A ‘Luminous Moon’ over Tamil Nadu

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International has just published a new book entitled “Light-Giving Moon in Tamil Nadu”. Compiled and edited by Mukarram Naib Amir K. Saleem Saheb of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat, the comprehensive report provides a fascinating glimpse into a range of spiritual interactions, Jamaat programmes, and other humanitarian engagements that took place in the State during the historic visit of Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius and the respected and honoured members of the holy family to India in November-December 2018.

The title of the Book “Light-Giving Moon” alludes to a glorious spiritual title vouchsafed to Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in the early days of the Divine Manifestation. In the long, mystical tradition of Islam, ‘Qamaran Munira’ or the “Light-Giving Moon” is a profound spiritual concept, pointing to the exalted spiritual station of the Divine savants who follow, reflect and project the glorious Light of Muhammad (sa) for all humanity in their own times. In the Islamic tradition, perfect followers of the Muhammadan Light are people who aspire to cultivate a direct relationship with one’s Maker and live secluded behind the curtain of Divine intimacy. Such persons are blessed with the direct descent of Divine Knowledge, Divine Revelations, and Divine Words on their persons, and their supplications were/are almost always accepted. Such Divinely-imbued souls are the living exemplars of the Faith and as such, the true spiritual heirs of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). Devout Muslims recognize them as the Pole Star of the Religion and the Way or as the ‘Luminous Moon’ of the Faith.

For close to two decades now, Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius has been blessed with an abundance of Divine communications and spiritual messages, to a level and scale unheard of in the records of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya since the times of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in the previous century. Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) proclaims that Allah (swt) has bestowed upon him several spiritual titles in this era- Khalifatullah; Mujaddid, Messiah; Muhyi-ud-Din, etc.- and that these spiritual titles point to his Divinely-inspired mission: of reclaiming and revitalizing the enduring message of Tawheed in this new century of the Islamic Era- thereby helping people appreciate the correct spiritual path; strengthening them morally and spiritually in these bewildering times. Like all men of God throughout history, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) preaches Divine Love. Sharing pure Divine messages coming from the Unseen, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) invites people to recognize the advent of his humble self in our midst as an Elect of God and consider the extraordinary possibility of acceding to the Divine countenance in this era as well by following his personal example.

Ever since the time Allah (swt) blessed them with the light of faith to recognize and accept His Messenger of the era and the formal establishment of the Sahih Al Islam community in the State, it has been an earnest wish of the Tamil disciples to meet with the Divinely-inspired and appointed Muhyi-ud-Din of this era. Alhamdulillah, it is this cherished spiritual wish of the sincere believers that has come to fruition with the visit of the Khalifatullah (atba) and the blessed family members. The journey of these blessed messengers took place despite several hurdles-including the devastating Cyclonic Storm Gaja that literally brought the State down on its knees- with the shadow of Divine help and special assistance, making every moment of the two- weeks stay in Tamil Nadu, a spiritually uplifting experience for all those who were in the circle of the Divine Manifestation during those days, Soumma Alhamdulillah. 

Fourth Caliph and the Divine Signs

In his Friday Sermon of 01 February 2019~ 25 Jamadi’ul Awwal 1440 AH, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius profoundly reflects upon certain interesting Divine Signs of our times. Based on Qur'anic prophecies and the Holy Prophet's own teachings, the Later Days is the era of extraordinary developments, marking the advent of great transformations that will 'disrupt' the existing ways and 'flatten' the world, destroying the elite privileges and artificial barriers at every level of societal stratification. Thanks to breath-taking changes in transportation mechanisms and  communication technologies in our times, different classes, nations and peoples are brought together more than ever before. In this age of the Internet, all the world is virtually reduced to our finger-tips! Hence, unlike the past, ideas and images travel swiftly across the world and it is now possible to reach out and share the Divine message to people everywhere, Alhamdulillah.  

