJama'at as: alaihissalam 81 61st Jalsa Salana USA, 2009, Lajna Imaillah USA Report (Peace be upon him) 83 The Attribute of Allah: As-Salam: Saliha Malik ra: radhi allahu 'anhu (May Allah be pleased with him/her) 86 The Holy Prophet'"": The Perfect Model of Peace and Tolerance: rh: rahimahullahu ta'ala Amtul Noor Haleem (l'vfay Allah shower mercy on him/her) 92 Role of Women in Promoting Peace in the Family: aba: ayyada hullah ta'ala binasrihil aziz Atiyya Malik (May Allah strengthen him with His mighty help) 96 Spreading the True Message of Peace: Dhiya Tahira Bakr swt: subhana wa ta'ala (Holy and Exalted) 100 Searching for Peace: An Account of Personal Experiences: Humaira Khandakar

105 Searching for Peace: An Account of Personal Experiences: The Ahmadiyya Gazette USA is published by the Ahmadiyya Movement Affefa Hibatul Rasheed in Islam, Inc., at the local address: 106 Finding Internal Peace: The Islamic Way: Dr. Shanaz Butt The World Processing Lab 110 Poem: The Moments of Inspiration: Sayyarah Hikmat P.O. Box 226, Chauncey, OH 45719 111 Annual Picnic and Auxiliary Ijtema: St. Paul Chapter

Periodicals Postage Paid at Chauncey, Ohio 112 A Brief Report of Qur'an/Tarbiyyati Class" L.A. East Postmaster: Send address changes to 113 Poem: My Jihad Wages On: Amjad Khan The Ahmadiyya Gazette P.O. Box 226, Chauncey, OH 45719-0226 114 2009 Atfal National Ijtema at Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Final Report 116 New Online Holy Qur'an Recitation and Translation Course September - October 2009 2 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Al-Qur'an

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In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed Signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lyingon their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth; and say, "Our Lord, Thou hast not created this universe in vain. Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the fire. (3:191-192)

COMMENTARY: ·

The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must needs be followed by one of sunshine and happiness. The grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man himself must have a great purpose. When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of the universe and the consummate order that pervades it, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this universe in vain. Ahmadiyya Gazette USA September - October 2009 3

Al-Hadith

Hadhrat Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari'" relates that the Holy Prophetw said: "The case of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like that of a living and the dead."

According to the narration mentioned in 'Muslim', the example of the house in which God Almighty is remembered and the house in which God Almighty is not remembered is like that of a living and the dead.

(Bukhari kitabudda 'wat bab fad! dhikFulfah ta 'ala)

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Hadhrat Jabir" relates that once the Holy Prophetw visited us and said: "O People! Try to graze in the Gardens of the Paradise. We said: 'O Prophet of Allah! What are the Gardens of the Paradise?' The Holy Prophetw said: 'The gatherings for the remembrance (of Allah).' He continued: 'Remember Allah, especially, in the morning and in the evening. Anyone desiring to know his status in the sight of Allah the Exalted, should evaluate his own beliefs about Allah the Exalted. Allah the Exalted gives a status to His servant according to how his servant views Him.' "

(Qashlriyyah babudhdhila; p 111) September - October 2009 4 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA SAYIN6SOF THE PROMISED MESSIAHAS Enduring Signs of the Truth of Islani

The Islam whose qualities we have set out is not something for proof of which we have to refer only to the past and to have to point only to the ruins of tombs. Islam is not a dead faith so that it may be said that all its blessings have been left behind and that there is nothing ahead. The principal quality of Islam is that its blessings always accompany it and that it does not speak only of the past but offers present blessings as well. The world is always in need of blessings and heavenly signs. It is not as if it needed them in the past and does not need them now.

A weak and helpless human being who is born like a blind is in need that he should know something of the heavenly kingdom and that he should see some signs of the existence and power of God in Whom he believes. The signs of a past age cannot suffice for a subsequent age, for hearing is not the same as seeing and by the passage of time past events become like stories. Every new century is like the beginning of a new world. Therefore, the God of Islam, Who is the True God, manifests new signs for each new world. At the beginning of each century, espe­ cially at the beginning of a century which has strayed far away from faith and in­ tegrity and is enveloped in many darknesses, He raises a substitute Prophet in the mirror of whose nature is exhibited for the form of a Prophet. Such a one demon­ strates to the world the excellences of the Prophet whose follower he is and con­ victs all opponents through the truth and the display of reality and the frustration of falsehood. [Ayena-i-Kamalat-i-/slam, Roohani Khaza'in Vol. 5, pp. 245-247]

The sign of a true religion is that through its teaching such righteous ones should continue to arise who should arrive at the stage of a Muhaddas to whom God Almighty should speak face to face. The foremost sign of the truth of Islam is that at all times it produces such righteous ones with whom God Almighty talks: (Angels descend on them, saying: 'Fear ye not, nor grieve; and rejoice in the Garden that you were promised (Ha Mim Sajdah, 41:31) This alone is the test of a true, living and acceptable religion. We know that this light is to be found only in Islam and that the Christian faith is without such light. [Hujjatul Islam, Roohani Khaza 'in, Vol. 6, p. 43] September - October 2009 5 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

SYNOPSIS OF THE FRIDAY SERMON

OF

HADHRAT KHALlFATUL MASIH y'aba

DELIVERED ON July 31, 2009

Shermeen Butt

Hazooraba said last Sunday, with the grace of God, the UK Jalsa Salana concluded amidst great blessings. Not only did its conclusion spiritually satiate those who were present but also, all Ahmadis, the world over, felt this via MT A. For this we could not thank God enough. He has made the Ahmadiyya Community all over the world as one; this is what the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) aimed for. If today, the general Muslim populace un­ derstood this point and came into the Bai'at of the Promised Messiah they would become true servants of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). As a result, each hos­ tile look and evil intent aimed at the world of Islam would not only be rendered useless against the sphere of this sanctuary but would also come under the chastisement of God. This is what we have been experiencing for the past 120 years.

Hazooraba said when he mentions the blessings of the Jalsa or in one of his addresses at the Jalsa when he cites the blessings on the Community, in fact just a few of the numerous blessings are mentioned. A small fraction of these blessings is cited. In any case, these bless­ ings will be presented in different ways during the year, but today, in line with tradition, Ha­ zooraba would mention the blessings of Jalsa in the spirit of thankfulness. Hazooraba said this gratitude is for what is apparent to all. There are countless blessings during Jalsa which most do not see or experience. The Holy Qur'an states: 'And if you try to count the favors of Al­ lah, you will not be able to number them. Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merci­ ful.' (16:19). Hazooraba said this draws our attention to the fact that we need to constantly thank God; thank Him for what we observe and also for what we do not know.

Hazooraba said on the first day of Jalsa, it rained. It was for our benefit. When the rain stopped, that was also with God's grace. He saved us from all evil. With such a huge number attending Jalsa, there was great concern about the prevalent swine flu. Contagious ailments spread where a large number of people gather anyway and with the current spread of swine flue the concern was very real. With God's grace, only three or four cases have been reported to me. This is a great blessing among many blessings of God. Certainly we are most grateful to God and tum to Him with greater fervor so that His blessings on us increase. God states, ' ... surely, then, Allah is Appreciating, All Knowing.' (2: 159). If our gratitude is sincere, God will be appreciative; He states: ' ... If you are grateful, I will, surely bestow more fa­ vors on you ... ' (14:8). Hazooraba said real gratefulness is when we are thankful consistently. September - October 2009 6 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Hazooraba said he thanked the men and women workers of Jalsa. All those who at­ tended Jalsa and those who watched it on MTA anywhere in the world should be grateful to the volunteer workers because a section of these volunteers plays an important part in broad­ casting the proceedings. We are also commanded to thank people and this gratitude also leads to thankfulness to God.

Hazooraba said people have told him that this year, with the grace of God, the Jalsa or­ ganization was much better than previous years. All men and women workers served in a bet­ ter way and each department tried its utmost to serve in a fine manner. For this, the guests should be thankful. Hazooraba said during Jalsa, he noticed the faces of the youth workers showing signs of fatigue and lack of sleep, but they worked on efficiently. Hazooraba said a brother and sister who were the Nazim and Nazima of a department did non-stop duty. As a result they fainted. It seems they had come determined to test their endurance level. Hazooraba said this is not right. As a result, on doctor's orders they could not do the duty on the last day. Hazooraba said those in-charge should also be mindful that people get sufficient rest and are fed.

The Promised Messiah's Community has been blessed with amazing souls. Among the attendees of Jalsa there were Asians, indigenous British people and UK resident Africans. Those performing duties were just as diverse. Children performed the 'water-duty' in a fine manner. The youth, girls, women; all did their respective duties very well.

A new department of Health and Safety was established in this Jalsa. Governmental representatives regularly inspected various sections of the Jalsa. Health and Safety covered all aspects of Jalsa and it was a concern that any deficiency may become a pretext for the in­ spectors. However, with God's grace all arrangements met their standard. Hazoor said in his Friday Sermon he had drawn attention towards cleanliness. People have written in to say that after Hazoor' saba advice regarding placing foot mats to address the issue of mud, it was no­ ticed that after Jumu 'uah the mats were in place. The toilets were also, in line with Ha­ zoor' saba specific advice, kept clean by the workers and guests alike. May God reward them. It is also a blessing of God that people are enabled to obey every word of the Khalifa of the time.

Hazooraba said he had instructed that the homeopathic remedy for swine flu should be dispensed to all attendees of Jalsa. With the grace of God, this was fully implemented. The homeopathy department arranged this and every day fifteen to twenty kilograms of medicine was used. Hazooraba said mixing this amount of medicine is not easy. He joked that whether the department properly mixed the medicine or simply gave sweet granules, but God put heal­ ing in the sweet granules. It was reported to Hazooraba that one Lajna refused to take the gran­ ules. The volunteer responded that it was fine if she did not wish to obey the Khalifa of the time. At this, the lady promptly extended her hand to take the medicine. Hazooraba said these are small blessings, they appear small but they are countless.

Hazooraba said it has been reported to him that the proceedings were heard very well in the ladies marquee. One guest from USA went to see Hazooraba and said that she could not lis­ ten to the speeches properly due to disturbance. Hazooraba said maybe such was the situation September - October 2009 7 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA in some sections but the general report is that of silence. A college student from USA, who attended the Jalsa for the first time, told Hazooraba that there was no disturbance in the mar­ quee. She said she had the opportunity to sit in various sections of the marquee and was most impressed by it all. Hazooraba remarked, the earlier complaint that came from USA also had its antidote from USA. Hazooraba said he does not believe that failings should not be mentioned, but he noted that he felt most of the time where failings occurred it was the guest who was at fault. The German Jalsa is forthcoming, it is also organized on similar manner as the UK Jalsa. Hazooraba said when he gives advice, it is meant for all. Hazooraba said theft took place in the residential tents in Islamabad. People should be careful about their valuables and not leave them behind. In spite of repeated announcements it is their fault if they leave their valuables behind. In every place wrong sort of people also come. It is carelessness to leave one's valuables in a tent in an open place. People should either take their valuables with them or deposit them in the office. It is the task of the Officer Jalsa Salana to continually announce this. The tents should be completely fenced in and secured with security at the gate. This should be kept in mind in Germany's forthcoming Jalsa. Ha­ zooraba said it is important to mention the odd failing to raise awareness in other places.

In general, the traffic arrangements were very good. Two years ago the complaint that the police had in terms of traffic is now fully removed. This year they have written that we may go ahead and publish in the press that traffic regulations were adhered to extremely well and this level of discipline is not seen elsewhere. Hazooraba said, a guest remarked that although some police were present outside, there really was no need for them. The Mayor of Alton has also said that he has no fear from us. Hazooraba said with the grace of God while the volunteers worked most enthusiastically, the guests also cooperated, especially by opt­ ing for public transport. Train was extensively used and people enjoyed the alleviation from the stress of car driving. Guests have said that Ameer Sahzb and the management should be thanked as they regularly visited and inquired about the accommodation facilities. Hazooraba said this model should be replicated all over the world. Hazooraba is receiving countless let­ ters thanking MT A for their broadcast that enabled everyone to watch the Jalsa proceed­ ings, including the International Bai'at. The whole world thanks the men and women volun­ teers of MT A. Hazooraba said he too would like to personally thank all those who served in any capacity at all during Jalsa and served the guests. Hazooraba said he did so in the spirit of what we learn from Hadith: God states that one who does not thank the person through whose hand God's favor is received, as if does not thank God.

Next, Hazooraba presented the sentiments of some of the Jalsa guests from outside the Community. A county president from Sweden wrote that he has attended as well as or­ ganized many conferences in his country. However, the atmosphere of diversity he experi­ enced at the Jalsa was unique. There was no sign of weariness after sitting through lengthy convention proceedings because everyone greeted each other so warmly. A Swedish politi­ cian said that what he witnessed for three days at Jalsa was matchless. People rose and sat down at one voice. All this was due to the love of one individual. He said this was a unique experience in his 74 years. A professor of Kazakhstan wrote that this gathering was a testi­ mony to the success of beautiful ideologies. Another professor from Kazakhstan said that this Jalsa was the first step in the introduction of the Ahmadiyya Community for him but he could tell the peaceful nature of it. The experience of attending the Jalsa made him realize September - October 2009 8 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA that for the Ahmadis God's creation was most precious for in return of their hospitality they could tell the peaceful nature of it. The experience of attending the Jalsa made him realize that for the Ahmadis God's creation was most precious for in return of their hospitality they only wished for God's pleasure. A minister from Benin said that Ahmadiyyat was indeed the true Islam and was the likely future of Islam in the world. He said it presented high values of spirituality and was a practical manifestation of 'love for all hatred for none'. He said it seemed people here were some other creation and had no idea of the selfishness of the world. He remarked on the selfless service the children gave, saying it seemed they received this training while still in the wombs of their mothers. Hazooraba said, although a Christian, the minister said that the International Bai' at and Hazoor' saba concluding address changed their life. He said that whenever God's people move onwards with the Truth, the world opposes them. He told Hazooraba that Hazooraba should now consider that he has a child in Benin.

A governor from Burkina Faso said that although people from diverse nations were attending the Jalsa, they all seemed to be standard-bearers for humanity. He said that in the past twenty years Ahmadiyyat has won over the people of Burkina Faso. The Ahmadiyya Community was awarded a high civil award of the country by the head of state last year. A Muslim lady member of the Belgian parliament, whose origin is Moroccan, said that attend­ ing the Jalsa was a great experience for her. During one meal time she had the chance to sit next to Begum Sahiba who did Tabligh to her about the station of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), the station of Jesus (on whom be peace) as well as the ad­ vent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). They talked for about half an hour. Later, she referred to our missionary and said that she has been explained everything in such a way that her mind is changed. She sat late into the night seeking further information. She said Begum Sahiba had explained things to her in such a way that she could not rest until she had further information. She also said that God willing, if she came into Ahmadiyyat, she will not be on her own but her friends and dear ones will be with her. She said that when Ha­ zooraba specifically addressed the Arabs in his concluding address, arousing their faith, she wept a lot because she belongs to the Arab nation. It was only one day earlier that Begum Sahiba had explained to her about the Promised Messiah. She said she has decided that next year she will have other members of parliament accompany her to Jalsa. Hazooraba said these are blessings of God reaped through silent Tabligh. One of the bus drivers at Jalsa was an Iranian and Khuddam did Tabligh to him. Hazooraba said these efforts result in excellent out­ comes.

Hazooraba said he is receiving messages from all over the world, in particular from Arab nations. While the world in general is embroiled in greed, the servants of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) are moving onwards with renewed passion. Intense fervor is being expressed which is most difficult, if not impossible, to mention. In accordance with the Divine promise, tremendous love for the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has been infused in hearts the like of which is not seen in this world. This love also translates into love for Khilafat. May God enhance the sincerity of each Ahmadi. May He also enhance their spirit of thankfulness. May the axis of all our loves be the Being of God. May God enable us to do this. Ameen. ******* September - October 2009 9 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA HADHRAT KHALIFATUL MASIH V'Saba MESSAGE FOR THE 61ST ANNUAL CONVENTION USA, JUNE 2009

My Dear Members of Jama'at-e- Ahmadiyya America:

Assalamo Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatohu.

With the Grace of Allah the Exalted, the U.S.A. Jama'at is holding its 61st Jalsa Salana on the 19th, 20th and 21st of June. May Allah abundantly bless the preparations of your Jalsa Salana, and make it a success, and make it possible for you to hold a successful Jalsa. You are extremely fortunate that you are blessed to recognize the Imam of the age. It is your obligation that you should put extraordinary effort for the triumph of Islarn/Ahmadiyyat, and you should illuminate the American continent with the light that has enlightened you. The most important and effective tool to attract people towards your religion is good moral conduct and character. It was the result of the noble morals and spiritual attraction of the Holy Prophet (peace and bless­ ings be on him) that people continued to come into the fold of Islam in great numbers.

Last year I participated in your Jalsa Salana. There was extraordinary fervor, excitement and loving zeal in the Jama'at. May God keep it growing constantly, and your relationship with Khilafat may continue to become stronger for ever. This relationship, this bond with Khilafat, can only be strong when you whole-heartedly act upon the advices that I gave to you during last Jalsa where I had urged you to remain firmly attached with the beautiful teaching of Islam by staying away from all those trends, traditions and habits of the Western Society that take man­ kind away from religion and God. Thus, in reality, your bond of love, loyalty and obedience to Khilafat will further strengthen only when you will follow the beautiful teaching of Islam; and set the practical ex­ ample by acting upon all these admonitions, and try to mold your lives accordingly. Therefore, in today's Jalsa Salana my message is that you must bring a noble transformation in your­ selves! Present high morals to the world, and win the hearts of the people with your good exam­ ples. Hadhrat Masih-e-Mau'ood (peace be on him) says:

"If you desire to have success in both the worlds, and conquer the hearts of the people, then adopt a pure life! Use your common sense and follow the guidance of the Word of God. Reform your own selves. Show others a high moral character. Only then you can become suc­ cessful. So, first of all, have an enthused heart. If you want to effect the hearts then generate the strength of action. The reason is that without action, mere talk and physical force can never give any benefit... Listen to what I say to you, and keep in mind very carefully that if a person's talk is not truly sincere, and it is without any force of practical example, then it has no real impact. This very point proves the truthfulness of our Holy Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him). The amount of success and winning of the hearts that he achieved is unprecedented in the history of mankind. All this took place because there was complete unison between his words and actions. I am saying all this to you because you have a relationship with me that makes you part of my self. Follow these instructions, and use your common sense and the Word of God, so that you may gain the light of true knowledge of God and certainty of faith. And you September - October 2009 JO Ahmadiyya Gazette USA become a means to bring others from out of darkness into light." (Malfoozat, vol. 1, pp. 67, 68). So, you should set a good example to the world as a community and also as individuals; and this will be your preaching of Ahmadiyyat to the world. If you wish to see Islam's triumph over the whole world, then purify your own souls, and adopt Taqwa, righteousness and piety. Do not display such morals and habits that may bring bad name to Islam. On the contrary, you should be such that no opponent could raise any objection. In addition, establish a high standard of acts of worship. Put emphasis on prayers. In this age, Allah the Exalted has established the Ahmadiyya Community for this very purpose; that love of God is created in the hearts of the people and righteousness and purity are established. Hadhrat-e-Aqdas Masih-e-Mau'ood (peace be on him) says: "Allah the Exalted does not care for any one but for His virtuous servants. Inculcate mu­ tual love and compassion, and leave all animosity and brutishness. Completely shun ridiculing and making fun of each other, because laughing at others departs the heart from truth and takes it far far away from uprightness. Greet each other with full respect. Let every one give prefer­ ence to the comfort of his brother over his own. Create genuine peace with God the Exalted and come back in His full obedience." (Malfoozat, vol. 1, pp. 266, 267). Then, again he says: "And, totally shedding all base desires of the self, choose for the sake of winning the pleasure of God that path compared to which no path can be narrower and striated. Don't fall in love with the pleasures of the world, for they take you away from God. Choose a life of auster­ ity for the sake of God. The pain which pleases God is better than the pleasure which makes Him angry. And the defeat which pleases God is better than the victory which invites the wrath of Allah. Renounce the love which brings you nearer to the wrath of Allah." (Al-Wassiyat, The Will P. 9). In essence try to bring a purifying change within you, and treat your brothers and col­ leagues with honor and respect. It is Grace and Benevolence of God that He has bestowed the blessing of Khilafat. In fact no nation and community can be prepared unless they have the essentials of sincerity and fidel­ ity for the sake of obedience and submission to the Imam. Therefore, through demonstration of pious and noble example, establish a firm connection of sincere and perfect love with Khilafat­ e-Ahmadiyya, and say yes wholeheartedly to each and every instruction of the Khalifa of the time. May Allah enable you to do so! At all the times during this Jalsa remain occupied in remembrance of God. Send abundant blessings through reciting Durood upon the Holy Prophet5aw. Be punctual in the Prayers. May Allah be with you; may He be your help! May He remove your difficulties and worries, and be­ stow on you His innumerable favors! Ameen! Wassalam, Khaksar, Mirza Masroor Ahinad, Khalifatul Masih Al-Khamis. September - October 2009 11 Ahmaaiyya Gazette USA

61st JALSA SALANA, USA Held at Dulles Expo Center Chantilly, VA On June 19-21, 2009

Habibullah S. Bajwa and Kalimullah Khan

Jalsa Site Ahmad under the chairman­ rangements were made at Preparation ship of Ameer USA Dr. Ah­ Dulles Expo & Conference sanullah Zafar Sahib delib­ Center Chantilly, VA. Ho­ Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar erated and chalked out a tels required for accommo­ Sahib, Ameer Jama'at Ah­ program for the Jalsa. The dating guests were at con­ madiyya USA appointed topics and speakers were venient locations from the Wasim Haider, Afsar Jalsa carefully selected and ap­ Jalsa Gah. The Jalsa facil­ Salana, Mubasher Ahmad proved. Respected Ameer ity, with its prime location (Missionary), Afsar Jalsa Sahib approved a separate and central air conditioning, Gah and Dr. Faheem Y ounus program exclusively for La­ offers two big halls and a Qureshi, Afsar Khidmat-e­ jna Jalsa proceedings. A few conference rooms. The Khalq well in advance. They beautiful brochure with the venue for the main Jalsa set up teams of Naib Afsran, names of the speakers and Gah, both for men and Nazimeen and Muavineen for topics of speeches was women, was in the bigger the preparation of Jalsa and printed. halls situated a walking dis­ discharging the responsibili­ tance apart. Arrangements ties of various Nazam-ats. Registration: for direct TV transmission The designated area of the of the J alsa proceedings for All members of the Expo & Conference Center the combined session were Jama' at were required to was covered with colorfully in place via MTA. painted banners and flags for register online for the Jalsa beautifying the landscape, using the Internet. Identity Physical reception, transportation, ac­ cards with a barcode and Arrangements commodation, security and magnetic strip with appro­ Langar Khana areas. Quota­ priate information was set The physical arrange­ tions of the Promised Messi­ up to be scanned at the ments for the Jalsa Gah ah'sas writings were dis­ Jalsa site. This helped with started much earlier. In both played on beautiful banners. the security checks. Regis­ the men and women's Jalsa tration booths were set up Gah tall colored curtains Program on both the men and ladies were set up. Various of­ sides. A program committee fices, stalls and Langar Khana were built for the comprising Dr. Zaheer Ba­ Jalsa Gab jwa, Maulana Azhar Haneef smooth running of the Jalsa event. For the convenience and Mirza N aseer Ehsan This year Jalsa ar- of guests and participants of September - October 2009 12 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Jalsa, offices for Registra­ visit not only motivated the mony on Friday June 19, tion, Information, Accom­ workers but it also offered 2009 at 1:45 PM and led modation, Reception, Me­ them an opportunity of silent prayer. dia & Press and Hazri Ni­ shaking hands and to con­ grani were at the Jalsa Site. verse directly with him on Jumu'ah andAsr Similarly desks for Trans­ pertinent matters and seek Prayers portation and Humanity his guidance. This year First, and stalls and offices Ameer Sahib changed the The lunch was served for Exhibition, Books, Tea routine procedure of exam­ before J umu 'ah and Asr and Langar Khana, Rishta ining various departments. prayers. Daud Hanif Sahib Nata, Majlis Khuddamul First he addressed and then Missionary In-charge and Ahmadiyya, Atfalul Ahma­ asked volunteers to proceed Naib Ameer delivered Fri­ diyya, Khidmate Khalq, Te­ for dinner. In the dining day Sermon and led Ju­ hrike Jadid, The First Aid/ hall Ameer Sahib met with mu 'ah and Asr Prayers. He Homeopathy were inside volunteers who had the op­ recited last three verses of the main Jalsa Gah. A portunity to shake hands Sura Al-Fajr. booth for the Red Cross and enjoyed dinner with was also set up for blood him. His emphasis was on donations. righteousness. He said that In his brief address, only by following the foot­ MTA set up its stu­ the Ameer Sahib mentioned steps of our beloved master dio and equipment at the the background of our J alsa Hadhrat Muhammadsaw we back of the stage. The stage Salana and its beginning at can succeed. The Holy Pro­ was beautifully decorated the time of the Promised phet5aw is the best model to with vases of flowers. The Messiahas. It started with a follow. Allah ordained background screen was small number but now Muslims to bring the whole green colored exhibiting spread throughout the mankind towards their white colored Minaratul­ globe. Nowadays in each Creator. Masih and Kalima Tayyaba Jalsa Salana in various with English translation. countries the attendance is The Promised Messia­ in thousands. He instructed h' sas advent was for the re­ Examining Jalsa Site the volunteers to show pa­ vival of Islam and estab­ tience during J alsa and lishing its lost glory. He On the June 18, 2009 treat all guests of the Prom­ achieved this high status by evening Dr. Ahsanullah ised Messiahas equally with his incomparable love for Zafar Ameer Jama'at USA love and Islamic brother­ his Master, the Holy Proph­ visited J alsa Site located at hood. et5aw and following in his the Dulles Expo & Con­ footsteps. As the Holy Pro­ frence Center, Chantilly. He Flag Hoisting phet5aw was intoxicated with met with Afsaran, Naib Af­ Ceremony the love of Allah, so was saran, Nazimeen and Muav­ the Promised Messiahas as ineen Jalsa at the Jalsa Gah Following the tradi­ his true servant. He gath­ to examine the final prepa­ tion of Jama'at Ahmadi­ ered a group of devotees ration and to meet volun­ yya, Ameer Sahib per­ and challenged the whole teers of Jalsa Salana. His formed Flag Hoisting cere- world about the superiority September - October 2009 13 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

of Islam over other religions. Peace, Contemporary Issues Book Stall He claimed that Allah speaks and the address of Khali­ to him and accepts his fatul Masih yaba, Hadhrat Bookstalls of the Ja­ prayers. His companions Mirza Masroor Ahmad, to ma 'at was set up. Khawas abandoned worldly tempta­ the Press and to the British Ahmad Bhatti with his team tions and devoted every mo­ Parliament. set up the bookstall and made ment of their lives for the necessary arrangements. Promised Messiahas and his The visit of Hadhrat cause. The speaker described Khalifatul Masih yaba to Special Events the sacrifices and devotion of this country last year, the the early Ahmadis in Tabligh center piece of the Exhibi­ During the Jalsa Salana and religious affairs. He also tion presented through auxiliaries of the Jama 'at presented the extracts of beautiful displays, brought held their meetings. The Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih back loving memories and Ahmadiyya Medical Asso­ IVrh about Tabligh and em­ showed to the non-Ahmadi ciation, Lawyer Association, phasized the audience to do guests the special bond Scientists Association and their best in conveying the members of the Jama'at Engineers and Architectures message of Islam to each in­ have with their Khalifa. Ha­ Association held their profes­ dividual. zoor' saba visit to the Jalsa sional meetings to discuss Gah, to the Masjid Baitur their achievements and future Exhibition Rahman, his addresses and planning. Humanity First meetings with members of USA held its meeting at a With the Grace of Al­ the Jama'at were the main lunch on Saturday June 20, mighty Allah, the Exhibition attraction. But, of them all 2009. On the same evening a attracted quite a large num­ the most inspiring pictures reception for guests was ar­ ber of guests. The theme of were of Hazooraba person­ ranged by the National the presentation was of spe­ ally teaching the Holy Tabligh department. cial interest as it focused on Qur'an to the young chil­ Waqfe Nau Program the current world cns1s. dren of the Jama'at. May Along with the latest pictures Allah continue to streng­ A stall for was setup at of Ahmadiyya activities, we then our bonds with Khila­ the Jalsa site for providing presented a series of graphi­ fat-e-Ahmadiyya. May Al­ information and guidance. cal displays of the writings, lah accept our humble ef­ The following two programs sermons and speeches of forts. Ameen. Khhlafa-e-Ahmadiyyat on were conducted. how to solve the current Accommodations global economic cns1s, a) Program for boys un­ which if not properly ad­ Like previous years, der 14 and girls under dressed would endanger the Jama'at reserved hotels 11: Program started at world peace. Facts and fig­ in Virginia close to the 5:30 PM on Friday June ures were drawn from World Jalsa site. Ahmadis of the 19, 2009. Ameer Sahib Bank data. Our solutions USA reserved their rooms USA presided the meet­ were extracted from The mostly in hotels close to the ing. Both boys and girls Message of Peace, New Jalsa site. Nazamat Accom­ delivered speeches and World Order, A Word of modation arranged rooms recited poems. 110 Warning and the Message of for non-Ahmadi guests. Waqfeen-e-Nau children September - October 2009 14 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

and 70 Parents partici­ Appreciation) with the col­ translation by Bilal Abdus pated. All waqfeen and laboration of Jalsa organiz­ Salam. Kalim Bhatti recited a waqe.faat were provided ers was held at the same poem of the Promised Messia­ special bags and choco­ hall. 16 well-known poets has in his melodious voice. The late. of North America partici­ English translation was read pated and presented their out by Abdur Raqib Wali. 9 Children who com­ poems. Six of them were pleted first recitation of non-Ahmadi guests. Atten­ Ameer Sahib conveyed a the Holy Qur'an were dance: 185 men and 70 la­ message of Hadhrat Khalifatul awarded plaques. dies. Masih yaba for Jalsa Salana USA. Hazooraba prayed for the b) Program for boys over Tahajjud and Salat Jalsa and wished for blessings 14 and girls over 11: A Arrangements for the Jalsa and its audience. second program was ar­ Hazooraba said that all the ranged on Saturday at During Jalsa Salana Ahmadis are fortunate who 2:00 PM. 85 boys and 35 Congregational Salatul recognized the Imam of the girls participated in that Tahajjud on Saturday and time. He asked members to program. Certificates Sunday, and daily Prayers, practice and exhibit a high were awarded to the were offered at the Jalsa level of the character of Islam WaCJf'een-e-Nau who fi­ Gah. The attendance at and Ahmadiyyat so that Allah lled up the rededication Tahajjud and Fajr time was may grant the faculty of spiri­ forms. Similarly, Waq­ around 200 (men and tuality as He bestowed upon j'een-e-Nau who got ad­ women) on both days. the Holy Prophetsaw_ He prayed mission m professional and asked to develop love and On Saturday, Maulana bondage with Khilafat. Ha- colleges were awarded aba h . d . h certificates. Irshad Malhi led Tahajjud zoor emp as1ze on ng t- and Fajr Prayers and deliv­ eousness and urged to adopt it. Dinner for Guests ered Darsul Qur' an and Hazooraba referred to a quota­ Maulana Zafarullah Hanjra tion of the Promised Messiahas On the evening of June led the Prayers and deliv­ from his booklet Al-Wasiyyat. 21, a Tablighi dinner was ar­ ered Darsul Hadith on Sun­ In his concluding remarks Ha­ ranged by National Tabligh day. zooraba advised each individual Department of USA. All to keep busy in remembrance guests who attended Jalsa Opening Session of · Allah and reciting Durood and Ahmadi dignitaries from (Friday Afternoon, Sharif. As the message of Ha­ zooraba was in Urdu, Ameer Sa­ the USA and outside were June 19, 2009) hib asked Ahmad Mubarik Sa­ invitees. After dinner a Q/A Presided by hib to read the original mes­ session held. Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, sage. 200 Guests attended. Ameer, Jama'at Ahmadiyya USA Address of a Guest Mushaira The session started Mr. Michel from Fairfax After dinner and lsha with recitation from the County was invited to express prayer a Mushaira organized Holy Qur' an rendered by his views. The speaker wel­ by MAALA (Mid-Atlantic Hafiz Samiullah Chaudhry comed the audience and said Association for Literature followed by its English that the residents of Fairfax September - October 2009 15 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

