1. relayed live all across the globe
1/3/2019
Men of Excellence
Sermon Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba); Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
relayed live all across the globe
August 31st 2018

2. Summary Men of Excellence
Huzur (aba) continued with the subject of high status of the companions of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)
Huzur (aba) explained the sacrifices of Hazrat ‘Umair Bin Abi Waqqas, Hazrat Qutbah Bin Amir, Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahab, Hazrat Shammas bin Usman, Hazrat Abu Abas bin Jabr, and Hazrat Abu Aqeel bin Abdullah.
Huzur (aba) prayed that May God Almighty continue to exalt the status of the Companions.
Huzur (aba) lead funural prayers in absentia of respected Maulana Abdul Aziz Sadiq sahib and Muhammad Zafrullah Sahib Shaheed.
August 31st 2018

3. Hazrat ‘Umair Bin Abi Waqqas
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Hazrat ‘Umair Bin Abi Waqqas
He was sixteen years old when he was martyred in the Battle of Badr.
His father was Abu Waqqas Malik Bin Wuhaib. Hazrat Umair (ra) was the younger brother of Hazrat Sa’ad Bin Abi Waqqas
His mother’s name was Hamnah Bint Sufyan. He belonged to the Banu Zuhrah clan of the Quraish tribe
He was a minor at the time of battle of Badr; when he was told to go back to Medinah, Umair (ra) started to cry.
Upon witnessing his extraordinary eagerness, the Holy Prophet (sa) allowed him to remain with the fighters. The Holy Prophet (sa) secured the sheath to his sword with his own blessed hands.
August 31st 2018

4. Hazrat Qutba passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar.
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August
31st 2018
Hazrat Qutbah Bin Amir
He was the son of Amir Bin Hadeedah. His mother’s name is Zainab Bint ‘Amr. His wife’s name is Hazrat Umm Amr. He had one daughter with her, whose name is Umm Jameel.
He is among those six companions from among the Ansar, who believed in the Holy Prophet (sa) while he was still in Mecca.
He participated alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq as well as all other battles.
After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta’wwuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) stated: Hazrat Asim bin Sabit was a sahabi(companion) of the Holy Prophet (sa). His father was Sabit bin Qais and his mother’s name was Shamoos bint Abu Aamir. The Holy Prophet (sa) established a bond of brotherhood between him and Abdullah bin Jahash. At the occasion of Battle of Uhud, when the disbelievers of Mecca launched a sudden attack, which caused a panic among the Muslims, Hazrat Asim remained fixed in his position next to the Holy Prophet (sa). He pledged allegiance to the Holy Prophet (sa) upon death. He was among the archers appointed by the Holy Prophet (sa). He belonged to the Aus tribe and participated in the Battle of Badr.
Hazrat Qutba passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar.

5. Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahab
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31st 2018
Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahab
He was the son of Wahab bin Rabi’ah. He was also called Shuja’ bin Abi Wahab.
Hazrat Shuja’ is counted among those noble companions, who accepted the Holy Prophet (sa) in the very early stages.
The Holy Prophet (sa) declared Hazrat Aus bin Khauli to be the religious brother of Hazrat Shuja’ in accordance with the bonds of brotherhood he established.
Including [the battles of] Badr, Uhud and Khandaq, Hazrat Shuja’ participated in all battles alongside the Holy Prophet (sa).
In a narration it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet conferred a favour to one of the prisoners of Badr, Abu ‘Uzza ‘Amr bin Abdillah – who was a poet – by setting him free. The reason for this was that he said, “O Muhammad, I have five daughters and I am their only guardian. Hence, please set me free for them as an act of charity.” Subsequently, the Holy Prophet (sa) set him free. Upon this, Abu ‘Uzza said, “I make a solemn pledge to you that I will never fight you in the future, nor will I assist anyone in their wars against you”. Hearing this, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent him back and freed him without receiving anything in return. However, he broke his promise and was tempted back to the war by a war lord. During the fight, he was once again captured. When asked about his oath, he replied, “O Muhammad (sa)! I was compelled to fight as I have daughters to look after. Please be kind towards me.” A favour had previously been conferred upon him and he was set free. However, he came out to fight again. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “Absolutely Not! Now it can never be done. By God! You will not be permitted to roam around Mecca saying that you deceived and fooled Muhammad (sa) twice, (God forbid). According to another narration, the Holy Prophet (sa) said that certainly, a believer cannot be bitten twice from the same hole. He then commanded Asim bin Thabit to kill him. He was only punished for treason and war, after he brokr his promise of peace. These days (Geert) Wilders, a Politician in Holland, is exceeding all bounds in attacking the character of the Holy Prophet (sa). If he can show examples of the aforementioned forgiveness to the world or even in his own country, then his allegations can be justified to a certain extent. However, he will never be able to show such examples.
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib has made a mention of the incident of Raji’ where ten Muslim men were sent by the Holy Prophet (sa), at the request of the tribes of ‘Aḍal and Qarah, to teach them Islam under the leadership of  ‘Aṣim bin Thabitra. However, in actuality, as was later discovered, these people were liars and had come to Madinah upon the incitement of the Banu Laḥyan, who sought revenge for the execution of their chief, Sufyān bin Khālid. They have contrived the plan to kill Muslims. This party of Muslims was attached by 200 young men from the Banū Laḥyān, 100 of whom were archers. But how could 10 Muslims compete against 200 warriors? The Muslims, however, had not been taught to throw in their arms. The Companions immediately ascended to a nearby hillock and prepared for battle. ‘Asim (ra) raised his head towards the heaven and said, “O God! You are witnessing our state. Do convey knowledge of our condition to Your Messenger.” Hence, ‘Asim (ra) and his Companions stood and fought and were eventually martyred in battle.” His body was protected from the ill intention of disbelievers who wanted to drink wine in his skull, as   a swarm of bees covered his body and then the body was sept away beyond the reach of idolaters. Hazrat ‘Asim, (ra), is also known as Hami-ud-Dabar i.e. the person who was saved by wasps or bees.
He lived for just over forty years and was martyred during the battle of Yamama.

6. Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahab
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August
31st 2018
Hazrat Shuja’ bin Wahab
After returning from the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent Hazrat Shuja’ to the chief of Ghouta near Damascus, as his ambassador.
When the letter (message of Islam) was delivered to the governor, he became furious and ordered his administration to prepare the army to retaliate for this message.
The governor sent the Caesar of Rome all the details of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) letter in writing. Caesar read the letter of Harith and ordered him to abandon any thought of advancing to him to attack and to not clash with him.
Hazrat Shuja’ states, “When I reached the Holy Prophet (sa) I reported everything to him regarding the governor Harith. When he had heard all the proceedings he said, ‘he will be destroyed’, i.e. his rule will come to an end.
To defend Muslims, the Holy Prophet (sa) appointed twenty four Mujahideen to Hazrat Shuja’ to gain intelligence about those preparing to attack Medina.
Hazrat Shuja’ would travel by night along with the Mujahideen and keep in hiding during the day, until they fell upon the people of Banu Amir preparing for war. they fled leaving everything behind.
In a narration it is mentioned that the Holy Prophet conferred a favour to one of the prisoners of Badr, Abu ‘Uzza ‘Amr bin Abdillah – who was a poet – by setting him free. The reason for this was that he said, “O Muhammad, I have five daughters and I am their only guardian. Hence, please set me free for them as an act of charity.” Subsequently, the Holy Prophet (sa) set him free. Upon this, Abu ‘Uzza said, “I make a solemn pledge to you that I will never fight you in the future, nor will I assist anyone in their wars against you”. Hearing this, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent him back and freed him without receiving anything in return. However, he broke his promise and was tempted back to the war by a war lord. During the fight, he was once again captured. When asked about his oath, he replied, “O Muhammad (sa)! I was compelled to fight as I have daughters to look after. Please be kind towards me.” A favour had previously been conferred upon him and he was set free. However, he came out to fight again. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “Absolutely Not! Now it can never be done. By God! You will not be permitted to roam around Mecca saying that you deceived and fooled Muhammad (sa) twice, (God forbid). According to another narration, the Holy Prophet (sa) said that certainly, a believer cannot be bitten twice from the same hole. He then commanded Asim bin Thabit to kill him. He was only punished for treason and war, after he brokr his promise of peace. These days (Geert) Wilders, a Politician in Holland, is exceeding all bounds in attacking the character of the Holy Prophet (sa). If he can show examples of the aforementioned forgiveness to the world or even in his own country, then his allegations can be justified to a certain extent. However, he will never be able to show such examples.
Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib has made a mention of the incident of Raji’ where ten Muslim men were sent by the Holy Prophet (sa), at the request of the tribes of ‘Aḍal and Qarah, to teach them Islam under the leadership of  ‘Aṣim bin Thabitra. However, in actuality, as was later discovered, these people were liars and had come to Madinah upon the incitement of the Banu Laḥyan, who sought revenge for the execution of their chief, Sufyān bin Khālid. They have contrived the plan to kill Muslims. This party of Muslims was attached by 200 young men from the Banū Laḥyān, 100 of whom were archers. But how could 10 Muslims compete against 200 warriors? The Muslims, however, had not been taught to throw in their arms. The Companions immediately ascended to a nearby hillock and prepared for battle. ‘Asim (ra) raised his head towards the heaven and said, “O God! You are witnessing our state. Do convey knowledge of our condition to Your Messenger.” Hence, ‘Asim (ra) and his Companions stood and fought and were eventually martyred in battle.” His body was protected from the ill intention of disbelievers who wanted to drink wine in his skull, as   a swarm of bees covered his body and then the body was sept away beyond the reach of idolaters. Hazrat ‘Asim, (ra), is also known as Hami-ud-Dabar i.e. the person who was saved by wasps or bees.

