Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2018
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 displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. The translation of these verses is as follows: “Allah has promised to those among you who believe “and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, “as He made Successors from among those who were before them;
“and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; “and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: “They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. “Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.
“And observe Prayer and give the Zakat and obey the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy.” A promise made by God Almighty has been mentioned in these verses. It should be clear that God Almighty has made a promise, saying if these certain conditions are met, then God Almighty will bestow His favour.
That favour is the institution of Khilafat, as a result of which you will become well established and granted peace after various states of fear. Thus, this is a promise and not a prophecy in that God Almighty will grant it unconditionally. This is not what God Almighty has stated.
Yes, He was to grant it and He was to most certainly grant it but to those, who would fulfil its conditions. [He was to grant it] with this promise. What are those conditions? God Almighty states that: “They will worship Me and they will completely refrain from shirk.”
If they do not worship, if they do not absolutely abstain from and protect themselves from shirk, as God Almighty desires, then they will not be able to fully benefit from this promise. Thus, despite Khilafat being present, the people who do not act and do not fulfil the conditions,
Would not be able to benefit from it. It is evident from the Holy Qur’an as well as the Ahadith, that Khilafat was to be established on the precepts of prophethood in the latter-days and that this was to be a permanent Khilafat. The Promised Messiah (as) has also clearly elucidated to us that
There will be Khilafat after him and that it will remain forever. However, alongside that, God Almighty has, in those verses, also made it clear to the Muslims that in order to benefit from the promise of Khilafat and to receive a share of the favours
Attached to it, you will have to bring about a change in your conditions. To be merely called “Muslim” or to just verbally proclaim one’s faith, will not make you deserving of the favour of Khilafat. Thus, God Almighty admonishes the Muslims that in order to fulfil the due rights of worship
And to be protected from shirk, observe prayers, give the Zakat and obey the Messenger (saw). Only then can you receive the Mercy of God Almighty. With regards to obedience to the Holy Prophet (saw) we should also remember the guidance
The Holy Prophet (saw) gave us by saying that: “Whoever obeyed an appointed leader by me, “has in fact obeyed me and whoever disobeyed an appointed leader by me, has in fact disobeyed me.” Furthermore, in the institution of Khilafat, the Khalifa serves as the highest authority
Of being the appointed leader by the Holy Prophet (saw). Thus, it becomes evident from this fact that showing obedience to Khilafat is just as important as showing obedience to the Holy Prophet (saw). However, this does not refer to a caliphate that is forcefully adopted and established through the aid of worldly leaders.
This refers to the Khilafat that is established on the precepts of prophethood and with regards to which the Holy Prophet (saw) has clearly mentioned that it would be established following the advent of the Promised Messiah (as). The system of Khilafat would continue from there
As the Promised Messiah (as) would be the Khatam-ul-Khulafa [seal of caliphs or successors]. Furthermore, this Khilafat would not engage in wars and cruelties. Rather, it would draw our attention towards observing prayers, towards paying the Zakat for the sake of the propagation of religion and for the fulfilment of the rights of mankind
And it would draw our attention towards making financial sacrifices. Thus, presently this system can only be found among the Ahmadiyya Jama’at. Similarly, another objective of obedience towards the Holy prophet (saw) is to become united, which cannot be achieved without Khilafat. Other Muslims certainly offer prayers,
However, due to not being unified, they and their hearts are divided. Despite having the same doctrines, they have created divisions as a result of delving into the finer details of faith. In order to uphold their authority and fulfil their objectives, which now also include political objectives in Pakistan,
Scholars constantly fight with one another. The same is the case of those who follow them. A short while ago the protests against the government in Pakistan were taking place. Following that, two groups of scholars started to fight with one another. One of them was trying to attain its objectives and acquire authority
Through a group called Labbaik Ya Rasulullah, whereas the other was trying to do so in the name of its group called Khatm-e-Nubuwwat. Furthermore, the world was observing this chaos and disorder on TV. This was broadcasted on Pakistani television. Despite this, those people who follow them do not understand
As to what kind of people they are following. Will these people become the means of strengthening the faith for the general public as well as for Muslims? Will they guide them appropriately? This is impossible as they themselves are corrupt. As a matter of fact, they are corrupt in accordance with this saying of
The Holy Prophet (saw) that the scholars of this time will be the worst of creation. If they give the Zakat, the government remains unaware of how it is spent. The government claims to spend it on the poor. However, countless embezzlements are carried out with regards to the funds of Zakat,
Which is highlighted on the news in the media. The question of the propagation of Islam does not even arise. What are those oil-rich nations doing that are established in the name of Islam? They are unable to carry out a single task in relation to the propagation of Islam.
