'Ilham': Recent Divine Messages- III

Allah (swt), the Ever-Living Lord and Sustainer of the Worlds, spoke to His chosen servants all through human history. Every nation in the world has its own collective memory of such men of God who appeared, sometimes, one man in a generation; sometimes, several personalities in the same community- speaking in their own languages, conveying the messages from the Unseen. No wonder, the Qur'an confirms that the servants of Allah (swt) appeared in all nations and among all peoples. These messengers led exemplary spiritual lives, inviting people to shun evil and embrace the path of purity, righteousness, moral probity, and true wisdom; warning them about the trappings of transient pleasures, exhorting them in strongest terms to choose wisely the everlasting Divine favours as against temporal gains; foretelling about the looming prospect of facing the Days of God when  punishments will befall on the wicked, and also about the prospects of Blissful rewards on true humans, in this life and in the world to come. 

  

Alhamdulillahi Rabb'il Aalameen...Allah (swt) bestows upon His Elects in every era the favour of special communion and spiritual converse and guidance. To revive and renew the living path of the Qur'an for all mankind in our times, Allah (swt) has raised Hazrat Imam Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius. Over the last two decades, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) has been sharing the Divine communications he has been receiving from the Unseen- containing sublime guidance, for the benefit of all sincere seekers of Divine verities. In recent weeks, we have shared here some of the latest Divine revelations so received by Hazrat Saheb (aba), and the same can be read here. 

Against the backdrop of  devastating calamities tragically altering the fortunes of a large mass of humanity through Covid 19 virus and its many variants, as well as through many other heart-wrenching events around the world, the recent Divine revelations once again underscore the profound responsibility of human beings everywhere to undertake intense soul-searching and revert to individual and collective course-correction in our relations with fellow humans and the natural environment. The duty of a Divinely-inspired soul, and those who follow him, is only to act according to the clear guidance they have accepted; patiently persevering in repairing our broken societies; bringing about reforms  in personal conduct and social relations so as to put things right- regardless of the taunts and rejection of the myopic society around them. A society that rejects the sublime message and guidance of a Prophet to prefer their temporal, fleeting pleasures will eventually find its trial and punishment in both the worlds. Whereas time and history testify to the destruction and ruination of 'mighty' powers at the zenith of their excesses; the exalted wisdom of the Prophets and their mission survive and thrive in the fullness of the Divine order, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.     

Reproduced Below are the latest installment of the Divine revelations vouchsafed to Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) in the last couple of weeks: 

Saturday, 17 April 2021 after Esha & Taraweeh Prayer at 8.30 pm, I received this Divine Message:

Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illallaahu ana Khalifatullah; Ya Rabbi Habli Ummati.

I give evidence that none is worthy of divine worship except Allah. I am the Caliph of Allah (swt) [Chosen by Allah, not elected by men]. O Sustainer (of the Universe) bless me (and) those who follow me.

Ramadan: The Spirit of Caring

 

The Month of Ramadan 

We live in a special time: never before have human beings experienced such spectacular advancement in terms of progress and enrichment; never has he had so much capacity to communicate, to live together, to converse. Yet never has he been so self-centered, selfish, and so careless about the plight of others. Unfortunately, the Muslim [nowadays] follows the same path- thus, going against divine injunctions.

 

God knows our propensity to forget and not to be persistent in recalling; that is why He has prescribed acts of worship for us in order to make our conscience and our hearts come alive to His remembrance. The fast of the month of Ramadan is part of this education, of this elevation of the soul, once a year for a month. God asks us to deprive ourselves of these essential things that are our daily concerns: eating, drinking; things so common for us that they become commonplace. Abundance makes us forget that one day we might not have any more. We no longer even know how to appreciate the pleasures we taste. Worse, there are on this earth, at the same time as we eat and we are satisfied [i.e. eating to our fill], men and women who would like to be able to have a tenth of what we consume. Because of distress caused by poverty, they have to endure hunger and thirst. But they also and above all have to endure our passivity and our disinterest. However, they are our brothers and our sisters not in Islam only but in humanity as well.

 

God has put abundance in this world so that every man can benefit from his share of sustenance; however, it is a minority that controls and consumes most of the wealth. It is such an injustice which is accentuated by our passivity when it is not our selfishness.  

