Friday Sermon
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 (sa) is the Messenger of Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad (sa) 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 (sa) 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. Accounts in the life of the Holy Prophet (sa) in relation to the Battle of Badr were being narrated. The Battle of Badr came to an end and Allah the Almighty brought the disbelievers to a bitter end.
As has already been mentioned, 70 disbelievers were killed, which included many chiefs and leaders. With regards to the burial of these chiefs of the Quraish, it is written in Sahih Al-Bukhari that Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud relates: “The Holy Prophet (sa) was offering his prayers near the Ka’aba.
(he was relating the background of the events). “The Holy Prophet (sa) was offering his prayers near the Ka’ba when, “being incited by some of the Quraish, one most wretched individual among them “placed the entrails of an animal between the shoulders “of the Holy Prophet (sa) while he was in prostration.
“The Holy Prophet (sa) remained in prostration and these individuals continued their mockery. “Someone told Hazrat Fatima (ra) of this. She was a young girl [at the time]. “She came running and the Holy Prophet (sa) remained in prostration “until she removed it from his shoulders, “Hazrat Fatima (ra) started speaking ill of them. “When the Holy Prophet (sa) completed his prayers, he supplicated: “‘O Allah! Seize the Quraish.’ “Following this, he mentioned them by name: ‘O Allah! Seize ‘Amr bin Hisham, “‘Utbah bin Rabi’ah, Shaybah bin Rabi’ah, Walid bin ‘Utbah, Umayyah bin Khalaf,
“‘Uqbah bin Abi Mu’ayt and ‘Umarah bin Walid.” “Hazrat ‘Abdullah further relates: ‘By Allah! On the day of Badr, “‘I saw their corpses laying on the ground with my own eyes, “‘They were then dragged to a ditch in Badr and thrown therein.’ “Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said: ‘Those in the ditch are cursed.’” In books of biography it is written that the Holy Prophet (sa) said: “The corpses of the disbelievers should be removed from their places.”
He had already marked out the places that they would be slain before the Battle of Badr commenced. “Hazrat Umar (ra) states: ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) had marked out places “‘where the idolaters would be slain.’ “Pointing to these places, he would say: ‘God willing, tomorrow this is where
“‘Utbah bin Rabi’ah will be killed, this is where Shaybah bin Rabi’ah will be killed, “‘this is where Umayyah bin Khalaf will be killed, “‘this will be where Abu Jahl – Ibn Hisham will be killed and this will be where such ‘and such person will be killed)”
“The Holy Prophet (sa) would mark that place “by putting his blessed hand on the ground on the exact spot. “The next morning, in the Battle of Badr, their bodies lay in exactly the same spots “where the Holy Prophet (sa) had placed his blessed hand. “Hazrat ‘Aisha (ra) relates that following the battle,
“the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed that all the corpses “of the disbelievers should be put in a ditch. “As such, they were all put in a ditch, except for Umayyah bin Khalaf. “His body had become swollen within his armour and when they tried to lift him, “parts of his flesh started falling out.
“Therefore, he was covered with sand and stones on that very spot. “When the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed the bodies of the disbelievers “should be thrown into the ditch, “‘Utbah bin Rabi’a was taken and thrown into the ditch. “The Holy Prophet (sa) saw discontentment on Hazrat Abu Huzaifah’s expression (ra),
“he was the son of Utbah, and had become a Muslim but his father remained a disbeliever. “The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘O Abu Huzaifah, perhaps you are discontent “‘with regards to your father.’ “He replied, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have no doubt about him, nor about his killing.
“‘However, I knew my father to be a man of sound advice, forbearing, and honourable, “‘so I hoped that these traits (i.e., these good qualities of his which he mentioned) “‘would bring him towards Islam. “‘When I witnessed his fate, I remembered his rejection,
“‘even though I had hoped he would accept Islam, and this is what has saddened me.’ “The Holy Prophet (sa) prayed in his favour (i.e. for Abu Huzaifah) “and said some words to console him. “It is related by Hazrat Abu Talha Ansari (ra) that on the day of the Battle of Badr,
“the Holy Prophet (sa) gave instructions in relation to 24 chieftains of the Quraish, “and they were thus placed in one of the pits of Badr. “Whenever the Holy Prophet (sa) would defeat any opposition [in battle], “he would remain in that area for three nights.
