in memory of jalal-ud-din akbar ibn-i abdullah, … · they recorded azan and were delighted to...

20
Editor: Nasir Ahmad B.A. LL.B. November 2016 IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA Vol. No. 11, Issue No. 11 NEWS FROM THE BERLIN MOSQUE AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2016 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WITH PHOTOS AMIR AZIZ MA LET US SACRIFICE WHAT WE CAN, TO KEEP THE CRESCENT OF THE BERLIN MOSQUE ALOFT EDITOR’S NOTE: We apologise for the delay in the publicaon of this ‘News from the Berlin Mosque’ issue. We try to publish the reports from the Mosque every month, but since work on the First Phase of the renovaon project was sll in progress, we wanted to bring you details of its compleon along with its acvies. In the second week of September, Hazrat Ameer Dr Abdul Karim Saeed, along with two senior members of the Central Anjuman – Mian Umar-e Farooq (Vice-President), and Saadat Ahmad (Financial Secretary) – visit - ed Berlin to hold discussions with the Architects. They reviewed the com- pleon of the First Phase and had an in-depth discussion about the works to be done in the further three phases and the costs involved. The compleon of the First Phase has cost the Lahore Central Anjuman, Euros One Hundred Forty Thousand Three Hundred Forty thousand (€ 1,40,340,000.00). A rough esmate of the renovaon work to be completed in the remaining three phases will cost about Euros One Hundred Eleven Million five hundred fiſty-three thousand (€ 111,53,000.00). Hazrat Ameer and members of the Execuve Commiee have launched a world- wide appeal to meet this huge target. We hope that with the blessings of Allah the worldwide Lahore Ahmadiyya Community and its supporters will achieve this target. May Allah enable us to fulfil the expectaons of the people, as expressed by the leader of a group from Pennsylvania on a visit to the Berlin Mosque: “This group [the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement] carries the hope of peace and understanding to the Western world.” This is how the sun of Islam will rise in the West. Amin!

Upload: others

Post on 23-Jul-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Editor: Nasir Ahmad B.A. LL.B.November 2016

IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Vol. No. 11, Issue No. 11

NEWS FROM THE BERLIN MOSQUE AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2016

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WITH PHOTOS AMIR AZIZ MA

LET US SACRIFICE WHAT WE CAN, TO KEEP THE CRESCENT OF THE BERLIN MOSQUE ALOFT

EDITOR’S NOTE:We apologise for the delay in the publication of this ‘News from the Berlin Mosque’ issue. We try to publish the reports from the Mosque every month, but since work on the First Phase of the renovation project was still in progress, we wanted to bring you details of its completion along with its activities.In the second week of September, Hazrat Ameer Dr Abdul Karim Saeed, along with two senior members of the Central Anjuman – Mian Umar-e Farooq (Vice-President), and Saadat Ahmad (Financial Secretary) – visit-ed Berlin to hold discussions with the Architects. They reviewed the com-pletion of the First Phase and had an in-depth discussion about the works to be done in the further three phases and the costs involved.The completion of the First Phase has cost the Lahore Central Anjuman, Euros One Hundred Forty Thousand Three Hundred Forty thousand (€ 1,40,340,000.00). A rough estimate of the renovation work to be completed in the remaining three phases will cost about Euros One Hundred Eleven Million five hundred fifty-three thousand (€ 111,53,000.00). Hazrat Ameer and members of the Executive Committee have launched a world-wide appeal to meet this huge target. We hope that with the blessings of Allah the worldwide Lahore Ahmadiyya Community and its supporters will achieve this target. May Allah enable us to fulfil the expectations of the people, as expressed by the leader of a group from Pennsylvania on a visit to the Berlin Mosque: “This group [the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement] carries the hope of peace and understanding to the Western world.” This is how the sun of Islam will rise in the West. Amin!

Page 2: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

2 | Page

HAZRAT AMEER DR. ABDUL KARIM SAEED HEAD OF THE LAHORE AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT IN ISLAM

CHAIRED AN IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE BERLIN MOSQUE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TO REVIEW COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF REPAIRS AND TO DISCUSS DETAILS AND COST OF SECOND AND THIRD PHASES PLANS FOR LAUNCHING A WORLD-WIDE FUND-

RAISING CAMPAIGN WERE FINALISED

Students from Belgium stayed for a week23-28 August. A group of 12 students with four guides from Belgium stayed in the Mission House. It was an educational and recreational trip to Berlin organized by an organization viz., Koning Kevin . It was a good opportunity to convey to the group in a week-long programme message of Islam and objectives of the Ahmadiyya Movement. During the time the students not only attended lectures and question/answer sessions but also cleaned and tidied the Mosque and the Mission House and worked very hard at cutting the grass and pruning the plants. They offered ritual prayers with us and attended Friday congregational prayers as well.

