Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2016
Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God 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,
And those who have not gone astray. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before, so that you may become righteous. [Holy Qur’an 2:184] In this verse, God Almighty has drawn our attention towards something
Which can improve our life in this world and the hereafter and that, He states is, ‘so that you may become righteous’. Therefore, the significance of fasting which has been made incumbent is not because it was prescribed in the earlier religions,
Rather its significance is so that you adopt Taqwah [righteousness] and refrain from evil. What is fasting? Fasting is where we, for the pleasure of Allah the Exalted, abstain for a whole month from even those things which are permissible in normal circumstances.
And so, when in this month a person strives to refrain from all that which is permissible for the pleasure of Allah the Exalted, then it is not possible for such a person to commit unlawful and evil practices.
However, if one does not adopt this spirit while fasting and does not act in accordance to this, and spends his day without giving precedence to the pleasure of Allah the Exalted nor does he refrain from all that which Allah the Exalted has instructed him to refrain from and does not act according
To the commandments of Allah the Exalted, then his fasting has no benefit. The Holy Prophet (saw) has stated that God Almighty does not need you to merely stay hungry. In fact, the real objective of fasting is so that you excel in Taqwa [righteousness].
We have been given one whole month for our training so that we increase our standards of Taqwah [righteousness]. Taqwa [righteousness] will also enable one to raise the standards of good deeds and to constantly remain upon them. It will also enable one to draw closer to God Almighty
And to allow past sins to be forgiven. The Holy Prophet (saw) once stated, ‘a person who keeps the fasts of Ramadan in a state of Iman [faith] and reflects on himself, his past sins will be forgiven.’ Therefore, if a person is able to have his past sins forgiven
And then adopts Taqwa and remains firm on it, surely then such a person has attained the objective of passing through the month of Ramadan, in fact he fulfils the objective of his life. Among the benefits that are acquired through Taqwah that have
Been mentioned in the Holy Quran, one of them God Almighty states is: “So be mindful of your duty to Allah, O men of understanding, that you may prosper.” [Holy Qur’an 5:101] Who is it that does not want to attain success? The success of this world shall ultimately remain behind here,
However the real success is one that enables one to succeed in this world and in the hereafter, and that God Almighty states is that if you possess understating then know that you will only attain success through Taqwah. Today, the so-called Ulema [religious scholars] are causing the Muslims
To carry out actions which are completely against the will of Allah the Exalted and far removed from Taqwah [righteousness]. However, Ahmadis are extremely fortunate for they have accepted the Imam of this Age; the true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (saw), who has made us aware of every
Intricate and minute detail of Islam’s teachings. What is Taqwah [righteousness], how can Taqwah be achieved and what expectations does the Promised Messiah (as) have from the members of his Jama’at [Ahmadiyya Community]? In order to understand this, I will present a few
Extracts of the Promised Messiah (as) before you today. These serve as guideposts which increase our faith, keep us firmly on Taqwah [righteousness] and it also serves as a code of practice for how to pass through this month of training in order to attain Taqwah .
The Promised Messiah (as) states: Taqwah is not a minor thing, rather it is through [ Taqwah ] that one has to overcome all kinds of Satans which are domineering in all of the internal powers and faculties of man.
All of these faculties and abilities are in a state of Nafse Imaara [the self that incites to evil] and take the form of Satan in a person.’ In other words, the forces of attraction that pull towards evil and also
The thoughts that arise in a person’s mind which pull him towards evil and prevent him from doing good is in fact the Satan that lies within. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘if these forces (which are in a state of Nafse Imaara [the self that incites to evil] and take the form of Satan)
‘are not reformed then they will enslave a person.’ The Promised Messiah (as) states ‘It is the wrong use of ‘knowledge and intellect that causes one to become Satan.’ Knowledge is a wonderful thing and if a person is intelligent, he can achieve great accomplishments and feats.
However, if a person becomes too proud and uses his knowledge and intellect for wrong things, or makes it stand against doing good deeds then that becomes Satan. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘the task of a Muttaqi [righteous person] is to balance these and all such faculties.’
What and who is a Muttaqi and what is his duty? The true duty of a Muttaqi is to use his knowledge, intellect and all other faculties which God Almighty has bestowed upon him at its proper occasion, otherwise if they are not being used on their proper
Occasion then these can cause harm and lead one away from Allah the Exalted and closer to Satan. The Promised Messiah (as) states in another place: ‘The subject of Taqwah is very intricate and you should try to understand it. Let the greatness of God into your hearts.
