Vol. No. 12, Issue Nos. 8, 9August-September 2017

IN MEMORY OF JALAL-UD-DIN AKBAR IBN-I ABDULLAH, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Editor: Nasir Ahmad B.A. LL.B.

PageCONTENTSUNIQUE FEATURES OF THE HOLY KA‘BAH AS THE FIRST HOUSE OF GOD 2Nasir Ahmad, B.A., LL.B.BELIEF IN THE ONE GOD 6Iain ChristianACTIVITIES AT THE BERLIN MOSQUE 8Amir Aziz M.A., Imam, The Berlin MosqueDUTCH AND INDONESIAN TRANSLATIONS OF “ANWARUL QUR’AN”, PART 30, BY DR. BASHARAT AHMAD. 16DR. BASHARAT AHMAD FARUQUI 18POPE FRANCIS PRAYS BEFORE THE SHROUD OF TURIN 24By Don Melvin

FINAL STAGES OF THE COMPLETION OF PHASE 3

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UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE HOLY KA‘BAH AS THE FIRST HOUSE OF GOD

(Friday sermon delivered on 28 August, 2017 at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK)

NASIR AHMAD, B.A., LL.B.

“Certainly, the first house Divinely appointed for men is the one at Bakkah. Blessed and a guidance for all nations!In it are clear signs: it is the Place of Abraham; and whoever enters it is safe; and pilgrim-age to the House is a duty which men owe to Allah – whoever can find a way to it” (3:96-97).

The clear signs in Makkah as enumerated here are three. In fact, these are three prophecies with regard to the future of Makkah. The first is that it is the Place of Abraham which has already been declared to be the Muslim centre (2:125). Hence the first prophecy is that the doctrine of the Unity of the Divine Being will be proclaimed to the whole world from this centre.

The second sign is that Makkah will always be secure, i.e. it shall not fall into the hands of an enemy who would destroy it. Thus, its security is assured both physically and spiritually.

The third prophecy is that a pilgrimage to the Sacred House shall continue to be made for ever, and no power in the world shall ever be able to put a stop to it.

The most striking fact about these prophecies is that they were all announced at a time when the Holy Prophet (saw) and his followers had apparently been driven away from the Sacred Place, and the Place was in the exclusive possession of an enemy who did not allow the Muslims to visit the place even during the sacred months; and at a time when the small Muslim community was in danger of being utterly destroyed by that powerful enemy on any flimsy excuse.

The name Bakkah is the same as Makkah (Imam Raghib). It is from ta-baak-kah meaning; crowding together of men (Imam Razi). Others say that it is from the root word bakkah, meaning, ‘the break-ing of the neck’. And the name is given to it because whenever a tyrant forced his way to it, his neck was broken (Imam Razi).

Bakaa also means weeping. It refers to the time when there was no water around Ka‘bah and then miraculously Zam Zam spring appeared under the feet of the infant Ishmael, and it changed the situation and since then tribes after tribes started settling down in Makkah.

The Bible also mentions about the valley of Baca in connection with the pilgrimage. Below is the quote from Psalms chapter84:

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!

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My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God… Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. (Psalms 1-7)

The translation of the Arabic word Baka'a as "lack of stream”, in the Jewish Encyclopaedia, seems to throw some light on the nature of the valley before the appearance of the stream of Zam-Zam near the Ka'bah, which was ‘a dry place with no vegetation whatsoever’, as rightly described by the the Qur’anic words bi-waa-din ghay-ri zee zar-‘in: “a valley unproductive of fruit” (14:37).

Unique features of the Holy Ka‘bah Here I would like to mention some interesting features of the Ka‘bah which to me are unique:

1. It is the only and the oldest house of worship which still exists and is centre of worship of Divine unity. Edward Gibbon, a well-known British orientalist writes in his book, Decline and Fall of Roman Empire:

“The genuine antiquity of Caaba ascends beyond the Christian era… a famous temple, whose superior sanctity was revered by all the Arabians; the linen or silken veil, which is annually renewed by the Turkish emperor, was first offered by the Homerites, who reigned seven hundred years before the time of Mohammad”(vol. v, pp. 223-224).

2. No house of worship compares it in simplicity, structure and world-wide veneration.3. No House of Worship retained its originality since it was first constructed and was rebuilt by

Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ishmael.4. It is the only House of worship which commemorates till today dedication and sacrifice of Prophet

Abraham and Prophet Ishmael who are venerated by followers of the three great religions of the world.

5. It is the only House of worship around which circuits are made in anti-clockwise direction. Anti-clockwise circuits mean that circuits around the Ka‘bah are intended that a pilgrim should progress spiritually like the working of a spiral which takes one upwards to the top - the ultimate objective - love of Allah. This is what a pilgrim seeks by reciting Talbiyya: Allaahumma Labbaika, O Allah I am in Thy August presence!

6. It is the only House of Worship towards which devotees from all directions and from all over the world turn their faces; and when they come to the House itself, they make rows in a circle around it which in formation appear like rings putting their foreheads before the Almighty Allah glorifying Him, witnessing His Oneness, acknowledging His bounties and His Lordship. A unique manifestation of unity, submission and discipline.

7. Making seven circuits around this House means to gain perfection in Righteousness as figure 7 stands for perfection. That is why there are 7 heavens which show perfect manifestation of Divine Glory. Similarly 7 circuits around a fire made by a couple to be married most probably stands for perfection of the marriage vows.

8. The only House of Worship around which circuits are made Glorifying the One and Only God, even to the exclusion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). The final scripture of Islam, the Holy Qur’an, categorically enjoins the pilgrims: “to serve the Lord of this House only” (106:3).

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9. Islamic celebrations are marked by emphasis on spiritual elevation as well as social discipline. The first ten days of the month of Zill Hajj are not only reserved for the annual Pilgrimage and its rituals , but also exhorts the pilgrims to observe perfect decency and to continue remembering Allah in order to keep one conscious of the Commandments enjoined by God. In the Qur’an and the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) we find the number of fasts and charitable acts to be done, during the days Hajj.

10. The Qur’an says: “So whoever determines to perform pilgrimage, therein shall be no immodest speech, nor abusing, nor altercation in the pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And make provision for yourselves, the best provision being to keep one’s duty” (2:197).

In the last ten days, the 9th carries a special importance, as on this day the Holy Prophet (saw) re-ceived the last revelation: “This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour to you; and chosen for you Islam as a religion”. It is also the day when he delivered his well-known Farewell Sermon.

On the day of Hajj, from dawn until sunset, Muslim pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and de-votion, praying for God's abundant forgiveness. Tears are shed readily as those who gather make repentance and seek God's mercy, recite words of prayer and remembrance and gather together as equals before their Lord. Muslims around the world who are not participating in the pilgrimage often spend this day in fasting, devotion and glorifying Allah.

At this point I would like to quote observation of a well-known Muslim scholar, Prof Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at the Oxford University (Oriental Institute, St Antony’s College).

I am pleased to note that he offered to join us in our Evening Ramadan Talks relayed through Virtual Radio at http://mixlr.com/radio-virtual-mosque/showreel/along with our UK president Brother Lord Shahid Aziz.

