July 2013 Acting Editor: Nasir Ahmad B.A. LL.B. Vol. No. 7, Issue No. 12

Transcription

1 July 2013 Acting Editor: Nasir Ahmad B.A. LL.B. Vol. No. 7, Issue No. 12 CONTENTS Hazrat Ameer s Ramadan Message: Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed, Head and President of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam. Morocco Changes its DST Schedule Sad Demise: Mrs Naseem Buksh, Sydney, Australia. Three Questions of King Devid - Answers: In the Light of the Qur an: Dr. Ikram Jahangiri, California, USA. NEWS & EVENTS: News from Berlin Mosque Iftaar talks and Dinners during Ramadan YOUTH TALKS AT THE LAHORE AHMADIYYA CENTRE, LONDON, UK. My Thoughts about the Woking Muslim Mission Centenary: Adeeba Ali. The Blessings of the Holy Ka bah: Arzish Omar, Karachi The Holy Qur an Above All: Daniyaal Omar, Karachi Month of Ramadan and the Revelation of the Qur an: Zainab Ahmad. The Importance of Zakat or Obligatory Charity: Yahya Saqib. Importance of Languages in Islam: Inshaal Ahmad Importance of Education in Islam: Faizaan Ahmad IFTAAR TALKS AT THE LAHORE AHMADIYYA CENTRE IN LONDON Qur anic Recitation: Irfaan Ahmad. Pacifism - War and Violence cannot be justified: Irfaan Ahmad. Signs of Allah mentioned in the Qur an: Shayaan Ahmad. WHAT OUR READERS SAY Dr. Ikram Jahangiri, California, USA. Mrs. J. Khan, London, UK. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, London, UK. Dr. Zahid Aziz, Nottingham, UK. Mrs. Semina Malik, Columbus, USA. Page

2 OUR CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Dr. Ikram Jahangiri Miss. Adeeba Ali Mr. Hamad Ahmad Mr. Inshaal Ahmad 2 Page Miss. Arzish Omar Miss. Zainab Ahmad Mr. Daniyaal Omar Mr. Faizaan Ahmad Mr. Ahmed Saadat Mr. Yahya Saqib Mr. Irfaan Ahmad Mr. Shayaan Ahmad

3 Editorial Note. July issue of the Hope contains mostly main events and activities of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre at Wembley, London. It includes presentation of Dr. Ikram Jahangiri of California, USA made on the first day of the Three-day Centenary of the Woking Muslim Mission at Darus Salaam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London.. We will try to include the remaining speeches and presentations in the August issue. Eid reports from Oakland, California (USA), Hague (Holland), Berlin (Germany) and other countries have also been received and we will try to accommodate them in the August issue as well. We intend to bring out a Supplement on the 2nd Long Night of Religions observed on 17th August 2013 in the whole of Berlin. Members of the UK Jama at such as Mr. Shahid Aziz, Mr. & Mrs. Azharud-Din Ahmed and family, Nasir Ahmad and Irfaan Ahmad and Mr.Mudassar Aziz from Hague, Holland attended it. It was a unique opportunity for us as well as for almost 200 people from various parts of Berlin, Germany and even research scholars about Islam as far as Sweden to visit the beautiful Mosque of Berlin and attend lecture delivered by Dr. Gerdien Jonker, a research scholar about the History of the Mosque and the important role it played in the 1930 s and the Inter-war period for serving as an important meeting place and a platform to present true picture of Islam and project Muslim social and political aspirations. The visitors asked questions about the purpose of the Mosque and importance of various postures in the prayer. Maghrib congregation prayer was led by Mr. Nasir Ahmad and several groups present in the Mosque keenly observed the performance. With the presence of Mr. Ahmed Saadat as Acting Imam at the Mosque flow of visitors is increasing and more news and projection about the Mosque and its positive views about Islam are appearing in the local press. Mr. Christian Fessel, a freelance professional photographer, who is working on preparing a fascinating collection of views of the Mosque and the mission House and the adjacent area for the last three years displayed his photographs which was an added attraction for the visitors. A short video was also shown to the visitors through a lap-top prepared by a Cairo-based production company who visited the Mosque earlier. We hope to provide more details about the Long Night of Religions which is a very positive step patronized by the Berlin Borough Council towards fostering inter-faith understanding and integration. We regret the late publication of the July and August issues of the Hope Bulletin. During this time one of our team members went to the USA and the other to Holland and Germany. We will try to make up the gap. We are thankful to all those who have been sending reports and photographs of the activities of their respective Jama ats. Those will hopefully be published in the coming issues. Team Members HOPE Bulletin Page 3

