In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful TA LĪM. SYLLABI & GUIDELINESS Semester 3. NATIONAL TA LĪM DEPARTMENT Lajna Imā illāh Canada

Transcription

1 In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful TA LĪM SYLLABI & GUIDELINESS Semester 3 NATIONAL TA LĪM DEPARTMENT Lajna Imā illāh Canada

2 . INTRODUCTION, In the Name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful Assalāmo alaikum warahmatullāh wabarakatohū! By the Grace of Allāh Almighty, Lajna Imā illāh Canada, Department of Ta līm, has been publishing the Ta līm Syllabus for several years now for the benefit of Lajna members. Our beloved Imām, Syedna Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V (may Allāh be his Helper), continuously guides us and prays for our spiritual and worldly progress. This new syllabus for has been prepared in light of the instructions and guidance of Huzoor Anwar (may Allāh be his Helper). The Ta līm Syllabus is quite different from past years. Lajna members will find: A new format that uses larger fonts, tables, and images to clearly outline the reading material The syllabus is divided by topic (i.e., Holy Qur ān, Ḥadīth & Prayers, etc.) rather than by semester and clear guidelines have been provided at the beginning of each section There are also new areas of study for the benefit of Lajna members, such as the History of Islām and the History of Aḥmadīyyat Complete book references and online resources have been provided in order to encourage Lajna to pursue further reading n Urdu An appendix of optional reading that covers Ṣalāt, its postures, prayers and etiquette can be found at the end of the syllabus It is the prayer of the National Ta līm Department that Lajna members will find this new syllabus easy to use and follow, Inshā Allāh. May Allāh make it beneficial for all and may it be a source of increasing our knowledge. Āmīn! Through this syllabus, Allāh the Almighty provided an opportunity to His humble servants to render their services for Islām-Aḥmadīyyat. Please remember the Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 7

3 members of the National Ta līm Department and especially Mrs. Nadia Mahmood for working with great diligence and dedication to complete this immense task. Also, may Allāh bless everyone who gave suggestions or helped to prepare the syllabus. May Allāh Almighty greatly bless Lajna Imā illāh with excellent knowledge and a higher spiritual status in this world and the next. May He always keep Lajna Imā illāh in His Infinite Protection. May He always guide us on the right path, cover our shortcomings and include us amongst the righteous on whom He showers His Mercy. May Allāh enable us to learn the true Islāmic teachings and adopt them in our practical lives. Āmīn! Sincerely, National Secretary Ta līm, Lajna Imā illāh Canada pg 8 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

4 . SALUTATIONS & ABBREVIATIONS, Lajna members are requested to please recite the full salutations when reading the syllabus. The following abbreviations have been used: Abbreviation Salutation Translation Correct Usage sa Ṣallallāhu alaihi wa sallam May peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him Written after the name of the Holy Prophet Muḥammad sa as Alaihissalām / Alaihassalām May peace be upon him/her Written after the name of Prophets other than the Holy Prophet Muḥammad sa, and pious women prior to the era of the Holy Prophet Muḥammad sa ra Raḍiallāhu anhu / anhā/ anhum May Allāh be pleased with him/ her/them Written after the names of Companions of the Holy Prophet sa and Companions of the Promised Messiah as rh Raḥimahullāh May Allāh have mercy upon him Written after the names of deceased pious Muslims who are not Companions. aa Ayyadahullāhu Ta ālā binaṣrihil- Azīz May Allāh be his Helper Written after the name of the current head of the Aḥmadīyya Muslim Community Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 9

5 . TRANSLITERATION, Lajna members are requested to please review the rules for transliteration. In transliterating Arabic words we have adopted the following system established by the Royal Asiatic Society. Arabic Letter ا ث Rule At the beginning of a word, pronounced as a, i, u preceded by a very slight aspiration, like h in the English word honour. th, pronounced like th in the English word thing. # ḥ, a guttural aspirate, stronger than h. $ kh, pronounced like the Scotch ch in loch. ذ dh, pronounced like the English th in that. ص ṣ, strongly articulated s. ض ḍ, similar to the English th in this. ط ṭ, strongly articulated palatal t. ظ ع غ ẓ strongly articulated z, a strong guttural, the pronunciation of which must be learnt by the ear gh, a sound approached very nearly in the r grasseye in French, and in the German r. It requires the muscles of the throat to be in the gargling position whilst pronouncing it., q, a deep guttural k sound. ء, a sort of catch in the voice. pg 10 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

6 Short vowels are represented by: a for (like u in bud) i for (like i in bid) u for (like oo in wood) Long vowels by: a for or (like a in father); i for or (like ee in deep); u for (like oo in root); Other: ai for (like i in site); au for (resembling ou in sound) In Arabic ن is represented by n but for the Urdu ں (the nūn ghunna that has the nasal sound) we have used the symbol of ń. Consonants not included in the above list have the same phonetic value as the main languages of Europe. Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 11

7 . TA LĪM SYLLABUS OUTLINE, SEMESTER #1 Oct to Mar SEMESTER #2 Apr to Sept SEMESTER #3 Oct to Mar SEMESTER#4 Apr to Sept HOLY QUR ĀN Banī Isrā īl Ch.17 Rukkūs 1-3 Banī Isrā īl Ch.17 Rukkūs 4-6 Banī Isrā īl Ch.17 Rukkūs 7-9 Banī Isrā īl Ch.17 Rukkūs PRAYER Banī Isrā īl 17:25 Al-Aḥqāf 46:16 Al-Baqarah 2:129 Āl Imrān 3: ḤADĪTH Associating Partners with God, Disobedience to Parents and Lying are the Greatest of Sins Respect Your Children and Give them the Best Education One who Brings up an Orphan will Share his Abode in Paradise with the Holy Prophet sa No Deed is Better than Good Conduct HISTORY OF ISLĀM Arabia at the time of the Prophet s sa up to and including Surāqah pursues the Prophet sa The Prophet sa arrives at Madīnah up to and including Fight Against Heavy Odds Treachery of Banū Quraiḍah up to and including Letter to Chief of Bahrain Fall of Khaibar up to and including The Prophet sa passes away BOOKS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH AS Ḍarūratul-Imām (The Need for the Imam) Fatḥe Islām (Victory of Islām) Taudīh-e-Marām (Elucidation of Objectives) Tajalliyyāt-e- Ilāhiyyah (Divine Manifestations) HISTORY OF AḤMADĪYYAT Hazrat Khalīfatul- Masīh I ra & Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa (Vol. 1) pp Hazrat Khalīfatul- Masīh II ra & Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa (Vol. 1) pp Hazrat Khalīfatul- Masīh III rh & Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa (Vol. 1) pp Hazrat Khalīfatul- Masīh IV rh & Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa (Vol. 1) pp pg 12 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

8 HOLY QUR ĀN The Holy Prophet sa has said: Keep reading the Qur ān for it will intercede for its readers on the Day of Judgement (Muslim, Kitāb us-ṣalāt) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 13

