Editor: Nasir Ahmad B.A. LL.B.July 2016

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

Vol. No. 12, Issue No. 7

THE AHMADIYYA ANJUMAN ISHA’AT-I-ISLAM INC. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CONGRATULATES MRS. NURUN AMEERALI ON HER 104TH BIRTHDAY 2Maulana Mustapha Kemal Hydal

LATE MUFTI MOULVI AMEER ALI OF TRINIDAD 4Maulana Mustapha Kemal Hydal

FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS 7Mr. Muhammad Ali

FASTING DEVELOPS SELF-DISCIPLINE OF THE HIGHEST ORDER 10Mr. Inshaal Ahmad

IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE QUR’AN 13Mr. Irfaan Ahmad

TRUTH OR CONVENIENT LIE? 15Mr. Shayaan Ahmad

NEWS FROM THE BERLIN MOSQUE 16Imam Amir Aziz al-Azhari

PageCONTENTS

IMPORTANT EVENTS AT THE BERLIN MOSQUE IN SEPTEMBER 2016

Monument Day: Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 September 2016.Eid al-Adha: Sunday 11 September 2016Long Night of Religions: Saturday 17 September 2016.

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A TRIBUTE TO...

MRS. NURUN AMEERALI

THE PIONEER MUSLIM WOMAN TURNS 104

THE AHMADIYYA ANJUMAN ISHA‘AT-I-ISLAM INC. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CONGRATULATES MRS.

NURUN AMEERALI ON HER 104TH BIRTHDAYMAULANA MUSTAPHA KEMAL HYDAL

On this day, 104 age, a pioneer woman was born. The story of Mrs. Ameerali is one of a woman who stood firm in her belief that Islam holds women and men as equals in the sight of Allah. She champi-oned the cause to restore the rights of women in Islam and her efforts empowered generations of women in Trinidad. Mrs. Nurun Ameerali’s story is that of a woman destined to blaze trails for others to follow. She is the daughter of the Late Ayub Khan, former Imaam of the Jinnah Memorial Mosque in St. Joseph. She was married to the Late Moulvi Ameerali of Siparia. Moulvi Ameerali was the first local Muslim mis-

sionary and scholar in Trinidad and Tobago. He was educated at the Ahmadiyya Institute in Lahore, India (now Pakistan) and at the Al-Azhar and Cairo universities in Egypt. He returned to Trinidad in 1930 and began his mission of the propagation of Islam. He was appointed Mufti (Religious Head) of the Tackveeyatul Islamic Association (TIA) and soon after he became its life president. Later on he also founded the Trinidad Muslim League (TML) and was its Mufti for some year. Mrs. Nurun Ameerali supported her husband in advancing the cause of education for Muslims. Their efforts resulted in the TIA EL Socorro Islamic School becoming the first Muslim school to be government assisted.

Her first public speechHaving been influenced by these and other leaders of the Ahmadiyya understanding of Islam, Mrs. Nurun Ameerali left the sidelines and boldly and bravely ascended the main stage in the propagation of Islam. On Thursday, July 6th. 1933 at a celebration of the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) Mrs. Nurun Ameerali became the first Muslim woman in Trinidad to speak on stage at a public forum. This was an act unheard of at that time in society although today it has become the norm. The event was held at the EI Socorro Villa in San Juan Young Men’s Muslim Association and was presided over by the President of the TIA. She stepped on to the stage and delivered a forceful and resounding message entitled, “MUHAMMAD, THE EXALTER OF WOMEN”. Speaking to and about women she said:

A bold step towards the cause of women’s rights“It is painful that here in Trinidad we have been denied our rights which Allah and His Apostle have given us. I hereby appeal to my mothers and sisters to exert every effort and influence in their power to recover those rights and privileges which Islam has given us and remove the reproach that woman has no soul.”

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“The time has come when we must follow the examples of our illustrious sisters of yore. They fought side by side with their brothers and fathers in the battlefields. War has been declared against super-stition and ignorance, and I appeal to you, dear mothers and sisters, to join the army of Intelligence and Truth. Know this, that we have got a duty to fulfil towards Islam and we cannot fulfil it unless our rights are respected. Let us not rest until our position is restored to us and our rights are respected. It is a happy sign that we are now beginning to take active part in matters religious and we are being educated as to our rights. This meeting today is an eloquent testimony of this fact. Thanks be to Allah. God has made no distinction between man and woman doing good. He has declared in the Holy Qur’an chapter 16, verse 97: “Whoever does good, whether male or female, and he (or she) is a believer. We will certainly make him (or her) live a happy life. We will certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.” With God, therefore, according to our Holy religion there is no difference between man and woman; morally and spiritually they can rise to the same eminence.

Since that keystone event, Mrs. Nurun Ameerali has relentlessly fought for the right of Muslim wom-en to take their place side by side with the men in practicing, promoting and propagating the noble religion of Islam. Her efforts bore fruit in many ways including the formation of several women’s organizations in Trinidad. The glass ceiling was shattered as several Muslim women took up her challenge to be leaders in Islam.

There are several prominent examples of women who were inspired by her efforts and amplified her success. Mrs. Jermelia Khan (sister of former first lady Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali) became the President of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at-i Islam Lahore in the United Kingdom and has served in this position for over 40 years. Mrs. Zeenora Ibrahim, wife of Justice Mustapha Ibrahim and for-mer President of the San Fernando Muslim Women’s Association had for several years delivered an annual sermon on the eve of Lailatul Qadr at the Prince Albert St. Mosque, San Fernando. Dr. Anesa Ahamad became the first Muslim woman to deliver the Friday Jumu’ah Khutba at the Fireburn Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman, Trinidad.

