Special Advice for Devout Women

During the recently concluded India Tour, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius addressed the special Ijtema of the Siraj Makin- the Women's Collective of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat, on 24 November 2018 (Rabi’ul Awwal 1440 AH). Reproduced below is the text of the Speech: 

The Believing Women of the Divine Manifestation

Dear Suruj Makin (i.e. the Strong and Firm Lamps of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam), Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

Like your God-given name indicates, you are such ladies who need always show yourselves strong and firm in faith and also spread this firmness of faith around you, showing the world the beauty of Islam, the true faith.

It is now one year that the light of the Divine Manifestation has reached your good souls and Allah enabled you to accept His signs and Messenger. And more recently, by the immense grace of Allah, many of you have integrated the Jamaat, through various signs from Allah. Allah opened your hearts to accept this New Age’s Divine Manifestation. Now, a new avenue (i.e. path) has been opened for you to pave your way in all serenity (i.e. with peacefulness and firmness in faith) towards Allah and the accomplishments of your duties to Allah.

Always remember that you, the women of the Divine Manifestation are the foundation of tomorrow’s nation. Each one of you is important to the Jamaat of Allah and to ISLAM as a whole. Through your obedience, gentleness, devotion, knowledge and sacrifice, you can reach to the summit of faith. Be it in good times and in times of trials you need always be steadfast (i.e. patient) and keep your trust and faith in Allah and His Khalifatullah of this era ever firm.

Remember, your actions are responsible for the Good and the Bad in the world. Your thoughts are responsible for your actions. Your minds are responsible for your thoughts. So, if you nurture good thoughts in your mind, and transcribe (i.e. put) these good thoughts and intentions into practice, then Islam shall progress in leaps and bounds, going from success to success.

The 'Siraj-um-Munir' Masjid Project

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam-Tamil Nadu (India) recently announced the construction of its first Mosque Complex project in the State, coinciding with the historic visit of Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius and the respected and honoured members of the blessed Household to the south of India- Tamil Nadu & Kerala, November-December 2018. The Siraj-um-Munir Masjid is to come up at a plot of land donated for that specific purpose by our respected and dynamic brother Mukarram Na'ib Amir Saleem Saheb and family, Alhamdulillah. The foundation stone laying prayer for the proposed Masjid complex took place in the presence of Hazrat Khalifatullah (atba) and family in a function of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat on 20 November 2018, Soumma Alhamdulillah. 

Speaking on the occasion, Hazrat Khalifatullah (atba) celebrated the blessed moment by reminding everyone about the importance of pure intention along with pure belief. In our quest to seek Divine pleasure and to acquire His approval, we need to be mindful of Divine commandments and expectations in all that we do. We also need to display solidarity and demonstrate the spirit of participation with our fellow brethren- men, women and children- in the race for doing righteous deeds in pursuit of shared goals and common objectives, Insha-Allah, Aameen. 

Reproduced below is the text of the Speech:  

My dear disciples,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

We are reunited here today 20 November 2018 in the month of Rabi’ul Awwal 1440 (fourteen-forty) Hijri [roughly, if I’m not mistaken either the 11 or 12 Rabi’ul Awwal] in the land of Janab Saleem Sahib for a blessed initiative, indeed a great initiative, that of the laying of the foundation stone of our first mosque in the Tamil Nadu State of India. By the immense grace of Allah, Allah has inspired the heart of your brother and his family members to donate a piece of his land for the construction of a mosque, and Insha-Allah, the name of the Mosque shall be: Siraj-um-Munir Mosque. Fortunate are those who have the means and ability, through their sacrifices, all for the sake of Allah to dedicate a part of their properties and wealth for the cause of Allah. It is indeed a lofty (highly approved) initiative in the sight of Allah.

For every good deed, there should always be a pure intention, and one of the best deed is the donation of lands and finances also for the construction of the Houses of Allah, i.e. the mosques of Islam.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of standing forth (for prayer) therein.” (At-Tawba, 9: 108).

18 Years: Phases of A Spiritual Journey

In his opening speech at the Tamil Nadu State Jalsa Salana at Tenkasi on Sunday, 25 November 2018, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, gave an illuminating discourse on the different trajectories of the Divine Manifestation of the Age over the last 18 years or so. These spiritual ruminations contain an intensely personal reclamation of an important phase- of searing trials and life-altering experiences- in the life of this recipient of Divine revelations- the humble Elect and Servant of God- that he has had to under-go at the hands of the reigning elites in the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Mauritius and beyond. The speech also gives a glimpse into subsequent events within the life-world of the Divine manifestation, both in the times of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen and later, with the establishment of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam  in 2008. As such, the discourse is compulsory reading for all true seekers of Divine verities in our times. At a time when the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam is on an expanding curve of wider popular recognition and acceptance in India and also internationally, the challenges of the past provide reassuring contentment for true believers in the signs of Allah that indeed the promise of Allah (swt) is ever true; that Allah (swt) protects and safeguards His chosen servants amidst all trials and tribulations and that the Divine mission and its caravan will continue its incredible journey through different orbits destined for it under the Holy Will of God, Insha Allah, Aameen.  

