Baitun Nur Mosque Calgary - Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada

35 Pages·2009·2.77 MB·English

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2009 | WWW.AHMADIYYAGAZETTE.CA
Baitun Nur Mosque Calgary
(see inside cover for details)
BAITUN NUR CALGARY MOSQUE
LAW SUIT SETTELED
Message from Amir Canada Jama`at
Assalamo alaikum wa Rahmatullah
By the Grace of Allah, the payment dispute with Ellis Don, our Construction
Manager, and some other sub-trades who worked on the Calgary Mosque
construction project, has been fully resolved to the full benefit of the Jama`at.
All liens on the title of the property have been removed and all claims against the
Jama`at and Ch. Naseer Ahmad Sahib, who was the Project Director on behalf
of the Jama`at and worked for many years on this project, have been withdrawn
without any legal or interest cost to the Jama`at or to him. Al-Hamdo lillah.
During the construction, some sub-trades had billed the Jama`at excessive
amounts that, in view of our Project Director, were not justified and he did not
recommend making payments for the extra amounts. The amounts in dispute
were more than a Million dollars. Consequently, some companies filed liens on
the property and filed claims against the Jama`at and our Project Director.
Syedna Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aa) directed that the Jama`at should try
to resolve these matters preferably as an “out of court settlement”, without
compromising our rights or core principles.
Under these guidelines, our representative worked very hard and diligently
to protect the interest, rights and principles of the Jama`at, and as a result, all
disputed extra charges of approx. $1.2 million dollars have been withdrawn
against the Jama`at and all liens have been removed from the Jama`at property.
All justified payments, that were blocked due to this dispute, have been made
to all trades. We have also received discounts for some of the work that needed
some improvements or corrections, and the Jama`at will now look after those
matters.
I want to thank all those who worked on this project in fund raising, construction,
and in resolving these disputes. May Allah reward them! This matter is now
closed.
May Allah bless all projects of the Jama`at!
Wassalam!
Lal Khan Malik
Amir Jama`at Ahmadiyya Canada
Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada
An Educational and Spiritual Publication
Volume 38 - No. 9-10 - September-October 2009
Pearls of Wisdom Amir Jama`at:
Lal Khan Malik
Selection from the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith
Chief Editor:
Writings of the Promised Messiahas p.2 Naseem Mahdi
Editors:
Guidance from Khalifatul Masih Vab
Ansar Raza
S.H.Hadi
Summary of Friday Sermons p.3
Contributing Editors:
Articles Farhan Khokhar
Dr. Ijaz Qamar
Living with God in a Godless Society p.6 M. Nadeem A. Siddiq
Assitant Editors:
Book Review p.13
Hana Malik
National Academic Achievement Awards Canada 2009 p.17 Manager:
Mubashir Khalid
Hadhrat Maulvi Dost Muhammad Shahid sahib- Passed Away p.20
Graphics Layout:
Biblical Criteria of a True Prophet p.23 Farhan A. Naseer
Ilyas Khan
Question/Answer Session With Hadrhat Khalifatul Masih IVrh p.25
Printing:
Maulana Mohammad Tariq Islam sahib - Passed Away p.28 Jamnik Graphics
Web Magazine:
Humanity First - Serving Mankind p.30
Muzaffar Ahmad
Tabligh Activities p.32 Official Photographers:
Bashir Nasir
Ajaz Khan
Muzaffar Ahmad

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Table of Contents
The Divine Commandment about Tabligh
[9:41] Go forth, light and heavy, and strive with your
property and your persons in the cause of Allah. That
is better for you, if only you knew.
Chapter 9 -Surah Tauba Verse 38
The Teaching of the Holy Prophetsa about Tabligh
The Holy Prophetsa said:
"Hear! Have I conveyed Allah's
message to you?" They said: "Yes." He said: "O
Allah, bear witness! It is incumbent upon those
who are present here to convey it [Allah's message]
to those who are not present here as the latter may
comprehend it better than the one who conveys it."
