Hudhur Aqdas continued paying tribute to the Lahore Shohad’aa (martyrs) in his Friday Sermon today by citing brief accounts of their lives.

Ehsan Ahmad Khan sahib Shaheed, son of Waseem Ahmad Khan sahib: Shaheed’s (martyr) grandfather Munshi Dinayat Khan sahib was a companion of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). He hailed from district Kangra and was of Yusufzai family. His grandfather’s two brothers, Shahanat Khan sahib and Imanat Khan sahib (may Allah be pleased with them both) took their bai’at in 1890 and were included in the 313 companions. Missionary of the Jama’at, Zaheer Ahmad Khan, who is currently stationed in London, is Shaheed’s uncle while his brother, Nadeem Ahmad Khan is studying at Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah. Shaheed was born in 1984 and was employed at Shezan for the past two years. He served the Jama’at as secretary Waqfe Jadeed. At the time of shahadat (martyrdom) his age was 36 and he was at Darul Zikr. On the day of the tragedy he bathed, said his Salat and recited the Qur’an and before leaving for work told his wife that he would offer his Friday Prayer at Darul Zikr. He patted his daughter and left. Around 1.35 pm he rang his mother from Darul Zikr informing her of the terrorist attack and reassured her, but he could not be communicated with again. He was initially injured with the shrapnel of a grenade. Later, at the misinformation that the terrorists had been killed he came outside. A further grenade was detonated and he was martyred. He was buried at Rabwah, prior to burial his uncle led his funeral Prayer at his home in which many people outside the Jama’at joined in.

About a month before shahadat, Shaheed’s mother dreamed that her son is martyred and his body has been placed in the courtyard. She caresses her son’s face and asks, ‘what happened’? She awoke from the dream perturbed and gave sadqa. After the shahadat his body was placed at exactly the same spot. A few days before shahadat, Shaheed also dreamed that he has been martyred. All he told his mother was that he had had a bad dream and gave sadqa.

Shaheed was a very honest, pious-natured person who treated others with love and compassion. His uncle told Hudhur that he looked after his parents most attentively. On his return from work he would say Salaam to his parents and then go home. He leaves behind a four month daughter who is Waqfe Nau. Every night before going to bed he would massage his father’s feet. He was married a year and a half ago. May Allah elevate his status.

Munawar Ahmad Qaiser sahib Shaheed, son of Mian Abdur Rahman sahib: Shaheed’s family came from Qadian, from where they moved to Gojra and then Lahore. The first person to take bai’at in his family was Abdul Aziz sahib (may Allah be pleased with him), a companion of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). His grandfather was a cousin of Dost Muhammad Shahid sahib. His grandfather and others in the family took the bai’at during the era of the second Khilafat. Shaheed’s profession was photography. He was 57 years old and for the past twenty years he had given duty at the main gate of Darul Zikr and often said that any attacker would first have to go over his dead body. On the day of the tragedy he arrived at duty around 11 am. He was at the very front when the terrorists attacked and started firing at 1.40pm, he took hold of one of the attackers but the other fired, martyring him. A few days earlier, his wife dreamed that there is coffin which is higher than normal. There is a bench nearby. One of their relatives puts his foot on the bench and lies down in the coffin. When asked why is he laying in there as he is healthy…Hudhur said some part of the narrative is missing here. Shaheed’s wife says that on the day of the tragedy she ironed a golden-coloured suit for him to wear for Jummah and remarked that he had donned a ‘bridegroom’s’ suit. He went to Jummah well-dressed. He had many qualities, was most conscientious of his responsibilities, did not ever complain to anyone and was regular in Salat. His work also entailed photo-copying. When students from a nearby college came to make photo-copies, he would take money from them without counting. He said he did not count because sometimes people do not have enough money to pay. At times, opponents would put up hostile posters in front of his shop while he was around. He would say nothing at the time and would quietly remove the posters at a later time. He advised his son if anyone wronged him he should walk away quietly, for with any response he would end his matter. However, if he left it to Allah, Allah would certainly take a reprisal.