Prof. Tariq Ramadan on HajjProf. Ramadan, in his recent book, Islam: The Essentials, published by Pelican Books, writes the following about the significance of Pilgrimage:

“The pilgrimage is intimately linked to the story and the memory of Abraham, the father of mono-theism, from which the Muslim tradition has directly sprung. …. Women and men from around the world, of all national origins, colours and social levels, converge upon Mecca to remember the trial of Abraham, ‘the friend of God’, and to raise themselves up spiritually. Once more, we can see in the rites of pilgrimage the vertical (return to God) and horizontal axis (of spiritual community of men and women equal before God) that remind us how complementary the two dimensions are. To return, alone, to God through pilgrimage means implicitly never to detach oneself from the community of destiny, that binds humans together, in equality, fraternity, solidarity and love.” (p. 106).

Significance of Festival of SacrificeWhy is this festival so important? It is a festival celebrated to commemorate the great sacrifice intended by the Prophet Abraham of his only son Ishmael in obedience to what the former saw him

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doing in a dream. This symbolises an act of supreme submission to the command of Allah. Supreme and undeterred sacrifice indeed!

Unlike other religions, its cardinal acts of worship and sacrifice must be performed by each Muslim man and woman. No one can pray on your behalf; you must pray yourself. No one can fast on your behalf while you are alive; you must fast yourself. No one can perform Hajj for you, if you are capable of performing it. Similarly, no one can perform qurbaani (sacrifice) for you, if you are capable and have the means to do it.

Let me just mention a new trend which appears to be developing in an attempt to remove the spir-ituality of the event and replace it with commercial gimmicks and romanticize this historical event. There are broadcasts and advertisements for Eid Day, that makes it look like a festive occasion for the family with bouncy castle and lots of toys for the children. While I do not expect to see Santa Claus like Christmas coming from the sky on a buraaq , which in Muslim writings is a flying horse with the neck of a beautiful woman, there can be no doubt that this event, which is billed as a historical event, will then see the birth of a Father Christmas, or perhaps Father Abraham or Father Ishmael.

It must be remembered that the intended sacrifice by the Holy Prophet Abraham (as) and his son Ishmael, to my mind, are the heroes in this festival of Eid al-Adha.

Careful consideration of the words of chapter 37 verses 100 to 102 epitomizes true family life. I think the lessons of Eid al-Adha, is the crowning glory of true family life. Here is a father, Abraham, child-less in his old age, praying for a child not for his own pleasure and gratification, but rather a child who would be like him, as an inheritor of “good deeds”. His prayer for a child was in fact a prayer to Allah for good deeds to continue through his siblings. And Allah so graciously answered his prayer with a “forbearing son” – a patient and charitable one.

The values which we gain from the relationship between Abraham and his son Ishmael are set out in the Qur’an for us to emulate. We should cease thinking that this is just a story that must be narrated in our mosques every year. These values should be reflected upon when we perform our Qurbani making the entire family share in the experience of slaughtering the animal as a replica of the great sacrifice by Abraham and Ishmael.

It is an appropriate time for bonding with our children explaining to them the values epitomised in this act of qurbani and trying to instil in them the patience and obedience of Ishmael.

It is significant to note that there are only two occasions when we are asked by Allah, to make an animal sacrifice. The first is on the occasion on the birth of a child, when we observe its ‘Aqiqah,’ (probably similar in connotation to Baptism) and sacrifice a goat for a daughter or two goats for a son, and the second is on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Sacrifice as a token of ThanksThe act of sacrificing an animal is a testimony thanking Allah for the gift of a child and acknowledging that it is through His grace and mercy that such a blessing has been bestowed on the parents. And in a prayer on this occasion we pray that His mercy and protection will keep him or her safe from sin, ill-health and going astray from the right path.

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When we fast in the month of Ramadan, we sacrifice our hunger for food and our time and other comforts for the sake of Allah and to seek His blessings. And at the end of the month we celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In the month of Hajj we make a solemn covenant to sacrifice everything – food, time, comforts of life and even our children – in submission to the command of Allah; and to make a for-mal pledge prescribed by Allah to undertake a journey to His House, and announce in the presence of Ka‘bah: Talbiyya (O Allah! Here I am in Your August presence). This final pledge of servitude is much more significant and important as compared to the act of fasting. Thus this celebration of Eid al-Adha is considered the bigger Eid. Above all, Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful has graciously al-lowed us to substitute the sacrifice of an animal instead of our children, and we show this gratitude in performing qurbani on this day, in remembrance of the values shared and the faith that Abraham and Ishmael displayed.

The world is fast becoming a technological jungle where communication is devoid of emotion, hu-man values and human behaviour. It is a jungle from which our children cannot escape because of the times in which we live.

This is why Eid al-Adha is a recurring festival; a festival when we commemorate the intended sacrifice by Abraham. More importantly, however, it is the human interaction between father and son which ultimately set the platform for the values which constitute family relationships. Today we salute the obedience and faith of Ishmael in his elders and we commend our young people to reflect upon the nobility of his actions and his obedience to those in authority.

Sources: 1. English translation of the Holy Qur’an, Maulana Muhammad Ali, ed. 2002.2. Khutbahs on the Qur’an, Imam Iqubal Hydal, ed. 2015, Trinidad,

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BELIEF IN THE ONE GODTHE ANTIDOTE TO IDOLATRY

IAIN CHRISTIAN

[The knowledge of the One True God is the antidote to idolatry.Is He calling us out of our sleep and slumber?Is He calling us again to listen and respond?Is it not the time to turn away from the Shaytan’s weapons of mass Distraction?]

Antidote to IdolatryIf I had been given a pound coin each time I have been asked the question: "Do you believe in the Trinity?”, I think I would have been a very rich man by now! I find it a very strange question. I follow a reading plan that takes me through every chapter, and every verse of the Bible one and a half times a

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year, and in all the years I have been reading the Bible I have never encountered the word ‘Trinity’ anywhere in the pages of the Scripture. What I do find however, is that like an ocean of flowing water carrying a ship to its destination, each page of the Holy Bible carries with it the truth of just One True God. And this knowledge of the One True God is safety and security to us. This knowledge is the antidote to idolatry.

The morning hours before the sun rises are precious to me. I bow, I kneel and I place my forehead on the ground. I talk to my Creator. I tell Him my love for Him. I declare my allegiance to Him. I express my thanksgiving. I pray for His kingdom to come. Although he is the Emperor of the universe, I confide in Him as my best friend. We plan our day together. I also recite the Scripture in my prayers. One of my favourite verses is in Deuteronomy 6:4. It says: “Hear o Israel, the Lord our God is ONE Lord.” I am reminded that there is just One True God. With all the distractions this world offers, it is always good for me to anchor each day on this truth of the One True God, and anchor my life in Him.

The truth of One True GodThe Bible constantly affirms the truth of the One True God. When Jesus was praying, he gazed up-wards and said to his Heavenly Father “ This means everlasting life, knowing you, the ONLY ONE true God, and the one you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”- John 17:3. He too declared to others “ The first of all the commandments is ‘Hear o Israel, the Lord our God is ONE Lord.”- Mark 12:29. Other Bible verses convey this same truth. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the ONLY wise God, Be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.”- 1 Timothy 1:17. Even the Apostle Paul said: “There is no other God but ONE.”- 1 Corinthians 8:4. He also said: “But to us there is but ONE God, the Father.”- 1 Corinthians 8:6. Like a delicate flower gently unfolding into its full splendour, so the Bible constantly and consistently unfolds the wonderful truth of One True God to each one of us in the pages of the Scripture. Ephesians 4:6 tells us: “ ONE God, and Father of all.” James 2:19 reminds us: “You believe there is ONE God, you do well.” Malachi 2:10 reminds us: “Has not ONE God created us.”

