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Summary of Friday Sermon Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba)

After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’wwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated: In the previous Friday sermon, I was spoke about Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra). I will present some further narrations regarding him today. It is mentioned in another narration that Hazrat Amr bin al-Aas stated, “I am a witness regarding two people whom the Messenger of Allah (sa) loved till the day of his demise. They were Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood and Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir.”

Abu Bakr bin Muhammad bin Amr bin Hazm narrted from his father that, “When Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir was martyred, Amr bin Hazm came to Hazrat Amr bin al-Aas and said, ‘Ammar has been martyred, whereas I have heard the Messenger of Allah (sa) saying that, ‘he will be martyred by a rebellious group.’ Hazrat Aisha (ra) said regarding Hazrat Ammar that he was filled with faith from head to toe.

Hazrat Khabbab came to Hazrat Umar. Hazrat Umar said to him, “Come closer! Nobody deserves this company more than you, except Ammar.” Then Hazrat Khabbab began showing the marks of injuries on his back, which were inflicted by the idolaters.” Hazrat Umar granted him honour because he endured many hardships in the early period of Islam and mentioned that Hazrat Ammar also endured many hardships.

There is also a narration by Hazrat Ammar regarding the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali, which is related to a prophecy made by the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir narrates, “the Holy Prophet (sa) said to Hazrat Ali, ‘O Abu Turab [Father of Dust]! (this was due to the dust that could be seen on him, he called him Abu Turab.) The Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Shall I inform you about about two of the most unfortunate individuals from among the people?’ We said, ‘Indeed, O Messenger of Allah!’ He said, ‘One is the fair-skinned individual with reddish complexion from the people of Thamud, who crippled the camel [of Prophet Saleh] and the second individual, O Ali, is the one who will strike your head and cause your beard to be smeared with blood.’”

Abu Majlis states: “On one occasion, Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir lead us in a very short prayer. Someone asked him the reason for doing so. He responded: “I did not deviate even to the slightest degree from the prayer of the Holy Prophet (sa). I offered a prayer of the Holy Prophet (sa) in this salat which is as follows:

O Allah, You are aware of the knowledge of the unseen and your power encompasses all of creation. I implore you to keep me alive only to the time you think my life is good for me and give me death when it is better for me. O Allah! I seek your protection from the unseen and that what is visible, and I beg you to grant me the strength to speak the truth when in a state of anger and delight. I beseech you to grant me the ability to adopt the middle way during times of difficulty as well as abundance. I beg you to grant me the delightful sight to witness your face and the eagerness and desire to meet you. I seek your protection from any affliction and mischief that can lead one astray. O Allah! Adorn us with the beauty of faith and make us those from whom people find guidance.”

It is also mentioned in a narration that Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir would recite Surah Yasin at the pulpit on Fridays. Harith bin Sohail states: “A person once spoke ill of Hazrat Ammar in front of Hazrat Umar (ra) and complained about him. When Hazrat Ammar heard of this, he raised his hands in prayer and said: ‘O Allah! If this person has fabricated a lie about me then grant him abundance in this world and hold him accountable in the hereafter. Abu Naufal bin Abi Aqrab states: “Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir observed silence the most and would talk very little. He would say: ‘I seek refuge with Allah from every mischief.’”

Muhamamd bin Ali bin Hanafiya narrates: “Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir came to the Holy Prophet (sa). At the time, the Prophet (sa) was unwell.  The Prophet (sa) said: “Shall I teach you a prayer which Gabriel recited for me?’ Hazrat Ammar responded: “Yes, O Prophet of Allah (sa).” Then the Holy Prophet (sa) taught him the following the prayer: That is, I begin all prayers with the name of Allah, Who can grant you full recovery from every disease that might cause you difficulty.”

It is related by Hazrat Anas (ra) that the Holy Prophet (sa) said: “Paradise yearns for Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Ammar, Hazrat Salman and Hazrat Bilal (ra). Hazrat Huzaifah (ra) narrates: “We were sitting alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) when he stated: ‘I am unaware of how long I will remain in your midst. Thus, you should follow these people when I am gone.’ The Prophet (sa) pointed towards Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat ‘Umar and said, ‘adopt the way of Ammar and attest to whatever Ibn-e-Masood says to you.’”

In reference to Hazrat Ammar, it was mentioned last week that he was misled by the rebellious group when Hazrat Uthman (ra) had sent him to investigate the governor there. He met the rebellious party and a thorough investigation did not take place. Whilst commenting on this in one place Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) says that the disorder created against Hazrat Uthman and Khilafat, was because these people were not properly trained, and they would visit the headquarters very little. They possessed very limited knowledge of the Holy Qur’an and faith. For this reason, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) instructed the Jama’at that they should learn from this and this should serve as a lesson. Firstly, one should obtain knowledge of the Holy Qur’an, stay connected with the Headquarters, and learn about the faith and in this way if there is any discord in the Jam’at in the future, they will be able to protect themselves. Hence, we should always keep this in mind. It is not possible for everyone to visit the headquarters and they cannot establish a personal relation with Khilafat in this manner. However, in this day and age, learning about the faith and the Holy Qur’an is possible for everyone through MTA, which has been established by Allah Almighty. This is such a resource that if we wish, we can learn religious knowledge. One can find lessons on the Qur’an and the Hadith, the books of the Promised Messiah (as), and Friday Sermons all on MTA. One can establish a relation with Khilafat in this manner. There are also other speeches that are played on MTA. So in this regard, if we connect at least ourselves and our children to MTA then this can serve as a very good way of training. At the same time, this can also protect us against every kind of mischief and disorder and become a source of increasing one’s knowledge. So members of the Jama’at should direct their attention towards this. They should form a bond through MTA, which has been granted to us by Allah Almighty.

