Poem: ‘My Only Need’

  

You are my intimate friend

my aspiration

my joy

 

My heart

refuses

to love

other than you

The Quest for the Face of God

 

‘I created jinn and mankind only to know and worship Me.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 51:57)

 

According to a famous Hadith Qudsi, God says: ‘I was a Hidden Treasure and I yearned, I loved to be known intimately. So I created the heavens and the earth so that they may know Me intimately.’

 

A true believer is a lover of God. By establishing oneself on Divine commandments and the perfect example of the noble Prophet (sa) and the Elect of God of one’s era, a true believer can aspire for a special relationship of friendship and spiritual intimacy with God Almighty through a sound, purified heart: 'The heavens and the earth cannot contain Me, but the heart of My faithful servant can contain Me'. Sincere striving with pure faith and a grateful heart opens up the gates of Divine mercy: 'So remember Me, and I shall remember you' (2:153). Indeed God loves an earnest, perfected soul when it seeks Divine nearness with a tongue always moist with the remembrance of God. In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah (swt) states: ‘He who seeks Me, finds Me; He who seeks other than Me, will never find me; Pious souls yearn to behold Me, I yearn more to behold them’.

An Interview with Imam Mahdi

 

Today, 19 April 2024, marks the 21^st anniversary of the first Bai’at [the covenant of repentance with God] initiated and accepted by Hazrat Amir-ul-Mu’mineen Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius on 19 April 2003. On that day in 2003, soon after the demise of the fourth caliph of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mirza Tahir Ahmad Saheb [1928-2003] in London [UK], Hazrat Amir-ul-Mu’mineen (aba) received the Divine instruction to accede to the request of Muslim brothers and sisters in Mauritius to receive Bai’at in the Hand of Allah (represented by the hand of Hazrat Imam (aba)]; marking an important milestone in the sacred history and trajectory of Islamic renewal over the centuries. Accordingly, the first Bai’at was held that evening in the house of Hazrat Ummul Mu'mineen Fazli Amena Saheba on the second storey, at Louvet Avenue, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius. From that momentous occasion, over the last two decades, the spiritual mission of Hazrat Khalifatullah Al Mahdi (aba) has been, and is, thriving by the grace and blessings of Allah (swt). And for true spiritual seekers- those who have eyes to observe, ears to listen and hearts to understand-, the support and help of God is clearly evident in the progressive trajectory of the Divine Manifestation of our era, Subhaan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allah-u-Akbar!

It is absolutely certain that Hazrat Imam Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius has appeared as a servant of Faith in our midst with proof from Allah the Almighty. The divine revelations vouchsafed to Hazrat Saheb (aba) comprises matters of the unseen and prophecies with regard to the future, acceptance of prayer, revelation in various languages, and revelation of points of wisdom and divine truths- exactly like in the times of the promised messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian [1835-1908]. Since all this is divine testimony, it is the duty of everyone who possesses faith to accept his claim  as the servant of God in this era, the Divinely-raised ‘Muhyiuddin’/ ‘Mujaddid’/ ‘Khalifatullah’/’ Dhul Qarnain’/ ‘Imam Mahdi’- all being spiritual titles bestowed by the Lord Himself upon His servant of this era.    

Celebrating ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ 2024

 

With the sighting of the crescent moon on the skies of the Kerala coast on the evening of 09 April 2024, Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam members in India celebrated ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ with special prayers and feasting and festivities on Wednesday, 10 April 2024, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.

Brothers and sisters and children of the Jamaat mainly congregated at the mosques of the community for Eid special prayers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

With many members of the Jamaat observing I’tikaaf in the last ten days of the fasting month of Ramadan at the Sirajum Munir Masjid in Tamil Nadu, and also at the Noor’ul Islam Masjid at Mathra in Kerala; the mosques became the natural venues for the members celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid prayers were also conducted in other places in both the States, and also outside of these two States where members live, bringing alive the Qur’anic command to turn ‘places of living’ into virtual mosques for the pure devotion and worship of Allah (swt). 

‘Laila-tul-Qadr’: An Interview

 

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” (2:185)

'Truly, We revealed this on a Night full of blessings...’ (44:4)

We revealed it on the ‘Laila-tul-Qadr’ [the Night of Destiny, the Blessed Night & filled with virtues] (97:2)

Ramadan 2024: Public Message

 

Ramadan, Layla-tul-Qadr & Eid-ul-Fitr: 

The Blessings of A Lifetime

Muslims all round the world are commanded by God Almighty to fast the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is such a blessed month wherein the very first verses of the Holy Quran – the Holy words of Allah – were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) through the Chief of all angels, Jibreel (Gabriel). Those first revelations have the power even today to make the true believer tremble with awe and love. Its very evocation brings about solace and happiness for the believer at the divine boon received in that blessed moment in time.

