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 have been narrating accounts in the life of Hazrat Ali (ra) and I shall continue to do so today as well as in the coming Friday sermons, God willing.
When Ibn Qami’ah martyred Hazrat Mus’ab bin ‘Umair during the Battle of Uhud, he thought that he had martyred the Holy Prophet (saw). Hence, he returned to the Quraish and said that he had killed Muhammad (saw). When Hazrat Mus’ab was martyred, the Holy Prophet (saw) handed the flag to Hazrat Ali (ra).
Thus, Hazrat Ali (ra) and the Muslims continued in the battle. In a narration it is mentioned that during the Battle of Uhud, the flagbearer of the idolaters, Talha bin Abi Talha, called out to Hazrat Ali (ra) and challenged him. Subsequently, Hazrat Ali (ra) stepped forward and struck him with such force
That he fell to the ground and began to quiver. Hazrat Ali (ra) continuously killed the flagbearers of the disbelievers one after another. Spotting a group of the disbelievers, the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed Hazrat Ali (ra) to attack them. Hazrat Ali (ra) killed ‘Amr bin ‘Abdillah Jum’i and caused that group to disperse.
Following this, the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed him to attack another contingent of the disbelievers. Hazrat Ali (ra) killed Shai’bah bin Malik, upon which Angel Gabriel said: “O Messenger of Allah (saw)! Certainly, he deserves your sympathy;” i.e. referring to Hazrat Ali (ra).
The Holy Prophet (saw) replied: “Indeed, Ali is from me and I am from him.” Angel Gabriel replied: “I am from both of you.” Hazrat Ali (ra) relates: “During the Battle of Uhud, “when the people around the Holy Prophet (saw) became scattered,
“I started searching through the bodies of the martyrs, but did not find the Holy Prophet (saw). “I then said: ‘By God! The Holy Prophet (saw) would never flee, “‘nor have I found him among the martyrs. “‘Instead, Allah is displeased with us and has raised up His Prophet (saw).
“‘Hence, now it is best for me to continue fighting until I am killed.’ “I then broke the sheath of my sword and launched an attack on the disbelievers, “which made them disperse. “Once they dispersed, I saw that the Holy Prophet (saw) was in the midst of them.”
This is the tale of love and devotion, which began from childhood and manifested itself on each and every occasion. There is a narration with regards to the injuries sustained by the Holy Prophet (saw) during the battle of Uhud. Hazrat Sahl bin Sa’d was asked about the injuries of the Holy Prophet (saw),
Upon which he said: “If you ask me then by God, “I am fully aware of the person who cleaned the wounds of the Holy Prophet (saw).” i.e. he vividly remembers that scene; who was washing his wounds and what ointment was used.
Hazrat Sahl said: “Hazrat Fatimah (ra), the daughter of the Holy Prophet (saw), “was cleaning the wound and Hazrat Ali (ra) was using his shield to pour water over it. “When Hazrat Fatimah saw that the water caused more blood to flow from the wound,
“she took a piece of a sack, burnt it and patched it over the wound, which stopped the bleeding. “On that day, the Holy Prophet (saw) lost one of his front teeth, “his face was wounded and his helmet broke on his head.” Hazrat Sa‘eed bin Musayyib relates that
Hazrat Ali (ra) sustained 16 wounds during the Battle of Uhud. Whilst discussing the phenomenon that there is a treasure of blessings hidden behind each trial and tribulation, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “When Hazrat Ali (ra) returned from the Battle of Uhud,
“he handed Hazrat Fatimah (ra) his sword and said, ‘Clean this, for today this sword served me well.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) heard this and said, “‘Ali, it was not only your sword which excelled, “‘rather many of your brethren used their swords exceptionally.’ “He then mentioned the names of six or seven companions saying,
“‘Their swords were by no means inferior to yours “‘and they passed through similar trials and eventually succeeded.'” The Battle of Khandaq took place in Shawwal, 5 AH. On this occasion, when the army of the disbelievers had surrounded Madinah, the chieftains agreed that they would launch an attack in unison.
They began searching for a narrow path in the ditch through which their cavalry could pass and reach the Holy Prophet (saw) and his companions, but they were unable to locate such a place. They said that this is a strategy which till today has never been used in Arab lands.
