Jalsa SĀlĀna - Ahmadiyya Gazette · AHMADIYYA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | C A N A D A Vol. 40 No....

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Vol. 40 No. 11-12 - November / December 2011

Jalsa SĀlĀna2011

In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Renewal of the Pledge of LoyaltyWe the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamā`at Canada offer our deepest condolences to our beloved Imām Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa and the families of the martyrs, regarding the martyrdom of our innocent brothers in the context of the terrorist attack on the Ahmadiyya mosques in Lahore.

On this occasion, we renew our pledge of loyalty and offer our lives, wealth, time, and honour in the cause of Islām. If we were called upon to offer our blood in the cause of this path of loyalty, we will be fully prepared, like our martyred brothers, to make this offering. We will, Insha Allāh, advance with greater zeal, spirit, and unflinching faith for keeping the flag of Islām, the staff of Hadrat Muhammadsa, and the banner of the Promised Messiahas flying high.

It is our firm belief that Ahmadiyyat indeed is the true Islām, and this is the path of Hadrat Muhammadsa and that of the Muslims of the earliest era; and this is indeed the same rank of martyrdom which the Prophets and their true devotees had longed for. We firmly believe that Ahmadiyyat will certainly be victorious and the designs of the enemy will surely be foiled. Insha Allāh.

We would like to submit very humbly to our beloved Imām, with the genuineness of our heart and certainty of belief that although our hearts are saddened due to the incident of Lahore but we are not, by any means, broken-hearted. Although our eyes have tears, but they are not an expression of helplessness. Although we are aggrieved at being separated from our brothers, we are not sorrowful. Under the inspiring leadership of the Khilāfat in Ahmadiyyat, our morale is high, our faith is firmly entrenched, our determination is strong and our footsteps are firm. We shall strive for the victory of Islām, under the banner of Khilāfat in Ahmadiyyat, fighting on the right and left, and front and back of our beloved Imām, using the arrows of our prayers, the spears of our morals, and the swords of our pens, and we shall indeed triumph because such is the decree of God.

We supplicate before our Lord that O our Eternal God, grant us steadfastness in our footsteps, do not let us go astray from the path of loyalty, and enable us to offer all manner of sacrifices for the supremacy of the Faith of Hadrat Muhammadsa. O our Lord, make us among the brave soldiers of the contingent of our Messiah and Imām Mahdias of the Latter Days and enable us to continue to be the true and ardent devotees of the institution of Khilāfat in Ahmadiyyat. Āmīn!

O our Lord, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate! Pray, do open for us the doors of countless blessings and bounties, and mercy, for the sake of the martyrs of Islām and Ahmadiyyat and their progeny; and enable us to witness with our own eyes the signs of the victory of Islām and Ahmadiyyat, and grant us the power to fly to the standard of the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammadsa at the highest level.

O our Lord, pray do grant that this may be so. O our beloved God, pray do grant that this may be so. O Lord of All the Worlds, do grant that this may be so. Āmīn!

(We are the members of the Ahmadīyya Muslim Jama`āt Canada)

Amīr Jamāàt: Lal Khan Malik

Chief Editor: Prof. Hadi Ali Chaudhary

Honorary Editor: Hassan Mohammad Khan Arif

Editors: Farhan A. Naseer (Assisting) S.H. Hadi

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Graphics Layout: Farhan A. Naseer

Photographers: Bashir Nasir Muzaffar Malik Ataul Qudus Tahir and others.

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The official publication of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamāàt CanadaISSN 0229 56441. Ahmadīyya - Periodicals. I. Ahmadīyya Movement in Islām Canada.

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Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamāàt Canada Inc., 10610 Jane Street, Maple, ON L6A 3A2, CanadaTel: 905-303-4000 Fax: 905-832-3220 - [email protected]

The Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada is published by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamāàt Canada. The editors of the Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada shall be solely responsible for all errors or omissions contained in the publication herein of the writings of the Promised Messiahas or any of his successorsra, as well as the summaries of the sermons or addresses of Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa.

Articles published in the Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada reflect the views of their respective authors and may not reflect the views, beliefs and tenets of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamāàt Canada.

Pearls of WisdomSelection from the Holy Qur’ān and Ahādīth p.2So Said the Promised Messiahas p.3Guidance from Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa

Summary of Friday Sermons p.5ArticlesOpening Address: Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 p.9Concept of Apostasy and Blasphemy p.14Existence of God In Light of the Holy Qur’ān p.18The Holy Qur’ān: A Fountainhead of Knowledge p.22Institution of Marriage in Light of Islāmic Teachings p.28Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – Life in Mecca p.30Raising Children to Love Allāh p.34Commonalties of Faiths p.38 Domestic Harmony- Creating Paradise on Earth p.42Living in an Electronic Era and Our Responsibilities p.50Natural Disasters or Divine Warnings? p.54A Summary of My Faith’s Journey -Acceptance of Islām p.5735th Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 - Lajna Imāìllāh Report p.59Closing Address: Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 p.62Guest Speakers & Dignitaries p.65National Academic Achievement Awards p.76Details of Deceased Since Jalsa Sālāna 2010 p.79

Table of Contents

Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada An Educational and Spiritual Publication

Volume 40 - No. 11/12 - November/December 2011Muharram-ul-Harām 1432 AH and Fatah 1389 HS

2 Pearls of Wisdom

Abu Hurairara narrates: Allāh’s Apostlesa as saying Allāh has mobile (squads) of angels, who have no other work (to attend to but) to follow the assemblies of Dhikr and when they find such assemblies in which there is Dhikr (of Allāh) they sit in them and some of them surround the others with their wings till the space between them and the sky of the world is fully covered, and when they disperse (after the assembly of Dhikr is adjourned) they go upward to the heaven and Allāh, the Exalted and Glorious, asks them although He is best informed about them: Where have you come from? They say: We come from Thine servants upon the earth who had been glorifying Thee (Subhan Allāh), uttering Thine Greatness (Allāh o-Akbar) and uttering Thine Oneness (La ilaha ill Allāh) and praising Thee (uttering al-Hamdu Lillāh) and begging of Thee. Be would say: What do they beg of Me? They would say: They beg of Thee the Paradise of Thine. He (God) would say: Have they seen My Paradise? They said: No, our Lord. He would say: (What it would be then) if they were to see Mine Paradise? They (the angels) said: They seek Thine protection. He (the Lord) would say: Against what do they seek protection of Mine? They (the angels) would say: Our Lord, from the Hell-Fire. He (the Lord) would say: Have they seen My Fire? They would say: No. He (the Lord) would say: What it would be if they were to see My Fire? They would say: They beg of Thee forgiveness. He would say: I grant pardon to them, and confer upon them what they ask for and grant them protection against which they seek protection. They (the angels) would again say: Our Lord, there is one amongst them such and such simple servant who happened to pass by (that assembly) and sat there along with them (who had been participating in that assembly). He (the Lord) would say: I also grant him pardon, for they are a people the seat-fellows of whom are in no way unfortunate.

The Holy Qur’ānO ye who believe! when it is said to you, ‘Make room!’ in your assemblies, then do make room; Allah will make ample room for you. And when it is said, ‘Rise up!’ then rise up; Allah will raise those who believe from among you, and those to whom knowledge is given, to degrees of rank. And Allah is Well-Aware of what you do.

Chapter 58 - Al-Mujādilah, Verse 12Hadīth of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

3

So Said the Promised Messiahas

Pearls of Wisdom

A Great Gathering

“It is essential for all those who can afford to undertake the journey, that they must come to attend this convention which embodies many blessed objectives. They should disregard minor inconveniences in the cause of Allāh and His prophetsa. Allāh yields reward to the sincere people at every step of their way, and no labour and hardship, undertaken in His way, ever goes to waste. I re-emphasize that you must not rank this convention in the same league as other, ordinary, human assemblies. This is a phenomenon that is based purely on the Divine Help, for the propagation of Islām.” (Ishtihār Dec. 7, 1892, Majmūàh Ishtihārāt Vol. 1, pg. 341)

Promotion of Īmān and Ma`rifat

“During the Jalsa such truths will be discussed which are essential to promote and enhance īmān, yaqīn and ma`rifat.” (Āsmānī Faisla, - Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 4, pg. 352)

“[During this Jalsa, there will be such programs and discourses] with which every brother will get the chance to increase his religious knowledge, and will broaden his horizon and with the divine blessing and favour, his ma`rifat will expand.” (Majmūàh Ishtihārāt vol 1, pg. 340)

Spiritual benefits and Rewards

“This spiritual convention will have many other spiritual benefits which will become manifest from time to time.” (Āsmānī Faisla, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 4, pg. 352)

Attain High Morals

“The Main purpose and intent for this Jalsa was that the members of our Jamāàt should bring about a pious change in themselves by meeting (me) and so that their hearts turn completely to the next world. They should cultivate fear of God in them. They should become a model for others in Taqwā, love of God, tender heartedness, piety, mutual love and brotherhood. They should develop humility, modesty and truthfulness in themselves and should strive for religious progress.” (Shahādatul Qur’ān, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 6, pg. 394)

Compassion for Others

“Another requirement of this Jalsa is that, out of compassion, plans for the religious needs of Europe and America be presented. This is because it has been established that humble people of Europe and America are becoming ready to accept Islām.” (Majmūàh Ishtihārāt Vol. 1, pg. 340-341)

Purpose of Jalsa Sālāna

"The primary purpose of this convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits so that they may enhance their knowledge and – due to their being blessed and enabled by Allāh, The Exalted – their perception [of Allāh] may increase. Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting together will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this Community." (Ishtihār Dec. 7, 1892, Majmūàh Ishtihārāt Vol. 1, pg. 340)

4 Pearls of Wisdom

Company of the Righteous

"The purpose [of this Jalsa] is that the love of this world should cool down in your hearts and love of God and His Prophet should dominate. For this, it is important to remain in (my) company and spend some time of your life with (me). You must see me occasionally. After taking baiàt, to not care about seeing me will be without blessing and it will be only formal initiation.” (Āsmānī Faisla, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 4, pg. 351)

Meeting new Brothers

“An additional benefit of these gatherings will be that each year new entrants to the Jamāàt shall, by being present on the fixed dates, get to know their brethren who had joined earlier. And these meetings will lead to progressive strengthening of the bond of mutual love and affection.” (Āsmānī Faisla, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 4, pg. 352)

A Means to Remove Rancour

“Supplications shall be made at the threshold of the Glorious God that He may unite all these brothers in spirit and banish all estrangement, dryness and differences from amongst them.“ (Āsmānī Faisla, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 4, pg. 352)

Collective Prayer for those who have Passed Away“Prayers for absolution will be offered for brothers who will have passed away in the interim.” (Āsmānī Faisla, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 4, pg. 352)

Bai‘at and Jalsa Sālāna

“All sincere souls who have entered the fold of this humble one should know that the purpose of pledging allegiance is to dampen the worldly ardour, so that the heart is engulfed in the love of the bountiful God and of the Holy Prophetsa, and to develop such a state of detachment that the Final Journey does not seem like an unwelcome prospect. But in order to achieve this, it is necessary to stay in my company and to spend a portion of one’s life in this cause, so that—if God Almighty so wills—through witnessing some definite signs, weakness, infirmity and tardiness may be overcome and perfect faith may be born, resulting in fervour and passionate ardour. One should always strive to achieve this goal and pray that God may grant this opportunity. Until this happens, it is essential to meet me now and then. Bai‘at is devoid of all blessings and is a mere formality if one does not care to meet me. Since—due to physical inability, lack of resources, and long distances—it is not possible for everyone to stay in my company or to visit me a few times every year, and most hearts are not yet endowed with such ardent desire that they should bear the greatest troubles and hardships for the meeting, it seems appropriate, therefore, that three days of every year should be fixed for a gathering in which all my devoted followers should—God willing—be present, with the condition of health, time and absence of strong impediments.“ (Āsmānī Faisla, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 4, pg. 351)

Prayers of the Promised Messiahas for those who Attend Jalsa Sālāna

"O Allāh, O Sublime One, Bestower of bounties, for every such person who makes a journey to attend this convention that is for the sake of Allāh; May Allāh, the Exalted, be with them, grant them a great reward, have mercy on them, and ease for them their circumstances of hardship and anxiety and eliminate their anguish and grief. May He grant them freedom from every single hardship and lay open for them the ways of [achieving] their desired goals, and raise them up on the day of Judgment among those of His servants who are the recipients of His blessings and Mercy. May He be their Guardian in their absence until after their journey comes to an end. O Allāh! O Sublime One and Bestower of bounties, Ever Merciful and One Who Resolves all problems! Do grant all these prayers, and grant us victory over our opponents with scintillating signs, because You alone have all the might and power. Āmīn! Āmīn!” (Ishtihār Dec. 7, 1892, Majmūàh Ishtihārāt Vol. I, pg. 342)

5

Guidance from Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa


On June 3, 2011, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon Baitul Futūh Mosque, London.

Hudūraa said every bounty and blessing the Promised Messiahas received was a result of his obedience to the Holy Prophetsa. In his book Al-Wasīyyat, the Promised Messiahas says that the Prophethood of Muhammadsa is not lacking in its bounty and beneficence. Rather, it surpasses all other Prophets in its blessings. Following the Holy Prophetsa is the easiest path for reaching God.

Hudūraa further added that the Promised Messiahas received every blessing and bounty from the Holy Prophetsa and God granted him an exalted station because of his complete obedience to him. God also showered signs of His support which drew the world’s attention towards his Jamāàt. Good and righteous people have ever since continued to find refuge in the ark built by the Promised Messiahas in

the form of his Jamāàt.

Hudūraa explained that only those people can receive the blessings that the Promised Messiahas inherited from his lord and master the Holy Prophetsa, who link themselves with the

Khilāfat of the Promised Messiahas. Even today, God continues to guide the good-natured people towards this Jamāàt. Allāh proves the

truth of Khilāfat by enabling good-natured people to see the Khulafā’ of the Promised Messiahas in their dreams, so as to lead them towards the Jamāàt.

Hudūraa related faith-inspiring instances of how people in different countries have seen the Promised Messiahas or his Khulafā’ in their dreams and learnt of the truth

of his claim, and how they were ultimately guided towards the Jamāàt and then entered its fold.

Hudūraa prayed that may Allāh grant strength and perseverance to all these righteous people who join the Jamāàt having witnessed such signs. May Allāh increase their faith and conviction. May Allāh enable all of us to follow the Imāmas of the age in the true sense of the

word, so that we too may inherit the blessings associated with the Holy Prophetsa. Āmīn.

Allāh’s Guidance for the Righteous Towards TruthSummary of Friday Sermon delivered on June 3, 2011

God continues to guide the good-natured people towards this Jamāàt. Allāh proves the truth of Khilāfat by enabling good-natured people to see the Khulafā’ of the Promised Messiahas in their dreams,

so as to lead them towards the Jamāàt.

6

On June 10, 2011, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon at Baitul Futūh Mosque, London.

Hudūraa narrated a hadīth of the Holy Prophetsa which says that God will send Mujaddidīn, or Reformers, for the reformation of Islām in every century. Time and again questions are raised with reference to this hadīth. A similar question was also raised in a Waqf-e-Nau class some days ago. These questions are not new, for they have been raised in the times of our past Khulafā’, who responded to them in appropriate terms. The fact is that they are often asked with a mischievous intent, as became evident in the time of Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh IIIrh. But whenever people try to cause such mischief God always counters them with His Mighty Hand.

Hudūraa explained that Promised Messiahas has made it very clear that, in the light of this prophecy, whenever the need arises Allāh will create the means for reformation of Muslims, eradicating false innovations and reviving the true teachings of the faith. Accordingly, the mujaddidīn came to achieve this purpose.

Hudūraa continued to say, this is the last millennium of the world and for this period the Promised Messiahas has been ordained as the Reformer. The Promised Messiahas says, “God has sent me

to bring back the faith that had disappeared from this world and to reform mankind, having derived power from God, and draw people towards righteousness and purge them of evil. I have also come to show that, in contrast to the Holy Qur’ān, all other scriptures are of no consequence.”

Hudūraa said all the means that have become available for spreading Islām in this age are also a sign in favour of the Promised Messiahas. Allāh also gave the Promised

Messiahas the glad tiding that after him his mission would be carried on by the institution of Khilāfat. Today, we see this prophecy being fulfilled and the work of the propagation of Islām is going on around the world under the supervision of Khilāfat. According to prophecies, this Khilāfat will continue to the Last Day. This shows that the mujaddidīn will be none other than the Khulafā’ who carry on the mission of the Promised Messiahas. With the blessing of Khilāfat, the work of reformation is happening around the world not only through the missionaries but also through ordinary Ahmadīs.

Hudūraa said, even today Allāh is showing great signs in support of Khilāfat and is guiding people towards the Promised Messiahas. Allāh causes the Khulafā’ to appear in the dreams of righteous people as a sign that the Khilāfat is the means through which the work of reformation and spread of Islām will be carried out.

Hudūraa said every Ahmadī should have firm faith in the claims of the Promised Messiahas and carry on his mission by bringing about

a pious change within himself and his family. Let us shun false innovations and become the helpers of the Promised Messiahas. May Allāh enable us to do so. Āmīn.

At the end of the Sermon, Hudūraa spoke about the sad demise of Khairuddin Barus sāhib, Ahmadīyya Missionary in Indonesia. Hudūraa also led his Namāz Janāzah Ghā’ib after Friday prayer.


Khilāfat & MujaddidīyyatSummary of Friday Sermon delivered on June 10, 2011

Every Ahmadī should have firm faith in the claims of the Promised Messiahas and carry on his mission by bringing about a pious change within himself and his family. Let us shun false innovations and become the

helpers of the Promised Messiahas.

7Guidance from Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa

Guide Us in the Right PathSummary of Friday Sermon delivered on June 17, 2011

On June 17, 2011, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon at Gross Gerau, Germany.

Hudūraa said, it is Allāh’s great favour upon Ahmadīs that He has enabled us to recognize and accept the Imām of the age. Allāh continues to guide pure-hearted people towards the right path and every year thousands of people who previously did not even believe in God are joining our Jamāàt.

Explaining the verse of Sūrah al-Fātiha, “Guide us in the right path,” Hudūraa said we have been taught to pray that Allāh may lead us to the path of those upon whom He perfected His spiritual blessings. This is an indication that we should stand with the Imām of the age who has come into this world with all these blessings. And we have to establish such a firm relationship with him that we are able to win Allāh’s blessings.

Hudūraa said that at the time of our Bai‘at we make a firm pledge to give preference to our relationship of Bai‘at over all other relations. Now, more than ever, we need to pray “Guide us in the right path,” so that we can remain steadfast on our pledge of obedience and receive Allāh’s favours. Only Allāh can provide guidance. Let us keep guard over ourselves and fear God and ask Him for the strength to remain on the right path. The pledge of Bai‘at is not enough, if we are not faithful to the institution

of Khilāfat established by the Promised Messiahas. Blessed are those who have not only accepted the Promised Messiahas, but also established a relationship of love and devotion with his Khilāfat. The prayer, “Guide us in the right path,” is a continuous and life-long prayer. A believer is one who always strives to find the right path and prays for steadfastness.

Hudūraa stressed that laxity in the observance of the obligatory prayers slowly deprives man of other good deeds. People who mistreat their wives and children are also among

those who deviate from the right path. When we pray “Guide us in the right path,” we should bear in mind the example set for us by the Holy Prophetsa and his servant the Promised Messiahas, who showed us the path from darkness towards light. In order to be rightly guided, it is not enough to simply believe in the one who has come from God or to side with his Jamāàt, rather it is important to mould our lives in accordance with the teachings he has brought and to remain steadfast upon them.

The Promised Messiahas says, “The purpose of the human existence is to seek and walk upon the right path. The fact that the prayer, “Guide

us in the right path,” is repeated in every prayer and every rak‘ah reveals its importance. Our Jamāàt should remember that this is not a trivial prayer and it should not be repeated in a parrot-like fashion; rather it is a great and unfailing means that leads man towards perfection, and this should always be our aim.”

The Promised Messiahas has also said, “One is not a true believer unless he has accumulated a great many good deeds and believes in Allāh with all His perfect attributes. One who truly believes in God

can never commit sin, for he does everything under the will of God. Hence, he is granted perfect peace and tranquility. This is the goal every member of my Jamāàt should pursue. Our Jamāàt must have full and perfect faith in God.”

Hudūraa prayed that Allāh may enable us to bring about such transformations in our lives and to achieve the goals set for us by the Promised Messiahas. Āmīn.

The prayer, “Guide us in the right path,” is a continuous and life-long prayer. A believer is one who always strives to find the right path and prays

for steadfastness.

8 Guidance from Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa

Narratives of Companions of the Promised Messiahas

Summary of Friday Sermon delivered on June 24, 2011On June 24, 2011, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon at Karlsruhe, Germany, where he was addressing the faithful gathered for the Jalsa Sālāna of Jamāàt Germany.

Hudūraa began his sermons by saying that all praise is entirely due to Allāh Who has, in His grace, once again enabled us to attend the Jalsa Sālāna of the Germany Jamāàt. Hudūraa said that, I would like to remind the audience that the purpose of Jalsa is to recognize the true object of human creation, establish an unbreakable relationship with our God, and spend the three days of the Jalsa remembering God Almighty. The foremost purpose of this gathering is to learn about our religion and improve ourselves in spirituality. Another objective is to look into our spiritual condition to find out whether we have overcome our faults in light of Divine commandments and the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hudūraa said that all the participants of the Jalsa, including those who are entrusted with various duties, should keep praying for protection against Satan and should seek forgiveness from God for their sins by offering Durūd Sharīf and Istighfār.

Hudūraa said, this year the Jalsa is being held at a new venue. The participants, therefore, need to make sure that they demonstrate exemplary behaviour so that locals receive a good message about Ahmadīyyat. The behaviour of every Ahmadī should be in

conformity with the conditions of allegiance they have pledged to the Promised Messiahas. Hudūraa also cited a few traditions from the Register of Rawāyāt about the ardent love of the companions for the Promised Messiahas, and how he, in return, treated them with utmost kindness and compassion. The traditions also provided valuable information on how the Promised Messiahas extended advice and hospitality to his companions and how they followed him in letter and spirit.

Hudūraa said that it was this spirit of following every word of the Promised Messiahas that revolutionized the lives of his companions. Hudūraa also quoted a few incidents from the Register of Rawāyāt highlighting the simplicity and courtesy with which the Promised Messiahas treated his guests. Hudūraa advised all the office-bearers of the Jalsa to keep in mind these glorious guidelines.

Hudūraa then went on to quote traditions from the following companions of the Promised Messiahas: Hadrat Khan; Zia ul-Haqq; Hadrat Nizam ud-Din of Sialkot City; Hadrat Mian Āmīr ud-din Ahmadī of Gujrat; Hadrat Hakim Abdus Samad son of Abdul Noshara Ghani of Delhi; Hadrat Chaudhry Abdul Aziz Ahmadī Pensioner of Kakey Zaiyan; Hadrat Mian Allāh Ditta son of Mian Khair Muhammad Sahrani Ahmadī of Basti Rindan, Dera Ghazi Khan; Hadrat Maulvi Burhan ud-din of Jehlum; Hadrat Mistri Allāh Ditta son of Sadar Din of Bhambri; Hadrat Muhammad Ali

Azhar of Jalandhar son of Maulvi Ghulām Qadir; Hadrat Chiragh Muhammad son of Chaudhry Amīr Bakhsh of Kharey; Hadrat Maulvi Muhammad Ibrahim Baqapuri; Hadrat Munshi Mahboob Alam; Hadrat Mian Wazir Khan son of Mian Muhammad Afghan Ghauri; Hadrat Mian Abdur Rahim son of Mian Muhammad Umar; Hadrat Sheikh Mushtaq Hussain son of Sheikh Umar Bakhsh of Gujranwala; Hadrat Ghulām Muhammad of Kotla Maharan, District Narowal; Hadrat Dr. Muhammad Din; Hadrat Chaudhry Ghulām Rasul Basra of Chak 99 North, Sargodha; Hadrat Maulvi Muhammad Jee son of Amīr Muhammad Khan; Hadrat Sufi Nabi Bakhsh, and Hadrat Syed Zain ul-Abidin Waliullāh Shah.

Hudūraa narrated that the Promised Messiahas, while addressing the Jalsa Sālāna of 1906, said that even though the time for his demise was near, he had full faith in Divine promises, and that God would not let his Jamāàt be destroyed. Hudūraa explained that God fulfilled His promises and the Ahmadīyya Jamāàt is increasing day by day. However, mere numbers are not enough; the Jamāàt needs to make constant progress in faith and spirituality. Indeed, we need to be constantly vigilant in order to protect not only our own faith, but also the faith of our coming generations. We need to demonstrate exemplary conduct to them so that we may continue to benefit from the prayers of the Promised Messiahas, which he offered for the sake of his Jamāàt.

Continued on page 27...

9Opening Address

Opening Address: Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011Lal Khan Malik, Amīr Jamāàt Ahmadīyya Canada

What Has Ahmadīyyat Done for Me?

اس للن

ت

رج

خ

ۃ ا م

ا

ر

ی

خ

م

ت

ن

ک

You are the Best People, raised for the good of Mankind (3:111)

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalāmo alaikum wa Rahmatullāh wa Barakātohu!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 35th Jalsa Sālāna of Canada Jamāàt. By the Grace of Allāh, hundreds of volunteers have worked day and night to make this Jalsa a success. The success of their efforts lies in how much benefit we the participants of this blessed Jalsa attain. I hope and pray that Allāh may grant us the strength to attend all sessions of this Jalsa and that Allāh may enable us all, to listen to the beautiful teachings of Islām and then implement these teachings in our daily lives, Āmīn!

Brothers and sisters, we are living in a very materialistic world. The ordinary beauties of this world have been made attractive to us, to our children and our families. Big corporations are spending millions upon millions of dollars to lure us to worldly objects like the latest technological gadgets,

iPhones, Blackberries, Netbooks etc. For much of mankind, living in a beautiful home, putting on the most expensive clothes, buying the best perfumes, and owning the most expensive car, have become the objectives of this life. There is no doubt, that we live in a very materialistic world, a world, where people question everything. They question the need to work, they question the need to have a family, they question the necessity of religion in society, and they even question the existence of God.

In this day and age, people from all walks of life are questioning what religion can do or has to offer them? Today, I am going to take this opportunity to present my views, our views, so as to answer the questions: What Ahmadīyyat, Islām has done for me, [what it] has done for us?

Belief in God

First of all, I want to draw your kind attention to this fact, that in this materialistic world, belief in God’s existence is based upon mere conjecture. A large number of people have left religion and have become atheists. Those who have not done so, have inherited this belief from their ancestors, but in reality, they do not believe

in God. Their hearts are devoid of faith as a deserted house is devoid of residents. This is not only true of some particular country or religion; it is rather true of all religions and the entire world. The poison of disbelief has penetrated deep into the followers of all religions: be they Zoroastrians, be they Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, be they Christians, Sikhs, or Muslims. The noxious winds of materialism have reduced every orchard of faith to ashes. Do

Lal Khan Malik Amīr Jamāàt Ahmadīyya Canada

10 Opening Address

people, in this day and age, feel and experience the existence of God as they feel and experience material and tangible things of this world? No! Are they as certain about the existence of God, as they are about the existence of the sun and the moon, the mountains and rivers, their houses, their ancestors, and their friends? No!

My dear friends, it is a great blessing of Allāh upon us that through His mercy He sent The Promised Messiahas, the Imām Mahdī, the Reformer of the Age, in the person of Hadrat Mirzā Ghulām Ahmadas of Qādiān, who showed us Who the Real Living God is. It is through him, that we have recognized the beautiful attributes of our Allāh, our Creator.

Let me quote from his beautiful writings on “Our God”:

The Promised Messiahas states:

“Our God is [He] Who is alive today just as [He] was [known to be] alive before. [Likewise,] He speaks today as He spoke in the past; He hears as He used to hear before. It is a vain notion to think that in this age He only

hears but does not speak. [In fact,] He hears and speaks as well. All [of] His attributes are eternal and everlasting. None of His attributes [are] ever suspended, nor will they ever be…He constitutes [in Himself] all the most perfect attributes and is the manifestation of all qualities that are truly worthy of praise. He is the Fountainhead of all excellences. He is All-Powerful. He is the Source of all goodness and He is where all things will return. He is the [true] Sovereign of all nations. He is known for every excellence and is free from every blemish. He is Unique in His right to be worshiped by all who dwell on the earth or belong to heaven. (Al-Wasīyyat, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 20, pg. 309-310).