9 . SECTION GUIDELINES, In each semester, Lajna members will review 3 rukkūs of Surāh Banī Isrā īl so that the entire chapter is eventually learned. The entire Surāh with Urdu and English translations has been provided in this section. Suggested Method of Learning: Month 1-3 of each semester Months 4-6 of each semester - Read the relevant rukkūs in Arabic with translation - Memorize with definitions the important words (taken from the 5-Volume English Commentary) - Analyze the relevant rukkūs with the aid of available commentaries (one or more of those listed below; the links take you directly to Surāh Banī Isrā īl) - Answer the study questions provided at the end of each rukkū Urdu Commentaries: Tafsīrul Qur ān by Hazrat Masīḥ Mau ūd as Online: Haqaiqul Furqān by Hazrat Maulana Nūr-ud-Dīn ra, Khalīfatul-Masīh I Online: Tafsīr-e-Kabīr by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul-Masīh II Online: Tafsīr-e-Saghīr by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul-Masīh II Online: English Commentaries: 5-Volume English Commentary by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul-Masīh II Online: Short English Commentary, Edited by Malik Ghulam Farid ra Online: pg 14 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

10 . SEMESTER 3, Surāh Banī Isrā īl (Ch. 17) Rukkū 7-9 Rukkū 7: Verses And remember the time when We said to the angels, Submit to Adam, and they all submitted, except Iblīs. He said, Shall I submit to one whom Thou hast created of clay? 17:62 And he said, What thinkest Thou? Can this whom Thou hast honoured above me be my superior? If Thou wilt grant me respite till the Day of Resurrection, I will most surely bring his descendants under my sway except a few. 17:63 He said, Begone! and whoso shall follow thee from among them, Hell shall surely be the recompense of you all an ample recompense. 17:64 IHG+FE+(DC+(DC+B+A+@+?+>+=+< +;: ( /.+ -+,+*)( Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 39

11 And entice whomsoever of them thou canst, with thy voice, and urge against them thy horsemen and thy footmen and be their partner in wealth, and children, and make promises to them. And Satan promises them naught but deceit. 17:65 +4+UX9(+D9(+4+Z(Y(+D9(+X+WV+;UT+D9(+D(S+R(+Q+3(+D9(+P+ON+M+5+4+3(+5+L(9K+J(+0 If:+e+d^9+cb+5+3(+(S+a+a`U+3_+D9(+I:+;^9+5+3(+D9(+.+]+\ \[+B+3( As to My servants, thou shalt certainly have no power over them, and sufficient is thy Lord as a Guardian. 17:66 IO+uB+Q+Dt+a+LsDB+r+p q D+(6+D9(+<G+o +n+m+cb+l+q+3(+hkg+;j+;i+ h1g+ > Your Lord is He Who drives for you the ships in the sea, that you may seek of His bounty. Surely, He is merciful toward you. 17:67 + d9+>+i9:+ä+~+z}+a+*)(+@+ f+o+f{+zy+4+dx+w+;dv+1+o+d9+ pd+(dv q IO+X(9+,:+ÉD+DÇ+DÇ+4+Å+; ;Dv And when harm touches you on the sea, all those whom you call upon, except Him, become lost to you. But when He brings you safe to land, you turn aside; and man is very ungrateful. 17:68 +IO+ê.+èé+çs+G+åã+@+M+ä(â+d9+à+(S+a+*)(+=+O+á+Ü+cb+4+Dx+Ö+Ñ+D9( (ùú+r+õ+3ö(+d9(+ig+å:+ô(òó(+h5+*)(g+@+=+o+f.+ñ+:+ï+îì+~+í+ö+d9+ñ+ë IO pg 40 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

12 Do you then feel secure that He will not cause you to sink in the side of the land or send against you a violent sandstorm and then you will find no guardian for yourselves? 17:69 Or, do you feel secure that He will not send you back therein a second time, and then send against you as a storm-blast, and drown you because of your disbelief? You will then find therein no helper for yourselves against Us. 17:70 Indeed, We have honoured the children of Adam, and carried them by land and sea, and given them of good things and exalted them far above many of those whom We have created. 17: z9 +d ß+e(+D9(+~+ +7D(S+4+7 D9(+í+e(+D9(+7U+ä +b+ UK+ (+,+ +>+D9( I +Ø+õ+e(+Æ+( +,+ +1+Q+z9 + (+D9( (+ U+ LD Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 41

13 Rukkū 7: Important Words Definition Qur ānic Term Verse (1) He put a rope in his mouth and led him; (2) he took the whole of his property; and (3) he gained mastery over him It (fear) excited him to lightness, unsteadiness; or it unsettled him; he incited or excited him to be promptly obedient and submissive to him; he deceived or beguiled him so as to cast him into destruction; he expelled him from his land; he slew him. Violent sandstorm; a thrower or pelter of stones; a punishment from God; dust containing pebbles; pebbles cast about by the wind; small particles of snow and hail scattered about; a large number of men on foot. Ahtanikanna Astafziz Ḥāṣibā 17:63 17:65 17:69 Rukkū 7: Study Questions 1. What happened when the angels were told to submit to Adam as by Allāh? 2. After his refusal to submit to Adam as, Iblīs seeked Allāh s permission for one thing. What was it? 3. What claim does Allāh make about His people? * Answers are provided at the end of the Semester 3 Section * pg 42 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

14 Rukkū 8: Verses Remember the day when We shall summon every people with their Leader. Then whoso shall be given his book in his right hand such will read their book, and they will not be wronged a whit. 17:72 '7'654'FE'DC4'B'654'3'A'@'?>'=<';':49'7'284'7'654'3'21'0'/'.'-%,'(+ +*')('&% '\'['Z4Z'7'>Y'X4'&%'W%4'>'VU'FE'DC4'T4'S'>'RQ'PO'&%'N'M'L'KJ'+('I'HG'=4(?>'=J'^'] But whoso is blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter, and even more astray from the way. 17:73? 4Qj'&(+i';'h';'Wg4'7'&4W'W%44 'LQ'cb4'['I'fed'&%'Q'cb4'I'a(' `_ 4'S'W% 4 And they had well-nigh caused thee severest affliction on account of what We have revealed to thee, that thou mightest invent against Us something other than that; and then they would have certainly taken thee for a special friend. 17:74 '4 '7'64'M'nY'{(','z'I'y'x'w'v%'ut'sr'q'/'S'I'&Wp'7'64'o'&%'n'm'lk'W%4?â'à'á%('o'ÜY<'W%Ö'&%'Ñ'É'Ç'uÅ'ÄW'W%~4'} And if We had not strengthened thee with the Qur ān, thou mightest have inclined to them a little. 17:75 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 43

15 In that case We would have made thee taste similar afflictions of life and similar afflictions of death, and then thou wouldst not have found for thyself any helper against Us. 17:76 And indeed they are near to unsettling thee from the land that they might expel thee therefrom; but in that case they themselves would not have stayed after thee save a little. 17:77 ' I'fWñï' 4'?î('Dì'0p';'654'o'nY'{( ('íë54'rêè'är';'é%'n'm']'ç' ;')4'W%4?ö'&W'ô'ò('&(+i'ó'Är'['&% This has been Our way with Our Messengers whom We sent before thee; and thou wilt not find any change in Our way. 17:78 Rukkū 8: Important Words Definition Qur ānic Term Verse Leader (in this verse: a spiritual leader or a prophet) Imām 17:72 Right hand; strength and power; a blessed thing Yamīn 17:72 pg 44 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