7. Hazrat Shammas bin Usman
Men of Excellence
August
31st 2018
Hazrat Shammas bin Usman
His name is Usman and his title is Shammas, which is what he was known by.
Hazrat Shammas bin Usman took part in the Battle of Badr and Uhad.
He fought very courageously during the Battle of Uhad. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that he found Hazrat Shammas bin Usman to be like a shield. Wherever the Holy Prophet (sa) would turn, whether to his right or left, he would find Shammas defending with his sword until the point where the Holy Prophet (sa) fell unconscious due to a rock that was thrown at him.
After the victory at Khaybar, the Holy Prophet headed towards Wadi-ul-Qara. When the army of the Holy Prophet reached Wadi-ul-Qurra, the Jews were already prepared for war. They welcomed the Muslim army with a flurry of arrows. A servant of the Holy Prophet (sa) named Midam was taking off the saddle of the camel of the Holy Prophet (sa) when a stray arrow hit him, killing him instantly. The Holy Prophet (sa) immediately instructed to form rows for battle. He granted the flag to Hazrat Sa’ad Bin Abadah and gave one flag to Hazrat Khubaab bin Munzir, the second to Hazrat Sahl Bin Hunaif and the third to Hazrat Abbad Bin Bishr. In result of this expedition the whole area came under the Muslims and God granted victory to the Muslims along with an abundance of spoils of war. In spite of the victory, he left the land and orchards with those people, but appointed a collector. This is a prime example of the kind treatment, even with the enemy that the possession of land remained with them and some tax was gathered from it. In accordance with the customs of that time if one forcefully took over possessions and land then there was nothing wrong; however, the Holy Prophet demonstrated virtuousness.
When the land of Syria was conquered and the Christian population that lived there came under the Islamic State. One day it so happened that two Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa), Sahl bin Ḥunaif (ra) and Qais bin Sa‘dra were sitting somewhere in the city of Qādsiyyah when a Christian funeral procession happened to pass by. Upon witnessing this, both Companions stood up in reverence. Another Muslim who had not remained in the company of the Holy Prophet (sa) and was unaware of the moral qualities taught by Islām, became very amazed and addressed Sahl (ra) and Qais (ra) in astonishment saying, “This is the funeral procession of a Dhimmī (a non-Muslim, living in an Islamic State) Christian.” They responded “Indeed! We are aware, but the practice of the Holy Prophet (sa) was that he would stand up even for the funeral procession of a non-Muslim, and he would say, ‘Do they not possess a soul created by God?” Thus, this is one way for honouring humanity and ending hatred between religions.
Hazrat Shammas stood in front of the Holy Prophet (sa) and shielded him with his body and as a result sustained a serious injury. He still had some life left in him and he was carried back to Medina, where he eventually breathed his last after one day and passed away at the age of 34.

8. Hazrat Abu Abas bin Jabr
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August
31st 2018
Hazrat Abu Abas bin Jabr
His pre-Islam name was Abdul Uzza, however the Holy Prophet (sa) changed his name to Abdul Rahman because Uzza was the name of their idol. His title was Abu Abas
He took part in the Battle of Badr and all the other battles along with the Holy Prophet (sa).
He was a fast walker, very honest in his dealings when serving his finance duties and was very trustworthy.
That day he shot arrows on behalf of the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet stated: (Arabic) Meaning ‘give arrows to Sahl as it is easy for him to shoot arrows’. Hazrat Sahl Bin Hunaif Ansari was also part of a group who followed and killed a person, attempting to kill Muslims with a group of spear-holding warriors. In those days, there was no single day that would pass by in peace. The enemy were waiting to strike at every moment. Thus, such enemies should have been punished in the same manner of that killing.
He passed away in 34 AH at the age of 70. Hazrat Usman led his funeral prayers and he was buried in Janatul Baqee.