The month of Ramadan has been ordained in order to instill awareness and a reminder. Above all, remember Allah with intensity and foresight. Leaving a little of this temporal world to rise to the consciousness of the Most High. The fast of this blessed month is a source of reminder for those who want to remember. Then, it wants to be a call to altruism and solidarity, because we cannot as a Muslim or even quite simply as a human being live in the indifference of what is happening in a large part of the world; to pretend that there are no men and women who live in destitution and poverty; without knowing that every day in the world many children die of starvation. “It’s normal”, we say to ourselves, “How could we know that when we’re not talking about it in the press or on television?”

 

We cannot as Muslims, as beings with a heart, step back and pretend these sad and bitter realities do not exist, and to just look where the spotlight falls.

'Ilham': Recent Divine Messages-II

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim. Recently, we have shared some of the Divine Messages received by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius in March and early April 2021, and the same can be read here. 

The revealed messages received by Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) this week- both before and after the Jumu'ah on Friday, 16 April 2021, contain within them a succinct summation of the Divine Mission being entrusted through him by Allah (swt) in this era, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the believers to follow and abide by the sublime guidance on offer. The message confirms once again that Allah (swt) has raised His Khalifa (the Khalifatullah) as the grand standard bearer of the Faith in this era, as a deputy of the Holy Prophet (sa), with a mandate to renew the Kalima Tayyibah of the Muslims in all its pristine glory: La Maqsouda Illa Allah; La Maabouda bi-Haqq Illa-Allah.

Unlike the disbelievers and hypocrites, sincere followers and disciples of a Vicegerent of God are expected to deploy their God-endowed reasoning and understanding in service of Faith and its obligations, including by standing up for personal as well as social reforms so as to remove all individual temptations and consequent social afflictions. Moreover, the message also alludes that just as the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) escaped unhurt from all evil machinations and conspiratorial trappings of the disbelievers; the Khalifatullah (aba) of this era, destined to go through earthly trials at the hands of the opponents, shall also emerge victorious in the companionship of his true spiritual disciples and followers, in all joy and happiness, Insha-Allah, Aameen. 

Reproduced below are the Divine Revelations Hazrat Saheb (aba) has recently arranged to be shared with everyone, for the benefit of all discerning minds. Before the Jumu'ah, Allah (swt) revealed to Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) the following Revelations:

 

1. “You are the New Orbit”.

 

2. La Maqsouda Illa Allah: Turn only to Allah.

 

3. La Maabouda bi-Haqq Illa-Allah: Pray only Allah (one God).

 

After the Jumu'ah Namaz, the revelation came like this:

Ramadan: Training Our Souls

Ramadan: Strengthening the ties of Brotherhood

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).” (Al-Baqara 2: 184) 

Muslims around the world began fasting in the month of Ramadan this week. It is a month of great Divine favour because Allah has Himself promised to those who will fast with sincerity, who will do their best to obtain the pleasure of Allah, who will seek Divine help through prayer and good conduct that they would receive His blessings. This is the long-awaited time [for all believers] to make spiritual progress. Before being a period of fasting; Ramadan is, first and foremost, an opportunity to take stock of oneself. Piety is a whole, a totality. Every human being is liable to commit sins and to transgress the Divine law. It can be due to our ignorance, or to Satan. 

Muslims must, therefore, be particularly careful of hypocrisy, lies, cheating and theft, usurpation [injustice, deception and stealing the rights of others, etc.]… Particularly during this holy month you might tend to go ahead with these bad deeds. But you have to say “No” to all these satanic temptations! On the contrary, this holy month is a training for you for the months to come. 

But being human beings [weak as we are], we need to be rightly-guided and to guide and bring others back on the right path. In a certain sense, we could consider the month of Ramadan as a period of training allowing the believer to learn to approach God by multiplying acts of piety (charities, prayers, invocations, etc.) and to put an end to vices which gnaw at him and torment him.

'Ilham': Recent Divine Messages

Alhamdulillahi Rabbi'l Aalameen. Reproduced below are certain Divine revelations  received by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (aba) of Mauritius in March-April 2021, for the benefit and attention of all Truth-seekers. These messages contain profound thoughts on Divine Mercy, and Divine favours: urging us to lead our lives in awe of God; in peace and solidarity with fellow beings, recognizing the spectrum of Divine commandments beginning with the rejection of evil. Considering that Divine Elects are the practical exemplars of the Prophetic Path;  the raising of an Elect in any era is a great favour  as it leads to certainty of faith and blessings on the believers. Likewise, willful failure to recognize a messenger is a curse on the people who evade or avoid their duties in this regard, and they are rejected at the court of God. It is only those who frequently turn to God in prayer (and offer invocations), and do not blindly follow their own desires and flawed minds, will be able to appreciate the exalted Divine messages and benefit from the superior guidance of the All-Forgiving, All- Knowing Allah (swt). 

