Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2021
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. The accounts from the life of Hazrat Umar (ra) were being narrated and I will continue to mention them today. Zaid bin Aslam relates that his father once stated, “I accompanied Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (ra) to Harrah Waqim.”
This was located between two “Harrahs”. A Harrah is an area which has a dark rocky terrain. Harrah Waqim is situated towards the east of Madinah and is also known as Harrah Banu Qurayza. The other area is called Harrat-ul-Wabrah, which is located towards the west of Madinah, at a distance of three miles.
Nevertheless, he narrates, “I went there (i.e. Harrah Waqim). “When we reached a place called Sarar, we saw that campfire had been lit there. “(Sarar is also situated at a distance of three miles from Madinah.) “Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘O Aslam! I believe that these are travellers,
‘who have been held back due to the night and the cold weather. Come let us go to them!’ “Hence, we quickly went towards them and saw a woman with her children. “There was a pot placed on the fire and her children were profusely crying due to hunger.
“Hazrat Umar (sa) said, ‘O people of the light, may peace be upon you!’ “He did not wish to say people of the fire and said people of the light instead. “The woman replied, ‘may peace be upon you as well.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) asked permission to come closer and the woman replied,
“‘You may do so with a good purpose, otherwise, you may turn back.’ “(In other words, if you wish to say something good, “Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) came closer and asked what the matter was. “The woman stated, ‘the night and the cold have kept us here.’ “Hazrat Umar (sa) then asked, “‘what is the matter with the children and why are they crying like this?’ “The lady replied that they are doing so out of hunger.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired what was in this pot and she replied, ‘it only contains water. ‘I am comforting my children with it until they fall asleep. ‘Allah will judge between us and Hazrat Umar (ra).’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘O lady! May Allah have mercy on you!
‘How could Umar have known about your circumstances?’ “She replied, ‘he is the guardian of our affairs and yet he is unaware of our circumstances.’” Aslam, who was accompanying Hazrat Umar (ra), says, “Hazrat Umar (ra) then came to me and said, ‘come with me!’ “We once again walked very quickly and reached Dar-ud-Daqiq.”
Hazrat Umar (ra) had constructed a building, by the name Dar-ud-Daqiq, during his Khilafat, in which flour, parched and ground barley, dates, raisins and other necessary items were stored, which a traveller could need on a journey. Hazrat Umar (ra) had also constructed several rest areas for people travelling between Makkah and Madinah.
Nevertheless, “he took hold of a sack of grains and a container of oil from there. “He then asked me to help him lift it so he could carry it.” Aslam further narrates, “I submitted, ‘let me lift this for you’
“but Hazrat Umar (ra) repeated two or three times to help him so that he could carry it himself. “However, each time I requested that I will carry it for him. “Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘Will you carry my burden on the Day of Judgement?’
“Upon this, I helped place the sack on him and Hazrat Umar (ra) carried this sack on his back “and walked very swiftly and I also quickly walked alongside him until we reached that woman. “Hazrat Umar (ra) placed the sack near her, took out some flour and said that
“‘slowly pour this into the pot while I stir it for you.’” In another narration, it is written that Hazrat Umar (ra) said, “Slowly pour the flour “and I will prepare for your Harira (native Arab dish made of milk and flour).”
Hazrat Umar (ra) then started blowing under the pot in order to kindle the fire. Aslam, i.e. the narrator, further states, “Hazrat Umar (ra) had a long and thick beard and I saw that the smoke was appearing from his beard.
“(In other words, the smoke would rise and go on his face and also go into his beard.) “When the food was ready, he removed the pot from the fire “and asked for a utensil to be brought, upon which the lady brought a large plate.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) poured the food into it and said, “‘feed this to your children while I spread it out for you so that it may cool down.’ “In other words, he would spread it and cool it in another utensil. “Hazrat Umar (ra) continued to do so until the children had eaten their fill
“and whatever remained of the food he left it with her.” Aslam then states, “Hazrat Umar (ra) then stood up and I also stood up with him. “Upon this, the lady said that ‘may Allah the Almighty reward you in the best manner.
“You are more deserving of this (i.e.a reward), than Amir-ul-Mu’mineen (Leader of the Faithful).’ “Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) said that, ‘you should speak that which is good. ‘When you go to Amir-ul-Mu’mineen, you will find me there, God willing.’” Aslam further states, “Following this,
“Hazrat Umar (ra) went to one side and sat down facing the woman. “I said to Hazrat Umar (ra) that ‘is there anything else left to do?’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) did not say a word to me until we saw the children playing with each other
“and laughing and then all of them peacefully went to sleep. “Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) thanked God and then stood up and turned towards me and said, “‘O Aslam! These children were awake and crying due to hunger.
‘I desired not to leave this place until I got to witness this peaceful state of theirs, ‘which I just witnessed.’” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has also narrated this incident. He states, “If one cannot have access to the essential provisions, “it is then the duty of the Muslim government to provide them.