Ahmadi women lead the wayThe Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha’at-i Islam Inc. Trinidad and Tobago has continued her efforts to uplift women in Islam. It remains the only Muslim organization in Trinidad and Tobago with women serv-ing in key positions alongside their male counterparts. The organization’s President, Secretary and Treasurer are women who have been inspired by the efforts of Mrs. Nurun Ameerali. The President, Mrs. Farida Mohammed, a business leader and Muslim Marriage officer regularly delivers the Jumu’ah khutbah at her Mosque in New Grant. The Ahmadiyya Anjuman is the only Muslim organization that has women as Muslim marriage officers duly appointed by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mrs. Nurun Ameerali is ably cared for by her son Irfaan and her daughter and son-in-law Zakeya and Amral Khan, founder of Amral’s Travel. She is noted for being able to recite all the books of the Bible in consecutive order. She enjoys singing the calypso about the Zepplin coming to Trinidad. She plays scrabble to keep her mind active and only within recent times she has given up the craft of cross stitching having produced many remarkable artistic pieces.

The Ahmaddiya Anjuman Isha’at-i Islam Inc. Trinidad and Tobago salutes our living embodiment of faith and piety Mrs. Nurun Ameerali. May Allah reward her greatly in this life and the next and

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may her exemplary life inspire more young women. We wish her a happy birthday and all of Allah’s blessings on achieving this auspicious milestone.

(Courtesy: Daily Guardian, Trinidad and Tobago. October 9, 2015)

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LATE MUFTI MOULVI AMEER ALI OF TRINIDADMAULANA MUSTAPHA KEMAL HYDAL

(On this occasion we would like to recall services contributed to the Muslim community in Trinidad in educational and religious fields by late Moulvi Ameer Ali, illustrious husband of our elderly sister Mrs. Nurun Ameerali, who proved to be an equally dedicated and devoted companion in this selfless service to the cause of Islam. Ed.)

Moulvi Ameer ‘Ali was born in 1898 at Pointe-Pierre, Trinidad. He privately tutored himself until 1923, when an opportunity was extended to him through Moulvi Fazal Karim Durrani B.A., who was then serving as the Muslim missionary to the entire Muslim community of Trinidad and Tobago. Fired by the love of Islam, Ameer Ali left in 1923 to pursue studies in Islamic Theology at the Centre of Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in Lahore.

After seven years, Moulvi Ameer ‘Ali returned to Trinidad in 1930. Now a scholar in Araabic, English and Urdu, he had pursued stud-ies in Islamic Theology in Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, at Al-Azhar and at Cairo Universities. He had toured India, Egypt and the Middle East and more than half of Asia.

On his return he was appointed Mufti of the Tackveeyatul Islamic Association, then the only Muslim Association in Trinidad, and of which he was made life-President in 1935. Expounding Islam accord-ing to new thought and scientific arguments, he introduced an era of inquiry and examination as he opposed the seclusion of the Muslim women and advocated their participation in religious and social affairs. His scholarly discourses on the death of Jesus Christ and the spiritual Mi’raaj of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), led to island-wide debates in an age of renaissance among the younger generation of Muslims in Trinidad.

In 1935, through his untiring persistence, the Immigration Marriage Ordinance was abolished and superseded by the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Ordinance. In 1936, as the first non-Christian member of the Board of Trinidad and Tobago, he moved a resolution advocating that the Hindu and Muslim religions should be eligible to receive government aid in running schools in the coun-try. The only religion considered for such a privilege was Christianity. Spurred on by the Marryat and Mayhew report of 1932 which recommended that the Indian community could have their

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own schools like the Christian denominations by forming an association for that purpose, Moulvi Ameer Ali began to agitate in this matter and the Indian Educational Association was formed in 1938. Moulvi Ameer Ali was elected as its President. In 1944 Moulvi Ameerali was a member of the Central Committee which rose to combat the controversial “language test” in the exercise of adult franchise in Trinidad and Tobago. The labour of Moulvi Ameer Ali in the educational field bore fruit in 1949. The Denominational Ordinance was expanded and El-Socorro Islamia School became the first non-Christian school to be given governmental aid. Muslim and Hindu denominational schools subsequently emerged throughout the country.

In 1944 due to internal dissensions and hostile opposition, Moulvi Ameer Ali and his progressive thinkers relinquished their connection with the Tackveeyatul Islamic Association, for whose devel-opment they had fought for over fifteen years. On Pakistan Day August 15, 1947 Moulvi Ameer Ali and his small band founded the Trinidad Muslim League as a Ghair Muqallid (non-conformist) Association. This line of approach was meant to convey a gradual induction into the Ahmadiyya Movement and to encourage the educated Muslims into the folds of this organization, and there was encouraging response. The relationship between the Trinidad Muslim League and the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement was one of the close affiliation.

In 1964, on the first visit of Maulana S. M. Tufail to Trinidad, Moulvi Ameer Ali pledged himself with the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. During the course of his missionary activities he had also rendered services in Suriname and Guyana where he formed the Guyana Ahmadiyya Anjuman of the Lahore Movement.

He was an impressive speaker and rarely was he at a loss for words. At his public lectures he never read from a prepared text, preferring to refresh his memory from jottings made on small pieces of paper. He had command over the Arabic, Urdu and English languages. This ability, as well as his factual analyses of the topics under discussion, earned him the admiration of his audience. Today, most Muslims who knew him unreservedly praise him for his fearless defence of Islam.

By 1947, he realized that struggling for control of the T.I.A. was a lost cause and the matter was settled outside of the court. The Moulvi Ameerali and his friends then had to form their own organi-zation. They founded the Trinidad Muslim League (T.M.L.) on 15th August 1947 and elected him to the post of Mufti.