They were told that the Holy Prophet (saw) had a Persian companion who suggested this idea. The disbelievers then said that this must be his scheme. Thereafter, they reached a narrow passage of the ditch, which the Muslims were unaware of, then ‘Ikramah bin Abi Jahl, Naufal bin ‘Abdillah, Darar bin Khattab,
Hubairah bin Abi Wahab and ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd passed through this passage. In order to call out and challenge others, ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd recited the following couplets: I.e.,”I have lost my voice, constantly crying out to the other party, “saying, ‘Will anyone come and challenge me?'” In response to this, Hazrat Ali (ra) recited the following couplets: “Do not show haste, for the one to answer your call has come, “who shall never show weakness nor any frailty; “Firm resolve, complete sagacity, “and remaining resolute in the battleground with unwavering resolve “is key to each successful victory;
“Indeed, I expect to gather those who wail over a deceased one, to lament over you “Whilst causing such a deep wound, which shall be etched in the history of wars.” When Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) said, “O Messenger (saw) of Allah, I shall go and challenge him,”
The Holy Prophet (saw) handed his sword to him, tied his turban for him and supplicated, “O Allah, grant your support against him (i.e. against ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd)”. Hazrat Ali (ra) then went forth to confront him. They both approached one another and the dust between them flew up as they battled.
Hazrat Ali (ra) struck him and killed him. He then exclaimed Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest], from which they understood that Hazrat Ali (ra) had slain him. Those with ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd fled and were only able to save themselves because of their horses.
Whilst giving further details of this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes: ‘Amr was an extremely renowned swordsman and due to his bravery, was considered to be the like of 1,000 warriors by himself. Since he had returned from Badr frustrated and unsuccessful, his heart was satiated with feelings of malice and revenge.
As soon as he took to the field, he called for a duel in a very arrogant manner, asking if there was anyone who would confront him. Certain Companions (ra) were reluctant in confronting him, but Hazrat Ali (ra) stepped forward to square up to him with the permission of the Holy Prophet (saw).
The Holy Prophet (saw) bestowed his own sword to him and prayed for him. Hazrat Ali (ra) advanced and said to ‘Amr, “I have heard that you have vowed that if a person from the Quraish requests two things of you, “you shall accept one of the two.” “Indeed,” said ‘Amr.
Hazrat Ali (ra) responded, “Then I ask you first to embrace Islam “and become the recipient of divine favours by accepting the Holy Prophet (saw).” “This is not possible,” said ‘Amr. Hazrat Ali (ra) said, “If not this, then come forward and prepare to battle me.” At this, ‘Amr began to laugh and said,
“I did not believe that anyone would ever muster the courage to say such words to me.” Then he asked Hazrat Ali (ra) to provide his name and line of decent, and upon hearing his descent, said, “Nephew! You are still a child. “I do not wish to spill your blood, send forth your elders.”
“You do not wish to spill my blood,” said Hazrat Ali (ra), “but I feel no hesitation in spilling yours.” Upon hearing this, ‘Amr became blind in rage and after jumping from his horse, hamstrung it (so that there was no way to return).
Then he madly marched forward towards Hazrat Ali (ra) like a fierce flame of fire and wielded his sword against him with such force, that it cut through the shield of Hazrat Ali (ra) and struck his forehead, who was wounded to some extent. However, Hazrat Ali (ra) retaliated with such lightning speed,
Calling out a slogan of God’s Greatness, that ‘Amr was left fending for his life. The sword of Hazrat Ali (ra) penetrated his shoulder and cut him to the ground. ‘Amr fell to the ground and gave up his life tossing and turning in agony. After the death of ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd,
The disbelievers sent word to the Holy Prophet (saw) that they would give 10,000 dirhams in exchange for his corpse. In response to this the Holy Prophet (saw) said, “Take it, for we do not wish to make money of the deceased.” Hazrat Bara bin ‘Azib (ra) narrates
That when the Holy Prophet (saw) made the treaty at Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) was the scribe who wrote down the document between them. He had written down the name ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah’. The idolaters said, “Do not to write Muhammad, Messenger of Allah,
“for if you were a messenger we would not have any dispute with you.” The Holy Prophet (saw) instructed Hazrat Ali (ra) to erase it. Hazrat Ali (ra) said that he would not be the one to erase it.
The Holy Prophet (saw) then erased it by his own hand and agreed to the pact on the condition that he and his companions could remain in Makkah for three days and they would enter having kept their weapons in the julubban. The people asked, “What is a julubban?” The Holy Prophet (saw) replied,
“The outer covering in which the sword and its sheath are placed in.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has narrated this incident with more details. He states: “when the Holy Prophet (saw) arrived at the meeting of Hudaibiyah “and the disbelievers were presenting their conditions for the treaty,
“the companions were seated and were boiling with fury from within owing to atrocities “which were continuously committed by the disbelievers against them for twenty years. “Their swords were unsheathed and they waited for any opportunity “to exact revenge for the atrocities they committed against Islam.
“But the Holy Prophet (saw) listened to what the disbelievers had to say, “and when they proposed the idea to enter into a treaty, “he said, ‘Very well, let us form a treaty.’ “They then said, ‘On the condition that this year you cannot perform the ‘Umrah [pilgrimage]’
“The Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘Very well, this year we shall not perform the ‘Umrah.’ “Then the disbelievers said, ‘When you come the following year to perform the ‘Umrah, “‘you may not remain in Makkah for longer than three days.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) answered, ‘Very well, I accept this condition.’
