Important Announcement
A brief
Page 3
A www.alhakam.org
If Israel-Palestine issue
persists, blocs will widen and
evolve into a Third World War
Ahmadis from Kosovo meet Khalifatul Masih V
On Sunday, 29 October 2023, Ahmadis
from Kosovo had the blessed opportunity
to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,
Huzoor urges Ahmadis to Is Islam Antisemitic?
Hazrat Ahmad’s response to
intensify prayers amidst study in Quran and Hadith allegations - Introduction
growing escalation in
Palestine
Page 4 Page 6 Page 9
THE WEEKLY
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023 | Issue CCXCIV
Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK
info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396
Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy
Prophet Muhammadsa
Conditions contrary to
Allah’s Book are nullified
َ ْ َ ََ ُ ْ َ ْ َ
،‫ ﻋﻦ أﺑِﻴ ِﻪ‬،‫ﺎم ﺑ ِﻦ ﻋ ْﺮوة‬ ِ ‫ﻋﻦ ِﻫﺸ‬
ْ َ َ ّٰ َ َ َ
‫ﻋ ْﻦ َ�ﺎ�ِﺸﺔ ـ رﺿﻰ ا�� ُ� ﻋﻨﻬﺎ ـ ﻗ َﺎﻟﺖ‬
ْ ُ َ َ ْ َ ََ َُ َ َْ َ
�ِ�‫ﻳﺮة ﻓﻘﺎﻟﺖ �ﺎﺗ ْﺒﺖ أﻫ‬
ٌ َّ َ
،‫ﺎم َو ِﻗﻴﺔ‬ َ
ٍ �َ ‫اق �ِ� � ِﻞ‬
ُّ ََ ‫َﺟ َﺎءﺗ ِ�� ﺑ ِﺮ‬
ٍ ‫� َﻠﻰ �ِﺴ ِ� أو‬
ْ
ُ ْ َ ُ َُْ َ
‫ ﻓﻘﻠﺖ ِإ ُ ْن أ َﺣ ّﺐ أﻫﻠ ِﻚ‬.��ِ ‫ﻴﻨﻴ‬ ِ َ ‫ﻓَﺄ ِﻋ‬
ُ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َّ ُ ْ
�ِ� ‫�ن َو��َؤ ِك‬ �‫أن أﻋﺪﻫﺎ ﻟ�� وﻳ‬
،‫ﻳﺮة ِإﻟﻰ أﻫ ِﻠ َﻬﺎ‬
ْ َ ُ َ ‫ َﻓ َﺬ َﻫ َﺒ ْﺖ َﺑﺮ‬.‫ﺖ‬ ُ ْ ََ
ْ‫ﺎء ْت ِﻣﻦ‬ َ َ َ ِ
َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ‫ﻓ َ َﻌﻠ‬
َ
َ �� ،‫ﻓﻘﺎﻟﺖ ﻟ� ْ� ﻓﺄﺑ َ ْﻮا �ﻠ ْﻴﻬﺎ‬
ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ َّ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ْ
‫ِﻋﻨ ِﺪ�ِ� ورﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� ﺻﻠﻰ ا��� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ‬
ُ ْ َ َْ ّ ْ َ ََ َّ
‫ﻓﻘﺎﻟﺖ َ ِإ�ِ�ﻗ ُﺪﻋ َﺮﺿﺖ‬،َ ‫َو َﺳﻠﻢ َﺟﺎﻟ ِ ٌﺲ‬
َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ ْ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ َ
‫�ن اﻟ َﻮ�� ُء‬ �‫ إ��أن ﻳ‬،‫ذﻟِﻚ �ﻠﻴ�ِ� ﻓﺄﺑﻮا‬
َْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ِ ُّ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ
‫ ﻓﺴ َ ِﻤﻊ اﻟﻨ ِ�� ﺻﻠﻰ ا��� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ‬.��‫ﻟ‬
َّ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ
‫وﺳﻠﻢ ﻓﺄﺧ� َ�ت �ﺎ�ِﺸﺔ اﻟﻨ ِ� ّ� ﺻﻠﻰ‬
َ ‫ﺎل « ُﺧﺬ‬ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ
‫ﻳﻬﺎ‬ ِ ‫ا��� �ﻠﻴ ِﻪ وﺳﻠﻢ ﻓﻘ‬
َُ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ْ
‫ ﻓ ِﺈﻧﻤﺎ اﻟﻮ��ء‬،‫َواﺷ� َ ِ� ِ�� ﻟ�� اﻟﻮ��ء‬
‫ﺎم‬ َ َ‫ﺖ َ�ﺎ� َﺸ ُﺔﺛ ُ َّﻢﻗ‬ ْ َ َََ َ َ ْ ْ َ
‫ﻓﻔﻌﻠ‬.«‫ﻟﻤﻦأﻋﺘﻖ‬
َّ َ َ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ َّ ُ ُ َ ِ ِ
‫رﺳﻮل ا�� ِ� ﺻﻠﻰ ا��� � َﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ وﺳﻠﻢ‬
َ ْ َّ َ َ َّ
،‫ َ ��َ ِﻤﺪ ا�� َ� َوأﺛ َﻨﻰ َ�ﻠ ْﻴ ِﻪ‬،‫ﺎس‬ ِ ‫اﻟﻨ‬ �ِ�
ُ
َ ‫ﺛ ُ َّﻢ ﻗﺎل «أ َّﻣﺎ َﺑ ْﻌ ُﺪ َﻣﺎ َﺑﺎل ر‬ َ َ
‫ﺎل‬ٍ ِ ‫ﺟ‬
َ ‫ﺖ �� ﻛ‬ ْ ََْ ً ُُ َ ُ َ َْ
‫ﺎب‬ ِ ِ ِ ‫ﻮن ��وﻃ َﺎ ﻟ�ﺴ‬
‫ﺘ‬ ‫�ﺸ� ِ�ﻃ‬
َ ‫ﺎن ﻣ ْﻦ � ْ�ط ﻟ�ْ َﺲ �� ﻛ‬ َ َ
َ � ‫ َﻣﺎ‬،�ّ��‫ا‬ ٰ
‫ﺎب‬ ِ َ َِ ‫ﺘ‬ ِ ٍ ِ
َ َ َ ْ َ ٌ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ
،‫ﺎن ِﻣﺎﺋﺔ َ� ْ� ٍط‬ � ‫ا��� ﻓﻬﻮ ﺑﺎ ِﻃﻞ وإن‬
ُ َ ْ َّ ُ ْ َ َ ِ ُّ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ
،‫ و�� َط ا��� أوﺛﻖ‬،‫ﻗﻀﺎء ا�� ِ� أﺣﻖ‬
َ ْ َّ
Mohammed Ibrahim| Unsplash
َ ْ
.«‫َو ِإﻧ َﻤﺎاﻟ َﻮ�� ُءﻟ ِ َﻤ ْﻦأﻋ َﺘﻖ‬
Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. was followed by its Albanian and English
At the outset of the mulaqat, Huzooraa translation, presented by Shkëlqim Bytyçi.
conveyed his salaam and called upon Alban Continued on next page >>
Zeqiraj Sahib to recite the Holy Quran. This Continued on next page >>
2 Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previous page

Next, Artan Mavraj Sahib presented a poem

of the Promised Messiahas in the Albanian
language.
Next, a video was presented to Huzooraa,
showcasing various footage of the Jamaat in
Kosovo. This included scenes of the mission
house, libraries, gardens, prayer halls, and
various other aspects.
Huzooraa then enquired Jinahuddin Saif
Sahib, President & missionary of Jamaat-e-
Ahmadiyya Kosovo, about the programme.
Jinahuddin Saif Sahib said that members
of Jamaat Kosovo wished to ask some
questions.
The first question was asked by a tifl,
Amar Zeqiraj, who is 9 years old. He asked
Huzooraa why it is necessary to read the
Holy Quran.
Huzooraa responded, “Allah the Almighty
revealed the Noble Quran as the final sharia.”
Within it, we are taught what is necessary to
be a good human being, a devout Muslim,
the ways to worship Allah, and what it takes
to become a true worshipper of Allah. It
address this issue. Ahmadi Muslim in 2015 and was a student appear in the Latter Days. Regarding chanda,
also contains guidance on various matters
Huzooraa replied that Allah has made of Islamic studies. He expressed that some Huzooraa explained that he contributes to
concerning life and the good morals one
the five daily prayers obligatory, to be of his fellow students would accuse him of it so that the Jamaat can utilise the funds
must adopt. This is the final sharia that Allah
offered at different times throughout the converting solely to gain financial benefits for purposes such as tabligh, publishing
revealed to the Holy Prophetsa. Allah the
day, with the purpose of reminding people from the Jamaat. He enquired how he literature, the Holy Quran, and translating
Almighty has emphasised the importance
to remember God and fulfil their duty of should respond to such an accusation. it into various languages for wider
of reading, understanding, and earnestly
worshipping Allah. Huzooraa explained that, Huzooraa explained that the response to dissemination.
striving to implement its teachings. This
as a saleswoman, she doesn’t work around such an accusation is quite straightforward. Next, Rron Zeqiraj Sahib mentioned
is the reason we read the Holy Quran,
the clock; her shifts typically last between Since the Jamaat has never provided that Allah has blessed Huzooraa with
Huzooraa explained.
6 to 8 hours. He pointed out that during him with any financial support, he can profound insight into various matters and
Huzooraa emphasised that merely reading
these shifts, only one or two prayers would confidently assert that he has received no enquired about his perspective on the future
the Arabic text without implementing its
coincide with her working hours. Huzooraa, money from the Jamaat. In fact, it’s the of humanity.
teachings in one’s life holds no benefit. True
referring to the prayers that don’t align opposite; he contributes chanda as financial Huzooraa responded by emphasising that
benefit can only be derived from reading it
with her work schedule, emphasised the sacrifice. Thus, he can convey that he has not Allah the Almighty has bestowed wisdom
when one actively puts into practice what
importance of offering them attentively and compromised his faith, but rather, he has upon humanity. He explained that by using
they have learned from it and worships
with sufficient time. adhered to the teachings of Allah and His this wisdom to analyse global events and by
Allah.
Secondly, Huzooraa mentioned that Messengersa. He has willingly accepted the taking into account historical perspectives,
Next, a Lajna member, Arbëreshë Sahiti
the Holy Prophetsa also encouraged us to Imam Mahdi and Messiah of the age. He can the current conditions and future prospects
Yvejsi Sahiba, shared with Huzooraa that she
engage in nafl prayers, where individuals further clarify that he believes in the same become evident. Huzooraa further indicated
works as a saleswoman and has scheduled
can fervently pray to Allah. Huzooraa also One Allah worshipped by all Muslims, the that the future of humanity is intricately tied
shifts at her job. She also mentioned that, as
emphasised that she should not use this same Messengersa recognised as Khatam- to following God’s commands. He referenced
a result of her work, she often finds herself
situation as an excuse to rush through the un-Nabiyeen, and the same Quran, which is God’s promise that those who adhere to His
rushing through her prayers. She expressed
rest of the prayers. the final Book of sharia.
concern that this has become a habit and
Besmir Yvejsi Sahib mentioned that It was the commandment of the
asked Huzooraa for guidance on how to
he entered into the bai‘t and became an Messenger that a Messiah and Mahdi would Continued on next page >>

<< Continued from previous page

It is narrated by Hisham Bin ‘Urwah from
his father, who narrated from Hazrat
Aishara, that she said, “Barira approached
me and mentioned that she has drafted
an agreement with her masters to buy
her freedom. The terms were that she
would pay them an uqiyyah of silver
annually. She requested my assistance in
this matter. I responded by suggesting,
‘If your masters are amenable, I can pay
them the entire sum upfront, under
the condition that the right of wala’
[allegiance or inheriting of estate] after
your emancipation belongs to me.’
Barira conveyed this to her masters,
but they declined the offer. When she
returned, the Prophetsa was present. She
informed him about the stipulation her
masters had made, insisting on retaining
the right of wala’. Upon hearing this, the
Prophetsa instructed me, ‘Purchase her kindness and courtesy, for this
freedom and establish the condition mirrors the teachings of the Holy
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas,
that the right of wala’ belongs to you. Quran:
In His Own Words َ� َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ
َ ً
‫اِم ََعلٰي ُح �ِِب ُٖہ َِم ًۡس ُِک ۡۡيَّنا �َوۡيَ َِت ۡۡي ًِما‬
َ ‫الِط َع‬
The right of wala’ always goes to the one
‫َوۡيِط ِعِمۡوَن‬
who emancipates.’” ً‫�ََواَۡسۡیَۡرا‬
Compassion ِ
“Aishara did as instructed. Thereafter,
“[And they feed, for love of
Allah’s Messengersa addressed the
“Bear in mind that God Almighty is Him, the poor, the orphan, and the
people. After praising Allah, he said,
greatly pleased with virtuous deeds, prisoner. (Surah ad-Dahr, Ch.76:
‘What is it with people who enforce
and desires that sympathy be shown V.9)]
conditions that are not present in the
to His Creation. Were He to favour “The majority of these captives
Book of Allah? Any such condition,
malevolence, He would have and prisoners [during the Holy
even if they number a hundred, which
encouraged wicked deeds. However, Prophet’ssa time] were non-believers.
does not adhere to Allah’s decrees,
Allah the Exalted (‫ )ۡسِبًحاُنُہ ُتعالى َشَأُنُہ‬is Reflect, then, on the boundless
is null and void. The judgments of
Holy and far above such inclinations. compassion exemplified by Islam. In
Allah are the only valid ones, and His
[...] Hence, those of you who are my view, no other moral teachings
conditions are the most steadfast. The
affiliated with me, bear in mind that can match the perfection found
right of wala’ always belongs to the
you should show empathy towards in Islam.” (Al Hakam, 24 January 1905;
emancipator.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-
every individual, regardless of their Malfuzat [1988], Vol. 4, pp. 218–219)
buyu‘, Bab idha ishtarata shurutan fi al-bay‘i la
religious convictions; treat all with
tahillu, Hadith 2168)
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023 3

ANNOUNCEMENT
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community International, under the guidance of
its Caliph Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is launching a global campaign
#voicesforpeace to bring an end to the war in Gaza and establish peace.

Support our efforts by using #voicesforpeace to draw the attention of the

world and leaders at all levels to the urgent need to de-escalate the conflict
and establish peace before the war, God forbid, escalates even further.

@pressahmadiyya

<< Continued from previous page
guidance will receive His blessings and find
relief from their difficulties. Conversely,
those who disregard His guidance will
experience loss both in this world and in the
Hereafter.
Therefore, Huzooraa added, humanity
finds safety in adhering to God’s
commandments and acknowledging His
Messengersa. Huzooraa emphasised our
belief that in this era, the Holy Prophetsa is
the final law-bearing Prophet, and the law
with which he was sent will endure until
the Day of Judgment, with no new sharia to
be revealed. Moreover, in accordance with
the Holy Prophet’ssa teachings, the Messiah
and Mahdi was destined to come, and he
instructed that when this promised figure
arrived, he should be accepted.
Therefore, Huzooraa said, if the world
commences to acknowledge their Creator
– as Huzooraa said that he had repeatedly
emphasised – and if they endeavour to fulfil
both His rights and the rights of their fellow
human beings, showing compassion, then
the future of humanity is promising. Then,
Huzooraa stated that if humanity disregards
God’s commandments, neglects the rights
owed to Him, denies the rights of others,
and acts cruelly, then the future of humanity
appears quite bleak.
“At present, it appears that humanity is
unwilling to heed the Words of Allah or His
Messenger, and they also seem unprepared
to fulfil the obligations owed to Allah and
His people,” Huzooraa said.
With regard to the current situation of
the world, Huzooraa said, “If this persists,
blocs will widen, and, as I have warned
previously, the situation will evolve into a
Third World War, with grave consequences.”
Huzooraa emphasised that we should
pray for Allah to bestow wisdom upon
humanity, enabling them to fulfil both His
rights and the rights of one another. When
this occurs, humanity will be safeguarded.
Conversely, if this doesn’t happen, there
will be nothing but a bleak future filled with
destruction.
Rina Zeqiraj Sahiba enquired about how
we can instil the habit of performing namaz
in children.
Huzooraa answered that when one prays
before their children and the children
observe their elders praying with such
fervour, they are likely to follow suit.
Additionally, one should pray for their
children, asking Allah to keep them on the
path of righteousness, to maintain their
commitment to prayer, and to uphold
good moral values. The Holy Prophetsa has
emphasised that a mother’s prayers for her
child are indeed answered.
Shkëlqim Bytyçi Sahib said that starting
next year, Kosovo citizens will have the
opportunity to travel to the Schengen area
without requiring a visa. He then enquired
about Huzoor’saa guidance for Ahmadis in
light of this development.
Huzooraa responded that if there were no
significant challenges for people residing in
that region, they should stay in their country
and actively promote Islam Ahmadiyyat.
However, if the conditions are marked by
poverty, those who have the means may
consider relocating. Nevertheless, it is
important to maintain a connection with
their home country and visit it regularly.
Ajan Zeqiraj Sahib, 6, asked if we can
hug Allah the Almighty. Huzooraa replied:
“You cannot hug Allah the Almighty
since He does not possess a physical body.”
However, Allah does choose to manifest
Himself in a manner of His own choosing to
His chosen ones. One should pray that “may
Allah shroud us in His mercy.”
Diellza Demaj Sahiba enquired Huzooraa
about the key factors to consider in order to
achieve success in business.
Huzooraa emphasised that a believer
should prioritise the growth of their faith
and their connection with Allah. Once this
connection is firmly established, Allah, in
His infinite wisdom, provides for those who
uphold taqwa [righteousness].
Furthermore, Huzooraa pointed out that
the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa
were also engaged in business and achieved
remarkable success because they never
forsook their devotion to God. Huzooraa
mentioned that the Promised Messiahas
wrote that their hands were engaged
in worldly endeavours, yet their hearts
remained devoted to Allah.
Huzooras emphasised that one should
share a portion of their earnings in the way
of Allah, contribute to chanda and sadaqah,
take care of those in need, and by doing
so, Allah bestows His blessings upon their
earnings. Additionally, one should make
diligent and honest efforts in their work.
In the end, Huzooraa said, always
remember Allah, work with integrity, shun
deceit, contribute a portion of your earnings
in the path of Allah, and put in earnest
effort.
Alban Zeqiraj Sahib enquired from
Huzooraa about the appropriate response
when a child engages in undesirable
behaviour, seeking guidance on the
appropriate action or punishment to help
the child understand.
Huzooraa replied that if a child has
misbehaved for the first time, it is best not to
administer punishment initially. Expressing
anger or punishing a child is not effective,
as children are still learning. Therefore, it is
advisable to teach them with kindness and
compassion.
Huzooraa stated that the Promised
Messiahas has explained that rather than
resorting to punishment and anger, if
parents pray for their children, it can
positively influence their upbringing.
Furthermore, Huzooraa added, that if
parents set a good example and ensure their
children understand the difference between
good and bad deeds, the child is less likely
to engage in misbehaviour from the outset.
Nysret Ismajli Sahib expressed their
desire for Huzooraa to visit Kosovo and
enquired about the potential timing of such
a visit.
Huzooraa advised that they should pray
for Allah to grant and fulfil this desire.
Huzooraa mentioned that Allah has
enabled all of them to accept the Messiah
and Mahdi, as foretold by the Holy Prophetsa.
Now, Huzooraa encouraged them to also
promote Islam Ahmadiyyat in their region,
emphasising the importance of prayer,
good deeds, and religious knowledge in this
endeavour.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then
conveyed his salaam and the meeting came
to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)
4 Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
Huzoor urges Ahmadis to intensify prayers
amidst growing escalation in Palestine
As global tensions surrounding the conflict
in the Holy Land escalate, Hazrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa,
continues to highlight the vital roles of
prayer and justice in navigating these
turbulent times.
During his Friday Sermon on 20 October
2023, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,
Khalifatul Masih Vaa, drew attention to the
seriousness of the ongoing conflict in the
Holy Land and said:
“At this juncture, I wish to speak again
about the current global situation and
reiterate the importance of prayer.
“Nowadays, writers from the West, even
some from the United States, have written
in their newspapers that there should be a
limit to retaliation. They opine that America
and other Western countries should play
their part in the conflict between Hamas
and Israel, making efforts for peace and
ceasefires.
“However, the same writers also lament
that it seems these nations, instead of
working to stop the conflict, appear to be
fanning its flames.
