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(Vol. 7:2)
August 2012 AAIIL Worldwide
Edition Editor: Akbar Ibn Abdullah
CALIFORNIA JAMA‘AT PROJECT: APPROVED BY THE CENTRAL ANJUMAN, LAHORE
May
Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
.......... The HOPE Bulletin ……….. Health, Ongoing Projects, Education
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About the cover:
Dr. Zahid Aziz of the United Kingdom took this photo and reported:
The moon on 12 August 2012, at U.K. time 5.20 a.m., looking east, 20 minutes before sunrise:
The moon was quite high up in the sky, and to the right of the sun (ahead of it in motion). The crescent
is pointing towards the direction of the sun, because it is the sun which is illuminating it.
Tomorrow (13 August) at the same time the crescent will be thinner and closer to the rising sun.
Over the following two to three days, looking at the same time, it will become thinner and thinner, and
closer and closer to the sun at sunrise time.
After that, at sunrise, it will become impossible to see it because it will be too close to the sun. When
it reaches the same position as the sun, it becomes astronomically new. After that, its position will be to the left of the sun, and quite close to it. When that happens we then
look for it at sunset time because it will be following the sun, and not be ahead of it. At sunset, that
day, or a day or two later, just after the sun has set, the crescent will be seen just above the sun, if the
weather is clear.
Again, the crescent will be pointing towards the direction of the sun, i.e. downwards and to the right.
Zahid Aziz
INTRODUCTION
Akbar Ibn Abdullah, Editor
We begin this column with a letter received from our versatile writer, Br Jalal Ud Dean, Chairperson
of Inter-Faith Search Council of Suva, Fiji, which reads:
Assalaamu’Alaikum.
Thank you very much for the June-July 2012 HOPE Bulletin. It was like a variety of savoury
dishes as hors d'oeuvres. Excellent.
The change in the format and style is noticeably captivating and entices continuous reading.
I’m given to understand from your Email that many of the AAIIL global members are out of
reach of the HOPE Bulletin. Perhaps I may be wrong and open to correction, but my
assessment is that many of the AAIIL geographical and regional branches have their own
magazines/bulletins and their circulation is mainly amongst many of those who are not on the
HOPE list of addressees.
Whilst a globally central information organ may be a preference, those geographical branches
still have fundamental rights to initiate and regulate what they want in their information
organs.
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Perhaps a suggestion lurks, that the HOPE Bulletin could/should be sent to the executives of
those geographical branches, for them to relay as forwarded Email to their other members on
their directory. On the contrary, many persons and including members of the AAIIL are
possessive of their Emails and prefer not to have them widely circulated.
The outreach to others may be gradual and Insha-Allah that will cover much wider readership.
Shukran and Wassalaam.
We welcome Br Jalal Ud Dean’s suggestion about sending the Bulletin to the executives of
geographical branches for them to forward to their respective members. JazakAllah!
Besides our aim to apprise our global readers with up-to-date health news, educational programs and
worldwide Jama‘at projects, our core objectives are:
1. To educate and instil a sense of unity amongst all members of worldwide Lahore Ahmadiyya
Jama‘ats. 2. To promote and emphasize the need of establishing respect for Ameer-i-Qaum and the Jama‘at
in order to demonstrate a sense of dignity of the Organization in the eyes of global Jama‘ats
and the world.
3. To treat all Jama‘ats equally. We give equal importance in news coverage to small Jama‘ats
as that given to the larger ones.
4. We respect the contribution of all our writers, even those who are not recognized, so their
contributions do not go unnoticed; we give publicity to dedicated workers and “dedicated
heroes” in our Jama‘ats.
Speaking about dedicated heroes, we have decided to add a new column to our esteemed magazine,
writing about those devoted workers who are still alive, to augment our existing column, “All About
Us,” in which we present the life and mission of dedicated workers of our Jama‘at posthumously. We
begin our “Dedicated Heroes” segment this month with our respected brother, Saeed Ahmad
Chaudhry, retired Imam of the Berlin Mosque.
We endeavour to do our best to improve the magazine to maintain and to generate greater interest, but
this task would not be possible without the support and guidance of Hazrat Ameer-i-Qaum, Dr. Abdul
Karim Saeed Pasha Sahib, and the worldwide Jama‘ats.
We urge you all to continue to be supportive with contributions of your news, articles, reports, etc.,
and feel free to submit your critique to keep us on our toes.
May Allah (swt) with His bountiful mercy bless you and your families and keep you all under His
protection and care at all times. Aameen.
JAMA‘AT NEWS
Hazrat Ameer thanks the well-wishers who sent their comments on the Tarbiyatti
Classes 2012
This year the annual Tarbiyatti course was held from 1-15 July. The daily programme of training was
broadcast from the Central Mosque in Darus Salam, Lahore.
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The response from the worldwide listeners was overwhelming and very encouraging. Many of our
global members wrote to Hazrat Ameer-i-Qaum with their favourable comments. Hazrat Ameer Sahib
thanked the well-wishers who wrote to him with their appreciation, and he wrote to us to express his
gratitude through our esteemed journal:
Dear Akbar,
Assalamu alaikum wr wb.
