Covid-19: Towards A 'New Normal'

With the Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupting life as we knew it, millions of people around the world face uncertain times.  Indeed, whole nations are in the midst of difficult transitions, adjusting to the 'new normal' in public health, economy and polity. An existential imperative for the nations caught up in the cauldron of the 'invisible enemy'; rebuilding shattered lives through re-energizing decimated economies require governments to adopt prudence and wisdom in national policies. Protecting the most vulnerable social groups in these turbulent circumstances, especially the poor and the indigent, is a collective responsibility. Social and economic plans need to be inclusive in character, and not just cater to the elites in the corporate sector! Unfortunately, around the world, many governments have lopsided priorities. In the name of fighting the pandemic / dealing with public health emergency, democracies are witnessing 'power games': usurping excessive powers way beyond what they actually possess, 'authoritarians' are undermining democratic processes of institutional checks and balances. Transparency, accountability and good governance are all stake in these extraordinary times. Moreover, almost all the time, the real beneficiaries of State policies are the big business/ corporate sector, and not the labour class, or the hungry masses. Indeed, the pandemic is testing national elites as to 'reveal' the strength of resilience of their core values and principles: whether they can 'arise and create a new world'- addressing the problems and challenges in an equitable and just way, respecting the rights and interests of the underclass- the fellow humans among them. In his Friday Sermon of 29 May 2020 ~ 06 Shawwal 1441 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius speaks about this vital issue of contemporary concern. Articulated against the backdrop of recent national initiatives in Mauritius on responding to Covid-19, Hadhrat Saheb's perspective and guidance on dealing with the 'new world' would be of considerable interest to thoughtful people everywhere. 

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon: 

THE “COVID-19 and QUARANTINE ACTS”

Now I’ll talk a little bit about the news in our country, especially regarding the new “Covid-19 & Quarantine Acts” that were passed recently.

As a Mauritian citizen, I too have the right to say a few words on the “Covid-19 Bill” and the presentation of the 2020-2021 Budget which will take place on Thursday 4th June 2020. All Mauritians know very well the “Covid- 19 Bill” and the “Quarantine Bill” because these subjects were at the heart of the news of the National Assembly.

However, the measures presented by the government do not seem to be unanimous in parliament and in the country. Personally, I see that there was no consultation or dialogue before their presentation. Yet they affect the freedom of our citizens, labour rights, and the reserves of the Central Bank [among many]. And government can use public funds without transparency, governance and accountability [without being accountable to anyone].

The “Covid-19 Bill” also includes the creation of funds never seen before and draconian measures that affect our democracy.

The Attributes of Allah- VI

Al-Hafeez

It is purely by the grace of Allah that I continue my series of sermons on the attributes of Allah [Part 6] and to quote some attributes of Allah with certain explanations.

Al-Hafeez is an attribute of Allah which is derived from the word Hifz which means protection. So Al-Hafeez means The Protector. There is nothing in existence that can protect [us] all the time and in all situations because it requires knowledge that covers and encompasses every atom that exists and an absolute capacity.

No one except Allah the Almighty possess this. Therefore, He is the only one who has all knowledge. His knowledge covers everything. Nothing escapes His knowledge. And it’s Allah Almighty alone Who has the capacity [power] over everything. Nothing and no one can make Allah the Almighty incapable, powerless or helpless. So it’s He alone Who is Al-Hafeez. Allah the Almighty knows each creature and He knows where and in what situation it is. He knows what everyone needs and how much he needs. And He has the ability to grant him what he needs. Nothing can hinder [becoming an obstacle in] the work of Allah the Almighty. Reciting this attribute in abundance and invoking Him through this is a very effective way to develop trust in Allah the Almighty. It is a way for someone who is in distress and in pain to feel protected in regard to his life, his family, his property, his dignity and his honour.

Al-Hakeem: Hakeem is derived from Hikmah. Hikmah means wisdom, mastery and perfection. Nothing is perfect except Allah the Almighty. His work exceeds all skill and He is beyond all expertise. This is why in the truest sense of the word, it is Almighty Allah alone Who is Al-Hakeem. It is because of the fact that the knowledge of Allah Almighty is perfect. His work is perfect. It was Him who shaped each atom of the universe into a balanced and appropriate shape and dimension.

