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THE PERFECT BOOK

O ye who believe! seek help with patience and Prayer; surely, Allah is with the steadfast. [Holy Qur'an 2:154] In the above verse Allah Almighty advises us to be patient in our good work and follow our good work with prayers. Allah tells us this is the way to ask for his help. Allah says that He is with those people who work hard, show patience and pray sincerely for their success. As you know if Allah is with us then no one can harm us and we will surely be successful. Allah has made it easy for us by explaining to us how we can be on His side.

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Masud that he observed: I asked the Messenger of Allah which deed was the best?

The Holy Prophet said:

“Offering the prayers at appointed time” Abdullah bin Masud asked:

“And after this?” The Holy Prophet replied:

“Being kind to parents” Abdullah bin Masud again asked:

“And which deed after this?” The Holy Prophet replied:

“Striving in the path of Allah” [Bukhari]

This Hadith shows us the importance of being kind to our parents because it is the

second most pleasing action in the eyes of Allah.

SAYINGS OF THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD

EXTRACTS FROM THE HOLY QUR'AN

GEMS OF BEAUTY

The Promised Messiah said: Abide by the truth and hold fast to it. He sees what is in your hearts. Can man ever deceive Him? Can trickery be of any avail against Him? (Izala-e-Auham pt2: Roohani Khazain Vol 3 Page 150) The Promised Messiah advises us that we should always be truthful. We must always tell the absolute truth in every situation even if it is against ourselves. People will respect and trust you if you always tell the truth. That means everyone will come to you for help because you are trustworthy and truthful. Allah is All-knowing and knows what is in your hearts. May Allah enable us to always be truthful and honest, Insha’Allah.

WRITINGS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAHTHE MESSIAH SAID

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However in this edition of the Tahir Magazine we are focusing on the National Atfal Rally 2011. Each tifl was blessed by the arrival of Huzur on the final day of the Rally and listened intently to his keynote address. We have exclusive photos, speeches and reports from the rally, including articles on various topics written by Atfal and Khuddam from across the country. Feel free to contact the Ishaat team at anytime. Finally, Please pray for our beloved Huzur and Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya UK. Wassalam,

Nasir Khawaja atfal@khuddam.org.uk

MESSAGE FROM MOHTAMIM ATFALUL AHMADIYYA UK

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Tahir Magazine 2011. Firstly, I would like to thank all Atfal that attended and enjoyed the National Ijtema 2011. It was a very successful event and organised to a high standard. We will have exclusive content from that event in the next edition of the Tahir Magazine.

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This magazine aims to connect interactively with all young Ahmadi Muslim boys giving them an interesting and dynamic publication made exclusively for them. We will use it to present current affairs, hot topics, and provide advice and support to our youth. To help us make this magazine a success, send us your views, comments, articles and pictures. Feel free to contact my team and I at any time. We are here for you. Please remember the Editorial Team and everyone involved in this magazine in your prayers. Without further ado I present to you your Tahir Magazine for Autumn 2011. Take a look and see for yourself. Wassalam,

Zubair Ahmed ishaat@atfal.org.uk

Sadr MKA UK

Fahim Anwer

Mohtamim MAA UK

Nasir Khawaja

Secretary MAA Ishaat UK

Sammar Farooqi

Chief Editor

Zubair Ahmed

Editorial Team

Dr Mahmood Ahmad

Qamar Mobashir

Hazik Rahman

Tayyib Hayat

Hassan Tariq

Jamal Akbar

Distribution

Imran Ahmad

Tahir Magazine is the official

magazine of the Ishaat Department of

Atfalul Ahmadiyya UK, the children's

organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

Community .

The views expressed here by

contributors may not represent the

views held by Atfalul Ahmadiyya UK,

or of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

Community.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the new and improved Tahir Magazine, Autumn Edition 2011. We hope that this Magazine will be read and enjoyed by all Atfal across the country of all ages and be passed on to their friends.

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CONTENTS AUTUMN 2011

24 HOURS WITH....

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2011

FUN SECTION

HALLOWEEN

FROM YOUR KHALIFA TO YOU

NATIONAL IJTEMA 2011 REPORT

POETRY

WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

ATFAL RALLY REPORT

Concluding Address delivered by Hadhrat Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen, Khalifatul Masih V at the National Atfal Rally UK 2011 on Sunday 24th April 2011 at the Baitul Futuh Mosque.

