Women's Rights: Men's Duties in Islam

Advices to the Wo/men of the Divine Manifestation- Part 3

IN his Friday Sermon of 27 April 2018 (10 Shabaan 1439 AH), Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius, continues the stream of advices to the members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam on nurturing a spiritual core to their every day lives. In the previous sermons in the series, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) speaks of the need for being responsible citizens in society by practicing Islamic values  within the over all framework of Taqwah or being mindful of God in all that we do- observing modesty and decency in dress and habits; equity and balance in life choices; fairness in relations and respect for the rights of others, including family members, etc. Hadhrat Saheb (atba) also underscored the need for injecting vitality into the organizational frameworks so that the members- young and not so young- can be trained and moulded into the dynamics of Jamaat affairs so that they may take over social responsibilities in the fullness of time, without leaving a vaccum in leadership for sustaining the momentum of collective good works. 

Speaking of the identity, dignity and rights of women in society and the many ills that plague our social systems, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) notes the seminal role of men in distorting the delicate balance in the social order, including in family and spouse relations through their overbearing attitudes and victimisation of women. With their patriarchal mindsets and abuse of traditional privileges; many men frequently take a dime view of women's agency, rights and space. It is against this backdrop that one should view the modern feminist thought. The women empowerment movements in our times essentially seek to reclaim and restore a level playing field for the deprived/repressed/oppressed women in varying contexts of social rights that were/ are unjustly curtailed by men. Influenced by social custom and inherited family traditions, many Muslim men have no clear understanding of Islamic behavioural ethics. As a consequence, they end up justifying their anti-women attitudes and gender-stereotyping on Islam, leading to the furtherance of ant-Islam feelings in society. 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), in his final days, was very much concerned about the future of women's rights within the Ummah, and exhorted men, in very strong and stirring words, to respect the rights and entitlements of women. In one of the Divine Revelations vouchsafed to Hadhrat Massih Maoud (as), the Divine Message is crystal clear: 'your wives are not your servants; they are your comrades in life'. 

Following in the footsteps of this great Islamic tradition, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) exhorts the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, especially the men, to mind their obligations in this vital arena of human relations. In the present sermon, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) reiterates the need for men to respect the space of women in the matrimonial home and family life, considering also the disproportionate impact of domestic and social obligations on most of the hapless women in impoverished families. Noting that abusive and unjust men who trump the basic rights of women/others cannot have any space in spiritual communities, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) exhorts all members of the Jamaat that if they are serious and sincere about the quest for God's approval, they need to ensure that their actions remain within the ethical framework and teachings of the Holy Qur'an or become like a 'Walking Qur'an' in their everyday lives.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon: 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) has given me the Ilm (Knowledge) and opportunity to continue the third part of my sermon on the Women & Men of the Divine Manifestation. This is indeed a great blessing of Allah Who guides me through His sheer love and blessings to impart to all members of our Jamaat and whole mankind the key essence of good living and how to mould it in your spiritual lives also, so that both the temporal and the spiritual marries in harmony and do not clash. Indeed all thanks and gratitude is to Allah Who teaches me and guide me to give you the best advices for your own good on earth and which shall open the avenues of felicity for you in the afterlife also. Indeed my love for Allah is beyond measure.

Islamic Ethics on Training Children

Advices to the wo/men of the Jamaat- Part II

Frankly speaking, to set someone on the right path, is never an easy task. But it is truly an act of highest virtue. It is therefore binding on all of our Jamaat worldwide to not only associate our members with all types of welfare activities but also to enable them to shoulder such social burdens as would tend to make them responsible citizens. It is because the charge of responsibility invariably alters the perception of an individual. It deepens their knowledge and expertise and their thinking power. It enables them to become independent individuals who can bring in ideas for the good maintenance and reform of our Jamaat in the years to come. It helps them develop their personality and maintain a close relationship with their Deen (religion - i.e. Islam).

The office bearers in our different organizations, whatever names or duties we may assign to them, should be trained earlier on to take over their responsibilities later on. The Jamaat should have trustworthy and pious members at the top, such people who shall be able to maintain the equilibrium of the whole Islamic system with the help of Allah, and for that Taqwa is absolutely important. Without Taqwa, man is like a lifeless plant. He shall go wayward without piety, righteousness and absolute fear and respect for Allah, The All-Seeing, All-Hearing.

Thus, by giving our youths responsibilities earlier on in life shall help them to perfect their level of belongingness to the cause of Allah; they shall better understand our cause and shall strive to please Allah in whatever they do. Remember, Satan is the bitterest enemy of man. He and his army shall try to deviate you at different points in life but you need to bypass his whisperings and invitations and focus your attention and love on Allah and His Truth. Always follow the right path, even though it is a million times difficult, but I assure you that at the end of that thorny path is found the most delectable of rewards. Remember your sacrifices is a short-term while the rewards promised by Allah is eternal. Now, it is for you to choose which path you would tread: the path of ruin or the path of salvation.

Appreciation and Advices for Women Believers

Acclamation for the Women of the Jamaat

For the past four to five years my tours and missions in the different countries of the world have been successful by the grace of Allah. So much so that my heart is filled with gratitude and praises for Allah. Besides the men of the Divine Manifestation, the women also have played a great role, sacrificing their time and using their God-given knowledge to help the cause of Allah. Moreover, with the acceleration of dawa/ tabligh in the different countries, especially in India and Africa, lots of women have embraced the truth of the Divine Manifestation of time and the Khalifatullah, disregarding the narrow-minded opinions and wrath of husbands, parents and past communities for the sake of the truth coming from Allah. A spontaneous prayer pours out of my heart for those women who have joined the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, who expressed complete submissiveness to Allah and His messenger and thus stood fast to their covenants (Bai'at) dutifully and faithfully.

