Today is the first Friday of 2015 and greetings are being received from various people by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih for the New Year both in person and via fax and Huzoor himself sent his greetings to everyone.
Mutual New Year greetings would be only be beneficial when we reflect to see how much we fulfilled our obligations of being an Ahmadi last year and how much we will try to do in the New Year. This Friday onwards resolutions which would create alertness and effort in the New Year should be made. It is obvious that the tasks we are expected to do as Ahmadis can only be done through virtue and piety. However, the question is what should be our level of piety and virtue! It should be clear to everyone who joins Ahmadiyyat or is an Ahmadi that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) ascertained these levels for us. And now with all the resources and technology available every Ahmadi pledges at least once a year on the hand of the Khalifa of the time to make his best efforts to attain the levels as explained by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Indeed the expected levels for Ahmadis have been explained in the conditions of Bai’at. Although the conditions of Bai’at are ten, however, broadly speaking they carry more than thirty responsibilities laid on Ahmadis. If true happiness is to be commemorated at the start of a New Year these responsibilities should be kept in view. It is not sufficient to be delighted at having accepted the matter of death of Jesus (on whom be peace) or to have accepted the one who was promised to come. Indeed, that is the first step but the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) expected us to have an in-depth understanding of virtue and piety and to practice it. And to avoid sin as one avoids blood-thirsty beasts. Then alone will we be able to bring about a revolutionary change in ourselves and also become a source to change the world and bring it closer to God. The details of this matter need to be reiterated and reminded as this reminding is very important.
The first pledge we make [in conditions of Bai’at] is to avoid shirk (associating partners with Allah). When a true believer believes in God and due to this belief also accepts the Imam of the age, he does not even have anything remotely to do with shirk. The shirk referred to by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is not obvious idolatry. Rather he refers to that imperceptible shirk which weakens a believer’s faith. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that Unity of God does not simply mean verbally professing there is none worthy of worship except Allah while having thousands of polytheist thoughts in the heart. A person who gives any task of his or any planning, scheming or effort the same reliance and significance which is only due to God or gives weighty significance to his own self that is only due to God is an idolater in the eyes of God in all these instances. Idols are not only figurines made of gold, silver, copper or stone which are then relied on. In fact everything, every word, every practice which is ascribed the magnitude of significance which is only due to God is an idol in the eyes of God.
We need to self-reflect today whether we considered material things everything last year or did we only use them to plan and practice and sought all good and blessing from God. Fair-minded self-reflection would give us the answer.
Then, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took pledge from us that we would keep away from falsehood. Which sensible person would say that falsehood is good or they want to say falsehood! The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that unless a selfish motive spurs him no one wants to tell lies. Thus, selfish motives and interests drive one to tell lies. However, high morals mean that even if one’s life, property and honour is at stake one does not tell lies. Difference between an honest and dishonest person becomes evident during trials and tribulations when an honest person speaks truth even when his personal interests are at stake.
Currently people seeking asylum here and in Europe indulge in falsehood on the behest of lawyers in spite Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s repeated admonishment in this regard. They make up stories and yet cases of many are still rejected. Here and in the rest of the world a central team of lawyers has been formed which helps asylum seekers, guides them regarding lawyers and offers consultation. Their president often reports that asylum case of such and such was rejected because it was based on a lot of falsehood. Lies were told for worldly benefits without thinking that God has mentioned shirk and falsehood in conjunction. Then there are some who use falsehood to get [welfare] benefits from the government. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that falsehood is like idolatry and one who relies on it abandons reliance on God.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) also took pledge to keep away from fornication. He said do not go near fornication. That is, stay away from such functions which could even trigger the thought of it and do not adopt the ways which have risk factors as regards these sins. These days lewd films are shown on television and the internet or can be accessed on it. This is fornication of the eyes and thoughts and also a source of getting embroiled in bad practices. They also cause break ups of homes. Women and girls write in about their husbands watching lewd films on the internet all day and some husbands also write about their wives. Matters reach khula or divorce. These films also lead people to behave worse than beasts. Ahmadi society is generally free from this apart from the odd case. However, if an all-out effort is not made to safeguard oneself while living in this environment no guarantee of chastity can be given. There is need to reflect over this with due concern.
Another pledge sought by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is to stay away from trespasses of the eye. The Holy Qur’an commands غض بصر (ghadd e basar) restraining of the eye and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that Fire is forbidden to that eye which restrains from looking at what God has forbidden. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: We have been positively commanded not to look at women outside the prohibited degrees (not a close relative) and their beauty. He said unrestrained looks always end up in stumbling at times. God has sent this excellent teaching because God wills our eyes, hearts and intentions to remain pure. Islam has enjoined these boundaries on both men and women. Just as women are commanded to observe purdah, men are commanded to observe غض بصر . We should reflect as to how much we practice this!
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took pledge that we would stay away from all manner of wickedness and debauchery. Indeed it is wicked to astray from what God has commanded. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) once counted abusive language as wickedness/debauchery. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) once said that it is proven from the Holy Qur’an that a wicked and debauch person should be punished before a pagan. When Muslims exceeded in debauchery and wickedness and disrespected and reviled commandments of God and were lost in the glitz of the world then God also destroyed them through the likes of Halagu and Genghis Khan. The situation is the same today among Muslims!
Another pledge sought from one taking Bai’at is that he will stay away from cruelty. Cruelty is indeed a big sin. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) once thus described a big sin: If a person usurps even a hand span of land from his brother, the entire land underneath even a small pebble of the land usurped will be placed as a millstone around his neck on the Day of Judgement. It is indeed a grave cause for concern when owing to egotistical and personal interest people usurp others in court cases. This is something we need to reflect on.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) also took pledge that we will stay away from خیانت (khiyanat) dishonesty/breach of trust. The standard of how to practice this was thus set by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him): do not even practice خیانت with someone who has done خیانت with you. Therefore no excuse is warrantable to commit خیانت . If Ahmadis usurp you, consult the Qadha Board and if anyone outside the Jama’at usurps you or the Jama’at advises you, take legal action.
