O ye who believe; fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous. (2:184)

The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but who so among you is sick, or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation the feeding of a poor man. And who so performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. (2:185)

Abu Hurairah relates that he heard the Holy Prophet (SAW) say: Allah does not lend ear so joyously to anything as He does to the recitation of the Quran by a Prophet who has a beautiful voice and recites well and audibly. (Bokhari and Muslim).

If somebody tells me of a single word which can be used to support religion, I take it as more precious than the bags full of pearls and jewels. He who likes me to love him, and he who wishes that it should become easy for me to pray for him very fervently, let him assure me that he has the capability of becoming a servant of religion: My love for everything is for God's sake, be they my wife and children or friends. My relations with all of them are for the sake of God. (Malfoozat Vol.II p.7)

By the grace of God Almighty the 104th Annual Convention was a soul inspiring experience. Many Ahmadis and numerous visitors participated, including delegates from 20 countries. There were about four thousand guests in the first session and the attendance was 6000. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. R.L. Bhattia, had specially travelled from Delhi to Qadian.

On 26th December 1995, Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IV delivered his inaugural address through M.T.A. from the Mahmud Hall, London. After recitation from the Holy Quran by Abdul Momin Tahir, the twin Bengali brothers Tariq and Zubair recited a poem of the Promised Messiah and then young Ahmadi boys and girls from U.K. recited 'Qadian Darul Aman', a poem by Saqib Zervi Sahib. Addressing the gathering in Qadian through M.T.A. Huzur said: May your participation be accepted by God Almighty. This gathering is specifically for good and noble values. No matter which religion you belong to, every one who listens to themes of good values is always blessed. May the prayers of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Jama'at be with one and all of you.

Admonishing the world to abide by the principles expounded in the Holy Quran, Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IV warned: Today when man is rapidly advancing towards self-destruction and day by day human values and the social environment is being smashed into smithereens, and each nation's values, be they political, religious, ideological or economic, are in utter chaos and there is no justice, the only salvation for man lies in abiding by the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Referring to the situation in India and Pakistan, Hazur said both these countries appear, to be on a perilous path and the possibility of both of these becoming involved in another armed conflict cannot be entirely ruled out. Whatever be the spark for this flare up, it is not something pleasing in the sight of God Almighty.

Hazur urged Ahmadis particularly in India and Pakistan that they should try to explain to everyone that people are already facing in all kinds of difficulties, do not stoke the fires of hatred and do not push them into a war. You should talk of changing the attitude of mankind. Hatred never yields good fruit, this poisonous ivy always bears a bitter fruit. Therefore, our mission is the preservation and progress of good values and a high moral ground. Addressing Pakistani visitors to Qadian, Hazur said, 'Remember that although you are a member of a universal brotherhood, allegiance to your own country is a solemn obligation, The love for your own country is also a part of your faith. Do not let it come to any harm. Likewise, Hazur also advised Ahmadi Muslims of India and in particular those in Qadian that because of their affiliations with relatives in Pakistan they must n give even the slightest hint as a result of which the interests of their country i.e. India may be jeopardised in any manner. He said that a man who cannot sympathise with another man and the man who cannot fulfil the basic

requirements of humanity, loses all his identity in the sight of God. So, in accordance with the teaching established by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and as contained in the Holy Quran and the admonition of the Promised Messiah, Ahmadis should devote their efforts to the establishment of peace in the world.

Addressing the Hindus, Huzur said, why are you suppressing the voice of the Bhagwat Gita? And the Sikhs, Huzur asked how can you suppress the voice of Guru Baba Nanak? In each case he quoted extensively from their respective scriptures and said that the time has come to invite the materialist world to spiritual values. In fact, Ahmadiyyat will clasp the hand of everyone and deal with everyone fairly co-operate with Ahmadiyyat for the welfare and uplift of humanity. In conclusion, Huzur led everyone in silent prayers.

On 29 December 1995, the concluding session at Mahmud Hall, London, commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Naseer Ahmad Qamar and Dr. Shabir Ahmad Bhatti recited a poem of the Promised Messiah.

Selecting verse 109 of Surah Yousuf as the theme for his concluding address on preaching and propagation, Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IV said that a requirement of clean and pious life is that the people should be free from all evils. The sum total of being rid off all evils is that man should be free from "shirk" (associating partners with Allah ). If man rids himself of "shirk", he will be fall from all evils. Hazur said inviting to the way of Allah was the need of the hour and about which the Promised Messiah has continuously admonished us. The spring season through which we are by the grace of Allah traversing is a verity in fulfilment of the prophecies of the Promised Messiah. The truth of Ahmadiyyat is blooming in such abundance that it is undoubtedly a great historic renaissance. Inviting the people of India in particular towards ' Dawat-e-Illallah', Huzur said this is that blessed territory of Qadian represents the splendour of the Promised Messiah's manifestation which encompasses the whole globe in its brilliance and brings it under its protective shadow.