O’ Members of the Jamā`at, let us prostrate ourselves before the Divine threshold, for Allāh has showered His blessings upon us all, and has enabled us to recognize His true attributes. Recognition of the true living God—this is what Ahmadīyyat has done for me!

Belief in Prayers

My dear brothers and sisters, in this day and age, people have forgotten the true essence of prayers—supplication. Prayer is thought to be obsolete. People question, ‘how is it possible that God can show miracles in this day and age?’ Many scientists have played a major role in diverting man’s attention from prayer, for they being so worldly inclined do not understand the power of prayers. There are also Muslims, who go to graves of saints and make them intermediaries between God and man. It is through

belief in the Promised Messiahas that we Ahmadī Muslims have realized the true value of prayers. Supplications and remembrance of God, that is, contemplation of His attributes, are the principal means of establishing a living relationship with God. In its highest expression, prayer is an experience of direct contact with God. According to the Islāmic concept, prayer is a direct pouring forth of [the] soul, by the supplicant before the Divine Majesty. There is no need for, nor does Islām tolerate the notion of, any intermediary between God and man. The Qur’ān constantly exhorts us towards remembrance of God. The glorification of God and the celebration of His Praise, are not confined to any set phrase or formula. The yearning of the soul, to approach ever nearer to its Maker, and to celebrate His Praise and Holiness, to express its homage to Him, and to proclaim its gratitude for His countless favors and bounties, may find expression in a thousand different ways. In short, Islām requires that whatever task or activity a person may be engaged in, his soul be anchored in God, and that a person constantly seek nearness to Him. In Persian, this state of mind is expressed as:

ار �ی اب دل اکر در دتس

“Although my hands are busy, my heart is with my God.”

I have learned the real importance of prayers, power of supplications through the teachings of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafā’. This is what Ahmadīyyat has done for me!

Beauties of the Holy Qur’ān

Brothers and sisters, today Muslims

11Opening Address

around the globe, have forgotten their real teachings. They have started to treat the Qur’ān as a book of the past. They put beautiful covers on it and put it on a high shelf in their homes. According to a saying of the Holy Prophetsa, nothing will be left of Islām except its name and nothing will be left of [the] Qur’ān except its writing.

Today, it is Jamāàt Ahmadīyya that has been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the Qur’ānic teachings and to show the world that this book is full of wisdom. All guidance for mankind, for all times to come, is found in the Holy Qur’ān. Ahmadīs all over the globe, recite the Holy Qur’ān, follow the commandments contained in it to the letter and spirit. It is Jamāàt Ahmadīyya which has taken up the task, to publish the translation of the Holy Qur’ān, in all major languages of the world. The Promised Messiahas and his Khulafā’ have thrown such light on the beautiful teachings of this noble book that in the past 1500 years, no other scholar can match it. The beautiful gift of understanding the Holy Qur’ān, and making it a part of my everyday life, is what Ahmadīyyat has done for me.

True Respect of the Holy Prophetsa

Brothers and sisters, we are passing through a time of trials and tribulations. On one hand, God is showing His Might with tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods; on the other hand, mankind is determined to follow the path of self-destruction. In the name of so-called “free speech”, opponents of Islām have found new avenues to hurt and defame the name of our beloved Master, The Holy Prophet,

Hadrat Muhammad Mustafāsa. The sad reality is, that even so-called Muslims, have also joined these opponents of Islām—though unknowingly—in defaming this Prince of Peacesa. These Muslims are calling their ordinary disputes Jihād and are raising the sword against innocent civilians. Terrorists, hijackers, suicide bombers, Jihādists, and Tālibān, all have become synonymous with Islām. It is the mercy of Allāh, the Almighty, that Jamāàt Ahmadīyya has been distinct in that, it has always upheld, the true and pure teachings of Islām. Around the globe, people from all walks of life, respect the Jamāàt and appreciate its values with extreme respect. More and more people are recognizing that Jamāàt Ahmadīyya is the true Islām. Jamāàt Ahmadīyya has been at the forefront in protecting the name of our beloved Master, the Holy Prophet of Islāmsa and showing the world, his true attributes. The Promised Messiahas states:

“Our Holy Prophetsa combines within himself the names of

all prophets. This is because his pure being is a collection of various noble qualities. Hence, he is Mosesas as well as Jesusas; he is Adamas, as well Abrahamas, and he is Josephas as well as Jacobas. God indicates in the verse, “So do thou follow their guidance.” (6:91) Meaning, “O’ Prophet of God, merge in yourself the various teachings that all prophets particularly exhibited.” This proves that all excellences were present in the Holy Prophetsa. In fact, Muhammadsa’s name indicates this, because Muhammadsa means, “the one who is most highly praised.”

The highest level of praise can only be conceived if all the various qualities and virtues of the prophets are combined in him. (Ā’inah Kamālāte Islām, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 5, pg. 343)

This love of the Prophet Muhammadsa is special to Ahmadī Muslims. Whenever the name of our beloved Master is taken, each and every one of us sends Durūd on him by saying, “Salallāho alaihi wassalam,” invoking Allāh’s Blessings on him. This love, true respect and loyalty towards the Holy Prophetsa is Ahmadīyyat’s gift to all of us!

Advent of the Promised Messiahas and His Objective

Brothers and sisters, as Ahmadī Muslims, we have been chosen by Allāh, the Exalted to be the true followers of the Promised Messiahas. This is the Mahdī and the Messiah, for whom the world had been awaiting. This is the same Mahdī for whom our beloved

12 Opening Address

Master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafāsa used the words, Inna li-Mahdīyyanā, “Our Mahdī.” This is the Mahdī, who in fact is the second advent of the Prophet Muhammad Mustafāsa himself. This is the Mahdī for whom, our beloved master instructed his ummah,

“When you find the Mahdī, perform Bai`at (make a pledge of allegiance) at his hands. You must go to him, even if you have to reach him across icebound mountains crawling on your knees. He is the Mahdī and the Caliph of Allāh.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah)

Ladies and gentlemen, how lucky are we that we have been chosen by Allāh, the Exalted to follow this great Imāmas, whose purpose was to re-establish the pristine, pure teachings of Islām, which had ascended to heaven. Indeed, blessed are we to call ourselves Ahmadī Muslims.

Brothers and sisters, what was the change the Promised Messiahas wanted to bring in us? The change demands that we believe in one True God—Allāh. Each and every one of us must try our utmost to establish a personal relationship with Him. We must prostrate before Him with humility and devotion. This change demands that we believe in the power of supplications and establish the routine of five daily prayers in our lives. We must offer our daily prayers with concentration and such awe, as though we are seeing God in front of us. This change demands that we read and understand the Holy Qur’ān on regular basis and implement its teachings in our lives. This change demands each of us becomes a true Muslim who portrays a true picture

of Islām: A Muslim who is honest, trustworthy, pious, righteous, truthful, hard-working and loyal; a Muslim who is an exemplary parent, an exemplary spouse, an exemplary student, an exemplary worker, and a symbol of loyalty to his faith, nation and country.

Brothers and sisters, our time is a time, in which emphasis on external forms and indifference to inner spirit and true piety are at their maximum. Honesty and integrity are becoming things of the past. People have fallen in love with the riches of this world. This is the time when we, Ahmadī Muslims, must rise up and change the course of the world. We must respond to the call of Imāmas of the time. Our Imāmas is calling us to the path of Tablīgh. This path will lead us to a better tomorrow: a better tomorrow for us, for our next generations, for our nation and country. The Promised Messiahas has drawn our attention to this important responsibility in the following words:

Passion for Preaching

If it was in our capacity we would go, door to door, like beggars, and spread the true religion of Allāh and would save people from the widespread idolatry and disbelief, which leads to spiritual destruction. And if, God had taught us the English Language, we would ourselves visit and tour to preach the Word of God and would spend our entire life preaching, even if we [were to] die in this cause. (Malfūzāt, Vol. 2, pg. 219)

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has given Canada Jamā`at the target of reaching 20% of the population every

year. This shows our dear Imāmaa’s confidence in us. Alhamdulillāh, I assure you that I, along with the entire National Majlis-e-`Āmila Canada, are committed to fulfilling this task given to us by our beloved Imāmaa. We have already started working on achieving this target. Hudūraa has also helped us by guiding us [on] how to achieve this target. Hudūraa has urged all such Ahmadīs who have sought refuge in the Western countries in the name of Ahmadīyyat to devote at least one day every week for Tablīgh. I urge every Ahmadī to respond positively to this special call of our Beloved Imāmaa. Here, I would also like to thank hundreds of Khuddām, Atfāl, Ansār and Lajna around the country who are devoting their precious time to this noble task. As we all know, tablīgh is a lifelong process, so I encourage each and every one of you to take up this task because, in this lies our salvation. Is there anyone who can deny the benefits of Tablīgh? No! We all know how vital it is to our future. Therefore, I humbly urge you to rise to the occasion and take up this challenge.

Today, we all have gathered here to be part of this blessed Jalsa so let us fully benefit from all the speeches being delivered here at this Jalsa. By the grace of Allāh, this year special speeches have been planned to train you in the field of Tablīgh; special speeches have been prepared to equip you to perform well in this field. In today’s session, we would first listen to the speeches. The first one, “The Concept of God In Islām” and then a speech on the “The Holy Qur’ān as the Fountainhead of Knowledge.” May I humbly urge you to attend all the sessions of

13Opening Address

What has Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām Done for me, for us?

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us Belief in a Living God, Who Listens and Responds. Through Him have we received the most effective tool of a believer, that is, the power of prayer, the weapon of supplications.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has enabled us to recognize the high status of our beloved Master, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafāsa, Khātam al-Nabīyīn, the Seal of the Prophets.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us recognition of the Imām of the age, the follower Prophetas of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us unity through Khilāfat, the most blessed institution in Islām.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us the passion for service of Islām and the will to offer sacrifices for this cause.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us the hope of and promise of global victory of Islām at our hands, within the next two centuries, Inshā’Allāh.

this Jalsa Sālāna, along with all the members of your immediate and extended family, so that we all can benefit from the true blessings of this Jalsa, Āmīn!

May Allāh enable us to achieve the purpose and objectives which the Promised Messiahas had envisioned for all of us!

Conclusion

To conclude, I would like to say that the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas was to bring about a spiritual change and purification in His Jamā`at. It is this change that we must all adopt and we must be able to invite others to share these blessings with us.

Only when we ourselves have fulfilled these requirements and

have brought about the change in ourselves, will we be able to invite mankind to Islām.

In short, what has Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām Done for me, for us?

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us Belief in a Living God, Who Listens and Responds. Through Him have we received the most effective tool of a believer, that is, the power of prayer, the weapon of supplications.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has enabled us to recognize the high status of our beloved Master, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafāsa, Khātam al-Nabīyīn, the Seal of the Prophets.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām

has given us recognition of the Imām of the age, the follower Prophetas of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us unity through Khilāfat, the most blessed institution in Islām.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us the passion for service of Islām and the will to offer sacrifices for this cause.

• Ahmadīyyat – the True Islām has given us the hope of and promise of global victory of Islām at our hands, within the next two centuries, Inshā’Allāh.

May Allāh enable us to fully benefit from this blessed Jalsa, Āmīn!

14 Concept of Apostasy and Blasphemy

Mr. President and our honoured guests, we are so honoured that when most of you came here you said, “Assalāmu Alaikum.” May peace and blessings of God be upon all of us. Can you imagine that Ahmadī Muslims in one country, are not even allowed to utter these words, “Assalāmu Alaikum?” This is our plight. This is our difficulty.

Ladies and gentlemen, thousands and thousands of Prophets have come into this world to guide humanity. Their message was common: belief in God, belief in the Day of Resurrection, the Hereafter, the Day of Accountability and encouraging people to do good and forbidding evil. But all the Prophets who came into this world—thousands upon thousands upon thousands who came to every nation—they were rejected. They were persecuted. They were ridiculed. They were scorned. Their followers were torn into pieces. Sometimes their flesh was torn from their bones. Never has a Prophet ever been accepted. They have been blasphemed, ridiculed, jeered at, spat at and even flogged! A crown of thorns was put on his head—Jesus Christas. Which Prophet was accepted? And, this verse which I have just recited,

Look at the pathos, as if God Himself is in grief. “Alas! O’ My creation, have I ever sent a Prophet who was not ridiculed?” (36:31) Starting from Adamas, all the Prophets were persecuted. Was the Prophet Abrahamas not thrown into the fire because of his belief in the Unity of God? What about Noahas? God told him to build an ark. They mocked at him and they laughed at him. The founder of the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community Hadrat Mirzā Ghulām Ahmadas also built an ark. In fact, he wrote a book called, The Ark of Noah—Kashtī Nūh. He built that spiritual ark; and you and I sitting over here, in this multitude, we are just a few. There are millions of Ahmadīs all over the world who have taken shelter in this ark of Noahas, the spiritual ark of Noahas. What about Mosesas? Pharaoh had ordered all male children to be killed. The people had predicted that a Prophet was about to be born, and even before he was born, Pharaoh ordered that all male children be killed. It’s a long story of how God saved him.

Davidas, Solomonas, name any

Prophet. Look at Jesus Christas, a noble Prophet of God who was not only ridiculed, he was flogged, he was tortured, spat at, bleeding all over. This is the plight. What about the Prophet Muhammadsa? He was also persecuted and [abused]. People were hounding after him to kill him off.

They called these Prophets liars, they called them poets. Sometimes, they called them magicians. They called them frauds. They called

Concept of Apostasy and BlasphemyMubarak A. Nazir, Missionary In-Charge Canada

Mubarak A. Nazir Missionary In-Charge Canada

15Concept of Apostasy and Blasphemy

them businessmen. They called them apostates. They give a verdict, an edict that they deserve to be killed. They called them liars. This blasphemy, it’s a pity, how unfortunate that the Ahmadīyya Muslim Jamā`at, the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community, whose prime objective is to show the pristine purity of Islām, to show the true face of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, we are bogged down!

While we give lectures on the true meaning of the Seal of the Prophets—before we can finish this—the question of Jihād comes up; the wrong interpretation of Jihād which has made Islām a laughing stock before the entire world. Which religion allows violence? They have totally forgotten the meaning of Jihād. We have gone to countless symposiums and conferences where we try to show the real meaning of the word Jihād. And, there is no conference where we go that people do not ask about Jihād. These so-called scholars of Islām, they have done so much damage to Islām. Sometimes, people criticize the West or the media and this and that. It is the Muslims who give them ammunition. They bring forth wrong interpretations of Islām and this is how Islām is projected as a barbaric religion, as a religion of terrorists, as a religion of hijackers, suicide bombers. This is the picture painted on the canvas. We are engaged in the Jihād of presenting the true picture of Islām.

Having hardly answered the questions on Jihād, the question of blasphemy also comes up. Any person, [according to] the penal code of Pakistan, the Constitution, who says any derogatory words against Islām or its Prophets, is

bound to be hanged, bound to be killed. You tell me how many heads do we chop? The population of the world is about 7 billion now. Muslims all over the world are 1.5 billion, maybe even slightly less. So does it mean that the heads of the other 5 billion have to be chopped because they do not believe in the Prophet Muhammadsa. Their civility prevents them from openly stating their view that the Holy Prophetsa is a false Prophet but they are not Muslims that is why they don’t believe in him. How ridiculous! How wrong! Those who do not believe in the Prophet or who say something unkind against him due to their freedom of speech, are their heads going to be chopped? People speak against Islām, against the Holy Qur’ān as well.

Am I giving this speech because I am asking you to help us to preserve the Holy Qur’ān? You know there are people burning the Holy Qur’ān. There was a burning ceremony in the United States. People burned the Holy Book. Have we put this topic on the table because we are asking for some help from our honorable guests? No.

God says in the Holy Qur’ān that,

“We have revealed this Book. We will preserve it.” (15:10)

Are we doing that? Are we asking [for] your help to save the Holy Prophetsa? No. Allāh has said in the Holy Qur’ān, “I will preserve you.” We are only appealing to your conscience, to your inner conscience that this is a blot on humanity. This is wrong. It does not appeal to the common sense. It does appeal to conscience. The Holy Qur’ān

says, “There is no compulsion in religion.” You must have heard about the Danish cartoons, people made cartoons against the Holy Prophetsa. It injures our feelings. We love the Prophetsa far more than our parents. It hurts. It pains. But read the Holy Qur’ān from the beginning to the end, there is no punishment prescribed in the Holy Qur’ān for blasphemy. God says, I will deal with it, I will respond to [this action].

So these people [are] being put to punishment. Asiya Bibi, who is a Christian lady with five children, [is] accused of blasphemy. She has been languishing in jail because she has been accused, and she has been sentenced to death. We are embarrassed. This is not Islām. But who cares, more than thirty people had already been murdered, who have been accused of blasphemy, but they had been freed by the courts. Who cares for the courts? You are declared innocent even by the court and the moment you come out, it’s a free for all. So many people have been killed. The governor of the most important province of Pakistan, Punjab, Salman Taseer, who only visited this lady in jail, said we should revisit this law because people are misusing it in order to gain people’s property or in order to do other things. Let us revisit this. His own bodyguard killed him. After killing him, the other bodyguards stood silent. And, this murderer was not only declared a hero but declared a saint. The Minorities’ Minister, who was a Roman Catholic, was murdered in Quetta in broad daylight. Which religion allows that?

What about the life of the Holy Prophetsa? What did he do? Was he

16 Concept of Apostasy and Blasphemy

not blasphemed? He used to go to the mosque and there was a lady who used to throw rubbish upon his head every time, and he would clean his head and wash his hair and go back to the mosque. The Holy Prophetsa found out that for 2 or 3 days she had not thrown rubbish on his head. He asked about her and was told that the lady is sick. He went to see her. He said, “Madam, you are not well. I just came to ask of your health.” This is the reply of the Holy Prophetsa. Blasphemy? People threw the intestines of dead camels on the head of the Holy Prophetsa.

During the life of Holy Prophet’ssa there were hypocrites who were roaming in the streets of Medina, and one chief hypocrite once said that, “I am the chief, the best person in Medina and I will drive out the worst man.” This is documented in the Holy Qur’ān. What did the Holy Prophetsa do, the Holy Prophetsa [who was] full of compassion, full of love?

Look! It is this compassion of the Holy Prophetsa which has brought us together and we are all enslaved. It is not vindictiveness. It is his compassion, it is his love. This man—who was the chief of the hypocrites—was roaming in Medina and nobody touched him. In fact, his own son who became a Muslim once came to the Holy Prophetsa and said, “O’ Prophet of God, allow me to kill my father for having blasphemed you, he called you the worst person in Medina. Allow me to kill him.” The Holy Prophet said, “No, I do not allow you.”

When this man Abdullāh bin Ubayy bin Salul died, the Holy Prophetsa gave his own shirt as a

burial shroud for this man. This is compassion. This is love for all, hatred for none. “Bring your proof if you are truthful!” O’ you the mullah! O’ you the turban-clad or those wearing long gowns issuing edicts sometimes against Salman Rushdie, for The Satanic Verses, [sometimes] against members of our community! Ninety-nine people, members of the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community were butchered in cold blood while they were offering their prayers. You know of this, you have seen the video and you have seen the blood [that] was not only splashed on the floor but blood and the parts of those martyrs were stuck to the roof of those mosques. This is our plight. But, we do not take the law into our own hands. The religion does not allow us to take the law into our own hands. The Holy Prophetsa did not do so and the Promised Messiahas also did not do so. There was a man who used to abuse him. He came to Qādiān and he abused him. He constantly abused him for the whole night. In the morning the Promised Messiahas said, “This man who has been abusing me, he has lost his voice because of constant shouts and abuses. Make a cup of tea and hand it over to him so that his voice improves.” This is compassion.

I am not, we are not condoning—God forbid—blasphemy. What I am saying is that the punishment for blasphemy is in the hands of God. He says, “I will take care of that. Do not worry about that. It’s not in your hands. I will take care of that. I have sent these Prophets and I will take care of them.”

Once the Prophet Messiahas was in a court and the judge said,

“Mirzā Ghulām Ahmad, there is a prophecy, I understand, that God says, ‘I will disgrace anyone who disgraces you.’ Is that your prophecy?” He said, “Yes.” The judge, who was a magistrate, and at that time the British were in India. The magistrate was the highest authority. The magistrate said, “If I disgrace you today in this court, will I be disgraced?” The Promised Messiahas said, “Anyone, anyone.” He said, “If I do it?” He said, “Anyone.”

So those who open their mouths and talk against the Prophets of God, maybe they are Christian or Hindu or Buddhist. Let people worship their stone. Let them worship fire. Let them worship the cow. Let them worship the moon. Let them worship One God, let them worship Jehovah, Lord Krishna, Vahe Guru, it is their prerogative. On the Day of Judgment we will all be judged. Why do you become the master of the Day of Judgment? Allow people [to do] what they want to do, God will take care of that. So, it is extremely painful. It’s extremely embarrassing that we should stand over here and defend Islām, not from the West, not from the media, but from our own people who have given [the] wrong interpretations of Islām as a religion of terrorists, a terrible religion. Look, if this was Islām—luckily this is not Islām, God forbid—if this was Islām then I declare that I am not that type of Muslim. The Promised Messiahas said, “I also hate their religion.“ They shouted at the top of their voices that I am an apostate, and I am a Kāfir, and I am an infidel, the fact is that I also hate. I am not part of that faith. Islām is a religion of peace. It’s a religion of love. It’s a

17Concept of Apostasy and Blasphemy

religion of affection. It’s a religion of brotherhood. It is a religion that we will all try and find out from other religions what is good in their religion. We hold countless conferences, you must have heard. We provide a forum to the Hindus, to the Sikhs, to the Christians, to the Jews. Let us come forward. Let us find out. Truth is not the monopoly of any religion. Find out what is better. We will present the Islāmic view as well. Everybody believes that their view is the best. Let the people judge. And let us say that we have a short time to live in this world. We are guests on this planet. How long? If not today, tomorrow…We all have to go to our graves. Why show any vindictiveness? Why show any hatred? We are all human beings. Forget about the pigment of my skin or the accent that I have. We are all the children of God. What blasphemy? One should never abuse the Prophets of God. One should never abuse the elects of God. The Promised Messiahas has said in one of his poems,

“O you, the perverted enemies of the Holy Prophetsa, you should be afraid of the spiritual sword of the Holy Prophetsa.”

The Prophets of God are the lions of Allāh. If you do not believe in them, then keep quiet. But do not talk ill of

the Prophets of God. [Be they] the Buddhists or the Christians or the Hindus or the Sikhs or the Muslims. That is why the Promised Messiahas has said, “O you, the heedless, do not harbor any rancour, any enmity against the Prophets of God. Keep away from them. If you do not understand, keep quiet because they are a den of lions. They will pounce upon you, the spiritual den of lions.” The Promised Messiahas has said that, “I can compromise with the scorpions. I can compromise with the cannibals, with the snakes and the lions. But I can never compromise with people who abuse the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.” He said, “If my limbs are cut off, if my children are massacred before my eyes, if I am deprived of all my desires and all my emotions.” In fact, he said that, “If my eyes are gouged out, that will be not as painful as it is when I hear people abusing my master.” So while we speak against blasphemy, [it is] not only against your Holy Prophetsa but also against all the Prophets of God the Almighty. At the same time we again say that the punishment for blasphemy is in the gracious hand of God.

May the Lord richly bless you and we are highly honored that you are all here and you have said such beautiful things and you stick your

necks out. We are people who had been driven away from our own homes. You opened your arms and you have received us. You think we love this country because it is the best country in the world, only because it is the most secure country in the world. Not only that, we love this country because the Holy Prophetsa said so. Our religion says so. Love of your homeland is part of your faith. So keep this in mind. I don’t need to emphasize this again and again. We are the most peaceful community. We are the most law-abiding community. We are a community who knows how to co-operate, how to obey. It is there in the Holy Qur’ān. It is there in the teaching of the Holy Prophetsa. It is there in the teaching of the Promised Messiahas.

May the Lord richly bless you. May Allāh reward you abundantly. And may Allāh grant you health, [and] long life. And may Allāh help you that you should consider, once in a while, that we should love all Prophets of God. We should love all the revealed Books of God. Look, I have studied the Bible along with the Holy Qur’ān, and many times—not once, not twice—many times I have shed tears at reading some chapters of the Bible. May God bless you. Assalāmu alaikum.

18 Existence of God In Light of the Holy Qur’ān

Blessed is He in Whose hand is the kingdom, and He has power over all things. Who has created death and life that He might try you—which of you is best in deeds; and He is the Mighty, the Most Forgiving. Who has created seven heavens in harmony. No incongruity canst thou see in the creation of the Gracious God. Then look again, seest thou any flaw? Aye, look again, and yet again, thy sight will only return unto thee confused and fatigued. (67:2-5)

It is said that a Bedouin living in the Arabian desert was asked for a sign to prove the existence of God. The Bedouin made a simple yet profound reply. He directed the inquirer towards the droppings of a camel and said, “If these droppings indicate the existence of a camel, then is not the universe itself sufficient proof to indicate a Creator?”

This wonderful answer was given by a simple Bedouin, who himself was neither literate nor educated. This simple undeniable truth is exactly what the Holy Qur’ān says,

Are you in doubt concerning Allāh, Maker of the heavens and the earth? (14:11)

In this modern age, Atheism is spreading like wild fire. Atheists generally believe that it is not God who created the universe rather the universe itself came into existence, via the big bang. The Big Bang theory is a widely accepted theory for the origin of the universe. According to this theory, approximately 13.7 billion years ago, the whole universe was compressed into the confines of an atomic nucleus. This is known as singularity, this is the moment before creation when space and time did not exist. The universe then emerged from this highly compressed and extremely hot state and as it rapidly cooled down it expanded.

The Big Bang theory provides an explanation of what may have happened at the moment the universe was created. At this point of origin, we encounter what physicists refer to as singularity, at state in which neither space nor time existed. Quantum theory suggests that moments after the explosion at 10 -43 seconds, the four forces of nature, strong nuclear, weak nuclear, electromagnetic and gravity were combined as a single “super force.”

However, we are forced to ask, if the

universe had a beginning, then who caused this beginning? Scientists are unable to go beyond Big Bang. They have no idea what force was behind it. Yet, since the time immemorial, one group of people has always pointed towards the originator of this phenomenon, and they are the prophets. From the time of Adamas

till now, all the prophets claimed to have a living relationship with that being who originated everything, a being known as God. More than all

Existence of God In Light of the Holy Qur’ānMukhtar A. Cheema

Mukhtar A. Cheema Professor Jām`ia

Ahmadīyya North America

19Existence of God In Light of the Holy Qur’ān

other prophets, the Holy Prophetsa of Islām projected the belief of the living God.

Some 80 ago years, in 1929, Edwin Powell Hubble put forward the idea that everything in the universe is moving away from everything else. The universe is expanding in every direction and that it is taking galaxies along with it. This is what is known as Hubble’s Law.

Hubble’s Law implies that the universe is “blowing up” like a balloon as time progresses. Considering this we must ask ourselves, what would happen if you were to run the timeline backwards? What was the universe like in the past? If the universe is currently growing, then the universe had to have been smaller in the past. There must have been some point in time when the universe was half its current size. Going further, there must have been a time when it was half that size. If you continue to run time backwards, you are bound to come a time when the universe was an infinitely small point. This is the basic idea behind the Big Bang as well. All matter and energy existed in an infinitely small point of infinite density a long time ago, and has since been expanding. The most important thing is that the Big Bang was not an explosion in the universe, but rather it is an explosion of the universe.

Today, scientists hypothesize that the universe before the Big Bang existed in an extremely tiny space at some time in the past. All this is based on scientific inquiry and calculations of the human mind. However, 1500 years ago, a poor child born in the desert of Arabia, somehow described the entire Big Bang theory in more accurate detail

than these scientists. The child grew up, he had no connection whatsoever with the known civilized world, he had not gone to any school or college. He was a mere sheppard of goat and sheep. His name, was Muhammadsa. How was he able to describe the entire Big Bang theory, though without naming it, with more accuracy than the scientist? The simple answer is, because he received the information from his living God through revelation, which is in the Holy Qur’ān, a book fully preserved and protected by God. God says,

Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass, then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (21:31)

With just one stroke, a few words in one single sentence, the Holy Qur’ān, provides complete information regarding the creation of the universe, including the creation of mankind. It is pity that the same men, born in this modern age deny their own Creator.

