singursaga: Fwd: [bangla-vision] Patience and steadfastness in everyday life and in difficult circumstances

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From: Din Shahed <dmshahedr1@yahoo.ca>
Date: Sat, Nov 27, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Subject: [bangla-vision] Patience and steadfastness in everyday life and in difficult circumstances

Patience and steadfastness in everyday life and in difficult circumstances
Summary of Friday Sermon

Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

November 19 th, 2010

And those who believe and do good works - them shall We surely house in lofty mansions of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein. Excellent is the reward of those who work good. (29:59)

The Holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) raised a nation of believers who were advanced in faith. He was the last prophet and faith attained perfection through him. Allah's pleasure can be attained through acting on this faith. His companions advanced in faith and it became a source of peace and approval from the Almighty for them.

An action which is to attract the pleasure of the Almighty is a righteous action ('Aml Salih). The verse recited at the beginning mentions those who brought about a great revolution through the training and heavenly power of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). They attained such strength that they presented the greatest sacrifices for the sakes of righteous standing.

When they were asked to bear persecution, they complied and did not respond to harshness with harshness. When they were asked to leave their homes, they complied and migrated. When they were allowed to defend themselves, they took up arms and punished the enemy.

In this verse, Allah the Almighty says that when a believer's actions become subordinate to the will of the Almighty, and he considers his life as a trust from Him, Allah will admit such people into Paradise due the sacrifices they present with steadfastness.

The strength of the faith of the companions and the strength to steadfastly carry out righteous actions were created through the spiritual power of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah on him).

I relate from Ahadith some examples of the sublime examples of the steadfastness and persistence shown by the companions in their daily lives and in the thick of the battle with the enemy. These examples illustrate how to act in different circumstances.

Ahadith indicate how a person should be steadfast in their family life. I have received reports and letters that some ladies are teased by their in-laws that they bore daughters only. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that if a person is tried through having daughters only, his daughters will be a barrier between him and the fire in the next world.

Some people are easily excitable and do not socialize. The Holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that a person who socializes and bears inconveniences and hurtful behavior patiently is better than a person who does not socialize and does not show patience and steadfastness in the face of hurtful treatment.

A person should undertake the reformation and the betterment of the society. Patience enhances forbearance leading to opportunities for further righteous acts. Members should cultivate patience and avoid frictions emanating from impatience.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that a strongman is not the one who wrestles the other down but the one who controls his anger.

Hadrat A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) never hit anyone with his own hand except for in a battle and never retaliated except to hold the honor of God high.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that patience in the face of a hurt increases one's honor.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) marveled at the fate of a Muslim that he is rewarded when he is steadfast in difficulty. He shows gratefulness in good circumstances leading to blessings and shows patience in difficulty leading to blessings. Any trouble a Muslim endures, Allah makes it a source of atonement for his lapses. Allah likes a person who is patient in face of the trouble caused to him by his neighbor.

Hadrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said that patience in faith is as a head on a body.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) taught us that when a believer is afflicted by a misfortune, he says, "Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return" (2:157)

And that, Allah, bless me with a better alternate.

Allah, the Almighty, declares the same in the Holy Qur'an, "Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, 'Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.' (2:157)

It is these on whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy, and it is these who are rightly guided. (2:158)

Now I relate some instances of the steadfastness of the companions who benefited from the training of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and showed excellent example of patience and steadfastness.

Hadrat A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that the early Muslims were put in the trial of persecution. Her father, Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) decided to migrate to Habshah. A friend of his told him that neither a good person like him should migrate nor should be forced to migrate, and provided him his protection on the condition that he would pray inside his house. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be please with him) established a mosque in the yard of his house to pray and recited the Qur'an loudly. The neighbors would see him over the wall of his home. The non-believers complained. His friend asked him to desist or revoke his protection. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) revoked his protection. Then he was tormented, beaten, and his hair on his beard and head were pulled.

The Ahmadis in Pakistan are stopped from offering their Prayers. Maulawis reported to police this week that the Ahmadis should be stopped from offering sacrifices of animals. Police summoned the Ahmadis and warned them that they should sacrifice animals within the walls of their homes and that they do not have the right to hurt the feelings of other Muslims. Ahmadis told the police that they already confine their activities to the walls of their homes and do not conduct them outside their homes but yet the Maulawis are bent on mischief.

