Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2020
Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah Come to Prayer Come to Prayer Come to success Come to success Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest There is none worthy of worship except Allah Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger. After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path – The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,
Those who have not incurred displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. I was relating the accounts from the life of Hazrat Bilal (ra). In one of the narrations regarding Hazrat Bilal (ra) it states that Abdullah bin Buraidah narrates on the authority of his father,
“One morning the Messenger (saw) of Allah called for Hazrat Bilal (ra) and asked, “‘O Bilal! What is the reason for you staying in front of me in Paradise? “‘I entered Paradise last night and I heard your footsteps before me.’ “Hazrat Bilal (ra) replied,
“‘Whenever I call the Adhan, I offer two rak‘ah [or units] of prayer “‘and whenever my ablution [wudu] breaks, I perform ablution again. “‘And I consider this incumbent upon me from Allah to offer the two rak ‘ah.’ “Upon that, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘That is the reason.’”
In another narration, it is stated that Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) narrates, “The Holy Prophet (saw) said to Hazrat Bilal (ra) at the morning prayer, “‘Bilal, tell me about the most hopeful act you have done since your acceptance of Islam [i.e. one for which you hope for the most reward from God]
“‘because I heard the sound of your footsteps in front of me in Paradise?’ “Hazrat Bilal (ra) replied, “‘I do not consider any act more hopeful “‘than that whenever I have performed the ablution during the day or the night, “‘I would immediately perform prayer with that wudu
“‘for as long as was destined for me to perform.'” This narration is from Bukhari. This does not mean that Hazrat Bilal (ra) surpassed the Holy Prophet (saw) in any way. Rather it only means that Allah the Almighty granted him this status –
Due to his purity and cleanliness and due to his [voluntary] prayers in seclusion – thus he was with the Holy Prophet (saw) in Paradise like he used to be in this world. It was previously mentioned in one of the narration that on the day of Eid,
Hazrat Bilal (ra) would walk in front of the Holy Prophet (saw) while holding a spear and would then plant the spear into the ground to indicate the direction of the Ka‘aba and the Holy Prophet (saw) would lead the Eid prayer. Thus, Allah the Almighty continued to accord him that honour even in Paradise
Due to his purity and worship just as the Holy Prophet (saw) saw in one of his visions. It is mentioned in another narration, “The Messenger (saw) of Allah said, “‘When I was being taken towards Paradise at night, I heard the sound of someone’s footsteps. “‘I asked, “O Gabriel, whose footsteps are those?”
“‘Gabriel replied, “it is Bilal.” “‘Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, ‘’ wish I was born from the mother of Bilal (ra). “‘I wish the father of Bilal (ra) was my father and I was like Bilal (ra).'” What a lofty status is that of Bilal (ra) who once used to be considered worthless
And dragged on rocks and now Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) is saying that he wished he had been Bilal (ra). Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra), while mentioning the early companions, writes, “Then was Bilal (ra) bin Rabah, the Abyssinian slave of Umaiyyah bin Khalaf.
“After he migrated, the duty of calling the Adhan in Medina was entrusted to him. “However, after the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw) he stopped calling the Adhan “but in the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra), when Syria was conquered, “upon the persistence of Hazrat Umar (ra), he called the Adhan.
“This reminded everyonw of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) time “and Hazrat Umar (ra) and the companions who were present at the time, “as well as himself wept profusely. “Hazrat Umar (ra) loved Bilal (ra) to the extent that when he died, “Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘This day a leader of the Muslims has passed away.’
“These were the words of the king of that time for a poor Abyssinian [former] slave.” On one occasion, addressing Ahmadi women, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) quoted the following verse of the Holy Qur’an: Wealth and children are an ornament of the life of this world.
But enduring good works are better in the sight of thy Lord in respect of immediate reward, and better in respect of future hope. Wealth and children are an ornament of the life of this world. But enduring good works are better in the sight of thy Lord in respect of immediate reward,
And better in respect of future hope. Expounding upon this verse and whilst mentioning Hazrat Bilal (ra), he said that there is only one aspect that will remain and that is [enduring good works]. Whatever one does for the sake of God will remain. Following this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) said,
“where is Abu Huraira’s (ra) progeny and property today? “We have no knowledge of any property he had or his children. “We do not know whether he even had any children. “However, despite not having seen his children, his house or property,
“when we mention his name we say ‘Hazrat Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him.’” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) further states, “A few days ago, “an Arab visited me and said that he was from the progeny of Bilal (ra). “I am not certain whether he spoke the truth or not,
“however, at that time, I had a heartfelt desire to embrace him, “as he was the offspring of that individual, “who called the Adhan in the mosque of the Holy Prophet (saw). “Where is the progeny of Bilal (ra) today? We do not whether he even had any progeny.
