Coronavirus: Revelation and Reason

The quest for dominance and superiority is leading nations increasingly out of ethical restraints on scientific research. In the name of national security and military preparedness, States are seeking access to stealth technologies of all kinds- against future threats and unknown dangers. Prudential limits are being 'stretched' on every front, including to facilitate secret development of chemical and biological weapons. The dynamics of preemptive self-defence and the desire for acquisition of offensive capability is causing dangerous experimentation in well-advanced nations. Scientists are increasingly tinkering with nature and its resources- including plants and animals-, with profoundly negative implications and consequences for the well-balanced ecosystem that sustains life on earth. Viewed against this backdrop, the ongoing global pandemic Covid-19 raises larger issues before the international community. With more than 1.25 million people having contracted the infection, and the numbers keep growing and thousands of people dying on a daily basis; the epidemic is causing unprecedented social and economic disruptions around the world, triggering reflections on how we brought this catastrophe on our nations. 

As a man of God and recipient of divine revelations over the last two decades, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius has been warning the world community about the dangerous turn in human affairs in our times. On numerous occasions, this Elect of Allah (swt) shared prophecies about calamities waiting to unfold, including through the outbreak of pandemics. For instance, while speaking against the backdrop of Influenza A virus on Sunday, the 10th of May 2009, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) presciently stated- sharing revelations foretelling calamities: 

'Troubling times, troubling times, troubling times, that which they asked for, the wrath from the Heavens will eat them from within, leaving no choice whatsoever for reconciliation with their own conscience. A calamity more poignant than poison will, manifest from their inside, affecting their body systems and rendering them powerless. You saw the consequence of the AIDS Virus; more viruses will come to manifest and one of them will be mortal, and without cure like I revealed to you long time ago. The world is at a critical age, facing perplex situations of how to save humanity from all sorts of contamination from the AIDS Virus. Now they will come face again all sorts of trials of this sort because of their disobedience to the Divine Will. Man and man will perish, widows will be seen lamenting, children will have no future whatsoever...Can you stop your Lord from doing what He wills? The sky is in lament for the earth has rejected the instructions of your Lord...'       

It is gratifying to note that distinguished scientists and concerned intellectuals confirm, through their own independent studies and reasoned perspectives, the essential truth of these divine revelations concerning the outbreak of a deadly virus/global pandemic impacting the whole humanity at large, Alhamdulillah. For instance, Bill Gates has been speaking about the need for the world community to be prepared for dealing with such a scenario, like he explains here. 

In a special message delivered on 31 March 2020, Imam Azim (atba) addresses all humanity,  putting forth very pertinent points central to the larger issues being raised in this context. In this important message, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) reminds the world nations, and the scientific community at large: 'Bear in mind, Allah will use your own inventions to punish you or He may send unprecedented forms of punishments to act as warnings for you so that you may return to the right path. The time is indeed critical.Reform your ways and return back to Allah [God Almighty]. Do not let evil get the best of you. Repel evil with goodness and with prayer.' Indeed, the good future of humanity depends upon a great transformation in individual and collective lives and outlook of people, a project that needs to be pursued with soulful prayer- sublime invocations like the ones revealed to Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in the early days of the divine manifestation, during the SARS epidemic (2002-3): 'O our Lord, do not kill us with Your Anger; do not destroy us with Your Punishment; Save us before this happens.”     

Read the Special Message Below: 

Coronavirus: A Grave Sign

The Signs of Allah-IV

As Messenger of God, and Reviver of the Faith in this century, Allah sent several signs in favour of my truthfulness, just as in the past century there were many signs, including the sign of the plague as a sign in favour of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). 

In his book “Our Teachings”, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) writes: “No calamity strikes if there is not an order emanating from heaven, and no calamity can be removed, if mercy does not descend from the heavens.”

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 (THE PANDEMIC)

Regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, this is a serious warning from God, an admonition [warning] to those who persist in hostility, because He was very marked by the prevailing sin, hostility and indifference of the people and thus Insha-Allah, the Coronavirus can be annihilated with prayer.

By the grace of Allah, I received a revelation just after the Salaat-Ul-Zuhr on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 and I sat on the Musallah and I made a lot of duahs, concerning this deadly virus. I received the following revelation: -

“The Coronavirus / Covid-19 Pandemic will not go away unless sin and transgression beforehand go away. The bright sun is darkened because of sins. The earth launched this pandemic to scare and warn.” (This is the revelation).

