Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2016
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. God willing, the blessed month of Ramadan will begin in three or four days time. Due to the length of the day in certain warmer countries the fasting can be very difficult, despite this it is incumbent upon every healthy adult.
Indeed, in certain conditions there are provisions for fasting. In some hot countries for labourers or if there are other conditions and they are unable to fast then there are provisions for them also. Similarly in those countries where there the day is twenty two or twenty three hours and
The night is only one hour and a half or two hours – and even in that it is not dark, there is still some light, for those Community’s it is instructed that they should set the timings
For the Sehri [closing of the fast] and Iftaar [opening of the fast] using an estimate. That [estimate] is normally made by using the [timings of the] nearest country or by using that as a basis, which in these days will be approximately eighteen or nineteen hour fasts.
If this practice is not adopted then in those countries there will be no possibility of Sehri [closing of the fast] or Iftaari [opening of the fast]. It will not be possible to perform the Tahajjud prayer, nor differentiate the times for Fajr and Ishaa prayers.
Whatever the case may be, the Community in these areas act accordingly as to how they will adjust their [fasting[ timetable. Fasting is amongst the fundamental pillars of Islam and fulfilling this pillar is an obligation. With regards to fasting often small questions arise –
Whether they are to do with the Sehri or Iftaar illness, or about fasting for those who are on a journey and other questions like these. By the grace of Allah, hundreds and thousands of people enter the Community from various Islamic sects and some who belonged to no religion at all.
Amongst different Muslim sects there are different opinions on certain jurisprudential matters. When these individuals enter the Community, their [previous] opinions become a source of anxiety. They need some clarifications and further guidance and raise particular questions. Similarly, those individuals entering the Community from a non-religious background have no knowledge regarding certain matters,
In fact they themselves are learning first hand and therefore are unaware. For them it is essential to understand the fundamental teachings of Islam. In this age, God Almighty has commissioned the Promised Messiah (as) as the Just Arbiter,
Who was to give his verdict on all matters on the basis of the fundamental tenants of Islam and that is exactly what he did. He was to pass verdict on all issues that rose and indeed he did so. Therefore, in order for us to solve our various predicaments and
Increase in our knowledge we must turn to him. As I mentioned, in the matters pertaining to fasting some questions are often raised. In reply to those questions, what was the stance of the Promised Messiah (as) and what did he believe and edict on the matter, that is what I will speak about now.
We should always bear in mind that when it comes to commandments of the Shariah , the instruction and belief of the Promised Messiah (as) will be our answer to any jurisprudential dispute and our decision. Primarily one should remember the basic principle for any injunction in Islam is righteousness.
Therefore by keeping Taqwa in view, we should always remember the instruction of the Promised Messiah (as), “Fulfil your fasts with honesty and for the sake of God.” Some people question, in regards to Ramadan for example, even some children question, ‘Why we offer the Eid prayer on a separate day to
‘the non-Ahmadi Muslims or why do we start Ramadan on a different day?’ Firstly, there is no rule that the days have to be separate. We never intentionally desire to start Ramadan or offer the Eid prayer on a separate day.
On many occasions over the years there have been times when our [start of] Ramadan and Eid prayers have been on the same day as the other Muslims. In Pakistan and other Muslim Countries where there are Royat-e-Hilal Comminttee’s [A body which is responsible for the sighting of the new moon]
Set up by the government, when they announce the sighting of the [new] moon and there are enough witnesses, then we Ahmadi’s start and finish our Ramadan according to that, as well as the celebration of our Eid prayer. In these western countries i.e.European countries there is no such Royat-e-Hilal committ
In operation, nor is there any announcement from them. Therefore, we start fasting on the time when there is a high possibility of the moon being visible, and also to celebrate Eid. Indeed, should our estimate be wrong and the moon is seen beforehand,
And if there are wise adults who are a witness to it as well as believers, then in that case Ramadan can be started before [the estimated time]. It is not essential that because a timetable has been made the Ramadan must start
In accordance with that, however clear sighting of the moon and a witness thereof is essential. To say that we must start the month of Ramadan and Eid prayer on the announcement of the non-Ahmadi Muslims without having seen the moon first ourselves is wrong.
The Promised Messiah mentioned this in his book Surma Chashma Arya and did not reject the notion of estimation and inference. This is also a science, but also gave precedence to the sighting [of the moon]. The Promised Messiah (as) states,
“For the ease and comfort of the people God Almighty has made manifest the best and “most straightforward way, sparing us from any unnecessary complications. “For example, for the start of the fasting [month], “He has not commanded that until one deciphers using the dubious principles of astronomy
“whether the month will be of twenty nine days or thirty, “until then one should not use the sighting of the moon.” This means it is not imperative to follow the principles formulated by scientists or astronomers. To say that we must adopt their estimation that the month will be of twenty nine days or
Thirty days, discarding the physical sighting of the moon, this is incorrect. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “One should not completely lose trust of the sight and “close one’s eyes because it is obvious that forcing finite principles of astronomy “unnecessarily upon the common man is an unwarranted and needless burden.”
