Asad Shah Murder and the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya

The Murder of Asad Shah Sahib 

Before ending my sermon today (Khutba Jumu’ah), I would like to say few words on Syead Asadul Islam Shah Sahib who was murdered March 24 last. He was born in Rabwah on 31 January 1976 (he just reached his 40 years) and he was the son of Syead Naeem Shah who was a Pakistani. Asad Shah Sahib did his FSc at the Nusrat Jahan Academy in Rabwah and his family went to establish in Glasgow, Scotland in 1998. He had a business which he ran and was regular in his financial contribution in the Jamaat (Ahmadiyya), and I have even learnt that he was in Wassiyat and that according to the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, he was regular in Ijtema and Jummah.

Motive Behind the Murder

That imbecile who stabbed and killed him 30 times with a kitchen knife was 32 years old Tanveer Ahmad, an extremist who worked as Taxi driver. (Inset on the right: first pictures of the accused Tanveer, who made a public statement on his responsibility for the murder). He confessed to killing Asad Shah Sahib not because he wished the Christians Happy Easter, but he confessed during his private hearing that he killed Asad Shah Sahib because he proclaimed to be a prophet and thus did not show any respect to prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The newspapers (the media in general) have seized this opportunity to state that it was because of his wishing his fellow Christian citizens that a Muslim of another sect came to kill him. For the moment, Tanveer Ahmad has appeared twice in the High Court, the first at the end of March and the second time on 05 April 2016 wherein he confessed to killing Asad Shah Sahib. He moreover instructed his lawyer, John Rafferty to make an official statement on 06 April 2016 to clarify his real reasons behind the murder, the main cause being he declared himself to be a prophet. There are other details which have been mentioned in that statement to justify his crime.

Murder for 'Blasphemy' in Islam?

In other words, he targeted the Jamaat Ahmadiyya whereby according to his line of thoughts, as well as those of the other fanatical Mullahs of the group ‘Khatme Nabuwwat’ and the others from the Anti-Ahmadiyya circles, prophets cannot come after the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). And thus these people have published declarations that Asad Shah Sahib was a false prophet and they even posted videos online in November 2014 to denounce that he was a false prophet. And their websites also are filled with hatred against Islam Ahmadiyyat. For them, we Ahmadis are out of the pale of Islam.

God Forbid! Is that the teaching of Islam? Is that what Allah (swt) and His Messenger (pbuh) have taught you? If he has declared himself to be a prophet and if he is false (in his claim), then he is accountable for that claim/ proclamation to Allah alone. Is that the way of a good Muslim (to kill)? When have they receive the patent to judge the faith of others. Do you give the guarantee that you are yourselves on the right path and that your faith is firm, that your belief in the teachings of Islam is as solid as concrete? Is that barbarous deed committed truly Islamic?

Through their barbaric actions, they are depicting a very wrong image of the teachings of Islam. It is those kinds of extremists who are committing anti-Islam deeds, and are attacking and killing innocent people in various countries. Is that the teaching of Islam? 

Are you taking yourselves as greater judge than Allah (swt)? Allah (swt) have put it clear in the Quran that it is He alone who knows the hearts of His creatures, His servants, and that the domain of faith and to judge faith belongs only to Him, not to others who are declaring and judging people as non-Muslims. Verily, through their twisted and wicked minds, they are trampling all the more the true teachings of Islam.

'Show Prudence, Be Good and Do Good'

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Kerala (India) organized a special Spiritual Gathering of our members at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid, Mathra on March 24-25, 2016- coinciding with the the august occasion of the Massih Maoud Day. 

Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius issued a special message of advice for the benefit of all those who gathered there on the occasion. In his message, Hazrat Khalifatullah (atba) underscored the historic responsibility of our Jamaat to restore the true spiritual order of Islam in an age in which all ethical values and religious teachings are trampled to dust and the great legacy of Divine servants destroyed from within by their own so-called disciples and followers. As the momentous task of upholding the Torch of Truth and illuminating the world with the Light of Faith requires extraordinary patience and sustained hard work over a long period of time for the desired transformation-"arise and create a new world"- Hazrat Saheb (atba) advocates the wisdom of displaying foresight in all actions; showing prudence against evil and the need for blazing a trail of good conduct and deeds in our everyday lives. 

