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(Vol. 6:9&10)
March-April 2012 AAIIL Worldwide Edition Editor: Akbar Abdullah
CALIFORNIA JAMA‘AT PROJECT. APPROVED BY THE CENTRAL ANJUMAN, LAHORE.
(1835-1908)
Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
.......... The HOPE Bulletin ……….. Health, Ongoing Projects, Education
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About the cover:
Portrait of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, Imam of the 14th
Century Hijrah, and the Founder of the
worldwide Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam.
INTRODUCTION
Editor: Akbar Ibn Abdullah
On May 26, 2012, the Ahmadiyya Jama‘ats throughout the world will commemorate Masih Ma’ood Day,
in remembrance of the great Muddadid of 14th
Century who inspired his dedicated followers to render
such a resounding impact in furthering the cause of Islam and Ahmadiyyat.
What and who inspired the Jama‘ats to make such yeomen sacrifices and utmost dedication? The answer
will become obvious as we learn from Lain Adamson, biographer of Hazrat Mirza Sahib, who writes:
“In the year 1889 in a small, dusty Indian town in the Punjab, some 90 miles from Lahore, a
devout Muslim, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, accepted a covenant of allegiance from his first followers.
A year later he announced that God had revealed to him that Jesus had died a normal death. God
had also told him that he was the Promised Messiah.
God had promised him that his mission would be successful, he declared. God had told him, ‘I will
carry thy message to the ends of the world.’
It was an astonishing statement from a man whose followers at the time did not even number fifty,
yet he was not unknown. His writings had attracted attention throughout the world. ‘Very profound
and very true,’ the Russian philosopher Count Leo Tolstoy wrote of one of his books.
Today the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam is considered the most potent religious force in the
world. The first forty followers have become more than 10 million. It is a mathematical increase in
100 years unequalled since the rise of Islam.
Among the followers are a Nobel prize winner, a former president of the General Assembly of the
United Nations, government ministers, army and air force generals, doctors, scientists,
millionaires, and millions and millions of ordinary people from countries as diverse as Indonesia,
the United States, Poland, China and Spain (including India, Pakistan, Bangla Desh, Kashmir,
South Africa, Nigeria, Holland, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad,
Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Thailand and many more).”
On the passing of Hazrat Mirza Sahib the biographer cited a glowing picture from worldwide obituaries. A
daily in Delhi commented:
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“He changed entirely the structure of polemics and laid the foundations of new literature in
India...His vigorous literature has a novel grandeur... and a study of some of his writings transports
the reader to a state of ecstasy.”
A newspaper in Lahore said that he “was an exceedingly holy and exalted leader who had a force of piety
that conquered even the harshest hearts; he was a well-informed scholar, a reformer of great resolve who
set an example of pious life...his guidance and leadership had a true messianic quality for the spiritually
dead.”
An Arya Samaj newspaper stated that he resembled Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the quality of
perseverance. “He stuck to it to his last breath and never wavered in the slightest degree.”
The Times of London carried a long obituary, and concluded that he was “venerable in appearance,
magnetic in personality, and active in intellect.”
The above are only a few examples of scores of obituaries published in the media throughout the world.
Under the leadership of all the previous Ameers and now under the present Hazrat Ameer, Dr. Abdul
Karim Saeed Pasha Sahib, the zeal and the love of Islam demonstrated by the AAIIL Jama‘at members
throughout the world are a clear testimony of Hazrat Mirza Sahib’s legacy that grows abundantly, and,
inshaa Allah, will flourish even greater if we pool our resources, unite, and sacrifice on common goals,
and refrain from any activities that severely disunite the Jama‘at.
May Allah guide us all to do the right thing for the welfare and growth of our Jama‘at. Aameen.
JAMA‘AT NEWS
India report submitted by Shaukat A. Ali, Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region
Alhamdulillah, I have returned from a very fruitful and successful mission to India.
By the grace of Compassionate and Merciful Allah, the Jamaat in India has done well in the last decade;
perhaps better than most others in the world.
You may recall that when I was appointed Project Director for the Jamaat in India, by the Central Anjuman,
we had only one known Lahore Ahmadi (apart from those in Jammu and Kashmir), the late brother Abdul
Razak of Mumbai – may Allah ta’ala grant his soul eternal peace and abode in the highest pedestal of Jannat-
ul Firdous – aameen. Unfortunately, Brother Razak Marhoom left this world only six weeks after the
registration of the Jamaat in India and the entire burden of responsibilities fell on my weak shoulders.
With the constant prayers of Hazrat Ameer (two of them during this period), the Central Anjuman and the
members from various parts of the world, and more importantly the blessings of Almighty Allah, Who
answered their prayers (“excellent Answerer of prayers” – 37:75), we now have about 230 members, spread all
over India.
[JazakAllah! – Ed.]
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Hazrat Ameer appreciates the work of Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region
Dear Shaukat,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakato.
Please accept my congratulations on the success and the good feedback on the Newsletter. I hope it will
continue to be a regular feature for Ahmadis to read, especially the ones in the region.
I pray for your success in all the work you undertake in the propagation of Islam and spreading its
peaceful message in the light of the Ahmadiyya philosophy of peace and harmony amongst peoples of the
world .... Aameen.