Read the Divine Messages Below:

Message received at Noon (Tuesday, 06 March 2021) 

Allah (swt) is the embodiment of truth. Truth emanates from Him continually without His being reminded of it. How can man with his limited intellect advise Him (God)? The current of His mercy is flowing everywhere. It is taking care of us of itself. It knows what is good for us. It is present everywhere. It perceives our feelings and hears us.

Revelations: 01 April 2021 

First Revelation in Chinese (and repeated in Arabic): 

All people and especially the Muslims around the world and in Mauritius to reflect the TRUE significance of Islam and the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam are reflecting HUMAN BROTHERHOOD AND SUBMISSION TO ALLAH’S WILL. 

The Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim of this era shed its brilliant rays on a world shrouded in darkness. This special issue has in mind this objective: Reflect a broad spectrum of what verily ISLAM is; offer to people at large in an objective and unbiased approach; the ethic of life, the jurisprudence governing MUSLIM, the quintessence of our spiritual enlightenment to remove us from darkness; our undivided love for our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) and our unflinching belief in the Unicity of Almighty Allah. 

Covid-19: Crisis & 'Khilafa'

In his Friday Sermon of 09 April 2021~26 Shabaan 1442 AH, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius offers a synoptic view of the looming economic crisis engulfing nations around the world. Speaking against the backdrop of of the devastating  Covid-19 pandemic and other widely-disruptive events such the recent Suez Canal blockage, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) alludes that the tectonic shifts that are taking place in our midst should trigger intense soul-searching to reimagine our world: from the unsustainable inequities of the capitalist order, and the earlier failings of the socialist totalitarianisms of the Soviet era, we need to move to a more balanced, alternative economic order that upholds fair business practices, non-exploitative transactional relations, protection of public interest in common resources, and collective social welfare. In breaking with the past and imagining a new world, Muslims have the historical role and opportunity to establish the ethical teachings and principles of the Shariah for the benefit of all mankind. Based as it is on individual responsibility and accountability to Allah (swt), the laws and practices of Islam promote equity, fairness and justice. Through the discourse, Hazrat Saheb (aba) makes an eloquent appeal, exhorting the Ummah to seize the moment of crisis to reclaim the ethical and social values of Islam and be ready to fight for creating a just world under the Divinely-ordained system of Khilafat-ala-Minhaaj-Al-Nubuwwah, represented by the ranks of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam today. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below:

            وَ اللّٰہُ غَالِبٌ عَلٰۤی اَمۡرِہٖ وَ لٰکِنَّ اَکۡثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا یَعۡلَمُوۡنَ

“And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not.”(Yusuf 12: 22).                        

The World Economic Crisis

A great global economic crisis is in sight in the wake of this new century. And this danger is already present in these times of psychosis due to the deadly coronavirus, Covid-19 and its variants. But that was just the straw that broke the camel’s back...

Covid-19: World in Panic

The Precarious State of the World 

Everyone is in awe (fear) with the 2nd and 3rd waves of the pandemic which are wreaking havoc across the whole world. People are confined to the house, and those who do not respect the confinement, there are tickets for non-compliance with the confinement, and laws have been passed. [And here in Mauritius, some people are ignoring the warnings of the police and continue to circulate without following health advice and protocols]. The law states that anyone accused of non-compliance with confinement or non-wearing of a mask will have their conviction for this offense displayed on their character certificate. 

Here in Mauritius, there is a scare that governs in the neighbouring regions! The villages will switch slowly into the red zone same as the towns [such as the village of Canot]. The number of cases continues to increase, and the containment which was to be removed on March 31, has been extended until April 30, 2021. The authorities have sealed the perimeters of the most infected places, that is to say, the red zones. No one has the right to enter or leave it except those who are in possession of special “Work Access Permits” [WAPs] for red zones, as well as children who have exams, and the parents who accompany them. And until this ban is lifted, everyone must abide by these limits so that the virus does not spread. Contact tracing continues, and as I told you, the country (Mauritius) has hundreds and hundreds of positive [local] cases. 

For me personally, I fear for all mankind that the Astra Zeneca vaccine would cause long term side effects. 

'Barkah': Revealed Prayers

With the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful. Reproduced below are certain prayers taught by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah  Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius recently for the benefit of all believers in this period of special devotions ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. At a time when the Island nation is still under complete lockdown in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; these fervent invocations were Divinely- revealed to Hazrat Saheb (aba) on Sunday, 21 March 2021 at 4:25 pm soon after he delivered a speech on the true legacy of Hazrat Massih Maoud (as)].  