Hassan Khursheed Awan sahib Shaheed, son of Khursheed Awan sahib: He was from district Chakwal. His father and grandfather were born Ahmadis, but, a while ago his family showed weakness and retracted. However, with the grace of Allah, Shaheed was connected to the Jama’at till the time of his shahadat as is his brother who lives in Germany. Shaheed was 24 years old at the time of martyrdom, was unmarried and was martyred at Darul Zikr where he had gone to offer Friday Prayers. He rang home and his family about the attack, he said he was injured. This is when he was martyred by the firing of the terrorists. His family members raised objections about his being an Ahmadi and his parents were pressurised. They said that if Ahmadis offered his funeral Prayer, commotion would break out in the area as there was a lot of influence of the so-called ‘Khatm e Nabuwat’ (finality of Prophethood) people in the vicinity. Thus Ahmadis were not allowed to offer his funeral Prayer which was offered by people outside the Jama’at. However, people in the area generally expressed regret over this. The father of the Shaheed declined from giving any details about him due to the opposition. He was counselled that his son had given his life and thus given a message not to be afraid of worldly people even if one’s life is lost and that covering up the sacrifice of the Shaheed was unfair to him. However, the father still did not give any details. May Allah elevate the status of the Shaheed and may his sacrifice become a source of opening the eyes of his family.

Ameer sahib of Chakwal has reported that Shaheed would not leave any opportunity of summoning people to Allah. When recently his father withdrew from the Jama’at, Hassan Khursheed sahib stayed connected to his faith and remained so till his last breath. He would offer his Friday Prayers at Darul Zikr. In spite of several insistences of his parents, he remained firm on his faith.

Mahmood Ahmad Shaad sahib Shaheed, missionary of the Jama’at, son of Ghulam Ahmad sahib: Shaheed’s family was from district Gujrat. His grandfather Fazl Daad sahib was the first to take bai’at [in the family]. His father was very prejudiced. Once, the book ‘Tabligh e Hadayat’ was scattered all over the floor, he started collecting it. As he began collating it, he read some part and got interested. After reading the entire book, he said he wanted to take bai’at. Thus at the age of 11 in 1922 he took his bai’at. Shaheed’s father was a local government officer and never took any bribe. He looked after the lands in Sind belonging to Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) and was a most pious person. Shaheed was born on 29 May 1962 and was Waqf (devoted) from birth. He graduated from the Jamia in 1986, in addition he served Jama’at on local level in many capacities. He served as the sub-editor of monthly ‘Khalid’, served as a missionary in many places in Pakistan and later, for eleven years in Tanzania. He had been appointed at Baitul Noor, Model Town around three months ago. At the time of shahadat he was nearly 48 years old and was a subscriber to the Wasiyyat scheme. On the day of the tragedy, he wore a new suit and took a new handkerchief, offered two Rakah of Salat at home and went to the main hall of the mosque with his son for Friday Prayer. During the attack he continually drew attention to pray and when the assailant entered the mosque he raised a slogan out aloud and continually recited Durud Sharif. He took two bullets on his chest and was thus martyred. With Allah’s grace his son remained safe during the tragedy.

Shaheed’s wife relates that a night before shahadat, on 27 May, he repeated the Khilafat Day pledge, that Hudhur had taken on 27.5.2008, out aloud as it was being relayed on MTA and planned to have the entire congregation repeat it the next day, after Friday sermon. But Allah willed something else. His wife relates that he was extremely fearless. At the time of the Ordinance against the Jama’at, while out on a journey with his sister, he wore a badge of the Kalima on his shirt. His sister was fearful and asked him to be careful. He replied, ‘is your faith this weak?’ At the end of the journey he went up to the policeman on duty, shook his hand and told his sister, ‘look, I have just greeted him’. His trust and reliance in Allah was great. He met opposition even during service in Tanzania and also witnessed signs of Divine help and succour. In 1999, an enemy of Ahmadiyyat Shaikh Saeedi alleged against him that he had given refuge to some illegal [immigrants] in his mission house. Police came to the mission house and after search took him to the police station. Once there, murrabi sahib introduced himself and the Jama’at, upon which the police apologised and let him go. Later, he developed good contacts with the police. Soon after, Shaikh Saeedi was deported from Saudi Arabia on the very same charge. When in Tanzania once as he left for a Jama’at trip, his wife said that she was suffering from malaria and he was leaving. His reply was, ‘I am leaving for Allah’s work and I am also entrusting you to Allah as I leave.’

