A BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MAJLIS KHUDDAM-UL-AHMADIYYA, GHANA Vol. 5 Issue 2 June 2015 Editorial Healthline News from the National Secretariat The Entrepreneur Friday Sermons My Story Articles Speech News from the Regions Resolution EDITORIAL TEAM DAWOOD ABBAS Naib Sadr-Northern Sector, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Ghana SADIK ABBAS Muhtamim Isha’at FADL RAHMAN ESSEL Add. Muhtamim Isha’at MALEK APPIAH Qaid Ilaqa, Eastern Region Tel: 00233(0)30-2776845 Fax: 00233(0)30-2772593 email: [email protected] www.mkaghana.org THE MAJLIS KHUDDAMUL AHMADIYYA PLEDGE I solemnly pledge that I shall always be ready to sacrifice my life, wealth, time and honour for the sake of my Religion, Country and Nation I shall also be ready to offer every sacrifice for the continuation of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, And whatever good decision the Khalifah of the time makes, I shall deem it obligatory to abide by it, Insha-Allah EDITORIAL TACKLING ISLAMAPHOBIA to the disadvantage of the advocates. FROM THE HOLY QURAN A nti-Muslim bigotry or If the definition of a terrorist is one or On Vying With One Another in “Islamaphobia” is on the groups of people who use violence in ascendancy due mainly to the pursuit of political aims, then the roll call of Doing Good activities of so-called “Muslim terrorists” terrorists should not be limited to Al- A whose actions are unfortunately viewed Qaeeda and co. Their ideological comrades llah, the Exalted, has said: “And erroneously as representative of the Islamic are the far-right groups in Europe and the vie with one another in asking faith by the Western world. The Western United States who perpetrate mass murder forgiveness from your Lord, and Media, strangely appear not to notice the in pursuit of racist agendas. Yet the for a Paradise whose price is the heavens efforts of many Muslims, particularly hypocritical media shy away from tagging and the earth, prepared for the God- Ahmadi-Muslims, the world over in them as anything but terrorists. fearing. Those who spend in prosperity promoting peace and universal freedom of and adversity, and those who suppress speech and conscience which is the true What is regrettable is that the so-called anger and pardon men; and Allah loves reflections of the teachings of Islam. What Muslim terrorists cite Quranic verses as they also fail to notice is that the biggest justification for their actions which give those who do good.” (Al-E-Imran: 134- victims of such extremism are the Muslims birth to hatred and fear of Islam. Ironically, 135) themselves. Hundreds of thousands of the distortion of Islamic teachings and the Muslims have died at the hands of terrorist creation of paradise on earth through the FROM THE SAYINGS groups in Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Sudan and creation of an Islamic state, have had the OF THE HOLY PROPHETSAW Nigeria. To identify Islam by the actions of tendency of radicalizing Muslim youths a few extremists who seek to impose their who are deceived into joining them and On Vying With One Another in hateful narrative on us by force is therefore carrying suicide bombings, beheadings, uncalled for. etc. Doing Good A bu Hurairah relates that a man The article “Putting Terrorists To The Since elected Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza came and asked the Holy Test” by Brother Abdul Hayi Moomen on Masroor Ahmad (Khalifatul Masih V)atba, Prophetsaw: Which giving away page 6 of this magazine subjects the so- Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya in charity is most acceptable to God? He called terrorists groups such as Al-Qaeeda, Muslim Community, has led a worldwide Al-Shabab, Boko Haram and ISIS, to a campaign to convey the peaceful message answered: that which you give away critical test of their credentials as Muslims of Islam, through all forms of print and while you are in good health, seeking who believe and practice Islam in digital media. He has made presentations at wealth, fearing adversity and hoping for conformity with the teachings of the Holy Parliaments and House of Representatives prosperity. Do not delay spending in Quran and traditions of the Holy Prophet of western countries and written numerous charity till you are in extremity and say: Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah letters to world leaders promoting peace To So and So this, and to So and So that: be upon him. and justice in the world. for by then they already belong to so and so. (Bukhari and Muslim) He concludes that these groups, by their It is about time the world pays attention to heinous atrocities and barbarism against the message conveyed by the true followers FROM THE WRITINGS OF humanity, do not adhere to the teachings of of Islam and condemn the actions of the so- Islam. They are crude murderers and called Islamic terrorists for what do not THE PROMISED MESSIAHAS vandals devoid of any sense of humanism. represent Islam. They are enemies of Islam. Faith and Good Deeds Terrorism and its linkage to Islam by the The Khaadim wishes to caution members A media and politicians in Western Europe of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya s no garden can flourish without and the Americas, have, by and large, against falling prey to be cajoled by Islamic water, no faith can be considered succeeded in achieving one objective. This leaders who manipulate Muslims with lies alive without good deeds. It is is the creation of a culture of Islamophobia and distorted Quranic teachings into meaningless to have faith without (hatred of Islam) among sections of engaging in violence to achieve their righteous actions; likewise good deeds Western society, who unfortunately are political objectives. It thus behooves on ignorant about the pristine character of members of the Majlis to read books of the without faith are a vain display. Islam. Promised Messiahas, as well as listen to the sermons of Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah According to Islam, heaven in fact is the That is not surprising. For it is also a crude strengthen his hands, to assist them reflected image of our faith and good attempt at demonization by a society whose understand the true teachings of Islam. deeds. It is not something new which will obsession with materialism has consigned Equipped with this understanding, they will be delivered