Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2018
Peace be upon you. 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 alone 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 Hazrat Khallad Bin ’Amr Bin Jamu’ Ansari was a Companion of The Holy Prophet (saw), one of a companion of The Holy Prophet (saw) who participated in the Battle of Badr.
He joined the Battle of Badr along with his father Hazrat ’Amr Bin Jamu’ and his brothers Hazrat Mu‘az, Hazrat Abu Aiman and Hazrat Mu‘awwaz. It is also said regarding Hazrat Abu Aiman that he was not his brother but the freed slave of his father Hazrat ’Amr Bin Jamu’.
When The Holy Prophet (saw) set out for the Battle of Badr, he, along with his army, camped at Suqya, a place at the outskirts Hazrat Abdullah Bin Qatadah narrates from his father that, “The Messenger of Allah (saw) offered the prayer at Suqya, a place at the outskirts of Medina,
“where there was also a well. The Holy Prophet (saw) prayed for the people of Medina.” Hazrat Addi bin Abi Al-Zawa and Bisbis bin Amr came to The Holy Prophet (saw) at that same location where they had camped, and according to other narrations,
Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Haram also came to see The Holy Prophet (saw). They submitted: “O Messenger (saw) of Allah! “You camping here and assessing the strength of the army “is indeed an excellent thing and we consider this as a good omen.
“The reason for this is because when the battle between us, Banu Salma, “and Ahle Husaiqa took place, we camped at this exact same location.” He is referring to an earlier incident prior to the advent of Islam. “On the outskirts of Medina there is a mountain called Zubab and Husaiqa was situated
“not too far from there, where a lot of Jews resided.” He states, “It was at this location that we also carried out an assessment of our army “and only permitted those who possessed the strength for fighting. “Thereafter we advanced towards the Jews of Husaiqa.
“At the time, the Jews of Husaiqa wielded the most influence over the rest of the Jews. “We then killed them in whichever manner we did. “A huge battle took place between them.” It was for this reason that he said to The Holy Prophet (saw):
“O Messenger (saw) of Allah! I am hopeful that when we are up against the Quraish, “God Almighty will grant your eyes comfort in relation to them.” You will be granted victory just as we were granted victory before. Hazrat Khallad bin Amr states, “At sunrise, I went to my family in Khurba.”
Khurba is the name of the area where there were houses of Banu Salamah. He further states, “My father Hazrat Amr Bin Jamu‘ said that, ‘I thought, you had left already.’” It was stated in the narration that was mentioned earlier that the father Amr Bin Jamu‘ also participated in the Battle of Badr.
However, in fact, the father did not participate. This is what we learn from this and the subsequent narrations. “‘[I thought,] you had left already.’ “I told him that The Holy Prophet (saw) is inspecting “and surveying the people in the fields of Suqya. “Upon this, Hazrat ’Amr said, ‘What a great omen it is!
‘By Allah, I am hoping that you would attain the spoils of war ‘and a victory over the Idolaters of the Quraish.’ “The day we marched towards Husaiqah, we also camped at that same place.” He is confirming the earlier narration, which has been mentioned previously
Regarding the battle that took place between them and the Jews. Hazrat Khallad says that, “The Holy Prophet (saw) changed the name of Husaiqa to Suqya. “I had the desire in my heart to purchase [the area] of Suqya’. “However, Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas had already purchased it before me
“in exchange for two camels.” According to some, he had purchased it for seven ounces of silver i.e. two hundred and eighty dirhams. “When this matter was mentioned to The Holy Prophet (saw), “he said (Arabic), meaning, this bargain was very profitable.” There is a slight error in the earlier account.
The person I had in mind was another companion, who did not participate. Hazrat Khallad, his father, Hazrat Amr bin Jamuh and Hazrat Abu Aiman; in fact, the earlier account was correct as his father did not participate in Badr;
All three of them participated in the battle of Uhud and all three of them were martyred. That is their father, Hazrat Abu Aiman and his brother; all three of them participated in the Battle of Uhud. Their father did not participate in the Battle of Badr. Although he desired to participate
However, due to his leg – he had a limp and was physically impaired in one leg – his sons stopped him from participating in the Battle of Badr. In relation to Hazrat Khallad’s father, Hazrat Amr bin Jamuh, it is mentioned that, “when The Holy Prophet (saw)urged [the Muslims present] to participate in Jihad,
“Amr’s sons prevented him from taking part in the battle due to an injury in his foot. “Allah the Exalted has also excused those that are handicapped from participating in the battle. “For this reason, his sons also prevented him from participating
“by saying since four of his sons were going to fight, what need was there for him to go; “especially since Allah the Exalted had already excused him.” Hence, despite his desire, he did not participate in the Battle of Badr due to his sons.