Acting upon a deed without reason, simply because of an indication or estimate and refusing to use one’s own sense is a nuisance. The Promised Messiah (as) further adds, “It is evident that in these estimations there are bound to be mistakes that do occur. “Therefore there is a very straightforward principle,
“one that can be understood by the common man, “and that is not to rely solely on astronomers and “those who have knowledge of the stars who estimate when the moon can be spotted. “We should not just rely on the date on which the moon will be born,
“but we should base [our belief] on sighting the moon, “bearing in mind that the month should not exceed thirty days.” Sighting of the moon is vital. In the case the moon is not visible then it is plausible to rely on the calculated dates
As long as one bears in mind that they do not exceed the thirty day limit. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “It should be remembered that “the physical sighting [of the moon] takes precedence over any calculated estimate.” Intellect supports this notion that physically seeing something superior to calculated estimates.
“Ultimately when the wise scholars of the Europe understood the physical sighting “to be more reliable they invented instruments such as telescopes and microscopes with “the help of their faculty of insight.” When these wise, intellects and scientists of Europe realised the fact that sighting something physically is by far greater therefore
They invented a range of instruments such as telescopes, with which they observe the heavenly bodies. As I mentioned earlier, there is a possibility of there being a mistake in estimates. The Promised Messiah (as) has also mentioned this, if a mistake is made in sighting the moon,
For example if it is proven that the moon was visible a day earlier, what should be done in that case, because one fast has been missed? If we were going to start Ramadan a day later and it is proven that the moon was visible before, then what should be done?
A similar question was presented before the Promised Messiah (as). A man from Sialkot asked that “In this area the moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening, “but was in fact sighted on Wednesday, meaning Ramadan should have started by Wednesday. “However in this area the first day of fasting is scheduled for Thursday,
“even though Ramadan should have started on Wednesday. “In this scenario what should we do?” The Promised Messiah (as) replied, “After the month of Ramadan has passed, one fast should be kept in its place, “so that the fast that was missed can be completed.”
Similarly, as far as the morning Sehri is concerned, then eating [food] is essential. The Holy Prophet (saw) has also instructed us to do so. In a Hadith the Holy Prophet (saw) is reported to have stated, “Eat at the Sehri [time],
“because there is blessings in eating and keeping a fast.” The Promised Messiah (as) himself would follow this practice and ensured his followers implemented the fact that the Sehri is incumbent. Similarly those guests who would come to Qadian, would also have their Sehri particularly prepared for them.
In regards to this Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) writes that, Munshi Ahmad Zafar from Kapurthala once wrote to me stating that, “I was staying in the room adjacent to Masjid Mubarik. “One day I was eating Sehri when the Promised Messiah (as) visited me.
“Upon seeing what I was eating he enquired if I eat Daal [lentil soup] with Roti [flat bread]? “The Promised Messiah (as) called a member of staff and enquired, ‘is this the type of food given to guests for Sehri time?
‘Our guests here are not on a journey and are fasting. ‘Ask every single one of them what they normally like to eat and ‘what they like to eat at Sehri and organise their meal accordingly.’ “I was then brought a different meal but I had already eaten
“and the Azan [call to prayer] had been called. “The Promised Messiah (as) instructed me to eat as the Azan had been called early.” With regards to offering the Tahajjud prayer with the Promised Messiah (as) and eating Sehri in the Morning, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) states that
Dr Mir Muhammad Ismael Sahib (ra) once said that, “In 1895 I had the opportunity to spend the whole month of Ramadan in Qadian. “The whole month I prayed Tahajjud i.e. Tarawee prayer behind the Promised Messiah (as). “It was the custom of the Promised Messiah (as) to
“perform the Vitr prayer in the first part of th night and in the latter part of the night to “offer eight Rak’aat of Tahajjud prayer in sets of two. “In the first Rakat of the first set he would always recite Ayatal Kursi
‘Allah – there is no God save Him’ up to ‘and He is the High, the Great’ “and in the second Rakat he would recite Sura Al-Ikhlas and in the Rukoo and Sajood
“he would recite ‘O He Who is the Ever-Living and the one Who Sustains, I seek your mercy’. “He would recite it often and loud enough such that I could hear it. “Furthermore the Promised Messiah (as) would always eat Sehri after “performing the Tahajjud prayer.
“He would eat the Sehri at the last time possibl to the extent that often whilst he would eat, “the Azan would be called and sometimes he would eat food up until the Azan finished. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib stated, “To me that the fact of the matter is that
“until the dawn breaks from the east, one can continue to eat. “The Azan has nothing to do with it because the morning Prayer is called as day breaks. “For this reason people tend to assume the time for Sehri is up until the Azan is called.
“In Qadian since the Azan for the Morning Prayer is called exactly as the dawn breaks, “and sometimes due to carelessness was called even before, “that is why the Promised Messiah (as) would not always follow the Azan “[for the closing of the fasting] and would continue to eat until dawn was visible.
“In actual fact the spirit of the law of the Shariah is not such that one should abandon eati “due to the estimated and calculated times, instead the purpose behind it is that when “light is visible after dawn break, then one should stop eating and drinking.