Reproduced below is the Official Text of the Address:

My dear brothers and sisters, Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

The Meaning of 'Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen'

The Dogma of 'Khatme Nabuwwat'

On Saturday 26 March 2016 after Salat-ul-Zuhr, a non-Ahmadi Muslim friend gave me a Muslim newspaper (STAR ​​No. 1625) dated 21 to 27 February 2016 wherein was written an article at page 30 on the Seal of Prophethood (part 4). An Imam spoke of the agreement by all the Ulema of the Ummah on the issue. When we look at this clause, we see that from the first century until today, in each successive generation, in the entire Muslim world, in every country, theologians are unanimous on this point that after the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) no one can be a prophet, and if someone claim the right to this post/ status or one who believes in such claimant, is a Kafir (infidel) and out of the pale of Islam. 

Then, the Imam in question reproduced the following evidence, namely the views of these theologians:

1.   Hazrat Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (ra) [80-150 AH] said (like I told you last Friday): “La Nabi Ba’adi” (No prophet after me). [Manaqib-ul-Imamul Azam Abu-Hanifa, Labin-e-Ahmedul-Makki, Vol.1, Pg. 161].

2.     Allama Ibn Jarir-Tabri (ra) [224-310 AH] commented on the verse of the Holy Quran “Walakir-Rasulullah, wa Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen” and explained that he is one who had shut the door of prophecy and has applied thereon a seal. [Tafsir Ibn Jarir, Vol.22, p. 12].

3.      Allama Ibn Hazam (ra) Andalusi [384-456 AH] wrote: “Without a doubt, the continuation of revelation ceased after the death of Rasulullah (pbuh). The proof is that the revelation is bestowed to a prophet and (he is) the last of the prophets.” [Al-Muhalla, Vol.1 p. 26].

4.    Hazrat Imam Ghazali (ra) [450-505 AH] wrote in his book ‘Iqtisaad’: “No doubt the Ummah has reached a consensus that through the words’ Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen’ ‘the Nabiya Badi’, there will be no Messenger and no Prophet until eternity.”

And then the Imam quoted others also and pronounced that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is the last prophet and said that those who pretend to receive a divine revelation or claim to be a prophet, will be declared infidel (Kafir) and has mentioned that in every Muslim country, the great scholars, ‘Fuqaha’, the ‘Muhadditheen’ and ‘Mufassireen’ have all expressed the same opinion about “Khatme Nabuwwat”.

The meaning of “Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen”

Now I make a small comment on the meaning of “Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen” and also put forward the writings of prominent Muslim scholars.

As you know, the term Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen appears in the Quran in Surah Al-Ahzab. This verse says:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah, and the Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen (Seal of the Prophets); and Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (33: 41)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “I was the Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen before the birth of Prophet Adam.” (Tafsir ibn Kathir, on the authority of Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

When his son died, he (pbuh) said: “Had Ibrahim lived he would have become a prophet.” (Ibn Majah, Vol.1 Kitabul-Janaiz).

These very significant words agree with the text of the Holy Quran. They mean that the word Khatam does not mean ‘the last’ in respect to the time factor.

The Concept of 'Nabi' in Our Claims

Divine Revelations Today

Given the debate between the Ahmadi Muslims and Salafi Muslims as well as the other Muslim groups, I have decided today to devote my Friday Sermon on the subject of Nabuwwah (prophethood) and status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the “Khatam-an-Nabiyyine”.

Just like for the Promised Messiah of the past century, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the revelations I have been bestowed upon as a divine grace contain the words Nabi and Rassool, not once but several times. Messenger can also mean prophet. I have been addressed as Rassool by my Beloved Creator several times. 

A "Nabi" after Prophet Muhammad ?

However, if we agree on the fact that the Holy Prophet Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, and that no other prophet could come after him in the world, I would say that of course, any old or new prophet cannot come in the sense that my opponents as well as those of the Promised Messiah (as) seem to believe; for verily while slandering and accusing the Muhammadan prophets of Kufr (disbelief/ infidelity), but ironically at the same time they expect a prophet of an ancient Ummah (Community) to revive the perfect Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh).