However, when the Battle of Uhud took place, Amr said to his sons that since they did not allow him to participate in the Battle of Badr, and the Battle of Uhud is to take place, they will not be able to stop him this time. He will most certainly go and participate in Uhud.
In any case, he said to them that they will not be able to prevent him and that he will certainly participate. Upon this, his children tried to stop him due to his disability. Subsequently, he went to the Holy Prophet (saw) himself with the intention that he will personally seek permission from him.
Hence, he went to The Holy Prophet (saw) and said, “My sons are trying to prevent me from participating in Jihad once again. “Initially they prevented me from [participating] in Badr and now they are not allowing me “to go to Uhud. I wish to participate in this Jihad alongside you.”
He further said, “By God! I am hopeful that Allah the Exalted will hear my heartfelt desire “and grant me martyrdom and that I will enter paradise with this handicapped foot of mine.” The Holy Prophet (saw) replied: “O Amr! “There is no doubt that Allah the Exalted has excused you owing to your disability
“and Jihad has not been made obligatory upon you.” However, The Holy Prophet (saw) said to his sons that, “They should not prevent him from performing virtuous deeds. “If this was his heartfelt desire, then allow him to fulfil it. “Perhaps Allah the Exalted will grant him martyrdom.”
Hence, Hazrat Amr took his weapons and set off towards the field of Uhud reciting the following prayer (Arabic) that is, “O Allah! Grant me martyrdom and do not allow to return to my family unsuccessful.” Allah the Exalted accepted his prayer and he attained martyrdom there.
The mother of Hazrat Khallad, Hazrat Hind bint Amr; the name of her father as well as the name of her husband was Amr, rather that was the name of her father-in-law, and she was the paternal aunt of Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah; on the occasion of the Battle of Uhud,
She carried her husband, her son and her brother on a camel after they were martyred. When instructions regarding them were issued, they were brought back to Uhud and were also buried there. When she found out that they had been martyred,
Initially she first wanted to take them back to Medina, but later brought them back. The details of this incident are mentioned as follows – “It was the Will of God the Exalted that the martyrs of Uhud should be buried in Uhud.”
The details of this incident are as follows, “Hazrat Ayesha (ra) left her home with some women “of Medina in order to acquire information about the Battle of Uhud. “At that time, the commandments regarding the veil had not yet been revealed. “When Hazrat Ayesha (ra) reached Harra, she encountered Hind bint Amr,
“who was the sister Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr. Hazrat Hind was ushering her camel forwards. “The bodies of her husband, Hazrat Amr bin Jamuh, “her son, Hazrat Khallad bin Amr and her brother, Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr were placed on this camel. “Hazrat Ayesha (ra) inquired: ‘Do you have any information of the circumstances
‘in which you have left the people behind?’ “When Hazrat Ayesha (ra) enquired about the circumstances of the battlefield, “Hazrat Hind replied, ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) was fine and after him, all difficulties are easy.’” Meaning that if The Holy Prophet (saw) is alive, nothing else matters.
Following this, Hazrat Hind recited the following verse: (Arabic). That is, ‘And Allah turned back the disbelievers in their rage; they gained no good. ‘And Allah sufficed the believers in their fight. And Allah is Powerful, Mighty.’ Hazrat Ayesha (ra) inquired who was on the camel. Upon this, Hazrat Hind replied,
“It was my brother, my son, Khallad, and my husband, Amr bin Jamuh. “I may have said father-in-law earlier, but in fact the name of Hazrat Hind’s husband was Amr. Hazrat Ayesha (ra) asked, “Where are you taking them?” She replied, “I am taking them in order to bury them in Medina.”
Again, she ushered her camel to move forward, however, the camel sat down on the same place. Hazrat Ayesha (ra) said that, “Perhaps it is carrying too much weight.” Upon this, Hazrat Hind replied, “It is able to carry the load of two camels.