“And even if he did, we do not know where they are. “Nor do we have any knowledge of his houses or any trace his properties. “Where are his properties? “However, the fact that he called the Adhan in the mosque of the Holy Prophet (saw)
“remains and will continue to remain in the future as well. “These are the virtues that will remain.” Hazrat Bilal (ra) narrated forty-four Ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw)] and four narrations have been included in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. In one narration, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet (saw) said that
The heaven is eagerly awaiting three individuals; ‘Ali (ra), ‘Ammar (ra) and Bilal (ra). Once, Hazrat Umar (ra) was mentioning the excellences of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). Whilst doing so, he pointed towards Hazrat Bilal (ra) and said, “This is Bilal (ra), our leader.” He was mentioning the qualities of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra),
Hazrat Bilal (ra) was also sat [in the gathering]. Hazrat Umar (ra) pointed towards him and said, “This is Bilal (ra), our leader “and he is an example of one of the pious deeds of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) “as he purchased Hazrat Bilal (ra) and freed him from captivity.”
‘A’iz bin ‘Amr relates that Abu Sufyan approached Hazrat Salman (ra), Hazrat Suhaib (ra) and Hazrat Bilal (ra) in a gathering. Upon this, these individuals said, “By God! The swords of Allah “did not strike the necks of the enemies of Allah on their appropriate places.” The narrator says that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said,
“Do you say this about an honorable man of the Quraish and their chief?” Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) went to the Holy Prophet (saw). (In other words when Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) heard them say that they did not take appropriate revenge from him,
He did not like it and stated that were they saying this about a chief of the Quraish.) Following this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) went to the Holy Prophet (saw) and informed him of this. The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “O Abu Bakr! Perhaps you have upset them.
“If you have upset them, then you have displeased your Lord.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) went to them and said, “O my dear brothers, have I upset you?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) presented the incident before the Holy Prophet (saw) so that perhaps he would admonish them,
However, instead the Holy Prophet (saw) stated that perhaps they had been upset by his words. Similarly, how great was the character of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) that he immediately returned to those poor people and said: “My dear brothers! Did I upset you?”
To this they replied: “No, dear brother, may Allah grant you forgiveness, “you did nothing of the sort, we are not upset with you.” Hazrat Abu Musa (ra) narrates: “I was with the Holy Prophet (saw) when he was passing through Jir’anah, (which is a place between Mecca and Medina).
“Hazrat Bilal (ra) was also with us. “A Bedouin came to see the Holy Prophet (saw) and said, “‘O Muhammad (saw)! Will you not fulfil the promise you have made with me?’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘I give you glad tidings.’ “The Bedouin then said, ‘You have said (ARABIC)
I.e. I give you glad tidings’ many times to me before.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) turned away from the Bedouin as if in a state of displeasure “and looked towards Hazrat Abu Musa (ra) and Hazrat Bilal (ra) “and did not look towards the Bedouin again. “Turning to them the Holy Prophet (saw) said,
“‘I was giving him glad tidings, but he has rejected it. “‘You both can accept this glad tiding.’ “They both replied, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah, we accept it.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) then requested for a bowl of water to be brought and using this,
“he washed his hands and his face and also rinsed out his mouth. “He then said, ‘Both of you pour this over you face and chest and be content.’ “Thus, they both took the bowl and did as the Holy Prophet (saw) had ordered them. “From behind the curtain, Hazrat Umm Salamah (ra) said,
“‘Whatever is left in the bowl that you two have with you, save some for your mother,’ i.e. for Hazrat Umm Salamah (ra), the mother of the believers. “Thus they left some in the bowl for her.” Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated:
“Each prophet is granted seven leaders, but I have been granted fourteen.” i.e. double the number. They asked Hazrat Ali (ra) who were those fourteen leaders. Hazrat Ali (ra) stated: “me, both my sons, Ja’far (ra), Hamzah (ra), Abu Bakr (ra), Umar (ra),
“Mus’ab (ra) bin Umair, Bilal (ra), Salman (ra), Miqdad (ra), Abu Dharr (ra), “Ammar (ra) and Abdulla bin Mas’ood (ra).” Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) said: “How excellent is Bilal, he is the chief of all the Muadhins [those who call the Adhan].
“Only those who are Muadhins will follow after him “and on the Day of Resurrection, the people with the longest necks will be the Muadhins.” Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) said: “How excellent is Bilal, “he is the leader of the martyrs and the Muadhins
“and on the Day of Resurrection, Hazrat Bilal will have the longest neck.” Meaning that Hazrat Bilal (ra) will have a lofty and prominent rank. In one narration it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “In paradise, Bilal will be mounted on a Camel that he would granted.”
The wife of Hazrat Bilal (ra) states: “Once the Holy Prophet (saw) came to our home and enquired if Bilal was at home. “I said that he had not yet returned home. “The Holy Prophet (saw) then said: ‘It seems that you are upset with Bilal?’ “I replied that he loves me a lot.