If a community is making sacrifices and carrying out this task, then it is the Ahmadiyya Jama’at. This can only be carried out with the establishment of the system of Khilafat. Some scholars and sincere people express this fact that the system of Khilafat should be established.
However, when you ask them to believe in the institution, which Allah the Exalted has established, they are unwilling to do so. As a matter of fact, they are fierce in their opposition. The latest incident of this opposition occurred in our mosque in Sialkot two days ago.
The mosque and the building adjacent to it was raided and attacked by the police and the authorities. As a matter of fact, one should say that this was done by the Maulavis [clerics] and their followers under the supervision of the police.
What a great achievement this is on their part. What a great success in their defence of Islam. In fact, two days prior to this, the police sealed the house without any reason and no one was even living in it.
Even then they attacked the sealed house with the necessary arrangements made by the police and destroyed it from the inside. This house and mosque were built well before the formation of Pakistan. As a matter of fact, they were built over a hundred years ago.
There was no justification to suggest that as Ahmadis have recently constructed them, we must break the minarets and domes. Hence, this is the state of those who are fierce in opposition. They are now making announcements that they will damage and destroy even more mosques.
One of the persons is a Hafiz and a Qari and belongs to a political party. They claim to be a Hafiz and yet they are completely devoid of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. And, they were most certainly going to be devoid [of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an] as they have
Opposed the appointed Khatam-ul-Khulafa of God Almighty and the arbiter of this time and age. As a result of this, they have become devoid of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. They may have memorised the literal words, however, their minds are locked in order to comprehend the teachings of the Holy Qur’an.
This in fact is also a punishment from God Almighty in that they are unable to comprehend these teachings. Indeed, in terms of creating disorder and corruption their minds are very fertile. One may ask them to create disorder and corruption without limits and one may ask them to invent new methods of doing so.
However, we are unable to compete with them in these matters. Nevertheless, this is their state. They preach against one another even in their own mosques, make schemes of creating disorder and corruption and thereby destroy the sanctity of their mosques. Furthermore, they also destroy the sanctity of our mosques,
Which are purely constructed for the worship of God Almighty, by closing them, attacking them and damaging them. This is the result of giving precedence to their personal objectives over their faith. Furthermore, until they do not accept the Khilafat, which was to be established in
Accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (saw), they will continue to act in this manner. Nothing good can be expected from them. There are certainly a number of decent people. Yesterday, a lady from the senate very courageously expressed her concern regarding this issue and also condemned it.
Now observe how [cruelly] the Maulvis [religious clerics], those people who are of the same nature as Maulvis [religious clerics] and materialistic politicians will treat this poor lady. So far it has been observed that they trouble such noble people to such an extent that they either have to leave politics or seek [their] forgiveness.
As far as our emotions are concerned, as they have damaged a historical place from the time of the Promised Messiah (as) and as the government has taken it into their possession, our response is as usual, and should always be, that: “I only complain of my sorrow and my grief to Allah”. Even though we have a sentimental attachment to that place, however our great bond of attachment to the Promised Messiah (as) cannot be limited to the protection of buildings. Rather, it is demonstrated by acting in accordance with his teachings,
To be firmly attached to the institution of Khilafat which has been established after him, by acquiring the blessings and deriving benefit from them, which Allah the Exalted has mentioned in relation to the reward of Khilafat, by improving the standard of our worship, by acting in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Exalted
And by elevating the standard of our obedience. And we should actively strive for this. Someone asked the Promised Messiah (as): “What is the objective of the advent of a Khalifah?” We should always keep the Promised Messiah (as)’s response in our mind. Hazrat Massih-e Maud (as) stated: “Reformation. This is the objective.”