“(Here, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) is outlining the responsibilities of a Muslim government). “There is an incident of Hazrat Umar (ra) in relation to this which is extremely moving “and reveals the true reality. “On one occasion, the Second Khalifah (ra) was observing “whether any of the Muslims were facing any hardship.
“There was a village called Marar situated three miles from the capital of Madinah.” Our researchers say that it was not Marar but Sarar and it is possible that this was an error by the scribe, who mistakenly wrote Marar. In any case it further states
“Hazrat Umar (ra) heard some crying from one side and went towards the sound. “He saw that a women was cooking something whilst her children were crying. “Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired as to what had happened and she replied, “‘We have gone hungry for the last 2-3 meals as we do not have any food.
‘The children could not bear it and so I placed an empty pot on the fire ‘so they feel some comfort (that food is coming) and fall asleep.’ “Upon hearing this, Hazrat Umar (ra) immediately returned for Madinah. “He took some flour, butter, meat and dates and then placed them in a sack.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) then told one of his assistants to place the sack on his back. “The assistant submitted, ‘Your Holiness, I am here; I can hold it for you.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘There is no doubt that you can lift this for me now
‘but who will carry my burden on Day of Judgment.’” In other words, it was his duty to take care of their provisions and since there had been an oversight from him in this regard therefore as an expiation for this, he himself would carry all the provisions and personally deliver them.
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes that an allowance was assigned for every one of those in need, but from this incident one should not think that this instilled indolence within people. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) writes, “Where Islam instructs one to look out for the welfare of those who are in need,
“it also seeks to remove laziness and indolence – “as was mentioned earlier in relation to this that the allowances were not assigned “so that one becomes lazy and indolent. “The purpose of fixing this allowance was not so that people give up work,
“in fact these allowances were only given to those who were in need “but generally people were not permitted to seek from others. “Hazrat Umar (ra) would take very strict action in order to stop people from seeking from others. “It was not that case that if someone was hungry he would give them food
“or if someone came to seek something, he would just give it. “In fact, if the person seeking from others was able and healthy (to work) “then in such an instance Hazrat Umar (ra) would take very strict action. “On one occasion, Hazrat Umar (ra) saw someone seeking from others
“and he had plenty of flour with him. “He was seeking from others and yet he had flour with him. “Hazrat Umar (ra) took the flour away from him and put it before the camels. “Thus, he no longer had any flour with him and then Hazrat Umar (ra) said, “Now you may ask others.”
From this it is evident that those who would seek from others were in fact encouraged to work. If they were able and healthy then they had no reason to seek from others. Rather they ought to work hard and earn money and eat thereof. Through this, Hazrat Umar (ra) taught that man a lesson
That if he would seek from others again then he would again take his food provisions away from him and place them before the animals. Many of those who seek from others present this example of Hazrat Umar (ra) in order to support their stance in that how he would look after the people,
But they fail to recognise the fact that Islam has very strictly prohibited seeking from others. Moreover, the example of the Holy Prophet (sa) in relation to this is also there which Hazrat Umar (ra) implemented upon. Then whilst narrating this incident on another occasion, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) stated,
“Look at the example of Hazrat Umar (ra)! On the one hand, “the great leaders of the world would tremble in fear owing to his awe and reputation. “Even the governments of the Byzantine and Persians would fear him, “but on the other hand, a person of such a lofty rank like Umar (ra)
“became greatly anxious upon seeing a Bedouin woman and her children hungry in the night “and he took a sack of flour and container of butter in his hand and went to them. “And he did not return from there until he had cooked the food with his own hands
“and gave it to the children and then waited for them to sleep.” Hazrat Umar’s (ra) freed slave, Aslam, who was mentioned previously as well states, “A group of traders once arrived in Madinah “and they stayed in the area designated to perform the Eid prayer.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) stated to Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra), “‘Would you like it if we stood guard in the night for them?’ “Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra) replied in the affirmative. “Following this, both of them stood guard for them all night and spent the time in worship.
“During this time, Hazrat Umar (ra) heard the cry of a child “and he went towards the sound of the cry and said to the mother, “‘Fear Allah the Almighty and take proper care of your child.’ “After saying, he returned (in other words,
“(he returned to the place where they were guarding the provisions (of the traders)). “But again, Hazrat Umar (ra) heard the cry of the child “and went to the mother and said the same thing to her “as he had stated earlier and then returned.
“When night entered its latter part, he heard the child’s cry again, “he went to his mother and said, ‘You are extremely negligent! “‘I have noticed that your child has been crying all night.’ “Upon this, she replied, ‘O servant of Allah!
‘I am trying to convince him to eat something else other than drink my milk ‘but he continues to refuse and only wants the milk.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired as to why she did this and she stated, ‘Because Hazrat Umar (ra) only assigns an allowance ‘for those children who are not suckling.’
