Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2016
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,
Those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. Today is the first day of the New Year and it is beginning with the blessed day of Friday. As per tradition, we exchange greetings with one another on the commencing of the New Year.
I am also receiving messages from the members of the [Ahmadiyya] Community with greetings for the New Year and you may be greeting one another also. In the West or the developed countries, the entire night before the New Year is celebrated with great hurrah, with drinking alcohol and behaving wildly,
And they begin the New Year with fireworks. In fact, the Muslim countries have also started to welcome the New Year in a similar fashion. Yesterday, while the news was reporting on the firework display in Dubai, it was also showing footage of a nearby 63 storey-high building on fire
Which had turned into a heap of ash. However, the news continued to report that this will have no effect [on the celebration] and despite the fact that the building is on fire, the destruction can continue to go on, while according to the programme the fireworks will go ahead
And celebrations will take place in front of or nearby [to where the fire was]. Although the condition of majority of the Muslim countries is very pitiable, however these worldly celebrations are being done by those countries who have a lot of money.
However, even if the fire did not take place, even then the current circumstances necessitate that these rich Muslim countries should have announced that they will not waste their money on such futile extravagances, and instead they would help the Muslims who are suffering. However, not only have they forgotten their own teachings
But their condition is such that only a few days ago it was reported that one of the biggest hotels in Dubai has put up the world’s most expensive Christmas tree, which is worth 11 million dollars. These have become the priorities of the wealthy Muslim countries.
However, by the grace of God Almighty, majority of the Ahmadis spent their night engaged in prayer or they woke early in the morning and offered supererogatory prayers and with this began their New Year. Many places offered the Tahajjad prayer in congregation
But despite this, we are still considered as non-Muslims in the eyes of these Muslims. While those who behave wildly, waste money and make special arrangements for celebrating other people’s religious customs are considered as Muslims. In any case, by the grace of God Almighty, we are Muslims
And we do not require anyone’s certification for this. Indeed, the certification we desire is from God Almighty alone and that is by becoming true Muslims in His sight. In order to attain this however, it is not enough to simply offer individual or congregational Tahajjad
On the first day of the New Year, or give Sadqa [alms] or perform any other good deed and feel that this will make us worthy of gaining the pleasure of God Almighty. No doubt, this is a deed that can make one garner the grace of God Almighty,
But only when it is done with regularity. God Almighty desires from His servant to perform good deeds consistently. God Almighty desires for His servant to consistently adhere to His commandments and carry out good deeds. One needs to bring about a revolutionary change in his/her heart, only then will God Almighty be pleased.
A good deed which only lasts for a day or two is not a good deed. Therefore, we have to carefully consider which kinds of actions and practises do we need to adopt or should adopt, which will enable us to attain the pleasure of God Almighty.
In relation to this, I have selected the various guidance afforded to us by the one who has been sent by God Almighty in order to reform the world today, which he relayed to his community on various occasions, so that we can constantly and consistently strive to earn the pleasure of God Almighty.
These words will not only make the first day of the year full of blessings, but in fact, it will make the twelve months and all 365 days of the year truly blessed. And, we can become the recipients of God Almighty’s grace. The Promised Messiah (as) states:
“Look at the state of the world! Our Holy Prophet (saw) showed through his example “that his life and his death are all for God Almighty. “As for the Muslims in the world today, if one of them is asked if he is a Muslim,
“he will respond by uttering, Alhamdolillah [all praise belongs to Allah]. “However, the life principles of the one he professes to follow, were for the sake of God, “but the Muslims of today live and die for the world. “though they say La Illaha Illa’Allah, however instead of God Almighty, they live for the world,
“right up to the throes of death. “The world remains the object of his love and desire. “How can he then say that he follows the Holy Prophet (saw)?” The Promised Messiah (as) states “this matter must be pondered over, “and do not consider it something trivial. It is not easy to be a Muslim.
“Do not be content until you have instilled the obedience of the Holy Prophet (saw) “and the Islamic model in you. “If you are known as a Muslim without practising obedience, then your [faith] is a mere shell-” in other words if you do not show obedience to the Holy Prophet (saw);
Do not follow his example and do not adhere to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. “and the wise do not suffice on mere shell and epithets.” If you do not show obedience then [faith] is merely a shell. “A Muslim asked a Jew to become a Muslim.
