VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4

Hazrat Ameer’s Health Update and Requests for

Prayers

JUMAADI-UL-AWWAL 1432—APRIL 2011

Dear Sisters and Brothers, For this issue, the I‘LAN Team has avoided requesting Hazrat Ameer to contribute his regular message to the newsletter, as unfortunately he has suffered some ill health this month. Though, Alhumdulli-lah, we are pleased to report that he is now home and recovering, he will need to un-dergo some further treatment and so we ask that all readers around the world please remember our esteemed leader in their prayers. Please also alert your family and members of your local Jama‘ats to do so as well. We must also bring to your attention requests for prayers for some other prominent members of the Jama‘at: Soon after you receive this issue of I‘LAN, Major Ikram Saeed, who is also Hazrat Ameer’s younger brother, will undergo heart surgery in May 2011 in Lahore, Pakistan. Members of the Jama‘at around the

world are requested to remember him in their prayers, as well as his family who are anxiously awaiting his speedy recovery. At the time of going to print, we

have learned that Mrs Haleemah Asad, daughter of Brigadier (R ) Muhammad Saeed, was briefly hospitalised in the US, suffering from a sudden bout of ill-ness. She has fully recovered, Alhum-dullilah. Member are requested to pray for her good health..

Haleemah is a very active member of the Jama‘at, taking part in (amongst other things) the organisation of events for the ladies and youth in Darus Salaam. We hope that Insha Allah, next month this section will contain Hazrat Ameer’s regular monthly message, and we will report on the recovery of all the above persons, Ameen

Editor

I ‘ L A N International Lahore Ahmadiyya Newsletter

FOR MEMBERS OF

THE LAHORE

AHMADIYYA JAMA‘AT ONLY

Ahmadiyya Anjuman Lahore

5 Usman Block, New Garden Town,

Lahore, Pakistan.

ilan.newsletter@gmail.com

www.aaiil.org

بسم اهللا الرحمن الرحيم In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Editor Habiba Anwar Sadiq

Inside This Issue:

Editor’s Message 2

News Updates from Various Jama‘ats

3

In Memory of Imam Muhammad Anwar Shaheed

7

The First Martyr in Islam

9

Book Review 10

Ask an Expert 11

www.aaiil.org

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 2

Dear Readers,

Assalaam-o-Alaikum,

This April issue of I‘LAN has been given the theme of “Martyrdom” and we have collected a number of articles for your reading pleasure on this topic.

The reason behind choosing this theme was the 25th anniversary of the martyr-dom of Imam Muhammad Anwar Shaheed on 9th April 2011. As well as being the Imam of the UK mission at the time of his death, he was also my father, and a close friend of many members of the Global Jama‘at. Through the wonderful medium that is I‘LAN, and with Hazrat Ameer’s blessings and encouragement, I wish to share with you some thoughts about the late Imam.

The topic of martyrdom is an essential one to cover for our general knowledge too, as martyrs are those who are referred to in the Qur'an as being exceptionally close to Allah. Their lives, and indeed their deaths, hold numerous teachings for us

and we should honour their memories by reflecting on them.

As such, on page 9 of this issue, we have also included the moving story of the first martyr in Islam: Summaiya bint Khayyat. Then, on page 10, we have included a book review of a “must-read” account of the martyrdom of Sahibzada Abdul Lateef Shaheed. Finally, the Ask the Expert sec-tion this month considers the position of suicide in Islam.

You will also find news updates from the Centre, as well as the Essequibo Jama‘at in Guyana, the Berlin Mission in Germany, the Peshawar Centre and the Rawalpindi Ladies’ Organisation.

We thank these Jama‘ats for sending us their “news” and request all readers to please send us their updates to publish as well. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Seeker of your prayers,

Habiba Anwar Sadiq (Editor)

Editor’s Message

Our Motto

“In-Allah-ha-Ma'anaa” (Surely Allah is with us—The Holy Qur'an, 9:40)

Urgent Request for Prayers

Members of Jama'ats all over the world are requested to remember Brother Izaz Ilahi Malik’s family in their prayers during this extremely difficult time for them. Their son Usman Malik, is currently missing and his safe return home is on the minds of all his Ahmadiyya brothers

and sisters. He himself is a dedicated and devoted member of the Jama'at. Anxiously awaiting his return are his parents, wife and two daughters, and siblings.

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 3

Two prayer sessions were held to remember Imam Muhammad Anwar Shaheed—the Martyr of Guyana. One was held by the Essequibo Ahmadiyya Organisation Lahore on 9 April 2011 at the Richmond Mosque. The other was held by the Guyana Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha‘at-i-Islam Lahore. Members gathered and recited verses from the Holy Qur'an. Du‘as were made for Anwar Sahib and some emotional thoughts on his martyrdom were expressed.