“Hazrat Umar (ra) then asked the child’s age and she told him his age. “Hazrat Umar (ra) then stated, ‘Do not stop suckling the child prematurely.’ “Thereafter, Hazrat Umar (ra) led the Fajr prayer and owing to his emotions, “his recitation could not even be heard properly by the congregants.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) then said to himself, “‘Woe be unto you O Umar for you have taken the life of so many children of the fellow Muslims.’ “Then, he issued instruction to the person who made the announcements to announce “that they should not stop suckling the children prematurely.
“As of now, in Islam an allowance will be fixed for every child from the moment they are born. “Hazrat Umar (ra) sent this instruction to all the Muslim lands.” This incident has also been narrated by Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) in his own unique manner. He states, “Initially, Hazrat Umar (ra)
“did not fix any allowance for those children who were suckling, “but later he established the right (for an allowance) “of children who were still being suckled “and issued an instruction that this allowance should be given to their mothers. “Hazrat Umar (ra) thought that since a child who is still being nursed
“does not actively contribute to the society and thus the responsibility “for (providing the provisions to) the child lies with the mother and not the public treasury. “However, Hazrat Umar (ra) once went for a walk “and a group of Bedouin traders had arrived just outside of the city.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) heard the cries of a child coming from a tent “and the mother was trying to console the child by tapping her hand on him “so that he would fall asleep. “When the child continuously cried despite her consoling him, “she slapped the child and said, ‘Cry for Umar!’
“Hazrat Umar (ra) was shocked because he had nothing to do with this. “Hazrat Umar (ra) sought permission from the lady to enter the tent “and then enquired the matter from her. “Since she did not recognise Hazrat Umar (ra), she said, “‘Umar (ra) has fixed an allowance for everyone but he does not realise
‘that this child is also in need of nourishment. ‘I have stopped suckling him as I wanted him to be assigned with an allowance ‘but I do not have enough milk.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) immediately returned “and took out a bag of flour from the treasury and carried it with him.
“The attendant of the treasury came forward to help carry it “but Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘Leave it! I shall carry it myself. ‘When I will be whipped on the Day of Judgment, will you stand in my place? ‘I wonder how many children have died as a result of me.’
“Thereafter, Hazrat Umar (ra) issued an instruction that even those children “that were being suckled will be assigned an allowance.” The Promised Messiah (as) states, “In the Hadith, it has been narrated by Ammar bin Khazaima that “‘Hazrat Umar (ra) said to my father, ‘“What has stopped you from planting trees on your land?”
‘His father – who was no longer planting any new trees ‘and nor increasing his orchard or perhaps was not replacing the withered plants ‘with new ones – replied, “I am old and will soon pass away. “Therefore what benefit will this be to me?”
‘Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, “This is no reason for you to not to do this. “It is incumbent for you to plant trees.” “I then saw that Hazrat Umar (ra) would help my father plant the trees.’” The Promised Messiah (as) also narrated this account in relation to safeguarding oneself from indolence and laziness
And stated that this person was eating the fruits of the previous generation i.e. the plants which had already been planted but he ought to also leave something behind for the future generation. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “Hazrat Umar (ra) would walk in the nights in order to observe the state of affairs.
“Once, he was walking in the city at night “and he heard a women reciting very romantic poetry (in memory of her husband). “Hazrat Umar (ra) investigated the matter and learnt that her husband was in the army “and would be away from her for a long period of time.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) then issued an instruction “that a soldier must not be sent away for more than four months. “And if he desired to stay for longer then he must take his wife with him “otherwise the commander of the army must send him back after four months.”
In relation to this incident, it is also mentioned that Hazrat Umar (ra) stated to the woman who was reciting these couplets, ‘Have you committed any ill deed?’ To which she replied, ‘I seek refuge with Allah!’ upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘Remain steadfast. I am sending a letter to your husband.’
And so, Hazrat Umar (ra) sent a messenger so that he return. Hazrat Umar (ra) then further investigated into the matter and then as mentioned earlier that he issued an instruction that a husband should not be sent away for more than a duration of four months, or his family should be sent with him.
Aslam, the freed slave of Hazrat Umar (ra) relates, “One night I went to the outskirts of Madinah along with Hazrat Umar (ra). “We saw a tent and decided to go towards it. “As we got closer, we heard a women experiencing the pains of labour and was crying.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) enquired about her condition “and she stated that she was not from the area and was travelling “and therefore did not have the necessary provisions. “Upon this, Hazrat Umar (ra) began to cry and quickly returned home. “He said to his wife, Hazrat Umme Kulthum bint Ali (ra),
“‘Would you like to attain a reward which Allah the Almighty has brought to you?’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) then related the entire incident “to which Hazrat Umme Kulthum (ra) said, ‘Yes, of course.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) then carried some flour and butter on his back
“while Hazrat Umme Kulthum (ra) took the necessary provisions required for a delivery “and they both arrived there. “Hazrat Umme Kulthum (ra) then went to that woman “and Hazrat Umar (ra) sat with her husband who was also there at the time “but he did not recognise Hazrat Umar (ra).
