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 be upon you all
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. The account of the companion that I will mention today is Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra). The name of Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha’s (ra) father was Rawahah Bin Tha‘labah. His mother’s name was Kabshah bint Waqid bin ‘Amr,
Who belonged to the Banu Harith clan of the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar. Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) participated in the bai’at at Aqabah and was the leader of Bani Harith bin Khazraj. His title was Abu Muhammad. Some have also reported his title as Abu Rawahah and Abu Amr.
It is narrated by an individual from Ansar that the Messenger of Allah (saw) established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) and Hazrat Miqdad (ra). According to Ibn Sa‘ad, he was one of the scribes of the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) participated in all the battles
Alongside the Holy Prophet (saw) including the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Khaybar and ‘Umratul Qadaa. He was martyred during the Battle of Mautah and was one of the commanders during this battle. It is mentioned in one of the narrations that Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra)
Came to the Holy Prophet (saw), while he was delivering a sermon. During the sermon, he said to the people [inside the mosque], “Sit down!”. When Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) heard these words, he was still standing outside the mosque, but he sat down immediately. When the Holy Prophet (saw) finished his sermon
And he came to know about this incident, he said to him, “May Allah increase you further in your obedience to Allah and His Messenger.” A similar incident is also found in the books of hadith, regarding Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (ra). I have already narrated that incident in the sermon that I delivered with regards to him.
The narration regarding Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ood (ra) is similar in that. He was also standing outside and as soon as he heard the command, he sat down just outside the door and then went inside the mosque whilst remaining in a seated position. Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha used to be
The first to depart from his home for any expedition and the last one to return. Hazrat Abu Darda (ra) narrates, “I seek refuge with Allah from a day in which I fail to remember Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra). “When he used to walk towards me to meet me,
“he used to place his hand on my chest.” i.e. he used to do this˝whenever they would meet, which was on a daily basis. His actions were such that they ought to be mentioned. Hazrat Abu Darda (ra) then further narrates, “When he used to walk towards me to greet me,
“he used to place his hand on my chest “and when he used to meet me before departing “he used to place his hand between my shoulders and used to say to me, ‘O ‘Uwaimar! Come, let us sit down for a while and rejuvenate our faith.’ “Hence, we used to sit down and remember Allah the Almighty, for as long as Allah desired.” Then, ‘Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) would say, ‘O ‘Uwaimar! These are gatherings in which one discusses ones faith.’”
It is mentioned in Kitab az-Zuhd, a book by Hazrat Imam Ahmad (ra) that when Hazrat ‘Adbullah Bin Rawahah (ra) used to meet one of his companions, he used to say, “Come, let us sit down and rejuvenate our faith in our Lord.”
It is mentioned in the same book that the Holy Prophet (saw) said, “May Allah have mercy on Abdullah Bin Rawaha (ra). “He loves such gatherings, of which even the angles are envious.” Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) said, Meaning, ‘what an excellent man Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) is!’ Following the conquest of Khaybar, the Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) in order to make an estimate of the fruit yield and land etc. Once, Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) fell so severely ill that he became unconscious.
The Holy Prophet (saw) came to visit him and said: “O Allah! If his appointed time is nigh, then make it easy for him.” In other words, if the time of his demise is near, then make it easy for him and if his appointed time has not yet approached then grant him health.
Following this prayer, Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha’s (ra) fever subsided. Sensing this improvement [in his health], he said “O Prophet of Allah (saw)! My mother was saying, ‘O my rock and my support!’ ‘When I was ill, I saw an angel standing with an iron club
‘and asking that are you truly like this? Upon this, I replied that I am. ‘Subsequently, he hit me with the iron club.’” There is another similar narration, and it seems to be more correct. He says that an angel was holding an iron club
And asking me that ‘are you truly as your mother describes you; ‘i.e. as a mountain and her support?’ as this is a form of Shirk [associating partners with God]. Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) said: “If I were to say that I am like this,
“he would certainly have struck me with the iron club.” He was also a poet and was among those poets who used to respond to the insults of the opponents on behalf of the Holy Prophet (saw). Some of these verses are as follows: That is, “I recognised the goodness in your blessed being,” that is the Holy Prophet (saw), “and Allah knows that my eyes were not deceived. “You are the Prophet. “Whoever will been deprived of your intercession “on the day of judgement has certainly been decreed themselves to be worthless.
