Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(at)
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that of the Badri Companions who have been previously mentioned, there were still some details that remains and which would be mentioned today. After this mention, His Holiness(aba) said that the series of sermons which he wished to deliver on the Badri Companions would now be complete.
Hazrat Amir bin Rabi’ah(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said regarding Hazrat Amir bin Rabi’ah(ra) that his father’s name was Rabi’ah bin Ka’b bin Malim bin Rabi’ah. He also narrated some traditions. Hazrat Abdullah bin Amir bin Rabi’ah relates from his father that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent them on the Expedition of Nakhlah, which took place before the Battle of Badr. They were also accompanied by Hazrat Amr bin Suraqah(ra). Along the way, he became famished to the extent that he could no longer walk. They tied a stone to his stomach and then he was able to walk, until they reached an Arab tribe which hosted them. He said that he used to think a person’s legs carry one’s stomach, but in reality it is the stomach that carries the legs.
His Holiness(aba) said that it is recorded that once, the Holy
Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Amir bin Rabi’ah(ra) and Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif(ra) to gather information. Furthermore, in 8 AH, Hazrat Amir bin Rabi’ah(ra) took part in the Battle of Dhat al-Salasil, during which he was struck in the arm with an arrow.
His Holiness(aba) said that Abdullah bin Amir(ra) relates on account of his father that once the Holy Prophet(sa) passed by a grave and inquired as to whose it was. When he was informed, the Holy Prophet(sa) asked why he had not been told? He was told that since he was sleeping, they did not wish to disturb him. However, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that he should be informed when there is a funeral prayer. Then, he straightened the rows and offered the funeral prayers.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Amir bin Rabi’ah(ra) said that when the Muslims would be sent on an expedition, the only provisions they would have was a bag of dates. The leader of the caravan would distribute a handful of dates to each person and they would eat them one at a time as needed. Hazrat Abdullah bin Amir(ra) asked his father how one date would suffice? Hazrat Amir(ra) responded by saying that they would realise the significance of even a single date, when they had no dates left at all.
His Holiness(aba) said that when the land of the Valley of Qura was distributed among some Muslims during the era of Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Amir(ra) was among those who received a plot of land. When Hazrat Umar(ra) went to Jabiyah, Hazrat Amir(ra) accompanied him and according to a narration he carried the flag of Hazrat Umar(ra). Another narration states that when Hazrat Uthman(ra) went for Hajj, he appointed Hazrat Amir(ra) as the leader of Madinah in his stead.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Abdullah bin Amir(ra) relates on account of his father that once, he saw the Holy Prophet(sa) offering voluntary prayers whilst riding his camel during a journey and he was facing whichever way the camel was travelling.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Amir(ra) states that once, he was on a journey with the Holy Prophet(sa) and they stopped at one place to offer prayer. Later, they learned that the direction they had faced was not facing the Ka’bah. When they informed the Holy Prophet(sa), the following verse of the Holy Qur’an was revealed:
‘To Allah belong the East and the West; so withersoever you turn, there will be the face of Allah. Surely, Allah is Bountiful, All-Knowing.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 2:116)
His Holiness(aba) noted that it could be that the Holy Prophet(sa) simply recited the verse on that occasion, rather than it being revealed right at that moment.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Amir bin Rabi’ah(ra) related that the Holy Prophet(sa) said that a person who sends salutations upon him once, Allah sends salutations of peace upon him ten times. Now, it is up to each individual if they send more salutations or less.
Hazrat Haram bin Milhan(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Haram bin Milhan(ra). It is recorded that once the Holy Prophet(sa) sent him along with 70 riders comprising those who had memorised the Holy Qur’an, towards Banu Amir. It is also recorded that he went to Amir bin Tufail and asked him whether he would grant him security in order to convey the message of the Holy Prophet(sa). While he was speaking, someone came up from behind Hazrat Haram and struck him with a spear. Hazrat Haram(ra) took the blood from his wound and rubbed it on his face while saying ‘Allah is the Greatest! By the Lord of the Ka’bah, I have achieved my purpose’. The others who had been with him were also killed. Upon learning of this, the Holy Prophet(sa) prayed against the perpetrators for 30 days.
Hazrat Sa’d bin Khaulah(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Sa’d bin Khaulah(ra). He was Persian and eventually settled in Yemen. It is recorded that the Holy Prophet(sa) used to express sorrow upon the fact that Hazrat Sa’d bin Khaulah(ra) passed away in Makkah, for he did not like that those who had migrated from Makkah to return, or to extend their stay if they had gone for Umrah or Hajj. He passed away at the time of the Farewell Pilgrimage. His wife was expecting at the time, and it was soon after his demise that his child was born. After the birth of the child, his widow was prepared to remarry, however someone told her that she would have to wait four months and ten days. When she went to the Holy Prophet(sa) with the matter, the Holy Prophet(sa) said that once she had given birth to her child, she could remarry.