Read the Opening Speech Below: 

The Divine Manifestation of the Age 

“And say, ‘Truth has come, and falsehood has perished. Indeed falsehood, [by its nature], is ever perishing/bound to perish’.” (Al-Isra, 17: 82).

By the grace of Allah, it has been 10 years now since the creation of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam under divine instructions, and which later on has been legally registered on the 1^st Rabi-ul-Awwal 1429 AH (Hijri), on the 10^th of March 2008 C.E. We held our first Jumu’ah in Mauritius under our new identity bestowed to us by Allah on the 12^th Rabi’ul Awwal of the Islamic year 1429 (Hijri). This is indeed an immense favour and blessings from Allah, that He keeps on showering His rain of grace and blessings and the wind of His mercy has swept us along with it and Alhamdulillah, Allah has enabled His Jamaat – Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam – to grow in spirituality and number over all these years and that blessed tree of Allah has spread its branches in many directions in the world, and reaching also India.

'Qudrat-e-Saniah' and the Ahmadi Caliphs

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam-Tamil Nadu (India) organized its second Jalsa Salana at Tenkasi on Sunday, 25 November 2018. The Tamil Nadu State Jalsa this year was special for all its participants, including for the delegation of brothers and sisters from Kerala, with the august presence of Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius and the respected and honoured members of the holy family among them. In his closing Speech at the Jalsa, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) gave a profound discourse on the advent of Divine Elects in Islam. Apart from explaining the promise of Allah (swt) contained in the Holy Qur'an and also the prophecy of Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) in this regard, the Speech is also noted for its exposition on the beliefs of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). Examining the speculative notions and opinions held by the latter caliphs in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya on the advent of Divine Elects (Mujaddidin)in the era after the Promised Massih (as), Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) draws on textual and documentary analysis of Jamaat literature to tease out the  meaning and interpretation of the much misunderstood concept of 'Qudrat-e-Saniah' (Second Manifestation of Divine Power), and thereby helps to correct the mistaken beliefs prevailing among many Ahmadis today. 

Read the Extracts from the Closing Speech below: 

My dear disciples,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

Alhamdulillah, you have all come here to benefit from the spiritual treasure to enrich your knowledge, and indeed all your sacrifices for the sake of Allah shall not go in vain.

For my closing speech today, I have chosen to speak about the coming of Mujaddids in Islam as per the promise of Allah and the prophecy of the Seal of all prophets, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) as well as the beliefs of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as).

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “This is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.” (Al-Anam 6: 156).

Like you all know, the Holy Quran is the perfect book which has been revealed to the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). What many people do not realise, is that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was actually the perfect human representation of the Holy Quran on earth. His wife, Hazrat Aisha (ra) has beautifully expressed this similitude in the following words: “He was a personification of the Quran.” In other words, a walking Quran.

Thus in the verse which I have put before you, whenever Allah refers to the Holy Quran, He refers also to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) because both are one and the same. The pure revelations of Allah, His law-bearing commandments were all reflected in the person of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). The Holy Spirit and God’s Words formed one with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

And likewise, Allah has also promised that He shall be the guardian of the Quran for all times. Allah says: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Al-Hijr 15: 10).

‘Qudrat-e-Saniah’: Ahmadi Misconceptions

“So dear friends! since it is the Sunnatullah, from times immemorial, that God Almighty shows two Manifestations so that two false joys of the opponents be put to an end, it is not possible now that God should relinquish His old-established Sunnat. So do not be grieved on what I have said to you; and nor your hearts should be distressed. For it is essential for you to see the second Manifestation, too, and its coming is better for you because it is everlasting the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgment.” (The Will – (Al-Wasiyyat); Page 5, Written on 24th December 1905).

Based on certain writings by the Promised Massih (as) in the last century concerning the future of the Divine Mission he was to leave behind, and the subsequent interpretative understandings on the same proffered within the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to deepen Its institutional order, most Ahmadis had been taught to consider that the present Nizam-e-Jamaat or the Ahmadiyya establishment- led by the assembly-elected Khalifatul Massih- system, is nothing less than ‘Qudrat-e-Saniah’ (Second Manifestation of Divine Power), mentioned by the Promised Massih (as). With the Divine decision to raise a Messenger to guide all humanity in the person of Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius; the claims of the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya concerning Qudrat-e-Saniah (the lofty station of Divine favour), are increasingly looking a little shaky. Many Ahmadi youths are raising their spiritual concerns. Fundamental questions on the meaning and 'selective' interpretation of profound concepts like ‘Qudrat-e-Saniah’, are no longer off the table. Inquisitive about the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius in the blessed person of Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba), Ahmadi brothers in India are wondering now as to how to adjust their ‘received/ conventional wisdom’ in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya concerning Divine favours (Qudrat-e-Saniah) so as to appreciate the great manifestation of ‘Qudrat’ that is before them.  