I would appreciate if you thank all of the members of the Jamaat who are sending in their messages of
appreciation and sparing time to follow up the course.
Pasha
Tabligh work during Ramadan in Paramaribo, Suriname
JazakAllah! During the blessed month of Ramadan our dedicated sister, Mary Ghafoerkhan, kept
herself busy in tabligh work mainly amongst the non-Muslim communities of Paramaribo, Suriname.
She reported her Ramadan activities as follows:
Tonight I have to speak at an Iftar organized by the Indian Embassy. I will be the MC and talk about
Ramadan and its virtues.
We will all pray Maghrib and later have dinner together.
SIV and other Muslim Organizations are also taking part.
I have just organized an Iftar for the Indian Embassy here and tomorrow, InshaÁllah, I will do the same
for the Cultural Union Suriname (CUS).
Since these are non-Muslims but willing to organize Iftar for fasting people and other invitees I see this
as dawah (tabligh), so I am very happy to help.
I give a 10 minute talk about Ramadan and I also take care of the religious duties like selecting an
Imam to do the Iftar duwa, after which we break our fast. About 10 minutes later he calls the azaan for
Maghrib and after that he leads the Maghrib namaaz. I take care of the room where we will pray with
mats and sheets and I also select the menu for dinner.
Some of our guests leave after dinner to go to their mosques for Isha and Tarawih but many stay on for
a short cultural program of Qawalies and Naats. …
For the rest of the Ramadan we wish you Ramadan Mubarak!
Allah-Hafiz! Mary and Khaliel
We commend Sis. Mary for her noble and dedicated work and are also grateful to her husband, Dr
Khaliel Ghafoerkhan, for being fully supportive of Sister Mary’s dawah activities.
May Allah (swt) with His bountiful mercy bless them both and reward them for their good deeds in
this world. Ameen.
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Interfaith Search Fiji monthly gathering at Suva, Fiji
Br Jalal Ud Dean, Chairperson of Interfaith Search Fiji, conducts monthly meetings of the
organisation’s members on various religious subjects of mutual interest agreed upon by the members
of different religious faiths. This monthly gathering takes place in various venues of Suva Township.
However, lately Masjid Noor’s conference room has become the preferred venue.
In the last meeting, held during Ramadan, the interfaith group discussed the topic “Appreciating God’s
Gift of Life as mentioned in Our Scriptures.” For more information, kindly read the following report
submitted by Br Jalal Ud Dean:
Assalaamu'Alaikum
Last Friday, we had Interfaith Search Fiji gathering and the topic was “Appreciating God’s Gift of Life
as Mentioned in Our Scriptures.” There were presentations by mainstream Hindus, Baha’i, Christians,
and the lone Muslim presentation by AAIIL Fiji.
Some participants had the first liberal opportunity to read and listen to extracts from the Holy Qur’an,
as many religions do not encourage their members to read and listen to others’ scriptures. The
impeccable beauty of the Holy Qur’an most certainly won their admiration, as quoted in the attached
expanded article, which is structured around various quotations.
Interfaith Search Fiji comprises 18 religious groups.
Shukran and Wassalaam.
Researchers in Makkah announced the date of Eid on their website
“Some researchers determined well in advance that Eid-ul-Fitr in Saudi Arabia was to be
celebrated on Sunday, August 19, 2012. This is a great departure from the Saudi tradition
which in the past strictly adhered to moon sighting and a decree from the Royal Clergy.”
Dr. Zahid Aziz of the United Kingdom, who has provided us with this information, also submitted his
comments on the trend of this event. Here is what he says:
Assalamu alaikum.
Some researchers in Makkah announced on their website a few days ago that: “Eid Al Fitr 2012 is on
Sunday, 19th August 2012 all over the world”.
Please see this link: http://www.makkahcalendar.org/en/eid-al-fitr-2012.php
In my opinion they are correct. But note that this is not the Saudi government announcement because
their announcement only comes on the evening of 29th Ramadan.
The U.K. Jamaat has been pre-determining the dates for Eids (and start of Ramadan) every year since
1978. We announced in January this year that Eid-ul-Fitr (at least for the U.K.) would be on Sunday
19th August.
Regards,
Zahid Aziz
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Comments on an Urdu booklet authored by Amir Aziz, General Secretary, AAIIL
One of our global readers, not well-versed in the Urdu language though fluent in English, enquired
about a 28-page booklet, Mujaddid-e-waqt ki Shanakaht kay usool Aur Hadith-i-Mujaddid, authored
by our respected brother, Amir Aziz, General Secretary AAIIL. This booklet is posted on Central
Anjuman’s website, www.aaiil.org.
In order to provide him with a satisfactory response, we solicited the assistance of Capt. Abdus Salam
Khan of Cucamonga, California, a versatile translator, who provided us with the following brief
analysis of the content of the booklet:
This tract has been written in the backdrop of several claimants to Mujjadid-hood who have recently
appeared on the scene and are inviting all Muslims, especially Ahmadis, to join them. The author has
stated certain criteria set by the Promised Messiah regarding the Imam of the times, and how to
recognize him. It is a 28-page booklet and preparing a gist is rather difficult for me. Anyone who is
interested to know the contents in English should call me and I can explain to them verbally.
