Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2017
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah. Come to Prayer Come to success Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is none worthy of worship except Allah.
Peace be upon you all, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah He is alone and has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed.
In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path
The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. The 12th of Rabī al-Awwal is the day when that Light came to the world, which was referred to by Allah the Exalted as Sirajun Muneer
[the lamp that radiates bright light]; one which was to illuminate the entire world with spiritual light and which he did so. It was to be the one to establish the Kingdom of God the Exalted on this earth and indeed it did so;
The one which was to give spiritual life to those, who were dead through the ages and this indeed occurred. It was the one which was to bestow peace and tranquillity upon the world and indeed it did so. It was the one about which Allah the Exalted said, [Arabic]
“And We have sent thee not but as a mercy for the world.” [21:108] He was not only a mercy for humanity but for all creatures too. He was not only a mercy for Muslims but for non-Muslims as well. His teaching is a mercy for everyone untill the Day of Resurrection.
Allah the Exalted said to his followers that this Messenger of Allah is an excellent model for you, as he stated that, [Arabic] “Verily you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, “for him who fears Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much.” [33:22]
Thus, a Muslim cannot be called Muslim without following this excellent model. Our Prophet (saw) demonstrated ways for us to establish tauheed [the Oneness of God], he established models of worship, models of excellent morals and he established models of [fulfilling] the rights of mankind.
However, it is regrettable that, although the majority of Muslims claim to love him, yet their conduct is contrary to what our Master, Muhammad, the Holy Messenger of Allah (saw) taught and in complete contrast to the practical example he showed. He came as a Mercy for all mankind.
These people, who claim to love him and are celebrating the 12th of Rabī al-Awwal with great fanaticism, instead of making a resolution by declaring, ‘O Prophet! O Prophet of Allah (saw)! ‘We will act upon your example and spread mercy all around us.’
The situation in most Muslim countries is that of disorder and chaos. On this joyous day, the conduct of every Muslim should have shown that the Prophet we follow is the Prince of Peace and that he is a Mercy for the entire world. Also that he has established the greatest examples of Allah’s worship,
That he possessed the highest moral excellences and that we follow his noble example in accordance with the commandment of Allah the Almighty. Hence, fountains of love, affection and peace will spring from us owing to the delight of the day on which our Prophet (saw) was born.
And this is what the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed his followers. This is what he expected from them and this is what he taught them. As I mentioned earlier however, in complete contrast to this, most Muslim countries are in a state of complete disarray. Even the non-Muslims feel afraid of Muslims at certain places.
Due to a fear that the fire of disorder and chaos may spill out from one place to another, mobile service in some towns of Pakistan] had to be shut down today. There is a strong police presence at every corner and every street.
Is this the way to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet [saw] that every civilised person is left in a state of fear, and that the government has reservations with regards to implementing law and order? Insulting Ahmadis and to use profane
And abusive language against them in the name of our beloved master is a daily practice. However, even this has been intensified today; in the celebration of this day. In their perception, they are elevating the dignity and honour of this magnificent prophet by doing so.
The siege, blockade and protests that took place a few days ago, left every noble citizen distressed. The daily life had stopped, people who fell sick were unable to go to hospital, schools were closed and on top of that shops were also closed.
Any individual who did not have provisions for food and drink in his home, was unable to get these provisions for their children. Furthermore, the country lost tens of millions of Rupees and all of this was a result of the slogans of these so called scholars for the love of the Holy Prophet (saw);
The Prophet (saw) who is a mercy for all of mankind and who taught us to observe the rights of the pathways. The Holy Prophet (saw) said to avoid creating disorder and chaos in the markets. The Holy Prophet (saw) said to avoid sitting on the side of the road.
The companions replied that they are compelled to sitting [on the roads], as in those days there were no places and offices allocated for business, where they were able to discuss matters relating to business and therefore, they did so whilst sitting in the markets and on the side of the roads.
After hearing this, the Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘Then you must fulfil the rights of the pathways.’ He was asked: ‘O Prophet of God (saw)! What are the rights due to pathways?’ The Holy Prophet (saw) replied, ‘Lower your gaze and refrain from causing grief [to others], ‘this is the right due to pathways.
