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ﱖﱗﱖ [From the Friday sermon delivered at the Fadl Mosque, London, United Kingdom, on September 26, 2003]
Rejoice That Henceforth You Shall Forever Remain Under ‘Ma‘ruf’ Decisions98
In my previous Friday sermon, I explained the tenth and the last condition of bai‘at. 98. O, Prophet! when believing women come to thee, taking oaths of allegiance, at thy hands that they will not associate anything with Allah, and that they will not steal, and will not commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor bring forth a scandalous charge which they themselves have deliberately forged, nor disobey thee in what is right, then accept their allegiance and ask Allah to forgive them. Verily, Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful. (al-Mumtahinah, 60:13)
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I would like to further elaborate on the concept of obedience to ‘ma‘ruf ’ [right] directives.
Explanation of Obedience to the Directives Based on Goodness The verse of the Holy Qur’an that I have recited stresses upon women who take bai‘at, that they should pledge not to associate anyone with Allah, not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to kill their children, not to neglect moral upbringing of their children, not to accuse anyone falsely, and not to disobey in matters which are ‘ma‘ruf ’. Here a question may arise: Can a Prophet, who is appointed by Allah the Almighty give directives that might be ‘ghair ma‘ruf ’ [not right]? If a Prophet can do so, then evidently it is possible for his Khulafa’ to issue directives that are not right. It should be clear that a Prophet can never give such directives. Whatever a Prophet would say has to be ‘ma‘ruf ’. It is out of the question that he can say anything else. Therefore, it is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an at several places that the commandments of Allah and the Prophet should be obeyed. Nowhere is it stated that those commandments which are good should be obeyed. The question arises: Why are there two separate directives? In reality, there is no contradiction in the directives; it is just a matter of misunderstanding. As I have said earlier, whatever directive is given by a Prophet, it has to be ‘ma‘ruf ’. A Prophet cannot issue an injunction against the commandments of Allah the Almighty in contradiction to the laws of shari‘ah. He is appointed to 200
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enforce the commandments of God. How can he go against his assigned mission? This is a glad tiding to you that by accepting a Prophet, by accepting the one who is appointed by God, and by joining his Community, you have safeguarded yourselves. You are saved because you will not receive any commandment which is not based on goodness. All directives given to you are pleasing to God. Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Ira elaborates this point saying: There is one more error and that is in understanding of the ‘obedience in good things’, that we will not obey in those matters that we think are not ‘good’. This word has also come with reference to the Holy Prophetsa.99 Have these people made a list of faults of the Holy Prophetsa also? Similarly, Hadrat Sahib has written, ‘obedience in good things’ in his conditions of bai‘at. There is wisdom in it. I do not doubt anyone of you at all. I have explained these things lest anyone of you be deceived subtly. (Khutabat-e-Nur, Khutbah Eid-ul-Fitr, October 15, 1909, pp. 420–421)
The Promised Messiahas writes expounding on the subject of:100 This Prophet directs you in matters that are not opposed to sane reason. And he prohibits you from things that common 99. Nor disobey thee in what is right. (al-Mumtahinah, 60:13) 100. Enjoins them to do good. 201
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sense also prohibits you from. And he makes pure things lawful and impure things unlawful. And he removes the burdens from the nations that they were buried under. And he frees them from shackles that were preventing their necks from being straightened. Therefore, those people who will believe in him and will strengthen him by joining him and will help him and will follow the light that has been brought down with him, they will escape the hardships of this world and the hereafter. (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyah, vol. 5, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 21, p. 420)
As the Prophet complies with the commandments of Allah the Almighty, he only issues commands that are acceptable to sane reason. He forbids evil and enjoins goodness. He can never deviate from this objective. Similarly, a Khalifah who succeeds a Prophet through a divinely guided election conducted by a group of believers to continue the mission also furthers the injunctions of the same teachings laid down by a Prophet of God. In this time and age, the Promised Messiahas explained these teachings as had been prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa. The institution of khilafat has been established in the Community through the Promised Messiahas in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa. Now, therefore, all the decisions shall be made in accordance with the shari‘ah and the dictates of wisdom; and insha’Allah, those decisions would be always based on goodness. If at some point in time due to a miscalculation or misunderstanding on the part of a Khalifah, a decision is made which could possibly be harmful to the community, then Allah the Almighty Himself provides such measures that the ill-effects of such a decision 202
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are prevented, and insha’Allah shall never be experienced in the future. In this regard, Hadrat Musleh-e-Mau‘udra states: It is possible that the Khalifah of the time makes a mistake in personal matters. But in such matters on which depends the physical and spiritual progress, even if he commits an error, Allah the Almighty safeguards His Jama‘at and somehow makes him aware of the error. In the terminology of sages, it is called ‘lesser sanctity’. That means, the Prophets enjoy a ‘greater sanctity’ but the Khulafa’ have ‘lesser sanctity’ and Allah the Almighty does not permit any such major mistakes by them that may cause disaster for the Jama‘at. Their decisions may have partial and minor mistakes, but in the end, the result will be victory for Islam and defeat for its enemies. Thus, because the Khulafa’ enjoy ‘lesser sanctity’, their policy will emanate from Allah’s policy. While it is true that they will be the one speaking, their tongues will be in motion, their hands will move, their minds will work, yet behind all of this will be the Hand of Allah. They can make minor errors in finer details. Sometimes their advisors can give them wrong advice. But crossing these intermediary obstacles, they will be the one who will be victorious. And when all the links are put together, the resulting chain will be good and it will be so strong that no power will be able to break it. (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Hadrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra, vol. 6, pp. 376–377)
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Again, the Holy Qur’an sets forward a challenge. Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:101
And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths that, if thou command them, they will surely go forth. Say, ‘Swear not; what is required is actual obedience in what is right. Surely, Allah is well aware of what you do.’
The previous verses of the surah also talk about the subject of obedience and the believers always proclaim: We hear and we obey. It is their righteousness that enables them to attain nearness to Allah and brings success to them. So, this verse also asks for hearing and obeying and showing compliance in practical terms, not just to swear that one would do this or do that. Hadrat Musleh-e-Mau‘udra has written in Tafsir-e-Kabir that even hypocrites make big claims, but the real test is to show obedience in action and not, like hypocrites, through bragging about it. Here Allah the Almighty is instructing such persons to adopt obedience in goodness—obedience in accordance with the well-established tradition. The Prophet shall not ask you to do anything which would be against the shari‘ah or against wisdom. Then why are you raising any question in this regards? Let me give you an example: The Promised Messiahas says that you have made a pledge of allegiance with me; you have 101. (al-Nur, 24:54) 204
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become a member of my Community, thus you should make the habit of saying your five daily Prayers, eschew lying, give up arrogance, stop usurping the rights of others, start loving each other. Now all this comes under obedience in matters of goodness. If one does not perform these actions and continues swearing that he would obey and act according to the directives of the Promised Messiahas, this would not be considered obedience in mattrers of goodness. In the same manner, the Khulafa’ launch various schemes at different times. They give instructions in spiritual matters asking to populate the mosques, to establish Prayers, to give proper training to the children, to strengthen moral values, to foster courage and perseverance. They also make appeals for inviting others towards Allah and making financial sacrifices. All these need to be followed unfailingly. In other words, they fall in the category of obedience to the good. No Prophet or Khalifah shall ever ask you to do anything against the commandments of God or against the dictates of wisdom. They will not ask you to jump into fire or drown yourselves in the ocean. In the last Friday sermon, I narrated a hadith where one Amir had asked his subordinates to jump into the fire. There is another reference and it explains it further: Hadrat ‘Abu Sa‘id Khudrira narrates that: The Holy Prophetsa sent Hadrat ‘Alqamah Bin Mujazzizra for a battle. When he reached there or was on the way, a contingent of his army asked for permission to proceed separately. He gave them permission and appointed Hadrat ‘Abdullah Bin Hudhafah Bin Qais as-Sahmira as their leader. I was among those who went with him. While they were in journey, they 205
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set up fire for keeping warm or for cooking. Abdullah Bin Hudhafahra (who had a humorous nature) said, ‘Is it not obligatory on you to obey what I say?’ They said, ‘Why not?’ Upon this ‘Abdullah Bin Hudhafahra said, ‘Will you obey any command I give you?’ They said, ‘Yes we will obey it.’ ‘Abdullah Bin Hudhafahra said, ‘I do tell you to jump into this fire.’ On this, some people stood up and started preparing to jump into the fire. When ‘Abdullah Bin Hudhafahra saw that they were actually going to jump into the fire, he asked them to stop themselves (from jumping into the fire). Upon our return, the Companionsra reported it to the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘If any one of your leaders tells you to disobey Allah the Almighty, you should not obey him.’ (Sunano Ibn-e-Majah, Kitab-ul-Jihad, Babu La Ta‘ata fi Ma‘siyatillah)
It must be made clear that a Prophet or a Khalifah cannot speak so even in jest. That is why Allah the Almighty says if you see disobedience committed by an Amir, then the matter should be referred to Allah and His Messengersa. Now, in this time and age, Khilafat-e-Rashidah [Righteous Khilafat] has been established after the passing away of the Promised Messiahas. Therefore, go to the Khalifah and his decision will always be good, insha’Allah, and will be in accordance with the commandments of Allah and His Messengersa. As I have said earlier: Rejoice! Now you shall always remain under directives that are based on goodness. Insha’Allah, there will not be any decision which is not based on goodness.
