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.    

'Eid-ul-Fitr' Sermon 2024

 

Eid-ul-Fitr, its Traditions & The Steps forward to Allah

EID-UL-FITR, a day of rejoicing, celebration, visits to relatives and neighbours is among us again. On this blessed day, not only adults are happy but children are also enthusiastic in their beautiful ornaments specially made or purchased for Eid. They are excited to meet their friends and close relatives and receive their gift today: Eiddi - a tradition that is still maintained among Muslim families. Beforehand, there is the major cleaning of the house, the changing of the curtains, and the purchase of various ingredients to prepare the traditional Eid lunch, especially in the Mauritian context, the Briani. As it is mentioned in the collection of Hadiths by Imam Bukhari: “And on this day one must be joyful, share his meal and his time with the family.”

 

This is legitimate because after having fasted during the month of Ramadan for the Pleasure of Allah, our Creator, He offers us – to us, Muslims – this gift. It is a gift He gave us with the advent of His beloved prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and the command to fast the month of Ramadan.

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.

'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.

'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.

Celebrating 'Eid-ul-Fitr' 2023

 

Alhamdulillah, the fasting month of Ramadan this year, by the immense grace and favours of Allah (swt), turned out to be an exceptional time for devotees of Allah in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International:  very many signs of Divine pleasure and satisfaction, and related/associated visions and dreams of fine quality and substance were vouchsafed to many humble and sincere members of the Jamaat, Masha Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allah-u-Akbar!

While Islamic teachings promise the special descent of ‘Laila-tul-Qadr’ in the last 10 days of the fasting month, the rank and file of the Jamaat had the great favour of witnessing to a number of interesting Divine Signs during this period- for instance, just like in the times of the Promised Messiah (as), red drops became visible in the copybook of the Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah (aba) of this era: out of nowhere, it suddenly appeared like a Divine attestation on the incredible efforts and profound service of Hazrat Saheb (aba) in making Qur’an accessible to a larger audience around the world in these complex and challenging times, Allahumma Allah-u-Akbar!

Against the backdrop of these mystical visions and experiences and related Divine Signs in the holy month of Ramadan, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr this year with members of the Jamaat-men, women, boys and girls- converging together at Mosques and other prayer centers in various parts of the world, including Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Dubai, Delhi, Sirajum Munir Masjid at VK Puram (Tamil Nadu), and the Noor’ul Islam Masjid at Mathra (Kerala), Summa Alhamdulillah. 

Ramadan: Dreams and Visions- I

 

Ramadan is a special month in the devotional calendar of the Muslim. This month of fasting is characterized by an atmosphere of spiritual contemplations, special invocations and other supererogatory acts of worship and remembrance of God whereby the Muslim seeks nearness to his/her Lord. Members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in India have reported several pure dreams and pious visions of a mystical nature that clearly points to Divine Light and Pleasure on the Jamaat of Allah (twt) in this blessed month of Ramadan, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.  

 

Reproduced below is a remarkable description of certain mystical experiences that took place on Saturday, 01 April 2023 & again, on Sunday 02 April 2023 after 9 pm during Taraweeh prayer- reported by our dear brother Muhammad Sabir Saheb of Palakkad (Kerala) on behalf of his pious and humble wife, Mubeena Sabir Saheba:

'Laila-tul-Qadr': The Night of Decree

  

For today’s Friday Sermon, the penultimate Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, the theme I have chosen is on the Laila-tul-Qadr, as well as the Duah that our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) has taught us on this occasion.

He taught this Duah to his wife Aisha (ra) so that she and the entire Ummah could take advantage of this illustrious night in divine forgiveness, and thus imitate him in the accomplishment of this great Duah. The Duah is as follows: “Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’ fu anni.” The translation of this Duah is as follows: O Allah, You are Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.

 

So, let us see the words that our beloved Prophet (pbuh) used to beg forgiveness from Allah, and that according to him is the greatest Duah that one can recite during the duration of this blessed night.

'Observe Ramadan Properly'

 

In his Friday Sermon of 31 March 2023~ 08 Ramadan 1444 AH, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius spoke about the significance of fasting in devotional life. True observance of the spirit of fasting is God-consciousness. Great rewards of Divine approval and pleasure is attached to fasting performed with correct etiquettes of being. Believers ought to be keeping away from all impurities and evil impulses promoted by Satanic temptations. If fasting is not accompanied by refinement in personal conduct and behaviour, it has no value in the eyes of God. Hence, each of us needs to be aware of the ways and means deployed by Satan to deviate people from the path of purity, cautions Hazrat Saheb (aba).

 

With the ubiquitous reach of digital gadgets facilitating free flow of all content- good and bad; social morals and ethical values are increasingly under threat in our times. When immorality is allowed free reign in a society, it directly affects the vulnerable young population, corrupting their sense of judgement, and propriety, decency and related behavioural standards. Comprehensive action against the spread of immorality is required by all right-thinking people belonging to all communities and religions coming together for the common good, exhorts Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) in this discourse. Moreover, Hazrat Saheb (aba) also speaks about the vital role of water, illustrating the ways in which this precious resource can help us in leading a healthy life.  

Read the Friday Sermon Below:

Ramadan: A Gift

 

A Gift in Bliss and Misfortune

Whether a Muslim is happy or sad, in trials or bliss, God Almighty, lovingly called by His personal name: ALLAH (The One without any partner) in Islam, is sure to bring him out of this state, on and off to make him realise that without Him, he is powerless, without Him no true happiness can be reached.

