After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^(aba) stated:

Today, I will speak about Ghazwah Banu Mustaliq, which is also known as Ghazwah Muraisi. Historians differ as to when this expedition took place. According to Ibn Ishaq, Al-Tabari and Ibn Hisham, this expedition took place in Sha‘ban, 6 A.H. (Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Ishaq, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 439; Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hisham, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, pp. 669-670; Tarikh al-Tabari, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, p. 109)

And some historians have stated that it took place in 5 AH. (Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa’d, Vol. 2, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1990, p. 48; Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Waqdi, Vol. 1, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 2004, p. 341)

In Sahih al-Bukhari there is a narration from Musa bin Uqba which states that this expedition, i.e. Ghazwah Banu Mustaliq took place in 4 AH. However, a commentator of Bukhari, Allama Ibn Hajar Asqalani has written that this is an error on their part, as it should have been 5 AH instead of 4 AH. (Fath-ul-Bari, Vol. 7, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Maktabah Salafiyyah, p. 430)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra) has also carried out his own research regarding this expedition and written that this took place in Sha‘ban 5 AH. (Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyeen, p. 577)

Since this expedition took place against a branch of the Khuza’ah tribe called the Banu Mustaliq, that is why it is called Ghazwa Banu Mustaliq. This tribe lived near a well, named Muraisi. It is for this reason that this expedition is also called Ghazwah Muraisi.

Muraisi was approximately 108 miles from Medina. (Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa’d, Vol. 2, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1990, p. 48; Urdu Lughat, Vol. 17, Under the definition of the work “Marhala”, p. 773)

The Banu Mustaliq were confederates of the Quraish. They gathered together at the base of a mount named “Habashi”, which was situated in the lower plains of Mecca, and pledged that they would unite and support the Quraish. It was for this reason those people became known as “Ahabish” and were part of the Quraish army during the Battle of Uhud. (Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, p. 297)

One reason for this expedition was that the Banu Mustaliq had become bold in their enmity of Islam and exceeded all bounds. They had the full support and backing of the disbelievers of the Quraish. Because they had taken part in the Battle of Uhud against the Muslims, they had now openly announced their hostility against the Muslims. Their rebellion and insolence had now increased greatly. The second reason was that the main route leaving from Mecca was under the control of the Banu Mustaliq. They had the strength to stop the Muslims from having any dealings in Mecca. (Marwiyat Ghazwah Bani Mustaliq, Ibrahim bin Ibrahim, Ihya al-Turath al-Islami, p. 898)

The third and most significant reason was that the leader of the Banu Mustaliq, Harith bin Abi Darrar had stirred up his tribe and other Arabs to go to war against the Holy Prophet^(sa) and began gathering an army at a distance of 96 miles from Medina. (Subul Al-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1993, p. 344; Furhang Sirat, Zawar Academy Karachi, p. 226)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra) has written in The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets:

“The opposition of the Quraish began to take on a more dangerous form day by day and through their conspiracies, they had already incited many tribes against Islam and the Founder of Islam. However, now their animosity created a new threat, in that, those tribes of Hijaz who had thus far, held good relations with the Muslims, now began to stand up against them due to the seditious designs of the Quraish. In this respect, the Banu Mustaliq, a branch of the renowned Khuza’ah tribe took the lead, and began to mobilise in order to launch an attack against Medina. Their chief, Harith bin Abi Darrar toured the other tribes of that region and brought various other tribes aboard as well.” (Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen, p. 557)

When news of the Banu Mustaliq’s preparations reached the Holy Prophet^(sa), he sent Hazrat Buraidah bin Husaib Aslami^(ra) to assess the situation. He departed and met them at their well. These devious people were not the only ones there, rather they had gathered tribes in the nearby vicinity as part of the army. They asked Hazrat Buraidah^(ra) who he was, to which he replied, “I am from among you. I came here upon learning about this army.” Through this tact, he was able to fully assess their entire war preparations and return to inform the Holy Prophet^(sa). The Holy Prophet^(sa) gathered the Muslims and informed them about the enemy. The Islamic army mobilised quickly and departed.

