In the Friday sermon today, Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih V (aba) mentioned some of the martyrs who were mercilessly attacked during the massacre in Lahore two weeks ago. Huzoor (aba) said these are those Ahmadi Muslims who were absolutely fearless even in the face of death, who did not beg for life before the assailants, instead remained occupied in the remembrance of Allah and tried to help others and save the life of others. They did not panic but supplicated before God and tried to overpower the attackers, if they could. Some of these believers were granted the status of martyrdom, which is eternal life, and their names shall shine bright like stars in the heavens in the annals of Ahmadiyyat, Insha'Allah. May Allah Almighty elevate their status in Paradise, Ameen.

Before mentioning the martyrs, Huzoor (aba) directed the attention of all Jamaat members towards Syedna Bilal Fund. He reminded that this fund exists since 1986, and was launched by Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih IV (rh) to collect funds for the assistance of the families of martyrs. Huzoor (aba) said that through this scheme, the Jamaat has been providing assistance, but it is the responsibility of Jamaat Ahmadiyya to provide any type of assistance to the families regardless of whether funds are available through Syedna Bilal Fund or not.

Huzoor (aba) then started with brief biography about some of the martyrs.

1. Munir Ahmad Shaikh Sahib, Ameer Jamaat District Lahore, martyred in Dar-ul-zikr. His father, Shaikh Taj Din Sahib, was a stationmaster and he performed Bai’at in 1927. He (father) was a friend of Mufti Malik Saif-ur-Rehman Sahib, who were both bitter opponents of the Jamaat. When they read a book written by the Promised Messiah (as), they were impressed by the love expressed towards the Holy Prophet (saw) and after reading a few books, thus accepted Ahmadiyyat. Munir Ahmad Shaikh sahib received his degree in LLB and was posted as a judge in different locations. In Lahore, he was posted as a special anti-corruption judge; then special judge in customs and was working for NAB when he was retired in 2000. He was famous for being a just man, and he was fearless. In Rawalpindi, he was appointed as judge to decide between two parties; where one party consisted of a group of women belonging to the Lahori Ahmadi Jamaat being represented by Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Sahib, and other party consisted of a maulvi. Munir Ahmad Shaikh sahib told both parties that he was an Ahmadi muslim. The maulvi did not seem to have any issues with him being an Ahmadi. In fact, it was Mujeeb-ur-Rehman sahib who was apprehensive that Judge sahib may decide against his client in his keenness to express his justice. Munir Ahmad Shaikh Sahib was a brave man, kind-hearted towards everyone and had great knowledge. He led a simple life. He served jamaat in various capacities (he was Director of Fazl-e-Umar foundation, and Sadr of Model town/Garden Town areas, etc.). He always looked after his family to the best of his abilities. He would say that he was born in the household of a poor stationmaster, but he looks after his own family because his children know that their father is a session judge. He was a moosi. Just one day prior to his martyrdom, his sister gave a talk to Lajna about how the system of wasiyyat is a means to attain Paradise, and when she came home, she asked Shaikh Sahib if what she had said was correct. In response, Shaikh Sahib that although this is correct, but the true guarantee to attain paradise is through martyrdom. Shaikh Sahib called from the mosque before his martyrdom, and told his wife that he had incurred injury to his head and leg, but said that he was fine. When he was directed to go towards the basement, he refused. When the assailants started firing, he requested all members to stay seated and recite durood. He borrowed a mobile phone from a Khadim and called the police, requesting their presence. The police said that they had already arrived at the premises, to which Shaikh Sahib responded angrily that they better get inside. According to an eyewitness (the Khadim whose mobile phone he had borrowed), the last words he heard being uttered by Shaikh Sahib was the proclamation of the Kalima. His wife said that before leaving for Jumma, he gave her the amount owed for chanda, and he had never done so before. He also told her about a case, the date of which was postponed, and entrusted her with some money to put in the case file. His wife says that prior to this, he had never discussed any case matters with her. He had expressed his desire to Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih IV (rh) that he would like to dedicate his life to the service of Jamaat. Khalifatul Massih IV (rh) suggested that he should continue to work where he was as this was an effective way of doing tabligh (propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat). One of his sons suggested hiring a security guard, to which he said that what will that serve? If I get hit by a bullet, I will be among the martyrs. Mubashar Majeed Sahib, a murrabbi silsila, writes about him that in 1997-1998, when he was in Gulberg, that he received a phone call from the district Murabbi who said that a scholar had requested a meeting with both of them. This scholarly man was an opponent of Jamaat, who had been implicated in an erroneous case by the customs. His complaint was that the judge appointed over the trial was a strange man who puts his fist down forcefully and announces before each session that he is an Ahmadi, and to start the proceedings. The man was fearful that the judge’s declaration of being an Ahmadi meant that the decision would be pronounced against him. The Murabbi Sahib reassured this man that the reason why the judge did so was not because of any other reason, but to let everyone know that since he was an Ahmadi, he does not mean to intimidated you, he means to say that he will not accept any bribe nor entertain any intercession on behalf of anyone, and that he is not afraid of anyone except Allah. He also consoled this man that if he was innocent, the judge would serve a fair sentence. After a few months, the PA of that man called to thank the murabbi sahib as he had been acquitted, who said that there was no need to thank him; instead he should thank the Imam Mahdi of the latter days (as) who has founded a Jamaat of members who are absolutely just in their dealings regardless of their beliefs, etc. He was a courageous man indeed.