“Similarly, there was a report from the
United States where a senior official of the
US Department of State resigned, stating
that the oppression of innocent Palestinians
has reached its limits and that the world
powers should be mindful of this.
“Still, there are decent and noble
individuals among them. Occasionally, it
is reported in the media that some Jewish
rabbis have also spoken out in favour of
justice and against oppression.
“Russia’s Foreign Minister has warned
that if these countries continue their current
stance, this war could spread throughout
the region.
“However, I believe it may spread
globally, so these nations should exercise
utmost prudence. Similarly, as I’ve
previously mentioned, Muslim countries
should speak in unity and with one voice.
If the world’s Muslim-majority nations,
often cited as 53 or 54 in number, were to
speak as one, it would indeed be a powerful
force and would make a significant impact.
Isolated voices, however, lack influence.
This is the only way to establish peace in
the world and end this war. Muslim nations
must make earnest efforts to prevent global
destruction. May Allah grant them the
ability to do so.
“Nonetheless, we must persistently pray.
May Allah bring an end to this war and
protect the innocent, oppressed Palestinians.
Further, may no more atrocities befall
them, and may Allah eradicate oppression
from the world, wherever it exists. May
Allah grant us the ability to pray earnestly.”
[Amin.]
In his Friday Sermon on 27 October
2023, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,
Khalifatul Masih Vaa, urged Ahmadis to
intensify prayers and raise awareness against
oppression amidst the growing escalation of
the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land and
said:
“Given the current state of the world,
I am once again drawing attention to the
importance of prayer.
“The conflict between Hamas and Israel
is intensifying, resulting in an increasing
number of innocent Palestinian women
and children being martyred. With the pace
at which the situation of war is escalating
and the policies being apparently adopted
by the Israeli government and major
global powers, it seems as if a World War
now looms large before us. Now, even the
leaders of certain Muslim countries are
openly stating, as have Russia and China,
and similarly, Western analysts have begun
to write and proclaim that the scope of this
war seems to be broadening. If immediate,
wisdom-based policies are not adopted, the
world will face devastation. All of this is
being reported in the news. All of you can
see the circumstances.
“Therefore, Ahmadis must pay
special attention to prayers; we must not
become complacent. At the very least, one
prostration [sajdah] during every prayer
[salat], or at the minimum in one of the
prayers, should be dedicated to this cause
while supplicating during it.
“No leader from the Western world, from
any country, wants to deal with this matter
justly, nor do they possess the courage to
speak about it. Ahmadis should not get
embroiled in debates about which country’s
Prime Minister or leader is good and which
is not, or in discussions about who should or
should not have said something, or whether
Muslims should or should not speak against
someone. These are all futile matters. Until
someone bravely strives for a ceasefire, they
are invariably responsible for pushing the
world towards destruction.
“Hence, in your respective circles, and
along with your prayers, strive to spread
the message of stopping oppression. If
any Ahmadi has connections, explain this
to them. This is real courage, and it is the
standard of acting upon God Almighty’s
command.
“Representatives of the Israeli
government claim that Hamas has killed
our innocents; hence, we will take revenge.
This revenge has now gone beyond all
limits. The loss of Palestinian lives is four
to five times greater than the loss of Israeli
lives, which is reported. If their target, as
they claim, is to eliminate Hamas, then why
do they not directly combat them? Why
are they targeting women, children, and
the elderly? They have also deprived these
people of water, food supplies, and medical
care. All claims to human rights and the
rules of warfare end when it comes to these
governments.
“Indeed, some voices do draw attention
to such matters, such as the former US
President Obama, who recently stated that
if one must wage war, one should adhere
to the rules of warfare. There should be no
atrocities committed against civilians. The
UN Secretary-General had spoken in the
same vein. The Israeli government raised an
uproar over this. Yet the global ‘advocates
of peace’, who consider themselves the
‘ultimate champions’ or even the ‘paragons
of peace’, not only did not support the
statement of the Secretary-General; rather,
they expressed their dislike for it.
“In any case, the situation is perilous
and becoming more dangerous. Western
media, on the one hand, exaggerates certain
news, and, on the other, sidelines certain
stories. For example, a story about a released
woman who said she was treated well was
pushed to the corner, while her statement
saying ‘Hamas’ imprisonment was hell’ is
constantly presented as major news. True
justice requires presenting all scenarios and
facts. Then, let the world decide who the
oppressor is, who the oppressed are, how
justifiable this war is, and where it should
end. The entire situation should be laid out
for the world, instead of one-sided coverage.
“Nonetheless, we should intensify our
prayers. Pray for the end of oppression, make
efforts within your means, and pray both
for the oppressed Muslims as well as for the
establishment of a comprehensive and long-
term strategy by Muslim governments. We
must feel profound empathy for the plight
of Muslims. We believe in that Promised
Messiahas, who – despite our being regularly
afflicted by them, expressed the following
sentiments for Muslims [in a Persian
couplet]:
“‘O my heart, be considerate towards
them,
“‘For they claim to love my Prophetsa.’
“Therefore, our love for the Holy
Prophetsa demands that we pray intensely
for Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability
to do so and also to the Muslims. And may
He bestow wisdom upon the world.” [Amin.]
Through his sermon, Huzooraa reinforces
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s
steadfast commitment to peace and
justice, resonating a call to action amidst a
tumultuous global backdrop.
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
This Week in History
A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat
3 November
3 November 1904: On this
day, after his successful and
blessed stay at Sialkot, the
Promised Messiahas began his
journey to Qadian via train.
At the railway station of
Wazirabad, a famous Christian
missionary, Mr Scott, had
the opportunity to meet
Hazrat Ahmadas. Mr Scott
was appointed to the Daska
mission at that time. (Tarikh-e-
Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 369)
3 November 1989: On this
day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh
announced an amendment in
the system of auxiliaries of the
Jamaat. He announced that in
the future, every country will
have its own president of each
auxiliary, and would be directly
answerable to the Khalifa of
the time. Before this, the
president of a certain auxiliary
in Pakistan was in charge of
the auxiliaries in the foreign
countries as well. (Khutbat-e-
Tahir, Vol. 8, p. 709)
4 - 5 November
4 November 1900: On
this day, the Promised
Messiahas issued a statement
in the form of a written
advertisement in which
he mentioned that his
community’s name should be
“Musalman Firqa Ahmadiyya”.
(Majmu‘ah-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 3,
pp. 364-365)
5 November 1905: The
Promised Messiahas reached
Ludhiana on this day while
travelling back from Delhi.
Huzoor’sas train arrived at
the station at around 11 am.
Thousands had gathered
at the station to welcome
the Promised Messiahas. The
accommodation prepared for
Huzooras was in a building
situated near the main road of
the city. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
Vol. 2, p. 428)
5 November 1959: Acharya
Vinoba Bhave visited Qadian
on this day. He initiated the
Bhoodan Movement or the
Land Gift Movement. This
was a voluntary land reform
movement in India, which
Baitul Mahdi Mosque in Bradford, UK
5
3 - 9 November
Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh is ellected as Khalifatul Masih III
attempted to persuade wealthy day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
landowners to voluntarily give Vaa inaugurated the Baitul
a percentage of their land to Mahdi Mosque in Bradford, UK,
those with no land. (Tarikh-e- and narrated the history of
Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 20, p. 393) Jamaat in Bradford. (Al Fazl
International, 28 November
2008, pp. 4-9)
6 - 7 November
6 November 2016: A special 8 - 9 November
reception was held, on this
day, to mark the opening of the 8 November 1965: On
newly built Baitul Aman Mosque this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-
in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Maudra passed away in Rabwah,
Canada, at which Hazrat Pakistan. On the same day,
Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered after Isha prayer, the Electoral
the keynote address. During his College held its proceedings
address, Huzooraa spoke of the and announced the election
true purpose of mosques and of Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir
how the new mosque would Ahmadrh as Khalifatul Masih III.
not only be a place to worship Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh led
God Almighty, but would also the funeral prayer the very
prove a means of serving and next day at around 4:30
protecting all people. pm, which was attended by
thousands of people. He also
He said that at a time
delivered a short speech,
when there was widespread
which was followed by the
fear of Islam, it was a sign
funeral prayer.
of open-heartedness and
“extraordinary courage” that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was
the guests had attended an buried at Bahishti Maqbarah,
Islamic event. Both prior Rabwah. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat,
to and after the reception, Vol. 23, p. 134)
Huzooraa personally met with
a number of guests and also 9 November 1984: On this
held a press conference with day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
local media representatives. IVrh called the attention of
(“No need to fear true Ahmadis towards financial
Mosques – Head of Ahmadiyya sacrifices to help the needy
Muslim Community”, www. people in Africa who were
pressahmadiyya.com) affected by a famine.
(Khutbat-e-Tahir, Vol. 3, p.
7 November 2008: On this 641)
6 Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
Is Islam Antisemitic? A brief
study in Quran and Hadith
Asif M Basit
Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre
The term antisemitism has evolved in its
meaning over many decades and is now
only understood to be any statement, word
or even a gesture, for that matter, that
potentially incites hatred against the Jewish
community.
Other conceptual terms, like
Islamophobia, have also seen their genesis
and evolution over the past couple of decades
but have not gained the momentum (as well
as popularity and general acceptance) that
the term antisemitism has gained. While
other terms of similar nature remain under
the umbrella of discrimination, racism or
sexism, antisemitism stands out and calls
for detailed analysis.
In the current atmosphere, where
Hamas and Israeli forces have locked
horns once again and a lot of violence and
destruction is being witnessed on both
sides, the oft-asked question has come to
the surface again: Is Islam intrinsically
antisemitic?
Understanding the question
The question here is whether the Holy
Quran and the Hadith literature incite hate
against the Jews. Or, to put it simply, do
Allah and the Holy Prophetsa hate Jews?
The one-word answer to this question
is: No! Allah the Almighty refers to them
as ahl al-Kitab – people of the Book –
and mentions their virtues too, as well as
the wrongdoings that some of them had
committed by the time the final message
and messenger of Allah were sent to them,
alongside the rest of the human race.
To understand Islam’s stance towards
the Jews, it is essential that we understand
how the Holy Quran classifies them and
then look into how these classes are
addressed or mentioned.
The Jews in the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran refers to Jews by a variety
of terms: Children of Israel (banu Israel),
the Jews (al-Yahud), and the people of the
Book (ahl al-Kitab) – the last shared title
with Christians.
Most of the references to them as banu
Israel remain focused on Allah’s favours
and bounties towards them – those that
elevated their status above all other peoples
of the world. Such references provide
a narrative on the history of the Jews,
drawing parallels with Biblical accounts
while offering the Quran’s own unique
perspective and interpretation.
References to them as ahl al-Kitab
revolve mostly around the message that
they initially received from their prophets
and scriptures and its continuity in the
message given to them by the Prophetsa
of Islam. Such references also point to
common grounds between Islam and their
faiths (Judaism and Christianity), and yet
their rejection of the promised message
when it reached them.
Such references to them, speaking of
their deviation from their own teachings
and their aversion to the latest message
from God, highlight certain penalties that
will be incurred upon them by Allah. For
instance, Surah al-Bayyinah opens by
mentioning their disbelief (kafaru), even
when clear proofs had come to them (hata
ta-tiya hum al-bayyina). The last part of
this verse is to be particularly noted, as
we will return to it later. The last verse of
this pericope highlights them as being
ahl al-Kitab and yet refusing to accept the
continuity of the same message that they
believed in. This brackets them with the
idolaters (mushrikun), and are destined to
hell, which will be their abode (khalidin-a
fi-ha). Hence, those among the ahl al-kitab,
who disbelieve, are classed as the “worst of
the creatures” (sharr al-bariyya).
What readers need to remember here is
that in matters of belief – or disbelief for
that matter – Allah takes it upon Himself
Katalin Salles| Unsplash
to reprimand the Jews, or adherents of
any other religion, and no penalty is to be
incurred upon them by any human agency.
Some other verses, for instance, 69-
70 of Surah al-Ma’idah also instruct the
Prophetsa not to grieve for those who rebel
(tughyanun) and disbelieve from among
the ahl al-Kitab, despite having received
the latest message of God. The reasons for
not grieving on their condition of rebellion
and disbelief can be understood from the
next verse, which states:
َ� �ٰ ‫اُد ۡۡوا ََو‬ ُ ‫ِِا �ََّن اَّل�َ ِِذۡيۡ ََن ٰٰا ََم ُُنۡوۡا ََواَّل�َ ِِذۡيۡ ََن ََہ‬
‫الّٰص ِِبُٔـ�ُۡوۡ ََن ََوالَّن ٰٰص ٰٰري ََم ۡۡن‬
َ َ َ ٰ ۡ �ٰ
‫ٰٰا ََم ََن ِِبالّٰل ِِہ ََواۡل ََيۡوۡ ِِم اۡلٰۡا ِِخ ِِر ََو ََع ِِم ََل ََصاِل ًًِحا َفَلَا َخۡوۡ ٌٌف ََعَل ۡۡي ِِہ ۡۡم ََوَلَا‬
ُ ۡ
‫ُُہ ۡۡم َيَۡح ََزُنۡوۡ ََن‬
“Surely, those who have believed,
and the Jews, and the Sabians, and the
Christians; whoso believes in Allah and the
Last Day and does good deeds, on them
shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
(Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.70)
Once again, Allah takes responsibility
for reprimanding their disbelief while
assuring the Holy Prophetsa that the
righteous ones from among the ahl al-Kitab
will be saved from the grief and fear of the
Hereafter, as long as they believe in Allah,
the Last day and perform good deeds.
A very similar verse points to the
possibility of salvation for the ahl al-kitab
in Surah al-Baqarah where Allah the
Almighty states:
ۡ �ٰ َ ٰ ٰ َ� َ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َ� َ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َ� َ�
‫الّٰص ِِب ِِئۡی ََن ََم ۡۡن‬ ‫ِِاَّن اَّل ِِذۡیَن ٰاَمُنۡوا َواَّل ِِذۡیَن َہاُدۡوا َوالَّنٰصٰری َو‬
ۡ َ ََ ٰ ۡ �ٰ
‫ٰٰا ََم ََن ِِبالّٰل ِِہ ََواۡل ََیۡوۡ ِِم اۡلٰۡا ِِخ ِِر ََو ََع ِِم ََل ََصاِل ًًِحا َفَل ُُہ ۡۡم َا ۡۡجُرُ ُُہ ۡۡم ِِعۡن ََد‬
ُ ۡ َ َ
‫ََر �ِِّب ِِہ ۡۡم� ۪ ََوَلَا َخۡوۡ ٌٌف ََعَل ۡۡی ِِہ ۡۡم ََوَلَا ُُہ ۡۡم َیَۡح ََزُنۡوۡ ََن‬
“Surely, the Believers, and the Jews,
and the Christians and the Sabians —
whichever party [from among these truly]
believes in Allah 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. (Surah al-
Baqarah, Ch.2: V.63)
Mufassirun (commentators of the
Holy Quran) have understood both
these verses regarding the possibility of
salvation in various ways, although almost
unanimously agreeing to no possibility at
all unless they believe in the Holy Prophetsa.
Some, like al-Tabarsi, on the authority of
Ibn Abbasra, have seen 2:63 as abrogated by
the following verse:
ۡ ۡ ُ� َ َ ً َۡ َ
‫ََو ََم ۡۡن �َّي ۡۡب ََت ِِغ َغۡي ََر اۡلِۡاِ ۡۡسَلَا ِِم ِِدۡيًۡنا َفَل ۡۡن ُّيۡق ََب ََل ِِمۡن ُُہ� ََو ُُہَوَ ِفِي‬
ٰۡ ٰ
‫اۡلٰۡا ِِخ ََر ِِة ِِم ََن اۡلٰخ ِِس ِِرۡيۡ ََن‬
“And whoso seeks a religion other than
Islam, it shall not be accepted from him,
and in the Hereafter shall be among the
losers”. (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.86)
Since the verse from al-Baqarah was
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
revealed in the earlier part of the Holy
Prophet’ssa prophetic mission, and the
verse from al-Maida in the latter part, the
abrogation theory can be left aside.
In the remaining groups of
commentators, we find two major schools:
one that holds this verse to apply to the ahl
al-Kitab who lived before Islam, the others
who uphold the universality of the verse to
apply to all times to come, but taking it to
mean that belief in Allah necessitates belief
in Prophet Muhammadsa – hence limiting
salvation for only those who embrace(d)
Islam.
But it seems that the element of this
verse’s universality is only partially applied,
as we shall see below.
Ahmadiyya concept of salvation
in Islam
The Ahmadiyya view of the Holy Quran is
that no verse is, or can ever be, abrogated
for the simple fact that Allah cannot be
expected to alter His own injunctions – a
belief that would leave serious questions on
Allah’s Omniscience.
Another Ahmadiyya belief is that the
Holy Quran was revealed as a final scripture
for mankind and will remain applicable
and relevant until eternity. For the latter,
the verse in question is understood to apply
to all ahl al-Kitab who have ever lived, or
will ever live on earth.
Accordingly, this verse in the Ahmadiyya
Muslim theology is seen to encompass any
ahl al-Kitab to be the subject of the verse.
However, the understanding of this verse is
as comprehensive as it is unique.
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas,
the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community, lays out a rule to understand,
what he calls “synoptic” verses:
“Divine practice in the Holy Quran is
that at places there are details and at places,
it employs synopsis. And it is necessary for
the reader to interpret synoptic verses in
such a way that they do not become
opposed to the detailed verses. For
instance, God Almighty has clearly
declared that shirk [association of partners
with God] shall not be forgiven. But the
‫�ا‬
Quranic verse: ‫[ ان اللہ یغفرالذنوب جمیع‬Surely,
Allah forgives all sins. (Surah az-Zumar,
Ch:39: V.54)] appears to contradict the
verse that says shirk shall not be forgiven.
Therefore, it would be heresy to interpret
this verse in a sense which is contrary to
categorical and decisive verses.” (Haqiqatul-
Wahi, pp. 209)
In light of the above, Hazrat Ahmadas
states that the verse in question “does
not mean that salvation can be achieved
without believing in the Prophet. Rather,
what is meant is that salvation cannot be
achieved without believing in Allah […]
and in the Last Day. And complete belief
in Allah is possible only when one believes
in His Prophets […].” (Ibid., pp. 208-209)
Hazrat Ahmadas calls to attention the
two types of verses of the Holy Quran: The
muhkamat (categorical) and mutashabehat
(allegorical), where the former are clearly
defined in their meaning, the latter allude
to the details mentioned in the former. He
classes the verse in question among the
mutashabehat and derives its complete
meaning from a verse that is clearly from
the muhkamat:
“Surely, those who disbelieve in Allah
and His Messengers and desire to make
7
a distinction between Allah and His
Messengers, and say, ‘We believe in some
and disbelieve in others’, and desire to take
a way in between;
“These indeed are veritable disbelievers,
and We have prepared for the disbelievers a
humiliating punishment.” (Surah an-Nisa,
Ch.4: V.151-152)
As we pair these two verses, in light of
Hazrat Ahmad’sas commentary, we urge
readers to note again that Allah reserves,
yet again, the right to punish such people
Himself (wa a’tadna).
Hazrat Ahmadas does, however,
elaborate on the understanding of the verse
with exceptional circumstances where the
message of the Prophet Muhammadsa has
not been conveyed to someone sufficiently
and appropriately. If it has, one’s denial
would amount to kufr (disbelief) and
leave him devoid of the right to salvation.