He (as) then elaborated up this: “Prophet Adam was the progenitor of this current human cycle. “When the physical condition of humans weakened, “and they forgot about the true purpose of God’s word and strayed away from the path of guidance, “then purely due to the grace of God Almighty,
“He guided the world and took them out of darkness by commissioning a messenger.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “The magnificent glory of God exhibited its luster “and the light of divine wisdom was established once again in the world like a lamp. “Faith once again shined forth with its spiritual light.
“Hence, this has been the practice of God Almighty since eternity. “We have witnessed this since the time of Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (saw).” The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “Therefore, this has been the practice of “God Almighty that after some time passes and people neglect the teachings of a prophet
“and lose the light of divine knowledge, provisions of faith and the right path “and the vicious darkness of ignorance, deception, transgression and debauchery is spread everywhere, “then the attributes of God are impassioned. “Then through the agency of a great man the Name of God, and His Unity, and high morals
“are established once again by providing divine insight. “Clear proofs of the existence of God Almighty are provided with thousands of signs “and the lost knowledge of the divine, righteousness “and purity is reestablished in the world.” Therefore, faith has vanished from amongst the Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
For this reason God Almighty sent the ‘Seal of the Successors’ for this age in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (saw). The Promised Messiah (as) states: “And a tremendous revolution takes place.” You should pay particular attention to this the Promised Messiah (as) states:
“Thus, our movement was established according to this very practice of the past.” Jama’at-e-Ahmadiyya was initiated in order to present the clear proofs of the existence of God, to establish Unity once again, and so that excellent morals are established once again.
As we can see the moral condition of the majority of Muslims is dire. They are involved in worshiping of graves, setting partners with God and have introduced all kinds of harmful innovations into the faith. Disobedience of God and immorality has become the norm and they admit this themselves.
There are many articles written about their state of affairs but as I mentioned that they are not willing to accept the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (saw) who was sent by God Almighty to guide them and to rescue them from the abyss of ignorance.
They are involved in many forms of hidden Shirk and high morals are nowhere to be found. However, the last sentence of the Promised Messiah (as), as I have also stated before, should make us very cautious that our movement was established under this eternal practice. When the world is surrounded by impiousness and chaos,
And good morals are lost and people stop thinking about the Unity of God. Associating partners with God becomes widespread. It is at that time that God Almighty sends His beloved and this initiates the revival of faith. Therefore, if we are not making these changes within ourselves after accepting
The Promised Messiah (as), then it is a point of great worry. We should always evaluate ourselves that are we fashioning our lives according to what God Almighty has instructed us to do in order to attain the favors associated with Khilafat.
What are the standards of requirements? We have to assess our worship, the condition of our prayers, is our every word and action pure from associating partners with God, what are the standards of our financial sacrifices and what is the level of our obedience?
Are we meeting the standards set by God Almighty and His messenger? And in this day and age, are we trying to achieve the standards which the Promised Messiah (as) desired from the members of his Community? There is a saying of the Holy Prophet (saw) regarding worship and prayers.
It is mentioned in a hadith, Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) narrates that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “On the Day of Judgment, observance of prayer is the first question “that mankind will be asked about. If they succeed in this, they will prosper and attain salvation.
“However if they fail in this regard, they will be unsuccessful and suffer loss. “If there is any deficiency in obligatory prayers then God Almighty will say: “‘Does my servant have any voluntary prayers so replenish the deficiency with these prayers.’ “Likewise, their other actions will be evaluated in a similar fashion.”
