Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2017
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah. Come to Prayer Come to success
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is none worthy of worship except Allah. Peace be upon you all, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah He is alone and has no partner
and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure,
and those who have not gone astray. [Arabic, Holy Qur’an 16:126] The translation of this verse is: “Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, “and argue with them in a way that is best.
“Surely, thy Lord knows best who has strayed from His way; “and He knows those who are rightly guided.” A recommendation was included in the Majaalis-e-Shura of numerous Jamaats around the world. Excellent discussions took place on it and the various Maajlis-e-Shuras
of these different Jamaats proposed plans of action for its implementation. The recommendation was how to expand and improve the scope of Tabligh to spread the true message of Islam to the widest cross section of people possible within each country.
The Ahmadiyya Jamaat UK also included this recommendation in their agenda for the Shura this year. Very productive discussions were held after which they formed their proposed programme for implementation which was sent to me for approval. We should always remember, however, that whether
it relates to planning relating to Tabligh or any task; when the Majlis-e-Shura form a plan, different opinions are presented in the Shura to the members of the Shura and ultimately a majority view is established. A plan of action is then proposed for implementation
which is sent to the Khalifah of the time for approval. Once approved, the responsibility also falls upon the members of the Shura to use all their capabilities and strength to have the recommendation actioned and to implement it themselves.
So too is it the duty of office holders at every level of the Jamaat to action the approved recommendations. And so now the proposal for how to widen and improve the scope of Tabligh has been discussed in the Maljis-e-Shura UK,
or in whichever other countries these proposals were discussed, and those proposals were then sent to the Khalifa of the time for approval and after approval these recommendations were sent to the Jamaats relating to the implementation.
It is the duty of the members of Shura and office holders at every level of the Jamaat to strive to their utmost to action these proposals and implement it themselves as well. Do not think that if a proposal relates to Tabligh
then only the Secretary Tabligh is responsible for its implementation, and similarly for proposals relating to other departments it is not only the relevant secretary who is responsible for implementation. No doubt the relevant secretary is responsible for implementation,
however especially for the departments of Tabligh and Tarbiyyat, it is necessary for office bearers at every level of the Jamaat to play their roles and to show their examples to others. At this time as I will be discussing Tabligh,
I would like to draw the attention of every office holder that they should extend complete cooperation to the Tabligh Secretaries for the implementation of this proposal within their Jamaat. They should participate in Tabligh themselves and
also demonstrate their personal examples to the members of the Jamaat. Every office holder can carry out Tabligh in some form or the other. When office bearers participate then it sets an example to the members of the Jamaat.
Many Ahmadis, seeing such examples, without needing any special reminders, will be led to joining in this effort and plan of action to spread the true message of Islam. Some secretaries have little work in their departments and are able to give more time.
All they need is a resolve and determination. In any case, it is the duty of the National Secretary Tabligh to send the established programme of action to the Tabligh secretaries of the local Jamaats.
Further, they should ensure that the plan of action is conveyed to every member of the Jamaat; that portion who are not part of the administration. Most of all understand the guidance given by Allah the Almighty in this verse and every Tabligh Secretary,
every office holder and every Daeyaan Khasoosi [specialist preacher] should act accordingly. I have especially mentioned the Dayeen Khasoosi because they have presented themselves to give more time to Tabligh as compared to other members of the Jamaat.
If they give time and possess knowledge, but do not give attention to those points that Allah the Almighty has drawn our attention towards, then their efforts will be devoid of blessings and the full potential of results will not be realised.
Anyways, the first matter Allah the Almighty guides us towards is wisdom, secondly is offering good advice and then He says to use the best arguments in discussions and debates. Today, terrorist organisations and so-called Muslim scholars have in their fanaticism,
senselessness and use of irrational arguments defamed Islam to such a degree that the non-Muslim world believes that Islam is deprived of wisdom and is a religion lacking rationality and is for foolish and crazy people, God forbid. They believe that Islam only teaches extremism.