They await the return of Jesus Christ – Isa (as); that is to say, in other words, they believe in the continuity of the latter’s prophethood of the latter and in the divine revelations received by him for a period of forty years, a period longer than that enjoyed by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself, and so such a belief is clearly wrong as it is disavowed by the verse of the Holy Quran:

“... He is the Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets.” (Al-Ahzab, 33: 41)

And also by the following tradition: “... La Nabi Ba’adi” (No prophet after me). 

And I totally agree with the Holy Quran. This Quranic verse of the Holy Quran contains a great prophecy that has escaped the attention of my opponents. It means that after the death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) no member of any religion other than Islam will receive the gift of prophethood and no man, be him Hindu, Jewish, Christian or so-called Muslim (Muslim in name only) cannot justifiably be called Nabi.

Blessings of "Nubuwwah" within the Ummah

The only approach to accede to this high position is the path of the Siddiqeen (Truthful) or those who lose themselves in the love of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Whoever takes this path may get the privilege as a “Zill” to wear coat of prophethood, that is to say, by being a perfect reproduction of the spiritual image of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and loving the latter (pbuh) out of a sincere love, he is given to wear the mantle of prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself. A claimant of prophethood of this nature cannot be a rival of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) because he gets all his strengths and favours through him; and therefore the spiritual position that he reaches is only for the glorification of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Moreover he is known in heaven as Muhammad and Ahmad at the same time. Thus the greatness of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not reached by any other person (even not his Zill), while his Zill (spiritual double/ reflection) still owes him a debt of gratitude.

Remembering Asad Shah Sahib

MURDER OF ASAD SHAH SAHIB IN SCOTLAND

On Thursday 24 March 2016, the 40 years old Ahmadi Muslim Asad Shah, originally from Pakistan, from the town of Rabwah and who lived in Glasgow, Scotland, was murdered in the evening about nine o’clock, local time. He was found with a knife in the head outside his newsagent and convenience store/ shop. For reasons beyond the perception and understanding of the authorities, he was brutally stabbed (nearly 30 knife wounds) and had his head stabbed and trampled upon by an individual who attacked him. One of his brothers, who worked nearby, alerted by the noise outside rushed to stop the attacker but in vain. He was also injured while trying to save his brother. Asad Shah Sahib was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The case is still ongoing and the alleged murderer, a Muslim, who later was identified as Tanveer Ahmad, 32 years old is believed to have travelled from Bradford (in northern England) to Glasgow for the only purpose to kill Asad Shah Sahib and was arrested by the Scottish authorities. He will go on trial this 5^th of April.

Few years ago, Asad Shah Sahib was regularly in contact with me. He sent me his writings and revelations by mail and on top of that, we had two or three telephone conversations for more than an hour and we were also in regular contact via Internet (electronic mail), and he was even sorry that he had not met me during my visit to the United Kingdom in 2014, and he told me that had he known, he would have come to meet me, and he wanted to work with me. In that year, he told me that Allah (swt) had also raised him as His chosen servant with several titles and he was ready to join me (and my Jamaat) so that we work together for this noble work. That was his last conversation with me. After that, I too have been busy, but we stayed in touch by email.

The Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam and I, we condemn this atrocious act and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Innal-lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajii-uun (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall (all) return). May Allah always keep him under His shadow and forgive him and grant patience to his family in this terrible moment and generously reward them in these (hard) times. Ameen.

---Extracts from the Friday Sermon of 01 April 2016 ~(22 Jamad’ul Aakhir 1437 Hijri) delivered by Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius.  

Zikr-e-Ilaahi: The Soul- Divine Connect

The Remembrance of Allah

“O you who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own.” (Al-Munafiqun, 63: 10).

“So veer away from those who turn back from Our Remembrance and desire nothing but the life of this world. 

That is what they could reach of knowledge. Surely your Lord is He Who knows best the ones who have erred away from His way, and He knows best the ones who are guided.” (An-Najm, 53: 30-31).