Bukhari Kitab-ul-Hajj Bab Khutba Min Ayyam-e-Mina
So Said the Promised Messiahas
“If it was within my power, I would have desired to go from door to door like beggars
and propagate the True Religion of Allah and thereby rescue humanity from polytheism
(Shirk) and disbelief (Kufr). If Allah would grant me the knowledge of the English
language, I would personally embark on preaching (Tabligh) expeditions and spend
my entire life in this pursuit even if I were to die in this cause.” (Malfoozat Vol-2, P-219,
Publisher-Nazarat-e-Isha`at, Rabwah)
2 Pearls of Wisdom
Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab
Divine signs to distinguish the lofty station of the Promised Messiahas
Summary of Friday Sermon delivered on August 7, 2009
After reciting verse 16 of surah The Promised Messiahas said that Allāh’s support for the promised
Al-Mu`min, Hadhuraa said: In this he could see the members of his Messiahas. In order to be a part of
verse Allāh tells us that it is He who jama’at progressing in Taqwah and this spiritual revolution, every
reveals His word to whomsoever excellence. Hadhuraa said: It is not Ahmadi must strive to adhere to
of His servants He pleases and enough that we are increasing in his message. Hadhuraa spoke of the
brings the spiritually dead to life. numbers; we must keep making situation in Pakistan and asked the
Hadhuraa said: It is Allāh who progress in virtue and piety. Allāh is Jama’at to pray for Ahmadis living
raises the Prophets and chosen preparing this jama’at to standards there.
ones to run the spiritual affairs of of sincerity and steadfastness. Let
Closing the sermon, Hadhuraa
this world, and in this age the Wise us always remember the devotion
informed the Jama’at of the sad
and All-knowing One chose to send and the sacrifice made by our
demise of Chaudhary Inayatullah
the Promised Messiahas for this ancestors and try to walk in their
Tariq Sahib of Rabwah, Rana
purpose. footsteps.
Ataul-Karim Noon Sahib who was
Hadhuraa said: The prophecy about The Promised Messiahas says: martyred in Multan, Pakistan, and
the eclipses (as stated in a hadith Allāh has shown so many signs in some other devoted members of the
in Dare-e-Qutni) was a grand sign my support that if I were to count Jama’at. Then he announced that
that was fulfilled in 1894 after the them, they would exceed three he will lead their funeral prayer
advent of the Promised Messiahas. hundred thousand. I was protected after the Friday prayer.
Allāh revealed to the Promised against the evil designs of my
Messiahas that He would bless his enemies, my needs were provided
speech, exalt him and support for, those who sought to destroy
him. Today the only way to reach me were disgraced and my prayers
God and to know about Him is by were heard. Among these signs are
following the Promised Messiahas. also the dreams, which some sages
saw before my birth testifying to
Hadhuraasaid: Allāh not only
my advent, and some of them even
comforted the Promised Messiahas
foretold my name.
through His revelations, but also
showed countless signs in his Hadhuraasaid: The fact that the
support, such as the fulfillment of physical and spiritual progeny of
the prophecy regarding Abdullah the promised Messiahas is spread
Atham. around the world in ever increasing
numbers is an enduring sign of
Guidance from Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Vab 3
Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab
34th Annual Convention Germany
Summary of Friday Sermon delivered on August 14th, 2009
On the 14th August 2009, Hadhrat not sufficient; we should keep on getting the opportunity of serving
Khalifatul Masih Vaa, delivered searching for and striving on the the guests of Hadhrat The Promised
the Friday Sermon at Mannheim, paths which bring us nearer to Allāh. Messiahas, a spiritual atmosphere
Germany. Passionate love for Allāh should be is also available to them which is a
visible in our deeds. Every pious means of purifying their souls and
Hudhuraa said: This Friday Sermon
deed we perform should lead us to therefore they should be thankful to
marks the start of Jalsa Salana
another pious deed. Allāh and prostrate before him.
Germany. As you all know, the aim
of these Jalsas is to enhance our faith Huduraa said: It is through repentance Huduraa said: Hadhrat The
in Allāh, to strengthen our mutual and Istighfar that one finds God. Promised Messiahas has exhorted
bonds of love and brotherhood and Hadhrat The Promised Messiahas the members of his Jama’at to show
to provide opportunities for inviting says: Istighfar means to beseech exemplary character so that their
people towards Allāh. Hudhuraa Allāh that He may not expose our actions and deeds may bear witness
said: Members should benefit from shortcomings and may forgive our that they are true Ahmadis. Always
the spiritual atmosphere of the Jalsa past sins. Allāh is All-Sustaining. keep in mind your commitment to
and give special attention not only to Allāh is our Creator. Therefore put your faith above your worldly
their obligatory prayers but also to it is necessary for every human affairs, and act accordingly so that
Nawafil, Tahajjud and remembering being that he should maintain and other people are also compelled
Allāh. promote the impression and prints to acknowledge your piety and
of His creation which are part of compassion. If we keep these
Huduraa said: Allāh has told us
his person by offering Istighfar and teachings of Hadhrat The Promised
that He guides those who strive
then benefiting from His attribute Messiahas before us and keep on
in His path. These are the people
of being All-Sustaining. Fortunate assessing ourselves then it will be
on whom Allāh showers His
are those who understand this and possible for us to rectify ourselves.
