'Duah': Invocations to Allah- XX

First of all, I must thank my Rab for giving me such golden opportunities to make up to now, twenty sermons on the subject of “duahs” (invocations) for the benefit of all my sincere disciples, the seekers of truth and all our other Muslim brothers, sisters and children, and also for humanity at large.

As you are aware, humanity is in danger; so we need to pray a lot. Only Allah (swt) will save us from all kinds of difficulties, dangers, sicknesses, viruses, crimes, economic problems, etc. Insha-Allah. 

In this era, you all people are very fortunate to have a Messenger of Allah among you but alas few of you heed the message. Most people turn their backs to the divine message and blessings and scoff at the Messenger of Allah. 

So fortunate are those who recognize the divine blessings and accept with full sincerity the Messenger of Allah. And I can assure these sincere disciples that Allah (swt) will bless you and you shall be always in the care of your Rab and in the hereafter you will receive, Insha-Allah, a great reward from your Creator and Allah (swt) will be pleased with you and you also will be pleased with Him. And all those sacrifices that you are presently doing for His cause in this temporal world shall be boundlessly magnified for you in the eternal world of Allah. Ameen.

Now, I put before you again some of the revealed duahs during this present Divine Manifestation (our era of great divine blessings):

'Duah': Invocations to Allah- XIV

Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, I continue today the 14th part of my series of sermons on the subject of “duahs” (invocations to Allah). Today I present before you the duahs which Allah revealed to me before and after He raised me as His chosen one, when I was still in the Jamaat Ahmadiyya and also when I was expelled from the Nizam-e-Jamaat on the 1st January 2001. That fateful unforgettable year, on the 7th of January I reached the age of forty, and all that occurred in the realm of spirituality, along with all the persecutions and mockeries were life-changing.

Important Dream at the Beginning of the new Islamic Era

This reminds me of a great dream I had at the beginning of the new 15th Century Hijri, one year later in November 1981. At that time, I was quite young and was clueless about the Hijri Calendar and that a new century was opening for me, as a blessing but also as a lifelong struggle for the sake of Allah. 

I dreamt that four great personalities in white, being very handsome with beautiful beards and illuminating faces came to my parental house, and sat on the sofas which were of different colours. They came with very important news about my life, what shall happen to me in the future, but what I clearly remember after all these years [for I did not keep any written records of my dreams back then] is that they foretold about the great hurdles that I would have to go through in my life but that I must not worry because Allah will remove all these hurdles and be with me. Since I had seen that dream, I was very shaken and panicked and I was hesitant to relate this to anybody. After finally relating it to a good and well-respected Muslim neighbour of mine who had deep affection for me, the latter was awestruck by what I told him and considered this as a great dream and that I was one of the favoured people of Allah. He told me that was why he liked me very much. He encouraged me to relate that dream to my parents. Being worried by what I told her, my mother told me to give away a Sadqua, and to pray [which I did]. As for my father, upon hearing about the dream, he smiled at me, and gave me such comfort that all my worries flew away instantly. He told me that it was indeed a great dream that I had seen, but why must I worry because had not these personalities [i.e. the angels] say that Allah will always be with me? 

So, this was one of the most important dream I had in my youth, prior to being raised as God’s Servant. And Allah kept giving me true dreams and visions, which at that time I could not understand, but little by little when His Divine Manifestation touched me in a way like never before, when I was nearing the age of forty, Allah showed great love and helped me in great ways just like He promised, despite the attacks on my honour and dignity as a Caller to Allah [Dai-Illallah], as a worker and missionary of Islam Ahmadiyyat. During these hard times with the evil plots of a so-called [now ex] Amir along with the people around him, Allah revealed to me many duahs as a comfort to my soul.

19 April 2003: First Bai'ah

19 April 2003 is an important day in the annals of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya (Qadian). It marked the end of an era, and also the formal beginning of another, within the larger concept and actual working of the system of spiritual succession or ‘Khilafat’ in the Jamaat. Many Ahmadis relate that day with the passing away of the fourth Khalifatul Massih Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1928-2003). More importantly, the day marks the inaugural of a new ‘Khilafat’ as well; a Divine Manifestation with an Elect of God in our era, Hazrat Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, accepting Bai’at at his hands, marking an important milestone in the sacred history and trajectory of Islamic renewal over the centuries. The first Bai’at was held that evening in the house of Hazrat Ummul Mu'mineen Sadr Saheba Fazli Amena on the second storey, at Louvet Avenue, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius. 

