Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Ramadan Days: Rules of Conduct


O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqara 2: 184).

In Islam, the fasting of the holy month of Ramadan has been ordained for the believers to completely adhere themselves to God Almighty and to revive each parcel of faith, love, kindness and humanity which resides in the profoundness of their selves. Ramadan comes as a motivator, a catalyst for the steadfast servant of God, to propel him to follow the divine commandments and change his life and habits to reflect that of a true Muslim.

If God Almighty has ordained fasting for all humanity and for all faiths since the dawn of time, it is most certainly for their own benefit. In Islam, God has perfected the practice of fasting and established it for an obligatory one month period to incite all healthy Muslim believers to leave behind all negativities of their lives and to start afresh, giving them the necessary guidelines through the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)).

FASTING & TRAVELLING

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “(Fasting is) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.” (Al-Baqara 2: 185).

Indeed our Almighty Allah has our goodwill in mind. For the travellers such as for someone taking a short or long flight [or travelling long distances by train etc.], they have the option to pay the Fidya if they are not able to fast, due to their health problems and the inconvenience that travel may bring. But, if they feel completely able (completely healthy) to fast even in these situations, they may fast.

Now what do we understand by ‘FIDYA’? It is a religious obligation for every Muslim who has reached puberty and is unable to fast for the required number of days and who is also unable to make up for the missed fast.

The Fidya or compensation for missed fasts is important for people who for very valid reasons cannot observe the fasting of Ramadan. It represents the value of the same type of meal you consume. For example, for each day of fasting missed, an equivalent of Rs. 100 (Mauritian rupees) – or the value of meals for a day (at least 2 meals a day) – should be given to the poor. The latter will then be able to buy adequate food to observe the fast.

Do not confuse Fidya and Fitra. The Fitra is a one-time payment – for one day only – that you make and that is based on the same value and quality of food that you consume. The Fitra is payable only once on each head. It is obligatory for everyone, even for the baby who has just been born. It is even obligatory for this poor Muslim believer who is fasting. You fast or not (even if you are travelling, sick, students, pregnant women, etc.), the Fitra is mandatory. It is not the same as Fidya which represents compensation for the missed day/s of fasting.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Sri Lanka: Easter Day Bombings


Sublime Islamic teachings prohibit wanton attacks against civilians; transgression on the rights of others and the destruction of their properties. If 'enemy' is to be engaged in a war by the Muslims, the Shariah rules of military necessity, proportionality, reduction of unjust suffering on those who do not participate in the hostilities- women; children; wounded soldiers; prisoners of war, humanitarian relief agencies, etc need to be respected and provided for. Hence, wanton killings of defenceless people going about their daily lives can never be allowed to be glorified as Islamic Jihad. Indeed, such terrorism cuts at the roots of all Islamic ethics and teachings on social solidarity with other communities and the need for respecting the sanctity of their essential rights under Islamic Law.   

It is instructive to note that in a recent series of Friday Sermons, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius spoke profoundly on issues of terrorism in society, especially as it contrasts with the ideals of Islam and the murky realities of our times wherein terrorism is also being practiced by groups operating in the name of the Muslims. One of the themes that Hadhrat Saheb (atba) took up for clinical examination in this context was the role of the "zealous idiots"- people who claim to profess Islam; yet know nothing about its roots and branches and who bring disrepute to the religion (Islam) through self-serving interpretations and thereby inflict much harm on society through their deviant practices. Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) exemplified this point with reference to the practice of 'Jihad' as 'holy war' by sections of Muslim youths (fighting their secular 'battles'  in their societies), with no regard for either text or context, nor even the subtext of ethical Islamic teachings. 

In multicultural democracies where different faiths bloom in full freedom and liberty, the rupturing of the social fabric through horrific violence can have profoundly negative consequences for all- especially the (Muslim) minorities in the land. Indeed, brainwashed and radicalized Muslim youths displaying sectarian bigotry or communal prejudice and indulging in killing of innocents need to be opposed and resisted by devout Muslims themselves. After all, standing up for justice and enjoining good and forbidding evil is a duty we owe to God and our fellow beings- Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  

In his Friday Sermon of 26 April 2019~ 19 Shabaan 1440 AH Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) spoke about the dire state of the world. The excesses of the humans are putting a question mark over the very survival of our earth as a unique living space in our universe. On so many different levels, the signs around us are such that it is as though the world has turned upside down. The rising tide of mindless violence and terror across nations is such a sign as well. Speaking also against the backdrop of the recent, horrendous terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka that killed hundreds of people on Easter Sunday, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) wholeheartedly condemned the mindless killings. 