Whosoever’s actions have even slightest of pretentiousness, God will throw those actions back in their faces.’ There should be no pretence in any of your actions and nor any artificiality. If there is then that action is not for God Almighty, even if it be worship,
Reciting the Holy Qur’an, fasting or any other good deed. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘it is very difficult to become a Muttaqi . For instance, if someone says that you have stolen a pen then why do you become angry?’ (If someone says that their pen was here and that you
Have stolen it then why do you immediately become angry?). ‘You should abstain from this purely for God.’ If there is piety and righteousness then a person should abstain from being angry for the sake of God. You should not allow your ego to enter over trivial matters, in fact you should fashion your actions
According to the will of God. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘the anger and fury is there because you have deviated.’ (The reason why there is anger is because the real objective is not ‘to act according to the will of God but rather to follow one’s own ego).
‘Until one undergoes many deaths, he cannot be become a Muttaqi. ‘Miracles and revelations are branches of Taqwah but Taqwah is the actual basis.’ (If someone says that they receive revelation or can show miracles, ‘it is because of Taqwah and [the miracles and revelations]
‘are only secondary, however Taqwah is the actual thing). ‘For this reason, do not go after revelations ‘and dreams but instead seek to attain Taqwah . ‘If someone is a Muttaqi then his revelations will also be true ‘but if one lacks Taqwa then his revelations can also not be
‘trusted and a part of it have originated from Satan. ‘Do not recognise one’s Taqwa simply from the fact that one receives revelations.’ Do not think that someone is very righteous simply because they experience many dreams, and is very pious and receives revelations and visions.
No, ‘in fact determine one’s revelations from their level of Taqwah .’ If you want to determine whether those revelations and dreams are true, then see whether that person has Taqwah in him or not. There are some very minor maters, for instance the example was given of someone accusing someone
Of taking the pen which caused the other person get angry. Losing temper, becoming angry and causing harm to others in order to fulfil one’s own interests are not Taqwah . If a person is not free from all of this then despite him
Making countless claims that he sees true dreams and visions, they are all false. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘Do not recognise a person’s ‘Taqwah simply from the fact that he receives revelations, ‘rather determine his revelations by his level of Taqwah . ‘Shut your eyes from everything else and pass through the
‘various stages of Taqwah and follow the example of the Prophets. ‘All of the Prophets who appeared earlier came to teach ‘the ways to Taqwah , ‘its true guardians are only those who are righteous.’ ‘However, the Holy Qur’an teaches the very fine ways to Taqwa .
‘The wonders and excellences of a prophet require wonders and excellences from his people. ‘The Holy Prophet (saw) was Khatam ul Nabiyeen [seal of all prophets] ‘therefore all the wonders of prophethood reached to their perfection in him. ‘After reaching perfection, he became the seal of all the prophets.
‘And so, whoever wants to please God Almighty and wants ‘to witness miracles and extraordinary events, ‘he shall have to make his life an extraordinary one also.’ Thus, we need to bring about this extraordinary revolution. If we believe in the Holy Prophet (saw) and we are from among his Ummah ,
Then his perfect model is before us and for this we need to increase our relationship with God Almighty and develop true Taqwah . Expounding on the fact that Taqwah is the root of all virtues, the Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘ Taqwah is the root of everything – adopt it.
‘aqwah means to abstain from even the minutest form of sin. To refrain from anything which has even the slightest suspicion of sin is Taqwah . (It does not mean to refrain from the very obvious sins,
But to also refrain from those things which have even a slight doubt of sin in them). ‘The example of the heart is like a big stream and many other ‘smaller steams come out of it which are known as Sua or Raaj Bahar. (In the Indian Subcontinent, Punjab or Pakistan, smaller streams
Are called Sua or Raaj Bahar in their local language). ‘Many smaller streams also come out from the ‘stream in the heart, for instance the tongue, etc. (one’s tongue, hands and other actions which the heart has control over). ‘However, if the smaller stream or the water
‘from the Sua becomes foul and filthy, ‘it will be assumed that the bigger stream is also dirty. ‘Thus, if you observe purity from one’s tongue, hands, feet, etc. ‘then it would mean that the person’s heart must also be pure.’ If someone has a filthy tongue and despite fasting he does
Not abstain from fighting, quarrelling and hurling verbal abuse, or his hands are committing wrong acts then his heart is also unclean and he is distant from Taqwah . Drawing our attention towards living a life of meekness and humility, the Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘it is a necessary condition for those
‘who are righteous that they should live their life in meekness and humility. ‘This is a branch of Taqwah through which we have to combat unwarranted anger.’ Anger which is uncalled-for must be combated. Anger which is exercised at the proper time and occasion is permissible,
However on should refrain from becoming angry and fighting over trivial matters. The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘to pass the ultimate and most ‘difficult stage for pious and noble people is to abstain from anger. (The most difficult task is to abstain from anger and have control over one’s emotions).