to man from outside. In fact it Christianity and spirituality to the realm of not only be in a position to live lives that is created from within him. Each man’s non-importance because Christianity, by its attract people to true Islam, but also resist heaven is born out of his own faith and teachings which are opposite to original the machinations of so-called Muslim good deeds, which he begins to teachings of Jesus Christ, peace be on him, scholars who are masquerading under the experience and enjoy in this very life. has failed to deliver. The next target is garb of politicians and causing mayhem in Islam, which they are painting black so it the world. This is the call of the hour. (Islami Usul ki Filasfi: Roohani Khazain, does not exert its powerful and positive Vol. 10, p. 390) moral and spiritual influence on their lives 2 THE KHAADIM I JUNE 2015 NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT S 2 - Day Jalsa Salana Security hooba Umur-e-Talaba (Southern National Tabligh and Briefing held Sector) organized two career Tarbiyyat Seminar Held at Kumasi counselling and guidance sessions Story by Fadl Rahman Essel, Add. for members of Majlis Khudam-ul- Muhtamim Isha’at, MKA-GH Story by Fadl Rahman Essel, Additional A Ahmadiyya Ghana who are at various 2-day sensitization workshop on Muhtamim Isha’at, MKAG levels of their educational career. The security for Jalsa Salana Ghana M sessions were facilitated by the Muhtamim arkaz has directed the Ghana was held for some selected 250 Jama'at of the Ahmadiyya Umur-e-Talaba (Southern Sector), Mr. members of the Majlis Khuddam-ul- Muslim Mission to convert Alhassan Atta-Quayson, who is also a Ahmadiyya, Ghana. The event took place 50,000 souls into the fold of Ahmadiyyat on the 6th to 7th of January, 2015 at the Lecturer at the University of Education, by the close of July 2015. This was Mission's conference site, Bagh-e-Ahmad, Winneba. disclosed by the Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Pomadze. Alhaj Noordeen Saeed at a 1-day workshop The maiden edition was held on Sunday, in Kumasi at the T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior In his welcoming address, Ustaz Aliu 15th February 2015, at Ekumfi T. I. High School. The purpose of the workshop Adam, Naib Sadr, Administrative Duties, Ahmadiyya Senior High School (E- was to brainstorm on how the Khuddam charged the Khuddam to be disciplined AMASS) in Essarkyir in the Central East and Ansar would help achieve the target. since the success of the Jalsa laid at their Region. The session was attended by 90 feet and encouraged them to obey and students, out of which more than 50 were Speaking at the workshop, the Ameer and follow instructions given them. He advised males. The second edition was held after Missionary-In-Charge of the Ahmadiyya participants to take the training seriously two weeks at the Ahmadiyya Central Muslim Mission Ghana, Maulvi and act professionally during the Jalsa. Mosque in Takoradi. It was also attended Mohammed Bin Salih, charged parties of both wing organizations to go all out to use by 50 students. The audience at Takoradi Alhaj Abdur Rahman Ennin, Afsar Jalsa available resources to achieve the target of belonged to different levels of education, Salana Ghana, commended the Khuddam 50,000 new converts. He stated that our with most at basic and secondary levels. for having sacrificed their time for the elders played their roles and have departed propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He this world and it was the time for all At both sessions, general remarks about advised them to be obedient to orders and Khuddam and Ansar alive to also career planning and implementation were pay heed to the Institution of Khilafat. given by the facilitator. Mr. Atta-Quayson contribute their quota to the success of stressed that career planning should be Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyya. He stressed that the In his concluding remarks, Mr. Abdul Noor very dynamic and should continue even contribution needed now was to win Wahab, Sadr Mulk, Majlis Khuddam-ul- when one is employed. It should be 50,000 souls into the Jama'at. Ahmadiyya Ghana, expressed appreciation reviewed from time to time with deep At the workshop was Maulvi Naeem to participants and cautioned them that the reflection and prayer. He advised Ahmad Cheema, Special Aide to the Ameer success of the conference rested on their participants to take their relation with Allah and Missionary-In-Charge, who sent a shoulders. He tasked them to work seriously in order to obtain divine guidance signal to all Ahmadis in Ghana; whether diligently and professionally during the in planning their career and realizing their career dreams. child or adult, male or female to participate conference. Resource persons for the in Tabligh. He urged Ahmadis to convey workshop included Commander Kamal- Participants at both sessions asked various the message of the Promised Messiah(as) deen Ali, W.O. II Yusif Yakub, Inspector questions bordering relevant courses and and the Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) to Alimata and other Ahmadis from the programs to select when leaving one level every corner of the country. Security Services. May Allah bless them of education to another, and how that can Participants were charged to hold similar all. lead to the realization of career plans and seminars at regional and circuit levels to The Khaadim wishes to express its dreams. One Visual Arts student asked if he explain the need to embark on tabligh and could pursue Law at the University. The tarbiyyat to the members of the Jama'at. profound gratitude to all Khuddam in and facilitator who responded to various They were directed to submit names of outside Ghana who contributed to the questions affirmed that irrespective of members who wanted to partake in tabligh success of Jalsa Salana Ghana, 2015. one's program at the Senior High School, so that training would be given them in due any student can pursue Law at the course. Two Career Counseling & University. However, he stressed that In his closing remarks, Mr. Abass Bin Guidance Sessions Held excelling at the current level of education is Wilson, Secretary Tabligh, Ahmadiyya extremely crucial in obtaining admission Story by Alhassan Atta-Quayson, Muslim Mission, Ghana, pointed out to the to read law at the university. He therefore participants that it is only with prayer that Muhtamim, Umur-e-Talaba, MKA- advised participants to take their studies they will be able to preach well and win GH, Southern Sector seriously in addition to their prayers. souls for Almighty Allah. 