4 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful Hazrat Ameer s Ramadan Message (1434 Hijrah, July 2013) ا من وا ک ت ب ی ام ک م ا ک ت ب ع ل یک م الص ل ی ال ذ ی ن ع م ن ق ب ل ک م ۳۸۱ یا ی ہ ا ال ذ ی ن ل ع ل ک م ت ت ق و ن O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. (Al-Baqarah 2:183) Dear Sisters and Brothers, Assalaam-o- alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh. At the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, we must reflect upon the reason for fasting being prescribed to Muslims. Translation of the Arabic word kutiba as prescribed is most appropriate, as fasting is a treatment for the ills of the human soul. To seek guidance and improvement The sole purpose of revelation of the Holy Qur an, which commenced in this blessed month, was to guide us on the path of taqwah (or righteousness). The reason for fasting given in the above verse is to make us muttaqeen or observers of taqwa. Taqwa is a way which, if adopted, makes us better persons. Thus if fasting is observed in its true sense, it brings changes in us and we become better beings. When each individual who fasts improves, the end result is an overall improvement in the society. A spiritual exercise The gain from fasting is not only in this life but also success in the hereafter, which is the ultimate goal of every believer. Islamic teachings lay equal emphasis on worldly life and the life hereafter. Fasting is spiritually beneficial as it gives a person the chance to seek nearness to Allah by enduring hardship for this sole purpose. The hunger and thirst that is voluntarily endured for Allah s sake makes a person think of Him and thus be aware of His nearness. Besides, endurance of hunger and thirst and refraining from all human desires that are forbidden during fasting inculcates in a person the habit of complete submission to the will of Allah. This may be likened to a spiritual exercise which is undertaken to develop the spiritual muscle. * * * 4 Page

5 Morocco changes its DST schedule Published 3 July,2013 Morocco has extended the suspension of daylight saving time (DST) for Ramadan in DST ends 2 days before Ramadan The Moroccan government has recently announced that the country will return to standard time at 3:00 a.m. (03:00) on Sunday, July 7, 2013 local time. Clocks will be turned backone hour. DST will resume again at 2:00 a.m. (02:00) on Saturday, August 10, 2013, when one hour will be added again to the local time. The end and resumption of DST was originally planned to coincide with the beginning and end of Ramadan, which lasts from July 9 to August 8, Morocco's updated 2013 DST schedule in detail Like several other countries, Morocco switches back to standard time during the month of Ramadan. The interruption in the DST schedule is designed to shorten evenings, making it easier for Muslims to observe the Ramadan fast during hours of daylight. Time in Morocco Standard time in Morocco is Western European Time (WET), which is the same as UTC. When DST is in force, the country observes Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is one hour ahead of UTC. * * * Sad Demise We received the sad new of the death of Mrs Naseem Buksh of Sydney (Australia), who was wife of Mr Anwar Buksh and sister-in-law (Bhabi) of Mrs Asina Sahu Khan of Fiji. The deceased had been sick for some time and her funeral was held on 29 th July in Sydney, Australia. Janaza Gaibana will be offered after Jumu'ah salah on Friday 2nd August 2013 in Fiji. May Allah grant forgiveness to the departed soul and rest her in eternal peace. * * * Three Questions of King David Identified by Rev. Billy Graham Answers: In the Light of the Holy Quran 1 Dr. Muhammad Ikram Jahangiri, California, USA [A talk with video clips regarding three questions of King David, identified by the world-renowned Evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, giving Qur anic perspective was delivered by Dr. Ikram Jahangiri on 3rd May, 2013, the first day of the three-day Centenary of the Woking Muslim Mission & Literary Trust (UK), founded by Hazrat Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, at Darus Salaam, at the UK Centre of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Jama at, Wembley, London. Dr. Jahangiri also sent us the video about Re. Billy Graham but due to some technical difficulties, we are unable to give here the link. 1 Unless indicated otherwise, all English translation of verses are quoted from: The Holy Qur ân, As Explained by Allamah Noor-ud-Din in Urdu, rendered into English by Amatul Rahman Omar & Abdul Mannan Omar (Noor Foundation International Inc. USA, 2008). Page 5

6 Historical background: The three questions dealt with in this brilliant presentation are quite intriguing. We made a search on Google to find out the real story. And this is what we came across: Leo Tolstoy tells a story about a king who believed that he would never fail at any enterprise if he had the answer to three questions: (1) What is the right time for any action? (2) Who are the people that matter? And (3) in each situation, what is the most important thing to do? None of the wise men of his kingdom could answer the king s questions, so he disguised himself as a peasant and went out among his people to find the answers. In his quest, he came across an old hermit who was digging in his garden. The King approached him and said: I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: What is the right time for any action? Who are the people that matter? And, in each situation, what is the most important thing to do? The hermit listened to the King, but answered nothing. He just spat on his hand and recommenced digging. "You must be tired," said the King, "let me take the spade and work awhile for you." While he was at work a man appeared who had been grievously wounded. The king bandaged his wounds only to discover that the man was an assassin sent to kill him, but, while the king was helping the hermit, the king s men had discovered the plot and had wounded him. The would-be assassin asked the king for forgiveness which he freely granted. Later, the king asked the hermit once again the answer to his questions. The hermit answered: When that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business. There you have it: What is the right time for any action? Now! This minute! Neither the past nor the future have any real existence; the present is the only time we have the power to act. Who is the person that matters? The one in front of us, for every person we meet in this world, if we only knew it, is fraught with deep and desperate need. And what is the most important action? To love that person by being good to him, because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life! (Tolstoy) - Ed} What a marvellous simplification! reminiscent of the conversation, Jesus had with the lawyer about loving one s neighbour and the young man s self-justifying question: And who is my neighbour? In reply, our Lord told the story of the Good Samaritan, the point of which is: The very next person you meet (Luke 10:27-29).] Reverend Billy Graham 2,3, at age 80, in February 1998 as part of TED lectures addressed a Technology Conference of Silicon Valley CEOs in Monterey Bay, California 4. The Three Questions He posed three questions to the audience and challenged them to find their answers. He refers to King David as a leader, poet, philosopher, writer, soldier, and technologist of his time. He, similar to Page