‘Respond to the Salam [Islamic way of greeting] as this is the right of the pathways. ‘Encourage and emphasise a virtuous act and hinder [others] from vices, ‘as this is the right due to pathways.’ However, these people were closing the roads
And causing harm to others in the name of honouring the Holy Prophet (saw). Despite this, these people are the custodians of religion in their opinion and they may call a person a disbeliever or believer according to their own wishes. Nevertheless, these are their deeds,
Which are merely for the attainment of their vested interests. These actions do not have the least in common with the teachings and the example of the Holy Prophet (saw). These people may continue to do as they please, however, our task as Ahmadis,
Is to examine every aspect of the example of the Holy Prophet (saw) and to try our utmost to act in accordance with this; we must do so to the best of our strengths and capabilities. At present, I will mention some aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (saw)
In relation to his [excellent] conduct. With regards to the love the Holy Prophet (saw) had for Allah the Exalted, the Promised Messiah (as) states at one place, ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) was immensely in love and lost in the One Supreme Being.
‘Subsequently, he acquired what no one else in the world had acquired before. ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) had such great love for Allah the Exalted ‘that even the common man would say, [Arabic] ‘that Muhammad (saw) has fallen in love with his Lord.’ Then, mentioning the love of the Holy Prophet for Allah the Exalted,
The Promised Messiah (as) further states, ‘When these verses were revealed that the idolaters are impure, unclean, ‘the worst creation, foolish and the progeny of Satan ‘and that their idols are the fuel of the fire and hell’, Abu Talib called the Holy Prophet (saw) and said: ‘O my nephew!
‘As a result of your insults, the tribe has now become extremely enraged ‘and it is nigh that they may destroy you as well as myself. ‘You have called their intelligent men foolish and their elders the worst of creation.
‘You have called their respected idols the firewood of hell and the fuel of the fire. ‘Furthermore, you have called them the progeny of Satan and impure. ‘Out of goodwill I ask you to hold your tongue and refrain from this abuse, ‘otherwise I do not have the strength to oppose these people.’
This is what his paternal uncle said to him. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘In reply to this, the Holy Prophet (saw) said: ‘O [dear] uncle! This is not abuse, rather, it is stating the truth ‘and it is being stated on its appropriate occasion. ‘This is the very task for which I was sent.
‘If I am to die in this cause then I gladly accept this death. ‘My life has been dedicated for this very cause. ‘I cannot refrain from stating the truth out of fear of dying. ‘O uncle! If you are concerned about your weakness and your struggle,
‘then take me out of your protection. ‘By God, I am not the least in need of you! ‘I will never refrain from conveying the commands of God. ‘The commandments of my Lord are dearer to me than my life.
‘By God, if I am to be killed in this cause then I desire to repeatedly be revived ‘and always die in this very cause. This is not a state of fear for me. ‘Rather, it is a state of absolute pleasure to face hardships in this cause.’
The Holy Prophet (saw) was delivering this speech and emotions filled with truth and light were visible on his face. When the Holy Prophet (saw) had concluded this speech, seeing the light of truth, Abu Talib uncontrollably started to shed tears
And said to the Holy Prophet (saw) ‘I was unaware of this extraordinary state of yours. ‘You are in an altogether different state of glory and magnificence. ‘Go and continue your task. ‘I willsupport you as long as I am alive and as far as I am able to.’
Today, Ahmadis are accused of being disbelievers as they have accepted Mira Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. We read and hear the incident that I have related in history. However, the devotion and heartfelt state in which the Promised Messiah (as) has narrated this incident also manifests his love for Muhammad of Arabia (saw).
Furthermore, through this relation, the ways towards the love of God the Exalted, which the Holy Prophet (saw) has taught us, become manifest. Then, in relation to this aspect of the life of the Holy Prophet (saw), that is the love of the Holy Prophet (saw), the Promised Messiah (as) further states,
‘Thus, I always look at this with astonishment of what high status this Arabian prophet is, ‘whose name was Muhammad (saw), may thousands of blessings and peace be upon him. ‘It is impossible to gauge the limit of his high status ‘and it is not the task of man to gauge his spiritual power.