“Thus, may Allah grant him [i.e. the Holy Prophet (saw)] steadfastness in the qualities “He has endowed him with, just as He granted Moses (as) steadfastness, “and may God help him just as the prophets of the past were helped.” Hearing these verses, the Holy Prophet (saw) said,
“O son of Rawaha! May Allah grant you steadfastness.” Hisham bin ‘Urwah said that as a result of this prayer, Allah grated him great steadfastness, so much so that when he was martyred and the doors of heaven were opened for him, he entered therein. Ibn Sa’d relates that when the following verse was revealed: “and as for the poets – it is the erring ones who follow them.” Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha said that Allah the Exalted is well aware if I am from among them. Upon this, the following verse was revealed: “Except those who believe and do good works” The author of Mu’jam-ush-Shu’ara writes that even during the era of ignorance, Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) was renowned and even in Islam, he held a high and lofty status. Hazrat Abdullah (ra) composed a couplet in praise of the Holy Prophet (saw)
That it is known as one of the greatest couplets. This couplet captures the state of his heart in which Hazrat Abdullah (ra) addresses the Holy Prophet (saw) and says: “O Muhammad! Even if you were without the countless signs that speak of your truthfulness “and veracity, your countenance alone is enough to declare your truthfulness.” Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) was able to read and write in the era of ignorance [i.e. prior to the advent of Islam]
A time when the practice of writing was not prevalent amongst the Arabs. After the battle of Badr came to an end, the Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah (ra) from Badr to Medina and Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) to Awaali to announce news of the victory.
Awaali is the name for the area situated four to eight miles north of Medina in which the village of Qubaa and some tribes are located. Hazrat Sa’eed bin Jubair (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) entered Masjid Haram on his camel and stroked the Hajr-e-Aswad [black stone] by means of his staff.
Alongside him was also Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) who was holding the lead rope of the camel whilst reciting the following couplets: That is to say, “O disbelievers, make way for the Holy Prophet (saw), “for after accepting him we have dealt you such a blow “that removes the head from its resting place.” Hazrat Qais bin Abi Hazim (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) told
Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) to ‘dismount and have our camels moving’, i.e. recite such poetry that shall cause our camels to move swiftly, as the Jews say. He replied, “O Messenger (saw) of Allah, I have abandoned such poetry. “Hazrat Umar (ra) then said, ‘Hear and obey’”.
Consequently, Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) dismounted from his camel and recited the following couplets: That is, “O Lord, if it were not for You, “we would not have attained guidance, given alms or offered prayers. “Send down peace and tranquillity upon us “and grant us steadfastness when we meet the enemy, for the disbelievers have attacked us.” Waqee’ has also narrated this, with the addition of: “And if they desire to create disorder, we oppose it” i.e. we shall put an end to this disorder, and not allow it to spread. The narrator then states that the Holy Prophet (saw) said, “O Allah, have mercy on them”, to which Hazrat Umar (ra) answered, “It has been ordained”.
In other words, it is through the prayers of the Holy Prophet (saw) that mercy shall be sent down. Hazrat Ubadah bin Samit (ra) relates that when the Holy Prophet (saw) went to visit Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) whilst he was sick, he was unable to get up from his bed.
The Holy Prophet (saw) asked, “Do you know who the martyrs of my Ummah [people] are?” The people answered, “The martyrs are those Muslims who are killed.” The Holy Prophet (saw) said, “In that case, there are very few martyrs in my Ummah”
And then said, “The Muslim who is killed, who dies due to stomach illness, who drowns, “or the woman who dies in childbirth are all considered martyrs. “These are all types of martyrdom.” Hazrat ‘Urwah bin Zaid (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw)
Appointed Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah (ra) as the commander of the army on the occasion of the battle of Mu’tah and stated that “if Hazrat Zaid (ra) is martyred “then Hazrat Ja’far bin Abi Talib (ra) will be the commander. “If he too is martyred then Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra) will assume control.