Pasha
Dates of Suriname Convention, announced by Amir Aziz, General Secretary, AAIIL
Dear brothers and sisters,
Assalamu Alaikum.
Hope to find you well and in good health.
This is to inform that AAllL Suriname (SIV) is organizing an international Convention from 16th to 18th
November 2012. Central Anjuman fully supports this event and informs all jammats across the globe to
participate in the convention. To avoid inconvenience, all other jammats are informed not to organize any
other event during these dates.
Pleased find attached invitation letter by AAIIL Suriname (SIV). [The invitation letter reproduced below.
– Ed. ]
We wish the Suriname Jammat a very successful event.
Yours truly,
Amir Aziz
General Secretary
AAIIL
Abu Musa reported, the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Believers are in relation to one another as (parts of) a structure, one
part of which strengthens the other.” And he inserted the fingers of one hand amid those of the other (so as to
conjoin his two hands). (B. 8: 88.)
Anas reported, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Do not hate one another and do not be jealous of one another
and do not boycott one another, and be servants of Allah (as) brethren; and it is not lawful for a Muslim that he
should sever his relations with his brother for more than three days.” (B. 78: 57.)
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Invitation letter to the Suriname Convention
To: The Boards of Executives of all global Jamaats of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement
Dear President and members of the board
Assalaam-u-alaikum WRWB.
The Suriname branch of the AAIIL, the 83rd Surinaamse Islamitische anniversary falls this year on
November 17, 2012.
The Convention is from November 16th -18th
. The theme is “Perception of Islam, Religion of Peace”.
Kindly participate in this conference. Participation should be confirmed by April 21.
Please provide appropriate name, date of birth, passport number and the relevant pages of the passport
which will also be welcomed to make the right arrangements for boarding and lodging.
Please send this information to:
The conference will be staged at our Headquarters in Paramaribo. A detailed program will be sent to you
after the receipt of confirmation of all invited guests. We do hope that your Jamaat will participate in this
Convention.
With greetings of peace we say,
Wassalaam.
The Board of Executives of the Surinaamse
Robbert Bipat, James K. Lalmahomed
President & General Secretary of the Board.
[There is still time to make travel arrangements. Inshaa Allah, we will provide a detailed programme of
the convention in our next edition. – Ed.]
Shahid Aziz, Secretary, AAIIL, UK, announces the postponement of Jalsa
Shahid Aziz, Secretary, AAIIL, UK, sent in this announcement:
Assalamu alaikum Akbar.
Centenary of Woking Muslim Mission in the UK which was to take place this year has been
postponed to next year because of the difficulties of fitting in conventions in the UK and Suriname.
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The Executive of the UK decided to postpone its commemoration in order to facilitate our brothers
in Suriname and help those who wished to participate in both events.
Please announce it in the HOPE. ...
Shahid
Jalal Ud Dean, Chairperson, Interfaith Search, Fiji filed this report
Assalaamu'Alaikum Wr Wb
The Board of Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam (Lahore) Fiji will host 2 x Interfaith Search Fiji
functions in the Masjid Noor Conference Centre (upstairs in the back). This is at 12 Bau Street, Flagstaff,
Suva. They are:
Interfaith Search Fiji monthly prayer gathering on Saturday 10th March 2012, from 7 pm - 9 pm. The
topic for this gathering is “Chastity and Purity in Our Scriptures.” Please be punctual. Thanks.
Interfaith Search Fiji Annual General Meeting 2012 on Wednesday 21st March 2012, from 7 pm-9 pm.
This will also be held at the same venue and you will be advised of the AGM as that date draws closer.
Thanks.
The condition of approval for 1 and 2 above remains the same that participants of Interfaith Search must
provide own pots of vegetarian food, sufficient for sharing with others and making new friends from other
groups.
This is a very important aspect for marketing Islam, as other not Muslim communities are given to read
extracts from the Holy Qur’an, which they would not do otherwise, ordinarily.
Please pass the word around within your groups (friends/relatives), especially those who are not on Email.
Thank you, Wassalaam.
[Brother Jalal Ud Dean reported that both meetings of March 10th
and March 21st were held successfully.
JazakAllah! – Ed.].
PRAYER & HEALTH NEWS
Condolence from Shaukat A. Ali, Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region
Dear brother Akbar Abdullah sahib
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatuh.
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We are deeply saddened to learn that sister Debbie has left this world to meet with our Maker. Inna-
lillahe wa Inna Ilaihi rajioon.
We pray that Allah ta’ala grants her soul eternal peace and a place in the highest pedestal of Jannat-ul
Firdous - aameen.
We also pray that Almighty Allah grant the surviving members of the bereaved family strength, solace and
sabr to bear this sad and irreparable loss at a time of great anguish.
Please convey our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Allah hafiz,
Shaukat
Du‘a from Iqbal Ahmad of AAIIL Karachi, Pakistan
On the passing away of Muhammad Tariq Sahib of the India Jama‘at, Br Iqbal Ahmad of AAIIL Karachi
wrote:
May Allah bless his soul in heavens and excuse and forgives all major/minor, known/unknown,
intentional/unintentional sins. Ameen.
Iqbal
Message of condolence from Dr. Khaliel and Mary Ghafoerkhan of Suriname
Dear Brother Akbar,
AA!