7 Silicon Valley leadership, brought the Israelites into the advanced Iron Age (e.g. The Quran 34:10-13) when he borrowed iron smelting technology from the Hittites. According to the Reverend, even David, a messenger of Allah and the great technologist of his time, had no answers to the three questions facing humanity. Billy Graham wondered if the technology leaders of our times had any solutions which waxed the technology leader of the yore. His three questions wanting answers were: 1. Human evil 2. Human suffering 3. Death 5 The only solution offered by Rev. Billy Graham was belief in Jesus Christ and his Resurrection. The Qur anic perspective Obviously, a question in itself implies lack of an answer. For example, gravity as we know it today is no longer a question because answer has been found for it. If a prominent Westerner asks a question, it implies that the question persists in the enlightened world. If Billy Graham asks the question then it implies that at least there is no answer in the Old Testament and even in the New Testament. The lack of an answer itself begets a question. With almost 3400 hundred years since prophet Moses, 3000 years since prophet David and 2000 years since prophet Jesus appeared each and every one explained these riddles of life in their own way. The last prophet of God, Prophet Jesus (as) appeared before the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) who is alleged by the Church to be God or Son of God, who walked on the water and talked of the Kingdom of God on this earth, why the answers have not yet been found? The answer to this double question is because, solutions attempted are locked in Mythos + Logos i.e. Mythologies. The belief in Jesus as godhead, atonement and resurrection is the prime example of a mythology that is no different from Hellenistic religions of Greece and Rome. Fact of the matter is that the solutions provided in the Graham s lecture are more mysterious than the Questions themselves. Little does the Reverend know that the Quran answered these questions almost 1400 years ago. The answer to these questions can be easily found only and only if two fundamental premises of a religion are crystal clear: (1) Logos (minus the preceding mythos), namely, the Purpose of a Religion and, (2) the Purpose of a Prophet. According to the Quran, the religion must be congruent to human nature and intellect which are the two sources which guide and help human beings in finding answers to these and such other questions about this life and the life after death, whether identified above or elsewhere: So pay your attention to (the cause of) faith as one devoted (to pure faith), turning away from all that is false. (And follow) the Faith of Allâh (Islam) to suit the requirements of which He has made the nature of mankind. There can be no change in the nature (of creation) which Allâh has made. That is the right and most perfect Faith, yet most people do not know (it). (The Qur an 30:30). In the light of the above premise of religion, the role of a prophet is to remove from the human intellect all the mythos in the belief and practice that creep in to rob the human potential of treading along the path of righteousness. The mission of a prophet is essentially to bring to fore the latent human faculties as endowed by his Creator: 5 Location of questions in the video: Human 7:00, Human 13:47, 15:55 Page 7

8 Those who follow this Messenger, the Arab Prophet (who is mentioned in the Torah and the Evangel which are with them, who enjoins upon them that which is right and forbids them that which is wrong, and who makes lawful for them all the pure things, and makes unlawful all the bad things, and who relieves them of their heavy burden and shackles that weigh them down. Indeed those who believe in him and honour him and serve him and follow the light that has been sent down with him, it is these who will attain success. (The Qur an 7:157) Question 1 Human Evil Just as every good thing is considered godly, so is every evil attributed to Satan (Iblis). A natural thought then crosses the mind is that if God is the Creator of everything, including the Satan, then there must be a grand purpose for such a creation. Can good be hidden in evil? Khwaja Kamal-ud- Din, the first Muslim Missionary to the West, answers this fundamental question precisely: In Nature things become energetic when facing their antagonists, so do we need some enemy to arouse our moral forces which otherwise would remain dormant. Thus Satan clearly ranks on the moral plane with the toxins of the physical plane. We find in the Qur ân the same functions assigned to him as are allotted to toxins in the physical kingdom. Like them he introduces himself within us from outside. He acts as an enemy, and weakens our sense of morality and tries to destroy it. But if our moral nature asserts itself strongly enough and we follow the laws of God we become immune from all sin. The Devil, then, like toxins sub-serves a moral end. The two poisons, I mean toxins and Satan, assail our health and spirit on identical lines. Evil works on the same lines as those adopted by Satan according to the description of the Qur ân. They are, indeed, one and the same. The only thing left to decide is whether it is the perversity of our own mind that we call Satan or is it some personality existent in the external world, who invites the mind to evil. In other words is Satan a mere faculty or a being who inspires us to use our faculties for evil? 6 Essentially, what Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din is saying can be understood in our daily lives. Every child when immunized, germs and toxins are deliberately introduced into the bodies with the sole purpose to make them resistant to the future infections. Characteristics of Satan It is the Quran, which makes us cognizant of the various attributes of Satan and its modus operandi that we can identify in our daily living as Satanic tendencies. In the Quran one finds a purposeful Satan: He (Allâh) may make (the hindrance ) serve as a trial for those whose hearts carry disease (of hypocrisy) and for those whose hearts are hardened (because of disbelief). In fact the wrongdoers have gone far (in their antagonism). (22:53) Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) is full of examples where he was hindered by the Satan, and every time he came out even stronger. In return for him to give up his mission in Makkah, he was even offered worldly allurements. He was offered crown of Arabia, heaps of gold and any woman of his choosing simply put, power, money and carnal temptations, but the Holy Prophet (sas) rejected them all. 6 Satan: A Moral Necessity by Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, pp. 6-7, Woking Muslim Mission and Literary Trust, The Shah Jehan Mosque, Woking, Surrey, England. This article is also attributed to K. Kudos in Islamic Review, pp , vol XX, No. 10, October 1932, Woking Muslim Mission and Muslim Literary Trust. 8 Page

