After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra).
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet(sa) granted the flag of Islam to Hazrat Ali(ra) after the martyrdom of Hazrat Mus‘ab bin Umair(ra). During this battle, the flagbearer of the disbelievers came forward and attacked Hazrat Ali(ra), against whom Hazrat Ali(ra) fought and defeated. As another party of the Quraish approached, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed Hazrat Ali(ra) to fight against them. At this time, the angel Gabriel came to the Holy Prophet(sa) and said that Hazrat Ali(ra) was worthy of compassion. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that he was of Ali, and Ali was of him.
His Holiness(aba) narrated an incident which evidently displayed the great love which Hazrat Ali(ra) had for the Holy Prophet(sa); a love which had continued to develop and increase since his childhood. His Holiness(aba) related that during the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet(sa) was injured by the Quraish. It is narrated that Hazrat Fatimah(ra) was cleaning the wounds of the Holy Prophet(sa) whilst Hazrat Ali(ra) poured water from his shield. It is narrated that on that day, Hazrat Ali (ra) endured sixteen wounds.
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Battle of Khandaq, when some of the Quraish were able to cross the ditch, the Quraish approached and ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd from the Quraish called out for battle. Hazrat Ali(ra) responded to this call and requested the Holy Prophet(sa) for permission to combat them. The Holy Prophet(sa) granted Hazrat Ali(ra) his sword and prayed for his victory, as a result of which Hazrat Ali(ra) overcame and defeated ‘Amr while the rest of the Quraish fled.
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Ali(ra) was serving as the scribe of the Treaty. As the treaty was being written, Hazrat Ali(ra) wrote, ‘Muhammad, Messenger of Allah’ however the representative of the disbelievers objected to this as they did not accept him to be the messenger of Allah. Thus, as the Holy Prophet’s (sa) primary purpose in forming this treaty was the establishment of peace, he told Hazrat Ali(ra) to erase this. Hazrat Ali’s(ra) eyes filled with tears and he could not bring himself to do it. Thus, the Holy Prophet(sa) erased it himself.
His Holiness(aba) related that at the time of the Battle of Khaibar, the Holy Prophet(sa) announced that he would grant the flag of Islam to he who loved the Holy Prophet(sa), and the Holy Prophet(sa) loved him (according to another narration, he who loves Allah and Allah loves him) for victory will be achieved by his hands. At the time, Hazrat Ali(ra) was experiencing an ailment of the eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) put some of his blessed saliva on his eyes, which relieved him of this pain, and thereafter granted Hazrat Ali(ra) the flag of Islam.
His Holiness(aba) said that during the battle, Hazrat Ali(ra) came face to face with a Jewish soldier and they battled. Since both were well experienced in warfare, it was an extensive battle, but eventually, Hazrat Ali(ra) overcame him and knelt upon him. Just as Hazrat Ali(ra) was about to strike the final blow, the man spat in Hazrat Ali’s(ra) face. Hazrat Ali(ra) immediately stepped back and spared the man. When asked why he did this, Hazrat Ali(ra) explained that up until that point, he had been fighting merely for the sake of Allah; but when the man spat in his face, he became angry and worried that now he would be killing him out of this personal anger. Thus he stepped away and spared him.
His Holiness(aba) related that Hazrat Ali(ra) was part of the envoy sent by the Holy Prophet(sa) to retrieve a letter being sent to the Quraish detailing the plans of the Muslims before the Conquest of Makkah. Hazrat Ali(ra) and this envoy were successful in retrieving this letter before it reached the Quraish and returned it to the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Battle of Hunain, Hazrat Ali(ra) was granted the flag of the Muhajireen (migrants). During the battle, there came a point where only a few companions were left who remained alongside the Holy Prophet(sa), among whom was Hazrat Ali(ra).
His Holiness(aba) said that when the Holy Prophet(sa) set out for the Battle of Tabuk, he assigned Hazrat Ali(ra) as the Amir in his stead. Hazrat Ali(ra) asked the Holy Prophet(sa) if he would leave him behind amongst the women and children. The Holy Prophet(sa) replied by saying that Hazrat Ali(ra) should be happy, for he was to him, as Aaron(as) was to Moses(as).
His Holiness(aba) said that once, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ali(ra) to Yemen as a judge. Hazrat Ali(ra) said that he submitted to the Holy Prophet(sa) that he was still young, and was not well-versed in judging matters. The Holy Prophet(sa) reassured him that God would grant him the ability and prayed for him. The Holy Prophet(sa) advised Hazrat Ali(ra) that whenever two opposing parties presented a matter before him in order to decide between them, he should never make a decision until he had heard the matter from both sides. Hazrat Ali(ra) said that after this and by following the advice of the Holy Prophet(sa), he never experienced any difficulty in being a judge.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra) in the future.
In the end, His Holiness(aba) made an appeal for prayers. His Holiness(aba) said that in his last sermon, he had not been able to mention Algeria, where Ahmadis are facing very harsh circumstances and some have been imprisoned as well for their faith. His Holiness(aba) prayed that the government be granted wisdom so that they cease committing such grievances against Ahmadis. His Holiness(aba) also appealed for prayers for Pakistan where conditions continue to worsen. His Holiness(aba) prayed that if the clerics and government officials refuse to desist and do not take heed then may Allah make them swiftly suffer the consequences of their deeds.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would offer the funeral prayer in absentia of the following deceased member of the Community:
Rashid Ahmad of Rabwah, Pakistan who passed away on October 28, 2020. He was the father of Tahir Nadeem who is serving in the Arabic Desk stationed in the UK. Rashid Ahmad Sahib’s grandfather had the honour of accepting the Promised Messiah(as) and pledging allegiance at his blessed hand. Rashid Ahmad Sahib was very righteous, kind and hospitable. He always took care of the poor and less fortunate. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station in paradise.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aa) stated:
I have been narrating accounts from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra) and I shall continue to do so today as well as in the coming Friday sermons, insha-Allah.