Shaheed’s wife relates that soon after his Model Town appointment threatening telephone calls started coming. When the first call came, murrabi sahib had gone to a wedding reception. It was discovered that he was being followed by some people. Some Khuddamul Ahmadiyya took murrabi sahib home safely. When he reached home he said to his wife, ‘look what a magnificent Jama’at we have. These Khuddam have no worldly relation with us but they are ever ready for our safety’. Murrabi sahib said that he had prayed to Allah that he was willing and ready if Allah willed any sacrifice from him, but to keep his children ever connected to Khilafat.

His sisters would ring him and ask him to take leave and come to Rabwah. His response would be that if other Ahmadis were giving sacrifices, why would he not, and why should he run away? When his wife would get emotional over the situation, he would say to her, ‘Allah does not waste the families of shohad’aa and looks after them Himself’.

Shaheed was most keen to summon people to Allah. A month before shahadat, a doctor from outside the Jama’at who was looking for some answers and had had discussions with many murrabis, but was not satisfied. Shaad sahib had two or three sessions, lasting many hours, with him. During these he read the words and revelations of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) to the doctor in a most emotional manner. The doctor said he could not escape anymore, he was satisfied. How could the community of a person who did Tabligh with tearful eyes be not true? And he took his bai’at.

Apart from his parents, murrabi sahib’s entire family is non-Ahmadi. He did Tabligh to them till his last breath. In particular he would take his children to the relatives at every joyous or sad occasion for them to observe the difference between them and us. While the relatives were weighed down by bad rituals and innovations, we are united under Khilafat.

Someone has written to Hudhur that in 2006 he was informed about the appointment of Shaad sahib at Baitul Hamd, Murree Road, Rawalpindi to which the narrator was assigned as the care-taker. He received instructions to arrange for the accommodation of murrabi sahib where he displayed much contentment and steadfastness. The accommodation of missionaries was on the third floor of the building. This floor would be extremely hot but murrabi sahib stayed there with supreme patience and compliance and never uttered a word of complain. He would listen to the sermons of the Khalifa of the time with great fervour and repeatedly advised members of the Jama’at to do the same. If the [satellite] dish broke down in any Jama’at he would not rest until it was fixed. Murrabi sahib was a most compassionate and cheerful person and had a friendly, loving connection with everyone. He knew the [Ahmadi] families very well and would develop personal connections with them. He would often quote from the writings and poetic compositions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in his Friday sermons. He would often sound emotional during Friday sermons.

A few Fridays before the tragedy he gave a sermon in Model Town in which he read out a warning of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) that mentions those in the Jama’at who do not read the Holy Qur’an regularly. He could not contain his emotions during this. He was foremost and ever ready in defence of Khilafat and the administration of the Jama’at and would silence anyone who said anything, no matter how small, [contrary] about Khilafat or the Jama’at and would not leave the matter until the person realised the error of their way. During his service he would attend Jama’at meetings in extreme cold weather riding there on a bicycle. When he was transferred to Lahore he was very pleased. Azam Siddiqui sahib writes that when he told him that he too had been posted to Lahore in his government job, murrabi sahib jokingly asked, ‘will you come with me till Lahore or further on as well?’

Another murrabi sahib has written about him that he was a cheerful person who faced all difficulties with a smile, he was a brave and fearless person who was most fervent about Tabligh. Once in Tanzania, they were travelling together when they saw some maulwis. Mahmood sahib stopped the car and started Tabligh to them. It was evening time and the way ahead was dangerous. A crowd gathered and many people benefitted by being invited to Allah, while the maulwis ran off, rendered speechless. Resuming his journey he told his colleague, ‘we have religious freedom here, we should not be scared and should do Tabligh openly’.

Shaheed was the only brother of many sisters. He served his parents extremely well, in particular his ailing mother. When he was about to be transferred abroad he was worried who he would leave his ailing mother with. During her lifetime, his services revolved only around Pakistan. When in Tanzania he would do Tabligh with much enthusiasm, availing of audio and video cassettes. He would organise Tabligh camps and as a result Allah granted many Jama’ats. During his time in Tanzania, observing his successful Tabligh, people outside our Jama’at started demanding Arab states for facilities that Shaad sahib had so that they could halt Ahmadiyyat. When one after the other all their Tabligh needs were met but no result could be seen, rather Ahmadiyyat continued to spread rapidly, the local religious leaders were asked why this was so. Their reply was that they lacked one thing. The Ahmadiyya Jama’at had a Pakistani missionary which they did not and that if they too were given a Pakistani missionary, with his guidance, they would succeed. Hudhur said it was their misunderstanding for any Pakistani missionary of theirs would have taught them abuse rather than Tabligh.

