After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^(aba) stated:

The last sermon I delivered in this series of sermons relating to the Badri Companions^(ra) was delivered in Germany, during which I narrated the account of Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) bin Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool. When I concluded that sermon, I spoke about Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool, the father of Hazrat Abdullah^(ra), in relation to the Battle of Uhud.

After accepting the request of the youth, when the Holy Prophet^(sa) decided to go out of Medina to confront the enemy, initially, Abdullah bin Ubayy and his companions also went along. However, after reaching the valley of Mount Uhud, he revolted and returned to Medina with 300 of his followers, saying, “Muhammad^[sa], the messenger of Allah, did not pay heed to my advice of remaining in Medina to fight against the enemy.” He also stated, “What sort of fight is this? This is tantamount to suicide.” He then said, “I do not want to wish to place myself in danger.” Nonetheless, hypocrisy was embedded in his heart from the beginning and a hypocrite always displays cowardice, which became evident on this occasion. Hence, when he left with his followers, the total number of the Muslim army was reduced to 700. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), p. 487)

In spite of this, when the battle commenced, the Muslims had the upper hand and they were closing in on victory. However, owing to not acting upon the instructions of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and due to abandoning the mountain pass, the Muslims suffered a heavy loss.

I will now present some details of the demeanour of Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool after this battle and how he began to utter hurtful and contemptuous remarks about the Holy Prophet^(sa) and other Muslims. These accounts also show the love Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) had for Islam and the Holy Prophet^(sa). They prove that he was prepared to take any action necessary against his own father, if he made an attack against the honour of Islam and the Holy Prophet^(sa).

With regard to how he began to mock others, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib^(ra) writes in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophets]:

“After the Battle of Uhud, the Jews and hypocrites of Medina, who had become somewhat awe-stricken as a result of the Battle of Badr now became relatively bold. As a matter of fact, Abdullah bin Ubayy and his supporters openly hurled mockery and taunt on this occasion.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), p. 506)

However, the Holy Prophet^(sa) would always overlook their actions. Upon witnessing the kind treatment of the Holy Prophet^(sa), instead of feeling ashamed for their actions, they increased in their brazenness and impudence. The audacity of Abdullah bin Ubayy – the Chief of the Hypocrites – and the love the Holy Prophet^(sa) had for his son, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) bin Abdullah, as well as the level of Hazrat Abdullah’s^(ra) loyalty and sincerity can be gauged from the following incident:

“In the fifth year of Hijrah, whilst returning from the Battle of Bani Mustaliq, the Holy Prophet^(sa) remained in Muraisi for a few days. This was the name of a well of the Banu Mustaliq. However, during this stay, an untoward incident took place, which almost led to the outbreak of civil war between the weaker Muslims. However, the wisdom and magnetic influence of the Holy Prophet^(sa) saved the Muslims. It so happened that a servant of Hazrat Umar^(ra) named Jahjah went to the main spring in Muraisi to fetch some water. Coincidentally, another person named Sinan who was from among the confederates of the Ansar, arrived at the spring as well. Both of these individuals were ignorant commoners. An altercation ensued between the two of them at the spring, and Jahjah struck Sinan. That did it, and Sinan began to scream and shout, ‘O People of the Ansar! Come to my aid, I have been beaten and attacked.’ When Jahjah saw that Sinan was calling his people to aid him, he also began to call for his own, ‘O Muhajirin, come hither, run!’ When the Ansar and Muhajirin heard this voice, a multitude of them rushed towards the spring with their swords in hand, and before they knew it, quite a large horde of people had gathered. Certain ignorant youngsters were about to attack each other, but a few wise and faithful Muhajirin and Ansar arrived on the scene in time, who immediately separated the people and reconciled between them.

“When the Holy Prophet^(sa) received news of this, he stated that this was a manifestation of ignorant conduct and expressed his displeasure. In this way, the matter was settled. However, when news of this occurrence reached Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool, who was also present in this Ghazwah (of Bani Mustaliq) this evil man desired to revive the disorder. He greatly incited his followers against the Holy Prophet^(sa) and said, ‘This is all your own fault, it is you who have granted refuge to these strangers and allowed them to rule upon you. You still have an opportunity to relinquish your support for them and they shall leave themselves.’ Eventually, this wretched man went so far as to say:

لَئِنْ رَّجَعْنَا إِلَى الْمَدِینَۃِ لَیُخْرِجَنَّ الْأَعَزُّ مِنْہَا الْأَذَلَّ

This is mentioned in Surah Al-Munafiqun of the Holy Quran, “meaning, ‘Just wait and see, now when we arrive to Medina, the most honoured man or people shall exile the most disgraceful person or people from the city.’

