Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2014
Peace be upon you. 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 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 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 displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. At this time, I would like to mention an extremely dear and beautiful personality.
He held a special rank and status owing to his absolute devotion and loyalty. He was an utterly devoted servant of the Community and he passed away two days ago; “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”. Each and every single person will depart the world one day; but how fortunate
Are such people who spend their entire lives endeavouring to please Allah the Almighty. When they make a pledge, they try their level best to fulfil those pledges. Along with serving the faith, they are ever keen and ready to try and also serve humanity. Such people are included amongst those whom the world praises.
As a result, in accordance to the saying of the Holy Prophet (saw), ‘paradise’ becomes incumbent for such persons. This servant of the faith, the devoted helper of Khilafat and a person who held great regard, honour and respect for Khilafat was none other than our beloved brother, Mahmood Ahmad Shahid Sahib,
Who is well known as Mahmood Ahmad Bengali in Pakistan. He was currently serving as the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia. There, he passed away, on Wednesday 23rd April; “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”.
After his passing away, the first letter I received from one of his relatives or the message I received from him was that: “He was so intensely devoted to Khilafat “that may Allah the Almighty enable us to be so.” I responded that: “He operated like a pulse. “He never entertained the thought or doubt
“of why any instruction had been given or why it was being given in any specific way. “Even if he was asked to do something against his will, “then he would immediately comply and obey it.” I will now provide some details of his illness and his ailment. On 22nd April,
He left the Sydney Mission House to offer the Asr Salat and departed towards the Mosque. After a short walk, he turned back as he did not feel too well. As soon as he reached home, he suffered severe brain haemorrhage. He was already diabetic and suffered from intense blood pressure,
So he was taken to the hospital where he was placed on a ventilator. The view of the doctors was that a haemorrhage in the area of the brain that he suffered proved fatal; it was impossible to revive him; however, I advised them to try for at least 24 hours but not anymore.
When the ventilator was switched off after 24 hours, he passed away just after two minutes and returned to his Lord. His introduction can be presented as such, Mahmood Ahmad Sahib was born on 19th November 1948 in the village of Bangladesh, Char Dukhiya in the District of Chandpur.
His father’s name was Maulana Abdul Khair Muhammad Muhibullah and his mother’s name was Zaib-un-Nisa. His father had accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1943. At first, his father’s name was just Abdul Khair Muhammad, but Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra) added the name Muhibullah.
The father was the first Ahmadi of his area and was a great scholar. His father was very enthusiastic and keen on Tabligh and through preaching efforts, he gave his father, Khawaja Abdul Mannan (Mahmood Sahib’s grandfather) beneficence to the light of Ahmadiyyat When he went to Saharanpur in UP, there,
He was introduced to Ahmadiyyat during the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (as). When the Promised Messiah (as) visited Delhi, so his paternal grandfather in question was also eager and enthusiastic to meet him; however he was disallowed to go by the educational administration where he was studying. Later when he became an Ahmadi,
He would say that people tried to keep us deprived of these blessings, however Allah the Exalted granted us and conferred us with this blessing. On the instigation of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra), Mahmood Ahmad Shahid Sahib’s father, dedicated his life (did Waqf) under the appeal of dedicating one’s children. This is in 1954.
Mahmood Shahid Sahib acquired his elementary education in his home town and he joined Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah in 1962 when he was yet a child. He achieved his Shahid Degree in 1974. In 1977, he was married to the daughter of the Late Maulawi Muhammad Sahib, Ameer Community, Bangladesh, Hajra Sahiba.
They had three daughters and one son. By the Grace of Allah Almighty, all are married and are actively involved in Community activities. Some of the incidents and accounts of Mahmood Sahib’s early life, he had narrated to his son-in-law. So he relates that once, during his time of his education in Jamia,
He sustained a severe injury on his knee while playing football. He became extremely unwell and returned to East Bengal. Some facilities were unavailable in Rabwah at the time and the climate was quite harsh, the water was salty and there was no fresh received water.
He often suffered from stomach pain, his parents lived far away and he probably missed them considering his young age and then he also got hurt. So he returned to Bangladesh, which at the time was East Pakistan. He had no desire to return to Rabwah.