 

Indeed one of the questions that deeply divide devout Ahmadis today relate to the events of 19 April 2003, its meaning, interpretation and implications. As is well known, it was in the final years of the caliphate of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Saheb that a pious and devout Ahmadi Muslim mystic in Mauritius, Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba), began to make the extraordinary claim that Allah (swt) has raised him as His Elect of this era, to invite people to God and to strengthen Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya by sharing the Divine revelations and other spiritual verities being vouchsafed to him, with the assistance of Rooh-il-Quddus. It is a matter of historic record and Divine destiny that the fourth Khalifatul Massih thought highly of the noble qualities and preaching attainments of the future Divine Elect when he was still working as a missionary-ambassador of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to the various communities and nations of the Indian Ocean region.

 

The emergence of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius coincided with the decline in physical health, spiritual faculties and eventual death of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib. In his last years, the ageing caliph was already in a zone of his own, where he was in constant need of sound advice for prudent governance of Jamaat affairs. Yet, as it happened, he was badly advised regarding the nature and character of the Divine Manifestation then emerging in the horizon of Mauritius. Unscrupulous and scheming people, who worked behind the corridors of influence, suggested vanity of office and pride of legacy. Hence, when the saintly figure was reported to have made the claims of being a recipient of Divine revelations, he was expelled from the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya under misleading circumstances. Social boycott was administratively enforced on those Ahmadis who preferred faith above the world. Instead of showing humility and an open heart to understand the lofty claims and spiritual verities on offer in the new era, the Nizam-e-Jamaat chose pride and vanity in the material legacy they amassed from the past, and it is only unfortunate that the fourth caliph passed away before he could reflect on his decision vis-a-vis the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius, may Allah forgive him.

 

The fact that the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius has completed 16 years in relative obscurity will only surprise those who have no knowledge or understanding about the working of the spiritual realm. There are indeed many spiritual lessons and lofty insights to be derived by observing and understanding the Divine favour on the Khalifatullah (aba) and how he goes about with his deep and unwavering commitment to advance the cause of Allah and His Message in the last eighteen years. The duty of the Divine Messenger is only to convey the Message; Allah the Most High is the Reckoner. Fortunately, Ahmadis are beginning to come out of the shadow of that colossal mistake of their leadership. Increasingly, they are aware of this alternative trajectory of the Divine Favour in the Jamaat, for truth can be eclipsed, but only for a period. Like the moon, it will eventually come out of the shadow of clouds and confusions created by the enemies of truth, Insha-Allah, Aameen. 

 

Reproduced below are certain brief comments and points mentioned at the beginning of the Friday Sermon of 19 April 2019~12 Shabaan 1440 AH by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius on the significance of the aforesaid historical event : 

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, today (19 April) marks 16 years that a historical event happened within the framework of the Divine Manifestation of this era. The first Bai’ah (oath of allegiance) in the hand of Allah was made and that day also marked the death of the 4^th Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Before I get up to deliver my sermon, I feel that I shall receive many important messages from Allah. These revelations may come down during or after my sermon. Anyway, these are messages [they are coming and Huzur (atba) is aware of it] that I must share – soon – with you my dear disciples and all humanity, Insha-Allah.

 

[The Caliph of Allah - Khalifatullah (aba) - then spoke of this important day in the annals of the history of the Divine Manifestation and the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. He recounted how he and the one who was always by his side to write down the divine revelations - and to whom Allah had made great favours (Z. Domun Saheb) - gathered with the believers of the Divine Manifestation at that time for the study circle at Quatre-Bornes. That day was the day when the 4^th Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Movement died, and Z. Domun Saheb asked Amir’ul Mumineen, Munir Azim Saheb, a question about whether he had received any revelation about giving Bai’ah (oath of allegiance) to the believers.