“At the time, a sincere young child from among the Muslims named Zaid bin Arqam^(ra) was present. Upon hearing these words regarding the Holy Prophet^(sa) from the mouth of Abdullah, he became restless and conveyed news of this incident to the Holy Prophet^(sa) through his paternal-uncle.” Observe the level of loyalty and sincerity shown by even the children, and they would remain vigilant and they understood what was right and what was wrong. Nonetheless, he conveyed the message through his paternal-uncle.

“At the time, Hazrat Umar^(ra) was sitting in the company of the Holy Prophet^(sa) and upon hearing these words, he became inflamed in anger and indignation. He submitted to the Holy Prophet^(sa), ‘O Messenger^(sa) of Allah! Grant me permission, I shall behead this hypocritical and seditious man.’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) responded, ‘Let it be Umar^(ra)! Would you like people to spread the news that Muhammad^(sa) kills his own followers?’ Then, the Holy Prophet^(sa) summoned Abdullah bin Ubayy and his followers, and enquired of them as regards to this matter. They all swore that they had not said such things. Some from among the Ansar also interceded and submitted, ‘Perhaps Zaid bin Arqam^(ra) may have been mistaken.’ On this occasion, the Holy Prophet^(sa) accepted the statement of Abdullah bin Ubayy and his followers, and rejected the submission of Zaid^(ra). Upon this, Zaid^(ra) was deeply grieved, but Quranic revelation was later sent down in confirmation of Zaid^(ra), and the hypocrites were declared to be liars” (i.e. the verse I recited previously).

“The Holy Prophet^(sa) summoned Abdullah bin Ubayy and his followers to enquire regarding this matter, and at the same instructed Hazrat Umar^(ra) to order an immediate departure. It was noon, and generally the Holy Prophet^(sa) would not depart at such an hour, because due to the climate in Arabia, this was a time of intense heat and it was extremely difficult to travel at this time. However, in light of the prevalent circumstances, the Holy Prophet^(sa) considered it best to depart at once. Therefore, according to his command, the Muslim army prepared to depart immediately. It was perhaps on this very occasion that Usaid bin Hudair Ansari, who was a very renowned chieftain of the Aus tribe, presented himself before the Holy Prophet^(sa) and submitted:

‘O Messenger^(sa) of Allah! You do not normally march at this time of day. What has happened today? Why have we set off in the afternoon?’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘Usaid! Have you not heard the words of Abdullah bin Ubayy? He says, ‘Once we arrive in Medina, the most honoured individual shall cast out the meanest.’ Usaid^(ra) spontaneously said, ‘Indeed, O Messenger^(sa) of Allah, you may certainly throw out Abdullah from Medina. By God! It is you who are the most honourable and it is he who is the most disgraceful.’ Then, Usaid^(ra) went on to submit, ‘O Messenger^(sa) of Allah! You are aware that prior to your arrival Abdullah bin Ubayy was very revered amongst his people, and they were about to accept him as a king, but this was mixed to dust when you arrived. Due to this reason, his heart harbours jealousy towards you. Therefore, do not care for his nonsense, and forgive him.’

“After some time, the son of Abdullah bin Ubayy – whose name was Habbab, but the Holy Prophet^(sa) changed it to Abdullah”, i.e. the companion whose account is being mentioned “and he was a very faithful Companion – presented himself before the Holy Prophet^(sa) in a state of concern and said:

‘O Messenger^(sa) of Allah, I have heard that you intend to execute my father on account of his blasphemy and sedition. If this is your verdict, then permit me. I shall sever my father’s head and place it before you, but I urge you not to command anyone else. I fear that a tinge of ignorance may flare up in my body, and at some time, I may cause harm to the executioner of my father, and fall into hell despite longing for the pleasure of Allah’”, meaning that although he desired nothing but the pleasure of Allah, yet he did not wish to enter hell owing to the killing of a Muslim. “The Holy Prophet^(sa) calmed him and said, ‘We have no such intention, rather, in any case, we shall demonstrate compassion and benevolence towards your father.’