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 Truth about 'Isra-Miraj'

'Isra wa Miraj' is one of the most celebrated events in the Muslim cultural consciousness, and every year on the 27th of Rajab in the Hijri calendar, Muslims mark one of the greatest mystical experiences the Prophet Muhammad (sa) have had in his eternally-blessed life. Whereas 'Isra' points to the Night Journey from Makka to Jerusalem undertaken by the Holy Prophet (sa) in the space of a single night; 'Miraj' denotes the Heavenly Ascension where the Holy Prophet(sa) encountered several Judeo-Christian prophets and finally came into the Divine presence: within two-bows'length of God Himself or nearer (53:10). The spiritual journeys of the Holy Prophet(sa) are significant for the deep connection it establishes between Divine messages of the past and the present- between Islam and the Prophetic heritage of old, with the ancient religions with Jerusalem as their spiritual home. Likewise, it was during the Miraj that the ritual prayer of Islam- the Salat- recieved its present form and shape.

Although rooted in events indicated in the Qur'an, with a range of details described also in scores of sacred traditions attributed to the Holy Prophet (sa); there is, however, much confusion and misunderstanding prevails among the masses concerning the true nature and meaning of the 'Isra-Miraj' journeys. Whether both the Night Journey and the Heavenly Ascension were physical occurrences? Where these journeys point to one incident with two different names, or, are, in reality, two entirely-different incidents, or were they two-stages of one mystic experience? What is the meaning and significance of the 'Isra-Miraj' journeys for devout Muslims- those who aspire to the Divine Presence in the fashion of the blessed Prophet of Islam? On the occasion of the Miraj Shareef- Saturday, 21 March 2020~ 27 Rajab 1441 AH, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius made a well-rounded speech after the Salat-ul-Esha to explain concerning the 'Miraj and Isra'.

Here is the Text of the Speech:

The Legacy of Massih Maoud

On the occasion of Massih Maoud Day 2020, Imam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius addressed members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International through a special Address at night on 23 March 2020 ~ 29 Rajab 1441 AH. The discourse of the Khalifatullah reflects on the blessed life and spiritual practices of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908), the man who made the claim of being the Massih Maoud of the previous era. The Divine revelations and special messages of God left behind by this great saintly figure of modern Islam continue to water the blessed, spiritual garden of this religion with the advent of a Divinely- elected Khalifatullah among the progeny of the Promised Messiah (as), Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.    

Read the Special Sermon Below: 

PROMISED MESSIAH DAY [23 MARCH 1889  -  23 MARCH 2020]

Today is exactly 131 years since the first oath of allegiance by divine order taken by the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of his followers.

The Promised Messiah (as) said, “This is an order from God: For the purpose of learning what true faith, true purity, love for the Lord, abandoning a life of iniquity, carelessness and unfaithfulness are, the seekers of truth must take before me the oath of allegiance (Bai’ah).

Let those who feel able to join me, I will share their pain and strive to lighten their burdens. Through my prayers and thoughtful care, God will bless them, provided they wholeheartedly conform to the conditions of the Pact of Allegiance which are divinely inspired.

Khalifatullah’s Book on ‘Jihad’

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International has just published a new book, entitled ‘Jihad: Reflections on Islam in the Times of Terror’. The spiritual treatise, compiled and curated by Fazil Jamal, brings together a number of Friday sermons and other special discourses given by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius over the last decade on this vital subject. The discourses of Imam Azim (atba), originally made in response to contemporary international political developments- including terror attacks in the name of ‘Jihad’ perpetrated in numerous countries by radicalised Muslim youths-, throw searching light on the doctrine and practice of ‘Jihad’ in Islam, especially on the basis of relevant Qur’anic framework and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (sa).  

In his discourse on ‘Jihad’, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) agrees that widespread misconceptions exist around this important Islamic obligation among both Muslim youths and the non-Muslims. Hadhrat Saheb (atba) insists that whoever looks at ‘Jihad’ as nothing but indiscriminate violence against ‘infidels’ do not fully comprehend the real teachings of Islam. He points out that the Qur’an does not promote ‘Jihad’ as the ideology of coercive religiosity, nor does it stand for senseless violence. Likewise, ‘Jihad’ is not a weapon of aggression against other peace-loving people. In Islam, ‘Jihad’ is a resistance tool against oppression when recourse to the use of force becomes inevitable against recalcitrant enemies who take up sword to destroy the whole community of believers. Except in such rare circumstances of self-preservation and existential threat, Islam rejects the instrumental role of violence. Ideas being propagated in the name of Islam contrary to the above by some Ulema, as well as others, including anti-Muslim propagandists, miss the real point about Islamic teachings on Jihad, points out Hadhrat Saheb(atba). 

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.” 