‘It is unfortunate that his status has not been recognised as was its due right. ‘He is that very stalwart, ‘who brought back and restored the unity [of God], which had vanished from the earth. ‘He loved God to the highest standard ‘and his soul absolutely dissolved in [displaying] sympathy towards mankind.’
These are two aspects; love for Allah the Exalted and devoting oneself completely in displaying sympathy towards mankind. [The Promised Messiah (as) further states,] ‘As a result of this, ‘God, who was aware of the secrets of his heart, ‘granted him superiority over all prophets and over everyone who came before him
‘and those to come after him and He granted him his desires in his very life. ‘It is he, who is the fountain of every blessing. ‘Furthermore, the one, who claims an excellence ‘without declaring the excellence of the Holy Prophet (as), ‘is in fact not a human, but the progeny of Satan,
‘as the key for every excellence has been given to the Holy Prophet (saw) ‘and he has been endowed with every treasure of the comprehension [of Allah the Exalted]. ‘Whoever does not acquire this through him, remains deprived forever. ‘What significance do we have and what is our reality?
‘We would be considered ungrateful for this divine blessing ‘by not confessing to have found true Unity ‘and recognizing the living God through the light of this Prophet (saw). ‘We had the honour of receiving revelation and establishing dialogue with God ‘and through this we were able to meet Him.
‘All of this was accessible for us through this noble Prophet (saw). ‘The radiance that glistened from his guidance fell upon us like sunlight. ‘We can remain illuminated as long as we stand to receive it. ‘One can discern the true knowledge of Tawhid (Unity of God) ‘only by following the Holy Prophet (saw).
‘We obtain nearness to Allah the Almighty by following the model of the Holy Prophet (saw)’ and this is the essence of the Promised Messiah’s (as) claim. What were the high standards of worship of the Holy Prophet (saw)? Whilst narrating the condition of the Holy Prophet (sa) during Tahajjud prayers, Hazrat Ayesha (ra) states:
‘The Holy Prophet (saw) would not offer more than ‘eleven Raka’at [units of Islamic prayer] during the Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary prayer]. ‘However, his Tahajjud prayers were so beautiful, prolonged and delightful ‘that it is hard to explain in words.’ According to one narration, a Companion (ra) witnessed the Holy Prophet (saw)
While he was offering voluntary prayers in seclusion. This Companion narrates that due to intense lamentation he could hear such sounds from the Holy Prophet’s (saw) chest that were akin to noises produced from a Quern-stone. According to another narration, this sound was similar to that of a pot of boiling water.
It is mentioned in some narrations that the Holy Prophet (saw) used to stand in prayers for such a long time that his feet would swell up and his skin would rupture. Hazrat Ayesha (ra) narrates that once I said to the Holy Prophet (saw)
“O Messenger of Allah (saw) why do you undertake such discomfort, “ ‘when Allah Almighty has forgiven all your past and future sins?’ “ The Holy Prophet [saw] responded by saying “Should I not desire to become a grateful servant of Allah Almighty?’ ”
What impact did the standards of the Holy Prophet’s worship have on the Companions (ra)? Whilst commenting on this, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “ I say this with great emphasis that regardless of how staunch an enemy is,
“ whether they are a Christian or an Arya, when they examine the condition of pre-Islamic Arabia “ and the transformation that took place through the teachings of the Holy Prophet [saw] “ and its overall impact, then such a person will have no choice
“ but to testify in favour of the veracity of the Holy Prophet [saw]. “It is quite simple to comprehend that Holy Qur’an has depicted the condition of the “pre-Islamic Arabs in such a manner that it states [Arabic] “ ‘they eat even just as the cattle eat’
“ and their condition was comparable to animals. “This is was their state when they were disbelievers. “However, when the pure effects of the Holy Prophet [saw] “brought about a transformation in them, “ they reached such a condition that the Holy Qur’an states: [Arabic]
“ ‘And who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing’ ”. The Promised Messiah (as) states that the change which the Holy Prophet [saw] brought about in the barbaric people of Arabia, the pit from which he removed them,
The height and station to which he raised them, seeing the sketch of this whole state will make man cry helplessly as to how he brought about this astounding revolution. The Promised Messiah (as) further states “there is not a single part of history “nor nation from which we can find an example of this.
