Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2015
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God 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 Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray.
At this time I will present some narrations of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) which are either directly or indirectly related to the Promised Messiah (as). There are many lessons to be learnt from these accounts, which today, can also help guide us to the right path. The first narration relating to the Promised Messiah (as),
Shows his passion and zeal for tabligh [preachin and what he expected of the Community. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) refers to the pain and fervor that the Promised Messiah (as) had to propagate the message and how he desired for its impact to resonate upon Community members.
Relating the Promised Messiah’s (as) views in this regard, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “The Promised Messiah (as) would have remarkable thoughts and ideas about “how to propagate the message of Islam. Day and night, his overwhelming concern “would be how the message could be conveyed to all parts of the world.
“Once, the Promised Messiah (as) suggested that members of the Community “should have distinct attire and clothing to distinguish them from others “So that every member could become a means of the propagation of faith himself. “Various suggestions were given on this. “In other words, how others could immediately recognize the person is an Ahmadi.
“To simply appear different from others in appearance alone has no value. “Undoubtedly, what the Promised Messiah (as) meant, “was that others would notice an Ahmadi’s clothing and be drawn to his or her practices. “It would also serve as a constant reminder for Ahmadi’s themselves
“that they would be identified by others as an Ahmadi “and thus they must ensure they rectify and uphold a practical state in beliefs at all times.” Thus, today, we should also develop the understanding that although the clothes we wear are not of any value,
We should still at the very least ensure that our appearance and outward state is such that others can immediately recognize that a person is an Ahmadi and is distinct from others. With reference to attire, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) explains the appearance a missionary, or one who serves the faith should adopt.
He says that, “For the propagation of faith, it is essential to have the appearance of a believer.” Addressing Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, he said, “And so I advise Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and remind them that the outward appearance “should be in accordance with Islam. They should maintain simplicity in the way
“they shave their beards, style their hair and in the clothes they wear. “Islam does not forbid one for wearing neat, clean or fine clothes. “In fact, Islam enjoins that one should be considerate of outward cleanliness “and to avoid filth at all costs. However, undue formality in clothing is what is forbidden
“Some are in the habit of checking their clothes at regular intervals, “for example, checking the collar of their coat in case any dust has settled. “This is a vain endeavor. “People would bring gifts of very nice clothes to the Promised Messiah (as) and he would wear them
“However, he never gave so much attention to his clothing that he would constantly brush his coat. “Nor did the thought constantly emerge in his mind “that he should frequently check to see whether any specs of dust had fallen upon his clothes.” He said that “Using a clothes brush is not forbidden
“However to spend the greater part of one’s time doing so, is disliked. “Some people have developed such a complex with relation to clothes “that I have observed, when invited to people’s homes, “that some people frown that they do not possess a certain type of coat or item of clothing.”
Regardless of the type of clothing one has, a person should meet others with great confidence. The real thing to keep in mind is to cover one’s body properly and to adopt cleanliness and purity. If one has clothes that covers them properly, and yet avoids meeting another person
Because he thinks he should be wearing such and such clothes to do so, then this is not faith, but rather this is worldliness. Thus, this is a council for life devotees and missionaries in particular but also the members of the Community generally.
Do not give so much attention to your outward appearance that the real objective is left behind. There are some that neglect cleanliness. They should remember that cleanliness is part of faith. So there should be moderation in every matter, one should neither be at one extreme nor the other.
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) narrates an account relating to the propagation of faith and that special emphasis should be given on it. He says, “On this particular occasion, when I went to Delhi, “I was astonished to find that the people of Delhi “had abandoned engaging in absurd debates.
“Prior to this, whenever I had the opportunity to come to Delhi, “All types of people would come to meet me and, without exception, would start “the most ridiculous of debates, completely devoid of logic and reasoning.”
He says “I recall, I was a young child then, when I came here and stayed with a relative. “One of the brothers of a relative from Hyderabad, also came to meet our maternal grandmother “with whom Hazrat Amma Jaan (ra) (blessed wife of the Promised Messiah (as)) was also staying.