1940’s political developments in India held the attention of Muslims and Hindus in Trinidad. India was in the process of obtaining Independence from Britain, while the Muslims in that country were agitating for self-rule. The decision to create Pakistan was greeted with much rejoicing by Muslims in Trinidad and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of Pakistan and leader of the All-India Muslim League, was held in very high esteem here. Thus, Moulvi Ameer Ali chose Pakistan Day, 15th August 1947, to declare the formation of the Trinidad Muslim League, the name closely resembling the All-India Muslim League of Jinnah. In addition, when the T.M.L. built its first mosque at St. Joseph, it was named the Jinnah Memorial Mosque.

The erection of an edifice of the stature of the Jinnah Memorial Mosque is an achievement that is worthy of the highest praise. That this small group of Muslims built in the space of three years the most beautiful mosque in the Caribbean at a cost of $120,000.00 is an indication of the deep spirit

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of dedication and sacrifice with which these early members were imbued. They were inspired by Moulvi Ameer Ali, Mohammed Rafeeq, Mohammed Hakim Khan, and later by Aziz Ahamad, who took over the presidency of the T.M.L. from Mohammed Hakim Khan when the latter resigned in 1952. On 31st January 1951, the Moulvi dug the first shovel of earth, after saying a short prayer, to begin construction work. From then until its completion his constant presence was a source of encouragement to all those engaged in this task. He took part in the carpentry and masonry work and held the office of Exchequer, all monies passing through his hands. Thus, Sunday 25th April 1954, was a day of great significance for Moulvi Ameer Ali and every member of the T.M.L., when the Jinnah Memorial Mosque was finally opened.

In 1958, Moulvi Ameer Ali took time off from his missionary work in order to do a refresher course in Islamic theology at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. He left on Sunday 30th March 1958 and arrived in England on 15th April, where he was met by some of his relatives. He visited a number of mosques in and around London, and spent some days at the British Museum, reading the history of the Moors. Before going on to Egypt, he spent three weeks in Spain, where he visited some of the great examples of early Islamic architecture. In Cairo, he attended Al-Azhar University between the months of September and November, studying such topics as “Mukallidiat in Islam” and “The Islamic Concept of Miracles,” as well as improving his knowledge of the Arabic language. He then returned to Trinidad in December 1958, and resumed his missionary duties.

During 1961, he conducted “The Hive Class,” an Islamic class held every Sunday morning at the T.M.L. School, St. Joseph. For most of 1962, he was ill, and as a result he closed down his business and moved to 10 Picton Street, Port of Spain. At around the same time, he gave up the office of Mufti of the T.M.L. In 1963, having fully recovered his health, he accepted an invitation to attend the Annual Jalsa of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam, Lahore, Pakistan, due to take place in December.

He left Trinidad on 24th October, allowing himself enough time to visit relatives in London and to tour several countries in the Middle East before going on to Pakistan. He arrived in Lahore on 11th December and attended the Jalsa held from 25th to 27th December. Here he met Ahmadi mission-aries from all over the world and held discussions with many of them.

He left Pakistan in February 1964 and was met by his wife in Cairo, having made plans to accompany her on the Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After the Pilgrimage and a tour of several countries in the Middle East, they returned home in 1964.

By this time, the President of the T.M.L. was Aziz Ahamad, who had become an Ahmadi on one of his visits to Lahore. During the absence of Moulvi Ameer Ali in 1964, Aziz Ahamad extended an invitation to Maulana S. M. Tufail, an Ahmadi missionary attached to the Islamic Mission, Woking, England, to visit Trinidad and to conduct a series of lectures on the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman (Lahore). As a result of the work of this missionary, many members of the T.M.L. joined that organization. Moulvi Ameer Ali was one of these. In August 1964, after the departure of S.M. Tufail, Moulvi Ameer Ali and some of the Ahmadi members of the T.M.L. formed an “Ahmadiyya Committee” at the Gasparillo Mosque. Later in that month, as part of the programme of activi-ties drawn up by this Committee, he delivered, at Preysal Village, a lecture entitled “Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Reformer of the 20th Century.” However, soon after this, he fell seriously ill and this committee ceased its activities

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Although he recovered his health a few months later, this illness marked the evening of his career. His involvement in the affairs of the T.M.L. gradually declined and he spent most of his time at home. In 1966, he made the last major decision in the affairs of the T.M.L. when he said that the creed of Ghair-Mukallidiat did not prevent an affiliation between the T.M.L. and the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam, Lahore, thus paving the way for these two organizations to be affiliated in 1967.

At 12.15 a.m. in February 1973, Moulvi Ameer Ali finally breathed his last. Hundreds of people gath-ered from mid-afternoon of the same day at the Jinnah Memorial Mosque to pay their final respect. After a short burial service, his body was interred in a grave on the premises of the Jinnah Memorial Mosque, permission for which was obtained from Government just one month before his death.

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FAITH AND GOOD DEEDSMR. MUHAMMAD ALI

(EX-IMAM, THE BERLIN MOSQUE, GERMANY)

(Text of talk delivered at the monthly meeting held on 5th June, 2016 at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London).

Belief in God is the first step towards achieving purification of the soul. The true belief in God combined with prayer seek-ing Allah’s guidance gives strength to abstain from evil ways and inculcates righteousness. It is always faith that helps us to work hard to achieve an objective in spite of hurdles and difficulties. In fact faith is the driving force to fight against evil and perform good deeds. This is how process of purification works and one continues to progress in good morals and so-cial behaviour. This is what the Qur’an also suggests:

Unique spiritual exerciseNow is the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The Muslim ummah in this month engages in a spiritual exercise which is unique in many ways. It is self-purification as a Muslim tries to discipline eating habits according to the divine commandments and desists from doing things which have been forbidden. It is also a month of humility and service to fellow human beings. In other words we practice submission and charity by submitting to the rules and regulations and discipline our physical habits and social behaviour. This is what the Holy Prophet so beautifully said in a short saying: “ A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands others are in peace” In other words this month is a reminder to practise physical and spiritual discipline.