“The Jew replied, ‘do not be content simply by a name’. “The Jew went on to say, ‘I called my son Khalid but buried him before evening fell’” Khalid means one who has a long life and lives forever, however the name itself
Did not grant him life and his life did not even extend beyond one day. “Thus, seek the reality and do not be happy on mere epithets. “How disgraceful it is that one is known to be from the Ummah [followers] “of the magnificent Prophet (saw) but spends his life like disbelievers.
“Demonstrate the model of the Holy Prophet (saw) in your life and generate the same condition. “Be mindful that if you do not have the same condition, you are a follower of Satan” you are walking behind Satan. “In short, it can be well understood that the objective of man’s life
“is to become the beloved of God Almighty because if one is not the beloved of Allah the Exalted “and does not receive God’s love, one cannot lead a successful life. “And this cannot be attained until one truly obeys and follows the Holy Prophet (saw) “who showed through his blessed model what Islam is.
“Instil that Islam in you so that you become God’s beloved.” Islam does not forbid one from the bounties of the world. In fact, it instructs, that whilst living in this world, one should give preference to faith over the world. Regarding this, the Promised Messiah (as) states:
“Islam does not allow monasticism. That is for the cowardly. “No matter how extensively a believer is involved in the world, “his involvement is a source of his higher spiritual status “because his real objective is faith. “And the world and its wealth and pomp is a means to serve faith.
“The main thing is that the world should not be his ultimate goal, “rather, the real aim of attaining worldly goals should be to serve faith. “And worldly goals should be attained in a way that they serve faith. “Just as when travelling one makes use of the means of transport
“and takes some provisions with the aim to reach one’s destination. “The transport and provision is incidental, “while the actual objective is to reach the other destination. “One should seek the world in a similar manner; as a means to serve faith.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states:
“‘Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come.’ “This teaching which God Almighty has given us that ‘Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come’ “also gives precedence to the world.
“But which world? The ‘good in this world’ which would become a source of good in the Hereafter.” It has placed this world before, so that all that is good in it can be attained and will eventually become a means for the good in the hereafter. “The teaching in this prayer clearly demonstrates
“that a believer should be mindful of the good in the Hereafter when seeking worldly goals. “The term ‘good in this world’ encompasses all the best means of seeking the world “which a believer should adopt to attain worldly goals. “Seek worldly goals by all such means which only result in good
“and not such means which are a source of pain for another human being “or a source of embarrassment for anyone. “Attainment of such a world will doubtlessly be a source of attaining good in the Hereafter.” The Promised Messiah (as) states that one should attain the world in a way
That one does not cause pain to others or become a source of embarrassment for them. Such a world will become a means of attaining good in the hereafter and God Almighty has expressed His like for such a world. The Promised Messiah (as) then states:
“It should be understood as to what is meant by hell? “One Hell is that which Allah the Exalted has promised after death “and the other is in this life; “if it is not for God Almighty, then this becomes a hell.” If this world is devoid of good then it becomes a hell.
“Allah the Exalted does not look out to remove the pain of such a person or bring him comfort. “Do not imagine that apparent wealth or power, property and respect, “or having many children, becomes the source of pleasure, contentment or tranquillity for someone,
“and that he is in paradise by virtue of these.” i.e. the world becomes a heaven. “Most certainly not. The satisfaction, contentment and tranquillity, “which are rewards of Paradise, cannot be found in these things. “They can only be attained by living and dying for God.
“For this, Prophets of God (peace be on them) in particular Abraham and Jacob advised: ‘let not death overtake you except when you are in a state of submission.’ “Pleasures of this world create impure greed which heightens craving and thirst.” The pleasures of this world only creates greed and leaves one thirsty
Just like the one who suffers from thirst due to an illness. “Just like the case of one suffering from Polydipsia [excessive thirst] “and continues till such a time that one perishes. “The fire of unnecessary desires and longings is like the fire of hell “which does not let man’s heart find comfort.
