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Hazrat Ameer’s Ramadan Message: Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed, Head and President of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam.

Morocco Changes its DST Schedule

Sad Demise: Mrs Naseem Buksh, Sydney, Australia.

Three Questions of King Devid - Answers: In the Light of the Qur’an:Dr. Ikram Jahangiri, California, USA.

NEWS & EVENTS: News from Berlin MosqueIftaar talks and Dinners during Ramadan

YOUTH TALKS AT THE LAHORE AHMADIYYA CENTRE, LONDON, UK.My Thoughts about the Woking Muslim Mission Centenary: Adeeba Ali.The Blessings of the Holy Ka’bah: Arzish Omar, KarachiThe Holy Qur’an Above All: Daniyaal Omar, KarachiMonth of Ramadan and the Revelation of the Qur’an: Zainab Ahmad.The Importance of Zakat or Obligatory Charity: Yahya Saqib.Importance of Languages in Islam: Inshaal AhmadImportance of Education in Islam: Faizaan Ahmad

IFTAAR TALKS AT THE LAHORE AHMADIYYA CENTRE IN LONDONQur’anic Recitation: Irfaan Ahmad. Pacifism - War and Violence cannot be justified: Irfaan Ahmad. Signs of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an: Shayaan Ahmad.

WHAT OUR READERS SAY… Dr. Ikram Jahangiri, California, USA. Mrs. J. Khan, London, UK. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, London, UK. Dr. Zahid Aziz, Nottingham, UK. Mrs. Semina Malik, Columbus, USA.

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

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Mr. Ahmed Saadat

Dr. Ikram JahangiriDr. Abdul Karim Saeed

Miss. Arzish Omar Miss. Adeeba Ali

Mr. Yahya SaqibMr. Daniyaal Omar Miss. Zainab Ahmad

Mr. Shayaan Ahmad

Mr. Irfaan Ahmad

Mr. Inshaal Ahmad

Mr. Faizaan Ahmad

Mr. Hamad Ahmad

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Editorial Note….

July issue of the Hope contains mostly main events and activities of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre at Wembley, London. It includes presentation of Dr. Ikram Jahangiri of California, USA made on the first day of the Three-day Centenary of the Woking Muslim Mission at Darus Salaam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London.. We will try to include the remaining speeches and presen-tations in the August issue. Eid reports from Oakland, California (USA), Hague (Holland), Berlin (Germany) and other countries have also been received and we will try to accommodate them in the August issue as well.

We intend to bring out a Supplement on the 2nd Long Night of Religions observed on 17th August 2013 in the whole of Berlin. Members of the UK Jama’at such as Mr. Shahid ‘Aziz, Mr. & Mrs. Azhar-ud-Din Ahmed and family, Nasir Ahmad and Irfaan Ahmad and Mr.Mudassar Aziz from Hague, Holland attended it . It was a unique opportunity for us as well as for almost 200 people from var-ious parts of Berlin, Germany and even research scholars about Islam as far as Sweden to visit the beautiful Mosque of Berlin and attend lecture delivered by Dr. Gerdien Jonker, a research scholar about the History of the Mosque and the important role it played in the 1930’s and the Inter-war period for serving as an important meeting place and a platform to present true picture of Islam and project Muslim social and political aspirations. The visitors asked questions about the purpose of the Mosque and importance of various postures in the prayer. Maghrib congregation prayer was led by Mr. Nasir Ahmad and several groups present in the Mosque keenly observed the performance.

With the presence of Mr. Ahmed Saadat as Acting Imam at the Mosque flow of visitors is increasing and more news and projection about the Mosque and its positive views about Islam are appearing in the local press.

Mr. Christian Fessel, a freelance professional photographer, who is working on preparing a fasci-nating collection of views of the Mosque and the mission House and the adjacent area for the last three years displayed his photographs which was an added attraction for the visitors. A short video was also shown to the visitors through a lap-top prepared by a Cairo-based production company who visited the Mosque earlier. We hope to provide more details about the Long Night of Religions which is a very positive step patronized by the Berlin Borough Council towards fostering inter-faith understanding and integration.

We regret the late publication of the July and August issues of the Hope Bulletin. During this time one of our team members went to the USA and the other to Holland and Germany. We will try to make up the gap. We are thankful to all those who have been sending reports and photographs of the activities of their respective Jama’ats. Those will hopefully be published in the coming issues.

Team MembersHOPE Bulletin

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In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Hazrat Ameer’s Ramadan Message(1434 Hijrah, July 2013)

قبلکم من ذین ال علی کتب ما

ک یام الص م

علیک کتب منوا

ا ذین

ال یہا یا

قون ﴿۳۸۱﴾ کم تت لعل

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil”. (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Dear Sisters and Brothers,Assalaam-o-‘alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.

At the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, we must reflect upon the reason for fasting being prescribed to Muslims. Translation of the Arabic word kutiba as ‘prescribed’ is most appropri-ate, as fasting is a treatment for the ills of the human soul.

To seek guidance and improvementThe sole purpose of revelation of the Holy Qur’an, which commenced in this blessed month, was to guide us on the path of taqwah (or righteousness). The reason for fasting given in the above verse is to make us muttaqeen or observers of taqwa. Taqwa is a way which, if adopted, makes us better persons. Thus if fasting is observed in its true sense, it brings changes in us and we become better beings. When each individual who fasts improves, the end result is an overall improvement in the society.

A spiritual exerciseThe gain from fasting is not only in this life but also success in the hereafter, which is the ultimate goal of every believer. Islamic teachings lay equal emphasis on worldly life and the life hereafter. Fasting is spiritually beneficial as it gives a person the chance to seek nearness to Allah by enduring hardship for this sole purpose. The hunger and thirst that is voluntarily endured for Allah’s sake makes a person think of Him and thus be aware of His nearness. Besides, endurance of hunger and thirst and refraining from all human desires that are forbidden during fasting inculcates in a person the habit of complete submission to the will of Allah. This may be likened to a spiritual exercise which is undertaken to develop the ‘spiritual muscle’.

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Morocco changes its DST schedule

Published 3 July,2013Morocco has extended the suspension of daylight saving time (DST) for Ramadan in 2013.

DST ends 2 days before RamadanThe Moroccan government has recently announced that the country will return to standard time at 3:00 a.m. (03:00) on Sunday, July 7, 2013 local time. Clocks will be turned backone hour. DST will resume again at 2:00 a.m. (02:00) on Saturday, August 10, 2013, when one hour will be added again to the local time.

The end and resumption of DST was originally planned to coincide with the beginning and end of Ramadan, which lasts from July 9 to August 8, 2013.

Morocco's updated 2013 DST schedule in detailLike several other countries, Morocco switches back to standard time during the month of Ramadan. The interruption in the DST schedule is designed to shorten evenings, making it easier for Muslims to observe the Ramadan fast during hours of daylight.

Time in MoroccoStandard time in Morocco is Western European Time (WET), which is the same as UTC. When DST is in force, the country observes Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is one hour ahead of UTC.

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Sad Demise

We received the sad new of the death of Mrs Naseem Buksh of Sydney (Australia), who was wife of Mr Anwar Buksh and sister-in-law (Bhabi) of Mrs Asina Sahu Khan of Fiji. The deceased had been sick for some time and her funeral was held on 29th July in Sydney, Australia. Janaza Gaibana will be offered after Jumu'ah salah on Friday 2nd August 2013 in Fiji. May Allah grant forgiveness to the departed soul and rest her in eternal peace.

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Three Questions of King David Identified by Rev. Billy Graham Answers: In the Light of the Holy Quran1

Dr. Muhammad Ikram Jahangiri, California, USA

[A talk with video clips regarding three questions of King David, identified by the world-renowned Evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, giving Qur’anic perspective was delivered by Dr. Ikram Jahangiri on 3rd May, 2013, the first day of the three-day Centenary of the Woking Muslim Mission & Literary Trust (UK), founded by Hazrat Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, at Darus Salaam, at the UK Centre of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Wembley, London. Dr. Jahangiri also sent us the video about Re. Billy Graham but due to some technical difficulties, we are unable to give here the link.