“This brother of the relative indicated towards me and said, ‘Who is this boy?’ “Grandmother said he is the son of so and so- ” In other words, she gave the name of Hazrat Amma Jaan (ra) “Hearing her name, the relative said, ‘What uproar your father has raised.
‘People say he says many things against Islam.’” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “Despite being very young, I did not become uneasy and apprehensive. “As I was thoroughly versed in the topic of Jesus (as) being alive, I started to speak on this.
“I said that all the Promised Messiah (as) has said is that Jesus (as), has passed away. “And the Messiah (as) and the Mahdi prophesised to appear in this era “will be from among this Ummah, that is the Muslims. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that, “From among the verses of the Holy Qur’an
“which prove that Jesus (as) has died, I had memorised the verse which begins: ‘O Jesus (as), I will cause ye to die a natural death and will exalt thee to Myself.’ “And so I explained the whole subject in great detail based on this, in an effective manner.
“The relative was surprised and said ‘truly from this, it is proven ‘that Jesus (as) has died. So then why do these clerics raise such a hue and cry?’ “I replied, ‘you should ask the clerics why they do this.’ “So how did the grandmother react to this? There was an outcry from her.
“She said ‘Repent! Repent! This child has already gone mad hearing about these things. ‘You have only set a seal on his faith and strengthened his disbelief.’” Then, with relation to the propagation of faith, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) relates the method of preaching of one of the companions of the Promised Messiah (as).
He says, “Mir Shayr Muhammah Sahib was an uneducated person “and was among the old companions of the Promised Messiah (as). “He was among those who devoted everything for the sake of the religion. “He drove a horse or ox-driven carriage.
“He would pick up passengers from Flor (the name of a place) and take them to Banga. “His method of the propagation of faith was that, after picking up his passengers, “he would discuss issues with the passengers whilst taking them to their destination.
“He had subscribed to the Al-Haqm newspaper, and would inquire if his passengers were literate “and if so, he would take the newspaper out from his pocket and say, ‘This newspaper has come in my name please read it out to me.’ “The passenger sitting in the carriage had to endure a bumpy journey
“and so anything to pass time was most desirable. “Thus the passenger would enthusiastically start to read out from Al-Haqm, “and then Mir Shayr Muhammad Sahib, himself, would start to question the passengers “as if to inquire about the meaning of the words of what was written.
“In other words, non-Ahmadi passengers would have to think and reflect and then provide an answer, “and therefore it meant that the passengers understood the concepts well as a result.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that, “When Mir Shayr Muhammad Sahib related this account to me, “he had converted over a dozen people to Ahmadiyyat.
“All of this, he did, only by making his passengers read Al-Fazl or Al-Haqm. “He remained alive for some time after this, “and who knows how many were converted by him and through this method.” “In short, it is not necessary that in order to initiate the task of preaching,
“we must use scholars and well educated people. “In such areas where there are no educated or literate people, even illiterate Ahmadis “should be sent to us, so that we can teach them about our beliefs and doctrines orally. “This guidance is especially for some of the far off, small Communities
“so that work can at least start for the propagation of faith. “If we wait, thinking a scholar must be present, then we would delay the work “for an unknown period of time. Even now, despite the fact “that there is a specific proportion of the Community who are becoming missionaries,
“it will still not fulfill all of our requirements for the near future “because the religious scholars have to study the minutest details of the religion “and to acquire this knowledge takes a considerable length of time. “Despite there being minute detail in religion which requires a long amount of time to learn,
“the Holy Prophet (saw) has said ‘religion is the name of ease.’ “Thus for calling people towards Allah the Almighty, one does not need only to engage in “intellectual discussion or rely on large seminars or functions. “The best method for the propagation of faith should be gauged based on the circumstances.”
There are many Ahmadis today, also, who devise their own methods of preaching and with the Grace of Allah the Almighty, find great success. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) relates an account of a common friend of the Promised Messiah (as), and Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi.