 

Huzur (atba) said that at that time he had not yet received any revelation, and that if he did not receive a revelation, it means that he did not receive any revelation from Allah and that he could not say at that time that he received any revelation because lying about revelation is a very serious act in the eyes of Allah.

 

It was only during the study circle that the divine revelation came, and through it, Allah had manifested Himself and the first Bai’ah had been taken by all those present in the Hand of Allah (represented by the Khalifatullah’s hand). Huzur (aba) mentioned names like M. Ramjaun Saheb, his wife and children who were present and who had taken the Bai’ah. So he gave a warning, and he advised those who had taken the Bai’ah at that time (and who turned their backs on the Divine Manifestation) to think carefully about what they did.

 

Huzur (aba) then said that by the grace of Allah, it is Allah who consolidates the truth and helps His elect and by His grace He has sent other people, from other countries who have acknowledged the truth and who have integrated the Divine Manifestation - the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. Alhamdulillah.

 

Huzur (atba) seized this opportunity to mention the initiative for a gathering by the female wing (Siraj Makin) of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Kerala which begins today on this blessed day 19 April 2019 and their function will end tomorrow 20 April 2019. He congratulated them by telling them “Mubarak Ho” and prayed for the success of their gathering.]

For other reflections on 19 April 2003, click here. 

18 Years: Phases of A Spiritual Journey

In his opening speech at the Tamil Nadu State Jalsa Salana at Tenkasi on Sunday, 25 November 2018, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, gave an illuminating discourse on the different trajectories of the Divine Manifestation of the Age over the last 18 years or so. These spiritual ruminations contain an intensely personal reclamation of an important phase- of searing trials and life-altering experiences- in the life of this recipient of Divine revelations- the humble Elect and Servant of God- that he has had to under-go at the hands of the reigning elites in the Nizam-e-Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Mauritius and beyond. The speech also gives a glimpse into subsequent events within the life-world of the Divine manifestation, both in the times of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen and later, with the establishment of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam  in 2008. As such, the discourse is compulsory reading for all true seekers of Divine verities in our times. At a time when the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam is on an expanding curve of wider popular recognition and acceptance in India and also internationally, the challenges of the past provide reassuring contentment for true believers in the signs of Allah that indeed the promise of Allah (swt) is ever true; that Allah (swt) protects and safeguards His chosen servants amidst all trials and tribulations and that the Divine mission and its caravan will continue its incredible journey through different orbits destined for it under the Holy Will of God, Insha Allah, Aameen.  

Read the Opening Speech Below: 

The Divine Manifestation of the Age 

“And say, ‘Truth has come, and falsehood has perished. Indeed falsehood, [by its nature], is ever perishing/bound to perish’.” (Al-Isra, 17: 82).

By the grace of Allah, it has been 10 years now since the creation of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam under divine instructions, and which later on has been legally registered on the 1^st Rabi-ul-Awwal 1429 AH (Hijri), on the 10^th of March 2008 C.E. We held our first Jumu’ah in Mauritius under our new identity bestowed to us by Allah on the 12^th Rabi’ul Awwal of the Islamic year 1429 (Hijri). This is indeed an immense favour and blessings from Allah, that He keeps on showering His rain of grace and blessings and the wind of His mercy has swept us along with it and Alhamdulillah, Allah has enabled His Jamaat – Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam – to grow in spirituality and number over all these years and that blessed tree of Allah has spread its branches in many directions in the world, and reaching also India.

Reply to Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan

Earlier this month, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International published a new Book written by the Khalifatullah, Hadhrat Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Munir Ahmad Azim  Saheb (atba) of Mauritius. This tract is entitled, Towards the Understanding of Prophethood & the Fallacy of the Hypocrites. It can be read here. 

This book is an important contribution to the growing literature of the Jamaat, explaining the unthinking premises of the currently held notions of basic Ahmadi 'beliefs' on the 'continuity' of Khilafat in the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya through mundane elections till the end of times. 

