After reciting Tashahhud, Ta`awwuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would continue mentioning expeditions from the life of the Holy Prophet(sa).
Hazrat Ghalib bin Abdullah Laithi(ra) towards Fadak
The Expedition of His Holiness(aba) said that one expedition was of Hazrat Ghalib bin Abdullah Laithi(ra) towards Fadak, which took place in Sha’ban 7 AH. Hazrat Ghalib took 30 men with him towards the Banu Murrah, and all 30 of the men with Hazrat Ghalib(ra) were martyred. When the Holy Prophet(sa) heard of this, he sent Hazrat Zubair bin al-Awwam(ra) to the place where the Muslims had been martyred, along with 200 Muslims, with the instruction of not leaving those who had martyred the Muslims. Hazrat Ghalib(ra) advanced towards the enemy and he saw that they had been falling asleep. He enjoined the Muslims to follow him and obey him. He also established a brotherhood among the Muslims present and stated that no two brothers should become separated or unaware of each other’s whereabouts.
His Holiness(aba) said that when the battle started, Hazrat Ghalib(ra) glorified God and the Muslims followed suit. Then, the battle ensued in which the Muslims gained the upper hand and ultimately took the spoils of war.
The Expedition of Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahb(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that there was another expedition known as the Expedition of Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahb(ra) which took place in Rabi’ al-Awwal 8 AH. Hazrat Shuja’(ra) was among those early companions to accept Islam and was also among those who migrated to Abyssinia. He also took part in all battles alongside the Holy Prophet(sa) and ultimately was martyred during the Battle of Yamamah. The Holy Prophet(sa) had been receiving reports that the Banu Hawazin were aiding enemies of Islam and that they would loot allies of Islam and then hide. The Muslims overcame the enemy and took the spoils of war.
The Expedition of Hazrat Ka’b bin Umair(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that there was another expedition known as the Expedition of Hazrat Ka’b bin Umair which took place in Rabi’ al-Awwal 8 AH. The Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ka’b(ra) towards Dhat al-Atlah which was in Syria near Mu’tah, at a distance of 600 miles from Madinah. Hazrat Ka’b(ra) was accompanied by 15 men. The Holy Prophet(sa) had received word that a large army was being formed in Dhat al-Atlah against the Muslims. When Hazrat Ka’b(ra) was reaching close, an enemy spy went back and informed his people, who assembled their army. Hazrat Ka’b(ra) invited them to Islam, which they refused and began firing arrows at the Muslims. The Muslims fought back valiantly until they were all martyred, except for Hazrat Ka’b(ra) who was severely wounded. The Holy Prophet(sa) was greatly pained upon learning this news.
The Battle of Mu’tah
His Holiness(aba) said that then there was the Battle of Mu’tah. This took place in Jamadi al-Ula 8 AH. Muta was a city in Syria. It is recorded that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Harith(ra) with a letter addressed to the governor of Basra. When Hazrat Harith(ra) reached Mu’tah, Shurahbil Ghassani approached him, asking where he was going and enquiring if he was a representative of the Holy Prophet(sa). Shurahbil ordered for Hazrat Harith(ra) to be captured and later martyred him. This pained the Holy Prophet(sa) a great deal and ultimately led to the Battle of Mu’tah.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent an army of 3,000 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Zaid bin Harithah(ra) towards Syria. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that if Hazrat Zaid(ra) were martyred, then Hazrat Ja’far bin Abu Talib(ra) would become the leader of the army. If he were martyred, then Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah(ra) would become the leader. And if he were martyred, then the Muslims could select a leader. The Holy Prophet(sa) gave a white flag to Hazrat Zaid(ra) and instructed him to go where Hazrat Harith(ra) had been martyred and invite the people there to Islam. If they accepted, then that was fine, but if they did not, then they should engage in battle.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent the army off from Thaniyah al-Wada. He enjoined the army to adopt righteousness and fight against the enemies of God in His name. He instructed them not to be deceptive or untruthful, nor to kill any child, woman or elderly person. He instructed that they should not cut down any trees, nor should they topple any buildings. He instructed the commanders to give the enemy three options: to either migrate from their land, to go to the villages where Muslims reside, or that they could remain there while paying the Jizyah. If they refused all three options, then the Muslims should engage in battle with them.