However, Abdullah^(ra) bin Abdullah bin Ubayy was so incensed against his father that when the Muslim army set back for Medina, Abdullah^(ra) stood before his father and blocked his passage, saying, ‘By God! I shall not permit you to return, until you confess with your own tongue that the Holy Prophet^(sa) is most honoured and you are the most disgraced.’ Abdullah^(ra) pressed his father to such an extent that finally he was compelled to say these words, upon which Abdullah^(ra) left him free to proceed.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra), pp. 557, 559-561)

Ibn Saad has mentioned this incident in the following manner:

“When the Holy Prophet^(sa) instructed the companions to set out, the son of Abdullah bin Ubayy, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra), blocked the path of his father. He dismounted from his camel and said to his father, ‘Until you declare that you are the most wretched and that Muhammad^(sa) is the most honourable, I will not leave you alone.’ When the Holy Prophet^(sa) passed by and witnessed this, he said, ‘Let him be! I swear by my life, we will most certainly treat him kindly for as long as he is among us.’” (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 2, p. 50, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990)

This is written in Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra. Apart from this, it is also mentioned that Hazrat Abdullah’s^(ra) father, Abdullah bin Ubayy said:

لَیُخْرِجَنَّ الْأَعَزُّ مِنْہَا الْأَذَلَّ

That is, “The most honourable individual or party will expel the most wretched individual or party from his city.” Upon this, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) said to the Holy Prophet^(sa), “O Prophet of Allah^(sa)! He is the wretched one and you are the honourable one!” The son said this about his own father. (Al-Istiaab Fi Marifati Al-Sahaab, Vol. 3, p. 941, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut)

Then, the Great Calumny, which was raised by the hypocrites was in relation to the incident of Ifk [the lie], the main instigator of which was Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool. The incident relating to Ifk occurred on the return from the Battle of Banu Mustaliq, in which a licentious allegation was raised against Hazrat Aisha^(ra). The instigator of this accusation was Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool. I have already presented the details regarding the incident of Ifk in a sermon towards the end of last year. However, I will present some details in relation to this here as well. The narration of Hazrat Aisha^(ra) is the same and I will present some parts of it. She narrates:

“It was a custom of the Holy Prophet^(sa) that when he intended to embark on a journey, he used to draw lots amongst his wives, then he would take along with him the one on whom the lot fell. On one occasion, before a ghazwah [expedition], he drew lots in the same manner, and the lot fell on me. Thus, the Holy Prophet^(sa) took me along. This was the time when injunctions on Pardah had already been revealed. Hence, during this journey, I would sit in a litter, and it would be placed on the back of a camel. (This was a seat which was covered on all sides with drapes.) Wherever a halt was made, it would be placed on the ground. When the Holy Prophet^(sa) set back after having finished from his ghazwah, and we approached near the city of Medina, one night, the Holy Prophet^(sa) ordered a departure. When I heard this announcement, I left to one side, away from the army, in order to attend to the call of nature, and returned after I had finished.

“When I returned to my camel, I found that my necklace (which was made from black gemstones) had been lost. I went back in search of it and was delayed a short while. In the meantime, those who had been appointed to lift my litter and place it on the back of the camel arrived, and assuming that I was in the litter, lifted it and placed it on the camel, and marched on with the army. In any case, when I returned after finding my necklace (that had been lost), I returned to the same place where the army was stationed but found it empty. I became extremely worried, but I thought to myself that I should remain at my place, because when people realize that I had been left behind, they would surely return. Therefore, I sat on my spot and was soon overcome by sleep. Now, it so happened that Safwan^(ra) bin Mu‘attal Zakwani was a companion, whose duty was to stay behind the army (so that fallen items etc could be retrieved). When he arrived from behind the army and reached my resting place just before dawn, he found me sleeping there alone. Since he had already seen me prior to the revelation of injunctions relevant to Pardah, he recognised me immediately and said:

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ

(To Allah we belong…)

I was awakened by his voice … (Nonetheless,) After this, he brought forward his camel and made it kneel close to me. I sat on the camel and he walked ahead holding the bridle of the camel. We finally reached the place where the Muslim army had setup camp. We reached in the height of noon and this was a time when everyone had retired to their camps for brief rest.”