The purpose of fasting is described in the Quran : “O you who believe, Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil” (2:183).

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This verse highlights two basic objects of this divine ordinance: 1. All moral and spiritual guidance have been revealed by the Supreme Creator to humankind since the beginning of the world. Glance through history of prophets and sages. Who else were there who became conscious of guiding and reforming people in their thoughts and behaviour? Who else were who suffered opposition and per-secution for the sake of moral and social upliftment and welfare. It is a historical fact that prophets and sages - from Adam down to Muhammad - set high standards of morality and social behaviour. They inspired an all out change in all aspects of human behaviour and relationship.

Let us examine the institution of Fasting. As we all experience that during a normal day if one is feeling hungry or thirsty, one finds it very difficult to carry on without eating and drinking something. And one rushes to get something to eat or drink. But during this month our minds are prepared to abstain from drinking and eating and we continue with our routine. So with the help of Allah we are able to successfully abstain from food, drinks and other things which otherwise seems somewhat difficult to resist.

How inner change comes aboutSo how does it happen? How an inner urge is inculcated that even when nobody is seeing us we do not even think of passing a drop of water down our throats. This is faith and this is commitment to our Creator to discipline us to make us spiritually elevated and physically pure to live a life of piety and welfare.

So we fast, because we believe that there is Allah Who is present all the time and we are accountable to Him for what we do. This feeling of constant vigilance of Allah works wonders and it strengthens human character to such an extent that such personalities bring unthinkable change in persons and in the society as a whole. So a task which otherwise seems difficult becomes easy when we start feeling the presence of Allah .

Belief in Allah is foundation of a religion. If one believes in Allah and makes efforts to do good deeds and seeks His blessings through prayer, then Allah makes things easy for him. Remember, that only belief and not performing good deeds will lead one anywhere. The Holy Qur’an draws our attention to this lack of will to act upon what we believe: “ O you who believe, why say that which you do not? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say that which you do not” (61:2,3). Both praying and doing good deeds compliments each other. The one provides motivation and the other yields results. If someone believes in Allah and does not act upon what has been enjoined, then his belief is a mere lip service which will bring no positive change in the day today living of a Muslim.

Thus fasting is an exercise which helps to improve spiritually as well as to conquer our physical desires. This month teaches us how we can change the course of our life, if we really want. This is the way we can become the masters of our desires rather than becoming their slaves.

Examples of the ProphetsLet us glance through the history of the Prophets. The most excellent example is that of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) who faced worst kind of opposition and persecution to launch his mis-sion against idol-worship, internecine enmity, killing, slavery, all sorts of immoral and cruel acts. To reform the Arab society which took pride in committing crime and resorting to shameless behaviour was an uphill task. Amazing aspect of his struggle for reformation was persuasion through personal

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character, unshakeable belief in divine support and noble teachings for bringing moral, social and economic reforms and above all establishing human equality and dignity. His steady and sustained struggle in a peaceful manner brought a change – not a change but a revolution in human history – and gave birth to a unique, peaceful and non-violent religious message of peace – Islam. But this struggle for reformation and human freedom costed him and his companions loss of lives, unprec-edented hardship and persecution, leaving their home town, settling in a new town, starting from scratch in a new place with a different set of working situation and worst of all fighting three battles to maintain peace and order for his new emerging community.

We recite in every prayer the opening chapter of the Quran i.e. Surah Fatiah. The summary of this opening chapter is that first of all we express our belief in the Allah being the Lord of the worlds. Then we seek help from Allah for the success in this world and the hereafter. And we also seek His help to keep us on the straight path so that ultimately we get the rewards of those who were granted rewards before and to save ourselves from His wrath and from going astray from the right path.

The right way to be on the right path and achieve His rewards is that we should have faith in Allah. Once we have firm believe, the next step is to pray to Allah so that we are granted the opportunity to follow the right path. Thus belief and praying provides motivation to constantly follow the true path and attain all those rewards which are symbolically described in the Qur’an.

How to get rid of sinHazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam has written about the importance of belief in the following inspiring words in his booklet: “Ark of Noah”.

“O you, who seek the Lord, open your ears and listen. Remember that it is only perfect faith which can deliver you from sin. Faith gives you the power to do good and faith alone can turn you into a lover of God. Can you turn away from evil without perfect conviction? Can you hold your base impulses in check without the help of a sure light? Without this perfect conviction, can anyone bring about any real change in his own self? Can you achieve any state of satisfaction and peace of mind without this perfect certainty? Can you ever gain any real prosperity without it? In the whole world, is there any atonement which can give you the power to avoid sin – a power which man so much stands in need of?

Always remember, therefore, that you cannot come out of the darkness without firm conviction, nor can you receive the Holy Spirit without it. Blessed are they who have this faith and blessed are they who have been delivered from uncertainties and doubts, for hey alone will be delivered from sin. Blessed will you be when this great treasure of unshakable faith is given to you, since on that day sin for you will come to an end.

Sin and faith cannot exist together. Will you ever knowingly put your hand into a hole when you can see for yourself that it is occupied by a poisonous snake? Or will you remain standing where a shower of red-hot stones is coming down from some belching volcano? Or will you stand at a place where a thunderbolt is about to strike from above, or where a ferocious lion is likely to attack at any moment? Or will you live in a place where a dangerous plague is destroying mankind?

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So, if you believe in Allah with the same firmness of conviction as you believe in the danger from a snake, or a thunderbolt, or a lion, or from the plague, it is not possible for you to defy Him by disobedience and so incur punishment thereby, or for you to wish to break the bond of sincerity and loyalty which binds you to Him.