The Annual Jalsa of the Essequibo Ahmadiyya Organisation Lahore was held at Richmond

Mosque in Essequibo Coast on Friday 22 April 2011. The opening Du‘a was led by sister Bibi Bacchus. Brother Mansoor then spoke on guarding oneself from the mistake of Prophet Adam—forgetfulness. Sister Bismillah Azim then presented a Nazam. Brother Abdul Rasheed (Deputy Imam of the Richmond Mosque) then spoke on the Glory of Allah. Brother Shadaad Baksh presented a Nazam after which brother Zamil Mohammad spoke on the duties of Muslims. To close, members committed themselves to a three-day Jalsa for the Easter weekend in 2012

News from the Essequibo Jama‘at in Guyana

Photos from the Essequibo Jama‘at’s Jihad Jalsa

Note. please see the March issue of I‘LAN for a report on this Jalsa,

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 4

The Central Anjuman’s General Secretary, Mr. Amir Aziz, returned from his extensive tour of the European and Caribbean Jama‘ats this month. His tour began in Berlin, Germany. From there, he travelled to Holland, Suri-name, Guyana and Trinidad, before returning to Germany and then back to Pakistan.

During his successful trip, the General Secretary met with numerous people of influence, such as journalists, imams of various local Mosques, Church officials, Government representatives, and many more.

In addition, a number of Jama‘at activities took place during his tour. In Holland, Daroos-e-Qur'an were held in various members’ houses,

as well as Friday prayers and special jalsas. The same was for Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad.

In Berlin, a “Solidarity Day” was organized, which was attended by members of the European Jama‘ats. The Berlin Mission House and Mosque is a “magnificent building,” says the General Secretary, and the “most valuable and enviable asset of cultural heritage of the AAIIL.” He is also of the belief that it would make a “very dynamic and vibrant second Centre.”

Further details and photos of the General Secretary’s tour can be found here:

http://aaiil.org/text/articles/hope/2011/hope201104s_overseastouramiraziz.pdf

The General Secretary’s Overseas Tour

Caretaker Appointed for the Berlin Mission House and Mosque

Prior to the General Secretary’s departure on his European and Caribbean tour, the Centre decided to appoint a “Caretaker” for the Berlin Mission House and Mosque to leave for Germany with him.

Mr. Ahmed Saadat was therefore appointed as a Temporary Caretaker and has been living there since 18 January 2011. He took on this duty with enthusiasm, despite not knowing the German language or having lived there before. Speaking about this to I‘LAN, Ahmed said, “I do not want our Mosque to be empty

and am doing this for Allah.

I have undertaken a number of duties, such organising books, showing visitors around the Mosque, receiving phone calls and dealing with paperwork and bills, etc.

Though I am not an ‘imam’ and do not have experience of delivering sermons, Allah has helped me and with His Grace, I have started giving Jummah khutbas in English with German translation every Friday, Alhumdullilah”

We welcome readers’ comments, suggestions, ideas and contributions! If you would like to send us photos of your Jama‘at’s events, please email us at:

ilan.newsletter@gmail.com

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 5

Photos from the Peshawar Centre Mr. Tayyab Islam, after successful completion of three years training at the Lahore Ahmadiyya

School for Education in Religion (LASER) has taken up his duties as a mubaligh in Peshawar. He is seen organising the Jama‘at’s library, and offering prayers for the progress of the Jama‘at.

News from the Rawalpindi Ladies’ Jama‘at

The ladies of the Rawalpindi Jama‘at hold regular meetings at members’ residences once a month. For the month of April, the meeting was held at the residence of Mrs. Riffat Tahir Sadiq and saw over 30 members and children in attendance.

Each month, a prominent woman from Islamic history is chosen to be discussed. This month, Hazrat Maryam (Mary) was chosen, and Noreen Alim ud Din read out some background information about her birth,

family and personality.

Then, Sara Rehman conducted a detailed reading of the verses of the Qur'an in which Hazrat Mariym is mentioned, and highlighted commentary from Maulana Muhammad Ali, as well as her own thoughts and research.