She then says:

“This is the account, due to which those who were to be ruined, ruined themselves. (i.e. those that were to raise this allegation). The key proponent who was responsible for spreading this slander was Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool, chief of the hypocrites.”

She then says, “After this, we reached Medina, and it so happened that as soon as we arrived, I fell ill, and this illness lasted for one month. During this time, the forged statements of the slanderers were noised widely and rumours were spread. However, until then, I had absolutely no notion of this calumny. One thing I did notice, however, was that during my period of illness, the Holy Prophet^(sa) did not extend to me the usual affection and kindness that I was accustomed to. He would enter and only extend the greetings of peace and enquire about me.”

She says, “I had no idea of the rumours that were being spread. One day I went to attend the call of nature along with Ummi Mistah (in order to attend the call of nature they would have to go outside) it was then that she related to me about what was being propagated. After this, when the Holy Prophet^(sa) came to visit me as usual and asked, ‘How are you feeling now?’ I submitted, ‘O Messenger^(sa) of Allah! If you permit, may I go to the home of my parents for a few days?’ The Holy Prophet^(sa) granted permission and I went to them.

“As such, I went there and enquired of my mother about what people were saying. My mother said, ‘O Daughter! Worry not on account of what they say. People often say such things.’

“I spontaneously said, ‘Holy is Allah! Are people actually saying these things about me?’”

She then says, “I began to weep, and my tears would not stop. I did not sleep all night. At dawn, I was still weeping.” She says this was when I discovered the allegation the people had raised against me. Thus, the slander continued and the Holy Prophet^(sa) sought advice from some of his companions. Hazrat Aisha^(ra) says:

“One day, the Holy Prophet^(sa) called Barirah (who was the personal maid of Hazrat Aisha^(ra)) and enquired, ‘Barirah, have you ever seen anything in Aisha^(ra) as may be considered suspicious?’ Barirah responded, ‘I have seen no such thing. I swear by that God Who has sent you with the truth, I have never seen anything evil about her, except that on account of her young age, she is a bit careless. It often happens that she leaves the dough exposed and falls asleep, while the goats come and consume it. (It is only carelessness and nothing more, or that she would often feel sleepy.) Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) addressed his companions on the same day and informed them about the conduct of Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool. The Holy Prophet^(sa) said, ‘Is there anyone from among you who can put an end to this? I have been given great grief with respect to my wife on account of him. By God, I know nothing of my wife except piety and goodness. Moreover, I also consider the man who has been mentioned in this connection to be pious (i.e. the other companion who was accused). He has never come to my home in my absence and he always came when I was present.’”

Hazrat Aisha^(ra) further narrates:

“One day, the Holy Prophet^(sa) addressed me directly regarding the matter, upon which I replied, ‘By God, I am aware that certain things which people have rumoured about me have reached you, (i.e. the rumours that people are levelling against me). Hence, if I advocate my innocence, and God Almighty knows that I am indeed innocent, you shall doubt me, but if I accept myself as being guilty, despite my being innocent, you shall believe me. Since the rumours had become so widespread, most people had become convinced, and even some of the companions were saying words to this effect.

“By God, I find myself in the situation of the father of Joseph^(as), who said:

فَصَبْرٌ جَمِیْلٌ وَاللّٰہُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلٰی مَا تَصِفُوْنَ

That is to say, patience is better for me, and it is Allah alone Whose help I seek against what these people assert.’” This verse is mentioned in Surah Yusuf.

She says, “After this I moved to one side and lay in my bed and was hopeful that God Almighty would provide proof of my innocence, (i.e. that God Almighty would certainly inform the Holy Prophet^(sa) of my innocence in this matter.)”

Hazrat Aisha^(ra) then says, “However, by God, (shortly after the aforementioned incident took place) the Holy Prophet^(sa) had not yet left this sitting, nor had any other person of the household left, (Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) and the mother of Hazrat Aisha^(ra) was also present) when he was overtaken by the state which he would experience upon the receipt of divine revelation which was extremely exhausting and his body would be overcome with sweat.”

Hazrat Aisha^(ra) then says, “After some time, this state left him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) smiled and looked towards me saying, ‘O Aisha^(ra)! God has affirmed your innocence.’ At this, my mother spontaneously said, ‘O Aisha^(ra)! Get up! And go to the Holy Prophet^(sa).’ However, I said, ‘I will not thank the Holy Prophet^(sa), in fact I am thankful to my Lord Alone.’ God Almighty had revealed the following revelation:

إِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ جَاءُوْا بِالْإِفْکِ عُصْبَۃٌ مِّنْکُمْ

‘Verily, those who brought forth the lie are a party from among you.’”