Newly elected Board Members of the Amsterdam Jama‘at
Br A.S. Abdul Santoe Sahib, Central Anjuman’s European Representative, is pleased to announce the
election of the new Board Members of the Amsterdam Jama‘at in the Netherlands.
Mr. Hank Nasser and his team must be congratulated on the assumption of their newly acquired
responsibilities. JazakAllah!
May Allah (swt) with His bountiful mercy bless all the members of the Board and make them
successful in their service to the community and diligent in discharging their duties. Aameen.
The names and contact information of the members are as follows:
President: Hank Nasser
Jan de Jonghkade
020-6138376/ 0619929448
Vice-Pres.: Nasje Hussain
Ibizastraat 36 - 1060 TB A`dam
0206699977/ 06 23303590
Secretary: Mrs. Mavis Mohamedjoesoef-Muradin
Gouden Leeuw 245 - 1103 KE a`d
020-6995121 /0623700968 [email protected]
Treasurer: Haroen Jahangier
Laan der Voc 35 - 1335 TJ Almere
0642484521 [email protected]
Commissioner: Lalmohamed
Willemmolhof 12 - 1065 AH A`dam
020-6176437 [email protected]
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Commissioner: Ali Anandbahadoer
Burg. van Leeuwenlaan 28 2 hoog
1064 KS Amsterdam tel.: 0686488783
Commissioner: Ro Juthan
J.Kruselaan 166 - 1106 ZL A`dam
020-6975464/ 06 45481641
Imams: Nadeem & Naushaad
Jalal Ud Dean congratulates the new Board of the Amsterdam Jama‘at
Assalaamu'Alaikum.
1. My most sincere and heartiest congratulations to the new President and the new Board of
AAIIL Amsterdam.
2. I am wholly confident that after the commissioned diagnostic exercise carried out to determine
and identify persistent problem areas, the AAIIL Amsterdam is now all ready to roll into
motion to lead the rest of the Jama‘at on the correct path, so that all will be pleased with the
expected outcomes.
3. Whilst the identified problem areas in any society are not for public consumption and display,
in this modern time and as in all societies, the personal inspirations of one and all are not so
easily met collectively, within the windows of time in focus.
4. There may not be a Muslim society where differences were not resolved after certain
disagreements.
5. Insha-Allah, the new Board under its new leadership will be in a prime advantaged position, to
have its Corporate Plan, key result areas and of course key performance indicators in
measuring outcomes and successes. Amin.
6. Shukran and Wassalaam.
PRAYER & HEALTH NEWS
Shifa of Dr. Muhammad Shamsuddin Sahu Khan of New Zealand
Shaukat A. Ali, Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Region
Dear Brother Akbar Abdullah sahib
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatuhu.
We are sorry to learn that our dear brother Dr. M. S. Sahu Khan is hospitalized.
We pray that Allah ta’ala grants him speedy and complete recovery which leaves no ailment behind
and that he is discharged in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with his loved ones and members of NZ
Jamaat.
Allah hafiz. Shaukat
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Faizal & Shareen Sahu Khan, Fremont, California, USA
Please convey our wishes for a speedy recovery.
Faizal and Shareen Sahu-Khan
Fremont, California
Release of Bhabi Hazra from hospital in New Zealand
Report by Abid Raza, President, AAIIL, New Zealand
Dear Br Akbar,
A.A.WRWB.
As discussed yesterday, I am pleased to advise that my wife was discharged from the hospital on
Friday 17th after 9 weeks since her illness.
Please record my heartfelt appreciation to Hazrat Ameer Sahib for his personal assurance vide
telephone that she will come out of this ordeal, and that of the global members for their prayers for her
shifa and complete recovery.
Your payers have been answered thus further cementing my belief in the power of prayer and the
promise of our Imaam who stated that “whoever enters my spiritual house Allah Subhantalla will
protect them” – how befitting is the case of my wife. She is not out of the woods yet, but her recovery
was really a miracle. Please continue with our prayer vigil that she recovers fully.
Eid greetings from the Razas both here and in Auckland and Fiji. I must also thank Br Akbar for his
untiring efforts to advise the global members vide The HOPE Bulletin during my wife’s ordeal and
various phone calls seeking regular updates. Well done again Jack.
Allah Hafiz.
Best Regards
Abid Raza
Shaukat A. Ali elated on the release of Bhabi Hazra from hospital
Dear Brother Abid
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahe wa Barakatuhu.
Alhamdulillah, we are delighted to learn that Bhabi sahiba has been discharged from hospital in time
to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with her loved ones at home.
We are, of course, continuing to pray that Allah ta’ala grants her speedy and complete shifa which
leaves no ailment behind – aameen. We are also glad to note that our global brotherhood remained
united in its prayers during the entire period of her hospitalization and it augurs well for the future of
the Anjuman. However we must remain conscious of the fact that prayers of people are answered
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provided the person for whom others are praying has obtained and maintains taqwah and is doing the
right things. We can therefore safely assume that Bhai sahiba and her loved ones must have been
doing good to others in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Book. The Holy Quran has given
examples of son and wife of Prophets Noah and Lot respectively, where their prayers were not
accepted because of the attitude and evil inclinations of the loved ones they prayed for.