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Spiritual Revolution Brought about by the Promised Messiahas After this, I would like to discuss whether those who, after joining the community of the Promised Messiahas, pledging allegiance at his hands, and vowing to these ten conditions of bai‘at, acted on these conditions and set an example of obedience, or merely gave lip service to the pledge of allegiance to these conditions. For this, I have taken some examples that illustrate the changes and the spiritual revolution brought about in those who performed the bai‘at. And the examples of such change can be seen in the time of the Promised Messiahas as well as in this day and age. The Promised Messiahas says: I declare it on oath that there are at least one hundred thousand people in my Community who have believed in me with utmost sincerity of their hearts. They live righteously, and after having listened to me they are moved to tears most profusely. (Sirat-ul-Mahdi, vol. 1, p. 165, second edition, published in 1935)
Shunning Shirk One of the conditions (of bai‘at) is that one should stay away from shirk [associating anyone with Allah]. Not only our men, but women also have set such high standards of being rolemodels in observance of this condition that our hearts are filled with Allah’s praise on looking at the revolutionary change in them, and one feels impelled to pray for the 207
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Promised Messiahas. For example, there is an incident in the life of Hadrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan’s mother that shows how much she detested shirk. It is said that many of her children died in their infancy. Once, a child fell ill and was being treated for his illness. Someone came to visit her and left an amulet as a curative charm for him. A woman attempted to put that charm around the child’s neck. The mother snatched it and threw it into fire, saying: ‘My full trust is in my Creator and the Master; these amulets hold no significance for me.’ Later, when the child was of two months, she took him to her in-laws in Daska and stayed there for six months. Now the child was eight months old. She brought him to her parents home. After six days, the same woman—Jay Devi—visited her once again. She kissed the boy and asked the mother for some garments and grains suggesting that they would ward off some evil from the child. In response, the mother said: ‘You are a poor widow; if you want something as charity, I will be happy to give it to you as much as I can afford, but I am not among those who believe in evil spirits. To me Allah the Almighty alone is the Master of life and death. I do not accept anything else as having any hand in these matters. For me, such thoughts are equal to faithlessness in to God. I hate them very much. For this very reason I am not willing to give you anything at all.’ Jay Devi responded: ‘Think it over; if you wish to save the life of your child, you must give me what I have asked for.’ After a few days, as the mother was giving a bath to [the same baby boy], Jay Devi visited once again and pointing to the child, making a gesture, said: ‘So is he the same prince?’ The mother replied in the affirmative saying: ‘Yes, this is the 208
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one!’ Jay Devi asked for the same articles once again, but she firmly refused to give her anything. At this, Jay Devi got annoyed and said: ‘All right! If you return home with your child alive, only then you can say that I was lying!’ She replied: ‘Whatever shall happen, that shall be the will of God!’ Jay Devi turned to leave and she was still in the porch, when during the bath right there and then Zafar vomited blood and also discharged blood from his bowels, and within moments his condition became extremely critical. Subsequently, within hours, he passed away. The mother entreated to Allah the Almighty in these words: ‘O, My Lord! You are the One who gave him to me and You are the One who have taken Him away! I am content with Your will! Please grant me resolve to remain patient!’ Then, she returned to Daskah [her home town] with an empty lap. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 2, pp. 15–16, published in 1969) Now it is evident how Allah the Almighty comforted her with tremendous amounts of favours, so much so that He blessed her with a son of the calibre of Chaudhry Zafrullah Khanra who lived a very long life, and earned extraordinary eminence and distinction in the world.
Not to be Overpowered by Sinful Passions I give you an example of present time, not of the days past, and that too from African people of how people are being safeguarded against the sinful temptations of human passions after taking the bai‘at. Among the pagans of Africa, there are many dirty customs and habits. But as soon as they enter into the fold of Ahmadiyyat, they completely wipe clean all those 209
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customs and bring a pure change within themselves as if those habits had never existed. We receive reports that habitual drunkards immediately started hating alcohol and this left a deep impression on others too. When they talk about such changes, their religious leaders say that Ahmadiyyat has put a magic spell upon them, and that is why they have quit drinking alcohol. I am reminded of an incident. One missionary informed me that a man in Ghana who became an Ahmadi used to have all sorts of bad habits such as drinking and adultery, etc. But then he underwent a marvellous change. As the people are poor, and there is a housing shortage, people rent rooms in larger houses. Renting a room is a common practice, and this man used to live in that kind of surroundings and had many associations with women. As soon as he became an Ahmadi, he told all of them not to come to him with evil intent. But one woman persisted in chasing him. To get rid of her he devised the method that upon seeing her coming, he would bolt the door from inside and started offering nawafil prayers or reciting the Holy Qur’an. Thus, he safeguarded himself against the temptation. Now, these are the revolutionary changes brought by Ahmadiyyat. Again, one of our missionaries Maulana Bashir Ahmad Qamar narrated the following: After ‘Eid prayer, this humble one, along with some other members of the Ghana Jama‘at, went to visit the Paramount Chief. He was waiting for us with other chiefs. On our entrance to his court, all the Ahmadi brothers started singing enthusiastically in front of the chiefs and their companions. One old Ahmadi man, standing right in front of the chief was 210
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waving his stick in the air and singing most passionately. Others in the audience, more than three hundred, were repeating the words of the song! On my asking the interpreter, I was told that they were singing the favours of Allah the Almighty and the blessings of Islam. They were saying that prior to Ahmadiyyat they were pagans and idol worshipers. They had no knowledge of the difference between halal [permissible] and haram [forbidden], virtue and evil. They were living entirely like animals; they were thoroughly wild. They used to drink alcohol like water. Ahmadiyyat showed them the straight path, and they got rid of their evils, and turned into humans. These people were narrating all this as the truth of Ahmadiyyat with full confidence in front of their own Paramount Chief who knew their previous habits very well. (From Monthly Ansarullah, January 1984, pp. 30–31)
Regularity in Prayers and Zest for Tahajjud The conditions of bai‘at include an injunction to be punctual in observing daily Prayers and offering tahajjud. The Promised Messiahas says: I am observing that my followers who have made a pledge of allegiance at my hand are rapidly enhancing their righteousness and their capacities to do well. After the days of Mubahala, our Jama‘at has taken a new colour. They are in a new world. Often I find many of them crying in prostration and earnestly supplicating in all humility in the tahajjud Prayers. People with impure hearts call them disbelievers, but they are 211
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the heart and life of Islam. (Damimah Anjam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 11, p. 315, Footnote)
Here again I will give you an example of Ghana where people have brought a great change that I have myself observed. Some people travelled a very long distance and arrived very late at night. It was almost midnight when they got a chance to go to bed. On awakening at about 2 a.m., I saw them in the mosque in prostrations. One more narration comes to mind. Hadrat Munshi Muhammad Isma‘ilra says that he remembers missing only one prayer that he could not offer in congregation (unless due to a genuine reason), and that was only because he had to leave the mosque for some urgent task. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 196, published in 1951) There is also another account about Hadrat Munshi Muhammad Isma‘ilra. After taking the oath of allegiance at the hand of the Promised Messiahas—on his return to his hometown, Sialkot—people noticed that he had given up all his previous meaningless habits, such as playing cards, engaging in idle talk, and sitting in the market place. Instead, he became very regular in offering the tahajjud Prayer. People were amazed to see this extraordinary change in his character. (Summarized from Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 200, published in 1951) Concerning establishment of daily Prayers and tahajjud, Hadrat Nawab Muhammad ‘Alira narrates: I was in Qadian at the time of Prayer on the occasion of the Solar Eclipse. Maulavi Muhammad Ahsan Amrohi led the 212