Last year, when he was appointed Ameer, district Lahore, I wrote a letter to him suggesting that he was entitled direct access to Khalifatul Massih for consultation in any matter and maintain contact. Taking benefit of this facility, he called Huzoor (aba) for guidance and instructions, although everything was going well. He was a man who consulted everyone in his proceedings and was a highly skilled man. Sadr Lajna Imaillah, after working under his directives, said that he fulfilled his responsibilities to the best of his capabilities. He was a man who possessed many qualities. May Allah Almighty elevate his status in Paradise and rank him amongst His beloved, Ameen.

2. Major General Retired Nasir Chaudhry Sahib, son of Chaudhry Safdar Ali Sahib, resident of district Sialkot. His father was an inspector and was martyred while on duty, when his son was only 10 years of old. His paternal grandmother was a foster mother of Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan Sahib. In 1945, during World War II, he was posted in the Frontier Force in Burma. In 1943, Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib performed his nikkah, which was attended by Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (rz) and Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad Sahib (rz). In 1971, during his command of division in Rajasthan, he suffered a bullet wound in his knee, which remained in his body. The doctors said that if he walks again, it would be a miracle. He was a strong-willed man, who continued to perform certain exercises, and his leg recovered such that he was able to walk again. He was assigned a servant for his services in the army. For 20 years, he served as secretary Islaah-o-Irshaad (propagation), and from 1987 to the day he was martyred, he served as Sadr of Model Town area. He was 91 years old. His wife says that he was a sincere man, who had a kind heart, and dearly loved the establishment of Khilafat, a righteous man, regular in offering salat. Once when he did not have a driver, his wife suggested that he should request for one from his platoon, but he said that God had provided abundantly for him and that he would arrange for a driver himself. He joined the system of Wasiyyat in 1943. Naib Ameer District Lahore, Retired Major Lateef Ahmad Sahib would joke with him saying that even a General is working for me, to which General Sahib would respond that my job is to obey; in the work of jamaat, worldly ranks play no role. In Masjid Noor, he would generally sit on the chairs outside the masjid. When the assailants started firing, one of the jamaat members requested him to go inside the mosque, and he said that let others reach safety first, and he himself went in last and sat inside. People started going into the basement, but he remained seated. A grenade exploded near his feet, but a bullet from one of the assailants entered his neck, and he was martyred in the state of prostration on the chair. He served the Jamaat with great humility and loyalty. During his years of service in the army, he could have been granted the status of martyrdom, but instead, Allah Almighty bestowed on him this grand status as a servant of the Messiah (as) and during worship. May Allah Almighty grant him a lofty station in Paradise.