We all know that Bhabi sahiba had played excellent host to hundreds of people and Compassionate
and Merciful Allah has given her and the family the opportunity to intensify their service to Islam and
Ahmadiyyat with enhanced zeal and vigour. We are confident that you all will take advantage of this
opportunity to thank Allah Subhanutallah by making more sacrifices for the Jamaat, whose primary
objective is to take the message of the Holy Book to others.
Please convey our Salaams to your loved ones as well as the members of the Jamaat.
Allah hafiz. Shaukat
Request for du‘a-e-shifa
We request the members of our “Prayer Circle” to continue to pray for the complete shifa and speedy
recovery of our ailing brothers, Dr. Muhammad Shamsuddin Sahu Khan of New Zealand and Arshad
Alvi and Muhammad Ali’s father of Pakistan; and Sisters Bhabi Hazra of New Zealand, Jannifar
Khanoum of the USA, Haneefa Sahu Khan of Canada and Sharmeen Baji of Pakistan. May Allah have
mercy on them. Aameen.
Kindly also pray for the health and welfare of Hazrat Ameer, Akbar Abdullah, Choudry Akthar
Masud, Ahmad Nawaz and all other ailing brothers and sisters in our worldwide Jama‘ats.
Our request for special du‘a-e-shifa for Muhammad Ali’s mother
We urge global members of our “Prayer Circle” to raise their hands in fervent prayers to seek Allah’s
mercy on the beloved mother of Br Muhammad Ali of Rawalpindi, Pakistan who is seriously ill in
Pakistan. May Allah (swt) with His bountiful mercy grant the dear mother of Muhammad Ali full shifa
and a speedy recovery. Aameen.
Muhammad Ali wrote:
... Actually my mother is in a serious condition for a number of days and her
condition is fluctuating very often. So my most of the day time is spent with different activities
involving her illness....
To be hurry and impatient for a desired answer and to feel despondent when it does not come and so abandon prayers as useless, will only lead to a life of misery, for this amounts to a rejection of Allah, Most High.
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FEATURE REPORT [Courtesy Muhammad Ameen Sahu Khan]
Centuries-old Bible means Christianity’s death
Iran claims a recently discovered, centuries-old Bible will prove once and for all that Islam is the one
true religion.
The Bible, confiscated from smugglers by Turkish authorities in 2000, is believed to come from the
fifth century and is made from animal hide. Experts believe it may be a copy of the Gospel as written
by Jesus’ disciple Barnabas, but Iranian state press claims it is much more than that.
Basij Press in Iran says the Bible contains information that will trigger Christianity’s downfall, and
prove Islam as the superior religion. Basij Press has quoted this version of the Bible as saying “God
has hidden himself as Archangel Michael ran them (Adam and Eve) out of heaven, (and) when Adam
turned, he noticed that at top of the gateway to heaven, it was written ‘La elah ela Allah, Mohamad rasool Allah,’ ” meaning, Allah is the only God and Mohammad His prophet.
Iranian state press went on to report the Bible saying that Jesus never died on the cross, and that he
himself predicted Mohammed’s coming.
The book was found by authorities in 2000 during a crackdown on antiques smugglers, but excitement
has recently been generated by claims the Vatican wants to get its hands on the book. In February it
was claimed the Vatican had made an official request to view the book, which is thought to still lie in
a Turkish museum.
While most experts have rubbished Iran’s claims, the Islamic nation is adamant the book means the
downfall of Christianity. “The most significant fact, though, is that this Bible has predicted the coming
of Prophet Mohammad and in itself has verified the religion of Islam,” state television claims.
[Source: Yahoo News]
“Who is, then, more unjust than he who utters a lie against Allah and denies the truth when it comes to him? Is there not in hell an abode for the disbelievers? And he who brings the truth and accepts the truth — such are the dutiful. They shall have with their Lord what they please. Such is the reward of the doers of good — that Allah may ward off from them the worst of what they did, and give them their reward for the best of what they did” (39:32-35).
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DEDICATED HEROES
SAEED AHMAD CHAUDHRY Retired Imam, Berlin Mosque
[Contributed by his daughter Maliha]
Sorry for the delay. The other day I sat with Abbi ji and asked him a lot of questions. Some things he
remembers, others he has either forgotten or mixes them up with other times in his life. So, the next
day I video-recorded him, had him talk about his time in Germany to capture as much as I could. I am
sharing some of that information below.
He was there for about 16 years, 1987 to 2004. He was 63 when he went to Berlin and 79 when he left.
Role of Imam
He said that when he went there, about 8 to 10 people would show up for prayers. The Mosque was
basically used for people to say their prayers. He felt that the purpose of a mosque was much more
than that. A mosque needs to be like a community center, where people gather to say their prayers, but
in addition, discuss their issues, help each other out. The role of the Imam, he felt, was not just to lead
prayers, but to make sure everyone in his community was all right. If they had any issues, they should
trust him enough to approach him for help. With that in mind, he started building a jamaat and at the
next Eid, the Mosque was packed with people.