3JU NET H20E1 K5H IA TAHDEIM K H I A JAUDNIEM 2 0 1125 FRIDAY SERMONS Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vatba Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Synopsis of Huzur’satba recent Friday Sermons The Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer is one form of congregational worship in Islam. It takes place every Friday. Regular attendance at the Jumu'ah prayer is enjoined on the believer. According to a Saying of Hazrat Muhammad (saw) this congregational prayer is twenty- five times more blessed than worship performed alone. We encourage members to read Huzur's (atba) Friday sermons which can be found at: http://www.alislam.org/archives/ For your benefit we have published below, synopsis of Huzur's (atba) recent Friday Sermons. Blessings of Khilafat Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) related that with Jama'at, and to continue and develop he told Maulawi Muhammad Ali that the their connection with Khilafat. May 29, 2015 question before him should be who could Verses Cited: 62:4 be the next Khalifa and not should there be During different periods of Islamic a Khalifa or not! Maulawi Muhammad Ali The Essence of Worship of history many rulers called themselves replied that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II Allah Khalifa, yet the large majority of Muslims only stressed upon this because he knew April 10, 2015 only consider the four Khulafa who who the next Khalifa would be but he Verses Cited: 23:2-3 followed the Holy Prophet(saw) as the responded by saying he did not know and Rightly Guided Khulafa. That is, theirs he would take Bai'at of whoever Maulawi The first of the aforementioned verses was an era of guidance when the Sahib chose. gives certain glad-tiding of success to prevailing system was run in line with the believers. However, what sort of believers model of the Holy Prophet(saw) and in does it refer to? The verses that follow accordance with the teachings of the It is thus the duty of each give out many conditions and requisites of Qur'an. Later, circumstances changed and person who takes Bai'at to being a believer. The first of these the aforementioned prophecy of the Holy requisites or qualities that a believer must Prophet(saw) was fulfilled word for word. always stay firm on it and have is that they are humble in their It is thus the duty of each person who takes adhere to Khilafat which Prayer/Salat. Being humble in this context Bai'at to always stay firm on it and adhere usually means weeping during Salat. to Khilafat which operates in the ways of operates in the ways of the However, it has many other meanings and the Promised Messiah(as). And also conno-tations and unless all of those are Promised Messiah(as). spread Oneness of God in the world. God fulfilled, the true condition of being a sent the Holy Prophet(saw) for this task And also spread Oneness believer is not achieved. and it was also for this task that his servant the Promised Messiah(as) was sent and it of God in the world. was also indeed for this task that the Holy The first stage of a Prophet(saw) foretold of Khilafat that However, Maulawi Muhammad Ali was believer’s spiritual state is would last till the Day of Judgement. not to agree and he did not. Recently When God sent the second Manifestation hundreds of Khuddam of various ages that of humility, weeping to establish faith in the world, He did not from Canada and USA came to meet want opponents of faith to be joyous at Huzoor in London. Some of them had and tender heartedness faith being diminished once again. Thus recently taken Bai'at. They stayed for which a believer Khilafat has been established by God after three days. Following the visit, their the Promised Messiah(as) in order for feelings changed. They expressed experiences during Salat faith to prevail. God also deemed it the amazing sincerity and loyalty which was and remembrance of Allah. duty of those who claim to adhere to the astonishing to behold. They also system of Khilafat to become its helpers expressed their feelings on their return and be resolute in safeguarding their own home and mentioned bringing about Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) narrated faith as well as taking the message of faith changes in themselves. They promised to that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I(ra) used to to others. be regular in Salat, in their association relate an account of an elder. The elder 4 THE KHAADIM I JUNE 2015 FRIDAY SERMONS offered Salat at mosque for many long homes over trivial worldly matters should maximum standards of attainment which years with the thought that people would reflect and ponder over this. Your next should be practiced with honesty. This praise him. But owing to some past virtues generation does not only belong to you, it leaves no room for objection that God has of his, God put it in the hearts of people is also an asset of the Jama'at and the given someone a nature which does not that they used to call him a hypocrite. One nation. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I(ra) said correspond with God's commandments. day he realised that he had spent a lifetime that a believer should first think of the People have varying levels of intelli- worshiping at mosque but no one ever consequences of any task that he embarks gence; some have more capacities than called him virtuous, he felt had he prayed upon. Reflecting over the consequences others. This can be seen in worldly for the sake of God, God would have been will lead him to abide by righteousness. matters, some people have high level of pleased with him. The Promised We need to instil the belief that God ability, some have mediocre while some Messiah(as) writes: The first stage of a watches every act of ours and we also need lag behind. The Promised Messiah(as) believer's spiritual state is that of to instil the belief that every kind of said that God does not ask anyone to humility, weeping and tender heartedness deception, no matter how insignificant we accept anything that is beyond their which a believer expe-riences during may consider it to be, or any sloth or capacity so that His commandments