the exact opposite of the Dutch Cartoons is the reality, but little do they know & less do they reflect
here the Khalifa broke it down:
Citing verse 128 of Surah Al Taubah (9:128) Huzur gave a discourse on the supreme compassion of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in his Friday Sermon.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) is the superlative and the matchless example of imbibing Divine attribute on a human level and it is from his spiritual light that the world attained beneficence, is indeed attaining beneficence and shall continue to do so.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) wrote: The man who in his being and his attributes and his actions and through his spiritual and holy faculties set an example of perfection, in knowledge and action and in sincerity and steadfastness, and was called the perfect man was Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him…. The man who was most perfect as man and as Prophet, and came with full blessings, and who through a spiritual revival and resurrection manifested the first judgment in the world and revived the dead world, that blessed Prophet, the Seal of the Prophets, the leader of the righteous ones, the pride of the Prophets, was Muhammad, the chosen one, peace and blessings of Allah be on him. Our Lord, send down on that beloved Prophet that mercy and blessing that Thou hast not sent down on anyone since the beginning of the world. Had that grand Prophet not appeared in the world then we would have no proof of the truth of lesser Prophets like Jonah, Job, Jesus son of Mary, Malachi, John, Zakaria, etc. Though they were favourites and honoured and were beloved ones of Almighty God, they are under obligation to this Prophet that they were accepted in the world as true Prophets. O Allah, send down Thy blessings on him and on his people and on his companions, all of them. Our last word is that all praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds (Essence of Islam Vol. 1 p. 199)
He wrote that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had a love of God of the highest degree as well as he endured deep poignancy in his great love for creation. His compassion for humanity, borne out of Rahimiyyat, was so intense that the Qur’an has safeguarded it in the verse above. His sentiments of sympathy as cited in the verse are both for the believers as well as the disbelievers. The disbelievers put him through the severest of persecution alongside his followers, yet the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) deeply desired their well-being and wished them to take the right path. In the instances when he defended himself it was strictly a case of defence and never exceeded to anything more. There was certainly no question of retaliation, ever.
When God admonished the disbelievers to desist and warned them of a torment in-waiting, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) would be deeply distressed on their behalf and would pray for them as the Quranic verse of Surah Al Kahf depicts (18:7).
Huzur said today even a father does not have so much concern for the worldly and spiritual well-being of his children, while the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) only had a bond of humanity with these people.
Next Huzur cited some Ahadith to elucidate the subject, how the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) taught prayers seeking Divine mercy and enjoined ways to seek utmost blessings. His compassion for the believers was so intense that he would pray to God to make any harsh words that he may have said to a believer a source of Divine nearness for him on the Day of Judgment. Such are the traits of this compassionate and merciful Prophet who was anxious to raise the spiritual development of his followers and was just as anxious for the salvation of those who did not follow him.
Huzur said these days one hears regular misinformation about Islam and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in the West with the intent to discredit.
Recently a politician from Holland, Geert Wilders made extremely crass and malicious comments about Islamic teachings. Whenever such a spate of malice surfaces the Community responds and Huzur said he has instructed the Community in Holland to write to the newspapers expounding the beautiful teaching of Islam. In this day and age it is only the religion of Islam that presents the accurate depiction of God, if one says something against Islam due to lack of knowledge or inaccurate information then it is our task to expound to them the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) encompassing all spheres of life. However, if they make the remarks out of malice and wickedness, then we rest our case.
The Dutch politician Wilders, Huzur said, seems to be steeped in malice and ill will. He was born a Catholic but now does not follow any religion. When they do not find any peace from their own religion, they begin attacking Islam. This person is a seasoned objector of Islam and was at the forefront of the Dutch controversy over the veil and has now said that had the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) lived in his country today he would have chased him out (God forbid) calling him an extremist. Huzur said let alone chase him out, little does he realise that this region will be filled with the Prophet’s followers. Explaining Huzur said, how hard the enemies of Islam have tried but they have always have met with failure. Today it is only the name of this “mercy for mankind” that is called out aloud five times a day in all the parts of the world where Muslims live. The Dutch politician has also remarked that half of the Holy Qur’an (God forbid) needs to torn out and thrown away. Huzur said although this person himself does not follow any religion but he should make comparative study of the scriptures of the religions that he deems better than Islam (Christianity and Judaism) and the Holy Qur’an and if something is still not clear he should ask us. Cautioning against Divine chastisement for those who exceed limits, Huzur explained that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) would be anxious and restless for the salvation of the likes of K. Wilders.