“On the contrary it keeps one writhing and squirming in doubt and anxiety. “Therefore, this aspect should not at all remain concealed from my friends (i.e. Ahmadis) “that man should not be so crazed and self- absorbed “in the passion and intoxication of his love for wealth and property or family
“that distance is created between him and God Almighty.” In other words, a distance is created and the connection with God Almighty no longer exists. The Promised Messiah (as) states: “It has dawned upon my heart that ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds,
‘Most Gracious, Ever Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement’ “proves that man should inculcate these attributes. “Allah the Exalted is alone deserving of all these attributes, “who is the Lord of all the worlds. He is [Lord of all the worlds] in all stages,
“in the sperm, in the embryo, etc. in short, in every stage. “Then, He is the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful and Master of the Day of Judgment. “When man says: ‘Thee alone do we worship’ he should adopt in a reflective manner, “the qualities of Rububiyyat (Divine quality to nature and sustain),
“Rahmaniyyat (Divine quality of being Gracious), Raheemiyyat (Divine quality of being Merciful) “and Malikiyyat (Divine quality of being the Master).” One should try and inculcate these attributes within him. “The height of excellence in man is to imbibe in the colours of Allah-” inculcate those attributes “and not to tire until he reaches this station.”
“Following this, an attraction and pull is instilled in man “which takes him towards the worship of God-” when these attributes are inculcated then one’s attention will turn towards the worship of God and that becomes the objective of his life “and he enters into a state of those who: ‘do what they are commanded.’”
One cannot trust this life, therefore one should always keep death in view. Only then can one adhere to the commandments of God Almighty and also inculcate His attributes. Regarding this the Promised Messiah (as) states: “Who is to know if he will survive from the time between Zuhr and Asr?
“It happens at times that one’s body suddenly ceases to function and passes away. “Sometimes seemingly healthy people die suddenly.” The Promised Messiah (as) relating an incident said “Wazir Muhammad Hassan Khan Sahib had come from a walk and happily went upstairs.
“He had gone up one or two steps that he felt dizzy, so he sat down. “His attendant offered help but he declined. “He climbed a few more steps and again felt dizzy and passed away.” Similarly the Promised Messiah (as) states: “a member of Council of Kashmir, Ghulam Muhayuddin died suddenly.
“Thus, we do not know when death will come to us. “This is why it is important not to be complacent about it. “Empathy with faith is a significant matter which honours one in the throes of death. “It is stated in the Holy Qur’an:
‘surely the quaking at the appointed Hour is a tremendous thing.’ “We do not deny that the ‘Hour’ also signifies Day of Judgement, “however, here it means throes of death because it is a time of complete cutting off, “and man is separated from all things he loved and was impressed with
“and a kind of quaking overcomes him as if deep within, he is ensnared during his time of death. “Therefore, it is in man’s benefit to be mindful of death” when the time of death approaches near and one is in the throes of death or in any other state,
Then this is the most important thing and must always be kept in mind. “Therefore, it is in man’s benefit to be mindful of death “and the world and its material objects should not be so dear to him “so as to cause him difficulties at the time of parting.”
When one is mindful of this then one will strive to do good. Also, one will not waste money or time on such spectacles nor will one waste these resources in order to fulfil unnecessary desires. Then regarding bringing about a pure change, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “Therefore do not live without fear.
“Remain engrossed in seeking forgiveness and prayers, and instil a pure change. “This is not the time for negligence. “The soul gives false hope to man that ‘your life will be long’. “Consider death to be at your door step. God’s Being is the truth.
“The one who wrongfully offers the rights of God to someone else, will meet a disgraceful death…” “As it has been mentioned in the Surah Fatihah about the three groups of people, “He will make you experience the delight all three stages.
“Those who came last in this group were given precedence, that is ‘those who have gone astray.’” ‘Those who have gone astray’ is mentioned in the end of Surah Fatihah, however, whilst giving the example of Muslims here the Promised Messiah (as) says that they became among the first.
