The Friday sermon was based on the mention of the martyrs of the Lahore massacre.

1. Abdur Rehman Sahib, son of Mohammad Javaid Aslam Sahib. Along with his mother, maternal aunty and younger sister, Rehman sahib performed bai’at in August 2008 and had not declared their acceptance of Ahmadiyyat to the entire family, hoping they would do so after completing his degree. He was studying to become a medical doctor. From the mother’s side, apart from his maternal grandfather, everyone is an Ahmadi. His late maternal grandmother was a very devout Ahmadi, who is buried in Bahishti Maqbara. She remained steadfast in face of intense adversity. At the time of martyrdom, he was 21 years of age, and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. On the day of the massacre, he went to Dar-ul-Zikr straight from college to attend Jumma service. He sat in the main hall, and after the attack began, he called his mother on the phone, and comforted her saying that firing has begun, but she should not worry for him. He also called his cousin and said to him that if he is martyred, he willed that he should be buried in Rabwah, as he thought that the extended family may oppose his burial in Rabwah. He received three bullet wounds due to which he was martyred. Other family members were also martyred in this massacre, including Malik Abdur-Rasheed Sahib, Ansar-ul-Haq Sahib and Zubair Ahmad sahib. After the events, when the extended family came to know of their acceptance of Ahmadiyyat, the husband of his maternal aunt who had converted to Ahmadiyyat forced his wife out of the house and the neighbours also exhibited intense persecution. This persecution is still ongoing. Huzoor (aba) prayed for them: May Allah keep them in His Protection, Ameen. The situation at the time of the funeral got quite intense when the family members who are bitter opponents, including the husband of his maternal aunt, insisted that his burial will take place according to his will. The maternal aunt opposed her husband, and with great bravery and courage, she told him that it was the young man’s will to be buried in Rabwah as he had called his cousin expressing his wish, and thus he was buried in Rabwah. His father who has not performed bai’at up to this instance was a bitter opponent, but after the attacks, his attitude has softened a little. Before the events, his mother dreamt that Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih V (aba) is visiting their home. His cousin saw the pictures of the all the Khulafa in his dream and then saw the words: This is the right way. Rehman was a first year medical student and he had a passion for studies. He also had a passion to serve the elders. He had a dream that once he would start his practical life, he would open a center for the care of the aged and elders by the name of his maternal grandmother Saeeda. The opposition in the family and neighbourhood is so intense that the mother has requested for prayers that may Allah enable them to remain steadfast in the face of such intense adversity and keep them in the shades of His Mercy and protect them from all types of harm, Ameen. Due to this persecution, the jamaat group could not visit them to pay their condolences. The way this young man has shown his steadfastness by laying his life in the way of Allah shows that he had a deep connection with His Creator and His Prophet, and that he sacrificed his life after recognizing the truth of the Promised Messiah (as). May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise, Ameen.

2. Nisar Ahmad Sahib, son of Ghulam Rusool Sahib. His forefathers belonged to District Narowal. His paternal grandfather, who was from Amritsar, was a companion of the Promised Messiah (as) and performed bai’at. At the age of 17, Nisar sahib moved to Lahore, and started staying with and working in the factory of Ashraf Bilal Sahib (who was also martyred in this massacre). During the firing, he was martyred while trying to protect Ashraf Bilal Sahib. He was 46 years of age at the time of martyrdom, was a moosi and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. It was his norm to attend jumma service at Dar-ul-Zikr and would bring his children along as well. On this fateful day, he brought his children with him. He would offer sadqa before jumma prayers and would encourage his children to do the same. On the day, he offered sadqa and his son asked him to give some sadqa on his behalf too, to which he said that he should give sadqa with his own hand. Another receipt in the name of his daughter was also found in his pocket after the attacks. During the onslaught, he covered Ashraf Bilal Sahib by laying on top of him when he was severely wounded. The terrorist sprayed bullets in his direction, due to which his back was covered with bullet wounds and he was martyred right away. Ten days before the attack, he dreamt and saw both his parents, who have passed away. The parents tell him that he should join them where they are. His wife said that he was regular in offering salat and tahajjud. During the 25 years of their marriage, he never spoke harshly to his wife. Both his kids are dedicated in the Waqf-e-nau scheme. Before the demise of his parents, he served them to the best of his abilities. He had a great passion for service for mankind. He was also very passionate about Ahmadiyyat. Once, a Jalsa was organized by the opponents of Jamaat in his ancestral village, where they were talking ill against the jamaat on loud speakers. It was night time, and he quietly left his house and went to the Maulvis and told them to stop this hate-mongering and if they had any allegations to discuss them face-to-face. At his forceful insistence, the maulvis ended their Jalsa. On his return home, his wife suggested that going alone could have been dangerous, on which he replied that the worse that could have happened was that he would have been martyred. But he had to go because he could not bear the slander against the Promised Messiah (as).