Another pledge taken from us is that we will stay away from mischief and disorder. While there is no question of mischief and disorder with our own, the teaching of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) even regarding others who are oppressing us is: Do not clash and confront those who leave you and abandon you because you have joined the community established by God. Rather, pray for them privately. You see, I have been commissioned to repeatedly instruct you to always avoid where there is disorder and chaos. Be steadfast when verbally abused and respond to badness with goodness. It is best if you move away from a place where someone is inclined to create disorder and mischief and respond gently. I do not like it at all when I hear that a person from this Jama’at has altercated with someone. God Almighty too does not want a community which is to be a role-model for the world to adopt a way which is not the way of righteousness.
If this advice of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is kept in view as regards treatment of wives, brothers and in general we would not have any of the few cases the come to light or there would be an extraordinary decrease in them.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) also took pledge that we would keep away from rebellion. Be this against an ordinary Jama’at worker or government of the day! Aside from in matters where the government meddles in someone’s religious affairs it is not Islamic to have this attitude with the government and take law in one’s own hands or incite others.
We are also enjoined not to get carried away by passions. There are many chances to get carried away by passions through television and internet, in addition many quarrels and conflicts stem from this. It is an Ahmadi’s duty to avoid even the smallest of matters that inflames passions or makes one get carried away.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that after joining Ahmadiyyat pledge to offer five daily Prayers/Salat with all their requisites. Salat is obligatory on a ten year old child and parents should supervise in this regard. This can only be fulfilled when parents also offer Salat with due care. Many complaints are received regarding this matter; some children say their parents do not offer Salat or wives say husbands do not offer Salat. For men ‘offering Salat with its requisites’ means to go to the mosque five times a day unless when not feeling well or due to a genuine excuse. If this was practiced our mosques would fill up. If only the office-holders started following this it would make a huge difference. Effort is required in this matter and the Jama’at and the auxiliary organisations need to pay a lot of attention here! The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said if a man wishes to forego Salat then he has not achieved much more than animals.
Pledge is also taken from us to organise offering Tahajjud Salat. Tahajjud should be organised because it was the way of the earlier righteous ones and it is a source of gaining closeness to God. This practice keeps one away from sin and removes bad habits and also keeps one away from physical ailments. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said our Jama’at should offer Tahajjud. Our Jama’at should be regular in Tahajjud. If not much they should offer two units of Prayer. Attention need to be given to this matter!
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took pledge to invoke درود Durud (salutations and blessings) on the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said: Allah will send mercy ten-fold on one who invokes Durud on me. Hazrat Umer (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Prayer is suspended between the earth and the heavens and unless Durud is invoked on the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) no part of the prayer proceeds upwards.
Another pledge we make at Bai’at is that we will be regular in استغفار Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) for our sins. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that God makes a way out of adversity and into prosperity for a person who engages abundantly in استغفار and provides for him from means that are beyond his imagination. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: Some people are aware of sin while some people are not aware of sin. This is why Allah the Exalted has always prescribed to seek استغفار . So that man says استغفار for every sin whether it is apparent or hidden and whether he is aware of it or is unaware of it. Thus, the significance of استغفار should always be in our view.
Another pledge is that we will always remember God’s bounties. The greatest bounty is that He enabled us to accept the Imam of the age. If we are mindful of this bounty we will be drawn to forge a sincere connection with the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and will be drawn to practice his teachings.
We also pledge to praise and glorify God. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that any important task that is begun without praise and glorification of God is not blessed and is not effective. And a person who is not grateful for receiving a little is also not grateful for receiving in abundance and one who is not grateful to people is also not grateful to Allah. Thus, we should glorify God in a manner that we are also grateful for His creation.
We also pledge not to cause harm to God’s creatures. We also pledge in particular not to cause undue harm to Muslims due to our passions and that we will forgive as much as possible. However, where it cannot be helped and others exceed in limits with their persecution, we will inform the authorities. This will be done for reformation and will not be borne of any personal enmity or anger. Reformation will be done by those in authority and there will be no personal settling of scores. Rather one should assume humility and meekness.
We have also pledged that we shall remain faithful to God under all circumstances. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah) said: Matters of a true believer are amazing. Everything he does is full of blessing. This grace is exclusive to true believers. When he receives special happiness, joy or propensity he thanks God and his gratefulness garners him further blessings. When he receives pain, hardship or loss, he is steadfast and this stance also becomes a source of grace and blessings for him because he is rewarded for his steadfastness. Indeed, a true believer runs to God in every situation and this way the pledge of accepting pain and indignity in the path of God is also fulfilled. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: Those who are mine cannot be separated from me; neither due to problems and persecution by people nor heavenly trials and tribulations. We are going to be with the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) for the sake of God and will endeavour never to care for any indignity or pain in this way. This is our pledge.
We also pledge during Bai’at not to follow un-Islamic customs. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that if a person initiates a custom in the name of religion which has nothing to do with religion, that custom is accursed and unacceptable. We should be very vigilant in this regard. Many erroneous wedding customs have been created which should be avoided by Ahmadis and we should not let ourselves be influenced by what is taking place around us. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih has elucidated this matter in details before. Secretaries tarbiyyat and Lajna should bring this matter to the fore time and again so that members of the Jama’at are protected from these matters.
Another pledge is to refrain from lustful inclinations. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: ‘Paradise is the station for a person who fears standing before his Lord and suppresses his self-absorbed desires. Suppressing one’s lustful inclinations is completely devoting oneself to Allah. Through this a person attains pleasure of God and reaches Paradise in this very world.
Another pledge is to completely submit to the authority of the Holy Qur’an. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: Stay alert and do not even take one step contrary to the teaching of God and the Holy Qur’an. I say to you most truthfully that a person who evades even one commandment from the seven hundred commandments of the Holy Qur’an closes the door to salvation with his own hands.
We pledge that we will make every Word of God and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) our guiding principles. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: We have only one Prophet and only one Qur’an which was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and by following which we can find God.
We also pledge to entirely give up pride and arrogance. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: ‘I say truthfully that on the Day of Judgement after shirk there will be not be a bigger blight than arrogance. It is such blight that it disgraces man in both the worlds.’ This is a serious cause for concern. He also said: ‘I advise my Jama’at to avoid arrogance because arrogance is extremely abhorrent in the eyes of God.’