In addition, malfoozat (sayings of the Promised Messiah) were read by Nabeela Azeem, and a nazam recited by Uzma Usama

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 6

Yaad-e-Raftagaan (Remembering Our Past) Jalsa at Darus Salaam

A special jalsa in memory of our past eld-ers was held in Darus Salaam on Sunday 13th March 2011. The speakers (photographed below) paid tributes to

Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Lateef Shaheed, Hazrat Syed Assad Ullah Shah Sahib, Haz-rat Sheikh Niaz Ahmad Sahib, and Hazrat Habib-ur-Rahman Sadiq Sahib

View video presentations of the proceedings here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/atc2009

Sahibzada Zahoor Ahmad Professor Ejaz Ahmad

Mrs. Farhat Asif Najm ud Deen Tahir Sadiq

In Memory of Imam Muhammad Anwar

By Dr Zahid Aziz

PAGE 7 VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4

“Say: Nothing will afflict us except that which Allah has ordained for us. He is our Patron; and on Allah let the believers rely. Say: Do you await for us but one of two most excellent things?..........” (9:51-52).

In this verse, the believers are told to reply, in the words given above, to their enemies who were attacking them with the aim of wiping them off the face of the earth. The "two excellent things" are (1) attaining victory, or (2) dying in the struggle. The believers who struggle in the path of God are told to say that one or other of these two ex-cellent things will happen to them. So they cannot be losers in either case.

The following verse gives a de-scription of those who struggle in the way of God:

“Surely Allah has bought from the believers their person and their property __ theirs (in return) is the Garden. They fight in Allah's way, so they slay and are slain. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. And who is more faithful to his promise than Allah? Rejoice, therefore, in your bargain which you have made. That is the mighty achievement. Those who turn (to Allah), who serve (Him), who praise (Him), who fast, who bow down, who prostrate them-selves, who enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and who keep to the limits pre-scribed by Allah” (9:111-112).

The “mujahids” are those who treat their lives and property as belonging to God. The words “they fight in Allah's way, so they slay and are slain” are a digression from the main theme, to indicate the circumstances of the Muslims at

the time. The verse, and the promise and the bargain spo-ken of in it, applies generally to believers who undertake the appropriate mode of struggle for Islam which is relevant to their times.

In our age, this struggle con-sists of publicising the teach-ings of the faith in their true light. Although this “jihad” is not a physical fight, yet the mujahid can still risk his life, and lose it in the course of duty. In return for bearing this

risk is a high spiritual rank according to God.

It may be noted that our bai‘at to “hold the service of the faith above worldly interests” is really the same as selling one’s person and property (worldly interests) to Allah (ie. service of the faith), which is the bargain men-tioned in this verse.

At the end, the passage above mentions the qualities to be possessed and displayed by those who strive in Allah’s way. This throws much light on the concept of who is a mujahid and shaheed (martyr). Unfortunately, it is popularly believed that a soldier of a Muslim country’s armed forces is what is meant by a mujahid, and if he is killed in action he be-comes a shaheed. This verse negates such

Editor’s Note

Below are extracts from the article originally published in the Islamic Review in June/July 1986. The original article, can be found in its entirety at: www.aaiil.org/text/articles/islamicreview/1986/06_07_junjul/memoryimammuhammadanwar.shtml

PAGE 8 VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4

ideas. No one can be a mujahid unless he leads a life in which he shows these qualities (of turning to God, serving Him, etc.). To be a shaheed is to die, or be killed, while leading a life of struggle for the cause of Islam, a life in which these quali-ties were constantly displayed.

Bearing this in mind, Mr. Muhammad Anwar was certainly a shaheed. He had devoted his life to the cause of Islam, through the Lahore Ahmadi-yya Movement, and was cheerfully, without the slightest complaint, bearing all sorts of hardships in the conduct of his jihad. Day in and day out, he was engaged in a struggle in the way of Allah. So hard was his work that the pressure often caused him spells of migraine. Yet he accepted this in Allah’s way. And while doing this work, he undoubtedly showed the spiritual qualities re-quired in the above verse. Looking at each one of these qualities, we can still visualise Mr. Anwar embodying them. Allah’s name and His praise were ever on his lips. His prayers were sincere, humble and charged with spiritual life. He was a deeply Godly man.

Another verse in the Qur'an reads:

“Among believers are men who are true to the covenant they made with Allah; so of them is he who has accomplished his vow, and of them is he who yet awaits, and they have not changed in the least” (33:23).

The pledge (bai’at) taken in Ahmadiyyat to serve the faith of Islam is a “covenant made with Al-lah,” since it is made with the mujaddid sent by Allah to call people to this service. One from amongst us has passed away who was true to the covenant he made with God, true to the very last, and hence he has accomplished his vow. We pray that there now remain amongst us those “who are yet waiting,” those who shall be true to their covenant till they have accomplished their vow, and that they shall not change in the least in their resolve.