It is a grave responsibility of the Ahmadis to inform the world of the beautiful aspects of the Prophet’s blessed life. Those who allege that his teachings were excessive and militant should be told of the minute humanitarian details in which he trained his followers in the etiquette of battle, that how civilized and enlightened was his protocol for the prisoners of war
Conversely attention should be drawn to the annihilation of two Japanese cities in World War II, the dreadful effects of which are still being experienced by people and indeed what is being currently perpetrated in Iraq. How would they care to term it?
They should be reminded that despite all these atrocities, the teaching of the God of Islam is so beautiful that it states: “Except those who repent, and believe and do good deeds; for as to these, Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds; and Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful;” (26:71)
Huzur said the current predicaments of the Western world stem from lack of self-reflection, the disintegration of the family life is due to lack of faith in God. Ahmadis, having fully adopted the teachings of the Qur’an should counsel them that they need to desist from their ways; that their survival is in ceasing these attacks on one who was the benefactor for all humanity. Huzur said apart from wars, the world also faces damage from climatic change. The people of Holland say that God created the rest of the world but they created Holland themselves. Huzur cautioned that half of Holland lies below sea level and when storms rage they even reduce mountains to nothing.
Huzur enjoined to take the message of the Unity of God to the world out of compassion and concern and to make this message well-known, otherwise, he said the world is incurring the wrath of God by making these wicked attacks on the beloved of God.
Reading an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzur said the message of the Unity of God needs to taken to all those who are sensible because Allah’s designs and plans have come in motion as we experience everyday. Ours is just a humble effort.
In conclusion Huzur read another extract of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) addressing the boasters and said that the Muslim people are ever ready to give their lives for the honour of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and it should be remembered about those who make these offensive remarks that they are not even the well-wishers of their own people.
May Allah protect the world from all evil.
Huzur gave a discourse on the aspect of gentleness and forbearance in the teachings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Each Ahmadi should always have the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) at the forefront of their minds because it is a great source of reformation and indeed is the reason why each Ahmadi takes the pledge of allegiance (bai’at) and is what makes him/her distinct from others.
The purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was to bring man close to God, to raise the standard of man’s righteousness so that he/she can imbue the attributes of Allah. These indeed are the aspects that take man out of the dark pit/water-well, out of which our fathers and grandfathers had emerged by accepting the Messiah.
The teachings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) are not new, rather they are the same that the Qur’an expounds and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) elucidated and indeed set a supremely excellent model of, as Allah states in the Qur’an: ‘And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences.’ (68:5). The Qur’an also states ‘And among others from among them who have not yet joined them’ (62:4) and thus confirms that the Mahdi’s advent will take place who will be a perfect representation of his master Prophet’s blessed model.
In reality the time till the Day of Judgement is going to be the era of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and one takes the bai’at of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) with the commandment of the Holy Prophet. A believer takes the bai’at in order to renew the pledge to most sincerely implement and practice the great teaching and blessed model which, had been forgotten with the passing of time. By taking the pledge on the hand of the Messiah (on whom be peace) we promise to practice piety to the very best of our capabilities.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said he was sent so that with forbearance, gentleness and good morals, he would pull the long lost people towards the light that he had been given. Huzur said pulling one out of a pit/water-well takes endeavour and entails putting oneself in pain in order to remove the pain of the one who is stuck in the depth. Pulling one to guidance makes demands on the ‘helper’.
Explaining the process of spiritual development which begins with the ‘pulling’ towards guidance Huzur said it is like providing light on the path that leads to Allah. A path which has illimitable stages, one stage leads to another and after one reaches one stage the desire and passion to move onto the next stage intensifies. The light of guidance is a permanent light which once one has reached one stage illuminates the way to the next stage and so on and so forth. It is a constant endeavour for the one who guides and for the one who is guided.
