USA , Canada Speak - Sun will Rise from the West - Promised Voices Start from Land - Responsibility

[DawudTalut]

Peace be on you.
‘And as for the bounty of your Lord do relate (it to others).’ [Holy Quran, Surah Al-Duha : Verse 12]

SECTION 1 - TWO WAYS TO BE THANKFUL FOR ALLAH’S BOUNTIES
Faithful believe that Allah is the source of all physical and spiritual bounties. Faithful servants of ardent devotee of Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) relate bounties and blessings of Allah:

== by obeying commandments of Allah and
== by telling the world about the light they have received from Allah. This light decorates one’s worldly life and the life in Hereafter.


SECTION 2 - CONTINUED BLESSINGS DUE TO HOLY PROPHET (s.a.w.)
In this age, the Message of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) is to be spread by his ardent devotee Promised Messiah (a.s.). For this blessed service, Allah granted him His Support and Signs which still continue. The Promised Messiah (a.s.) was revealed:

‘If you (want to) count the favours of Allah, it will be impossible for you.’
‘And as for the bounty of your Lord do relate (it to others).’


The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) wrote:

‘Owing to the commandment ‘And as for the bounty of your Lord do relate (it to others)’ this humble one sees nothing wrong in expressing that merely out of His grace and favour, the Noble and Merciful God has given this humble one a generous measure in all these matters. He did not send this useless one empty-handed and did not appoint him without any signs. On the contrary, all the signs were given which are now materialising and will continue to do so. Until God Almighty manifestly establishes the process of reasoning, He will continue to exhibit these signs. [Translated from ‘Tafseerul Qur’an, Vol. VI, p. 649]

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) also wrote:

‘Humility and meekness…are essential conditions of Ubudiyyat (devotion of God/being His servant), however, owing to the commandment in the noble verse: ‘And as for the bounty of your Lord do relate (it to others)’ it is also extremely necessary to relate Divine bounties.’ [Translated from ‘Tafseerul Qur’an, Vol. VI, p. 649]

SECTION 3 - BRIEF NARRATES OF RECENT BLESSINGS IN USA, CANADA TOUR
Recently, Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah V (may Allah strengthen him with His Mighty Help) toured USA (West Coast) and Canada. He met with outside-guests from commons, officials, intellectuals and his Community. Media (Newspapers, TV, radio) interviewed him. Real message of Islam was reached to estimated 20 millions people at various levels. This was only due to grace of Allah, the Exalted.

REACHING TO HISPANICS=== In a previous Friday sermon, he instructed the local Jamaat how to reach Hispanic people in LA area. [It was coincidence that he visited Spain few weeks ago to inaugurate a mosque in Valencia.]


CONVEYING PEACFUL MESSAGE OF ISLAM TO A HETEROGENEOUS RECEPTION===On 11 th May 2013, in a reception, Holy Khalifah (a.t.) addressed 291 guests from all walks of life and conveyed to them the peaceful, loving, respectful and Just teachings of real Islam. Initial arrangements of hotel administration were based on assumption that there would be lesser interest by worldly minded people. But till last day, people showed keen interest for coming. Seats were increased, yet some people were apologized.

Attendance included:
5 guests were US Congress persons.
14 from renowned media.
27 elected and governmental officials.
37 professors.
13 diplomats.
26 NGO representatives.
29 inter-faith leaders.
20 members of law enforcement.
2 guests belonging to think-tanks.
6 members of armed forces.
36 professionals.


Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah told them that God of Islam is universal: ‘al hamdo lillahey rabbil aalami’ [Holy Quran Surah Al Fatiha, Opening Chapter] i.e. all prais is for Allah Who is the Lord of all the worlds. That is why love and affection of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) is for all humanity. From the aspects of his (s.a.w.) exemplary life it was proved that Islam is not extremist religion. Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)’s model exerted impact on the guests. Latter they repeatedly said such peaceful teaching should be spread as world needs it. MTAi (mta.tv) has recorded some comments.