“Hazrat Umar (ra) began talking to him. “When his wife had given birth to a son, “Hazrat Umme Kulthum (ra) came out and said to Hazrat Umar (ra), “O Leader of the faithful! Give glad-tidings to your friend, he has been blessed with a son.”
“It was only when he heard Hazrat Umme Kulthum (ra) say this “that he realised that he was sitting next to such a great person and thus began to apologise. “Hazrat Umar (ra) stated that there was no need to apologise “and then gave them some money and other provisions and then returned.”
Saeed bin Musayyab and Abu Salama bin Abdir Rahman relate that, “By God, whatever Hazrat Umar (ra) had said, he truly fulfilled it. “When it was time to be strict, he showed strictness “when it was time to show leniency and compassion, he did so “and became a father figure for the children.
“Those women whose husbands were away, “he would personally visit their homes and offer his greetings of peace from the door “and then ask them, ‘Are you in need of anything? ‘Or do you require anything and I will go to the market and buy it for you
‘because I would not like that someone to cheat you in matters of buying and selling.’ “The women would then send their children along with him. “Hazrat Umar (ra) would enter the marketplace “and there would be so many children behind him that it would be difficult to count.
“Hazrat Umar (ra) would then purchase their items of need for each one “and those women who did not have any children, he would buy it for them. “Whenever a messenger arrived from the army, “Hazrat Umar (ra) would personally take the letters from their husbands “and deliver it to them and he would say,
‘Your husbands have left for the sake of Allah and you dwell in the city of the Holy Prophet (sa). ‘If you have someone who can read the letter for you then that is fine, ‘otherwise you can stand near the door and I will read out the letter for you.’
“Hazrat Umar (ra) would then say, ‘our messenger will leave from here on such and such day. ‘You can write your letters and we will send them for you.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) would then deliver paper and pens to their houses. “Those who could write themselves, he would take their letters
“and those who were not able to write, he would say, ‘here is the paper and ink, ‘come near the door and say what you would like me to write.’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) would go to every single house “and take their letters they had written for their husbands and he would then send them.
“Hazrat Ali (ra) relates, “I saw that Hazrat Umar (ra) was once holding the saddle of a camel “and was quickly going towards Abta.” “Abta is the name of place situated near Makkah and Mina. “Upon seeing him I said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Where are you going?’
“Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘one of the camels which had been donated for charity ‘has ran away and I am going to search for it.’ “Upon this, I said to Hazrat Umar (ra), ‘You have set such examples for those Khulafa who shall come after you ‘which will not be easy to follow.’
“Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘O Abul Hasan! ‘Do not say anything against me for I swear by Him Who sent Muhammad (sa) as a prophet, ‘even if a baby goat went missing near the Euphrates River, ‘Umar will be asked about it on the Day of Judgment.’” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states,
“During the time of Hazrat Umar’s (ra) Khilafat, “a Muslim man was once walking with his head lowered. “Hazrat Umar (ra) thought that perhaps he had received some sad news “or was experiencing some difficulty and hence had his head lowered. “Hazrat Umar (ra) lifted his face up with his fist and stated,
“‘This is the era of Islam’s victories and yet you have lowered your head.’ “In other words, this was an era wherein God Almighty had granted governance to Islam “despite the efforts of the world (opposing it), “and so even if he did experience a little difficulty,
“there was no need to lower his head like that. “Hazrat Umar (ra) stated, ‘If you have absolute faith that Islam will be victorious ‘then there is no need to cry over minor issues. “And even if some of the Muslims in a particular place had to endure some loss,
“there was still no reason to cry or be worried.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) mentioned this incident after migration from Qadian. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) stated, “A believer should not look at what they have lost. “Even if they have suffered a loss, they should not look at what they have lost,
“rather they ought to reflect as for whose sake have they lost it for? “If something has been lost for the sake of God Almighty and for the progress of Islam, “then Allah the Almighty will grant an even better reward than that.” One should not become worried over temporary loss.
Similarly, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) cites a well-known incident of Hazrat Umar (ra) from which he concludes that though Hazrat Umar (ra) had to endure hardships, he did not mind doing so and he established such equality which Islam seeks to establish throughout the world. The incident is as follows;
“Jabalah bin Aiham used to be a prominent chief of a Christian tribe. “When Muslims began conquering Syria, he along with his tribe accepted Islam, “and then proceeded to go for Hajj. “During Hajj, at one point there was a large crowd; “incidentally, another Muslim stepped on his foot.
“In some narrations it is stated that the Muslim stepped on the hem of his robe. “(Jabalah) considered himself to be a king “seeing as there were 60 thousand people who followed him. “In fact, according to some historical accounts, “60 thousand was just the number of his soldiers.