Waseem Ahmad sahib Shaheed, son of Abdul Quddus sahib: Shaheed was from the family of Nazam Din sahib (may Allah be pleased with him) who took his bai’at at the hand of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) as well as Babu Qasim Din sahib (may Allah be pleased with him) who was a companion of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Babu Qasim sahib had remained the Ameer of Sailkot for a long period. This family is from the location where the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) lived before his claim and during his employment years. After his claim he would also visit and stay in this area. Shaheed passed his FSc from Sialkot and then joined Punjab University, Lahore from where he did his BSc in space science and later took his MSc in computer science. He worked as a manger in a software company. He served as Nazim Atfal in the Allama Iqbal Town area. At the time of shahadat he was 38 years old and was martyred at Darul Zikr. He offered his Friday Prayers at Darul Zikr as a rule. On the day of tragedy he came to the mosque from his work place situated on the Mall Road. He would usually sit in the first row of the main hall. On the day of the tragedy he sat in the first row and as the terrorists attacked, he stayed there on the instruction of Ameer sahib. When in order to save their lives others were leaving from the back door he was also asked to leave, but he said, ‘let the other friends leave first, I will go later’. This is when he was martyred by the firing of the terrorist. His work organised a two-hour programme in his memory, the entire staff visited his home to pay their condolences and remembered him with very good words. His work colleagues were also present at the hospital to help him and also came to Rabwah for the burial. His company director came from Karachi to Sailkot as well as Rabwah to pay his condolence and expressed great sadness and grief. Wife of Shaheed relates that he was extremely obedient to his parents and elders and never spoke to them in a raised voice and treated everyone with respect. He served the Jama’at most devotedly. He also prepared some software with regards to chandas for Lahore Jama’at. He served as Nazim Atfal and had a most loving and affectionate bond with children. After shahadat his family took his funeral to Sialkot from Lahore, where funeral Prayer was offered and later it was taken to Rabwah for burial. Waseem sahib wished for shahadat and would say, ‘if ever such a time came, my chest will be at the very forefront’. Imran Nadeem sahib relates about him that he had the gentlest of dispositions, was intensely obedient, would listen most attentively and calmly and then act upon instruction. He would take Jama’at children in his car for meetings etc. and drop them off back home as well. Sadr sahib of Halqa Allama Iqbal Town relates about him that he was a most sincere Ahmadi young man who took great interest in Khuddam work and was an excellent leader for the Tarbiyyat of Atfal. He was the eldest of five siblings, a most capable and hardworking young man. His mother played an important role in his education and training. Though not highly educated themselves, his parents aspired their offspring to attain high education and this came to pass with their dedication.

Writing to Hudhur, his wife relates, ‘I can probably not enumerate his qualities. Hudhur, if I were to say that he was an angelic person, it would not at all be untrue. The entire family says there is none other like Waseem sahib. I consider that God gave him this honour because of his excellent and distinctive qualities. Waseem has not only raised the head of his parents and mine high with pride, rather the entire family’s. He had great love for the Jama’at and had been Nazim Atfal Allama Iqbal Town Lahore for two years. He loved children a lot. In spite of heavy work engagements he would organise academic competitions among children and would prepare them, giving attention to weaker children. He would also advise their parents to support and encourage the children. Often children of our majlis would win many prizes which gave heartfelt joy to Waseem sahib. He would take children to Darul Zikr in his car and drop them off at home later. In short he worked hard at every task with dedication. In spite of his work commitments he often went to Darul Zikr for meetings in the evening and to observe Salat in congregation. He also offered his Salat at work. I often reflected on the way he offered Salat; he honoured the due of observance of Salat and was never even slightly distracted. It would appear as if he really was praying in the Presence of God. He was also foremost in financial giving and would pay one tenth of his income and also enthusiastically participated in all other chandas. He never spent unnecessarily on himself. He never spoke in front of his parents in a raised voice; in fact he never ever spoke in a raised voice. He was very gentle of temperament. In my entire married life I never heard a harsh word spoken by him.

