Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2013
Peace be upon you all. 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. In the previous Friday sermon, I spoke about the subject matter mentioned in verses 152 and 153 of Surah Al-An’am, I spoke about some of the injunctions mentioned in the surah, namely; abstaining from “shirk” (associating partners with Allah),
Kind treatment of one’s parents and the importance of moral training of the children by their parents. I will now speak about the remaining injunctions mentioned in these verses which God Almighty refers to using the words: “What your Lord has forbidden for you.” I will explain these commandments mentioned in these verses,
Perhaps it may not be concluded today. Nevertheless, the fourth injunction is: “and that you approach not foul deeds, whether open or secret”. In this verse, one is encouraged to eschew several evil deeds and indecencies. Al-Fawahish has many connotations; it can used to imply adultery,
Transgressing the prescribed limits, to carry out acts which are beneath and contrary to morality. It is also used to refer to abhorrent sins and satanic acts. It can be used for any immoral act or discourse and can be referred to one who is extremely miserly.
Thus, this injunction puts an end to personal evils as well as those that affect one’s home or society at large, or it puts an end to those indecencies which spread throughout the society and pollute the atmosphere. With regards to adultery, this is a sin for which the Qur’an has specified a punishment.
This sin and indecency is such that if the man involved is married, he neglects the rights owed to his wife and children. If he is engrossed in this vice, he has no concern for his responsibilities. If a woman is involved in this vice, then she forsakes the rights and
Responsibilities she has towards her husband and children and abandons them. If the individual is unmarried, then they are responsible for polluting the society with this indecency and immorality. Some people form unlawful relationships based on false promises. Then, owing to pressure from home, the family, society or strain of the false promise itself,
When that relationship breaks, men are not significantly affected by this, because our society, especially the Asian culture overlooks mistakes made by men. However, the lives of women are ruined. Examples of this can commonly be found in newspapers. Furthermore, owing to such relations, if a child is born, then these people
Are become guilty of gross negligence towards the child by depriving them of their rights. or such children can be termed as such. In these countries, if the authorities are informed, they try to ensure they receive their rights and often succeed. However, there are many [parents] who are guilty of practically killing their children.
In poorer countries rights seldom exist. If the person guilty of an immoral act or indecency is affluent, no law will punish him. Only two days ago in newspapers across Pakistan a similar report was found, which reported, through such relations, a child was born. The police instead filed a case against the poor woman
And did not question the man because he was well off. These are only a handful of cases that come to light. Nobody truly knows the extent at just how much these incidents have ruined many families. Thus, the cause of this is not following the commandments of God Almighty.
We cannot point fingers at others as Muslim countries – those that claim to follow the teachings of Islam – are themselves guilty of this, where such indecency takes place. God Almighty states that one should not even approach these foul deeds, i.e.
To abstain fully from all acts which can incline one towards immoral deeds. In this day and age, there are many means that tempt people to immorality; the internet contains vulgar films, there are indecent websites or obscene films shown on the television, indecent or lewd magazines.
About these lewd magazines – known as pornographic materials – even people here have now begun to raise concerns. They say that such material should not be displayed openly on counters and shelves as it can negatively impact children’s morals. These people are realising only today,
However, the Holy Qur’an declared all of these to be vices fourteen hundred years ago and commanded one to totally abstain from these as such actions will make one immoral. And they will take one away from God and religion. and also they will make one break the law.
Islam not only forbid open indecencies, but also warns against concealed form of immoralities. The reason why there is a commandment for the veil and modest clothing is to stop the free mixing and open socialising between men and women. It places a protective barrier. Unlike the Bible, Islam does not state
That one should not look at a woman with lustful intentions, rather Islam states that if one sees other women in an unrestrained manner, this will lead to familiarity and this can lead to indecency. This in turn would mean that one loses the perception of what is right and what is wrong.