O you people who have been called to righteousness and truth, rest fully assured that Divine attrac-tion will take its birth in you and you will be washed clean of the ugly stain of sin only when your hearts become filled with firm conviction. Perhaps you will say that you have this conviction, but you should take care to remember that this feeling is not more than a delusion on your part. That firm conviction is most certainly not yours for you do not fulfil the condition which necessarily must attend it at all times. You have not yet given up your sinful ways. You have not yet taken the first step which you ought to have taken the moment this firm conviction becomes yours. …” (pp.22-24)

At the end, dear brothers and sisters, I pray that may Allah help us to have true faith and achieve the desired success in this world and in the hereafter.

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FASTING DEVELOPS SELF-DISCIPLINE OF THE HIGHEST ORDER

TAQWAH FOSTERS HUMAN DIGNITY AND COMMITMENT TO HIGHER FAITH

MR. INSHAAL AHMAD (STUDENT B. A. NOTTINGHAM UNI.)

(Text of talk given at the Iftaar meeting held on 18th June 2016 at Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre at Wembley, London.)

“O you, who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwaa.” ( The Qur’an 2:183)“And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.” (The Qur’an 2:184)The most honoured by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwa.”(The Qur’an 49:13)

Although Taqwa is difficult to translate concisely, it may be trans-lated as restraint, fear and tolerance.

Fasting promotes disciplineAlthough we can focus on many aspects of fasting- today we will focus on the attributes that fasting promotes- particularly self-restraint and tolerance. Fasting and Ramadan can bring about various health benefits depending on how it is conducted i.e. not eating excessively or unhealthily during the night and not remaining idle during the day (although I’m guilty of that myself). The self-restraint

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and self-control that fasting should foster may help overcome habits or addictions. If for example a smoker manages to restrain from smoking for the duration of Ramadan, it is likely that they may even be able to quit. While it takes longer to form a habit, an average of 66 days according to the European Journal of Social Psychology, a psychology book from the 1960s entitled Psycho-Cybernetics claims that to get rid of a habit takes around 21 days. So a month of fasting can provide the required discipline, self-restraint and control to stop biting our nails, or eating sugary food or binge-watching TV shows and many other unwanted habit.

On the flipside, in order to maintain the good habits of Ramadan such as praying Fajr on time and reading the Quran regularly we may need the equivalent of two Ramadans. If in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, we could keep up the habits of Ramadan, it should, with the will of Allah, be-come ingrained into our lifestyle and no longer become as difficult a task.

Power of disciplineOne example of a man who showed the power of discipline was the recently deceased Muhammad Ali (May his soul rest in peace). He famously said:

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

Mr. Muhammad Ali started his day off with early morning runs at 5:30 AM. He would stretch before-hand and then would run 6 miles a day in army type-boots in under 40 minutes. He made sure he ate a wholesome breakfast, eating all natural foods while drinking orange juice and plenty of water. After he ran, he would perform some exercises, stretch, and then go back home to get washed up. Ali then went to the gym at 12:30 PM for three hours. He made sure he trained six days a week with just one off day a week.

Mr. Muhammad Ali didn’t just show discipline in his boxing career but also moral principles in his public life, most famously perhaps when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War - probably the only fight he avoided in his life. He said:

‘I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality.’

He didn’t think twice before being stripped of his heavyweight title, a title he’d worked his entire life to gain and protect. The discipline and principles shown by Muhammad Ali are the essence of fasting and taqwa.

Forms of hardshipFasting requires us to bear hardship in the form of thirst and pangs of hunger. Hazrat Bilal, a freed salve is a shining example of overcoming hardship and suffering. Bilal is very lovingly remembered by all Muslims of the world as one of the earliest great African Muslim. In the early days of Islam the tribe of Quraish who were strong lived in and around Makkah, disliked Islam. They also disliked Prophet Muhammad and his new teachings. If any person accepted the new religion, they oppressed and harassed him. One day Umayya bin Khalaf came to know of Bilal’s secret prayers. He called Bilal

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and asked, “Oh Bilal, do you worship and bow down to the God of Muhammad?” Bilal was not afraid. He replied, ‘Yes Master, I do worship Allah, the only God.”

The reply angered Umayya greatly. He began to torture Bilal. He was tied with ropes and made to lie on the burning hot desert sand at mid-noon. He was then asked to forget the God of Islam and worship the idols. But Bilal was strong in his new belief. He refused to worship idols and kept crying “AHAD, AHAD”, meaning “One God, One God.” The torture continued and was increased. Hot iron rod were stamped on his pained body. Yet Bilal did not give in to the pain.

On one hot day Bilal lay on the burning hot sand tied to the ground. A very heavy stone was placed over his chest. Bilal could no longer bear the heat and the load so great. He had also grown weak. In that tied condition even water was denied to him. In the condition he lay unconscious. As the day neared its end, it became cooler; he regained his consciousness. He found that the heavy stone was no more on his chest. He wondered who had come to free him from pain. His heavy eyes slowly opened only to look at the bright smiling face of Prophet Muhammad.

Prophet Muhammad had heard of and seen the torture of Bilal. It pained him extremely to learn that a true believer should suffer in such a manner. He also felt pity for the poor man. He told Abu Bakr to purchase Bilal from Umayya and set him free. This was done. In similar ways the Holy Prophet had many slaves set free. He insisted that slaves be treated fairly and kindly. By his own conduct he also set such examples.