Most Ahmadis today follow a narrow assumption of prophethood and spiritual leadership in the Muslim Ummah among the 'Aakharreen'. Devout Ahmadis are often misguided by their leaders and scholars into muddled thinking: that Allah (swt) can raise no one in this era with Divine revelations, to revitalize the constitutional architecture and thereby correct the administrative edifice of the legacy left behind by the Promised Massih (as) in the previous century. The fallacies apparent (and not so apparent) in the doctrinal assumptions of the current Ahmadi scholars on the concepts of 'Khilafat' and 'Rooh-il-Quddus' can be cleared only by a Man of God, a recipient of Divine Revelations in the tradition of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) of Qadian. The reality of  the ways of the Divine and His Plans for spiritual rejuvenation unravel only in the fullness of time and scholarly assumptions are mere speculations unless blessed by the support and endorsement of Divine practice (Sunnatullah.), Alhamdulillah, for those who humble their selves and pay homage to the wisdom of God, the aforesaid Book offers subtle Signs of Divine wisdom, convincing argumentation on theological differences and clear reasoning on all incidents that it surveys. 

Reproduced below is an extract of a section from the Book, containing a response to Mr. Abdul Ghany Jehangeerkhan, a maulvi in the Nizam-e-Jamaat and a self-declared, fierce opponent of the Divine Mission of the Khalifatullah. The scrutiny of the record of (mis-)deeds of this Maulvi provides a fascinating glimpse into the early Days of the Divine Manifestation when it faced enormous trials at the hands of the enemies of Allah (swt). 

Read the Extracts below:

"By the grace of Almighty Allah, Allah has enabled us to be born Muslims and also belonging to the spiritual family and identity of the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) who came more than 125 years ago with a rise of a new century to bring people from darkness into light.

It is Sunnat Allah (the blessed practice of our Lord Almighty, Allah) that whenever the original divine message is in danger of extinction, that is, when people have deviated from the right path and has taken their own souls as prisoners and cast them in the dungeon of unfaith, then Allah, merciful as ever, before seizing them with His mighty punishment, chooses to send to them, time after time, era after era someone from Him to bring back the pristine message of Islam, the pristine divine message.

It is a reality which existed since the dawn of time and which the Quran highlights that those in power try to manipulate the mass so that the people listen to what the corrupted divines have to say instead of the true Messengers of Allah who come to the world with the Ruh-il-Quddus (Holy Spirit) to warn mankind and to give good news of the approval and pleasure of Allah when those who come forward embrace the divine light which is offered to them.

If the teachings of Islam as a whole were being manipulated by the so-called divines and scholars so much so that Allah saw the need to send the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), then do you think that now the people in the Jamaat of the Promised Messiah (as) shall remain as devoted and pure as when the Ruh-il-Quddus was still descending on the Promised Messiah (as) when he was yet alive?

People constitute a Jamaat, and when people become corrupted especially the spiritual leaders and their subordinate chiefs (in all regions and countries), do you think that Allah shall stay aloof and won’t send His Chosen Messenger again to save the ship (the Community) of His true prophets? Such a Messenger who shall safeguard the honour of His elects and preserve His teachings as per His divine instructions which He sends in forms of revelations, true dreams and visions?

On the 09 July 2015, Mr Abdul Ghany Jahangeerkhan posted on alislam.org an article: “The characteristics of hypocrites”, thereby auto-proclaiming himself as the defender of the Khilafat-ul-Massih treating others as hypocrites without analysing his own deeds. We know the characteristics of an individual through his own actions.

Mr Abdul Ghany posed himself as a very nice little charming defendant of the Khalifa and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya by citing some verses of the Holy Quran concerning the characteristics of the hypocrites.

Shocks of Trial after the Loss of Faith

Mir Abbas Ali Ludhiyanwi was among the very first disciple(s) of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian- by joining him in 1882, when the Promised Massih (as) was beginning to appear on the religious horizon, on the very early days of the Divine Manifestation in the then British India. His sincerity and spiritual services over a period of a decade was of such quality that the Promised Massih (as) wrote about him, mentioning even Divine revelations he said he received: "Mir Sahib is a person with great spiritual condition and has a spiritual connection with this humble self. And to prove his level of sincerity, it is enough that once this humble self received an inspiration in his favour: 'aslohoo sabitun wa farohoo fis samaa' (his roots are firmly fixed and his branches are in the sky)." (Izala-e-Auham, Roohani Khazain vol.3 p.528). Yet, unfortunately for him, Mir Abbas Ali failed in the trials of patience and steadfastness in course of time, the Divine revelations regarding his lofty destiny notwithstanding.