‘Arrogance and haughtiness are borne out of anger and at ‘times anger itself is as a result of arrogance and haughtiness.’ A person becomes angry owing to arrogance and takes great pride in himself and lacks humility and meekness. It is this very anger that has caused chaos all around the world,
From households to even greater sections of society. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “a person will only “become angry when he considers himself superior to others. “I do not want anyone from my Jama’at to consider any one big or small in rank, “or take pride in themselves over others and look down upon another.
“Only God knows whose rank is high and whose is low. “This is akin to considering someone worthless and contains scorn “and there is fear that this can grow like a seed and become a means for one’s ruin.’
If you consider someone lowly, less than you, mock him and look down upon him in disdain, all of this falls under the category of scornfulness. And, once this takes root in the heart, it then grows and eventually results in one’s destruction. The Promised Messiah (as) further states, abstain from this.
Some people meet those superior to them with great respect, however superior is he who listens to a humble man with humility, comforts him, gives importance to what he says and does not utter any words of out of irritation. God Almighty states: Do not call one another by nick-names.
It is an evil thing to be called by bad name after having believed; and those who repent not, such are the wrongdoers. [Holy Qur’an 49:12] The Promised Messiah (as) states, ‘do not call one another with ‘names which they do not like as this is the work of the evil people.’
Those who are distant from faith and have deviated from the right path, they are the ones who do such acts. These people are those who are liars, sinners, immoral and disobedient. This is the description of those who do such acts. The Promised Messiah (as), ‘These are the actions of such people
And anyone who irritates another will not die until he is not afflicted with the same treatment. Do not look down on your brothers while you drink from the same fountain. Who knows who is destined to drink more? A person cannot be regarded honourable and respectful based on worldly principles.
Only he is honourable, who is honourable in the sight of Allah. ‘Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware’. [Holy Qu’an 49.14] Expounding on who is a Muttaqi, the Promised Messiah states:
The Word of God tells us that a righteous person is one who presents one self as gentle, kind and modest and shuns speaking to other arrogantly. Instead, when he talks to others, it is like a lowly person speaking to a person of high status
Who is righteous? It is those who speak to others like a child speaks to elders or a poor person speaks to one who is wealthy. Despite being wealthy or of a higher status they possess the quality of speaking to others with absolute humility.
In every circumstance we should would act in a way that gives us success and prosperity. God the Almighty does not belong to anyone. Rather God looks for righteousness in one. He who treads on the path of righteousness will reach the Divine station. Neither did the Holy Prophet (saw) nor the Prophet Abraham (as)
Inherit their rank of respect and honour from anyone. Although we believe that the respected father of the Holy Prophet (saw), Abdullah, was not an idolater, he did not pass down Prophethood upon the Holy Prophet (saw). Instead, it was purely the blessing and grace of God conferred upon one because of his innate truthfulness.
These were the Divine blessings given to him. It was through his righteousness and truthfulness that Hazrat Abraham (as), the father of the Prophets, did not hesitate from sacrificing his son. He himself was thrown into fire. Observe the sincerity and righteousness of our master and guide, the Holy Prophet (saw).
He faced every type of malicious scheme against him. He endured all manners of tribulations and hardships but none of this mattered to him at all. This was his truthfulness and loyalty for which Allah the Almighty bestowed His grace and blessing. Thus this blessed example is also for us to follow.
The Promised Messiah (as) then explains how true perception and knowledge can be attained; he says: “True knowledge, wisdom and insight are impossible to attain “unless one submits towards God the Almighty. “This is why it is said: Be afraid of the perception of a Momin (true believer)
“because he sees from the light of God. “Real insight and true knowledge can never be acquired without Taqwah .” The Promised Messiah (as) says: “If you want to be successful then adopt wisdom, reflection and thought in everything you do. “The Holy Qur’an repeatedly enjoins us to deliberate and reflect upon everything.”
