Libya Floods: A Sign

‘Corruption has flourished on land and sea as a result of people’s actions and He will make them taste the consequences of some of their own actions so that they may turn back.’ (30: 42)

 

 

Consider the heart-breaking images emerging from Libya these days... Devastating floods that hit parts of eastern Libya last week killed more than 11,000 people. According to international media reports, the death toll could be even higher – as much as 20,000 – after whole neighbourhoods in the coastal city of Derna were swept away into the sea. More than 10,000 people are missing amid search and rescue efforts. While Derna has been by far the worst-hit city after dams overwhelmed the city, unleashing a torrent of water on it; the storm also killed people in the towns of Bayda, Susa, Um Razaz and Marj, according to Health Minister Othman Abduljalil.

 

 

The water that rushed into Derna was described as looking like a huge tsunami. While the floods were unprecedented, what happened in Libya cannot be explained as purely the result of a natural disaster. The oil-rich country has been mired in conflict since a 2011 uprising that toppled long-ruling dictator Muammar Gaddafi. With Libya divided between two rival administrations, the storm has exposed vulnerabilities in the nation. Years of neglect and corruption, poor maintenance of public infrastructure, and years of political infighting made the country particularly vulnerable and ill-equipped to tackle Storm Daniel, worsening the tragedy.

 

 

There is little doubt that catastrophic disasters are frequently unfolding around the world. Extreme ecological events are unsettling people’s lives in different nations. Unprecedented floods, forest fires, droughts, earthquakes, etc. are leading to humongous destruction of property, loss of human lives, and much suffering. People are anxiously looking around wondering which land is going to be pulverized next in the fury of nature. Is it not time for humanity to revert to spirituality in quest of Divine mercy and benevolence?

Calamities and Divine Commands

The devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria earlier this month has resulted in a great humanitarian catastrophe in the region, with thousands of lives being lost enmass, and millions facing acute crisis of existence with displacement-induced shortage of access to basic resources and services. Looking at the sheer scale of the human and material loss at the earthquake, the media and the experts agree that Turkiye is reeling under ‘the disaster of a century’. 

 

And yet looking further around our small world, it appears as though destructive calamities are now a recurring phenomena, with different nations witnessing a range of extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, droughts, land-sliding and earthquakes, etc. The outbreak of viruses and related public health emergencies are a major concern, long before Covid-19 struck the world with horrific consequences. All these are in addition to the several man-made disasters destroying societies around the world: consider the human cost and material devastation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and other violent ethnic/racist campaigns creating havoc in many lands.

Disasters striking the world make one ponder over the role and function of the Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of all the worlds. Amidst all that is happening in the world, a spiritual view will be helpful in making sense of our moment here. God is never unjust to humanity. Through His chosen messengers raised and appointed in every era, God provides clear guidance on fundamental values of healthy and balanced living for the benefit of people. Divine teachings prescribe radical moderation and fair-dealings; equity and justice; compassion and empathy for fellow beings. It is by following the ethical code of conduct prescribed by God- the Divine commandments- on diverse aspects of individual and collective life that one can safeguard against the temptations of Evil: the empty promises of all false deities.

Indeed, humans can truly worship God, and make real progress in social life by relying on the Divine principle of compassion and benevolence. Instead of abusing God-gifted resources and faculties of the ‘self’, we ought to use the opportunities to serve the interests of our common humanity and thereby privilege the collective benefit in a spirit of solidarity and compassion for all. Indeed, nations inherit Divine mercy and blessings when they follow the correct and straight path of pure wisdom as taught by the Prophets and the Elects.

 

A believer does not agree with the materialist view that God is indifferent to human destiny and social fortunes. On the other hand, to a believer, Allah (swt) is not only aware of even the whisperings of the human soul, but He also comes to the aid of the one who seeks and prays for His help and assistance in times of need. For a believer, God’s grace and blessings are available to everyone. At the same time, His punishment is also very severe, especially to those ignore Divine commands and promote disorder in society. All that is happening around us is a reflection of the Divine Signs and manifestations involving both Divine Grace and Divine Wrath.   