Waseem sahib always had a smiling face and if I ever got upset over something he would assuage me most lovingly and would not stop until I was not upset anymore. When his body was brought home after shahadat, his face had the same smile and peace that it always did. He greeted guests in the finest manner and looked after his parents, brothers and sisters in every way and never got upset with relatives so much so that people at his office said that Waseem sahib did not even ever spoke to his juniors in a harsh tone.’

Waseem sahib was a fearless person and very keen about Tabligh. He would often have copies of ‘Tashheezul Azhan’ in his car. Seeing the magazines, his junior work colleague, an Ahmadi, would say to him that a mullah-type individual could harm him. To which he would reply that the status of shahadat was not for everyone. At home he would also often say, ‘one should never be afraid. Sinners like us do not get honours like this.’

His junior colleague Asad relates that they both always sat in the first row. When the firing started everyone gathered to one side of the hall and started getting out of a door. Asad called Waseem, but he said, ‘let the others go first, I will follow’. During this time Waseem sahib was hit by eight bullets in the stomach and he was martyred within an hour.

Waseem Ahmad sahib Shaheed, son of Muhammad Ashraf sahib of Chakwal: Shaheed obtained his education till the matric standard from his ancestral village and then joined the armed forces. After retirement from the army he was employed with a security company in Islamabad. Later, from 2009, he worked as a security guard at Darul Zikr. His father-in-law was employed as a driver by the Jama’at in Rabwah. At the time of shahadat he was 55 years old and he was martyred during security duty at Darul Zikr. On the day of the tragedy, Waseem sahib was on duty at the main gate. The assailants started firing from a distance, and he was thus martyred at the very beginning of the tragedy. Shaheed was married twice. His first wife passed away in 1983. In 1990 he married again. His wife relates that he was an extremely good person and had a good status in society. He was on good terms with everyone. In particular he was very kind to orphans, whether they were related or not related, Ahmadi or non-Ahmadi. He had great passion to serve the Jama’at and as result each time he went home on leave from Lahore he would say how happy he was in Lahore. He said each Ahmadi, old and young that came to the mosque met him with a lot of respect. Shaheed’s children relate their father was a very good person and they had a great relationship. He respected all their wishes. His daughter relates that he would especially fulfil all her wishes. He was most enthusiastic about the education of children. He would say to his daughter that he would send her to Rabwah where the environment to attain education was good, saying, she could then serve the Jama’at in Rabwah, even if it meant he had to live with her in Rabwah. He was an extremely affectionate and loving father.

Shaheed’s wife relates that a few days before shahadat he said he as he stood on duty Sadr sahib mosque Halqa passed by. He told Sadr sahib that his uniform was old, if he could have a new uniform it would give a good impression to all. Sadr sahib got him a new uniform. On the day of the tragedy he rang home and said he had the new uniform on. He attained the station of martyrdom in the new uniform.

His wife relates that she first heard of the news of shahadat on the TV. When they tried to contact him on his telephone they were not successful. Later an Ahmadi brother rang them from his telephone and gave them the news of his shahadat. While they were extremely pained and aggrieved, they felt a great sense of pride at the attainment of the station of martyrdom while protecting worshippers at a mosque. He was regular in observance of Salat and enthusiastically participated in all good works.

Nazir Ahmad sahib Shaheed, son of Mistri Muhammad Yasin sahib: Shaheed was the only Ahmadi in his family and as such faced great opposition from the entire family. According to Tajneed Shaheed was from Halqa Kot Lakhpat and would come to Baitul Noor, Model Town for Friday Prayers and offered other Salat at his local Salat centre. At the time of shahadat he was 72 years old and was martyred at Baitul Noor, Model Town. His funeral Prayer and burial was organised by his non-Ahmadi relatives and they buried him at the Kot Lakhpat graveyard. As soon as Shaheed had arrived for Friday Prayers the terrorists attacked and he was martyred, His body was kept at Jinnah Hospital from where his non-Ahmadi relatives took it for burial. His funeral Prayer in absentia was offered at Darul Zikr.

Shaheed was regular in his financial contributions and Salat. In spite of intense opposition from the family he stayed firm on Ahmadiyyat till his shahadat. His Sadr sahib writes that he had some valuable property in the main bazaar but his nephews had taken possession of it even in his lifetime. As a result he spent a very simple life. He bore the hostility of his family but that did not break his bond with Ahmadiyyat. Although his income was reduced next to nothing, he regularly paid his dues. He was a person of old ways, of simple nature who would cycle to Baitul Noor for Friday Prayers. He would arrive on time and would sit in the front row, greeting every one most warmly. He spent a lot of time in the mosque, wishing to spend as much time with Ahmadis as possible. In spite of the opposition of his family he had put up photographs of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and his Khulafa in his house. He had great devotion for office-holders and a great zeal for Tabligh work. Hostility is heightened in the area of his residence, yet he carried on with his Tabligh work fearlessly.