This episode of trials of faith is a grim reminder for all believers in every age. With the appearance of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius-with the advent of the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) in the new century of Islam- such incidents have come alive, within the ebb and flow of the life and experiences of the people who once embraced the blessings of Allah (swt), only to let go of their Imaan, to be tried with the very words and sentiments they expressed once. In an Open Letter written in December 2014, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) profoundly reminded the concerned persons and their chieftains about the evil consequences of their bad choices and evil deeds of rejecting the Signs of Allah amidst them. The document provides interesting insights on the early days of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius when Allah raised His Elect and even blessed the people who attached themselves with him, with inspirations and Divine revelations so as to enable them to understand and comprehend the profound reality, like the Qur'an states:

"And when I inspired the disciples of Jesus to believe in Me and in My Messenger, they said, ‘We believe and bear Thou witness that we have submitted.’ [5:112]

Read the Extracts below:  

The very beginning of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius was overflowed with Divine Grace and Mercy, so much so that with the manifestation of His Messenger, Reviver of Faith on earth, Allah sent down His blessings in multitudinous forms upon all those who have attached themselves, their own identity to that of the Messenger of Allah of their times.

Falling Prey to the Lure of the World

Knowledge comes from Allah

I thank my Rab that He has given me by His immense grace the golden opportunity to continue the sermon which I started last Friday, and verily without the grace, favour and Ilm (Knowledge) of my creator, I could not have addressed you today on this subject. Indeed the blessings and favours of my Rab is like a never-ending ocean which immerge out of my heart to call out to you to purify your hearts in it, to let them be full of the light of Allah which descends upon each one of you so that you also may benefit from this extraordinary light and blessings. Insha-Allah.

Indeed without the help and guidance of Allah, without His support and tutoring and His increasing my knowledge to carry on this noble work, nothing would have been possible. It is really difficult to explain to people how my Rab helps me and guides me, how He has chosen me in this era as His Khalifa, not elected by men, but chosen by Allah Himself. So I thank again my Rab and I continue on the same topic of my sermon of last Friday.

Prophet's Wisdom

Our beloved prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: “Do not be envious of one another; do not inflate prices by overbidding against one another; do not hate one another; do not turn away from one another; do not enter into commercial transaction when others have entered into that (transaction); but be you, O slaves of Allah, as brothers. A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim; he neither oppresses him, nor does he lie to him, nor does he look down upon or humiliate him. Piety (Taqwa) is here (and he pointed to his chest three times). It is evil enough for a Muslim to humiliate his brother. All things of a Muslim are sacred for his brother-in-faith: his blood, his property, and his honour.” (Muslim)

 ...and the Ahmadiyya condition today

It is very strange that despite him mentioning this to his companions and Ummah, these very instructions being in both Quran and Sunnah, despite being Muslims, especially the so-called defenders of Islam and Ahmadiyyat they do not follow these clear instructions and commandments. The Jamaat Ahmadiyya who should have been a model for the other Muslims have also fallen prey to the unislamic ways, just like the other Muslims fell prey to the allures of the worldly and unislamic way of life. It is my prayer that my sincere disciples and followers do not fall prey to the traps of the satans who lurk in the alleys of Islam to try to deviate them from the right path and to separate them from their brothers and sisters in faith. May Allah protect you all from this, Ameen.

The Dynamics of Renewal and Expulsion

In the Jamaat Ahmadiyya, one of the spiritual teachings that the Khulafatul Massih have always defended is the continuity of Divine revelations and the advent of Divine Reformers till the Day of Judgment. Allah has kept the door open for revelation and Allah will appoint Guides/ Khulafa through revelation to guide this Jamaat and humanity whenever and wherever Allah chooses as the need arises. We have already documented many statements from the Promised Massih (as) and also that of the Musleh Moaud Hadhrat Khalifa Sani (ra), whereby they have expressly endorsed this blessed hope about the continuity of Divine Reformers and other promised spiritual sons in the Din-e-Islam till the Last Days. (For a list of Blog articles chronicling and commenting on such speeches and references from the writings and statements of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, check here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 ). 