“‘Every time he speaks he says he heard such and such from the Messenger (saw) of Allah.’ “Upon this the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Hazrat Bilal’s wife: “‘Whatever Bilal relates to you from me, that is indeed truthful. “‘Bilal would never lie to you. “‘Thus, you should never remain upset with Bilal
“‘and none of your deeds will be accepted if Hazrat Bilal is upset with you.'” Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “The example of Bilal is like that of a honey bee, “who sucks the nectar from sweet fruit as well as bitter shrubs,
“but when honey is produced, all of it is sweet.” Hazrat Bilal’s (ra) wife narrates: “Before Hazrat Bilal would go to bed, he would recite the following prayer: “O Allah! Overlook my mistakes “and forgive me for my errors, deeming them to be a weakness on my part.” Hazrat Bilal (ra) narrates: “The Holy Prophet (saw) said to me: “‘O Bilal! Ensure that you pass away in a state of poverty and not in a state of affluence!’
“I submitted, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah! I did not understand this statement, “‘i.e. to pass away in a state of poverty and not in a state of affluence, how can this be?’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) then stated: “‘Whatever provision is granted to you, do not store it away
“‘and do not withhold that what is asked from you.’ “I asked, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah! If I am unable to do this, then what will happen?’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “‘This must be adhered to, otherwise hell will await such a person.’”
Meaning that one should never allow someone who is in need to go away empty handed and also it should not be the case that one simply hordes and accumulates wealth, rather it is important to spend the wealth as well. Hazrat Bilal (ra) passed away in 20 AH in Damascus,
During the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar (ra). According to some narrations, he passed away in Aleppo. At the time Hazrat Bilal (ra) was over 60 years old. According to some narrations Hazrat Bilal (ra) passed away in 18 AH. He was buried in the grave yard in Damascus near Bab as-Saghir.
With regards to Hazrat Bilal’s (ra) rank and status, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) states – some of these narrations I have already related previously, but keeping in view the order and sequence of the accounts, one or two of the earlier accounts will be repeated.
“Hazrat Bilal (ra) was Abyssinian and was not fluent in Arabic. “Whilst speaking Arabic he would make a number of mistakes [in pronunciation]. “For example, [some] natives of Africa pronounce the Arabic letter ‘Sheen’ as ‘Seen’. “Thus during the Adhan, instead of ‘Ash-hadu’, Hazrat Bilal (ra) would say ‘As-hadu’
“and the Arabs would laugh at this because they still felt that their own race was superior, “even though the Arabs themselves are unable to correctly pronounce “certain words of other languages. “For example, they are unable to correctly pronounce the word ‘Roti’ [flat bread in Urdu] as
“they would be unable to pronounce the letter ‘Ta’ [a strong T sound similar to in the word ‘tent’]. “Similarly, they would be unable to pronounce the ‘Ch’ in ‘Churi’ [form of bread] “and instead would pronounce it as ‘Juri’.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “Just as certain non-Arab people are unable
“to correctly pronounce letters of the Arabic language, “similarly, the Arabs themselves are unable “to correctly pronounce certain letters of other languages. “Yet they were so consumed within themselves by the sense of Arab supremacy “that they failed to understand “that they themselves were unable to pronounce certain letters of other languages.
“Seeing the Arabs laugh at Hazrat Bilal (ra) “for pronouncing ‘Ash-hadu’ as ‘As-hadu’ [in the Adhan], “the Holy Prophet (saw) said: ‘You mock the Adhan of Bilal, “‘whereas, Allah the Almighty on His Throne is pleased with him when he calls the Adhan. “‘God Almighty is more delighted by his ‘As-hadu’ than your ‘Ash-hadu’.’
“Bilal (ra) was an Abyssinian and in those times, Abyssinians were taken as slaves. (In fact, they [natives of Africa] were made slaves in the recent past as well and are even made slaves today.) “However, the Holy Prophet (saw) was not from among those people “who would subdue or humiliate another nation.
“According to the Holy Prophet (saw) every nation was equally the creation of God. He loved the Greeks and Abyssinians “just as much as he loved the Arabs and would not make any distinction. “It was this very love shown by him that “instilled a deep love for the Holy Prophet (saw) in the hearts of foreign nations, “a love that many Arabs were unable to comprehend. “These nations developed a deep love for the Holy Prophet (saw),
“yet those who were unable to comprehend this love and were devoid of wisdom and insight, “nor did they possess any sense of loyalty, “they were unable to fathom what was happening around them. “The Holy Prophet (saw) was born in Mecca to an Arab tribe
“and belonged to the tribe of Quraish for that matter – “which was considered as the best of the Arab tribes, “and they used to look down upon other Arab tribes and consider them inferior. “What was the relation between the Holy Prophet and the Abyssinians?