“On the third day of remaining in Badr, the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed “that the saddle be tied to his camel. “After the saddle was tied to the camel, “the Holy Prophet (sa) departed along with his companions.” He [the narrator] said that we understood he was leaving for a certain purpose.
“The Holy Prophet (sa) reached the edge of the pits where the disbelievers were buried. “He addressed these deceased and their fathers by name, saying, “‘O son of so and so, O son of so and so, “‘would it not please you now to have obeyed Allah and His messenger,
“‘for we have found true the promise made to us by God? “‘Have you found true that which your Lord had promised to you?’ “Abu Talhastates that Hazrat Umar (ra) asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, “‘why do you speak to these lifeless corpses?’ (i.e. referring to those who had died).
“The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘By the One in Whose hand is the life of Muhammad (sa), “‘you do not hear what I am saying as well as they do.’ In Sirat Ibn Hisham it is recorded in the following manner: “O people of the pit!
“You proved to be most wretched relatives to your Prophet. “You rejected me, while others testified to my truthfulness. “You exiled me from my homeland, while others granted me protection. “You waged war against me, while others supported me.” He then said: “Did the promise made to you by your God prove to be true?”
“Did the promise made to you by your God prove to be true?” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) has written about this incident in Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets, in the following manner: “Before returning, the Holy Prophet (sa) went to the pit where the chieftains
“of the Quraish had been buried, and calling the names of each one of them, he exclaimed: “‘Have you found true the promise made to you by God through me? “‘Have you found true the promise made to you by God through me? “‘Verily, I have found true the promise made to me by God.’
“Then, he added: “‘O ye people of the pit! You proved to be most wretched relatives to your Prophet. “‘O ye people of the pit! You proved to be most wretched relatives to your Prophet. “‘You rejected me, while others testified to my truthfulness. “‘You exiled me from my homeland, while others granted me protection.
“‘You waged war against me, while others supported me.’ “Hazrat ‘Umar (ra) submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! “‘They are dead, how can they hear you now.’ “The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘They hear me better than you hear me now.’ “In other words, they have reached a state where all truth becomes manifest
“and there remains no veil. “These words of the Holy Prophet (sa) which have been written above, “possessed mixed emotions of pain and agony. “One may somewhat gauge the state of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) “emotions which he was enduring at the time.
“It seems as if the past history of the opposition of the Quraish “was before the eyes of the Holy Prophet (sa) at the time, “and in a world of reminiscence, he would flip a page at a time, “and his heart would become restless at the study of these pages.
“These words of the Holy Prophet (sa) are also categorical evidence “that the responsibility of the initiation of this series of wars, “lied completely with the disbelievers of Mecca. “As is evident from these words of the Holy Prophet (sa): “‘O my people! You waged war against me, while others supported me.’
“‘O my people! You waged war against me, while others supported me.’ “In the least, these words definitely demonstrate that in his own opinion, “the Holy Prophet (sa) believed that these wars were initiated by the disbelievers, “and he was compelled to take up the sword merely in his own defence.”
There is also mention of the miracles of the Holy Prophet (sa) during this battle. One of those is recorded in a book of Sirat, in which Ibn Ishaq states: “Ukashah bin Mihsan was fighting with his sword on the day “of the Battle of Badr until it broke in his hand.
“He went to the Holy Prophet (sa), and so he handed him a wooden stick, “saying, ‘O Ukashah, fight the disbelievers with this.’ “Ukashah took hold of it and waved it about, and the wooden stick turned into a sword
“which was fairly long, the metal of which was very strong, and its blade was of a white hue. “He continued to fight on with this until Allah Almighty granted victory to the Muslims.” The narrator states, “This sword was given the name ‘Aun’.
“He used this sword to display feats of bravery in later battles as well, “until he was martyred in the battle against Musailimah Kadhab. “Furthermore, there is a miracle recorded in relation to the efficacy “of the blessed saliva and hand [of the Holy Prophet (sa)].