“But at the moment it is acting in complete contrast to this.” She then rebuked the camel upon which it stood up. When she turned it towards the direction of Medina, it sat down again. However, when she turned it towards the direction of Uhud, it started to move quickly.
Following this, Hazrat Hind went to The Holy Prophet (saw) and related this incident to him. The Holy Prophet (saw) said that, “The camel had been assigned [its task]. “That is Allah the Exalted had appointed it for the very task of not returning to Medina “and turning back to Uhud.”
The Holy Prophet (saw) said, “Did your husband say anything before he went to war.” She replied, “When Amr was about to set off for Uhud, “he turned towards the Qibla [direction of prayer- towards the Ka’aba in Mecca] and said
‘O Allah! Do not bring me back to my family in a state of disgrace and grant me martyrdom.’” Upon this, The Holy Prophet (saw) said, “This was the very reason the camel was not moving.” The Holy Prophet (saw) then said, “O group of the Ansar [Muslims living in Medina]!
“There are such pious individuals among you that if they take an oath in the name of God, “He will most certainly fulfil that prayer and Amr bin Jamuh was also one among them.” He said to Hind, wife of Amr bin Jumu, “O Hind! Since the time of your brother’s martyrdom,
“the angels have gathered around him waiting for instructions about his burial.” The Holy Prophet (saw) stayed there until the burial was finished. Then he stated, “O Hind! Amr bin Jumu, your son Khalad “and your brother Abdullah have been gathered together in paradise.” Hind requested, “O Messenger of Allah (saw)!
“Please pray for me that may God Almighty also grant me their companionship.” The second companion who will be mentioned today is Hazrat Uqba bin Aamir. The name of his mother is Fuqaihah bint Sakan and his father was Aamir bin Naabi. His mother had accepted the Holy Prophet (saw) as well
And had the honor of pledging allegiance to him. Hazrat Uqba bin Aamir was amongst the first six companions who accepted Islam in Mecca and took the pledge of allegiance during the first Bai’at that took place at Aqabah. The details of this incident have been written by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib
In Sirat Khataman Nabiyyin: “Due to the efforts of The Holy Prophet (saw) the message of Islam had reached Madinah. “During the Ashhur-e-Hurum, as per his custom, while The Holy Prophet was visiting tribes, “he found that a renowned man from Yathrab, Suwaid bin Samit was staying in Makkah.
“Suwaid was a famous man from Madinah, who on account of his courage, generosity, “and other qualities was called ‘Kamil’; he was also a poet. “Ascertaining his whereabouts, The Holy Prophet (saw) reached his encampment, “and invited him to Islam. “He said, ‘I also possess a special book named Mujallah Luqman.’
“The Holy Prophet (saw) responded, ‘Let me hear a portion of it as well.’ “Upon which he recited a portion of this scripture. “The Holy Prophet (saw) praised it saying, ‘There are good things in it, ‘but the book which I possess is extraordinarily exalted and sublime.’
“As such, The Holy Prophet (saw) recited a portion of the Holy Qur’an to him. “When The Holy Prophet (saw) finished, he said, ‘Indeed, this is a very good book.’ “Although he did not become a Muslim, “he completely agreed with The Holy Prophet (saw) and did not reject him.
“Alas, after his return to Madinah he did not receive much respite, “and was killed in a conflict. This is prior to the Battle of Buaath. “After that, during the same era, that is, prior to the Battle of Buaath, “The Holy Prophet (saw) was visiting tribes during the occasion of Hajj,
“when he suddenly spotted a few men. “These people were from the Aus tribe, “and had come to seek help from the Quraish against their idolatrous rivals, the Khazraj. This occurrence is also prior to the Battle of Buaath, thus, their seeking assistance, was a part of their preparations of war.
