Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2019
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. Is my voice being clearly heard right up to the back of the hall? Are all of your audio systems in place? Have you checked them? Yes, Huzoor. One of the blessings and favours that we have received from Allah the Exalted
After having come into the bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as) is this tremendously great blessing and favour in form of the Jalsa Salana [or Annual Convention] so that we may make an effort towards improving our spirituality, morality and furthering our knowledge;
So that we may gather the means to attain the nearness of Allah the Exalted and to excel in righteousness; so that we may purify our hearts in order to fulfill the rights of each other; so that we may endeavor to fulfill the purpose for which the Promised Messiah (as) established the Jalsa;
So that we may endeavour to turn our mutual estrangement and detachment into a state of reconciliation and closeness and so that we may rid ourselves of vain things. The Promised Messiah (as) has included all of these things among the objectives of holding the Jalsa.
A large number of Ahmadis await the coming of Jalsa Salana all year long. As soon as the next calendar year starts, the feeling of that wait and the eagerness intensifies even further. Those who are living here for some time await the Jalsa but particularly those who have recently immigrated from Pakistan
And have sought asylum here await the Jalsa most eagerly because they are unable to hold Jalsa’s in their own country due to legal restrictions. Hence, since quite some time, they have become completely oblivious as to what Jalsa means. Their number has also reached hundreds or even thousands and that number is ever increasing.
Likewise, the number of those who are attending the Jalsa from foreign countries is also increasing and such people are now also attending the Jalsa in Germany in large numbers. This year even a few people from some of the African countries have come to attend the Jalsa.
They include some of the indigenous African people. One awaits or rather should await the Jalsa Salana so that one may be able to fulfill the purpose of holding the Jalsa Salana. One who does not have this mindset and does not join the Jalsa with this intention,
His wait for the Jalsa as well as attendance at it are in vain. Thus, every individual, who is attending the Jalsa, whether male or female, should keep this in mind, whether he or she is trying to attain the pleasure of God Almighty; whether he or she is attending the Jalsa with this intention;
Whether he or she is trying to increase in righteousness; whether he or she is trying to fulfill others’ rights while showing excellent morals and whether he or she has come with this mindset. If this is not the case, then, as I said earlier, their coming to the Jalsa is in vain
And their attendance at Jalsa would be of no benefit. Indeed, the atmosphere and environment has its effect on an individual. However, one’s individual effort is also necessary in order to absorb the [pious] effect of the atmosphere. Thus, we will have to make efforts in this regard so that
We may be able to achieve all these objectives, become the recipients of the blessings of Allah the Exalted and thereby become deserving of the prayers of the Promised Messiah (as) which he offered for the attendees of the Jalsa. The Promised Messiah (as) has expressed his displeasure towards those people
Who do not attend the Jalsa with this mindset and do not mould their actions accordingly. The Promised Messiah (as) states that I do not at all desire to gather those who pledge initiation to me merely in order to
Display our physical glory in the same manner as the saints of this day and age. Rather, the primary objective for which I seek opportunities is to reform the creation of Allah. Hence, the Promised Messiah has clearly stated that his objective of gathering people together
Is not to display an outward splendour and glory and for the sake of ostentation as saints gather people together for functions and weddings. Rather, the objective for which I have adopted the course of the Jalsa is merely to reform the creation of Allah the Exalted;
So that they may fulfil the rights of Allah the Exalted as well as the rights of one another. Furthermore, the Promised Messiah (as) has not merely manifested a sense of displeasure at those who do not reform themselves, but has also expressed loathsomeness. The attendance reaches thirty, thirty-five and even forty thousand.
However, to what avail is this if, after having done Bai’at [pledge initiation] and whilst fulfilling the desire of the Promised Messiah (as), our hearts are filled with the love of the world and the love of Allah and the Holy Prophet (saw) are not superior to the love of the world;
If we are not conducting our lives in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Exalted and His Messenger (saw) and if the love of the world remains before us even during these three days? Hence, we must reflect over these matters.