“In any case, when a partially clothed Muslim man stepped on his foot, “he was enraged and slapped him, saying ‘You wish to dishonour me. ‘Do you not know who I am? You should have moved back out of respect, ‘yet you have impudently stepped on my foot.’
“After having been slapped the Muslim man remained silent, “however another Muslim spoke up saying, ‘Are you aware of the fact that the religion which you have entered is Islam, ‘and Islam does not distinguish between ordinary and prominent people. ‘Especially in this home, (i.e. the Holy Ka`bah around which he was performing circuits),
‘there is considered to be no difference between the rich and the poor.’ “Jabalah replied, ‘I do not care about this.’ “The Muslim said, ‘If a complaint against you is made to Umar (ra), ‘then he will surely take retribution from you for this Muslim.’
“When Jabalah bin Aiham heard this, he became furious and said, “‘Is there anyone who would slap the face of Jabalah ibn Aiham?’ “The Muslim man said, ‘I do not know about anyone else, “but this is how Umar (ra) would settle the matter.’ “Upon hearing this, (Jabalah) quickly completed circulating the Ka`bah
“and then went straight to the gathering of Hazrat Umar (ra) and asked, “‘If a prominent person slaps an ordinary man then what do you do?’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) replied, ‘We will have the ordinary person slap the prominent person.’ “Jabalah then said, ‘You have not understood what I mean to say.
‘What I mean is that if there is an extremely prominent person ‘who slaps (an ordinary person) then what do you do?’ “Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘In Islam, there is no discrimination between the prominent and the ordinary.’ “Then Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘Jabalah, is it you who has committed this fault?’
“Upon this, Jabalah lied and said that he had not slapped anyone “and that he had simply asked a question. “However he left that gathering immediately and returned to his country with his people “after which they became apostates and fought alongside the Byzantines
“in the battles against Muslims, however Hazrat Umar (ra) did not show any concern.” This was the level of equality which was established by the Muslim government and this is a lesson for the Muslim governments of today. God-willing, these narrations will continue in the future (sermons).
At this time, I will mention some deceased members. First is Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib, who was the Local President (Sadr) of the Community in Waldshut, Germany, and was formerly the National President of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and also the former National Secretary for Taribiyyat in Switzerland.
He passed away on 12th May at the age of 41 upon falling ill during his descent after successfully climbing Mount Everest and raising the Flag of Ahmadiyyat at its peak. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, his parents, one brother and two sisters. The National President (Amir) of the Jama’at in Switzerland, Tariq Mudassar Sahib writes, “From the very outset till his demise, “Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib remained an active member of the Community.
“Both as a member of the Community and as an office bearer, “he was an exemplary and loyal Ahmadi. “Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib would always carry out his responsibilities “pertaining to the Community with great humility; there was no sign of arrogance in him.
“Not only did he preach helping others, but established his own example in this regard. “He went to Africa for various IAAAE projects where he served the people, “and many youngsters went to Africa after seeing his example. “When he was appointed as the National President of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya,
“he searched for new ways to carry out the education and moral training of the youth “and to save them from the materialistic mentality and allures of Europe. “His financial sacrifice was also exemplary.” One of his sons, Talha Warraich is studying in Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany, and Amir Sahib writes that,
“he raised his children well, (as a result of which his son is studying in Jamia). “In short, the late Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib was an exemplary Ahmadi “who fulfilled the rights owed to God and the rights owed to His creation. “Non-Ahmadis have also expressed their sorrow upon his passing.”
Mr Stephen Lord writes, “I worked with Waheed Wararich Sahib for many years “in a company called Swisscom, Switzerland’s largest telecommunications company. “I worked with him in his team for about a year. “My respect for him was not only because of his aptitude in his field of work,
“but especially because of the way in which he carried himself. “Waheed Warraich Sahib always exhibited excellent morals, helped others, “and was an honest and trustworthy individual. “I also enjoyed speaking to him about things not related to work.” Murabbi Sahib writes, “he possessed many great qualities. He loved Khilafat.
“He regularly offered the Friday prayers at the mosque “and strove to offer the other prayers at the mosque as well. “He also regularly offered the Tahajjud prayers (pre-dawn voluntary prayers).” The National Secretary Finance, Rizwan Sahib writes, “He used to work at the Microsoft branch in Switzerland as a software engineer.
“Once, he told me that the Microsoft branch in Switzerland was being shut down “and was moving to Silicon Valley and they offered him to go along. “They would provide everything, his salary would increase “and they would help him move everything from Switzerland.
“However he said that he refused because he could not leave his responsibilities to the Community. “He could not abandon them and leave (to Silicon Valley). “After a few days, he said that by the grace of Allah, “that branch was brought by a large Swiss company called Swisscom.