“This is an interesting incident from the time of the Promised Messiah (as), that one “of his friends who also happened to be the friend of Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi. “This common friend’s name was Nazaam-Uddin and he had performed the Hajj, on seven occasions. “He was a very friendly and cheerful person.
“He was friends with both the Promised Messiah (as) and Muhammad Hussein Batalvi “and so when the Promised Messiah (as) made his claim “and Muhammad Hussein Batalvi declared the Promised Messiah (as) to be an infidel “it pained Nazaam-Uddin deeply because he was certain of the piety of the Promised Messiah (as).
“He lived in Ludhiana and whenever opponents spoke against the Promised Messiah (as) “he would confront them and say ‘you should first learn “about the state of the Promised Messiah (as) before his claim. He is a very pious man.
“And after living with him, I have witnessed that he, the Promised Messiah (as), is ready “to accept anything that can be explained through the Holy Qur’an. He is never deceitful. “If it is explained through the Holy Qur’an that his claim is false, “then I am certain that he will immediately accept.
“Nazaam-Uddin Sahib often used to quarrel with people regarding this matter “and he used to say that ‘when I visit Qadian, ‘I will see if the Promised Messiah (as) really does not renounce his claim’. “Nazaam-Uddin Sahib said that ‘I will open the Holy Qur’an in front of the Promised Messiah (as)
‘and I will share with him a verse supporting the ideology that Jesus (as) is alive ‘and he was raised to the heavens. He will accept this view immediately. ‘I know that he does not object once he has been convinced from the Holy Qur’an.’
“At last one day he thought about travelling to Qadian from Ludhiana. “And immediately upon arrival he asked the Promised Messiah (as) that “‘Have you forsaken Islam and disavowed the Holy Qur’an?’ “The Promised Messiah (as) said, ‘How is this possible? “‘I believe in the Holy Qur’an and my firm faith is in Islam.’
“Nazaam-Uddin said, ‘All praise belongs to Allah, I say to people ‘that the Promised Messiah (as) could never disavow the Holy Qur’an.’ “Nazaam-Uddin Sahib then said, ‘What if I present hundreds of verses to prove ‘that Prophet Jesus (as) is still alive? Will you then accept it?’ “The Promised Messiah (as) said,
‘Let alone hundreds of verses, if you simply present one such verse, I will accept it.’ “Nazaam-Uddin Sahib said, ‘All praise belongs to Allah, I was debating with people regarding ‘exactly this, that to make the Promised Messiah (as) agree is not difficult, ‘and that people are needlessly creating an uproar.
“Then Nazaam-Uddin Sahib said, ‘If not hundreds of verses, what if I present 100 verses ‘to prove that Prophet Jesus (as) is alive, will you then accept it?’ “The Promised Messiah (as) said, ‘I have already started that I will accept it if you present only one verse citing this.
‘it is equally important to follow every word of the Holy Qur’an as it is to follow 100 verses. ‘it is not a question about one or 100 verses.’ “Nazaam-Uddin Sahib said, ‘Alright, if not 100, what if I present 50 verses? ‘would you then promise to renounce your claim?
“The Promised Messiah (as) said again, ‘I have already stated that if you present only one verse ‘I am willing to accept it.’ As the Promised Messiah (as) continued to express “resolute firmness regarding this matter, Nazaam-Uddin Sahib thought that perhaps
“there are not as many verses in the Holy Qur’an to prove this point regarding this matter. “So he said ‘alright, if I present 10 verses to you, then will you accept it, surely?’ “The Promised Messiah (as) laughed and said, ‘I stand by what I have stated earlier. ‘that is, present just one verse.’
“Nazaam-Uddin Sahib said, ‘Alright, I will now take leave and return in four to five days ‘and present before you, those verses of the Holy Qur’an.’ “During those days, Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi was in Lahore “and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) was there as well,
“and the conditions of a debate with Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi were being negotiated.’’ That is, the debate was with the Promised Messiah (as) and the terms and conditions for this debate were being settled between Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) and Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi.