1.     O Allah, always preserve the Kalima Tayyibah on our tongue.  

2.     O Allah! Grant us complete Faith and always guide us.

3.     O Allah! Grant us Your blessings, light and favours in abundance during the month of Ramadan.

4.     O Allah! Send Your pity upon us, shower Your blessings upon us and grant us licit food.

5.     O Allah! Guide us in such a way as to lead us our lives completely in the religion of Islam

6.     O Allah! Let us depend totally upon You only, and not upon others.

7.     O Allah! Grant us the Lailat-ul-Qadr.

8.     O Allah! Grant us a Hajj Makboul and Makroor.

The Blessings of 'Shabaan'

 

Preparation for the Month of Ramadan

Ḥâ-Mĩm. By the clear Book! We have indeed sent it down on a blessed night [Laylatul Mubarak]. Indeed, We have always been warning. On that night every matter of wisdom is ordained by a command from Us; for indeed, We have always been sending Messengers as a mercy from your Lord, - Surely, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Ad-Dukhan 44: 2-7)

Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) recited this duah during the month of Rajab: “Allahumma bariklana fi Rajab wa Shabaan, wa ballighna Ramadan.” [O Allah! Make the months of Rajab and Shabaan blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan.]

 

If we analyze this verse, there are about five names [and even more] for this night: Laylatul-Mubarak, Laylatul-Rahma, Laylatul Bara’a, Laylatus Sahk ​​and the Laylatul Qadr; but many commentators on this Quranic verse (44: 4) specify that it only applies to the night of mid-Shabaan. But this is not the case. Although the night of mid-Shabaan is filled with blessings but the fact of specifying through the Quran, by specifying this verse of Surah Ad-Dukhan that it applies for the night of mid-Shabaan is not absolutely correct.

Covid-19 and Civic Duties

On Illnesses & Prevention

Does protecting oneself from such viruses and diseases such as Covid-19, Chikungunya, H1N1, and avian flu etc., fit into the logic of prevention in Islam? 

Prevention does exist in the Shariah, and it seems even more: it is a religious principle. Imam Bukhari (ra) tells a story from the time of Caliph Umar (ra), perfectly illustrating the prophet’s (pbuh) guidelines for the prevention of pandemics and diseases in general. 

Hazrat Umar (ra) was heading towards the land of Sham with a group of Muslims to inspect the situation in the country: arriving near Sargh, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah Aamir Ibn Al-Jarrah (ra) informed him that the plague was raging in these lands. Hazrat Umar (ra) consulted with the Muhajireen, and subsequently the Ansar, who were torn between the desire to continue the journey, and to avoid entering an infected region. Other companions, of the tribe of Quraish, who had made the Hijrat after the conquest of Mecca, unanimously said: “We think it is better to turn around, and that you do not expose the Muslims to this disease.”

Covid-19 & Hygiene

The outbreak of the Coronavirus over the last year or so, and its devastating impact on people around the world, is a powerful reminder on the dire state of our world. In his Friday Sermon of 12 March 2021~28 Rajab 1442 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius speaks about the Covid- 19 situation in  the country and beyond. At many different levels, the Coronavirus outbreak is a remarkable metaphor for the hidden realities and silent forces that exist and which can make or break the fate and future of man in this world with the Will and decision of God. As the world is seeking to cope with the new situation by turning to available medicines and emerging vaccines, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) underscores the need for everyone to turn to the true Master and Lord of the Universe who alone is the Healer and the Cure. It is in abiding by the true and enduring values of life taught by God through His Prophets that humans can find real protection and security from the afflictions of our times. In this context, Hazrat Saheb (aba) explains the sacred traditions of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) concerning the significance of health and hygiene- the need for keeping away from harmful substances and the circle of evil and also the benefits of remaining in a state of inner and outer purity for secular and spiritual well being.   

Read the Friday Sermon Below:

Everyone knows very well how the coronavirus has wreaked havoc in every country in the world where there have been more than two million deaths and millions and millions who are contaminated with the virus. The economies of many countries are on their knees; even the countries that claim to be super-powered cannot do anything. With Covid-19, countries are deserted, confined. During containment, everyone except essential services like the police, pharmacies, hospitals remain open to help the people of their respective countries, to maintain order and to treat the sick. These confinement times are essential in order not to spread the virus and to better detect those who are suffering from it. During confinement, the borders are closed. All shops, supermarkets, markets etc. are closed except under special conditions. Everyone stays at home and takes precautions, wears masks and unfortunately many people are also losing their jobs. The situation is certainly critical.   