“Hazrat Qatadah narrates that during the Battle of Badr, he was struck on his eye, “causing it to dangle down onto his cheek. “In other words, his eyeball came out of its socket and was protruding. “He intended to sever it and cast it aside.
“The Companions submitted the matter to the Holy Prophet (sa), upon which he said, “‘No, he should not do this.’ “The Holy Prophet (sa) summoned Hazrat Qatadah “and using the palm of his hand, he put it back in its socket. “Hazrat Qatadah reports that he forgot that his eye was ever injured in the first place. “His eye was put back and healed in a manner that he was unable to tell “if his [injured] eye was the one that came out. “In fact, this [injured] eye appeared more beautiful than his other eye.
“In some books, this incident about the healed eye “has been said to have taken place during the Battle of Uhud, “while others claim that it took place during the Battle of the Ditch [Khandaq]. “However, this miracle has been mentioned in reference to the Battle of Badr as well.
“How did news of the defeat of the disbelievers reach Mecca? “In this regard, it is recorded that the idolaters fled the battlefield of Badr “towards Mecca in disarray, chaos, and in a state of panic. “For fear of humiliation and shame, they were unsure of how they should enter Mecca.
“The first person to bring news of the Quraish’s defeat to Mecca “was Haithaman bin Ayyas bin Abdullah. “He later accepted Islam. The people asked him about what had happened. “He replied, ‘Utbah bin Rabi’ah, Shaibah bin Rabi’ah, “‘Abu al-Hakam bin Hisham (i.e. Abu Jahl), Umayyah bin Khalaf
“‘and a few other chieftains have been killed.’ “When he began to list the Quraish chieftains that had been killed, “the people could not believe what he was saying. “Safwan bin Umayyah, who was seated in the Hatim, heard this and said, “‘I did not understand. It seems as though this person has gone mad.
“‘As a means to confirm, ask him of the whereabouts of Safwan bin Umayyah.’ “The people asked him about Safwan bin Umayyah. “He replied, ‘Look, he is sitting in the Hatim. “‘I am not mad, I see everything clearly. “‘I have witnessed his father and brother being killed with my own eyes.’ “In other words, they realised that this man was telling the truth.
“Thus, this is how the people of Mecca “learned of their resounding defeat on the battlefield of Badr. “This impacted them so negatively that they prohibited the mourning “of their deceased lest the Muslims become joyful over their sorrow. “When some people of the Quraish mourned over their dead, others said to them,
“‘Do not do this, for if news of this reaches Muhammad (sa) “‘and his Companions, they will rejoice over your sorrowful state. “‘Do not send anyone to retrieve those who have been imprisoned “‘until you have thought over it carefully. “‘Do not mourn, nor make any effort to free the prisoners,
“‘lest Muhammad (sa) and his Companions are strict with you in matters of ransom.’” Regarding how the news of victory reached the people of Madinah and the response, it is recorded that the Holy Prophet (sa) sent Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah to the elevated region of Madinah
And Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah to the lower region of Madinah to convey the glad tiding that Allah the Almighty had granted His Messenger (sa). Hazrat Usamah bin Zaid narrates: “This news reached us when we had levelled the dirt “over the grave of Hazrat Ruqayyah, daughter of the Holy Prophet (sa)
“and wife of Hazrat Uthman bin Affan. “She had passed away. “The Holy Prophet (sa) had also left me behind “with Hazrat Uthman to look after Hazrat Ruqayyah. “I came to my father, Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah, at a time when he was surrounded by people.
