The Promised Messiah (as)
The incident in regard to this allegation [levelled against Hazrat Aisha (ra)] is extremely important for it carries a vital lesson for the Muslims. Hence, it has been mentioned in great detail. Furthermore, God Almighty has also revealed verses in the Holy Quran in relation to this.
Nevertheless, the Promised Messiah (as) states:
“God Almighty has made it an integral part of His own noble attributes to avert prophecies of warning on the basis of repentance, seeking forgiveness, prayer, and charity, so did He teach the same morals to man.”
Whilst relating this incident, the Promised Messiah (as) has explained the difference between a promise and a warning. The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
“As is evidenced by the Holy Quran and the Hadith that when, out of sheer maliciousness, the hypocrites had perpetrated a calumny against Hazrat Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, some unwary companions also had joined in this narrative. (Their intention was not to create disorder, rather they joined owing to their simple-mindedness.) One of those companions used to get his meal, twice a day, from the home of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). Due to this lapse, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) pledged that he would never again feed him as a punishment for this misdeed, whereupon the verse was revealed:
‘Let them forgive and forbear. Do you not desire that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Surah al-Nur: V.23)
At that, Hazrat Abu Bakr broke his pledge and restored his meals as usual. It is for this reason that it is part of Islamic morality.”
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 14 December 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) further stated,
“The Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) exhibited such an example of loyalty, which had no parallel before, nor will we see any parallel in the future… However, if God Almighty so desires, He can make this happen once again. Others can derive benefit from their examples. God Almighty can establish such examples in this Community.”
The Promised Messiah (as) is referring to his own Community.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 04 May 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) wrote [quoting from the book of Parkash Devji],
“The Holy Prophet (sa) endured the cruelties that were inflicted upon him however he could, but it was unbearable for him to see his companions suffering.”
“…he would become restless. Severe cruelties were inflicted upon these poor believers. They would capture these poor people, take them into the jungle, take off their clothes, lay them down on the burning sand and place rocks on their chests. Their tongues would hang from out of their mouths as a result of the suffering in the burning heat and being subdued by the weight. Many lost their lives due to this torture. One person among these victims was Ammar, who demonstrated great courage and patience in the face of these cruelties. In fact, one should say Hazrat Ammar.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“He was tied, laid down on the rugged floor, rocks were placed on his chest and he was instructed to insult the Holy Prophet (sa). They treated his elderly father in the same manner and his poor wife, whose name was Sumaiyyah, was unable to bear this torture. She uttered a humble prayer as a result of which the clothes of this innocent and faithful lady, whose husband and son were tortured before her eyes, were removed and she was tortured in an utmost shameless manner, that even to describe it one feels ashamed. In the end, this faithful lady suffered severely as a result of this torture and passed away.”
(Swanih Umri Hazrat Muhammad, quoted in Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazai, Vol.23, p. 258)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 22 June 2018)
He further states:
“The Holy Prophet (sa) was like a body and the companions (ra), the limbs.”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 279, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
In another place, the Promised Messiah (as) states regarding the Companions (ra):
“They were like lions on the earth in the day and hermits in the night and served as shinning stars of the faith.” … “They all are the recipients of God’s pleasure.”
(Najm-ul-Huda, Ruhani Khazain, Vol.14, p.17)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 01 June 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) presented a Persian Couplet:
هر بلا كيں قوم راحق داده است
زير آں گنج كرم بنهاده است
That is, “Whatever trial befalls them from Allah, there lies beneath it a treasure of the Divine grace.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
“The Holy Quran is filled with their praise, open it and see! The lives of the Companions (ra) demonstrate the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (sa). The noble status of the Companions (ra) has been described by the Holy Quran in the following words:
مِنْهُمْ مَّنْ قَضيٰ نَحْبَهُ وَ مِنْهُمْ مَّنْ يَّنْتَظِرُ
‘…There are some of them who have fulfilled their vow, and some who still wait…’ (Surah Al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.24)
“In other words, some of them have attained martyrdom and have achieved their true objective. While others are waiting with the desire to attain martyrdom. The Companions (ra) did not incline towards the worldly life in seeking to live long lives and accumulate wealth and means by which they could lead a carefree and luxurious life.”
With regards to the companions, their extraordinary status and extraordinary reformations, which were brought about within them, the Promised Messiah (as) states on occasion:
… The group of the companions was a unique group. It was a group worthy of honour and worthy to be followed. Their hearts were filled with certainty and conviction.