These prevailing circumstances places a very significant responsibility upon every Ahmadi to carry out Tabligh and to form contacts according with this command of Allah the Almighty. Thus, first of all this responsibility needs to be understood by office holders at every level. In the last few years
the actions of extremists and certain scholars have defamed Islam to such an extent, and then further projected by the media, that here a survey was conducted recently in which a question was asked regarding Islam being an extremist and cruel religion and Muslims being disliked.
The majority responded that Islam is a very extremist religion and Muslims are detested. They said they do not wish for Muslims to reside in their country as Muslims are a source of harm to the nation.
In contrast when this survey was conducted a few years back the results were completely the opposite and the majority at the time considered Muslims as good. These circumstances should make us realise the extent
to which we need to make efforts towards Tabligh in the manner taught to us by Allah the Almighty. Firstly, Allah the Almighty says to carry out Tabligh using wisdom (hiqmah). What is this hiqmah? Hiqmat has wide-ranging meanings,
which to be successful in Tabligh, are essential for us to be aware of and to keep in view. One meaning of Hiqmah is knowledge. Knowledge is required to carry out Tabligh. Some people use their lack of knowledge as an excuse to avoid carrying out Tabligh.
This is an invalid excuse in this day and age as the Promised Messiah (as) has laced us with such knowledge and arguments, which he has included in the Jamaat literature, that just meagre efforts on our part can,
to some degree, give us a strong knowledge base. Material from question and answers are available on audio and video and there also are websites available. Often when the message is being conveyed to non-Ahmadis, they say they do not have time for lengthy discussions.
They can therefore be given pamphlets as well as web site addresses. There are many who are interested but do not have time right away but take information for later consumption. Many have personally informed me that they derived information in this manner.
Therefore, firstly you need to increase your knowledge so that when you have an intellectual discussion with someone they should be spoken to in a manner based on their level of understanding. Secondly you should be aware of where in our literature and websites
the intellectual responses to their questions can be obtained from. Then, arguments should be given to the people of different religions and deniers of the existence of God, according to their mentality, outlook and viewpoints. ‘Hikmah’ (wisdom) also denotes ‘a resolute and firm word’
and ‘a conclusive argument, not requiring yet further proofs to establish its validity.’ Thus, rather than engaging in lengthy discussions, one should analyse and consider an allegation and endeavour to refute it with a strong argument.
Then, it is also among the tasks of the tabligh [outreach] department that they should considering the current trends – compile such allegations and their rebuttals and make them available to the Jama’ats so that the maximum number of people
may have intellectual and strong arguments at their disposal. Moreover, ‘hikmah’ (wisdom) also denotes ‘fairness’. One should not present such arguments during debates, which, in response, may be used against us.
By the Grace of Allah, such a situation does not generally arise in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community due the tarbiyyat and literature of the Promised Messiah (as) and his khulafa. However, this aspect is observed in other muslims or adherents of other faiths.
Muslims, who oppose us, sometimes raise such allegations against the Promised Messiah (as), which, in response, can be used against other prophets too. Even some highly regarded personalities, who in their own estimation, consider themselves to be scholars, raise such allegations against the Promised Messiah (as) ,
which, in response, can be used against other prophets too. Thus, the tabligh department should also compile allegations of this kind and their rebuttals and make them available to the jama’ats. Such things are taking place since the time of the Promised Messiah (as);
such allegations are raised, which, in response, may be used against other personalities or even their own religion too. The Promised Messiah (as) issued rebuttals of the allegations raised by the adherents of other religions, right since that time, quoting their own scriptures.
He also told the Muslims that the allegations they raise are in fact not valid allegations; such allegations were raised by the disbelievers against Islam. The tabligh department, as I said, should publish smaller leaflets covering
some of the allegations of this kind and make them available to the Jama’ats. If they wish to involve the maximum number of people in the task of tabligh, then this department will have to work with diligence as well as invest funds.