16 Rukkū 8: Study Questions 4. In the Hereafter, who will be given the Book in their right hand? 5. In the Hereafter, what will be the condition of those who are blind in this world? * Answers are provided at the end of the Semester 3 Section * Rukkū 9: Verses Observe Prayer at the declining and paling of the sun on to the darkness of the night, and the recitation of the Qur ān in Prayer at dawn. Verily, the recitation of the Qur ān at dawn is specially acceptable to God. 17:79 ' ' '?Ä(' 4'3'f%ß'w' 'W%4',' '3'i ' 'qj' '7'f4W',Q' %ü';'ûù' 7'úW?x'ÆJ's(' 4 'w'654'n'x' 4' U')dk'3 And wake up for it (the Qur ān) in the latter part of the night as a supererogatory service for thee. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to an exalted station. 17:80 And say, O my Lord, make my entry a good entry and then make me come forth with a good forthcoming. And grant me from Thyself a helping power. 17:81 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 45

17 ' And say, Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Falsehood does indeed vanish away fast. 17:82 28'7'6$% '54'10'/.'3'2-'10'/.'&%$'-,'+'* )'('&% $ And We are gradually revealing of the Qur ān that which is a healing and a mercy to the believers; but it only adds to the loss of the wrongdoers. 17:83 ' K'#"'O'J!N'>%'&%$'8'M&'L'K'JIH'&%$'8GF'E'D'CB'A@?'>%'='<';, :'9'&%$ 2TS%'R'<'Q'&%$ $'$'$P And when We bestow favour on man, he turns away and goes aside; and when evil touches him, he gives himself up to despair. 17:84 U'&%$'8'T4')'*W'^]'C$('''\ \$'&%$'8'TB'[$Z$'>%'Y'D'CB'X&$'W';V$'9' U'&%$ 28T4]'b,a'+'Y'*'`' O'=$ Say, Everyone acts according to his own way, and your Lord knows full well who is best guided. 17:85 pg 46 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

18 Rukkū 9: Important Words Definition Qur ānic Term Verse Declining and paling (of the sun); the sun declined from the meridian (i.e. Ẓuhr); or it became yellow (i.e. Aṣr); or it set (i.e. Maghrib). Darkness; the beginning of the darkness of night (i.e. Īshā ) He slept in the latter part of the night; he remained awake or was sleepless or wakeful in the night; he awoke from sleep to pray or from other purpose; he prayed in the night As a supererogatory service or prayer; what accedes to or exceeds the original; a voluntary gift by way of alms or as a good work; a gift; a deed beyond what is incumbent or obligatory; grandson or grandchild Has vanished away, i.e. falsehood gradually weakened and disappeared (this word is a prophecy about the weakening and disappearance of idolatry from Makkah) His own way; a particular way, cause mode or manner of acting or conduct; direction, side; motive, intention or purpose; creed; etc. Dulūk Ghasaqi Tahajjud Nāfila Zahaqa Shākila 17:79 17:79 17:80 17:80 17:82 17:85 Rukkū 9: Study Questions 6. How can one attain the exalted station (i.e. Maqām-e-Mahmūd)? 7. What is the effect of the Holy Qur ān on the believers and disbelievers? * Answers are provided at the end of the Semester 3 Section * Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 47

19 Semester 3: Study Question Answers 1. What happened when the angels were told to submit to Adam as by Allāh? Verse 62 - Iblis refused by saying that Adam as has been made from clay. 2. After his refusal to submit to Adam as, Iblīs seeked Allāh s permission for one thing. What was it? Verse 63 - He sought Allāh s respite till the Day of Judgement so that he could bring the descendants of Adam as under his sway. 3. What claim does Allāh make about His people? Verse 66 - As to My servants you shall certainly have no power over them. 4. In the Hereafter, who will be given the Book in their right hand? Verse 72 - The believers. 5. In the Hereafter, what will be the condition of those who are blind in this world? Verse 73 - They will be blind in the next world and even more astray from the right path. 6. How can one attain the exalted station (i.e. Maqām-e-Mahmūd)? Verse Observance of prayers and offering of Tahajjud prayers. 7. What is the effect of the Holy Qur ān on the believers and disbelievers? Verse 83 - The Holy Qur ān is a healing and mercy for the believers and only adds to the loss of the disbelievers. pg 48 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

20 PRAYER & ḤADĪTH The Holy Prophet sa said: Whoso, with a view to the welfare and reformation of my people, committed to memory at least forty of my Aḥādīth, Allāh the Excellent will raise him up on the Day of Resurrection as a jurist and religious Divine, and I will be his intercessor with Allāh and a witness to his faith. (Baihaqī) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 61

21 . SECTION GUIDELINES, Each semester Lajna members will memorize one prayer from the Holy Qur ān and one ḥadīth. Semester Qur ānic Prayer Ḥadīth No. 1 Surāh Banī Isrā īl 17:25 2 Surāh Al-Aḥqāf 46:16 3 Surāh Al-Baqarah 2:129 4 Surāh Āl Imrān 3: : Associating Partners with God, Disobedience to Parents and Lying are the Greatest of Sins 15: Respect Your Children and Give them the Best Education 19: One who Brings up an Orphan will Share his Abode in Paradise with the Holy Prophet sa 32: No Deed is Better than Good Conduct The commentary for the Qur ānic prayer has been taken from The Holy Qur ān English Long Commentary by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II. The Aḥadīth and commentary have been taken from the book, Forty Gems of Beauty by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr Aḥmad ra, MA. This book is available in Urdu and English at the Jamā at bookstore. It is also available online in Urdu at: And in English at: Forty_Gems_of_Beauty MN.pdf pg 62 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

22 . SEMESTER 3, Qur ānic Prayer Al-Baqarah 2:129 Our Lord, make us submissive to Thee and make of our offspring a people submissive to Thee. And show us our ways of worship, and turn to us with mercy; for Thou art Oft-Returning with compassion and Merciful. اور اے [ JQرے رب! [2Q@ ا( 4f دو h+j3(e )دار = Wfے = Jfدے اور [ JQری ذرO > 4N 23@ =F; ا( f ; اUO h+j3(e )دار ا 3 > )( W2 ا 9 )دے( اور [2Q@ ا( f ; JhLد<*ں اور 2+J=(i *ں DO(6 49 JFMN اور #] () UF 8 4j*] 4>(9 hi *ل I=*> I=*> <k= ;] * > Jef2gO J8 hi *ل 9)+4 واZ )اور( = Jر = Jر ر&# 9)+4 واZ [ 4 Commentary This is the prayer that Hazrat Ibrahīm as and Hazrat Ishma īl as supplicate after having built the Ka bah. They turn towards God with the supplication that He may afford them the power to lead a life of devotion and submissiveness and show them the ways of such worship as may be performed in the Ka bah. Their prayer also brings out the very important point that even such righteous persons as stand high in the estimation of God need constant prayer for the further purification of their souls and for the consecration of their good deeds by God, because, however noble and righteous the deeds of man may outwardly appear to be, they sometimes lack the true inner spirit and lead to evil consequences. Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 77