Hence, this is the importance of prayers. These days everyone is much focused on prayers and going to the mosque due to the holy month of Ramadhan. However, this should not be limited only to the month of Ramadhan. God Almighty will not enquire about prayers offered during the month of Ramdhan only,
Rather, prayers offered throughout one’s lifetime will be accounted for. Therefore, one should show great concern in regards to this. God Almighty has immensely favored His servants by saying that the deficiency in the obligatory prayers which is a result of human weakness
Can be fulfilled through the voluntary prayers that were offered in one’s lifetime. Hence, God Almighty stated that this void can be filled with voluntary prayers that were offered. There is also another narration states that Hazrat Jabir (ra) narrates: “I heard the Holy Prophet (saw) say: ‘Not offering prayers brings one closer to Shirk.’”
Hence, one should be greatly concerned in this regard. Associating partners with God is a sin that God Almighty has greatly disapproved. He does not forgive this act. Can we benefit from the gift of Khilafat whilst being guilty of this crime? Certainly not.
How should prayer be offered? What is the true essence and spirit of prayer? In relation to this the Promised Messiah (as) states: “Some go to mosques and offer prayers and observe other pillars of Islam as well “but the help and succor of God Almighty is not with them
“and no significant transformation in their morals and habits can be observed” There should be a significant change in the actions and morals of those who offer prayers “Through which one can ascertain that their worship is merely superficial and customary. “Because fulfilling the commands of God is equivalent to planting a seed
“that impacts both the soul and body.” The example of prayers is like a seed in that it should have an impact on the soul in the same manner when a seed is planted and it can be clearly observed when it flourishes and grows.
In the same fashion, the impact of prayers should be witnessed in our soul, our body and our morals. The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “A person who irrigates a cultivated land “and sows the seeds in it with immense effort and does not see the bud
“would have to admit that the seeds were not good.” The bud means that if the seed does not germinate and shoot forth then this is the same state of our worship. The reason why I explained the meaning of this term is that some translators later come
And enquire that certain words were used which they could not understand. “If one believes God Almighty to be One and without partner, observes his prayers, fasts “and seemingly tries his best to act upon the commands of God Almighty “yet he does not receive any help from God Almighty
“then one must conclude that the seed which he is sowing is rotten.” Thus, this is the point which we must always keep in mind that we can identify the nearness of God through the improvement of the standard of our worship, our behaviour and our habits.
If they have improved then it means that our prayers are beneficial to us and we are coming closer to God Almighty. If our outer state is not changing then we have not attained nearness to God and our prayers are of no benefit to us. The Promised Messiah (as) further states in this regard:
“what is prayer? It is a supplication which is made fervently by glorifying, praising “and exalting God Almighty and by asking for forgiveness “and sending down salutations on the Holy Prophet (saw). “So when you pray do not limit yourselves to the Arabic wording like the unmindful.”
That is to say if Arabic is not your mother tongue and those who do not know Arabic should not constrain themselves to it as that state of the heart which should be present in the supplicant cannot be brought about in them.
This is because such a person’s prayers and his seeking forgiveness are merely done in a customary manner which carry no meaning. “But when you pray then apart from the Holy Quran “which is the word of God, apart from the prayers which have been taught by the Holy Prophet (saw)”
There are some prayers of the Holy Prophet (saw) and the Holy Quran which we should recite, we should understand them and we should learn their meaning in order to understand their essence. There are also other prayers and prayers which people have worded themselves.
“Apart from these you should supplicate fervently all your important prayers in your own language “so that this humility and humbleness may be roused in your hearts.” The Promised Messiah (as) then states that: “Prayer is such a thing which makes the heaven bow “down to man and God Almighty comes close to him.
“The one who pays the due rights to prayer deems himself to have died “and his soul has left him and fallen at the threshold of God Almighty. “The home in which such prayer is performed shall never be destroyed.
“It is written in a Hadith that if prayer had been ordained in the time of Noah (as) “then his people would never have been destroyed.” The Promised Messiah (as) states that: “Hajj has its prerequisites for man” It has certain conditions for which it can be performed so it is not incumbent on everybody.