3. Aslam Bharwana Sahib, son of Respected Raja Khan Bharwana Sahib, who accepted Bai’at during the Khilafat of Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih II (rz), was a resident of Jhang. Aslam Bharwana Sahib received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Taxila University and since 1981, was employed with the Pakistan Railway. He was a devoted member of Majlis Ansarullah. On Fridays, he would generally make the announcements before the sermon. On the day of the incident also, he had just finished making the announcements in Bait-ul Zikr. He was 59 years old. He was Chief Engineer in Pakistan Railway. He was expecting another raise in ranking at his employment, but Allah Almighty has bestowed on him such a high rank of martyrdom in face of which no worldly ranks has any value. A Khadim on duty said that he refused to go to the basement and requested others to proceed towards a safe location. He went outside to find out about the safety of others, but when he opened the door to step outside, the assailant fired at him. He served Jamaat in various capacities with extreme dedication. He was a brave and courageous man. At an event in Quetta, he was given a seat in the front row. At that time of intense opposition towards Ahmadis, he was wearing a badge with the Kalima written on it. The Governor requested him to either take the badge off, or sit in the back rows. He was resolute that he would do neither but if the Governor wanted, he could send him home. He was a helpful man dedicated to the service of mankind. He was highly devoted to the establishment of Khilafat. He had dedicated his life to the service of Jamaat after retirement and was very happy to do so. He would look after his health in order to better serve the Jamaat. He was an honest man and earned respect due to this quality among others. He would make arrangements to offer Salat in congregation. During his education, he received Jamaat sponsored scholarships as an orphan; therefore he donated regularly to schemes that care for the orphans. He participated in financial sacrifice schemes regularly. One of his close relatives had a dream a few days before the incident in which she heard “Be prepared to choose the martyrs”. He held Jamaat officers in high esteem and was a humble man. May Allah Almighty grant him a lofty station in Paradise, Ameen.

4. Ashraf Bilal Sahib, son of Abdul Lateef Sahib. Maternal Grandfather Khuda Bakhsh Sahib accepted Bai’at at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih II (rz). Most of the extended family was non-ahmadi. He was a citizen of England and was on a visit to Pakistan. He was 56 years of age. He would always participate in financial schemes with great zeal. He was an Engineer by profession and owned his own workshop. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr and he was a Moosi. He was serving as secretary tehrik-e-jadid. A bullet pierced through his left shoulder and exited through his heart. He firmly put his hand to his body and called his driver, telling him he was wounded but not to tell anyone else. Another bullet pierced through his neck. A young boy who lived with him since his childhood, by the name of Nisar Ahmad, held him when he fell over. Nisar Sahib tried to listen to his heartbeat by pulling the wounded Bilal Sahib close to him, when the assailant opened fire again and martyred Nisar Ahmad also, maintaining all his loyalties to this family. Ashraf Bilal Sahib always remained occupied in zikr-e-ilahi and istighfar and would cry during salat, and when his wife would ask why he cried so much, his answer was that these were tears of gratitude to Allah Almighty Who had blessed him with so much despite his weaknesses. He participated with great enthusiasm in financial sacrifices and humanitarian services. He would spend hundreds of thousands in way of serving other human beings. He was also running a free dispensary. He was also providing for the monthly expenses of many households. Whosoever would come to him for financial assistance, he would provide for him and would ask him to always come to him for assistance in the future. His wife had noticed a difference in his attitude since the past two months, such that he was trying to tie up loose ends and finish some projects at a great pace. He also gave instructions to his wife regarding certain projects to which his wife said that she would not be able to accomplish these tasks, but he insisted and encouraged her. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen.

5. Captain Retired Mirza Naeemuddin Sahib son of Mirza Siraj Din Sahib. He was a resident of Fatehpur sidtrict Gujrat. He was 56 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He would usually go for lunch on Fridays to his daughter’s place. He called home at about 2pm while he was wounded and instructed his daughter to look after her mother. When the wife was handed the phone, the wounded Naeemuddin Sahib asked her if she was alright, and she said yes. Then he said “Khuda Hafiz” (May God protect you). He inquired about the safety of his son Amir. He also gave some tips to two other men on how to protect themselves, due to which they remained safe and protected. He was martyred near the mihrab resting against the wall, suffering a bullet wound in his stomach. His son Amir Naeem has also been wounded during these attacks. May Allah Almighty bless him with complete health, Ameen. His wife says that their married life was an ideal one. God blessed them with five daughters, and at the birth of every daughter, he would say that a blessing has arrived. [This is a lesson for those who trouble their wives over the birth of daughters and Huzoor (aba) receives quite a few complaints about this.] At the birth of each of their daughter, he was promoted, and thus gradually became a captain. He earned the respect of others due to his honesty and integrity and he was a very brave and courageous man. He participated in the 1971 war, and the Kargil confrontation. He had an intense desire for martyrdom. Allah Almighty granted him his wish and bestowed martyrdom to him while he was in worship.

