JULY/AUGUST 2009 | WWW.AHMADIYYAGAZETTE.CAC A N A D A

A H M A D I Y Y A

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed

as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.

Gazette

Hadrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadab

Khalifatul Masih V

Ramadhan - the month of special devotion to the acts of worship“You must have the certainty of belief that when we will supplicate God, He will indeed listen to us; not that you may just say it verbally that you have full trust in Allah the Exalted but, on the other hand you may not be acting upon His commandments, e.g. one may be offering prayers once a year, only during the month of Ramadhan, [rather than observe them throughout the year]. It is a great bounty of God that, compared to others, there is a substantial number of people in our Jama’at who is devoted to observing prayers [regularly]; however, there is still a great need to pay attention to the need to observe prayers in congregation—there is still significant deficiency in that regard. Thus, this Ramadhan is

once again offerring us an opportunity that we may bow before God in the way that deserves to be called genuinely bowing before God, and worship Him in a way that deserves to be called genuine worship. If that were to be so then we will, Insha’Allah, witness the progress in the Jama’at that normally occurs over a period of one year, to occur within a matter of days. So, therefore, I will repeat that you should rekindle your acts of worship back to life. Instead of approaching others to pray for you (some people have a habit of forming a circle within which they circulate their requests for prayer, but they themselves are inattentive to the need for praying for themselves) and gain personal experience of the transcendental powers of God … Thus, every Ahmadi should make an effort to keep his tongue ever-occupied with remembrance of Allah the Exalted. It should be your endeavor that every action and every conduct on your part, every step you take towards God, should be such that, as a result of that Allah the Exalted may run towards you and may wrap you in the mantle of His love.” (Al-Fazl, 30 December 2004)

(Translated by Dr. Saleem Rahman from Al-Fazl, 15 Sept. 2007)

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The Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada is published by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada. The editors of the Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada shall be solely responsible for all errors or omissions contained in the publication herein of the writings of the Promised Messiahas or any of his successorsra, as well as the summaries of the sermons or addresses of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vab.

Articles published in the Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada reflect the views of their respective authors and may not reflect the views, beliefs and tenets of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada.

Pearls of WisdomSelection from the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith p.2Writings of the Promised Messiahas p.3

Guidance from Khalifatul Masih Vab

Summary of Friday Sermons p.4

Articles

Fasting And Its Obligations p.15

Fasting During the Month of Ramadhan: Purpose & Significance p.19

Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree/Power) p.21

Fasting: A Universal Concept p.25

Table of Contents

Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada An Educational and Spiritual Publication

Volume 38 - No. 7-8 - July/August 2009

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Excerpt from The Holy Qur’an

Pearls of Wisdom

Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation-the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month let him fast therein. But whoso is temporarily sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days, Allah desires ease for you, and He desires not hardship for you, and He desires that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.

-Al-Baqarah Verses 184-186

Hadhrat Abu Hurairara narrates that The Holy Prophetsa said:

“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the Satan is chained.”

-Sahih Al-Bukhari

3Pearls of Wisdom

The Purpose of Fasting is Purification

In so far as I am concerned, I do not leave a fast unless it is likely to cause my death; I don’t feel inclined to leave a fast. These are blessed days and are the days of the showering of God’s blessings and mercy.”

-Al-Hakm January 24, 1901

“Ramadhan is a blessed month, a month of prayers.”

-Al-Hakm January 24, 1901

The Purpose of Fasting is Purification

I have already spoken of the Salat. Next in order is worship in the shape of the fast. It is a pity that some who call themselves Muslims at this time desire to modify these forms of worship. They are blind and are not aware of the perfect wisdom of God Almighty. These forms of worship are essential for the purification of the spirit. These people seek to intervene absurdly in a sphere of which they have no knowledge and devise false schemes for the improvement of a territory that they have not visited. Their lives are devoted to worldly affairs; of spiritual matters they have no notion. To be moderate in eating and drinking and to bear hunger and thirst are necessary for the purification of the spirit and promote the capacity for visions. Man does not live by bread alone. To discard all thought of eternal life is to invite Divine wrath. But it should be remembered that the fast does not mean merely that a person should abstain from food and drink over a certain period. During the fast one should be occupied greatly with the remembrance of God. The Holy Prophet, peace be on him, occupied himself greatly with worship during the month of Ramadan. During that month one should discard one’s preoccupation with eating and drinking and cutting asunder from these needs should address oneself wholly towards G o d . Unfortunate is the person who is bestowed material bread and pays no attention to spiritual bread. Material bread strengthens the body, and spiritual bread sustains the soul and sharpens the spiritual faculties. Seek the grace of God, as all doors are opened by His grace. (Speech at the Annual Conference, 1906 pp. 20-21)

The verse: The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an began to be revealed (2.186); indicates the greatness of the month of Ramadan. The Sufis have recorded that this is a good month for the illumination of the heart. One who observes the fast has frequent experience of visions in this month. The Salat purifies the spirit and the fast illumines the heart. The purification of the spirit means that one may be delivered from the passions of the self that incites to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be opened so that one may be able to behold God.

-Malfoozat, Vol. IV, p. 256-257

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Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

Exhortations by the Promised Messiahas

Summary of Friday Sermon delivered on March 6, 2009

The Promised Messiahas provided exhortations to his Jama’at. He provided instructions regarding the objectives of the Jama’at and the responsibilities of members. He also described the blessings associated with fulfilling these objectives and responsibilities. The purpose of today’s sermon is to provide a reminder regarding the instructions given pertaining to the responsibilities of members so that we may continue to strive to fulfill them and attain the resulting divine nearness and pleasure.

According to the Promised Messiahas, the current age is one of spiritual struggle and warfare. Satan seeks to destroy Islam. However, Allah has raised the Ahmadiyya Jama’at to wage a peaceful spiritual war against Satan in order to vanquish him. Those who recognize this current state of affairs are blessed.

We are grateful to Allah that we are members of the Jama’at because Allah has guided us or our elders into it. Allah will continue to guide people to the Jama’at such that we along with them are that special group who are and will be

charged with finally overcoming Satan.

In certain countries, the Jama’at is persecuted. However, the level of persecution pales in comparison to the levels of success and the attainment of the various objectives of the Jama’at. The Promised Messiahas warned that each Ahmadi Muslim will need to remain steadfast against a hostile world. The reward for steadfastness during suffering and persecution is with Allah.

In Pakistan and India, persecution against new Ahmadi converts is mounting. Since the installation of the new government in Pakistan, mullahs have been granted a free hand to persecute Ahmadis. Pakistan is devoid of law and order. What little law and order that exists is denied to Ahmadis.

Whenever the opponents of the Jama’at launch schemes to escalate their persecution of Ahmadis, we witness how these schemes fail. Currently, schemes of a large-scale are being hatched against the Jama’at. However, as we are to wage the last and final spiritual battle with Satan, we should

maintain steadfastness, and demonstrate patience and fortitude by turning wholly to Allah.

In order to wage jihad (holy struggle) against and overcome the external Satan, we must first conquer the internal Satan residing within our selves. Our triumphs will not be attained through material means, but rather, will be attained through prayer.

According to the Promised Messiahas, egoism is equivalent to shirk (idolatry) and it closes hearts. When promoting the Unity of Allah, one should never forget one’s responsibilities regarding their bai’at (pledge of allegiance). The Jama’at has been raised by Allah in order for it to demonstrate taqwa (righteousness) and purity to the world.

Today, it is a shame that, taking the name of Allah, Muslims are killing each other. It is ironic that, although Pakistan is a country which was established for the express purpose of safeguarding the rights of Muslims, it legally sanctions the killing of those who profess the Kalima Shahada.Pakistan has become synonymous

5Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

with the concepts of the denial of human rights and barbarism. May Allah have mercy on Pakistan.

Each Pakistani Ahmadi should remain mindful of the fact that, to assist in the establishment of Pakistan, the Jama’at made great sacrifices. All Ahmadis should pray that Pakistan comes to its senses, especially those who reside in it or in other countries where they face persecution. Indeed, if any community can save this nation, it is the Jama’at which was founded by none other than the Promised Messiahas.

At times, those Ahmadis who are blessed with prosperity forget the teachings of Islam and the purpose of their being Ahmadis. For example, many neglect salat (ritual prayer). May Allah safeguard each and every Ahmadi from becoming those referenced in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

“he is surely not of thy family, he is indeed a man of unrighteous conduct . . .” (Holy Qur’an 11:47)

May Allah ensure that we strive to attain the standards articulated by the Promised Messiahas in accordance with the instructions of the Imam.

According to the Promised Messiahas, none can attain salvation without first adopting taqwa. All notions of piety are void without adhering to strict standards of obedience and sincere humility. Members of the Jama’at must experience the deaths of their egos, devoting themselves wholly to Allah and striving towards the purity and reformation of their

inner selves. One can only succeed in reforming one’s self when one is free from inflexibility, becomesa model of piety and seeks the pleasure of Allah.

Whenever a person meets an Ahmadi, he or she assesseses the manner in which they carry and conduct themselves. If he or she does not find the Ahmadi to possess exemplary manners and ethics, then that person will stumble in their path to the Jama’at, and the fault will reside with that Ahmadi. Therefore, that each and every Ahmadi should exemplify honesty and truth is of the utmost importance.