“This is no mere story, these are facts which a whole era had no choice but to acknowledge. “Thus, it is the duty of the ones of the latter days (i.e. the members of this Community) “who are to follow the standards of ‘the previous ones ”.
Just as the companions raised their level of worship, so too should we raise our level of worship and not just remain delved in worldly affairs. Auxiliary organisations and the Community’s main organisation report that such and such percentage perform the prayers; 40%, 50%, 60%
Until we do not make 100% worshippers we cannot sit comfortably. Not only is it the duty of the administration but also every person must analyse themselves as to what state they are in. The Holy Prophet [saw] was also a great example of truthfulness.
Listen to the account of one of his fiercest of enemies Nazr Bin Harith. One day the chiefs of Quraish were gathered and among them Abu Jahl and Nazr Bin Harith were present. When one person mentioned the Holy Prophet [saw] that he should be publicised as a magician
Or deemed a liar, then Nazr Bin Harith stood up and said: “O people of Quraish! “Such an issue has come before you against which none of your plans will succeed. “Muhammad [saw] was a young man amongst you “and was the most beloved to all of you, the most truthful, most trustworthy
“and now that you have seen the signs of his old age, “i.e. when his white hair has started growing “and with the message he has brought you have said “that he is a magician whereas there is no sign in him of conjuring magic.
“We have also see magicians. You have said that he is a soothsayer. “We have also seen soothsayers and he is not one at all. “You have said that he is a poet. We also know every kind of poetry but he is not a poet.
“You have said that he is a madman yet there is no sign of madness in him. “O people of the Quraish! Ponder carefully for you are facing a great dilemma indeed.” Furthermore, Abu Jahl was never able to reject the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet [saw]
And that he always spoke the truth. He said “I cannot call you a liar “but the teaching which you have brought is wrong because you speak against our idols.” Abu Sufyan also said the same thing in the courtyard of Heraclius that the Holy Prophet [saw] never lied and always imparted speaking the truth.
Hence, even his enemies could not call him a liar and this in itself is a great proof of the truthfulness of his Prophethood. A Jewish scholar who witnessed his countenance once said that this cannot be the face of a liar. Thus, even today the high level of truthfulness of his teachings and actions
Which can bring non-Muslims closer to Islam. Lies, fabrications and deceptions can increase one in their hatred for Islam but it cannot bring one closer to Islam. Such worldly talk and efforts to establish their control and the so-called scholars seek to keep their position at the pulpits but speaking falsehood
Can never prove beneficial to Islam. Hence, Ahmadis must always make efforts to raise their level of truthfulness by following this example of the Holy Prophet [saw] in order to facilitate the spreading of the beautiful teachings of Islam. It is important in preaching for both words and deeds be corresponding.
If there is no truthfulness in one’s actions then people will also take religious teachings as false. The existence of God is a truth. The religion of Islam is a truth. Today it is our duty to spread this truth by means of truthfulness.
The Promised Messiah (as) states: “A rational person must admit to the fact that prior to “Islam all other religions had become distorted and had lost all spirituality. “Hence, our Prophet [saw] was the Great Reformer in revealing the truth, “and he brought back this truth to the world which had been lost.
“There is none bar our Holy Prophet [saw] who revels in this honour as he found the “whole world in darkness and through his advent that darkness turned to light. “He did not depart this world until the people to whom he was sent
“had removed their garments of shirk and became adorned with the robe of tauheed. “But not just this, they also reached a high degree of faith, “truthfulness, loyalty and conviction were manifest in them, the likes of “ which are unparalleled in the history of the world.
“This success, and the extent of this success was not granted to any prophet “except the Holy Prophet [saw]. “It is a great sign of the truthfulness of his Prophethood “that he was sent and appeared in such a time “which was completely immersed in darkness, “which of course required a distinguished reformer.
“Then he left this world in such a time when hundreds of thousands had abandoned shirk “and idol worship and adopted tauheed and righteousness. “In reality this reformation is unique to him that he taught virtuous human values “to a people with barbaric habits and savage tendencies.
