Lajna Ta lim Lesson Plan Month: JANUARY 2019

Transcription

1 Lajna Ta lim Lesson Plan Month: JANUARY 2019 Learning Objectives: To learn the key points from History of Ahmadiyyat Question & Answers on Elucidation of Objectives written by the Promised Messiah as To revise the Book Kashti e Nuh (Noah s Ark) by The Promised Messiah (AS) ACTIVITY HISTORY OF AHMADIYYAT RESOURCE: Silsila Ahmadiyya by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib M.A ra Pages Below section has been translated in English by the National Lajna Ta lim Department for the purpose of lesson plan. Time: 30 min Promised Messiah s as way of Talim and Tarbiyyat: Promised Messiah s as way of moral, spiritual, educational and physical training followed the same way that was adopted by previous prophets. The Promised Messiah as used both physical and spiritual means that are briefly outlined as follows: 1) When a person entered the Jamaat he did not consider it enough merely stating the fact that he accepted him as a prophet but in fact wanted him to pledge at his hand that he repented for all his previous sins, will try to abstain from committing any sins in future and will try his best to give precedence to faith over worldly matters. In this manner, the person taking the oath used to feel a change in himself that raised him to the next level of piety, purity and spiritual growth. But in case one could not physically come to take the pledge at his hand, it could be done via letter as well. Thus, the first step towards spiritual and physical training was this pledge which one would take at his hand, after which the individual should himself be vigilant of his own actions. 2) The second means was his writings and speeches that he used to draw Jamaat s attention towards correcting their wrong beliefs and practices. It further helped them to create a bond with their Creator, bring spiritual reform and to be just and kind towards God s creation. He would never pin point an individual s fault or mistake but would advise the Jamaat in general. He would use the time after the five daily prayers in congregation to address the people gathered around him, discussing current events and issues. This used to be an informal gathering as if sons were gathered around their father. 3) The third means of the Jamaat s moral and spiritual training was by including them in his spoken and written Jihad against his opposition, in which he was constantly engaged. So once Hazrat Maulvi Nooruddin ra, who afterwards also became his first Khalifa, asked what he should do for his spiritual reform. The Promised Messiah as advised him to write a book denouncing Christians false accusations about Islam. Then he also advised him to write one against Aryas. Maulvi sahib used to say that writing these books were extremely beneficial. In short, the Promised Messiah as used to keep Jamaat members busy in Jihaad, which proved beneficial to them in following ways:

2 a) Increased their knowledge b) Spiritual reform through constantly being involved in religious work c) Felt a constant need to be a good example for others d) Their time was served doing useful work which kept them away from mental stress e) They would gather blessings from God, reserved for faithful servants of Islam 4) The fourth means of moral training was that He would ask Jamaat members to continually make financial sacrifices for the perpetuation of Islam. This would inculcate the feeling that worldly material has no worth over religious gains. 5) The fifth biggest means of moral training was the Promised Messiah s as spiritual effect on people, which would work as a strong chain, binding him with whoever approached him with a sincere heart and true desire. After going through this experience, one would feel a change in himself in accordance with his own nature and power, just as iron gains magnetism after being rubbed with a magnet. 6) The sixth means was the Promised Messiah s as prayers for his followers, asking for God s help and in turn His blessing over the Jamaat, causing their spiritual reform. Jamaat s Chanda Department: At that time Jamaat work was carried out with the help of Chanda given by members in accordance with the requirements or Huzoor s campaigns of the time. In the beginning, most of the work could be divided into three major categories: 1) Publication of books and magazines that were mostly distributed free of charge 2) Leaflets that were distributed completely free of charge 3) Hospitality of guests, the cost of which was continuously increasing Apart from this there was also money spent in postal work and looking after poor Ahmadis. But now, not only had the expenses of current needs increased but there were new costs, as that of Taleemul Islam High School and Review of Religions. Therefore in 1902 the Promised Messiah as asked all Jamaat members to pay monthly Chanda. He did not fix any rate, but left it on members own financial condition and sincerity, though it was made mandatory for everyone to fix an amount for monthly Chanda and inform the Jamaat of it. This proved to be the foundation of Chanda and the Jamaat s finance department today. Emergence of a new opponent and God s miraculous help against him: When the Promised Messiah as declared himself to be the Promised Messiah the first to retaliate passionately was Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Butalvi, but then there were others ready to take his place, for example Pir Mehr Ali Shah Golarvy. Then there was Babu Ilahi Bakhsh from Lahore and the Ghaznavi family from Amritsar leading the opposition. But now in 1902 another prominent enemy of the Promised Messiah as was Maulvi Sanullah. At first, he only wrote a few anti-jamaat speeches, but in 1902 he challenged the Promised Messiah as to a debate. Since 1892 the Promised Messiah as had said that he would not take part in any such debates as they lead to anguish, hostility and unrest amongst the public. So instead Maulvi Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah Sahib was sent to present the Jamaat s stance in the debate, but even this effort was rendered futile, as the opposition only showed obstinance and no sincere will to discover the truth what so ever. After this Maulvi Sanullah s hostility towards the Jamaat increased further and he started leading the campaign against the Promised Messiah as. After this the Promised Messiah as published an advertisement addressing Maulvi Sanullah to settle this matter through praying to God to kill the lying one among them in the life time of other. The Promised Messiah as also asked him to