Likewise, ‘hikmah’ (wisdom) also denotes ‘forbearance and clemency’. Thus, there is a great need to employ kindness and rationality during tabligh. Speaking with fury and acrimony leaves a negative impression on others and they think that furious replies are being given due to a lack of arguments.
We should speak gently, even to those who show anger. It is this anger and extremism on part of the so-called ‘scholars’, which has given the critics of Islam an opportunity to raise allegations. Otherwise, had they spoken calmly, many an allegation could have already disappeared.
Then, ‘hikmah’ (wisdom) also denotes ‘prophethood’. Thus, discussing and presenting arguments from this point of view means that we should undertake tabligh while applying [and employing] the arguments and the teaching of the Holy Qur’an, which has been revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa).
I have observed that when one speaks in light of the verses of the Holy Qur’an before the critics of Islam or before those, who are under their influence, it leaves a positive impression on them. Another meaning of this word [Hiqmah] is to refrain from ignorance.
Thus, one must speak in such a manner which is easy for others to understand and dispels their ignorance. The Holy Prophet (saw) also said to speak to people according to the level of understanding of others.
Another meaning is one must speak what is in accordance with the truth. One should always speak what is in line with truth and facts and not utter such things which are far from the truth and facts just to impress someone.
Such things which are against the truth and the facts actually have a negative effect because eventually the truth does come out. Therefore, always speak the truth and with facts. Another meaning of Hiqmah is that one should speak at the appropriate time and place.
That is to say, if it seems that an argument will anger the opponent and irritate him, there is the danger of distancing him and instead of conveying the message to him one ends up arguing with him, then one should refrain from using such an argument.
Refrain from saying such a thing and using such an argument and instead speak what is appropriate for the occasion and according to the temperament of the other. It should bring him closer and not distance him further.
Some people speak in a meeting and the others who hear it are positively affected. However, in that moment of time, instead of remaining silent he speaks again and contemplates repeating it in the meeting the next time he has a chance.
Then others pursue him repeating the same thing or try to persuade him, saying that “you are now going to be persuaded.” As a result the one listening is irritated and t from being brought closer he ends up moving away
and the positive effect that would have been, vanishes. Hence, in order to convey the message it is important to speak what is appropriate for the time and the place and to identify the temperament of the other person.
It is also a requirement of conveying the message that where it is important to be resolute, it is also necessary to increase personal contacts. Only through increasing the personal contacts can one identify the temperaments of others.
Thus, we must have continuity and consistency in our Tabligh programmes. It should not be that once or twice in the year one celebrates ‘Ashra-e-Tarbiyyat’ or ‘Ashra-e- Tabligh’ [programme of ten days where special docus is given on Tabligh/Tarbiyyat],
distributed literature on the streets and think one has done justice to conveying the message. Nowadays, many people of different ages have come here on asylum. Some are young and fit, others are older, but while there cases have no yet been decided,
most of them have time and they mostly sit idle. Hence, all these people should come forward to convey the message, according to their age and health and give more of their time to distributing literature. If they do not know the local language
they should go out and distribute literature and cassettes. If you are to go out on the streets to distribute literature then there should be a permanent programme of distribution. Those seeking asylum can be used for this.
It is a source of blessings and a good deed and the rights of spreading the message will be fulfilled. It may be that from this very blessing their cases be accepted quickly. In any case, they should constantly be going to these Tabligh programmes,
in accordance with the instructions from the Tabligh department. They should be provided with literature, they should act upon and speak in the same manner as the aforementioned meanings of wisdom. Office bearers should also participate as well as long-standing residents.
It does not mean that I have only instructed asylum seekers to participate in this. Specialist Da’iyan should also come forward, not just doing so for the title of Special Da’iyan, but by giving more time to the field of Tabligh.
With the state of the world now, we must openly tell the people that it is a result of their drowning in worldliness that this is taking place and out of displeasing God Almighty. Therefore, there is only one path and that is to come to God Almighty
and search for the true faith. The command of “and goodly exhortation” means to convey the message with wisdom, that is too convey the message politely and with that which will impress the hearts.