“‘He was announcing, ‘Utbah bin Rabi’ah, Shaibah bin Rabi’ah, Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham, “Zam’ah bin Aswad Abu al-Bakhtari, Aas bin Hisham, Umayyah bin Khalaf “and the two sons of Hajjaj, Nubay and Munabeh’, have been killed,’ “all the while the situation in Madinah was that the hypocrites
“and Jews were spreading rumours that the Muslims had been utterly defeated, “and God forbid, Muhammad (sa) has been killed. “It was amidst the uncertainty of these rumours that Hazrat Zaid entered Madinah “whilst riding the Holy Prophet’s (sa) camel, “upon which the Jews and hypocrites enthusiastically expressed,
“‘Behold! Muhammad (sa) has been killed, and Zaid is riding his camel.’ “When Zaid announced that Utbah, Shaibah, Abu Jahl and Ummayah have all been killed, “the hypocrites questioned, ‘How can this be possible? “‘It appears that the Muslims’ defeat and the death of Muhammad (sa) “‘has caused Zaid to lose his senses,
“‘due to which he is saying such things.’” The reaction of the disbelievers in Mecca was the same as the hypocrites and Jews in Madinah. Hazrat Usamah bin Zaid continues, “Because I was hearing all of this in Madinah, “I took my father Zaid to the side and asked,
“‘Father, is what you are saying really true?’ “He replied, ‘Son, by God, this has in fact happened and I am telling the truth.’ “Upon hearing this news, convoys of people gathered to pay tribute to the victorious prophet. “The Muslims were overjoyed and jubilant upon this victory.
“They eagerly awaited the return of the Holy Prophet (sa). “Not all Muslims participated in this battle because upon their departure from Madinah, “they had not intended to fight in a battle. “Learning of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) arrival, “some Muslims came outside Madinah to welcome him.
“They met the Holy Prophet (sa) at Rauha. Their happiness was a sight to behold. “They congratulated the Holy Prophet (sa) for his triumph over the disbelievers. “Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (sa) entered Madinah “where the rest of the Muslims welcomed him.”
Regarding the spoils of war from this battle, it is recorded that upon their victory, the Muslims received 150 camels and 10 horses. Apart from this, they acquired various goods, from weapons to clothes to large amounts of hides, stained leather, wool and so on. These were goods brought by the idolaters for trade.
The Holy Prophet (sa) took a share equal to that of his Companions. From [the spoils of] this battle, the Companions kept one sword for the Holy Prophet (sa). He also received a camel from the possessions of Abu Jahl; its nose had a silver ring inside it.
This sword and camel have been given great importance in books of history. Further details of this are that the aforementioned sword was named Dhu al-Fiqar and belonged to ‘Aas bin Munabbeh bin Hajjaj, an idolater who was killed during the Battle of Badr. According to some narrations, this sword belonged to Abu Jahl.
The Holy Prophet (sa) maintained the sword’s name as Dhu al-Fiqar. It is stated that the reason this sword was named Dhu al-Fiqar is because it was either serrated or had lines engraved onto it. Regarding this sword, it is recorded that it always remained in the Holy Prophet’s (sa) possession thereafter.
The Holy Prophet (sa) kept this sword with him during other battles. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), this sword was passed down to the Abbasid Caliphate. Similarly, Abu Jahl’s camel that the Holy Prophet (sa) received among the spoils of Battle of Badr remained with him
Until he took it as a sacrificial animal at the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. There is a narration in relation to this that this camel was grazing in Hudaibiyah and fled from there and reached the house of Abu Jahl in Mecca.
Hazrat Amr bin Anama Ansari went after the camel and reached Mecca, however a few cunning individuals of Mecca refused to return the camel. Suhail bin Amr, who was representing the Quraish during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, instructed them to return the camel and so they eventually did.
He told these people to offer a hundred camels in exchange of this camel. If the Muslims accepted this offer then they could keep the camel, otherwise they would have to return the camel. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that if they had not designated this camel
For the purpose of sacrifice, then they would have returned it. However, this camel had been now designated for sacrifice. And so, this camel was sacrificed on behalf of the Muslims. During the distribution of the spoils of battle, the Holy Prophet (sa) distributed the wealth amongst the heirs of the martyrs
And those who were appointed as representatives of the Holy Prophet (sa) in Madinah and also those companions who were assigned various tasks and could not therefore take part in the Battle of Badr were also given a share of the spoils. There are some details in relation to the ransom
Taken from the prisoners of battle and the companions counsel in this regard. The prisoners in the Battle of Badr were released upon taking ransom from them. The value of the ransom payment was between 4,000 dirham and 1,000 dirham. However, those who could not afford to pay this amount were told
That they could be released on the condition that they teach the children of Madinah how to read and write. Also, some prisoners were released without having to pay any ransom or with a very little amount of ransom. There are various narrations in relation to this
And some of these narrations create various kinds of doubts, however Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has provided the correct explanation to these. However, I shall mention all the details first. All the various narrations in the books of history and also those found in the books of Ahadith regarding the ransom payment
Taken from the prisoners of Badr have become mixed and confused. The fact of the matter is that the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa) to take ransom from the prisoners of Badr was in accordance to the Divine will of Allah. Although I have previously mentioned these narrations
With regards to the accounts of Hazrat Umar (ra), however it is important to mention them here as well. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates that “on the occasion of Badr, “when the Muslims captured the enemy and took them as prisoners of war, “the Holy Prophet (sa) asked Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)
“and Hazrat Umar (ra) for their opinion regarding them. “Hazrat Umar (ra) submitted, ‘O Prophet (sa) of Allah! “‘They are our cousins and kinsmen. “‘My opinion is that you should take ransom from them “‘and this will be a means of making us even stronger than the disbelievers.