6. Kamran Rasheed son of Mohammad Arshad Qamar Sahib. His paternal grandfather Hafiz Mohammad Abdullah Sahib was the first to enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat in his family, when he performed Bai’at in 1918. He migrated during partition from district Jalandhar. Kamran Sahib was 38 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He had earned a bachelor’s degree in arts, and was working in the field of composing, and he was an active member of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. He was currently serving as Secretary Talim (MKA), and was also working for MTA, and prior to this, he also served in the Books department at Dar-ul-Zikr. He was a Moosi. At the time of the attacks, he courageously went out to do some recording for MTA but was martyred by the bullets fired by the assailants. His wife said he was a very patient man; was always watchful about the offering of salat by the kids, and was occupied with some projects at Dar-ul-Zikr. Contrary to the norms, four or five days before his martyrdom, he became very sober and silent and would not leave the house without reciting the Holy Quran. Huzoor (aba) narrated some dreams indicating a special event in the family, which now points to this incident of martyrdom. Kamran Sahib’s maternal uncle, Muzaffar Ahmad, was also martyred during these attacks. May Allah Almighty elevate their station in Paradise, Ameen.

7. Ejaz Ahmad Baig Sahib son of Muhammad Anwar Baig. His family was from a village near Qadian, and on his mother’s side, he was related to Mohammadi Begum. He was 39 years of age and martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. His wife said that he had a urine infection and was ill for two years. This was the first time he had gone for Jumma prayers after two months and made special arrangements to attend. His wife made a special note that he looked much healthier on that day. He was a simple man with complete faith in God. He was patient man and was never affected by the negative attitude of other people. He was employed as private driver to Gen. Nasir Sahib Shaheed. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen.

8. Mirza Akram Baig Sahib son of Mirza Munawwar Baig Sahib. His paternal grandfather was Mirza Umar Baig Sahib, who accepted Bai’at at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih II (rz). At the time of partition, they migrated from Qadian. His paternal uncle was martyred in Wah Cantt in 1974-75. Akram Baig Sahib was 58 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He was a member of Majlis Ansarullah. He was martyred when he received fatal wounds from shrapnel of grenade. He called his son and told him that he was wounded and that he should pray for him. He was a righteous and pious man, very courageous, performed aitekaaf every year, disciplined and punctual, respected his elders and loved children. He had the intense desire to attain a special communion with God in his worship, which he felt was still lacking. He also had a dream recently indicating that his life would come to an end soon. He expressed desire of becoming a martyr at several occasions. He also saw the Promised Messiah (as) in one of his dreams, and also had the opportunity to visit the Ka’aba in another dream. He also dreamt that he was eating white rice, which is interpreted as fulfilment of a wish or attaining a high status. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen.

9. Munawar Ahmad Khan Sahib son of Mohammad Ayub Sahib, resident of Dairiyaan, Narowal district. He owned a business of carpets. He was 61 years of age and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He would participate in financial schemes with great enthusiasm and was very regular in paying his chanda. He was buried in Lahore. He would encourage his children to participate in Tarbiyyati classes. He was a pious and righteous man with a special relationship with God Almighty. Prior to this, when the situation got worse, he instructed his wife that she should preserve the love for Khilafat in their children. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise and accept his prayers and desires for his children, Ameen.

10. Irfan Ahmad Nasir Sahib son of Abdul Maalik Sahib. His paternal grandfather had performed Bai’at in 1938. He was a resident of district Narowal. He was 31 years of age and was an active member of the Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. His brother said that usually he would be assigned the duty of traffic control, therefore, he was probably one of the first among the martyrs. He was a moosi. He was an obedient man and never said no to any tasks assigned. He was always ready to serve.