“If there was a tribe or people that ought to have love for the Holy Prophet (saw), “it should just be the Banu Hashim. “If someone ought to have love for him, “it ought to be the Quraish or the Arab people as they were his kith and kin.
“How was it ever possible that a deep love for the Holy Prophet (saw) was engrained amongst non-Arabs, “those nations who suffered defeat at the hands of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) army, “or were overthrown by the Islamic Empire. (There were wars against foreign nations who were subsequently defeated and their reign was destroyed,
But despite this, how did they manage to develop love for the Holy Prophet (saw)?) “They ought to have developed enmity against him. “Before we delve into this, let us analyse the love Prophet Jesus’ (as) people had for him. “When Prophet Jesus (as) was arrested, the soldiers enquired from Peter –
“a close disciple of Jesus (as) and whom Jesus (as) appointed as his successor after him – “as to why he was following after Jesus (as) “and that it seemed as if he was a follower of Jesus (as) (the soldiers became suspicious as he was following after them
And deduced that he may be a follower of Jesus (as)), “to which Peter immediately responded: ‘I am not one of his followers’ (as he became fearful), “and said: ‘I curse him.’ “Not only did he deny knowing him but he also cursed him.
“There is no doubt that the disciples of Jesus (as) loved him also. “Later on Peter was hanged on the cross in Rome and courageously embraced death “and did not hide his love nor his obedience of Prophet Jesus (as). “However, when Jesus (as) was hanged on the cross,
“Peter’s faith had not yet strengthened at the time. “At that time, he became afraid of facing a small beating, “but later he bravely faced being hung on the cross. “Nevertheless, this was a glimpse of how much love Jesus’ (as) followers had for him. “In comparison we now turn to those slaves
“who professed belief in the Holy Prophet (saw) and then sacrificed everything for his sake. “Bilal (ra) was an Abyssinian slave and his love for the Holy Prophet (saw) “was such that it had a profound impact upon him. “Some people have great love for their beloved
“but it is only superficial and confined within certain parameters. “Thus, we have to see whether the Holy Prophet’s (saw) love for Bilal, “who was not only loathed by the Quriash, “in fact by all the Arabs owing to him being an Abyssinian slave,
“was this simply to keep his heart or did it demonstrate true love? “This can only be determined by Bilal (ra) himself. “We cannot make this assessment, rather we have to seek the answer from Bilal (ra) himself “because he alone could have determined this. “This incident took place over 1300 years ago, how could we possibly determine this?
“Thus, if we want to determine this we would have to ascertain this from Bilal (ra) himself “whether he perceived this to be a demonstration of true love from the Holy Prophet (saw). “It is not a question of how I perceive this,
“or how it was perceived by those who lived a century ago before us, “or by those who lived a hundred years before them, “nor is it a question of how the companions themselves perceived it. (It is not for others to determine this;
Not even those who lived in the era of the Holy Prophet (saw), i.e. the companions). “Rather, we have to see how Bilal (ra) himself perceived this “and this is reflected by a very concise statement of the Holy Prophet (saw) (which has previously been mentioned as well) when he addressed the people and said,
“‘You laugh at him saying Asahadu, “‘but God Almighty expresses His pleasure upon this in the heavens. “‘His saying As-hadu is dearer to Him than your Ash-hadu.’ “Were these words of the Holy Prophet (saw) – “that ‘his As-hadu was dearer to Allah than Ash-hadu’ –
“uttered merely to keep his heart and for that occasion alone “in order to diffuse the situation, or owing to his deep love? “What we want to know, however, is that how did Bilal (ra) perceive this statement? “The conclusion that Bilal (ra) drew from this statement was that despite him being a non-Arab
“and belonging to a people who others deemed to be outside of the human race “and thus would enslave them, “the Holy Prophet (saw) however had a bond of deep love and affection for him. “If we look at a little further on in history, the one who proclaimed,
“‘my death is for the sake of Allah, Who is the Lord of all the worlds’ passes away – “Allah the Almighty revealed this in relation to the Holy Prophet (saw). “‘My death is for the sake of Allah, Who is the Lord of all the worlds’ passes away –
“after the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw), new governments were established, “many new people entered the fold of Islam and many new changes came about. “As time passed on, new governments were formed and many other changes occurred “and some of the companions migrated hundreds miles away from the Arab land.
