Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2013
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 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. [Arabic, Holy Qur’an, 4:136, 5:9-10] The translation of these verses is as follows: ‘O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, ‘even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred.
‘Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. ‘Therefore, follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. ‘And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do.’
‘O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; ‘and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. ‘Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. ‘And fear Allah. ‘Surely, Allah is aware of what you do. ‘Allah has promised those who believe and
Do good deeds that they shall have forgiveness and a great reward.’ The opponents of Islam often raise the allegation against Islam that it is a religion of terrorism and spreads fear and hatred in the hearts of non-Muslims. Every time there is a terrorist attack in the world,
Whether it is perpetrated by the so-called Muslim or not, and every time plots are devised by so-called Muslim groups and Jihadi organisations, they are ascribed to the teachings of Islam. And then, the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet (saw) are made a target of their outrageous and vile attacks.
But today, by the grace of God Almighty, the Community of the Imam of the age and Ardent Devotee to the Holy Prophet (saw) is established which is refuting all the allegations of the opponents in light of the true teachings of the Holy Quran. Likewise, it counters all the obscene talk and
Presents the true image of Islam to its adversaries. Apart from other verses of the Holy Qur’an which are presented in response to terrorism etc., the verses which I have recited before you demonstrate the justice and equality taught in the Holy Quran and is an example of the high moral teachings of Islam?
This is such an exemplary teaching that when unprejudiced non-Muslims hear it; they are left with no choice but to praise it. But at the same time, they question where this teaching is being practiced. Generally, non-Muslims who are acquainted with members of the Community are aware and even say,
‘We can see the implementation of this teaching by the members of the Community, ‘ but you are a small community and a minority, ‘so if we wish to see full image of Islam, we should look to other sects and groups of Muslims.’ These people respond according to their own understanding,
Regardless of their affiliation with the members of the Community. Generally, there is a positive effect on external guests, but we must also be realistic and analyse ourselves. We do of course make efforts to reassure the opponents with reference to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the example of the Holy Prophet (saw),
And we have been rather successful in this endeavour. Hence, this is the reason why whenever certain newspaper columnists around the world write about Islam, at times they will either mention the name [of the Community] or give reference to it, stating that there is a minority community in Islam which
Is against this terrorism normally found in Muslims groups. Also, this community wants to establish justice in the world and claims that they themselves are the ones really acting upon the true teachings of Islam. Whenever I present the beautiful teachings of Islam,
I have the concern that we must analyse ourselves to see just how far we are acting upon this teaching ourselves. It should not be the case that we deem it sufficient to merely present this beautiful teaching to the world and silence the critics temporarily,
But when the time comes for the world to see our practice that in us, we fail to exhibit this high moral teaching. The truthfulness of any community and the proof of a claim can be found when one passes through difficult and constraint circumstances.
Therefore, every single one of us should accept difficulty to attain the pleasure of God Almighty, act upon His teachings and our deeds should be of such calibre that we attain success in doing so. Otherwise, merely presenting beautiful teachings without practicing these, does not make a community as a whole, attractive to others.
There are many non-Ahmadi Muslims who present this teaching to others, but for them to present the testimony to the beauty of Islam will perhaps enhance their own image in front of non-Muslims; and as a result of that particular man’s moral behaviour and their relationship with him,
Others may refrain from raising further allegations against religion. However, it is the duty of an Ahmadi to always bear in mind that when he presents the true teachings of Islam to the world, he also introduces himself to others as an Ahmadi Muslim and a follower of the one
Who claimed to be sent in this era for the revival of Islam. This introduces them to the fact that we have accepted that Promised Messiah and Mahdi who came to present the beautiful teachings of Islam to the world and established his community. Therefore, when an Ahmadi presents the beautiful teachings of Islam,
This introduction should not just introduce others to that particular individual, rather it should demonstrate to them a peaceful, just and truthful community which acts upon the true teachings of Islam. But if, others see inconsistency in the words and actions of an Ahmadi,
They wouldn’t say that such and such a person claims one thing but acts in the opposite manner, he lacks in truthfulness, or that he is unfair in his dealings. Rather, it would be readily said that such and such is an Ahmadi, these people claim to do good deeds,
Their community considers itself to be the flagbearers of establishing justice in the world, yet they have these people amongst them committing such evils. There are several non-Ahmadis who deal with Ahmadis and have had issues with them in their business, so they file cases against them. The write to me saying that,
“We trusted such and such an Ahmadi but now we are having these issues “and he is not telling us the truth when it comes to providing his testimony. He is not giving my due right and is behaving unfairly.”