REMARKS BY HONORABLE GUESTS===Following are some comments by some dignitaries:
BARBARA GOLDBERG, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF WELLS BRINGS HOPE….. ‘I am writing to express my deep appreciation for inviting us to be part of your welcome lunch for His Holiness. You created a very moving programme, which was not only an expression of respect but also one that conveyed a community that many of us didn’t know much about.’

ROBERT CROCKETT, PARTNER AT A PRESTIGIOUS LAW FIRM OF LATHAM AND WATKINS LLP..... 'I thought His Holiness' explantion of the Quran on the issue of war was pretty interesting. He's willing to tackle the tough issue with non-believers.'


DR. FRANK LEIVO, A DISTINGUISHED PHYSICIAN….. ‘His Holiness represents a denomination that I have had limited exposure to and yet his words fit my religious philosophy perfectly…….every word emanating from his lips was truth. His goal of world peace and his timely warning of nuclear war are words that our leaders need to hear and heed.’


PETE AGUILAR, MAYOR OF REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA….. ‘ I wanted to personally thank you for the invitation to join you Saturday to hear His Holiness deliver the message of tolerance and peaceful relations within our world…..I was very appreciative to hear the message from His Holiness about the separation of church and state….we need to be aware that many others throughout the world are discriminated against because of their religious beliefs…..I agree with His Holiness that peace cannot be achieved without an end to oppressive viewpoint and cruelty to others. My hope is that through continued education of our young people we can open their eyes to a world of tolerance and appreciation for each other that will lead to a better and more tolerant world.’


LEE BACA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF (very well known)….. ‘His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad’s visit to Los Angeles resulted in the message of peace, love and justice to five hundred of all faiths. The audience consisted of public safety leaders, members of congress, city councils and educators. His Holiness emphasized “Love of all – hatred for none” as the true teaching of the Prophet (peace and blessings be on him). World peace is responsibility that all faiths can embrace was common feeling by those in attendance.’

HONOURABLE GREY DAVIS, FORMER GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA….. ‘I really enjoyed his message of peace, understanding, and respect for all of God’s children….You know, I think that we have to realize that we are all God’s children.....There is one God, He made us all, and He wanted us to love Him and our neighbours.’ …… [He was sitting next to Holy Khalfah and had a good conversation; he showed great interest in MTAi and took its channel frequency for watching …..(note: MTAi comes on mta.tv and on also on alislam.org)]


ERIC GARCETTI, A MEMBER OF LA CITY COUNCIL….. ‘His Holiness’ speech described a clear path of brotherly cooperation and respect as the foundation for peace and prosperity in the world…. (we) wish him all the best in his mission to spread a message of love, empowerment, and tolerance throughout the world.’


DANA ROHRABACHER, US CONGRESSMAN….. ‘His Holiness today gave a st of remarks that were reaching out to all of us…..His message of tolerance and love and of accepting one another is important to bind all of us here…..This was the first time I met him, and I’m impressed by his very academic, thoughtful and logical approach to issues he presented as well as his analysis of the world. He has a message that can be accepted by people of various faiths…..His message of peace bears listening to – he has a gravitas when he speaks about peace.’


RACHEL MORAN, DEAN, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SCHOOL OF LAW….. ‘It is an honour and a privilege to be part of such event that promotes peace and tolerance. We took home an important ethical lesson today, that each of us has a responsibility to seek harmony and build bridges in our everyday lives and in every opportunity. What could be more inspiring than that?.......His Holiness represents a sense of spirituality and idealism that provides us with an important message in a world that is rife with conflict. He reminds us that peace is a collective obligation and that there is strong ecumenical part of his kind of thinking and his philosophy that is that regardless of religion we are all objects of love and we all have an obligation to love others.’