23 Ḥadīth One Who Brings Up an Orphan will Share His Abode in Paradise with the Holy Prophet (No. 19, pg 93) Narrated by Ḥazrat Sahl bin Saʻd, Allāh be pleased with him: Said the Holy Prophet of Allāh (blessings of Allāh be on him and His peace): I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Paradise close together like two fingers, and the Prophet of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him) demonstrated it by closing two fingers together. (Tirmidhī) Commentary The orphans are a highly valuable possession of a community and Islām lays very great stress on their care and upbringing. The words of this Ḥadīth convey, accordingly, that emphasis. The Holy Prophet (peace of Allāh be on him and His blessings) says about the Muslim who looks after the orphan that he will be so close to him in the Paradise as two fingers of the hand are close to one another. After this peremptory command, which carries with it such extraordinary reward, no true Muslim can neglect the duty of bringing up well and taking good care of orphans. In the care of orphans, only the object of looking after and upbringing of helpless and supportless children is not served. A little reflection will show that this institution stimulates the spirit of sacrifice among the members of the community when the individual members of a community are assured that, in the event of their death in national service, their orphaned children will not be left helpless and unprotected after them but will, on the contrary, be well looked after by their relatives or other members of the community, they will certainly be foremost in courageously offering every kind of sacrifice. And this will stimulate the spirit of service and sacrifice among all the members of the community. The proper care of the orphans is not only the means of pg 78 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

24 saving minor children from spiritual, moral and financial ruin, but is also a great means of stimulating the general prosperity of the community and its spirit of sacrifice. But it is a matter of deep regret that Muslims of our times are very neglectful in respect of this sacred duty. Often even the near relatives, instead of acting as guardians of orphans, misappropriate their property, and by their neglect of those [duties], become the means of their educational and moral morass. In the orphanages run by different offices, the orphans feelings of self-respect and self-estimation are so grievously hurt that orphans turn practically into beggars in the end. It calls for an urgent remedy. The distant and near relations who assume the role of guardians to their orphan- kinsmen owe it to them to provide adequately for the education and high moral and cultural discipline of their wards and to take good care of their properties. The organizations that take up this service in their hands, likewise, should act as the parents of the orphans, and instead of making them beg from door-todoor, take appropriate measure to train them as self-respecting and useful members of society. Above all, they should never have cause to feel in their hearts that they are helpless and forlorn dependents on the charity of others. The orphans, on the other hand, have little ground to despair. They should always remember that the greatest of mankind, the chief of the two worlds and the Pride of Prophets (peace and blessings of Allāh be on him) was himself an orphan who had lost his father before his birth and his mother departed from this world when he was hardly seven years old. If they took to the path of virtue, God will not let them down. Who can give greater protection than God? Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 79

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26 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 81

27 HISTORY OF ISLĀM O Allāh, bless Muhammad sa and his people as You did bless Ibrahīm as and his people; You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Exalted. O Allāh, give prosperity to Muhammad sa and his people as You did prosper Ibrahīm as and his people; You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Exalted. (Darūd Sharīf) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 89

28 . SECTION GUIDELINES, In this section, Lajna members will be learning about the early history of Islām through the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. To achieve this purpose, the book Life of Muhammad sa by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul- Masīḥ II, has been divided into four parts to correspond with each semester. For each semester, page numbers have not been provided, as Lajna members may have different editions of the book. Instead the section titles that are mandatory reading for each semester have been provided. Semester 1 2 Book Sections to Read Arabia at the time of the Holy Prophet sa up to and including Surāqah pursues the Holy Prophet sa The Holy Prophet sa arrives in Madīnah up to and including Fight against Heavy Odds 3 Treachery of Banū Quraiḍah up to and including Letter to Chief of Bahrain 4 Fall of Khaibar up to and including the Holy Prophet sa passes away Life of Muhammad sa was originally a part of the book Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II. Therefore, those Lajna members who have a copy of the Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān will be able to complete the reading for each semester. Life of Muhammad sa and Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān are both available at the Jamā at bookstore. They are also available online at (1) (2) *Note: Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān is the English translation of the Urdu book Deebacha Tafsīrul Qur ān. It is available at the bookstore or online: pg 90 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

29 HISTORY OF ISLĀM O Allāh, bless Muhammad sa and his people as You did bless Ibrahīm as and his people; You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Exalted. O Allāh, give prosperity to Muhammad sa and his people as You did prosper Ibrahīm as and his people; You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Exalted. (Darūd Sharīf) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 89

30 . SECTION GUIDELINES, In this section, Lajna members will be learning about the early history of Islām through the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. To achieve this purpose, the book Life of Muhammad sa by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul- Masīḥ II, has been divided into four parts to correspond with each semester. For each semester, page numbers have not been provided, as Lajna members may have different editions of the book. Instead the section titles that are mandatory reading for each semester have been provided. Semester 1 2 Book Sections to Read Arabia at the time of the Holy Prophet sa up to and including Surāqah pursues the Holy Prophet sa The Holy Prophet sa arrives in Madīnah up to and including Fight against Heavy Odds 3 Treachery of Banū Quraiḍah up to and including Letter to Chief of Bahrain 4 Fall of Khaibar up to and including the Holy Prophet sa passes away Life of Muhammad sa was originally a part of the book Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān by Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Mahmūd Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II. Therefore, those Lajna members who have a copy of the Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān will be able to complete the reading for each semester. Life of Muhammad sa and Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān are both available at the Jamā at bookstore. They are also available online at (1) (2) *Note: Introduction to the study of the Holy Qur ān is the English translation of the Urdu book Deebacha Tafsīrul Qur ān. It is available at the bookstore or online: pg 90 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

31 . SEMESTER 3, Striving for Peace Lajna members are requested to please read the following sections: Treachery of Banū Quraiḍah The Confederates Disperse Banū Quraiḍah Punished Sa d s ra Award in Harmony With the Bible Did the Holy Prophet sa Seek to Continue Warfare? Teachings of Judaism and Christianity About War The Holy Qur an On War And Peace The Holy Prophet s sa Percepts About War Sporadic Attacks By Disbelievers The Holy Prophet sa Leaves For Makkah With One Thousand Five Hundred Companions Treaty of Ḥudaibiyah The Holy Prophet s sa Letters to Various Kings Letter to the King of Iran The Letter to the Negus Letter to the Ruler of Egypt Letter to the Chief of Baḥrain Letter to Muqawqas, the Ruler of Egypt Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 93

32 BOOKS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH AS Ḥazrat Maulavī Sher Alī ra states that the Promised Messiah as once observed, the members of our Jamā at should read our books at least three times, and the one who does not study our books, I have doubt about his faith. (An Introduction to the Hidden Treasure of Islām pg xxxiii) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 95