11. Sajjad Bharwana Sahib, son of Allah Yaar Bharwana Sahib. He was a resident of Jhang and was working as a contract clerk in the Railway. He was 30 years of age. He was an active member of Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr and was a moosi. He would always look for occasions to serve the Jamaat and was a devoted Ahmadi. He was martyred while giving eyewitness accounts on the phone. He was planning to move back to his village and hence this was probably his last Jumma in Dar-ul-Zikr and had requested to perform the duty he was charged with. Allah Almighty granted him a lofty status of martyrdom. He would remain in the masjid till late at night after work. His wife had a dream in which she saw Sajjad Sahib wounded and bleeding from his stomach. Indeed, Sajjad Sahib incurred bullet wounds in his stomach. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen.

12. Masood Ahmad Akhtar Bajwa Sahib son of Muhammad Hayat Bajwa Sahib. His father entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat and belonged to district Bahawalnagar. He received his education from Bahawalnagar and was employed with Wapda from where he retired. He was an active member of Majlis Ansarullah. He was 72 years of age, was a moosi and was martyred in Darul-zikr. His son Dr. Hamid Sahib said that due to lack of funds he could not apply for his Green Card in the US, but his father sent him $1,000 and instructed him to apply for the Green Card right away, which he did and received his Green Card within 25 days (normally it takes about 6 months). Due to this, he was able to attend his father’s funeral. Before he was martyred, while he was bleeding from his wounds, he cared for other wounded, and protected a young man till the last breath. He remained occupied in zikr-e-ilahi and encouraged others to do the same. His wife said that he would greet everyone with warmth and encourage his neighbours to attend jumma prayers. He was a sympathetic man with a good sense of humour. It was his last wish that his son would become a Murrabbi who is a student in the Jamia. He was a simple man who always loved to invite and have the company of the elders of the Jamaat. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, and accept his prayers and good wishes in favour of his children, Ameen.

13. Asif Farooq Sahib son of Liaquat Ali Sahib. His father performed Bai’at in 1995 without asking any questions and was a pious natured man. He was 30 years of age. He had a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. He was an active member of Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya and an active participant of MTA Lahore. He was also serving in the A/V department. He was a moosi. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. On the fateful day, he wanted to make some video recording of the event for MTA and received a fatal bullet. For the last three years, he lived in Dar-ul-Zikr and worked from there. One day prior to his martyrdom, he took leave from his job and came home for Jumaa prayers. He said that I have finished all my pending jobs and returned home. He would often say that his life and death is in Dar-ul-Zikr. His parents and family members said that his martyrdom was a great reward for us. May Allah Almighty confer upon the Jamaat many blessings au lieu of these sacrifices, Ameen. He was a sympathetic and pious man. He only had three places where he could be found at: home, work or dar-ul-zikr. He would never get angry. Once, when his mother asked him why he never felt angry, he said that a worker like me never gets angry. His father dreamt a few years ago that he had incurred a bullet wound in his heart, which he had interpreted that he would die of a bullet wound to his heart, but when his son was martyred, he realized that the dream was to be interpreted for his son. On 5th June, his wife was blessed with the birth of his second son. May Allah Almighty grant them with righteous and pious progeny, Ameen.

14. Shaikh Shamim Ahmad Sahib son of Shaikh Naeem Ahmad Sahib. His forefathers were among the companions of the Promised Messiah (as). He was 38 years of age and was the only son of his parents. He was the only custodian of the household. He was employed at the Bank Al Falah. He was an active member of Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya and was serving as an auditor. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He was always ready to make financial sacrifice. He was a man of pious virtues and was an affectionate and loving man. He carried out his duties with great wisdom. He was always smiling and made others smile. He served his parents with great responsibility. On the fateful day, he called his cousin to inform him of the attacks. He guarded in front of the Ameer Sahib to protect him and came under the line of fire at the hands of the cruel assailants. His mother says that her son was a very endearing son and looked after her every need. He possessed many virtues and cared for everyone. His wife said that her husband was a result of many prayers and financial sacrifices. As a result of a dream in which he saw Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih IV (rh) asking him to give all his children to him, he dedicated all his children in the waqf-e-nau scheme. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen.