blessings. Hadhrat The Promised
always strive to overcome their
Messiahas says: Strive to bring about Hudhuraa spoke of the difficult
spiritual and moral weaknesses.
a transformation in yourselves, conditions being faced by Ahmadis
offer prayers and give alms so that Huduraa said: During this Jalsa, in Pakistan and Malaysia, asking
you may be considered among the volunteers should serve the the Jama’at to pray for them and for
those who strive in His path. If we guests with customary civility and the success of Jalsa Salana Malaysia.
strive in every way that Allāh has courtesy and as they go about their Hudhuraa then spoke about the
revealed to us, then He will come duties, they should busy themselves demise of Taha Kazak Sahib of
running to us like a loving mother in the remembrance of Allāh and in Jordon and afterwards led his
and gather us under His protection. offering Istighfar. The volunteers funeral prayer in absentia.
Merely accepting Ahmadiyyat is are fortunate that in addition to
4 Guidance from Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Vab
Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab
Conclusion of German and UK Annual Conventions
Summary of Friday Sermon delivered on August 21st, 2009
On 21st August 2009, Hadhrat provided us an additional training from more than ten Eastern
Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the camp for our spiritual progress in European countries were present
Friday Sermon at Baitul Futuh the form of the Jalsa. It provides including many non-Ahmadis. I
Mosque, London. us with a special atmosphere in met delegates from each of these
which our attention is drawn countries individually and found
Hudhuraa said: I returned from
towards virtue and piety and self that the Jalsa had left positive effects
Germany two days ago. This time
reformation. In these Jalsas we also on all of them. Some of them were
there was little gap between Jalsa
witness firsthand the blessings that accompanied by journalists who
Salana Germany and Jalsa Salana
Allāh is showering upon the Jama’at publish the news and pictures of the
UK and the two seemed to merge
and our hearts are filled with Jalsa in their newspapers.
into one another. I am infinitely
gratitude.
grateful to Allāh that everything Hudhuraa said: One of the aims of
went well during the two Jalsas. Hudhuraa said: I also visited Belgium the Jalsa laid down by the Promised
and reviewed the progress regarding Messiahas was that it would provide
Hudhuraa said: Allāh has prescribed
the building of our new mosque. means for propagating our message
for us five daily prayers to protect
He went on to say that I am truly among other people. Hence, many
us from sin. He also redeems our
grateful to German volunteers, both people join the Jama’at as a result of
sins which we commit from one
men and women, who did their best attending the Jalsa and experiencing
Friday prayer to the next and from
to serve the guests of the Promised its unique spiritual atmosphere. In
one Ramadan to the next Ramadan.
Messiahas. Every Ahmadi should this context Hudhuraa spoke about
What distinguishes a believer from
consider it his or her duty to keep the re-establishment of the Jama’at
a non-believer is that the believer
this spirit alive. When a believer in Lithuania.
is always eager to do good deeds
sees anything good in someone, he
and eagerly awaits every such Hudhuraa said: Ramadan is about
should try to adopt it rather than
opportunity. By the grace of Allāh, to begin so let us keep alive the
becoming envious and making
we are now about to enter another spiritual atmosphere created by
undue criticism. Believers always
Ramadan. We enjoyed the spiritual these Jalsas and pay more and more
stand by one another. Volunteers
nourishment of the Jalsa along with attention to prayer. Hudhuraa Spoke
in all departments have shown
the physical nourishment, but in about the problems that Ahmadis
that they will willingly serve under
Ramadan we will have to curtail are facing in Pakistan and other
anyone appointed by the Khalifa.
the physical aspect while focusing countries and asked the Jama’at to
May Allāh reward them all.
on the spiritual one and try to bring pray for them. He concluded by
about positive change in our lives. Huduraa said: By the grace of Allāh, praying that may this Ramadan
Jalsa Salana Germany was very bring countless blessings for all of
Hudhuraa said: We are fortunate
successful and attended by over us and enable us to benefit from it.
that the Promised Messiahas has
32,000 delegates. Representatives Amin.