“If Abdullah (ra) too is martyred “then the Muslims should appoint whoever they desire as commander.” When the army was ready and about to depart, the people were seeing off the appointed commanders of the Holy Prophet (saw) and praying for their safety. When they saw off the commanders of the Holy Prophet (saw)
And Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra), he began weeping. “The people enquired as to why are he was weeping, to which he replied, “by God I have absolutely no love nor any desire for the world. “However, I heard the Holy Prophet (saw) speaking with regards to the Qur’anic verse: ‘And there is not one of you but will come to it. ‘This is a fixed decree with thy Lord.’ “ Hence, after having treaded this delicate path “i.e. the Day of Reckoning, I do not know what will be my state.” The Fire has been mentioned in the above-mentioned verse which caused him concern,
Whereas in other verses it is clearly stated that this is not the case of a believer and one who takes up the jihad in the way of Allah. Nevertheless, the people told him that God Almighty shall be with him and bring him back to them safely.
It is written in a footnote of Tafsir-e-Saghir, and also in Tafsir-e-Kabir that this shall not be the fate of a believer, but only for the disbelievers. However, the Promised Messiah (as) has explained this [differently], in light of some sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw).
In the footnote from Tafsir-e-Saghir it is written that it seems from the Holy Qur’an that there are two types of inmates of the Fire – the first are in this very life and the other are in the hereafter. Where it is stated that all shall enter Hell,
It does not mean to say that believers shall also be entered therein, rather it means that believers shall experience some aspect of Hell in this very life, i.e. the disbelievers inflict upon them all kinds of suffering. As it were, in light of the Holy Qur’an, the believers shall never enter the Hellfire,
Because according to the Holy Qur’an, it is stated regarding the believers: [Arabic] i.e. The believers shall remain so far from Hell that They will not hear the slightest sound thereof. Hence, the meaning behind believers entering the fire is that they shall suffer afflictions in this life.
The Holy Prophet (saw) has even declared the fever as a type of fire, where he states: [Arabic] ‘Fever is a portion of the Hellfire for every believer’. Nevertheless, this was a brief explanation. Thus, upon learning that Allah the Almighty shall save the believers from the evil of the enemy,
Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha recited the following poetic verses: “I seek forgiveness from the Merciful God, “and I seek the ability to be able to produce such a strike from my sword, “which would inflict a great wound and thereby draw out fresh blood that spumes out. “And the ability to launch an attack of the spear which is carried out
“by one who makes full preparation and is thirsty for blood; “whose spear pierces through the liver and intestines. “[May I continue to valiantly fight] until my death and when people pass by my grave “they will say, ‘O thou who took part in the battle, may Allah grant you good’
‘and indeed Allah will have done so.’” Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha then presented himself before the Holy Prophet (saw) and the Holy Prophet (saw) then sent the army. The army continued to travel and stopped at a place Ma’aan, which is a town situated in Syria towards Hijaz, in the suburbs of Balqaa.
It was there that they learnt that [the Byzantine Emperor] Hercalius, along with a 100,000 roman soldiers and 100,000 Arab soldiers was at Ma’aab. Ma’aab is also a town situated in the suburbs of Balqaa. The Muslims remained in Ma’aan for two days and discussions amongst themselves ensued that
They should send someone to the Holy Prophet (saw) to inform him of the size of the enemy, i.e. that the enemy were in extremely large numbers. They thought that either the Holy Prophet (saw) would send reinforcements or he would issue another commandment. However, Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha gave courage to the Muslims
And reinvigorated their passion. Subsequently, the Muslims, despite being only 3,000 in number, marched ahead and met the roman army in Balqaa near a place called Mushaarif. There are quite a few areas that went by the name of Mushaarif; one was located near Faran, one was near Damascus and the other was near Balqaa.