“‘It is also nigh that Allah the Almighty may guide them towards Islam.’ “The Holy Prophet (sa) then stated, ‘O Ibn Khattab! What is your opinion?’ (He asked Hazrat Umar (ra)). “Hazrat Umar (ra) submitted, ‘No O Messenger (sa) of Allah! “‘By Allah! My opinion is different to Abu Bakr.
“‘In fact, my opinion is that you should hand them over to us. “‘We shall strike their necks and kill them. “‘Hand over Aqeel to Ali, so that he strikes his neck and kills him. “‘And hand over such and such person to me (the individual he named was a relative of his)
“‘and I shall strike his neck and kill him, “‘because these are the leaders and chieftains of the disbelievers.’ “The Holy Prophet (sa) favoured the opinion of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). “Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘The Holy Prophet (sa) did not choose my opinion.’
“The next day I came and saw that both the Holy Prophet (sa) “and Abu Bakr (ra) were sat weeping. “I asked, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! What has caused you and your companion to cry?’ “‘Tell me the reason, for I will weep if I am moved by it,
“‘or if not then at the least I will make my appearance to seem as if I am crying.’ “The Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘I weep over the punishment that was shown to me “‘regarding those companions who suggested that I ought to take ransom.
“‘It was shown to me closer than this tree’” (i.e. referring to a tree that was near to him). Subsequently, Allah the Almighty then revealed the following verse: ‘It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives ‘until he engages in regular fighting in the land’
‘It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land’ [Ch.8: V.68] ‘So eat, of that which you have won in war, as lawful and good’ ‘So eat, of that which you have won in war, as lawful and good’ [Ch.8: V.70]. “Thus, Allah made the spoils of war lawful for them.” This is a narration of Sahih Muslim. In this narration, the words in the beginning,
Which state that the Holy Prophet (sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) were weeping and the subject matter of the subsequent verses that were revealed, render this entire narration ambiguous and the matter remains unclear. However, deeming this narration to be correct, the majority of historians, biographers and commentators of the Qur’an have written
That Allah the Almighty expressed displeasure at the suggestion that the captives of Badr should be freed after taking ransom and instead, favoured the opinion of Hazrat Umar (ra). Those who have written about the life and character of Hazrat Umar (ra), usually pen a chapter about the Qur’anic injunctions that were revealed
In line with the opinions of Hazrat Umar (ra); it is mentioned therein that with regard to the captives of Badr, Allah the Almighty favoured the opinion of Hazrat Umar (ra). But this matter is ambiguous and incomprehensible. In fact, it seems that the biographers
And commentators of the Qur’an have erred in their understanding of this narration. Nonetheless, there is an explanation of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) in his unpublished Tafsir notes which sheds some light and refutes these narrations [of the biographers and commentators] and the explanation given by Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) is the correct interpretation.
It seems that some commentators have created this narration to needlessly elevate the status of Hazrat Umar (ra) or they have erred in their understanding of this narration. Nevertheless, expounding upon verse 68 of Surah al-Anfal, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “Prior to the advent of Islam, there was a custom in Arabia,
“which regrettably is still prevalent in some parts of the world today, “that even if no war has taken place, people would be taken captive and enslaved. “This verse abolishes this abhorrent custom and in plain words has commanded “that a person can only be taken captive after the commencement of war against an opponent. “If a war has not taken place, then it is unlawful to make someone a captive. “This verse has been severely misinterpreted.”