Muhammad Hussain sahib Shaheed, son of Nazam Din sahib: Shaheed’s family belonged to district Gurdaspur where he was born. He did not have a worldly education but could read the Holy Qur’an. He came into the Jama’at by doing bai’at at the hand of Fazl Haq sahib, a former sadr. In his family he and his sister were the only Ahmdis. He was the maternal uncle of Inamul Haq Kauser sahib, murrabi of Chicago, USA. He worked as a labour supervisor in MES, he also worked as a carpenter and after employment, opened a furniture shop in Quetta. He was also enabled to serve in Furqan Force. He was 80 years old at the time of shahadat and was martyred at Darul Zikr. It was his routine to give sadqa on Friday and he would leave home at 11 am for Friday Prayers. On the day of the tragedy he was in the main hall of Darul Zikr. The right side of his body was all burnt, probably his shahadat happened when a grenade detonated. His non-Ahmadi relatives took his body from Mayo Hospital and organised his burial.

According to his family, Shaheed was regular in observance of Salat and paying chandas. Although his financial situation was not good, he would still save to help the needy without any distinction of religion and ethnicity. He would usually sit in the first row during Friday Prayers. Due to old age he could not remember which day of the week it was. As all his family are non-Ahmadi, they would not tell him when it was Friday. Shaheed had kept the call of a beggar as an indication that it was Friday and if he ever forgot, seeing the beggar would remind him that it was Friday. Once the beggar did not come but one of his daughters reminded him it was Friday. He left home for the mosque without eating his lunch. His older son relates that often he would not be on his bed at night and when they looked he would be on the Prayer mat, offering Salat. He would say to his children, ‘I love Ahl –e-Bait of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) but you do not. I have met Ahl-e-Bait in my dream.’ His son relates that usually he would fast on 10 Muharrum. Shaheed often related a visit of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him) to Quetta when Hudhur stayed at the Park House villa. Shaheed did maintenance work there. On his arrival, Hadhrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) asked who had carried out the work, for the very walls exuded sincerity. During the stay once a water pipe leaked, Hadhrat Musleh Maud (on whom be peace) said, ‘call Muhammad Hussain, he will fix it’. When he did fix it, Hudhur was very pleased and said, ‘see, I did say Muhammad Hussain will fix it.’ May Allah elevate his status and enable his offspring to recognise, Ahmadiyyat Islam.

Hudhur said these accounts are such that if one is to go in details, it would become a lengthy series, therefore Hudhur has touched upon them very briefly. However, a particular account of one Shaheed had been extremely short. His wife later sent some details, so Hudhur mentioned him again.

Dr. Umer Ahmad sahib Shaheed: His wife writes, ‘he and I were together for only one and a half year but in this time I had the opportunity to live with an extremely loving, affectionate, quiet and simple person. He wanted to be a martyr from childhood. When he was only in his second or third year of school, he wrote an imaginary letter to Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed, a martyred Pakistani army officer who was mentioned in a book, that he liked him very much and he too wanted to be a Shaheed like him. His mother has kept this brief letter. After marriage he would often talk about martyrdom. One day he said, ‘I have reflected a lot and I have reached the conclusion that the only short cut to Paradise is martyrdom, but that is not in my fate!’ He twice tried for commission in the army but both times did not get through at the last stage. He regretted this very much because he felt the armed forces were a good way to attain martyrdom’. Hudhur said therein is an answer to those who allege that Ahmadiyya Jama’at is against the country. Passion to serve the country was thus embedded in him. His wife relates, ‘he often used to say, ‘watch, whenever the Jama’at is in need, Umer will be in the forefront and will take the bullet on his chest’. He had signed his childhood letter to Major Aziz Bhatti, as ‘Major. Umer Shaheed’.

