Ahmadi Muslim VideoTube Friday Sermon Khalifa V Friday Sermon | خطبہ جمعہ | April 24, 2020 |

Friday Sermon | خطبہ جمعہ | April 24, 2020 |



Friday Sermon | خطبہ جمعہ | April 24, 2020 |

Friday Sermon | خطبہ جمعہ | April 24, 2020 |

Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2020

Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah

I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah Come to Prayer Come to Prayer Come to success 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 One 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 displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. The translation of these verses is as follows: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, “so that you may become righteous.” The translation of the next verse is as follows: “The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days,

“but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; “and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation “- the feeding of a poor man. “And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him.

“And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind “with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. “Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein.

“But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. “Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, “and that you may complete the number, “and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.”

By the Grace of Allah the Almighty, Ramadan will commence here [in the UK] tomorrow. Allah the Almighty has prescribed fasting in Ramadan for our spiritual progress. In the first verse of the Holy Qur’an which I recited states, “Fasting is prescribed for you… so that you may become righteous.” What is Taqwa (righteousness)?

Whilst expounding upon this, the Promised Messiah (as) stated on one occasion, “ Taqwa is that a person upholds and fulfils every trust of God and spiritual covenant made with Him, “as well as the trusts and covenants made with His creation to the best of one’s abilities.

“Meaning, he should uphold and fulfil even the minutest aspects to the best of his abilities.” Thus, this is not an easy task. What are the rights of Allah? What are the rights of people? If one was to list all of them, one would become greatly worried.

We are not even able to fulfil the right of Allah’s worship. All the favours which Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon us make it incumbent for us to be grateful to Him. Not only do we not fulfil this obligation of expressing our gratitude

But we do not even possess the ability to do this. There are many people who continue to benefit from the blessings of Allah the Almighty without expressing any gratitude, thinking as if it their right. In fact, it is a great favour of Allah the Almighty that He continues to bless us

Despite our conditions, our ungratefulness. We fail to honour the pledges we have made to God Almighty. Then there are the rights of [God’s] creation, rights of parents, rights of neighbours, rights of travellers and other general societal rights that we do not fulfil.

We have been commanded to fulfill them but we do not do justice to them. Thus, if we analyse minutely, we are neither fulfilling the rights of Allah the Exalted nor the rights of people. Once I had a general list made,

Which only included some of the main obligations we owe to the servants and the creation of Allah. Even they came up to 28 or 29. In any case, the Promised Messiah (as) states, True faith and true righteousness require you to fulfil your oaths made with Allah the Almighty

And to do so by delving into the finer details of these oaths. Similarly one should fulfil His trusts. Likewise, one must delve into the depths of fulfilling the rights of His creation and also fulfil their trusts with a sense of deep concern.

At that point can it be said that one has adopted Taqwa. Allah the Almighty says that the reason why the month of Ramadan has arrived and your attention has been drawn towards fasting is so that you may make up and fulfil any of your shortcomings and weaknesses of the past 11 months.

And this is to be done whilst turning your attention purely towards Allah the Almighty, abstaining from even the lawful things purely for His sake, tolerating hunger and thirst for His sake, paying greater attention towards the worship of Allah the Almighty than before

And whilst paying particular attention towards fulfilling the rights of His servants. When one fulfils these injunctions, this in essence is true Taqwa and this is the very purpose of Ramadan and fasting. When a person observes the fast and passes through the month of Ramadan with this objective

And for this purpose and does so with pure intentions then this will not bring about a temporary transformation. Rather, it will be a permanent change. Furthermore, one’s attention will constantly be turned toward fulfilling the rights of Allah. One’s attention will also permanently be turned towards fulfilling the rights of His worship.