Thus, it is our duty to act in line with the commandment of God Almighty to spread the message with wisdom, good advice and strong argument and we must continue to do so with perseverance.
God Almighty states that He Himself will bring about the results of this that is who will go astray and who will be guided is only in God Almighty’s knowledge. He has said in another place that you cannot forcefully give someone guidance.
Your duty is to convey the message and deliver the message of truth to every person of the world. You must show others the beauty of Islam and its beautiful teachings. Man does not have the knowledge of the unseen to say that “instead of wasting my time,
“I will go to so and so and give him the message with which he will be impressed.” Man does not know who will be affected. God Almighty states that you have not been given this knowledge as to who will be affected and who will not, therefore,
according to this instruction, we are not responsible for the outcome. It is not our concern as to why it did not have a positive effect and why 100% of people were not impressed and accepted Islam.
If we are questioned, then God Almighty will only ask so much of us whether we conveyed the message. If we failed to fulfil the rights of conveying the message, then why not, and why did we not act upon the instruction of God Almighty?
Only God Almighty knows who will be granted guidance and who will not. If we are fulfilling our duties then at least after passing away, the people cannot say that they did not receive the message of Islam
so is it our fault if we did not receive it? Some people hear and comprehend the message but unfortunately some hurdle comes in their way and they do not accept it. Two days ago, a missionary of a European country wrote to me
saying so and so who I met whilst attending the Germany Jalsa was very impressed by the Tabligh and the whole atmosphere. He has contemplated filling in the Bai’at form many a time but something would stop him.
It is only God Almighty Who knows whether he will be granted the opportunity to accept or not, but in any case we have fulfilled our duty by introducing him to the true teachings of Islam.
With regards to Tabligh there is another thing which people ask regularly which is “with all the Tabligh you are doing how many people have actually become Ahmadis?” They also say that “Muslims themselves do not believe you to be Muslims”.
Another thing they say is “how long will it take for the teachings of Islam to spread “the way you are preaching to the people and conveying the message?” At the same time they accept that what we say is logical and reasonable.
Many people from different places have even asked me this and continue to do so. Just in the Germany trip recently a journalist asked this and our answer is always that
we have been commanded to convey the message and we cannot hold back from this, nor will we do so. We will complete what we must do. Only God Almighty knows who will be guided and who will not. We will fulfil the task given to us
but at the same time it is the promise of God that He and His Messenger will prevail, God willing. That is why we have hope that one day the majority will come into our fold.
The Promised Messiah (as) has also given some guidance which expounds on this verse I recited. In regards to himself, whilst explaining how at times the enemies of Islam had tried to instigate his sentiments, but despite this how he behaved in such a manner
which prevented peace being disturbed and arguments ensuing, in one book he writes: “God Almighty knows that I have never forsaken kindness and tenderness when replying, (in other words, it never happened that he abandoned politeness and speaking kindly) “and always spoke with kind and gentle words
“apart from a few times where there were extremely foul and mischievous writings from the enemy “and I adopted a firm approach to some extent.” At time he had to be firm, because the evil clerics or the very wicked leaders
would intensify in their foulness and incite the general public. This is why he had to be firm in his replies similar to the way those who themselves were committing to harshness in their writings. “So that in exchange, the public could supress its savage excitement.”
Also so that if it was against the Muslims then he replied with the same firmness they used. There was no need to show more passion than that, nor adopt savage conduct, which would cause disrupt and disorder.
“This firmness was not out of any selfish passion nor fury, “but only as a strategy of acting upon the verse: ‘and argue with them in a way that is best’.” “If at times one must use firmness
“then it would be so in accordance with this verse as a strategic method “i.e. say such a thing this which is right, according to the situation and at that time “if it is necessary to answers the enemy in that manner.