“In other words we can say that he turned beasts into men, then men into well-educated men, “then well-educated men to godly men. “Then he breathed in them spirituality and created a link between them and God.”
Thus, if we wish to be true Muslims and if we desire to have a connection with the True God then there is a need to raise our level of truthfulness. If anyone can do this today it is only Ahmadis because they have pledged to the Imam of the age
That they will give preference to their faith over the world. So do not let this remain a mere oath, but instead every action of every Ahmadi must bear testimony to it, only then will the truthfulness of this oath be made manifest. High morals include humility and meekness, or it can be said that
Humility and meekness reached their pinnacle in Holy Prophet [saw]’s morals. Describing his humility Hadhrat Ayesha (ra) relates that it was never the case that a companion or a member of the house called him and he didn’t respond declaring I am here.
Hadhrat Ayesha (ra) states that this is the reason why Allah says in the Holy Quran: [Arabic -Holy Quran 68:5]] “And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences.” Hadhrat Ali (ra) relates that whenever the Holy Prophet [saw] would turn to anybody he would turn completely and his gaze would always be lowered.
It seems as if he would mostly look at the ground. He was always first to greet anyone he met. He said: “I am the Chief of the progeny of Adam, but I take no pride in it. “On the Day of Judgement I will be the first intercessor and the first to be judged,
“but I take no pride in it. “On the Day of Judgement the flag of praise will be in my hands, but I take no pride in it.” This is the extent of his humbleness which was evident in every word and deed of his.
The Promised Messiah (as) states: “you should abstain from hollow arrogance “and unnecessary pride and haughtiness and you should adopt humility and meekness. “Observe how the Holy Prophet [saw] was in reality the greatest and most revered individual “that one example of his humility and meekness is present in the Holy Quran.
“A blind man used to come to the Holy Prophet [saw] to learn the Quran. “One day the chiefs and leaders of Mecca gathered around the Holy Prophet [saw] “and he was busy speaking to them. “Due to being busy speaking to them and the time passing by the blind man stood up and left.
“This incident seemed insignificant, yet God revealed an entire chapter regarding this. “The Holy Prophet [saw] then went to his house “and lay down his blessed cloth for him to sit on.” The Promised Messiah (as) states “in essence, those people who understand “the grandeur of God Almighty in their hearts always show humbleness
“because they are always fearful of God’s self-sufficiency. “Just as God Almighty rewards even the slightest of good deeds, “He also disapproves of the most minor of sins. “If He is upset by any actions then everything comes to an end in a split second.
“Hence, we must ponder over these matters, remember them and act upon them.” The topic of the Holy Prophet’s [saw] example is an unending topic. His wonderful example can be found in every moral, and why should it not be? He was an extraordinary teacher of morals.
Even if an evil person came before him he would treat him with respect. Hadrat Ayesha (ra) relates: that a person asked for permission to come see the Holy Prophet [saw]. The Holy Prophet [saw] saw him and said that: “In his home, as a brother he is evil,
“(meaning he doesn’t treat others well as a brother), and a very bad son to his family”. When he came and sat down the Holy Prophet [saw] met him and spoke to him with great courtesy, displaying open heartedness. Even though he was a very bad brother and son and possessed bad morals
He still spoke to him with courtesy. When he left Hadrat Ayesha (ra) enquired O messenger of Allah! When you saw him you said such and such things about him but when you were speaking to him you spoke to him in an extremely pleasant manner.
The Holy Prophet [saw] replied “O Ayesha! When have you ever heard me speaking ill of others? “Indeed, the worst person on the Day of Judgement shall be the one people “refrain from meeting out of fear of his mischief. “When the Holy Prophet [saw] was once asked
“ ‘O Messenger of Allah! How can I be sure if my conduct it good or not?” The Holy Prophet [saw] replied: “As long as your neighbours concur and say that you are good, “then be sure that your conduct is good.
“And when you hear your neighbour say that you are evil then be sure “ that you are bad and your mannerisms are not right.” Thus, it is incumbent that our morals and behaviour are always good and this should be the habit of every Ahmadi today.