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet’s (sa) words came true, in that Hazrat Zaid(ra), Hazrat Ja’far(ra), and Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah(ra) were all martyred. Then, ultimately, Khalid bin Walid(ra) took hold of the flag upon the insistence of the Muslims and safely brought them to Madinah.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would continue mentioning these incidents in the future.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness(aba) said that he would now mention a martyr and some other deceased members.
Laeeq Ahmad Cheema
Laeeq Ahmad Cheema was martyred on 18 April in Karachi. A mob attacked him and mercilessly martyred him. Word was received that a mob had gathered outside the Ahmadiyya Hall in Karachi, and Laeeq Ahmad Cheema was sent to see what the circumstances were. The mob recognised him, attacked him, dragged him and then martyred him with bricks and stones. The police arrived an hour later when the martyr’s body was taken to the hospital. He had a workshop where he fixed cars and motorcycles. He was known for his good work and trustworthiness. He was always ready to serve the Community. He was regular in offering prayers and enjoined his children, family members and even workers to do the same. He would give precedence to offering prayers over his work. He was very kind and loving. He had a special bond with Khilafat and regularly ensured to watch the Friday Sermon. He had great love for the Holy Qur’an which he would recite and listen to regularly. Even before his martyrdom, he had been receiving threats from the enemies of Ahmadiyyat. He was never afraid of the opposition, and always ensured to offer prayers in the mosque without any fear. He is survived by two wives, seven children and siblings. One of his wives is also expecting. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah elevate his station and protect his family and bring the enemy to task swiftly.
His Holiness(aba) said that today as well, there were reports that a young Ahmadi from a village in Kasur has been martyred. The details have not yet been received. May Allah swiftly procure the means for these cruel people to be brought to task. All that can be said for such people is:
اللّٰھُمَّ مَزِّقْھُمْ کُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ وَ سَحِّقْھُمْ تَسْحِیْقًا
‘O Allah, annihilate [the enemy] and crush them to pieces.’
Amatul Musawwar Noori
Amatul Musawwar Noori, wife of Dr Masoodul Hassan Noori. She was the granddaughter of Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmad(ra) and was His Holiness’(aba) cousin. Her marriage with Dr Noori was facilitated by the Third Caliph(rh) who had personally prayed for the marriage. She was regular in offering prayers, hospitable, caring to the needy and poor and had a great deal of trust in Allah. She had been studying the Holy Qur’an in great detail. She was also interested in studying other religions as well. She was very supportive of her husband and made many sacrifices along the way. She endured her illness with great patience. She had a great deal of love for Khilafat. She abstained from backbiting and other such vices. She had an interest in collecting historical artefacts. She was caring to others, and would tend to the needs of other girls along with teaching them to recite the Holy Qur’an. She had great respect for life-devotees. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant her forgiveness and mercy.
Hassan Sanugo Abu Bakr
Hassan Sanugo Abu Bakr who was a local missionary in Burkina Faso. He would deliver a lesson on the Holy Qur’an daily during Ramadan which would be broadcast on the radio. After obtaining higher education, which included al-Azhar University, where he learned Arabic, he settled in Ivory Coast where he established a school. Ahmadi missionaries went to the area to preach and Hassan Sanugo Abu Bakr went to confront the Ahmadis and prove them wrong. However, upon conversing with them, he realised they were upon the truth. He subsequently accepted Ahmadiyyat. He then left his school and dedicated his life for the service of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He would later be sent to Burkina Faso, where he spread the message of Ahmadiyyat, and on account of his oratory, knowledge and proficiency, opponents would fear conversing with him. He helped many people accept Ahmadiyyat. He was swift and decisive in uprooting any sort of uprising against the Community. He is survived by his mother, wife, brothers, three children and grandchildren. He was regular in offering prayer and voluntary prayers, never missing any prayers even during illness. He was kind to everyone he met, had great love for the Holy Qur’an and was a lover of the Holy Prophet(sa). His Holiness(aba) said that he exemplified what it meant to be a missionary, and is an example which other missionaries should keep before them. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah continue granting the Community such people who hold fast to the spirit of life devotion in the same manner. He was like a sword in defense of Ahmadiyyat, and he never harboured enmity against anyone. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah elevate his station and enable his children to carry on the legacy of his virtues, and make them the fulfilment of his prayers.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