“They then said, ‘You shall not be permitted to enter Makkah with your weapons.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘Very well. We shall not enter Makkah armed.’ “As the conditions of the treaty were being agreed upon, the companions were boiling with anger.
“Deep down they were restless owing to their anger but could not do anything. “Hazrat Ali (ra) was appointed to write up the treaty. “When he began writing it by stating that this treaty is being formed “between the party of Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and his companions,
“and the party of such and such chieftains of Makkah and the people of Makkah. “This enraged the disbelievers who said: “‘We cannot tolerate these words for we do not accept Muhammad (saw) as the Messenger of Allah. “‘If we did, then there would be no matter of contention between us.
“‘We are forming a treaty with him in his capacity as Muhammad, son of Abdullah, “‘not with Muhammad the Messenger of Allah. “‘Thus, these words cannot be included in the treaty.’ “At that moment, the emotions of the companions could hardly be contained “and they began to tremble with fury.
“They thought that God had created another opportunity “whereby the Holy Prophet (saw) would not accept what the disbelievers said “and they would be allowed to fight “and thus be able to let out the anger they felt within themselves. “However, the Holy Prophet (saw) said,
““they are right, the words ‘Messenger of Allah’ should be erased from the treaty.” “He then said to Hazrat Ali (ra), ‘Ali, erase these words.’ “Although Hazrat Ali (ra) was an exemplary model when it came to obedience,
“in that moment his heart began to tremble and tears began to flow from his eyes as he said, “‘O Messenger of Allah (saw)! I am unable to erase these words.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) then said, ‘give the parchment to me.’
“He took it, and with his own hands, erased the words, ‘Messenger of Allah.’” There is a long narration in Sahih Muslim regarding the Battle of Khaibar, which took place in Muharram and Safar, 7 AH. Hazrat Salama bin Akwa` narrates, “When we reached Khaibar,
“their chief Marhab came out wielding his sword as he said, “‘Khaibar knows very well that I am Marhab, “‘and when battles come blazing forth, I am an armed, brave and an experienced warrior,'” meaning that he would display his bravery in such circumstances.
The narrator continues, “My uncle ‘Amir went forth to combat him whilst saying, “‘Khaibar knows that I am Amir, the armed, brave, and one who puts himself in the face of danger’” The narrator further says, “Both traded blows; Marhab’s sword struck Amir’s shield. “Amir tried to attack him from below the shield
“but he struck himself by with his own sword which severed an artery “as a result of which he was martyred.” Salamah (ra) continues, “When I left from there, “I heard some companions of the Holy Prophet (saw) saying that “Amir’s deeds went in vain as he had killed himself.”
He then narrates: “I went to the Holy Prophet (saw) and was crying. “I asked him, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah, Have Amir’s deeds been wasted?’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘Who has said this?’ “I replied, ‘some of your companions have said this.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘Whoever said this is incorrect.
“‘In fact, he [Amir] has earned a double reward.’ “Then the Holy Prophet (saw) sent me to Hazrat Ali (ra), “who, at the time, was experiencing an ailment of the eyes. “The Holy Prophet (saw) then said, “‘I will give this flag to he who loves Allah and His Messenger (saw),
“‘or he whom Allah and His Messenger (saw) love.'” The narrator continues to say, “I went to Hazrat Ali (ra) and brought him with me “as he had some discomfort in his eyes (due to some ailment as a result of which they were swollen).
“Therefore, I took him along with me until we reached the Holy Prophet (saw). “He placed some of his saliva on Hazrat Ali’s (ra) eyes “as a result of which his pain was alleviated “and then the Holy Prophet (saw) gave him the flag. “Thereafter, Marhab came forward and said,
“‘Khaibar knows that I am Marhab, and when battle rages forth, I am armed, brave and experienced.’ “Hazrat Ali (ra) responded by saying, “My mother named me ‘Haidar’; the one who resembles a ferocious lion that roams the jungle. “I shall give a Sandarah in exchange for a Sa`.” This is an Arabic idiom which has the Urdu equivalents as [Urdu], this means to return someone’s attack with one that is more fierce.
The literal meaning of Sandarah is a large scale, whilst one Sa` only comprises of three seir [unit of measurement] thus a Sandarah is greater. The narrator continues, “After saying this, Hazrat Ali (ra) struck Marhab on his head and killed him. “Thus, Khaibar was conquered at the hands of Hazrat Ali (ra).”