However, he said Syed Mir Daud Ahmad Sahib who was the principle of Jamia at the time, wrote repeated letters and made every attempt to make him to return to Jamia. As a result of this, he ultimately returned to Jamia. Mahmood Sahib said that: “My father’s prayer had a deep impact on my life.”
While in Rabwah, he wrote a letter to his father that “the weather is extremely severe in Rabwah, there is no proper water supply “and I have problems regarding eating and drinking etc.” In reply, his father, Mr Muhibullah Sahib wrote that in Mecca there were also very severe conditions and circumstances
He quoted the verse of Surah Ibrahim: [Arabic, Holy Qur’an 14:38] And he advised him through it and wrote that: “If you cannot live in a town that is populated by the Khalifa of Allah “then your relationship with your father is completely meaningless.”
So Mahmood Sahib said, “After this, an immense and profound change came into my life”. Respected Mujeeb ur Rehman Sahib, Advocate, from Rawalpindi writes that: “Mahmood Sahib was a quiet, accomplished servant of the Community and a devoted person. “He undertook his obligations with complete loyalty and sincerity for his entire life and
“he went to meet his Maker precisely at the moment while serving the faith.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) chose him as the Sadr of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and thus forth his administrative skills and qualities also emerged. Mujeeb ur Rehman Sahib relates that his father was appointed a missionary in Bengal
And he dedicated his first child, and while Mahmood Ahmad was still quite young, he was sent to Rabwah. Due to unfamiliar surroundings, he would get quite sad at the beginning. Mahmood Sahib’s father had an intense desire for his son to go to Jamia.
Mujeeb ur Rehman Sahib who is the maternal uncle of Mahmood Sahib said that: He would write to Mujeeb ur Rehman Sahib to not let Mahmood Sahib get too sad or sorrowful so that he could study and complete his education at Jamia. These were the early days.
However, very soon Mahmood Sahib became completely engaged with all his heart in his studies. Those who lived in Rabwah and those who lived there from early time know how assimilated and embedded Mahmood Sahib became. Mir Daud Ahmad Sahib would send him to stay with Mujeeb ur Rehman Sahib
In Rawalpindi during the summer holidays. Mujeeb Sahib writes, and writes very correctly, that: “The dear deceased was so simple and sincere and was so friendly and sociable “that even non Ahmadi neighbouring children and ladies would become acquainted to him “and always remembered him there forth.”
Mahmood Ahmad Sahib had a very loving relationship with his brothers. He would quietly help his under-privileged and poor relatives. He always had some money kept in trust with the Bangladeshi Community which he would constantly serve his mother through. His relatives unanimously said that they had a very loving relationship with him.
In the notes to his son-in-law, he said that in 1979, the election of Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya took place at the Shura. He was in the fifth position in terms of the votes. After the elections at Fajr time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) summoned him
And told him to engage in Istaghfar [forgiveness] profusely and to recite Durood. The next day, or in the evening of the same day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) gave approval for his name as Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya although his votes were in the fifth place.
One of his colleagues from Jamia Ahmadiyya who is currentlyin the USA, Missionary Inamullah Kausar Sahib from USA writes that: “I befriended Mahmood Sahib during Jamia days at the Nasir hostel. “He was the Zaim of the hostel and Kausar Sahib was the Mohtamim.” So he relates that,
“He was a member of the mess and later the Sadr and also became the Raeesul of Jamia.” When he made the announcement of his appointment by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) as Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Inamullah Sahib said, “I stood beside him
“and I wished to embrace him, but Mahmood Sahib said to move away “in his very specific accent which was a mixture of Bengali and Urdu. “So then he asked that, ‘Has my name been announced?’ “So I replied, ‘Yes it has.’ He could not believe this.
“Instead of happiness, he looked sad and extremely worried. “However, soon he came back into his senses and then” Inamullah Sahib said that, “I embraced him”. Khalid Saifullah Sahib, who is currently the acting Ameer of the Australia Community, he relates that, “once Mahmood Bengali Sahib told him himself
“this very incident of being elected the Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya; “that was in 1979 when the election for International Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya took place. “Then he was in the fifth position in terms of the votes gained. “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) was very kind, compassionate and affectionate to Mahmood Sahib.