FROM YOUR KHALIFA TO YOU ATFAL RALLY UK 2011

“Today is the last day of your three day Atfal Rally and you are gathered here for the concluding session of this Rally. As we all know, the age of Atfalul Ahmadiyya is from 7 to 15 and there are mainly two major categories—Atfal of the age of 7 to 12 and from 12 to 15. The administration here has further divided this into subgroups of 7 to 9, 9 to 11 and then up to 15 years of age—thus there are four or five groups. Amongst the Atfal of these groups, competitions, presentations, and also other religious proceedings, were held. The Atfalul Ahmadiyya from the age of 7 to 12 are not as mature as the Atfalul Ahmadiyya from the age of 12 to 15 are. This is why there are two different or major categories, and then further subdivision of these categories. Quite a number of you participated in the various competitions held to judge your knowledge and your mental capabilities. But remember that the sole purpose of such events is not to carry out competitions only, but it is an avenue for gathering to listen to good words of advice and for improving your religious knowledge. I hope that your speeches and competitions would have proved fruitful in achieving this. Simply receiving awards should not be your purpose, but rather, your purpose should be to enhance your religious education and your piety. So, I advise you to remember and implement in your daily lives all that you have learnt from either your fellow Atfal, fellow young speakers, from your elders and your organisers. Similarly, those who have taken part in any educational or speech competitions should also make it a point that their participation was not merely for the sake of competition, but to make that a part of your life. As an Ahmadi boy, your basic purpose should be to establish a relationship with Allah the Almighty. For that Allah Almighty has made it obligatory on all Muslims to offer the Five Daily Prayers. That is why the Holy Prophet of Islam said that when a boy reaches the age of 7, make him aware of offering his Prayers and of the importance of Prayers. At the age of 10, be stricter in implementing his Prayers and at the age of 12 you can only counsel him, because that is the age where it is supposed that the child has now quite grown up. Therefore, you must all pay attention to this matter.

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According to the Five Pillars of Islam, after the Kalima (there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger) the second important obligation is Namaz (Salat), which should be offered regularly and for men should be offered in congregation. For boys, after the age of 10, they should go to the mosque or to the Salat Centres to offer the Obligatory Prayers. When you develop this habit of offering your Prayers regularly, you will then establish a lasting relationship with God—with Allah the Almighty. A love for Allah and affiliation towards religion and the Holy Prophet will also be established and this is the purpose of your existence. Do not think that as you are children you will focus on this when you grow up—rather, this is the time to work on this. Just as you study at different stages and that study bears the foundation for your future career, so does offering Namaz (Salat) from an early age lead to building a strong foundation for your future relationship with Allah the Almighty.

Similarly, we are told that during the time of the Holy Prophet very young children were dedicated to religion. For example, it is mentioned that Hadhrat Ali was nearly 10 years old when he accepted Islam and did the Ba’ait (the Pledge of Allegiance/Initiation) at the hands of the Holy Prophet . When the Holy Prophet gathered all his relatives and tribesman and asked them, "Who will join me and help me spread the message of Allah?” everyone kept silent. But Hadhrat Ali came forward and said, "I will be your helper in spreading the message of Allah until my last breath." On seeing this, the big Kuffar (disbelievers) leaders made a mockery of the fact that what kind of Prophet was he if it were children who were joining him, and how would he achieve what he says he would—that he was going to bring the whole world to bow before Allah. The world, however, then saw how that same child grew up to become a symbol of bravery and courage; who defended Islam at all instances; who became the right-hand of the Holy Prophet and who the Holy Prophet trusted so much that when he migrated from Makkah, he asked Hadhrat Ali to lie on his bed so the Kuffar would not know about his migration to Madinah. That shows the trust the Holy Prophet had in Hadhrat Ali .

I give you an example here of Hadhrat Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib who was the brother of Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud’s wife, Hadhrat Nusrat Jehan Begum . He says that once, when he was 14 years old, he spent Ramadan with Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud and at Tahajjud (a Special Voluntary Prayer performed at late night/early morning) he would wake up to offer the Tahajjud with Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud . He used to observe with detail which Dua (Prayer) and Surah (Chapter of the Holy Qur’an) Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud would recite. So, what this shows is that if one is inclined towards such deeds then even at the age of 13 or 14 you can develop such habits as well. Later, it became the habit of Hadhrat Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib that he offered Tahajjud until the last day he performed it. Just after three months, Ramadan will be with us again. By that time you will also be on holidays. Even though fasting is not obligatory on you at this age, this is a good time to partake in Tahajjud, Nawafil (Voluntary Prayers) and the study of the Holy Qur’an, which will increase your spiritual level.

Despite how gentle the Holy Prophet was, he was very strict on a child if he was not offering Prayers after the age of 10. If you all develop the habit of offering your Daily Prayers from an early age, then in later life, this habit will stay with you for your lifetime, forever.