Today, the community is knocking on the doors of the entire world and begging them to follow the path to Allah. This is the yearning of the Promised Messiah expanding from one habitation to another and which has been glorified by God Almighty. The Promised Messiah has said that we need piety for religious knowledge. It is that piety about which we have been explained by reference to the Holy Prophet that we should first purge ourselves of all sins. Then to become a teacher and in particular a preacher should always bear in mind the over whelming power and greatness of God Almighty.

Reviewing the dangerous situation in various parts of India and Huzur said that no matter how dangerous the situation be, your safety lies in preaching with means of wisdom, love and sincerity as mentioned by the Promised Messiah. If, by the grace of Allah, Ahmadiyyat spreads all over India and emerges triumphant then India will rank as one of the great nations. Thus, there is a requirement of love for one's country and the requirement of religion which dictates that we should dedicate all our endeavours for the sake of God. We should become beggars who call into the way of the Lord and who were the burning desire in the heart of the Promised Messiah. If you become that beggar, then the desire of the Promised Messiah will be with you and if the desires of the Imam of the age reside in you then who can ever gain over you. Only you can be victorious.

Noting the enthusiasm, sincerity and emotions of the participants at the gathering in Qadian, he concluded by extending his salaam to the entire congregation and congratulated them before leading them in silent prayers.

Muslims should be pious, generous and benevolent during Ramadan. Observing the principles with regard to fasting for one month they should be habit of self discipline and patience. According to the teaching of Islam, fasting should not be observed in illness, or when one is on a journey. Women should not observe the fast while pregnant, or when they are giving or during menstruation. These remissions should be made upon other days.

Besides the obligatory prayer for five times a day, Muslim are required to attend Tarawih prayer this month, in lieu of the mid-night prayer Tahajjud This is essential for spiritual enlightenment and to attain nearness to God.

Itikaf is observed in prayer and contemplation, in a mosque for the last ten days beginning from the evening of the 19th of Ramadan to the rising of the next crescent. During these days, Motakif (the person who observe Itikaf) is not to go out the mosque except for washing etc. During this period, there comes a night which the Holy Quran designates as the Lailatul-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, which is 'better than a thousand nights and the angles and the Spirit descend therein by the command of their Lord; (97:4-5). It is left for the Motakif to find this particular night.

Fitrana is paid during this month and distributed among the less fortunate members of the society to enable them to spend for their needs. Fitrana is to be paid even on behalf of a new-born baby.

On 20 February 1886, the Promised Messiah published an announcement that during his retreat in Hoshyarpur, God Almighty had disclosed to him many matters including the with prophecy that he would be blessed with the birth of a son. This promised son, in the words of the prophecy will be "the Word of Allah, for Allah's mercy and honour have equipped him with the word of Majesty. He will be extremely intelligent and understanding and will be meek of heart and will be filled with secular and spiritual knowledge". There were other qualities attributed to him. This prophecy was fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih II.

In the long 51 years span of his Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad was the driving force behind achievements in the propagation of Islam within the country and abroad. Allah had granted him a deep encyclopaedic intrinsic spiritual knowledge and understanding of the Holy Quran, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the Promise Messiah that through him the glory of Islam and the dignity of the Quran would be convincingly established, " There were hundreds and thousands of truthful realities of the Holy Quran which Allah had disclosed on him with His special grace through intuition and revelation." (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol.6 p.483)

He was bestowed with such a meaningful wisdom of the Holy Quran that, if anyone, with whatever knowledge and following whatever religion, criticised the Holy Quran, by the grace of Allah, he would convincingly silence and satisfy him through the Quran alone. He had many a time thrown challenges to others about writing commentaries on Quranic wisdom. Though he was not a Prophet, yet none became ready to accept his challenge. It was his claim that he would interpret new wisdom's from the Quran.

In a public gathering in Delhi in 1944, claiming himself to be 'Promised Reformer' and reiterating his challenge about the interpretation of the truths and wisdom of the Holy Quran, he declared: " I do claim now again that even if thousands of scholars assembled to compete with me in writing commentaries of the Quran, yet the world would accept and acknowledge that my commentary was unique in wisdom of divine truths in depth.".