On one side, one who wrongly applies his knowledge and wisdom will be led to ruin. On the other side, Allah the Almighty instructs us to act with knowledge and wisdom, and He says to also adopt reflection and deliberation . “The Holy Qur’an repeatedly tells us to study and ponder on it.”
Reflect on the Holy Qur’an and try to learn of the hidden knowledge entailed in it. Read the translation and commentaries of the Holy Qur’an. During Ramadan the Qur’an is recited but there are Dars (religious lectures) also held. We should give attention to these. The Promised Messiah (as) says:
“And become pious and purify your hearts. “When you purify your hearts, act with wisdom and tread on the path “of righteousness then through this combination “you will develop the state of praying fervently from your heart: “Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay , Holy art Thou;
“save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire” [Holy Qur’an 3:192] At this point you will learn that this creation is not useless. But rather it proves the truthfulness of the True Creator and His provisions, so that various branches of knowledge are disclosed which support the religion.
On one side knowledge and intellect are taking people away from God; people in the modern era. On the other side, God says if you adopt wisdom and knowledge, you will learn of the Being and existence of God Nowadays people assert that God does not exist.
The reason why they do not see God is because they are blind in their perception of religion. For them the yardstick of wisdom and knowledge is measured only to secular standards. They look towards worldly things alone. They have abandoned religion because their religion has become outdated and obsolete.
They are devoid of fresh guidance from God and so this is the reason why they are unable to perceive things in any other way, as their intellect is not tuned to do so. Indeed, for our religion we have the Holy Qur’an which is immersed with knowledge and deeper insights for all times.
By reflecting and pondering over the Holy Qur’an one increases in Taqwah and is drawn towards remembering Allah the Almighty constantly. When one increased in Taqwah , he is enabled to see God the Almighty. In other words Taqwah enables one to see and discloses God.
When He increases in Taqwah he is enabled to see God. To such a one He sees God on the mountain peaks and even in deepest canyons. One is enabled to see God’s existence in the rivers and the seas, in the moon and the stars and in the various planets of the cosmos.
A true Momin (believer) does not rely on merely dried up intellect and logic; rather he develops a relationship with God the Almighty and attains light from Him. Thus we should search for this light during our fasts. The purpose of Ramadan is to reduce the material provisions
And to search out spiritual ones – it is in this that we need to strive to increase. This is why the Promised Messiah (as) has said that every person should endeavour to purify themselves. They should make every effort to purify their faculties and senses. The Promised Messiah (as) has advised that when using
Your faculties and abilities, purify them first so they are pure. This precisely is the Taqwah that Allah the Almighty desires for us to adopt. Drawing attention that if you want to serve the Community and Islam then first adopt Taqwah and purify yourselves.
Serving Islam is not done merely by saying so, rather we have to adopt Taqwah and purity. The Promised Messiah says [continuing the discourse he was writing on]: “Now once again I turn to what I was mentioning earlier on about [strive to excel in steadfastness and be on your guard].
“Just as it is necessary to have horses tied at the “enemy’s frontier so that the enemy does not attack “so too should you be ever-ready, lest it so happens “that the enemy crosses the frontier and harms Islam. “I have mentioned this before as well that if you wish to help “and strengthen Islam, then you need to first of all adopt righteousness
“yourself so that you may enter the protected fortress of God Almighty “and then you may have the honour and worthiness of carrying “out this service (when you come into God’s refuge you will have an opportunity to serve Islam because you reformed and adopted Taqwah).
“You can observe the weak external state of the Muslims; “nations look down at the Muslims with hate and disdain. “If your internal state and the state of your hearts also becomes “weak and lowly then think of this to be your terminal end.
“Purify your souls in such a manner that spiritual strengths seep in to them “and they become like the strong horses that are tied at the frontiers. “The bounty of God is always with the righteous and the pious people.