Such an individual will not be overcome by worldly endeavours and immoralities and he will also pay attention towards fulfilling the rights of mankind. Such an individual will not usurp the rights of people for his personal interests. Thus, if we are not entering the month of fasting with this intention and objective

Then this month of Ramadan will be of no benefit. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated on one occasion that the person, who observes the fast for the sake of Allah the Almighty and in order to seek His Grace, Allah the Almighty places a gap of seventy seasons between his face and the hellfire.

The difference between one season and the following season is an entire year, thus Allah the Almighty creates a distance of seventy years. Hence, these are the blessing of fasting and this is the Taqwa that is developed within a person. The observing of fasts does not create Taqwa for merely thirty days.

Rather, a true fast leaves its impact for seventy years. Furthermore, if we look at it from this perspective, if a Muslim who has reached the age of maturity and upon whom fasting is obligatory, if they truly derive benefit from fasting and understand its true spirit and observe it accordingly,

Then they will continue to benefit for the rest of their lives from the blessings which Allah the Almighty has placed in fasting. Moreover, such an individual will continue to search for different avenues of attaining Taqwa. In this manner, one will be protected from incurring the displeasure of Allah the Almighty

And will instead continue to attain His pleasure. If in our society people observe the fasts in this manner, then what a beautiful society that would be, wherein the rights of Allah the Almighty will be fulfilled as well as those of His creation. This is the very society, which every believer desires to establish.

As a matter of fact, every human desires to establish and uphold such a society as far as his own rights are concerned. As I have mentioned, in relation to the fulfilling of one’s right, one generally desires this for themselves, irrespective of whether they are mindful fulfilling the rights of others.

However, Islam says that you must establish this society for others as well. You should not merely look at your personal conveniences, interests and rights. Rather, you must protect and care for the rights of others as well. The current widespread pandemic has bound most people to staying in their homes under government regulations.

A good thing that has generally developed amongst people here, but especially within the Jama’at (Community) in various countries through Khuddamul Ahmadiyya (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association) and volunteers, is that they are giving greater attention to providing help, support, medical aid or other facilities to people. Through these actions where we benefit ourselves,

We are also benefitting others from outside the community who are impressed by this. Therefore, this increased vigour to serve humanity should not be only temporary during these extraordinary times, rather we should make this a permanent feature of our lives. In any case, in addition what are the spiritual benefits from remaining at home?

People write to me that a new environment has been formed in their homes by praying in congregation, delivering religious talks (dars/tadris) after the prayers and by listening or watching the Friday Sermon and other MTA programmes together. This lockdown may extend further and even cover the whole Ramadan period.

We should strive to make the aforementioned habits a permanent part of our lives. Further, we should give children small lessons and teach them. As I said in a previous sermon that through this, you can increase your and your children’s knowledge. Give special heed to praying and beseech Allah the Almighty for His Mercy

For both for yourself and for the world in general. And so from these days that Allah that Almighty has provided us, we should derive maximum benefit. As I have said a new atmosphere has developed in people’s homes, but we should try and improve this even further.

Our homes should not become like those of many worldly people where it is often reported that domestic quarrels and disputes have increased leading to further anxiety and restlessness. Through giving attention to those righteous acts we have been reminded of we should constantly improve the environment of our homes.

There are sometimes men who do not properly play a part in the righteous household atmosphere that is being formed, whereas there are also some women who have other priorities and preferences. People who act in this manner are completely unaware of just how much, in these circumstances,

We need to be praying and bowing down to God the Almighty and seeking His pleasure. This is also a time when we can bring our children closer to Allah the Almighty. Therefore every one of our Ahmadi homes should pay special attention to this during these days

So that we can attain the love of Allah the Almighty and a prosperous end. May Allah the Almighty enable us to attain and remain established upon Taqwa. On different occasions the Promised Messiah (as) has explained Taqwa from various perspectives. The Promised Messiah (as) is the most secure fortress of this era.

He is that strong fortress and refuge who having received guidance from Allah the Almighty, explained to us the true teachings of Islam. With great pain and passion he has shown us the ways of Allah the Almighty and His messenger (sa) and drawn our attention to entering that sanctuary.