Humanity in Danger!

يَوْمَ يَغْشٰىهُمُ الْعَذَابُ مِنْ فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِنْ تَحْتِ اَرْجُلِهِمْ وَيَقُوْلُ ذُوْقُوْا مَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُوْنَ 

On the day when the punishment will overwhelm them from above them and from below their feet, and it will be said “Taste what you used to do.” [Al-Ankabut,  29: 56]

 

Actually around the world the situation is very critical with many kinds of divine punishments being witnessed in all forms. The world became engulfed in a spread of a never-seen-before mortal virus which mutated from 2019 to this day [2022] and which claimed millions of human lives around the world. In addition to this there were destructive cyclones, floods, and earthquakes which destroyed towns, villages and countries with a blast of the utmost fury. The list of calamities striking this world does not end here, and since the beginning of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius in the New Millennium, I kept telling you and the world at large how life will change, how difficult times are surely coming. So, the list of calamities experienced in this world since the new millennium is very long. 

 

Now let us analyse the verse which I have just recited before you about what Allah (swt) wants to make us understand. Before I come to explain on the verse, let me put before you the revelation which Allah (swt) has sent down on this humble self on Wednesday 09 March 2022 at 11.25 am Mauritian Time:

 وَلَوْلَآ اَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى لَّجَاۤءَهُمُ الْعَذَابُۗ وَلَيَأْتِيَنَّهُمْ بَغْتَةً وَّهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُوْنَ  

 

Where Allah said [and I know that it is found in the Holy Quran]: 'And had it not been for an appointed term, the torment would indeed have come to them; and indeed it will definitely come upon them suddenly, and catch them unawares.'

Khalifatullah: A Message for Jamaat

 

‘Consider the flight of time!

Man is bound to lose himself,

Except those who believe,

Do good deeds,

Urge one another to truth,

And urge one another to steadfastness’

   -----[Holy Qur’an, Surah Al Asr, (103:1-3)]. 

In a moving, special message to the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam members in India, Sheikh-ul-Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (aba) of Mauritius recently spoke of the critical situation in the world- of the extremely dangerous challenges facing our precarious world, and of the need for everyone to return to the path of prudence and piety; of invocations and charitable giving; of obedience to Allah (swt), and His messenger (sa), and His chosen Elect of this era; of remaining united in forgiveness and solidarity, without any arrogance or ill feeling; of embracing one another in a spirit of brotherhood. As someone who receives Messages like no else all around us does, and as people generally and mostly fail to appreciate the enormous burden that he carries in this heavenly responsibility of conveying Divine communications to all the world, Hazrat Saheb (aba)’s personal, spiritual message to members in the Jamaat assumes vital importance for the disciples' individual conduct and social engagements, and larger spiritual outlook and hope in God’s mercy and grace, Blessings and Favours amidst the turbulence all around.  

Read an interpretative Text of the recent special Messages sent by our beloved Imam (aba) through our humble brother Hazrat Mukarram Shahul Hameed Faizal Saheb of Saudi Arabia:  

Life and Times of Shuayb (as)

 

Allah (swt) has created the humans as His trustee(Khalifa) on earth. We owe our Creator, our very existence. Human life and progress for a period are all entirely due to His mercy and unending blessings. The Divine Trusteeship entails grave responsibility of conduct on our part. As trustees of Allah (swt) on earth, we owe a duty to care for all of His creations on earth- being just in all financial transactions; doing fair in all human relations; remaining moderate and balanced in our social engagements, etc. It is to remind us of this heavenly trust on our shoulders that the Prophets and saints of God appear in every era, among the people- 'weak' and 'forgetful' and 'prone to the temptations of Satan' as we flawed humans are.