Last week, when starting the first part of my sermon on the signs of Allah, the hypocrites and infidels, as well as interest (Riba), Covid-19 and a call for unity, I did not know what which would follow. [Huzur said that every time before he prepares his sermon, he always seek divine help on which subject to address and Allah even inspired him to talk on this subject by directing him to the verse 27 of the Chapter 2 – Al-Baqara, which he began expounding since last week.] That same day [05 March 2021], our small Mauritius contracted a new local case of Covid-19, and from Wednesday 10^th of March, a national containment was implemented to thwart the virus. And today is the 12^th of March, and it’s Independence Day of our little island [53 years of Independence and 29 years of Republic], and today, officially speaking, we have 99 local cases of Covid-19. So, all of us as one people, one nation, we must be united and do all we can within our very limited means to keep ourselves and our neighbours and the citizens of our country safe from this virus and its spread. If this situation continues in this way, it is quite possible that there will be a State of Emergency in Mauritius where no one will have the right to circulate and this would be for the well-being of the population in order to protect those who are not infected by this virus from those who are infected with it. The regions of the Central Plateau such as Vacoas, Phoenix, Curepipe, etc. have become Red Zones because there are more cases of Covid-19 there.  

[More than once during the course of his sermon, Huzur (atba) warned the believers, the people of Mauritius and whole humanity to return to the worship of the sole Creator of the Heavens and Earth and to maintain distance with the satans of this world and all satanic attractions just like one is maintaining social distancing with others in order not to contract the virus. He said, beware lest another virus, more virulent and deadly than the Covid-19 appears, and will be so dangerous that one would not even have time to go in Quarantine.]

Covid-19: An Appeal & A Warning

In recent days, I invoked Allah (in Doas) and thinking about the pandemic Covid-19, a subject that made the news in Mauritius and also across the world. In all countries of the world, whether in big countries and even the islands, the Covid-19 has wreaked havoc. When I thought of this virus [Covid-19] and how many millions of people have lost their lives and how many millions and millions of people have been infected with the Covid-19 pandemic; immediately Allah (swt) revealed a Quranic verse to me. Listen to its contents carefully and you will understand why I have chosen as the subject of my Friday sermon today to elaborate around this verse from the Quran. 

Allah revealed to me this verse which is found in Surah Al-Baqara, where He says: “Surely Allah does not shy away from using the parable of a small beast [insect/ mosquito/ gnat] or what is even smaller. As for the believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And as for the disbelievers, they argue, “What does Allah mean by such a parable?” Through this ˹test˺, He leaves many to stray, and guides many. And He leaves none to stray except the rebellious.” (Al-Baqara 2: 27) 

To fully understand the meaning of these verses, we must know under what circumstances they were revealed… After the emigration (Hijrat) of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) to Medina, a new group was formed among the population, alongside the Muslims and Jews: The Munafiqun (hypocrites). The latter were basically troublemakers, true disbelievers, dangerous and wicked; nevertheless, outwardly they showed their belongingness to Islam and this mainly with the aim of satisfying some of their material interests.

Reformation & The Da’ee Illallah

Serve the cause of Allah and the cause of mankind. Invite people around you to Allah. Follow Abraham’s example - how he gave life to the “dead/ those who are dying”. Be kind to people, help them with their needs and share their misfortunes; this is the best way to become a Da’ee Illallah. 

“And when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead,’ He said, ‘Do you not believe, then?’ ‘Yes,’ said Abraham, ‘but just to put my heart at rest.’ So God said, ‘Take four birds and train them to come back to you. Then place them on separate hilltops, call them back, and they will come flying to you: know that God is all powerful and wise’.” (Al-Baqara 2: 261) 

The term “Dawat Illallah” or “Da’ee Illallah” means “The call of men to Allah.” I have chosen this theme once again as the subject of my sermon so that you can fully understand how people can be called “to life” and how as a SAHIH AL ISLAM who is aware of his responsibilities, you must put yourselves at the service of Allah, and at the same time of that of humanity by inviting men [people] to our Creator. 