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In the Battle of Badr there are numerous examples of how children showed loyalty and courage in defending Islam against its enemies. One example is that of Hadhrat Umair who, on hearing that the Holy Prophet had asked all the children to return home and not proceed in the battle, hid himself so as to go along. However, when he was found out, he started to cry and pleaded with the Holy Prophet to allow him to join the battle and fight against the enemies. We see another example of two brave and courageous children, Muawid and Mua’d, aged 13 and 14 who, in the Battle of Badr, flanked the Sahabi (Companion) Abdur Rahman bin Auf , and asked him who Abu Jahl was. On being shown who he was, they attacked this worst enemy of the Holy Prophet with the intention to kill him and attacked him very successfully. Seeing this, Abu Jahl’s son attacked one of these boys and cut his arm off. However, this did not deter him from continuing the battle; rather, even with one hand he fought in the war with great zeal and courage. This passion was purely for the sake of God's love and this can only happen when one establishes a strong bond with Him. In this day and age, Jihad is not of the sword but of the pen. Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud is not asking us to come forward to fight in battles, but to increase your knowledge, fight your enemies with the pen, acquire religious knowledge and form a relationship with Allah the Almighty. When this relationship is established, then God will help you both in your worldly dealings and in your religious endeavours. Just as I said earlier, the purpose of your existence is to establish a relationship with God—with Allah the Almighty and to increase in knowledge and wisdom and with that you will be able to fight the enemies of Islam in the right way, as you would be guided by Allah the Almighty. Be sure to focus on your prayers and remember that your parents, fathers or forefathers accepted Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud . Some of you who are here sitting amongst us are quite young in the Jama‘at whose fathers have accepted Ahmadiyyat and some are from very old Ahmadi families whose forefathers accepted Ahmadiyyat.

They accepted Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud so that Islam's superiority and Allah’s superiority is established in the world, and this should be your main purpose as well. Live your lives solely for the purpose of serving God and fulfilling all your obligations. At the age of 13 or 14 sometimes some of you start to feel that, under the influence of your surrounding and environment, you need your independence. But remember that this independence should not go against the commandments of Allah the Almighty. This is the basic principle—you have to understand it. Then we can say that the new generation is quite competent or able to hold the reins of the leadership of Ahmadiyyat. Then we can be assured that the future of Ahmadiyyat is in safe hands. So, you are going to be the future leaders of Ahmadiyyat and you will have to prove yourselves and start learning from this age! May Allah Almighty keep you adherent to Islam and may He protect you from worldly desires and make you the right-hand of Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud to spread the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat, Ameen. Now please join me in silent prayer.”

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The National Ijtema held on 16th to 18th of September 2011 was in Islamabad, Tilford. This year was bigger and better than ever, we broke a record and had the highest attendance from Atfal in the history of this event. This made the atmosphere electric and the competition was fierce in all academic and sporting events. On Friday night all Atfal had a seminar with Nasir Khawaja Sahib, Mohtamim Atfal UK, on various contemporary issues such as the impact of the UK riots on the youth. On Saturday the Atfal were given the opportunity to have a question and answer session with the Imam of the London Mosque, Ataul Mujeeb Rashid Sahib, where various religious topics were covered with Atfal asking questions ranging from the meaning of life to careers advice and everything else in between. In the academic competitions alone there were 406 competitors which meant you had to be at the top of your game to win. This was the best of best competing for the 1st prize which was going to take something special to achieve. Many Atfal had been training day and night for months prior to the events hoping to go home with the medal and the achievement that they are the best in the country. The sports competitions were equally exciting with Atfal wearing professional kits and boots ready for the three day tournaments. This year many Atfal football teams had coaches and managers with mesmerising skills, tricks and style on show. The crowd were eagerly watching and cheering for their regions. The talent was unbelievable.

The results for the competitions were put up on Saturday evening for all Atfal to see who was winning in the battle for top spot in all events.

A prize distribution ceremony took place on Sunday with over 100 academic prizes awarded to the elite Atfal in the country, all sporting teams with their captains came up for group photos and individual medals.

Zergham Din Zergham (aged 13) is in the East regional Atfal Amila, he is achieving excellent grades at school and has been acknowledged as a budding scientist. He was awarded a special prize for role-model student of the year in his school. He has also competed in National Judo competitions and has been on various National Judo magazines for his martial arts skills.