15. Mohammad Shahid Sahib son of Mohammad Shafi Sahib. His grandfather accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1935 and was a resident of Kotli. He was 28 years of age at the time of martyrdom. He was an active member of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. At the jumma, he was assigned the duty next to the mihrab near Ameer Sahib. He called his father and friends and said to them that he would try to capture the terrorists and instructed them not to tell his mother as she would get worried. His face had incurred nail scratches indicating a combat before his martyrdom. Just a few days before his martyrdom, he asked his friends to clear any debts if he owed any. He had quit smoking a few months ago. He was regular in offering salat, and used to give sadqa before every jumma. After the attacks, a receipt of that day of 50 rupees was found in his pocket. The watchman said that he would always greet him with courtesy. Both brothers worked at a shop together. On the day of the attacks, the younger brother expressed his desire to attend jumma, but Shahid Sahib said that he would like to attend the jumma on that day and his brother can go the next week. He was still single, and insisted that his younger sister would get married first. May Allah Almighty wrap him in the shroud of His Mercy and forgiveness, Ameen.

16. Prof. Abdul Wudood Sahib son of Abdul Majeed Sahib, was a grandson of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). He was a Professor of English at a Government College in Lahore and also had an LLB degree. He was an active member of Jamaat and was a moosi. Due to his dedicated efforts, a grand ijtima was held in his halqa at the occasion of Khilafat Jubilee. He was a patient and humble man. He was also a prisoner in the way of Allah. He was 55 years of age. He served the Jamaat in various capacities. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He incurred a bullet as he was walking towards the Murrabbi house. He was soft-hearted man, and never spoke harshly to his wife during his marriage of 35 years to her. He was strict with his children only in two matters: one of salat and the other of attending the quran class. He would hold dars-e-hadith in the house. He was the anchor of the house and maintained unity among the brothers and give counsel whenever needed. He was always ready to serve the Jamaat. He also helped his brothers financially. May Allah Almighty continue to shower His mercy on him, Ameen.

17. Waleed Ahmad Sahib son of Chaudhry Munawar Ahmad Sahib. His paternal grandfather was martyred in Mehrabpur and his maternal grandfather was martyred in Nawab Shah also. His father is an active member of Jamaat in Rabwah. At the time of his martyrdom, Waleed was 17.5 years of age and was a student at Medical College. He was in the waqf-e-nau scheme and a moosi also. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr and is the youngest among the martyrs of 28 May. He was the first to arrive at the Jumma prayers on that day and when contacted on the phone, he said that he was wounded in the leg and could see numerous bodies lying before him. He requested for prayers. During his last visit to Rabwah, he went to see each of his friends and said that he would like to meet them; who knows if we get to meet next as I may be martyred. He was regular in the five daily prayers, he was a cultured man, intelligent and obedient who would be the first to greet others. When he was eleven years of age, he said that he would become a martyr like his grandfather when he would grow up. He was popular in his institute, so much so that after his martyrdom, his fellow classmates held three memorial services in which the larger part of those who attended were non-ahmadis. His teacher expressed that they were planning to attend his funeral in Rabwah but postponed their plan to attend for fear that they might not be able to bear the sight of the deceased. May Allah Almighty accept this sacrifice and in return bless the Jamaat with thousands of Waleed, Ameen.

18. Mohammad Anwar Sahib son of Muhammad Khan Sahib of Sheikhupura. He performed bai’at at the hands of Hadhrat Khalifatul Massih III (rh). At an early age, he joined the army. He was retired about ten years ago, and then dedicated his services as security guard at Bait-ul-Noor Mosque, which he performed till his martyrdom. He was 45 years of age, was a moosi, and was martyred in Model Town. His son is also critically wounded and in the hospital. He was performing his duty at the gate when he noticed one of the terrorist as a suspicious man and soon enough, his suspicious was proved to be true. He defended the gate, but was fired by one of the assailants and martyred. He was greatly dedicated to serving the Jamaat. He would clean the toilets and keep the Masjid clean. When the Masjid was under construction, he would give duties around the clock. He would serve his parents. He was not regular in offering Tahajjud, but for the past month, he would never miss the Tahajjud prayers either. The first thing he would inquire from his children was whether they had offered Salat and recited the Quran. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen.