“So Khalifatul Masih IIIrh summoned Mahmood Sahib “and told him to engage abundantly in Istaghfar until the evening. “Mahmood Sahib was very scared and thought that I had committed a mistake “but when, inspite of his votes being in fifth, “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) appointed him as Sadr he realised that Huzoor
“was drawing his attention towards humility through this way.” This is also a lesson for all office-holders. When they are appointed, they need to engage in Istaghfar and Durood extremely profusely so that they maintain humility at all times and are enabled by Allah the Exalted to serve the faith in the proper manner.
Mahmood Mujeeb Sahib, an engineer, also writes in the same respect that: “Mahmood Bengali Sahib was an extremely devoted and loyal Ahmadi “who was wholly devoted and dedicated to Khilafat.” Perhaps in 1981 Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) “at the time Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh)” “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) had all the Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya’s “from 1960 up till then written down and numbered and then he praised Mahmood Sahib “that he excelled them all in obedience and in being the recipients of prayers “and he also said at the time that,
‘in spite of his votes being in the fifth position, I appointed him the Sadr because ‘I wanted to give the Community the lesson ‘that the appointment by the Khalifa is indeed better.’ ” He had many books written through him during his tenure as Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Sadr.
It was an incident of 1981 at the Ijtema Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) appreciated his services in these words; Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) said: “Blessings are given only to those “who with sincere intentions follow and are devoted to Khilafat “because all blessings are associated with this institution;
“nothing besides it can gain acceptance with Allah the Exalted.” Then, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) says: “In the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya election held last year, “Mahmood Ahmad Sahib was in the fifth position as regards to the vote. “I desired to give this lesson to the Community
“that the tasks of those four individuals who secured more votes “would not have been more blessed because of the number of votes they had. “Rather, one who follows Khilafat with sincerity of intention “is the one who will truly receive blessings. “Therefore, I appointed Mahmood Ahmad Bengali Sahib as the Sadr
“He is a very sincere and pious person, may Allah the Almighty enhance his sincerity. “He has worked extremely hard and has received many a prayers.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) mentioned the attendance graphs of Ijtemas from the times of different Sadrs of Majlise Khuddamul Ahmadiyya dating from
1960 until that time, and with the exception of a brief decline at one instance he mentioned the gradual increase and said: “I wish to tell you that success is not with those who attain “the most votes but those who receive the prayers of the Khalifa of the time.
“Last time the person whose votes were in fifth position was made the Sadr. “In the first year of his tenure 771 Majalis were represented and the second year” that is this year “818 Majalis are present and the reports are included.”
At the time when Mahmood Bengali Sahib was the Sadr of Majlis e Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, there used to be one worldwide Sadr. He would work under the Markaz [Centre]. The others in the world were not Sadran, in fact they were called the Qaideen. This came to an end in Mahmood Sahib’s time.
He was the last worldwide Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. When this came to an end, he wrote a letter filled with humility to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh). Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) replied to his letter that: “You have needlessly expressed embarrassment in your letter.
“What is the need to be embarrassed about? For MashaAllah, you have accomplished “a very good time as Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and have worked very well “and with wisdom and bravery and courageousness during difficult times. “May Allah the Almighty bless this.
“This is why you are being given the chance to serve inspite of joining Ansarullah” because he was given a year’s extension. “Had you been incompetent, this would never have been the case. “May Allah the Exalted continue to keep you a devoted and selfless servant of the mission
“and may you continue to be enabled to serve in an excellent manner.” Then Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) wrote: “You have worked greatly as a regard to the welfare of the prisoners by the way of Allah.” Regular reports were sent in this connection.
Upon one of these reports was the following statement of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh): “Your report regarding the welfare of the prisoners in the way of Allah was received. “MashaAllah, you are working with great wisdom and endeavour. “May Allah the Exalted bring about good and blessed outcomes of your work.”
Indeed Mahmood Sahib did a lot of service as regards to the prisoners in the way of Allah during those days. Upon one report Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) says: “I am extremely happy at your service for the prisoners in the way of Allah;” this was the
Early period of the ordinance and hundreds were being imprisoned for saying the Kalma. Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Sadr Khuddamul Ahamdiyya worked a lot in this regard. So Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) says that: “In your service to the prisoners in the way of Allah you have worked excellently.
“You are working exactly as I had desired.” During his time, Khuddamul Ahmadiyya made prominent progress and services in many departments. He established the ‘Aseeraan Trust’ for the welfare of Ahmadi prisoners in the way of Allah. The Trust tried to meet their needs and alleviate the suffering and pain.