Hazrat Abu al-Haitham bin al-Tayyihan(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Abu al-Haitham bin al-Tayyihan(ra). It is recorded that he asked the Holy Prophet(sa) upon what he should pledge allegiance to Him. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that he should pledge allegiance upon that with the Israelites pledged allegiance to Moses(as).
His Holiness(aba) said that he used to carry two swords during battle, and thus he was known as Dhu al-Saifain (the one carrying two swords). It is recorded that he was martyred in the Battle of Siffin.
Hazrat Asim bin Thabit(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Asim bin Thabit(ra). It is recorded by Imam Razi that he was among those who remained steadfast by the side of the Holy Prophet(sa) during the Battle of Uhud.
Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif(ra). It is recorded that during the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif(ra) was among the Companions on a riding animal.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Sahl(ra) heard the Holy Prophet(sa) say there would be a group of people who would recite the Holy Qur’an bit it would not go below their throats and they would leave the faith as an arrow leaves its prey. When asked who these people were, he replied that this is all he heard and he could say no more.
Hazrat Jabbar bin Sakhar(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Jabbar bin Sakhar(ra). He was part of the expedition towards the Banu Tayy which was sent under the leadership of Hazrat Ali(ra). The flag during this expedition was carried by Hazrat Jabbar bin Sakhar(ra). Hazrat Ali(ra) also consulted with Hazrat Jabbar(ra) regarding the strategy that they should employ.
Hazrat Umair bin Abi Waqqas(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the next mention is of Hazrat Umair bin Abi Waqqas(ra). It is recorded that the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Utbah(ra) with 20 men towards a branch of the Khath’am tribe.
His Holiness(aba) said that this brought to completion the accounts of Companions which he wished to relate.
Prayers for Ahmadis in Pakistan, Burkina Faso & Algeria
His Holiness(aba) said that he wished to urge everyone to pray for the Ahmadis in Pakistan, that the difficulties they are facing may be alleviated. He prayed that may Allah grant understanding to the lawmakers and those perpetrating cruelties, or bring them to task.
His Holiness(aba) also appealed for prayers for Burkina Faso, where Ahmadis are facing difficulties. Terrorists are committing cruelties in the name of Allah and His Messenger (sa). Then, in Algeria, the government is inflicting cruelty upon Ahmadis. May Allah keep everyone in His protection. His Holiness(aba) advised to focus on offering prayers and giving alms. He prayed that may Allah keep everyone safe from harm.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness(aba) said he would lead the funeral prayers in absentia of the following:
Muhammad Rasheed Shaheed
He was martyred in his home in Pakistan on 19 February when two opponents of Ahmadiyyat opened fire. He was over the age of 70. He lived alone in Gujrat where he had a free homoeopathic dispensary for the benefit of the people in his town. Two people entered the dispensary in his home under the guise of wanting medicine, and then opened fire on him resulting in his martyrdom, after which the assailants fled the scene. One of the assailants was later found dead and an investigation is ongoing, while the other assailant has been taken into custody. Muhammad Rasheed had a passion to serve others and would help others in any way he could. He loved Khilafat. He was very hospitable. He would regularly listen to the Friday
Sermon. He is survived by his wife, two sons and five daughters. His wife was not initially Ahmadi. During his last visit to Norway where his wife lived, he helped her accept Ahmadiyyat. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy and grant patience to his family.
Amani Basam Ajlawai & Salah Abdul Moin Kutaish
The mother and son lost their lives in the earthquakes in Turkey. Amani Basam was 23 years old and had just accepted Ahmadiyyat two months prior to her demise. Her son was 3 years old at the time of his demise. By the time they were recovered from underneath the rubble they had not survived. Amani Basam treated everyone with great kindness and affection. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah treat them with forgiveness and mercy.
Maqsood Ahmad Munib
He served as an Imam and passed away on 15 February due to a heart attack. He served in various areas of Pakistan and then later served in Kenya. He then returned to Pakistan where he served in Quetta. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. He worked with great sincerity and effort. He often recalled his time serving in Kenya with fondness. He was a very virtuous person who had a great deal of love for Khilafat. He was very hospitable and had profound love and passion for the Community. He was a great orator and listeners would have tears in their eyes. He had a great deal of knowledge yet was extremely humble. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah grant him forgiveness and mercy.