Fasting also has prerequisites and is not obligatory on the sick and those travelling. Those travelling can of course perform it later but certain sick people are unable to fast at all. “There are also certain conditions to fast. “Giving Zakat also has prerequisites. Those who possess wealth can give Zakat.
“However prayer has no prerequisites. While the rest are all performed once a year, “all these modes of worship are performed annually “but we have been commanded to observe our prayers five times a day. “Hence, as long as all the prayers are not performed the blessings in it will not be attained
“and nor will there be any benefit of taking this Bai’at (oath of allegiance).” The Promised Messiah (as) states that: “As long as the prayers are not performed fully “the blessings found in them will not be attained “and nor will there be any benefit of taking this Bai’at which you took at my hand.”
Therefore, this is the standard which we should be striving to attain. God Almighty then states that you should abstain from committing shirk. There is a narration with reference to this that the Holy Prophet (saw) feared the spread of shirk in his Ummah [followers].
One hadith states: “Ubadah Bin Nasi told us about Shaddad Bin ’Aus that he was crying. “He was asked: ‘Why do you cry?’ He replied: ‘I have remembered something ‘that I heard from the Holy Prophet (saw) and it has made me cry.
‘I heard the Holy Prophet (saw) say that: ‘I fear about shirk in my Ummah and their inner desires.’ ‘I asked: ‘O Prophet of Allah, will your people be involved in shirk after you?” ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) responded: ‘Yes, athough my people will not worship the sun and the moon,
‘the idol and the stone, they will suffer from ostentations in their actions ‘and they will fall prey to their hidden desires. ‘One of them will start the day fasting but then he will come across a desire ‘and he will break the fast and indulge in his desire.’”
Such a person will be unmindful of his fast and it will be for show. In the previous sermon I mentioned the incident where people fast for the sake of their parents, yet in the middle of the day they go to the shops and eat whatever they like.
Then later on in the evening they return home normally and break the fast with their family as if they had spent the entire day fasting. So this is the state of certain people and the newspapers here wrote an article on it
As I mentioned in the previous sermon. Hence, this is a very fearful situation. If we examine ourselves in depth we will find several types of hidden shirk. At times our prayers are wasted due to following our inner desires and our fasts are squandered out of some worldly justifications.
A young man met me saying that his work entails making pizza and that he has to taste it whilst making it. Therefore he does not fast or abandons some fasts. To this one can only say “To Allah do we belong” that despite being Ahmadis we are acting in such a manner.
I do not know if he even understood or realised what he was saying but I am deeply embarrassed to hear such things from people. We claim to wish to attain the bounties of God Almighty but this claim will be rendered false if we do not act in accordance with His commandments.
The Promised Messiah (as) says that: “God Almighty states in the Holy Quran that (Arabic) “‘but He will forgive whatever is short of that.’” This is just one part of the verse that the Promised Messiah (as) quoted and states that: “All sins will be forgiven but God Almighty will not forgive shirk.
“So stay away from shirk consider it the forbidden tree.” Here shirk is being discussed. He (as) then stated that: “Tauheed does not mean to merely utter ‘There is no God but Allah’ “and to hold thousands of idols in one’s heart.
“In fact the one who lauds his actions, planning and deceiving to the same level as God Almighty, “or puts his trust in another man which he should place in God Almighty, “or regards himself as he should regard God Almighty “then in all such circumstances in the sight of God he is an idol-worshipper.”
This is the explanation of the earlier Hadith. “Idols are not only those which are made from gold, silver, brass or stone “and in which trust is placed, rather everything, every word and action “which is held in the same esteem as is only due to Allah,
“that is an idol in the sight of God Almighty.” Hence, we must analyse ourselves with great attention. Then it has been deemed necessary for those who have attained the blessing of Khilafat to give Zakat and make financial sacrifices.