Another pledge we take is to adopt humbleness. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said: Whoever adopts humbleness and meekness for the sake of God is exalted by God so much so that he is given place in the highest station of Paradise.
We also pledge to always remain cheerful. This should always be kept in view by everyone.
We also pledge to spend our life in forbearance and meekness. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: If you wish to find Allah the Exalted look near the hearts of the meek.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took our pledge that we will hold faith and the cause of Islam dearer than our own life, property and honour.
Another pledge is to always be of service to God’s creatures for His sake. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: Remember, Allah the Exalted loves piety and wishes that His creation is cared for. Those of you who are connected to me should remember to care for every person regardless of which religion he follows and should be good to everyone without distinction because this is what the Holy Qur’an teaches.
Another pledge is to endeavour to benefit mankind to the best of our God-given abilities and powers. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that mankind has many needs and due to various reasons some are dependent on others. Purely for the sake of God one should try most sincerely, selflessly and with true compassion to benefit mankind as much as one can. One should help anyone in need of help with one’s God-given capacities and try one’s utmost to make better their life in the world and the Hereafter.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) took pledge that for the sake of God we will enter into a close bond with the Promised Messiah pledging obedience and devotion to him as is not found in any other worldly relationship and connections demanding devoted dutifulness. That is, we will obey him in everything he has advised us for our own betterment and which is relayed to us after him by his Khulafa. These matters are to establish Shariah and are based on the words of the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and his blessed model. Without this neither can we progress nor remain united.
We need to self-reflect how much we fulfilled our pledges last year and if there were any deficiencies how can we make good this year. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: ‘Only that person joins our Jama’at who makes our teaching his modus operandi and puts it in practice according to his strength and endeavour.’
May God overlook our weaknesses of last year and enable us this year to make utmost efforts to mould our lives according to the expectations of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Two funeral Prayers in absentia were announced.
Luqman Shehzad Sahib Shaheed was martyred in district Gujranwala, Pakistan early in the morning after Fajr Prayer on 27 December 2014. Shaheed was the only Ahmadi in his family and had taken Bai’at in 2007. Prior to Bai’at he met with Ahmadis in the area and forged a deep connection. He started viewing MTA in general and Friday sermons in particular which led him to become Ahmadi. He faced intense opposition and huge efforts were made to dissuade him from Ahmadiyyat but he remained steadfast. Once his uncle took him to a local mosque where Maulawis tried to persuade him to renounce Ahmadiyyat. On their insistence Shaheed said if they could come up with reasoning and proofs he would reject Ahmadiyyat. The Maulawi replied: this is no time for argument, just reject it. Shaheed did not agree. They all beat him up injuring his back bone and threw him in a vehicle and imprisoned him in an animal shed. They released him only after his mother repeatedly pleaded his uncle. Shaheed was then forcibly sent to his father in Saudi Arabia so that he could be dissuaded from Ahmadiyyat. He was also mistreated in Saudi Arabia. While there he looked for Jama’at and was delighted when he made connection. He also performed Hajj while in Saudi Arabia. He returned to Pakistan after three years and started working on land.
On 26 Nov 2014 a Khatm e Nabuwat Conference was held in his area attended by so-called Maulawis from all over the country who passed edicts of Ahmadis being ‘liable to be killed’ and particularly incited people against Luqman Shaheed.
On 27 Dec 2014 as he was returning after Fajr Salat opponents attacked him. He was rushed to hospital but was martyred on the way.
Shaheed was born on 5 April 1989. He was an honest, pious, cheerful and sociable person. He was an extremely devoted Ahmadi young man and was currently serving as local secretary finance. He was very keen on Tabligh and said that he would be content after all his family became Ahmadi. May God elevate the station of Shaheed and grant him an excellent place in high Paradise and enable his family to accept Ahmadiyyat.
Shehzade Satanos from Macedonia passed away on 19 Nov 2014 at the age of 49. She accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1996 a few months after her husband. They had been married for about eleven years at the time but did not have any children. The Ahmadis who did Tabligh to them requested Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (may Allah have mercy on him) to pray for them and God granted them a son. They experienced a lot of opposition after accepting Ahmadiyyat but Shehzade Satanos remained steadfast. She did not know Salat before accepting Ahmadiyyat but gradually became a very active Muslim and eagerly participated in Lajna programmes and read Ahmadi books in local language. We do not have a centre in Macedonia therefore her body was taken to a non-Ahmadi establishment for washing. They seized her body and created uproar over returning it. Ahmadis could not offer funeral Prayer for her. Her husband showed great patience and fortitude over this matter, did not fight back and thus avoided possible disturbance. May God forgive her and elevate her station and continue to increase her family in their sincerity.
أَشْھَدُ أَنْ لَّا إِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ وَحْدَہٗ لَا شَرِیکَ لَہٗ وَأَشْھَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُہٗ وَ رَسُوْلُہٗ
أَمَّا بَعْدُ فَأَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰہِ مِنَ الشَّیْطٰنِ الرَّجِیْمِ- بِسْمِ اللّٰہِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِیْنَ۔ اَلرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ۔ مٰلِکِ یَوْمِ الدِّیْنِ۔ اِیَّا کَ نَعْبُدُ وَ اِیَّاکَ نَسْتَعِیْنُ۔
اِھْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِیْمَ۔ صِرَاطَ الَّذِیْنَ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْھِمْ غَیْرِالْمَغْضُوْبِ عَلَیْھِمْ وَلَاالضَّآلِّیْنَ۔
Today's Friday is the first Friday of this new year 2015. I am receiving messages of New Year greetings from various people—faxes as well as verbal wishes. May this new year be blessed for all of you in every way. But at the same time, I will also say that giving each other congratulations will only benefit us when we take stock of how much we fulfilled the right of being Ahmadi in the past year and how much effort we will make to fulfil this right in the future. So from this Friday, we should make such resolutions for the future that continue to create enthusiasm and hard work for the fulfilment of this right in the new year. It is obvious that as Ahmadis, the work assigned to us will only be fulfilled by performing good deeds. But what should be the standards of these good deeds? It should be clear that for every person who enters Ahmadiyyat and is an Ahmadi, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) himself has provided and stated these standards. And now through new resources and new technology, every person pledges at least once a year at the hand of the Khalifa of the time that he will make a full effort to achieve the standards stated by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). And the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has clearly stated these standards for us in the Conditions of Bai'at. Nominally these are ten Conditions of Bai'at, but if we take even a rough count of the responsibilities that are contained in them as an Ahmadi, they come to more than thirty. So if we are to celebrate the joys of our years in the true sense, we need to keep these things in view. Otherwise, the person who, after being called an Ahmadi, becomes content that I have accepted the issue of the death of the Messiah or I have accepted the coming Messiah who was prophesied and believed in him—this is not sufficient. Indeed, this is the first step, but the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) expects from us that we go into the depth of virtues, understand them, and act upon them, and save ourselves from evils in the way a person tries to save himself upon seeing a ferocious beast. And when this happens, then we will not only bring about a revolution in our own conditions but can become a means of changing the world and bringing it closer to God Almighty.