County are linked to vari­ Concluding his spee­ that the level of sacrifices ous ethnic and religious ch the speaker said that by relates to righteousness. He groups and have a good un­ the grace of Allah, Jama' at quoted references of com­ derstanding. He wished that Ahmadiyya has been estab­ panions of the Holy Proph­ they would continue good lished in 200 countries of et8aw and the Promised Mes­ relations and understanding. the world and would grow siahas. The speaker pre­ fast as prophesized. sented extracts from the Waseem Syed was writing of the Promised the first speaker of the ses­ Falahuddin Shams Messiahas in this regard as sion. The topic of his was the second speaker of well. speech was "Forging the session. "The Blessings Ahead in the New Cen­ of Sacrifices in Times of After the second tury". The speaker said that Hardship" was the topic of speech, Ameer Sahib in­ before proceeding towards his speech. The speaker re­ vited Mubarik Nazir Sahib the "New Century of Khila­ cited the first part of verse Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya fat" we have to determine a 93 of Surah Al-Imran. Canada to speak. Mubarik check list for the journey. Elaborating on its meaning Nazir Sahib in his brief Firm faith, love of Allah, he said that the verse speech related the prophecy deep bondage with Khilafat clearly says "Never shall of the Promised Messiahas and spiritual uplift through you attain righteousness about the future of Ahrnadi­ righteousness are funda­ unless you spend out of that yyat. The Promised Messia­ mental points for a spiritual which you love". has stated that by the end of revolution, the speaker the third century from his added. He read some quota­ It means that spending time Ahmadiyyat would be tions from Al-Wasiyyat for the love of Allah and flourishing throughout the about Khilafate Ahmadiyya. His creatures by interior globe. Referring to the He urged members to join motives qualifies someone Waqfe Nau Scheme, he said "The System of Wasiy­ as a recipient of the love of that Hadhrat Khalifatul Ma­ yat" (Nizame Wasiyyat) for Allah. When a loving thing sih rvrh started that the achieving our goals. The departing from us gives scheme for preparing mis­ speaker briefly compared pain that is a sacrifice sionaries and learned schol­ Nizame Wasiyyat with the needed by Allah. Spending ars for the propagation of existing economic systems. for the betterment of soci­ Islam and Ahmadi yyat. He said that Hadhrat Khali­ ety for the needy and or­ Jami'a Ahmadiyya Canada fatul Masih yaba announced phans attracts the love of was set up in 2003. A batch in 2004 that by 2008, 50% Allah. The speaker narrated of 14 students would suc­ members of the Jama'at the story of Hadhrat cessfully be graduated next should join Nizame Wasiy­ Mosesas in the Holy Qur' an year. At present, 9 students yat. The speaker urged the when he joined the com­ from USA are studying at . members to ponder on it. pany of a saint. He said that Jami'a Ahmadiyya Canada. Regarding the prophecy of Allah rewards seven and He urged all members to the magnificent victory of sometimes seventy times devote their children for Islam, the speaker read a for spending in His way. It studying at Jami'a Ahma­ quotation of the Promised means that the reward is in diyya Canada. Concluding Messiahas mentioned in multiple. The speaker said his speech the speaker said Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya. that only Ahmadis would September - October 2009 16 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA be able to save the whole speakers and urged mem­ returning from a battle said, world from destruction. It is bers to follow the path of "We are returning from Ji­ the time and need for com­ righteousness, a key to our hade Asghar to Jihade Ak­ mitted and dedicated chil­ success. He asked members bar" meaning that after a dren who will fill up the to step forward in financial battle everyone should be missionary positions of the sacrifices for completing ready for self purification Jama'at. our projects. Concluding and spiritual advancement. his remarks the Ameer Sa­ The words Jihade Akbar In his concluding re­ hib asked every member of has nothing to do with vio­ marks Ameer Sahib briefly Jama'at to pay chandajat lence. The Holy Prophet5aw delivered his views on regularly and at the pre­ always advised his follow­ "Universal Brotherhood". scribed rate. The session ers to control their ego. The He elaborated the concept ended with silent prayer at speaker elaborating his of brotherhood from the 6:40PM. point of view explained the writings of the Promised three stages of human life: Messiahas. He also narrated Saturday June 20, Natural, Moral and Spiri­ the story of two sons of 2009-Morning tual, through which one Hadhrat Adama5, as men­ passes during self-reform­ tioned in the Holy Qur' an. Session ation and spiritual journey. Allah accepted the sacrifice The speaker said that fear of one who was righteous. Presided by Daud and faith are two factors in­ Since the beginning of the Hanif Sahib, fluencing us. Instead of universe Allah fulfilled the Na'ib Ameer and providing hope in faith needs of His creatures and Missionary In-charge mostly fear dominates, made provision for the sur­ whereas hope should domi­ vival of human beings. The USA nate our fear. On the foun­ Promised Messiahas con­ dation of hope we can build veyed glad tidings to his Mubasher Hafeez Khan a strong base. Our youths followers as Allah told him. did the recitation of the face various challenges. By These promises and glad Holy Qura'n and the Eng­ self-reflection we can over­ tidings would only be ful­ lish translation was read out come our weaknesses. Vigi­ filled in our time if we by Omer Shaheed. Muham­ lance against ego would wholeheartedly follow the mad Zafarullah Khan re­ help in developing spiritual­ conditions set up for such cited a poem of the Prom­ ity, the speaker added. Dis­ promises. He quoted a ref­ ised Messiahas and its Eng­ cipline and steadfastness erence from "Paighame lish translation was read by are important for spiritual Suleh" a book of the Prom­ Haris Zafar. uplifting Salat and Prayer ised Messiaha5, in which he bring changes through hu­ invited people of all nations Ahmad Chaudhry mility, and the cure of evils and faiths to universal was the first speaker of the lies in Salat. brotherhood. He urged all session. His topic was people to gather on com­ "Jihad Akbar of Youth". Concluding his speech mon ground and keep their He recited the first three the speaker referred to a differences aside. Ameer verses of Sura Al-Muminun Friday sermon of the Khali­ Sahib thanked Mubarik Na­ and narrated an incident fatul Masih yaba in which zir Sahib and the other when the Holy Prophet5aw September - October 2009 17 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA he advised to follow the in­ Jalal Abdul-Lateef about financial sacrifices structions of the Holy was the third speaker of the for spreading the message Prophet5aw about self­ session. His topic of speech of Islam and building control. was "Helpers in the Cause mosques. Concluding his of Allah". He recited the speech the speaker said that Dr. Basiyar Rodney last verse of Surah Al-Sa.ff we must offer all types of was the second speaker with its English translation. sacrifices otherwise we who spoke on "Messiah He said, "When Jesus asked would be deprived of Al­ Films". He started his his disciples, 'Who are my lah's mercy. speech with the recitation helpers in the cause of Al­ of a verse of Sura-Al-Nahl lah?' The disciples said, Maulana Daud Hanif (11: 15) that means to invite 'We are the helpers of Al­ Sahib in his concluding re­ people towards Allah with lah'. At the time of the marks said that every one of wisdom. The speaker intro­ Holy Prophet5aw when he us should have a desire of duced a new approach for called for helpers, the fol­ conveying the message of Tabligh through "Messiah lowers responded. Similarly Islam. He mentioned a Films". Elaborating on the when the Promised Messia­ meeting of Hadhrat Munshi meanings of the Qur' anic has asked for helpers, the Arooray Khanra with Mr. verse he said that good followers responded with Walter of England. The in­ words and rational argu­ firm faith in Allah. Con­ cident exhibited the deep ments are the basic ap­ tinuing his speech the love of a companion of the proach for convincing oth­ speaker said, "Now our Promised Messiahas. The ers. The inventions of the Khalifa is asking for help­ session concluded at 12:00 modern age are for convey­ ers. For achieving the pleas­ PM. ing the message of the ure of Allah we have to say Promised Messiahas throu­ Labbaik to the cause of Al­ Saturday, ghout the whole world. lah like the Ansar of Me­ Jone 20, 2009- Wisdom and knowledge dina". By offering sacri­ Afternoon Session: can be utilized along with fices as needed we can the modern technology, the achieve His pleasure. Presided by Haji Dhul speaker added. Introducing Waqfe Zindgi and Waqfe WaqarYaqub a project used on You Aarzi are two spiritual Tube, he made a small schemes for devoting the The session stared at video and spoke on Islam. whole life or devoting for a 4:00 PM with recitation He displayed two small vid­ short period. Both schemes from the Holy Qura'n done eos to express his point of are divinely inspired pro­ by Hafiz Mubarik Kokui view. After that the speaker grams for our benefits. Now and the English translation recited an Urdu verse of the Islam is being attacked by read by Abdul Karim Sahib. Promised Messiahas in others. Only the Ahmadis An Arabic poem (Qaseeda) which the Promised Messi­ can save Islam from all at­ of the Promised Messiahas ahas had firm belief that all tacks. The speaker related was recited by Zainul new technologies would be the sacrifices of our mis- Abideen and Hasan Hakim used for the spiritual Is­ sionaries and the early read its English translation. lamic revolution in the Ahmadis of USA. The world. speaker read an extract of Abdul Rahim Hubbs the Khalifatul Masih yaba was the first speaker of the September - October 2009 18 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA session. His topic was: Maulana Azhar Convey my message to "The Reality of a Living Haneef was the second those who are not present". God". The speaker said that speaker who delivered his The speaker elaborated a recent American religious lecture on "Prophet Mu­ these points in his speech. affiliation report disclosed hammad's Farewell Ser­ that Americans are moving mon". The speaker quoted Guest Speakers: Us­ away from religion. Most of the speech of President man Chaudhry introduced them consider that religion Obama. Addressing the and invited guest speakers. develops distrust and fanati­ Muslim world on June 4, Seven speakers were in­ cism. The religion suffered 2009, he stated that misun­ vited to express their point internal and external oppo­ derstandings developed be­ of view about Jalsa and Ja­ sition. The religious people tween Muslims and Non­ ma'at Ahmadiyya. Fourteen adopted a wrong philoso­ Muslim should be removed. guests were also recognized phy and followed their ego. He also referred to an arti­ on this occasion. The misconception of God cle published in the Wash­ moved people away from ington Post of March 26, After the guest speak­ religion. The speaker re­ 2009. A survey of main­ ers, an announcement was cited verse of the Holy stream Americans exhibited made for conducting the Qura'n that says, "And that Islam favors violence award ceremony in the last when My servants ask thee and variable relations with session of Jalsa scheduled about Me, say: I am near. I people of other faith. Eve­ on Sunday morning. Ameer answer the prayer of suppli­ ryone has the right to ex­ Sahib thanked the guests cation". press his views but suspi­ and speakers and invited cions and differences de­ them for the Tablighi din­ Islam guides us to­ velop nothing but hatred, ner. wards a living God, Who contempt and un-tolerance, answers our prayers. The the speaker added. Such is­ Sunday June 21, 2009 Holy Prophet8aw spiritually sues could be resolved by Morning Session transformed his compan­ adopting common princi­ Presided by: ions who recognized the ples of justice, intolerance Dr. Ahsanullah Zafar, living God. In this age and dignity of each individ­ Ameer Jama'at USA Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam ual. Ahmadas of Qadian, who The speaker quoted The session started was intoxicated with the the last address of the Holy with recitation of the Holy love of the Holy Prophet8aw Prophetsaw that he delivered Qur' an by Muhammad Ali exhibited signs of living at Jablur Rahmat in Arafat. Mumtaz and Bashir Asad God through acceptance of The Holy Prophet5aw said, offered its English transla­ prayers. The speaker made "Your lives and belongings tion. An Urdu poem of the references to Alexander are sacred in the sight of Promised Messiahas was re­ Dowie and Billy Graham Allah like this day. All un­ cited by Asad Chaudhry about challenges regarding Islamic customs are crushed and the English translation acceptance of prayers. The and interest demolished. All was done by Ahmad speaker also quoted a refer­ Muslims are responsible to Nooruddin. Ameer Sahib ence from Kashti-e-Nooh, fulfill the rights of women. introducing the speakers about the living God. No preference or priority is and topics of speeches said given to anyone over other. September - October 2009 19 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA that all the speeches are im­ tice. It may help, but cre­ domestic violence could be portant for both ladies and ates problems of chastity. avoided. men as Nikah (marriage) According to a surve, 50% applies a bond for the of boys and girls lose their In treatment of wives whole life of both husband chastity before the age of we should follow practice and wife. Special attention 14 or15. The divorce rate is of the Holy Prophet5aw, as should be paid by each indi­ much higher in such cases. his life was exemplary. In vidual attending this Jalsa, This trend is being followed the Holy Qur' an, Allah Ameer Sahib added. by Muslim families also. promised: "But for him The parents in our Jama'at who fears to stand before Maulana Mubasher must consult their children his Lord there are two Gar­ Ahmad Missionary was before looking for the dens" (55:37). It means that the first speaker and his spouse. The selection a person who fears Allah topic was: "Finding the should be on the basis of would follow the com­ Right Life-Partner". The Taqwa. Self-analysis is a mands of Allah in all re­ speaker referred to a verse key before looking for a life spects and would control of the Holy Qura'n con­ partner. Straight forward­ personal ego in treatment of cerning marriages and said ness and lstikhara are also others. The speaker referred that a marriage provides helpful tools. Concluding to the writing of the Prom­ mutual love, peace of mind his speech the speaker ised Messiahas that we and tranquility of heart. He quoted a reference form should start building our quoted a tradition of the Kutbate Mahmood in this paradise from our homes. Holy Prophet for the selec­ regard. This could be done through tion of a life partner. Out of mutual respect and crushing four points of selection the Dr. Fahim Younis our ego. Thus domestic har­ Holy Prophet5aw preferred Qureshi delivered his mony could be developed. righteousness. The speaker speech on "Domestic Har­ said that as the choice of mony". The speaker recited Dr. Mirza Maghfoor selection is most important, two verses of the Holy Ahmad was the last it must be according to the Qura'n (4:35 and 2:188). speaker of the session. The guidance of our Prophet5aw. Translating these verses he topic of his speech was: He also quoted from the said that domestic harmony "Zikre Habib: Glimpses of writing of the Hadhrat depends on mutual love, re­ an Ideal Marriage". The Khalifatul Masih Ilra for se­ spect, and tolerance. speaker recited verse 2: 188 lecting a life partner. The of the Holy Qur' an, stating speaker said that righteous­ On the contrary vio­ that your wives are a gar­ ness not only helps and lence starts at homes with ment for you and you are guides the couple but is also misunderstanding and ver­ garment for them. He said beneficial for the next gen­ bal exchange of words. It that the examples of the eration. should be stopped in the be­ Holy Prophetsaw and the ginning. In this regard per­ Promised Messiahas are for The system prevailing sonal ego makes problems our guidance. The speaker in the US and Western that should be avoided. If quoted a reference of countries is different, and the rules described by the Hadhrat Mir Nasir Nawab dating is a common prac- Holy Qura'n are adopted Sahibra (father of Hadhrat September - October 2009 20 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Amma Janra). Once he told Ten children who was initiated by the Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih completed the recitation of Khalifatul Masih IVrh rra that he prayed for his the Holy Qura'n and had has been completed. daughter in every prayer. their Ameen were awarded. b) Projects of the Baitur The speaker also quoted 23 children who entered At­ Rahman Mosque and Hadhrat Mir Muhammad falul Ahmadiyya were given Los Angeles Mosque Ismailra that the conduct of bags with Salat charts. are in progress. the Promised Messiahas c) 20 small mosques have with his wife was exem­ Majlis Atfalul Ahma­ been built or renovated. plary. Similarly, Hadhrat diyya and Khuddamul Ahm­ Amma Janra offered all adiyya received Alams Ameer Sahib recog­ types of sacrifices when­ (Flags) and awards from nized and appreciated all ever needed by the Prom­ Ameer Sahib. Awards were members of USA Jama'at ised Messiahas. The speaker given to small, medium and who supported the Jalsa quoted some incidents of large Majalis. Regarding event and spent consider­ financial sacrifices. The overall achievements and able time and energy in the Promised Messiahas advised activities of all USA Ma­ smooth running of Jalsa ac­ his followers to be polite jalis I, II and III prizes and tivities. He appreciated all with their wives and incul­ awards were granted. Simi­ the programs of the J alsa cate piety in them that larly awards were given to and thanked Allah who would be transmitted to the regional Majalis who achi­ made it memorable success. next generation. eved positions. He asked members to re­ member all the missionaries The Ameer Sahib in The concluding Ad­ and workers, and for the his concluding remarks said dress of Ameer Sahib: success of the Tabligh and that as we say Assalamo Ameer Sahib requested Tarbiyyat activities of the Alaikum for interacting we prayers for the health of Sa­ Jama' at. He also requested must follow its meaning in hibzadi Amatul Qayyum to pray for those who are in conducting marriages. Re­ (wife of late Ameer M. M. need and those who passed spect, tolerance and kind­ Ahmad) who was in the away. ness are needed in marital hospital and expected to relation. All parents, young­ leave the hospital soon. The Jalsa Salana con­ sters and the department of cluded with silent prayer at Rishta Nata should consider Ameer Sahib fo­ 1:00 PM. Alhamdulillah these points. cused his concluding re­ marks on financial sacri­ ******* Talent Award Cere­ fices and asked members mony: Ameer Sahib said for financial sacrifices. Re­ SUPPORT that talent awards were garding ongoing projects given yesterday in the La­ and Jama'at targets Ameer jna Jalsa to the girls who Sahib informed members HUMANITY met the criteria. The educa­ that: tion department did not re­ FIRST ceive the names of boys for a) A project of building 5 such awards. mosques in USA that ******* September - October 2009 21 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

FORGING AHEAD IN THE NEW CENTURY OFKHILAFAT Dr. Waseem Sayed

der of our Community made this very clear .... he This indeed is the pur­ wrote in his Will in 1905: pose of God for which I have been sent to the world. Rejoice! And be You, too, therefore should

~ happy, for the field of pursue this end, but with • f 'I . I • f 'I tlJI . - . f 'I ~,,)" ~ .)' , f4 ~.)' achieving nearness to God kindness, moral probity and is vacant. Every nation is fervent prayers. " [ Al-Was­ , !!iL engrossed in loving all that iyyat, pp.8-9, English J (> ..i.t-i • 'J·j,J-JJ •,J 't.'.'.·tu-i,uJ (>-·Jt , ..,-~i , the world has to offer but Translation] , lli. 'j.JI t.:: 'ea' .~!I J-:~it .. J they pay no attention to the J 1, vJ,, ~ Ji-A!:!~, , vJ, , . . . things that can win the This last sentence 1s o~~I 6.,S .;J pleasure of God. utterly amazing ... such a , , long time ago ... 104 year to Now is the time for be precise, the Holy Foun­ He it is Who has sent those who wish to forge der of the Ahmadiyya Mus­ His Messenger with the ahead through this door, lim Community laid out the guidance and the Religion with full strength, to prove path that we need to follow. of truth, that He may cause their mettle and win a most it to prevail over all relig­ precious gift from God! The emphasis is on ions, (9:33) narmee, kindness in dealing And what is the pur­ with each other mercifully The topic of my pose of God in these latter and with love and tender­ speech: Forging Ahead in days .. Hadhrat Mirza Ghu­ ness, and akhlaaq, high the New Century of Khila­ lam Ahmadas of Qadian, moral qualities, and pra­ fat; conjures up in my mind peace be on him, the Holy yers, worship of God ... the image of a Space Shut­ Founder of the Ahmadiyya tle blasting off into space. Muslim Community laid BELIEF, or Faith in this out also very clearly: God, was central to all the But before we forge things he said we needed ... ahead it behooves us to go and it was this one thing "God Almighty de­ through the pre-flight that the Holy Prophet Mu­ sires to draw all those who checklist .. and, at the least, hammadsaw had told us live in various habitations be certain of where we are would be missing from the of the world, be it Europe headed and if we have the world .. .indeed he had said or Asia, and who have a fuel to get there .. that, in the latter days, faith virtuous nature, to the would have vanished from Unity of God and unite His Ours is a spiritual the hearts of the people and servants under one Faith. journey .... the Holy Foun- abandoned their environs September - October 2009 22 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA and left the earth altogether This is particularly tion of power and might. ... and ascended to the heav­ worth emphasizing ... and ens ..... worth pondering over ...... namely the Khulifa how can we establish with that God Himself would es­ The Promised Mes­ our deeds, the azmat, the tablish in the earth, one af­ siah and Mahdi, Hadhrat grandeur of God's Unity? ter the other, in succession, Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of till the end of days! Qadian; told us this again I humbly submit that and again and it is this that it is by forsaking all such He says: we have to ensure we have actions as lead to disunity full tanks of before we blast and dissention and becom­ And He will promote off, to continue the meta­ ing one by holding fast to and advance this Jama 'at phor cited at the start, into the rope of Allah, all to­ to the full. A part of it will the next century .... F AITH .. gether! happen at my hands, and some after me. He says: So, the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim It is important to un­ Listen, 0 ye People! Community came and derstand that to be united at Hear what it is that God de­ brought faith down from his hand and after him at sires from you? He desires the farthest recesses of the hands of those who only that you become His, space ... would succeed him is es­ wholly and solely and com­ sential and very concisely pletely, and do not associ­ ... and re-established it and powerfully mentioned ate any partners with Him, in the hearts of those who here .. neither in the heavens nor believed in him ..... on the earth. [p.22} He said: ... and as the time for Then again: his demise drew closer he I came from God as a wrote in his Will that God Manifestation of Divine Look! if you incline would prosper and flourish Providence and I am a per­ fully towards God, then I this Community. sonification of His Power. tell you, in accord with the will and pleasure of God, He would make it And after I am gone that you shall become His achieve to the full the pur­ there will be some other chosen people. pose for which it had been persons who will be the set up. manifestation of the second Let the Greatness of Power [ of God}. God take root in your This would happen, he hearts; and acknowledge said, in the way it had al­ This is the Way of His Unity not just with your ways happened in Divinely God. And ever since He tongues but also with your established communities in created man on earth He actions, so that God, too, the past. .. some at his own has always been demon­ practically shows His hand and some at the hands strating this Divine prac­ Mercy and Kindness to you. of those who would person­ tice. He helps His Prophets [p.21} ify God's second manifesta- and Messengers and grants September - October 2009 23 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA them success and predomi­ itual journey and ours is a well-off and learned people nance, as He says: 'God community that was set up among us. has ordained that He and to re-establish faith in the His Prophets shall pre­ hearts of the people ... We need to remember vail.' (The Holy Qur'an, Al­ that there is no shortage of Mujadalah 58:22) The danger always is very, very smart people in that as Allah's bounties be­ the world ... .in every branch I want to pause here a gin to descend upon the of worldly science and little and emphasize one people who are raised from art ... there are a huge num­ thing that we have to worry among the spiritually dead .. ber of such great minds ... about as we get ready to through God's Grace mani­ there is no shortage of very Forge Ahead into the New fested by His raising among eloquent and motivational Century of Khilafat. them a Messenger ... as they speakers... there is no begin to be breathed a new shortage of billionaires in Hadhrat Masih Mau­ life into ... and the bounties the world either. .. there is no 'oodas says... that Allah of God, in accord with His shortage of rocket scien­ helps His Messengers and laws, begin to fill their tists... and economists ... Prophets and grants them houses .. the danger is that And daily there are more supremacy in the fulfill­ they .... The danger is that, and more among this Com­ ment of His promise ... now we, may begin to forget the munity who are reaching to after 120 years .. we are all Bestower and begin to fall the heights of achievements witnesses to the truth of in love with and indeed be­ in all these professions ... this ... visit the millions of gin to worship the things and soon we shall Insha Al­ Ahmadis and the hundreds we are bestowed ... lah begin to see among of thousands of Ahmadi them founders of enter­ communities scattered eve­ Let me again empha­ prises as successful as those rywhere in some 200 coun­ size: the progress and vic­ that we see being founded tries and see the abundance tory, the progress and vic­ by others ... that Allah has blessed them tory of spirituality and god­ with ... the amazing spiritu­ liness of this Jama'at is tied But these are worldly ality that pervades the up with unity on the hand things and the mistake that Ahmadi Communities eve­ of the Holy Founder and his we must avoid making is rywhere and the unity of Successors ... thinking that it is the purpose and righteous lead­ worldly progress bestowed ership and love of God and The thing that we upon us and on those devotion to His worship .... need to worry about. .. as we among us ... and our increas­ flourish, is to not get into ing numbers... that it is by Not only this but also the error of thinking that virtue of these things, and the abundance of material now that we are so ad­ this wealth and prosperity, things that Allah has vanced, and so blessed, and and these large numbers of blessed us with ... the daily so powerful and rich, and adherents, that we shall be growing prosperity ... so very learned, that now blessed with victory and be we need to be followed and able to bring peace and pro­ As I said in the very become divided into as gress and unity to the peo­ beginning we are on a spir- many parts as there are ple of the world ... and be in September - October 2009 24 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA a position to solve the prob­ anything with Me. Then achieving all this ... but what lems of the rich and the whoso is ungrateful after is it that the Holy Qur' an pre­ poor. .. that, they will be the rebel­ scribes .. it says believe and lious. do good works then Allah No... it shall be by will bless you with Khilafat uniting at the hands of those Those among us who and give you peace and secu­ Khalifas that Allah shall con­ forget this, God forbid any rity and establish your faith tinue to establish among us, of us should fall prey to for you ... so long as we remain right­ this ... shall be cut asunder eous and keep on doing good and those united at the So how must we forge works .. that we shall be able hands of the Khalifas shall ahead? ... and what will fuel to witness the victory of be the ones who shall move our movement forward? .... spirituality and godliness ... forward and witness, in the the answer is simple... we this is the sum and essence of new century, and the centu­ must forge ahead united at the Promise of Allah con­ ries that follow, the victory the hand of the Khalifa ... tained in the Holy Qur' an re­ of Islam and Ahmadiyyat. .. forging ahead behind him lating to the bounty of Khila­ and following him and pro­ fat: If peace and security, tecting every part of our body and establishment of our behind his shield... and fu­ _. _. • _. I " _. ,I. - ~ t-t-.:~.., , , 1··-1~ i.>I,-. ".lit illl.J.i':J faith, could be achieved by elled by our firm and total having immense wealth ... faith in our Almighty and .... ~-,.!..J.i:..11 ~j~l~ tiJ.;1,· .. ;, then Saudi Arabia and a All-powerful Lord God, the j ,r • A ~!!i ~ ;:,..pt ~ if :5, 11til t..c.s: whole bunch of other Mus­ Creator and Sustainer of all lim, Middle East states, that exists. ~_;, (S.µ, ~~ :....fl ~1soir should, by now, have made !,,- ' " , - We must learn from tl.;.I • . •.- .,u; ~ .•. - !~I~:~, - • ! I at least some progress in ~~ , . ~ -.,..-tH-"..J l"1"' leading the Islamic world history ... the early Muslims into an era of peace and lost their unity because of haste... 1,400 years ago ... .,, I• , T 1-.,,. , I ,,. , tranquility and strengthen­ 0 ~.~:. ;tt, , Pakistan ronment hear so much em­ those who were before them; should, by now, have made phasis on· obedience and loy­ and that He will surely estab­ at least some progress in alty to one individual they lish for them their religion leading the Islamic world ask: which He has chosen for into an era of peace and them; and that He will surely tranquility.. . and if the What is this, is it give them in exchange secu­ Holy Qur'an is the Word of magic? Is he not a man? Is rity and peace after their God.. as it most certainly he infallible? fear: They will worship Me, is ... it should have men­ and they will not associate tioned this as the means for What is it that makes September - October 2009 25 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA this utter obedience such a And this is what the sion in faith. Surely, the powerful formula? Promised Messiahas refers right way has become dis­ to as the Second Manifesta­ tinct from error; so whoso­ The answer to all these tion of God's Power when ever refuses to be led by questions is the same. The ef­ he says: those who transgress, and ficacy of the formula is in the believes in Allah, has surely existence of a real Living God And after I am gone grasped a strong handle Who is central to the whole there will be some other which knows no breaking. discussion. persons who will be the And Allah is All-Hearing, manifestation of the sec­ It is the reality and truth All-Knowing. (2:257) ond Power [of God]. ., I ~ ., J, ,. of this fundamental fact that ~ J t • ~'. - ·~~ ' ' : ' t·~ · 'I v.1,', · .iJI i,r,J ill! makes the whole thing work. Another objection , - raised by many is of force - ,, " J .. .,., 1·•;< ', '.ill' 1, '.:II II ~I The Prophets of God are and faith and blind faith and l.9J"-" v.1, ~ .;.,..., U", , the greatest benefactors of hu­ leaping into the dark on the manity .... this is why they are basis of faith ... this is again so universally remembered ... a total lack of understand­ , , T ., .,J , J ~.I ·t $.1 J 1, ~I ,, •.:II they are able to win the love ing of Islam's concept of , J , f.F, ~ and admiration and obedience faith ... as made clear to the of so many people, so com­ world by the Holy Founder pletely that they are able to of the Ahmadiyya Muslim bring about immense revolu­ Community .. Allah is the Friend of tions and advances .... those who believe; He brings The Islam that we be­ them out of all kinds of dark­ This is what the Promised lieve in and want to spread ness into light. And those Messiahas refers to as the First throughout the world rejects who disbelieve, their friends Manifestation of God's Power the association of force are the transgressors who when he says: with faith and declares bring them out of light into I came from God as a blindness and darkness as manifold darkness. These are Manifestation of Divine Provi­ being concepts associated the inmates of the Fire, dence and I am a personifica­ with disbelief. We read in therein shall they abide. tion of His Power. the Holy Qur'an very [2:258] clearly: Their Successors follow So belief in Allah, once .. , .. ~ .. '1 .. in their footsteps and it is their v*' jj ..ii ~.µ, ~ bl.,S! 'i attained is an illuminating living connection to God that experience and it is the makes obedience to them so ~ ~ ~ ~I u-4 .W;Jt strong handle that knows no powerful a force ... the secret of breaking ... once attained it I, r. , success is in their bidding be­ "111.., I• ' will take a person to God ~ , ; vA,34 J 9.;&bl4 , , ing based on utter righteous­ I• ' without any doubt. Without ness ... so much so that even if 'i Jull,;JI ~~4 , 11luGi ,.~l there being light and truth they make a mistake, yet the and reality in belief in God it Grace of God bestows bless­ is impossible for man to gain ings even still ... on those who from such friendship with follow them. There is no compul- God! September - October 2009 26 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Before moving away I ask myself why and how the emphasis on obedience from this need to know why does Hadhrat Khalifatul and faith: Look at history and following the Khalifa and Masihaba make so much learn to be patient and sin­ obeying him and uniting with time for prayers ... when he cere and thankful and offer Khilafat is such a powerful has so much to do ... and your sacrifices and service formula I want to say one the only answer is that it is staying honest to yourselves more thing ... since God is humanly impossible to ac­ with pure intentions and op­ central to the whole thing ... it complish all the tasks he as erate wholly behind the will always be the case that Khalifa is charged with and shield of Khilafat ... then you the extent to which each of it is in and through prayer will be successful. . .listen to us is close to God and godly that he seeks God's help Allah's decree ... work in ac­ in his own actions and deeds and receives it and His cord with it... the Promised it is to that extent that his or guidance and succeeds m Messiahas said it is Allah's her own attachment shall be accomplishing his tasks .. wish to unite ... firm to Khilfat. This is key... if we So do nothing that will This is so because want to understand the separate you from the path on Khilafat is a Divine bounty ... "magic" that is inherent in which Allah wishes to take till you and I acquire the col­ Divine leadership and obe­ humanity ... ors of God, to use the dience to it... we cannot Qur' anic expression, till then understand it without be­ And where shall we ar­ we cannot know and become coming godly ourselves ... rive when we follow the di­ attached to things Di vine . .it we must take the trouble to vinely appointed leadership is just that simple ... there has cleanse ourselves and adorn and work within the Nizam, to be this common same­ ourselves, again using the the System, set up by them, ness ... Qur' anic expression, with and who shall be victori­ I have always marveled the best adornment... that of ous ... Hadhrat Masih Mau­ 'oodas says .. : and wondered.. how in­ righteousness... then we tensely busy is our Khalifa's will be blessed with an in­ life ... yet I always see how ner light that Allah Himself "I declare with fall con­ wonderfully and with what bestows upon those who fidence and determination amazing care and satisfaction believe by becoming the that I am in the right and that he leads the prayers five friend of such believers .. with the Grace of Allah, I times a day .... how and why will emerge victorious in this does he make so much time Unless we do this, field. And, as Jar as I can for this? This was the exam­ ours would be the case of observe with my far-reaching ple also, of course, we learn one who has no knowledge sight, I see the entire world from history, of the Promised of what water is, nor ever submissive to my truth. The Messiahas, who was doing no seen a drop of it, and time is near when I should more than what his Lord and wishes to understand what attain a magnificent victory, Master the Holy Prophet5aw an ocean is and questions if because in support of what I did and urged all to do .. such a thing exists .. state, there is another voice which speaks; and in support I cite the Khalifa 's ex­ Coming back to my of my hand there is another ample because I see this .. and subject, today, we must hand which operates. [ Izala counsel those who question Auham] September - October 2009 27 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

And again: the needs of this immense tellectual deterioration, the country of 300 million in­ discouragement of individ­ Rest assured that this habitants our sum total re­ ual enterprise and effort, is a tree planted by the sources both human capital and tyranny and exploita­ Hand of God! He will and material means are tiny, tion of one people by an­ never permit it go to waste. insignificant in fact... mak­ other. In other words, it He shall not rest content till ing just a mention is hum­ should secure peace and He has seen it to its full­ bling .. goodwill between nations ness. He will see to it that and classes, and also suc­ it is well irrigated and will So far I have men­ ceed in finding resources to build a protective fence tioned only the enormity of fulfill the needs of all indi­ around it and will bless it the financial needs in rela­ viduals. with amazing progress. tion to our duty of spread­ [Anjam-e-Atham] ing the message of Islam­ It was, therefore, the Ahmadiyyat to the ends of And again: duty of the Promised Mes­ the earth. . . but there is a siah and Mahdias, the great­ People of the world much bigger responsibility est of the Successors of the may be inclined to think that lies on our shoulders ... Holy Prophets to come in that it is Christianity that Every person, who be­ the Latter days, to devise a may ultimately spread lieves that the Holy Proph­ scheme in accordance with throughout the world, or it eeaw had prophesied the ad­ Islamic teachings that may be Buddhism that will vent of a Messiahas and should prove adequate to prevail in the end. But they Mahdias, must admit that it the needs of the time and are certainly wrong in these was the function of the put an end to the miseries conjectures. Remember that Promised Oneas to find a from which the world is nothing happens on this remedy for the disorder, un­ suffering. Earth unless it has been so rest and misery from which willed in Heaven. And it is the world is suffering today. The Holy Founder of the God of Heaven who has Communism that had the Ahmadiyya Muslim revealed to me that in the risen in the last century Community put forward end it will be the religion of with tall claims to solve the just such a remedy. His Islam that will conquer the problems of humanity has remedy conforms with the hearts of the people. failed and the unshakeable following four essentials of [Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya, confidence that much of hu­ the Islamic social and eco­ nomic system: (1) that the Vol. VJ manity had placed in Capi­ talism is being severely needs of all human beings When we examine the tested as I speak ... should be provided for; (2) weakness and frailty of our­ that in trying to achieve the selves and look at the enor­ The remedy that is re­ first object the incentive be­ mity of the task ahead only quired should make it pos­ hind individual effort and then can we fully under­ sible to provide food, cloth­ enterprise should not be stand how truly a test of our ing, shelter, medical relief weakened; (3) that the sys­ faith all this is ... Even to­ and means of education for tem devised should be vol­ day, after 120 years, an esti­ everybody and yet safe­ untary and should not in­ mation of our resources will guard mankind against in- volve forcible dispossession leave us numb ... to serve or confiscation; and (4) that September - October 2009 28 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA the system should not be ment of Khilafat, then by for the further strengthen­ confined to one country or that time in every country at ing of Khilafat-e-Ahma­ one nation, but should be least 50% of the earning diyya so that, by holding universal. members of those Jama'ats fast to the rope of Allah, shall have joined this you may spread, to the ends Both Communism blessed Nizam and shall of the world, the message and Capitalism are in one have become those who of the Holy Prophet, with respect or other limited in have decided to advance in which Allah sent the Mes­ their application. The Is­ spirituality and establish siah of Muhammad. lamic system is not national the highest levels of sacri­ or sectional but universal. fices. Also convey the mes­ The Islamic teaching pays sage to each and every per­ due regard to all the four So here I was worried son in the world that his or factors just cited. The ap­ about the meagerness of our her survival depends on es­ pointed one of God laid the financial and human capital tablishing a true relation­ foundations of the New Or­ and here is the man blessed ship with the One and only der in 1905 in his Al­ with the Mantle of Khilafat God and that the peace of Wasiyyat. by God telling us that what the world depends on join­ we have to worry about is ing the Jama 'at of the Ma­ As time moves along, our spiritual purification the Khulafa that God shall hdi and the Messiah be­ and the rest will be taken cause today he alone is the bestow upon us shall detail care of by God himself ... how exactly we shall erect standard-bearer of the true the structure on the founda­ So let me now con­ Islamic teachings regard­ tions laid by the Promised clude by saying that it is ing peace and security, the Messiah as... and that time with, and through, and by example of which is not is approaching fast. .. following fully, and obedi­ found on the surface of the ently, Khilafat that we shall earth. Today to fulfill the For now we must be able to forge ahead into mission of the Messiah of heed the call of the Khali­ the next century and fulfill Muhammad and to be fatul Masihaba and join that the objectives of the com­ united in faith in the Unity Nizam ... join that System ... ing of the Promised Mes­ of God can only be siah and Mahdi as ... and it is achieved by remaining at­ On the 1st of August tached to Khilafat-e­ 2004, he had announced to this to which Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih yaba called Ahmadiyya. us all; talking about the Ni­ zam-e-Wasiyyat, that: us in his Centenary Mes­ sage: It is this by which men It is my desire and I of God will bring about a wish to urge you all to join So, 0 Believers of the spiritual revolution in the this Heavenly Nizam for the Masih-e-Muhammadi [The world. purpose of purifying your Messiah of Muhammad]! 0 lives ... Come Forward... It dear ones of the Promised May Allah enable is my wish that by the year Messiah and the flourishing each Ahmadi to convey 2008 when, Insha Allah, branches of the tree of his with firm faith this beauti­ 100 years shall have been being! rise up. Be ready to ful Truth to every individ­ completed of the establish- make any sacrifice required ual in the world. September - October 2009 29 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