In a speech delivered at Sydney, Australia in the 1990’s, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV has given a very vivid picture of how reform takes place within religious communities and what are its consequences. One of the sure trajectories of religious renewal is the trials and oppositions a Reformer will have to face within his own community and people when he becomes a servant of Allah and bring to the people the mercy of Divine Messages. The sermon entitled “The Philosophy of the Revival of Religion” states:

…………….Every fair minded person can see from this comparison that the Ahmadiyya view-point is based on the history of religions while the philosophy of its opponents is mythical and contradicts the history of religious revival. We learn from history that everyone appointed by God was faced with a storm of opposition. All prophets came with the message of truth and eternal life but were opposed by those who preferred falsehood to truth, and spiritual death to spiritual life. This indeed is the process of the birth of religions. When impurities and corruption crept into religions, their rebirth also took the same course. The reformers sent by God also suffered as the prophets had suffered. Whenever the Almighty chose to revive a nation spiritually, it split into two groups-those who saw the truth and those who opposed it. And neither group ever changed its demonstrated attitude. The Holy Quran describes this oft repeated cycle in a most effective and moving manner. A study of the Holy Quran shows that:

Ahmadiyya Khilafat and the new Mujaddid

Origins of Ahmadiyya Khilafat

After the death and departure of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in May 1908, the Ahmadiyya Community invented and established the institution of Khilafat to continue the goodwork and divine mission of the Promised Massih. It is interesting to note that the Promised Massih (as) himself established the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya for this purpose in 1906 and made it very clear that after his departure, the Anjuman shall be final decision-making body for the Jamaat. Yet, after the death of the Founder, all members of the Community including the highest governing body, agreed upon the institution of the office of Khalifatul Massih and elected Hadhrat Al-Haj Maulvi Hakkim Nur-ud-Din Sahib (ra) of Bhervi as the first Khalifa of the Community.

During the time of Khalifatul Massih Awwal, all Ahmadis worked together, as per the wish and Al Wassiyat of the Promised Massih (as). This was a period when devout disciples of the Promised Massih (as) known for their spiritual wisdom and religious knowledge and personal commitment for preferring faith above the worldly considerations were still around.

Contrary to the mistaken notion of most Ahmadis today, the Khalifa is not appointed by Allah (swa). He is appointed by an electoral college of prominent members within- the Majlis Shura. The system worked smoothly according to the commandments of Allah, the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad ^(sa) and Hazrat Massih Ma’ud ^(as).

One Hundred Years of the Split

Khilafat as an instition generally worked for the welfare of the members, especially in the early days. The Khalifa is guided by his chosen advisors and the Maulvis within. During the first Khilafat, all his administrative decisions were recorded as taken in the dual capacity of the President of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. However, after the death of Maulvi Hakkim Nur-ud-Din Sahib (ra) in March 1914, the community split into two: the fraction led by Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib, a companion of the Promised Massih (as) refused to accept the leadership of the eldest son of the Promised Massih, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad on perceived grounds of deviation from the teachings of the Promised Massih (as).

‘O Muhyi-ud-Din, Arise and Create a New World !’

March 7 is an important day in the history of the new Divine Manifestation in Mauritius. It was on this in the year 2000- exactly 14 years ago- that Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius first spoke to a friend about the glad tidings of a spiritually-edifying dream, foretelling the advent and inaugural of the Divine Manifestation. In terms of the new Mission and its mandate of reformative intervention, the Divine Revelations from the very early days clearly pointed to the appalling decline of spiritual quality among the contemporary Ahmadi Muslims. At a time when Ahmadis have ‘embraced’ and elevated the institution of khilafat over Tauhid, Allah (swa) revealed to His Chosen Reformer for the new century extraordinary dreams and Divine messages filled with spiritually-uplifting prayers at the dawn of the new century, in the year 2000.