“All of these changes came about after the demise of the Holy Prophet (saw). “Among these companions who migrated was also Bilal (ra), “who had migrated to Syria after the Holy Prophet’s (saw) demise “and settled in Damascus. “One day, some people were gathered in Damascus where Hazrat Bilal (ra) resided and stated that
“during the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), Bilal (ra) would call the Adhan “and they desired for Bilal (ra) to call the Adhan once again. “They asked Hazrat Bilal (ra), however he refused to call the Adhan. “Bilal (ra) stated that he would not call the Adhan after the Holy Prophet’s (saw) demise
“because as soon as he would think of the calling the Adhan, “he would be reminded of the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (saw) “and he would become extremely emotional and could not contain himself, “therefore he would not call the Adhan.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) was on an official tour and happened to be in Damascus at the time. “The people requested Hazrat Umar (ra) if he could ask Bilal (ra) to call the Adhan. “They stated that among them were those who had seen the Holy Prophet (saw)
“and their ears were longing to hear the Adhan of Bilal (ra) once again “and thereby be able to experience the era of the Holy Prophet (saw) once again. (Whenever they would reminisce about the era of the Holy Prophet (saw), they would also recall the Adhan of Hazrat Bilal (ra),
Thus they wished to hear the actual Adhan once again so that they could relive those memories again). “They also stated that there were also others among them “who had not witnessed the era of the Holy Prophet (saw) and had only heard about it,
“therefore their hearts also desired to hear the Adhan of the individual “whose Adhan was also heard by the Holy Prophet (saw) and liked it. “Hazrat Umar (ra) called for Bilal (ra) and stated, ‘the people desire to hear your Adhan.’ “Hazrat Bilal (ra) replied, ‘You are the Khalifah of the time,
“‘if this is your wish then I shall call the Adhan, “‘but let me tell you that my heart will not be able to withstand the emotions.’ “Hazrat Bilal (ra) then stood up and in a loud voice began to call the Adhan
“in exactly the same manner as he would call the Adhan during the time of the Holy Prophet (saw). “Whilst recalling the era of the Holy Prophet (saw), “tears began to flow from the eyes of the companions who were the Arab natives “and some even let out a loud cry.
“Hazrat Bilal (ra) would continue reciting the Adhan “and people would remember the era of the Holy Prophet (saw) and begin to weep. “However, Hazrat Bilal (ra), who was an Abyssinian, “who the Arabs used for their own services, and who did not have any blood relation with them
“nor any brotherly ties with them, what impact did this have upon him?” The impact it had on the Arabs was that those who had witnessed the era of the Holy Prophet (saw) were once again able relive those memories, while those Arabs who did not witness that era
Also became extremely emotional upon recalling the accounts they had heard of that era, or they became emotional due to observing the state of the emotions of others at the time. However, Hazrat Bilal (ra), who was not an Arab and was a [former] slave, what impact did this Adhan have upon him?
It is said that upon concluding the Adhan, Hazrat Bilal (ra) fainted – such was the impact it had on him – and after just a few minutes he passed away. This was the testimony given by those non-Arabs themselves to the claim of the Holy Prophet (saw)
That he held no distinction between an Arab and a non-Arab. This indeed was the greatest testimony by the non-Arabs themselves of the great love and affection they had for the Holy Prophet (saw). The demonstration of this deep love was a true and practical testimony of the Holy Prophet (saw)
Saying that an Arab and a non-Arab were of an equal status. This was the testimony given by the non-Arabs who heard the loving call of the Holy Prophet (saw) and the profound impact of what they had witnessed convinced them that even their own people could not grant them as much love
As the Holy Prophet (saw) had for them. This was our leader Bilal (ra) who established such lofty standards of one’s love and loyalty for the Holy Prophet (saw) and instilling the oneness of Allah the Almighty in the heart and its practical demonstration
That these have become a pure and holy model for us to emulate. Likewise, the accounts of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) love and affection for this devotee of his are such that not a single example of it can be found anywhere in the world.
It is this very example that can establish a spirit of love, harmony and brotherhood in our society and break the shackles of slavery. Even today our salvation can only found by establishing the oneness of God and by demonstrating those examples of love for the Holy Prophet (saw).
May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so. The accounts of Hazrat Bilal (ra) come to an end. I will now also mention details of some of those members who have recently passed away and will also lead their funeral prayers [in absentia]. The first mention is of Maulana Talib Yaqub Sahib,
Son of respected Tayyab Yaqub Sahib, who was a missionary in Trinidad and Tobago. He passed away on 8th September at the age of 63: “Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.” He was inclined towards religion right from his childhood years.
He was a native of Trinidad and from an early age he would offer the five daily prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and had an interest in reading Islamic literature. After completing his early education, he got a job in British Insurance. However, after completing his O-Levels,
He dedicated his life on 13th January 1979 and enrolled in Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah. He graduated from Jamia Ahmadiyya with a Shahid Degree in 1989. His marriage took place in 1987 with respected Sajidah Shaheen Sahiba, daughter of Mirza Munawar Ahmad Sahib Darwaish and former Nazir-e-Al’a Qadian. His wife is the granddaughter of
Hazrat Bhai Mirza Barkat Ali Sahib (ra), a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). The deceased’s first appointment after completing Jamia was in Zaire, Africa and he had the opportunity to serve for approximately three years from 1989 to 1992.