From this location, the Muslim army moved towards Mauta. Hazrat Anas (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) announced to the people the news of the martyrdom of Hazrat Zaid (ra), Hazrat Jafar (ra) and Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) and this was prior to any news directly reaching them about this incident.
The Holy Prophet (saw) informed the people before any news had reached them. The Holy Prophet (as) stated, “Zaid (ra) was holding the flag and was martyred, “then Jafar (ra) took the flag and he was also martyred and then Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) “took hold of the flag and he too was martyred.”
As the Holy Prophet (saw) was stating this, tears were flowing from his eyes. The Holy Prophet (saw) then stated, “The flag was then taken by one of the swords of Allah, “and eventually Allah the Almighty granted them victory through him.”
When the Holy Prophet (saw)learnt of the martyrdom of Hazrat Zaid (ra) bin Haritha, Hazrat Jafar (ra) and Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra), he stood up to pay tribute. The Holy Prophet (saw)started with Hazrat Zaid (ra) and stated, “O Allah, grant forgiveness to Zaid (ra)! O Allah, grant forgiveness to Zaid (ra)! “O Allah, grant forgiveness to Zaid (ra)! “O Allah, grant forgiveness to Jafar (ra) and Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra).” Hazrat Aishah (ra) narrates that when Hazrat Zaid (ra) bin Haritha, Hazrat Jafar (ra) and Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha were martyred,
The Holy Prophet (saw) went and sat in the mosque. Emotions of grief and sorrow were visible from the Holy Prophet (saw)’s countenance. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has explained the account of the Battle of Mauta in the following manner – this has already been mentioned once before
In reference to Hazrat Zaid (ra), however I shall mentioned some parts of it once again. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “The Holy Prophet (saw) had appointed Zaid (ra) as the commander of the army. “However, the Holy Prophet (saw) also stated, ‘I am appointing Zaid (ra) as the commander of the army,
‘but if Zaid (ra) is martyred during the battle, then Jafar (ra) will take command of the army. ‘If he is also martyred, then Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha will take command. ‘However, if he is also martyred then whoever the Muslims collectively agree upon ‘should take the command of the army’.
“When the Holy Prophet (saw) stated this, “a Jew was also sat in the company of the Holy Prophet (saw) and submitted, ‘Although I do not believe you to be a prophet, ‘but if you are truthful then none of these three individuals would return alive ‘because anything uttered by a prophet is certainly fulfilled.’
“The Jew then went to the Hazrat Zaid (ra) and stated, ‘If your prophet is true, then you shall not come back alive.’ “Hazrat Zaid (ra) replied, ‘Regardless of whether I return from this battle alive or not, ‘for Allah knows best, but it is an undeniable truth that our Messenger (saw)is truthful.’”
Despite not professing belief in the Holy Prophet (saw), the Jew knew that the words of the Holy Prophet (saw) were indeed going to be fulfilled, but this is the stubborn attitude of those who will not accept the truth whatever be the case. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) further writes,
“Allah’s wisdom so ordained that this incident was fulfilled exactly as foretold. “Hazrat Zaid (ra) was martyred. “Then, Hazart Jafar (ra) took up the command and he too was martyred. “Then, Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha took up the command of the army “and was also martyred.
“It was possible that in this moment, the Muslim army could have dispersed “but Hazrat Khalid (ra) bin Waleed took the flag in his hand on the behest of the Muslims. “Allah gave victory to the Muslims through him and he returned the army safely.”
The following account which I am going to relate has already been mentioned once before, however this incident reflects the sincerity and devotion of Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha, and also his love for the Holy Prophet (saw) and Islam. Therefore, I shall relate this once again.