Hence, it is height of stupidity and ignorance to challenge common sense and combat God's Message. Blinded by their own passions, the arrogant elites in their vanity laugh at the messages they dislike, seeking to fight against God and His Elects when they come to lead them to prudence and wisdom. If only the spiritually blind had the 'vision' to recognize the Light they are missing! The light of wisdom that the Prophets bring in do not profit  a people who are self-satisfied, who remain aloof from, and who show contemptuous disregard for the higher values of life that these messengers teach- clinging as those earthly worms to the pleasures of a fleeting time. Like Qur'an testifies in the case of numerous communities that persecuted Prophets in the past, Divine justice will pursue their excesses in ways they will least expect, and in moments of His choosing their reckoning would take place. Indeed, going by evidence of what happened in the recorded past, Divine vengeance is something to be wary of, by anyone who is sensible. Allah's mercy and blessings engulf a people who listen and follow the Divine commandments and teachings that the Prophets bring in, for their own welfare in this world and for salvation in the world to come. 

Divine Calamity To Those Who Disobey

In his Friday Sermon of 26 November 2021~20 Rabi’ul Aakhir 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius explains the life and times of Prophet Shuayb (as) as a spiritual lesson for our times. The Holy Qur'an preserves the example of Hazrat Shuayb (as) as a man of Divine principles and ethical restraint in a society given to the worship of riches at any cost. Yet, all that people amassed in excess through unfair methods proved to be of no use to them on the day of Divine punishment. On the other hand, those who follow the Prophets in letter and spirit, they become recipients of Divine Mercy and Grace in every era, Insha Allah, Aameen.

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

The Reality of Divine Trials

Continuing the series of discourses on the Divine Signs of our times against the backdrop of the horrific global pandemic COVID-19, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir. A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius, in his Friday Sermon of 27 March 2020~02 Shabaan 1441 AH, underscores the need for being clear-headed about the phenomenon of Divine punishments. People should not confuse calamities that engulf sinful nations after a messenger is raised among them- to warn them of the Days of God- with the trials that servants of God meet with in worldly life. Both have different objectives and contrasting outcomes. While every trial contains within it the seeds of personal reform and social transformation, such trials do not benefit the arrogant, and the ensuing punishment destroys a sinful order to its core. On the other hand, the trials of the truly humble allow them to remain steadfast even in the face of despair and gloom in the vagaries of life, in utter self-surrender to the Will of God. Even when the believers are shaken by the tests of faith, Divine Law prevails against all odds.  Moreover, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in the sermon also shares recent revelations on the subject of Divine Trials and Anger in our times, and offers profound guidance on course-correction from the brink of mounting disasters facing humanity today: turn to God in repentance for the excesses and sins of life; offer fervent supplications in the quest for Divine Forgiveness and Mercy, Insha Allah, Aameen.  

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

The Reality of Divine Wrath

The Signs of Allah- II

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, while I was praying for Divine Guidance on the present subject, Allah directed my attention to a revealed text which He taught me in February 2006 on what is happening around the world and about His Divine punishment, and the fact that I have come as the Reviver of Faith of this era.

The Holy Quran and the other Divine scriptures disclose that the ruin and destruction imposed in this life on people as punishment are not afflicted because those people follow a wrong doctrine, for instance, because they worship idols, planets or fire, or some other created things or person.

So no one is punished in this life merely on account of doctrinal errors or beliefs. Indeed this world is a paradise for the disbelievers and it is mostly the believers who suffer pain and torment in this world. There is a saying, which is a great lesson for us: “This world is the paradise of the disbelievers and the prison of the believers.” 

The World on 'Fire': A Spiritual Gaze

On December 4, 2018 the Peace Park Library- the cultural wing of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in South Kerala- at Mathra organized a social outreach programme in solidarity with the victims of the recent, devastating floods in Kerala- the worst ever in its modern history, and also to recognize and honour the humanitarian and charitable works being undertaken by Mrs. Jameela Rajagopalan, an ageing social worker in the village. On the occasion, pecuniary contributions made by members of the South Jamaat to the Kerala Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund was handed over to a senior official of the government. Village officials, public servants, civil society activists, writers and journalists were present on the occasion, and they applauded the works being done by Mukarram Amir Jamaluddin Saheb of Mathra in channeling his spiritual convictions towards humanitarian relief works and service to the people. The event was widely covered in the local press, electronic media/television as well as YouTube channels in Kerala, and the comprehensive Blog report on the same shall be published later, Insha Allah. 