The Promised Messiah (as) is giving the example that “the condition of Islam was such that the reaction was catastrophic if someone renounced Islam” and at the time of the Promised Messiah (as), more than 2 million converted to Christianity. “They have become impure by leaving Islam themselves. “And instead of realising their own impurity,
“they curse at the pure and holy personage and speak ill against the Holy Prophet (saw). Then the Promised Messiah (as) says that: “A model of those who have incurred the displeasure of Allah the Almighty “is being illustrated through the plague.” The plague is a calamity.
It falls upon those people who incur the displeasure of Allah the Almighty In this day and age there are storms, earthquakes and various types of calamities. If one were to ponder over this, it becomes clear that all of this happens due to the displeasure of Allah the Almighty.
And it is such things that cause a human being to return to Allah the Almighty again and makes one realise that that he should bow down in front of Allah the Almighty and save himself from this state of wrath. The Promised Messiah (as) says that
“after this, there is the group of those upon whom God has bestowed his blessings. “It is a matter of principal and it is an old practice of Allah the Almighty “that when He addresses a nation and tells them not to do something, “a group from that nation certainly disobeys God.”
When Allah the Almighty said in the Holy Qur’an or even now that do not commit such and such act, it means that people will commit that act. Allah the Almighty is giving a warning that although people will commit this act, do not fall to it because it will lead to His punishment.
And God as if says ‘tell me about a people who were instructed not to commit an act ‘and yet refrained from violating this instruction’ if a nation is instructed not to do something, they definitely do it. God told the Jews not to pervert the Torah yet they did so.
It was not said about the Qur’an that do not pervert it, rather, it was said that: ‘ Verily, We Ourselves have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian. ’ (Al-Hijr, 15:10). “Hence, pray continuously that God the Almighty makes you enter the group of those,
Upon whom He bestowed His blessings.” So there is a need for prayers and continuous prayers in order to enter the group of those upon whom God bestowed His blessings. Praying for one or two days will not suffice. Then, pure transformation and fear of Hereafter can be developed through righteousness.
And righteousness causes a person to succeed in the Hereafter. About this, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “The righteous are given a manifestation of God and they are under the protection of God. “But what is needed is that one is sincerely and purely righteous “with no measure of satanic influence whatsoever.
“God does not like shirk (associating partners with God) “for if one has some measure of satanic influence, then God Almighty deems it all to be from Satan. “The pain and suffering experienced by beloved ones of God comes to pass by Divine will”
Even the dear ones of God suffer afflictions and suffering, however it is through the Will of God. “Otherwise the whole world joined together cannot give them the slightest amount of pain or distress “because these people are role models for the world
“therefore it is imperative that they also demonstrate models of how to endure difficulties. “Otherwise Allah the Exalted states that He is not concerned about anything “as much as He is by taking the life of one who is His friend.” “God Almighty does not want His friend to experience any pain.
“But they are given pain because of need and expediency. “Therein lies their own good “because their high morals during times of suffering and hardship become apparent.” “Prophets and friends of God do not experience pain in the manner “whereby it is due to God’s displeasure and chastisement.
“Rather, Prophets of God establish models of courage and bravery. “God Almighty had no enmity with Islam “yet observe how the Holy Prophet (saw) was left alone during the Battle of Uhud. “The secret behind this was to manifest the courage of the Holy Prophet (saw).
“He stood alone in the face of 10,000 and considered that ‘I am a Messenger of God’. “No other Prophet had the chance to demonstrate such a model. “We say to our Jama’at not to feel proud for merely offering Salat, keeping fasts “or avoiding the major sins like adultery/fornication, theft and so on.
“Even most people from outside the Jama’at, “the idolaters and others also share with you these very qualities” many among the polytheists perform virtues and have good morals. “The narrative of righteousness is exquisite and very subtle; you should attain it. “Inculcate the greatness of God in your hearts.
“To those whose actions are smeared with even the slightest hint of hypocrisy, “God throws their actions back on their faces and rejects those deeds. “It is difficult to be righteous. “For example if someone accuses you of stealing their pen, why do you get angry?”
In other words someone puts their pen in a certain place and angrily accuses another person of stealing it from there. “Your restraint and avoiding anger is merely for the sake of God. “Any anger felt in such an instance would from a lack of comprehending the truth.”