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) further states: “After the Battle of Badr, when the Muslims had captured some of the Meccans, “the Holy Prophet (sa) sought advice from his Companions about what to do with them. “Hazrat Umar (ra) was of the opinion that they ought to be killed,
“whereas Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) opined that they ought to be released for a ransom. “The Holy Prophet (sa) preferred the advice of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).” This is verse 68 of Surah al-Anfal in which it is mentioned that it is not lawful
For a prophet to take captives unless he is engaged in an all-out war. Nonetheless, expanding on this, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes: “In this incident, Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) opinion was different to Hazrat Umar’s (ra) “and the Holy Prophet (sa) favoured the opinion of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)
“and thus, released the captives after taking ransom. “However, the commentators have alleged that the revelation of this verse indicates “that God Almighty was displeased with this deed of the Holy Prophet (sa).” This narration has only been created to give credibility to Hazrat Umar’s opinion,
Even if it means that the Holy Prophet’s status is diminished [as a result]. Nonetheless, they [commentators] claim that Allah the Almighty was displeased by the action of the Holy Prophet (sa) in that the captives should have been killed instead of taking ransom. This is written in the Tafsir of Al-Tabari.
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes: “However, this interpretation is incorrect. “Firstly, until that time, no command had been revealed “which prohibited releasing prisoners by taking ransom for them. “Therefore, no blame can be placed upon the Holy Prophet (sa) for taking ransom.
“Secondly, prior to this incident, the Holy Prophet (sa) released two captives in Nakhlah “after taking ransom and Allah the Almighty did not disapprove of this act. “Thirdly, two verses on from this, Allah the Almighty permits the Muslims
“to utilise what one obtains from the spoils of war, declaring it to be lawful and good. “It is an extremely far-fetched notion to say that Allah the Almighty was displeased “at the Holy Prophet (sa) accepting ransom “and then declare the money obtained from it to be lawful and good.
“Therefore, this interpretation is completely wrong “and the correct interpretation is that a general principle “has been mentioned here in that no one can be made a captive “unless an all-out war takes place with an enemy who is subdued after the battle.”
There is no link between this and Hazrat Umar’s opinion of not taking ransom. From among the commentators of the Qur’an, Allamah Imam Razi and the famous biographer Allama Shibli Nomani also held the same opinion as Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra). Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes:
“When the Holy Prophet (sa) returned to Medina, “he sought counsel as to what should be done with the prisoners. “Generally, it was a practice in Arabia to execute prisoners or make them permanent slaves. “However, the disposition of the Holy Prophet (sa) was averse to such harsh measures.
“Moreover, no divine injunctions in this respect had been revealed either. “Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) submitted, ‘In my opinion, they should be released on ransom “‘because after all, they are our brethren and kindred. “‘Who knows, if tomorrow, devotees of Islam are born from among these very people.’
“However, Hazrat Umar (ra) opposed this view and said, “‘There should be no consideration of kinship in a matter of religion. “‘These people have become deserving of execution due to their actions. “‘My opinion is that all of them should be executed.
“‘As a matter of fact, the Muslims should execute their respective relatives by their own hands.’ “Swayed by his innate nature of mercy, the Holy Prophet (sa) “approved of the proposal made by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). “He thus, issued an order against execution
“and directed that such idolaters who pay their ransom, would be released. “Therefore, subsequently, a divine injunction was also revealed to this effect”. Since a divine injunction has been revealed to take ransom just as Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has also written, therefore it seems rather strange to use that hadith as a basis
To explain the reason why the Holy Prophet (sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) were crying. In any case, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) further writes: “As such, a ransom of 1,000 dirhams to 4,000 dirhams “was set for each individual according to his means.
“In this manner, all of the prisoners continued to be released.” The rest will be mentioned in future, God-Willing. After the Friday prayers, I shall lead two funeral prayers in absentia. The first mention is of Rana Abdul Hameed Khan Sahib Khathgari, who was serving as a missionary and Naib Nazim Mal Waqf-e-Jadid, Pakistan.