The new definition of the wisdom of the Holy Quran, written in his Tafsir-e-Kabir, bears undeniable evidence of the truth and validity of the aforesaid claim. The age became convinced of the superiority of his Quranic knowledge. Molvi Zafar Ali Khan, Editor of Daily Zamindar, Lahore, himself an eminent Muslim leader, writer and a bitter opponent of Ahmadiyyat, while addressing other opponent groups, had to concede:

"Listen with your ears wide open; you and your accomplices could never compete with Mirza Mahmood till resurrection. Mirza Mahmood had the Quran with him, and a deep knowledge of the Quran; What have you got?....You have never read the Quran in dreams." (Ek Khofnak Saazish, by Moulvi Mazher Ali Azhar p.196)

On the sad demise of Hazrat Musleh Maoud, in a condolence note written in Sidq-e-Jadid, Lucknow, it was mentioned: "May Allah reward the Imam Jama'at Ahmadiyya's effort towards worldwide publication of the Holy Quran and its wisdom and also for the propagation of Islam in all the corners of the Earth and in lieu of this let us overlook all other matters. The learned manner in which he has interpreted in detail the truth and wisdom of the Holy Quran was really unique". (Sidq-e-Jadid-Lucknow, Vol.51, 18th November, `1965) It was Hazrat Musleh Maoud's wish to see the truth of Ahmadiyyat shine far and wide in the world. In his testament he writes: "I wish the Ahmadiyya Community to re-dedicate their lives in the service of God and the Holy Prophet, to keep the flag of Islam flying high in every land. May God Almighty be with them. May He help them and honour them with His rewards.

I hope new Ahmadis in Europe will co-operate with old Ahmadis in Asia and help the cause of Islam with their wealth and their lives. They should preach Islam until it comes to prevail over the whole world. If the followers of Lenin can come to dominate the world in a few years why not the followers of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him)? We need only firm resolve and perseverance. May Allah protect and help them. They should never be cruel to God's creatures. They should he humble and forgiving. May they continue to deserve the help of God and all His servants in making Islam hold its head high."

racted from an article written By Moulvi Bashir Ahmad Dehlvi published in 'The Muslim Herald' Jan/Feb 91)

Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IV has agreed that the year 1996 should be commemorated as the centenary year of the Promised Messiah's book 'The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam'. This occasion is being commemorated by more translations and distribution of this marvellous book. God, the All-knowing, had revealed to Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (p.b.u.h.) beforehand that "my paper will be declared supreme over all other papers". This is an essay on Islam written originally as an address for a Conference of Religions which was held at Lahore (now in Pakistan). In this conference, representatives of different faiths were invited to explain the teachings of their respective religions in connection with the following five topics:

1. Physical, moral and spiritual conditions of man.
2. Life after death.
3. The aim of life on this earth and how that aim can be achieved.
4. What is the impact of our actions on the life in this world and on the life hereafter.
5. God-realisation and how it can be contained; what are its sources.

The conference was held from 26th December 1895 and this address of Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian was read out by Hadrat Maulvi Abdul Karim, a distinguished companion of Hadrat Ahmad. Since the whole of the address could not be read within the scheduled time, another day was added to the conference. This address was widely appreciated and applauded as the most original and constructive contribution. Since then it has been printed several times in other languages. It has become almost the best known book in Ahmadiyya literature.

"It gives me great pleasure to greet those gathered at the London Mosque to mark the Human Rights Day 1995. Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption by the UN General Assembly, on 10th December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year we have been celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the world organisation. So on Human Rights Day 1995 we should recall the Universal Declaration grew out of the Charter of the United Nations itself." (Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary General United Nations)

The UK Jamaat was honoured to organise and host the 'Service of observance to mark the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights', at the London Mosque on Sunday December 10, 1995 sponsored by Amnesty International and United Nations.

The service was attended by over 200 guests prominent amongst whom were: Mr. Nick Hardwick, Director, Refugee Council Mr. David Bull, Director, Amnesty International (British Section) Mr. Ray Wilkinson, Press Information Officer, UNA-UK Cllr. Mrs. Vanessa Graham, Mayor, London Borough of Kingston Cllr. David Twigg, Mayor, Royal Borough of Kingston Mr. Tony Colman, Leader of the Council, London Borough of Merton and representatives of all major faiths who led and recited prayers of peace. The President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan introduced the Jamaat, and while extending a warm welcome to guests on this occasion expressed gratitude to Amnesty International and United Nations for offering the opportunity to host this function at the London Mosque.