An ambulance was also run for service of humanity by Khuddamul Ahmadiyya to mark the Centenary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. At the establishment of the Byutul Hamd Society, Khuddamul Ahmadiyya gave a very large donation; the spirit, the driving force at the heart
Of this was Mahmood Ahmad Sahib. Land was also purchased to build quarters for workers of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya in which he showed personal interest and enthusiasm. Then Central Khuddamul Ahmadiyya were enabled to give a valuable donation towards the translation of the Holy Qur’an. Mahmood Ahmad Sahib visited many countries outside Pakistan for the organisational
Advancement and progress of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. The most thorough of these tours was his tour of three continents, Europe, America and Western Africa in which he visited eleven countries. From 11th June until 11th October he went to Holland, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, The Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast.
This was the first tour of Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya to these countries. The previous related to 1979; in 1989 he visited Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on a tour. During his time the upper storey of the Khuddam Guest House was built. Then there was a fire in Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Mahmood Hall,
Which is called Awan e Mahmood and its repair and renovation was undertaken without any appeal for funds. During his time the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya were enabled to serve during the election of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh). They were also enabled to serve during the sensitive time
Of the migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) from Pakistan. They gave duties and also accompanied Huzoor (rh). Allah the Almighty also granted many historical moments during his time. He was enabled to serve in both the 14th and 15th centuries in accordance
With Hijrah calendar and also served in the first and the second centuries of the Community. Khuddamul Ahmadiyya completed its 50 years during his era and entered its 51st year. Sultan Mubasher Sahib, who is writing the history of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya writes that:
“Mahmood Sahib would say, two to three days after becoming Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, “I was extremely anxious and fretted. I wept a lot, sitting at the feet of “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) and in my specific accent I said,” he would not realise the differences in grammatical gender in the Urdu language, that
“ ‘I cannot carry out this work’. “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) said in response ‘When the Khalifa of the time ‘makes a decision and does it after prayers, he does not change it, ‘my prayers are with you. You should come to me when in difficulty’.
“Mahmood Sahib used to say that he went on to experience that “the prayers of Khulafa were always with him. He had a direct connection with the Khuddam. “He said that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh) had advised him to spend less time “in the office and more time having direct connection with the Khuddam.
“Normally instead of sitting in the office, in the evenings Mahmood Sahib “would sit on a chair because there is a purpose-built Khuddam office there and the entire “enclosure is of Khuddam, people would come and go there; so Mahmood Sahib would sit there
“on a chair outside the office and ask people who would come to and fro “in Awan e Mahmood, how they were? He would informally converse with them. “Consequently a friendly and sociable atmosphere was created with the Khuddam. “He shared with everyone in their grief.”
Dr Mubasher writes that: “One day we were sitting working in the office and “it got very late; Mahmood Sahib said ‘bring something to eat if there is anything’; “so I went to the guest house to see, but the food that was brought for the workers
“from Daruz Ziafat had finished, just a few pieces were remaining. “I returned empty handed and said that there is nothing left apart from just a few pieces. “Upon this he said, they are still blessed so bring them, so that is what he ate.
“He neither gave any instructions to anyone in-charge, any of the administration “or workers of the guest house, nor did he rebuke them “that why any food was not kept for him. It was night, he had diabetes “and by then diabetics get hungry, but he did not express any complain to anyone.
“The Mohtamim Sahib and other workers lived within the enclosure of “the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya complex but he did not bother them or trouble them.” Dr Sahib writes that Mahmood Sahib appointed him to write the history of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and he was given a great encouragement by him:
“Mahmood Sahib had a Bengali accent in his conversation which would also be noted “in his writing, often he asked me to write his letters. “When he went to UK Jalsa in 2010, I wrote certain letters and reports for him. “Dr Sahib was also in the Jalsa at that time.