The Holy Prophet (saw) went to them and invited them to Islam. Upon hearing his address, a young man named Iyas could not restrain himself and said, “By God, to which this man (Muhammad (saw) calls us, “is greater than that for which we have come here.” But the chieftain of that group took a handful of pebbles and threw them at his face, saying, “Be quiet! We have not come here for this purpose!” and in this manner the matter was disposed of. However, it is written that when Iyas returned to his homeland and was about to die,
The words of the Kalimah were upon his tongue. Sometime afterwards, when the Battle of Buaath had taken place, in Rajab 11 Nabawi, the Holy Prophet (saw) happened to meet the people of Yathrab once again. (In the 11th year of prophethood, When the Holy Prophet (saw) inquired as to their genealogy, he found that they belonged to the Khazraj, and had come from Yathrab. In an extremely loving tone, the Holy Prophet (saw) said to them, “Can you people listen to a few things I have to say?” They said, “Yes, what do you say?”
The Holy Prophet (saw) took a seat and invited them to Islam, recited a few verses of the Holy Qur’an and informed them of his mission. These people looked at each other and said, “This is our opportunity, “lest the Jews excel us,” and saying this, they all became Muslim.
These were six people, whose names are as follows: 1. Abu ’Umamah As‘ad bin Zurarah (ra) who was from the Banu Najjar, and was the very first in his affirmation. 2. Auf bin Harith (ra) who was also from the Banu Najjar, which was the tribe of the maternal kindred of ‘Abdul-Muttalib,
The grandfather of the Holy Prophet (saw). 3. Rafi bin Malik (ra) who was from the Banu Zariq. On this occasion, the Holy Prophet (saw) bestowed the entirety of the Holy Qur’an to him, which had been revealed thus far. 4. Qutbah bin Aamir (ra) who was from the Bani Salamah.
5. Uqbah bin Aamir (ra) who was from the Bani Haram 6. Jabir bin Abdullah bin Riaab (ra) who was from the Bani Ubaid. After this, these people took leave of the Holy Prophet (saw) and upon their departure, said: “We have been greatly weakened by civil war, and there are many disagreements between us. “We shall go to Yathrab and preach Islam to our brothers.
“How remarkable would it be that Allah the Exalted may gather us again through you. “Then we shall be fit to assist you in every way.” Therefore, these people left, and due to them, Islam began to find popularity in Yathrab. This year was spent in Makkah by the Holy Prophet (saw) in concern
And anticipation for the people of Yathrab with regards to their physical means. The Holy Prophet (saw) would often think, ‘Let us see the outcome of these six converts, ‘and if there are any signs of success in Yathrab or not?’ For the Muslims as well, with respect to physical means,
This era was one of concern and anticipation. They saw that the leaders of Makkah and the chieftains of Ta’if had sternly rejected the mission of the Holy Prophet (saw), and one by one, the various tribes of Arabia had also put a stamp on their condemnation.
A ray of hope began to shine in Madinah, but who could figure that this ray of light could stand before storms of affliction and torture, against the cyclones of hardship? On the other hand, the cruelties of the Makkans were growing day by day,
For they understood well that now was the time to erase Islam. But even in this delicate era (such as a more vulnerable era had not befallen Islam), the Holy Prophet (saw) and his companions stood in their place like a firm mountain. At times, the determination and steadfastness of the Holy Prophet (saw)
Would even put his enemies to astonishment, after all, what kind of inner-strength does this man possess? For nothing seems to move him from his place. Rather, in that era, the words of the Holy Prophet (saw) especially possessed a kind of power and awe And in these fierce storms, the Holy Prophet (saw) would become even more courageous. On one side, if this sight astonished the Quraish, on the other, it also made their hearts tremble. With regards to these days, Sir William Muir writes: ‘Mohammad thus holding his people at bay; ‘waiting in the still expectation of victory;
‘to outward appearance defenceless, and with his little band (i.e. ‘the followers of the Holy Prophet (saw)) as it were in the lion’s mouth; ‘yet trusting in His Almighty power ‘whose Messenger he believed himself to be, resolute and unmoved’” Sir William Muir further says: “Mohammad (saw) stood unmoved with such determination
“that nothing could displace him. “This presents a spectacle of sublimity paralleled only by such scenes in the Sacred Records “as that of the prophet of Israel when he complained to his master, ‘I, even I alone, am left.” He further writes: “Nay, seeing Mohammad in this manner
“is in one point of view even more amazing than the prophets of Israel. “The following words of Mohammad were said on this occasion: “O my people! Work ye in your place. “Wait in expectation; WE too in expectancy are waiting.”
Therefore, this was a vulnerable era for Islam, in that there was no expectancy from the Makkans. But a ray of hope was developing in Madinah, with several people doing Bai’at and the Holy Prophet (saw) keenly had his eyes set in that direction.