Khaliel and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Arshad Alvi and family on the loss of his uncle, Marhoom
Muhammad Alam Alvi.
May Allah grant the departed soul a beautiful place in His Jannatul-Firdaus and may He give strength to
his bereaved family. Ameen!
Allah Hafiz!
Khaliel and Mary Ghafoerkhan
Paramaribo/Suriname
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Jalal Ud Dean condoles on the passing away of Sister Samira Azharuddin’s mother
Assalaamu'Alaikum Wr Wb
Thank you for your prompt informational to us all.
Inna Lilliahe Wa Inna Ilehi Rajeoon.
The loss of any person, regardless of age, and especially in our Jamaat, is always met with deep sadness:
that our Jamaat has further shrunk by one more person. By any comparison, we must accept we are a
small Jamaat.
None of us is aware, when it is time to go, although the clock keeps ticking away and each day passes by.
It reminds me of a famous Persian couplet which Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad used in his letters to
people in similar situations:
“Life is going by; not many days remain.
How good it would be for you to make a few evenings
Change to early dawn in remembering someone.”
Let us pray that Allah forgives her and grants her security and elevates her to the highest and honourable
deserving position in Paradise.
We will perform her Janaza Gaibana this Friday at Jummah, when we have more people present.
Wassalaam.
Condolence and sympathy from Br. Arjumand Sadiq and family
Dear Sister Aqeela
Asalaam o Alaikum.
I hope you remember us. I am Bano’s brother.
I read about the loss you and your family suffered recently. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We
understand that this is a very hard time for you. May All Mighty Allah give you the strength to bear this
loss. We are praying for the deceased, may Allah take the soul to the highest place and with the one who
are His loved one. Amin.
Best Regards
Arjumand Sadiq and family.
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Acknowledgement of thanks from Imam Ebrahim Mahomed, President, AAIIL, S.A.
As Salamu Alaikum.
Please convey our thanks to contributors to the tribute of Br Suleiman Ebrahim. We will ensure we pass
the message on to the members and the family.
Was Salaam.
Ebrahim Mohamed
President AAIIL, South Africa
Request for du‘a-e-shifa
We request the members of our “Prayer Circle” to continue to pray for the complete shifa and speedy
recovery of our ailing brothers, Dr. Khurshid Alam Tareen of Kashmir, and Arshad Alvi and Jamil ur
Rehman of Pakistan, and Sisters Haneefa Sahu Khan of Canada, and Sharmeen Baji of Pakistan. May
Allah have mercy on them. Aameen.
Kindly also pray for the health and welfare of Hazrat Ameer, Akbar Abdullah, Captain Abdus Salam
Khan, and all other ailing brothers and sisters in our worldwide Jama‘ats.
Nothing too low for the most high
You may have seen some people who, after having achieved some worldly honour, do not feel like doing manual work. The high rank the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) enjoyed is difficult even to understand. He was not only the leader of the people but also very near to God. In spite of all this, he never thought he was too good to do household jobs. And not only for himself, but he also willingly and happily helped those whom he found in trouble and distress.
Once Muhammad (pbuh) saw a slave grinding some grain on a grinding mill driven by hand. As he ground the grains he was crying. On seeing this Prophet became anxious. He asked the slave the reason why he was weeping. The slave said, “I am sick. I cannot grind the grain. My master is very cruel and he will beat me if I cannot finish my job.” At this, the Prophet stepped forward and ground the rest of the grain saying, “Always call me if you have any grain to grind. I will do it for you.”
Another time, the Prophet (pbuh) saw an old man walking and trembling under the weight of water which he carried in a leather jacket. The old man walked a few steps and rested a bit. Seeing this, the Prophet took the load and carried it to his place.
And once a man came along to Salman, a good and kind mystic of Persia, who was mixing flour and water. On enquiring why the slave was not doing it, Salman said, “The slave was doing another job and I thought he should not be doing this too.”
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HEALTH INFORMATION
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FEATURE REPORT
THE SECOND SOUTH AFRICA CASE [Part two] [Reproduced from The Light, UK edition]
Some memories of events in 1987 Shahid Aziz
I just want to relate some incidents, which happened during the course of the hearings.
Attack and counter-attack
Towards the end of the hearing one day, I translated something and suddenly all hell broke loose. One guy
from the opposition benches leapt up and started whispering in their barrister’s ear, who stood up and
objected to my translation. The proceedings were being taped, so the tape was played back and he gave his
translation.
The following morning I met the opposing barrister in the corridor and asked him about the fuss and he
told me to forget it; it was a storm in a tea cup. And as the hearing proceeded I got the impression that he
had more respect for us than for his own clients.
The hearing started and Mr De Villiers asked Hafiz sahib a question and I remained silent. He looked at
me, as did the judge. The judge then asked me if I heard the question and I responded that the previous day
there had been such a fuss about my interpretation and yet the learned gentlemen on the opposite side
constantly talk during the proceedings. I said that I would not interpret unless there is absolute silence in
the court. I noticed Mr De Villiers smile and the judge hiding her smile as she told them to be absolutely
quiet or she will expel them from the court.