During their stay we hope knowledge about Islam was much improved. The Imam was surprised that on the last day they handed over a booklet to him which comprised their views about Islam, our way of worship and how they enjoyed their stay at the Mosque. The views expressed in their remarks and drawings were very positive and encouraging. The Imam told them that now when they have first-hand knowledge about Islam they should never blame Islam for the wrong acts of some of the extremist elements among the Muslims.

We hope that some of these students will be in a position to tell their countrymen about true mes-sage of Islam which they learnt at the Berlin Mosque. The main objective of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement was to promote mutual understanding and harmony among the followers of the three great monotheist religions of the world. It was not to convert people but to bring them closer in understanding and relationship.

Visit of a Research Scholar 23 August.It is a great news that Ms. Sophia Nibelung, a student from the Philipps University, Mar-burg, was given the subject, “The difference between the two groups of the Ahmadiyya Movement and Role of the Lahore Group in the Propagation of Islam in Germany” for her graduation thesis. She visited the Berlin Mosque and had a long discussion on the subject with the Imam, Mr. Amir Aziz. Besides the discussion, she was presented with all available literature in German and English on this subject. She has by now submitted her thesis.

Visitors from Russia4 September. Two visitors from Russia came to the Berlin Mosque and offered ‘Asr prayer at the Mosque. They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation of the Holy Quran which they told is the most precious gift for them. When they were leaving, one of them asked the other to introduce himself. He took out his mobile, and showed some pictures and told the Imam that he is a friend of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.

Page 3: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 3

VISIT OF HAZRAT AMEER AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS 9 September. With the blessings of Allah one week of activities at the Berlin Mosque ended with great success. It started with the celebration of Eid al-Adha and ended with the Long Night of Religions. Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed with a delegation from Pakistan visited and partici-pated in the activities. Hazrat Ameer’s presence blessed all the events with success. We are thankful to following members of the Executive Committee of the Central Anjuman and other members who specially participated in important meetings of the Berlin Mosque Executive Committee and assisted in organizing various events:

Mian Umar-e Farooq (Vice president of the Central Anjuman) and his wife Mrs. Ghazala Umar (Multan, Pakistan)Mr. Saadat Ahmad, Chartered Account (Financial Secretary of the Central Anjuman) Lahore (Pakistan)Major Iqbal Ahmad (Karachi, Pakistan).Mr. A. S. Santoe (Rotterdam, Holland)Mrs. Galida Badoela (Paramaribo, Suriname)Mr. Azhar-ud-Din Ahmad (Woking, UK)Mr. Mushtaq Ali, his wife Nazra Ali and daughter Adeeba Ali (London, UK)Mrs. Amina Iqbal, wife of late Prof. Zafar Iqbal (Frankfurt, Germany)Mr. Abu Saeed Hoeseni and Mrs. Safoera Hoeseni (Almere, Holland)Mr. Khurram Salim and his wife Samira Saleem (Frankfurt, Germany)Miss Manaal Ahmad (Frankfurt, Germany)Mr. Mudassar Ahmad (Frankfurt, Germany)Mr. Inshaal Ahmad, Student Vienna University (Austria)Mr. Nasir Ahmad (Milton Keynes, UK)Mr. Mudassar Aziz (Hague, Holland)

Monument Open Day10, 11 September. The event was Monument Open Day. The Berlin Mosque was kept open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on both days. With the blessings of Allah, 451 people from all walks of life and of all age groups visited the Mosque. A power-point presentation about Islam, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and history of the Mosque was presented every hour. After every session Hazrat Ameer talked about the peaceful teachings of Islam followed by a question/answer session. The presen-tation went well towards removing misconceptions about Islam and the Ahmadiyya Movement. Copies of the Quran in English and German were distributed among the interested visitors and also leaflets about the Berlin Mosque.

Eid al-Adha12 September. Eid al-Adha was celebrated on this day. More than one hundred people of different nationalities joined the congregation. The Head of the Roman Catholic Academy, representatives of Buddhist and Sikh Communities, the Head of the Long Night of Religions Programme, priest of the Danish Church and his staff, members of a Korean Organization, some Chinese and German neighbours participated.

