After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that he would begin highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Uthman (ra).
Hazrat Uthman bin Affan (ra)
His Holiness (aba) said that though Hazrat Uthman (ra) did not physically take part in the Battle of Badr, however he was among those eight companions to whom the Holy Prophet (sa) gave spoils of war, thus including them amongst the participants of the Battle of Badr.
Family Background of Hazrat Uthman (ra)
His Holiness (aba) said that his full name was Uthman bin Affan bin Abil Aas bin Umayyah bin Abd Shams bin Abd Manaf bin Qusayy bin Qilab. He was related to the Holy Prophet (sa) on account of being from the lineage of Abd Manaf. His mother’s name was Arwah bint Quraiz, and his maternal grandmother was the sister of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) father. Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) father had passed away before the advent of Islam.
The Possessor of Two Lights
His Holiness (aba) said that the Holy Prophet (sa) married his daughter Ruqayyah to Hazrat Uthman (ra), however she passed away during the days of the Battle of Badr. Afterwards, the Holy Prophet (sa) gave another one of his daughters, Umm Kulthum, to Hazrat Uthman (ra) in marriage. Thus, Hazrat Uthman (ra) was also known as Dhun-Noorain.
His Holiness (aba) said that once, Hazrat Uthman (ra) went to meet the Holy Prophet (sa) along with Hazrat Talhah bin Ubaidillah (ra). The Holy Prophet (sa) took the opportunity to preach to them the true message of Islam, upon which both accepted Islam and attested to the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (sa). Hazrat Uthman (ra) told the Holy Prophet (sa) that he had just returned from Syria, where one night, he had heard someone calling out, saying that Ahmad had manifested in Makkah. Then when he returned to Makkah, he heard of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) claim and thus went to meet him. Thus, Hazrat Uthman (ra) accepted Islam even before the time of Dar-e-Arqam.
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Uthman (ra) and his wife Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) were known for their great beauty. Once, the Holy Prophet (sa) visited their home, and the Holy Prophet (sa) said to his daughter, that she should take great care of Hazrat Uthman (ra), for amongst his companions, Hazrat Uthman (ra) resembled his moral qualities the most.
Migration to Abyssinia
His Holiness (aba) said that both Hazrat Uthman and his wife Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) were part of the first migration towards Abysinnia. Before leaving, the Holy Prophet (sa) advised Hazrat Uthman (ra) that he should take Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) along with him, so that both could be a means of support for one another. After their departure, the Holy Prophet (sa) inquired as to the status of their journey. Upon receiving news of their departure, the Holy Prophet (sa) said that after Lot (as) and Abraham (as), they were the foremost in migration. Hazrat Uthman (ra) remained in Abysinnia for some time and returned to Makkah along with other companions only after hearing news that the Quraish had accepted Islam. However upon reaching Makkah, they learned that this news was false. Later, Hazrat Uthman (ra) and Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) also took part in the migration from Makkah to Madinah.
An Incident at the Ka’bah
His Holiness (aba) presented a narration as to why it was believed that the Quraish accepted Islam. It is stated in a narration that once, the Holy Prophet (sa) was standing near the Holy Ka’bah and was reciting Surah Najm in a profound and heartfelt manner. After completing his recitation, the Holy Prophet (sa) fell into prostration, upon which all the Muslims, and even the Quraish present also fell into prostration. His Holiness (aba) explained that at times, in light of certain circumstances, hearing or seeing certain things, the heart becomes influenced to such a degree that a person does something which is seemingly out of their control. They may do something, though they may not believe in it, such as the Quraish who fell in prostration alongside the Muslims, because of the manner in which the Holy Prophet (sa) had been reciting the Qur’an and the verses which he was reciting. His Holiness (aba) commented that this is something we see even today, that at times even atheists will call out to God without even realising. His Holiness (aba) said that he himself has asked atheists about this and they have said that this is absolutely true.
His Holiness (aba) said that after the migration to Madinah, there are various narrations as to who Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) bond of brotherhood was established with. There is also a narration which states that the Holy Prophet (sa) established Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) bond of brotherhood with himself.
Demise of Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) & Marriage to Hazrat Umm Kulthum (ra)
His Holiness (aba) said that when the Holy Prophet (sa) set out for the Battle of Badr, he instructed Hazrat Uthman (ra) to stay behind and tend to Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) who was ill. Later, after returning from the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet (sa) set a portion of the spoils for Hazrat Uthman (ra), which was equal to those who participated in the war. Hazrat Ruqayyah (ra) passed away during the days of the Battle of Badr. After her demise, one day, the Holy Prophet (sa) met Hazrat Uthman (ra) in the mosque, and told him that Gabriel had informed him that God had decreed for his daughter Umm Kulthum to be married to Hazrat Uthman (ra). Once, the Holy Prophet (sa) asked Umm Kulthum how Hazrat Uthman (ra) was as a husband, to which she replied that he was an excellent husband. Hazrat Umm Kulthum (ra) passed away in the ninth year after migration. The Holy Prophet (sa) led her funeral prayer, and it is narrated afterwards, the Holy Prophet (sa) became emotional as he stood by her grave.
His Holiness (aba) said that once, the Holy Prophet (sa) saw Hazrat Uthman (ra) crying and inquired as to what was wrong. Hazrat Uthman replied saying that he was sad as he was no longer the son-in-law to the Holy Prophet (sa). The Holy Prophet (sa) replied that he had nothing to worry about, for if he had a hundred daughters, he would have married them to him one after the other.
His Holiness (aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Uthman (ra) in the future.