It therefore behoves us having pledged allegiance to him and joining his community to act upon his teachings and fulfil our pledge. We should reflect upon the Promised Messiah’s (as) heartfelt words and then implement them. When we come to fulfil our pledges, we will adorn our lives in this world and the hereafter.

At present I shall read out some extracts of the Promised Messiah (as) where he addressed members of the Jama’at (community) in various gatherings to help improve their level spirituality and Taqwa. In one gathering, explaining the true meaning of Taqwa and how it can be attained, the Promised Messiah (as) says,

“First and foremost one should understand the true meaning of Taqwa and how one can attain it. “Taqwa means to desist from even the most nominal and smallest elements of immorality and impurity. “This can be achieved by devising such robust and complete strategies and efforts “through which you avoid crossing paths with sin altogether.

“However it is insufficient to only make efforts. “In fact, one also needs to fulfil the right of prayers and pray in a way that melts the heart. “Whist sitting, standing, bowing and prostrating in the prayer, in Tahajjud, “in fact at all times, one should constantly pray for Allah the Almighty

“to deliver him from the depravity of sin and transgression. “There is no greater blessing than gaining salvation from sin “and becoming an innocent individual, “where Allah the Almighty considers him as righteous and truthful. (However the Promised Messiah (as) says) this blessing is not attained through efforts alone

(and nor is it attained through solely prayers – (it is insufficient to only make efforts and it is also not enough to only pray). “In fact, this is achieved through the combination of prayers and efforts.” Unless you take efforts and prayers to their highest point, you will not be able to attain it.

The Promised Messiah (as) says: “One who only prays but fails to make efforts is guilty of sin “and is putting God Almighty on trial. “Similarly one who makes efforts alone and abandons prayer acts with insolence. “They are indifferent to God Almighty

“and believe they can carry out righteous deeds through personal efforts and plans.” One cannot become pious through mere efforts alone. The Promised Messiah (as) then says: “However this is not the way of a true Muslim and believer, “he in fact utilises both prayer and efforts.

“He makes full efforts and planning and recourses to the resources and means available to him. “Then he leaves the matter to God the Almighty and prays to Him. “Indeed this is the teaching we have been given in the very first chapter of the Holy Quran, “where it says:

‘Thee Alone do We Worship and Thee Alone do We Implore for Help.’ “One who does not use his faculties appropriately not only dishonours them “but is also guilty of sin.” Then, whilst further elaborating on this, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “Man should fully avail of the faculties granted to him by God Almighty

“and then entrust Him with the outcome. “He should plead to God saying ‘I have made use of these faculties to the extent of which You have granted me.’ “This is the meaning of Iyyaka Na’budu [Thee alone do we worship]. “Then he says Iyyaka Nasta’in [Thee alone do we implore for help]

“and seeks help of God Almighty whilst saying ‘I seek Your support in the remaining stages.’” However, we should always bear in mind that God Almighty is aware of our inner state and of all our actions. Therefore, one should make maximum effort to the best of one’s abilities,

As only then will one be able to seek the help of God. Hence, one must fully assess themselves in this matter and always consider whether or not they are acting with Taqwa or not. The Promised Messiah (as) then states,

“There is no doubt that at times man derives benefit by means of his planning. “However, to place full trust in one’s own plans is the height of foolishness and ignorance. “Planning without prayer is futile and prayer without planning is of no benefit.

“It is necessary that one first closes the window through which sin can pass.” In other words, one should get rid of the hole through which sin can enter and eliminate whatever may cause sin to be committed, be it disobedience or swaying away from religion.

The Promised Messiah (as) states that one should first close this window and continue praying for the constant inner struggle. “This is why it is stated, ‘And as for those who strive in Our path – We will surely guide them in Our ways’.