9 Were it not for evil which has been time and again pointed out by Divine revelation, how would one know what good is? The Quran thus describes another purpose for Satan that of a contrasting agent for virtue: And the (human) soul and the (Lord) Who made it perfect (91:7). Then He revealed to the soul,(the ways of) its evil and its righteousness (91:8). And one who purifies it (his soul), certainly succeeds.(91:9). And he indeed is ruined who corrupts his soul. (91:10). After identifying the satanic tendencies, the Quran also provides the remedy against these evil tendencies : Should some sort of trouble from satan vex you, seek refuge in Allâh. For surely He, only He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (41:36) The following is an example of vaccination against Satanic tendencies: Say, `I seek refuge in the Lord of the day break (of truth); from the evil of that which He has created, [e.g. water sustains life yet takes it away by drowning], and from the evil (that prevails in) darkness when it over spreads (at night) including the moral impoverishment]. And from the evil of those who try (and whisper evil suggestions) to deter (people) from doing good, and from the evil of the envier when he envies. (The Qur an 113:1-5) Another example of vaccine against the Satan: Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign, the Controller of all affairs of mankind, the God of mankind; (that He may protect me) from the evil (of the whisperings) of the whisperer, the sneaking one, who whispers evil suggestions into the hearts of mankind, from among the jinn (fiery natured and haughty) and the (ordinary) people. (114:1-5) In summary, the apparent evil has a purposeful existence which is refinement of morality by overcoming it. Question 2 Human Hardships and trials Contrary to a superficial view of human suffering as an inequity of God, the Quran outlines hardship as a method to deter or to cure evil tendencies leading to punishment and destruction: No calamity befalls but according to the laws of God, and whoever believes in God, He guides his heart. And God is the Knower of all things. [Nations that understand the laws of nature are better equipped to take preventive measures against natural disasters. 7 (64:11) No disaster befalls either on the earth or in your ownselves but it is part of the divine Law before We bring it into being. Indeed, it is easy for Allâh (57:22) 7 The Qur ân As It Explains Itself, 4th Edition (2008). Page 9

10 Black plagues of yester years that were considered a Divine wrath are no more than infections manifested by the laws of God and are preventable and treatable by following the laws of God that were only discovered in recent history. In the Quran, hardship is a requirement of life to bring forth its latent faculties: Do the people think that they will be left alone and not tried with hardships for the mere fact that they profess belief. (29:2) We have certainly created a human being to struggle hard (to achieve higher objectives (90:4). Hardship is not only a requirement, but a purposeful discipline that grooms a raw recruit into an Officer and a Gentleman: And We will certainly reward you after disciplining you with something of fear and hunger and some loss of substance and of lives and fruits (of your toils). Give good tidings to the patiently persevering. (2:155) (Believers!) We will put you to trial until We make manifest those among you who strive their utmost (in the cause of Allâh), and those who persevere in patience, and We will (entrust you with such tasks as may) bring to light your (inner merits). (47:31) The Quran also provides the mechanism to cope with such hardships: Who, when a calamity befalls them, say, `Surely, we belong to Allâh and to Him, of course, we return. It is they upon whom descend the benedictions from their Lord and His mercy, and it is they who are guided aright. (2: ) If hardship is according to the Divine Plan, then its extent and relief is described by Quran as: God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: in his favour shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does. "O our Sustainer! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly do wrong! O our Sustainer! Lay not upon us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon those who lived before us! O our Sustainer! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear! And efface Thou our sins, and grant us forgiveness, and bestow Thy mercy upon us! Thou art our Lord Supreme: help us against people who deny the truth! (2:286) According to the Quran hardships endured in due course of a striving life are not the goal unto themselves, but only a means to achieve a higher purpose. Think of a child who dreams to be a doctor. He initially undergoes the hardships of schooling and examinations, and then, completes his graduation and even further studies, and ultimately he rises to fame with economic and social rewards. At the peak of success, he strives for further perfection and fame, which to the virtuous is a humbling moment: Have We not (in fulfilment of the Divine Mission) expanded (and illuminated) for you your bosom, and (have We not) relieved you of your burden (of anxiety of fulfilling the divine mission) which had weighed your back down? And have (We not) exalted for you your name and given you fame? So surely every hardship is followed by ease. 10 Page