3. Dr. Asghar Yaqub Khan Sahib, son of Dr. Yaqub Khan Sahib. His father was born in Bataala in 1903. His paternal grandfather Shaikh AbdurRasheed Khan Sahib (rz) was a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). His father and maternal grandfather Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim Sahib, both had the honour of serving Hadhrat Musleh Maud (rz) as his personal physician. Dr. Asghar was born on 25 August 1949 in Lahore. After FSc, he obtained his Masters in Biochemistry and MBBS degrees. At the age of his martyrdom, he was 60 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He was buried in Model Town. Normally he went to Karak House for jumma services, and would sometimes attend jumma in Dar-ul-Zikr. On the fateful day, he dropped his son off at college and went to Dar-ul-Zikr which was closeby. He entered the gates at 1:40pm, where he received bullet wounds in his chest and legs and was severely wounded. He was conscious till he received medical treatment in the ambulance but was martyred on his way to the hospital. His family said that he served mankind at large in the truest sense of the word. He never differentiated between the rich or the poor, and would be sympathetic to everyone and give equal treatment to everyone. He was always ready to serve his patients and there was no time fixed to see his patients. Anyone could come at any given time for treatment, and yet, he would always receive them with kindness. A relative dreamt a day before the event that his father Dr. Waseem sahib is digging a grave and saying that this is a grave for one of his relatives. May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise, Ameen.

4. Mian Mohammad Saeed Dard Sahib, son of Hadhrat Mian Mohammad Yousuf Sahib (rz). His forefathers were from Gujrat, and then moved to Qadian. His father, and paternal grandfather Hidayatullah Sahib (rz) were both companions of the Promised Messiah (as). His father was the private secretary to Hadhrat Musleh Maud (rz) up to the time of partition of the sub-continent and also served as Naib Ameer (District Lahore). He had performed Bai’at in 1900. Saeed Sahib was born in 1930 in Gujrat, and later his family moved to Qadian, where he received his primary education. After completing his Maulvi Fazil degree, he obtained his degree in bachelor’s of arts (BA) and secured an employment in National Bank, from where he retired in 1970 at the post of manager. He had the opportunity to perform Hajj 6 times during his life, and performed Umrah numerous times. At the time of martyrdom, he was 80 years of age, and was martyred in Masjid Bait-ul-Noor. He reached the mosque at around 1pm and was sitting in the front row with General Nasir sahib, when he received two bullets in the leg and one in the arm. He underwent surgery at the hospital for two and half hours, but could not recover and was martyred during surgery. His family said that he was a prayerful man. He never complained or criticized. He would always promote the practice of exhibiting patience. He was extremely hospitable. Despite his old age, he would greet guests standing up. He would advise his children to always be generous in hospitality towards others. He would fast during the month of Ramadan and was able to fast all 30 days despite his age. Since 1969, he performed aitekaaf (except the last two years, which he missed at the insistence of his children). During the construction of Masjid Bait-ul-Noor (Model Town), he had the honour of placing a brick in the foundations of the Mosque along with Hadhrat Musleh Mauood (rz) and his father. Occasionally, he would start crying, saying that he is thankful to Allah Almighty Who has bestowed on him such great blessings. A few days before his martyrdom, Naib Ameer Sahib district Lahore came to visit him and said that this was his last meeting with him. As long as his eyesight remained healthy, he taught children to read the Holy Quran. Despite his age, he would walk to collect chanda and said that each step would reap the rewards of ten steps. He would walk to the Masjid Bait-ul-Noor to gain the reward for walking to a mosque. After his martyrdom, a book of prayers was found on his study table, which was not something he would refer to frequently according to his family. The book was turned to the page with prayers for saying farewell and prayers to ascend heights. May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise, Ameen.