Among the slaves from Africa, Bilal was the first to accept Islam. He had a strong faith in Allah and a great love for the Holy Prophet. He had a pure character. Soon he earned high respect of the Holy Prophet and other great Muslims of the time. He was addressed Sayedina Bilal, Bilaal our elder. The Holy Prophet liked Bilal’s sweet and melodious voice and made him the first Mu’azzin -The Caller To the Prayers.

All through his life Bilal remained a close companion of Prophet Muhammad and was with him at every occasion. His grave still exists in the famous Muslim graveyard in Damascus. People still go to his grave to this day to pay respect and salute him. A slave man who became a respected figure throughout the Muslim world achieved such a status initially through taqwa, through tolerance, through bearing pain.

Restraint practiced in food and hardshipDuring fasting we must restrain from not only food and drink, but bad thought, action and desires - in order to develop patience, restraint and tolerance. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was undoubt-edly one of the greatest role models in many aspects but also in the context of taqwa. Patience, restraint and tolerance were one of the many features of his character. A well-known example of the Prophet’s patience and tolerance includes the time when a woman habitually threw garbage upon the Holy Prophet, without any retaliation from him. His patience and tolerance then turned to compassion when the woman stopped throwing garbage on the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and he went to see if she was well. The compassion, initially stemming from the patience shown by the Holy Prophet left such an impression on the woman that she accepted Islam. Another well-known example of the Prophet Muhammad’s restraint can be seen in the following short exchange in which the Quraish tribe tried to bribe the Holy Prophet.

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And the story goes that…

One day the Quraish tried to induce the Holy Prophet to discontinue his teachings of the new reli-gion which had sown discord among their people. ‘Utba ibn Rabi’a, was delegated to see the Holy Prophet and speak to him. ‘Utba said: “O son of my brother, you are distinguished by your qualities; yet you have sown discord among our people and cast dissension in our families; you denounced our gods and goddesses and you charge our ancestors with impiety. Now we have come to make a proposition to you, and I ask you to think well before you reject it.”

“I am listening to you, O father of Walid,” said the Holy Prophet.

“0 son of my brother, if by this affair you intend to acquire riches, honours, and dignity, we are willing to collect for you a fortune larger than is possessed by any one of us; we shall make you our chief and will do nothing without you. If you desire dominion, we shall make you our king; and if the demon which possesses you cannot be subdued, we will bring you doctors and give them riches until they cure you.”

When ‘Utba had finished his discourse, the Holy Prophet said: “Now listen to me, O father of Walid.”

“I listen,” he replied.

The Holy Prophet recited to him the first thirteen verses of Surah Fussilat (Chapter 41). Reaffirming the message of Allah, emphasising to the Quraish that he would not waver in his message or be bought by any riches of this life. When the Holy Prophet had finished his recitation, he said to ‘Utba: “This is my reply to your proposition; now take what course you find best.”

So, in comparison to the discipline shown by Muhammad Ali, the tolerance shown by Hazrat Bilal and the self-restraint of Prophet Muhammad; waking up for Fajr or reading the Quran daily is hardly a mountain to climb. So let’s try to maintain taqwa not only in Ramadan but the month following Ramadan and the year until the next Ramadan: so that this time next year discipline, self-restraint and tolerance will be ingrained into our lives.

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IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE QUR’ANIRFAAN AHMAD (STUDENT YEAR 11)

Text of a talk given at a monthly meeting held on 25th July 2016 at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK

“My Lord, expand my heart, ease my task for me and remove the knot from my speech so that they may understand what I say” (20:25).

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The Quran informs us that these words were spoken by Prophet Moses as he took on the extremely difficult task of confronting the tyrannical Pharaoh of the time.

“Arm me with the right words”, he asks his Lord earnestly.

Skill of communicationIn the light of the mayhem and atrocities committed in the name of Islam recently, I would like to talk about the skill of communication and the importance it is given within the Quran.

In a beautiful Surah Ar-Rahman which speaks of the gifts bestowed on humankind, the gift of skilled speech is given a special mention: “He has taught him intelligent speech”, (55:4)

We share a world with people of different viewpoints, different faiths, and different ideas; and even within family members, differences in opinion arise. This is the reality of the world we live in as acknowledged by the good Lord in the Quran:

“O humankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female and made you into different nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily, the most hon-oured amongst you in the sight of God is the most righteous. And God has full knowledge and he is well acquainted with all things”(49:13)

Did not illuminating words such as these change a fractured people so profoundly? If we strive with words calmly composed can we not achieve peace?

“Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious” (16:125)

Now let us turn to the very first revelation:

“Read! In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created man, out of clot. Read! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, taught man what he knew not” (96:1-5).

Mystical experienceLet us listen to the aural beauty of this verse. By aural I mean which relates to its sound and hearing.

The predominance of the deep consonants in the first 3 verses which are produced by the throat ( such as the letter Qaaf) in the letter iq-raa’ gives us a sense of the difficult mystical experience in the heart of a cave where the Prophet struggled to get these words out.

Iq-ra’ bis-mi rabbi-kal la-zee kha-laqKha-la-kal in-saa-na min ‘a-laqIq-ra’ wa rabb-bu kal ak-ram.

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Moreover, the imperative verb was Iqra! Read! Recite! Proclaim! But our Holy Prophet did not have these skills.

Notice how the relationship is formed between the words ‘Alaq and Khalaq using rhyming, show-ing that ‘created’ and ‘clot’ are closely associated words. These word associations underscore our relationship with our Creator: At the very moment of conception we are dependent on our Creator.

The message conveyed using such sounds and poetry is: strive and depend on your Creator to guide you: the One Who knows you so intimately.

In verses 4 and 5 the deep Qaaf is gradually replaced by the easier sounds of, laam and meem which are produced in the middle and front of the mouth.

‘All-la-zi all-la-ma bil qa-lam‘All-la-mal in-saa-na maa lam ya‘-lam

Sounds produced from deep within the throat have been replaced with sounds that are produced by the tip of the tongue reaching the lips.