HIGH ACHIEVING YOUNG MUSLIMS

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NATIONAL IJTEMA 2011

REPORT

Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya UK completed both the National Atfal Rally and Ijtema successfully in 2011 with participants coming from all over the country. The National Atfal Rally on the 22nd to 24th of April 2011 at Baitul Futuh Moque in London was a three day convention held to gather Atfal together from around the country who were living, eating and competing against one another. This spirit of competitiveness and good nature was shown throughout the event and both parents and organisers were stunned at how well mannered the Atfal were. The Atfal were split into their four traditional sub-groups namely Tahir, Nasir, Bashir & Noor throughout the event. This year Masroor (under 7s) group were also catered for with full academic competitions. FRIDAY This year, in accordance with Huzur’s wishes we carried out Salaat tests for over 500 Atfal. The rally began on Friday with Jumu’ah prayers for the Opening session. The opening session was chaired by Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Fahim Anwer Sahib who gave an inspiring speech on the importance of Sacrifice. Sacrifice was the theme of this years event. The session also included a talk by Mohtmim Amoor-e-Tuluba, Dr. Tauseef Khan Sahib on the subject of The Importance of Education, giving Atfal anecdotes from the life of Nobel laureate Professor Abdus Salam. After the inaugural session all Atfal gathered together and particpated in an interactive Quiz with all regions represented and competing. This year there were over 400 Atfal who attended the first day which was inspiring. SATURDAY The day began with Tahujjad and Fajr prayers which many Atfal enthusiastically particpated in. The morning session started with a comprehensive presentation on education by National Murabbi Atfal and former Mohtamim Atfal UK, Nadimur Rehman Sahib. Many Atfal had slept over at Baitul Futuh and therefore were interacting and building life-long friendships with children from around the country. The Academics and Sports competitions began with the preliminary rounds with immense talent on show from all regions across the country.

ATFAL RALLY 2011 REPORT

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Included in the presentation was the eye witness accounts of Mohammed Shoaib Nayyar Sahib and his 13 year old son Shahzeb who bravely deconstructed the events of the fatal day to our Atfal living in the UK. This was followed by the Academic and Sports finals which was watched by all Atfal with interest. Following the final competitions the Atfal heard the news that Huzur was to attend and address them personally which uplifted their spirits. Prior to Huzur’s keynote address Amir UK, Rafiq Hayat Sahib delivered a speech to the Atfal on a variety of poignant and contemporary issues which ended with an insightful anecdote from the life of Moses . After the speech by Amir Sahib, the concluding session began with the Rally report by Mohtamim Atfal UK which included the attendance figure of 998 Atfal. The Majlis was then blessed that the Khalifa of the time took time out of his busy schedule to grace the event. The Rally was brought to a close with a keynote address covering the life experiences and sacrifices of children during the time of the Holy Prophet delivered by Huzur (see From Your Khalifa To You section) . By far, the highlight of the event was Hadhrat Ameerul Mumineen gracing the rally with his presence. Huzur’s kind and generous decision to address the Atfal was an honour and privilege not only for the Atfal present, but for the whole Majlis. The closing address was an incredible way to conclude the rally and provided the impetus and motivation for Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya UK to move forward.

SATURDAY – FUN FAIR AND MARTIAL ARTS EXHIBITION For the second time in the Atfal Rally history we all participated in a Funfair for the Atfal which was held at the back of the Baitul Futuh complex. Scalextric, punch ball, inflatable bungee run, coconut shy, swing ball and basketball was on offer for Atfal and their parents to participate in. A martial arts exhibition was also organised which included various weapons and Chinese martial arts was on show. Hopefully this exhibition will ignite a passion for martial arts in our Atfal. SUNDAY Sunday kicked off with a presentation by Mohtamim Tarbiyyat, Nauman Raja Sahib, based on the tragic events which took place in Lahore in May last year.

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Such was his effect on medical world that his book Qanun (Cannon of Medicine) was taught in Europe for more than 500 years after his death. His full name was Abū Alī al-Ḥusayn ibn Abd Allāh ibn Sīnā. He was an astronomer, chemist, geologist, Hafiz, psychologist, scholar, theologian, logician, mathematician, physicist, poet, and scientist. In other words he was a polymath. Polymath is a person who has expert knowledge in many fields. He is regarded as one of the famous and influential mind of the Islamic Golden Age. Avicenna was born c. 980 in Afshana, near Bukhara, present day Uzbekistan in Central Asia, which was not advanced in technology or science. When he was a teenager he began studying philosophy, which was difficult for him to understand. In moments of confusion and frustration, he left his books and would go to the mosque and pray until he understood and worked out complex philosophical issues. Deep into the night he would continue his studies, and even in his dreams would work out the solutions to big scientific problems. He read through the Metaphysics of Aristotle forty times, till the words were imprinted on his memory. When he uncovered a medical mystery he would become so happy and thank God straight away, also giving money to the poor in God’s name.