Would Madinah also reject the Holy Prophet (saw) like Makkah and Ta’if, or did it hold a different destiny? Therefore, when the occasion of Hajj came the Holy Prophet (saw) very avidly left his home and reached Aqabah, near Mina, and looked here and there.
Suddenly, the Holy Prophet (saw) noticed a small group of the people of Yathrab, who immediately recognized the Holy Prophet (saw). They came forward and met the Holy Prophet (saw) with extreme love and sincerity. This time there were twelve people, among whom five were converts of the previous year and seven were new.
They belonged to both the Aus and the Khazraj. Their names are as follows: Abu ’Umamah As‘ad bin Zurarah, Auf bin Harith, Rafi‘ bin Malik, Qutbah bin ‘Amir, Uqbah bin ‘Amir (Uqbah bin Aamir came this year as well.
The incidents are being narrated about his life, he returned for the Hajj this year as well) Mu‘adh bin Harith, who was from the Bani Najjar, Zakwan bin ‘Abdi Qais from the Banu Zariq tribe, Abu Abdur-Rahman Yazid bin Tha‘labah from the Bani Bali tribe,
Ubadah bin Samit who was from the Bani Auf branch of the Khazraj tribe, ‘Abbas bin ‘Ubadah bin Nadlah from the Bani Salim tribe, Abul-Haitham bin Tayyihan from the Bani Abdil-Ashhal and ‘Uwaim bin Sa‘idah who was from the Bani ‘Amr bin Auf clan of the Aus tribe.
The Holy Prophet (saw) met these people separately in a valley. They informed him as to the state of affairs in Yathrab and this time they all took Bai‘at at his hand. This Bai‘at served as a foundation stone for Islam in Madinah. Since Jihad of the sword had not yet been ordained,
The Holy Prophet (saw) took Bai‘at only in the words in which he would take Bai‘at from the women after Jihad (by the sword) was obligated. In other words, ‘We shall believe in one God, shall not associate partners with God, ‘shall not steal, shall not commit adultery or fornication, shall abstain from murder,
‘shall not defame anyone, and shall obey you [the Holy Prophet (saw)] in everything good.’ After Bai‘at, the Holy Prophet (saw) said: ‘If you remain true to this pledge in honesty and steadfastness then you shall receive paradise. ‘But if you show weakness then your matter is with Allah the Exalted,
‘for He shall do what He wills.’ In history, this Bai‘at is renowned as, ‘The First Bai‘at at Aqabah’, because the place where this Bai‘at was taken was called Aqabah, which is situated between Makkah and Mina. The literal meaning of Aqabah is an elevated mountainous pass.
Whilst departing from Makkah, these twelve new Muslim converts requested, “Please send an Islamic tutor with us, who can teach us Islam “and can preach Islam to our idolatrous brothers as well.” “The Holy Prophet (saw) sent Mus‘ab bin Umair (ra), “a very devout young man from the Abdud-Dar tribe along with them.
“An Islamic preacher was referred to as a Qari or Muqri in those days, “because the majority of their work was to recite the Holy Qur’an, “as this was the best method of preaching. “As such, Mus‘ab (ra) was also renowned by the name Muqri in Yathrab.”
The second Bai’at at Aqabah took place in 13 Nabawi and 70 Ansar participated in it. Hazrat Uqba bin Aamir participated in all the battles alongside the Holy Prophet (saw) including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. He was noticeable in his armour on the day of Badr because of his green clothes.
He was martyred in 12 Hijri during the Battle of Yamama which took place during the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). Hazrat Uqba bin Aamir states: “I came before the Holy Prophet (saw) with my son who was very young [at the time].
“I said to the Prophet of Allah (saw): ‘May my parents be sacrificed for your sake, ‘please teach my son those prayers which he can recite before God and bless him.’” The Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “O child! Recite [arabic] which means,
‘O Allah! I seek health from You in the state of being a believer ‘and sincerely pray for compassion and pray for success after attaining virtue.’” May Allah Almighty continuously elevate the ranks of the Companions. After this, I will now mention about a pioneering noble Ahmadi woman from America
And will also lead her funeral prayers after the Friday prayers. Her name was Sister Aaliya Shaheed sahiba, wife of the late Ahmad Shaheed sahib. She passed away on 26 December. God Almighty had bestowed her with a long life and enabled her to serve [the Jamaat]
And also protected her from any handicap. She was 105 years old. May Allah Almighty exalt her rank. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. Amir Sahib USA has written about her that she pledged allegiance in 1936, and from 1963-66, served at Sadr Lajna [National President of the Ladies Auxiliary Organisation].