However, “the knowledge of whether
sufficient evidence has been furnished lies
with God Almighty alone.” (Haqiqatul- Masjid MABA| Unsplash
Wahi, p. 222)
is there to uphold his understanding of acquired through fulfilling a number
While most commentators lay the
the Holy Quran and to disseminate it, his of duties. Similarly, hell is not a result of
responsibility of Prophet Muhammad’ssa
caliphs have done so in the case of this verbal denial [kufr], but is also conditional
message being conveyed appropriately
verse too; they have however expounded with a number of conditions.
and sufficiently on the conveyer, Hazrat
the meaning for a better understanding in “No person can go to hell unless proof
Ahmadas gives a unique angle by bringing
changing times. has been fully furnished to them [itmam
into the equation the mental capability
Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud al-hujjah], even if they deny the greatest
of the person that the message is being
Ahmadra, the second Khalifa of Hazrat of truths […].” (Ahmadiyyat ka pegham,
conveyed to:
Ahmadas, having emphasised the condition Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, p. 569)
“… [R]eason demands that, since people
of accepting Prophet Muhammad’ssa Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh, the fourth
are endowed with different capabilities and
message for salvation, has further Caliph of Hazrat Ahmadas, explained the
understanding, the furnishing of ‘sufficient
elaborated on the exceptional element: universality of the verse in question. In his
evidence’, too, shall not take place in only
“We believe that hell is for those who work “Islam’s response to contemporary
one way.
deliberately and mischievously deny the issues”, he titles the debate:
“Therefore, if those who, on account of
truth […]. If one denies the prophets and “Salvation cannot be monopolised by
their intellectual capacity, can understand
their books, and his rejection is based on any single religion”, and condemns the
and recognise quite easily the divine
honesty for absence of proof (itmam al- claim of adherents of every religion that
arguments and signs and the merits of a
hujjah); such a person, in our opinion, is theirs is the only way to salvation:
faith, but reject the Messenger of God, they
deserving of Allah’s mercy. “When such a rigid, narrow-minded
will belong to the foremost degree of kufr
“Allah the Almighty categorically states and non-tolerant view is expressed in
[disbelief].
in the Holy Quran that ‫رحمتی وسعت کل شیء‬, that provocative language as generally is by
“Those who do not occupy the same level
my mercy envelopes everything; also that religious zealots, it is known to have
of understanding and knowledge, but if, in
‫وما خلقت الجن و الانس الا لیعبدون‬, that I have created produced violent riots […].
the estimation of God, sufficient evidence
every human to be my reflection, as my “But let me assure my audience that
has been furnished to them, in keeping ٰ ‫فادخلی فی‬, that
servant; also that ‫عٰبدی۔ ودخلی جنتی‬ the attribution of this bigoted and narrow
with the level of their understanding, they
whosoever is my servant, enters paradise. view to Islam has no justification. The Holy
too will be accountable for their disbelief
“Muslims comprise one-third or one- Quran has a completely different story to
in the Prophet, albeit to a lesser degree
fourth of world religions. And according tell us in this regard. According to the Holy
than the disbelievers of the first kind.”
to Maududi, one in a thousand of these Quran, salvation cannot be monopolised
(Haqiqatul-Wahi, p. 223)
Muslims misunderstand Islam and are by any single religion of the world. Even
Hazrat Ahmadas ends this debate by
indulged in innovations of disbelief if new truths are revealed and new eras of
taking the human element out of the matter
(rasumat-e kufr). light have dawned, those who live a life of
of salvation:
“This would mean that only around ignorance through no fault of their own
“Anyway, it is not for me to determine
forty-thousand persons in the world and those who generally try to lead a life of
the disbelief of each and every individual or
understand Islam; yet it is unclear how truth even if they inherited false ideologies,
whether sufficient evidence was furnished.
many of those are truly Muslim, and how will not be denied salvation by God. The
Rather, it is the prerogative of the One who
many are merely Muslim by name; meaning following verses from the Holy Quran
is All-Knowing.” (Ibid.)
that in the whole world, there are only one elaborate this point further:
As Hazrat Ahmadas has used the
in a thousand or so. ۡ َ ۡ َ َ� ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ‫ِلُِک ُ �ِّل ُاُ �ََّم ٍٍة ََج ََع ۡۡل ََنا ََم ۡۡن ََسًکًا ُُہ ۡۡم َن‬
Holy Quran as the only source in this
ِ‫اِسُکۡوُہ َفَلا ُي َُناِزُِعَّنَک ِفِي اۡلَاۡمِر‬ ِ ِ
ۡ‫ََو ۡاۡد ُُع ِِاٰلٰي ََر �ِّب ََک ۔ ِِاَّن�َ ََک َل َ ََعٰلٰي ُُہ ًًدي �ُّم ۡۡس ََت ِِقۡيٍم‬
“If all others are hell-bound, then what
ُ
becomes of ‫رحمتی ََو ِِس ََعت ُک �ََّل شیء‬, what meaning
debate, he states that while one who
has not been furnished the message ٍ ِ
would be left of ‫وما خلقت جن والانس الا لیعبدون‬.
adequately and appropriately, or one (For every people, We have appointed
This would mean God’s defeat at the hands
whose cognitive capabilities hinder them ways of worship which they observe; so let
of Satan […]
from understanding and accepting it, will them not dispute with thee in the matter of
“We have never used the word kufr
remain kafir (disbeliever) in the strictest the Islamic way of worship; and call thou
in the way of Maulvi Saheb [Abu al-A’la
sense of the term, however: the people to thy Lord, for, surely, thou are
Maududi]. We believe God to be Merciful
“He will not be deemed culpable in the the right guidance.)” (Islam’s Response to
and Benevolent; who is man to hinder
estimation of God in the context of the Contemporary Issues, p. 21 [Verse 22:68])
�ٰ ُ � َ ُ َ
ُ َ� ‫ِاَّل‬ ِ ‫الّٰل ُُہ َن َ ۡۡف ًًسا‬
verse ‫ُو ۡۡس ََع ََہا‬ ‫ا‬
salvation that comes from God?” (Masla-
‫ُیَکِّلُِف‬ ‫( ”َلا‬Ibid) (Allah He goes on to quote the verse in
e-Wahi-o-Nabuwat ke mut‘alliq Islami
burdens not any soul beyond its capacity, question here to support his argument,
Nazriyyah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 23, pp.
Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.287). before bringing in another verse of the
351-352)
Holy Quran about the ahl al-Kitab:
On another occasion, the second Caliph
�ٰ
Hazrat Ahmad’sas Caliphs on ُ َ ٌ َ ٌَُ ۡ َ
explained this issue as follows: ‫ٓاًء ۔ ِِم ۡۡن َا ۡۡہ ِِل اۡل ِِک ٰٰت ِِب ُا �َّمٌة َقٓاِئِ ََمٌة �َّي ۡۡتُلۡوۡ ََن ٰٰا ٰٰي ِِت الّٰل ِِہ‬
ً َ‫ۡيۡ ُُسۡوۡا ََسَو‬
salvation ٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ �ٰ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ� َ َ ٰ
“Paradise is not attained only through
‫ٰاَنٓاَء اَّلۡي ِِل َوُہۡم َيۡسُجُدۡوَن ۔ُيۡؤ ِِمُنۡوَن ِِبالّٰل ِِہ َواۡلَيۡو ِِم اۡلٰا ِِخ ِِر‬
Since the caliphate of Hazrat Ahmadas verbal acceptance of faith; it is rather
8 Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
َۡ ۡ
‫ََوَيَۡا ُُمُرُ ۡۡو ََن ِِباۡل ََم ۡۡعُرُ ۡۡو ِِف ََوَيَۡن ََہۡوۡ ََن ََع ِِن اۡل ُُمۡنَک ِِر ََوُيُ ََساِرِ ُُعۡوۡ ََن ِفِي‬
ََ َۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ �ٰ َ َ ٓ ُ َ
‫۔َو ََما َيۡف ََعُلۡوۡا ِِم ۡۡن َخۡي ٍٍر َفَل ۡۡن‬
َ
ۡ � ۡ
‫�ُّيۡکَف ُُر ۡۡو ُُہ ۔ ََوالّٰل ُُہ ََع ِِلۡيٌۡۢم� ِِباۡل ُُمَّت ِِقۡي ََن ۔‬
(They are not all alike. Among the
people of the Book are those who are very
pious and God-fearing, and who stand
by their covenant; they recite the Word
of Allah in the hours of the night and
prostrate themselves before Him. They
believe in Allah and the Last Day, and
enjoin good and forbid evil, and hasten to
vie with one another in good works. These
are among the righteous. Whatever good
they do, they shall not be denied its due
reward, and Allah well knows those who
guard against evil.)” (Ibid.)
The times of Hazrat Mirza Tahir
Ahmad’srh caliphate spanned from 1982 to
2003. He had witnessed the ebb and flow
of the Middle East crisis and delivered
a series of sermons on the dynamics of
global geopolitics around the issue. He
had closely observed the Israel-Palestine
conflict – something very evident from his
advice on salvation:
“There is a great misunderstanding
today, borne out of the recent political
rivalries between the Jews and the Muslims,
that according to Islam, all Jews are hell-
bound. This is totally false in light of what
I have recited before you from the Holy
Quran, and in light of the following verse:
ُ َ
‫َی ۡۡع ِِدُلۡوۡ ََن‬ ‫َّی ۡۡہ ُُد ۡۡو ََن ِِباۡل ََح � ِِّق ََو ِِب ٖٖہ‬ � ‫ُا �َّمٌۃ‬ ‫ُمۡوۡ ٰۤۤسی‬ ُ ‫ََو ِِم ۡۡن َقۡوۡ ِِم‬
(Of the people of Moses, there is a
party who guides with truth and does
justice therewith.)” (Islam’s Response to
Contemporary Issues, p. 23)
Hazrat Hakeem Maulvi Noor-ud-
Deenra, the first Caliph of Hazrat Ahmadas,
commented on the above-quoted verse
(3:116) where certain Jews are distinguished
as those who perform good deeds and are
God-fearing:
“Since Allah alone has knowledge
of who is God-fearing [muttaqin], their
matter is in God’s hands and we have no
right to conjecture”. (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan,
Vol. 1, p. 523)
He does, however, note that true fear
of God, in ideal circumstances, results in
one’s acceptance of the true faith by way of
Islam.
ۡ ۡ ۡ
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa,
َۡۡ
ۢ ‫اۡلَخۡي ٰٰر ِِت ۔ َوُاوٰٓل ِِئَک ِِمَن الّٰص ِِل ِِحۡيَن‬ the fifth Caliph of Hazrat Ahmadas, also
� ٰ ۡ
َ ُ
clarifies the issue of salvation along the
same line as that of Hazrat Ahmadas:
“Although Allah the Almighty has sent
the Holy Prophetsa for all mankind, and
made it incumbent upon all to accept his call,
and it is only through this acceptance that
salvation is possible. However, if someone
has not been furnished with proof, then,
he would not be held accountable; because
Allah does not burden any soul beyond its
capacity.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa,
Friday Sermon, 29 May 2009)
The whole debate above clearly
shows that the Ahmadiyya Muslim
community, while deeming it essential for
one to embrace the message of Prophet
Muhammadsa, does acknowledge the fact
that exceptions will always be there; just as
they are with any rule and law in the world.
The Islam presented by the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Jamaat does not, however,
monopolise salvation, as discussed in
detail above.
We now return to the early part of this
article, where we discuss how Jews are
categorised by the Holy Quran.
The political scenario of early
Islam
From the days of early Islam to the
modern-day world, we see that contention
ۡ َ ٌَُ َ (Details: Bukhari in qatl Ka’b bin Ashraf
between Jews and Muslims has revolved
around political issues. Where the Holy
Quran mentions their transgression in
matters of faith, Allah takes chastisement
into His own hands. However, in matters
to do with this world – in the context of
the contemporaneous polity of Medina and
the rest of Arabia – Prophet Muhammadsa
is advised to take action.
Readers ought to remember that
Prophet Muhammadsa was, in the latter
part of his prophetic career, a prophet-
statesman, ruling and running the affairs of
the State of Medina. Certain steps that he
took must be understood in their political
sense and not necessarily generalised as his
prophetic teachings or tenets of faith.
We know from historical sources that
the Holy Prophetsa had friendly ties with
the Jews, especially on the eve of migration
(hijrah) to Medina. Conflicting tribes of
Aws and Khazraj – the guardians of various
Jewish tribes – had invited him to migrate
and settle in Medina as an arbitrator in
their longstanding feuds.
Upon arrival in Medina, the Holy
Prophetsa took immediate steps to establish
what can be called a security-community,
where no tribe was to fight mutually but
to settle any disputes through peaceful
means. This attempt culminated in the
Sahifah – more commonly known as the
Charter of Medina (mithaq al-Medina).
The Sahifah was signed by the migrating
Muslims and the local Jewish tribes, as well
as all other tribes residing in Medina. (“The
Constitution of Medina by RB Serjeant”, in
The Islamic Quarterly, VIII [Jan-Jun 1964],
p. 3; Muhammad at Medina by M Watt, p.
225)
Traditions have it that the Quraysh
of Mecca had taken the migration and
peaceful settlement of Muslims with a
pinch of salt, and would conspire as to how
this peace could be reversed. Their defeat in
the Battle of Badr left their egos even more
Ben Ostrower| Unsplash wounded, and the Quraysh sought ways of
igniting a civil war in the society of Medina
where the nascent Muslim community
now coexisted with Jews and polytheists in
peace and harmony.
Since the victory in Badr had given
the Holy Prophetsa and his community
of Muslims a superior position, some
Jewish circles in Medina, putting aside
their contracts of peace with Muslims,
challenged them to fight; the purpose
being to prove their superiority and regain
control over Medina. (Sunan abi-Dawud,
Kitab al-Khiraj, Bab Kaifa kana ikhraju
l-yahud [How the Jews were expelled]; Ibn
Hisham)
This, alongside similar factors, led to
unrest with the Banu Qainqua and the
subsequent war with them, making them
the first Jewish tribe to breach the peace
treaty signed with the Muslims. (Ibn Sa’d)
We must remind readers here that all
tribes of Medina, including Jewish ones,
had agreed to the position of the Holy
Prophetsa as their arbitrator and a de facto
ruler of the State of Medina. The uprising
of Banu Qainqua, and those of other Jewish
tribes later on, were treated as treason
against the state and not a result of religious
or theological disagreement with the Jews.
The same applies to individuals like Asma
bint Marwan and Ka’b ibn Ashraf, who
were penalised not for their belief but
for instigating rebellion against the State.
and Abu Daud, kitab al-khiraj)
Due to the propaganda of certain
radical Islamic circles, the killing of
the aforementioned members is boldly
presented as a precedent for killing anyone
who commits blasphemy against the Holy
Prophetsa. Anti-Islam propagandists have
taken advantage of this misinterpreted
and misrepresented stance of Muslims
to use it against Islam. However, the fact
of the matter lies in the involvement of
both individuals committing treason and
instigating rebellion against the state and
not in blasphemy; nor does it suggest Islam
as having antisemitic tendencies.
The events leading up to the war with
Banu Nadhir (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-
Nadhir) and Banu Quraydha reveal how
the Quraysh of Mecca had invited them
to form an alliance against the State of
Medina and both had fallen prey. Both
battles were fought with the Jewish tribes
in the face of a rebellion against the state
and for breaches of peace treaties by both,
respectively.
While one could choose to argue,
as many orientalists have, whether the
treatment forwarded to the Jewish tribes
was justified or how it was executed for
that matter, the fact remains unanimously
agreed amongst historians, Muslim or
otherwise, that the aforementioned Jewish
tribes were penalised by the Holy Prophetsa
for breaching contracts with the state and
for instigating rebellion against it.
We conclude this section by
emphasising, yet again, that the Holy Quran
clearly assigns and reserves chastisement
for matters of religious belief, or disbelief,
for Allah in the Hereafter. However, in
matters of state affairs, the Holy Prophetsa
was instructed to reprimand those who
conspired against the state – just as any
state or its judicial system, even in the
modern-day world, rightfully would.
This distinction is important to
understand that Islam does not preach hate
or violence against any religion or faith for
their belief or even disbelief – Jews being
no exception.
Jews in Islamic eschatology
Once this fact is established that the
matter of anyone’s belief is with Allah and
he alone reserves the right to punish or
forgive in such matters, it becomes easier
to dismantle the antisemitism associated
with Islam in light of some ahadith of
eschatological nature.
To avoid making the issue more
complex instead of simplifying it, we take
only two examples of such ahadith:
1. The last hour would not come unless
the Muslims will fight against the Jews
and the Muslims would kill them until
the Jews would hide themselves behind
a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree
would say: Muslim, or the servant of
Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come
and kill him. (Sahih Muslim, 2922, Book
54, Hadith 6985)
2. The last hour would not come unless
the Muslims will fight against the Jews
and the Muslims would kill them until
the Jews would hide themselves behind
a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree
would say: Muslim, or the servant of
Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come
and kill him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2926,
Book 56, Hadith 139)
The reason I chose to give both ahadith
of the same meaning separately is to
highlight the allegorical nature of ahadith
that deal with eschatological issues.
Although the subject matter remains to be
Muslims fighting Jews, the former has the
tree tipping off the Jew hiding behind it in
human language; the latter, a stone.
This tree/stone revealing a secret
cannot be through inanimate objects
communicating through human linguistic
modes and can be seen as a reference to
sophisticated weapons or surveillance
technology.
The Jew hiding from Muslim attackers
is better understood as a symbol of
nations or individuals who betrayed the
Holy Prophetsa in the early days of Islam.
These could be any people from any belief
system, or, as the modern-world decorum
suggests, could be people with no religious
faith at all and standing in the way of the
establishment of Allah’s kingdom on earth.
However, no one can say how the
interpretation would transpire in the times
to come, and only Allah knows best. But
we know, as discussed above in detail, that
there could be any basis for the conflict, but
not any form of antisemitism based on the
Holy Quran, as the Holy Quran does not
incite violence against any religion merely
on matters of faith and belief.
To conclude, we emphasise that just
as the conflicts with Jews in early Islam
were of a purely political nature, the same
remains today in various geopolitical
settings. There are examples of Muslims
and Jews coexisting in many societies.
What we witness today in the case of the
Palestine-Israel conflict, is not necessarily
a Muslim-Jew conflict, but rather an Arab-
Zionist combat where the former would
be a clash on religious beliefs, the latter on
geopolitical struggle.
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
Responding Hazrat Ahmad’s response to
to allegations allegations - Introduction
Awwab Saad Hayat
Al Hakam
With regards to the prophets of Allah, the
Holy Prophet Muhammadsa says:
ُ َ� َ ُ َ ُ
‫ ََو ُِدۡيَّن ُِہ ْۡم ََوا ِح ٌَد‬،‫ ََوَأ �َم َِہاَت ُِہ ْۡم َشَتى‬،‫اِت‬
“Prophets are brothers in faith, despite
having different mothers, as their religion is
one.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-fada’il, Hadith
2365c)
That is, the mutual connection and bond
of these prophets is akin to that of children
and brothers, even though their mothers
are different; however, they share the same
faith. These prophets receive light, guidance,
and assistance from the same source: Allah
the Almighty.
Likewise, there is a hadith concerning
the righteous souls that believe in the
prophets:
ٌ َ�
‫اَلَأ َْر ََو ُاح ُۡجَّن ٌۡوُد َُم َجَّن ََدِة‬
“Souls are like recruited troops.” (Sahih
al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadithi l-anbiya’, Hadith
3336) This hadith was narrated by Hazrat
Aishara.
If we examine the same mutual
connection, it becomes evident that those
who oppose the paths shown by Allah the
Almighty, those who inflict unjust suffering
upon the prophets and their followers, and
those who aim to eradicate these religions at
their core share a common perspective. The
Holy Quran states:
ُُ ََ
‫ال ال ِِذۡيۡ َۡن َِم ۡۡن َق ِۡب َِل ِِہ ۡۡم �َِمْث ََل َقۡوۡل ِِِہ ۡۡم � َتﺸاِبَ َِہ ۡت َقَلۡوِۡبُ ُِہ ۡۡم‬‫ﻛِذل َِک َق‬
“Likewise said those before them similar
to their saying. Their hearts are alike.”
(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.119)
It has been over a century since the
inception of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jamaat. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of
Qadian declared himself to be the Promised
Messiah and Imam Mahdi after being told
so by Allah the Almighty.
Upon witnessing the claims and mission
of the Promised Messiahas, Hindus, Aryas,
Christians, and even some Muslims became
actively engaged in opposing him. They
began raising various objections, questions,
and ridicule. They objected to the writings,
prophecies, and revelations of the Promised
Messiahas, as well as his family. These actions
involved disrespect, vile accusations, and
the dissemination of disrespectful remarks.
The Promised Messiahas and his
Companionsra refuted all the questions
raised, provided answers and supported
their points with references on every matter,
and clarified the truth.
However, today, more than 100 years
A series looking into the allegations raised against Hazrat Ahmad’sas personality, writings,
revelations, and prophecies, along with the answers he has provided
later, it is evident that the opponents have
not changed their approach. Selecting a
word or phrase from the writings of the
Promised Messiahas out of context and
using it to create a tweet as an objection,
َ� ٌ ْ ُ َ َْْ then mocking it during a live stream,
ٍ ‫اء ِِإَخۡوَِة َِم ْۡن ََعَل‬ ‫اَلَأُن ِِبۡي‬ appears rather peculiar. Is it not ironic that
the interpretation and explanation of the
seemingly objectionable matter – which
they take out of context – can often be found
within the works of the Promised Messiahas
himself, either within the same work or in
another place?