I would like to end by est in every country of the HADITH reminding us all of the oath world till the day of Judg­ we took on the 27th of May ment." Hadhrat Abu Hurairahra 2008 .. .in this also is made relates that the Holy Prophetsaw very clear how we must "We also affirm that said: "Shall I tell you welcome the new century we shall continue to strive something whereby Alla-h of Khilafat and how we to our utmost, and till the would wipe out your sins and must move forward: very last breath of our lives, raise your status? Those to safeguard and make firm present said: 'Certainly, "I bear witness that the institution of Khilafat Messenger8aw of Allah.' He there is no one worthy of and we shall direct our said: 'Performing the ablution worship except Allah and I progeny and the progeny of carefully even in difficulty, bear witness that Muham­ our progeny, to always re­ frequent walking to the mad is His Servant and main firmly attached with mosque, and waiting eagerly Messenger." Khilafat and to seek always for the next salat after one is its blessings, so that Khila­ finished. This is your striving "Today at the comple­ fat-e-Ahmadiyya continues in the cause of Allah. This is tion of 100 years of Khila- to go on safe and sound and your striving in the cause of the propagation of Islam Allah.'" may go on through (Muslim kitabuttaharat bah fad[ Ahmadiyyat till the Day of isbaghul wudu' 'ala[ makarah) Judgment and so that the flag of the Holy Prophet Hadhrat Abu Hurairahra fat-e-Ahmadiyya, we swear Muhammad (peace and relates that the Holy Prophetsaw in the name of Allah, that blessings of Allah be upon said: "He who makes his we shall continue to work him) may fly higher than all ablutions at home and then till the very last breath of the other flags in the walks to one of the houses of our lives, to spread to the world." Allah to discharge an obli­ comers of the earth, the gation imposed on him by message of Islam and "O God, grant us the Allah, one step of his wipes out Ahmadiyyat, and the name capacity to fulfill this a sin and another step raises his of the Holy Prophet Mu­ pledge." status." (Muslim bah almasha ilassalat) hammadsaw." Wa akhiro dawaana anil hamdo lilahay rabbi! Hadjrat 'Abdullah bin "And we pledge that aalameen Mas 'udra relates that he asked for the accomplishment of the Holy Prophet83w: "Which this holy duty we will al­ action is most acceptable to ways keep our lives de­ ******* Allah? He answered: 'Per­ voted and dedicated to Al­ OFFER forming the salat at its due lah and His Messengersaw." time.' I asked: 'Which next?' "And by presenting PRAYERS He said: 'Benevolence towards every sacrifice, no matter pare-nts.' I asked: 'Which how great, we shall en­ REGULARLY next?' He said: 'Striving in the deavor to ensure that the cause of Allah.' " flag of Islam flies the high- ****** (Bukhari kitabul jihad bab fadul jihad wassair) September - October 2009 30 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

THE BLESSINGS OF FINANCIAL SACRIFICE IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP Falahud Din Shams

(1) that at all the places where here specifically reqmres Instinct and quest of the Holy Qur' an has given a spending for the love of description of a good or a God for His creatures. The human beings to be righteous person, it always intention of spending is "good" includes the quality of fi­ specified so it rules out any nancial sacrifice for the spending that one may do All human being have sake of God. In chapter 2 for the sake of getting fa­ an instinctive desire to be verse 178, Allah says; vors, political gains or other good. Not only we would ulterior motives. like to be good persons but [2:178] lt is not right­ we would like it acknowl­ eousness that you turn The next question that edged by others. This your faces to the East or the Holy Qur'an describes leaves the issue of the defi­ the West, but truly right­ is in relation to how much nition of a good person. For eous is he who believes in should be spent in the way centuries humans have been Allah and the Last Day of Allah. How would we debating over this. Some and the angels and the know that whatever amount feel that as long as you do Book and the Prophets, we spend for the love of not hurt anyone, do not and spends his money for God qualifies to make us a steal anything or harm any­ love of Him, on the kin­ good or righteous person? one, you are a good person. dred and the orphans and Allah says in the Holy Some others describe the the needy and the wayfarer Qur'an Chapter 3 verse 93: goodness in religious terms and those who ask for Never shall you attain or philosophical terms and charity, and for ransoming set the bar very high. the captives; and who ob­ serves Prayer and pays the Various religions also Zakat; and those who ful­ have come up with different fill their promise when definitions. In the religious they have made one, and terminology the term the patient in poverty and to righteousness unless you 'righteous' is used inter­ afflictions and the stead­ spend out of that which changeably with a 'good' fast in time of war; it is you love; and whatever you person. The Holy Qur'an these who have proved spend, Allah surely knows also describes who can truthful and it is these who it well. claim to be a good person. I are the God-fearing. will give you one quotation According to this that summarizes the quali­ verse, without spending in ties of a good person. It The financial sacrifice the cause of God, we can­ should, however, be noted that Allah has described not claim ourselves to be a September - October 2009 31 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA good person, no matter how us when it departs. The in­ and leave the rest to us many other qualities we tensity of our love for that without guiding us. Allah may have. This quality has person or thing dictates has dictated in the Holy been described as the essen­ how hurtful we feel upon Qur' an how we should and tial part of a good person. If losing it. So when we spend how we should not spend a person worships God by the money in the way of Al­ our money. saying his prayers, fasts in lah and the hurt it causes the month of Ramadan ac­ shows that we gave some­ When we go to the cording to God's command­ thing that we loved. If we grocery store, Allah has ments and does not harm give a small amount and it told us not spend our anyone and is polite and has no effect on our feeling money on alcohol and pork nice to anyone, but does not and makes no difference to for example. We are also spend in the way of Allah, us in our way of living, then told not to waste our money he cannot be considered a it is not from what we love. in gambling. On the other good person in the eyes of hand we are told to spend Allah. If you have a struc­ (2) on our family, help the ture that has walls, floor, How the wealth needy, the poor and spend windows and doors but has should be spent for the betterment of the so­ no roof, it cannot be called ciety in general. a house because it is lack­ We have restrictions ing as essential part of what placed upon us how to makes a structure a house. One of the reasons spend our wealth. Govern­ It may look like one and that we don't want to spend ment, for example, puts re­ have most of its qualities or give in the way of Allah striction on our spending but it will never be consid­ is that we would like to through taxation. As long as ered a house. leave our property to our we pay our tax obligations, heirs. We would like to pro­ it gives us the freedom of The next question that vide our children protection spending our money the arises after reading this par­ and make their lives easier way we choose to do it. ticular verse is: how do we and provide for them for There are ways that it tries know if what we spend is their future. to entice us in certain direc­ from "that which we love"? tion but those choices are One may have a savings ac­ Allah says in the Holy still at our discretion. count, a checking account, Qur' an in discussing the in­ cash in his pocket or other heritance rules: There are conflicts be­ property but one does not tween individual desires designate that a particular and goals of the society. account he loves and the There is pressure on an in­ other he does not. dividual to sacrifice the in­ dividual desires over the The simple way to de­ "Your fathers and your betterment of the society termine would be to see children, you know not we live in. what happens when some­ which of them is nearest to thing or someone that we you in benefit." (4:12) The religion of Islam love departs from us. If it is does not just charge us a tax something we love, it hurts What this verse tells September - October 2009 32 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA us is that there is no guaran­ when his grandfather set up rude and would not give tee and assurance that your the trust, his thought proc­ them food. There they came offspring would be to your ess would have been that across a wall that was about benefit. There is no assur­ he is taking care of the to fall down. The prophet ance that they would spend needs of his grandchildren told Moses that they need to your wealth the way you so they would be able to get fix the wall so it is stabi­ intended it. their education and live lized again. They proceeded happy and comfortable to do that. Once again Because of my profes­ lives. He did not know that Moses questioned him and sion, I come across many the document he was sign­ said why did we have to do rich people and get to know ing could be the death war­ it especially when the peo­ their personal lives. There rant for his grandson. It was ple did not even offer food was a person who would be only three or four years and at least he could have considered a rich man from later that the boy could not charged them labor for fix­ all standards, owner of a handle the wealth he inher­ ing the wall. business, having property ited and committed suicide. and a healthy income At this point he ex­ stream. He was having a lot The Holy Qur'an has plained to Moses why he of problems with one of his given us a way to guarantee had done different things on sons. He would have to the protection of the well his journey. For this par­ leave meetings and be em­ being of our children. ticular instance he ex­ barrassed because he would plained that he was com­ have to go to the police sta­ In the Holy Qur' an, in manded to fix the wall by tion when his son would be Surah Kahf, Allah has re­ Allah because it belongs to arrested. One day I asked lated a story of a prophet two orphans and their father him why is he having so (Hadhrat Khizr) who was had left them inheritance many problems with his set to go to travel upon His which is buried under the son. He told me that his son command. Prophet Moses wall. It needed to be pro­ is young and has too much asked him if he could join tected until they were old money. He is driving ex­ him on this journey. He enough to take control of it pensive cars and wasting agreed on one condition otherwise the villagers money on alcohol, drug etc that whatever he does, would have snatched it and just gets in trouble. So I Moses would not question away. And then he gave the asked him why you let him him otherwise he would not reason why Allah com­ have all this money. He be able to accompany him manded him to do that for said, "I don't. The money anymore. these particular boys. He he got was given to him said: through a trust that his At one place, they ar­ grandfather set up." It is rived at a village and asked UJW.,, W·~tl.j,! (J: ts: called a generation skipping for food. It was a custom in trust. The father cannot those days for the villagers ... "their father had been touch the money and goes to provide food to the trav­ a righteous man" (18:83) directly to the grandchil­ elers moving through the dren when they reach 18 village since there were no The verse does not say years of age. hotels and restaurants. The anything about these boys I was thinking that people in that village were whether they were also September - October 2009 33 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA righteous or not. It only had ple spending in the way of Holy Prophet5aw. to do with their father who Allah and sacrificing before was a good man and Allah the victory cannot be equal Hadhrat Abu Talha guarantees the protection of to the ones spending after Ansarira was a wealthy children of the good and the victory. The compan­ companion and owned righteous persons. ions of the Holy Prophet5aw many date orchards around who believed in Allah and Medina. One of his or­ In this regard, there is His Prophet without any chards was named Buhaira a saying of Prophet David visible signs of success or and was very close to the recorded in the Book of victory gave sacrifices that Prophet'ssaw Mosque. It was Talmud. He said, "I used to are in the eyes of Allah his best orchard because it be young but now I am an much greater than the ones produced the best dates and old man, but I have never who were spending after its well had crisp and delic- seen the children of a good the victory of Mecca. 10us water. The Holy (Saleh) person to go hun­ Prophet5aw would go there gry" We are in Ii ving in the often and drink from the times when Islam is in dire well, rest there and try its (3) need and people who sacri­ dates. When the verse was fice now without seeing any revealed: 'Never shall you Promise of Allah for attain to righteousness Returns obvious signs of the even­ tual spiritual victory of Is­ unless you spend out of lam would certainly be re­ that which you love', he Allah has promised garded with much more re­ came to the Holy prophet returns of 7 times and 70 gard than the people who Muhammadsaw and said, "O times to the people who come after us and would Prophet5aw of Allah, accord­ spend in the way of God. It see the victory. ing to this verse, we must must be noted that 7 or 70 give what we love the most. is used in the Holy Qur'an (4) My most loved possession just as we use 10 or 100 as you know is the orchard times. These are not abso­ Examples of Financial Buhaira and I would like to lute values but indicate Sacrifice Among give it away for the sake of multiple returns. Allah in Companions of the Allah and hope that Allah fact has returned the sacri­ Holy Prophet8aw would grant me a place in fices hundreds of thousands paradise." of times in short periods of There are examples in The Holy Prophet5aw time. the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsaw who acted was so pleased to hear this because it was the true Allah also has pointed and provided the financial spirit of the verse. I believe out another fact that related sacrifices. We all know that it was the best business to the returns. The level of about the sacrifice of deal he ever made in his sacrifice is directly related Hadhrat Abu Bala-111 who life. to the level of righteousness brought all his belongings and certainty that Allah's for the sake of Allah. The Holy Prophet"aw promise is true. Allah says Hadhrat Omara who of­ directed him to give it away in Surah Al Hadid (57: 11) fered half of everything he to some of his relatives who that the sacrifice of the peo- had at the disposal of the September - October 2009 34 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA were not as well off. So he Promised Messiah an­ filled their obligations of gave it to his cousins from nounced that the money the Bai'at. his father's side. (From was needed to finish the Bukhari Kitabut Tafseer) construction of the Minaret It had nothing to do in Qadian. If one hundred with how much was given (5) people would give 100 ru­ but the spirit in which the Companions of the pees each, that would be desire was there to sacrifice Promised Messiahas enough money to complete for the cause of Allah. It the project. He also an­ had nothing to do with the nounced that the names of good times or the bad We have similar ex­ such person would be times, recession or infla­ amples in our Jama'at carved on the minaret so the tion. If you look at their among the companions of coming generations would generations now, Allah has the Promised Messiahas see their names and pray for multiplied those 25 rupees also. Hadhrat Hakim Noo­ them. My grandfather along each that they gave millions ruddin, Khalifatul Mesih ya with his brothers went to of times. who provided everything at the Promised Messiahas and the disposal of the Prom­ said that they could not af­ This is reality TV that ised Messiah. The words of ford to pay 100 rupees each no one can match. the Promised Messiahas but they have discussed it about him reflect the supe­ and the three brothers and riority of the righteousness (6) their father combined could and complete submission to Sacrifice Must come up with the hundred any request that was made Continue at All Times rupees and they requested of him. that it be accepted because The concept of sacri­ they truly want to partici­ On a personal note, I fice that the Holy Qur'an pate in the project. can provide the example of presents is of a continual my grandfather Mian Ima­ basis. Prophet Abrahamas is The Promised Messiahas muddinra and his two broth­ quoted in the Holy Qur'an very kindly accepted their ers as well. as praying in the words offer as an exception and all 'Arina Manasakina ', Show four names are carved on These days there is us the ways we can sacri­ the minaret. The Promised much interest about reality fice for you. Before the ad­ Messiahas knew them and shows on TV. The fact is vent of the Holy Prophet he knew with certainty that that we have reality shows Muhammadsaw, Prophet they did not have 100 ru­ in our families going on for Abrahamas provided the pees each otherwise they the last hundred years with best level of sacrifices in would have given it away in amazing scenes. We just the way of Allah. His re­ the cause of Allah. The quest from Allah was to need to look at our forefa­ Promised Messiahas at an­ thers, how they sacrificed keep showing him how he other occasion said about and how Allah has returned can continue to sacrifice for these three brothers that according to his promises Him. they have brought every­ thousand of times even mil­ thing they had for the cause lions of times. And that is The concept that has of Allah just like Hadhrat only in two generations. been described to us that Abu Bakra and have ful- September - October 2009 35 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA what we spend in the way There are two things investments that people of Allah is what we really that need to be remem­ had gathered for dec­ save because it is recorded bered: ades. It all came to noth­ in our name and our return ing in a short period of is the acceptance and pleas­ 1. Allah does not burden a time. As members of ure of Allah on the Day of soul more than it can this Jama'at, we are Judgment. bear to handle. We are provided the protection not asked to give be­ by Allah. The Promised It is related that the yond our capacity at any Messiahas explained this Holy Prophet had sacrifices point. Place after place in the following words: a goat and its meat was be­ Allah repeats m the ing distributed. The Holy Holy Qur'an that we " ... whoever fully lives Prophet8aw came home in should give from what up to my teaching, he the afternoon and asked his Allah has provided us. It alone enters that house wife Hadhrat Ayeshara how is not the amount but of mine with reference the distribution was going. the spirit of trying to to which God Almighty She answered that every­ please Allah, to spend has promised. Inni thing was gone and that she for the love of Him. Uhafizu kulla mun ful­ was able to save only one Whatever we have as dar "I shall Myself pro­ leg. The Holy Prophet8aw Allah described in the tect all those who are in said, "Ayesha, you should verse I have quoted this house. " It should have said that we saved above, He knows what not, however, be under­ everything except one leg." we are spending and if it stood here that this Di­ is from that which we vine protection is ex­ The principle that the love then we have ful­ tended only to those liv­ Holy Prophet so wisely ex­ filled our responsibility ing within the compass plained is that what we use and we certainly would of my house made of in this world is consumed be counted as righteous mud and bricks: the and finished but what we or a good person in the pledge also encom­ gave in the way of Allah is eyes of Allah. passes those who follow saved m our name for my teaching to the full­ which we will collect the 2. As members of the est extent, and who, rewards from Allah. Ahmadiyya Commu­ the refore, can truly be nity, we should know said to be the inmates Conclusion that our protection is un­ of my spiritual home." der the revelation that (Kashti Nooh page 1) In the difficult eco­ was given to the Prom­ nomic times, it is some­ ised Messiah in the In order for us to be times tempting to forego words Inni Uhafizu counted as a good per­ our responsibilities about kulla mun fuldar. We son in the eyes of Allah, spending in the way of Al­ all have seen on TV and our financial sacrifice lah. People are afraid and newspapers in the last must be part of the good concerned about the future year or so that there was acts we perform. We and their financial security. no protection in the re­ must prepare ourselves tirement accounts and when we would be pre­ sented to our Lord and September - October 2009 36 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

whatever actions and deeds we have sent for Prayer Service the Day of Judgment would be accounted for. at Olympia-State Capital We need to make sure that what we have sent of Washington State forth is valuable, to the best of our capacities and is of the highest Irshad Ahmad Malhi, value. The Promised Missionary South West Region Messiahas has brought this to our attention in the following words in We were invited to conduct Prayer Service at Kashti Noah: Olympia-the State Capital of Washington. Brother Mahbubul Alam Ali, President of the Seattle Ja­ "Strive therefore to ma 'at and Secretary Tabligh accompanied me. I had the utmost that not a jot the honor of conducting the Prayer Service for the or syllable of the Holy House of Representatives of Washington State on Qur'an should bear wit­ ness against you, and behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. cause you to be appre­ hended on that account. After the Prayer Service, a copy of the Holy For, indeed, even a single Qur'an with short commentary and the Philosophy grain of evil is punish­ of the Teachings of Islam were given to Marko Li­ able. The time is very ias, a member of Congress who had arranged our short, the mission of your life not yet fulfilled. Walk visit there. with speed, for the eve­ ning draws nigh. What­ We also had an opportunity to meet Senator ever you have to put be­ Paull Shin of Washington State who is one of the ! ore the Lord, examine it friends of our Community. We spoke to a lady who well, and as often as you was giving a tour of the building and was talking can, lest some defect re­ main to cause irreparable about the historical facts. She mentioned that the loss; or lest you take state of Washington was established in 1889. She something with you which was told that our Community was also established in fact should amount to in 1889. She got interested and asked which com­ no more than filthy and munity is it.. .. she was told about the Ahmadiyya spurious goods, not wor­ Muslim Community and that we believe that the thy to be presented at a royal court." Messiah and the Reformer of the latter days has come. She was happy to learn about this and (Kashti Noah p. 16-17) showed great respect to us. ******* ******** September - October 2009 37 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

JJIHAD AKBAR OF YOUTH Ahmad Chaudhry

,I, 0 ~ If • 1 0 ~ If

Islam also gives us a Salat helps in all the volunteerism in the end most powerful tool in win­ negative emotions which benefits the volunteer the nmg this Jihad-e-Akbar. we have throughout the most. Become engaged to and that is Salat. The day. Anger is eliminated as your fullest in Majlis Khud­ Promised Messiahas writes we slowly and calmly per­ damul Ahmadiyya and in regarding Salat: "The form the prayers focusing the end it will benefit you prayer which produces a on our Creator and not on the most. sweetness and a zeal for the petty things that bring more of worship and which about anger. Jealousy finds In conclusion, our strikes a communication no root as we stand before Khalifah in a sermon three with God and is offered in the Bestower of all things. weeks ago, with specific all humility brings about a Deceit and lying are warded reference to the youth change in the life of a man. off as we speak before the stated: "This is the age And this change is instanta­ All-Knowing. Hopeless­ when one is capable of do­ neously perceived by the ness is eliminated by pray­ ing one's best, however, one who prays like this. ing with certainty before this is also the time when This change makes him re­ the Gracious and Ever Mer­ Nafse Ammara (the self that alize that he is not what he ciful. patience is developed incites to evil) attacks one was before." as we slow down the pace most frequent! y". of our hurried lives. Disci­ (Malfoozat vol. 6, pg. 378) pline is fostered as we make I finish with the words By Salat, it is not time for Salat even in our of the Holy Prophet Mu­ meant just going through busiest schedules. The cure hammadsaw said at the expe­ the motions, though one for so many evils is through dition to Tabuk: "He who may have to do this until a Salat. represses anger, Allah re­ real passion for Salat devel­ wards him. he who faces ops. The task of Jihad-e­ misfortunes with persever­ focusing on our crea­ Akbar is not an easy one. ance, Allah compensates tor and not on the petty especially, if one tries to do him. He who acts only for things that bring about an­ it completely by oneself. fame and reputation, Allah ger. jealousy finds no root but we are not alone. We disgraces him. He who as we stand before the be­ are part of this community. shows patience and forbear­ stower of all things. deciet the youth of our community ance, Allah gives him a and lying are warded off as have an organization de­ double reward." we speak before the all­ voted just for them: Majlis knowing. hopelessness is Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. an May Allah help the eliminated by praying with organization filled with youth of our community certainty before the the gra­ youth, engaged in the same and all of us to embrace the cious and ever merciful. struggle as yourself. A spi­ challenges of Jihad Akbar patience is developed as we ritual organization, where and live our lives right­ slow down the pace of our you can find like minded eously. lnsha Allah. hurried lives. discipline is individuals, striving for fostered as we make time their own self-reformation, for salat even in our busiest utilizing their talents, giv­ ******* schedules. the cure for so ing of their time. The act of many evils is through salat. September - October 2009 42 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

MESSIAH FILMS: A NEW APPROACH TO SPREADING OUR MESSAGE

Dr. Basiyr Rodney

126. CalJ unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom a.nd goodly exhorta­ tion, and argue with them in a way that is best. Surely. thy Lord knows best who has strayed from His way; and He knows those who are rightly guided.

In this short verse the eastern world, to Ethio­ enjoined in Surah Al-Nahl (16:126) Allah in the Holy pia, Rome, Persia, Syria verse 126." Qur' an has laid the ground­ and Egypt. Thus he laid for work for conveying the mes­ us the ideal example to It is in this example sage of Islam. The word spread this teaching of Is­ and with this spirit that "Hikmat" here can be trans­ lam and to defend the faith. Messiah Films was born. lated as "wisdom of science". The project was initiated by Of course in one sense this In his Friday Ser­ Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadi­ means that Muslims must mon of 14 December 2007, yya USA with the blessings present the truth of Islam Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih of Hadhrat Khalifatul Ma­ with knowledgeable and ra­ yaba, referred to this impor­ sih yaba. The primary pur­ tional arguments. However tance of reading and writing pose of Messiah Films is to this word Hikmat can also presented by the Holy defend the faith of Islam mean using whatever scien­ Prophetsaw. When after the especially from the attacks tific means we have available battle of Badr prisoners against the perfect image of to call men to the way of Al­ of war were freed if they the Holy Propheeaw. Mes­ lah. taught the Ansar the tech­ siah films are a continua­ nologies of reading and tion of the Jihad of the Holy The Holy Propheeaw used writing. Hazootaw went on Propheeaw against all of letters to the leaders of the to explain that "we should those who continue to at­ world in his time to convey be mindful that today the tempt to extinguish the light the message of Islam. De­ ways and means for us to of truth that is Islam. spite the fact that writing as a attain triumph are also means of communication was through wisdom and knowl­ Messiah Films is an not common among his peo­ edge. Those resources online video channel on ple or in his time. The Holy should be used for Tabligh You Tube. Y ouTube is an Prophetsaw sent letters and purposes that have wisdom online video service that al­ emissaries to the corners of and knowledge, just as it is lows people anywhere in September - October 2009 43 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA the world to upload or pub­ encouraged the use of tech­ "attacks on Islam" is a so lish short videos usually nology in this effort. One called Islamic or Muslim about 3 minutes. These vid­ occasion he asked Hadhrat government such as the eos can be about anything Hakeem Nurruddinra to re­ case of the Sudan in 2007 entertainment, education, cord a message to a phono­ in which a teacher Gillian politics - anything. In fact graph record. This record Gibbons was charged with YouTube's tagline is "Broa­ remains as living testimony inciting religious hatred for dcast Yourself". to his own acceptance of allowing children in her the tools of the age to be class to name their Teddy As we have all seen used in the cause of Islam. Bear Mohammed. This in the period since Septem­ In one poem he said: teacher served 15 days in ber 11th and even before, jail for the offence. Messiah the honor of our Holy Mes­ Awaaz Aa Rahi hai Yeh films responded to this sengefaw has come under Phonograph say event before the whole serious attacks. From the Dhoondo Khuda ko Dil say world. Here is how Messiah Danish cartoons to the slew na Lafo Guzaaf say Films handled the issue: of books spewing venom The sound is emanating [Teddy Bear Video] attempting to discredit the from the phonograph http://www.youtube.com/ greatest human being to Find your Lord truly with watch? walk the earth, Ahmadis heart and not with fun and v=HFUfdu4diyY &feature= could not sit idly by. As jokingly those who claim to be fol­ channel_page lowers at the highest level So Y ouTube is one of this messenger, how such scientific means Through Messiah could we stand by and take ("Hikmat") that our Jama'at Films we are constantly what amounted to be slaps has been using to broadcast dealing with the hard­ in our own faces. Today we programs from MT A, such hitting issues of the day. In see people ready to march as documentaries, Ha­ some circles for example in the streets to defend their zoot1ba Friday sermons etc. terrorists are sometimes political candidates. That is Messiah Films is a natural called "freedom fighters". the same across the world. tool for this environment This is the case whether As human beings we take because it allows us to these people who use fear personal offence to some­ broadcast quick responses as a weapon is Muslim, one being disrespectful to to various criticisms on Is­ Christian or some other anyone that we have at­ lam. Here is a quick over­ faith. In one of our messiah tached ourselves to. How view of Messiah Films film productions "Martyrs then could we sit by and from one of the videos on or Murderers" our commen­ watch this parade of abuse the channel. tators tackle this issue head being thrown at the honor on using the Islamic per­ of our beloved. [Messiah Films Video] spective. http://www.youtube.com/ It is this reality that watch [Martyrs or Murders] http:// stirred us to action. We also v=D75XcgLFhJI&feature= www .youtube.com/watch? wanted to reflect the quali­ channel v=NH852IcvYI&feature=c ties of the Messiahas. He hannel himself spoke out against Messiah Films comes any dishonor against the to the defense of Islam To be sure, the Mes­ Holy Prophet (saws). He whether the perpetrators of siah films project is also a September - October 2009 44 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA continuation of the work of and handbills very widely creating videos together Hadhrat Ahmadas the Prom­ in a society and world in even though they are far ised Messiah. As the "King which these things were not apart. The content is diverse of the Pen" he employed the norm. In that sense he so some people are inter­ every means and used the was revolutionary in his ested in some of the power­ perfect "Hikmat" to defend aim, purpose and activities. ful discourses of the Prom­ Islam. He was so successful ised Messiahas others in the It is in this spirit that we in his defense that people as controversies in the Bible. have carried Messiah Films. far away as the United Any topic in defense of Is­ Y ouTube and other online States and Britain came into lam is ripe for the taking. video services are in their contact with his writings We end our videos with the baby stages. Despite the and discourses. As we are tagline - I know these fact that YouTube has 100 all aware the Promised things because I am a Mus­ million American users Messiahas was a prolific lim who believes in the there is still more than 1 writer. By 1893 just 4 years Messiah - this conveys billion cell phone users after initiating the Ahmadi­ clearly who we are and our worldwide. Moreover there yya Movement he had sent agenda. nearly 16,000 registered let­ are more than 147 million ters to the ruling and upper total YouTube viewers. Of Of the more than class people of India. the more than 100 million 12,000 Ahmadis in the videos online only 6% is USA if just 120 of us - 1% But when we look at dedicated to education. create one video following the environment that he was This means that Messiah this Jalsa then we will have writing, not many people Films has a potentially an additional 120 voices were literate. In 1901 the unlimited audience in a way and videos standing in de­ British took a census in In­ that many Tabligh tools do fense of Allah and his Mes­ dia. In the British controlled not allow. This arena is ripe sengerssaw. In attaching our­ territories only 1 in 69 Mus­ for all of us to develop con­ selves to the Imam of the lims of any age were liter­ tent to spread the message Age we are all now a part ate. In terms of adults the of Islam and defend the of a revolutionary vanguard census records that only 1 honor of Allah's messenger who stand ready to serve in 46 adults over 20 were the Holy Prophet Muham­ the cause of Allah. Let us literate in India at this time. madsaw and his spiritual son leave here with a promise to That means of the 22.5 mil­ the Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam develop one short film for lion people in the British Ahmadas of Qadian. the Messiah film channel. territories only 857,000 or less than 1 million could Our Messiah Films In the end. May Al­ actually read and write, channel on Y ouTube is lah help us to convey his even in their own native open for all of us to upload message to the people languages (Gaitt, pp. 263 - content. If you take a look Ameen. May he help us to 264). Now of course we at these videos online (we remain steadfast with our take some of these statistics are also distributing a DVD pledge to the Imam of the with a grain of salt. But for here at Jalsa) you will see age and King of the Pen. our purposes it is clear that different brothers from all Ameen. Summa. Ameen. the Promised Messiahas was over the USA creating vid­ publishing books, leaflets eos. In some cases they are ******* September - October 2009 45 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