In a Special Address delivered on the occasion, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius pointed to the profound dangers facing our common humanity. Reflecting on recent catastrophic events and vast disruptions, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) raised fundamental questions that require credible engagement by all those who are concerned about what is happening to our 'lonely' planet, the living Earth with all the profound challenges of atmospheric pollution, natural calamities; global warming and climate change. The obvious, and almost irreversible, imbalances that have been caused to the earth's stability and carrying capacity by the greed and corruption of the humans and their industrial and economic development models require a radical course correction, and that requires turning back to the ethical and spiritual way of life at the core of the teachings of Divine Elects in every era of humanity. It is when mankind begins to worship the True Divine- and not their false gods of riches and selfishness-that it will be in a position to do true service to humanity in a spirit of solidarity, recognizing the values of common humanity amidst all the diversity, alludes to Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in his subtle but profound message, Alhamdulillah, Soumma Alhamdulillah. 

Read the Speech Below:        

Humanity in Danger

Honourable guests and my dear disciples,

May the Peace & Blessings of God Almighty be upon you all.

The world in which we are living is in a deplorable state. Calamities of every kind are striking the earth from the sky, the sea and from within the land itself. The question is why all this is happening? Why so many calamities? Are these merely natural calamities or signs of the displeasure of God Almighty?

From an Islamic point of view, as established in the Holy Quran, God Almighty says: “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may return (to righteousness).” (Chapter 30, Verse 42).

If we look all around us, especially here itself in Kerala which has recently, in August 2018, faced major floods and landslides, we see desolations and destructions of houses and roads and many people’s homes have been destroyed. More than 500,000 people have been displaced to refugee camps and over 500 people have lost their lives. Floods and landslides of such magnitude have not been witnessed since the great flood of 1924.

On the Night of 'Eid-ul-Fitr'

Eid & Divine Forgiveness

When Ramadan comes to an end, we get the night of Eid - Lailatul Jaa’izah, that is to say, the night of retribution. On the morning of Eid, Allah (swt) sends the angels to earth, where they take up positions shouting in a voice that all except humans and Jinn can hear: “O Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh), come forth from your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the major sins.”

When the people proceed for the Eid prayer, Allah asks the angels : “What indeed is the reward of that employee who had rendered his services?” 

The angels reply: “O Lord and Master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full for his services.” 

Allah then says: “I call you to witness, O My angels, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadan, and for their having stood in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness.”

Addressing His servants, Allah says: “O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter and this world, I shall grant you. By My honour I swear, as long as you shall obey my commands, I shall cover your faults. By My honour and by My greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you among the evil-doing ones and disbelievers. Depart now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me, and I am pleased with you.”

The angels upon seeing this great reward bestowed by Allah upon the Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) on the day of Eid (Eid-ul Fitr) become greatly pleased and happy.

*** O Allah count us also among those fortunate people, Ameen. ***

Islamic Precepts on Controlling Anger

 Anger/ Wrath

Anger/ Wrath - not to be confused with the divine wrath or the wrath that Allah makes appear on the features of His Messenger as a sign of disapproval of the actions of believers and also that of the unbelievers - is a factor through which the Devil brings men to commit sins such as insult, breaking relationships, physical aggression, or even to commit the irreparable, i.e. murder. So we have to be able to control our anger so that we do not commit such serious sins.

 Forgive Those who Wrong You

Allah says about the “Muttaqi”, i.e. those who repress their anger, in Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), Verse 135: “[...] those who restrain (their) anger and forgive the people [...]”.

Therefore, the Muttaqi - those to whom Allah will offer paradise - are those who control their anger, who despite their strength and courage manage to forgive those who have wronged them.

To control our anger is to preserve Islam. The repressing of our anger allows us to practice Islam in the best way. As long as a person manages to control his anger, his faith will be preserved. However, if the person gets carried away by anger, it will bring him nothing but regrets. “Why did I say / do that?” he will ask himself.