Is this not sufficient proof of a living God, the Creator of the universe? 1,500 years ago, He Himself brought up this issue and addressed atheists with it. It is absolutely astonishing; atheists deny the Creator but do not themselves have any information regarding the universe before time and space. On the other hand, the Holy Qur’ān is addressing atheists and while bringing their attention to the exact same matter, it is providing them with a claimant of who caused that mass to split, and also a claimant of creator of the condensed mass itself. The Holy Qur’ān says,

We opened that closed up mass. (21:31)

Then in another place it says,

He is Allāh, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise. (59:25)

These verses clearly tell us that God not only caused the Big Bang to occur, but that He also created the initial condensed mass. The words Al-Khāliq and Al-Bāri indicate without a doubt that God is not only the creator but also he is the maker, inventor and originator. This is the claim which is made only by God through His prophets. As for science, is still glance back looking for the maker of the mass before the Big Bang.

The Holy Qur’ān also describes the early stage of the development of the universe in the following words,

Then He turned to the heaven while it was something like smoke… (41:12)

This describes the gaseous state of the universe, before it became condensed. Here the Holy Qur’ān is talking about the situation the universe was passing through more 13 billion years ago.

The Holy Qur’ān does not stop here, no, it goes even further and answers more questions that are troubling scientist today. Today, scientist wonder if there are other inhabitable planets, similar worlds and environments just as the one we are enjoying. The Holy Qur’ān says,

‘Has not He Who created the heavens and the earth the power to create the like of them?’ Yea,

20 Existence of God In Light of the Holy Qur’ān

and He is indeed the Supreme Creator, the All-Knowing. (36:82)

The Holy Qur’ān clearly says that Big Bang is not the start rather God is the one who was before everything existed, He is and will remain forever.

He is the First and the Last, and the Manifest and the Hidden, and He knows all things full well. (57:4)

So we see 1,500 years ago, the Holy Qur’ān had disclosed the secrets of the creation of the universe and life. At a time when the most advance scientific research was nowhere to be found. Realizing this, we must accept that the Holy Qur’ān is not an ordinary book of religion, rather it is a book from an authority that not only has knowledge of all hidden secrets rather is Himself the Creator and Fashioner of the universe.

As far as the creation of life is concerned, the Holy Qur’ān talks about different stages life passed through in the following words,

‘What is the matter with you that you expect not wisdom and staidness from Allāh? And He has created you in different forms and different conditions. (71:14-15)

Mankind did not come ready made in the shape and form it currently possesses. Rather, mankind passed through different phases of life before reaching to this stage. The Holy Qur’ān then talks about pre-biotic soup, the primordial soup, a stage life passed through nearly 4.5 billion years ago, and goes on to talks about Pyrococcus Bacteria which appeared in blasts of fire. The Holy Qur’ān says,

And the Jinn We had created before from the fire of hot wind. (15:28)

This verse tells us about early bacterial life that evolved in blasts of fire.

At present, scientists think they can understand the creation of God but their case is akin to a person who is counting grains of sand, while sitting at the bank of the ocean.

The Holy Qur’ān addresses atheists in the following words,


Those who do not believe in God insist on asking, if God exists then why it is not possible to see Him? Apparently, this seems to be a very genuine inquiry but in reality it is

a baseless question. There are a lot of thing we do not see but we still believe in them. Scientists themselves believe that space is

not empty, according to them it is occupied with something referred to as Ether, yet they are not yet able to see or even to detect it. Every one of us, one way or the other, relies upon others and will believe what anyone says. I do not think that any one of us have been on the North Pole but still we believe in it. How many of us have gone to Tuvalu Island? Yet, we cannot deny the existence of it. This is because we trust those who have been there and witnesses such things. If that is the case then why not trust those who have experienced God in their lives?

وبثت قح داتى اک ذات اىنپ ےس دقرت ےہ وت ىہى امنىئ رہچہ ىک اشنں ےب اس

God the Almighty gives proof of his Divine being by manifesting his

mighty signs, this is how he unveil himself to others

Since time immemorial thousands of prophets appeared for the guidance of mankind, they brought the message of God and bore testimony of God’s existence. They were a living example of the existence of living God. Adamas, Noahas, Abrahamas, Mosesas, Jesusas, the Holy Prophetas of Islām and the latter day Messiah Hadrat Mirzā Ghulāmas of Qādiān, all of these


اہلل

21Existence of God In Light of the Holy Qur’ān

were those who claimed to have experienced the living God.

These Messengers have We exalted, some of them above others: among them there are those to whom Allāh spoke; and some of them He exalted by degrees of rank…(2:254)

So if we are willing to believe common men regarding the existence of things, places etc., then it is only reasonable to assert that prophets deserve our attention as well.

By the grace of Allāh many of us experience God in our lives. For this reason, it is time for Ahmadīs to stand up before the violent storm of atheism and tell them that we experience God in our lives. He is a living God, He hears our supplications and responds our cries. We have to tell them we cannot force God to be seen with our eyes but he reaches to the eyes of whom He pleases, as is clearly stated in the Holy Qur’ān,

Eyes cannot reach Him but He reaches the eyes, and He is the Incomprehensible, the All-Aware. (6:104)

Mankind has been endowed with various senses. Through these senses we have the ability to feel the existence of various things. Some of us have very strong senses and some have very weak. It is also true that not everyone is facilitated with every sense. If a blind person says he cannot see the world and concludes that the world does not exist, without a doubt every one of us will laugh at him.

اہنں ےہ ںىم ھجم اىر ہ و کت اپؤں رىمے ےس رس ر وا ہپ ھجم رکےک وہش رکان وخاہ دب رىمے ے ا

That dear friend of mine is a part of my body from top to my toes, oh

wicked enemy of mine be cautious in making me target.

The faculties required to be able to communicate with God are also provided by God. The more a person is inclined towards God, the greater the chances are for him to have communion with God. How can it be possible that on one side a person denies the existence of God and yet still wants to see God? Achieving communion with God demands great effort. The Holy Qur’ān says in this regard,

And as for those who strive in Our path, We will surely guide them in Our ways, and verily Allāh is with those who do good. (29:70)

The key word mentioned in this verse means, to strive in his cause, to put every possible effort, to try utmost by abiding by his laws and dictates, being humble before him, and supplicating for Him to show the path which leads to Him. This results in the fine tuning of the senses required in human to perceive God and finally to communicate with Him. It is a reality that He hears the supplicant and gives a response to his cries as it is mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān,

And when My servants ask thee about Me, say: ‘I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me. So they should hearken to Me and believe in Me, that they may follow the right way.’ (2:187)

My dear friends, the doors to God are wide open. Communication with Him is possible, but only if someone qualifies for it. There is no monopoly of any religion or any individual to establish relations

with God or to communicate with Him rather this field is open for everyone. This is the message delivered by God through the Holy Prophetsa of Islām to mankind as is recorded in the Holy Qur’ān. All that is required to achieve this is also clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān,

Say, ‘I am only a man like yourselves; but I have received the revelation that your God is only One God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord do good deeds, and let him join no one in the worship of his Lord.’ (18:111)

Here are three things very criteria important mentioned in this verse, they are,

1. To have the desire to communicate with God

2. To do good deeds3. Not to join any one in worship

with him

This is the formula given by God to mankind to establish their relationship with their Creator. People have tested this formula in their live throughout the ages. Now I want to give proofs of the living God in the lives of human being, especially in the lives of the prophets. Almighty Allāh says in the Holy Qur’ān;

Allāh has decreed: ‘Most surely I will prevail, I and My Messengers.’ Verily, Allāh is Powerful, Mighty. (58:22)

The lives of the prophets are before our eyes without exception. It is 100 % true that prophets in spite of being weak and helpless, and not having any worldly powers and means became successful in their missions.


22 The Holy Qur’ān: A Fountainhead of Knowledge

And if all the trees that are in the earth were pens, and the ocean were ink, with seven oceans swelling it thereafter, the words of Allāh would not be exhausted. Surely, Allāh is Mighty, Wise. (31:28)

The Holy Qur’ān is a binding text that millions of Muslims live by. It is the last and perfect message of God to the whole of mankind. It was revealed some fourteen centuries ago to an unlettered man of Arabia by the name of Muhammadsa. The most innocent of the innocents and the purist of the purified and the most perfect of all that ever walked on this planet, was chosen to receive the brilliant light of the Qur’ān which dispelled all traces of darkness and ushered in the era of enlightenment on mankind. In the words of Holy Qur’ān:

And the earth will shine with the light of her Lord. (39:70)

The very first verse of this Holy Text revealed to the Holy Prophet in the dark recesses of Cave Hira speaks volumes on the great revolution of knowledge and learning that was to be triggered by this book. This first verse was:

Convey thou in the name of thy Lord Who created, Created

man from a clot of blood. Convey! And thy Lord is Most Generous, Who taught man by the pen, taught man what he knew not. (96: 2-6)

This word of God held such magnificent strength and outshining power that not even the mountains could withstand its intensity as mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān in the following words:

If We had sent down this Qur’ān on a mountain, thou wouldst certainly have seen it humbled and rent asunder for fear of Allāh. And these are similitudes that We set forth for mankind that they may reflect. (59:22)

The Excellence of the Holy Qur’ān in terms of its Style and Composition

The Arabs took great pride in their skills of composing eloquent poetry. For them, the Holy Qur’ān was such a marvelous piece of composition that it left them speechless. They were challenged over and over again during the 23 years of its revelation to compose even a single verse like it, but they absolutely failed to come up with anything that could match the beauty of this Holy Word of God.

Labīd was one of the great poets

of Arabia. In the beginning, he opposed Islām but eventually entered into its fold at a later period. After accepting Islām, he stopped composing his own verses and would occupy himself with the study of the marvels of the Holy Qur’ān.

Once, Hadrat Umarra, in his period of Khilāfat wrote to Mughirara bin Shuba, the Governor of Kufa, to send him the poetic verses composed by the best of the poets

The Holy Qur’ān: A Fountainhead of KnowledgeAtaul Wahhab

Ataul Wahhab Professor Jām`ia


23The Holy Qur’ān: A Fountainhead of Knowledge

of his region. Mughirara selected two poets, Aghlib and Labīdra, and instructed them to compose a few verses for Hadrat Umarra. Aghlib agreed but Labīdra refused point blank and said:

“Since I embraced Islām, I can no longer compose any verses.” Upon further insistence, he wrote a few verses of Sūrah Al-Baqarah and handed them to Hadrat Mughirara with a short note, “that’s all I can do now.” Hadrat Mughirara was not pleased with him and complained to Hadrat Umarra about him. However, Hadrat Umarra very much enjoyed this response from Labīdra and said,

“Whatever excuse was offered by Labīd not only testifies to his sincerity of faith, but also to the fact that even a great and eloquent poet like him feels humbled before this mighty word of God.” (Anwārul `Ulūm, Vol. 11, pg. 122)

The Holy Qur’ān Promotes the Search for Knowledge through Rationality and

Reason

The Holy Qur’ān not only established its excellence in terms of the beauty of its style, idiom and composition, but also by motivating its followers to reflect and ponder over the things around them and to draw conclusions on the basis of rational thinking. The Holy Qur’ān acknowledges the role of rationality for the attainment of truth; whether that is of a religious or secular nature. This great emphasis on rational thinking played a vital role in promoting the quest for knowledge in the realm of religion and science. It was the

urge for learning that subsequently sparked a dynamic movement that helped change the world as we know it today.

The great intellectual, economic and social prosperity that Muslims gained in the early period of Islām by following the golden principles of the Holy Qur’ān soon waned out due to their rejection of the same book of wisdom. In fact, this too was prophesied in the following verse of the Holy Qur’ān:

And the Messenger will say, ‘O my Lord, my people indeed treated this Qur’ān as a discarded thing.’ (25:31)

And this resulted in the downfall of the whole Muslim empire.

However, the Muslims’ legacy of finding truth through reasoning and experimentation was passed on to the Western world, which ultimately culminated in a scientific and industrial revolution of the 17th and 18th centuries. During this era of great enlightenment for the West, Muslims were engulfed by the darkness of ignorance.

The Knowledge of the Holy Qur’ān is Revealed at

Certain Times

When the West was making great discoveries and inventions that lay hidden in the treasure house of the Holy Qur’ān, the Muslims had unfortunately distanced themselves from its wisdom. They encased it in elaborate and elegant cloths and placed it on high shelves – far away from anyone’s reach – limiting themselves to mere reverence. Even those who knew how to read its words, albeit without understanding, would recite it merely on the dead rather than on the living. Some went so far

as to declare parts of it abrogated for the sheer reason of being unable to understand them.

However, just like any other knowledge, the gates to understanding this divine message were to be opened at a certain time. As it is mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān:

And there is not a thing but with Us are the treasures thereof and We send it not down except in a known measure. (15:22)

The Promised Messiahas was Sent to Spread

the Treasures of the Knowledge of Holy Qur’ān

At this time of utter disparity covering the Muslim world and faithlessness in the so-called enlightened Eastern world, Allāh the Almighty, the Author of this book of wonders, raised that long-awaited Messiah who addressed the world in the following words:

“The verities and fine points which foster understanding are always disclosed according to need. New corruptions call for ever fresh meanings, which are full of wisdom. It is obvious that the Holy Qur’ān is a miracle in itself, and the greatness of its miracle is that it is comprehensive of unlimited verities, but they are manifested at their due time. As the difficulties of the time demand, those hidden insights are disclosed. Look! Secular knowledge, most of which is opposed to the Holy Qur’ān and is so misleading, is spreading rapidly. Currently, wonderful changes are being brought about in mathematics, physics


and philosophy. Was it not necessary that at such a time the door to progress in faith and understanding should also have been opened, so that facilities might become available for repelling every new mischief? Know it for certain then that the door has been opened and God Almighty has determined to disclose the hidden wonders of the Holy Qur’ān to the arrogant philosophers of the world. Half-baked Mullahs, who are the enemies of Islām, cannot frustrate this design. If they do not desist from mischief, they will be destroyed and visited by such Divine wrath that will grind them to dust. These fools do not a p p r e h e n d the prevailing circumstances. They desire that the Holy Qur’ān should appear as defeated, weak, small and insignificant, but it will now march forward like a champion. It will roar like a lion and devour the entire worldly philosophy and shall demonstrate its own supremacy and fulfil the prophecy:

That He may cause it to prevail over all religions.’ (61:10)

And culminate in the spiritual fulfilment of the following prophecy:

‘He will surely establish for them their religion.’(24:56)

The Promised Messiahas further writes:

“Now the son of Mary, whose spiritual father is none other than the True Teacher, who also resembles Adam on this account, will distribute Qur’ānic treasures among the people, so much so, that the people will become satiated and will be unable to accept more, and everyone will have had his fill according to his capacity.” (Izāla-e-Auhām, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 3, pg. 464-467)

The Verities and Insights of the Qur’ān are

Unlimited

On the other hand, the Promised Messiahas challenged the non-

believers in the following words:

“The clear miracle of the Holy Qur’ān which can manifest itself to every people and by presenting which we can silence everyone, whether an Indian, Persian, European or American, is the unlimited treasury of insights, verities and wisdoms, which are expounded in every age according to its need and stand as armed soldiers to refute the thinking of every age. If the Holy Qur’ān had been limited in its verities and insights, it would not have amounted to a perfect miracle.” (Izāla-e-Auhām, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 3, pg.

255-262)

To prove this point the Promised Messiahas draws a beautiful comparison between the unlimited wonders of the Book of Nature and the unlimited wonders of the Divine Book, i.e. the Holy Qur’ān in the following words:

“Those who do not accept the Holy Qur’ān as comprehensive of unlimited eternal truths and insights, do not value the Qur’ān as it should be valued. A necessary sign for the recognition of the holy and true Word of God is that it should be unique in all its qualities, for we observe that whatever proceeds from God Almighty is unique

and matchless, even if it is only a grain of barley, human powers cannot match it. Being matchless means being unlimited, that is to say, a thing can be matchless

only when its wonders and qualities are unlimited and have no end. As we have just stated, this characteristic is found in everything created by God Almighty. For instance, if the wonders of a leaf of a tree are investigated for a thousand years, that period would come to an end, but the wonders of the leaf will not come to an end. That which has come into being through unlimited power, must comprise unlimited wonders and qualities. The verse, “Say, ‘If every ocean becomes ink for the words of my Lord, surely, the ocean would be exhausted before the words of my Lord

“Those who do not accept the Holy Qur’ān as comprehensive of unlimited eternal truths and insights, do not value the Qur’ān

as it should be valued.”


were exhausted, even though We brought the like thereof as further help;’” (18:110) supports this, for the whole of creation is Words of God.

...Thus this verse means that the qualities of creation are without limit and endless. Now when every created thing possesses unlimited and endless qualities and comprises numberless wonders, then how could the Holy Qur’ān, which is the Holy Word of God Almighty, be confined to the few meanings which may be set out in a commentary of forty or fifty or a thousand volumes, or could have been expounded by our lord and master the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him) in a limited period? To say so would almost amount to disbelief, if it is deliberately persisted in. It is true that whatever the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him) has set forth as the meaning of the Holy Qur’ān is true and correct, but it is not true that the Holy Qur’ān contains no more than the insights that have been set forth by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him). Such sayings of our opponents indicate that they do not believe in the unlimited greatness and qualities of the Holy Qur’ān.” (Karāmat-us-Sādiqīn, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 7, pg. 60-62)

An Absolute Accord

between the Book of Nature and Book of God

Dear Brothers and Sisters, not only are the wonders of the Holy Qur’ān and natural world unlimited, but they are also in absolute harmony with each other. It is impossible to trace any conflict between the work of God ( i.e., science) and the word of God (i.e., the Holy Qur’ān).

This is not just a statement comprising tall claims. Actually, this man of Persian descent and his subsequent Successors or Khulafā’ demonstrated to the world how this holy word from God is in absolute accord with the modern day’s scientific findings.

In this connection, the Promised

Messiahas writes:

“The God of Islām is the same God who is visible in the mirror of the laws of nature and is discernible in the book of nature. Islām has not presented a new God but has presented the same God who is presented by the light of man’s heart, by the conscience of man, and by the universe.” (Tablīgh-e-Risālat, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 5, pg. 15)

How exactly these two streams, one of physical knowledge and the other of spiritual knowledge run parallel with absolute harmony and consistency is further elaborated by

the Promised Messiahas in following way. He writes:

“The Holy Qur’ān is a book so full of wisdom that it has brought out an accord between the principles of spiritual medicine, that is to say, the principles of religion which are truly spiritual medicine, and physical medicine, and this accord is so fine that it opens the doors of hundreds of insights and eternal truths. Only that person can interpret the Holy Qur’ān truly and perfectly, who ponders the principles laid down by the Holy Qur’ān in the light of the system of physical medicine. On one occasion I was shown in a vision some

books of expert p h y s i c i a n s which contained a discussion of the principles of physical m e d i c i n e , among which was included the

book of the expert Physician Qarshi, and it was indicated to me that these Books contained a commentary on the Holy Qur’ān. This shows that there is a deep relationship between the science of bodies and the science of religion and that they confirm each other. When I looked at the Holy Qur’ān, keeping in mind the books that dealt with physical medicine, I discovered that the Holy Qur’ān sets out in an excellent manner the principles of physical medicine.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 23, pg. 102-103)

Following this principal as

“Islām has not presented a new God but has presented the same God who is presented by the light of man’s heart, by the conscience

of man, and by the universe.”


mentioned by the Promised Messiahas, we can rightly conclude that whatever man has discovered or learnt so far in any field of knowledge helps explain the verses of the Holy Qur’ān. In other words, all the books that have been written to explain the physical world are, in reality, the commentaries of the Holy Qur’ān. In some cases the whole branch of scientific knowledge seems to be devoted to unraveling the secrets of a single verse of Holy Qur’ān. For example, all the scientific findings in the field of Embryology serve as testimony of the truth of this verse of Qur’ān:

Verily, We created man from an extract of clay. Then, We placed him as a drop of sperm in a safe depository. Then, We fashioned the sperm into a clot; then We fashioned the clot into a shapeless lump; then We fashioned bones out of this shapeless lump; then We clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed it into another creation. So blessed be Allāh, the Best of creators. (23:13-15)

This miracle of the Holy Qur’ān has also been admired by the modern scientists. Dr. Moore who was a Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of the Department, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, commenting on the above mentioned verse says:

“This verse from the Koran states that God made you from a drop and then changed the drop into a leech-like structure which soon changed into a chewed like substance that then took the shape of bone and was clothed with flesh…I was amazed at the scientific

accuracy of these statements which were made in the 7th century A.D.”

Elaborating the same point, the Promised Messiahas writes:

“The Holy Qur’ān has also pressed into the service of the faith (Dīn) knowledge of other subjects, in a miraculous manner. In this respect it has kept in mind logic, physics, philosophy, astronomy, psychology, medicine, mathematics, and the knowledge of composition, and has used them for expounding and explaining the knowledge of the faith, or facilitating its understanding, or for drawing any conclusion from it or repelling the objection of some ignorant person. In short, all these subjects are set out in the Holy Qur’ān for the service of the faith in such an extraordinary manner that every type of intellect can derive benefit from them...” (Surmah Chashma Ārya, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 2, pg. 72-79, footnote)

Here lies the true interpretation of the verse:

“Nothing have we left out in the Book.” (6:39)

The Types of Knowledge Mentioned

in the Holy Qur’ān

This is not the only excellence of the Holy Qur’ān which distinguishes it from other books. Its supremacy as the ultimate source of knowledge also lies in its being the only book that reveals certain intellectual secrets which are not to be found elsewhere.

Explaining these intellectual miracles as shown by the Holy Qur’ān alone the Promised Messiahas writes:

“They are of many types. First, the knowledge of the insights of the faith, that is to say, all high insights in the matter of faith and all its holy verities and all the fine points of the knowledge of the Divine which are needed in this world for the perfection of the soul are fully set out in the Holy Qur’ān; so also, all the illnesses of the self that incite to sin and its passions and all the remedies and requirements that are needed and all the ways of the purification of the soul and all the signs and characteristics and essentials and high moral qualities are fully dealt with. No one can set forth a verity or Divine point or a way of reaching God or a rare or holy discipline or form of Divine worship which is not mentioned in the Qur’ān. Secondly, there is knowledge of the qualities of the soul and of psychology which is found in such a comprehensive way in this miraculous Word that those who reflect can appreciate that this is not the work of any except the All-Powerful. Thirdly, there is the knowledge of the beginning, of the hereafter, and other hidden matters which are an essential part of the word of the Knower of the hidden, which comforts the hearts and proves the knowledge of the hidden possessed by the All- Powerful God. This knowledge is found in such detail and abundance in the Holy Qur’ān that no other


book can compare with it in this respect.” (Surmah Chashma Ārya, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 2, pg. 72-79, footnote)

The Real Objective of Qur’ān: Knowing God

There is no doubt whatsoever that the Holy Qur’ān discusses all such issues that enhance, one way or another, man’s understanding of this world and the next. However, the real objective of this Holy Book is to guide man to the ultimate and absolute unchangeable truth that, “there is none worthy of worship except Allāh.” This is the ultimate conclusion of all pursuits of knowledge and understanding in this world, if done with the sincerity of the heart and mind. This is the point where a true believer of the Qur’ān enters into the realm of absolute certainty. The Promised Messiahas refers to this fact in the following words:

“God, in whose meeting is man’s salvation and eternal happiness, cannot be found without following the Holy Qur’ān. Would that people could see that which I have seen and they could hear that which I have heard and give up following stories and run towards reality. The means of obtaining perfect knowledge through which one can see

God, the cleansing water which removes all doubts, and the mirror through which one can behold that High Being, is the converse with God which I have just mentioned. He whose soul seeks the truth should arise and search for it.”

I would conclude my humble submissions in the following words of the Promised Messiahas. He says:

“As it is not possible that we should be able to see without eyes, hear without ears, or speak without a tongue, in the same way, it is not possible that we should be able to behold the countenance of the sweet Beloved without the Holy Qur’ān. I was young and am now old, but I have found no one who might have drunk of this clear understanding without this holy fountain.” (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islām, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 10, pg. 442-443)

...Continued from page 8Hudūraa ended his sermon by saying, “I have quoted the traditions of the companions of the Promised Messiahas before the audience, so that we have an example to follow. May God enable us to continue to increase in faith and also give us the strength to act in a way that does not invite His wrath.” Āmīn.

...Continued from page 21On the other hand, enemies being strong in position in every aspect finally were defeated by prophets sent by God. How can this happen without exception?

There was no comparison between Abrahamas and Nimrod, Pharaoh and Mosesas, The Holy Prophet of Islām and his enemies but history is witness that Nimrod was a looser not Abrahamas and pharaoh was the looser not Moses. In spite of all the weakness and lack of means, it was the Holy Prophetsa of Islām who became victor against the joint forces of his enemies and proved that he was the prophet of God, and ultimately the existence of God. Just visualize the situation when the prophet of Islām along with his companion Hadrat Abu Bakrra took shelter in the cave of Thaur and the enemies were standing at the mouth of the cave and God revealed to him;

Fear not, for Allāh is with us... (9:40)

Is this not sufficient proof of the existence of God?

In this age Hadrat Mirzā Ghulām Ahmadas of Qādiān and the community established by him is a sufficient proof of the living God.

“As it is not possible that we should be able to see without eyes, hear without ears, or speak without a tongue, in the same way, it is not possible that we should be able to behold the countenance of the sweet

Beloved without the Holy Qur’ān.”

28 Institution of Marriage in Light of Islāmic Teachings

Marriage A Qur’ānic Injunction

“And if you fear that you will not be just in dealing with the orphans, then marry of other women as may be agreeable to you.” (4:4)

The Holy prophetsa on Marriage

The Holy Prophetsa has said:

“Conjugal life is our way, he who turns aside from our way is not of us.”

“Marriage is my precept and my practice. Those who do not follow my practice are not of me.” (Ibn Mājah)

“When a man has married he has completed one half of his religion. “ (Mishkwāt)

Islām and Celibacy?In Islām, there is no room for celibacy at all. Bachelor life is discouraged, even condemned, in Islām. It is recorded in Sunan Abū Daūd, Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa says in this regard,

االسالم فی صرورۃ ال

Purpose of MarriageThe main purpose of marriage is procreation and protection of human race, to guard against evils and immoralities and to establish a loving and peaceful society.

This is why the Holy Qur’ān addresses the married people as Muḥṣan and Muḥṣanah, those who are guarded and protected as if they are in a well-secured and protected castle. It means that when someone is married, he or she becomes protected from satanic inclinations. This is why, for piety and Righteousness, marriage is a must. It gives maximum protection from the evil and satanic passions. Marriage ensures that physical needs be satiated under divine rules. If someone is unable to find a suitable life partner, he should observe fast. The Holy Prophet Muḥammadsa says, “O young people, whoever among you is able to marry should marry, and whoever is not able to marry is recommended to fast as fasting diminishes sexual urges.” (Sahīh Bukhārī, Book of Nikāḥ)

“ And one of His Signs is this, that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are Signs for a people who reflect.” (30:22)

These verses signify that marriage is meant for the attainment of peace of mind and mutual love and

affection. Allāh has also said that marriage is the means of attaining piety and of guarding one’s chastity.

Criteria of A Life PartnerIn the selection of a partner for life, piety and righteousness must be given priority over all other qualities. As it is mentioned in the following hadīth,

“A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So, you should marry

Institution of Marriage in Light of Islāmic TeachingsMirzā Muhammad Afzal

Mirzā Muhammad Afzal Missionary Peel Region

29Institution of Marriage in Light of Islāmic Teachings

a religious woman, otherwise you will be a loser.” (Bukhārī, Kitāb ul-Nikāḥ)

Hadrat Abu Hurairara narrates that the Holy Prophetsa was asked as to which women is best as a life companion. The Holy Prophetsa

said, “One who brings delight to her husband when he sees her and when her husband asks her to do something, she obeys him and avoids anything that he dislikes.” (Mishkwāt)

Essentials of Marriage (Nikāh) Dowry (Mahr)“And give the women their dowries willingly.” (4: 5)

Dowry is a payable gift to the bride by the bridegroom, which is fixed before the performance of Nikāḥ ceremony. It is the property of the bride. She can use it as she wishes. It is to recognize the right of wife to own property.