Saturday, February 23, 2019

The Dangers in Digital Space

The Youth of the Ummah in Peril- II


More than ever before, our times are bearing witness to phenomenal changes in technological innovations and human lives are increasingly organized around smartphones and other technology-based instruments. Thanks to the convergence of communication technologies and the consequent emergence of social media platforms in cyber-space, virtual interactions with people anywhere is easily feasible in our globalized world. Certainly, advanced technologies are vital enablers and a force-multiplier for doing good, allowing individuals and nations to come together on common platforms to discuss specific concerns and to share best practices for addressing challenges. At the same time, we need to be critically-aware of the negative side effects- the many dangers and harmful impacts lurking behind the unprecedented ‘opening-up’ made possible by the new mediums of the digital space, especially for the young people.  

In his Friday Sermon of 22 February 2019~17 Jamadi’ul Aakhir 1440 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius continues the theme of the perils affecting modern-day youth in our societies. Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) warns against the increasingly unabashed pursuit of synthetic happiness- be it in drugs and other deadly cocktails by the youth in our times, and points to the critical need for comprehensive intervention at various levels by the social stakeholders to ensure that our deeply-vulnerable young people are weaned-away from fatal attractions and dangerous choices in their lives, with profound consequences for families and societies as well.

Likewise, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) alludes to the many dangers of the new "addictions" of the youth, represented by their 'trendy gadgets', and the virtual access to social media platforms. The extraordinary reach of the new mediums to capture our emotions, thoughts as well as other inanities through photos, videos and other forms of self- expressions, coupled with the temptations of the young to share it all with both friends and complete strangers can have profoundly negative implications for our emotional happiness, psychological well-being and mental health, especially for the people who are  virtually "addicted" to these devices. As the communication devices are 'neutral' enablers, the danger of criminality and immorality are ever-present, and as such, the new challenges of ubiquitous access requires careful handling, and the prudent deployment of vital ethical teachings on decent engagements and appropriate behaviour. The task ahead for the social actors is to ensure that the youth are constantly-educated and enabled to deal with the challenges and pitfalls of the new platforms so that they may only exploit their true potential in the most appropriate and creative ways for their own progress and the social common good, points out Hadhrat Saheb (atba). 

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

By the grace of Allah, I continue today the second part of my sermon on “The Youth of the Ummah in Peril”. Last Friday I told you how young people also have a mission to accomplish. The youth are our future, and they must be protected from the harmful effects of globalisation. The Islamic faith of the youth of our Ummah must be protected and safeguarded. 

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

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.

Monday, January 14, 2019

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.

Monday, January 7, 2019

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 valuesPointing 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?

Sunday, December 30, 2018

'Faith Entails Trials in Your Way'


Faith & the Strong Believer

Dear brothers, sisters and children, for today’s Friday Sermon (Khutba Jumu’ah), it is very important that I talk to you about faith (Iman) and Islam and the difference between a weak believer and a strong believer.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Say, ‘You have not (yet) believed; but say (instead), ‘We have submitted,’ (We are Muslims) for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything’.” (Al-Hujurat 49: 15).

Indeed, Iman (faith) is the confession/ attestation (by the tongue) and acting (according to one’s responsibility) and Islam is confession (by the tongue) without acting.

It should be remembered that those who integrate the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam as Muslims and say that they believe in my advent as the Khalifatullah of the age need to make extra efforts to perfect their Islam and put this Islam into practice in their daily lives. Through the practice of Islam in your daily lives, true faith shall enter your hearts, and no doubt whatsoever, can come into those hearts to deviate you from the right path.