Hence, the actions of an Ahmadi Muslim can really taint the image of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and by giving a negative effect it can leave the name of the Community in disrepute. Thus, in consequence he would be guilty of a greater sin,
Because his claim is that of carrying out good deeds, yet his actions show otherwise. The Promised Messiah (as) also displayed his concern in this regard, which is why he said that if you wish to associate yourselves to this Community, do not do anything to defame it.
I have summarised these words of the Promised Messiah (as) that no Ahmadi should commit an act, at any level whatsoever, which brings the name of the Promised Messiah (as) and his Community into disrepute. The matters discussed in these verses should be acted upon on every level
And only then will these be instilled in their nature and help them abstain from committing sin. At every level the thought should always be borne in mind as to how we should act. If this is acted upon in the right manner and it becomes part of one’s nature,
Then the thought of doing anything bad, unjust or speaking untruthfully would never cross his mind. Therefore, God Almighty’s beautiful teachings and the beautiful image of Islam will only be manifested when every single Ahmadi acts upon this teaching in word and indeed at every level.
One should endeavour to reach the standards set in these verses on every level; be it on a domestic level or social, with your own people or with others and also with your enemies. This is when we can become true believers,
And only then can we be true in our claim and assertion of being with the Imam of the age. If not, then our claims will be empty and we will only be a cause of increasing the concern of the Promised Messiah (as) of us being a source of defamation.
Therefore, we must make every effort to reduce this concern of the Promised Messiah (as) to a minimum, in fact, we should try to eliminate this concern. The first instruction given here is that all our testimonies in every affair should be given for the sake of God Almighty and in accordance with His commandments.
One’s personal gain should not cross the mind when giving this testimony, or for any testimony he has to give. The only thing he should bear in mind is to attain the pleasure of God Almighty and nothing else other than to please Him.
The Promised Messiah (as) then states that the way to achieve this is by establishing a high level of justice and this cannot be accomplished without complete truthfulness. Furthermore, this cannot be attained without acting upon the instruction of the Holy Prophet (saw) i.e. to like for others what you like for yourself.
People always go out of their way when it comes to seeking their own rights, and if they are violated in the slightest, they start complaining. But when it comes to giving the due rights to others, they look for all kinds of excuses.
If a case arises where justice is to be upheld in their favour, they will put forward all the Qur’anic injunctions regarding justice before the judge. They will make every effort in search of references from the Ahadith reminding the one who deprived them of their rights and the judge to fear God Almighty.
In addition, they present the writings of the Promised Messiah (as) supposedly in their favour. However, when they are requested to provide a truthful testimony, in line with true justice, they try to change the case in their own favour or
Their close ones by providing a twisted and distorted account, rather than speaking the truth. Thus, this should not be the case with a true believer. Instead, a true believer has been commanded to give precedence to the pleasure of God Almighty and to have everything else subservient to that.
This will happen only when one has enough determination to testify even against oneself, if needs be. He should have no concern as to what troubles he may face once he gives an honest testimony and tells the truth,
Nor should he worry about what dilemma he may be in if he testifies against his relatives, his children or his friends. Our main concern should be that in order to remain truthful and just, if it means to upset those around us, our close relatives and our elders, then so be it.