Hazrat Ameer delivered the Eid sermon. It was broadcast live on Russian TV and also on Facebook. His sermon was translated into German, French and Arabic and was distributed among people of the respective languages. Everyone appreciated Hazrat Ameer’s Sermon. Later on, lunch was arranged

Page 4: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

4 | Page

at the lawn of the Mission House. A Palestinian Muslim lady sang a na’at in Arabic accompanied by a traditional instrument. It was enjoyed by all.

Friday Sermon16 September. The Friday service was held as usual. The sermon was delivered by Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed and a summary in German and Arabic was done by Mr. Amir Aziz. More than 80 people attended the service.

Long Night of Religions17 September. The Long Night of Religions programme was a great success. It was launched in an open space in central Berlin at 1:00 pm with the participation of leaders of all religious communities. Mr. Amir Aziz represented the Berlin Mosque and presented greetings and an appreciation for the sincere efforts of the local Government in taking a keen interest in promoting mutual understanding and cordial relations among different communities and nationalities.

More than 200 people visited the Mosque. It was kept open from 5:00 pm till 12:00 midnight. Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed opened the Night with a recitation from the Holy Quran. A power-point presentation was done by Mr. Amir Aziz in German after every hour. All participants were presented brochures about the Mosque and the message of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. Copies of the English and German translations of the Quran were presented to the interested visitors.

Prof. Dr. Gerdien Jonker, a historian and well known author, also addressed the visitors and informed them about the history of the Mosque and objectives of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Hazrat Ameer also gave a brief talk and answered questions. Arab visitors were briefed in Arabic by Mr. Amir Aziz.

Mr. Inshaal Ahmad and Miss. Manaal Ahmad, both helped Mr. Amir Aziz in the presentations in German, and this was appreciated by all. A young boy, Muddassar Ahmad, from Frankfurt helped in distributing the brochures. The programme ended with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Mrs. Galida Badoela followed a prayer by Syed Nasir Ahmad, who also recited prayers and translated them in English. In all, more than 900 people visited the Mosque.

The organizers of the Long Night of Religions are commended for their sincere efforts to promote in-ter-faith understanding and harmony. Detailed booklets and posters are provided to all participants well ahead of the event. Local radio, television and print media are also provided with beautiful-ly-printed material.

UNO Peace Prayer21 September. The Imam of the Berlin Mosque was invited to participate in the annual UNO Peace Prayer programme. It was organized in the Silence Room at Historic Brandenburg Tor Berlin. Mr. Amir Aziz was asked to lead the prayers on behalf of the Muslim Community. Every one prayed and lit a candle. Later on a grand dinner was arranged hosted by the organizers.

Eid ul-Fitr Broadcast23 September. Eid al-Fitr celebration programme was recorded by rbb television earlier but was broadcast on 23rd September under the title “the most important buildings of Berlin”. The clip can

Page 5: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 5

be watched on the following link: This has given fame to the Berlin Mosque and its activities and now people from all parts of Germany are visiting the Mosque in greater numbers.

https://www.facebook.com/Lahore-Ahmadiyya-655994904547405

Fact-finding group from Pennsylvania, USA27 September. God gave another good opportunity to present teachings of Islam and the message of the Ahmadiyya Movement to a large group of people coming from various parts of the world. The group was headed by Daniel Pipes, President of Middle East Forum, Pennsylvania, USA. Participants were from USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK and other countries. The group is on a fact finding tour to Europe. The Imam was asked to give presentation in English about Islam, the Ahmadiyya Movement and the Mosque . The talk created so much interest that the programme lasted from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Programme was organized by Dr. Clemens, Director of the Berlin International Centre for the Study of Antisemitism and participants included Ph.Ds and Human Rights activists. A Pakistani lady who is president of ‘The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow’ in Canada was sur-prised to know about the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement as she had no idea about the Lahori Group.

During Imam’s presentation leader of the group stood up and explained that Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement is the group which carries hope of peace and understanding to the Western World. He told them that The Nation of Islam in the USA, which was founded by Elijah Mohammad and is now led by Louis Farah Khan is a product of the teachings of Islam presented by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. English translation of the Qur’an by Maulana Muhammad Ali is the only translation of the Qur’an read by the members of this organisation. He also appreciated that the Islamic interpre-tation of Islam presented by the Lahore Group is the only solution to bring an end to the extremist views bringing a bad name to Islam and causing inter-religious conflict and hatred.