In the revealing testimonial of Mukarram Zafrullah Domun Sahib, one could read one such revelation: “O Muhyi-ud-Din, arise and create a new world! The teachings of the Promised Messiah have been trampled to dust…. They give khilafat more importance than My divine words (Holy Quran), the sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad  (sa) and the teachings of the second Issa (the Promised Messiah).

Ten Years of 'Muhyiuddin'

In the annals of the present Divine Manifestation in Mauritius, 06 December 2013 marks an important milestone, as the day marks the completion of 10 years of an important, constitutive event in the spiritual journey of the Divine Messenger Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius. It was on 06 December 2003 that Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) received the revelation, bestowing upon him the title “Muhyiuddin” and also the Divine instruction to take the Bai’at of his disciples.

In the history of Prophets and other Divine Messengers, we come across many instances of tests of faith and sincerity taking a toll on people who say they are closer to the Divine Messenger. There are numerous examples where so-said disciples turn out to be hypocrites and traitors to the Divine Mission, people who actively collaborate with the enemy forces or cunningly deceive in the hour of need. Their presence and work does not reflect adversely on a Divine Messenger or his movement(s), but a sign post for believers to be wary of easy-certainties in the search for truth and for Divine pleasure.

TEN YEARS of the Divine Manifestation

From the long and great history of the arrival of Divine Messengers in the world, believers have numerous lessons and insights to keep in mind. Every Messenger has to go through countless trials- his own people will turn back on him and boycott him. His own people, who may have received countless signs and blessings, may desert him in the hour of need. Countless years may pass by, before the world begins to take notice of the Divine Message in full measure, just as it happened in the time of Jesus (as). It may also happen that those who desert the Messenger may later realise their mistakes. They might return to the path of rectitude eventually, as did the brethren of Yusuf (as) in another time and space.        

The need for the appearance of a Divinely-raised Messenger in this era among the Ahmadi Muslims has been fulfilled with the raising of the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius. Thus, 19 April 2013 (08 Jamad’ul Aakhir 1434 Hijri) marks an important milestone in the sacred history of modern Islam. For, it was on this day in 2003 that the Jamaat of the Divine Manifestation took their first Bai’at in the hands of the Khalifatullah (atba). The first Bai’at was held in the house of Hazrat Ummul Mumineen Sadr Sahiba Fazli Amena on the second storey, at Louvet Avenue, Quatre-Bornes.

The fact that the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius has completed 10 years in relative obscurity will only surprise those who have no knowledge or understanding about the working of the spiritual realm. The duty of the Divine Messenger is only and merely to convey the Message; Allah the Most High is the Reckoner. There are indeed many spiritual lessons and lofty insights to be derived by observing and understanding the Divine favour on the Khalifatullah and how he goes about with his deep and unwavering commitment to advance the cause of Allah and His Message in the last ten years.  

It is instructive for Ahmadis to understand that the emergence of the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius coincided with the decline in physical health, spiritual faculties and eventual death of the Fourth Khalifa of the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib. In his last years, the ageing Khalifa was already in a zone of his own, where he was in constant need of sound advice for prudent governance of Jamaat affairs. Yet, as it happened, he was badly advised regarding the nature and character of the Divine Manifestation then emerging in the horizon of Mauritius. Unscrupulous and scheming people, who worked behind the corridors of influence, suggested vanity of office and pride of legacy. Instead of showing humility and open heart to understand the lofty claims and spiritual verities on offer, the Khalifa chose the other road. May Allah forgive him for his blurred vision in his last days, Ameen.

Experiences of Divine Revelation: Then & Now

“And it is not for a man that Allah should speak to him except

by revelation or from behind a veil or by sending a Messenger

to reveal by His command what He pleases. Surely, He is High, Wise.”