God Almighty states that your wealth or your poverty and your benefit or your loss do not depend on your cunning, false testimony and abandoning the ways of justice. Rather, your benefit and loss are solely dependent upon the grace of Allah the Almighty. If He so willed, God Almighty could grant you prosperity.
If not, then no matter how much effort you exert, you will never prosper. False testimonies can be of no good to you. Perhaps you gain some temporary worldly benefit but thereafter due to the wrath of God Almighty
You have incurred, the harms will be so great that you will be unable to bear them. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, for this reason you should befriend God Almighty and gain nearness to Him. You should uphold the requirements of justice by always speaking the whole truth.
Always hold firm to truthfulness in your family and domestic affairs, your social dealings and your worldly undertakings. Always strive to establish justice. A believer must always make it his objective to attain the pleasure of God Almighty instead of inviting the wrath of God by deviating from justice and fairness
By following his lowly desires, interfering in matters by speaking in a misleading manner and hiding the truth when testifying. In an incident during the lifetime of the Promised Messiah (as), he was required to give a testament. A case regarding land-ownership was in process where the land owners were disputing about a tree.
They knew that the Promised Messiah (as) would speak the truth when giving his statement, despite the fact that the case involved the property and ownership of some trees belonging to his father and his family. When the time had come for his testimony to be given, he was summoned by the judge and said,
“In my opinion this is their right and it should be given in their favour.” As a result of this, his relatives and his father were upset with him, but his reply was that he spoke whatever he deemed to be right and the truth.
Thus, these were the standards the Imam of the age displayed before us. We must also establish these standards today, as instructed by the Holy Prophet (saw). God states that bear in mind that you may deceive people in this world with your false statements, but not God. He states: [Arabic]
“Surely Allah is aware of everything you say and do.” Nothing can be hidden from Him. Hence, on one side we claim that we wish to spread peace and harmony in society and to show the world the ways of guidance by remaining truthful, but then, if there is a contradiction
In our words and deeds in order to make trivial gains, then we cannot claim to be honest, those who establish justice or those who spread peace in society. Instead, we will remain part of the discord and conflict in the world.
Therefore, a believer’s claim of being against injustice and to put an end to it will only be truthful and meaningful when he upholds the highest level of justice and honesty and when his testimonies are in line with the commandments of God Almighty.
God Almighty desires to see such high standards in us which is why He has stated in the verse I recited of Surah Al-Ma’idah that, “Your testimonies should not only to be to establish justice in your society and “your limited sphere of influence, rather if even your enemy were to seek justice from you,
“then they too should be dealt with justly. “They should know that whatever you speak will be coherent with truth and justice. “You should show your enemy that everything a believer does is in keeping with righteousness “and in order to attain the pleasure of God Almighty.
“No enmity can entice us from acting other than with justice, “as our hearts are free of any kind of enmity. “We claim to have no hatred or rancour for anyone. “Hence, not even the malice, rancour and enmity of our enemies can lead us to say anything unfair to cause them harm.”
This is the beautiful teaching which we present to the others and our effort is to raise awareness about the wonderful qualities found in the teachings of Islam. In turn, the yearning to find out further information about Islam is inculcated in them. Hence, we should always bear in mind
That even if we turn the world’s attention to us through our words. But we will only truly gain its attention as we voice our words of giving honest testaments, establishing justice, removing the animosity in society and spreading the message of peace, when our deeds and actions are in line.
Thus, in stating this God Almighty has placed a great responsibility on our shoulders that we should stand as “Qawwam” i.e. [the one who works very diligently.] Qawwam means to work very meticulously and to strive to establish justice, or to do anything else in a determined and resolute manner.
As there is the mention of justice in this instance, it would mean to diligently fulfil all the requirements of justice and then to make every effort remain resolute in maintaining that justice. Hence, it is through this diligent work and tireless effort that justice can be established
In the world and only then will the message of peace and harmony be conveyed to the world. Therefore, today it is the duty of a believer and true Ahmadi to continually establish justice, spread truthfulness and become the custodians of peace whilst bearing even the subtlest of aspects of this in mind.