Details regarding the departure of the Muslim army are as follows: According to one narration, the Holy Prophet^(sa) appointed Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah^(ra) as his deputy in Medina. Ibn Hisham has mentioned the name of Hazrat Abu Dhar al-Ghifari^(ra). Similarly, the name of Hazrat Numailah bin Abdullah^(ra) is also recorded. Nonetheless, this army departed. The Muslim army consisted of 700 men. The Holy Prophet^(sa) set out with the Muslim army from Medina on Monday, 2 Sha‘ban, 5 AH, and headed towards the Banu Mustaliq. In Ghazwah Muraisi, Hazrat Mas’ud bin Hunaidah^(ra) was the guide along the way. In this expedition, the Muslims had a total of 30 horses, of which the Muhajirin had 10. The Holy Prophet^(sa) had two horses, Lizaz and Zarib. The names of the Muhajirin who had horses are as follows:

Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra), Hazrat Umar al-Faruq^(ra), Hazrat Usman al-Ghani^(ra), Hazrat Ali^(ra), Hazrat Zubair^(ra), Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf^(ra), Hazrat Talha bin Ubaidullah^(ra), Hazrat Miqdad bin Amr^(ra). From among the Ansar, there were 20 companions who were part of the cavalry unit; only 15 names have been recorded. Among them are: Hazrat Sa‘d bin Mu’adh^(ra), Hazrat Usaid bin Hudair^(ra), Hazrat Abu Abs bin Jabr^(ra), Hazrat Qatadah bin Nu’man^(ra), Hazrat Awaim bin Sa’idah^(ra), Hazrat Ma’an bin Adi^(ra), Hazrat Sa‘d bin Zaid Ash’hali^(ra), Hazrat Harith bin Hazmah^(ra), Hazrat Mu‘adh bin Jabal^(ra), Hazrat Abu Qatadah^(ra), Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b^(ra), Hazrat Hubab bin al-Mundhir^(ra), Hazrat Ziyad bin Labid^(ra), Hazrat Farwah bin Amr^(ra), Hazrat Mu‘adh bin Rifa’a bin Rafi^(ra).

In any case, further details have been mentioned that many hypocrites also set off alongside the Holy Prophet^(sa). Prior to this, they had not gone forth for such expeditions, so why did they do so? It is said that they did not have the desire for Jihad, but went forth to receive the spoils of war in the case that they were successful. (Subul Al-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1993, p. 344; Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 4, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001, p.169; Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Vol. 1, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 2004, pp. 341-343; Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah, Vol. 6, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1995, p. 82; Sirat Encyclopaedia, Vol. 7, Darussalam, p. 154)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra) has written in relation to this:

“‘When the Holy Prophet^(sa) received news of this, as an act of precaution, the Holy Prophet^(sa) dispatched a Companion named Buraidah bin Husaib^(ra) towards the Banu Mustaliq in order to gather intelligence, and urged him to return swiftly with insight into the state of affairs. (Inform us of what is really going on.) When Buraidah^(ra) arrived, he found that, in fact, a very large gathering was present and preparations were underway to attack Medina with great vehemence and uproar. He returned at once and relayed his findings to the Holy Prophet^(sa). According to his custom, as a pre-emptive measure, the Holy Prophet^(sa) urged his Companions to set out towards the dwellings of Banu Mustaliq. (Instead of them attacking first, he instructed [the Muslims] to go forth before them.) A large number of Companions prepared to go forth. In fact, a large group of hypocrites, who prior to this had never come along in such numbers, also set out.

“The Holy Prophet^(sa) left behind Abu Dharr Ghifari^(ra) or, in light of various narrations, Zaid bin Harithah^(ra) as the Amir of Medina, and set out in the name of Allah from Medina in Sha‘ban 5 A.H. There were only thirty horses in the army, albeit, camels were available in a somewhat greater number. The Muslims travelled on these horses and camels in turns.” (Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen, pp. 557-558)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra) further writes:

“During the course of this journey, the Muslims happened to find a spy of the disbelievers, who was taken captive and presented to the Holy Prophet^(sa). After questioning him, when the Holy Prophet^(sa) was assured that he was actually a spy, the Holy Prophet^(sa) attempted to probe him for information relevant to the disbelievers, but he refused. Furthermore, since his attitude was suspicious, according to the customary law of warfare (according to the rules of warfare at the time), Hazrat ‘Umar^(ra) executed him.