Twenty-nine or thirty days of blessings: yet, those days hold therein a concealed night, wrapped in the mystery of divine knowledge, to deliver to those who successfully attain and receive it, the blessings of a lifetime. The Night of Decree (Layla-tul-Qadr) as this night is called is like the most precious of pearls, more precious than any treasure in this world. It is the gateway to such divine blessings which can erase a sincere person’s sins and make him pure like a newborn babe.

Poem: 'The Call of Humanity'

The world would have been,

A golden gate to paradisiacal serenity,

Were it not for the feigns and false promises,

Of secular and religious authorities who,

In the name of politics, patriotism and union,

Leave behind their conscience,

To delve into the sea of fraud and corruption;

 

Oh how beautiful would it have been,

If with a true heart,

Each political representative,

Of the multitudinous countries,

Stand up in honour of the world,

And all its inhabitants,

And chant the call of togetherness,

As one global people,

As one united nation,

In the best interest of,

Humankind as a whole,

Poem: 'The Origin of Peace'

  

Every part of the Universe is ever locked in the concept of Peace,

From the moment of creation,

The word to have found light in the Heavens was Peace

A piece of the heart is engrossed in the meditation of Peace,

 The every second which passes in concentration of the Unique God,

Alights from the meaning of Peace,

Spouse Relations and Duties

 

Divine commandments are a light. Illuminating the darkened horizons of human nature; impulses, desires, emotions and biases; the divine commands in the Holy Qur'an offer profound teachings of great subtlety and much wisdom for our own benefit in the varied settings of life.  Hence, the Holy Qur’an promotes prudential course of conduct in family and social relations, recognizing the identity, capacity, authority, role and functions of individuals: between husbands and wives, parents and children, relatives in the home. It is God’s extraordinary mercy and grace that we have these sublime teachings and guidelines of proper conduct.  

For instance, the Qur’an provides a well-balanced framework of rules on spouse relations and duties, to be observed in marital space by the partners, but also when the going gets tough, with disputes leading to separation and divorce, impacting the lives of not just the spouses, but also their children and the wider family. By following the Divine teachings on love and mercy, good morals, and on just and fair dealings; spouses can enjoy the ‘bliss of heaven’ on earth. On the other hand, by evading and ignoring divine prescriptions; rebelling against divine prohibitions, couples turn their matrimonial home into a virtual hell on earth.

'Itikaaf' Guidelines

 

In his Friday Sermon of 29 March 2024 ~18 Ramadan 1445 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius offers an exposition on 'Itikaaf’, the devotional Muslim practice of staying in a spiritual retreat at a Masjid or other secluded space in the last 10 days of the fasting month of Ramadan for pure worship of the Divine, far away from all material entanglements of everyday life. In this discourse, as true believers around the world prepare themselves to perform 'Itikaaf' in the final ten days of Ramadan, Hazrat Saheb (aba) offers practical guidance on 'Itikaaf'- related invocations and supplications and additional prayers in the seclusion of the meditative space. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below:   

Religion (Deen, Deen of Allah, Islam) came to bring balance and perfection to man in his life. Without religion, man loses his bearings and therefore will not be able to live a healthy life. It is religion that encourages marriage, family life and prayer.

 

The fact that we are being watched (by Allah, and His angels) and that we must one day be held accountable for our actions forces us to behave well and think twice before committing despicable acts. The religion of Islam advocates moderation and does not tolerate any extremes. On the one hand, there is the obligation of everyone to seek a lawful livelihood, and on the other hand one must engage in religious obligations every day. But during the year one should have a balance between worldly activities and spirituality. And this is where we note that the prophet (pbuh) dedicated the last ten days of each Ramadan to Itikaaf. It is narrated by Hazrat Aisha (ra) that after the death of the Prophet (pbuh), his wives also sat down for the ten days of Itikaaf (Bukhari).