HONOURABLE MUHAMMAD SAMIR. CONSUL GENERAL OF EGYPT….. ‘ He is leader of wisdom….I was highly inspired….what he said today…..his words are very inspiring and I encourage people to cooperate and coexist….we have to apply his advice to coexist…’

SOPHIA PANDYA, PROFESSOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY….. ‘I particularly enjoyed His Holiness’ comments on world peace and love of all community. The world needs more humanitarian points of light such as the Ahmadiyya movement.’


JOHN MCMOHAN, FROM SAN BERARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT….. ‘The message was on point and we all agree that working together towards peace is the direction we need to travel.’



END OF PART 1 (of 3)……CONTINUES…….

 

[DawudTalut]

CONTINUES......

AZIZA HASAN, A FORMER DIRECTOR OF MUSLIM PUBLIC AFFAIR COUNCIL….. ‘Congratulations on an incredible event this last Saturday. I walked away refreshed and energized as both an Interfaith professional and Muslim community Member. His Holiness was eloquent and relevant. I really appreciated that he tackled violence accusations against Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Many people try to avoid or dance around the issue. His remarks addressed them head on to a distinguished audience with a great number of followers.’


REVERAND JAN CHASE….. ‘I am grateful for this opportunity to meet His Holiness and to attend this grand gathering. I particularly liked that fact he addressed the subject of terrorism so directly in his remarks.’


VISIBLE CHANGES IN OPINIONS OBSERVED ===
= On one hand, in USA, public statements against Islam and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) are heard and on the other hand above voices are praising the Ahmadiyya Khalifah’s explanation of real Islam.


= Dana Rohrabacher is a Republican Congressman whose views are usually seen as anti-Islamic. His remarks after the above reception have been cited above. Later, he sent a letter to Ahmadiyya Community's director of Public Affairs (external affairs) in US and wrote: ‘His Holiness should enjoy a sense of accomplishment that his visit to Southern California planted some seeds that will reap goodness of hearts for years to come.’ ……That is how Allah has brought changes through Ahmadiyya Khalifah.


INTERVIEW WITH LOS ANGELES TIMES===
Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah (may Allah strengthen him with His Mighty Help) was interviewed by Los Angeles Times. Below is the published version of it:

Q: How do you spread the message of Islam as a religion of peace in the circumstances you find in the United States where, because of terrorist attacks by Muslim extremists, some people harbour misconceptions about the nature of Islam?

A: Muslims have been persecuted and attacked by their opponents throughout history, and have found themselves at war, compelled to retaliate for the mistreatment. But there is now no such religious war. Whenever any jihadist organization stands up in the name of Islam and misconstrues its true teachings, we have to stand up to this and speak out. Not only in the United States but everywhere in the world you see the name of Islam being defamed by opponents, those who don’t have a true understanding of Islam. These are militant groups, not followers of the true religion, and we always stand against them.
Here in the United States, we have a program of good works. For the past two years we have been conducting the “Muslims for Life” campaign. We organize the donation of blood. The first time this drive was conducted we collected 10,000 blood donations and distributed them to hospitals.


Q: Your community is committed to separation of church and state, which is a distinction from some Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East where political leaders are trying to establish Islamic governments in the place of the authoritarian regimes ousted in the Arab Spring revolutions. Would the region be more stable, in your opinion, if new secular governments were created instead?

A: In Egypt, what we have seen after having removed Hosni Mubarak is that nothing has changed. We have a government that still doesn’t discharge its duties to the public and isn’t respecting the rights of the people. In Libya, every tribe has its own government. The defence minister warned recently that some are attempting to overthrow the elected government and that unless some steps are taken there will be another disaster. In Tunisia, everyone says they are changing the country for the best and in the name of religion, but there is no peace. If there is going to be true democracy in the region it has to be practiced as in the West [without religious domination].



Q: How does the international community go about restoring peace in the region now racked by war and violent opposition?

A: A few months back, President Shimon Peres of Israel said the United Nations should send forces into these disrupted countries, but only forces comprised of Arab soldiers, not Western troops. It is the proper role of neighbours to get together and try to stop the conflicts in their region. It’s the duty of neighbouring countries to stop the atrocities in Syria.