The dissentions among the Muslims nowadays are fundamentally due to the fact that their moral standards have dropped, they have forgotten the noble example of the Holy Prophet [saw] and their claims are empty. In one place, whilst mentioning the perfect example of the Holy Prophet [saw], the Promised Messiah (as) states
‘The Holy Prophet [saw] was an example for all things. ‘Observe the life of the Holy Prophet [saw] as to how he treated women. ‘In my opinion he who stands in opposition to women is a coward and weak.
‘Study the life of the Holy Prophet [saw] and you will realise that he was a civilised ‘and courteous person. ‘Despite possessing a wonderful awe, if an elderly woman would ask ‘him to remain at a certain place, ‘he would remain standing on that same place until she would grant him permission to move.
‘He would purchase his own goods himself. ‘Once he bought something and a companion of his offered to carry it for him. ‘The Holy Prophet [saw] replied that whoever it belongs to should carry it.’ The Promised Messiah (as) states that we should not take this to mean
That he would carry bundles of wood as well. From these instances we learn of the Holy Prophet’s [saw] simplicity and high level of frankness. The Promised Messiah (as) then states: “observe our “Holy Prophet [saw] how 13 years of his Prophethood “was spent in great difficulties and hardships
“and 10 years in power, prosperity and administration. “In opposition were many people. “First of all were his own people, then the Jews, the Christians, “the group of idol-worshippers, the Magians etc. “whose job was to worship idols. “Those who had firm belief that their idols were akin to God would do nothing
“that was against the grandeur of the idols. “The extent to their drinking was such that they would drink five or seven times a day, “indeed it was used in place of water. “Forbidden things were seen as lawful “and killing had no more significance to them than mere vegetables.
“Hence, he came at a time when the ills “and corrupt beliefs of all the nations of the world had “reached its culmination in those people “and thus had to deal with this and seek to reform them. “What is more is that that time was one of loneliness, roaming around without any friend
“or helper, sometimes not finding anything to eat, at times sleeping famished, “and the few companions he did have were also treated very badly” i.e. the state in Mecca was so bad that it got to the point of starvation and the Muslim companions would be beaten on a daily basis.
The Promised Messiah (as) states that they were helpless and weak. They were wandering here and there. They were evicted from their home town. Then there was that second period of the Holy Prophet [saw] where the whole of Arabia, from one end to the other came under his control.
No one could do anything in opposition and such awe and power was granted by God Almighty that if he so willed the Holy Prophet [saw] could have destroyed the whole of Arabia. If he was a selfish man he had the perfect opportunity to exact revenge on them for their constant ill treatment.
When he conquered Mecca he exclaimed [Arabic] i.e. that no blame shall lie on you this day. Hence, there are plenty of opportunities to analyse and compare the two eras the Holy Prophet [saw] and that there was not a state fanaticism and immediate uproar.
The high morals of the Holy Prophet [saw] were really put to the test and his patience, piety, sympathy, courage and generosity etc. were all made manifest. There were no morals that had not yet been displayed. So today if we wish to celebrate the true happiness, it can be done by following
The noble example of the Holy Prophet [saw] where one’s levels of worship are high, there is complete conviction in the tauheed and the levels of excellent morals are high. If this is not the case then there is no distinction between us and others.
Those who are dispersed and by following temporary leaders and so-called scholars are a source of constraint for others, there is no distinction between them and us if we do not act upon this. The requirement of the pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiah (as) is that all our deeds
Are done with the example of the Holy Prophet [saw] in mind. May Allah enable us all to do this. Whilst mentioning the high status of the Holy Prophet [saw], the Promised Messiah (as) states ‘That man who was the most complete and flawless individual and the perfect Prophet,
Who came with absolute blessings through which there was a spiritual revival and upsurge and the first manifestation of the Day of Judgement revealed itself to the world. And through whom an entire world of the spiritual dead came to life; that blessed Prophet was the Seal of all prophets,
Leader of the pure, Seal of all Messengers and Pride of the Prophets, Muhammad the Chosen One [saw]. O Beloved God! Send down Your blessings and mercy on this Beloved Prophet which You have not sent down on anyone since the beginning of time.
If this Noble Prophet had not appeared in the world then we would have no proof of the truthfulness of prophets of lesser rank such as: Jonah, Job, Jesus son of Mary, Malakai, John, Zakaria etc, yet they were all granted closeness, honoured and were the beloved of God.