“In addition to this the word Tabayyun [To illuminate] has this very connotation. “It is stated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘Do not stop eating the Sehri when Bilal calls the Azan, ‘but in fact stop eating when Ibn Maqdoom calls the Azan.’ “Because Ibn Maqdooom was blind,
“he would call the prayer when he would hear people stating it is morning.” Last year I told a gentlemen that you eat Sehri till very late. On this the gentlemen fasted again upon hearing my verdict. If he had not transgressed the specific time, then that is acceptable, and he can fast.
Even now every one of us can analyse for himself. There are no Azans called in this country, therefore observing when dawn breaks is important, i.e.one can eat until they can see that dawn is visible. In terms of the hospitality of the Promised Messiah (as) at the time of Sehri ,
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) writes another incident that the wife of the late Dr Khalifa Rasheed ud Din Sahib in her capacity as President of Lajna Qadian stated, “In 1903 Dr Sahib and myself came to Qadian on a four day break from Rurki. “The Promised Messiah (as) enquired why he was fasting
“as the fast is not prescribed for those on a journey. “We responded in the negative, the Promised Messiah (as) gave us the pink room to stay in. “Dr Sahib said, ‘Huzoor we will indeed fast’. “To which the Promised Messiah (as) replied, ‘Very good! However, you are on a journey’.
“Dr Sahib stated that ‘Huzoor, we are staying for a few days and it is my wish to fast’. “The Promised Messiah (as) replied, ‘In that case, we will treat you to Kashmiri Paratheh [bread cooked in butter]’. “We thought to ourselves, only God knows what Kashmiri Parathe are!
“When the time for Sehri approached and we had finished offering our voluntary prayers “and Tahajjud prayers, the Promised Messiah (as) came to our (pink) room himself, “which was situated on the bottom level. “Hazrat Abdul Karim Sahib of Sialkot would reside on the third floor.
“His eldest wife, Karim Bibi, who has also known as “Maulviani” was from Kashmir and “cooked delicious Parathe . The Promised Messiah (as) requested her to cook Parathe for u “The Promised Messiah (as) would bring them for us himself whilst they were fresh off the pan
“and present them before us, saying ‘Eat well’. “I would feel shy myself and Dr Sahib himself was also shy of nature but “the kindness and benevolence of the Promised Messiah (as) left such a lasting impression “on our hearts that I would tremble at the mere thought of it.
“Whilst thinking this the Azan was then called, upon which the Promised Messiah (as) “urged us to carry on eating, there is plenty of time left. “God almighty states in the Quran, ‘Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn’
“The Promised Messiah (as) stated that ‘People do not adhere to this. ‘You can eat, there is still much time left. The Muazzin has called the Azan well before time.’ “Until we ate, Huzur (as) remained in the room and was casually walking. “Dr. Sahib requested Huzur (as) many times that, ‘Huzur should remain seated,
‘I shall take the Parathas from the housemaid or my wife will take them’, “however Huzur (as) did not accept this and remained occupied in our hospitality. “Within that meal there was soup and dessert made from milk.” There is no harm in eating good food yet there should be a balance.
When observing the fast one should feel that we must keep the fast and are going to keep the fast. Thus in regards to this whilst referencing the Promised Messiah (as), Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states that “God Almighty says ‘Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you’.
“We cannot tolerate this that you believe and then you remain in hardships “that is why we have made fasting obligatory. “Allah Almighty states this so that your hardships are removed. “This is such a point that makes a believer a believer”. This is an intricate point that should be remembered that
He desires ease for you and not hardship and what is the elucidation of this. “This is such a point which makes a believer a believer and “it is this that to remain hungry in fasting or to give sacrifice for religion
“is not a means of deprivation for man but rather it is an absolute source of benefit. “Whomsoever thinks that during Ramadan a person purely remains hungry, “rejects the Holy Quran because Allah Almighty states that you were hungry, “we have appointed Ramadan so that you may eat.
“Thus we understand that food is that which Allah Almighty feeds and “the reality of life is through this, apart from this whatever food there is, it is not food, “it is stones that become a means of destruction for those who eat. “It is incumbent upon a believer that whatever morsel he intakes,
“he should first observe that who is it for, “if it is for God Almighty then it is food and if it is for himself then it is not food”. Thus if Sehri is being eaten for the sake of God Almighty then even if good food is being eaten,
Then it is for the sake of Allah Almighty and just as the Holy Prophet (saw) has stated that there are blessings within it and if one just desires to fill his stomach, eat scrumptious food and wants pleasure then that it is for himself. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has further elaborated on this that,
“Whatever clothes are worn for God Almighty that is really a garment, “whatever is worn for one’s own self that is nakedness. “Look at how in a very subtle manor it has been explained that until “you do not forbear hardships and sufferings for God Almighty you cannot attain ease.”
From this those thoughts of people are rebutted who according to the Promised Messiah (as) make Ramadan a means of putting on weight. There are some people that in Ramadan, instead of their weight decreasing, it increases. The Promised Messiah (as) used to say that
“For some Ramadan is like a refined course of wheat and barley for a horse. “Those people during these days relish on much oily sweets and fatty foods “and they plump out just as a horse who has relished on wholesome wheat and barley.” This is such a factor that reduces the blessings of Ramadan.