A few days ago, Ramadhan came to an end, which was a month of spiritual reformation and progress during which a believer was granted an opportunity to engage in individual worship, observe fasts and remember God. Now, another camp is being held for three days which, along with religious and educational progress,
Provides an atmosphere for worship and remembering God and it is an ideal opportunity to engage in all of these matters collectively. Everyone draws their attention towards worship collectively. They offer voluntary prayers, the Tahajjud prayer [pre-dawn voluntary prayer] and even though they supplicate in their own tongues and whatever is on their hearts,
If the entire surrounding is engaged in the remembrance of God, it also a form of remembering God collectively. If we do not derive benefit from this then how will we do so? Thus, the Promised Messiah (as) has placed a huge responsibility upon our shoulders and has great expectations from his followers.
This is not an ordinary matter. This atmosphere will merely prove to be beneficial when the love of the world will decrease in comparison to the love of Allah the Exalted and His Messenger (saw). To live in the world and to place secondary importance on the love of the world
In comparison to the love of God and His Messenger (saw) is of great significance and this is the very fact that makes a true believer. We also have to engage in worldly affairs following the three days of this Jalsa. However, this training and this participation will merely prove to be beneficial
When we give precedence to religion over the world, despite being engaged in worldly affairs. During these three days in particular, we must completely constrain the love of the world. During the days of Jalsa here, we also observe that a bazaar [market] has been provided.
Stalls are set up and worldly items are also purchased and sold here. However, the participants of Jalsa as well as those who set up the bazaar should be considerate of the fact that walking in the bazaar, shopping and trying to receive a profit for their goods is worldliness.
Therefore, they should protect themselves from this; the customers as well as the shopkeepers. The people attending the Jalsa, both of these [groups] in particular, should attentively listen to the proceedings of the Jalsa. Following this and during the intervals, both of them have the right and are permitted to go to the bazaar.
However, they should then try to fulfil the rights of the bazaar and these are to say Salam [Islamic greeting of peace] to one another whilst walking around, to remain engaged in the remembrance of God and to not overcrowd the shops and push one another after seeing a particular item.
Shopkeepers should sell their goods with a reasonable profit. They should not make unreasonable profits of someone’s helplessness. As I mentioned, you should continuously remember God in the bazaar. The shopkeepers should also remain engaged in this. If we adopt this in a physical sense, the state of our hearts will also change
And righteousness and the love of Allah the Exalted will develop within us. In relation to developing these virtues and righteousness within us, the Promised Messiah (as) further states that, “The very purpose for which God the Exalted has established this Jama’at is “for the true comprehension [of God] that has vanished from this world
“and for true righteousness and purity “that is no longer found in this day and age to be established once again.” Then, on one occasion, emphasising for us to elevate our standards or righteousness, the Promised Messiah (as) states that, “To everyone, who consider yourselves as my Jama’at,
“you will be counted among my Jama’at in heaven “when you truly tread on the path of righteousness.” In another place, drawing our attention towards establishing and developing the majesty and love of Allah the Exalted within our hearts, the Promised Messiah (as) states that, “You should establish the majesty of God within the hearts
“and not merely proclaim His unity verbally, “but practically so that God may also manifest His delight and favour upon you.” Hence, it is these very forms of worship, which we must remain mindful of at all times [and ponder over] how we are able to develop true righteousness.
Righteousness does not refer to performing a single virtuous deed. Rather, the Promised Messiah (as) has also stated in one place that, “True righteousness is to perform all forms of virtuous deeds and “to fulfil the rights of God the Exalted and His creation.”
If we analyse [ourselves] from this perspective, our state will manifest itself before us. Some people are good at performing their Jama’at duties outside, but their families are fed up with them. Some of them who fulfil the due rights of towards their families
Are not paying attention to the due rights of Allah Almighty and performing His worship. These types of complaints are received. Some of them who are inclined towards religion apparently are involved in usurping the rights of others in societal matters amongst each other.
Certain individuals perform righteous deeds merely as a show for the world, and they forget Allah Almighty is aware of their intentions and He is the One who witnesses everything. Therefore, the Promised Messiah (as) stated: “In order to become a part of my Community, to attain the love of Allah Almighty
“and to become heir to His favours and to become recipients of His favours and blessings, “one has to strive in every way possible to correct one’s physical state. “These Jalsas are arranged for this reason to direct attention towards performing good deeds “and that the speakers also lay emphasis towards this in their addresses
“and we are kept in this environment, and our focus is directed towards the fact that “we should witness the glimpse of attaining the pleasure of God Almighty in every action.” In order to achieve this objective, on one occasion the Promised Messiah (as) stated:
“Remember that only those people are complete servants of Allah Almighty about whom He states, ‘ARABIC “meaning, ‘Neither merchandise nor traffic diverts from the remembrance of Allah’. “When the heart establishes a real bond and a loving relation with God “then it does not separate from him.