However, I will state a little detail of these things today as a reminder. This reminder is extremely necessary. The purpose of our Bai'at should keep coming before us.
The first thing that you have told us is the pledge to avoid Shirk. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
A believer who believes in God and is taking Bai'at of the Imam of the age in compliance with God Almighty's command because of his belief in God—such a person cannot have even a distant connection with Shirk. How can it be that a polytheist obeys Allah the Exalted? But no—the subtle Shirk that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) is drawing our attention to is not an apparent Shirk but a hidden Shirk that weakens the faith of a believer.
Explaining this, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says at one place:
"Tauhid (Oneness of God) does not merely mean saying La ilaha illAllah with the tongue while thousands of idols are gathered in the heart. Rather, whoever gives his work, cunning, deception, and planning the same greatness as God, or places such trust in a human being as should be placed in God Almighty, or gives himself the greatness that should be given to God—in all these cases, he is an idol-worshipper in the sight of God Almighty. Idols are not only those made of gold or silver or brass or stone etc. and trusted upon; rather, everything or word or deed which is given the greatness that is the right of God Almighty is an idol in the sight of God Almighty." (Reply to Four Questions of Siraj-ud-Din Christian, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 12, Page 349)
So today we need to take stock of ourselves—in the past year, did we rely on the plans and schemes that we considered everything, or did we use these things only as planning and sought Allah the Exalted's good and blessing from these plans by bowing before God Almighty? A fair assessment of ourselves will tell us the reality of our pledge.
Then you (peace be upon him) took this pledge from us that I will not tell lies. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
Who is the wise person who says that lying is a good thing or that I want to tell lies? The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Man does not want to tell lies unless some selfish motive is his instigator." (Islamic Philosophy of Principles, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 10, Page 360)
So when there is a selfish motive, some interest, only then does man incline towards lying. But high morals are that even if there is danger to life, property, or honour, one should still not lie and never leave the hem of truth. A liar and truthful person are only distinguished when some trial is faced—when there is a danger of personal interest being affected, but still one comes out with honour from it and sacrifices one's personal interests for truthfulness.
These days, people come here and to European countries for asylum as well, but despite my repeated explanations, on the advice of those lawyers, they tell lies. They get stories based on lies written, and yet the cases of some, rather many, get rejected. In the rest of the world as well as here, there is a central team of lawyers on a Jama'at level. They help the asylum seekers. They guide them to lawyers or tell them some necessary things and advise them that are useful for their case. It has happened several times that the head of the committee told me that such-and-such person's case was rejected because there was extreme lying. Just to gain a worldly benefit, they took the support of lies and did not even think that Allah the Exalted had mentioned lying and Shirk together. Then similarly, to take certain benefits, they make false statements, they lie. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Lying is also an idol, and the one who trusts in it abandons trust in God." (Islamic Philosophy of Principles, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 10, Page 361) So there is a need to take stock of ourselves with this subtlety.
Then he said, make this pledge that you will avoid adultery. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
The Promised Messiah (peace and blessings be upon him) says: "Do not go near adultery, that is, stay away from such occasions where even this thought can arise in the heart, and do not adopt such paths from which there is a fear of this sin occurring." (Islamic Philosophy of Principles, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 10, Page 342)
Nowadays there is TV, there is the internet—such indecent films run on them or come up upon opening, which is adultery of the eyes, adultery of thoughts, then also a means of getting involved in evils. It is a cause of homes breaking. Many women and girls write about their husbands that they sit on the internet all day and watch filthy films. Some men also write about their wives. And then as a result, the matter reaches Khula and divorce. Or because of these very films, they become worse than animals. The Ahmadi society is generally saved from this. Except rarely, there are no such incidents, but if, while living in this society, full effort is not made to save oneself from this filth, then no guarantee of purity can be given. So regarding this as well, there is a need to take stock very thoughtfully.
Then a pledge was taken from us that I will avoid looking with evil intent. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
This is why God Almighty has commanded Ghaz-e-Basar (lowering the gaze) in the Holy Quran so that the occasion for looking with evil intent does not even arise. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said that fire is forbidden upon the eye that, instead of looking at things forbidden by Allah the Exalted, lowers itself. (Sunan al-Darimi, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab fi alladhi Yashar..., Hadith 2404, Page 773, Published Dar al-Ma'rifa, Beirut, 2000)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "We are enjoined that we should never look at non-Mahram women and their places of adornment..." He says: "It is certain that from unrestricted gazes, stumbling blocks will come at some time. So since God Almighty wants that our eyes and hearts and our dangers all remain pure, He has given this high-grade teaching." (Islamic Philosophy of Principles, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 10, Page 343)
He said: "Islam has made conditions of restriction binding for both women and men. The command of Purdah, just as it is for women, so too is the emphatic command of Ghaz-e-Basar for men." (Malfuzat, Volume 10, Page 346, Edition 1985, Published England)
We should ponder over this as well and see to what extent we act upon it. Then you took this pledge from us that I will avoid every kind of Fisq (transgression) and Fujur (immorality). (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
Going outside the commandments of Allah the Exalted is Fisq. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said on one occasion: "Abusing is Fisq." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Bab Ijtinab al-Bida' wal-Jadal, Hadith 46)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said on one occasion: "From the Quran, it is proven that before the disbeliever, the transgressor (Fasiq) should be punished." (Malfuzat, Volume 4, Page 367, Edition 1985, Published England)
He said: "When these (meaning Muslims) began to exceed limits in transgression and immorality, and contempt of God's commands and hatred of the signs of Allah came into them, and they became lost in the world and its adornment, then Allah the Exalted also had them destroyed through Hulagu, Genghis Khan, etc., in the same way." (Malfuzat, Volume 5, Page 133, Edition 1985, Published England)
This is also the condition of the world, of Muslims, today.