“Sometimes it was difficult to understand his Bengali accent and the words expressed and, “thus I would joke with him about this but he was never offended. “The aspect that I learnt most of all from him”, this is Dr Sahib who is writing this
“was to take one’s capacity to the highest point in obedience to “the Khulafa of the time and in observance of responsibilities and obligations. “He was a trusted person of the Khalifa. “If there was any scrutiny or interrogation by the Khalifa of the time over any matter he
“always implemented Qaul-e-Sadeed [the straight and right word] and never “lost heart over the displeasure of the Khalifa; rather he was ever keen “on reformation and sought guidance from Khulafa for the future. “He prayed and asked for prayers.” Feroz Alam Sahib also writes that:
“I was closely linked with him from when I went to Jamia in 1982. “I was an inexperienced new Ahmadi at the time. “Despite all of his engagements he would affectionately and compassionately care for me. “He would invite me over to his house on Eid and other occasions and give me gifts and
“tried to alleviate me as a result of my homesickness.” Similarly Abdul Awwal Sahib has mentioned a similar trait and quality of his. He says that: “The most excellent and superior trait of his was that he was extremely closely linked “with Khilafat and was always ready to sacrifice everything for it.
“He was quiet natured, appreciative of other’s qualities and “a holy and elder person who practiced the teachings of Islam. “He always encouraged youngsters like me. After passing my matriculation I went to Jamia. “I was sixteen years old. I saw that although living far away, he had an analytical eye
“on the circumstances in his homeland and would give valuable advice and prayers.” Last year I sent Mahmood Sahib to the Bangladesh Jalsa as a representative. Awwal Sahib says that Mahmood Sahib was extremely happy and was constantly giving encouragement. Khalid Saifullah Sahib writes:
“Ameer Sahib would say that when we came to Rabwah to study, “there were some other boys who accompanied me. “We went for a Mulaqat to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra). “Huzoor (ra) was lying on a bed and we sat on the floor beside the bed.
“Huzoor (ra) was counselling us about the significance of Waqf and sacrifice. “Huzoor (ra) placed one of his arms on me as I was closest to Huzoor (ra). “It was the will and doing of Allah the Almighty “that all the other boys could not bear and tolerate
“the severity of climate and the food and returned to their homes; “only I was enabled to finish my Waqf with the Grace of the Almighty Allah and “my education which was as a result of the blessed touch “of Khalifatul Masih II (ra) upon me.” Then Khalid Saifullah Sahib writes:
“The Late Ameer Sahib was a very intelligent person who was extremely adapt and skilled “in forming contacts and honouring them and using them for the benefit of the Community. “As a result of this the immigration process for Pakistani Ahmadis became easier and
“the Australian Community which numbered a few hundred when he first came “now numbers thousands and this progress continues and is advancing. “As per the guidance and instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) “Ahmadis were populated in all the big cities of Australia and
“now there are strong Communities in the capital city of every state “and large beautiful mosques and mission houses are established. “In Sydney there is also apart from Baitul Mahdi mosque, Khilafat Centenary Hall “and mission houses, and a guest house is also being constructed. “Mosques have been built in Brisbane and Melbourne
“and there is a Community centre in Adelaide. Efforts are being undertaken to obtain land for a mosque in Canberra and it is hoped that “it will quickly be acquired. MashaAllah he fully partook to a great deal “in the progress of the Community in Australia.” The National Secretary Tarbiyyat there in Australia,
Imran Ahsan Sahib, relates the following: “From 1991, the Ameer Sahib has been the missionary in charge and the Ameer Community. “During his tenure many major projects were completed, “whereas the Community is yet in very small numbers. “After the 2005 tour he had two or three new mosques “and centres and Centenary Hall built.
“Masjid Baitus Salam in Melbourne has such large halls that the capacity is over 2,000 worshippers. “Other mosques there are also quite spacious and vast. “Very good contacts with both of the political parties in the “federal government of Australia were maintained during his time “which facilitated immigration affairs.
“He also acquired other facilities from the government. “He formed the auxiliary organisations in Australian Community on the model of the centre. “His moral training played a large part in cultivating brotherhood “among different ethnic groups.” In Australia there are not only Pakistanis, many Fijians are there, as well as Australians and Africans.
Mahmood Sahib created an atmosphere of a great brotherhood amongst them. He entrusted duties to each and everyone and made them responsible. He availed of their capacities, took work from them according to their capabilities and this indeed is a quality of a good administrator. Everyone else should also practice along these lines.