5. Mohammad Yahya Khan sahib, son of Malik Mohammad Abdullah (rz). His father and paternal grandfather Hadhrat Barkat Ali sahib (rz) were both companions of the Promised Messiah (as). Maulana Abdur-Rehman Jatt sahib, former Nazir-e-Ala Bharat, was his paternal uncle. Yahya Khan sahib was born in 1933 in Qadian and his life was indeed a miracle in itself. His older brother is 18 years older to him, because all the children born to his parents would die at the age of 4 or 5 years. When he attained that age, he also got severely sick, and his mother took him to Hadhrat Amma Jaan (rz), who took the child to Hadhrat Musleh Mauood (rz) and said to him in Punjabi that this boy is also departing. At this, Hadhrat Musleh Mauood (rz) took the child in his lap, and changed his name from Shareef to Yahya Khan, and prayed for his health. Due to these prayers, not only did he attain a long life, but achieved eternal life by becoming a martyr. After partition, he moved to Faisalabad. In Qadian, he was assigned the duty at the Minaratul-Massih, where he would keep an eye on the surrounding area through binoculars. After completing his education as a Civil Engineer, he was employed at several places. In 1981-82, he was posted in Iraq and had the honour of establishing the jamaat there. At the time of martyrdom, he was 77 years of age, and was martyred in Bait-ul-Noor. He was sitting on the chairs in the first row at the time of the attacks. One of his friends asked him to head downstairs but he said not to worry, Allah Almighty will bestow His blessings. Then at the request of the Jamaat authorities, he sat down near the wall in the hall, when firing began, and as one of the grenades was detonated, his face incurred fatal wounds, due to which he was martyred. Two of his sons were performing relief and rescue their duties till midnight at Dar-ul-Zikr even after receiving the news of their father’s martyrdom. His family said that he was a man of extreme patience and gentleness, and would never get angry. However, if the children would show neglect in offering salat or jamaat work, he would punish them. For a long period of time, he served as Talim-ul-Quran secretary and would teach the Quran by going to people’s houses. His students and their families expressed deep sorrow at his martyrdom, and expressed their gratitude for teaching the Holy Book to their future generations. He always helped his relatives in their difficulties, and whatever pension he would receive, he would spend in charity and helping the underprivileged. He would offer the Zuhr and Asar prayers in congregation at home, whereas the other three, he would offer at the Mosque. He was regular in offering Tahajjud prayers. He never differentiated between his son and son-in-law, and considered his daughter-in-law as his own daughter. A week before the event, he got three white suits stitched. Two of them were gifted to his sons, which they wore, but he kept the third for himself to wear the following Friday. A few days before the event, his daughter saw in a dream a building in the basement of which medals are being distributed and her father is among the recipients of the medal. Someone explains to her that these medals are being awarded to those who have made a grand achievement in their life. He was very fond of reading and had a personal library with a collection of thousands of books. One of his sons, Khalid Mahmood sahib, is a waqif-e-zindagi (has devoted his life for Jamaat work) and is a Manager for the Tahrik-e-Jadid property in Sindh. May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise, Ameen.

6. Dr. Umar Ahmad sahib, sone of Dr. Abdus Shakoor Mian Sahib. His paternal grandfather Chaudhry Abul Sattar sahib performed bai’at in 1921-22. His mother’s family was from Gurdaspur and father’s family was from Mian Chunoo. Hadhrat Maulvi Muhammad Deen Sahib was his father’s maternal aunt’s husband and served as Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya for an extended period of time as well as served as the Headmaster of Talim-ul-Islam College. Maulana Rahmat Ali Sahib, missionary Indonesia and Chaudhry Ahmad Jaan Sahib, former Ameer, district Rawalpindi, were both his father’s maternal aunt’s husbands respectively. Munshi Abdul Lateef Sahib (rz) was his father’s maternal grandfather. Dr. Umar was born in July 1979. He obtained his MSc in Microbiology Honors and was a 17 grade veterinary doctor. At the time of martyrdom, he was 31 years of age, he was a moosi and was fatally wounded in Dar-ul-Zikr, but later was martyred in the hospital. On the fateful day, he left for the mosque straight from his employment and was performing wudhu when the assailants opened fire. Bullets pierced through his kidneys and he was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he underwent four surgeries. One kidney that had been rendered useless was removed. Doctors tried their utmost to bring him to recovery, and he was given 70 bottles of blood, but he could not survive and he was martyred on 4 June. He was a soft and gentle soul, sociable and hospitable as well. No one ever complained about his character. He was regular in offering salat. He would participate in the waqar-e-amal of the local mosque every Thursday evening. May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise, Ameen.