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prayer, and all those who were Praying were crying profusely. In the month of that particular Ramadan, there used to be quite a hustle and bustle at the Ahmadiyyah Square starting at two in the morning. Most of the people were up in the homes, and many came to the Mubarak Mosque where tahajjud Prayer was performed, meal was taken and Fajr Prayer was made in the early hours of the morning. Then the Holy Qur’an was recited for some time, and by eight the Promised Messiahas would come out for the morning walk. All of his companionsra remained in his company. These activities would go on till eleven or twelve midday. Then, the adhan for Zuhr Prayer was called and the Zuhr Prayer was done before one in the afternoon. The ‘Asr Prayer was also made at the earliest. Thus the only spare time was between ‘Asr and Maghrib. After Maghrib Prayer and taking of the evening meal, the ‘Isha Prayer was done by eight or half-past eight. Afterwards there was dead silence as if no one lived there. Yet, again by 2 a.m., everyone was up and the place was bustling once again. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 2, p. 77, published in 1952)
Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IVrta has written that Hadrat Nawab Muhammad ‘Abdullah Khanra was in love with five daily Prayers. Especially his enthusiasm and striving for congregational Prayers were of utmost prominence. He was very punctual in going to the mosque for five daily Prayers. Even when bed-ridden with heart-condition, he used to listen to the adhan most lovingly as someone in love hears the voice of his beloved. When he regained some strength, he used to make some younger person lead the Prayer, so that he could fulfil his heart’s desire to make Prayer in congregation. Sometimes 213
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he would drag his chair near the Prayer Room in the Ratan Bagh House to join in the congregational Prayer. When he shifted to his house in Model Town, he made special arrangements for five daily Prayers and in a way transformed the house into a mosque. He had asked for the adhan to be called five times daily. Depending upon the weather, he would make arrangement for the prayer sheets to be spread either outside on the grassy lawn, or inside the house. Most of the time, he would be the first to come in and wait for the other worshippers. To allow all kinds of persons in one’s house for five times every day in not an ordinary virtue. This virtue becomes all the more significant when the owner of the house has a high standard of living and the circle of his social contacts is vast. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 12, pp. 152–153, published in 1965) The Promised Messiahas says about the assiduousness of Sheikh Hamid ‘Alira with regards to the five daily Prayers: Sheikh Hamid ‘Ali (whom I love for Allah the Almighty’s sake) is a pious young man belonging to a pious family. He has been in my service for seven or eight years approximately. I know full well that he is sincere and loves me. To grasp the subtleties of righteousness is a task for those endowed with deeper knowledge and piety, but as far as he can make it out, he tries his best to follow the sunnah and remain busy in following the path of righteousness. I have seen him when he was very sick, almost dying, debilitated like a dead body and yet he remained very regular in observing the five daily Prayers. He would offer his Prayer even in the most critical condition. I know that it is enough to see how one is so diligent in observing his Prayers to judge one’s uprightness and 214
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fear of God. I am certain that a person who observes his prayers most conscientiously—and the state of fear, or illness, or disturbance does not stop him—he without any doubt has true faith in God. But this faith is granted only to the poor; there are only a few rich who receive this blessing. (Izala-e’Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, p. 540)
About the condition that one shall regularly offer the five daily prayers in accordance with the commandments of God and His Messengersa, one revered elder, Maulavi Fadl Ilahi narrates the example of Hadrat Mirza Ayyub Beig: The Promised Messiahas had great love for Hadrat Mirza Ayyub Beigra. One day I performed my Maghrib Prayer at Mirza Ayyub Beig’sra house. Hadrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra was also there. Hadrat Mirza Ayyub Beig’sra Prayer was a true exemplification of: Prayer is a believer’s ascension to Heaven.
When he prayed, he was completely cut off from worldly thoughts and his eyes shed tears. On that day, he made the prayer exceptionally long. After the prayer, when all sat together, Mirza Sahib was asked the reason for making the prayer so long. Initially he was reluctant to say anything, but when asked persistently, he explained that whilst saying durud [invoking blessing upon the Holy Prophetsa] he saw a vision that the Holy Prophet was walking to and fro on a platform, making supplication to God. Mirza Sahib even explained the Arabic words and their translation. The meaning was that God may save his ummah from abasement and provide them safety 215
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and success. Mirza Sahib said that he kept saying amin on hearing the supplication. Then he saw the Promised Messiahas, supplicating that O God, accept all the prayers of the Holy Prophetsa and save His ummah from the abyss of disgrace! Thus, when the Promised Messiahas completed his supplication, Mirza Sahib finished his prayer as well. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 1, pp. 194–195, published in 1997)
This is the revolution. He had a vision [of the Holy Prophetsa] while fully awake. What was the effect of bai‘at on Hadrat Mirza Ya‘qub Beigra and Mirza Ayyub Beigra? They themselves narrate that their father told one of his friends: ‘When those two sons of mine came home to spend their summer vacations in 1892 and 1893, I was amazed at finding such a tremendous change in their personalities. I used to say in utter amazement to God what had transpired, what factors He bestowed on them to bring such a change that they had become light upon light! They offer all their Prayers on time in complete humility, with enthusiasm and love. During their prayers, their hearts melt and they weep and at times cry out loud. Most often I would find their faces wet with tears showing the signs of fear of God. Both the boys were very young at that time. Their beards had just started growing. Looking at the transformation, I used to express my unceasing gratitude to Allah the Almighty. All the previous worries that I had concerning their spiritual weaknesses were gone.’ They further state that their father told his friend: ‘The secret of that great transformation was not known to me. I was not sure where they got that kind of grace and spiritual blessing being so young.’ Later, after 216
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some time had elapsed, it was discovered that they had received this righteousness by entering into the bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas. That discovery became one of the major reasons for him to also enter into the bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas. (That is, the spiritual change in the children led the father to become Ahmadi.) This gave him a good opportunity to recognise the purity and elevated soul of the Promised Messiahas. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 186, published in 1997) The model of Hadrat Chaudhry Nasrullah Khanra, father of Chaudhry Zafrullah Khanra, is presented by one of his sons as follows: From the very childhood I had the impression that my father (Hadrat Chaudhry Nasrullah Khanra) was very regular in offering his Prayers and he did so with great care. He was also assiduous in making tahajjud. I often envision my father either offering Prayers or reciting the Holy Qur’an. After entering into bai‘at, he used to offer the Fajr Prayer in congregation at a mosque that was at a distance from our house. So we used to leave home when it was very dark. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 11, p. 163, published in 1962)
Again, concerning the observation of prayers without fail, I give you the example of Babu Faqir ‘Alira. He always acted upon the proverb: Heart be with the friend, hand be in work. M. Bashir Ahmad narrates that at the time when people were much intimidated by the British rulers, the British officers of Babu Faqir ‘Alira used to tell him, Maulavi Sahib, one day you will cause an accident. You are always busy in offering your Prayers. He got very annoyed with these remarks. One day he 217
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closed the door and the window (of the office) and went up to the British officer who was alarmed, perhaps thinking he was going to be attacked. He assured the officer that he had no such intentions, that he only wanted to speak with him in private. Babu Sahib told the officer that he himself took his time going to the bathroom, smoking cigarettes or drinking tea, why did he object to him making his Prayers? The officer replied that the things that he did were natural urges. He responded by saying that he was subordinate to him and would obey him, but only in matters that were his official duties, and he was not obliged to obey him in other matters. Therefore, he could not stop offering his Prayers. If any accident happened due to his negligence or a train was delayed then he should not hesitate to deal with him harshly. After saying that, he opened up the window and the door. The British officer was awe-stricken by this experience. After that, whenever Babu Faqir ‘Ali was ready to make his ablution, he used to tell him, Maulavi Sahib, take your time and make your Prayer; I will take care of your work. On another occasion, the officer was much surprised to see how meagerly he ate and was much affected by that as well. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 3, p. 61, revised edition published in Qadian, India) Here in England, when an old Ahmadi Bilal Daniel Hawker Nuttal accepted Ahmadiyyat, he chose for himself the name Bilal. Then, following in the footsteps of Hadrat Bilalra, he became famous for calling adhan. He really had a great desire to call others to Prayer. (Summarized from Monthly Ansarullah, June 1965, p. 36)