1 Unless indicated otherwise, all English translation of verses are quoted from: The Holy Qur’ân, As Explained by Alla-mah Noor-ud-Din in Urdu, rendered into English by Amatul Rahman Omar & Abdul Mannan Omar (Noor Foundation International Inc. USA, 2008).

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Historical background: The three questions dealt with in this brilliant presentation are quite intriguing. We made a search on Google to find out the real story. And this is what we came across:

“Leo Tolstoy tells a story about a king who believed that he would never fail at any enterprise if he had the answer to three questions:

(1) What is the right time for any action? (2) Who are the people that matter? And (3) in each situa-tion, what is the most important thing to do?

None of the wise men of his kingdom could answer the king’s questions, so he disguised himself as a peasant and went out among his people to find the answers.

In his quest, he came across an old hermit who was digging in his garden. The King approached him and said: “I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: “What is the right time for any action? Who are the people that matter? And, in each situation, what is the most important thing to do?”

The hermit listened to the King, but answered nothing. He just spat on his hand and recommenced digging. "You must be tired," said the King, "let me take the spade and work awhile for you."

While he was at work a man appeared who had been grievously wounded. The king bandaged his wounds only to discover that the man was an assassin sent to kill him, but, while the king was help-ing the hermit, the king’s men had discovered the plot and had wounded him. The would-be assassin asked the king for forgiveness which he freely granted.

Later, the king asked the hermit once again the answer to his questions. The hermit answered: “When that man ran to us, the most important time was when you were attending to him, for if you had not bound up his wounds he would have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most important man, and what you did for him was your most important business.

There you have it: What is the right time for any action? Now! This minute! Neither the past nor the future have any real existence; the present is the only time we have the power to act. Who is the per-son that matters? The one in front of us, for every person we meet in this world, if we only knew it, is fraught with deep and desperate need. And what is the most important action? To love that person by being good to him, “because for that purpose alone was man sent into this life!” (Tolstoy) - Ed}

What a marvellous simplification! — reminiscent of the conversation, Jesus had with the lawyer about loving one’s neighbour and the young man’s self-justifying question: “And who is my neigh-bour?” In reply, our Lord told the story of the Good Samaritan, the point of which is: The very next person you meet (Luke 10:27-29).]

Reverend Billy Graham2,3, at age 80, in February 1998 as part of TED lectures addressed a Technology Conference of Silicon Valley CEOs in Monterey Bay, California4.

The Three QuestionsHe posed three questions to the audience and challenged them to find their answers. He refers to King David as a leader, poet, philosopher, writer, soldier, and technologist of his time. He, similar to

2 http://www.ted.com/speakers/billy_graham.html3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_graham4 http://www.ted.com/talks/billy_graham_on_technology_faith_and_suffering.html

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Silicon Valley leadership, brought the Israelites into the advanced Iron Age (e.g. The Quran 34:10-13) when he borrowed iron smelting technology from the Hittites. According to the Reverend, even David, a messenger of Allah and the great technologist of his time, had no answers to the three questions facing humanity. Billy Graham wondered if the technology leaders of our times had any solutions which waxed the technology leader of the yore.

His three questions wanting answers were:1. Human evil2. Human suffering3. Death5

The only solution offered by Rev. Billy Graham was belief in Jesus Christ and his Resurrection.

The Qur’anic perspective Obviously, a question in itself implies lack of an answer. For example, gravity as we know it today is no longer a question because answer has been found for it. If a prominent Westerner asks a ques-tion, it implies that the question persists in the ‘enlightened’ world. If Billy Graham asks the question then it implies that at least there is no answer in the Old Testament and even in the New Testament.

The lack of an answer itself begets a question. With almost 3400 hundred years since prophet Moses, 3000 years since prophet David and 2000 years since prophet Jesus appeared– each and every one explained these riddles of life in their own way. The last prophet of God, Prophet Jesus (as) appeared before the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) who is alleged by the Church to be God or Son of God, who walked on the water and talked of the Kingdom of God on this earth, why the answers have not yet been found? The answer to this double question is – because, solutions attempted are locked in Mythos + Logos i.e. Mythologies. The belief in Jesus as godhead, atonement and resurrection is the prime example of a mythology that is no different from Hellenistic religions of Greece and Rome. Fact of the matter is that the solutions provided in the Graham’s lecture are more mysterious than the Questions themselves.

Little does the Reverend know that the Quran answered these questions almost 1400 years ago. The answer to these questions can be easily found only and only if two fundamental premises of a religion are crystal clear: (1) Logos (minus the preceding mythos), namely, the Purpose of a Religion and, (2) the Purpose of a Prophet.

According to the Quran, the religion must be congruent to human nature and intellect which are the two sources which guide and help human beings in finding answers to these and such other questions about this life and the life after death, whether identified above or elsewhere:

So pay your attention to (the cause of) faith as one devoted (to pure faith), turning away from all that is false. (And follow) the Faith of Allâh (Islam) to suit the requirements of which He has made the nature of mankind. There can be no change in the nature (of creation) which Allâh has made. That is the right and most perfect Faith, yet most people do not know (it). (The Qur’an 30:30).

In the light of the above premise of religion, the role of a prophet is to remove from the human intellect all the mythos in the belief and practice that creep in to rob the human potential of treading along the path of righteousness. The mission of a prophet is essentially to bring to fore the latent human faculties as endowed by his Creator:

5 Location of questions in the video: Human evil @ 7:00, Human suffering @ 13:47, Death @ 15:55

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Those who follow this Messenger, the Arab Prophet (who is mentioned in the Torah and the Evangel which are with them, who enjoins upon them that which is right and forbids them that which is wrong, and who makes lawful for them all the pure things, and makes unlawful all the bad things, and who relieves them of their heavy burden and shackles that weigh them down. Indeed those who believe in him and honour him and serve him and follow the light that has been sent down with him, it is these who will attain success. (The Qur’an 7:157)

Question 1 – Human EvilJust as every good thing is considered godly, so is every evil attributed to Satan (Iblis). A natural thought then crosses the mind is that if God is the Creator of everything, including the Satan, then there must be a grand purpose for such a creation. Can good be hidden in evil? Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, the first Muslim Missionary to the West, answers this fundamental question precisely:

In Nature things become energetic when facing their antagonists, so do we need some enemy to arouse our moral forces which otherwise would remain dormant. Thus Satan clearly ranks on the moral plane with the toxins of the physical plane. We find in the Qur’ân the same functions assigned to him as are allotted to toxins in the physical king-dom. Like them he introduces himself within us from outside. He acts as an enemy, and weakens our sense of morality and tries to destroy it. But if our moral nature asserts itself strongly enough and we follow the laws of God we become immune from all sin. The Devil, then, like toxins sub-serves a moral end. The two poisons, I mean toxins and Satan, assail our health and spirit on identical lines. Evil works on the same lines as those adopted by Satan according to the description of the Qur’ân. They are, indeed, one and the same. The only thing left to decide is whether it is the perversity of our own mind that we call Satan or is it some personality existent in the external world, who invites the mind to evil. In other words is Satan a mere faculty or a being who inspires us to use our faculties for evil?6

Essentially, what Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din is saying can be understood in our daily lives. Every child when immunized, germs and toxins are deliberately introduced into the bodies with the sole pur-pose to make them resistant to the future infections.

Characteristics of SatanIt is the Quran, which makes us cognizant of the various attributes of Satan and its modus operandi that we can identify in our daily living as Satanic tendencies. In the Quran one finds a purposeful Satan:

He (Allâh) may make (the hindrance ) serve as a trial for those whose hearts carry disease (of hypocrisy) and for those whose hearts are hardened (because of disbelief). In fact the wrongdoers have gone far (in their antagonism). (22:53)

Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) is full of examples where he was hindered by the Satan, and every time he came out even stronger. In return for him to give up his mission in Makkah, he was even offered worldly allurements. He was offered crown of Arabia, heaps of gold and any woman of his choosing – simply put, power, money and carnal temptations, but the Holy Prophet (sas) rejected them all.