When Ibn Qami‘ah martyred Hazrat Mus‘ab(ra) bin Umair during the Battle of Uhud, he thought that he had martyred the Holy Prophet(sa). Hence, he returned to the Quraish and said that he had killed Muhammad[sa]. When Hazrat Mus‘ab(ra) was martyred, the Holy Prophet(sa) handed the flag to Hazrat Ali(ra). Thus, Hazrat Ali(ra) and the Muslims continued in the battle. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ghazwat Uhud, Maqtal Mus‘ab bin Umair [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 529)
In one of the narrations, it is mentioned that during the Battle of Uhud, the flag-bearer of the idolaters, Talha bin Abi Talha, called out Hazrat Ali(ra) and challenged him. Subsequently, Hazrat Ali(ra) stepped forward and struck him with such force that he fell to the ground and began to quiver.
Hazrat Ali(ra) continuously killed the flag-bearers of the disbelievers one after another. Spotting a group of the disbelievers, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed Hazrat Ali(ra) to attack them. Hazrat Ali(ra) killed Amr bin Abdillah Jumahi and caused that group to disperse. Following this, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed him to attack another contingent of the enemy.
Hazrat Ali(ra) killed Shai‘bah bin Malik, upon which the angel Gabriel said, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah! Certainly, he deserves your sympathy;” i.e. referring to Hazrat Ali(ra). The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “Indeed, Ali is from me and I am from him.” The angel Gabriel replied, “I am from both of you.” (Sharh Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2, p. 409, Bab Ghazwat Uhud, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Ghazwat Uhud [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], 68)
Hazrat Ali(ra) relates:
“During the Battle of Uhud, when the people around the Holy Prophet(sa) became scattered, I started searching through the bodies of the martyrs, but did not find the Holy Prophet(sa). I then said, ‘By God! The Holy Prophet(sa) would never flee, nor have I found him among the martyrs. Instead Allah is displeased with us and has raised up His Prophet(sa). Hence, now it is best for me to continue fighting until I am killed.’ I then broke the sheath of my sword and launched an attack on the disbelievers, which caused them to disperse. Once they had dispersed, I saw that the Holy Prophet(sa) had been surrounded by them.” (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], 45)
This is the tale of love and devotion, which began from childhood and manifested itself on each and every occasion.
There is a narration with regard to the injuries sustained by the Holy Prophet(sa) during the battle of Uhud. Hazrat Sahl(ra) bin Saad was asked about the injuries of the Holy Prophet(sa), upon which he said, “If you ask me, then by God, I am fully aware of the person who cleaned the wounds of the Holy Prophet(sa).” That is, he vividly remembered that scene and also the one who was washing his wounds and what ointment was applied.
Hazrat Sahl(ra) said, “Hazrat Fatimah(ra), the daughter of the Holy Prophet(sa), was cleaning the wound and Hazrat Ali(ra) was using his shield to pour water over it. When Hazrat Fatimah(ra) saw that the water caused more blood to flow from the wound, she took a piece of a sack, burnt it and patched the wound, which stopped the bleeding. On that day, the Holy Prophet(sa) lost one of his front teeth, his face was wounded and his helmet broke and which injured his head.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab ma Asaba al-Nabi(sa) min al-Jarah Yaum Uhud, Hadith 4075)
Hazrat Saeed(ra) bin Musayyib relates that Hazrat Ali(ra) sustained 16 wounds during the Battle of Uhud. (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], 93)
Whilst discussing the phenomenon that there is a treasure of blessings hidden behind each trial and tribulation, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) states:
“When Hazrat Ali(ra) returned from the Battle of Uhud, he handed Hazrat Fatimah(ra) his sword and said, ‘Clean this, for today this sword served me well.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) heard this and said, ‘Ali, it was not only your sword which excelled, rather many of your brethren used their swords exceptionally.’ He then mentioned the names of six or seven companions saying, ‘Their swords were by no means inferior to yours.’” (Masa‘ib ke Neeche Barkaton ke Khazane Makhfi hote hein, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 19. p. 59)
In other words, they passed through similar trials and eventually succeeded.
The Battle of Khandaq took place in Shawwal, 5 AH. On this occasion, when the army of the disbelievers had surrounded Medina, the chieftains agreed that they would launch an attack in unison. They began searching for a narrow path in the ditch through which their cavalry could pass and reach the Holy Prophet(sa) and his Companions, but they were unable to locate such a place. They said that this is a strategy which till today has never been used in Arab lands. They were told that the Holy Prophet(sa) had a Persian companion who suggested this idea. The disbelievers then said that this must be his suggestion.
Thereafter, they reached a narrow passage of the ditch, which the Muslims were unaware of and Ikramah bin Abi Jahl, Naufal bin Abdillah, Durar bin Khattab, Hubairah bin Abi Wahab and Amr bin Abd Wudd passed through this passage. In order to call out and challenge the Muslims, Amr bin Abd Wudd recited the following couplets:
وَلَقَدْ بَحِحْتُ مِنَ النِّدَاءِ
لِجَمْعِہِمْ ہَلْ مِنْ مُبَارِزْ
“I have lost my voice, constantly crying out to the other party, saying, ‘Will anyone come and challenge me?’”
In response to this, Hazrat Ali(ra) recited the following couplets:
لَا تَعْجَلَنَّ فَقَدْ اَتَاکَ
مُجِیْبُ صَوْتِکَ غَیْرُ عَاجِزْ
فِیْ نِیَّۃٍ وَ بَصِیْرَۃٍ
وَالصِّدْقُ مَنْجٰی کُلِّ فَائِزْ
اِنِّیْ لَاَرْجُوْ اَنْ اُقِیْمَ
عَلَیْکَ نَائِحَۃَ الْجَنَائِزْ
مِنْ ضَرْبَۃٍ نَجْلَاءَ یَبْقَی
ذِکْرُھَا عِنْدَ الْھَزَاھِزْ
“Do not show haste, for the one to answer your call has come, who shall never show weakness nor any frailty.