“Do not let your morals and ways become such that they leave a blemish upon Islam. “Islam is blemished because of wicked people and because of “those people who do not act upon the teachings of Islam. “A Muslim who drinks alcohol and goes about with his turban a
“round his neck vomiting and falling into filth, “getting beaten up by the police and laughed at by the Hindus and Christians alike, “not only becomes a laughing stock himself due to his non-Islamic acts, “but covertly his actions also cause an effect upon Islam
(Nowadays it might be minority group in terrorist activities or wrongdoing. “No one says they are just a few people or groups, rather Islam as a whole is blamed and defamed “and people say Islam’s teachings advocate this. “Any bad act by one associating with Islam gives an opportunity
“to opponents to raise criticisms against Islam). “I am greatly saddened to read the news or prison reports which tell “of the evils that have led to the prosecution of so many Muslims. “My heart is anguished that these people who possess the straight or right path,
“through their bad acts do not only harm their own persons, “but cause Islam as a whole to be mocked. “What I mean to say is that these people calling themselves Muslims “become embroiled in these forbidden things and obscenities “leading to criticism against not only their own persons,
“but to Islam itself. Fashion your conduct and manner in such a way “that disbelievers do not have any opportunity to raise criticisms “against your person – which in fact are a criticism against Islam itself. “Then further elaborating on Taqwah , the Promised Messiah (as) says:
“‘There are so many ways to acquire Taqwah. Arrogance, haughtiness, self-conceitedness, “to praise one’s self and to project one’s self and to acquire other’s “wealth inappropriately” – (The Promised Messiah (as) says with reference to Taqwah), to desist from arrogance, haughtiness, devouring what is others and bad acts is actually Taqwah. Arrogance, haughtiness, self-conceitedness,
Unlawfully taking the wealth of others and bad actions – refraining from all of these things, is actually Taqwah. One who manifests good deeds is befriended by even the enemy. Allah the Almighty states, guidance and the Promised Messiah (as) says: ‘Now ponder over the teaching that is being given in this guidance.
Allah desires from this that even if the opponent uses foul language, one should not do the same in return, rather patience should be displayed. This will convince your opponent of your greatness and he will become ashamed and abashed and this will be a greater punishment
For him than what you could have given to him in the form of revenge. Otherwise even an average person can elevate the situation to the point where he commits a murder. But this is against humanity and righteousness. Good manners are gems that have an effect even on the most wicked of people.
Someone has very beautifully said: Persevere in showing kindness; strangers will soon become your friends. Drawing attention to the fact that man should always give heed to piety and righteousness, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “The fact of the matter that should be pondered on “is that man should give attention to piety and righteousness
“and adopt the path of goodness – only then does he gain any success and progress. “Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.” (Holy Qur’an 13:12) “To unnecessarily think ill of others and take matters “to the extreme is an absolutely obnoxious act.
“The foremost priority is for one to submit to God the Almighty, “offer the prayers, give Zakat, and to desist from usurping the “rights of others and being malevolent (this means that one “should not unfairly trample over the due rights of others, “nor should one involve in indecent and mean activities).
“It is a proven matter that sometimes when just a single person commits malicious acts, “it becomes the means of ruin for his entire household and even the entire town. “Thus abandon all vices as they lead one to devastation. “If your neighbour thinks ill try to negate it and reason with him,
“for how far can man continue being neglectful. The Promised Messiah (as) says: ‘It is mentioned in the Hadith that prayers made before “becoming embroiled in difficulty and tribulations are answered. “For, everybody prays and turns towards God the Almighty when in fear and danger.
“However the true blessing is to pray during times of peace and tranquillity.” Thus we should give heed towards this. The Promised Messiah (as) then says: “The truth of the matter is that the aura of “Taqwah impresses onto others. “And Allah the Almighty never lets the righteous go to waste.’
The Promised Messiah (as) says: “I have read in a book that Syed Abdul Qadir Sahib Gilani (rh), “was a great Muslim. He was a pure-hearted person. “My heart is fed-up of the world, he once said to his mother. “I long to find a person who can give me tranquillity
“and inner-peace and who can teach me the ways to attain this. “When the mother saw that he is no longer any use to us, she accepted what he said. “She said, fine, I will take leave. “Saying this she went inside, and picked up 80 coins she had collected.
“She said 40 coins are being divided between you and your elder brother. “Saying this she concealed the coins under his arm in a concealed pocket (in the clothing he was wearing). “She said take these out when you are in a place of peace and security
“so you can use it when needed. Syed Abdul Qadir Sahib said to his mother, “give me some advice (before departing for his journey). “She said: ‘Son, never utter a lie.’ “This is my advice, remember it all times, you will great blessings from this.