Now, on one hand it is mentioned that eat Sehri , there are blessings within it, eat Iftari there are blessings within it, but on the other hand if eating is the only purpose then this will minimise the blessings. Thus balance is a necessity. Eat good food, however observe a balance.
It is not permissible to fast while travelling or when one is unwell. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that, “I recall vividly that Mirza Yaqoub Baig Sahib, “who did not take the Bai’at to Khilafat and was one of the leaders who did not accept Khilafat,
“once came to Qadian, from somewhere. At Asr time, the Promised Messiah (as) “instructed him to break his fast, as fasting during travel is not permitted “Similarly, once there was a discussion about illnesses, and the Promised Messiah (as) said “that my belief is that one should avail the leniencies given in the religion.
“Our faith does not teach us hardship, but it teaches us to adopt the easy way. “I do not think those people are right to say that if an unwell person or “a traveller is able to fast, then he is allowed to do so.” The Promised Messiah (as) used to say this.
“In this regard, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) related a saying of the Muhiuddin Ibne Araabi, “in which he stated that he does not consider it right to fast during travelling and in an illness. “He regarded that if someone fasts in these states,
“then he will have to fast again to make up for these fasts at a later date. “On hearing this, the Promised Messiah (as) said that this is our belief as well.’ Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) on an occasion during one of his addresses said, he was asked a question.
The question was that the Promised Messiah (as) has directed a religious edict (Fatwa) that if a person is travelling or is unwell, but still choses to fast, then he would be counted amongst people who disobey the commandments of God. Whilst there was an announcement in the newspaper Al Fazl that those Ahmadis who
Were visiting Qadian for Jalsa, were allowed to fast during the days of Jalsa Salana. Those days the Jalsa dates fell during the month of Ramadan and Jalsa was held during the month of Ramadan. Those who were determined to fast, also fasted during the Jalsa.
The announcement also stated those who choose not to fast during the days of Jalsa there is nothing objectionable about that as well. At this, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) said, “Firstly I must explain that none of my religious edict was published in the newspaper Al Fazl.
“Indeed, a religious edict issued by the Promised Messiah (as) was published on my narration. “The fact of the matter is that during the early days of my Khilafat, “I used to forbid people from fasting if they were travelling, “because I have seen that the Promised Messiah (as) would not allow travellers to fast.
“Once I saw that Mirza Yaqoub Baig Sahib came to visit the Promised Messiah (as) “during the month of Ramadan and he was fasting. “He arrived at the time of the late afternoon Asr prayer. “The Promised Messiah (as) directed him to break his fast, as fasting is not permissible in travel.
“This was followed by a long discussion and dialogue. “As I mentioned before, during this discussion Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) was concerned that “this degree of debate and argument might cause someone to stumble “presented a narration by Ibne Araabi, confirming that this was the belief of Ibne Araabi as well.
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “Witnessing this instance had such an impact on me that “I always used to forbid people to fast while travelling. “Once by chance, Maulwi Abdullah Sanori (ra) Sahib came to Qadian to spend Ramdan here
“He said, ‘I have heard that you forbid people who have travelled to Qadian from fasting, “Then Maulwi Abdullah Sanori (ra) Sahib explained that he has witnessed that there “was once a person visiting Qadian during the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (as).
“He asked him that ‘I am going to stay in Qadian for a while, should I fast or not?’.” Two incidences have already been related, confirming that travellers used to fast in Qadian. “At this the Promised Messiah (as) stated that,
‘Yes you can fast while resident in Qadian. Qadian is like a second home for Ahmadis’. “Indeed, Maulwi Abdullah Sanori (ra) Sahib was a “close and respected companion of the Promised Messiah (as).” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “I did not just accept “the narration of Maulwi Abdullah Sanori (ra) Sahib,
“I sought corroborative evidence from others and it became clear that “the Promised Messiah (as) used to permit those staying in Qadian to fast. “However, he used to forbid them from fasting on the day they were travelling in and out of Qadian. “In view of this evidence, I had to change my stance.
“During this year, when Jalsa falls during Ramadan, “a question was raised that those travelling into Qadian, should they fast or not? “One of the companions told me that during the life of the Promised Messiah (as) “I have personally served the pre-dawn meal to those travellers who were staying in Qadian.
“Under these circumstances, I also permitted those coming for Jalsa can fast. “So indeed it is a religious edict issued by the Promised Messiah (as). “Some early scholars even used to say that fasting is permissible during travelling. “The non-Ahmadi scholars of today even say that travel these days is so easy that
“it cannot even be considered as travelling. “However, Promised Messiah (as) has prohibited to fast during travelling and “he is also said that it is permissible to fast while resident in Qadian. “Now we cannot act in a way by which we accept one religious edict of the
“ Promised Messiah (as) and reject the other. “This will akin to the incidence of a Pashtun. “Pashtuns tend to follow the jurisprudence to the letter. “Once there was a Pashtun student who read that if one moves during the Salat, “the Salat becomes null. So once that Pashtun was reading a Hadith that
“during Salat once the Holy Prophet (saw) had to move. “At this the Pashtun student said, ‘Oh so the Salat of the Holy Prophet (saw) became null ‘because it is mentioned in the book Qadoori that by moving, one’s Salat becomes null’. “So in this situation the Pashtun student started to issue religious edict about
“the Holy Prophet (saw)! Or those who were trained by these Maulwis. “So the one who issued the religious edict that we should not fast while travelling has also said “that Qadian is like a second home to Ahmadis and they are allowed to fast while resident here.