9. May God Almighty continue to exalt the status of the Companions.
Men of Excellence
August
31st 2018
Hazrat Abu Aqeel bin Abdullah
He was one of the companions who would work all night when the Holy Prophet (sa) would instruct [everyone] to offer sadqa [charity] and he would offer whatever he could collect.
He fought alongside the Holy Prophet (sa) in the battle of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq.
He was martyred during the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) during the battle of Yumama..
Hazrat Abu Aqeel sustained fourteen wounds, each of which was fatal. Fallen in the battlefield, Hazrat Abu Aqeel praised God, then raised his finger towards the sky and passed away. May Allah have mercy on him.
Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif was a great proponent of peace and showed by his example that a believer should always think positively, and one should make every effort to to form a treaty for the sake of God Almighty – to oversee all aspects of it is the true hallmark of a believer. Having said that, one should not allow themselves to be betrayed the second time.
Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif relates, “The Holy Prophet (sa) said to me, ‘You are my envoy being sent to Mecca. Go to them and convey my greetings of Salaam. Tell them that the Holy Prophet (sa) instructs them about three things. Not take oath in the name of their forefathers for that is forbidden and a sin. When they sit to relieve themselves, they should not turn their backs in the direction of the Qibla, (they should face north and south). Thirdly, after relieving oneself, one should not use bones or dung.” There is great wisdom in this for they carry various kinds of bacteria which can cause a risk for infection. In this day and age tissue and water is commonly used but in those days stones and bones were used from the jungle and the Holy Prophet (sa) forbid them from this practise. Hazrat Sahl bin Hunaif passed away in Kufa in 38 AH, whilst returning from the Battle of Siffin. Hazrat Ali led his funeral prayer.
May God Almighty continue to exalt the status of the Companions.

10. Funeral Prayer in Absentia of Respected Maulana Abdul Aziz Sadiq sahib
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Funeral Prayer in Absentia of
Respected Maulana Abdul Aziz Sadiq sahib
Maulana Abdul Aziz Sadiq sahib who was a Missionary in Bangaldesh; he passed away on 26 July 2018.
To Allah we belong and to Him do we return.
Whilst he was still in class 4, he left to study in Qadian where he had the opportunity to grow up amongst the Companions of the Promised Messiahas.
He studied in Jamia Ahmadiyya for 6 years and thereafter completed another 3 years in Jamia-tul-Mubashireen. He obtained the Shahid Degree and then studied at Punjab University and Peshawar University; obtaining a Maulwi Fazil degree.
August 31st 2018

11. Respected Maulana Abdul Aziz Sadiq sahib
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Funeral Prayer in Absentia of
Respected Maulana Abdul Aziz Sadiq sahib
He served in various Jamaats in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) formed a board to oversee the translation of the Holy Quran into Bangla and included Maulana Abdul Aziz sahib amongst the board members.
On many occasions he had to bear physical torment from opponents of Jamaat Ahmadiyya. He was also blessed with the opportunity of being an Aseer Rahe Maula (Prisoner in the path of Allah).
May God Almighty elevate the status of the deceased and enable his progeny to continue his virtuous deeds.
August 31st 2018

12. Funeral Prayer in Absentia of Muhammad Zafrullah Sahib Shaheed
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Funeral Prayer in Absentia of
Muhammad Zafrullah Sahib Shaheed
On 29th August he was martyred in the district of Nankana at the time of Maghrib [sunset] prayer when two armed robbers opened fire at his shop.
To Allah we belong and to Him do we return.
Six men, armed with the latest weaponry, arrived on motorcycle to his Jewellery shop. Having looted the entire shop they opened firetargeted Zafrullah Sahib, with the mind-set that ‘since he is an Ahmadi, it does not matter [if we kill him], in this way we will receive double the reward.’
August 31st 2018

13. Muhammad Zafrullah Sahib Shaheed
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Funeral Prayer in Absentia of
Muhammad Zafrullah Sahib Shaheed
The deceased was a civilised and hospitable gentleman.
The deceased had a special love for Khilafat and would respond to every initiative launched by the Community.
By the Grace of Allah, he was a Moosi [part of the Institution of Al-Wasiyyat] and an individual who was brave and courageous.
Zafruallah Sahib was 30 years old [at the time of his demise]. He was married and has one son, Muhammad Talha, who is one and a half years old.
May Allah the Almighty elevate the status of the deceased and grant steadfastness to all his family member that he leaves behind and also enable them to continue the virtuous deeds of the deceased.
August 31st 2018