11 Yes, every hardship shall be followed by an ease. When you are free (from anxiety) strive hard (to establish His greatness). And to your Lord you do serve (and humble yourself before Him). (94:1-8) Contrary to the general perception, hardship is not an injustice. Rather it is exactly the opposite: Verily, Allâh does not do injustice not (even) so much as the weight of an atom; and if there be a single good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward. (4:40) While only focused on hardship, humans tend to ignore the ease that abounds them. The Quran draws attention to non-recognition of easements that we enjoy: If Allâh were to take people to task for their evil doings He would not leave on the surface of this (earth) a single living creature. But He (out of His mercy) grants them respite till a stated term. And when their doom comes (they come to realise that) Allâh has His servants well under (His) eyes. (35:45) A believer should adopt an attitude of submission to the will of Allah, both in hardship and ease: So grieve not over that (good) which is lost to you, nor exult because of that which He has granted you. Allâh has no love for those who are haughty and boastful. (57:23) In summary, the difficulties inherent in seeking one s purpose in life are proportional to one s existing level of physical and mental capacities. Complete submission and reliance on Divine support relieves a believer of despondency and is infused with a courage to face the hardship. Thereafter, the hardships become a blessing to unleash one s potentials. Question 3 Death In the Quran, death has been repeatedly referred to as a daily human experience somewhat similar to when every time one goes to sleep. Irony is that if one cannot go to sleep, one seeks a doctor s prescription for insomnia. This is how the Qur an draws extent of similarity between a sleep and death: Allâh takes away the souls (of human being) at the time of their death and (also) of those who are not (yet) dead during their sleep (39:42) The Quran reminds death as an inseparable shadow of life. While mentioning death, the fact of life has also been emphasized, which is bound to human body. It is the human body which is an essential instrument for good deeds, the sole survivor of a man after the human body disintegrates after death. Whereas, the lifeless body is then either buried or burned away as a useless figure that has no more value, rather, it becomes imperative to be disposed off as early as possible: Everything will perish but He (is ever-living). (28:88) When we die and become dust that is a far return. We know indeed what the earth diminishes of them and with Us is a book that preserves (good deeds) (50:3-4). While the skeptics who take for granted waking up from daily sleep, doubt the waking up after the death: Page 11

12 What! When we die and become dust, (shall we be raised to life again)? This (sort of) return is highly impossible. And with Us is a book that preserves (good deeds). (50:3-4) These skeptics, who do not consider the phenomenon of their own birth from nothingness, reject their rebirth, despite their lifelong experiences of rising from death-like sleep every day. The Quran addresses them with a question: Are We wearied with the first creation (that We will not be able to re-create them on the Day of Resurrection)? Yet they are in confusion about a new creation. (50:15) * * * News and Events News from Berlin Mosque Visit of a Group working for Churches in USA and Germany A Group of about 25 students and senior members working for various churches in USA and Germany visited the Berlin Mosque in the first week of July. This group was keen to visit the first Muslim purposeful Mosque built in purely oriental style back in 1927 and to know more about Islam. They were also keen to know what this well-known Islamic centre is doing for promoting inter-faith harmony and dialogue. They stayed almost for two hours and were explained in detail the five fundamental principles and practices of Islam and how these relate to the daily lives of believers and their attitude towards followers of other faiths. They were also apprised about the true Islamic concept of Jihad and death of Jesus Christ in the light of the Qur an as projected by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam. They were also told brief history and work of the Berlin Mosque presenting pristine concept of Islam in the West since its inception in 1927 through its translation of the Holy Qur an in German and other literature on Islam. (courtesy: Ahmed Saadat, Acting Imam, Berlin) *** Iftaar Talks and Dinners during Ramadan We have received very encouraging reports from UK, Holland and Trinidad that at various Mosques talks and Iftaar dinners have been organised. Some do it on daily basis and some on weekly basis. These mosques are: Darus Salaam, Wembley, UK, Kepplerstraat Mosque and Paulkrugerlaan Mosque in Hague and Gasparillo Mosque in Trinidad. We will Inshallah provide detailed reports about these mosques and some others in the August issue. Arrangement of talks on various topics relating to Ramadan and ethics in Islam provides knowledge and insight into the teachings of Islam. It also gives a very positive opportunity for men, women and children to listen to learned talks and at the same time enjoy warm and brotherly atmosphere druing the blessed mlonth of Ramadan.. We will welcome such reports from other Mosques and Islamic centres with photographs. * * * 12 Page