The Bride’s ConsentAccording to the Islāmic law, the guardian must have the consent of the bride, and with the approval of the bride Nikāḥ should be performed. Walī has no authority to force the girl to marry anyone. According to the Islāmic law, there is no marriage without the approval of the bride.

Guardian (Walī)A guardian represents the bride throughout her wedding arrangements and proceedings. In Islāmic terminology that guardian is called “Walī.” For guardian of the bride first priority is always the father, and in his absence the authority goes to the brother, and so on..

Benefits of MarriageThey are a sort of garment for you and you are a sort of

garment for them. (2:188)

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Ira explains the above verse by saying,

“Allāh, the Exalted, says that ‘women are your garments, and you are theirs.’ Just as garments provide ease, comfort, protection from heat, beauty, protection from various types of pains, the same is the case with couples. Just as garments cover [faults], similarly men and women should cover their relationship’s faults.” (Friday Sermon June 4, 1909, Khutbāt Nūr, pg. 400 )

Different but EqualHadrat Ch. Zafrullāh Khanra writes, Islām denounced this attitude, and raised woman to a position of spiritual equality with man. It held that man and woman complemented each other and were a means of mutual fulfilment. For instance it is said:

“They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them.” (2:188)

SPIRITUAL EQUALITYWoman’s spiritual equality with man is repeatedly stressed in the Holy Qur’ān. For instance it is said:

“For men who submit themselves wholly to Allāh, and women who submit themselves wholly to Him and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey Allāh and women who obey Him, and men who are truthful and women who are truthful, and men who are steadfast and women who are steadfast, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms,

and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their chastity and women who guard their chastity, and men who remember Allāh much and women who remember Him, Allāh has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (33:36)“Allāh will turn in mercy to believing men and believing women; Allāh is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful.” (33:74)

Some guidelines for Men and Women

“Consort with them in kindness; and if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing wherein Allāh has placed much good. Chapter.” (4:20)

“The best among you is he who is treats his family the best, and I am the best among you in treating my family.” (Mishkwāt Bāb `Ashah al-Nisā’)

Men should always keep in mind the sacred message, “The best among you is one who is best in the treatment of his family.”

Similarly, women should become manifestations of obedience to their husbands considering the saying of the Holy Prophetsa,

“Had I been allowed to command someone to prostrate before anyone other than Allāh, I would have commanded women to prostrate before her husband.” (Jām`i Tirmidhī, Kitāb ul-Nikāh)

Similarly on another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa said: “A woman who takes good care of her husband’s home and also maintains it will receive the same rewards and blessing as a husband gets due to taking care of his responsibilities.” (Assad al-Ghāba)

30 Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – Life in Mecca

Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – Life in MeccaAbdul Rashid Anwar

Alas for people! there comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him. (36:31)

My dear Brothers, this topic is so vast that I can not truly encapsulate it in these few minutes. Also, considering the fact that most of us have already listened to or read this chapter of Islām’s history, I will confine myself to only one aspect of it or rather I should say to one facet of this diamond.

The messengers of Allāh are always noble and worthy of respect. All of society bears witness to their honesty and decency. However, when they convey the message of truth to the world, those who worship evil oppose them and try to humiliate them.

It was only 25 days after the attack made by the As-hāb al-Fīl (People of Elephants) that a child was born in the deserts of Mecca. His mother, Hadrat Āmina declared that during her pregnancy, she witnessed, “a light, coming out of her body and spreading all over the world.” My dear brothers, perhaps it was an indication from Allāh, the Almighty, that just as He destroyed those who wished to demolish the House of Allāh, now very soon through the birth of this child, named Muhammadsa, God

will lay the foundations of his last and the most perfect religion, and whosoever, will try to destroy it God will crush him, just as he crushed the people with the elephants.

In 570 AD, according to some researchers on the April, 20 571 AD, Abdul Mutālib, Muhammadsa’s grandfather, enthusiastically went to see his newly born grandson. A gleeful mother, put the baby in his lap and disclosed that she had dreamt of a name Muhammad for the baby. Abdul Mutālib’s emotional state made him hurry towards Ka`bah, to thank God Almighty, for such a great favour, he announced that the child be called Muhammad.

This child was going to face continuous and inconceivable hardships. When the very first believer of Islām, the venerable spouse of the Holy Prophetsa, Hadrat Khadijara, introduced him to her cousin Warcca Bin Naufal, an old man who lost his sight and abandoning idolatry, had joined the Christianity. The Holy Prophetsa explained to him, how the first Qur’ānic revelation came to him. Warcca said, “Certainly this is the same angel which appeared to Moses. If only I were physically strong enough, if only I could live

to see the days when your own people will expel you from your homeland. Astonished, the Holy Prophetsa questioned, “Will my people will expel me?” He replied, “No prophet has ever come, who is not contested by his own people. If I am still alive, I will fully stand by you and will support you.” (Sahīh Bukhārī)

Sir William Muir writes:

“This new religion be erased from the earth. Its followers be

Abdul Rashid Anwar Missionary

31Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – Life in Mecca

prevented through force. Once the Quraish engaged themselves against Islām, their hostility never stopped and their rage continued increasing.”

The people of Mecca tried to erase this religion of Islām from the earth. They thought, if they can work against the protection and sympathy of Abu Tālib, then Muhammadsa will be isolated and Islām will be wiped out. They sent delegations on three separate occasions towards Hadrat Abu Tālib to convince him to stop preaching. Due to these serious threats from the Quraish, Hadrat Abu Tālib was under pressure. He promised the first delegation that he will convince his nephew Muhammadsa, not to propagate against their idols. The second time the rage of the delegation was much higher. So Hadrat Abu Tālib Said,

”My dear nephew, these people have become furious, they may even kill you... I have become older and I don’t have sufficient power to defend you against the whole nation.” The Holy Prophetsa responded, “My dear uncle, I ask you not to give up your people. I ask you not to stand by me. You may simply declare that I am no more in your protection. God has entrusted me a mission, and for its accomplishment, even if I have to sacrifice my life, I will not hesitate for it. My life is dedicated for this mission. The threats of life cannot prevent me from telling the truth. So I can not stop my Mission.

By God, if these people place the sun on my right hand and the moon on my left, even then I

can not desist from this mission. I must go on doing so until I die. I will continue it until God Himself accomplishes it or I sacrifice my life for this cause.” After saying this, the Holy Prophetsa tried to leave. His uncle called him back, his eyes were filled with tears and he said, “My dear nephew continue your mission! Let my people give me up. I will support you as long as I am alive and as long as I can.” (Hishām and Zarqāni)

The third time the delegation went to convince Abu Tālib they took Ammara bin Walid with them and said he is among the best youngsters of Quraish. You may exchange him against Muhammad. You may adopt him if you like. Abu Tālib responded, “What justice! I take your lad and nourish him and you take my nephew to kill him? By God it can never happen!”

The Meccans then tried to force those who had already accepted Islām to abandon the Holy Prophetsa. They thought, this way this religion will lose all its value. It opened the door of severe persecution of individual Muslims. Hadrat Uthmānra, Hadrat Zubairra, Saeed bin Zaidra, Abdullāh bin Massoudra, Abu Zar Ghaffarira, Bilal bin Ribahra, all were inhumanly persecuted but not a single person among them abandoned their faith.

The companions of the Holy Prophetsa were persecuted so hardly that one day Hadrat Khabbab bin Alaratra and other companions thought of explaining their sufferings to the Holy Prophetsa. They said,

“O Prophet of Allāh, things have become intolerable why don’t you curse these disbelievers.

His face became red with anger and he said:

“Look there were people before you whose flesh was taken off with iron combs so much so that their bones were exposed, but they resisted and stayed faithful to their religion. Also there were people before you, who were cut into two pieces, but they stood patiently. God will certainly accomplish His mission... hasten not.”

On another occasion a companion said. “O Prophet of Allāh, we were respectful when we were idolaters. Since we have accepted Islām we have become less than ordinary people and have lost all our honour. Allow us to defend ourselves. The Holy prophetsa responded, “I am told to pardon you should not engage yourself in bloodshed.”

Our Holy Prophetsa suffered a lot trying to accomplish his mission. It is very saddening to studying this chapter of his life.

On one occasion he was praying in the courtyard of Ka`bah, a person named Uqba bin Abi Moīt stood up and put a mantle round his neck and twisting and dragged him so hard that the eyes of our beloved master seemed to come out. The faithful Abu Bakrra came to his aid saying, “Will you kill someone whose crime is not more than, that he says God is His master?”

Hadrat Abdullāh bin Masudra

narrated, “Once the Holy Prophetsa was observing worship in Baitullāh. Abu Jahal and his companions were present there. One of them said how funny will it be if someone would bring the entrails of the slaughtered camel and lay it on Muhammad’s back while he is prostrating. Then

32

Abadallāh bin Abi Moīt, a most unfortunate person, brought filthy and heavy entrails of camel and laid them on the back of the Holy Prophetsa while he laid prostrate. At that time, all the chiefs were witnessing the scene they could not control their laughter. Realizing what was happening, his daughter, Hadrat Fatimara, hurried, to take the heavy load off the back of Holy Prophetsa. (Sahīh Bukhārī)

On yet another occasion he was passing through a street and a group of street boys followed him. They went on slapping his neck and telling the people that it is he who calls himself a prophet.

The Holy Prophetsa’s house was stoned from surrounding houses. Once he related to Hadrat `Ā’ishara, I lived between two of the worst neighbours, Abu Lahab and Ouqba bin Abi Moīt. They not only threw animal filth on my door but also all kinds of garbage was found in front of my home. One day, while removing the filth he said, “O Abd Munaffe! How nice you are as neighbours.”

On one occasion he came home covered with dust. His daughter started crying while removing it. The Holy Prophetsa comforted her and said, “Don’t cry my daughter God himself will protect your father, one day all these sufferings will disappear.”

Dear brothers, falsehood always tries to hinder and obstruct the mission of truth, but truth is always victorious.

Once Hadrat Fatimara came back home crying and said she had heard the chiefs of Mecca swearing by Lat and Uzza in Ka`bah that they will kill Muhammad anywhere they

find him. Hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “My dear daughter please fetch me water for ablution. Having made his ablutions he went to Ka`bah while all those chiefs were sitting there. Seeing him coming, they all said, “here he comes.” But nobody had the courage to attack the Holy prophetsa. Then the Holy Prophetsa himself went towards them and threw handful of dust towards them and loudly said, “[Their] faces are humiliated.” Ibn Abbāsra related that anybody who received that dust was killed during the day of Badr. (Bahiqui)

Once Abu Jahal, a Meccan Chief declared, “If I find Muhammadsa praying in Ka`bah I will kill him,” the Holy Prophetsa responded with confidence, “If he tries to do so, then the angels will deal with him.” (Sahīh Bukhārī)

Once the Holy Prophetsa was resting on Safa, a hill near Ka`bah, Abu Jahal passed by, and started insulting him. The Holy Prophetsa

did not respond. A woman slave of household of Hadrat Hamzara witnessed the distressing scene. Hadrat Hamzara, uncle of Holy Prophetsa, a brave man feared by all his townsmen, returned home from a hunt in the jungle and entered the house proudly, his bow hung on his shoulder. The woman had not forgotten the morning scene. She was disgusted to see Hamza enter his home this way. She taunted him, saying that, he thought himself brave, and went about armed, but knew not what Abu Jahal had done to his innocent nephew, in the morning? When he heard of Abu Jahal acts, he could not hold back. He headed straight for the Ka`bah where Abu Jahal was sitting with other chiefs of Mecca. He took his

bow and struck Abu Jahal hard. Count me from today a follower of Muhammad! You abused him this morning because he would say nothing? If you are brave, come out and fight me. Abu Jahal was dumbfounded. His friends rose to help but, afraid of Hamza and his tribe, Abu Jahal stopped them. (Hishām &Tabrī)

When all plans failed the opponents of Islām thought of making some propositions to our Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

They came to him and said, “If you want abundance of wealth, we can provide you as much as you desire. If you intend to be our chief we are ready to accept you as our chief. If all of this is because of any sickness that you are suffering, we are ready to cure you on our own expense. If you wish to marry a nice girl we may arrange for you any girl you like.”

The Holy Prophetsa listened to them quietly. When they were finished he said, “My dear Quraish, I don’t desire any of these things. I am nothing but a Prophet of God sent to you. I have a message of God for you. My heart is overwhelmed with compassion for you. If you listen to me, it will be good for you. And if you reject my message, then, I will wait for the God Almighty’s decree for you. The Holy Prophetsa having delivered the message left the place. After his departure Abu Jahal said, “O Quraish have you seen how Muhammad has rejected all of your propositions. He will never stop disturbing our society. If it is so, by God, I too, will never stay quiet until I break the head of Muhammad.”

The next day Abu Jahal took a huge

Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – Life in Mecca

33

stone and waited Holy Prophetsa in the courtyard of Ka`bah to kill him. But when the Holy Prophetsa passed by, he could not even move. He stood like a statue. He simply did not have the courage to attack the Holy Prophetsa.

My dear brothers, for 13 long years this representative of truth bore all kinds of cruelties with patience.

During the seventh year of prophethood, persecution intensified and became more and more serious. But Muslims stood firm on the path they had chosen. Their hearts were as frim as ever. Their faith was steadfast. Their

devotion to the one God was on the increase and so was their hatred for the national idols of Mecca. The conflict had become more serious than ever. The Meccans, convened on, they set an all out boycott of the Muslims. The Meccans were to have, no normal dealings with Muslims. They were neither to buy from them, nor to sell anything to them. The Muslims were compelled to take shelter in a lonely place. Without money, without means and without reserves, the Holy Prophetsa and his companions suffered untold hardships under this boycott. For three long years there was no slackening of it. Then

at last a divine sign manifested. One day The Holy Prophetsa told his uncle, “I have seen in a dream that the boycott document hung in Mecca was completely consumed by worms, except the word Allāh.“ Hadrat Abu Tālib made straight for the Ka`bah, where the chiefs of Mecca were sitting. He asked them, “How long should such a cruel pact continue. Muhammad says, that God has informed him that the pact is consumed except the word Allāh.”

Holy Prophet Muhammadsa – Life in Mecca

34 Raising Children to Love Allāh

Raising Children to Love Allāh

“Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after thou hast guided us, and bestow on us mercy from Thyself; surely, Thou art the Great Bestower.” (3:9)

Mr. Chairman and Respected Audience,

The topic I am going to speak about in this blessed event is very relevant to every one of us, it is raising children to love Allāh.

Although, we do understand the importance of loving Allāh, we as humans tend to fall in love with worldly things and make these things the purpose of lives. We forget to realise that all these things, which we so dearly love, will cease to exist one day,

“All that is on the earth will pass away and there will remain only the person of thy Lord, Master of Glory and Honour.” (55:27, 28)

If this is true, then why should one not fall in love with an eternal being that will never cease to exist? A person who attains the love of such a being, would naturally find all other loves become meaningless for him. If one attains the love of God in this world, then we would

be right to say that he has attained paradise in this very world because the paradise of a believer lies in the delight of his God.

The Promised Messiahas states:

‘’Our paradise lies in our God. Our highest delight is in our God for we have seen Him and have found every beauty in Him. This wealth is worth procuring though one might have to lay down one’s life to procure it. This ruby is worth purchasing though one may have to lose oneself to acquire it. O ye, who are bereft! Run to this fountain and it will satisfy you. It is the fountain of life that will save you.’’ (Kashtī Nūh, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 19, pg. 21-22)

Once one steps forward to seek the pleasure of his God, we will find God waiting for him. It is mentioned in a Hadīth-e-Qudsī that:

When a servant of Mine advances towards Me a foot, I advance towards him a yard, and when he advances towards Me a yard, I advance towards him the length of his arms spread out. When he comes to me walking, I go to him running.

Respected audience, all the prophets raised by God served only one purpose and that was to establish a living relationship between the creation and the creator, between the Lord and the “servant,” and they paved the way by their personal examples.

For the latter days, Allāh the exalted has appointed the Promised Messiahas to show the true face of a living God. As he says:

Raising Children to Love AllāhSohail Ahmad Saqib

Sohail Ahmad Saqib Professor Jām`ia


35Raising Children to Love Allāh

“He has commissioned me that I should inform the world of the way in which that brilliant ruby might be acquired.” (Malfūzāt, Vol. 3, pg. 16)

Then heas writes:

“Our God is the One Who is living today as He was living before, and Who speaks today as He spoke before, and hears today as He heard before.” (Al-Wasīyyat, pg. 16)

In this age, Allāh the exalted has manifested his attributes through the Promised Messiahas and thousands of blessed souls attained true recognition of Allāh through him becoming completely engrossed in the true love of Allāh.

These blessed souls are known as sahāba or the companions of his Holiness the Promised Messiahas. Today, these blessed personalities are no longer with us.

Those of us who are sitting here refer to ourselves as taba`īn or taba` taba`īn, but have we ever wondered if Allāh’s love, which was in the hearts of our forefathers, is also to be found in our hearts? Have we ever analyzed ourselves to see whether we are moving forward in righteousness and piety? Do we realize what our priorities are? Do we have a conscious understanding of the level of righteousness of our coming generation?

We live in a time where godlessness has become common and people have become so materialistic that they have completely forgotten their creator and they consider this world to be a means for luxury and enjoyment and their only purpose in life is to boast about their wealth and power – it is in this time that Allāh the Almighty has chosen us for the completion of His divine mission.

To continue the mission of the prophets requires a special connection with God Almighty without which it is impossible to attain real success. In order to develop a living relationship with God, one has to be steadfast and persistent in his effort just as Allāh

Himself points out that:

“That whosoever struggles to find the way to us we guide him to ourselves.” (29:70)

The first step in incorporating the love of Allāh in the hearts of children is through prayers and through personal examples. Allāh, the exalted, has taught us a prayer regarding our family,

“Our Lord, grant us of our spouses and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.” (25:75)

Parents can only be considered the models and the Imāms of the righteous if both, the father and the

mother, work towards the proper upbringing of their children. Children can only become the delight of eyes if they truly become the servants of the gracious God, just as Promised Messiahas has stated:

“[The delight of eyes] can only be attained if they do not indulge in a life of promiscuity and lewdness but spend their lives as the true servants of the gracious God, and give God preference over every other thing.” (Malfūzāt, Vol. 1 pg. 562)

Then explaining the phrase “make us a model for the righteous,” the Promised Messiahas states that,

“It is necessary for one to reform himself and to live a righteous life before seeking righteous and pious offspring.” (Malfūzāt, Vol. 1 pg. 560)

In our daily prayer we supplicate “O my Lord, make me one who establishes prayer and then make my offspring follow on my footstep.” So, we have to pray constantly with pain for our children, because Allāh the exalted especially accepts the prayers of the parents in regards to their children. The Promised Messiahas writes regarding this, that:

‘’…prayers of parents in regards to their children have been granted special acceptance by God.” (Malfūzāt, Vol. 1 pg. 368)

An excellent example of this can be seen in the life of Hadrat Mir Nasir Nawābra sāhib. Someone once asked him, “How did you receive this honour and what did you do to achieve such a high station that the Promised Messiahas became your son-in-law?” He responded, “When

“It is necessary for one to reform himself and to live a righteous life before seeking righteous and pious offspring.”

(Malfūzāt, Vol. 1 pg. 560)

36 Raising Children to Love Allāh

this daughter was born, I prayed with such pain, pain like that which an animal feels when it is being slaughtered. I prayed before Allāh, the Exalted, for Him to take her into His own care and grant her a status that no one had held before.” When Hadrat Mir Sāhibra was saying this, his eyes were shedding tears.

Respected audience, another way to incorporate the love of Allāh in children is to take special care of their upbringing right from their childhood or even earlier when they are still in the wombs of their mothers. We live in a scientific era where science has also proven that the environment around a child while still in a mother’s womb has a significant effect on the child after birth. The Holy Prophetsa has told us this fact long ago, he has said, that good or bad fortune of a human being starts from the womb of his mother. If a child receives a good environment during pregnancy then the rest of his life would show this good fortune.

The Holy Prophetsa has also alluded towards this saying that,

“There is no better gift a father can give his children other than good training in childhood.” (Jām`i Tirmidhī)

In the Sermon of Nikāh, when the seed is being sown for a new family tree, we read,

“...that every soul should look at what he is preparing for tomorrow.” (59:19)

We must build our future today by inculcating true love of Allāh in our children.

Islām teaches us to say Adhān in the right and Takbīr in the left ear of the child at the time of his or her birth.

In fact, this practice is a reminder for the parents that the training and proper upbringing of a child starts from this very moment, and if we wait any longer it might be too late. Many parents have not understood this fact and have suffered greatly thinking that the child is too young and can be taught when he grows up. It is said that whatever a child learns in his childhood remains with him just like an imprint remains on a stone. So, we have to teach them basic morals in an early age, explaining the difference between right and wrong, and emphasizing the importance of worship from an early age. We have to create a natural love for good things and a natural disgust for bad. Certainly this is a task which demands utmost wisdom, effort and planning but we as parents can only be considered to have fulfilled our duties when our efforts reach their climax.

Parents should make sure that they do not depict a double-standard at home, meaning they should not preach what they do not observe themselves. We have to become Imāms and leaders for this coming generation, and it is our prime duty to inculcate the love of mosque in their hearts; the love of Allāh in their hearts, the love of Khilāfat in their hearts. We have to teach them our traditions and values which have helped our forefathers to attain the love and nearness of Allāh. Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh IVrh has directly spoken to the Canadian Jamā`at in these words:

“The path towards righteousness is an “uphill task” and the path to evil is downhill. If parents were to put ten times their effort into the Tarbīyyat of their children, only then will

[their children] be virtuous. If you make ten steps towards righteousness, your children will advance one step. And if you take one step towards evil, going downhill, your children will descend ten steps. You should keep this basic principle in mind that if you advance towards goodness ten times, your children will advance only once, unless of course you work ten times harder.”

Some parents get frustrated that the children of this age ask too many questions; however, instead of getting frustrated, it is our duty to answer those questions and satisfy them. That is why Allāh states in the Holy Qur’ān that the Holy Prophetsa didn’t only teach us the teachings of Islām but also explained to us the wisdom therein. We cannot create the true spirit of the worship of Allāh without explaining to them the deep wisdom behind the teachings of Allāh, the Almighty. It is due to not understanding the true wisdom of Islāmic commandments, that our children sometimes do not have the true spirit of worship in them. It is for this reason that when they grow up and enter colleges or universities, their adolescent desires start to take over, changing their personalities. Allāh the exalted says in Sūrah Al-Muminūn, verse 97 that, if we want to get rid of evil altogether then we need to present something better against it, and it is this which is referred to as Ahsān in this verse. So one cannot get rid of evil without falling in love with the Ahsān. The right time to create the love of Ahsān and sowing the seed of goodness is the age prior to maturity, not after.

Another way to strengthen their

37Raising Children to Love Allāh

relationship with God is to have a mental picture of Him in mind. The Holy Prophetsa has explained this in the following words. “Worship Allāh, as if you are seeing him, or at least know that he is seeing you.”

Prayers which are offered in this way result in achieving the love of Allāh and act as a vehicle to attain his closeness. So to create a true love of Allāh in the hearts of the children, it is necessary that we present our children a personal God, we must explain to them who Allāh is in relation to them. Why has He created us? Who has given us all these bounties which we enjoy in our daily life? Who helps us in our time of need? If we can demonstrate to our children the relation between the bounties they enjoy and the one who gives them to us, then we can create a personal relationship between our children and Allāh from a very young age.

Similarly, incidents of acceptance of prayers occur in every Ahmadī house on daily basis and we need to narrate them to our children so they can also understand how benevolent their Lord really is. Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh IVrh has narrated the following incident:

“Once he was returning home from his farmhouse on his bicycle along with his daughter who was very young at that time. On the way she dropped her shoe which was still relatively new. On this she recited Inna lillāhi in her childish way, and she was so young that she couldn’t even recite the whole prayer properly. She had only just recited the prayer that a man came running with her shoe in his hand.”

This small incident engraved a very important lesson in her mind from a very young age, that is, no matter what our need is, no matter what difficulty has befallen us, we need to pray to Allāh who will help us in our need immediately.

We have the examples of our forefathers in front of us who were able to recognize the true face of Allāh, the Almighty, at a very young age. For example, Hadrat Musleh Maū`ūdra mentions his personal experience about finding God in these words:

“When I turned 11… I had this thought in my mind that why do I believe in Allāh; what proof do I have of his existence. I pondered over this matter till late at night, and finally at around 10 or 11 at night, my heart came to the conclusion that there is a God. That moment was such a blessed moment for me. I was so happy to find my creator just as a child is happy to find his mother.” (Yād-e-Ayyām, pg. 365)

My fellow brothers! Today, the world is completely unaware of Allāh and his attributes. Man has forgotten his creator. Man does not much care about fulfilling the rights of his creator. Today, there is no one on the face of earth except for Ahmadīs, who have pledged that they will reinstate the relationship between man and his Creator. For this, we would have to instate the true love of God in our hearts and once we have done so, our God will never desert us, just as Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh IVrh has stated:

“The love of God is a very sacred emotion. It is such a sacred emotion that once it enters the

heart of man it only increases and never leaves his heart. And this is why a very good age for this is in childhood. Those people are very lucky who have the love of Allāh in their hearts from a very young age, and then this love does loyalty to them for the rest of their lives. Man can enter any state and this love would not desert him. This is why this is the age in which you should fall in love with your Lord, you should learn the etiquettes of loving Him, and should develop a personal relation with him. Every child should have this firm belief in his heart that his God is his personal God and his alone without even the means of my parents in the middle. I have a direct relationship of love with my Allāh and that I have a personal relation with him.” (Masha`l Rāh, Vol. 3 pg. 57)

In the end, I would like to mention a prayer through which one can win the Love of Allāh.

“O Allāh! I ask you for your love and the love of those who love you and the love of the actions which brings me closer to your love. My Lord! Make me such that your love is more pleasing to me then myself, and my wealth, and my family and the cool, sweet water.” (Jām`i Tirmidhī)

May Allāh Tala enable us to develop a loving relationship with Him and may he enable us to incorporate this love in the hearts of our children as well. Āmīn.

38 Commonalties of Faiths

He has prescribed for you the religion which He enjoined on Noah, and which We have revealed to thee, and which We enjoined on Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying, ‘Remain steadfast in obedience, and be not divided therein. (42:14)

Honorable chairperson, respected guests and dignitaries, and my dear brothers and sisters, Assalāmo alaikum, Peace be upon you all.

My dear friends!

Today, religion – not Islām, not Christianity, not Judaism or Hinduism, but religion as a whole stands on the brink of extinction. Religion is an endangered species not only because it is being attacked by the outsiders but also from the inside. Religious extremists have hijacked our religions and exploited the differences for their own personal gains. And that is why my topic, Commonalities of Faiths, is so important in today’s society.

The most important commonality of all faiths, of all religions is just that – that they are all religions. The basis of all religions is a belief in God and all religions believe that their God is a living God who

takes an active interest in the life of His creation and that is why he sends his messengers to inform His creation about how to live a good and fulfilling life. These three things i.e. belief in God, His messengers and teachings brought by these messengers forms the basis of all religions.

When I was in high school, I went through a sort of identity crisis and during this phase, I spent a lot of time after school talking to this English Teacher. Every day we would sit after school and we would have various philosophical discussions about the purpose of life, freewill, whether time is a flowing river or a serpent with its tail in its mouth, and quite often my teacher would bring up religion in these discussions. He was an atheist who would almost try to convert me and we would end up having these long discussions about the existence of God, good and evil, life after death and so on. So, during one of these discussions, he brought up the question that if there is only One God then why do we have so many different religions in this world. Is God deliberately trying to confuse us? I said that I believe that all of these religions are from God, and they all essentially present the same

teachings, and the differences arise due to changes made to religion through the passage of time. On this he asked that does your religion also say this? It doesn’t matter what you think or believe but as a theist what matters is what your religion says. And I was completely appalled at this question because as a teenager, I sort of knew from sermons in the mosque that Islām, and all other religions, promotes peace and tolerance but I also knew

Commonalties of FaithsTalha Ali, Student, Jām`ia Ahmadīyya Canada

Talha Ali Student, Jām`ia Ahmadīyya Canada

39Commonalties of Faiths

that most religions do not consider other religions to be true, yet I had no idea what Islām said.