It is now evident that individuals on the
internet who claim to be religious scholars
in the present era, and who are profiting
from it, are neither honest nor genuine
academics.
In today’s era, if a person reads a book
by Hazrat Ahmadas and encounters an
objection, reading the entire book should
ُ َ
resolve the objection. Allegations often
arise when matters are taken out of context
or not understood in their actual place.
This applies to all theological books. It is
academic dishonesty to simply read a single
line and raise an objection when one has
not even read the entire page, let alone the
chapter or the entire book.
It appears that this era’s objectors
themselves do not read a single page of the
books of the Promised Messiahas. Instead,
they simply come before an audience
with items or notes made by their older
generation. In British India, some so-called
religious scholars used to accept a big
َ ۡ َ َ� َ َ َ ٰ َ
chunk of agricultural land from the English
government in exchange for a favour, or an
unspecified service. It seems that even today,
such people still exist who have now turned
the internet into their cheapest source of
income.
Thus, in light of this, Allah the Almighty
states in Surah al-Waqi‘ah:
َ ُ‫ۡوَن َر ِْز ََق ُُک ْۡم َأَُن�َ ُُک ْۡم َتُ َُک �ِذِب‬
َ ُ َ
ِ ‫ََوَت ْج َعَل‬
‫ۡوَن‬ ِ
“And do you make the denial thereof
your [means of] livelihood?” (Surah al-
Waqi‘ah, Ch.56: V.83)
Postponement and fulfilment in
Divine Will
As an example, below we shall share
some of the revelations of the Promised
Messiahas that some objectors object to due
to their ignorance, wickedness, or lack of
knowledge, and Hazrat Ahmadas himself
provided answers to them.
In this modern age, conducting research
from the comfort of one’s chair has become
effortless. If an adversary of the Jamaat,
without conducting sincere research, merely
reiterates a commonly voiced objection and
shares it amongst individuals, he knowingly
misguides well-intentioned souls.
For example, on 9 February 1903, among
the many revelations that came to Hazrat
Ahmadas, one of the phrases was:
َ ُُ
‫اَخ ِِط ْﻲ ََو ا َِص ْۡي ُِب‬
This revelation was first published in
Al Badr, on 13 February 1903, and in Al
Hakam on 6-14 February 1903.
While explaining this revelation, the
Promised Messiahas writes that in this
revelation, Allah the Almighty states:
“I [...] will postpone or cancel My decree
at certain times and will fulfil it at other
times.” (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation
[Haqiqatul Wahi], pp. 123-124)
In this way, as the person to whom
these words were revealed has explained
the revelation, we know the meaning and
significance, and how the matter concerning
God Almighty, that sometimes He leaves
His intention unfulfilled and sometimes He
carries it out, can be observed in practice in
the world. It is evident in many instances.
For example, when the men and women of
a nation continuously engage in evil deeds
and deserve severe punishment, but due to
the repentance and reformation of some
individuals from that nation, God Almighty
changes His intention to punish the entire
nation. One needs only to consider the
people of Jonahas.
Further, Ahmadas explained:
“The words of this divine revelation
literally mean that I will sometimes miss
and at other times I will do as intended;
meaning that sometimes I will do as I wish
and at other times I will not. And sometimes
my intent would be implemented, and other
times not. Such words do occur in the
discourse of God Almighty as is reported
in ahadith [that Allah the Almighty says]:
‘I hesitate to take the soul of a believer’;
9
The Philosophy of Divine Revelation [Haqiqatul Wahi]
whereas Allah is free from hesitation. This
divine revelation that ‘Sometimes My intent
misses and at others not’ has a similar
import. It means that sometimes I cancel
My decree and intention, while at others
that intent is fulfilled as I had desired.”
(Ibid.)
Now, as the one who received this
revelation himself is explaining and
interpreting the words and meaning of this
revelation, the need for interpretations and
criticisms by other individuals, especially
opponents and enemies, diminishes. It is
an accepted fact that when an author uses a
specific word in one of his writings and later
explains or interprets that word, phrase, or
idiom in another context, no critic has the
right to question it.
The hadith mentioned by the Promised
Messiahas is also provided below. It can be
found in Sahih al-Bukhari:
ْ ْ َ ْ َ ُ� َ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ� َ َ َ َ
‫س ال ُِم ْۡؤ َِم ِۡن‬
ِ ‫َوَما َتُرُدُدِت َعۡن َشى ٍء َأُنا َفا َِعَلُہ َتُرُد ُِدي َعۡن َنۡف‬
Meaning that Allah says that He has
never hesitated as much about anything as
He does at the time of seizing the soul of a
believer. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-riqaq,
Hadith 6502)
It is commonly understood that
hesitating to do or not to do something,
being in doubt, or being indecisive, is a
human trait. However, when such words are
attributed to God Almighty, their meaning
will be entirely different, and these words
should not be interpreted based on human
conditions and knowledge. As mentioned
earlier, these words are inspired, and it
is further supported by the fact that the
Promised Messiahas has explained and
interpreted the words of this revelation
in two places. Despite this, persistently
objecting to God’s word with limited human
knowledge and reason is the approach of
adversaries, while righteous individuals do
not hold such an attitude.
10
‘O heart, be considerate
towards them’
The Promised Messiah’s sympathy for Muslims
Ata-ul-Haye Nasir
Al Hakam
Kindness to all beings is our true nature;
without it, we lose our humanity. Hazrat
Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, the
Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, peace
be upon him, admonished his Community
in the following words:
“Be mindful that, in my estimation, the
scope of sympathy is very wide. One should
not exclude any group or individual. I do
not say – like the ignorant people of this
age – that you should limit your kindness
to only Muslims. I say that you should have
sympathy for all of God’s creation no matter
who they are, whether a Hindu, a Muslim, or
someone else. I never approve of the words
of such people who wish to limit sympathy
only to their own people.” (Malfuzat [1988],
Vol. 4, p. 217)
However, he also instructed his
Community – and set it as a prerequisite
for being an Ahmadi – to be especially
considerate of Muslims because they claim
to love our beloved Master, the Holy Prophet
Muhammadsa, despite the severe opposition
the ignorant among them have shown to the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Against the backdrop of the current
ongoing conflict in Palestine and the
challenges faced by Muslims, Hazrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in
his Friday Sermon on 27 October 2023,
poignantly reminded Ahmadis to offer
prayers for Muslims, stating:
“We must feel profound empathy for
the plight of Muslims. We believe in that
Promised Messiahas, who – despite our
being regularly afflicted by them – expressed
the following sentiments for Muslims [in a
Persian couplet]:
‫اےدلوتزیناخِرطِاانیںاگنہدار‬
�ّ� � ‫�آكآرخدننكدوعٔی‬
‫ِّبُحربمیپم‬
“‘O heart, be considerate towards them;
For they claim to love my Prophetsa.’ [Izala-
e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 182]
“Therefore, our love for the Holy
Prophetsa demands that we pray intensely
for Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability
to do so and also to the Muslims. And may
He bestow wisdom upon the world. [Amin]”
During his Friday Sermon on 30
November 1917, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra
spoke about the helpless situation of
Muslims and said that the Holy Prophetsa
had prophesied that there would be a time
Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
when the Muslims would divert from the
true teachings of Islam and “they were to get
stranded in such a ‘swamp’ [of ignorance]
that none of the worldly efforts could save
them. Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa said,
at that time the Messiah would come to
save those who would be about to drown
[spiritually]. In such a situation, the only
effective remedy is the help from God, as
He sends down a ‘rope’ from Heaven. Since
prophets are hablullah [rope of Allah], God
sent the Promised Messiahas at that time
to save the world. But alas, when God sent
down this hablillah, the people attempted to
terminate that ‘rope’, instead of holding fast
to it. [...]
“They [opponents of Ahmadiyyat] desire
to efface us, however, we sympathise with
them and only pray for them. The Promised
Messiahas has also said:
‫اےدلوتزیناخِرطِاانیںاگنہدار‬
�ّ� � ‫�آكآرخدننكدوعٔی‬
‫ِّبُحربمیپم‬
“After all, they are claimants of the love
for the Quran, Islam, and the Holy Prophetsa.
For this reason, we pray for them that ‘O our
God, open their eyes so that they may see
and benefit from that [spiritual] sun, which
You have raised for their benefit, and may
they hold fast to the habl [rope] which has ‘O heart, be considerate towards them; For they claim to love my Prophetsa.’ [Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 182]
Sardar Faizan| Unsplash
been sent by You to save those who are
about to drown [spiritually].’” (Khutbat-e- Mataram Hall in Amritsar, 1920 – Part 2”, Al is present in its original form and will be
Mahmud, Vol. 5, pp. 600-604) Hakam, 16 June 2023, Issue 274, p. 13) guarded forever. […] The endeavours and
On 22 February 1920, during a lecture During his Friday Sermon on 16 May efforts which are required from the Muslims
in Amritsar, Huzoorra mentioned the 1930, Huzoorra said: in current circumstances are of such a high
opposition faced by the Promised Messiahas “The current circumstances of the level that one cannot even imagine it. […]
from his fellow Muslims and said: Muslims and the helplessness which has These are the days of great turmoil for
“The world opposed him, and the encompassed [the followers of] that religion Islam. […] Vicious storms of opposition
ones who claimed to be believers in the which came to reform the world and to grant are erupting, but the Muslims have turned
majesty and greatness of Muhammadsa, also them progress, is evident to everyone who a blind eye to it so much so that they do not
created obstacles. […] Numerous forms of holds even the slightest of love for Islam in even realise the situation. […]
oppression were inflicted upon him; stones their heart. There is no doubt that this era “You [Ahmadis] have been graced
were hurled at him [such as in Amritsar on is filled with such impacts which are against by God Almighty that He has saved you
9 November 1905], and he endured various religion, and Christianity, Hinduism, from this trouble by sending His Ma’mur
hardships. However, despite all this, he Sikhism, Judaism, and Islam, in fact, none of [appointee], otherwise, you would have
would say: them is unaffected by the dangerous waves faced the same situation as confronted by
‫اےدلوتزیناخِرطِاانیںاگنہدار‬ which are prevalent against the religion. those who have not boarded the [spiritual]
However, there is a huge difference between ark which has been established by the Noahas
�ّ� � ‫�آكآرخدننكدوعٔی‬
‫ِّبُحربمیپم‬ the attacks which are carried out against of this era. However, you should remember
“It meant that, ‘Regardless of how other religions and the ones which are the following saying of the Promised
badly they treat me despite the fact that I done against Islam, and that difference is so Messiahas regarding them:
have stood up to propagate the teaching prominent that everyone can easily realise ‫اےدلوتزیناخِرطِاانیںاگنہدار‬
[of Islam] which they themselves claim it.
to love, I remember to show sympathy to “Currently, there is no religion on the �ّ� � ‫�آكآرخدننكدوعٔی‬
‫ِّبُحربمیپم‬
them because, after all, they claim to love face of the earth other than Islam, whose “Since certain troubles were to come,
that Prophet[sa] of whom I am a servant.’” followers have their revealed Book in its for this reason, he stated that during the
(“Truthfulness and progress of Islam: Hazrat pure form, and no religion other than Islam time of such calamities and turmoils, you
Musleh-e-Maud’s lecture at the Vande has ever claimed that their revealed Book ought to take care of those people, because,
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
after all, they are amongst the ummah of
the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Therefore,
it is our duty to make every possible effort
to safeguard the Holy Prophet’ssa ummah.
[…] It is only our Jamaat which is moving
forward on the right path, and we are
required to preach Ahmadiyyat to them
since this is the only way to their salvation.”
(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 12, pp. 400-407)
During his Friday Sermon on 14
May 2021, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa
mentioned a speech of Hazrat Musleh-
e-Maudra, delivered on 26 November
1950, in Bhera, Pakistan. In that speech,
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra spoke about the
intensifying opposition to Ahmadiyyat. He
also mentioned the severe opposition faced
by the Promised Messiahas and said that
when the opposition was at its peak, the
Promised Messiahas received a revelation in
the form of the following couplet:
‫اےدلوتزیناخِرطِاانیںاگنہدار‬
ؐ ‫ِّبُح‬
‫ربمیپؐم‬ �ّ� � ‫�آكآرخدننكدوعٔی‬
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that
even though this revelation has not been
found in any narration as yet; however,
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has stated that this
was a revelation.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra elaborated on
this revelation as follows:
“In other words, ‘O Our ma’mur
[appointed one]! Even if the Muslims
hurl abuse at you, you should still have
consideration for them because, after all,
why is it that they hurl abuse at you and
try to attack you? They attack you and hurl
abuse at you because of [their love for] the
Holy Prophetsa. Thus, it is important you
still have consideration for them.’ [...] If
such people were to realise that the flame
of the Holy Prophet’ssa love which is in my
heart is not even present in millions of their
people, they would immediately fall at the
feet of Ahmadis. These people oppose us
because they think that we ‘oppose’ the Holy
Prophetsa, but this opposition is owing to the
misunderstandings on their part. [...]
“If people oppose us and say wrongful
things against me, the Founder of the
Ahmadiyya Community or you, the
members of the Jamaat should remember
that these are your fellow brothers and are
embroiled in a misunderstanding. Therefore,
instead of being angry, you should pray for
them and try to inform those who oppose
you of the true reality. Once you inform
them of the true reality, they will come to
know that we are not the enemies of the
Holy Prophetsa; rather, we are his true lovers
and those very people who are eager to kill
us would be ready to sacrifice their lives
for our sake.” (Bhera ki Sarzameen mein
Eik Nihayat Imaan Afroz Taqrir, Anwar-ul-
Ulum, Vol. 22, pp. 85-86, Al Hakam, 11 June
2021, Issue 169, p. 27)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned
another excerpt from a Friday Sermon of
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, dated 18 July
1952, in which Huzoorra said:
“God Almighty addressed the Promised
Messiahas in a revelation, saying:
‫اےدلوتزیناخِرطِاانیںاگنہدار‬
ؐ ‫ِّبُح‬
‫ربمیپؐم‬ �ّ� � ‫�آكآرخدننكدوعےئ‬
“In this [revelation], God Almighty
addresses the heart of the Promised
Messiahas and makes him profess: ‘O
my heart! Look out for the feelings and
sentiments of the people, lest their hearts
become estranged. It should not be the case
that you become frustrated and pray against
them as they love your Messengersa and it is
owing to this love for the Messengersa that
they hurl abuse at you.’
“This is the real essence of the matter.
We know that amongst those who oppose
us, one group is opposing us unjustly, but
the other group is opposing us because they
have become caught up in the trap of the
former. As such, their opposition is due to
the love of our Master [the Holy Prophetsa].
When they understand that we love the
Holy Prophetsa, they will then realise that
we strive to establish the honour of the Holy
Prophetsa and that they ought to help us. We
will certainly see this day, insha-Allah, for
how long will this misconception last?
“A Western author has written, ‘One can
deceive the entire world for a few days or
one can deceive a few people continuously,
but you can never deceive the entire world
forever.’ This means that it may be possible
to deceive all the people for a few days, or
10 people forever, but it cannot be the case
that one deceives the entire world forever.”
(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 33, pp. 221-223,
Al Hakam, 11 June 2021, Issue 169, pp. 27-
28)
During his address at the Jalsa Salana
Rabwah, on 27 December 1953, Hazrat
Musleh-e-Maudra spoke about the problems
faced by the Muslim World and called
the attention of Ahmadis to pray for the
betterment of the Muslim Ummah. Huzoorra
said:
“Apparently, it is not in our hands to
solve these problems, and in regards to the
matters in which we cannot do anything,
we still have the means of prayer [du‘a].
Therefore, I expect every Ahmadi to
specially pray for [the solution of] these
complex issues and problems prevailing in
the Muslim countries [...] so that Allah the
Almighty may alleviate these troubles with
His grace.
“In addition to prayer, there is
another method which can be utilised
for [solving] these matters, and that is to
provide appropriate advice to people, in
order to instil within the nation a spirit to
understand and solve their issues. Wherever
you go, always give appropriate advice to
the people around you, and tell them that
these are the days to leave aside the internal
disputes, to unite, and to offer sacrifices for
their respective country’s interest.
“Always remember that Allah the
Almighty has given you the responsibility
to protect and serve Islam, for this reason,
your hearts need to be filled with love and
care for Islam. You are always required
to keep in mind this love, no matter what
circumstances you face, and sympathy for
the Muslims should be your distinctive
feature. In order to exhibit practical proof of
this sympathy, you are required to pray for
them and to give them apt advice as well.
“The Holy Quran states:
ۡ � َ َ َ� ۡ
‫الِّذۡک ٰٰری‬
ِ ‫ِِاۡن َّنَفَع ِِت‬
“‘So keep on reminding: surely,
reminding is profitable.’ [Surah al-A’la, Ch.
87: V. 10)
“Another way which you can utilise to
eradicate these problems is to be ever ready
to face any kind of circumstances. Every
Ahmadi needs to make a determination
that if, God forbid, their [respective]
country is faced with any kind of affliction,
they will give precedence to the country’s
protection and sovereignty, even at the cost
of sacrificing their wealth, property, land, or
in fact anything.
“Remember, do not ever underestimate
the power of will and determination, it is
very crucial, and this is the factor which
will prepare you for practical efforts at
the time of need. There is a big difference
between ‘being ready with full strength’ and
‘being ready at the right time’. Therefore, get
ready right now, and be determined to be
at the forefront to protect your [respective]
country at the time of any affliction.
“In short, the current state of the Muslim
world is just like the tongue between 32 teeth,
which demands from the Muslims to unite
by removing their internal disagreements.
[...] Members of the Jamaat are required to
realise the gravity of this situation and to
fulfil their responsibilities. Meaning that,
on one hand, they should pray [for the
Muslim world] and instil within the people
a national spirit by giving them appropriate
advice, and on the other hand, get ready to
face the difficult circumstances.” (Al Fazl, 5
January 1954, p. 4)
During his Friday Sermon on 14 May
2021, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned
the opposition to the Jamaat and said:
“Despite listening to their harsh
statements, we continue to pray for the
Muslims in general. We are pained by
their suffering and this indeed is due to the
teachings of the Promised Messiahas and
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya
Sweden takes part in
national book fair
Kashif Virk
Missionary, Sweden
From 28 September to 1 October 2023, the
National Book Fair of Sweden was held in
Gothenburg. On this occasion, publishers,
NGOs, government authorities and media
outlets among others partake and arrange
exhibitions. The event is visited by around
100,000 people annually.
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sweden regularly
takes part in the event. This year, the focus
was to highlight the teachings of the Holy
Quran (#KoranenLär) and invite visitors
to #AskAMuslim (#FrågaEnMuslim). These
efforts to create dialogue are gaining wider
recognition in Swedish society day by day.
Around 40 copies of the Holy Quran
were distributed. Several copies of World
Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, Life of
Muhammad, as well as other books, were
provided to the visitors. Hundreds of people
had long conversations with us and asked a
wide range of questions. Many stopped by
just to express their appreciation for our
initiative. We had interesting one-to-one
discussions and several of them went on
for more than half an hour. Around 1,500
people engaged with us over the course of
four days.
At the stall, several talks were held
with invited panellists on different topics
11
this was the very instruction given to him
by Allah the Almighty as well. The cruelties
which they perpetuate are owing to their
misunderstanding and due to their love
for the Holy Prophetsa, which they claim to
have, irrespective of whether they actually
demonstrate it or not, but nonetheless, this
is what their claim is.” (Al Hakam, 11 June
2021, Issue 169, p. 26)
Huzooraa further said:
“We ought to pray for our opponents.
As I mentioned earlier, this is what the
Promised Messiahas has taught us that we
ought to pray for them and it is from among
these people that such ardent devotees will
emerge and accept [the message].” (Ibid., p.
27)
Huzooraa continued:
“When these people oppose us, it is
beneficial for us; through this [opposition],
the message of Ahmadiyyat is reaching
those places it had never reached before,
or we did not have the means to spread the
message there. Subsequently, some people
from among them make contact with the
Jamaat. Therefore, it is our responsibility to
pray and remain patient and this is the best
way which will grant us success, insha-Allah.