If we examine this from the verb Hakama which means to govern, then at that moment it will mean that all authority is in the hand of Allah the Almighty. His decision is final. No one can object or overturn His decision. And no one can even surpass Allah the Almighty in His power and authority.

When the word Hakeem is attributed to someone other than Allah the Almighty, then it means someone who has knowledge of the Deen and whose behaviour is based on the knowledge he has. That is to say someone whose behaviour does not betray his knowledge which is based and founded on established and solid principles.

If a person meditates on this attribute, he will completely submit to the decision of Allah the Almighty. Note that this submission does not prevent us from invoking Allah the Almighty, but what is essential is that we leave the final decision to Him and that we are satisfied with what happens to us after having invoked Him in prayers (duahs).

'Eid-ul-Fitr' Sermon 2020

I wish Eid Mubarak to all my disciples around the world and I pray that this Eid be a blessing for us and the entire Muslim world. Insha-Allah.

Islam uses the word “Eid” to express joy. It’s a day that comes at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting and sacrifice. It is a day when our prayers (Salaat and Duahs) are accepted, and we must make this supplication: O Allah, make this day come more often. Ameen.

On that day, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) used to praise Allah in a very special way with great love and brilliance. A question was asked: When was Eid first celebrated?

The first Ramadan was observed in the second year of the Hegira and it was during this same Ramadan that Muslims fought the battle of Badr. The Muslims weren’t even done dressing the wounds of war. It is mentioned that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was so exhausted that he leaned on Hazrat Bilal (ra) and it was only with the help of the latter that he stood up and pronounced his sermon.

A few days before the celebration of Eid, he announced the Sadaqat-ul-Fitr which he had made compulsory for every Muslim. As soon as this Fitrana was announced, the companions generously contributed. The money thus collected was distributed among the poor before and after Eid festival.

However according to another tradition (Sunnah), it was during this same Eid that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) had, outdoors and in a vast place celebrated the Eid festival. According to Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (ra), the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in his sermon, placed great emphasis on the glory and the Hamd (praise) of Allah. He praised Allah in an extraordinary and special way.

Ramadan: Training for True Life

The Departure of Ramadan 

The rules governing fasting are clearly defined. They must be applied with diligence and respect within the prescribed framework. Any trend beyond the prescribed limits must be discouraged and abandoned.

In fact, the real purpose of the fast, its meaning, and the spirit that animates it must dominate the heart during this sacred month. In few days, our special guest will bid us farewell. For believers, these are very sad moments because our special guest will leave us with great sorrow and sadness. Those who have benefited from this entire blessed month are very fortunate, as no one knows if next year how many of us will welcome this blessed month again.

In this month of Ramadan most of the believers have benefited enormously from these blessings by putting into practice all the Ibadat (acts of worship) prescribed by our Creator. So the month of Ramadan is a period of intense training for the next eleven months (Insha-Allah). Our hearing, sight, tongue, mind, all are subject to rigorous testing. Those who did not pray five times a day do so now. Those who did not wake up in the latter part of the night to offer prayers [Tahajjud & even Fajr], learn to do so. This discipline, practiced for a whole month, serves as a model for the next eleven months.

Covid-19 Prophecy and the Ahmadis

In an important message on 16 May 2020 ~ 22 Ramadan 1441 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, addresses certain recent allegations and insinuations being levelled by the maulvis and members of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya (Qadian) in India. By converting a moment of sorrow at the death of an elderly, and admittedly, long-ailing member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in Tamil Nadu in these Covid-times to parade their prejudices and hatred against the Divine mission of the Khalifatullah (aba) in this era; the Ahmadi mullahs in India have exposed their disgusting stupidity for all the world to see.

As graceless and repulsive as their pronouncements are, these decadent Ahmadis, in their own way, confirm the need for a Divine servant in these times, precisely to explain the Divine commandments on good conduct; to show them the path of ethical prudence and spiritual rectitude. In this important message, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (aba) eloquently and beautifully accomplishes this task: teaching Ahmadis on how to read and understand prophecies; the fulfillment of Divine promises amidst worldly trials; reminding Ahmadis about their own history- especially how far they have come to resemble the tormentors of their spiritual father, the Promised Messiah (as), in the way they behave and the way they speak about their fellow brothers- the true believers! 