“Firm resolve, complete sagacity and remaining resolute in the battleground with unwavering resolve is key to each successful victory.
“Indeed, I expect to gather those who wail over a deceased one, to lament over you;
“Whilst causing such a deep wound, which shall be etched in the history of wars.”
When Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib(ra) said, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah, I shall go and challenge him”, the Holy Prophet(sa) handed his sword to him, tied his turban for him and supplicated, “O Allah, grant Your support against him” (i.e. against Amr bin Abd Wudd). Hazrat Ali(ra) then went forth to confront him. They both approached one another and the dust between them flew up as they battled. Hazrat Ali(ra) struck him and killed him. He then exclaimed “Allahu Akbar” [Allah is the Greatest], from which they understood that Hazrat Ali(ra) had slain him. Those with Amr bin Abd Wudd fled and were only able to save themselves because of their horses. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), p. 573) (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Rasul(sa) Allah al-Khandaq wa hiya Ghazwat al-Ahzab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], 283) (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ghazwat al-Khandaq wa hiya Ghazwat al-Ahzab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] 115)
Whilst giving further details of this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib(ra) writes:
“Amr was an extremely renowned swordsman and due to his bravery, was considered to be the like of 1,000 warriors by himself. Since he had returned from Badr frustrated and unsuccessful, his heart was charged with feelings of malice and revenge. As soon as he took to the field, he called for a duel in a very arrogant manner, asking if there was anyone who would confront him. Certain Companions were reluctant in confronting him, but Hazrat Ali(ra) stepped forward to square up to him with the permission of the Holy Prophet(sa). The Holy Prophet(sa) bestowed his own sword to him and prayed for him.
“Hazrat Ali(ra) advanced and said to Amr, ‘I have heard that you have vowed that if a person from the Quraish requests two things of you, you shall accept one of the two.’ ‘Indeed’, said Amr. Hazrat Ali(ra) responded, ‘Then I ask you first to embrace Islam and become the recipient of divine favours by accepting the Holy Prophet(sa).’ ‘This is not possible’, said Amr. Hazrat Ali(ra) said, ‘If not this, then come forward and prepare to battle me.’
“At this, Amr began to laugh and said, ‘I did not believe that anyone would ever muster the courage to say such words to me.’ Then he asked Hazrat Ali(ra) to provide his name and line of descent and upon hearing his lineage, he said, ‘Nephew! You are still a child. I do not wish to spill your blood; send forth your elders.’ ‘You do not wish to spill my blood’, said Hazrat Ali(ra), ‘but I feel no hesitation in spilling yours.’
“Upon hearing this, Amr became blind in rage and after jumping from his horse, hamstrung it (so that there was no way to return). Then he madly marched forward towards Hazrat Ali(ra) like a fierce flame of fire and wielded his sword against him with such force, that it cut through the shield of Hazrat Ali(ra) and struck his forehead, who was wounded to some extent. However, Hazrat Ali(ra) retaliated with such lightning speed, calling out a slogan of God’s greatness, that Amr was left fending for his life. The sword of Hazrat Ali(ra) penetrated his shoulder and cut him to the ground. Amr fell to the ground and gave up his life tossing and turning in agony.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), pp. 588-589)
After the death of Amr bin Abd Wudd, the disbelievers sent word to the Holy Prophet(sa) that they would give 10,000 dirhams in exchange for his corpse. In response to this, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, “Take it, for we do not wish to make money of the deceased.” (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Ghazwat al-Khandaq wa hiya Ghazwat al-Ahzab [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] 116)
Hazrat Bara(ra) bin Azib narrates that when the Holy Prophet(sa) made the treaty at Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Ali(ra) bin Abi Talib was the scribe who wrote down the document between them. He had written down the name “Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah”. The idolaters said, “Do not to write Muhammad, Messenger of Allah, for if you were a messenger, we would not have any dispute with you.”
The Holy Prophet(sa) instructed Hazrat Ali(ra) to erase it. Hazrat Ali(ra) said that he would not be the one to erase it. The Holy Prophet(sa) then erased it by his own hand and agreed to the pact on the condition that he and his Companions could remain in Mecca for three days and they would enter having kept their weapons in the Julubban. The people asked, “What is a Julubban?” The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, “The outer covering in which the sword and its sheath are placed in.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Sulh, Bab kaifa Yuktabu hadha: Ma Salaha Fulan ibn Fulan…, Hadith 2698, Urdu Tarjamah Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, pp. 12-13, Nazarat Ishaat)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) has narrated this incident in a more detailed manner. He states:
“When the Holy Prophet(sa) arrived at the meeting of Hudaibiyah and the disbelievers were presenting their conditions for the treaty, the companions were seated and were boiling with fury from within, owing to atrocities which were continuously committed by the disbelievers against them for 20 years. Their swords were unsheathed and they waited for any opportunity to exact revenge for the atrocities they committed against Islam. But the Holy Prophet(sa) listened to what the disbelievers had to say and when they proposed the idea to enter into a treaty, he said, ‘Very well, let us form a treaty.’
“The disbelievers then said, ‘[We will enter the treaty] on the condition that this year you cannot perform the Umrah [pilgrimage]’ The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, ‘Very well, this year we shall not perform the Umrah. Then the disbelievers said, ‘When you come the following year to perform the Umrah, you may not remain in Mecca for longer than three days.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) answered, ‘Very well, I accept this condition.’ They then said, ‘You shall not be permitted to enter Mecca with your weapons.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Very well. We shall not enter Mecca armed.’
“As the conditions of the treaty were being agreed upon, the companions were boiling with anger. Deep down they were restless owing to their anger, but could not do anything. Hazrat Ali(ra) was appointed to write up the treaty. When he began writing it by stating that this treaty was being formed between the party of Muhammad(sa), the Messenger of Allah, and his Companions and the party of such and such chieftains of Mecca and the people of Mecca, this enraged the disbelievers who said, ‘We cannot tolerate these words for we do not accept Muhammad[sa] as the Messenger of Allah. If we did, then there would be no matter of contention between us. We are forming a treaty with him in his capacity as Muhammad[sa], son of Abdullah, not with Muhammad[sa], the Messenger of Allah. Thus, these words cannot be included in the treaty.’