According to the Promised Messiahas, Allah is preparing a Jama’at consisting of pure and truthful members. Therefore, we should constantly engage in self-assessment and strive to improve

ourselves in order to become closer to Allah.

Without the grace of Allah, one cannot tread His path. May Allah ensure that each one of us remains on the path of taqwa. Allah’s will is to save humankind from the fire of sin and to establish a group of righteous people who give precedence to faith. The righteous are those who understand the purpose and objectives of bai’at and never allow their egoism to cause them to ignore divine commandment.

May each and every one of us be exemplary in our manner and

ethics so as to be models for our future generations to follow and emulate.

May those who accept Ahmadiyyat through us also pray for us. Allah willing, the Jama’at will continue to grow and flourish. For the past century, we have been witnesses to the divine hand of Allah’s mercy upon us. Each year, hundreds of thousands of pious souls are guided to the Jama’at. May Allah bless all new converts with steadfastness.

As the Jama’at grows and flourishes, jealousy increases amongst our opponents. They desire the destruction of the Jama’at. However, Allah is with us and His blessings will ensure our success. May Allah continue to cover our shortcomings and continue to thwart our opponents’ efforts to destroy us.

All of the successes of the Jama’at are fulfillments of the promise made by Allah to the Promised Messiahas. That is why, in providing exhortations to the Jama’at, the Promised Messiahas also gave glad tidings and assurances. The ultimate victory of the Jama’at is assured. May Allah enable us to fulfill our responsibilities of bai’at thereby enabling us to fulfill all of the expectations of the Promised Messiahas and to continue to be the recipients of his prayers. Ameen.

May each and every one of us be exemplary in our manner and ethics so as to be models for our future generations

to follow and emulate.

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True Commemoration of the Life of the Holy Prophetsa

Summary of Friday Sermon delivered on March 13, 2009A few days ago was the 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal (the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar), the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. In some parts of the Muslim world, particularly in Pakistan, this day is commemorated with great enthusiasm and formality. Some Muslims inquire as to why the Ahmadiyya Jama’at does not similarly commemorate this day. Why this is the case will be explained in light of the writings of the Promised Messiahas.

Many in the Muslim world do not participate in the celebration of Eid Miladun Nabi. The Sahaba (Companions) and the Tabi’in (companions of Sahaba) did not engage in celebrations. These early Muslims possessed the greatest love for and knowledge of the Holy Prophetsa and his Sunnah, and were keen to strictly adhere to it.

The practice of celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi was started by Abdullah Muhammad bin Abdul Gada and his followers known as the Khatami. The Khatami also began the practice of commemorating the 10th of Muharram, the first and middle night of Rajab, the first night of Shaban as well as other dates. The Khatamis practiced a religion of ‘concealment’. They concealed some aspects of the Shariah while demonstrating other aspects of it. Therefore, the establishment of celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi, as well as other dates, constitutes a later innovation. Along with Ahmadis, many Muslims do not commemorate these dates.

Allah sent the Promised Messiahas

as Hakm and Adl. According to the Promised Messiahas, the remembrance of the Holy Prophetsa results in divine blessings and grace. However, such remembrance must not be tainted with innovations that are inconsistent with the practice of the early Muslims and interfere with the Unity of Allah. It is meritorious to remember the birth and life of the Holy Prophetsa by recounting and pondering his seerah (character or conduct). However, unfortunately, the nature of the celebrations do not do so. Instead, they are conducted like political rallies.

Indeed, in Pakistan, every gathering intended for the commemoration of the life of the Holy Prophetsa becomes a forum for the shameful showcasing of false allegations against the Promised Messiahas and attacks against Ahmadis. For example, the mullahs convened an event in Rabwah whose sole purpose was political and malicious against Ahmadis. What is the religious purposes of such an event?

The Holy Prophetsa was sent by Allah as a “mercy for humankind”. The Holy Prophetsa instructed his followers to accept the Kalima Shahada of a person regardless of whether that person made the declaration during a battle and while facing mortal danger.

According to the Promised Messiahas, the Holy Qur’an teaches that engaging in simple remembrance of and reflection upon the life of the Holy Prophetsa enhances one’s love for and obedience to him. Provided that it

is not accompanied with harmful innovation and it results in providing spiritual benefit to the participants, the commemoration of the birthday of the Holy Prophetsa is not haram (forbidden). However, if harmful innovation is added to this remembrance, then such remembrance becomes haram. When an assembly consists of people who do not engage in salat and who engage in all kinds of immorality and impropriety, then such an assembly possesses absolutely no connection to the Holy Prophetsa.

Censuring the practice of some, the Promised Messiahas stated that the Holy Prophetsa never read the Holy Qur’an to bless bread.

As the Holy Prophetsa represents for us a perfect model to follow, we should note that, not once in his lifetime, did he ever commemorate the birthday of Hadhrat Ibrahimas.

Some Ahmadis have asked whether it is appropriate to pray seeking the mediation of the Holy Prophetsa. As taught by the prayer recited after hearing the Adhan, following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa to seek the pleasure of Allah constitutes his mediation. The Holy Qur’an encourages following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa by stating:

“Say, if you love Allah, follow me: then will Allah love you and forgive you your faults. And Allah is Most Forgiving,

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

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Merciful.” (Holy Qur’an 3:32)

Unfortunately, the Holy Prophetsa is the victim of all forms of false allegations. For example, he is often accused of having sought world domination and licentiousness with respect to women. Indeed, recently a book was published in the United States of America about Hadhrat Aishara which even a Christian referred to as vulgar. Such allegations are not new. They conveniently ignore the fact that, when the Holy Prophet first began to call people to Islam, the Quraish of Mecca offered him the office of chief along with riches and women in exchange for his agreement to desist in his propagation efforts, but he flatly refused their offer. The Holy Prophetsa refused their offer by stating that if they were to place the sun in one hand and the moon in the other, he would never desist.

The Holy Prophetsa was sent by the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and lived in accordance with the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

“My Prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (Holy Qur’an 6:163)

The Holy Prophetsa cared naught for worldly rank, but strove to establish the kingdom of the One God, and for this he endured great persecution and suffering. He advised people to accept the exhortation “follow me” (Holy Qur’an 3:32).

Today, the true and most ardent followers of the Holy Prophetsa are the victims of persecution, particularly in Pakistan. This persecution has now reached

Europe. For example, in Bulgaria, at the behest of the Mufti of the country, Ahmadis are harassed.

Each and every Ahmadi should recall the horrible persecution endured by the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa. What Ahmadis experience is but a mere fraction of what they suffered.

If we enter the spiritual state where our life and our death are wholly for Allah, then we will become the recipients of an everlasting life and we will be able to revive the spiritually dead in this life. For this we must establish high standards for the worship of Allah. According to a Hadith recounted by Hadhrat Aishara, while the Holy Prophetsa loved his wives, his true beloved was Allah. Once, Hadhrat Aishara was awakened during the night and found the Holy Prophetsa in a state of prostration and supplicating, “O My Lord, my heart and my soul prostrates before you.” Indeed, the Holy Prophetsa would say about his sleeping at night, “My eyes sleep but my heart is awake with remembrance of Allah.”

The Holy Prophetsa taught us a prayer for every scenario in life, and this is evidence that Allah was his sole devotion. The Holy Prophetsa demonstrated that each action in life can be an act of worship. For

example, upon visiting a newly built house, the Holy Prophetsa inquired as to the purpose of the building of a particular window. The response was that it was built in order to allow in light and air. While this reason was fine, the Holy Prophetsa stated that had the reason been in order to hear the adhaan (call to prayer), the homeowner would have not only received the benefit of receiving light and air but he would have also received blessings from Allah. Regarding the feeding of a wife by her husband, the Holy Prophetsa stated that such feeding is blessed when the husband does so in order to seek Allah’s pleasure and to fulfill his obligation to provide for his family.

During the Tahajud prayer, the Holy Prophetsa was heard supplicating to Allah , “My body and my soul prostrates before You, my heart believes in You, I am in a state of utter humility before You, whatever wrong I perpetrated on my soul is also apparent, I implore You to forgive me my sins.” Upon reciting this supplication, the Holy Prophetsa informed Hadhrat Aishara as follows, “Gabriel asked me to recite these words. You should also recite them.” The Holy Prophetsa, who was the Perfect Man, demonstrated perfect obedience to Allah by declaring

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

According to the Promised Messiahas, the Holy Qur’an teaches that engaging in simple remembrance of and reflection upon the life of the Holy Prophetsa enhances one’s love for and

obedience to him.

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that his life and death were all for Him and for His forgiveness. The Holy Prophetsa provided us with his perfect example teaching us to not be proud of any virtue.

The Holy Prophetsa taught that there should not be a different standard of justice for the rich and the poor. On one occasion, a rich woman named Fatima committed a theft and the Holy Prophetsa issued his judgment accordingly. When some of his Companions requested leniency, the Holy Prophetsa expressed anger and stated that had his own daughter, Hadhrat Fatimara, committed the same crime, he would have issued the same judgment.