All participants took notes and photos of each slide of the presentation. The Imam specially men-tioned Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s book, British Government and Jihad, and explained the true concept of Jihad in Islam. The views expressed in the book fascinated the group very much. Our mot-to: ‘ISLAM:I Shall Love All Mankind’ was greatly appreciated. Copies of Islam, Peace and Tolerance by Dr. Zahid Aziz were presented to the group.

Visit arranged by International Centre for the Study of Antisemitism, Berlin30 September. After the Friday Prayer a group of 25 people led by a local tourist guide visited the Berlin Mosque. A brief talk about the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam and the Berlin Mosque was given. Power-point presentation prepared by the Imam is proving quite effective in informing people about the history and working of the Mosque. Brochure and leaflets about the Berlin Mosque were distributed. A question/answer session as usual was also held. During the talk and discussion it was clarified to them that Islam is a peaceful religion and the sole mission of the Ahmadiyya Movement is to present true picture of Islam so that misconceptions about Islam are clarified. The talk created so much interest that the programme lasted from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Programme was organized by Dr Clemens, Director of the Berlin International Centre for the Study of Antisemitism and participants included Ph.Ds and Human Rights activists. A Pakistani lady who is president of ‘The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow’ in Canada was surprised to know about the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement as she had no idea about the Lahori Group.

Page 6: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

6 | Page

Open Day of Mosques3rd October. The Open Day of Mosques was observed throughout Germany. This day is also in commemoration of the Unification of West and East Germany. Berlin Mosque was kept open from 11:00 to 5:00 pm. With the blessings of Allah more than 150 people visited the Mosque and at-tended the presentations. Question/Answer sessions were also conducted. Leaflets and literature were distributed.

This time the event was advertised even on Central Railway and Uban stations with Large posters. An image of one such banner in German ( is given at the start of this booklet). Its translation in English is given below:

Mosques in Berlin open their doorson Monday

26 Muslim communities invite you to the Open Day of Mosques.20th nationwide Long Night of Religions is being observed

Those interested to know about Islam and the Muslim CommunityAre welcome to the prayer rooms and mosques

Into the fold of Islam7 October. Mr. Andreas Riehle accepted Islam . By the grace of Allah he is the 6th person who has accepted Islam since 1st May 2016. Hazrat Ameer has given him Islamic name of Adnan. Please pray that may Allah help Adnan to have a greater understanding of Islam.

Visit of a Group from Israel9 October. A group from Israel visited the Berlin Mosque. They were interested in the history of the Mosque and were impressed by its activities. They appreciated the way Islamic perception was pre-sented negating extremism and the efforts to bring religious understanding and mutual awareness. They asked questions as to how we present the message of Islam in the current charged situation.

Meeting of Representatives of all Religions10 October. A meeting of the Representatives of All Religions (AKR) was held at the Berlin Mosque. This organization is the oldest Interfaith organisation in Berlin. The Berlin Mosque and its Imams have played significant role in founding the organisation and made valuable contributions in its ac-tivities. Bro. Muhammad Ali, former Imam of the Berlin Mosque, was the last person who actively participated in the AKR’s meetings. It was he who introduced Mr. Amir Aziz to the members of the ARK. After many years its meeting was held at the Berlin Mosque and we are very much in the picture again. The present Imam, Mr. Amir Aziz gave a power-point presentation about the history of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the Berlin Mosque after which a long agenda was discussed for two hours.

Visit of Post-Doctoral FellowsOn the same day a group of Postdoctoral Fellows from the Forum for Transregional Studies, Art, Histories and Aesthetic Practices, Berlin visited the Berlin Mosque. After the power-point presen-tation about the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement by the Imam, Mr. Amir Aziz, an hour long discus-sion was held. It was a very informative and educational . All Postdoctoral Fellows were amazed to know about the main aim of Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the history of the Berlin Mosque.

Page 7: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 7

Among the group were two scholars from India who were well aware of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Discussion about the Movement and the activities of the Berlin Mosque with this group of learned people was quite interesting and satisfying.

Visit of a School from Munich16 October. A group from Benediktbeuern School from Munchen visited the Mosque . It is very encouraging that this school visited from a city which is seven to eight hours journey from Berlin. They were given presentation about Islam and the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. The School man-agement has sent a request to the Imam for a copy of the presentation so that they can show it in the School as well. The leader of the group wrote the following remarks in the Visitors Book: “ A Place of Peace and Hope”.