Guidance from Hadrat Khalifatul Masih Vab 5
Living with God in a Godless Society
Lal Khan Malik, Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada
of the great religions are subjected humans search for and worship
to extraordinary challenges. These Allah. Verily, the Holy Qur’an
challenges are of two types: states,
(1) The opponents of religion, “And I have not created the
namely, the atheists, have Jinn and the men but that they
become more and more may worship me.” (51:57)
vocal and have intensified
Since Allah has placed the
their efforts to increase their
desire to seek Him into each
The following speech was delivered by numbers and influence.
person’s heart, it is Allah who is
the author on the occasion of the Jalsa
responsible for guiding humanity
Salana Canada 2009. (2) With the exception of Islam,
towards Himself. In this regard,
the majority of the world
Verily, Allah is with those who religions appear ill-equipped throughout history, Allah sent
are righteous and those who to deal with these new his prophets and messengers to
do good. (16:129) technological advances. convey His teachings to people.
Indeed, over 124,000 prophets
Since the dawn of the 21st
History bears witness to the fact and messengers have been sent
century, we have been witnessing
that major scientific discoveries, by Allah to all nations and to all
dazzling advances in science and
like Darwin’s theory of evolution corners of the earth. Their sole
technology that have transformed
or the “Big-Bang” theory, have objective was to bring humanity
our worldview. Such advances
proven deeply irreconcilable closer to God. To assist them in
has resulted in dramatic changes
with many religious frameworks. accomplishing this objective,
in our lifestyle and material well-
However, this is not the case with Allah vouchsafed His revelations
being, including revolutionary
Islam. to these prophets in the form of
developments in astronomy,
holy scriptures which are a source
physics, molecular biology and According to Islam, there is no
of guidance to this day. After the
genetics. Science is advancing conflict between God’s natural
message was originally given
at such a fast pace that a human laws and His word and so there
to the Prophet Adamas, why did
born just a few decades ago could can be no conflict between
humanity remain in need of future
not even fathom what we take for science and religion. This Islamic
prophets?
granted today. viewpoint is unique to the world
of religion. With the passage of time,
Ladies and gentlemen, just as
humanity strays from the path
we have entered a new century According to humankind’s innate
of God. Due to arrogance and
that is dominated by sweeping physical and spiritual faculties,
the placing of too much faith
scientific and technological humanity is always searching for
in worldly possessions and
developments, we are also and endeavoring to comprehend
knowledge, humankind begins
witnesses to a world in which all God. Human nature dictates that
to disregard divine guidance.
6 Living with God in a Godless Society
Over successive generations, faith higher. For example, 42% of the medical profession appears to be
gradually weakens and decadence residents of Vancouver indicated an exception. According to a recent
ascends ultimately resulting in the they possessed “no religious study, 76% of medical doctors
erosion of the belief in the Unity affiliation.” In 2008, 23% of believe in God and 59% of them
of God. Eventually, humankind Canadians (approximately ¼ of believe in some form of afterlife. In
begins to deny the existence of the population) stated that they do the United States, 90% of medical
God. not believe in a god. doctors attend religious services
at least occasionally. This figure is
In addition, when Allah showers Outside of Canada, the remainder
contrasted with 81% of the general
His favors upon people and of the Western world is not far
population who does the same.
grants them prosperity, humanity behind. According to a recent
One of the possible reasons given
eventually begins to take its study, atheism has proven to be
for the prevalence of godliness
worldly possessions and comforts particularly prevalent amongst
within the medical profession is
for granted, forgetting to maintain scientists. In 1914, a study found
that sense of responsibility and
a state of gratefulness to God for that 58% of 1,000 randomly
caring for those who suffer and
granting them in the first place. This selected American natural
are in need resonates throughout
phenomenon
most religious
is occurring
traditions.
today. Allah
has showered According to a
upon us all the survey of the top
comforts of this 50 populated
worldly life countries, the total
and, instead of number of those
being grateful who profess to be
and bowing atheist or agnostic
our heads is approximately
in humility 500 to 750 million.
before our These numbers
Lord, society is are staggering
forgetting about and worrisome
and turning because not only
away from God. are they on the
As a result, we are rise but they are
living in an increasingly Godless scientists expressed “disbelief or increasingly made up of the most
society. doubt in the existence of God”. educated members of society, like
However, according to a 1996 scientists. Why is the population
I will now discuss the evidence
study by the National Academy of of atheists an agnostics increasing?
which demonstrates the extent
Sciences, this number rose to 93%. The following are some possible
of society’s Godlessness today.