The Holy Prophetsa disliked when people sought rank and prestige. Some members of the Jama’at who lack knowledge and moral training seek offices in order to achieve some level of importance. During elections, some even vote for themselves. The Holy Prophetsa forbade one to desire position or rank. The desire to hold an office is inconsistent with the desire to seek Allah’s pleasure. If one possesses talent and capability, he need not seek an office, but rather, offer his services to existing office holders.

New and longtime Ahmadis should be ever-mindful of this, and a longtime Ahmadis should be careful to not commit excess by considering themselves to be highly experienced.

According to the Holy Prophetsa, an office holder must be selfless as he or she is the “servant of the nation” and because “a position/rank is a trust, but humankind is weak.”

Often, when young people introduce themselves to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masihab, they introduce themselves as holding a certain office. Hadhrat Sahibab corrects them by teaching them instead to introduce themselves as serving in a certain capacity.

The Holy Qur’an states,

“O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to

act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.” Holy Qur’an 5:9)

During the life of the Holy Prophetsa, after the victory at Khyber, the land seized from the Jews was divided among the Muslims, including a date orchard. During its harvest, one of the Companions was murdered. Although there were clear indications that one or more from amongst the Jews had murdered him, as no eye-witness could confirm this, the Holy Prophetsa refused to accept the accusation. The Holy Prophetsa then asked the Jews to provide an oath as to whether any from amongst them had killed the Companion. The Jews swore that none from amongst them killed him. The Holy Prophetsa ignored the accusation that the oath from the Jews was untrustworthy. As a result, no one was accused of the murder and the blood-money was paid out of the Baitul Maal funds.

It should be noted that, according to the above narration, none from amongst the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa bore false witness against the Jews. By contrast, in Pakistan, the so-called standard bearers of Islam repeatedly bear false witness against Ahmadis by making petty and vulgar false accusations against them. May Allah have mercy on the innocent people who fall prey to the deception of these people. May Allah enable us and them to tread the path of the blessed model of the Holy Prophetsa, the “mercy for humankind”.

Ameen.

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

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March 23, 2009 marks the 120th anniversary of the fulfillment of the magnificent prophecy contained in the Holy Qur’an of the Holy Prophetsa being raised from amongst the akhireen. This prophecy was fulfilled by the advent of the Promised Messiahas and the official founding of his Jama’at. With the beauty and light of the Shariah brought by his holy master, the Holy Prophetsa, the followers of the Promised Messiahas endeavor to convey the peaceful message of Islam to the world. Upon founding the Jama’at, the Promised Messiahas then placed his trust in Allah to steer this “vessel” Himself.

During the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas, the membership of the Jama’at grew into hundreds of thousands. His companions honoured their bai’at and progressed spiritually. Many of these companions faced violent opposition. Among the early martyrs was Hadhrat Syed Abdul Lateef Shaheedra whose execution was ordered by the then King of Afghanistan. The manner in which he was martyred is reminiscent of the manner in which the early followers of Islam were martyred.

Despite hostile opposition, the Jama’at continued to grow. On May 26, 1908, the Promised Messiahas passed away and the second era of the Jama’at began with the advent of Allah’s “second manifestation”.

Some unfortunate people, despite being admonished by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Ira for their egoism, rejected the Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and disembarked from the “vessel”. They failed to realize

that the “second manifestation” was not a mere executive body, but is Khilafat. Those of us who have held fast to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya remain on this “vessel” and are thus safe from drowning.

Since 1908, opponents have undertaken every means to obliterate the Jama’at. However, by the grace of Allah, the Jama’at has always been saved from the lasting negative consequences of these trials and tribulations and continues to progress and flourish.

As the Jama’at continues to grow, the envy of opponents continues to increase. Wherever a mullah can wield some influence, he does not desist from committing cruelties against Ahmadis. However, each action of the mullah results in increasing the faith of Ahmadis.

The Holy Qur’an states that the faithful will always be tested by Allah. For example, the Holy Qur’an states,

“Do men think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and that they will not be tested?” (Holy Qur’an 29:3).

Therefore, none who joins the Jama’at is exempt from being subjected to trials. When severe trails are faced yet one stays steadfast and patient for the sake of Allah, the spiritual rewards are immense. To develop in spirituality without trials and tribulations is impossible. As noted by the Promised Messiahas, the faith of Ahmadis is stimulated and

nourished during opposition.

In Bulgaria, at the behest of the local Mufti, the police are harassing Ahmadis. When Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab conveyed his salaam (greeting of peace) to the Ahmadis of Bulgaria, the local Ahmadi murabi contacted each one personally to convey it. The Bulgarian Ahmadis, responding with great emotion, resolved to remain firm in their faith and to endure all hardship for the sake of Allah. For those who ask what revolution the Promised Messiahas brought, one need only to look at the Bulgarian Ahmadis to witness it. Despite having lived under Communism, they demonstrate their true understanding of the teachings of Islam. This can only occur due to the grace of Allah.

In India, those who have joined the Jama’at are also the victims of persecution. The persecution takes place at the behest of mullahs and the Government refuses to respond meaningfully for fear of angering mainstream Muslims during an election year. Those who turn a blind eye to persecution should be mindful that they only possess worldly power, but Allah is our Lord and is All-Powerful and thus has the ability to seize their power from them and turn them into dust. Indian Ahmadis are urged to engage in sincere prayers that the government comes to its senses.

Interestingly, whenever the mullah has driven a government towards the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and elsewhere, the successes and progresses of the Jama’at increase.

Persecution of the Ahmadiyya Community in PakistanSummary of Friday Sermon delivered on March 20, 2009

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

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This phenomenon alone is a sign from Allah and proof that this Jama’at is from Allah.

The persecutors should come to their senses and desist from contending with Allah. Rather, they should become the helpers of those whom Allah has sent. They forget that, by pursuing cruelty and injustice and when the believers say “When will come the help of Allah?”, based on the Holy Qur’an 2:215, Allah will respond, “Yea, surely the help of Allah is nigh.”

After the partition of India, despite their opposition to its creation, the majority of the mullahs moved to Pakistan. Due to the persecution in Pakistan which takes place at the behest of mullahs, the lives of Ahmadis are in danger forcing them to leave the country as refugees. Ironically, the persecution of Ahmadis is being done in the name of Islam and purportedly to maintain the honour of the Holy Prophetsa. Oil-rich Muslim countries are funding the mullahs who are using the funds either for their own personal benefit or for the financing of persecution and terrorism, neither of which constitute efforts to convey and spread Islam. The fact of the matter is that only the Ahmadis are upholding the honour of Islam and the Holy Prophetsa.

Although the mullahs of today exert a claim on Pakistan, they actually endeavored against the creation of Pakistan. As acknowledged by all decent people, it is the Ahmadis who endeavored in the creation of Pakistan, including renowned academics and journalists like Muhammad Ali Johar and Abdul Majeed Salik who noted the contributions of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and Maulana Abdur Rahim Dard. Indeed, at the behest of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, Maulana A.R. Dard convinced Quaid-e-Azam to return to the Indian Sub-Continent to advocate for the rights of Muslims there. Justice Munir, in his report regarding the 1953 Punjab disturbances, condemned the false allegations against Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and noted his contributions to the creation of Pakistan despite the efforts of the mullahs against its creation. In addition, the Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya has always been at the forefront in advocating for the rights of the people of Kashmir and Palestine, and the contributions of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and Hadhrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra in this regard are part of the public record.

In sharp contrast to the patriotism of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at for Pakistan, Ataullah Shah Bukhari

(a leader of the Ahrar Movement) referred to Pakistan as a prostitute whom the Ahrars had accepted. He also referred to the members of the Muslim League as swine. Maulana Maudoodi referred to the Government of Pakistan as kafirana (impious/based on unbelief). Today, it is the mullahs of Pakistan who vie to control this so-called kafirana government.

Today, whoever achieves power in Pakistan makes alliances with the mullahs. The foremost agenda of the mullahs is to persecute Ahmadis. In 1953, the government consisted of some fair-minded people. However, in 1974, the government of the time joined the mullahs and, in the name of Islam, committed grave injustices and barbarism. Historians will surely depict this period of Pakistani history as a dark chapter. In 1984, a despot took further legislative initiatives against the Jama’at and claimed that he would annihilate it. Ahmadiyyat continues to flourish, while all who have committed grave injustice against it have either been eliminated or are being ground down.

If the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan desire the prosperity of the people of Pakistan, then they should return to the principles of Quaid-e-Azam. Quaid-e-Azam strove against

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

The “vessel” which Allah has made will be protected by Him and Him alone. While many Ahmadis will continue to become martyrs, Ahmadis should continue to pray for the welfare of

Pakistan – only the prayers of Ahmadis will save Pakistan.

11

prejudice and sectarianism. He envisioned a society where all would be free to go to their mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship. Despite this, since 1974, the Government of Pakistan has acted contrary to these ideals. When the Government of Pakistan ceases to dictate people’s religion for them and desists in sectarianism, then and only then will Pakistan be able to progress. Peace will only be achieved in Pakistan when each and every one is guaranteed their human rights.