After this, the Muslim army continued to advance. When the Banu Mustaliq found out about the imminent arrival of the Muslims, and received news that their spy had been killed, they became very fearful. Their actual intention was to somehow attack Medina unexpectedly, but as a result of the Holy Prophet’s^(sa) attentiveness, now the tables had turned. They became immensely awe-stricken and the other tribes who had come out to join them in support became so fearful due to the power of God, that they immediately left their side and returned to their homes. However, as for the Banu Mustaliq, the Quraish had so deeply intoxicated them with enmity towards the Muslims that they still did not hold back from war, and remained fully bent upon fighting the Muslim army with full force.” (Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen, p. 558)

When the Holy Prophet^(sa) reached Muraisi, a tent of leather was erected for him. Of his blessed wives, Hazrat Aisha^(ra) had accompanied him. Some historians have mentioned that Hazrat Umm-e-Salamah^(ra) also accompanied him with Hazrat Aisha^(ra). However, Allamah Ibn Hajar has deemed such narrations to be weak, in which Hazrat Umm-e-Salamah^(ra) is mentioned to have accompanied them. According to him, the words of Hazrat Aisha^(ra) recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari are:

فَخَرَجَ سَھْمِیْ

I.e., “My lot was drawn.” It can be concluded from this that it was only Hazrat A’ishah^(ra) who went on this expedition alongside the Holy Prophet^(sa) from among his blessed wives. (Fath-ul-Bari, Translated by Faiz Al-Bari, Ch. 19, Kitab-ul-Tafsir, Ashab-ul-Hadith, Lahore, p. 193)

What were the slogans of the Muslims during this expedition? Ibn Hisham has written that the slogan of the Muslims on the day of the expedition of Banu Mustaliq was:

یَا مَنْصُورُ اَمِتْ اَمِتْ

The translation of which is, “O ye who is granted help, bring death, bring death.” The wisdom behind using such a slogan was so that no ambiguity remained between the Muslims and the disbelievers, and that the Muslims could recognise one another even in the darkness of the night. (Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Waqdi, Vol. 4, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1993, p. 358; Marwiyat Ghazwah Bani Mustaliq, Ibrahim bin Ibrahim, Ihya al-Turath Al-Islami, p. 109; Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hisham, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001, p. 673)

The Holy Prophet^(sa) arranged the ranks of the Companions, and gave the flag of the Muhajirin to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra). In another narration, it is mentioned that it was given to Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir^(ra), and the flag of the Ansar was given to Hazrat Sa‘d bin Ubadah^(ra). The Holy Prophet^(sa) commanded Hazrat Umar^(ra) to announce among the people, i.e., to announce in front of the enemy army, “O people! Proclaim that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and protect your lives and your wealth through Him.” Hazrat Umar^(ra) did so, yet the idolaters rejected this call.

An exchange of arrows took place for some time. Someone from among the idolaters shot his arrow first, then the Muslims shot their arrows for a while. The Holy Prophet^(sa) then instructed his Companions to attack. They attacked in unison, leaving no idolater able to flee. Ten of them were killed, and the rest were all made captives. He imprisoned their men, women, children and animals. (Subul Al-Huda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1993, p. 345)

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad^(ra) has written in relation to this:

“When the Holy Prophet^(sa) reached Muraisi‘ close to where the Banu Mustaliq were present, which is a place situated between Mecca and Medina near the coast of the sea, the Holy Prophet^(sa) ordered the setup of camp. After arranging the ranks and the distribution of flags, etc., the Holy Prophet^(sa) instructed Hazrat ‘Umar^(ra) to move forward and announce to the Banu Mustaliq that even now if they refrain from their enmity (and refrain from their hostility) towards Islam and accept the rule of the Holy Prophet^(sa), they would be given peace, (there is no mention of changing their religion. They would be given peace if they accepted the rule of the Holy Prophet^(sa)) and the Muslims would return. However, they vehemently refused and prepared for war. It is even written that the first arrow was shot by a man from their tribe (i.e., from the Banu Mustaliq).

“When the Holy Prophet^(sa) witnessed their hostility, he ordered the Companions to fight as well. For some time both sides exchanged a shower of arrows, upon which the Holy Prophet^(sa) ordered the Companions to launch a sudden attack. As a result of this sudden assault, the disbelievers lost their footing. The Muslims surrounded them so skilfully that their entire tribe became surrounded and was forced to throw in their arms. With only ten casualties among the disbelievers and one from among the Muslims, this war, which could have taken on a dangerous form, came to an end.” (Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen, pp. 558-559)

I wish to also mention a martyr and some deceased members today. For this reason, I have kept this portion of the sermon brief. With reference to the month of Muharram, which we are currently passing through, I would like to draw attention towards prayers. The incident that took place was extremely tragic, in which cruelty and injustice reached their utmost limits.