It is related that a lady preached Islam secretly. The non-believers tied her to a camel and traveled for three days. They did not give her anything to eat or drink. They secured the camel in sun and went in shade. She saw water and reached it and drank it and sprayed some on her body to alleviate the effects of intense heat. When the non-believers returned, they saw her in better condition and noticed the signs of water splashes. They thought that she had freed herself and had drank from their water. She denied their allegations and told her story. They checked their water and found that it was the same amount as before. They said that such a faith is true and accepted Islam.

Hadrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) was laid with naked back on hot surface and weight was put on him to hold him down while he continued saying, the One, the One. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) secured his freedom in exchange for another slave.

During the time of the Khilafat of Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Hadrat Khabbab (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that there were people to save Bilal but there was no one to save him from the torments of the non-believers. Once he was thrown in burning fire and was pushed down onto it. He showed Hadrat Umar the marks resulting from the torture. His owner used to put burning iron rod over his head. She was afflicted with some disease and was advised to have her head touched with burning iron rod. She had to ask Hadrat Khabbab to carry out this treatment. This way Hadrat Khabbab saw the reward of his patience himself.

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) has so said: Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) never raised sword himself. He bore torment with perseverance, and so did his companions. The companions were trampled under feet. Their children were cut into pieces. They were tortured. Despite their bravery, their strength and their power, they did not rise against attacks and were patient for thirteen years. Their patient was not due to helplessness but rather they had laid down their arms in compliance with heavenly instructions. We do not find such morals in any other nations. This example is without parallel. They did not undertake defense until they were directed after their migration to Mecca.

May Allah allow us to continue to show patience and steadfastness, and may He create circumstances for the seizure of the enemy, and may we continue to inherit the blessings of Allah. Amin.
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Virtue of steadfastness and practice of the Promised Messiah(as)
Summary of Friday Sermon

Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad at, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

November 26 th, 2010

Hudhur gave a discourse on the supreme virtue of steadfastness with reference to the practice of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Hudhur said his practice was in following the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) who abided by most excellent patience because God commands: '…seek help with patience and Prayer…' (2:154)

Only those people can put this in practice who have complete faith and trust in God. In the current age it is the Community of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which demonstrates patience and resoluteness and in their hour of need only turn to God. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) displayed a practical example of this, he had to endure all kinds of adverse circumstances which he did with a model of most excellent steadfastness. God directly guided him in these matters. As in the revelation below:

'It will be a trial, then be steadfast as were steadfast those of high resolve. Allah will frustrate the plan of the disbelievers. Hearken! it is a trial from Allah so that He may love thee with a great love, love from Allah, the Mighty, the Lord of Honour; a bounty that will not be cut off…' [Tadhkirah p. 444]

Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfani sahib writes that in 1898 Maulwi Muhammad Hussain sent a journal to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) which was full of abusive language. He writes that reflecting on the steadfast resolve that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) displayed upon receiving the journal, filled him with emotion even decades later. His patience and fortitude was exemplary and was a proof that God bestows such high determination to His Prophets. Irfani sahib writes that once at a convention a Braham leader was having a question and answer session with the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) when a obnoxious person started hurling abuse at the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) put his hand on his face and sat completely serene as if listening to sweet conservation while the man remained foul-mouthed. He said no one should say anything to the man and should let him say what he wanted. The Braham was
very impressed with this and said it was a moral miracle.

Irfani sahib also writes that once a man was protesting to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) while he responded to him in a very gentle manner. The gentler his response would be, the more audacious the man became until such time that he completely abandoned decency. Meanwhile the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) continued to address him in the politest of terms. One companion of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), Maulwi Abdul Kareem sahib, could not tolerate the rude behaviour any more and raised his voice at him and lept towards him which made the man flee. Maulwi Abdul Kareem sahib was pleased that he had displayed his sense of honour but later realised that he should have given precedence to regard of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and perhaps not acted in the way he had. Maulwi Abdul Kareem sahib also relates that once a very arrogant man came to the mosque and was very rude about the claim of the Promised Messiah (on whom be
peace). His language was extremely offensive and brazen but the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) remained absolutely calm. Many a time the audience were perturbed by the hurtful language and gave vent to their frustration after the gathering was over but the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) did not ever even hint at such a thing.

Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfani sahib writes that in 1904 a journal that used abusive language for the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was mentioned when the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, 'steadfastness should be practised. What do these abusive words do? Such was also the condemnation of the people of the times of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) which he used to laugh off saying what can I do about their condemnation, Allah has named me Muhammad'. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) added, 'similarly has God sent me'. Often abusive letters would arrive without any postage paid and it had to be paid in order to receive the letters which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) used to pay. These letters had nothing but abuse from start to finish and the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) used to pray for the senders and put all such letters in a bag. Once Maulwi Muhammad Hussein sent a journal with abusive
material. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) sent it back with the following written on it: 'O my Lord, if this man is truthful in the words that he has written in the book, give him honour and if he is not truthful then bring him to reckoning and seize him for this falsehood'. All present said Ameen to this.