The Holy Prophet's Precepts

It is reported by Abu Hurayrah (ra) that a man had said to the prophet (pbuh): “Counsel me”. The prophet (pbuh) replied, “Do not get angry.” He repeated (the question) several times, and the prophet (pbuh) answered him: “Do not get angry.” (Bukhari)

“Strong” people do not hit others. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “The strong man is not the one who triumphs over the opponent in a fight/ battle, but is the one who controls himself when he has a big anger.” (Bukhari)

The Messenger of Allah said, “Whosoever represses his anger when he can give free rein to it, Allah will call him on the Day of Resurrection before all creatures and invite him to choose one of the Houris who shall please him.” (Abu Dawud).

Divine Message and the Fate of Choices

Acceptance & Rejection of the Divine Message

The Holy Quran makes religious progress dependent upon revolution. It says: And in no way do We send the Messengers except as bearers of glad tidings and as Warners. So those who believe and reform themselves, upon them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve. But as for those who reject Our signs, punishment will touch them for their defiant disobedience. (Al-Anam 6: 49-50).

That is, whenever We send a Messenger, he always proclaims two things: (i) he condemns the existing order to death; (ii) and in regard to the system he originates himself he proclaims, without ambiguity that it would be established in the world in its purity, without change or adjustment under any pressure to make it acceptable to this or that people. Those who submit to the system, and mould themselves in conformity with its requirements, survive and prosper, but those who do not do so, they gradually fade out of existence.

When a revolution occurs in the religious sphere, in Islamic terminology it is called 'Qiyamah'. Another expression used for it is Khalq-us-Samawat-i-wal-Ardh, i.e. the creation of a new earth and a new heaven. Still another name for it in the language of the Holy Quran is Al-Sa'ah.

The word 'revolution' which is roughly translated from the Arabic term 'Inquilab' and described in the context which I just mentioned, refers primarily to the moral and spiritual reformation of oneself, not a political revolution to overthrow a government as may be popularly thought these days by the use of the word.

Hence, when a group of individuals or a society have reformed themselves, a revolution in the noble character of man and his dealings with other people and with God is observed. Thus, a condition in the world existed in which the reformation of oneself was demanded to set things right in the affairs of man.

Secure against the coming Divine Wrath

“This (Quran) is enlightenment for mankind and guidance and mercy for a people who have Faith with certainty. 

What! Do those who commit evils think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds - that equal will be their life and their death? Ill is the judgment that they make. 

And Allah created the heavens and earth with truth and so that every soul may be rewarded for what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.”
               ---(Surah Al Jathiya, 45: 21-23)

These are the same verses of Surah Al-Jathiya (Chapter 45) which I explained last week and my explanation is not yet completed. Thus, by the grace of Allah, I now continue my explanation of these three verses.

So Allah’s wrath is coming down on earth, and only those who make a complete repentance for their sins and come in the refuge of Allah, they are the ones who will be saved from the divine punishment. Certainly the life and death of the righteous people can at no time be like the life and death of those who are immersed in evil. If you want to come in the refuge of Allah, then you need to make Tawbah (repentance) sincerely for all your past sins and present yourself in the refuge of Allah. If you do this, then Allah will create such qualities in you, so that people can testify that there is really between you and them a clear distinction, and where then there will be no need to enter into debates on the subject. Everyone will clearly see the difference, especially those who really want to see that. Now, how will they find this difference, and what treatment has Allah reserved for such people?

Making Sense of the Disasters Around Us

Before coming on the subject of today’s sermon, I would like to talk a little on the visit of the actual Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi who came to Mauritius on 11 March 2015 as Chief Guest of Honour for the 47^th Anniversary of Independence Day (12 March 1968) of our country. 