33 . SECTION GUIDELINES, This section gives a brief introduction to four short books written by the Promised Messiah as that are mandatory reading for Lajna members. Through these books, the Promised Messiah as emphasizes that he is indeed that Messiah and Mahdi whose advent the world is waiting for. He explains that Prophet Jesus as died a natural death and he himself has been sent by Allāh Almighty to counter Christianity. He proves that the time of the Promised Messiah has arrived, and he is that Reformer as evidenced by his exceptional spiritual insight, Divine revelations, and prophecies bestowed on him by Allah Almighty. Semester 1 Book Ḍarūratul-Imām (Need for the Imām) 2 Fatḥe Islām (Victory of Islām) 3 Tauḍīḥ-e-Marām (Elucidation of Objectives) 4 Tajalliyāt-e-Ilāhiyyah (Divine Manifestations) The brief introduction for each book has been taken from An Introduction to the Hidden Treasures of Islām, which was compiled and edited by Syed Hasanat Ahmad. This book gives an introduction and brief summary of each of the 91 books written by the Promised Messiah as. It is available at the Jamā at bookstore or on online at: library/books/hidden-treasures-of-islam.pdf pg 96 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

34 BOOKS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH AS Ḥazrat Maulavī Sher Alī ra states that the Promised Messiah as once observed, the members of our Jamā at should read our books at least three times, and the one who does not study our books, I have doubt about his faith. (An Introduction to the Hidden Treasure of Islām pg xxxiii) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 95

35 . SECTION GUIDELINES, This section gives a brief introduction to four short books written by the Promised Messiah as that are mandatory reading for Lajna members. Through these books, the Promised Messiah as emphasizes that he is indeed that Messiah and Mahdi whose advent the world is waiting for. He explains that Prophet Jesus as died a natural death and he himself has been sent by Allāh Almighty to counter Christianity. He proves that the time of the Promised Messiah has arrived, and he is that Reformer as evidenced by his exceptional spiritual insight, Divine revelations, and prophecies bestowed on him by Allah Almighty. Semester 1 Book Ḍarūratul-Imām (Need for the Imām) 2 Fatḥe Islām (Victory of Islām) 3 Tauḍīḥ-e-Marām (Elucidation of Objectives) 4 Tajalliyāt-e-Ilāhiyyah (Divine Manifestations) The brief introduction for each book has been taken from An Introduction to the Hidden Treasures of Islām, which was compiled and edited by Syed Hasanat Ahmad. This book gives an introduction and brief summary of each of the 91 books written by the Promised Messiah as. It is available at the Jamā at bookstore or on online at: library/books/hidden-treasures-of-islam.pdf pg 96 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

36 . SEMESTER 3, TAUḌĪḤ-E-MARĀM Elucidation of Objectives The title page shows that Tauḍīḥ-e- Marām is a revealed name and so are the two accompanying verses which are translated as follows: W h a t d o u b t s d o y o u h a v e i n acknowledging the Messiah, whose resemblance [to the former Messiah] has been vouchsafed by God Himself; Whereas you hesitate not to confer this very title upon skilled physicians, and even a beautiful face to you is a Messiah. Fascimile of the Title of the First Edition Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 103

37 Rūḥānī Khazā in Volume Number 3 Book Number 2 Progressive Number 10 Title of the Book English Version Language Tauḍīḥ-e-Marām Elucidation of Objectives Urdu Number of Pages 50 Year Written 1890 Year Printed 1891 Name of the Press Riāḍ-e-Hind Press, Amritsar Background The Promised Messiah as described this book as a continuation of his first book, Fatḥe Islām. He tackled a number of objections advanced against his claim and established that he was the Promised Messiah and gave examples of how close he bears a resemblance and the similarities to Jesus Christ. The Book In this book, the Promised Messiah as gave a beautiful commentary on the Qur ānic Chapter 91, Al-Shams, and explained that man is the crown of all creation and that the angels, stars, and elements were all subservient to him. Incidentally, he also threw light on the functions and nature of angel. Gabriel's functions are particularly discussed. He also described the vast scope of spiritual progress that is open to man, and explained that inspiration and visions were the distinguishing features of God's true saints and prophets and that this door is open to all. Therefore, it was not unusual or impossible that in this age, he should be chosen by God as the Promised Reformer. The Promised Messiah as was aware of the prevalent belief among Muslims that Jesus Christ was elevated to heaven and is sitting in heaven alive and that he will descend one day from heaven. In order to counter the criticism of the ulema, he made a plea that before raising objections against the views presented by him, the ulema should read his three books together, namely, Fatḥe Islām, Tauḍīḥ-e-Marām and Izāla-e-Auhām, in order to get a complete picture. The Promised Messiah as made a forceful plea that unless the false beliefs like the one that Jesus Christ was alive in the heaven are completely demolished, it would not be possible for the Muslims to enter into a pg 104 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

38 debate or an argument with Christians whose entire edifice of Christian superiority is built around this very fundamental belief, and once this belief is demolished, the Christians would not be able to establish any superiority over Islām. Specimen of Writing Our chief, the head and the Holy Prophet sa, in order to draw a distinction between the first Messiah and the second Messiah, had not only he stated that the second Messiah would be a male and a Muslim and would act in accordance to the dictates of the Holy Qur ān and like Muslims would strictly adhere to ordinances of the Holy Qur ān, of prayers and fasting and would be born among Muslims and would be an Imam of them and would not bring any separate religion or bring any different message, and it was also indicated that there will be a distinction between the physical appearances of the first Messiah and the second Messiah. The appearance of the first Messiah as seen by the Holy Prophet on the night of his spiritual ascension was that he would be of middle height, red colour, and curly hairs and wide chest (See Bukhārī, page 489) and in this book the praised one also stated the appearance of the second Messiah he would be wheatish in colour, his hairs would not curly but would hang to his ears. (Tauḍīḥ-e-Marām, p. 16, Ruḥānī Khazā in, vol. 3, p. 59) Impact The impact of this book on Maulavīs, like Maulavī Muḥammad Ḥussain Bātalvī, was not unexpected. The Maulavīs now felt that the elimination of Jesus Christ from the scene would end the dominance of the Muslim clergy, and it was for this purpose that Jesus was very securely settled in heaven. For they thought the longer Jesus is securely fastened to the heaven, the longer the Muslim clergy monopoly over Muslim minds would continue. So, the first to face the Promised Messiah as in the field was Maulavī Muḥammad Ḥussain Bātalvī who started attacking the views presented by the Promised Messiah as. He issued a warning to the Promised Messiah as that unless he dropped the views presented by him about the death of Jesus Christ, he would start a campaign against him and would try to save the Muslims from what he called the hellish beliefs propounded by the Promised Messiah as. Maulavī Muḥammad Ḥussain Bātalvī thought that since he had been the one who praised the work of the Promised Messiah as, like Barāhīn-e-Ahmadīyyah, so his opposition would destroy the Promised Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 105

39 Messiah as and his Community. The Maulavī failed to realize that the Promised Messiah as did not need any support from any man because he had been commissioned by God to carry out the reformation of society and all the support he needed had come to him divinely. 5 pg 106 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

40 HISTORY OF AḤMADĪYYAT The Holy Prophet sa said: He who dies without [recognizing] the Imām dies the death of ignorance. (Musnad Aḥmad, Vol. 4, pp 96) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 111