Visit of a group from Freur Kreativitat Kindergarten of Berlin20 October. A group of children from the Freur Kreativitat Kindergarten visited the Mosque and enjoyed the stay. They were entertained in the Mission House.

Press Conference convened by the Architects at the Berlin Mosque21 October. A press conference was convened by the present Architects, Marcus Nitschke D:4, at the Berlin Mosque. They have just completed first phase of the renovation work.

We appreciate the keen interest shown by them in completing this first phase, and the skill and diligence shown by the chief Architect and the rest of the staff. Ms Katja Weise and others kept a constant watch over the work. They have been holding constant discussions with the Imam of the Mosque and the Executive Committee and that has added quality and strength to the renova-tion work.

It was the idea of the Architects to convene a press conference with a view to introducing the ar-chitectural beauty and activities of the Berlin Mosque and also to elicit public financial support to maintain this historic beauty of the city of Berlin. We are pleased that they were impressed by the amazing architecture and by the tremendous sacrifices made by the small community in Lahore in Pakistan.

We are also grateful to the Monument Department for their generous contributions in the past towards rebuilding the dome and a minaret, and the repair works done in the Mosque and the Mission House. The present phase of renovation works is ongoing with their support and under their supervision. The Monument Department had to reduce their percentage of contribution due to financial constraints experienced by the German Government.

With the blessings of Allah, however, the response from the public was very encouraging. As a result of an appeal launched through television, radio, and the print media, a large number of journalists came to the Mosque and held in depth discussions. They were also benefited from a presentation by the Imam on the history of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the Berlin Mosque, and got details from the Architects and their staff of the work already done and what was yet to be completed in the three phases of the project. The journalists were also given a tour and shown the various types of work done during the first phase.

Page 8: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

8 | Page

Rbb Radio and Television broadcast a programme about the Mosque and its renovation project. More than eight newspapers published interviews with the Architects and the Imam, Mr Amir Aziz. An important point to note is that all the articles indicated the differences between the two sections of the Ahmadiyya Movement and also the sacrifices made by the members of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Community in constructing the Mosque in the period 1924-1927 and their continued support of its activities.

One newspaper gave the heading: “This is for what ladies donated their jewellery.”

It is Allah’s blessings that the sacrifices of our elders have widely been acknowledged now after more than nine decades by the German media. Almost all the newspapers published half-page articles. The reports of two newspapers, “Morgenpost” and “Tagesspiegel”, are of special interest, and the English translation will be published later.

“All-Germany Qur’an Hifz Competition” Programme23 October. The Arab community in Berlin organized the All-Germany Qur’an Hifz Competition”. Out of non-Arab Islamic centres only Berlin Mosque was invited. Mr. Amir Aziz participated in the programme which was presided over by Sheikh Shrawi of Al-Azhar . Main organizer of the event, Mr. Gamdian, always offers Friday prayer at the Berlin Mosque. Imam of another main mosque Sheikh Khalid had broadcast programme about the Berlin Mosque on an Arab TV and offered Friday prayer at this Mosque. The difference between the two sections of the Ahmadiyya Movement were discussed in detail and a copy of the Arabic translation of “The Ahmadiyya Movement” by Maulana Muhammad Ali was presented to him. It was a good programme and the Imam hopes that interac-tion and cooperation with Arab community will improve further.

Inter-religious Dialogue27 October. The HWPL organization held a ‘mini inter-religious dialogue’ at the Mission House. The topic was “Outer and Inner Man, Body & Soul”. It was a very interesting discussion and presentation of Islamic view based on Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s well-known book “The Teachings of Islam” was appreciated by the participants.

Annual Conference of Berliner Forum of Religions8 November. The Annual Conference of All Religions in Berlin was organized in the mayor of Berlin Rathaus. Representatives of all religious communities in Berlin participated in it . Mr. Amir Aziz, Imam of the Berlin Mosque, was invited to the meeting. With Allah’s blessings it was a fruitful par-ticipation. It provided a good opportunity to introduce the Berlin Mosque and its activities to all the representatives who attended the Conference. A Ph. D scholar from India showed interest in our Mission and asked for my interview.