6 Satan: A Moral Necessity by Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, pp. 6-7, Woking Muslim Mission and Literary Trust, The Shah Jehan Mosque, Woking, Surrey, England. This article is also attributed to K. Kudos in Islamic Review, pp. 324-5, vol XX, No. 10, October 1932, Woking Muslim Mission and Muslim Literary Trust.

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Were it not for evil which has been time and again pointed out by Divine revelation, how would one know what good is? The Quran thus describes another purpose for Satan that of a contrasting agent for virtue:

And the (human) soul and the (Lord) Who made it perfect (91:7).Then He revealed to the soul,(the ways of) its evil and its righteousness (91:8).And one who purifies it (his soul), certainly succeeds.(91:9).And he indeed is ruined who corrupts his soul. (91:10).

After identifying the satanic tendencies, the Quran also provides the remedy against these evil tendencies :

Should some sort of trouble from satan vex you, seek refuge in Allâh. For surely He, only He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (41:36)

The following is an example of vaccination against Satanic tendencies:

Say, `I seek refuge in the Lord of the day break (of truth); from the evil of that which He has created, [e.g. water sustains life yet takes it away by drowning], and from the evil (that prevails in) darkness when it over spreads (at night) including the moral impov-erishment]. And from the evil of those who try (and whisper evil suggestions) to deter (people) from doing good, and from the evil of the envier when he envies. (The Qur’an 113:1-5)

Another example of vaccine against the Satan:

Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign, the Controller of all affairs of mankind, the God of mankind; (that He may protect me) from the evil (of the whisper-ings) of the whisperer, the sneaking one, who whispers evil suggestions into the hearts of mankind, from among the jinn (fiery natured and haughty) and the (ordinary) people. (114:1-5)

In summary, the apparent ‘evil’ has a purposeful existence which is refinement of morality by over-coming it.

Question 2 – Human Hardships and trialsContrary to a superficial view of human suffering as an inequity of God, the Quran outlines hardship as a method to deter or to cure evil tendencies leading to punishment and destruction:

No calamity befalls but according to the laws of God, and whoever believes in God, He guides his heart. And God is the Knower of all things. [Nations that understand the laws of nature are better equipped to take preventive measures against natural disasters.7

(64:11)

No disaster befalls either on the earth or in your ownselves but it is part of the divine Law before We bring it into being. Indeed, it is easy for Allâh (57:22)

7 The Qur’ân As It Explains Itself, 4th Edition (2008).

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Black plagues of yester years that were considered a Divine ‘wrath’ are no more than infections manifested by the laws of God and are preventable and treatable by following the laws of God that were only discovered in recent history.

In the Quran, hardship is a requirement of life to bring forth its latent faculties:

Do the people think that they will be left alone and not tried with hardships for the mere fact that they profess belief. (29:2)

We have certainly created a human being to struggle hard (to achieve higher objectives (90:4).

Hardship is not only a requirement, but a purposeful discipline that grooms a raw recruit into an Officer and a Gentleman:

And We will certainly reward you after disciplining you with something of fear and hun-ger and some loss of substance and of lives and fruits (of your toils). Give good tidings to the patiently persevering. (2:155)

(Believers!) We will put you to trial until We make manifest those among you who strive their utmost (in the cause of Allâh), and those who persevere in patience, and We will (entrust you with such tasks as may) bring to light your (inner merits). (47:31)

The Quran also provides the mechanism to cope with such hardships:

Who, when a calamity befalls them, say, Surely, we belong to Allâh and to Him, of course, we return’. It is they upon whom descend the benedictions from their Lord and His mercy, and it is they who are guided aright. (2:156-157)

If hardship is according to the Divine Plan, then its extent and relief is described by Quran as:

God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: in his favour shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does. "O our Sustainer! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly do wrong! “O our Sustainer! Lay not upon us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon those who lived before us! O our Sustainer! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear! And efface Thou our sins, and grant us forgiveness, and bestow Thy mercy upon us! Thou art our Lord Supreme: help us against people who deny the truth! (2:286)

According to the Quran hardships endured in due course of a striving life are not the goal unto themselves, but only a means to achieve a higher purpose. Think of a child who dreams to be a doctor. He initially undergoes the hardships of schooling and examinations, and then, completes his graduation and even further studies, and ultimately he rises to fame with economic and social rewards. At the peak of success, he strives for further perfection and fame, which to the virtuous is a humbling moment:

Have We not (in fulfilment of the Divine Mission) expanded (and illuminated) for you your bosom, and (have We not) relieved you of your burden (of anxiety of fulfilling the divine mission) which had weighed your back down? And have (We not) exalted for you your name and given you fame? So surely every hardship is followed by ease.

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Yes, every hardship shall be followed by an ease. When you are free (from anxiety) strive hard (to establish His greatness). And to your Lord you do serve (and humble yourself before Him). (94:1-8)

Contrary to the general perception, hardship is not an injustice. Rather it is exactly the opposite:

Verily, Allâh does not do injustice not (even) so much as the weight of an atom; and if there be a single good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward. (4:40)

While only focused on hardship, humans tend to ignore the ease that abounds them. The Quran draws attention to non-recognition of ‘easements’ that we enjoy:

If Allâh were to take people to task for their evil doings He would not leave on the surface of this (earth) a single living creature. But He (out of His mercy) grants them respite till a stated term. And when their doom comes (they come to realise that) Allâh has His servants well under (His) eyes. (35:45)

A believer should adopt an attitude of submission to the will of Allah, both in hardship and ease:

So grieve not over that (good) which is lost to you, nor exult because of that which He has granted you. Allâh has no love for those who are haughty and boastful. (57:23)

In summary, the difficulties inherent in seeking one’s purpose in life are proportional to one’s ex-isting level of physical and mental capacities. Complete submission and reliance on Divine support relieves a believer of despondency and is infused with a courage to face the hardship. Thereafter, the hardships become a blessing to unleash one’s potentials.

Question 3 – DeathIn the Quran, ‘death’ has been repeatedly referred to as a daily human experience somewhat similar to when every time one goes to sleep. Irony is that if one cannot go to sleep, one seeks a doctor’s prescription for insomnia. This is how the Qur’an draws extent of similarity between a sleep and death:

Allâh takes away the souls (of human being) at the time of their death and (also) of those who are not (yet) dead during their sleep… (39:42)

The Quran reminds death as an inseparable shadow of life. While mentioning death, the fact of life has also been emphasized, which is bound to human body. It is the human body which is an essential instrument for good deeds, the sole survivor of a man after the human body disintegrates after death. Whereas, the lifeless body is then either buried or burned away as a useless figure that has no more value, rather, it becomes imperative to be disposed off as early as possible:

Everything will perish but He (is ever-living). (28:88)

When we die and become dust – that is a far return. We know indeed what the earth diminishes of them and with Us is a book that preserves (good deeds) (50:3-4).

While the skeptics who take for granted waking up from daily sleep, doubt the ‘waking up’ after the death:

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What! When we die and become dust , (shall we be raised to life again)? This (sort of) return is highly impossible. And with Us is a book that preserves (good deeds). (50:3-4)

These skeptics, who do not consider the phenomenon of their own birth from nothingness, reject their rebirth, despite their lifelong experiences of rising from death-like sleep every day. The Quran addresses them with a question:

Are We wearied with the first creation (that We will not be able to re-create them on the Day of Resurrection)? Yet they are in confusion about a new creation. (50:15)

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News and Events

News from Berlin MosqueVisit of a Group working for Churches in USA and GermanyA Group of about 25 students and senior members working for various churches in USA and Germany visited the Berlin Mosque in the first week of July. This group was keen to visit the first Muslim pur-poseful Mosque built in purely oriental style back in 1927 and to know more about Islam. They were also keen to know what this well-known Islamic centre is doing for promoting inter-faith harmony and dialogue.