I see a similar truth in the pages of the Honoured Quran. In Surah 59:22 we read: “He is Allah, there is no God but He. He is the Knower of the unseen and the visible. He is the All Merciful, the All compassionate. He is God, there is no God but He.”

In this world we see what I call “Satan’s weapons of mass DISTRACTION.” Things pull at us, tear at us.......make us busy. We become enticed and distracted by many things. Wealth, cars, fancy homes. Even our religious devotion and activities can become a subtle substitute for a real connection and relationship with the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Have we got idols in our lives? I’m not talking about sculptures or wood carvings that people worship and bow down to. I’m talking about some-thing that could be equally as deadly. Has ANYTHING taken our eyes off serving the One True God? Have we become distracted?

Weapon of mass Distraction!Our God is One.” We are commanded to hear, to listen.....to heed. The knowledge of the One True God is the antidote to idolatry. Is He calling us out of our sleep and slumber? Is He calling us again to listen and respond? Is it not the time to turn away from the Shaytan’s weapons of mass Distraction?

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“Hear o Israel, the Lord our God is ONE Lord. And you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, and with ALL your soul, and with ALL your might.”- Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

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ACTIVITIES AT THE BERLIN MOSQUEREPORT FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2017

AMIR AZIZ M.A., IMAM, THE BERLIN MOSQUE

Meeting of research Scholars for documentation and preservation7 August. Dr Gerdien Jonker and Dr Abdul Razaq Khan (University of Göttingen) visited the Berlin Mosque and held discussion as to how to handle the Mosque Archive, its documentation and preservation. They both gave valuable suggestions and offered help in organizing the thousands of documents and photos that cover a period of almost eighty years, - from Imam Dr. S.M. Abdullah to Imam Saeed Ahmed Choudhry. Dr. Jonker with the help of Mr. Amir Aziz, the Imam, has been able to put part of these papers into proper files already. But there is more such material which needs to be viewed and preserved (see photographs).

It is still too early to say how many files there will be in total. But this much is clear already: the pa-pers and photo albums, which have been scattered in the cellar and cupboards of the mission house for many years, form an invaluable historical record for the Berlin Mosque. Since February this year Dr. Jonker is preparing notes of each document before putting it into a file. For a historian of religion, she says, the finds are a serendipity. We are highly obliged to her for arranging the documents and photos and making them accessible. Once available, they will offer us a rich source on the Mosque activities and nature of work performed in the past.

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Interview by Rbb Television, Berlin11 August. Rbb television, Berlin recorded the Friday sermon of the Imam of the Berlin Mosque about the significance of the injunction of Alms [NA1] [NA2] [NA3] and Zakat in Islam .The object of the interview was to provide to their viewers details of the manner in which the charity obtained is distributed according to Islam. The recording was done after the Friday prayer.

Participation in the Pakistan Independence Day programme14 August. Mr. Amir Aziz, Imam of the Berlin Mosque, was invited by the Pakistan Embassy to participate in its Independence Day celebrations organized at the Pakistan Embassy in Berlin. It was a nice program and Pakistani community participated in it with great jubilation.

Meeting with Deutsche Stiftun Dankmal15 August. Mr. Amir Aziz, Imam of the Berlin Mosque, held a meeting with the officials of the above mentioned organization. The programme of the Open Days of Monuments in Germany was dis-cussed. Officials from Architect office who are doing the repair work of the Mosque also partici-pated in the meeting. It is the same organization which provides 20% of the cost of repairs and is responsible mainly for supervising the repair work of the Berlin Mosque. It was decided that this year main focus will be the Berlin Mosque, and Officials of the organization will join in the Open Day programme at the Mosque.

Interfaith Programme17 August. An international organization, based in Korea (HWPL), held an interfaith dialogue on the topic of “Birth, Aging , Sickness and Death” according to each revealed scripture. Representatives of Christianity, Buddhism and Islam participated in the dialogue. Mr. Amir Aziz, Imam of the Berlin Mosque, represented Islam and explained the Qur’anic view point about all these stages. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, has beautifully dealt with these stages of life in his book, The Teachings of Islam. In fact, it was a lecture read out in an Interfaith Conference in Lahore and the presentation was greatly appreciated by the public and the leading papers of India at that time. It is now available in the form of a book, “The Teachings of Islam.

Visit of student of a High School22 August. Students of Freie Waldorfschule High School from Benefield visited the Berlin Mosque. This school is seven hours’ journey from Berlin. It is the blessings of Allah that interest of students from Schools and universities is increasing and groups from these educational institutions visit the Mosque to know about Islam and also to know our view point on contemporary events regard-ing terrorist attacks and other related issues regarding Muslims. More than 35 students with their teacher visited the Mosque and stayed for two hours. After the presentation about the history of the Mosque and its activities, question/answer session went on for quite some time. A copy of German translation of Holy Quran was presented for the School Library.

Visit of a Tatari Professor27 August. Prof. Dr. Diliara Usmanova from Tataristan University visited the Mosque and stayed for more than four hours. She is working on history of Tatar community and its link with the Berlin Mosque. It was quite interesting for the Imam of the Berlin Mosque to learn a lot from her about the history of the Mosque and how Tatari community during the WW II took active part in running the Mosque when our wonderful Muslim Lady Sister Amina Mosler was looking after the Mosque in

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those difficult and dangerous days. This shows the importance of the role the Berlin Mosque played for the Muslim community and spreading true message of Islam in Europe.

Guests from Poland 30 August. A very devoted couple from Poland visited the Berlin Mosque accompanied by our honourable sister Ms. Ghasala Nasruddin from Berlin. Sister Ghasala accepted Islam at the hands of Saeed Ahmad Choudhry who served the mission with utmost devotion. The couple from Poland had connection with the Berlin Mosque for the last thirty years. They told that Imam Saeed also used to visit their house in Poland. They were very happy to see the renovation work of the Mosque. Alhamdulillah people who had association with the Berlin Mosque have started renewing their bond and are bringing others to it.

Bürgerspaziergang organized a Citizen Walk3 September. 25 persons visited the Berlin Mosque as a part of Citizen Walk organized by Christian Democratic United party (CDU), a political party. This is second time that they arranged such a walk and visited the Mosque. It was organized by Mr. Klaus Dieter Gröhler who was candidate for the party in the recent elections from the area of our Mosque and has been elected as Member of the Parliament just a week ago. Presentation about the history and activities of the Mosque was followed by question/answer session. It went well. Leaflets were distributed to all the participants.

Visit of Students of Emil Molt Academy 5 September. Students of Emil Molt Academy, Berlin visited the Berlin Mosque with their teacher. It was a nice group and we had a good question/answer session after the presentation about the history and activities of the Mosque. A copy of the German Translation of Holy Quran was presented for the School Library. On the same day students of Jean-Krämer-Schule visited the Mosque and enquired about the history and activities of the Mosque. They came to gather information about the Mosque as it was a project assigned to the students.