“This is why at times firmness is be adopted, but generally kindness is shown. “Whilst doing this it has been used as a strategic method and in that time when the insults, “disgracing and foul-language of the enemies had reached the limit,
“and people were using such filthy and evil words with regards to our Master “the Holy Prophet (saw) that it was very close to causing disturbance in peace. “So that is when we devised this strategy.” So whenever there is such a situation what is meant by
“and argue with them in a way that is best” is to answer in wisely, using the same firmness which they have used. Hence, this is the true purpose and that is to also put an end to mischief and disruption.
Therefore, putting an end to mischief is the real aim and these things are necessary to convey the message in the right way. The Promised Messiah (as) never adopted the same path which the enemies did. Instead he proclaimed that
it is incumbent upon us to follow the rules of the government and the law. Furthermore, it was through arguments which he tried to prevent the spreading of mischief and he took help from the government.
Where he had to show a sense of honour he did so indeed. In another place he states that “it is not the aim of the verse ‘and argue with them in a way that is best’
“that we are so gentle and make such compromises as to accept what is against the facts. “Can we deem such a man righteous who claims to be God, “calls our Messenger sa a great liar in terms of prophecies (God forbid)
“and call the Prophet Moses a murderer? “Is this what we call ‘way that is best’?Of course not, as this is hypocrisy a branch of dishonesty.” Therefore, we should always keep this distinction in mind
and not show any kind of pliancy whereby we completely lose our sense of integrity and honour simply because we feel we have to preach and convey the message to others. Though we are not to quarrel and create disorder
but at times it is necessary to rebut and counter what is being said. Thus, if the opponents exceed all limits in their allegations or they begin to adopt language which is extremely coarse and vile
then at times it is necessary to respond in order to stop the evil. Similarly, the Promised Messiah (as) also stated, and I have also mentioned this previously, that a soft approach certainly does not mean to become pliant and so fearful that
one begins to agree with what is being said and testifies to something that is untrue. In any case, to use wisdom is necessary; it is important to adopt a soft tone and to demonstrate good morals
but at the same time it is also important to actually say wrong to what is wrong. Thus, one should always remember that wisdom does not mean to show cowardice and nor to testify to something incorrect in order to draw someone closer to yourself.
For instance, nowadays the worldly people have enacted such laws in the name of freedom which the Shariah [Islamic law] completely forbids. If we speaks out against them, they say that though Ahmadis claim to be free
from any kind of extremism and speak out against it and demonstrate that they are not extreme, however they are also extreme in regards to certain issues. The examples they give is the issue of shaking hands with women or homosexuality.
Recently in Germany a few people asked me this question and though some of them spoke against us in response to my answer, however the majority of them understood the truth behind it.
We do not need to fight but we must say wrong to what is wrong. Recently, here in the UK a member of a political party, about whom it had become widely popular that he was going to stand as the candidate for the party leadership,
announced that he cannot stand for the party’s leadership because he was against homosexuality and abortion and both of these matters are such that society cannot tolerate anyone speaking against it. As far as the issue of homosexuality is concerned,
the Holy Quran and the Bible both mention that when this ill became widespread within a people, they are ultimately punished by God Almighty. However, in regards to abortion we deem it permissible in certain circumstances.
In any case, that was his own view that he did not consider it permissible. Similarly, another political leader handed in his resignation a few months ago because he was against homosexuality
and said that as a result of this he had been split between choosing politics and his faith, therefore in order to safeguard his faith he stepped down from the party’s leadership. Thus, if worldly people whose religion is not even in its original form
are sacrificing their worldly affairs for the sake of their faith and do not show any kind of pliancy or cowardice, then how strong should be the faith of those who believe in the final and everlasting Shariah?
They ought to respond to such issues with those who they have relations in society and also their Tabligh contacts with wisdom and strong arguments. It should not be the case that they show fear over losing their worldly gains
and nor should they agree with everything they say lest their relation breaks with them. If one speak with wisdom then relations will never terminate and secondly, Allah the Almighty states, which has been mentioned before as well, that only He knows who is going to be guided.
Thus, whosoever Allah the Almighty wants to guide, He will open their hearts Himself [to the truth]. The office-bearers [of the Jama’at] should pay a lot of attention to this as I have observed that they are more prone to expressing such weakness.