Appeal for Prayers
His Holiness (aba) once again made an appeal for prayers for Ahmadis in Pakistan. Though the opponents continue in their attempts, they forget that there is a Higher Being Who is watching over them and taking account. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may they see reason and act with justice. His Holiness (aba) similarly prayed for the Ahmadis of Algeria and all those in other places who are facing such hardships.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness (aba) said that he would lead the funeral prayers in-absentia of the following:
Maulana Sultan Mahmood Anwar Sahib
Maulana Sultan Mahmood Anwar Sahib former Nazir Islah-o-Irshad who passed away on January 11. He was the only son of Chaudhary Muhammad Din and Rahmat Bibi. He went to Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah from where he obtained his Shahid degree. He is survived by four sons and two daughters. One of his sons is a life-devotee. Maulana Sultan Mahmood Anwar sahib served as a missionary at various places in Pakistan. He also served as a missionary in Ghana at the same time when His Holiness (aba) was serving in Ghana. His Holiness (aba) said that he knew him to be a hard and selfless worker. Later he served at various posts in Rabwah. He was very proficient in speaking and spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He was a great orator who could captivate an audience. His Holiness (aba) said that everyone who has written about him has said that he was extremely kind. His Holiness (aba) also commented on his exemplary level of obedience. His Holiness (aba) also mentioned some of his publications which he had written. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness and enable his progeny to follow in the footsteps of his virtues.
Maulana Muhammad Umar Sahib
Maulana Muhammad Umar Sahib who passed away on January 21, 2021. He was originally from Kerala. When he was a student, he had the honour of going to the home of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as) and reciting the Holy Qur’an every day for a year. His Holiness (aba) said that he served as an excellent missionary. He took part in very prominent debates and would often speak at such events. He had the opportunity of receiving direct guidance in this regard from the Fourth Caliph (rh). In fact, the Fourth Caliph (rh) once commended Maulana Muhammad Umar sahib in one of his sermons for the speed with which he would translate his sermons and disseminate it within his local community. He also translated various books into Malayalam and Tamil. His Holiness (aba) also mentioned the various posts in which he served. He is survived by four daughters. His Holiness (aba) said that he had a fervour for serving the Community and propagating its message. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness and elevate his station in Paradise. May his progeny always remain attached to and serve the Community.
Habib Ahmad Sahib
Habib Ahmad Sahib who passed away on December 25, 2020. He was a missionary, who served in various districts of Pakistan. He also served in Nigeria, where he was also the National President and Missionary In-charge. He was extremely humble, and worked in an excellent manner. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness and enable his progeny to remain dutifully attached to the Community.
Badaruz Zaman Sahib
Badaruz Zaman Sahib who passed away on January 3, 2021. He worked in the Wakalat-e-Maal UK. He worked with great dedication. He was honoured to be a prisoner in the way of Allah in Pakistan on the basis of a false charge. He served in various capacities in Pakistan as well. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness.
Mansoor Ahmad Taseer Sahib
Mansoor Ahmad Taseer Sahib who passed away on December 30, 2020. He was a worker in Nazrat Umur-e-Amma Rabwah. He served the Community in various offices for about 25 years. He was very kind and sympathetic. He had a great love for Khilafat. He would solve matters with great care, and often difficult matters would be given to him as he would be able to solve them. He had a great deal of fervour to serve the Community, to the extent that even on the morning of his daughter’s wedding, he went to the office to get some work done. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. His Holiness (aba) said that he knew him since his childhood and always knew him to be very nice, lighthearted and never became angry. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness.
Dr Eedi Ibrahim Moanga Sahib
Dr Eedi Ibrahim Moanga Sahib of Tanzania who passed away on December 9, 2020. He was the first Ahmadi doctor from East Africa. He accepted Ahmadiyyat after doing research and coming into contact with an Ahmadi missionary. He had a great passion for propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. He would always carry books of the Community with him. He would say that in the hospital he would cure physical ailments and now he was healing spiritual ailments. He was firmly attached with the Community and ensured that his children were as well. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may his children always remain attached to the Community in this way and may He treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness.
Sughra Begum Sahiba
Sughra Begum Sahiba who passed away on January 6, 2021. She was the daughter of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). She possessed many great virtues, she was regular in her prayers and loved Khilafat a great deal. She served in the National Women’s Auxiliary Organisations. She is survived by two sons and two daughters. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness and enable her progeny to keep the legacy of virtues alive.
Chaudhary Kiramatullah Sahib
Chaudhary Kiramatullah Sahib who passed away on December 26, 2020. He was the grandson of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). He possessed many great virtues. He was always thankful to God. He was very hospitable. He also served in the Furqan Force. He later also volunteered in the offices of Al-Fazal International. His children and progeny are also serving the Community. His Holiness (aba) prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness and enable his progeny to keep the legacy of his virtues alive.
Chaudhary Munawwar Ahmad Khalid Sahib
Chaudhary Munawwar Ahmad Khalid Sahib who passed away on August 20, 2020. He was extremely attached to the Community and served in various capacities in Germany. When he was in Pakistan, he served the Community there as well. He loved Khilafat a great deal. He is survived by his wife, five sons and six daughters.
Naseera Begum Sahiba
Naseera Begum Sahiba who passed away on November 28, 2020. She possessed many virtuous qualities. His Holiness prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness.
Rafiuddin Butt Sahib
Rafiuddin Butt Sahib who passed away on December 6, 2020. He was the son of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). He served the Community in various capacities. He was also honoured to be a prisoner in the way of Allah. He is survived by four daughters and one son. His Holiness prayed that may Allah treat the deceased with mercy and forgiveness.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions.
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