are Salat and remembrance of Allah. That is, indolence on our part is not liked by God. not inconvenient to practice. It should be to generate in one’s self a spirit of very clear that God knows the state of the supplication, poignancy, extreme inner recesses of our heart and no excuse humility, meekness of soul, ardour and We need to instil the belief about lack of knowledge, lack of wisdom warmth. To assume a state of fear while that God watches every act or capacity will stand before God. turning to the Glorious God as this verse Therefore we should keep it in view that states: 'Surely, success comes to the of ours and we also need to we have to test our belief and our practice. believers, Who are humble in their God knew that different kinds of people instil the belief that every Prayers’. Indeed, the Holy Prophet(saw) would be needed to run the world whose standard and level of worship of kind of deception, no matter therefore He stated that some of them God is beyond our imagination said that should invite others to good-ness. It is true even he would be granted Paradise only by how insignificant we may that everyone is not the same in learning the grace of God. How can anyone else's consider it to be, or any sloth knowledge and indeed imparting practice then take them to Paradise! In knowledge and every one cannot equally spite of being given guarantee by God, the or indolence on our part is benefit others. However, effort should be Holy Prophet (saw), who had come to made to use one's capacities to attain the not liked by God. reform the entire world, so intensified his most excellent standard. Congregational humility and meekness during Prayer at Prayer is obligatory for men. If those who night by standing for long periods of time By asking believers to look for what one come to mosque regularly are supportive that his feet would swell. sends for the morrow, God has to others, things could improve. Hazrat commanded us to abide by righteous-ness Musleh Maud(ra) said that once he came in family matters, in business matters to for Isha Prayers and saw only two rows. Taqwa (Righteousness) matters of national and international He suggested to people to bring their scope. When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih neighbours along next time. The number March 6, 2015 visited Kenya, he met with a politician of worshipers started increasing from the Verses Cited: 59:19-20 who related to him that he had also met next day. Indeed reminding polishes one's Generally speaking the root cause of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV(rh) who had capacities if people who regularly came every badness or sin lies in not making any advised him something which had proved for Prayers brought their acquaintances effort to avoid it by considering such very beneficial. The advice was to think and friends along and shared drives things action unnecessary, although this very before doing anything because God is could improve. watching you and that He also has a record carelessness leads to bigger sins. Man of everything one does. Perhaps this gradually forgets virtues and the standards person was a Christian. If he could benefit The Promised Messiah(as) that are expected of a believer. Fear of from this advice, how much more God diminishes and one's belief in the said that God does not beneficial would the advice be for a true Hereafter also weakens. In practice, one believer who has been enjoined by God to ask anyone to accept becomes distant from the requisites of follow it. faith. The aforementioned Quranic verses anything that is beyond draw attention to this subject. One is In faith, exercise your ability, their capacity so that His reminded not to merely be concerned with help the weaker brother the interests, comforts and connections of commandments are not this world. If families that ruin their home January 30, 2015 inconvenient to practice. live over small, trivial matters reflected on command-ments of God and also Every human is different from the other in practised them, not only would they be his mental and physical ability and in his guarantors of peaceful family life, they knowledge and intellect. Thus, God has would also be adorning the future of their made His commandments flexible in the children. Families that are ruining their sense that they have minimal as well as 5 THE KHAADIM I JUNE 2015 PUTTING TERRORISTS TO THE TEST By Abdul Hayi Moomen, Journalist, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation W hen I first read about the cruel acute stress and trauma. Terrorism evokes Ghanaian. I would be subjected to an killing of 148 innocent people a fundamental fear of helplessness and identity attest. What nationality is the at a university in Kenya by the can set off a chain of psychological events passport I hold? If indeed I hold a Al Shabab terrorist group, I was culminating in feelings of fear, Ghanaian passport, did I acquire it scandalized beyond description. vulnerability and grief. through fraudulent means? And so on. Similar questions may be asked if I The closest I have ever come to Not too long ago in Ghana, when armed profess to be a Doctor, lawyer etc. and yet experiencing terrorism was when the robbery (what I call a form of terrorism) all my actions go contrary to the dictates night bus on which I was travelling from became a major source of security of medicine or law. Accra to Tamale in 2008 was stopped by concern, a particular foreign ethnic group, masked armed men at about 2:00am, a few the Fulanis, were usually fingered. It Similarly, it's about time to subject the kilometers after Jema, a community not created a xenophobic feeling among many claims of Al–Qaida, Al-Shabab, Boko far from Kintampo. They ordered all Ghanaians – a fear or hatred for these Haram, ISIS and the rest of them to a test passengers to get off the bus without any foreigners was heightened. In 2010, I to establish if indeed they represent Islam of our belongings. As each passenger investigated a story on behalf of GTV and and its views as they claim. And that test arrived at the door, a stoutly built masked spoke to many Fulanis in the Northern, must be done using the teachings of the man stood by wielding a gun while Upper East and Upper West Regions. Qur’an and the Prophet of Islam. It must another conducted a thorough search on Many of them admitted that some of their first be understood