In this era, it is only the Ahmadi Muslims who claim to be the true believers, having accepted the Imam of the age. As we have been granted insight of the true teachings of Islam through our acceptance of the Imam, we do not only comprehend the commandments of God though our own understanding,
Rather we also strive to become practical examples of them. Hence, as I have mentioned we must analyse ourselves to realise the extent to which we really uphold justice and truthfulness. Having associated ourselves with the Promised Messiah(as), today we must ask ourselves if we are
Striving to reach the standard he set, just as when he gave testimony against himself and his father, giving no precedence and importance to worldly gains. If we are truly striving to achieve this then we should ponder over why there is still an air of distrust in our households.
Those living in homes in which there is this feeling of distrust should assess as to why love and affection is no longer to be found between husband and wife? Why are the children disturbed by this? Why are there rifts between brothers?
Why are relationships breaking up due to ill-thinking and a lack of honesty? Why are businesses which were established on friendships ending in anger and court cases? Why are the number of court cases in the Qaza on the increase? Why are the more and more lawsuits being filed by Ahmadis?
It is thus evident that there is an inconsistency in the state of our hearts and in our outer state or words. We have set certain standards for ourselves but different standards for others. Therefore, every single Ahmadi, whether they be office bearers or regular members
Of the Community; must ponder over how they will accomplish the grand task of upholding justice in the world and spreading truthfulness, whilst reforming themselves in the process, so that they may attain the pleasure of God Almighty and be enfolded in His forgiveness,
As He has promised and to be counted among those who will be rewarded in the sight of God. Certainly, we must focus our attention on the commandments of God Almighty in order to do so and we must strive to act upon them. The Promised Messiah (as) says,
“No fortress or stronghold can be compared to the protection of God Almighty. “Nevertheless, a half-hearted word can be of no benefit. “Can anyone claim that a single drop of water is sufficient to quench one’s thirst? “Or that a mere crumb or morsel is enough to satiate one who is starving? Of course not.
“They will only be content once they have drunk enough water “to quench their thirst or consumed enough food to satiate them. “Similarly, the desired fruits and results of one’s labours will not be attained “unless perfection is achieved in their deeds.
“Defective actions can neither please God Almighty, nor can they be of any blessing. “It is the promise of God Almighty that He will bless those who act according to His will.” Hence, we must establish justice and integrity on every level in order to fulfil the responsibility
Entrusted to us by God Almighty, of spreading the message of peace to the world. But justice will only be established when we develop a deeper understanding of the commandments of God Almighty and act upon them accordingly. Furthermore, it is also necessary that we develop a deeper understanding of His commandments
In terms of the rights owed to God Almighty and the rights owed to His creation. May Allah Almighty enable us to do this in just manner, in order to make our homes and society a heavenly abode. May we also fulfil the rights of our preaching in light of the beautiful teachings of Islam.
May we be among those who save the world from the falling into the pit of destruction by demonstrating to them the true teaching of justice. The world is quickly hurling towards a terrible devastation. Justice can neither be found in the Muslims nor in the non-Muslims.
Not only this, they are all reaching the heights of injustice. Thus, in such circumstances it is only the Ahmadiyya Community which can play the role of opening the eyes of the world and saving them from the pit of destruction by drawing their attention to refraining from committing injustices.
Therefore, whilst we make this effort in our own spheres of influence, we must also turn our attention to prayer. The injustices of the Muslim countries and the consequences of their evil deeds have landed them in internal turmoil, but external threats are also hovering over them; rather they are at their gates.
It seems that a terrible war is about to break out. If the world is aware of the possible outcome of this then they most definitely have little regard. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that in service to the Messiah of Muhammad (saw)
We must save the world from this destruction by rendering the due rights in our prayers. May Allah Almighty enable us to discharge this duty and to save the world from the impending destruction. 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.