The Promised Messiah (as) states,
When [a person is endowed with] conviction, he gradually desires to sacrifice his wealth in the initial stages. Following this, when his certainty increases, that person filled with conviction becomes willing to sacrifice his life for the sake of God.
The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
Remember that the true servant of Allah the Exalted are those, with regards to whom Allah has said: [Arabic] [whom neither merchandise nor traffic diverts from the remembrance of Allah]. That is, when a person's heart develops a true loving relationship with God, he cannot separate himself therefrom. This state can be understood in this manner that when someone's child is ill, he may go about his daily business, but his heart remains focussed on his child. Similarly, those people who form a true relationship with God based on love, cannot forget God under any circumstances.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 12 January 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
“When I observe the example of the Companions (ra), I impulsively acknowledge the power of holiness and supreme beneficence of the Holy Prophet (sa), in that he brought about a complete transformation in them and made them completely inclined to God.”
اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَي مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلَي آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ بَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ
[O Allah, bless Muhammad (sa) and the people of Muhammad (sa) with countless blessings and prosperity.]
The Promised Messiah (as) states:
“In essence, it is our duty to remain in search of attaining pleasure of Allah the Exalted and consider this to be our ultimate objective. All our efforts and struggles should be streamlined to seek the pleasure of Allah the Exalted, even if it be by experiencing difficulties and hardships. The pleasure of Allah the Exalted is better and far superior than the world and all its desires.”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 82-83, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 16 March 2018)
Regarding the Companions (ra) of the Holy Prophet (sa), on one occasion the Promised Messiah (as) said:
“If one ponders over the [lives of the] Companions (ra) of the Holy Prophet (sa), one finds that they were simple people. Just like a vessel becomes clean after polishing, their hearts were the same, in that they were filled with Divine light and free from the filth of carnal passions. In essence, they were the true embodiments of the statement,
قَدْ اَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكّٰهَا
[He indeed truly prospers who purifies it.]”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 15, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
In Sirul-Khilafa, the Promised Messiah (as) states: (it is in Arabic and I will read its translation).
Allah have mercy on you. Know that all the companions were like the body parts and limbs of the Holy Prophet (sa) and the pride of all of mankind. Some of them were like the eyes of the Messenger of the Merciful God, some like ears, some like hands and others like feet. Whatever these companions did, or whatever efforts they made all issued forth in likeness with these body parts and they did these solely for the sake of pleasing the Lord of the universe and the Lord of all the worlds.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 22 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) states:
“This is the example of the Companions (ra) that I wish to see amongst the members of my community in that they give precedence to Allah the Exalted and nothing impedes them in this path. They should consider their lives and their wealth insignificant. I have observed some people send in cards [in the form of letters] in which they express loss in their business or employment or having suffered any other misfortune, they instantly fall in doubts.”
The Promised Messiah (as) continues:
“From this, anyone can gauge how far these individuals are from their true goal and aim. Ponder over the difference between such people and the Companions (ra)? The Companions (ra) [of the Holy Prophet (sa)] wished to please Allah the Exalted, irrespective of the trials and difficulties they endured in the process. If one of them did not suffer difficulty or hardships or there was a delay in this regard, they would cry out and weep.”
The Promised Messiah (as) says:
“They had understood well that enduring these trials, one could become like a moth to a flame in the way of seeking the pleasure of God and also seek the treasures of Divine pleasure.”
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 16 March 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) stated at one occasion,
“What was the condition of the civility, morals and spirituality of the Arab nation at the time of the advent of Holy Prophet (sa)? Civil unrest was rampant; drinking, adultery and looting were common. In short, every vice was rife. Nobody had any relation to God Almighty or displayed any moral excellence. Everyone thought themselves to be the pharaoh. However, upon the advent of the Holy Prophet (sa), once they entered into the fold of Islam, they developed such Divine love and a spirit of unity that every one of them became ready to die in the way of God Almighty. They manifested the true essence of bai’at [oath of initiation] which they reflected through their actions.”
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 04 May 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) states:
‘Success is completely impossible if one forsakes the Holy Quran. Place the example of the companions before you; when they obeyed the Prophet of God (sa) and gave preference to their faith over all worldly things then God Almighty fulfilled all that which He had promised them.'