In others words one becomes angry because in that instance they lose their connection with God the Almighty. One does not see God before them and nor does he seek God’s pleasure. Hence one becomes enraged at the smallest of matters. If one always remembers God then he will never become furious.
“Man does not become righteous unless he has gone through many stages of a death-like state. “Miracles and revelations are derivatives of righteousness “but the principal aspect is righteousness” and that is what you should always keep in mind. “Therefore do not be too concerned with revelations and visions and dreams,
Rather pursue attainment of righteousness” Do not just be concerned by who has seen what dream or vision, and whether they are true or not. What really matters is whether someone possesses Taqwah . “Only the righteous have veracious revelations “and any revelations received without righteousness are not reliable.”
A person could relate numerous revelations and dreams but it makes no difference whatsoever if they are devoid of the fear of God or righteousness and usurps the rights of others and become infuriated at the smallest of matters. “They could have a measure of satanic influence.
“Do not appreciate anyone’s righteousness by virtue of them receiving revelations, “rather, analyse his revelations based on the state of his righteousness “Close your eyes to everything else and first traverse the stages of righteousness. “Uphold the examples of all the Prophets of God.
“All of them came for the purpose of teaching the ways of righteousness. ‘Its true guardians are only those who are righteous’ (8:35). “The Holy Qur’an teaches the fine and subtle ways of righteousness. “Excellences of a perfect Prophet require his people to also possess excellences.
“Since the Holy Prophet (saw) was the Seal of all Prophets, “he was the pinnacle of the excellences of prophethood. “His Seal of prophethood was borne of this epitomising of excellences of prophethood. “Those who wish to please God Almighty and experience miracles “and witness extraordinary manifestations of God the Almighty
“then they should also make their lives extraordinary.” The followers of the Seal of the Prophets should have high standards of righteousness. Thus Promised Messiah (as) says, “Thus, make your lives extraordinary. The Promised Messiah (as) says: “Those who sit exams work extremely hard
“and fall ill and become frail in the gruelling process” like a sufferer of tuberculosis. “Thus, be prepared to endure every pain to get through the test of righteousness. “When man sets out on this path, Satan attacks him most strongly. “However, a stage comes when ultimately Satan stops.
“This is the stage when man’s base life undergoes a death and he comes under the protection of God. “He becomes a manifestation of God and is God’s successor. “In summary, our teaching is that man should expend all his energy in the way of God. Regarding righteousness, the Promised Messiah (as) teaches us that:
“It is conditional for the righteous to spend their lives in meekness and humbleness. “This is a branch of righteousness through which we have to battle unwarranted anger.” Using righteousness, we must battle against unwarranted anger towards or of others. “For many highly devout and truthful people,
“shunning anger is the ultimate and most challenging stage.” This means that one should not enter a fit of rage in response to the anger of another person towards them. “Arrogance and pride is generated from anger, “and at times anger itself is generated from arrogance and pride.”
One who is arrogant becomes angry at the pettiest of matters, and this is only because of their arrogance. “because one is angry when one gives preference to oneself over others. “I do not want people of my Jama’at to consider others higher or lesser than themselves.
“Or feel pride towards each other or look down on them” (as inferior) “God alone knows who is honourable and who is lowly. This is a sort of derision based on contempt and there is danger in this contempt growing as a seed grows and causes the ruin and devastation of an individual.”
One who thinks himself as superior to others in any way means that he looks down upon others in disdain and this mentality ruins a person completely. “Some people are most courteous when they meet those who are important and influential,” those who are rich and highly placed
“but in fact important is that person who listens to the meek with meekness,” in other words he listens very patiently and attentively to what poor or less privileged people say to him. “is gratifying to him, respects what he says “and does not say something mocking to him which could be hurtful.
“Allah the Exalted states: ‘Do not slander your own people, nor taunt each other with nicknames. ‘It is bad indeed to earn foul reputation after professing the faith; ‘and those who repent are not the wrongdoers.’ (The Holy Qur’an 49:12)
“Do not call each other by taunting names, this is a practice of the wicked. ” One who taunts others will not die until he himself suffers in a similar way. “Do not be contemptuous of your brothers.