that terrorism, in fact, us. They rummaged through the braziers, tribesmen were involved in some robbery spans the entire world, and manifests itself skirts and underwears of every female. cases. However, they were displeased that in various forms. Its perpetrators do not fit They searched the pockets and socks of all the activities of a negligible minority few any stereotype. Those who hold human the male passengers, seized all our were being used to judge the generality of lives cheap, and have the power to expend belongings including phones and laptops. all Fulanis in Ghana. A certain stereotype human lives, appear at different levels in I had just returned from the UK and was of the Fulani was created in those days, our society. The frustrated employee who travelling to Tamale to meet my parents. A that portrayed them as robbers. kills his colleagues in cold-blood or the few friends in the UK had given me some oppressed citizen of an occupied land who gift items to be given to their loved ones. Similarly, if careful examination is not vents his anger by blowing up a school bus They made away with all those items. conducted to establish the real motives of are terrorists. The pilot who intentionally Before they left, they made us lie on the these terrorists but judge them simply crashes 147 precious lives to death, the floor, face down, while they walked on because they claim to be doing so on politician who uses age-old ethnic our backs with impunity. A man, probably behalf of one religion or the other, we animosities between groups of people to in his late thirties at the time was shot, might inadvertently be promoting a consolidate his position, the Head of State when he attempted getting up to the general fear for very peaceful people who who orders “carpet bombing” of entire annoyance of the robbers. The sound of profess a particular religion, come from a cities, the exalted councils that choke that gunshot keeps ringing in my ear. particular geographical location or are of a millions of civilians to death by wielding particular skin colour. This can easily the insidious weapon of sanctions. They This is my personal encounter with a become a social and psychological are rarely punished for their crimes lesser form of terrorism. And even I have danger. The fear generated by terrorism against humanity. They are not even been traumatized since then. My can be exacerbated by a population's called agents of terror. experience leads me to wonder what diversity if there is distrust between survivors of brutish, senseless, wicked groups, categories and classification of In my view, it is this narrow definition of attacks from all those animals living in citizens. terrorism that implicates only individuals human bodies who claim to be acting in and groups that have caused Muslims to the name of religion, would be going This is why I believe that the veracity or be associated with acts of destruction and through. The actions of terrorists are often otherwise of these terrorist groups, some terror in the popular media. Often, the violent, random, unprovoked and of who are parading in the name of Islam religion of Islam is held responsible for intentional, and often are targeted at must be examined. For instance, if I the acts of a fringe minority among defenseless citizens. And when terrorist commit a crime outside the borders of Muslims. How can a faith that has over 1.2 acts occur, surviving victims like myself, Ghana, the mere fact that I pronounce billion followers the world over, and over generally look for ways to cope with the myself a Ghanaian, will not make me a 7 million in America, actually advocate 6 THE KHAADIM I JUNE 2015 Putting terrorists to the test the killing and maiming of innocent distinction between the combatants and teaches? ANSWER: No people? Could Islam, whose name itself the non-combatants of the enemy country. stands for “peace” and “submission to As far as the non-combatant population is TEST 2: Qur’an Chapter 5 vrs 32 “…if any God”, encourage its adherents to work for concerned such as women, children, the one killed another person – unless it is for death and destruction? For too long, have old and the infirm, etc., the instructions of murder or for spreading mischief in the we relied on stereotypical images in the the Prophet(saw) are as follows: “Do not land – it would be as if he has killed the news media and in Hollywood films, for kill any old person, any child or any whole of mankind: and if any one saved a answers to these pertinent questions? It is woman”, “Do not kill the monks in life, it would be as if he saved the life of the time now to look at Islam and its teachings monasteries” or “Do not kill the people whole of mankind…….” and not some other sources to determine who are sitting in places of worship.” whether Islam does indeed advocate QUESTION 1: Do these groups (Al-Qaeda, violence and whether or not these Al-Shabab, Boko Haram, ISIS etc,) “kill Again the concept of Jihad is one that has criminals are indeed Muslims. people even when it is not for murder or for for centuries been misunderstood even by causing mischief in the land?” ANSWER: some Muslims. By Jihad, Islam simply I am no Islamic scholar, I cannot even Yes. enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, pretend to be one, but my constant reading in purifying themselves, as well as in of the Holy Qur’an clearly shows in QUESTION 2: Is that what Islam teaches? establishing peace and justice in the Chapter 6 vrs 151 for instance, that ANSWER: No society. However, regardless of how Muslims are instructed thus, ……. “…Do legitimate the cause may be, the Qur'an not take life, which God hath made TEST 3: The Prophet of Islam tells his sacred, except by way of justice followers that even in war and law: thus doth He command situations “…Do not kill any old you, that ye may learn person, any child or any How can a faith that has over 1.2 billion wisdom……” woman”, “Do not kill the monks in monasteries” or “Do not kill followers the world over, and over the people who are sitting in Clearly the Qur’an and for that places of worship (including matter Islam considers all life 7 million in America, actually advocate churches and synagogues).” forms as sacred. The sanctity of human life is accorded a special the killing and maiming of innocent QUESTION 1: Do these groups place among all other forms of people? Could Islam, whose name itself (Al-Qaeda, Al-shabab, Boko life. Furthermore, the Qur’an Haram, ISIS etc,) kill old persons, teaches that the foremost basic stands for “peace” and “submission to children, women, monks, and right of any human being is the people in places of worship? right to live as stated in Chapter 5 God”, encourage its adherents to work ANSWER: Yes. vrs 32 “……if any one killed another person – unless it is for for death and destruction? QUESTION 2: Is that what Islam murder or for spreading teaches? ANSWER: No mischief in the land – it would be as if he has killed the whole of mankind: and if any one saved a life, it categorically denounces the killing of would be as if he saved the life of the innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian THEREFORE: whole of mankind…….”