'Nabi' and 'Rasul' in Islam

 

'Rasulan Nabiyan'  (Messenger & Prophet) 

The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. (They proclaim) “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to You (alone) is the final return.” (Al-Baqara 2: 286)

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, today I have chosen to talk about the messengers of Allah. First of all, when we talk about the Messengers of Allah, it is very important that we are aware that the Islamic conception regarding the role and function of the prophets is different from the conception of the Jews and Christians. In Islam, the word “Nabi” (prophet) or even “Rasul” (Messenger) is not reserved for only the Elects of Allah who have received divine revelations as divine laws to share with their peoples. When we talk about prophets before the coming of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), we are talking about prophets whose message was limited to their own people, while Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and all those who come and will come as his followers-prophets, will be prophets who cannot bring any new law, where they must base themselves only on the Holy Quran and the information of the Ghayb (Invisible) that Allah shows them.

 

And so, this brings us to the question, can a prophet come after Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)? 

‘Musa’, ‘Harun’ and ‘Balaam’ Today

Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius is unwavering in his spiritual mission over the last two decades. Making a special claim of inspired communications that he says he receives from the Unseen, from the throne of the Almighty God through Rooh-ul-Qudus (Holy Spirit); Hazrat Azim (aba) acknowledged his Divinely-inspired mission through a public proclamation for the first time on 6 December 2003, almost three years after he was officially expelled from the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya (Qadian). A recipient of extraordinary spiritually-infused dreams, visionary experiences, and Divine revelations; Hazrat Azim (aba) was falsely accused by the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya of confusing and deviating people on the basis of his special Divine knowledge (God Forbid) before he was summarily expelled from the community in December 2000. 

Although the rank and file of the Nizam-e-Jamaat left him, Allah (swt) gave him comfort and consoled him with His words and messages and a small band of devout followers who remained resolute and firm amidst all trials and chaos, and against all odds.  In claiming to be a Muhyiuddin [the Reviver of Faith]; in claiming to be a Mujaddid [Divinely-mandated and appointed Reformer of the Muslim Ummah]; in claiming to be a Khalifatullah [the high representative of God in the mantle of the Prophets of the past] over the last two decades, and going on with his preaching efforts all across the world with the help of his disciples and followers; Hazrat Azim (aba) relies on the basis of crystal-clear Divine revelations that leaves one in no doubt or uncertainty about what it says- that he is indeed a  man in the league of extraordinary savants of God- the saints and reformers of Islamic world who lived in different eras; the exemplary role models of faith who projected the Light of Islam in their own times- following in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa).

Ignorant people [Jaahileen], especially deviant Ahmadi youths with no real knowledge or personal experience on deeper spiritual verities in the mystical Way of Allah (swt) rush in, like foolish persons, to oppose and critique matters beyond their understanding and comprehension in the realm of religion. Such a Jahil, found all too often in the circles of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya (Qadian) these days, recently tried to turn Qur’anic doctrine of Divine Guidance upside down through his verbal jugglery by elevating a man-elected-man [Khalifatul Massih] to a lofty pedestal at the price of rejecting an Elect of God [Khalifatullah]!

Against the backdrop of such muddying of spiritual waters by the Ahmadiyya establishment in Tamil Nadu recently, Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International published a Booklet in response. Entitled ‘Refutation to the E-Palmphlet “Twin Balaam” authored by Fayaz Aslam of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Tamil Nadu’, Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) shines light on a number of topics central to an informed appreciation of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius. By narrating the events of the present era in the everyday life settings of the Divine Manifestation, and linking them through Qur’anic principles and allusions- even interpreting the silences of the Qur’an to indicate a spiritual point-  from the life world of Hazrat Musa (as), Hazrat Harun (as) and the Jewish Balaam, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) throws searching light on the complex spiritual and material realities that undergird Divine revelations in a living community of people with different temperaments and mindsets, and the choices they make in their lives and the consequences these choices may entail in the fortunes of a people in this world and the world to come. 