“How wonderfully has the guidance to act upon one’s planning been mentioned in this. “Even in planning one should not forsake God Almighty. “On the other hand, it is stated, ‘Pray unto Me; I will answer your prayer’. “Therefore, if man truly desires to attain Taqwa,

“he should plan and supplicate and fulfil the rights of both. “In such circumstances will God Almighty have mercy. “However, if one were to act upon one and abandon the other, he would remain deprived.” Whilst further expounding upon this, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “This is how one remains firmly established upon Taqwa

“(i.e. through planning and prayer) and Taqwa is the root of all deeds.” The Promised Messiah (as) states that man remains firmly rooted in righteousness through this, i.e. the means which have been previously mentioned i.e. planning and prayer. “One remains firmly established in righteousness through this and the root of all deeds is Taqwa.

“Whoever is void of this is a sinner. “The beauty in one’s actions is brought about through Taqwa (the beauty of one’s deeds is created by means of righteousness), “by means of this can one attain nearness to God Almighty “and through this does one become a friend of God. “God Almighty states,

‘Its true guardians are only those who are righteous’.” Whilst expounding upon this verse, i.e. ‘Its true guardians are only those who are righteous’, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “to attain this friendship, one must possess Taqwa. “If one were to attain this whilst remaining fearful of God, “then he would surely attain excellence

(if one desires to be a friend of God, (he must remember that it can only be attained through righteousness (and if he has the fear of God in his heart then he will be able reach the stage of excellence). The Promised Messiah (as) then states,

“When there remain absolutely no further stages of Taqwa, “one will then be counted amongst the ‘friends of Allah’. “In reality, the final stage of Taqwa is a sort of death “because when one contests all the sides of the inner-self, it will cease to exist. “This is why it is said,

‘Bring about a death before you die’. “The inner-self desires worldly pleasures and is completely unaware of the hidden pleasures (i.e. it does not know of the pleasures of God Almighty (and the spiritual pleasures which are hidden). “Man only knows the apparent attractions of the world “and that is all that the inner-self desires.”

The Promised Messiah (as) then states, “In order to make the inner-self aware of this, “it is necessary for one to firstly bring about a death upon the worldly and physical pleasures “and make the inner-self aware of the hidden pleasures (worldly desires should be eradicated,

(and only then will the self become aware of the hidden pleasures). “It is at this point that the divine pleasures, “which are a manifestation of the heavenly life, shall begin.” When one begins to learn of the hidden pleasures, then the manifestation of the heavenly life will also begin.

Whilst advising his Community in this regard, the Promised Messiah (as) states, “The members of our Jama’at should bring about a death upon themselves.” This was not just his advice to those who have attained great spiritual heights and people of greater esteem, rather it was generally to each and every member of the Jama’at.

Do not be under the impression that one must hold a special rank to reach God Almighty, and that not every person can attain this. The Promised Messiah (as) gave general advice and said to his Community. He states, “In order for the members of my Jama’at

“to bring about a death upon their inner self and to attain righteousness, they must first practice “just as when children who learn fine-writing at first write letters rather sloppily, “but in the end, after much practice, the letters become neat and orderly. “Likewise, they are also in need of practice.

“When God Almighty sees their efforts, He Himself will show mercy.” It was previously mentioned that ‘And as for those who strive in Our path’. Whilst elaborating on this further , the Promised Messiah (as) states, “The meaning of striving in the verse ‘And as for those who strive in Our path’ is that

“man must practice and strive in this manner and pray to God.” (That is when God Almighty will show mercy and grant the fruits of their labour. The Promised Messiah (as) states further) that the meaning of striving is that man must practice and strive (in the same manner that a child does), and so,

On the one hand he prays, but on the other, he makes full planning and preparation. In the end God Almighty sends down His Grace and the passion of the inner-self will start to fade away and diminish. Thereafter, such a state is brought about just as water is thrown on fire.