Very often, a Muslim – and I am specifically talking about my followers, the Sahih al Islam members – can feel that he is trying to do all the right things in his life so as to come close to Allah, and despite his various efforts, he is not able to succeed in his efforts and therefore he despairs of the mercy of Allah. He feels abandoned, and thus, he abandons his Salat (prayers) and all acts of worship due to his insecurity and doubts. Now, this is very wrong. This person should bear in mind that acquiring true faith is not an easy matter. He has to go through lots of trials, lots of fires, i.e. difficulties, so that his mettle, his capacities as a true Muslim and believer, and his faith in Allah may be victorious.

Remember, Allah always gives more trials and difficulties to those whom He loves the most. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) has said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” (Muslim).

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Serving Islam: Bai'at & Our Tasks


Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Kerala (India) organized its Eighth Jalsa Salana at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid at Mathra on Sunday, 9th December 2018. As noted in an earlier post, the Jalsa this year was special for all its participants, including for the large delegation of brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu, with the august presence of Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius among them. While Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in his opening Speech elaborated on the significance of an annual spiritual congregation of brothers; in the concluding Speech, Hazrat Saheb (atba) called attention to important organizational tasks ahead for the brothers to keep in mind to act upon. 


Bai'at at the hands of an Elect of God is nothing less than a covenant with Allah and it entails grave responsibilities on those who choose to strive in the sublime path of seeking proximity to the Divine presence. The social dimension of the worship of the Divine is to reach out to people so that they may also come to be aware of the great blessings on offer in the life to come, and also the felicity that God promises to those who strive in His path in their worldly life as well. Progressing forward as a community requires brotherhood, solidarity, sustained engagement and generous support for collective objectives. Each person can and should make contributions, including  financial sacrifices so as to leverage our collective capacity to reach out with the Divine Message to as many people as possible through the diverse projects identified by the Divine Elect (atba) of our times. 


Marking the culmination of the Jalsa Salana Programme, a collective Bai’at Programme was also organized for the benefit of all members present on the occasion; with all brothers gaining an opportunity to take the Bai'at at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba), Alhamdulillah. Hence, the Noor'ul Islam Masjid, Mathra once again became the venue of this historic event: Hadhrat Saheb (atba) explained the conditions of Bai’at and procedural stipulations therein and following this, everyone placed their hands on the hand of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) and pledged their help and assistance to the Divine Manifestation of this era in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba), Summa Alhamdulillah.

Read the Closing Speech of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) below: 

My dear disciples,
Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

By the grace of Allah, Allah has chosen you in this era for a great work in the Grand Divine Plan. This Divine Plan consists of the revival of Islam, our religion. Many people have asked, ‘Why, if he says that He comes from Allah, must he operate under the name of a Jamaat. Why another Jamaat?’

To all those who have the same lines of thought I would like to say that first of all as Muslims, this humble self as well as all my disciples’ religion is truly ISLAM. Now, ISLAM as a religion is not an entity which can be used for one to register himself officially, especially in a non-Islamic country so that he can operate and construct buildings and preach the religion of Allah without any fear. As such Allah saw the need to elevate His Khalifatullah with a Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam so that we, His chosen servants can work effectively in a modern-day system which does not consider ISLAM as the prime and foremost religion of the people and society in general.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

'Become Models of Islamic Piety'


During the recently concluded tour of South India, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius addressed the women believers at the Noor'ul Islam Masjid at Mathra on the occasion of their Ijtema on 05 December 2018 (27 Rabi’ul Awwal 1440 AH). In this spiritual discourse, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) encourages women believers of the Divine Manifestation to recognize their important role in the transmission of the Divine messages of our times both within their family circles and beyond. While being models of piety in individual and collective lives, the believers need to appreciate the roles and responsibilities that go with their terrain and be ready to participate- based on their respective capabilities and specific skills- with sincerity and steadfastness in the larger causes of the Jamaat at all levels, exhorts Hadhrat Saheb (atba).    

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.

By the grace of Allah, Allah has enabled this humble self to come to Kerala again this year, after nearly two years now since January of the year 2017. And Alhamdulillah, I am here present today for your special Ijtema to address you few words of encouragement in the path of Allah.

You should know that working for the cause of Allah reaps the sweetest of fruits, be it in this world and the hereafter. As women of the Divine Manifestation of this age, it is your duty to see to it that other women also get the divine message. It is my prayer that Allah gives you the power of tongue, whilst being in Pardah and in a cultured manner to represent Islam in the best way vis-à-vis other ladies, be it of Islam and the various religions.