“It’s condition can be understood when compared with someone whose child is sick. “Regardless of where this person goes or engages in any work, ” their heart and attention will be focused on their child. “Similarly, those who establish a real bond and loving relation with God Almighty “never forget Him in any condition.”
Hence, this is the condition that the Promised Messiah (as) desires to see in us, and we are gathered here to strive in this regard. Every one of us must endeavour for this, and we should also pray to God Almighty that we can attain this state.
When we accomplish this condition and strive towards this, then Allah Almighty will even remember us as He states: [Arabic] – “Celebrate the praises of Allah as you celebrated the praises of your fathers” So fortunate are the ones who are remembered by Allah Almighty.
May Allah bless us for not forgetting Him due to our worldly engagements, and we should endeavour particularly in this regard during the days of Jalsa that we sincerely remember God Almighty and in return may Allah Almighty reminds us, and he will make us heir to His bounties.
Therefore, the participants of Jalsa and those who are on duty should endeavour to engage in remembrance of God consistently during these days and should strive to get close to God Almighty. If Allah Almighty remembers us, what could be better than that?
Therefore, we should strive to attain this and only then we will be considered a part of the Promised Messiah’s (as) Community in the heavens according to his words. The following words of the Promised Messiah (as) should make us anxious: “You shall be considered amongst the members of my Community in the heavens
“when you tread the path of righteousness.” Many people among us have been rejected by their relatives after taking the Oath of Allegiance. Many of you sitting here emigrated due to the animosity that you had to face from the opponents because of accepting Ahmadiyyat. The law of the land [Pakistan] restricted our religious freedom
But despite all of this and regardless of all these afflictions those Ahamdi’s who are enduring [these trials] in Pakistan or in certain other countries, or there are some among you as well, how much of a loss would it be for us if we are not enumerated among the members of
The Promised Messiah’s (as) Jama’at and we are not among those who are the fortunate ones whom Allah Almighty remembers Himself. Hence, offer fervent supplications during these days of Jalsa. We should pray that we may not become those who are not accepted by Allah Almighty
Rather we are considered among those people who Allah Almighty remembers. May we be able to establish a firm bond with God Almighty and we are able to remove the darkness in our hearts. Remember Allah much and offer prayers during the proceedings of the Jalsa, in the breaks, and at night time as well.
Take an oath that “O Allah! We are participating in this Jalsa with pious intentions, “which was established with Your special help and knowledge. “We are attending this Jalsa for the sake of attaining Your pleasure “and to increase Your remembrance and to attain Your love.
“Grant us all the blessings which you have established with this Jalsa “and inculcate the pious transformation within us that You desire, “for which you sent the true servant of the Holy Prophet (saw) in this world “so that we can sincerely take part in pledging allegiance to him.
“Therefore, when we will seek Allah Almighty’s help “and will spend these days offering salutations on the Holy Prophet (saw) and seeking repentance and “we will devote our days solely for the sake of Allah Almighty “then the standards of our worship will elevate “and due to our relation with Allah Almighty,
“we will able to fulfill the rights due to God’s creation.” The Promised Messiah (as) had mentioned one objective of Jalsas that the members of the Jama’at may become acquainted with one another. It is integral that, on one side the new converts
Are able to establish a relation of love due to the bond of Ahmadiyyat, on the other hand the old relationships should be strengthened further in love. Allah Almighty blesses a person tremendously who loves his brother for the sake of God Almighty. Hence, establish these days as a means to remove [past] grievances
Instead of acting like those people who come here and became angry when they face others whom they resent and their hatred and grudge towards each other further increases. Such people ruin the environment of Jalsa, and instead of inheriting the bounties of Allah Almighty, they become His curse and displeasure.
The Promised Messiah (as) has established Jalsa Salana as a sign of Allah. Hence, those who damage the sanctity of the signs of Allah become recipients of His wrath. Therefore, this is point great fear. Create such an environment that instead of trapping yourselves in shells of self-esteem
And ego and burning in the fire of jealousy, establish a beautiful environment of peace and security. One should always remain considerate of the saying of the Holy Prophet (saw) that a Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue no one is harmed.