THE LIFE OF AVICENNA

A CUT ABOVE THE REST WORLD LEADING MUSLIMS

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“Father of modern medicine” - when one reads the term, without a name being mentioned, one would naturally link the term to someone who lived very recently either in Europe or America. But the title belongs to a man who lived more than 1000 years ago from today. Surprising as it may sound, he was the product of knowledge revolution brought about by Islam. Known as Avicenna in the western world or “ibn Sina“ in the Muslim world, medicine was only one of the areas where his quest of knowledge benefited man kind.

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Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (ra), mentioned Avicenna in his book: “The philosophies of Aristotle and Plato began to reach Europe through the Muslim philosophers of Spain. The healing genius of Avicenna, the greatest physician ever known to the world till his time, and the wisdom of Averroes who combined in himself secular and religious philosophies and sciences also began to dawn upon the European horizon.” [Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth] Avicenna was a very precocious youth; he had memorised the Holy Qur'an at a very young age and most of the Arabic poetry which he had read. When Avicenna reached the age of thirteen he began to study medicine and by the age of sixteen he started treating patients. Avicenna stresses in his autobiography that he was more or less self-taught but received assistance in his studies at crucial times in his life. The Promised Messiah mentioned Avicenna, saying: “I saw [in a vision] that I was holding the Sceptre of the Czar of Russia, which was quite long and beautiful. On closer examination, it turned out to be a gun, although it did not appear to be one. It contained hidden barrels so that, though it only looked like a sceptre, it was also a gun. Then I saw myself holding the bow of the King Khwarism—who was a contemporary of Avicenna—and Avicenna was also standing nearby. I also killed a lion with this bow and arrow.” [Essence of Islam, Al-Hakam, vol. 7, no. 4, p. 15] Avicenna’s book on medicine, Qanun, was also mentioned by the Promised Messiah in his famous book “Jesus in India”. Qanun contains the description of ointment which was applied to Jesus’ wounds after he was taken down from the cross. This ointment is known as Marham-e-Isa (Ointment of Jesus). The ointment helped to heal the wounds of Jesus . Avicenna's skill in medicine proved to be of great value to him; his reputation caused the Samanid ruler Nuh ibn Mansur to seek him out to treat an illness that the court physicians had been unable to deal with. After Avicenna's treatment proved successful, he was, as a reward, allowed to use the Royal Library of the Samanids (books were very precious before the advent of printing, as they had to be hand copied). This was an unequalled opportunity for Avicenna and assisted him in the development of his great diversity of learning. In his later life Avicenna’s friends advised him to slow down and take life easy which was against his style. He refused, and said: "I prefer a short life with width to a narrow one with length". On his deathbed he gave all his goods to the poor, restored unjust gains, freed his slaves, and read through the Qur'an every three days until his death. He passed away in June 1037, at fifty-eight years old, in the month of Ramadan and was buried in Hamadan, Iran. He will forever be known as the greatest physician of his time. Hopefully our Atfal can also be inspired by our religion and become “World Leading Muslims”.

THE HOMELESS 24 HOURS WITH....

By Zubair Ahmed (Chief Editor of Tahir Magazine) “If you give alms (charity) openly, it is well and good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you” [Holy Qur'an, 2:272] On the 20th of June 2011 I voluntarily decided to leave the comfort and safety of my home and live on the streets of London homeless for one night with the orphans and the poor. I wanted to see what it was really like to live with nothing and nobody in a dangerous and exciting city. I wrote a short diary of my experience which I want to share with you. This is my diary. 7:00pm I have just been dropped off in Central London with my sleeping bag, with no money or food. The weather is cold but I’m not scared yet, everything seems ok so far. There are a lot of people walking around but nobody is disturbing me which is good. I am lying on the floor outside a shop in my sleeping bag and I hope to get some sleep tonight. 9:00pm The weather is starting to become very cold and people are starting to stare at me, wondering why I’m here on a busy road. There are a few homeless people around but they are hidden from sight. I am starting to think that it is very dangerous for me to be here alone because if I get attacked I won’t have anyone to help or protect me, I’m feeling very lonely! 12:00am I still haven’t slept for even a second. A kind man just gave me a £10 note which I didn’t ask for.