Those who persecute Ahmadis should be mindful of Allah’s decree in the Holy Qur’an which states,

“And whoso kills a believer intentionally, his reward shall be Hell wherein he shall abide. And Allah will be wroth with him and will curse him and will prepare for him a great punishment.’ (Holy Qur’an 4:94)

When a Companion of the Holy Prophetsa killed a person thinking that his profession of faith was only made to save his life, the Holy Prophetsa was furious. The Holy Prophetsa asked him

whether he had taken out his victim’s heart to see what was in it. Despite the admonishment of the Holy Prophetsa, the lives of Ahmadis are taken based on the allegation that their claim to being Muslim is not sincere.

Last week, Dr. Shiraz Bajwa (37) and Dr. Noreen Bajwa (28), both husband and wife, were martyred. Dr. Noreen Bajwa is now the youngest female Ahmadi martyr. On March 14, 2009, their bodies were discovered by their housekeeper in their home. The body of Dr Shiraz Bajwa was found lying in the bedroom, hands tied behind his back, mouth gagged, eyes blindfolded and with visible marks of strangulation. The body of Dr Noreen Bajwa was found in the living room. Huzur said they lived in a gated residential area with security arrangements, so it appears that the murder was an ‘inside job’. Both husband and wife were highly respected and liked in the local community.

The martyrdom of Ahmadis takes place because the perpetrators have rejected the true and most ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa, namely, the Promised Messiahas. Despite the non-retaliation of Ahmadis, nature’s vengeance against these martyrdoms is the unleashing of lawlessness, disorder and killing

throughout Pakistan. By not recognizing Ahmadis as Muslims, Pakistan is plagued with Muslims killing Muslims, and these killers will be dealt with by Allah in accordance with the Holy Qur’an 4:94.

Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya has long-cautioned against ceding to the mullahs. In Pakistan, the Government has conceded in the Swat Valley and has allowed the mullahs to implement their brand of the Shariah. However, the mullahs will not stop in the Swat as they seek the dominance of the entire country.

We can only pray for Allah to save Pakistan. If the mullahs think they will achieve anything by martyring Ahmadis, they should know that this is a vain and crude notion. The “vessel” which Allah has made will be protected by Him and Him alone. While many Ahmadis will continue to become martyrs, Ahmadis should continue to pray for the welfare of Pakistan – only the prayers of Ahmadis will save Pakistan.

Funeral prayers in absentia: Dr. Shiraz Bajwa, Dr. Noreen Bajwa, Dr. Aslam Jehangiri and Syeda Nasira Begum. May Allah elevate the status of all of the deceased.

Ameen.

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

12

One of the divine attributes of Allah is that He is Sattar, the One who is Hidden and Concealed and the One who covers our faults, weaknesses and failings. According to the Hadith, Allah likes modesty and enjoys covering the faults, weaknesses and failings of people. According to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, on the Day of Judgment, man will be asked whether he committed such and such fault. Man will confess that he did. Allah will tell him that on the day that he committed that fault, He covered it and continued to do so. This is the Loving Allah who forgives and covers weaknesses.

According to the Promised Messiahas, the concept of a God who forgives and covers the faults, weaknesses and failings of people does not exist in any religion except Islam. If such a concept existed in Christianity, then there would have been no need to invent the doctrine of atonement.

Although Allah likes to cover our failings, this does not grant license to us to commit sin and to discard all notions of right and wrong. Allah has placed numerous covers over our actions, but every time we commit an impropriety, one of these covers is torn away. If we continue to commit impropriety, eventually, none of these covers will remain. At this time, Allah instructs His angels to cover us with their wings. If we repent, then Allah restores the covers over us. Indeed, Allah restores them nine-fold. However, if we fail to repent, then Allah instructs the angels to abandon us such that all of our

failings and sins become exposed to the world. Therefore, each and every one of us should be in a constant state of repentance so that we may invoke Allah’s divine attribute of Sattar.

According to the Promised Messiahas, from the divine attribute of “Master of the Day of Judgment”, Allah lets His servants succeed. Through the divine attribute of Al-Raheem (the All-Merciful), Allah covers the faults and failings of His servants. Through the divine attribute of Al-Rahman (the Most Gracious), Allah blesses us regardless of our efforts. Thousands of our failings are known to Allah but He does not disclose them.

Allah likes modesty, but that does not mean that He is shy. Rather, He desires to protect His servants from potential embarrassment. However, when one becomes brazen and has not learned from Allah covering His faults, then Allah humiliates him. Allah does not protect the shame of one who is shameless and incorrigible and thus reveals their most secret sins.

Each and every one of us should pray that Allah keep us under His divine protection. Indeed, the Holy Prophetsa always prayed in this regard. Although Allah promised him every form of divine protection and his inner Satan had become Muslim, the Holy Prophetsa prayed in order for us to follow his example.

One of the prayers of the Holy Prophet in this regardsa is as follows:

“O’ Allah, cover my nakedness and alter my fears into peace.

O’ Allah protect me from the dangers that are ahead of me and those that are behind me and those that are to my right and those that are to my left and those that are above me. I come into the refuge of Your greatness from those dangers that may seize me from underneath.”

The Promised Messiahas prayed as follows:

“O’ my Benefactor and my God. I am a useless servant of Yours, sinful and negligent. You saw me commit injustice upon injustice and granted blessing upon blessing and saw sin upon sin and conferred favour upon favour. You have always covered my faults and bestowed Your countless blessings on me. Pray, now too have mercy on this hopeless and sinful person and forgive my audacity and my ungratefulness and grant me salvation from this grief of mine for none other than You can help.”

Another prayer of the Promised Messiahas is as follows:

“O’ Lord of all the worlds, I cannot adequately express gratitude for Your blessings. You are extremely Merciful and Benevolent and You have granted countless favours on me. Forgive me my sins so that I am not destroyed. Place your pure love in my heart so that I attain life and cover my faults and make me do deeds which please You. I seek refuge with You from Your wrath befalling me. Have mercy and protect me from the torments of this world

Divine Attribute of SattarSummary of Friday Sermon delivered on March 27, 2009

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

13

and the Hereafter for all grace and blessing is in Your hand.”

We should invoke all of these prayers regularly.

According to the Hadith, Allah protects from the Fire the person who protects the honour of a Muslim woman. This Hadith is particularly relevant for when marital relationships become strained and each party begins to make public allegations against the other. At times, the respective families of the feuding couple also join in making public allegations. Sometimes, the allegations are true, and sometimes they are baseless. Experience has shown that the husband’s family can make allegations that are mortifying. While each and every marriage may not result in compatibility and harmony thereby resulting in separation this does not mean that the separation should be coupled with making allegations and accusations. Ahmadis should make a practice of avoiding this.

In another Hadith, the Holy Prophetsa stated,

“A believer who sees the failings of his brother but covers them will be granted entrance to Paradise by Allah.”

When family relations are formed through marriage, people begin to receive knowledge of each other’s private matters. If these are covered and discretion is maintained, then Allah promises Paradise.

The first Hadith cited above demonstrates how maintaining secrecy and discretion protects one from divine punishment. The second Hadith cited above demonstrates that doing so also results in Allah’s divine blessings.

According to the Holy Prophetsa, a Muslim is a brother to another Muslim such that he is never unfair to him and never abandons him. Further, the Holy Prophetsa stated that Allah fulfills the needs of a Muslim who fulfills the needs of his brother, and on the Day of Judgment, Allah will cover the faults of a Muslim who covers the faults of his brother. These should be the standards adopted by each and every Ahmadi.

The Promised Messiahas once related the story of a king who enjoyed inscribing the Holy Qur’an. When a mullah had notified the king that he had incorrectly inscribed a particular verse, the king circled that verse and assured him that he would make the correction later. When the mullah departed, the king erased the circle. When the king was asked as to why he erased the circle, he explained that the mullah was incorrect about the inscription but, rather than openly dispute with the mullah and embarrass him, the king circled the verse in order to provide him with consolation. In other words, the king sought to cover the fault of the mullah and to avoid his embarrassment.

The Holy Qur’an states,

“O ye who believe! Avoid frequent indulgence in suspicion, for some suspicions

According to the Holy Prophetsa, a Muslim is a brother to another Muslim such that he is never unfair to him and never abandons him. Further, the Holy Prophetsa stated that Allah fulfills the needs of a Muslim who fulfills the needs of his brother, and on the Day of Judgment, Allah will cover the faults of a Muslim who covers the faults of his brother. These should be the standards

adopted by each and every Ahmadi.

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

14

are certainly sin. And spy not, nor back-bite one another. . . .” (Holy Qur’an 49:13)

According to this verse, we should avoid negative suspicion and thinking ill of others as both of these acts are at the root of the spread of evil in the world. This verse also advises against prying into people’s affairs as this practice leads to back-biting. Back-biting leads to notoriety of faults and is thus contradictory to Allah’s desire to cover them.

According to the Hadith cited above, one who does not cover the faults of others is subject to divine punishment. The notoriety which results from revealing people’s faults also results in societal disharmony and disorder. When people’s secrets are disclosed, social enmity increases. However, as Allah enjoins love and affection, we should never indulge in the fatal habit of informing people about others.

When one is the recipient of information from another, then one should counsel the informer. If one is incapable of providing counsel, then one should pray that the informer refrain from back-biting and causing disorder. Indeed, Allah has stated that causing disorder is akin to committing murder. If a person is flagrantly back-biting, then the Jama’at should also be informed. The Jama’at office-bearers must be careful to discharge their duties with the utmost discretion. When one publicizes evil, then one is acting contrary to taqwa

(righteousness).