Similarly, her services spanned 50 years in which she had the opportunity to serve in various capacities, ranging from General Secretary to Secretary Talim and Secretary Finance, Sadr Lajna Muqami, and Secretary of Khidmat Khalq. She always maintained a strong connection with the Jama’at and Khilafat,
And always remained vigilant and ready for every type of sacrifice. She was an extremely kind and loving woman. She had committed to memory the early accounts of the Jama’at Ahmadiyya USA, which she often used to narrate. She also had the opportunity to invite Sir Choudhry Zafrullah Khan Sahib to her home for dinner.
Her husband, respected Ahmad Shaheed Sahib, also served in the National Amila and as the President of the Pittsburg Jama’at. Among those she left behind is her only son Umar Shaheed Sahib, who, for the last 18 years, has been serving as the Sadr Jama’at of Pittsburg. She was African American.
The National President of Lajna USA writes about her: “Her lifestyle, her words, “and her every action demonstrated that “she acted in complete accordance with her pledge of allegiance which she had made 76 years ago. “Her services were not just limited to USA.
“In fact, she was known for her services all over the world.” The national branches of the Lajna Auxiliary for every country used to be centralized under the Sadr Lajna of Pakistan, at which time Hazrat Maryam Siddiqa Sahiba, who was the wife of Hazrat Musleh Ma’ud (ra)
Served as Sadr Lajna of the entire world. Even she praised the late Aaliyah Sahiba’s contributions. Sadr Sahiba Lajna USA continues by saying: “Her name before converting was Ella Louise, “and her Fiancé’s name was William Frank Browning, “who was an active member of the African Methodist Church.
“They were busy in their wedding preparations and their wedding was soon to take place “when her fiancé received the message of Ahmadiyyat, “and along with his parents, he converted to Ahmadiyyat. “After this he changed his name to Ahmad Shaheed. “At the time of marriage she had not converted.
“Soon after, William Sahib was elected as the President of Pittsburgh Jamaat. “Not only was he welcomed with open arms in his local Jama’at “but his Tabligh efforts earned him repute all over the country. “Around the same time they had a son whom he named Umar. “Aaliyah Sahiba lived with her Ahmadi in-laws,
“and without telling them or her husband, she privately began investigating Jama’at literature. “During this time, she came across Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra)’s book entitled ‘Ahmadiyya or the True Islam’ and this had a deep effect on her. “After this she started partaking in Tarbiyyat Classes organized in her home.
“Then one day, she heard a lecture of the local Missionary who was a Bengali “named Abdur Rahman Bengali, which was on the Promised Messiah’s view “that Jesus was saved from the cross and subsequently migrated to Kashmir.” Sadr Lajna USA writes: “the late sister Aaliyah used to tell us that after this,
“she stopped attending the Church and began coming to the Mosque instead. “Finally, in 1936, she accepted Ahmadiyyat. “Explaining how she chose the name Aaliyah for herself, “she said that I saw the name in a book once and liked it “so I adopted it after becoming an Ahmadi.
“She was always in search of knowledge. “She spent her time in the upkeep of the Mosque, cooking, offering daily prayers. “It was not the case that she only tried to gain knowledge, “but she humbly used to perform Waqar-e-Amal, and serve the Jama’at with her own hands.
“Cleaning the Mosque and cooking were her roles.” Sadr Sahiba further writes: “We always saw her offering prayers, “and she was a woman of extremely high morals; “she was often seen visiting and looking after the sick. “We saw her offering financial contributions.
“Among the Lajna, she was always enjoining others toward good in one way or another. “She strived to her utmost in promoting unity and sisterhood of the members of Lajna, “for which she wrote numerous individual letters to members of Lajna in her final days.”