3 publish this in his newspaper and write whatever he wished after it. To this Maulvi Sanullah arrogantly denounced this offer saying that this method was not worthy enough because even Musailma Kazzaab lived after the Holy Prophet pbuh, hence declaring that the living one would be like Musailma Kazzaab. Therefore, he is still bearing the worst of punishments by still living and witnessing his own disdain and failure while his opponent and Jamaat is flourishing and thriving day by day. Beginning of another Lawsuit and journey to Jhelum and Gurdaspur: One of the strategies of the enemies was to involve the Promised Messiah as in bogus cases and lawsuits. Therefore in 1903 Maulvi Karamuddin filed a lawsuit against the Promised Messiah as, complaining that he has called him a liar and mean natured person in his book Mawahibur Rahman (Gifts of God) which has damaged his reputation. The basis of his allegation was such that he had written a letter to the Promised Messiah as pretending to be a supporter, telling him that the book which Pir Mehr Ali Shah was writing in response to the Promised Messiah s as book Ijazul Masih had in fact material forged from another writer s work. This letter was published in the newspaper Al Hakam Qadian in order to display the true nature of enemies. After this Maulvi Karamudin retracted his letter saying that he was only joking and Pir sahib was actually not doing any such thing. On this the Promised Messiah as took pity on his enemy s condition of faith and called Maulvi Karamuddin a lying and mean natured person in his Arabic book Mawahibur Rahman, which he was writing at the time. After this Maulvi Karamuddin filed a lawsuit against the Promised Messiah as. The first hearing was in January 1903, in Jhelum. During this journey, Almighty Allah blessed the Promised Messiah as with such acceptance, that huge numbers gathered to visit him. A few of them were enemies, but most people came out of love and support. On this occasion one thousand people performed Bait. Then this case finished in Jhelum and started in Gurdaspur, where it continued for almost two years. During this case two magistrates were replaced and both were Hindu. During those days, this rumour gained a lot of heed that Aryas were trying to manipulate the magistrates by telling them that the Promised Messiah as was Lekharam s murderer and this was seen as an opportunity to take revenge. Hence one day the Promised Messiah as received news of Aryas conspiracy. At the time, the Promised Messiah as was lying in bed as he was not feeling well, but on hearing the news he vigorously rose and his face turned red and he enthusiastically said, Do these people think of me as prey? I am not prey. I am God s lion and who dares to hurt God s lion! Then after a short silence said, What should I do, I have supplicated numerous times in front of God that I am ready to wear handcuffs for the sake of His faith, but He continuously says to me that He shall never let that happen. He will protect me and not allow anyone to harm me. In preceding days Huzoor as also said that Almighty Allah has told me that this court s judgement will be against me, but the appeal in high court will exonerate me. The case continued for two years and a lot of the Promised Messiah s as valuable time was wasted in the proceedings. The magistrate finally gave his verdict in 1904, fining the Promised Messiah as Rs.500, while in another case filed by the editor of Al Hakam, Maulvi Karamuddin was fined Rs.50. Then an appeal was placed before the Session Judge, an English officer who accepted the appeal in the first hearing. In fact, he was shocked that such a simple case was dragged for such a long time and wrote Mirza Sahib s response to Karamuddin s misconduct was genuine. Therefore, the Promised Messiah as was duly acquitted and refunded the fine. While Karamuddin s fine stayed and he was proved a liar and mean natured person according to the court s verdict.