It happened during the Holy Prophet Muham-mad’s life that some Muslims were killed strug-gling in the way of God, and this was a great loss. Some weak-hearted people who had stayed be-

hind began to say that the martyrs would not have lost their lives if they, too, had held back and stayed at home. The Qur'an says in this connection:

“O you who believe, be not like those who disbelieve and say of their brethren when they travel in the earth or engage in fighting: Had they been with us, they would not have died or been slain” (3:155).

By “their brethren” are meant those relatives of the disbelievers who had become Muslims and had, therefore, to undertake journeys and to fight in the way of God. The believers must not speak in the way indicated here:

“Those who said of their brethren while they themselves held back: Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed. Say: Avert death from yourselves, if you are truth-ful” (3:167).

“Those who said” are the weak-hearted per-sons who did not want

to venture forth to face the enemy. Again, it is not right to speak in the way these people did. All persons, even those who stay behind, are bound to face death, and do not know how or when it shall come about. It is entirely mis-taken and illusory to think that by not ventur-ing forth in the way of God a person is “safe” from loss and death. Such words must not come upon the tongue, nor must such thoughts be entertained in the mind.

The manner of Mr. Anwar’s demise shows us clearly, and makes it certain, that he holds a very high rank in God's sight. Still, we pray that Allah admit him into His great mercy and raise him to the highest places in paradise. Ameen.

It must also be said that Mrs. Anwar has her-self played a key role in the running of the UK mission and centre. She and Mr. Anwar were a team which did so much work. As such, Mr. Anwar’s death is an equally heavy loss for his spiritual family—the UK Jama'at

The manner of Mr. Awar’s demise shows us clearly,

and makes it certain, that he holds a very high rank in

God’s sight.

The First Martyr in Islam

An Account of Summaiyah bint Khayyat

By Habiba Anwar Sadiq

PAGE 9 VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4

After the Holy Prophet Muhammad first announced the message of Islam, persecution of believers became severe and widespread. One of the most saddening accounts is that of the family of a Yemini man named Yasir ibn Amir.

It is said that Yasir travelled to Mecca with his brothers, in search of another brother that had been lost to them for many years. When their search became futile, his brothers returned to Yemen, but Yasir remained there. Later, he found employment and shelter with Abu Hudhaifah and married one of his slaves, Summaiya bint Khayyat. Together, they had a son named Ammar.

Yasir was a grown man when the Revelation came to the Holy Prophet, and along with his wife and son, their small family had the honour of being amongst the first 10 people to embrace Islam.

And so they were brutally persecuted for doing so by Abu Jahl, one of the Meccan chieftans reknowned for his hostility towards Muslims. The three of them were tied to rocks in the hottest area of the Meccan desert and left to suffer for days in the agonizing heat.

In later reports by their family, it is said that the Prophet went to them and said, “Be patient oh family of Ammar—Allah has promised you a place in Jannat.”

After some time, Abu Jahl came to inspect the results of his harsh punishment, and commanded Summaiya to denounce her beliefs and the Holy Prophet. Summaiya spat the dust in her mouth at his face in response to his taunts. He flew into a rage and mercilessly stabbed her with his spear. Thus, Summaiya became the first martyr in Islam, making the ultimate sacrifice for her religion, even in the face of unbearable pain. Yasir suffered the same fate too.

Some years later, Abu Jahl was killed in the Battle of Badr, and the Holy Prophet is said to have said to Ammar, “Allah has killed the one who has killed your mother.”

Summaiya’s public murder for no other reason than for her being a Muslim is a solemn story not to be forgotten. Her courage and strength of iman placed her amongst those of the highest rank in Islamic history

Verses from the Promised Messiah on Martyrdom

Concealed behind this death are hundreds of lives, If you desire life, then put this cup of death to your lips.

[Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya]

None can conceive of my pain and sorrow, Every moment, I see a Hussain, upholding the truth of Islam, martyred by some Yazid.

[Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya,]

Download the PDF file of this book for free from http://aaiil.org/text/books/mga/barahinahmadiyya/barahinahmadiyya.pdf

Book Review: “The Martyrdom of Sahibzada

Abdul Latif Shaheed” By Prof. Khalil-ur-Rahman

PAGE 10 VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4

One cannot speak about martyrdom and martyrs in the cause of Ahmadiyyat without mentioning Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheed. An account of his life and the events leading up to his death was meticulously put together by Professor Khalil-ur-Rahman, which is available in the form of a short book in both English and Urdu in print form and online.