“There are many who are engulfed in the affliction of the nafs-e-ammarah [the self inclined to evil]. The Promised Messiah (as) then says to his Community regarding internal reformation: “I have observed that people among the Jamaat become involved in disputes “and even the smallest of arguments can lead to one attacking the honour of his brother “and quarrels with him. “This behaviour is extremely inappropriate and this should not take place. “In fact, what is the harm done if one admits to their mistakes.” The Promised Messiah (as) states:

“Over the smallest of matters, some people do not rest until they have humiliated the other. “It is vital for our Jamaat to abstain from all of this. “One of the attributes of God Almighty is ‘Sattar’ [the One Who conceals faults],

“why then do they not show mercy to their brothers and conceal their faults. “One ought to conceal the shortcomings of their brethren and not attack their honour.” The Promised Messiah (as) further says: “There are still many people in the Jamaat,

“who if they hear even a small point raised against them, they become enraged. “Whereas, it is vital to discard such emotions “so that one develops meekness and forbearance in their disposition.” He further writes: “It is often observed that when two people quarrel over even the smallest of matters,

“they become intent on overcoming the other (how one can win the argument). “In such instances, one ought to forsake such emotions “and in order to settle the dispute, one ought to willingly accept defeat. “It should not be the case that in the dispute, one tries to humiliate their brother.”

The Promised Messiah (as) states: “To disclose the faults of others is the root of arrogance and a disease.” As mentioned the Promised Messiah (as) stated that to overcome ones brother is the root of arrogance. Secondly he mentioned about propagating someone else’s weakness.

He further elaborated that if one has a desire to defeat their brother, it is the root of arrogance and if one propagates the fault of another, then this is a grave disease. The Promised Messiah (as) says: “These matters cause the soul to decay “and therefore one ought to abstain from such practices.

“Thus, all of these matters are associated with righteousness. “The one who’s inner and outer traits are infused with righteousness is deemed amongst the angels, “because no form of rebellion is left within them. “Adopt righteousness, for only after this can one receive the blessings from God Almighty.

“A righteous person is saved from the afflictions of this world “as God Almighty covers their shortcomings. “Until one adopts this method, all else will be in vain “and such people are the ones who will derive no benefit from pledging allegiance to me.” The Promised Messiah (as) further says:

“Always remember that verbally pledging allegiance to me is of no use “for God Almighty desires one to bring about a pious transformation within them.” He continues: “One will derive no benefit [from pledging allegiance] “and how can one do so when injustices remain within ones character.

“If one still has arrogance, conceit, vanity, pretentiousness and is easily overcome with rage, “just like other people, then what is the difference between the two?” The Promised Messiah (as) further elaborates on this by saying: “Therefore, bring about a transformation within yourselves and adopt the most excellent virtues.

“If there is even one pious individual in the entire village, “they will be astonished and influenced by him.” If there is a pious person who has a virtuous disposition and grants benefit to others; if he is humble and controls his passions,

Then the Promised Messiah (as) has said that the people will turn to him owing to his beneficence. This is also a form of propagating the message. A pious person who adopts piety owing to the fear of God Almighty is bestowed [a spiritual] awe from God Almighty, which impacts the hearts of others

And they affirm that such a person is a man of God. The Promised Messiah (as) states: “No matter how much one opposes that individual, “gradually they will become his followers, “and instead of looking at him with contempt, they will attest to his grandeur.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

“There is no doubt that the one who is sent by God Almighty, “he is granted a part of Divine Majesty, and this is the way of the righteous. “Remember to upset one’s brother over insignificant matters is wrong. “The Holy Prophet (sa) was the embodiment of the most perfect morals,

“and God Almighty has declared that his example is the final model for mankind.” The Promised Messiah (as) says: “Today, if one still has traces of barbarity within them, “then it will be truly regrettable and unfortunate. “Thus, do not slander others, because sometimes when one slanders another person,