Our opponents’ bad behaviour
At break times the judge would give instructions about time when the hearing will resume. Both parties
were always late and one day we arrived to find the judge waiting. After that, Mr De Villiers would make
sure that we arrived a few minutes before the time given by the judge.
But this had no affect on our opponents. One day we arrived; the other barrister was there and the judge
came in and the hearing started. About ten minutes later there was a lot of noise from outside and
eventually a court bailiff came and whispered in the other barrister’s ear that his expert witnesses wanted
to see him outside. He asked the judge’s permission and she said that she had instructed that if they are
late they are not to be allowed in as it disturbs the proceedings and shows disrespect to the court. She
allowed them in and told them that if they are late again they will not be allowed to enter.
One more thing worth mentioning is that, as you know, when a judge comes in the whole court stands. In
accordance with the custom, we would, but our opposition would not stand. The judge had to tell them that
next time they remained sitting when she entered they would be arrested for contempt of court. After that,
they started making half-hearted attempts to stand when the judge entered the room.
Our opponents’ idea of service to Islam is falsification of documents
At first we used books printed in Pakistan to support our case. However, as the case progressed we found
these books had been edited to take out “incorrect material”, as someone put it. To make sure they had not
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been tampered with we had to get the same books from India. I remember two incidents in particular. One
was a book by Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah, and the other was a book of hadith. I had translated a hadith and
as I went to copy the edition from Pakistan Hafiz sahib asked me to check the hadith given in the book. I
laughed and said, “Hafiz sahib, these are words of the Holy Prophet (s); who will tamper with them!” But
as I checked the words, to my horror I found that the words we used to support our case had been removed
from the Pakistan edition and were present in the edition from India. It seems that even the Holy Prophet’s
words needed correction by our Sunni friends in Pakistan! We never managed to get to South Africa the
book by Hazrat Shah Wali Ullah with the complete reference.
Our lack of knowledge
Another problem that we faced was that Hazrat sahib had answered some Christian padres who used
abusive language against the Holy Prophet Muhammad, in harsh words. And the maulvis kept bringing
these up and presenting them to the court. Hazrat Mirza sahib had said that he had taken this entire thing
from the Old and the New Testaments. However, being cautious, Mr De Villiers added “or Jewish
literature” to these words. As we sat looking for these references from the Testaments one night at about
two in the morning Hafiz sahib stood up, smashed the Bible against the wall and said: “Why didn’t God
tell Hazrat sahib this as well, that coming generations of the Jamaat will not have the same knowledge and
put in references as well?” Eventually, we found every single incident about Jesus that Hazrat Mirza sahib
had written in the Testaments. I have to thank that great warrior of our Jamaat and the great man, Ismail
Peck, who was almost a hafiz of the Bible. Without his help we would not have been able to find all the
references. The judge, a devout Roman Catholic, was astonished. She said that she had read the Bible all
her life but didn’t know these references existed. She went on to add that she did not interpret them in the
same way as Hazrat sahib. We responded that that was the point Hazrat sahib was making, that Christian
padres wrongly interpreted the incidents from the life of the Holy Prophet (s) to give them a wrong
meaning, and if they could do that so could we.
The judge benefits from the Promised Messiah’s writings
It is interesting that at a private party she commented to Mr De Villiers that she had greatly benefited from
Hazrat sahib’s writings. Although a Roman Catholic, she had never believed that Jesus was the son of
God; it was Hazrat Sahib’s writing which showed her what Jesus meant by saying he was the son of God.
Jesus’ father
Our opponents kept twisting and turning their case. If, for example, they were told that Hazrat Sahib
believed Jesus was born of Immaculate Conception, so at least on this point they should accept him as a
Muslim, they would say, “But Lahori Ahamdis believe that Jesus had a father, so they are still not
Muslims.” Mr De Villiers was very worried about this. Hafiz sahib would say, “Find me an English
translation of the Holy Quran by Adbullah Yusuf Ali and it will take me one minute.” Suddenly, all copies
of this translation disappeared from South Africa! I had noticed a copy on the opposing barrister’s table,
so I asked Mr De Villiers to ask Hafiz sahib a question about the birth of Jesus in open court. I asked Hafiz
sahib to point to the copy of Yusuf Ali’s translation on the table in front of our opponents’ barrister and
ask for it. And this was what we did. Hafiz sahib gave me the chapter and verse to look up, which I did. It
is the verse of the Holy Quran where, after giving a list of prophets ending with Jesus, it is said, “and We
guided their fathers and their children.” So Hafiz sahib said, “There you are, it shows that Jesus had a
father.”
During the break a Maulana ran over to me and asked me what was the verse I had recited. I gave him the
reference and told him that if the case has made just one maulvi want to seek the truth all the money spent
on it would have been worthwhile. He responded by saying that was not why he wanted to see the
reference. “Allama sahib had made many mistakes in the Holy Quran and when we find them we correct
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them,” said he. I asked him whether they actually tell people that they have changed what Allama wrote,
but he said there was no need!
Partial superiority explained
One thing that worried us was the concept of partial superiority. We would ask Mr De Villiers for time to
explain this and he would just say “Don’t bother; I will explain it in one minute.” And that he did. He
asked Prof Ghazi whether Jesus knew Latin, English and Afrikaans. Ghazi replied in the negative. He then
asked whether Jesus had studied the law and represented his country before the International Court. Again,
Ghazi said no. “Well then, Professor,” said Mr De Villiers, “in this respect I am superior to Jesus.”