“Hearing this, he left. It so happened that in the jungle or forest “he was travelling through, there were some robbers, “who would rob the travellers. They saw Abdul Qadir Sahib from far away. “They came close and saw someone wearing very modest clothing. “They enquired, do you have anything on you?
“So he had just heard the fresh advice of his mother to never utter a lie. “So he immediately replied, yes! I have 40 coins under my arm, “which my mother has sewn into my garment. She has sewn it like an inner pocket. “The robber thought he was joking and mocking.
“When the other robber asked the same question, he gave the same answer. “Every robber was given the same reply. “So he was taken to the head robber and they said this person “gives the same answer, that I have so many coins on me. “He said, look in his garment.
“When he was searched, 40 coins were actually disclosed. “They were shocked that this person is very strange, “we have never seen anyone like this. “The lead robber asked, what is the reason that you told us about your coins? “He said, I am going in search of the religion of God.
“Upon my departure my mother advised me to never utter a lie. “This was my first trial; so why would I lie? “Hearing this the leader of the robbers said: “Oh! I have never believed in God even once. He addressed the robbers and said: “This person’s words and steadfastness have transformed me completely.
“I cannot stay with you any longer – I repent. “Along with him, all the other robbers also repented.” Thus, this matter compels us to analyse ourselves further. We accepted the Promised Messiah (as) because faith had become corrupted and nobody was following the true teachings of Islam.
If we wish to follow the true teachings of Islam then we must believe in the Promised Messiah (as), and we have done [exactly] that. Subsequently, [after accepting the Promised Messiah (as)] have we distanced ourselves from vices?
Lying is an evil such that on the surface it may seem insignificant, however it is very major. If put into perspective then perhaps many will be engulfed in this vice. Thus it is the requirement of our Bai’at [pledge of allegiance] and of Taqwah [righteousness] that we abstain from this evil.
Those who are coming here [to the United Kingdom] from different countries and many who have migrated here solely have done so for the purpose of religion, since they were forbidden to practice their faith in their respective countries. They were unable to practice their religion freely [in their own countries].
Therefore, those particularly sitting here in western countries especially should be very cautious in what we say and do, lest we say something or commit an act that would prove this statement to be false. At the same time we should see whether we are taking unfair advantage
Of our situation by uttering a false statement. Thus, every single one of us should analyse ourselves by using Taqwah [righteousness] as a standard. Whilst commenting on how to use ones God given abilities in the most just manner and that using ones abilities refines a man,
The Promised Messiah (as) states: ‘The capabilities God Almighty has bestowed man are not to be misused or wasted. Using them in moderation and appropriately will enhance those abilities. Using them with in a just manner will allow them to develop and flourish.
In order for them to develop, for one to be able to derive benefit from them and if you want them to stay pure, then one must use them appropriately.’ The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “This is the reason why Islam “did not prescribe abstinence or removal of one’s eye
“in fact Islam prescribes their use in the most appropriate manner “that cleanses the soul, as God Almighty states; [Arabic verse; Sura Muminun verse 1] “Surely, success does come to the believers” “Having mentioned the life of a believer the final result is explained “These are the ones who will succeed.”
Meaning those individuals who follow the path of righteousness and believe in the unseen, and those who revive their prayers after it falters; and spend out of which God has given them. If they turn away from God or at times do not keep focused on prayers
Or pray on time yet then they reform and give attention to prayers on time – such people will be those who attain success and prosperity and they spend in the way of God out of the wealth given by Him. The Promised Messiah further adds [pertaining to the believers]
“Those who despite their personal inhibitions believe in the “books sent by God past and present without speculating – “eventually reach the stage of conviction and certainty. “When one believes in the unseen, he eventually reaches the stage of conviction. “When faith reaches such a phase, conviction is attained.”
The Promised Messiah adds: “It is these who are on the pinnacle of guidance. “They are treading on a balanced path that is heading in a forward “direction and by which man reaches success. “Thus, these are the individuals who reach their goal and will “remain safeguarded from the dangers along the way.
“That is the reason God Almighty taught us the principle “of righteousness from the outset and bestowed on us a book that counsels righteousness. “In addition to this any further advice that can be given “on righteousness is all made manifest [in the book], “therefore, putting all worldly concerns aside,
“our community should fear for themselves and question “whether they have true righteousness [in them] or not?” Whilst writing about the fear of God Almighty, the Promsied Messiah (as) states: “Possessing the fear of God entails that one should equate their words ” against their actions and see whether they concord with one another.