Today, you are the fortunate ones whom Allah has guided to accept His truth, to recognize His signs and Khalifatullah. Now, you should not neglect your duties to Allah and the Messenger of Allah. You should strive in the various fields of works, like Dawa/ Tabligh and the translations of the documents of the Jamaat, as available in our website. Alhamdulillah, you take good care of your homes – husbands, parents, children and other family members, but how beautiful it would be if all those with the necessary knowledge, contribute in translation works also, especially the Commentary of the Holy Quran inspired to this humble self in your local language, i.e. Malayalam, and Insha-Allah, other local languages of India.

As a spiritual father to you all, it is my duty to motivate you to work selflessly for the cause of Allah. Working for the Deen-e-Islam is indeed a great blessing which few receive or take the step forward to hold firm to. Those who receive the blessings of working for the cause of Allah are indeed fortunate because their sacrifices and dedication shall NEVER be in vain. Allah will illumine them and show them the right path and bring them close to Him.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

A 'Waliullah' In Our Times



In the Friday Sermon of 23 November 2018 (14 Rabi’ul Awwal 1440 AH) delivered at Tenkasi during his recently concluded tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala (South India); Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius provides an illuminating discourse on the concept of Waliullah in the Islamic spiritual tradition. 

All through history, the world of Islam witnessed the appearance of several great savants; Divinely-imbued souls as the Pole Stars of the Religion and the Way; the Luminous Moons of the Faith- people whom devout Muslims over the millennium revere as no less than the spiritual heirs of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). These perfect followers of the Holy Prophet (sa) had been blessed with the direct descent of Divine Knowledge, Divine Revelations, and Divine Words on their persons, and their supplications were almost always accepted. Indeed, such followers of the Muhammadan Light in the Spiritual Path, imbued as they are with divine qualities; they aspire to cultivate a direct relationship with one’s Maker and live secluded behind the curtain of Divine intimacy. Like the Qur’an says: “Verily, My Protecting Friend is Allah, Who has revealed this perfect Book and He takes into (His) protection all the righteous.” (7:197) 

A Hadith-e-Qudusi recorded in Sahih Al Bukhari reads as follows: “My servant keeps drawing nearer to Me with voluntary works until I love him. And once I love him, I become his hearing, with which he hears, his sight, with which he sees, his hand, with which he seizes, and his foot, with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give to him, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him.” 

Those individuals with whom Allah converses more directly and frequently than with other believers belong to the class of Friends of Allah (Auliya). In the spiritual terminology, such persons are described under different ranks and stations- Wali, Muhaddith, Mujaddid, etc. - all of whom receive their light from the Divine Light and thereby revive the knowledge, wisdom and blessings of the Prophets and Messengers of the previous era. The Light of Allah emanating from theses spiritual lamps illuminate the path of the Divine seekers in Islam.



The present discourse by Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) is indeed an important reminder to all Ahmadis- people who revere the legacy of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian- about the forgotten teachings of the Promised Massih (as) regarding the spiritual phenomenon of Wilayat, and the continued vitality of these teachings in every era till the Day of Judgement. Drawing specifically from the Divine revelations and additional explanations given by the Promised Massih (as) in the previous era, especially in his Revealed Sermon- Khutba Ilhaamiya; and also the Divine revelations that were vouchsafed to his humble self in the last two decades, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) points to the significance of the advent of a 'Waliullah'- a special Friend of God, who speaks with the help of Roohul Qudus to illuminate the reasoning and intelligence of people in the appreciation of subtle and profound matters of Divine knowledge and to guide them in the Spiritual Way in our bewildering times.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Reframing Ahmadiyya Doctrines


The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, founded by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian in the last century in India, is one of the most dynamic missionary movements in the world today. Despite persecutions in Pakistan and some other Muslim-majority states, the community continues to prosper around the world with its peaceful propagation of Islam. While upholding that Divine revelations descending on God’s chosen servants is a special blessing and an enduring spiritual reality in every era of Islam till the last century, the community leadership now preaches the pious facade of Ahmadiyya Khilafat as the Divinely- endowed institutional order of Islam and rejects the descent of Divine revelations on grounds of expediency and ‘institutional’ discipline

Against the backdrop of most common Ahmadis today being ignorant of the theological engineering and interpretative understandings that gave birth to, and continue to sustain the pious facade of ‘Ahmadiyya Khilafat’; last month, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International published a new book, ‘Khalifatullah’: Reframing Ahmadiyya Doctrines. 