7. Laal Khan Sahib, son of Hajji Ahmad sahib. His paternal grandfather was the first in the family to perform bai’at. His father passed away when he was still very young, and his mother passed away in 1995. After receiving his primary education, he moved to Rabwah, where he studied to receive his bachelor’s degree in arts. Due to his employment, he went to Karachi, and then worked in Tarbela. Currently, he was a grade 17 Budget Account Officer and was due for promotion to grade 18. During his stay in Multan, he had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat. In addition, he was Qaid Zila Muzzafargarh, and then Ameer zila Muzzafargarh as well. At the time of martyrdom, he was 52 years of age, he was a moosi, and was martyred in Bait-ul-Noor. When firing began, he was sitting in the second hall of the mosque. He ran and closed the doors to the second hall, and instructed the rest of the worshippers to move to one side. The assailant inserted the barrel of his weapon and started firing. He received bullet wounds directly in his chest and was martyred instantaneously. His wife said that one day before the massacre, he woke up suddenly and remained silent when his wife asked him if had experienced a nightmare. He did check up on the children. His son said that after the massacre, he received numerous “sms” hate messages. Huzoor (aba) pointed to the low moral standards of these hate-mongering people. The son had a dream in which he saw a black board with white text on it. At the same time, he heard the words “martyred father” and heard his father said: Ignore these people. Fortunate are the ones who were martyred in the way of their Lord. Another relative saw in a dream that Laal Khan sahib is strolling in a lush green garden, holding a book of the Promised Messiah (as) in one hand and eating an apple with another hand. On the same Friday morning, he went to the salat center for tahajjud and supplicated with great fervour, crying during the prayer. Then he led the Fajar prayer and elongated the last sajda and prayed fervently. He was very fond of waqf-e-aarzi (temporary dedication for the sake of jamaat work). He would teach the waqf-e-nau class, and take the time with each individual to assess their progress. He sponsored the education of a female servant who worked in their household. She was a Christian. He also married her off, and made provisions for her dowry. After narrating a long account of an eye-witness, Huzoor (aba) said that due to the bravery of Laal Khan Sahib and two of his companions, many lives were saved. During his last moments, he urged those present to invoke durood. The eye-witness also said that he was all right up to about 1:45pm. His wife said that he was an angel-like human being. He was always anxious to serve the jamaat, and whenever he received any news about how he could help with jamaat work, he would readily perform in the best of his capacity. He was the Zaeem Ansarullah, Secretary Tarbiyyat Nau Mubaeen and Secretary Rishta Naata of his halqa (Punjab Society). He was fond of serving in the waqf-e-aarzi scheme. He completed his last waqf-e-aarzi commitment only 15 days before his martyrdom. He had dedicated the time from Asr to Isha for this waqf, and from asr to maghrib, he would teach the children of Wapda Town to read the Quran and salat with translation, he would listen to the surahs they had memorized, and would work with the waqf-e-nau children on their syllabus. If a child had difficulty with the correct pronunciation of the Quranic verses, he would help those children with the pronunciation. From Maghrib to Isha, he would teach the children of his own halqa the same things. He would instil in the children the love for Jamaat and Khilafat by narrating inspirational accounts and narratives. His wife said that all the children were sorrowed by the passing away of their teacher, and said that he was our favourite uncle and he taught us many things we know. He would remain busy in invoking the durood and the prayers of the Khilafat Jubilee at all times, and would encourage the members of his household to do the same. He was in the habit of offering salat in the earlier time and inculcated the same habit in the members of his household. Respected Murabbi silsila, who knew him personally, writes that during his tenure in Muzaffargarh, he served as the Ameer there, and was concerned about the tarbiyyat of the jamaat members, and would try to serve as a model family with his own household. At one occasion, when a family dispute arose between two households, he gathered the accounts from both sides, and consulted other members to obtain the maximum amount of information. He then mediated between the two families and counselled them with tears in his eyes, repeatedly urging them to keep in mind that they belong to the jamaat of the Promised Messiah (as) and that they should end the conflict. Humility and modesty were part of his nature. He would consult his majlis-e-amila if there was any issue concerning the jamaat. He was very conscious of keeping matters confidential. If he would see a shortcoming in a member of the jamaat, he would pray for him, he would write the whole situation to the markaz (headquarters), and when he would notice an improvement in the person concerned, he would inform the markaz again. He performed the role of an affectionate father to the Jamaat members as long as he lived. May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise, Ameen.