Honourable Narendra Modi was all praise for Mauritius and the exceptional bond which binds our two countries. The humility he showed as a statesman was much appreciated, as political leaders should be good models for society at large, intrinsically as well as extrinsically. Honourable Narendra Modi graced the National Assembly with his presence yesterday and axed his speech on the celebration of both the freedom and also the struggles which Mauritius had to do to get its independence. He also reminiscence the Dandi March led by the Mahatma Gandhi on the 12 March 1930 paving the way towards the Independence of India. 

We, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam sincerely hope that the Honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi proves to be a good statesman for the betterment of India as a whole, and to connect India to the global community in peace, justice, liberty, and noble aspirations and plans.

Life & Destruction through the means of Nature

Water is Life. But sometimes, water is a means of destruction also. Too much of something can spoil it altogether. Likewise, man needs water to live. Water is a blessing of God. Rain falls to revive the dead earth, and provide man with the necessary water to keep himself alive.

Very often when man’s action is not guided according to the Divine will, but according to his own passions, God Almighty uses the elements of nature against him, and thus what may seem like a natural calamity is in fact a planned divine punishment, to give mankind a wake-up call, to make them realise their error and return to the worship of the sole God who have provided them all their necessities and to whom they should be thankful.

Water is life, but the same water can become a means of death. God Almighty used rain water to flood the town and drown the people of Noah (as). The same water which man absolutely needs to survive becomes a lethal weapon by Allah to punish those whom He has condemned as culprits when they discard the divine warnings through His Prophets and Messengers and do as per their own will. Water also was used as a means for God to rescue His Prophet, Moses (as) and his followers. He opened the sea to save His servants and bring the destruction of Pharaoh and his companions.

 Disasters in the times of a Divine Elect

Since the start of the Divine Manifestation of this age, we have witnessed many calamities, but the exceptional nature of the Divine Manifestation, with the advent of a Messenger of Allah is that Allah through His Messenger already gives warnings to mankind before actually seizing mankind, or some people in particular (as per the divine revelations) for their misdeeds.

And Allah also affirms in the Holy Quran that the consequences of the people who commit evil shall be evil in return, and all misgivings and calamities which befall them are consequences of their corruption and evil deeds and thoughts. Allah through His prophets warns of the spread of diseases, and all sorts of calamities if people do not reform their lives and start acting righteously. Therefore, people should not blame God for any calamity but should blame themselves. 

Mubahila Statement on Nasir Ahmad Sultani

In the Friday Sermon of May 31, 2013, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius invited Dr. Nasir Ahmad Sultani Sahib of Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya (Haqiqi) to a Mubahila duel to finally determine the truthfulness of their respective claims. In the aftermath of the Speech, the Sultani Sahib issued his response on June 1, 2013. In the response statement, the Sultani Sahib maintains and continues with his earlier stand of rejecting and vilifying the viewpoint of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) and his claims. Yet, the Sultani Sahib has refused to come in the field of Mubahila now, by raising a revolving door-set of arguments.

Sultani Sahib is absolutely certain that the duration of the Mubahila, according to Islamic teachings, “should be fixed 1 (one) year”.  According to him, if the period of Mubahila is varied from one year- for instance: say, any period more than one year, including two years- by the parties to the Mubahila for any reasons whatsoever, it would not be permissible under Islamic law nor acceptable to Sultani Sahib. Further, Sultani Sahib considers such a variation of period “a wrong condition” of Mubahila. Although Sultani Sahib did send an official e-mail on 12 December 2011 whereby he “accepted the Challenge” of Mubahila made by Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba), he did not complete the minimum requirements for the world to know that he is indeed in a Mubahila (such as signing the Mubahila document and notifying the world by publishing it in his website). At least, now we know: the ‘reason’ for not joining in the Mubahila challenge at that point of time was this “wrong condition”!

Sultani Sahib now refuses to join the Mubahila Challenge with Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba). This is because of the presence of the 2-year Mubahila between Hadhrat Sahib (atba) and Abdul Ghaffar Janbah Sahib of Germany.  According to Sultani Sahib, the Islamic period of the Mubahila-“one year”- is over and both have been proved to be “liars”! If the ‘result’ of the (non-Islamic) Mubahila between the two is crystal clear to the “Mujaddid of 15^th Century of Islam”, why should he wait for a longer period to prove his own truthfulness!??