On 07 January 1938, speaking on the occasion of the installation of loudspeakers at the Mosques in Qadian, the far-sighted second caliph of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad (ra), underscored the importance of technical advancements as a means of bringing people together and he went on to virtually predict the advent of a time of technological progress when a single person sitting somewhere will be able to communicate and conduct his business globally and thereby it would become possible to spread the message of Islam across the world in an easier way through such developments. 

In this context, the establishment of the MTA International  commencing its operations from Mauritius  on 07 January 1994 was an important event in the annals of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. The then (fourth) caliph Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Saheb profoundly understood the significance of the moment and the opportunity MTA represents for the community. He recalled the prescient words of the second caliph on the occasion as he believed that the time to spread the teachings of Islam-Ahmadiyya around the globe arrived, with the satellite broadcasting channel in place. Anticipating the promised "victory" of Islam-Ahmadiyya in the second century of the Jamaat (1889-1989; 1989-), the fourth caliph even unleashed a programme of global bai'at, setting targets for the rank and file to convert the whole world. As it happened, afraid as they were to speak truth of the situation to the caliph,  the Nizam-e-Jamaat 'cooked the books' to reach the figures their 'boss' wanted to see and thereby perpetuated a culture of caliph-worship in the Nizam-e-Jamaat, creating a permanent crisis of credibility in its functioning 'methods'. Consider the searing paradox here: on the one hand, the caliph projected the Nizam- 'establishment'- as the true 'heirs' of the Promised Messiah (as) for all times; yet, he ended up presiding over the destruction of the fair name and legacy of the institution.  Allah (swt) raising an Elect of His choice  would upset and 'disrupt' the 'order' (the system of elected, infallible leadership) in the Jamaat. Hence, exaggerating  the 'ego' of the elected chiefs of the Jamaat, the caliph propagated that only a man-elected caliph could be the Divine Elect in future. Despite his line of thinking and public pronouncements, the caliph also understood that the All-Powerful and Exalted Allah (swt) might raise someone, anyone He chooses at a place of His choice, especially at the beginning of a new century of the Jamaat. The ambitious caliph did seem to have wished, and he certainly asked the Jamaat in so many words on the occasion of the annual Jalsa in the year 2000 CE, that everyone pray for him to be elevated as the "Mubarak Wajood "('blessed person'), like mentioned in the prophecies of the Promised Massih (as).    

Allah does what He will. Despite the caliph's ambitious plans and his arrogant pronouncements on Divine Decisions concerning the raising of a reformer in the Jamaat in the new century, the trajectory of Divine blessings and favours shifted in this era, with the advent of a man who speaks with the help of Ruh-il-Quddus, like prophesied by the Promised Massih (as) himself in his testamentary declaration, Al Wassiyat. Indeed, Allah (swt) in His infinite wisdom, used the most disruptive of technologies of communication the humans have ever known- "Ruh-il-Quddus"- to destroy the man-invented and exaggerated notions of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and rebuild the edifice of the Divine Order of His Elects guiding humanity till the Day of Judgement, by raising a humble servant of the faith in this era- a spiritual progeny of the Promised Massih (as) himself- Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, Alhamdulillah. Like the Promised Messiah (as) also points out, despite the persecution- with "millions stand(ing) up against them", the caravan of the Divine Elect (atba) will continue to straddle the world with His Message, Insha-Allah, Aameen. 

The Divine signs narrated here calls for deeper reflection by those who use their minds- including truth seekers among the Ahmadis. In this era when the world is 'flat', the old order of special claims- of inherited family legacy and infallible authority of tribal chieftains (think of the Ahmadiyya Khilafat today)- are out of sync with the times and are bound to vanish. In the new order of God on earth, everywhere- both materially and spiritually speaking- 'the underclass', i.e., those who were  previously looked down upon, truly humble people are to inherit the earth: Indeed, the Divine favour of prophethood and sovereignty is being bestowed upon a new class of people in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya as well- through the advent of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius, Alhamdulillah, Allah-u-Akbar!