“[Compare] What are they saying and what are they actually doing? “Are they in concordance with one another or are they in discord with one another? “Once they see that their words do not match up to their actions “they should realise that they will fall under the wrath of God.
“If a heart possesses evil or rancour then no matter “how pure their words are, in the eyes of God, that heart has no value. “If the heart is impure and actions are not in accordance “with it then no matter how pure our words may be,
“it has no significance in the eyes of God Almighty, “instead it will incite the wrath of God. May God Almighty protect everyone from this.” The Promised Messiah (as) says: “Thus, my followers should know “that thy have come to me for their [spiritual] seed to be sown,
“so that they may develop into a fruitful tree. “Every individual should analyse their inner and outer self. “Heaven forbid, if our community is also like those, “whereby they say one thing and inside they mean another, “then our end will not be a good one.
“When God almighty sees that the hearts of the people are void “and merely profess [belief] superficially with their tongues, “then He does not care for them since He is Self-sufficient.2 The prophecy about the victory of the battle of Badr was previously made. The Promised Messiah states: “The prophecy regarding the victory
At Badr was made beforehand and every hope of victory was there. “This was a prophecy and God Almighty had vouchsafed “that He would grant victory, yet the Holy Prophet (saw) “would weep fervently in his supplications. “Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) asked that if every guarantee
“of victory has been promised then why the insistence of prayer? “The Holy Prophet (saw) said that ‘God Almighty is Self-Sufficient’ ” (meaning that it is possible that there may be a hidden clause in God’s promise). For us this is a fearful prospect. Undoubtedly, God Almighty has granted the Promised Messiah (as)
Assurances of success, and bestowed upon him promises of triumph and victory, however, we too must analyse ourselves in order for us to become a part of it. The Promised Messiah then advises us that our community must seriously focus on attaining righteousness, especially now that they are connected with a person who has claimed
To be appointed by God and have pledged allegiance to him. The reason [he is appointed] is so that people who are engrossed in all types of rancour, bitterness and idolatry can be saved from all these calamities. Before people may be engulfed in all types of evils,
But now they are associated with the one who has been appointed by God. Now that they are connected with such a person, why have they chosen to be associated with him? It is so that they can be saved from all these calamities. The Promised Messiah further adds: “If a person falls ill,
“whether it is a minor illness or serious, until they treat the illness “and go through the painstaking process of treatment, they cannot be cured. “If a small dark freckle appears on someone’s face, “they will be worried lest it increases and expands to the extent that it darkens the whole face.
Likewise there is a stain of affliction and a stain of sin which blemishes the heart. “Weakness and sin cast a dark stain on our hearts.” The Promised Messiah states; “Small sins very easily switch to bigger ones. “If there are many smaller sins or mistakes and a person thinks that they are insignificant,
“then shows negligence in correcting those small sins; “he does not act on the teachings of God nor acts righteously, “then all these small sins as a result of slackness transform into grave sins. “The stain is initially small which eventually expands and darkens the whole face.
“It is the smaller vices which turn into bigger sins “and send man into the abyss of darkness.” May Allah enable us to attain righteousness in the special occasion of Ramadan while staying within the commands of God. May we become the [true] followers of the Promised Messiah,
Ones who are willing to mould their actions in order to attain the pleasure of God. May we cleanse ourselves in this month so much that we remain firm on virtues; to the extent that our small vices never return. May Allah enable us to do so. After the prayer I will lead two funerals.
One funeral is with the body is present here, [and that is] of Mrs Tahira Hameed Sahiba wife of the late Mr Abdul Hameed Sahib of Coventry, UK. She passed away on 8th June at the age of 60, after a long illness. To Him we belong and to Him we shall return.
She lived in Jhelum, Pakistan. She came to the UK in 2001. She was a very pious lady, regular in her prayers and had a strong bond with Khilafat. She raised her children with high morals and kept them close to the Community.
She was one who was very particular about her prayers and was a Moosia . She is survived by her mother, one son and five daughters. May Allah forgive her and shower His mercy on her and also grant steadfastness to her family left behind.
The second funeral is a funeral in absentia and is of Mr Hameed Ahmad (martyr), son of Mr Sharif Ahmad of Attock, Pakistan. Mr Hameed Ahmad Sahib, son of Mr Sharif Ahmad Sahib was 63 years old and resided in Attock. The opponents of Ahmadiyyat fired on him outside his house
And martyred him on 4th June, at 2 o clock in the afternoon. To Him we belong and to Him we shall return. According to the reports on 4th June Mr Hameed Ahmad offered his Zuhr prayers in the mosque and returned home.