He then had the opportunity to serve as a missionary in Guyana from 1993 to 1997 and thereafter he was posted to Ghana where he served from 1997 to 2004 in the Koforidua and Kumasi Region. Whilst serving in Ghana he became extremely ill and after he recovered,
He was transferred to Trinidad and was appointed in the Freeport Jama’at where he continued to serve till his last breath. He served with utmost sincerity in various countries of the world and through his knowledge and experience, he would convey the teachings of Islam to others.
Wherever he went, he had established a personal connection with every member of the Jama’at. He had a bond of great love for the members of the Jama’at, and the members of the Jama’at also had a bond great love with him. Since the last few years, he was suffering from kidney problem
And had to go into hospital three times a week for dialysis treatment, but he never let this be a hindrance in any Jama’at programme. He was extremely righteous, humble, softly spoken, patient, obedient, caring and would always greet everyone with a smile. Apart from his obligatory prayers, he would regularly offer the Tahajjud prayer
And recite the Holy Qur’an. It was also his habit to offer eight Rak’at of Nawafil before going to sleep every night. He would always ensure that the traditions of the Jama’at were strictly adhered to. He would also encourage his family members to adopt these virtues as well.
He met everyone in a very loving manner. He is survived by his wife, a son, Nasir Yaqub and two daughters, Amina Yaqub and Adeela Yaqub. He also had two brothers and three sisters. Some of them are in Trinidad and others reside in Australia. One of his sister-in-laws, Helen Yaqub writes:
“I did the Bai’at thirty years ago and when Maulana Sahib came to Trinidad, “he would always teach me news things about my faith in a very loving manner. “As a result of this my passion to learn about my faith further increased “and he would be extremely pleased at this.
“Due to the conduct of Talib Yaqub Sahib, “by the grace of Allah the Almighty my son, Tayyab Yaqub has decided to become a missionary “and is currently studying in the second year of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada.” An Ahmadi doctor who serves in Trinidad say regarding when he was ill: The deceased possessed great morals;
Every single doctor or nurse who took care of him was greatly impressed by his morals. Although he was a patient himself, but if there was shortage of space in the hospital, he would stand up himself if anyone came and offer them space.
He was an example for all the other patients and doctors and for everyone. The Missionary-in-charge of Trinidad and Tobago writes, “He had truly adopted the distinctive features and qualities of being a missionary. “He was always at the forefront when it came to obedience to Khilafat. “He obeyed all the instructions of those in-charge
“and he would make every effort to fulfil whatever task was assigned to him. “He had boundless love for Allah, the Holy Prophet (saw) and the Promised Messiah (as). “He was regular in reciting the Holy Qur’an and offering the tahajjud [pre-dawn] prayers.” Qasid Warraich, the missionary in Trinidad, writes,
“When I was posted in Trinidad, Maulana Sahib’s health was quite weak and was also elderly. ([Qasid Saihb] is young and after recently graduating from Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada, he has been sent there two or three years ago). “After a few days Maulana Sahib travelled for fifty minutes
“with his wife and son to meet me and treated me very kindly. “Then every two or three days he would message or call to ask about me and my needs “because I had newly arrived. (He would have given advice and information as well no doubt).
“He would meet the young and old alike with love and affection. “He always encouraged others to form a bond with Khilafat and to pray for the Khalifa of the time.” Maulana Sahib’s daughter writes, “He would constantly tell me
“that I should always write to the Khalifa for prayers before any exam or before any other task.” Muneer Ibrahim Sahib, an Ahmadi, there writes, “Whenever we would go somewhere to do Tabligh [propagate the message of Islam], “Mualana Sahib would always turn up and distribute the work
“saying I should go to the north and he will go to the south “so that the message of Ahmadiyyat could be conveyed to as many people as possible, “and he would always have a smile on his face.” The young missionaries and other people who worked with him have also written that
Even when someone carried out a small task towards the progress of the Community or in conveying the message, he would become so jubilant and praise them greatly. Everyone who has written has mentioned that Maulana Sahib was always smiling. During his years as a student, if there had been any altercation between friends,
He would always reconcile and make peace between them saying that we are Ahmadis and we should not harbour any resentment in our hearts for our brothers. I also witnessed that he always had a smile on his face. He has boundless devotion to Khilafat, and just as I have said,
His children have mentioned that Maulana Sahib would always encourage them to establish a connection with Khilafat and to write letters [to the Khalifa]. Nareesh Sahib, a new Ahmadi, writes, “I would go to different non-Ahmadi mosques in search of the true Islam. “When I met Maulana Talib Sahib
“I began to have a really good impression, even before listening to any argument.” This is the reason why he then pledged his allegiance. As it were, Talib Ya’qub Sahib fulfilled his oath with perfect conviction and never presented any excuse. He always said that he shall work wherever the Khalifa places him.