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

Signs for the 'Ulul-Al-Baab'

“And it is not for a soul to believe except by permission of Allah, and He will place defilement upon those who will not use reason.” (Yunus 10 : 101).

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, Allah shows His signs in extraordinary ways. Sometimes in simple and unimaginable things. He can show His signs in a grand way. Certainly Allah guides whom He wills to the right path, and when He guides His servants, He opens for them the door of spiritual knowledge and makes them understand even a thing that seems simple and unimportant and He makes them see its importance.

On 'Bai'at' and 'Taqwah'

The founder of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, the Promised Messiah 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 take the Bai'at- the sacred Islamic covenant of obedience to God and His Messenger (sa) and the Divinely-raised Imam of their times that devout Muslims undertake. In his book Kishti Noohu (The Noah's Ark), the Promised Messiah (as) spoke movingly about the vital importance of inner purity and sincere soul-searching; righteous conduct and just relations with God's creatures in the abiding quest of the human soul for Divine illumination- to be accepted in the presence of God Almighty. Reproduced below is an extract from the Book where Hazrat Ahmad (as) provides some of the most profound words of spiritual wisdom for the benefit of persons who chose to follow him by taking the Bai'at at his hands as the Divine Elect of the era, clearly describing what it takes to pursue the path of purity and righteousness, upholding faith above the world and what it means to be a true seeker after Divine Countenance:

'...God does what He wills. Foolish is the person who wars with Him and ignorant is the one who objects to his works and considers that they should have been otherwise. He has sent me with over ten thousand brilliant signs, one of which is the plague. So, in these calamitous times, my soul shall intercede only for such a person who sincerely enters my allegiance of Bai’at and wholeheartedly follows me and submerges themselves in obedience to me to the extent that they relinquish their own will. 

O ye people who consider yourselves members of my community! You will be counted as such in heaven when you truly tread upon the ways of righteousness. So, offer the five daily prayers in such fear and with such complete attention as though you were actually beholding God Almighty. Sincerely observe your fasts for the sake of God. Let everyone who is liable to pay the Zakat do so and anyone upon whom the Hajj has become obligatory and who face no hindrance ought to perform the pilgrimage. Do good in a handsome manner and discard vice with disgust. Bear well in mind that no action of yours, which is empty of righteousness, can reach God. Righteousness is the root of all goodness. No action that is rooted in righteousness will go in vain. 

It is inevitable that you should also be tried with various forms of anguish and misfortune, just as the faithful before you were tried. Be on your guard, lest you should falter. So long as you have a firm relationship with heaven, the earth can do you no harm. Whenever harm befalls you, it will be from your own hands and not from the hands of your enemy. Even if you lose all honour on earth, God will bestow eternal honour upon you in heaven. So do not forsake Him. You will certainly suffer pain and many of your desires will not be fulfilled, but do not lose heart in such situations, for your God tries you to see whether you are steadfast in His path or not. If you desire that even the angels should praise you in heaven, then endure beating and remain joyful, hear abuse and be grateful, suffer setbacks but do not sever your relationship with God.

Shafa’ah: 'Intercession' in Islam

A. Dead Saints Cannot Intercede 

Intercession (Shafa’ah) in Islam takes many forms. But unfortunately, some people have wrongly interpreted the verses of the Holy Quran to mean that dead saints or prophets can intercede for human beings while they are still alive on earth. And that is why they go forward for saint-worship, by setting up Dargas (mausoleums) of saints everywhere.