Revelations in Corona Times

'When the sentence of doom is given against them, We shall bring a creature out of the earth, which will speak to them: people had no faith in Our revelations'. (27:83)

'...It was not God who wronged them, they wronged themselves. Those who take protectors other than God can be compared to spiders building themselves houses- the spider's is the frailest of all houses- if only they could understand'. (29:41-2)

Novel Coronavirus. The global pandemic is an occasion to reflect on the dire state of our world: how precarious our calculations are, how deeply vulnerable we are. The hidden forces of nature can suddenly emerge to shatter our lives at any moment in time. Since the new virus was first identified in China last year, it has caused considerable international concern as it is spreading fast across regions, races and religions- Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, the United States, etc. The death-toll from the disease- that jumped from animals to humans- has crossed 7000 as of today, just as infection rates have surged in recent days. Now there are more reported cases outside of mainland China than inside, pointing to the evolving nature of this pandemic. [Inset: As part of a long-running effort to see what viruses bats harbor, researchers in China examine one temporarily captured in a cave in Guandong. (c) ECOHEALTH ALLIANCE].

Media reports show that countries around the world are rushing to implement emergency measures in an effort to contain the virus and enforce social distancing, including nationwide lock-downs, imposing border and travel restrictions, school closures and ordering restaurants, cafes and bars to close or reduce services. 'We have never lived through anything like this. And our society, which had grown used to changes that expand our possibilities of knowledge, health and life, now finds itself in a war to defend all we have taken for granted', Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told Parliament. "This is a once-in-a- hundred-year type event," said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, warning the crisis could last six months as his nation gears up for changes in life, as it is changing all around the world. The global pandemic is amongst the several disasters striking humanity today. As humanity stands humbled by the emergence of a microorganism, and the outbreak of a pandemic consuming thousands, we need to pause and it should also occasion an intense and thoroughgoing soul-searching amongst us on what is wrong with our world that is turning upside down on all fronts. The microorganism is literally 'speaking'/ asking us to reclaim the values of global inter-dependence and solidarity,  collective security, and shared progress. In a world riven by arrogant conceptions of 'national interest' and 'nation first' where 'leader' after 'leader' is speaking the language of racist intolerance and xenophobia, the reach of the epidemic is shaking the existing order to its core, bringing 'tall' icons down to their crumpling fate. 

Throughout history, Divine messengers brought sublime guidance on righteous living; they called their people to an exalted, heavenly destiny of inner peace, by recognizing the higher values of life and  respecting the restraints of Divine Law. Most people, however, are often dominated by a materialistic, 'earthly'-outlook on life, and they choose their fate by turning their backs to the pure messages on offer: the materialist outlook that these people embrace trigger evil impulses in its own way to destroy human soul, public health and the social order. We can reclaim our world only by reverting our preoccupations and lifestyles back to the path of moderation and balance as ordained by the Creator and Sustainer of the worlds, and by following the Divine Elects of our times who are there to lead us in the correct and straight path. In a Special Address delivered on 11 March 2020 ~ 16 Rajab 1441 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius spoke about recent Divine revelations vouchsafed to him against the backdrop of the global pandemic: a message that contains perennial truths on the mission of the savants of Faith; good news for those who keep to the middle course in life; and for those drunk on pelf and power, severe warnings about the Days of God. 

Read the Special Address Below:

Divine Revelations on Disasters

As the Lord and Sustainer of all the worlds, God's commandments are binding on all of humanity in life's varied settings, including in man's relationship with fellow humans, animals and the wider natural environment. Trampling upon, or interfering with the sublime Order of the Universe as Will-ed or created by the Exalted Lord in a balanced, harmonious, and ultimately equitable way, can and does upset the entire universal equilibrium, and threatens the very existence of humans in this small world. In an age of extraordinary disasters and upheavals turning the world upside down thanks to human interference, it is critical for humanity to reclaim the values of humility, justness, balance and equity, peace, harmony and residual goodwill in order to set things rightly among all humans, as well as to protect our social and natural environment.

The Holy Qur'an emphatically testifies that Elects of God are raised in every era of human kind in order to call people to the correct and straight mode of living- recognizing and worshipping the Lord, and respecting the dues of His creatures amidst whom humans spent their days in this world. The messengers invite people to their God, by explaining and demonstrating the normative underpinnings of a just and ethical life at peace and harmony with fellow beings and the natural environment. These messengers invariably advice people to remain within the bounds of the Shariah, and be upright in all their undertakings, and warn humankind against the dangers and pitfalls of injustice and imbalance, including the unsustainable exploitation of natural environment.