41 . SECTION GUIDELINES, This section entitled History of Aḥmadīyyat reviews the importance of the system of Khilāfat and explores the historical period of time surrounding the beginning of each Khilāfat. (1) On the instructions of Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V aa, Lajna members are to read the book Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa, as outlined in the chart below. *This book is available at the Jamā at bookstore* (2) Lajna members are to review the historical events of the appointment of each Khulafā -e-aḥmadīyya, as outlined below. *The reading material has been provided in this syllabus and comparable Urdu material has been suggested* Mandatory Reading - to be reviewed in local Ta līm meetings Semester From the Book: Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa From this Syllabus 1 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ I ra 2 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II ra 3 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ III rh 4 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ IV rh Optional Reading For the benefit of Lajna members, optional reading material has been included at the end of this section. Members may choose to read this material at their leisure. (1) A review of the truth about the split in the Aḥmadīyya Community (2) The first address delivered by Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V aa after becoming Khalīfa pg 112 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

42 HISTORY OF AḤMADĪYYAT The Holy Prophet sa said: He who dies without [recognizing] the Imām dies the death of ignorance. (Musnad Aḥmad, Vol. 4, pp 96) Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 111

43 . SECTION GUIDELINES, This section entitled History of Aḥmadīyyat reviews the importance of the system of Khilāfat and explores the historical period of time surrounding the beginning of each Khilāfat. (1) On the instructions of Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V aa, Lajna members are to read the book Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa, as outlined in the chart below. *This book is available at the Jamā at bookstore* (2) Lajna members are to review the historical events of the appointment of each Khulafā -e-aḥmadīyya, as outlined below. *The reading material has been provided in this syllabus and comparable Urdu material has been suggested* Mandatory Reading - to be reviewed in local Ta līm meetings Semester From the Book: Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa From this Syllabus 1 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ I ra 2 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II ra 3 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ III rh 4 pg Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ IV rh Optional Reading For the benefit of Lajna members, optional reading material has been included at the end of this section. Members may choose to read this material at their leisure. (1) A review of the truth about the split in the Aḥmadīyya Community (2) The first address delivered by Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ V aa after becoming Khalīfa pg 112 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

44 . SEMESTER 3, HAZRAT KHALĪFATUL-MASĪḤ III Mirzā Nāṣir Aḥmad ra All praise belongs to Allāh Who has bestowed upon me in my old age four sons and has thus fulfilled His promise... [and] has given me the good news of a fifth one - who was destined to be born as a grandson in addition to these four - that he would certainly be born at some time. (Prophecy of the Promised Messiah as in 1903) pg 130 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

45 Don t Forget to Read: Khilāfat Ala Minhajun-Nabuwwa pg The following is an excerpt from the book Aḥmadīyyat: The Renaissance of Islām Author: Ch. Muhammad Zafrulla Khan ra Year Published: 1978 Pages: Available Online: Urdu Biography: Hazrat Mirzā Nāṣir Aḥmad Khalīfatul-Masīḥ III rh by Sayyeda Tahira Sadīqa Nāṣir Urdu Book Available Online: Hazrat_Mirza_Nasir_Ahmad MN.pdf Having in mind the crisis with which the Movement had been confronted on the demise of Khalīfatul-Masīḥ I ra, he [Hazrat Mirzā Bashīr-ud-Dīn Aḥmad ra, Khalīfatul- Masīḥ II] had already established an Electoral College for the election of a Khalīfa, when the sacred office should become vacant by the Khalīfa s death. The college was composed of the following, subject to the essential qualification that every elector must be a member of the Movement and should be a supporter of the Khilāfat: (1) The surviving sons of the Promised Messiah as. (2) The President of the Ṣadr Anjuman Aḥmadīyya. (3) All Secretaries of the Ṣadr Anjuman. (4) The Director General and the Directors of Taḥrīk Jadīd. (5) The President of Waqf Jadīd. (6) The Principal of Ta līmul Islām College. (7) The Headmaster of Ta līmul Islām High School. (8) The President of the Theological Seminary. (9) The President of Ansārullāh. (10) The President of Khuddāmul Aḥmadīyya. Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 131

46 (11) Representative of Lajna Imā illāh. (12) Missionaries who had worked abroad for a minimum period of three years. (13) Missionaries who had worked abroad for a minimum period of five years. (14) Amīrs of circles in Pakistan. (15) Members of the Movement who had joined the Movement in the lifetime of the Founder of the Movement. The total membership of the college is approximately one hundred and fifty. The Health of Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II ra entered upon a prolonged process of slow but progressive decline and the end came on 8 November His demise shook the Movement to its foundation. Every member of the Movement was overwhelmed with grief, the depth and intensity of which were beyond measure. The shock was bewildering and baffling. It seemed that the vacuum thus created would be hard, if not impossible, to fill. Everyone, however, realized that the divine will was supreme and no human being was immortal. The members of the Community converged in large numbers upon Rabwah for the purpose of seeking comfort and consolation from each other s company and to pay their tribute of love and devotion to the sacred memory of the holy one who had guided the destinies of the Movement for more than half a century and had given freely of his love, sympathy and support to everyone without discrimination. Hazrat Muṣleḥ Mauʻūd ra, founder of Taʻlīmul Islām College, with his son, Hazrat Mirzā Nāṣir Aḥmad rh, first principal of the college pg 132 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

47 Hazrat Mirzā Nāṣir Aḥmad rh, Principal of T.I. College, before his Khilāfat The President of the Ṣadr Anjuman Aḥmadīyya, in conformity with the constitution of the Electoral College, convened a meeting of the College on 9 November for the purpose of electing the new Khalīfa. The interval between the demise of Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II ra and the meeting of the Electoral College was spent by everyone in humble and earnest supplication to the Divine, that the members of the Electoral College may be rightly guided in their choice of the Successor to Khalīfatul-Masīḥ II ra. The College met in a deeply prayerful mood and Ṣāḥibzada Mirzā Nāṣir Aḥmad, eldest son of the departed Khalīfatul-Masīḥ ra, who had been Principal of the Ta līmul Islām College for 21 years, was elected Khalīfatul-Masīḥ III by an overwhelming majority of the Electoral College. As soon as the choice of the Electoral College became known it was universally felt as if comfort and consolation were descending upon every hearth from heaven. The funeral prayers over the beloved departed, led by the newly elected Khalīfa, and his interment later on the same day were a deeply moving experience for everyone, which was born of conflicting emotions of grief and bereavement on the one hand and steadfast submission to the divine will, and a firm resolve to march forward in earnestness, giving of one s very best on the other. The bonds of brotherhood were uprightness and righteousness in every sphere appeared to be the prevailing mood. 5 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 133

48 The following is a translation of the first sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalīfatul- Masīḥ III rh after his election as Khalīfa Date of Sermon: November 12, 1965 Source for English Translation: Aḥmadīyya Gazette Canada Available Online: Urdu Source: Khutbāt Nāṣir, Volume 1, pg 2-10 Urdu Book Available Online: After Tashahud, Ta awwudh and recitation of Sūrah Fātihah Huzoor rh proceeded to say: I meant to speak to you about another topic, but last night I was looking over an old file of Al-Faḍl from 1914, and Allāh, the Exalted directed my attention to a portion of a speech by Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīh II ra within which I saw a tremendous prophecy which has come to fulfillment during these past few days. Hence, I thought to leave the other topic and address my friends on this prophecy, but before this prophecy can be understood it is Hazrat Mirzā Nāṣir Aḥmad at the time of his election as Khalīfatul-Masīḥ important to understand the circumstances surrounding it. For this reason, I will first briefly narrate the state of affairs in After the passing away of His Holiness, the Promised Messiah as, contrary to the will and liking of some Ahmadīs, Jamā at Aḥmadīyya became united on one hand. Those people you know those people who are implied by this were compelled to lower their heads in front of the majority of the Jamā at members and take the pledge of allegiance at the hands of His Holiness the first Khalīfa ra. pg 134 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