13 Youths at the UK Ahmadiyya Centre Introductory remarks Hamad Ahmad This is the 2nd time that Hazrat Ameer has graced the Family Day meeting with his presence. Usually this Day is held on the first Sunday of July, but taking advantage of Hazrat Ameer s presence, UK Jama at decided to hold it while he is still in UK. Most of the boys and girls have finished their exams just a couple of days ago and could not prepare their contributions as they might have wished. But I hope that what they have been able to prepare will still be worthwhile. We hope and pray that all the boys and girls who worked hard for their exams, may Allah make them successful for starting a new academic year at their respective schools and colleges. And here I would like to recite the well-known prayer for their success and bright future: O Our Lord! Grant in our women and our children joy for our eyes and make them righteous. You are the best in accepting our supplications and Your knowledge is all-encompassing. My Thoughts about the Woking Muslim Mission Centenary Adeeba Ali (Text of talk delivered on Family Day, 23 rd June, 2013 by Adeeba Ali daughter of Mr & Mrs Mushtaq Ali, at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley UK ) Following our successful international Convention commemorating the centenary of the Woking Muslim Mission and its founder Hazrat Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, I was moved to know of the many converts to Islam. I also had the opportunity to visit the Brookwood cemetery and see the graves of Lord Headley, Mr. Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, Lady Bucanon Hamilton, Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Tufail, Dr. G. W. Lietner, Dr Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and several others, who had done great service to the cause of Islam in the West specially through the Woking Muslim Mission and Literary Trust based at the Shah Jehan Mosque. Woking, England. Unfortunately Islam today has a poor image in the media to the extent that to identify yourself as a Muslim is taboo. I was deeply moved at the convention to know of the sacrifices that members of our Jama at made for the sake of Islam and to clear some of the grave misconceptions about Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas). I hope we young boys and girls can walk in their footsteps one day. H. G. Wells view of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) I was keen to know about what early converts had to say about why they chose Islam. What attracted them to enter the fold of Islam and profess that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. So I started to read a book entitled Islam our Choice, I had a look at YouTube and read other literature. Since the convention was held in the H.G. Wells hall I thought it fit to see what he said about Islam. From the book The Outline of History, London, 1920, H. G. Wells, the well-known British poet and Journalist, said: Page 13

14 From a new angle and with a fresh vigour the Arab mind took up that systematic development of positive knowledge which the Greeks had begun and relinquished. If the Greek was the father, then the Arab was the foster-father of the scientific method of the dealing with the reality, that is to say, by the absolute frankness, the utmost simplicity of statement and explanation, exact record and exhaustive criticism. Through the Arabs it was, and not by the Latin route that the modern world received that gift of light and power. Distinguished British Muslims Mr. Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, the famous translator of the Quran, led Eid and Taraweeh Prayer congregational prayers as Imam of the Shah Jehan Mosque, Woking, edited the Monthly Islamic Review for a year and delivered talks at the London Prayer House of the Woking Muslim Mission. Mrs H. Buchanan-Hamilton, a British Muslim lady states: The extreme simplicity coupled with extreme sincerity of the worship of Islam by its followers, impressed me with the feeling that this faith occupies the first place in the Universe. (And on her grave stone is inscribed that she was a trustee of the Woking Muslim Mission). The Great Educationist, Orientalist and Builder of the Woking Mosque Dr. G. W. Leitner, the great Oriental scholar and linguist and the man who founded the historic Oriental Institute and built the Woking Mosque with fundings from the Begum Shah Jehan, Muslim ruler of the state of Bhopal, states: Muhammad himself did not make any claim of infallibility. On one occasion he had a revelation censuring himself severely for having turned away from a poor in order to speak to an illustrious man of an Arab tribe, and he published this revelation, the very last thing which he would have done had he been an imposter, as ignorant Christians call the great Arab Prophet. These were some of the names of the Headstones I saw at Brookwood. I now have an insight into their thoughts on Islam and why they chose Islam. In short science, sincerity, simplicity of the Qur anic teachings and the supreme character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad are what drew them to Islam. Research of a German lady Dr. Gerdien Jonker So we need to ask, are these characteristics no longer found in Islam today? Is Islam a religion of yester-year? Why are Muslims regressing in their thoughts and actions despite living in an age of Technology? Interestingly Dr Gerdien Jonker, research scholar from Berlin, during her brilliant presentation at the Centenary convention summarised the work of Maulana Sadr-ud-Din and others who had done impressive propagation work from the Berlin Mosque during the inter-war period as organisers of a THINK TANK trying to merge Islam with the culture and spiritual needs of the West. In the 21 st century we see a German scholar investigating the work of our Jama at. However the past also reveals German, American, French, Scottish, Polish and several other prominent personalities who fell in love with Islam or were impressed by its message, the nature of the faith and its impact on the human soul. Glorious Tributes Mr. Muhammad Alexander Russell Web (USA), one of the early Muslim converts and literary figure remarks: I adopted this faith of Islam as my guide in life after a protracted study. It was the best and only system adapted to the spiritual needs of humanity. 14 Page