It might astonish people who come to discover this fact: an Elect of God lives amongst us, and His Creator had foretold him about the most important incidents that took place in the last two decades- devastating floods and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami of 26 December 2004, forest fires, outbreak of pandemics, huge accidents involving airplanes, etc. In his Friday Sermon of 13 March 2020~ 18 Rajab 1441 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir. A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius succinctly summarizes some of these Signs as they have unfolded after being foretold in Divine revelations vouchsafed to him. Based on recurring Divine revelations, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) warns about severe disasters that will put humanity on a dangerous curve in its very existence on planet earth. Hadhrat Saheb (atba) further prays for forgiveness and mercy for all humanity- for it to be able to return from the brink of disasters, and for the ultimate establishment of the Divine Way in human hearts, Insha Allah, Aameen. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

'Daughters, Work for Divine Approval'

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, the Siraj Makin- women’s wing of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- in Kerala recently organized a Deen-i-Ta’lim programme, the second of a series of study-circle meetings being planned for the year. The Sadr of the Kerala Jamaat, Rajeena Sadiq Ali Saheba, and Na’ib Sadr Fauzia Jamal Saheba led the meeting proceedings and several activities at the historic Noor’ul Islam Masjid, Mathra on Saturday, 07 March 2020. 

In a special message on the occasion, International Sadr of the Siraj Makin Hadhrat Ummul Mu'mineen Fazli A. Varsally Saheba encourages women comrades of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam to transform themselves into inspirational role models for all true devotees and lovers of God Almighty. Critical to bringing about this profound change at the personal level is the individual believer's ability to identify with, and to renew in their own lives and social circles, the extraordinary legacy of the early Muslim women who sacrificed their all for their faith/convictions- seeking only the pleasure of God, notes Hadhrat Saheba in this discourse.  

Read the Special Message below: 

'Siraj Makin': The Road Ahead

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, the Siraj Makin- women’s wing of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- in Kerala recently organized a Deen-i-Ta’lim programme, the second of a series of study-circle meetings being planned for the year. The Sadr of the Kerala Jamaat, Rajeena Sadiq Ali Saheba, and Na’ib Sadr Fauzia Jamal Saheba led the meeting proceedings and several activities at the historic Noor’ul Islam Masjid, Mathra on Saturday, 07 March 2020. 

In a special message on the occasion, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius underscores the importance of taking personal reform and religious duties seriously. 'When you become a light of Allah, you would be able to enlighten the whole world', notes Hadhrat Saheb (atba) in the discourse. 

Read the text of the special Address below: 

The Divine Mission @ 20

All Praise Belongs to the Almighty Alone. That is the defining thought for us as  the Divine Manifestation in Mauritius in the person of our beloved Imam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) marks the completion of the first two-decades of its spiritual mission this week. Even as the world marked the end of the second millennium after Jesus (as), and commenced a new century in the trajectory of time in the year 2000-01, spiritually-illumined dreams, sublime mystical visions and Divine revelations were bestowed upon this most humble man who already made it his life’s vocation to devote all his time and energy in sharing the Word of God to the people near and far.  As the Divine Manifestation enters its twenty-first year; this week also marks for the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, the 12th anniversary of its distinct identity as a spiritual commune, Alhamdulillah, Soumma Alhamdulillah.

The Divine Manifestation of Mauritius is in perfect accordance with the finest traditions of Islamic spirituality. Indeed, it is a living, thriving example of the vitality of Islam as a religion and way of life. The deeply-rooted belief in the Islamic world- and the experience of the distinct Muslim communities around the world- regarding the appearance of Divinely-imbued souls among the believers finds one of its clearest manifestations in the spiritual circle of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam today. 

An Inspired, Divine Mission

Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim 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. Years before the Divine call, as a devout Daai-e-Ilallah, Hadhrat Munir was the ambassador of the Promised Massih (as) to several communities and peoples of the Indian Ocean Island-states, including Reunion Island (1990), Mayotte (1997) and Seychelles (2000), helping to establish the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in these distant lands. During those years, through his fervent prayers and the Divine Grace over his ardent preaching efforts,  hundreds of people in these nations got the opportunity to recognize the sublime path of true Islam. Indeed, in the annals of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, the extraordinary services rendered by this humble servant of Islam to the mission of the Promised Massih (as) had been recorded by the then (Fourth) caliph Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahib himself. Even more importantly, Allah (twa) showed His deep appreciation and profound satisfaction for the sincere and earnest efforts, when Allah (swt) took him under His wing of Mercy at the age of 40 when he became a frequent recipient of divine revelations and spiritually-infused messages from the Unseen. 

By the Grace of Allah (swt), for the last two decades now, Hadhrat Munir (atba) has been blessed with an abundance of Divine communications and spiritual messages, to a level and scale unheard of in the records of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya since the times of the Promised Massih (as) in the previous century.  Like the Promised Messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908 CE) in the previous era, Hazrat Munir (atba)  claims Divine revelations and messages as the authority behind his spiritual titles and religious claims in this era. Allah (swt)  bestowed upon him several spiritual titles in this era- Hazrat, Amir-ul-Mu’mineen, Muhyi-ud-Din Khalifatullah; Mujaddid, Messiah, etc. He is charged with a Divinely-inspired mission of reclaiming and revitalizing the enduring message of Tawheed in this new century of the Islamic Era. 