Amir Sahib remarked that "The Ahmadiyya Community's commitment to human rights is not the result of the persecution that its members face in Pakistan but because it is a fundamental part of our belief in the teachings of Islam and the example set by the Holy Prophet of Islam who is designated as Mercy for whole of Mankind."

Mr Aftab Ahmad Khan

The President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (United Kingdom) gave a few words of introduction and went on to say that the London Mosque has been the site of many important events. The Foundation of the Mosque was laid in 1924 by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, the second successor to the founder of the Movement. At that time he was visiting London to represent the Muslims of the Indian sub continent at the Conference of World Religions which took place in Wembley in 1924. Apart from religious, educational and social gatherings of Muslims, the London mosque has also provided a platform for leaders of different faiths to sit together and to exchange views on issues of interest and problems facing humanity at large. It was the Ahmadiyya Movement which initiated in 1930 in the then British India the system of holding regular interfaith meetings which has now become a valued tradition of the Community. The London Mosque has also witnessed many important political events. In 1933 the London Mosque was the venue of a reception held in honour of Mr Mohammad Ali Jinnah (the founder of Pakistan) on the eve of his departure for India to start the movement for the establishment of Pakistan. It is indeed ironic that in the same Pakistan today Ahmadis do not have the right to proclaim Islam as their faith and to practice as Muslims.

The Ahmadiyya Community's commitment to human rights does not result from the persecution that it faces in Pakistan and some other countries of the world but it is a fundamental part of belief in the teachings of Islam and in the example of the Holy prophet Muhammad (pboh). The human rights idea is as much a spiritual idea as a moral one. It occupies the meeting point of all beliefs in all cultures about the worth and dignity of human beings. The central core of human rights is religious tolerance, tolerance through acknowledging and respecting the diversity of faiths and religious beliefs in the entire world. Mention is made of this in the Holy Quran in Chapter 3, verse 65: "Say to the People of the Book: Let us agree upon one matter which is the same for you and for us, namely that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him and that some of us take not others for lords beside Allah. Then if they turn away say to them: Bear ye witness that we have submitted to Allah". Tolerance and harmony do not mean that ones beliefs have to be changed or abandoned but human values are common in all beliefs. The Holy Quran instructs mankind to work for the commonality of those interests which form the basis of human values. The Service of Human Rights being celebrated today has been organised with that objective in view. Mr Aftab Khan went on to express his pleasure in welcoming the representatives of the various national and international organisations that are actively engaged in pursuing the noble aim of redressing the suffering of the oppressed and the persecuted all over the world.

Mr Ray Wilkinson (Public Relations Officer at the UNHCR)

Mr Ray Wilkinson first read a message of greetings from Mr Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the Director General of the United Nations. In this message Mr Boutros-Ghali said it was a great pleasure to greet those gathered at the London Mosque to mark Human Rights Day 1995. He said that the concept of human rights makes sense only if it forms part of a political project which makes a lasting input in the conscience of people and nations. Mr Wilkinson emphasised how the refugee problem was closely related to the violation of human rights. There are 50 million refugees and displaced people in the world today 75% of them women and children, the victims of war, famine and oppression. Most of these people have lost everything except their lives. Many have been stripped of their dignity and human rights. They are "powerless human floatsom shuttling from state to state seeking some type of anchorage or refuge" Many suffer official and sexual harassment even within refugee camps. A couple of decades ago the UNHCR was trying to help 2 million refugees. Today it is trying to help 27 million of the 50 million refugees.

Recently the European Union has adopted a resolution to try to harmonise member countries asylum policies. One of the planks of that resolution allows states to refuse asylum claims of people persecuted by non-state agents for example rebel groups or extremist organisations,. So innocent civilians persecuted by opposition groups would not qualify as refugees under this resolution. This is contrary to the spirit of the 1951 convention on the status of refugees. Persecution which does not involve state complicity is still persecution. The 1951 convention applies when the state is unable as well as unwilling to protect peoples.

Mr Nick Hardwick (Director of the Refugee Council)

Mr Nick Hardwick began his address by observing that one thing all faiths have in common a tradition of giving welcome and shelter to strangers, particularly when those strangers have suffered persecution and abuse and have come seeking a safe refuge. A tiny proportion of the worlds refugees have found their way to the United Kingdom and Mr Hardwick went to ask what kind of welcome can these refugees and asylum seekers expect from the United Kingdom in future. This is a controversial subject but one that has to be addressed. There are proposals currently being made by the British government to reduce the numbers of people seeking asylum in Britain. From 13 January 1996 most asylum seekers will no longer be entitled to any form of welfare benefits. They will effectively be left destitute. An estimated 13000 asylum seekers will have all their benefits stopped and they are not allowed to seek work either. It is hard to imagine how they are going to survive. Secondly the new Asylum and Immigration Act will make it more difficult for people fleeing persecution to gain refugee status in Britain.