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Suppressing the Impulses of Passion Another condition is to suppress the impulses of passion. Here are some instances. In a meeting with Hindus a dispute erupted and the Jama‘at showed a great sense of restraint. Appreciating this good quality of his community, the Promised Messiahas says: If the good-natured Muslims were not mindful of their high moral standards, and had they not shown patience and suppressed their anger in accordance with the Qur’anic teachings, there would have been great bloodshed at the meeting because of the trouble instigated by the people who had come with evil intentions. Our Community deserves a thousand praises because they demonstrated an excellent example of patience and restraint. They remained silent on hearing the abusive words which were worse than the bullets of the enemy. (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 23, p. 10)
Again, he says: If I had not advised my community to show patience, and had not prepared my community in a way that they could always show patience in response to abuse, then the grounds of the meeting would have been filled with blood! But it was the teaching of patience that held their tempers in check. (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 23, p. 8.) Another instance of suppression of the passions is that of Hadrat Sayyed ‘Abdus Sattar Shahra. What a phenomenal example this is. It is stated: 219
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One day Hadrat Shah Sahibra went to a nearby mosque for prayers. At the same time there was a bitter enemy of Ahmadiyyat—Chaudhry Rahim Bakhsh—getting ready for ablution with a pitcher in his hand. Upon seeing Hadrat Doctor Sahib (who was a government doctor and was stationed at a government hospital), he started engaging him in religious discussion. Annoyed with the argument that Hadrat Shah Sahibra presented, Rahim Bakhsh hit him in the forehead with the pitcher. The pitcher shattered into pieces as it hit the forehead. The bone in the forehead was fractured and blood started oozing out. Doctor Sahib’s clothes were drenched in blood. He covered the wound with his hand and immediately went to the hospital for treatment. Chaudhry Rahim Bakhsh was concerned, wondering what would happen to him. Knowing that Hadrat Sattar Shahra was a government doctor, he thought that the officials would probably lend credence to Doctor Sahib and he would be in trouble. He did not know what to do and where to hide! With these fearful thoughts, he stayed hidden (in the mosque). On the other hand, Doctor Sahib treated his wounded forehead, applied the medication, changed his blood-soaked clothes, and came back to the same mosque to observe his prayer. On entering the mosque, Doctor ‘Abdus Sattar Shahra saw Chaudhry Rahim Bakhsh Sahib, and asked him with a simile: ‘Chaudhry Rahim Bakhsh, have you cooled down or not?’ On hearing this, Chaudhry Rahim Bakhsh was greatly affected and grasping his hands, begged his forgiveness, and said: ‘Shah Sahib, please write a letter for my bai‘at.’ This kind
of high moral standard of patience, kindness and forgiveness cannot be shown by anyone other than members of a 220
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godly community. Thus, Chaudhry Sahib became an Ahmadi, and after a few days other members of his family also joined the Community. (Hadrat Doctor ‘Abdus Sattar Shah Sahib, Compiled by Ahmad Tahir Mirza, p. 63, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyyah, Pakistan)
So, these are a few examples I have presented to you that are related to the first three or four conditions of bai‘at. Insha’Allah, I will try to present a few more instances showing the revolutionary changes people went through after making bai‘at, so that the members and the new generations may also know and, try to bring similar pure changes within them, and may they never be in fear of Dajjal, the great deceiver. Amin!
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ﱖﱗﱖ [From the Friday sermon delivered at the Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque, Morden, United Kingdom, on October 10, 2003]
Fidelity with Allah the Almighty in All Conditions of Hardships and Comfort In the Friday sermon before last I was speaking on the changes that transpired among Ahmadis once they joined the Community of the Promised Messiahas having promised to act upon the ten conditions of bai‘at. I had presented some incidents and now I shall take the subject further. In the fifth condition, the Promised Messiahas took the pledge that: Even if you are faced with hardship, adversity, trouble, problems, ignominy and humiliation, never find fault with Allah the Almighty. Indeed, continue to seek His grace with the undertaking that you would always remain pleased with the will of Allah the Almighty. I shall present some practical examples of this. First and foremost is the example of Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. In August 1905 his son ‘Abdul Qayyum passed away after suffering from measles for a few days. He was about
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two years old. The model of Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Ira was in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophetsa. He first kissed the child at which his eyes were filled with tears, and then he said: I uncovered the child’s face not because I was anxious, but to follow the sunnah. When the Holy Prophet’ssa son Ibrahimra passed away, the Holy Prophetsa had kissed his face and he was tearful. He glorified Allah the Almighty and said: ‘Though separation is hard to bear even for a short while, nevertheless, I am content at the will of Allah the Almighty.’ To fulfill this sunnah I uncovered his face and kissed him. It is Allah the Almighty’s grace and a reason to be happy that a chance to fulfill a sunnah was granted to me.
This is the action of the person about whom the Promised Messiahas said:
How wonderful it would be if everyone in my Community was Nur-ud-Din However, this can only happen if each heart is filled with the light of faith.
Another example is of Hadrat Chaudhry Nasrullah Khanra. Chaudhry Zafrullah Khanra writes: We had a brother whose name was Hamidullah Khan, who was younger than dear Chaudhry Shukrullah Khan (deceased) and older than Chaudhry ‘Abdullah Khan (deceased). He passed away at the age of about nine years after a few day’s 224
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illness. His death took place at the time of Fajr. My father had been up all night looking after him. After his death, he made arrangements for his burial and other related matters. After having finished with these, he went to work as usual at the time of the courts opening. Neither his clients nor the court officers and his colleagues came to know that he had come to work after having buried his beloved child, content and pleased with the will of his Lord. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 11, pp. 165–166, published in 1962)
Hadrat Qadi Dia’-ud-Dinra writes: On the death of my wife and three children, the uproar of the opponents increased. They left no stone un-turned to humiliate me and to hurt me financially in every way. I had also suffered a burglary at home. Considering all these troubles gives a good picture of the extent of anguish and distress I was going through. All these divinely destined trials and tribulations came to pass about which the Promised Messiahas had already foretold. During this testing time the Promised Messiahas graciously wrote a comforting letter of condolence. This too consisted of a prophecy which was fulfiled and is being fulfiled. He wrote that: ‘Indeed you are going through a severe tribulation. It is the way of Allah the Almighty by which he brings to light the steadfastness of His faithful servants to people, and grants great rewards for being patient. Allah the Almighty would release you of all those troubles and the enemy would be humiliated. Just as Allah the Almighty saved the sinking vessel of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa, the same will happen now. Their mischief will backfire.’ All praise belongs to Allah the 225
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Almighty, with Hudur’s prayer that is exactly how it came to pass. This humble person continued to grow in patience and steadfastness under all circumstances. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 6, pp. 12–13)
Model of Hadrat Maulavi Burhan-ud-Dinra [as narrated by his son] When the Promised Messiahas arrived Sialkot in the early days, he was traveling with some friends to deliver his lecture. While he was passing through a street someone threw a basketful of ashes from a roof top. With the grace of Allah the Almighty, Huduras was saved as he had passed through. The ashes fell on the head of my father. As a consequence, the old, grey haired man became a spectacle for people. As he passionately loved Hadrat Sahib, he stood right there in ecstasy and most cheerfully started saying, ‘Come on woman, throw some more!’ He used to say that it was a favour of Allah the Almighty that because of Hadrat Sahibas he had received the blessing. After Hadrat Sahib’sas departure from Sialkot, the khuddam were returning to their homes after seeing him off at the train station. Somehow he (Maulavi Burhan-ud-Dinra) was left behind and the opponents caught him and deeply humiliated him, so much so that they stuffed cow-dung in his mouth. However, he felt honour in this humiliation, and pleasure in this pain and would repeatedly say, ‘O Burhan, how did you deserve these blessings!’ That is to say, these blessings do not easily come by; rarely is one victimised for the sake of faith, that it is good fortune to suffer in that 226
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manner! (Monthly Ansarullah, Rabwah, September 1977, pp. 14–15)
Hadrat Maulavi ‘Abdul Mughni writes further about his father Hadrat Maulavi Burhan-ud-Dinra: After accepting Ahmadiyyat the financial situation was such that for months during this lean period the family did not even set eyes on ghee [clarified butter]. Instead of buying fuel, dry tree leaves were used to lit a fire. However, dry leaves do not cook a meal, so the dal [pulses] was first dry roasted in the house and then ground. Water was put in a pot with salt and chilies and the leaves burnt underneath. When the water boiled the dry-roasted and ground dal was added. This would be our meal eaten with bread. Usually it would be millet or corn bread and occasionally wheat bread. Instead of ghee, sesame oil was used. In place of spinach, young shoots of tree were cooked. His clothes would be of the old time farmers, and not of the maulavis.