Butt Sahib
Talking about Butt sahib – you know he does not say anything negative about anyone – he said that
probably because the Ahmadia Jamaat does not pay enough and he had to support his family, he went
to the Goethe Institute to study German and worked as a translator and interpreter to earn a decent
living. He did very well for himself and had become very independent and did things as he pleased,
without consulting the Lahore Jamaat, something they did not appreciate. That is why, in his opinion,
they called him back. If there were other reasons, he is not aware of them.
Funds for Masjid There was nothing in the Masjid’s account when he went there. He would use his own money to get
tea and snacks for people who would visit. He put a donation box close to the entrance of the Masjid
and informed people about it. That money would then go to the Masjid’s account and soon, there was
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enough money for the monthly expenses of the Masjid. (I know that most of his salary, which was not
much, would also go into this donation box. :))
Chanda for repairs for Mosque
An assistant had gone with him, who again was more interested in developing and establishing
himself, but initially did help with some work. Butt sahab had rolled up and put the carpets, that were
very dirty and smelly, in the basement. He and his assistant pulled them out, washed them, one by one;
would take them in at night and out again every morning until they were completely dry. The Masjid
was in bad shape and needed a lot of repairs. When he came to Pakistan for the next jalsa, he asked in
his speech to everyone to help out with the repairs. Mian Fazal Ahmad announced that all the chanda
collected that year will go for the repair of the Mosque in Berlin. Abbi also went to America to collect
chanda for the repairs.
Renovations to Mosque
He was able to have the whole Mosque and the Mission House renovated in the next few years. The
basement, because of the old heating system, was totally black with soot; piles of books everywhere
and other things that were not used. They pulled everything out, cleaned it, had the heating system
replaced, re-did the whole basement, walls re-plastered, painted; went through the books, cleaned and
saved the ones that could be saved and turned two rooms downstairs into a library where people could
sit and read. The Jamaat of Holland was very helpful in the process. They would collect all sorts of
construction workers with their tools etc., and food and join them in Berlin for a week. They helped
with the work, would cook the food they had brought with them and would work long hours.
Work on garden
He re-did the garden as well. Cleaned it out and planted new plants. The neighbours would watch him
with interest and curiosity and would once in a while help out also.
Visits by the public to Mosque As the word spread around that the Mosque was up and running and open to people, schools started
sending their students to learn. Groups of social workers would schedule time to learn about Islam and
have their questions answered. He says that in his childhood his health was not very good, so he spent
a lot of time with his mother when she visited her father, Dr. Basharat Ahmad, and her sister, who was
married to Maulana Muhammad Ali. Because of his ill health, instead of playing with other children
outside, he would sit with them and listen to them talk about the religion and notice how they
answered people’s questions, So, he was very comfortable answering people’s questions about Islam
when he started working at the Berlin Masjid. He worked sixteen-hour days. His diary would be full of
appointments. He would get up very early to clean the Masjid and the Mission House first and get
ready for the people and groups who were visiting during the day. Those who were attracted to Islam
after listening to him would come back, read the Quran and other books, ask more questions, until
they were so impressed that they would accept Islam. He helped 53 people accept Islam in his 16
years in Berlin.
Health issues
He had health issues at the time around 1992 / 1993, and because he did not want or could not afford
to take a lot of time off of work, he decided to have three things taken care of in one surgery. He had
his gall bladder removed, his appendix removed, and his hernia taken care of. His son, Kamran, who
was studying in the United States at the time, came and took care of him, as he was all by himself
then. In the summer of 2001 he had his first heart attack. He was all by himself when the pain started
at night. For those who know the type of person he is, he did not want to disturb anyone by calling
them in the middle of the night, so he stayed up all night in pain and called a friend in the morning,
who then took him to the hospital right away.
God works in mysterious ways. His granddaughter, Sadaf, had just finished her studies at the London
University and had planned a trip to visit him in Berlin. She was arriving the same day he was taken to
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the hospital. She was taken straight to the hospital from the airport. The jamaat he had developed was
very helpful in his time of need. They were like a family to him. They also helped Sadaf extend her
visa, as she had decided to stay with him until he fully recovered. At the hospital they put a stent in his
heart, which was helpful for the time being.
Time with family He had his second heart attack six months later and ended up with two more stents. His family started
asking him to return to Pakistan as they were concerned about his health, especially after the first heart
attack, but he was so involved in his work that he could not imagine his life without it. Again, God
helped him through the transition. When Kamran, his only son, had his first son, Sagar, in September
2002 and when Abbi visited him in December of 2002, he got so attached to him and felt that he had
an important role to play in his up-bringing. Even though, it took him more than two years after that to
wrap up the work in Berlin and join Kamran, who was in Rome at the time. The family was relieved,
and he started his next phase of life, spending time with Sagar, reading him stories, showing him
pictures, books, computer, playing at the beach ...