The Attributes of Allah- III

By the grace of Allah I continue my 3^rd part of the Friday Sermon on the attributes of Allah and it is only Allah (swt) Who can give me the grace, the opportunity and the knowledge to elaborate this subject in depth. Without His help and His divine grace it will not be possible for me, weak creature that I am to speak on such an important subject. And this subject is important in the lives of all believers so that they know Allah (swt) through His attributes, and we must make it our duty to read His attributes every day [especially in these difficult times that we are living today]. Insha-Allah.

I continue the subject where someone lies to receive praise, to accomplish his greed, to receive honour, greatness, and grab property that does not belong to him. He does nothing to get it all; he does not work hard to earn it all honestly, but he acts dishonestly, and lies in order to steal the property of his neighbour or brother or the property of his sister. He is greedy; he likes that he alone wins all that and so, in order to reach to this end, he tricks his brothers or sisters, and makes them sign documents to grab their wealth and then he turns his back on them and pushes them away in order to enjoy alone these riches.

If we look at the example that the Qur’an gives us, we will find that there are people who lie and use flattery to gain praise because of greed and you see these situations also in religion. 

Hindu-Muslim Amity in India

We took a pledge from you, ‘Do not shed one another’s blood or drive one another from your homelands’. You acknowledged it at the time, and you can  testify to this. Yet here you are, killing one another and driving some of your own  people from their homes, helping one another in sin and aggression against them..’ (2: 92)

‘Lord, we fear he will do us great harm or exceed all bounds’ (20:45)

‘We have put our trust in God. Lord! Do not make us an object of persecution for the oppressors’ (10: 85)

‘Lord, we have put our trust in You; we turn to You; You are our final destination. Lord, do not expose us to mistreatment at the hands of the disbelievers. Forgive us, Lord, for You are the Almighty, the All Wise’.  (60:6) 

‘Truly those who persecute believing men and believing women, then do not repent, theirs shall be punishment of Hell, and theirs shall be the punishment of burning’. (85:11) 

An Unjust World

Today, millions of people suffer injustice, persecution and slaughter at the hands of unjust regimes around the world. In several nations- whether they are Muslim-majority or non-Muslim majority, minority communities are facing legal discrimination and political oppression. Consider the recent events impacting certain peoples, the harrowing accounts of systematic oppression are mind-numbing, and make for depressing reading: genocide of the Bosnian Muslims in Europe in the 1990’s; the ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Muslims in Central African Republic; the high-handedness of the  Myanmar/Burma regime vis-a-vis the Rohingya Muslims; the inhuman treatment being meted out to the Uighur Muslims in China;  the throttling of civic, political and economic freedoms of Muslim- majority provinces in Russia (the situation of Chechnya/ Dagestan, Crimean Tartars, etc); the volatile situation in Kashmir; the fifth-generation/ long-suffering Palestinian refugees;  the situation of millions of refugees from, and internally displaced persons in, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, Libya, Yemen,  etc.  

The mindset of the self-exalting Pharaohs, hell-bent on persecuting the hapless children of Israel in ancient times, seems to be alive, as if it were, and bedevil, almost every nation and generation of people. The denial of human rights and community interests and political oppression is often serviced in the name of superior race; majority religion; superior caste; pure ethnicity; national culture; secular law, popular will, etc. Not just under despotic regimes, but also under so-called democracies, minority communities and their interests are trampled upon. The national ‘self’ is imagined in such a narrow way that the minorities are treated as the ‘other’ and the law is unleashed to deny and deprive the basic rights of such persons: citizenship, civic and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, etc. Hence, in the name of socially-codified communal prejudices in such democracies, the human dignity, basic identity, fundamental rights and other collective interests of the minority is unrecognized, and often, criminalized. 

The Darkness in Delhi

As I write this, my city, Delhi, is limping back to ‘normalcy’ after the dastardly, orchestrated, anti-Muslim violence of last week that claimed over 50 innocent lives, and critically- injured hundreds of others, ordinary people going about their everyday lives. Shops and establishments, vehicles and other properties, houses and the mosques of the Muslim community were particularly targetted by the criminal thugs on steroid. The communal fire and riots were ignited and perpetrated with a clear and malicious intent to destroy the peaceful and dignified co-existence of the Hindus and the Muslims of the city for several decades. By attacking the very livelihood of the minority community, the marauders and their political dons hope to break the harmony in society. With every communal violence, the 'distance' between communities increase, leading to 'apartheid-cities' segregating the people from one another, further and further. [Inset: 'A mosque in Delhi's Ashok Nagar was torched and a saffron flag associated with the Hindu far right was placed on the minaret' [File: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Al Jazeera]

The Attributes of Allah- II

By the grace of Allah, last week I started my sermon on the attributes of Allah and I thank Allah (swt) very much for giving me the Tawfiq to continue on the same subject today too. When you follow last Friday’s Sermon, you will understand better that in concrete terms there is no mention of Allah as Haqq, but in fact when you analyze His attributes, but then the truth is included. From the point of view of praise, one cannot even conceive a lie about Allah and from Allah [in connection to Allah].