He stopped outside his house gate and sounded the horn of his motorbike. His daughter was approaching the gate to open it when two unknown assailants came and fired at Hameed Sahib from very close range and then ran off. One of the bullets penetrated the right side of Mr Hameed
Sahib’s face and advanced through the top of his head. Due to the wounds Mr Hameed Sahib was martyred on the scene. To Him we belong and to Him we shall return. The first person to accept Ahmadiyyat in his family was his paternal grandfather,
Mian Muhammad Ali Sahib, from Leri, in the district of Gujranwala. He accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1923 and performed the Bai’at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra). The deceased was born on 15th May 1953 in Leri, in the district of Gujranwala. He remained there until he completed his Higher education,
FA, and started work in the Sakhwaal factory in Attock. During his study the deceased completed his degree and completed his DHMS Homeopathy course, which he practiced as well. After completing 26 years of service the deceased took retirement, then opened up a Homeopathy Clinic in Attock.
In 1982 he married Mrs Amatul Kareem Sahiba, daughter of Mr Bashir Ahmad of Rabwah, who had a famous shop by the name ‘Rabwah Cloth Store’. She [the deceased’s wife] passed away four years ago due to illness. Prior to that she was a lecturer in Government College Attock.
The deceased martyr was a man of great qualities. He was a keen preacher, very hospitable, compassionate, would always help the needy and was always obedient to office bearers. A very proficient preacher and he would always pay his obligatory Chanda as well as keenly partake in all [voluntary] financial schemes.
Whilst working in the Sakhwaal factory, a fellow colleague joined the fold of Ahmadiyyat, and performed Bai’at [due to his efforts]. Consequently all of that individual’s family also accepted Ahmadiyyat. Similarly, nine other people from one family also entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat after which they began to be persecuted in the factory.
The deceased would reside in the accommodation allotted to him by the government. The opponents [of Ahmadiyyat] stoned his house. Eventually the administration decided to transfer Mr Hameed and the new Ahmadi from Sakhwaal factory to Wah factory in the district of Rawalpindi. The deceased had been troubled by opponents in recent times.
In January 2015 a felon tried to set fire to the mosque in Attock as well as his clinic, nevertheless due to the prompt action of the guard, the felon ran away. Two days after this incident the same criminal tried to set fire to the deceased’s clinic but this time he
Was caught and handed over to the police. His son, Naveed Ahmad Sahib, resides here [in the UK] and was unable to travel to attend his father’s funeral. He writes “My father was an obedient servant of Khilafat.
“He was a very brave person and a keen preacher. He was not only regular in his five daily “prayers but he would always urge us to offer our prayers. “He would recite the Qur’an daily and advise us to do the same. “He has attended the Jalsa Salana here many times and was
“his habit to offer his prayers in the Fazal Mosque in congregation.” The deceased’s youngest daughter, Nuzhat Sahiba writes: “My father would always give precedent to his faith over “all worldly matters and would offer his services at every call. “Just a week before his Shahadat (martyrdom)
“he would advise me and say, ‘daughter, life can be very unpredictable’ “and at the same he would always encourage us to do good. “This was a great trait of his.” Another daughter of his, Fasahat Hameed Sahiba, writes: “After every Friday sermon he would obtain the audio
“recording and forward it to all his friends using WhatsApp.” Another son of his, Saeed Ahmad Sahib, has also written this. All of them have written similar attributes. He was an extremely pious individual; he would always call others to virtuous deeds and a courageous preacher. In Pakistan it is very difficult to preach.
He was the brother in law of Mr Zahoor Ahmad Sahib who works in the P.S. office. He also writes the same that the martyred deceased would always discharge his duties will full diligence and honesty. He would take out as much time as possible to serve the Jama’at (Community).
He would take part in every financial scheme. He would always encourage his children to form a strong bond with the Jama’at (Community) and Khilafat. He would offer his Tahajjud prayers, was very pious and one who would supplicate for hours on end. May Allah grant him a lofty status in paradise
And may He protect and be the guardian of his children. Over there in Pakistan his children are in danger, may Allah protect them and grant them an opportunity to carry on their father’s virtuous deeds and legacy. 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. He is alone and has no partner. 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.