It is our task to ensure our thoughts and
sentiments are free from any malice against
our fellow Muslims. Continue to pray for
them – may Allah the Almighty quickly
open their eyes and may they recognise and
accept the Imam of the age.” (Ibid, p. 28)
related to the ongoing topic of burning
holy scriptures. The topics included themes
such as sacred scriptures, hate speech and
Swedish law. Several hundred visitors
watched these talks at our exhibition.
Among the invited panellists were notables
such as the Archbishop of Sweden Martin
Modéus, famous writer Christer Sturmark,
police inspector Ulf Bostrom, former
minister of justice Thomas Bodström,
columnist Henrik Jalalian, professor of
political science Bo Rothstein and national
secretary for the Humanist society in
Sweden Ulf Gustafsson.
Before each panel, a Khadim recited the
Holy Quran. This attracted a lot of people.
Among other visitors at our stall were
Anders Arborelius, Cardinal of the Catholic
Church, Louise Thunström, member of
parliament, as well as several bishops,
priests and professors.
An inspiring incident that happened at
the stall was when an atheist approached us
and asked us what the stall was about. When
we informed him that the aim was to convey
the teachings of the Holy Quran, he said
that it was of no benefit to him since he was
not a believer. After a brief discussion, he
left. Later, he came by the stall and said that
he wished to buy a copy of the Holy Quran.
MTA Sweden provided coverage of the
event and recorded the talks held at the stall.
12
The Promised Messiah’s Ilm al-Kalam
and method of argumentation - Part I
Aizaz Khan
Missionary, Canada
ٌ َ ْ َ َ
‫ََو ِِا �َّن َکَلَاِم ِ ْْي ِِمْث ََل ََس ْْی ٍٍف َقا ِِطٌع‬
� ُ ُ� ْ ْ َ َ َ� َ
‫الُّصُخوِرِ ُيُ ََؤ ِِّث ٗٗر‬ ‫َو ِِاَّن َبَیاِنِْي ِفِْي‬
“Indeed, my discourse is powerful like a
sharp sword,
And surely, my arguments even
penetrate the hardest hearts.” (Hamamatul
Bushra, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 7, p. 332)
Introduction
One day, in April of 1893, two highly
reputable Christian missionaries were
having a dispute about an upcoming debate
between Christianity and Islam. Their
dispute went something like this:
Dr. Henry Martyn Clark: Some men
from Qadian are here to settle the date and
conditions of a debate. Come, let’s settle the
matter with them.
Abdullah Atham: What have you done,
Dr. Clark? If you had chosen any of the
other one hundred maulvis, I would not
care at all. But why have you deliberately put
your hand in a wasp’s nest? To meddle with
Mirza Qadiani is not easy at all—in fact, it is
extremely difficult! Near impossible! You’ve
caused this chaos, so go handle it yourself! I
will not go now; nor will I be a part of this
debate!
Dr. Henry Martyn Clark: Abdullah!
You are the warrior of Christianity, and only
you can handle this task. I’ve gone through
the trouble of helping arrange this event by
placing my trust in you […] and yet you
have the audacity to refuse to be a part of it?
Mark my words, you will certainly be a part
of this debate!
Hearing this, Abdullah Atham
reluctantly followed Dr. Clark back to his
home, where some companions of the
Promised Messiahas were awaiting their
arrival. As soon as he sat to settle the date of
the debate, the following words escaped his
lips: “Oh! I am indeed a dead man!!” (Hayat-
e-Tayyibah, p. 150)
This exchange occurred prior to the
famous “Jang-e-Muqaddas” (Holy War)
debate between Christian missionaries
and the Promised Messiahas in 1893. The
natural question that arises here is, why was
Abdullah Atham so terrified of debating the
Promised Messiahas? What was it about the
Promised Messiahas that instilled fear into
the hearts of his opponents? A significant
part of the answer to this question is
what this article will attempt to elucidate:
The Promised Messiah’sas Ilm al-Kalam
(scholastic theology or dialectics) and
method of argumentation.
An important note
It must be clarified here that the Promised
Messiahas, when addressing the maulvis,
would occasionally adopt their style to
counter their arrogance and presumed
knowledge. However, he typically did not
adhere to their pre-set criteria; instead, his
discourse was devoid of any affectation
(takalluf) and stood out as uniquely
beautiful and impactful. The Promised
Messiahas was not a mutakallim (one who
dialogues) in the colloquial sense, nor did
he ever claim to be; rather, as a prophet sent
for the revival of Islam and to bring about
its ultimate victory, the Promised Messiah’sas
status is unimaginably beyond the rank of a
mere debater. Bestowed the title of Sultan-
ul-Qalam (The champion of the pen) by
Allah Himself (Tadhkirah [English], p. 91),
the Promised Messiah’sas Ilm al-Kalam – as
we refer to it for the sake of consistency and
familiarity – was established and inspired by
Allah the Almighty and is in a rank of its
own. The Promised Messiahas writes:
“I particularly experience God’s
miraculous power when I put my pen
to paper. Whenever I write something
in Arabic or Urdu, I feel as if someone is
instructing me from within.” (Nuzul-ul-
Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 434)
What is Ilm al-Kalam?
The term Ilm al-Kalam comprises two
separate words: Ilm and Kalam. The
meanings of the word Ilm include: knowing,
finding out, and enquiring. It can also
mean knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, and
acquaintance (Feroz-ul-Lughaat, Urdu Jami’,
p. 845). The word kalam, literally, means
‘discourse’ or ‘to converse’. In the Urdu
lexicon, kalam has been defined as, ‘speech,
discourse, and conversation’ (Ibid, p. 939).
Al-Munjid, the Arabic lexicon, has defined
the literal meaning of al-kalam as ‘al-qawl’
(saying or discourse) (Al-Munjid, p. 695).
In terminology, when the words ‘ilm
and kalam are used together as a compound
word, a particular category of ‘ilm or
knowledge is implied. Syed Suleiman Nadvi
writes in the preface to Allama Shibli
Nomani’s book, “Al-Kalam”:
“Ilm al-Kalam is an art in which rebuttals
are given to allegations and doubts raised
by opponents of religion and in which the
truthfulness of religious doctrines is proved
using traditional and rational evidence.”
(Preface to the book Al-Kalam, 2012)
In essence, Ilm al-Kalam is the method
used by religious scholars to defend
Islamic doctrine through powerful and
well-grounded responses and to prove the
truthfulness and superiority of Islam as a
divinely revealed religion.
Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
Purpose of Ilm al-Kalam –
Resolving religious disputes
Religious dialogue and the use of Ilm al-
Kalam are the first steps in resolving religious
disputes and completing an argument (‫ِمامتا‬
‫ )تجح‬on an opposing party. The Promised
Messiahas states:
“This has been the way to resolve all
religious issues from time immemorial:
that when two parties differ, they first try
to decide on the basis of the record [i.e.,
traditions] available in the scriptures. When
a decision cannot be reached on the basis of
written evidence, they turn to reason and
try to decide with rational arguments. Then,
when an issue cannot be resolved with
reason, they seek a heavenly decision and
take the heavenly signs as the arbitrator.” (A
Gift for the Queen, p. 24)
The Promised Messiah’sas
principles of argumentation • Traditional proofs (‫ )یلقن داللئ‬i.e. first the
Holy Quran and then those Ahadith that
The Promised Messiahas has not expressly
are in harmony with Qur’anic teachings
defined the term Ilm al-Kalam in his
and principles
writings. However, if we analyse his writings
as a whole, we find that his method of • Rational proofs (‫)یلقع داللئ‬
argumentation comprises – but is not • Heavenly proofs, i.e., fulfilled prophecies
limited to – the following foundational or miracles that one witnesses. (Malfuzat,
components: Vol. 3, pp. 293-296 (1988 edition)
1. Every statement during a dialogue must
be based on viable proof, and every
Reformation of religious dialogue
tenet of faith (‫ )عقیدہ‬must be proven In the time of the Promised Messiahas, and in
with clear and manifest arguments. the era before his advent, religious scholars
2. Both traditional or textual (‫ )یلقن‬and would engage in inter-religious dialogue
rational (‫ )یلقع‬arguments should be with the sole intent of embarrassing their
presented during dialogue; only logical opponents, not with the intent of guiding
arguments should be presented to those them. Furthermore, scholars would pick
who are not confined to, or bound by, points from external sources and attribute
any revealed book. them to their own religions, thereby forcing
appeal and attraction in an artificial and
Note: The word ‫“( یلقن‬traditional”) refers
deceitful manner. Consequently, seekers
to arguments extracted from a religious
after truth were unable to decide between the
scripture or text that someone is bound by
various religions. The Promised Messiahas
and cannot dismiss or refuse to accept, i.e.,
reformed this style of religious dialogue
the holy books and sacred texts of various
and proposed a process by which the truth
religions.
of a certain religion could be determined.
3. Whereas refutations must be presented Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states, regarding
to arguments posed by the opposing this, that the Promised Messiahas turned the
religions, the superiority and greatness tables on this useless tactic and stated that
of one’s own beliefs should also be by exposing the weakness of a person, the
proven. (Kasr-e-Saleeb, Ataul Mujeeb truth of a religion cannot be established,
Rashed, p. 11) and also that debating on one single matter
The importance of these foundational cannot manifest the truth of a religion. The
components of argumentation can be process by which one recognises the truth
understood from the fact that the Promised of a religion should comprise the following
Messiahas argues that there are only three points:
ways of satisfying the human intellect, 1. Witnessing/Personal Experience: for
without which a person’s erroneous beliefs, example, if the purpose of the religion
which have been passed on to them and is to grant someone closeness to Allah,
inherited through generations, simply then it should prove that by following it,
cannot be rectified. The only three ways to nearness to God will be attained. Simply
emancipate the human mind are:
Continued on next page >>
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
<< Continued from previous page
a few moral and philosophical teachings
cannot prove a religion to be true.
2. The claim and the support for that claim
should both be present within the revealed
book of the religion—the wisdom behind
this is that God’s word cannot be without
supportive evidence. “It shall, however,
never be allowed that one should make
up some argument oneself to try and help
the Revealed Book in a way similar to the
help offered to a weak and helpless man,
or a corpse that is put in motion with the
support of one’s own arm and one’s own
hand.” (The Holy War [Jang-e-Muqaddas],
p. 28)
3. Every religion that claims to be universal
should prove that its teaching satisfies
every natural inclination of man and
that it fulfils every need of man. (Hazrat
Masih-e-Maud Ke Karnamay, Anwar-ul-
Ulum, Vol. 10, pp. 192-193)
Revolutionary Method of
Argumentation
The methodology outlined above was such
that whether or not the opponents accepted
its conditions, their own faiths were
suddenly in danger. The second condition
alone (to prove each and every single one
of their arguments from their own revealed
scriptures, with claims and supports) put
opponents in a dilemma. Hazrat Musleh-e-
Maudra writes:
“This was such a solid principle that
advocates of other religions could never
reject it. If they did, they would in effect
be admitting that the claims they make on
behalf of their religion are not to be found
in their scriptures. And, if the claims are to
be found in the scriptures, then why are the
arguments missing from them?” (Invitation
to Ahmadiyyat, pp. 167-168)
Opponents of Islam used to make up
stories and attribute them to their faiths
deceitfully in order to appeal to the general
population. The thing they feared most
was that they would be exposed, and they
thus wished not to accept this condition of
dialogue. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states,
regarding this, that:
“When this principle was applied to
other religions, it was found that almost 90%
of their claims could not be found in their
respective scriptures. As for the claims that
were found in the scriptures, almost 100%
were without accompanying arguments.”
(Ibid., p. 168)
Further, regarding the magnificence
of the Promised Messiah’sas Ilm al-Kalam,
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says:
“They [the opponents] were so dispirited
that to this day they have not found a way
to counter this point, nor will they ever do
so. This theological discourse is so perfect
and superior that it cannot be rejected, nor
can falsehood be upheld in its presence. As
this criterion is employed more and more,
advocates of false religions will withdraw
from the field of religious debate, the
vulnerability of these religions will become
further apparent to their followers, and the
world will witness the fulfilment of God’s
promise that Islam will triumph over all
religions.” (Ibid., pp. 168-169)
(To be continued …)
A single drop of water can
quench the flames of war
M Adam Ahmad
Al Hakam
A fire raged in the middle of a huge forest,
threatening to consume everything in its
path. Amidst this chaos, a sparrow took
flight to a nearby stream. Collecting a single
drop of water in its beak, it began to play its
part in extinguishing that blazing inferno.
Observing her insignificant efforts, an eagle
mocked this little bird and said:
“With so little water, how can you
possibly hope to put out the fire? You must
save yourself and fly away, as there is nothing
you can do.”
The sparrow replied:
“I don’t care if I die, as my contribution
to putting out this fire – even if it’s just a
single drop of water – is what matters, not
what I can accomplish.”
The clouds in sight were so much moved
by this small yet very powerful deed, that
they poured out rain as soon as she finished
speaking, saving the entire forest from the
impending catastrophic fire that was about
to destroy everything.
This parable conveys a very profound
lesson about the strength of seemingly
insignificant efforts that can ultimately
make a huge difference. As Mother Teresa
once said, “I do not agree with the big way of
doing things. What matters is the individual.
If we wait till we get the numbers, then we
will be lost in the numbers, and we will never
be able to show that love and respect for the
person.” (Stories Told by Mother Teresa, by
Edward Le Joly and Jaya Chaliha, p. 122)
In the current plight of Palestine, we,
Tabligh exhibition
held in Malaysia
Abdul Aziz Bin M Ibrahim
Secretary Tabligh, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya
Malaysia
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Penang, Malaysia,
held an informative exhibition in Penang.
This event aimed to shed light on the life and
teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,
offering a bridge of understanding to the
non-Muslim community of Penang.
Set against the spacious backdrop of
a well-lit hall, the exhibition showcased
elegantly designed banners. The exhibition
table displayed an array of pamphlets and
literature, inviting attendees to learn more.
While the event was not bustling with
attendees at the captured moment, its serene
environment provided a quiet space for
contemplation and learning.
as concerned citizens of the world, must
acknowledge that even minute efforts – like
a single drop of water – can eventually lead
to a resolution and peace in the region.
Allah the Almighty says:
ُ َ َ َ ََۡ ُۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ
‫اَن َذا ُق ۡۡرٰبٰی‬
‫َو ِِاَذا ُقۡلُتۡم َفاۡع ِِدُلۡوا َوَلۡو َک‬
“And when you speak, observe justice,
even if the person concerned be a kinsman.”
(Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.153)
This verse emphasises how important
it is to uphold justice, even when doing
so requires one to go against the interests
of their closest friends and relatives. It is a
poignant reminder that justice must always
be adhered to, disregarding completely one’s
own preferences or allegiances. People are
urged to put their moral principles above
their affiliations and loyalties in order to
pursue righteousness and guarantee that
justice is served. This principle attests to
the obligation of standing up for what is
right regardless of one’s vested interests or
conflicting associations.
The founder of Islam and the greatest
upholder of justice, Prophet Muhammadsa
advised mankind not only to help the
oppressed but also the oppressor by
preventing him from committing acts
of cruelty. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-
mazalim, Hadith 2444)
It is thus our moral duty to speak out
against injustice and actively assist the
oppressed, as in another hadith, the Holy
Prophetsa is reported to have said that if
people witness an oppressor and do not stop
them from committing oppression, it is very
likely that Allah shall punish all of them.
Jalsa Seerat-un-Nabi held in
Villarrica, Paraguay
Mishaal Baten
Paraguay Correspondent
On 1 October 2023, a group of Ahmadi
and non-Ahmadi friends gathered at the
Asunción Mission House in anticipation of
a road trip. We headed to Villarrica, a city
nestled in the heart of Paraguay to celebrate
Jalsa Seerat-un-Nabi. Villarrica is located
150km from the capital and a 3-hour bus
ride. 22 passengers boarded the bus to
attend this blessed event.
This was a historic event as Jalsa Seerat-
un-Nabi was being celebrated in Villarrica
for the first time. The event was well
organised with the active participation of
local members and contacts. Just before the
event commenced, participants partook in
lunch followed by the Zuhr prayer.
13
(Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-fitan, Hadith
2168)
Currently, many social media platforms
are rife with support for the disproportionate
response by Israeli forces against the October
7th attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, thousands
of innocent civilians, mostly women
and children, are being brutally killed in
Palestine. Apparently, the IDF is “literally
bombing everything but Hamas inside of
Gaza”, an American political commentator,
Jackson Hinkle, said.
It might be difficult to speak up against
injustices committed by people who are
close to us, but “some Jewish rabbis have
also spoken out in favour of justice and
against oppression [of Palestinian people].”
(Friday Sermon, 20 October 2023)
It is imperative that we take the first
step, small as it may be, because these little
efforts act as catalysts for change. Leading
by example, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may
Allah be his Helper, openly spoke against
the atrocities being perpetrated against
the Palestinian people, and advised that,
“Muslim countries should speak in unity
and with one voice. If the world’s Muslim-
majority nations, often cited as 53 or 54
in number, were to speak as one, it would
indeed be a powerful force and would make
a significant impact.” (Ibid.)
We might not see a sudden shift, but
history has shown that persistent efforts,
no matter how small, can eventually bring
about a huge change. Similar to the bird that
brought water to the forest fire, our little
actions can have a big impact on the process
of bringing about peace in the Israel-
Palestine issue.
The formal event started shortly after
and began with the recitation from the
Holy Quran with its translation, followed
by an Arabic qaseedah, hadith, and an
introduction to the life of the Holy Prophetsa.
After this, Ataul Ghalib Sahib, the
missionary in Villarrica, delivered a speech
on “The Holy Prophet’ssa Treatment of
non-Muslims.” An address was delivered
by missionary-in-charge Paraguay, Abdun
Nur Baten Sahib on “The Holy Prophetsa, a
Mercy for Mankind.”
The event was concluded with silent
prayer and refreshments. The event had a
good turnout with a total of 37 attendees.
The participants had the opportunity to stop
by the local mission house before heading
back to Asuncion.
14
An Islamic view of magic and
Oyekola Nabeel-Ahmad
Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya International,
Ghana
Recently, a British University, the University
of Exeter, has started a postgraduate course
in Magic and Occult Sciences. According to
The Guardian, it said the aim of the university
“is seeking to harness growing interest in the
subjects with a course that will explore the
history and impact of witchcraft and magic
around the world on society and science.”
(www.theguardian.com/education/2023/
oct/04/exeter-university-masters-degree-
magic-occult)
Leader of the course, Professor Emily
Selove, said:
“A recent surge in interest in magic and
the occult inside and outside academia lies
at the heart of the most urgent questions of
our society. Decolonisation, the exploration
of alternative epistemologies, feminism,
and anti-racism are at the core of this pro-
gramme.” (Ibid.)
The concept of magic, charms, witch-
craft, amulets, superstitions, and so on is
not new to our societies. We can find traces
of such beliefs deeply rooted in all nations;
from the Americas to Europe, Asia to Aus-
tralia to Africa; all pre-modern and mod-
ern cultures are replete with the concept of
witchcraft, magic, or the occult.
So, what does Islam say about such con-
cepts? Is there any reality in magic, witch-
craft, etc.?
Islam’s stance on magic
The Holy Prophetsa of Islam, who was sent
to the Arabs to reform them of their wrong
practices and to establish the Unity of God
on earth, dispelled them of this concept of
magic, occult sciences and superstition.
Allah the Almighty declares this belief
or practice to be of no benefit to humankind
whatsoever. The Holy Quran says:
ََ ُ َ� ُ ْ ُ َ َ
‫الَّساِح ُُِر ََح ْْيُث َأَتى‬ ‫َوَلا ُيْف ِِلُح‬
“And a magician shall not thrive, come
where he may.” (Surah Ta Ha, Ch.20: V.70)
A question was posed to Hazrat Mirza
Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVra, during
his visit to Nigeria in 1988 regarding magic,
witchcraft, etc. He answered:
“The Holy Quran does not permit
witchcraft and, in fact, does not recognise it.
In reality, the Holy Quran mentions a kind
of witchcraft or, let us call it magic, in one
particular instance, and explains the nature
of magic there.
“Having understood this point, we have
no right to misinterpret this notion because
the Holy Quran has made it manifestly clear
as to what magic is. I am referring to the
occult sciences
incident of Moses when he was confronted
by the ‘magic’ of Pharaoh and his magicians.