He passed away recently at the age of 70. (Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return). By the grace of Allah the Almighty he was a Musi. His father’s name was Chaudhry Abdul Latif Khan Sahib Khathgari and his mother’s name was Amatul Latif Sahiba.
His father was also a life devotee [Waqif-e-Zindagi] and worked for the Jama’at. Ahmadiyyat was introduced in the family of Abdul Hameed Khan Sahib Khathgari through his grandfather, Hazrat Chaudhry Abdul Manan Khan Sahib Khathgari (ra) and his elder brother Hazrat Chaudhry Abdus Salaam Khan Sahib Khathgari (ra).
They both had the honour of doing the Bai’at at the hands of the Promised Messiah (as) in December 1903. Abdul Hameed Khan Sahib Khathgari formally began his service as a missionary in May 1979 and he had the opportunity to serve in various places, both within Pakistan and abroad.
Under Wakalat-e-Tabshir, he served in Uganda from August 1985 till December 1986. Later, under the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme he had the opportunity to serve in various places as a missionary. In 1993, he was appointed as Naib Nazim Mal for Waqf-e-Jadid and he continued to serve in this position till his demise.
He had the opportunity to serve the Community for 44 years. Allah the Almighty blessed him with one son and one daughter. His son is Dr Abdul Rauf Khan Sahib who is currently serving as Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Denmark.
His son, Dr Rauf Khan says, “My father always remained loyal to his oath of dedication [Waqf]. “He only spent a short time in Uganda because at the time the rebels there “had overthrown the government and expelled the foreigners from the land. “However, whilst in Uganda, the missionary in-charge, Mahmood B.T. Sahib
“gave my father the Holy Qur’an and sent him to Kampala for the purpose of Tabligh. “At the time, a civil war had started in that area “and people were forced to move out from their houses. “Whilst moving houses, my father fell ill and owing to no hospital being nearby
“and nor any kind of medical assistance available, “the people left my father in a room and left. “The area was captured by the rebels and they began searching the entire area. “During this time, a rebel even went right up to his room
“and as he was lying down, he left my father thinking he was dead. “My father would tell me that he was lying right below the window “and the bullets would enter through the window and hit opposite wall. “After some time, when the situation improved a little, my father contacted someone
“and was moved to a safe location and in this way Allah the Almighty protected him.” He had a very deep connection of love and affection with Khilafat. He was very simple, and sociable. He was always prepared to hearken to whatever was said in the sermons delivered by the Khalifa of the time.
He did not agree with creating interpretations and whoever tried to interpret different meanings and purports he would express his displeasure. He also showed great respect to office bearers and missionaries. His son says, “He would enjoin me to do the same.”
He says, “I was a member of the organisation of Atfal-ul Ahmadiyya and once he said to me, “‘if you do not want to agree with an office bearer “‘or a Muntazim about something (he must have disagreed with someone) “‘then you should leave your office.
“‘The organisation of the Community and Khilafat are joined together. “‘It cannot be that you listen to one and not the other.’” One of his salient qualities was helping others and reforming them when it was appropriate. This was to the extent that if he wished to guide someone
And the other became upset, he would not worry about it. And if he was successful in reforming them then he would appreciate them. He would say, “My job is simply to reform.” He writes that many opportunities presented themselves where he could have lived a life of ease,
But he always gave precedence to his life-devotion. He says, “Even during his last days I mentioned in passing to my father “that he should move to live with me in Denmark, however this upset him. “He said, ‘I have not dedicated myself for a certain number of years
“‘rather I have dedicated my life, and all that I have is associated with my life devotion.’” His daughter, Hafiza Hasan Araa says, “My father was very generous, “kind, hospitable, and God-fearing. “He was a treasure house of prayers. “One of his greatest qualities was his complete faith and trust in God Almighty
“and then another great quality was his love for Khilafat. “He had a special love for Khilafat, more than any other relationship. “All of his thoughts, the beginning of his conversations “and the ends of his conversations centered around Khilafat “and loving the Khalifa of the time.”
She says “he would visit here in the UK from time to time and sometimes, “when I would be overcome with emotion and would express it, “he would say, ‘All relationships in this life are temporal. “‘You should always keep your relationship with God strong.