Recently the Australian Jalsa took place which he presided over. He gave an address on the topic of ‘Gratefulness’ for the Being of Allah the Exalted. He was in very good health at the time and no one could even think that this would happen
I.e. he was in good health at the time relative to his illness and he was recovering. His health was improving and it had improved to quite a degree but then he suddenly suffered from a stroke. The Sadr Community of Victoria, Javed Sahib writes in one of his detailed letters that:
“Everyone speaks about and is aware about Ameer’s Sahib’s close attention to details, “sagacity, and guidance in every matter, perception, insight and foresightedness. “Ameer Sahib had a quite an old car, in spite of repeated insistence of the Majls-e-Amla “and also my personal insistence, he did not get a better car;
“he always provided other missionaries with good cars but did not care for himself.” Similarly his daughter has written that regarding clothes they used to get for him he did not have much concern and only wanted to wear what was comfortable.
He said there was no need to be too fussy and spent too much money on them. He was very careful about Community expenditure. He had an excellent memory. He remembered members of the Community by their names and had the God given ability to utilise their skills in the best manner.
He used to explain matters in Majlse Amla and also the proceedings of the Shura by giving references of the Khalifa of the time. One person relates that: “A person was to fly in for the cricket tournament “(that occurs here) but the flight was either cancelled or delayed due to adverse weather;
“he could not participate in the tournament. “So Ameer Sahib explained to him that still go ahead with the journey; “even if cannot participate in the tournament, the actual objective is “to meet the Khalifa of the time. If you accomplish this, “consider the purpose of your participation in the tournament fulfilled.”
In my recent tour, he could not go to Melbourne, as he was severely ill during those days. However he would make regular and frequent phone calls at frequent intervals to oversee all the arrangements and organisation. He writes that: “During his speeches and addresses, Ameer Sahib used to advise
“Khuddam, Ansar and Lajna about fulfilling their obligations, “and a pleasant effect of this that could be seen in their lives, “He especially cared for overseas students. “He gave preference and priority to matters regarding the families of martyrs over all else. “In terms of disciplinary action, because at times, (complaints have to be raised
“and a disciplinary action is taken from here), “so he would say that ‘this would make me extremely sorrowful’ “and he was very quick in pardoning. “Ameer Sahib’s personality was like a fundamental brick for Community Ahmadiyya Australia.” He continues to write that,
“His work was like that of the foundation of establishment of the Australian Community.” Doctor Syed Ahmad Ahsan writes that: “He was an ocean of love that you and I saw and felt. Every Ahmadi whether young or old “would visit his house without hesitation or formality “and talk to him about even trivial matters.
“He would especially entrust youngsters with tasks as if he was “training them to become leaders. He always felt the pain of members of the Community.” Usama Ahmad from Melbourne writes: “Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Sahib was like a loving father for us Australian Ahmadis; “he loved all Australian Ahmadis equally without any discrimination.
“He won over every young and old with his courtesy, high morals, and good treatment. “He always took great care of all the guests who came to Sydney on every occasion. “He personally welcomed guests by coming out “of his house to hug them at the Ijtemas and Jalsas.
“We always saw Ameer Sahib’s smiling countenance “and this love and good treatment removed all our tiredness through travel.” Some people hurt him in certain ways, but despite the negative conjectures made about him he was never found directly responsible when an investigation occurred.
There were one or two cases where negative suppositions had been made about him but those who raised the allegations were the ones who were found to be blameworthy. A lady, Tahira Athar Sahiba, writes: “Just a few days ago, the Jalsa Salana Australia concluded.
“He paid special importance to the hospitality given to the guests staying at the mosque “and he said that the guests who will coming to the Jalsa should be especially looked after. “He would particularly inculcate about offering prayers.”
The in-charge of the press here, who was also with me on the tour, Abid Waheed, relates: “I had the opportunity to become acquainted closely with Mahmood Bengali Sahib. “In spite of feeling unwell during the entire tour, “he looked after even the smallest matters and gave his full attention to it.
“As an example, once in the evening dinner, on the second day, “we were also given just one vegetable; whereas we did not even realise this, “however, Bengali Sahib did pick this out. He personally went to the kitchen “and inquired from the Ziafat that
‘is there no other vegetable that you are only giving one vegetable?’ “So this is how he would always take care of the guests. “There was extreme humility in his personality despite his vast knowledge and experience.” Abid Sahib says, “He would have no hesitation or qualms in
“taking advice about matters of Press and media. “He respected the structure of the Community and had ardent devotion and love towards Khilafat.” Zartasht Munir Sahib, the Amir of Norway writes: “I was enabled to be Qaid of Karachi District “in the days when Mahmood Ahmad Sahib was Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya.