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I gave the £10 to a homeless man across the street because he really needed it for breakfast. I don’t know how people can fall asleep on the streets, I keep getting woken up by people walking by. I can’t wait until I get back home. “And when other relations and orphans and the poor are present at the division of heritage, give them something therefrom and speak to them words of kindness.” [Holy Qur'an, 4:9]

3:00am I just saw a few fights and arguments even though there are only a handful of people here, so I’ve gone for a walk. My eyes are barely open and I keep looking behind me checking if anyone is following me. I am becoming paranoid! 5:00am This has been the hardest night of my life, I don’t know how people can live like this every night. It’s such a bad situation to be in. Nobody should live like this, it isn’t a life it’s more like death. You have to fight every day for basic food and shelter, it’s terrible! 7:00am I have just been picked up by my family and we are heading home. What I experienced cannot be described in words, for people to be living in such a bad state in London is shocking. Even if I had a person to talk to it would have meant a lot, being completely alone is the worst feeling in the world! I was surprised to find out that in New York and London there are more than 40,000 people including 16,000 children experiencing homelessness each night. I learnt from my experience that we have so much living in the UK which is provided for us by our family and Jama'at therefore we should use our knowledge, power and resources to help those who are less fortunate. Recently on Huzur’s tour of India he made a point of personally stopping in the streets to give money and support to those helpless and homeless in the cities. Being the children of Ahmadiyyat we should all work together and individually to make a change and difference in the world today. We need to follow the example of our beloved Khalifa to become good citizens.

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As many of you may recall Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V’s Friday Sermon from 29th

October 2010, Huzur has spoken of the dangers in the modern world of innovations in religion. Many of these innovations may appear trivial or just harmless fun, but in reality are very harmful. As you will be aware, the 31st of October marks the celebration of Halloween where many young children dress up as witches and warlocks and engage in "trick or treat", Halloween parties and related events.

Huzur explained that Halloween originated from old Irish pagan practices based on witches. The basic concept being that on the 31st of October the boundaries between the living and the dead are removed and the dead come back to cause harm to the living. In order to avoid being harmed, so-called magicians are called in who take animals and crops from people and sacrifice them in a specific way. Bonfire is also part of the ritual and is meant to frighten the dead. Clearly this is a type of shirk (associating partners with Allah). Similarly the concept of ‘Trick or Treating’, where children dress up in costumes and go from door to door asking for something, is done to bring comfort to spirits. The notion is that if a household gives something to the costume-clad children the dead would not harm the household. Huzur stated that it is against the dignity of any Ahmadi child to dress up in a strange manner and go door to door like beggars, even if it is for chocolates. Huzur advised that an Ahmadi should avoid these innovations and should there be any inclination to such practices one should read the Qur’anic prayer, ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (there is no power to avoid sin or to do good except through Allah) which should turn one’s attention back to the worship of God. Many high street shops are now stocking up on items for this period which will no doubt create excitement amongst young children, therefore we should all pay special attention to Huzur’s advice. May Allah always protect us and our Atfal from such un-Islamic activities and may we respond to the guidance and warning of our beloved Khalifa swiftly and decisively.

CURRENT AFFAIRS HALLOWEEN

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The National Atfal Football tournament 2011 was held on Saturday the 11th June of 2011. Nine regions were represented by their best young talent who were hand-picked from around the country. The regions represented were: East, Islamabad, Middlesex, Muqami, Baitun Noor, Baitul Futuh, South, Tahir & Masroor. Approximately 125 Atfal registered and participated, this included players and supporters alike. The event started with a brief opening ceremony from Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Farooq Mirza Sahib. Following a short briefing on the rules, etiquette and expectations, the players were pumped and ready for a fierce competition. Each player, team and captain had the responsibility of showing good sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The nine teams were separated into two groups. The tournament started with a preliminary league system where the top four teams in each group then progressed to the quarter finals where the competition started becoming serious and the stars started to shine. 15

The finals were electrifying with determination, commitment, skill and power shown from both teams but only one team could come out victorious going back to their region as champions of the country. The victory finally came to former-winners Baitul Futuh region, as they defended their title against Muqami who were left runners up. The closing session was chaired by Naib Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK, Najm Khan Sahib. Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya managed the entire section of the Atfal games, with a penalty shoot out competition as well for Atfal that were knocked out early in the competition. A lot of support was provided from the National Sehat-e-Jismani department, who also effectively and efficiently ran the sports programme at the National Atfal Rally 2011. Hopefully next year all the teams will come back stronger to try and kick Baitul Futuh region off the top spot and take medals home with them. See you next year! Insha’Allah.