Hazrat Urwah relates that Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (ra) told him that once the Holy Prophet (saw) was riding a donkey which had a saddle placed on it. Underneath the saddle was a blanket that was made in Fadak. The Holy Prophet (saw) placed Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (ra) behind him
And they made their way to the [compounds of] Banu Harith bin Khazraj to enquire about Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Ubadah, who was ill at the time. The incident being narrated took place prior to the Battle of Badr. Whilst travelling they went past a gathering in which some Muslims,
Idolaters and the Jews were all sat together. Abdullah bin Ubayy and Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha were also sat in this gathering. Whilst the Holy Prophet (saw) was riding past, the dust from his mount fell on the gathering, Abdullah bin Ubayy covered his nose and said, “Do not cast dust upon us!”
The Holy Prophet (saw) offered greetings of Salaam [peace] and stopped and dismounted. The Holy Prophet (saw) then invited them towards Allah and recited the Holy Quran. Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool replied, “This is not right! If what you say is true,
“even then you should do not come to our gathering and disrupt it. “Rather go back to where you came from and inform those who come to you.” Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha, immediately stated, “O Prophet (saw)of Allah! You should come to our gatherings
“and recite this to us as we greatly enjoy this.” He did not show any fear of anyone and in fact an altercation ensued as well, but in any case, he demonstrated his character at this occasion. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) once
Sent some of his Companions (ra) on an expedition and Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawahah was also a part of this delegation. It was a Friday and the rest of the companions (ra) who were part of the delegation had left, however Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha said that he will remain behind
And offer his Friday prayers behind the Holy Prophet (saw) and will then join the others. When the Holy Prophet (saw) saw Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha also offering his prayer alongside him, he (saw)stated, “What stopped you from going with your fellow companions?” Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha replied,
“It was my desire to offer the Friday Prayer behind you and then join the others.” The Holy Prophet (saw)stated, “Even if you spend the entire wealth on this earth, “you cannot attain the same blessings as those who have already left.”
The Holy Prophet (saw) further stated that the delegation he sent for this expedition was more important at the time than the Friday prayers and they could have performed their Friday prayers whilst travelling. Hazrat Abu Durdaa (ra) relates that once Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha
Left with the Holy Prophet (saw) on an extremely hot day in the month Ramadan. He states that the heat was so intense that they were all covering their heads from the sun with their hands. He states that none of them were fasting at the time
Apart from the Holy Prophet (saw) and Hazrat Abdullah (ra) bin Rawaha. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes: “Upon arriving in Madinah, the first task was the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi. “The place where the camel of the Holy Prophet (saw) chose to rest,
“was the property of two children from Madinah named Sahl and Suhail, “who lived in the guardianship of Hadrat As‘ad bin Zurarah (ra). “This was a vacant land, on which a few date palms had been planted in one area. “In another area, there were ruins, etc.
“The Holy Prophet (saw) selected this plot to construct the Masjid-e-Nabawi, “and his own livings quarters. “This plot of land was purchased for 10 Dinar, or approximately 90 Rupees. “The surface was levelled and cleared of trees, “after which the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi began.
“The Holy Prophet (saw) supplicated to Allah, and laid the foundation stone himself. “Just as in the construction of the mosque at Quba’, “the Companions worked as builders and labourers.” The Holy Prophet (saw) would also participate at times. Occasionally, while lifting bricks,
The Companions would recite the following couplet of ‘Abdullah bin Rawahah Ansari (ra): “This burden is not the burden of Khaibar’s commercial goods, “which arrive loaded on the backs of animals; “Rather, O our Lord! This is the burden of virtue and purity, which we bear for your pleasure.” At times, the Companions would recite the following couplet of ‘Abdullah bin Rawahah (ra): “O Our Allah! True reward is merely that of the hereafter. “By Your Grace, send down Mercy upon the Ansar and Muhajirin.” When the Companions would recite this couplet, at times, the Holy Prophet – would also join in. In this manner, after a long period of hard work, the mosque was completed.