Furthermore, if there is free mixing between a boy and girl or a man and woman, then in accordance with the saying of the Holy Prophet (saw), the third in that company would be Satan. The example of internet that I just presented encompasses all chatting on Facebook, Skype etc.
I have seen many households fall apart as a result of their misuse. It is with great sorrow I say that I have seen such incidents amongst Ahmadi households as well. We should always keep in mind the commandments of Allah the Exalted, which is to not even go near indecency.
Because, if we do, Satan will trick us in his trap. It is therefore the beauty of this Qur’anic injunction. It not only instructs us to simply not openly stare, or not look into the eyes; rather it instructs us to always restrain our looks.
This instruction is for both men and women, that is to restrain one’s looks. If looks are always restrained, this will naturally lead to the situation where inappropriate free and liberal intermixing will come to an end. Then there is the instruction to avoid looking at anything which is indecent.
So, one should restrain from watching shameless, vulgar and indecent movies. Likewise, one should not sit amongst people who in the name of freedom- enthusiastically engage in discussing and narrating stories of this nature; trying to pull other people into such acts. Neither should men and women openly engage in video-chatting and video calling
On social medias such as Facebook and Skype; nor should they make these a means of establishing connections amongst each other. God Almighty states that all these are apparent and hidden forms of indecencies and practicing these will make you get carried away with your emotions.
You will not be able to exercise logic and sound judgement to your actions and will end up disobeying the commandments of God, leading to His wrath. In this day and age, a certain form of indecency is being promoted which not only contradicts human moral nature;
But as a result of this, God has annihilated an entire nation. Many governments are now passing laws legalizing the same sex marriages. That is, indecency is being spread by entire governments and for this, actual laws are being passed.
This has come to a point where many heads of states and prime ministers openly express the desire for similar laws on same-sex marriage to be passed in the entire world. There are even those who supportively announce that they will strive to make this happen.
One Prime Minister in particular has recently made such an announcement. If this is true, then they are inviting the punishment of God upon themselves. There is an example of a famous priest, probably from South Africa. Even though Africans until now, have said that such unnatural marriages should not
Take place, and laws permitting the same-sex marriages should not be passed. Despite this, there is this priest who reads the Bible, he preaches the Bible, he teaches the Bible -the book that states that an entire nation was destroyed as a result of this- – even then, this priest states that if same-sex couples
Will not be allowed in Paradise; then I would prefer to go to hell. This is the lowly state these people have regressed to. This is the extent that indecency has spread in the world in this day and age. Remember that if this shamelessness is continued to be propagated openly;
The world continues to ignore and turn away from the commandments of Allah the Exalted and continues to not pay any heed to them; then these nations will see their outcome. It will make this world a living hell for them. As for the afterlife, Allah best knows what treatment they will receive.
In fact, recent medical research has also come to light clearly indicating that AIDS is far more prevalent amongst people who are in the vile practice of having same-sex partners. God has different ways of handing out His punishment. If a particular nation was once punished by a downpour of stones;
It does not necessitate that every nation be given such a punishment. This disease of AIDS and HIV is such that it takes its victim through a dreadfully agonizing punishment. The speed with which indecency is being spread in the world today necessitates
That an Ahmadis – with even more vigour – establish a relationship with God and strive to protect themselves as well as the world from the perilous end this ordeal may bring about. Those people absorbed in the material world seem to stubbornly seek their own destruction.
Attempting to satisfy a faction of the society that is brazenly violating God’s law, they are trying to involve the whole world into shamelessness. The outcome of it all is destruction. For sympathy’s sake though, it is vital that we do remind them that Allah is the most Merciful,
Pardoner of sins; He has kept the door of forgiveness wide open. He states: That is; “And those people who commit an indecency or an excess “against themselves; but then remember Allah and seek repentance for their sins. “And aside Allah, none can truly forgive” “And those people who commit an indecency or an excess
“against themselves; but then remember Allah and seek repentance for their sins. “And aside Allah, none can truly forgive” If one does not persist on his shameless behaviour and has some fear of God; Allah also forgives him. None other than Allah the Exalted can forgive.