8. Zafar Iqbal sahib, son of Mohammad Sadiq Sahib. His forefathers belonged to district Layya, and that is where he received his primary education. He then moved to Lahore, from where he received his BA and then moved to Saudi Arabia. During his stay there, he had the honour of performing Hajj five times. After returning to Pakistan, he started a transportation business, and remained associated with it up to the time of his martyrdom. He performed bai’at one year ago with his family. At the time of his martyrdom, he was 59 years of age, and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He was regular in offering Tahajjud, and would leave for work after offering Fajar salat. On the 28th of May, he recited the Quran after Tahajjud, and after Fajar salat, he had breakfast and then left for work. After finishing his work, he went to Masjid Dar-ul-Zikr. During the attacks, he was able to maintain contact with his son on the phone, and told him that he was in a safe location with other jamaat members. He also requested him for prayers. He then spoke to his daughter and requested her to pray as well. He then told them not to call again and again. He had received one bullet in his shoulder, but his body was found near the gate, which indicates that he was trying to exit the area when the incorrect news regarding the end of the attack spread. This is when the terrorist sprayed bullets towards him, one of which pierced close to his heart. He was taken to the ambulance, and up to that time, he had a pulse. He was given first aid, but could not be revived and was thus martyred. His wife says that she is unable to express her feelings in word, but she said that her faith has become very strong after this event. She said that Allah Almighty has plans for His beloved people beyond the capacity to which they can think for themselves. She said that her husband truly deserved the status of martyrdom that has been bestowed on him. If all of her children were also sacrificed in the service of Jamaat, she would not feel an iota of grief, but would feel grateful for the blessings Allah has bestowed on her. His son said that a few days before the event, his maternal uncle Tahir Mahmood Sahib said that he had a dream which he could not fully remember but he could retain only one phrase from this dream: Left him behind in the mountains. When the family went to Rabwah for his burial, it was their first visit there. At the sight of the town, Tahir Mahmood Sahib recounted his dream. It was indeed his first trip there, and there he shall remain forever. His son said that initially his father was a bitter opponent of the Jamaat, but then God Almighty blessed him such that he accepted the Jamaat wholeheartedly. He progressed in his faith, taqwa, sincerity and devotion that within only a year, he attained the elevated status of martyrdom. Within this year, he had developed a deep love for Jamaat. He had installed the dish antenna and would watch MTA with great interest. A fellow jamaat member writes regarding him that although it had only been a year since his bai’at, he had developed such a deep love for Khilafat during this time, that whenever the Khalifatul Massih would appear on MTA, he would zoom in to see him up close. He had developed such a bond with the jamaat, that he would offer every Jumma at Dar-ul-Zikr, despite another smaller mosque being close by. A few days before the events, he took part in a Tilawat competition in which he secured the first prize and he was very happy with his achievement. His wife’s brother writes in a letter that he was the first in his family to become an Ahmadi, and there was some persecution in the family due to his conversion. He was a good-natured man always with a smile on his face, and cared for everyone. He would be the first to share happiness and/or sorrow with everyone. His wife said that he performed bai’at in March 2009 along with the children, whereas she is an Ahmadi by birth. After her marriage, his family and himself showed bitter opposition to Ahmadiyyat; however he was very regular in offering salat and was a righteous person. During his stay in Saudi Arabia for ten years, he performed 5 Hajj and countless Umrah. He returned to Pakistan in 1996. Before becoming an Ahmadi, he was a loving husband and a doting father. He loved not only his own children, but other children as well. After becoming an Ahmadi, he would guard his salat even more, and became more regular in offering Tahajjud. Although he was not fond of reading, but after converting to Ahmadiyyat, he would request his wife to read from the books of the Promised Messiah (as) or would read himself. One or two months prior to the events, the family members noticed a manifest strengthening of his attachment to the jamaat. He would participate in any event organized by Ansarullah. His son recalls that on the day of the massacre, he could not receive his phone call because he was occupied at the time, but when he found out about the attacks on the mosque, he called him, and said that he should take care of himself, to which his father responded heartily that Allah Almighty will take care of us. Before converting, he had given strict instructions that no jamaat literature should be seen around the house. Once when visiting an Ahmadi relative in Multan, he saw the program Gulshan-e-waqf-e-nau on MTA. The next day, he asked the hosts if the program is broadcast every day. When he found out that indeed, the program was telecast every day, he wished to see it again. After returning home, his wife requested if they could install the satellite at their own home, to which he responded favourably. He would watch the Friday sermons with great interest, and then finally performed bai’at in March 2009. He was regular in paying his dues, and he had paid chanda before his martyrdom, the receipt of which was given to them later by the Murabbi Sahib. After the martyrdom of Zafar Iqbal sahib, there is a rising opposition in the neighbourhood against Ahmadiyyat, where posters are being pasted and flyers being distributed. May Allah Almighty keep everyone in His Protection, Ameen.