They stayed almost for two hours and were explained in detail the five fundamental principles and practices of Islam and how these relate to the daily lives of believers and their attitude towards followers of other faiths. They were also apprised about the true Islamic concept of Jihad and death of Jesus Christ in the light of the Qur’an as projected by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam. They were also told brief history and work of the Berlin Mosque presenting pristine concept of Islam in the West since its inception in 1927 through its translation of the Holy Qur’an in German and other literature on Islam. (courtesy: Ahmed Saadat, Acting Imam, Berlin)

***Iftaar Talks and Dinners during RamadanWe have received very encouraging reports from UK, Holland and Trinidad that at various Mosques talks and Iftaar dinners have been organised. Some do it on daily basis and some on weekly basis. These mosques are: Darus Salaam, Wembley, UK, Kepplerstraat Mosque and Paulkrugerlaan Mosque in Hague and Gasparillo Mosque in Trinidad. We will Inshallah provide detailed reports about these mosques and some others in the August issue. Arrangement of talks on various topics relating to Ramadan and ethics in Islam provides knowledge and insight into the teachings of Islam. It also gives a very positive opportunity for men, women and children to listen to learned talks and at the same time enjoy warm and brotherly atmosphere druing the blessed mlonth of Ramadan..

We will welcome such reports from other Mosques and Islamic centres with photographs.

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Youths at the UK Ahmadiyya Centre

Introductory remarks Hamad Ahmad

This is the 2nd time that Hazrat Ameer has graced the Family Day meeting with his presence. Usually this Day is held on the first Sunday of July, but taking advantage of Hazrat Ameer’s presence, UK Jama’at decided to hold it while he is still in UK.

Most of the boys and girls have finished their exams just a couple of days ago and could not prepare their contributions as they might have wished. But I hope that what they have been able to prepare will still be worthwhile.

We hope and pray that all the boys and girls who worked hard for their exams, may Allah make them successful for starting a new academic year at their respective schools and colleges. And here I would like to recite the well-known prayer for their success and bright future:

“O Our Lord! Grant in our women and our children joy for our eyes and make them righteous. You are the best in accepting our supplications and Your knowledge is all-encompassing.”

My Thoughts about the Woking Muslim Mission CentenaryAdeeba Ali

(Text of talk delivered on Family Day, 23rd June, 2013 by Adeeba Ali daughter of Mr & Mrs Mushtaq Ali, at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley UK )

Following our successful international Convention commemorating the centenary of the Woking Muslim Mission and its founder Hazrat Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, I was moved to know of the many converts to Islam. I also had the opportunity to visit the Brookwood cemetery and see the graves of Lord Headley, Mr. Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, Lady Bucanon Hamilton, Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Tufail, Dr. G. W. Lietner, Dr Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and several others, who had done great service to the cause of Islam in the West specially through the Woking Muslim Mission and Literary Trust based at the Shah Jehan Mosque. Woking, England.

Unfortunately Islam today has a poor image in the media to the extent that to identify yourself as a Muslim is taboo. I was deeply moved at the convention to know of the sacrifices that members of our Jama’at made for the sake of Islam and to clear some of the grave misconceptions about Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas). I hope we young boys and girls can walk in their footsteps one day.

H. G. Wells’ view of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas)I was keen to know about what early converts had to say about why they chose Islam. What attract-ed them to enter the fold of Islam and profess that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. So I started to read a book entitled “Islam our Choice”, I had a look at YouTube and read other literature. Since the convention was held in the H.G. Wells hall I thought it fit to see what he said about Islam.

From the book “The Outline of History”, London, 1920, H. G. Wells, the well-known British poet and Journalist, said:

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“From a new angle and with a fresh vigour the Arab mind took up that systematic de-velopment of positive knowledge which the Greeks had begun and relinquished. If the Greek was the father, then the Arab was the foster-father of the scientific method of the dealing with the reality, that is to say, by the absolute frankness, the utmost simplicity of statement and explanation, exact record and exhaustive criticism. Through the Arabs it was, and not by the Latin route that the modern world received that gift of light and power”.

Distinguished British MuslimsMr. Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, the famous translator of the Quran, led Eid and Taraweeh Prayer congregational prayers as Imam of the Shah Jehan Mosque, Woking, edited the Monthly Islamic Review for a year and delivered talks at the London Prayer House of the Woking Muslim Mission.

Mrs H. Buchanan-Hamilton, a British Muslim lady states: “The extreme simplicity coupled with ex-treme sincerity of the worship of Islam by its followers, impressed me with the feeling that this faith occupies the first place in the Universe. (And on her grave stone is inscribed that she was a trustee of the Woking Muslim Mission).

The Great Educationist, Orientalist and Builder of the Woking MosqueDr. G. W. Leitner, the great Oriental scholar and linguist and the man who founded the historic Oriental Institute and built the Woking Mosque with fundings from the Begum Shah Jehan, Muslim ruler of the state of Bhopal, states: “Muhammad himself did not make any claim of infallibility. On one occasion he had a revelation censuring himself severely for having turned away from a poor in order to speak to an illustrious man of an Arab tribe, and he published this revelation, the very last thing which he would have done had he been an imposter, as ignorant Christians call the great Arab Prophet”.

These were some of the names of the Headstones I saw at Brookwood. I now have an insight into their thoughts on Islam and why they chose Islam. In short science, sincerity, simplicity of the Qur’anic teachings and the supreme character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad are what drew them to Islam.

Research of a German lady Dr. Gerdien JonkerSo we need to ask, are these characteristics no longer found in Islam today? Is Islam a religion of yester-year? Why are Muslims regressing in their thoughts and actions despite living in an age of Technology? Interestingly Dr Gerdien Jonker, research scholar from Berlin, during her brilliant presentation at the Centenary convention summarised the work of Maulana Sadr-ud-Din and others who had done impressive propagation work from the Berlin Mosque during the inter-war period as organisers of a “THINK TANK” trying to merge Islam with the culture and spiritual needs of the West.

In the 21st century we see a German scholar investigating the work of our Jama’at. However the past also reveals German, American, French, Scottish, Polish and several other prominent personalities who fell in love with Islam or were impressed by its message, the nature of the faith and its impact on the human soul.

Glorious TributesMr. Muhammad Alexander Russell Web (USA), one of the early Muslim converts and literary figure remarks: “I adopted this faith of Islam as my guide in life after a protracted study. It was the best and only system adapted to the spiritual needs of humanity”.

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Mr. Thomas Carlyle (Scottish historian and critic and a leading literary figure of his time with a unique style of his own and well-known for his classic work “Hero and Hero-worship) paid glowing tributes to the Holy Prophet (sas) in these glorious words: “No emperor with his tiaras was obeyed as this man in a cloak of his own authority. During twenty three years of rough actual trial, I find something of a genuine hero necessary for that myself”.

Mr. Edmund Burke, renowned British Parliamentarian and writer, remarked about the Qur’an: “The Muhammadan law which is binding on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject is a law interwoven with system of the wisest, the most learned and the most enlightened jurisprudence that ever existed in the world”.

Johann Wolgang Goethe, world-renowned German poet, paid great tribute to Islam when he sum-marised the faith in a single sentence: “If this is Islam, do we not all live in Islam”?

Lord Headley al-Farooq, one of the earliest from Scottish Royalty, who embraced Islam and per-formed Hajj with Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, states: “There are thousands of men and women who I believe are at heart Muslims, but convention, fear of adverse comments, and desire to avoid any worry or change, conspire to keep them from openly admitting the fact.”

I relate a small incident in the life of Queen Victoria taken from Anecdotes related by Rosenthal, “From Drury Lane to Mecca” published in the book “Islam in Britain” by Dr Zaki Badawi, pp. 6-7:

“The origin of the report comes from a charming and unusual episode. One summer’s day towards the end of the last century, Queen Victoria noticed three figures of strange appearance by the railings of Buckingham Palace. They were two men and a woman carrying a child. She was moved to invite them into her presence. They were naturally delighted and excited at being allowed into the Palace and having the honour of meeting the Queen herself. The Queen asked who they were and where they were going.They replied that they were Malays from Cape Town on their way to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage. The Queen stretched her arms towards the woman and took the child, kissed it gently and gave it back to the mother. At the end of the audience the Queen in a gentle and quivering voice said: “Please pray for your Queen at the Holy places in Mecca”. The three Malay visitors left the Palace fully convinced that the Queen was a secret Muslim. Later from Mecca the report spread far and wide throughout the Muslim world”.