“He said that they were trying to take him away, but Allah Almighty made arrangements here; “and not only that, but Allah bestowed His grace in such a manner “that his salary here increased to even more than that of his boss.” The National Secretary for Umoor Kharjiyya, Zahid Sahib says,
“I knew him for 26 years. I had the opportunity of serving with him in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. “He was a very respectable and dignified individual, “regular in offering prayers and fasting, devoted to worship, very hardworking, “loyal and obedient to Khilafat. “He was a kind friend and a sociable person.
“From his youth, he had a different disposition as compared to other youth. “I have never seen him angry, “nor have I seen any traces of anger on his face or in the tone of his voice. “I have never seen him raise his voice or speak in a harsh tone.
“Even if mistakes were made, he would take us aside and explain in a kind manner. “He met everyone young and old in a polite manner and with a smile. “He always had a slight smile on his face. “He was a living example of being ready to sacrifice one’s life, wealth, time and honour.
“Not only did he guide many youth in Switzerland regarding their education and future, “but there are dozens who he helped in securing work. “Under Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, he established the Ahmadiyya Hiking Club “and introduced many youth to hiking. “He possessed an extraordinary determination.”
He further says, “Once I asked him whether he felt afraid while hiking. “He said that he did, and his family did not like it, “but the solution he came up with was that he met with the Khalifah. (He came and met me). “And he presented the suggestion that if permission was granted, “then he intended to climb the highest peaks in each of the seven continents “and raise the Flag of Ahmadiyyat on each one.” He said that he expressed his anxiousness lest I do not give him permission to do this,
But I told him that he should raise the flags if he was able to do so. “(He said) as a result, God-willing, this was exactly what he would do. “Thus, this young man never looked back and tirelessly worked to attain this great objective. “He climbed one peak after the other.
“He was able to raise the Flag of Ahmadiyyat at the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest.” This person mentioning this further states, “I do not know whether his demise can be considered a martyrdom or not, “however from what I have personally witnessed,
“I can say that he had such passion for his faith “which is only found amongst those virtuous people who seek to attain the station of martyrdom.” In my view, he indeed had a noble objective and with a great zeal he tried to convey the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat
And the message of God Almighty’s Unity and proved successful in this endeavour. He returned to his Lord in his endeavour to fulfil this noble objective and thus he most surely must have attained the rank of a martyr. We also pray to Allah the Almighty that may He grant him the station of martyrdom
And count him amongst the martyrs. His father, Khadim Hussain Warraich Sahib says, “We saw that our son was continuing to excel “and was climbing one mountain after the other and he never looked back. “My friends would ask me why I wouldn’t stop him, “as this is a very dangerous hobby to have.
“I would respond by saying that even if I were to try, he wouldn’t stop “because he has a passion of raising the flag of the Jama’at on every high peak of the world “and to spread the message of the Unity of God.”
A friend writes, “Once I asked Sadr Sahib (Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib) “what he would listen to on his phone whilst climbing mountains in order to motivate himself. “Sadr Sahib told me that he had downloaded the books of the Promised Messiah (as) “and he would listen to those while on his journeys.”
Similarly he says, “Once I asked Sadr Sahib how he would offer his worship “at such high altitudes and in such extreme cold. “He said, ‘Murabbi Sahib, I thoroughly enjoy worshipping on mountains. ‘The thought crosses my mind that the prophets of Allah the Almighty ‘used to seclude themselves on mountains,
‘away from the hustle and bustle of this world in order to worship.’” He further says, “Abdul Waheed Warraich Sahib once told me about one of his journeys “that while climbing the Denali Mountain, “which is located in North Alaska and is the coldest mountain in the world, “his index finger froze.
“When he showed the wound to a doctor (as a wound had formed), “the doctor said that it was completely frozen and was no longer functioning with the body, “and so he said that they would have to cut it off immediately.
“Sadr Sahib replied that this is the finger for Shahadah (declaring the Unity of God) “which we use during prayers to bear witness to the Oneness of God, “and under no circumstances could he have this finger cut off. “Afterwards, Allah the Almighty bestowed His grace and through prayers, “that finger was completely healed.”
May Allah the Almighty also enable his children to continue his virtuous deeds. His good qualities were greater than just what others have mentioned and which I personally have seen in him as well. He would demonstrate utmost obedience to every instruction of the Khalifah.
He did not merely claim this verbally, in fact, he was extremely loyal and sincere and would strive to continue progressing in this. He was among such individuals who leave behind a void. In any case, as I said, that his objective was to raise the flag of Allah the Almighty’s religion
And His Unity in all the peaks, which he was able to successfully achieve. May Allah the Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station. The next funeral is of Amtul Noor Sahiba, wife of Dr. Abdul Malik Shamim Sahib, and daughter of Amtul Rasheed Begum Sahiba and Mian Abdur Rahman Sahib.
