RR200811

MANAGEMENT BOARD CONTENTS November 2008, Vol.103, No.
11
Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman)
Mansoor Shah (Secretary)
Naseer Ahmad Qamar KHILAFAT CENTENARY
Mubarak Ahmad Zafar
Mirza Fakhar Ahmad SPECIAL EDITION NO.14
Abdul Baqi Arshad
Editorial
CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER The purpose of the building of mosques
Mansoor Ahmed Shah Ijaz Tahir – UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Assistant:
Ijaz Ahmed Tahir The Essence of Islam – Part 27
Distinguishing between Divine and satanic
EDITORIAL BOARD revelation
Bockarie Tommy Kallon
Fareed Ahmad Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as)
Fazal Ahmad The Promised Messiah and Mahdi.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Mansoor Saqi
Sarah Waseem
Tanveer Khokhar. Opening of Khadija Mosque
The speech at the opening of the first
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ahmadiyya mosque in the former East
Amatul Hadi Ahmad
Farina Qureshi Germany on the Islamic beliefs
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad –
PROOFREADERS
Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan Khalifatul Masih V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Shaukia Mir
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Canadian Dignitary Speech
Tanveer Khokhar Islam – the religion that preaches peace,
tolerance, and love for all mankind.
DISTRIBUTION
Muhammad Hanif Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad –
Khalifatul Masih V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
PUBLISHER
Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah
All correspondence should be
As’hab As-Sufah – The Great Lovers of
forwarded to the editor at: the Holy Prophet(saw)
The Review of Religions An introduction to the lives and sacrifices of
The London Mosque the ‘ascetic’ companions who spent their days
16 Gressenhall Road
London, SW18 5QL and nights in worship and servitude.
United Kingdom Adam Hani Walker – UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Email:
reviewofreligions@gmail.com
© Islamic Publications, 2008 COVER PHOTO
ISSN No: 0034-6721 The Khadija Mosque in Berlin.
Views expressed in this publication are not © Makhzan-e-Tasaweer, 2008
necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community
Editorial
Our beloved Imam Hadhrat Mirza appearance of places of worship
Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul usually express whether they
Masih V, Supreme Head of the belong to Jewish persons,
Worldwide Ahmadiyya Christians, Hindus or Muslims.
Community, returned to London Bells, crosses, minarets and
on 19th October 2008 after his domes reveal whether they are
blessed visit to Europe followers of Hadhrat Moses(as),
encompassing Paris, Holland, Hadhrat Jesus(as), Hadhrat
Germany and Belgium. In this Krishna(as) or Hadhrat
short visit, his holiness Muhammad . Minarets and
(saw)
inaugurated the first purpose-built domes are normally symbols of

mosques in France and Germany. mosques and a great source of
preaching and propagating the
The Mubarak Mosque in France, message of Islam. These visual
situated on the outskirts of Paris, structures reveal even from a
is the first purpose-built mosque distance the presence of a
of the country’s Ahmadiyya mosque where Muslims gather
Muslim Community. together and glorify the name of
the One and Only God.
The ‘Khadijah Mosque’ in
Berlin (Germany) is situated in The purpose of building mosques
the Eastern part of Berlin, and is is to firstly glorify the name of
also the first purpose-built the One and the only God.
mosque of the Ahmadiyya Secondly so that mankind
Muslim Community in the area. remains submissive and obedient
to Allah’s Command and to
Allah the Almighty has provided worship and seek the pleasure of
everyone a place of worship Allah so that He may continue to
where one can practise one’s guide us along the right path.
religion. The structure and the These are the basic principles on
2 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

EDITORIAL
which Mosques are constructed Community all the prophets

and established. There will be no came to establish the rights of
other call apart from that of love Allah the Almighty and His
for humanity, affection, recon- people and this is what the
ciliation, justice and peace. Qur’an has taught has. And it
is this that has been presented
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V said before us in the example of
on one occasion: the Holy Prophet(saw).
Therefore if the deeds of a few
‘The Ahmadiyya Community have presented a false image
that knows how to stand of Islam then it does not mean
united under one hand that the fault lies with the
through Khilafat, that teaching.’
practises the true Islam due
to its bond with the Messiah The new mosques of the
of Muhammad(saw) will never Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
let this message die. This will definitely draw the attention
mosque of ours and any of the people of their respective
mosques that we will build in areas towards Islam and that,
the future in this country or undoubtedly, will lead to new
else where will emerge as a avenues for preaching the real
sign of peace and security. We and true teachings of Islam.
are the people who respect
the prophets and messenger In this edition, we are featuring
of every religion and we the two addresses of the Head of
respect mankind. This is the Ahmadiyya Muslim
because we believe in each Community delivered in Canada
and every prophet. We are and Germany that give an
certain that prophets came to insight to the true teachings of
every nation of the world and Islam.
as we have seen from the By Ijaz Tahir – UK
excerpts of the Founder of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim
KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 3

ESSENCE OF ISLAM: Part 27
This series sets out, in the words of the Promised Messiah(as), Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad, a summary of his exposition of four outstanding topics: ISLAM; ALLAH,
THE EXALTED; THE HOLY PROPHET(saw) and THE HOLY QUR’AN. The original
compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have been translated into English, was
collated with great care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib, Allah have mercy
on him and reward him graciously for his great labour of love. Amin. The English
rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, may Allah be pleased with him,
and is quoted from The Essence of Islam, Volume I1. All references throughout, unless
otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy Qur’an.
Differences between Satanic and sinner.

and Divine Revelation (Ch.26:Vs.222-223)
Most ignorant people consider
satanic suggestion as the word of But Satan cannot attack one in
God and are unable to distinguish whom he has no part and who has
between satanic and Divine departed from the low life as if he
revelation. It should be had died and has become a
remembered that the first righteous and faithful servant of
condition for Divine revelation is God and has turned wholly to
that its recipient should become Him, as God Almighty has said:
wholly God’s and that Satan
should have no part in him. Surely, thou shalt have no
Wherever there is carrion, there power over my servants...
also dogs collect. That is why (Ch.15:V.43)
God Almighty says:
Those who belong to Satan and
Shall I inform you on whom follow satanic ways, Satan runs
the evil ones descend? They towards them for they are his
descend on every great liar prey.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SATANIC & DIVINE REVELATION
It should be remembered that

God’s words possess a blessing
and a majesty and a delight. As
God is All-Hearing and All-
Knowing and Compassionate, He
replies to the supplications of His
righteous and faithful servants.
This supplication and response
can extend over several hours.
When a servant humbly submits
his supplication, he is within a
few minutes overcome by a
faintness and he receives the The founder of the Ahmadiyya
response in the veil of this Muslim community was Hadhrat
faintness. Then if he submits Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as).
another supplication, he again The founder of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim community was Hadhrat
experiences the same condition
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as). In 1891,
and finds His response. God is so he claimed, on the basis of Divine
Generous and Compassionate and revelation, that he was the Promised
All-Knowing that if a servant Messiah and Mahdi whose advent
supplicates to Him a thousand had been foretold by Muhammad,
the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace
times, each time he receives a and blessings of Allah be upon him)
response, but as God Almighty is and by the scriptures of other faiths.
Self-Sufficient and has regard for The founder’s claim constitutes the
wisdom and appropriateness basis of the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya
some suppli-cations are not Muslim community.
responded to.
sentence or two into the heart in a
Again, Satan is dumb and is not smelly way. Since eternity, he has
eloquent and so articulate in his not been given the power to
speech. Like the dumb, he has no express himself in delicious and
power over an eloquent and majestic words. Nor can he carry
prolific speech. He injects a on a series of questions and

answers for a number of hours. ness; it penetrates into the heart

He is also deaf and is not able to like an iron nail. It creates a holy
respond to every question. He is effect upon the heart and draws the
also helpless and cannot exhibit heart to itself and converts its
any power or disclose any hidden recipient into a person of high
matter of high import. Also his courage so much so that if he is cut
throat is hoarse and he cannot into pieces with a sharp sword, or
speak in a loud and majestic is strung up on the gallows, or is
voice. His voice is low like that of afflicted with every possible kind
eunuchs. You can recognise of torment, and is disgraced and
satanic revelation by these signs. defamed, or is put into the fire and
But God is not like a dumb or is consumed, he would never deny
deaf or helpless person. He hears that the word that descends upon
and responds. His word is him is God’s word. God bestows
conveyed in a majestic, and loud full certainty upon him and makes
and awestriking voice. His words him the lover of His own
are effective and delicious while countenance. He values life,
Satan’s words are delivered in a honour and property no more than
low, effeminate and doubtful a straw. He never lets go of the
manner; there is no majesty, garment of God even if the whole
grandeur, or loftiness in them. Nor world treads him under its feet and
can he continue for long as he tires he is matchless in his trust, bravery
quickly and his words are weak and steadfastness. Those who
and betray cowardice. God’s word receive satanic revelation have no
does not get tired and comprises such power. They are cowardly
every kind of power and hidden because Satan is a coward.
matters of great import and (Haqeeqatul Wahi, Ruhani
majestic promises and gives off Khaza’in, Vol.22, pp.142-144)
the fragrance of Divine Glory and
Greatness and Power and If it is asked that as there is no
Holiness. Satan’s words do not complete security against satanic
possess these qualities. Divine intervention then how can we
revelation possesses an effective- trust our dreams that they are

from God? Is it not possible that Some short-sighted people raise

we should deem a dream to be the objection that revelation
from God and it might be from suffers from the defect that it
Satan, or we might deem it to be prevents and obstructs its
from Satan and it might be from recipient from arriving at
God? The answer is that a dream complete understanding, which is
which is from God declares itself indispensable for eternal life and
by its majesty, blessing, greatness everlasting happiness. They
and light. That which proceeds explain their objection by
from a holy fountain possesses asserting that revelation obstructs
purity and fragrance and that thinking and cuts short research,
which proceeds from unclean and inasmuch as those who follow
dirty water immediately revelation respond to every
announces its origin through its question by asserting that the
evil smell. True dreams, which matter is either permissible or
come from God Almighty, are forbidden in their revealed book,
like a holy message which is not and they do not use their
accompanied by confused reasoning powers as if they had
thoughts and possesses an not been bestowed on them by
effective power, and the heart is God and in the end by lack of use
drawn towards it and the soul those powers decline and almost
testifies that it is from God disappear. Thus human nature is
inasmuch as its greatness and completely changed and begins to
majesty penetrate into the heart resemble animals, and the
like an iron nail. Very often it excellence of the human soul,
happens that a person sees a true which means progress in reason,
dream and God Almighty shows is destroyed and man is deprived
the same dream, or one like it, as of obtaining perfect under-
confirmation to some companion standing. In this way, revealed
of his and thus one dream books constitute an obstruction in
supports another. the way of achieving eternal life
(A’ina-e-Kamalat, Ruhani and everlasting happiness of
Khaza’in, Vol.5, p.354) which man stands in need.

The answer to the foregoing other, which cannot subsist

objection is that it is the lack of together, and their thinking that
intelligence, obtuseness and revelation is opposed to reason
persistence in error of the and is destructive of it, whereas
Brahmus that prompts them to this fear is entirely unfounded.
think that by acting upon the
revealed Book of God the It is obvious that a follower of
reasoning faculty is rendered true revelation does not abstain
useless as if revelation and reason from reasonable research and is
were contradictory of each other indeed helped by revelation in his
and cannot subsist together. This effort to view the realities of
suspicion on their part is things in a reasonable manner. By
compounded partly of falsehood, the help of revelation and by the
partly of bigotry and partly of blessing of its light he does not
ignorance. The falsehood is that encounter any confusion in
despite their knowledge that assessing arguments based on
Divine verities have been fostered reason. He is not reduced to the
only through people who have necessity of inventing invalid
followed revelation and that arguments, but is able to perceive
Divine Unity has been propagated the way of true reason and is able
in the world only through the to arrive at the truth. There is no
elect who believe in the word of conflict between reason and
God, they make a statement revelation and they are not
contrary to this known fact. Their inconsistent with and opposed to
bigotry is declared by the fact that each other. Reason lends support
in order to support their assertion to revelation and revelation helps
they have held back the verity to safeguard reason against going
that in Divine matters, unaided astray. True revelation, that is to
reason cannot carry a person to say the Holy Qur’an, does not
the stage of perfect certainty. obstruct the progress of reason. It
Their ignorance is betrayed by illumines reason and is its great
their regarding revelation and helper and supporter. As the full
reason as inconsistent with each value of the sun is appreciated by

the eye and the benefits of the realises that if in thinking over a
bright day are disclosed to those problem help becomes available
who possess sight, in the same through which knowledge is
way divine revelation is fully gained of the right way of
appreciated only by those who resolving the problem, such
possess reason, as God Almighty knowledge is of great assistance
has said Himself: to reason which is delivered from
much confused thinking and
And these are similitudes useless effort. The followers of
which We set forth for revelation not only appreciate
mankind, but only those reason but revelation itself urges
understand them who have them to perfect their reason and
knowledge. thus they are doubly drawn
(Ch.29:V.44) towards progress in reason. First
is the natural eagerness which a
These are illustrations that we set person experiences to discover
forth for people, but only those through reason the reality and
who possess knowledge com- truth of everything and, secondly,
prehend them. the urge of revelation which
intensifies their eagerness. Those
As the benefits of the light of the who study the Holy Qur’an even
eye are disclosed only by the sun, cursorily will not deny the
in the absence of which sight and obvious fact that this Holy Word
sightlessness would be equal, in lays great emphasis on reflection
the same way, the excellencies of and observation; so much so, that
the insight of reason are disclosed it describes it as a characteristic
by the help of revelation. It of believers that they constantly
secures reason against thousands reflect upon the wonders of
of useless efforts and points out heaven and earth and deliberate
the nearest way to proper on the law of Divine wisdom as is
reflection by following which the said in one place in the Holy
purpose in view is quickly Qur’an:
achieved. Every wise person