Arrival of Hazrat Ameer and other participants for the Convention6 September. Hazrat Ameer Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed, Head and president of the world-wide Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam and Lord Shahid Aziz, president of the UK Lahore Ahmadiyya Organization arrived in Berlin. Right from next day preparations started at the Mission House and the Mosque for the Convention. Hazrat Ameer arrived after a very hectic trip to seven countries on a special mission of collecting funds to meet enormous target for the repairs of the Berlin Mosque. But still he was fully active to work further for the Project. His passion for the Mosque and to take forward the Movement was very much in his mind. During his stay in Berlin he delivered three Friday sermons and several lectures and met large number of people who visited the Mosque during the Open Days.

Monument Open Days9-10 September. Monument Open Days were observed at the Berlin Mosque. It provided a great opportunity for people to visit the Berlin Mosque from morning till late in the evening. The Imam and his colleagues were there to show the visitors the Mosque from inside, tell them its history, and also to answer their questions. In two days about one thousand and twenty-nine (1029) people visited the Mosque. This year number of visitors increased so much that there was shortage of leaflets and other material. Many people were handed over just the photo copies. Each day started

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at 10:30 and lasted till 6:30 pm. After everyone hour the Imam made a presentation and answered questions from the audience. It was also followed by a brief talk by Hazrat Ameer and questions from the audience were answered by him

On the first day Dr. Peter Schabe and Ms. Katja Weise from the Architect office and Mr. Gunter Paetz, former president of Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz, Berlin (German Foundation for the Conservation of Ancient Monuments (DSD), also addressed the visitors. It may be mentioned that efforts to draw public attention to the state of repairs of the Berlin Mosque and its importance as the oldest purpose-built Mosque started in the year 2008. Mr. Gunter Paetz and his colleague Ms Anika Probes organized Open Days on two occasions at the Mosque in September 2008 and in response more than 800 people visited the Mosque. They prepared and printed a big life-size well-document-ed poster with photographs of the Mosque. An Aerial view photo of the Mosque was also published in the poster which was a big surprise. The view appeared just like the Taj Mahal. It was a very good start but unfortunately, with the departure of Mr. Muhammad Ali to Pakistan to look after his ailing mother, further progress in this collaboration could not be made.

On the second day Hazrat Ameer Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed and Dr. Gerdien Jonker together were there to attend the visitors. Hazrat Ameer was presented a cheque of 50,000.00 Euro by the officials of Deutsche Stiftung Denkmals for the current phase of repairs of the Berlin Mosque. This phase hopefully will be complete by the end of the year or in March 2018.

Copies of the Holy Quran in various languages and other material were given out. In two days mes-sage of Islam was explained to various groups who visited the Mosque. Our thanks to Mr. Shahid Aziz (UK) , Ms. Galida Badeolla (Suriname) Mr. Muddasir Aziz (Holland) and Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Khalid (Ukrain) who helped in organizing this big event. It was due to their untiring efforts in taking care of hundreds of guests without which it was nearly impossible for Mr. Amir Aziz to organize such a big event.

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First Annual European Convention of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement 15-17 September. The first Annual European Convention of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was organized at the Berlin Mosque. Members and delegates from Germany, Pakistan, England, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Suriname, Trinidad, USA and Indonesia participated in the Convention. With the blessings of Allah, efforts of Hazrat Ameer and endeavours of members from Ukrain, Holland and Berlin made it a great success. A special edition will be published about the Convention with details. We thank all the representatives for their active participation and generous donations towards the repairs of the Berlin Mosque and all those who helped in organizing this historic and wonderful event.

First ever Public Peace Demonstration of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement against Terrorism16 September. In the history of Lahore Ahmadiyya Community, it was the first ever public demon-stration which was held on 16th September in the Europa Square in front of the main church of Berlin. This Peace Demonstration was to register their protest against all sorts of terrorism and terrorist activities and specially to express sympathy for the victims of last year’s terrorist attack. Representative from various countries and the Vice Mayor Mr. George Engelmann, Mrs Roline Twahira Samsoedein, Minister of Physical Planning, Land and Forest Management of Suriname, Dr. Gerdien Jonker and Priestess Ms Pfafferin Katja spoke at the Demonstration. All delegates brought flags of their respective countries. Police protection was provided by the local Government and the management of Church graciously assisted us. Hazrat Ameer’s speech was climax of the event. Everyone appreciated his speech and even visitors were impressed. Ms. Barbara Christian, a well-known singer and Concert Organizer presented a song “For the Humanity” with music which added feelings of warmth and sympathy for the victims and also their commitment to the cause of peace in the country. At the end Hazrat Ameer offered prayers for the innocent victims of the terrorist attack. Hazrat Ameer laid wreath at the memorial. More details will be published in a special edition later on.

International Interfaith ConferenceThe same evening an Interfaith Conference was organized in the Berlin Mosque. Topic of the con-ference was: Future of Mankind in the age of Radicalism. Hazrat Ameer made opening speech and his presentation was commended by every participant. People of various faiths attended the conference. Following eminent scholars took part in the Conference:

Dr Gerdien Jonker: Author and Research scholar (Erlangen Centre for Islam and Law in Europe (EZIRE) Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg). She is proficient in German, Dutch and English. And she is also one of the great ‘Friends of the Mosque’.

Rabbi Prof. Dr. Homolka: Ph.D (King’s College London), Ph. D. (University of Wales Trinity St. David)

Dr. Thomas M. Schimmel: Franziskanische Initiative 1219. Religious and Cultural Dialogue (Head)

Mr Emmanuel Luther Ratiq: (Pakistan Presidential award winner, writer and senior journalist (Sweden)

Mrs Roline Twahira Samsoedein: (Minister of Physical Planning, Land and Forest Management. Chairperson of the Women’s Commission of the SIV)., Suriname.

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At the end Hazrat Ameer presented to each participant speaker with copies of the English Translation of the Holy Quran by Maulana Muhammad Ali and Islam, Peace and Tolerance by Dr. Zahid Aziz.

Meeting with the Architects18 September. A special meeting was held with the architects. Hazrat Ameer Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed , Lord Shahid Aziz (UK) and Mr. Saadat Ahmad Choudhry Chartered Accountant (London) Financial Secretary of the Lahore Central Anjuman (Pakistan) and Mr. A. S. Santoe (Holland) specially came to attend the meeting. They are also Executive members of the “Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at-i Islam, Germany”. The meeting discussed in detail next phases of renovation and which of them was to be undertaken first. Estimated cost and steps to generate the funds were also gone into. Hazrat Ameer chaired the meeting. It is most likely that in March 2018 current phase of renovation will be completed and the Mosque will be once again in its original shape and beauty as it was built in 19124, except that painting and internal furnishing will be undertaken in the next phase. Some of the photos about the Lahore Ahmadiyya European Convention September 2017 have already been published in the October 2017 issue. The remaining photos will be published in the January 2018 issue. A programme will be planned with the cooperation of the Architects to celebrate this important phase of the renovation.

Interview for Interfaith Documentary22 September. Mr. Amir Aziz, Imam of the Berlin Mosque gave an interview for two hours to a journalist Mr. Frank Dominik who is preparing a documentary about nature of interfaith activities in Berlin. This interview will be a part of the documentary which is being recorded and edited for the promotion of interfaith dialogue. He has also covered our Interfaith Convention of September 2017. The journalist will be interviewing similar other interfaith activists of other faiths like Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism. This documentary of all the major faiths will outline areas of discussion relating to all faiths. It will be shown all over Europe and other countries.

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Pakistan Independence Day celebration at the Pakistan Embassy, Berlin.

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Meeting of HWPL, an International Interfaith Organization, Berlin

A group of students from Benefeld School at the Berlin Mosque.