The Book is a compilation of 15 Sermons made by Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb of Mauritius over the last 15 years. Since the turn of the present century 2000-01 when this devout Ahmadi Muslim announced that he has a Divinely-inspired mission to revive the original teachings of Islam as taught in the last century by the founder of the Ahmadiyya community Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, the Discourses provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich, inner world of Islamic spirituality and thereby reframes the current Ahmadi doctrines that perpetuate mythical beliefs around the infallibility of the elected community leader- the Khalifatul Massih. The book argues that the system of Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has incrementally corroded the very idea of Divinely-revealed guidance as irrelevant in this era, posing a “threat” (Fitna) to the institutional order of the community. In reframing the Ahmadiyya doctrines such as Qudrat-e-Saniah, ‘Islamic Khilafat’ etc, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) helps to richly contextualize the role of Ahmadiyyat within the wider and larger framework of Islamic spirituality.

Reproduced below are Extracts from the Introduction to the Book:

Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba), the Founding Head of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen, Mauritius and the Supreme Head of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International belongs to, and lives in, the Indian Ocean- island State of Mauritius. Hadhrat Saheb (atba) is a born-soldier of Islam, having had with him from a relatively very young age of his blessed life, an abiding interest in religious matters and an intuitive understanding of effective preaching and an exceptional drive to spread further and further the true message of Islam for all of humanity.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

The Death of a Scheming Enemy




Every soul shall taste death. (Al-Imran 3 : 186).
Today is a public Holiday as it is All Saints Day; in other words such a day in the life of a Christian where he commemorates the Saints and also the dead in general. And it is not a coincidence that Allah has guided me to deliver this sermon today (a sermon which I prepared beforehand and which applies exactly for today).

The world we live in is only ephemeral. One day or another, death will overtake us. We must then leave behind all our wealth, families, and friends. The only luggage we will bring with us is our actions and the intentions behind these actions.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said that there are three things that accompany a deceased to his grave: his family, his riches, and his actions. Of these three things, two come back, his family and his wealth. Only his actions accompany him. (Bukhari, Muslim).

On 02 July 2000, I received from Allah this revelation in poetic form (in French) on the subject of death: Death is your Last Journey/ Travel”.

Death is a journey,
So get ready,
No need for luggage,
Or yes, take with you:
Your pious actions, the love of Allah
Destination: the afterlife
Death is your last journey.”

In this extract, Allah mainly mentions the spiritual baggage of the believer, where he shall arm himself with his good deeds, his pious actions and his love for Allah. The pious will be very lucky. His obedience to Allah and His Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and to the Messenger of His epoch - if his epoch was the time when Allah sent a Messenger and Reformer to revive Islam, like in this present era - will be like a fiery light for him, which shall illuminate his way. His path to the afterlife will be easy compared with the unbeliever or the hypocrite who had during his stay on earth ignored Allah and His commandments.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Why Follow A Mujaddid-II



"He who dies without having a pledge of allegiance (to the Imam/Khalifah) on his neck, dies the death of Jahilliyah."-- Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)

'Allah’s Messenger (sa) said three times: May Allah’s mercy be upon my Caliphs.  The Companions said: ‘And who are your Caliphs, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said: ‘Those who revive my Sunna and teach it to the people!’" (According to al-Hasan bin ‘Ali (ra): Ibn ‘Asakir in Tarikh Dimashq al-Kabir, 51/61)

"The obligation of appointing an Imam (Khalifah) is from the necessities of the Shari'ah that simply cannot be left." - Imam Al-Ghazzali

It is regrettable that most Muslims today are simply unaware of the deep verities of the Faith they otherwise claim to profess and even practice. People in their ignorance and stupidity usually remain satisfied with what they are habitually familiar with- inherited family traditions, ritual practices and the tales of dead and gone Divine savants in their communities. So much so that by their sheer negligence of profound teachings - especially those pertaining to the advent of Divinely-imbued souls to guide the Ummah in every era of Islam-, the folks do not recognize what they are missing out in experiential spirituality or the rich inner life that the Islamic Way promises to the Divine-seekers.  