Nevertheless, despite all of these matters, her innocence was proven. The Holy Prophet^(sa) made an announcement as a verse was revealed in the Holy Quran by Allah the Almighty. As a matter of fact, Hazrat Aisha^(ra) used to say, “I thought that Allah the Almighty would inform the Holy Prophet^(sa) of this matter through a dream or through some other means. However, I did not expect a verse of the Holy Quran to be revealed in relation to this. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Shahadaat, Baab Ta‘deel-ul-Nisa Bazahunna Bazan, Hadith no. 2661)

Hence, this matter came to an end and such allegations and ill-deeds continued. However, despite all of this, how did the Holy Prophet^(sa), the mercy for the whole of mankind, treat this chief of the hypocrites? When the father of Hazrat Abdullah^(ra), i.e. Abdullah bin Ubayy passed away, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) requested the Holy Prophet^(sa) to lead his funeral prayer. He also requested the Holy Prophet^(sa) for his shirt so that it could be used as a burial garment for his father so that it may serve as a means of alleviating his punishment. Upon this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) gave him his shirt.

In another narration, it states that when the father of Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) passed away, i.e. Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) presented himself before the Holy Prophet^(sa) and said, “Please grant me your shirt so that I may wrap it around my father as a burial garment. Please offer his funeral prayer and seek forgiveness for him.” Upon this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) gave him his shirt and said to call him when they had made arrangements for the burial.

When the Holy Prophet^(sa) was about to lead his funeral prayer, Hazrat Umar^(ra) submitted to the Holy Prophet^(sa), “God Almighty has forbidden you from leading the funeral prayer of the hypocrites” The Holy Prophet^(sa) replied, “I have been given the option to seek forgiveness for them.” Thus, the Holy Prophet^(sa) led his funeral prayer, but thereafter, once the complete prohibition to lead the funeral prayer of such people had been revealed, the Holy Prophet^(sa) never led funeral prayer of the hypocrites. (Al-Istiaab Fi Ma‘rifat Al-Sahab, Vol. 3, p. 941, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut)

According to another narration, when the Holy Prophet^(sa) arrived, his body had already been lowered into the grave. The Holy Prophet^(sa) ordered for it to be taken out and placed Abdullah bin Ubayy’s head upon his lap and then placed his blessed saliva into his mouth and prayed for him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) then took of his upper garment and placed it upon him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith no. 1350)

In another narration related by Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah^(ra) states that after the Battle of Badr, when the prisoners from among the disbelievers were brought, Abbas^(ra) was also taken as prisoner but did not have any clothes to cover himself with. The Holy Prophet^(sa) ordered for an upper garment to be found for him and everyone decided that Abdullah bin Ubayy’s garment would be most suitable for him. The Holy Prophet^(sa) thus gave Abbas^(ra) that garment. It was owing to this that the Holy Prophet^(sa) granted Abdullah bin Ubayy his own garment for him to wear upon his demise. Ibn Uyaynah states that since he had afforded this act of kindness to the Holy Prophet^(sa), therefore the Holy Prophet^(sa) also desired to return this gesture of kindness. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jihad, Hadith no. 3008)

Even though this narration is found in Bukhari as well, however it does not seem to be an authentic narration, as the Holy Prophet^(sa) was the Mercy for the entire World.

Firstly, according to the opinion of some, he had not even accepted Islam at the time of Badr. Moreover, the Holy Prophet^(sa) was a mercy for the entire world and had conferred upon him countless acts of kindness and so even if he [Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool] did take off his shirt, it was not the case that the Holy Prophet^(sa) simply did this in return for that particular act of his. In my opinion, this expression of kindness was owing to his son, Hazrat Abdullah^(ra), who had shown great honour for Islam and the Holy Prophet^(sa) on every occasion. He safeguarded his faith and even firmly treated his own father as well. Thus, in order to comfort and console the son, or perhaps to fulfil his wish, the Holy Prophet^(sa) took off his garment and gave it to him.