Allah says twice in Chapter Ash-Sharh of the Holy Quran: “So truly where there is hardship there is also ease; truly where there is hardship there is also ease.”

The blessed month of Ramadan is one such gift, one such ease, one such month when the true believer gets to live peace in both his spiritual and worldly lives. This month comes once a year, but the sincere one yearns it so much, that is, that opportunity to have his sins forgiven, to get the pleasure and approbation of Allah, and finally to accede to Allah Himself through his selfless sacrifice. Such a believer is a model among the believers. Such a believer follows in the footsteps of his beloved prophet and mentor, the Honourable Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (pbuh).

'Sacrifice for a better World'

  

By the immense grace of Allah, we have reached the month of Shawwal after 29 or 30 days of fasting and sacrifices in the month of Ramadan.

 

If Ramadan was a training for all believers to control and devote themselves more and more in the acts of worship to seek the forgiveness of our Lord and the opportunities to please Him, then Shawwal is that month during which the believers are to maintain that promise they made to Allah in that which they will remain steadfast in His path and walk the way of humility, simplicity and hold high the place of sacrifice in their lives for the sake of Allah.

 

We, Muslims have the foremost duty to be true to our Islam and Ramadan taught this to us and granted us the time and opportunity to do so. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

 

Allah has promised those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, that for them there is forgiveness and a great reward. [Al-Maida, 5: 10]

 

If the Eid was a reward for you, unfortunately not all Muslims around the world get the opportunity to receive the Eid that you receive. So you should be thankful to Allah and strive with your selves and all means that you have to help change the world into a better one.

Ramadan Days in the Jamaat

 

As the world of Islam observes the spirit of fasting in this holy month of Ramadan, the brothers, sisters and children of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in India and elsewhere are maximizing spiritual blessings through engaging in various forms of worshipful remembrance of God such as Zikr, Tilawat-ul-Qur’an, Dars-ul-Qur’an/Dars-ul-Hadith in this fasting period, Alhamdulillah. 

Along with fasting and diligent observance of Divine supplications at individual and collective levels, the Jamaat members in Tamil Nadu, in Kerala, in Delhi have also been socially engaged, with visiting and spending time with people facing various misfortunes, hardships and ill health, offering them possible help and sustenance amidst the great trials of life that engulf them in their economic, social and personal conditions. 

In seeking to share and spread the light of Divine Love through compassionate outreach programmes, these brothers and sisters are bearing witness as it were, in their own ways, to the ideals of Islam as taught by the Holy Prophet (sa) and his high representative, the Imam Al Muslemeen, Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb of Mauritius in this era, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.  

'Ibadat' in 'Laylatul Qadr'

   

'In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. Surely We revealed it [i.e. the Quran] on the Laylatul Qadr [the Night of Destiny, The Blessed Night & filled with virtues]; And what will make you understand what the Laylatul Qadr is? The Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by the permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is [They spread peace] until the emergence of dawn.' (Al-Qadr 97: 1-6).

In the general context, the Laylatul Qadr refers to the odd night of the last ten days of Ramadan, such a night when the angels and Hazrat Jibreel (as) descend and send Salaam until sunrise on the Muslims who do the Ibadat of Allah. 

In a Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) related [to his companions] about a pious man [a Wali] from among the people of Israel,  (ra) who used to spend his nights in the worship of Allah and his days in Jihad in the way of Allah. And he lived a thousand months of his life in this way. 

When the companions [Sahaba] heard this, they were saddened, thinking that they cannot match that person in terms of worship (of Allah). To encourage them, Almighty Allah revealed the Surah Al-Qadr, specifying that if the Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) worship Allah during this blessed night, their Ibadat will be better than a thousand months of Ibadat.

Ramadan & Fasting- 1

 

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil). (Al-Baqara 2: 184)

 

Before I begin, I wish all my brothers and sisters in Islam, as well as my disciples across the world, a Ramadhan-ul-Mubarak -for the month of fasting is behind the door [i.e. close] - so that we let go of all our routines and focus more on Ibaadat and multiply our good deeds.

 

First of all, what is fasting (Roza)? In Quran and Hadiths the word which defines fasting is “Sawm” which means “to abstain”. In our common parlance, this means that we do not drink and eat, and abstain from sexual relations from the beginning of dawn until sunset.

When Ramadan Arrives

 

Alhamdulillah, Muslims around the world are entering into the holy month of Ramadan, observing fasting from dawn to dusk and also channelizing their time and inner resources for the contemplation of the Divine, in devotional worship and supplications to the Lord of Mercy, Summa Alhamdulillah. Ramadan is also a time to reform our impulses by getting rid of greediness and covetousness, and enlarge one's moral compass by standing up for the promotion of the common good, through pious works and charitable deeds that empower the indigent and other less-fortunate ones in society. Along with good deeds, the believers seek to gain the bounties of Divine blessings and favours of special nearness through sincere worship and fervent supplications throughout the Holy Month. Reproduced below are the Qur'anic commandments and Prophetic Traditions (Ahadith) on fasting in the month of Ramadan, forming the foundational values of the Muslim devotional practice and spiritual expectations of Divine approval and sublime rewards, Insha Allah, Aameen.           

Qur’an on Fasting 

In Surah Al Baqarah, Allah (swt) says: 

'You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God. 

Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey, on other days later. For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensate– feed a needy person. But if anyone does good of his own accord, it is better for him, and fasting is better for you, if only you knew. 

 

It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So any one of you who is present that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.