These were accounts in the life of Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha, and I would like to mention about a deceased member and lead his funeral prayer, therefore I have only mentioned one companion [of the Holy Prophet (saw)] Now, as I have just stated, I will mention some details of a deceased member,
Respected Dr Latif Ahmad Qureshi Sahib, son of Manzoor Ahmad Qureshi Sahib. He passed away on 19th January 2020 at around 1pm in the afternoon at the age of approximately 80 – “To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return”. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the deceased was a Moosi.
He was born Ajmer Sharif, India. His father, Manzoor Qureshi Sahib, did the Bai’at at the hands of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) in 1937. His mother, who is still alive, respected Mansoorah Bushra Sahiba, is the maternal granddaughter of Hazrat Munshi Fiaz Ali Sahib Kapurthalvi, who was a companion of the Promised Messiah (as).
She is also the paternal granddaughter of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Rashid Mirthi. Respected Dr Qureshi Sahib’s parents migrated to Lahore after the independence of Pakistan. He passed his matriculation exams from Lahore and attained first position. He then enrolled in the King Edward Medical College.
He was amongst the youngest students to have passed his MBBS exams and this was particularly mentioned by the principal of the college. To pursue further education, he travelled to the UK in 1961. He initially did a diploma in child healthcare and then attained a degree in MRCP.
He then worked as consultant in a hospital in Yeovil, Somerset and specialised in diseases and illness related to the heart. In 1968, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) asked Dr Sahib when he was planning to come back to them and Dr Sahib replied that whenever Huzoor would direct him.
And so, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) asked him to come back and he left UK and retuned to Pakistan. Dr Sahib was appointed to serve in the Fazle Umar Hospital in Rabwah and continued to work there for a long period of time.
On 11th July 1983, he was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer at the Fazle Umar Hospital and continued to serve at this post till 1987. He continued to work till the age of 60 at the Fazle Umar Hospital and on 20th August 1998, he took retirement.
However, on 6th September 1998, he re-joined the Fazle Umar Hospital and continued to serve by the grace of God Almighty till 10th September 2000. Thus, his total service was approximately 30 years. Aside from serving as a Waqf-e-Zindagi [life devotee] doctor, Dr Latif Qureshi sahib also had the opportunity to serve in various offices
In the central departments of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Ansarullah. Currently, he was serving as the Naib Sadr Ansarullah and was also a member of Majlis Iftaa for the last two years. He wrote two books which were especially for those living in Pakistan; Principles of Preserving one’s Health and Healthy Living.
His wife, who was the daughter of Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib, passed away a few days ago. I mentioned about her last Friday and led her funeral prayer [in absentia] as well. He passed away approximately fifteen days after the passing of his wife.
As I mentioned in regards to his wife, Dr Lateef Quraishi Sahib is survived by three sons and two daughters. His son, Dr Ataul Malik writes: “From as early as I can remember, “I have never seen my father miss the Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayers.
“Our mother would tell us that from the first day of their marriage, “he offered the Tahajjud prayers regularly and continued this practice for more than fifty years. “During the last days of my mother’s illness, my father took great care of my mother;
“he would take her to the Hospital and spend hours waiting for her dialysis to finish “and was in a state of restlessness; despite all this, he never missed the Tahajjud prayers. “He had great sympathy for his patients and would look after the destitute.
“Poor people would travel great distances to obtain medicines and receive treatment. “He would not take fees from many of his patients “and would sometimes give money from his own pocket. “He would always advise us that it is only God Almighty that has the power to cure.”
He would especially advise his three children who are Doctors that they should always pray for their patients. His son writes: “Many times when I would ask my father to pray for a patient of mine, “he would phone the following day and enquire about the patient “and would mention that he prayed for them.”
In 1969, he was working as a consultant in England, but he left all worldly luxuries and wealth, and placing his trust in Allah, he moved to Rabwah. He had complete conviction that God Almighty would provide for all his worldly and spiritual endeavours and that his children would receive a good education.