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “And as for those who strive for Our cause, We will guide them on Our paths.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 70) 

The Promise on 'Khilafat-e-Ruhani'

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908 AD),  founder of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, left behind a treasure trove of illuminating spiritual writings, explaining subtle and abstruse points of religious philosophy and practical wisdom useful in our quest for clear guidance on the Divine Way. It is important to revisit and re-read his profound and timeless writings every now and then, to gain a sense of true perspective on the extraordinary nature of the spiritual claims and Divine messages he left behind for the benefit of posterity. Perhaps even more importantly, returning to the original writings of the Promised Messiah (as) and studying them carefully can shake up the cobwebs of later theological 'engineering' and doctrinal confusion created in the minds of common Ahmadis by the administrative establishment- Nizam-e-Jamaat- to perpetuate their own control and authority. Due to the long-standing brainwashing by the Ahmadiyya establishment, the common folks have no idea how they have been transformed into devotees of the Nizam even without they realizing it! 

Indeed, ours is an age in which most Ahmadis have forgotten their own true spiritual moorings. In any case, most people have a blurred and twisted understanding on the basics of their community's true beliefs or their deep roots in Islamic spiritual expectations.  Unfortunately for them, the devotees are not allowed to use their own God-gifted intelligence and reasoning power to investigate and understand the inner world of Islamic spirituality. People remain content with the received notions from their elders- what they have inherited from their fathers and leaders within the Nizam-e- Jamaat. As a consequence, a generation is growing up in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya who cannot frame relevant spiritual questions for themselves, nor explain where the Promised Messiah (as) stood on the question of enduring Divine Guidance and spiritual leadership ('Khilafat-e-Ruhani'). 

Contrary to the myth-making within the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, the Promised Messiah (as) did not believe that Revelation-based Khilafat has come to an end with him, and that henceforth, only men-elected caliphs will be the leaders of the Ummah, NO! The Promised Messiah (as) claimed that he came as a Khalifatullah  (Vicegerent of God) and with the title of a 'Nabi' in the Ummat-e-Muhammadiyya, and that there could be many other individuals like him in future as well. 

The Holy Qur'an and Politics

As a God-centric Text, the Qur'an has a profound ethical vision that appeals to our individual and collective conscience to be good and do good in all phases of life. Indeed, historically speaking, the Qur'an brought about transformational change in the fortunes of a people by virtue of the strength of its moral and philosophical framework. Despite all the provocations and problems that the early Muslim community faced in standing up for freedom of conscience, and of religion within a pagan social framework; the Qur'an does not lapse into any strategies of coercion or intimidation in service of its religious outlook. In his Friday Sermon of 12 February 2021~29 Jamadi’ul Aakhir 1442 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius explains the fatal mistakes made by the Mawdudians in seeking to deploy the Holy Text as a weapon of choice in the pursuit of capturing elusive State power. 

Elaborating on Qur'anic verses and Prophetic practice, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) points out that in the complex backdrop of a repressive society, Islam stood up for freedom of conscience in matters of religion- investing in the power of persuasion, not of force or compulsion. The nascent Muslim State's attempts at sovereign regulations on various matters cannot be confused with, and needs to be seen in isolation from the spiritual domain of Islam as a religious order. Any attempt at reading Qur'an as a mere  instrument of power politics- to be deployed in the campaign for seizing power at all costs- will corrode the very spirit and substance of the spiritual framework of Islam, notes Hazrat Saheb (aba) in the discourse.  The Friday sermon also shares recent Divine revelations received by Hazrat Saheb (aba).

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

 

According to a Hadith, Allah can make things happen through politics that cannot be accomplished by the Holy Quran alone. This prompts some Muslims to argue that the first goal of the Ummah must be secular seizure of power. [According to them] It is only then that the teachings of the Holy Quran can be applied.

It is the Mawdudis who support this point of view. It has absolutely nothing to do with the practice of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Indeed, contrary to what is advanced, by the authority of Allah he (pbuh) had established the Holy Quran first; long before he came to political power. The teachings were observed [implemented / practiced] even though the political powers of the time opposed them [ie, against the Quranic teachings].

 

In light of what I have just said, the Hadith in question is in contradiction with the established practice of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). It is, on the other hand, with the verse of the Holy Quran which states - No compulsion in religion. Faith cannot be established by using coercive force; to force someone to believe [to have faith]. Several verses of the Holy Quran are clear on this.

The Spiritual Renewal of Muslims

The Cure of the Hour 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Verily, Allah will send for this Ummah (Community) at the beginning of every century a person who will renew (reform and renovate) for it the Deen (i.e. Islam – the perfect way of life).”

 

The condition of the Muslim Ummah at all levels and in all spheres of life is gloomy, pitiful and deplorable. The Ummah is grounded in the quagmire of decadence. Its state of dishonourable existence is indeed heart-wrenching to those who understand the value of Islam and the true position of the followers of Islam. The way of life of the Ummah in present times and the Islam handed down by Muhammad Al-Rassullullah (pbuh) more than fourteen centuries ago are entities widely divergent and poles apart. There is extremely little affinity between the present Ummah and the Islam of the Sahaba of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).