And there was also some exchange of letters between the two. “The topic of the debate was the death of the Messiah (as). “Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi Sahib used to say ‘since this verse of the Holy Qur’an is a commentary to a specific Hadith, for this reason,
‘when something can be proven from the Hadith it should be considered part of the Holy Qur’an. ‘Hence, this debate on the life or death of Jesus (as) should be carried out in light of the Hadith’ “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) started, ‘The Holy Qur’an has precedence over Hadith.
‘For this reason, you will certainly have to prove your claim from the Holy Qur’an.’ “For many days, a debate on this topic continued and in order to shorten this argument, “and to make this debate happen in some way or the other,
“Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) accepted many conditions set by Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi “And Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Sahib was very happy that “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) was accepting all of his conditions. “While this was happening, Nazaam-Uddin Sahib arrived and said, ‘Stop all of the debates’
‘I met the Promised Messiah (as) and he is willing to repent and renounce his claims. ‘since I am your friend, and also Mirza Sahib’s as well, ‘this disagreement has caused me a lot of discomfort. ‘I was aware that Hazrat Mirza Sahib had a virtuous disposition.
‘For this reason I visited him and made him promise that if ten verses from The Holy Qur’an ‘regarding the physical ascension of Prophet Jesus (as) are presented before him, ‘he will accept the belief that Prophet Jesus (as) is alive.’ “You, Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi, should share those verses with me.
“There was a lot of anger in Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi’s disposition. “He said angrily, ‘O retched one, you have ruined everything for me. ‘For the past two months, I argued with and convinced them to discuss in light of the Hadith ‘while you have taken the discussion to the Holy Qur’an again.’
“Nazaam-Uddin said, ‘Alright, so you do not even have ten verses to support your point of view?’ “Maulvi Muhammad Hussein Batalvi replied, ‘You are an illiterate person. ‘You do not know what the meaning of the Holy Qur’an is.’ “Nazaam-Uddin Sahib said, ‘Alright, I am where the Holy Qur’an is,’ and
“he returned to Qadian where he took the Bai’at at the hand of the Promised Messiah (as).” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that, “Look at the certainty of belief that that Promised Messiah (as) had on the Holy Qur’an.
“And he used to say with such steadfastness that the Holy Qur’an could not be against him. “This does not mean that the Holy Qur’an had a special relation with the Promised Messiah (as) “or that the Holy Qur’an had a special bond with the Ahmadiyya Community.
“The Holy Quran will show the truthful way and will support the party which sides with the truth “The Promised Messiah (as) was certain that he was with the truth, thus the Holy Qur’an was with him. “This is the reason the Promised Messiah (as) used to say that
“‘if any of my claims are not conformable with the Holy Qur’an, then I will shun them entirely.’ “Certainly, this does not mean that that Promised Messiah (as) had any doubts regarding his claim “On the contrary, the reason he said this was that,
“He was so certain that the Holy Qur’an would testify for him. “It was this hope that made him successful in the world.” Therefore, every Ahmadi should always be confident that the Holy Qur’an is with the Promised Messiah (as) and the Ahmadiyya Community.
And it is this support of the Holy Qur’an that increases the numbers of the Community by illuminating the hearts of pure natured people every day. Then, elaborating on the point that opposition causes guidance, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “When opposition increases, then the Community also advances.
“And when opposition increases, the miraculous support of Allah the Almighty also increases. “For this reason, when a friend used to say that we are facing severe opposition, “The Promised Messiah (as) replied, ‘This is a sign of your progress. The Community progresses ‘in areas where it faces opposition, because due to opposition,
‘many people who are ignorant are also introduced to the Community. ‘Then gradually the desire to read books of the Community is procured in their hearts. ‘When they read the books, the truth captivates their hearts’.” Once a friend visited the Promised Messiah (as) and took the Bai’at, oath of allegiance.