The Holy Prophet’s^(sa) grandson and other members of his family were martyred. However, it is unfortunate that instead of taking heed, the Muslims continue perpetrating injustices even now. During the month of Muharram, incidents of disorder between Shia and Sunni or terrorist attacks increase, which result in the loss of life on both sides. Furthermore, sectarianism and the desire for personal gain have caused a great deal of strife in the Muslim world. In fact, throughout the year, we see injustices and cruelty perpetrated against one another instigated by the clerics, various groups and by the governments.

The Muslims do not seem to learn or have any fear of God. Furthermore, in accordance with His promise, the means that Allah the Almighty has sent in order to bring these disorders to an end, they are not willing to accept it. They do not want to pledge allegiance to the Promised Messiah^(as).

He is the only means of uniting the Muslim world and who can bring an end to the disorder. The Muslims will be able to unite and regain their honour once again and this is the only means. If only these people would understand. In any case, during these days, Ahmadis should have an increased focus towards sending salutations upon the Holy Prophet^(sa) and to especially pray for the unity of the Muslim world. Moreover, we should strive to improve our own conditions and establish a stronger bond with Allah the Almighty. May Allah enable everyone to do so.

As I mentioned, I will speak about some deceased members, among whom is a martyr. The name of the martyr is Bondja Mahmoud Sahib from Tamanjouare Jamaat in Togo. The terrorists broke into his house on 21 June and martyred him.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was 64 years of age. He is survived by his two wives and 14 children. Naveed Naeem Sahib, who is serving as a missionary, writes:

“Tamanjouare is a Jamaat situated close to the central town of the northern region of Togo and it is close to the border of Burkina Faso. Bondja Mahmoud Sahib was among the pioneer members of this Jamaat. He worked as a farmer and had built a temporary accommodation [on the land] where he would move into during the rainy season with his family. During the dry season, he would move back to the village, which was quite a distance away and during the rainy season, he would go back [to his farm]. He was recently at his farm when four terrorists entered his home at 8 pm on 21^st June. They had a torchlight, and his son, who is 14 years of age, saw the light and when he went towards it, he saw that the terrorists had surrounded his father. He got scared and ran off. The terrorists then placed their gun under the chin of the deceased and fired a shot, causing the bullet to pierce through his nose and come out from the other end. He passed away immediately at the scene.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

The terrorists then left the house and did not harm any other member of the family. It seems as if their target was to martyr him and that is why they came. Upon receiving news of this incident, the military also arrived. The government has very limited control and the terrorists have taken over most of the area. The military took the body and after taking an assessment of the local area and carrying out a brief investigation, they returned the body to the family.”

Mama Bailo Sahib, who is a local missionary, says, “The deceased was among the pioneer members who did the bai‘at. After doing the bai‘at, he would regularly offer his prayers and attend all the Jamaat programmes. He also regularly paid his Chanda.” His local missionary, Djidama Tahir Sahib, says, “The deceased did the bai‘at in 2007 and soon after the month of Ramadan began. It was the rainy season and preparations were underway to prepare the land for cultivation. A few of the villagers began to mock him by saying, ‘Now that you have become a Muslim, will you keep the fasts or do farming work because you will not be able to do such arduous work whilst fasting, whereas we will be able to work hard and, as a result, our crops will be better?’ Upon this, he replied, ‘I have accepted Islam with my heart; therefore, I will most certainly keep the fasts and Allah will take care of my land. I will do whatever work I can do and God will certainly grant me what is destined for me.’ Allah worked in such a manner that the rain stopped and it did not rain for the entire month of Ramadan. And so, he was able to keep the fasts comfortably and the very next day after Eid, the rain resumed once again. According to the manner in which they farm in those areas, the villagers then all came out and headed towards their farms. Thus, Allah the Almighty also stopped those who were mocking him from working and enabled His servant to worship Him.”

Four years after the establishment of the Jamaat there, there were plans from the headquarters to construct a mosque. The non-Ahmadis did their level best to say there was no need for a mosque and that they could offer their prayers in their mosque instead. However, they insisted that they would build their own mosque. After the construction of the mosque, whenever the deceased martyr was in the village, he would regularly offer all five prayers at the mosque. His elder brother Yaqub Sahib states that he was extremely soft-hearted and never wished bad for anyone. If anyone in the family had an issue which they could not resolve, they would go to him, and he would very easily resolve the issue.