 

Spiritually, morally, culturally, socially and politically, the Muslim nation has fallen to the lowest position. The Muslim Nation is bankrupt in all spheres of its life in relation to Islam. Muslims are in name only. Nothing in their behaviour or clothing reflects the true Islam.

 

Even if they do put on Islamic clothes, covering them, yet their behaviour is not that of Islam, of true Muslims. Be it the men or the women, they have drifted far away from the essence of what Islam stands for and preaches. Islam has become a farce for them, something to be discarded in favour of a westernised way of life. The prayers of the Muslims have now become hollow, without the essence of the true faith which drove the first Muslims to the glory and victory of Islam. Today’s Muslims have let themselves be trapped by the infidels who strive to divide the Muslims in order to better enslave them by giving them the lollypop which shall bring them to destruction. They have let themselves be tempted by this world and all that it contains. The attractions of this world have made them forget Allah. Power, money and a rich life in the luxuries of this world have blinded them. They have become corrupted, or are on the road to corruption. The Muslims are now behaving like the non-Muslims and following them in their creed without even realising it. Even though Allah may be invoked on the lips, but a hundred gods are hijacking their souls and concentration on the true God, i.e. Allah. They have Allah and His Rassool, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) on the lips, yet they discard the teachings which God Almighty and His Prophet (pbuh) have told them to do and those things which they have forbidden the Muslims to do. This is indeed very sad.

'Nur Ala Nur': A Commentary

The Light Verse in Surah An-Nur (24:36) has attracted much spiritual attention and commentary by eminent scholars and savants of Islam through the centuries, including a famous treatise by Imam Ghazzali (ra). The verse is widely seen as a beautiful metaphor of the profound, transformational impact the Faith in God brings about in the heart of a true believer. The illumination of the pious heart, brought through its God-gifted encounter with the Light of revelatory guidance, is a perfect spiritual promise Allah (swt) vouchsafes to His special servants and Friends in every era (Auliah of Allah). According to some commentators, the Verse alludes to the Divine Light vouchsafed to the Holy Prophet (sa) and his spiritual Khulafa, the Mujaddidin who come in every era of Islam to renew and reform the Muslim Ummah and to guide them on the pristine path of Faith. Indeed, based on the Qur'anic promise of perpetual spiritual guidance and Muhammadan blessings, the advent of a Khalifatullah as an Elect and High Representative of Allah is an occasion when the full brightness and splendour of the Faith becomes visible to the discerning minds- like we witness today in the person of Hazrat Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah. 

Reproduced Below is a commentary on the Light Verse made by Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, in the Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part III: 

The Light of Faith in the Heart of a Servant 

God is the Light of the heavens and earth. His Light is like this: there is a niche, and in it a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, a glass like a glittering star, fuelled from a blessed olive tree from neither east nor west, whose oil almost gives light even when no fire touches it–light upon light– God guides whoever He will to his Light; God draws such comparisons for people; God has full knowledge of everything– shining out in houses of worship. God has ordained that they be raised high and that His name be remembered in them, with men in them celebrating His glory morning and evening: men who are not distracted, a either by commerce or profit, from remembering God, keeping up the prayer, and paying the prescribed alms, fearing a day when hearts and eyes will turn over. God will reward such people according to the best of their actions, and He will give them more of His bounty: God provides limitlessly for anyone He will. (Surah An Nur, 24:36-39)

'Rahma': Ethics of Compassion

Humanity is facing perplexing times. With revolutionary advancements in technology and other arenas of human enterprise, the prospects for material well being, collective development and shared prosperity are brighter than ever before in our globalized world. And yet, paradoxically, what we witness today is that instead of coming together for the common good, the world is actually falling apart. Despite lofty rhetoric on rule-based international order, global governance is hostage to narrowly-defined economic interests of certain elite classes in richer nations. Economic affairs around the world are run in such a way that the  rich is getting richer, and the poor is becoming poorer in most places. Indeed, it seems day by day, the world is inexorably heading towards an unsustainable imbalance, precipitating man-made, and other ecological, disasters of all kinds. Already, the growing inequality, characterized by islands of affluence and pervasive poverty, is creating emotional heartburns, leading to competition and conflicts over control of resources, tearing apart  communities and nations. The widening disparity and simmering tensions can and will destroy public order if left unaddressed, and it calls for radical course correction in the way in which affairs of the world are being managed.  