'Tahajjud' and 'Tarawee'

  

In the aftermath of a humble request for explanations from his spiritual mentor and guide in this era, a humble disciple of the Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir A. Azim (aba) has axed his questions on the importance of Tahajjud and Tarawee in Islam. His questions are as follows:

 

1. What is the difference between Tahajjud and Tarawee?

2. Do we pray Tahajjud (After Isha, before Fajr) at different times during Ramadan and non-Ramadan (nights)?

3. The Prophet (pbuh) did not perform the Tahajjud prayer or the Tarawee prayer together. Why do we do it?

 

Hazrat Khalifatullah's considered response to these set of questions shine  a clear light of guidance on a vital aspect of Islamic spiritual practice in the fasting month of Ramadan: the devotional practice of offering voluntary prayers known as the Tarawee Prayers after the Esha prayers- both in its original, historical context, but also in relation to the Tahajjud Prayers, explaining the practices against the wider backdrop of the Holy Prophet's own approach and those of the pious second caliph Hazrat Umar (ra), and what these additional prayers mean  in the spiritual journey of the believers in their quest for Divine nearness, pleasure and approval. 

The Petals of Ramadan

  

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, the holy month - Ramadan - is here among us since a few days. Today is the 11^th day of this blessed month. Ramadan is such a powerful name that when its name is evoked - remembered - the heart finds its tranquillity. This sacred month par excellence, by its very presence brings contentment in the life of every sincere believer. This month really becomes a moment of exceptional fervour for each of them.

 

The month of Ramadan, metaphorically speaking, is a flower whose petals evoke the Divine Beauty, His (Allah’s) wisdom as well as His mercy towards the believers.

Ramadan & Its Light

  

'Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction. So whoever is present this month, let him fast.' (Quran 2: 186)

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, We have received the Quran as a guide (guidance) for humanity and its first verses were revealed in the month of Ramadan. The first verses are: ‘Iqra bismi Rabbikallazii khalaq, Khalaqal-‘insaana min ‘alaq. Iqra’ wa Rabbukal-‘Akram, Allazii ‘allama bil-Qalam. ‘Allamal-‘insaana maa lam ya’-lam (Read, in the name of your Lord, the Creator, Who created man from something that sticks. Read. Your Lord, He is the Most Generous, Who teaches with the pen, teaches man what he did not know).

 

Allah has chosen to make His greatest law-bearing prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) remain an Ummi (illiterate) - whereby he did not know how to read or write - so that the world may know the true worth of the Quran that He has revealed through him. Allah has sent Hazrat Jibreel (as), the chief of the angels of revelations to teach him His pure words which would later serve as guidance for all humanity.

Bai’at with the Khalifatullah

 Bai'at:  In Covenant with God   

‘Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys God.’ (4:81)

 

‘Prophet, when believing women come and pledge to you that they will not ascribe any partner to God, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor lie about who has fathered their children, nor disobey you in any righteous thing, then you should accept their pledge of allegiance and pray to God to forgive them: God is most forgiving and merciful.’ (60:13)

 

‘Those who pledge loyalty to you [Prophet] are actually pledging loyalty to God Himself– God’s hand is placed on theirs––and anyone who breaks his pledge does so to his own detriment: God will give a great reward to the one who fulfils his pledge to Him.’ (48:11)

Water: A Divine Sign

‘Did We not make the earth a home for the living and the dead? Did We not place firm, lofty mountains on it and provide you with sweet water?’ (77: 26-28)

 

‘Do they not see the sky above them––how We have built and adorned it, with no rifts in it; how We spread out the earth and put solid mountains on it, and caused every kind of joyous plant to grow in it, as a lesson and reminder for every servant who turns to God; and how We send blessed water down from the sky and grow with it gardens, the harvest grain, and tall palm trees laden with clusters of dates, as a provision for everyone; how with water We give [new] life to a land that is dead? This is how the dead will emerge [from their graves].’ (50: 7-12)

 

‘It is He who sends the winds as heralds of good news before His Mercy. We send down pure water from the sky, so that We can revive a dead land with it, and We give it as a drink to many animals and people We have created.’ [25: 49-50]

 

Say, ‘Just think: if all your water were to sink deep into the earth who could give you flowing water in its place?’ (67: 31)

States of the Human Soul: A Reply

 

Recently, a Muslim lady named Shameenaz (from Mauritius) sent an important question for spiritual guidance to Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba). Explaining the circumstances that led her to approaching Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) with this question, the lady observed that other religious leaders of the various Muslim Jamaats to whom she had sent the question did not provide a spiritually-convincing response to this vital issue. She writes: ‘Imam Sahib, I want to know the three stages of development of the human soul [according to the Holy Quran].’

Faith and the World

 

A believer needs to be mindful of God, and he should adopt righteousness and fear of God in all his pursuits in this world. Those who give preference to the Faith over their worldly concerns, they are never wasted; indeed they attract Divine grace and mercy in their life circumstances, Insha Allah. 

