Looking for something to do in Lockdown? How about learning Arabic?
The Importance of Arabic By Akram Ghauri As we all bide our time in a nationwide Covid-19 enforced lockdown, there’s definitely a case for encouraging people to try something new. The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) instructed members of his own community to “make an effort to learn Arabic little by little”[1]. So why not use this time to start? Admittedly, Arabic is viewed by some as being both mysterious and even inaccessible. However, it is a language of great importance, as it is not only intriguing linguistically, but also central to the rise of Islam and the history of the Arab world. Firstly, Arabic is very precise and intricate, which can understandably make a translator’s life difficult. For example, when it comes to talking about camels, you need to be fairly exact. Whether your camel is obese, thirsty, weak or bad-tempered, there’s a specific term to use for each. Arabic also employs an intriguing root system, in which words revolving around a certain concept are derived from the same three letters. For instance, a kitaab is a “book”, a maktaba is a “library” and a maktuub is a “letter”, yet all three words contain the letters “k”, “t” and “b”. In fact, the more you think about this system, the more you realise its profound logic. Say an Arab was to stumble across a word they’d never seen before – by delving into their vocabulary and plucking out words with the same consonants, they would most likely be able to figure out its rough meaning. Additionally, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) writes how Arabic has the ability to express “the most delicate and deep things”[2]. This eloquence made Arabic the perfect language for the Quran. Since the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), many Muslims have been able to memorise the entire holy book. This is a testament to the Quran’s succinct, poetic nature and its preservation in its original form. Compare this to the Bible – written in a less memorable prosaic style and almost ten times longer than the Quran, this would be much more susceptible to being altered, or even forgotten, over time. Besides, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him) even declares how other languages appear “lame, maimed, blind, deaf” [3] in comparison to Arabic. Arabic was also important in creating a sense of unity among Muslims during Islam’s infancy. As Islam united the Persians and Arabs, the cultural barrier softened as the former began using Arabic as the language of religious and legal learning. Outside of Islam, some Eastern churches even started using Arabic, as well as the Jews living in Spain under the Umayyads. Furthermore, many intellectuals and academics ought to be grateful to the Arabs because, without them, we would not be so well-acquainted with the works of Plato, Aristotle and Hippocrates. Many medical and scientific texts were sent from Byzantium for translation into Arabic. Syrian Christians converted the Greek texts into Arabic, often using their native Syriac as an intermediary. Centres were set up in Umayyad Spain where the Arabic translations were rendered into Latin form. These works, along with other works and developments by Muslim philosophers and scientists were ultimately availed by the rest of Europe, enlightening them with some of the most profound philosophical ideas. If you didn’t enjoy maths at school, your love for Arabic might start to dwindle! As the Persian mathematician, al Khwarizmi, is often called the “father of algebra” and from his own name, “algorithm” is derived. Next time you see someone doing a Rubik’s Cube, they are actually doing a Rubik’s Ka’ab, and always remember a right angle originally had ninety daraja before it had ninety degrees. However, the most crucial part of Arab mathematics was arguably Arabic numerals. Originally invented in India but developed further by the Arabs and Persians, this numeral system was to almost completely replace the Roman one in Europe by the fifteenth century. The main reason for this was the rise of the printing press: no-one wanted to waste ink writing LXXXVIII when you could just say 88. Some of the world’s best folk tales also came from the Arabs. “One Thousand and One Nights” is a collection of Middle Eastern tales and gave us the likes of Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba. Finally, Arabic is still really important in today’s society. Globally, there are over 300 million Arabic speakers, making it the fifth most spoken language. Of course, to the 1.8 billion Muslims out there, the exposure to the Quran and prayer from a young age has instilled within them the idea of Arabic as a higher form of communication. Ultimately, as stated by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), a person cannot enjoy the Holy Quran without knowing Arabic well[4]. Akram will be starting a Bachelor’s Degree in ‘Arabic and Islamic Studies’ at the University of Oxford later this year [1] Malfoozaat, Part II, Page 17 [2] ‘Arabic Mother of all languages’ by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadianas, page 17 [3] Dia-ul-Haq, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 9, pp. 250 [4] Malfoozaat, Part II, Page 17
Guidance of His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Regarding Covid-19
Since the start of the Covid-19, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has instructed Ahmadi Muslims worldwide to take necessary precautions and to follow all instructions or guidance received from their Government. In light of the current situation, His Holiness has instructed Ahmadi Muslims in the United Kingdom of the following: Ahmadi Muslims (members) must follow all directions of the Government and public health authorities pertaining to Covid-19. In terms of social distancing, His Holiness has instructed members to avoid all unnecessary travel, as per the instructions of the UK Government, and to maintain proper social distancing rules during essential travel. Congregational prayers and any other services in Mosques or centres should be suspended until deemed safe by the authorities. Similarly, all forthcoming Mosque events are to be postponed or cancelled until deemed safe by the authorities. Members should offer daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayers within their home with members of their household only. All members must practice good hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of spreading the virus i.e. regular handwashing and the use of sanitiser where water is not available. Further, all surfaces they come into contact with should be kept clean and wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes. His Holiness has also instructed all members to do whatever they can to remain well. For example, he has advised they maintain a healthy diet and rest as much as possible in order to keep their immune system resilient. In terms of mental wellness, His Holiness has advised members to use their time at home productively, to keep a routine, keep themselves intellectually stimulated by reading and learning and to take benefit of the increased opportunity to spend quality time with their families. His Holiness has instructed the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK and in other countries to serve their country and vulnerable members of society, according to the rules and regulations of society. For example, many members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK have joined the NHS Volunteer scheme set up by the UK Government in response to Covid-19. Furthermore, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK has contacted all local councils in order to offer its assistance in delivering medicines, groceries etc to vulnerable people or assisting in any other way required.
The Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Addresses Coronavirus Pandemic
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad says Coronavirus pandemic forcing people to consider limitations of human endeavour Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad drew attention towards adopting precautionary measures against the virus and becoming more devoted towards God. Speaking at the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford during his Friday Sermon delivered on 20 March 2020, His Holiness said that the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) is forcing people to consider the limitations of human endeavour and may lead to people being drawn back towards religion and a return to faith. His Holiness quoted several media articles published in the recent days about the impact of the Coronavirus on society and how the 21st century has seen an exponential rise in infectious diseases. Amongst others, His Holiness quoted a recent article published in the Daily Telegraph, in which columnist Philip Johnston writes how the world has been turned upside down in the span of a couple of weeks. The columnist spoke of how the virus had exposed the vulnerabilities of the seemingly impregnable might of Western society. His Holiness said that after highlighting that these are extraordinary times unimaginable to those born after World War Two, Mr Johnston concludes: “How many times have we heard people say “Everything will be OK because scientists will work something out”, whether it be global warming or the pandemic? We are about to find out whether such optimism is justified. If it isn’t then I might be heading back to church.” Referencing the column, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “This virus has forced people to think about returning towards God. The true God and the Living God is that of Islam. He is the One Who has announced that He will guide those Who make an effort in coming towards God. He has stated that he will come fast towards those who take even one step towards Him and has said that He will take them into His shelter.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated: “In these circumstances, not only does it become more important for us to reform ourselves, it also becomes incumbent to increase in informing others about the peaceful message of Islam… We must tell people that for the ultimate result to be good, we must turn towards God and realise that true life is that which is in the Hereafter and we must not associate any partners with Him and fulfil the rights of His creation” Furthermore, His Holiness once again cautioned all members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to strictly follow the precautionary measures and instructions of the government and health authorities. Amongst other measures, His Holiness said that the elderly and those suffering from illnesses should avoid leaving their homes as much as possible and Ahmadi Muslims should only pray in their local Mosques in smaller gatherings rather than the central Mosques where more people come into contact with one another. His Holiness also said that in addition to drinking plenty of water, people should rest sufficiently and adopt a healthy diet avoiding junk foods. After emphasising the significance of the precautionary measures that should be adopted, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “The ultimate tool we have at our disposal is that of prayer. We should all pray for the entire world that Allah the Almighty may save mankind from the harmful effects of this virus. Furthermore, may Allah grant health to all Ahmadi Muslims alongside the ability to become stronger in their faith.”
The Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Calls on Muslims to Adopt Precautionary Measures to Curb the Spread of Coronavirus
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad says that Islamic teachings require Muslims to maintain personal hygiene and to avoid unnecessary physical contact Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has instructed Ahmadi Muslims to adopt all measures recommended by health authorities to help curb the spread of the virus. Speaking at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, during his Friday Sermon delivered on 6 March 2020, His Holiness said that it was appropriate to avoid large gatherings during the current outbreak and instructed Ahmadi Muslims to refrain from attending their Mosques if they developed any symptoms associated with the coronavirus. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “It is very important to act upon the precautionary measures that are being announced [by the health authorities]. Large gatherings should be avoided and those coming to the Mosque should also take special care. If anyone shows any signs of a slight fever, flu or body-ache, sneezing or other symptoms then they should not come to the Mosque. Mosques have rights upon the people that visit them. It is the right of the Mosque that no one should attend who can affect other attendees of the Mosque with a contagious illness. Those with contagious diseases should especially take care to avoid Mosques.” His Holiness also advised that people should be extremely conscious of hygiene at all times. He said that hands should be regularly washed and said that Islamic teachings, if followed properly, established a very high standard of cleanliness. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Doctors are advising that hands should be washed regularly and hand sanitisers should be used. If one’s hands are dirty, they should avoid contact with the face until cleaned. This should be followed but, regardless, for us as Muslims, if someone prays five times a day, they will wash themselves properly five times a day through ablution and amongst other things, will be running clean water through their hands and nose, which ensures personal hygiene is maintained at all times and will reduce the need for hand sanitisers that are already reported to be in short supply.” His Holiness said that Islam emphasises that within a Mosque, one should avoid all things that negatively affect others and uphold its rightful etiquette. In fact, His Holiness said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) said that anything that smells bad should not be brought into the Mosque. His Holiness also said that some governments and organisations have now advised members of the public to avoid shaking hands with others. In light of this, His Holiness said that whilst shaking hands increases a bond of brotherhood between people, it is better to avoid it under the current circumstances. His Holiness also noted that whilst Muslims have often been criticised for avoiding shaking hands with the opposite gender, many people in general are now preferring to not shake hands with other people and are questioning the Western conventions of greeting through physical contact. He said when Muslims avoid handshakes they do so politely so that the feelings of the other person are not hurt but now in the wider public people are abruptly rejecting the extended hands of other people. His Holiness also urged Ahmadi Muslim to pray for the world and said that the world should realise that it must turn towards its Creator. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Allah the Almighty knows best how widespread this virus will become. It has been seen that in this era since the advent of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) there has been an exponential increase in pandemics, earthquakes, storms and natural disasters. If this virus is a sign of the displeasure of God, then there is a great need to turn towards God in order to safeguard oneself from the effects of the virus.”
Culture vs Religion
A live interactive English talk show series exploring various matters relating to Islam, the beacon of truth. Presentation of MTA studios Canada. recorded on 17th February 2019.
Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Concludes Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Ijtema with Faith-Inspiring Address
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addresses over 5,600 Muslim youths from across the UK. “Be the ones who are at the forefront of spreading the enlightened teachings of Islam far and wide” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad On 23 September 2018, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a faith-inspiring address to conclude the three-day National Ijtema (Annual Gathering) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in the UK (Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya). The objectives of the Ijtema, held for the second time at Country Market, Kingsley, were to educate the Muslim youths of the true peaceful teachings of Islam and to inspire them towards serving both their faith and nation to the best of their abilities. The theme of this year’s Ijtema was ‘Salat’, the five daily prayers that are to be offered by every Muslim. During the concluding address, His Holiness spoke extensively about the importance of Salat, saying that the five daily prayers ought to remain the ‘constant companion’ of a true Muslim. His Holiness directed that having accepted the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as the Promised Messiah it was incumbent upon Ahmadi Muslims to act upon Islam’s true teachings. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “If we are negligent in our religious duties, we will have no right to assert that our acceptance of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has brought about a spiritual revolution within us or has enabled us to follow the true teachings of Islam. Rather, our acceptance of him will merely be a hollow and meaningless claim uttered by our tongues.” To highlight the importance of offering the five daily prayers, His Holiness quoted chapter 2 verse 239 of the Holy Quran which states: “Watch over Prayers, and the middle Prayer, and stand before Allah submissively.” His Holiness explained that whilst the verse calls on Muslims to guard against inattention to the five daily prayers, it particularly reminds Muslims to watch over the ‘middle prayer’. Explaining the term ‘middle prayer’, His Holiness said that the ‘middle prayer’ is whichever prayer which is at risk of neglect due to material interests. His Holiness explained that in the modern era the early morning prayer Fajr often the ‘middle prayer’ for many people. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “In today’s world, people of all ages, including many youngsters, stay up late studying, or wasting time in immoral or wasteful things such as aimlessly surfing the internet, watching films or TV, scrolling endlessly on their phones or tablets or sending messages late into the night. As a result, they fail to wake up for Fajr and so, due to their routine, Fajr actually becomes the middle prayer for them. Thus, the middle prayer is whichever prayer is at risk of being forsaken as a result of worldly or material pursuits.” His Holiness advised Ahmadi Muslim youths to go to bed early so that they could easily wake for the Fajr prayer. He said if that was not possible they must still go to bed with a firm intention and determination to wake up for the Fajr prayer. His Holiness also referred to a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that the reward for the prayers offered in congregation is at least twenty-seven times greater compared to offering the prayer alone. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Such narrations make us realise how gracious, generous, merciful and benevolent Allah the Almighty is. Whilst, the punishment for a sin is equivalent and proportionate to the offence committed, when it comes to virtue and good deeds, Allah the Almighty often rewards us many times over. Hence, it is your duty to take benefit of the great mercy of our Gracious God by joining together in our Mosques for congregational prayers and bowing down before Him beseeching His forgiveness for your sins and weaknesses.” Speaking of the theme of this year’s Ijtema being ‘Salat’, His Holiness cautioned that Salat must become an integral part of the life of every Ahmadi Muslim not just for this year, but for the entirety of the life of every Ahmadi Muslim. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Do not fall into the trap of thinking that ‘Salat’ is a theme for just one year, rather it should remain the theme underpinning your entire lives. Whatever age you are, and whether you live into your seventies, eighties or even beyond, Salat is the one thing that a true Muslim can never do without. Without it, nothing of value can ever be achieved.” His Holiness commended those Ahmadi Muslim youths who had improved their standards of worship of Allah over the past year. He said they should continue to seek spiritual progress and development, whilst those who had not made any effort to raise their standards of worship should now seek to improve. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “If there are some who have not made a resolute effort to improve their standards of worship over the past year they should not waste another day. Now is the time to make a firm and conscious decision to improve. Now is the time to start climbing that spiritual ladder that takes us towards our Creator.” Describing the power of sincere prayer, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “If you ignore your duty to worship Allah and focus upon material interests, you may be successful in attaining worldly pleasures, but remember that a true Muslim focuses upon the permanence of the next life and not just the fleeting pleasures of this temporary worldly existence. So, the only solution and the only way is prayer.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued: “If we are regular in prayer and if we pray with sincerity then our lives will be worthy of success. According to the Promise of Allah the Almighty, we will be freed from the shackles of wrongdoing, evil and immoral behaviour. We will be those who fulfil both the rights of our Creator and of one another. We will be those who spread love, tolerance and compassion amongst society. We will be true
Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Addresses Ahmadiyya Board of Arbitration’s Centenary International Refresher Course
Ahmadiyya Board of Arbitration celebrates its centenary On 20 January 2019, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at the International Refresher Course for the Ahmadiyya Board of Arbitration (Darul Qadha) to mark 100 years since the committee’s establishment. 114 representatives of the attended from 15 countries for the weekend event held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in south-west London on 19-20 January 2019. During his address, His Holiness drew the attention of the attendees towards fulfilling their responsibilities as arbitrators, according to the esteemed standards of justice and truthfulness outlined in the Holy Quran and by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). Expressing his pleasure over the committee having been established for 100 years, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “With the Grace of Allah the Almighty, it has been 100 years since the establishment of Darul Qadha in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. We are gathered here today so that upon completion of 100 years we show gratitude to God that He has enabled us to administer this institution for 100 years and has given us the opportunity to serve within it.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued: “Certainly, it is only the Grace of Allah the Almighty that He has enabled Darul Qadha to continue for the past 100 years. Nevertheless, a member of Darul Qadha can only be a true recipient of the beneficence associated with this institution if he fulfils the pre-requisite responsibilities that are entrusted to him.” Speaking of the weight of responsibility upon the arbiters, His Holiness said that upholding the requirements of justice was of paramount importance and that no decision should ever be taken lightly. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “The arbiters have very important responsibilities. Therefore, they should make every decision wisely, with due diligence and must utilise all their capabilities to uphold the highest standards of justice at all times… Every matter must be pondered over in detail and should not be taken lightly.” To outline the standards of justice expected by Islam, His Holiness quoted chapter 5 verse 9 of the Holy Quran which states: “O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.” His Holiness said that this verse contains detailed guidance and exhorts the readers to keep in view that God Almighty is aware of what is in people’s hearts. Decision makers in particular therefore should deliver their verdicts and opinions with complete sincerity and maintain the highest standards of integrity and impartiality at all times. His Holiness said that the Holy Quran requires such standards of justice that a person must be ready to testify against himself or his close relatives in order to uphold the truth. Speaking of the level of piety that the arbiters must strive to attain, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “It is necessary that an arbiter should analyse and ask himself whether he would be able to bear witness against himself if he himself was a claimant in a case. Would they be able to uphold absolute truth in all circumstances?” His Holiness said the demands of justice required for the members of Darul Qadha to be truly God-fearing. Furthermore, it was necessary that each arbiter analysed the facts of each case carefully and prayed sincerely before reaching a decision. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “For our arbiters, it is not enough to only know the law, or the teachings of Islam or for him to possess sound opinion, rather being righteous is also of crucial importance. In order to attain righteousness, one must have a strong relationship with God Almighty and so each arbiter should engage in special prayers during the proceedings of a case and when reaching a verdict.” His Holiness also stated that in any case or proceedings, both parties should be listened to without prejudice and should be given ample time and attention. His Holiness also said that regular refresher courses should be organised at a national level in order to revise the responsibilities of Darul Qadha and its members, such as how to conduct proceedings impartially and how to draft decisions. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded his address and said: “May Allah enable you all to fulfil your responsibilities whilst upholding the lofty standards of justice. May Allah enable you to implement all that you have learnt and discussed in this refresher course.” The event concluded with a silent prayer followed by dinner and photos with the delegates. FROM WWW.PRESSAHMADIYYA.COM