“Referring to the magicians, the Holy
Quran states that what they did was not real
– it was not that they converted the ropes
into snakes, they applied magic to the eyes
of the onlookers, to the eyes of the observers:
“‘They enchanted the eyes of the people.’
[Surah Al-A’raf, Ch.7: V.117]
“It was made to appear to them that the
ropes had turned into snakes. This ‘magic’
has been analysed by the Holy Quran itself.
It was, in fact, a kind of hypnotism that does
not bring about a real change in the matter
created by God.” (www.alislam.org/question-
answer/islam-and-witchcraft/)
Ill-omens
Those who practise or believe in magic hold
this notion that they can target people as if
they possess the power to cast evil or good
upon anyone they wish. However, the Holy
Quran strongly rejects this belief, as it states:
َ� َ � ً ْ ْ ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ
َ ‫الَّس ََم‬
‫اِت‬
ِ ‫اَو‬ ‫ّلِّه َما لَا َيْم ِِلُك َلُهْم ِرِْزًقا ِِّمَن‬
َ ‫يُع‬
ُ ‫ََوالَأَ ْْرِض َش ْْي ًًئا ََولَاَ َيَ ْْس ََت ِِط‬
‫وَن‬
“And they worship beside Allah such
as have no power to bestow on them any
gift from the heavens or the earth, nor can
they [ever] have such power.” (Surah an-
Nahl, Ch.16: V.74)
Similarly, misfortunes are trials from
Allah and should not be seen as a result of
magic, witchcraft, etc. In one narration, the
Holy Prophetsa warns against such beliefs,
saying:
َ� َ� َ�
‫ ُ ََو ََما ِِمَّنا ِِإَّلا ََوَل َ ِِك �ََّن الَّل ََه‬،‫ َثَلَاًثا‬،‫الِّطَي َ ََرُة ِِش ْْرٌك‬
� َ َ� ُ ُ ْ ُ
‫ُيْذ ِِهُبُه ِِبالَّتَوُّك ِِل‬
“Taking omens is shirk [polytheism];
taking omens is shirk; taking omens is shirk.
Every one of us has some, but Allah removes
it by trust [in Him].” (Sunan Abu Dawud,
Kitab at-tibb, Hadith 3910)
Thus, it is also not right to consider days
and dates to be ‘evil’, as some tend to do. The
decree of good and evil is in the hands of
Allah and likewise, the stars and rotation of
the heavenly bodies are under the laws and
direction of Almighty Allah. (Surah al-A‘raf,
Ch.7: V.55)
Hence, one should keep supplicating to
Allah and also continue to give charity for
one to be safeguarded from the ill effects of
one’s actions and calamities. It is reported in
Sahih Muslim:
ً َ َ َ ْ َ ٌ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ً َ� َ َ َ ْ َ
‫يَن َل َ ْْيَلًة‬
‫َمْن َأَتى َعَّراًفا َفَسَأَلُه َعْن َشْي ٍٍء َلْم ُتْقَبْل َلُه َصَلاٌة َأْرَب ِِع‬
“He who goes to one who claims to tell
about matters of the Unseen and believes
in him, his prayer will not be accepted for
forty days.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab as-salam,
Hadith 2230)
Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
Evil eye
About the effect of an ‘evil eye’, a popular
narration of the Holy Prophetsa is usually
cited wherein he states:
ّ ْ ْ
‫اْل ََعْي ُُن ََح �ٌّق‬
“The effect of an evil eye is a fact.” (Sahih
Bukhari, Kitab at-tibb, Hadith 5740)
Similarly, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud,
Khalifatul Masih IIra, once stated:
“There is surely impact in the casting
of the eye of man and it is established in
the ahadith. Its solution is prayer. It is also
medically proven that there is power in the
eye.” (Al Fazl, 13 May 1916, p. 8)
But what does this mean exactly? Hazrat
Khalifatul Masih IVrh explains:
“Some people believe in the concept of
the casting of the evil eye. However, what
I have observed is that concentration can Julius Drost| Unsplash
indeed have an influence. This phenomenon
augur evil fortune from you…’)
is known as mesmerism.” (Meeting with
“In this manner, Islam prohibits
Lajna, recorded on 7 November 1999, Al
َ ُ َْ
ِ ‫ََوَيْع ُُبُدوَن ِِمن ُُد‬
erroneous superstitions and useless worldly
ِ ‫وِن ال‬ Fazl Daily, 1 July 2000, p. 4)
َ
Huzoorrh went on to say that in reality, means. On the other hand, making use of
ِ the correct interpretation of this is that it the proper means to counteract illnesses has
neither been prohibited by God Almighty,
is a form of mesmerism, but the rest of the
superstitions are futile. Claims that the evil nor his Prophet, peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him. […]
eye has prevented someone from having a
child are false. “Using true and proper worldly means
is not only allowed but is stressed upon
Similarly, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa
also explains: by Allah the Almighty and his Prophet,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
“Being affected by an evil eye or the
supplication of the oppressed has nothing In turn, they have prohibited erroneous
and delusional superstitions and have
to do with shirk because in both cases,
the result is effectuated by God Almighty labelled those who use such superstitions
ً َ ٌ ُ � ٌ ْ ََُ � as disbelievers and irreligious. (Al Hakam,
and not the one who casts an evil eye nor
ِ ،‫الِّطَيَرُة ِِشْرٌك‬
ِ Issue 97, 24 January 2020, p. 9)
the oppressed person. The beholder of the
evil eye merely expresses an unintentional Once, a person requested the Promised
desire and a sigh arises from the pain of the Messiahas to pray for him. The Promised
Messiahas replied, “Alright, I shall pray for
oppressed person which God accepts and
you.” The person was a little perplexed and
sets it into action.” (Al Hakam, Issue 145, 25
asked, “You have not answered my request.”
December 2020, p. 11)
The Promised Messiahas replied, ‘I have
already said that I shall pray for you.’ The
Amulets and charms
person said, “Do you not give any amulets?”
The use of amulets, charms, and other The Promised Messiahas said, “It is not my
superstitious beliefs also has no basis practice to give charms and amulets. My job
in Islam. Explaining this, Hazrat Mir is only to supplicate before Allah.” (Malfuzat
Muhammad Ishaqra states: [English], Vol. 10, pp. 253-254)
“The reality is that amulets, or charms, This indicates that come what may, our
are not useful and helpful means; they are sole responsibility and duty is to pray to
mere superstition. The sharia [Islamic law] God the Almighty, to protect us from all
does not prohibit using worldly means while types of evils.
also acknowledging that core trust and In conclusion, only prayers and taking
reliance should be placed in God Almighty recourse to Allah have been enjoined in
above any other means. After trust has been Islam. Charm, evil incantation, amulets,
placed in God, worldly means can be used sorcery, magic, witchcraft, divination,
but not amulets, bad omens or superstition. geomancy and consulting with them are all
“It is clear from the Holy Quran that the polytheistic by-products. The Holy Quran
disbelievers are those who take bad omens: is full of prayers, divine words and names
ُ َ َ� َ َ َ�
‫ِِاَّنا َتَطَّی ْْرَنا ِِبُک ْْم‬ and attributes of Allah that we can invoke to
beseech Him on all affairs and at all times.
“(They [disbelievers] said, ‘Surely we
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
100 Missionaries of Islam in St Louis,
Years
Ago... Auckland and Huntington
The Moslem Sunrise, October 1923
Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Dinra
(1881-1983)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
In the language of a writer of popular
songs, Ahmad Din is the kind of a Sheik
who does his sheiking [i.e., holding lectures
and sermons] once a week. Not before a
movie camera, but before a devout group
of [African Americans], Turks, and a
sprinkling of whites, who gather at Sheik
Ahmad Dins’ Moslem Mission at 2658
Olive Street on Sunday nights to hear him
preach the doctrine of “Alhamdolillah
Rabbil ‘Alamen,” or “All praise belongs to
Allah, Lord of the Worlds.”
The Sheik explained to a Post-Dispatch
reporter after the services that Friday is the
regular day of worship for Moslems, this
being the birthday of Adam, or “adum,”
who was the first prophet, not the first man
as many believe, he said.
“No color line in Islam”
“There is no color line in Islam, all
are brothers in the sight of Allah. Our
requirements are few. We keep in
communion with God, hold one month’s
fast during the year – during this time we
eat at night instead of in the day – join the
Holy Annual Assembly at Mecca at least
once in our lifetime, and say five prayers
a day – the Fajr in the morning, the Zuhr
in the afternoon, the Asr later in the
afternoon, the Maghrib at sunset and the
Isha at bedtime.
“When we get well established here, the
meetings will be held on Friday. Then we’ll
go through the regular Salat. I have one
hundred converts to the faith in St. Louis,
and I’ve been here six months. I hope soon
to have the necessary facilities to perform
wuzu [ablution] before our Salat.
“There is but one and the same God of
all ages, all countries and all nations; who
through His grace and mercy sends the
prophets, sacred guides and holy reformers.
Such were Zoroaster of Persia, Confucius of
China, Jesus of Palestine and the Master-
Prophet Mohammed of Arabia [peace be
on them].
“But we must not worship any of them.
Worship God alone. Christ is worshiped by
many as the son of God. He is but a prophet.
He did not die on the cross. He was taken
down from it, revived, and carried to the
little town of Sirinager, [Kashmir], a shelter
for refugee Jews, south Afghanistan on the
River Indus. Here he lived, and died full of
days, at the age of 130 years. His tomb is
visited by thousands.”
“In a pamphlet published by Moslem
Society, the [African Americans] are told
that Christianity is a failure and cannot
bring true brotherhood to the nations. ‘So
now leave it alone,’ it says, ‘and join Islam,
the real faith of Universal Brotherhood.’”
Condolence on Mr Harding’s
death
Letters of condolence were sent to the
widow of the late President Harding and
the new President, Mr Coolidge, who duly
acknowledged. We give here the letters and
the reply:
The Ahmadia Mosque, 4448 Wabash
Ave., Chicago, Ill., 10 August 1923.
Dear Madam,
The loss of your beloved husband is
indeed a keen and poignant grief for you,
but you can find this consolation that the
one whom you mourn was the darling of
the whole world, since there is no nation
that is not sympathizing with your nation
in their bereavement. Your loss is shared
by all the world. Yet the One who has
called him is dearer than all, hence I would
ask you to look to Him the Giver of life
and the Taker of it, for He does not do
anything in vain. His ways are inscrutable
indeed, yet there is Mercy everywhere. I as
a representative of the Ahmadia Moslems
of America on behalf of my community
convey to you the sincerest condolences of
all and pray to God that He may give you
fortitude and patience and may He be your
comfort and consolation in your hour of
sad bereavement.
I beg to remain, dear madam, your most
obedient servant.
Muhammad Din,
Joey Csunyo| Unsplash
Muslim Missionary.
Letter to President
Dear Mr President,
Through the inscrutable will of God, the
mantle of presidency has fallen upon your
shoulders. It is a great office and a high
honour, hence I on behalf of the Ahmadia
Moslems of America, the majority of whom
are American subjects, congratulate you
on the assumption of this office and I pray
to God that He guide you aright in the
discharge of its onerous duties.
That you were the right hand man and
a trusted friend of WG Harding, whose
sad demise the whole world is mourning,
I deem it proper to express my deep
sympathy with you and with Mrs Harding
through you, whose loss, I am sure you feel
no less keenly than any. I close it with the
prayer that Allah may direct you in the path
of rectitude.
I beg to remain, dear Mr President, your
most obedient servant.
Muhammad Din, Muslim Missionary.
Reply
The White House, Washington, 13 August
1923.
Mr Muhammad Din, The Muslim
Sunrise, 4448 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill.
My dear Mr Din,
The President has received your kind
letter, and has asked me to express to you
his sincere appreciation.
Such a message is a source of both
encouragement and help at this time, and
only the urgent press of other matters
prevents a personal acknowledgement.
15
Very truly yours,
ET Clark,
Secretary.
Notice to subscribers
With this number, the second volume of
Moslem Sunrise is complete, and with the
January issue will begin the third volume.
Subscribers who have not already cleared
their arrears must pay up all the monies
due from them and the subscription for the
third volume should be sent in advance. We
intend to turn the quarterly into a monthly
journal. If by the end of December 1923,
we can secure a fairly good number of
subscribers, or we are assured of it, then the
January 1924 number will be the first of the
monthly edition. If not, it will, as usual, be the
first of the quarterly issue. Will our readers
and patrons help us in this direction? The
monthly rates, we hope, would vary very
little from the present rates. Anyway, we will
see to it that no undue burden is imposed.
Final announcement in this behalf we shall
make with the January issue. But we assure
our subscribers that the increase, if any, will
amount only to a fraction of the present
rates. All correspondence and remittance
should be addressed to:
The Manager, Moslem Sunrise, 4448
South Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill., USA.
The Review of Religions
The only magazine of its kind published
in India every month dealing with
important religious questions, offering
a fair and impartial review of the
prominent religions of the world and
removing misunderstandings about Islam.
Subscription, $2 per annum; for sample
copy write to the Manager, [The] Review of
Religions, Qadian, Punjab, British India.
The Muslim
A monthly magazine in English to uphold
and maintain the honour of Islam. It
publishes articles on the message of the
Quran, and the life of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad[sa], and boldly refutes all
calumnies against Islam. It attempts to give
a clearer idea of God and religion generally.
Annual subscription, post free, $4 (foreign
10 shillings). Apply to the honourary
secretary Aujuman-e-Islam, No. 52, Kerban
Road, Singapore.
Opinion by Mr Wilcox of Love
Mission
Muhammad was a great sensitive medium
who got his message from the spiritual
world. He was a wonderful man and one of
16
the greatest benefactors of humanity. He had
absolute faith in the Unity of God and the
brotherhood of man. He was a man of great
ability and capacity and he won the hearts
of men by his true and deep sympathy for
mankind at large. […] He left his mark on
the page of history by establishing the great
commonwealth of Islam. – Mr Wilcox of
the Church of Love Mission, Chicago. […]
New converts
Indianapolis: Miss Laura B Howard,
Aaminah; Miss May Lee Curtis, Azeezah;
Miss Ado Streffer, Amatulghani; Miss Bettie
Saunders, Amatur Rehman; Miss Lillian
Hall, Amatur Rehman; Miss Cauders
Williams, Amatul Muqsit; Miss Virginia
Jackson, Mughni; and Mrs. Anna James,
Amatul Muhyee.
Buffalo: Miss May Hasan, Ameenah.
Ross: Mrs Rossenna Forhat, Wardy.
Trinidad: Mr AES Mondizie, Shaikh
Mohammad Ibraheem.
Illinois: Mrs Sarah Daniels, Bushra; Mr
Cleveland Gober, Azhar; Mr Edward Berry,
Bilaal; Mr William Johnson, Mobashir; Mr
Charles Zachaway, Omar; Mr Washington
Branch, Noor Ahmad; Mrs Meggie Bell,
Siddiqa; Mr Henry Peory, Noor; Mrs Mary
L Bell, Mariam; Mr Joe Davis, Dana; Mr
Guss Reed, Raza; Mr Will Washington,
Ahmad; Mrs Mary A Washington, Madia;
Mr Samuel Lanier, Abdul Momin; Master
Sammel D Lanier, Abdullah; Mr Joe
Williams, Yusuf; Mr Frank Edwards, Fazal;
Mr David J Logan, Daood; Mr Robert
Riley Gaston, Abdullah; Miss Mary Tucker,
Mariam; Mr Robert Campbell, Ibraheem;
Mr JL Logan, Abdur Rahman; Miss Tessona
Terrier, Saleema; Mr William S Hopkins,
Soleiman; Mr Atlas Terrier, Lateef; Mr
William, Robinson; Mohibbur Rehman;
Mr Augustus Dacus, Mubarik; Mr James
Justus, Yacoob; Mr Homer McQuire, Abdul
Mannan; Mr Cowasjee Karachi, Karam
Ilahee; Mr Peter Jones, Jan Muhammad; Mr
James H Brown, Hajee; Mr Robert Conty,
Rehmatullah; Mr Thomas, Abdullah;
Mr Emley Stanton, Aamil; Mrs Jewel el-
Ammeh, Amatullah; Miss Lena Dotson,
Ameenah; Mr Sylvester Stanton, Saleem;
Mr Huston Chamblee, Mukhlis; Mr Henri
R Francois, Abdul Haq; Master Francis,
Abdullah; Mrs Amelia Francois, Ayesha;
and Margarette M Francois, Omama.
Ohio: Rev. B Jackson, Junaid; Mr Davis,
Dabeer; Mr Milton Looke, Lall; Mr John
Adkin Hill, Hameed; Mr Edward Rodgers,
Rehmat; Mr CR Parker, Payinda; Mr BN
Poket, Pnaah; Mr Elijah Aiken, Aleem;
Mr William Brewer, Behram; Mr Marrell
Payne, Murad; Mr Cato Clark, Karamat; Mr
Bosken, Bakhsee; Mr W. MH, Hammaad;
Mr Green Thomas, Tameem; Mr Marshall
Cook, Qaim; Mr Sules Michel, Mukhlis; Mr
Walter B Laires, Lateef; Mr J Hall, Haamid;
Mr J Johnson, Yehya; Mr J Leo Marsl,
Mateen; Mr Henry H Hill, Hameed; Mr
Win Williams, Waly; Mr William J Malley,
Mufeed; Mr Daniel Malley, Danial; and Mr
William Coleman, Ghulam Ahmad.
Pennsylvania: Miss Sophia Zasky,
Kareema; Mr Melvin Hofmann, Shareef;
and Miss Delfina Segoviano, Saleema
Saleeman.
Missouri: Mr William Gassoway,
Khaleel; Miss Jessia Perkins, Saeeda; Charlie
Wong Hing, Hasan; Mr Charlie Jones,
Jaalib; and Mr Joseph William Reynoud,
Wali Muhammad.
Iowa: Miss Mary Allick, Mariam.
Minnesota: Mr Hyde, Alee Haider; Mrs
Nellie E Bernard, Nimat; Mr Paul Jordan,
Peer; and Mr WR Lauder, Rehman.
Michigan: Rev. RD Sutton, Rasool; and
Mr James Warfield, Ishaaq.
Honduras: Mr RD Meggs, Sadiq
Ahmad.
West Virginia: Miss Golda Boraby,
Zahabee; Miss Lula Hymore, Looloo; Miss
Sallie McCoy, Laeqah; Miss Lula Duty,
Laila; Mr JD Gibson MD, Muhammad; Mrs
Annie Ackison Shaheen, Sajida; and Miss
America Cowford, Aalia.
Kentucky: Mrs Smiley, Ayesha.
The following Moslems have joined the
Ahmadia Movement:
1. Guialudin Piang of Philippines.
2. Hassan bin Hajee Fadhell of Java.
3. Mr WM Mansoor.
Press
“Dr Mufti Sadiq, Native of India, Tells of
Faith”
“Ashland today entertains a Moslem
missionary, a man seeking converts for
the faith of Mohammed[sa], a man doing in
this country a similar task to the men and
women America sends to Africa, India and
Burma, a learned man who is the head of
the Moslem faith in the United States.
“As he walks about the streets of this
city, attention is attracted by the bright
green turban adorning his head, his heavy
grey beard and his general demeanor.
“A passerby nudges his companion,
whispering, ‘Who is that man?’ The answer
that he is a Mohammedan missionary
increases instead of satisfies natural
curiosity.
“‘A Mohammedan missionary? Why,
what is he doing here?’ These questions
are not unexpected as the friend explains
that the man is in Ashland to convert men
and women to the Moslem faith. Perplexity
grows as the passerby remembers that only
a few Sundays ago, he made a contribution
in his church to send a missionary to
Arabia, the home of the Mohammedans.
Who, what, why, etc.?
“Surely, there is something unexplained, is
his natural thought, as he puzzles over the
situation.
“But the answer to his unspoken
question lies in his own mind. What is
so puzzling about Americans sending
missionaries to foreign lands to secure
converts for Christianity? In the same
vein, is it not natural for Mohammedans
to attempt to secure converts for their
religion? Theirs would not be a religion
without faith among its members, and
its millions of followers in India, Arabia,
Africa and numerous other countries attest
to their faith.
Here three years
“Dr Sadiq has been in the United States
for three years, and spent the same length
of time in England before coming to this
country. His stay in these two countries
is apparent after a moment’s conversation
with him. He speaks English fluently his
oriental accent being noticeable only on
certain words.