“they themselves become embroiled in that trait for which he accused the other person. (If he does not have the trait within him, (then you will be guilty of defamation and become engulfed in the very trait). “However, if the other person truly has the shortcoming for which he is accused of,

“then his matter is between him and God. “Despite this, no one has a right to slander another.” If one has an ill habit, then that is between that individual and God Almighty. However, if the other person does not have the trait for which he is accused of,

Then that accusation can revert back onto him. The Promised Messiah (as) says: “Many people have the habit that they immediately raise sinful allegations against their brethren, “this is something that ought to be avoided. “Provide benefit for mankind and show sympathy to your brethren; “be courteous to your neighbours; treat your wives with kindness

“and above all abstain from Shirk [associating partners with God], “as this is the first step towards righteousness.” The Promised Messiah (as) then says: “Righteousness means to abstain from even the smallest aspects of sin, but remember “piety is not that one declares themselves to be pious because they abstain from theft,

“usurping from others or avoids leering and adultery, “as according to the wise, this is worthy of amusement. “The reason for this is if one commits these crimes such as theft or adultery, “they will be punished for it. “Therefore, to declare this to be piety is of no value to the wise.

“True piety is that one ought to help others “and strive in the way of God Almighty with complete sincerity and loyalty, “to the extent that one becomes prepared to sacrifice their life in the way of God. “For this reason God Almighty states: “Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good. “It should be remembered that simply abstaining from sin is not a virtue “until one also performs virtuous deeds.” The Promised Messiah (as) then states:

“Let it be known that the root of every virtue and piety is the belief in God Almighty. “The more ones belief in God Almighty diminishes, “the more one becomes negligent towards performing virtuous deeds. “On the contrary, when one’s belief in God Almighty is strengthened, “their deeds will also be good.

“When one has firm faith and believes in all the perfect attributes of God Almighty, “at the same time astonishing transformations are witnessed in ones deeds. (When one has full conviction of the attributes of God Almighty, (they undergo an astonishing transformation in their deeds).

“The one who truly believes in God Almighty does not have the ability to sin, “because this conviction cuts off all the limbs of one’s carnal desires and sin.” The Promised Messiah (as) then says: “Observe, if one loses their sight, how would they be able to commit adultery or trespass of the eye?

“Similarly, if one’s hands are cut off, how can one commit sin by means of it?” He further writes: “In the same manner, if one reaches the stage of Nafs-e-Mutma’inna [the soul at rest], “this state makes one blind and the eye no longer has the ability to sin.

“Although he can see, but at the same time he does not see.” Although one in this state can see, however, they no longer commit adultery of the eye, because their ability to commit sin of the eye has been diminished. “Although they possess ears, but they are deaf.

“They can hear but they do not hear any evil or sin. “In this manner all of ones carnal passions and faculties as well as internal passions “that drive one to sin are diminished. “Every power that enables one to sin are destroyed and becomes like a corpse.

“They only act in accordance with the will of God “and do not move until and unless they are commanded by God Almighty. “This stage is developed when one has true faith in God Almighty “and in return one is bestowed complete conviction in Him.” The Promised Messiah (as) says:

“This is the ultimate goal that one ought to strive to achieve.” Then further elaborating on the real goal that one ought to achieve and advising the Jamaat, the Promised Messiah (as) states: “This is vital for our Jamaat and in order to attain perfect conviction, “one ought to have perfect faith.

“Therefore, the primary goal of our Jamaat is that we ought to have true belief in God Almighty.” The Promised Messiah (as) further says: “No one can be pure unless God Almighty Himself purifies them. “When one’s soul falls at the threshold of God in complete humility and submission,

“God Almighty will then accept their prayers and they will be deemed a true Abd [servant]. “At such a stage one will have the ability to understand the faith of the Holy Prophet (sa). “Until such a stage is reached, everything that one knows about faith including all worship etc.