Promised Messiah: Prophecies & Signs

 

On the occasion of the Massih Maoud Day, on 23 March 2022~ 20 Shabaan 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius made an illuminating discourse on a very important spiritual issue. Expounding on the great Muslim spiritual expectation concerning the advent of a great Divine soul among the people in the Later Days, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) describes how these historic prophecies stand fulfilled through the advent of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in the previous era, and also the heavenly signs that have magnificently testified to the veracity of the spiritual claims.  Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) further notes that the heavenly promises and signs have once again stand fulfilled in this era when Allah (swt) raised him, with Divine revelations, to reform and revive the pure teachings and practices of Sahih Al Islam. Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) further notes that the heavenly promises and signs have once again stand fulfilled in this era when Allah (swt) raised him, with Divine revelations, to reform and revive the pure teachings and practices of Sahih Al Islam. Read the Special Discourse Below:  

Qur’an on ‘Khalifatullah’

 

'Is there a Qur'anic Verse which stipulates that a Khalifatullah is a Messenger of Allah?' This question was recently raised by some Ahmadis when they were told about the spiritual messages and Divinely-elected status of Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (aba) of Mauritius. It's indeed a measure of the extend of ignorance prevailing among the current crop of Ahmadis that they have started questioning the very foundational beliefs of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya without any knowledge and understanding of spiritual doctrine! Do they know that their spiritual father Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian was a Messenger of Allah by virtue of the fact that he was a Khalifatullah of his times? Don't they know that Allah (swt) has promised the believers through the Holy Prophet (sa) that He will raise one or more Khalifatullah in every era ? When someone is raised and sent by Allah (swt) as His Khalifa with Holy Spirit (Divine revelations), can such a Khalifatullah be addressed except as a Messenger of Allah? 

Based on Qur'anic teachings and the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (aba) of Mauritius explains the concept of Khalifatullah- distinguishing it from mundane selections that men's assemblies do make and take for their own social leadership and community cohesion, such as the office of the Khalifatul Massih in the Nizam-e-Jamaat. Drawing on the Qur'anic examples of Hazrat Adam (as) and Hazrat Dawud (as), Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) points out that those Khulafatullah were indeed Messengers of Allah as well.  

Read the Extracts from a Jamaat communication sharing the response of Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) in this regard, on the Qur'anic antecedents of the concept of Khalifatullah:  

'The answer to this question can be found in several verses of the Holy Quran. If we delve into the Holy Quran, we find that Allah has said as from the second chapter itself, i.e. Al-Baqarah, that He shall place His Representative (Khalifa) on earth. 

Allah says:

“Behold, your Lord said to the angels: Verily I will create a vicegerent (Khalifa) on earth.” (Al-Baqara 2: 31).

The Khalifa (Caliph) whom Allah raises comes from Him, and not through any election promoted by man. He takes instructions only from Allah – i.e. divine instructions. 

Post-Ramadan: Faith Matters

Our distinguished guest [Ramadan], granted to us by our Creator, has left us. In truth, the blessed month of Ramadan has ended and a new month has come to us: the month of Shawwal. Sad for some and a Joy for others - especially those who do not really have this spirit of sacrifice. They are relieved that this month [Ramadan] is gone and they can now return to their old ways.

For a true believer, it is true that he is sad to see this month [Ramadan] go but it is also an opportunity for him to continue in the accomplishment of his good habits that he started during this month blessed and continue in this good way throughout the year. And then, he makes sure that all his actions, and his thoughts are directed to Allah and to acquiring His pleasure.

In this present century, the century that we are living, these rewards are doubled, even tripled, and so on, because the one who receives the opportunity and the blessing to accept the Messenger, the Caliph of Allah – the Caliph sent by Allah with the Ruh’il Quddus (the Holy Spirit) - then this one is very lucky. It is because during his entire life, during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, he receives this special Laila-tul-Qadr [equivalent to the length of his life (a normal/ average human life) on earth]. He becomes a witness of miracles and signs of Allah. And he receives a nearness with Allah that others have not received, and he receives this thanks to his connection with the Messenger of Allah through the Ruh’il Quddus. His entire life is not only like the month of Ramadan, but more precisely that holy night of Laila-tul-Qadr. And the greatest Laila-tul-Qadr that the Sahaba (companions) in the time of the noble prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) received, is the chance they had to live in the time of the greatest Messenger from Allah and they had the honour, the grace and the blessing to remain sincere with him and to die in the way of Allah as true believers. Among them were also many hypocrites, but their plots were in vain and it is Allah and His Messenger and the sincere Muslim believers who have won the victory.

The 'Ruh' and the 'Nafs': A Commentary

The 'Ruh' and the 'Nafs'

Today, it gives me great pleasure to present before you all a very important explanation on the “Ruh” and the “Nafs” which several of my disciples have respectfully asked me to give. This is indeed a very important and deep subject which I specially delivered to you some years back, specifically during the Mubahila period with Abdul Ghaffar Janbah and his disciple Mansoor Ahmed dated 15 August 2011 and which I shall put again before you during the course of my sermon.

Very often, when calling attention to one’s ego, we refer to the “nafs” of that person being manifested, which is partly true in the fact that its real meaning is that its “Nafs-e-Ammara” (Soul prone to passion, ego and also all kinds of evils) is being manifested. The words “Nafs-e-Ammara” is shortened to “nafs” to reflect the ego of man in certain contexts.