SPORT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2011

Urdu Poem of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II , addressed to the young students at Qadian, India. Rendered in English verse by Hadhrat Dr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and Madam Ella May Garber. The Urdu title of the poem is ‘Naunihaalane Jama’at’ and can be found in Kalam-e-Mahmood

O! Ye tender plants of the Nation, To you I have something to say; Providing my Message May flash not away. Advice I would give To the Nation’s youth; That they may not say, I withheld the Truth. When we pass away, the burdens Of life you will have to bear So be not seekers of idle rest But do and dare Serve the Faith with the heart Filled with God’s sweet grace And let not a thought of compensation Cloud your face Let your eyes fill with tears And your heart burn with love Let your spirit ascend beyond Islam’s mere name to the realms above- No bragging in the head No thunder of wrath in the eye, No desire for revenge, no curse on the Lips Which would cause they brother to sigh Which were written in the past

The well-wishing of Brethren Always keep in sight, Neither criticise nor mischief make But cling to the right Be free from jealousy And contentment create Make not gold your beloved Nor silver your charmed mate. With full attention continue Offering prayers and keeping fast Obeying God’s commandments If you have wealth be charitable In giving alms to those who need Fear not the days of trouble If the needy you would feed. Let not Reason be the ruler Over Faith which is salvation Blind is the reason if it be not Guided by the Sun of Revelation. Cling fondly to all the Truth Whenever and wherever you find Follow not the imaginations Calling it knowledge of the mind The believers who love Muhammad Be not an enemy to them But keep yourself aloof from those Who would the Prophet condemn Live in peace taking no part With those who trouble create; Cause no anxiety not disturbance For the rulers of the State

TO THE NATIONS YOUTH POETRY

If you write poetry, send it to the editor at ishaat@atfal.org.uk or to your regional Nazim Atfal and we will publish it in the next edition.

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ATFAL CHANDA

Your Atfal chanda for the year is only £15 which includes £3 for Ijtema chanda, that is just over £1 per month. It is encouraged for you to pay at the beginning of the year rather than leaving it till the last second. You can pay your chanda to your local or regional Atfal Nazim.

TEHRIK-E-JADID

Tehrik-e-Jadid was launched by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II in 1934 to help spread the message of Ahmadiyyat throughout the world. For more than 75 years, funds collected through this scheme have enabled translations of the Holy Qur'an and the Promised Messiah’s writings, Mosques, Centres and has supported many Waqfeen–e-Zindagi (life devotees) abroad to spread the teachings of Islam. Be part of this blessed scheme and donate whatever you can today!

WAQF-E-JADID

On December 27th 1957 Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II started the blessed project called The New Dedication (Waqf-e-Jadid). Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II planned to create a network of Mualimeen (Teachers) who should be devoted to the upbringing of the members throughout Pakistan. This scheme was made world-wide in 1985 by Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV (ru). There are three ranks encouraged for Atfal to achieve through this scheme, these are: Young Mujahid: £12 Saffe Dom: £25 Saffe Awal: £50 Please note that Atfal who reach the Saffe Awal rank are fortunate to have their names sent to Huzur for his special prayers.

YATAMA APPEAL

“And when other relations and orphans and the poor are present at the division of heritage, give them something therefrom and speak to them words of kindness.” [Holy Qur'an, 4:9] In his sermon Huzur said this about Orphans and the less fortunate: “The objective is to bring them up in a manner that they become the best part of society. Orphans can lose their potential due to inferiority complex.” At the end of this Sermon, Huzur Aqdas launched an appeal for the Yatama Scheme. The English summary of this is: “Therefore today Huzur made a Tehrik to all the Pakistani Ahmadis who live in USA, Canada, Europe and the UK to participate in this scheme. What greater glad-tiding can there be for a believer than that he/she will be given a place at the feet of the Holy Prophet Huzur said he has estimated that if each person of Ahmadi households of the UK, Europe, Canada and USA paid £7 to £10 per head annually towards this scheme a huge burden of the Yatama scheme can be met.” As members of Majlis Atfalul Ahmadiyya UK, we should be foremost in our response to Khilafat.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS INFORMATION

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Training sessions for Midlands Atfal football team are held regularly. The Atfal mobile phone re-cycling campaign. Tarbiyyati classes are held on a quarterly basis with good attendance followed by ten pin bowling for all. An Atfal Viral video was produced by Midlands Atfal for the National Aftal Rally.

MIDLANDS

We held two regional Tarbiyyati classes. We achieved the best attendance at the regional Ijtema and Bradford North received best attendance for a small Qiadat from our beloved Huzur at the National Atfal Rally 2011. There was a Laser Quest tournament held which was enjoyed by all Atfal that attended. We will definitely do it again!

NORTH EAST

MUQAMI We hold regular Sunday Classes at a local college with optional tuition classes, weekly sports events (Football, Badminton) at the Fazl Mosque. We have also held several Q&A sessions with Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashid Sahib. Organised three regional Sports Days, one Annual Tarbiyyati class and a trip to the Royal Air force Museum. Tahajjud prayers are also offered in congregation every two weeks. Two newsletters were produced for the Atfal.