“In extremely challenging times, he was an extremely successful Sadr.” These were the times of 1984, 1985 to 1986. “When the circumstances became extremely adverse, the Communities “and the auxiliaries of Sindh and Balochistan were entrusted “and placed under the Karachi Community. “If martyrdom took place anywhere in Sindh, Mahmood Sahib or his representative
“would arrive there before representatives from Karachi. Mahmood Sahib would undertake “very difficult matters in troubles and difficult times with great courage and effort. “He adored Khilafat greatly and had a great sense of honour for it. “He would not tolerate the slightest negligence in terms of security.
“He would be most affectionate and loving when he went to Rabwah for Ijtema and Jalsa.” Malik Akram Sahib who is a missionary here writes: “During my educational days at Jamia, I toured Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Rawalpindi “with Mahmood Sahib with Mahmood sahib. He gave different addresses in every Majlis.
“He had memorized Qur’anic verses, Ahadith and pronouncements of the Promised Messiah (as) “and the sayings of the Khulafa with complete references. “One senior officer in Rawalpindi said at one Jalsa that, ‘This young child will be honoured in his life,’
“although at the time Mahmood sahib was a student of either the third or fourth year of Jamia.” Akram Sahib writes that: “I was enabled to serve for five years in his Amla when he was Sadr Khudamul Ahmadiyya. “He would give very close attention to detail and was very meticulous, very wise
“and was extremely humble. “He was extremely loving and affectionate who worked hard himself and “also expected his Amla to work hard. He was most courageous. “Whilst I remember that a mischievous officer was imposed on Rabwah, “he produced some inappropriate restrictions.
“Mahmood Sahib went to his office in his capacity as Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and “spoke to him with such dignity and aura that “he became awestruck and removed all the restrictions.” Then he writes, that he never saw Mahmood Sahib use the Community car given to him for personal or family purposes.
He often went to gatherings in Rabwah on foot or bicycle. Addressing the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Ijtema he said, “Some people say that Ahmadi young men are better than non-Ahmadi people; “he said it was not the purpose of the Promised Messiah (as) “to compare yourself to others or to compete with them.
“The Promised Messiah (as) has indeed said that every Ahmadi should bring about “pure changes in himself and this is what should be kept in view.” Zafar Ahmad Sahib from Bangladesh writes, “I was enabled to serve him during a stay in Bangladesh” when he went there last year.
“Mahmood Ahmad Sahib was an extremely straightforward and simple person by nature; “he was very friendly, sociable and ever present in the mosque at prayer time. “Despite his illness he offered the Tahajjud regularly. “During his stay in the guest house, his advice was “not to stop anyone who wished to meet him.
“He used his personal money to pay for their hospitality; “he was caring towards each and every person and he went to visit the sick and ill.” Many people have written about such qualities of his; that he remained in the end as he was in the beginning.
Respected Atta ul Mujeeb Raashid Sahib, Imam of the Masjid Fazl, London writes that: “He was an extremely sincere, pious, devote, humble and selfless person who was completely without pretence.” He says that, “Once I had the occasion to go to Australia for one month in 2004 and came to know
“of his countless qualities the top of which was his love and obedience for Khilafat. “This would often be the topic of discussion during our morning walk. “We would talk about the progress of the Community “and about the participation and association with Community work.
“He would say with great concern and worry that many weaknesses remain. “He would inform me about matters when touring other Communities, “what matters needed to be brought to their attention.” Khalid Ahmad Sahib is the in charge of our Russian desk relates; (he has written to me) that:
“After you were conferred with the mantle of Khilafat, “Mahmood Sahib’s love changed into great reverence “and his countenance would exude humility and sincerity just by mentioning you.” He then says, and in fact what he says is correct that,
“It is without exaggeration to say that there will be very few who are sincere, humble, “righteous, compassionate, dervish-natured and utterly devoted to Khilafat like he was.” A relative of his writes that he was sitting next to Ameer Sahib when a member of the Australian Community phoned.
He wanted to convince to have his way and he was using some harsh words and expressing that he was in the right. When Mahmood Sahib explained to him, the person on the phone became even more enraged and said that he would report him to the Khalifa of the time and so on.