HELPERS IN THE CAUSE OF ALLAH

Jalaluddin A. Latif

At least in my life time message of the True Islam in 1972, the mention of him in, I that response: We are the to the needy and the needy think it was "The Economic helpers of Allah', has never are those who have been Structure of an Islamic Soci­ seemed more pertinent than given the corrupted version ety" by Musleh Mau'oodra. I now. Look at current events. of the beautiful religion of was immediately in awe of this It's time to step up and grasp Islam whether Muslim, person who at the tender age of the momentum of the pace of Christian, Jew or what ever 23-24 years immediately went the times that is sweeping Religion or philosophy you to Russia when he was asked, over the entire world. From might follow. and without a passport. The the amazing presidential amazing thing was 3 or 4 election recently in the USA. You can feel the ex­ months before his volunteering The crashes of the economic citement and enthusiasm all Hazoora had mentioned in a systems of the west. The rise around you. History is re­ Khutba that he intended to of Eastern nations to becom­ peating its self. I believe the send a missionary to Bukhara, ing major players on the hand of Allah is moving USSR and Maulvi Zahoor Hus­ world stage. The Middle East things in position for us to sain was thinking he hoped he about to explode and wide take the lead. There is a could go. Meanwhile he had spread opposition to Ahmadi­ great need now for mem­ begun having this liking for yyat, the true Islam in many bers of the Ahmadi yya Surahs Al-Kahf and Yusuf and different countries. These are Muslim Community to de­ memorized them both. Surah opportunities for those who vote their time to the pro­ Al-Kahf pertains to Gog and would step up to assume the grams of Waqf-e-Ardhi and Magog, Gog being the Rus­ role of helpers in the cause of Waqf-e-Zindaghi. and serve sians, and Sura Yusuf pertain­ Allah. Now is our time. As the Jama'at in whatever ca­ ing to the prophet being im­ the popular phrase of today pacity we can. Our history prisoned. The thought started goes; Change has come to is full of examples of those growing in his mind that he America. We can affect this with little or no resources would be thrown in prison also. change by making sacrifices who have changed their Can you imagine realizing this in the spirit of the ones who times just by answering the and still wanting to go ahead. made the sacrifices in the call of the Imam of this age, He started out in July, 1924. times of the Holy Prophet6aw) the Promised Messiahas. Just before he went into Russia and the Promised Messiahas. he stopped in this border town Today, we, The Ahmadiyya When I was asked to in Iran and contracted typhoid Muslim Community are the give a speech on this topic, fever and was not able to re­ Helpers of Allah in the spirit the first thing I thought of cover until Dec 8th when he of the Ansar of Medina in the was my first hero in Islam; continued in to Russia and Dec Holy Prophet's time. Our Maulvi Zahoor Hussain, 10th entered the town of Arthak Khalifah has called us to be missionary to USSR in on the Russian side. There he helpers of Allah today. It is 1924. When I first joined was thrown into the dungeon us who have to bring this the Ahmadiyya community of a building that was unfit for September - October 2009 46 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA human habitation as a British along with some of the evenings. They are credited spy He was moved to 3 other members are making huge with keeping the New York prisons in the course of 2 financial sacrifices in con­ Jama' at functioning. There years and eventual! y wound verting a recently purchased were times when they came up in Moscow. He was tor­ building into a beautiful to the meeting and there was tured most brutally during Mosque. The history of no one there but them and this period and still propa­ Ahmadiyyat in America their two families. They gated to inmates and wardens cannot be recorded without would still hold the meeting and got converts. I had the mentioning the sacrifices and drive back to New Jer­ great honor of meeting him that were made by those sey. Prior to renting the 2nd and spending time with him early pioneers. I had per­ floor of the building on in 1975 in Rabwah. We be­ sonal contact with Bashir Archer Ave there was num­ came friends and he came to Afzal as he moved to New ber of locations they had in say farewell when I was Jersey, and I met him and Manhattan as well as the about to leave. His picture is Muhammad Sadiq when I Harlem section. Just to illus­ always on a wall in my resi­ joined the Jama' at. They trate the spirit of sacrifice; dences along with the late were an inspiration to every they were meeting in the liv­ Al-Haj Muhammad Sadiq, American Ahmadi as well ing room of the late Talib Bashir Afzal, and Maulvi as Pakistani/Indian that Dawood of Philadelphia who Abdul Ghafur Soofi. knew them. They were the was preaching Ahmadiyyat first to donate their time to them in his 117th St. Apart­ These three were in­ and money for the cause of ment. They moved from strumental in presenting Is­ Islam. there to the apartment of Ab­ lam in true practice to me. dullah Buhaima, aka Art There were others of course It was in Jamaica Blakey, the late famous who were pioneers of USA Queens NY where I took American drummer both of Jama'ats, that made great Bai'at during the third them and Sadiq were profes­ sacrifices. There was Abdur Khalifah Mirza Nasir sional musicians and that's Rahman who recently passed Ahmad'srh time and Mu­ how Muhammad Sadiq was away. He was instrumental in hammad Sadiq, being the introduced to Islam. He gave starting the Baltimore Ja­ President of the New York up that profession when he ma 'at at the Garrison Blvd Jama' at initiated me into was on the verge of a bril­ location. That building was the community. He and liant career and took a job once his property. He do­ Bashir Afzal both lived in with the city as a painter. nated it to the Jama'at. New Jersey and it was a They decided they needed a Bashir Afzal along with forty plus mile drive from permanent address and began Ahmad Shaheed and his their homes to the Archer renting a loft at the intersec­ wife, Alliyah Shaheed who is Ave Mission House in J a­ tion of 116th and Lennox still with us, and others are maica Queens, NY where Ave, across the street from the early pioneers of the the Jama'at Mission was the Nation of Islam sect's Pittsburgh Jama' at, one of and they always made Ju­ present mosque. They later oldest centers of the commu­ mu'ah and Jama'at meet­ moved to the 87th Street loca­ nity in America. I have heard ings. Then they were on tion and then on 30th St. stories of their sacrifices. To­ every Sunday. During These last two places were in day in Pitsburgh, the son of Ramadan they made Ta­ Manhattan, more like Mid the late Ahmad Shaheed, raveeh on the week end Town. It was from there they September - October 2009 47 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA went to Archer Ave. I men­ asked for pledges from the larly took him with us to the tion this because they were a members. Muhammad mission house in Brooklyn, few African American mem­ Sadiq had about two or NY. He was particularly en­ bers and a missionary and a three payments to go on his deared to the Philadelphia couple of Pakistani Ahmadi' s 30 year mortgage to have Jama' at by serving them in with very limited resources paid off the loan. He refi­ the missionary capacity. He, and there were many times nanced his home for like Muhammad Sadiq and that Muhammad Sadiq and $40,000 to pay for a pledge Bashir Afzal was like a father Bashir Afzal paid the rent for that he made. By this time to me and my family. these places since they had he was retired, blind and permanent jobs with steady living on a pension. I can All three of them income. This, on top of their recall that He and Bashir have passed away and many prescribed Chanda contribu­ Afzal always paid on the of you who recently came to tions. local mosque fund when America may not remember they gave their money them but still among us is Muhammad Sadiq monthly. They firmly be­ Abid Haneef of the Boston was the first American I lieved in building a Jama'at, the father of Mau­ knew of who was a Moosi. mosque. Allah so blessed lana Azhar Haneef, the mis­ He understood what AlWasi­ his devotion to being a sionary in St Louis, MO, was yyat was all about before I helper in the cause of Allah, in the NY Jama 'at then . had even heard of it. I wrote A brother heard about his Abid Haneef and others were a article about him and men­ refinancing his home and early companions of Muham­ tioned some things but I'd asked to anonymously pay mad Sadiq and they were a like to mention again this one his pledge for him. I was Tabligh team in New York thing again because we here reminded of the sacrifices City and preached Islam all in America seem to have a of Hadhrat Abu Bakra and over the city passing out lit­ problem with financial sacri­ Umar\ What an exhibition erature,etc. I remember being fices especially among the of selflessness! ! told about an incident they well to do. Hazooraba has had in Madison Square Gar­ asked that there should be Abdul Ghafoor Soofi den, the heart of New York 50% of the members at least was a missionary here and City passing out literature who become Moosi. I learned we know what sacrifices and preaching, and there was at the Shurah a couple of they have made in general a program being put on there months ago that there was by devoting their entire by the famous evangelist only a couple of Jama'ats lives to the cause of Allah Christian Billy Graham. that had 50% and they were and Islam. When I met him They were told to move small Jama'ats. I can't say he was retired from service across the street but people for sure whether it was the but we spent many times attending the program com­ Promised Messiahas or one of together with him instruct­ plained to the police to re­ our Khalifah' s but I seem to ing me and my family in move them because of the recall hearing that you should Islamic traditions and prac­ provocative literature they be considered a hypocrite if tices. He was our neighbor were passing out and both of you don't become a Moosi. in Bronx, NY and we all them were beaten bloody by We were trying to buy a would sit around the table, the police and thrown in jail. building in New Jersey in the his family and us and share As soon as they were placed 1980's and the president meals together. We regu- in the cell they asked for a September - October 2009 48 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA newspaper and spread it out Today we are asked to tle of your money, for that and offered their Salat. The sacrifice some time and you get to win the pleasure of Missionary Ghulam Yasin some money and that's it. Allah. got a lawyer and came and That's the least we can do. got them out of the fix. This Look at what the compan­ Look at the example of was the time when the Nation ions of the Holy Prophet8aw 3 of our young Imams . I am of Islam was very active un­ was asked to do. If they referring to Imams Azhar der the leadership of Mal­ were Muslims what are we? Haneef, Zaki Kauser and Ya­ colm X in NY and while No one is asking you to go h ya Luqman. They have preaching in Harlem they war. Hazooraba is asking us dedicated their lives in a pe­ were beaten up by some of to increase our worship. To riod when the influence of his followers and also chased examine our selves look the Dajjal has over run the off the comers of what was into our own hearts. Be­ entire world. The evil that is the Nation of Islam territory. come a helper in the cause dominant in these societies is They used to carry a folding of Allah. When The Holy devouring the youth of this ladder or a box and an Prophet8aw asked for helpers country at alarming levels. American flag and stop on a there was only 313 ill clad, There example is an inspira­ comer and set up there a ill fed poor people who tion to the young and old. makeshift stage, and Muham­ were mostly farmers who mad Sadiq would start stepped up. What did they We just recently loss preaching to the passing peo­ say? Did they say, "I have our beloved Na 'ib Ameer ple. guests; I have to spend Munir Hamid. Look at his some time with my family life. He became Ahmadi at Have you seen the this week end' or some about 16 years old. At 16 the Boston Jama'at's commu­ other excuse we popularly farthest thing from my mind nity . The area was practi­ use. No, they said "Oh was Islam and becoming a cally all woods and Abid prophet of Allah , we will Muslim. When I joined the Haneef dug out the road and not say to you what the Community he was the head utility trenches with a small people of Mosesas said to of the Khuddam. He had back hoe. I showed this to a him. We will fight on your come up to New York and friend of mine who ran a right and fight on your left hold meetings and would heavy engineering company we will fight at your back sometimes bring the draft of and he couldn't believe it. and fight in front of you the monthly paper the Khud­ They now have a street there and the enemy will only dam was publishing then, named Nasir Ahmad Road. reach you walking on our "The Real Revolution" we'd This was his dream and he dead bodies". Just think put it together on the floor of lived it. They have a spot re­ how would we respond to a the Mission and pile in my served for a Mosque on a similarity today? What if VW and we would go down small rise on Nasir Ahmad we were asked to join 312 to China Town to have it road and Insha Allah they others to go fight mercenar­ printed. He was always in­ will have it built. Hadhrat ies that was fighting Iraq or spiring to me. Such a learned Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khali­ Delta Force or some other man, such a humble and lov­ fatul Masih IVrh inaugurated highly trained force bent on ing person. His whole life the mission house and con­ exterminating you. All you was dedicated to community gratulated him on his sacri­ are asked for is your He rose to leadership of the fices. Prayers in congregation, Ahmadiyya Muslim Commu­ some of your time and a lit- nity in USA September - October 2009 49 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

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THE REALITY OF A LIVING GOD

Abdul Rahim Hubbs, Chino, CA

The Holy Prophet study on religion was re­ and cruel interpretations Muhammadsaw related a vealed a few months ago have led many to claim that very simple, but deep teach­ that caused a stir. This poll religion is little more than a ing on the nature of God: revealed that since 1990, tool of division and ma­ He said, "Allah manifests the number of Americans nipulation of the masses. Himself to a person accord­ that claim no religious af­ The bottom line is that this ing to that person's concep­ filiation nearly doubled - ongoing perversion is stain­ tion of Him. Allah says, from 8.2% up to more than ing the name of religion in 'As My servant conceives 15%. Headlines stated, general, and has led to mis­ of me, in the same manner I "America Losing its Relig­ trust and even disgust with treat him."' ion". These statistics seem religion in a growing num­ to indicate that America is ber of people. (Sahih Bhukhari, Kitabul becoming a more agnostic Tauhid; narrated by and atheistic country. And Religious hypocrisy is Hadhrat Wasaila). if we look at the way that warned about by Almighty This is a profound religion is usually presented Allah in the Holy Qur'an in concept worthy of some to the public, it's not very the strongest terms: consideration. It suggests difficult to understand why. that our own defects in un­ Sadly, religion currently 0 ye who believe! derstanding and our own suffers from both external surely, many of the priests misperceptions can color and internal problems that and monks devour the our relationship with and have put many people off wealth of men by false experience of God. In from religion and God alto­ means and tum men away many ways, we may limit gether. from the way of Allah ... or distort the way in which Give to them the tidings of God manifests in our lives. Internally, many reli­ a painful punishment. Basically, we see the God gious sects and even many (9:34) we want to see - whether or of the major religious de­ not this matches with real­ nominations have presented The Qur' an gives such ity is another story. extreme ideologies and a harsh warning for a rea­ have clung to erroneous and son: There is nothing more And at this moment in even ridiculous beliefs. disgusting than bad behav­ history, this simple but We've seen fanaticism and ior and meanness from powerful truth is fundamen­ meanness all in the name of those who openly profess to tal to understanding the cur­ religion. We've seen hide­ be spiritual people or lead­ rent state of religion and ous violence done in the ers. faith in our nation and in name of religion. And our world. we've seen plenty of hy­ The Holy Prophet pocrisy from religious fig­ Muhammadsaw once re­ A recent poll and ures. These sick behaviors marked that ignorant and September - October 2009 51 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA ill-tempered religious scho­ condemned religion alto­ specifically of His Mercy, lars and tyrannical leaders gether. The average person is what takes us away from are the very agents that de­ who denounces religion al­ Him. So, in relation to the stroy religion. This hypoc­ most invariably ignores the teaching of the Holy Proph­ risy amongst religious lead­ holes in their own philoso­ et5aw that I began with to­ ers deeply violates the pub­ phies and remains a slave to day, atheists and agnostics lic perception and trust. their own ego. Condemn­ have accepted the idea of a The masses look to reli­ ing religion wholesale is a dead, unforgiving god and, gious experts for guidance cheap rationalization and a thus, a dead, unforgiving and meaning in their lives. cop-out for people who god manifests in their lives. To have this trust violated would rather avoid the dif­ Their misconceptions draw and to see corruption in ficult process of spiritual them more and more to­ those leading the flock, is self-reflection and reform. wards the materialistic, heart-breaking and creates a The simple truth is, it's eas­ blinding their eyes to the deep despair and eventual ier to attack religion than to hidden spiritual reality all rebellion in people. face oneself. around them.

On the other hand, the To contemplate and But the reality is: God external critics of religion face our own imperfections is not like this. In the Holy have also unfairly under­ and shortcomings in life is Qur' an, Allah is described mined religion. Atheist in­ one of the most difficult ex­ repeatedly as oft-returning tellectuals attack easy reli­ ercises that any person can with compassion and gious targets and, much like ever do. Most will never do mercy. He is described as the over-literalist fanatics it - and for one simple rea­ liberal in forgiving. We are themselves, they only view son: The Whispering force told that Allah is always things superficially or out of Evil has whispered into there. The Holy Qur' an of context. The net result is their hearts and convinced commands us to announce that people are being in­ them that God has aban­ His message: creasingly turned away doned them. from something that could Say, "O My servants positively guide and trans­ Allah states in the who have committed ex­ form their lives for the bet­ Holy Qur'an ... cesses against their own ter. souls! Despair not of the Those who disbelieve mercy of Allah, surely Al­ So in a tragic and in the Signs of Allah and lah forgives all sins. Verily overly-simplistic way, peo­ the meeting with Him - it He is Most Forgiving, Ever ple are throwing the baby is they who have despaired Merciful. (39.54) out with the bath water. of My mercy. (29:24) But there's more to the The Holy Qur' an es­ story than just hypocritical Allah defines here that tablishes that from the very religious people and exter­ those who disbelieve have beginning, the very purpose nal critics of religion. An­ done so because of their of the creation of man is to other, probably more cru­ own despair of His All establish communion and cial element, points back to Merciful Nature. From communication with God. the very same people who this, it is clear that one's All the way back to the first have cast judgment on and misconception of God, and Prophet, Adam3 5, God has September - October 2009 52 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA been establishing this rela­ it. And to be deprived of On his way to attempt tionship with His Creation. this union becomes the the murder of Allah's Holy most dreadful fate imagin­ Messengersaw, someone The God of Islam is a able for one who has tasted point-ed out that he should Living God and Islam's it. first stop by his sister's chief aim is to acquaint hu­ house, as she and her hus­ mankind with a true picture This communication band had converted to Is­ of that God and to establish is what is called spiritual lam. Umar, now in a fury, communication and a liv­ life. The absence of it is a bolted to his sister's house ing relationship with Him. type of death. The Prophets and began to beat his The Qur'an affirms God's of God all came to establish brother in law and in the nearness to us and urges this type of communication process bloodied his sister's our active participation in and, in essence, to raise the nose. Despite her bloody communicating with him. dead to life. nose, his sister stood her It says: ground - she said, 'Umar, And God answers you can beat us as much as "And when My servants prayer by showing remark­ you like, you may even kill ask thee about Me, say: 'I able signs. History is full us, but we will never give am near. I answer the of signs from the Living up Islam.' It was here, prayer of the supplicant God in answer to the where the Living God be­ when he prays to Me. So prayers of His believing gan to melt the heart of one they should hearken to Me servants. of Islam's fiercest enemies and believe in Me, that they and lift the veil from his may follow the right way.' What else but a Living eyes. Within just days, he " (2:187) God answered the prayers would be humbly sacrific­ of the Holy Prophet Mu­ ing his wealth and honor to hammadsaw7 At a time when Prayer to the Living further the cause that he God is not a one-sided the early Muslims were was before intent on de­ event in Islam. Doors of brutally persecuted and ex­ stroying. Hadhrat Um~ perception and blessings tremely weak, the Holy would become one of the open for those who regu­ Prophet made a plea to the greatest champions of Islam larly engage in sincere Living God to give him one and even the Second Suc­ prayer. Minor and major of the Umars, as there were cessor to the Prophet Mu­ miracles begin to manifest two powerful enemies of hammad, carrying and es­ in a person's life. Signs of Islam both with the name tablishing his standard at guidance appear to the per­ Umar. Just days later, one Jerusalem and the Holy son, giving them inspira­ of those Umars - Umar ibn Land. tion and direction that leads Khattabra - who held great to ultimate success in this hatred for Islam, left his The entire early his­ life and the next. Prayer is house in a rage. Out of ex­ tory of Islam is a testimony an active exchange and asperation, he had made up to the power of a Living two-way communication his mind up to kill the Holy God and His answers to between the supplicant and Prophet Muhammadsaw and prayers. Backwards no­ the One supplicated to. To to put to an end, once and mads who drank, gambled experience this communion for all, to the religion of Is­ and killed with reckless is to become captivated by lam. abandon became trans­ formed from worse than September - October 2009 53 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA animals to perfect paragons nessed great signs in sup­ huge and growing move­ of humility, sacrifice and port of this humble servant ment came to a grinding virtue. What else but a Liv­ of the Living God. In halt and disappeared. ing God could transform an America a century ago, the Dowie's empire was entire nation in the blink of great Alexander Dowie was crushed almost overnight. an eye? a national religious icon Even Dowie's health was comparable to the likes of wrecked and he turned to And the Living God Billy Graham in modem the alcohol that he preached still shows His Signs. Just times. Dowie regularly against to mask his pain. as Allah showed unques­ filled huge auditoriums and At the same time, the older tionable signs for the Holy even Madison Square Gar­ and weaker Mirza Ghulam Prophet Muhammadsaw, He den and was renowned as a AhmadaS. who was sur­ now shows signs for the potent and successful faith­ rounded by enemies and Promised One sent for the healer. In addition to his perpetual threat, continued reformation and return of huge religious congrega­ to advance. His community the True Islam: tion, he even actually estab­ continued to flourish and lished, owned and operated spread throughout the world Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas an entire U.S. city. But de­ into the tens of millions. In was born in a tiny, remote spite all of this, the Living the final stroke of irony, the village in India. He spent God manifested a Monu­ Ahmadi Muslim Commu­ his days in study of the mental Sign and Verdict in nity established a vibrant Holy Qur' an and his nights favor of Hadhat Mirza Ghu­ mosque and community in in the mosque crying to Al­ lam Ahmadas. Several ma­ the city of Zion, Illinois - lah. He suffered enormous jor US newspapers even the same city that Dowie anguish as to the state of documented this spiritual once owned and controlled. the world and especially the duel, which ended m spiritual condition of the Dowie' s complete ruin. Every era is marked Muslims. This anguish, with signs of the Living coupled with his deep love Because Dowie was God, both big and small. of the Holy Propheeaw, an influential religious The Living God manifests brought him nearer and leader and viciously and Himself in every era for nearer to the Living God, wrongly attacked the relig­ anyone with eyes to see. who began to favor him ion of Islam and the charac­ He listens to those with the with ongoing true dreams ter of its Propheeaw, the courage to call on Him and and revelation, as well as Living God would answer shows Himself to the seek­ powerful arguments and him through a remote, un­ ers. And in this era, none reasoning to defend Islam heard of servant of the have received more signs and its Holy Propheeaw_ It Muslims. After repeated from the Living God than was because his faith and pleas to Dowie by Hadhrat the Reformer and Imam belief in God was so enor­ Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas to Mahdi Mirza Ghulam mous, that the Living God retreat from these insolent Ahmadas. Despite bitter on­ manifested Himself in mi­ and distorted attacks, Allah going persecution and a raculous ways for the whole rendered His Verdict: mountain of worldly obsta­ world to witness. Dowie's family and com­ cles, the community of this munity disintegrated. His Messiah continues to grow Even America wit- wealth vanished. His once and establish the verdict of September - October 2009 54 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Allah, the Living God. every beauty in Him. This Against all odds and amidst wealth is worth procuring PRAYER a completely chaotic Mus­ though one might have to lim world, his community lay down one's life to pro­ Hadhrat Abu- Hurairahra has established over 10,000 cure it. This ruby is worth has related that the Holy mosques, hundreds of purchasing though one may Prophetsaw said: "Prayer in schools, hospitals, 24 hour have to lose oneself to ac­ congregation is twenty-three satellite television in multi­ quire it. Oh ye, who are be­ to twenty-nine times greater ple languages, countless reft, run to this fountain and in merit than Prayer at home charities and continues to it will satisfy you. It is the or in the shop etc. Therefore, disseminate the message fountain of life that will when a person makes his and publications of the save you. What shall I do, ablutions carefully and Promised Messiahas around and how shall I impress the proceeds to the mosque with the world. And not once, hearts with this good news, the sole purpose of joining in has his community ever and by beating what drum the service, his station rises been associated with a sin­ shall I make the announce­ in grade at every step and gle act of terror or injustice. ment that this is our God, so one of his sins is wiped out. that people might hear? From the moment he enters As we've established What remedy shall I apply the mosque he is accounted over this weekend, God is to the ears of the people so as a participant in the service Living and He Speaks. He that they should listen?" while waiting for the service does not allow pretenders to to begin, and, so long as he flourish. This is a promise (Kashti Nooh, p. 19-20) causes no inconvenience to He makes in both the Bible anyone and he maintains his and the Qur'an. False So, on these words, I abolution, the angels conti­ claimants will not bear pray that Allah, the Living, nue to pray for him: 'Allah, fruits, instead they will the All Powerful, the All have mercy upon him; meet with humiliation and Merciful, cause us to all to Allah, forgive him; Allah, destruction. The only vari­ see the reality of His Exis­ tum to him with compassion.' able left now is us and our tence and to draw near to " perceptions - Can we see Him in the two-way com­ munication of prayer. I ( Bukhari kitabussalat bab the Reality of the Living f adl salatul jama 'at) God? also pray that Allah con­ tinue the reformation of Is­ Hadhrat Ibn 'Umarra I think it is appropri­ lam and the living relation­ ship with Him that is the relates that the Holy ate to end with the words of Prophetsaw said: "Prayer in the Promised Messiah, Ahmadi Muslim Commu­ nity. Ameen. congregation is twenty seven Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and times more beneficent than his plea to humanity to tum Assalamu Alaikum wa Rah­ Prayer observed on one's to the Living God. He own." wrote: matullah. May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be (Muslim kitabussalat bab "Our God is our para­ upon everyone. fad! salatul jama 'at) dise. Our highest delight is in our God for we have ******* seen Him and have found ******* September - October 2009 55 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA PROPHET MUHAMMAD'Ssaw FAREWELL SERMON Maulana Azhar Haneef Transcribed by: Parisa Jaffari

My dear brothers, my tremists to engage in vio­ views about Islam. Half those dear sisters and those guests lence against civilians has polls say we support the who have taken the time to led some in my country to President but think these peo­ join us on this blessed occa­ view Islam as hostile not ple have some issues. It goes sion of our annual gathering. only to America and West­ on and says, and gives some It is a pleasure to stand be­ ern counties but also to hu­ figures, it says there is still a fore you today and speak on man rights. This has bred broad lack of familiarly with the subject of the Farewell more fear and mistrust." the worlds second largest re­ Address of the Founder of ligion. 55% of those polls Islam, the Holy Prophet Mu­ I think everyone of us said they are without a basic hammadsaw. To introduce the sitting in the audience today of understanding of the importance and significance that is a Muslim under­ teachings and beliefs of Is­ of this subject I would like to stands exactly what is being lam you may think that quote from the words of our explained in the words of would be a reverse of the President of the United our President. It is a strug­ trend after 9/11, and all the States, Barack Obama while gle which one member of books that have been pushed addressing the Muslim world this faith no matter where out and all these talk shows, in Cairo Egypt on June the they live on the planet now and all these Imams, and all 12th 2009. He said, and I goes through in trying to these interfaith gatherings, quote: bring a greater understand­ and now we must understand ing and bridge the gap of each other better. In these 8-9 "We meet at a time of misunderstanding, between years, its not the case. tension between the United the Muslim and non Mus­ States and the Muslims lim world. Recent polls in I myself have gone around the world. Tension America confirms exactly around, North, South, East rooted in historical forces what the President has said. and West, and I have met so that go beyond any current Perhaps you have seen many people, and it always policy debate. The relation­ them. I have mentioned shocks me when someone ship between Islam and the them before but I will share says you are the first Imam I West includes centuries of one poll again. On March have ever met in my life. The coexistence and cooperation, 26-29 by the Washington first Imam in this America in but also conflict and religious Post it says, again I quote " 2009, and then they say, I wars. While the extremists Most Americans think know nothing about your re­ have exploited these tensions President Obama's pledge ligion please teach us. It m a small but potent minor­ to seek a new way forward amazes you that in this age of ity of Muslims, the attacks of with the Muslim world is an technology and information­ September 11, 2001 and the important goal even as sharing, people still don't continued efforts of these ex- nearly half hold negative know the basics about this September - October 2009 56 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA faith. Its speaking to us as a still no wonder that Presi­ ground. We must begin to Muslim body. It goes on and dent Obama then applied to share our values so they real­ says about half, 48%, they the assembly in Cairo, and ize our values are inline with have an unfavorable view to the world at large, and the values of our country. It about Islam. This is the high­ this again I quote "so long is a great pleasure and pre­ est in the poll since late 2001. as our relationship is de­ sents a great moment in his­ Nearly 3 in 10 or 29% said fined by our differences, we tory, wether you are Muslim they see the mainstream Is­ will empower those who or non-Muslim to see exactly lam as advocating violence sow hatred rather than what Islam stood for. against non Muslims. Al­ peace, and who promote though 58% said it is a conflict rather than the co­ It was the moment in peaceful religion, what is in­ operation that can help all the life of Prophet Muham­ madsaw when he realized his teresting about the poll is the of our people achieve jus­ deep division along the gen­ tice and prosperity. This cy­ days are very few, and he had erational divide. Those who cle of suspicion and discord yet to perform one of the are under 65, more than 6 in must end. I have come here great pillars of Islam, and 10 said Islam is a peaceful to seek a new beginning be­ there are 5 Pillars according religion, but that drops to tween the United States and to Islam. But one of the 39% amongst seniors. Muslims around the world; greatest ones, showing ones one based upon mutual in­ connection to God and love I don't want you to start terest and mutual respect; of God is to go back home to thinking that we shouldn't go and one based upon the God's house, its called Pil­ to old-folks homes because truth that America and Is­ grimage. It's not unique to old-folks don't love us. lam are not exclusive, and Islam. They do it in all the That's not the point the point need not be in competition. religions. The Hindus, the is we know what is en­ Instead, they overlap, and Christians, the Jews they go trenched into our society and share common principles - to holy sites to reconnect American culture has certain principles of justice and with their ultimate origin and values as we saw last year progress; tolerance and the faith. And when the com­ during the elections, as they dignity of all human be­ mand came from God to per­ tried to malign the candidate ings." form this as a right ritual and Barack Obama just because pillar before the Holy Proph­ he had the name Hussein, That is the message et'"w left this world he desired and he had to keep defending corning from the highest to do this great act of wor­ himself, saying, "I am not a level of our government, ship along with those follow­ Muslim but I have ties to the but as I said we still have to ers of his who would come; Muslim, what's wrong with put this in the heart of every and they numbered on that that." And he mentioned two member of our society, and day over 100,000, a gather­ stories of soldiers who are therefore it is a struggle for ing 10-20 times greater than Muslims, and die for their us as I say to be involved in you see here today but as di­ country and have as much this dialogue at the highest verse people of all over Ara­ patriotism in their hearts as levels, and the lowest levels bia, all tribal distinctions any other soldier, and he said of this society. Every part were represented there, so there is something wrong if of our nation East to West, many languages had merged you don't recognize this as of North to South, white, at that time, at that place. yet. Nonetheless given this black, Young old, whatever Merged behind the Holy prevalence in attitudes it is the ethnicity or the back- Prophet'"w to offer this one September - October 2009 57 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA great act of worship, and he tance of preserving human Moses also have declared knew he had an opportunity life. This message I know, this to be unlawful. And we to share with them the princi­ those who are non- Muslim are seeing now-a-days, ple faith one last time before would look, think and see while we are being re­ he left this world. And he what's happening in the minded by the Head of the rose up on a mount called the Muslim world but there are Ahmadiyya Movement, Mount of Mercy, and be be­ already in Afghanistan, that unless we check this gan to address his followers Iraq, Pakistan, wars, civil very carefully, interest get­ and share these words which wars bombings, violence ting out of control has al­ I now share with you today, every day it seems. How ways lead to world wars, to recognize what was the fi­ could this have been the fi­ and thus he warned us that nal message of the Holy nal message of Prophet Mu­ we must reconsider what Prophet Muhammadsaw by hammadsaw, how could they systems we using in terms which we see the true es­ have missed the point? of finances. Again the Holy sence of Islam, and the link Prophet8aw said, "Be ever­ with all other religions that Again he says, "Take mindful of the duty you came before, and systems of note, that I trample under­ owe to Allah in respect of peace and justice that came foot all un-Islamic customs your wives." The respect of after. and traditions. All blood­ whom? The women. Again feuds are utterly wiped we have heard this over I quote, "Bear witness out." In the tribal areas in and over again, that Islam that there is none worthy of Afghanistan, that is going does not take care of the worship save Allah, the One, on right now they say the rights of the women. But without associate, and I bear US Army, went there with here he is giving us the witness that Muhammad is their planes, pointing out message as Muslims from His Servant and His Messen­ certain people. They later that time until the end of ger. realize that they use the US time. to drop bombs on their ene­ I do not think, 0 peo­ mies and rivals based on 'Be ever mindful of ple, that we shall be gathered blood feuds and just now the duty you owe to Allah together here again. Your be­ they recognize how intri­ in respect of your wives. longings, your honor, and cate this problem is. You have married them your lives are sanctified and with the guarantee of Al­ made inviolate like the sanc­ Again he said, "Interest lah's name, and you have tity of this day, this month has been declared unlawful made them lawful for your­ and this city. You will soon and is no longer due. I selves in accordance with appear before your Lord and hereby remit any interest Allah's word. So be mind­ He will call you to account due to any member of my ful of your covenant. They for all your doings. Take family; for instance, all in­ owe you fidelity; for any heed that you do not go terest due to my uncle, default on their part you astray, after I am gone, and Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, may correct them gently. start slaying one another." is remitted altogether." You owe them suitable maintenance. As regards Listen to this mes­ The banning of in­ those under your authority, sage, the beginning in which terest did not begin in Is­ see that you feed them with he is speaking about the lam, it's also mentioned in such food as you eat your­ Unity of God and the impor- enormity where the laws of selves; and clothe them September - October 2009 58 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA with the stuff you wear. If forth and helping people in He then charged those pre­ they commit a fault, which charitable deeds and pil­ sent, but that was 1400 years you are not inclined to for­ grimage to God's house are ago, but he is addressing us give, then sell them, for they universal principles of so still now as Muslims. If he is are the servants of the Lord, many religions. You see a living Prophet to us, if He and are not to be tormented." how Islam has always been is a living God and a living in the spirit of religions that faith. It wasn't meant just for He was trying to end God has taught to mankind. that time it's meant for today the whole issue of slavery, so as we hear his words once again this is an issue which Having said, this he again. He said those who are we see in the world not as said, "You will be ques­ present must convey the sub­ slavery as such, but the using tioned concerning me also stance of his address to those of the human laborer in the on the Day of Judgment. absent. Why? Why must we worst ways and putting them Tell me, then, what will you take these words and share in torturous conditions to answer?" them with our guests and earn their keep. This is a question everyone in the world. These for the Muslims now. 'You are the principles of Islam The Holy Prophet5aw summarized beautifully. This then said, "Allah has made will be questioned concern­ ing me also on the Day of is our message. We don't you brethren one to another, have to change it or devise a so be not divided. An Arab Judgment. Tell me, then, what will you answer?" new scheme or wording, we has no preference over a non­ have to give the world this Arab, nor a non-Arab over an On that day 100,000 message. And the Muslims Arab; nor is a white one to be voices strong rose up and must follow it because we preferred to a dark one, nor a said, "We bear witness that must practice whatever we dark one to a white one. you have conveyed all Al­ preach, and so he says, lah's commands to us." The "Perhaps those who have not 'I am leaving some­ Holy Prophet5aw raised his heard may benefit more then thing with you that will safe­ finger to heaven and then those who have." That is the guard you against all error, if pointed it at the people, and beauty of Islam. Maybe the you hold fast to it. That is Al­ voiced the adjuration, next group will be of peace lah's Book. "Hear, 0 Allah." The peo­ and peacemakers, and fol­ 'There 1s no new ple affirmed, "You have lowers of Prophet Muham­ prophet after me, nor any discharged in full your obli­ madsaw. This message is new law. Worship your Lord, gations as Prophet and timeless it will go on. I can observe Prayer, observe the Messenger." In the same only pray that it will live on fast during Ramadan, pay the manner again, the Holy in our words and our deeds, 'Zakat cheerfully, perform the Prophet5aw begged, "Bear in our spirits and our inten­ Pilgrimage to the House of witness, 0 Allah." tions and our efforts to do Allah, and obey those in au­ dialogue with people in this thority among you; Allah A third time came nation, and people all around will admit you to His Para­ the response, "You have this world that are still wait­ dise." made clear to us that which ing to find the true face of is righ" and that which is Islam. Let those faces be our These principles I just wrong.' Again the entreaty faces. And when they see mentioned, belief in God, went up from the Holy those faces let them be faces fasting, giving alms, going Prophet8aw, "Hear, 0 Lord." of Muslims. Again quoting September - October 2009 59 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA our President. He said in conclusion "We have the THE HAND OF ALLAH power to make the world we seek, but only if we IS WITH AHMADIS have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written. Ramadhan Ali Mahmud, The Holy Qur'an tells us, "O mankind! We have cre­ Philadelphia, PA ated you male and a female; and we have made you into The Ahmadiyya Jama'at is the true Islam nations and tribes so that you may know one an­ Founded by Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian other." The Talmud tells us: When he came, the world was full of misguidance "The whole of the Torah is and sin for the purpose of promot­ ing peace." Which he started to disseminate with the ink of The Holy Bible tells his pen us, "Blessed are the peace­ makers, for they shall be He was revealed hidden truths of the Holy Qur'an called sons of God." Which removed sins, what a wonderful sign The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is The angels descend to help him in his task God's vision. That was the Holy Prophet,ssaw vision So eternal truth could breathe at last 1400 years ago from the plains of Arafat to all of us He started with a handful of followers, that's all as Muslims to be given to every single soul on this planet. A little over a century later, tens of millions heed his cause That is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. If that was not the Grace of Allah, what else could And may God's peace be it be upon you. The Hand of Allah is with Ahmadis ******* ******* September - October 2009 60 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Finding the Right Life-Partner Maulana Mubasher Ahmad Regional Missionary, West Midwest Region

,. ,, , , . . I,~ ·. .. ~ ,., I ; : I ; ~ !f •• , Mustafasaw said: bring "peace of mind" and y..>1 ~ ~ () ~ ~ .J tranquility through "mutual "Marriage is my tradi­ love and tenderness". But it ~.., 0 4)jj•,~1i1 ~ ~i 1.31 ~ tion; who so ever does not has to be built on a deeply . s., '•'.. , .... .,...,, ,. ,~- ,. , . .,., ._,.1~!1 I marry, is not from among embedded strong foundation ·~1101, ..,.,."L..6 ...A:lo,.I .·,...... 1~ , us." of righteousness. From an Is­ • - ~~~~ , I:.-' ' t •;/If fj;( ,•.. 1j ~f' !f lamic perspective, sustaining ~ ~.J ~- , . .JJ Obviously, for mar­ and enhancing in Taqwa - in ,""' 1... ,. • " "' riage, we have to select the ,..-,;;.J ~'J ~j tA ·~..,J oJj.! b! right person, and how to righteousness of heart, and leaving behind a pious prog­ o &jj