In the Arabic language, more specifically in the Quranic context, the word Nafs refers to the human soul and also to self-attribution, or self-identification whether used by humans, angels or Allah Himself. We say: I, Me and Myself, the three reflexive pronouns used by the Creator Himself, his angels and us, humans.

For example, Allah says in the Holy Quran:

Wazkur Rabbaka fee nafsika…Meaning: “And remember your Rab (Lord/ Allah) inside yourself...” [Al-Arraf 7: 206]

Moreover, Allah says in the Holy Quran, addressing to Hazrat Musa (as): Wa-sh-tana’tuka li-Nafsi Meaning: “I have chosen you (Istana’tuka) for Myself (Li-Nafsi).” [Surah TaHa 20: 42]

Referring to this specific verse, we see that Allah has used the key word “Nafs” to define Himself, yet we all know that the ego of Allah is egoless. The Self of Allah is selfless. It is beyond creation and any created thing, yet Allah says: “Li-Nafsi” (for Myself). Allah verily does not account to anyone. When He manifests His words and emphasizes them on His own importance, we cannot and should never dare to call Him arrogant or that He is such a Being which is filled with Himself (Vain or Proud). God Forbid! He is the only Being who can do whatever He likes without accounting to anyone.

That is why, we are the creatures and He is the Creator, and we cannot also create anything without His prior permission. He gives knowledge to whomsoever He wants and removes knowledge and the ability to think to whomsoever He wants.

Moreover, the word “Ruh” is a treasure of knowledge. The “Ruh” is principally linked to the spiritual essence of man and his faculty to receive Divine Revelations, to perfect himself spiritually and physically to become wholly apt to be called a Man of God (Allah), a Friend of God and His Representative on earth. That is why, Allah calls the Essence or Aura or Spirit of Divine Revelations, as Ruh-il-Qouddouss (Holy Spirit) [Al-Baqara 2: 88 & 254; Al-Maida 5: 111 & An-Nahl 16: 103], or Ruh’ul-Ameen (The Trustworthy Spirit) [Ash-Shu’ara 26: 194] in the Holy Quran.

'Qudrat-e-Saniah' and the Ahmadi Caliphs

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam-Tamil Nadu (India) organized its second Jalsa Salana at Tenkasi on Sunday, 25 November 2018. The Tamil Nadu State Jalsa this year was special for all its participants, including for the delegation of brothers and sisters from Kerala, with the august presence of Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius and the respected and honoured members of the holy family among them. In his closing Speech at the Jalsa, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) gave a profound discourse on the advent of Divine Elects in Islam. Apart from explaining the promise of Allah (swt) contained in the Holy Qur'an and also the prophecy of Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) in this regard, the Speech is also noted for its exposition on the beliefs of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). Examining the speculative notions and opinions held by the latter caliphs in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya on the advent of Divine Elects (Mujaddidin)in the era after the Promised Massih (as), Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) draws on textual and documentary analysis of Jamaat literature to tease out the  meaning and interpretation of the much misunderstood concept of 'Qudrat-e-Saniah' (Second Manifestation of Divine Power), and thereby helps to correct the mistaken beliefs prevailing among many Ahmadis today. 

Read the Extracts from the Closing Speech below: 

My dear disciples,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

Alhamdulillah, you have all come here to benefit from the spiritual treasure to enrich your knowledge, and indeed all your sacrifices for the sake of Allah shall not go in vain.

For my closing speech today, I have chosen to speak about the coming of Mujaddids in Islam as per the promise of Allah and the prophecy of the Seal of all prophets, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) as well as the beliefs of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as).

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “This is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.” (Al-Anam 6: 156).

Like you all know, the Holy Quran is the perfect book which has been revealed to the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). What many people do not realise, is that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was actually the perfect human representation of the Holy Quran on earth. His wife, Hazrat Aisha (ra) has beautifully expressed this similitude in the following words: “He was a personification of the Quran.” In other words, a walking Quran.

Thus in the verse which I have put before you, whenever Allah refers to the Holy Quran, He refers also to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) because both are one and the same. The pure revelations of Allah, His law-bearing commandments were all reflected in the person of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). The Holy Spirit and God’s Words formed one with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

And likewise, Allah has also promised that He shall be the guardian of the Quran for all times. Allah says: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Al-Hijr 15: 10).

'Tawheed' and 'Taqwa': The Road to Renewal

The Revival of Islam

And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Al-Baqara 2: 39).