Sadr Lajna writes that there was one verse of the Holy Qur’an which she used to often repeat which I’ve heard from her as well, [Arabic] She reports that she would always repeat this. That is, Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His cause arrayed in solid ranks,
As though they were a strong structure cemented with molten lead. The Sadr Lajna has written that, she was the first one to establish the Mosque Fund in the United States of America. Like this, she started the Muslims student scholarship award. The first Annual Ijtema was held under her tenure as Sadr Lajna.
Similarly, she commenced the Tabligh day in which Lajna members would send thousands of copies of Holy Qur’an, introductory leaflets and pamphlets of the Jama’at to libraries across the country. She also started a magazine, the name of which was Hazrat (Choti Aapa) Mariyam Saddiqa – the then International Sadr Lajna – chose as ”Ayesha”.
She also published constitutional guidelines for the Lajna titled, “Our duties and the path of faith”. As a result of her launched scheme, members of Lajna in the United States presented great sacrifices for the Denmark mosque project. Likewise, they presented funds for the mission houses in Baltimore as well as Pittsburgh.
She states, “Sister Aaliyah would tell us that -during her time- as 98% of Lajna members “had only recently joined the Jama’at by way of pledging allegiance, “in the beginning, they would only enjoin them to offer the five daily prayers “and keep fasts in the month of Ramadhan.
“Likewise, instead of making them wear the Hijab from day one, “we would start by bringing their attention to wearing appropriate clothing, “telling them to first make their clothing suitable. “Then the next step would be to wear the Hijab.” Unlike a trend that has commenced nowadays that
Those even wearing the Hijab have began taking it off. She -on the other hand- would guide them from one step to the next striving to provide spiritual training. Then, Sister Aaliyah put great effort in teaching basic recitation of the Qur’an by preparing daily teaching programs.
Like this, those Lajna members who would finish learning the basic recitation of the Holy Qur’an, she would bring their attention daily towards covering some commentary of the Holy Qur’an. It was with Aaliyah Sahiba’s efforts that the educational syllabus for the Nasiraat was produced.
As a result, a desire to further learn religious knowledge was borne in the Nasiraat. The deceased played a huge role in instilling in the members of Lajna and Nasiraat with the spirit of sacrifice. She would similarly keep all accounts of the donations in a very professional manner.
When once, she was asked regarding the difficulties she faced after entering the Jama’at; she replied that upon entering the Jama’at I faced great difficulties. But instead of demonstrating weakness, I have always strived to show perseverance and remain content with the desire and pleasure of Allah.
This is in fact the very lesson I have been teaching Lajna members for over fifty years. She further writes: “Her character tells us that she was a minaret of resolve “in which we all found guidance.” She then writes, “her belief on the final victory of Islam was of absolute certainty.
“She would say that when the victory of Islam shall occur, the famous motto and slogan of the Jama’at “of, ‘Love for All Hatred for None’, would reign supreme in the world. “Likewise, she had complete faith in the institution of Khilafat “and accepted it as the key to the victory of Islam.
“That is, the institution of Khilafat shall remain firmly established “and with it shall come the victory of Islam.” She would always say this. She then writes, “it was this message that she -through hundreds of letters and phone calls- “would give and explain to Lajna and Nasiraat members with great effort.”
‘On 23rd March 2008 she spoke to the members of Lajna stating ‘that all the followers of the Promised Messiah(as) around the world ‘gathered in the mosques and ‘mission houses on 1st January to offer the tahajjud prayers as an act of thanksgiving, ‘so why can we not do this once again this year,
‘as it marks one hundred years since the Khilafat ‘of our beloved Promised Messiah(as) was established?’ She further writes, ‘O my Allah! Remove all hurdles in the progress of Ahmadiyyat ‘and grant us that victory which You have promised us.
‘Our Promised Messiah(as) has laid the foundations for this Jama’at and united us all as one body. ‘It is due of him that we Ahmadis feel the pain of one another, ‘help each other in times of difficulty, pray for one another,
‘partake of the happiness of another and are aggrieved by the suffering of another. ‘By the grace and mercy of God Almighty we are one. ’ She then wrote in her message to the new converts in Lajna Ima’illah there, ‘It is God Almighty’s special favour and I am extremely fortunate
‘to have witnessed the progress of the Jama’at with my own eyes. ‘God Almighty has graced us by choosing our Jama’at for the propagation and service of Islam. ‘Every week we have the opportunity to listen to the Khilafa of the time
‘and advance in our worldly affairs and progress in our faith by acting upon his is instructions.’ In the end she wrote, ‘I pray O my Master! Remove all hurdles in the progress of Ahmadiyyat. ‘Make us the true portrayal of our faith and grant us countless helpers.’