After taking the Bai’at, the Promised Messiah (as) inquired, ‘Who preached to you?’ He replied spontaneously, “Maulvi Sanaullah Sahib preached to me” The Promised Messiah (as) said in amazement, “How so?” The visitor said that “I used to read Maulvi Sahib’s newspaper and his books.
“And I always used to witness severe opposition against the Ahmadiyya Community in it. “One day I thought that I should see for myself what is written in these books they oppose. “My heart opened when I began to read these books and I became prepared to accept the bai’at.”
So the first benefit of opposition is that the Community progresses and people obtain guidance Even today, the opposition by the enemies is causing hearts of the people to open up Oftentimes this is mentioned in reports from the missionaries And I receive many letters directly stating how they were introduced to the Community.
While mentioning how Allah the Almighty grants wisdom to even an illiterate person after accepting Ahmadiyyat, and how that person is ready to respond, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that, “There was a person named Mian Noor Ahmad Sahib, “from an area in Ludhiana,
“he had taken up the responsibility to propagate the message of Islam to lower casts. “He used to propagate to the cleaners, many amongst whom were Christians. “Thousands had become his followers. “They accepted the Promised Messiah (as) and some of his followers used to visit Qadian
“because they thought he is a spiritual guide of our spiritual guide. “In order to oppose the Promised Messiah (as) and to make a jest of the claim of the “Promised Messiah (as), one of our uncles labelled himself as a spiritual guide of Christians.
“His claim was that, ‘I am Laal Beg; a priest of the lower cast.’ “Once some of those people from the lower cast who had converted to Islam visited Qadian. “They were in the habit of smoking Hookah. They were in the gathering of this person
“who labelled himself as the spiritual guide of the lower cast. “This person was actually a Mughal himself. “When they saw a Hookah in this gathering they sat down with him for the sake of this Hookah. “Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that this uncle of ours started a religious dialogue with them.
“He inquired, ‘Why have you come to meet the Promised Messiah (as)? ‘You are actually my followers. ‘What has Hazrat Mirza Sahib [the Promised Messiah (as)] given you?’ “Those people who were illiterate as people of the lower cast usually are” When Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) narrated this incident, it was almost 70 years ago.
So, then he says “Nowadays these people are very sensible, but this is 40 years from today. “This means that at the time of the Promised Messiah (as) these people were very illiterate. “However, when our uncle inquired from them what the Promised Messiah (as) has given you,
They replied that, “We do not know anything else, but we are able to understand one thing, “that people used to call us sweepers, but we accepted Ahmadiyyat. “However, due to our relationship with the Promised Messiah (as) they now call us ‘Mirzai’. “So, we were sweepers, but now we have become Mirzai.
“On the contrary, you were a Mirza before, “but now due to opposition against the Promised Messiah (as), you have become sweepers.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that, “Apparently these incidents are amusing, “however there is a philosophy of wisdom in them. “These illiterate people expressed with their tongues the meaning of the fact that
“Allah Almighty destroys the enemies of Prophets and grants success to the believers. “Therefore, the truth is that as soon as someone becomes an Ahmadi, “his wisdom regarding religious matters is sharpened and it can surpass even scholars. “Nevertheless, if this matter is disregarded even then, who is such an Ahmadi
“about whom it can be said that his level of people are not present in this world. “Instead every Ahmadi in terms of wisdom and knowledge, according to his level is more sensible “than any Christian, Hindu, Sikh and non-Ahmadi in religious matters.”
Regarding the distinctive manners of sincerity of Ahmadis, the desire to fulfil a revelation of the Promised Messiah (as), then facing the enemy due to Ahmadiyyat, the transformation of animosity to love due to Ahmadiyyat. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) narrates an incident. He says that, “I remember in my childhood
“When the people from the district of Gujrat visited Qadian. “At that time Sialkot and Gujrat were considered centres of the movement. “Gurdaspur was far behind in this regard because it is an established custom “that a prophet does not receive much appreciation in his hometown.