This narration is from Sahih Muslim. Whilst mentioning the same incident, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “Hazrat Ali (ra) was granted an opportunity on the day of Khaibar, “when the Holy Prophet (saw) said, “‘Today I shall grant an opportunity to he who loves God and whom God Almighty loves,
“‘and will give my sword to him who God Almighty has granted excellence.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) says that he was present in that gathering and he raised his head “hoping that the Holy Prophet (saw) would see him and grant him the sword. “However when the Holy Prophet (saw) looked towards him he remained silent.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) raised his head again, “yet upon seeing him the Holy Prophet (saw) still remained silent. “Then Hazrat Ali (ra) came, and he was experiencing pain in his eyes. “The Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘Ali, come forward.’ “When Hazrat Ali (ra) stepped forward,
“the Holy Prophet (saw) placed his saliva on Hazrat Ali’s (ra) eyes and said, “‘May Allah Almighty heal your eyes. “‘Take this sword which Allah Almighty has entrusted to you.'” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has mentioned the same incident in another instance when he says,
“Around five months after the Holy Prophet (saw) had returned from Hudaibiya, “it was decided that the Jewish people who resided in Khaibar should be expelled “for they resided only a short distance away from Madinah “and could easily plot against them. “Thus, the Holy Prophet (saw) took sixteen hundred companions with him
“and set out towards Khaibar in August 628 CE. “Khaibar was a fortified city as there were forts on hills at all four corners of the city. “To conquer such a well-protected city with such a small amount of people was no easy task. “Various small watch-posts were overtaken after some small skirmishes,
“however when all the Jewish people gathered at the central fortress of the city, “all plans to conquer it began to falter. “One day, God Almighty informed the Holy Prophet (saw) “that this city was destined to be conquered at the hand of Hazrat Ali (ra).
“Thus, in the morning, the Holy Prophet (saw) announced that “he would bestow the black colored flag of Islam “to he who was loved by God, His Messenger (saw) and by the Muslims, “for God had decreed this fortress to be conquered at his hand.
“Then, the next morning, the Holy Prophet (saw) summoned Hazrat Ali (ra) “and granted him the flag, who then led the Muslim army and attacked the fortress. “Though the Jewish people were well protected, “Allah Almighty granted Hazrat Ali (ra) and other companions such strength on this day,
“that before nightfall, the fortress had been conquered.” Then, at another instance, with reference to Hazrat Ali (ra) and the same incident, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “When the matter of conquering the fortress of Khaibar arose, “the Holy Prophet (saw) called Hazrat Ali (ra) and desired to bestow upon him
“the flag of the Muslim army; however, Hazrat Ali (ra) was experiencing pain in his eyes “and due to the extreme pain, his eyes had become swollen. “The Holy Prophet (saw) saw the state Hazrat Ali (ra) was in and said to him, ‘come here.’ “When Hazrat Ali (ra) went towards him, “the Holy Prophet (saw) placed his saliva on the eyes of Hazrat Ali (ra)
“and his eyes were immediately relieved of the pain. In another instance, whilst mentioning how the Holy Prophet (saw) granted cure through his blessed hands, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “We witness such examples in this world “wherein certain people stricken with illness are miraculously cured “without even undergoing any medical treatment,
“or at times, they are granted cure when the medical treatment proves unsuccessful. “A similar kind of incident in regards to granting cure “is found in the life of the Holy Prophet (saw) during the Battle of Khayber. “During the Battle of Khayber, the Holy Prophet (saw) stated,
“‘The victory of Khayber has been destined with the one whom I grant my flag to.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) relates that when the time [of battle] approached, “he raised his neck and began to look around “in the hope that perhaps the Holy Prophet (saw) would grant him the flag.
“However, the Holy Prophet (saw) did not assign him with this duty. “In the meanwhile, Hazrat Ali (ra) came, “and at the time, he was experiencing a lot of pain in the eyes. “The Holy Prophet (saw) placed his blessed saliva upon his eyes “and he was immediately cured from the ailment of his eyes.
“The Holy Prophet (saw) then placed the flag in Hazrat Ali’s (ra) hand “and entrusted him with the conquest of Khaibar.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) further states, “There is a very faith-inspiring incident of Hazrat Ali (ra). “During the Battle of Khayber, Hazrat Ali (ra) went against a very prominent general of the Jews.
“Since he was also a very skilled fighter, “therefore they both continued to fight each other for a long time. “Eventually, Hazrat Ali (ra) felled him to the ground “and knelt upon his chest “with the intention to cut his head off with the final stroke of his sword.
“However, he spat on Hazrat Ali’s (ra) face “and Hazrat Ali (ra) immediately stood away from him. “The Jew was surprised “at the fact that Hazrat Ali (ra) had overcome him and yet had now let him go.