So when the conversation ended he said most sorrowfully that these people make mistakes themselves and then become a source of worry for the Khalifa of the time. As I have said, many others have said that he was not concerned
About being reprimanded or scolded by the Khalifa of the time due to any mistake he made. He would always explain the whole matter completely fairly, justly and honestly. He would always explain to the youngsters that we are merely the humble servants of the Community. This is the Community of Allah the Almighty.
He continues to take care of all matters himself. If you are receiving the opportunity, then avail it to serve the Community. His service to Community began with the management of the Nasir hostel. Then he served as the Mohtamim Muqami of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Rabwah from 1977 to 1979.
He was then given a responsibility of Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Marqazi at the annual Ijtema 1979, which he served for almost ten years. As I said earlier he was the last worldwide Sadr of Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. Afterwards, the Khuddamul Ahmadiyya was made into separate auxiliary organisations. He also served in the department of Islaho Irshad.
When the central department of Sami Basree [Audio and Video] was created in the fourth Khilafat, he was made in charge in 1983. He served as Waqeel Sami Basree, Tehrik e Jadid in 1984. After this, this department I believe came to end; in fact, it did come to an end after MTA,
Because at the time it was started to disseminate cassettes; later MTA took this task over. From 28th June until he breathed his last, he was enabled to serve as the Ameer of Australia. May Allah the Almighty have mercy upon him, continue to elevate his status and rank.
No doubt he was a selfless elder and holy person who served the Community with all his capacities and capabilities. He neither cared for his health, nor for any impediment or obstacles to come in the way of his work for the Community.
In my last tour of Australia, although Mahmood Sahib was in great pain and was suffering severely, he supervised all tasks himself. When I exited the airplane he was stood in front, I became extremely worried seeing his condition; he had severe back pain, in fact his back bone had deteriorated to quite some extent.
According to the advice of the doctors such people need to rest however he did not take any rest considering it was a tour of the Khalifa of the time and how could he rest. In fact on the way back from the airport sitting in the car,
Naib Ameer Sahib who was driving the car Nasir Sahib, I said to him, that Mahmood Sahib indeed seems very frail and aged. At the time, I was not fully aware of his ailment and pain and suffering I later found out of the details after speaking to the doctors there of how this person,
In such great pain and suffering was putting himself into trouble and carrying out his work and going here and there; and not only this, he was also supervising all the matters relating to the tour. One day, even suffering this pain during the tour, his blood pressure increased quite a lot.
There was concern that he may suffer from stroke or even a heart attack. He was in a very bad condition and was taken to the hospital and he stayed in hospital for a few hours and then he was permitted to come home by the hospital and this devoted
And dedicated and gallant servant returned home only to continue working once again. He could not travel with me to one city and regretted it greatly, but in spite of his pain and suffering, he came along to the next place, although I said to him to not travel with us.
However, he did and he remained with us in all the demanding and hectic programmes. He remained present and supervised all matters. He would forget his own concerns and worries and was worried for me that lest I should be inconvenienced in any way and that all the programmes should be accomplished and fulfilled properly.
Not only was he worried about me but he was also worried about the people of my entourage; he looked after them as well. He would repeatedly express that, “I could not look after you people properly,” and this worry and concern only emanated by the fact that
The Khalifa of the time may suffer as a result of the people of the entourage suffering. Indeed, I was worried during the tour for his health. Anyway, his health did continue improving during the tour and gradually he became quite well. Recently there was a Jalsa and Shura in which he fully participated.
I have also worked with him in Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. He was very open-hearted and generous with his subordinates as regards to giving them an opportunity to work. He would also appreciate them with regard and encourage them in their work. He was also such a great and excellent helper of Khilafat
The examples of which we rarely find as I have mentioned towards the beginning. Through his demise, although there is a gap in the Australia Community but Allah the Exalted Himself looks after Divine communities, and He fills such gaps Himself. May Allah the Almighty bless and always grant such excellent
And amazing helpers of Khilafat; such people who are extremely loyal and devoted to Khilafat and are dedicated and have fulfilled their pledges. May Allah the Almighty be the Protector and Helper of his wife and children and may He enable them also to be strong in faith like their father.
May they also come to form a strong relationship and bond with Khilafat. May Allah the Almighty also enable his children to pay the dues of their mother. After the Friday prayer I will InshaAllah also lead his funeral prayer in absentia. 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.