One should not be worried about the opposition because it is opposition that opens new avenues for Tabligh [outreach]. The Promised Messiah (as) states: “The stronger the force of falsehood is which opposes the truth, “the power and strength of the truth becomes equally greater.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “It is also commonly said among the landowners/farmers “that the more intense the summer heat, the stronger the monsoon.” In other words, the more intense the heat in the months of May and June,
the stronger the rainfall is during the Monsoon period which is in July, August and September. The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “This is a natural phenomenon; the stronger the opposition of the truth, “the more it shines and reflects its splendour.
“We have experienced this for ourselves in that “wherever we were strongly and vociferously opposed, a Jama’at was established there. “And, wherever people heard us and remained silent, there was less progress.” We witness this even today.
Recently in Germany, I met a very prominent non-Ahmadi guest from Algeria who had come to see me. He said that no doubt currently your Jama’at is experiencing a lot of hardship but it has become introduced to almost the whole country due to this opposition
and people have come to know of the Jama’at. He also said that had it not been for this opposition, the scale of this introduction perhaps would not have even been possible for the next ten or twenty years.
This is something that the Ahmadis there also write about that if the circumstances improve even a little, there are many areas where people are ready to accept Ahmadiyyat. Therefore, one should not fear the opposition and nor from any worldly people
but along with this the use of wisdom is also very important. For Tabligh it is also very important that there is concurrence in one’s speech and practise. One should practise what he preaches and it is only then that one can utter words of wisdom
and also have an impact on others when there is harmony in one’s speech and practise. Drawing our attention to this, The Promised Messiah (as) states: “There are many Maulvis [clerics] and Ulema [scholars] who stand at the pulpits
“and consider themselves to be the vicegerent of the Prophet and heir of the Prophet “and exhort others to refrain from arrogance and other ills “but their own practise and actions are such that
“one can ascertain it by assessing how much of an impact their words have on the hearts.” The speech of one who preaches will only be impactful when there is consistency in their speech and actions. The Promised Messiah (as) states: “If such people possessed the knowledge
“and practised what they preach then what need was there for the Holy Quran to state: “[Arabic] – why do you say what you do not do? “This very verse indicates that in this world people existed,
“still do and will continue in future also, who said things which they did not do themselves. “Thus, hearken to what I say and remember it well that “if one does not converse with the true sincerity of the heart
“and there is no practical effort with it then such words are devoid of any kind of impact. “This in fact is a great testimony to the truthfulness of our Prophet (saw) “because there is no parallel to be found in any other person
“since the time of Adam who was granted such success and the ability to impact the hearts. “This was only possible because there was harmony in his speech and practise.” The Promised Messiah (as) further stated:
“Remember! (He advises us here) that mere words and locution is of no benefit “unless it is accompanied with one’s own practise “and neither do any words hold any significance in the sight of God, hence Allah the Almighty states:
“[Arabic] – Why do you say what you do not do?” The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “A Momin [believer] should not lead a double life “and should always be distanced from cowardice and hypocrisy. “Always keep your speech and practise wholesome
“and show harmony between them both just as the companions did. “You too should tread upon their footsteps and demonstrate your sincerity and devotion.” Granting us advice, the Promised Messiah (as) states in another place: “The first aspect of defending Islam and revealing its truth
“is to present your models as true Muslims and “the second aspect is that you should spread its beauties and excellences throughout the world.” First become a model yourself and then preach the message of Islam and spread its excellences throughout the world.
In order to do Tabligh, one needs to bring about a pure change within themselves. When one becomes a true model of a Muslim then there is no question of people’s attention not being drawn towards you.
It is by observing your very example that people’s attention will be drawn towards you and in this way without even formally doing any Tabligh, the avenues of Tabligh open up. May Allah the Almighty enable us to adhere according to this. All praise is due to Allah.
We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection; we confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds.
Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path. And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you. Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other and to do good to others as one does to one ‘s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves
and evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you; call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.