The second reason that people lie a lot is because of greed. There are a lot of lawsuits going on [in court] regarding wealth and property matters or loan and repayment cases, debt cases etc. Much of this business is the result of the lies that people tell due to their greed.

Let’s [now] look at country level. You see that because of the thirst for power, because of a greed for power, politicians make all kinds of promises in order to come to power, and in this quest, there are a lot of lies going on during the electoral campaign, where one party criticizes the other party, throws mud on it [i.e. dishonouring] it [and all people involved in it], and makes all kinds of shenanigans where very often there are even elections which are held in a country where there are mischief and frauds and all this opens the way for a fight and disorder: the political parties throw mud on their opponents, they make such electoral campaigns where they meet the other parties and watch them carefully lest their opponents come to power. In this quest for power, there are promises made with the electorate, and there are also many lies that are spoken. All this is the result of greed, the desire to grab power, to stay in power, to have fun [with the people’s money] as we say and in all this it is the people who still suffer a lot during the five years [to come] when these politicians deceive people, and lie to them because of their greed.

Now a Being Who owns everything and Who does not depend on anyone and Who, on the contrary, everyone depends on Him, so what is the use for Him to lie? He is already the Master of the universe and therefore the very aspect/ notion of greed is completely removed.

'Siraj Makin': Tasks of Faith

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, the Siraj Makin- women’s wing of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- in Kerala recently organized a Deen-i-Ta’lim programme, the first of a series of study-meetings being planned by the women's wing for the year ahead. The newly appointed Sadr of the Kerala Jamaat, Rajeena Sadiq Ali Saheba, and Na’ib Sadr Fauzia Jamal Saheba led the meeting proceedings and several activities at the Noor’ul Islam Masjid, Mathra on Friday, 07 February 2020. 

In a special message on the occasion, International Sadr of the Siraj Makin Hazrat Ummul Mu’mineen Fazli Amena Varsally Saheba reminds the gathering of women believers about the duties of Faith, and what it implies for their/our everyday lives. Bearing true allegiance to Faith primarily entails a commitment to personal reform to grow spiritually, to recognize the vital presence of God in our moment in this world. Along with offering regular prayers and observing the rites of Faith, bearing witness to the sublime values of Islamic life, in one's own personal settings, true devotees of God also have an equal obligation to reach out to fellow humans- 'Muslim' and 'non-Muslim', to exhort one another to a truer and purposeful living. Recognizing the dues of God include respect for the interests and equal rights of His creations. Hence, preaching the message of Divine Unity is to construct a good social order as well. The larger tasks of Dawa/ Tabligh- inviting people to a richer, ethically-aware, spiritual way of life- require sacrifice and hard work- financial, time, travels, meetings; prudent co-option of communication channels, including social media,  in the cause of Faith and Divine Light. Women believers could and should play a critical role in projecting and disseminating the Divine Messages of our times being vouchsafed through our Imam/Jamaat Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (atba), exhorts Hazrat Saheba in this important discourse.

Read the Text of the Special Address Below:  

My dear daughters,
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu.

Congratulations on your First Siraj Makin Meeting for this new year 2020 this coming Friday, 07 February. May Allah bless your meeting and togetherness and enable you all to partake of such knowledge which will make you grow spiritually. Ameen.

The Attributes of Allah

Alhamdulillah, like I told you last week I shall deliver a series of sermons on the attributes of Allah. Before starting to prepare this sermon several weeks before, like usual I pray to Allah for guidance and Allah at once made me understand that I should talk a bit on His attributes and this is indeed a divine grace that each time when Friday comes and I have to deliver the sermon (Khutba Jumu’ah), Allah (swt) guides me on a particular subject. All these of manifestations and signs of Allah and show how Allah directs His Chosen Servant. Alhamdulillah.

So, as per what Allah (swt) has made me understand, and maybe before my time also, Allah may have guided His other prophets, His chosen ones and showed them the same explanations. That is why we say that the Messengers of Allah are like a chain, whereby each link is attached to another link and all links form a chain, and to enhance that chain, to make it more beautiful and attractive, and to give it its real value and splendour, a medallion is needed. So, without the medallion, the chain does not have its true value and it loses all its splendour. So all of us prophets of Allah are one family who speak the same word, revive the true value of each prophet that Allah (swt) sent to earth and all prophets [indeed] revive the true value of each prophet that Allah (swt) sent to earth and all the prophets, we all gather behind our chief master. And the chief master of all prophets is Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh).