We should reflect upon this saying and see if these instructions portray our condition and whether our actions are in accordance with it. Can we affirm that we are totally acting on upon these guidelines. If this is the truth and everyone says its true
Then there should not be any cases seeking rights going to our Qaza or in any worldly courts. I say this with immense regret that some people who attend Jalsas get involved in physical altercations due to petty matters and past grievances. Sometimes the police has to be called.
Is this the dignity of a believer? Are these the actions of those who are members of the Promised Messiah’s (as) Jama’at? Absolutely not. Whether the Jama’at expels such persons from the Community or it does not take that action against them,
They are no longer part of the Jama’at in the sight of Allah Almighty and according to the saying of the Promised Messiah (as), such people are not a part of his Community in the heavens as a part of his Jama’at. Therefore, evaluate yourselves and do not have double standards.
Such people should cleanse their hearts from this filth, and they should adopt the ways of forgiveness, pardon and truce. Tell the world that after accepting the Promised Messiah (as) there has been a moral and spiritual revolutionary change within us.
Similarly, there are also the office bearers and those who have various duties for Jalsa. They should also take special care to ensure that their character and morals are of a very high calibre in these days. Even those workers who, in normal days, held any differences with one another,
Should try to excel the other by being first toward reconciliation and achieving a clean slate with the other, rather than seeking retaliation. Every individual who comes to Jalsa is a guest, and it is the responsibility of every Office Bearer and Jalsa volunteer that they – having removed all personal differences –
Demonstrate a most hospitable and graceful attitude. It is a particular imperative for the Office Bearers that they should possess a greater deal of tolerance. Hence, office bearers should consider themselves servants in every situation, while the members of the Jama’at and attendees of the Jalsa should consider
The office bearers representatives of the System of the Jama’at. Only then can situations of aggression and harshness improve, and (only then) will personal disagreements subside. I must also say with a heavy heart, that the office bearers of certain Jama’ats here have not taken care of the sanctity of their responsibility.
I am not saying this concerning the environment of the Jalsa. Even in normal circumstances, these people have, instead of treating their Jama’at-related responsibility (which is serving the faith) as a grace of God, they treated it as any other worldly seat, as a result of which they have had to be replaced.
Hence, if such people have come to this Jalsa, then they should strive to remain immersed in worship, the remembrance of Allah and in humility. If, in their opinion, the decisions that was made concerning them were wrong, even then they should adopt the ways of meekness, and, having done this,
They should bow themselves before Allah the Almighty, and ensure that they don’t allow any negativity to enter their hearts about the system of the Jama’at. If the decisions which have been made are wrong, then Allah Almighty possesses knowledge of all things. He possesses knowledge of the unseen and of the present.
If one adopts humility and bows before him, He accepts prayers and removes the supplicant from difficulties. It should always be remembered that the end-all of things is not to hold an office, but to fulfil the demands of one’s Bai’at. Whether one is an office bearer or a member of the Jama’at,
He should strive to fulfill the dictates of his Bai’at. While advising on how to fulfil the demands of Bai’at, the Promised Messiah (as) declares, “O ye my disciples! May God be always with you. “May He grant you means in preparation of the final journey
“as he prepared the Companions of the Holy Prophet (saw). “Beware! this world is transient. “Cursed is the life which mainly concerns itself with material gains “and most unfortunate is he who hankers after this world. “If there be such a man among my followers, then he has joined us in vain,
“for he can be likened to a withered branch of a tree which cannot bear fruit. “O ye fortunate ones! hasten towards me and join my fold, “for I have come with the teaching which ensures your salvation. “Believe in One God and do not make anyone His partner from the earth or heavens.
“God does not forbid you from the use of material resources, “but he who relies totally on them is akin to an idolater. “From the earliest times He has been warning you “that salvation cannot be attained except through a pure heart. “You must, therefore, become pure-hearted and discard personal jealousies and hatred.
“A great number of weaknesses lie dormant in man, but the basest weakness is arrogance. “No one would have been a non-believer if there had been no arrogance. “Therefore, make yourself humble of heart and serve your fellow-beings with love. “As you exhort or invite them to paradise
“you must not ever contemplate causing any harm to them in this transient world. “Observe all the Commandments of God with His fear in your hearts “because you are going to be called to account. “When you stand in Prayer, concentrate on seeking His succour
“so that He may draw you towards Himself, and purify your hearts. “Man is weak by nature. “All his weaknesses are removed only through His grace. “So long as man does not get strength from his Creator, he cannot be rid of his weaknesses.