Whether he was told to remain in Pakistan and be posted there, or whether he would not return to his country, he was always prepared. Furthermore, whilst he was in Pakistan he made practical efforts to prepare himself by learning Punjabi,
In case he was posted in Pakistan and therefore he would have to deal with people who spoke Punjabi. So this is why he continued to learn Punjabi. May Allah have mercy on him and elevate him in status. May Allah keep his wife and children under His protection
And enable them to continue his good works. The next funeral is of Engineer Iftikhar Ali Qureshi Sahib who was the former Wakil-ul-Mal Thalith and Deputy Head of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid. Allah Almighty granted him a very long life and he passed away at the age of 99 on 3rd June.
“Verily to Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.” Iftikhar Ali Sahib’s father was Mumtaz Ali Qureshi Sahib. He was a veterinary doctor by profession. Iftikhar Ali Sahib was born in Meerut, India where he also obtained his primary and higher education. He then joined the Thompson Engineering College Rurkee
And completed his graduation in Civil Engineering in 1944. It was during his time as a student that he joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. At the time his father was not an Ahmadi, so Iftikhar Ali Sahib himself studied the books of the Promised Messiah (as)
And it was after this research that he accepted Ahmadiyyat. He received the message of Ahmadiyyat through his uncle Muhktar Qureshi Sahib and his father Munshi Fiaz Ali Sahib. Iftikhar Qureshi Sahib lived with his uncle Turab Ali Sahib, due mainly to his education.
Turab Ali Sahib was also not an Ahmadi, but Mukhtar Ali Sahib and his father would often visit Turab Ali Sahib in the town of Saraba, Meerut. Iftikhar Ali Qureshi Sahib would receive Ahmadiyya literature from these pious people. The Community in Delhi would also publish small pamphlets,
Which Iftikhar Ali Sahib would also take and read. He would read all this literature whilst travelling and then hand to his father. When Iftikhar Ali Sahib had admission to Thompson College, his uncle Mukhtar Qureshi Sahib began regularly sending him detailed letters regarding the message of Ahmadiyyat.
Iftikhar Ali Sahib would also reply to these letters in detail. In that time he also had the opportunity to offer the tahajjud prayers and supplicate extensively, yet his heart was still at unease and full of worry. He expressed this once to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) and posed a few questions.
Huzoor (ra) wrote the answers in reply to him, saying, “Your questions are short but comprehensive, so to reply by mail is difficult. “You should study this book of mine.” Iftikhar Ali Sahib obtained this book from his uncle Mukhtar Ali Sahib and began to read it.
As he continued studying the book, he received the answers to his questions. In November 1941 he pledged his allegiance in writing through a letter. In 1942 he attended the Jalsa in Qadian and was very moved by the atmosphere in Qadian. He listened to the speeches of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) very attentively
And pledged his allegiance there once more. In this way, he had the opportunity to perform the bai’at in person. Thereafter, he attended the Jalsa in Qadian every year. He also had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra). He would ask His Holiness (ra) whatever questions he had
And would return full of faith and certainty having received the answers. He began his government service in India and continued to work there up till the establishment of Pakistan. In 1951 he migrated and then began working in the Department of Irrigation and Energy in Pakistan.
In the course of his service he was transferred to many cities and he worked with great sincerity. He progressed from a Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer, and in fact, for some time he was appointed as the Secretary of Irrigation and Energy for the government of Punjab.
He advanced to the stage of being the Secretary. He was able to serve his country of Pakistan in very honourable and significant capacities. He retired in 1983 after which he dedicated his life [for the service of Islam]. Before this in 1980, upon returning from his trip to Spain,
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) established the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers and appointed Iftikhar Ali Qureshi Sahib as its first Chairman – he was serving as Chief Engineer at the time. Then, after his retirement, he applied to dedicate his life, which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) approved.
Thus, in 1983, he was appointed as Wakilul Mal Thalith Tehrik-e-Jadid. Also, from 1980 when he was appointed to the position, he would continually be elected and served as the central Chairman of this association [IAAAE] for about 25 years.
He was also able to render many services during the Khilafat of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh). He built the Buyutul Hamd Quarters and other Jama`at buildings in Rabwah. He was also in-charge of the department which oversaw new developments. He was made the Chairman of various projects,
Such as the Fazl-e-Umar Hospital, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Khilafat Library, etc. Similarly, he had the opportunity of serving as Director of the Fazl-e-Umar foundation. In 2007, I appointed him as the Vice-President of Majlis Tehrik-e-Jadid. He served with great integrity, zeal and effort.
He saw the era of four Caliphs, and always proved to be obedient and full of love. He was quiet in nature, and kept to himself. He was able to serve as a life-devotee for 37 years. He was very selfless in his work; I have also worked with him.