This is why with his coming and before also, the prophets who came before him had praised him and prophesied about his coming, so that we know his value and greatness, whereby his advent encompasses all the divine teachings which were brought or existed before through the prophets (as) before him. That’s why the Quran told us that Hazrat Muhammad (saws) is the Rahmat-ul-lil-Aalameen; a blessing for all the universe, for all people and his message and the religion he brought are for all of humanity. And to give true value to this medallion whereby all the time it will remain shiny, pretty, attractive, then every time there is a need for someone who comes from Allah to revive His pure and truthful teachings whereby there is no innovation; such teachings which shall lead [the people] directly to one God and win His love.

Divine Revelations of 08 February 2020

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim 

Today, Saturday, 08 February 2020 at 17.10 pm, I was performing lots of supplications in my office so that God, the Almighty may guide me to combat the enemies of Islam, of Sahih al Islam and their plots to humiliate and to put an end to the spiritual mission of the Khalifatullah. After some time I entered in a Kashaf (vision) where my Creator, by His infinite Grace, showed me their secret plots in all fields. This is because they are seeing the progress of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. Meanwhile, I felt a different kind of pain which was great and unbearable.

Allah revealed the following to me: 

    1. “God is with me. Woe to those who want to destroy me… And know, O people, that the One who will be faithful till the end is by my side. Even if all men and women, the young and the old, the children and the adults – till wear and tear and total paralysis of their body by their prostrations – come all together to pray for my destruction, God will never listen to their supplications; It will be like this for eternity.”

    2. “To suffer in the cause of Allah is a sacred duty.”

   3. “If you prove yourself constant in the cause of Allah, at all times, I shall be with you. You will see ME and I will manifest Myself to you.”

‘Auliah’ and Divine Revelations

There is much confusion and misunderstanding among common people about the phenomenon of Divine revelations. Even people whom we otherwise consider learned and reflective tend to be completely ignorant about the subtle world of revelations. All Muslims believe that Allah (swt) sent His revelations to countless Prophets and sages all through the ages in the past, guiding humanity on the right and moderate course of living life on earth. And that these Messengers preached divine love, light and faith in the language of their peoples, among their distinct communities. Pointing to the essential unity of humankind amidst the diversity of races, languages, nations and cultures, Islam invites everyone to the Unique Creator and Sustainer of the worlds and His guidance sent through His servant (sa). The Muslim veneration of Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) as the Best of Divine Messengers is a grand testimonial to the lofty space of Divine revelations in the secular and spiritual enlightenment of our common humanity. Yet, the Muslim Ulema today mostly remain dismissive about the instrumental role of Divine revelations in shaping the human experience; their attitude seems to imply, regrettably, that the Prophet (sa) appeared to foreclose the door of sublime Divine Grace and Blessings forever (God Forbid). 

As against the prevailing, widespread, mistaken notions of the Ulema on the question of Divine revelations as well as the true and richer legacy of the Holy Prophet (sa), it might seem ironical, yet the fact is that Islam's history is steeped in profound mystical experiences of countless Divine savants who followed in the footprints of the Muhammadan Way.  Great saints of the Faith, in the spiritual ecstasy of their floating /orbiting souls around the Heavenly Throne, sung songs of Divine countenance and spiritual illumination. Through the fourteen hundred plus years of Islamic spirituality, the collective memory of the Ummah testifies that the Divine communion and converse and discourse and revelations vouchsafed to the spiritual saints of the Ummah played a seminal role in renewing and illuminating the spiritual path even in morally-darkened times. Amidst the tumultuous times witnessed in the fortunes of the believers, the revelations of the Auliah helped people to appreciate the correct and straight path to tread in life on an every day basis. Among the Muslim communities around the world, the presence of such Divinely-imbued souls or the 'Pole Stars of the Faith' advanced the cause of Tawheed, contributing in great measure to spiritual seekers' knowledge and understanding of the Divine realm; duties we owe to God and rights of fellow humans. Indeed, the continuity of Divine revelations among the believers through select purified, spiritual souls (God's Elect/s) in every era testified to the vitality of Islam over all other ideological systems in shaping the spiritual destiny of mankind.  

The founder of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian (1835-1908 CE), arguably the most important thinker and mystical saint of Islam in the previous century, profoundly explained Divine revelations as an enduring path; a living reality. Through his scholarly studies and research, Hadhrat Ahmad (as) discovered rich historical antecedents in Islam to justify and validate his own intense personal experiences in the spiritual realm, especially the descent of Divine revelations on his noble soul. Through numerous writings, Hadhrat Ahmad (as) spoke about the great souls of Islam: the recipients of Divine communion and converse who left behind books of revelations, describing the signs of the living-Faith from their own intimate, life-worlds. Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, it is to this august tradition of Muslim saints whose souls were illumined by the Light of Faith through the descent of Divine revelations that we can today add the name of our Imam Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius, the Holy Founder of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Allah-u-Akbar! 