“You drink from the same fountain, who is to know in whose fate it is to drink more. “No one attains respectability through worldly principles. “In the eyes of God Almighty, one who is righteous is the most honourable: ‘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.’ (49:14) Then advising his Jama’at further, the Promised Messiah (as) expounds on different aspects of Taqwah (righteousness and the fear of Allah): “All the faculties granted by Allah the Exalted are not given to man to be wasted by him,
“they are developed through right and proper use” To use them fairly and in their appropriate place develops one’s faculties and generates further virtues “This is why Islam does not teach us to excessively use our faculties beyond bounds “such as to stare inappropriately rather to use them within the permitted bounds
“and to constantly purify oneself” we have not been given eyes to look with them inappropriately. We been given sense and faculties but he explains “we should use them justly and reform ourselves “It is stated: ‘Surely, success does come to the believers.’ (23:2)
“And after illustrating the life of the righteous, it is stated in conclusion: ‘And it is they who shall prosper.’ (3:105)” The Promised Messiah (as) is explaining the verse “That is, those who practice righteousness, believe in the unseen. ” They lose concentration in Salat, but then they recover and re-focus on their prayers”
Many people say they cannot remain concentrated in their prayers so they should re-establish proper observance of their prayer after losing focus “and they spend out of which God has bestowed them. “In spite of possible personal hazards, without any hesitation “they believe in the past and current Books of God
“and ultimately they reach the stage of certain belief. “These are the people who are on the way of guidance. “They are on a road which stretches right ahead “and which takes man to the station of Falaah – success and prosperity. “These are the successful people who will reach their destination
“and they have been delivered from the perils of the journey. “This is why Allah the Exalted gave us the teaching of righteousness at the outset “and granted us a Book which carries commandments regarding righteousness.” After explaining all of this the Promised Messiah (as) says:
“Thus, our Jama’at should be intensely concerned and be more concerned than any other concern of the world, whether they have righteousness or not!” Then the Promised Messiah (as) says: “If you wish to attain success in this world and the next and to win over hearts then adopt purity.
“Use you sense and wisdom and follow the instructions of Word of God. “Improve and develop yourself and also be a good role model for others. “Then alone will you succeed. “How apt is this Persian couplet that whatever sprouts from one’s heart “is firmly rooted and has an impact.”
A believer’s words should come from his heart and he should be a means of success to others and this will also prove to be the means to his own success. “Develop your heart. If you wish to influence hearts inculcate strength of practice…”
If you want to influence others, make your heart full of virtue and then practice them. “Without strength of practice, verbal or physical strength cannot avail anything. “There are hundreds of thousands of verbose people. “Many are called maulvi or ulema who stand on pulpits “and having given themselves grand titles, they deliver sermons.
“They say shun arrogance, pride and foul deeds. “However, ascertain what their own practice is and their own actions are “by the fact as to how much their words influence your heart!’ The Promised Messiah (as), drawing attention to first acting upon what you preach, says:
“Had such people had strength of practice and practiced before they preached, “what would have been the need to state in the Holy Qur’an: “‘why do you say what you do not do.’ (61:3) “This verse explains that there were people in this world who preached what they did not practice
“- there are such people and will be in the future.” So we must give heed to this if we want to follow the commands of the Holy Qu’ran. Further we must give special attention to the admonishment to first assess our own condition. The office-bearers of the Community should foremost adhere to this guidance,
Who expect reformation from others and counsel others but in their own matters, they do the exact opposite or make excuses, giving secondary importance to the commands of Allah the Almighty and His Messenger (saw). Several cases emerge in this regard. Further elucidating on corroborating words with actions, the Promised Messiah (as) says:
“Listen to what I say and remember it thoroughly that if man’s words are not heart-felt “and he has no strength of practice, his words will have no impact. “This indeed is what proves the tremendous truthfulness of our Noble Prophet (saw) “because the successful way he won over hearts
“and influenced them has no parallel in the history of mankind. “And all this came to pass because there was complete conformity between his word and deed.” And we have been commanded to follow the practice of the Holy Prophet (saw). Then drawing attention to another matter necessary for the well-educated members of the Community,
For parents and to youth acquiring higher education, the Promised Messiah (as) says: ‘‘Another great trouble that befalls well-educated people these days is that “they have no awareness of religious knowledge. “When they read a scientist or philosopher’s criticism, “they develop doubts and misgivings about Islam. “This leads them to Christianity or atheism.