“During that time Sialkot was first and Gujrat was number two. “I remember the faces of many people from Gujrat even to this day. “I remember that many of them used to travel to Qadian on foot “with sincerity in order to fulfil the prophecy of the Promised Messiah (as) (as) which stated,
[29:12 Arabic] “they did not walk to Qadian due to financial hardship, “rather they did so in order to fulfil the prophecy. “There were many sincere people amongst them who were very close to the Promised Messiah (as). “This incident is also regarding those people from the district of Gujrat
“and it was often narrated by late Hafiz Roshin Ali Sahib and I have mentioned it. “During the days of the Jalsa Salana, there was one group that was walking on foot from one side “and the other group was coming from the other side on foot.
“When these two groups met with each other they started crying. “So I enquired that, ‘Why do you cry?’ “They replied that, ‘A part from us are those who accepted Ahmadiyyat first.’ “Amongst these two groups there was a group of people who accepted Ahmadiyyat first
“and for that reason the second group of people amongst them gave them “immense hardship and a tough time and they were forced to migrate from their village. “Then they did not know about each other for a while. After some time, Allah Almighty blessed us, “the second group, with the light of Ahmadiyyat
“and we who used to force Ahmadis out of their homes, ourselves accepted Ahmadiyyat. “Now that we arrived here then coincidentally, by Allah Almighty’s Wisdom, “we met those brothers of ours whom we had forced out of their homes. “When we saw them arriving from there our hearts were laden with passion
“because it was these people who used to call us towards guidance ” and we always used to oppose them and were their enemies “so much so that we forced them out of their homes. “Today, by the Grace of Allah Almighty, we have been united. “For this reason we became emotional and started crying.”
Therefore, these are the blessings of Ahmadiyyat that it unites those who are being separated. Satan puts obstacles between them but Ahmadiyyat unites them again and Inshallah these incidents will occur again. The wrong impression created among the Muslims by the clerics that Jesus (as) used to make birds with his hands
And infused life in them after which they would start to fly like other normal birds, is due to their lack of understanding of the Holy Quran. All this means is that he used to train people with spiritual powers to such a degree that they would spiritually ascend towards God Almighty.
A cleric who shared this belief regarding Jesus (as), was once conversing with the Promised Messiah (as). Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes that the Promised Messiah (as) asked a cleric that “according to him “Prophet Jesus (as) used to make birds,
“therefore, some of the birds that we see in the world today have been created by God Almighty, “while some others have been created by Jesus (as). “How will he make the distinction between the two as to which ones have been created by God “and which ones by Jesus (as)?”
The Maulvi sahib replied in Punjabi, saying it was very difficult now because birds created by God and Jesus (as) have all mixed together, therefore it is now difficult to distinguish between the two. Hazrat Musleh Maud then states that regarding the Promised Messiah (as) it is said that,
He used strong words against the Christians. However, the reality is somewhat different. As the Promised Messiah (as) never initiated this or took the first step. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that when a matter exceeds the limits, then it is sometimes necessary to give a response to a certain degree.
Through the ages, Christians have always attacked the Holy Prophet (saw), and because the Muslims did not respond, therefore the Christians always assumed that the founder of Islam was full of flaws and that if there was any religion that was flawless then it was the life of Jesus (as).
They wrongly interpreted the civility of the Muslims. They assumed that because they partook in repulsive behaviour and the Muslims did not, therefore in actuality their leader carried such and such flaws. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that days, months, years and centuries passed
And Christians continued to sully the Muslims and the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). But the Muslims kept pardoning them. Eventually, God the Almighty allowed the Promised Messiah (as) to give a response and tell them whether or not flaws could be found in them. Thus, the Promised Messiah (as) started to write
And whilst addressing Jesus (as) included what the Jews used to say about him, or what has been recorded in the book belonging to the Christians. The Promised Messiah (as) had only written a few books on this subject but it raised a clamour in Christianity that this was not a right practice.
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that he had told them from before this was not the right practice, but they, the Christians, never took heed and now they were on the receiving end and thus, they have finally realised that this is not the right practice.