One should not underestimate the work of the Woking Muslim Mission. It has and will continue to bear fruit long after we have returned to our Maker. It was the inspiration of the Mujaddid of the 14th century Hijrah that led to the founding of the mission and the work of dedication and spreading the divine truth. The work done by the zealous and extremely dedicated disciples of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in the Twenties of 20th century will continue to grow and emit light to the seekers in the West through its literature and initiation of inter-faith dialogue.

I conclude with a verse from the Holy Quran:

“O you who believe, respond to Allah and his messenger, when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah comes between a man and his heart, and that to him you will be gathered” (8:24).

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DIVINE BLESSINGS OF THE HOLY KA‘BAHArzish Omar

(Text of talk delivered by Arzish Omar, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Omar Saadat of Karachi on Family Day held on 23rd June, 2013 at Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Darus Salaam, Wembley, London, UK.)

“For the protection of the Quraish – their protection during their journey in the winter and the summer. So let them serve the Lord of this House, Who feeds them against hunger and gives them security against fear” (106:1-104).

This chapter of the Qur’an brings to mind some special Divine favours granted to the Quraish who were and are still the guardians of the Ka’bah. And because of the Ka’bah the people living in Saudi Arabia and to a large extent the whole region have been blessed with abundance of bounties. It is because of the Ka’bah that Muslim pilgrims from all over the world visit it. And it has also become world trade centre. Discovery of oil has made the countries of the whole region the richest countries of the world. So existence of this Sacred House is not only a source of protection but also a source of providing unlimited sources of sustenance. Thus it is the blessings of Allah that have enriched the area and its people and they are obliged to offer special thanks to Him. In short this is the theme of this short chapter.

Today I will talk briefly about what does facing Ka’bah stands for. We all face the Holy Ka’bah while saying our ritual or optional prayers. Firstly, it is the command of Allah: “…turn your faces towards the Sacred Mosque”(2:144). Secondly, it is the first House of God: “Certainly the first house appoint-ed for mankind is the one at Bakkah, blessed and a guidance for the nations” (3:96).

When we say that is the House of Allah, it does not mean that Allah lives there and that is why we face. This has been clearly negated by the Qur’anic revelation: “ So let them worship or serve the Lord of this house” and not the House itself.

No doubt Muslims are very particular in fixing the direction of their mosques towards the Ka‘bah and similarly while offering prayers at home or anywhere else. But that does not mean, God forbid, that if the direction is not correct, then the prayer is not accepted or it amounts to be a sin. For instance, during travelling, it is allowed to perform prayer in the direction one is travelling.

It is generally observed that during Hajj or ‘Umrah, people out of love and extreme devoutness touch the wall of the Ka’bah or even hold the kiswah and consider it an act of high reward. And in many cases it is observed they keep their hands on the wall as long as possible considering that the longer they keep their hands holding on to it, their prayers are sure to be accepted or their sins are washed off. This chapter clearly reminds that Allah does not resides there, or offering prayers while facing it, or keeping our on the wall or the kiswah of the Ka’bah or going around it while performing Hajj or ‘Umrah effects in any way acceptability of our supplications or mere rituals brings rewards. It is firm belief in the Majesty and All-powerfulness of Allah and following his commandments that shall bring eternal rewards in this life and in the life hereafter. Offering ritual prayers, paying Zakat, observing Fasting, performing annual Pilgrimage to Makkah and above all belief in the Unity of Allah, of which Ka’bah is a living symbol, is the most important lesson to which this chapter draws our attention to. Ka’bah is the greatest testimony of human submission to the commands of Allah and pilgrimage or Umrah is the thriving example of the bounties which Allah bestows as a reward of submission and glorifying Him.

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In short, this small chapter has beautifully summarised the history of the Ka’bah, how Allah reward-ed submission and supplications of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael and how a deserted place has now became the holiest place for the Muslims and hub of global trade.

Sanctity and reverence of the Ka’bah and making it pivot of veneration while performing Hajj and ‘Umra not only fosters bonds of brotherhood among the Muslims throughout the world but it also develops spiritual relationship with the followers of Prophet Abraham (as), the great patriarch of Judaism and Christianity. Thus Ka’bah is the unifying link between here great religions of the world.

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The Final Verdict of the Holy Qur’anDaniyaal Omar

(Text of talk delivered by Daniyaal Omar, son of Mr. & Mrs. Omar Saadat on the Family Day on 23rd June, 2013 at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Darus Salaam, Wembley, London, UK)

In Pakistan as well as in some circles in England and elsewhere in the Muslim World, it seems that to be an Ahmadi is like following a religion different from Islam. My young mind fails to understand as to why everywhere among the Muslims we are considered as ‘not Muslim’.

How to be a Muslim?As a growing child, I do not understand in what way we are not Muslims? We believe and practise Islam – its beliefs and principles. It is Islam which is mostly talked about in our homes. Our parents are very particular that we learn reading the Qur’an and also its translation so that when we are reading or listening or reciting the Qur’an in our prayers we should understand it. When we go to the mosque on Fridays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, it is the same Qur’an which is recited and explained. In all our meetings and on a much bigger scale at the Annual Gathering it is the same Qur’an which is the main subject of the speeches and discussions.

What I feel and observe while listening to various programmes on different channels in Pakistan is that the issue of the death of Prophet Jesus and his second coming is the most sensitive subject. It is considered as a fundamental belief of Islam. And if anybody does not agree on Prophet Jesus’ being alive in Heaven and that he will return bodily in the Latter Age he is out of the pale of Islam, rather he is worst than a non-Muslim and all social relationships should be cut off with him.

Once I was listening to a speech at our Annual Gathering in Lahore. A speaker related an interesting story. A big gathering was held at the grounds of the Islamia College Lahore under the auspices of Anjuman Himayat-i Islam, a well-known Muslim organisation who are the pioneers of establishing Muslim educational institutions in Punjab. It was way back in 1920’s. Late Dr. Muhammad Iqbal was presiding over a meeting. A young Ahmadi distributed a leaflet: “Messiah has come! Messiah has come!”. Somebody gave a copy to the Allama as well. He read the title of the leaflet, and said: Well! Alright. The Messiah came and went. So that was the end.

Second-coming of Jesus will bring triumph for Islam?May be at that time, the issue might have been more of an academic nature than of any threatening challenge. But today it is the most burning topic both for Muslims as well as for Christians. Muslims strongly believe that all the humiliation they are undergoing today is because of the dominance of the Christian powers and the social evils which have degraded them morally, economically and

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socially will be removed by the re-appearance of the Messiah who is alive in the Heavens for the last more than 2000 years. And then immediately after his appearance Mahdi will appear and then Mahdi will lead a huge army which would kill all the non-Muslim powers opposing Islam and the Muslims and re-establish the dominance of Islam.

Stand of the Ahmadiyya MovementSo the issue of re-appearance of Messiah which the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam thrashed out was a fore-warning which the Muslims ignored and laughed at. They are still anxiously waiting for the literal fulfilment of the prophecy as the Jews are awaiting the arrival of prophet Elias.

So to think that with the death of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement who proved beyond doubt the error in understanding the significance of the re-appearance of the Messiah in the light of the Holy Qur’an, authentic Hadith, lexicons and references from classical commentaries of the Qur’an, has lost its value is not true. It is a very burning topic today. And it will not be an exaggeration to say that it has now gained momentum having threatening implications for world peace.

Every Muslim and even Christian channel is hosting programmes about it. They take pains to explain that the signs of Dajjal or Gog and Magog which were to be fulfilled before the second coming of prophet Jesus have been fulfilled. And they strongly believe that it is the time that the Messiah should appear followed by the advent of Mahdi .

Leave aside what the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam said on this issue as the argu-ments and proofs brought forward by the Founder and his followers are rejected on the basis that as Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wanted to claim to be the Promised Messiah himself, therefore he put forth the theory that prophet Jesus did not die at the Cross, but survived and left Palestine and travelled towards the East and ultimately settled in Kashmir and was buried in a grave in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Kashmir.