                                                                             -  [Holy Qur’an, 42:52]

Allah the Almighty raises His Elects in every era. The sublime purpose is to guide and lead the people in the Straight Path of Divine Favour.  To teach them wisdom and judgement, Allah (swt), thus, reveals His Messages to His chosen servants and the miraculous power of the Lord Almighty is experienced by the people in countless ways.  The great blessing of Divine revelations and guidance with which the Messengers are invariably blessed with, point to their Divine nearness, help and succour. The shadow of Divine Mercy and Grace protects the Messengers from harm in the complex contingencies of their everyday lives. Truth seekers know that the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian had left a graphic portrait of aspects of Divine revelations as he experienced it. Indeed it would be spiritually uplifting and intellectually enlightening for common folks like us to look for similarities in the experiences of Divine revelation by claimants to this august office. Today, we have thus an extraordinary opportunity: to see and bear witness to the magnificent, living reality of Divine revelations! For, we are living in the times of a Messenger of Allah in the person of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius who is a recipient of this uncommon and precious privilege of Divine Mercy. Alhamdulillah Rabbul Aalameen! 

It is astonishing to note that there are remarkable similarities between the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian and his spiritual progeny, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius, although their times are separated by a century or so. In this article, we discuss one such similarity.

Mukarram Zafrullah Domun Sahib, who at one point of time in his life led the Jamaat-e- Ahmadiyya Mauritius as its National Amir for almost a decade, had written a personal, comprehensive and scholarly testimonial to the truthfulness and veracity of Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) and his claims. This document is an authentic, living testimonial/record of an intimate witness to the phenomena of Divine revelations descending upon a man who claims for over a decade now on the basis of the Divine Mandate that he is indeed the Imam of the Age. This testimonial touches upon, and captures the essence of, the experience of Divine revelations descending upon Hadhrat Khalifatullah Sahib (atba) in the early days of the Divine Manifestation. We reproduce below extracts from this document and also, place before you, similar extracts from the writings of the Promised Massih (as) pertaining to the experience of Divine revelations. It is, of course, for the discerning readers to read and reflect upon and derive appropriate conclusions from here. 

Zafrullah Domun Sahib records in his official Declaration: “During the course of those conversations I understood that he was receiving several revelations and that through the dreams, visions and revelations we were being told about matters of which we knew not. Our attention was being drawn to several verses of the Holy Quran, to known and unknown ahadiths , to several prayers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad  (s.a.w), to prayers, the source of which we were unaware of, and also to extracts from the Promised Messiah's books or from his malfoozaaat. At the same time we received long texts on particular topics pertinent to spiritual understanding and elevation: what is Islam, what is the meaning of God being close to man, zikr , tawhid , the condition of humanity, international current affairs, religious reform, the necessity of revelation, and many others. I have to confess here that later on we became aware that many of the texts received already existed in one form or other in some books or articles but we were not aware of them when they were being received. As far as we are concerned many of these materials were new to us and they were spiritual delights.

These revelations were sometimes received in English or in French or in Urdu or even in Arabic or Persian or sometimes even in our local dialect Créole but most of them were in French or English. Whatever was received in Urdu or Arabic or Persian was followed by a translation so that we might understand the message….” 

Now, it would be interesting to observe the experience of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Ahmad (as) on the matter of Divine revelations descending upon him: 

“During the process of writing Arabic, hundreds of complete sentences descend upon my heart, either in the form of verbal revelation or in the form of a writing on a paper which is shown to me by an angel. Some of these sentences are verses of the Holy Qur’an, or similar to them with minor modification. Sometimes I only find out later that a certain Arabic sentence that had been revealed to me by God was in fact present in a certain book. God, being the Lord of everything, has the authority to reveal to my heart a fine sentence from some book, or an exquisite verse from some book of poetry. So much for Arabic, but even more surprising is the fact that I receive revelations in languages like English, Sanskrit or Hebrew, with which I have no familiarity whatsoever. Some specimens of these were included in Baraheen-e- Ahmadiyya. God, in Whose hand is my life, is my witness that this is how He has been dealing with me. This is one of the signs pertaining to matters of the unseen that continue to be revealed to me in various forms. My God cares not if any phrase that is revealed to me happens to figure in some Arabic, Sanskrit or English book, because for me it is a matter of the unseen…”  -[ Nuzul-ul Masih, Ruhani Khasa’in, vol. 18, pp. 434-436; Essence of Islam, vol. V, p.157]