“Why would he let him go even though he easily had the opportunity to kill him, he thought. “And so, he enquired from Hazrat Ali (ra) as to why he let him go. “Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, “‘Till this point, I was fighting against you purely for the sake of attaining Allah’s pleasure,
“‘however when you spat at me, I became angry “‘and felt that now if I were to kill you then it would not be for the sake of Allah, “‘but owing to my personal anger. “‘Thus, I let you go so my anger subsides, lest I kill you for a personal reason.’
“How great of an example was this which was demonstrated by Hazrat Ali (ra). “Right in the midst of the battle, he let a bitter enemy go free “simply because he did not wish to kill him owing to any personal grievance.
“Rather if he did so then it would only be for the sake of Allah alone.” According to the narrations, it is stated that Hazrat Ali (ra) read out the opening verses of Surah al-Taubah on the occasion of Hajj. The narration is as follows; Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Ali relates,
“When Surah Bara’ah (Surah al-Taubah) was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw), “he had already sent Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) as the Amir of the Hajj. “A suggestion was put before the Holy Prophet (saw) “to send this chapter [Surah] to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) so that he could recite it there.
“The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “‘no one can fulfil this responsibility apart from someone among the members of my household.’ “Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (saw) called for Hazrat Ali (ra) and stated, “‘On the day when the people gather in Mina to offer their sacrifice,
“‘announce before them what has been mentioned in the opening part of Surah al-Taubah “‘which is that a Kafir [disbeliever] shall not enter paradise. “‘Also, that after this year, no idolater will be permitted to perform the Hajj, “‘nor will they be permitted to perform the Tawwaf [circuits]
“‘around the House of Allah whilst naked , “‘and whoever has entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophet (saw), “‘the complete duration of that treaty will be honoured.’ “Subsequently, Hazrat Ali (ra) mounted upon the camel of the Holy Prophet (saw) called Adhba “and left [for Mecca].
“Whilst on route, he caught up with Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). “Upon seeing him, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) asked, “‘have you been appointed as the Amir, or will you be under me?’ “Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, ‘I will serve under you.’ “Thus, they both continued their journey
“and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) oversaw all the matters in relation to the Hajj. “That year, the Arabs had camped in the same place where they previously used to camp “during Jahiliyyah [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam]. “When it was the day to offer their sacrifices,
“Hazrat Ali (ra) stood up and just as he had been instructed by the Holy Prophet (saw), “he announced before the people, ‘O people, no disbeliever shall enter paradise. “‘And after this year, no idolater shall be permitted to perform the Hajj
“‘and nor will they be permitted to perform the Tawwaf [circuits] around the House of Allah naked, “‘and whoever has entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophet (saw), “‘the complete duration of that treaty will be honoured.’ “Everyone was granted a duration of four months from the moment of that announcement,
“so that all the tribes could reach their respective areas and places of safety. “Thereafter, after the passing of that duration, “no idolater would have any kind of treaty or pact or any responsibly in regards to this, “except if they had entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophet (saw).
(In other words, if the duration of a treaty still remained, then that would continue to be honoured “but there would be no new treaty or pact [for the idolaters to perform Hajj]). “After that year, no idolater performed the Hajj “and neither did anyone perform the Hajj whilst naked.
“Thereafter, Hazrat Ali (ra) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) returned to the Holy Prophet (saw).” The following narration has already been mentioned with reference to another a companion, however I shall mention it again in regards to Hazrat Ali (ra). This event took place on the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca,
In Ramadhan 8 AH, January of 630 CE. Hazrat Ali (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) sent him, Hazrat Zubair (ra) and Miqdad bin Aswad (ra) to Raudh Khakh – this event in fact took place before the conquest of Mecca –
And the Holy Prophet (saw) stated to them, “go forth and when you reach Raudh Khaakh, “there you will find a woman who will be mounted upon a camel and she has a letter. “Take the letter from her.” Hazrat Ali (ra) further relates, “Subsequently, we raced off on our horses and reached Raudh Khaakh.
“Upon reaching there, we indeed found a woman mounted on a camel. “We instructed her to hand over the letter; however, she denied having any letter. “We then warned her that either she should produce the letter “or we would be compelled to remove her clothes in order to search for it.
“Upon this, she took out the letter which was concealed in the bun of her hair “and handed it over to us. We took the letter and returned to the Holy Prophet (saw). “Upon opening the letter, we discovered that “Hatib bin Abi Balta (ra) had addressed some of the idolaters of Mecca
“and was revealing information about a certain plan of the Holy Prophet (saw). “The Holy Prophet (saw) called for Hatib bin Abi Balta (ra) and asked him to explain the matter. “Hatib (ra) submitted, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah! “‘Please do not make a decision in haste with regard to me.