“Therefore, to fast while resident in this town is in accordance with “the religious edict of the Promised Messiah (as) and we have reasons for this.” While fasting and being resident at one place, Hazrat Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah writes that, “The Promised Messiah (as) has explained about fasting that if during travelling someone
“is resident at one place for more than three days, then he should fast. “However, if someone is breaking the journey for less than three days then he need not fast. “Whereas in Qadian, even if one is staying for less than three days, one can still fast.
“The person will not need to make up these fasts at a later date “because Qadian is like a second home to us”. So in Qadian, one can fast even if the breaking of the journey is less than three days. However, in other places one can only fast if the breaking of the journey
Is for more than three days. The traveller and the unwell person should not fast. There is a narration regarding this that once, “The Promised Messiah (as) found out there was “a person visiting from Lahore – Sheik Mohammed Chuttoo along with some other companions.
“The Promised Messiah (as), because of his excellent manners, came out of his house. “His intention was to meet his own companions as well as the guests. “Many other people also found out that the Promised Messiah (as) “will be coming outside of his house.
“Therefore, many people gathered in the small mosque and in Masjid Mubarak. “When the Promised Messiah (as) emerged out to his door, “hordes of people headed towards him in a great rush. “When the Promised Messiah (as) saw Sheikh Mohammed Chuttoo,
“he greeted him with the traditional greetings of Salaam and asked him how he was. “He greeted him warmly as Sheikh Mohammed Chuttoo was one of his old acquaintance. “Baba Chuttoo said that he was really well and expressed his gratitude. “At this the Promised Messiah (as) said addressing Hakim Muhammad Hussain Qureshi
That, ‘It is your duty that Baba Chuttoo does not suffer any inconvenience. ‘Please make an excellent arrangement for his accommodation and meals and ‘whatever you need please do tell me about this. Please also direct Mian Najmud Din ‘to make for Baba Chuttoo whatever type of food he likes’.”
Hakim Sahib said, “Very well. InshAllah he will not experience any inconvenience”. The Promised Messiah (as) then asked the guest whether he was fasting, to which he replied that he was fasting – he was not an Ahmadi.
The Promised Messiah (as) said, “To adhere to the leniencies given in the Holy Quran is also Taqwa “God Almighty has given permission to those who are travelling or “are sick to make up their fasts later, therefore one should also follow this commandment.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“I have read that according to many scholars, it is a sin if someone fasts while on travel or “sick because the objective [of fasting] is to acquire the pleasure of God Almighty “and not to fulfil one’s own desires. “God Almighty’s pleasure lies in obedience to Him and whatever command He gives that
“must be obeyed and one should not add explanations to it from himself. His command is, ‘But whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days’. “There is no other condition attached to this that it should be such and such kind of journey.
“I do not fast in a state of travel and neither when I am unwell. “Thus, I am not fasting today as I am not feeling well. “The illness alleviates by walking around outside therefore I will go out.” The Promised Messiah (as) asked the guest that will he also come along.
Baba Chatoo replied, “You can go but I cannot go. “Indeed this commandment is there but there is no inconvenience while travelling “therefore why should I not fast?’ The Promised Messiah (as) replied, “That is your own opinion but the Holy Quran has not “mentioned anything about inconvenience or the lack of inconvenience caused.
“You are now very old and there is no certainty in life. “One should adopt such a path which God Almighty is pleased with and “one finds the Right Path”. Baba Sahib replied, “That is why I have come so that I can derive some benefit and
“that I do not die a death of ignorance if this really is the true path. The Promised Messiah (as) replied, “What you have said is great.” And further said, “I will go a little further on [walking] but you should take some rest.’’ The subject of fasting while sick or travelling was once mentioned
In gathering with the Promised Messiah (as). Hazrat Maulvi Noorudin Sahib (ra) cited the statement of Sheikh Ibn Arabi that if a person fasts and is sick or travelling, it is incumbent upon him to make up those fasts of the month of Ramadan once he recovers because God Almighty states,
“But whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days”. God Almighty has not stated that a person does not need to fast, who despite being ill or travelling, stubbornly insists on fasting or to fulfil his desire of fasting in this month.
It is a clear commandment of God Almighty that one should make up those fasts later on. To complete the fasting afterwards is essential. The fasting in-between is an additional thing and a desire of one’s heart and does not terminate God Almighty’s command regarding those fasts that must be kept afterwards.
The Promised Messiah (as) states, “A person who fasts in the month of Ramadan while “in a state of sickness or travel, disobeys a clear commandment of the Holy Quran. “God Almighty has clearly stated that a person who is sick or travelling should not fast and
“after recovering from illness or ending the travel, he should make up for those fasts. “One should adhere to this commandment of God Almighty because one’s salvation is “dependent upon [God’s] grace and salvation cannot be attained through one’s own efforts”. One cannot forcefully attain salvation. The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“God Almighty has not stated whether the illness is minor or major, “or whether the travel is long or short. “In fact, it is a general commandment and it should be adhered to. “If a person fasts while sick or travelling then “they will be guilty of disobeying God Almighty’s command.”
Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra) Sahib writes that Mia Rehmatullah Sahib, son of Hazrat Mia Abdullah Sanori Sahib relates, “Once, the Promised Messiah (as) travelled to Ludhiana and “it was the holy month of Ramadan. “All of us kept our fast from Ghos Garh and came to Ludhiana.
“The Promised Messiah (as) asked my father, or perhaps enquired through someone else as “I cannot recall, whether those who had arrived had kept their fast from Ghos Ghar. “The Promised Messiah (as) then said, ‘Mia Abdullah, just as God Almighty has instructed
‘to fast, in the same way He instructed to not fast while travelling. ‘You all should open your fasts.’ “This was after Zuhr time and everyone opened their fast.” Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib writes that Mia Abdullah Sanarui Sahib said,
“In the early days, a guest visited the Promised Messiah (as) during the month of Ramadan. “He was fasting and large part of day had passed, maybe it was after Asr time. “The Promised Messiah (as) said to him, ‘You should open your fast’.
“The guest replied, ‘There is very little time left in the day, ‘therefore what is the point in opening it now?’ “The Promised Messiah (as) said, ‘You wish to please God Almighty by force. ‘However, God Almighty is not pleased through force rather
‘He is pleased by being obedient to Him. When God Almighty has stated that ‘one should not fast while travelling therefore one should not fast.’ “And so, the person opened his fast.” Similarly, Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmad Sahib Kapurthalvi writes, “On one occasion, me, Hazrat Munshi Arore Khan Sahib,
“Hazrat Khan Sahib Muhammad Khan Sahib went to the Promised Messiah (as) in Ludhiana. “It was the month of Ramadan and I was fasting, however the others accompanying me were not. “When we went before the Promised Messiah (as), there was still a short while before the sunset
“and those with me said to the Promised Messiah (as) that, ‘Zafar Ahmad is fasting’. “The Promised Messiah (as) immediately went inside and came back with a drink “[prepared from fruits or flower petals] and said, ‘Open your fast, there is no fasting while travelling.’ “I complied with the instruction but
“since we were to stay a few days there therefore I kept the fasts after that. “At the time of Iftaari, the Promised Messiah (as) brought three glasses in a large tray himself.” Since they were no longer travelling therefore they kept the fasts and
It was during those days that while they were fasting that one day the Promised Messiah (as) brought three big glasses filled with drinks in a tray. “We were about to open our fast with them and I said to the Promised Messiah (as)
‘Huzur! What is one glass for Munshi Ji – Munshi Arora Khan Sahib – He has been fasting all day ‘and what will he do with one glass of water which you have brought.’ “The Promised Messiah (as) smiled and immediately went inside and
“returned with a large jug filled with a drink [prepared from fruits or flower petals] and “gave it to Munshi Ji and because the Promised Messiah (as) was giving it himself, “Munshi Ji finished the whole jug on his own.” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib writes, “Malik Maula Bakhsh Sahib Pensioner through
“Maulvi Abdurehman Sahib Mubasher writes that, ‘Once the Promised Messiah (as) travelled to Amritsar during the holy month of Ramadan. ‘The Promised Messiah (as) had a lecture in Mandwa Babu or ‘Mia Lal which is now known as Bande Matram Pal. ‘The Promised Messiah (as) was not fasting due to travel.
‘During the lecture, Mufti Fazl ur Rehman Sahib presented a cup of tea but ‘the Promised Messiah (as) did not pay any attention to it [due to the lecture]. ‘He advanced a little closer but the Promised Messiah (as) continued with his lecture. ‘Mufti Sahib then came even closer to the Promised Messiah and
‘the Promised Messiah took the cup and drank from it. ‘Upon seeing this, people started shouting that is this the way to respect the month of Ramadan ‘and that the Promised Messiah did not fast and started talking nonsense.
‘The lecture had to be stopped and the Promised Messiah (as) went behind a curtain to the back. ‘The car was brought in front of the door on the other side and ‘the Promised Messiah (as) entered into it.
‘People hurled stones and bricks and caused havoc. ‘They even broke the window of the car but ‘the Promised Messiah reached his residence safely’.” He further relates, “It was heard later on that a non-Ahmadi Maulvi was heard saying that ‘despite this, today people have made Mirza a prophet.’ –
“However, I did not hear this directly from him myself.” He then relates, “We came outside with Hazrat Maulvi Hakim Noor ul din Sahib (ra) and “we said to him that people were still throwing stones and bricks and causing mayhem “therefore he should wait. However, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) replied,
‘The person who they were [trying] to hit has gone, who would want to hit me?’ “Everyone asked Mufti Fazl ur Rehman Sahib why he presented the tea “because all of this commotion and havoc started as a result of it.