Therefore, before I magazines. Personal ads are women is increasing in the make any submission con­ run under the headings - Western societies who do not cerning the correct Islamic "Men seeking women" and want to get married at all for process for finding a husband "Women seeking men", and the fear of losing their so­ or a wife, I think it is needed of course, "Men seeking called "freedom". And they to review some of the Chris­ men", and "Women seeking continue enjoying dating for tian-Jewish trends in the pre­ women". the rest of their lives without dominantly non-Muslim so­ getting married! ciety in which we are living, No doubt, many suc­ and also to be aware of the cessful and happy mar­ Unfortunately, some Mus­ major drawbacks of these riages do take place through lims are also falling prey to trends: the process of dating and these the Western trends, and with the help of dating gradually, they are going astray Mostly, non-Muslim agencies, but these trends from the Islamic moral guide­ single men and women try to do have some major prob­ lines. Social intermingling be­ find a life-partner through the lems: tween sexes, dating and mating dating system, that is, one to are happening without feeling one getting together, and go­ Mostly, the first vic­ any sense of guilt. Specifically ing out to know each other tim is chastity. Traditional the risk of Muslim girls being better before marriage. Dates Biblical moral values are misled by the pleasure seeking may be picked up at educa­ tossed out of the psyche of men into illicit relationships is tional institutions, churches, the American young men a glaring fact. work places, restaurants, bars and women from a very and night clubs. One may early age when they start Let me now briefly pre­ pick up a date even while dating. sent some facts concerning the traveling in a bus, train and current situation related to the It is an extremely process of searching for a hus­ an airplane! Supermarkets painful fact that in America are no exception! Some­ band or a wife in our Jama'at millions of unmarried girls in America. times, a friend or relative do get pregnant each year, may introduce two individu­ and children are born out of Traditionally, young mar­ als to each other so that they wedlock. Many abortions may start dating. And a new riageable men and women are take place killing unborn being helped by their parents, date can be picked up every babies. Those girls who other day! relatives, elders and friends, give birth to children out of and many successful marriages Therefore, there is no wedlock find it extremely are taking place in our Jama'at dearth of dating agencies. difficult to raise them with­ in the U.S.A. Only in the last Lately, internet communica­ out their fathers being 10 months or so, almost 100 tions have provided easy around. Increasing numbers marriages were celebrated. methods of finding interested of criminals are the product Moreover, marriages within the persons through social net­ of fatherless homes. international Ahmadiyya com­ works that may end up in a munity are becoming common, long-distance romance, and Above all, the divorce although there are some legal may lead to marriage. rate is high among those and cultural difficulties that the who decide to get married parties have to overcome. Moreover, in Western after a prolonged process of countries, advertisements are dating and mating. Also the However, one mistake placed in newspapers and number of those men and that leads to much frustration September - October 2009 62 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA and results in waste of time is the existing challenges that weaknesses. In this proc­ that some parents don't even the Rishta Nata department ess of self-analysis, the consult their children, and is facing, and slowly, but first question that the just start looking for a surely, progress is being marriageable candidate spouse. The one who is to get made to resolve the existing needs to ask is: How married and the ones who are difficulties. strong is my personal "looked at" for his or her connection with Allahswt, match, both end up feeling One factor we have to and how much do I love disturbed and unhappy. keep in mind is that nowa­ His Messenger Muham­ Therefore, the parents should days the number of women madsaw? Am I ready to have an open conversation pursuing higher education obey the commandments with their children before and focusing on establish­ of Allah and the instruc­ they start looking for a ing their careers has incr­ tions of the Holy Prophet­ spouse for their sons or eased. Consequently, their saw concerning marriage? daughters. Such an important marriages are delayed until Am I ready to build a conversation can only take they complete their educa­ lasting future with a place when the parents start tion, and enter into some spouse as my faith de­ discussing significant matters profession. mands ofme? from early childhood, and in­ stead of just talking to them, Also, the reality of If this spiritual connection start listening to them as mismatched arranged mar­ is weak, then the most im­ well. riages by the families or the portant step to take is to Rishta Nata functionaries is strengthen this relationship There are many other a fact that cannot be denied, of nearness to Allah, and marriageable individuals who and it has hit some of our to increase one's love for need additional help. Our families very hard, causing the Holy Prophet Muham­ Rishta Nata (Matrimonial much emotional trauma. madsaw. Once this root of Arrangement) teams, Jamaat The increase in the rate of Taqwa - the love and fear officials - the presidents and divorces, regardless how of Allah, and obedience to missionaries are trying to small it may be, makes it all the Messenger of Allah is help them to facilitate the the more urgent that we firmly implanted in the process. However, the suc­ should take it very seriously heart, the rest of the proc­ cess rate of official match­ how to find the right life­ ess will become easy, and making system is less than partner. shall remain blessed. satisfactory for one reason or the other. The process of Now, let me submit 2. If the person who is look­ finding the right life-partner some vitally important in­ ing forward to get mar­ through Jama' at officials is gredients of the process of ried wishes to follow the full of challenges, and the searching for and selecting Holy Prophet8aw, then he problems need to be re­ a mate according to the or she has to have a clear solved. guiding principles of Islam: understanding of his or her own character with a Our National Amila and 1. First of all, the starting strong desire to change it our National Consultative point is to look within for the better. As we all Body - the Shura -- take into oneself to understand know that the Holy serious consideration all of one's own strengths and Prophet Muhammadsaw September - October 2009 63 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

was the perfect embodi­ task. But not to make One has to know his or ment of the Holy Qur'an, any efforts to know the her strengths and weak­ and he was Rahmatullil other party's moral and nesses of character. Only 'alameen: the most lov­ spiritual standards wou­ then one should proceed ing and the most merciful ld certainly prove to be to know the family back­ person for all mankind. devastating at the end! ground of the other party, Therefore, a person in and find out under what search of a spouse has to The Holy Prophdaw circumstance the would­ be sure that he or she in­ also has said: "When a be-partner was brought teracts with others on the Muslim man marries, he up, and what are his or basis of mercy, love and indeed perfects half of her specific habits or compassion. But if the his religion. Then he needs! To find the life­ heart is empty of loving should fear Allah for the partners, some time care and compassion, remaining half." There­ wrong expectations, then such a person is not fore, it is important to faulty standards and yet ready to start the know what qualities in flawed methods are used. search for a marriage the potential candidate The process should not partner. for marriage will make be turned into a search him or her as an asset to for perfection. We should 3. We all know the famous his or her spou·se' s stop the search for an Hadith in which the Holy moral and spiritual aspi­ ideal or an idol! In this Prophetsaw said: "A rations. That's why it is process, we must not for­ woman is married to for advised that preference get that no two persons in four things: her wealth, should not be given to the world are exactly the her family-status, her such things as wealth, same. Allahswt m His beauty, and her faith. So beauty and status over Wisdom did not make you should marry the spirituality, faith, and any two individuals ex­ woman of faith, (other­ moral values. actly the same. Everyone wise) you will be a loser" is unique in some ways, 4. The Holy Prophet5aw also and is a very special per­ (Al-Bukhari, Book 62, stressed upon the impor­ son. Therefore, there is Hadith 27). tance of compatibility always a need to compro­ between the marrying mise at many points. In Now, can the same be couple - they need to be one Hadith, the Holy said for a man? Yes, "humm-kufaw" --, that Prophet5aw is related to without any doubt. There­ is, the mix of the right have said: "Let no Mus­ fore, for a woman who ingredients between the lim man entertain any wishes to be married, and two would be helpful! rancor against a Muslim for her Wali, the first and Therefore, once again, woman. Should he dislike foremost quality to look self-analysis becomes one quality in her, he into the character of a imperative. One has to would find another which man should be his faith be honest about himself is pleasing." his and his "Taqwah." and herself in assessing Now, finding out the one's own personality, 5. While looking for a life­ level of Taqwah in some financial status and fam­ partner, another impor­ one else is not an easy ily background. tant point to keep in mind September - October 2009 64 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

is that without any ambi­ support him to run the righteousness! Eschew all guity in the Holy Qur' an, household affairs. He acts of cunning and crafti­ Allah has made men re­ himself has to be finan­ ness! Do not go near de­ sponsible for the financial cially strong even if his ception! If facts are pre­ support of their families. would be wife may sented without any boast­ Men are called "Qawwa­ have her own earnmg mg, neither side -- the moon" that is, guardians power. girl's nor the boy's - and financial supporters would complain, because of their families because, 6. The Holy Qur' an gives the promise would be ful­ the Qur'an says in 4:35, another guiding point filled." that during the process ,. ,., _,,. ·-·IJ'·t·· 1·~·-1 of finding the right life­ ( Khutbaat-e-Mahmood, ~ ..J,A c.:.,-, ~ partner, straight-forward Khutba-e-Nikah, p. 3 "They spend of their talk - qual-e-sadeed -­ March 27, 1915) wealth" is of utmost importance. 7. Sometimes, the role of a The use of false preten­ Wali - the guardian of a that is, they take care of sion or outright decep­ marriageable girl 1s not the financial needs of tion becomes a maJor fully utilized. A good and their wives and families. hurdle. Hadhrat Khali­ capable Wali of a girl is Therefore, logically fatul Masih Ilra says: he who does a thorough speaking, the personal fi­ investigation and con­ nancial stability of a man "It is required that one ducts good interview ses­ who may be in search of should say only what is sions with the prospective a wife is important . factual. There is no need match in which all ques­ for absurd bragging. Al­ tions are asked and fully Here, it is necessary to lah the Exalted says: answered. If need may understand that the Holy arise, Islam permits that Prophetsaw made women the would-be-partners be the guardians of their allowed to communicate husbands' wealth and That is, with each other directly. possessions. Therefore, the would-be wives need "Say the straight-forward 8. Seeing all this, we have to to be well informed and word!" (34:71) realize that the primary well trained how to main­ value of Taqwa -- "righ­ tain a simple life-style, Adopt righteousness! teousness" -- in making a and be good household Do not use deception to choice of a husband or financial managers. How­ gain what your heart de­ wife cannot be sacrificed ever, this does not mean sires! Even if you suc­ under any circumstance. that women are stopped ceed in obtaining your In the verses of the to have a socially benefi­ purpose, still that suc­ Qur'an that are recited at cial profession and to cess would be short­ the time of a Nikah Ser­ earn money. The li ved, and shall cause a mon at least five times Qur' anic verse puts em­ great loss. The key is the term Taqwa, that is, phasis that a man should TAQWA - righteous­ 'righteousness" -- fear of not be looking for a wife ness -- to be successful Allah -- is repeated; and who would financially and thriving. So, utilize in those Qur' anic verses September - October 2009 65 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

that are read out in the Ni­ Qur' an designated righ­ very objective of finding kah sermon, it is emphati­ teousness as raiment. a marriage partner is to cally declared that in es­ sustain and enhance sence men and women righteousness right­ both have similar feelings eousness of both the man and faculties because is an expression of the and the woman --- right­ both the genders are cre­ Holy Qur' an. This is an eousness that extends to ated by Allah out of a sin­ indication that spiritual the progeny, to the ex­ gle soul. Equality of gen­ beauty and spiritual or­ tended family and to the ders, respect and care for naments are achieved society at large. The each other with loving through righteousness." method to achieve this hearts are admonished, objective is Quaol-e­ and the use of Quaol-e­ In one of his poetic Sadeed - truthful, honest, Sadeed --straight-forward Urdu couplets he says: reliable, and straight­ talk -- is commanded. forward presentation of Thinking of the future -­ The root of every virtue facts -- without any de­ good planning, and leav­ is the fear of God; ception or concealment. ing behind righteous progeny are advised. If this root is intact, eve­ We are living in a soci­ Thus, all important in­ rything will remain in­ ety where the moral and structions are given for a tact." spiritual values are lost in the successful marriage. And process of dating because it all these ingredients need In "everything", the usually ends up in premarital to be evaluated as a part process of finding the mating! Therefore, instead of of the character of both right life-partner and the being impressed by the risky men and women who married life are most trends in American society seek to become life­ certainly included. about finding a life-partner, partners of each other. 9. We must trust in Allah, we most prayerfully submit and after doing the our will to the will of Allah Concerning Taqwa, Ha­ needed homework, we the Merciful, and seek tran­ dhrat Masih Mau' oodas need to pray to Allah to quility of mind, joy of heart says: help remove any defi­ by obeying and following the ciencies or incompati­ precious guidelines of the "Righteousness is in all bilities that may seem to Holy Qur' an, as elaborated by the Holy Prophet5aw and circumstances a charm exist between the two that guarantees security, individuals. lstikhara commented upon by Hadhrat Masih Mau' oodas and his no­ and is a citadel for safe­ prayers should be of­ guarding against all fered on both sides. Af­ ble Khulafa. May Allah be harm."... "The spiritual ter receiving positive our help! And may Allah beauty of man is to walk indications from Allah make the process easy and along all the finer paths the Exalted, one should fruitful for all those who are of righteousness; they are give the final consent. trying to find the right per­ attractive features of sons for the rest of their spiritual beauty."... "God In conclusion, I would Ii ves ! Ameen! Almighty in the Holy like to submit that the September - October 2009 66 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

DOMESTIC HARMONY

Faheem Younus Qureshi, Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA.

Transcribed By: Salaam Bhatti, Long Island, NY

Thousands of years Eves for that is how the the previous Jalsa Salanas, ago, in a land unknown to Holy Qur'an defines us. it is astonishing to note that us, Allah the Almighty said What we fail to recognize is in some form or shape a to Adam, "O Adam, dwell that throughout the thou­ speech has been given in you and your wife in the sands of years, Adam and regards to this topic. My garden, and eat there from Eve have evolved. Along conclusion is that this is not plentifully wherever you with Adam and Eve's evo­ a question of education. So will, but approach not this lution, the tree has also what is it? I spoke to a lot tree, lest you be of the evolved to a new metaphor. of Jama'at members and wrongdoers." But Satan As a child, I used to think, Khuddam brothers. Thro­ caused Hadhrat Adamas to "Wouldn't it be nice if ugh my family, I spoke to a slip. And thereafter we Hadhrat Adamas hadn't got­ lot of couples to see what is know the history in which ten close to the tree, we happening on the other end. we lost the paradise. would never have been kicked out of Paradise. We I realized that there Generations went by would all still be living in are two basic questions to and the world moved on the Paradise and I would address: from a time when the not have to go through the daughter was being buried toil, suffering, and the pain 1. How did we get into this alive and man was being that we all go through in predicament? How is enslaved to what we now this life." this topic even relevant call Islam, our enlighten­ to Masih Mau' ood' sas ment. Somewhere along the At the beginning of community? Are we way, each man became an my research on the topic of struggling with domes­ Adam and each woman be­ domestic harmony, I real­ tic harmony? came an Eve. ized very quickly that there 2. Where do we go from is nothing new that I can here? In secular arenas offer in terms of knowl­ such discussions about do­ edge. Hadhrat Khalifatul It is very important mestic harmony are done in Masih yaba has delivered for us to understand that the context of men and over a dozen sermons on whatever is discussed may women. In my mind, the this topic. At least four di­ not apply to everybody. But context should actually be rect addresses have been it does not matter if it is af­ geared towards the millions pointed to the United States fecting five or ten or fifteen of Adams and millions of Jama'at. When I looked at percent of the community September - October 2009 67 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

because we are the flag consider anything else. You influence, felt that she bearers of Islam today. We can even throw your socks could avenge being rightly claim that we are the wherever you like. You wronged and forgot that the peacemakers of the world. don't have to worry about Qur'an says, "A virtuous If we are unable to create anything, you can talk to woman is obedient. They peace at home, then how people in anyway, and you guard the secrets of their can we go out in the world can abuse them." Remem­ husbands." Satan said you and distribute peace? ber, the purpose is not to don't have to worry about make the reader mad. This that. Satan then comes back In such honest dis­ is an honest discussion, my to Adam and says, "You cussions people get upset. brothers, whom I consider can be verbally abusive. Satan has not given up his the Adams. Hadhrat Imam You can inflict any hard­ job. He has not given up his Abu Hanifara was one day ship and any pain whether it trees. He will tempt you, he walking on the street after a is physical, emotional, or will lure you, and he will rainstorm and Imam Sahib mental." Adam forgot that attract you. But my purpose saw a little boy playing and Hadhrat Muhammadsaw said is not to make anybody sad jumping on rocks in the that, "A Muslim is a person or mad. My purpose is to street. He said, "Watch out, from whose tongue and make everybody understand you will trip and fall hands other Muslims are the issues even if we have down." The boy turned safe." My dear Adams, who to swallow a bitter pill for around and said, "Don't is better deserving of that the sake of peace at our worry about me, I'm a safety, of that security, than home. young boy. But you are our the person who lives with Imam. You watch out. If us, than the person who we How did we get in you fall down, all of us who all went to and said, "Be this predicament? The Holy are following you would my guest for the rest of my Prophetsaw said, "Nothing fall down." That is the life?" pleases Satan more than a Adam's responsibility at quarreling husband and home. When we started wife." So how did it start? verbally abusing Eve, the The Qur'an says, "Men When we abused next step was physical have been appointed as that privilege, Satan went to abuse. Unfortunately, some guardians over women." Eve and said, "You don't of the Adams committed Adam understood the words have to take this, you can that sin. There is no hiding. but Satan came to Adam talk back. Why do you have It is really bothersome and and said, "This doesn't to be obedient to him? Why disturbing when this does mean you have to be a re­ do you have to listen to not get discussed. Satan sponsible guardian. This him?" This is that tree must have told the Adams, means you can be a tyrant, growing anew. As a child, I "The Holy Qur'an sanctions do whatever you like! This had wished that Hadhrat you to beat your wife." is not a burden, this is Adamas had never visited Wrong. power. This is not responsi­ the first tree. But we have bility, this is privilege and committed the same thing The Holy Qur'an honor. When you come in approaching this new never sanctions any man to home, you don't have to tree. Eve, under the same put his hand on any woman September - October 2009 68 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

to vent his anger. Do we can imagine your spouse in him about it after a few understand the Holy Qur' an that position. What is the days. Otherwise, in his better than Hadhrat Mu­ level of respect, love, hu­ anger, he will say some­ hammadsaw? The Holy mility, kindness, and com­ thing to you and you Prophet5aw said, "Do not hit passion that that spouse de­ will lose respect. these maidservants of Al­ serves? 3. Never ill-treat his fam­ lah" which is a direct order ily members. If you do that some of the Adams Unfortunately, when that, you will lose re­ have disobeyed. we became physically abu­ spect. sive, Satan went back to Here is an extreme Eve. Because Eve was not Unfortunately, Sa­ example. Everything can be always in a position to tan made Eve forget this told from the Holy Pro­ punch Adam back, Satan beautiful advice. This phet's life, from treatment said, "You can be passive - started a battle over control of neighbors, his fellow hu­ aggressive. You do not filled with anger and mis­ man beings, his family have to share your secrets trust. As a result, love de­ members. But let's go to an with him. You don't have pleted from that bank ac­ extreme and see how he to do things that please him. count every day. treated animals. One day, You can talk back. You do the Holy Prophetsaw joined not have to treat his family Adam forgot that Abdullah bin Ja'fer3 and well." This is the passive Hadhrat Masih Mau' oodas they went to a garden. aggressive behavior that we taught that a man who There was a camel standing all witnessed. Eve forgot stands up against a woman there and once the camel the golden principles that is not worthy of being saw the Holy Prophet53w, it Hadhrat Arnrna Jaanra, the called a man. Eve forgot started making moaning wife of the Promised Mes­ that Hadhrat Muharnrnadsaw noises and his eyes welled siah35, had discussed with said, "A woman will go to up with tears. Hadhrat Mu­ her daughter, Hadhrat paradise if she dies in a harnrnadsaw stood next to Nawab Mubaraka Begum condition that her husband the camel and after some Sahibara, at the time of her was pleased with her." This time, he asked, "Who is the wedding. She gave her whole chaos spread to fam­ owner of this camel?" A some advice: ily and surroundings. Eve­ Medinite Nasir and com­ rybody started talking about panion came forward and 1. Never keep a secret this family. All the while, the Prophet5aw said, "The from your husband. everybody kept saying to animal has complained to Even if he does not each other, "Don't tell any­ me that you do not treat know, Allah knows. The one else, you're the only him with righteousness, moment he comes to other person who knows." treat him harshly, overload know, what will hap­ What happened? him, and keep him hungry. pen? You will lose your You should treat the animal respect. Allah commands us better than this." Give this 2. Never talk back to him in the Qur' an that they are a camel a thousand degrees to when he is angry, even garment for us and we are a convert him to human and if he is wrong. Let him garment for them. This gar­ keep adding value till you calm down and talk to ment was tom apart under September - October 2009 69 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA the actions of Satan. Any because they spend on you serve that Allah had pro­ advice that comes from out of their wealth.' Satan vided Eve was depleted. anywhere, whether the par­ went to Eve and said, "It is Now, we are up in arms, we ents, siblings, or peers, all about money. If you go have no patience, no toler­ which encourages a dissolu­ out and earn a paycheck, ance. We are living in a tion of that relationship, you do not have to listen to Walmart world where a then that surely must be Sa­ him anymore. That is all marriage can be easily re­ tanic advice. It must be that is holding you back." turned so long as you still corning under the influence have your receipt. We fail of Satan. That advice means A sentence commonly to understand how we got that a couple will be kicked thrown around the media is, here. A quest for paradise out of what should be their "You poor thing, when are on this earth ended up into beautiful Paradise. There­ you going to have a life of a battle for control. No one fore, when this whole dis­ your own?" As if, God for­ wants to follow the roles or cussion goes outside the bid, the mother of the faith­ rules mentioned in the home, we get in trouble. ful (Hadhrat Khadijara) did Qur' an anymore. The relationship ends at this not have a life of her own. stage, whether in a divorce As if our dear Hadhrat We do not spend much or in a long silence where Amma Janra did not have a time looking for answers in each person just waits for life of her own. Under the the Qur' an as opposed to the right time. At this stage, spell of Satan, a whole new looking for answers in Dr. both Adam and Eve have challenge started. Being a Phil, Oprah, or the count­ forgotten much. Adam has homemaker is in itself ten less books on the market. forgotten that Hadhrat Ma­ jobs. Eve now is thirsty for Our children continue to sih Mau'oodas said, "Except that new respect that she think, "How I wish my for indecency or vulgarity, should have already re­ Adam and my Eve never all petulant behavior pecu­ ceived from day one. Thirst even went close to the liar to women must be tol­ for that security added an­ shade of that tree." If any­ erated." Our children look other job to those ten jobs. one is still wondering how up to us thinking, "I wish The phenomena of the we got here, I would say to my Adam, my father, had working woman came into them that we lost domestic never gone close to that being. We all know that if harmony the day we raised tree. I wish that my Eve, being a working mother our hand against an inno­ my mother, had never gone does not absolve the mother cent woman as a result of close to that tree." Fast for­ from her other jobs. Who our anger. We lost domestic ward a few hundred years. knows the number of the harmony the day we said Those generations of chil­ pediatrician, the mother or that being a homemaker is dren who saw that abuse or the father? Who knows the not a full time job worthy passive aggression also shoe size of the children, of respect in its own. We grew up into Adams and the mother or the father? lost domestic harmony the Eves. Did these new Adams Eve was unable to shed day we got too attached to and Eves evolve into higher those ten jobs because Ad­ our own gadgets and we or lesser forms? ams are hard-wired a cer­ stopped listening to the per­ tain way. Therefore all that son sitting right next to us. 'Men are guardians emotional energy and re- We lost domestic harmony September - October 2009 70 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA the day we became too big sess high moral qualities the home. It does not work to apologize. And I think which have become rare, in any other way. If there is we lost domestic harmony and you honor your guests. any contradiction any­ the day we stopped paying You help the distressed." where, then one should toss heed to the v01ce of This is the testimony of everything away and rely Ameerul Momineen that he Hadhrat Khadijara regarding only on the reference letter had to give dozens of ser­ the perfect guardian. To­ submitted by the spouse. mons on this topic. g ether, they enjoyed twenty-five years of that Unfortunately we are Someone will say, paradise. One day, Hadhrat trying to have it both ways. "In this day and age, where Ayeshara asked Rasoolul­ At Burger King last night, is that perfect model? lahsaw, "O Prophet of Allah, my son asked, "Baba, what Where can you show me why do you still think of is the Burger King motto?" one who has walked the that old lady when you have I had no clue. I found out walk like Hadhrat Imam younger wives?" Hazoorsaw that it is, "Have it your Abu Hanifara? Where is the replied in testimony of his way." From such a young financially independent wife, the first CEO in Is­ age, we are indoctrinated woman who was fully obe­ lam, "O Ayesha you have with this idea that we can dient to her husband? Those no idea how good Khadija have it our way. But there is were old times, how can was to me. She believed in only one workable way. they be replicated now?" the truthfulness of my claim You can have it your way Those are not old times. when others rejected me. or you can have it Allah's Let's go back to a perfect She became my best com­ Way. There is no other way guardian, even better than panion and helper when to cut it. It is difficult to di­ Hadhrat Imam Abu Hani­ others abandoned me." gest this dichotomy in fara: Hadhat Muhammad saw. Khadijara was in a very which we try to keep the Who did he marry? Hadhrat strong position. Nobody world green and our own Khadijla. It is fair to say could have been in a better paradise is suffering. We that she was the first CEO position to have manipu­ are worried about the Is­ in Islam. She was a lated or controlled her hus­ raeli/Palestinian conflict. wealthy, working woman. band. She did not marry a We wonder why these two She was the breadwinner. prophet for whom Heaven parties cannot come to the What language did each use and Earth were created; she table when in our own Para­ to describe each other? At married a twenty-five year dise a husband and wife the time of the first revela­ old orphan. It does not mat­ cannot come to the table. tion, when Hadhrat Mu­ ter what any person's image We are worried about the hammadsaw came home is at work, the Jama'at, collateral damage of chil­ trembling, he told Hadhrat anywhere as long as that dren in Iraq and we forget Khadijara what happened. image matches at home. about the collateral damage She replied, "Surely Allah That is the testimony that of broken relationships in will never humiliate you. matters the most. Hadhrat our own children. There is a You carry out the obliga­ Muhammadsaw was truthful dichotomy and as Adams tions of your relatives, you outside and inside of the and Eves we must explain are truthful, you relieve home. He was caring and that. If one party is to make people's burdens, you pos- loving outside and inside that explanation, it has to be September - October 2009 71 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Adam. Adams are the ple who will continue to a teenager to maintain do­ guardians. This is no power follow that way. mestic harmony. I am a tes­ struggle rather this is the tament to my brothers and burden placed on Adam. The alternative choice is sisters who put up with my that we follow the rules and mood swings when I was Where do we go roles offered by the Holy younger to maintain domes­ from here? We have two Qur'an. We love our tic harmony. I am standing choices. 1. We play by the spouses for the sake of Al­ here as a testament to my rules and roles given to us lah, not to score any points. wife who has sacrificed by the Western world. We We forgive them so that we more than I can ever imag­ keep following the stocks may be forgiven by Allah. ine for our domestic har­ and watching Dr. Phil and We tolerate them as Allah mony. I am not here to lec­ Oprah. Yes, we will be very tolerates us. We sacrifice so ture. The Nizam of Jama'at successful. Our stocks will we can get more reward. called upon me and some­ go up, we will have nice We live a life of interde­ one had to do it. cars, nice iPods or Black­ pendence rather than inde­ berries, have our own house pendent. This interdepend­ One last ditch effort and computer, but we may ence is a higher trait. At the by Satan at this stage is, not have a shoulder to cry end of the day, our children "Why are you choosing this on. That road will lead us can look at us and say, road of sacrifice? Why not into isolation. 51 % of "Thank God, my dad and go to Burger King and women in America are liv­ my mom never went close 'have it your way'?" Allah ing alone. 47% of men live to that tree." says, alone. In Manhattan, 48% of the households have only Hadhrat Masih Mau­ one person living in them. ' oodas said that to get this Is that what you call a Para­ Paradise, one must go But for him who dise? Next time you fly through Hell first. It is not fears to stand before his over New York City and easy. Adams and Eves, Lord there are two Gardens. you see the rooftops below, choose your paradise over (55:47) one out of two of those Satan. Please, choose your houses will only have one paradise over your ego or This is not a prom­ occupant. When you go in, anything else. Satan may be ise of one garden. Yes, we day in and day out, open going around and whisper­ travel through a hell to es­ your door and the room is ing, "Who is this guy? tablish a garden or paradise the way you left it with no­ What has made him an ex­ in this earth, but there is an­ body to greet you, is that pert? What makes him so other garden in the afterlife Paradise? That is not Para­ perfect to write this?" Of all that we should worry about. dise as the Qur'an mentions the people, I find myself Allah says that if you do it. There is no concept of most unworthy to stand not get this garden, there is Paradise without compan­ here today. I am not here as no chance of getting the ionship. The Burger King someone in a superior posi­ next garden in the next life approach where we can tion. I am a testimony to because they are both re­ have it our way is one loving parents who toler­ lated. Have a candid con­ choice. My brain tells me, ated my temper tantrums as versation with your Eve, much to my heart's dismay, September - October 2009 72 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA with your Adam, and ask We are all Adam We have a little individual them to rate you on a scale and Eve and our home is paradise, a plot of land in of one to ten. Ten repre­ the paradise that we must our garden. This paradise is sents a perfect Eve - create in order to inherit a important because we are Hadhrat Khadijara. Ten paradise in the end. We the peacemakers of the represents him who is try­ cannot have it both ways. world. This domestic har­ ing his hardest to walk the There are children in­ mony model must take walk like Imam Abu Hani­ volved. Whether they are place within Ahmadiyyat fara. Many have personal yours or not, they will be because the world is head­ computers in their homes. thinking, "I wish my father ing towards a trajectory How frequently do these will not go near that tree. I where there is no better computers go through virus wish that my mother will model than Ahmadi yyat. scans to keep these ma­ not go near that tree." We May Allah make us chines free of viruses that can only have it one way, better spouses so that Ha­ they may protect our work? either the Burger King way zooraba does not need to ad­ It usually takes two hours or the Qur'an way. The dress this matter again and per scan. When was the last roles are defined perfectly may Allah make us a model time we performed a spiri­ in the Qur'an in a way that society for the world to fol­ tual virus scan of our rela­ we may like or dislike. That low, Ins ha Allah. tionship? Viruses do not is a choice that we all must only come from negative make. There are many sites, they also can come books out there with femin­ ******* from emails from our own istic, anti-family, and anti­ Reviewers friends and relatives. When marriage messages, which I was the last time we take no offense to. The Needed for checked that our friends or problem I have with them is Al-Hilal relatives had not infiltrated that they are not hoping for a virus into our marriage? a paradise in the world to Al-Hilal is mostly Ask your spouse for that come. It is okay for them to written by children and number and accept it. Then talk about this world be­ ask where you can improve. cause that is all they be­ is published quarterly. Last comes the hardest part: lieve. But you and I believe It is sent to all house­ asking for an apology. For in the world that is yet to holds in the US. It is the benefit of one's family, come. We must work for thoroughly reviewed by children, and paradise, it is that. The image we have at its editors but yet an ex­ fundamental to kill one's work or school does not tra review would help ego. Hadhrat Masih Mau­ matter if it does not match If 'oodas said that the job of a the reference letter given to enhance its value. believer is to crush his ego. us by our spouse. This is you are willing to serve It is not admittance of guilt, the time for the discussions on its review commit­ as Satan will try to con­ to emerge. If this only stays tee, please send your vince. It is leadership, it is within Adams and Eves email address to being a guardian. That is separately, then it will not how we create a paradise in work. Our marriages are alhilalmag@yahoo. this life so that we may be nobody else's business but com. deserving of the paradise to the two people involved. come. September - October 2009 73 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

ZIKR-E-HABIB: GLIMPSES OF AN IDEAL MARRIAGE Dr. Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Transcribed by: Hammad Malik

...... :. ' ' ' .. .;; ~rt 'J 'b~j ill I '1! (J! 'J 1)1 ~I which a husband and wife marriage in a Syed family could live with harmony of Dehli. My wife was '