The Qur’anic verdict on the Death of Jesus finds wide acceptanceOrthodox ulama ridiculed his interpretation of ‘killing the swine’ and ‘breaking of the Cross’ as ex-posing the anti-Christ beliefs preached by the Christian Church in the light of the Bible and the Holy Qur’an. But the stand taken by the Holy Founder is gaining ground gradually. The learned Rector of Al-Azhar University, the late Allama Muhammad Shaltut, another well-known commentator of the Qur’an, Muhammad Abduh of Egypt; and more recently a prolific writer, translator of the Qur’an and scholar Allama Muhammad Asad and a Pakistani scholar, Javed Ahmad Ghamdi have categorically said that according to the Holy Qur’an, prophet Jesus is dead and that the Christians will remain dominant over their opponents, the Jews, till the end of the Time.

The Western scholars have now produced scores of research works, documentaries and films en-dorsing the Ahmadiyya verdict that prophet Jesus did not die at the cross and after his survival from the Cross he travelled towards the East. They are seriously doing in-depth research about the claims of Jesus having been buried in Srinagar. The discovery of Dead Sea Scroll and amazing discoveries about the Holy Shroud in which prophet Jesus was wrapped after being taken down from the Cross which has now been scientifically preserved at a Church in Turin, Italy have not left no doubt that prophet Jesus when taken down from the Cross was alive.

Now when it has been accepted by enlightened scholars and proven by discoveries and researches that prophet Jesus is dead, then which Jesus will to come to fulfil the prophecy as understood by the orthodox Muslims? It is a big question both for Muslims and Christians?

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The Divinely ordained person who solved this big issue one hundred years ago and whose followers try to establish the truth of what the Qur’an said 1500 years ago – if they are not Muslims - then who is a true Muslims – those who establish the truth of the Qur’an or those who believe what is absolutely against the clear verdict of the Qur’an?

Ahmadiyya Movement - A Reformational Movement in IslamAhmadiyya Movement is a Reformist Movement to establish the truth of the Qur’an and the mes-sage of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas). It is not a religion – and for that matter not a religion different or against Islam. It strongly upholds and propagates that there is no compulsion in religion. There is no place of holy wars or aggression against non-Muslims without any rhyme or reason. It guarantees freedom of religion. Every person has complete freedom to adhere to any belief or propagate his views without in any way humiliating or insulting others.

The Qur’an – The Final AuthorityThe Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement’s primary mission was to establish the truth of the Holy Qur’an and to reject and correct all such beliefs and practices which were against the teachings of the Qur’an. To express how passionately he loved the Qur’an, let me quote English translation of one of his Urdu couplets:

“ My heart always yearns that I should kiss Thy Scripture – the Holy Qur’anAnd go around it as it is the symbol of my veneration like the Ka’bah.

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Month of Ramadan and the Revelation of the Qur’an Zainab Ahmad

(Text of talk delivered by Zainab Ahmad, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Azhar-ud-Din Ahmad at the Iftaar Dinner held at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world l fast during the hours of daylight. It is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam.

The Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (sas) during this month. The actual night that the Qur'an was revealed is known as Lailat ul-Qadr ('The Night of Majesty').

How do Muslims observe Fasting?Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some will try to become better Muslims by praying more or reading the Qur'an.

Many Muslims will attempt to read the whole of the Qur'an at least once during the Ramadan period. Many will also attend special services in Mosques during which the Qur'an is read.

Fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well.

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The Importance of Zakat or Obligatory CharityYahya Saqib

(Text of talk in a monthly meeting delivered by Yahya Saqib son of Mrs. Musarrat Habib Ahmad Saqib at Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK.)

Obligatory charity is generally mentioned under the name Zakat. The word Zakat is derived from zakah, which means it grew. The other derivatives of this word, as used in the Qur’an, carry the sense of purification from sins. According to Imam Raghib, Zakat is wealth which is taken from the rich and given to the poor, being so called because it makes wealth grow, or because the giving away of wealth is a source of purification. In fact both these reasons hold true. The giving away of wealth to the poorer members of the community, while, no doubt, a source of blessing to the individual, also increases wealth of the community as a whole, and at the same time purifies the giver’s heart of the inordinate love of wealth which brings numerous sins in its train.

The two commandments, to keep up prayer and to give Zakat, often go together, and this combi-nation of the two is met with in the earliest chapters of the Qur’an as well as in those which were revealed towards the end of the Holy Prophet’s life. Thus in ch. 73, which is undoubtedly one of the very earliest revelations, we have: “ And keep up prayer and pay the Zakat and offer to Allah a goodly gift” (73:20). So after Salah or prayer, Zakat is the second most important fundamental commandment of Islam.

Zakaat was made compulsory at Makkah at the same time as Salaah. This can be seen in the Surahs of the Qur'an where the laws of Zakat are mentioned. The amount, distribution, etc. was defined at Madinah in the second year Hijrah.

The virtues of ZakatAllah says in the Qur'an, "Allah will blot out usury, and He causes charity to prosper " (Baqarah 2:276).

1. The Prophet said, "The nation that does not give Zakat, Allah will bring about a drought on them (i.e. necessities of life will become scarce)".

2. "The persons on whom Allah has bestowed wealth, and he does not give Zakat, on the Day of Resurrection, his wealth will be turned into a venomous bald serpent which will wind around his neck and bite his jaws and say, "I am your wealth, I am your treasure." (Bukhari)

The punishment for not giving ZakatAllah says in the Qur'an: "And those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah - announce to them painful punishment, on the Day when it will be heated in the Fire of hell, then their foreheads and their sides and backs will be branded with it: This is what you hoarded up for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard." (Taubah 9:34)

On whom Zakat is obligatoryZakat is obligatory on a person if: 1. He is a Muslim, 2. He is an adult, 3. He is a sane person, 4. He is a free person, 5. He owns wealth to the value of Nisaab.

Who are entitled to Zakat The recipients of ZAKAT according to the Qur'an are as follows:

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FUQA'RAA - People who are poor and who hardly possess enough for their basic needs. MASAAKEEN - People who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent that they are forced to beg for their daily food and other necessities of life. AL-‘ AAMILEEN - Those persons who are appointed by an Islamic State or Government or a organisa-tion to collect Zakaat. It is not necessary that this be a needy person. MU‘ALLAFATUL QULOOB - Those persons that have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities of life and need support and encouragement to strengthen their faith of Islam. AL-GHAARIMEEN - Those persons that have a debt and do not possess any means to pay it off. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic or sinful purpose. IBN-US-SABEEL - Those persons who are travellers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, or in any way have been deprived of their posessions

Zakat is due by the end of the Islamic year.It is due at the end of an Islamic calendar year. But usually following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) end of month of Sha‘ban or the start of the month of Ramadan is considered the time when it becomes due. That is why in Pakistan banks and allied agencies dealing with banking services deduct Zakat at the start of Ramadan. Any amount given out as a charity is not considered Zakat. Zakat is an annual charge on property and capital which remains in the possession of a person for a whole year, when its value reaches a certain limit, called Nisaab. A unified rate of 2 ½% is levied on your wealth which comes under the purview of Nisaab. In books of Hadith and Fiqh Nisaab on various categories have been given. (For details and other related questions, readers are requested to consult, The Religion of Islam by Maulana Muhammad Ali).

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Importance of Languages in IslamInshaal Ahmad

(Text of talk delivered on Family Day on 23rd June, 2013 by Inshaal Ahmad, son of Dr. & Mrs. Jawad Ahmad at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK.)

The topic of my speech today is the Importance of Languages in Islam. I chose this topic because I am very interested in languages myself particularly German and so I wanted to talk a bit about the link between language and Islam.

Languages have been and still are vital in a number of aspects for Islam. They are important for the propagation and also our personal understanding of Islam. Language has allowed Islam to spread from generation to generation and from nation to nation.