In the creation of the heavens and of the manifestations of Thy

the earth and in the alternation of Power and Wisdom, which points
the night and day there are indeed to Thy Blessed Being.
Signs for men of understanding;
Other revealed books, which have
Those who remember Allah been perverted, urge adherence to
while standing, sitting, and unreasonable and impossible
lying on their sides, and matters, as, for instance, does the
ponder over the creation of Bible; but this is not the fault of
the heavens and the earth: revelation. It is the fault of
“Our Lord, Thou hast not defective reasoning. Had those
created this in vain; nay, Holy who believe in them possessed
art Thou... sane reason, they would not have
(Ch.3:Vs.191-192) followed these perverted books
and they would not have
That is to say, in the creation of permitted such thinking about the
the heavens and the earth and in unchangeable Perfect and Eternal
the alternation of the night and God that He took on the condition
the day, there are a number of of an helpless embryo and was
Signs to prove the existence of nourished on impure sustenance
the Creator of the Universe and and took on an impure body and
His might, for people of was born through an impure
understanding. Wise people are passage and came into the mortal
only those who remember Allah world, and after enduring all sorts
standing, sitting and lying on of torments gave up the ghost in
their sides and keep meditating extreme misery calling out ‘Eli
and pondering over the creation Eli.’ It is revelation which has
of the heavens and the earth, stamped out this error. Holy is
which impels them to supplicate: Allah! How exalted and what an
ocean of mercy is the Word which
Lord Thou hast not created all pulled the worshippers of
this without purpose; indeed, creatures back to the Unity of
every-thing in Thy creation is full God. How dear and attractive is

that light which brought a whole folly. As we have written,

world out of darkness. Outside of revelation is a mirror reflecting
it thousands who were called wise the truth for the benefit of reason
and philosophers remained and the great argument in support
involved in this error and of its truth is that it is wholly free
numberless similar errors, and till from matters the impossibility of
the Holy Qur’an came no which is established after pon-
philosopher refuted forcefully dering on God’s Power and
this false doctrine, nor reformed Perfection and Holiness. Indeed,
these ruined people. The in matters Divine, which are deep
philosophers themselves were and hidden, it is the only guide for
caught in many unholy doctrines. weak human reason. To have
As the Rev. Mr. Yut has recorded, recourse to it does not render
the Christians adopted the reason useless, but leads it to
doctrine of the Trinity following deep secrets which it was difficult
Plato and built a false structure on for reason to penetrate into on its
the false foundation furnished by own. Reason derives great benefit
this foolish Greek. from true revelation, that is to say,
from the Holy Qur’an, and suffers
In short, true and perfect Divine no harm or loss therefrom.
revelation is not the enemy of Through revelation reason is
reason, but defective reason is the safeguarded against dangers and
enemy of the semi-wise. It is does not fall into them. Every
obvious, for instance, that an wise person admits and it is
antidote is not in itself harmful obvious in itself that error is
for the human body, but if a possible in research, which is
shortsighted person mistakes based on reason alone, but there
poison for an antidote, it is the is no possibility of error in the
fault of his reason and not of the Word of the Knower of the
antidote. To think that it is unseen.
dangerous to have recourse to a
revealed book for the investi- Be fair and just, is it good or bad
gation of every matter is crass for that which is sometimes

confronted with the possibility of one on the ground that the helper
severe stumbling, that it should has meddled needlessly in the
be furnished with a companion search. On the contrary, everyone
which should safeguard it against concerned is deeply grateful to
stumbling and support it at the him that he informed them of
time of its slipping. Would such a their ignorance and pointed out
companion be of help to lead it to the particular spot and opened the
its purpose or would it be a door of certainty while they were
hindrance? It is an indication of involved in conjecture. In the
inner blindness to regard a helper same way, those on whom God
as an opponent and obstructer and has bestowed sane reason are
to consider that which completes grateful to and praise true
and perfects as harmful. When revelation and realise fully that
you will reflect truly it will revelation does not obstruct the
become clear to you that God has progress of their thinking, but
not harmed reason by appointing saves their thinking from
revelation as its companion. On confusion. It indicates one right
the contrary, finding reason path out of a variety of involved
perplexed, He has furnished it and doubtful ways treading along
with a sure instrument for which creates every kind of
recognising the truth through the facility for reason and delivers a
use of which reason is saved from person from a host of difficulties
straying into hundreds of erratic which confront him on account of
ways and is not led astray. Indeed, the shortness of age, insufficient
it discovers the proper way to its knowledge and lack of insight.
true purpose. It is like the case of (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani
a person who directs the search Khaza’in, Vol.1. pp.292-309,
for a lost one to the spot where footnote 11)
the latter is hidden. No sane
person objects to the help of such
a one who supplies the needed
particulars and points out the
easiest way of reaching the lost

Opening of Khadija Mosque, Germany
Address by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V
on 16th October 2008 at the opening of the first Ahmadiyya
Mosque in Berlin
All the honourable and some Germans have expressed

respected guests. Peace and their hatred and anger towards
blessings of Allah be upon you. Islam, then on the other hand
there are some extremely
Firstly, I would like to thank all enlightened people, no doubt in
of the respected guests who have the majority, who do not care for
come here to participate in this this unjustified opposition. They
function despite their busy lives. express their humanity and
In particular I am grateful kindness in their search for the
because today is a working day truth.
and not a weekend. And many of
you will no doubt be tired due to The Ahmadiyya Community is
your busy day’s work. Moreover grateful to the German
I have even greater feelings of Government and its people
respect and gratitude in my heart because this country has not only
towards all of you because you accepted those people who were
have come despite objection treated as aliens in their own
towards this Mosque in this area. country but has welcomed them
Open protests have been made with open hearts. Those people
by our opponents; nevertheless were tortured mentally and
you have displayed great physically to such an extent that
courage in supporting us and they were left with no option but
taking the trouble to attend here to migrate from their homes. We
and specially I thank Mayor of Ahmadis are neither ungrateful
this area. This is an expression of nor do we fail to value this fact.
the fact that if on the one hand So we could never say anything

OPENING OF KHADIJA MOSQUE, GERMANY
in opposition to this country or Muslims are very loyal towards

the local German people which Germany and towards its people.
would lead to the destruction of Indeed the Ahmadi children have
the national peace and harmony. now become an integral part of
We are not even against those the country, to such an extent
who protest against us. We try that they have even forgotten
and also we pray that Allah the their mother tongue and speak
Almighty removes their German within their homes. I
misunderstandings. This ques- should say even dream in
tion was asked today even by German language. This is the
one of the journalist, media man, reason why quite a number of
and I replied the same answer. German men and women have
May they come to recognise become Ahmadis. A prime
Ahmadis who are living in example of how we have
Germany as true German assimilated amongst the people
citizens. As for those of you who is that the National President
have come here to get to know (Amir) of our Community is a
and see our Community, may German. His appointment is not
any misunderstandings that you based upon any political
hold regarding Islam be removed necessity that a German should
through this first meeting. be made our President (Amir) or
that we wish to receive any
Our youth and young children, benefit from the German
whose parents migrated to this Government. It is merely due to
country a long time ago, are very his extreme sincerity, devotion
sincere Ahmadi Muslims, but and goodness that he has merited
being Ahmadi Muslims does not this status within the
prevent them from integrating Community, which is an elected
with the German society. Those appointment: the Amir or the
indigenous Germans amongst President. Among other Ahmadi
you who have known us for a German men and women is a
long time are aware that Ahmadi very pious Ahmadi and devout

Ahmadi and also a scholarly as shown by majority of

person who has written so many Muslims. The world only knows
books within the community and Islam as a religion of extremism
some others also, and has been and terrorism. It sees Islam as a
writing articles in papers and he faith which is spread by force;
is Hadayyatullah Hubsh Sahib. this is what the Muslims did in
All have quickly excelled in their the past and what they continue
sincerity and devotion because to do today, that is what the
they have realised that the truth world thinks. People, therefore,
which they have embraced has may think that the Ahmadiyya
distanced them from the pursuit Community is presenting Islam
of the world and brought them as a religion of love, affection
closer to God Almighty. and goodness simply to save
itself in this day and age from the
Each Ahmadi no matter from opposition of the world. But I
which country he has come from assure you that the Islam which
tries as far as possible to live his the Ahmadiyya Community
life in the way that God wants presents is the true Islam: the
him to do so. The sole purpose of Islam which does not need
every Ahmadi is to excel in good power or sword. That is why the
works, to remember God at all Ahmadiyya Community is
times and to remember the facing opposition and hardship
principle of love for all, hatred in many Muslim countries.
for none that defines our faith.
This is what we endeavour to When I came here to lay the
practice and this is our message foundation stone of this Mosque,
to the entire world. one group was greatly opposed
and also marched in protest and
After listening to me, some of they were still doing or at least
you may think that what I say up to the near past they were
sounds good but it does not doing it. There was a great deal
reflect the true picture of Islam of hue and cry. And in all this

clamour I said a few words to the faith, be viewed from its sacred
distinguished guests and at that Book, the Holy Qur’an and the
time I recalled and realised that practice of the Holy Prophet(saw).
the history of the Ahmadiyya
Community was in fact filled God Almighty says very clearly
with incidents of opposition. We in the Holy Qur’an that “there
are not afraid of such oppositions should no compulsion in
but nonetheless we are pleased religion” (Ch.2:V.257). However
that the noble people of this town critics allege that this
did participate in that function commandment was given at a
and the presence of the police time when the Muslims had no
outside was the further proof of power and were suffering severe
justice and fairness of the persecution from the non-
Government. believers of Makkah. But this is
wrong because all evidence
However, as I was saying, when testifies to the fact that the
various Muslim sects, who are in chapter in which this verse is
the majority, display differing contained was revealed in
points of view then you may Madinah, by which time the
wonder as to how can you accept Islamic State had already been
that the Islam presented by firmly established. The fact that
Ahmadis is the true Islam? To it was revealed at that time
remove this misunderstanding, I shows clearly that Allah the
would now like to say Almighty does not like any
something. In the brief time compulsion in matters of faith.
available I cannot shed light on
this subject in detail but will It is true that it is the duty of
present a summary. Prophets to convey God’s
message. According to our
As for Islam being an extremist beliefs the prophets who came to
religion, justice requires that its each peoples delivered the
teachings about the spread of its message. When God Almighty

sends a person, who worships fervently. He was so anxious that

Him and who loves Him and His Allah the Almighty said in the
Creation, as a prophet, that Holy Qur’an:
person conveys the message that
he believes to be a Divine Thou wilt grieve thyself to
message. He is sent to convey death for sorrow after them if
the message that God Almighty they believe not in this
enjoins to the world. From the discourse. (Ch.18:v.7)
core of his heart he desires that
people accept him. This is what This was the passion of the Holy
Moses(as) did when he stood firm Prophet(saw).
against the Pharaoh in his own
court and conveyed his message A person who wishes to spread
with great courage. Jesus faith by the sword and who
Christ(as) bore all hardships wants to forcefully subjugate
inflicted by the rulers of the age another, will become angered
for the sole reason of conveying when he is unable to achieve his
the message of God. goal, but he will not grieve. Only
he will grieve who feels
According to our belief the Holy sympathy for mankind and
Prophet Muhammad(saw) is the understands that what he
final law bearing Prophet of possesses should be shared by
Allah the Almighty. And so others. In any case the reason
when he was sent by God it was Allah the Almighty says: ‘Thou
his ardent desire that God’s will grieve thyself to death for
message reach his own people, sorrow after them if they believe
the Arab world and in fact the not in this discourse,’ is because
entire world, so that God’s it is Allah’s task alone to make a
bounties could also be derived person’s heart accept whichever
by the entire world. For this he faith He likes. Even though the
remained anxious, concerned message brought by prophets is a
and restless and he used to pray true message, man is free to