“is merely a custom and a philosophy that one has inherited from their forefathers “and having heard them they adopted it.” (i.e. they would have seen their forefathers perform the same rituals Thus, this is the standard of righteousness and the level of understanding and implementation of one’s faith which the Promised Messiah (as) has drawn our attention towards to strive and achieve. We must fall at the threshold of Almighty God with utmost humility and whilst performing good deeds,

Seek help from Him in order to attain these standards and fulfil the expectations of the Promised Messiah (as). It is the acquisition of this very Taqwa, which then enables one to properly utilise the exemptions which have been granted in the subsequent verses, which give further details of fasting.

God Almighty has left everyone to assess their own conditions, providing they do so with Taqwa. If one is suffering from an illness which does not allow them to fast, or if the doctor has advised against fasting then one should pay the Fidya [expiation].

However, one should not search for excuses so that one can simply pay the Fidya and exempt themselves from fasting. The Promised Messiah (as) states that one ought to demonstrate obedience when doing good deeds. One should reflect as to what instruction God has given for carrying out the particular deed.

Therefore, if one deeply ponders over the actual commandment and whilst adhering to Taqwa, one will know if it is better for them to fast or then to pay the Fidya temporarily. Further on, God Almighty has expounded in more detail that

If one is sick or on a journey then they should not fast because God does not desire hardship. However, when one recovers from their sickness then one should make up for the missed fasts, likewise one should make up for the fasts that were missed whilst on journey,

Even if they have paid the Fidya. Thus, whatever be the case, it always comes down to the fact that one ought to adopt Taqwa, instil the fear of God and to know that He has full knowledge of our conditions,

And then take any decision and God Almighty will grant the best results and outcome. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “He, whose heart is filled with joy at the arrival of Ramadan “and was eagerly awaiting for it so he could partake in the observing of fasts,

“but owing to an illness is not able to, is not deprived of his fasting in the heavens.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “Many in this world are prone to a habit of offering excuses. “They assume that just as they are able to deceive the world,

“they can also attempt to deceive God Almighty. (They feel that since they have deceived the world, they can do the same with God). “Such people think of justifications from themselves “and then exacerbate it further that such and such thing happened to them and

“thus feel that they have presented a legitimate reason to exempt themselves from fasting.” The Promised Messiah (as) states, “However, this is not permissible in the sight of God Almighty. “The scope of exacerbating anything is limitless (if one wishes to offer excuses, they can endlessly continue doing so).

“If one were to adopt such an attitude, they could go on to offer their prayers whilst sitting “and also exempt themselves from fasting in Ramadan for the rest of their life.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states, “However, God is aware of one’s intentions and plans; He is the Knower of the Unseen.”

He knows every intricate detail and all of our intentions and plans. The Promised Messiah (as) states that Allah the Almighty knows who is loyal and sincere and who is simply offering excuses, thus He treats them accordingly.

God Almighty knows that the one who is loyal and sincere has anguish and desire in his heart, whilst one who offers excuses is bereft of such a desire. Thus, God Almighty grants a greater share of reward to the former because having heartfelt desire is a truly admirable trait.

Conversely, one who simply presents excuses and relies on offering interpretations this is such an act which holds no worth in the sight of God Thus these are the principals which we have to be mindful of. Allah the Almighty has clearly stated that there is no hardship for those on a journey

And the sick and they can make up for the missed fasts later. However, the Promised Messiah (as) has also stated that despite this one ought to pay the Fidya as well because this grants one the ability to fast. Owing to the current pandemic, many people are asking that their throats will become dry

And this could increase the chances of contracting the virus, therefore is it permissible to fast. In this regard, I will not give a general fatwa [edict] or decision, in fact I always reply that one should assess their own condition and make a decision for themselves with pure intentions of the heart

And whilst adhering to Taqwa. The instruction of the Holy Qur’an is very clear that one who is sick should not fast but to simply not fast because one could potentially become sick is not right. As mentioned that the Promised Messiah (as) has stated that in such an instance,

One excuse would lead to another and thus there will be an endless chain of excuses. If someone claims that doctors have said that this could lead to problems, I have sought the opinions of various medical experts and they also have varying opinions.