It is interesting to note that the present caliph of the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya- Khalifatul Massih V Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad- himself has rejected any personal claims of Divine revelations concerning the outbreak of the global pandemics, nor has he got any assurance of security from God in these turbulent days, and in fact, he has given subtle expression, in a recent interview, to his latent, personal fears of being contracted with the Covid-19 virus by pointing to the fact that the man-elected-caliphs in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in the past contracted such deadly-diseases. Consider the refreshing contrast here: in his recent series of Friday Sermons as well as the special messages, Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) clearly mentions Divine revelations on the topic containing dire warnings on the enemies of God, His messenger (sa), and His Khalifa (the Khalifatullah) in this era; glad tidings of security and tranquility for the sincere servants of God in the Jamaat of Allah; and the spiritual path forward for the benefit of all truth- seekers around the world, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.  

Read the Message Below: 

'Is it ever so, that, when there comes to you a messenger (from Allah) with that which you yourselves do not desire, you grow arrogant, and some you disbelieve and some you killed?' (Al-Baqara 2: 88).

The Many Rewards of Ramadan

The Night of Destiny and Spiritual Retreat- II

During the holy month of Ramadan, believers seek divine favours and all opportunities to draw closer to Allah (twa), through whatever Allah has ordained as Farz (obligatory) and Nafl (supererogatory) as well. The reward for a supererogatory work during Ramadan becomes equal to that of a compulsory work, and the compulsory work is rewarded even more.

As believers, we must always seek out all that is good for us in this world, and in the hereafter. We recite this prayer (duah) as follows: 

Rabbana atina fi d-dunya hassanatan w-wa fi-l-aakhirati hasanatan w-waqina ‘adhaba n-naar. 

Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire. [Ameen].

The believer always prays in this way [he recites this invocation often], where he seeks what will benefit his physical body in this world, and also what will benefit his soul, in the spiritual sense [in the field of spirituality]. And when one day he has to appear before Allah, he will come to Allah with a pure soul. 

Promised Messiah and Imam Azim- I

In a recent essay in Malayalam, the respected Amir of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in South Kerala, Mukarram R. Jamaluddin Raother Saheb of Mathra, compiles together some very important extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908). These writings of the Promised Messiah (as) clearly establish that the descent of Divine revelations among human communities is a Sunnat Allah- a perennial practice of Allah (swt). From the times of Hadhrat Adam (as) onwards, God’s covenant with the Prophets included the duty on believers in every era to help and assist in the establishment of Tauheed on earth, by believing and following in the footsteps of the Divine Elects raised amongst them (Holy Qur'an, 03:82; 33:08, 02:39; 07:36). 

The Promised Messiah (as), through his writings, points out that the door of Divine revelations shall remain open till the Day of Judgement, and that the sincere and steadfast servants of God in every era shall have the opportunity to receive the special blessing and favours of God, like Allah (swt) bestowed upon His perfect devotees in the past- the Prophets; the Truthful in their belief, words and deeds; the Bearers of Testimony to the truth of the religion of Allah  by their words and deeds,; the Martyrs and the Righteous who stick to the right course under all circumstances (HQ, 01: 06-07; 04:70).

‘Do not think that God’s revelation is a thing of the past (The Holy Quran has perfected the Law of God, but this has not brought an end to revelation, for it is the life of a true religion. Any religion which is devoid of ongoing divine revelation is dead and forsaken by God) and that the Holy Spirit can no longer descend as it did so in previous times. 

I tell you truthfully that all doors may close—but the one from which the Holy Spirit descends, never shuts. Open the doors of your hearts so that the Holy Spirit may enter it. By closing the window from which the ray of light enters, you distance yourself from this sun of your own accord. Unenlightened ones! Come forth and open this window so that the sun might itself enter you. God has not closed the paths of His worldly blessings in this age. Rather, He has increased them. Do you then think that the paths of the blessings of heaven, which you sorely need at this time, have been closed by Him? Most certainly not! Rather, this door is wide open. In Surah Al-Faatihah God has taught that the door to every single blessing of the past has been opened for you. Why then do you refuse to accept them?...’ 

---[Noah’s Ark by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, UK: Islam International Publications Ltd; 2018 edn,  pp 39-40].