accept or not accept it, although choice. God Almighty has said
if he does accept it is better for to the Holy Prophet
him. However, if he fails to Muhammad , when He has
(saw)
accept then that is his right. We given this choice then how can
Ahmadi Muslims believe that you compel them to believe?
such a person’s matter lies with This categorically clarifies the
God. role of a Prophet as one in which
he is simply to convey and
On one occasion, upon seeing propagate God’s message. It is
the condition of the Holy Allah’s task to bring about a
Prophet of Islam(saw), God change in a person’s heart. There
Almighty said in the Holy is no question of converting
Qur’an: somebody by force. (Swords can
win terrorities but not hearts,
And if thy Lord had enforced force can bend heads but not
His will, surely, all who are minds). This is because
on the earth would have compulsion can not change a
believed together. Wilt thou, heart and when one’s heart is not
then, force men to become inclined then such a person is not
believers? of benefit but is in fact a source
(Ch.10:V.100) of loss for the Community. It is
very obvious, therefore, that
Here God Almighty has said that when there is no compulsion in
it is His task to guide people changing one’s belief, then
towards the faith. He says that it neither can any form of
is His desire that people believe extremism exist.
and perform good works and that
they only worship Him and And this is also made clear from
improve spiritually. But Allah the blessed example of the Holy
says, I leave it to man to Prophet Muhammad(saw).
distinguish between right and Prisoners of war were neither
wrong, and make his own enslaved by force nor were they

forcefully converted to Islam by free by providing simple

the Holy Prophet(saw). In fact education to the young. What
according to the prevailing could be a greater example of
custom, the prisoners of war elegance and of the Qur’anic
were set free after obtaining a teaching in practice? This is but
ransom. How the prisoners of the a brief answer about compulsion
Battle of Badr were treated is and extremism.
borne out by history and fair
minded Orientalists accept it as Next, what is the Islamic
well. The Battle of Badr was the teaching about establishing and
first battle fought between the maintaining peace? Regarding
Muslims and the non-believers this the Holy Qur’an says:
of Makkah. There were some
prisoners of war captured by the O ye who believe! Be
Muslims who were unable to steadfast in the cause of
obtain a ransom and who Allah, bearing witness in
happened to be literate so the equity; and let not a people’s
Holy Prophet(saw) told them to enmity incite you to act
teach Muslim children to read otherwise than with justice.
and write and that if they did so Be always just, that is
they would be set free. Look at nearer to righteousness.
this example, an invading enemy And fear Allah. Surely, Allah
who initiated the battle wanted to is aware of what you do.
crush the ill-equipped Muslims, (Ch.5:V.9)
but when they were defeated
many of them became So this teaching is that if you are
imprisoned. And contrary to the a true Muslim then act justly
prevailing customs and leaving because it is only through justice
aside the question of the that peace can be established
prisoners being forced to become which in turn leads to the
Muslims, they were not even improvement of mutual rela-
enslaved. They were in fact set tions. The establishment of

justice removes all forms of is watching everything that he

suspicion. Suspicion is a major does and He is well aware of it.
cause of destroying peace in the God Almighty cannot be
world. Some people who cause deceived. Since, God cannot be
disorder do so by laying deceived justice must be
suspicion in the hearts of others. administered as God Almighty
In any case it is the wills.
commandment of Allah the
Almighty to a true Muslim that An incident about Hadhrat
he should practise justice to such Umar(ra), the second Caliph of
an extent that he does not Islam, has been preserved in
transgress against even an enemy history and indeed there are
nation that has caused him great many other such incidents. Once
harm, because that would be far he saw an old non-Muslim who
away from righteousness. was begging. He asked him why
he was doing so. He replied
On the one hand it is claimed ‘What can I do? Umar has
that we act for the sake of Allah imposed the Jizya (a tax imposed
the Almighty and yet on the upon non-Muslim citizens. A
other hand God’s Creation is kind of tax. Muslims and non-
treated unfairly. In fact true Muslims all were paying taxes).
justice requires that if you have The old man said, I cannot work,
enmity or war with someone I am old and there is no
then it must remain limited to the exemption from this tax’. Upon
battlefield. You are not acting hearing this, Hadhrat Umar(ra)
with justice if you treat enemies immediately instructed the
unfairly and harass them relevant department that no tax
unnecessarily. So avoid it. A was to be taken from this man
Muslim must always remember but rather the upkeep of all such
that if he has complete trust in persons was to be borne by the
God then he should always keep Treasury. This was the standard
in mind that Allah the Almighty of justice of that era despite the

lack of resources. In spite of of Islam taught extremism at

being a non-Muslim he was every step and that its attitude
given his due rights and in this towards non-Muslims was not at
way Hadhrat Umar(ra) fulfilled all tolerant and amiable and also
the requirements of justice. And that its members failed to
this is what caused peace to be integrate. I have already
established in the country. It is responded to the allegation of
obvious from this and other extremism and the destruction of
examples that the allegation that peace. Now I would like to speak
Islam was spread by force is also about the question which arises
wrong. in the minds of non-Muslims in
connection with terrorism and
In view of the constraints of time which has led to objections in
I would now like to say relation to the construction of
something about the inaugu- this Mosque.
ration of the Mosque itself. As I
said earlier, when the foundation It is not even the fault of those
stone for the mosque was laid, who make such allegations. I do
indeed even before then when not hesitate in accepting the fact
the Community was planning to that some groups with vested
build the mosque in this city, one interests have committed
group vehemently displayed its shameless acts which have no
opposition by stating that the link to the teachings of Islam and
mosque should not be built here. have given Islam a bad name.
However, a faction supported its They have positioned the world
construction and now this in conflict and have distanced it
mosque is before you. I am very from Islam.
thankful to those people who
consented in our favour. Some of the terrorists were
brought up in mosques and
The biggest objection of our religious schools in certain
opponents was that this religion Muslim countries. They have

destroyed the peace of the world. them- those who have been
However, as I have already said driven out from their homes
Ahmadis practise the true unjustly only because they
teachings of Islam. That is the said ‘Our Lord is Allah’-
teachings of justice and of peace. and if Allah did not repel
The mosques that we build are some men by means of
built for the worship of One God. others, there would surely
There is no other purpose except have been pulled down
this. However, in the Western cloisters and churches and
world Mosques are linked to synagogues and mosques,
concepts of Jihadi organisations. wherein the name of Allah is
This is regrettable, because in oft commemorated. And
the Holy Qur’an where Allah will surely help one
permission is granted to fight, it who helps Him. Allah is
is granted only against those who indeed Powerful, Mighty.
prevented the worship of God. (Ch.22:Vs.40-41)
The reason this permission was
granted was that if such attacks If you are familiar with the early
were not prevented then the history of Muslims then you will
disbelievers, who stopped people know that the Holy Prophet of
from worshipping the One God, Islam(saw) and his companions
would destroy the peace of the were subjected to severe
world and would prevent the persecution. The Muslims were
worship of God by members of branded and marked with
every religion. In the Holy burning hot irons and were made
Qur’an, God Almighty says: to lie on burning sand under the
scorching heat, whilst heavy
Permission to fight is given blazing stones were placed on
to those against whom war their chests. They were tied to
is made, because they have pairs of camels who were then
been wronged-and Allah ridden in opposite directions and
indeed has power to help consequently person would be

torn into two separate parts the granted to fight as a means to

body of the. This is how those end the cruelty and to establish
cruel persons tortured and killed peace and justice in the world.
the Muslims. Due to the boycott
imposed by the people of You can see that the battles and
Makkah the Holy Prophet(saw) the wars that are being fought
was himself besieged in a valley today are justified on the very
with his companions for two and argument that they are being
a half years. Restrictions on food fought for the establishment of
and water meant they were peace. To what extent this is true,
forced to tolerate severe hunger only God knows. But in the Holy
and thirst. Qur’an God permits Jihad
(permission to fight) so that
Under the command of Allah the those who prevent the worship of
Almighty the Muslims were God are themselves halted and
allowed to migrate to Madinah so that peace and justice may be
from Makkah but then the non- established.
believers of Makkah attacked
them there as well. Thereupon, When peace is established then
God Almighty commanded them Islam teaches its followers not to
to respond. And they were find excuses thereafter to
instructed to respond because, continue the fight. We Ahmadis
were they not to do so then the follow this teaching that
cloisters, synagogues, churches permission for Jihad is only to
and the mosques would all be establish peace and justice. And
destroyed. So in this one such Jihad is the task of the
commandment we have been governments and not any
given the teaching that if one individual group or Jihadi
does not prevent the oppressors organisation. Such organisations
then surely cruelty will prevail. who take the law into their own
Therefore, in such extreme hands destroy the peace of the
circumstances permission is world in the name of Jihad.

If the commandment of Allah the dearly His Creation and guides

Almighty (which I have just you towards love and affection.
quoted) is interpreted correctly
then we see that if a Christian From this Mosque of ours there
Church requires protection and will be no other call apart from
an Ahmadi is called to help then love for humanity, affection,
he must help. If a Jewish reconciliation, justice and peace.
Synagogue requires protection And you will observe and realise
and an Ahmadi is called to help that what I have said were not
then he should be there. If a mere words but were indeed
believer of any faith requires the acted upon. And time will, God
help of an Ahmadi to establish willing, prove it to be so.
justice then the Ahmadi should
be there by his side. So, After the foundation stone laying
therefore, our opponents should ceremony a newspaper carried a
not be unduly concerned due to headline of ‘Khilafat in Berlin’.
their misunderstandings. This As a result some Muslim
Mosque we have built has not opponents may have thought
been made for any Jihadi ‘what is going to happen to
organisation or any terrorist them?’ Very briefly let me say
activity but simply it has been that today amongst the different
built for the worship of Allah. sects of Islam it is only the
Ahmadiyya Community which
When the call is made about the truly paints the true picture of
greatness and Oneness of Allah Islam to the world. This is
and about Muhammad(saw) being because we Ahmadis believe that
Allah’s Messenger, attention is the glad tiding given by the Holy
drawn towards the worship of Prophet Muhammad(saw) about
that God Who wants to make the advent of the Promised
paradise on this earth, that God Messiah in this age has been
Who wants your betterment and fulfilled in the person of Hadhrat
well-being. It is He who loves Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of

Qadian(as). He came and told us a the Mahdi and so there is

true interpretation of Jihad. And absolutely no reason to fear the
said, when Muslims are not Khilafat. This Khilafat draws the
persecuted then there is no attention of members of the
reason left for Jihad (Holy War) Community towards fulfilling
with sword. However, the these two obligations. And that
internal struggle within one’s is why the members of the
self should continue, so that each Ahmadiyya Community are
person can suitably worship the motivated to discharge these
One God and discharge the rights because they have
rights owed to God and to His acquired the guidance of
Creation. And this is the real and Khilafat. So, rest assured that our
true Jihad. slogan is ‘Love for All, Hatred
for None’ and this is because all
The Promised Messiah(as) said Ahmadis are gathered on one
that God Almighty has placed hand. The Khalifa always
two burdens upon man. One is reminds the Community to love
Rights of God and the other is God and His Creation at all times
Rights of God’s Creation. He so that the world becomes
went on to say that discharging infused with peace and security.
the rights owed to God’s
Creation was the most difficult With these words I take your
and delicate challenge. On many leave and thank all of you once
occasions he said that God had again. You are all greatly
sent him so that he could draw respected by all of us.
attention to the importance of
discharging the rights owed to Thank you very much.
God and to His Creation.
The Ahmadiyya Khilafat is also

here to perpetuate and continue
the mission of the Messiah and

Canadian Dignatory Speech
An address to leading dignitaries and invited guests delivered by
Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V, in Canada
All the honourable and distinguish persons who are sympathetic to

guests: the Jama’at or who have had
personal contact with members of
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah our Community; and there are also
wabarakatuhu. Peace and some distinguished personalities
blessings of Allah be upon all of who have no previous relationship
you. with the Community.
First of all I would like to thank all The local administration has
our distinguished guests who have organised this function as you
taken the trouble to accept our know, because the Community is
invitation to attend this function. It celebrating centenary event in the
is very difficult, I know, being a year 2008. For, after the demise of
week day for you all to come here the Founder of the Ahmadiyya
and attend this function. Community, his successors have
now completed their first 100
It is obvious that you are all years. His succession is known as
blessed with a spirit of humanity Khilafat and with reference to it
and high ethical values. It is only we are celebrating this Khilafat
right that I should thank people of Centenary.
such high moral standards.
As I said, there are many amongst
I have been here twice before to you who have a relationship with
attend the Annual Convention of the Community and know the
the Ahmadiyya movement. Some Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at very
of you have met me before. well. It is a group within Islam,
However, the event that has been and which, according to our
arranged today has never arisen teachings and beliefs, is the
before. I am directly addressing Community of the Promised

CANADIAN DIGNATORY SPEECH
Messiah(as), on whom be peace, which some may hold within their

created in accordance with the hearts may be removed.
prophecies of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad(saw).The Promised Indeed, when the name of Islam is
Messiah(as) was to appear in the used, the general impression of it
fourteenth century after the Holy in this present era is naturally of
Prophet(saw) to make Muslims and fear. This is not the fault of those
non-Muslims alike aware of their who are frightened. Unfortunately,
true Creator and to make them certain so-called Islamic groups
become of those who bow down in and certain others have depicted
His presence. Islam in such a way that it appears
to be an uncivilised, extremist,
With the passage of time, certain belligerent and bellicose religion.
weaknesses had appeared in the Just hearing the name of Islam
understanding of the teachings of leads to an impression of swords,
Islam that needed to be removed; bombings and suicide attacks.
similarly, objections that had
cropped up against the teachings In any case, the purpose of the
of the Holy Qur’an had to be tasks I have described and that had
responded too. Man had to be been entrusted to the Messiah of
reminded of the rights of other Muhammad(saw) – tasks that are to
human beings. An atmosphere of be completed by his Khilafat – are
love, affection and peace had to be not to be accomplished by force,
established in the world. In other but through winning hearts with
words, the rights owed to God love and affection. It is not
Almighty and to His Creation had possible to attain the nearness of
to be discharged, in order to make Allah or to discharge the rights of
this world become a Paradise. others through compulsion.
This brief introduction and The Holy Qur’an very clearly

clarification was presented for the states that:
benefit those who are not familiar
with the Ahmadiyya Community, There should be no compulsion
and also so that the fear of Islam in religion. (Ch.2:V257)