There is also the so called "white list", those 'safe' countries for which it is presumed cannot produce 'genuine' refugees. Once this list is established there is no control over how countries come off the list for example if human rights violations do start to occur. In addition there are plans to reduce the right of appeal and of representation for most asylum seekers. It is already an enormous uphill struggle to prove that one is a genuine refugee and these procedures designed to shorten the process will make the task even more difficult. Mr Hardwick commented that the message being given by the British government is a shameful one - that asylum seekers are not welcome in this country.

In addition, employers are to face fines for hiring illegal immigrants and it will be the responsibility of the employer to check on the status of the people concerned. Many employers will not do so and will simply not take on anyone is perceived to be a possible risk. It is going to be a grim time for those seeking asylum in the UK. Mr Hardwick expressed his concern of the present situation by observing that here has not been a worse climate for refugees in Britain.. The Amnesty International symbol is a candle and this symbol of light has two meanings. First light must be focused on the terrible abuses of human rights that are occurring in the world and it is the responsibility of Amnesty and others to expose these abuses. Secondly light also symbolises welcome - a candle in a window is symbolic of welcome. A consequence of human rights abuse is the production of refugees and people of goodwill like those represented by the various faiths at the service of observance have a duty to both offer practical support and to expose the perpetrators of the injustice.

Ms Wura Abiola (Testimony)

In a moving testimony Ms Wura Abiola spoke of her father Chief Abiola who had a vision for the future of his country Nigeria. He wanted a democratic government. Although he had support from the rank and file of the Nigerian people both from the North and South of the country and crossing both religious and ethnic divides, the government did not release their hold on the country after the 12 June 1993 elections. In August 1993 he had to leave the country and seek asylum in the United Kingdom in fear of his life. He warned the British government of the dangers facing Nigeria. When the situation improved somewhat he returned to Nigeria in November 1993 and continued the struggle for economic and social justice. Today he is in jail accused of treason. If found guilty he faces death by hanging.Ms Farah Avdic (testimony)

Ms Farah Avdic described the terrible 'ethnic cleansing' in Bosnia. Events in Bosnia have shown that in acts of cruelty man is worse than any of the animals. Ms Avdic had managed to escape and ended up in the United Kingdom, in Scotland and her son managed to get to Turkey. British government rules mean that her son cannot join her. The supposed welcome by those offering her asylum was fast disappearing. As a refugee she is no longer treated as a human being. Ms Avdic commented that the stage is changing and there are other kinds of prisons apart from those of the regime of terror. In a reference to those countries that purport to offer asylum she said that help must be offered to those who are cut off from the rest of humanity and who have lost everything.

Mr David Bull (Director of Amnesty International)

In conclusion Mr David Bull commented that the Human Rights Day Service had been a moving one. It was also a special one because this is the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the UN. Our thoughts should focus on those individuals who have suffered injustice and persecution at the hands of states who pretend commitment to the ideals of the United Nations. At least 120 out of the 185 member states are known to practice torture against their own citizens and 78 hold prisoners of conscience.

Many in the audience must have felt anger and tears on hearing the Testimony. Mr Bull emphasised that we all have a duty to transform our anger and tears to action, in order to end human rights violations and we must work towards this. However we must not forget that there will always be those who have to escape and this leads to the creation of refugees. Article 14 of the Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy protection from persecution. Mr Bull noted with anger and shame that this year when thousands have lost their homes through war and famine, we see that the United Kingdom, a founder member of the United Nations, is about to pass laws that will shatter its commitment to the1951 Convention on refugees. Many of those who arrive seeking protection will be deported.

Mr Bull concluded with dedicating the Human Rights Day Service to the refugees and asylum seekers of the world and ended with a saying of the Holy Prophet of Islam (pboh) " No one has any right, any superiority to claim over another. You are as brothers o men, your God is one and your ancestor is one. An Arab possesses no superiority over a non Arab nor does a non Arab over an Arab. A white man is in no way superior to a black nor for that matter is a black man better than a white. If only to the extent to which he discharges his duty to God and man."

The moving and touching occasion concluded with a silent prayer and Amir Sahib performed his pleasant duty of thanking all the guests who later had dinner at the London Mosque. (Report by Sheikh Abdul Rahman, Secretary Amoor Kharjah, UK).