“At that moment, the emotions of the Companions could hardly be contained and they began to tremble with fury. They thought that God had created another opportunity whereby the Holy Prophet(sa) would not accept what the disbelievers said and they would be allowed to fight and thus be able to let out the deep emotions they felt within themselves. However, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘They are right; the words “Messenger of Allah” should be erased from the treaty.’ He then said to Hazrat Ali(ra), ‘Ali, erase these words.’
“Although Hazrat Ali(ra) was an exemplary model when it came to obedience, in that moment his heart began to tremble and tears began to flow from his eyes as he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah(sa)! I am unable to erase these words.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) then said, ‘Give the parchment to me.’ He took it, and with his own hands, erased the words, ‘Messenger of Allah.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 20, pp. 379-381, Khutbah Farmudah 8 September 1939)
There is a long narration in Sahih Muslim regarding the Battle of Khaibar, which took place in Muharram and Safar 7 AH. Hazrat Salama(ra) bin Akwa narrates, “When we reached Khaibar, their chief Marhab came out wielding his sword as he said, ‘Khaibar knows very well that I am Marhab and when battles come blazing forth, I am an armed, brave and an experienced warrior,’” meaning that he would display his bravery in such circumstances.
The narrator continues, “My uncle Amir went forth to combat him whilst saying, ‘Khaibar knows that I am Amir, the armed, brave, and one who puts himself in the face of danger.’”
The narrator further says, “Both traded blows; Marhab’s sword struck Amir’s shield. Amir tried to attack him from below the shield but he struck himself with his own sword which severed an artery as a result of which he was martyred.”
Salama(ra) continues, “When I left from there, I heard some companions of the Holy Prophet(sa) saying that Amir’s deeds went in vain as he had killed himself.”
He then further narrates:
“I went to the Holy Prophet(sa) and was crying. I asked him, ‘O Messenger(sa) of Allah, have Amir’s deeds been wasted?’ The Holy Prophet(sa) replied, ‘Who has said this?’ I replied, ‘Some of your companions have said this.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Whoever said this is incorrect. In fact, he [Amir] has earned a double reward.’ Then the Holy Prophet(sa) sent me to Hazrat Ali(ra), who, at the time, was experiencing an ailment of the eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) then said, ‘I will give this flag to he who loves Allah and His Messenger(sa), or he whom Allah and His Messenger(sa) love.’”
The narrator continues to say, “I went to Hazrat Ali(ra) and brought him with me as he had some discomfort in his eyes (due to some ailment as a result of which they were swollen). Therefore, I took him along with me until we reached the Holy Prophet(sa). He placed some of his saliva on Hazrat Ali’s(ra) eyes as a result of which his pain was alleviated and then the Holy Prophet(sa) gave him the flag. Thereafter, Marhab came forward and said, ‘Khaibar knows that I am Marhab, and when battle rages forth, I am armed, brave and experienced.’
Hazrat Ali(ra) responded by saying,
أَنَا الَّذِی سَمَّتْنِی أُمِّی حَیْدَرَہْ
کَلَیْثِ غَابَاتٍ کَرِیْہِ الْمَنْظَرَہْ
اُوفِیْھِمُ بِالصَّاعِ کَیْلَ السَّنْدَرَہْ
‘My mother named me “Haidar”; the one who resembles a ferocious lion that roams the jungle. I shall give a Sandarah in exchange for a sa‘.’”
This is an Arabic idiom, which has the Urdu equivalents as:
سیر کے مقابلے میں سواسیر
This means to return someone’s attack with one that is fiercer. The literal meaning of sandarah is something in large scale, whilst one sa‘ only comprises of three seir [unit of measurement], thus a sandarah is greater.
The narrator continues, “After saying this, Hazrat Ali(ra) struck Marhab on his head and killed him. Thus, Khaibar was conquered at the hands of Hazrat Ali(ra).”
This narration is from Sahih Muslim. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), p. 837) (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar, Bab Ghazwah dhi Qirad wa Ghairiha, Hadith 4678, Urdu Tarjamah Sahih Muslim, Vol. 9, p. 240 with endnote, Noor Foundation)
Whilst mentioning the same incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) says:
“Hazrat Ali(ra) was granted an opportunity on the day of Khaibar, when the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Today I shall grant an opportunity to he who loves God and whom God Almighty loves and will give my sword to him who God Almighty has granted excellence.’ Hazrat Umar(ra) says that he was present in that gathering and he raised his head hoping that the Holy Prophet(sa) would see him and grant him the sword. However when the Holy Prophet(sa) looked towards him he remained silent.
“Hazrat Umar(ra) raised his head again, yet upon seeing him, the Holy Prophet(sa) still remained silent. Then Hazrat Ali(ra) came and he was experiencing pain in his eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Ali, come forward.’ When Hazrat Ali(ra) stepped forward, the Holy Prophet(sa) placed his saliva on Hazrat Ali’s(ra) eyes and said, ‘May Allah Almighty heal your eyes. Take this sword which Allah Almighty has entrusted to you.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 19, p. 614, Khutbah Farmudah 2 September 1938)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) has mentioned the same incident in another instance when he says:
“Around five months after the Holy Prophet(sa) had returned from Hudaibiyyah, it was decided that the Jewish people who resided in Khaibar should be expelled for they resided only a short distance away from Medina and could easily plot against them. Thus, the Holy Prophet(sa) took 1,600 Companions with him and set out towards Khaibar in August 628 CE. Khaibar was a fortified city as there were forts on hills at all four corners of the city. To conquer such a well-protected city with such a small amount of people was no easy task. Various small watch-posts were overtaken after some small skirmishes; however, when all the Jewish people gathered at the central fortress of the city, all plans to conquer it began to falter.