4 Laying the foundations of Minara-tul-Masih: Some of the Islamic prophecies regarding the Promised Messiah state that he shall descend east of Damascus upon a white minaret. The actual meaning of this prophecy is that the Promised Messiah will come bearing arguments which shall be as clear as white milk and its light will spread far and wide. But it was the Promised Messiah s as practice, that where ever possible, he tried to fulfil the prophecy in its literal sense as well. Therefore in 1900 he suggested that a white minaret should be constructed in Masjid Aqsa in Qadian. So, on 13 th March 1903 the foundations of this minaret were laid. However, the financial condition of the Jamaat at the time was weak, hence the construction could not be completed until 1915/16, during the Second Khilafat. The tragic martyr of Maulvi Abdul Latif : In 1903 Jamaat had to bear an extremely tragic loss, which shall forever be remembered in its history. At the end of 1902, a respectable chief of Afghanistan visited Qadian, after hearing about the Promised Messiah as and performed Bait. He was among the leading scholars in Afghanistan and was highly respected in the Kabul court, so much so that he himself performed the coronation of the Ameer, Habibullah Khan of Afghanistan and had a great number of followers and students. His stay in Qadian lead to such progress in his belief that he completely fell in love with the Promised Messiah as. When leaving for his country, he fell at the Promised Messiah s as feet and said that I can see that I will not be able to see this blessed face again. When he reached Kabul, people said that he had turned into an infidel and a disbeliever. Maulvi Abdul Latif ra explained to them that he has accepted the Promised Messiah as after finding his claim to be true and it is a truth which he cannot abandon now. He claimed I am not against Jihad, but during this day and age there is neither the need nor the conditions in which Islam permits Jihad hence I do not approve of Jihad of the sword. Other scholars called him a disbeliever and issued a Fatwah (edict) to kill him. So, Ameer Habibullah Khan tried to convince Maulvi Abdul Latif ra that it was not wise to be stubborn at this time and in fact he should repent for his beliefs. Maulvi sahib said that he could not forsake his religion for the sake of his life. Regarding the method to kill him, it was decided that a hole should be dug in the ground and Maulvi Sahib should be buried waste below in it and then should be stoned to death. So, they prepared the ground outside the city and all the chiefs, scholars and the Ameer Habibullah Khan gathered there. When Maulvi Abdul Latif ra was buried waste down, the Ameer approached him again to ask if he would take this last chance to denounce his faith. But Maulvi Sahib stayed firm in his belief and asked if they could hurry the process so that the curtain between him and the Paradise could lift up sooner. On this the Ameer ordered the stoning, after which the stones showered heavily and soon a mountain of stones formed and this true lover of the Promised Messiah as met his Creator. When the Promised Messiah as got this tragic news and also the news of the martyrdom of Maulvi Sahib s student Maulvi Abdul Rahman before him, he was extremely grieved, but was also happy in the sense that the high moral example of faith shown by these two believers resembles that of the Sahaba ra. Therefore the Promised Messiah as wrote a book about these martyrdoms called Tadhkirat-ush- Shahadatain, in which he said that the prophecy that God told him many years ago that two goats will be slaughtered is fulfilled by these two martyrdoms. Journey to Lahore and Sialkot and the claim to be Maseel-e-Krishan: Most of the years 1903 and 1904 were spent in court cases which have been mentioned earlier. Although much time was wasted and also caused the Promised Messiah as a lot of stress, in a sense these court cases also proved to be a blessing. Firstly, the Promised Messiah s as prophecies regarding