“All the Ahmadis started saying this is all due to him,” the person narrating this incident says, “I also said it to him. He became very distressed and later “Mia Abdul Haq Sahib told me that when this matter was brought
“to the attention of the Promised Messiah (as) that Mufti Sahib had ruined the lecture “for no reason, the Promised Messiah replied that, ‘Mufti Sahib did not do anything wrong’. ‘It is God Almighty’s commandment that whilst on travel one should not fast. ‘God Almighty granted me the opportunity to widely propagate His commandment through
‘this act of mine’.” This was the response of the Promised Messiah (as) and the person relating this states that when Mufti Sahib heard this, he became even more courageous. To open the fast after falling ill. Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib writes, Dr Mir Muhammad Ismael Sahib states,
“Once, the Promised Messiah (as) was fasting in the month of Ramadan in Ludhiana but “he experienced some tightness in his chest and his hands and feet became cold. “It was very close to sunset however the Promised Messiah (as) immediately opened his fast.
“The Promised Messiah (as) would always take the easier option in matters of Shariah.” Hazrat Mia Bashir Ahmad Sahib states, “We find the same in a Hadith related by “Hazrat Aisha (ra) that the Holy Prophet (saw), out of the two lawful options, “would always take the easier one.”
A question was asked that at times, the month of Ramadan falls in a season when the farming work intensifies such as sowing the seeds or cutting the crops and those working and who wholly rely on their labour cannot fast, what is the instruction for them?
The Promised Messiah (as) said, “Deeds are judged by their intentions. “Everyone is aware of their inner state. “Each person should reflect within themselves with Taqwa and piety and “if someone can fast while working then he should do so, “otherwise he falls in the category of those who are deemed ill and
“whenever he is able to fast, he should keep the fasts. “Particularly in those countries where the days are very long and the heat is intense. “This [instruction] is for them who work as labourers that they can keep their fasts later. “And regarding the verse,
‘And for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation’ [2:185] “means ‘they who do not carry the strength for it’.” For those who cannot keep the fasts in the month of Ramadan are instructed to pay the Fidya . Regarding this the Promised Messiah (as) states,
“Once, a thought arose that why has the Fidya been prescribed. “It became apparent to me that it was so that through it “we are granted the opportunity to fast in the future. “It is only God Almighty Who grants us the opportunity to fast and “everything should be sought from Him Alone.
“God Almighty has power over all things and if He wills, “He can even grant a person the strength to fast who is suffering from Tuberculosis. “This is the objective of the Fidya , which is so that one may attain the strength [to fast] and
“this can only happen with the grace of God Almighty. “Therefore, according to me, one should fervently pray that, ‘O Allah! This is your blessed month and I am deprived from it and who knows whether or
‘not I will be alive next year or whether or not I will be able to make up for the fasts that ‘I have missed.’ One should seek the ability [to fast] from him and “I am certain that God Almighty will give the strength to such a heart.”
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes, “Paying the Fidya does not compensate for the Fast itself. “In fact, Fidya is an offering for the fact that one could not perform this act of worship “in these blessed days along with the other Muslims owing to a genuine and lawful reason.
“The reason [for not fasting] falls under two categories; temporary and permanent and the Fidya “providing one is capable of it, should be paid in both instances. “Therefore, even if one pays the Fidya , however when one’s health allows then
“one should still make up for the fasts missed within one, two or three years – “except in the case of one being temporary ill and yet still had the intention of “making up those fasts one day but fell permanently ill during that time.
“However, for everyone else, whether they are ill or travelling and “have the means to provide food for one poor person should feed one poor person “in the month of Ramadan as Fidya and then later also make up those fasts. “This was the practise of the Promised Messiah (as),
“he would always pay the Fidya and also make up for those missed fasts later. “He would also instruct others to do the same. “The Promised Messiah (as) was asked a question that, ‘A person who is unable to fast should instead feed a poor man.
‘Is it or is it not permitted for the amount for this food to be donated to the Orphan Fund ‘in Qadian (or to whichever organisation we have by the Community now)?’ “The Promised Messiah (as) said, ‘There is no difference whether he feeds a poor man in his town or
‘whether he donates it to the Yateem or Miskeen fund [fund for the orphans and the poor]’.” If he has any acquaintance and wants to open his fasts, then that is possible as well. The fast is not broken by inadvertently eating or drinking.
The Promised Messiah (as) received a question through a letter saying, “At the time of Sehri , during the month of Ramadan, “I was sitting inside and inadvertently kept eating and drinking. “When I went outside I saw that the whiteness had appeared [in the sky].
“Is it compulsory upon me to observe that fast or not?” He kept eating the Sehri until late and the whiteness had appeared in the sky. The Promised Messiah (as) said, “If you ate and drank inadvertently, “you are not required to observe another fast in recompense thereof.”
If someone has eaten inadvertently then there is no harm in it. A question regarding the age. Various children, as well as older people ask at what age the fasts should be observed. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says, “This matter should be remembered that the Shari’ah
“has prohibited children of a young age from observing fasts. “However, they should most certainly be trained to observe a number of fasts “closer to the age of maturity.” He says, “As far as I remember, the Promised Messiah (as) “granted me permission to observe my first fast at the age of twelve or thirteen.
“However, some ignorant people make children at the age of six or seven observe fasts and “they think that they will be rewarded for this. “This is not a deed worthy of reward, rather, it is cruelty as this is the age of nourishment.