9. Mansoor Ahmad Sahib, son of Abdul Hameed Javaid sahib. The family belonged to Shadra, Lahore. His great grandfather Ghulam Ahmad sahib was a school master, and performed bai’at during the Khilafat of Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih I (rz). The family suffered intense persecution, when their house was burnt down in 1953, after which they moved to Rabwah. In 1970, their father moved to Karachi, but his business was burnt down in 1974 after which the family moved to Lahore. He was employed in an import/export firm and was trying to migrate abroad (one of his brothers lives in Manchester, UK), but more recently, he was trying to resettle in Rabwah. At the time of his martyrdom, he was 36 years of age, was a moosi and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. His office co-workers speak highly of him. Another colleague at work who was also an Ahmadi would accompany him to jumma. On the fateful day, he told his colleague that it was due to him that he was always late for jumma, and that on that day he did not want to be late, and had an argument with his colleague and took him along for jumma on time. He offered the sunnah prayers in the first row. During the attacks, he called his office and said that he was severely injured, and was bleeding profusely. He also requested for help. When his mother called him from home, he said the same thing that help should be sent to rescue them. While he was talking to his wife on the phone, she heard intense firing, after which she heard his voice no more. His wife said that he possessed a very sensitive nature. One week before the event, he told his wife that she should look after the children since she can perform the responsibilities towards the children in a much better way. I may not be able to give a lot of time to the children. You should develop a close bond with them so that they do not miss me too much. On the morning of the fateful day, he said that he wished to take his young son to Rabwah when he would be 3 years old and offer him to Jamaat, and they may train him to serve jamaat as they wish. Some time ago, one of their neighbours was involved in an accident, due to which he could not ride his motorbike. Mansoor sahib gave him a ride to work and back home for a long period. When the neighbour’s mother tried to thank him for his service, he said that as long as he was alive, he would help his neighbour and there was no need to thank him. Mansoor Ahmad sahib was a simple man, honest and fully devoted to Nizam-e-Jamaat and Khilafat. Respected Murrabbi sahib writes about him that he would bring his waqf-e-nau children to the classes very regularly. His children have memorized lengthy poems which express love and allegiance to Khilafat. His older daughter, who is only 5 years old, recites the poems beautifully. When asked how he had managed to teach his children these lengthy poems, he said that he had recorded the poems in his mobile phone, and that his children listen to them all the time. It was his wish that his children would learn these poems quickly and recite them at Jamaat functions. Huzoor (aba) said that a lesson could be learnt from this by those who record songs and other things in their mobiles.