Guests from Poland at the Berlin Mosque

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Group of students from Emil Molt Academy at the Berlin Mosque

Open Day and Friday congregation at the Berlin Mosque

Walk organized by CDU party at the Berlin Mosque

Open Day at the Berlin Mosque

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NEW TRANSLATIONS PUBLISHED

DUTCH AND INDONESIAN TRANSLATIONS OF “ANWARUL QUR’AN”, PART 30,

BY DR. BASHARAT AHMAD.[The Urdu commentary of the Qur’an was published in 1943, but as luck would have it, this fascinating commentary of the Qur’an attracted the attention of members of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Literary Trust, Trinidad and Tobago in the year 2000, and the work of translating it into English was entrusted to Imam Kalam Azad Mohammed. He was assisted by Mr. Nasir Ahmad of Lahore, Pakistan. It was almost after almost seventy years of its Urdu edition that its English translation was published.

First part of English translation of Para 30 consisting of chapters 102-114 was published in April 2000 and then complete Para 30 in three parts was published in 2002. The Indonesian translation of Chapters 102-114 was published in 2001 and then complete translation of Para 30 in March 2013. Its revised edition has recently been reprinted with transliteration from Jakarta. For this edition a generous donation of £2000.00 was given by Sister Samina Malik of USA, for which the publishers have acknowledged with thanks in the Foreword. The Indonesian translation was rendered by our late lamented learned Bro. Imam Moosa Projosiswoyo. Its Dutch translation has been published by the Stichting Ahmadiyya Anjuman of Hague, Holland in 2016. It is the hard work of our young and energetic Bro. Reza Ghafoerkhan, Imam of the Stichting Ahmadiyya Anjuman, Hague. This translation was revised by our two learned Bros. Mr. A. S. Hoeseni, Incharge of Publications, Stichting Ahmadiyya Anjuman and a devoted Dutch Muslim Mr. H. Drost. We have received a copy of this edition from Bro. Dost Mohammed, president of Stichting Ahmadiyya Anjuman, Hague when he came to Berlin to attend the First European Lahore Ahmadiyya Convention in September 2017. It has been nicely printed and bound.]

Images of the titles of these two translations are given below:

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About the authorDr. Basharat Ahmad, one of the well-known commentators of the Qur’an and prolific writer of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. His mas-terpiece is an exhaustive biography of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, holy founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam viz., Mujaddid-i ‘Azam (The Great Reformer of the Present Times) in three volumes. This biography is not a mere biography but is in fact a running com-mentary of his life, his literary and religious works, his debates with preachers and scholars of other faiths. It also highlights some of his original research work such as Sat Bachan (The True Word) about Baba Guru Nanak, the found-er of Sikhism, Masih Hindustaan Mein (Jesus in India) about Jesus – how he escaped death on the Cross, travelled towards India in disguise and died in Srinagar, Kashmir. And lastly, Ummul

Al-Sinah (Mother of Languages). In this small treatise he presented basic ideas and facts about the Arabic Language as basis of all languages. And most importantly, he was the first Muslim religious scholar who passionately promoted interfaith dialogue among followers of various religions and ethnic minorities for inculcating better understanding, peace and tolerance. In this connection, his last writing which was published after his death, was Paigham-e Sulh (Message of Peace). In this book he emphasised the view point of the Qur’an that Islam reiterates basic truths of all religions - Unity of Godhead and belief in the life hereafter where every human being will be accountable for his or her deeds. He even went to the extent that he offered to followers of Hinduism that if they guarantee not to disgrace the Holy Prophet of Islam, he would ask his followers to stop eating of cow as a gesture of reconciliation.

English translation of the part first of the Biography has been translated into English by his paternal grandson Prof. Dr. Hamid Rahman and has been published by the Ohio, Lahore Ahmadiyya Anjuman, USA in January 2008.

Dr Ahmad as you will know from his brief life history had his schooling in a Christian educational institution whose principal was a preacher who used to teach Bible in the religious period. This made him interested in the study of the Qur’an when the principal quoted the Qur’an in support of some of the basic teachings of Jesus. Being a student of science, it made him more rational and analytical. Gradually he became an ardent student of Islam and when he joined the medical service, he started to hold Qur’anic meetings wherein he used to explain the teachings and beauties of the Qur’an. When he joined the Ahmadiyya Movement, it took him to a different dimension of understanding the Qur’an. His lectures were so knowledgeable and interesting that Hindus and Christians started attending it. Towards the end of his life he tried to impart knowledge of the Qur’an to his two sons – Mr. Mumtaz Ahmad Faruqui and Mr. Naseer Ahmad Faruqui. Surprisingly he went to stay with his younger son, Naseer Ahmad Faruqui, who was an ICS officer in Bombay to teach him deeper knowl-edge of the Qur’an. It was there that he died. His body was brought to Lahore and after offering

TOELICHTING OPDEEL 30 VAN DE HEILIGE KORÅN

De hoofdstukken 78 tot en met 114

doorDR. BASHARAT AHMAD

Vertaald doorReza Ghafoerkhan

Eindredactie:Mr. A.S. Hoeseni en ing. H. Drost B Ed

STICHTING AHMADIYYA ISHA‘AT-I-ISLAM (LAHORE)

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Janaza prayers at the Arhmadiyya Buildings Mosque in Lahore, he was buried in the Ahmadiyya Section of the Miani Sahib graveyard. Mr. Naseer Ahmad Faruqui rose to highest civil positions in the Government of Pakistan but continued delivering Qur’an lessons every Sunday throughout his service and even after his retirement. Some of his explanations have been compiled and published under, Ma‘arif al-Qur’an.

Dr. Ahmad during his last years wrote beautiful commentary of Parts 27 and 30. These were pub-lished in 1943 and 1945 respectively. These two parts consist of some of the difficult chapters in which basic teachings of the Qur’an, rewards promised to the believers, prophecies about the future of Islam and signs of the end of times have been described in a most eloquent language. Dr. Ahmad with his deep and scientific knowledge has explained the Qur’anic verses in a very interesting and impressive style.

Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ali made the following brief but beautiful comments about it:“In 1943, he (Dr. Basharat Ahmad) completed writing of Anwarul Qur’an. What an exegesis! He transformed the seen into perceivable. Anyone reading it will find a new life in the existence of God and the Final Reckoning.”

BRIEF LIFE HISTORY

DR. BASHARAT AHMAD FARUQUIAuthor and prolific writer

Dr. Basharat Ahmad, a medical physician by profession, is one of the prominent authors and com-mentators of the Qur’an in the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. His masterpiece contributions are exhaustive biography of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in three volumes, [Mujaddid-i A’zam (The Great Reformer)] and an in-depth rational and enlightened commentary of the Qur’an, viz. Anwarul Qur’an of parts 27 and 30. His biography of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement is not just compilation of history, but it is a sort of running commentary of his life and works showing back-ground of each and every event or book, its summary and significance as far as message of the Ahmadiyya Movement is concerned. He was one of those learned scholars of the community who had vast knowledge of the Qur’an, Hadith and classical and modern books on Islam. His style of explaining various subjects with reference to Islam, Ahmadiyya Movement and other related social and educational subjects was amazingly logical and convincing. That is why compilation of his articles published in the weekly Paigham-i Sulh, viz. Basharat-i Ahmadiyya (compiled by his som Mumtaz Ahmad Faruqui) in three volumes are source of knowledge and guidance even to a reader of today.