“Dr Sadiq is a careful student of
government and seems enlightened with
conditions in many countries of the world.
His home is in Qadian, Punjab, India.
During his conversation yesterday, he spoke
of the great passive resistance to British
government movement and said that he
believed it would have no wide effect as the
English are permitting home rule in India
as rapidly as possible.
“The missionary will be in Ashland
for a few days more and then will go to
Williamson, W. Va., to visit Mohammedans
in that mining center. He is touring the
central states at present and says that he is
being accorded a wonderful reception in
every city.
“Dr Sadiq spoke of the broad-
mindedness of the American people relative
to religion and said this characteristic
was much more noticeable here than in
England. He said that in the United States,
the citizens were willing to listen to his or
any preacher’s remarks and to accept or not
as their minds dictated.
“‘Seven hundred citizens of this country
have become converts of my faith,’ said
the missionary. ‘There are about a million
Mohammedans in the United States, with
the majority of them in the eastern states.
I go out and visit their largest cities about
twice a year and in that way, I keep in touch
with them continually.’
“In addition to his travels about the
country, Dr Sadiq conducts regular services
when he is in Chicago. The Ahmadia
movement has bought a house in Chicago
and converted it into a church. The
Mohammedans call it a mosque, and to
make it more realistic of their life in their
native countries, they have built a large
dome on the top of the house, enabling it to
serve as a minaret for them. Mohammedans
observe Friday as their Sabbath. On this
day, the call for prayer is heard from the
minaret, and the Moslems gather in their
mosques for two hours of prayer.
Basic tenants
“They believe that [Jesusas] Christ was a
wonderful prophet, but do not believe that
he was the son of God, nor that he was
divine, nor that he died on the cross. They
believe that he was a prophet, and according
to their belief, no prophet dies on the cross.
“They believe in God as the Divine Being,
but they do not believe in the trinity, their
faith in this regard approaches somewhat
the views of the Unitarians of this country.
They believe that Christ, Confucius, Moses,
Buddha, David, Abraham, and Zoroaster
were great prophets, but that Mohammed[sa]
of Arabia was the greatest Master-Prophet
of all.
“They read and study the Christian
Bible, but obtain their religious faith from
the Koran and the laws laid down by
Mohammed[sa].
“The Moslem faith, too, has its
movements, as does Christianity, but the
Ahmadia movement, which Dr Sadiq
represents, is the only one which sends
out missionaries to foreign lands. This
movement was started by the prophet
Ahmad[as] of India.” (Ashland Daily
Independent, Kentucky, by Vernon C Bailey)
The Sunday Advertiser,
Huntington, West Virginia
“Mufti Muhammed Sadiq, a Moslem
Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
missioner of the Ahmadia movement and
lecturer on Islam and Oriental subjects,
arrived in Huntington [on] Saturday and
will deliver several lectures in this city
during the coming week. In view of the fact
that there is so little information available at
first hand on the religion generally referred
to as Mohammedanism it is expected
that his lectures will be attended by many
Huntington people.
“Sadiq is the editor of the ‘Moslem
Sunrise,’ a paper published in the interests
of the religion he represents, and he has
six degrees. Among his degrees, he has
the degree Doctor of Divinity from St.
Louis and a Doctor of Literature from the
University of Chicago.
“In an interview with an Advertiser
reporter [on] Saturday, he stated that the
name of his religion was Islam and not
Mohammedanism as it is called by writers
on this continent and the continent of
Europe. ‘We follow Muhammed[sa],’ he said,
‘but he was not God, nor the son of God, just
a man like ourselves and a prophet of God.
You ask why we should ascribe ourselves to
a man. Muhammed[sa] was the greatest of all
teachers. He gave us a complete law and a
complete religion.
“‘Our sacred book is the “Quran.” It
should not be spelled with a capital “K” as
it is commonly spelled in this country,’ he
continued.
“When asked if the followers of Islam
believed in Christ, he replied that they did.
‘We believe in Jesus Christ and a prophet,
and in one of the teachings of Christianity
that has been attached by some Christians,
we believe in His virgin birth. We also
believe in his miracles, but we do not
believe that He was God or the son of God.’
“Upon being questioned about the
origin and meaning of the word Islam, the
name he gives to his religion, he said that
it meant ‘resignation of our will to God.’
‘According to Islam,’ he continued, ‘we
have to say five prayers daily, fast for one
month every year, give two per cent of our
income to charity once a year and make
a pilgrimage to Mecca once in our life.’
These are the main precepts of the religion,
according to Sadiq.
“In reply to the quest as to whether
or not he thought that Islam had any
superiorities to other religions, he said,
‘Yes, because Islam is a progressive religion.
Every century sees an inspired reformer in
my religion. The prophet of this century is
prophet Ahmad[as] of India, the founder of
the Ahmadia movement.’
“Sadiq stated that in the three years
that he has spent in this country he has
converted 700 people to his faith. He has
a Moslem church which he calls a mosque,
in Chicago, at 4448 Wabash Avenue which
he said was his headquarters at the present
time. It is here that he publishes his papers,
the ‘Moslem Sunrise.’ His visit to Huntington
will be short, as he says that he must hurry
back to his paper and church, but that while
here he would be glad to give anyone an
interview who is interested either in his
religion or in the Orient. He is staying in
Huntington at 1955 Eighth Avenue.
“The dates of his addresses will be
announced later.”
(Transcribed and edited by Al Hakam from
the original, published in The Moslem Sunrise,
October 1923)
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023 17

Friday Sermon
Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

6 October 2023
Muhammadsa: The Great Exemplar
After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

and died. (Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, p.

The incident regarding the killing of ‘Asma
300, Dar al-Ma’rifah Beirut, 2012)
was mentioned in the previous sermon,
This incident has been recorded as
and I also mentioned that there is another
such in one of the books of history. This is
similar incident. The other incident also
another incident that has not been related
seems to be a mere fabrication. The second
through a reliable chain. It is not mentioned
incident is about the killing of a Jewish man,
in the Six Authentic Books of Hadith either.
Abu ‘Afak. It is mentioned that the killing of
It can, however, be found in some books of
Abu ‘Afak, is another fictitious incident that
history, such as Sirat al-Halabiya, Sharh al-
has been recorded in the books of history.
Zurqani, Tabaqat al-Kubra by Ibn Sa’d, Sirat
The details are as follows.
al-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Hisham, Al-Bidayah
One day, the Holy Prophetsa said to the
wa al-Nihayah, Kitab al-Maghazi by Waqidi
companions, “Who can settle the matter of
and Subul al-Huda wa al-Rishad etc.
this wretched man (i.e. Abu ‘Afak) on my
However, it is not recorded in most books
behalf?” That is, who can kill him? Abu
of history, such as al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh,
‘Afak was an extremely old man, and it is
Tarikh al-Tabari, Tarikh Ibn Khaldun etc.
said that he was 120 years old. However, this
However, as stated earlier, it is mentioned
individual would instigate people against
in some books of history.
the Holy Prophetsa and would use foul and
Similar to the incident of ‘Asma,
abusive language in his poetry against the
people have testified in relation to this
Holy Prophetsa. Upon this instruction of the
incident [about Abu ‘Afak] that he would
Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Salim bin ‘Umairra
incite people to oppose and be hostile
stood up. He was among those people who
towards the Holy Prophetsa. Following
would weep profusely due to the fear of
the Battle of Badr, his malice and rancour
Allah the Almighty. He also participated
intensified, and he openly began to rebel.
in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Salimra said,
The contradictions within the narrations
“I vow to either kill Abu ‘Afak, or I will
relating to the killing of Abu ‘Afak also
die trying.” Hence, following this, Hazrat
make this incident doubtful. First of all,
Salim bin ‘Umairra remained in search of
there is a discrepancy regarding the person
the right opportunity. One day, at night, in
who killed him. According to Ibn Sa’d and
the intense heat, Abu ‘Afak was sleeping in
Waqidi, Salim bin ‘Umair killed Abu ‘Afak,
the garden, in the courtyard of his house,
whereas in some other narrations, Salim
Hazrat Salimra came to know of this, and he
bin ‘Umar is mentioned, and according to
immediately set off. When Hazrat Salimra
Ibn ‘Uqba, Salim bin ‘Abdullah bin Thabit
reached his house, he placed his sword
Ansari killed him.
over the liver of Abu ‘Afak and pushed it
Secondly, there are discrepancies in the
down with all of his weight, so much so
reasons stated for the killing. According to
that it pierced his stomach and got stuck
Ibn Hisham and Waqidi, Salim killed him
in his bed. At the same time, the enemy of
out of his own passion, whereas according
God, Abu ‘Afak let out a harrowing scream.
to some narrations, it was upon the Kitab al-Maghazi li al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 163, Hisham.
Hazrat Salimra left him in this very state
instructions of the Holy Prophetsa that he Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, 2013; Subul al- The third aspect is regarding difference
and departed. Hearing Abu ‘Afak’s scream,
killed him. (Sharh al-Zurqani, Vol. 2, p. 347, Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirah Khair al-‘Ibad, [of opinion] about the religion [of Abu
people immediately came running, and
Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1996; Ibn Vol. 6, p. 23, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, ‘Afak]. According to Ibn Sa’d, Abu ‘Afak was
some of his friends immediately took him
Hisham, Al-SIrah al-Nabawiyyah, p. 887, Beirut, 1993) a Jew, whereas Waqidi was of the opinion
inside. However, this enemy of God was
Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001; This has also been written by Ibn that he was not a Jew. (Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabaqat
unable to recover from this deep wound
18
al-Kubra, Vol. 2, p. 21, Dar al-Kutub al-
Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990; Kitab al-Maghazi li
al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 163, Dar al-Kutub al-
Ilmiyyah, 2013)
There are also discrepancies in the
time of the killing. According to Waqidi
and Ibn Sa’d this incident took place after
the killing of ‘Asma bint Marwan, while
according to Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham,
etc., this incident took place prior to the
killing of ‘Asma. (Ibn Sa’d, Al-Tabaqat al-
Kubra, Vol. 2, pp. 20-21, Dar al-Kutub al-
Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990; Kitab al-Maghazi li
al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 161, 163, Dar al-Kutub
al-Ilmiyyah, 2013; Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-
Nabowiyyah, pp. 886-887, Dar al-Kutub al-
Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001)
It is evident from these clear
contradictions that this incident is
fabricated, fictitious, and not based
on reality. If, for argument’s sake, it is
considered that Abu ‘Afak was indeed killed,
then his other crimes, such as inciting to
kill the leader of the state, reciting satirical
couplets whilst provoking war, endangering
public peace, and igniting the flame of war,
were all sufficient for the death penalty.
Even today, the death penalty is enacted if
it is proven that a person has committed
treason against the government. It cannot
be that mere cursing was the reason for his
being sentenced to death. Likewise, just as
was the case with the incident of ‘Asma,
there is no evidence of the Jews taking any
action upon the [supposed] killing of Abu
‘Afak. Certainly, there would have been
some sort of reaction from the Jews upon
his killing, yet there is no record of such
a reaction. Hence, their silence upon this
incident is conclusive proof that it has been
fabricated.
It is also noteworthy that it is said that
these incidents took place prior to the
Battle of Badr or immediately after. They
either happened sometime before, or just
after. All of the historians agree that the
very first altercation between Muslims and
Jews was the Ghazwah of Banu Qainuqa’.
And so, if some other incident had taken
place before the Battle of Badr, then
historians would have mentioned it in this
context. As a result, based on the killings of
Abu ‘Afak and ‘Asma, the Jews could have
been justified in saying that the Muslims
were the ones to initiate conflict. However,
there is no mention anywhere of the Jews of
Medina bringing forward these incidents or
raising such an allegation.
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has
written in The Life and Character of the
Seal of Prophetssa regarding the fabricated
incidents about the killings of ‘Asma and
Abu ‘Afak:
“After the events of the Battle of Badr,
Waqidi and other historians have written
two incidents, which are nowhere to be
found among the books of ahadith and
authentic historical records. Even if a
person contemplates in terms of Dirayat,
they do not prove to be correct. However,
since they furnish an apparent means for
levelling an allegation against the Holy
Prophetsa, various Christian historians,
as per their habit, have alluded to these
instances in a very unpleasant manner. The
first of these fabricated incidents relates to
a lady named ‘Asma’ who used to reside in
Medina (there is mention of ‘Asma here
once again) and was a staunch enemy of
Islam. She would speak ill of the Holy
Prophetsa and would greatly incite people
against the Holy Prophetsa through her
provocative couplets and inflame people to
murder the Holy Prophetsa. Finally, in his
rage, a blind companion named ‘Umair bin
‘Adiyy killed her whilst she was in her home
at night, during her sleep. When the Holy
Prophetsa was informed of this occurrence,
the Holy Prophetsa did not reprimand him;
rather, in a way, he even commended the
action. (However, to say that the Holy
Prophetsa commended his action does not
mean that he actually did commend it. In
fact, I have already proven this incident to
be false.)
“The second incident, that has been
mentioned, is that of an elderly Jewish man
named Abu ‘Afak, who lived in Medina.
This person would also recite provocative
couplets against the Holy Prophetsa and
would incite the disbelievers to wage war
against the Holy Prophetsa and assassinate
him. Eventually, he too was killed by a
Companion named Salim bin ‘Umair in
his fury, during the night, whilst he was in
the veranda of his own home.” This is what
has been narrated. Hazrat Mirza Bashir
Ahmadra further writes:
“Waqidi and Ibn Hisham have even
written some of the provocative couplets
which ‘Asma’ and Abu ‘Afak had composed
against the Holy Prophetsa. Sir William
Muir and others have embellished their
books with these two incidents in a very
unpleasant manner. (The orientalists have
taken these incidents and used them as an
excuse to show how much injustice was
perpetrated.) However, the truth is that,
in the face of scrutiny and criticism, these
incidents cannot even be proven to have
occurred at all. The first argument, that
puts the authenticity of these two incidents
into question is that they are nowhere to
be found among the books of ahadith. In
other words, there is not a single Hadith in
which an occurrence of this nature has been
related, along with the names of the assassin
or victim. As a matter of fact, putting the
ahadith to one side, even various historians
have not alluded to these incidents;
whereas if incidents of this nature had
actually taken place, there was no reason
for the books of ahadith and various books
of history to be empty of their mention.
At this instance, it cannot be speculated
that since an allegation fell upon the Holy
Prophetsa and his Companions, may Allah
be pleased with them, the muhaddithin and
various historians probably omitted these
occurrences. The reason is that, firstly, the
circumstances in which these occurrences
took place are not objectionable. (If one
takes into consideration how much he
was provoking and inciting against the
government, even then, it would not have
been objectionable had this actually taken
place. Therefore, it is incorrect to allege
that the historians and muhaddithin did
not mention this on the basis of it being a
criticism of the Holy Prophetsa.)
“Secondly, any individual who possesses
even an elementary study of the ahadith
and history cannot be oblivious to the
fact that the Muslim muhaddithin and
historians have never omitted a narration
merely on the basis that it may apparently
seem to raise an objection against Islam or
the Founder of Islam. Their sure practice
was that they would never be reluctant at
all in relating whatever they found to be
authentic in terms of riwayat, merely due to
its subject matter.
Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
“As a matter of fact, the practice of some
muhaddithin and most historians was that
they would honestly include within their
collections any narration at all that reached
them regarding the Holy Prophetsa and his
Companions (may Allah be pleased with
them), even if it was weak and unreliable,
both in terms of riwayat and dirayat. They
would then leave it to the judgement of
theologians and research scholars of later
times to distinguish between authentic
and weak narrations for themselves.
Moreover, in doing so, their intention was
that anything at all that was attributed to
the Holy Prophetsa and his Companions,
whether it seemed to be true or false,
should not be omitted from inclusion. It is
for this reason that all kinds of reliable and
unreliable narrations have been gathered
in the early works of history. However, this
does not mean that all of it is acceptable;
rather, now it is our work to differentiate
between the weak and authentic. In any
case, there is not even an iota of doubt
that any Muslim muhaddith or historian
ever disregarded a narration merely on the
basis that apparently it seemed at odds with
the greatness of the Holy Prophetsa or his
Companions, or because an allegation fell
upon the Holy Prophetsa or Islam as a result.
“As such, the executions of Ka‘b bin
Ashraf and Abu Rafi‘, the Jew, which
completely resemble the so-called incidents
of ‘Asma’ and Abu ‘Afak, have been
mentioned in all the books of ahadith and
history with full clarity and detail, and no
Muslim narrator, muhaddith or historian
has neglected to mention them. In these
circumstances, since the execution of
‘Asma’ and Abu ‘Afak, the Jew, have not
been mentioned in any Hadith, and then,
the various historians from among the early
historians are also silent with regards to this
issue, it is almost clearly established that
these are fabricated tales that have somehow
found their way into various narrations,
and thus become a part of history.
“Then, if one studies the details of
these tales, their fabricated nature becomes
even more evident. For example, in the
tale of ‘Asma’ the name of the assassin as
related by Ibn Sa‘d and others, is ‘Umair
bin ‘Adiyy. However, in contrast, the name
of the assassin, as related by Ibn Duraid is
not ‘Umair bin ‘Adiyy, rather, the name is
Ghishmir. Suhaili declares both of these
names as being incorrect and asserts that
in actuality, ‘Asma’ was killed by her own
husband, whose name has been related as
Yazid bin Zaid in various narrations. Then,
in other narrations, it is related that none of
the above-mentioned people killed ‘Asma’,
rather, the assassin was an anonymous
person who belonged to her own people.
Ibn Sa‘d and others have named the victim
as being ‘Asma’ bint Marwan, but there is a
statement of ‘Allamah Ibn Abdul-Barr that
she was not ‘Asma’ bint Marwan, but in fact,
‘Umair killed his own sister whose name
was Binti ‘Adiyy.
“Ibn Sa‘d has written that the killing
took place in the middle part of the
night. However, the narration of Zarqani
establishes that the account took place
during the day, or at most, in the early part
of the night, because the narration mentions
that at the time, the victim was selling dates.
(I have mentioned all these details already.)
“The second incident (which is currently
under discussion) is the execution of Abu
AL HAKAM | Friday 3 November 2023
‘Afak. For this occurrence, Ibn Sa‘d, Waqidi
and others have written that the assassin’s
name was Salim bin ‘Umair. However, in
some narrations, his name has been recorded
as Salim bin ‘Amr, while Ibn ‘Uqbah has
mentioned the name Salim bin ‘Abdullah.
Similarly, with respect to the victim, Abu
‘Afak, Ibn Sa‘d has written that he was a
Jew, while Waqidi has not described him as
such. Then it is ascertained from both Ibn
Sa‘d and Waqidi that Salim killed Abu ‘Afak
out of anger by his own accord. However, in
one narration, it has been related that he was
executed upon the instruction of the Holy
Prophetsa. Even with respect to the time of
the execution, Ibn Sa‘d and Waqidi place it
after the execution of ‘Asma’. However, Ibn
Ishaq and Abur-Rabi‘ state that it occurred
prior to the execution of ‘Asma’. All of these
contradictions result in the strong doubt
that these tales are fabricated and false, or if
there is some truth in them, it is so obscure
that a statement cannot be passed with
respect to its details and nature.
“Another argument that establishes
these incidents as being false, is that the era
in which both these tales are said to have
taken place, is one with respect to which
all historians are unanimous that, until
that time, no confrontation or dispute had
yet arisen between the Muslims and Jews.
History establishes that the Ghazwah of
Banu Qainuqa’, was the very first battle,
that took place between the Muslims and
Jews, and that the Jews of Banu Qainuqa’
were the first ones to practically step
forward in their enmity towards Islam.
How then can it be accepted that prior to
this ghazwah, such killing and bloodshed
had taken place between the Jews and
Muslims? Furthermore, if such events had
in fact transpired prior to the Ghazwah of
Banu Qainuqa’, then it was impossible for
them to not have been listed among the
factors, etc., leading up to this ghazwah.
(These incidents have not been cited as
reasons leading to the battle. However the
killing of these two people should have
been mentioned.) At the least, the Jewish
people, who could have capitalised on an
apparent opportunity to raise an allegation
against the Muslims on the basis of these
events, that it was the Muslims who initially
provoked physical conflict, would have
raised an outcry over these incidents.