North West region organised a Trip for Atfal to the Imperial War Museum North. 30 atfal attended. The final part of the trip was a journey to the air shard which contains a 100 foot high viewing platform also within the building of the museum. The stunning views were enjoyed by all those not too afraid to move. Weekly Taleem classes take place at the regional Mission house with an attendance of 25 Atfal.

NORTH WEST

We hold a weekly tuition class for all Atfal. We have all been to many trips including the Science Museum and the oldest synagogue in Britain. We have held our regional Atfal Ijtema and we hold badminton training sessions. We produced a magazine for Atfal in our region.

EAST

WHAT'S HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTRY? THE BIG PICTURE

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Humza Ahmed (aged 15), Nayyab Malek (aged 8) and Behram Syed (aged 14) all donated £50 each for the Tehrik-e-Jadid scheme earlier this year. Their donations will help spread the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat across the world, and God will reward their efforts manifold. All Atfal should participate in this blessed scheme.

HIGH ACHIEVING YOUNG MUSLIMS

X U C N L D P I D B P H H B H

A E O O Z K U A Q F M M W P T

J X O M B D V C A A S I E O L

O J T O O I B W M M J S L N W

N U V L D S B M R A O H U Z O

A Z T O I J E I A J D Y L F O

H D K S T P D S E H K A B U M

Y J F I I N D S U O A V J E X

T Y L I B M P R W Z S R N Y H

I I E T D E M M A H O M B J A

V D I O H M O R Z T F O U A O

E R K Z P P B W O X Z U V J N

V U O A R H J H D E U V K A A

J E S U S J I Q W U K T Y O F

F D K S Y H C O X D S Q I N Y

THERE ARE 25 PROPHETS NAMED IN THE HOLY QUR'AN

FIND THE NAME OF THE PROPHETS MENTIONED IN THE HOLY QUR'AN BELOW

THE HOLY PROPHET SAID THERE WERE ABOUT 124,000 PROPHETS IN HISTORY

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Mubaraz Amini (aged 13) from North East Region has achieved excellent results in school. He has also memorised two parts of the Holy Qur’an and has led Bradford North and Bradford South Jama’at as Taraweeh prayer. He has received 1st prize for Tilawat from Huzur at the National Atfal Rally 2011. He was also blessed to do Tilawat in the final session of the National Atfal Rally 2011

HIGH ACHIEVING YOUNG MUSLIMS

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This crossword is based on the contents of the magazine. If you don’t know the answers then re-read the pages mentioned in the clues below.

ACROSS 1. O ye who believe! seek help with patience and …… (6) 3. At the … of seven a boy should be aware of daily prayers and his importance (3) 4. According to the Five Pillars of Islam, after the Kalima, the second important obligation is …. (5) 5. Hadhrat Ali was nearly … years old when he accepted Islam (3) 7. Which child Sahabi pleaded with the Holy Prophet to allow him to join the battle (5) DOWN 1. In this day and age, Jihad is not of the sword but of the … (3) 2. The purpose of your existence is to establish a relationship with ….(5) 4. Hadhrat Masih Mau’ud’s wife’s name is Hadhrat ….. Jehan Begum (6) 4. Atfal Chanda amounts to …. pounds for the year (6) 5. Huzur advised that an Ahmadi should …… Halloween

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SEE NEXT PAGE FOR CLUES AND ANSWERS

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CLUES FOR CROSSWORD: ACROSS: DOWN: 1. Page 1 1. Page 6 3. Page 4 2. Page 6 4. Page 5 4. Page 5 5. Page 5 5. Page 17 7. Page 6 6. Page 16

ANSWERS FOR CROSSWORD: 1. Prayer 1. Pen 3. Age 2. Allah 4. Namaz 4. Nusrat 5. Ten 5. Twelve 7. Omair 6. Avoid

RIDDLES Question: Why did the boy throw the watch out of the window? Answer: To see time fly. Question: What is the difference between a fisherman and a lazy student? Answer: One baits his hook the other hates his book. Question: What do you call a fish without an eye? Answer: A fsh. Question: What do sea monsters eat? Answer: Fish and Ships Question: What kind of stones are never found in the ocean? Answer: Dry Stones Question: What city has no people? Answer: Electricity!

EID-UL-ADHA 7th November

JALSA SALANA QADIAN 2011 26th, 27th and 28th December

WAQF-E-JADID YEAR ENDS 31st December

TEHRIK-E-JADID YEAR ENDS 31st October

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOU TO NOTE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

ATFAL RALLY UK 2011