15 Mr. Thomas Carlyle (Scottish historian and critic and a leading literary figure of his time with a unique style of his own and well-known for his classic work Hero and Hero-worship) paid glowing tributes to the Holy Prophet (sas) in these glorious words: No emperor with his tiaras was obeyed as this man in a cloak of his own authority. During twenty three years of rough actual trial, I find something of a genuine hero necessary for that myself. Mr. Edmund Burke, renowned British Parliamentarian and writer, remarked about the Qur an: The Muhammadan law which is binding on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject is a law interwoven with system of the wisest, the most learned and the most enlightened jurisprudence that ever existed in the world. Johann Wolgang Goethe, world-renowned German poet, paid great tribute to Islam when he summarised the faith in a single sentence: If this is Islam, do we not all live in Islam? Lord Headley al-farooq, one of the earliest from Scottish Royalty, who embraced Islam and performed Hajj with Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, states: There are thousands of men and women who I believe are at heart Muslims, but convention, fear of adverse comments, and desire to avoid any worry or change, conspire to keep them from openly admitting the fact. I relate a small incident in the life of Queen Victoria taken from Anecdotes related by Rosenthal, From Drury Lane to Mecca published in the book Islam in Britain by Dr Zaki Badawi, pp. 6-7: The origin of the report comes from a charming and unusual episode. One summer s day towards the end of the last century, Queen Victoria noticed three figures of strange appearance by the railings of Buckingham Palace. They were two men and a woman carrying a child. She was moved to invite them into her presence. They were naturally delighted and excited at being allowed into the Palace and having the honour of meeting the Queen herself. The Queen asked who they were and where they were going. They replied that they were Malays from Cape Town on their way to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage. The Queen stretched her arms towards the woman and took the child, kissed it gently and gave it back to the mother. At the end of the audience the Queen in a gentle and quivering voice said: Please pray for your Queen at the Holy places in Mecca. The three Malay visitors left the Palace fully convinced that the Queen was a secret Muslim. Later from Mecca the report spread far and wide throughout the Muslim world. One should not underestimate the work of the Woking Muslim Mission. It has and will continue to bear fruit long after we have returned to our Maker. It was the inspiration of the Mujaddid of the 14 th century Hijrah that led to the founding of the mission and the work of dedication and spreading the divine truth. The work done by the zealous and extremely dedicated disciples of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in the Twenties of 20 th century will continue to grow and emit light to the seekers in the West through its literature and initiation of inter-faith dialogue. I conclude with a verse from the Holy Quran: O you who believe, respond to Allah and his messenger, when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah comes between a man and his heart, and that to him you will be gathered (8:24). *** Page 15

16 DIVINE BLESSINGS OF THE HOLY KA BAH Arzish Omar (Text of talk delivered by Arzish Omar, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Omar Saadat of Karachi on Family Day held on 23 rd June, 2013 at Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Darus Salaam, Wembley, London, UK.) For the protection of the Quraish their protection during their journey in the winter and the summer. So let them serve the Lord of this House, Who feeds them against hunger and gives them security against fear (106:1-104). This chapter of the Qur an brings to mind some special Divine favours granted to the Quraish who were and are still the guardians of the Ka bah. And because of the Ka bah the people living in Saudi Arabia and to a large extent the whole region have been blessed with abundance of bounties. It is because of the Ka bah that Muslim pilgrims from all over the world visit it. And it has also become world trade centre. Discovery of oil has made the countries of the whole region the richest countries of the world. So existence of this Sacred House is not only a source of protection but also a source of providing unlimited sources of sustenance. Thus it is the blessings of Allah that have enriched the area and its people and they are obliged to offer special thanks to Him. In short this is the theme of this short chapter. Today I will talk briefly about what does facing Ka bah stands for. We all face the Holy Ka bah while saying our ritual or optional prayers. Firstly, it is the command of Allah: turn your faces towards the Sacred Mosque (2:144). Secondly, it is the first House of God: Certainly the first house appointed for mankind is the one at Bakkah, blessed and a guidance for the nations (3:96). When we say that is the House of Allah, it does not mean that Allah lives there and that is why we face. This has been clearly negated by the Qur anic revelation: So let them worship or serve the Lord of this house and not the House itself. No doubt Muslims are very particular in fixing the direction of their mosques towards the Ka bah and similarly while offering prayers at home or anywhere else. But that does not mean, God forbid, that if the direction is not correct, then the prayer is not accepted or it amounts to be a sin. For instance, during travelling, it is allowed to perform prayer in the direction one is travelling. It is generally observed that during Hajj or Umrah, people out of love and extreme devoutness touch the wall of the Ka bah or even hold the kiswah and consider it an act of high reward. And in many cases it is observed they keep their hands on the wall as long as possible considering that the longer they keep their hands holding on to it, their prayers are sure to be accepted or their sins are washed off. This chapter clearly reminds that Allah does not resides there, or offering prayers while facing it, or keeping our on the wall or the kiswah of the Ka bah or going around it while performing Hajj or Umrah effects in any way acceptability of our supplications or mere rituals brings rewards. It is firm belief in the Majesty and All-powerfulness of Allah and following his commandments that shall bring eternal rewards in this life and in the life hereafter. Offering ritual prayers, paying Zakat, observing Fasting, performing annual Pilgrimage to Makkah and above all belief in the Unity of Allah, of which Ka bah is a living symbol, is the most important lesson to which this chapter draws our attention to. Ka bah is the greatest testimony of human submission to the commands of Allah and pilgrimage or Umrah is the thriving example of the bounties which Allah bestows as a reward of submission and glorifying Him. 16 Page