Yet, in no historical record, and even in
the works of those historians who have
transmitted these tales, there is absolutely
no mention whatsoever that the Jews of
Medina ever raised such an allegation. If
someone believes that perhaps they did
raise an objection, but Muslim historians
conveniently omitted it, then this would be
an erroneous and baseless notion. For as
already mentioned, no Muslim muhaddith
or historian has ever placed a veil upon
any allegation levelled by an opponent. For
example, in the incident of the Sariyyah
of Nakhlah, when the idolaters of Mecca
raised an objection against the Muslims for
dishonouring the sacred months, Muslim
historians recorded this allegation in their
books with unprecedented integrity. Hence,
if any such allegation had been raised by
the Jews on this occasion, historical records
would not have been empty of its mention.
Therefore, these tales do not prove to be
correct from any perspective of analysis. It
seems as if a hidden enemy of Islam either
related these tales, whilst attributing them
to some Muslim, and then they found way of
inclusion in the narrations of the Muslims;
or perhaps a weak Muslim included these
narrations into the historical record in
order to attribute the false pride towards
his own tribe that such men as were related
to him killed various harmful disbelievers.
Allah knows best.
“This is the actual reality which is
ascertained with respect to these incidents.
However, as it has been indicated previously,
even if these occurrences were true, they
cannot be considered objectionable under
the circumstances in which they took
place. In those days, the vulnerable state
with which the Muslims were confronted,
has already been described above. Their
state was exactly like that of a person who
becomes surrounded in such a place that is
engulfed by a dangerously blazing fire on
all four sides to as far as one can see, and
he has no place of escape; and such people
are standing beside him who are thirsty for
his blood. In this extremely vulnerable state
of the Muslims, if an evil and mischievous
person incites people against their Master
and Chief by reciting provocative couplets
and provokes his enemies to assassinate
him, what other solution could there have
been in the circumstances of that era,
except for putting an end to such a person?
“Then, this action was performed by
the Muslims only in a state of extreme
provocation – a state in which a minor
killing cannot be considered enough for
retribution. As such, even an individual like
Mr. Margoliouth (he is also an orientalist),
who generally takes an opposing stance on
every matter, does not hold the Muslims
worthy of condemnation on account of
these incidents.
“Hence, Mr. Margoliouth writes:
“‘Since, if the verses ascribed to ‘Asma
be genuine, she had deliberately incited the
people of Medinah [sic] to a murderous
attack on the Prophet, her execution would
not have been an inexcusably ruthless
measure, judged by any standard; and
it must not be forgotten that satire was
a far more effective weapon in Arabia
than elsewhere…and from the fact that
only the culprit suffered, it was a decided
improvement on the existing system (only
the perpetrator was killed, and not others
as well), by which satire on an individual
meant war between whole tribes. In place
of this the principle that each person
shall suffer for his own fault and not their
friends or relatives was introduced by Islam
instead.’
“If Mr. Margoliouth has any objection
with respect to these executions, it is only
with regards to the manner in which they
were carried out. In other words, why were
they not officially executed after the formal
announcement of their crimes? The first
answer to this is that even if these incidents
are deemed as being true, they were the
individual actions of certain Muslims
themselves, which were committed by them
after they had been immensely provoked.
The Holy Prophetsa did not order these
actions, and this is categorically established
by the record of Ibn Sa‘d.
“Secondly, if hypothetically, it is accepted
that the Holy Prophetsa had ordered these
actions, even still, the circumstances of
that era were most definitely such, that if
an official judgement had been formally
passed with regards to the execution of
19
‘Asma’ and Abu ‘Afak, and the relatives of his early education in Qadian. After his
the criminals were to have been informed matriculation exams, he did not go to
in advance that their people were to be college because, at the time, the Talim-ul-
executed, this could have entailed dangerous Islam College was in Lahore. Later, when
consequences. Furthermore, there was also the college relocated to Rabwah, he enrolled
strong apprehension of the fact that these in the college. In 1958, he attained a BA
incidents could have set ablaze a vast fire (Hons) degree, and in 1960, he obtained
of war between the Muslims and Jews, and his MA from the University Oriental
even between the Muslims and idolaters of College. He then obtained his PhD from
Medina.” Punjab University in 1968. Professor Nasir
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra writes, Parvazi also obtained an MA in Urdu and
“It is strange that while Mr. Margoliouth was appointed as a lecturer thereafter. He
has considered the mere action of killing began his teaching career at a government
to be permissible in light of the specific college in Muzaffargarh. He also began to
circumstances of Arabia at the time, why make literary contributions and his articles
then with respect to the method of execution were published in Al Fazl, the Monthly
was his observation unable to take into Misbah, Khalid, etc. He also had a keen
account the specific circumstances of that interest in poetry and produced very good
era? In this regard as well if he had taken poetic works. When the Talim-ul-Islam
into account the specific circumstances College was established in Rabwah, he
of that era, perhaps he would have been dedicated his life to the service of Islam
convinced that the method employed (if and joined the college and he continued
in fact these killings did take place) was to serve as a lecturer until 1969. He was
most appropriate and necessary for the appointed Head of the Urdu Department at
circumstances of that era and in the interest Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah from 1969
of the public peace (but none of this actually to 1975. From 1975 to 1979, he worked
happened.) […] In summary, firstly, the as a visiting professor in Japan at Osaka
incidents of the execution of ‘Asma’ and Abu University in its School of Foreign Studies.
‘Afak, the Jew, do not even hold to be true in During his tenure, he made a great effort
terms of riwayat and dirayat. Then, if they to strengthen the relationship between
are hypothetically accepted as being true, Pakistan and Japan. He also helped with the
they cannot be considered objectionable in establishment of the Jamaat in Tokyo. He
light of the circumstances of that era. Then, returned to Pakistan in 1979, and after the
whatever the case, may be these killings nationalisation of the colleges, he worked at
were the individual actions of certain different colleges in Pakistan as an assistant
Muslims, which were committed by them professor. From 1986 to 1990, he taught
after they had been seriously provoked, and as an assistant professor at Government
the Holy Prophetsa did not issue any such College Faisalabad. Due to being an
order.” (The Life and Character of the Seal of Ahmadi, he had to endure a lot of hardships
Prophetssa, Vol. 2, pp. 266-273) during this period. Eventually, when the
To allege that the Holy Prophetsa gave the situation worsened to the point that he was
orders to kill them is completely baseless. even arrested, he left everything and came
These are all fabricated statements that to the UK. He met Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
have been attributed to the Holy Prophetsa. IVrh and upon his instructions, he migrated
The historians have documented all these to Sweden where he worked as a professor
accounts; however, later on, the accounts in Uppsala University in Sweden from 1991
ought to have been properly assessed. We to 2001. During his tenure in Sweden, he
are thankful to Allah the Almighty, and it is also had the opportunity to be a member
His favour upon us that He has enabled us of the Noble Prize Committee for Literature
to accept the Imam of the Age. As a result, and continued to serve in this role for 16
we carefully assess and reflect over every years. In 2003, he migrated to Canada. He
matter and present it after understanding is well-known in the fields of literature
the true facts of the matter. And we strive to and academia. His wife is Amatul Majeed
provide a rebuttal against any allegation that Sahiba, the daughter of Maulvi Muhammad
is levelled against the Holy Prophetsa. May Ahmad Jaleel. Allah the Almighty blessed
Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to these them with two sons and three daughters.
academics, who spread [such false notions] His wife says, “We were together for
in order to fulfil their vested interests and 63 years, and he continuously gave me full
defame Islam. They claim to be serving support in every moment, in prosperity and
Islam, yet in reality, their actions have led to hardship; happiness and sadness. Since, I
extremism. May Allah the Almighty grant was the eldest daughter of my parents and
them wisdom. remained in Rabwah, Professor Parvazi
I shall now mention the details of some never stopped me from serving them. In
deceased members. The first mention is of fact, he served them even more than me.
Professor Dr Nasir Ahmad Khan, who was He was an excellent example of upholding
more commonly known by the name of familial relations with my family members,
Pervaiz Parvazi. He recently passed away in i.e., relations from the wife’s family, in an
Canada at the age of 87: exemplary manner. He would treat all his
ۤ َ� �ٰ َ�
‫ٰر ِِج ُُعۡوۡ ََن‬ ٰ ‫ِاَل َ ۡۡی ِِہ‬ ِ ‫ِلِّٰل ِِہ ََو ِِاَّنۤا‬ ‫ِِاَّنا‬
relations with great love and sincerity. He
would take part in all their occasions of
[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him happiness and sadness.
shall we return.] His son, Tahir Ahmad Khan, says:
He was born in Qadian. His father’s “Whatever the circumstances may be, he
name was Maulana Ahmad Khan Naseem, always had a smile on his face. He had
who was a missionary. He served as immense love for the Ahmadiyya Caliphate.
Additional Nazir Islah-o-Irsahd Muqami Until his last breath, he had this connection
for a long period of time. He had a very (with me) and would request prayers.”
bold personality and had helped organise Recently, his health took a turn for the
the various jamaats. The deceased’s mother worse and the doctors had given up hope. It
was Rehmat Bibi. Parvazi Sahib attained was very difficult for him to write, initially
20
he sent messages [for prayers], and then at
times he would send a handwritten letter,
which was barely legible, that he would
write whilst laying down in his bed. He had
a bond of great loyalty and sincerity. With
regards to his stay in Japan, his son writes:
“My father won a prize of an encyclopaedia,
which was a prestigious award at the time.
He later donated it to the Khilafat Library.
In the 80’s, he was awarded the Allama Iqbal
Gold Medal for Literature, but because he
was an Ahmadi, he was not called [for the
ceremony] and instead, his medal was sent
home.”
His daughter, Amatul Wadood, says:
“My father loved the Holy Quran dearly. He
would recite one part of the Quran every
day without fail. If I ever needed a reference
for an article or a speech, in an instant he
would tell me to search for such and such
verse and chapter. Our father instilled the
love of the Caliphate within us. He gave us
confidence that we could express what was
in our hearts and establish a bond with the
Khalifa.”
His other daughter, Sadia, says: “My
father was an ardent devotee of the Khilafat.
Through his actions and his conduct, one
would always sense a deep bond of love and
respect for the Caliphate. We have seen that
before every action, our father would write
a letter to the Caliph requesting prayers. In
his final days of illness, when the doctors
had expressed their concerns and were not
very hopeful, as soon as he left the doctor’s
room, he asked for a pen and paper. Despite
the fact that his hands were weak and were
shaking, he wrote a letter for prayers. (As
I have mentioned earlier, he would write
regularly.) He would sacrifice a lot in giving
alms. Whatever amount he would have, he
would give it away in charity.”
His maternal granddaughter, Naila, says:
“Through my Nana [maternal grandfather]
I learnt what the meaning of faith is and how
one can truly love Allah the Almighty. One
can see how a person can truly love Allah.”
She further says: “I was surprised to see his
condition and how, until his last breath, he
would constantly recite ‘All praise belongs
to Allah, All praise belongs to Allah’ by
raising his index finger. He was reciting
‘All praise belongs to Allah’ until the very
end.” She then says: “Upon seeing his love,
a flame was lit within me, and I desired that
the love he had for Allah the Almighty, the
Holy Quran, and the Caliphate, should be
instilled within me as well.”
May Allah the Almighty bestow His
forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased,
and may his children and progeny be able
to carry on his virtuous deeds.
The second funeral is of Shareef Ahmad
Bhatti, son of Ameer Khan Bhatti of
Rabwah. He passed away recently at the age
of 88.
ۤ َ� �ٰ َ�
‫ِاُنا لِّٰل ِِہ ََو ِاُنا ِال َ ۡۡي ُِہ َٰر ِۡج ُعۡوۡ ََن‬
[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him
shall we return.]
The deceased was a musi. He is survived
by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
One of his sons works in the Hifazat-e-
Markaz and the other son, Tahir Ahmad
Bhatti, is serving as a missionary in Sierra
Leone.
His son, Tahir Bhatti, who is a
Editor-in-chief: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Executive editors: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | Research coordinator: Awwab Saad Hayat | Associate editors: Jalees Ahmad, Ata-ul-Haye Nasir
missionary, writes: “My father used to tell
us that when the prophecy of the death of
Lekhram was fulfilled, at the time his own
father, respected Ameer Khan Bhatti, was
a young boy. He would say that when this
prophecy was fulfilled, the truthfulness of
Ahmadiyyat became etched in his heart,
but owing to his young age, he was unable
to go to Qadian and was unable to pledge
allegiance. Later, he pledged allegiance at
the hands of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira and
entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat. In 1974,
owing to the disturbances and riots against
Ahmadis, he had to leave Lalian and settled
in Rabwah. He used to work in textile mills,
but he never kept the fact that he was an
Ahmadi hidden from anyone. Wherever
he would work, he would tell them from
the first day that he was an Ahmadi; if they
wish to associate with him, then that is fine,
as he would always identify as an Ahmadi.”
His brother Latif Ahmad, who resides
in Germany, says, “He used to work in a
textile mill. An opponent of Ahmadiyyat
came into his department and said to
him, ‘I have come to know that you are an
Ahmadi.’ He replied by saying that indeed
he was an Ahmadi, upon which the man
started to speak ill against the Promised
Messiahas. [The opponent] said, ‘Now,
either you will stay in this mill or I will,’
and he made great efforts to persuade the
owner of the mill and to create unrest.
[The deceased] immediately began to pray,
supplicating, ‘O Allah, help me for the sake
of Your Promised Messiahas and cause this
mischief to fail.’ After a while, someone
came to him and informed him that the
person who had been disrespectful to
him earlier was sitting outside the mill in
distress. The owner of the mill caught him
stealing during one of his transactions and
fired him from the mill. The deceased was
regular in offering the Tahajjud prayers
[pre-dawn voluntary prayer] and the five
daily prayers, and always remained engaged
in supplication. He read the literature of
the Community extensively, and especially
after his retirement, he started to read
even more. A book from our Community’s
literature was always by his bedside and he
remained engaged in studying it. Whenever
the Caliphs of Ahmadiyyat would draw
attention to particular prayers, he would
immediately take part. He recited the
Durood Sharif [salutations upon the Holy
Prophetsa] very frequently.” His son, who
is a missionary, says, “When I was in sixth
grade, he would tell me to recite the Durood
Sharif on my way to, and from school. He
also referred to himself, as saying that, by
the grace of Allah the Almighty, he recited
the Durood Sharif more than 1000 times in
a day.” May Allah the Almighty grant him
forgiveness and mercy, and may He enable
his children to carry on his virtues.
The next mention is of Professor Abdul
Qadir Dahri, the former Amir Jamaat of the
Nawabshah District. He passed away at the
age of 92.
ۤ َ� �ٰ َ�
‫ِاُنا لِّٰل ِِہ ََو ِاُنا ِال َ ۡۡي ُِہ َٰر ِۡج ُعۡوۡ ََن‬
[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him
shall we return.]
He is survived by his son and five
daughters. Sammar Ahmad, his son, writes,
“His family entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat
Translations: M Adam Ahmad | Design: Tahmeed Ahmad | © Al Hakam 2023
through the deceased’s late father, Raees
Muhammad Muqim Khan Dahri. Abdul
Qadir Sahib was very a brave and honest
person.” His son further writes, “He never
hesitated to sit amidst the lower class of
society, even though it was considered
objectionable according to the customs of
that area to have the poorer class sit amongst
you equally. He acquired a Master’s degree
in Sindhi literature from the university. In
that era, there was a shortage of educational
institutions in Sindh, and so, owing to his
passion for education, he began working
as a lecturer at a college in Hyderabad.
Upon witnessing his passion for teaching,
the principal there told him to open an
educational institute in Nawabshah and
hold evening classes there. Thus, those
classes commenced and found great success.
Thereafter, the institute became a college
and was numbered amongst the renowned
colleges of Sindh – all due to his efforts.
Similarly, he also had very good relations
with the Sindh’s major politicians and their
families. He would openly tell them that
he was from the Ahmadiyya Community,
and he also advised his children never
to conceal their faith in Ahmadiyyat. He
always said, in the Sindhi language, that they
were wearing the jewels of Ahmadiyyat,
which was their distinguishing quality.
He also had the honour of translating
the Holy Quran into the Sindhi language
upon the instruction of Hazrat Khalifatul
Masih IIIrh. Also, upon the instruction of
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, he had the
opportunity to translate Tafsir-e-Saghir into
the Sindhi language, which comprised two
volumes. Due to the translation of the Holy
Quran and the publication of a pamphlet
on selected verses of the Holy Quran, under
Section 295C, a lawsuit was filed against
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and four other
individuals, including him. Apart from the
Sindhi language, he had extensive expertise
in the Urdu language, to the degree that
whomever he wrote to was greatly impacted
by his writing. He was also a member of the
Fazl-e-Umar Foundation. PhD students
from universities would come to seek
consultation from him. He had a vast
circle of acquaintances. He wrote a book
in the Sindhi language that holds great
importance in terms of guiding teaching
experts and students alike. Furthermore,
there were some words of mockery used
in the dictionary whilst referring to
the Dahri tribe in Sindh. In light of the
commandments of the Holy Quran, he
persuaded government officials with many
arguments and had those discriminatory
terms permanently removed from the
dictionary. May Allah the Almighty grant
him forgiveness and grant His mercy. May
He also enable his children to carry on his
virtues.
Another mention is of Professor Doctor
Muhammad Sharif Khan, who had been
residing in the USA. He passed away at the
age of 84.
ۤ َ� �ٰ َ�
‫ِاُنا لِّٰل ِِہ ََو ِاُنا ِال َ ۡۡي ُِہ َٰر ِۡج ُعۡوۡ ََن‬
[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him
shall we return.]
By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he
was a musi. He was born in 1939 in Tanzania.
Ahmadiyyat was introduced to his family
Friday 3 November 2023 | AL HAKAM
through his father, Doctor Habibullah
Khan, who accepted Ahmadiyyat in
Tanzania. Sharif Khan obtained his
primary education from Qadian. As a result
of the sermons delivered by Hazrat Musleh
Maudra in 1954-1955, he dedicated his
life [to serving Islam] when he was in the
eighth grade. Then, in 1963, he obtained his
MSc in Zoology with a gold medal. Then
in 1996 he completed his PhD in Zoology
from Punjab University. According to the
instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih
IIIrh, he served at the Talim-ul-Islam
College from 1963 until his retirement in
1998. He served for 35 years. The deceased
had about 250 research papers published
in publications around the world. His first
research paper was published in 1972 and
was on the subject of reptiles. He used to
do a lot of research. He had done a great
deal of research on snakes, lizards, insects
and other animals. I was also his student.
He would take our class outside, and he
would show us various aspects of nature
and the various insects found therein,
along with their various types. In 2002,
he was awarded “Zoologist of the Year”
in Pakistan. Mujibullah Chaudhry of the
USA writes, “In 2008, I spoke to him about
collecting funds for the mosque, to which
he said, ‘We don’t have anything to offer’,
however he invited me to their home.
When I went to their home, his wife placed
a bundle of jewellery before me, including
whatever she had received from her parents
or her in-laws, saying that this should be
accepted on their behalf.” He was very kind
and humble. He always treated his students
like his friends. May Allah the Almighty
grant him His forgiveness and mercy.
His eldest son, Zafarullah Sahib, writes
(these details were sent in later on), “Some
scientists from the USA and Canada came
to Rabwah to meet Professor Doctor
Sharif Khan. According to those scientists,
there was no greater expert in Pakistan
than Sharif Khan Sahib when it came to
reptology, or the study of reptiles.” He
was a great expert. His son Rashid Zubair
says, “He was regular in offering Tahajjud
and keeping fasts from a young age. He
would even lead prayers in the Qamar
Mosque. Aside from offering prayers in
congregation, he also regularly recited the
Holy Quran and had a passion for studying
its commentary. His studies in this regard
were vast.” His grandson, Mashood Ahmad
Khan, says, “Our grandfather was a very
spiritual person and had deep scientific
knowledge; he taught us that the proof
for God’s existence can be found in one’s
nature. He placed great emphasis on
offering prayers on time and studying the
Holy Quran. He had a great deal of love for
the Ahmadiyya Khilafat. He would always
write letters to the Khalifa of the time. Not
only did he listen to the sermons himself,
but he also drew the attention of those
living at home towards this and would
encourage them in this regard. May Allah
the Almighty enable his children to carry
on his good deeds.
(Official Urdu transcript published in the
Daily Al Fazl International, 27 October
2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of
Religions.)