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Could a person who had been

Community has clearly ex- forced to become a Muslim ever
pounded this beautiful teaching. offer such sacrifices? On the
He says: contrary, such a person would be
greatly pleased if Islam were
‘The Holy Qur’an clearly attacked. He would think that it
instructs not to take up the was good that someone had come
sword to spread the faith, but to save him. Hence, these
instead to present the sacrifices prove that whosoever
individual beauties of the faith became a Muslim, became one
and attract others with one’s wholeheartedly – and if he fought,
exemplary behaviour. he fought for a purpose.
Do not think that at the outset And what were those purposes?
there was the instruction to use
the sword; indeed, the sword Their first purpose was to
was not used to spread the defend themselves. The enemy
faith. In fact, it was used only always initiated the attack and
as a means of defence against the Muslims were forced to
the enemy or to establish raise arms in defence.
peace. Indeed, it was never
used to compel in matters of The second purpose was that
faith.’ when unarmed Muslims were
deceptively attacked and
Matters of faith are related to one’s cruelly killed, in retaliation for
heart. Sacrifices have to be made the bloodshed, and as a
for the sake of religion. Thus, lives punishment for the cruelty,
were offered in the first thirteen fighting took place. This was
years in Makkah and even after the an Arab custom and was
migration to Madinah, when the indeed necessary for keeping
enemies were attacking, and the peace and continues to be
despite being wholly ill equipped, so.
they fought back.
Thirdly, if fighting took place

it was to weaken the The Jizyah (that is a protection

opposition as it gathered levy) was taken from non-
together to annihilate the Muslims and if someone did not
Muslims just because they have the means to pay it, that
worshipped the One True God. person was absolved of paying it.
If fighting did not take place in During the Khilafat of Hadhrat
such conditions then the ‘Umar(ra), the second Caliph of
disbelievers would have spared Islam, a Jewish person was killed
no Muslim. In fact, God and by an unknown murderer.
Almighty says they would
surely have pulled down Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) became
cloisters, churches, extremely anxious; so he gathered
synagogues and mosques, and all of the people in the Mosque in
cruelty would have continued Medina and, having invoked the
to multiply. fear of God in them, enquired about
it from them. A Muslim present
History bears witness that admitted that the murder had been
whenever Muslims engaged in a committed by him. So, he was
war, never was anyone compelled made to pay blood money (with the
to become a Muslim. Each person consent of the Jewish family).
had freedom of worship.
These are just a few incidents that
On such occasions, the Holy I have narrated; but they are
Prophet(saw) particularly used to evidence that even in a state of
say: “Do not harm the elderly, war, Islam requires kind treatment
women and children and do not of the enemy; whilst in times of
damage places of worship,” and peace it preserves the rights of the
went on to such an extent that he non-Muslims.
said even trees were not to be
felled. Had force been used, then these
examples evident from the lives of
The Christians and people of other the Holy Prophet(saw) and his
faiths remained in Muslim states successors would never have
with all of their rights preserved. appeared in history.

The purpose of mentioning this attacked. And even here the

history is to remove the instruction is not to transgress.
misunderstanding that Islam is an What is meant by transgression?
extremist religion. The Promised
Messiah(as), has taught us to At that time, the opponents of
continue to implement these Islam used to mutilate the bodies
teachings and also to spread them. of their fallen foes. As this was an
As stated in the excerpts that I act of sheer contempt towards the
have just read, the Ahmadiyya corpse, it was forbidden in Islam.
Community knows only that Islam It was also forbidden to kill
which is the Islam of love and women and children. It was
affection and which offers a forbidden to kill religious leaders,
message of peace and security. priests or rabbis in their respective
places of worship. In other words,
Now I will present some fighting could only take place on
instructions of the Holy Qur’an the battlefield or if there was no
that aim to maintain peace within other choice and they were forced
society. It is oft alleged that Islam to fight in the town – but even
is a warlike religion; but in fact, then, they could fight only against
what are the circumstances in those who had initiated the
which Allah, the Almighty, hostilities.
permits Muslims to fight? Let us
see. Allah, the Almighty, says: Today, we see that no party acts
upon this sound teaching. Suicide
And fight in the cause of Allah bombers indiscriminately kill
against those who fight against women, children and the elderly;
you, but do not transgress. whilst invading forces drop bombs
Surely, Allah loves not the on towns and cities, and fire
transgressors. bullets in rapid fire. They cause
(Ch.2:V.191) mass destruction to cities and
infrastructure. These days every
There is no right to initiate major power possesses an arsenal
hostilities. In fact, you can only of nuclear weapons and even poor
fight when you have been countries are joining this race.

Mankind stands on the pit of esteem will rise and then the old
destruction. feuds and battles will start all over
again.
Whilst the Holy Qur’an teaches us
not to harm the innocent, the Such restrictions are only ever
fallout from the atom bomb causes imposed by conquering nations to
physical disabilities generation prevent the vanquished nations
after generation, and so this crime from ever rising again.
is even worse than murder. After
the use of the atom bomb during Fear is instilled in them to such an
the Second World War, one would extent that they may never take a
have thought that the world would step without the permission of
have refrained from ever again their conquerors and they may
producing such weapons. But in always remain enslaved by them.
fact, they have continued to The conquering nations are,
develop them and indeed there is a therefore, able to keep an eye and
race to develop these weapons of in fact spy on neighbouring
mass destruction. territories, whilst sitting within the
geographical boundaries of the
In order to establish peace, Allah, conquered country. Or, they are
the Almighty, says: Do not impose able to derive advantages from the
unreasonable restrictions upon resources of that country.
vanquished nations.
Allah the Almighty commands the
Rather, if the aggressor is inclined Muslims that these worldly
towards peace then you must cease interests should not be the cause of
firing immediately. Do not then their fighting. Allah, the Almighty,
search for excuses and do not says:
impose such conditions that
humiliate any nation, because this Stretch not your eyes towards
also leads to severe repercussions. what we have bestowed on
If you are able to repress a nation some classes of them to enjoy
temporarily, a time will for a short time…
nevertheless come when its self (Ch.15:V.89)

Allah, the Almighty, teaches that So this is the Islamic teaching.

worldly wealth is but a temporary There is no concept of extremism
means that you see. Even if you here. According to one of the most
acquire it, this wealth will reliable traditions, in the light of
inevitably disappear, and not only the teachings of Islam, the Holy
that but it will leave behind a state Prophet(saw) always taught his
of constant turmoil. Thus it is companions that they should
important for the peace of the never desire to confront the
world that each country and nation enemy. They should always seek
derives benefit from its own peace and well-being from God
resources; and it should not look Almighty. This is a most beautiful
covetously upon the wealth of teaching of peace that has no
others. parallel.
To recapitulate a Muslim is not To fulfil the requirements of

permitted to engage in any war justice Allah, the Almighty, has
unless it is against those people ordained very high standards and
who either prevent the practice expects that Muslims will
and preaching of God’s religion, discharge these obligations. God
or they are the cause of destroying Almighty says:
peace in the world. Is this not a
beautiful teaching for maintaining And let not a people’s enmity
peace? incite you to act otherwise
than with justice. Be always
Then God Almighty says in the just, that is nearer to
Holy Qur’an: righteousness. And fear Allah.
Surely, Allah is aware of what
And if they incline towards you do.
peace, incline thou also (Ch.5:V.9)
towards it, and put thy trust in
Allah. Surely, it is He who is all This is a magnificent teaching to
Hearing, all Knowing. maintain peace in society and to
(Ch.8:V.62) end enmities. It is indeed an
extremely difficult task to fulfil

the requirements of justice in the Makkans had maintained

relation to the enemy in the same against the Muslims, the Holy
way as one does with one’s own Prophet(saw) sent a message to that
kith and kin. Yet, history bears leader, telling him not to stop
witness that the Holy Prophet(saw) sending the grain.
did set such examples. He even
took care of the needs of his This is the practical effect of the
enemies. Once, there was a teaching which declares: “Let not
famine in Makkah and despite the the enmity of a nation prevent you
fact that the people of Makkah from acting otherwise than with
had cruelly restricted the food and justice.” This, therefore, is the
water supply to the Muslims for teaching of the Holy Qur’an and
two and a half years, the Holy this is the example of the Holy
Prophet(saw), out of compassion, Prophet(saw) .
sent them staple rations during the
time of famine. Now despite all this, the
allegation is that the Holy Qur’an
On another occasion, a tribal and the Holy Prophet(saw) taught
leader who had become a Muslim extremism and committed
was arrested and beaten whilst terrorism. What can one say? In
performing the Pilgrimage and spite of being educated, these
was imprisoned. Finally, he was critics are unaware of the
released at the request of some teachings and history of Islam. In
other leaders. The region of his fact, due to their malice and
tribe used to send grain to grudges, they do not want to
Makkah. So the released prisoner know; and these are the people
said that grain would no longer be who become the means of
sent to Makkah; and he effectively destroying the peace.
stopped it. In Makkah, there was
consequently a shortage of grain. I admit that certain terrorist
The people of Makkah came to groups have defamed the name of
the Holy Prophet (saw) and said: Islam. Their practices are wholly
‘Order him not to stop the supply contrary to this teaching of Islam.
of grain’. Despite the hostility that Though they use the support of

the Holy Qur’an to engage in represents the true doctrine of

Jihad and to kill, they forget the Islam.
conditions that are integral to it.
The Holy Qur’an completely In fact it was the Founder of the
forbids the practice of suicide Ahmadiyya Community, the
attacks, which cause severe loss to Messiah of the Age, who
civilians. If there is permission for presented a true understanding of
fighting under certain circum- the teachings of Islam, so that the
stances then it is for the world could recognise its God and
Government to issue it and not for could create an atmosphere of
a few organisations within the mutual love, making this world
Government. What they are doing into an earthly Paradise.
is not Jihad but terrorism.
As you are aware, the sub-
Justice requires that to judge a continent of India and Pakistan
religion, one should view the remained under the rule of the
teachings and the practice of its British Raj for a long time. The
founder, and one should not base Founder of the Ahmadiyya
one’s judgment upon the actions Muslim Community created the
of persons who followed much Community and made his claim of
later on. One should not use their being the Messiah and Mahdi at a
actions as an excuse to attack the time when the British
teachings of their religion, when Government’s rule was at its peak.
those actions of theirs have Despite the British Government’s
absolutely nothing to do with the total control and rule over India, a
true teachings of their faith. very large part of the Muslim
population was against the
In any case, as I have mentioned Government and they spread a lot
before, I will now present certain of poison about it. Even at that
teachings of the Founder of the time, Muslim clerics, Mullahs
Ahmadiyya Community regard- used their mosques to fan the fires
ing this so-called Jihad and of hatred against the Government.
terrorism. This teaching, a part of They tried to create rebellion in
which I have just mentioned, one place after another. They tried

to provoke unrest against the It was during his lifetime that

Government. Queen Victoria celebrated her
Diamond Jubilee, upon which the
In spite of his claim that he was Founder congratulated Her
the fulfilment of the prophecy of Majesty. He further expressed
the Holy Prophet(saw) that states ways to establish reconciliation
that the Promised Messiah(as) and and harmony between faiths so
Reformer was to come in this Age that there could be permanent
– the literature and books of other peace in the world.
religions, including Christianity,
having also predicted the same – Moreover, he expressed his
the Founder of the Ahmadiyya gratitude for the just nature of the
Muslim Community counselling British Government and extended
his Jama’at, announced, that the the message of Islam to Queen
British Government was no doubt Victoria. His instructions to live
a Christian Government, but the peacefully under British rule were
fact was that it duly discharged not because of any fear, but were
the rights of its citizens; therefore, in accord with Qur’anic teachings.
it was not permitted to take any In this connection, I shall present
severe steps against it; and that it some of his excerpts:
was forbidden to create any
disorder under the pretext of He says:
Jihad.
“This prayerful, humble one
Great debates were held between who has come to this world in
Christian missionaries and the the name of Jesus, the
Promised Messiah(as) over the Messiah, on whom be peace,
religions of Christianity and also feels proud to live in the
Islam, and these have been age of the great Queen of
mentioned in his literature. But India. Just as the Holy
with kindness and wisdom he Prophet(saw), the Chief of both
always drew attention to the worlds, felt pride during the
importance of expounding the rule of Nausherwan, the Just.
beauties of Islam. It is obligatory upon every

person to remember the consider others to be

kindness of Her Majesty on following a religion whose
her Diamond Jubilee and, by spiritual leader is, according to
remembering her in their their reasoning, in reality a liar
sincere prayers, to and a fabricator, are the cause
congratulate and to present a of many feuds. And they most
token of thanksgiving to Her certainly are guilty of
Majesty. However, I see that blasphemy. They use the
this duty lies most heavily foulest language against that
upon me. God has preferred Prophet and extend it to abuse.
for me that for this Divine And they destroy the peace of
mission, I should seek refuge the common people, even
in the peaceful rule of Her though this ideology is
Majesty. So, Allah the completely wrong. And in the
Almighty, has appointed me at eyes of God they are cruel due
such a place and at such a to their foul language…
time, where Her Majesty’s
Empire acts as a steel fortress This principle is most
for the protection of the attractive and peace-
dignity, wealth and life of the generating and it sows the
people. seeds of reconciliation and
improves moral conditions.
It is the biggest obligation We should consider all
upon me that I should express Prophets who came to the
my thanks for the manner in world as being true, whether
which I have been able to they appeared in India or
spread the message of truth Persia or China or any other
whilst living here in peace.” country; for God has planted
(Tohfah-e-Qaisariyyah p.3) their dignity and greatness in
the hearts of millions and
He wrote in a book and sent this strengthened the roots of their
book to the Queen: religion. Their religions
continued for centuries.
“It is obvious that those who