Several verses in the Holy Qur’an points out that Divine succour and help follow those believers who trust in God:   

‘Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should heed this: God will find a way out for those who are mindful of Him, and will provide for them from an unexpected source; God will be enough for those who put their trust in Him. God achieves His purpose; God has set a due measure for everything.’ (65: 3-4)

 ‘You who believe! If you help God, He will help you and make you stand firm’ (47:8) 

‘God is sure to help those who help His cause– God is strong and mighty– those who, when We establish them in the land, keep up the prayer, pay the prescribed alms, command what is right, and forbid what is wrong: God controls the outcome of all events.’ (22:41-42)  

‘Salat-al-Kasuf’: Prayer of Eclipse

 

'…He created the sun, moon, and stars to be subservient to His command; all creation and command belong to Him. Exalted be God, Lord of all the worlds!’ (7:55)

‘It is He who created night and day, the sun and the moon, each floating in its orbit.’ (21:34)

The sun and the moon follow their calculated courses’. (55:6)

'The night, the day, the sun, the moon, are only a few of His signs. Do not bow down in worship to the sun or the moon, but bow down to God who created them, if it is truly Him that you worship.’—(41:38)

'The sun and the moon are two signs of the Almighty. Solar and lunar eclipses do not occur because of the life or death of someone; in fact, the Almighty warns His people through such phenomena. So, when you see them, beseech the Almighty, celebrate His sovereignty, offer the prayer and spend in His way’. 

---Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)

Recently a Muslim brother from India contacted Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Siddique Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius requesting guidance on Islamic prayer to be offered in times of solar or lunar eclipses. We are reproducing below the clear guidance given by Hazrat Saheb (aba) on the occasion for the benefit of all truth seekers in relation to the religious prayer to be offered in times of solar or lunar eclipse:

'Ramadan Mubarak!'

 

Ramadan & Its Light

'Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction. So whoever is present this month, let him fast.' (Quran 2: 186)

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, with my recent trip to India, I thank my Lord for allowing me to meet my sincere disciples and make our programs with His blessings and graces. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this trip a memorable one.

 

With Shabaan drawing to a close, and the most blessed of Ramadan coming, it is the duty of every believer who is healthy to fast as per the commandment of Allah.

Khalifatullah’s India Visit 2024

                                  

Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, accompanied by Hazrat Ummul Mu’mineen Sayyedah Nazirah Beebi Saheba and Sahebzada Abdul Muhaymine, completed a historic visit to India between 05 February and 07 March 2024, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.

At the Chennai Airport, devout disciples of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat under the leadership of  Hazrat Amir Mukarram Saleem Saheb, and senior Kerala Jamaat member Janab Saleem Saheb of Alappuzha, and our brothers Alauddin Saheb, Saddam Hussein Saheb and Ansari Saheb of Coimbatore, and Khwajah Muhyiuddin Saheb of Chennai received the holy Imam (aba) and dignitaries on arrival.  During his month-long stay in the country, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) and family visited members of the Jamaat in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, bringing so much spiritual joy and happiness to disciples and followers in India, Masha Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allah-u-Akbar! 

In Kerala, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) and family stayed at the historic Noor’ul Islam Masjid Complex at Mathra for a few days during the visit. In Tamil Nadu, Hazrat Saheb (aba) visited disciples and followers in Coimbatore, and also stayed at the historic Sirajum Munir Masjid for a few days. Members of the Jamaat from different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu flocked to the Masjids during those days to meet with Hazrat Saheb (aba) and to learn from his inspirational spiritual presence in their midst.

Qur'an, Prayer and Healing

 

‘He who cures me when I am ill’ (26:81)

‘He will heal the believers’ feelings’. (9:14)

Several verses testify to the fact that the Quran is a mercy to those who are receptive to its message. It's teachings act as a cure for various ailments of the heart, including ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy, rancour, hatred, and enmity. For a true believer, the Book of God enables one to acquire virtue and perfection of character, adorning him/her with the gifts of knowledge and wisdom. Indeed, those who seek cure from the Qur’an, it is God Who will cure them: 

‘People, a teaching from your Lord has come to you, a healing for what is in [your] hearts, and guidance and mercy for the believers.’ (10:58)

 

‘We send down the Quran as a healing and mercy for the believers’. (17:82)

 

‘Say, ‘It is guidance and healing for those who have faith’. (41:45) 

Poem: ‘Supplication to Allah’

 

O You, for Whom I would sacrifice my life,

My heart, and every particle of my being!

With Your mercy, open for me

All the paths to recognizing You.

 

The philosopher who seeks You

Through reason, is insane;

The hidden path that leads to You

Lies far from reason’s domain.

 

None of them ever found

Your Holy Abode;

Only through Your limitless Grace

Has anyone ever found the Road.