“One day, God Almighty informed the Holy Prophet(sa) that this city was destined to be conquered at the hand of Hazrat Ali(ra). Thus, in the morning, the Holy Prophet(sa) announced that he would bestow the black coloured flag of Islam to he who was loved by God, His Messenger(sa) and by the Muslims, for God had decreed this fortress to be conquered at his hand. Then, the next morning, the Holy Prophet(sa) summoned Hazrat Ali(ra) and granted him the flag, who then led the Muslim army and attacked the fortress. Though the Jewish people were well protected, Allah the Almighty granted Hazrat Ali(ra) and other Companions such strength on this day, that before nightfall, the fortress had been conquered.” (Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 325-326)
Then, at another instance, with reference to Hazrat Ali(ra) and the same incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) states,
“When the matter of conquering the fortress of Khaibar arose, the Holy Prophet(sa) called Hazrat Ali(ra) and desired to bestow upon him the flag of the Muslim army; however, Hazrat Ali(ra) was experiencing pain in his eyes (here, it is mentioned that his eyes were hurting) and due to the extreme pain, his eyes had become swollen. The Holy Prophet(sa) saw the state Hazrat Ali(ra) was in and said to him, ‘Come here.’ When Hazrat Ali(ra) went towards him, the Holy Prophet(sa) placed his saliva on the eyes of Hazrat Ali(ra) and his eyes were immediately relieved of the pain.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, pp. 398-399)
In another instance, whilst mentioning how the Holy Prophet(sa) granted cure through his blessed hands, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) states:
“We witness such examples in this world wherein certain people stricken with illness are miraculously cured without even undergoing any medical treatment, or at times, they are granted cure when the medical treatment proves unsuccessful. A similar kind of incident in regard to granting cure is found in the life of the Holy Prophet(sa) during the Battle of Khaiber. During the Battle of Khaiber, the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, ‘The victory of Khaiber has been destined with the one whom I grant my flag to.’ Hazrat Umar(ra) relates that when the time [of battle] approached, he raised his neck and began to look around in the hope that perhaps the Holy Prophet(sa) would grant him the flag. However, the Holy Prophet(sa) did not assign him with this duty. In the meanwhile, Hazrat Ali(ra) came and at the time, he was experiencing a lot of pain in the eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) placed his blessed saliva upon his eyes and he was immediately cured from the ailment of his eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) then placed the flag in Hazrat Ali(ra)’s hand and entrusted him with the conquest of Khaibar.” (Hasti-e-Bari Ta‘ala, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 6, p. 327)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) states:
“There is a very faith-inspiring incident of Hazrat Ali(ra). During the Battle of Khaiber, Hazrat Ali(ra) went against a very prominent general of the Jews. Since he was also a very skilled fighter, therefore they both continued to fight each other for a long time. Eventually, Hazrat Ali(ra) felled him to the ground and knelt upon his chest with the intention to cut his head off with the final stroke of his sword. However, he spat on Hazrat Ali(ra)’s face and Hazrat Ali(ra) immediately stood away from him.
“The Jew was surprised at the fact that Hazrat Ali(ra) had overcome him and yet had now let him go. Why would he let him go even though he easily had the opportunity to kill him, he thought. And so, he enquired from Hazrat Ali(ra) as to why he let him go. Hazrat Ali(ra) replied, ‘Till this point, I was fighting against you purely for the sake of attaining Allah’s pleasure; however, when you spat at me, I became angry and felt that now if I were to kill you, then it would not be for the sake of Allah, but owing to my personal anger. Thus, I let you go so my anger subsides, lest I kill you for a personal reason.’
“How great of an example was this which was demonstrated by Hazrat Ali(ra). Right in the midst of battle, he let a bitter enemy go free simply because he did not wish to kill him owing to any personal grievance. Rather if he did so then it would only be for the sake of Allah alone.” (Sair-e-Ruhani, Number 2, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 16, p. 74)
According to the narrations, it is stated that Hazrat Ali(ra) read out the opening verses of Surah al-Taubah on the occasion of Hajj. The narration is as follows; Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Ali relates:
“When Surah Bara‘ah (Surah al-Taubah) was revealed to the Holy Prophet(sa), he had already sent Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) as the Amir of the Hajj. A suggestion was put before the Holy Prophet(sa) to send this chapter [Surah] to Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) so that he could recite it there. The Holy Prophet(sa) stated, ‘No one can fulfil this responsibility apart from someone among the members of my household.’ Thereafter, the Holy Prophet(sa) called for Hazrat Ali(ra) and stated, ‘On the day when the people gather in Mina to offer their sacrifice, announce before them what has been mentioned in the opening part of Surah al-Taubah which is that a kafir [disbeliever] shall not enter Paradise. Also, after this year, no idolater will be permitted to perform the Hajj, nor will they be permitted to perform the Tawaf [circuits] around the House of Allah, whilst naked and whoever has entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophet(sa), the complete duration of that treaty will be honoured.’
“Subsequently, Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib(ra) mounted upon the camel of the Holy Prophet(sa) called Adhba and left [for Mecca]. Whilst on route, he caught up with Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra). Upon seeing him, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) asked, ‘Have you been appointed as the amir, or will you be under me?’ Hazrat Ali(ra) replied, ‘I will serve under you.’ Thus, they both continued their journey and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) oversaw all the matters in relation to the Hajj.
“That year, the Arabs had camped in the same place where they previously used to camp during the Jahiliyyah [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam]. When it was the day to offer their sacrifices, Hazrat Ali(ra) stood up and just as he had been instructed by the Holy Prophet(sa), he announced before the people, ‘O people, no disbeliever shall enter paradise. And after this year, no idolater shall be permitted to perform the Hajj, nor will they be permitted to perform the Tawaf [circuits] around the House of Allah naked, and whoever has entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophet(sa), the complete duration of that treaty will be honoured.’