His routine was to offer his Maghrib and Isha Salat at the mosque and after Isha do some Jama’at work before returning home. He was extremely active among Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. He would go on Waqfe Arzi once or twice a year. Was most eager about Khidmat e Khalq and always donated blood twice a year. The day he was injured at Darul Zikr, he had left for the office in a rush, saying he was late. As Darul Zikr was closer to his office he offered his Friday Prayers there. He looked after my every small and big need. He loved his daughter, who is now eight months old. On his return from office he would play with her at length and did not tolerate any carelessness as regards her. Not just his own daughter, rather, he was most affectionate to all children.

Two months before shahadat I dreamed that Umer’s second marriage is taking place and I am crying a lot. I mentioned the dream to Umer, but he dismissed it laughingly. He was very neat and tidy; similarly, he had a clear conscience. He never gave anyone any trouble. When he came home from office in the intense heat of the afternoon, he would ring the bell most gently so that no one would be disturbed. Often, he would stand quietly outside, for up to half an hour. All his office colleagues praise him a lot – he was in a governmental research organisation – and say that one of our very dear young people has departed from us. All the office staff came home to pay condolence.

Whenever there was a difficulty he would promptly write to Khalifa of the time and would ask me to do the same. He greatly respected my parents and all relatives. Also respected his friends and always made time for them. Whatever Tehrik (programme/appeal) came from the Khalifa of the time, be it about prayers, Fasting, Tahajjud, sadqa, he would promptly act upon it. He paid all his chandas on time and always at the correct rate. On 23 May he paid the last instalment of his ‘Hissa Amad’ that was Rupee 9,500 and told us at home delighted that he was grateful that his chanda was completed. From the time that Sayyedna Bilal Fund was initiated, he would regularly contribute to it. If ever birthday celebrations or gifts were mentioned at home, he would be extremely displeased and say, ‘do you not know Hudhur has forbidden this’. In fact he would say it was better to donate that money to one of the funds of the Jama’at.’

He was hospitalised for a few days and then was martyred.’

Hudhur said this concludes mention of the accounts of shohad’aa.

Adding, Hudhur remarked that in these accounts we see some excellent qualities as common values, for example observance of Salat. This observance was not only regular in their own persons; rather they would also draw attention of the family to it. For example, ringing from work to remind children or organising congregational Prayer at home with the concern that Salat is the surety of good in this world as the Hereafter and because the ways to Divine nearness are only determined by worship. We also see a particular commitment for Friday Prayers in all of them and many were regular in Tahajjud. Most of the younger martyrs as well as those older had an intense desire of martyrdom. Other high morals are also evident in their lives, domestic as well as outside home. They maintained excellent courtesy with workers of the Jama’at and also drew admiration from work colleagues through their high morals. Hudhur said a wife is indeed witness to a married man’s high morals, for some people are very courteous socially but do not have the same demeanour at home. If a wife confirms the courteousness and devout worship of a man, then it is evident that he pays the dues of Allah as well as the dues of mankind (HaqooqUllah and Haqooqul ebad). Indeed, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that one who does not pay Haqooqul ebad and does not fulfil the rights of his wife and children, he does not also pay the dues of Allah. Even if he outwardly offers his Salat, due to not honouring Haqooqul ebad, his worship becomes in vain.

Hudhur said the attainment of the honour of martyrdom for these martyrs certainly carries a testimony of an acceptance of their worship and fulfilment of Haqooqul ebad. We observe that in addition they also honoured their responsibilities. They paid attention to their fatherly duty of being a guardian over the education and training of their children and we see this instance in each Shaheed. They kept the Quranic commandment in view: ‘Kill not your children for fear of poverty…’ (17:32). Hudhur explained one should not be so absorbed in one’s employment/occupation that one may overlook the responsibilities one has regarding one’s children. These people did not forget their pledge of giving precedence to faith over worldly matters and the commencement of this pledge is with Salat. One girl related that her father would take them along on long leisure trips and on the way he would read out prayers aloud, repeating them, so that the children would memorise them. He also taught them which prayer was for which occasion. Such were the principles of those who sacrificed their lives. The young among them served their parents day and night and honoured God’s commandment to be kind to parents and never express slightest of annoyance to them. Hudhur said sometimes young married men overlook the rights of their parents in taking care of their wives or overlook the wife while fulfilling the rights of parents. However, these momins (true believers) also honoured these matters and looked after their wives and their parents equally and exceptionally well. Thus is the confidence and the fulfilment of dues that makes society paradise-like. Indeed, in recompense, Allah gave them the surety of eternal Paradise.