In a special Booklet issued on June 2, 2013 the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) has prepared and personally signed an Official Mubahila Document with “ONE YEAR” as the limitation period. Dr. Nasir Ahmad Sultani Sahib has now the option to “come forward and sign” or move away and “keep quiet” on the matter! 

Read the Official remarks and Mubahila Statement:

Divine Messengers: Trials and Rewards

Islam presents a Most Compassionate and Ever Merciful Lord Almighty. The enduring practice of the raising of Divine Messengers among human communities testifies to the all-encompassing Mercy of Allah. Yet, when a Messenger presents himself before the community, they reject him. In the times of a Messenger, most people would revel in inequities under a veil of ignorance. The pride of riches, vanity of material favours, hubris of mundane power and social influence, arrogance of family inheritance- all seem to keep them away from God and His Messenger. Unfortunately for man, ingratitude and ungratefulness seem to be deeply embedded and ingrained as part of his DNA!

In his Friday Sermon of 26 April 2013, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius gave a profound discourse on the Divine Law of raising of Messengers. Drawing upon the sacred traditions of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa), the Khalifatullah (atba) points out that for Allah and His Messengers, it does not really matter how many will follow them, for the Messenger’s duty is to convey the Divine revelations and Message. History bears testimony that some prophets, rejected by their own people, found acceptance after their death and departure from this world. Some others may have had few disciples only. Yet, the situation did not and will not cast any shadow on their truthfulness or the veracity of their claims.  

The denial and rejection of Divine Messengers in the past notwithstanding, Allah the Almighty will continue with His enduring practice: of raising Messenger(s) who will call to Unity of God and the eternal well-being of Man through God-consciousness. Islam offers the glad tiding of heavenly bliss for the early believers in Divine Messengers, whose faith and practice will testify to their gratitude to Allah who raised the Divine Messenger, sincerity of heart and good deeds. Alhamdulillah, these blessings are available for believers in this age as well. Likewise, divine punishments await a generation that rejects the Divine revelations and Message. The contemporary situation of horrifying disasters and havocs visiting almost all the world should be fodder for serous reflection for all. For, these events are taking place at a time when the Messenger of Allah has been and is warning us against the evils of our times.  

  

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

And there came to them a Messenger from among themselves but they falsely rejected him; so the wrath seized them even in the midst of their iniquities. (16: 114)

Why God Allow Suffering?

The human condition seems to be riddled with the mystery of unconscionable suffering. For, disasters are striking the world and the people are being caught up in the maelstrom everywhere - in the land, on the air or even at the sea! Almost on a daily basis, innumerable events are taking place- earthquakes, devastating floods, hurricanes, horrifying forest fires, building collapses, accidents of colossal magnitude, terror bombings, deliberate (racial, ethnic or genocidal) killings on a horrendous scale, fresh outbreak of long-forgotten/contained epidemics, etc. How does one look at and begin to explain the occurrence of these incidents that inflict much pain and loss on the humanity of our times? Are they mere natural disasters or do they belong to the grave category of divine punishments when occurred after clear warnings and exhortations from the Divine Messenger of the times? In his Friday Sermon of 19 April 2013 the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius discussed profoundly and provided illuminating insights on the subtle subject of ‘natural’ disasters in the times of a Divine Messenger.   

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

وَ لَوۡ اَنَّ  اَہۡلَ الۡقُرٰۤی اٰمَنُوۡا  وَ اتَّقَوۡا لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَیۡہِمۡ بَرَکٰتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَ الۡاَرۡضِ وَ لٰکِنۡ  کَذَّبُوۡا فَاَخَذۡنٰہُمۡ بِمَا  
کَانُوۡا  یَکۡسِبُوۡنَ ۝

“And if people of the towns had believed and feared Allah, then certainly, We would have opened for them the blessings of the heaven and the earth, but they disbelieved. So We seized them for what they used to earn.” (Al-Araf 7: 97)