Therefore in certain cases where the Promised Messiah (as) has used strong words it was in response, rather than initiating it. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) regarding a very renowned physician of Punjab whom even Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) had great regard for, states that he had great reverence for the Promised Messiah (as).
But despite this, he did not accept his claim. There is a very interesting incident in relation to him. According to Hakeem Sahib, he believed that the Promised Messiah (as) had made the claim on Jesus’s (as) death for other reasons. However Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) mentions it by first stating that
Hazrat Shuaib used to tell people not to steal others wealth and neither to spend their own wealth in wrong ways and the people used to be so shocked at his words that they would say ‘Shoaib has gone mad and is talking like an insane person.’
Hazrat Musleh Maud states that ,“We see in this age too that the Promised Messiah (as) “God forbid has been called mad, “when he presented the concept of the death of Jesus (as) to the world. “The Muslims were unable to grasp the concept of Jesus (as)’ death
“because for 1300 years the Muslim leaders had presented the idea that Jesus (as) “was alive in the heavens and therefore how could he have died? “People had so much belief and conviction, “and is evident from the incident relating to Hakeem Sahib, this physician.” People had so much belief and conviction,
That it was impossible for them to believe that Jesus (as) had passed away Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that “there was a known physician “and even Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) acknowledged the abilities as a physician. “he was called Hakeem Allah Deen. He lived in Bherah.
“Once Maulvi Fazluddin Bherwi who was a very close friend of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) and a sincere Ahmadi, went to his house to do some Tabligh (preaching). After doing some Tabligh Hakeem Sahib said to him, “What Tabligh will you do to me? “What do you know and what will you teach me?
“You have no idea the reverence that I have for the Promised Messiah (as), “you probably do not even have one tenth or one twentieth of it. “Maulvi Fazluddin Sahib became very happy upon listening to this and thought “that perhaps he is an Ahmadi at heart and therefore said
“‘I am very happy to hear that you have great reverence for the Promised Messiah (as) ‘and I would be delighted to hear more of your thoughts about the community.’ “Hakeem Sahib said, ‘These days the illiterate youth do not go into the depth of the matter ‘and go to do Tabligh.
‘Now you have come to explain to me the concept of the death of Jesus (as) ‘yet you do not even know the wisdom behind Mirza Sahib (as) presenting this concept.’ Molvi Fazluddin Saib stated, ‘Go ahead and explain.’ He said ‘Listen, the fact is that the Promised Messiah (as)
‘has written the book Baraheen-e Ahmadiyya. There has not been a single Muslim ‘who has written something like it. ‘Mirza sahib (as) has placed such truth inside it that no other book of a Muslim can match it. ‘It is like a wall that has stood against attacks from other religions.
‘However the clerics are so foolish and thoughtless that instead of thanking him ‘and honoring him by saying that from now on they will only use his arguments, ‘rather they started to pass edicts of disbelief against him. ‘Despite witnessing the outstanding service to Islam,
‘which no one has done beside the Holy Prophet (saw) in the last 1300 years ‘they instead started to pass fatwas, or edicts of disbelief against him. ‘And championed their own knowledge thinking that they were more superior. ‘The Promised Messiah (as) became infuriated at this and so he should have been.
‘and therefore he said to the clerics if you really think you are scholars, ‘and are proud of your knowledge, and even though the concept of Jesus (as) ‘being alive has so clearly been established in the Holy Qur’an ‘that it is impossible to prove the death of Jesus (as).
‘However, I shall prove his death from the Holy Qur’an ‘and if you have the strength then you should come to refute it.’ “So he says that to prove the foolishness of the clerics “he presented the concept of the death of Jesus (as) “and put forth his arguments from the Holy Qur’an.”
This Hakeem sahib says “Now even if clerics try their utmost and all the clerics of India unite, “they will not be able to challenge the arguments of the Promised Messiah (as). “The Promised Messiah (as) has caught them out in such a way “that they dare not to raise their heads.”