Some of the doctors have clearly stated that there is no evidence to suggest that fasting will definitely cause one to contract the virus. However, if someone develops symptoms such as a cough or a fever, or any other symptoms,

Then they should not fast and if they have started the fast, they should break it. Those doctors, who lean towards the opinion that one should not fast, or they stipulate certain conditions which leads to the conclusion that it is better to not fast, even their opinion is not clear.

On the one hand they caution from fasting And, on the other hand, say that one may keep them by taking care of their diet. Those who are less affluent do not have provisions to be so selective in relation to their diet. In any case, taking into consideration the various opinions,

It generally seems that there is no harm in fasting. But, if one has even the slightest inclination [of any symptoms], they should immediately stop fasting. Some are of the opinion that if a person himself is healthy but a household member is ill, even then they should not fast.

However, the opinion of other doctors is that there no justification for this. Nevertheless, whilst breaking the fast and at the time of keeping the fast, one ought to drink plentiful of water. Those who are more concerned and also have the provisions,

Should try to eat such foods which help retain the water in the body. Hence, since there are varying opinions of the doctors – which includes doctors from the USA, Germany and here [in the UK] – therefore we should be mindful of not abstaining from the fasts without any reason,

Lest we become counted amongst those regarding whom the Promised Messiah (as) states that they rely on offering justification and interpretations Indeed, it is imperative that one takes all precautionary measures. There are certain individuals who generally have a low requirement of water and drink very little.

They fast as well but even in normal circumstances they drink very little water. There was an elderly gentlemen, Chaudhry Nazir Sahib and he would go about his work all day in the summer, while we however would immediately go towards the water.

I asked him on many occasions why he would drink very little water or at times not drink at all. He replied that he had a very low requirement of water. Therefore, everyone’s nature and conditions are different. And so, in the current circumstances, everyone should assess their own conditions and their health

And seek a decision based on their own conscience as to how they need to take care of their health. One should pray to Allah the Almighty to be granted the ability to fast. One should pray extensively in these days that Allah the Almighty guide mankind and they come to recognise Him.

Pray that Allah the Almighty quickly rid the world of this pandemic and bestow His Mercy upon the world. Pray that Allah the Almighty enables us Ahmadis to fulfil the rights owed to God Almighty and His creation whilst instilling Taqwa within ourselves and partake of the blessings of Ramadan.

Also remember that whenever the world suffers from an economic downturn, just as it is experiencing nowadays owing to the current pandemic, then the possibility of wars also increases. Some of the analysts are also mentioning this. In such conditions, various worldly governments seek different ways to fulfil their vested interests through various worldly ploys.

In order to divert the attention of the public, they make such claims which can cause them to be engulfed in further difficulties and destruction. As I have mentioned that some of the analysts have also been mentioning this. Thus, may Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to the powerful nations

Lest they take such an action which could lead the world into further disorder and destruction. In fact, even the newspapers have widely published and also the political commentators have stated that the USA has threated Iran and is also levelling accusations against China that

It did not give accurate information and a lawsuit should be filed against them and other actions. Similarly they have stated that they will take such and such action against Iran. Therefore, the USA as well as the other governments should act with wisdom. In the current circumstances, instead of taking a wrong action

And causing the world to be engulfed in further destruction, they should act with wisdom and careful planning. And also whilst turning towards God Almighty, prostrating before Him, they should seek His help and they should pray to be protected from this pandemic

And strive for this and help and support the scientists who are working towards finding a cure. Pray that Allah the Almighty grant us the opportunity to pray and to improve our conditions. Pray that may He enable the powerful nations of the world to form their future policies and plans with wisdom.

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.

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