Thus, God Almighty showered His blessings upon him and Dr Quraishi Sahib never suffered any financial difficulty and his children also received a good education. Most of his children are settled in USA, three of whom are Doctors. Dr Quraishi Sahib looked after his parents and even until his last days,
He would prepare food for his mother and took good care of her. As I mentioned earlier, the mother of Dr Quraishi sahib is alive and was living with him. Dr Quraishi Sahibs son writes: “My father assisted me greatly in preparation for [entry] examinations “for USA and would encourage us children in all matters.
“He was averse to any form of pretentiousness and lived a simple life. “Prior to doing anything in his life, whether it was something small or significant, “he would always write to the Khalifa and seek guidance.” His other son, Dr Ahmad Mahmood Quraishi writes:
“Hazrat Khaifatul Masih III (rh) said about him that he is not simply a Doctor, “rather he practiced his profession with the help of prayers. “He would pray for every single patient. Before writing any prescription, he would always write ‘In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful’
“and underneath he would write ‘God is the restorer of health’. “He would advise other Doctors to pray for their patients, “because only God Almighty has the power to cure.” He further writes: “During the days in which my mother passed away, “a patient came to see him from Shorkot.
“At the time he was sitting in the car and was preparing to go somewhere. “He stopped and attended to the patient and gave him a prescription. “Often he would purchase medicines for his patients himself.” His daughter writes: “A lady informed me that her father suffered a heart attack “and was alone at home.”
I.e. the father of the woman. “He [i.e. Dr Quraishi sahib] went to tend to him and informed the person’s children. “He sat with him and remained there until the children came home.” He would attend the Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] in Qadian and the UK each year.
He had a habit of working hard and always worked with great diligence. His daughter writes: “After the demise of our mother, “he asked me to help in all the arrangements. “After I completed everything he expressed his gratitude to such extent that I felt embarrassed.
“During all this, one thing he would repeatedly say to me was to complete everything “at first instance, as he did not have much time left. “At the time, I did not pay much attention to this and nor did I enquire about it, “as he usually never openly shared his dreams.
“Later on however, my brother informed me that he had seen a dream about himself “and said that he did not have much time left. “One hour prior to his demise, he sat in the clinic adjacent to the house from 9am to 1pm. “He came home at 1pm, performed his ablution
“and stated his intention to offer prayers in Masjid Mubarak. “As he sat on his bed, he took off his shoes when he suffered a heart attack, “and thus, departed to meet with his Creator.” He had a loving relationship with his neighbours and they also took great care of him.
He had a passion for poetry and literature; he would recite poems from Durr-e-Sameen, Kalam-e-Mahmood and Durr-e-Adan in a melodious tune. He recorded many cassettes consisting of different verses, and had a scholarly disposition. Syed Hussain Ahmad, who is a missionary and also married to Dr Quraishi Sahibs sister-in-law,
Writes: “Dr Sahib told me that when he arrived at Lahore from London when he moved to Pakistan to serve in the Jama’at Hospital “he went straight to the Private Secretary’s office. “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) called him inside and remarked, ‘You have arrived.’
“Dr Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he has come to render his services. “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) then said that he had the house of Dr Sahib painted “and that he ought to get the keys from Nazir-e-Ala sahib and remain there.
“Dr sahib then said that when he went to the house, he found two charpoys’. “He went to the market and purchased two more “as well as other items for the house and began living there. “He did not make any demands nor show any pretentiousness that he had come from England.
“In the first Jalsa, he received a lot of guests. “He would sleep on the floor himself and offered his house for the guests. “He took great care of his father-in-law, Maulana Abdul Malik Khan Sahib and his mother-in-law. Hussain sahib further writes: “Dr sahib would often say that his colleague Doctors,
“who were serving in various high ranking positions, would ask him “what he received in return for working in a small settlement such as Rabwah? “Dr Sahib would reply by saying ‘those people have no idea and can never truly understand ‘what I receive in return for my service in Rabwah.’