The spiritual teachings of Islam provide a comprehensive framework to save the world from the brink of disasters at the moment.  A just world order is possible when we humans in all our systems recognize and return to the foundational values of life bestowed on us by our Rab, the All-Merciful Creator and Master of the Universe. The saviour of humankind, Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) left behind enduring guidance for creating an alternative, a  more compassionate world from the one in which we are living now. The Qur'an testifies: 'We did not send you (O Muhammad!) but as a blessing and mercy for all beings' (21:108).

The Prophetic teachings work to refine the humans by making them mindful of the Divine expectations of a life lived in absolute certainty of personal responsibility and accountability for all our deeds. It seeks to cultivate within the believer the  spirit of fairness, justice, kindness, compassion, benevolence and residual goodwill for all living beings who share the world with him/her. In seeking to obtain the approval of a Merciful Divine, a believer spreads kindness and compassion for all and would not cause harm or injury to anyone- fellow humans, the animals or the natural environment. In addition to insisting on justice and fairness in all settings of life, the Prophet of Islam taught people to develop beneficial solidarity across our differences- class,  race, language, nation, etc.- in a spirit of goodness and equity, and thereby respect the Will of God reflecting through the magnificent diversity in His creations in this world.   

Reproduced Below are some of the Qur'anic verses, and the sacred traditions and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) that address the larger theme of Divine Mercy, and also  extracts from the final sermon of the Holy Prophet (sa) on enduring values for a just society: 

The Vicious Circle of 'Riba'

 Money, Interest, Banks, Governments & Slavery

 

My dear brothers, sisters and children, for my sermon today I have chosen to talk to you about the evil influence of money and interest which are governed by those behind the scene and who control the banking system as it still exist today as well as government and who strive to have the upper hand of it all to the detriment of the human race. 

Like we have learnt since our childhood, throughout history, there existed various forms of slavery. In the dark ages, people were captured and sold on the slave markets. Thereafter, the colonial masters enslaved entire nations. Today, we have perhaps the most intricate network of enslavement strategies… such strategies that threaten to enslave the entire human race. 

The institution of “Riba” (interest/usury) through financial houses like the World Bank and (the) IMF govern and control practically every developing country in the world. Under the guise of foreign aid, the mineral wealth of an entire country is usurped and every individual directly or indirectly contributes to servicing the foreign debt of his country. A child is born into this world already indebted. Indebtedness is the unique inheritance and heritage bestowed on him by his country. The tragedy is that these injustices not only go unpunished, they go unrecognized. And people find themselves slaves to the permanent institution of such banks and banking systems that are heartless and power thirst. 

Thinkers who knew the inside-out dealings and transactions of such systems have warned us about their dangers. There is a saying [also known as the Stamp’s Law] which is quoted to be that of Lord Josiah Stamp, a director of the Bank of England who made the following statement before he was killed in the German bombing called the Blitz. The saying is as follows: “Banking was conceived in inequity and born in sin. Bankers own the earth. Take it away from them but leave them with the power to create credit and with a flick of a pen; they will create enough money to buy it all back again…. If you want to be slaves of bankers and pay the cost of your own slavery, then let bankers control money and control credit”.

True Faith for Divine Bliss

'When you beseech God for strength and assistance in both worldly and religious affairs, do not make your pleas merely ceremonial. Instead, as you entreat God, you should truly believe that every blessing comes from the heavens. You will become righteous only when true spirituality pervades your life: before devising your solutions to any new task that you undertake, and during every difficulty and predicament, you will implore God earnestly in solitude, and appeal to Him to make easy your task and ease your difficulty through His favour. It is then that Gabriel will assist you, and some hitherto unknown way will be opened for you from the Unseen. So, act mercifully to your souls.

Don’t follow those who have severed their ties with God. They have grown utterly dependent on their means to the extent that not even the phrase ‘Insha Allah’ (God willing) escapes their lips. May God open your eyes so you can see that He is the central supporting beam of all your human enterprises. If the main beam is somehow removed, the rafters will plummet down in structural collapse, and most likely those beneath the roof will lose their lives.

Similarly, your plans and enterprise can stay intact only with God’s assistance. You’ll never see any success unless you make it your principle to seek strength and assistance from God. Otherwise, you will die with poignant regret. Do not fret over the worldly advancement of other nations that are not even aware of the God Who is your Almighty God. I realise that this might strike you as a paradox -- their worldly progress despite unawareness of the One, True God. The answer to this seemingly contradictory statement is that those nations have been placed in a trial right here in this world precisely because they have forsaken God.