49 This was the first Khilāfat which was established in Jamā at Aḥmadīyya. Somehow, those people managed to get by in the short time of this first Khilāfat. However, when His Holiness the first Khalīfa ra passed away, these people saw this as the best opportunity to have their views take hold in the Jamā at. At the time, this group adopted three stances, one after the other. First, that the personage of Khalīfa is not necessary in Jamā at Aḥmadīyya. There should be no Khilāfat. As opposed to this, the majority of the Jamā at (the majority not including these so-called, or self-proclaimed greats) and His Holiness the Second Khalīfa ra were yearning, a state of restlessness overtook them, a state of death was apparent in them. O Allāh what will come about? You gave Muslims a promise of Khilāfat, and we saw with our eyes that up and until there was Khilāfat during the first century of Muslims, they witnessed progress after progress. Thereafter, due to their weakness and negligence, Khilāfat was taken away from them and Islāmic Kingship was set in its place. This [kingship] was absolutely abject. It was nothing compared to the Khilāfat. And now once again O God You have granted us this favour. You raised the Promised Messiah as on the precepts of Prophethood. Regarding this, You declared his personage would perfectly reflect the personage of the Holy Prophet sa and whosoever does not understand this, has his own reasoning to blame. After this person, Khilāfat was established in the Aḥmadīyya Movement, but not even six years have passed and there is a party who has come forth saying Khilāfat is not required. He (His Holiness, the Second Khalīfa ra ), it can be said, tried to please them. He explained to them that for God s sake do not trample on the blessing of Khilāfat. Let one of you be appointed Khalīfa and I will make sure that I, my friends and relatives who are related to the Promised Messiah as will all pledge allegiance and will wholly obey. At that time, Huzoor ra had a heartfelt desire that Khilāfat should not be taken from Jamā at Aḥmadīyya. It makes no difference who becomes the Khalīfa and who doesn t; rather it is Khilāfat that should be held on to firmly. For without this, the Jamā at cannot progress nor will it be the inheritor of Allāh s Grace. Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 135

50 However, no matter what, these people would not agree, and when they did, they presented the stance that someone may very well be elected Khalīfa, but pledging allegiance to him should not be made compulsory upon the Jamā at. This was the second stance these people adopted. Allāh, the Exalted, caused things to be such that these people would say such things during the life of the first Khalīfa ra and Allāh the Exalted responded to them through His Holiness the first Khalīfa s ra own mouth. A point came when an allegation like this was raised and the response His Holiness, the first Khalīfa ra, gave was printed in the Badr newspaper dated March 3, A person has written to Khalīfatul-Masīh ra that is pledging allegiance to you compulsory and obligatory? He [Huzoor ra ] said, Whatever the command was for the original pledge is the same for its branch, because prior to burying the Holy Prophet sa, the noble Companions ra considered this deserving of attention, and they acted upon pledging allegiance to a Khalīfa. Similarly, in the diary printed in the July 9, 1908 issue of the Badr newspaper, we find that the first Khalīfa ra said, No one should think that we accept His Holiness Mirzā Ghulām Aḥmad as as the Promised Messiah and awaited Mahdī so what need is there to pledge allegiance to Nūr-ud-Dīn ra Every person is responsible for his Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ III rh in Africa own being... Everyone should write for the pledge that he may receive a share of the benefit which is mentioned in [Allāh s hand is upon the Jamā at]. The meaning of this is clear. If you do not pledge allegiance to Khilāfat and continue as before in your cunning and cleverness, then you cannot achieve that grace which is pg 136 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

51 achieved due to meaning that God Almighty will remove His hand of mercy, His hand of protection, His hand of safety, His hand of blessing from over your heads. If you want to have the Mercy of God, if you are hoping that the hand of God Almighty s mercy, His graces, His blessings, His protection and security remain over your heads then, it is compulsory for you to gather and pledge allegiance at one hand. When they saw that even with this issue the majority were against them and were strongly established on truth, they then adopted their third stance: Elect a person and make him the Khalīfa and deem pledging allegiance to him obligatory. We will pledge allegiance to him but he will not rule over the Anjamun. If there must be a Khalīfa, then he must be appointed under Sadr Anjamun Aḥmadīyya. This was such a laughable statement that no one in his right mind would be willing to accept this stance. At that time, when observing the enthusiasm, pain, humility, meekness and sound judgment with which His Holiness, the Second Khalīfa ra, battled this notion, it seems as though Allāh the Exalted gave him the glad tiding, We will give you the capability to establish Khilāfat in Jamā at Aḥmadīyya to such a degree that in the future, the mischief created in March 1914 will never again be created within the Jamā at. In 1914, His Holiness, the Second Khalīfa ra, had no idea how long his life would be - ten, twenty, twenty-five, fifty-two years, [or] how long he would be Khalīfa. What would be the circumstances after this, what would be his personal condition? Then whosoever was to become Khalīfa after this, what would be the circumstances at the time of his demise? This too was not known. These are not matters for man, until Allāh the Exalted grants one knowledge thereof. Despite this, in 1914 His Holiness, the Second Khalīfa ra wrote the following - listen carefully: At this time, the enemy is delighted that now there is division among the Ahmadīs. This battle was occurring. There was a struggle whether there should be a Khalīfa or not. Huzoor ra would say that there should be a Khalīfa. Prior to this time, these people had already published and stored tracts against Khilāfat which were later distributed. This set the opportunity for the enemy s taunts. Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 137

52 His Holiness, the Promised Messiah as, had claimed that through him, Islām would be victorious over the world and this would be seen happening within 3 centuries. But six years had not passed since Huzoor s as passing and a severe division had arisen. If anyone had witnessed this entire situation, he couldn t have said that the Jamā at would survive. The Second Khalīfa ra said: At this time, the enemy is delighted that now there is division among the Ahmadīs and they will quickly be destroyed. Right now our state is akin to [they were shaken with a violent shaking] (Al-Ahzāb 33:12), this is one last trial. Just as after the instance of Ahzāb, the enemy does not have the courage to attack the Muslims. Similarly this is the last time, the last assault of the enemy. If God the Exalted desires that we be victorious, then the enemy will not attack us. Rather, we will attack the enemy. The Holy Prophet sa said at (the time of) Ahzāb, that now we will attack the enemy and will defeat it and it will never come to attack again This is the last trial. Through this, Allāh, the Exalted will keep us protected and the enemy will never again have the opportunity to rejoice. First, he said that the enemy is delighted that now there is division among the Ahmadīs, they will quickly be destroyed. Now, he says that the enemy will never again have the chance to rejoice. That is to say, that the enemy will never be given the chance to see, any division among the Ahmadīs, nor the likelihood of their destruction. Then, he states: Battles did occur after Ahzāb, but the enemy never had the will to attack the Muslims. This trial is like that of Ahzāb, the condition of the Companions ra at that time is the same as our condition. The condition that overtook the enemy at that time is the same that will overtake our enemies. You should come forward and keep praying. (Friday Sermon, March 20, 1914 published in Al-Faḍl March 25, 1914) This prophecy was made by the Second Khalīfa ra in 1914, so as to say that, at this time, extreme division can be seen in the Jamā at and it is becoming the basis of the enemy s taunts. The enemy is overjoyed and is clapping with joy, that all the claims and prophecies made by His Holiness, the Promised Messiah as, regarding the progress of the Jamā at are all turning out to be false. A Jamā at which becomes divided like this pg 138 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