His birth and education in SialkotDr. Basharat Ahmad was scion of one of the families, who after the fall of Muslim rule in India, when the British took over the control, migrated from UP (United Provinces) to various cities in Punjab. Dr.

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Sahib’s family settled down in Sialkot. It was in this very city that Shamsul Ulama Mir Hassan who later became teacher and mentor of Dr. Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal.

Dr. Basharat Ahmad from his childhood was fond of attending meetings of religious scholars and had an inquisitive mind particularly about religious subjects. His elders were followers of Imam Abu Hanifah. But the question of Imam’s opinion overriding the Qur’an or a saying of the Holy Prophet (saw) always remained a riddle for him and that was why he started offering prayers and attending meetings held in a mosque of Ahli Hadith situated in the city though the family lived in the canton-ment area. People belonging to the school of Ahli Hadith were called Wahabis and in those days they were very much despised, harassed and persecuted. In this mosque Maulana Abdul Karim Sahib a well-known Ahli Hadith scholar was the Imam., who later on became an Ahmadi and was one of the closest companions of the Founder, the other being Hazrat Maulana Hakim Nur-ud-Din. The former was authority on Hadith and the latter was the well-known exegetist of the Holy Qur’an in the whole of Indo-Pak subcontinent.

Maulvi Mir Hassan and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal his school matesDr. Basharat Ahmad was a student of Scotch Mission High school situated in the city of Sialkot. His class mates were Maulvi Qayam-ud-Din and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. One of his teachers was Moulvi Mir Hassan Ali, who was a teacher at the Mission High School and later became mentor of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and it was on his recommendation that he was awarded the title of Shamsul Ulama.

Rev. Dr. J. W. Youngson, a Christian priest was the principal of the High School. During the Bible period these two class fellows used to have discussion with the principal. On the question of Jesus being alive in Heaven and his superiority over Prophet Muhammad, the two class mates had no satisfactory reply to meet Christian standpoint. On one such occasion, when the Christian principal quoted the Qur’anic verse and insisted that the verse: “O Jesus: I will cause you to die and raise you to My presence” (3:55) clearly supports the Christian belief of Jesus’s resurrection after his death on the Cross, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal had no other choice but said that this could not be a verse of the Qur’an. This was clear victory of the Christian principal. This verse and interpretation of such other verses of the Qur’an held by the Muslim ulama created doubts in the mind of the young Basharat Ahmad about some basic beliefs of the Qur’an. It was in 1891 that his grandfather told him that a person by the name of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who has claimed to be the Promised Messiah has given arguments in his book Fath-i Islam (Victory of Islam)based on the Qur’an that prophet Jesus has died. This was a great surprise for him and he took the book from him and read it from one end to the other and was convinced that the arguments substantiating death of Jesus from the Qur’an were very sound and true. But unfortunately, afterwards Hazrat Mirza Sahib and his writings were subject of heated discussion everywhere and there was an uproar against him.

His attraction towards the Ahmadiyya MovementAfter some time, he learnt that the same claimant of being the Promised Messiah was coming to Sialkot. So he went to the city from Cantonment to see him. Hazrat Mirza Sahib was staying at the house of Hakim Hassam-ud-Din. The street was jam-packed with people. He and one his friends made their way to the house and could only have a glimpse of Mirza Sahib as he was coming out of one house and entering the other. His pious appearance was so impressive that he became con-vinced that he must be a truthful and knowledgeable person. Afterwards he offered ‘Asr prayer behind him. After the prayers he sat down and started replying to various questions from the people

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about Islam. His replies were so convincing and explanatory that it deepened his faith in the truth of Islam. Next day Hazrat Mirza Sahib spoke about the beauties of Opening Chapter, The Fatihah. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal was also sitting on the roof of a sideway and expressed his admiration for such a wonderful explanation. Maulvi Mubarak Ali who was Imam of the mosque in the Cantonment took pledge at his hand. Maulana Abdul Karim, Imam of the Ahli Hadith mosque in the city had already joined the Movement.

After some time, Dr. Basharat Ahmad met a Sufi elder of Chishtiyya Sabariyya order. Though he was an Ahli Hadith but he was inclined towards Sufism. Meeting with this elder revived his interest in Sufi rituals. He learnt several prayers and special ways of spiritual meditations to increase one’s spirituality. The elder asked him: What is the purpose of your learning these spiritual exercise and invocations. He said: To increase his spirituality and to have deep knowledge of the Qur’an. The elder said: You are the first person who has told me that you want to learn all these to increase your spirituality, otherwise everyone is keen to gain some mundane benefits.

One day he went to see Maulvi Jalal-ud-Din who was a teacher in Regiment No.12 of the Sialkot Cantt. He was a very pious person and was also an Ahmadi. He had gone to take a bath. While sitting in the room he saw a book was lying on his bed. Out of curiosity he took it. It was one of Mirza Sahib’s well-known book, Barahin-i Ahmadiyya. He started reading it and when he read arguments in support of the Qur’an of its being a sure revelation from Allah, all his doubts about Islam and the Qur’an vanished and his faith was very much strengthened. He was convinced that Hazrat Mirza Sahib was a truthful person and his writings and arguments about Islam infuse strong conviction and faith in its truthfulness.

He became more convinced about his spirituality and depth of knowledge of the Qur’an when he lis-tened to his lecture “Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam” delivered by Maulana Abdul Karim Sahib in the well-known Interfaith meeting in Lahore in 1896. Muslim public was extremely jubilant and was jumping in their seats and his heart was filled with the truthfulness and glory of the teachings of Islam.

After graduating from Medical College Lahore, he was sent to East Africa. There he met an Ahmadi Doctor Rahmat Ali. He was a pious and literary person. There he had the chance to study more books of Hazrat Mirza Sahib.

On his return from East Africa, he was posted in Zafarwal in the district of Sialkot on plague duty. During his stay there he had the opportunity of studying more books of Hazrat Mirza Sahib. His writings replying to objections of non-Muslims against Islam and explaining true nature of his claims impressed him very much. Among the books he read during that period were Aina-i Kamalat-i Islam (Glimpses of the excellences of Islam) and Ayyam-i Sulh (Days of Reconciliation) and these books further impressed him about Mirza Sahib’s depth of knowledge and his passion for propagating and defending Islam.

Efficacy of prayer of the Holy Founder for the health of his sonThen he was transferred to Shakargarh in the district of Gurdaspur. During this period his son Mumtaz Ahmad who was two years old and was in Amritsar with his mother became ill with typhoid fever and the temperature used to shoot upto 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes it would go even higher. All

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the doctors diagnosed that it was a severe type of typhoid and it would take three to four weeks to become normal provided the child survived. The child most of the time was almost unconscious and there was little chance of his survival. Dr. Basharat Ahmad took one week’s leave to be besides his son. It was the eleventh day and there was no sign of temperature going down and it was last day of his leave. He became very distressed and decided to refuse to resume his duty. His elders advised him not to take such a step. What was destined was bound to happen. So why to ruin your career.