These fluid sounds give a promise that the task which seems steep will become easier.

How Divine words speakThe rhyming words here are Qa-lam (pen) ya‘-lam (know) which both relate to the word ‘All-la-ma (he taught). The word associations underlie the gift we have all been bestowed with to enable us to hold the pen. Here, there is also a prophecy that the written word will eventually spread knowledge.

These words speak to us at so many different levels. We get an insight into the difficult mystical ex-perience the Holy Prophet underwent. History testifies to the prophecy that bringing the revelatory words to the people would initially be a struggle but eventually ease with the passage of time and have wide reach.

The Holy Prophet’s deep faith in his Lord clothed him in patience: the words eventually impacted not only his society but reverberates in time for all to hear if they choose.

And note 3 very important words exist in this very first revelation: Read, write (symbolised by the Pen) and knowledge (ya‘-lam, know).

Such few words communicate so much.

We have are all been gifted with the power of thought and speech and we can all aspire to master the craft of communication with the help of our Lord.

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TRUTH OR CONVENIENT LIE?MR. SHAYAAN AHMAD (STUDENT YEAR 8)

Text of a short talk given at a monthly meeting held on 25th July 2016 at the Lahore Ahmadiyya Centre, Wembley, London, UK

Lying increases stress levelWe have all told a lie in the past, whether it was necessary or not, whether it was serious or minor, or whether it was told with the right or wrong intentions. In some scenarios people may feel pres-sured into telling a lie because they may think it was for the better. However, I can assure you the truth heals better than a well- thought out lie. If you have done something wrong and you think a lie may get you through it, even if it may work, for your conscience and stress, it would be better to just tell the truth. This is because lying can increase stress levels, if a lying habit is created and stress keeps building up, it could take a toll on you mental and physical health. A short term punishment is better than a long term health problem. When telling a convenient lie, people may consider the lie to be a white lie because they may have the right intentions. However, white lies are typically light hearted, for example, lying about where you are going because you are planning a surprise party. However, if

you were lying to cover up for someone you are close to, this is not a white lie, it is just a lie which is convenient for you. Another type of convenient lying that people tell is the twisted truth. People tend to justify this type of lie by saying technically it is the truth, however, this is just as bad as a lie because you are intentionally tricking the other person using various techniques. When telling these types of lies, it is easy to get caught and therefore, if you are just straight with the person from the start, no lying would need to be involved.

Truth works better than lieI would like to end with an example of a story I know. This story shows that it was better to tell the truth even though at first, it may seem that a white lie would work better in the situation. This story is of a couple where the husband was suffering from health issues. The wife wanted to send her hus-band to a specialist so he could be helped. Therefore, the wife wrote and printed off two copies of a letter she was going to hand to the doctor. However, she accidentally threw one of the copies away in a paper bin. Later on, her husband found this letter. When he asked her what it was about, she responded with the truth. Although it would seem better in this situation to tell a white lie. However she did not. Eventually, when they visited the doctor, the doctor asked, if her husband had given consent to go through with the process. Since he had already read the letter, the wife was allowed to say yes. Therefore, as we can see, it was better that she had told the truth earlier on otherwise, the husband would not have been able to get treated. I hope this talk gave you a different outlook, rather than in a generic way on why telling the truth heals the situation in a more efficient manner.

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NEWS FROM THE BERLIN MOSQUEACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 2016

IMAM AMIR AZIZ AL-AZHARI

Students of University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA24 May 2016. Students along with their teacher, Ms. Holly Brining, Ph.D Instructor of German Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literature, University of Minnesota, Duluth, visited the Berlin Mosque . A brief talk about Islam and history of the Mosque was followed by Question/ answer session. It turned out to be a very interesting programme as students and teachers participated fully in the discussion. The Teacher was presented a copy of the German translation of Holy Quran for the university library. She thanked for the gift.

International Peace Federation25 May. The Imam of the Berlin Mosque was invited by International Women Peace Federation to participate in the International Law Initiative Forum and Peace Walk . Topic of speech was “International Law and Islam”. Dr. Rebbecca Jeong , an International Law Expert from Korea , ad-dressed the audience about International Law and its need in current situation.

Mr. Amir Aziz was asked to present Islamic concept of International Law. It was appreciated by all participants. Among Muslim delegates the Imam was asked to lead the Peace Walk which was a part of the programme. Walk was escorted by the Berlin Police security in the main tourist spot of Berlin. Mr. Amir Aziz al-Azhari was introduced as Imam for Lahore Ahmadiyya Mosque in Berlin.

Visit of students and Teachers of Mississippi State University, USA26 May 2016. A group of students and teachers from Mississippi USA visited the Berlin Mosque on 26th May without any appointment. The group included a Pakistani student who was keen to visit the Berlin Mosque. She was a very enthusiastic student and after the visit and lecture the whole group thanked her saying, “ Abeer, you really made our day.” On the whole it was an interesting exchange of ideas. The group was presented copies of “Islam, Peace and Tolerance by Dr. Zahid Aziz.

29 May. A one-day workshop on Dementia was conducted in the Berlin Mosque by Evangelic Church. Forty men and women including nurses, volunteers, doctors and old home staff participated. Programme started at 10:00 am and ended at 4:30 pm. In the beginning Mr. Amir Aziz, the Imam was asked to talk about the message, work of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and history of the Berlin Mosque. At the end the Imam was asked to speak about the Qur’an says about the condition of a person in Dementia and what should be the attitude be should be the attitude of people around him. It was a very educative programme. Everyone appreciated the atmosphere and our version of Islam.