“Islam does not mean that you may merely be known as Muslims. “No, it fundamentally demands your souls to prostrate in all humility at His threshold “and that you give precedence to each and every command of your faith over every worldly affair.”
And so, this is the standard which each and every one of us needs to strive to achieve – the office bearers, the volunteer workers and the members of the Community all the same. The Promised Messiah (as) has called those of us who have joined his community fortunate.
Becoming the recipients of God’s Grace, we joined the community of the Promised Messiah (as). You who are seated before me, possessed a special fortunate characteristic in the eyes of Allah, that He graced you and enabled you to accept the Promised Messiah (as).
Your acceptance of the Promised Messiah (as) was evidence of your good fortune, but this is only the first step, not the ultimate destination. In order to reach the climax of this path, it is necessary to act upon its teachings, which were given to the Promised Messiah (as).
We will have to conduct even our worldly enterprises and businesses in such a way (as has been mentioned before) that [we] don’t forget about God’s remembrance in the process. God Almighty never forbids worldly enterprises. These things are actually very important. Rather, what God Almighty forbids is
Man becoming an ascetic and living a life totally cut off from the world. God Almighty commands that one remain connected to this world, but what is important (to remember) is that God has forbidden man from giving precedence to the world over his faith. Faith must be given precedence in every case.
Every Ahmadi must always remember that behind the face of each Ahmadi is the face of Ahmadiyyat, the face of the Promised Messiah (as); the face of Islam. Hence, it is the responsibility of every Ahmadi that he safeguards these faces,
And for those whom God Almighty has enabled and have been given the opportunity to serve faith, fulfilling this responsibility is of even greater consequence. And (they) should always keep this statement of the Promised Messiah (as) in mind, [which is] “Let not people defame us after having claimed to pledge allegiance to us.”
Hence, we should always keep this statement in mind. Let not anyone think that this is only for the office bearers and that the rest are free from this responsibility. The Promised Messiah (as) has instructed this to all those who are a part of his Bai’at.
This is why there should never be a contradiction between our actions and our words. Otherwise, our claim of having pledged allegiance, like I said before, are hollow and empty, and our participation in the Jalsa is but a worldly affair. I will present at this time a prayer of the Promised Messiah (as)
Which expresses the agony in his heart for his followers. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “I pray – and until my last breath shall go on praying – “May God Almighty purify the hearts of my Jama’at, “and, extending the hand of His mercy toward them, turn their hearts toward Himself;
“may He remove all forms of mischief and malice from their hearts “and grant them true and mutual love. “I am convinced that this prayer shall one day be heard and accepted, “and that He shall never waste my prayers.” We should supplicate to God Almighty that this prayer be accepted in our favour,
In the favour of our progeny, and that until the day of Judgement, our progenies continue to bask in the grace of this prayer. For the acceptance of this prayer of the Promised Messiah (as), we should also make efforts through our actions. We will have to change our own conditions,
And will also need to offer heartfelt supplications to this effect. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so. In the next part of this prayer, regarding which we should supplicate that it not be accepted in our favour, the Promised Messiah (as) has prayed,
“Yes, I do also pray this, that if there be any person in my Jama’at who, “in the perfect estimation and knowledge of God, was always bound for ill-fortune, “and whose very destiny it is that he shall not achieve true purity and Godliness,
“then do Thou, O Powerful God, cause him to turn away from me, just as He is turned away from Thee, “and bring Thou in his stead another whose heart is meek, “and in whose being there is a thirst for Thee.” May Allah Almighty save us from such a state
In which we end up turning away from God Almighty and His appointee. May He keep our faith firm, and in fact go on increasing it, and may we become recipients of all these prayers which the Promised Messiah (as) has offered in favour of his followers.
Do also continue to pray for the Jalsa to be blessed and safe from all sorts of evil, and also remain vigilant and conscientious – keep a close eye of your surroundings. May Allah Almighty continue to safeguard us against the mischief of every evil one, and the jealousy of every jealous one.
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 (saw) 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.