“Indeed, there is an age which is near the days of maturity and “the observance of fasting is on the verge of being compulsory. “They should most certainly be trained to observe the fast at that time. “If we look at the permission and the tradition of the Promised Messiah (as),
“some training should be given close to the age of twelve or thirteen. “A few fasts should be observed every year until the age of eighteen, “which according to me is the age of maturity for fasting. “The Promised Messiah (as) permitted me to observe only one fast in the first year.”
When he granted him permission to fast at the age of twelve or thirteen, he permitted him to observe only one fast. “It is only an excitement at that age and it is due to this excitement that “children desire to observe more and more fasts.
“However, it is the duty of the parents to prohibit them. “Then, there is an age in which children should be encouraged “to certainly observe a number of fasts.” In childhood, it is the duty of the parents to prohibit [children] and to not allow [them] to observe too many [fasts].
After that, when they approach maturity they should be encouraged and made to observe fasts. “Along with this it should be observed that they do not observe too many [fasts]. “Neither should those observing [these children] make complaints “as to why he does not observe all of the fasts,
“as if a child observes the entire fasts at this age, he will not be able to do so in the future. “Similarly, some children are physically weaker. “I have seen that some people bring their children to me in order to meet me and
“they say that the age of the child is fifteen years old, “whereas they appear to be seven or eight years old.” This happens many a time. Such [people] come to me as well. He says, “In my opinion, such children reach the maturity to observe fasting
“perhaps at the age of twenty one. In comparison to this, a strong child, “most probably at the age of fifteen could be similar to [a child] at the age of eighteen. “However, if he holds on to these very words of mine that the age of maturity for the
“observance of fasting is eighteen, he will not commit any cruelty towards me, “nor to God the Exalted, but to himself. Similarly, if a child of a young age “does not observe every fast and people criticise him, “then they will commit a cruelty towards themselves (i.e. those criticising).”
Hazrat Nawab Mubarka Beghum Sahiba (ra), the eldest daughter of the Promised Messiah (as) said, “The Promised Messiah (as) did not like children fasting at a young age, “prior to adolescence. One or two were enough. “When Hazrat Amma Jaan (ra) made me keep my first fast,
“she organised a very big Iftaari i.e. invited all the female members of the Community. “The second or third Ramadan after that, “I kept another fast and told the Promised Messiah (as) that ‘I was fasting again’. “The Promised Messiah (as) was in secluded enclosure and on a nearby stool
“there were two Paans [traditional betel leaf snack], perhaps Hazrat Amma Jaan (ra) “had prepared them and put them there. “The Promised Messiah (as) picked one of the Paans and said, ‘Here, eat this Paan .You are still weak and should not fast yet and should open your fast.’
“I ate the Paan and told the Promised Messiah (as) that Saliha, the wife our youngest uncle, is also fasting and she was also was very young at the time, “therefore he should make her open her fast too.
“The Promised Messiah (as) said to call her and so I called her and when she came, “the Promised Messiah (as) gave her the second Paan and said, ‘Here, eat this. ‘You do not have a fast.’ She says, “I was around ten years old at the time.”
Similarly, there are questions about the Traveeh prayer. Akmal Sahib of Goleki asked the Promised Messiah (as), ‘Although it is said ‘One should wake up at night in Ramadan and offer the prayer, however will it be permissible ‘for those who are labourers and farmers who fail to get up,
‘to offer their eleven Rakaats of Traveeh in the early part of the night ‘instead of offering it in the latter part of the night?’ The Promised Messiah (as) replied, “There is no harm in it. They can offer it [earlier].”
Regarding the Traveeh prayer it was mentioned that since it is the Tahajjud prayer therefore what is the instruction of offering twenty Rakaats because the Tahajjud prayer including the Vitr prayer is eleven or thirteen Rakaats .
The Promised Messiah (as) said, “The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (saw) is “to offer eight Rakaat and he offered them at the time of Tahajjud and this is better. “However, one can offer them in the early part of the night,”
But it is more appropriate to wake up at Tahajjud and then offer them but it is permissible to offer them in the early part of the night before going to sleep. “There is a narration that the Holy Prophet (saw) offered the prayer in the early part of the night.
“However, twenty Rakaats were offered after the Holy Prophet (saw) and “the Holy Prophet’s (saw) Sunnah is that which was mentioned earlier.” Twenty Rakaats or more is something that came after the Holy Prophet (saw). The Holy Prophet’s (saw) Sunnah is eight Rakaat Tahajjud .
A person wrote a letter to the Promised Messiah (as), the gist of the letter was that how should one offer Salat whilst travelling and what is the instruction regarding the Traveeh prayer? The Promised Messiah replied, “It is Sunnah to offer two Rakaats and the Traveeh
“is also Sunnah and should be offered and at times, “it should be offered in seclusion. Traveeh , is in fact Tahajjud and is not a new prayer. “The way you offer the Vitr prayer, continue doing so in the same way.”
Thus, these were a few matters relating to Ramadan which I have mentioned. May God Almighty enable us to benefit from the fasting during the month of Ramadan while staying firm on Taqwa [righteousness] and giving precedence to His pleasure. 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.