He adds: On meeting with the Promised Messiahra he developed a passionate love, affection, enthusiasm and fervour for him and it was due to this passionate love and obsession that he absolutely did not care for his own food and comfort. He was obsessed to pass on the spark of the passionate love that he felt in his heart for God, the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas, to others. At all times he would be thinking with enthusiasm, passion, concern and anxiety on how to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat. He did not care for food, water or clothes! Allah the Almighty alone knows 227
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how my mother and I survived those days. Despite the severe hardship, adversity and deprivation, he was a rock of selfrespect, patience and resolve. His sense of honour in matters of religion was such that no enticement, friendship or relation could come in his way. All praise belongs to Allah the Almighty! We were thus brought up in an environment that this world means nothing to us. Seeing this content and selfsufficiency, people eventually started saying that Mirza Sahib gives Maulavi Sahib a stipend. (Monthly Ansarullah, Rabwah, September 1977, pp. 11–12)
An Unparalleled Example of Patience The exemplary patience of Hadrat Umm-ul-Mo’mininra [wife of the Promised Messiahas] is matchless. During the last moments of the life of the Promised Messiahas, unlike worldly women who scream, lament and utter words of impatience, Hadrat Umm-ul-Mo’mininra demonstrated a pure example of supplicating to Allah the Almighty alone and prostrating before Him with absolute humility. When during the last moments surah Yasin was recited and the pure and blessed spirit of the Promised Messiahas departed from this world and met its Beloved Maker, Hadrat Umm-ulMo’mininra simply said:102
102. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. 228
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and was silent without crying or wailing. Indoors, some ladies started crying. She told them off firmly that the deceased was her husband and she did not cry, then who were they to cry! This pure model of patience and resolve of a lady, who was nurtured in elegance and had just lost a husband who was a spiritual king and who cared deeply for her, was a tremendous miracle. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, vol. 6, p. 547, new edition)
She also counseled her children not to think that their father had not left them anything, rather he had left them a great treasure of prayers which would continue to benefit them at the right time.
Staying Away from Bad Customs The Promised Messiahas wished that everyone who joined his Community should act upon the commandments of the Holy Qur’an or at least tried to act upon them. His follower was one who fully believed in the Qur’an. The Promised Messiahas said that if one disobeyed even one commandment, such a person had no connection with him. It was his wish that those who believe in him should rise above the worldly customs and thus guard themselves from the greed and frivolous customs of this world; that they would strive only to do what Allah the Almighty and His Prophetsa have enjoined. Indeed, the Prophet of God has only commanded what is God’s commandment in the Holy Qur’an. This is the reason when someone asked Hadrat ‘Aishahra about the noble character of the Holy Prophetsa, she had replied, ‘Do you not read 229
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the Qur’an? The characteristics that are mentioned in the Qur’an are the very character of the Holy Prophetsa.’ This is why the Promised Messiahas said that he followed his master and patron and declared each commandment of the Holy Qur’an to be his way of life. If others too complied with this, only then they would be counted in his Community. Once they made the bai‘at, the members of his Community too demonstrated such models. First of all I wish to present the model of an Ahmadi lady, the mother of Hadrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khanra. This incident demonstrates how much she disliked innovative customs. The incident took place at the time of the wedding of Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad, her nephew. Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad states that after the nikah ceremony he was called into the ladies quarters. He noticed that two seats had been arranged facing each other, as is the custom in villages and he was expected to sit on one seat and the bride was to be seated on the other, and certain customs were to be carried out. He says: I felt nervous but then decided that it would not be proper at this time to argue with ladies at the time. So I sat on the seat designated for me and stretched my hand towards the things arranged for the customs. Immediately, my aunt, that is Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan Sahib’sra mother, held my wrist with force and pushed my hand away and said, ‘Son, this is shirk (associating partners with Allah the Almighty).’ This gave me courage as well and I pushed those things away with my hand, stood up and said: ‘I will not participate in those customs.’ That is how I freed myself. 230
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Today also our ladies should be mindful of these things. They should not blindly follow the regional or national customs. If they notice that a custom contains even a hint of shirk, they should eschew it. May Allah the Almighty grant all Ahmadi women this zeal in morally training themselves as well as their children! In our countries, Pakistan and India, Muslims follow the custom of not giving their daughters their due inheritance. Let alone what is due, they give nothing at all to their daughters, in particular in villages and among the farmers. An example to follow is that of Hadrat Chaudhry Nasrullah Khanra. His son writes, Our father gave our sister a lot of dowry at the time of her wedding as it was the custom. In his will he stated that his estate be distributed according to the Islamic shari‘ah among the sons and the daughters both. At the time of his death, his daughter got her inheritance according to shari‘ah.
Unparalleled Examples of Obedience Evil Effects of Smoking This is an incident I like to relate: When the Promised Messiahas went to Jalandhar in 1892, he resided on the upper floor of a house. A maid placed a huqqah [hubble bubble] in the house and left to do something else. Accidentally some ashes from the huqqah fell and burned some parts of the floor. The fire was noticed and extinguished after the prayer service was concluded. At that time Hudur expressed his displeasure and dislike for those who smok the huqqah. The Ahmadis who were downstairs came to know about this. Many of them 231
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smoked the huqqah and their huqqahs were in the building at the time. When they heard about Hudur’s displeasure they all broke their huqqahs immediately and gave up smoking. Within a few days, when members of the Community came to know that Hudur disliked the huqqah, many courageous Ahmadis stopped smoking it. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 10, pp. 157–158, published in 1985) Mirza Ahmad Beig of Sahiwal narrates that Hadrat Muslehe-Mau‘udra once said to my uncle Mirza Ghulamullah, ‘Mirza Sahib, encourage your friends to give up huqqah.’ Uncle, who himself used to smoke huqqah, said ‘Very well, Hudur.’ He went home and broke his huqqah that stood by the wall. My aunt thought that he was upset because the huqqah had been left in the sun, but when my uncle did not say anything to anyone, and then my aunt asked him why had he taken his anger out on the huqqah? He replied: ‘Hadrat Sahib had asked me to discourage others from smoking huqqah; but as I myself smoked it, therefore I had first broken my own huqqah.’ As long as he lived he did not smoke huqqah again; and kept on dissuading others from smoking it. (Sawaneh-e-Fadl-e-‘Umar, vol. 2, p. 34) These days the same bad habit of huqqah is prevalent in the form of cigarette smoking. Cigarette smokers should try and give up this habit. At young age the malady of cigarette smoking leads on to many other forms of smoking in which narcotics are used. This is a step towards ruining young lives. It is web weaned by Dajjal. Unfortunately Muslims countries are also involved in the drug abuse. Anyway, our young men should try to give up cigarette smoking.
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Lottery is Not Permissible Hadrat Munshi Barkat ‘Ali Khanra, a Companion of the Promised Messiahas, was employed at Simla. Before becoming an Ahmadi, he had bought a lottery ticket which later won him a sum of rupees seven and a half thousand. When he asked Hudur about it Hudur deemed it gambling and said: ‘Do not spend a penny of it on yourself.’ Munshi Sahib gave away all the money to the needy and the disadvantaged. (Summarized from Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 3, p. 33, published in 1957) These days it is customary in Europe and the West to play the lottery. The prize money for those who play and win is certainly not permissible, in fact it is haram in the same sense as the money from gambling is haram. In the first place it should not be played, and if by mistake it is done, then the prize money should never be spent on oneself. An incident relates to your own country England regarding Bashir Orchard who accepted Ahmadiyyat and brought on many changes in himself and later devoted his life. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1944 and took some religious education in Qadian for a while and as I said, devoted his life. After that a most magnificent revolution came in his life. His worship and prayer got extremely fervent. His first visit to Qadian bore the first fruit for him in quitting alcohol. Though he was a heavy drinker, he promptly gave up drinking. He repented from alcohol and from gambling and gave them up forever. (Summarized from Al-Fadl, January 10, 1978, ‘Azim Zindagi, p. 3)
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Prohibition of Alcohol Until a few years ago, some Ahamdis in UK, Germany and other countries had businesses (for example, restaurants and hotels) where alcohol was sold. According to the hadith, one who brews alcohol, serves it, sells it, or stores it are all hellbound. This is the reason Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IVrta demanded that Ahmadis involved in such businesses should promptly discontinue it, otherwise strict action would be taken against them. Hudur himself said that with Allah the Almighty’s grace a huge number gave this trade up. Allah the Almighty granted some of these much better businesses very soon. Some were put through difficulty and were unable to do any business for a long period, yet they were strong in their resolve and did not again get involved in this immoral business.