Then a pledge was taken from the one taking Bai'at that he will not commit Zulm (injustice). (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
Injustice is an extremely great sin. To unjustly suppress someone's right is a great injustice. When the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked which injustice is the greatest, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The greatest injustice is that a person usurps even a hand-span of land from his brother's right. He said: Even a pebble of that land, which he has taken unjustly, will become a collar of all the layers of the earth beneath it and will be put around his neck on the Day of Judgement. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Volume 2, Page 61, Musnad Abdullah bin Mas'ud, Hadith 3772, Published Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1998)
That is, however much earth there is deep down beneath that land (Allah knows how much earth there is), a collar of it will be made and put around his neck. So it is a place of great fear. Those people who in lawsuits, because of egos or to gain personal interests, usurp people's rights should think.
Then a pledge was taken from us that we will not commit Khiyanat (breach of trust). (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 563)
And what standard of not committing breach of trust did the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) present? He said: Do not deal treacherously even with the person who has dealt treacherously with you. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Buyu', Bab fi al-Rajul Ya'khudh Haqqahu min Tahta Yadihi, Hadith 3535)
So these are the standards we have to achieve. There is no excuse that I have taken possession of so-and-so's trust or usurped his thing because at such-and-such time he dealt treacherously with me. For your rights, go to Qaza, or if the other party is non-Ahmadi, go to court. If the Jama'at says, go to court, but the very thought of breach of trust shakes the foundation of a believer's faith.
Then there is this pledge that I will avoid every kind of Fasad (disorder/mischief). (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The question of quarrels and disorder with one's own people does not even arise. What is the teaching that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has given us regarding treatment of strangers who are causing us distress?
He said: "Those people who leave you and separate from you solely for the reason that you have joined the system established by God Almighty—do not quarrel or create disorder with them; rather, pray for them in their absence..." He said: "See, I am commissioned to repeatedly advise you to keep away from every kind of disorder and turmoil, and even upon hearing abuses, exercise patience. Answer evil with good, and if someone is inclined to create disorder, it is better that you slip away from such a place and give a soft answer..." He said: "When I hear that such-and-such person, being of this Jama'at, has fought with someone, I do not like this way at all. And God Almighty also does not want that the Jama'at that will become a model in the world should adopt a path that is not the path of Taqwa." (Malfuzat, Volume 7, Pages 203-204, Edition 1985, Published England)
So neither with one's own people (quarrel) nor with strangers. Those among us who (are quarrelsome)—if they keep this advice of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) in view in their treatment of wives or in their relations with their brothers or in their treatment of people in their environment, then even the few matters that come before us in these complaints would not come. Or at least there would be an extraordinary reduction in them.
Then a pledge was taken from us that I will keep avoiding rebellious ways. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
This rebellious attitude, whether it is against any minor worker of the Jama'at system or against the government of the time—the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has also instructed us to avoid such attitudes from which the smell of rebellion comes. Apart from interference in religion, showing such attitudes against the rest of the commands of the government of the time that make oneself a law-breaker or can incite others against the law—this is not the Islamic way.
Then you said that you should also pledge not to be overcome by carnal passions. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
I mentioned earlier that these days, through TV and internet, there are many occasions for being overcome by carnal passions. Then fights and quarrels, riots and disorder also happen because man is overcome by carnal passions. So making a full effort to avoid even the smallest thing that in any way arouses carnal passions or overcomes them is the duty of an Ahmadi.
Then he said that upon entering Ahmadiyyat, also make this pledge that you have to observe this command of Allah the Exalted that prayers are to be offered five times with all their conditions. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
Prayer is obligatory even for a child of ten years of age. So parents need to supervise this, and this right of supervision will only be fulfilled when the parents themselves are a model in prayers. Many complaints come to me. Some children also say that our parents do not pray, or wives say that the husband does not pray. What model will the children be seeing? For men, offering the five daily prayers with conditions means going to the mosque and offering prayers in congregation, except for illness or any special valid excuse. If this starts being practiced, our mosques will be filled with worshippers. If only the office-bearers start practicing this, a great difference can be made. I keep saying this from time to time, but there is still much deficiency, and effort is needed. The Jama'at system and auxiliary organizations need to pay a lot of attention to this.
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "The person who wants to get rid of prayer—what has he done more than animals?" (Malfuzat, Volume 5, Page 254, Edition 1985, Published England)
Then there is no difference between him and animals. So every Ahmadi needs to make a much greater effort in this direction.
Then this pledge was taken from us that we will also be regular in Tahajjud prayer. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "You should be regular in Tahajjud prayer because this has been the way of the past righteous ones and is a means of nearness to Allah. This habit prevents sins and eliminates evils and protects from physical illnesses." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Da'wat, Bab 112, Hadith 3549)
So it is not only a spiritual cure but also a physical cure.
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) said: "Our Jama'at should make Tahajjud prayer obligatory upon themselves. Whoever cannot offer more should offer at least two Rak'ats, because he will get the opportunity to pray in any case. The prayers of that time have a special effect." (Malfuzat, Volume 3, Page 245, Edition 1985, Published England)
So we need to pay attention to this as well. Then you took a pledge from us to send Durood upon the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) says: Whoever recites Durood upon me, Allah the Exalted will send down ten-fold mercies upon him. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Salat, Bab al-Qawl Mithla Qawl al-Mu'adhdhin li Man Sami'ahu..., Hadith 849)
So Durood is of great importance, and for the acceptance of prayers as well, Durood is extremely necessary.
Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the prayer stops between heaven and the earth, and until you send Durood upon your Prophet, no part of it goes up. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Salat, Bab Ma Ja'a fi Fadl al-Salat ala al-Nabi (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Hadith 486)
Then we make this pledge in Bai'at that we will be regular in Istighfar (seeking forgiveness). (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
In a narration, it comes that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The person who clings to Istighfar, that is, does Istighfar a lot, Allah the Exalted creates for him a way out of every difficulty and creates for him a way of ease from every hardship and provides him sustenance from such means that he cannot even imagine. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Witr, Bab fi al-Istighfar, Hadith 1518)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Some people are such that they are aware of their sin, and some are such that they are not even aware of their sin. This is why Allah the Exalted has made the observance of Istighfar obligatory, that a person should continue to do Istighfar for every sin, whether it is of the apparent or the hidden, whether he knows it or not." (Malfuzat, Volume 4, Page 275, Edition 1985, Published England)
So we should always keep this importance in view as well.
Then this pledge was taken from us that we will remember the favours of God Almighty. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
Among the favours of Allah the Exalted, the greatest favour is this, that He has granted us the ability to accept the Imam of the age. If this favour of Allah the Exalted is remembered, then the effort to create a pure connection with the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) will also remain at all times, and attention will remain towards acting upon his words.
Then there is this pledge that I will continue to praise Allah the Exalted. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that if any important work is started without the praise of Allah the Exalted, it is without blessing and without effect. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Abwab al-Nikah, Bab Khutbat al-Nikah, Hadith 1894)
Then he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The person who does not give thanks for a little does not give thanks for much either, and the person who does not thank people cannot thank God Almighty either. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Volume 6, Page 297, Musnad Nu'man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him), Hadith 18640, Published Beirut, 1998)
So praise Allah the Exalted in such a way that you remain grateful to Allah the Exalted's creation as well.
Then we have made this pledge that we will not cause distress to Allah the Exalted's general creation. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
Then there is this pledge that we will not cause undue distress to Muslims in particular because of our carnal passions. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
To whatever extent forgiveness can be shown, it should be. But if, out of compulsion, because of someone's excessively distressing behaviour, for the sake of reform—not because of personal enmity, not because of anger, but for the sake of reform—it is necessary to punish someone, then the matter should not be taken into one's own hands; rather, the matter should be taken to the authorities. Whatever reform is to be done, the one with authority has to do it. It is not everyone's job to go around reforming. One should not take revenge on oneself. Humility and meekness should be made one's motto.
Then there is this pledge that in every condition, one has to remain faithful to God Almighty. In happiness and distress, in every condition, one has to hold on to the hem of God Almighty. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
In a Hadith, it comes that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The matter of the believer is also amazing. All his affairs are nothing but blessings. This favour is special only for the believer. If he receives some happiness and joy and ease, he thanks Allah the Exalted, and his gratitude becomes a cause of further good and blessing for him. And if he is afflicted with some grief, sorrow, difficulty, and loss, he exercises patience. This conduct of his also becomes a cause of good and blessing for him because he attains the reward of patience. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zuhd wal-Raqa'iq, Bab al-Mu'min Amruhu Kulluhu Khair, Hadith 7500)
So in every condition, running towards Allah the Exalted alone is the work of a believer.
And when this happens, then we will also be fulfilling this pledge that we are ready to accept every humiliation and distress in the way of Allah the Exalted and will never turn away upon the advent of any affliction. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Those who are mine cannot be separated from me. Not by affliction, not by the abuse of people, not by heavenly trials and tests." (Anwar-ul-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 9, Page 24)
So we have to remain the Promised Messiah's (peace be upon him) for the sake of Allah the Exalted and strive for it, Insha'Allah, and even if distress and humiliation are given, we should never care about it—this is our pledge.
Then there is this pledge that we will not follow customs and traditions. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The person who creates a custom in the matter of religion that has no connection with religion, that custom is rejected and unaccepted. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Sulh, Bab Idha Istalahu ala Sulhin Jawr..., Hadith 2697)
So regarding this, we should always be very vigilant. These days, wrong kinds of customs and traditions have developed in the matter of weddings. Ahmadis should avoid this. They should not get into these customs by looking at those around them, by looking at others. I have already explained this in detail once. The Secretaries Tarbiyyat and Lajna should keep presenting these matters before the Jama'at from time to time so that the members of the Jama'at may keep avoiding unacceptable acts.
Then there is this pledge that I will never follow base desires. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Whoever fears standing before his Lord and restrains the desires of his self, then Paradise is his abode. Restraining base desires—this is what it means to be annihilated in Allah, and through this, man can attain God Almighty's pleasure and reach the station of Paradise in this very world." (Malfuzat, Volume 7, Pages 413-414, Edition 1985, Published England)
Then there is this pledge that I will completely accept the governance of the Holy Quran over my head. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "So be alert and do not take even one step contrary to God's teaching and the guidance of the Quran. I tell you truly that whoever evades even one small command out of the seven hundred commands of the Quran closes the door of salvation upon himself with his own hand." (Kishti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 19, Page 26)
Then there is this pledge that we will make every command of Allah the Exalted and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) a beacon for ourselves. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "We have only one Messenger, and only one Holy Quran has been revealed to this Messenger, by following which we can find God." (Malfuzat, Volume 5, Page 125, Edition 1985, Published England)
So we should strive to achieve this.
Then there is this pledge that we will completely abandon arrogance and pride. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "I tell you truly that after Shirk, there is no calamity like arrogance on the Day of Judgement. This is a calamity that disgraces man in both worlds." (A'ina Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 5, Page 598)
So it is a place of great fear. Then he said: "I advise my Jama'at to avoid arrogance because arrogance is extremely abhorrent in the eyes of our Lord, the Possessor of Majesty." (Nuzul-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 18, Page 402)
Then this pledge was taken that I will adopt humility and meekness. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Whoever adopts humility and meekness for the sake of Allah the Exalted, Allah the Exalted will elevate his rank by one degree, will raise him, and to the extent that He will give him a place in 'Illiyyeen. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Volume 4, Page 191, Musnad Abi Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), Hadith 11747, Published Beirut, 1998)
By adopting humility and meekness, one will continue to be elevated by one degree. If this continues, one will be elevated to the extent that He will give a place in the highest standards of Paradise.