Hazrat Umar^(ra) bin Khattab relates, “When Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool died, the Holy Prophet^(sa) was requested to offer his funeral prayer. (Hazrat Umar^(ra) has narrated this entire incident as well.) When the Holy Prophet^(sa) was about to stand for the prayer, I quickly went before him and said, ‘O Prophet^(sa) Allah! Are you about to lead the funeral prayer of ibn Ubayy? He had committed such and such act on such day.’ I then began to recount some of his ill deeds, however the Holy Prophet^(sa) smiled and said, ‘Umar^(ra) move out of the way.’ When I insisted upon this, the Holy Prophet^(sa) stated, ‘I have been given the option in this matter and thus I have decided [to lead his funeral prayer]. If I knew that he were to be forgiven only after I had prayed 70 times for his forgiveness, I would have certainly prayed even more than that.’” Hazrat Umar^(ra) relates, “And so, the Holy Prophet^(sa) led his funeral prayer and then returned. It was soon after that the following two verses of Surah al-Baraa, i.e. Surah al-Taubah, were revealed:

وَلَا تُصَلِّ عَلٰی أَحَدٍ مِّنْہُمْ مَّاتَ أَبَدًا وَلَا تَقُمْ عَلٰى قَبْرِہٖ إِنَّہُمْ کَفَرُوْا بِاللّٰہِ وَرَسُوْلِہٖ وَمَاتُوْا وَہُمْ فَاسِقُوْنَ

‘And never pray thou for any of them that dies, nor stand by his grave for they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and died while they were disobedient. [Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.84]’”

Hazrat Umar^(ra) states, “Thereafter, I was shocked as to how I had the courage that day to stand before the Holy Prophet^(sa) and speak to him in such a manner because Allah and His Messenger^(sa) know best.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith no. 1366)

This particular incident in relation to the account of Hazrat Abdullah^(ra) ends here and I will continue with the accounts of the rest of the companions in the coming sermons.

I shall now mention some details regarding some deceased members and after the Friday Prayer will also offer their funeral prayer in absentia. The first mention is of Respected Amatul Hafeez Sahiba, wife of Respected Maulana Muhammad Umar Sahib of Kerala, India. She passed away on 20 October at the age of 72:

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

 Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

Amatul Hafeez Sahiba was born in 1947 in Kerala. Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the deceased through her maternal great grandfather who was among the pioneer Ahmadis of Kerala. The deceased had the opportunity to serve as secretary Maal in Chennai and as Sadr Lajna [president of the women’s auxiliary organisation] in Kerala for a long time. She was very regular in the recitation of the Holy Quran and in offering the Tahajud prayer and would also teach the Holy Quran to other Lajna and Nasirat members. She would observe all her voluntary and obligatory fasts.

Right until her last breath, she greatly served Maulana Muhammad Umar Sahib; she was extremely hospitable and filled with the passion to serve mankind. She was an extremely pious lady and had a bond of great love with Khilafat. Whichever mission house they were appointed to, she would serve the guests with great sincerity. Prior to her demise, she suffered three heart attacks. When she suffered the third heart attack, she told Maulvi Umar Sahib that the time of her demise was near and asked him to convey her Salaam to everyone. Thereafter, she recited aloud Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest] three times and then passed away and ultimately presented herself before her Lord. The deceased was a Musiya [part of the Nizam-e-Wasiyyat] and is survived by four daughters. She was also the mother-in-law of Munavar Ahmad Nasir Sahib, who is serving as a volunteer in the private secretary’s office helping with letters in the Tamil language.

Respected Maulvi Muhammad Umar Sahib writes:

“After passing my Maulvi Fazal exam in 1961, I was first appointed to serve as a teacher in Madrasatul Ahmadiyya and then appointed to Hyderabad, where a particular incident also took place. In 1967 owing to extremely heavy rain in Hyderabad, a large section of the Jubilee Hall building had been destroyed. The first floor of the building was for the prayer hall, the second floor was for the Lajna Imaillah and the mission house was on the third floor. Most of the building collapsed owing to the rain.”

He says, “At the time I was not present there and when I arrived at the mission house in the afternoon, I was left shocked to see the entire building had fallen except for a small corner of the building and my wife who was holding our three-month-old daughter were stood on the third floor without any support. At the time it seemed that it was virtually impossible for my wife and child to survive.”