Love of the Holy Qur’an Mian Muhammad Aslam from Amritsar, a non-Ahmadi, came to Qadian in 1913. He writes about Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Ira: Maulavi Nur-ud-Dinra is currently the sole leader of the Ahmadi Community being the Khalifah of Mirza Sahib. I have the experience of sitting for two days in his instructional meetings where he preached and gave lessons of the Holy Qur’an. Reflecting over his work, I have found him of extremely pure nature who works solely and sincerely for the sake of Allah the Almighty. This is because Maulavi Sahib’s conduct is totally free of pretence and hypocrisy, and his heart 234
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is filled with a great love for the truth of Islam. This exudes from his sincere heart like crystal clear bubbling spring water, the source being his full cognizance of the Unity of God. This manifests itself through the commentary of the verses of the Holy Qur’an that he makes for the beneficence of those who are intensely eager for spiritual discernment. If the true Islam is the Holy Qur’an, then I have not seen the kind of love for the Holy Qur’an in any other person as I have seen it in the Maulavi Sahib. It is not as if he is compelled to do so by way of keeping up tradition. No, not at all! He is rather a tremendously philosophical person who has fallen in love with the Holy Qur’an through incredible rational critique. I listened to his lessons of the Qur’an, and the amazing philosophical commentary of the Holy Qur’an that he makes; there are hardly a handful of people in the world today who would have the ability to match it. (Badr, March 31, 1913, Hayat-e-Nur, pp. 611–612)
There is a will that Dr. ‘Abdus Sattar Shahra left for his children. He said: Make the Holy Qur’an your modus operandi. Be ever engaged in obediently following the sunnah of the Prophetsa, and remain ever-ready to help promote the Ahmadiyyah Movement and to propagate Islam. Prepare your next generations to abide by for these matters as well. (Hadrat Doctor Sayyed ‘Abdus Sattar Shah Sahib, p. 193)
Each Ahmadi should keep this counsel in mind at all times. Hadrat Mirza ‘Abdul Haq writes about Hadrat Maulana Bakhshra: 235
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He had a special passion for the Holy Qur’an. Despite ill health and weakness, he was always determined to listen to the discourses of the knowledge and the verities of the Holy Qur’an, so that he could gain the knowledge and the truths. During one period, for many months during the winter he would come from Dar-ul-Fadl neighborhood to Dar-urRahmat for the morning Salat only because Maulana Ghulam Rasul Rajekira gave lesson of the Holy Qur’an in that mosque. During Ramadan-ul-Mubarak he would be assiduous in attending the lessons in Aqsa Mosque…. He would read the Holy Qur’an profusely and thoughtfully. Wherever he derived benefit from it he would share it with others. It is said that in his last years he would read the Qur’an several times a day with a notebook and pen besides him. Each time he deciphered the finer points of a verse, he would note it and would read it to his family later on. Mirza Sahib adds: [When he would be reading to his family,] it seemed from his facial expressions that it was his heartfelt wish that his children should passionately love the Holy Qur’an. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 1, pp. 151–152, published in 1951)
When a young Gambian Christian accepted Ahmadiyyat, his mother opposed him vigorously. At first he tolerated it but when she started insulting the Holy Qur’an he left home and did not return. (Damimah Monthly Ansarullah, September 1987, p. 6) In the distant countries of Africa, such miracles are taking place to this day as well. 236
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Islam permits four marriages, which some take as a commandment. Anyway, the permission is there. It is a tradition in Africa in certain tribes where a man has high standing or wealth or is a chief that he marries more than four and up to nine to ten women. When ‘Ali Roger of Sierra Leone accepted Ahmadiyyat he was a young man and had twelve wives. The missionary of the Community, Maulana Nazir Ahmad ‘Ali, told him that now that he was an Ahmadi, according to Qur’anic teaching he could keep only four wives. He would have to divorce and send off the rest with livelihood maintenance. Not only did he promptly act on this instruction, but on his suggestion he kept the first four wives and let the younger ones go. This change was revolutionary. Another missionary, Yunus Khalid, writes: V. V. Kahlo accepted Ahmadiyyat as a result of a vision at the time of Maulana Muhammad Siddiq Amritsari. Later he also served as the Amir of Ahmadiyyah Community in Sierra Leone. Before accepting Ahmadiyyat he had a totally liberal lifestyle, so liberal that by profession he was a dancer. However, soon after bai‘at he brought about changes in himself and made a reputation in taqwa (righteousness) and purity, worship, fear of Allah the Almighty and honesty. Allah the Almighty conferred great successes on him. He was also the paramount Chief of his area—an area where large diamond mines were located. The Chiefs in those area wield great power. If he wanted he could have taken advantage making huge amounts of money. However, due to the beautiful and pure teachings of Ahmadiyyat, he considered such wealth haram (forbidden) for himself and lived a simple life. It 237
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was also well known in the higher ranks that Mr. Kahlo was an extremely honest paramount Chief; neither would he take bribe nor he would permit his staff to do so. When he fell ill I went to visit him one day. He called me and said: ‘Yunus, I constantly see kalimah written in green letters in front of me, what is the reason for this?’ I replied: ‘Chief, this is the outcome of your fervent love of Allah the Almighty and for the Holy Prophetsa.’ I continued to visit him for two months and he repeatedly said that he constantly had the kalimah in green letters in front of his eyes. When he was admitted to the hospital and was breathing his last, an Ahmadi friend Mr. Koji held him by the arm and said Chief, say:103
which he repeated. Next Mr. Koji said:104 which he also repeated and right then he breathed his last.