In his Friday Sermon of 29 May 2009, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius spoke on Qudrat-e-Saniah, clearly explaining the meaning and correct interpretation of this profound concept for our times. For the benefit of all Ahmadi brothers, we reproduce the relevant extract below:

In his will (Al Wasiyyat), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) has elaborated that after his death his community would be assisted by a second manifestation of divine power and support, just as it was assisted by a first manifestation during his life. The Ahmadi brothers have interpreted this ‘second power’ to mean the establishment of their Khilafat.

My reply to this, the Promised Messiah (as) has come to continue the work of Hazrat Muhammad (sa) – work which has been trampled by the so-called Muslim scholars or Ulemas. Then, in order to accomplish that work, the manifestation of the power of God takes place, as it says in the Holy Quran:

“This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you.”

Its manifestation took place in the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). But after him, this continued in the times of his caliphs (four right-guided caliphs), revivers of faith, or Mujjadidin. They were all the ‘second power’. The ‘second power’ cannot be limited to a particular form.

Islam and the West: Beyond Identity

More than ever before, individual and social identities are in flux. Ways of life as understood in both tradition-bound societies, and also in the advanced industrialized nations, are shifting under the strong currents of economic globalization and associated transformations. The usual lense of 'spiritual' East and 'materialist' West does not really explain the creeping changes around the world. In his Friday Sermon of 04 January 2019~ 27 Rabi’ul Aakhir 1440 AH,  Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius spoke about the growing churning happening in the Arab-Islamic world and in the West, pointing to a deep irony: whereas a 'god-less' Europe increasingly appreciates the values of diversity and humanitarianism at the root of a spiritual outlook; the rich-Arab States-despite their claims of faith in God- are increasingly turning to materialism and are virtually indifferent to the solidarity obligations of core Islamic values. Pointing to the inherent limitations of synthetic materialism to sustain human interest over the longer term and the profound appeal of the spiritual path in the inner quest of people for lasting happiness; Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) highlights the major opportunity it represents for Islam to fill the growing 'emptiness' in the West, even as the Speech underscores the profound need for the Muslim societies' in our times to appreciate and reclaim their pure faith/spiritual legacy from corrupting influences that grip their social orders: the 'worship' of riches;  denial of human rights; mindless extremism, internecine violence, etc. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below:   

SPIRITUALITY AND MATERIALISM

There is a common belief among us that the Arabs and Muslims in general are spiritual while the West, i.e. industrialist and capitalist American and European societies, is materialistic. But how true is this claim?

Bai'at: The Path to Cleanse the Heart

The founder of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, the Promised Massih and Imam Mahdi of the Later Days, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908 CE) has had profound spiritual expectations regarding the people who chose to come forward and take the Bai'at- the Covenant of Obedience to God and His Messenger (sa) and the Divine Elect of their times. In his book Kishti Noohu (The Noah's Ark), the Promised Messiah (as) spoke movingly about the vital importance of sincere soul searching and inner purity; righteous conduct and just relations in the  abiding quest for the illumination of the heart- to be accepted in the presence of God Almighty. Reproduced below is an extract from the Book where Hazrat Ahmad (as) speaks about the persons who take Bai'at with him, clearly distinguishing between those who truly belong and those who really do not: 

“[Y]ou must not rest satisfied merely because in outward form you have taken Bai’at at my hand. The outward form means nothing: God sees what lies inside your hearts, and He would deal with you on the basis of what He sees there. 

Lo and behold! I herein discharge my duty unto you, by making it plain that sin is a poison. Do not take it. Disobedience to God is a dirty death which you should avoid. Turn to prayer that you should get the strength. At the time of prayer, if a man does not firmly believe that Allah has power over everything, except what may be contained in a previous promise, such a one is not of my community.

He who is caught in a tangle of worldly greed, and never even raises his eyes to things which pertain to the next life, is not of my community. Whosoever does not wholly and completely keep away from every sin and every evil action, like wine, gambling, looking lustfully at women, dishonesty, bribes, and from every kind of illegal gratification, he is not of my community.

Whosoever is not constantly turning to prayer, and does not remember Him in absolute humility of spirit, he is not of my community. Whosoever does not give up association with a bad companion, who exercises an unhealthy influence over him, he is not of my community. Whosoever does not respect his parents, whosoever does not render obedience to them in things which do not run counter to the Holy Quran, and whosoever is neglectful in rendering to them the service to which they are undoubtedly entitled, he is not of my community.