Ghazi’s use of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ali’s translation
During the proceedings the judge had in front of her four translations of the Holy Quran. One of these was
by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ali. She picked up on the fact that Prof Ghazi always used Hazrat
Maulana’s English translation when discussing a verse of the Quran. She asked him the reason for this and
he said because Hazrat Maulana’s translation was the best and the closest to Arabic. This must have
annoyed the opposition and the following day Prof Ghazi asked to be allowed add to his statement of the
previous day. He said that many non-Muslims had done great service to Islam, as well. Mr De Villiers
then asked the professor to name one, and, of course, he could not.
Quran says Jesus is dead
Another interesting incident relates to the argument about the death of Jesus and the professor conceded
that according to the Holy Quran Jesus was dead. Again, this caused much consternation in the opposition
and it was reported that Prof. Ghazi had become angry and asked the other maulvis why they don’t appear
in the witness stand.
Gen. Zia’s offer
One day the court reader whispered to us: “Pray a lot.” This puzzled us, but initially she would not explain
further. Eventually, she told us that President Zia ul Haq had made an offer to the President of South
Africa that if the court decides that Ahmadis are non-Muslims he will use his influence in the Muslim
world to get South Africa recognition, and that the South African President had asked for a transcript of
the case. This shows what little confidence our opponents had in their case.
Who is the most stupid maulvi?
As the case proceeded, Mr De Villiers constantly asked this question. Eventually, we asked him what he
meant by that. He laughed and said the maulvi who presents himself as a witness to give evidence in the
court after Hafiz Sher Muhammad’s will be the most stupid maulvi because he will tear him to pieces. And
so it happened to poor Prof. Ghazi.
Khurshid Ahmad runs away
After Prof. Ghazi’s evidence came to an end the opposition’s next witness was Professor Khurshid
Ahmad, a high-ranking official of the Jamaat i Islami and a member of the Senate in Pakistan. On the day
he was to start giving evidence the court was asked for an adjournment because Prof. Khurshid Ahmad
had been recalled to Pakistan by General Zia for important consultations. The hearing was adjourned for
many months to give the Professor time to return but he has never returned to South Africa.
However, on arriving in Pakistan, when asked why he had returned while the case was still continuing, he
gave statements that he had returned after finishing his task. Our Centre challenged this but the professor
never responded to the challenge.
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Later, he made further erroneous statements about Ahmadis losing the case and these were challenged by
Dr Zahid Aziz in letters to the professor and to the Jamaat i Islami’s magazine where these statements
appeared. Prof. Khurshid Ahmad never replied and the magazine never printed Dr Aziz’s rejoinder.
My return, and Nauman’s kindness
I had taken four weeks’ leave from my job to go to South Africa and my leave came to an end halfway
through Hafiz Maulana Sher Muhammad’s evidence. Rishad kindly offered to get a court order barring me
from leaving South Africa so that I could send it to BT and get leave without pay, and Nauman called and
offered to pay my salary so that my family would not suffer.
I rang my wife and discussed the matter with her. Riffat said that if I was needed by the Jamaat I should
stay but she would not accept any money from Nauman as she regarded it as charity and said she would
rather starve. I talked to Choudhry Masud Akhtar who advised that as most of the translation work was
now complete and now only interpretation in court is required, he could manage and that there was no
point in everyone losing their livelihood. I declined Nauman’s kind offer and with much regret returned to
the UK.
Remember them all
We should remember that Mr Masud Akthar Choudhry closed down his business to go and translate and
interpret for Hafiz Sher Muhammad, and that although he was paid for this case, Rishad Khan, who
practiced as a sole legal practitioner, had to close down his legal practice to concentrate on the case, and
because of the difficulties, his involvement in the case was causing with his clients.
And most of all ...
At the end I want to describe an incident which shows that if you are sincere and want to help, you can do
so regardless of your station in life, or how much you know. I noticed that there was one person from our
Jamaat in South Africa who turned up at the hearing every day. He would sit and listen. Every now and
then Rishad would give him something to photocopy or something else to do, like bring a cup of tea for
Hafiz sahib, and he would quietly go and do it.
One day I did not see him and I thought that perhaps he had had enough. However, he was back the
following day. I went up to ask him the reason for his absence and noticed that he looked a bit sad. At first
he didn’t say anything, but then in a soft voice he said, “It was my father’s funeral yesterday.” I said how
sorry I was and hoped that everything went OK. Suddenly, tears started running down his face. “I wasn’t
allowed to attend. I am the only Ahmadi in the whole family and they didn’t want me there. After
everyone had gone I went to his grave to say a prayer.” And yet the following day he was back in court
because the Jamaat needed him!
The Ahmadi Muslim is a Mujahid, the non-Ahmadi a Qa'id. Both are Muslims, but with a big difference. Islam is a call to striving and struggling for the establishment of God’s sovereignty in the human heart. Mere acceptance and profession is not enough. The Quran has a poor word for those who say they believe that Islam is the only Light that can save mankind but raise not a little finger to make that Light known to the world. They are described as “idlers.” [The Light (November 24, 1963, p. 8.)]