But today as I stand in front of you, I can proudly tell my teacher that yes! Islām does confirm my views. Yes! Islām does say that all the religions spring forth from the same fountain of divine revelation and that yes, Islām does testify to the truth of all the prophets, all of them, Adamas, Noahas, Abrahamas, Jacobas, Ishmaelas, Mosesas, Davidas, Solomonas, Danielas, Jesusas, Krishnaas, and Buddhaas – Islām testifies to the truth of all of them.

Islām emphasizes the commonalities of faiths through various means. Firstly, Islām presents a God who is Universal. The Qur’ān refers to Him in its very opening verses as the Lord of all the worlds. He is not referred to as the God of the Hindus or the God of the Children of Israel or the God of the Greeks or the God of the Romans but He is referred to as the God of all the worlds.

This universality of God implies a universal belief in all the prophets. One commonality of Judaism, Christianity and Islām is that all three of these religions believe in all the Israelite prophets and consider Abrahamas as their fore-father. However, Islām takes this commonality another step further. To be a Muslim, one has to profess a belief in all the prophets and declare that all of them were righteous and pious people who had a living relationship with God the Almighty.

Islām doesn’t give us a list of prophets that we must believe in and others we must deny. Islām states as a rule that, Prophets and

guides have appeared in all the nations. Hence, Islām opens up the possibility for any religious reformer to qualify as a prophet if he fits certain criteria. For example, Islām does not mention Krishnaas or Buddhaas by name but we consider them as righteous men and prophets because they brought a spiritual change in such a large group of people. As I stated earlier, Islām demands all of its followers to believe in all the prophets. While mentioning various articles of faith, the Holy Qur’ān states,

That all the believers believe in Allāh, and in all his angels, and in all of His revealed books, and in all of his messengers, saying, “We make no distinction in any of his prophets.” (2:286)

We make no distinction in any of his prophets. That is what Islām teaches its followers. The Qur’ān says that all the prophets were one community. Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has said that all the prophets are like brothers and their religion is one religion. It is for this reason that when a Muslim and a Jew got into an argument about who is better Mosesas or Muhammadsa, the Holy Prophet of Islām commanded his follower to not give him any preference over Mosesas and to make no distinction between any of God’s prophets.

My dear Friends, this brings us to our million dollar question that if our God is one God, and all the prophets are one community and their religion was indeed the same, then shouldn’t our teachings also be the same? However, quite honestly, we have to ask, what is so common about a Hindu worshipping a Cow, a Christian praying to Christ, and a Muslim facing the Ka`bah?

The verse of the Holy Qur’ān which I recited in the beginning of my speech stated that Islām essentially brought the same teachings which were revealed on Noahas, Abrahamas, Mosesas and Jesusas. In another verse of the Holy Qur’ān, God tells us what that message was, which all prophets brought. It says in chapter 16 verse 37:

And We did raise among every people a Messenger, preaching: ‘Worship Allāh and shun the Evil One.’

The word used in this verse is al-Tāghūt, which in Arabic means the one who exceeds the bounds. Hence, all the prophets came to instruct their people to be moderate and not to exceed the bounds of decency, not to transgress, not be rebellious, to be obedient to the laws of God. Moreover, all the prophets came to develop a relationship between the creation and their Creator. In doing so they taught one simple rule, that you cannot possibly develop a relationship with your Creator unless you love his creation.

Quite honestly there are more commonalities than differences in the teachings of different religions. We all worship God in one way or another, we all have some sort of fasting rituals, we all give alms and charity, we all believe in angels, and life after death, we all believe in prophets and revelation and divine assistance through prayers. Aren’t these the themes all of us see in our religious books? Doesn’t your religion also ask you to develop a relationship with God? Doesn’t your religion also ask you to love your neighbour and to like for your brother what you like for yourself? Doesn’t your religion also ask you to be moderate in every act of your

40 Commonalties of Faiths

life? Doesn’t your religion stop you from breaking the laws of society, of nature, of government, of God? I know my religion does and I am sure your religion does as well – so are we really that different in the end, you and I, your religion and mine – are they really that different?

This is why Islām does not claim to monopolize salvation. It states in chapter 2, verse 63 that Surely, the Believers, and the Jews, and the Christians and the Sabians — whichever party from among these truly believes in Allāh and the Last Day and does good deeds — shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.

Meaning salvation and paradise is not just limited to Muslims but to true followers of all the religions.

Despite all this, the reality remains that we live in a world with dozens of religions and hundreds of sects within each religion. And more often than not, some selfish and greedy groups of people will exploit these differences for their own personal gains. So enough with the theory – enough with Our God is the same, our prophets were the same and our teachings are the same. What’s the practical aspect of this all? Where do we go from here?

Well, Qur’ān says, O Muslims, approach the people of the book, i.e. other religions and say to them that let us come to a word equal between us and you, that let us come to a common ground and let us focus on our similarities rather than differences and make a conscious effort to bridge the gap between us. (3:65)

The founder of Islām and early Muslims believed in the

commonalities of faiths and they did their utmost to develop peace and harmony with followers of different religions. They acted upon this verse fully. The first purely Islāmic society was developed on these grounds of commonality of faiths. The charter signed by Muhammadsa and Jews of Medina reads, “The Jews constitute an Ummah Wahidah (one nation) with the believers – even though the Jews will follow their own religion and Muslims their own.” (See Sociology of Islām, Part I by Reuben Levy). Similarly, we find in history a very interesting incident of a debate between Christians of Najrān and Holy Prophetsa of Islām which continued for three days. During this debate, a time came for the Christians to pray and they wanted to leave the mosque so they could pray so the Holy Prophetsa emptied the mosque for them and insisted they pray in it. This gesture emphasized that we all worship the same God hence Mosques are no different from Churches or Synagogues.

Today, the concept of Jihād has such a bad connotation but it might interest you to know that the verses permitting Muslims to engage in Jihād clearly state that permission to fight is only given to develop religious freedom, not only for Muslims but for all. The verse states that, “If Allāh had not repelled some men by means of others, cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques wherein the name of Allāh is oft-remembered would have been long destroyed.”

My dear friends, there is another aspect of this presented by Islām, I had to think long and hard about how to present it in front of you but

I am going to just come out and say it. From early adolescence, I have hated the lines we have drawn between ourselves. In the words of the great American Poet, Robert Frost, “Good fences do make good neighbours.” When that high school kid told his teacher that all the religions ought to be the same, he only said so because he hated the walls and the fences, but today he knows that according to Qur’ān in the latter days all the prophets will be brought together and all the religions will become one.

The time has come for that gathering. All the faiths have been waiting for the return of a certain someone – be it the return of Krishnaas, the return of Jesusas, or the coming of the Imām Mahdīas.

Imagine, if you will, if all of them came back today they would only create more fences and more walls. The reality of these prophecies is that those who were to come in the latter days was one person. He has been given various names so that the followers of different religions can associate with him. This one person has appeared and he is the Holy Founder of the Ahmadīyya Muslim community, Hadrat Mirzā Ghulām Ahmadas of Qādiān. He states in his book Haqīqat al-Wahī:

“There has been no prophet whose name has not been bestowed on me … I am Adam, I am Noah, I am Abraham, I am Isaac, I am Jacob, I am Ishmael, I am Moses, I am David, I am Jesus son of Mary, and I am Muhammad by the way of reflection … I have also been given the name of Krishna.”

He further states in his book that Chashmah Ma`rifat:

41Commonalties of Faiths

“In the latter days … people will become involved in religious disputes and fights and nations will attack nations … and when these events reach their climax, God will blow his trumpet, that is to say he will transmit a voice to the world through the Promised Messiah, who is like His trumpet, and upon hearing this voice, all good people will come together under the banner of one religion. All dissention will disappear and the people of the world will become one.”

Islām is not a separate religion b u t part of a bigger chain of which all the religions and prophets are part and parcel of. And when I invite you towards Islām, I only invite you to embrace the original teachings of all the prophets. And I say to you in the words of Jesus Christas that the Lord your God is one God and that you should love Him. Or in the words of the Holy Qur’ān that the Lord your God is one God and

that you should become His servant, meaning you should acquire his

characteristics. What is His foremost characteristic? It is

His oneness and unity; hence, I invite you to that very unity.

But if that’s too much to ask for then the least I ask of you is that we need to gather together for a common goal, a common vision, on common grounds so that poachers may not drive this endangered species to be extinct.

42 Domestic Harmony-Creating Paradise on Earth

In the Holy Qur’ān, Allāh says:

O ye people! Fear your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and created there from its mate, and from twain spread many men and women; and fear Allāh, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and fear Him particularly respecting ties of relationship. Verily, Allāh watches over you. (4:2)

In the verse I have just recited, Allāh the Almighty commands us to make Taqwā the foundation for all of our relationships. If we develop a high level of Taqwā in ourselves, we will surely be able to treat each other with respect, dignity, love and justice. Consequently, this will lead to the establishment of domestic and family harmony, or in other words, “paradise on earth.”

The Holy Prophetsa chose this Qur’ānic verse to solemnize the Islāmic marriage ceremony. It is especially important to understand that in the institution of marriage, mere fulfilment of individual pleasure and emotional gratification is not the ultimate goal, rather the goal is to create a harmonious environment of trust, respect and love between the married couple. Therefore, it is imperative that all interactions between a married

couple reflect a strong foundation of Taqwā, and that fear of Allāh Almighty remain in their hearts at all times.

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has also reminded us of this objective. He has said in one of his sermons,

“Both men and women, must keep in view that Taqwā should be maintained, prayers are to be sought for the strengthening of relationships, respect is to be given to each other’s relatives.” (Friday Sermon, November 10, 2006)

My dear sisters, it is saddening to know that the current situation of many families is contrary to this ideology. Unfortunately, these days relationships are deteriorating, marital problems are on the rise and the divorce rate is climbing. These dismal trends indicate there is something wrong at the grassroots level of martial and domestic relationships.

Hudūraa continued to say that,

“Unfortunately, complaints regarding this subject are on an increase. At times, extremely coarse allegations are made against women, sometimes they are also severely mistreated by in-laws. If it were not for

the grace of Allāh and His commandment to ‘keep on admonishing’ (87:10) there would be great despondence and hopelessness. However, following the commandment of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas, attention is drawn to counsel and to advice.” (Friday Sermon, November 10, 2006)

I admit this topic is of a very sensitive nature, but I would like to discuss some specific aspects of our domestic and marital relationships that, if inculcated and refined, can bring about familial harmony and can certainly create a reflection of paradise in our homes.

However, before I begin, I humbly request my audience to please develop enough patience and courage to listen to these problems, and with an open heart, let us discuss some of the possible solutions to these conflicts and problems.

My dear sisters, let us first focus on the causes of these problems. There are many reasons why such issues arise in marital relationships. I have selected four of the most common ones. They are:

1. Lack of Taqwā

Domestic Harmony- Creating Paradise on EarthAmtul Noor Daud Sāhiba, Sadr Lajna Imā`illāh Canada

43Domestic Harmony-Creating Paradise on Earth

2. Improper selection of partners

3. Lack of knowledge of role & responsibilities

4. Inappropriate interference of parents

Lack of Taqwā

Sometimes we witness that both parties (families) are lacking in Taqwā. Their behaviour and attitudes in their daily lives demonstrate quite clearly that they have moved far away from the commandments of Allāh Almighty and the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa.

It must be remembered that Taqwā is the root of every good deed. Hadrat Masīh Maū’ūdas has said:

They are far from God, those who are far from Taqwā.

Furthermore, our beloved Holy Prophetsa has advised us that speaking the truth, and adhering to “qawl-e-sadīdah,” - right speech, should be the hallmark of a true believer. This is something that will always lead to establishing harmonious relations. On the contrary, however, it is commonly seen that sometimes people choose to hide the truth, become intolerant of other’s weaknesses and are unforgiving. This type of behaviour leads to vices like arrogance and pride. Regarding this, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has given us the following advice, “Patience and humbleness are great virtues which we should develop among us.”

We should always remember the teachings of the Holy Qur’ān. Allāh Almighty says,

“Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allāh, is he who is the most righteous

among you.” (49:14)

Therefore, it becomes incumbent upon Muslims to make the development of Taqwā, or righteousness, the highest priority and ultimate goal in their lives.

Unfortunately, we see today that worldly priorities and trivial pursuits have replaced this virtuous goal. We are straying from the, “rightly guided path.” This deviation from our purpose has lead to discontentment, disharmony and conflict within familial and domestic relationships.

So, this was the first possible cause of disharmony that I wanted to discuss.

Selection of Partners

The second cause I would like to highlight is improper selection of partners. I would like to begin with a saying of the Holy Prophetsa, he says,

نی

الد ات

بذ

ک

ی

ل

ع

“Bring a pious woman, [she will help you fulfil your duties].”

This profound saying implies that at the occasion of marriage, both parties should carefully analyze and understand their individual duties and obligations. The groom’s family should not marry their son with the hidden purpose that the new bride will serve them. On the contrary, the Holy Prophetsa of Islām always counselled men to get married with the intention and desire that such a woman should be chosen who, while fulfilling her responsibilities, will draw his own attention towards his responsibilities and together the couple will fulfil all such duties which are made obligatory by Allāh. Surely, the social disorder we witness today will decline if

marriages take place with such intentions. A husband will never be intolerant of his wife’s relatives and the wife will never misbehave with the husband’s family, and they will assist each other in fulfilling their responsibilities. This is the foundation upon which peace can and will be generated across societies and in the world.

If the girl’s family secretly desires that the boy should serve them and not his own parents, and the boy’s relatives demand that the girl should not serve her parents but should serve them instead, then this society can never achieve harmony, and peace cannot be established in the world.

“It is said, a head cannot have peace when a hand is hurting, similarly a husband cannot have tranquility when his wife is in grief and a wife will not be happy if her husband is in anguish. Both the girl and boy’s relatives will not be content if the boy and girl are not happy. If we can appreciate the wisdom behind this analogy and truly consider the nature of our duties towards each other, surely we will live in peace.” (Khutbāt-e-Mahmūdra)

I said earlier that the third cause of conflict is lack of knowledge and proper understanding of the roles and responsibilities among the family members. Keeping in view these advices of Hadrat Musleh Maū`ūdra. I will now examine some of the roles of husbands, wives and their respective parents in establishing a harmonious home.

Role Of A Husband

In the Holy Qur`ān Allāh says:

Men are guardians over women


because Allāh has made them excel others, because they (men) spend of their wealth. So virtuous women are those who are obedient, and guard the secrets of their husband’s with Allāh’s protection. (4:35)

One of the duties of a Muslim husband is to fulfil his role of qawwām (maintainer and protector). A man who truly exemplifies the meaning of a “qawwām,” meaning he has a noble demeanour, a compassionate attitude, is tolerant, overlooks minor errors, is in control of his married life, and is generous without being extravagant. He respects his wife’s opinions and makes her feel that she shares the responsibility of running the household affairs, bringing up the children, and working with him to build a sound Muslim family, as Islām envisions it to be.

There is a famous hadīth of our Beloved Leader, Holy Prophet Muhammadsa who said:

“The best among you is he who treats his family the best, and I am the best among you in treating my family.” (Mishkwāt)

Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas says:

“I see a person who fights with his wife as a coward and completely unmanly.” (Malfūzāt, Vol. 2, pg. 387)

Heas has also said,

“A person who is not compassionate and benevolent in the treatment of his wife and her relatives does not belong to my Jamāàt.” Every man who is unfaithful to his wife and every wife who is unfaithful to her husband is not of my Jamāàt.” (Kashtī Nūh, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 19, pg. 19)

Regarding this topic, Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has said in one of his sermons:

“Allāh made man stronger than woman so that he could bear more responsibilities as head of family, as a husband and as a father. To be a good model, a husband must be at such a level of piety that the family in the house could follow his example in life. To attain this level of piety, special prayers for oneself and the family are needed in addition to personal effort.” (Friday Sermon, July 2, 2004)

Hudūraa expounded that the Holy Prophetsa was the most excellent model for us to follow in maintaining healthy and strong families. Quoting various Ahādīth, Hudūraa discussed the example of Holy Prophetsa as the best husband and head of the family.

“As the head of the family, a husband is responsible to provide for the needs of his wife and children. He should spend

time with his family, bring them to the Jamāàt events and be part of their interests and problems. In everyday life, we see that a successful leader is one who is fully aware of the problems that lie in the sphere of his responsibility.”

“Let us now examine the current domestic situation. Some men treat their wives miserably; they don’t respect them and don’t care for their feelings. Some are tight fisted and also raise their hand over their wives. Outside their homes, they portray a sophisticated image of piety, compassion and generosity, but when it comes to interacting with their own wives and children, they transform into abusive and niggardly people.”

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa continued to say:

“Sometimes in family disputes, parents tend to take extreme steps and ask the husband to push the wife out of the house and some husbands go ahead to perform such cruelty. Such men are not worthy of being called “Men.” The Promised Messiahas has said that, a “husband and wife should stay together as very good friends. Those who do not deal with the relatives of their wives kindly are not part of my Jamāàt.”

The Promised Messiahas has also


said,

“The relationship a husband has with his wife should be like that of two true friends. Wives are the first to bear witness of his high morals and relationship with Allāh. If his relationship with her is not good, then how will he be able to make reconciliation with God. (Malfūzāt, Vol. 3, pg. 300)

So these were some of the qualities of good husbands that are necessary in order to create a successful marriage.

Virtue Of A Muslim Woman

Now I will highlight some of the responsibilities and qualities of a good wife. We can then reflect if we fulfil these standards.

First of all, a good wife should respect her husband’s wishes by obeying him in all good and righteous deeds. The more she is responsive to his advice, wishes and instructions, the happier and more enjoyable the couple’s life becomes and the closer it is to the spirit and teachings of Islām. A Muslim wife does not forget that her obedience to her husband may indeed enable her to enter Paradise. As Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said:

“A women who offers five daily prayers, observes fasting in Ramadān, is obedient to her husband and accepts his instructions will be permitted to enter Paradise from whichever door she desires.” (Tibranī)

Again, the quality of a good wife is that she is respectful towards him and is always eager to please him and make him happy. If he is poor, she does not complain about

his being unable to spend much. She does not complain about her housework, because she remembers that many of the virtuous women in Islāmic history set an example of patience, goodness and a positive attitude in serving their husbands and taking care of their homes despite the poverty and hardships they faced.

Once, a woman came to ask the Holy Prophetsa about some matter, and when he had dealt with it, he asked her, “Do you have a husband?” She said, “Yes.” He asked her, “How are you with him?” She said, “I never fall short in my duties, except for that which is beyond me.” He said, “Pay attention to how you treat him, for he is your Paradise and your Hell.” (Ahmad, Al-Albani & others Al-Targhib wa’l-Tarhib, 3/52, Kitāb al-Nikāh)

Keeping in view the advice of the Holy Prophetsa, we can choose a path of paradise or hell for ourselves. There are some women who do not respect their husbands, or do not give them due respect. Therefore, I would like to request everyone to self-reflect and examine whether our own behaviour and actions are aligned with the wise and noble teachings of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Holy Prophetsa once said,

“The best amongst women is one who brings delight to her husband whenever he looks at her. She obeys him whenever he instructs her to do something and she is careful with regards to his wealth and person, and resists all such acts that may displease her husband.” (Mishkwāt)

Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas has said, “A great part

of your husband’s dignity lies in your hands. Fulfil (your) responsibility (to your husband) with such devotion that you may be considered as righteous and obedient before God.” (Kashtī Nūh, Rūhānī Khazā’in, Vol. 19, pg. 81)

I would also like to quote an advice of Hadrat Nawāb Mubarika Begum sāhibara:

“After marriage, first the wife becomes a slave to her husband but then the husband becomes a servant of his wife.” This saying is full of wisdom, first the wife becomes obedient and follows the husband and thus wins his heart and he loves her.”

Furthermore, she says,

“Do not mention private matters between a husband and wife to other people. Wives tell their friends and husbands tell their friends certain things and show themselves off in a manner that is unbecoming and inappropriate.”

Another quality of a good wife is that she treats her mother in law and her husband’s family with kindness and respect. One of the ways in which a wife expresses respect towards her husband is by honouring and respecting his mother. She knows that the person who has the greatest right over a man is his mother. Nothing could please a decent, righteous and respectful man more than seeing strong ties of love and respect between his wife and his family.

In order to create an amicable marriage, a woman should understand the psychology and nature of her husband and should know what pleases him and what makes him angry. She should be


able to win his heart and earn his admiration and respect, and should close the door to every possible source of conflict that could disrupt their married life.

I would now like to share some Ahādīth in which Holy Prophetsa showed us how a good wife should be:

“If a woman dies and her husband is pleased with her, she will enter paradise.” (Mishkwāt)

A commendable wife helps her husband to obey Allāh in different ways, especially to stay up and pray at night. Regarding this, the Holy Prophetsa said:

“May Allāh have mercy on the man who gets up at night to pray and wakes up his wife to pray, and if she refuses, he sprinkles water in her face. And may Allāh have mercy on the woman who gets up at night to pray, and wakes her husband up to pray, and if he refuses, she sprinkles water in his face.”

Another admirable quality of a good wife is that she doesn’t disclose her husband’s secrets and other personal matters that may be between him and her.

Hadrat Nawāb Mubarika Begumra sāhiba strongly advises women that, “Never do anything secretly, if you feel the need to do something in secret then never do it. If your husband finds out then you will lose his trust forever, and this is in addition to the disgrace and embarrassment you will feel.”

The teaching of the Holy Qur`ān in this regard is,

“They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them.” (2:188)

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Ira once said,

“Just as a garment provides ease, comfort & protection from heat, beauty and protection from various types of pains, the same is the case with couples. Just as a garment covers (faults), similarly men and women cover

each other’s faults.” (Khutbāt Nūr, pg. 400)

So my dear sisters these are some of the qualities of a good wife. If a wife adopts these qualities then she can be the recipient of not only her husband’s pleasure, but divine blessings as well.

As highlighted in these verses in which a husband says:

Sometimes girls do not take these things into consideration and create a source of conflict

for themselves.

For example, sometimes women advise each other that if you take control over your husband on the first day of marriage, or in the beginning of your married life, then you can always keep him under control.

My dear sisters, this is incredibly wrong and morally reprehensible advice! If a woman engages in this worthless pursuit, she will inevitably lose her husband’s respect, and will never be able to

build her paradise on earth.

These days another issue that has come to light that causes a rapid decline of our moral and spiritual health, and thus initiates conflict among relations is the excessive use of the telephone. Nowadays, local phone service is free and some women spend lengthy periods chatting, gossiping and backbiting about others. Not only is this an enormous waste of time, but by indulging in gossip we are certainly filling our bellies with the fire of Hell, for there is a hadīth of the Holy Prophetsa that, “one who backbites will never

enter Paradise.”

Regarding this Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has said,

“A marriage between a man and woman takes the form of a contract. The woman has been commanded that she has responsibilities such as taking care of her husband’s needs, raising the children, taking care of the household affairs, etc. Similarly, the man also has responsibilities such as taking

“A home is a place lit with candles of love and loyalty. It is a place established with love with the blessings of Allāh. A home is a place that removes one’s fatigue after a whole day’s work. A home develops with love. It is a woman who gives this garden luxuriant. A home is not a

home without a woman.”


care of the expenses of the family, and other needs etc… Thus the more a husband and wife uphold this contract, the more beautiful a society will be established. (Friday Sermon, December 19, 2003)

Unfortunately, sometimes problems occur due to the negligence of one person’s duties. For example, sometimes we see that after marriage, a wife will continue to visit or talk with her mother or other relatives, to an excessive and unhealthy degree. This frequent communication compromises the bond of trust between the husband and wife, as private details about the daily happenings at home are shared with extended relatives. Even with the best of intentions, these “outsiders” may directly or indirectly be responsible for promoting discord and chaos between the married couple through their advice and counselling. Therefore, a wise wife should avoid this type of inappropriate behaviour, especially since it has the potential to become an enormous source of conflict in her home.

Again, seemingly minor matters tend to create deep-rooted bitterness in relations, for example, if a wife is reserved or stays unusually quiet for a period of time. Similarly, if she does not welcome him with an open heart when her husband comes home or cuts him off during conversation, or uses such words in front of people that are disrespectful towards her husband or indulges in anger tantrums. Also, if a husband asks her to have a meal together she says, “No, I am not hungry.” If he suggests a medicine for her she says, “No, I will not take it as

it will not be beneficial for me.” If he brings any gift, she sees it with condescension. These are seemingly trivial details of our behaviour, but if not recognized and corrected early, they go a long way in creating bitterness in a married couple’s life.

The Role of Mother In Laws

Lastly, I would like to discuss the role of mother-in-laws. Unfortunately, they can become the source of friction and conflict in families. However, sometimes mother-in-laws are also very badly treated by daughter-in-laws. Some women fail to grant their husband’s mothers the respect and rights that are due them. In contrast, however, some mothers do not allow their sons to fulfil their role as a good husband. Such mothers exploit their status of being a mother, and feel they are entitled to the sole attention of their son.

There is hadīth that says, “No one can be a Muslim unless he likes for his brother whatever he likes for himself.” The exact same philosophy is applicable in these situations. A mother-in-law must give respect to her daughter-in-law and should let her secure some independence and freedom in the home, in the same way that she wanted for herself when she was a new daughter-in-law, and what she would desire for her own daughters to obtain in their married homes. It is frequently seen that mothers have a compassionate approach when dealing with their own daughters, yet when it comes to their daughters-in-law; they have an entirely different approach.

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa, stressing upon the observance of

Taqwā, admonished the Jamā`at to be on their guard and fair-minded in domestic relations, especially with regards to the sensitive situation between the mothers, daughters and sisters in law. Hudūraa prayed for the Ahmadī homes that they uphold Taqwā in matters associated with domestic relations within marriage. (Friday Sermon, May 30, 2003)

On another occasion Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has said:

“Nowadays, some people do not look after and care for their wives simply because some people will say about the husband that he has become a slave to his wife. In fact, what is astonishing is that even some elders of the husband’s family tell him not to become a slave of his wife, instead of encouraging love and mutual respect between the couple. Such people desire one thing for themselves and quite another thing for others.” (Friday Sermon, July 2, 2004, Khutbāt Masroor, Vol. 2, pg. 454)”

In order to further clarify and elucidate this critical subject matter, I would like to cite some Do’s for mothers and daughters-in-law which will promote domestic harmony:

Do’s for Mother-in-Laws

• Treat your daughter- in-law as your own daughter.

• Respect the wishes, desires and aspirations of your daughter-in-law. Support her in everything good.

• If your daughter-in-law makes a significant mistake, assess the


situation first before you correct her. Remember, your children make mistakes too so deal with her in the same compassionate manner.

• Be flexible and allow your married children to lead their own adult lives. In general, Do NOT interfere in their daily lives

Do’s for Daughter-in-Law

• Instil within yourself a change of heart at the time of your “Rukhsatī.” It is essential that for you to tread this un-trodden path with your husband and his family to your new and real home, you cultivate a feeling of genuine love for your husband and the things that are important to him. This includes his family.

• Of course, it is natural for you to love your parents, your brothers and sisters with whom you may have spent twenty, thirty or more years. If Allāh were to grant you a life of 90 years then you might be living with your husband and in laws for the next 70 years.

• When you arrive into your new home, everything will be new and different and you might find yourself feeling somewhat uneasy. This may prompt you to return to your old home, back to your familiar environment. You should avoid this temptation and avoid the desire to return home too soon. Give yourself time and space to get to know your new family and get used to you new home.

• Once you’re married and left your parents home, they will

understandably feel sad and miss you terribly. They might want to know everything about your new married life, and might ask you to visit them frequently. There is the obvious pressure not to disappoint your parents. By all means, you should visit your parents but not at the expense of the precious time you need to spend developing a relationship with your husband and his family. It is in your long term interest to gain the trust and respect of your husband’s family.

• There will be times when you will want to tell your parents, brothers and sisters about all the exciting things in your life. Be cautious, and avoid disclosing everything that happens in your new home.