By the grace of Allah, it gives me great pleasure to address you all my disciples in Kottar (Tamil Nadu, India) today on “The Revival of Islam”.

Allah says in the Holy Quran, in the verses that I have just recited before you (in Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter 2, Verse 39): 

“And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

Since the creation of the heaven and earth and man, Allah has sent again and again over so many centuries His chosen servants who came with the Holy Spirit (Ruh’il Quddus) to bring back the people on the right path. Why did these chosen servants of Allah had to come? It is because, after the passage of time, Satan and his army deviate from time to time – to be precise, he keeps on trying to deviate – people from the path of Allah, and thus, Allah, to save the people from spiritual deaths, send to them His special people, messengers coming from Him, blessed with divine revelations and guidance and the power of prophecy to warn the people of the traps of Satan and to show them the right path.

This right path is primarily the Tawheed, i.e. the Unicity of Allah and Taqwa, i.e. the fear of Allah. If the people establish themselves on Tawheed and have Taqwa, then the fear of the Satan and all his attractions will have no effect on them.

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.

'Wahyu': A Challenge to the 'Nizam-e-Jamaat'

The 'mainstream' Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, in its institutionalized ‘Khilafat’-system, today represents only an empty 'shell' devoid of the 'kernel' of True Islam. Over the century after the death and departure of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, the Ahmadiyya establishment or the 'Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya' as it is known, has corroded the very idea and essence of ‘Ahmadiyyat’ as taught by the Promised Massih (as). For at the heart of the claims and teachings of the Holy Founder of the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya in the last century stands the continuity of Divine revelations in the Muslim Ummah till the Day of Judgement and the arrival of righteous servants as Elects of God who speak with the help of Roohul Qudus. Yet today, in an  age of wealth and affluence within the community; the Nizam-e-Jamaat is more concerned about ‘power’ and ‘authority’ over the mundane riches than with the profound spiritual questions pertaining to the continuity of Divine revelations and the appearance of Divine servants in a new century of Islam. 

Trappings of ‘power’ within the Nizam-e-Jamaat, the growing institutionalization and the consequent need for greater coherence and integration has meant that the role and status of the assembly-elected leader, the ‘Khalifatul Massih’, is carefully ‘calibrated’ so much so that the Caliph is equated to the ‘shadow of God on earth’. Foundational values and basic principles of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya had been 'tweaked' and adjusted to suit the rulers that be- to the extent that the position of the Caliph is elevated to the Elects of God, even when he is not a recipient of Divine guidance. Thanks to the ongoing 'doctrinal' brainwashing by the Mullahs under the Nizam-e-Jamaat in their quest for the elusive 'victory' of Ahmadiyyat,  most Ahmadis today are critically unaware of their own community’s history and its spiritual moorings and are more or less become 'frogs in the well', as it were- completely  oblivious of their own ignorance of the oceans beyond. And the Nizam-e-Jamaat  and the Ahmadi Mullahs in India and elsewhere, in their vanity and false pride over the continuation of their man-elected ‘Khilafat' system, arrogantly and defiantly doubt and dispute the very descent of Divine revelations in this era outside of their 'charmed circle' and seek to negate the truth about the spiritual titles being vouchsafed to Divine servants in our times. 

It is against this dismal social and religious backdrop that one should view the ongoing ‘churning’ within the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. Consider the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius: a born Ahmadi- soldier of Islam and a recipient of Divine revelations, Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius has been Divinely-blessed with almost all the spiritual titles that, throughout history, were vouchsafed to the great savants of Islam- the people whom devout Muslims over the millennium revere as no less than the spiritual heirs of the Holy Prophet (sa), Alhamdulillah, Soumma Alhamdulillah. If anyone today is truly interested in the sublime world of seeking proximity to the Lord Almighty through Islamic teachings and is on the quest for a Living Exemplar of that great spiritual path, s/he need not look further than the Sheikh-ul-Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius.

In his Friday Sermon of 29 June 2018 (14 Shawwal 1439 AH),  Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) provides a fascinating account of the Divine revelations recieved in the last couple of weeks, Alhamdulillah, Allah-u-Akbar. These Divine Messages are compulsory reading for all those who are interested in a Living  God who speaks to His blessed servant on  a range of issues and concerns pertaining to spiritual guidance on the true path. We also hope that the Divine messages and the Discourse in general would be of special interest to all Ahmadis- of every denominational group in existence today-, considering that the entire leadership of the Nizam-e-Jamaat- from the local Ahmadi Mullahs, Amirs in between,  down to the Caliph- stand challenged for a spiritual duel if they truly stand by their baseless assertions/ wild allegations on the nature and character of the present Divine Manifestation in Mauritius.  