10. Mubarak Ali Aawaan sahib, son of AbdurRazzaq Sahib. His family belonged to Kusoor. His paternal grandfather, Mian Nizam Din sahib, and great grandfather performed bai’at despite intense opposition from the family. His maternal grandfather Muhammad Ishaq Sahib (rz) was a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). After completing his BA/BEd, Mubarak sahib was associated with the department of education and remained in Lahore. At the time of his martyrdom, he was 59 years of age, and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He would travel daily from Kusoor to Lahore by bus. He would offer jumma prayers in Dar-ul-Zikr. On the fateful day, he called the Ameer Sahib of district Kusoor and informed him about the terrorist attacks on the mosque. He later called again to inform him that he had been wounded and had received several bullets. He also spoke to his son around 3:15pm and informed him of the situation, and requested for prayers. Later, when his friend called, all he could hear was Allah being repeated. He was martyred after losing a lot of blood due to his wounds. His family says that he was a model human being. Due to the excellent moral virtues he possessed, no one in the neighbourhood dared to express their opposition openly. He had a deep and strong association with the Jamaat. He was extremely generous and hospitable. He would help the poor. At his funeral, a non-Ahmadi lady came crying and said that after his demise, who would support her ailing husband and herself. He played a vital role in establishing a salat center. He was regular in tahajjud and offering salat in congregation. He would organize Jamaat programs himself. Murrabbi sahib of district Kusoor said the school holidays had already started from the day of the Lahore massacre, and that he could have returned to Kusoor to offer Jumma, but instead, he told someone that it was his wish to offer this last jumma in Dar-ul-Zikr before going on vacation. A few days before, he dreamt that he was entering a beautiful place. When he narrated this dream to his wife, he commented light-heartedly that he wished he could now go to Paradise. Twice during the year, he would distribute large amounts of food in charity. Murrabbi sahib of district Kusoor said that during his 4 years of tenure there, he found Mubarak Ali sahib to be a man of great distinctiveness when it came time to defend the honour of the jamaat, or the khalifatul massih, or the Promised Messiah (as). Because he was associated to the teaching department, he would often have discussions with fellow professors regarding Jamaat-related topics. He would make every effort to find out the answer regarding an issue he was not sure about to his personal satisfaction. After offering a satisfactory reply, he would feel intense contentment and his happiness would become evident on his face. He was very sympathetic towards the members of the Jamaat and to the members of his family. Even if it was the other person at fault, he would himself offer an apology to maintain harmonious relationships, and he would then be even more sympathetic towards them.

11. Ateeq-ur-Rehman Zafar Sahib, son of Mohammad Shafi sahib. He was from Syedna Wali, District Sialkot and then moved to Shaikhupura. He performed bai’at in 1998 and one year later, his wife also performed bai’at. He owned his private business and also lived in Dubai for some time. He returned to Pakistan in the beginning of 2009. For the past six months, he was working with Ameer Sahib, Lahore, as driver. At the time of martyrdom, he was 55 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He sat in the main hall and a grenade detonated near him due to which he was wounded. He called home and informed them of the situation. While he was on the phone, bullets were sprayed in his direction, due to which the phone also fell, and he was martyred on the spot. At the time of burial, his non-Ahmadi brothers insisted that he should be buried in their ancestral village, but his wife was insistent that since it was his desire to move to Rabwah, he should be buried there, to which his brothers agreed and hence he was buried in Rabwah. Before performing bai’at, his daughter saw in a dream that Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih IV (rh) had visited their house and planted some roses. Later in the dream, she saw herself along with her father tended those roses. After the dream, the family performed bai’at. At this, their family cast them out of the house and the neighbours also participated in slandering and stoning them. Finally, they took refuge in another Ahmadi household. Huzoor (aba) said that God Almighty provides families with fortitude and patience, and shows them through dreams which are a source of comfort. His eldest daughter dreamt that one day prior to the event that there is a huge crowd of people in and around their house. The second daughter, Maryam, dreamt that Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih III (rh) has come to visit them and places his affectionate hand over their heads. The third daughter dreamt that she is running about in a frightening forest with ferocious creatures all around, when all of a sudden, she sees the Promised Messiah (as) and she embraces him. Ateeq-ur-Rehman sahib, according to his family, always stayed in a condition of wudhu and remained busy in invoking the durood all the time. He was a very hard-working man. After offering tahhajud, he would leave for work and return home late at night. In response to whether he feels tired, he said that I invoke the durood all the time, and I don’t feel tired because of it. He would always avail any opportunity for Tabligh that would arise. When he was in the company of his friends and relatives, he would steer the conversation into the direction of tabligh. He had the opportunity to do tabligh to two families in Dubai who entered the Jamaat.