Into the fold of IslamWith the blessings of Allah two men and a woman accepted Islam at the Berlin Mosque. They were presented with copies of the Holy Quran and other literature.

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1. Mr. Dustin Reichenback from Berlin accepted Islam on 26th May 2016. He was given Islamic name of Dost Rahman by Hazrat Ameer.

2. Mr Franil Tel Tscher from Leipzig, East Berlin accepted Islam on 7th June 2016 .Hazrat Ameer gave him Islamic name Farhan.

3. Ms. Crystal Boyd from Berlin accepted Islam on 17th June 2016. She was given Islamic name of Kiran by Hazrat Ameer.

A group with the Architect5 June. The Architect who is presently overseeing repair work of the Berlin Mosque came with a group. Mr. Amir Aziz, the Imam, explained history of the Mosque and the Architect explained its architectural beauty.

Discussion with members of the Qadiani Community7th June. A family of Qadiani Ahmadiyya community visited the Berlin Mosque. Head of the family and other members stayed for one hour and had a good discussion about the differences. They bought German translation of the Qur’an by Maulana Muhammad Ali .

Interview with the Indonesian TV One8th June. A reporter of Indonesia TV One channel visited the Berlin Mosque and stayed at the Mosque almost for three hours. She recorded a brief interview of the Imam, Mr. Amir Aziz Al-Azhari and made a documentary about the Berlin Mosque. She was presented books about Islam and the Ahmadiyya movement. This programme will be broadcast in Indonesia during the month of Ramadan. .

15 June. Heavenly World Peace Restoration of Light organized a programme in which representatives of three religions Islam, Christianity and Hinduism participated. Mr. Amir Aziz, Imam of the Berlin Mosque, represented Islam. The theme was: “ Founder of every religion, circumstances in which it was established and its message.”. By the grace of Allah presentation of the Imam was appreciated followed by a very long question/ answer session. It had such a good impact that now the next programme will be held at the Berlin Mosque on 28th July.

18th June. Another group of the Qadiani Jama’at headed by a retired Col of Pakistan Army visited the Berlin Mosque . They stayed for four hours and had a long discussion about the differences. They bought German translation of Holy Quran.

A group from the Open University of Berlin19 June. A group of Muslim girls from Freie University Berlin visited the Berlin Mosque and had a long discussion about the Lahore Ahmadiyya movement. These girls got scholarship from German Govt. They were presented German translation of the Holy Quran. One of them asked for a copt of the Turkish translation of Holy Quran which was presented to her.

Demise of late Mr. Zafar Iqbal , Frankfurt21 June. We are sorry to report sad demise of Bro. Zafar Iqbal in Frankfurt, Germany on 18th June, 2016. He was buried in the local graveyard on 21st June. On the instructions of Hazrat Ameer Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed, Head of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Mr. Amir Aziz Al-Azhari,

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Imam of the Berlin Mosque, attended Janaza prayer of late Mr. Zafar Iqbal in Frankfurt. After burial he visited the family members and conducted Du‘a and conveyed condolence messages of Hazrat Ameer and other members of the Lahore Jama‘at who knew him closely. The whole family thanked all those who sent them condolences.

Mr. Zafar Iqbal did his Masters’ in English from Government College, Lahore and had been teaching English in various government colleges in Pakistan. He went to Libya and stayed there from 1975-86. He came to Germany in August 1986.

His father late Sardar Misbah-ud-Din was a saintly person devoted to the cause of Islam. He was a missionary at the London Ahmadiyya Fazal Mosque , Putney, UK in 1927. He was very close friend of Faruqui brothers of Lahore, sons of late Dr. Basharat Ahmad and late Maulana Aftab-ud-Din, ex- Imam of the Shah Jehan Mosque, Woking, UK. When in Lahore he visited Ahmadiyya Buildings regularly.

Mr. Zafar Iqbal was well-versed in the Qur’an, Hadith and Islamic literature. He acted as Imam of the Berlin Mosque for several months in 2001-02. And later he acted as Imam during the month of Ramadan at the mosque of the Stichting Ahmadiyya Anjuman in Hague, Holland.

Participation in a Multi-religious Workshop26 June. A workshop was conducted by coordinator of Multi Religious Faiths. Mr. Amir Aziz participat-ed in this very informative and beneficial workshop. The Coordinator belongs to Jewish Community but has great regard for the Berlin Mosque and Islam. Our participation was appreciated and she offered us free stall in the Religious Festivals organized by her organization. We took full advantage of the offer and Translations of the Qur’an in various languages and other literature were displayed at a prominent place and were well received.

Ph.D. Lady teacher from Minnesota University, USA with the Imam

Teacher and students from Minnesota University

24th May24th May

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Mississippi University Students group

Peace WalkPeace Walk

26th May

25th May25th May

25th May

Peace Walk

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Workshop on Dementia

Mr. Dustin Reichenback, Berlin taking pledge

29th May

26th May

Mr. Jonas Worms with the ImamWorkshop on Dementia

Workshop on Dementia

5th June29th May

29th May

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Group with the architect

Mr. Craig Redmond, a professional photographer from UKGroup with the architect

5th June

5th June5th June

Mr. Franil Tel Tscher, Leipzig, East Berlin

7th June

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HWPR Inter-faith

Indonesia TV One

19th June

18th June

8th June

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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 : Amir Aziz and Rebecca JeongDesign & Formatting : Erwan Hamdani, Jakarta, Indonesia

http://www.aaiil.orghttp://www.Lahore.ahmadiyya.org

For Books on Islam and the Ahmadiyya Movement: Translations of the Holy Quran in Urdu, English, German, French, Russian, Indonesian, Dutch, Spanish and Turkish. Visit our websites.

Group of Muslim Girls from Open University of Berlin

HWPR Inter-faith

19th June

19th June