“Everyone was granted a duration of four months from the moment of that announcement, so that all the tribes could reach their respective areas and places of safety. And after the passing of that duration, no idolater would have any kind of treaty or pact, nor would they be responsible for them in regards to this, except if they had entered into a treaty with the Holy Prophet(sa).” In other words, if the duration of a treaty still remained, then that would continue to be honoured but there would be no new treaty or pact [for the idolaters to perform Hajj].
“After that year, no idolater performed the Hajj, nor did anyone perform the Hajj whilst naked. Thereafter, Hazrat Ali(ra) and Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) returned to the Holy Prophet(sa).” (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Hajj Abi Bakr bi al-Nas… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 832)
The following narration has already been mentioned with reference to another a companion; however, I shall mention it again in regard to Hazrat Ali(ra).
This event took place on the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, in Ramadhan 8 AH, January of 630 CE. Hazrat Ali(ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent him, Hazrat Zubair(ra) and Miqdad(ra) bin Aswad to Raudh Khaakh – this event in fact took place before the conquest of Mecca – and the Holy Prophet(sa) stated to them, “Go forth and when you reach Raudh Khaakh, there you will find a woman who will be mounted upon a camel and she has a letter. Take the letter from her.”
Hazrat Ali(ra) further relates, “Subsequently, we raced off on our horses and reached Raudh Khaakh. Upon reaching there, we indeed found a woman mounted on a camel. We instructed her to hand over the letter; however, she denied having any letter. We then warned her that either she should produce the letter or we would be compelled to remove her clothes in order to search for it. Upon this, she took out the letter which was concealed in the bun of her hair and handed it over to us. We took the letter and returned to the Holy Prophet(sa). Upon opening the letter, we discovered that Hatib(ra) bin Abi Balta had addressed some of the idolaters of Mecca and was revealing information about a certain plan of the Holy Prophet(sa). The Holy Prophet(sa) called for Hatib(ra) bin Abi Balta and asked him to explain the matter. Hatib(ra) submitted, ‘O Messenger(sa) of Allah! Please do not make a decision in haste with regard to me. [The reason I have done this is because] I am not from the Quraish, but in fact I came and joined them. However, the other Muhajireen who are with you have relations in Mecca through which they are able to safeguard their wealth and properties. Therefore, since I have no relations there, I wished to do a favour for the people of Mecca, with the intention that perhaps through this favour of mine, they will have some regard for me. I did not commit this act owing to disbelief or apostasy, or owing to any hypocrisy” – he stated that neither was he a disbeliever, nor an apostate and he did not commit this act for any of those reasons – “nor can I ever give preference to disbelief after having accepted Islam. I assure you of this.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, ‘Indeed, you have spoken the truth.’ In other words, he accepted what he had said.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), p. 840) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab al-Jasus, Hadith 3007, Urdu Tarjamah Sahih al-Bukhari az Hazrat Sayed Zain al-Abidin Wali Allah Shah Sahib, Vol. 5, pp. 350-352, Nazarat Ishaat)
Whilst narrating this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) states:
“A weak companion disclosed to the Meccans that the Holy Prophet(sa) was departing for Mecca with an army of 10,000 companions. [In the letter] he wrote, ‘I am not aware exactly where the Holy Prophet(sa) is heading towards but I assume he is travelling to Mecca. Some of my close relations and family relatives live in Mecca, I hope that during this difficult hour you will extend them your help and support and not allow them to be harmed in any way.’
“This letter had not reached Mecca yet, when the Holy Prophet(sa) called for Hazrat Ali(ra) in the morning and stated, ‘Go to such and such place, for Allah the Almighty has informed me that you will find a woman there who will be mounted upon a camel and will have a letter which she will be taking to the Meccans. Take the letter from her and immediately return to me.’ When Hazrat Ali(ra) was about to leave, the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, ‘Remember, she is a woman, therefore do not treat her harshly. Try to pressure and persuade her to admit that she has a letter; however, if she still does not comply despite your efforts to convince her, then you may take strict action, even if you have to kill her, but you must not allow that letter to reach [Mecca].
“And so, Hazrat Ali(ra) reached that particular location and also found that woman. When she was asked to be searched, she began to cry and swore that she was not a traitor or a cheat. In any case, they searched her and looked into her pockets and possessions but could not find the letter. The Companions(ra) suggested that it seemed she did not have the letter. However, Hazrat Ali(ra) became impassioned and told them to remain silent. He then very passionately stated, ‘I swear by Allah, the Messenger(sa) of Allah can never utter a lie.’ And so he told the woman, ‘The Messenger(sa) of Allah has told us that you have a letter and I swear by God, I am not lying.’