[Huzur (atba) then related about an important tabligh he did during the course of this week with a very rich Muslim family who lost everything, yet whenever they incurred losses, instead of turning to Allah, they approached Mullahs, Mawlawis. The latter misguided them, and took fees upon fees from them supposedly to pray for them and instead of advising this family to turn to Allah, they preferred to direct them to pray to dead Pirs on Dargas. Huzur (atba) said that when he heard about this and also about a friend of his who donated lots of money for the construction of a Darga, when he preached to him the right teachings of Islam, guiding him to the worship of Allah, all these people (including his friend) were annoyed. Huzur (atba) said that he had to deliver his message, whether they were annoyed or not, because he himself was very angry (not the fighting type of angry) because they have deviated from the way of Allah to put their trust in others besides Allah. And they wonder why they were still incurring so much losses! They kept on losing their wealth like running water, and those Mullahs were enriching themselves while this Muslim family were getting poorer and accumulating debts. These people did not even pray their five daily prayers, and despite that there is a mosque near their place, they prefer to frequent all kinds of Dargas! They don’t even know what is Tahajjud prayer. Huzur (atba) said that had this family turned sincerely to Allah, Allah would have helped them, but they chose others over Him.]

B. The Requirement of Divine Approval

It is very important to understand that Allah is the Best Interceder/ Intercessor for His servant. He is the Best Being who can waive away all the sins or faults of someone, forgive him and make him taste His pleasure and paradise. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Say: ‘To Allah belongs all intercession’.” (Az-Zumar, 39: 45).

Moreover, Allah shall allow some of His special servants on the Day of Judgement to intercede in the favour of His other servants. The Holy Quran calls our attention to it in the following verse: “And they say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a son.’ Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honoured servants. They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command. He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, for fear of Him, are apprehensive.” (Al-Anbiya 21: 27-29).

The 'Ruh' and the 'Nafs': A Commentary

The 'Ruh' and the 'Nafs'

Today, it gives me great pleasure to present before you all a very important explanation on the “Ruh” and the “Nafs” which several of my disciples have respectfully asked me to give. This is indeed a very important and deep subject which I specially delivered to you some years back, specifically during the Mubahila period with Abdul Ghaffar Janbah and his disciple Mansoor Ahmed dated 15 August 2011 and which I shall put again before you during the course of my sermon.

Very often, when calling attention to one’s ego, we refer to the “nafs” of that person being manifested, which is partly true in the fact that its real meaning is that its “Nafs-e-Ammara” (Soul prone to passion, ego and also all kinds of evils) is being manifested. The words “Nafs-e-Ammara” is shortened to “nafs” to reflect the ego of man in certain contexts.

In the Arabic language, more specifically in the Quranic context, the word Nafs refers to the human soul and also to self-attribution, or self-identification whether used by humans, angels or Allah Himself. We say: I, Me and Myself, the three reflexive pronouns used by the Creator Himself, his angels and us, humans.

For example, Allah says in the Holy Quran:

Wazkur Rabbaka fee nafsika…Meaning: “And remember your Rab (Lord/ Allah) inside yourself...” [Al-Arraf 7: 206]

Moreover, Allah says in the Holy Quran, addressing to Hazrat Musa (as): Wa-sh-tana’tuka li-Nafsi Meaning: “I have chosen you (Istana’tuka) for Myself (Li-Nafsi).” [Surah TaHa 20: 42]

Referring to this specific verse, we see that Allah has used the key word “Nafs” to define Himself, yet we all know that the ego of Allah is egoless. The Self of Allah is selfless. It is beyond creation and any created thing, yet Allah says: “Li-Nafsi” (for Myself). Allah verily does not account to anyone. When He manifests His words and emphasizes them on His own importance, we cannot and should never dare to call Him arrogant or that He is such a Being which is filled with Himself (Vain or Proud). God Forbid! He is the only Being who can do whatever He likes without accounting to anyone.

That is why, we are the creatures and He is the Creator, and we cannot also create anything without His prior permission. He gives knowledge to whomsoever He wants and removes knowledge and the ability to think to whomsoever He wants.

Moreover, the word “Ruh” is a treasure of knowledge. The “Ruh” is principally linked to the spiritual essence of man and his faculty to receive Divine Revelations, to perfect himself spiritually and physically to become wholly apt to be called a Man of God (Allah), a Friend of God and His Representative on earth. That is why, Allah calls the Essence or Aura or Spirit of Divine Revelations, as Ruh-il-Qouddouss (Holy Spirit) [Al-Baqara 2: 88 & 254; Al-Maida 5: 111 & An-Nahl 16: 103], or Ruh’ul-Ameen (The Trustworthy Spirit) [Ash-Shu’ara 26: 194] in the Holy Quran.