1 spouse. The Qur'an states: • O 11 • • O 'I Quran as rights similar to those ( of who was about 18 or 19 men) over them in equity. years of age and as of yet r- , ~r- - 1, ". ! t 9 .. t:I • !:f , :...,SJ 9 LlJ ".. .._ (2:229) not married. He had re­ ...,.... I.)"'+,! ..-u _, I..>" ., v- ceived a few proposals for They are a sort of gar­ The Promised Messiahas her but none worthy of con­ ment for you and you are a explained this verse by say­ sideration for a variety of sort of gannent for them. ing, "The relationship be­ reasons. This situation had (2:188) tween a husband and a wife caused Mir Sahib and his should be like two true and wife much concern. He re­ The ideal of such mar­ sincere friends. " quested the Promised Mes­ riage can be found in the re­ siahas for prayers concern­ lationship between our Holy In order to understand ing his daughter's future. Prophet8aw and his wives. this holy marriage, I will The Promised Messiahas, a Hadhrat Muhammadsaw em­ present some background. family friend of Mir Nasir bodied the excellence of The Promised Messiahas Nawab Sahibra, had not yet marital relations in every as­ was first married to his made any claim of being a pect and unequivocally cousin at age 15 and had reformer at this time but stated that the best among two sons early on. He re­ was well known after writ­ you is he who treats his wife ceived multiple revelations ing his book Braheen-e­ best and I treat my family addressing the issue of his Ahmadiyya. In response to best. second marriage of which Mir Sahib's letter for the Promised Messiahas prayers, he offered himself In the mirror image of wrote in his book Nuzulul in marriage to Hadhrat Nus­ his beloved master, the Masih. He says "Many rat Jehan begum under di­ Promised Messiahas pro­ years ago, this glad tiding vine guidance. Initially, vided us with a model in was related to me about my Hadhrat Mir Sahibra and his September - October 2009 74 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA wife had some reservations possessions to Mirza Sahi­ Hadhrat Maulvi Abdul about marrying their daugh­ bas and sent off his only Karim Sahibra, a renowned ter to Hadhrat Mirza Ghu­ daughter. When the couple companion of the Promised lam Ahmad of Qadianas due reached Qadian, there was Messiaha5, lived for some to the age difference, previ­ no celebration, all of the time in a portion of Ha­ ous marriage and different Promised Messiah'sas rela­ zoor' sas home. He writes of ethnic and cultural back­ tives had turned against him his observation of the per­ ground; yet, eventually they and cut off all contacts. fect and harmonious rela­ decided to marry their There was no one to wel­ tionship of this divine cou­ daughter to Hadhrat Mirza come or talk to the bride ple. He says, "An important Sahibas because of his right­ except the woman who ac­ measure of anybody's char­ eousness and moral recti­ companied her as help from acter is determined by tude. The young daughter, Dehli. Hadhrat Ummul one's high conduct towards oblivious to her future title Mo 'mineenra recalled that his family and how he can of Ummul Mo 'mineen day when telling her daugh­ turn his home into paradise (mother of the faithful), ter, she said "When your through his morals and per­ concurred with her parents father brought me here, the sonal skills; as a result, who had raised her to value whole family was against there is no cause for any righteousness and virtues us. There were no women in grief, ill-will, jealousy or over materialistic matters. the house except the lady malice." He says "It has Later, Hadhrat Mir Nasir who came with me. She had been almost 15 years since Nawabra would confide to a hard time understanding Hadhraf'5 has been mar­ Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih the local language and the ried. Throughout this pe­ ya that from the day his people here could not un­ riod, there was never an oc­ daughter was born, he had derstand her. It was a casion where there was any been praying daily that she lonely and a strange place. argument in this house­ might be married to the I was crying and there was hold - a dangerous and most righteous of persons. nobody familiar to console correctable fault which can When Hadhrat Mirza Ghu­ or to take care of me. ! laid be the root cause of many a lam Ahmad of Qadianas down on a bare bed till personal strife. I have been went to Dehli to marry morning." watching closely and criti­ Hadhrat Nusrat Jehan Be­ cally for 10 years and have gumra, he was accompanied The Promised Messiahas come to the conclusion with by three or four compan­ made some arrangement the certitude that the immacu­ ions. Hadhrat Mirza Sahibas next day and she began to late disposition of Hadhrat gave Rs. 250 to the parents settle down. A few months Aqdas05 is not touched by of the bride for jewelry and later, Hadhrat Nusrat Jehan any of these frailties. " clothing as he had not Begumra went to visit her brought any with him. The parents and told her mother The Promised Messia­ Nikah ceremony was per­ "Initially, I was nervous for h' sas expression of compas­ formed in the mosque, it no obvious reasons, other­ sion and respect to Hadhrat was a simple wedding with­ wise the Promised Messia­ Ummul Mo'mineen'0 was so out any custom or formali­ has made every effort to evident that women work­ ties. Mir Sahibra handed make me feel at home and ing in the household ob­ over a box of the bride's comfortable. " served this contrast from September - October 2009 75 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA the rest of the world, often Amman Janra know what trates the respect and con­ commenting with surprise was expected of her. cern both the Promised "Mirza always listens to Hadhrat Nawab Mubarika Messiah38 and Hadhrat Am­ and follows the wishes of Begumra writes of such an man Janra held for each his wife." incident, she writes "/ other. The situation could clearly remember that Nani easily have ended with Hazooras once said, Amman, the mother of Hadhrat Amman Janra re­ with the exception of inde­ Hadhrat Amman Jan'a, was senting her husband's inter­ cency, all weaknesses and sitting in the room. She ap­ ference or Hazooras scold­ petulant behavior peculiar peared to have been upset ing her for being disrespect­ to women should be toler­ with Hadhrat Amman Jan'a ful. However, their actions ated. "I find it shameful," because of some miscom­ illustrate the measure of im­ he says, "that a man should munication with her. Ad­ portance each held for the fight a woman; God has dressing Hadhrat Amman other. The Promised Messi­ made us men which is the Jan'a rather loudly, she said ahas states "Do not ever consummation of His grace 'Who do you think you are? consider women to be con­ upon us and we should ex­ After all, you are my temptible and insignifi­ press our gratitude for this daughter.' The next thing I cant - our perfect guide, great bounty by treating saw", she says, "was the Holy Prophetsaw has women with kindness and Hadhrat Promised Messia­ said 'the best among you is compassion. " has escorting Hadhrat Am­ he who is best towards his man Jan'a. He was walking wife.' There is no doubt Hadhrat Mir Muham­ behind her with his hands that admonition is neces­ mad Ismail Sahibr\ the over her shoulder while sary if a wife behaves im­ younger brother of Hadhrat tears flowed over her properly." Amman Janra, witnessed cheeks. Quietly, the Prom­ this divine relationship over ised Messiahas walked He says, "A husband a period of 25 years. He ob­ Hadhrat Ummul Mo 'm­ ought to impress upon his served, "I have never seen ineen'a to her mother and wife that he will not tolerate or heard the Promised Mes­ made her head bow down to anything which is contrary siahas express displeasure her. When her mother em­ to the faith. " at Hadhrat Amman Jan'a. braced her, the Promised Hazooras cites the con­ They were the personifica­ Messiahas walked away." duct of the wives of the tion of an ideal couple. Holy Prophet8aw in these Very few husbands can The implication was words, "No one can claim a come close to that kindness simple, that even though higher status than that of which was displayed by Ha­ you are the wife of a the wives of the Holy zooras to Hadhrat Ummul Prophet and even though Prophetaw, yet they per­ Mo 'mineen'a." you are called Khadija by formed all domestic chores God and even though God and swept their chambers In spite of his extraor­ has blessed you with a and with all that were also dinary consideration for his unique status, you are still a diligent in worship. " wife, if the situation re­ daughter and she is your quired the Promised Messi­ mother and for you too, Hadhrat Ummul Mo­ ahas to do so, he did not paradise lies under her feet. 'mineen'a strove to be an hesitate in letting Hadhrat The above incident illus- exemplary wife in this ideal September - October 2009 76 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA marriage. She was 18 or 19 Perhaps, we should sequently, he set aside a years old when she married. pause here for a moment part of his land as collat­ Qadian was an isolated and and try to grasp what their eral. This was not just a strange land for her with situation must have been verbal agreement. All offi­ hardly any friendly people like. How many of us pre­ cial documents to this fact to welcome her, the lan­ sent here can even imagine were prepared and reported guage was different and the contemplating this under­ to the government. Hadhrat culture was alien. However, taking? Hadhrat Amman Ummul Mo'mineenra freely she knew that this was to be Janra never uttered a word offered the Promised Mes­ her home from now on, she of complaint but happily siahas the money and he must adjust and she did. and generously offered her could have accepted it as Initially, she was given Rs. services in helping to serve such, instead he took her 3 monthly as her personal the guests. With so many offering as a loan. Yet, in allowance. She was content guests eating from their this incident is a clear mes­ with her allowance and household, money can be a sage that the wife's prop­ used to advise other women source of contention be­ erty is solely her own and "Do not hassle your hus­ tween husband and wife the husband cannot partake bands." and at times cause even ill­ from it, even if it is for reli­ will. Hadhrat Ummul Mo­ gious purposes. Addition­ From the time of her 'mineenra not only never ally, once the Promised marriage, the Promised asked the Promised Messia­ Messiahas agreed to take the Messiah'sas household also has any more funds than she loan, he followed the functioned as a langar and was provided; instead, she Qur'anic teaching of writ­ Hadhrat Ummul Mo 'mi­ often gave away her own ing a contract and having it neenra supervised the cook­ money whenever there was witnessed. He did not just ing and the distribution of such a need. One incident end the conversation by the food. At times Hazooras illustrates, how she was saying "don't you trust would ask for special menu ever willing to offer her me." It is just one of many for some of the guests funds when Hazooras was in times, otherwise Hadhrat which would also be pre­ need of money to carry out Ummul Mo'mineenra often pared in his household some important Jama' at volunteered monetary help kitchen. It must be noted works. In 1898, the Prom­ when there was a need for that in those days, almost ised Messiahas mentioned to funds. everyone whether a guest or Hadhrat Ummul Mo'mi­ a resident of Qadian would neenra that he would need to When Promised Mes­ eat from the Promised Mes­ borrow money for one such siahas desired to build a siah' Sas kitchen. Hazooras project. Hadhrat Amman minaret in Qadian, which is always wished that if some­ Janra replied, "Why do you called Minaratul Masih one had a preference for a need to borrow money from now, the project initially special dish, instead of anyone? I have Rs. /000 was reported to cost Rs. making it at their home, it and some jewelry and I will 10,000. He asked for 100 should be prepared in give it for this purpose. " donors to take on this pro­ Promised Messiah'sas kit­ ject. Hadhrat Amma Janra chen. This system contin­ Hazooras replied that if offered Rs. 1000 or I/10th ued till the langar moved to I take this money, it will be of the cost and immediately another building. in the form of a loan. Sub- sold one of her properties in September - October 2009 77 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Dehli to pay off the money. Messiahas, "I routinely pray went on to advise "Your She was always eager to that I pass away in your wives are not your slaves. conform to the wishes of life." In point offact, marriage is the Promised Messiahas and a covenant between man fully recognized his status Hazooras responded and woman. For a woman, as the Messiah. The same "And we always pray that her husband is a manifesta­ was true of the Promised you live long after me. " tion of the divine. Hence, a Messiahas who thought of man should be both hard her as a sign from God Al­ The Promised Messia­ and soft, suiting the occa­ mighty. Once Hadhrat Um­ has greatly desired that his sion." mul Mo 'mineen'a ordered followers display mutual that a partial roof be built respect, forgiveness, toler­ At another occasion, over the courtyard of their ance and compassion in the Promised Messiahas ex­ house for protection from their own marital relations. horted, "It is incumbent rain. When Hadhrat Maulvi Hadhrat Maulvi Abdul upon the members of my Abdul Karimra heard of this Karimra writes that once jama'at that they should in­ renovation, he approached while Hazooras was sitting culcate piety in their Hazooras in opposition to with his companions, some­ women in order to ensure this project. Some other one commented about an­ their own piety. If the par­ companions joined in sup­ other companion that he ents are not righteous, their port; the Promised Messia­ treated his wife very children will not be pure. has tried to answer their harshly and used abusive Piety of children requires a concern but at the end sided language with her. Hearing long line of virtues, without with Hadhrat Ummul this, the Promised Messiahas it the children would be Mo 'mineenra saying "God was noticeably displeased bad." Moreover, he says, has granted me my sons' and said "Our friends sho­ "women are wise without glad tidings through her so uld not behave this way. " showing it, never think that I consider her to be one of He went on to add, "As for they are fools; in a subtle the heavenly signs. Because me, once I addressed my way, they are irifluenced by of that, I hold her in high wife in a loud voice and I everything that you do. The regard and respect her could tell my tone was in­ wives of the prophets and wishes." dicative of displeasure, the righteous were pious though I had uttered no because they were recipient This mutual love and harsh words. Yet, I sought of their husbands' benign sentiment is evident by an forgiveness from God for a influence. " incident narrated by long time and offered su­ Hadhrat Nawab Mubaraka pererogatory Pray-ers with We have merely taken Begum Sahibara, daughter great humility and also a few glimpses into the of the Promised Messiahas. gave alms because I felt family life of the Promised As a young girl she recalls that my harshness towards Messiahas. You have been that Hazooras and Hadhrat my wife might have been witness to the narration of Ummul Mo 'mineen'a were occasioned by unconscious the Promised Messiahas, observing prayers at home. weakness in obedience to writings and exhortations As they finished prayers, God Almighty." upon the subject of married Hadhrat Ummul Mo'mi­ life and what he expected of neenra said to the Promised The Promised Messiahas an Ahmadi couple. What September - October 2009 78 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA our beloved Messiahas ad­ reflection and not argu­ vised and exemplified was ment. It is not about you PRAYER the ideal. We must strive to and me or them versus us, it Hadhrat Abu Mas 'ud conform to the life of the is about posterity of Ansarira relates that the Promised Messiahas to the Ahmadiyyat. We are all Holy Prophetsaw said: best of our potential. Ha­ sons and daughters of the "When people are gathered zooras called on us in Al­ Promised Messiahas and for Prayer, the one who is Wasiyyat "You too are hu­ Hadhrat Ummul Mo 'mi­ best-versed of them in the man as I am human and neenra. He left this world recitation of the Qur'an that very God who is mine with treasure of prayers and should lead the Prayer. is yours, so don't lay waste high hopes for us and our Should they be all equal in your noble capacities. " progeny to fulfill his wishes to become true Ahmadis. that respect, then the one who is best-versed of them It is certainly easier to Are we going to betray him in the Sunnah. Should they talk and listen but it is or do we have the moral be all equal in that respect, much more difficult and fortitude to come up to the hard to follow and act. At plate? Do we have what it then the one of them who this time, it is no secret that takes to submit to his de­ migrated earliest. And, some young Ahmadi men sires and hopes for the fu­ should they be all equal in and women are having a ture of Ahmadi yyat? It will that respect then the oldest difficult time in sustaining take a shifting of perspec­ of them in age. No one their marriage and a good tive and understanding of should lead the Prayer in relationship for whatever each other and a true com­ place of another without his reason. Thus, it is necessary mitment to the teachings of permission, nor occupy that we reconsider our cur­ the Promised Messiahas. another's (special) seat in rent actions. We need to be Thinking of doing other­ his house, reflecting his mindful of this gathering wise should send chills to status, without his per­ cloud over our new genera­ our spines. mission." tion, lest it becomes so (Muslim kitabussalat bab powerful a storm that we Allahuma sulle ala Muham­ man ahaqqu bil amamati) cannot escape the devasta­ madiwa ala aale Muham­ tion. We came here to offer madin wa ala abdikal Masi­ Hadhrat Abu Hurai­ the perfect teaching of the hil Mau 'ood wa barik wa rahra relates that the Holy Qur' an and the Prophetsaw salim. Prophetsaw said: "If people concerning social ills of the realised the beneficence of society, we cannot afford to calling the Adhan and fall victim to the same af­ ******* standing in the first row for fliction we preach against. Prayer and they could The life of the Holy PAY secure these privileges only Prophet Muhammadsaw and through drawing lots they the Promised Messiahas is a would draw lots for them." guide for keeping our ZAKAT spousal relations and main­ (Bukhari kitabul adhan taining a happy and content ******* bab al-istihamfil adhan) family. Now is the time for September - October 2009 79 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA CLOSING ADDRESS: DR. AHSANULLAH ZAFAR, AMEER, USA JAMA' At

Transcribed by: Parisa Jaffari

We are coming to the Friday, and it is now known by the end of the year if not conclusion of the 61 st An­ that she is expected to come sooner. But I wanted to high­ nual convention of the USA home on Monday or Tues­ light that in the last 6 years Ahmadiyya Jama' at. And day, and everyone is re­ more than 20 smaller towards the end with shar­ quested to still remember Mosque have been built or ing a few thoughts with her in your prayers that her bought within the United everybody we will then condition improves even Stated with the Grace of Al­ raise our hands for silent further. lah. That is a very nice num­ prayer to Allah and pray ber and I am bringing it up so for everybody who has at­ These are difficult that everyone realizes that tended and has worked in times for many of us, espe­ the contributions and sacri­ this event, and even those cially in financial ways and fices that Ahmadis are mak­ who were not able to come I wanted to share the issue ing in the United States. but would have liked to of the Mosque Fund with Sheer Grace and Mercy of come. The count for the everyone. Sometimes I am Allah has allowed this to Jalsa for this year's atten­ told that a few individuals, happen. And this is on top of dance is 5,511, and I am not most of us, they come other projects that we have also told by the MTA team and say different things supported on an international that the program is being about the way the Mosque way at the hand of Hadhrat broadcast live via Internet construction is going. With Khalifatul Masih Al­ and is going throughout the the Grace of Allah, the five Khamisaba. Life is about the United States and Canada Mosques in America which Mercy of Allah. The first as well as other countries, were initially initiated and verse of the Qur' an is Bismil­ which included China, Ja­ started by Hadhrat Khali­ lahir Rahma Nirraheem. It's pan, India, Germany, Guy­ fatul Masih the 4thrh around the Rahmanir Rahim. Every­ anna and some of the other 1981-82 have reached their thing else comes afterwards. African countries. And also conclusion. Some expan­ Whenever there is a diffi­ by the Grace of Allah Sa­ sions keep on occurring but culty, and I am referring to hibzadi Amatul Qayyoom those five were done. Fi­ the difficulty that some of us Sahiba, the wife of the late nally Detroit was the latest. or many of us are facing, it Ameer Sahib MM Ahmad, Baitur Rehman was under­ really is an opportunity that and the granddaughter of going expansion which with God has thrown us our way Hadhrat Masih Mau' oodas the Grace of Allah, is al­ to receive His Mercy. We as well as Khalifatul Masih most done and there is the have to ask. Ask and He lis­ Ira is as we know in the hos­ completion of the Los An­ tens to you, turns to you, pital and a request for gles East Mosque which hears you and that is how all prayers was announced on will, Insha Allah get done of us are. September - October 2009 80 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

I am reminded about Gulam Ahmad Qadianias. I my adopted grandson Kashif. want to recognize the dif­ PRAYER He is 2 years old. He says a ferent associations, Human­ Hadhrat Abu Mas 'ud few words and he asks for ity First, the Ahmadiya Ansarira relates that the Holy different things and when his Medical Association, the Prophetsaw would place his demands are not satisfied, if Ahmadiya lawyers Associa­ hands upon our shoulders those words are not working, tion. Amjad Khan Sahib, when we were lining up for he just cries and tears roll from LA is heading the or­ Prayer and would say: "Stand down his eyes, and I recog­ ganization right now and is in straight rows and do not nize that is how all of us are doing a lot of work to sus­ differ among yourselves, else before Allah. So today when tain the organization, and your hearts will be m we are going to ask for Al­ also his capacity as a mem­ discord. Let those be nearest lah's Mercy, that is the way ber Majlis Sultanul Qalam. to me who are mature and we are asking that Allah I also want to recognize the knowledgable, then those Grace each one of us with press team. They brought who are closest to them in His Mercy, His Compassion together a very hefty and these respects and then those and His Love. I want to rec­ healthy gathering of local who are closest to them." ognize all the Ahmadis who non-members of the Ja­ have worked in organizing ma'at yesterday afternoon, ( Muslim kitabussalat bah and supporting the Jalsa and if I start naming all tasviya tissufuf) event this year. Most of the the names it will never end, faces are those who have so I am going to leave it at Ibn 'Umarra relates that been working all these years. that. And with this I am go­ the Holy Prophetsaw said: This year Mubasher Sahib, ing to ask that when we "Arrange your rows, shoulder our Missionary from Chi­ pray we also remember our to shoulder, closing your cago, has taken some new re­ Missionaries that Allah will ranks, not pressing hard on sponsibilities which is very help them and strengthen the arms of your brethren nice. There are new faces them in carrying out the in­ but not leaving gaps for that I have seen which I can't structions of Khalifatul Ma­ Satan. He who closes a gap name. All of them are our sih Al-Khamisaba and to im­ in a row Allah will bless him coming together, but one prove and enhance each one with nearness and he who thing is clear, that the way of us in the USA in Tabligh breaks a row Allah will cut everything has come together and as well as Tarbiyaat. him off." is just wonderful and I want Also for all Ahamdis that to thank all of then and also I may be in poor health. May (Abu Dawud kitabussalat bah want to thank all the partici­ Allah take care of them, tasviya tissufuf) pants and I am doing this on and also those Ahmadis behalf of the collective en­ who have passed away, Hadhrat Nu'man bin tity, Jama 'at Ahmadi ya may Allah grant them Bashir3 relates that he heard Community USA. By the Maghfirat and nearness to the Holy Prophetsaw direct: participation and the way Him, where they are right "Keep your rows straight they have participated they now. So with this I request during Prayer services, lest have dignified and gloried kindly join me in silent Allah creates dissensions this event which is a com­ prayers. among you." memortion of the tradition of the Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza (Bukhari kitabussalat bab ******* tasviya tissufuf) September - October 2009 81 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

61st Jalsa Salana USA, 2009 Lajna Imaillah USA Report

Alhamdolillah ! The The Jalsa proceedings Family, Spreading the True 61st Jalsa Salana of the Ja­ began on Friday, with Message of Peace, Search­ ma 'at Ahmadiyya USA was speeches being relayed ing for Peace: Accounts of successfully held from June from the men's side. On Personal Experiences, and 19th- 21st 2009 at the Dul­ Saturday, the Lajna Imail­ Finding Internal Peace: The les Expo Center in Chantilly, lah organized the entire Islamic Way. The sessions Virginia, USA. May Allah day's program. The pro­ throughout the two sessions shower His bountiful Mercy gram included spiritually were interspersed with beau­ on all the volunteers who en­ uplifting, informative top­ tiful poems. Pin-drop silence abled the Jalsa activities to ics, presented by sisters of from the audience allowed all be carried out smoothly, different ages, different members to partake in the Ameen. This year, guests to professional and ethnic program with full concentra­ the J alsa Salana came from backgrounds, new converts, tion. Overall, the feedback all across the USA and the and born Ahmadis. The was very positive. Many commented that they experi­ world. There were more than morning Lajna Session was enced a high level sisterhood 5,500 members who partici­ presided over by Qanata and peace during this Jalsa. pated and contributed in Zafar Sahiba, wife of Re­ making the Jalsa successful. spected Ameer Sahib and As in previous years, the afternoon session was the Lajna program included a Hazooraba has reiterated presided over by Dr. Recognition Ceremony for that one of the objectives of Shanaz Butt, Sadr Lajna our Nasirat who had com­ holding the Jalsa is to incul­ Imaillah USA. Sahibzadi cate Islamic values amongst pleted their first reading of Amtul Rasheed Ahmad Sa­ the Holy Qur'an. The Nasirat us; therefore the use of say­ hiba and Bushra Hanif Sa­ ing "Assalamu Alaikum" received a gift of a Holy hiba also presided during Qur' an as well as had the should be extensive during these sessions. these days. He has empha­ honor of meeting Sahibzadi sized the importance of this All speeches were Amtul Rasheed Sahiba, Islamic salutation and has re­ centered on the theme of daughter of Hadhrat Musleh minded every Ahmadi in at­ Peace. Topics of the Mau'oodra and the grand­ tendance of Jalsa Salana to speeches included: daughter of the Promised Messiahas,. Since it was Sa­ utilize this occasion to prolif­ erate the usage of Salam. Divine Attribute of hibzadi Amtul Rasheed Sa­ (Sermon July 27th 2007) Allah: As-Salam (The hiba who had suggested to Keeping Huzoor' Saba message Source of Peace), The Hadhrat Musleh Mau' oodra that an auxiliary for young in mind, Lajna Imaillah con­ Holy Prophets": The Per­ girls should be established, centrated on the theme of fect Model of Peace & Tol­ the Nasirat were fortunate to "Salam" or "Peace" at Jalsa erance, Role of Women in have a meeting with her. Salana 2009. Promoting Peace in the September - October 2009 82 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

As we have done in teachings and values into the past, the Lajna program their lives on a regular ba­ PRAYER also included a Welcome sis. The booth handed out Hadhrat Abu Hurairahra Ceremony for our New surveys to help assess the relates that the Holy Ahmadi Sisters. They were needs and interests of the Prophetsaw said: "Are you not brought on the stage, where youth. Lajna Jmaillah-USA afraid that if any of you they received a gift of a is pleased to mention that raises his head from pros­ Holy Qur'an and met with all participants behaved tration before the Imam does Sahibzadi Amtul Rasheed with great discipline, order­ so, Allah will make his head Sahiba. Talent awards were liness and co-operation that of a donkey or will make also presented to deserving through out the Jalsa. his shape that of a donkey." scholars. On the last day of the (Muslim kitabussalat bab The occasion of a Jalsa, all participants had annahi 'an sabaqul imam Jalsa Salana is a spiritually the privilege of hearing a baraku') uplifting and social event, message from Hadhrat where members revive Khalifatul Masih Vaba_ Ha­ Hadhrat Abu Hurairahra themselves and enjoy each zooraba said that we must relates that the Holy other's company. Members bring a noble transforma­ Prophetsaw said: "When any and guests had a chance to tion in ourselves! Present of you leads the Prayer he visit the fundraising stall, high morals to the world, should not make it long, for where snacks and refresh­ and win the hearts of the among the congregation are ments were available thro­ people with our good exam­ those who are weak, ill or ughout the Jalsa weekend. ples. He asked us to purify old. When offering Prayer A fundraising Exhibition our souls, and adopt Taqwa alone you can pray as long as stall was organized, where (righteousness). He asked you like." contributions from Lajna us not to display morals and Majalis throughout the habits that may bring bad ( Bukhari kitabussalat bab country were displayed. name to Islam. In essence, idha salli linafsih falyutal The bookstall was also very we should try to bring a pu­ masha') successful, where books, rifying change within our­ tapes, photos and other selves, and treat otir broth­ Hadhrat Abu Qatadah items were displayed and ers and colleagues with Harithra relates that the Holy sold. Other stalls, such as honor and respect. In addi­ Prophetsaw said: "I stand up hospitality, homeopathy, tion, he asked us to estab­ to lead the Prayer having it in and first aid were accessible lish a high standard of acts mind to lengthen it. Then I for the convenience of our of worship and to put em­ hear the cry of an infant and I guests. This year there was phasis on prayers. May Al­ shorten the Prayer fearing a new addition to the lah guide us to achieve lest I should make it bur­ booths. The Lajna Youth these goals, Ameen. densome for its mother." (Ages 15-22) had an exhibit ( Bukhari kitabussalat bab displaying pictures from May Allah bless all the akhfissalat 'inda baka' various camps that focused organizers and volunteers sabiyyi) on character strengthening for their hard work and sin­ and inculcating Islamic cere efforts, Ameen. September - October 2009 83 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

THE ATTRIBUTE OF ALLAH: AS-SALAM

Saliba Malik, Lajna Tarbiyyat Secretary

therefore, by my task of be safe from injustice and speaking to you today about oppression. The word is the Attribute of Allah, As used for Allah because it He is Allah and there Salam - The Source of denotes that He is free from is no God beside Him, the Peace, one of His most any fault or loss of peace Sovereign, the Holy One the beautiful names. (59.24) and free from those calami­ Source of Peace. (59:24) ties that affect others. All The Qur' an declares creation will perish but We often speak of that Allah is the Source of death cannot overtake Him. peace. wishing for it and Peace (59:24) and Ha­ He is called Salam because yearning for it in a world of zooraba has explained in his of His supreme bestowal of violence and distractions. Khutbah on the Attribute of well-being and security. 2 The word for me conjures Allah As-Salam, up solace and quietude, (5111107). that through this Hazooraba said that As­ pleasant gardens, lonely attribute God has reminded Salam is that Being Whose places of natural beauty and the believers to adopt this actions are not only free tranquility. We might think quality and spread peace in from all evil, rather they of getting away from it all our world. God has named have an inherent goodness somehow. from the noise our religion Islam after this in them, (Imam Ghazali). and hustle of our day to day attribute, because all the As-Salam denotes that Al­ stresses and sorrows, and of commandments of it lead a lah is free from all overt finding peace of mind. Per­ person to peace. 2 He has and covert flaws and Abdus haps these things are a sent us His chosen servant Salam (servant of As­ glimpse of Allah's Grace, the Holy Prophet, Muham­ Salam) is one who is a prompting us towards Him. madsaw, the Prince of Peace manifestation of this attrib­ I was certainly lured to Is­ as it was foretold in the Bi­ ute and indeed God keeps lam by the promise of ble3. He was the true Abdus such a person safe from all peace. The Promised Mes­ Salam, - servant of Salam - defect. misfortune and flaw. siahas tells us of the purpose who reflected Allah's at­ (Imam Raghib) - of our lives: that the win­ tribute of Salam and created dow of our hearts should an atmosphere of love and The Promised Messiahas open towards God. He says affection in his followers. said that true Salam is that to achieve this we should which is from God. firstly recognize God and Explaining the mean­ become informed of His ing of the word Salam, Ha­ Thereby does Allah 1 perfect Beauty. I am both zooraba said that it is that guide those who seek His honored and humbled, Being Whose creation must pleasure on the paths of September - October 2009 84 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA peace, and leads them out lievers in Paradise and follow you to establish His of every kind of darkness within this is a message of unity. We have chosen you into light by His iiill. and absolute security for for pure friendship. Allah guides them to the right them."2 will set all your affairs path.' 5:17 aright, whatever the hurdle, Dar As-Salam - the it will be set aright. 0 fire These do not forget abode of peace in the life to of mischief by the people God in times of comfort, come is for those who are cool down and be a source nor do they forget Him steadfast and do good of protection for this Abra­ when excited with anger. works. The will be given ham, this servant of mine.' They follow closely the such a life that cannot end, teachings of the Holy free of all adversity. There Hazooraba explained Prophetsaw and the Holy they will be granted for­ that those who have no Qur'an and their every act giveness and honor, happi­ peace from God, the Salam is to gain the pleasure of ness and health without suf­ from others is of no use to God. Those who are the fering. them. 2 standard bearers of peace in society have a surety from "And those who be­ My Dear Sisters, what God that Allah will be his lieve and do good works can we do to be those who friend and will give him a will be admitted into Gar­ take on the ways of Salam - place near to Him. 2 dens through which streams the true peace from God? flow wherein they will How can it be that on the Alihumma Anta Salam - abide by the command of one hand we should be re­ their Lord. Their greeting minded of the command­ 0 Allah you are all peace, therein will be 'Peace". ments of God and His mes­ free of all fault and short- (14:24) senger and then we should comings. pretend that we have not Salam is that which is heard them? Or having seen Wa ininka salam received from God - Al­ and from you is peace, you the signs we should act as if lah's Salam protected we had not seen them. can protect a person against Hadhrat Abrahamas from all suffering and disgrace fire. This same protection In his concluding ad­ on the Day of Judgment. was given to the Imam of dress of Jalsa Qadian Ha­ Tabarakta ya dhai­ the Age. the Promised Mes­ zooraba said: jalali wal ikrami - You siahas. God addressed him "We have to increase our are the Lord of Majesty and as Abraham in several reve­ perception of God and Bounty lations: take on the ways shown to In Surah Yasin, verse Salam to you O Abra­ us by the Messenger and 59, Allah speaks to the be­ ham We purified him and his devoted servant, the lievers saying: delivered him from grief Imam of the Ageas. We and We have done this so cannot increase our per­ Peace on you - a word of you should follow the foot­ ception of God by being greeting from the Merciful steps of Abraham. 0 Abra­ engrossed in materialism Lord. (36: 59) ham We have selected you and idle pursuits. We can­ and We will grant you all not partake of Salam from Which tells us that Al­ your wishes and those who God if we harbor hatred lah confers peace on the be- September - October 2009 85 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

in our hearts. The Promised God are quite different Notes: Messiahas came to establish from my pre-Islamic per­ brotherhood in the latter ception of peace. of getting - From The Philosophy of the days. And what is our stan­ away from it all. Now we Teachings of Islam, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Abmad•s dard for this brotherhood? see that true peace only 2 - From the Khutba Attribute of Our standard is not taken comes when we stand and Allah As Salam, The Source of from Hadhrat Joseph'sas face the enemy in our own Peace 5/11/07 brothers, who put him in selves. When we strive 3. - The Holy Bible, Isaiah 9:6 the well and left him there against our own self, clean­ 4. - From Address to Lajna Jalsa USA 2008 to die. Our standard is sing our hearts of jealousy 5. - From Closing Address, taken from the Ansars of and malice and laziness. Qadian Jalsa 5/27 / 09 6 - Medina, who made great When we absorb ourselves From the Jumu'ah Khutba of sacrifices for one another. - in doing good works. When Jalsa USA 2008 we love one another in 6. - From Closing Address Jalsa One cannot be a true be­ truthfulness and justice. We USA 2008 liever unless one's heart is 7. - From Ahmadi Mothers, 6 have to examine our hearts Builders of the New World, tender and gentle. to see if our affairs have Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad'h been neglected. In order to Daughters of Eve Realizing this, instead 8. - From The Illuminated Rurni of spreading peace, how can bring about a change we we cause people agony and have to do something ex­ pain?7 traordinary. We have to ******* stand and prostrate before Student Counselors The Holy Prophetsaw God, Oh Allah! Show us said, "You cannot enter Your Beauty. so that we and Financial Aid Paradise until you are a true cannot love anything in Coordinators believer and you cannot be a comparison to our love for true believer unless you love Thee, make us helpless.' 7 I am looking for one another like brothers. " Bestow upon us your ways an Ahmadi student of Salam. May the spread­ Counselor and an Ahm­ Therefore, the true per­ ing of Salam take on a new ception of Allah is a Jihad, meaning for us. adi Student Financial Aid which requires constant ef­ Coordinator working for fort. Only when we follow Rumi says: a College in the US. I the ways of our beloved Mas­ would appreciate if they ter. Muhammad Mustafasaw Some nights stay up till whose message was of love dawn could contact me at my and affection, and the humble Stars burn clear all night! email address: ways of his true beloved, our Do that yourself and a Imam, the messenger of spring [email protected]. peace in our time, who kept Will rise in the dark with himself from all vain pur­ water I need help with a suits, only then will we come Your deepest thirst is for.9 Jama'at project. under the protection of God and the world's cunning and May God grant us Muhammad Ali conspiracies can do us no peace of heart and enable us 1 Mumtaz harm. to be those who spread His Peace. The ways of peace from ******* September - October 2009 86 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA THE HOLY PROPHETsaw: THE PERFECT MODEL OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE Amtul Noor Haleem (Rochester, NY)