“‘[The reason I have done this is because] I am not from the Quraish, “‘but in fact I came and joined them. “‘However, the other Muhajireen who are with you have relations in Mecca “‘through which they are able to safeguard their wealth and properties. “‘Therefore, since I have no relations there,
“‘I wished to do a favour for the people of Mecca, “‘with the intention that perhaps through this favour of mine they will have some regard for me. “‘I did not commit this act owing to disbelief or apostasy, or owing to any hypocrisy. (He stated that neither was he a disbeliever nor an apostate,
And he did not commit this act for any of those reasons). “‘Nor can I ever give preference to disbelief after having accepted Islam. “‘I assure you of this.’ “Upon this, the Holy Prophet (saw) stated, ‘indeed, you have spoken the truth.’” In other words, he accepted what he had said.
Whilst narrating this incident, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “A weak companion disclosed to the Meccans “that the Holy Prophet (saw) was departing for Mecca with an army of 10,000 companions. “[In the letter] he wrote, ‘I am not aware exactly where the Holy Prophet (saw)
“‘is heading towards but I assume he is travelling to Mecca. “‘Some of my close relations and family relatives live in Mecca, “‘I hope that during this difficult hour you will extend them your help and support “‘and not allow them to be harmed in any way.’ “This letter had not reached Mecca yet,
“when the Holy Prophet (saw) called for Hazrat Ali (ra) in the morning and stated, “‘Go to such and such place, “‘for Allah the Almighty has informed me that you will find a woman there “‘who will be mounted upon a camel and will have a letter which she will be taking to the Meccans.
“‘Take the letter from her and immediately return to me.’ “When Hazrat Ali (ra) was about to leave, the Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “‘Remember, she is a woman, therefore do not treat her harshly. “‘Try to pressure and persuade her to admit that she has a letter,
“‘however if she still does not comply despite your efforts to convince her, “‘then you may take strict action, even if you have to kill her, “‘but you must not allow that letter to reach [Mecca].’ “And so, Hazrat Ali (ra) reached that particular location and also found that woman.
“When she was asked to be searched, she began to cry “and swore that she was not a traitor or a cheat. “In any case, they searched her and looked into her pockets and possessions “but could not find the letter. “The Companions (ra) suggested that it seemed she did not have the letter.
“However, Hazrat Ali (ra) became impassioned and told them to remain silent. “He then very passionately stated, ‘I swear by Allah, “‘ the Messenger (saw) of Allah can never utter a lie.’ “And so he told the woman, ‘The Messenger (saw) of Allah has told us
“‘that you have a letter and I swear by God, I am not lying.’ “After this, Hazrat Ali (ra) drew his sword and said, “‘Produce the letter, otherwise if I have to take off all of your clothes and search,
“‘then I will do that because the Messenger (saw) of Allah has indeed spoken the truth “‘and you are the one who is lying.’ “Thus, she became frightened and upon being threatened to have her clothes removed, “she quickly took the letter out from the bun of her hair and gave it over.”
In another instance, whilst narrating the details of this incident, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) stated, “During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (saw), “one of the companions tried to secretly reveal information to his relatives in Mecca “about the plans of the Muslims to attack Mecca, “so that owing to this act of compassion,
“they would in turn afford kind treatment to his relatives. “However, the Holy Prophet (saw) was informed of this by divine revelation. “The Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Ali (ra) along with a few other companions “to a particular place and told them to retrieve a letter from a woman.
“Upon reaching there, they demanded the letter from that woman, however she denied having it. “Some of the companions thought that perhaps the Holy Prophet (saw) had made a mistake. “However, Hazrat Ali (ra) insisted that this was not the case “and that the Holy Prophet (saw) could never be wrong.
“He stated that until she did not produce the letter, he would not leave. “Hazrat Ali (ra) then admonished the woman “and as a result she produced the letter and gave it to them.” On the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, whilst the Holy Prophet (saw) was sat in Masjid al-Haram,
Hazrat Ali (ra) presented himself before the Holy Prophet (saw) and gave him the keys to the Ka’bah. He submitted, “O Messenger (saw) of Allah, “assign us the duties of providing water during the days of Hajj “as well as overseeing the opening and closing the door of the Ka’bah.”
The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “Where is Uthman bin Talha?” Subsequently he was called for and the Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “O Uthman! This is your key. Today is the day of virtue and loyalty.” The Holy Prophet (saw) then stated to Hazrat Ali (ra), “I shall not give you something
“as a result of which you will be burdened with hardship and difficulty, “rather, I will give you that which is better for you and a source of blessing. “And nor will I give you something which you yourselves have a desire for.” i.e. he would not bestow it because he had asked for it.