. population, whether by small groups or by states, can never be termed as jihad and Al-Qaeda, Al-shabab, Boko Haram, ISIS can never be reconciled with the teachings etc are not following the teachings of Islam! This is the extent and quality of the value of Islam. They are crude murderers, simple! of a single human life, so much so that the Terrorists may use religious or political Qur'an equates the taking of even one Now lets subject Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab, labels, but no one should be deceived by human life with killing all of humanity. In Boko Haram, ISIS etc, to a test. their wily and treacherous ways. They have very clear unambiguous language, the nothing to do with religion. They are the Qur'an prohibits homicide. The taking of a TEST 1: Qur’an Chapter 6 vrs151 “…Do enemies of peace. They must be combated at criminal's life by the state in order to not take life, which God hath made every level as advocated by Islam, the administer justice is required to uphold sacred, except by way of justice and law: religion of peace. the rule of law, and the peace and security thus doth He command you, that ye may of the society. Only a proper and learn wisdom.…” May the souls of every victim of terror rest competent court can decide whether an in peace and may Allah help us find an individual has forfeited his right to life by QUESTION 1: Do these groups (Al- antidote to this menace. I am a Muslim, the disregarding the right to life and peace of Qaeda, Al-Shabab, Boko Haram, ISIS closest I have ever come to a knife is in the other human beings. etc,) take the lives of innocent people kitchen, the closest I have ever come to a unjustly? ANSWER: YES. gun is when I watch Military men match on Even in a state of war, Islam enjoins that Independence Day. one deals with the enemy nobly on the battlefield. Islam has drawn a clear line of QUESTION 2: Is that what Islam 7JU NET H20E1 K5H IA TAHDEIM K H I A JAUDNIEM 2 0 1125 DEATH AND ITS CONNOTATION By Sadik Osei, Ashanti Region B efore the advent of the Promised Or was Allah so afraid of the Jews that He the first time established the fact that Messiahas and Imam Mahdi, had to, at all cost, grant them a pseudo- Jesusas did not bodily ascend to heaven and Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas Jesus to satisfy their wishful desires of he is thus, never going to bodily descend to of Qadian and the inception of the wanting to kill a false prophet, even after this earth; but rather died a natural death at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, the main He had comfortably raised His true the ripe age of 120 after being saved from argument that was used by the Christians beloved prophet to Himself in the the Cross, on an accursed death the Jews in converting Muslims into Christianity heavens? had plotted against him. was the fact that the Prophetsaw of the Muslims is dead, whiles that of However, observation from the laws of He further explained that in accordance Christianity, Jesus Christas, is still alive in nature shows that for every creature to with the biblical prophecy (i.e. Then Jesus the heavens with his earthly body and it assume perfection in the evolutionary replied, I have been sent only to the lost was thus reasonable to follow a religion process, it has to abandon its existing state sheep of the people of Israel, Mathew whose Founder and Prophet is still alive (i.e. die) and then take on a higher form - 15:24), Jesusas travelled and preached to than following a 'dead' religion with a dead human beings inclusive. As an illustration; the lost tribes of Israel who had dispersed Founder. during sleep, which is a form of transient at that time to places like Afghanistan, death, our human faculties become so Kashmir, Tibet etc. as a result of the cruel The Christians even went far in alleging sharpen/perfect that we are able to see leadership they experienced in Israel that death was initially not part of the things or travel to a distance which are under the reign of King Nebuchad-nezzar. divine plans of God, but came about as a thousands of miles away, an experience He then died while preaching to the lost result of the ‘Original sin’ initiated by the which is simply impossible in the awaken tribes of Israel where his tomb is now well sinful snake in the Garden of Eden. One is state. This phenomenon is termed as preserved in Srinagar, Kashmir on a street thus confounded in understanding a God dream, vision or trance; which in any case called Khanyar street. The local people whose mere creature (a sinful snake) can demands the subjugation (death) of our knew him as an Israelite Prophet who had thwart His whole divine scheme of things physical body in one way or the other. In travelled to that town and embarked on his such as will compel Him to wipe away that effect, if the electromagnetic elements in prophetic mission with the name Yus Asaf. Original sin through sending of His only us are purged of their hampering begotten son to die on the Cross as an environments (human body), they become atonement, rather than sending a sinless perfect/refined such that they can see and ...for the first time esta- snake to die on the Cross since by simple hear things beyond the normal limits of logic, the initial sin originated from a sight and hearing. We shouldn't lose sight blished the fact that Jesusas sinful snake! of the fact that human being is an evolved did not bodily ascend to and highly refined form of the very tiny The Non-Ahmadi Muslims on the other atoms and elements which constitutes say heaven and he is thus, never hand