It is the virtue of this Prophet that these people have been accepted as truthful. [Arabic] After the prayers, I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of respected Sister Salma Ghani Sahiba. She lived in Philadelphia, USA, and passed away on 20th November at the age of 83
[Arabic] to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. Amir Sahib [the National President] of the USA Jama’at writes: ‘In 1960 or 61 at the age of 24 she performed the Bai’at [pledge of allegiance] and joined the Community. She was a school teacher by profession.
In 1975/76 she had the opportunity to attend the Jalsa in Rabwah. She would recall the incidents from that visit very fondly and also about meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh). She had the opportunity to serve as Sadr Lajna for 15 years. She worked with great diligence
And took the auxiliary organisation of Lajna Imaillah to whole new level. She also had the opportunity to serve as the Sadr Lajna for Philadelphia Jama’at on numerous occasions. Aside from the five daily prayers, the deceased also paid great attention to offering the Tahajjud prayers .
She would always strive for the progress of the Jama’at. She had a great desire for the construction of the mosque to be completed in Philadelphia and would pray for this profusely. It is expected that inshAllah this will be completed very soon. Respected Amir Sahib further writes: The local president of the Jama’at says:
“As the president she showed complete obedience and co-operation to me. “She would always share and distribute the activities.’ The local president further states: ‘Two months earlier she was diagnosed with a cancer of the stomach ‘and when I went to meet her a week before she passed away,
She told him to listen to her Wassiyat [will], she said: ‘‘Doctors tell me that I have approximately four to six months [to live], ‘‘but I know I only have a few days. ‘‘You will lead my funeral prayer and should not prolong the wait for more than three days.
‘‘The funeral prayer will take place at the mosque in Willingboro ‘‘and the arrangements for the coffin have been made in Philadelphia.’’ The deceased did not have any children and no one else in her family was an Ahmadi or a Muslim.
However she had very good relations with her siblings and other members of the family. The Sadr Lajna [President of the women’s auxiliary organisation} of USA writes: ‘Her upbringing took place in a Christian environment, but from the age of 15, questions began to arise regarding the death of Jesus (as) on the cross
And the erroneous doctrines of Christianity regarding salvation. She was in search for a religion which granted her satisfaction of the mind as well as the heart. In search of this she studied Catholicism profoundly, as well as other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and also other Christian sects.
She found good teachings in all religions, yet no religion fulfilled her desired aim. During this time a friend of hers, who had recently accepted Islam, gave her a pamphlet on which it was written that Prophet Jesus (as) did not die on the cross. Reading the pamphlet, tears filled her eyes
And she said that this had breathed new life into her as she felt a part of her existence was previously lifeless. The pamphlet contained all the answers to all the questions that were troubling her. After this she went to the mosque and bought various books.
She studied those books and eventually took the pledge of allegiance in Philadelphia. Until her last moments she made that her home. On one occasion she stated that it was the pamphlet which mentioned that Jesus (as) did not die
On the cross that led her to accept Islam, which is the true and genuine religion. She lived 54 years of her life as an Ahmadi, during which she displayed the highest standards of love, affection and loyalty for the Ahmadiyya Community and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. In terms of obedience she was a model for others.
During the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) she had the opportunity to serve as Sadr Lajna of USA for fifteen years, after which she also served as an honorary member of Lajna Imailllah. She also had the opportunity to serve as the head of the Lajna advisory committee
For the African desk, as well as the American desk. She was always inclined to propagate the message of Islam. Due to her Christian background she would propagate the message to the Christians in a scholarly manner. As a result of this many people accepted Ahmadiyyat,
And thus she became the source of guidance for many people. She would always encourage everyone to instil the spirit of brotherhood and love for one another. After several tours of Ghana and Nigeria, she became known as Anti Salma Ghani.
She will always be remembered in the USA for her piety and chastity as well as her popularity. May Allah the Almighty elevate the status of the deceased and grant steadfastness to those who accepted Ahmadiyyat due to her. May Allah enable the Jamaat of USA and the American people in general,
To listen and accept the true message of Islam. 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.