Q: How do you imagine the fighting in Syria could be brought to an end?

A: The government of Syria is predominantly Alawite, while the majority of Syrians are Sunnis. The government mistreated Sunnis and created inequality. Now there are others with vested interests coming into the country, including extremists, to help the rebels. So there is now conflict among the rebels as well as with the government. The atrocities and persecution were started by the government, but now both parties are guilty. They won’t resolve it themselves, so there should be some initiative to find a way out and bring an end to the fighting.



Q: You say it is the responsibility of neighbouring countries to help find a path to peace. Do you see the efforts recently announced by Russia and the United States to bring the Syrian parties together in negotiations as a desirable response by neighbours, or are these powers too far removed from the region?

A: The world is now a global village, so the idea of neighbourhood is broader. But there are still two blocs in the world, with Russia supporting the Syrian government and Western governments supporting the rebels. It will be a test of the goodwill of the United States and Russia to stop the violence there. It must be stopped, because if it continues it will draw in the whole world.



Q: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community leadership has been driven from Pakistan into exile. What is at the root of your differences with other Muslims, and how does the rift affect the cohesion and unity of Islam's message?

A: We believe that the Messiah has come as a subordinate, non-law-bearing prophet in the person of the founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community [in 1889]. Other Muslims disagree and believe after the Holy Prophet of Islam comes, there can be no other prophet, either one bearing a new law or not.
In Pakistan, the regime has passed a law against Ahmadis, saying we are not Muslims for the purposes of law and the constitution. The Ahmadis number in the millions, not only in Pakistan. But there you can see it was the fear of Pakistani mullahs that if they did not stop the Ahmadis from freely practicing their religion, the Ahmadis might attract every Pakistani Muslim into their fold.



Q: Where is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community strongest in the world, and where is it growing fastest?

A: We have millions of followers in Asia, but the following is increasing fastest in West Africa. Pakistan used to be the biggest Ahmadi community, but now certain African countries have greater numbers. We are increasing day by day, every year by 100,000s.
Some people are afraid of Islam. Some people have become indifferent to all religions. They don’t believe in any God. But after a certain period they will come back and find religion. When they reach this state, we believe and we hope that we will help people fill this spiritual gap with the true teachings of our religion.

INTERVIEW BY WALL STREET JOURNAL=== It is intellectual newspaper with international circulation.
The correspondent asked what was the purpose of Holy Khalifah’s visit to USA. Perhaps question was based on preconception that leaders usually visit USA for worldly gains. Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah (a.t.) responded:
= Entire Earth is ours and we have to take our message everywhere.
= He has come to meet members of his Jamaat.
= He has not come to seek anything for himself or his Jamaat. The only gain he wants is to make programme to create and develop peace in the world.
= He warned against impending world war if necessary steps were not taken.
= He said drone attacks were taking innocent lives and they were increasing anti-West sentiments.


MESSAGE REACHED TO 12 MILLION PEOPLE THROUGH US MEDIA=== It was pure Grace and Omnipotence of f Allah that took the message to masses. It was far beyond Jamaat’s resources.
= 5.5 million reached through………...Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune and few other newspaper in print media
= 5 million people reached through……online sites.
= 1.5 million people reached through…..radio
Now Jamaat has to reap further benefits from this blessing.
END OF PART 2 (of 3)……CONTINUES

 

[DawudTalut]

LAST PART CONTINUES……..
VANCOUVER CANADA, INAUGURATION OF MOSQUE AND INTERVIEWS, EFFECTS===
= Bait ur Rahman mosque was inaugurated. Outside guests were invited and event received good media coverage.

= 8.5 million people reached through the coverge of inauguration of mosque and through various interviews. CBC, CTV, Global TV, 11 newspapers and radio stations carried the message to masses.


= A friend of Jama’at, Man meet Singh, a minister in Alberta Provisional Assembly, will add points from address of Holy Khalifah into his speech which he will deliver in Geneva.