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 15 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) states:
'What is the meaning of Ribaat? The horses which are tied at the frontier of the enemy are called Ribaat. Allah the Exalted commands the companions to be prepared to confront the enemies. Through this word of Ribaat, He turns their attention towards truly being prepared. They were entrusted with two tasks. Firstly, to physically confront the enemy and the second was to confront them spiritually. For spiritual confrontation there is also a command for Ribaat and that one must be prepared at all times…’
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 15 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) writes in one of his books:
“We are ever grateful to God Almighty, Who bestows great favours upon us and removes our sorrows. We send salutations of peace upon His Prophet (sa), who is the leader of the Jinn and men, and leads the pure hearted towards the heavenly gardens. May peace be upon his Companions, who rushed as if intensely thirsty towards the fountain of faith, and in the abyss of darkness they were enlightened with the excellence of knowledge and morals.”
(Noor-ul-Haq, Part 2, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 188)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 01 June 2018)
While mentioning the status of the Companions (ra) [of the Holy Prophet (sa)], the Promised Messiah (as) stated on one occasion:
“The revered companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them, are a luminous proof of the blessed character of the Holy Prophet (sa). Now, if someone was to disregard these proofs, then, in other words, he would be seeking to disregard the prophethood of the Holy Prophet (sa). Thus, only that person can truly value the Holy Prophet (sa), who values his revered companions (ra). One who does not esteem the revered companions (ra) can never truly esteem the Holy Prophet (sa). Such a person would be making a false claim if he was to say, ‘I love the Holy Prophet (sa).’ It would be impossible for a person to love the Holy Prophet (sa) but to harbour enmity against his companions.”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 278, 1985 UK)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 16 March 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
The support given to the Holy Prophet (sa) in Makkah by the Momineen [believers] from among the Quraish, and with the exception of one or two, no other person from any other nation was part of them, such support was purely by displaying the strength of their faith and wisdom. No sword was drawn from the sheath and nor any arrow was used, in fact they were strictly forbidden to engage in any combat. This shinning weapon was simply the strength of their faith and the spiritual light of wisdom...
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 22 December 2017)
He further stated that,
“What beautiful words has God Almighty, uttered in praise of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa):
‘Among the believers are men who have been true to the covenant they made with God Almighty. There are some of them who have sacrificed their lives, and some who are still waiting, ever-ready to sacrifice their lives.’ (Chapter 33:24)
The Promised Messiah (as) then states:
“There can be no greater role models for us if we were to see all the verses of the Holy Quran in praise of the Companions.”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp.431-433, 1985, UK)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 04 May 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
The Companions (ra) of the Holy Prophet (sa) demonstrated such truthfulness that they shunned all forms of worship of idols and creation” which means worshipping people. Over-praising someone or begging from an individual also equates to worship.
The Promised Messiah (as) says,
“They not only shunned all worship of people, rather they obliterated any desire of material gains; instead they began to see God Almighty. They were so perfectly absorbed in the way of God Almighty that it was as if every single one of them was Abraham (as).”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 137, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Whatever has been decreed by God is always destined to take place, and in relation to this the material means is of no significance. God Almighty states that whoso strives in His cause, will find”
مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيْرًا
‘An abundant place of refuge.’ (Surah Al-Nisa: V. 101)
One who acts with pure intentions, God Almighty is with him, in fact even if one is ill, God Almighty alleviates it.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
Look at the example of the Companions (ra); their example is like that of all the Prophets. Actions please God Almighty. [The Companions] offered their lives to be sacrificed like goats. Their example is similar to the Prophets, as has been their practise since Adam (as).
There has been a practice, a way of the prophets since Adam (as) as is evident from the history of religions.
The Promised Messiah (as) further continues,
However, the Companions demonstrated this in a most lustrous manner.” They did not just reveal its importance in terms of imparting its knowledge but illumined it by practically demonstrating it as well and showed that “this is true sincerity and loyalty.
Further enlightening us about the status and rank of the companions, the Promised Messiah (as) states:
'If one observes with an eye of justice the sacrifices the companions of our perfect Guide (sa) made in the cause of God and His Prophet (sa); they were exiled, endured persecution, bore various forms of hardships and sacrificed their lives, however, they marched forward with truthfulness and devotion. Thus, what caused them to be so devoted? It was the passion for the true God, the rays of which had penetrated their hearts. The companions were those, who sacrificed their wealth and their homeland in cause of the truth and left everything behind. Perhaps you have heard the incident regarding the Siddiq-e-Akbar [Hazrat Abu Bakr], may Allah be pleased with him, on numerous occasions. Once, when people were asked to spend their wealth in the cause of God, he presented all of his possessions. When the Holy Prophet (sa) inquired what he had left behind, he replied that I have left God and His Prophet (sa) in my home.'