19. Ansar-ul-Haq Sahib son of Anwar-ul-Haq Sahib. He was resident of Faizullah near Qadian. He was 63 years of age, and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr. He left the house at 8:30 in the morning dressed in a new suit to run an errand and went to the jumma prayers, which he made a point to always attend. He was sitting in the front chair, where he incurred wounds from a grenade, and received five bullets. He was taken to the Mayo hospital where he was martyred. According to his daughter-in-law, he was a humble man who deserved the status of martyrdom. He was a peace-loving man and always took the first step in promoting reconciliation. He received a nominal pension and helped others with it. He was extremely devoted to the Nizam-e-Khilafat and served his parents, and got an early retirement to serve them. In order to create harmony in the family, he would sometimes force his family members to apologize even if they were not at fault. Some time before his martyrdom, he wrote a 5-page letter to the family giving certain instructions on how to maintain unity among the family. He also expressed his regret to his children that he made them apologize even when they were not at fault. People who came to give their condolences at his martyrdom also said that he helped them financially and with groceries. May Allah Almighty enable their children to continue his virtuous deeds, Ameen.

20. Nasir Mahmood Khan sahib son of Arif Naseem Sahib, accepted bai’at in 1958 and moved to Raiwind. He was an active member of Jamaat, and so are his parents. He was a moosi, and was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr, when he was 39 years of age. His brother says that when he spoke to him on the phone, he said he was near the staircase and was safe. When one of the assailants threw a grenade towards him, he caught it with his hands and protected the lives of many others by giving up his own. He was an expert in making contact and networking. When he purchased a car, on the occasion of Eid, etc., he would give a ride to others before taking his own family members to the Masjid. May Allah Almighty bestow on the Jamaat the rewards in exchange of these sacrifices, Ameen.

21. Umair Ahmad Malik sahib son of Abdur Rahim sahib, Hafiz Nabi Bakhsh was his grandfather, companion of the Promised Messiah (as) who was a teacher and belonged to a town called Faizullah near Qadian. He was an active member of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and was an auditor of AACP and served the Jamaat in various capacities. His mother is also an active Lajna worker. He was 36 years of age, and was a moosi. He suffered bullet wounds in Model Town Masjid but breathed his last in Jinnah Hospital and was martyred. He wore a white new dress before going to Jumma, and sat in the front row of the Masjid. He suffered a bullet wound and remained lying on the floor and was on the phone with his father and asked him for his forgiveness and said “I am leaving now, Khuda Hafiz”. He also inquired about his brother. He asked for water, and was taken to the hospital, where his blood pressure continued to drop. He saw his mother, and asked for water, and bit her finger to let her know that he was alive. He was martyred during surgery due to internal bleeding. He had great contacts, and worked in the construction sector on contract work. He had a great passion for service for mankind. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, Ameen. Iqbal Abid Sahib says that he called him from the Masjid and said in a faint voice: “Murabbi Sahib, Khuda Hafiz, Khuda Hafiz, Khuda Hafiz” as if to say that although we are leaving, now it falls upon you to carry on the task of spreading the true Islam. May Allah Almighty enable each and every Ahmadi to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat, Ameen.

22. Sardar Iftikhar ul Ghani Sahib son of Sardar Abdus Shakoor Sahib, was the great grandson of a companion of the Promised Messiah (as). He was a moosi and was 43 years of age. He was martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr, even though he would attend the jumma in the Model Town Masjid on a regular basis. On this particular day, he left for Dar-ul-Zikr from his office. He called his maternal uncle and requested for prayer. His wife called him to say not to go to the Masjid but found out that he was already there. He also called a friend who was in the army to request for help since the police was not helping them. He helped others till his last breath. He tried to capture one of the attackers, but the other fired at him. He could have saved his life but prevented the attacker from killing many others. He had a great passion of serving mankind, he would always help others despite his own troubles. His wife says about him that he was so caring and loving that she never felt the need of any other friend. He would always lend a hand in the house, even washed the dishes. He was a simple man, would conceal his virtuous acts, would remain occupied in istighfar and durood, was kind-hearted and served humanity. He served his parents and loved children. In every capacity, he was a great human being. May Allah Almighty elevate his station in Paradise, and grant patience to the family members of the martyrs. May Allah Almighty keep every Ahmadi in His protection, Ameen.