Against this indifference of contemporary peoples stand the rich record of the past. Indeed through the millennium and more of Islamic history, the Divinely-raised Mujaddidin had left their imprints on Islamic spirituality in every era. As Shah Waliullah Dehlawi (ra) noted in one of his books: "A Mujadid appears at the end of every century, the Mujadid of the 1st century was Umar bin Abdul Aziz for establishing justice. The Mujadid of the 2nd century was Imam Shafi for explaining the Aqa’id and Fiqh. The Mujadid of the 3rd century was Abu Hasan al Ashari for formulating the sciences of Ahl us Sunnah and refuting the innovators. The Mujadid of the 4th century was Imam al Hakim and Al Baihaqi for laying the foundations in Hadith sciences and Abu Hamid Isfara’ini for spreading Ilm of Fiqh. In the 5th century was Imam Ghazzali for opening new paths in Fiqh, Kalaam and Tasawwuf. In the 6th century was Fakhr ud-Din Razi for spreading knowledge of Kalaam while Nawawi spread knowledge of Fiqh.” [Shah Walliullah in his Izalat al-Khafa]

Like many saints of Islam in the past, in the previous century, the Promised Massih and Mahdi Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian also offered layers of spiritual and logical explanations to ‘normalize’ the phenomenon of Divine Manifestations among the Muslim believers. Through his comprehensive and all pervading engagement with the spiritual doctrine in all its settings, the Promised Massih (as) has left behind an extraordinary range of explanations emphasizing the need for recognizing an Elect of God whenever such a person announces his spiritual mission of renewal of the Faith. The Promised Massih (as) noted that Allah (swt) maintained the institution of Reformers (Mujaddidin) after the Seal of the Prophets, because along with their own practical example, these personages command a spiritual attraction and influence, and virtue of the highest degree could be observed in their persons-  a path of spirituality that any thoughtful person would inherently find appealing. 

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Du'ah: Role in Spiritual Life- II


Du'ah: The Instrumental Role

Alhamdulillah, Allah has given me the opportunity to continue the second part of my sermon on Duahs which I started on Friday 07 September 2018.

The duah (i.e. in this context, Invocation to Allah) is a way to obtain from Allah the Exalted One the prerogative (exclusive right, i.e. in a most humble way) that He hears and satisfies our needs in the broadest sense of the word. It is therefore a factor that can affect even our fate and change our destiny. Surely, Allah the Exalted is always “closer to man than the vein of his neck (jugular vein) as He explains in a Qur’anic verse (Qaf 50: 17).

Monday, September 24, 2018

Beliefs and Practices in Shi‘a Islam


The Shi'a belief on 'Imamat'

The Shiites believe that after the death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and this till the end of the world, Allah has nominated twelve Imams. According to them, those twelve Imams had been nominated by Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The first Imam according to them is Ali (ra), the second one, his son, Imam Hassan, the third one Imam Hussein and the rest of the nine Imams being found in their bloodline.

From the first Imam (i.e. Ali) till the eleventh Imam (Hassan Askari), all died a natural death like the rest of mankind. As for the twelfth Imam, the son of Hassan Askari, he mysteriously disappeared in this youth and went into hiding in a cave. Now till the end of the world, according to the Shiites, he alone has the exclusive right to reign upon the world. The belief in Imamat is obligatory (Farz) for a Shiite and the one who does not believe in it shall see himself being rewarded hell as resting place. In one of their books, Al-Kafila there is the mention that if the earth (i.e. the world) remain without an Imam, it shall sink. Still according to this book, the (Shiites) Imams are selected by Allah just like Allah chose the prophets.

The Origin of the Sect

Shia in itself is not a religion; it is a sect in Islam. After the martyrdom of Hazrat Umar (ra) and during the caliphate of Hazrat Uthman (ra), Islam propagated in several countries outside Arabia, such as Persia, etc. Many people accepted Islam at that time. Many entered the fold of Islam sincerely while many others entered therein hypocritically.