The Holy Qur’an states:

“Those who love that immorality should spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, and you know not.” (Holy Qur’an 24:20)

Allah likes the covering of faults.

Therefore, those who desire to expose the faults of others and to promote indecency among the believers by broadcasting evil will receive torment in this world and the Hereafter.

In the West, very little remains of the concept of modesty. Television and the media have taught immodesty and brazenness to the next generation. Sadly, many Ahmadis have become victims to this. It is for this reason that Islam promotes purdah and modesty.

The Promised Messiahas stated:

“People of our community should pray for a brother when they notice any failing in him. However, if they do not pray and

mention it to others thus taking it further, then they commit sin. Which failing is such that it cannot be overcome? This is why one should always help a brother by praying for him.”

The Promised Messiahas also stated:

“Some people are weak, just like one recovering from a severe illness. Some have acquired some strength. What is needed is that one privately counsels whoever one finds to be weak. If the person does not abide, then pray for him or her. If both these actions are not beneficial then consider the matter to be pre-destined. . . . It is certainly

not the teaching of the Holy Qur’an to notice a failing and spread it and go on citing it. . . . Allah the Exalted is Sattar, so you should ‘reflect the high morals of Allah, [adopt His attributes on a

human level]. We do not mean to say that one should support failings, rather, do not circulate them and do not backbite because, according to the Book of God, this is sin.”

Each and every member of the Jama’at should heed these words. The Promised Messiahas encouraged prayer and covering the faults of others. May Allah enable the putting of these teachings into practice so that we may be able to invoke Allah’s attribute of Sattar. May Allah make our hearts disinclined towards evil and be inclined towards virtue thereby fulfilling the objective of the Promised Messiah’sas advent. Ameen.

Guidance from Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab

15Fasting And Its Obligations

Who Is Obligated To Fast?

Fasting is obligatory for every adult Muslim male and female who is fit, healthy and stationed (not on a journey). People on a journey and who are sick enjoy the concession to complete the missed fasts after the month of Ramadhan. People with chronic sickness who are unlikely to regain full health or those he who are so weak and not able to fast should pay Fidya (expiation). Pregnant women and nursing mothers are not to fast and should pay Fidya.

At What Age One Should Fast

About the age when one should start fasting, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra wrote as follows:

“There are some people who force even young children to keep fast. One must know that for every obligatory worship, there are certain limitations and times. I think certain injunctions start at the age of 4 and others between ages 7 and 12. Again, there are some that start at the age of 15 or 18, which is considered the age of maturity. At age 15, one should start fasting regularly and at age 18, it becomes obligatory. I remember that when I was young, I wanted to fast, but the

Promised Messiah as did not permit me to do so. Instead of persuading us to fast, he would rather prohibit us. By doing so he wanted to maintain the health of children. When they are 15, they should be gradually persuaded to fast. In the first year they may be permitted to keep as many fasts as they like. The number should increase during next year and more in the third year. This is the way that they should gradually develop the habit of regular fasting.” (Al-Fazl, April 11, 1995).

Travelers and the Sick

For the travelers and the sick, Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Whoso among you is sick or on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast but with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.” (2:185)

The Promised Messiahas was asked about fasting during a journey. He said:

“From the Holy Quran, it is very clear that those who are sick or on a journey, should not fast and this is an injunction. Allah has not said that you

have an option to fast. In my opinion, a traveler should be careful about this injunction: “make up for these fasts in other days”. It is as if, one who keeps fast during travel and bears the hardship, tries to please Allah by manifesting his strength. He does not seek Allah’s pleasure by humble submission. He is misguided. True faith demands obedience of the divine commandments and concessions also prescribed by Allah the Almighty.” (Al-Hakam January 26, 1899).

About a traveler, the Promised Messiahas said:

“If someone is traveling by train and feels it is no hardship he may fast, otherwise take the advantage of what God has permitted.” (Al-Hakam, December 24, 1900)

The Promised Messiahas again said at another place:

If someone fasts in the month of Ramadhan while traveling or is sick, he is disobedient of clear divine commandment. Allah has clearly commanded that the traveler and sick are not to fast while they are on journey or during sickness. They should fast when they reach

Fasting And Its ObligationsMaulana Abdul Maajid Tahir Additional Vakilul Tabshir, London(Translated from Weekly Al-Fazl International, London)

16 Fasting And Its Obligations

their destination or regain their health. They should obey the divine commandment because deliverance is by grace alone. One can not win salvation by the strength of his deeds. Allah did not say that if the sickness is mild or severe or journey is short or long. The injunction is compulsory and all concerned must obey. If a sick or a traveler fasts, he will be regarded disobedient. (Al-Badr, October 17, 1907)

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said:

“There are certain illnesses in which the sick carries on his or her daily routine. Such a person is not deemed as sick. Therefore, if traveling is one’s routine because of his/her occupation, he/she will not be considered a traveler. There are certain illnesses in which a person keeps on performing his routine job. For instance, some soldiers fall prey to food poisoning, but they do not stop working. Therefore, if one can find time and strength to engage in other activities, why should he not fast? People who do not like to fast, use these alibis. No doubt it is divine commandment that one is not to fast if he is sick or on a journey and we insist on it so that we should not be considered disrespectful to Quranic injunctions. But if someone uses this injunction as

an excuse not to fast, while he is healthy, or if some fasts are missed and had he tried enough, he could have been able to fast, then he is guilty like him who does not fast even without a cause. Therefore, every Ahmadi who did not fast because of negligence or without any valid reason, should make up later after the month of Ramadhan.” (Al-Fazl, August 16, 1948)

Therefore, he, who regularly travels as part of his duty, like a railway guard, a locomotive driver, an aeroplane pilot, a travel agent will be considered as stationed person and it is obligatory for them to fast during their travels.

Chronic Patients and Travelers

When asked about fasting of chronic patients and the travelers,

the Promised Messiahas replied:

“The sick or old weak persons and travelers who do not think that they will get another chance to fast, for example, an old and weak person or a weak pregnant woman who thinks that after delivery she would be incapacitated because of suckling and the whole year will pass, such persons are allowed not to fast because of their inability. They should pay Fidya. Fidya is also allowed

for very old person or someone who will

never have the strength to fast. But for others it

is not permitted that just by paying Fidya they would be excused from

fasting. Permitting Fidya for those who will be able to fast later, is like opening the door of mischief. The religion in

which there is no striving, is not worth anything. Similarly,

to remove the obligations imposed by the Almighty is a grievous sin. Allah

says in the Holy Qur’an that guidance is given only to those who strive in Our ways.” (Fatawa Ahmadiyya p. 183)

Travel and Fasting

In this connection, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra said:

“Although some religious scholars have different opinions, but I think that a person who starts his journey at Sehri and knows that he will return before sunset may not be considered a traveler. Shariah

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17Fasting And Its Obligations

prohibits fasting during journey and not travel during fasting.” (Al-Fazl December 25, 1942)

There may be four possibilities of fast during traveling.

1. If travel is in progress, whether it is on foot or any other mode of transportation, one should not fast.

2. If one plans to stay overnight and the whole next day, and facilities are available for Sehri one may fast if he likes.

3. If travel is to start after Sehri and there is a possibility of returning home before Iftari, it is permissible both ways, to fast or not to fast.

4. During the travel, if one plans to stay at some place for 15 days or more, he should try to fast during those days.

The Definition of Journey

In this regard, the Promised Messiahas said:

“I believe that one should not create too many hardships for himself. Whatever is commonly considered a journey, (even if it involves only a few miles), one should follow the injunctions mentioned regarding travel. As it is said, Innamal a`amaalo binniyyaat. (This means that actions are judged according to one’s intent). Sometimes we go for a walk for 2-3 miles with brothers and no one considers it a journey. But when some one packs up his luggage and sets out with the intent of traveling, then he will be considered a traveler. Shariah does not intend to inflict hardship. According to religion, conventional journey should be considered as travel. One should enjoy the leave

granted by Allah and he will be obeying His commandments. Obligations are from Allah as are facilities granted by Him.” (Al-Hakam, Vol. 5, Feb. 17, 1901)

The Promised Messiahas wrote the following to Hadhrat Sahibzada Peer Sirajul Haq Naumanira:

“Mun kana minkum mareezan au `alaa safarin fa iddatum min ayyamin ukhar, and it means ‘if you are sick or on journey (short or long) then fast the same number of days at other time’. Allah has not put limit for the journey neither one finds any limit mentioned in Ahadeeth. Whatever distance is normally considered journey should be regarded as journey. Any distance which is less than normal should not be called journey.” (Maktoobat, Vol. 5, p. 81)

Fasting of a Labourer

For some labourers it seems difficult to fast while doing manual labour. Are they allowed not to fast on this account? The Holy Qur’an has not mentioned any exception about it, neither do we find any mention about it in Ahadith, although people in those days used to do manual labour. Of course if someone is very weak and fasting is unbearable, then such person may be considered sick and fasting and it is not mandatory for him during sickness.