According to a study conducted reasons:
According to recent surveys,
by the State University of New
it has become apparent that (1) Atheists have taken optimum
York – Buffalo, over 60% of natural
atheism is more prevalent in advantage of modern
and social science professors are
Canada than in the United States, technological advancements
atheists or agnostics. When asked
with 19-30% of Canadians holding pertaining to communication
whether they believed in God,
an atheistic or agnostic viewpoint. and the dissemination of
nearly 34% answered “I do not
During the 2001 Canadian Census, their message, allowing their
believe in God” and about 30%
when the question “What is this making their propagation
answered “I do not know if there
person’s religion?” was asked, 16% efforts to meet with some
is a God and there is no way to find
stated that they held no religious success.
out.”
affiliation. In the urban centers,
(2) Some non-governmental
this figure was substantially Despite the above statistics, the
Living with God in a Godless Society 7
organizations have sprung Despite their lack of investigation, that Allah raised Hadhrat Mirza
up in various countries and it is the atheists to claim to be Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised
are actively recruiting and the champions of impartial Messiah and Mahdi foretold by all
influencing young people. A intellectual inquiry. However, the of the religions of the world, to re-
recent example of the work manner in which they theorize and establish the belief in the Unity of
of such organizations is the present their version of religious God. In an age when the world is
recent advertising campaign evolution consists entirely of shunning morality and turning its
lead by world famous atheist imagined facts and unrecorded, back on God and religion, it is the
Richard Dawkins to place obscure and virtually non-existent responsibility of the Ahmadiyya
the following advertisement history. Their primary reliance is Muslim Jama’at to hearken people
on the side of buses: “There’s on their understanding of human back to the belief in the One True
probably no God. Now stop social psychology whereby they God. In this regard, the Promised
worrying, and enjoy your claim that early humans began to Messiahas stated:
life.” Originally launched in worship a higher power out of fear.
“If it were in our power, we
the United Kindgom, 140,000 According to atheists, primitive
would go home to home
British pounds were spent to polytheistic religions eventually
like beggars conveying the
display this advertisement evolved into monotheistic forms
message of the true religion of
on 200 buses in London and of belief.
our Lord and try to save the
600 others across England,
This view of religious history has no people from the destructive
Scotland and Wales. This
basis in fact. According to recorded attacks of shirk, i.e. associating
campaign has now spread in
history, not a single example of a partners with Allah, and
many European countries as
polytheistic religion evolving into disbelief, which has spread in
well as in North America.
a monotheist one exists. In fact, all the world. If Allah would help
(3) The majority of the world’s religious traditions are unanimous us learn the English language
religions have failed to in their asserting the Unity of God. we would travel around the
counter the assertions of It was only after the passing away world to convey this message
atheists with sound and well- of the founders of these religions and consume all our life in this
thought out arguments. that monotheistic faith adherents struggle, even if it meant being
began to drift away, doubt the killed in this way!” (Malfoozat
Despite the existence of the above
Unity of God, and become vol. 3, p291-292)
phenomena, no rational person
polytheistic. Indeed, evidence of
There is no doubt that in this day
can deny the existence of God.
this phenomenon was most visible
and age, the Ahmadiyya Jama`at
Those who reject God, do so in
at the end of 19th century, such as
has been given the responsibility
reliance upon the presupposition
the ascendancy of the belief in the
to save the world from the perils
that God does not exist. Their
Holy Trinity of Christianity as well
of disbelief. Today, we Ahmadis
conjecture is thus not based on any
as the polytheism of Hinduism.
must be armed with the most
real investigation.
effective arguments to deal with
Fortunately, it was at this time
8 LLiivviinngg wwiitthh GGoodd iinn aa GGooddlleessss SSoocciieettyy