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION [Contributed by Jalal Ud Dean of Fiji]
CREATION IN OUR SCRIPTURES (A Muslim Perspective)
What Does the Holy Qur’an State About Creation of the Universe?
13:2 Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see, and He is established on
the Throne of Power, and He made the sun and the moon subservient (to you). Each one runs to an
appointed term.
36:40 Neither is it for the sun to overtake the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day. And all float on in
an orbit.
10:3 Surely your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, and He is
established on the Throne of Power regulating the Affair.
41:10 And He made in it mountains above its surface, and He blessed therein and ordained therein its
foods, in four days; alike for (all) seekers.
41:11 Then He directed Himself to the heaven and it was a vapour, so He said to it and to the earth:
Come both, willingly or unwillingly. They both said: We come willingly.
41:12 So He ordained them seven heavens in two days, and revealed in every heaven its affair. And We
adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (made it) to guard. That is the decree of the Mighty, the
Knowing.
2:21 O men, serve your Lord Who created you and those before you, so that you may guard against evil.
2:29 He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth.
How Does the Universe’s Creation Mechanics Function?
2:164 In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, and the ships that
run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the sky, then gives
life therewith to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the
winds and the clouds made subservient between heaven and earth, there are surely signs for a people who
understand.
6:2 He it is Who created you from clay, then He decreed a term. And there is a term named with Him;
still you doubt.
4:1 O people, keep your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single being and created its mate
of the same (kind), and spread from these two many men and women.
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6:1 Praise be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made darkness and light. Yet those
who disbelieve set up equals to their Lord.
23:14 Then We make the life-germ a clot, then We make the clot a lump of flesh, then We make (in) the
lump of flesh bones, then We clothe the bones with flesh, then We cause it to grow into another creation.
5:54 And He it is Who has created man from water, then He has made for him blood-relationship and
marriage-relationship.
24:45 And Allah has created every animal of water. So of them is that which crawls upon its belly, and of
them is that which walks upon two feet, and of them is that which walks upon four. Allah creates what He
pleases.
6:102 That is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but He; the Creator of all things; therefore serve Him,
and He has charge of all things.
Some of the Exemplary Purposes of Certain Creations
6:142 And of the cattle (He has created) some for burden and some for slaughter. Eat of that which Allah
has given you and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Surely he is your open enemy.
16:5 And the cattle, He has created them for you. You have in them warm clothing and (other)
advantages, and of them you eat.
16:8 And (He made) horses and mules and asses that you might ride upon them and as an ornament.
16:81 And Allah has made for you, of what He has created, shelters, and He has given you in the
mountains, places of retreat, and He has given you garments to save you from the heat, and coats of mail
to save you in your fighting.
10:4 To Him is your return, of all (of you). It is the promise of Allah (made) in truth. Surely He
produces the first creation, then He reproduces it, that He may reward with equity those who believe and
do good.
10:5 He it is Who made the sun a shining brightness, and the moon a light, and ordained for it stages
that you might know the computation of years and the reckoning. Allah created not this but with truth.
There Should be No Deviation from Creator God’s Instructions
77:12 He said: What hindered thee (the devil) that thou didst not submit when I commanded thee? He
(the devil) said: I am better than he (Adam); Thou hast created me of fire, while him (Adam) Thou didst
create of dust.
40:20 And Allah judges with truth. And those whom they call upon besides Him judge naught!
95:8 Is not Allah the Best of the Judges?
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PUBLICATION
Web link to The HOPE Bulletin on Central Anjuman’s official website
The aaiil.org Webmaster will place online, at http://bit.ly/2012hope, some selected issues of The HOPE
Bulletin and some articles and special photographic supplements which do not carry any sensitive or
confidential matters of our worldwide Jama‘at.
We invite you to view these at your convenience.
The Light – UK Edition
To access current and previous issues, kindly click on the following weblink:
http://www.ahmadiyya.org/
Shahid Aziz’s report on the Promised Messiah’s books
Assalamu alaikum.
As you know the UK jamaat had employed a person in New Delhi to start on the monumental task of
keying-in all of the Promised Messiah’s books. He was to start work in February but unfortunately his
father was taken very ill and then passed away so he could not do much work in February. He started
working in earnest in March and in one month he has managed to key-in the first of the 23 volumes of
Hazrat sahib’s books. At this rate the complete set of books will be keyed-in by spring 2014, the year in
which we celebrate our centenary. [Jazak Allah! – Ed.]
I hope this will be followed by keying-in of Hazrat sahib’s speeches and letters (Malfuzat and Maktubat).
The first proof reading will be done by the India jamaat and then the material will be passed to the Centre
for a final proof reading...
Oh my friends great tasks are being entrusted to us. Pray that Allah makes us carry them out to the best of
our abilities.
Kind regards,
Shahid
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Introduction of magazine in French based on the English version of The Light, UK
Assalamu alaikum
Mubarak.
Through the efforts of the UK jamaat a magazine on Islam in French has been launched. Al hamdolillah!
We intend it to be a monthly eight-page journal. It will be a translation of the material printed in The Light
published from the UK. This is the draft of the first issue which we had hoped to publish as the May issue
but due to the speed with which our friends in France worked we hope to bring it out in April. ... [Due to
confines of space, the draft is not included. – Ed.]