Thus, an Ahmadi should try to guard himself against all the indecencies I made mention of earlier and also search for and show others the ways of safeguarding themselves. This is his responsibility. Allah forgive those who do cease to commit excesses.
The Promised Messiah (as) states: “And those people who when so ever commit an indecency “or commit an excess against themselves; in that very state they remember God “and seek forgiveness for their sins without being insistent “in their sin; God will be their Pardoner (meaning He is a God of forgiveness).
“He will forgive their sins.” May Allah the Exalted grant all people who are caught up in such shamelessness some sense that they may be saved from the punishment of God. I myself had felt the great need for a clear explanation on this subject
To be presented; it is for this reason that I have given a clear presentation as this question has become a mainstream topic. The next commandment that God has given in these verses is: “And take not a life which Allah has made sacred”.
This commandment brings our attention towards fulfilling the rights of the society. We must fulfil the rights of our brothers, friends and all those we interact with, in our life with justice and fairness. Murder here is not only the taking of an individual’s life but
Also of breaking relationships and unjustly trampling over another’s rights. To emotionally injure another person is also a type of murder. To humiliate and ostracize an individual -is like practically murdering him- this comes under the same commandment. To destroy an individual’s personal dignity is also tantamount to such a murder.
Likewise, there is the case of spiritual murder. In all circumstances, Allah the Exalted states that he has prohibited us from committing any one of the above. The cause of every murder -in the end- is the spreading of disorder and deficiency in the healthy functioning of a society.
These are things utterly displeasing to God. Allah the Exalted states “Illa Bil Haqq” (do not murder) – except he who deserves the punishment. That being said, man is still not permitted to take the law into his own hands. One is prohibited from taking the law into his own hands for
Purposes of seeking vengeance or flaring out one’s rancour and malice. When someone has come to deserve a punishment; he must only be punished according to the severity of his crime. The punishment must be meted out with the goal that it reforms the culprit;
That he joins the better faction of the society and becomes a means of putting an end to social mischief and disorder. Here, I must also clarify that not every individual holds the right to seek retribution; this right belongs to the law. And the law must give out a punishment according to the
Dictates of justice, not by committing excess. So much so that even the right to punish a murderer is not given to the relatives of the murderer; but is under the authority of the law. Most of these laws have been passed quite recently in our own days.
But Allah the Exalted had given us the commandment far earlier. That is, we should punish our criminals according to the dictates of justice. If a murderer is to be hanged as punishment, it is the law that will execute it. Likewise, there are other legal punishments practiced in a society;
As murder can also mean the termination of a relationship, cutting one’s self off from someone or boycotting; the authority to enact any such punishment also rests with legally responsible departments and agencies. Even in our own Jama’at, the ultimate purpose of having a penal system is reformation; not to exercise excess and injustice.
That is, whatever punishment is given out, it is to help reform the individual, not to commit injustice against him. Such excess and cruelty; if unjustly done, is also equal to a sort of murder. I have seen this and noted many such cases.
If a conflict arises between two parties, a dispute occurs and matters taken to courts; evidently, the responsible department/court would- according to their understanding and available proofs- naturally charge one party for being responsible for the conflict and at fault. Appropriate punishment is also sought for such an aggressor.
In certain cases, though, the second party -which has been victimised- becomes discontent at the fact that a severe enough punishment has not been prescribed and should be made more severe. That is, that the punishment be assigned according to their will. If individual parties were to have their way, it would unleash
An unceasing chain of one murder after another. Whereas the Qur’an commands us to save ourselves from such ends. The real purpose of a punishment is to bring an end to social injustice, bring about reformation and make an unjust individual realise his injustice.