Propagation work When you talk to him now about his 16 years in Berlin, he does not like to talk about the challenges,
which we know were many. He, however, loves to talk about his achievements. First of all the 53
people he helped convert to Islam, a lot of whom he considers scholars, as they had studied Islam in
depth before accepting it. He remembers that his Khaloo ji (Maulana Muhammad Ali) used to say that
if you give someone a Quraan, the Quraan does the work after that. So he distributed a lot of copies of
the Quraan in his 16 years in Berlin. He would keep enough copies in the Mission House and present
them to those who visited and asked a lot of questions.
What he loves to talk about is his detailed conversations with thousands of students and others who
visited; how he helped them change their perception about Islam by answering their questions. He also
feels good about the fact that when he went to the Berlin Mosque in 1987, it was in a very bad shape,
but when he left 16 years later, it was all renovated, almost as good as new, and some parts of the
structure were even upgraded. Even though it has been almost eight years since he left Berlin, the
jamaat / community he developed while he was there still remembers him fondly.
Message from covert
A message from one of them, Ghasala Poerschke, a few months ago:
Assalamu aleikum dear Uncle Saeed. Today I think with special gratitude of you! It’s 20 years ago that you were my witness of Shahada in Berlin, alhamdulillah! Wish you all the best for your health and for your family my best wishes too! Much love and good thoughts for you.
He has had a very blessed life; not an easy one, but very blessed. At almost 87 years of age, he likes to
spend his time reading most of the time and with his children and grandchildren.
Maliha
“The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the parable of a grain growing seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies (further) for whom He pleases. And Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, then do not follow up what they have spent with reproach or injury, their reward is with their Lord, and they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve” (2:261-262).
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RELIGIOUS NEWS [Contributed by Brother Jalal Ud Dean, Suva, Fiji]
Religious Texts Relating to Women in Our Scriptures
1. What the Holy Qur’an states about the equality of all women to all men since
creation.
4:1: “O people, keep your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single being and created its
mate of the same (kind), and spread from these two many men and women. And keep your duty to
Allah, by Whom you demand one of another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship. Surely
Allah is ever a Watcher over you.”
16:72: “And Allah has made wives for you from among yourselves, and has given you sons and
daughters from your wives, and has provided you with good things. Will they then believe in
falsehood and deny the favour of Allah?”
7:19: “And (We said): O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, so eat from whence you desire,
but go not near this tree, lest you become of the unjust.”
9:71: “And the believers, men and women, are friends one of another. They enjoin good and forbid
evil and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Messenger. As for these, Allah
will have mercy on them. Surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.”
30:21: “And of His signs is this, that He created mates for you from yourselves that you might find
quiet of mind in them, and He put between you love and compassion. Surely there are signs in this for
a people who reflect.”
85:10: “Those who persecute believing men and believing women, then repent not, theirs is the
chastisement of hell, and theirs the chastisement of burning.”
2. What the Holy Qur’an states about equal heavenly rewards to women.
16:97: “Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him
(or her) live a good life, and We shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.”
4:32: “And covet not that by which Allah has made some of you excel others. For men is the benefit
of what they earn. And for women is the benefit of what they earn. And ask Allah of His grace. Surely
Allah is ever Knower of all things.”
3. What the Holy Qur’an states about fundamental rights of all women.
4:4: “And give women their dowries as a free gift. But if they of themselves be pleased to give you a
portion thereof, consume it with enjoyment and pleasure.”
4:7: “For men is a share of what the parents and the near relatives leave, and for women a share of
what the parents and the near relatives leave, whether it be little or much — an appointed share.”
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4. What the Holy Qur’an states about inheritance rights for all women.
9:72: “Allah has promised to the believers, men and women, Gardens, wherein flow rivers, to abide
therein, and goodly dwellings in Gardens of perpetual abode. And greatest of all is Allah’s goodly
pleasure. That is the grand achievement.”
4:32: “And covet not that by which Allah has made some of you excel others. For men is the benefit
of what they earn. And for women is the benefit of what they earn. And ask Allah of His grace. Surely
Allah is ever Knower of all things.”
5. Some well-known quotations from the Hadith on women by Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh).
a) “Women are the twin-halves of men.”
b) “Paradise lies at the feet of the mother.”
c) “God commands us to treat women well, for they are our mothers, daughters and aunts.”
d) “The world and all things in the world are valuable, but the most valuable thing in the world is a
virtuous woman.”
e) “A virtuous wife is a man's best treasure.”
f) “Fear God in regard to the treatment of your wives, for verily they are your helpers. You have
taken them on the security of God, and made them lawful by the words of God.”
***
Divorce as Mentioned in Our Scriptures
1. Is divorce permitted in the Holy Qur’an?
2:227: “And if they resolve on a divorce, Allah is surely Hearing, Knowing.”
4:35: “And if you fear a breach between the two, then appoint a judge from his people and a judge
from her people. If they both desire agreement, Allah will effect harmony between them.”
2. What the Holy Qur’an states about the principal permission to divorce.
2:229: “Divorce may be (pronounced) twice; then keep (them) in good fellowship or let (them) go
with kindness. And it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them, unless both
fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah. Then if you fear that they cannot keep within the
limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby. These are the
limits of Allah, so exceed them not; and whoever exceeds the limits of Allah, these are the
wrongdoers.”