She passed away on 15th June in Washington. By the grace of Allah she was a Musia. She was the great-granddaughter of the Promised Messiah (as), and on her mother’s side she was the great-granddaughter of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra). She was the maternal granddaughter of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) and Hazrat Sayyeda Amatul Hayy Sahiba,
And the paternal granddaughter of the companion of the Promised Messiah (as), Hazrat Professor Ali Ahmad of Bihar. As I mentioned, she married Dr Abdul Malik Shamim Sahib, son of Maulwi Abdul Baqi Sahib. Allah the Almighty granted them two daughters. Her Nikah was announced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh).
After reciting the Qur’anic verses that are recited during the Nikah ceremony, he also stated, “In the verses recited on the occasion of a Nikah, “it is also mentioned that in order for one to reform their deeds, “it is necessary for them to always speak the truth.
“The majority of troubles and worries are brought about as a result of ill actions, “and when it comes to mutual relationships, “the absence of speaking the truth is what leads to bad deeds being committed. “If one were to speak truthfully as behoves a true believer,
“there would be no room for misunderstandings, nor any risk of disorder or worry. “May Allah the Almighty enable us all to carry out good deeds, “may He bring about the means for us all to reform our deeds,
“and may we develop the habit of speaking the truth to the extent that it becomes our hallmark.” Then another five or six Nikahs were announced on this occasion. With regards to these Nikahs, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) stated,
“One Nikah is of a relative of mine whom I hold very dear to me and is like my daughter. “She is the daughter of Mian Abdur Rahim Sahib and of my younger sister Amatur Rasheed Begum, “Amtul Noor who is being married to Dr Abdul Malik Shamim, son of Maulwi Abdul Baqi Sahib.”
He then said, “I pray to Allah the Almighty that through His mercy, “He makes them and those being joined in the other five matrimonies the recipients of eternal joy.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) then said to each couple and to all Ahmadis, “The real intention should be for the betterment of Islam.
“After a long period of struggle, Ahmadiyyat is destined to have the final “and complete success in the path of the triumph of Islam. “Therefore, it is necessary for one generation after the other to attain a proper moral training “and to develop the right mentality. “If the mercy of God Almighty is not present,
“then all of one’s efforts would prove futile, useless and fruitless. “So our prayer is that with the grace of Allah, these ties of matrimony, “the ones which have already been formed within the Community, “and the ones to happen in the future, bring about the means for the strengthening “and establishment of Islam.”
Sahibzadi Amtul Noor Sahiba had the honour of rendering her services to the Jama’at. She served as the National Tarbiyyat Secretary of USA, the National Naib Sadr of USA, Local Sadr Lajna Washington, and was a member of numerous committees. Her eldest daughter Amtul Mujeeb says,
“She always gave precedence to her faith over the world. “She was extremely compassionate to others. “If she was ever able to help others, she would do so in an extraordinary manner. “She was always very mindful of her worship. “Apart from the five daily prayers,
“if I ever woke up in the night I would see her offering the tahajjud prayers.” Amtul Noor Sahiba’s husband passed away in an accident a long time ago and her daughter states, “After our father passed away, our mother spent 20 years as a widow,
“but even in this state she had complete trust in Allah the Almighty. “Her gratitude was always very evident and she would always say “that Allah the Almighty has showered us with so many blessings and favours. “I would always hear her saying, ‘God Almighty has promised that
‘if we are grateful, He will grant us more, so we should always remain grateful.’ “Her qualities of having an open heart, hospitality, true compassion for others “and reconciling between people, were very prominent. “On many occasions I heard my mother say the words of the Promised Messiah (as)
“that reconciliation is not when others come to reconcile so you do the same. “True reconciliation is to reconcile with others when they cut ties off with you. “I witnessed this quality in her that she would look for the good characteristics “in everyone she had a bond with.
“She took care of her relatives, members of the Community and her neighbours. “If a guest would come to attend the mosque, “she would look for them to sit and speak with them and welcome them.” Countless people have said that she was a very loving person.
Her second daughter writes, “She showed great affection to members of the Community, “especially to new converts, and people would show a lot of love back to her. “She always desired to help everyone. “She would always be worried lest she met someone who was in need “and she was unable to fulfil their need.”
Amtul Noor Sahiba’s elder sister, Amtul Baseer Sahiba writes, “There was an African-American sister by the name Sister Shakura. “When she went to perform Hajj she saw in a dream that the house of Noshi was in Makkah “(at home Amtul Noor Sahiba was known as Noshi).
“When sister Shakura went to live with her, Amtul Noor Sahiba said, “‘This was meaning (of the dream) in that you have come to me and I am now serving you.’” Her sister Amtul Baseer Sahiba continues writing, “The African-American Sister Shakura stayed at Noshi’s house for 18 years,
“eight of which were spent in bed, as her eyesight was lost completely. “Noshi took great care of her. “She would also help her in her prayers as she would forget.” I also witnessed her taking great care of sister Shakura.