Meekness and Humility The seventh condition of bai‘at also entails that one would adopt humbleness, cheerfulness and meekness, etc. Those who believe in the Prophets are predominantly those who are mild-mannered. Even if they are not so well-off financially, they possess greater capacity than the affluent to spend their wealth. In fact they do not shy away even if they have to sacri103. There is none worthy of worship except Allah. 104. Muhammadsa is His messenger. 238
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fice their lives. They never boast or convey arrogance and haughtiness. They are most humble and meek to one and all and establish high standards of humility and modesty. The essence of success of the divinely raised communities is that the more the humble and meek people demonstrate excellent examples of submission, the greater is the pace of their progress. As I said earlier such are the people who believe in Prophets. When such hearts come in contact with Prophets they are polished even more. If those who are humble have to give up their place for others, and to sit in an inferior place, they would prefer it. However, the ones who are divinely appointed have the insight to identify them. To reward such humbleness and in order to educate their community that among them the meek and the humble have the greatest status, they remove such people from the lowly place and give them the honour to sit next to them and at meal times they ask them over and offer them food from their own plates. Prophets value them in this way because it is due to their humbleness that they come into faith quickly and completely adhere to the religious teachings. The Promised Messiahas said: The poor are not arrogant and accept the truth with complete humility. I tell you the truth there are very few among the wealthy who could acquire even a little of the grace that the poor acquire perfectly. (Izala-e-’Auham, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, p. 537)
This is the reason why he declared humility a condition to join the Community, so that one could properly understand 239
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religion and act on it. How did these changes come about, I shall now present some examples. Hadrat Sayyed Sarwar Shahra was an excellent scholar who belonged to a well-to-do family. In spite of this, his purity, humility and simplicity were exemplary. As soon as he associated with the Promised Messiahas and took on his obedience, he eradicated all worldly desires from his heart. During his employment at Madrassah Ahmadiyyah he spent the entire tenure in a small house which in fact was not even worthy of a peon to live. Once he had forsaken the entire world in submission to the cause of the Promised Messiahas, the question of material comforts simply did not arise. (Ashab-eAhmad, vol. 5, part III, p. 9, published in 1964)
Here is another example of humility, and it is that of Hadrat Maulavi Burhan-ud-Dinra. Once he came to see Hudur and God knows what thoughts came to his mind that he started weeping. Hudur asked him most affectionately if all was well. He replied (detailing the various saints and holy men he had been to in his search): ‘I first became a Kothi (belonged to Kothay Wala Pir), then a Baoli (associated with Baoli Sahib), then a Ghazni (becoming a follower of Maulavi ‘Abdullah Ghaznavi), and now a Mirzai. However, the pity is that I have reached his old-age, but still I feel that I am an ignoramus.’ (This was his humility). On hearing this, Hudur was most affectionate, and consoling Maulavi Sahib, said: ‘Maulavi Sahib do not be so perturbed; you have reached your destiny. Now there is no need to worry.’ This eventually calmed him down. (Monthly Ansarullah, Rabwah, September 1977, p. 14) 240
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The Promised Messiahas writes: Sayyed Fadl Shah of Lahore (whom I love for the sake of Allah the Almighty) originally from the state of Jammu, is extremely pure-hearted and is full of love and sincerity. He possesses the light of perfect faith and is ever-ready to offer his life and wealth. This is so because he is respectful and trusting in good faith in a wonderfully humble way. From the depth of his heart he has a true, pure and perfect faith in this humble one and maintains association and love with me for the sake of Allah the Almighty to a high degree. Attribute of sincerity and loyalty is most clearly prominent in him. His brother Nasir Shah also has a connection through bai‘at with this humble one, and his uncle Munshi Karam Ilahi too is a sincere friend of my humble being. (Izala-e’Auham, p. 798, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, p. 532)
The Promised Messiahas also writes: Munshi Rustam ‘Ali, Deputy Inspector Railway Police (whom I love for the sake of Allah the Almighty) is a righteous young man who is most sincere and is my friend of the first order. [In our countries the police department is most notorious, and this is appreciated when viewed with this background.] His very face exhibits signs of humility, selflessness and sincerity. I have never seen this friend shaken at the time of any tribulation. From the day that he has been inclined to me with sincerity, there has been no decline and reserve in this sincerity, rather it is growing day by day. [That is, its growth is towards advancement.] (Izala-e-’Auham, pp. 806–807, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, p. 536) 241
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Staying Away from Arrogance The condition of bai‘at also include that one would stay away from arrogance. I shall give the example of Sayyed Sarwar Shahra in this regard: Despite having a very high status in religious scholarship and academia, unlike the so-called ‘ulema of this day and age, his temperament was so simple and humble that if at any time a small child wished to talk to him, he could do so without any hesitation. He would listen most affectionately and would respond in a very pleasing manner. [Maulavi Muhammad Hafiz Baqapuri relates an incident from his childhood.] One of his close relatives had a newborn baby. When the news came through letter he decided to ask Maulavi Sahib for a name for the baby. He was perhaps going to or coming back from Aqsa Mosque for dars of the Holy Qur’an. He went towards him; he stopped as he saw him coming towards him and was most affectionate and courteous, and on his request suggested a name for the newborn and prayed for the baby. (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 5, part III, p. 35)
I shall now relate an incident of Hadrat Maulavi Burhan-udDinra in this regard. It is already clear from earlier examples that he had no ostentation, formality, or pretense. Furthermore he had absolutely no scholarly airs and vanity, despite the fact that he was an unequalled scholar. During his stay in Qadian if someone addressed him as Maulavi Sahib he would promptly ask them not to call him Maulavi, saying: ‘I only just started learning the ABC from Mirza Sahib’ [the Promised
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Messiahas]. (Monthly Ansarullah, Rabwah, September 1977, p. 12) A model of meekness and humility that is greater than all other models. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) writes about Hadrat Sahibzadah Sayyed ‘Abdul-Latif Shahidra: [He] had reached a degree of humility and selflessness that cannot be reached until one is totally absorbed in Allah the Almighty. Each person is somehow or the other affected by fame and knowledge and begins to indulge in self-conceit and that very knowledge and fame prevents him from attaining the truth. However, this person was so selfless that inspite of being a paragon of merits and excellences, his knowledge, and lineage could never prevent him from accepting the truth. Eventually he sacrificed his life for truth, and left such a model for our Community, conformity to which is the real objective of God. (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, p. 45, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 20, p. 47)
Giving Precedence to Faith Over Worldly Considerations High Standards of Offering Sacrifices The eighth condition, concerning giving preference to religion over worldly affairs requires, that one shall sacrifice everything—life, wealth, honour. With the grace of Allah the Almighty we see scenes of giving preference to faith over the world, in the Ahmadiyyah Community. Mothers are offering their children. Following in the footsteps of Hadrat Ibrahimas, 243
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fathers bring their children saying that now they belong to the Jama‘at and the Jama‘at appoint them anywhere it wishes. Children are offering themselves on their own saying that they too are ready like Hadrat Isma‘ilas to offer their lives! Such marvelous displays existed in the past and they still exist today. I will give you an example: In 1923 when the Hindus started the Shudhi campaign (to win the Muslim converts back to Hinduism), to counter it the Ahmadi children did not remain behind the elders in offering their services. Even five years old children were ready to go to Malkana and vicinity. A twelve years old boy wrote to his father that to serve the true religion was not only for the grown-ups, it was also for the young ones! He asked his father to take him along when he was going for preaching, and even if he was not going, he must send him! (From Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, vol. 5, p. 336, published in 1964) These incidents are not merely stories of the past. As I said, even now we see such displays of sacrifices. When the Waqfin-e-Nau children come to see me and I ask them what they would like to become on growing up, their response is that they would become whatever I tell them and let the Jama‘at tell them what it wants them to become! This is the enthusiasm of Ahmadi child. As long as this passion remains, (and insha’Allah it shall remain to the Last Day), no one can hurt the Jama‘at in the least! The Promised Messiahas says: Now I have a large number in my Jama‘at who have given preference to the religion over the world by themselves and have become dervishes [hermits]. They have left their home244
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towns, relatives and old friends and have settled in my neighborhood forever! (Ashab-e-Ahmad, vol. 5, p. 130, published in 1964)
Concerning Hadrat Maulavi Hakim Nur-ud-Dinra of Bhera, the Promised Messiahas says: There is no one else that I could compare with the colossal amount of financial help that he has accorded me. I have found him having a natural tendency, with a deep conviction of the heart, to serve most devotedly the cause of faith. Although his daily life is fully dedicated in all aspects to be a true servant of Islam and to serve the Muslims, but from among the helpers of this Movement he has proved to be of the first order. (Izala-e-’Auham, p. 777, Ruhani Khaza’in. vol. 3, p. 520)
He states about Hadrat Maulavi ‘Abdul Karimra Sialkoti: His life was spent coloured in innocence, and he did not adopt any of the worldly luxuries. He left his employment because it caused humiliation to the faith. A short while ago he had a job offer paying Rupees two hundred monthly, but he flatly declined. He spent his life with humility. He only liked to read Arabic books. He spent his life defending the external and internal attacks on Islam. Despite extreme illness and weakness he continued to write. (Sirat Hadrat Maulavi ‘Abdul Karimra Sahib Sialkoti, by: Mahmud Mujib Asghar, p. 108)
Hadrat Nawab Muhammad ‘Ali Khanra, Chief of Maler Kotlah, wrote in a letter to his brother:
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I say openly that the reason for which I have taken residence in Qadian is that it has been twelve years that I did bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas, but unfortunately for eleven years I lived at home and was cut off from Qadian. I used to come here for only a few days at a time. I wasted my life remaining embroiled in worldly affairs. When at last I paused to think, I realised that my life had flown away and I had not achieved anything either of faith or of this material world. I came here [that is Qadian] with intention to stay for six months. However, when I reflected over all my affairs, eventually my heart decreed that worldly matters can be met by following faith, but when man follows the world, he does not attain the world, and the faith is also destroyed. I deeply reflected and realised that in eleven years I did not make anything of myself and neither did my brothers. With every passing day, despite realising this hopeless situation, we are ruining our faith. Eventually, having realised that there is no end to worldly pursuits, I said farewell to Kotlah making a firm resolve to emigrate from there. All praise belongs to Allah the Almighty! I am pleased to say that I have emigrated from Kotlah. As such, according to shari‘ah, a migrant cannot return to his own country by choice, that is, he cannot make it home. He can only pay a visit while traveling. Therefore in this situation it is difficult for me to return. I am very happy and very well. How can we separate from the focus of our love and devotion?… My dear esteemed brother! I have come here for God’s sake and my friendship and love is also for God. I am away from Kotlah but the wretched state of Kotlah, deeply saddens me. May God bestow wisdom upon you, our entire family 246
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and all people of Kotlah to understand that all should get engaged in the service of Islam! Our life and our death may only be for God. We become completely obedient Muslims of God. It is in our conditions of bai‘at that we should put our faith before our worldly affairs, and remain grateful and fully obedient to our benevolent government. This is what is keeping me here, and just as my faith increases, likewise this world appears insignificant to me and faith gathers prominence in my sight. The sense of gratefulness to God and to man also increases. Similarly, obedience and gratefulness to the government also impresses upon my heart. (Ashab-eAhmad, vol. 2, pp. 126–129, published in 1952)
The Promised Messiahas, writing about Hakim Fadl Dinra as regards empathy with Islam, states: My dear Hakim Fadl Din of Bhera (whom I love for the sake of Allah the Almighty) is from among the friends of brother Maulavi Hakim Nur-ud-Din and is imbued in similar moral qualities. He is a very sincere person. I know that he truly loves God and His Prophet. For this very reason, having observed this humble one serving the faith, he is honouring the condition of love for the sake of Allah the Almighty. It seems he too has the same enormous portion of the enthusiasm to spread the truth of Islam as my dear brother Maulavi Hakim Nur-ud-Din is demonstrating from the very beginning. He gives serious considerations to the expenses of the Movement incurred for religious matters. He is ever concerned that he could make a good arrangement for financial support by way of monetary contributions. (Izala-e’Auham, p. 781, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, p. 522) 247
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In 1923 when the Shudhi campaign was instigated, the Ahmadi murrabbis would daily travel on foot for several miles in fierce heat. At times, let alone food they even did not have water to drink. Often they subsisted on leftovers or dry roasted chickpeas and plain water. At times they had some barley grains and they would survive on those. Sufi ‘Abdul Qadir Niaz B.A. says that they travelled approximately forty villages in the district of Mein Puri and Mathra. They would travel daily at the average of 16 miles. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, vol. 5, p. 343, published in 1964) A gentleman who was a great musician in USA accepted Ahmadiyyat. At that time he was fast progressing in music and becoming well-known in the entire country rather quickly. The experts could see that he was on his way to become a magnificent musician, that he would be remembered as a great musician of his time. However, when he accepted Ahmadiyyat, he neither cared for music nor craved for the wealth he could have gained through his profession. He promptly gave it all up, and started living an undemanding simple life, being very regular in tahajjud, and remembering the Holy Prophetsa with tear-filled eyes. (Monthly Khalid, January 1988, p. 40) Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Ira writes of his pre-khilafat days: Why have I come here? See, in Bhera I have a brick-house and here I have made mud-huts. I could find all manner of comfort there rather than here. However, I noticed that I was ailing—desperately ailing—was dependent—very dependent, and was helpless—extremely helpless. I have come here so that these afflictions may be removed. If a person comes to Qadian to see my example or to stay here 248
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for a while and complain about the local people, then he is mistaken in that he considers the ailing to be healthy and thus tests them. The friendship and connection here, the coming here and leaving here, the living and residing here, all should be for La ilaha illAllah [There is none worthy of worship except Allah]. Otherwise if you come for bread and bedding, listen! most of you have better bread at home, what is the point of coming here? You can do full justice to your pledge only if you come here solely for the sake of God. (Friday Sermon, January 22, 1904, Khutabat-e-Nur, p. 160, new edition)
The Promised Messiahas writes about Hadrat Sahibzadah Sayyed ‘Abdul-Latif Shahidra: One most enviable quality that this esteemed departed soul had was that he really gave precedence to faith over worldly matters. He was in fact among the righteous who, with fear of God, take their taqwa and obedience to Allah the Almighty to its pinnacle. To please God and to seek His pleasure they are prepared to give up their life, honour and wealth as if these were all worthless. His strength of faith was so developed that if I compare him with a great big mountain, I am afraid my similitude might remain flawed. Most people despite making bai‘at and attesting to my claim still cannot completely get rid of the toxic seed of giving precedence to this world over faith, rather some residue remains in them. A latent stinginess—be it about life, be it about honour, be it about wealth, be it about moral conditions—is found in their deficient souls. This is the reason why I am always concerned about them. At the time of asking for any service for faith, I am afraid lest they 249
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face a tribulation, that they might find the service a burden and may exit from their bai‘at. However, what words should I use to praise the esteemed departed soul who threw away his wealth, honour and life in following me as one throws away the rubbish. I notice that most people lack the faculty of persistence and they cannot adhere to truth to the end. They stumble at small tribulations, satanic temptation or under the influence of bad company. However, what words should I use to state the steadfastness of this esteemed departed soul, for he progressed in the light of faith with every breath! (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, p. 8, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 20, p. 10)
The Promised Messiahas also stated: This martyr has set a model for my Community with his life and the fact of the matter is my Community was in need of a great model. There are still some among them who when they render a small service think as if they have done a huge task. Small wonder if they start considering it as a personal favour to me; whereas, it is God’s favour on them that He enabled them to serve. There are some without full zeal and sincerity, and though they claim to have firm faith and sincerity, but still they are unable to maintain it to the end. Love of this world makes them lose their faith, and cannot stand even a minor trial. Even after joining the Community established by God, their love of materialism does not go away. However, a thousand-fold thanks to Allah the Almighty that there are also those who believe with the sincerity of heart, and truthfully adopted this way. They are ready to bear any trouble for the cause. However, the strengths of the model that this gallant 250
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man [Sahibzadah ‘Abdul-Latifra] made so manifest, are still lying hidden in the Community. May God inculcate such faith in everyone and grant them the steadfastness of the sort as shown by this martyr. This worldly life is combined with satanic temptations and it prevents men from attaining perfection. Many will join this Movement but alas, only a few will demonstrate such an example. (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, pp. 55–56, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 20, pp. 57–58)
The Promised Messiahas states: The martyrdom that was in the fate of Shahzadah ‘Abdul-Latif has come to pass. Now the retribution of the oppressor remains.105
Woe! This Amir has come under the wrath of God according to the verse:106 This Amir did not have an iota of fear of God. The strength of his belief of the man he martyred was such that if the entire land of Kabul is searched for his like, the search would be in vain. Such people are the utmost elixir. They sacrifice their lives with the sincerity of heart and do not have any care for the kith and kin. O ‘Abdul-Latif! A thousand blessings on you that you displayed the model of your utmost sincerity in my lifetime! As for those who will be in my 105. Verily, he who comes to his Lord a sinner—for him is Hell; he shall neither die therein nor live. (Ta Ha, 20:75) 106. Whoso kills a believer intentionally. (al-Nisa’, 4:94) 251
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Community after my death, I do not know what deeds they will demonstrate. (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, p. 58, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 20, p. 60)
Further he states: When I observe the steadfastness and devotion that came to pass through Sahibzadah Maulavi Muhammad ‘Abdul-Latif deceased, my hope for my Community increases greatly. God Who so enabled some people of the Community that let alone property, they even sacrificed their lives in its cause, it seems that the evident Will of that God is that He will create many people in this Community who will have the spirit of Sahibzadah Maulavi ‘Abdul-Latif and will be new saplings of his spirituality. (Tadhkiratush-Shahadatain, p. 73, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 20, p. 75)
Exactly a hundred years ago, Hadrat Sahibzadah ‘Abdul-Latif Shahidra was martyred. O Messiah of the Latter-days! Felicitations to you that yours dear Community has fulfiled your aspirations for them; fulfiled the expectations you had of them! They did not ever shrink from sacrificing with their property, time and life. We can see the same happening even today. Such people were born in the Community after you! The Promised Messiahas was concerned what would happen after him. We bear witness that after he passed away, such people were born and are being born who did not care for worldly temptations and did not flinch from sacrificing their lives away. Fathers witnessed sons being martyred, and sons
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were eye-witnesses to fathers being martyred but they remained unflinchingly resolute to lay down their own lives. O Holy Messiah! Felicitations to you! One from among your own progeny, your own blood, too sacrificed his life to save the Community from a great tribulation. May Allah the Almighty continue to grant higher stations in Paradise to all these martyrs. May Allah the Almighty also enable us to be among those who give precedence to faith over worldly matters. May we be ever-ready for any sacrifice and keep this passion alive in our next generations as well. May Allah the Almighty ever enable us for this.
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