Presented below are two extracts from the writings of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, arguing that the blessing of Divine revelations existed all through Islamic history and that this heavenly sign will continue to illumine sincere believers till the Day of Judgement: 

'ALLAH': God in Islam

The Conception of God in Islam

Islam likes to contemplate the attributes of Allah through His different and adorable names by which He is invoked. The Holy Quran says: “To God belong the most beautiful names; So call on Him by them.” (Al-Arraf 7: 181).

A whole mass of theological literature exists to explain and classify His names. We often speak of ninety-nine (99) names of Allah, but these names are called differently by different writers so that there are hundreds of names that we can assign to Allah for Allah has any quality under which we want to worship Him. While we humans are limited, He is infinite. While we can only think in part, He is The Whole and He understands much more than we can imagine. We think of His mercy, His love, His wisdom, His glory and His majesty, His justice, His truth and His righteousness, His uniqueness, etc. but in doing so our minds are limited because our knowledge is limited while He knows, understands, hears and exceeds everything. Nothing is equal to Him. 

We always think in relative terms such as the first and the last; the visible and the invisible. But in Allah, these opposite qualities meet and we give these same pairs of names to Allah: The First and The Last, The Visible and The Invisible. For us, the contemplation of eternity implies the rejection of two limits; the beginning and the end. Only Allah is eternal and He has neither beginning nor end. We think of Allah in relation to time and space: but time and space are the creations of our mind. Allah is independent of time and space. In reality, He is the Absolute, the Independent and everything depends on Him.

It is generally believed that the emphasis of Islam is on the oneness of Allah, but it must also be said that the emphasis is also on His mercy, kindness and love. The Holy Quran contains 114 Surahs and all except one [i.e. At-Taubah] begins with “In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.”

The attributes of Allah ‘Rahman’ and ‘Rahim’ are names that have no equivalence in any other language and therefore cannot be properly translated [as they are really and truly vast in meaning]. ‘Rahim’ emphasizes the pity that we seek from Allah and that will not be denied from us.

“Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim” is the sentence that a Muslim most often says: at the beginning of prayer [be it Salat & duahs], before reading the Holy Quran, before eating, before travelling, before starting anything of some consequence - sacred [spiritual] or secular [mundane].

So the actions of a Muslim are intimately linked with these sacred words. The insistence on the oneness of Allah is not only a protest against the Trinity or Duality or Polytheism. Islam believes that Allah is one, unique and without equal. A young student of religion once defined God as being all of the abstract qualities of kindness and beauty combined in one abstraction. Some may accept this definition, but for Islam it is a cold and worthless abstraction. Life is always a mystery whether for science, art, poetry and religion.

Let’s see what the Holy Quran says: “Say: He is Allah, the One, Allah, the Eternal, Absolute. He neither begets nor was He begotten. And no one is equal to Him.” (Al-Ikhlaas,  Chapter 112)

Divine Revelations of 22 January 2020

Message of the Khalifatullah (atba)

The following revelations – addressing all my disciples in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam – were received on Wednesday, 22 January 2020 at 4.18 pm after watching the video of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat’s Jalsa Salana 2019 held on the 29 December 2019.

By the Grace of Allah, the video was very interesting and well set. Many members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam had made great efforts to be present on that day except some who were not to be seen. I will have to send them an email concerning their absence in the Jalsa Salana at Kottar for they should have a valid reason to do so.

When I was viewing the video, some breaches of discipline have been noticed and noted. It is my duty to attract your attention as well as the other members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam on this when you are organising your programmes.

When you were in Tahajjud prayers and in other Namaz [Salat/ prayers] many among you did not have the head covered and you wore T-Shirts. Hence, it is very important to have the head covered during prayers and while the programme is still going on, and moreover you should dress up with great respect. Remember, you are all standing in front of your Creator. Wear a “Kurta” or a long “Boubou” [Jubba] or a “Sharamga” [Men’s long shirt/dress which decently covers the private parts of the body]. This applies also to ladies and children as well [i.e. They should cover themselves properly].

Alhamdulillah, after the Jalsa Salana there were interviews which were well presented. In the aftermath of all that I noticed, I thought it proper to address you all so that you can remove those weaknesses/ faults. 

Meanwhile, I was not feeling very well and I started sweating. At that particular moment a torrential rain started pouring down and I received some verses in Sanskrit language:

“Asato ma sad gamaya,

tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, 

mrityarma amritam gamaya.”

Translation: 

From the unreal guide me to the truth, 
from darkness guide me to light 
and from death guide me to eternity. (Ameen)

This is a duah (prayer) which I am sharing to all of you. How fortunate you are!