The parents and close relations, in fact people at the college he went to, have an opinion of a young man of 17 to 18 years, that he was a wondrous young man of unique temperament.

Another common value among them all that shines through was their sense of honour for the Jama’at, showing exemplary obedience. Giving precedence to faith over worldly matters and in spite of fulfilling other commitments, they made time for Jama’at work, not just during urgent situations but as a rule, at times overlooking their basic personal needs. They also had an extraordinary bond with Khilafat, expression of love and obedience. This expression was because the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had said that the eternal Khilafat that will follow the Promised Messiah and Mahdi will be made eternal with the sincerity, obedience and prayers of the believers for Khilafat. Thus, with their worship and their good works, they endeavoured till their last breath to make Khilafat eternal. They established most excellent standards and in their own spheres were the right hand of Khilafat. Hudhur said they were the Sultan e Naseer (excellent helpers) of Khilafat for which a Khalifa prays that he may be granted.

May Allah elevate their status and grant them nearness to His beloveds. These shohad’aa have attained their station, but with their sacrifice they have also drawn our attention that O’ dear ones, brothers, sons, children, mothers, sisters and our daughters, we have fulfilled our pledge of bai’at following the model of the Companions, but while departing we express our last wish to you to always uphold this model of piety.

Hudhur said many men and women have written to him that Hudhur’s current discourses on the shohah’aa fill them with admiration about the piety and sincerity of the martyrs but it also causes them shame that they do not reach the standards. Listening to their accounts enhances one’s grief that such gems have departed from us. Hudhur said this realisation and view is very good but nations/people who move onwards do not consider realisations as sufficient, rather, in order to carry on these virtues, each person who is left behind endeavours to fulfil the objective of the sacrifice and the wishes of the departed. Our task and obligation is to fulfil the dues of these sacrifices by making pious changes in ourselves. Fulfil our responsibilities by honouring the rights of their families. While the administration of the Jama’at will fulfil its responsibility towards the upbringing of young children, each person of the Jama’at should pray for them. May Allah keep all the bereaved in His protection and refuge and may He remove their difficulties, grief and problems and Himself provide solutions. No matter how much, human efforts remain deficient. Allah alone provides real comfort and tranquillity. May Allah facilitate tranquillity for them and may He improve their situations. Hudhur said the families of the martyrs should be remembered in prayers. Members of the Jama’at should also pray for themselves, may Allah protect us from all evil. There is much need for prayers these days. The situation in Pakistan is deteriorating, this [tragedy] has made no difference, and opposition is on the increase. May Allah protect from all evil and may the evil of the mischief-makers rebound on them. May Allah grant steadfastness to every Ahmadi.

Next Hudhur announced that after Jummah he would lead funeral Prayer in absentia of Nazir Sahfeequl Muradi sahib, former Ameer Jama’at of Syria. He passed away on 30 June 2010 at the age of 67. His childhood home was in Damascus near where Muneerul Hassan sahib, the then Ameer sahib of Syria also lived. He knew him since childhood. In 1963 he heard some of the beliefs of the Jama’at and took his bai’at. He worked as in-charge of Urban Transport in Damascus. In 1986, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV (may Allah have mercy on him) appointed him as the first president of Ansarullah in Syria and in 1988 at the passing away of Muneerul Hassan sahib appointed him the Ameer of Syria. In 1991 due to the unfavourable situation in Syria the administration of Jama’at was discontinued and Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV (may Allah have mercy on him) told the Syrian Jama’at that they should become writers. He started writing books and with Allah’s grace had eight books published. He was also writing a book at the time of passing away. He attended the UK Jalsa Salana in 1996 and afterwards, for the rest of his life, spoke of the hospitality and beneficence of Khalifa of the time. He had a very simple, yet jocular and cheerful personality and greatly respected Waqfeen (life-devotees). Explaining Hudhur said some of our Waqfeen Zindagi go to Syria for educational purposes. He had an ardent love for Khilafat e Ahmadiyya which was evident from his eyes and his voice when Khilafat was mentioned. He was extremely steadfast, always praising and thankful to Allah, no matter how big a difficulty he faced. He was a devoted friend and a resolute Ahmadi. The current president of Syria writes that when he was appointed to his office, the deceased displayed such sincerity and humility that he was amazed. May Allah elevate his status and grant steadfastness to his family.