He further says, “There was a large drop where she was standing and it was not possible for her to jump down and there seemed to be no means for her to escape. The fire brigade brought a ladder with them but no one was brave enough to climb up the ladder and save my wife and child. However, one of the firemen, who was quite aged, said that even if he had to risk his life to try and save the mother and her child, he would do so. The elderly fireman then climbed the ladder and first rescued the child and brought her down and then rescued the mother. Thus, in this way, they were both miraculously saved.”

Respected Maulvi Muhammad Umar Sahib further writes that she supported him throughout with great patience. When he was appointed to Kerala, she served as the Sadr Lajna Imaillah of the province for 15 years and rendered this service in an excellent manner. From 2007 to 2014 she stayed in Qadian while her husband was serving as Nazir Islah-o-Irshad. During this time, she would visit Bait-ul-Dua every day and pray for a long duration. She also had the honour of performing the Umrah in 2015.

Umar Sahib writes:

“She would recite the Holy Quran daily after offering the Fajr prayers and would then also read the Ahadith. This was daily practise of hers. Even the day she passed away, she had the opportunity to observe this practise of hers. She also had a passion to study the books of the Promised Messiah^(as) and also had an interest in improving her general knowledge. Indeed, this should be the hallmark of a wife of a missionary and by the grace of Allah, this was present in her character. She understood the status of office bearers and missionaries and always showed them respect. She would ensure there would be no shortcoming in her hospitality for guests. May God Almighty shower His forgiveness and mercy on her; may He elevate her status and enable her progeny to become the recipients of her prayers.

The second funeral is of Respected Chaudhry Muhammad Ibrahim Sahib, who was the former manager and publisher of the monthly magazine Ansarullah, Pakistan. He passed away on 16 October at the age of 83 years old:

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

In 1957, he was appointed as Secretary Ansarullah of Pakistan in Rabwah. In 1960, when the monthly Ansarullah magazine was initiated, the deceased was appointed as the manager and publisher and he continued to serve in this role with great dedication until 2004. As part of Ansarullah Pakistan, he had the opportunity to serve as: Office Superintendent, Naib Qaid Amoomi and Secretary for the Sadr Majlis. In 2003, he was wanted by police in connection with a [false] case, however, with my permission he came to the UK and settled here. He also had the opportunity to serve in Majlis Ansarullah here for approximately eight or nine years and was a member of the national majlis-e-amila.

The deceased was a Musi [part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat]. Owing to his illness, he travelled to Rabwah and he passed away whilst in Rabwah. He is survived by one daughter, five sons and several grandchildren. May God Almighty shower His forgiveness and mercy on him; may God Almighty enable his children and future offspring to continue his virtuous endeavours and also enable them to remain attached to the Jamaat and Khilafat. When he was serving as the manager of Ansarullah magazine in Pakistan, cases would be filed against him at every step. In total, 26 cases were brought against him and he served as Asir Rah-e-Maulah [a prisoner in the way of God] for one month.

The third funeral is of Respected Raja Masood Ahmad Sahib, who was the son of the late Respected Raja Muhammad Nawaz Sahib of Pind Dadan Khan. He passed away on 19 October after a lengthy illness at the age of 69:

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

Ahmadiyyat was introduced in his family through his father, who had close ties with Raja Muhammad Ali Sahib, Nazir Bait-ul-Maal between 1943-44. He brought them to Qadian to attend the Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] and his father performed the Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] at the Jalsa. The reason for him performing Bai‘at was not due to any proof or argument presented to him, rather it was due to an incident that took place.

He says, “When Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^(ra) was delivering his speech, I saw a handsome youth holding an unkempt child. The child had a runny nose, so the youth took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the child’s nose. He stood behind [the stage] all the while Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^(ra) was delivering his speech. After a short while, when the child began to cry, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^(ra) turned around to see and then made an announcement that there is a child who is lost, his parents ought to come and collect him.” He further says, “I enquired as to who was the youth that was stood in immaculate attire with an unkempt child in his hand. He informed me that this was Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad Sahib^(rh), the eldest son of Hazrat Khaliftul Masih II^(ra)” and at the time he was perhaps Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya as well. He then says that this incident inspired him to such an extent that he thought that all other matters to be of a secondary issue, and he decided to perform the Bai‘at owing to what he had witnessed that day. Thus, the people attending Jalsa Salana have always been inspired by such incidents and perform the Bai‘at as a result of witnessing incidents like these.