Hakeem sahib states, “There is only one solution, “although there is no concept of the death of Jesus (as) because he is still alive “but there is one way to resolve this issue of the clerics and this dispute “and that is that all of the clerics should get together
“and collectively go to the Promised Messiah (as) and apologise to him “that they have dishonoured him by passing edicts against him and ask to be forgiven. “Then watch how the Promised Messiah (as) will prove through the Holy Qur’an “that Jesus (as) is alive.” This indeed was his own interpretation.
So now despite having deep reverence for the Promised Messiah (as) the concept of Jesus (as) being alive was embedded in him so much that he did not take the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as) but he had respect for the Promised Messiah (as)
Therefore it is a great blessing of Allah Almighty upon a person who is able to accept the Imam of this age. We should always remember that the concept of the death of Jesus (as) is not simply a difference in ideology. In fact it is important in upholding the oneness of God Almighty
And the Promised Messiah (as) was to come and establish the oneness of God the Almighty. Regarding this Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that “By proving the death of Jesus (as) “the Promised Messiah (as) removed a hindrance that was in the path of the oneness of God.
“It is for this reason that the Promised Messiah (as) laid great emphasis on this issue, “and would spend day and night discoursing it.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “I remember that someone once told the Promised Messiah (as) to ease off this issue. “The Promised Messiah (as), overcome by vigour and splendour, said that,
‘At times I become so passionate about this subject that I think I might lose my senses. ‘This concept has caused great harm to Islam and we shall not rest until it has not been quelled.’ “People sometimes say that what is this issue? These are impediments in the way of Gods unity
“and the Promised Messiah (as) had a great passion for removing them. “It was this passion that enabled him to absorb the grace of God Almighty, “and formed the foundation for his truthfulness. “Every one of us who has a love for Islam will know that this is merely a spark
“from the fire which was in the heart of the Promised Messiah (as). “If one feels that he has the love for God Almighty in his heart “and an anguish for serving Islam then he will know that this is merely a spark from the fire
“that was in the heart of the Promised Messiah (as). “Therefore all our efforts should be focused on this particular point, “otherwise if we fail to understand this then everything we do “may indeed appear as if it is done for the oneness of God Almighty,
“however, it will be a cause of shirk [associating partners with God]. It will be Tauheed but it will also be progressing towards shirk. How does this happen? Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) related an incident that “during the time of the Promised Messiah (as) there was a person who used to study here
“and would argue every day that the Holy Prophet (saw) had knowledge of the unseen. “He was wearing a Rumi style cap and someone asked him “if he believed that the Holy Prophet (saw) was aware of this? “Without any shame this person immediately responded that certainly he was.
“The reason Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) gave for this was that people go as far as ” ‘Wahdaaniyat’ as regards to belief in God, but they do not reach ‘Ahdiyat’. ” Both need to be understood ‘Wahdaaniyat’ and ‘Ahdiyat’. “They go as far as ‘Wahdaaniyat’ but they do not reach ‘Ahdiyat’
“where a person realises that although humans to a certain extent are also ‘Khaaliq’ [the creator] “and ‘Raaziq’ [the provider] but the being of God is separate from His creation “they are certainly not the same and never can be. I will briefly explain both ‘Wahdaaniyat’ and ‘Ahdiyat’ with reference to the lexicons
So that it makes it easier to understand. God is indeed ‘Waahid’ as well as ‘Ahad’. ‘Wahdaaniyat’ signifies his uniqueness and oneness of his attributes and man can take on these divine attributes but only to a certain degree. Indeed the most excellent example of this that can manifest in any human
Was in the Holy Prophet (saw). However in their most perfect form they can only exist in God Almighty. ‘Ahad’ signifies the oneness of the being of God Almighty and nothing can even be imagined in comparison to ‘Ahad’. So as Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has explained, true oneness of God the Almighty is established
When the concept of ‘Ahdiyat’ is understood. May God the Almighty enable us to fulfil the objectives of the Promised Messiah (as) and establish the oneness of God the Almighty. 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 (saw) 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.