= A representative of radio station called ‘Sher e Punjab’ found the address very courageous.

= ‘When we inaugurate a new mosque, we initiate a new chapter of relgious freedom’…These words of Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah were especially like.

= CBC correspondent reported in news that Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah replied satisfactorily to all questions.

= A business man remarked that, in inauguration, he had found that peace is not only a teaching of Christianity. He would relate this to his children.

= A Morrocan Muslim hoped that this promotion of message of peace will help encounter the misconception about Islam as an extremist religion. He said he had learned many new things from the address.

= A guest found, the address was thought-provoking and covered wide range of matters. It dealt with fear of ordinary person. It was lucid and carried foresight.

= Message of Touheed (Oneness of Allah) in the address was significant for world, according to a guest.


= Time and again, various incidents were refered to; the train incident in Canada, the Boston bombing, and London [Woolwich] killing. Holy Khalifah said it is not Islamic teaching. Holy Quran teaches peace, it is not being practiced that is why Allah sent Promised Messiah.


= Question was asked what Ahmadiyya Community is doing for peace. Holy Khalifah said we are constantly spreading beautiful teaching of Islam in various countries and by serving people.


= Question was asked about extremism in mosques. Holy Khalifah replied that our mosques always give messag of peace and love. That is why, in general, there are not many criminally minded people in our Community; if there is odd person, Community ex-communicate him.


=CBC correspondent repeatedly, in various ways tried to get Holy Khalifah to say Islam does not promote peace, she was told what she was trying, would not succeed in, as Islam really is a religion of peace. [ She latter admitted to some people about her tactic.]


= Question, she asked: How our message would spread? She was told that we will tirelessly take our message to the world. Promised Messiah was alone, then within his lifetime he had 500,000 followers. Now, after 125 years, Jamaat is in tens of millions. InshaAllah Muslims and non-Muslims are joining the Community.



SECTION 4 - MESSAGE REACHED TO 20 MILLION IN USA CANADA TOUR ---- PROMISED SUPPORTIVE VOICES WERE HEARD -- EASTERN AND WESTERN SPANISH PEOPLE
With the Grace of Allah, not by human effort, 20 million people received the Promised Messiah’s message of true Islam. Supportive response was also due to Grace of Allah. Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah IV (may Allah have mercy on him), in his dream, heard the sounds coming from ground (Los Angeles area) in support of true Islam…….These supportive voices and comments (some are mentioned above) are aspect of this tour. May these voices increase and greatly resonate in favour of Islam……..It is special from Allah, that in April, Holy Khalifah (a.t.) visited Spain and extensive introduction of Jamaat took place, and now visit to the region of USA where many Spanish speaking people live, Jamaat is introduced. Now it is Community’s task to bring Eastern and Western Spanish people into true Islam.



SECTION 5 - PROPHECY OF HOLY PROPHET (s.a.w.): SUN WILL RISE FROM WEST – ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES
Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah II (The Musleh Moud, The Promised Son of Promised Messiah, may Allah be pleased with him) once said that there was a USA connection to ‘the Sun rising from the West’ [It is well known prophecy of Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) that in latter days Sun will rise from West (Ibne Majah)-----of course it has spiritual meanings.]


In USA, Canada and rest of the world, alongwith conveying message to others, own training and training of newcomers is essential. All of it should be planned and thankfully practiced with increase in worship of Allah. This tour has taken message to about 4% of USA (25% West Coast) nd 25% of Canada.
Allah has enabled younger or relatively younger members in USA and Canada to explore new avenues. Their system has worked well. Now Tabligh (conveying) and Tarbiyyat (training) departments should avail further benefits. There should be no pride, all should increase in humility. The Promised Messiah had said that humbleness and humilitywere very important. May Allah enable everyone to abide by these.

Reference: Friday Sermon (31 st May 2013) by Hadhrat Khalifa tul Messiah (may Allah strengthen him with His Mighty Help), alislam.org and mta.tv, London UK