Allah Almighty granted him two sons and three daughters. One of his sons is an architect and one of his daughters is a lady doctor. May Allah Almighty treat him with mercy and forgiveness and enable his progeny to keep his virtues alive.
The third funeral is of Raziya Sultana Sahiba, who was the wife of Maulvi Hakeem Khurshid Sahib. She passed away at the age of 81. She was the daughter of Sheikh Allah Bakhsh Sahib (ra), a companion of the Promised Messiah (as).
From a young age, she was very strict in offering her prayers and fasting. She lived her entire life with simplicity and humility and was very hospitable. Her husband, respected Hakim Maulvi Khurshid Ahmad Sahib was serving as Sadr Umoomi. During this time, various meetings would be held in their home
And she would tend to all the guests. In 1984, respected Maulvi Sahib was honoured to be an Aseerane Rahe Maula [prisoner in the way of Allah]. She endured this time away from her husband with great patience and fortitude.
In fact she would prepare food for many people and send it to the jail every day. She kept her virtuous deeds discreet; she helped many poor children get married and helped raise many poor children as well. All those close to her say that she was a very loving person.
She was a musia. She is survived by her daughter. May Allah Almighty treat her with mercy and forgiveness. The next funeral is of respected Tahir Ahmad Sahib, son of Muhammad Mansoor Ahmad Sahib, who was serving as Naib Nazir Baitul Mal Qadian. He passed away on 28 May as a result of liver cancer
At the age of 57 at Noor Hospital in Qadian. “Verily to Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.” He was originally from Hyderabad. After graduating from Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, he served from September 1989 until his demise in May 2020, in various capacities.
The entirety of his time in service was in offices of finance; Baitul Mal Aamad for seven years, Nizamat Mal Waqfe Jadid for nine years, then as Inspector Baitul Mal, Naib Nazim Mal Waqfe Jadid for three years,
Nazim Mal Waqfe Jadid for eight years and then served as Naib Nazir Baitul Mal for two years. He was a very sincere, simple, sociable, and compassionate servant of the Community. He travelled far and wide in India and introduced people to the financial system [of the Jama’at]
And helped them be a part of it. By the grace of Allah Almighty, as a result of these trips and his efforts, there was a significant increase in the budget of Waqfe Jadid. He was a musi. He is survived by his elderly parents, his wife and two sons.
He was the eldest son-in-law of Maulana Muhammad Kareem Shahid Sahib, Sadr Qadha Board Qadian and the cousin of Inaam Ghuari Sahib, Nazir-e-A`la Qadian. One of his brothers is serving as a missionary in Qadian. May Allah Almighty grant him mercy and forgiveness and protect his children.
The next funeral is of Aqeel Ahmad, son of Mirza Khaleel Ahmad Baig Sahib, who is serving as a teacher at the International Jamia in Ghana. Aqeel Ahmad was visiting Pakistan, where he was diagnosed with a yolk sac tumor,
And by Divine decree, passed away after a short bout of illness at the age of thirteen: “Verily to Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.” Even during his childhood, he was regular in offering Salat in congregation and took care of children younger than him.
He was a very virtuous and obedient child. He was able to memorize six parts of the Holy Qur’an from Madrassatul Hifz in Ghana. He is survived by his parents and two sisters, Adeela and Shakila, who are both Waqfat-e-Nau. His father, Mirza Khaleel Baig is serving at the International Jamia in Ghana.
Another teacher at Jamia, Naseer Ahmad Sahib writes from Ghana that Aqeel Ahmad possessed a very loving, and charming personality. His smiling face will always be remembered. He was a very innocent and obedient child. He was regular in offering Salat in congregation and was very attached to the Holy Qur’an.
For the past few years, aside from his routine studies, he was memorizing the Holy Qur’an. Every day after the Maghrib prayer, he would eat and then go to the mosque and revise his lessons. After completing his schoolwork, he would always memorize a portion of the Holy Qur’an before going to sleep.
He would say that he wanted serve the Jama`at as a missionary when he grew up. May Allah Almighty elevate his station and enable his parents and sisters to bear this loss. These days, funerals cannot be held here; many people write to me requesting me to lead funeral prayers,
However, these funerals cannot be offered during the Friday Sermon as it would require a lot of time. Even if just the names were read out it would take a very long time. Thus, I am only able to lead the funeral prayer [in absentia] of some people.
I do receive the requests of others, and I would like to tell them, without specifying their names, that whenever I lead funeral prayers [in absentia] here, they are included as well. May Allah Almighty treat them all with mercy and forgiveness. For those who have written requests for me to lead funeral prayers,
May Allah grant them and their family’s patience and forbearance and enable them to keep alive the virtues of their deceased. I will offer all of these funeral prayers in absentia after the Friday Prayer. God willing! All praise is due to Allah We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection;
We confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds. Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path.
And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you. Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other
And to do good to others as one does to one’s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves and evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you;
Call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.