This is the principle that the Qur’an are certainly amongst

Holy Qur’an has taught us, those who destroy the peace.
namely, that we should respect
the founder of each and every This is not freedom of thought,
religion whose life has come nor is it freedom of speech but a
under this definition, whether means of playing with the
it be the leader of the Hindu sentiments and feelings of others,
religion or the Persian religion as a result of which peace is
or the Chinese religion or the destroyed.
Jewish religion or the religion
of the Christians. But, sadly, The Promised Messiah(as)says in
our opponents cannot treat us connection with the views held on
in a like manner.” This is an Jihad:
excerpt from his book.
(Tohfah-e-Qaisariyyah p.7) “The second principle for
which I have been appointed is
The Promised Messiah(as)further the reform of the incorrect
says: concept of Jihad that is
widespread amongst some
“Those who ascribe to the ignorant Muslims.
belief that they should
consider the prophets of So God has made me
different peoples to be liars understand that a prevailing
and should continue to speak concept of Jihad is opposed to
ill of them, they are always the the Qur’anic teachings. There
enemies of peace and is no doubt that there was
reconciliation. This is because permission to fight in the Holy
there is nothing worse than to Qur’an… It was based on the
cause disorder by abusing the fact that those who took up the
saints amongst people.” sword unjustly, murdered
Muslims without cause, and
Today, the people who entertain took oppression to extremes,
and spread such thoughts about be killed by the sword. But
the Holy Prophet(saw) and the Holy even then this punishment is

not as severe as the battles of adhere to this principle.”

Moses(as).” (Tohfah-e-Qaisariyyah p.11)
(Tohfah-e-Qaisariyyah p.10)
This is the teaching which is given
Then he goes on to say: to us by the Founder of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
“During the time of our in light of the Holy Qur’an. It was
Prophet(saw) the basic reason given to us by that person sent in
for the Islamic Jihad was that this age as a Messiah and
Allah’s Anger was aroused Reformer by Allah, the Almighty,
against those who inflicted who was to establish peace in the
cruelty. Whilst you are living world.
under the shade of such a just-
natured Government as Her I hope that most of you who are
Majesty’s Empire, to resolve aware of the teachings and
to revolt against such a rule practices of the Ahmadiyya
cannot be classed as Jihad. Community will bear testimony
Rather, this is the height of that there is a very clear
ignorance and savagery. As for distinction between Ahmadi
a Government under which Muslims and non-Ahmadi
one lives free and in total Muslims or indeed others. Indeed,
peace, and under which we desire only peace and nothing
religions obligations can be else.
discharged in full, to bear ill
intentions against it, will be a We want mankind to recognise the
criminal act and not Jihad… Omnipotent God. For this
purpose, we are very active in
God Almighty has made me Africa, Asia, Europe and
stand on the principle that a America, as well as in islands all
kind Government such as the over the world. The service of
British Government should be mankind is our primary objective.
obeyed, and true gratitude
ought to be expressed. So, my Moreover, the Ahmadiyya
Jama’at and I completely Muslim Community offers its

services without seeking any In view of this cosmopolitan

worldly reward. Nor are we quality of Canada in which people
interested in any verbal praise. of different religions and different
This spirit exists in the faiths can live together peacefully,
Community because it is linked in my predecessor [pree-dassesser]
the chain of the institution of Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad(ru),
Khilafat. And at all times, this the fourth Khalifa, stated in admi-
Khilafat enjoins the members of ration of Canada, that he wished
the Community to adhere to these that “the whole world becomes
peaceful teachings. God Almighty Canada and Canada becomes the
sent the Promised Messiah (as) to whole world”.
establish these principles. In other
words, today, we do not just float May Allah enable this quality to
the cliché of ‘Love for All, Hatred remain forever. May you, the
for None,’ but are actually people and government of
endeavouring to put this principle Canada, continue to live up to the
into practice. expectations of justice and to
display openheartedness, so that,
I now end this subject with the as a result, the Bounties of God
prayer that all Muslims and non- Almighty conferred upon you
Muslims carry the fear of their continue forever.
Creator in their hearts, so that they
only have good feelings for His Once again, I would like to thank
Creatures. At the same time, I am all our distinguished guests who
most grateful to the Canadian have spared us their valuable
Government and the Canadian time.
people who are bringing together
all religions and all peoples Thank you again, thank you very
openheartedly. The members of much.
the Ahmadiyya Community are
also living peacefully here and are
free to practise their religion and
to openly express it.

As’hab As-Sufah – The great lovers of the
Holy Prophet(saw)
By Adam Hani Walker – UK
The Most Loved Exemplar upon history the following verses

in praise of the Holy Prophet(saw):
Allah sends down His
blessings on the Prophet and ‘O (you who are) the Fountain
His angels pray for him. O ye of Allah’s munificence, and
who believe, you too should perfect understanding of Allah,
invoke His blessings on him People rush towards you,
and salute him with the thirstily.
salutation of peace.
(Ch.33:V.57) O (you who are) the Ocean of
God’s grace – Who is the
There is not a corner on earth where Bestower of Favours,
one cannot find a lover of the exceedingly Beneficent,
greatest of creation Hadhrat Hordes of (thirsty) people hurry
Muhammad(saw). The hearts of the towards you holding their
righteous are so completely bowls (in hand).
annihilated in the love of the Holy
Prophet(saw) that not a second goes O (you who are) the Sun of the
by without a believer praising his (spiritual) Kingdom of Beauty
blessed name. In the United and Grace!
Kingdom, a non-Muslim state, the You have (spiritually)
love of the Holy Prophet(saw) is so illuminated (the inhabitants of)
vast that the name Muhammad is the deserts as well as the cities.
the second most registered name
with newly born babies .1 A (group of) people (was
fortunate that they) saw you,
The pen of the greatest lover of the while others simply heard about
Holy Prophet(saw), Hadhrat Mirza you: The (enchantingly
Ghulam Ahmad(as), has imprinted beautiful) Full Moon which has

AS’HAB AS-SUFAH - THE GREAT LOVERS OF THE HOLY PROPHET(SAW)
cast a spell over me. of dung,

And you made them clean like a
In another poem the great poet, piece of gold.’
Allama Sharf-ud-Din Muhammad
ibn Hasan al-Busairi(ra), has written The Promised Messiah(as) has
in his masterpiece the Qaseedah outlined in his masterpiece work,
Burda: The Philosophy of the Teachings of
Islam, that with the coming of the
‘No perfume equals the dust Holy Prophet(saw) so began the
(earth) which is touching his spiritual revolution of Arabia
(the Holy Prophet’s(saw)) body. which later spread to the corners of
Glad tidings be to the person the earth. He writes that there are
who smell it (the dust) and ‘three springs from which human
kisses it. states flow, namely, the self that
incites to evil, the self that reproves
Indeed, the love contained in the and the soul at rest’. In turn there
hearts of the righteous for the Holy are three distinct avenues of reform
Prophet(saw) is only overshadowed to which a person can turn;2
by the immense love which the
Holy Prophet(saw) himself had for ‘The first is that senseless
mankind. It was the outstanding savages should be taught the
character and limitless love of the elementary social values
Holy Prophet(saw) which pertaining to eating, drink-ing,
transformed the once primitive marriage etc. They should not
people of Arabia into blazing stars. go about naked nor eat carrion,
The Promised Messiah(as) describes like dogs, nor practise any
this magnificent revolution as other type of wildness. This is
follows: an elementary stage of the
reform of natural conditions of
‘They came to you looted and the type that would have to be
naked, adopted, for instance, if it is
And you cloaked them with the desired to teach a savage from
cloak of faith. Port Blair, the elementary ways
You found them dirty like a heap of human behaviour.

The second method of reform is occasion the Holy Prophet(saw) was

that when a person has adopted sat with Hadhrat Ibn Mas’ud(ra) and
elementary human ways, he asked him to recite the Holy
may be taught the higher moral Qur’an. Hadhrat Ibn Mas’ud(ra) was
qualities and should be shy to recite in front of the Holy
instructed to employ his Prophet(saw) and said: ‘O Messenger
faculties in their proper places of Allah, should I recite it to you
and on their proper occasions. when it has been revealed to you?’,
to which the Holy Prophet(saw)
The third method of reform is replied: ‘I love to hear it from
that those who have acquired another person.’ Hadhrat Ibn
high moral qualities should be Mas’ud(ra) then began to recite the
given a taste of the draught of Holy Qur’an and specifically from
the love of and union with God. Surah Nisaa, eventually reciting the
verse:
The Promised Messiah(as) proceeds
to describe the low spiritual and And how will it fare with them
physical status of the inhabitants of when We shall bring a witness
Arabia before the advent of the from every people, and shall
Holy Prophet(saw) 3 and how the bring thee (O Muhammad) as a
Holy Prophet(saw) was the catalyst witness against these!
which ignited Arabia from (Ch.4:V.42)
darkness into a glowing spiritual
state in which they overcame each Hadhrat Ibn Mas’ud(ra) relates that
of the above three stages. upon reciting this particular verse
he could see tears flowing from the
I would like to draw your attention blessed eyes of the Beloved of
to two deeply intense narrations Allah(saw). This is indeed the true
which very beautifully offer example of unreserved love.4
mankind an insight into the
unparalleled love and care which On another occasion it is reported
the Holy Prophet(saw) kept in his by Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Omar(ra)
heart for each and every one of that one day when a solar eclipse
Allah’s blessed creation. On one occurred, the Holy Prophet(saw)

entered the Masjid and began to fundamentally important that we

pray. His prayer was so intense that each come to know about,
he stood in each part of the appreciate, and love the
prostration (qiyaam, ruku’, sajdah) contribution of these great
for so long that it was as if he individuals to both Islam and the
would not continue to the next. The evolution of the human spirit. As
Holy Prophet(saw) began taking will be later established, the Holy
heavy breaths and crying uncon- Prophet(saw) undoubtedly loved and
trollably whilst he could be heard cared for these men of humility and
pleading with Allah saying: this fact alone is reason enough for
us to love them with every shred of
‘O Allah you had promised me5 our very being.
that in my presence you will not
punish the Ummah. O Allah it is The Sufah
only You that have promised In the early days of Islam, the
that when these people make Qiblah was not Baitul Haraam but
istighfar there will be no instead Muslims prayed towards
punishment.’6 Jerusalem (Bait-ul-Quds). The
Holy Prophet(saw) prayed towards
Such was the love of the Holy Jerusalem out of obedience to the
Prophet(saw); he deeply loved Will of Allah. However his heart
mankind and it is for that very was always inclined towards the
reason that he remains a living Ka’aba. For this reason, when in
example and leader in millions of Makkah, he would always position
homes across the planet. himself in the prayer so that he was
facing both the Ka’aba and
The essay before you is concerned Jerusalem7. After the migration of
with a specific set people who are the Muslims to Madinah (hijra) the
to be counted amongst the greatest Holy Prophet(saw) was not able to
of the companions and richest in continue this and he, with the
their love for Allah, His blessed companions, would pray only
Prophet(saw) and the noble quest for towards Jerusalem. The positioning
knowledge. These people were the of Jerusalem dictated that they
As’hab as-Sufah and it is would stand in the South-Western