It is evident that if a problem arises between two sincere believers and they are accordingly admonished, they rightly submit themselves as well. Therefore, this is the true purpose of punishment; that reformation occurs and the series of unjust killings that can spread in the society
Due to such mutual conflicts and disorder are entirely stopped. After this I come to the next commandment which is mentioned in the following verse. “And go no even near the wealth of the orphan except in a manner which is best”.
Were the commandment: do not approach at all the wealth of the orphan; there would be a high vulnerability that the entire property of the orphan should be lost. For this reason, Allah stated that your approach towards handling the wealth of an orphan should be in the best manner possible.
Look after the wealth of the orphan in such a manner that to one’s level best- any risk of loss should be minimised. Do not use the property and the capital of an orphan with the intent of wasting or losing it; rather use the property and wealth with the purpose of benefitting the orphan.
It is thus an absolute obligation that we care for and manage the wealth of an orphan. Whichever relative or person is made responsible for managing an orphan’s property, he must protect it and care for it as a trustee. The Jama’at must look after such wealth and care for it.
The law of the land and the country must safeguard the possessions of an orphan and look after them. How should this be looked after and safeguard it? There are a multitude of scenarios for this. One should use the wealth of orphans in such a manner or invest
In such businesses that it grows in value; so that orphans, who do not yet possess intellectual competence-as they are but children growing up without the caring support of their parents- should receive its benefits. Use and invest the property of such children -whose wealth is at a high risk of being lost-
In such a way and in such businesses that the wealth multiplies and grows. This is therefore a great responsibility which Allah has put on the society and the relatives of the orphan by commanding them to protect and safeguard his wealth.
Allah states that if you do not discharge this responsibility and try to devour the orphan’s wealth by concocting different pretexts, it comes with a severe punishment. “And those who unjustly devour the wealth of the orphan; surely they fill their bellies with fire.”
“And those who unjustly devour the wealth of the orphan; surely they fill their bellies with fire.” He then states. “They will surely be caused to enter a blazing fire.” The objective of the Qur’anic commandments is not that we uphold the rights of one party and usurp those of another.
Whereas on one side is the warning that usurping the wealth of the orphans unjustly is akin to filling one’s stomach with fire; Allah the Exalted has also stated that if one spends something out of an orphan’s wealth -keeping in line with the
Dictates of justice, honesty and trustworthiness- then it does not constitute injustice. He states that permission is given for the spending of an orphan’s wealth on the upbringing, education and moral training of the orphan himself. But be very cautious not to commit any injustice. Do not become a violator of this trust.
Allah the Exalted states “Do not unlawfully devour their wealth in haste “out of fear of them growing up”. “Do not unlawfully devour their wealth in haste “out of fear of them growing up”. He states “One who is affluent and wealthy, should take nothing from this wealth”.
But if there is someone driven to desperation by circumstances and he cannot bear the burden of the educational and related expenses of the orphan, for him Allah states “He may take from that wealth in appropriate measure”. What is appropriate here? If the care-taker of the orphan is in a complete state
Of destitution and is struggling to get a living, his care and looking after the upbringing of the orphan is consuming all 24 hours of his day; then can a small stipend be extracted for his services from the orphan’s wealth. This is the only permissible spending of such wealth.
But that commandment pertaining to the safeguarding and beneficial investing of the wealth should always be given precedence. One must do justice to the task of being a true trustee and guardian. Allah states -look after their property – to the point that they reach an age of maturity
And strength and become capable of handling and managing their wealth and property. This is therefore an established right of an orphan. It is an established right of such a weak faction of society whose wealth until they become competent and mature- should be especially protected.
Then when they become capable of looking after it, the wealth should be returned to them. Here it should also be made clear that many times, despite having grown in age, an orphan is not competent enough to safeguard his own wealth.
In such a case his wealth should be safeguarded up until he reaches a competent state of maturity. And if an orphan is profoundly weak-minded, then looking after and protecting his wealth becomes a permanent responsibility. There are also such people who -despite weak mindedness- are capable of marriage.