How many you are does not matter. What matters is the effort you put into propagation.
Kind regards, Shahid
Hazrat Ameer appreciates the French magazine
Dear Shahid,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakato.
My heartiest congratulations on your success in producing ‘The Light’ in French.
It has wonderful contents and a very motivating article by our young convert from Auckland. I have had
personal email exchange with him and find him a very spiritually motivated young man. The information
on Buddhism is going to be useful addition to my lecture on this religion which is one of the eight
religions I teach to the ‘missionary students’ in our Center in Lahore.
I have really enjoyed reading the issue in French as it has become a source of reading as I go through my
study of the French language. JazakAllah. I pray that this issue will be a regular one and always contain
useful articles and be a source of information to all the French speaking peoples of the world.
Abdul Karim Saeed
Ameer and President
Worldwide Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishat e Islam Lahore
19
LESSON OF THE DAY [Courtesy Ahmad Nawaz, California]
Earlier Generation Didn’t Have the Green Thing!
Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own
shopping bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.
The woman apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my earlier days.”
The cashier responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our
environment for future generations.”
She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, pop bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to
the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so they could use the same bottles over and over. Yes,
they really were recycling.
We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen; and we replaced the razor blades in a razor
instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.
But, we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up the stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every shop and office building. We
walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two
blocks.
But, she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby’s nappies because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes
on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts; wind and solar power really did dry our
clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always
brand-new clothing.
But, that young lady is right. We didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And, the TV had a small
screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the county of Yorkshire.
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything
for us.
When we packaged a fragile item to send in the post, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not
Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran
on human power.
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We exercised by working so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on
electricity.
But, she's right. We didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank water from a fountain or a tap when we were thirsty instead of demanding a plastic bottle flown
in from another country.
We accepted that a lot of food was seasonal and didn’t expect that to be bucked by flying it thousands of
air miles around the world.
We actually cooked food that didn’t come out of a packet, tin or plastic wrap and we could even wash our
own vegetables and chop our own salad.
But, we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the tram or a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning
their mothers into a 24-hour taxi service.
We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.
And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in
space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
But, isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't
have the green thing back then?
WHAT OUR READERS SAY
Captain Abdus Salam Khan appreciates Berlin Mission Report
Dear Akbar Sahib,
ASA.
I greatly enjoyed reading the report on Berlin Mosque so ably written by Brother Khalid Iqbal of Woking.
May Allah reward him for this excellent work. Amen. I fully agree with him that we should make Berlin
the center of our activities and make arrangement to have a stock of books available.
As forecast by the experts, Europe is slowly becoming Muslim, and in another forty years it would be a
Muslim majority area. Hence we should prepare for a pivotal role in this transition.
With best wishes and regards
Capt. Abdus Salam Khan
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Ameen Sahu Khan of Australia appreciates the efforts of HOPE magazine
My Dear Brother Akbar Sahib
Assalaamu Aleikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu.
Thank you very much for extending me the HOPE Bulletin on a regular basis. I always look forward to
receiving the next issue, and every issue gets better still. The current issue is so comprehensive with all
those photos, along with their captions, of some of the past events and activities within and around the
Ahmadiyya buildings in Lahore, apart from your regular features. What a splendid job you are doing!
May Allah Subhanahu-Wa-Ta'ala forever bless your efforts and may He reward you abundantly for the
great work you are doing as an AAII ambassador.
Allah Hafiz.
Ameen
Jalal Ud Dean’s comments
The Berlin Mission Report
Assalaamu'Alaikum Wr Wb.
Thank you for relay of the report on Berlin Mosque, which I found very interesting.
It is indeed a wonder that the Berlin mosque had survived the WW2 and the subsequent “cold-war” which
gave everybody the creeps about Oriental communities in Berlin.
Allah, the Best Knower, has His own unique and peculiar ways of preserving places, especially set aside
for His worship. The mosque could have been hopelessly destroyed at the height of WW2 but Allah in His
infinite wisdom, did not allow that to eventuate.
The visitors to the Berlin Mosque, who come from all walks of life, are precursors to more visitors to
come from progressive publicity. My research shows that Islam is the fastest growing minority religion in
Europe. Whilst Islam may not fully replace Christianity throughout Europe, Islam (and especially AAIIL)
is certainly making people aware of commonalities, in terms of similarities of some parts of the Bible with
the Holy Qur’an and some other areas of the Bible, which are now becoming clearly conclusive to them as
historical past practices of Roman paganism.
Considering the complexity of Germany and other European communities, which visit the Berlin Mosque,
some opportunity has to be struck to commence Interfaith Search Berlin in Germany. Without the need to
penetrate deep into the concepts and philosophies of Interfaith Search Fiji, I have over the last few years
brought about a system, which invites people to present from their Holy Scripture, direct scripture excerpts
on a given topic. The protocol is simplistic and rather limiting to 1-page only, A4 paper and 1-side print
only. This way we are effectively involving people to read various excerpts from the Holy Qur’an, (which
they would not read ordinarily), and then admire the supremacy of the Holy Qur’an.