3. What the Holy Qur’an states as to what needs doing before any divorce.
2:228: “And the divorced women should keep themselves in waiting for three courses. And it is not
lawful for them to conceal that which Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and
the Last Day. And their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile if they wish
for reconciliation. And women have rights similar to those against them in a just manner, and men are
a degree above them. And Allah is Mighty, Wise.”
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4. What the Holy Qur’an recommends as alternate action before divorce.
2:231: “And when you divorce women and they reach their prescribed time, then retain them in
kindness or set them free with kindness and retain them not for injury so that you exceed the limits.
And whoever does this, he indeed wrongs his own soul. And take not Allah’s messages for a mockery,
and remember Allah’s favour to you, and that which He has revealed to you of the Book and the
Wisdom, admonishing you thereby. And keep your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is the Knower
of all things.”
5. When is divorce not permissible?
65:4: “And for those of your women who have despaired of menstruation, if you have doubt, the
prescribed time shall be three months, and of those, too, who have not had their courses; and as for the
pregnant women, their prescribed time is that they lay, down their burden.”
6. Some well-known quotations from various Hadith or Musnad on “divorce” by
the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
a) Ibn ‘Umar reported: The Prophet (pbuh) said: “With Allah, the most detestable of all things
permitted is divorce.” (Hadith Abu Dawood, 13:1)
b) Thauban said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh), said: “Whatever woman asks for divorce from
her husband without any harm, the sweet odour of paradise shall be forbidden to her.” (Musnad of Ahmad, 5: 277)
c) Ibn al-Musayyab said: The Prophet (pbuh) said: “When a person is found missing while
fighting, his wife shall wait for one year.” (Hadith Sahih Bukhari, 68:22)
WONDERFUL THOUGHTS I met money and said, “You are just a piece of paper.” Money smiled and said, “Of course, but I
haven’t seen a dustbin for me yet.”
Tomorrow will come daily, but today will come today only. So, finish your today’s work today, and
be free tomorrow.
Every night we go to bed, we have no assurance to get up alive the next morning. Still, we have plans
for the coming day. That’s hope.
Do you know who is the sweetest couple in the world? Smile and Tears. They meet rarely, but when
they do, the moment becomes unforgettable.
Richness is not earning, spending or saving more; richness is when you need “no more.”
,
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LESSON ON GENERATION [Submitted by Ahmad Nawaz, Hayward, California, USA]
Now I get it …
People born before 1946 were called the silent and powerful generation.
People born between 1946 and 1964 are called the Baby Boomers.
People born between 1965 and 1979 are called Generation X.
People born between 1980 and 2011 are called Generation Y.
Why do we call the last group Generation Y?
Y should I get a job?
Y should I leave home and find my own place?
Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours?
Y should I clean my room?
Y should I wash and iron my own clothes?
Y should I buy any food?
PUBLICATION
Web link to The HOPE Bulletin on Central Anjuman’s official website
The aaiil.org webmaster will place online, at http://bit.ly/2012hope, some selected issues of The HOPE Bulletin and some articles and special photographic supplements which do not carry any
sensitive or confidential matters of our worldwide Jama‘at.
Re-opening announcement by the General Secretary, AAIIL, of the Anjuman’s
website
Assalamu Aalikum.
We would like to announce that our official website www.aaiil.org has now been regularly updated.
All Jammat members are requested to send their updates to A.S. Santoe sahib, who has been
designated the new webmaster.
We appreciate the services of the previous webmaster, whose dedication and untiring efforts made it a
successful website.
We pray for the new management that may Allah bless them with enthusiasm and devotion to carry
forward this grand task.
To update the list of our worldwide branches in the webpage http://aaiil.org/text/cntct/contact.shtml,
please send in update of contact links of your Jamaat/organization.
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The Light – UK Edition
To access current and previous issues, kindly click on the following web link:
http://www.ahmadiyya.org/
Significantly, you can view the posting of The Light in four languages: English, Urdu, French and
Polish. The publication in other languages is also under consideration. JazakAllah!
The Virtual Mosque link of the United Kingdom
Kindly click on the link www.virtualmosque.co.uk to access various postings on its website.
Publication of Bashshaar (Bringer of Glad Tidings) from Australia
This esteemed journal is edited and sponsored by Brother Muhammad Ameen Sahu Khan in loving
memory of his wonderful wife, the late Begum Mumtaz Bano Sahu Khan.
We strongly recommend that you read this newsletter, which generally is available in print form and
also online at http://www.aaiil.org/australia/bashshaar/bashshaar.shtml. JazakAllah!
The magazine Noor-i-Islam, published from Canada
This most informative and spiritual magazine is edited by our dedicated Brother Sadiq Noor and
regularly published by AAIIL, Alberta, Calgary, Canada.
In the August, 2012 edition of this esteemed journal, we strongly recommend that you read the article
“Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a British agent?” You can find it at
http://aaiil.org/canada/nooriislam/nooriislammagazine.shtml. JazakAllah!