The question was presented to the Promised Messiahas that sometimes Ramadhan falls during weather when farmers perform hard manual labour like sowing seeds or harvesting the crop and it becomes impossible for them to fast. What should they do? He replied,

“Innamal a`amaalo binniyyaat (Actions are judged according to intent). These people keep their condition secret. Everyone should evaluate his/her condition with piety and fear of God. One should hire a labourer if he can afford, otherwise such person is to be regarded as sick and should fast when better conditions prevail.” (Al-Badr, September 26, 1907)

Fasting for Women

A woman who is menstruating will not fast. In this regard Hadhrat Ayeshara narrates that when we did not fast during the time of our menstruation, the Holy Prophetsa told us to fast on other days. (Ibne Maajah)

The same applies to ladies who have recently delivered babies. But when they are clean, they must make up for those missed fasts. We find the following in Hadith about such women:

“The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that Allah has forgiven half of Salat (ritual prayer) for the man on a journey. Both, a nursing mother and pregnant woman are given leave from fasting.” (Tirmidhi)

A Hadith by Hadhrat Anasra is related as follows:

“The Holy Prophetsa has given leave to pregnant women and nursing mothers from fasting.” (Ibn-I-Majah)

It means that these women should complete the number of fasts when their condition has changed. (i.e. they are not pregnant or nursing mothers). They should also pay Fidya if they have the means, otherwise making up for the lost

fasts will suffice as expiation.

In case a woman is either pregnant or nursing, she does not have to fast. Paying Fidya will suffice for her. In case of very old men or chronically ill for whom fasting is not possible, they may also pay Fidya.

A Fasting Student

A student who is preparing for his examination, should consider the following regarding his fasts. We are not allowed to quit routine activity. If fasting becomes unbearable for him because of routine daily activity, he is to be considered sick. But in that case, he is totally responsible for his decision and Allah will treat him accordi`ng to his intent. In other words, he or she herself is the judge of her personal condition.

If someone gets sick due to fasting, he is excused from fasting. If it becomes a rule with him, i.e. he always becomes sick with fasting, he will be permanently exempt from fasting. If weather is the cause of his illness, then fasting is to be observed on the change of season. Anyhow, one has to remain cautious and fear Allah before making these decisions and it should not be an alibi.

There are people, who are stubborn. They do not fast even without any valid reason. On the other hand, there are some, like pregnant or nursing mothers or very old people who would like to fast. Both these conditions are wrong. In Islam, there is no coercion. Apart from this, a Muslim should take advantage of the concessions granted to him by God Almighty. Regarding certain commandments, Islam has laid down some conditions. For a sick person, fasting is not permitted. Secondly,

if as a result of fasting one becomes sick or increases his sickness, is not obliged to fast. There are pregnant or nursing mothers and old people who may suffer seriously due to fast, are not obligated to fast.

All such conditions are extreme and should be avoided. We are not to quit fast for petty reasons like mere weakness or tiredness. Similarly one should not insist on fasting if he is genuinely ill.

The Promised Messiahas has given very valuable advice on this issue. He said:

“If Allah had so willed, he would not have set limits for the Ummah as He did not set any for other Ummahs (religious communities). He did so for our own wellbeing. As I understand, the truth is that when a person humbly supplicates to Allah, He does not hold back blessings of Ramadhan from him. With this condition of his heart, even if someone falls ill, this sickness becomes a blessing. It is because deeds are the result of one’s intent. A Momin must prove his courage in the way of Allah with his actions. If one had sincere desire to fast, but fell ill, and is truly grieved because of his sickness, the angels will fast for him. Allah will surely reward him because he was not trying to find an excuse for not fasting.” (Fatawa Ahmadiyya)

Fidya

The normal teaching is that one should fast and if he has the means, should give Fidya as well. Fasting is obligatory and paying Fidya is the practice of the Holy Prophetsa and a way of showing one’s gratitude that Allah gave the strength to fast and enabled him to

get greater rewards from Allah.

Fasting is not mandatory for a sick person who is unable to fast and it is for a short period only. But he can pay Fidya with a view that Allah will grant him strength later to make up for the missed fasts and He will not deprive him of the blessings of the missed ones.

Fidya is mandatory for persons who can afford the burden and cannot make up for missed fasts due to illness for longer periods like people of very old age, pregnant women or nursing mothers. If one is not able to fast temporarily, he should fast after that episode passes away even if he paid the Fidya.

Once someone asked the Promised Messiahas if a person had not observed a single fast, whether he should pay Fidya? He replied that Allah does not overburden anyone beyond his capacity. His response was, “Pay Fidya whatever you can and promise that in future you will fast regularly.” (Al-Badr, Vol. 1, No. 12, January 16, 1903, p. 91).

Amount of Fidya

About calculating the amount of Fidya, the following principle has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

Min ausata ma tut`amoona ahleekum (On average, whatever you feed your family.

This means that you should feed somebody according to your own standard.

18 Fasting And Its Obligations

19Fasting: Purpose & Significance

O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. (Holy Qur’an 2:184)

All other deeds of man are for himself, but his fasting is purely for Me [Allah] and I shall reward him for it. The fast is a shield. (Hadith Qudsi)1

The Qur’anic verse and the Hadith cited above indicate that the purpose of fasting is to be a shield to guard against evil. How does fasting allow us to guard against evil? Human nature is weak and thus tends towards evil. To overcome this tendency, individuals must learn to control their urges and desires. As fasting requires one to maintain a high degree of discipline and control over oneself, its practice results in learning self-control. According to Hadhrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra, during fasting,

“The faculty of hearing, the sight, the tongue, the mind are all under stricter control. For instance, not only vain talk, but much talk is eschewed, so that there should be greater concentration on remembrance of Allah and reflection upon His attributes.”2

Further, as fasting is solely for the

sake of Allah, the act of fasting ensures that one is ever-mindful of Allah. The constant remembrance of Allah will have an effect such that anxieties are replaced with tranquility and contentment.

The Promised Messiahas has discussed human nature. According to the Promised Messiahas, the actions of an individual arise from his or her natural, moral or spiritual state. The natural state is the “self that incites to evil.”3 When having progressed to the moral state, humans cease “to resemble an animal”4 and the self “reproves man on vice and is not reconciled to…submitting to his natural desires and leading an unbridled existence like the animals.”5 If he or she progresses to the spiritual stage, the soul is delivered from all weakness and “is filled with spiritual powers and establishes a relationship with Allah Almighty without Whose support it cannot exist.”6

The Promied Messiahas referred to the process of moving from the natural state to the spiritual state as the “second birth of the soul.”7 The Promised Messiahas stated,

“The design of Almighty who has created the soul from the body with his perfect power appears to be that the second birth of the soul should take place through the body. The

movement of the soul follows the movement of the body.”8

That is why the Holy Qur’an provides elaborate guidance as to all human actions, such as “laughing, weeping, eating, clothing, sleeping, speaking, keeping silent, marrying, remaining celibate, walking, standing still, outward cleanliness, bathing [and] affirms that man’s physical condition affects his spiritual condition deeply”.9 Therefore, abstaining from food from dawn to dusk facilitates the “second birth of the soul”. According to the Promised Messiahas, eating less helps purify the soul and increases one’s potential to be the recipient of Divine revelation.10 The purification of the soul and the granting of nearness to Allah thus results in the ability of one to guard against evil.

Fasting inspires Sympathy and Gratitude

The purpose of all acts of worship is to promote righteousness, which increases our awareness of the duty and obligations that we owe to Allah and our fellow human beings. Hadhrat Sir Zafrulla Khanra stated,

“It must never be overlooked that the whole purpose of fasting, whether obligatory, as during the month of Ramadhan, or voluntary, as at other times, is

Fasting During the Month of Ramadhan: Purpose & Significance

Atif Munawar Mir

20 Fasting: Purpose & Significance

to promote righteousness, which means the progressive cultivation of spiritual values...Thereafter the normal daily routine is followed with a heightened consciousness of the duty owed to Allah and to His creatures, one’s fellow beings. Praise, glorification and remembrance of Allah for, as it were, the infra-structure of all activity and greater attention is directed towards caring for the poor, the needy, the widowed, the orphan, the sick, the distressed, the neighbor, the wayfarer, etc.”11

“The consciousness that a large number of their fellow beings have to go hungry most of the time is sharpened and there is a greater eagerness to share with them the bounties that Allah has, of His Grace, bestowed on them. It is related of him (the Holy Prophetsa) that during Ramadhan his own concern for the care of the poor, the needy, the sick and the orphan was intensified manifold, and that his charity knew no limit.”12

Although we undergo pangs of hunger while fasting, our plight cannot compare with that of those who suffer in poverty. However, by our receiving a mere inkling of their suffering, sympathy for their plight is inspired within us as well as tremendous gratitude to Allah for granting us the ability and provision to partake of the iftar. This sympathy and gratitude is expected to result in inspiring action on the part of the person who fasts to work towards and seek the welfare of the poor and needy.