May Allah the Almighty elevate the status of the deceased and enable his children and progeny to continue his good deeds. May Allah the Almighty bring an end to the terrorists in that area and establish peace and security. It is said that these circumstances are a result of the fighting between their own people or due to the disorder created by the Muslim groups; however, in reality, this is being backed by the major powers who fuel the terrorists in the countries in order to fulfil their own vested interests. They then issue statements for the establishment of peace and act as if they are sympathetic. If they were not to support these groups, they would not be able to operate. Moreover, Muslims do not reflect over their actions, as there are some Muslim groups and politicians who are a part of these terrorist organisations.

The next mention is of Rasheed Ahmad Sahib, who was the former Muavin Nazir Umur-e-Aama. He was the son of Noor Hussain Sahib. He passed away recently at the age of 86.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was born in Qadian and was Ahmadi from birth. Ahmadiyyat entered his family through his father, Noor Hussain Sahib, who had the good fortune to enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat by doing the bai‘at during the era of the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^(ra) in 1924.

Rasheed Sahib attained his early education in Qadian. After the establishment of Pakistan and completing his matriculation exams, he began his service for the Jamaat. Although he retired in 1998, however, he was re-employed and continued to serve until 2021 till his health permitted. His total duration of service for the Jamaat spans 65 years. He possessed innumerable qualities. He had a habit of always completing his daily tasks. He was extremely loyal to the Jamaat and apart from being very responsible he would always discharge all his Jamaat duties with confidentiality. Punctuality was an outstanding quality of his. He was a member of the Al-Wasiyyat scheme and would always pay his Chanda diligently. He would always fulfil his Chanda contribution on time. He would make an effort to take part in every Jamaat initiative. He treated his relatives with great love. He would help the needy discretely. He had great love for Khilafat and a strong bond with it. He had the opportunity to serve from the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^(ra) to the era of the fifth Khalifah and served with great loyalty. He would remain quietly engaged in his work and he worked in a selfless manner.

During the unrest against the Jamaat in 1974 and 1984, he had the opportunity of enduring the opposition [faced by the Jamaat]. As a result of the opposition faced in 1974, the police arrested him and was taking him to Faisalabad on a bus. A crowd of opponents in Chiniot attacked the bus that the police were transporting him in. The police and other guards of the bus fled and left him behind. Even the police fled. He had been handcuffed by the police. Whilst in this state, the crowd stabbed him with a dagger and severely wounded him. Miraculously, he survived. He remained in the hospital for several months, after which he was taken to prison. During this ordeal, his fingers were also severed. His face was wounded, and it was difficult for him to speak for quite some time. Nonetheless, Allah the Almighty saved his life.

In September of 1979 in Rabwah, as a result of an unfounded allegation, a lawsuit was filed against Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III^(rh) and other office holders. Rasheed Ahmad Sahib was also implicated in this lawsuit. This lawsuit carried on for a long time. In 1987, another lawsuit was filed against Rasheed Sahib and three other officeholders in Rabwah’s police station. He had to appear in court for many years as a result.

His daughter, Amatul Saboor, says, “He was regular in offering his daily prayers, fulfilled the rights of mankind, and was sympathetic towards others. Many a time, he would forfeit his own right for the sake of settling a matter.” His daughter further says, “After my mother’s demise, I decided to go live with him. Thus, I came to live with him along with my children. As soon as I arrived, he advised me that if I wished to live with him, I should let my children know that they would be praying five times every day, they would participate in programmes of the Jamaat, they would not leave the house in the evening, and they would not reject the call of any office holder.” She says, “This moral training benefitted me immensely.” May Allah the Almighty grant forgiveness to the deceased, show him mercy and elevate his station. May He also enable his children and progeny to carry on his virtues.