Hazrat Umm Hani bint Abi Talib (ra) narrates: “When the Holy Prophet (saw) stayed in the elevated part of Mecca, “two of my in-laws from the Bani Makhzum tribe ran away and came to me.” Hazrat Umm Hani (ra) further states:
“My brother, Ali [bin Abi Talib] came to me and said, ‘By God! I will kill them both.’” Hazrat Umm Hani (ra) states: “I shut them both inside the house. “I then went to the Holy Prophet (saw) in the upper part of Mecca.
“I found that he was bathing at the time using a container which had remnants of dough inside. “His daughter, Hazrat Fatimah (ra) was holding a cloth for a covering around him. “After bathing, the Holy Prophet (saw) changed his clothes “and then offered eight rak’ats of voluntary prayer [units of prayer] at mid-morning.
“After this he turned to me and said: “‘Welcome O Umm Hani! What brings you here?’” She then informed him about the incident with the two men and what Hazrat Ali (ra) had said about killing them and also that she had hid them inside her house.
The Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “We also give refuge to whoever you granted refuge, “and I assure the safety of those whom you granted protection.” i.e. the Holy Prophet (saw) ordered Hazrat Ali (ra) not to kill them. The Holy Prophet (saw) passed the verdict of death for Huwairth bin Nuqaid
As he had greatly persecuted the Holy Prophet (saw) in Mecca and devised a number of schemes to cause him harm and would also revile him. When Hazrat Abbas (ra), the uncle of the Holy Prophet, prepared the camel for Hazrat Fatimah (ra) and Hazrat Umm Maktum
To leave from Mecca to Medina and they sat down, Huwairith caused the camel to fall down. Hazrat Ali (ra) killed Huwairith on the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca when he had already fled from there. The Battle of Hunain took place in Shawwal of 8 AH.
In a narration it is stated that during the Battle of Hunain, the flag of the Muhajirin was carried by Hazrat Ali (ra). During the battle of Hunain, owing to a ferocious attack by the disbelievers, only a handful of companions remained around the Holy Prophet (saw) and Hazrat Ali (ra) was among them.
In the battle of Hunain, a man on a red camel was carrying a black flag ahead of the ranks of the idolaters. This flag was tied to a long spear. The people of the Banu Hawazin were stood behind him. If anyone came within his reach, he would strike them and kill them,
But if that person evaded his attack, he would raise his spear to indicate to the people behind and they would launch a sudden attack and they remained behind the man on the red camel. This man continued to attack in this manner.
All of a sudden Hazrat Ali (ra) and a person from the Ansar turned to him and went forward to kill him. Hazrat Ali (ra) came from behind him and struck his camel on the hip [joint] as a result of which the camel fell down backwards.
Instantly the man from the Ansar attacked him with such force that his leg was severed from the middle of his calf. At this moment the Muslims launched a fierce attack against the idolaters. With regards to Hazrat Ali’s (ra) expedition to the Banu Tai,
It is stated that the Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Ali (ra) along with 150 men to destroy the idol of the Banu Tai called Fuls. The Banu Tai lived to the north east of Medina. During this expedition,
The Holy Prophet (saw) gave Hazrat Ali (ra) a large black flag as well as a smaller white flag. In the morning, Hazrat Ali (ra) launched an attack on the people of Hatim and destroyed the idol of Fuls. Hazrat Ali (ra) returned to Medina
Having acquired a large amount of spoils of the Banu Tai including captives. With regards to the Battle of Tabuk which took place in Rajab, 9 AH, Musab bin Sa’d narrates an incident on the authority of his father that when the Holy Prophet (saw) departed for Tabuk,
He appointed Hazrat Ali (ra) in charge of Medina in his absence. Hazrat Ali (ra) said: “Are you leaving me behind with the women and children?” The Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “Are you not pleased “that you have the same relation to me that Aaron (as) had with Moses (as),
“with the exception that there is no prophet after me.” Narrating this incident, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “On one occasion the Holy Prophet (saw) left for a battle “and left Hazrat Ali (ra) in charge in his absence. “Only the hypocrites remained behind and owing to this he became worried.
“He went to the Holy Prophet (saw) and requested to take him along with him. “The Holy Prophet (saw) reassured him by saying: (ARABIC), meaning: “‘O Ali! You are to me as Aaron (as) was to Moses (as). “‘Just like Aaron, after me you shall be a Caliph,
“‘the difference being that you will not be a prophet.'” With regards to Hazrat Ali (ra) being sent to Yemen, it is mentioned in a narration that in 10 AH, the Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Ali (ra) to Yemen. Prior to this, the Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (ra)
Towards the people of Yemen to invite them towards Islam, but they refused. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (saw) sent Hazrat Ali (ra). Hazrat Ali (ra) read the letter of the Holy Prophet (saw) before the people of Yemen as a result of which the entire residents of Hamadan accepted Islam in a single day.