“After this, Hazrat Ali(ra) drew his sword and said, ‘Produce the letter, otherwise if I have to take off all of your clothes and search, then I will do that because the Messenger(sa) of Allah has indeed spoken the truth and you are the one who is lying.’ Thus, she became frightened and upon being threatened to have her clothes removed, she quickly took the letter out from the bun of her hair and gave it over.” (Sair-e-Ruhani, Number 7, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 24, pp. 262-263)
In another instance, whilst narrating the details of this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) stated:
“During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet(sa), one of the companions tried to secretly reveal information to his relatives in Mecca about the plans of the Muslims to attack Mecca so that owing to this act of compassion, they would in turn afford kind treatment to his relatives. However, the Holy Prophet(sa) was informed of this by divine revelation. The Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ali(ra) along with a few other companions to a particular place and told them to retrieve a letter from a woman. Upon reaching there, they demanded the letter from that woman; however, she denied having it. Some of the companions thought that perhaps the Holy Prophet(sa) had made a mistake. However, Hazrat Ali(ra) insisted that this was not the case and that the Holy Prophet(sa) could never be wrong. He stated that until she did not produce the letter, he would not leave. Hazrat Ali(ra) then admonished the woman and as a result, she produced the letter and gave it to them.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 4, p. 182, 183, Khutbah Farmudah 25 September 1914)
On the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, whilst the Holy Prophet(sa) was sat in Masjid al-Haram, Hazrat Ali(ra) presented himself before the Holy Prophet(sa) and gave him the keys to the Ka‘bah. He submitted, “O Messenger(sa) of Allah, assign us the duties of providing water during the days of Hajj as well as overseeing the opening and closing of the door of the Ka‘bah.” The Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “Where is Uthman bin Talha?” Subsequently he was called for and the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “O Uthman! This is your key. Today is the day of virtue and loyalty.” The Holy Prophet(sa) then stated to Hazrat Ali(ra), “I shall not give you something as a result of which you will be burdened with hardship and difficulty; rather, I will give you that which is better for you and a source of blessing. And nor will I give you something which you yourselves have a desire for”, i.e. he would not bestow it because he had asked for it. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Dukhul al-Rasul al-Haram [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 744)
Hazrat Umm Hani(ra) bint Abi Talib narrates:
“When the Holy Prophet(sa) stayed in the elevated part of Mecca, two of my in-laws from the Bani Makhzum tribe ran away and came to me.” Hazrat Umm Hani(ra) further states, “My brother, Ali [bin Abi Talib] came to me and said, ‘By God! I will kill them both.’” Hazrat Umm Hani(ra) states: “I shut them both inside the house. I then went to the Holy Prophet(sa) in the upper part of Mecca. I found that he was bathing at the time using a container which had remnants of dough inside. His daughter, Hazrat Fatimah(ra) was holding a cloth for a covering around him. After bathing, the Holy Prophet(sa) changed his clothes and then offered eight rak‘aat [units of prayer] of voluntary prayer at mid-morning. After this, he turned to me and said, ‘Welcome O Umm Hani! What brings you here?’”
She then informed him about the incident with the two men and what Hazrat Ali(ra) had said about killing them and also that she had hid them inside her house. The Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “We also give refuge to whoever you granted refuge and I assure the safety of those whom you granted protection” i.e. the Holy Prophet(sa) ordered Hazrat Ali(ra) not to kill them. (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Min Amr Rasul Allahsan bi Qatlihim [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 743-744)
The Holy Prophet(sa) passed the verdict of death for Huwairith bin Nuqaid as he had greatly persecuted the Holy Prophet(sa) in Mecca and devised a number of schemes to cause him harm and would also revile him. When Hazrat Abbas(ra), the uncle of the Holy Prophet(sa), prepared the camel for Hazrat Fatimah(ra) and Hazrat Umm Maktum to leave from Mecca to Medina and they sat down, Huwairith caused the camel to fall down. Hazrat Ali(ra) killed Huwairith on the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca when he had already fled from there. (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], 131)
The Battle of Hunain took place in Shawwal of 8 AH. In a narration, it is stated that during the Battle of Hunain, the flag of the Muhajireen was carried by Hazrat Ali(ra). During the Battle of Hunain, owing to a ferocious attack by the disbelievers, only a handful of companions remained around the Holy Prophet(sa) and Hazrat Ali(ra) was among them. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), p. 840) (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Dhikr Adad Maghazi Rasul Allah(sa) … [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], 325)
In the Battle of Hunain, a man on a red camel was carrying a black flag ahead of the ranks of the idolaters. This flag was tied to a long spear. The people of the Banu Hawazin were stood behind him. If anyone came within his reach, he would strike them and kill them, but if that person evaded his attack, he would raise his spear to indicate to the people behind and they would launch a sudden attack and they continuously remained behind the man on the red camel.
This man continued to attack in this manner. All of a sudden, Hazrat Ali(ra) and a person from the Ansar turned to him and went forward to kill him. Hazrat Ali(ra) came from behind him and struck his camel on the hip [joint] as a result of which the camel fell down backwards. Instantly the man from the Ansar attacked him with such force that his leg was severed from the middle of his calf. At this moment the Muslims launched a fierce attack against the idolaters. (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], 158)
With regard to Hazrat Ali’s(ra) expedition to the Banu Tayy, it is stated that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ali(ra) along with 150 men to destroy the idol of the Banu Tayy called Fuls. The Banu Tayy lived to the north east of Medina. During this expedition, the Holy Prophet(sa) gave Hazrat Ali(ra) a large black flag as well as a smaller white flag. In the morning, Hazrat Ali(ra) launched an attack on the people of Hatim and destroyed the idol of Fuls. Hazrat Ali(ra) returned to Medina having acquired a large amount of spoils of the Banu Tayy including captives. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Sariyah Ali bin Abi Talib ila al-Falas [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], 331)
With regards to the Battle of Tabuk which took place in Rajab 9 AH, Mus‘ab(ra) bin Saad narrates an incident on the authority of his father that when the Holy Prophet(sa) departed for Tabuk, he appointed Hazrat Ali(ra) in charge of Medina in his absence. Hazrat Ali(ra) said, “Are you leaving me behind with the women and children?” The Holy Prophet(sa) stated, “Are you not pleased that you have the same relation to me that Aaron(as) had with Moses(as), with the exception that there is no prophet after me.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), p. 842) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwat Tabuk wa hiya Ghazwat al-Usrah, Hadith 4416)