part of the Prophet’s Mosque8. This The Sufah was not an enclosed
lasted until Allah revealed the space but open on three sides and
verse: became a place which many of the
poorer companions would occupy.
Verily, We see thee turning thy The great scholar of Hadith,
face often to heaven; surely, Hadhrat Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani(ra)
then, will we make thee turn to relates to us in his work Fath-ul-
the Qiblah which thou likest. So Bari that11: ‘As-Sufah is the place
turn thy face towards the in the back portion of the
Sacred Mosque; and wherever Prophet’s Masjid. It had a
you may be, turn your faces covering and was prepared so that
towards it. And they to whom estranged people could stay there,
the Book has been given know people who had neither homes nor
that this is the truth from their families’.
Lord; and Allah is not
unmindful of what they do. As’hab as-Sufah
(Ch.2:V.144) Many historical records tell us that
the people who lived in the place
After this the Southern door of the of Sufah (sometimes referred to as
Prophet’s Mosque was closed and a ‘The People of the Bench or
new one was opened in the Veranda’) were those individuals
Northern part of the Mosque facing who either had no family or were
the new Qiblah, Baitul Haraam . too poor to afford their own
Under the instructions of the Holy accommodation. Whilst this is true
Prophet(saw), a shade was then in part, it does an injustice to those
erected which was fixed to the wall companions who chose to live in
where the old Qiblah used to be the place of Sufah because of their
situated (this was now the back burning desire to shun all worldly
wall of the Mosque). The type of objects and completely annihilate
shade, or raised bench, which was themselves in the service of Allah
erected, is known in Arabic as a and love of His Messenger(saw).
Sufah and this is why that quarter These people were not few in
of the Mosque became known as number and sacrificed all of the
Al-Sufah10 . temptations of this world in search

of a far greater reward in the The precise number of the As’hab

Hereafter.12 as-Sufah is unknown but it is
estimated that the Sufah could hold
The great Islamic thinker Hadhrat up to three hundred people at any
Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla one time and that roughly seventy
Khan(ra) has commented on the people made up its’ permanent
As’hab as-Sufah writing13: residents14. The initial inhabitants
of the Sufah were members of the
‘They enjoyed the company of Muhajirun who were without any
the Holy Prophet most of the acco-mmodation but as time
time, and occupied them-selves passed, the Sufah would house
with worship and the recitation people from many different areas
of the Holy Qur’an. They had who could find no other place to
no permanent means of live. The famous scholar Abu
subsistence. The Holy Prophet Nu’aym is one of the few people
looked after them, and shared who has named members of the
with them whatever became As’hab as-Sufah, he lists a total of
available to himself and to fifty-one companions who are
members of his family. On agreed upon and are as listed
occasion, the latter went below15:
without, and whatever was
available was sent to the Abu Huraira 16
Dwellers of Sufah. Ansar also Abu Darr al-Ghifari17
offered them hospitality, so far Wathilah Ibn Asqa
as they could afford it. Qays ibn Tahfah al-Ghifari
Nevertheless, these people often Ka’ab ibn Malik al-Ansari
faced starvation. This Sa’eed ibn Malik ibn Hadhim
continued for several years till al-Jumahi
some of them began to find Salman al-Farsi 18
gainful occupation, and the Asma ibn Harithah ibn Sa’eed
national treasury could also al-Aslami
afford to provide them with Hanzala ibn Abu Amir al-
some relief.’ Ansari
Hazim ibn Harmala

Harithah ibn Nu’man al-Ansari Salim ibn Ubayd al-Ashja’i

al-Najjari Safinah 25
Hudhayfah ibn Usayd Abu Salim 26
Surayhah al-Ansari Abu Fazin
Hudhayfah ibn Yaman 19 Al-Agharr al-Mazani
Jariyah ibn Jamil ibn Shabah Bilal ibn Rabah 27
ibn Qirt Al-Barra ibn Malik al-Ansari28
Ju’ayl ibn Suraqah ibn al- Thawban29
Dumari Thabit ibn Wadi’ah al-Ansari
Jurhad ibn Khuwaylid al- Thaqif ibn Amr ibn Shamit al-
Aslami Asadi
Rafa’ah Abu Lubabah al- Sa’ad ibn Malik Abu Sa’id al-
Ansari Khudari
Abd Allah Dhu al-Bijadayn Al-Arbad ibn Sariyah
Dukayn ibn Sa’eed al-Mazani Ghurfah al-Azadi
Khubayb ibn Yasaf ibn Anabah Abd al-Rahman ibn Qirt
Kharim ibn Aws al-Ta’i Abbad ibn Khalid al-Ghifari
Kharim ibn Fatik al-Asadi
Khunays ibn Hadhafah al- Characteristics of As’hab as-
Sahami Sufah
Khabbab ibn al-Art 20 As has been mentioned, the As’hab
Al-Hakam ibn Umayr al- as-Sufah were a group of people
Thamali who were predominantly poor and
Harmalah ibn Ayas had no family. This was a state
Zayd ibn al-Khattab21 which developed and changed over
Abd Allah ibn Masud 22 many years with people leaving the
Al-Tafawi al-Dawsi Sufah after marriage or when they
Talhah ibn Amr al-Nadri were blessed with additional
Safwa ibn Bayda al-Fahri provisions. Their general condition
Suhayb ibn Sanan al-Rumi23 improved in the later Madinan days
Shaddad ibn Usaym as the poverty and financial
Shaqran 24 depression which had struck
Al-Sa’eeb ibn Khalad Madinah improved.
Salim ibn Umayr

However, the hardship which they Some of the As’hab as-Sufah, Abu
were made to undergo should not Hurairah being the most famous
be taken as a light matter. They example, would physically fall
were made to endure such unconscious when praying in
devastating tribu-lations that their Masjid An-Nabawi. One should
very dignity and lives were almost pause here for a moment and reflect
extinguished on many occasions. upon the magnitude of the pure
The Sufah was a structure which desire and firm obedience of these
was not enclosed or sealed. As individuals, that despite suffering
such, it was open to the forces of from hunger and the cold they
nature and the As’hab as-Sufah would rather risk falling
sometimes had an untidy outward unconscious than miss a prayer.
appearance as their cloths and skin When food was available they
would often be covered with dust. would often be limited to eating
The cloths which they wore were dates and barley which would be
made of a thin and weak material distributed amongst them all
which was hardly adequate enough evenly. It is narrated that they were
in size to cover their bodies. This so just in the distribution of the
caused many of them great little food they had that if one of
personal discomfort as they became them would eat two dates together
embarrassed to enter the Mosque to he would tell the other companions
pray30. The situation became so that he had taken two and that they
distraught that many of the As’hab should take one extra32.
as-Sufah were made to wear a thin
loin cloth31. As the Sufah was an The hunger which they suffered
open structure and the As’hab as- from was something they could
Sufah were without sufficient simply not avoid due to the dictates
clothing they had no defense of their circumstance and so in
against the cold winter nights of order to overcome this great trial
Madinah. they would engulf themselves in
the remembrance of Allah. Surely
The companions would sometimes Allahhas promised:
go without food for long periods of
time and endure great hunger. And We will try you with

something of fear and hunger, ‘I have often thought that if a

and loss of wealth and lives and corpulent person, who is also a
fruits; but give glad tidings to wrestler, had to starve along
those who patiently persevere. with me, he would die before I
Who, when a misfortune could feel any acute need for
overtakes them, say, ‘Surely, to food. This experience taught me
Allah we belong and to Him that one can progress stage-by-
shall we return.’ stage in starving oneself and
It is these on whom descend that until one’s body becomes
blessings from their Lord and accustomed to such privations
also mercy, and it is these who a comfort loving person is not
are rightly guided. fit to accomplish stages of
(Ch.2:Vs.156-8) spiritual progress. But I would
not advise everyone to embark
The desperation of the trial they upon such a discipline, nor did
were made to undergo is better I do so of my own accord. I have
understood through the words of known many ignorant dervishes
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah(ra) who said: who adopted a course of hard
‘By Allah except Whom none has physical discipline and in the
the right to be worshipped, end lost their sanity and spent
(sometimes) I used to lay (sleep) on the rest of their lives in madness
the ground on my liver (abdomen) or became afflicted with
because of hunger, and (sometimes) various diseases such as
I used to bind a stone over my belly tuberculosis, etc.
because of hunger’.
Not all humans possess similar
Such trials are only entered upon mental faculties. Those whose
and embraced by those individuals faculties are naturally weak
who have embarked upon the cannot bear any physical
journey towards the highest discipline. Very soon, they are
stations of spirituality. The afflicted with some dangerous
Promised Messiah(as) described the disease. It is better that one
severe hunger he himself endured should not subject oneself to a
as follows: rigorous physical discipline on

one’s own. Rather one should his book Guide Posts where he
adopt the faith of simple people. writes33:
Of course, if one receives a
revelation from God and it is ‘Once there was a lady
not opposed to the magni-ficent suffering from general ill-
Shariah of Islam, it must be health. She was advised to
carried out. move to a warmer climate from
where she wrote letters to her
However, the foolish fakirs of friends extolling the lovely
today teach disciplines which weather, beautiful scenery and
do not result in any good. One luscious fruits. She wrote in
should stay away from them. glowing words about the
variety of tempting fruits.
Keep in mind that it was on the However she always referred to
basis of a clear vision from God her lack of appetite. Later news
Almighty that I carried out was received that she had died
rigorous physical discipline for despite the abundance of health
eight or nine months and tasted building fruits. She did not die
hunger and thirst. Then I from the absence of nourishing
stopped its continuous practice, food but from the want of
but did revert to it appetite. So it is with many of
occasionally’. us. We live in the midst of
abundant spiritual guidance
The link here is made by the but we have no appetite for it.
Promised Messiah(as) between the God has provided us with
way with which physical hunger heavenly nourishment but most
can act, in certain circumstances, as of us do not hunger for it. Only
a source which feeds one’s spiritual those with spiritual appetite
hunger. The great servant of Allah, assuage their hunger with
Bashir Orchard(ra) has expounded God’s heavenly fruits which
upon this subject and beautifully sustain them not only for the
drawn readers towards the moment but during the days
relationship between the physical that lie ahead (…) He who
and spiritual hunger of mankind in earnestly seeks to appease his

spiritual hunger constantly of knowledge. Hadhrat Abu

seeks and absorbs spiritual Huraira(ra), who was generally
food. He feeds his mind with accepted as the most prominent of
holy thoughts and incessantly the As’hab as-Sufah, was
strives to improve his character renowned for having an exquisite
which he regards as his first memory. Anyone familiar with
duty. This is the central aim of ahadith will understand just how
life. His innermost desire is to important he was in this field
climb higher and higher in holy having put to heart the highest
living and he perpetually strives number of ahadith reaching a
to better himself towards this staggering total of 537434 . On this
end being aware that it requires issue we find an enlightening
of him attention, effort, narration of Hadhrat Abu
sacrifice and prayer: Hurairah(ra) who said:35
Beauty and truth and all that ‘You people say that Abu
these contain, Huraira tells many narrations
Drop not like ripened fruit from Allah’s Apostle and you
about our feet; also wonder why the emigrants
We climb to them through years and Ansar do not narrate from
of sweat and pain.’ Allah’s Apostle as Abu Huraira
does. My emigrant brothers
The As’hab as-Sufah were the great were busy in the market while I
lovers of Allah and their example used to stick to Allah’s Apostle
was inspired with the blessed quest content with what fills my
for the very spiritual food which is stomach; so I used to be present
alluded to in the above quotation. when they were absent and I
They spent their days in deep used to remember when they
reflection and would always aspire used to forget, and my Ansari
to find new ways to expand their brothers used to be busy with
knowledge and serve the Holy their properties and I was one
Prophet(saw). From amongst them of the poor men of Sufa. I used
we discover some of the most to remember the narrations
prominent companions in the field when they used to forget. No

doubt, Allah’s Apostle once from whom the Holy Prophet(saw)

said, “Whoever spreads his said it is permissible to take the
garment till I have finished my Qur’an. These great individuals
present speech and then gathers were filled with such a great thirst
it to himself, will remember for knowledge that one of the
whatever I will say.” So, I As’hab as-Sufah gave Hadhrat
spread my colored garment Ubaada ibn Saimat(ra) his bow in
which I was wearing till Allah’s return that he would teach him, and
Apostle had finished his saying, the other As’hab as-Sufah, verses
and then I gathered it to my of the Qur’an and how to read and
chest. So, I did not forget any of write36 .
their narrations’.
Their services to Islam were not
His absolute resoluteness to always limited to the Sufah and whenever
be close to the Holy Prophet(saw) is the call for Jihad was made they
indicative of many of the As’hab were ever ready to sacrifice their
as-Sufah. Hadhrat Bilal ibn lives on the battlefield despite
Rabah(ra) was a close companion of being hungry, without proper
the Holy Prophet(saw) and indeed the provisions and with insufficient
muezzin of the Holy Prophet(saw). armour. Let us here pause and
Another member of the As’hab as- remember some of the great
Sufah was Hadhrat Salman al- members of the As’hab as-Sufah
Farsi(ra) of whom the Promised who laid their lives down for Islam
Messiah(as) is a descendant. Hadhrat and entered the fold of the
Salman(ra) was also a very close Shuhada37:
companion of the Holy Prophet(saw)
and an expert in the Christian and Battle of Badr
the Zoroastrian faith. He is known Safwan ibn Baidaa(ra)
as the first person to translate parts Khuraim ibn Faatik(ra)
of the Qur’an into a different Al-Asdee(ra)
language, translating it into Khubaib ibn Yasaaf(ra)
Persian. Both Hadhrat Ibn Saalim ibn Umair(ra)
Mas’ud(ra) and Hadhrat Saalim(ra) Haarithah ibn Al-No’maan Al-
were two of the four companions Ansari(ra)