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon Below: 

'I'tikaaf' and the Blessings of 'Laila-tul-Qadr'

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 

Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? 

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. 

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Al-Qadr 97: 1-6).

Like you all know, we have already entered the third part of the month of Ramadan, whereby in one of these nights there is a extremely special night which is worth more than a thousand months of blessings which we usually receive through our Ibaadat (all acts of worship) in normal times.

Like mentioned in a Hadith, our Noble Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) has said: “This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah’s Mercy, the middle of which brings Allah’s forgiveness, and the last part of which brings emancipation from the hellfire.” (Bukhari). In another Hadith, Hazrat Anas bin Malik (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah stated about the month of Ramadan: “This month (of Ramadan) has begun and therein is a night better than one thousand months. So, any one deprived of its blessings is actually deprived of all goodness. Indeed, He is truly deprived who is kept away from its good.” (Ibn Majah, Mishkat).

Behind the Divine Scheme on Laila-tul-Qadr

In the light of these verses of the Quranic Chapter Al-Qadr (the Destiny/Decree) and the Hadiths which I have put before you today, it shall be good if I explain to you once again how these verses were revealed. Years come and go but the words and teachings of Allah and those of His Messenger (Rasul) shall ever remain flawless and whole, and it is my duty to repeat these teachings to you for all this forms part of our history as Muslims, such a history which needs to remain alive till the Day of Judgement, such a history which shall encourage all Muslims to give their time, means and lend their helping hands to enable Islam to shine in the world.

'Life' in the Time of a Divine Servant

The Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, along with the blessed members of the Household, recently visited India, January 16-30, 2017. During this tour of India, the Khalifatullah (atba) freely met with his sincere disciples and well-wishers and on several occasions, even addressed the members of the public, bestowing them with his august prayers and generous advices on leading an ethically-oriented, spiritually-rooted harmonious life under Islam.

What does it mean to live in the time of a Vicegerent of Allah, a Divine Elect, a Renewer of Faith? How does such belief in the appearance of Divine Elect relate to the Islamic doctrine? Can a lay person progress in faith in the time of a Prophet of Allah? Reproduced below is a speech delivered by Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) at the Noor'ul Islam Masjid at Mathra (Kerala, India), addressing his disciples from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, who were gathered at the Mosque during the days of his stay at Mathra, January 16-21, 2017.  

My dearest disciples who are present today,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, it is indeed a great blessing upon you that Allah has enabled this humble self to appear in your time and has vouchsafed me the instruction to come to you and address you here in Kerala. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be among you today and talking to you face to face.

These days the grace of God descends from heaven, signs appear and exiled faith returns to its home of jewels from the mine of divine sciences which are widely distributed. This is a time when the unbelievers begin to tremble with fear and tears of joy fill the eyes of believers. It is time to wake up those who are asleep so that they may benefit from this spiritual joy and blessing. This is the moment when a person must choose between accepting and denying. The faces of those who have agreed to be part of this divine blessing are filled with joy, while those who have turned their backs to the divine truth and messenger look dark and sad. Alas for them! If only they knew what they are missing!

'Khalifatullah' appears with the 'Rooh-ul-Qudus'

The Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) writes:

“Let it be known that it is the established custom of Allah that whenever a Messenger, a Prophet or an appointed recipient of Divine Revelation is sent for the reformation of mankind, it becomes imperative that he is accompanied by such angels who instill guidance in all loving hearts. They induce the hearts towards goodness.  They continue to descend until the darkness of profanity and corruption gives way to the break of the dawn of faith and truthfulness. The Almighty God says: “The angels and the Spirit descend upon them by the command of their Lord with their Lord’s decrees concerning every matter. It is all peace, till the break of the dawn”. (Surah Al Qadr, 97:5-6) .

So the appearance of the angels and the Holy Spirit only takes place at the advent of a person of distinction, who is dressed in the garb of Khilafat and honored with a direct communion with God. This Khalifa is specially gifted with the Holy Spirit and the angels in attendance are deputed to descend on all pious hearts. The reflection of this heavenly glow falls on people of receptive talent, and consequently the whole world is engulfed in the dazzle of this intense light.    

As a result of the noble influence of the angels, the hearts of such people are voluntarily inclined towards virtuous thoughts and are thus charmed by the concept of the Unity of God. Upright hearts are charged with the inclination towards the search of truth. The spiritually frail are granted fortitude. Everywhere a breeze begins to blow which is supportive to the objectives of the Mujaddid. An invisible hand is beckoning humanity so that they of themselves are hastening towards that reform which will bring out the best of their talents. Mankind is in a state of agitation and stir in anticipation of what is to come.