Fasting allows for Spiritual Status to Become Elevated

As Allah does not desire hardship upon Muslims, the purpose of fasting is not to inflict suffering, but rather, to allow for one to elevate

their spiritual status. The Holy Qur’an states:

“The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.” (Holy Qur’an 2:185)

“The month of Ramadhan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month let him fast therein. But whoso is temporarily sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days, Allah desires ease for you, and He desires not hardship for you, and He desires that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.” (Holy Qur’an 2:186)

In addition, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated:

“The fast is, however, in no sense a penance. It is a physical, moral and spiritual discipline, and the object is the promotion of righteousness and security against evil. Through the experience of the fast the worshipper is impelled to exalt Allah for His having provided guidance to mankind.”13

Conclusion

By living the high-pressure lifestyle of North American society, it may become easy for some to get lost in their routines and worldly pursuits. Fasting enables one to mentally break away from this and to re-

focus one’s attention to Allah and re-place priority on one’s spiritual development. Through fasting, self-restraint and increased frequency of prayers, Muslims rediscover and further develop their physical strength and spiritual endurance. They realize the value of charity, and recognize that they can and should minimize their lavish habits and expensive hobbies. Moreover, Muslims come to realize that when they make a conscious effort, it is not beyond their capacity to purify their thoughts and their language, to discharge their responsibilities towards the unfortunate, reform their behavior and improve their conduct towards the people around them. The ultimate objective of human existence is to become divine-like by inculcating the attributes of Allah into the soul and to thus become a blessing for humanity.

Endnotes:1. Gardens of Righteousness,

Translated by Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, Curzon Press Ltd, 2006, p.212

2. Khan, Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, “Fasting” Review of Religions, Volume 96, No 10/11

3. Ahmad, Mirza Ghulam, “The Physical, Moral and Spiritual States of Man” The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam”, Islam International Publications, 1996, p. 1

4. Ibid, p.25. Ibid, p.26. Ibid, p.37. Ibid, p. 88. Ibid, p. 89. Ibid, p. 810. Mirza Ghulam Ahmed,

Malfoozat, Vol 5. Islam International Publications 2003, p. 102

11. Ibid12. Ibid13. Ibid

21Laylatul Qadr

Surely, We sent it down during the Night of Decree. And what shall make thee know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend angels and the Spirit by the command of their Lord with Divine decree concerning every matter. It is all peace till the rising of the dawn. (Holy Quran 97:2-6)

Globally Laylatul Qadr is a night of great blessing in which Allah showers His Mercy upon those of His believers whom sincerely and faithfully love and obey His Will. It

is a night which is commonly associated with the revelation of the Holy Qur’an but also has other meanings which are all deeply rooted in Allah’s attribute of Rahmaniyyat.

From the above verses of the Holy Qur’an (97:1-6) we are made to understand that Laylatul Qadr literally means the ‘Night of Decree/Power’. It is a night which is of greater value than a thousand months (1000 being the highest numerical figure in Arabic) and in which the angels descend upon the Earth and help to breath a new life into humankind. We also know from another place in the Holy Qur’an (44:4) that it is a ‘Blessed Night.’ Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih

IIra wrote in his Tafsir al-Kabir that the words

‘Therein descend angels and the Spirit’ signify that, ‘’…the Angels of God descend to meet and satisfy every religious need and to remove all obstacles and impediments from the way of the expansion and spread of the new Message.’’ (Tafsir al-Kabir, Pg.2859, Ft.4786)

In the context of Surah al-Qadr we find that Allah is referring to the most blessed of nights in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Hadhrat Khatamul Anbiyaasa and he recited those blessed verses that will forever live in the hearts of all believers:

Proclaim thou in the name of thy Lord Who created, Created man from a clot of blood. Proclaim! and thy Lord is the Most Bounteous; Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he knew not.(Holy Qur’an 96:2-6)

In this context Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IIra has explained that the words ‘one thousand months’ have several meanings two of which are that:

“As Laylatul Qadr is better than a countless number of nights, this signifies that the period of the Holy Prophetsa is greater than all other periods combined.”

The rich content and value of the Holy Qur’an is greater in worth than the combined research and efforts of all learned men. This definition is derived from the word ‘Months’ which can also mean ‘learned men.’ Laylatul Qadr also has a wider understanding and can signify that when mankind reaches a point of darkness and is in need of reform, Allah answers their need by sending a new reformer. In relation to this a period of 1000 months roughly amounts to a century and can thus be linked to the saying of the Holy Prophetsa:

‘Verily God will continue forever to raise for this Ummat in the beginning of every century one who Will restore for it its faith.’ (Abu Dawud, Kitabul Fitan)

Allah is described in the Holy Qur’an as Al-Raheem (Ever Merciful) and such a verse personifies the magnificence of Allah’s infinite Mercy which is safeguarded for the remainder of humankind’s existence. Further expanding on this the Promised Messiahas writes,

This Night, according to its common interpretation, is a Blessed Night, but some of the verses of the Holy Qur’an indicate that the condition of the darkness of

Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree/Power)By Adam Walker, United Kingdom

22 Laylatul Qadr

the world is also a Night of Decree on account of its hidden qualities. In that condition of darkness, sincerity and steadfastness, and piety and worship, have great value in the estimation of God. It was because of that condition of darkness which at the time of the advent of the Holy Prophetsa had arrived at its climax and demanded the descent of a Grand Light, that observing this dark condition and having mercy on the creatures afflicted with darkness, there was an upsurge in the attribute of Rahmaniyyat and heavenly blessings addressed themselves to the earth. That dark condition became blessed for the world and the world thereby received a grand mercy so that the Perfect Man and the Chief of the Prophets, like whom there had been no one, nor ever will be, came for the guidance of the world and brought that bright Book for the world whose match no eye has beheld. It was a great manifestation of spiritual perfection of God that, at a time of gloom and darkness, He sent down a Grand Light which is named the Furqan and which distinguishes between truth and falsehood and which demonstrated the coming of truth and the disappearance of falsehood. It descended upon the earth when the earth had become

spiritually dead and land and sea had been greatly corrupted...

The earth had died and God revived it afresh. It should be remembered that the descent of the Holy Qur’an which took place for the purpose of reviving the Earth came about through the upsurge of the attribute of Rahmaniyyat. This is the attribute which sometimes manifests itself in a material way and causes the rain of mercy to descend upon dry land and thus makes provision for those who are afflicted with famine. The same attribute sometimes surges up spiritually and has mercy on the condition of those who are hungry and thirsty and near unto death

on account of misguidance and error, and lack the nourishment of truth and righteousness which is the source of spiritual life. Thus the Gracious One, as He bestows nourishment upon the body at the time of need, so of His Perfect Mercy He provides spiritual nourishment also at the time of need.’’ (Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 1, pp. 414-435, footnote 11)

The ultimate effect of a reformer being sent to the Earth is that the world enters a period of peace as is alluded to in the concluding verse of Surah al-Qadr. Khalifatul Masih IIra explains:

‘’The word (peace) stands for a complete sentence meaning, ‘it is all peace.’ In the time of a prophet or divine reformer a peculiar kind of mental peace of equanimity descends upon the believers amidst hardships and privations. The heavenly happiness which inspires believers at that time transcends all material and sensuous joys. The expression ‘It is all peace till the rising of the dawn’ means, the passing of the night of hardships and the rising of the dawn of predominance and ascendancy of the cause of truth.’’ (Tafsir Al-Kabir, Pg.2860 Ft.4797)

Laylatul Qadr also has a significant meaning to each and every believer

The Holy Prophetsa has said ‘’Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.’’

al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Bk.2, No. 34

23Laylatul Qadr

as it is a night in which a believer can benefit from great blessings. In a reported hadith the Holy Prophetsa said:

‘’Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.’’ (al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Bk.2, No. 34)

In another hadith the Holy Prophetsa advises as to when one should seek Laylatul Qadr saying:

‘’Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan’’ (Al-Bukhari, Vol.3, Bk.32, No. 234)

The Promised Messiahas is known to have said that should the 27th night of Ramadan fall upon a Friday then through Allah’s grace this will often be Laylatul Qadr.

In light of the above blessed narrations it is incumbent on each believer to increase his or her worship (Ibaada) during the last ten days of Ramadhan and pray sincerely that they may benefit from the fruits of Laylatul Qadr and have all their previous sins forgiven, Insha-Allah. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab delivered a Khutbah on the subject of Laylatul Qadr (14 Nov, 2003) where he emphasised

the need for each believer to pay special attention to not only the last ten nights of Ramadhan but indeed to every night. He indicated that one reason behind the ambiguity of which night Laylatul Qadr falls upon is to ensure that believers spend all of the last ten nights in Ibaada and do not simply ritualise one appointed night.

In further explanation of this subject, he added that the Holy Prophetsa said whoever offers all their prayers during the month of Ramadhan in congregation gleans a large portion of Laylatul Qadr. Therein is the significance that in order to experience this night one must maintain the highest standard of righteousness through out the month, paying the dues of Allah and the dues of humankind.

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab explained that although certain Ahadith signify the appearance of signs (like flashes of light) to verify that one has experienced Laylatul Qadr, these signs are not obligatory to Laylatul Qadr. Indeed the Holy Prophetsa would gather immense resolve and determination at the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, spending thesedays in worship of Allah of the highest and most excellent eminence. He

enjoined us to profusely engage in remembrance of Allah during these days, to glorify Him and to exalt His greatness.