Battle of Uhud commentators that the Sufis have

Hanzala al-Ghaseel(ra) taken their title (Suf) from the
As’hab as-Sufah. What is certainly
Battle of Hudaibiyyah clear is that the spirit of the People
Jurhud ibn Khuwailid(ra) of the Bench, and their complete
Abu Sareeha Al-Ghaffaree(ra) shunning of fitn39, is to be found in
the actions and words of all the
Battle of Khaibar great Sufis.
Thaqeef ibn Amr(ra)
Love of the Holy Prophet(saw) for
Battle of Tabook the As’hab as-Sufah
Abdullah Dhul Bijadain(ra) The relationship of the As’hab as-
Sufah with the Holy Prophet(saw)
Battle of Yamaama was very similar to the relationship
Saalim(ra) of the Promised Messiah(as) with a
Zaid ibn Al-Khattab(ra) group of his close companions. The
following extract from the writings
May Allah grant each of their of the Promised Messiah(as) matches
blessed souls a lofty station in the exact spiritual relationship the
heaven, Insha’Allah. Ameen38 As’hab as-Sufah had in proximity
to the Holy Prophet(saw) 40
Think not of those, who have
been slain in the cause of ‘Then there are those who
Allah, as dead. Nay, they are would come and live here
living, in the presence of their permanently with me, as did the
Lord, and are granted gifts As’hab al-Sufa in the time of
from Him. (Ch.3:V.170) Holy Prophet, only to listen and
learn about religious matters. I
The As’hab as-Sufah left behind a have to look to heaven for their
great legacy which is said by some maintenance. I also know that
to have been more acutely adopted means to run the five branches
by the members of the Ummah that of the work will be found. They
are associated with the science of will be found by the Powerful
tasawwuf. It is suggested by some Lord Himself’

The Holy Prophet(saw) could easily the Holy Prophet(saw) was indeed so
be described as the guardian of the conscious about the needs of the
As’hab as-Sufah as he not only companions that even they
looked after their every need but themselves were less aware of their
was ever filled with a unique love own needs. Regarding their
for them. The Holy Prophet(saw), physical well-being, the Holy
more than anyone, understood and Prophet(saw) took great care to
knew the value of their sacrifice. provide them with whatever he
The author sought after the could from his own humble share.
appropriate words to describe the His willingness to share with them
love of the Holy Prophet(saw) for the literally whatever he physically had
As’hab as-Sufah and found them in in his house, and to even deny his
the very words of the Beloved of own family, is illustrated when he
Allah himself(saw)41: invited some of the As’hab as-
Sufah to his home and all that was
I am closer to the believers on his table was barley. On the
than their selves in this world companions entering the Holy
and in the Hereafter, and if you Prophet(saw) said42:: ‘By Him Whose
like, you can read Allah’s hand is the soul of Muhammad,
Statement: “The Prophet is what you see here is all the food
closer to the believers than that is here tonight with the family
their own selves. (Ch.33.V.6) of Muhammad’.
So, if a true believer dies and Even when the Holy Prophet(saw)
leaves behind some property, it will would receive Sadaqa he would not
be for his inheritors (from the take a penny but rather distribute it
father’s side), and if he leaves amongst the As’hab as-Sufah.
behind some debt to be paid or Likewise if he was given any gift
needy offspring, then they should he only kept for himself a small
come to me as I am the guardian of portion and distributed the rest to
the deceased.” the As’hab as-Sufah43.
A close study of the As’hab as- The sincere love of the Holy
Sufah is testament to the fact that Prophet(saw), and a pure manifes-

tation of the above hadith: ‘I am Hirr (Abu Huraira)!” I replied,

closer to the believers than their “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle!”
selves’, was demonstrated in the He said to me, “Follow me.”
following heart-wrenching narra- He left and I followed him.
tion concerning Hadhrat Abu
Hurairah44: Then he entered the house and I
asked permission to enter and
‘By Allah except Whom none was admitted. He found milk in
has the right to be worshipped, a bowl and said, “From where
(sometimes) I used to lay is this milk?” They said, “It has
(sleep) on the ground on my been presented to you by such-
liver (abdomen) because of and-such man (or by such and
hunger, and (sometimes) I used such woman).” He said, “O
to bind a stone over my belly Aba Hirr!” I said, “Labbaik, O
because of hunger. One day I Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “Go
sat by the way from where they and call the people of Sufa to
(the Prophet and his me.” These people of Sufa were
companions) used to come out. the guests of Islam who had no
When Abu Bakr passed by, I families, nor money, nor
asked him about a Verse from anybody to depend upon, and
Allah’s Book and I asked him whenever an object of charity
only that he might satisfy my was brought to the Prophet, he
hunger, but he passed by and would send it to them and
did not do so. Then Umar would not take anything from it,
passed by me and I asked him and whenever any present was
about a Verse from Allah’s given to him, he used to send
Book, and I asked him only that some for them and take some of
he might satisfy my hunger, but it for himself. The order of the
he passed by without doing so. Prophet upset me, and I said to
Finally Abu-l-Qasim (the myself, “How will this little
Prophet) passed by me and he milk be enough for the people of
smiled when he saw me, for he As-Sufa?” thought I was more
knew what was in my heart and entitled to drink from that milk
on my face. He said, “O Aba in order to strengthen myself,

but behold! The Prophet came and I.” I said, “You have said
to order me to give that milk to the truth, O Allah’s Apostle!”
them. I wondered what will He said, “Sit down and drink.”
remain of that milk for me, but I sat down and drank. He said,
anyway, I could not but obey “Drink,” and I drank. He kept
Allah and His Apostle so I went on telling me repeatedly to
to the people of As-Sufa and drink, till I said, “No. By Allah
called them, and they came and Who sent you with the Truth, I
asked the Prophet’s permission have no space for it (in my
to enter. They were admitted stomach).” He said, “Hand it
and took their seats in the over to me.” When I gave him
house. the bowl, he praised Allah and
pronounced Allah’s Name on it
The Prophet said, “O Aba- and drank the remaining
Hirr!” I said, “Labbaik, O milk.’45
Allah’s Apostle!” He said,
“Take it and give it to them.” So The Holy Prophet(saw) would
I took the bowl (of Milk) and instruct the companions that if they
started giving it to one man who had any surplus food they should
would drink his fill and return it offer it to the As’hab as-Sufah or
to me, where-upon I would give that they should invite the As’hab
it to another man who, in his as-Sufah to their homes. Even in
turn, would drink his fill and this, the Holy Prophet(saw) excelled
return it to me, and I would then above the companions as is shown
offer it to another man who in one narration where Hadhrat
would drink his fill and return it Abu Bakr(ra) took home three
to me. Finally, after the whole people and the Holy Prophet(saw)
group had drunk their fill, I took ten with him46. Commenting
reached the Prophet who took on the blessing of this scheme,
the bowl and put it on his hand, Hadhrat Abdur Rahman ibn Abi
looked at me and smiled and Bakr said47: ‘By Allah, whenever
said. “O Aba Hirr!” I replied, any one of us (myself and the guests
“Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle!” of Sufa companions) took anything
He said, “There remain you from the food, it increased from

underneath. We all ate to our fill It also became the practice of some
and the food was more than it was of the companions to hang
before its serving’. branches of dates on a rope, which
was tied between two pillars of
On one occasion Hadhrat Fatima(ra) Masjid An-Nabawi, for the As’hab
heard that the Holy Prophet(saw) had as-Sufah and other needy people.
some prisoners of war and Even then the Holy Prophet’s(saw)
requested that the Holy Prophet(saw) love for the As’hab as-Sufah was
allot her one of them to work in her so dear that he would survey the
home. Despite Hadhrat Fatima(ra) quality of the dates being donated.
being the daughter of the Holy On one occasion, the Holy
Prophet(saw), and that the Holy Prophet(saw) is said to have
Prophet(saw) knew that her and reprimanded one companion for
Imam Ali(ra) had next to no bringing sub-standard dates.51
provisions at their home48 and that
Hadhrat Fatima(ra) would come Conclusion
home with blisters on her hands The As’hab as-Sufah set an
from her work, the Holy astonishingly highly spiritual
Prophet(saw) replied49: ‘Shall I give a standard for us to follow. They
servant and leave the Ahlil Sufah to were not people of this world but
suffer from hunger? I could not sacrificed everything temporal to
give to you (Ali and Fatima) and please Almighty Allah. They were
leave the Ahl al-Sufah suffering the great lovers of Allah and it was
from hunger.’ The Holy Prophet(saw) that very love which caused them
thus sold the prisoners of war and to serve, day and night, the greatest
distributed the money to the As’hab of Allah’s creation(saw)52. They
as-Sufah. evaporated their hearts in the love
of the Holy Prophet(saw) and thus
On the blessed occasion of the birth became an embodiment of the
of Hadhrat Al-Hasan(ra), the Holy saying of the Holy Prophet53: ‘None
Prophet(saw) instructed Hadhrat of you can be a Mo’min until his
Fatima(ra) to give to the As’hab as- love for me is more than his love for
Sufah silver equal in worth to the his parents, children and all the
weight of Al-Hasan’s(ra) hair .50 people in the world’. It is to these

great champions of humanity that Sufah were owed nothing by the

the world is indebted to for the Holy Prophet(saw) yet he gave them
scrupulous transmission of much of everything. Never did mankind
the knowledge that we now utilise hear truer words than those stated
on a daily basis. This was only as a in the Holy Qur’an when Allah
result of them spending the minutes revealed the words:
and seconds of their lives in
remembrance of Allah and at the And We have not sent thee but
every beckoning of the Holy as a mercy for all peoples.
Prophet(saw)54. When contemplating (Ch.21:V.108)
upon the lives of the As’hab as-
Sufah, one cannot help but recall The ways and examples of the
the saying of Hadhrat Hujat ul- As’hab as-Sufah are as important
Islam Imam Al-Ghazali(ra)55: today, if not more so, than during
the days of the Holy Prophet(saw).
‘Everyone who has sold this life Many living in today’s world may
for the Hereafter is an ascetic in feel that the example set by the
the wordly life. And everyone Holy Prophet(saw) and his As’hab as-
who sells the Hereafter for this Sufa is beyond them. However,
life is also an ascetic, but in the never has it been more necessary
Hereafter.’ for us to inculcate the spirit of their
example into our lives than today.
Despite the great sacrifice of the The temptations of Fitn which
As’hab as-Sufah, one cannot help surround us in the temporal world
but be humbled and reduced to today are so vast that it is
worthlessness when reflecting incumbent upon us to place the
upon the overshadowing love and spirit of their actions into our own
deeds of the Holy Prophet(saw). He deeds so that we may attain the
was completely resolute in his blessings of the next life. It is only
selfless love for the As’hab as- after we make this conscious
Sufah and, as has been shown, decision that we can hope to take
always put the needs of himself and benefit from the following prayer.56
his family after those of the As’hab
as-Sufah. Indeed, the As’hab as- ‘God be in my head,

And in my understanding. people of the book, as well as those who

God be in my eyes, had no experience of revelation, had all
been corrupted.
And in my looking.
The purpose of the Holy Qur’an was to
God be in my mouth,
revive the dead, as is said: ‘Know that
And in my speaking. Allah is about to revive the earth after
God be in my heart, its death’ (Ch.57:V.18). At that time the
And in my thinking. people of Arabia were steeped in
barbarism. No social pattern prevailed
God be at my end, and they took pride in every type of sin
And at my parting. and misconduct. A man married an
unlimited number of wives, and they
Let us eat the fruits of paradise were all addicted to the use of
everything unlawful. They considered it
from the table of the Lord!’ lawful to marry their mothers, and that
is why God Almighty had to prescribe:
‘Your mothers are made unlawful for
References: you’ (Ch.4:V.24).
1. Muhammad is No2 in Boys Names.
They ate carrion and some of them
Times Online. Accessed 13/01/2008.
were even cannibals. There is not a sin
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news
of which they were not guilty. Most of
/uk/article1890354.ece) ‘Muhammad
them did not believe in the after life.
is now second only to Jack as the most
Many of them denied the existence of
popular name for baby boys in Britain
God. They killed their female infants
and is likely to rise to No 1 by next
with their own hands. They killed
year, a study by The Times has found.
orphans and devoured their substance.
The name, if all 14 different spellings
They had the appearance of human
are included, was shared by 5,991
beings but were bereft of reason. They
newborn boys last year, beating
possessed no modesty, no shame, and
Thomas into third place, followed by
no self respect. They drank liquor like
Joshua and Oliver.’
water. The one among them who
2. The Philosophy of the Teachings of indulged indiscriminately in
Islam, p.12. fornication was acknowledged as the
chief of his tribe. They were so utterly
The Promised Messiah(as) writes: ‘Our
ignorant that their neighbouring
lord and master, the Holy Prophet,
people called them the unlettered ones.
peace and blessings of Allah be upon
At such time and for the reform of such
him, was raised at a time when the
people, our lord and master, the Holy
world had been thoroughly corrupted.
Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah
As God Almighty has said: ‘Corruption
be upon him, appeared in Mecca. This
has spread over land and sea’
was the time that called for the three
(Ch.30:V.42). This means that the
types of reform that we have just