Next, I will speak about Chaudhry Mati-ur-Rahman Sahib, who was serving as the Naib Nazir Umur-e-Aama and was the son of Chaudhry Ali Akbar Sahib. He passed away recently at the age of 89.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was born into Ahmadiyyat. Ahmadiyyat entered His family through his father, Chaudhry Ali Akbar Sahib, who had the honour of pledging allegiance in February 1916 during the era of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^(ra). After the establishment of Pakistan, his father Chaudhry Ali Akbar Sahib was given the opportunity to serve as Naib Nazir Talim. Chaudhry Mati-ur-Rahman Sahib received his elementary education in Qadian. After the establishment of Pakistan, he completed his education and became affiliated with the Department of Education. When he retired, he presented himself in service for the Jamaat, and he served as Naib Nazir Umur-e-Aama for more than 25 years up until his last breath. He was a quiet, yet hardworking person. Chaudhry Mati-ur-Rahman Sahib possessed many excellent qualities. He had the honour of entering Nizam-e-Wasiyyat at a young age. He was meticulous in keeping his accounts in order for Wasiyyat. He was very punctual. He regularly offered his daily prayers, gave alms regularly and on time, and also took a keen interest in attaining knowledge. He was a simple person, and was kind and friendly towards everyone. If ever there was any matter of contention between him and a co-worker, he was always the first to extend his hand to resolve the matter. Any office work assigned to him was completed at the earliest opportunity. He disliked when work was left pending, and he demonstrated this quality of his until the end of his life. He never allowed for any office work to remain pending. He always advised others to remain connected with Khilafat and to abide by the Nizam-e-Jamaat. He would always say to those close to him, to his daughter and to her children that there are immense blessings in obedience to Khilafat.

His wife also passed away a few years prior. He has one daughter, and her husband also passed away. He endured all these tragedies with immense patience. May Allah the Almighty grant forgiveness to the deceased, show him mercy and elevate his station. The deceased was also the paternal uncle of Chaudhry Ijaz-ur-Rehman Sahib, the former Sadr Ansarullah UK.

Next, I will speak about Manzur Begum Sahiba, wife of the late Mahmud Ahmad Bhatti Sahib of Sargodha. She passed away recently.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

She was the daughter-in-law of Hazrat Chaudhry Ghulam Hussain Sahib^(ra), a Companion of the Promised Messiah^(as). Ahmadiyyat entered her family through her paternal uncles, Chaudhry Ghulam Nabi Alvi Sahib and Chaudhry Ata Muhammad Alvi Sahib. Both these elders pledged allegiance after hearing a debate in Chichawatni. Chaudhry Muhammad Abdullah Alvi Sahib, the father of the deceased, accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1935 after studying it for another three years. Her late husband, Mahmud Ahmad Bhatti Sahib, and her son, Tahir Mahmud Bhatti Sahib, both had the honour of being imprisoned for the sake of Allah. The brother of the deceased, Naseer Ahmad Alvi Sahib, was martyred in 1991 in the Daur region of Sindh on account of being an Ahmadi. She was a Musia and is survived by her three daughters and seven sons. One of her sons, Abid Mahmud Bhatti Sahib, is a life devotee and a missionary serving as principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya and Naib Amir in Tanzania. Due to being in the field of service, he was unable to attend his mother’s funeral.

Qayyum Sahiba, the former Sadr of Lajna in her area, says, “I have had the honour of serving as Sadr Lajna for 15 years. During this time, I have observed many of her (the deceased) excellent qualities. She was regular in offering her prayers and fasting. As long as the women were allowed to come and pray in the mosque, she made sure to attend the Friday Prayers and sat in the first row.” Now, there are restrictions that prevent women from going to the mosque, even to attend the Friday Prayers or the Eid prayers. They stay within their homes, restlessly waiting for conditions to improve so that they can go to their mosques. Pray for them as well, that Allah the Almighty bestows His mercy upon the people of Pakistan. She participated in every event. “During Ramadan, she regularly offered the Tarawih prayer in the mosque alongside other women. She always attached her children, and her grandchildren, to the mosque. She imparted excellent moral training to her children. She always motivated her children to serve the Community.”

Her son, Qaisar Mahmud Bhatti Sahib, writes, “She would always offer financial contributions herself from her own allowance. She offered her contributions towards Wasiyyat from her savings. We insisted that we would offer her contribution for Hissa Jaidad; however, she completely refused, saying, ‘I have done Wasiyyat for the sake of God and so it is my duty.’ She had a special honour and regard for her faith. In 1989, the Jamaat in her village was facing difficulties and the opponents of Ahmadiyyat were attempting to burn the homes of Ahmadis and take over the mosque; she told her husband and sons, “Go to the mosque, I will protect the house on my own.” During those days, her father, husband and her sons were arrested by the police, yet she did not show any sort of worry, rather (her son says) she would spend the entire night weeping in prayer that, ‘May Allah the Almighty enable my husband and children to steadfastly stand by the Jamaat.’”

May Allah the Almighty grant her forgiveness and mercy and enable her children to carry on the legacy of her virtues.