5 these cases were fulfilled and were a source of peoples spiritual reform and improvement in faith. Secondly, as Huzoor as was travelling a lot, many friends had the opportunity to visit him that proved to be beneficial for Jamaats moral training. But tabligh (preaching) could not be neglected either, hence Allah the Almighty granted him two such events of tabligh. These events came in the form of two journeys. The first journey took place in August 1904 to Lahore, where the Promised Messiah as stayed for almost two weeks. During this time, on peoples request a public speech was also organised on the 3 rd September The Promised Messiah as wrote an essay on the topic Islam and other religions of the country, which was readout by one of his sincere companions, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim ra in his loud and beautiful voice. Despite strong opposition, the total number of attendants was nearly eight thousand and the Jalsa was highly successful. At the end of the speech people requested the Promised Messiah as to say something in his own voice, so Huzoor as gave a short speech in his own voice, which had a profound effect. As there was strong opposition of Jamaat at the time and all kinds of people were attending, hence the Police had made special arrangements for the event. At the end of October 1904, after the court s verdict on the Karimdin case, the Promised Messiah as went to Sialkot. The reason for this journey was that the jamaat of Sialkot requested that as the Promised Messiah as had lived among them during his youth years they wished that he would grace them with his presence and bless this city after Allah the Almighty has bestowed him with such a great victory. The Promised Messiah as accepted this request and went to Sialkot on the 27 th October This trip was more successful than that to Lahore and Jehlum. Such huge crowds gathered at Sialkot station and stations on the way there, that the Police and railway authority faced great difficulty in making arrangements. This crowd was not limited to the station but led all the way to the place where Huzoor as was to stay, which was almost a mile away. The Promised Messiah as stayed in Sialkot for a week and on people s request he wrote a public speech here as well, which was readout by Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim ra, who was from Sialkot himself. In his speech, the Promised Messiah as gave arguments defending Islam and Ahmadiyyat but the special point highlighted was his claim to be Maseel-e-Krishan (the like of Krishna). This claim had already been mentioned in previous writings, but on this occasion a special announcement was made that God has told me that just as I am Maseel-e-Masih (the like of Messiah) and Maseel-e-Musa (the like of Moses) and maseel of (the like of) many other prophets, similarly I am also Maseel-e-Krishan (the like of Krishna). Krishna was a very God fearing and extremely pious person among the Hindus. ACTIVITY Questions & Answers Elucidation of Objectives written by the Promised Messiah as (Please note that the answers are directly taken from the book and not paraphrased) Pages ) What do we learn from the Holy Quran regarding angels? Pg 31,32, 36 &37 the Quranic perception regarding Angels is so clear, straightforward and reasonable that one cannot help accepting it. A close study of the Holy Qur an would show that the presence of certain intermediaries is essential for external and internal development, not only of mankind but also of all terrestrial creation. At places in the Holy Qur an there are clear and positive hints to the effect that some of these pure and holy beings, known as Angels, are variously related to the different levels of

6 the heavens. Through their specific influence, some of them perform the function of controlling winds while others control rain. There are still others who bring their influence to bear on this earth. They are a kind of enlightened beings. Their relationship to heavenly bodies, elements and nebulae is like that of life to an organism. Nor does the Quranic law denote that these luminous entities, which have a station of their own on these glowing stars and planets, enjoy any kind of link which would imply that these Angels have authority and an independent will of their own. 2) What does the Promised Messiah as say regarding the relationship between these holy entities and the bright and luminous stars found in the heavens? Page 32 Without doubt, because of their affinity to light, these holy spirits may well have some kind of relationship with the bright and luminous stars found in the heavens. But this relationship should not be confused with the kind of relationship the living organisms on earth have with life. Instead, these holy entities because of their own light and lustre with which they are spiritually blessed, have a subtle and mysterious relationship with the stars. This relationship is so close and intense that it is not possible to imagine any separation between the two without undermining their strength. It is through the hidden hand of these beings that all the stars are busy performing their assigned tasks. As God Almighty is the life force of the entire universe, so are these enlightened spirits, not wholly but in part, the elan vital of these stars and planets. 3) What would be the effect of separating heavenly bodies from the Angelic forces regulating them? Their separation would mean disaster for the existential condition of the stars. To date, no one has ever differed from the view that all heavenly bodies stars and planets are busy all the time contributing to the development and completion of life on earth. In short, it is a considered and fully established truth that day and night heavenly bodies continue to work their influence on all existence, animate or inanimate. If nothing else, even an ignorant peasant would at least know for a certainty that moonlight effectively nourishes fruit and sunlight ripens it and that certain winds help increase its yield. Now if the apparent order of the universe is subject to the different influences of these phenomena, can there be any doubt that the latent order of the universe too is being influenced by these enlightened spirits Angels at God's command. 4) Why is the existence of Angels necessary for the heavenly bodies? Page 33 Since the apparent order of external reality is being constantly nourished and moulded by the influence of such phenomena, how is it possible to doubt that the latent and innate order of reality is also subject to the influence of these luminous forces. In fact, they are as intense to the luminous stars as life is to our organism. 5) Why is there a need for an intermediary between God and His prophets? Page Consequential to this, let it be clear that although on the face of it, it may seem highly disrespectful that an intermediary should be posted between God and His Holy Prophets as for the reception of the light of revelation. However, a little reflection would make it easy to understand that it does not imply