It has been related in the Hadith [traditions of the Holy Prophet (saw)] by Hazrat Ibn Masood (ra) that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “One should not envy anyone but only in case of two person: “One, whom God Almighty has endowed with wealth and he spends it in the cause of faith.
“The second person is whom God Almighty has granted wisdom, knowledge and sagacity “through which he settles the matters of people and teaches it to others.” Hazrat Hassan (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “Secure your wealth by paying “the Zakat and cure those suffering from ailments among you through offering Sadqa [charity].”
Thus, this draws our attention towards all kinds of financial sacrifices, including Zakat and Sadqa. Therefore, those upon whom Zakat is obligatory should pay it but as the the Promised Messiah (as) stated that Zakat is not obligatory upon everyone, therefore he advised those upon whom it is not
Obligatory that they should pay focus towards Sadqa and take care of those who are in need and the poor. Thus, where it points out towards the importance of looking after the needs of the less privileged, it also points towards establishing unity because Zakat and other wealth
Can be spent in the most effective manner under the institution of Khilafat. Moreover, the Jama’at has the administrative structure in place which has a proper record of all those who are in need. The local Jama’ats should carry out an assessment and provide assistance to those in need. Generally, such lists are submitted
And also the Khalifa of the time receives reports from various places. Certain people express their needs themselves and the Khalifa then instructs the local administration to spend on them. In Africa and other countries, the Jama’at tries to help the local people as much as it possibly can within its means.
It provides assistance in the form of medical treatment, providing educational facilities and also food items, etc. I have observed many Ahmadis make heartfelt sacrifices in order to help their less fortunate brothers and by doing so, it creates unity among them. In regards to fulfilling the due rights of prayer, offering the Zakat
And forging a bond with one another in accordance to the teachings of God Almighty, the Promised Messiah (as) states: “People show great humility and fervency in their “prayers and the natural result of this is that they refrain from vain things.” When prayer is offered in its proper manner
Then one will be able to refrain from all that which is vain. “And they are saved from this impure world. “Their love for this world diminishes and they develop love for God Almighty “and as a result of which they become those ‘who are active in paying the Zakat.’”
Their attention is drawn towards spending in the way of God Almighty. If they possess wealth but are refraining from squandering it on vain things and are instead paying focus towards worship then they will spend their wealth in the way of God Almighty, if they are wealthy.
The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “This is a direct result of those ‘who shun all that which is vain,’” When one shuns all that which is vain then as a result one’s attention will be drawn towards spending in the way of God Almighty. When one’s love for this world diminishes
Then a direct result of this is that they will spend in the way of God. “And even if such people have riches in abundance like Korah, “even then they will not hesitate to spend it in the way of God.
“There are thousands of people who do not pay the Zakat to the extent that many of the poor “and destitute from their own people perish but they show no concern “even though God Almighty has commanded to pay Zakat on one’s each and every possession.
One even has to pay Zakat on Gold and Silver, although it is not obligatory on stones and gems. “Therefore, those who are rich and affluent should assess their wealth “and pay the Zakat according to the prescribed rate. “Thus, Zakat does not just apply on actual physical money
“but if other forms of wealth reaches a certain amount for a certain period “then Zakat should be paid on that too. “Therefore, God Almighty states, ‘who shun all that which is vain’, “this condition will only develop within them when they are also paying the Zakat.
“It is through paying the Zakat that they then can also be enabled to strive “to refrain and shun all that which is vain. “If their prayers are offered in the true spirit and with humility and fervency “then they will refrain from all that which is vain
“and will turn their attention on offering financial sacrifices.” The Promised Messiah (as) has stated that those who offer financial sacrifices are in fact those who refrain from all that which is vain. Thus, everything is linked with one another.