Thus, she played a special role, with the circumstances there, in keeping the African-American new converts together. Her son, Umar Shaheed Sahib, who is the President of the Pittsburgh Jama’at, writes, ‘Due to Ahmadiyyat and Khilafat my parents became soldiers in the defence of Islam.
‘My mother would regularly write to you (he wrote this to me) ‘and would also encourage me to write to the Khalifa.’ He further writes, ‘Pray that my children and I are able to follow in her footsteps.’
Umar Sahib then writes, ‘I had no idea as to just how many people in the Jama’at loved and ‘cherished her, until I received all the letters with regards to my mother.’ Another local American Ahmadi, sister Aaliya Aziz Lord, writes, ‘Having accepted Ahmadiyyat,
‘she (i.e the late Aaliya Shaheed) lived an exemplary life as an Ahmadi. ‘When she was serving as the Ta’lim (education) Secretary no one wanted to fail her exams ‘because of her, and thus we would all get together and prepare for the test.’ She then says, ‘She was much older than me
‘but that would not stop her in treating me as a friend. ‘There is one thing I noticed, whenever an academic question was posed to her, ‘rather than giving her own opinion and mentioning additional things, ‘she would always present the Islamic teaching. ‘She had a strong bond with God Almighty
‘which was something that continued to draw others towards her.’ Sister Jameela Hamid, wife of Hamid Munir Sahib, who is also a local American Ahmadi, writes, ‘She would show me great affection and when my mother passed away ‘she wrote me a letter full of her words of love,
‘which helped me understand the philosophy of death. She was like an angel. ‘Whenever one needed help and advice she would pick up her phone after a single ring. ‘She would always tell me that the purpose of life should be to serve the Jama’at
‘and to love the Khalifa of the time as he is the Hablullah [the rope of Allah] of this era. ‘I would always envy her love for God Almighty. ‘Once, I asked her if she was afraid of death.’
She replied, ‘We all have to return to our Beloved God, so what is there to be afraid of?’ She had deep understanding of the message of the Promised Messiah(as) which she would impart to others throughout her life. Another Ahmadi, Dr Rashida Ahmad, who is also originally from America, states:
“She herself would strictly adhere to the teachings of Islam “but would advise others in a very loving manner. “The love of God Almighty was reflected from her every action and deed.” She further states: “I had the opportunity to stay at her house on several occasions
“and we would offer the prayers together and also recite the Holy Qur’an. “After that she would show me with great love and desire, “the letters she had received from the Khulafa of the Community. “One can evidently gauge her great love for Khilafat from her poetry and speeches.” She further states: “She demonstrated great patience. “I would call her every month and enquire about her health “and she never once voiced her complain about her deteriorating health, “in fact she would always recall the blessings of God Almighty and express her gratitude. ” Another Ahmadi who is also originally from America, Sister Aziza,
Who is the wife of Al-Haaj Rashid, she states: “Sister Aliyah Shaheed Sahiba was an embodiment of the motto, ‘Love for All Hatred for None.’ “Even though she lived in another city, however she was a close friend of my mother. “After the demise of my mother, she did not end this relationship
“and I would always feel as if Aliyah Sahiba knew when I was becoming indolent “as she would immediately send me a letter full of inspiration. ” Another Lajna member, Khulat Sahiba, writes: “I became acquainted with Aliyah Sahiba when I first came to USA in 1949.
“I was eight years old at the time when I first met her. “She was extremely loving and friendly “and had a personality that would leave a positive impression on others. “She had an extremely long-held and firm bond with Khilafat. “She would mention about her correspondence in letters with Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra).
“Her services for Lajna Imaillah USA will always be remembered. “She had an astounding spiritual persona and despite being a hundred years old, “she would attend the Jalsas [annual conventions] which serves as a model for us.” May God Almighty elevate her status. And, the spirit and passion she had to serve the Jama’at –
Which her son also mentioned – may God Almighty instil that in her progeny as well. 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.