The most important obligation of an Ahmadi is to make an attempt to walk this path of guidance in fulfilment of one’s bai’at and also to spread this message to one’s country people and those close to one. The modus operandi for this is to adopt gentleness, good morals and forbearance as the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has made it very clear that the purpose of his advent is not to get the message across with force. Indeed, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) set an excellent example of gentleness and forbearance in his family, his friends, his close associates and others, including the opponents and this alone is the way to win over hearts.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said not to be harsh, rather be gentle and to substantiate this mission with one’s piety.
Huzur said some people may present a forbearing, gentle side to the world outside but the atmosphere of their homes is contradictory. In this instance this can have an adverse effect on someone who is being done Tabligh by such a person and their actions would leave the person, who has not yet found guidance, in the lurch.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) enjoined to inculcate righteousness and to treat the matter of another who needed guidance in the same manner as one would treat one’s own son who did wickedness by counselling and advising him in private. He said a person whose manners and morals are not good has arrogance and thus the state of the faith/belief of such a person was perilous.
Huzur said he receives some letters each day which signify that there is a dearth of gentleness and patience in dealing with each other. Huzur said the time when the Promised Messiah made these admonitions there would have been just a handful of people in need of such counsel; however, with the Community expanding some ills also increase. Huzur said the administration of the Community tries but how much reformation can it carry out. Reformation is done by the self. As the Promised Messiah said the faith of one whose manners and morals are not good is in a perilous state. Indeed an Ahmadi would be petrified by this statement, indeed, should be petrified. Huzur said he has analysed the situation and realises that most conflicts stem from a lack of gentleness and due to arrogance. If the Islahi Committee of the administration of the Community cannot solve these matters they are passed onto the Qadha Board and if after this one party still does not comply then reluctantly they are ex-communicated from the Community. Huzur said some Waqf e Nau children have quarrelsome parents and their situation is reviewed because if that is the state of the parents how can they bring up the children properly.
Huzur said those who tend to get easily enraged also need to stop and think and reflect. Rather then beg forgiveness later on they should try and control their tempers when required. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that gentle and mild speech is in human nature as a child exhibits this before it learns the ways of the world. Gentility is inherent in humans. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) further elaborated the subject by citing verses 12 and 13 of Surah Al Hujurat (49:12-14). Explaining Huzur said in order to inculcate gentility good things should be said to others so that one infuses piety oneself because double-standard do not result in good outcome. Then, other people’s emotions and sentiments should be cared for and one should not get embroiled in self-absorption. Name-calling should be avoided as it is hurtful, thinking ill of others should also be shunned as it creates splits in mutual relationship. Needless suspicion not only ruins one’s own morals but also destroys social peace.
Huzur said a believer claims to be among those who adopt Divine attributes, thus espousing ills rather than gentility and deriding people rather than reforming them is not congruous attitude.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said those who indulge in name-calling, do not cover the faults of others, think and talk ill of others behind their backs incur Allah’s wrath in same measure as those who are rebellious and seditious. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) enjoined not to chase matters (with ill intent) which one does not have full knowledge of as each part of the human body will be held accountable for the wrong it has done in this world. He said something that one does not have definite knowledge of should not be entertained. With regards haughtiness of temper the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said one who flares into a temper cannot say anything of wisdom and discernment. Fury is half madness and if it exceeds it turns into full blown madness.
In his book Kishti Nuh (Our Teaching) the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) says:
‘Never unduly assert yourself with pride over others, even those who are placed under you. Never use abusive language for anyone, even though he abuses you. Be humble in spirit, kind and gentle and forgiving, sympathetic towards all and wishing them well, so that you should be accepted. There are many who pretend to be kind, gentle and forgiving but inside they are wolves; there are many on the outside they look pure, but in their hearts they are serpents. You cannot be accepted in the presence of the Lord unless you are pure, both on the outside and inside. If you are big have mercy for those who are small – not contempt; if you are wise and well versed in learning serve the ignorant with words of wisdom; never desire to bring disgrace on their ignorance by trying to show-off your own learning. If you are rich, instead of treating them with self-centred disdainful pride, you should serve the poor. Beware of the paths of destruction. Fear the Lord, be righteous…’ (Translation taken from Our Teaching p. 3)
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) also said that God covers faults of people until one exceeds all limit. It is man who wrongs himself in his ignorance of Divine forbearance and exceeds limits. It is only at this stage that God’s chastisement comes into action.