“The prayers [that one can offer here] are priceless.’” He had the opportunity to treat Companions (ra) of the Promised Messiah (as), Hazrat Nawab Mubarakah Begum Sahiba and Hazrat Sayyida Amatul Hafeez Begum Sahiba. Dr Quraishi Sahib stayed with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) in Islamabad in the days leading up to his demise.
He also had the opportunity to tend to other elders of the jama’at as well. Dr Abdul Khaliq Sahib writes: “It would not be an exaggeration to write that Dr Quraishi Sahib, “who is no longer with us, was a Doctor who especially cared for the poor.
“For more than half a century he served the poor “and destitute of this area irrespective of the patients’ religion or background. “When the deceased was serving as the Chief Medical Officer of the [Fazl-e-Umar] Hospital, “he would personally go to Lahore and check rates for various equipment on the market.
“He would then purchase the appropriate items “and sometimes this process would take the entire day. “One of his characteristics was that he was always mindful of the correct use of Jama’ats money “and resources. “He initiated the Ultrasound and Endoscopy departments in the Hospital.
“Initially he would walk or travel by bicycle to visit renowned personalities “and also Companions of the Promised Messiah (as) in their homes and would advise them accordingly. “With regards to the Fazle Umar Hospital, he would say: ‘The prayers of the Khulafah [Caliphs] of Ahmadiyyat
‘are with this hospital and with respect to the healing and treatment of patients, ‘by the grace of Allah, I have witnessed countless miracles here.’” Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib writes: “During his service in the Fazle Umar Hospital, “which spanned over approximately 30 years, he had to endure various trials,
“however, his humble disposition was such that he submitted in the face of every trial, “and as he faced them, he maintained his honour and dignity “and offered supplications before God Almighty.” Sultan Mubashar Sahib is correct in what he writes, as I am aware of certain matters
In which Dr Sahib always maintained his dignity and without a word of complaint, he endured the difficulties he faced. As a result, Allah the Almighty bestowed him with blessings. He never complained against any office bearer, nor did he ever share any grievances or personal injustices of fellow colleagues with anyone.
Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib states that he was not just a Doctor for the rich or nobility, rather he treated everyone, and as mentioned earlier, this one of his attributes. Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib writes an incident: “One day, the wife of Rahmat Ali Sahibs driver was brought to the Emergency department.
“I requested Dr Quraishi Sahib to come to the hospital. “He came to the hospital within a few minutes from his home, in Darul Uloom Sharqi.” His house was not near the hospital, in fact, his house was situated on the other side of Rabwah, yet he immediately went to the hospital.
“He was very loyal to the Jamaat. “On occasions, when us junior doctors would be despondent with the strict disciplinary measures “of our superiors, Dr Quraishi sahib would sit us down and explain to us “that we must obey the Nizaam at all cost and bear everything patiently.
“When his wife, Shaukat Sahiba passed away, on the following day, in fact it was on the same day- “the Walima [marriage] ceremony of two of his nephews was to take place. “Dr Quraishi Sahib went to the groom’s house and informed them about the passing of his wife,
“but advised them to continue with the marriage preparations and not to postpone them.” As mentioned his wife was the maternal aunt of the two grooms, i.e. the ceremony was of the two sons of Hussain sahib. However, Dr Sahib advised them to continue with the proceedings and not to cancel them.
His son, Dr Mahmood said that he would not attend the marriage ceremony, but Dr Quraishi sahib advised him to be content with the Will of God, then further said that it was in these circumstances whereby people are tested and their level of patience and contentment with the Will of God are gauged.
He then took his son along with him and participated in the marriage ceremony and out of reverence for the occasion, he ensured that nobody from his area should come to know of the death until the marriage ceremony was concluded. May Allah the Almighty shower His mercy and forgiveness upon him,
Both parents of the children have passed away within a short space of time, may Allah grant his children patience and steadfastness. May Allah enable the children to continue the virtues of both parents. As mentioned, the mother of Dr Quraishi Sahib is alive but is unwell,
May Allah have mercy on her and grant His blessings. 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.