“‘All other relations end, because the only One Being Who remains is God Almighty, “‘Who will never leave you alone.’ “Then he would say, ‘Always keep a strong relationship with Khilafat.’ “He was very simple. “He would always say, ‘I am a life-devotee, my entire life is devoted.’
“And he expressed his desire to fulfil his devotion until his very last moments.” Hafiz Khalid Iftikhar Sahib, Nazim Mal Waqf-e-Jadid writes, “I had the opportunity of working with Abdul Hameed Khan for about 20 years “and he always upheld the standard of being a true life-devotee.”
He says, “In terms of age and experience he was senior to me, “but because of always remaining true to obedience to Khilafat “and the organisational structure of the Jama’at, he never expressed his seniority.” He was his deputy. He says, “He worked with me very selflessly.
“He had an excellent way of explaining and enjoining the offering of alms. “He would teach the new workers, missionaries “and mu’allimin about how to work with great wisdom. “He would complete his assigned duties with complete obedience. “He always offered excellent advice. “Though he served quietly and selflessly,
“but Waqf-e-Jadid benefitted from his services for 30 years. “In his last few years he would fall ill from time to time and his children lived abroad. “If someone suggested to him that perhaps he should go and live with one of his children “he would become very emotional and respond,
“‘I have dedicated my life and I will serve until the end.’” Allah the Almighty enabled him to do this and he fulfilled this pledge until his last moments. A missionary in Nizamat Mal, Mubashar Ahmad sahib says, “In 2013 I was appointed to the Department of Mal in Waqf-e-Jadid.
“Abdul Hameed Khan Sahib gave me two fundamental pieces of advice “and told me to write them down in my notebook. “The first was that the source of all blessings is Khilafat; “you must remain loyal to Khilafat in every instance and circumstance.
“The second was that if you become lazy in doing your work then it can be overlooked, “however falsehood and lying cannot be forgiven. “Never utter anything that is false and never tell a lie. “He said that I should adopt these two principles. “And as each and every one of us already has faith
“and trust in Allah the Almighty, always ask Him for help and pray to Him.” In any case he says, “I accompanied him on many tours; “he would always stress that whilst making an appeal to others, “the importance of Waqf-e-Jadid should be conveyed to each and every person
“to the extent that they have no reservations in making sacrifices. “Do not simply ask for money, rather you should instil the importance “of almsgiving in their hearts and create a pain in their hearts “for the Jama’at and then ask them only according to their capacity. “Then there should be no feeling of shame,
“because it is our duty to serve the Community and to seek help for the Community. “He took care of the Jama’at’s property. “He would stress that the alms are received as a result of members of the Jama’at “making sacrifices and so in spending that wealth
“and using that wealth we must not be excessive. “Only that which is a necessity should be purchased “and nothing beyond what is needed should be spent. “He would say, ‘I have also told my son that he is my son “‘so long as he is loyal to the Jama’at,
“‘otherwise I have no connection with you or do not need anything from you.’” May Allah the Almighty treat him with forgiveness and mercy, elevate his station and enable his progeny to carry on the legacy of his virtues. The next funeral is of Nusrat Jahan Ahmad Sahiba,
Wife of respected Mubashar Ahmad Sahib, who is a missionary in the USA. She recently passed away, [Arabic – Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return] With her husband and three children, the deceased moved to America in 1972 and settled in Washington.
In 1988, her husband was able to dedicate his life in America and throughout their life, the deceased lived with great simplicity and contentment. Ever since her husband, Mubashar Sahib, dedicated his life, he has been carrying out the duties of a missionary. She lived with him with great simplicity and contentment.
By the grace of Allah the Almighty she was a Musia. She was at the forefront of offering alms and she had a profound love for Khilafat. From 1977 to 2007 she served under Lajna Ima’illah in various capacities. She served as the local deputy president, local president, regional president among other roles.
She organised programmes for propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat with great effort and passion. She also conducted various programmes for the training of Lajna and Nasirat. She also provided good religious training for her children. Similarly, she also encouraged them towards obtaining secular education.
She is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, all four of her children are active members of the Jama’at and are serving the faith. May Allah the Almighty treat the deceased with forgiveness and mercy
And make her children the recipients of her prayers and virtues. 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 (sa) 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.