Hazrat Ali (ra) wrote a letter to the Holy Prophet (saw) informing of their acceptance of Islam. Owing to this, the Holy Prophet (saw) recited three times: “May peace be upon the people of Hamadan.” Hamadan is situated in Yemen and is approximately 1100 km south east of Medina.
After this, the people of Yemen accepted Islam. Hazrat Ali (ra) wrote to the Holy Prophet (saw) informing him about this upon which he prostrated out of gratitude. Hazrat Ali (ra) states: “The Holy Prophet (saw) appointed me as a Qadhi [judge] and sent me to Yemen.
“I said to the Holy Prophet (saw): ‘You are sending me [to Yemen] “‘but I am young and do not know anything about matters of arbitration.’ “To this the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “‘Allah will certainly guide your heart and bless your words.
“‘Whenever two people are sat before you who are involved in a dispute, “‘do not issue your verdict until you listen to both of their accounts. “‘This will make it easy for you to make your decision.'” Hazrat Ali (ra) states that after this he never faced any difficulty in making a decision.
Hazrat Amr bin Sha’ath Aslami, who was part of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, states: “On one occasion I travelled to Yemen with Hazrat Ali (ra). “During the journey he dealt with me in a strict manner “and I began to harbour grievances against him.
“Thus, when we returned from Yemen, I complained about him in the mosque “and the Holy Prophet (saw) came to know about my complaint. “One day when I entered the mosque, “the Holy Prophet (saw) was sitting with a few of his companions. “When the Holy Prophet (saw) saw me, he observed me closely.”
He further narrates: “The Holy Prophet (saw) looked towards me intently. “When I sat down, the Holy Prophet (saw) said: “‘O Amr! By God, you have caused me pain!’ “I replied: ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah! “‘I seek refuge in Allah from that which causes you pain.’
“The Holy Prophet (saw) said: ‘Certainly whoever causes Ali pain, causes me pain.’” This is a narration of Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal. Hazrat Abu Sa’id Khudri (ra) narrates – the narration I just read was from Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal. The next narration is from Hazrat Abu Sa’id Khudri (ra) who states:
“On one occasion, some people complained against Hazrat Ali (ra). “The Holy Prophet (saw) stood up to deliver an address. “I heard him say: ‘O people! Do not complain against Ali. “‘I swear by God, he is fearful of Allah the Almighty,’
“or he said ‘He is very fearful of Allah, lest a complaint is made against him.’” God willing, I will continue to narrate the accounts [of Hazrat Ali (ra)] in the future. Today I will again make a request for prayers. In the last sermon I did not mention about Algeria.
The Ahmadis residing in Algeria are also facing great difficulties and some have been imprisoned. Remember them in your prayers also; may Allah create ease for them and provide the means for their freedom. There are difficult circumstances there as well, may Allah enable the government to see reason
And adhere to justice and grant Ahmadis their due rights. Similarly, the situation in Pakistan is worsening. I mentioned about certain office bearers, pray for them as well. If Allah does not wish to grant these Maulvis [clerics] and [Pakistani government] officials wisdom
Or they do not want to see reason or if it is decreed that they will continue to act in this way and suffer the wrath of Allah, then may Allah ensure the means for them to be seized swiftly and provide ease for Ahmadis.
After the Friday prayers I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of Rasheed Ahmad Sahib, son of Muhammad Abdullah Sahib of Rabwah. He was the father of Tahir Nadeem Sahib, who is a missionary here serving in the Arabic desk. He passed away on 28th October at the age of 76,
“Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.” Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the deceased through his paternal grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Ghafoor Sahib – who along with his cousin Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib – went to Qadian in 1891-1892 and performed bai’at [pledge of allegiance]
At the hands of the Promised Messiah (as). Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib (ra) was an educated scholar and was acquainted with the Promised Messiah (as) prior to his claim. In a dream, Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib saw the flag of the Holy Prophet (saw) was held by the Promised Messiah (as).
Thus, Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib went to Qadian with his cousin, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Ghafoor Sahib – the grandfather of the deceased – and pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah (as). After this, through the preaching endeavours of Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib many people from Alipur and Hasanpur in Multan, accepted Ahmadiyyat.
The deceased had the opportunity to serve as the finance secretary of the Jama’at in the Bhawalpur district for a long time. He was very pious and righteous, had a virtuous disposition, hospitable and was a compassionate person. He had a good relationship with his relatives,
His neighbours as well as the poor and would help them discretely. He is survived by his wife, Siddiqa Begum Sahiba, who was the maternal granddaughter of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as), Qadir Baksh Sahib (ra). By the grace of Allah, the deceased was a Moosi [part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat].
Also among those he leaves behind are his children. Aside from his wife, he is survived by three daughters and two sons. As I mentioned, one son is a life devotee and a missionary serving here in the Arabic desk. May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased
And elevate His status. 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 w o rshipped 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.