“In such instances, the parents’ role is also one of great cruelty and unfairness “in that they did not give them any time at all to obtain religious knowledge and “involve them from the very outset in activities, which deprive them of the pure religion.” Thus parents must give attention to their children and
Youth should also take the initiative to acquire religious education. With the grace of Allah the Almighty there is such an abundance of Jama’at literature on the Qur’an and its commentary that if one were to read it, all misgivings, doubts and objections would be easily removed.
Then regarding mutual brotherhood, unity and affection, the Promised Messiah (as) says: “I have spoken many times before on mutual love and accord in the Jama’at. “Have mutual accord and stay united. “Allah the Exalted gave the teaching to Muslims to stay as one otherwise they would be diminished.
“The commandment to stand shoulder to shoulder during Salat is to promote mutual unity “and so that goodwill can permeate like electric current from one to another. “If you have discord and lack unity you will be unsuccessful and deprived of blessings.”
You will not be able to fulfil your objectives if there is discord so remove this. “The Holy Prophet (saw) said, ‘Love each other and pray for each other in secret.’ “True affection requires that we pray for others regardless of whether you know them or not
“and secondly to pray for them without telling them. “If a person prays for another in secret, angels wish the same for him and pray for him. “How superb is this point. “If man’s prayer is not accepted, an angel’s certainly is.
“I advise you and I wish to say to you not to have discord among one other.’ The Promised Messiah (as) says: “I have brought only two issues. “Firstly, adopt Oneness of God and, secondly, show love and empathy for each other. “Be such role models that work miracles even on others.
“This is the conviction that was created in the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). “Remember: ‘you were enemies and He united your hearts in love’ (3:104). “Remember, togetherness is a miracle. “Remember unless each one of you prefers for his brother what he likes for himself, “he is not from my Jama’at.
“He is a tribulation and calamity.” Then the Promised Messiah (as) says: InshaAllah [God Willing] a righteous and pure community will stem from me. “What is the reason for mutual discord? It is malice, conceit, self-love and emotions…” The Promised Messiah (as) says here with great pain about those with rancor and selfishness:
“I will remove all those who cannot control their emotions and cannot live with accord and unity. “Such people should remember they are guests for a short while unless they show good examples. “I do not wish to experience any personal criticism owing to someone else.
“A person who is not according to my wishes but is in my Jama’at is like a dry branch. “What else can a gardener do but cut it off? A dry branch takes the water with flourishing branches “but a gardener cannot make it green. “In fact it pulls other branches down with it.
“Thus be warned. One who does not correct himself will not stay with me” Those who are weak will not attain these blessings nor benefit from the prayers the Promised Messiah (as) made for his Community. Each one of us must go on assessing our personal conditions in this context.
The Promised Messiah (as) then further states: “God Almighty has stated in the Qur’an: “[meaning] this reassuring pledge has been made to the son of Mary born in Nazareth, “i.e. He will place those who follow thee, victorious over those who disbelieve, “until the Day of Resurrection.” The Promised Messiah (as) states:
“I give you glad tidings that God Almighty also used the same words to refer to the son of Mary “who was to come bearing the name of Jesus, the Messiah. “Now think, those who associate themselves with me and become part of this grand promise and tiding,
“can they be people whose souls incite to evil and are on the path of rebellion disobedience? “No, absolutely not! Those who truly value Allah’s Promise and do not dismiss my words as fables, “then, remember this and listen open heartedly as I say it once again;
“whoever associates themselves with me in a manner which is not just an ordinary connection, “but such an incredible union the effects of which are not confined to me alone, “but instead the effects of the connection reach that Being who enabled me to associate myself with
“the chose, perfect man who who brought with himself a spirit of truth and integrity. “I even say that had the effects of this applied only to myself, “I would not have worried a single bit nor taken any notice. But it does not stop at this.