Hazrat Abu Labaaba bin ‘Abdul Munzir is another companion that I will mention. He was from the Ansar and belonged to a tribe called Aus. He was one of the twelve chiefs and participated in Baiat-e-Uqbah. During the Battle of Badr the Holy Prophet (sa) appointed Hazrat Abdullah bin Maktoom as the Ameer in his absence, but when he reached a place called Roha, the Holy Prophet (sa) appointed Abu Lababa bin Munzir as the Ameer of Medina and sent him back. The Prophet (sa) instructed that Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin Maktoom should be the Imam for prayers and all the administrative duties should be carried out by Hazrat Abu Lababa. Ibn-e-Ishaaq says that the Holy Prophet (sa) assigned a portion for him from the spoils of war. During the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet (sa), Hazrat Ali (ra) and Hazrat Abu Lubabah (ra) would all take turns to ride the camel.

An incident highlighting the simplicity and loyalty of Hazrat Abu Lubabah to the Holy Prophet (sa) is that in 5 Hijri whilst the Holy Prophet (sa) was returning to the city from the Battle of the Ditch he had laid down his weapons and finished bathing. God Almighty conveyed to him through a vision that as long as the verdict for the betrayal and treachery of Banu Quraizah has not passed, they must not lay down their weapons. The Holy Prophet (sa) announced to his Companions that everyone should proceed to the fortress of Banu Quraizah and to perform the Asr prayer once they have arrived there. In the beginning the Jews were displaying great arrogance and stubbornness but as time went on they began to feel the effects of the besiegement and felt helplessness that the Muslims had surrounded them. Hence, they sent a messenger to the Holy Prophet (sa) requesting him to send Abu Lubabah bin Munzir Ansari to them in their fortress so that they could take his advice. The Holy Prophet (sa) granted him permission and he went forth into their fortress. The chiefs of Banu Quraizah had planned that as soon as Abu Lubabah enters the fortress the women and children would all go crying to him and try to overwhelm him with all their problems and difficulties. As it were Abu Lubabah was affected by it and when Banu Quraizah asked him if what would be of them if they open their fortress to allow Muhammad (sa) to make his verdict, Abu Lubabah unwittingly answered yes come down now but also indicated with his hand swiping across the neck, i.e. that the Holy Prophet (sa) will order to have you killed.Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) says that when it occurred to him that this indication was an act of dishonesty towards God and His Prophet (sa), and that he had made a grave mistake, his legs gave way. He made his way to Masjid Nabwi. Hazrat Abu Lababa tied himself to a pillar of the mosque as a punishment for himself. He vowed that till God Almighty accepts his repentance, he will remain tied to that pillar. Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) says that I remained in this ordeal for fifteen days. Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) says that I saw a dream and I recalled my dream. In my dream I saw that we have surrounded Banu Quraisa and I am trapped in a pungent swamp. I was trying to get out of there but could not. It was, as if I was about to die of the smell. Then I saw a flowing river. I saw that I washed myself in this river, till I became pure and clean and started to smell nice. Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) went to Hazrat Abu Bakrra to seek the interpretation of this dream. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) interpreted the dream that he would be faced with a difficulty which will make him grieve, but then his difficulties will be dispelled. Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) says that tied to the pillar, I used to recall this interpretation of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and was very hopeful that my repentance will be accepted. Hazrat Umme Salama (ra) states that the news of pardon of Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) was revealed in my home. With the permission of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Umme Salama (ra) went out and called out from the door of the chamber, O Abu Lababa! Be content, Allah has shown His blessings to you and has accepted your repentance. At this, people rushed to untie Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra), but he said, no, only the Holy Prophet (sa) will free me from this pillar. When the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived to offer the Fajr prayers, he untied Abu Lababa (ra) with his blessed hands. Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) gave a third of his possession in charity and gave up his ancestral home.

During the Battle of Qainqa’ and the Battle of Saweeq, Hazrat Abu Lababa (ra) had the honour of serving as a representative of the Holy Prophet (sa) in Medina. On the occasion of the Victory of Mecca, Hazrat Abu Lababa was in the company of the Holy Prophet (sa) as his fellow-rider. He was holding up the flag of the Ansar tribe. Hazrat Abu Lababa accompanied the Holy Prophet (sa) in many battles. Hazrat Abu Lababa passed away during the era of Hazrat Ali’s Khilafat. There are also some who are of the opinion that he passed away after the martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (ra). Another estimate is reported that he lived even after 50 Hijri.

After the Friday Prayer, I shall lead two funeral prayers; one is present and the other will be in absentia. The funeral prayer in absentia is of respected Qazi Shaban Ahmad Khan Sahib from Sawaba Garden, Lahore. Qazi Shaban Ahmad Khan Sahib, son of Qazi Muhammad Salman Sahib, was martyred on 25th June 2018 at the age of 47 when opponents [of Ahmadiyyat] entered into his house and shot him – Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. The deceased martyr is survived by his wife, Shahnaz Shabaan sahiba, who is 40 years old, and daughters: Kiran who is 19 years old, Sidrah Shabaan who is 18 years old and Malaekah who is 11 years old. All three daughters suffer from Polio and as a result they have certain disabilities. May Allah the Almighty become their guardian Himself and remove all their apprehensions. May He continue to elevate the status of Qazi Sahib.

The second funeral, which is present, is for Mrs Amatul Haye Begum Sahiba, daughter of Seth Muhammad Ghaus Sahib. She passed away on 23rd June 2018 and was over 100 years old. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

May Allah the Almighty elevate her status and enable her progeny to establish a sincere and honest relationship with Khilafat.


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