The Promised Messiah (as) states: “Thus, one of the means by which one can shun all “that which is vain is through paying the Zakat.” Therefore, prayer reminds us of refraining from all that which is vain and by shunning all that which is vain then focuses one’s attention towards
Fulfilling the commandments of God Almighty and also instead of spending one’s wealth on unlawful pursuits, instead one spends it in the way of God Almighty. Thus, one of the conclusions the Promised Messiah (as) has drawn from this is that one is able to
Refrain from many vain things by spending in the way of God Almighty. God Almighty has also reminds those who have been rewarded with the institution of Khilafat that they should raise their standards of obedience. It has been related in one Hadith from Hazrat Ubadah (ra) that:
“We took the covenant with the Holy Prophet (saw) on the point “that ‘We will listen and we will obey’ whether we like it or dislike it. “And that wherever we are, we will not dispute with the incumbent of rightful authority,
“we will stay firm on the truth or that we will only speak the truth “and that we will not be afraid of the rebuke of anyone in matters concerning Allah the Almighty.” The Holy Prophet (saw) did not just state in this regards to him only
But also for the institution of Khilafat and the Nizam. In regards to this it has been mentioned in a Hadith that Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) states that the Holy Prophet (saw) said: “It is incumbent on you to listen to and obey the directives of the ruler of the time in
“austerity or prosperity, happiness or grief, inequity “or favouritism-in any and all situations.” In relation to demonstrating obedience, the Promised Messiah (as) states: “Show obedience to God, His Prophet and to the rulers. “If one shows true obedience from the heart it causes the heart to illumine
“and the soul to experience a certain delight and receive light. “One is not required to exert as much physical effort as is required to show obedience, “but the condition is that one should show obedience in its true sense “and that is the most challenging part.
“In order to demonstrate obedience one has to completely eradicate one’s inner desires “because without this obedience is not possible “and it is these inner desires that take the form of idols in the hearts of “even the great saints who profess to believe in one God.”
One’s desires can become idols and then it is impossible to display obedience. The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “The companions (ra) were greatly blessed “and they were completely imbued with the obedience to the Holy Prophet (saw). “Indeed it’s absolutely true that no nation can be called a nation
“and nor can they have any spirit of unity in them “until they do not adopt the principals of obedience “and if they differ with one another and are divided “then let it be known that these are signs of decadence and downfall.”
If there is a difference of opinion then this will lead to dissention. This in turn would lead to regression and a lack of development. The Promised Messiah (as) says: “The reason why the Muslims are weak and are facing regression, “amongst other reasons is mutual disagreement and internal disputes.
“Thus, if one abandons their differences in opinion and obeys that one individual, “whose obedience has been decreed by God Almighty, “then you will be able to achieve whatever you please. The hand of God is upon the Jamaat. “The key to this is that God Almighty likes oneness
“and this unity cannot be established unless there is obedience. “In the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), the Companions were men who possessed great judgement. “God Almighty had made their disposition such “that they were well acquainted with the matters of politics.
“The example of this can be seen when Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and Hazrat Umar (ra), “and other Companions, were elected as the Khalifah and they were made the sovereign, “the manner in which they discharged their responsibilities demonstrates the fact “that they were men of great judgement and insight.
“However, it was their habit that whenever the Holy Prophet (saw) said anything, “they would put their own opinions and wisdoms to one side and “would consider their own judgement as inferior to that of what had been instructed to them. “Whatever the Holy Prophet (saw) instructed, they considered that as an imperative command.
“Their passion to show obedience was of such a standard that they [i.e. “the Companions] would rush to the water left by the Holy Prophet (saw) “after he performed his ablution and would deem his saliva as blessed. “If they did not have this trait of obedience within them
“and instead each one of them deemed their own judgement to be greater, “then there would have been a state of disarray “and they would never have reached those lofty heights that they did.” The Promised Messiah (as) further says: “I am of the opinion that in order to remove abolish the
“conflict between the Sunni and Shia factions, this argument should be sufficient that the “Companions had no mutual disputes or even a shred of enmity against one another. “Their success and accomplishments point to the fact “that they were united and had no resentment of one another.
“The ignorant opponents of Islam claim that Islam was spread by the sword, “but I declare that this is a false notion and the truth of the matter is that “obedience ran through the veins of the Companions. “It was this obedience through which they managed to win the hearts of others.