Alhamdulillah I receive many emails everyday from the different countries and many women were so emotional and receptive to the divine message and heart-warming that I could not contain myself from offering thanks to Allah (swt) for all the favours and signs that He has manifested in my support, and unbounded prayers on behalf of the penitents, those who want to reform themselves, and change their lives for the best. These women are so immersed in the divine waters that they are recipients of God's favours and miracles (they witness the miracle and power of duah address to Allah) and they are ever ready to help the cause of Allah in whatever way they can. Some do translation works, dawa/ tabligh, impart the right teachings of Islam to their children and support their husbands and parents to support the cause of Allah. Those of them who do not have the support of their family trust Allah so much that Allah manifest Himself in extraordinary ways, giving them the courage and patience to help the cause of Allah, helping the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam to progress further. 

The truth of the matter is that the women of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam are adding a new chapter, written in letters of gold, to the history of mankind and that of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. They are like a fresh/ cool breeze which overtakes a hot weather, bringing forth hope for the people and a message of appreciation from Allah and His messenger.

'Giving in the Way Leads to Blessings'

Financial Sacrifice-Part II

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I continue the same subject which I started last Friday on Financial Sacrifice.

So like I said last week, the solution of all the economic and other problems of man, of all believers is found in spending in the way of God (Allah the Almighty). This is the remedy for overcoming poverty and all kinds of difficulties and problems.

Another remedy for overcoming poverty is faith. As a result of paying Zakaat and other financial contributions one's faith increases and one wins the pleasure of God. Allah never ignores those who make sacrifices for Him. He never deprives them of their needs. One has to become a beggar either of God or of the world. It is better to become a beggar of God. Therein lies true intelligence.

Giving in the Way of God

Financial Sacrifice-Part 1

For today I have chosen to speak on financial contribution in the way of Allah (swt). It is very very sad to know that despite the fact that the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam has been established and registered officially in many countries around the world, yet many members in these countries are not making financial sacrifices in the way of Allah (swt). In this field there is no progress and very few members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam are contributing financially to the cause of Allah.

It is very sad that despite recognising and accepting the Khalifatullah of this age and integrating the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, yet there is no real effort being made concerning financial contributions. Seeing this situation, I have decided to focus my sermon today on this subject.

It should be remembered that Allah is Independent of all needs but we are dependent on Him for our needs. There are thousands of ways by which God provides required needs. The need and value of making contributions in the way of God have been repeated many times in the Holy Quran. By so doing people are cleansed and purified. It is a means by which a devotee grows in righteousness, becomes reformed and discards many harmful ways, such ways which shall not bring him any salvation.

I want to explain the philosophy of making financial sacrifices. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining to spend in the way of Allah]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good. (Al-Baqara 2: 196).

It is for your benefit otherwise you would be the losers. I have had much experience in this matter and its non observance will incur the individual losses of many types. The Holy Quran links the payment of Zakaat with financial sacrifice.

According to the Holy Quran the best solution for the economic improvement of a nation is that the people should give contribution in the way of God. Their condition always continues to improve. Our community (Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam) shall thus improve, spreading in other countries where there is extreme poverty.

In Defence of the Promised Massih (as)

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International has just published a new Book by Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius. The Book, entitled "In Defence of the Promised Massih (as)", is a compilation of a special discourse delivered on the occasion of the Massih Maoud Day 2018. In this discourse, Hadhrat Saheb speaks profoundly and comprehensively on some of the enduring spiritual themes associated with the advent and life mission of Divine servants and other Friends of God. Hadhrat Saheb’s latest exposition on spiritual matters took place against the backdrop of the accusations and allegations against the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian by his contemporary critics. 

It is a known principle of our dismal human history that whenever Allah (swt) raises an Elect of His as a sign of Mercy and Blessing for a people, among them will be those who ridicule and oppose the messengers and seek to “finish off” the Divine Favour! As the Qur’an ruefully notes, ‘Alas for the human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them’ (36:31). Unfortunately for them; the chiefs and priests, who otherwise have the noble duty of guiding the community in recognizing the Divine message, will be at the forefront of the persecution of Divine Elects when they arrive. Those lost people will deploy every weapon in their armaments to “challenge” and extinguish the light of Allah. 

Hazrat Ahmad: A Life Divine

Remembering the Promised Messiah

Today is 23 March 2018, and it's been 129 years since the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian, founded the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam and accepted the oaths of allegiance (Bai'at) from his 40 disciples in the house of Sufi Ahmad Jan in Ludhiana. The first person who took the oath from the hand of the Promised Messiah (as) was Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin (ra) of Bhera who later became the first caliph of the Promised Messiah (as) - Khalifatul-Massih Awwal.

In Mauritius and other countries of the world, this historic day is known as: “Promised Messiah Day” and we, the Ahmadi Muslim, take this opportunity to speak about the life and aspects of the mission of the Promised Messiah (as).

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) belonged to a Persian clan named Burlass. Among his ancestors was Mirza Hadi Baig, who emigrated from his hometown Samarkand (Khurasan) to settle in India accompanied by two hundred people from among his clan who included his family and his employees. He was a very noble person, a scholar and a pious person. India was at that time under the reign of the Mughal emperor Babar (1483-1530), and the emperor had given vast expanses of land to Mirza Hadi Baig as a gift for his loyal services. (Inset: Illustration of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire in India, 1526-1857)

Thereafter Mirza Hadi Baig chose a portion of this vast land, and decided to settle there with his clan. He then founded a city and named it Islampur and with the passage of time, the name Islampur passed through several forms of change and was known as Islampur Qadi Maajhi, and then simply Qadi Maajhi, and then Qadi, and where finally this city was known like Qadian.