53 and shatters to pieces and is also in disagreement amongst itself becoming totally impure can never progress. However, Huzoor ra had also instructed at that time to remain engaged in prayers. I tell you, the enemy could only have this joy once, and it has seen it. After this, Allāh the Exalted will create such circumstances that the enemy will make slight attacks, perhaps even cause slight harm to and maybe cause some pain for the Ahmadīs. Offerings and sacrifices will be sought from them [the Ahmadīs] to counter their attacks, but never again shall the enemy see the division of March 14, 1914, nor a weak Jamā at. Now that the Second Khalīfa ra has passed away, let us look at what has happened following his passing. Every Ahmadī was, as it were, close to death. Allāh, the Exalted, had put so much love in every Ahmadī s heart for His Holiness the Second Khalīfa ra. His ra favours on the Jamā at were so numerous and so immense. He was able to share in the Jamā at s pains, to be included in their joys, and was to prepare such means for their progress that each person understood it to be the day of their own demise. During Huzoor s last illness some Ahmadīs due to their lack of knowledge, some due to their ignorance, some due to their weakness and perhaps some due to mischief would say that a great division has been created in the Jamā at. However, these comments were from before [our] time when this fabricated division was meant to show its face to the world. Those who were present are proof, and each one of them is a witness to the fact that it seemed as though Allāh, the Exalted, had sent an army of angels, taking a strong hold of Jamā at Aḥmadīyya. Just as a shepherd surrounds his sheep, similarly this army had surrounded us. They said to us, we have been sent that you may not go astray. At that time, nobody was thinking who will become the Khalīfa and who will not. Though, every heart knew that Khilāfat would remain and a Khalīfa would be appointed and Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 139

54 that all the blessings of Khilāfat would stay with us. A few days back, one of our Ahmadī sisters saw a dream, most likely two or three days prior to Huzoor s ra passing, in other words, the night prior to the evening we had our collective prayer here. The sister saw that many Ahmadīs had gathered in Masjid Mubārak and were praying with great humility. She says when she looked to the east, she saw hundreds and thousands of angels donned in white clothing coming forth quickly and then joining those who were praying, they too were praying with great humility before their Lord. On that day, we were thinking that if God wills to accept our prayer then He could grant Huzoor ra health. He possesses great abilities and powers. And so, a collective prayer was organized here and prayers were offered in great humility. Now, however, I have come to understand that the vision she saw that day did not represent the collective prayer we offered. Rather, it was a vision of the evening (after Maghrib) when the members of Majlis Intikhāb (Electoral Board) were having a consultation in Masjid Mubārak. Being a member, I and some others from the family [of the Promised Messiah as ] were present there as well. However, God is my witness, that not even 20% of the proceedings of that night reached my ear. Because we were seated at the back praying, O God, make the Jamā at strong and firm and keep Khilāfat established. In our hearts, we vowed that whosoever became Khalīfa, we would swear to fully follow and obey him. We would return from there joyfully, having carried out our obligation and viewing the unity of the Jamā at and the Graces of God, the Exalted, and saying that no division was created in the Promised Messiah s as Jamā at. Those here, who were also present at that meeting, I sensed that none of them was the same as before. That is to say, Allāh had control over their minds as well. God, the Exalted, had control over their tongues as well; there were no arguments, no fights. All came to one decision and in this way Allāh the Exalted made that prophecy come true, that this is the last trial, the enemy will never again rejoice on this matter. Consequently, some elder ghair mubā have been heard saying that the truth of the matter is, without Khilāfat the Jamā at cannot progress and if such rules regarding the pg 140 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus

55 appointment of a Khalīfa had been instituted by the first Khalīfa ra as had been made by the Second Khalīfa ra (having done a great favour on the Jamā at), then the division of 1914 would not have come into being. Hence, what was revealed by Allāh the Exalted to His Holiness the Second Khalīfa ra was a grand prophecy, stating that we will give you the ability to train the Jamā at in such a way, that when you are called back you will not have any agony or worry; that when I entered this house, at that time there was mischief, and now that I am going there is also mischief. No, rather God, the Exalted, assured him that when you leave this world, the mischief which you saw in the beginning will never rise up again. Hence, the might of God the Exalted was shown and in this way the Jamā at was made to be unified and in accord, such that no one could ever imagine. His Holiness the Promised Messiah as has said, Every heart was cleansed, every heart was changed. This couplet explains the events that we were witnessing at that time among the people within Masjid Mubārak and among those who were sitting outside. Every person has his own nature, own thoughts, own reasoning and deliberation, their own thought process and considerations, but at the time of the election, they had lost themselves completely and were under someone else s control. They were doing only that which God wanted them to do. So in this way, you, my friends came to God the Exalted s presence and requested that if this humble one (myself, Nāṣir Aḥmad) is to His liking, then to make him your servant. God the Exalted accepted your plea and made me your servant. A servant in the sense that just as a father helps his children or as a mother helps her children. A mother cleans her child s soiled cloths, but no one would call her a handmaid. A father may pace all night carrying his child on his shoulders due a stomach ache just so the child may have some ease and fall asleep, but no would call him an employee. So you should pray and I too will pray that Allāh, the Exalted, may enable me to serve you more than a father ever could; that He will enable me to serve you more than a mother ever could. By God, I do not desire any recompense from you. Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus pg 141

56 Hazrat Khalīfatul-Masīḥ III rh with his younger brother, Hazrat Mirzā Ṭāhir Aḥmad rh I have not asked of you any reward. My reward is with Allāh alone. (Surāh Yūnus 10:73) All I desire is that, in all religious matters in which your cooperation is required, in all such matters you give me your complete cooperation and that you always remember me in your prayers. I am hopeful that you will always pray that when I leave this world and return to our Lord, that He may not be angry with me, rather that God the Exalted provides such means as would allow me to reach Him with dignity and honour. Pray that I may be enabled to serve you more and more and that I may be enabled to remove your troubles and pains through my prayers. Since the time of my election, I have been praying, Oh God accept my prayers! I know that hundreds of you will write to me regarding minor and major troubles and will ask me to pray for you. So my prayer is that at such times my God may not leave me embarrassed. Rather, as the acceptance of prayers is required to fulfill this responsibility, that He grants me this sign, not so that I may achieve the world s wealth and means. Rather, so that I may remove your troubles and pains, and so that your progress and its means, the desire for which has been created in my heart, may by the grace of God the Exalted, come into being. (May God spread our caravan with this same unity and accord in every country and in every city, every street and corner and may God the Exalted s desire be fulfilled that Islām be victorious over the whole world.) May Allāh always grant us the capability for this. Āmīn. 5 pg 142 Lajna Imā illāh Canada Ta līm Syllabus