If such people do get married and have children, then it becomes the incumbent responsibility of the near-relatives, the society and the Jama’at to care for and look after such a person’s property until his children have grown to an age of maturity where they can competently manage the property themselves.
With regards to the upbringing of orphans and other weaker members of the society, God Almighty has set out commandments. Whilst elaborating on these commandments, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “That is, should there be among you a person of property who is an
“orphan or minor and it is feared that he would waste his property “through his lack of sense, you should take charge of his property “as a custodian and should not hand it over to him, in as much as the whole system “of commerce and social security depends upon proper care of property.
“Out of the income of the property you should provide for the maintenance “of its owner and you should instruct him in all equitable values that would help “to develop his reason and understanding and would furnish him with proper training “so that he should not remain ignorant and inexperienced.
“If he is the son of a merchant he may be instructed in the ways of business and commerce, “and if his father followed some profession or other occupation, “he may be given training in some appropriate occupation. “Test him from time to time whether he is making progress in his training.
“When he arrives at the age of maturity, that is to say about 18 years, “and you perceive that he has developed enough intelligence “to look after his property, hand over his property to him. “Do not deal with his property wastefully while it is in your charge,
“out of the apprehension that when he grows up he will take it over from you. “If the custodian is in easy circumstances, he should “not make any charge for administering the property. “But if he is poor, let him make use of as much of it as is fair.”
The Promised Messiah (as) further says: “The custom among Arab custodians of an “orphan’s property was that the property was used as capital for commerce and out “of its profit provision was made for the orphan and thus the capital was not destroyed. “The custodian made a fair charge for looking after the property.
“This is the system to which reference is made in these verses. “Then it is said: When you hand over the property to its owner you should do so before witnesses. “Those of you who are likely to leave behind minor children should give no directions
“by way of testament which should operate unfairly against the children. “Those who consume the substance of orphans unjustly only devour “fire into their bellies and shall enter a blazing fire” The Promised Messiah (as) further says: “It is to be observed how many
“aspects of honesty and integrity God Almighty has set forth in these verses. “A truly honest person is one who keeps in mind all these aspects. “If this is not done with perfect intelligence his “trustworthiness would cover many hidden dishonesties.”
If one does not keep in mind all the aspects of honesty, then some form of dishonesty can arise. Thus, one should ensure they fulfil these rights with full diligence. The reason why God Almighty constantly reminds us to adopt righteousness is so that we can analyse ourselves and see whether or not
We are fulfilling the rights of the weaker factions of society. Are we fulfilling the rights of honesty and integrity, lest beneath our actions there are hidden forms of dishonesty, which in turn will fill our stomachs with fire. God Almighty then says: “And give full measure and weight with equity.”
In this injunction, one is commanded to ensure their business dealings are conducted in a fair and honest manner. At first, the rights of orphans and weaker members of society have been secured and one is commanded to ensure they are given their rights fairly. After this, one is commanded to conduct their business dealings
With transparency which is free from all deception and dishonesty. Even if the other person is unaware, one should not deceive them. The Holy Prophet (saw) advised that if an individual is selling something which has a defect, then that should be brought to light
So that the buyer knows the item they are purchasing has a certain defect. In another instant, mentioning about acting according to justice and giving measure and weight in equity God Almighty states “that is best and most commendable in the end”. That means that a good businessman will have good reputation and more customers.
Consequently his business will be a success. However if he deceives his customers then his business will fail. In another passage, God Almighty states that deceit is the root of doom. However, the issue is, or rather the unfortunate aspect is that the more the Qur’an
Has expounded on these matters, the further away the Muslims have strayed from upholding the values of honesty. The level of honesty, trustworthiness and integrity of the Muslims was so high that on one occasion a person brought a horse to sell on the market and stated that its price was 500 dirhams.