17 In short, this small chapter has beautifully summarised the history of the Ka bah, how Allah rewarded submission and supplications of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael and how a deserted place has now became the holiest place for the Muslims and hub of global trade. Sanctity and reverence of the Ka bah and making it pivot of veneration while performing Hajj and Umra not only fosters bonds of brotherhood among the Muslims throughout the world but it also develops spiritual relationship with the followers of Prophet Abraham (as), the great patriarch of Judaism and Christianity. Thus Ka bah is the unifying link between here great religions of the world. *** The Final Verdict of the Holy Qur an Daniyaal Omar (Text of talk delivered by Daniyaal Omar, son of Mr. & Mrs. Omar Saadat on the Family Day on 23rd June, 2013 at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Darus Salaam, Wembley, London, UK) In Pakistan as well as in some circles in England and elsewhere in the Muslim World, it seems that to be an Ahmadi is like following a religion different from Islam. My young mind fails to understand as to why everywhere among the Muslims we are considered as not Muslim. How to be a Muslim? As a growing child, I do not understand in what way we are not Muslims? We believe and practise Islam its beliefs and principles. It is Islam which is mostly talked about in our homes. Our parents are very particular that we learn reading the Qur an and also its translation so that when we are reading or listening or reciting the Qur an in our prayers we should understand it. When we go to the mosque on Fridays, Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha, it is the same Qur an which is recited and explained. In all our meetings and on a much bigger scale at the Annual Gathering it is the same Qur an which is the main subject of the speeches and discussions. What I feel and observe while listening to various programmes on different channels in Pakistan is that the issue of the death of Prophet Jesus and his second coming is the most sensitive subject. It is considered as a fundamental belief of Islam. And if anybody does not agree on Prophet Jesus being alive in Heaven and that he will return bodily in the Latter Age he is out of the pale of Islam, rather he is worst than a non-muslim and all social relationships should be cut off with him. Once I was listening to a speech at our Annual Gathering in Lahore. A speaker related an interesting story. A big gathering was held at the grounds of the Islamia College Lahore under the auspices of Anjuman Himayat-i Islam, a well-known Muslim organisation who are the pioneers of establishing Muslim educational institutions in Punjab. It was way back in 1920 s. Late Dr. Muhammad Iqbal was presiding over a meeting. A young Ahmadi distributed a leaflet: Messiah has come! Messiah has come!. Somebody gave a copy to the Allama as well. He read the title of the leaflet, and said: Well! Alright. The Messiah came and went. So that was the end. Second-coming of Jesus will bring triumph for Islam? May be at that time, the issue might have been more of an academic nature than of any threatening challenge. But today it is the most burning topic both for Muslims as well as for Christians. Muslims strongly believe that all the humiliation they are undergoing today is because of the dominance of the Christian powers and the social evils which have degraded them morally, economically and Page 17

18 socially will be removed by the re-appearance of the Messiah who is alive in the Heavens for the last more than 2000 years. And then immediately after his appearance Mahdi will appear and then Mahdi will lead a huge army which would kill all the non-muslim powers opposing Islam and the Muslims and re-establish the dominance of Islam. Stand of the Ahmadiyya Movement So the issue of re-appearance of Messiah which the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam thrashed out was a fore-warning which the Muslims ignored and laughed at. They are still anxiously waiting for the literal fulfilment of the prophecy as the Jews are awaiting the arrival of prophet Elias. So to think that with the death of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement who proved beyond doubt the error in understanding the significance of the re-appearance of the Messiah in the light of the Holy Qur an, authentic Hadith, lexicons and references from classical commentaries of the Qur an, has lost its value is not true. It is a very burning topic today. And it will not be an exaggeration to say that it has now gained momentum having threatening implications for world peace. Every Muslim and even Christian channel is hosting programmes about it. They take pains to explain that the signs of Dajjal or Gog and Magog which were to be fulfilled before the second coming of prophet Jesus have been fulfilled. And they strongly believe that it is the time that the Messiah should appear followed by the advent of Mahdi. Leave aside what the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam said on this issue as the arguments and proofs brought forward by the Founder and his followers are rejected on the basis that as Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wanted to claim to be the Promised Messiah himself, therefore he put forth the theory that prophet Jesus did not die at the Cross, but survived and left Palestine and travelled towards the East and ultimately settled in Kashmir and was buried in a grave in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Kashmir. The Qur anic verdict on the Death of Jesus finds wide acceptance Orthodox ulama ridiculed his interpretation of killing the swine and breaking of the Cross as exposing the anti-christ beliefs preached by the Christian Church in the light of the Bible and the Holy Qur an. But the stand taken by the Holy Founder is gaining ground gradually. The learned Rector of Al-Azhar University, the late Allama Muhammad Shaltut, another well-known commentator of the Qur an, Muhammad Abduh of Egypt; and more recently a prolific writer, translator of the Qur an and scholar Allama Muhammad Asad and a Pakistani scholar, Javed Ahmad Ghamdi have categorically said that according to the Holy Qur an, prophet Jesus is dead and that the Christians will remain dominant over their opponents, the Jews, till the end of the Time. The Western scholars have now produced scores of research works, documentaries and films endorsing the Ahmadiyya verdict that prophet Jesus did not die at the cross and after his survival from the Cross he travelled towards the East. They are seriously doing in-depth research about the claims of Jesus having been buried in Srinagar. The discovery of Dead Sea Scroll and amazing discoveries about the Holy Shroud in which prophet Jesus was wrapped after being taken down from the Cross which has now been scientifically preserved at a Church in Turin, Italy have not left no doubt that prophet Jesus when taken down from the Cross was alive. Now when it has been accepted by enlightened scholars and proven by discoveries and researches that prophet Jesus is dead, then which Jesus will to come to fulfil the prophecy as understood by the orthodox Muslims? It is a big question both for Muslims and Christians? 18 Page