explained that, Allah took Hadhrat a magnet or an electric conductor. going to descend bodily to Isaas physically unto Himself in the Also, the acquisition of wealth in this this earth, but rather died a heavens and disguised one of the guards to world of tests and trials does not look exactly like him, who was crucified in natural death... necessarily depict Divine blessings and his stead. But the difficulty that arises from God's pleasure upon an individual, neither this explanation is this; Why would Allah do the experience of poverty show God's console or reaffirm the conviction of the Jews that Hadhrat Isaas is a false prophet by displeasure on an individual. Again, no This was not a mere assertion by Mirza making them think they have successfully human being on this earth is in the capacity Ghulam Ahmadas, but was rather based on of rewarding us for the various religious killed an imposter under the disguise of Divine guidance, authentic historical and beliefs we hold, and thus there ought to be one of the guards, as they knew from their medical records as well as verses from the a Higher Being who is outside and above scripture that it is only an imposter who Holy Quran and reliable ahadith. However the ken of human existence to bestow such dies an accursed death on the cross. That is on hearing this, most Non-Ahmadi a reward. All these expositions thus makes if someone has been put to death for a Muslims normally raise a clamor; What crime and his body is hung on a cross, it is it reasonable that there ought to be a authentic hadith states that Hadhrat Isaas is transition of our current state into a not to remain there overnight. It must be dead! We also retort; And what greater different (higher) form and this is the buried the same day, because a dead body ahadith or sunnah can convince us of the Islamic philosophy behind death, viz.; hanging on a cross brings God's curse on fact that Hadhrat Isaas is dead when the Every soul shall taste of death (Holy Quran the land (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)? Holy Prophetsaw himself died as a sunnah or ch3 vrs186). Wouldn't this exonerate the Jews for not 'live hadith' for us? It wasn't thus believing in Hadhrat Isaas as a true prophet The Muslim world and mankind of this age surprising when the Holy Prophetsaw was in the sight of Allah? Juxtaposing this, why owe a lot of gratitude to that ardent devotee addressed in the Holy Quran as: Say, My then have the Jews been referred in the of the Seal of Prophetssaw, Hadhrat Mirza prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my Holy Quran as the people who have Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, Founder of death are all for Allah, the Lord of the incurred the wrath of Allah i.e. Those who worlds (Holy Quran Ch6 vrs163). the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, who, for have incurred thy displeasure (HQ 1:7)? 8 THE KHAADIM I JUNE 2015 WORKING TOWARDS OUR Soon it is a game within the plane with passengers, some for the first time holding snakes in their hands and FUTURE ASPIRATIONS returning them to the box. Look at this black mamba, it was really after me and now I can even throw it and catch it like a By Muhammad Hussain Acquah, Muhtamim Tabligh, MKA (Southern Ghana) ball, says one passenger even throwing and catching the black mamba. This was B eing educated is not enough and having a profession is not the solution. But your the end of the seemingly dangerous ability to position yourself at a place of interest where your gift, Skills, talents, ordeal in the plane. Even those who had knowledge and experiences are most needed together with the readiness and fainted were resuscitated and they gain determination to exploit the opportunities available are the secrets to finding carrier success consciousness. Now what is the lesson and fulfillment. You can make every place a starting point for a better future. All you need is of the story? to be careful not to be locked up by your past. Don't be down about your present situation and don't be afraid of the future. But in all situations, plan according to God's perfect will for In 2015, the snakes or problems of 2014 your life, and that better future will not elude you. Failing and making mistakes are the only will follow you. However, there is the way to make true progress in something new. It has been said that the only way to be need for you to increase your altitude in staggeringly successful is to double your rate of failure. That is not as silly as it may seem. If prayer. And surely, there is a certain you don't make mistakes you aren't pushing yourself into new realms of possibility. When point in praying that you will reach and challenges come you need to handle it with power of prayer. Because different situations and circum-stances, Almighty Allah knows all. He has more than what you need or desire. It this is the point when even the most is very significant to trust in Allah with all your heart and let him know that you are leaning seemingly unconquerable problems are on him for help. This is the way forward. If you lean on your own understanding you will defeated; they lose power. Allah is going fail. If you trust in your own strength you will fail. If you trust in men you will be to shift things around for you today and disappointed. let things work in your favor. If you believe, say amen. If Allah closes doors If you trust in any idol, evil powers, wealth or anything other than the true and the Almighty no man can open it and if he opens doors Allah, you will fail woefully. If, however you trust in Allah, you will be helped and you will no man can close it. If you need not be ashamed. When Almighty Allah helps you then you succeed and prosper in all your Almighty Allah to open some doors for ways and in everything you do. For, according to Albert Hubbard, “the best preparation for you, keep on praying and repose your good work tomorrow is to do good work today”. If Allah is what you have, surely you have confident in Almighty Allah only. It will all what you need. In every desert of trial Allah has an oasis of comfort. With him whatever be well with you. For, a scholar once will not allow you to rest would be laid to rest. He will put end to the war preventing your said: ''Nobody can go back and make a glory from coming out and every eyes would see the glory of Allah in your life. It is true that new