Assalamu Alaikum: Prophet8aw to see how he e-Aswad into the East wall. We say this small blessed practiced peace, or in other The magnitude of the dis­ prayer, may peace be with words, Islam. He is the best agreement was so great that you, in the form of a greet­ example we have of a the clans were on the verge ing many times a day. We peacemaker. Today, I will of civil war. In an attempt are instructed by the Holy only present a few exam­ to quickly end the dispute, Prophet5aw to take the initia­ ples from his life that dem­ one among the clan tive to be the first in saying onstrate his commitment to shouted: salaam to others, regardless peace. if we know someone or not. "Let the first person In fact, this is a way to be­ There is a well-known who passes through the gin new relationships. As story from the Holy gate of Al-Sajfah be our ar­ Muslims, we wish peace on Prophet' ssaw early life bitrator. " those we meet, whether where he peacefully settled they are new acquaintances a dispute between the 4 The person who came or dear old friends. tribal leaders of the through the gate was Quraish. Bear in mind that Mohammad saw. The people As we know As Sa­ tribal warfare was so com­ standing in the court yard laam as an attribute of Al­ mon that it was a way of cried out "He is Al-Sadiq lah, one could argue that of life. Therefore, peacefully and Al-Amin. We will agree all of Allah's attributes He resolving the dispute was with his verdict." When felt Salaam was the most no small feat. It is narrated Mohammadsaw was pre­ important of all because the that the Quraish leaders sented with the problem he very foundation of our faith very nearly came to blows thought for a moment and is peace. The greatest evi­ over the rebuilding of the then asked to be provided dence to support this fact is Ka' bah, which had been de­ with a shawl. He spread it the name of our faith, Is­ stroyed in a flood. Although on the ground and placed lam. The word itself means they agreed that each clan the black stone on it and peace. No other faith in the would be responsible for then said: world can make this claim. dismantling and rebuilding So when we say we practice one of the four walls, there "Let the elders of Islam, what we are really was serious disagreement as each clan hold onto one saying is we practice peace. to who would have the ulti­ edge of the shawl." Naturally, as Muslims we mate honor of placing the look towards the Holy black stone known as Hajr- They all complied and September - October 2009 87 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA carried the stone to the site tic lengths he was willing to was in a position of strength, of construction. There he go to in order to gain it. It is as was the case during the picked it up and put it place related that during his travel Great Siege of Medina. Dur­ himself. All the elders to Ta'if in 619 to spread the ing the siege, the Jewish tribe agreed that it was the wisest message of Allah, he suf­ of Banu Qurayzah violated decision they could have fered the worst types of in­ their treaty and betrayed the hoped for. Thus the blood­ sults and cruelty. The disbe­ Muslims by cutting off the shed was avoided and the lievers repeatedly stoned food supply and allowing the dispute resolved (Ahmad him and offered no respite. Meccans to enter Medina so 1990). The inhumanity he suffered they could attack the Mus­ was so great that an angel lims. In retaliation, the Holy It is important to note appeared and said: Prophet8aw called for an as­ that this incident occurred sault on the fortress of Banu before Muhammadsaw was "Your Lord is so an­ Qurayzah. During the assault graced with prophet-hood. gry that if you wish, these it became clear that the Banu This shows us that his repu­ mountains will be thrown Qurayzah were in a weak po­ tation as Sadiq and Amin on them so they will be di­ sition and thus asked for a was so well-known, that he minished as their punish­ negotiated settlement. The inspired trust in the clan ment." Holy Pro-phet8aw refused to elders allowing them to re­ negotiate and demanded their spect his judgment. The But the Prophet8aw an­ unconditional surrender. Fea­ second key observation to swered, "No, do not destroy ring a harsh punishment at be made from this story is them. Even if they do not the hands of the Holy Proph­ m studying the Holy believe maybe their coming et8aw, the Banu Qurayzah sent Prophet' ssaw approach to re­ generations will become be­ messages to the tribe of Aus solving the dispute. He lievers." (Ahmad 1990). asking them to intervene with chose to be inclusive rather the Holy Prophet8aw on their than exclusive in that each Even when his own behalf. The tribe of Aus was clan leader participated in life was at risk, and God in a unique position to speak carrying Hajr-e-Aswad, be­ himself felt that the disbe­ on behalf of the Banu Quray­ coming part of the solution. lievers deserved to be pun­ zah because they were a non­ In this way, no one was ished, Rasul-e-Kareemsaw Muslim tribe that had hon­ marginalized or insulted be­ was motivated by the ored the treaty and fought cause they felt excluded. thought of those yet to be alongside the Muslims The Holy Prophet8aw sho­ born as a reason to avoid against the Meccans. wed us that the best way to further bloodshed. Who maintain the peace in the among us can show this Thus, a delegate from community is by showing magnitude of compassion the tribe of Aus went to the consideration for every­ all for the sake of peace? Holy Prophet8aw and begged one's feelings. that the Qurayzah be allowed But the Holy Prophet8aw to live peacefully in exile, Once Muhammadsaw always chose to pursue the similar to the Banu Qaynuqa, was honored with prophet­ path of peace rather than another Jewish tribe that had hood, his actions continued retribution, whether he was previously violated the to demonstrate the impor­ in a position of weakness, treaty. The Banu Qurayzah tance of peace and the dras- such as at Ta'if, or if he believed that this was the September - October 2009 88 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA best scenario they could rah was death. Sa'd decreed occasions. As a result, hope for themselves. that all the warriors should many Muslims felt he be executed according to should be killed due to his Not wanting to an­ Jewish law and that the treacherous behavior. How­ tagonize anyone, the Holy women and children be ever, the Holy Prophet8aw Prophet8aw heard the pleas taken as captives of war. did not share these feelings. the delegates of Aus made He understood that if he or­ on behalf of the Banu The Holy Prophet8aw dered Abdullah Ibn Uba­ Qurayza. He then replied: did not intervene with yy' s death, then his son Sa' d's judgment because he would be honor bound to "Men of Aus, would had already given up his avenge his father. The you be happy if one of your right to do so. However, he prophet (saws) did not want own men decided the is­ did stipulate that the captive to put the son in this posi­ sue?" children should not be sepa­ tion because the son was a rated from their mothers be­ sincere Muslim. But ironi­ They replied "yes." So cause to do so would be a cally, Abdullah Ibn Uba­ Muhammadsaw decided to great injustice (Haykal yy' s son went to the Proph­ give up his right as the vic­ 1976). etsaw of his own accord and tor to demand complete sur­ asked for permission to kill render. Instead, he allowed In this Sunnah we see his father for being a danger the chief of the tribe of Aus, that the Prophet valued to the community. How­ Sa'd ibn Mu'adth to settle peace over his pride. He ever, Muhammadsaw replied, the matter. Sa'd, who him­ gave up his right as victor self was wounded in the to demand complete surren­ "We will not kill him fighting, made both sides der of his enemy and in­ and instead will be good to sign an agreement in ad­ stead accepted the judgment him and remain his com­ vance promising to submit of a third party in order to panion for as long as he to his decision. Then he maintain peace and secu­ lives with us." commanded the Banu rity. Qurayzah to surrender their True to his word, the weapons, leave their for­ In another instance, Prophet8aw came to visit Ab­ tress, and be taken into cus­ the Holy Prophet8aw again dullah Ibn Ubayy on his tody of the Muslims. He demonstrated the wisdom deathbed and asked God to gathered the leaders of of maintaining peace in forgive him, telling his Banu Qurazah and asked place of satisfying any indi­ stunned companions that he them: vidual's desire for blood. hoped God would forgive. This was shown to us with Again, the Holy Prophetsaw "What is the punish­ the case of Abdullah Ibn shows us that Muslims ment for a traitor according Ubayy. Abdullah Ibn should make every attempt to your own religion?" Ubayy was a resident of at maintaining peace. We Medina who although had should make every reason­ The Banu Qurayzah accepted Islam, he had de­ able effort to reach out to leaders bowed their heads liberately jeopardized the people in the pursuit of in response, for the punish­ well-being and safety of his peace and trust that they ment for betrayal in the To- fellow Muslims on multiple will reciprocate our efforts September - October 2009 89 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA with sincerity. This is best could return the follow­ demonstrated with the Holy ing year for a 3 day "Write In the Name of Prophet's acceptance of the visit. Allah, the Most Gracious, Treaty of Hudaibiya. 2. Neither side would di­ the most Merciful." rectly initiate a hostile In 628 AD, while still move against the other Immediately the non­ living in exile in Medina, for several years but Muslim Quraish delegate, the Holy Prophet8aw, along both could enter an alli­ Sohail, objected. He stated: with 1400 Muslims set out ance with whichever towards Mecca to perform tribe they wished. "I do not know the Hajj. When the Mee­ 3. Any Meccan who con­ whether your God is Merci­ cans learned of this they verted to Islam and left ful or compassionate. Write panicked because they Mecca for Medina with­ 'in the name of O God.'" feared the Muslims were out his family's permis­ planning an invasion. How­ sion would be returned The Holy Prophet8aw ever, when the Muslims ar­ to Mecca. But if any accepted this and instructed rived unarmed at Mecca, Muslim went to Mecca Hadhrat Alira to write ac­ the Meccans became con­ either of his own accord cordingly. Hadhrat Alira fused. For if they attacked or was captured or kid­ made the change and then the unarmed Muslims they napped, he would not be continued to write and sign would be disgraced for vio­ returned to his fellow the Holy Prophet'ssaw name lating the sacred months Muslims. as Mohammad Rasulullah, during which warfare was the Prophet of Allah. Yet prohibited. On the other Upon hearing these again, Sohail Ibn Amr ob­ hand, if they didn't chal­ conditions, the Muslims un­ jected. He said: lenge their Muslim enemy, derstandably became upset they might appear weak to because at every point it "If I accepted you as the rest of Arabia. Finally, was the Muslims who had a prophet of God, I would the Meccans decided to to make the concession. not have been hostile to­ send Sohail ibn Amr as However, astonishingly, the wards you. I do not know if their delegate to the Mus­ Holy Prophet8aw accepted you are a prophet of God. lims, to discuss a way to these terms. He told his You should only write your avoid warfare yet still allow companions, "no matter name and your father's the Meccans to save face. how unfair the treaty seems name." The points of the treaty cre­ to be, it will provide some ated by the Meccans looked security for the Muslim The Holy Prophet8aw like capitulation for the community." agreed to this too, and told Muslims. They were as fol­ Hadhrat Alfa to rewrite his lows: He then instructed his name as Muhammad ibn cousin, Hadhrat Alira, to Abdullah, instead of Pro­ 1. The Muslims would not write on his behalf, inform­ phet of Allah. But Hadhrat be allowed to perform ing the Meccans that he ac­ Alira became upset and re­ the Hajj that year, but cepted their terms. The fused to do it. So the Holy instead would have to Holy Prophet8aw dictated to Prophet8aw himself crossed leave. However, they Hadhrat Alira, it out and wrote his name as September - October 2009 90 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Muhammad ibn Abdullah self to be a great man. ever takes refuge in the house on the treaty, the Treaty of of Abu Suffiyan will have Hudaibiya (Emerick 2002). His greatness is further peace. Whoever takes refuge proven by his exemplary in the Ka'bah will have Here, the Holy Proph­ conduct when he returned peace. Whoever comes under etsaw was the leader of the to Mecca. In the year 630 the flag of Bilal and Abu Ru­ Muslims, the Messenger of AD, the Holy Prophet5aw set waha will have peace. " God, and yet for the sake of out from Medina with peace he agreed to condi­ 10,000 men towards Mecca, Upon hearing this, Abu tions which appeared insult­ in response to repeated vio­ Suffiyan returned to the city ing to him personally and lations of the Treaty of and announced that he was against the Muslim commu­ Hudabiya by the Meccans surrendering the entire city of nity in general; whereas if and their failure to respond Mecca. He told the Meccans most of us found ourselves to diplomatic overtures by about Mohammadsaw promise in his position, we would the Muslims. After 2 weeks of safety and that everyone hold onto our pride and in­ of traveling, the Muslims should go home. Later that stinctively react to insults, prepared to enter Mecca, morning the Holy Prophet5aw even to our own detriment. making camp along the out­ entered the city of Mecca But the Holy Prophet5aw skirts of the city. The Mee­ with 10,000 Muslims. He en­ chose a different path. He cans panicked seeing the tered the very same city made a conscious choice to Muslims in such huge num­ where he had been ridiculed swallow his pride in order bers. They saw Hadhrat for claiming prophethood; to preserve the peace and to Abbasra, Khalid bin Walidra, the same city that humiliated put the welfare of the whole and other respected warri­ and insulted him; the sanie Muslim Ummah ahead of ors with the Muslims and city that repeatedly stoned satisfying any one person's thought there was no hope and persecuted him for stat­ individual feelings. Further­ against such an army. Thus, ing, "/ am Rasulullah;" The more, his decision to make Abu Suffiyan, the Meccan same city where its residents the concessions to the Mee­ leader, felt he had no choice made numerous attempts on cans also teaches us how but to go to the Muslim his life; the same city where important it is to respect camp and pronounce his ac­ its residents tortured and other people's beliefs. The ceptance of Islam as a way killed his family members; Holy Prophetsaw recognized of surrender. He asked Mu­ the same city from which he the reason behind Sohail hammad (saws): was forced to flee only 8 ibn Amr' s objections, and years earlier in order to save understood that the non­ "Will the Meccans his very life. And now, he, believers had difficulty in have peace if they refuse to the Rasulullah, returns to accepting him as Rasulullah raise the sword against the Mecca as Conqueror. as they were equally firm in Muslims?" The Holy But there was no blood­ their beliefs as the Muslims Prophet's response was: shed, no revenge of any kind were in theirs. Thus he ac­ upon his return. Instead, cepted their revisions to the "Yes, everyone who those Muslims who had been treaty. But in showing def­ stays indoors will have tortured, humiliated, insulted, erence to the Meccan posi­ peace. Whoever takes ref­ and persecuted in the streets tion, he did not show weak­ uge in the house of Abu Suf of Mecca earlier were now ness, rather he proved him- fiyan will have peace. Who- September - October 2009 91 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA offering peace to their ene­ homes, you are all free. " catastrophe, the Muslim and mies. And why? Because By this statement, Western worlds must learn they chose to follow the ex­ tribal arrogance was nulli­ not merely to tolerate but to ample of Rasulullah, the fied by peace and freedom. appreciate one another. A Peacemaker. The Holy Prophetsaw taught good place to start is with the us that no on should domi­ figure of Muhammad: a com­ (Haykal 1976). nate, exploit or destroy plex man, who resists faci~e other people. He created a ideologically driven categon­ As conqueror, the new culture of respect zation ... but who had pro­ Holy Prophet5aw addressed which was to lead the Mus­ found genius and founded a the crowd of Mecca. lim community to an appre­ religion and cultural tradition ciation of the unity of the that was not based on the "There is no God but human race. He managed to sword but whose name God. No one shares in His redefine the concept of no­ 'ISLAM' signified peace and power. He has falfilled His bility in Arabia, replacing reconciliation." promise. He helped His ser­ sectarian pride with the uni­ vant, Muhammad. 0 people versal ideal of compassion. References of Quraish. God has done (Emerick 2002). away with the evils of igno­ Ahmad, Mirza Bashir-ud­ rance. Blind loyalty to Din Mahmud Ahmad. I would like to finish tribes is gone forever. All (1990). The Life of Mu­ with the words of the Is­ human beings are brothers hammad. Islamabad, UK: lamic scholar Karen ' Mu­ to each other. They are Islamic International Pub­ hammad, a Prophet for_Our children of Adam and Adam lications Ltd. Time' (pp. 212-214) was made from dust. From Armstrong, K. (2006). Mu­ now on, no one should take hammad: A Prophet for " Western critics also revenge. People must learn our Time. New York: persist in viewing the to live in peace. " saw HarperCollins. Prophet of I s1 am as a Emerick, Y. (2002). The Life man of war, and fail to see He then asked the and Work of Muhammad. that from the very first he people of Mecca, "What do USA: Alpha, a Pearson was opposed to the Jahiliy­ you think J am going to do Education Company. yat and arrogance and ego­ with you?" They answered, Haykal, M. H. (1976). The tism that not only fueled the "Noble brother we expect Life of Muhammad (8th aggression of his time but is only goodness." They then ed.) (I. al-Faruqi, Trans.). much in evidence in some held their breath to hear North American Trust leaders, Western and Mus­ what would be their fate. Publications. lim alike today. The The Prophetsaw who is given Prophet, whose aim was the title of "Rehmatullil peace and practical compas­ ******* Alameen" replied with sion, is becoming a symbol words that are famous to­ OFFER of division and strife - a de­ day for their clemency and velopment that is not only nobility. PRAYERS tragic but also dangerous to the stability on which the REGULARLY "There is no blame on future of our species de­ you this day. Go to your pends .... If we are to avoid ******* September - October 2009 92 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

ROLE OF WOMEN IN PROMOTING PEACE IN THE FAMILY

Atiyya Malik (Silver Spring, MD)

"O ye people! fear your of my speech today is the f ect home for the rest of the Lord, Who created you from same! How do we make our world to emulate. a single soul and created homes a cradle of peace and therefrom its mate, and from contentment? How do we The world around us them twain spread many men create an environment in has lost peace and content­ and women; and fear Allah, this world for ourselves and ment in the process of attain­ in Whose name you appeal to for our family, which will ing the pinnacle of material one another, and fear Him enable us to inherit the success. The more they try to particularly respecting ties of Paradise of the hereafter? achieve it, the more it goes relationship. Verily, Allah There are so many aspects beyond their reach. This shat­ watches over you." (Surah of this life that are beyond tered society has been so im­ Al-Nisa:V2) our control, yet the key to mersed in its pursuit of achieving peace in the worldly pleasures that they Women play a vital role home has been entrusted in have ruined their financial in every society. Each the hands of women. system. Instead of finding woman is playing multiple peace their environment is roles simultaneously. As a Hadhrat Khalifatul Ma­ becoming more and more daughter, we are the delight sih IVh said: restless and discontent. of the whole household, in the role of a wife we are the "The fact that the Holy So how do we maintain strength and support of our Prophet5aw has advised men the peace and satisfaction of husbands, as daughters-in­ that their paradise lies be­ our homes while being a part law we are the flag-bearers of neath their mothers' feet of this society? future generations, and as contains a vast ocean of wisdom within a minute ex­ The verse of Surah Al­ mothers we are the founda­ Nisa recited at the beginning tions of every household. pression. In fact women are given control over the shap­ teaches the basic principle of Thus at each tum of life ing of a whole nation's fu­ living a successful life and we are the main pillar of our ture. The paradise men­ that is to adopt true right­ society. If it leans to one tioned here is not solely the eousness. Hadhrat Masih side, the building starts shak­ paradise of the hereafter but Mau'oodas says: ing, and if it shifts from its that of this life as well." "The highest desire of place, the building begins to man in this world is to collapse. But if this pillar has Why does Islam give this high status to women? achieve solace and comfort. a strong foundation, then the And the only path to it set by building becomes an abode Firstly, it is a Muslim Allah is the path of right­ of peace. woman who fulfils a dire eousness. It is also called the Dear sisters, the topic need of mankind. She has path of the Holy Qur'an to set the example of a per- and yet again, it is called September - October 2009 93 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Siraat-e-Mustaqim: The str­ ety shuns him completely. continue this injustice in their aight Path." own homes. In this respect Hadhrat Our Sirat-e-mustaqim is Khalifatul Masih IVh has Now let us ask our­ to fulfill the responsibilities said, "The mother who not selves what are the ways of that we carry in our homes only gives immense love to righteousness? How can we and in the society in accor­ her child, but also incul­ achieve Paradise? Islam , dance with Allah's orders. cates justice in him/her ~hich is the complete relig­ Each act of ours should be from the very beginning, is ion, gives us precise instruc­ for the sake of pleasing Him. in fact creating a paradise tions for all occasions based We should be so inunersed in for the future." upon human nature. A new His love that we are ready for home or family begins with My dear sisters, these the formation of a new mari­ every sacrifice for His sake. are the children, who will Only then the peace and con­ tal relationship. There is no grow up to become respon­ denying the fact that women tentment of our homes will sible adults, therefore creat­ reflect upon the society in play a vital part in the mak­ ing havens of peace, secu­ ing, and for that matter, which we live, and begin to rity, and contentment in the change it for the better. breaking of these marital re­ world. On the other hand lationships. The Holy Qur'an makes that mother who gives only us women take the pledge of love but does not create dis­ The guideline for the cipline in her offspring, nor search of a partner set by our "walaa yaqtulna aulaada does she lay any responsi­ dear Holy Prophet5aw is very unna" bility on them, creates de­ clear: to give precedence to struction rather than being the person's virtue and piety And do not kill your of any advantage to them. above all worldly desires like children. Then again, such women beauty, wealth or family This is a very sugges­ who are neglectful of the status. When a woman once tive phrase. How can a needs of their husbands and asked the Holy Prophet8aw for mother kill her own children? children and instead are im­ advice regarding her mar­ Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih mersed in worldly pleas­ riage, He told her to seek yaba expounding upon this ures, they too rob their someone who is kufw i.e., says that if a woman does not homes of peace and tran­ equal to her. The verses of bring up her children in a q ui lit y. The children the Holy Qur'an that were way that teaches them the brought up in such homes customarily read by the Holy distinction between good and become selfish like their Prophet5aw mentioned: mothers. Then there are bad and does not guide them "qulu qaulan sadeeda" through her own good ac­ those mothers who talk tions, then they are likely to with their children about i.e., speak the simple and fall prey to bad habits such as their husbands' injustices plain truth. It tells us to lay lying, stealing, and being towards them. As a result the foundation of each match mistrustful of others . An in­ the children become rebel­ on the basis of strong, truth­ dividual raised this way not lious not only of the author­ ful and virtuous principles. only destroys himself, but ity of their father, but later Hadhrat Musleh Mau'oodra also the society surrounding of society as a whole. Then has said: "A husband and him, and ultimately that soci- as adults, these children wife are not related merely September - October 2009 94 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA for an hour, but for life. beauty and charm, her abili­ zoora replied, "YOU have And I believe it to last be­ ties and capacities and her been dishonored the mo­ yond a lifetime until the moral qualities in such a ment you sought a loan for judgment day because the manner as if the boy's fam­ this purpose!" In the same effects of this relationship ily will never find her equal context Hadhrat Khalifatul last for generations." in this world. This is why Masih Ilra says, "Extra­ Islam has laid stress on us­ vagant and needless rituals Due to this very im­ ing simple and plain truth are like chains surrounding portance, the Holy Qur' an because such issues cannot a nation's neck which push has used meaningful phra­ remain hidden for a long it into the ditch of disgrace ses like: time and deception ulti­ and affliction. Islam forbids "righteousness" mately leads to undesired these completely and results. teaches moderation." "qaul e sadeed" Hadhrat Khalifatul Ma­ The verse of the Holy The plain and simple truth sih IVrh said, "Some boys' Qur'an recited at the very mothers pay particular at­ and beginning was recited by tention to the girls' educa­ the Holy Propheeaw on the "alaikum raqeeba" tion while seeking a pro­ occasion of every Nikah. In posal. "Their intention is to this verse, another impor­ "I am the Guardian" bring home a daughter tant responsibility ordai­ whose education can be­ as part of the Nikah sermon ned by Allah is to fulfill the come a source of earning. duties towards blood ties. thus setting the basic princi­ So that she can earn side by ples of successful match Allah instructs us that We side with her husband and have created you so that re­ making. Hadhrat Khalifatul handover her earnings to Masih ura has brought our lationships are established them!" How can there be and thrive in every way. If attention to certain weak­ peace and contentment in nesses in our society and you cut off blood ties, then their homes based on such you will be cut off from warned us to refrain from foundations?" them. He said that when the God. Since God is our Cus­ boy's family sends his pro­ Display or ostentation todian, He can see what we posal, they exaggerate his is yet another weakness are doing. We can deceive qualities beyond limits yet which reaps devastating re­ the whole world, we can at the same time, they put sults which can destroy even deceive ourselves but on a show of false humility. families. Once an Ahmadi we cannot deceive God. If But the moment the mar­ approached Hadhrat Khali­ we succeed in fulfilling the riage is solemnized, they fatul Masih ra seeking a requirements of blood rela­ begin to subdue the daugh­ loan for his daughter's wed­ tionships, then we will be ter-in-law and dominate her ding. Hazoora advised him able to create peace and completely. Not only her, to solemnize the occasion contentment not only in our but they want to bring her in an Islamic way and he own homes but the entire entire family into their ser­ wouldn't require any loan. environment as well. vitude and subordination. He said that this would You must have often The same holds true for the bring dishonor to him and heard the Hadith that back­ girl's family- they praise make him lose face in front biting is like eating the their daughter for her of his entire family. Ha- flesh of a dead brother. September - October 2009 95 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Women have such a liking cision they supported him. for gossip that the moment 2 Just imagine how Hadhrat HADITH to 4 of them find themselves Khadijara happily gave all Hadhrat Mu'awiyah bin ~oge~her, they begin indulg­ of her wealth to the Holy Hakamra relates: "While I was in mg m this vice. The Holy Prophet, to do with it as he Prayer with the Holy Prophetsaw Qur' an deems raising quar­ pleased, and did not utter a one of the con-gregation rels more harmful than out­ single word of disapproval, happened to sneeze and I right killing. We are all when he gave it all away to responded with: 'Allah have a ware that telling tales and the poor. mercy on you.' On this the mistrust of others are the congregation reproved me with We are also fortunate main causes of quarrels. Re­ their looks. To this I reacted to have the enlightened garding mistrust of others with: 'May you lose your Hadhat Masih Mau'oodas ha~ pathways tread upon by Hadhrat Masih Mau' oodas mothers, why are you staring at said, "Mistrust of others is me?' Thereupon they started and Hadhrat Amma J anra such a disease and such an beating their hands against their the blessed lady, who du~ awful evil that it blinds a per­ legs. Then I understood that they to her outstanding moral son and throws him into a wanted me to be silent, so I re­ character, made a Prophet dark well of destruction. It is strained myself. May my father become pleased with her. the same mistrust which dis­ and mother be the ransom of the We are also fortunate to connects people from Allah's Holy Prophetsaw, I have not have the constant guidance attributes of creation, mercy known a better instructor before of the Khalifa of the time. and provision and (God for­ him or after him. When he bid) turns Him into a worth­ Do you still remember finished the Prayer, he did not less being. Thus it won't be the pledge that Hazooraba remonstrate with me, or beat me, an exaggeration if I say that took from all Ahmadis at or reprove me. He said: 'During most, if not whole of Jahan­ the Khilafat Centenery Prayer no talk is permissible. It is num (hell) will be filled due Celebration? Come let us all praise and glorification and to mistrust." all renew that pledge today recita-tion of the Qur' an. He added something in the same My sisters, if we to­ that we, the daughters of vein.' I said: 'Messengef3 of gether make this pledge to­ Eve, shall make our homes Allah, I have newly emerged day, that we shall create a a paradise. And in this new from Ignorance and Allah has paradise for ourselves and century of Khilafat may Al­ favoured us with Islam. There our families in this world lah enable us to cradle our are still some men among us who then though difficult, thi~ children with prayers, and go to consult soothsayers.' He task is certainly not un­ to provide a haven of peace said: 'You should not go to achievable, because we have for ourselves and our fam­ them.' Then I said: 'There are the magnificent teachings of ily, so Allah will be pleased some of us who are guided by Islam on our side. We have with us, in this life and in omens.' He said, 'These are perfect role models in the the next. Ameen. things that come up in their wives of the Holy Prophet5aw. minds. They should not be They too were human beings, influenced by them.' " they also were women. On ******* every step they followed the (Muslim kitabussalat bab Holy Prophet5aw, on each de- tahrimul kalam fissalat) September - October 2009 96 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA SPREADING THE TRUE MESSAGE OFPEACE Dhiya Tahira Bakr (Lajna Tabligh Secretary)

you, announcing; I wish to The victory of Islam The third Khalifa: follow the example of the will be a victory for man­ Hadhrat Mirza Na sir Promised Messiahas and so kind; An actualization of Ahmadrh delivered a should all Ahmadis. absolute justice, kindness, public lecture which kinship and a path toward was later published on However, in order for the attainment of peace. The 4th Khalifa, Hadhrat July 28, 1967 as a mes­ us to emulate that example, I believe, it is essential to Mirza Tahir Ahmadr\ may sage of peace and word spend time reading and re­ Allah's blessings be on of warning. In this lec­ flecting on the lives of the him), repeatedly called us ture he declared: Holy Prophet5aW, the Prom­ to become Daee ilallah. He ised Messiahas, the Khulafa, said: "Call the world to­ "My message is of the Holy Qur'an and pray wards salvation and call peace and harmony and sincerely to Allah for His them to the Lord of the help with spreading the true Worlds. Otherwise the des­ hope for mankind" (pg. message of peace. tiny of the people will go in ix). In addition, he re­ the hands of godless people lated the mission of the With these actions we and there will be no doubt Promised Messiahas. should arrive at a state to about their doom" call people to Allah with The mzsswn of the (Inspiring Events in the Promised Messiahas, courage. The Promised Messiahas conveyed to his Field of Tabligh by Mau­ according to the pro­ audience; All that I am con­ lana Ataul Mujeeb Rashid, phecies of the Holy cerned with is my duty, the June 2004, p.70). P rop h etsaw was to b rzng. duty to deliver this mes­ about the renaissance sage, which I owe you as To observe the signs that may indicate doom is of Islam, unite the one owes a debt to someone else. It matters not whether an opportunity to strengthen world zn one Ummah it (the message) is wel­ our supplication to Allah. It (community) and issue comed by them or not, nor seems like each year we ex­ the last and final warn­ whether the readers or lis­ perience another major ca­ ing to the world." teners trust my good inten­ lamity, such as last years tions. He then proceeded to collapse of our banking sys­ (A message of Peace and a deliver his essay on the tem which fueled our coun­ Word of Warning by Victory of Islam. (Victory try's power, and this year Hadhrat Mirza Nasir of Islam by Hadhrat Mirza the World Health Organiza­ Ahmadrh, 2006, pg. 11-13). Ghulam Ahmadas, 1973, pg. tion declaring the Swine 2) Flu, renamed the HlNl vi­ I humbly stand before rus, a pandemic and a September - October 2009 97 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA global threat. now He shall reveal His I say we need a melo­ face in Majesty and awe. dious tune to call the people Is doom imminent? I Let him who has ears hear to Allah. Not a song of pas­ think not. that the time is not far. I sion, but an expression of have done my best to bring love and tenderness from us The 3rd Khalifarh in all under the protection of that exhorts people to do explaining the mission of God, but it was destined the right thing. the Promised Messiahas also that what was written stated that; "The Promised should come to pass. Truly \Ve should win the Messiahas was according to do I say, that the turn of this hearts of the people, said the prophecies of the Holy land, too, is approaching the 4th Khalifarh. This is Prophetsaw .to issue the last fast. The times of Noah more essential then winning and final warning to the shall reappear before your the intellect. He said, we world that unless and until eyes and your own eyes should reform our tongue, it mends its ways and turns will be witnesses to the ca­ mend our hearts and make to its Creator it would be lamity that overtook the cit­ it sweeter; and be lowly and destroyed and annihilated. ies of Lot. But God is slow humble. He included prayer But, if it makes peace with in His wrath. Repent that and urged us to request its Creator by embracing you may be shown mercy! from our children that they true Islam, Allah will have He who does not fear Him pray for our efforts. This he mercy on it and will save it is dead not alive." (A Mes­ said will cause our heart from the apocalyptic catas­ sage of Peace and \Vord of and soul to become a part trophe which looms large \V arning, Hadhrat Mirza of the cause and our words over the world" (A Mes­ Nasir Ahmadr\ pg. xi). will carry a wonderful sage of Peace and \Vord of force. (Inspiring Events in \Vaming, Hadhrat Mirza Recently our current the field of Tabligh by Nasir Ahmad11\ p. x). Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Maulana Ataul Mujeeb Masoor Ahmadaba delivered Rashid, June 2004, pp. 71- The world's situation a speech in Kababir at their 72). today could be seen as simi­ Jalsa Salana. He stated, All lar to the time when the Ahmadis who have ac­ Now the 5th Khalifaaba Promised Messiahas stated cepted the Imam of the age has given us more inspira­ according to Hadhrat Mirza and declared: "\Ve hear and tion. He stated; "God has a Nasir Ahmadrh: "O' Europe, we obey" (2:286) should wonderous manner with his you are not safe and 0, remember that each new chosen people and Proph­ Asia, you too are not im­ day bring advancement in ets. Allah commands them mune. And 0, dwellers of Taqwa and faith. He said, to emerge, in front of the Islands, no false Gods shall be mindful that our pro­ world, to summon people to come to your rescue. I see gress is dependent on Him/ Allah" (Jalsa Salana cities fall and settlements Tabligh and grayer and that Address to Kababir, June laid waste. The One and our responsibility is to 12, 2009). the Only God kept silent show the source of real sal­ for long, heinous deeds vation and show people the This was seen in the were done before His eyes ways to the pleasure of Al­ past with the prophets but and He said nothing. But lah". we can see it again today: September - October 2009 98 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

Allah chooses people and Maintain peace with While sitting in a bedroom commands them to emerge others and thus spread chair in my house, I was and lead people to Him di­ peace. Remember, we are pondering over how to de­ rectly or indirectly. Maybe taught if we cannot remove liver this speech on spread­ President Barack Obama is a wrong or make a situation ing the true message of one of the chosen people. right with our good actions peace. My 17 year old son But from my eyes I see how then try it with our words was also in the room sitting Allah is choosing you to and if that does not suffice quietly without any reason emerge in front of the world then let the intercession be for being there. So I asked to summon people to Him. I our prayers. him for some ideas on how receive e-mail messages we can spread the true mes­ from sisters, young, in their Hazooraba talked about sage of peace. He said; 20' s who have been given intercession just two weeks "give the message to the the office of Tabligh stating ago (June 2009) and stated: youth". He said, the youth they are new to this office, "One should never assume are out in or will be in the inexperienced, need guid­ that intercession has no society more than the elders ance... However, with their merit. He said that the and the youth have access unspoken love of Allah and Promised Messiahas spoke and use of the technology understanding of our mis­ of the Holy Prophetsaw as that can reach out into the sion they embrace the chal­ the true intercessor who world. lenge of uncertainty and freed his people from all proceed forward in their ca­ kinds of vices and made His words took me by pacity, leading their Lajna them a nation of highest surprise, Allahu Akbar. in Tabligh symposiums, standard". Could this be a favor and dialogues in the commu­ sign from Allah, that was nity, homes, churches, in Surely, we've seen the shown to me in particular print and where-ever else outcomes of games of but also now to you. they can carry the message. chance, interest, promiscu­ His words: "Give the ity, arrogance, miserliness message to the youth", If these young Lajna from the past and the pre­ resonated in my heart. neophytes to life's experi­ sent. Therefore, our mes­ ences can understand we sage, our Tabligh will have • Could it be that the must bring mankind to Al­ to echo the words of the youth whether they be lah and have full faith in the Promised Messiahas and the conveyor of the boundless power of Allah with our prayers, righteous message or the recipi­ then the fulfillment of the behavior and good deeds, ent, are the modern Promised Messiah's "Vict­ we have to move ourselves Noah's Ark, steering a ory is coming!" and others closer to Allah. course for the world to Allah and to a destiny To spread the message While sitting in a bed­ bound for the renais­ of peace, harmony, hope room chair in my house, I sance of Islam and and remembrance of Allah: was pondering over how to peace for mankind Our actions must remain deliver this speech on within the favors of Allah. spreading the true message • Could it be that we; the We would judge with jus­ of peace. My 17 year old parents, aunties, and un­ tice and behave justly: son was also in the room cles are mentoring the September - October 2009 99 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

youth to walk in the can to help others attain peaceful and loving foot success; An ailing man will PRAYER steps of the Promise receive health care first and Messiah as. asked after his recovery if Hadhrat Abu Hurairahra he needs assistance; A day relates that once while the • Could this be a sign and when the hungry man will Holy Prophetsaw was sitting favor of Allah. easily find a wngar Khana in the Mosque, a man came counter or soup kitchen and and offered his Prayer. I repeat Hazoor' saba a bed to rest as he continues Then he came up to the message just two weeks ago on his journey and a day Holy Prophetsa and greeted him. The Holy Prophetsaw at the Kababir Jalsa: when the poor man will un­ returned his greeting and "Enlarge your house". derstand that he is not poor when his fate is in the said: "Go back and repeat your salat for you have not Enlarge your house; hands of Allah and so he performed it properly. He the house of God with more maintains his faith. went back, performed the God-loving people and new Salat and came up to the generations who will do The true message of Holy Prophetsaw and greeted good and spread peace. Sis­ peace is that man's salva­ him. This happened three ters, Enlarge your house so tion is with his relationship times. Then the person said: that it is filled more with with Allah. 'By God Who has sent you the remembrance of Allah. with the Truth l I can not Enlarge your house, so that And just so we are perform Prayer better than the next generation knows clear. Allah revealed: And this. Therefore, tell me the who they are as a Muslim those who persevere in correct way to perform and their role. Enlarge our seeking the favor of their Prayer.' At this, the Holy house, so that all who may Lord, and observe Prayer Prophetsaw said: 'When you enter feels at peace and may and spend out of that with stand for Prayer, first say get a glimpse of Allah's which We have provided Takbir, then recite the Holy presence. them, secretly and openly, and repel evil with good. It Qur' an as much as you can, The Promised Messiahas is these who shall have the then with full composure go said: "I have been sent so best reward of the final into Ruku- ', then stand up that Truth and Faith may Abode. Gardens of Eter­ straight, then prostrate with again dominate and fear of nity. They shall enter them full comp-osure, then get up God may again be kindled and also those who are from prostration and sit in the hearts of men. These righteous from among their comp-letely, then do the are the ends for which I fathers and their wives and second prostration. Perform have come!" (Kitab al­ their children. And angels all of the Prayer like this, Barriyya pp. 293-294). shall enter unto them from slowly and correctly.' " every gate, saying, Peace ( Bukhari kitabul adhan bab If we model this right be unto you because you wajubul qirah lil imam then we might witness the were steadfast; behold, walmamumfi salati kulliha) day when: A rich man rec­ how excellent is the reward ognizes that his success is of the final abode! (Al­ by the grace of Allah and Ra'd. 13:23-25). ******* therefore, will do what he September - October 2009 JOO Ahmadiyya Gazette USA SEARCHING FOR PEACE: AN ACCOUNT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES Humaira Khandakar (Central Jersey, NJ)

Allah Ta' ala says m me embraced religion as the mosque. Seeing my dis­ the Holy Qur'an: one would expect a culture appointment, my mother • .,. • ,. I e,; to be embraced. For exam­ changed me into boys' t_µ.ot _,s+i, , ~_;ti ~Jab1j ~.µ, ple, Ramadan and Eid were clothes so that I could ac­ .I,,.. • ,Ir • , , J, celebrated, but five daily company my father. Simi­ o ·,~ir,, ~1ab1 4.111 ~<:. 'ii .-tlft y..,...... , , , , , prayers were an elusive larly, women were gener­ ,. ., ., I !,, !•.L 1 concept. My parents were ally instructed to pray at u-'JQ fl,,eo1•1111.L.::-1··'1'".ill ~-' ~ i,),I, not particularly religious to home and those women begin with. My mother was who practiced Purdah were a working woman. She looked down upon as being Those who believe, worked for a radio station extreme and Taliban-type. and whose hearts find com­ and had a successful acting Such practices instilled in fort in the remembrance of career as well. My religious my mind this notion that Allah. Aye! It is in the re­ education came primarily Islam gave more opportuni­ membrance of Allah that from my maternal grand­ ties to men than women. hearts can find comfort; mother. Alhamdulillah, Those who believe and do even though my mother There were other good works- happiness was immersed in the social pseudo-Islamic customs in shall be theirs, and an ex­ scene, I never felt drawn to the society I grew up in cellent place of return. pop culture and disliked the which caused me to move (13:29, Al-Ra'd) pomp and show of the en­ away from Islam, but not tertainment industry. Unlike Allah. One example is the Today, I have been the culture surroundings of celebration of Milaad. Dur­ asked to share with you my my family, my parents ing this function of the In­ search for peace. Alham­ never differentiated be­ dian sub-continent, when dulillah, my search for tween my brothers and I, someone passes away or peace began in my earliest but instead encouraged and something bad occurs, the memories when I was a facilitated equal treatment, aggrieved family will invite young child of four or five especially on education. many people and the local years old, in Bangladesh. Imam. The family provides The child of Sunni Mus­ I recall once, I de­ sweets and pays the Imam lims, and living in a pre­ sired to accompany my fa­ for singing Farsi poems. dominantly Muslim nation, ther to the Eid prayers, but Randomly during this rit­ Islam was more cultural was saddened to hear that ual, the Imam would say than spiritual. Those around women were not allowed in "Sallallhu alahi wa salam." September - October 2009 101 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