Once during a lecture or a sermon of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in a mosque, a Sikh entered the building and started being verbally abusive. Everyone listened in silence due to fear of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). When the man's words turned vulgar, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said 'take him out gently'. Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad writes that some people raised objections during the construction of Minaratul Masih that the privacy of their homes would be effected, so a deputy commissioner came to visit. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said to him to ask a Hindu who was present that from his childhood to the current time, was there any occasion where the Promised Messiah could have benefitted the Hindu and he did not. He also said to the commissioner to also ask the Hindu that if there had been any occasion where the Hindu could have hurt the Promised Messiah and he had not done so.

Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfani sahib writes that once a doctor from Lucknow came to Qadian who had airs and graces and was somewhat impudent when he spoke to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Criticising, he said the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) claimed to know eloquent Arabic but could not even pronounce a specific letter properly. His criticism was most hurtful but most companions stayed quiet due to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Sahibzada Abdul Lateef could not bear it and responded to him. The unpleasantness mounted. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asked to desist, he said he was not upset as Prophets are always ridiculed and abused. In response that he could not pronounce a letter properly he said he did not hail from Lucknow so his pronunciation could not be thus, and that he was a Punjabi. He also said that it was said about Hadhrat Moses (on whom be peace) '…and can scarcely express himself clearly.' (43:53) and
that ahadith relate that the Mahdi will have an impediment of speech.

Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad sahib relates that often letters with unpaid postage would arrive. These would be anonymous and always abusive. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) always paid the postage to receive these. Once, a companion stopped the person who collected the post from accepting letters with unpaid postage. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) came to know about it, he smiled and said people wrote these letters anonymously fearing legal action. Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad sahib also relates that some close relatives of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) would utter verbal abuse all night long. At dawn the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) could ask that the person be given something to eat as he had spent the night uttering abuse and would have a dry throat.

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said 'I have such control over my nafs (self) and God has made my nafs such a Muslim that if a person sits in front of me for a whole year and gives the worst possible personal abuse to me, ultimately it will be him who will be embarrassed and will have to confess that he could not disturb me.'

Some irreligious and worldly cousins of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) were extremely opposed to him. Once they closed off a path that led to the mosque which created extreme inconvenience to those who wished to meet the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Some legal recourse was taken which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) won. However, without seeking the Promised Messiah's permission or even informing him, the lawyer also filed for expenses. His cousins wrote to him on which the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told the lawyer off and sent a message to his cousins that they would not have to pay any expenses. Hadhrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad writes that his cousins would incite the Sikh residents of Qadian and matters used to escalate from verbal abuse to physical commotion. The animated among the Ahmadis would ask for permission to respond but the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) always used to ask them to be steadfastness.

Once some Sikhs of Qadian unjustly attacked and damaged the house of an underprivileged Ahmadi and were violent towards the Ahmadis. The police took action against them, upon which they went to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) asking for forgiveness and he pardoned them. A self-styled mujaddad published an extremely offensive supplement against the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). When his companions suggested to take him to court, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said, 'for us the court of God is sufficient. Be patient.'

In conclusion Hudhur read an extract from the august writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) stating that the ultimate triumph will be of his Community and it has been the way from time immemorial that Prophets of God are derided, as the Qur'an states: 'Alas for mankind! there comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him'. (36:31). He said generations upon generations of people will wait for the Promised one and they will see that he will not come.

Hudhur said our so-called supporters should look after themselves rather than provoke us about the level of our steadfastness. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) did not say the difficult times will be over soon. Rather, a hundred odd years ago he wrote that three centuries will elapse before people will finally realise that the one who was promised to come has indeed come. With God's grace, his Community has now reached 198 countries of the world and is gaining strength by the day. It is our progress that has unsettled the enemy and the opposition has increased. The evergreen tree planted by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is being irrigated by steadfastness and prayers and InshaAllah will continue to blossom. Any branch of this tree that does not seek beneficence from it will be a dry branch and will be cut off. In these times of increased hostility each Ahmadi should seek patience and help from God more than ever and continue to be a
part of the blossoming tree. May God enable us all to do so.

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