Paigham-e-Haqq, a publication of AAIIL (Fiji)
This highly spiritual publication is published by Brother Abdul Nasim, President of AAIIL (Fiji),
edited by our dear Brother Mehboob Raza, Secretary of AAIIL (Fiji,) and circulated by Brother Imran
Sahukhan.
It generally contains spiritual writings of past and present eminent scholars of the worldwide Lahore
Amadiyya Jama‘at and can be viewed/downloaded at
http://www.aaiil.org/fiji/paighamehaqq/paighamehaqq.shtml. JazakAllah!
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2012 Eid-ul-Fitr Supplement
Brothers and Sisters, it is nearing a final reminder in which you are kindly asked to send in your Eid khutbahs and photographs as soon as possible before the deadline.
In addition to your greetings, which are always welcome, we urge you to send copies of sermons so
that those of us who were not fortunate to be present to listen, can still benefit from the message
contained therein, and thus be elevated spiritually, Insha Allah.
And, as you know, the inclusion of photographs (with relevant captions) helps us to be able to identify
our brothers and sisters in the worldwide Jama‘ats. For those of you who would like to submit reports (text/photographs) of your iftars as well, we would
be only too happy to include those in our special Eid-ul-Fitr Supplement, for the pleasure of our
worldwide readership.
WHAT OUR READERS SAY
Comments on the publication of tribute to Malik Saeed Ahmad Sahib
Hazrat Ameer, Dr Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha Sahib
Dear Akbar,
Assalamu alaikum wr wb.
Please accept my congratulation on the publication of Tribute to Malik Saeed Ahmad Saheb.
Pasha
Dr Zahid Aziz of the United Kingdom
Dear brother Akbar,
Assalamu alaikum.
The biography and photos are very moving. May Allah bless all those involved in producing this
issue. Ameen.
Regards,
Zahid Aziz
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Nasir Ahmad of the United Kingdom
My very dear Bro. Akbar Sahib,
Assalamo alaikum.
May Allah bless you for keeping all of us informed about not only details of events but also about the
life and achievements of our elders.
The Supplement about the late saintly elder Malik Saeed Ahmad is a commendable effort for which all
who worked for and collected the material and prepared the material deserve our thanks.
Jazakumullah! My humble suggestion is that instead of the photo given on the title cover the one with
Malik Sahib praying should have been more appropriate. But on the whole the Supplement is an
excellent effort and a valuable addition to our history.
May Allah bless you with health and strength to continue this very valuable service to the Movement.
Please convey my regards to your supportive wife for providing facilities to you and accompanying
you in accomplishing this time-consuming work.
With thanks and prayers,
Yours sincerely,
Nasir Ahmad
Dr Hamza Rafeeq of Trinidad on his return journey home
Assalamu Alaikum.
I have been receiving your mails and as usual I enjoying reading them. May Allah continue to bless
you for your work.
I am not in Trinidad. I am working in Brazil for the past year and a half. However I try to go home for
Eid. Right now I am at the airport on my way to Trinidad.....
May Allah bless you and your family and the entire Jamaat during this period of Eid and always.
Eid Mubarak. Hamza
Eid and Ramadan greetings from Ahamed Hosein, President, Ontario Jama‘at Assalaam O Alaikum Br Jak Akbar
Eid Mobarak to you and your family. May your Fast and your Prayers be accepted by Allah.
May Allah bless you for the great work you are doing in keeping us informed with the activities of the
Anjuman.
Yours Faithfully
Ahamed Hosein
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HOPE MEMBER SERVICE
Recipe of the Month
Cranberry Cooler
Ingredients 1 cup cranberry juice, chilled
1 cup strawberries, chopped
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 Tbsp castor sugar
Method of Preparation Blend all the ingredients in a liquidizer and serve immediately.
Tip: If fresh strawberries are not available, canned strawberries may be used, but omit the sugar.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION
Photos of iftari party given by Br Ahmad Nawaz Sahib & family at the Oakland Mosque
Imam Mustafa introducing the programme of the evening
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Short speeches were delivered by some youngsters ...
Arafat Ridda Ahmad
Humza Ahmad & Abyer Ahmad Zaid Ahmad
followed by ...
Dr. Hameed Jahangiri delivering his Ahmad Nawaz Sahib offering words of thanks
keynote speech on “Ramadan”
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Zafar Abdullah, President of AAIIL, Imam Mustafa and Br Ahmad Nawaz
California, USA, making an appeal for discussing the programme of the evening
the India Mosque project
Imam Mustafa making closing du‘a Zafar Abdullah holding the book authored
by Dr. Ikram Jahangiri (standing)
Ahmad Nawaz, Dr. Hameed Jahangiri, Jaffar Ali Buksh, Sarfraz & others
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Dinner
`
CONTACT INFORMATION
Akbar Abdullah
Editor, The HOPE Bulletin Mailing Address: P.O. Box 232811
Sacramento, California 95823-0430, U.S.A.
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Telephone Number: (773) 539-6892
“ISLAM” stands for “I SHALL LOVE ALL MANKIND”