mentioned.’ (The Philosophy of the The Noble Life of the Prophet, Vol.2,
Teachings of Islam, pp.13-14.) p.735.
In his poem Al-Qaseedah the Promised 12. Of the companions who chose a life of
Messiah(as) has beautifully described asceticism were Abu Hurairah, Ka’ab
this spiritual shift” ibn Malik al-Ansari, Hanzala ibn Amir
al-Ansari, Harithah ibn al-Nu’man al-
They said good-bye to their low desires,
Ansari (most of these companions had
to their low passions,
houses in Medina but chose to live in
They abandoned all earthly property. the Sufah). For more information see
Medinan Society at the Time of the
The truth of their prophet dawned on
Prophet, p.87; The following verses
them,
beautifully express the sacrifice of
Their low desires vanished like things those companions:
of no consequence.
The wise chose you, and true in their
4. Shamaa’il Tirmidhi. 306/2 (p.329) faith,
5. This promise is said to be a reference to They forgot their hearts and homes.
the revelation: (Ch.8:V.34) ‘But Allah
They chose you, and withdrew from
would not punish them while thou wast
their friends,
among them, and Allah would not
punish them while they sought And removed themselves from their kith
forgiveness.’ and kin.
6. Shamaa-il Tirmidhi. 307/3 (p.330) (Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Al-
Qaseedah)
7. For more information see Tafsir-ul-
Kabir. Khalifatul Masih II. Ft.151. 13. Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets,
pp.84-85.
8. Chapters from The History of Madinah,
p.35. 14. Medinan Society at the Time of the
Prophet, p.86.
9. IBID, p.35.
15. IBID, p.88. Also. Abu Nu’aym, al-
10. Hadhrat Chaudhry Muhammad
Hilyah. 1/339. 341.
Zafrulla Khan(ra) describes the area as
follows: ‘In one corner of the mosque a 16. Abu Huraira (literally father of the
covered platform was prepared which kitten) was a great companion and
was known as Sufah. This served as the related the most ahadith of all the
resting place of indigent Emigrants, companions (a mammoth 5374
who had nowhere else to go to. This ahadith). After the death of the Holy
was their home and they became known Prophet(saw)) he was appointed by
as the Dwellers of Sufah’. Muhammad; Hadhrat Omar(ra) as the governor of
Seal of the Prophets, p.84. Bahrain.
11. Fath-ul-Bari. Hadith 3581 For the 17. Abu Darr was from amongst the first
English translation see: As-Sallaabee. ten individuals to have accepted Islam

and is noted by some scholars as being Muhammad Khaalid. Men Around the
the first person to openly proclaim the Messenger, p.185.)
shahadah in Mekka after which he was
21. The older brother of Hadhrat Omar(ra)
beaten until he became unconscious.
who was a heroic warrior and met with
He is famous for having converted to
martyrdom on the day of Yammama
Islam the notorious highwayman tribes
after he famously killed the deceiver
of Bani Ghifar & Bani Aslim.
Ar-Rajjal.
18. A great companion of the Holy
22. It is doubted by some that Hadhrat Ibn
Prophet(saw) who was sold into slavery
Mas’ud lived in the Sufah but he was
more than ten times before becoming a
nevertheless a great companion and
Muslim. He received the greatest of
held as one of the most knowledgeable
praises in the following hadith: ‘While
in the Islamic sciences. He is reported
we were sitting with the Prophet Surat
as the first companion to recite the
Al-Jumu’a was revealed to him, and
Qur’an to the Qureysh reciting the
when the Verse, “And He (Allah) has
opening verses of Surah al-Rahman.
sent him (Muhammad) also to other
(Muslims).....’ (62.3) was recited by the 23. He was the son of a powerful Arab but
Prophet, I said, “Who are they, O was taken and sold into slavery at a
Allah’s Apostle?” The Prophet did not young age. Despite being an Arab he
reply till I repeated my question thrice. had a foreign accent as he grew up in
At that time, Salman Al-Farisi was with Roman lands. Through a miraculous set
us. So Allah’s Apostle put his hand on of events he came to be in Makkah and
Salman, saying, “If Faith were at (the accepted Islam at the hand of the Holy
place of) Ath-Thuraiya (pleiades, the Prophet(saw). He was greatly loved by
highest star), even then (some men or the Holy Prophet(as) and when Hadhrat
man from these people (i.e. Salman’s Omar(ra) suffered from the fatal blow
folk) would attain it.” which ended his life he instructed that
19. He was a very pious and spiritual Hadhrat Rumi lead the prayers.
person who was known for his 24. Mawla of the Holy Prophet(saw).
excellent manners and tremendous fear
of Allah. He was appointed by Hadhrat 25. Mawla of the Holy Prophet(saw).
Omar(ra) as the Governor of Mada’in. 26. Mawla of Abi Hudhaifah. The Holy
20. He was a sword maker who entered Prophet(as) famously said: ‘Take the
Islam and was badly tortured by the Qur’an from four people: Abd Allah
members of the polytheists of the ibn Mas’ud, Saalim, Ubai ibn Ka’ab
Qureysh. Asha’abi is reported to have and Mu’adh ibn Jabal’.
said, ‘Khabbab withstood all the 27. Hadhrat Bilal(ra) was a close
horrors that the polytheists exposed companion of the Holy Prophet(saw),
him to. They went so far as to place the Muezzin of the Holy Prophet,
burning stones onto his naked back guaranteed the blessing of entering
until his flesh came off’. (Khaalid Jannah, and the freed slave of Hadhrat

Abu Bakr(ra). companions of the Holy Prophet (peace

and blessings of Allah be upon him)
28. The brother of Hadhrat Anas ibn Malik
were so inspired by the love of God,
and known for being one of the great
and they were so affected by the
warriors of Islam. He was valiantly
spiritual attention of the Holy Prophet
martyred in the battle of Turtus.
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon
29. Mawla of the Holy Prophet(as). Hadhrat him), that they sacrificed themselves in
Thawban(ra) was deeply in love with the the cause of God like sheep and goats.
Holy Prophet(saw) and could always be Can anyone show us followers of any
found in close proximity to the Holy previous Prophet, who demonstrated
Prophet(saw). such sincerity and devotion?’ (Essence
of Islam. Vol.3, p.150).
30. Medinan Society at the Time of the
Prophet, p.91. 39. Fitn is the plural of the Arabic word
Fitnah and is defined by Lane as, ‘a
31. IBID. Also see Sahih Al-Bukhari burning of fire, a melting of (metals) in
1/114; Ibn Sa’ad. Al-Tabaqat. 1/255. order to distinguish the bad from the
32. Even this was an act of complete good, a means whereby the condition of
obedience to the instruction of the Holy aman is evinced in respect of good or
Prophet(saw): ‘Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: The evil, punishment, chastisement, conflict
Prophet decreed that one should not eat among people, faction and sedition,
two dates together at a time unless he discord, dissension, difference of
gets the permission from his opinions, a misleading, causing to err,
companions (sharing the meal with seduction, temptation’.(Edward Lane.
him).’ Sahih Al- Bukhari.Vol.3, Bk.44, Arab-English Lexicon. p.2336.)
No.669. 40. Victory of Islam, p.18.
33. Bashir Ahmad Orchard, Guide Posts, 41. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vol.3, Bk.41,
pp.78-79. No.584.
34. Muhammad Zubayr Siddiqi. Hadith 42. Medinan Society at the Time of the
Literature, p.27; ‘(Abu Huraira) was Prophet, p.92; Also see Ibn Sa’d.
recognised by Muhammad himself as Tabaqat. 1/256.
the most anxious Muslim for the
knowledge of Hadith’ 43. IBID
35. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vol.3, Bk.34, 44. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vol.8, Bk.76,
No.263. No.459.
36. As-Sallabee. Vol.2, Pg.738. 45. Commenting about the miracles of the
Holy Prophet(as) the Promised
37. IBID, p.738. Messiah(as) writes: ‘On many
38. Commenting on companions laying occasions, he multiplied water so much
down their lives the Promised by dipping his fingers into a cup of
Messiah(as) writes: ‘the hearts of the water that the whole host and their

camels and horses drank of it and yet him) demonstrated such steadfastness
the original quantity of the water was and were so reconciled to death that
not diminished. On many occasions, by any mention of their devotion brings
putting his hand upon three or four tears to one’s eyes. What was it that
loaves of bread, he satisfied the hunger inspired them with such devotion?
of thousands. On some occasions, he Whose hand was it that brought about
blessed a small quantity of milk with his such a change in them? In their pre-
lips and a company of people drank Islamic ignorance, there was no sin and
from it and were filled. On some no wrong that they did not commit. On
occasions, by adding his saliva into a becoming the followers of the Holy
well of brackish water, he rendered it Prophetsa, they were so drawn to God,
sweet. On some occasions, he healed as if God dwelt within them. I tell you
severely wounded people of their truly that it was the spiritual attention
injuries by placing his hands upon of the Holy Prophetsa that pulled them
them. On some occasions, he replaced out of a low life into a holy one. Those
the eyeballs of people which had fallen who later entered Islam in hosts did not
out in consequence of some injury do so under the threat of a sword. They
received in battle and healed them with did so in consequence of the sincere
the blessings of his hand. In this way, he supplications and humble and
did many other things by his personal passionate prayers which the Holy
power behind which worked Divine Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah
Power.’ (Essence of Islam, Vol. pp.274- be upon him) offered in Mecca for
5) thirteen years, so that even the soil of
Mecca confessed that it was under the
46. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vol.1, Bk.10,
blessed feet of him whose heart
No.576.
proclaimed the Unity of God so
47. IBID passionately that heaven was filled with
his cries. God is Self-Sufficient. He
48. The blanket which Hadhrat Ali(ra) and
does not care whether anyone is rightly
Hadhrat Fatima(ra) shared was not large guided or goes astray. The light of
enough to cover them at night. guidance which was so extraordinarily
49. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Al-Musnad. manifest in Arabia, and then spread to
1/79. 106; Sahih Al-Bukhari. Bk.57, the rest of the world, was a
No. 3113. consequence of the heartfelt desire of
the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings
50. IBID. 6/390. 391. of Allah be upon him.) Followers of
51. Madinan Society at the Time of the every religion had digressed and
Prophet, p.94; Also Al-Samhudi. Wafa. strayed away from the spring of Tauhid
1/324-5. (belief in the Unity of God) but it
continued to flow in Islam. All these
52. The Promised Messiah(as) has written: blessings were granted in answer to the
‘‘…the companions of the Holy Prophet supplications of the Holy Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon (peace and blessings of Allah be upon

him) as God Almighty has said: • Allamah Sarfud-Deen Abu Abdullah

Meaning that: ‘Will you grieve yourself Muhammad bin Hasan Al-Busairi.
to death because they did not believe?’ 2000. Qasidah Burdah. New Delhi.
’’ (Essence of Islam. Vol.3, Pg.135.) Islamic Book Service.
53. Faza’il-e-A’Maal, p.255. • Abu Hamid Mohammad ibn
Mohammad Al-Ghazali. 1997. Ihya’
54. The author is here reminded of the
Ulum Al-Din. Cairo. Islamic Inc.
saying of Imam Ali(ra), ‘By Allah! To us
the prophet(saw) was dearer than our • Al-Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajr Al-
riches, our children and our mothers, Asqalani. 1998. Ahmad Ibn Ali Fath-ul-
and more cherishable than a drink of Bari. Cairo. Darul Hadith.
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MANAGEMENT BOARD CONTENTS November 2008, Vol.103, No.

inaugurated the first purpose-built domes are normally symbols of

2 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

which Mosques are constructed Community all the prophets

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 3

Differences between Satanic and sinner.

4 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

It should be remembered that

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 5

answers for a number of hours. ness; it penetrates into the heart

6 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

from God? Is it not possible that Some short-sighted people raise

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 7

The answer to the foregoing other, which cannot subsist

8 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 9

In the creation of the heavens and of the manifestations of Thy

10 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

that light which brought a whole folly. As we have written,

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 11

12 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

All the honourable and some Germans have expressed

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 13

in opposition to this country or Muslims are very loyal towards

14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

Ahmadi and also a scholarly as shown by majority of

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 15

16 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

sends a person, who worships fervently. He was so anxious that

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 17

18 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

forcefully converted to Islam by free by providing simple

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 19

justice removes all forms of is watching everything that he

20 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

lack of resources. In spite of of Islam taught extremism at

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 21

22 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

torn into two separate parts the granted to fight as a means to

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 23

If the commandment of Allah the dearly His Creation and guides

24 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

Qadian(as). He came and told us a the Mahdi and so there is

The Ahmadiyya Khilafat is also

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 25

All the honourable and distinguish persons who are sympathetic to

26 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

Messiah(as), on whom be peace, which some may hold within their

This brief introduction and The Holy Qur’an very clearly

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 27

The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Could a person who had been

28 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

it was to weaken the The Jizyah (that is a protection

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 29

The purpose of mentioning this attacked. And even here the

30 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 31

Allah, the Almighty, teaches that So this is the Islamic teaching.

To recapitulate a Muslim is not To fulfil the requirements of

32 The Review of Religions – November 2008 KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14

the requirements of justice in the Makkans had maintained

KHILAFAT: Special Edition 14 The Review of Religions – November 2008 33

the Holy Qur’an to engage in represents the true doctrine of