Interview by a Ph.D. Scholar from India 9 November. Mr Kashmir Singh, an Indian Ph.D. scholar, visited the Berlin Mosque and interviewed Mr. Amir Aziz for one hour. Main subject was: How Islam came to Germany and role of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the Berlin Mosque. He was presented a copy Islam, Peace and Tolerance by Dr Zahid Aziz

Page 9: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 9

Another Article about the Berlin Mosque12 November. An article about the Berlin Mosque written by a lady journalist, Ms. Elfie Hartmann, was published in the monthly Die Stadtteilzeitung in its September issue. She visited the Mosque and asked for more information about the history of the Berlin Mosque. She is a literary person and writes learned articles in the print media. In this article about the Berlin Mosque she gave it the title: An Exotic House. She brought a copy of the issue to the Mosque. This was her second visit. She was given some more literature about the history of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement as she intends to write more about the Movement and the Berlin Mosque.

Visit of Forum Unna group17 November. The Forum Unna is an organization which arranges seminars and visits for working people from all over Germany. The present group consisted of twenty officials from the organisation. We had one and half hour discussion about Islam, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and history of the Berlin Mosque. After power point presentation a long discussion was held. Alhamdu lillah it was very successful. The group comprised of people from various cities of Germany.

* * *

FROM EDITOR’S MAILBAG

MRS. SAMIRA SELIM, FRANKFURT (GERMANY): A GREAT SURPRISE

Mon 26/09, 2016I can’t find words to express my feelings how much I enjoyed and was inspired to attend the Long Night of Religions Day at the Berlin Mosque. Myself, my husband, my mother, my niece and my nephew – we all had an experience which has inspired us. We stayed at the Mission House, enjoyed its homely atmosphere, attended daily prayers and above all, met Hazrat Ameer in a very friendly atmosphere –a simple, affectionate and soft-spoken person without any aura of protocol. During dinner times it was as if it is a family get-together. I was amazed that any guest who came, it was Hazrat Ameer who would go and welcome him – no formalities.

Honestly, I didn’t have any idea what will happen on this occasion. The event started in the afternoon with the ‘Asr prayer. Afterwards Imam Amir Aziz started his presentation about the history of the Mosque and how the small community in Lahore and their ladies sacrificed to build this Mosque. I knew that it is called Mini Taj Mahal. But when I went inside for the first time I realised that it is more than even the Taj Mahal in its serenity and architectural beauty. Taj Mahal is in memoriam of a dead Queen, but this small house of Allah is to converse with a living Allah Who is a continuous source of love and peace. It was for the first time that I felt that mosque is a place where one’s heart feels the urge to bow down and thank the Benevolent Allah for the innumerable bounties bestowed by Him.

On that night when I saw so many German men, women and students and even children entering the Mosque, listening to the presentations with interest and asking questions about Islam and its attitude towards other religions – it was an amazing experience. Myself and my niece Manaal were

Page 10: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

10 | Page

excited to talk to these visitors, explaining to them significance of various things about the Mosque and the prayer. To know the history is one thing but when it is presented through power-point and the interest shown in it by the non-Muslim visitors, it made me realise how much valuable this Mosque is in a land where people are predominantly non-Muslim. I also realised how the oriental architecture carry a glow of its own and has evolved structure of the Mosque – its dome and mina-rets inviting people from all corners of the world to the One and Only Creator – Allah.

Our visit was informative, interesting and provided a pleasant experience about Islam. It impressed me and I have learnt a lot and experienced lot about the beauty of Islam and what it means to people of other faiths.

From Hazrat Ameer to each and every one I met, I didn’t feel that I was meeting them for the first. All were so humble, respectful and peaceful. We were treated and respected in a very cordial manner. The participants from Suriname, Pakistan, United Kingdom and Holland, everyone was friendly and helpful. They sacrificed their time for this event and for this noble cause. I felt very thankful and lucky that my niece was asked to do a presentation with help of the Imam, Mr. Amir Aziz. For young generation it was a very different gesture. My niece and young nephew were surprised that every age group was attending this event.

For me it was a great pleasure that my niece Manaal was standing at a place where my late father Prof. Zafar Iqbal used to deliver Friday sermons and other presentations when he acted as Imam for a short while at this Mosque.

My visit to the Berlin Mosque has inspired me with new aim for myself, on this evening. I realised how far I was from understanding Islam and how non-Muslims value Islam when it is explained to them. The Questions/answers were very interesting.