Of course, people will also read others’ scriptures as well but will be left baffled at the supremacy of the
22
Holy Qur’an, which has answers to any topic whatsoever. The system in Fiji is maximum of 2-hours (7
pm - 9 pm) and finishes off with a session of shared vegetarian meal, (everybody brings a pot of food to
share) with people mingling and either continue with informal discussions or just getting to know the other
persons better. It could become a monthly event and an opportunity for people to take away with them
printed tracts on Islam and the AAIIL. It will also become a subtle marketing strategy for AAIIL, without
stating so.
I’m certain the German “Monument” agency will give the Berlin Mosque ample publicity upon
completion and restoration of the Berlin Mosque and then mention could be made of the Interfaith Search
Berlin initiative. For sampling purposes, I have attached a past AAIIL Paper which was presented at such
regular monthly discussions in Fiji, held on the 10th of each month.
Wassalaam.
***
Appreciation of February edition of “The HOPE Bulletin”
Assalaamu'Alaikum Wr Wb
Thank you for the HOPE Bulletin Feb 2012. As always, it was indeed excellent editorial work and very
inspiring. I liked the cover. Although I have never been to Pakistan, the photograph is most impressive and
most certainly it inherently holds the admiration that whatever goes on behind that frontage are very pious,
especially with the aiyat over the main archway.
I do not know whether Pakistan has Heritage Laws, but if there is so, then the mosque with its early
history should become a landmark for visitors to see. The point is that once (as in most countries) a
building becomes recorded under Heritage Laws, then it cannot be demolished. There is a hidden message
here.
It is indeed very sad that our AAII (Lahore) members and friends have to be experiencing such degrading
treatment in Pakistan, simply because of their sincerity in believing and accepting the proclamation of the
14th Century (Hijri) Mujaddid of his period, and upholding a particular verse of the Holy Qur’an, which
should allow them the space to personally believe, space to practice and fundamental space to exist:
“Allah has promised to those of you who believe and do good that He will surely make them rulers in the
earth as He made those before them rulers, and that He will surely establish for them their religion, which
He has chosen for them, and that He will surely give them security in exchange after their fear. They will
serve Me, not associating aught with Me. And whoever is ungrateful after this, they are the
transgressors.” (Holy Qur'an 24:55).
This world has witnessed and accepted that the 14th Century (Hijri) is now past history and no other
person can proclaim in retrospect that he will be the valid Mujaddid for the “past gap” of the 14th Century
(Hijri). We are already cruising through the first 32 years (1st-third) of the 15th Century (Hijri) and surely
acceptance of the 14th Century (Hijri) Mujaddid becomes incumbent upon all Muslims and those not
Muslims alike. It is a circumstantial fact.
[“Surely Allah will raise up for this people ( i.e. The Muslims) in the beginning of every century one who
will revive for it its religion.” Hadith Abu Dawud (b.817-d.888 AD) Book 37. Kitab al-Sunan, Chapter Al-
Malahim, Vol. 2, (page 241). Hadith No. 4278]
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Little do those people as oppressors realise that they have made themselves subject of ridicule by other
communities throughout the world that one set of Muslims do not accept another set of Muslims as
Muslims per se, bearing in mind the population of Pakistan stands at 187M+.
The story about the South Africa case was indeed a precursor of fond memories of how a small group of
Lahories struggled day and night and were able to convince the legal system of South Africa, and so to the
world, that Lahoris are significantly and identifiably different from Qadiannis and the declaration by the
Court that Lahoris are indeed Muslims per se.
The continuation of that story is important to re-educate our younger Lahoris with further periodic repeats.
Wassalaam.
Board member of the AAIIL Karachi, Pakistan appreciates our mailings
Respected Sir:
Thank you very much for including Karachi Jammat in your address book. Very happy to see Karachi
activity in HOPE also.
Keep remembering us in your prayers.
Iqbal Ahmad
HOPE MEMBER SERVICE
Recipe of the Month
Raita - Yogurt Salad
Ingredients
2 cups low fat yogurt
1 cucumber, chopped small
1 large tomato, chopped small
2 green onion sprigs, chopped fine (or 1 small onion chopped fine)
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Method of Preparation
Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
Mix thoroughly. If too thick, add a small amount at a time, milk or water until desired consistency is
reached.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST KORAN WITH 7’ HIGH PAGES UNVEILED IN
AFGHANISTAN
The completion of the world's largest Koran was hailed as a major achievement for the Afghanistan when
it was officially unveiled in the nation's capital.
Measuring more than 7ft long and 10ft wide, the text’s 218 pages are decorated in 30 different calligraphy
designs and took almost five years to finish.
The project was inspired and sponsored by His Excellency Alhaj Syed Mansoor Naderi, a well-known
religious personality and leader of the Shia Ismailies in Afghanistan.
Calligrapher Mohammad Saber Yaqoti Hussaini Khedri and his students started the composition in
September 2004, which involved at least two years of continuous work for the shafting and archiving.
All the 30 parts of Koran has been done in 30 different designs. It was completed in September 2009.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Akbar Ibn Abdullah
Editor, The HOPE Bulletin Mailing Address: P.O. Box 232023
Sacramento, California 95823-0430, U.S.A.
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Telephone Number: (773) 539-6892
“ISLAM” stands for “I SHALL LOVE ALL MANKIND”
