NASIRAT UK NEWSLETTER APRIL / MAY 2011

1. NASIRAT UK NEWSLETTER APRIL / MAY 2011 Royal Wedding The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has celebrated the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with neighbours and friends on Saturday April 30th, 2011. London’s oldest & Western Europe’s Largest Mosques have celebrated the Royal wedding with invited guests and local residents ‘as a day of joy for all of us.’ Invitations were sent out by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to hundreds of homes in the neighbourhood of the London Mosque & Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque inviting families to celebrate the wedding with worshippers at the mosque. About 650 guests were welcomed to the festivities. A large marquee was erected and dinner and barbecue was organised from 6-8pm. Prayers were said for the well-being of the Royal couple and public celebrations for the occasion were hosted at the community’s network of mosques nationwide. RafiqHayat, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said: "As Muslims, strengthening community bonds and contributing positively to the society in which we live is part of our faith. The Royal wedding comes in the midst of our nationwide Muslims for Loyalty, Freedom and Peace campaign so it is apt that we practise what we preach and mark this occasion with a public celebration.” Poster congratulating the couple on the Bait-ul-Futuh and Fazl Mosque gates Preparing dinner to celebrate the marriage with some guests nationwide Muslims for Loyalty, Freedom and Peace campaign

2. Summary: Friday Sermon How to react to prejudice and persecution 1st April 2011 Huzur (atba) started the Friday Sermon by saying that he wished to remind today what he mentioned a few weeks ago regarding a tehreekfor prayer for the world of Islam. He had asked Ahamadies to pray that may God grant sense to Muslim leaders so that Muslim countries are saved from turmoil. In addition he said that the message to the masses was to avoid falling prey to the extremists or the outsiders. Huzur (atba) said that with God’s grace Ahmadis have understood that prayer alone is the real ‘weapon’ and they do not participate in violent protests. Then Huzur mentioned that even some educated people did not understand that true spirit of Huzoor’s message and questions arose in their mind as to how much patience they should display in reaction to tyranny rulers. Huzur said that judging from some letters and questions, it appears that some people do not understand that view point of Ahamadiyya Community in this regard; a view point that is based on Qur’an, Ahadith and the words of the Promised Messiah (as). Thus, Huzur said that he needed to explain this matter further in order to allay all doubts. Huzur said that in the Qur’an it is stated that: “Allah… forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and transgression’. (16:91). Then Huzur explained what the Promised Messiah (as) had said regarding this verse. Then Huzur explained this matter in the light of the sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw). Huzur said that Ahadith inform us that even if the leader is wrong, the masses are enjoined to be patient. Then Huzur mentioned some of the sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw) in this regard. One of them is as follows: ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) said, “After me you will see injustice, rights suppressed and others given preference over you. You will see matters that you will disapprove of.” When someone asked what was the commandment in such circumstances, the Holy Prophet (saw) replied, “Pay their (leaders) rights to them and ask God for your rights. The Holy Prophet (saw) also said, “Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler should be patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even as little as the span of a hand will die a death of ignorance.”

3. Then Huzur explained that according to the sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw) that he mentioned, explains that rioting against the government is against the Shariah (Islamic law). Then Huzur explained that earlier prophets were also obedient to the state and never led rallies against the rulers. Then Huzur mentioned the following verse of the Holy Qur’an and explained it: “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey His messenger and those who are in authority over you. And if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His messenger if you are believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most commendable in the end.” (4:60). Huzur explained that the judgement of God and His Prophet (saw) is not to rebel, no matter what sort of worldly situation is faced. Then Huzur mentioned what the Promised Messiah (as) and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) had said about the above verse. Then Huzur mentioned another Hadith and explained the matter further in the ligt of the Conditions of Bai’at set by the Promised Messiah (as). Then Huzur mentioned the verse of the Holy Qur’an that addressed the rulers. The verse states: “And when he is in authority, he runs about in the land to create disorder in it and destroy the crops and the progeny of man; and Allah loves not disorder.” (2:206). Huzur explained that this verse is a warning to unjust rulers. In the end Huzur clearly said that the clear instruction for Ahmadis is to protect them from this disorder and to pray most sincerely; God will one day listen to their sincere prayers. And if their rulers are unjust, they will be rescued from them. Huzur said that when power is gained through transgression or through revolutions, after a period of time, tyrannical rulers return. Huzur said therefore, also pray that may God never impose a tyranny ruler over us. May God make the Muslim world recognise their rights and obligations and thus present the beautiful teachings of Islam to the world.

4. Nasirat Taleem and Tarbiyyat Class 2011 • All regions of the UK held their Taleem and Tarbiyyat classes during the month of April. First was the Scotland region on the 2nd and 3rd of April, then, on the 9th and 10th, it was the turn of the London region, BaitunNoor, and the South regions. BaitulFutuh, Middlesex and east regions held theirs on the 11th and 12th, and finally, Bradford, Midlands, and the North regions held their classes on the 16th and 17th of April. • Many different sessions were held on each day dividing girls into age groups, and having activities that would be suitable for their particular groups. The topics covered during the two days were: • Sahibzada Abdul LateefShaheed sahib • Quran class • Arts and crafts session • talk on bullying • Fiqah relating to personal hygiene and cleanliness. • Purdah • Tabligh • history of Easter • Nazm class • the family of the Holy Prophet Mohammad saw • health and fitness • Great effort was taken by all the teachers in the preparation of their class topics, and the organisers did their best to mix up the academic, physical and creative lessons to ensure maximum interest and enjoyment of all Nasirat, as well as ensuring that they learn as much as possible by incorporating topics previously not taught, to expand the general knowledge of the Nasirat about their history and beliefs. Feedback from the Nasirat at the end was mostly positive and encouraging. • These classes are a great way to meet and mix with new and old friends, share experiences, compare notes, discuss problems and increase general knowledge and build up confidence. All Nasirat should try to attend these classes, as a great deal of work goes into them by the organisers for their enjoyment and betterment.