beginning but anyone can start no one celebrate those who have tried but those who had succeeded. We need to step today to make better ending. Happiness forward in spite of difficulties. Having problems is not a problem but rather a lesson. keeps you sweet, trials keep you strong, sorrows keep you human, failures keep The story of venomous snakes which were being ferried from Africa to Europe in a plane is a you humble, success keeps you glowing, big lesson for everybody. Unfortunately the person who packed the snakes forgot to lock the but only Almighty Allah keeps you box in which the snakes were put. Once the plane had taken off and responding to the going. It is well. AMEN movement of the plane, the snakes found their way out of the box. Passengers in the plane could see various snakes on the isle. They screamed, some fainted and the brave ones sought refuge wherever they could within the plane. The air hostess ran to the pilot to inform him of this scary incident. If you trust in any idol, evil powers, wealth or The pilot quickly informed the air controllers on the ground. “We are very very sorry, says his boss. We forgot to lock the box where we put the snakes. They are indeed some of the anything other than the most poisonous snakes in the world. So where can I land? Please advice me before true and the Almighty passengers are bitten, asks the shaky pilot. No do not land, stay there for a minute, let me think, advises the boss. Surely this sounds like stupid advice to the impatient pilot. But he Allah, you will fail woe- has to follow the orders. A minute is too long for someone faced with such trouble he thinks. fully. If, however you trust But he has to follow orders. After a minute, the boss contacts him. At what altitude are you flying he asks.“300”, says the pilot. Go higher, advises the boss. But the snakes will…… in Allah, you will be before he finishes his sentence, the boss bellows “I said go higher. He complies. Now what's helped and you will not your altitude, asks the boss? 500.66, answers the shaken pilot. Go higher but sir… “I said go higher captain.” He complies. By now the snakes are all over the plane be ashamed. When even one male member of the cabin crew collapses. It is unbearable. Almighty Allah helps you A few have been bitten and have instantly died. But still the majority keeps on seeking then you succeed and refuge. Now captain, keep on going higher, says the boss. The pilot complies and keeps prosper in all your ways on going higher and higher Now, what's your altitude asks the pilot. I am reaching 1200, replies the pilot. Now I am on 1200, he says quickly. Now, stay there. Tell the cabin and in everything you do. crew that at this altitude, the snakes are now harmless. They can just pick them up with their hands and return them to the box and this time they should not forget to lock. Advises the boss. This is true. One cabin crew member tries holding one snake. It is numb and harmless. 9JU NET H20E1 K5H IA TAHDEIM K H I A JAUDNIEM 2 0 1125 WHAT WILL MAKE YOU RICH Story of the Edition from: Ibrahim Asare, Nazim Isha'at, Ashanti Region A coastal village received an advanced tsunami warning. The siren sent warning sounds throughout the village. Everyone was thrown into a panic from making sure that they have their loved ones with them before fleeing. The richest villager who was a merchant was also on his way to higher ground, having gathered his family and some basic belongings. However, while fleeing, he found himself thinking about the possessions he had left behind. Eventually, he could not stand the thought of not bringing more money with him. “It sure wouldn't feel good to have to start from scratch once again,” the merchant muttered to himself at the thought of what would happen after the flood. In a flash, he recalled with a grimace about how hard he had to work for his trade. He remembered that his work had not only brought him great wealth but respect from his fellow villagers. www.alislam.org The merchant decided to turn back. “Maybe, just maybe, there will be enough time to pack a thousand gold coins,” he thought. His wife and four children tried to dissuade him, thinking that he was mad to consider going back. He tried to assure them that he will be fine and that he will catch up with them soon enough. The merchant started to retrace his steps hurriedly. On the return journey back to his The official website of home, his friends – who were all running uphill – shouted to him, “Don't be the Ahmadiyya foolish? You need to flee now!” Muslim Community Determined to get his gold coins, the merchant ignored all the warnings. He was worldwide lucky. He managed to reach his house safely. He ran to his room and took out the hidden tin box from under the bed. Even though he could tell by the weight of the tin box that it contained something heavy, he decided to open the box just to make sure nonetheless. It was tightly sealed. He managed to pry it open after a few attempts. The sight of the gleaming gold coins made him extremely happy. You can find a huge collection of free As the merchant was about to leave his house with his gold coins, he thought that it would be nice to also bring along the valuable statue displayed in his living online material, room. So, once more, he delayed his decision to flee. He found a sack to carry his including translation worldly possessions. From one item to the next, he started to pack, so much so that and commentary of he lost track of time and the coming flood. the Holy Qur’an and Needless to say, the merchant did not make it alive. Just before he drowned, he you can access noted with much regret that he would not be able to see his beloved family again. The flood washed away his home. His sack of treasures is still lost somewhere in literature of the the open sea. Community including the books written by Story Message: The message from “The Rich Merchant in a Tsunami” is about not losing our sanity over material things. Losing our sanity happens when we are overly attached to our possessions. On the other hand, if we have an abundance mind set, we would not be having strong attachments to material things. We would know that we have every ability to create work from our rich ideas. Having money does not equate to true wealth but most certainly, having an abundance of ideas does. 10 THE KHAADIM I JUNE 2015
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