• Your priority should be developing your new life. It is much like planting seeds, watering them, nurturing them, seeing them grow and waiting for flowers and fruit.

• Where possible, try not to pour out your frustrations, complaints or lengthy saga/ stories onto your husband as soon as he returns home.

• Pay special attention towards cleanliness and hygiene. Wear simple but attractive clothes in the house and keep your hair, nails and teeth clean and in the best shape.

Stay focused on this motto: If I believe, I can achieve!

The relationship of a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law is a precious one. It can be the source of tremendous strength and unity within a family. Both must work at

it, both must be prepared to make sacrifices and both should treat the other as they would like to be treated themselves.

The Promised Messiahas has said:

“When a girl gets married she has two keys in her hand. One is to the door of peace and the other is to the door of conflict. She can open whichever door she wants. Fortunate are those women who open the door of peace…………. A woman must prove herself to be obedient. Women who, suggest their husbands to be disobedient to their parents are extremely unfortunate. They will never attain mutual happiness.” (Sīrat Hadrat Nawāb Mubarika Begum sāhiba, pg. 343)

CONCLUSION

Homes are established by Love

My dear sisters, it is an undeniable fact that true models of Islāmic homes that represent peace, contentment, accord and harmony are indeed established upon solid foundations of love, respect and devotion.

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has said:

“A home is a place lit with candles of love and loyalty. It is a place established with love with the blessings of Allāh. A home is a place that removes one’s fatigue after a whole day’s work. A home develops with love. It is a woman who gives this garden luxuriant. A home is not a home without a woman.” (Friday Sermon, June 24, 2005)

In Islām, marriage is a blessed contract between a man and a


woman, and they begin the long journey of life in a spirit of love, co-operation, harmony and tolerance, where each feels at ease with the other, and finds tranquility, contentment and comfort in each other’s company.

The Holy Qur’ān has described this relationship between men and women, which brings love, harmony, trust and compassion, in the most moving and eloquent terms:

And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your [hearts]... (30:21)

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa has also said, “The bitterness found in

this society today can be eliminated. Today, let us make a pledge that we will establish good models of piety, will forgive the faults of our wives and husbands. Then, in this way the bitterness that is created among families due to disputes can be eliminated.” Hudūraa said that,

“Those who were dealing with matrimonial disputes even if they have reached the stage of separation, should use the spiritual atmosphere of Jalsa to pray, to try to connect broken hearts, to forgive, to not disgrace others, to cover other’s faults and be mindful of one’s own weaknesses and always be heedful of the way Allāh covers our incalculable faults and sins. (Friday Sermon, June 24, 2005)

Furthermore, Hadrat Khalīfatul

Masīh IVrh once said that,

“Prayers and remembrance of Allāh make homes into heavens. These two qualities are such that they cause both to receive support. So you should focus your attention towards the remembrance of Allāh. Keep your tongues and hearts busy with Salāt, remembrance of Allāh and Durūd Sharīf.” (Friday Sermon, August 5, 1983)

I will end my speech with this beautiful prayer:

“Our Lord, grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.” (25:75)

May Allāh enable us to create harmony and make our homes a reflection of paradise on earth. Āmīn.

“Our Lord, grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.” (25:75)

“Prayers and remembrance of Allāh make homes into heavens. These two qualities are such that they cause both to receive support. So you should focus your attention towards the remembrance of Allāh. Keep your tongues and hearts busy with Salāt, remembrance

of Allāh and Durūd Sharīf.” (Friday Sermon, August 5, 1983)

50 Living in an Electronic Era and Our Responsibilities

Living in this electronic age, one wonders, are all of these technological advancements making us materialistic? Are these inventions taking us away from God? Are they Satanic?

These are the questions that I often hear people asking. But we should think about the timing of all of these developments. Why have they have come at the time of the Messiahas?

This boom took place at the same time as the advent of the Promised Messiahas. So the question is that can we call this electronic era, the era of the Promised Messiahas? The era of the progress of Jamā`at Ahmadīyya?

To answer this question, we must go back to Arabia, to the time of Hadrat Muhammadsa, when Allāh told him in the Holy Qur’ān;

“This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islām as religion.” (5:4)

At that time, Allāh perfected the religion of Islām, making it complete. However at that time the resources were not available to spread this message. This has always been the practice of Allāh. He sends a Prophet with a message,

that message is not accepted by large masses during the life of that Prophet. It is only after he passes away that Allāh shows His power through a second manifestation. This second manifestation then causes the message to be spread and multiplied.

That is why the Holy Prophetsa prophesied that a Messiah will come in the latter days and the purpose of this Messiah would be to revive Islām and spread it all over the world.

At a time when the Jamā`at consisted of only a few members, Allāh promised the Promised Messiahas:

“I shall Cause thy message to Reach the Corners of the earth.” (58:22)

Allāh the Almighty also promised: “I shall give you a large party of Islām,” (Brāhīn-i-Ahmadīyya Vol. 4, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 1, Pg. 664)

So if all these prophecies and promises were true, and the Promised Messiahas came, how could it be, that the resources and tools wouldn’t be available to make it happen?

Today, we are witnessing that the electronic era is unlike any

the world has ever seen before. In cyberspace, time and distance have no meaning. Barriers have been broken down, International borders are meaningless. The rules and laws that govern the ‘real’ world do not apply here, and possibilities are endless.

Thinking about this, especially for a generation that is used to doing research from books instead of Google, and writing notes on a writing pad instead of an iPad, it makes us quite uncomfortable. Some people say that these inventions are evil, and have destroyed families and households, and are corrupting society.

Well today, I am here to tell you that this electronic era is not an evil one, and that it was in fact created for the propagation of Islām. It was created to serve the cause of the Promised Messiahas and Ahmadīyyat. This era is the sign of the fulfilment of the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa! It was created to bring about radical changes in the way we do tablīgh and in how we bring people together under the banner of Islām.

Allāh the Almighty, the Knower of the Unseen, foretold of all of these inventions 1400 years ago. He says in the Holy Qur’ān, in Sūrah Al-

Living in an Electronic Era and Our ResponsibilitiesSa’adia Mahdī

51Living in an Electronic Era and Our Responsibilities

Taqwīr, Verse 8:“And when various people are brought together.”

This verse clearly prophesises of a time when travel will become so easy that people of distant nations will be brought together. The invention of trains, planes, and automobiles were indeed being foretold by this Qur’ānic verse. Modern modes of transport have eliminated distance as any sort of barrier and have brought people together.

Taking this a step further, we should think about the current era. Marshal McLuhan, a Professor at the University of Toronto coined the phrase, “Global Village” to describe the new world, after the evolution of the media and Internet. This means that living in the electronic age, makes it seems as though that the earth has become one village, where everyone and everything is assessable at your fingertips.

All previous barriers have been brought down. People are ‘virtually’ brought together within seconds. Sitting in Canada, you can talk to anyone across the globe via Skype or MSN and within seconds, it is as if you are sitting in the same room, enjoying each other’s company.

In the same Sūrah, Allāh further says:

“And when the books will be extensively published and spread abroad.”

Commenting on this verse, the Promised Messiahas wrote:

“Look how many presses and publication houses are in India and the other countries. This is the doing of Allāh, the Exalted, so He may Help us in our work, and thus spread our

faith, our books, our insights and understandings amongst the people of the world - so they may pay attention to what we say and become guided. (Ā’inah Kamālāte Islām)

Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh IVrh further writes:

“The most powerful means of joining people together...is through wider extensive publication of literature, newspapers, magazines etc. All the modes of transport have played their part in uniting the people of the world, but the role of the press can never be overshadowed or replaced by any other measure of uniting man. Take the role of the wide distribution of printed literature away from this age and mankind, despite the distances being reduced, will suddenly appear to fall apart once again. The people will become disjointed and isolated from each other. It was this modern state of the news media and the extensive publication of literature which is mentioned in the verse under discussion.” (Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, pg. 598-599)

If these inventions had not come into existence, then how would the message of the Promised Messiahas have been spread? Nowadays, using Internet search engines, like Google, anyone can find his writings and quotes in seconds.

Now, the more important question is, if all the tools have been invented, all the devices are available to us, what are our responsibilities?

The Holy Prophetsa said, “Go in

search of Knowledge, even if you have to go to China.” In 6th century Arabia, this was a huge statement, because it showed how thirsty we must be for seeking knowledge. But now, how self-centered have we become, that Allāh has brought a whole world-wide-web, full of knowledge, to our fingertips, into our homes, and we are too busy to see it.

Since all of these technological advances are fairly new, most of us are unfamiliar with them. Naturally this causes us to be cautious. I constantly hear mothers express their fears and concerns for their young children who are consumed with the Internet. They desperately want their kids to get off the computer. However these days, no matter where you live, kids will go online. The key is to properly training them and make use of their time.

My dear sisters, I want you to imagine the time of the Holy Prophetsa. Think of those mothers who used to send their kids to learn the art of battle. It was those little boys who later on became the martyrs and became the source of enlightenment of Islām.

Today this task has been assigned to us by Allāh the Almighty. We are responsible for this generation and the generations to come. The only difference is that today instead of training our kids the art of the swords, we need to train them in the use internet, media and other latest electronic means. Are we ready to take on the responsibility?

Let me remind you, In the Holy Qur’ān, Allāh says,

“Dost thou not see that Allāh created the heavens and the

52 Living in an Electronic Era and Our Responsibilities

earth in accordance with the requirements of wisdom? If He pleases, He can do away with you, and bring a new creation. And that is not at all difficult for Allāh.” (14:20-21)

So, if we are not ready to spread the message of God to others, then Allāh can destroy us and bring new people who will be willing to spread His message.

I don’t think that after listening to this, any one of us would want to be left behind. This is the time, so step up. Take charge and discharge your responsibility.

Allāh says in the Holy Qur’ān: “Allāh has decreed that I and My Messengers will be victorious.” (58:22)

So if we look at the time of the Holy Prophetsa, although the kuffār were using more sophisticated weapons like swords, shields, horses and camels to defeat Islām, history is witness that the Muslims used the same resources in limited quantity and were victorious.

History is repeating itself now. These are days of the victories of Islām Ahmadīyyat. We have been given a pen as a weapon to defeat our opponents. Today, this pen has become virtual in the shape of multimedia press and satellite communication. Today, our enemies are using the same means to destroy us but they don’t know that they will be humiliated in the

same way as the time of our Holy Master Hadrat Muhammadsa.

So today, Khalīfatul Masīhaa is inviting us to join hands to fill the world with so much light, that all the darkness disappears.

The first and foremost responsibility is we should use these invaluable resources to spread knowledge, to do Tablīgh, to build awareness about the true message of Islām and to preach the true teachings of the Promised Messiahas. This can be done by writing articles for different newspapers, magazines, blogs and forums.

Alhamdulillāh, our generation has already taken a step. Websites like YouTube, which were not started by Ahmadīs, are now filled with videos proclaiming the Truth of the Promised Messiahas. Every Ahmadī is proud to search these sites and find videos of sermons and speeches by our Khulafā’.

However, the fact is that we have just started, and we cannot stop here. Our responsibility is to take part in this Jihād even more, to make our presence on the web even stronger. We need to fill cyberspace with so much positive energy, that we leave no room for Satan and his attacks.

The Mullahs have always tried to harm the Jamāàt and have always failed. At the time of the Promised Messiahas, they thought that his voice would not be carried out

of Qādiān, but look at how the Jamāàt has spread. This is the blessing of this electronic era, that through MTA, the voice of the Khalīfatul Masīhaa is being spread to the corners of the earth and new people are hearing and accepting his message on a daily basis.

Lekhrām and Dowie didn’t see this light. Bhutto and Zia-ul Haq didn’t see this light. But the world is now engulfed in this light, its rays are shining across the globe, and satellites are carrying the message of Islām in the sky as well as in the earth, and there is nobody who can stop it now.

Whenever Allāh Ta`ālā blesses us with His favours, it is also our responsibility to be thankful to Him. We should thank him for all the comforts and luxuries that he has provided us that those before us did not have.

This reminds me of an incident of the Promised Messiahas. When Allāh commanded to him, “Wāsià Makānaka,” meaning, “Expand thy House.” Our beloved Messiahas had a strong desire to fulfil the words of Allāh but unfortunately, the apparent means were not present. He didn’t have enough money to build a building. Heas only had 5 rupees in his pocket. He called his companion Hadrat Abdullāh Sanorira sāhib and told him to go and buy some material to build a small tent so that he could fulfil the

The first and foremost responsibility is we should use these invaluable resources to spread knowledge, to do Tablīgh, to build awareness about the true message of Islām and to preach the true teachings of the Promised Messiahas. This can be done by writing articles for different

newspapers, magazines, blogs and forums.

53Living in an Electronic Era and Our Responsibilities

commandment of Allāh Almighty. Heas also reminded Sanori sāhibra to he had to spend his transportation fare from the same money.

This was our beginning. How can we be thankful of the luxuries of these advancements today if we forget the hardships, prayers and efforts made by the Promised Messiahas?

Living in this era, when our lives have been made easier and more comfortable, and it is the job of every mūmin, to thank his Lord for His blessings. In return, Allāh will continue to bless us. Even today, our Ahmadī brothers and sisters in third world countries don’t enjoy the same comforts that we have here. It is our duty to remember them and pray for them, that Allāh may help them out of their hardships.

If we are living such comfortable lives, then we should do all that we can to help them out. Thanks to the Internet, it is so easy to write e-mail and letters to politicians and newspapers. We can make our voice heard, and help out our fellow Ahmadīs.

I have tried to highlight some of our responsibilities, with respect to our modern era. Yet while we discuss what we should do, we should also understand what we shouldn’t do. Unfortunately, many of us, including our younger generation are consumed in the web, using it

to waste time and as a result taking them away from God. They are so addicted to the internet, that they completely lose track of time when they are online, that they forget about reading Salāt, reciting Qur’ān and of fulfilling their responsibilities at school and at home.

Hudūraa has repeatedly warned us about the dangers regarding the Internet. Young children, who are left unsupervised, are susceptible to many dangers and evils that can corrupt their innocent minds. Hudūr has especially pinpointed Facebook as a web site that has more harm than good, and should be avoided. All of these inventions, if they are taking us closer to Allāh, are a blessing. But if we are wasting our time, gossiping, forgetting about our purdah and chastity, then they become a mean of destruction of a nation.

The battle is on. Satan and his companions are using the very same inventions to destroy us. We as Ahmadīs need to clearly and very boldly remind our generation that we are the soldiers of Allāh and that we cannot and will not allow them to fight from Satan’s side. They have the very important task of winning the battle of Islām and Ahmadīyyat. It is our responsibility to make sure that our children are not going astray. We should know what they are doing online, and why they are using the Internet.

We cannot turn a blind eye to this, and we cannot remain in a state of denial. I’m not telling you to spy on your children. Become their friend, and their guide. Tell them their responsibilities and remind them on a daily basis that they have a mission on this earth. Inspire them to take part in the Jihād of the Promised Messiahas by becoming Model Ahmadī Muslims.

My dear sisters, going back to my original question, are all of these electronic inventions from God or from Satan? Are they to bring us closer to our Creator, or away from Him? In answer I would say, that these are all holy creations, because they were all invented by Allāh Himself, to spread the message of his beloved Muhammadsa and his Messiahas.

I would like to end my speech with a quote from Hudūraa latest address, in Germany:

“It is only an Ahmadī that can teach the world about excellent character and righteousness. We must bring people closer to Allāh, to create a living relationship with Him. We have to show them, that the purpose of life is to worship Allāh and complete obedience to Him.”

May Allāh enable all of us to learn, accept and embrace these inventions, and to use them to do tablīgh and call others to this heavenly Jamā`at. Āmīn.

“It is only an Ahmadī that can teach the world about excellent character and righteousness. We must bring people closer to Allāh, to create a living relationship with Him. We have to show them, that the purpose

of life is to worship Allāh and complete obedience to Him.”

54 Natural Disasters or Divine Warnings?

Let me tell you a story. Thousands and thousands of years ago, there was a great man. He was neither a rich man, nor a powerful leader of a tribe. In a time where all the people all around him were lost in social and moral evils, he was the odd one out, always found in worshipping God. Like any good man, he urged his people to do the same but they would not listen. He started building a boat of planks and nails, different from those already in use. The chiefs of his people would ridicule him whenever they passed his place. Yet, he continued to urge them to change their ways and would hammer away. One day, the clouds darkened and down came a raging storm. And yes, the only ones saved were the ones who took shelter in this very man’s boat.

My dear sisters, Assalāmo Alaikum!

Have you have already guessed the name of the great man in the story I just narrated? Yes, he was Hadrat Nūhas, who was sent as a messenger to guide his people to the path of righteousness. His story is one of many that fulfill the promise made in Chapter 17, verse 16:

“…We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.”

I would like to bring your

minds back to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004. The Pakistan earthquake in 2005. The Haiti earthquake in 2010. The Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Natural disasters, which occurred less than 100 times in 1975, have occurred almost 1000 just in the last year alone!

During fund-raising efforts for the Haiti earthquake, a fellow university student came up to make a donation. While dropping her loose change into the collection box, she also dropped a question on me. “Do you believe everything happens for a reason?” She inquired. Recalling back to the sixth article of faith, I answered in the affirmative. This led her to ask the question that seemed to be on everyone’s mind: “Then why did this earthquake happen?” At the time I’m sure I gave a partially satisfactory answer but it wasn’t until afterwards when the next disaster occurred, and the frequency of all the other disasters that followed it, which made me truly stop and think about the age old question of “Why (is this happening)?”

In the verse I recited earlier, God promises us that He will not send a punishment until He sends a Messenger. However, if humanity

chooses to reject this messenger and continue on in their evil ways, then God may choose to warn them through His punishment or destroy them all together and allow the good people to develop.

Knowing this, how can we explain the 950 natural disasters that happened in the last year alone? Are natural disasters occurring because nature is running its course, or are these events divine warnings?

Let us examine some statistics. Natural disasters have been occurring more and more over the years, and it seems that no country has been spared. Approximately 2.6 billion people were affected by natural disasters over the past ten years, compared to 1.6 billion in the previous decade. That means 2 out of every 5 people were affected by natural disasters in the last decade!

From meteorologists to geologists, from believers to atheists, everyone seems to have their own explanation as to why there are misfortunes descending from skies or erupting from beneath the earth. But what does Islām say about this matter?

According to Islām, there is no doubt that all disasters and misfortunes are caused by natural laws, or man’s effect on it; our actions have

Natural Disasters or Divine Warnings?Maliha Shahid

55Natural Disasters or Divine Warnings?

a reaction. Indeed the world does attribute the seasonal storms and extreme weather to factors such as climatic changes. But there is more to these occurrences than climate change. In pursuance of the objective of religion, sometimes these very natural means are employed. When this is the case, then these laws can also be used to serve as punishment or a warning lesson through the effect they have on nature. These effects are called divine punishment.

Although God can intervene and prevent the effect, the majority of suffering can be attributed to divine punishment. However, we need to see suffering as a sort of test or trial. Our reaction determines our grade. To get an A+, we need to remain steadfast and put our full trust in God; then we can use these natural disasters as opportunities to get closer to Him. The only way we can flunk this test is if we curse and blame God for our losses; this moves us farther away from Him. As such, if God took away suffering, then He would also be taking away our ability to develop and grow closer to Him. Thus, some natural disasters are a must. They are opportunities for us to fulfill the purpose of our being, which is to attain nearness and devotion to God Almighty.

So how do we achieve this nearness? One thing we must do is accept, and devote ourselves to, the messengers that God sends. The Holy Prophetsa prophesied the advent of a divine reformer. Hadrat Mirzā Ghulām Ahmadas claimed to be that long awaited reformer. He claimed to be the Mahdī, Messiah, and any other title associated to the reformer of the latter days. While

many accepted him, a vast majority of Muslims opposed him bitterly, and continue to do so today. Those who rejected him were warned of the worst disasters ever witnessed on the face of earth. The Promised Messiahas has himself written:

“There will be death on such a large scale that rivers will run with blood, and even birds and animals will not escape it. Such destruction will overtake the earth as had not happened since man was born. Most places will be turned upside down as if they had never been inhabited. There will also be other terrible afflictions, both in heaven and earth, and every sensible person will realize that they are no ordinary phenomena, and no trace of them will be found in books of astronomy or philosophy. Then people will be seized by anxiety and they will wonder what is going to happen? Many will be saved, and many will perish.” (Essence of Islām Vol. 5, pg. 148-149)

Hearing this chilling forewarning, I’m sure we all want to know why this will happen. The Promised Messiahas answers this by saying:

“[All of] this will happen because men have given up the worship of their God, and all their thoughts and their designs and their resolves are diverted towards the world. Had I not come, these calamities might have been delayed for a while, but with my coming the secret designs of God’s wrath that had long been hidden have been manifested.” (Essence of Islām Vol. 5, pg. 149)

By paying heed to this wise

guidance from the Promised Messiahas, we should see the recent world disasters as cautionary signs. The strength of this warning from the Promised Messiahas comes out of compassion to guide us on the right path. He further states:

“O Europe! You are not secure, O Asia! You are not secure, O you who dwell in the Islands, no artificial God will come to your aid. I see the cities falling and I see the habitations in ruin. The One and the Unique has long remained silent. Abominations were committed before His eyes and yet He remained silent. But now He shall reveal His countenance in a dreadful manner. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! The hour is not far. I tried to bring everyone under the security of God, but the decrees of destiny had to be fulfilled. Assuredly, I say that this country’s turn is also drawing near. The days of Noah shall appear before your eyes, and you will see with your own eyes what happened to the land of Lot. But God is slow to wrath, repent so that you are shown mercy. He who abandons God is a worm, not a man, and he who does not fear Him is dead, not alive.’ (Haqīqatul Wahī, Rūhānī Khazā’in Vol. 22, pg. 269)

Currently, while witnessing all these calamities, it is time, more than ever, for us to repent with sincerity. Quite often, after natural disasters occur, we feel its power envelope us. We eagerly make the mosque our home and utter words of supplication and forgiveness to the Almighty God. Yet no significant change occurs in our lives. Hadrat

56 Natural Disasters or Divine Warnings?

Khalīfatul Masīh IVrh has said that “the transitory attention paid to God Almighty passes away from [these peoples] hearts and minds like a traveller - now you see them, now you do not.” We should be mindful that God does not need anyone who remembered Him only in calamities and returns to their bad practices when troubled times were over. A true believer’s repentance should be real and lasting.

The best example for us to follow is that of the Holy Prophetsa. Hadrat `Ā’ishara narrates: ‘Whenever there was a strong wind, the Holy Prophetsa used to say: ‘O Allāh! I ask You for what is good in it, and the good which it contains, and the good of that which it was sent for. I seek refuge with You from what is evil in it, what evil it contains, and the evil of that what it was sent for.” And whenever there was thunder and lightning in the sky, his colour underwent a change, and he went out and in, backwards and forwards; and when the rain came, he felt relieved, and Hadrat `Ā’ishara would notice a sign of relief on his face. She asked him about this and he answered: ‘It may be that these clouds are like those that had overcast the people of `Ad. When they saw a cloud formation coming to their valley they said, ‘It is a cloud which would give us rain.’ However, the cloud brought them a calamity.” Such was the attitude of the perfect mansa. He was aware that no calamity would befall his life, in fact others were protected because of him. Yet, he

would feel concern and he feared that the arrogance of people and their misconception of God’s power may destroy the whole nation.

The people of Hadrat Lotas were not so lucky. In Chapter 15 of the Holy Qur’ān, we read of the volcanic eruptions that were sent down on them:

“Then the promised chastisement seized them (the people of the Lot) at sunrise. We turned the city upside down and We rained upon them stones of clay. Surely, in this are Signs for those who can read signs.” (15:74-76)

My dear sisters, even after examining this direct proof from God that we must follow His path in order to avoid punishment, we as humans are often quick to dismiss these stories as old tales that no longer apply to us. However, we must remember that it is only natural that history repeats itself. The stories of God’s prophets exist as lessons to us that we must not ignore them. The most important feature of a divine punishment is that it has been foretold by a Prophet. When people reject Prophets and the messages that they bring, they distance themselves from God - until God finally warns them with His punishment, or even destroys them.

The Promised Messiahas talks about these signs from God by writing:

“The manifestation of signs has been going on from the very beginning. Anyone who stays in my company can

witness some of them upon the condition that he remains truthful and steadfast. In the future, too, God will not leave this Jamā`at [Ahmadīyya Muslim Community] without His signs, nor will He withdraw His support. On the contrary, He will continue to show fresh signs at their proper time and in accordance with His holy promises. This He will do until He has made manifest beyond doubt the differences between good and evil. (The Heavenly Decree, pg. 41-42)

In the end, I ask you to recall the stories of God’s prophets such as Hadrat Noahas, Hadrat Lotas, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and the Promised Messiahas which I just narrated. I ask you, can we still say that we have not been warned? Can we still turn a blind eye and dismiss divine signs as coincidences or random occurrences? Can we walk away without stopping to re-examine our lives and making a promise to God to make a spiritual reformation within ourselves?

God has made it clear that He is Most Merciful, and that natural disasters can be prevented - if we repent and accept the Way of God. A morally stronger society, and living in a most peaceful environment can be achieved by re-establishing a connection with God and His Messengers. My prayer is that we can all turn in obedience to our Creator and enter the Ark of the Promised Messiahas, so that we may be saved from any impending torment. Āmīn!

57My Faith’s Journey

Assalāmo Alaikum,

I will begin with a short recant of my early childhood. I was born in a small village in the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, the fourth child in a family of five. My father was a civil engineer employed by the Canadian government and my mother was a stay at home wife and mother.

My memory of my mother is very slight, if at all, as God decided to call her to himself when I was around three years old. I was raised by a series of nannies under orders of a strict father. When I was eight years old, my father re-married to a woman who would become a wonderful step-mother.

We children were taught obedience, good manners, politeness, cleanliness, kindness and love for one another.

At some point I was taught a childhood prayer and when I was six or seven years of age, I began to attend Sunday school with my sisters and brothers. My maternal grandmother read Bible stories to us and introduced Almighty God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit into my life.

My father was not big on religion, but insisted that we be taught

all the best morals for everyday life – obedience, good manners, consideration, cleanliness, etc. I sometimes think he was angry with God for taking our mother away. My maternal grandmother continued to read Bible stories to us and we attended church and Sunday school regularly. When I was twelve years old, I chose to be baptized in the Baptist faith.

I completed the education offered in our village and was sent to Halifax City to further my studies.

This was near the beginning of World War Two. Halifax being Canada’s major seaport soon became inundated with service personnel from around the free world. Through mutual friends, I met a young sailor. We dated whenever his ship was in port and in time decided to marry. However, he and his family were French Canadian, and of the Roman Catholic faith, and were not permitted to marry a person of another faith. At this time, both still in our late teens, religion was not our major concern, but family ties were very strong. Knowing that my father would not object, I joined the Catholic faith.

The war finally ended and we moved to my husband’s home

town, Hamilton, Ontario. My husband enrolled in an Honours’ Languages program at McMaster University. McMaster University desired to support the families of the young returning servicemen, so they initiated a diploma course for the wives of the students. I enrolled, of course, and we both graduated in 1950.

During this time, I gave birth to my first child. My husband went on to teacher’s college and I became very involved in studying the Catholic faith. As time elapsed, we had two more children and I found myself more and more involved in church work. I joined the Catholic Women’s League, and starting at the bottom position, I was eventually elected president. However, my main interest was the youth and I spent much time training the altar servers.

Being in the teaching profession, we moved about the province of Ontario (Cornwall, Leamington, Stoney Creek, Burlington), and I was active in community affairs in each new location. We ended, when my husband retired back in Hamilton where we had started.

We joined St. Eugene’s Roman Catholic church and we attended Mass almost daily. Following the service, we and a group

A Summary of My Faith’s Journey -Acceptance of IslāmClaire Clement

of parishioners would go to a restaurant across the street, called The Bedrock for coffee and snacks.

In 2007, my husband became very ill and in February, 2008, God, in his mercy, took him Home. This I understand, but during my husband’s hospitalization, my eldest son contracted a hospital bug, and died two days after my husband’s death. Two weeks later, my son-in-law’s only son was killed in a car accident. He and my daughter flew to Nova Scotia to help the young family, and on their return to Toronto, my son-in-law died at Pearson Airport of a sudden heart attack.