12. Mahmood Ahmad sahib, son of Majeed Ahmad Sahib. His paternal grandfather Umar Din Vance Sahib (rz) and great grandfather Kareem Bakhsh Sahib (rz) were both the companions of the Promised Messiah and performed bai’at in 1900. They belonged to a small village near Qadian. After partition, they moved to Gujar, district Sialkot and then to District Shaikhupura. At the time of martyrdom, he was 53 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. For the past 15 years, he was performing the duty of security at the Mosque. On the fateful day, he was at the gates. During the attack, he tried to capture one of the assailants, but received two bullets in the chest, and numerous others in other parts of the body, due to which he was martyred on the spot. His family said that he possessed an excellent personality. He never had any conflict with anyone. He was a simple man who lived harmoniously with everyone. He once was walking in a peculiar manner, and when asked why he was doing so, he said that whoever would come here with a bad intention will only be able to enter over my dead body. It was his desire that if God Almighty blessed him with children, he would dedicate them into the waqf-e-nau scheme. God answered his prayers, and after eleven years of the birth of his first son, he was granted with another son, who is part of the waqf-e-nau scheme. His family said that he would never call home from work due to the nature of his job, however, on the day of the massacre, he called twenty minutes before martyrdom and spoke to his family. They remarked that he never calls, so what made him call on that day. He said that I had a strong urge to talk to you, and therefore borrowed the phone from a Khadim to call home.

In the last part of the sermon, Huzoor (aba) announced the sad demise of Sarwar Sultana Sahiba, wife of late Maulana Abdul Maalik Khan Sahib, who passed away on 22 June at the age of 87 after suffering a long period of illness. She was the daughter-in-law of Maulana Gauhar Ali sahib (rz), who was a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). She always supported her husband who was a waqif-e-zindagi in the best of her capacity. God Almighty gave her the honour of serving Jamaat, and she served as Sadr Lajna Karachi and Sadr Lajna Rabwah for 41 years. She was bestowed with a recognition award by Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih III (rh). Her daughter Dr. Nusrat Jehan Sahiba is a waqif-e-zindagi also and is doing great services in Fazl-e-Umar Hospital in Rabwah. She recalls an account that during 1953 when the wave of persecution started against the Ahmadis, we were living in a double storey house on Band Road in Karachi, where a non-Ahmadi family used to live upstairs. Their father was not present at the time, when a band of opponents sprayed their house with petrol, ready to burn it down. Their mother gathered the children, and started praying, and submitted her will to that of Allah. At this moment, the family living in the upper storey told the enemies that if they burn the house, their livelihood will be destroyed as well, at which the opponents left the scene and the Ahmadi family was rescued.

She taught not only her own children but numerous other children how to read the Holy Quran, and instructed other religious knowledge to them as well. She had a passion for serving mankind, and would sacrifice her own needs in order to fulfil the needs of others. She would supplicate in face of any kind of difficulties. She was regular in paying her chanda and would participate in all the financial schemes with great zeal. Initially, she did not have enough religious knowledge but she had a desire to learn, and thus got the opportunity to learn a lot from her husband. She held great respect for her husband in his position of Mubaligh-e-Silsila. She was regular in offering salat and would offer supererogatory prayers as well (nawafil). She would recite the Quran very fondly. She had great faith on the existence of God, and had instilled the same quality in her children since their youth. She was a righteous, hospitable, humble, friendly lady loved by everyone. She was greatly devoted to Khilafat. She was a Moosia. Abdul Maalik sahib was a highly learned scholar of the Jamaat and served as Nazir Islaah-o-Irshaad and mubaligh-e-silsila. He said that initially, when they received a very low stipend from Jamaat, the husband and wife would hardly be able to meet the expenses of the household. They would themselves live on very humble provisions, but would provide for their children the best of food and the best of education. It is because of this that all their children are well educated. One of their sons, Anwar Khan Sahib, lives in the USA, and is serving the Jamaat there. Her daughter, Dr. Nusrat Jehan, has devoted her life as a gynaecologist. Her other daughter, Shaukat Gohar is the wife of Dr. Lateef. Another daughter is the wife of Hafiz Saleh Aladin (India), who is the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya in Qadian. Their fourth son-in-law is Saeed Hussain Ahmad, who is a murrabbi-e-silsila and is the maternal grandson of Mir Ishaq sahib (rz). May Allah Almighty elevate her status in Paradise, Ameen. Huzoor (aba) said he would offer her funeral prayer in abstentia.