It was by chance that a book of Hazrat Mirza Sahib Barakat ad-Du‘a (Blessings of Supplication) had recently been received and his wife had read it. His wife told him that before going to Shakargarh in any case he would be passing through Gurdaspur and Batala comes on the way. From there he could easily go to Qadian. So why not go to Hazrat Mirza Sahib and request him to pray for the health of their son. May be that Allah might listen to his prayer. Wife’s suggestion somehow appealed to him. He asked one of his Ahmadi friends to accompany him as he never had been to Qadian. They took a train from Amritsar and reached Batala at almost midnight and then they took a yakka (a two-wheeler cart drawn by one horse) and reached Qadian at 2.00 almost in the early hours of morning. It was an extremely dark night. There was no light. It was winter. All doors were shut. Not a single person could be seen. Dr. Basharat Ahmad started thinking that at this dead of night what Hazrat Mirza would be doing. May be he would be sleeping or just possible he might be offering his Tahajjud prayer. He was having such thoughts in his mind and both he and his friend were checking doors of houses leading to the house of Hazrat Mirza Sahib. While his friend was looking for the door of Hazrat Mirza Sahib’s house, it was by chance that his hand pushed one door of a house slightly and it opened. To their surprise it was Hazrat Mirza’s house and he was engaged in Tahajjud prayer. Suddenly he finished his prayer and welcomed us and asked us to go upstairs to the Masjid Mubarak. It was a small mosque. There was a small room attached to it. It was called Baitul Zikr (Room of Remembrance). The Mosque full of people offering Tahajjud prayer with extreme devotion. In that small room Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din was sleeping on a bed. When they entered the room, Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din got up and told them to lie down on the bed. But he refused to lie down out of courte-sy. But Khwaja Sahib said: No. Now he would be offering his Tahajjud prayer. Dr. Basharat Ahmad was tired and soon went to sleep and at 4 O clock Azan was announced and somebody came and made him awake. After performing ablution, he said his two rak’ats of sunnah. Just then Maulana Abdul Karim came. He met him with great affection as he knew him from the time he was in Sialkot when the former was Imam of the Ahli Hadith mosque. Maulana Abdul Karim said: After all you have come here. He said: “Yes. It is Allah Who has brought me here”. He said: Follow the path of righteousness like that of Prophet Abraham. You will also get the message from on High like prophet Abraham: O Fire! Become cool and blessed. And certainly your fire will become cool and blessed. This sentence gave him much peace and comfort.

At this moment Hazrat Mirza Sahib entered. He felt as if an embodiment of light has appeared before him. Maulana Abdul Karim Sahib held his hand and presented him to Hazrat Sahib. He intro-duced him in these words: “Sir, He is also a noble soul which I am presenting to you.” Hazrat Mirza Sahib shook hands with him with utter humility and affection. As people had falsely propagated that Hazrat Mirza was suffering from leukoderma, so when he shook hands with him, he closely observed his hands and was convinced that there was no truth in the allegation. Prayers started and he was fortunate enough to stand by his side. Maulana Abdul Karim was leading the prayers. His being the Imam was not something new for him as he had been offering prayers behind him in Sialkot. But the elegance, deep spiritual effect and scintillating aura which he felt in the recitation of the Maulana

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was never felt by him during the long time he spent in Sialkot. He believed that it was due to the spiritual influence of Hazrat Mirza Sahib that the Maulana has gained this depth of spirituality.

After the prayer Hazrat Mirza Sahib went inside. Khalifa Rashid-ud-Din had already asked him as to whether he would like to meet him in the Mosque or alone in his room. After a short while he was called in. Hazrat Mirza Sahib was in a room where children were sleeping. He was sitting on a bed with nothing on it. When he and his friend went in, Hazrat Mirza Sahib moved towards the foot of the bed and asked Dr. Sahib to sit at the head-side. His friend took the seat in between the two. He asked Mirza Sahib to tell him some prayers so that his inner self is cleansed of dross. He said: Just offer your ritual prayers with due depth and concentration and try to understand what you recite.”

This simple advice had tremendous effect on him. The reason was that he had been invoking dif-ferent kinds of prayers and spiritual meditations. He did not achieve any positive results. These rather resulted in weakening his heart and his will power. He also realised that the best method of self-purification was the ritual and Tahajjud prayers which were exercised by the Prophet himself and was also followed by his companions with amazing results. Hazrat Mirza continued his talk explaining various methods of cleansing one’s heart and Dr. Basharat Ahmad felt as if he was reading his mind and was prescribing how to cure those inner ailments. And when Hazrat Mirza said: A sinful person is like an accused person against whom warrants have been issued and he feared constantly that he would be arrested any time. A God-fearing person enjoys such a peace of mind which is not enjoyed by a sinful person.” After listening to this exhortation of Hazrat Mirza, Dr. Basharat Ahmad felt as if his whole body was trembling. It developed a deep sense of realisation in him. Hazrat Mirza continued: A person should be ready for the next world like a traveller who is always keen to return to his native country. He concluded his talk explaining that Jesus has died. This was his usual subject of talk. He was so engrossed listening to his impressive talk that he forgot to request him to pray for the health of his ailing son. At this point he realised that in spite of his research and studies he was still far from that inner enlightenment. Why not take pledge at the hands of such a spiritual stalwart whose relationship would instil a new zeal and passion to tread along the path of inner peace and spirituality. Hazrat Mirza accepted his allegiance and prayed for him. Before taking leave, he requested him to pray for his ailing son. Hazrat Mirza raised his hands and recited prayers with deep concentration for quite a long time. Then he allowed him to leave.

Afterwards he went to Maulana Nur-ud-Din as he knew him from the time he used to go the Ahli Sunnat Mosque. He also prayed for me and said few words of advice. Afterwards he went straight to the Gurdaspur Railway station. There he met the British Doctor who was his in charge. Dr. Basharat Ahmad told the British Doctor that his child was still very ill and he wanted further leave. He said: You go to Shakargarh immediately. He would be returning from Pathankot after two days and then he could go on leave even for ten days. Dr. Basharat Ahmad went to Shakargarh straightway. There he received a letter from home that fever of the child had gone down and he was absolutely alright. But as he had already taken leave, he immediately reached Amritsar. There it was told to him that the day he asked Hazrat Mirza to pray for the health of the child, the condition became very serious. That night condition became hopeless. Twelve days had gone. But when temperature was checked late at night, it was normal. When others in the family were told about it they thought that there must be something wrong with the thermometer. But the temperature was checked several times and it was normal. It was reported to the Doctor who was very capable. He could not believe it. He himself came and checked the temperature several times and wondered how it happened that it had

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become normal. At last he said it must be due to special blessings of God. He could not understand how it was possible as he had never come across such a case.

Dr. Basharat Ahmad was a very keen student of the Qur’an and used to read lot to increase his knowledge in different fields. As mentioned earlier he had a very inquisitive mind and that was why in his Explanation of the Qur’an he would bring in logic, science, general knowledge and cross references of the Qur’an and Bible to elucidate deep wisdom and practical guidance latent in the verses of the Qur’an.

His passion for deeper understanding of the Qur’anOnce when he was travelling by ship to Africa, there was rain for a week continuously. Dr. Basharat Ahmad became curious as to what is the benefit of rain on a sea as there is already ample water there, but it is mentioned in the Qur’an that Allah has created nothing which is not beneficial. This question kept on bothering him. It was after 25 years that he read a book where it was mentioned that it is through rain that oxygen is provided to the fish and other creature of the sea. This was his zeal to verify truths of the Holy Qur’an and teachings of Islam.