Nonetheless, Raja Sahib came to the UK in 1991, and was appointed as the first Sadr [president] of Catford Jamaat. He presented his house to be used as a Jamaat centre. Here [in the UK] he had the opportunity to serve as qaid amoomi for Ansarullah, additional secretary Wasaya and also as national secretary Wasaya. When I instructed for improvements to be made with regard to the Wasiyyat scheme, Raja Sahib worked tirelessly for this and by the grace of Allah, he worked to improve the system for the Musiyaan.

He had a deep bond with Khilafat and would always show respect to office bearers of the Jamaat. He was regular in offering his Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers] prayers and would pay his Chanda openheartedly. He would offer Sadaqa [charity], look after the poor and needy and was very friendly. By the grace of Allah, he was a Musi. Aside from his wife, he is survived by one daughter and two sons. May God Almighty shower His forgiveness and mercy on him and elevate his status.

We studied in the same college, but we were in different classes as our subjects were different. Nonetheless, we were in college at the same time and I knew him from there. In this respect, it can be said that we studied together in the same college and hence we were class fellows as there used to be a combined lesson for Urdu and we sat together in that class. Even at that time, I observed that he had many great qualities. He was always disciplined and would never be involved in mischievousness, as can be observed by some boys in their youth, nor would he disturb anyone. May God Almighty elevate his status.

Allah Baksh Sadiq Sahib, Wakil-ul-Talim in Rabwah writes about the deceased saying:

“He was a courageous and noble Ahmadi. There is an old mosque in the city of Jhelum which had a very low ceiling and the floor was elevated from certain areas and was low from other areas. Since 1984, the conditions had become adverse as the Jamaat were not permitted to construct mosques and nor were we able to repair them. However, Raja Sahib took on the responsibility for works on the mosque with great courage and after seeking guidance from Amir Sahib, he very intelligently ensured the works were carried out and completed. Without disrupting the walls that were adjacent to the road, he ensured that the pillars of the hall were built according to the designs, and very wisely constructed the roof of the mosque. For this, he sacrificed his time as well offering financial sacrifice and encouraged others to contribute as well. In this manner, the mosque was renovated completely and by placing the lintel, the walls of the rooms were later removed. Now by the grace of Allah, there is a hall upstairs and downstairs.”

The fourth funeral is of Respected Saliha Anwar Abro Sahiba, who was the wife of the late Anwar Ali Abro Sahib of Sindh. She passed away on 1 October:

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ

To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

She was a brave and courageous person who fulfilled the rights due to God Almighty and the rights of His creation. From an early age, she was regular in offering her prayers and Chanda and would fast regularly. She had a true bond with Khilafat. When her father retired and moved to Nawabshah from Iran, she would give Chanda from the small pocket money she was given. Once, an office-bearer from the centre went to Nawabshah and said in front of the entire Lajna members that the most Chanda received from Nawabshah from Lajna was given by this young girl [i.e. the deceased]. This incident was prior to her marriage.

Her daughter, Tahira Momin Sahiba says:

“After marriage, as much as God Almighty had blessed her, He also granted her a kind heart. She would always look after the poor and was very humble and meek. She would give in the way of all financial schemes that were launched and would always pledge to give the most. She served as sadr [president] of the Larkana district for a long period of time. Whenever she would go on an official visit, she would urge the members to offer financial sacrifices and she would be met with a positive response as her own example was pious. She was very courageous and had great honour [for the jamaat].

“She was married into a conventional Sindhi household, which, in respect to distance, was far from her hometown. At the time, there was an uncivilised environment in Sindh as innovations and [erroneous] customs were rife. Despite this, she was an active member of society and would meet with everyone and also forged sincere relationships with the people. She looked after her relatives and her in-laws in an excellent manner.”

Her daughter writes, “No matter where the Lajna members are, they always remember her. They [i.e. the lajna members] would say that whenever they felt worried, she would say to them to offer salat and would stress on supplications. Then she would pray for them profusely. She kept a good relationship with everyone and was very sociable. Wherever she would go, she would forge friendships and include everyone among her circle of friends.”

May Allah the Almighty instil the same loyalty and sincerity among her children and may He shower His forgiveness and mercy on her. May her children also remain attached the Jamaat and Khilafat and also sacrifice in the manner she did. May Allah the Almighty accept the prayers she offered for her children. She is survived by two sons and two daughters.

As mentioned earlier, after the Friday prayers, I will lead the funeral prayers in absentia of the deceased.