The next mention is of Master Saadat Ahmad Ashraf Sahib, who was the son of respected Khushi Muhammad Sahib, who served as a bodyguard for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II^(ra). He recently passed away at the age of 83.

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّاۤ اِلَیۡہِ رٰجِعُوۡنَ

[Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters. One of his sons is Uthman Ahmad Taalay Sahib, a missionary in Sierra Leone who was unable to attend his father’s funeral due to being in the field of service. Uthman Sahib, a missionary, writes, “My father was a teacher by profession. In 1963, he hearkened to the call of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud^(ra) and migrated to Bashirabad in Sindh and he was appointed to teach Arabic at the Talimul Islam High School. Before migrating to Bashirabad, Sindh, he resided in Dar-ul-Rahmat Gharbi. He had a very loving relationship with Maulana Ghulam Rasool Rajeki Sahib^ra.” He says, “Maulana Rajeki Sahib^(ra) used to call my father his adopted son and owing to his virtuous disposition, he treated him with a great deal of love.” He writes, “Maulvi Sahib^(ra) would even have him do his personal tasks as well. Whenever someone would leave an amount with Maulana Rajeki Sahib^(ra) as a gift for the sake of prayers, he would call my father so he could take the amount to Darul Ziafat and then bring back the receipt.” He would give the amount as a financial contribution. He says, “One day during the summer, Hazrat Maulana Rajeki Sahib^(ra) came to our home and started knocking on the door. When my father went outside, he asked Maulana Sahib^(ra) why he had come when it was so hot; he could have sent for him and he would have gone instead. Upon this, Maulvi Sahib^(ra) responded to my father, saying, ‘If you needed money, you should have told me yourself.’ Hazrat Maulana Rajeki Sahib^(ra) continued, ‘Allah the Almighty has commanded me, “Saadat needs money; go and give him money.” Maulana Rajeki Sahib^(ra) took some money out from his pocket and gave it to him and then left.” This was the kind of relationship he had with Allah the Almighty, that He placed it in His virtuous servant’s heart to go and help him. His obedience to Khilafat was praiseworthy.”

Murabbi Sahib says, “Some time ago, I took leave to go and meet him in Pakistan. Upon seeing the state of his health, I said that if he felt the need, I could extend my leave. Upon this, he sternly said, ‘Never think about such a thing again, nor ever say something like that. The Khalifah has placed you on the front lines and that is where you should remain; serve the Jamaat and protect it until your very last breath.’ He always advised us siblings that whenever we travelled, we should continuously recite durood sharif [invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophet^(sa)] as well as constantly reciting the prayer:

لَاحَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّٰہ

[There is no might or power except with Allah].”

There is an incident which has been related by Mubashar Ahmad Gondal Sahib that when he was sitting for his BA exams, the Arabic exam was very difficult and certain questions appeared which were not part of the course. He says, “After some time, my father took an extra sheet and kept writing. He kept taking extra sheets. His colleagues asked him that they had not even been able to fill out the sheets they were given with the exam; what was he writing? He responded, ‘I just wrote what I knew. After that, I wrote all 70 couplets of the Promised Messiah’s^(as) qasidah “Ya Aina Faizillahi wal Irfani” as a means of tabligh at the very least for whoever will read them. I don’t know whether the examiner will pass me, but at least by reading those couplets the person will know that these were written by an Ahmadi, or they will wonder who wrote these couplets and then they will investigate and this will serve as a means of opening paths for Tabligh. In any case, Allah the Almighty bestowed His blessings and my father was one of only three people who passed the exam.” He says, “This was only due to the blessings of Allah the Almighty and the blessings associated with the qasidah.

He would often offer voluntary prayers and fasts. He loved the Holy Quran and had a passion for reciting it. We always heard him reciting certain portions of the Holy Quran. We always heard him reciting the qasidah by the Promised Messiah^(as) and oftentimes, as he recited it there would be tears flowing from his eyes. He would study the books of the Promised Messiah^(as) and he would relate stories about the Companions of the Promised Messiah^(as). He would especially relate stories about Hazrat Maulana Ghulam Rasool Rajeki Sahib^(ra) to his students. He was a passionate caller unto Allah and was always ready to serve. He was always at the forefront of taking part in Jamaat programmes. May Allah the Almighty grant him forgiveness and mercy, elevate his station and enable his children to carry on the legacy of his virtues.