“The effect reaches the Holy Prophet (saw) and even the grand status of AllahAlmighty. “In this situation, you should pay heed and hearken; “If you wish to take benefit from this glad tiding and you have the desire in you to succeed;
“you have a true thirst to achieve great success where you will be victorious over the disbelievers “then I say only this much, that this success cannot be achieved “until one transcends the state of the Reproving Self into the peak of the Soul at Rest.
“I nothing more than this, that you are the ones who have associated with the appointed one of God. “Thus, listen to his words with an open heart and act upon them with all your might, “lest you become like those who after professing their faith,
“fall into the filth of disbelief thereby earning them a ceaseless punishment. Furthermore, in regards to the acceptance of prayer the Promised Messiah (as) writes: “It should be noted with an open heart – there are certain conditions for the acceptance of prayer;
“some of which are related to the one praying and some to the one who requests for prayers. “For the one who requests for prayers, he must always inculcate the fear of Allah and humility “and be afraid of God’s self-sufficiency. “His mottos should be worship and doing peaceful deeds.
“He should please Allah through righteousness and good virtue. “As a result of this, the door of the acceptance of prayer shall be opened. “If, on the other hand, he upsets God by lying and as a result goes to war with him,
“then his wickedness and evil deeds become a barrier and rock in the acceptance of prayer. “They become an obstacle that shuts the door of acceptance for themselves. “Thus, it is essential for our friends to prevent their prayers from going to waste and not become
“an obstacle in the of acceptance of prayer which may be caused by their audacious actions.” The Promised Messiah (as) further states: “They ought to walk on the path of righteousness, “for righteousness can be summarised as the Shariah. “To summarise Shariah, the core of the Shariah can only be described as righteousness.
“There are many levels of righteousness. “However should truth seeker transcend the initial phases with steadfastness and sincerity, “he will reach the ultimate stages due to his integrity and thirst for the truth. “God Almighty states: “Which means: ‘Allah accepts only from the righteous’. “This is His promise and His promises can never be violated;
“there is no breaking His promise as Allah Almighty states: ‘Allah breaks not His promise.’ “Thus, righteousness is an indivisible stipulation of the acceptance of prayer. “if an ignorant, misguided individual demands his prayers be accepted, is he not foolish, unwise?
“Therefore it is incumbent upon our community for every person to walk on the path of righteousness “to the best of their ability, so that they may find the delight and comfort “in the acceptance of prayers, which will be a means of their faith to grow.”
“Never should you think that God Almighty will be pleased by just performing the Bai’at alone. “That is just a periphery whereas the nucleus is on the inside. “In nature it is often the case that there is shell and the core is on the inside.
“The shell itself has no value, the core is what is important. “In certain cases the core does not even remain, like a hollow egg of a chicken, “which contains neither yolk nor egg white; and will be discarded.
“It may become a toy of amusement for a child for a short while, but that is it. “Similarly, the one who performs Bai’at and claims to believe, “if he does not inculcate these two core principals in himself,
“then he should be fearful that a time may come where he may become like that hollow egg; “which upon a small injury will shatter to pieces and thrown away. “Therefore every person who has performed the Bai’at and claims to believe, “should asses themselves whether they are like the shell or the core.
“Until one becomes the core his faith, “obedience, Bai’at, conviction and his claim of practicing Islam is not truthful. “Remember! It is true that in the eyes of Allah, aside from the core, the shell holds no value.
“Take heed, for no one knows when death will come, but it is undeniable that death is inevitable. “Thus, one should not settle for mere claims of belief alone and never be content with that. “It will never benefit you, until a person accepts death upon himself in certain ways
“and does not go through drastic changes, he can never achieve the true purpose of humanity.” May Allah Almighty enable us to shape our lives according to the wish of the Promised Messiah (as) and may we progress towards virtue with each step.
May we never become the ones to squander the prayers of the Promised Messiah (as), instead may we always become the recipients of those prayers he invoked on his Community. With this prayer, I would like to wish all of you happy new year.
May Allah Almighty make this year a blessed one for ourselves and the Jama’at as a whole. 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.