'Future Belongs to the Truly Humble'

Poverty, Silence and Faith

There are people who have higher status in the sight of Allah, those who are VVIPs (i.e. Very Very Important Persons). They love Allah and Allah loves them. They are people who are oppressed by men and are (crushed) under the domination of others. We must always treat these people well. 

This was the advice of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) to his representative, Mu’az bin Jabal (ra), as the governor of Yemen. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) took the reins of Mu’az’s (ra) horse and gave him some advices. He (pbuh) urged him to beware of the curse of the oppressed! For there is no veil between this invocation and Allah. (Bukhari & Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The supplication of the oppressed is answered, even if he is wicked for his wickedness is only against himself.” (Ahmad)

It is reported by Ibn Hibaan that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah (swt) will call the poor on the Day of Judgement and bring them into Paradise first without accountability. As for the rich and the chiefs, they will have to wait and then account (for their deeds). Our Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “The poor will enter paradise five hundred years before the rich.” (Tirmidhi)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “Seek me among the poor and the weak. Truly, you are given victory and provided for on account of the poor and weak among you.” (Abu Dawud)

Hold patience: Avoid vain disputes 

Allah Ta’ala defends those who do not defend themselves. Self-defence is permitted, but the nobility of Islam teaches us to withdraw from discussions (vain discussions/ disputes) in silence. He who shows such nobility of soul, then Allah Ta’ala Himself defends himself.

Allah Ta’ala took the defence of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) with pigeon eggs and spider webs in the Cave of Thaur. Allah Ta’ala gave patience to the people of Moses. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured.” (Surah Al-Arraf, 7: 138)

Prophet Muhammad: The Perfect Human

A Role Model for Mankind

The Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) is certainly the most perfect man of all times. He is the perfect example of humanity and he is also the best and the seal of the prophets. The degree of his mercy is beyond compare and invaluable. He surpasses all men as an individual.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And We have not sent except as a giver of glad tidings and a Warner to all mankind, but most people do not understand.” (Surah Saba, 34: 29).

To better understand the degree of perfection of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), the Seal of the prophets, one must first know the situation of his country, i.e. pre-Islamic Arabia, well before his advent on earth.

Long before the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the pagan Arabs who were idol worshipers lived in ignorance (Jahiliya) and discord. They were torn apart by tribal wars (i.e. wars/ fights between tribes) and lived under the rule of the powerful. Immorality invaded the society. It was everywhere; there was no faith, no law. Alcoholic drinks, games of chance, dancing, usury (i.e. the action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest), prostitution, the killing of little girls - at a very young age; in short, the worst of cruelties and brutality were practiced. Moreover, they worshiped idols of different forms, forgetting the One True God, the God of their ancestors, Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismail (as). In the course of time, they abandoned the worship of Allah, and implored statues called Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and many others, believing that they (i.e. these false gods) had the capacity to give everything to them: children, healing, fortune etc.

When the general, physical, moral and spiritual situation of the Arabs and humanity as a whole reached the zenith (the peak) of decadence, then God the Almighty, Allah (swt) sent the most perfect and the most noble of the prophets in this world to bring back those humans who had become like animals towards humanity, morality and spirituality.

As a result, around the year 570 of the Christian era, a great little human being was born - Muhammad (pbuh), the Messenger of Allah. He lit by the Grace of his Unique Creator, Allah, the torch of piety and salvation. He broke the chains of this absurd (stupid) ignorance and provided the whole world with a beneficial message.

Muhammad (pbuh) was a man with a noble and exalted mission. His only mission was to unite men behind the worship of one God (Allah) and teach them the way to an honest and upright life according to the laws and commandments of God. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took into account all stages of the life of man and governed human life from the cradle to death.