His Mission to explain and present beauties of the Qur’anComing to his commentary of the Qur’an of parts 27 and 30, his explanations brought forth historical truths and divine wisdom latent in the wording of the divine message couched in very selective and comprehensive words. During his medical service he used to deliver Dars-i Qur’an. According to him he worked very hard in preparing notes for the Dars-i Qur’an, but he felt that his explanation did not carry much interest among the listeners. So he started praying for it. One day in a dream somebody came and asked: Do you say your Tahajjud prayers? From that day on he performed Tahajjud prayers regularly. And his Dars-i Qur’an became so popular that not only Muslims but even non-Muslims started coming to it.

The chapters in these parts deal with prophecies regarding the Last Days and also summarise spir-itual truths, their reward and also punishment that awaits the disbelievers in the life hereafter. As a student of science he was able to put forward amazing arguments which the Qur’an brought forward to explain ‘unseen’ phenomena working within the human being and also in the universe and on this very earth. In his explanations he has beautifully removed misconceptions and wrong interpretations of the Qur’an by old and contemporary commentators of the Qur’an.

Even a translator and commentator like Hazrat Maulana Muhammad paid tribute to the commentary on these two last parts. His commentary of chapters 95, 96, 97, 105, 107, 112, 113 and 114 are worth reading as to our understanding it unfolds historical facts, working of divine hand and what sort of social behaviour Islam expects from its adherents in a most convincing and authoritative manner.

(Sources: Yaad-i Raftgaan, vol. I, pp.140-157. Monthly News Bulletin, Hope, September-October 2008, pp. 7-15, Ch. Masud Akhter, USA).

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NEWS AND VIEWS…

POPE FRANCIS PRAYS BEFORE THE SHROUD OF TURIN, SPEAKS TO WORKERS

BY DON MELVIN, CNN STORY HIGHLIGHTS

POPE SPEAKS IN FAVOUR OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF WORKERS

• Pope, on Turin visit, plans to meet with sick and disabled• He's scheduled to have lunch with prisoners at penitentiary

(CNN) Pope Francis prayed on Sunday before the Shroud of Turin, a strip of cloth that some believe was used for the burial of Jesus Christ. The shroud appears to bear the image of a man who resem-bles paintings of Christ.

"The shroud attracts towards the face and the martyred body of Jesus and at the same time pushes us towards the face of those who suffer or are unjustly persecuted," the Pope said afterward at a Mass in Piazza Vittorio. "It pushes us in the direction of the gift that is Jesus' love."

Speaks in support of women's rightsIt was the start of a busy day for the Pope as he made a pastoral visit to the city of Turin, in northern Italy. Later, he spoke with workers gathered in Piazzetta Reale.

"A job isn't only necessary for economic reasons but for the human being, for his dignity, his citizen-ship and for social inclusion," the Pope told those gathered in the square. "Immigration increases competition, but we don't have to blame the migrants because they are victims of inequality, of this throw-away economy and the wars.

"It's sad to see the spectacle of this last period, where human beings are treated as goods," the Pope said. ….He also spoke in support of women's rights and against job discrimination based on gender.

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THE HOLY SHROUDHoly See supports authenticity of shroud……. Scientists are divided over how the image became embedded in the linen and whether it is really Christ's death shroud. ….The Shroud of Turin was first heard of around the year 1360, according to the New Advent website. It says the authenticity of the shroud is "taken for granted" by the Holy See.

The Burial. Jesus Christ was crucified in the afternoon of a Friday, and the next day was the Sabbath which in this particular case, was doubly sacred because it was also the Passover, the most solemn feast of the year.

At sunset and the appearance of the first three stars would signal the beginning of the Sabbath. We read how Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate (the Roman Governor) to obtain permission to remove the body of Jesus. After certain formalities were gone through, the permission was given. Joseph had arranged to obtain a linen shroud, which was wide enough and long enough to allow the body, after taken down from the Cross, to be laid lengthwise from one end of the shroud and then to have the rest of the linen folded back over the front part of the body to the feet.

Not far from the place of crucifixion there was the cave or tomb, prepared by Joseph and, there accordingly, because of the preparation Day of the Jews, in the tomb close at hand, they laid Jesus (John 19:42)

General description of the ShroudThe shroud is a piece of linen 43 inches (I meter and 10 c.m.) broad, 14 ¼ ft. in length (4 meters, 36 c.m.).

Thanks to Enrie’ enlarged photographs, it is possible to examine it in all its details. It consists of a linen fabric with herring bone stripes; to weave it a loom with four pedals would have been required. The woof of this contains 40 threads to two-fifths of an inch. It is a tissue of pure linen, close and opaque, made of coarse thread of which fibre is unbleached.

Such material most certainly belongs to the age of Jesus. Similar fabrics have been found in Palmyra and at Doura Europos. It even seems that Syria and Mesopotamia were centres of this type of weaving.

The Bodily ImpressionsDown the Central part of the Shroud, one can see two impressions made by the body, with two marks made by the head near to each other but not touching. One is the front picture of the body, the other the back one. When one remembers that the pictures made by a “corpse”, the explanation is simple. The body would have been laid on its back on half of the length of the Shroud, which would then have been folded over the head to cover the front, reaching right down to the feet. One can also see that, as the body imprinted its image on the Shroud, the two impressions would each be inverted.

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The Marks of BloodOne finds marks of blood on all sides … These are the wounds of the scourging, of the crowning with thorns, of all the ill-usage that took place, the carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, even the blow of the lance received in the right side while the body still hung on the Cross.

Scientific research based on the photographsThere is a German Research Convent about the Holy Shroud in Stuttgart, Germany, and Kurt Berna is the Catholic author and secretary in charge of business of the German Convent. The Convent under the guidance of Kurt Berna had carried out extensive scientific research since the photographs of the holy Shroud at Turin were made available in 1931-33. They came to certain starting conclusions which KURT Berna published in the shape of two books (profusely illustrated), one entitled Das Linen (The Sheet) and the other, Jesus Nicht am Kreuz Gestorben (Jesus Did not Die on the Cross). These created a sensation in the Christian circles; and criticism for and against followed. [Crumbling of the Cross, Mumtaz Ahmad Faruqui, 1973].

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blessings of Allah be on him). LOVE also generates peace and happiness in the society. Follow the commandments of ALLAH and His Messenger, the Holy Prophet MUHAMMAD and earn an ever-lasting life here in this world and in the Hereafter. May Allah bless you all.

Ahmad Nawaz, Hayward, California I have just finished reading the February 2013 issue of the HOPE Bulletin dedicated to the memory of the late Br. Akbar Abdullah. I must say that your team has worked very hard to collect facts about the life and contributions made by our late Br. Akbar. The formatting of the Bulletin and photographs have made it very impressive and visual. Br. Akbar deserved such a beautiful dedication. I wish to congratulate you for making the Bulletin more than just a news bulletin. The brief life history of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sas) by our new sister in the fold of Islam, Christiane Backer, is very impressive and shows how his Perfect Example has inspired her thoughts and behaviour. I am sure her book “From MTV to Mecca” must be worth reading. Thanks for introducing the autobiography of a highly popular figure in the Western media, who, by her own study, has adopted Islam, and is facing challenges with firm faith and conviction.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The HOPE Bulletin E-mail address: thehopebulletin@hotmail.com

ISLAM stands for: I SHALL LOVE ALL MANKIND

Photographs : Dr.Gerdien Jonker. Dr. Jawad Ahmad. Dr. Zahid AzizDesign & Formatting : Erwan Hamdani, Jakarta, Indonesia

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