My family was crushed. I was so angry with God. I told our priest that I would probably never recover from it. I tried counseling, but the empty place in my heart would not mend.

It was a short time later that the young man who managed the restaurant converted to Islām. This was a fresh new way of life for him and he was filled with enthusiasm.

When the opportunity allowed, he would stand near our table and endow us with the wisdom of his new found faith. I am sure it was about then that Allāh decided to use Adam to introduce me to Islām. He told me that even though he worked right across the street from the Catholic Church, he had never been inside. I said that there was no better time than now to come inside, since I was about to go back to serve a funeral. And so he came with me.

After that, he began to come to the morning service whenever he was free. After a few times he then said to me, “Alright, I have been to your service, will you come to the Mosque with me?” I went with him for the following Friday Prayers and we criss-crossed for a while. He bought me a Qur’ān and encouraged me to read it, as well as several other publications on the Islāmic faith and short stories about the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas. I sat with him in the Men’s Hall and was made to

feel welcome. He became engaged to a beautiful young Muslim girl, and I was introduced to her and her family. I could feel the love of the Islāmic faith as they interacted with each other in the whole Ahmadīyya community. Adam said to me, “I think that either you will become Muslim or I shall become Christian,” with a look in his eyes that said he knew what would happen.

Adam became my mentor and we shared long walks and conversations. We would often share dinner together at the restaurant, and all the while he would continue to teach me about Islām and its truths.

I felt the warmth and joy of knowing Allāh through the Holy Prophetsa. I experienced an overwhelming lift from all my past sorrows and decided to sign my Bai`at on September 19, 2009.

I am still on my journey that will take me to my destined end in the Home of Allāh.

Mashā’Allāh, Alhamdulillāh.

58 My Faith’s Journey

So, whomsoever Allāh wishes to guide, He expands his bosom for the acceptance of Islām (6:126)

5935th Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 Lajna Report

35th Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 Lajna Imāìllāh ReportSaadia Amtul Basit & Maliha Shahid

By the Grace of Allāh, the 35th Annual Convention of Canada was held on July 1-3, 2011 at the International Center in Mississauga, Ontario. The stage was beautifully decorated in silver and black colours. The picture of the House of Ka`bah, and the Holy Qur’ān adorned the stage screen. Two wide movie screens were hoisted on either sides of the stage for all to see.

Strategically placed TV screens were installed in the main hall for every one’s comfortable viewing of the proceedings. The Jalsa Gāh was decorated, all around, with the banners of the sayings and revelations of the Promised Messiahas. The most prominent banner among all was “Love for All Hatred for None.”

The Jalsa started with the Friday Prayers. The sermon was the recording of Friday sermon of Hadrat Khalīfatul Masīh Vaa from Germany delivered on Friday July 1, 2011, in which he brought the attention of the United States and Canada Jamāàt, towards the objective of Jalsa Sālāna and the responsibilities and obligations of the volunteers and the attendees. The Friday sermon was followed by a brief sermon from Āmīr Jamāàt Canada, Malik Lal Khan sāhib.

After the Friday prayer the lunch was served and at 5:00 pm the first session of the Jalsa started from the men side.

The second session of Jalsa Sālāna was also delivered from men side and for the third session, ladies side had their own session, which was held in the afternoon.

Ladies Session: Saturday, July 2, 2011

This session was presided by the following respected members:

• Sāhibzadī Amtul Jamil sāhiba – Daughter of Hadrat Musleh-e-Maū`ūdra

• Amtul Noor Daud sāhiba – National President Lajna Imāìllāh Canada

• Amtul Latif Malik sāhiba – Wife of Āmīr Jamāàt Ahmadīyya Canada

• Amtul Hafeez sāhiba – Wife of Missionary In Charge Canada

• Mubarika Mian sāhiba – Vice President Lajna Imāìllāh Canada

Amatul Rafiq Zafar sāhiba– In Charge Ta`līm-ul-Qur’ān Classes Lajna’s session started with beautiful recitation of Sūrah Al Ahzab verses 42-49 by Sumaira Roohi sāhiba, followed by English translation by Reena Khalid Sāhiba.

The poem Shaoor day Muhammadsa kay astanay ka was melodically sung by Naumana Khan sāhiba, followed by its English translation by Fareha Hamid sāhiba.

Speech in Urdu was presented by Amtul Hāfiz Hina Mirzā sāhiba on the topic of “High Moral Standards of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.” It was a very effective attempt to capture this vast and important subject in such a short time, but Hina sāhiba did full justice to the topic. Speech started with the verse:

“And thou dost, surely, possess sublime moral excellences.” (68:5)

This was proven right by Prophet Muhammadsa’s wife Hadrat `Ā’ishara that Prophet Muhammadsa treated his relations with compassion and forgiveness, helped the needy, revived the forgotten moral values, was hospitable, fought and suffered to stay on the righteous path and helped everyone. (Sahīh Bukhārī)

Hina sāhiba compared Prophet Muhammadsa’s treatment of his enemies with the present day leaders’. How human rights are being trampled under the feet and what atrocities are being committed by these so called civilised nations.

60 35th Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 Lajna Report

How, on the occasion of Mecca’s conquering, Prophet Muhammadsa gave general amnesty to one and all, irrespective of the fact that they had committed heinous crimes against him

She gave several examples of his excellent moral behaviour and highlighted the fact that how his companions fought for him and how they protected him from the attacks of his enemies. Now is the time when similar arrows full of venomous allegations are thrown towards the blessed being of Hadrat Muhammadsa. We have to repulse these attacks with politeness and wisdom as our motto is “Love for All and Hatred for None.”

In the second speech Saadia Mahdī sāhiba spoke on a very time relevant topic: “Living in an Electronic Era and Our Responsibilities.”

This topic was listened to very attentively by all. She said that the arrival of technology in the age and times of Promised Messiahas points towards two questions: Is this an age of materialism and Godlessness, or is it a threshold of Ahmadīyyat’s successful future?

Prophet Muhammadsa prophesied that a Messiah will come in latter days to revive and spread Islām; therefore, to make this possible Almighty Allāh has created sources in which there are no restraints either in time and legalities, or distance and international borders. Today the enemies of Islām are using the print, satellite and social Medias to attack the pure teachings of Islām. Hence, we can use the same sources to counteract their attacks of Islām and spread its teachings to fulfill and forward the mission of Promised Messiahas. At

the same time we have to be aware of the negative effects of cyber space and to protect ourselves and our future generations from its harmful aspects. Her speech highlighted the importance of technology in spreading Islām, at the same time our responsibilities in using it wisely.

After the speech, Tallat Bhatti sāhiba beautifully recited a poem of Promised Messiahas, Phir chale aate hain yaro zalzala anay kay din. The poem was very relevant due to recent global environmental disasters. This was followed by its English translation by Subiha Sumbul sāhiba.

With all the recent earthquakes and tsunamis, Maliha Shahid sāhiba’s speech on the topic of “Natural Disasters or Divine Warnings?” addressed the questions that seemed to be on everyone’s mind. Since the last decades, these natural disasters have increased exponentially. What occurred less than 100 times in 1975 has occurred almost 1000 times just in the last year alone! According to Islām, there is no doubt that all disasters and misfortunes are caused by natural laws, or man’s effect on it. Though climate change may play a part, sometimes these very natural means are employed to serve as punishment or a warning lesson for humanity.

Using Qur’ānic verses, stories of Prophet Noahas and Prophet Lotas, as well as the prophecies made by the Promised Messiahas, the speech emphasized that the most important feature of a divine punishment is that it has been foretold by a prophet. When people reject prophets and the messages that they bring, they distance

themselves from God. We need to re-establish a connection with God, His Messengers and enter the ark of the Promised Messiahas, so that we may be saved from any impending torment.

The speech was followed by a short speech of a new convert to Ahmadīyyat. Claire Clement, a devout Baptist all her life, was shaken by onslaught of tragedies in her family, losing all hope and faith in God, until a friend who was a new convert to Ahmadīyyat introduced her to Islām, Ahmadīyyat. He gave her a copy of Holy Qur’ān and other books on Islām. This kindled within her a bonding with Allāh and Holy Prophetsa, lifting her from deep despondency and thus began her journey into becoming a devout Ahmadī Muslim. She signed her Bai`at form on September 19, 2009, and today she reads Holy Qur’ān daily and is able to communicate with Allāh, the Almighty through her five daily prayers.

This was followed by a beautiful chorus poem, recited by a group of Basic group of Lajna, Yeh Jalsa hamara yeh din barkaton kay.

After the poem the Academic Awards ceremony took place. Awards are given to the Academic achievers in school, college and universities. This year, the awards were presented to academic achievers from grade 12 and higher education. Sāhibzadī Amtul Jamil sāhiba gave awards to 33 qualifiers. This year top two females received an additional special award of $500 which was contributed by Fauzia Ahmad sāhiba in the memory of her late parents Munir and Nasim Ahmed sāhib. The female qualifiers are: Aimen Shayan Bangash and Mubaraka Anum.

6135th Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011 Lajna Report

The final speech of ladies session was the Address of Amtul Noor Daud sāhiba, National President Lajna Imā`illāh Canada on the topic of “Domestic Harmony-Creating Paradise on Earth.”

She began her speech with the recitation of Sūrah Al-Nisā` verse 2:

“O ye people! Fear your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and created there from its mate, and from them twain spread many men and women; and fear Allāh, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and fear Him particularly respecting ties of relationship. Verily, Allāh watches over you.”

In explaining this verse she covered all aspects of a married

life and stressed the importance of Taqwā in maintaining a good relationship. She said that strengthening relationships with prayers, respecting each other’s relatives, focusing and valuing each other’s good qualities, forgiveness, humbleness, friendliness and loyalty with each other can guarantee a successful married life.

She started by explaining the reason behind marital breakup, followed by some of the common practices of Mother-in-laws and Daughter-in-laws. She then explained the roles and responsibilities of a husband and a wife, the do’s and don’ts for a mother-in-law, and daughter-in-law.

When explaining the attributes of a good wife, she mentioned that she

should be understanding, should win his heart, earn his admiration and respect and close the door to every possible conflict.

Sadr sāhiba ended her speech on this prayer from Sūrah Al-Furqān verse 75:

“Our Lord, grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.”

After the speech a documentary on Tāhir Hall was relayed, provided from men side.

The session ended with Sāhibzadī Amtul Jamil sāhiba leading the congregation in silent prayers.

Alhamdulillāh, the session was a success and enjoyed and commended by all.

62 Closing Address

Closing Address: Jalsa Sālāna Canada 2011Lal Khan Malik, Amīr Jamā`at Ahmadīyya Canada

What does Islām Offer to the West?

Honorable Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Provincial Legislature, Mayors, Councilors, and Heads of the diplomatic corps, Police and Law enforcement officers, dignitaries, guests and members of the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community: I extend to you the Islāmic greeting of Assalāmo alaikum wa Rahmatullāh wa Barakātohu - May Peace, Blessings and Mercy of Allāh be upon you, Āmīn!

Alhamdulillāh, we are coming to the successful conclusion of the 35th Jalsa Sālāna of our Community. I pray that all the prayers offered by the Promised Messiahas for the participants of such Conferences are accepted by Allāh.

After attending this Conference, as we leave for our homes, let me ask a few questions of you all but in particular, I pose these questions to myself:

• What knowledge have I gained after attending this important convention?

• Have I become a better person? • Have I become a better husband

or a better wife? • Has my belief in the unity of

God been further strengthened? • Has my love for all the Prophets

of God and in particular the love of the universal Prophet Muhammadsa increased?

• What is the level of my communion, my personal contact with my Creator?

• How much peace do I find in the remembrance of Allāh?

• Have I become a better law-abiding citizen of this great country, Canada?

• Have I become a better and more caring neighbour?

• Will I become more compassionate towards my siblings?

• Will the children, who attended this conference, be more respectful, more caring and more obedient towards their parents?

The number of participants, or the number of dignitaries who attended this conference, is not the only criterion of judging the success of this conference. It also hinges on the answers to the questions, I have posed.

We are Ahmadī Muslims. If the answers to these questions are overwhelmingly in the affirmative, then we have the right to profess before the West and the world

that Islām indeed has a Message that begs their attention; their consideration.

Ladies and gentlemen, today a key issue of the world is peace or rather, a lack of peace. The erosion of peace is on everyone’s mind. Some attribute this to economic causes, others to social issues whether on an individual, national or international level, yet others point to political causes, whilst others attribute it to religious differences and as a consequence to the very concept of God.

Today the entire world is restless. If the East is restless, the West is even more restless. There is turmoil in Asia and turmoil in the Middle East, Europe is also in turmoil.

One can somehow understand the restlessness of the third world or the developing countries, but we fail to understand why the most affluent nations of the world, particularly in the West, are so restless?

Despite all the comforts and amenities, we are still restless. We are all craving for peace of mind. We grope to find peace of mind maybe in having a beautiful house, or in having a good education, or having an excellent job, or having a good spouse. The trouble is that the

63Closing Address

fulfilment of one desire gives birth to countless other desires.

Why are we so restless? Why is there so much depression? Why are the most affluent nations relying on countless medications just to sleep at night? Why is it, that even the richest of the rich are dependent on powerful drugs for a few hours of comfort?

The root cause for this state of restlessness is man’s selfishness and neglect of the purpose of his creation. It is this selfishness and discord with the purpose of life in our bosoms that breeds restlessness in the family. And then this restlessness creeps onto our streets and towns and cities and finally extends its malignant tentacles around the entire country and the entire world.

Where is true peace of mind? Where is real happiness? Does Islām have an answer to this malice?

This life is transitory and sooner or later, we all have to depart. The filling graveyards bear testimony to this fact that we are ordinary human beings and we have an end awaiting us. If not today, then tomorrow, we will be claimed by the pall-bearers, or by the funeral homes.

According to all religions, and in particular Islām, surely, there is a day of accountability – a Day of Judgment. Sixty years, seventy years, eighty years, or hundred years, but our departure is definitely a sure thing. The pertinent question is: what preparations have I made, for this questioning?

If for my speech of just twenty minutes, I made many hours of preparation, then how seriously should I consider the questioning by

our Lord on the Day of Judgment?

But is there any purpose of our creation? Is there life after death? Are we accountable for all the time we spent in this world? Is there a conscious being called God – call Him Lord – call Him Allāh, Pramatemah – Or Jehovah? Is there an Omnipotent God?

Even an ordinary human being does not labour on making a thing without purpose. Then how could God create this world, the countless stars and galaxies without any purpose? What about the countless Prophets, maybe as many as 124, 000 Prophets -were they sent to all nations and all countries without any purpose? Cast a glance at the testimony of all these Prophets and Reformers. They all gave testimony in unison that there is a Creator; that there is a purpose of life; that there is a way to salvation; there is a way to redemption; and there is a way to an everlasting life.

What can Islām offer to the West?

When I talk about Islām, I am talking about the real Islām that was revealed in the book called the Holy Qur’ān. I am talking about the true Islām that was presented to humanity by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. My perspective on Islām is based on the direct guidance received from God Almighty by the Holy Founder of the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community, which he conveyed to us and by means of which we have been shown the ways of establishing peace in the world. The True Islām, the Islām that I believe in and practice, is poles apart from terrorism, or from these terrorist hijackers, or those suicide bombers who roam about torching

schools, mining and butchering innocent people. I am not talking of those so-called Muslims who burn down Churches, Synagogues, or Mosques of their adversaries. I am not talking about those so-called Muslims who kill worshipers as they kneel before their Creator. Such people are a blot on the fair face of Islām – on the fair face of Muhammadsa. In fact, they are a blemish on humanity.

The true Islām offers the West not only a perfect concept of God but also teachings which are perfect and cover all aspects of life. The Qur’ān is a living book and contains teachings for all aspects of life, disclosing it to those who are pure and to those who reflect. It is guidance for the righteous.

Furthermore, Islām offers not only a flawless concept of God and teachings, but also a flawless role model who practiced and demonstrated the application of these teachings.

Regarding peace of mind, why should we not consider the prescription as taught in the Holy Qur’ān? God Says:

Aye! It is in the remembrance of Allāh that hearts can find comfort. (13:29)

As if God is saying:

“O My creation! To attain true peace of mind, you must always keep Me in Remembrance.”

In another verse of the Holy Qur’ān, God has given the real purpose of the creation of humanity. He Says:

And I have not created the Jinn and the men but that they may worship Me. (51:57)

God says that the prime purpose of humanity is, that they serve Me, and

64 Closing Address

obey My commandments. I should perhaps explain what worship really means to an Ahmadī Muslim. For an Ahmadī Muslim, worship means to discharge the rights owed to the Creator, to bow down before the Lord and to discharge all the rights of His creation which include all kinds of personal, social, economic and moral rights.

This is the purpose of our creation. Can a created being conjecture to appoint a purpose of its own life? No!

Islām teaches us to believe in a loving God; in a compassionate God; in a forgiving God. He is not a vindictive God at all. On the contrary, he is such a compassionate God that He seeks excuses to forgive our trespasses. The Holy Prophetsa once said that if you take just one step towards Him – He reciprocates by taking two steps towards you. If you walk towards Him, He runs towards you. This is the Benevolent God of Islām to which we humbly invite you.

Islām teaches that one should be tolerant towards other religions. Islām emphasizes interfaith dialogue and cooperation. It is God who will decide on the Day of Judgment who is right and who is wrong.

Islām teaches that one should be

kind to the creatures of God and be kind to animals. The Holy Prophetsa once said that a sinner (prostitute) quenched the thirst of a dog, and she was forgiven by Allāh for this kindness.

Islām and the Holy Prophetsa taught that love of your country is part of your faith. Two days ago in this very hall, on July 1st, we celebrated Canada Day. When 12,000 of us were celebrating here, in Calgary, another crowd of 10,000 was celebrating Canada Day in front of Baitun Nūr Mosque. This is only one way of showing our love of our land which we have made our home. We pray that Allāh may grant peace and prosperity to our homeland Canada.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Islām that I believe in and this is the Islām that the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community invites you to consider. In this Islām, lies the salvation for the mankind. We Ahmadī Muslims can say:

• To a godless society, Islām proves the existence of God.

• To a society void of good manners, Islām provides guidance.

• To an unruly society, Islām provides teaching to become law-abiding citizens.

• To a restless society, Islām

provides means for obtaining peace of mind.

Dear honorable guests! Is it too much of an asking that you gain knowledge about Islām, not from hostile individuals, but from its Holy Book? Or from the life of the Holy Prophetsa or from the life of the Promised Messiah and the Mahdīas; who was a foot-servant of the Holy Prophetsa.

I invite you all, Ahmadīs and non-Ahmadīs, that you should correct your bearing and make sure that you are treading on the right path.

I know you are all busy. You have spent a precious part of your time this day in attending our Conference, for which we are very thankful. But at the same time, we give you this gift, an introduction of Islām – which will give you peace of mind and will prepare you for a better ‘life after life.’

In the end, I plead that you drive home safely. May Allāh grant you abundance of good, may Allāh solve all your problems, and grant you a healthy and long life so that at the time of your departure to the heavenly abode, you may be pleased with Allāh, and most important of all, Allāh be pleased with you. Assalāmo alaikum wa Rahmatullāh!

We Ahmadī Muslims can say:• To a godless society, Islām proves the existence of God. • To a society void of good manners, Islām provides guidance. • To an unruly society, Islām provides teaching to become law-

abiding citizens.• To a restless society, Islām provides means for obtaining peace

of mind.

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Hon. Peter Kent MP Thornhill

Assalāmu Alaikum,

Good afternoon, it’s a real honor and a pleasure to bring greetings from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, my cabinet colleague Jason Kenney, to be on stage with my conservative cabinet and caucus, and senate colleagues here today. To bring greetings from the Prime Minster and your government of Canada. This 35th annual convention is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and to reflect upon the Ahmadī communities continued contributions to our shared Canadian identity, particularly in this weekend as we celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday. Prime

Minister Harper in his personal greetings for this great gathering today writes: The government of Canada considers diversity to be one of our greatest assets and we remain committed to strengthening our pluralism and our national cohesion. Every year, close to a quarter million people migrate to Canada from every corner of the world to embrace our core values of freedom and democracy, human right and the rule of law.

We recognize that our modern growing Ahmadī Community lives these core values and by encouraging interfaith dialogue and promoting understanding and respect for other cultures, Ahmadīs have truly added a worthy new dimension to Canada’s proud heritage.

Your community knows all too well, in less inclusive, even hostile societies, hateful persecution, and discrimination focused against your religious beliefs. We recognize that our modern growing Ahmadī Community lives these core values and by encouraging interfaith dialogue and promoting understanding and respect for other cultures, Ahmadīs have truly added a worthy new dimension to Canada’s proud heritage. Your

community knows all too well, in less inclusive, even hostile societies, hateful persecution, and discrimination focused against your religious beliefs. And you understand, to a tragically profound degree the importance of promoting understanding and mutual respect; the essential foundation of peace and security, social stability, whether here in Canada or anywhere around the world. Our government is committed to preserving and enhancing respect for the values and dignity of all Canadians. And we appreciate the role that your community has played and continue to play in helping us to meet that objective. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said on many occasions that our unique pluralism allows individuals to retain their cultural, linguistic, and their religious heritage within a framework of shared citizenship. And the prime minister has saluted his Holiness Hadrat Mirzā Masroor Ahmadaa as a courageous champion of religious freedom and peace.

Guest Speakers and Dignitaries

Guest Speakers & Dignitaries From the 35th Jalsa Sālāna Canada

66

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 35th Jalsa Salana Canada, the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canada. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community —known for its motto: “Love for All, Hatred for None” and for its devotion to universal brotherhood— has flourished and prospered in our pluralistic society. This convention offers you a special opportunity to enhance your understanding of your faith and its teachings in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect. I would like to recognize the event organizers for their commitment to their beliefs and for their efforts in uniting the community. I am certain that everyone in attendance will come away from this gathering feeling renewed and enlightened. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable convention.

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.

OTTAWA 2011


67Guest Speakers and Dignitaries

Hon. Christopher BentleyAttorney General of

Ontario

Assalāmu Alaikum,

Delighted to be here on behalf of Premiere Dalton McGuinty, and the government of Ontario, and from many of my colleagues from the caucus we are very well-represented, my colleague Bob Delaney has spoken already, Minister Jeffrey is here, Helena Jaczek is here, Dr. Kular is here, Laura Albanese, Dr. Reza Moridi, Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, and of course a very dear friend of the Ahmadīyya Community, my friend and colleague Greg Sorbara. You will know Greg for many, many reasons. You will know him as one of those reasons because decades ago when it was a question of establishing a mosque. Greg, as a lawyer was one of the voices that stood together with the Ahmadīyya Community to make sure that that could be done.

National President it is a great honor to be here and to deliver greetings on behalf of Dalton McGuinty and if I could share with you a few of the words that he has provided:


Dalton McGuintyPremier of Ontario

July 1st to 3rd 2011

I am delighted to extend warm greetings to everyone attending the 35th annual Ahmadīyya Muslim Convention. In Ontario we derive strength and vitality from the cultural and spiritual diversity that makes up our great province. My colleagues and I recognize the important role faith can play in the life of our citizens. We understand the value of gatherings like this one which deepen our faith and strengthen ties within communities. For 35 years this annual convention has helped participants grow on a personal and spiritual level. And I am confident that this year’s event will once again be a great success, and that those in attendance will find inspiration and a strengthened sense of community. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable and inspirational gathering.

Your Premier,Dalton McGuinty

Hon. Judy Sgro MP York West

Assalāmu Alaikum President Malik, brothers and sisters.

Especially pleased to be here today to be celebrating 35th anniversary of your convention. I have not been here for all 35 but I certainly have been here for the last 12, 13, or 14 years. I’m pleased to be here today with all of you.

Listening to the previous speaker talk about how much we have in common – the religious take on life – it’s a very strong message to all of us. We have far more that unites us, including the believers and who and how we pray to our God. For what is called on all of us, is to have respect and courage to stand up for each other and with each other. We live in a time of unrest that continues in our world. It takes conventions like this to bring us all together, to remind us what ultimately our message needs to be which is love and respect. Love for all, hatred for none. It’s a motto that needs to be spread throughout the world to so very many people. That is where peace and happiness comes from.


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Hon. Jim Karygiannis MP Scarborough-Agincourt

Assalāmu Alaikum

It’s a pleasure to be with you here today. I have been to, if not all of them, to a couple of Jalsa Sālānas in England and I visited His Holiness a number of times but this year I made a Hajj, and the Hajj* was not to Mecca, the Hajj* was to Qādiān. I have visited Pakistan and India over 30, 35 times. But I never had the opportunity to visit Qādiān. And this year, we visited Qādiān. I visited the grave of the founder, I visited the Mosque, I visited the place where the founder was born, and where he taught, and where it all started. And I have to tell you that for about twenty kilometres out until we reached Qādiān there was an anxious feeling inside me. It was like, I was going somewhere that I could not describe and for a lot of you that is when you take your first Hajj* to Mecca, and to Christians when they take their first Hajj* to Bethlehem.


Hon, Bob Delaney MPP Mississauga-Streetsville

Assalāmu Alaikum,

Thank you to my good friend Mr. Lal Khan Malik who is the president of the Ahmadīyya Jamā`at Canada, Mr. Mubarik Nazir and of course my very dear friend Shahi Rashdie, and all my Muslim brother and sisters here present for the 35th Annual Ahmadīyya Muslim Jamā`at Convention. It is always an honor and a privilege for me to mark the start of my summer by being among my Muslim friends and brothers as we are all still enjoying the spirit of Canada day. Islām is not just a religion but a complete way of life as described in the Holy Book the Qur’ān. My personal understanding of Islām has always been by way of example of my Muslim friends. I am looking around the room and the number of attendees should tell everyone what it means to spread goodwill among your fellow countrymen. Thank you very much for the invitation to come and visit to start my summer the way it always starts. Thank you, Allāh Hāfiz.

His Worship Maurizio Bevilacqua Mayor of Vaughan

Thank you very much. Asif I want to, President Malik to express to you my warmest and sincerest gratitude for your very kind invitation. I was listening very attentively to the message delivered here today. A message of compassion, a message of caring, a message that speaks to a higher purpose in life. But I want to, in some ways, share with you the actualization, the crystallization, of all that has been spoken about. And I do that very proudly as the Mayor of the city of Vaughan – a city that I get the pleasure to represent day in and day out alongside Marilyn Lafrate and Micheal DiBiase who have been introduced earlier. I represent a city, a great city, with a place called Peace Village. Who lives in Peace Village? Your community. What makes this Peace Village truly a ‘Peace Village.?’ Is it lives in harmony with the rest of the city. Not only does it live in the harmony with the rest of the city, but it is an integral part of that city.




His Worship David Barrow

Mayor of Richmond Hill

Assalāmu Alaikum and Good morning, afternoon maybe.

I am honored to be joining you today and all the other dignitaries here and I too attended the Richmond Hill High School but certainly a lot earlier than you did. It is actually under partial demolition in order to reinvent it as another learning institution in the town of Richmond Hill. I too have great respect for the Ahmadīyya Community. Being a Major in York region we certainly feel your presence in Maple. Being a member of Richmond Hill I know of your positive influence that you have on our community in the work you do. As the previous speaker said, not only are those words on the wall, “love for all, hatred for none,” but that is well-practiced by each member of your community. We are proud to have you in our community, we are proud that you are residence and business owners and peace be with you. Thank you.

Hon. Mauril Belanger MP Ottawa-Vanier

President Malik, honored guests, friends.

I bring you greetings from the nation’s capital and I was not here last year because this event was held on July the 1st and as a member of Parliament representing riding in the nation’s capital, I thought I had to be there so I hope you will forgive me for that. I want to salute my colleagues who are here with me, Jim Karygiannis, and Christian Duncan, and Judy Sgro, and my good friends past and future colleagues Mary Amina, Navdeep Bains, Omar Alghabra and Jean Augustine. I come here for one purpose and one purpose mainly. Every time I come and listen and watch, it reaffirms my unshakeable belief in pluralism, in diversity, and in humanity. And I thank you for that. A few years ago, in the House of Commons, I presented a motion which was adopted unanimously, which made October Islāmic History Month.