Communication through LanguageWithout the use of communication, without the use of languages, the Holy Quran and its teachings could not have spread to different nations of the world. Being translated in over 50 languages has meant the Holy Quran has been truly spread to every corner of the Earth. Maulana Muhammad Ali’s English translation of the Quran alone has been translated into Dutch, German, Spanish, French, Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish, Russian and even Javanese. This alone shows the power of language in Islam, as the message of Islam and particularly the message of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam is not limited to the Arabic speaking countries. Although undoubtedly the translations of the Holy Quran help to propagate Islam many are of the opinion that the original beauty of the Quran cannot be replicated in translations. The Western Islamic scholar Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall is one

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such person. Pickthall converted to Islam and is known for having translated the Holy Quran into English, in addition he was involved with the services of the Woking Muslim Mission. About translat-ing the Holy Quran himself, Pickthall writes;

“...The Qur'an cannot be translated. ...The book is here rendered almost literally and ev-ery effort has been made to choose befitting language. But the result is not the Glorious Qur'an, that inimitable symphony, the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy. It is only an attempt to present the meaning of the Qur'an-and peradventure something of the charm in English. It can never take the place of the Qur'an in Arabic, nor is it meant to do so...”.

So in spite of languages aiding the propagation of Islam it is also important to realise that translating the Holy Quran can sometimes take away the beauty of the original Arabic language.

Propagation of IslamPropagation of Islam through language is not limited to translating the Holy Quran. The Lahore Ahmadiyya Muslim missions have spread throughout the world through communication and corre-spondence in a variety of languages. This again shows the power of languages. Dad the message of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement been limited to one language the Jama’at would not have grown and the cultural diversity in the Jama’at would also have been limited.

Understanding the Qur’an and learning it by heartMost importantly our own understanding of the Holy Quran and its message is determined by our understanding of language. The Holy Quran can sometimes take a high degree of knowledge and language skills to interpret, which is why it is often misinterpreted. Improving our own understand-ing of language should help us to understand the teachings of the Holy Quran, regardless of which language we read it in. Often we hear of people being Hafiz of the Quran, meaning they know the entire Holy Quran off by heart, an incredibly impressive achievement showing a high level of devo-tion. However without undermining this achievement, it would be equally impressive if not more impressive if they understood the actual meaning of the Holy Qur’an alongside, which is surely more important.

Importance of Language for personal understanding as well as for spreading the Message of the Qur’anSo language is important not only for our personal understanding of Islam but also for the spread of Islam across other nations. Without language, Islam would not have spread as quickly as it has spread over the centuries and the message of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam would also not have been global. In the future language represents a key tool for us to utilise in order to spread our message further afield through more worldwide Jama’ats and more literature. So let’s pray that we can use this tool of enlightenment to good effect for future generations.

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The Importance of Education in IslamFaizaan Ahmad

(Text of talk delivered on Family Day on 23rd June 2013 by Faizaan Ahmad, son of Dr. & Mrs. Jawad Ahmad at Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK)

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Acquiring of knowledge of deen and dunya is a must for every Muslim. The first word revealed of the Qur’an was "Iqra" READ!

Secular KnowledgeFirstly being educated in dunya or having secular knowledge is still very important in our modern world. A lot of the younger people sitting in this room will have just finishToday I will talk to you about the importance of education in Islam. To seek ed their exams, or will be getting ready for some upcoming exams. Sometimes as the monotonous hours of revision pass by and you’re sick and tired of having to work out angle x or define respiration, you may think to yourself is this even useful. But school is very important because as you go to school, and learn knowledge, learn the language of the society we live in, and learn their culture you are then able to propagate Islam correctly, and in a way which won’t offend anyone. The most important thing is, as you get older and get into good universities and get good jobs, Insha’Allah, it is very important that you don’t forget Allah, and not only remember Him in Salaah but also make an effort to read the Qur’an daily.

I know this is easier said than done, and especially with our hectic lives it is sometimes hard to find the time, but even a page a day is useful, as you read you will learn knowledge of how to live your life correctly. The stories of Islam, and how our Holy Prophets lived their lives, make us to strive to learn from the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them, and live our lives according to the teachings of Allah revealed to them.

Ignorance about the Teachings of the Qur’anRecently lot of Ignorant and illiterate and uneducated Muslims have brought a bad name for Islam. Wrong concept of Jihad and incorrect perception of the teachings of Islam have led a section of Muslims to ressort of terrorist activities against innocent civilians by twisting beautiful teachings of the Qur’an to justify their sickening actions. For example horrible story of Drummer Lee Rigby and the incident in Woolwich. I’m sure most of you will know what happened, so I won’t go into detail, but I will just quote a few things the attacker said.

Firstly he said, “We are here only to please Allah. We aren’t here for any other reason.” And then he goes on to say, “Don’t be afraid of the police! Allah says they are worse than cattle.”

Absolute Negation of the Universal and Tolerant teachings of the Qur’anI am disgusted when someone says something like this with no justification whatsoever. He is quot-ing a verse of the Quran, Chapter 25 verse 44, but these words describe how Arabia was before Islam began, the exact words of the verse are: “They are nothing but as cattle; nay, they are straying further off from the path.” So he has so badly mi-used the quote that he’s completely changed the meaning and context, nowhere does the Qur’an state about police or some sort of opposing force, all it implies is that before Islam spread throughout Arabia the people were like cattle mindlessly wandering on the wrong path. This is the underlying message I am trying to convey.If the correct ed-ucation of Islam is not given to the younger generation then they will learn the wrong ideas and false teachings. Of course these false teachings of violence and aggression are readily accepted by racist groups such as the EDL, and it give them good excuse to malign Islam and perpetrate harassment and wave of hatred against Muslims and propagate that Islam is a cruel religion. But of course they don’t know the truth and this is what frustrates me most.

Muhammad Ali’s Interpretation of the Qur’an presents truth of the Divine GuidanceMaulana Muhammad Ali has translated the Qur’an in a very beautiful manner, and has been able to convey the true meaning of the Qur’an, and he was able to correctly interpret and convey the true and immense knowledge about various aspects of the teachings of Islam As I’ve said before

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knowledge is undoubtedly the most important aspect of one’s life, Allah and His illustrious Prophet Muhammad (sas) has repeatedly expressed the importance of knowledge several times :

"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.""Seek knowledge even if it is far as China."

“Seeking of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim.”"Wisdom is the lost prop erty of the believer, he should take it even if finds it in the

mouth of a mushrik."

I hope you have understood what I am trying to emphasise in my talk, and hopefully we will all be able to obtain the correct teachings of Islam and along with it keep our knowledge of Dunya up to date as well, so that we can all excel in our worldly progress as well as projecting Islam in the way it is meant to be propagated.

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Iftaar Talks at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, London, UKQur’anic Recitation at the First Iftaar

Irfaan Ahmad

(Recitation of the Qur’anic verses by Irfaan Ahmad, son of Mr. & Mrs. Hamad Ahmad, on the eve of 1st Iftaar held at Darus Salaam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London on 13th July, 2013.)

“God does not place a burden greater than the soul can bear.It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.Our Lord, Condemn us not, if we forget or fall Into error.Our Lord, lay not on us a burden like that which thou didst lay on those before us.Our Lord, lay not on us a burden greater than we have the strength to bear,blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who stand against Faith” (2:286)

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Pacifism – War and Violence cannot be JustifiedIrfaan Ahmad

(Text of contribution delivered by Mr. Irfaan Ahmad, son of Mr. & Mrs. Hamad Ahmad at the Family Day held at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, UK on 23rd June, 2013)

Today I would like us to think about pacifism. Pacifists have one key belief, that war and violence cannot be justified. People are pacifists mostly because of one or more of the following reasons:

1. They believe that the root cause of violence should be found and dealt with before war breaks out.

2. They believe that life needs to be preserved and war is not the answer 3. And finally, they believe that using force leads to more problems than it solves.

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There are many different types of pacifism, and these are discussed below:

Absolute PacifismAbsolute pacifists believe that war is unjustifiable under any circumstances and that killing people in a war situation should be illegal. This is a very hard principle to adhere to: if someone is attacked, I am sure that we all agree that this person should be able to defend themselves. However I agree with the principle that logic should be used to think of solutions out of every situation where war appears to be inevitable.