“It is my belief that the Companions only took up arms to defend themselves. “Even if they did not raise the sword, they would have conquered the world with their words alone. “(Persian couplet), which means that ‘Verily the advice given from the bottom of one’s heart
‘will surely have an impact on the hearts of others.’ “They accepted a verity and truthfulness from the bottom of their hearts. “They had no unnecessary formalities nor did they show any sort of pretentiousness. “It was their truthfulness that was the reason for their success.
“It is true that a truthful one only uses the weapon of truth. “The Messenger of God (saw)’s countenance – which was illuminated through Divine trust in God “and with all forms of Majestic and Beautiful colours “- had such an charm that it would involuntarily attract the hearts of the people towards him.
“Furthermore, the community of the Holy Prophet (saw) displayed obedience to the Prophet (saw) “with great steadfastness, that anyone who would see them would want to join them. “In short, we are in need of following the condition and unity of the Companions even today,
“because God Almighty is preparing this Community at the hands of the Promised Messiah “and it will join the community prepared by the hands of the Holy Prophet (saw). “Since the progress of any community is dependent upon examples set by such individuals, “therefore in order to progress one must sincerely follow this teaching
“and also display an exemplary level of obedience. “Thus, all of you who are the Community of the Promised Messiah “and wish to be deemed as the Community of the Companions should follow the example set by the companions. “Your obedience should be of the same level [as that of the Companions],
“your mutual love and brotherhood should also be of the same nature. “Therefore, in every matter possible you should adopt the practices of the Companions.” Although the Promised Messiah (as) was addressing his companions at the time, if we wish to continue progressing as a Community
And in order for the institution of Khilafat to remain, then we must emulate the example of the Companions with steadfastness. The Community will then progress in the manner it progressed in the past. Thus, this is standard one must achieve in order to gain the blessings of God Almighty.
We must elevate the standards of our worship; we must safeguard our salat; ensure that our every word and action are devoid of any sort of shirk; spend in the way of Allah and safeguard our levels of obedience and loyalty to Khilafat. Only then can we derive benefit from the blessing that is Khilafat
And also attain those blessings attached to this institution. Only then can we remain attached to this everlasting Khilafat and ensure that our progenies remain attached to it also. Giving glad tidings of this eternal Khilafat, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “For it is essential for you to witness the second Manifestation also,
“and its Coming is better for you because it is everlasting the continuity of “which will not end till the Day of Judgement. “And that second Manifestation cannot come unless I depart. “But when I depart, God will send that second Manifestation for you
“which shall always stay with you just as promised by God in Brahin-e-Ahmadiyya. “And this promise is not for my person. “Rather the promise is with reference to you, as God [addressing me] says: ‘I shall make this Jama‘at who are your followers, ‘prevail over others till the Day of Judgment.’
“Thus it is inevitable that you see the day of my departure, “so that after that day the day comes which is the day of ever-lasting promise. “Our God is He Who keeps His promise and is Faithful and is the Truthful God. “He shall show you all that He has promised.
“Though these days are the last days of this world and there are many disasters “waiting to happen, yet it is necessary that this world continues to exist “until all those things about which God has prophesied come to pass. “I came from God as a Manifestation of Divine Providence
“and I am a personification of His Power. “And after I am gone there will be some other persons “who will be the manifestation of the second Power [of God]” Thus, God Almighty granted us that blessing and approximately for the past 110 years we are witnessing the blessings attached to it
And also the fulfilment of Divine Promises vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah (as). May Allah enable every single person who enters into the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (as) to reap the blessings of Khilafat, in light of the commandments of God Almighty. Last week I urged everyone to pray for those in Pakistan
And I am reiterating especially again for all Pakistanis [Ahmadis] to pay attention towards this prayer and that they should increase in their salat, nawafil [voluntary prayers] and remembrance of God, even more than before. May Allah the Almighty enable all of us to do so. 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.