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 15 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) further states,
“What can be said of Jesus (as); no one betrayed Moses (as) but Jesus (as) was betrayed by his disciples for just thirty rupees. It is evident from the Holy Quran that the disciples entertained doubt about Jesus (as), hence demanding a heavenly feast, and said,
وَ نَعْلَمَ اَنْ قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا
[uncertainty].
“Then, there is no parallel to be found in the manner in which they [the Companions (ra)] lived a life of extreme anguish. They were indeed a truly unique group of individuals, who are worthy of admiration and emulation. Their hearts were filled with complete certainty. When one is full of conviction then initially they first wish to spend their wealth, and when the desire grows, such a person is even ready to offer his life.”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 42, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
Relating about the status and the rank of the companions and about Allah the Exalted being pleased with them and them being please with Allah, the Promised Messiah (as) said at an occasion that:
'The honourable companions demonstrated such truthfulness in the cause of Allah the Exalted and His Prophet (sa) that heard the voice of the verse [Arabic] [Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him]. …To be pleased with Allah the Exalted is not the task of a human being. Rather, it is the highest state of placing one's trust in God, devotion, being pleased with God and submission to Him. After reaching this state, a person is no longer displeased with his Lord in any form.'
The Promised Messiah further writes:
'This indicates that the companions had attained all stages of comprehending God and gaining His nearness.'
Elaborating on this, the Promised Messiah (as) states:
'Purify your heart so that your Benevolent Master becomes pleased with you (he is advising us) so that you become pleased with Him.'
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 15 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) has mentioned this in his book Sirrul Khilafah. (Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 394, footnote):
“Nevertheless, may God Almighty shower His boundless mercy on Hazrat Zaid bin Haritha (ra) and his son, Hazrat Usama (sa), who were the beloved and dear ones of our master and guide, the Holy Prophet (sa).”
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 28 June 2019)
With reference to the Spiritual Influence of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as) states:
It is my belief that the Spiritual Influences of the Holy Prophet (sa) was so magnificent, that it was not granted to any other prophet in the world. This is the secret behind the progress of Islam that the Noble Prophet (sa) possessed an immense power of attraction. Moreover, his words bore such an impact that whoever would listen to them, would become captivated.
He further states:
Those that were entranced by him became completely purified.
At another occasion the Promised Messiah (as) stated,
This miracle of the Holy Prophet (sa) is so great that it is sufficient to open the eyes of the world.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 12 January 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) says,
“Since progress is gradual, the Companions also advanced gradually.”
He continues by saying:
“The Holy Prophet (sa) wished to see his companions reach the apex of progress, however this was destined at a fixed time,” meaning that it takes place gradually.
“Thus, the companions received [blessings], the likes of which was not witnessed before and they saw what had never been seen before.”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 52, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
Then in another place, the Promised Messiah (as) has written briefly:
If one studies the era of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions, one would discover that they were simple people, just as a vessel becomes clean after polishing, their hearts were the same in that they were filled with divine light and free from the filth of carnal passions. In essence, they were the true embodiment of the statement: [Arabic] He indeed truly prospers who purifies it.
The Promised Messiah (as) states:
If one becomes pure in this manner and illuminates themselves like a polished vessel, then it will be instilled in him to derive benefit from the blessings bestowed by God Almighty. However, how many people exist that are the embodiment of the verse [Arabic] He indeed truly prospers who purifies it?
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 15 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) says,
Hence, after obtaining the pleasure of being in the company of God the Exalted, one readily accepts being trampled to death like an insect.
Just like the companion who stated: “I have attained the Lord of the Ka’bah,” meaning that he had reached the highest point of love.
He says,
The most excruciating afflictions are made easy for a believer to experience. The truth is, it is a sign of a true believer that they are ever ready to be slain. Similarly, if a person is asked to convert to Christianity or prepare to be killed, then at that time they should seek what their conscience tells them to do, whether they will accept death or prefer converting to Christianity. If they give preference to being put to death, then they are true believers, otherwise they are infidels. Hence, those believers who experience such hardships also experience a form of hidden delight. Just think about this, if there was no delight in experiencing such trials, then how can the Prophets (on whom be peace) go through such hardships for such a long time?
(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 308-309, UK 1985)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) also received a revelation in Arabic which has the mention of the Ashab as-Suffah. The revelation is as follows:
“Do you know who the Ashab as-Suffah are? You will see their eyes shedding tears; they will call down blessings upon you. They will send blessing upon you and supplicate: ‘Our Lord we have heard the voice of a caller, calling people to the faith and a Summoner to Allah and a refulgent lamp.”
(Haqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 22, p. 78)
This revelation of the Promised Messiah (as) was regarding some of his companions in that he would also be granted companions with similar qualities. The Promised Messiah (as) states:
“The people of Suffah in the time of the Holy Prophet (sa) were extremely honourable and firm in their faith. Their example of sincerity and devotion is a model [for everyone to follow]. Allah the Almighty has also revealed to me that He shall also grant me individuals like them.”
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 30 August 2019)
The Promised Messiah (as) has also mentioned this incident. The Promised Messiah (as) states:
“On one occasion the Holy Prophet (sa) requested for provisions. In response, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) brought all the wealth he owned. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked him what he had left at home. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger (sa)’”, meaning that he had left behind the name of Allah and the Holy Prophet (sa). “Hazrat Umar (ra) brought half of his possessions and upon asking what he had left at home, replied that he had left half of his possessions at home.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further says,
“Following this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘The difference between the actions of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra) is the same difference between their ranks.’”
(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 95)
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 06 December 2019)
While mentioning the sacrifices of the companions of the Holy Prophet (sa), their status and the favours which Allah the Exalted bestowed upon them, the Promised Messiah (as), said on one occasion:
Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) sacrificed all of his belongings in the way of God the Exalted and sufficed only on a blanket himself. However, what did Allah the Exalted grant him in exchange? He made him the king of the whole of Arabia. Likewise, He revived Islam once again at his hands, and won the hearts of the apostates of Arabia. He then bestowed upon him those blessings, the likes of which could never have been imagined. In short, the honesty, purity, loyalty, sincerity and kindness of these people is an example for every Muslim. The life of the Companions (ra) was such that an example cannot be produced the likes thereof in the case of any other prophet. In essence, until man does not come to the threshold of God the Exalted, abandoning one’s personal desires and goals, one cannot achieve anything. Rather they cause harm to themselves. However, once they abandon all their selfish desires and aims, and come to the threshold of God the Exalted, empty-handed and with pure hearts, then Allah grants them and supports them. However, the condition is that man should become ready to die and endure all forms of humiliation and even death. Look, this world is mortal”, meaning no person will live forever. “however, those who abandon it,” i.e. worldly pursuits, “for the sake of God, earn its pleasure. For this reason, God Almighty makes His beloved ones admired and accepted in this world. It is the same popularity, for which the worldly people undertake thousands of efforts so that they may be granted a certain title or an honourable position or a seat at a court or a similar place, or that they may be counted among those who hold a certain rank. In short, all the worldly honours are bestowed upon them. Every heart is infused with the respect and acceptance of those who are prepared to abandon everything for the sake of Allah the Exalted. Not only do they become prepared to do so, but they indeed put this into practice. To sum up, those who abandon everything for the sake of God the Exalted are bestowed everything.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)
The Promised Messiah (as) continues by saying:
The example of the intensity of the trials and hardships endured by the companions is not found in any other nation [in history]. These courageous people endured all hardships, but never abandoned Islam. When the persecution reached their limit, they were eventually forced to leave their homes and migrated with the Holy Prophet (sa). When the mischief of the disbelievers exceeded all bounds, they sealed their fate and God Almighty appointed these very companions to punish the rebellious ones. Thus, a people who would previously spend their nights in worship in mosques, who were few in number and ill-equipped, were forced to step into the battlefield to stop the onslaught of the opponents. These were [known as] defensive Islamic wars.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 15 December 2017)
The Promised Messiah (as) states:
Observe the state of the esteemed Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all. What atrocities were meted out to them in Mecca? Some of them were captured, tortured and punished in various forms. Men were certainly made a target of this. However, some Muslim women were [also] tortured in such a manner, the mere thought of which makes the body shudder and tremble. If they had joined the people of Mecca, they would seemingly have been treated with great respect because they were part of the same tribe. However, what enabled them to remain firmly established upon the truth even during the storm of difficulties and hardships? It was that very fountain of happiness and delight, which gushed forth from their chests due to the love for truth.
Whilst narrating another incident as an example, the Promised Messiah (as) states,
It is narrated about a Companion whose hands were severed, that when this happened, the Companion said, ‘I perform the ablution’. Eventually his head was decapitated, and he passed away saying ‘I prostrate [before Allah]’. At the time of his death he prayed, ‘O Allah! Inform the Holy Prophet (sa) of my situation.’ the Holy Prophetsa was in Medina at the time. The Angel Gabriel offered his greetings of peace to the Prophet (sa). The Prophet (sa) responded ‘Peace be upon you’ and was notified about the incident.
(Narrated by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (aba), Friday Sermon 09 March 2018)