The Remembrance (Zikr) of Allah is certainly food for our soul. The soul is such an entity that is associated with his Creator and thus to preserve the relationship between the soul and the Creator, man must strive to praise Allah (God Almighty) and remember Him, His Omnipotence and His Love and Mercy upon him in all aspects of his life so that he remains connected with Him (Allah).

Abu Musa Ash’ari (ra) narrated that the Prophet of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “He/ She who does Zikr of Allah (practice the remembrance of Allah) and he/ she who doesn’t, their example is of like an alive and a dead.” (Bukhari)

A Salafi- Ahmadi Debate in Mauritius

Revelations from Allah (swt)

By the grace of Allah, on Tuesday 08 March 2016, after the Esha prayer, I received several times a verse of the Quran as revelation. This revelation came with such force on my tongue/ my lips and this made me ponder a lot over it. That Quranic verse/ revelation is as follows:

Jaaa-al Haqqu wa Zahaqal-Baatil Innal Baatila kaana Zahuuqa.

The truth has come and falsehood has vanished; surely falsehood is bound to vanish.

The next day, 09 March 2016, I received several calls from an Ahmadi who informed me that on Youtube, Mubarak Boodhun labelled me as an “insane person/ mentally sick”. Before proceeding further with the matter, like the Quran and Hadiths teach us, I made the necessary to contact a member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam to research on whether the news about the stupid remark is true or not. I was at that time in the midst of an important work, and after giving this instruction, I received a revelation from my Rab, my Allah (swt) who informed me (and thus confirming me the news): 

Unzur Kayfa zarabun lakal amsaala fa-zallun. 
See the kind of examples they invent for you. They have gone astray.

Debate between the Salafiyya and Ahmadiyya

When I returned home at night, I had the opportunity to see it for myself on Youtube. All this happened through a meeting which was held between the Salafiyya and Ahmadiyya, and it was the Salafiyya who posted all those Questions & Answers and subsequently the debates on their Youtube Channel. 

Shame on the Jamaat Ahmadiyya! In the year 2011, just before Ramadan, they had three meetings and debates with the Salafiyya, in Port-Louis (Plaine Verte) and afterwards in Quatre-Bornes, at the Pavillon. The Salafiyya was represented by Shabbir Chowtee and Jamaat Ahmadiyya was represented by Mubarak Boodhun.

The first question of Mubarak Boodhun was on: Who was a Muslim according to the Quran and Hadiths, especially according to the Quran and as defined by Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)? 

The second question – from Mr. Shabbir to Mubarak Boodhun – after Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) till Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), how many prophets there were? And a series of Questions & Answers ensued whereby each of them presented his arguments – but unfortunately the arguments were not presented in the best ways – till they reached a point before the conclusion of their session when Mr. Shabbir put before Mubarak Boodhun about the fact that after Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), Muhyiuddin Munir Ahmad Azim was proclaiming to be prophet, therefore he wanted to have the opinion of Mubarak Boodhun on this issue. 

With every fiber of arrogance and boastfulness, Mubarak Boodhun said, concerning me: “He has nothing to do with the Jamaat (Jamaat Ahmadiyya); he has been expelled from the Jamaat.” And therefore Mr. Shabbir insisted on his question, to make that arrogant and boastful man confess if whether a prophet can really come after Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) or not?

Upon the insistence of Mr. Shabbir, Mubarak Boodhun did not know what to say; he was put in a fix and did not know whether to say yes or no! Therefore, in a confused state, he began saying that no prophet shall come (after Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)) and afterwards he retracts his words and confess that the POSSIBILITY exists that prophets shall come after Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). He said: “No, no one will come… (Pause, then he said)… The possibility exists but I have not witness (the advent of) any (such prophet/s).” 

Then Mr. Shabbir said: “If he (that prophet) comes and you people don’t have faith (believe) in him, then this means that you are a Kafir?” He gave precision to his words and told Mubarak: “If Muhyiuddin Munir Ahmad Azim (I have seen his photo on the internet) is a TRUE prophet, this means you are a Kafir?” Mubarak replied: “Not only me, but every one of us!”