To support us in this effort the following prayer (dua) to be recited on Laylatul Qadr was conveyed to Hadhrat Aishara by Hadhrat Khatamul Anbiyaasa:

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tu hibul ‘afwa fa ‘fu ‘anni

O Allah! You are the Great Pardoner, You love to pardon. Hence I seek Your pardon (Ibn Maja, Kitabul Duaa)

May we each engage in sincere worship during this blessed month and incur the Mercy of Allah, Insha-Allah. Ameen.

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O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. (Holy Qur’an 2:184)

Fasting is not a practice that is unique to Islam. Currently, except for Zoroastrianism, all of the major religions teach fasting for spiritual enhancement and self-purification. This virtually universal practice of fasting is consistent with Islam’s claim that it is not a new faith, but rather, the continuation and completion of the faith sent to and taught by previous prophets and messengers throughout history. However, while the founders of each of the great religions confined their teachings and practice to a specific race or nation, only Islam explicitly refers to itself as a universal faith for the teaching and betterment of all of humankind regardless of place or era. In addition, according to Islam, as each of the other great religions originated in truth but were later distorted by errant followers, each one of them, including Zoroastrianism would have surely prescribed fasting at one time and perhaps to a greater extent than they do today.

As Islam enjoins fasting during the daylight hours of an entire month (namely, the Holy Month

of Ramadhan), no other religion prescribes fasting to the extent that Islam does. While many Christians in the West express surprise at the extent to which Islam enjoins fasting, often viewing the act of fasting as a form of imposed suffering or punishment, they should be reminded of the references to fasting in both the Old and New Testaments, such as Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 9:9, Mark 9:28-29 and Matthew 4:2. In addition, Hindu and Buddhist scripture make repeated references to fasting and its blessings.

The following is a brief description of the extent of the practice of fasting in the various great religions of the world:

BuddhismAll the main branches of Buddhism practice some form of fasting, usually on full-moon days and on other holidays. Depending on the Buddhist tradition, fasting usually entails abstaining from food while permitting some liquids. In Buddhism, fasting is a means of self-purification. Buddhist monks fast in order to free their minds. Some Tibetan Buddhist monks fast in order to aid yogic feats like generating inner heat.

Christianity (Protestantism)In Protestantism, fasting is a practiced based on the discretion of individuals, churches, organizations, or communities. During fasting, while some Protestants from food or drink entirely, others may drink only water or juice, eat only certain foods, skip certain meals, or abstain from certain temptations (edible or not). Recently, for Evangelicals, fasting has become increasingly popular as a means for receiving spiritual nourishment, solidarity with the poor, a counterbalance to modern consumer culture, or to petition God for a special need.

Chritianity (Catholicism)Catholics fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from meat on all Fridays in Lent. For centuries, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat on all Fridays, but since the mid-1960s, abstaining from meat on Fridays outside of Lent has been a matter of local discretion. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, two small meals and one regular meal are permitted but meat is forbidden. During Lent, on Fridays, no meat is allowed. For the optional Friday fast, some people substitute a different penance or special prayer instead of fasting. According to

Fasting: A Universal ConceptAnsar Raza

25Fasting: A Universal Concept

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. (Holy Qur’an 2:184)

Catholicism, fasting teaches self-control over desires of the flesh, encourages sympathy for the poor, and constitutes penance for sins. The practice of austerity during Lent is thought to prepare the soul for the ultimate heavenly feast. The Good Friday fast commemorates the day Jesusas suffered.

Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, there are several fast periods, including Lent, the Apostles’ Fast, the Dormition Fast and the Nativity Fast, as well as several one-day fasts. Every Wednesday and Friday is considered a fasting day, except those that fall during designated “fast-free weeks.” In general, meat, dairy products, and eggs are prohibited during the period of fasting. Fish is prohibited on some fast days and allowed on others. According to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, fasting strengthens one’s resistance to gluttony and allows one to be open to God’s grace.

HinduismFasting is commonly practiced on the New Moon days and during certain festivals such as Shivaratri, Saraswati Puja, and Durga Puja (also known as Navaratri). Also, the women of North India fast on the day of Karva Chauth. Dependng on the individual, fasting may involve 24 hours of complete abstinence

from food or drink, or may involve abstinence from food while allowing the drinking of water or milk. According to Hindism, fasting is a means to enhance one’s concentration during meditation or worship, the cleanse and purify the body, and to offer sacrifice.

JudaismIn Judaism, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the most well-known day of fasting. The Jewish calendar maintains six other days for fasting, Tisha B’Av (the day of the destruction of the Temple of Solomon). On Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, for a period of 25 hours, eating and drinking are forbidden. On the other fast days, eating and drinking are forbidden only from sunrise to sundown. According to Judaism, fasting is observed in order to atone for sins and for the offering of special prayers to God.

MormonismIn Mormonism, the first Sunday of each month is a fast day. Individuals, families, or wards may hold other fasts at will. Abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive meals and donating food or money to the needy are the main parts of fasting. After the fast, church members participate in a “fast and testimony meeting.” According to Mormonism, the purpose of fasting is to achieve closeness to

God and to encourage spiritual and religious contemplation. Individual or families my hold fasts in order to enhance a specific prayer or petition to God, such as the request that a sick person be cured or for guidance in making a personal decision.

IslamIn Islam, fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Muslims fast during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar (during which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. During these daylight hours, Muslims abstain from consuming any food and drink, as well as from engaging in sexual relations. In accordance with the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, many Muslims fast on other days throughout the year in moderation. The Holy Qur’an exempts those from fasting if they are ill, pregnant, aged or travelling. According to Islam, fasting provides immense blessings, including being a means for enhancing spirituality and concentration, self-purification, achieving closeness to God, gaining sympathy for the poor and encouraging charity as well as many of the benefits highlighted by the other faiths which prescribe fasting.

26 Fasting: A Universal Concept

Ramadhan—The Month of Increasing the Spirit of Love for the Poor, for the Sake of Allah

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh has said:

“Those who wish to make someone happy -- purely for seeking the pleasure of God -- they should find those people whose standard of daily food-intake is comparatively inferior to their own. So, if they send the iftaari [customary food preparations, sent to one’s friends and relatives, with which to break fast] to them, then it would not amount to the circulation of their money among the well-off people like themselves. Thus, as regards iftaari offerings, it is better for you to look towards your neighbors, and look around for an appropriate recipient for it, and you might send it to those who you come across in everyday life -- though not as sadaqah [or charity, or alms] because, iftaari is a vehicle for escalating the level of love and affection with others. In the month of Ramadhan, if you prepare some food items and send them as a goodwill gesture then, inevitably, it increases the mutual affection as well as draws one’s attention to pray for you. If you send something with respect and in an honorable manner to someone who is poor, or comparatively less well-off, such that your demeanor is predominantly that of affection, and it does not smack of alms-giving at all, then this is the kind of iftaari that will earn you spiritual reward and will bring about an improvement in your own personal set of circumstances. And, by the grace of God, this is how the mutual affection between the upper and lower strata of society is engendered on a stronger footing than before.”(Al-Fazl International, 7 March 1997)

On what constitutes a true Eid:

“And please do remember on the occasion of the next Eid what has been my message to you that: You will have a genuine Eid for yourselves only when you will contribute towards the poor celebrating their Eid. When you will share their problems and when you will visit their homes and see their personal circumstances first-hand. It is quite possible that, on seeing their poverty-ridden lifestyle, your eyes may shed some tears of mercy. It is possible that these tears of mercy may be instrumental in putting your life irreversibly on the right course. It is likely that you may have been unaware, prior to this experience, as to what poverty really is. When you come to realize what it is, through this experience, it may initiate a revolutionary transformation within you.” (Al-Fazl International, 5 April 1996)

(Translated by Dr. Saleem Rahman from Al-Fazl, 15 Sept. 2007)

Prayer for Keeping the Fast in Ramadhan

I intend to keep this morning’s fast in the month of Ramadhan

Prayer for Ending the Fast

O Allah, I observed the fast for Your sake and I believe in you and I put my trust in You and I end

the fast with what You have provided.

Translating the Writings

of the Promised Messiahas

The Promised Messiahas requested that his followers translate his books and convey them to the entire world. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab has renewed this request. Will you respond to their call in order to gain the pleasure of Allah?

Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih Vab has requested that those who can assist in the endeavour to translate the writings of the Promised Messiahas should please come forward to dedicate some of their time for this most noble and blessed effort.

• Can you translate Urdu into English? If so, please prepare a sample translation of the first pages ofIzala-a-Auham (Ruhani Khaza’in, Volume 3).

• Can you assist with proofreading or typesetting?

• Are you willing to devote your time for any other services that will assist this noble effort?

Please submit your name, contact information and any translation samples to the attention of:

Lal Khan Malik, Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada 10610 Jane StreetMaple, Ontario, L6A 3A2Canada

Jazakumallah Ahsanal Jaza!

When Ramadhan comes, the gates of Heaven are opened.

One who fasts in Ramadhan, having sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.

The hardships a person faces due to his family, wealth and neighbors are expiated by Salat, fasting, and giving charity.

Allah says, “Every action Adam’s son does is for himself, but fasting, this is for Me, and I am his reward and fasting is a protective shield”

Hadith Al-Qudsi Sahih Al-Bukhari

Sahih Al-Bukhari

Sahih Al-Bukhari

Sahih Al-Bukhari