Another companion liked the horse and said that he would buy it, but the price of 500 dirhams was not correct. The man selling the horse thought that perhaps he would give a lower offer, however, it turned out to be the contrary.
He stated that it is such an amazing horse that its worth is 2000 dirham. Therefore, he should take 2000 dirhams from him for that horse. The buyer and seller both argue over the matter, the buyer does not want to pay anything
Below 2000 dirham, whereas the seller does not want to accept anything over 500 dirhams. This was the standard of those Muslims who stayed in the company of the Holy Prophet (saw) and his companions. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) as mentioned his own incident.
He writes that when he was 19 or 20, he visited Kashmir. He liked woollen rugs which were specially made in that area and were very popular. As he was to stay there for a while, he set off for his travels. In the town, which is famous for its rugs, he met an
Individual who claimed to make exceptional rugs. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) said to him to make three or four rugs for him which he can take as gifts and gave him the required measurements. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says that when he returned, each of the carpets were significantly
Smaller than the given measurements; approximately 6 inches to a foot shorter from all sides. He said to that individual that he had given different sizes and the other workers were all witness to the sizes that he had given, yet he still charged the same rate.
Instead of feeling embarrassed and offering to reduce the price, all he said was that he was a Muslim, and continued repeating the words that he was a Muslim, so how could he accuse him of making such and such.
So now it is a common practice to justify their unlawful acts by saying that we are Muslims. These are not simply tales of the past, rather a businessman who exported rice told me that when they export good quality Basmati rice outside of Pakistan, they mix lesser quality rice within it.
The way they carry it out is they place a metal or steel pipe which is approximately 8 or 9 inches in the centre of the bag. Inside the pipe they place the lesser quality rice and put good quality rice around it. From the outside it seems as if it is all good quality
Basmati rice and is difficult to tell the difference. When they take out the pipe the rice is mixed together. No one suspects that the rice is of mixed quality. After all, rice is rice. This is the state of their business dealings.
It was for this reason that India took control of the rice market, even though the quality of rice from India is less than that from Pakistan. Now that some Ahmadis are involved in exporting rice, they may bring better quality rice, but owing to this dishonesty and fraud, the external market
Has stopped importing rice from Pakistan as they are now aware of their deceit. For this reason, the authorities in the Indian export business buy rice and they also grade the quality of it, then distribute it. The perpetrators of this do not think that by using this deception,
It removes all blessings and can destroy the business altogether. In a Hadith, the Holy Prophet (saw) said that if those involved in buying and selling speak the truth, and openly declare a fault in any of their goods, then God Almighty will bless that transaction.
However, if the buyer and seller both use deception and lie about a commodity, then that transaction will lose all blessings. Thus, if one wishes to attain blessings then one must ensure they work with honesty and integrity; the hallmark of a good Muslim should be one who fulfils these rights in their workplace.
In a Hadith, the Holy Prophet (saw) said if one measures something to give to a customer, they should measure in surplus, meaning that there is no harm if one exceeds the required amount and gives more. This is ought to be the standard of one’s dealings in trade and business.
If a trader or businessman is honest in their dealings, they will be given the rank according to the Holy Prophet (saw) whereby he stated that a person who is honest in their business dealings are worthy of being in the company of prophets, the truthful and the martyrs.
May Allah the Exalted enable those people who attribute themselves to the Holy Prophet (saw) to increase their levels of honesty and integrity in line with the commands of God Almighty. Ahmadis are also involved in many business dealings; every one of us needs to analyse
Themselves and ask ourselves whether we are living our lives according to the commandments of God Almighty or not? Are we protecting the rights of the weak among us? Are we ensuring that our business dealings are honest and just? Are we giving the due rights of every member of our society?
Are we stopping ourselves from committing evils? With Ramadhan approaching, where one pays attention towards piety and righteousness, one also ought to consider these matters as well. May every single one of us stay clear from all of these evils as outlined by God Almighty. All praise is due to Allah.
We praise 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.