7 any disrespect at all. On the contrary, it is wholly in keeping with the laws of nature, which are so palpably observable in the entire range of phenomenal reality, for we find that Prophets too in respect of their physique and physical functions require the use of normal stimuli. Like the eyes of ordinary humans, a Prophet s eyes, however enlightened and blessed, also need sunlight or its substitutes in order to see. Nor can he hear without the medium of air. Hence the incontrovertible Quranic position that the enlightened souls of these heavenly bodies must also be exerting their influence, most of all on the spiritual sensibilities of Prophets. 6) The Promised Messiah as states that the purity and perfection of this influence is directly proportionate to the purity and perfection of the capacity to receive it. What is the meaning of this? Page 34 It is the established position of the Holy Qur an that the material substance of each of the stars and planets has a soul of its own which may well be called its mind. These heavenly bodies, in respect of their physical form, have a number of characteristics which in turn influence each and every thing on earth according to their optimum capacity. Similarly, their spiritual selves also have characteristics of all kinds and categories which, as decreed by the All-Wise, also exert their influence on the inner side of terrestrial reality. The same spiritual entities, by assuming material form make their appearance to the perfect servants of God and become visible by assuming human shapes. 7) What does the Sharia say with regard to the angels as intermediaries? Page 35 [It is in this context that, figuratively speaking,] the Shari ati gharra lays down the imperative to believe in Angels as intermediaries between God and His messengers. Indeed this belief is considered to be one of the basic requirements of faith. 8) In what way have the followers of the Vedas corrupted the same concept of intermediaries? Page they raised the objection against the Quranic teaching that it posits Angels as the necessary link between God and His Prophets. They did not understand, nor did they care to understand that God's universal law to sustain and develop, which is operative on earth is itself based on this very law. Take the case of the rishis to whom, as supposed by the Hindus, all the four Vedas were revealed. Did they not stand in need of the agency of these heavenly bodies for the proper working of their physical functions? Could they see with their eyes alone without utilizing the light of the Sun? Or could they hear without the waves of sound? The simple answer to all this would be: No, not at all. They too stood in dire need of the aid and benign influence of the heavenly bodies for their growth and full development. Nowhere do the Vedas of the Hindus deny the existence of these Angels. Rather, they overemphasize belief in these intermediaries and their importance to the extent of equating their status with that of God Almighty Himself. A glance at the Rig Veda would show that it contains passages pertaining to the worship of heavenly bodies and the elements. How it eulogizes and lauds them page after page and how prayers are offered to them with such abject humility and deference! 9) Why has every particle in the universe been described as angel in the Holy Quran? Page 37

8 every material particle is described in the Holy Qur an as an angel because all particles hearken to the call of their Gracious Lord and do exactly what they are asked to do. For instance, changes in the human organism make for either health or illness. Each and every particle tasting such changes moves backwards and forwards in keeping with the Divine Will.

9 ACTIVITY Kashti-e-Nuh (Ark of Noah) Taken from lesson plan January 2017: Questions on Kashti e Nuh (Ark of Noah) (Pages 1-7) (The answers are taken direct from the book and not paraphrased.) Q6. What did the Promised Messiah as say of an odd case of death that may happen within the community? It is possible that there may be the odd case in my community due to a weakness of faith or a lack of action or death at its appointed time or on account of other causes which are known to God. However, rare instances as these cannot constitute the general rule. Whenever a comparison is made, the majority is given precedence. The government has itself found after investigation that those who make use of the plague vaccine have a lower fatality rate than those who do not. Therefore, just as the occasional death does not diminish the value of the vaccination, similarly, if there are occasional instances of the plague in Qadian or a few members of this community die from the disease, the grandeur of this sign will not diminish. Q7. Why does God show miracles? His powers are infinite, but they are revealed to people in proportion to their belief. Those who are blessed with certainty and love, and sever all ties for Him, and have broken free from selfish habits, it is for their sake that miracles are shown. Q8. When and in which book of the Promised Messiah the prophecy regarding plague was recorded? Where else was the warning of the Plague given? Twenty years ago, a prophecy regarding this great affliction of the plague was recorded in my book Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyah and it was also promised therein that my community would be greatly blessed. See Barahin-e-Ahmadiyyah pages 518 and 519. Let it also be borne in mind that both the Holy Quran and even certain books of the Torah 1 foretell that plague will break out in the time of the Promised Messiah. In fact, the Messiah, peace be upon him, also spoke of this in the Gospel. It is impossible for the prophecies of the Messengers to be revoked. 1 The occurrence of the plague in the time of the Promised Messiah is recorded in the following books of the Bible: Zachariah 14:12, the Gospel of Matthew 24:8 and Revelations 22:8.