Huzur said the references he has cited in today’s sermon draw one’s attention towards forbearance and kindness so that we may reflect over them, try and understand them and adopt them. It is not sufficient to be an Ahmadi or to be the progeny of the companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). We will only honour the dues of our bai’at when we endeavour and reform ourselves and develop in spirituality. Huzur said many events are planned and have indeed commenced worldwide in terms of the Khilafat Centenary this year. Holding events and making excellent arrangements are not our objectives, rather, it is prayer and good deeds and these are indeed are the two aspects [belief and good works] that Allah has made the beneficence of Khilafat conditional to, rather than who holds the best musha’ira (poetry reading/recital) or who plans the best programmes.
Huzur said the books of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) are a tremendous source of attainting this objective. These books elucidate all the aspects of righteousness and piety most extensively. The books are in Urdu, very few have been translated and even those who know Urdu language pay little attention. That is why, Huzur said, it was his greater objective, apart from guidance, to include extracts from the Promised Messiah’s writings in his sermons to take the message to people in his words. Although translations of his books are few, the task is being carried out most expediently and with great fervour by respected Ch Muhammad Ali sahib in Rabwah. His zeal is astonishing, many young people have written to Huzur that Ch. Sahib has infused the spirit of Waqf (dedication) in them. Huzur said prayers should be made for this task, he said he had mentioned this incidentally.
Huzur said when he cites extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in his sermons they get translated in various languages. Although this translation is not up to standard, indeed cannot be up to standard, however, it serves the purpose of his words reaching people to some extent. May we seek beneficence of the beautiful teaching of Allah and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) through the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). This alone is the purpose of the bai’at and is the objective of being an Ahmadi, may Allah enable us to attain it
lmao@the lunacy of these fools…
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3527410,00.html
Rabbi Eliyahu: Life of one yeshiva boy worth more than 1,000 Arabs
Mass Jerusalem service marks one-month anniversary of deadly attack on Mercaz Harav rabbinical seminary. ‘We do not seek vengeance, we seek retaliation,’ says yeshiva head says
Kobi Nahshoni Published: 04.03.08 21:03 / Israel News
Some 1,000 people attended a memorial service at the Mercaz Harav rabbinical seminary Thursday, marking the one-month anniversary of the murderous attack which claimed the lives of eight young men.
Also attending the service were many prominent rabbis of the Religious Zionist Movement, who were not shy about expressing their rage against the government’s policy.
Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, head of the Mercaz Harav yeshiva, chose to explain the attack by saying that “the Torah and the land of Israel are acquired only through agony.”
Former Sephardi chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu called on the government to decree that for every life lost in the attack another yeshiva and township will be formed.
Remembering the fallen. The memorial (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
“Even when we seek revenge, it is important to make one thing clear – the life of one yeshiva boy is worth more than the lives of 1,000 Arabs.
“The Talmud states that if gentiles rob Israel of silver they will pay it back in gold, and all that is taken will be paid back in folds, but in cases like these there is nothing to pay back, since as I said – the life of one yeshiva boy is worth more than the lives of 1,000 Arabs,” added Rabbi Eliyahu.
Ramat Gan’s chief rabbi, Yaacov Ariel, chose to deliver a more moderate message: “We do not seek vengeance, we seek retaliation. The terrorist’s house should have been demolished immediately, regardless of the law. It should have been done because it was a matter of life and death – the deterrence could help save future lives.”
“We are against killing innocent people or harming children,” he added, “but once terrorists hide behind children, we have to strike back. The blood of those living in Sderot is worth just as much as the blood of those the terrorists hide behind.”
Mercaz Harav will be holding a vigil in memory of those killed in the attack all through Thursday night.