Then there is this pledge that we will always make good character our way. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
Everyone should keep this in view as well.
Then there is this pledge that we will spend our lives with gentleness and humility. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "If you have to search for Allah the Exalted, then search near the hearts of the humble." (Malfuzat, Volume 6, Page 54, Edition 1985, Published England)
Then this pledge was taken that I will consider the honour of religion and sympathy for Islam dearer than my life, property, honour, and children. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
Then this pledge was taken that for the sake of Allah the Exalted, I will always show sympathy to Allah the Exalted's creation. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Remember, Allah the Exalted loves goodness very much, and He wants that sympathy be shown to His creation... So those of you who have a connection with me, remember that you should show sympathy to every person, regardless of his religion, and do good to everyone without distinction, because this is the teaching of the Holy Quran." (Malfuzat, Volume 7, Pages 284-285, Edition 1985, Published England)
Then this pledge was taken that I will benefit mankind with God-given faculties. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "As much as are the needs of creation and in as many different ways and paths the Bestower of all from eternity has made some dependent on others, in all these matters, he should benefit them with his true, selfless, and sincere sympathy that can emanate from his being, purely for God's sake, and help every one in need of help with his God-given ability, and exert himself for the reform of both their worldly and otherworldly affairs." (A'ina Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 5, Pages 61-62)
So striving for the spiritual progress of the world is also included in benefiting mankind, and providing material and spiritual benefit is our duty. So where apparent sympathy and help are to be provided, where benefit is to be given to them, where service to humanity is to be done, there, preaching is also the duty of an Ahmadi for the benefit of mankind.
Then you took this pledge that we have to establish such a close relationship with you for the sake of Allah the Exalted in which there is that level of obedience which is found neither in any relationship nor in any servant-like condition. (Adapted from Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Volume 3, Page 564)
We have to obey all those things that you have told us for our religious, intellectual, spiritual, and practical training, or those that reach the members of the Jama'at through Khilafat Ahmadiyya after you, which are for the establishment of Shariah, which are in accordance with the Holy Quran and the commands of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his noble example—because without this, neither can we progress, nor can our unity remain.
So we need to take stock of how much we fulfilled our pledge in the past year, and if there are deficiencies, how we have to make up for them this year.
The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) says: "Only that one enters our Jama'at who makes our teaching his rule of conduct. And acts upon it according to his effort and endeavour." (Malfuzat, Volume 4, Page 439, Edition 1985, Published England)
May Allah the Exalted, overlooking us, forgive our weaknesses of the past year and grant us the ability in this year to mold our lives according to the wishes of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) with the utmost effort.
Today, after the prayers, I will also lead two funeral prayers in absentia. The first funeral is of our martyred brother, respected Luqman Shahzad Sahib son of respected Allah Ditta Sahib. He was martyred by opponents of Ahmadiyyat in Bhaddi Shah Rahman, District Gujranwala, on December 27th in the morning after Fajr prayer through firing. اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ.
Luqman Shahzad Sahib had the honour of Bai'at alone in his family. The late martyr joined the Jama'at system by taking Bai'at on November 27, 2007. Before Bai'at, the late martyr had considerable association with the Ahmadi friends of the area. Seeing the President of the Jama'at of Bhaddi Shah Rahman, respected Sultan Ahmad Sahib, discussing with the people of the village and seeing the success of the Jama'at and hearing the arguments, his relationship with the Sadr Sahib became even deeper. After that, he would generally listen to MTA programs, and especially started listening to my sermons. This very practice became the cause of his acceptance of Ahmadiyyat.
After accepting Ahmadiyyat, he had to face severe opposition. The opponents left no stone unturned in their effort to make him renounce Ahmadiyyat. Besides violence and threats, the late martyr was taken to many Maulvis. But by the grace of Allah, no Maulvi could stand before him. Once his uncle forcibly took him to the local mosque where some Maulvis were sitting. Upon their insistence on renouncing Ahmadiyyat, the late martyr said that if these people prove with arguments that Jama'at Ahmadiyya is false, I will deny it. Upon this, the Maulvi said that the time for debate is over. You just announced your denial of the Jama'at. We have no debate to do. No argument.
Upon the late martyr's refusal, his uncle and the Maulvis and other people present there started beating him with sticks etc., due to which his spine was severely injured and he was seriously wounded. The opponents, while beating him, put him in a vehicle and took him to his uncle's place and confined him in the animal enclosure. When his mother came to know of this, she reached his uncle's quarters and demanded the return of her son. At first, they refused. They also slapped his mother even though she was non-Ahmadi. Upon the mother's repeated insistence, the late martyr was handed over to his mother, and at the same time, it was said that after today, we have no relationship with you.
One year after the late martyr's Bai'at, the relatives forcibly sent him to his father in Saudi Arabia so that he could be made to renounce Ahmadiyyat. In Saudi Arabia as well, he was treated very badly because the relatives had already informed about his being Ahmadi before his arrival in Saudi Arabia. The late martyr continued his search for the Jama'at in Saudi Arabia as well. After several months of efforts, contact was made with the Jama'at through an Indian Ahmadi friend. The late martyr was very happy about this, and during his stay there, the late one also had the blessing of performing Hajj.
After three years, the martyr returned from Saudi Arabia. He started farming. On November 26, 2014, the opponents of the Jama'at organized a Khatam-e-Nabuwwat Conference in Bhaddi Shah Rahman, in which so-called Maulvis from all over the country participated. In this conference, the Maulvis issued fatwas of being deserving of death against the friends of the Jama'at and especially incited people against Luqman Shahzad Sahib. After this conference, he continuously faced threats from the opponents.
Finally, on December 27, when he was going to his quarters after offering Fajr prayer, the opponents pursued him and shot him in the head from behind, due to which he was severely injured. He was being taken to the hospital when on the way he reached the rank of martyrdom. اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ.