Narrating this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud(ra) states, “On one occasion, the Holy Prophet(sa) left for a battle and left Hazrat Ali(ra) in charge in his absence. Only the hypocrites remained behind and owing to this, he became worried. He went to the Holy Prophet(sa) and requested to take him along with him. The Holy Prophet(sa) reassured him by saying:
اَلَا تَرْضٰی اَنْ تَکُوْنَ مِنِّیْ بِمَنْزِلَۃِ ھَارُوْنَ مِنْ مُّوْسٰی اِلَّا اَنَّہٗ لَیْسَ نَبِیٌّ بَعْدِیْ
“Meaning, ‘O Ali! You are to me as Aaron(as) was to Moses(as). Just like Aaron(as), after me you shall be a Caliph, the difference being that you will not be a prophet.’” (Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 15, p. 579)
With regard to Hazrat Ali(ra) being sent to Yemen, it is mentioned in a narration that in 10 AH, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ali(ra) to Yemen. Prior to this, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Khalid(ra) bin Walid towards the people of Yemen to invite them towards Islam, but they refused. Upon this, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ali(ra). Hazrat Ali(ra) read the letter of the Holy Prophet(sa) before the people of Yemen as a result of which the entire residents of Hamadan accepted Islam in a single day. Hazrat Ali(ra) wrote a letter to the Holy Prophet(sa) informing him of their acceptance of Islam. Owing to this, the Holy Prophet(sa) recited three times: “May peace be upon the people of Hamadan.” Hamadan is situated in Yemen and is approximately 1,150 kilometres south east of Medina. After this, the people of Yemen accepted Islam. Hazrat Ali(ra) wrote to the Holy Prophet(sa) informing him about this, upon which he prostrated out of gratitude. (Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 168, Dhikr Irsal Ali ila al-Yaman wa Islam Hamadan, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Ghazwat wa Saraya az Allamah Muhammad Azhar Fareed Shah, p. 550, Fareed Publications Sahiwal, 2018)
Hazrat Ali(ra) states, “The Holy Prophet(sa) appointed me as a qazi [judge] and sent me to Yemen. I said to the Holy Prophet(sa), ‘You are sending me [to Yemen] but I am young and do not know anything about matters of arbitration.’ To this the Holy Prophet(sa) stated, ‘Allah will certainly guide your heart and bless your words. Whenever two people are sat before you who are involved in a dispute, do not issue your verdict until you listen to both of their accounts. This will make it easy for you to make your decision.’” Hazrat Ali(ra) states that after this, he never faced any difficulty in making a decision. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Aqdiyah, Bab Kaif al-Qada, Hadith 3582)
Hazrat Amr(ra) bin Shas Aslami, who was part of the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, states:
“On one occasion, I travelled to Yemen with Hazrat Ali(ra). During the journey he dealt with me in a strict manner and I began to harbour grievances against him. Thus, when we returned from Yemen, I complained about him in the mosque and the Holy Prophet(sa) came to know about my complaint. One day, when I entered the mosque, the Holy Prophet(sa) was sitting with a few of his companions. When the Holy Prophet(sa) saw me, he observed me closely.” He further narrates, “The Holy Prophet(sa) looked towards me intently. When I sat down, the Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘O Amr! By God, you have caused me pain!’ I replied, ‘O Messenger(sa) of Allah! I seek refuge in Allah from that which causes you pain.’ The Holy Prophet(sa) said, ‘Certainly whoever causes Ali pain, causes me pain.’” This is a narration of Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal. (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, Hadith Amr bin Shas, Hadith 16056 [Beirut, Lebanon: Alam al-Kutub, 1998], 478-479)
The next narration is from Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri(ra) who states:
“On one occasion, some people complained against Hazrat Ali(ra). The Holy Prophet(sa) stood up to deliver an address. I heard him say, ‘O people! Do not complain against Ali. I swear by God, he is fearful of Allah the Almighty’ or he said, ‘He is very fearful of Allah, lest a complaint is made against him.’” (Ibn Hisham, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ghazwat Uhud, mawafat Ali Qafulah min al-Yaman Rasul Allah(sa) fi al-Hajj [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001], 867-868)
Insha-Allah, I will continue to narrate the accounts [of Hazrat Ali(ra)] in the future.
Today, I will again make a request for prayers. In the last sermon, I did not mention Algeria. The Ahmadis residing in Algeria are also facing great difficulties and some have been imprisoned. Remember them in your prayers also; may Allah create ease for them and provide the means for their freedom. There are difficult circumstances there as well, may Allah enable the government to see reason and adhere to justice and grant Ahmadis their due rights.
Similarly, the situation in Pakistan is worsening. I spoke about certain office-bearers; pray for them as well. If Allah does not wish to grant these maulvis [clerics] and [Pakistani government] officials wisdom or they do not want to see reason or if it is decreed that they will continue to act in this way and suffer the wrath of Allah, then may Allah ensure the means for them to be seized swiftly and provide ease for Ahmadis.
After the Friday prayers I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of Rasheed Ahmad Sahib, son of Muhammad Abdullah Sahib of Rabwah. He was the father of Tahir Nadeem Sahib, who is a missionary here [in the UK] serving in the Arabic desk. He passed away on 28 October at the age of 76,
اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
[Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return]
Ahmadiyyat entered the family of the deceased through his paternal grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Ghafoor Sahib(ra), who along with his cousin, Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib(ra), went to Qadian in 1891-1892 and performed Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] at the hands of the Promised Messiah(as).
Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib(ra) was an educated scholar and was acquainted with the Promised Messiah(as) prior to his claim. In a dream, Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib(ra) saw the flag of the Holy Prophet(sa) was held by the Promised Messiah(as). Thus, Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib(ra) went to Qadian with his cousin, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Ghafoor Sahib(ra) – the paternal grandfather of the deceased – and pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiah(as). After this, through the preaching endeavours of Hazrat Maulvi Allah Ditta Sahib(ra) many people from Alipur and Hasanpur in Multan accepted Ahmadiyyat.
The deceased had the opportunity to serve as the finance secretary of the Jamaat in the Bhawalpur district for a long time. He was very pious and righteous, had a virtuous disposition, was hospitable and was a compassionate person. He had a good relationship with his relatives, his neighbours, as well as the poor and would help them discretely.
He is survived by his wife, Siddiqa Begum Sahiba, who was the maternal granddaughter of a companion of the Promised Messiah(as), Qadir Baksh Sahib(ra).
By the grace of Allah, the deceased was a musi [part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat]. Among those he leaves behind are also his children. Aside from his wife, he is survived by three daughters and two sons. As I mentioned, one son is a life devotee and a missionary serving here in the Arabic desk.
May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased and elevate His status.
Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 1 January 2021, pp. 5-10. Translated by The Review of Religions
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