As a child I found such ritu­ if not, then the person must and I, too laughed. I woke als comical and would walk on a string and if he up feeling happy and found mimic such rituals by pre­ falls off the string, he is that I had fallen asleep on tending to be the lmam sent to Hell. With this in­ the prayer mat during singing Farsi poems and formation, I thought as a prayer. Not knowing who then collect as many sweets child that, I did not need to the person was, I told my "in payment" from my read Qur'an or pray Namaz, teacher about my dream cousins and younger sib­ but must only know that and she said: lings as I could. very right answer and must learn to walk and balance "Alhamdulillah ! You Such instances drew on fine strings, thus fitting saw the Holy Prophet Mu­ me away from the cultural right in with my society hammadsaw !" Islam that I saw around me. which memorized Qur' an As I matured, my curiosity without understanding the My teacher instructed and innate conviction re­ words. me to give Sadqa because garding Allah's existence Allah Ta' ala was happy moved me to question my As I neared my teen­ with me. A few days later, I surroundings. Once when I age years, my parents got again saw him in Tahajjud. was seven years old and divorced and my mother This time, he was walking saw a crowd of people left the country. Left with and told me to follow him walking and carrying an my busy father and two and then kept walking. Af­ open casket to the grave­ younger brothers, I devel­ ter some time he reached yard near my home. I asked oped great difficulty in hot burning coals and pro­ a man what was happening sleeping at night and would ceeded to walk on them. and he told me that the man often cry all night. Upon Standing behind him, I told in the casket was going to finding this out, my Qur' an him I was scared to follow see God. Interested in see­ teacher taught me how to him onto the coals because ing what and Who God pray the Tahajjud prayer I did not want to burn my was, I followed the crowd and instructed me to pray if feet. He told me it would be and intently watched as I was unable to sleep. At fine as long as I followed they put the body in a this very emotional stage of him. I obeyed and nothing grave. Sneakily sliding my life, my normal joyful happened. Similarly, he close to the grave, I peered and cheerful face became asked me to follow him into the hole and saw only very solemn and I spent onto ice, and I was fine. dirt. All of a sudden my un­ nights in prayer. One night, Suddenly, I did not see him cle's friend asked me what I I saw a man's face in the anymore and found myself was doing and I candidly sky speaking to me in Ara­ at an intersection. Suddenly responded, "I came to meet bic as I listened in Bengali. I heard his voice asking me God." Confused, he walked He told me: why I had stopped. I re­ me home and told me that sponded that I did not know when a person dies, an an­ Don't cry my child. where to go and he told me gel asks the dead soul a Allah and I are with you. to follow the straight path question and if the question Just learn to laugh with me. and I would be fine. Upon is answered correctly, then following the straight path, the person goes to Heaven; He proceeded to laugh I felt like I had crossed into September - October 2009 102 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA heavenly territory. The next hers Me in a gather­ entire month of Ramadan day I told my teacher my ing, I remember him and continued living as a dream and she told me that better than those in the Muslim in this fashion. whenever I found myself in gathering do, and if he a dilemma, I should just ask approaches Me by as My curiosity with my heart and follow the much as one hand's Islam continued to grow. In straight path. length, I approach him my neighborhood, there by a cubit. If he takes were some Jehovah's Wit­ Growing up without a step toward me, I nesses. Once, they at­ a mother and having a very run to him. tempted preaching to me. I busy father, such dreams told them to give me one from Allah Ta' ala made me I also adopted the week and then sit with me feel protected and guided good habits of my parents, in a discussion; if I won, me to the straight path, and such as helping orphans, then they must accept Is­ also enabled me to protect giving 7.akat, and being lam, and if not, I would be­ and shield my younger kind to the poor. I believe come a Jehovah's Witness. brothers. Although I did not that I was able to overcome Surprised at the gamble, understand Allah Ta'ala, I many tough situations by they said that if they lost believed in Him and I hung the prayers of so many ran­ they would simply cease on to this belief-this dom people whom I had the knocking on my door. rope-to keep Allah close opportunity to help for the Happy with that, I under­ with me. Especially as a sake of humanity. took my research. One of teenager, and I hope all of my stepfather's brother-in­ you young girls are listen­ Throughout my life laws was an Ameer in ing, I always felt that, al­ I felt that I had an abstract Bangladesh and many though no one else was understanding of how to books that he had translated watching me, Allah Ta' ala drive, but did not have the were in our home. One such was always watching me. instructions or training book focused on how the Facing many difficulties as manual to do so. Ahmadiy­ concept of trinity, l+l+l=l a young teen, I began to ex­ yat was the training manual made no sense. From only press my stress and dis­ I had been awaiting. this little research, I won pleasure in a positive man­ and they left me alone. ner by laughter. Through As I neared my late As I entered college, I these instances, I experi­ teens, I migrated to Amer­ became involved in cultural enced the Hadith: ica to live with my mother programs. After my mar­ and stepfather. Because I riage, however, I felt un­ God has declared: I am had been taught that the comfortable and ceased to close to the thought proper way of praying was do so. As a young married that My servant has of in the Masjid or a private woman, I faced many strug­ Me, and I am with him room, when I was at school gles. One such instance was whenever He recollects or working, I did not pray. a person who persistently me. If he remembers However, before leaving in bad-mouthed me and ac­ Me in himself, I re­ the morning and upon re­ tively strived to dissolve member him in My­ turning in the evening, I of­ my marriage. Becoming se­ self, and if he remem- fered prayer. I observed the verely mentally upset, I September - October 2009 103 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA asked Allah Ta'ala how He of the Teachings of Islam. house, Hadhrat Khalifatul could put me in such a Unconsciously, I kept these Masih the fourth, Hadhrat situation and childishly re­ books aside and continued Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh was fused to fast until some­ to read all the holy scrip­ having his Question & An­ thing happened to that per­ tures. I started to read the swer session on MTA. son. At the end of that Gita, the Old Testament, Every time I listened to month of Ramadan, that the New Testament and the him, he seemed to be an­ person was left destitute. I English translations of the swering the very questions I felt ashamed and I wel­ Holy Qur'an. As I read had on my mind. One day I comed this person into my these books, many ques­ asked my brother what the home and put their life tions came to my mind be­ difference was between back together. I never again cause all of the "Islamic what he believed and what even thought of giving Al­ stories" I had heard in my other Muslims believed. He lah the Almighty an ultima­ childhood turned out to be told me the difference was tum. in the Bible. that Ahmadi Muslims be­ lieved that the Promised After this incident, In search of answers, I Messiah and Imam Mahdi I really felt ashamed and first went to a mosque in had come in the person of understood the connection Jamaica, Queens, New Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam man can make with God. In York. The Imam at this Ahmad as. A curious person, my heart, I wanted to find mosque was very dis­ I asked him how he knew. out this ever merciful God. pleased with my question He told me I could find out Since I had my doubts in regarding Jesus' return and by doing research or by organized religions and tra­ told me I was going to Hell. praying Istikhaarah. I chose ditional Islamic practices, I Upset, I asked him if he Istikhaarah and knew that started reading Holy Scrip­ knew where he was going. Allah Ta' ala would answer tures .. My concern was to He said no and then I asked me. I also asked my brother believe and serve God the him how he could then tell how he knew he was on the way He wanted to be me where I was going and right path; he told me, if I served, and not the way I that if he did not know how am not on the right path, was taught or the free ad­ to answer my questions, to then bring me to a better vices that used to come out simply tell me that. path and I will gladly em­ of the local Imams, friends brace it. Intrigued, I began and the like. During this Still full of questions, asking the Murabbi Sahib time, my husband and I I visited my brother and at the Ahmadi mosque vari­ were thinking about start­ would often listen to MT A ous questions and was ing a family. I pondered there. Although my grand­ amazed to hear actual logi­ what my children would mother told me that cal answers, or at least the be-American? Bengali? Ahmadis were bad people honesty to tell me that they Muslim? As I was strug­ and not Muslims, I ob­ would have an answer after gling with my search for all served my brother and a few days. of this, my brother ac­ found nothing wrong with cepted Ahmadiyyat and him and never bothered him After the second week gave me a copy of the about becoming Ahmadi. of praying Istikhaarah, I Qur' an and the Philosophy Whenever I went to his began seeing dreams. There September - October 2009 104 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA are two worth mentioning. of Allah, my maternal HADITH First, I saw Hadhrat Khali­ grandmother and my fatul Masih IVrh giving me mother also accepted Ahm­ Hadhrat Jabir bin something in my hand to adi yya in the recent past. Aswadra or Aswad bin Ja­ accept, and me taking it. bi{3 relates, "During the life The next day, my husband I will conclude with of the Holy Prophetsaw there and I were trying to close a saying by Promised Mes­ were two men who thought on our first home but were siahas: that congregational Prayer having some financial prob­ had already been offered in lems. Motivated by my "If one sees a snake the Mosque. Thus, they dream, I told my husband going in a tree, no one will offered the Prayer indivi­ not to worry. Alhamdulil­ put their hand in that tree, dually in their homes and lah, rather than being asked even if offered one million then came to the Mosque. to pay extra, we were given dollars. Similarly, if you There they saw the Holy money back from the clos­ KNOW there IS a God, no Prophetsaw leading the Prayer. ing agent. matter who tells you there They did not join the Prayer is no God, you will never and sat on one side. They Another dream I believe it." thought that since they had saw was a society in which already offered the Prayer at the plague was rampant. I knew God existed, home, it was not proper to People were dying every­ I always felt drawn to God. offer the same Prayer again. where. I ran into the I implore my sisters listen­ After finishing the Prayer, mosque and saw the Prom­ ing before me, if you have The Holy Prophetsaw noticed ised Messiahas laying on a the conviction that God ex­ both of them (had not joined cot with sick people around ists and this Jama'at is the congregational Prayer). him. He saw me and stood God's Chosen Jama'at, He asked them to come to up. I told him that the then NOTHING should, him. They came to him plague was going on and and NOTHING can, and fearful and quivering as they people were dying. The NOTHING will take you thought they had committed Promised Messiahas told me away from it. something wrong. The Holy that if you believe in me, it Prophetsaw asked them the will be okay. I asked him ******* reason (for not offering the about the people dying HELP Prayer). When they told him around him. He said that the reason for not offering they did not fully believe in HUMANUTY the Prayer, the Holy him. Feeling everything fal­ FIRST Prophetsaw said: 'If you have ling into place and feeling offered the Prayer indivi­ at peace, I told my husband dually, you should still offer that I had found the right NEEDED: the Prayer (again) with the path and I must accept it. congre-gation even if you Thus, my serious excursion VOLUNTEERS think that you have already into Islam from one Rama­ offered the obligatory dan to the next resulted in FUNDS Prayer.'" my acceptance of Ahmadiy­ yat in 1997. By the Grace (Musnad Imamul A 'zam ******* kitabussalat, p 82) September - October 2009 105 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

SEARCHING FOR PEACE: AN ACCOUNT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES Affefa Hibatul Rasheed (Philadelphia, PA)

After reciting Surah Holy Qur'an. Alhamdulil­ we believe in the Master Al-Nasr: lah. Prophet Muhammadsaw. Some Muslims think that we My name is Affefa My family and I had the don't follow the Sunnah, but Hibatul Rasheed, I am from pleasure of having a Mu­ we have to stand strong and the Philadelphia Jama' at, laqat in 2008 with our pre­ we must let them know what and I'm 15 years old. The sent Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza we believe. If we pray to Al­ topic of my speech is, Masroor Ahmadaba We have lah Almighty, He will give us "How Did Islam Bring experienced so many count­ the strength to overcome our Peace in My Life and How less blessings since accept­ fears. Most of the time when has it Helped Me in School ing Ahmadiyyat. Just to our peers keep asking the or in My Environment?" mention a few, my cousin, same questions over and Well, to be quite frank, Is­ his family and my grandfa­ over, it may seem a little lam really hasn't put any ther accepted Ahmadiyyat nerve-racking, and you may more peace in my life than about 5 years ago. And in get a little frustrated, but we what I already had. My 2005 our first born Ahmadi must remember what our family and I were and still came along. Alhumduallah, motto is, Love For All Ha­ are very peaceful. But one my little sister AmtunNoor tred For None. thing that has changed is, it Rasheed, who was named brought us closer to God by the fourth Khalifarh_ And I'd like to end my speech and each other. We became the list of blessings go on. thanking Allah Almighty for Muslim when I was about guiding us to the right path, seven, and we accepted When I am in school or Ahmadiyyat. Then my par­ Ahmadiyyat about a year someplace else I like when ents for all the sacrifices they later. If we were never in­ people ask me what type of make for me. Also my dear troduced to Ahmadiyyat, I Muslim I am. I don't hesi­ Uncle Rashied Butt, who wouldn't have met the nic­ tate to answer, I just tell taught my family and I how est people in the world. I them, Ahmadi. Then they to read Arabic. Next my wouldn't have experienced always ask what's the dif­ Auntie Mujahida Bhatti for being a Nasirat, were I ference between the others, telling my father about Ja­ learned so much Basic Reli­ and I tell them that we as ma'at Ahmadiyya, when he gious Knowledge. And now AHMADIS believe in the would come into her store. I am a young Lajna, were I Promised Messiah, Hadhrat And last but not least Baji am learning much more. Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas Naeema Bhatti for being Most importantly I would­ And before they ask about such a wonderful Nasirat n't have learned to read the the Prophet, I tell them, yes teacher. September - October 2009 106 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

FINDING INTERNAL PEACE: THE ISLAMIC WAY

Dr. Shanaz Butt, Sadr Lajna lmaillah-USA

• '' 1 • , ' I r,; <'.l, • ·~·.I: •. ~~L~· I'•'! ', 'jJ! We have so many conven­ So what is this illusive ~-·, , ~~ v:-""J ~ v!, ient gadgets that make our quality that we call Peace? ,. ,. • ~ • , , ii, lives comfortable. and yet How can we feel Peaceful? o YJJ-1-1·~1:11~~ab1tlJI , , ~<:.)'tl>tlJI , , , we are not satisfied. Instead Usually, the feeling of calm­ Those who believe, of progressing forward, we ness, comfort. contentment or and whose hearts find com­ seem to be going back­ satisfaction is considered as a fort in the remembrance of wards in our pursuit of signal of internal Peace. Is it Allah. Aye! it is in the re­ peace and satisfaction. If not interesting that the mean­ membrance of Allah that you look at the world today, ing of Islam is also Peace? hearts can find peace. (The global Peace is certainly Therefore. logically, in order Holy Quran. 13:29) challenged. There are so to find peace, we should find many natural disasters such Islam. Fortunately. for us My speech this after­ as hurricanes, tsunami, tor­ Muslims, we have been given noon is focused on how can nadoes, earthquakes, floods the Islamic formula by which we find Peace Internally - & famines. We have so we can experience peace The Islamic Way? much of senseless killing. both in this world and the persecution. torture, care­ next world. And yet many When we say. It is less accidents, and pointless Muslims around the world only in the remembrance of wars; all taking away inno­ are very unhappy and not at Allah that hearts can find cent lives and leaving be­ peace with themselves or peace, it proves without a hind despair and sadness. with other people. The rea­ shadow of a doubt that we sons are very clear. We are need God in order to find On an individual level, not feeling very peaceful be­ Peace. Because when there personal peace has also cause we are not obedient to 1s no God, there is no been challenged. More and the teachings of Islam and we Peace! more people are complain­ are not practicing Islam as ing about mental health taught to us by Allah through If we think back over problems and reporting the Holy Qur' an and through the past 10 years, we have greater restlessness, more the perfect example of Holy witnessed many advances worries, loss of sleep. de­ Prophet8aw. in science and technology, pression. suicide and gen­ communication, travel, eral sense of dissatisfaction Look at our society to­ Internet and so on ... the list with their lives. More peo­ day. We have become super­ is very long. We have so ple are searching for peace ficial. super competitive and many ways of communicat­ & contentment- but it want everything to be sur­ ing with each other and at seems to he an illusion - it prised. Whether it is our such high speed and yet we seems to be beyond our homes, TV screens, com­ are a very lonely society. reach. puters, cars, furniture. food September - October 2009 107 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA servings etc. We should while, we don't even realize From all that I have therefore be super happy when we are lying about said so far. it might appear and super satisfied. But in­ our children. And we con­ that it is impossible to find stead, we have become su­ tinue to live this lie when this peaceful balance in our per unhealthy, super fat, su­ we are looking for a Rishta lives? There are so many per agitated and super dis­ (match) for our sons and temptations, so many desires, satisfied. We have more daughters. Our greed and so many things we must have chronic health problems discontent makes us look all the time. Every where we such as diabetes, blood for more money. more tum, we have Satan close by pressure. stroke, choles­ property, more jewelry and our side. That is why the terol, cancer and depression looks rather than for sim­ Promised Messiahas has than ever before, leading to plicity, humility and Taqwa called this the age of spiritual a greater loss of sleep. more in the prospective match. In warfare. Hadhrat Khalifatul worries and lack of peace in the long run, we have not Masih yaba has advised us the long run. only destroyed our children. many times that we must first but also our internal peace conquer our internal Satan The Holy Qur'an tells as well as the peace of before we can worry about us: many individuals. the external Satan, and this One who believe! Let requires us to wage a war not }our wealth and your When Allah tells us with our own - Nafs or self'. children divert you from the "Fastabe kul kairaat" In this regard. Allah tells us in the Holy Qur' an: Vie with one another in Good Deeds,

remembrance of Allah. we forget the true concept And thou, 0 soul at peace! (63:10) of vying with each other is (89:28) in good things that are I I t . Rather than becoming 0 ·' • • ' ., · , - 11- • ., pleasing to Allah. Hadhrat ~,J-ll~J,di' ,UIS',~J more humble, grateful and Khalifatul Masih IVrh has prayerful. we have become explained that when we vie Return to thy Lord well proud and arrogant about with One Another in Good pleased with Him and He our possessions. Rather Deeds, Goodness should be well pleased with thee. than using our wealth and the ultimate goal of the (89:29) training our children to competition. Foul play. dis­ serve others, we encourage honesty and cheating can­ our children to compete not be a part of the compe­ more for their worldly pro­ tition. Real peace of mind So enter thou among My gress and we become boast­ does not come from win­ chosen servants. (89:30) ful when they achieve a ning through unfair or un­ higher grade or a scholar­ just ways. Such a person ship or a new promotion. may appear to be very We forget that these posses­ happy, but no person can And enter thou Mv Garden. sions have come from Al­ experience peace through (89:31) lah. We become so boastful selfish desires. and competitive that after a These verses remind us September - October 2009 108 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA of our responsibilities to this One that can never find longer alive. But what Allah world as well as in the next. peace. Because they have tells us many times in the With the help of these verses, chosen this world over Holy Qur' an is that we I will discuss how we can the next world and wor­ should tame our desires. find peace in our personal ship their desires and am­ Rather than follow our de­ lives. bitions rather than wor­ sires blindly, we should make ship Allah. They spend our desires follow us. Rather l. And thou, 0 Soul at their whole life running than worship our desires, we Peace! It reminds us of after worldly desires. should make our desires sub­ the stage that we are at When they achieve some servient to our ultimate goals presently. Are we at nafse desires, they create new in life. ainaara or nafse law­ ones. Their pursuit of w 'amma or Nafsi Muta­ material and temporary Secondly, we should be minah - the final stage desires leads them to pleased with Allah's Grace when the soul is at peace? misery, discontent, and and Bounty on us. Rather 2. Return to thy Lord well unhappiness. than become jealous and pleased with Him and He greedy because others have well pleased with thee. Others who worship Al­ more and we have less, we This verse reminds us that lah and make Allah their should be grateful for every­ we will ultimately have to central point of focus. thing He has given us. Other­ return to Allah. But Their main desire is to wise, we are only adding to which one of us wishes to please Allah in all they our unhappiness and worries return to Allah if we have do. When Allah becomes and threatening our internal not yet attained Nafse the main desire. then all peace. If I ask all of you, do Mutmainah? Further­ our other desires become you love Allah? You will all more, this verse also pro­ less important and less say that we love Allah very vides us with the perfect appealing. Hazoorh says much. Yet, we question Al­ balance in our lives. We that man is freed from all lah for what he gives us. have to be Razi or pleased bondage by accepting When a mother loves her with Allah and Allah just one bondage-that child, do you not think she should be Razi or pleased of his Creator. When we will do everything to provide with us. realize this fact and begin for her child? When a child So who are these fortu­ to work towards this loves her mother, is she not nate people who have goal. then, according to confident that her mother achieved this perfect balance Islam, we have found the loves her in return and will and to whom Allah says, ultimate path to peace. take good care of her. Then "My Garden is your garden - why is it that we are dissatis­ My Paradise is your para­ Does that mean that fied and question whatever dise?" How can we strive to we should not want or de­ Allah bestows upon us? If we be among these chosen peo­ sire or love anything? No. truly love Allah, don't you ple? First of all. Allah does not think He will give us what expect us not to have any we really need and not what Hadhrat Khalifatul Ma­ needs or ambitions, because we really want? sih IVrh has said that in gen­ having no needs or desires, eral. there are 2 types of peo­ indicates that we are in the Hadhrat Musaas prayed: ple: state of death, we are no September - October 2009 109 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

dence and faith that Allah will take care of you and provide PRAYER My Lord, I am in need for you. As you hold on Hadhrat 'A'ishahra of whatever good Thou tightly only to the rope of Al­ relates: "When the Holy inavest send down to me lah, and you will find that Prophetsaw was in my house (28:25) your grip on all the other ropes of desires, greed and he would offer four rak 'at before then go and Hadhrat Musaas did competition that are destroy­ Zuhr, lead the Prayer and come not specify that he needs a ing your peace of mind will back and offer two rak'at. new car, new clothes, a big­ become looser and looser. He would lead the Maghrib ger house, admission to an When we realize this fact and Prayer and come back and elite university, or marriage begin to work towards this offer two rak'at. When he to a wealthy woman. He put goal. and begin to experience had led the 'Isha' Prayer he all his trust in Allah know­ Islam, then we have begun to would come in and offer ing that if Allah is Razi experience true internal two rak'at." with him, then Allah will peace. give him what he needs and (Muslim kitabussalat bah he in tum would be Razi In Kalame Tahir jawaz nafilah qa 'iman) with whatever Allah gave Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh to him. writes: Hadhrat 'A' ishahra relates that the Holy Think about it: We Mai tujse naa maangoon to, Prophetsaw never omitted have been given the perfect naa maangoonga kisee se four rak'at before Zuhr and teachings, but we do not Mai Taira Huun, Tu Maira two rak'at before Fajr. follow them and allow our­ Khuda, Maira Khuda Hay. selves to get caught up in ( Bukhari kitabussalat baburrak'atain qabluzzuhr) the temporary illusions of If I do not ask from you then this world. For example. we I will not ask from anybody Hadhrat Bara' bin spend so much time and en­ else 'Azibra relates that he had ergy impressing other peo­ I am yours and You are travelled in the company of ple and we often find that mine, You are my God. the Holy Prophetsaw eight­ the people we love the most een times: "I never saw the do not always love us back. May we truly become Holy Prophetsaw omit two And this makes us more those fortunate people whose rak'at before Zuhr Prayer." restless and unhappy. How­ souls find peace so that when ever, when we have Allah's the time comes for our return (Abu Dawud kitabussalat love, it is unconditional journey, Allah is pleased to babutta fissafr) whether we are rich, poor. say to us - Fadkholee fee white, black. tall, short. thin lbaadi. wadkholee jannatee. or fat. This is because Allah ******* loves us for our deeds and My Garden is your gar­ PAY intentions. den, My Paradise is your paradise. May Allah enable us ZAKAT If you truly love Al­ to do so. Ameen. lah, then have the confi- September - October 2009 110 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

THE MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION Sayyarah Hikmat

It was a time to be happy and jubilant It was the Centenary Celebration of the Khilafat Movement! Every face was filled with inner peace and calm contentment! God had visited us with Glory so magnificent! Our hearts were brimmed with joy and eyes with tears! The Mosques were filled with 'Momins' for Tahajjud Prayers! We were all gathered in front of TV in an enlightened mood! Eager to listen to our Imam, our beloved guide! The glimpses from Qadian were a source of sustenance! We could see Minaratul Masih, the symbol of Ahmadiyyat and Islam! The dwellers of Rabwah were a picture of devotion! Of respect, love and adoration Separated from their Imam by the cruel masters! Today they had forgotten all tortures And Lo! The much awaited moment arived! Hazoor could be seen amongst his devotees! His face was blooming like a red rose! It shone with radiance, submission of happiness! To see him was an experience of pure delight! It gave a lift to our heart and joy to our sight! And, when, he spoke, his voice was like the murmuring stream! All were listening to him in absolute silence! He was all gratitude to God for His manifold Bliss! I felt myself transported to a Heavenly place!

My strains vanished, I had a spiritual experience! It was a day of achievement, we had come out victorious from the torture camp of hostilities! We went on marching unafraid of their malice and menace! We were not defeated by their jealous designs! For the moral order is ruled not by violence, but by justice! September - October 2009 111 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

ANNUAL PICNIC AND AUXILIARIES IJTEMA St. Paul Chapter NasimAhmad Publication Secretary, St. Paul, Minnesota

The St. Paul Chapter holds a picnic every year in one of the parks in Minnesota. This year's picnic was held in Coon Rapids Dam Park in Minneapolis on Saturday on August 1, 2009. The Auxiliaries held their ljtema along with games. The picnic provides a relaxed atmos­ phere to interact with members of the Jama' at and also socialize with non-Ahmadi and non­ Muslim guests. The picnic was well attended by the membership and a few non- Ahmadi guests also joined us during lunch time. Normally August is the month when the weather is warm but this year on the day of the picnic temperature was around 67°F. It was quite windy, which made it really challenging to sit with the wind blowing from the dam area resulting in lower tempera­ tures.

The highlights of the Ansarullah Ijtema were the competitions of recitation of the Holy Qur' an, extemporary speeches, observation and memory. Four new competitions were intro­ duced by Za 'eem Sahib, Ansarullah and the following are the details of the new competitions:

1. Members were asked to estimate the height of the picnic shelter ceiling, height and width of shelter picnic table, age and weight of Za 'eem Sahib. The winners were de­ cided based on their estimation closest to actual values.

2. Identifying the meaning of the Arabic words of Surah Al -Ghashiyah in Urdu or Eng­ lish, and grading the paper while the Za 'eem Sahib announced the correct meanings.

3. Grading the reading by other participants of a passage from Hazoor'saba Khutba for clar­ ity, correct pronunciation, reasonable projection of voice, and a style as if he will be de­ livering the sermon to the Friday congregation.

4. The participants were graded by asking them to write at least five sentences within three minutes from the passage of Hazoor'saba Khutba which was read in competition #3. This was a type of memory and comprehension test.

Lunch was served in the picnic shelters, and around 5:00 PM members were served tea at a member's house who lives near to the picnic area. Photographs were taken during the picnic and shared with the members the next day after the picnic via email. September - October 2009 112 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

A BRIEF REPORT OF QUR' AN/ TARBIYYATI CLASS (July 16 to July 29, 2009)

Anwer Khan, General Secretary, L.A. East

As our Baitul Hamid Mosque was nearing completion, children had their time off from school for summer holidays. The Jama' at availed this opportu­ nity and utilized this window of time to hold a Class entitled Qur 'an/ Tarbiyyati class in a rented facility. Imam Shamshad Nasir prepared the pro­ gram and conducted it with tenacity and steadfastness. Jama' at members re­ sponded well, and by the Grace of Allah 60-75 children attended these two weeks of daily sessions from 6-9 pm. The class consisted of three sessions; the first was a 30 minutes recitation of Qur'an session followed by Salat learning session. This was followed by a snack break for 20-25 minutes. The last ses­ sion was Q and A session conducted solely by Imam Sahib. About two dozen teachers, essentially laymen and women conducted the classes. The teachers taught twenty Rukus of recitation. Students repeated this recitation in the pres­ ence of the teachers and corrected their mistakes.

Salat session was conducted for another thirty minutes and the teachers responded to several general and detailed questions. Responses to 39 different questions were given. Imam Sahib also addressed some of these questions in the Q and A session. Imam Sahib demonstrated the rituals of Namaz and taught Funeral prayers and issues related to these subjects.

The concluding session was attended by the National Tarbiyyat Secre­ tary who advised the students to continue their learning afterwards and de­ velop love for Namaz and the Holy Qur'an. Imam Sahib was the keynote speaker who admonished the students to adhere to Salat regularly and shared beautiful anecdotes from the life of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih fa. Dr. Hamidur Rahman Sahib distributed the certificates to the students.

Alhumdolillah, the class fulfilled its objective and the members gained a lot that they will carry forward as the Mosque reopens. May we all live up to the commitments we made to ourselves in these classes, lnsha Allah. September - October 2009 113 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

My Jihad Wages On

Amjad Khan

Another day, another clatter -­ Another spear, another hammer -­ Another critic, another matter -­ Another attack on my master. My jihad wages on. No bullets in the chamber; no anger -­ No arrows in the quiver; no danger -­ No horses to saddle; no longer -- No blood to spill for honor. My jihad wages on. My pen my sword; my fight -­ My words my ammo; my might -­ My Qur'an; my source; my guide My Messiah; my light; my pride. My jihad wages on. For Danish cartoons for burning effigies -­ For extremities for apologies -- For ignorance for spite -- For masking what's right -- My jihad wages on. The scholar's ink -- not the martyr's blood -­ The poet's verse -- not the pundit's tongue -­ In Talha's memory, I stick out my hand -- 1 absorb the smears; I take a stand. My jihad wages on. The night is young; my pen's on fire -- To guard you O' Prophet is my heart's desire -­ The noisy foe silenced by a fierce drum -- 1 fight your fight, O' Sultanul Qalam. My jihad wages on. September - October 2009 114 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

2009 Atfal National Ijtema @ Milwaukee, Wisconsin FINAL RESULTS Atfal Taleem Competitions Mohtamim MAA USA: Abdul Hadi Ahmed Nazim Atfal Taleem Competitions: Ahsan M. Khan

MS = Mayar e Saghir = Ages 7-12 MK= Mayar e Kabir= Ages 13-15

Recitation of Holy Our'an

MS MK 1st : Umar Momen (Silicon Valley) 1st: Sohaib Awan (Columbus) 2nd: Zafarullah Malik (South Virginia) 2nd: Dabir Khan (Central Jersey) 3rd:: Awais Ahmed (Seattle) 3rd: Harris Nisar (Chicago West)

Memorization of Holy Our'an

MS Group I (Age 7-9) MK 1st : Sinaan Y ounus (Baltimore) 1st: Safwan Akbar (Queens) 2nd : · Zaraar Hayee (St. Paul) 2nd : Hafiz Danial Ahmad (Seattle) 2nd: Umer Choudhary (Capitol Metro) 3rd : Dabir Khan (Central Jersey) 3rd: Bilal Mian (Osh Kosh)

MS Group II (Age 10-12) I st : Osman Syed (Philadelphia) 2nd: Hossain Ahmad (North Jersey) 3rd : Farhan Sanouri (Austin)

Urdu Poem

MS MK 1st : Awais Ahmad (Seattle) 1st : Y asir Ayoubi (Houston) 2nd: Umar Momen (Silicon Valley) 2nd: Sultan Munawar (Houston) 3rd: Zeerak Ahmad (Brooklyn) 3rd: Ahmad Malik (Dallas)

Speech

MS MK 1st : Ismael Ahmad (Chicago West) 1st : Safwan Akbar (Queens) 2nd: Khalid Hussain (Hartford) 2nd: Harris Nisar (Chicago West) 3rd: Moeen Khan (Chicago West) 3rd: Sadat Daar (North Virginia) September - October 2009 115 Ahmadiyya Gazette USA

MS MK 1st : Daaniyal Munir (Houston Cyp) 1st: Zakaria Malik (Chicago West) 2nd: Shazil Ahmad (Austin) 2nd : Salman Munir (Houston Cy press) Tubrazi Khan (Detroit) 3rd : Mutahir Ahmad (Austin)

Spelling Bee

MS MK 1st: Shahbaz Ahmad (Willingboro) 1st: Raheel Ahmad (Willingboro) 2nd: Bilal Rana (L.A. East) 2nd: Adeel Ahmad (St. Paul) 3rd: Umar Momen (Silicon Valley) 3rd: Usama Khan (Columbus)

Adhan

MS (Age 9 and under) 1st : Asher Jamil (Silicon Valley) 2nd: Huda Mubashar (Milwaukee) 3rd : Zarar Hayee (St. Paul, MN)

Team Religious Knowledge

Combined MS and MK

1st : Gulf Region

Yahya Tariq, Ahmed Malik, Mutahir Ahmad, Munum Qureshi, Muddassir Bahri, Sal­ man Munir, Parhan Sanouri and Sajeel Malik

znd : Southwest Region

Usman Muzaffar, Zeshan Ahmad, Jalees Dar, Rashad Khan, Ahmed Malik Muizz Sosna and Sultan Ahmad Khan

2°ct : East Region

Osman Syed, Sabraiz Ahmed, Asjad Amjad, Dabir Khan, Raheel Ahmad, Zain Sadari, Hossain Ahmad and Valeed Waqqas By the grace of Allah we have added new online Holy Qµr' an courses which are now available for enrollment. The courses are starting in mid October. To enroll and learn more, please visit the website http://www.alfurqan.us

Monday's: 9:00pm • 9:30pm EST Course is intended for Nasirat and young Lajna (Girls ages 7 to 18). Starting: 10/12/09 It will cover basic recitation starting from the very beginning of the Location: Web Conference Room 2, Yassarn-al-O!ir'an. The course begins from learning the Arabic alphabets, Audio Conference Room 2 pronunciation of each letter and learning the rules for connecting letters.

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ofthe Holy Qur'an (Beginn ¥. 10:00pm -10:30pm EST Open to children of ages under 12. It will cover basic recitation starting from 10/15/09 the very beginning ofYassarn-al-Qur'an. The course starts from learning Web Conference Room 2, the Arabic alphabets, pronunciation of each letter and learning the rules for Audio Conference Room 2 connecting letters.

ption of the Holy Qur'an (Beginne Thursday's: 8:00pm • 8:30pm EST Course is intended for new converts who are completely new to the Arabic Starting: 10/15/09 language. It will cover basic recitation starting from the very beginning of Location: Web Conference Room 1, Yassarn-al-Qyr'an. The course starts from learning the Arabic alphabets, Audio Conference Room 1 pronunciation of each letter and learning the rules for connecting letters. r'a Monday's: 8:00pm • 8:30pm EST Open to children under 15 years and ladies. The course will teach intermedi­ Starting: 10/12/09 ate level recitation of the Holy Qur'an. In this course, students will continue Location: Web Conference Room 2, practicing Yassarn-al-Qyr'an and begin to learn Tajweed rules using Tarteel­ Audio Conference Room 2 ul-Qµr'an textbook. Students are highly advised to join a practice session.

Friday's: 9:30pm -10:00pm EST Open to children under 15 years and ladies. The ooyne will teach intermedi­ Starting: 10/16/09 .. ate level recitation of the Holy Qur'an. In thiscourse,$tudents will continue Location: Web Conference Room 2, practicingYassarn-al-Qur'an and begin to learn Tajweed rules using Tarteel­ Audio Conference Room 2 ul-Qur'an textbook. Students are highly advised to join a pncticc session.

Friday's: 8:30pm • 9:00pm EST The COU1'Se is focused towards teaching basic translation ;of ille;Holy Qµr' an. Starting: 10/16/09 The clasiwill cover the verses 1:1 to 2:53 of the Holy Qyr'anµhe course will Location: Web Conference Room 2, inc!ude word to word translation as well as some basic Arabicgrammar rules. Audio Conference Room 2

Department ofTaleemul Qur'an and Waqf Aardhi, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA Speakers addressing the attendees at 2009 USA Jalsa Salana Speakers addressing the attendees at 2009 USA Jalsa Salana

Award Ceremony during 2009 USA Jalsa Salana

Attendees of Waqfeen-e-Nau Program at 2009 USA Ja lsa Sa lana Scenes from 2009 USA Jalsa Sa lana Pictures from 2009 Qur'an Class held at Los Angeles, CA

General Body Meeting of Association of Ahmadi St. Paul Minnesota- Jama'at Picnic Architects and Engineers USA at Jalsa Salana USA 2009