I would like to express special thanks for this beautiful evening to uncle Amir Aziz and respected Hazrat Ameer, Mudassar Bhai, Mian Umar-i Farooq and his noble wife Sister Ghazala, Major Iqbal Ahmad, Sister Khalida and others whose names I have unfortunately forgotten. Thanks for being hospitable and giving us so much of respect and love.

I do not attend very many meetings and congregations in Frankfurt, but Long Night of Religions was a great event and memorable as well. I wish I can do something for this Mosque financially and physically. In the end I want to say that when I came back home, I felt that though physically I was back at home but my mind was still in the Mosque.”

I knew that it is called Mini Taj Mahal. But when I went inside for the first time I realised that it is more than even the Taj Mahal in its serenity and architectural beauty. Taj Mahal is in memoriam of a dead Queen, but this small house of Allah is to converse with a living Allah Who is a continuous source of love and peace.

Page 11: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 11

STUDENTS FROM BELGIUM

Page 12: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

12 | Page

OPEN DAY OF MOSQUES

Page 13: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 13

VISIT OF GROUP OF TWENTY-FIVE AT THE MOSQUE

A GROUP FROM PENNSYLVANIA

Page 14: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

14 | Page

MONUMENT OPEN DAYS

Page 15: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 15

EID AL-ADHA

LONG NIGHT OF RELIGIONS

Page 16: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

16 | Page

UNO PEACE PRAYER INTO THE FOLD OF ISLAM

VISIT OF GROUP FROM ISRAEL

A GROUP OF YOUNGMEN FROM THE QADIANI AHMADIYYA COMMUNITY

Page 17: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 17

MEETING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL RELIGIONS AT THE BERLIN MOSQUE

POST-DOCTORAL GROUP FROM BERLIN

STUDENTS OF A SCHOOL IN MUNICH

Page 18: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

18 | Page

A RESEARCH STUDENT FROM PHILIPPS UNIVERSITY, MARBURG VISITORS FROM RUSSIA

ALL-GERMANY QUR’AN COMPETITION

A GROUP FROM FREUR KREATIVITAT KINDERGARTEN, BERLIN

Page 19: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

Page | 19

PARTICIPANTS TO THE MINI INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE (HWPL) AT THE BERLIN MOSQUE

MR. KASHMIR SINGH, A PH. D. STUDENT FROM INDIA WITH THE IMAM.

MS. ELFIE HARTMANN, A JOURNALIST WITH THE COPY OF “DIE STADTTEILZEITUNG”. TITLE OF THE ARTICLE IS: “AN EXOTIC HOUSE”

Page 20: IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, … · They recorded Azan and were delighted to know the objective of our Mosque. They were presented with the Russian Translation

20 | Page

“DER TAGESSPIEGAL”: “THIS IS FOR WHAT LADIES DONATED THEIR JEWELLERY”

“BERLIN MORGAN POST” - “EVERYTHING NEW IN WILMERSDORF”

19 | P a g e

blessings of Allah be on him). LOVE also generates peace and happiness in the society. Follow the commandments of ALLAH and His Messenger, the Holy Prophet MUHAMMAD and earn an ever-lasting life here in this world and in the Hereafter. May Allah bless you all.

Ahmad Nawaz, Hayward, California I have just finished reading the February 2013 issue of the HOPE Bulletin dedicated to the memory of the late Br. Akbar Abdullah. I must say that your team has worked very hard to collect facts about the life and contributions made by our late Br. Akbar. The formatting of the Bulletin and photographs have made it very impressive and visual. Br. Akbar deserved such a beautiful dedication. I wish to congratulate you for making the Bulletin more than just a news bulletin. The brief life history of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) by our new sister in the fold of Islam, Christiane Backer, is very impressive and shows how his Perfect Example has inspired her thoughts and behaviour. I am sure her book “From MTV to Mecca” must be worth reading. Thanks for introducing the autobiography of a highly popular figure in the Western media, who, by her own study, has adopted Islam, and is facing challenges with firm faith and conviction.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The HOPE Bulletin E-mail address: [email protected]

ISLAM stands for: I SHALL LOVE ALL MANKIND

Photographs : Mr. Amir Aziz and Mr. Christian FesselDesign & Formatting : Erwan Hamdani, Jakarta, Indonesia

http://www.aaiil.orghttp://www.Lahore.ahmadiyya.org

For Books on Islam and the Ahmadiyya Movement: Translations of the Holy Quran in Urdu, English, German, French, Russian, Indonesian, Dutch, Spanish and Turkish. Visit our websites.