Hon. Greg Sorbara MPP Vaughan

Assalāmu Alaikum,

May the peace and blessings of God be upon all of us. I am thrilled to be here again this year and particularly because something very special is happening across the continent today. As some of you may know, down in Pennsylvania there is also a Jalsa being convened under the leadership of our dear friend Naseem Mahdī. I think its really just a great symbol for the Ahmadīyya Community that right across the continent today we are meeting together to celebrate our faith, to renew our faith, and to build the strength right within our spirits of commitment to this great religion. And by the way I want to say, very publicly, that I endorse and support a comment that has been made this morning about the blasphemy laws in Pakistan and call once again for their repeal so that Ahmadī Muslims in every corner of this great globe can live and practice their religion in perfect freedom.


70

Hon. Tim Hudak Ontario PC Leader

Assalāmu Alaikum,

Good afternoon and thank you very much for having me here today. I want to thank Asif for the very kind introductions and congratulations and thanks to President Lal Khan Malik for his strong leadership on the 35th successful year of the Jalsa Sālāna Annual Convention. Before I begin I want to recognize some of my Conservative Provincial reps that have joined with us here today: Karlene Nation from York-West, Farrid-Wassef from Oak Ridges – Markham, and Pam Hundal from Brampton-Springdale.

Friends! It is a great honor to join you and recognize the accomplishments of Canada’s Ahmadīyya Muslim Community. We have seen the hard work of Ahmadī Muslims, not just here in Ontario, but across the world. With the Community numbering tens of millions in over 189 countries.


Mr. Jim Jones Regional Councillor

Markham

Assalāmu Alaikum, President Malik, distinguished guests, Muslim brothers and sisters. On behalf of members of council, I have two on stage with me Regional councilor Gordon Landon, and councilor Howard Shore. From the town of Markham I pleased to extend our best wishes for all those attending the 35th Annual Ahmadīyya Muslim Convention. Our community is immensely rich by the diversity of its people, and by the special gifts of heritage and culture we each carry within. I therefore applaud the Ahmadīyya Muslim Jamā`at for hosting this annual conference which will enable our Muslim residents to personally experience religious benefits and enhance their knowledge.

Unfortunately, due to previous commitments I am unable to join you for this convention but I am pleased to have this opportunity to show our support for the services you provide to the Muslim Community, many of whom have made their home in Markham.


Hon. Baljit Gosal MP Bramalea-Gore-Malton

Assalāmu Alaikum,

Good afternoon to colleagues from the parliament, provincial and federal. Good afternoon to everyone

“United we stand and divided we fall,” that is the motto, I think that is an excellent motto. Words are very wise, its recited from nation to nation, for generations reaching the true unity. The Ahmadīyya Muslim Community has a very similar motto as well as very famous, “love for all, hatred for none” Exactly two months ago, May 2 I was elected member of parliament for this riding Bramalea-Malton. So first of all, I welcome you all to beautiful Bramalea – Gore – Malton this afternoon. I hope you are enjoying this great convention, and we look at the crowd, it’s an amazing crowd and amazing speakers. And right after that Right Honorable Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed me to the cabinet as a minister of state for sports.




...Continued from page 68

His Worship Maurizio Bevilacqua Mayor of Vaughan

We spend a lot of time at this conference, obviously talking about faith, and that nourishes our soul, it enriches our spirit. But there are people out there who from time to time want to see the manifestation of this faith in real concrete terms. We in the city of Vaughan see that every day, 365 days of the year. We see it in the building of P.V., we see it when you pray peacefully in your Mosque. We see it when you build a community center that you are willing to share with the rest of the community. That is part and parcel of your faith. I saw the other night, President Malik, when I was at Maple High School participating at the graduation and there was and there was a scholarship in the community’s name. That is the manifestation of your faith. I saw it a few weeks ago President Malik when I walked through your neighbourhood and people were

persecuted many of you or your families were or continue to be, you continue to say, “love for all, hatred for none.” It’s a message that is not only wonderful for Canada but it’s a message that is needed to be spread throughout the world. On behalf of my many colleagues that are here today with us that have been here over the weekend. Honorable Bob Rae was here yesterday and many of my colleagues are here. I thank you so very much for you prayers, for your goodwill all of the time, and I will continue to work with all of you as I have before, as we move forward. Thank you all very much.

Assalāmu Alaikum

His Worship Doug White Mayor Bradford West

Gwillimbury

Good morning, Assalāmu Alaikum Mr. President, and distinguished guests. It’s my honor to be here today. I just like to say that if anybody wants to get to know the Ahmadīyya Community the words, “love for all, hatred for none,” are words but that is how you act. And when you came to the town of Bradford West Gwillimbury you made a couple of promises to me and our council I am joined here today by one of our members, Councilor Raj Sandhu. You said we will be good members of the community, we would start businesses in the community, and we would give back to the community. And in a short couple of years that is exactly what you have done. We have a couple of businesses that have been founded. Just on June the 12th we had the first ever “Run for Bradford West Gwillimbury”, and its modeled after the now famous, “Run for Vaughan.”



Hon. Judy Sgro MP York West

It does not come from hate it comes from love. And that’s clearly always exhibited in the Ahmadīyya Community. No matter how


Hon. Christopher BentleyAttorney General of

Ontario

And can I add to the Premier’s words that Ontario and Canada are magical places. We are people from all over the world, we are all religions, we speak all languages, we are from every culture, and we are able to live in this great province, and work in this great province and be in this great province together. We are a province that respects. In fact, derives strength from our diversity in all ways. The very foundation of our society is the strength we draw from our diversity. The government of Ontario has for many years has stood as one to support that great strength, has stood as one to respect human rights, has stood as one to respect the rights of all. It is not something that happens by chance, it is not something that happens accidently. It requires the constant and determined effort. But when we work together, when we love together, when we are together and we stand as one we can achieve a great foundation, we can achieve the great place to live that this province and this country absolutely is. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak with you today at this convention. I look forward to being with and meeting with you again Inshā’Allāh. Have a wonderful convention.

72 Guest Speakers and Dignitaries

Greetings from the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism

I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all those attending the Canada Day Celebration organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at – Canada. On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I would like to thank you for your steadfast commitment to a diverse and prosperous Canada. Canada Day is a singular time of the year when all of us gather to reflect on the blessings we enjoy in Canada. Coming together with friends and family, Canadians unite in celebrating the strength of our pluralism and the success of our democracy. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to make tremendous contributions to the success of our country’s multiculturalism through the role it plays in promoting inter-faith dialogue in Canada and by sharing Islam’s true message of peace, love and tolerance with all Canadians. Our country is blessed to welcome all the cultures of the world, to thrive in peace and harmony, in an open and inclusive society. As Prime Minister Harper noted: “Canadians are rightly proud of the fact that we are a nation of immigrants, people who have come from all corners of the earth and who have worked together to build one of the most peaceful and prosperous nations in human history.” As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I thank the organizers and the entire Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Canada for your enduring contributions to the success of our multiculturalism. Happy Canada Day! Sincerly,

The Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism

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to go back because I know that the Canadian House in Qādiān is much bigger and much better than some of the houses of other people but that’s a different story.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Ahmadīyya has been persecuted and if you are an Ahmadī you are called a Kāfir, and this is not only in Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka. In India there has been a few incidents, in Bangladesh a few incidents, but you go to a lot of places, even in England when you say I am an Ahmadī people look at you strange and when you say to people that Ahmadīyya is a sect of Islām, they look at you and say “no no no, they are not Muslims.” And when you have a conversation with them and a lot of people shake their heads and say, “hmm… you know what, they are our brothers and sisters.” But there is a lot of work that we have done collectively together all of us and I mean people that are sitting there, colleagues behind me. A lot of work we have done to move the Ahmadīyya file forward and there is a lot more work that needs to be done. I hope to be alive and I hope to be active when Pakistan finally takes the identity card and does not write Ahmadīyya on the national identity card but writes the word Muslim. I hope to be alive and with you when Ahmadīs can run in Pakistan and get elected in the national legislature. I hope to be alive when no more blood of Ahmadīs gets sprayed on the walls, when terrorists in Pakistan kill my brethren because what happened a year ago last May and what happened back in 2005 when I personally visited a Mosque in Mung And I have seen the blood of Ahmadīs on the walls. People


Hon. Jim Karygiannis MP Scarborough-Agincourt

But to me it was a feeling of finally reaching a place where it was holy, finally I would say that my soul was lost and I was finally reaching a place where I could find it. It was a pleasure to go and to see it and I will never forget and I promise

giving of themselves, literally, their blood at the donor clinic. Young people, people of all ages, understanding that we collectively as a community need to give to one another. That is the manifestation of your faith. I see it in our city, every single year, when we draw people no only from the city of Vaughan but from neighbourhoods beyond our borders that come to run or to walk to build our hospital and for that we are very grateful. That is the manifestation of your faith. And although there are so many, so many other examples I could give of this great community that embraces those values that speak through all that we in the city of Vaughan, in the province of Ontario and in our country need. That commitment to be peaceful. That commitment to engage in interfaith dialogue, to promote social cohesion in our country. You do that every single day. “Actions are judged by motives.” I see it right there. Your actions in the city of Vaughan make you very very proud citizens of our city because you are willing to participate fully as full partners in building the strongest community, the happiest community, the healthiest community that we can build.

And for that I am very grateful, thank you.


who had gone to pray and some crazy individual went in and just sprayed the bullets. That is the terrorism to the extreme! That has to stop! And I am sure that nobody in this room and I am joined by all my colleagues, former colleagues, present colleagues that will disagree with me. And I bet you they will join me shoulder to shoulder as we speak right here that states that religious persecution be it against Ahmadīs, be it against Christians, be it against Muslims, be it against Buddhists, be it against anybody in the world, has to stop.

Therefore, I join you here today, I take your hand, I salute you and I will continue to work with you as long as there is an ounce of blood in my veins to make sure that persecution, religious persecution, and especially religious persecution against your faith, stops, and its got to stop right here, right now, today. I hope that the rest of the international world that is listening to us takes heed of this message. And it says enough is enough. Enough blood has been shed and enough people have been killed, and enough people have been in jails. And as we speak today, there are Ahmadīs in Pakistan on death row for what they believe. Why? Because you dare to believe something that is slightly different. Why? Because you dare to announce your faith and say I am an Ahmadī? That should not be the case. I thank you for having me, I know I was given one minute but the clock here says zero so maybe tells me to go sit down, maybe to continue. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues. Navdeep Bains, Omar Alghabra, Maria Mina, Judy Sgro, Christian Duncan, but on behalf of Mr. Rae

74 Guest Speakers and Dignitaries

event and I really want to thank a good friend of mine Faisal Raja, and the community for inviting me for their annual Jalsa Sālāna. This annual convention brings together people from all over the nation and even the globe. The Ahmadīyya community encourages people, Ahmadī or not, to join in their three day convention to learn and spread the message of peace and love. For hosting this year’s marathon of interfaith, and as well as blood drives the community has shown its versatility and respect and earned itself a reputation for a very well-good community in Canada. The Ahmadīyya Muslim community has made it apparent that they are very actively involved in promoting healthy living for Canadians and I would like to commend them for this, for leading Canadians in the right direction when encouraging physical activity and ultimately healthy living is assured which makes my job a lot easier. So for sure, Cricket and Kabaddi will be well represented in Canada and for that we will try together. The Ahmadīyya Muslim Community is an asset to Canada and it is dedicated to encourage Canadians to know what they represent. The community encourages individuals within the communities as whole to learn and to understand the message of unity. Through the Ahmadīyya motto, “love for all, hatred for none,” is the foundation of for the reasoning of “united we stand, divided we fall.” For how can we be united unless we open our minds and our hearts to our fellow Canadians. Once again, I want to thank the organizers for inviting us. Enjoy the afternoon, thank you, may God bless you all.


Hon. Mauril Belanger MP Ottawa-Vanier

My wish is that your community–the Ahmadīyya Community–would use the opportunity to help non-Muslims better understand Islām and its many complexities. Help your fellow Canadians obtain a more profound appreciation of your beliefs. And I have two wishes as well, one, that you may consider making Ottawa your venue once, just once, perhaps in 2017, when Canada celebrates its 150 anniversary. And if you do, [my second wish is that ] I will be there to greet you. Thank you very much, merci.


Hon. Greg Sorbara MPP Vaughan

Now, one of the speakers earlier today spoke of, I think appropriately, that religions of all kinds around the world are somewhat of an endangered

I thank you for inviting us. And we from the Liberal Party will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with you to make sure that religious persecution does not exist, it gets eradicated completely out of the dictionary and I am going to leave four words with you: “Respect, Accept, Celebrate, and Embrace” and when you take the first four letters of those words RACE, very simple folks, we are all part of the human race. Khūdā Hāfiz.

*The speaker’s intent in using the word Hajj is only to signify a pilgrimage, which is a journey to a sacred place. This should not be misconstrued to suggest Islāmic Hajj can be made to any other place aside from Mecca.

species. While I understand the comment, I don’t think it applies to this community. I’ve seen this community grow from a really small band, establishing itself in Maple 26 years ago, to a community that is growing certainly in every part of Canada, and North America, and around the world. This is a great thing, and I wish this growth to continue unabated. Within this Movement, you are raising young men and women with a strength and integrity that will be the foundation, not only for Ontario but for Canada and the world, over the course of the next many decades. And you should be very proud of that. I know the depth of that faith and this morning I just want to congratulate you and point to one part of your work, all of you have seen the pamphlet, of course, the work of humanity first. Now, whether it’s locally, feeding families that are hungry, providing disaster relief at Slave lake Providing shelter for the homeless, providing programs for the seniors, and internationally, can I list them? Pakistan Floods, Brazil Floods, Japanese Earthquake, Haiti Earthquake, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Nigeria. Humanity First has carried resources and help for those most in need. As you complete your prayers and work this weekend, may I urge you to continue this great work that you do right here at home in York region and in the province of Ontario, and across this precious planet. May God bless you all.


Hon. Baljit Gosal MP Bramalea-Gore-Malton

And this is the first time that I am here at an Ahmadīyya Muslim



Hon. Tim Hudak Ontario PC Leader

The Ahmadī Muslims have the reputation for being a peace loving people. Community builders, building dozens of hospitals, hundreds of schools, thousands of places of worship, and a champion of the rights of women, while promoting tolerance for all. As a grandson of immigrants myself who came from Eastern Europe to escape the instability there. I understand the healing effects of tolerance, on the wounds of persecution. Friends! Events like these are entirely reflected upon the success you’ve had and the vision you have for the future. As one of the most progressive denominations of Islām around the world the Ahmadīyya Community has so much to be proud of. Ontario Conservatives stand with you and support you in your efforts to promote peace and tolerance in Canada and right across this great world. When religious minorities are persecuted for their faith as in case like countries like Pakistan where blasphemy laws are used against your brethren, against your brothers and sisters. The world needs strong voices to come together in opposition. We have a responsibility to speak out and to say

...Continued from page 70Mr. Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Markham

As Mayor, I am proud of your efforts and I am delighted to have this opportunity to extend our best wishes for successful convention.

Yours sincerely, Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham

...Continued from page 71 His Worship Doug White

Mayor Bradford West Gwillimbury

Mr. Munawar Chaudhary who organized that event promised me that it will be successful and that you will have more people attend than the very first “Run for Vaughan,” and that is exactly what happened. We had 500 people show up, over 300 people ran or walked. And I am very proud to say that our Canada Day celebration, just after we sang ‘O Canada,’ Mr. Chaudhary presented our town with a check of $33,000 that was raised for our community. And I want to say thank you very much that. And we have big plans in Bradford, working with the Ahmadīyya Community. And one of the things that is perhaps going to happen in the next few years is that a convention like this will take place in Bradford. What do you think about that? So my friends, thank you very much for inviting me here today, it is my honor to share a few words with you. Thank you very much, Shukhrīyyah, enjoy the rest of your convention, Thank you.

this will not stand. Members of the Ahmadīyya Muslim Community are renowned for their promotion of “love for all and hatred for none.” This inspired view of society is what makes your contribution to Ontario, to Canada and everyone of the 189 communities of Ahmadīyya presence so importance. And in closing, as we approach the provincial election, I look forward to a chance to work with you to build a stronger, more prosperous Province of Ontario. One that will build upon your hard work and celebrate the work of your families.

I want to thank you again for having me here and my colleagues. May God be your protector, and your Helper, and keep you from faltering. On behalf of the Ontario PC team I want to say to you all Mubarakbad and congratulations on what has been a very successful convention. Shukhrīyyah.

76 National Academic Achievement Awards

National Academic Achievement Awards

High School Diploma With Distinction Male StudentsMember Name Father's Name Branch MarksRiaz, Umar Aziz Riaz, Muhammad Weston North West 92Nasir, Ata-Ul-Hai Nasir, Farhat Ahmad Scarborough 91Chaudhry, Faatir Ahmed Chaudhry, Muhammad Ahmed Durham 90

As for previous years this year as well the top two female students who qualified for these awards, received an additional amount of $500 each as contributed by Fauzia Ahmed sāhiba in memory of her parents Munir Ahmad sāhib and Nasim Ahmed sāhiba. This year this additional cash prize was awarded to Aimen Shayan Bangash sāhiba and Mubaraka Anum sāhiba. The top three female award recipients are as follows:

High School Diploma with Distinction Female Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch MarksBangash, Aimen Shayan Bangash, Abdul Waheed Brantford 95Anum, Mubaraka Ahmad, Khawaja Daood Durham 93Bangash, Kashmala Gul Bangash, Abdul Waheed Brantford 93

With the dawn of the 21st century, in order to cope with the rapidity with which knowledge itself changes, today’s student must seek to achieve academic excellence. From its inception the Worldwide Ahmadīyya Muslim Community has always laid prime emphasis on the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that, “Acquisition of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman.” It was revealed to the Promised Messiahas that the members of his community will excel others in the fields of knowledge and wisdom. To recognize those who fulfil this obligation of seeking knowledge, and are an embodiment of the revelation of the Promised

Messiahas, it is Hudūraa’s expressed desire to award such members of the community every year at Jalsa Sālāna. Awards are conferred for Academic Excellence on merit basis and overall average of a diploma, degree, certificate is taken into account. Alhamdulillāh every year we receive an overwhelming number of applications for these awards.

This year we had 68 applicants, 36 male students and 32 female students who qualified for these awards. This is the first year ever in Canada that the number of male recipients exceeds the number of female recipients. On behalf of National Majlis Ā`mila Canada

and the Ahmadīyya Gazette team we would congratulate all the recipients of these awards. May Allāh Bless their achievements and help them attain higher achievements in their academic careers. May Allāh make them shine on the international scene like Professor Dr. Abdus Salam sāhib and Sir Muhammad Zafrullāh Khanra sāhib, Āmīn. Male students who qualified for these awards received their award on the 3rd day of Jalsa Sālāna Canada in the 4th session from respected Amīr sāhib who was assisted by Ta`līm team led by National Secretary Ta`līm Dr. Ijaz Rauf sāhib and Khalifa Abdul Aziz sāhib, chairman, National Ta`līm Committee.

77National Academic Achievement Awards

A student is awarded a high schools honour roll if the student maintains an average of above 80% throughout the academic year. For making it to their respective high schools’ honour roll the following members of the Jamā`at were given the award at Jalsa Sālāna, the students’ whose names are highlighted in the following received their awards at the occasion of Jasla Sālāna Western Canada that was held in Calgary on 25th and 26th June 2011:

High School Diploma With Honor Roll Male Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch Rizwan, Shamail Ahmed Rizwan, Anwer Ahmed Maple Zahoor, Gohar Mahmood Khan Zahoor, Khalid Mahmood P.V. South Malik, Danial Tariq, Habib-Ullah Milton/Georgetown Nasir, Muhammad Qasim Ahmed, Nasir Vancouver Yaqoob, Qasir Islām, Tanveer-ul- P.V. CentreKhan, Wasif Khan, Agha Tariq MississaugaBajwah, Abad-Ur-Rahman Hameed Bajwa, Hameed Ahmad Mahmood Malton Sardar, Muhammad Ahsan Sardar, Asad Zaman Woodbridge Ahmad, Shah Muhammad Khalid Ahmad, Mobarak Edmonton Elahi, Faraz Mansoor, Fazal P.V. South Cheema, Farhan Ahmad Cheema, Zafar Ahmed P.V. East Ahmad, Eizaaz Ahmed, Anwar Abode of Peace Choudhry, Sajid Mahmood Choudhry, Khalid Mahmood Calgary North East Shehzeda, Asad Maqsood Shehzeda, Maqsood Ahmed Vancouver Ahmed, Uzair Rashid Ahmed, Rashed Mohammed P.V. East Ahmed, Rizwan Ahmed, Muneer Naveed Mississauga South

High School Diploma With Honor Roll Female Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch Ahmed, Rameezah Ahmad, Munir Barrie Abid, Mahrukh Mehmud, Abid Brampton Centre Ahmed, Marayam Sahar Ahmad, Mabroor Mississauga West Khan, Maria Ejaz Khan, Ejaz Ahmed Vaughan West Sardar, Mariam Asad Sardar, Asad Zaman Woodbridge Rajput, Tehmeena Susan Rajput, Ijaz Ahmad Montreal East Ahmad, Javariyya Masood Ahmad Bader Hamilton North Rana, Abeer Zahid Ahmad Rana Toronto Central Ahmed, Maria Muneer Ahmed Mississauga West Khan, Maymunah Nasar Khan, Nasrullah North York Wasim, Samreen Ahmed, Wasim P.V. CentreSaeed, Wajiha Al Saeed, Muhammad Brampton Centre Chaudhary, Rida Chaudhary, Rizwan Rashid Sudbury Bhatti, Ayesha Sadiqa Bhatti, Sultan Ahmad P.V. CentreAhmad, Sabeeha Ahmed, Nouman Brampton Castlemore

For graduating with a three year’s college diploma:3 years College Diploma Male Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyYusaf, Usman Yusaf, Muhammad Markham Business Admin.Ahmed, Adnan Ahmed Nadeem Weston Islington Accounting

78 National Academic Achievement Awards

3 years College Diploma Female StudentsMember Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyNaseer, Anila Ch. Bashir Ahmad Abode of Peace Business Admin.Malik, Zahra Mubashira Malik, Safiullah Khan Weston Islington Accounting & Finance

For obtaining an undergraduate degree with good performance:Undergraduate Degree Male Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyKhattak, Saad Rustam Khan, Abdul Hameed Durham Hon. Info. Tech.Raja, Bilal Ahmed Haneef Raja Kitchener-Waterloo BA Applied ScienceTalal Khalid Mumtaz, Khalid Kitchener-Waterloo B.Tech TelecomTahir, Munib Ahmad Bajwa, Saeed Ahmad P.V. Centre Hon. Business Eco.

Undergraduate Degree Female Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyBasit, Amna Malik Anwar Awan Abode of Peace BA Business Admin.Farooqi, Salma Sausan Farooqi, Rafi Ahmed Brampton Heartlake BA Sabahat, Islām Salam, Abdul Brampton Castlemore BA Hon.Shaikh, Riffat Jabeen Sheikh, Ijaz Ahmad Woodbridge BA of EducationWalayat, Tayyaba Chaudhry Walayat Khan Calgary South BA Com. & Pol Sci.Majid, Ayesha Majid, Abdul Brampton Peel Village Business Admin.Khan, Muneeba Khan, Hashmat Ullah Surrey East Economics & Pol. Sci.Idrees, Yumna Baqapuri, Mahboob Ahmed Surrey West BA Practical NursingSaeed, Sana Saeed Ahmad Durham BA Business Admin.Saeed, Bushra Saeed Ahmad Durham BA Business Admin.

For obtaining a master’s degree:Postgraduate Degree Male Students

Member Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyQureshi, Adeel Iqbal Qureshi, Khalid Iqbal Brampton Centre MA Bus. Admin.Tahir, Khalid Ahmed Tahir, Karim Ahmed P.V. West MA Biology,

NeuroscienceHadi, Khurram Shahzad Hadi, Hidayatullah Vaughan West MA Education Farooqi, Naeem Ahmad Farooqi, Abdul Rashid Brampton Castlemore MSC. Planning Shad, Naseem Ahmed Shad, Muhammad Sharif Brampton Castlemore CGA Bashir, Salman Syed Bashiruddin Mehmood Vaughan West MathematicsSalifu, Aziz Abubakar Alhaj Salifu Saskatoon Civil Engineering Javaid, Mehshan Rashid Ahmad Javaid Montreal East Mech. EngAhmed, Mirzā Tahir Mirzā Tauqeer Yasin Montreal East Elec. EngineeringGhumman, Shakeel Ahmad Aziz Ahmad Ghumman Brampton Springdale Comp. Engineering

Post-graduate Studies Female StudentsMember Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyUpal, Faiza Upal, Asghar Haidar Hamilton North Medicine Cheema, Sonia Fatima Cheema, Zafar Ahmed Rexdale B.A. Hon. & B.Ed.Chaudhary, Sairah Ayatullah Chaudhary Mississauga West B.A. & B.Ed.

Lifetime Academic Professional AchievementMember Name Father's Name Branch Field of StudyShaique, Mushtaq Ahmad Ch. Wadhawa Khan Calgary Tarradale Wrote Many Books

7960 Deceased Since Jalsa Sālāna 2010

No. Name Jamā`at Burial Details1 Maulvi Nawwabuddin Ahmad Qadiani Sāhib Kitchener, Waterloo Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah2 Naseera Begum Sāhib Hamilton North Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah3 Abdul Qadeer Shahid Sāhib Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace Rabwah Bahishtī Maqbara4 Naseer Ahmad Khan Sāhib (Musī) Ottawa Ottawa (Musi)5 Khurshid Badrunnisa Sāhib Vaughan East Maple Cemetery .6 Mubarak Ahmad Sāhib Markham Maple Cemetery7 Mustafa Sabit Sāhib Central Toronto London UK8 Farrakh Mubasharat Sāhib Weston South Maple Cemetery9 Mubarak Ahmad Ghumman Sāhib Markham Maple Cemetery10 Khalid Hashmi Sāhib Vancouver Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah11 Syed Tahir Ahmed Bokhari Sāhib Maple Maple Cemetery12 Majeeda Begum Sāhiba Peace Village West Maple Cemetery13 Sr. Khurshid Ahmed Sāhib (Musī) Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace Maple Cemetery14 Shamshad Begum Sāhiba Milton Maple Cemetery15 Rasheed Ali Khan Sāhiba Ottawa Maple Cemetery16 Amtul Hafeez Sāhiba Peace Village Pakistan17 Chaudhary Omar Rahim Sāhib Toronto East Maple Cemetery18 Mirza Nazim Sāhib London Maple Cemetery19 Maryam Iqbal Sāhiba Toronto East Maple Cemetery20 Mohammad Yusuf Khan Sāhib Scarborough Maple Cemetery21 Misbah Uddin Siddique Sāhib Weston Islington Maple Cemetery22 Mahim Nasir Chaudhary Sāhib Brampton Peel Village Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah23 Nawab Din Sāhib (Musī) Peace Village West Maple Cemetery24 Razia Begum Sāhiba Peace Village East Maple Cemetery25 Ch. Nasrullah Khan Sāhib Vancouver Vancouver26 Syed Mubasharat Ahmed Sāhib (Musī) Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace Maple Cemetery27 Naseera Begum Sāhiba Peace Village West Pakistan28 Mohammad Sharif Sāhib Barrie Maple Cemetery29 Ruqiya Begum Sāhiba Peace Village East Maple Cemetery30 Rafiqa Begum Sāhiba Pakistan31 Maham Nasir Sāhiba Brampton Peel Village Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah32 Amtur Rashid Sāhiba Toronto East Maple Cemetery33 Mansoora Begum Sāhiba Montreal Center Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah34 Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Sāhib Windsor Maple Cemetery35 Col. Mohammad Saeed Sāhib Cornwall Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah36 Ch. Majeeda Begum Sāhiba Weston South Maple Cemetery37 Raza Choudri Markham Maple Cemetery38 Bilqees Begum Milton Nashville Cemetery39 Amanat Baksh Malton Maple Cemetery40 Amtul Jamil Qureshi Mississauga North Bahishtī Maqbara Rabwah41 Khawaja Barakatullah Scarborough Nashville Cemetery

Details of Deceased Since Jalsa Sālāna 2010

‘Surely, to Allāh we belong and to Him shall we return.’ (2:157)

Deceased Since Jalsa Sālāna 2010

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