The late one was born on April 5, 1989. The late one was extremely honest, good-hearted, of good character, noble of soul, and of a sociable personality. He was an extremely sincere and devoted young man. At that time, he was receiving the opportunity to serve as Secretary Mal in Jama'at Ahmadiyya Bhaddi Shah Rahman. After Bai'at, he would study the books of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) with great enthusiasm. The late one had great enthusiasm for preaching. He would say to his Ahmadi friends that he is my friend who studies the books of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). The late martyr would say that I will only have peace when I have included all my family members in the Jama'at.
Upon his death, a neighbouring lady who was an opponent said that I have seen a great change in this boy after becoming Ahmadi. Since he became Ahmadi, he had started Tahajjud. Regularly at three in the morning, the light of his room would turn on. And when I would speak ill of him because of Ahmadiyyat, the late martyr's mother would also express displeasure in response. Upon this, the late martyr would say to his mother that we will have to listen to these things now.
Just now we heard from the excerpt of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) that whatever the opponents say to you, you have to exercise patience. And the martyr said this very thing even though the mother was non-Ahmadi, that because of me, you will have to listen to these things. May Allah the Exalted elevate the ranks of the martyr and grant him a high place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus. May He also grant his family the ability to benefit from the light of Ahmadiyyat.
Rafi Butt Sahib writes about him that one week before the martyrdom, he came to Rabwah and spent the whole time talking about the welfare and progress of the Jama'at. There was a passion for calling to Allah within him. I took him to a friend in the Bab-ul-Abwab neighbourhood. Seeing the copies of references etc. there, his joy knew no bounds, and he took pictures of many references in his mobile and said that I will come back soon and benefit from the precious treasure they have.
The special thing about Luqman Shahzad Sahib was that he would study the books of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) daily, due to which his spirituality had greatly advanced. After sitting in his gathering, every person would rise with a new zeal and enthusiasm.
Almas Mahmood Nasir Sahib, Murabi Silsila, says that Luqman Sahib belonged to the village where I was first posted after completing my education at Jamia. Luqman Sahib would sit with me for a long time even though he had not yet taken Bai'at. Along with asking scholarly questions, he had come so close to the Jama'at that during conversation, he would consider himself a member of Jama'at Ahmadiyya, and while talking about the difference between Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi, he would mention himself as an Ahmadi. At the time of Bai'at, despite his young age, he was a very courageous young man. He also received beatings as mentioned, and great pressure was put on him.
He writes that when he was beaten in the mosque with sticks and the stands on which the Holy Quran is placed and read, he was also beaten with those. He was also abducted at gunpoint—where he was taken to the quarters—and from there his mother brought him, and at that time there was no doctor either. His non-Ahmadi doctor friend secretly gave him first aid at that time.
He writes that what I felt intensely was that Luqman Ahmad Sahib had a mountain-like determination and steadfastness. Despite all the cruelty and barbarism, he was not worried in the slightest, nor did his steps waver; rather, displaying great courage and extraordinary patience, he presented an example like that of the Companions.
Rana Rauf Sahib writes from Saudi Arabia that he maintained regular and constant contact with the Jama'at, but was always worried because of the sponsor. His relatives and co-workers tried to incite his sponsor against him and said that he is a disbeliever, but his sponsor said that this boy always reads the Quran in his free time and offers prayers on time. What kind of disbeliever is this, while you people neither pray nor read the Quran? He faced opposition from relatives because of difficulties in earning a living and being Ahmadi.
An Ahmadi friend from his village living in Saudi Arabia, Imtiaz Sahib, narrated an incident that when he had newly become Ahmadi, someone passed away in his maternal family. On this occasion, his maternal uncles gathered non-Ahmadi Maulvis and took Luqman Ahmad there. Luqman Sahib used to keep an Ahmadiyya Pocket Book in his pocket. The non-Ahmadi Maulvis continued to ask him various questions and debate, and he continued to answer them with arguments. Later, when the Maulvis started making noise, his non-Ahmadi elder said to those Maulvis that one boy has silenced you all. He is speaking with utmost respect and argument. Therefore, you people also do not make noise; rather, answer his argument one by one. But they would give an answer if they had one.
When he first attended the Jalsa Salana in Saudi Arabia, he said I had already seen this spectacle in a dream.
The second funeral in absentia will be of respected Sherher Zada Destanouska Sahiba. She was a resident of Macedonia. She passed away on November 19, 2014, at the age of 49 years. اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ.
In 1996, a few months after her husband's acceptance of Ahmadiyyat, she had the blessing of taking Bai'at. In March-April 1995, Sharif Duroski Sahib and Shahid Ahmad Sahib went from Germany to Berove on a preaching journey, where Sharif Duroski Sahib conveyed the message of Ahmadiyyat to the deceased's husband and his relative, respected Ja'far Sahib, which they accepted.
The deceased's husband said that their marriage was eleven or twelve years old, and they had no children. Shahid Sahib wrote a letter to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih the Fourth for prayers for them. Some time after this, Allah the Exalted blessed them with a son.
Initially, the Ahmadis here also had to face opposition and difficulties, but she remained firm on her faith with patience and steadfastness. Before accepting Ahmadiyyat, she did not know how to pray, and upon becoming Ahmadi, she learned to pray. She had the opportunity to serve as an active member in the local Lajna. She was a sincere Ahmadi lady. She had regular contact with the prayer centre. She would participate in Jama'at programs with enthusiasm. She would invite the missionaries to her homes. She would continue to study books published in the local language.
We do not have a centre in Macedonia. Because of this, upon her death, when they took her to the non-Ahmadis' mosque for bathing, they seized the body and were ready to die or kill. Then they also offered the funeral prayer and did not give the funeral to the Ahmadis. The Ahmadis later offered the funeral prayer in absentia. But in any case, her husband has shown great courage and resolve. He did not fight. Disorder could have been created there. May Allah the Exalted elevate the ranks of the deceased. May He treat her with forgiveness and may He continue to increase her children and husband in sincerity and loyalty with the Jama'at.
Related Resources