When I visited USA, she would sit her in a wheelchair and bring her to meet me, and sister Shakura was very grateful to her for her help. Amtul Noor Sahiba had a passion for preaching. Should would try to take every opportunity to speak about the Community.
If ever asked where she was from in Pakistan, she would always reply by saying Rabwah, and from there she would continue her discussion. There was a Jewish family which had the honour of accepting Ahmadiyyat. In this family is a woman named Ruqaiya Asad who has been a part of USA’s National Amila.
She says, “Amtul Noor Sahiba had a very lovely character “and many people derived benefit from her. “Whoever had the opportunity to spend time in her presence would praise her qualities. “She spent her life practically in accordance with Islam Ahmadiyyat, “and as a result people were positively affected by this.
“She was an example for everyone. “Through narrating various accounts and in light of the writings of the Promised Messiah (as) “she had dedicated her life for the moral training of the Lajna members. “She participated in all the programmes and always volunteered to offer her services.
“She faced all her difficulties and troubles with patience, forbearance and determination. “In this regard, she was an example for others. “She preached with love and sincerity and she was at the forefront in looking after guests. “She was an example for young and elderly women alike.”
She further writes, “As I grow older, my respect for her continues to increase.” She then writes, “We must serve humankind and take care of the poor and needy, “just as Auntie Noshi used all of her time for many years serving “even those who weren’t her relatives
“(that is to say, she had devoted all her time to serve others).” Likewise, other women, especially African-American women have written that she had a very loving relationship with them and that she taught them so much about the teachings of Ahmadiyyat. May Allah the Almighty enable her children to also continue her good deeds
And remain firmly attached to Khilafat. She always maintained a bond of loyalty with Khilafat. I personally witnessed this as she demonstrated her example of complete obedience and humility. May Allah the Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy. The next funeral is of Bismillah Begum Sahiba,
Wife of Nasir Ahmad Khan Sahib Bahadur Sher, former Afsar of Hifazat-e-Khas. She passed away in Germany on 14th June at the age of 84. Ahmadiyyat was introduced to her family through her father Hazrat Chaudhary Mazharul Haqq Khan Sahib Kathgari (ra). He had the honour of working in the boarding school in Qadian
And the Promised Messiah (as) gifted him a kurta (loose clothing worn in the sub-continent) as Tabarruk (blessing). She has five daughters and two sons. One son, Mahmood Ahmad Sahib, is a missionary and the Missionary in-charge of Fiji as well as the Ameer. Our missionary Mahmood Ahamd Sahib writes,
“After the demise of my father, whatever income would be generated from our land, “my mother would first pay the chanda. “She would save the money from my father’s pension and not spend it. “With this amount she built a mosque in south of Tahirabad. “She always advised us to hold firm to Khilafat.”
He then writes, “After my father passed away she gave us the love of both a mother and a father “and never made us feel we were missing a father. “At the time, I was in my first year of Jamia Ahmadiyya and she would often tell me,
‘You are a soldier of the faith. You have dedicated yourself for your faith. ‘You must stand wherever the Khalifah appoints you’ “and she would repeat these words right till the end. “In the beginning, it was only my father who moved from our village to Rabwah.
“Due to this, all our friends and family would regularly visit Rabwah “and my mother would make food and accommodation arrangements for them “in a very cheerful manner. “And she would host guests beyond her capacity, despite limited means. “She knew full well how to fulfil the rights of neighbours.
“She always treated my class fellows as her own children. “She would often say to me to bring home the students who are from other countries “and staying in the hostels, so that they remain attached to Jamia. “Students of Jamia would often receive her affection, “and many students bear witness to this.
“Her affection was not limited to only those in Pakistan, “it in fact it extended to the students from Indonesia and African countries. “Whatever money she had she would distribute it or give it in charity, “and no one dared to tell her to keep it for herself.”
This missionary was unable to attend the funeral due to his work in the field. As I mentioned he is the Missionary in-charge and Ameer of Fiji, and thus he could not attend. May Allah the Almighty grant him and her other children forbearance and patience, and enable them to continue her good deeds.
May Allah the Almighty grant her His forgiveness and mercy. The next funeral is of Col. Javed Rushdi Sahib, son of Chaudhary Abdul Ghani Rushdi Sahib Rawalpindi. He passed away quite some time ago By the grace of Allah he was a Musi. After his retirement from the army he immediately occupied himself in service to the Community. Aside from serving as the Ta’lim Secretary, Waqf-e-Jadid Secretary and Rishta Nata Secretary, he also served as the local Wasiyyat Secretary.
He served three terms as the Sadr of Satellite Town, Rawalpindi. He was very regular in his prayers and would aid people financially in discrete manner. He was compassionate in nature and would always help and guide his relatives, neighbours, and others who were facing hardships.
He was a good organiser and had a sound understanding of matters. May Allah Almighty grant him His forgiveness and mercy. After the prayer I shall lead their funeral prayer, God willing. 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.