Aside from covering the painful event of Hazrat Saibzada’s martyrdom, the book does more than that. The author has done a brilliant job of collecting and recording “background” information about Hazrat Sahibzada, which serves as evidence of his rich personality and intellect, magnifying his loss to our movement even more. For example, the fact that Hazrat Sahibzada was well-versed in four languages (Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Pashto) and that he could recall, with complete precision, over 300 hadith; both paint a picture of an extremely learned man.

In addition, the short-lived relationship between him and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is also discussed, which is interesting to read. In the chapter titled “Return to Afghanistan,” the moments before he departed from the Promised Messiah’s company are described in detail:

“On directions of Hazrat Mirza, some food had been prepared for the departing party for consumption on the way. When the food was brought, it was wrapped in paper. Hazrat Mirza remarked that the food should have been put in some clean cloth. He

then tore a piece of his turban and gave it for the food to be properly packaged.”

These details are so useful for readers to gain perspective of Hazrat Mirza Sahib’s personality too. In the words of the author used to describe Hazrat Sahib:

“Those ordained by God have an abundance of love for their true followers.”

Then, of course, the author has chronologically related the details of Hazrat Sahibzada’s arrest, imprisonment, trial and eventual martyrdom. Rather than make uncomfortable reading, these accounts stir feelings of empathy and kinship with the martyr, as well as feelings of pride to be associated through this Jama'at with such a brave and esteemed person.

Extracts from “Tazkirat-ush Shahadatain” (The Story of Two Martrys—the account of Hazrat Sahibzada’s death by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) have been used frequently throughout the book. In particular, the following words of the Promised Messiah that are quoted bear a startling association with events in the world today:

“The land of Kabul shall witness the bitter fruits that this murder shall bear. This slaughter shall not go un-avenged.”

A must read for all members of the Jama'at.

Download the PDF file of this book for free from http://aaiil.org/text/books/others/misc/martyrdomsahibzadaabdullatifshaheed/martyrdomsahibz

adaabdullatifshaheed.pdf

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 11

Question:

Can you please explain why suicide bombers are not considered martyrs in Islam?

Note

The reply to this question has been extracted from “Islam, Peace and Tolerance” by Dr. Zahid Aziz:

Reply

The committing of suicide is a very serious sin according to the clear teachings of Islam. The Holy Qur'an instructs:

“Do not cast yourselves to destruction by your own hands” (2:195); and “Do not kill yourselves” (4:29).

In Hadith reports, committing suicide is strongly condemned by the Prophet Muhammad who said: “… whoever commits suicide with something, will be punished with the same thing in the hell-fire.”

Self-preservation and saving of one’s life is the most basic human instinct. Actions to save one’s life are regarded in the Qur'an as matters of such high priority that it allows a Muslim to set aside certain obligatory duties and prohibitions, if necessary, to save his life.

For example, where the Quran prohibits the eating of certain things, including the meat of

the pig, it allows their consumption if it becomes unavoidably necessary in order to save one’s life.

Nowhere does the Quran say that if a Muslim invites certain death upon himself rather than make use of a prohibited food to save his life then he is some kind of a martyr.

It is also well known that the obligation of going to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) does not apply to anyone whose life would be in danger for any reason by under-taking the visit.

Even the taking up of arms to fight, by risking one’s life, is only allowed by Islam in order to save and preserve life as the alternative would be to face certain death and destruction. For instance, see verses 22:39–40 of the Holy Qur'an below:

“Permission (to fight) is given to those on whom war is made, because they are op-pressed. And Allah is able to assist them—those who are driven from their homes with-out a just cause except that they say: Our Lord is Allah.”

These verses allow Muslims to fight if war has been made upon them, and they are required to repel their enemies in order to save all places of worship from destruction. By repelling their enemy the Muslims saved their own lives, not committed suicide.

Ask an Expert Readers are encouraged to send in their own questions to put forward to the most

knowledgeable members of our Jama‘at. We will try our best to publish all questions and answers, Insha Allah. Please email us at ilan.newsletter@gmail.com.

Download the PDF file of this book for free from http://ahmadiyya.org/bookspdf/islam-pt.pdf

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 4 PAGE 12

I‘LAN Needs Your Help If you would like to get involved with I‘LAN, we are looking for people to help with the

following and would love to hear from you:

Contributing articles, short stories, poems, etc;

Transcribing audio and video speeches;

Sending updates from your local jama'ats;

Collecting photographs from your Jama‘at events;

Writing book reviews; and

Editorial and design work.

Please get in touch as soon as possible by emailing us on ilan.newsletter@gmail.com

Jaamiah Darus Salaam, Lahore, Pakistan