Conditional PacifismConditional pacifists believe that it is wrong to go into war. I feel that conditional pacifists’ logic is more understandable compared to absolute pacifists; people that believe in conditional pacifism agree that in some circumstances, whether political or non-political, war is inevitable. An example of where war became inevitable in history was when Europe stood up to Hitler’s expansionist pro-gramme and put an end to his vile prejudice.

Selective PacifismThis branch of pacifism disagrees with the type of weapons used in a war situation. When weapons like nuclear bombs are used, it becomes impossible to indicate a clear winner. Therefore, they be-lieve that if weapons like these are used, then war has not solved any problems, rather, it has created many more.

Active PacifismThis is pacifism which involves actively taking part in demonstrations in order to reduce or quell the chances of war breaking out. The active pacifists would most likely go out on marches to stop wars in other countries or even refuse to fight if forced to. For example, the Quakers ( a branch of Christianity) were jailed as they refused to fight during World War 2; they became known as Conscientious Objectors. However, if the active pacifists are unable to stop the war completely, then they would do their best to try and reduce the effects of war such as helping drive emergency service vehicles out to collect the injured or even go out onto the battlefield to help the strugglers. Mary Seacole was a black nurse who travelled out onto the battlefield in order to help the injured during the Crimean War.

Cases of Pacifism in HistoryPacifism has played a major role throughout history and some say that it has played a crucial role in turning its course.

Martin Luther King, a well-known Black political leader, became a very influential pacifist as he ac-tively promoted the use of non- violence. Mr. King was an ‘active pacifist’ and he succeeded in having a profound impact upon the whole of USA. All of us recognise the fruit of Martin Luther King’s efforts as Barack Obama has become the first black President of the USA and has successfully held office for the full two terms.

Mahatma Gandhi was also an active pacifist and was able to bring the British colonial rule to an end after his long hard years of deliberation and persistence. Gandhi was very passionate when it came to defending his nation.

Mahatma Gandhi was famous for his non-violent strategies such as the Salt March in India which was the first step in encouraging the boycotting of British goods and encouraged the Indians to buy from their own people and make their own clothes and food and thus become self-sufficient.

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Gandhi was so influential that Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, who, in fact completely changed his attitude towards the world after his experiences during Hajj, picked up on some of the techniques that Gandhi had to offer the world.

The Truce of Hudaibiyya: In chapter 48 of the Quran there is a mention of the Truce of Hudaibiya in which God highlights the importance of practicing absolute pacifism.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) could have confronted the Quraish as they presented him with conditions that were a disadvantage to the Muslims during the truce of Hudaibiyya. However, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) chose not to take this action. He wanted peace and so he accepted these terms. While the peace treaty lasted, people began to value Islam and the spirit of Islam began to spread swiftly throughout Arabia.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) stressed the fact that maintaining peace is of utmost importance and bloodshed should be avoided at all costs.

As it is stated in the Quran (Chapter 5 v. 35): “... If anyone slew a person, it would be like he killed the whole of humanity and if a person saves someone, then it would be like he saved the whole of humanity.”

The lesson to draw is that in adversity, if you stay calm, there is always a method of logic to confront any situation and the immediate reaction should not be to reach for a sword.

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Signs of Allah mentioned in the Qur’anShayaan Ahmad

(Text of talk given by Shayaan Ahmad, son of Mr. & Mrs. Hamad Ahmad, on the Family Day held at Darus Salam, Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London UK on 23rd June, 2013)

IntroductionIn the Quran there are many verses and passages that talk about the sciences of creation. Some of the facts that the Quran talks about we still do not understand. The verses of the Qur’an I will be reciting today, contains signs that will astonish you. We can infer from that it is a sign from Allah.

TranslationThe people, who spend their possessions on the needy because they want to please Allah and strengthen their souls, are like a garden on high ground; when a downpour of rain hits it, it doubles the yield. And even if there is not a downpour of rain, dew or moisture is enough for it. Therefore, Allah sees whatever you do.

ExplanationFor this ayaat (or sign) Allah has used plants as parables. Did you know that the high Himalayan valleys are the original home of the common garden flower called the rhododendron? They bloom abundantly after a heavy rainfall in the high valleys of the Himalayas. As you may remember, at the beginning of the verse, the Quran states: “like a garden on high ground when a downpour of rain hits it, it doubles the yield.”

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This matches perfectly with the environment of the rhododendron.

What Allah is teaching us through this real and precise example is: Whoever gives with the right intention, gains rewards in many ways. Notice the Arabic sentence itself is long matching the abun-dance of the blooming rhododendron

The ayaat (or signs of Allah) then moves on from the high mountains to the arid Savannahs of Mexico. Here, there is a plant called the Spanish Moss which is able to survive only on the moisture formed in the air. The miracle is that Botanists with their technology have learnt about plants surviving on dew only in recent times. However, Allah has used this real example 1500 years ago! Here is the translation again:

“And even if there is not a downpour of rain, dew or moisture is enough for it.”

The short succinct Arabic sentence poetically teaches us that those who give with good intentions can live contently with minimum provisions.

Divine knowledgeThis chapter of the Qur’an contains examples of live plants which are in two completely different climates and on different sides of the world. Only the Creator could have known that there were plants on the earth which had these qualities. He then teaches us using poetry what we can learn from these real plants. Therefore, when Allah says He will reward us if we donate in His way , it is definite promise as certain as the truth that has now been discovered.

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What our Readers Say…

Dr. Ikram Jahangiri, California, USAThank you for considering to review my book. The main purpose of the book is to attract the atten-tion of the reader to read the Quran itself, the real BOOK. This book is only a segue into the Quran. If you publish your review, please add my email for anyone who might be interested in the copy. I would prefer to send in-bulk to regional Jama’at headquarters for local distribution. I will try to reconstruct my presentation into an article over next couple of days and will email it to you.

The U.K. sourcing has added a new light into HOPE. Such additions and other articles are only inten-sifying it with every next issue. With regards to May Issue, I have unequivocal appreciation, because I was physically there for the centennial. The reporting fully reflects the activities of the event. I am sure the remote members will benefit from it and enjoy the details, of the Centenary celebration. This publication is not only informative about our past and present, it also acts as a purse-string for our globally dispersed Jama’at. Thank you for doing it, a job well done.

Mrs. J. Khan, President Lahore Ahmadiyya Jama’at, UKI have to endorse the words of Dr Jahangiri about the HOPE Bulletin. I am sure that many more who receive it will say the same.

Thanks to you and your Team for all your hard work. The quality of the articles, the formatting and the pictures are all excellent. Mrs Arifa Shairmohammed 's words were extremely touching. All the

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Tributes appropriately honoured a great man. Thanks for letting us, who could not be there 'enjoy' the life and work of a 'Noble Gentleman'.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, House of Lords, LondonFirst of all I apologise for the lateness of my response but also thank you for your kind letter further to my attendance at the Centenary Celebration of the Woking Mission at the Shah Jehan Mosque.

You mentioned Hazrat Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan Sahib in your letter. He was someone with whom my own father, Ch. Mansoor Ahmad (BT) Sahib had a strong onnection.

Turning firstly to the event, both my wife and I enjoyed the warmth of the welcome we received and of course the hospitality. It was also a great pleasure to meet the respected Amir if the AAIIL, Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Sahib. I welcome the opportunity to exchange views and thoughts with him over lunch...

Finally in terms of my speech, I shall be delighted to forward this on if you would like to send me your details to my Parliamentary email.

With all best wishes and request for prayers during this Holy month of Ramadan.WassalamLord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon.30th July, 2013.

Dr. Zahid Aziz, Nottingham, UKThank you and congratulations on a very well produced issue, both as regards the contents and the layout and production.

Mrs. Samina Malik, Columbus, USAThanks for the Hope News for June. May Allah bless you for your efforts

Bro Reza Ghafoerkhan has done an excellent job with the transliteration of the Dutch Pocket edition of the Quran. He has also helped us in revising the Arabic text which we use for the Quran transla-tions. May Allah Ta’ala bless and reward him for his efforts....

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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.

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